Melody is sitting on a curb. She has just finished reading the book Artemis wanted her to read and was thinking about it. Melody looks up at Artemis, who appeared just a second ago. "I finished the book," says Melody. "Its kinda short, though. How come?" "The author never got to finish the book. They were locked away. That is why the book is merely 15 pages," explains Artemis. "Oh," says Melody with a nod. she looks at the book again. One thing is puzzling her. Artemis senses this. "Is something the matter?" she asks the small girl. "No," says Melody. "I was just wondering, where is Azanthra now?" "Azanthra is sleeping. She will wake up when her other half, the one she sent away, returns. She sent her other half away so if anyone tried to kill her, they wouldn't go through with it when they saw some of her power was elsewhere," explains Artemis. 'really, such a smart child,' she thinks.
"oh," says Melody with a smile. That seems like a good idea to her. "Come, now," says Artemis. "I'll get you something to eat." Artemis takes Melody's hand, warm in Artemis's own cold hands. Melody isn't surprised she can feel Artemis. Artemis must project a physical force, Melody decides, and walks along the street. Artemis stops in front of an intact building. The windows on the second floor are all open, but the store windows remain in one piece. It says June's bakery on the sign.
"MMmm," says Melody. "I like bakery food." Artemis smiles and glides to the door, which she pulls open. "Go on in, now," she says to Melody, who complies. Inside, Artemis sits at a small table. "Hello," comes a voice from the back. A head peers through the storeroom. "oh, its you, Artemis. I thought for a second a monster had wandered into my shop." The woman exits the storeroom. "and who have we here?" She asks, smiling at Melody. "I'm Melody," Melody pipes up. "well that's a nice name," says the storekeeper. "My name is June. Now, what'll it be today?" "Two lemon tarts, please, and a cup of apple cider and a mint tea," says Artemis calmly from the table. "Alright," says June. She heads into the storeroom and comes out with two lemon tarts and their drinks. "Fresh made," says June, pointing to the tarts.
Melody smiles and takes the small tray from June's outstretched hand. She sets the tray on the table and hands Artemis her food. "Such a helpful girl," remarks June from behind the counter, watching as Melody returns the tray and heads back to the table to eat. "Indeed," replies Artemis. Melody blushes. "thank you," she replies, like her Mother taught her. She takes a bite of her lemon tart.
Melody has heard of 'food of the dead' before. It is like food of the living, only the food itself is the essence of ethereal. When Melody first heard of it, she had panicked and asked,"Is that made of dead people?" but Emily had explained it. Now, Melody decides she likes food of the dead. The Lemon tart is delicious. As is the apple cider. "this is really good," she says. June beams. "Thank you. Fresh made every morning," she says. Artemis nods. She has known June for an exceedingly long time, long enough to know June wakes very early each day to make her bread and pastries. June is very big on quality, constantly trying new recipe's to improve her dishes.
"Now," says Artemis. "when we're both done, I'll take you to the post office. It's quite a mess, but there is an article about the disaster you may want to read if you have any questions. Also, It is a good hideout if you're ever in danger. remember that just in case you need a place to lay low for a bit." Melody nods, taking mental notes. After all, her Mother's motto is 'be prepared.'
as they finish up, Artemis offers to pay June. June refuses. "Honey, When your alive, you need money. But when you as dead as me, cold hard cash ain't gonna do you no good," says June with a chuckle. Artemis smiles. "alright, then. See you next time," she calls to June. June nods pleasantly and goes back to wiping the counter clean. Melody smiles. "she's nice," melody comments. Artemis smiles and nods. They walk the first block in companionable silence, when suddenly something dark is illuminated in the mist. It almost has the shape of a human. It ventures closer, and Artemis grabs Melody's hand and pulls her into an alley.
Artemis makes a 'quiet' motion, and Melody nods. The thing continues to draw nearer. Melody can hear its footsteps, piercing in the silence. stepthud, stepthud. 'go away. go away,'Melody thinks. The thing comes nearer. 'go away. Go away. Go away. Go away. GO Away.' the footsteps move down the alley towards them.
Melody has never felt like this before. Every fiber of her being pulses with the command, 'go away.' It is a deafening roar in her mind, and her very heart seems to be screaming it. the footsteps slow, then stop altogether. Melody squeezes her eyes shut. "GO AWAY!" she booms mentally. The creature turns, and begins to leave the alley. Only when Melody can no longer hear the creature does she stop.
"What drove it away?" Melody asks Artemis. "You," Artemis responds. "the power behind your will was so great, the thing had to comply." Melody is stunned. "really?" she asks. "really," says Artemis. "lets go to the post office. We can talk more there." as they start down the street, Artemis can't help but think, 'she is just like her...'
meanwhile, the girl is resting in her room. She suddenly gets the feeling a battle of will just took place. She picks up her bracelet and opens it to the mirror. the mirror flashes green when it sees her. just as the girl suspected. There was a battle of will. 'I was the only one who could defeat the demons,' she mused. 'maybe the time is coming. maybe...'