DREAM ISLAND OBSESSIONAL PARK
THIRD CHAPTER: ESCAPE
In my dreams, I see an ancient temple…
Interesting…I can almost hear the epic orchestra music on the humid air.
The dark, lush jungle around me is teeming with activity. The sounds of birds, insects, and what sounds like howling primates pierces the air. Ropy vines spread out from the border of the jungle and snake their way through the ruined stone causeway in front of me. The forest, it seems, is eager to take back what it once had.
But the temple itself is the most striking feature. Built into the face of a wet cliff, the intricately carved entrance is choked with vines and small ferns, slowly crumbling the stonework. Above the dark opening is a statue, carved from the cliff rock itself, of a woman, her hands clenched over her face as if weeping. Small waterfalls spill from between her carved fingers, collecting in shallow basins on either side of the path
How unsettling…But beautiful.
Of course, I also notice that around the temple archway are carvings of a familiar dog with large, round eyes. Maromi.
I now find myself drawn into the mouth of the temple, pulled inside by an invisible force. The darkness around me grows quickly as the light from the outside fades behind. Suddenly, a soft golden glow illuminates the dreary, dusty hallway. It travels along with me, like a sphere of light from a torch. Hmm. With no obvious source either.
Further and further I go, passing through corridors and antechambers. The walls are coated with layers of mold and fungus from the damp cavern, and occasionally paintings of the eerie canine can be seen through the gloom. I pass a few branching arches and tunnels, but I stay drifting on a set course.
And now, besides the occasional drip of water or ominous rumble of the earth, I hear a soft sound. I can't quite make it out, but it sounds like wind…No. A voice. An almost inaudible voice is echoing through the temple, chanting something too quiet to hear clearly. I shiver. The golden luminescence wavers slightly as I do, then holds firm, lighting my path. The soft echo is slowly growing louder.
Unexpectedly, a door looms up in my path. A stone door that appears to have been blasted open, as evidenced by the gaping hole in it. A few faint traces of smoke still linger in the air around the portal, and through it I can see an orange, flickering light at the end of the corridor. Without hesitation, that invisible force pulls me through the gap and down the tunnel.
And all at once, my journey halts at the end of the hall, which empties into a wide, round chamber. A domed stone ceiling, covered in impressions of Maromi, towers high above the room. A shaft of daylight shines from a hole at the apex of the dome, streaming down onto a stone alter directly below. Perched on top of the later is a golden idol, shaped like…what else? Maromi. Big surprise.
But I'm not the only one in the chamber. A pith-helmeted figure, silhouetted by the beam of daylight, stands before the alter, a torch clenched in one hand and a small cloth bag in the other. I can't tell weather the person is male or female, but an image of Harrison Ford comes to mind looking at the scene. I laugh, but the shadowy archeologist doesn't seem to notice my presence. Slowly, hesitantly, the figure sets the torch down and reaches for the idol. Those hands are shaking. It's not a nervous shaking, either.
With a burst of nerves, the would-be tomb raider switches the idol with the cloth bag and freezes on the spot, expecting something to happen. About five seconds pass, and the person sighs and turns toward me, clutching the golden Maromi close as if it were a long-lost toy. Something about the scene makes my stomach churn.
The calm is interrupted suddenly as a low, grinding noise issues from the other side of the domed chamber. From what I can see, a previously hidden stone door is moving upwards, revealing something standing in the darkness beyond. The archeologist starts, turning on the spot to look in the direction of the door. I hear the figure gasp and give a short cry of terror before turning around again and running straight toward me. Confused, I look past the retreating form to see that the door has just finished opening.
There's a glint of gold, and the sound of wheels…Oh no.
Oblivious to me, the treasure thief darts right past and down the corridor. I'm shocked to see that the Indiana-like person is, in fact, an old woman, looking scared beyond belief and dressed in explorer's garb. Panting and crying, she tries to make her escape going the way I had come.
