Chapter Twenty-Two:

"Well, we are fucked."

The words came from Alex as they gazed at the construction of Greendale Community College. It was evening by the time they managed to make it to the College but the lights of the construction site were made of Dalek bodies. So far only one building had been raised but that wasn't the concern. The concern was the group of Daleks burying what looked like a massive coil of metal into the ground where cafeteria of the school would eventually be built.

"I don't think so," Alexys countered, "This kind of…is all starting to make sense. There's a reason we call these things compasses."

"Yeah…it's a codename. That you made up!" Alex exclaimed.

"But more than that. Compasses work with magnetism right? Maybe they built this and used us dancing to create some energy field that magnetized the town and got the compasses to open and start working?" Alexys wrote everything down in her journal as she thought it, "We should do something to sabotage everything they're building."

"But that would leave us stuck here…permanently," Alex frowned.

"Right…but we're already stuck here unless we can jump start the compasses."

"I don't know. We might be able to figure something out. If we get as close to that thing as possible and then act out the dance for the compass…it might be the juice we need. Right?" Alex offered.

"We just need to find a way to get there without the Daleks," Alexys frowned.

"I doubt they'd be able to work during the day without the town noticing. They probably work only at night. If we come during the day we might be able to get around the site then," Alex felt resolute in his suggestion.

"Okay…so what do we do now?" Alexys wondered.

"Possibly find something to eat?"

The two made their way back to the house where they uncovered a mostly empty kitchen. In the icebox they found an old pack of steak while in the cupboard they found an old bag of rice that Alex promised he could make something out of, though it would be something not entirely delicious. While he cooked, Alexys made the best effort of filling in the details of her journal. Everything that she knew of the new Spellman history came to her and she realized that Great Aunt Theodosia and Great Uncle Philip had always been mysterious figures. She wondered how anyone knew who they were but as she jotted down the question she realized the answer.

Writing.

Written history.

Alexys quickly wrote down in her journal what she hoped would happen as if it were actuality—her and Alex making the compass work and getting out of there. She then pulled out a scrap of parchment paper and began to write a letter to their grandfather. In it she explained details of their "long lost relation" and that they were half siblings from a different mother. She explained that they arrived to visit but he was not there and they were very upset. She made sure to add details about them being spinsters and…unhinged.

"Dinner is ready!" Alex called out from the kitchen.

"Coming!" Alexys grabbed her letter and walked to the kitchen where Alex was plating the food, "This smells great."

"It's nothing like what I've made before but it will do."

"It definitely will, check out what I made," she read the letter off to him while he ate.

"That's perfect. But what do we do about burning down the house?" he frowned.

Alexys gave a shrug of her shoulders, "If you didn't do it while cooking then I doubt it's going to happen. Maybe someone else does it and blames us?"

"That would be just our luck."

The two were quiet while they ate their meal until Alexys frowned, "I wonder what's happening to them. I don't know what I'd do if something bad happened to Nick."

"You're starting to sound like him," Alex teased.

Alexys smiled, "That's not a bad thing. I know I kissed the Professor but after all this time? I can't stop thinking about him. I miss him so much. It's like he's become part of me. He's always there and this time that he's not? He's so far away and the thought of never seeing him again is painful."

"I feel the same way about Luke. I keep thinking we should have brought them with us," Alex looked away.

"I thought it would? I mean Nick was touching me. And you were touching Luke at one point. Why didn't they come with us?" she wondered.

"Maybe it's because they're not time travellers?"

Alexys frowned, "Maybe."

The two continued their meal in light conversation. When the evening came they were exhausted and decided to sleep. It was rare for them to share a bed but Alexys was afraid the darker the house got. The slept on complete opposite sides of their grandfather's bed and waited for sleep to take them. When sleep did not come, Alexys slowly began to talk about the run in with the Silent. Alex listened to her express what had happened in the little detail she gave. When there was space for it, he shared how horrifying it was from his end to possibly lose her. They shared a cry and they shared conversation and they shared hope.

When sleep came they shared the comfort of snores.

In the early dawn there was a knock.

