I woke up. A blue sky greeted me and soft chirping of some nearby birds filled my ears. I did hear some weird squealing noises, but they sounded just as lovely as the chirps. Strange…
I slowly stood up, feeling the heaviness in the front of my head. Must be the blood rushing in. As I looked around, I found myself on a leveled dirt path surrounded by trees. It felt like one of those role-playing games in one of those monster games. I got on my feet and checked my phone, just in case. Everything checks out okay. Time was the same as before: 6:15.
Wait.
How long was I out? What if time in my world froze? What happened to everyone over there? Oh no! What if Mom and Dad wonder where I am?
Wait! Where's Em? Where's Isabel? Where are the others? Well, the most important question is…
"Where am I?"
I decided on walking, proceeding to go forward. As I walked and looked around, I noticed how familiar that sky looked. The trees looked just as real as the ones in my world. Maybe this world isn't so different as I thought it would be. Then I heard something. It rustled behind my ears and it startled me, dropping my heart like an anchor. I turned as soon as I heard the noise.
What was that?
It was a forceful shake of a bush. It seemed like I'm not the only one here. I started taking a few careful steps towards the area where I heard the noise. I felt like I could sense something was there, but I wasn't sure what. It was probably my senses giving me a false alarm. Maybe it was an animal jumping through the bushes. But something in me just told me that I had to go in, to further my study of this world and just to follow my instincts and feed into my curiosity.
As I slowly crawled toward the bush, it became apparent to me that there was something hiding in the bushes. I could smell something raw and different from the greenery and the silhouette had darker shade than the shadows that lurk through the bush. Positioning myself just in case something happens, I softly spoke to the creature in the bush, "Hey, you don't have to be afraid. I won't hurt you. I have a brother who's a hedgehog."
Now that I say that out loud, I realized how odd I felt. How odd I must be in my own world. How odd I must sound to my peers. But never to my friends, or to my family. Maybe I am special in a way, even though I don't have abnormal abilities like my brother, Chris or Isabel. And meeting Jerry and Chikk introduced me to a plethora of possibilities, imaginations that evolved into their own realities, histories in their own timeline.
Wow.
I looked back up at the creature in the bush, still feeling their presence. I continued, "Hey, it's okay if you don't want to come out. I'm pretty new to this world and I wouldn't mind assistance. I'm a kind human, bet on it."
I got no response. Weirdly enough, I heard no breathing or any change in the silhouette.
Maybe I was talking to a bush and I was making things up in my head. Oh well…
I got up and continued walking down the path. The clouds moved just like my world's. The sun was shining bright and cheery just like my world. The only difference was that in my world, it was sunset but over here, it seemed to be high noon or such. Maybe I also entered a different time zone when I came here. I wonder if they have the same sunsets and sunrises that we do?
Only one can find out!
My mind kept going back to that bush. I knew something was there! Maybe they were going by their instincts and laying low until I left. I don't blame them. I cleared away my mind and found myself at the top of a hill, staring out into the distance. I spotted what looked like a village: little brown and beige rooftops all surrounding a bright blue circle with a white center. That must be a water fountain of some sort. Maybe I could get some assistance there.
The next step became a challenge to me, my first text that doesn't require a pen and years of lessons that I probably wouldn't need for the rest of my life. There were roads that split at the end of my path. They both seemed to be going downhill and there was no telling where the other went. The village was deadcenter of my viewing. Which do I choose?
Ooh, this was really tough for me.
Both paths look the same. It looked like somebody copied and pasted it, but which one did they copy? Ooh, what a toughie!
If only I had Em so he could race one of them and let me know what he found...but sadly, I don't have his speed or super anything. I don't have any superpowers. I'm just a human.
Come on!
There's gotta be something I can do to figure out this puzzle! Wait a minute…a puzzle!
Maybe there's some sort of puzzle that can help me with this! Maybe not an actual puzzle, but something I can connect the dots to. I re-examined the view, studying for anything that may help me. I don't know why I thought of a puzzle but it seemed like the greatest idea for me. I stared at that village, making out a small pathway with a skinny brown line. That must be the entrance, as well as the exit. I followed the pathway down with my eyes, inching my body over the edge of the hill. I tried my best at trying to figure out where the pathway must've lead to. Before I knew it, my ankle gave in and I lost balance. I ended up sliding down the grassy hill, reeling my leg in and tumbling down the slope.
I yelled and yelled as I rolled like a bowling ball and tried to hang onto some trees. Sadly, I wasn't successful and made a small leap just before the edge and crashed onto the leveled pathway. Laying with my face to the sky, I muttered, "Well, that's one way of figuring it out...sort of."
My back hurt a lot as well as my arms and the leg that slipped. I moaned of pain and aches as I tried to pick myself up. The back of my head felt it as well, ooh! There were trees that surrounded the view of the sky above. I went to check my phone again.
6:15.
Strange.
How could time on my phone stand still? Maybe my world is frozen and wouldn't turn back until I returned! Oh no, where are my friends? My brother? This can't be good! What do I do?
"Hello there…"
A voice called above me. I blinked twice and looked at the dark head over by my left side. He looked like a man, short hair gently poking through the sun's rays. He asked, "Would you like some help getting up?"
"Uh yeah," I responded, grabbing his hand as I stood up. He pulled me up gently. As I got to my feet, I looked to the blond man who helped me and said, "Thank you."
He smiled and said, "No problem. Always here to help a fellow traveler."
He had a button-down shirt with a checker vest. His dirty blond hair was combed back and he had a beard that appeared to be shaved. He was a little taller than me and wore a watch on his left wrist. I proceeded to ask him, "Sir, do you have the time?"
He showed me his watch...some watch it was. It was a gold-rimmed circle with a black filling. The circle was filled with a little bead that could resemble grains of sand. I tilted my head like a confused German Shepherd. Maybe I am in a different world?