Turning my view back toward the chamber again, I have just enough time to see Lil' Slugger's devilish grin before his golden bat swings at my head.
---
Mia Hamilton shot up in bed, a hoarse cry escaping her lips. Unable to control it, she started to cough into a clenched fist, wheezing and trying to get air. A few seconds passed, and the hacking subsided away. She took a deep breath, let it out, and waited for her heart to stop beating so quickly. She hadn't had such a vivid nightmare in years…
The darkness of her room was suddenly pierced by harsh yellow light as the door to opposite side of her bed opened. She had to cup a hand over her eyes to block it out, and she squinted blearily at the uniformed woman who peered in at her. The light from the hall showed her thinning hair, her long face covered in wrinkles, her bare arms patched with ugly splotches. She used her free hand to pull her blankets up higher on her, and glared sleepily at the younger lady.
"Are you alright, Mrs. Hamilton?" the girl asked, looking concerned. Mia couldn't tell if the look was sincere or not. "I heard you coughing, and-"
"Don't you have any respect for privacy?" growled the old woman. She was in no mood to deal with being invaded in bed. "I'm fine. Leave me be so I can get some sleep."
The brunette gave her an odd look, than shrugged and closed the door. Mia scowled after her. These nurses were so nosy, and they seemed to be everywhere. Sighing to herself, she shifted around stiffly and reached to open the blinds of the window above her bed. Outside, in the little grassy courtyard, things looked pleasant and bright. She could see a few of the home's other residents out there, letting their old bones warm in the morning sun.
But the old woman didn't notice this much. All she saw was the cold concrete walls that surrounded the place, bordered on either side by other windowed rooms. She stared longingly at it. Beyond that wall, beyond the boring and featureless place she lived, was the rest of the world. Free of nagging nurses, of senile neighbors, of medication. Free of bland food and assisted living. Beyond that wall lay infinite possibility. Excitement. Wonder. Adventure…Freedom.
How she longed to be free again. To not be confined to this dull and predictable life away from society. Despite her age, a fire of wanderlust burned in her heart still. In her youth she had been full of adventurous spirit. The opportunity to try something new and unexpected was always hers to try. And now…well, she had her daughter-in-law to blame for her current situation.
She cast one last, mournful look at the blue skies beyond the wall before closing the blinds again. Then she stood up, feeling her muscles creak and her limbs groan in protest. Fortunately, she was a hale old woman, and it took more than a few stiff joints to slow her down. Checking her bedside calendar, her sour mood lifted slightly. It was Saturday, and that meant Will would be coming to visit. It was one of the few times her grandson could get away from his mother, and Mia always enjoyed their talks. He was very intelligent for a nine-year-old, and she loved him dearly.
A small smile crossed her aged features as she shuffled over to her closet and scanned the hanging articles of clothing. At least she had someone to talk to occasionally. Something to break the monotony of her life. In a way, it was the only escape she got…without actually trying to escape, that is.
Now there was something she'd tried before.
---
"You seem oddly chipper today, Mia."
"Was it the spring in my step that gave it away, doctor?" Mia joked, glancing sideways and upward at the much taller, younger man walking beside her. His large right hand rested calmly but firmly on her worn shoulder as they strolled across the sunlit courtyard. She shrugged in slight annoyance to get it off. "And how many time do I have to tell you? I'm perfectly capable of walking on my own! I'm not so damn old I need to rely on someone to guide my steps."
Dr. Nathan Waldon rubbed the removed hand through his brown beard in bewilderment. "Well, same can't be said for your testiness, I'm afraid. Sorry." He gave her an apologetic look. "It's a force of habit. Part of the job description, y'know."
Even though she had snapped, Mia smiled up at him playfully. The two had formed an odd bond between doctor and patient. Not that she needed a doctor. But he volunteered at the home, and they had become friends. To Mia, Dr. Waldon was the only person she could commune with in the whole place. He possessed a lot of admirable qualities.
