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Chapter 37

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Sorry for the delay. Been busy with school! ack!

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"So," I slowly sat back down, "How do we get back into Narnia?"

Edmund rubbed the back of his neck and looked away from me, "N-Now... That's a funny question."

I blinked in surprise, "What does that mean?"

"He doesn't know," Duke let out an unsteady laugh. "Holy crap, Ed doesn't know!"

"Aslan didn't exactly give me the chance to ask!" Edmund muttered, turning red. "One moment he's ordering me to bring you back and the next I'm standing in the middle of a school! It took me a while to even realize I was in our world... And in the bloody future!"

"So..." I lowered my head onto the table, "What you're telling me is that you have no idea how to get back? No idea when we need to go back? And no idea how much time is passing in Narnia? We're doing this blindly?"

"Erm," Ed coughed. "Pretty much, yeah."

I took a deep breath and forced myself to sit up straight again, "Okay. I would complain and yell at you, but that won't help rescue Susan and Peter. I think we should-"

"Rescue Peter?" Alyssa frowned, "He's not the one captured."

"Yes he is," I bit my lip, "Captured by insanity. What sort of person can cope with losing their loved one twice? I don't blame him for... losing himself. But I can't let it happen."

"So much for being a strong king," Dad crossed his arms.

"Oi!" Edmund snapped, "Don't you dare-"

"Ignore him Ed," I cut in. "I do."

Before my father could throw a retort back, Mom interfered. She wiped her face with the sleeves of her sweater, something she never did. Mom was a clean freak. With her voice still rough with emotion, she ordered, "Shut up. Everyone just stop it. We need to focus, not fight."

"Agreed!" Will tapped the table.

Alyssa smacked the back of his head, "You're not helping."

"What are we going to do?" Duke asked me, looking determined.

I gave him a funny look, "What do you mean 'we'?"

"You're kidding right?" Duke snorted, "I'm not letting you two do this alone. I'm going back too."

"Aslan never mentioned you!" I reminded him.

"Yeah, but he never said only you," Duke rolled his eyes. "Am I right Eddy?"

"Don't call me that," The King of Narnia warned, sounding like an adult once again. "And... yes, you're right. Aslan never said to just bring Kay back."

"Hah! See?" Duke beamed.

"In that case, I'm going too!" Announced Alyssa. She lifted her chin proudly but she didn't smile. "It sounds like Aslan needs as much help as he can get so-"

I threw my arms up, "NO!"

How could they be so stupid? Duke had already seen the horrors and dangers that Narnia presented... And he had never killed a man! As for Alyssa, she would only be a burden. She might as well have been a child! How could she even think about joining us on this quest? I couldn't imagine losing them. I couldn't let them take that chance.

"You're not my mother-" Alyssa began.

"No, but I'm the solider here. Look, I know that you've always wanted an adventure, we used to talk about going off in fantasy lands when we were kids, but this is reality. You could die Alyssa, you probably would. You can't kill because you don't have any battle skills! Please, don't even offer your help," I implored her. "I know you want to help... But I can't let you come with us."

"You couldn't hold a weapon much less kill anyone either!" Duke suddenly attacked. "Are you kidding me? How is Alyssa any different to who you were last year? You were just an ordinary high school girl too... But look at you. You're here. You survived."

"Yes but Alyssa-" I tried to speak, but Duke wouldn't let me.

"Oh stop it Kayla!" He growled, "You can't protect everyone."

I turned bright red, "Excuse me?" I hissed, "But I don't see any lions naming you Guardian! Don't tell me what to do, don't tell me that I can't protect everyone. It's my duty. I protect people, I guard them!"

"You're the Guardian of Narnia," Alyssa bravely faced my anger. "Not mine. I'm 18 now, I make my own decisions-"

"18? Guess how old I am!" I laughed dryly, "Guess how old Edmund is! 18 is nothing Alyssa."

"Kay," A soft voice spoke. We all looked at my mother.

"Let them go," She murmured, "It's their decision."