The man laughed and asked, "Is something the matter?" There was a hint of "proper" accent in his voice. Sounded like he was European or at least from a country that had a European influence.
I shook my head and responded, "Oh nothing. Just shocked, that's all." I cleared my throat and continued, "Um sir…"
"Please," he interjected, "call me Calum. Calum Centauri."
I was compelled to say my name. "I'm Kellin. Kellin Kane."
He nodded with a smile. I finished my thought. "Um Calum, I seem to be lost and I'm quite hungry. Do you know how far the closest town is?"
He chuckled, "You seem to be on the right path, my young friend." He pointed past me and continued, "My village Esquerra is just down this path and then some. I'm sure the folks will be pleased with you. We're used to those who aren't like us."
"Oh?"
What was so different about—?
I looked down and discovered hooves. He's a centaur. Calum laughed and said, "And I thought Centauri was a dead giveaway. My family were one of the founders of my village. For years, we've had human visitors as well as creatures of many kinds enter our grounds. But not to worry, for if any trouble were to ensue, our forces know how to raise the hoof!"
I laughed at the pun. He slapped his back and gestured for me to take a ride. I felt skeptical about riding on a centaur, but I decided to take the chance. I mean, when will I ever get the chance to ride a centaur in my life?
His saddle was a beautiful leather covered seat, with gold thread adorned around the sides and straps as dark as the night wrapped around his stomach. I held onto his back, entering my right foot into the buckle and lifting myself onto his saddle. It was unbelievable to me. I thought I was having one of those lucid dreams.
Like I can actually feel his skin, the movement beneath his skin and his leather saddle. It's all so real! I looked up and saw Calum turning over his shoulder. He asked, "Are we ready to go?"
I nodded yes and we were off.
Wow!
Even the way he walked felt like a horse ride. I held onto the saddle to catch my balance as he rode. I looked around at the greenery as Calum galloped along the pathway to his village. While he galloped, I wondered if Em and the others were okay and safe. Hopefully some of them are together.
Em…
Chris…
Isabel…
Caryn… why did I think of her?
Whatever! All I can say to myself is that my friends are strong enough to defend themselves and we will come together to resolve the issue at hand. I just know it!
"Hey!"
"What?" I was caught off-guard by Calum. He slowed down his walking a bit and had his head slightly turned over his shoulder.
Scratching the back of my head, I nervously chuckled, "Sorry, I was distracted there...is there anything wrong?"
He chuckled, "Oh nothing...just a curiosity."
"Oh?"
"You said that you were lost. Where did you come from?"
"Oh! Hehe...that's a long story."
"We have time."
Ooh, he's got me there! Now what do I say? Do I tell him that I'm from a planet that doesn't have centaurs? But then again, I met Isabel and Chris and I live with Em. Oh, what do I say?
"You're taking awfully long for such an easy question…"
"Oh yeah," I chuckled, feeling even more nervous now. What would he do if he finds out about my origins? Gotta make up something!
I rambled, "I'm from the other side of this world! I was kidnapped but I managed to escape and now I don't know where I am. I thank you very much for taking me to your village."
"Oh," Calum said, "it's no biggie. My people are very kind. You're a very gentle human."
"Oh?"
Calum laughed. "Don't take it too personal. Many people have sat on my back. Some are just as gentle as you are. You have such a...soft touch and you know well how to handle an animal or creature of some kind. Keep that trait with you. I know it will come in handy someday."
Unsure how to take that comment, I responded, "Um, thanks I guess…"
Calum took a turn and started walking downhill. We crossed a shallow stream and soon after, we made it. We walked over a small river through a dirt path and entered the village that Calum lived in. There, I saw many centaurs and horses just walking around. There were huge saddles and barn-structured houses along the sides of the village. In the back, there were big ranches and blocks of different sizes. That must be the young horses' playground. In the dead center of the back, there was a huge building in this ugly, beige-yellow color. That must be the townhouse.
"Well, we're here," Calum said. "Welcome to the village of Esquerra. I will take you to my cottage. I have a guest room for humans like you."
"Oh thank you," I said to him. I rubbed the side of his back and said, "I'd like to get off now."
"Oh, of course!"
He stopped for me to get off. Ooh, were my legs and back gonna feel it in the morning! Seeing me almost tumbling over with every step, Calum held onto my hand as he walked to his doorstep. He pushed the door open and I walked in, seeing the huge space and wooden gated areas. This must be how centaurs and horses live in this world! It felt very Little House on the Prairie-esque...so where's Half-Pint?
The room was well lit, lights hanging around the ceiling and the natural light coming through the open windows. As I walked around, I heard stomping in the back. I looked forth and saw something disturbing the shadows. It crashed and the sound of wobbling metal ring echoed through the silence. Through the shadows emerged a young centaur, her long braid hanging down by her chest. Her hair was as dark as the trunks that held the most beautiful flowers, which her braid held. She wore a white blouse and a small gold chain that held a huge, dark green jewel. Her horse half (still weird for me to say) was a soft brown shade, the lightest of all brown hues.
She walked slowly as her eyes were glued onto mine. Hers were a mysterious mix of red, blue and green floating above a mint green shade. They were beautiful. She looked very timid. I would be too if I saw a human entering my horse-filled village. Calum pulled over a seat for me and I took a seat. Calum gestured to the girl and said to her, "Don't stare. Introduce yourself."
She nodded and said, "Hello. I'm Arabella Centauri. Welcome to our home." Taking her right leg back, she bowed as she spread her arms out. She came back to her upright position and I smiled.
"Hello," I said to her. "I'm Kellin Kane."
I held out my hand and she froze, unsure of what to do. It felt like Em when he first took on his human form and had trouble introducing himself to other humans. It's social anxiety. I get it.
Calum chuckled, "Please don't mind her. My daughter isn't used to humans yet."
"Your daughter?" I asked, shocked as I was.