"Yeah," said the old woman. "I know. I just feel so out of place sometimes. Everyone else here is frail, or senile, or both. And here I am, surrounded by doting nurses and gray walls." She sighed. "You wouldn't understand."
"You'd be surprised," her companion replied. He wore a warm smirk. "I know it's hard to admit, and I'm not trying to be blunt or rude, but you're not getting any younger. Even I think you're healthier than the other retirees here, but you're here for a reason."
Mia cast her gaze downward, watching the cracks in the pavement as they walked. He did have a point, as much as she would have liked to deny it. She was getting on in years, and even her stubborn denial was beginning to waver in the face of the truth; that she wasn't as strong as she used to be, and maybe she did require some assisted living.
The doctor watched her with a sense of pity, than tried to cheer her up. "Well, look on the bright side. There are worse places you could be."
The old woman chuckled dryly. "True," she stated. "I could be living with my daughter-in-law."
Letting that last sentence hang in the air outside, the pair pushed their way through as set of polished glass doors into an air conditioned, cream-colored lobby. A few older residents, with walkers and respirators nearby, sat or shuffled about, going about whatever they were doing. But Mia and Dr. Waldon's attention was drawn to a black-haired boy of 9 years, sitting on a cushioned chair near another set of glass doors. He looked up as they entered, and his face lit.
"Gramma!"
The doctor chuckled to himself as the boy stood and jogged to his grandmother's open arms, receiving a warm hug. No wonder she had been so eager to come down here. Nathan also became aware of a well-dressed woman, slightly younger than himself, approaching them. Her auburn, shoulder-length hair was well groomed, and her heavily made-up face only did so much to hide the sense of smugness and self-importance that was very evident in her hawk-like features.
It didn't take long for him to remember that she was the manager of the place.
Mia looked over the boy's shoulder at the woman, and she had to force herself not to scowl. The woman, in turn, gave the elderly lady a quick look of mirth before smiling at the doctor. "How are things, Dr. Waldon?" she said simply, moving a few stray strands of hair out of her face idly.
"Fine as usual, miss Cannery," he replied, sweating a little under her piercing gaze. No matter what she was saying or doing, that woman always had an accusing aura around her. Might as well put in the good word for Mia while he was at it. "Mrs. Hamilton has been doing well for herself. One of the healthiest residents here. I don't suppose you're here on business, though."
She chuckled, which sounded extremely false. "No. Just dropping my son off for the afternoon. I have some things to do around town anyway. Nasty weather last night, don't you agree?"
While the two talked, Mia had pulled back from her grandson to get a better look at him. She ruffled his hair playfully, and he giggled. "I swear! You get a little bigger every time I see you," she stated.
Will smiled. Most kids would be a little embarrassed by such a comment, but not he. "I missed you, gramma. Mom won't let me visit more often, but I'd like to."
"Is that so?" Mia gave a scornful look to her daughter-in-law's back. "Well, never mind that. I wish you could come more as well. I get lonely here all by myself. Say, have you heard from your father recently? How has he been?"
The boy went on to describe how his father had been doing. Mia's son now lived along the Oregon coast, and tried to keep in touch with his family despite the efforts of his ex-wife to lose any connection with him. Mia, needless to say, rather despised the woman that had once been married to her son, and had no doubt in the mind that she despised her as well. And for various reasons…
But that didn't matter now. The elderly lady now had some time to spend with her grandchild, and forget for a few hours just how confined she really felt in this place. Without these little, seemingly insignificant visits, Mia didn't know how long she could last in the home. In her own mind, she'd likely die of boredom.
Will's mother had finished giving the doctor a polite goodbye, and her gaze settled on her son. "Alright, dear. I'll be back in an hour to pick you up. After this is Bible Class, and I won't have you being late." Her stare shifted to Mia, and a warning look flashed across her face that read: don't give him any funny ideas. She turned to go silently. Mia's loathing for that woman rose every time she saw her.
