The Other Sides of a Mirror

By David Romo

Pedro has always believed his life is boring and that nothing exciting or good will ever happen to him, but things are about to change drastically. Because of circumstances beyond his control, Pedro is now the leader of his group of friends. Now tasked with making life and death decisions for which he has no previous experience, he struggles to make the right choices. He swiftly makes new friends as well as enemies, and discovers different realms that even in his wildest dreams ever imagined could exist. Because of Pedro’s lack of knowledge with traveling through other worlds, he usually ends up in the middle of the of the worst situations. In the past he was warned that “Things are not always the way they appear to be,” and swiftly realizes just how true that statement is.

Steven Boyd and the Blufirs have already begun attacking and make everyone’s lives more difficult, yet somehow Pedro has managed to stay alive. But how long will they be able to survive as they travel through new and dangerous worlds where things are anything but normal? Despite all of this, Pedro has succeeded in meeting a few new allies who are now working alongside with him until more reinforcements can arrive, albeit from another solar system thousands of light-years away. As bad as things sometimes get, Pedro has always managed to make everything just a little more interesting and amusing for everybody else. But with every new world, there are more choices and challenges that must be dealt with.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669835400

David Romo

The Author set out to create a special story the that would be unique, entertaining and enjoyable. In this trilogy, there are new creatures, worlds, challenges, and more friend’s as well as enemies along their way to discover where the clear crystals are located, and to learn what secrets they possess. In this third book, Pedro who is the main human character, with his alien friends Red Eyes, Chris, and Grey Skin are put to the test when it comes to their relationships. In addition, their enemies have begun attacking in new ways, forcing them all to make difficult decisions on what will be best solutions for them to pursue. They are all aware that with every choice they make, there will be a lot of things to consider that might affect their futures, as well as their families and friends.

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Copyright © 2022 by David Romo.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022912105

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 07/06/2022

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Taking Charge

Chapter 2 The Unexpected

Chapter 3 Enchanted Path

Chapter 4 The Good Old Times

Chapter 5 Special Assignment

Chapter 6 Spending Quality Time

Chapter 7 Delicacies

Chapter 8 Mytizer

Chapter 9 The Land of Forward

Chapter 10 Love is in the Air

Chapter 11 Misty

Chapter 12 Golden Eyes

Chapter 13 Secrets

Chapter 14 The King and the Queen

CHAPTER ONE

Taking Charge

It was seven o’clock in the evening on a hot day in Los Angeles. The sun was still shining and Pedro was at home trying to unwind after a long day at work. He had just finished working about two hour’s overtime and his feet were killing him. After sitting down on the couch, he propped his legs on a pillow which was on top of his coffee table. Then began snacking on barbecue chips and drinking an iced tea as he listened to Red Eyes and Chris who were discussing their different strategies and trying to agree on what their next move should be. On the one hand, Chris wanted to attack Steven Boyd and the Blufirs as soon as they came out of the mirror world. She was hoping to catch them off guard the moment they were out in the open.

Red Eyes, on the other hand, believed it would be best if they were to hunt them down inside of the mirror world to prevent all unnecessary casualties and avoid any public exposure. This time Pedro happened to agree with Red Eyes but didn’t want to take sides, so he kept his opinion to himself. However, as he continued listening to their conversation his eyes began to get heavy. Then, before he even realized what was happening, his eyes were closed and he dozed off for a minute and started dreaming. In his dream he was holding hands with Vickie as they strolled along a narrow stream enjoying each other’s company. They had just stopped walking when they noticed there were several large silver fish jumping in and out of the water. As the two of them stood watching the fish, Vickie turned her head to look at Pedro. When he noticed she was watching him, he turned to face her. It felt like magic, because suddenly the two of them were staring into each other’s eyes. Without any hesitation Vickie leaned in closer to Pedro and he puckered up his lips knowing what was coming next. A moment later Pedro was only an inch away from kissing Vickie’s lips when a voice startled him out of his sleep and he woke up to hear Chris yelling, `Pedro, did you hear what I said?` `What? What’s going on? What happened?` Pedro asked her groggily.