Calum laughed, "Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that. My daughter Arabella just turned thirteen. My wife went out to get food this morning. It'll be a few hours until she arrives, just before sunset."
"Oh okay," I said. I never knew Calum had a family. The way he looked, I never would've guessed that he would be the father type. But then again, a lot of people said that about Dad when I was growing up. I realized I was holding my hand out for some time and quickly retracted it. The moment already felt awkward, building more tension with each passing moment.
"You must be tired and hungry," Calum said. He looked to Arabella, who got the cue. She walked through a huge opening in the room. Even her tail was twisted into a floral braid, dangling about with every step she took. Calum took a seat across from me, sitting on top of a huge sack. It must be their seat. We just sat silently, basking in our own thoughts.
I thought about it. Calum and his family. He said that his daughter Arabella just turned thirteen, so he must be thirteen years older than I think he is. Calum laughed, kicking me out of my thoughts and calculations. "I know…" he chuckled.
I was baffled at what he could know. Calum cleared his throat and said, "I started my family when I was about nineteen. Arabella was the best thing that happened to me."
"Oh…" I sure wasn't expecting this conversation, but it did answer my curiosity. As he continued his story, Arabella entered the room, holding a tray of food and a tall glass of water that supported the daisy. I smiled, leaning up and reaching for the tray. I said, "Thank you, Arabella. I appreciate it."
Arabella nodded nervously. Her grip on the tray was pretty stiff but she let it go easily as I held on and brought it over my lap. The tray was big enough to be supported by the arms of the chair. So I rested it on those arms and proceeded to lift the cover off the plate. It was a huge leaf of lettuce that hugged a few carrots with a drizzle of ranch along the orange stalks.
Taken by display, I smiled awkwardly at both Calum and Arabella. I said, "Oh, it looks scrumptious. Can't wait to dig in!"
Calum laughed, "I know it's not what you expected but it's a common meal here in Esquerra. I'm sure my wife will bring some dinner tonight."
"Okay," I said. I then asked, "So Calum, what do you do around here?"
"Oh just make the rounds, do my government duties and such. And you?"
"Oh I go to school. I do play soccer but my team is in another town. I just started high school, by the way."
Munching on my carrot, I looked up and saw a confused Calum, rubbing his hand along his left temple. It was obvious that all of this was new to him. Okay, so maybe this world is a bit different than mine…
"Soccer?" Arabella asked. "High school?"
Ooh, what did I get myself into?
"And what town is this?" Calum asked.
I stammered for an answer, but I couldn't think of one at the moment. I quickly looked at my phone and so far no notifications. I'm not even sure if I could get service over here.
6:15pm.
I studied that for a moment, and then I remembered Calum's watch. The sand in his watch was moving when I last saw it. Something strange was going on and I had to find out.
"Why are you looking at that flashlight?" Arabella asked. I looked at her and responded dumbly, "This isn't a flashlight. It's my phone."
She laughed. "A phone?"
She pointed to the box attached to the wall. It was one of those phones from the sixties or so. I remember seeing it in one of those old variety shows. I smiled and said, "Well, where I came from...you won't believe how far my world has come to."
"Your world? I thought you came from the other side of our world," Calum said. His words sounded harsh and he had a right to be. Damn, my words are getting me in more trouble than Em's speedy mishaps! What do I do?
Wait!
I think I got something…oh yeah, it could work.
Calum got up on his hooves and asked. "What did you say your name was?"
"Kellin Kane."
"Huh...why does that sound so familiar?"
"Perhaps we should check the archives, Father," Arabella suggested. Calum took a step forward and said, "Yes, let's check them out."
Well...I guess I won't be needing to transport myself through another world. We walked out of the house and there were more horses and centaurs around. Strange. Calum told me that humans usually come here, so where are they? I didn't make it too much of a big concern. Instead I proceeded with Arabella and Calum to find those archives. I knew when I repeated my name to Calum, there was a can of worms that I was about to open.
We walked up to the big ugly yellow building. It was a barn-like house, but it looked dusty and worn-down, like it went through a few storms back in its day. I asked Calum how old the building was. Calum laughed, "My great-great grandparents grew up there. So maybe a couple decades."
"Wow…" I said to myself. I was still feeling pain from my ride with Calum, but my legs are handling it well. It's nothing that a soccer player can't handle! We walked up the ramp and Calum knocked on the yellow wooden door. There was a small white bordered box above the center of the door. It was set at eye level. That must be how they do security checks around here.
The small yellow door opened into the darkness and a human eye was seen through the opening. I was sure that it was a woman because of the accurate eyeliner that surrounded the eye. Also, I can only imagine a woman would have such beautiful hazel eyes, small red and blue stripes floating on top of the blue-green iris. However…
"Calum Centauri?" The voice from behind the door questioned. Calum nodded. The deep voice asked, "Who else is with you?"
"My daughter and a visitor," Calum answered. The eye looked at us, swaying side to side. When the eye landed on me, it widened and the door was closed. A clunking or two could be heard from behind the door and we were let in by a centaur. He dressed a little more classy than Calum and his horse half was a smooth silky black. The shine from the outside light and the huge chandelier from above went over the skin of his back half like someone waving the most beautiful of silks. It was beautiful to see.
We walked forward toward the front desk, where an elderly woman with the whitest and brightest hair were gelled up like an ice cream cone. I swear she could be a villain from one of those movies. Her lips were as red as the roses seen on a floral crown I remember seeing years ago...her.
"May I help you?" Wow, she even has that old lady voice, like Julia Child without the accent.
"Hello, I am Calum Centauri," Calum introduced himself. He turned to us and I made my debut. When I told her my name, her blue eyes widened with disbelief. She looked at me again, her eyes growing cold and shocked. She took off her glasses and repeated in an urgent whisper, "Kane?"
I nodded.