Knock Knock. Knock Knock.

Alex yawned, "Who the fuck could that be?"

Alexys stood, "I'll get it. I'm a lovely woman. I'll use my feminine wiles to get whoever it is to leave."

Before Alex could protest she bounded down the steps and opened the door.

"Good morning. I'm a friend of Mr. Spellman here. He asked me to keep an eye on the house while he was away fighting the war. I couldn't help but notice your sudden arrival. Is he expecting you?"

"Why yes, of course," Alexys tried her best to match his accent as she hid her body behind the door, "I am his half-sister Theodosia. I'm here with my brother Philip. He told us he wasn't long for the war and asked us to take care of his affairs. We plan a celebration for when he returns."

"I hope I am invited," he chuckled, "My name is Leonard, by the way."

She looked to him curiosly. He was a young man but for some reason his features were becoming familiar, "Leonard. Do I know you from somewhere?"

"Well, I am the seed. The seed that is planted and shall grow into food for the Beast!" he smiled his pleasant smile.

It was then that she realized who he was. The man that had snitched on her to Nick! She gasped, "Leonard!"

"Do you hear that?" he smirked, "Silence!"

Crash.

The sound of windows smashing caused her to jump which gave Leonard enough time to run out the door, "You will perish! You will all perish and you will never stop the Beast!"

The smell of smoke filled the house and Alexys ran up the stairs as she shouted, "Fire! Fire! Leonard set the house on fire!"

Alex ran down to meet her with the velvet bags and her journal and their phones, "We need to get out! Now!"

"I need clothes!"

"There's no time!"

CRASH!

The fire had spiraled out of control and when they looked the entire kitchen was engulfed. They rushed out the front door but gun shots ricocheted off the door frame. They cowered behind while the heat of the flames licked at their skin and the smoke filled their lungs. A group of young men ran away from the house firing their guns. They waited until the men were just a few strides away and then ran outside and as far from the burning house as they could. They were in time to watch the house crumble as flames consumed everything everywhere.

They dropped to the grass as they looked to the fire.

"What do we do now!" Alex shouted.

Alexys was quiet as she watched, "We go to Greendale Community College."

Dressed in old pajamas the two hiked their shoeless way to the Community College. The whole time they bitterly declared that when they returned to their time they would have no mercy. So far too many attempts on their life had been made and they were not in the mood for anymore.

"This is so stupid! I can't believe I'm not even wearing pants!" Alexys grumbled as she held onto the hem of old-fashioned night gown with hands already full of her cell phone, velvet bag, compass, and journal under her arm.

Alex had to hold up his pants too but he had pockets, "This is unforgivable!"

They got to the hill over the College and were happy to find that it was empty. Alexys sighed, "Thank God."

Alex kept a comment to himself but pointed out, "It looks like they already filled in the coil. We can just walk around it and spin the compass."

"Perfect," Alexys didn't wait any longer. She began a light jog to the grounds they had been recently packed in.

Alex was right behind her though he made sure to look in all directions for anything that could be Dalek related. The last thing they needed was to be caught off guard while they were trying to find a way home. If the Daleks destroyed them in 1941 who knew what kind of ripple effect that would have on the universe. Alex didn't want to think of the possibility. He didn't want to think of never seeing Luke again. He didn't want to think of never seeing Hicks.

They got to the ground and Alex pulled out his compass, "I can feel it reacting to the area here. I think the metal coil really does play a—"

"IDENTIFY YOURSELF."

"We are members of the Church of Stillhet!" Alexys tried.

"FALSE!"

Alex looked and noted that they were both wearing white. He looked to see two Daleks in front of them with no one behind them. He tried a different approach, "We're lost."

"FALSE!"

"We know where the Doctor is!"

Alex looked to Alexys in shock but when she looked to him there was mischievousness in her eye that meant she had a plan. She made a motion with her hands that Alex took to mean for him to get into motion. He removed the compass from his pocket while she distracted them and behind his back he began twisting the compass around his fingers as they had twisted their bodies around the dance.

