A/N:

Got a whole lot of new readers with the previous chapter, and I just want to welcome all of those before we continue! It elates me so much that you all enjoy the story.

Let's find out what will happen to the gang, now, shall we?

I'm gonna continue putting the disclaimer here just be sure that everyone is aware of where this story originated.

This story isn't 100 % mine. I have transformed it into a story from an interactive story app called Choices (an app I am completely obsessed with atm) and the creators are Pixelberry Studios.

So here's my disclaimer: I don't own the characters or the plot of this story. All recognizable content belongs to their respective owner. No copyright infringement intended. Names and places have been changed for the purpose of Fanfiction.

{Chapter 4}

We were escorted to a vast chamber within the central tree of the Watcher village. A large crowd stood gathered inside, and golden eyes stared somberly at us from elaborate masks.

I noticed how uncomfortable Edward was, and as he always did when he didn't know what would happen, he took to humor. "Silent treatment, huh? I can handle that."

The tall Watcher entered the hall beside Benjamin, and his jaw dropped.

"What is it? What's happening?" Benjamin asked him.

"The Tribunal has assembled to judge your fate. Three will speak for our tribe, and three for your group," he replied, and it was obvious that whatever was going on was a serious matter.

A female Watcher with long black hair and a headpiece made out of the same amber material as the idols and their weapons was seated at the very front in a throne-like chair.

"Bring them forward," she ordered in a calm, authoritative voice that rang throughout the chamber.

At her command, Alistair, Alice, and I were freed from our restraints and ushered toward the throne that looked like it was made of woven roots.

Peter, still in his own restraints, immediately began protesting. "Hey, wait! I'm goin' up there too!" He, along with the others, was forcibly held back by a contingent of Watcher guards, though.

"Good luck, Bella," Victoria called to me softly.

"Yeah, apparently, we're counting on you. No pressure or anything," Rosalie said tensely.

The Shaman hobbled forward to meet us. He began chanting in a deep, resonant voice, luckily enough, in English so that we could understand him.

"Crystallized destiny, idol of hope..." He brought his palm to my forehead. "Crystallized destiny, idol—"

A peal of thunder resounded in the distance. The Shaman's eyes widened, and his hand trembled as he lowered it from my face.

"It is a proven truth!" he said loudly in awe. "They are indeed the Twelve Catalysts of legend!"

Gasps of astonishment came from the surrounding crowd.

"I think there's been a mistake..." I tried to say, and Alice hurried to agree.

"Exactly. This is all just a crazy mix-up."

The Shaman turned to us with a patient smile. "Oho! Perhaps you do not yet fully grasp your destiny. Your understanding is like a tiny sprout that has yet to push through the soil. Grow, little sprout … Grow!"

"What is going on here? Who are you, anyway?" I asked carefully. I didn't want to accidentally offend anyone.

"Yes, forgive me," the Shaman said and placed a hand on his chest. "I am called Harrvel. Perhaps one of our oldest legends might shed a little light on your understanding." He relaxed against his staff, a smile present in his crimson eyes. "Long ago, our tribe was visited by one who moves unhindered among the branches of the Great Tree of Time. The Endless, as we call this one, foretold of twelve individuals whose arrival would herald Raan'losti, the unmaking of the world. Inspired by visions of those who would come, our ancestors crafted the twelve idols of flawless amber. These kaalta pleased the Endless, and for many tranquil years, they were kept in a temple deep in the forest … But peace is inevitably followed by strife. Conflict among our people saw the idols stolen and scattered across the island. The Endless consoled us, announcing that when the kaalta are finally reunited, the power to protect the island will be within reach. Clearly, you are the Twelve Catalysts, and Raan'losti is upon us!"

I was still confused, and I formed my question very slowly. "And that's a good thing?"

"Some would say no. But I believe it is, for there is time yet to stop it!" Harrvel said determinedly.

The regally attired Watcher seated on the throne spoke. "If this is true, Harrvel, then we must proceed carefully."