"Bye Mom," called Will. The boy's face had fallen somewhat.
---
"Gramma?"
"Hmm?" The old woman looked sideways at Will. The two were sitting on a bench just outside the home, with a pleasant view of the rest of Coltin and the sparkling ocean in the distance. Dr. Waldon (bless him) had given them the all clear to spend some time outside. There was a small park just across the parking lot of the senior center, with a grassy knoll dotted with oak trees that one could get a remarkable vista of the town and sea. Most of the residents were allowed to come out here, under supervision. Mia was a rare case in which they felt it best to keep her within the home's boundaries. Again, her daughter-in-law had a hand it. But trying to run away on several occasions hadn't helped matters either. The doctor was taking a minor risk for her sake.
"What is it, dear?" she asked.
The dark-haired kid fidgeted a little, looking down at his feet as he let them dangle freely. "Well," he started slowly. She could tell he was anxious about something. "I…Gramma, why is Mom so mean to you?"
That caught her off guard slightly. So he'd noticed. Well, it was hard to hide. He was a smart boy, after all.
"Why do you say that?" she said.
"It's…easy to see. Mom always seems angry when I ask if I can come and visit. She tries to talk me out of it sometimes, like making excuses or telling me other things I could be doing with my free time. And she's always been so short with you." His words, from Mia's perspective, seemed to be coming out easier and easier. "I know she and Dad don't get along, but why is she like that about you?"
Mia couldn't help but smile a little. "No use hiding anything from you, it seems. Well, your mother and I, we just don't see eye to eye. It's been like that since the day I met her, before you were born." She tried to think of a way to continue, without being blunt about her reasoning. "You see, your mother can be a bit…extreme, when it comes to her religious beliefs."
Will looked at her suddenly, and his face brightened. "You think so too?"
Another surprise revelation for the old woman. They'd talked like this before, and Will had expressed that he went along with what his Christian mother would have wanted because she made him. But now, she began to chuckle at the statement. Confused, Will asked, "What's so funny, gramma?"
The woman paused, sighing away the giggles and staring out at the sunlit ocean. "You're a funny kid, y'know?" She punched his arm lightly. "I always thought…Well, sorry. What do you have to say about it? Oh don't worry," she laughed, as his expression changed again. "Anything said here is our secret. Just between us, ok?"
The nine-year-old grinned. "Ok. That sounds good. What it is, mom's always been real cranky when it comes to talk about God. She tells me she wants me to grow up to be a better Christian than she ever was, and she's always giving me rules about what and what not to do. She scolds me a lot, when I say something she says is bad to even think about. And they're just little things, too."
Mia nodded. It made sense. Will's mother had been very religious for as long as the old woman could remember. It was just like her to try and force the same steadfast faith onto her son. It wasn't that Mia had any qualms against the Christian belief, but that controlling attitude of hers.
Scowling, she said "That sounds like your mother. That's why we don't get along. Because we don't think the same way. She wants everyone around her to convert." She paused again, than said, "How does it make you feel?"
He didn't waste a second. "I feel…trapped, I guess. She won't let me do a lot of the things I want to do. It makes me angry, but I can't argue with her. I love mom, but I don't understand why she tries so hard to make me like this. It scares me a little, when she keeps telling me that I can't stray from this path or I'll go to Hell when I die."
The boy sniffled, and wiped a hand under his chin. He stared back down at his feet again. Mia had a sympathetic frown on her face, and she wrapped her grandson in a one-armed hug. He sniffed again.
"Is that really the way God is?" he asked, a few tears beginning to show on his face. "Is it? Because it doesn't feel right to me."
"Oh. My dear boy." She smiled warmly at him. "I'm glad you told me this. I only wish I had had your emotional strength when I was your age. Now, listen here. Your mother may say that there's only one way to get to heaven, but she's basing here entire life by a religious code. God wouldn't have given us free wills if we weren't meant to make our own decisions. There's no set path, and God doesn't make a distinction between anybody. The greater spirit is as much a part of us as we are a part of it, and the love is there.