The truth was, Alexys had made no motion to Alex. What she really did was flick her phone to life and with her thumb pulled up her voice memo. Though nothing with service or wifi worked she still had the other apps she knew she could use. She did not know why but there was a strange feeling inside of her that told her to record her conversation. She knew she was not in a place to question anything and so she obliged.

"WHERE IS THE DOCTOR?"

"We can take you to him," she spoke honestly, "If you take us to 2020 we can show you where he is."

"UNACCEPTABLE. OUR MISSION IS TO SECURE THE COIL IN 1941."

"Oh, that is your mission? I didn't know you took orders from the Silents," Alexys scoffed.

"WE DO NOT TAKE ORDERS," the nearest Dalek snapped, rolling toward her with his gunstick raised toward her.

She stepped back in fear, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm just surprised that the greatest warrior race in the universe is doing all the labor while they do nothing. I don't understand why you both are teaming up. I mean I understand why you would team up with them…I'm terrified of them. I can't even look at one without passing out. I can understand that but why are they teamed up with you? I guess…so you can do the labor?"

"WE ARE LYING IN WAIT WHILE WE CARRY OUT OUR OWN AGENDA," the one further back answered.

"Is it to release the Beast so that it can swallow the void and become the universe?" Alexys questioned.

"IT IS TO EXTERMINATE THE BEAST SO THAT WE MAY CONQUER THE UNIVERSE AS THE SUPERIOR RACE ONCE AND FOR ALL."

"Interesting," Alexys noted that it was a very on-brand plan, "Wouldn't you want to take us to 2020 so we can help you with that plan?"

They were quiet as they looked her over, "NO NEED. WE UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE THE ESSENCE OF THE DOCTOR. THE SOURCE REQUIRES THE ESSENCE TO RELEASE THE BEAST. GIVE US THE ESSENCE OR YOU SHALL BE EXTERMINATED."

"Uh…uh…uh," she looked to Alex.

"EXTERMINA—"

Click.

Alex grabbed Alexys' arm as he pressed the dial button of his compass.

December 15th, 1971

"It worked!" Alex shouted, pulling Alexys into a tight hug of excitement.

"I…I…" Alexys felt like she could still see the Dalek in front of her charging up to unleash.

"We're okay," Alex repeated and as he did Alexys finally let out the air she had been holding. She nodded and hugged Alex back with so much gratitude for saving their life.

"We're alive. We're here," she pulled back with joy.

"Yes, but where is here?" Alex wondered.

"The home of Spellman Mortuary. And you both are trespassing."

All they saw was a double-barrel shotgun pointed right in their direction.

Alex and Alexys looked at each other then back to the gun and shouted, "We know Zelda and Hilda!"

"Zelda and Hilda have been lost to the church for years! You are not taking me with you!"

"No!" Alexys shook her head, "No, no! We aren't part of that thing. Look at us. We're wearing white!"

"You are…"

"We know how to get them back," Alex had his hands up in surrender but his voice had ultimate authority.

The man lowered the shotgun to reveal himself as, "Edward Spellman. Tell me how to get my sister's back."

Alex and Alexys looked to each other with a sigh then proceeded to tell him everything.

Well, not everything.

They made sure to leave out the part about everything being from a TV Show and Alex's threesome. In the new timeline, without magic, Edward Spellman was a gifted engineer that had yet to meet Alexys' mother. In his research he had come across theories of time travel, black holes, space travel, and extraterrestrials. He was not put off by the story Alex and Alexys recounted though he was put off by their inability to explain anything beyond a sentence or two. He was fascinated by the Tardis but frustrated by the major detail being "it's bigger on the inside."

Somewhere in their talk Edward had declared he had a headache but did not explain why. Alex and Alexys simply ate their Pringles and thanked him as he went off with Alexys' journal to make them lunch. The two sat across from each other around the fireplace. The Spellman home had become what they were used to. Edward had also promised that he had spent the last few years upgrading the security system of the house after the events that lead the church to take away his sisters. The comforts allowed them to unwind from all the promises of death that had come their way. It wasn't long before they had fallen asleep.

"Hey, you two."