"Since when can you all speak English?" I asked, wanting to know that at least.

"We learn quickly, young one," the regal one told me and then turned to face us all. "Catalysts, I am Saraya, Elyyshar of the Kaarii people. I would want to know your purpose on this island."

"We want to find a way home," I told her honestly.

"Clearly we don't belong here. Let us be on our way and we'll leave you to your precious island," Alistair said in agreement with me.

A female Watcher, or I guess Kaarii, guard stepped forward and glared at us. "What absurdity. All life begins and ends upon Kaanu. There is nowhere else to go."

Saraya shifted to face the guard. "War Chief Emilyne. What say you of the Catalysts?"

"The Twelve have brought great upheaval with them, yes. Not only did they reject their sacred journey, they've waged war upon our people at every opportunity! If we do not stop them here and now, Raan'losti will be our doom," she answered.

The heavily armored Kaarii woman pulled out a ceremonial knife, its obsidian blade glistened in the firelight. "As war chief of Elyys'tel … I declare the Catalysts blood enemies of the Kaarii!" she cried out, and piercing war cries erupted from the crowd. As the din reached the crescendo, Emilyne cut a gash in her arm and raised the bloodied knife above her head.

"Madness!" Harrvel protested.

"Such unnecessary theatrics," Alistair mumbled next to me, but I was glad he was smart enough to not say it any louder.

Saraya remained calm as she talked to Emilyne. "On what grounds do you invoke this?"

Emilyne turned away from the crowd to face Saraya again. "They violently resisted Prince Jacorel's escort! They attacked the Shore Guardian and irresponsibly manipulated the crystals of Kaanu! Now they've burned the Valley of Tombs; not to mention endangered the life of our dear Keeper of the Old Faith." She sneered at Harrvel, who shook his head dismissively.

Alice spoke up tentatively. "Shore guardian? I don't remember any guardian—"

"She speaks of the great crab, one of our mighty beasts who guard the island," Harrvel answered her.

Emilyne ignored both Harrvel and Alice and continued her speech. "For generations, we've known the appearance of the Catalysts signaled great destruction. Now we know they are destruction! We have also been taught what we must do to save the island. The time has come. The Twelve must die." She slowly lowered the knife and glared unblinkingly at me and the others.

Saraya nodded somberly. "I see. Putting our faith in the Catalysts is clearly a great risk. But you would have us extinguish that risk and face Raan'losti on our own." She turned toward the tall Kaarii, who was standing amid the crowd. "And what think you, Jacorel my son? Would you have us aid the Catalysts or sentence them to death?"

He hesitated and shot a look my way, but then looked back at his mother. "It … is not my place to speak before the Tribunal," he said quietly.

His name, Jacorel, was strangely familiar, and a part of me felt as if I had always known that was his name from the very beginning when we first met on the beach.

He appeared to not agree with Emilyne, and since he was the 'Prince' I was pretty sure he would be able to sway the court in our favor, but I probably had to encourage him to do so.

I closed my eyes and focused on Jacorel's presence in my mind.

Suddenly, I was inside his memories. I found myself atop a looming cliff overlooking the Kaarii village. Jacorel was standing on the cliff, looking down, and Saraya came up behind him.

"Jacorel, come … we're going to be late." They were speaking in their own language, but because I was in his memories, I understood every word.

Jacorel whipped around. "Mother, you should rest! You've been ill for days."

"The village depends on me, my son. When Elyys'tel's troubles rest, so shall I."

Jacorel frowned. "That's what Grandfather said before he passed away. Our people just stood and watched as he gave his life!"

Saraya looked sad. "Jacorel—"

"Leave me be!"

Saraya departed sadly, leaving Jacorel alone on the cliffside. He suddenly took notice of my presence and looked at me in surprise.

"You! What are you doing in my head, mind-talker?"

"I didn't mean to intrude. I need to ask for your help," I said gently.

"With the Tribunal?"