Will's expression looked a little more hopeful. "Really?"
"Really. It doesn't matter who you are, or what you look like, or how you act. Your mom just doesn't understand that. I'm sorry to say, there's really not much I can do about it. Just keep an open mind and you'll do fine, alright?"
The child managed a small smile. "I'll…I'll try. It can be hard. But I feel a lot better after telling you all this. Like I said, I feel so pinned down by everything that I barely get a chance to be myself."
Mia gave a quick, sad "Heh," before looking back toward the stunning view. The lighthouse, in particular, grabbed her attention. It sat on a little rise near the sea, and it was silhouetted beautifully against the shining surf. It looked so proud and strong, standing on the very edge of the land and facing the wild blue. Mia had an odd sense of aged grandeur. The simple beauty of the moment captured her, entrancing the old woman with a feeling of happiness.
"Pinned down…" she said, more to herself than her grandson. "There's something else. I only wish I didn't feel the same way."
Someone cleared their throat loudly behind them. They both turned in their seats, surprised by the sound, to find they were not alone. Mia could feel the slight bliss die almost instantly. For there, in her white business suite, stood Will's mother, her arms folded across her chest and an agonizingly unreadable expression on her face.
"Enjoying yourselves?" she asked. She continued without waiting for a reply. "It's time to go, Will. Say goodbye to grandma."
Will stood up, looking concerned. "But mom…" he began to protest.
"Now," ordered his mother, her tone instantly becoming authoritive.
The boy's mouth hung open, like he wanted to speak further. But he closed it, and with a downcast expression he turned and hugged Mia. The old woman returned the embrace tightly. She felt anger and fear brewing inside her, and all she wanted to do right now was cling to her loving grandchild. That…that witch…She must have heard. Heard what she was saying.
But they broke apart, and the boy went to his mother's side. "Go wait in the car, dear," she said, and her avian eyes flicked and locked with Mia's. "I need to talk to your grandmother."
Obediently, Will trudged down the hill toward the parking lot, casting one backwards glance back before continuing on his way. Both Mrs. Cannery and Mia watched him go, but once he was out of sight, the younger woman whipped her head around to face the elderly lade, and her eyes flashed dangerously.
"It's no wonder," she said, her voice dangerously quiet. "I should have known all along. It was you who was giving him such blasphemous ideas and thoughts. What have you been telling him?"
Mia returned the icy gaze with her own fiery one. "The truth, Janice," she growled. "He's just a kid, for God's sake! You're forcing him into a life he doesn't need or want!"
Janice looked livid. "I'm saving him from damnation. And I intend to keep things the way they are. Who are you to tell me how to raise my son?"
"His grandmother who loves him, that's who! I know for a fact that he has no real freedom, just like me! Does he ever talk to you? Huh?"
There was a pause, an almost eternally long one. A slight breeze blew some dark red and bright gold leaves from the trees, and sent them dancing through the air around the two.
"You really should be more polite, you old bitch." Janice Cannery's tone had become venomous. "Out of the goodness of my heart, I let you live in my establishment. You have constant care. You get your meals for free. You have security and safety. I do his, even after I divorced your son. And here you are, trying to steer my only child on the path of darkness." She smiled dangerously. "Heathens like you deserve worse."
Mia's hands, clenched into fists, were shaking. Her teeth were gritted in rage. Sweat began to appear on her brow. She wondered now if she had ever felt more hatred toward a person in her life.
The younger woman continued. "You fill my son's head with lies. There is only one path to salvation, and I will not have him deciding otherwise. Everything else is a lie. And lies need to be put to rest." That cruel smile grew. "Maybe I'll have you committed to the retirement center permanently, so you can't spread your evil ideas into the open world anymore." That smile became a leering grin. "I'm sure I'll think of something."
She couldn't take it. Throwing her fists up, Mia screamed in rage.
