-takes out a gun-


"Hey there! I remember you two!"

A speed boat was coming up the river from the west, and upon it was whom Gers and Jasmine remembered as Kimberly, as well as her creatures Bobbles and One.

"Hey!" Gers called.

"What are you two doing out here in the middle of the desert?" Kimberly asked. "And how did you get here in all that short time? Did you come here from Chicoga?"

"Yes," Jasmine answered.

"Well, you would have to run non-stop to get out here from Chicoga!" Kimberly exclaimed; her creatures looking curiously at the teenagers.

"We can do that," Gers told her.

"Well, where are you going?" Kimberly asked again.

"Well," Jasmine started. "We wanted to follow this river. We thought it might lead to another civilization."

"Well, you're half right," Kimberly said. "This is Roverone Mountain River. In fact, if you had gone the other way down this river, it would take you to many cities! I would've suggested going to Derka, near Cran Lake, 'cause it's the coolest city here in Carsivall." Kimberly saw that all the wierd names were confusing the teenagers.

"Oh, well, anyways," Kimberly said again. "If you want to go east, then you should hop on with me! I travel this river eastword all the time, and I always get where I want to go."

"And that is?" Gers asked.

"Well," Kimberly started. "This river, as it's name applies, starts at Roverone Mountain. Well, it starts at a glacier in between Roverone Mountain and Clishay Mountain. As you can guess, that means we can't ride this whole river reverse-current. We'll have to get off before Qasd Mountain. From there we could just hike up."

"Hike up where?" Jasmine asked, impatiently.

"My home town, Leona." Kimberly answered. "It's a great city. No real tall buildings like Yendys or Chicoga, but some great sights, and my folks will be glad to house you. What d'you say?"

Jasmine looked at Gers. A city in the mountains would be a great way to escape what had happened.

"Sure!" They both answered.

"Then hop on!" Kimberly exclaimed. "Don't squash One!"

Jasmine and Gers jumped into the boat, and Kimberly started it up full speed. The rushing, fresh, moist air felt good on their faces.