I nodded. "Yes. I know we've had our differences, but do you think you could speak on our behalf?"

Jacorel shook his head. "Only my mother's advisers speak at court. And others who seek to manipulate her."

"She seems interested in your opinion," I pointed out. "Are you really just gonna stand idly by while they sentence us to death?" He appeared unaffected by my words, and so I tried a different approach. "Sentence Benjamin?"

He glanced at me.

"Yes, I've noticed that you and Benjamin are close," I said. "I don't know what's been going on while we've been away, but I can see that you care for him."

"I—" He sighed. "Very well. If the judgment does not go in your favor, I will do as you ask."

My consciousness returned to the audience hall. I met Jacorel's eyes, and he gave me a subtle nod.

Saraya turned to Harrvel. "Harrvel, did the Endless not speak of the Catalysts' capacity for salvation and destruction?"

The old Kaarii nodded. "This is true, my elyyshar."

"Then we may, in fact, be enemies, after all. That is what we must determine here." She looked at us. "Catalysts, do you strive for harmony or change?"

"We seek harmony among all," I said right away. There was nothing more I wanted than to leave in peace.

"Such is also the Kaarii way!" Harrvel exclaimed happily.

"But this is not the way of the Twelve," Emilyne pointed out. "If they are the prophesied ones, they must be lying."

Harrvel huffed and leaned heavier on his staff.

Murmurs of dissent passed among the gathered Kaarii. I saw doubt, distrust, and even fear in their expressions. I quietly conferred with Alistair and Alice.

"This isn't looking good for us," Alice said.

"What if I just said this was all a big misunderstanding?" I suggested. "We didn't know about their values or laws."

Alice nodded. "That, or maybe I can vouch for what good kids you guys are? We can show them we're really not all that bad!"

Alistair rolled his eyes. "They won't care about that. I say we go on the offensive and push their own hypocrisy in their faces!"

I didn't agree with Alistair's way, and therefore I spoke up before he could say something that would get us in trouble. "You probably don't know this, but our group was stranded here. Is it really fair to judge us? We had no idea what your rules were, and we were just trying to survive!"

Harrvel smiled widely. "Ah, the sprout of understanding flourishes into a sapling!"

Saraya looked me steadily in the eye. "Accidental or not, I'm afraid your actions have had an impact on the island."

"You will take responsibility for what you've done, Catalyst," Emilyne growled from next to her.

"Seeking answers for what came before is less urgent than preparing for what will yet be. Given all that I've heard today, I can't help but agree that the Catalysts represent a major threat to the island. Catalysts, if you have anything else to say on your behalf, please do so now. Otherwise, I will be forced to sentence you accordingly," Saraya said, and her words caused Alice to speak out in desperation.

"These kids are just trying to get home! You can't punish them for that!"

Alistair also voiced his opinion, and I wanted to groan. "Such utter tripe. If this is the extent of your judicial system, your society is doomed with or without us."

I looked around for anything that could help at that point and locked eyes with Harrvel. I decided to see if an offer of our help would perhaps be our salvation. "Harrvel, don't you need us in order to find the idols?"

He nodded. "I do indeed! My elyyshar, can this not wait until we've recovered the remaining kaalta?"

Emilyne sneered at him. "You old fool, don't you see? The Catalysts have neither understanding of their role nor the will to fulfill it."

Alice interjected. "Miss, that's just not true. We've already recovered a handful of those kaalta things!"

Harrvel nodded. "Yes! I may be old, Emilyne, but I can still tell when someone is pure of heart and deed. Elyyshar Saraya, if there were ever a time to heed my words, let it be now. The Twelve Catalysts are our only hope."

A Kaarii warrior called out from the crowd angrily. "Death to the Catalysts!"

Other voices rose to join him, and suddenly, the entire room was chanting as one.

"Death! Death! Death!"

Jacorel stepped forward and shouted over the chanting to be heard. "Mother, members of the Tribunal, I would speak on the Catalysts' behalf!"