She immediately sprung up from her chair and left through the back door on her right. Her desk was in front of a polished brown wall with a painting of some landscape hanging in the middle. The frame was a beautiful decorated gold with black lining. The design represented that of nobility and class. I remember Mom's family having the same picture frame but the gold plates were mostly scratched due to age. Still, it was nice to see something that reminded me of my world.
The longer I stared at the frame, the more guilt and sadness filled up inside of me. My stomach didn't feel alright and my throat was tightening. My head was feeling heavy and something just told me that this day wouldn't end right. Oh, what's gonna happen? What will they do to me if they find out my identity? Also, what did Dad have to do with this world? Did he do something bad? Oh no! Don't take me hostage!
My eyes were closed for the moment but they snapped open at the slam of a book. I was startled for a moment, seeing the woman back at her desk but this time, she was standing with a huge book on her desk. The book had a thick brown exterior, sandwiching probably a thousand beige white pages, little threads poking out through and here. The cover had a gold thread lining out the border in such a precise and accurate direction, perfecting each perpendicular corner. It was easy to tell that this book had some age since the gold thread seemed to have some of its strands poking out and curling back along the edges.
The woman looked down and proceeded to open the book to the appropriate section, "K", I'm assuming. She started flipping through the pages and stopped, using her long, wrinkly talon of a finger to draw an invisible line down those tiny, nearly faded words of mahogany. There were some bold words near the spine and the center of the page. This must be the archives that Arabella spoke about. What will they reveal about my father? Oh Dad, what did you do that I must pay for?
The anxiety started to rumble within me and I felt too nervous to move a muscle. Oh alright, Kellin. Don't get too flustered. We don't know what the archives may reveal. Who knows? Maybe it's a wrong Kane?
Suddenly, a warm touch covered my cold fist. It shocked me for a moment and I turned over my shoulder. It was Arabella. Her smile was present on her fair skin and her hazel eyes brought me a kind of energy that relaxed every part of my body. I let out a deep sigh and I smiled back. It was my way of thanking her for helping me calm down. I do this to all my friends.
I turned back and the woman was staring at me, as if I took five minutes too long. She said to me, "Do you know Elvin Kane?"
I nodded. "He's my father."
She gasped. "Are you for real?"
I nodded. What would she need as proof? My birth certificate? Time machine to go back to the day I was born?
She sat down, leaned back in her chair and she could be heard opening up a drawer. She searched for something and leaned forward, closing the drawer. She handed me a box that was wrapped in brown paper and that string you usually see from the bakery. I received the box in my hands and I asked, "What is this about?"
"I do not know," she answered. She continued, "But I do know that a kin of Elvin Kane was destined to receive it and here you are."
"Oh?"
I was confused. Destined? A kin of Elvin Kane?
I asked, "Do you know anything about my father? I mean, if he's in the archives, there should be more info than just this box."
"Listen!" She slammed her hands on the open book. Calum, Arabella and I took a step back. She raised her voice at a harsh level, almost to make me or Em cry, "All I was told was that a kin of Elvin Kane was destined to receive this box so just take your damn box and leave!"
"Alright, alright, okay!" I backed up. I was baffled at how quick she reacted. Why was she so angry? The hell did I do? The hell did Dad do?
I heard hooves marching behind and I turned over. It was the centaur with the beautiful eyes. He asked, "Is there anything wrong?"
Before she could say anything, I spoke up, "No, we're just about to leave."
Without waiting for Calum or Arabella, I proceeded to walk around the other centaur and left the building. I started walking toward Calum's house, where I saw a cream-colored centaur with bags of long orange stalks along her saddle. That must be Calum's wife.
Calum called after me and the centaur at the door looked over. Her confused and shocked look was enough introduction for me. When I finally made it up to her, I smiled and waved. She still looked at me like I was some alien with tentacles and four heads.
I cleared my throat and greeted, "Hello, I'm Kellin. You must be Calum's wife."
She raised one eyebrow at me and her mouth showed some disgust. Calum galloped behind me and panted a bit. He said to his wife, "Ida, he's someone who was lost near the woods. I told him he could stay for a while until he found his way back."
She looked up at Calum and nodded slowly.
"As if this week hasn't gone crazy enough," she said, proceeding to enter through her home. I gave her a strange look as she passed and I looked up to Calum.
Calum shrugged, "It's been a wild week for all of us."
I followed Calum into the house. The tail of Calum's wife brushed against the turn of the corner, small strands of reddish-brown dancing along the natural light through a high window. "Ida," Calum called after his wife. He turned to me and said, "Take a seat for a moment. My wife and I will figure something out."
And so I did, watching Calum gallop into the kitchen. I heard some conversation, but it was hard to decipher what they were saying. Damn, if only Em were here.
I turned over to see Arabella by my side. She seemed to be concerned and it must be about me. Her hand touched mine and I looked up to her. She had that same smile on her face. I smiled back and responded, "Arabella, it's okay. I'll be okay. I'll find my way back home."
"I know…" she said. The softness in her tone sounded like she still didn't feel okay about me. There was something that she was holding back and I wondered what it was. Was she still not used to seeing a human in her home? I know I was baffled when I found out that there are talking creatures other than my brother. Or that one of my friends is a dragon hybrid or that my other friend is a wizard...damn, my life really has taken a huge turn.
"Hey!" There was a sudden chirp in her voice that made me jump in my seat. I looked at her again and she giggled. She continued her thought, "I was thinking about what happened at that place. That lady seemed to be hiding something."
"Yeah, I thought the same thing too." I looked forward, rubbing my chin as I thought about it more.
"Well...I'm not one to think like this, but what if we find it out ourselves?"
"What?" I stared at her once more. "Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"
She smiled even bigger, holding back her giggle. I chuckled back and liked the idea. Yeah, it was risky but this isn't my world. What security do they have here? That building shouldn't be so hard to get into! She came close and started whispering her plan.