"You're only doing this to kill your own guilt! Don't forget, I know what happened! That Will is-"
The old woman got no further, as Janice's palm made contact with the side of Mia's face. The force of the slap sent her sprawling to the ground. Painfully, Mia tried to stand, her cheek stinging painfully. All she could manage was sitting up. And standing over her, Will's mother's face was a portrait of sheer rage.
"Don't…you dare…speak of that!" Janice breathed. "You…You've crossed the line! I'm going to make sure you never go outside again!"
Trying to stand, Mia gave a little cry and fell again. This…She couldn't do that. There was no way. Again, she tried to stand, and again she tumbled back onto her back. Janice simply stood over her, breathing heavily. Suddenly, she looked over her shoulder, and her expression changed from seething to concerned in no time flat. Straining to see, Mia's heart fell. One of the nurses (in fact, the one who had woken her that morning,) was coming up the hill toward them.
"What happened?" the woman asked, stopping in front of them.
Janice took on a slightly agitated appearance. "You people are so negligent! Mrs. Hamilton here shouldn't be wandering around outdoors! Don't you know about her condition?"
Mia tried to stand a third time. Had her joints finally given out on her? The nurse, being the ditz Mia thought she was, said "Condition? Is that why Mrs. Hamilton has collapsed?"
The old woman saw a glimmer of triumph in the younger lady's eye. "Yes. She can't be out in sunlight at all. It's a rare condition. I think I listed it in her medical records."
No…This can't be.
This was it. The end. She's be trapped for good this time. The records would be rigged, because Janice had access to them as manager. Every bit of hope was slipping through her fingers like sand.
Her desperate mind had only one option. With all her will, she forced herself to stand. Then she ran. Ran as hard as she could. Away from the others, too slow to react. Toward the town below. Every joint screamed at her to stop, but she knew the fate behind her was much worse.
A shout came from behind, and she heard footsteps. It was no good! They could move so much faster. She forced herself to run harder. She felt a hand touch her shoulder, and she instinctually thrust out with her left hand. She felt it clip the side of the nurse's face, and heard her yell.
Everything was a blur suddenly. She had tripped, and everything rolled by in sickening colors as she tumbled head over heels down the steep grassy hill. With an "Oof!" she landed, painfully, on her stomach. She was still in the park, and she could feel the grass underneath her, but the edge of it was just ahead. A street, and a residential neighborhood beyond that.
Get up! Get up and keep going!
Against the agony and weariness, Mia scrabbled to her feet and sprinted with all her might toward the street. She dared not cast a look back, for fear they were right behind her. She could her them shouting, but her hearing seemed muffled. She only knew she needed to get away.
The street was empty, and the elderly woman dashed across as fast as her old legs would carry her. Soon, she had crossed into the neighborhood, and was out of sight.
---
I need to get away…
The old woman walked, tired beyond measure, down a dark street, the only light coming from the streetlamps overhead. Besides her footsteps, only the chirping of crickets broke the silence. Her body wanted so badly to rest, but she forced herself to keep going. She had to keep going.
"Even I think you're healthier than the other retirees here, but you're here for a reason"
If they found her, she'd never be free again. They'd take her back to the place she'd grown to despise. There was no hope. She would run and run, but she had no strength. She was old, and she felt that now more than ever. Weak and exhausted.
What am I going to do?
She'd wandered blindly through the town for hours, and still could find no solace. She knew she'd be caught eventually. She couldn't' allow that. And yet, what say did she have?
I can't stop…
A loud horn broke through the still of the evening, and Mia was suddenly blinded by bright light. Having not realized it, she had wandered right into the road, and a car sped toward her. Thinking quickly, the woman forced her aged body to leap out of the way. The car shot past, not even bothering to slow down, and Mia landed hard on the curb. She cried out as pain shot through her knees, and slumped sideways.
No…I can't stop. No matter what…
Fortunately, a stack of trash bags on the curb softened her fall. Lying there, amidst the garbage, Mia felt tears welling in her eyes.
