-Second Earth-

The flume on Second Earth activated and music could be heard from a distance. That is, if the acolytes had been there to hear it. But they had not. Both Mark and Courtney were at their last day of school before Christmas Break, and could find no way out of their next few classes.

But as the music faded and the Travelers stepped out of the flume, it mattered not. Bobby Pendragon was knowledgeable of Second Earth; after all, this was his home territory. He held an unconscious Loor in his arms, her blood all over his clothing. And as he sat her on the ground to change into Second Earth clothes Courtney had left for him (a blue sweater, blue jeans, socks, and tennis shoes) he debated on how to take care of Loor. For some reason it was freezing in the station, and Bobby saw Loor's body shiver in the cold.

Things on Zaada had gotten pretty ugly. Saint Dane had definitely planned this one out, after all, who else would plan to assassinate Loor? And now Bobby had brought Loor back to Second Earth for safety and a chance to heal. He only hoped she would see his point of view when she woke up, he hoped she would stay for a while and pull herself back together. And almost as if on cue, Loor's eyes fluttered open and she breathed in heavily, a painful moan following her sudden actions.

Bobby finished tying his shoe and turned to look at Loor, her hair and clothes soaked in blood, most not her own. Her eyes were wild and tired, and she looked so fragile and frail.

"Pendragon?" she whispered, turning her head painfully to look at him, "why have you taken me from my home?" .

"You're hurt and in danger. I brought you here, to Second Earth. You've been here before, but maybe if you spent some time here to heal..." his voice faded off and realized he had not prepared enough to explain this to Loor.

Loor picked herself up off the cement covered ground and walked over to the pile of clothes that were left for her (purple turtleneck sweater, jeans, socks, and black heeled boots) Bobby turned away as she dressed herself, trying very hard to ignore the pained sounds she made as she cleaned her wounds with the Zaada clothes she wore. Finally Loor came up behind him and place a hand on his shoulder.

"I understand why you have brought me here, Pendragon," she spoke calmly, "But where are we going?"

"Follow me," he replied, reaching over and taking her small, cold hand. She felt weak as she tried to grip his hand, and Bobby felt a chill come over him, as her hand remained cold. He led her out of the flume's home, and out into the cold open air. And as the wind bit at his face tears fell from his eyes. He was seeing snow fall onto the town that he had once known so well. He was seeing such a familiar thing for everyone else, for the first time in years.

"It is beautiful," Loor whispered under her breath. Her hand that Bobby had once held reached over and wiped away the tears that had come from his eyes. "I cannot imagine being away from Zaada as long as you have been away from Second Earth," she whispered.

"I'm sorry for bringing you here," Bobby suddenly whispered, unsure of his own words.

"Why?" she questioned.

"Because, I brought you from your home and that isn't right. I sacrificed what you felt for Zaada for what I felt for my home."

"But it is not fair that Saint Dane has taken such a beautiful place away from you. I am willing to stay here for a while."

"Good," came a voice behind them. Bobby and Loor turned to see Courtney and Mark smiling at them, their faces red from the cold.

"Guys," Bobby whispered. Courtney and Mark's eyes were filled with tears of joy as Bobby ran over to them and embraced them both. Loor looked away as Courtney kissed Bobby and looked over at her.

Courtney stepped away from the two boys and over to Loor, holding her hand out to Loor.

"Welcome to Second Earth, Loor," Courtney whispered.

"Thank you," came Loor's bitter reply. Courtney immediately took her hand back to her side and looked Loor over. Her face screwed up as if she had a bitter taste in her mouth, a look that Bobby noticed right away.

"You almost missed it, Bobby," Mark said breaking the silence.

"What?" Bobby asked curiously playing along.

"Christmas," Courtney said hoarsely turning around, her eyes suddenly filled with dislike and bitterness towards Loor, "Christmas is in a week, Bobby."

And as she turned to walk back to Mark's side, Bobby could have sworn that he heard Courtney say, "And you just ruined it."