I started taking in what she was saying, taking me back to before I was transported into this world. Isabel, Em, Caryn, Chris and I all gathered together to discuss our plan to solve Jerry's problem and settled Chris's rivalry with his brother. Suddenly, the adrenaline and that giddy feeling started to return. It was the same sensation I receive at my soccer games. I just love it so much!
"And what are you two laughing about?" Calum disturbed us, leaning against the side of the threshold. He had a great smile on his face. I laughed and said, " Oh, it was nothing. Arabella was telling me a joke."
"Oh!" Calum laughed and proceeded to enter across the living room. He stopped at the ladder in the corner and turned over his shoulder. He called out to me, "Hey, come on up! I'll show you your room for the night!"
"Oh really? Thank you! All of you are too kind to me!"
I got up and followed up the ladder. The room had much more space than the living room, but looks can be deceiving. There was enough headway for me to stand, but I had that feeling that I might be dizzy if I stood for too long. Instead, I lay low and crawled to explore my new bed and looked across to see a mirror and a set of drawers. This must be where I place my clothes and such. Sadly, I didn't pack anything with me.
Calum called out, "I hope you enjoy your new room! My wife and I will be preparing dinner!"
Laying down on the bed, I turned over and shouted, "Okay! Thank you for everything!"
I heard him laugh a little bit as he walked away. I stared up at the wooden ceiling, spotting every little dust particle floating along the ray of the sun. I followed the trial of the light and saw a small crevice through the boards. I felt like I was living in some old movie in the 1800s. Of course, the people are far different than what I would've expected. I mean, I see no cowboys or farmers. Just some people, horses and centaurs coexisting. Seems like a world that was meant to be, but there's sure to be some problems. Conflicts between humans and animals? It's inevitable.
I'm no trouble. I mean, I barely know anything about this world and now I have a package that I was destined to receive. Destined…
What did she mean by that?
I shut my eyes and gave into my fatigue. Suddenly, I remembered years back when Dad took us to some stables out in Queens. I remember the exit and driving into that parking lot. I remember him helping me up on the horse and leaning over the wooden barrier, smiling as I rode around. Little eight year old me being watched by my good ol dad. I always wondered why he drove us there…
But of course!
Wait a minute! So this package was there...for years to come? How old are these people? How old was he when he came here?
I checked my phone again and it was 6:15pm.
I put my phone at the side and closed my eyes again. This time, I took a snooze, succumbing to my fatigue and tense body. I don't know how long I slept for, but I do remember what I dreamt about. Yeah…
I was on the trail where I woke up. I got up and heard voices. Voices I could recognize.
Hey, it's my friends!
I turned around and there they were, running up to me. I ran up to them, catching Em in my hands and feeling his soft yet spiky fur against my warm skin and clothes. We spun around a few times and I finally released him. I turned over and saw Chris grabbing me, holding me into an embrace. I wrapped my arms around his back and we both laughed. When we let go, I looked over again and saw her.
Her long hair, flowing and dancing along the wind she carried as she ran toward me. Her smile, brighter than a thousand suns and radiating with every beam of happiness and joy that could end wars. I could feel her arms grabbing onto my back and her body pushing mine as I tumbled back a bit. I could hear her laugh in my ear as we spun for a while. She finally caught her feet on the ground and looked at me. Her sparkling sapphire eyes stared into my autumn burning brown eyes. She looked so pretty in that light. If I could…
Ah!
My eyes snapped wide open. My heart was pounding and I could feel the blood rushing to my head. I stared up at the ceiling and saw that the sun had already set. Was I asleep for that long?
I turned over and saw a tiny white line curve below. I whispered, "Arabella?"
She took a small gasp and whispered, "I hope I didn't wake you. My parents are finally asleep. Would you like to go through with the plan?"
I thought about it for a moment and I smiled. Yeah, let's do it.
I came down and we snuck out the front. I was sure to take the box with me, just in case. The moon was everyone's nightlight. Not a single creature was stirring but she and I. It was pretty cold, colder than what a usual autumn night would be in New York. Before I took another step, I felt her hand. It was sweaty and cold. I looked over and she looked scared. Maybe this was her first time sneaking out.
I smiled and said, "Don't worry. We're going to be okay. We'll be home before you know it."
Arabella nodded. We proceeded to the building. The doors were locked and so were the cellar door next to the ramp. Arabella felt embarrassed, but I had an idea. I walked around and found it: a half cracked open window. Aha! Just my luck!
I signaled for Arabella and she saw it. She bit her lip and explained, "I can't go in there. My horse half won't fit through."
"No worries…" I winked. "I'm just a step ahead of you!"
I looked around and found a huge stick nearby. I picked up and used it to forcefully open the window myself. It was a little high for me to crawl through but no worries...I always got a plan. I turned to Arabella and had her positioned just beneath the window. Carefully, knowing that she doesn't have a saddle, I climbed on top of her back and reached for the window. Once my hands caught the sill, I made a small jump off her back and pulled myself through.
I landed on the floor safely, not to make any sound. I got up and looked out the window. I called out to Arabella, "Hey, come around to the front! I'll unlock the door."
She nodded and made her way. I turned around to the darkness and said to myself, "If I find myself out through here…"
I pulled out my phone and turned on the flashlight. It was huge shelves and shelves of books and poking out paper. I must be in the library section of this place. I started searching around, hoping to find the K section. Ah, here!
By a count of my eyes, I would assume that there were 26 shelves in this room and that I should find my father's name in these collections. I started counting through the names. Oh come on, Kane shouldn't be hard to find…
Ka…
Kabeel…
Kabullah…
Ka'Che…
Kai…
Kameron…
Ah, here we go!
Kane!
I pulled out the huge book that read "KANE" on its huge golden spine. That's strange. When that lady pulled out the book, it was basically a dictionary of all surnames beginning with K. Why wasn't I shown this? Oh I gotta find out something!