Is there anything left?
Weeping in pain and exhaustion, Mia pushed herself up and tried to stand. She couldn't she had no strength left. She was stuck kneeling on the sidewalk, her knees wounded, her spirit broken.
Help me…Please…
She put her hands down to support her and cried harder. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw a flash of gold under a streetlight further down.
I can't do this…Someone, please…
She could vaguely hear an odd sound behind her, but she paid no heed.
Help me…
It was getting louder.
Help me!
Louder.
"HELP ME!" she screamed, throwing her hands in the air.
It only occurred to her then that the noise behind her, that rhythmic rolling noise, had gotten very close. She turned, and the yellow glow of the streetlight above, had a moment to see a boy on in-line and wearing a baseball cap grin at her before he swung his baseball bat at her head.
---
"Andrew? What's wrong?"
Looking up from the table, I stared blankly across at Emma, who looked concerned. She'd been like that ever since the lighthouse incident the other day. Always on the edge of being worried about me. Then again, I felt like I'd just come out of some odd trance. For a split second, I'd felt a twinge in my head, and I'd clearly heard a distant, metallic crack sort-of sound. But now, I was only aware of the Spanish guitar that was playing over the radio in the background…Odd.
Odd things have been happening since last night…
Answering her question, I shook my head and smiled. "Nothing. I'm fine. I was just…thinking."
She smiled in turn and grabbed a chip out of the little basket we'd been given. "What about?" she pried.
I shrugged. "I guess…I was thinking about the Japan thing, I haven't gotten that out of my mind since you told me."
Giggling, she replied, "Don't get too excited. It's still a ways away."
"I know," I said. I looked out the restaurant's window, which was right next to our booth, and looked toward the dark ocean. We'd made it a little tradition of ours to come to this taco place every Saturday we could, and we typically had a good time chatting it up and eating. But I couldn't help but feel antsy. Distracted, almost. What I had seen the previous night still bothered me. Lil' Slugger…
"You know," began Emma, and she fidgeted a little, "if Trevor doesn't show up soon, we might look like we're…on a date…or something."
I chuckled nervously. "Heh…Yeah. I…"
Fortunately for me (and for Emma), the waitress appeared to break the awkward moment, giving us out ordered drink and asking what we'd like. Trevor appeared soon afterward, and it ended up being an enjoyable meal. Even so…I had a feeling of foreboding. Like something big was going to happen soon. Something dire.
Why am I acting so paranoid?
---
In a dark, cluttered room, a computer screen suddenly glows.
Displayed on the iredescent moniter is this:
Enter Username: goumahunter34
Enter Password: ------
Processing...
Welcome, goumahunter34. You have 1 unread message(s).
-From: horse
-FWD: 0o0o0o0o0o0o0
To begin...
The apprentice has learned the language of the animals. But alas! He is too late to stop the advance. By moonlight, a battle rages on distant shores. The sleeping tiger dreams of the golden shoes, as the ancient ivory tower crumbles beneath the onslaught. The deceiver whispers of dark promises. A lone wolf howls in agony. A rooster hunts the Holy Warrior, and becomes the hunted. Where has the Ancient Master gone to? And then...
---
Well, it took me awhile, but here's the third chapter. I dunno...Setting the mood is hard. I wasn't too satisfied how this turned out, but that might just be me. I'm sure (like the case of my last chapter) I'll come back later with a totally fresh eye and be pleasently surprised. Who knows.
Anyway, I'll keep this short. Thanks
to all who've read and reveiwed. I really appreciate it. I also
appreciate your patience. When I'm pressured to write, it really slows
me down. But you were all very kind to wait so long. Here's hoping you
all enjoy my latest installment. Leave a Reveiw if you feel so
inclined.
Well, chapter 4 comes next! I'll get to it in due course. Until then, avoid being backed into emotional corners...You know why. Mwa!
-Booster