"But-"

"We're not children," Will joined in, sounding grim. "You act as if we're toddlers... Give us more credit that than. If you were able to handle it at such a young age, then I'm sure we'll be fine."

Edmund patted his hand on my shoulder, "Kay?"

My voice failed me, I could only look at him desperately.

"I don't like them coming," Ed frowned, "But they're right. We don't have the right to stop them."

I closed my eyes. No... This couldn't be happening. I would not hesitate to sacrifice myself for Narnia, but I couldn't let the others do the same. They had so much... so much to do in their lives. They would go to college. They would marry. They would have children of their own.

Me?

I would lucky to have such a life. My future was uncertain and delicate.

"What possibly," I spat, "Could you all do to help?"

"I helped in the last war," Duke said patiently, "And you damn know it. So no need for the hate."

"You had time to train," I opened my eyes and glared at the modern teenagers in the room. "But those two won't have that luxury."

"I can use the bow!" Challenged Will.

"You barely hit the targets," Duke rolled his eyes.

Will's eyes turned into slits, "Shut up. You just think you're better than us because you've been to Narnia before!"

"No, I just think I have an advantage," Shrugged Duke.

"Enough," Dad groaned, "I've had enough of all this arguing."

"We need to ready ourselves," Edmund nodded his head. "We need to be prepared to enter Narnia at any second. Anywhere."

"Yeah," I agreed. "Which is why I was thinking... Okay, this may sound like a hassle, but I think it's a good idea... We should be dressed for hiking at all times, even when we sleep. And we should always have a bag full of supplies on us."

Everyone gaped at me.

"T-That's..." Alyssa blinked. "Really smart."

"Clever," Edmund laughed, "That way, we'll always have food and gear."

"We could walk through a doorway and be ready. We could go to bed and wake up in Narnia but still be ready," I said. "So apart from showering... We should wear boots and jeans."

"Or a tunic," Duke joked, pointing to Edmund who was still dressed in Narnia fashion.

"Or a tunic," I amended with a sad smile. I couldn't believe it. They were going to come with us. Well... at least they thought they'd be. The only reason I didn't argue any more was because there wasn't any certainty. Aslan would use his magic to only bring back those he wanted. He could transport Edmund and I during lunch when the others were at school. He could transport us when we slept at night, but leave the others snoring in their own homes.

I doubted Aslan would bring them all.

"Well," Will sighed, "It's a good thing my parents are gone this week, otherwise they'd make me go to school."

"WHAT?" I gaped.

"I'm not going to school," Will frowned at me. "How could I? You could get sent to Narnia during the day... I have to be here too."

"I'll give Aslan until Wednesday," Duke announced. "After that, I'll have to start going to classes. Until then, I'll just say I'm sick. My roommates will take notes for me."

"B-But," I protested. "You can't ditch school!"

"We have to," Alyssa piped up. "I know for a fact my parents won't let my skip, they'll force me to go... But I'll just hide out here, pretend I followed you to England or something."

"They'll kill you," Mom noted. "Your mother will call the police."

Alyssa groaned, "I know! But what else can I do?"

"You can't lie to them," I begged her. "Your parents are insane. They'll get the FBI to find you! Your dad has connection in the army, I wouldn't be surprised if he managed to-"

"I refuse to get left behind!" Alyssa shouted at me.

"It's not worth it!" I moaned, "This isn't some happy adventure where we meet fairies, fly over the rainbow, or pet cute bunnies. This is battle. This is death."

"Come on," Alyssa gave me a look disbelief. "Do you really think I'm that stupid? I understand what this means!"

"Then why the hell are you so determined to come?" I demanded.

"BECAUSE WE HAVE TO PROTECT YOU!" Alyssa roared, getting to her feet. "You're such an idiot Kay! All this time you've been the Guardian, protecting and fighting for others. But haven't you ever thought about who protects you? Who fights for you? WE DO. Your family. Your friends!"

"I-"

"When you were losing your memory, who was it that kept you from forgetting? US! We came to you in your dreams, in your head... Whether or not we realized it, our love went into Narnia and reached you. Who was it who helped you heal after being murdered and heartbroken? US!" Alyssa pointed at me accusingly, "Stop trying to be the God here. You're just as human as the rest of us. You need us. We love you... I love you. I'm not going to let you fight one more battle without my help."