The feeling of Edward lightly pushing at Alexys' shoulder awakened her. She smiled briefly at the man and opened her eyes. They had explained that they were related but she did not let him know she was meant to be his daughter in the future.

"Lunch is ready," he spoke, calmly as me moved to Alex to get him awake too. "It's just some Hamburger Helper. I'm not much of a cook."

"That sounds amazing," Alex yawned and followed the man to the dinner table.

"This smells great," Alexys cheered happily as she sat down and began to stuff her face, "This is really good!"

"I appreciate your kindness but I know you only say that because you're hungry," Edward smiled kindly, "I've been thinking about your situation, though."

"What about it?" Alex wondered.

"Based on the metal coil that you described as the Darleks implanting at the school—"

"Daleks," Alex and Alexys corrected.

"—and the choreography that allowed them to open at the dance as well as when facing the…Daleks. I believe I can find a way to create the magnetism on a smaller scale. It might damage the compass, as you say, but it could give you enough power to finally make it home. If you'd allow me a chance to look at one of the—"

Alex and Alexys placed theirs on the table immediately.

"I appreciate the trust you have in me," Edward smiled as he grabbed the closest compass, "You will not be disappointed."

Alexys took her compass back into her lap as Edward rushed to some hidden room in the house. She looked to Alex with happiness, "I know we're not anywhere closer to home but I feel better. I can't believe everything that has happened so far. We've faced more than I could have imagined with the Doctor."

"I know. It's…it's so much," Alex let out a breath.

"Oh! Before I forget," she pulled out her phone to show the voice memo with the Daleks.

"Why did you take this?" he wondered how she had time in the middle of facing certain death to record what the Daleks were saying.

"I don't know. I just felt an urge to and I think it'll help us in the end," she looked down at her bowl, "I think we should take a shower. I'm covered all in…the reminder we almost died in a fire."

"So far in our time travel it seems all we've done is eat, shower, and change our clothes," Alex pondered.

"Good idea! Definitely need to change our clothes," she grinned. "I'm leaving my bowl on the counter. I will be coming back for seconds."

Alex chuckled, "Okay, perfect. I'll see you soon."

Alexys was up and out of the kitchen without another word.

Alex realized she had forgotten her cell phone and he considered calling after her but then came to the conclusion that it would be much funnier if he held onto it the whole time and when they returned to the present made her believe she had forgotten it in the past.

He laughed to himself already. It would be hilarious.

In the new Spellman home Alex found that his room was actually Edward's study. He was forced to relocate to one of the spare bedrooms but he was happy to note that it was by Alexys'. Her room seemed to have belonged to Hilda and Zelda's but with them gone it remained empty. The two took their time adjusting to their new life in the 70s. Thanks to the rule of Spellman Family that one must never throw away clothes, the two had lots to choose from. Alexys also took the time to redress her wound and finally take something for the pain though she wasn't sure what it was and simply hoped for the best.

When they both arrived for seconds of lunch Alexys was happy to see Alex in as much tie dye as she wore. The two found themselves genuinely at peace in the new version of their old home. Once again they discussed the desire to save Greendale and then stay in it. Alexys had her issues with having sisters back home and Alex had Hicks he needed to return to but for the moment they imagined a life where both worlds could collide. It was heaven.

Alex and Alexys spent the rest of the day cleaning up the house for Edward. It was clear he had been living on his own for a while. Every few hours he would appear in the kitchen for a snack but spoke few words. He had the appearance of a mad scientist on the verge of a breakthrough. To thank him for everything he worked on the two decided to make him dinner that was more than Hamburger Helper. With the ingredients present they were able to make homemade pizza that ended up being very good.

"Knock, knock," Alexys tapped on the attic door with a personal pizza on a plate just for him. Alex stood behind her with a drink that he had seen Edward taking on his small trips.

"Come in!" the man called in a voice of disarray.

The two entered and smiled to see the room wasn't that different from how Alex had left it. There were bookshelves and tables with piles of volumes that were tossed about. The only difference was that instead of a bed there was a massive work table against the window. A small lamp casted a beam over what Edward worked on but with his back to them it was hard to see. They took careful steps closer to him.