Saraya looked shocked but then collected herself. "Silence! Let my son speak!"

The audience hall was quiet once more. All heads turned toward Jacorel.

"The prince has never contributed his voice at court!" Harrvel said, he also in shock.

Emilyne narrowed her eyes at Jacorel. "Jacorel, you may be the elyyshar's son, but you're also a warrior under my command. Consider your next words very carefully."

Jacorel spoke loudly so that everyone would be able to hear him clearly. "I do not seek to sway the Tribunal's judgment. Instead, I would merely share the truth as I have witnessed it. I've had more dealings with the Twelve than any other who has testified today. While they are worthy opponents, they have also avoided battle whenever possible. On many occasions, I've observed them treating Kaanu and those who dwell here fairly and respectfully. Whether they herald Kaanu's destruction is yet uncertain. What makes it certain is if we deny them our help."

Ripples of discussion passed through the hall as the Kaarii reacted to Jacorel's testimony.

Saraya seemed to consider the entire matter thoughtfully. She rose from her throne. "I've reached a decision regarding the charges against the Twelve Catalysts. Catalysts, the threat you pose to the island and our way of life is unquestionable. However, I believe that the fate of the Kaarii may yet depend on you."

"You're letting us go?" Alice asked hopefully.

"No. For our safety and your own, I must order your immediate imprisonment on Sharktooth Isle," Saraya said, and my heart dropped into my stomach.

"Imprisonment?!"

Saraya looked troubled but certain. "It may be of little comfort, but at least you will be safe there while we seek to bring Raan'losti to a peaceful end."

Alistair stood up, visibly upset, and pointed at Saraya. "You have no right to imprison us! As travelers, our right to safety and agency are protected by international law!"

"This might be the best we could hope for," Alice mumbled.

Emilyne wasn't pleased. "Mercy?! Mercy for the agents of our destruction?"

Saraya looked at her. "You question my judgment, Emilyne?"

Emilyne quieted down and bent her head forward. "As you would have it, my elyyshar."

Harrvel sighed and shook his head. "Ah, natala dril arkharu. Such a grievous day!"

Guards began to forcibly escort us out of the audience hall, but as we were led out of the village, a strange child began walking next to me.

"I'm not afraid of you," he said in very good English.

"You're not? Well, that's good to hear," I told him with a smile.

The child waved at me as the group was brought down a winding staircase. I waved back and he called after me.

"Cattle … list!"

"Almost!" I encouraged. "Cat-a-lyst."

The boy frowned in concentration. "Cat-all-is? Come back soon, Cat-all-is!"

Soon, we were on a Kaarii boat bound for a distant isle.

Jacorel and Harrvel accompanied the guards that escorted us.

"Where are you taking us? Answer me!" Garrett demanded.

Harrvel didn't meet his eyes. "Sharktooth Isle. It is a place of exile. Those who set foot upon its shores will never return to Kaanu."

Alistair huffed and crossed his arms. "And so we reap the folly of island justice."

"Bella, look at this!" Benjamin pointed into the water where a school of large, dark fish were visible swimming alongside the boat. Jacorel gently reached out to pull Benjamin's arm back into the boat. "Wha—"

Rosalie raised her brow. "Uh, they're fish. It's not like they're going to get offended."

Jacorel shook his head. "No. It's dangerous." He removed a feather from his braided topknot and dropped it off the side of the boat. The fish surged into motion, and in a flash, two of them tore the feather to shreds with razor-sharp teeth.

Benjamin gasped. "My hand was almost a supporting cast member in a remake of Piranha 3D. Thanks, Jacorel!"

"Of course," Jacorel replied solemnly.

"The klaawyi eat anything that crosses these waters. The wood of our boat is coated with a rare sap that they find poisonous, else this vessel would soon be torn apart," Harrvel told us, and I looked warily at the fish still swimming by our side.

Edward nodded and spoke to himself. "Of course there are wood-eating barracudas here … why wouldn't there be?"