My mouth hung open.

I didn't even know what to say. How could one respond to such passion? To such love?

"Okay," Alyssa beamed and sat down with a pleasant face, "I'm finished."

I swear, she's insane.

Edmund cleared his throat awkwardly, "I... Wow, thank you for that Alyssa. Now, if you all don't mind, could we please get supplies? I'm afraid of us getting sent back any second."

"I can drive us to the store," Alyssa offered. "We can buy camping gear or whatever there."

"I'll gather up some food," Mom offered.

"And I'll try and see what we have up in the attic. Maybe a tent or two," Dad muttered.

I simply sat there as everyone got up, bustling and jumping into action.

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"They're rather large," Edmund pulled up the jeans again. "I really do think you have the wrong size-"

"Naw," Duke grinned. "It's just modern fashion."

"Boys wear jeans that are three sizes too big for them," Alyssa mumbled. "Stupid, I know."

"You're just jealous that I'm more hip than you," Will smirked. He had leant Edmund some clothing. It was just... wrong to see Edmund in jeans and a polo shirt. He looked like an ordinary teenager. Just another face in the crowd. People walked by him without a care in the world, completely ignorant of the power and wisdom he possessed. A few girls gave him curious glances, but simply because of his looks.

I trailed behind the group, refusing to speak. I was still too dumbfounded with the entire situation. Since when did my family and friends become so adamant on me returning to Narnia? They've always feared losing me... And here they were, not only pushing me back, but joining me.

Seriously, they were all insane!

"So what are we looking for?" Alyssa put her hands on her hips. She looked different in thick jeans and plain t-shirt. For years she'd only worn colorful, modern, and flattering attire... Now, she appeared simple and boyish. Her muddy, brown boots definitely made her manly too. But I couldn't judge her because I wasn't looking so hot either. I didn't dress as dramatically as her, because I was used to riding in dresses and living a more natural life... But I still more my own jeans with a shirt. I didn't wear boots though, as I preferred sneakers. Hey, if I could do this in a fancy dress and heels... I could handle anything.

"Let's see... We should buy some torches?" Edmund suggested.

Duke burst out into laughter, "Torches? This isn't the medieval ages!"

I finally spoke, "No, they call flashlights 'torches' in England."

"Ohhhhhhhhh." The three modern, American teenagers chorused together.

"Bloody hell," Ed rubbed his temples. "This is going to be a crazy night..."

And it really was. Alyssa and Will wanted to take outrageous amounts of supplies. They obviously didn't understand that it would be impossible to carry so much for a long distance. They were city kids though, they didn't know better. Duke wasn't much better, but he didn't pull out fifteen things at a time. Edmund had the patience that I lacked, so he handled the crazed teenagers.

I went off on my own, gathering a few items I'd put in a backpack. I'd keep spare tennis shoes in my bag too, but no clothes. I'd grab a tunic when back in Narnia, they were the best for traveling. Jeans and a t-shirt had absolutely nothing on a tunic.

Flashlight.

Compass.

Lighter.

First Aid Kit.

Binoculars.

I didn't need anything else. I was used to wilderness.

"Oh there she is!"

I looked up and saw the gang walking towards me. They all held an assortment of goods.

"Hey," I greeted as I put the rope back on the shelf. "All ready?"

"Yeah," Duke held out a box. "Look, flares!"

"Flares?" I raised an eyebrow, "I didn't know they sold those here."

"Yup," Alyssa beamed. "Duke's going to buy them since he's the oldest. He wanted to buy a gun but Edmund wouldn't have it."

"A gun?!" I hissed. "Are you insane?"

Duke glared, "It could be a huge advantage. You know it."

"Yes," Ed growled, "But if an enemy got their hands on a gun... The entire world would be at risk. They could learn from it, they would learn about gunpowder. Narnia only has swords and bows, let's keep it that way."