I took a seat with the book that probably had the same weight as my backpack during final preps. Turning the page with my left and holding the light with my right, I searched through the people and creatures that shared the Kane surname. Oh here! Elvin Kane…
Hey, he did look like me back in the day...maybe that's where I get my good looks from! I examined his section thoroughly. His date of birth, blood type, where he was born...it was like he was a citizen here or some man of nobility! Whatever did he do to deserve this notability?
I went down and discovered a few headlines about him. Let's see how great Dad really is! MAN SAVES MAYOR'S FILLY FROM CREEK was the first headline and there was a photo of my dad, all drenched and soaked, smiling there with a huge horse with small-rimmed glasses and a smaller horse on the other side. I looked at the caption and read, "Elvin Kane of Earth stands with Mayor Colt and daughter Geraldina. Kane saved Geraldina from drowning in a nearby creek hours earlier. Mayor Colt is grateful for humans like Kane."
"Humans like Kane…" I remember myself saying that night. What did Mayor Colt mean by that? Is he still around? Wait, of course! A date! That would let me know when exactly Dad was here! I searched for it, but found no luck. It was just seasons and no specific dates or anything. What am I even doing here? Did I really sneak into a library just to find nothing? Of course not!
I read through the other headlines, learning about the heroics Dad spent here and learnt that he was in his early twenties. So definitely before he met Mom and had us. Was Uncle Dumm with him? That would make sense.
Now what was Dumm's last name? Nite!
Before I was able to get up, a folded piece of paper fell against my arm. I looked down and picked it up, unraveling its mystery. How did I not notice that? Must be the late night that it is…
It was some strange drawing, like an outline of some shape. I looked closely and realized my dad's handwriting throughout the paper. There were strange names and then there was one I recognized: Esquerra. Was this a map to this world? I looked at the huge words at the top of the page.
"NEW WORLD"
Oh my god…
I have to find Dumm's file here! I dropped the book and raced for the N shelf. I searched for the name but led to no luck. So Dad was the only one I know who came here? Who else? Who else?
Ah, Chris Gallagher! I remember Dumm mentioning him!
He's the one who has Jerry's brother! Maybe I could find some clues on that case as well!
I ran for the G shelf and Gallagher wasn't that hard to find. In fact, half the book was on him. Well, talk about luck!
There was so much information about him: how he found the world of talking creatures and human hybrids. It was so interesting to learn about a man who discovered talking woodland creatures when it's my dad who has a talking hedgehog for a son. I kept on reading and discovered so much about him. Then one headline paused me.
MAN CREATES FIRST CREATURE
Is this article what I think it's about?
No.
No, it can't be. Nah, it ain't true!
No, stop! I haven't even read the article yet…
I flipped to the next page to read more about this subject. Never have I doubted a man so much in my life. The more I read through this article, the more I held back my own tongue to shout, "Bullshit!" at this man. How dare he take credit for my father's work. Dad and Uncle Dumm were there when Em was created! How could this man claim that Em was his project?
I took my phone and took photos of the pages. To my dumbassery, I didn't put my phone on mute and shutter noises echoed through the silent library. My heart dropped like an anchor. I immediately snapped up, turning around to see if anybody was there.
Before I could take a deep breath, I heard footsteps. There weren't hooves. They sounded like human steps. Oh crap, what if it's that old lady from earlier? What could she be doing at this hour? Is this her home or something?
Suddenly, I heard the doors open and I immediately turned off the light on my phone. I halted my breathing and stayed as still as a statue while I heard those footsteps move around the library. I knew I needed a place to hide but with the way my position was, I could easily make a huge noise.
Damn, I need a plan or I'm toast!
I looked through the spaces between the book tops and the shelf. I could see a flashlight waving around but the pace of the person was slow. Now I had an idea. I slowly placed the book on the floor and lowered myself so I can walk backwards using my hands and feet. I carefully placed the box on top of my stomach, extremely cautious not to topple it over when moving. Whenever the light left my area, that's when I made my crawl. I looked behind me to see an aisle just before the wall. Perfect.
Carefully feeling for any obstacles with my hands, I successfully made it to the aisle. The flashlight person was still roaming through, making it to the G shelf. As soon as that light hit the books, I escaped into the darkness. Yeah, I made a slight noise but what are my shoes to do?
Just as my luck, as soon as I was about to move, my phone slipped out of my pocket. Should've placed in my jeans pocket. It slammed against the floor and I looked up to see the paused flashlight. I could make out a bit of a silhouette through the limited space. I saw a bit of face outline and it looked familiar…
Why?
Suddenly, the flashlight turned around and I pulled back, hitting my shoulder against the side of the shelf. I so badly wanted to curse it out, but I had to hold my breath in. My phone and the hit against the shelf were enough to introduce myself to this person. Great! What can I do now?
I lay low, just enough to escape the flashlight's fractured beam. I quickly placed my phone into my pocket and crawled back as far back as I can. I looked up and saw that I was near the huge open doors. Yes! I'm almost out of here. I wonder if Arabella is still out there…
Oh crap!
What if they caught her waiting outside? Oh no...what have I done? I can only hope for the best. I got on my feet and was no longer crawling backwards. I waddled the best I could over to the open doors. The floors creaked a bit and I gently pushed some books out of the way. I grabbed onto the threshold and looked over to see the flashlight was facing the back.
My heart started to relax and I proceeded to enter the darkness. Raising myself up, I started to pick up speed until I banged my hip against the side of some object. It must've been the desk that was from earlier. Now I know where I am!
I ran to my left and opened the doors. I jumped out and found myself in a quiet place that was Esquerra. I looked around frantically for Arabella and caught her by her shadow. I ran up to her and whispered, "Arabella?"
She poked her face through the darkness, entering the moonlight. She was visibly scared. I smiled and said, "Hey, we're safe now."
I heard huge thudding from the building and we looked over. It was the flashlight guy. He stepped out, turning off his flashlight and looking around. We were about to run until I noticed something strange yet familiar. His ponytail, his nose...it didn't take me long to realize that that was the same guy who let us in! The only difference was that he wasn't a centaur. He was a full-on human! Why would he disguise himself like that?