As the old Shaman turned to gaze out across the sea, I glimpsed a strange tattoo on his back. It appeared to depict a mountain with a face jutting out of the side.

"So what's the story with your back tat?" Rosalie asked who had noticed it at the same time as I had.

"A symbol of the Old Faith. It would be difficult to explain to you, Catalyst."

"Does it have to do with 'The Endless'?" I asked. I had already noticed that Harrvel got as excited talking about 'The Endless' like a priest talking about his religion.

Harrvel's eyes brightened at the mention of the name, and he began reverently reciting something in the Kaarii language. "Twelve before the door, standing silent guard."

"What's he saying?" Kate whispered to me.

"At the base of the mountain, the One begins. It is the legend of the Threshold, a place I've etched into my skin," he continued.

"The Threshold? It's a place? On the slope of the volcano?" I asked, enraptured by the story.

"It is indeed! But it no longer matters. Now that we may never see the prophecies of the Endless fulfilled." The Shaman abruptly hobbled toward Victoria.

She looked at him in wonder but didn't say anything.

He looked her over, and then his face fell. "Mm. No, no, not good. I sense that a withering has taken root in you. If left untended, it may soon claim your life!"

"Uh. I don't … know what you're talking about," Victoria said in an attempt to wave away Harrvel's claims.

Kate looked sternly at her. "I think you do. The way you collapsed in the rainforest earlier? Something's going on, Victoria."

Victoria hesitated and started to twist her hands nervously, but then she looked down at her feet and inhaled. "Please promise me you guys won't be shocked or sad."

"It's that bad?" Benjamin asked worriedly.

She swallowed. "I … have a condition called Rotterdam's Syndrome. It's an auto-immune disease. There's no cure."

A heavy silence fell over the group. I was looking down at my hands since I already knew about her condition, but I'd thought she had beaten the symptoms.

"When were you diagnosed?" Kate asked to break the tension.

"When I was four. My parents tried everything. My dad spent the last of his savings on an experimental treatment which actually made it go away … until a few weeks ago." Victoria clutched her left hand in a vain effort to keep it from trembling. Tears streamed down her face. "I'm going to die. In the next six months … or maybe sooner."

"Oh, Victoria!" Kate moved forward and hugged her.

"You're not going through this alone," I told her seriously. "We're here for you no matter what. You can count on that."

Victoria gave me a small smile. "Thank you … I needed to hear that. I just don't want to burden you all with this."

Edward shook his head. "You're one of us, Red. We all got into this together, and we're getting out of it together."

"We'd never turn our backs on you!" Benjamin vowed.

"Thanks, everyone."

Just then, the two Kaarii guards leaped into the shallows to guide the boat ashore.

"We have arrived," Harrvel announced. "This … is Sharktooth Isle."

"This is where you guys put prisoners?" Peter asked while making a spot-on impression of a gaping fish. "It totally looks like—"

"The final level of Dino Melee. Graphics on ultra," Rosalie commented.

Peter nodded. "Exac—Well, naw, I was gonna say … somethin' else."

Jacorel looked sadly at Benjamin. "I am sorry, Benjamin. I must leave you here."

Benjamin met his eyes with understanding. "It's not your fault! Um, your English is getting really good, by the way. Keep working on it."

"Yes. I promise to do so." Jacorel looked into Benjamin's eyes and reached up to grip his shoulder in a sad farewell.

The guards escorted us off the ship. Harrvel leaned heavily upon his staff and gazed down at us.

"It has truly been an honor, Catalysts," he said gravely. "Perhaps one day, upon another branch of the Great tree, we'll meet again. Stars guide you."

The Kaarii guided their ship back into the sea, and I watched it drift into the distance.

"It's getting late. We should find a place to set up camp," Edward said behind me, and I turned away from the beach to face him.

"Um … How about there?" Tanya pointed toward an imposing three-story manor overlooking the shore.

"Wow, it's beautiful!" Victoria said in complete awe of the ruined structure. "Or, at least … it was," she corrected herself.