Chris repeated her question and asked, `Do you know what’s making that irritating rattling noise I keep hearing in your bedroom? There it goes again. Did you hear it that time?` she questioned him. Pedro sat straight up for a moment to listen and let her know, `I’m sorry, but I don’t hear anything,` he admitted. Chris then reminded him about how her species is capable of hearing ten times better than any human can hear. Then she insisted he go into his room to find out what was making that annoying noise because it was beginning to give her a terrible headache. Pedro wasted no time and got up to find out for her. Soon after, he emerged from his room with a look of embarrassment on his face as he held up his phone for Chris to see it. Then he confessed he had forgotten his phone was left on vibrate mode and changed it back to a ring tone again. As he did, Pedro noticed there were several missed messages. They were all from his mother and he quickly called her back. As soon as she answered, he apologized for not getting back to her sooner and explained about leaving his phone on vibrate mode.

He then asked his mom if everything was all right. Maria swiftly complained about how hard she had been trying to reach him because she had bad news about his father. Pedro instantly went into panic mode and asked her nervously what was going on. His mom tried to stay calm and speak clearly, but as she spoke Pedro could hear her sniffling into the phone. That’s when he knew it had to be serious and he braced himself for the worst news. As soon as his mother started talking Pedro noticed her voice was beginning to shake and he froze. But when he heard his mother say the words, Your father had a heart attack, Pedro felt as if his own heart was about to stop beating in his chest at any moment and he quickly asked, `Is Dad going to be all right?`

`We believe so,` she answered nervously. `His doctors think your father will make a full recovery, but it will be at least a year before we will know for certain. He also mentioned your father is going to be limited on what he can do and will need a lot of therapy as well.`

`I’m curious. What was Pops doing when he had his heart attack?` he asked. Pedro couldn’t see his mother’s face over the phone, but at that moment it was turning a bright shade of red as she answered, `I am so embarrassed. We were in the middle of…` but before she could finish her sentence Pedro blurted out, `Stop right there. I changed my mind and I don’t think I want to know what the two of you were doing.`

His mother quickly complained, `For heaven’s sake Pedro, get your mind out of the gutter. I was going to say I made a bet with your father.` Then she explained, `Your father said I wouldn’t last three days before I started complaining about our neighbor’s new dog that barks all day and night. Naturally I disagreed, and we made the bet. So, if your father won the bet, I would have to cook him anything he wanted. If I won, he would have to allow me to paint his toenails. Of course, I won the bet and I had just finished painting his toenails a bright pink color. It was going to be our little secret and nobody else was ever supposed to know about it,` she said sadly. Pedro chuckled and then he assured her their secret would be safe with him. His mother then let him know, `You don’t need worry about keeping it a secret because everybody else already knows all about it. In fact, I overheard some of the doctors and nurses in the emergency room laughing about your father’s bright pink toenails. I feel really bad,` she admitted. `Your father is going to be utterly humiliated and embarrassed when he realizes his doctors all know about his painted toenails. I can guarantee you that your father is never going to let me forget about what happened,` his mother said as she hung her head down and sighed loudly.

Then her voice began to crack as she started telling Pedro about the onset of his father’s heart attack. She described how his father’s face had turned very pale as she watched him struggle to catch his breath. His mother also mentioned she could see the fear in his eyes as he looked back at her, because he knew it was serious. She confessed, `I have never felt so helpless and afraid because I wasn’t sure if your father was going to make it to the hospital in time,` and she stopped talking. A moment later Pedro heard his mom sobbing loudly into the phone. Instantly, his eyes began to tear up as well and he had to use the sleeve of the gray shirt he was wearing to wipe his tears. Next, Pedro tried to comfort his mother and said, `Don’t worry mom. Dad is going to be fine. He is strong and I am sure he will back to normal in no time,` but he was so worried he didn’t sound very convincing.

His mother knew Pedro was trying to comfort her and responded, `Thanks for your words of encouragement. I feel much better now.` `Just give me a few minutes to get dressed, and I can meet you at the hospital.` `Hold on Pedro,` his mother answered back and then she explained, `Your father is heavily sedated, so you won’t be able to talk to him tonight.` `That’s all right, I want to see him and spend some time with you.` `Thanks Mijo, I’ll see you when you get here,` his mother answered as she hung up the phone and waited for Pedro to arrive. As soon as Pedro set his phone down, Chris put her arms around his shoulders and tried to comfort him.