"We made pizza," Alex offered.

"Thank you, so much," he mumbled, "Can you leave it on the table THERE! I've got it!"

The two jumped but followed his instructions, "Did you get it open?"

"I am about to, come here!"

They scurried forward as he stepped back.

The man pushed his glasses up off of his face as he pointed to the work desk, "I made a concentrated version of what the Daleks and the Silence used at the school in your time. Under the table here I have secured a metal coil from the dryer. I used the old toy train set to build a track around the compass here. I have two small trains on either side with a magnet of positive charge on this end and a magnet of negative on this end. I have redrawn the symbols on scrap paper and have them lying around like so. I have programed the trains to move in the exact steps you have directed here and once I flip the switch it should work."

"Wow! You did all this today!"

"Oh…this is nothing. Shall I continue?"

"Please!"

He flipped the switch.

"Oh…it's taking it's time," Alex commented as he watched the small trains move very slowly.

"Hm…It must be the circuit," he moved forward to fix it.

"You know what? Why don't we just go downstairs and eat. We can let this thing take all night while you actually get some food in you and we hear more about Hilda and Zelda and you as kids. How does that sound?" Alexys smiled.

Edward took off his glasses completely as he let out a smile, "That would be great."

They brought the food back down to the kitchen table where four more personal pizzas waited—Alex and Alexys' plus extras they made with the dough.

Ding. Dong.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Edward smiled warmly to the two.

They nodded thoughtfully as they followed. They waited in the living room while he walked to the door. He pushed the curtain back for a peek.

"Hilda!" he shouted as he threw open the door and wrapped his arms around her.

When he pulled back she looked to them with a gentle smile, "You naughty, naughty children."

She was young.

So, so much younger than they remembered but there was an age in her eyes that seemed unnatural, "We have been waiting for you."

"Hilda…how do you know us?" Alex questioned.

"Oh, Stillhet knows the Watchers," she smiled warmly, "Stillhet will always know the Watchers. And I will always know my niece and nephew."

"Niece and nephew?" Edward questioned.

She turned to them with surprise, "They didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"Alexys is your daughter," she looked back to them with a sinister look in their eye.

Edward's mouth fell slightly open, "My daughter?"

Alexys blushed as she gave a brief wave of her hand, "Hey dad."

"How could you not tell me?" he wondered.

"I'm sure there is a lot they haven't told you."

"Whatever reason," Edward looked to Hilda with amazement and then crushed her into an embrace, "I have not seen you in years. Please don't deny me the chance to talk with my sister again. Please, join us for dinner. I will give you what you need but please just sit down for dinner."

"Edward!" Alex shouted in surprise.

"Please," he looked between Alex and Alexys with desperation, "Let us have this chance."

"Is there room for another?"

The blood in their veins ran cold as Zelda arrived through the front door. Edward let out a cry of joy as he wrapped both of his sisters into a great big embrace. Alex looked to Alexys and she back to him as both of their Aunts stared daggers into their bodies. Both checked their pockets for the fob watches that never left them. In their mind the slow train around the compass played through its sequence. They would need at least an hour before it was complete.

They hoped their gift of gab would be enough to get them through it.

It did not.

They all sat at the table with their pizzas before them and drinks. Hilda and Zelda stared at no one but Alex and Alexys while Edward stared at no one but them. Through brief fragments of conversation it became clear that they had lost their parents at a young age. Soon after the sisters ran off to the Church of Stillhet which left Edward all alone. Instead of being bitter he was welcoming and excited though he knew better than to mention the compass upstairs.

Zelda and Hilda left their food completely untouched. Alex cut up pieces of his pizza into smaller pieces with an unwillingness to let go of the only weapons he had. The only people that genuinely ate were Alexys and Edward.

It did not go on for long.

"Do you know you are housing the enemy, dear Edward?" Zelda asked, lighting up a cigarette and holding it between her two fingers.

It was an odd thing to watch her smoke without the holder but she looked damn cool doing it. Alex shook his head, "We are not the enemy."