"Um … what exactly is this place?" Kate asked and looked around warily. I could understand why. The manor indicated that this place wasn't, at one time, unoccupied so who knew what was lurking in the shadows now.

"Looks like the set of a soap opera. Or maybe Jack Sparrow's hideout," Benjamin suggested and playfully hit his arm.

"I think it's our new home," Edward said and took my hand in his and entwined our fingers.

A little while later, we all gathered around the manor's once-resplendent foyer.

"Alright, we've managed to get the oil lanterns burning, so at least we can see," Edward said in an attempt to stay positive for once.

Garrett was looking around, staring at the high ceiling, and then let out an impressed whistle. "Wow … is this place for real? Who do you think lived here?"

"This is a jail cell built for a king, bro!" Peter exclaimed with a grin, but no one was laughing.

"It's Cullen who belongs here, not us," Leah said through clenched teeth and stabbed her spear into the ground.

Alistair suddenly got up from his seat and wandered off toward the corner of the room. Tanya watched him with concerned eyes.

"He looks really upset," she said and turned to me. "Maybe we could go talk to him, Bella?"

I nodded, and we made our way over to where he was glaring into the wall.

Tanya tentatively put a hand on his shoulder. "We just wanted to see how you were doing—"

"I can't believe I trusted my father, after everything he's done. He's been playing us since before we even landed on El Jardín."

"I can't imagine how you must feel right now," I said gently.

Filled with uncontrollable rage, Alistair picked up an old chair and hurled it against the wall. "Bastard! The next time I see him I'll—" He noticed how Tanya startled in fright. "I'm … I didn't mean to..."

"You can't let him get to you like this, Alistair. It's what he wants," I said in hopes of calming him down.

Alistair turned his angry eyes on me. "Meaning what? I'm his pawn? Don't you think I've known that since I was a child?!"

"I'm just saying, don't let him pull you down to his level—"

He interrupted me before I could finish. "I may be my father's son, but we are not the same!"

"Bella wasn't trying to say that," Tanya defended me. "We just want to understand—"

"You can't understand, Tanya. How could you? How could any of you..." His eyes became blank and he turned back to face the wall. I knew Alistair was the kind of person who didn't want to appear weak, and so I directed Tanya for us to leave.

"We'll leave you alone," I said.

"Then why are you still here?" he replied with a shaky voice.

"Are you sure we shouldn't try talking to him some more?" Tanya asked me as I led her away from him.

I shook my head. "He's got a lot on his mind right now. I think we'd probably only piss him off more."

Garrett demanded the attention of us all by clapping his hands. "Alright, crew, we need a new plan. There's gotta be some way off this isle, right? Benjamin, have you heard any talk about this place?"

"You know … Jacorel was telling me about something really unusual here on this isle. It's called the Singing Cliffs. He says the Kaarii go there to hear the voice of El Jardín itself."

"Great. Maybe it'll have some ideas on how to outswim a strait full of bloodthirsty fish," Edward said sarcastically, but Benjamin answered him seriously.

"You never know. The Kaarii believe that the island speaks a unique message to each individual who visits the area."

"The Singing Cliffs. If it's half as pretty as the name, I'm in! Maybe it'll even inspire me to do some painting," Victoria gushed with a wide smile.

Garrett nodded. "Sounds interesting. I could use some fresh air after the day we've had."

"I'll stay back this time. I haven't really slept the past three days, so I'm pretty beat," I said, and the two of them nodded before heading out together.

As the fire gradually burned itself out, everyone found a corner to curl up in for the night. Edward and I separated ourselves a bit more from the others to get just a little bit of privacy as we lay down in each other's arms.

We shared a few kisses but quickly settled for the night, and it didn't take long for me to be completely out as the sound of Edward's heart's rhythmical beating lulled me to sleep.

In the morning, I was awakened by the exuberant chatter of a few tropical birds perched on the roof.