`I take it you heard what happened to my dad?` `Yes, and we are all thankful Jose is going to be all right,` Chris responded. `Thanks,` Pedro answered, and then he broke down because he couldn’t bear the thought of losing his father again. Red Eyes waited a few minutes before reminding Pedro, `If anything should happen to your father, it will be your responsibility to carry on in his place. That is what he would expect you to do and we would all back you up one-hundred percent,` he remarked. Pedro quickly understood that Red Eyes was trying to let him know they might have to leave his father behind if he couldn’t keep up with them. Although he didn’t like that idea, he knew it was a possibility they would be moving on without him. Pedro quickly thanked everybody for caring and being so understanding. He reminded everyone he needed to change so he could head down to the hospital to meet up with his mom. Then left and drove to the hospital.

When Pedro walked into the emergency room, there were at least a half dozen people who were there waiting to be treated. He rushed over to the information desk to ask what room Jose Reeves was in and they directed him to the intensive care unit located on the third floor in room 325. When Pedro reached the third floor, he found his mother and sister who were sitting in the ICU waiting room and he gave them both a big hug. Then he asked, `Is everything all right?`

`Yes, the doctor is in with your father. As soon as he comes out, we will be able to go back in,’ Maria informed Pedro. `The doctor just walked out of the room,` Lori announced. `Let’s go,` his mother said as she took Pedro by the hand and they all walked down the hall together. The moment he entered the room and noticed his father lying in bed with all the tubes and machines hooked up to him, Pedro sat down on the chair and began to sob uncontrollably. With his mother by his side, he couldn’t help feeling completely helpless. Soon after, a nurse walked into the room to remind them that visiting hours were almost over and they all walked back to the waiting room. As soon as they got there, Lori let Pedro know she was going to take their mom home and bring her back in the morning. `Pedro, are you ready to leave?` his mother asked him.

`Not yet, I want to see dad one more time. You two go ahead and I will see you tomorrow morning,` Pedro told them. Then he kissed his mom goodnight and hurried back to his father’s room. Once inside the room, he walked over to his dad’s bedside. Next, he grabbed his hand, leaned over, and gave him a kiss on his forehead. Next, he whispered into his ear, letting him know just how much he loved him and how he couldn’t bear the thought of ever losing him again. After saying a quick prayer and thanking his father for everything he did for him. He then sat down to rest, but just as he did the door opened and the attending nurse walked in to inform Pedro that visiting hours were over and he needed to leave.

The following morning when Pedro walked into his father’s room, he couldn’t help hearing all the commotion and wondered what was going on. A moment later he realized it was his mom and sister. They were both joking around with his father who was wide awake and laughing with them as well. That’s odd, Pedro thought when he noticed Maria and Lori both stopped laughing and things got serious the moment they noticed him walking into the room. With the feeling he had just interrupted something important, Lori informed Pedro, `Mom and I are going down to the cafeteria for something to eat and a cup of coffee. Would you like us to bring you back anything?` she offered. `Sure, I’ll take a large cup of coffee, with lots of cream and sugar.`

`You got it,` Lori replied and they both walked out of the room. Once they were gone, Pedro looked at his father who motioned for him to have a seat in the chair next to his bed. As soon as he sat down Pedro asked, `So what was that all about?` `I asked your mother and sister to give us a little alone time when you got here. There is something I want to discuss with you in private.` `Is something wrong?` Pedro quickly asked. `Are you feeling all right?`

`I’m, feeling fine and there is nothing wrong,` he assured him. `In fact, I feel very fortunate, because it could have been a lot worse. Did you notice the blue carnations sitting on the table?` `Yes I did. Where did they come from?` `Our neighbor Mr. Tereno stopped by earlier and brought them.` `Really, how is he doing lately?` `He says he feels fine and he looks great for his age,` his father mentioned. `So what is it you want to discuss?` Pedro asked nervously. `Someone mentioned that you didn’t know what you would do if something bad were to happen to me.` `I can’t help it. Just the thought of losing you again makes me want to give up,` Pedro admitted and then he remarked cynically, `I take it Chris, Red Eyes and Grey Skin have already been in to see you today.`

`News sure travels fast around here,` his father joked and glimpsed over at the large mirror that was hanging on the door. Then he whispered, `They popped in a little while ago. if you know what I mean,` and he chuckled. But moments later his father became more serious and said, `Pedro, don’t you realize how important it is for you to continue on with or without me?` `Yes, but I. . .` his father interrupted him and said, `Let me finish. I hope you understand that my heart attack is going to slow me down and keep me from exerting myself or doing any traveling for at least the next six months. So, with that being said, it’s time for me to pass the baton to you.` `What are you saying?` Pedro asked concerned.