Will snorted, "So no guns but we can take flares?"

"Flares have chemicals," Edmund sighed. "There's no way those elves could make flares, even if they got their hands on a modern one. They're not that advanced in science."

"Good point." I began walking, "Let's pay and get out of here."

They agreed and followed. The cashier gave us strange looks, but thankfully he didn't question us. Teenagers buying lots of camping gear during a school week with no holidays coming up?

Suspicious!

The car ride was quiet, we were all busy thinking. I was thinking about Peter. I wanted to cry, but my eyes didn't have tears. Plus, tears did absolutely nothing for the situation. He needed strength, not pity. He needed me. I couldn't believe fate could be so cruel. How could fate put Peter through such pain- again? It just wasn't fair.

"Where is everyone sleeping?" Will asked

"In my room," I answered unlocking the front door to my house. My parents were waiting for us in the living room with bags of food. We all sat in the large room and packed. My backpack was rather light and did not bulge. I didn't overpack. I knew that the more weight I carried, the slower I would travel. And that wouldn't work, because I needed to get to Peter as quickly as I could.

Susan didn't have much time either.

"My bag is so freaking heavy," Alyssa muttered.

I glanced up from my own packed bag to hers. It looked filled to the max and I wondered if the zippers would even hold. She sat next to it pouting.

"Take half of it out," I told her. "Only bare necessities."

She groaned.

"I'm ready," Will announced. And it looked true, because his bag was light and rather empty too. "I can add some more food if you'd like."

"Please do," Ed cut in. He stepped away from the window where had been standing for the past fifteen minutes. He enjoyed watching the modern neighborhood I think. The cars fascinated him, people's clothes made his eyes bulge, and homes made him bite his lips. Everything was so different.

"You kids should get some sleep," Dad stretched in his armchair.

"Good idea," Duke yawned. "But sleeping in these clothes is going to be a pain."

"Oh shut up," I laughed. "You know very well that going to Narnia in a tuxedo and evening gown is NOT a good idea!"

"True true," He smirked. "But I did make quite a dashing Prince didn't I?"

"And I the gorgeous Princess," I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah and-"

"OH MY GOD!" Mom shrieked.

All eyes flew to her. Mom had jumped back into the wall, her face ghostly white. Her body was tense and arms brought in front of her as if protecting her from some unknown force.

"Honey?" Dad got up immediately and moved towards her, "What's the-"

"LISTEN!" Mom hissed.

"To what?" I asked.

"LISTEN!" She repeated.

No one made a sound. I swear, I could hear the preteen down the street listening to his radio in his bedroom. My house was silent, even Dopey seemed to stop breathing. He lay on the floor peering up at my mother with a strange look in his eyes.

Then, Dopey began barking.

I jumped in surprise.

"What's the matter boy?" Edmund asked quietly.

"I don't hear anything-" Alyssa started to say.

"I HEAR IT!" Dad shouted in fright. He ran over to my mother and stood in front of her, shielding her. "What the hell is it?"

"What?" Duke demanded.

Dopey started to growl. In all my years of having him as my canine companion, I had never seen Dopey so angry. He was a lazy, lethargic fellow. Dopey wouldn't hurt a fly... So what was getting him so crazed?

And then I heard it.

The sounds of hags cackling.

Werewolves howling.

Ghouls screaming.

White Tigers roaring.

Monsters.

Monsters of Narnia.

And they were very happy...

"PUT YOUR BACKPACKS ON!" I scrambled to my feet, sliding my arms through the arm holes of the bag. I ran over to my parents and hugged them, "I'll see you again. I don't care how hard it is, but I will come back to you. I love you."

"MAKAYLA-" Mom screamed in horror, her eyes stared at something behind me.

I turned slowly.

There, in the middle of my living room, was a floating door. Past the frame was a field of grass, full of Narnian's evil monsters. They were on the move, a great heard, traveling. They passed by the portal by hundreds of feet and didn't notice it.

"Let's go," Edmund looked at me.

I nodded.

He smiled and stepped through the door.

"Don't forget, I'll come back." I declared and followed my King.