Edward's arm tightened around me as he shifted and threw his other over his eyes. "Mm … too early. Could someone get Toucan Sam to knock it off?" he mumbled, his voice husky from sleep.

Peter sat up and stretched. After a minute, he spoke. "Wait a minute. Where's Emmett?"

Alice entered hurriedly from the beach. "Come quick! I think Emmett might be doing something very foolish!"

We quickly got up and ran sluggishly, following Alice to the beach and shielding our eyes from the bright morning sun, only to find Emmett dangling precariously from the prow of an old shipwreck.

"Emmett, what the—" I called up to him.

"I see a barrel in the ship's hold! It's gotta be Caribbean rum!" he called back and I wanted to hit him for risking his life for a fucking barrel of rum.

"Please come down! You're going to get hurt!" Alice cried out.

Garrett, Edward, and I moved to the edge of the water beside the ship, ready to intervene if anything happened.

Emmett tried to swing closer to the deck, and the desiccated wood of the prow groaned in protest. "There's something else. I see something else!" he yelled.

"Just forget it, Emmett … come down!" I said even though I knew he probably wouldn't listen.

And I was right. He didn't listen. "I think it's one of those idol things! Bella, if I come down and boost you up, do you think you could reach into the window of the ship?"

The fact that there was an idol in the ship swayed me, and I went with his stupidity. "Alright. Let's give it a shot."

"Sweet!"

Emmett came down from the prow and waded ankle-deep into the water beside the hull of the ship. I climbed up onto his shoulders, trying my best to keep my balance.

"Whoa! Easy there!" I called out when he swayed.

"Sorry, uh … I'm … I'm ticklish!" Emmett chuckled uncontrollably, causing his weight to pitch forward beneath me. A swarm of dark shapes writhed in the deeper water inches from Emmett's feet.

"Oh, god, just try to keep still!"

"I'm … trying...!"

I barely managed to latch onto the frame of the window in the ship's hull. I peeked my head into the window and noticed the amber statue just inside.

"Got it!" I cheered.

"Sweet! Let's get out of here!" Emmett splashed back to shore, and I jumped down and handed him the idol. As soon as his hand touched its crystalline surface—

I was in the middle of a raging frat party on the Hartfeld campus. The front door swung open, and Emmett barreled through.

"Guess who's off academic probaaationnn!" he bellowed, and everyone cheered.

"That's my dude!" Peter pointed at him.

"Woohoo!"

"Nice! Congrats, man! I knew you'd win the case," Garrett said and clapped him on his back.

"Time for a celebratory keg stand!" Emmett vaulted onto a nearby keg and inverted himself. The whole party chanted as he guzzled beer, and then got up and raised his fists in triumph. "Ha ha! I'm back, dudes!"

"So what ended up happening at the hearing?" Garrett asked.

Emmett shrugged. "Professor Hall dropped the charges. He couldn't prove I cheated."

"High-five, bro!" Peter held up his hand and Emmett accepted.

Kate groaned. "Seriously, I hate Hall. Screw him. So how did you cheat without him catching you, anyway?"

Emmett frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about? I didn't cheat."

Peter clapped him on the shoulder in reassurance. "Dude, it's cool. They can't get you now. Double jeopardy."

"Not sure that applies to college ethics proceedings. Seriously, though, I didn't cheat," Emmett insisted.

Kate looked skeptic. "You, Emmett McCarty, the guy who accidentally burned down Pi Omega."

"The guy who made a goat tackle Camden State's quarterback in a live game," Peter said with the same skepticism.

"The guy who jumped off the library roof into the Meyer fountain," Garrett continued with a raised brow.

"You got a 100% on the econ final, where the next highest score was a 73%?" Kate finished with her arms crossed.

Emmett shrugged again. "Yeah!"

Everyone stared … and then burst into laughter.

"Ha ha! Dude, you are hilarious!" Garrett said and raised his beer in salute.

"I love you, Emmett. Kinda pissed that you blew the curve, but I still love you," Kate said and kissed him on the cheek.