He turned around to our direction and we went for it, entering the forest behind Esquerra and running as fast as we could. I didn't need to ride Arabella because I was holding some important stuff in my hand. Oh yeah, the map, some dusty old papers I found from my dad's section and Gallagher's. I wasn't going to leave without taking something for the ride.
We jumped over roots and branches and I swooped under hanging vines and thick branches. Man, I haven't run like this since the last soccer season, especially due to Chris's enrollment there. Damn, he really brought the beast out of me. Soon, we escaped the forest and found ourselves upon a hill. Tired and exhausted, I let myself drop on the cool, green grass, looking straight up at the rising moon.
Arabella, who was tired as well, laid down beside me and I could feel her eyes on me. I was so exhausted and fatigued that I couldn't hear Arabella's laughter over my heart's huge pounding. I wonder why she was laughing…
To be honest, I would too and so I did. We laughed together. I looked over to her and her laughter became a nervous chuckle. She looked away, fixing her braid and pushing the strands behind her ear. I rolled my head back to the sky, examining all of the stars and misty clouds passing by. I reached for my phone and checked the time.
6:16.
So that was it? Oh a whole new day has started? If I understand correctly, every minute that passes on my planet, a new day passes here? I picked myself up and turned on my flashlight. I took out the map I got from the library and viewed it again. Arabella got close to me and looked at the map. She pointed to her town and said, "This is where we are."
"Nice clue," I sarcastingly responded. I looked at the other names. That's when I asked her, "How old is your town?"
"I don't know," she answered in disappointment. "My father would have a better answer. He's very knowledgeable about the founding families, especially our own."
"And who is the mayor?"
"The mayor? I only know of two. Our previous mayor was Dean Gallagher and our current one is Ferns Aldridge."
"Gallagher?" Could he be related to Chris Gallagher?
"Why do you ask?"
"Oh nothing...um, do you know of a Mayor Colt?"
"Oh, he was one of our first mayors here. Great soul who passed peacefully...but I do not know much about him. My father might know this information."
"Alright…" My voice got softer and I searched through the map. I pointed to the name above Esquerra's location. "This town," I said, "how far is it from us and in which direction?"
Arabella was of no help. She never left her town since the day she was born and I don't think she was planning to anytime soon. Speaking of which…
"Hey," I told her, "I'm sorry for dragging you into this. You shouldn't be in trouble because of me. Let's go back before your folks wake up."
Arabella smiled, passing her hand through my hand and around my cheek. There was a weird feeling in my core, but it was very familiar in situations where I thought about her. I bit the inside of my lip as she spoke.
"I don't want to leave you. Ever since you came here, I knew I was destined to be with you. My parents won't understand but with you, I feel almost complete. Can you just stay here please?"
Her eyes spoke of promises I couldn't keep and desires I couldn't fulfill. It was hard to reject, but it was wrong to accept. My heart already belonged to someone else. It was only a matter of time.
I folded up the map, placing safely into my pocket and turning off my flashlight. I placed my phone back into my back pocket and stood up. Arabella stood up with me, cupping my hand with hers. She raised it up, pulling it closer to her. I looked to her and I said, "I'm sorry. I can't accept this. I'm open to staying friends because you're a kind soul and you have been extremely helpful to me this whole journey. But I have a life in the other world and I have friends who I've been close to for years and more years to come. We've only known each other for a day and you've never been outside of your town. It's completely reasonable to feel like this and this will pass on, just like me. I thank you very much for helping me so much, but now I need to leave before anybody catches me."
"Where will you go?" Arabella asked.
"Hopefully, back to my own world with all my friends and family," I cheerfully responded. I winked. She smiled once more and she leaned in. I removed my hand and used it to block her move. I backed up and said, "Don't waste it on me. Save it for someone who deserves it."
She was shocked and visibly offended. Her eyes watered but she held back her own tears. She raised her chest up and she looked assertive and brave. In a more confident voice, she announced, "From now on, I will be brave and strong. I will venture out of this town and explore the world. I can do this because of you, Kellin Kane."
I smiled. I see that my influence spreads quickly. Before we left the hill, she convinced me to open the box and so I did. There was a plastic bag guarding a black case with a white interior. It looked strange for a phone case, especially the bottom portion. It looked like one of those cases that charges your phone...but then you have to charge that case! I applied it on my phone and the screen flashed a few times. After that, nothing happened. That was strange.
I proceeded to walk her through the forest and he was gone. I led her to her house and we waved farewell to each other. She wished me luck on my journey to find my friends and my way back home. After she closed the door, I turned around and went for the forest.
Just as I was about to enter, I suddenly bulldozed by a strong force. It carried me up and I caught the ground with my feet. I grunted, "Hey! What's with the holdup? Who is this?"
In my ear was that familiar voice—no, it was the same voice from before! It was the flashlight guy! He whispered, "Hand back the papers or suffer a cruel faith."
"Oh no, you won't!" I argued. I elbowed him in the ribs and freed myself. He grunted out of pain and held onto his waist.
I turned around and flashed my phone at him. "No, answer my question!" I called back. I tried not to be too loud as to wake up the whole town.
He pulled himself up and cleared his throat. He spread out his hands as if I was holding some kind of weapon. "Alright," he finally said, panting out of exhaustion, "I'm just here to get those papers back. That is very important and shouldn't be handled lightly."
"Oh I agree," I said, "that's why I'm keeping it. This has my father's work as well as his partner's. Now answer the questions I have for you: first, who are you; secondly, why are you disguising yourself as a centaur; and third, why do you want these papers so bad?"
"None of those questions are important to answer—"
"Oh yes, they are! And I have my phone so I can take a picture of you and show everyone the fraud you are!"