`I’m trying to let you know that I will be counting on you to take over in my place. But don’t worry, you won’t be doing it alone. Chris, Red Eyes, and Grey Skin are all willing to help back you up.` `But I don’t know what I’m supposed to do,` Pedro objected. `I am certain you will be able to figure things out with their help and I want you to know how very proud I am of you. I also want to mention that I am well aware of the fact that in the past Lori and Mark have always overshadowed you, hindering you from excelling like I know you are quite capable of doing. So just do your best. That is all any of us are asking from you.` `Really, and how can you be so sure I will be successful?` His father smiled at Pedro and said, `Don’t worry, it will all come together with time and experience.` `He’s right you know,` Pedro heard someone say behind him and when he turned around he noticed the mirror was opened. Then realized Red Eyes, Chris, and Grey Skin were all there watching him from inside of the mirror. `How long have the three of you been standing there listening to our conversation?` Pedro asked surprised. `The entire time,` Red Eyes admitted.

Next, Chris spoke up and informed him, `We are all going to be counting on you to help us plan out our strategies.` `Really?` he said surprised to hear. `Of course,` Red Eyes answered. Then he explained. `First of all, we need you to understand that this war we are in is new to us all of us as well. Sure, we are experts in the traveling through the mirror world, shooting at the Blufirs, and fighting against Steven Boyd. However, we have never had to battle against more than a small group of Blufirs at a time.` Then he commented, `With that said, we are at your service,` and Pedro thanked everybody. Then Chris suggested to Pedro, `I think it is time for us to create our bond with each other.`

`All right,` he agreed and Grey Skin quickly shut the door and Red Eyes closed the curtains of Jose’s hospital room for privacy. Reaching into the large pouch Chris always carried around with her wherever she went, she pulled out an orange colored crystal. It was in the shape of a mouth with a tongue sticking out of it, and then she explained, `This is called the Tongue of Honors.` Next, she broke the crystal in two pieces and gave one half to Pedro and kept the other one for herself. Then she explained how the crystal would change into a chewy gel the instant it touches their tongues. Finally, she instructed Pedro to place his half into his mouth, chew it thoroughly, and swallow it. Not knowing how it was going to taste, Pedro hesitated for a moment but did it anyway. As soon as he finished swallowing his half, he joked, `That tasted pretty good. Can I have another piece?` Chris ignored his remark and placed her half of the crystal into her mouth. Then she chewed, swallowed it, and said. `Now we are ready to make our bond. I will recite the words to you and I want you to repeat them to me as I do.` `Okay,` Pedro agreed and she began,

`I am offering myself as your servant to do whatever it takes to help you achieve your goals. I will be completely honest, faithful, and trustworthy in everything you request of me to do for you. From this moment on, your goals will become my goals. As proof of how serious this bond is to me, I am pledging my life as collateral.`

Upon completion of their pledges to each other, Chris let Pedro know that the two of them would need to be completely honest with each other from that point on. Next, she informed him what would happen if either one of them were to lie to the other person or intentionally try to hide any part of the truth and said, `Both their tongues will be in excruciating pain for a week and neither of us will be able to speak clearly because our tongues will be too swollen.` Pedro quickly acknowledged he understood and then he asked, `Is there was anything else I will need to do or be concerned about?` Chris informed him there was only one additional thing they needed to do before their bond was completed and asked for his right hand. Without thinking, Pedro reached out his hand thinking Chris was going to shake it. Then pulled it back, when he realized she was holding a sharp knife in her hand and quickly asked, `Just what are you planning to do with that knife?`

`It’s no big deal. We just need to cut off each other’s right thumbs and keep them as collateral to seal our bond. Pedro quickly objected and remarked, `It’s nothing personal, but I don’t want your thumb and I really need to keep mine.` Pedro then asked her if there was any other way to seal their bond and Chris answered, `No, there isn’t. This is the only way that I am aware of.` After Pedro thought about it for a moment he asked Chris, `If you made the same bond with my father, then why does he still have both of his thumbs?` Chris commented, `Maybe it grew back.`

When Pedro realized she was joking he chuckled and admitted, `I can’t believe you had me going again.` Chris smiled and let him know that their bond was now completed. Then she suggested they find another place to talk to allow his father to get some rest. `All right, but I want to wait here for my mom and sister to get back with my coffee,` Pedro commented.