"Okay, okay, you play it close to the vest. I feel ya. One day, I'm gonna find out how you did it, though!" Peter promised and winked at him.

Emmett looked uncomfortable as he let out a small laugh. "Heh … yeah … who wants to see me do another keg stand?!"

The crowd roared its approval.

Everything seemed to fold inward as I rocketed toward another moment in time.

I was in the kitchen of The Ethereal. Emmett stood a short distance away, slicing vegetables and dropping them into a pot of simmering water.

"Pies … make peace," he sniffled, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Cullen sauntered into the kitchen, and there was something noticeably off about him. He wasn't wearing a shirt. "Splendid lunch, Emmett. Truly outdid yourself." He picked his teeth with the jagged end of a broken femur. "Who knew grilled sabertooth could be so incredibly savory?"

Emmett remained with his back to him. "This kinda stuff wasn't in the job description, dude. And you might wanna lay off the time crystals. They're turning you into a full-on Dr. Moreau head case!"

Cullen waved him away. "Nonsense. Each time I get just a little bit closer to the one I seek."

Emmett shook his head. "You're never going to find that red spacesuit person."

Cullen snarled, but his attention was suddenly drawn to a small drone hovering into the room. "Ah, Iris! Have you brought the special ingredient for this evening's dinner?"

"As you requested, Mr. Cullen." The drone towed a wheeled cart to the center of the kitchen.

"Very good. Let's show our head chef what he'll be preparing!" Cullen reached for a box on the cart, carefully prying open the lid.

Inside, I glimpsed Furball, quaking with fear, and I wanted to jump forward and save him from the bastard's paws.

Emmett reached back to untie his apron and whipped it off. "No! You've pushed me too far this time!"

Cullen chuckled. "Oh, come on. It's just one teeny, tiny, freezy, sneezy fox."

"Furball is my friend. You don't eat friends," Emmett retorted.

Cullen sighed irritatedly and turned away.

"Besides, I've prepared something else for you tonight," Emmett continued.

"Oh?"

Emmett twisted the apron in his hands and wielded it like a whip, striking a hanging rack. The rack swung free of one of its supports, and a pile of pans and heavy cookware suddenly tumbled onto Cullen. "Furball, come on!" he called out.

The two of them emerged from The Ethereal, the hotel's alarms ringing loudly across the area.

"Hurry! He's coming!"

A battered and bruised Cullen shambled after them, carrying a harpoon gun. "I've had about enough of your insubordination, Head Chef Emmett." Cullen gained on them, aiming his weapon.

Furball scampered ahead, then stopped to look back for Emmett.

"Just go! Run, little guy!"

There was a loud blast as Cullen fired the harpoon gun.

"Run for your li—"

Suddenly, I was back on the Sharktooth Isle, and Emmett passed the idol back to me.

"Why don't you hold onto it, for now, Bella. I've gotta get lunch started!"

I shook away the disturbing vision and headed back to the manor with the others when Benjamin called from the beach.

"Uh, guys? Someone's coming!"

Shielding my eyes from the bright sun, I spotted a small Kaarii sailboat racing toward us.

"The Kaarii are coming back!" Kate exclaimed, torn between being hopeful and scared.

"What are they gonna do to us now?" Tanya asked, always resorting to fear.

"You … I don't think it's the Kaarii!" Peter said.

As the outrigger skidded up onto the shore, the pirate-dressed woman leaped off, alighting gracefully on the sand.

"Ah, it would appear the captain as sent out a welcoming party. Tres, tres gentil," she said, and in a flash of movement, she pulled out a wheellock pistol and pointed it at me. "Take me to Janvier!"

A/N:

Soooooo, are the Kaarii good or bad? What is the deal with the Endless and the idols? What is the Threshold that Harrvel spoke of? And Victoria's sick again? And who is the woman in the pirate costume pointing a gun at Bella?

Your thoughts always make my day so go ahead and share them with me, and I will give you a teaser :-D

Until next time,

Stay Awesome!