"If that is my daughter how can I not put trust in her? How can you both not put trust in your niece and nephew?" he looked to them with sadness.

"We put trust in the Church and what is right, Edward. You have no idea what will happen between us in the future. You have no idea the betrayals," Zelda spoke with an indignant tone.

"Betrayal? What betrayal?" Alexys couldn't help but snap.

"You both are liars that will be living under our roof for years with no ounce of loyalty or honesty in your bones!" Hilda exclaimed.

"Where are you getting this information from if you have not lived it?" Alex was entirely offended by the accusation Hilda threw at him.

"It is a prophecy!" Zelda declared.

"That is no prophecy! That's bullshit!" Alexys was angry.

"Language," Edward looked to Alexys with fatherly eyes.

"Enough of this. Give us the essence of the Doctor," in a flash Zelda had her knife at Edward's throat.

"Zelda! What is the meaning of this!" he shouted in horror of what his own sister was threatening to do to him.

"It's a butter knife!" Alex shouted in confusion.

"That only means it will hurt much more," Hilda smirked.

"Give us the essence of the Doctor or he will die and with him your chance at ever existing," Zelda declared her words fiercely.

The two felt the weight of the velvet bags holding their fob watches and considered what to do. There were so many options yet as she went through them Alexys found herself unafraid. She stared between Zelda and Edward as her mind worked through the possibilities. Yes, Edward was Alexys Spellman's father. But she was only Alexys Spellman in Greendale. In Universe A she had a father—one she loved very much! If Zelda were to kill Edward she doubted it would have an effect on her. Alex at her side had the same understanding.

"Tell her now!" Hilda reinforced.

Alex was quiet as he looked to Zelda, visibly judging her in a manner that made everyone at the table uneasy until he let out a soft shake of his head, "You're not going to kill your brother."

"Watch m—"

"I have no doubt you're capable of killing him but you're not."

"And why will I not?"

Alexys watched Zelda and Alex speak as she looked at what was in her own hand.

"Killing Edward will not harm her. We are the great and mysterious Watchers that have been foretold."

"And I…" in a blur of motion Alexys had her knife at Hilda's throat, "…have my own butter knife."

"Oh, enough of this," Edward huffed. In a single move he had Zelda's arm twisted off of him and her body pinned against the table, "Zelda, Hilda, I hoped you had shaken off the heinous manipulation of the Church but I see I have no such luck. 'Great and Mysterious Watchers' do you have any idea how to break through it?"

"Uh…maybe with your own reverse mind control?" Alexys offered.

"AH-HAH!"

Suddenly Alexys was thrown backward against the sink by a quick two shot from Hilda. She threw herself at her and pushed her hand into the garbage disposal while her other hand held onto the switch, "Give us the essence of the Doctor!"

"Fine!" Alex shouted, "Just let her go!"

"Release Zelda!" she countered with her own demand.

Edward shrugged and stepped back from Zelda. She stood upright then picked up her cigarette off the ground, "That was dramatic."

"Get the essence and bring it to us," Hilda demanded, shoving Alexys' hand deeper into the garbage disposal so that she could feel the blades.

"Fine!" Alex shouted, "But Alexys needs to come with me. We have two halves of the essence and we hid them in separate places in the house. I don't know where she put her half."

"Tell us where it is," Hilda demanded.

Alexys looked backward at the youth that was meant to grow into her Aunt and sneered, "Over my dead fucking body!"

"THAT'S I—"

"LADIES," Edward pointed his double barrel shot gun at the scene in the kitchen, "Let up?"

Hilda unwillingly released Alexys with a hiss, "That's my shirt you're wearing."

"Yeah, and I'm gonna wear a whole lot of it."

"Enough," Edward rolled his eyes.

"I suppose you are going to ask us to leave now?" Zelda looked at him with disgust.

"That would be preferable," Edward kept his gaze level on his sisters.

"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed," Hilda stood upright with her shoulders square.

"And why is that?" he asked.

"We brought back up."

The front door was kicked open, the alarm system began blaring, and the shot gun went off. Alex and Alexys dropped to the floor as a group of bodies surged through the home. Hilda and Zelda looked for them in the confusion but Alex and Alexys had already scooted under the table.