He growled and I urged on, "Well, tell me who you are and what your intentions are in this town! How long have you deceived these people?"
"I told you—"
"Bull!" I argued. "I know I was destined to come here and uncover the truth! I may be a human but I got a whole lot of tricks up my sleeve and I'm not afraid to use them!"
"And what would that be?"
"Wish you didn't ask me that…"
He laughed. "Give it up! What destiny do you speak of anyway?"
"When I came in today earlier, I was given a box that I was destined to receive. My father and his partner worked hard and I came here tonight to see that somebody tried to take credit for what he has worked so hard for? Please! I know crap when I see it! I will find this Gallagher and give him a piece of my mind."
"Ah…" he said, "so it's Gallagher you're after? And what proof of plagiarism do you have against him?"
Before I could answer, he gasped, his eyes widening. "Wait…" he realized, "who's your father?"
"Elvin Kane."
He took a step back. "You're the one who is destined."
"That's right," I affirmed. "Not sure what kind of destiny, but I know there was a reason for my coming here! Now tell me, why the deception? Why not be a regular human?"
He laughed, pushing his glasses up his nose. "That's because I'm no ordinary human. Humans haven't entered this world until ten years ago...and I'm not talking about this world."
"Wait...you mean, ten years ago in my time?"
Our time…" he said. "You see, I too came from your planet but, due to a certain event, I've obtained a special ability. As you can tell, yes, I am not a centaur. In fact, I can be whoever I want to be. Because of that accident, I possess the ability to morph."
"You know it was easier said in one sentence."
"Yeah, but I like a dramatic approach."
I rolled my eyes. He continued, "Anyways, since we're introducing ourselves, I might as well tell you my name. I'm Gerald Colt."
"Colt? You mean…"
He finished it for me. "Yes, that is right. My grandfather was Mayor Colt. I heard he knew your father well and I would love to know you...as soon as you return those documents to me."
"Like I said, I will not give anything to you! I'm leaving this town and I will find my friends and my way back home!"
"Ugh, you stubborn…"
"Now before I leave this town, answer me this."
"Ugh, more questions?"
"Just one: if your grandfather was a horse, then why are you a human?" It seemed like a stupid question among the others I had, but I had to test out his honesty. What is he really capable of?
Gerald laughed. "That's none of your concern. My only concern tonight is getting those documents back…"
He closed his eyes, raised both of his arms to the sides and a circle of dust started flying up around him. I had no idea what he was planning but it can't be good. Could he also be a wizard? Would he know about Chris and his family? Oh what am I thinking? He's gonna demolish me!
I gotta think of something fast and quick, but what? Flash him easily with my phone? Nah, just a hard press and a good second wouldn't be enough for what he may have in store for me.
I tried to back away, but the circle started to spread and the wind it carried became just as strong as those snowstorms my city has faced. Damn, I gotta thank New York for that!
Before I was nearly shredded into oblivion, I caught a huge flash of light from the corner of my eye. Then boom—
Gerald was shoved into the dirt. He was definitely caught off guard by what had just happened and it was evident that somebody had intercepted his attack. I looked over and found that ball of light jumping around. It wasn't any ordinary light. I knew exactly what they were. What I didn't know was who they were.
It couldn't be Em because Em's light is bright purple. This light raced with an orange glow, like the transition from orange to yellow on those candy corns. Gerald yelled out of pain, "Oh just what the hell is going on?"
The ball of light crashed into him once more and I think that did him. He stayed down for a while and the ball of light finally landed on their two feet. Yep, it was definitely a hedgehog just like Em, with the exception of there not being a hat. Before I could ask this creature of their identity, I felt them grab my free hand and dragged me through the forest. We made it to the top of the hill, with the great moon watching over us. Giving ourselves some time to breathe, I turned over to the creature, noticing his lighter highlights over his darkish quills and fur.
When I finally caught my breath, I spent it on these words: "Hey, thank you for saving me back there. May I ask who you are? No worries, I'm not afraid of you."
"Huh?" He asked me. He was surprised by the lack of fear in my voice. He looked at me with his shocked eyes and slightly ajar mouth. I chuckled, "I have a little brother just like you, actually…"
I held my hand out. "My name is Kellin Kane. And you are?"
The hedgehog looked up at me, wondering if he should accept the offer of trusting me. I had on my smile and I knew that he would join my hand. He smiled back and responded, "Tristan Quills."
We heard rustling from the trees behind us and it was time to panic and run. Tristan firmly grabbed my hand and instructed, "Hold your breath and close your eyes."
Without questioning it, I shut them. I felt a weird sensation going through my hand and spreading out through my body. It felt like my nerves were tingling all throughout but it was only on the surface. Soon, the weird sensation stopped and I opened my eyes. This time, I could see huge trees of various shapes and sizes. I saw vines hanging about and found myself resting against a tree trunk. It was a huge tree trunk with all of the roots stretched and tangled like a monster with tentacles. Luckily, it wasn't a monster but rather just an abnormally large tree trunk.
It was the dead of night, with some bugs buzzing about. I looked over and saw the silhouette of what must've been Tristan. I called out, "Tristan?"
He seemed to have been relaxing, with one of his knees kicked up and his arm resting on it. He turned over to the call of his name and proceeded to jump down from his place. He asked, "Yes, is anything the matter?"
"Yeah," I said, "where are we?"
"We're in the Dark Forest," he responded.
My eyes widened. Of course, this is what Uncle Dumm spoke about! And not to say her name...I wonder why? Sounds like something some wizard academy would do…
He pushed his white gloved finger against my lips and shushed me. He whispered, "Don't say her name...her spirit still lives and she's hungry as ever."
"The queen?" I whispered back. He nodded affirmatively and suggested that I go to sleep. Now that he mentioned it, I did have a busy night and so much has happened in such a small amount of time. And so I went to sleep.
Hopefully, to a day of victory and triumph, of unity and peace...of friends and family.
I miss you.