"What do we do!" Alex asked.

"We make a run for it!" Alexys replied.

"Where?!"

Alexys pointed upward.

The chair that had been blocking them ripped away as Zelda shouted, "Under here! They're under here!"

The two crawled away and as they stood a gunshot boomed behind them. They looked to see Edward had protected them from reaching hands. He shouted as he reloaded, "RUN!"

"RIP THE HOUSE APART!" Hilda screamed.

Alex and Alexys rushed through the house. There were so many people dismantling the Spellman home it broke their heart. But they could not stop them. Instead they ran as fast as they could up the back stairs to the hallway and then to Edward's study. When they got in they slammed the door behind them and locked it. Alex moved to brace the door with a chair as Alexys rushed to the compass.

"It still hasn't opened!" she nearly cried.

"What sequence is it in?"

"I don't know!"

Alex walked to Alexys to look at the magnets going around the track, "I think they're making the half circles. It could almost be done?"

The sound of the noise downstairs made Alexys flinch with every loud BOOM. She looked to her best, best friend turned cousin with a small shake of her head, "I don't know if we'll make it out of this one."

The sound of steps pummeling up the stairs caused Alex and Alexys to jump toward each other. A strange vibrating in Alex's pocket suddenly got his attention and he looked down to find that it was the pocket knife Luke had given him. He pulled out with a curious look of it. Since he had packed it with him it served only as a brief reminder of his love and so he rarely glanced at it but it really did nothing beyond that. Suddenly it was vibrating from an unknown source.

Loud banging on the door signified their hiding place had been found.

"What is that?" Alexys wondered.

Shoulders were slamming against the door.

"It's the pocket knife Luke gave me. That was passed down for generations in his family?" Alex looked to her, "It's vibrating."

The chair that braced their holding crumbled as men surged into the room.

The pocket knife suddenly opened to reveal a thick and deadly blade. Alex jumped forward with blade at the ready while Alexys cried for him to stop. They eyed the threat cautiously while Alex did his best to grip the vibrating knife without letting go. He felt it pulse in his hand in such a manner that he let go and as he did it twisted through the air and slammed into the hilt into the first man's head. He immediately crumbled as the pocket knife bounced back and landed perfectly into Alex's hand. He gasped in amazement but before he could make another move the other black-clad bodies grasped him by the shoulders and began pulling him away. Alexys cried, "ALE—"

Click.

She looked behind her.

The golden watch had opened.

She grabbed it from its place and threw it toward Alex's empty hand. The compass seemed to navigate purposefully into it as if it had a mind of its own. Alex shook his head in confusion as he desperately tried to get back to Alexys. She shook her head and shouted for him to go. He tried to throw it back to her but in the process he accidently clicked the center dial.

Tears filled his eyes as he looked to his best, best friend.

And then he was gone.

The black-clad group suddenly shouted in surprise as the person they were holding vanished. They looked back to Alexys and lurched for her but as they did a loud shot gun sound made them hit the deck. Edward appeared and swung his shot gun like a bat, knocking most of them in the back of the head, when anyone sat up he simply whipped them with the barrel and climbed over to reach Alexys.

"It worked!" he exclaimed with the joy of a scientist.

"It did!" she looked to the bodies getting up off of the ground.

"Why didn't you go?" Edward questioned.

"There wasn't any time," she frowned.

He placed his hand at the center where the watch had been resting on the table and when he did every hair on his arm stood up. Edward pulled back then grabbed her shoulders and looked at her with genuine love, "I look forward to meeting you the right way. But now I need you to try one more thing."

"What is it?"

"May I see the golden watch?" she pulled it from her pocket and handed it to him.

He placed it at the center and spun his finger around it in a circle once. The thing popped open.

She gasped, "How did you kno—"

There was no time. Edward shot openly into the group of men as he shouted backward, "It's not as strong as the first one! It won't take you as far but it will get you out of here! Stay safe, Alexys Spellman! I will see you again!"

Alexys grabbed the golden compass and pressed the dial button.