`All right, you can meet us on the 7th floor in room number 725. There is an empty room with a very large mirror I discovered this morning,` Red Eyes informed Pedro. `Okay, I’ll meet you there in a little while,` and he watched as Red Eyes, Chris, and Grey Skin jumped through the mirror and it closed behind them. `Why don’t you have a seat?` his father suggested. `I can’t. I am too excited,` Pedro admitted and he paced back and forth while he waited. About ten minutes later his mom and sister returned to the room. `Here you go,` Lori said as she handed Pedro his coffee.` `Thanks, I can really use a cup right now,` Pedro remarked. `So, are the two of you finished with your talk?` his mother asked Pedro. `Yes, we finished about ten minutes ago. Now I need to leave and meet up with Chris, Red Eyes, and Grey Skin,` Pedro said proudly. `I will see you guys later,` he told them and he rushed out the door.

On the 7th floor Pedro quickly located room 725. Then, he opened the door and stuck his head in to make sure it was the right room. `Are you waiting for an invitation?` Chris joked. `Just checking,` Pedro said as he walked in and Grey Skin quickly closed and locked the door in hopes no one else would come in and find them there. Next, Red Eyes spoke up and said, `We need to figure out what our next move should be. Does anybody have any suggestions?` and he turned to Pedro and asked him, `Now that you are in charge, is there anything in particular you would like to know about or want to do?`

`Yes, there is,` Pedro answered. `It’s time for me to take a crash course in mirror travel.` `I think that’s good idea,` Red Eyes agreed and he walked over to the large mirror, pulled out a crystal and began explaining,` First you will need to use a crystal like this one,` and he held it up to the mirror for Pedro to see it but before he could finish his sentence Pedro interrupted him and said, `Hold on. I have already seen how you use a crystal to open up the mirror world a few times before but this time I want to try a different approach.` Surprised by his remark, Red Eyes looked over at Chris who raised her hands indicating she had no idea what Pedro was about to do. Everyone stood speechless as they all watched Pedro stand in front of the huge mirror and began to chant loudly, `Mirror, Mirror, Jim Davis are you there?` and he paused to wait. Grey Skin immediately froze. His eyes grew wide and his mouth dropped open the moment he heard him call out the name Jim Davis. Chris let out a small screech, rolled her eyes and looked over at Red Eyes who crossed his hands over his chest and looked angry at the mere mention of Jim Davis’s name. At that moment Pedro was too focused on the mirror to notice anyone’s reactions and a minute later he started chanting again, `Mirror, Mirror, Jim Davis, can you hear me?` This time everyone else was beginning to get a little nervous but no one said a word as they all continued watching the mirror. `That’s odd, I thought for sure I would get a response,` Pedro mumbled loudly to himself. `Oh well, the third time’s the charm,` and he gave the mirror one final chant, however this time he started shouting at the mirror angrily, `MIRROR, MIRROR, JIM DAVIS CAN YOU HEAR ME?` but this time it was Red Eyes who interrupted him and said irritably, `Pedro, this is ridiculous. You really need to take this seriously.` A couple of seconds later, Jim Davis appeared out of nowhere, startling everybody in the room as he began shouting loudly from inside the mirror. He said sarcastically, `Of course I can hear you. I’m not deaf!` and then he started looking around the room. The instant he noticed Pedro, who was staring at him blankly, Jim Davis remarked rudely, `Oh Great, this is just what I need. Another human who wants to know his future. So what is your name boy?` Jim Davis demanded he tell him.

`My name is Pedro Reeves,` he answered proudly. `All right Pedro. You look like a nice kid. So, I think I am going to do you a big favor and let you know something about your future.` `You can do something like that?` Pedro asked astonished. `Yes, of course I can,` Jim Davis replied in a low whisper, and then he closed his eyes for a moment in deep thought. `Yes, I can already see it in my mind and it is something very mysterious.` `Really? I can’t wait to find out what it is,` Pedro said with high expectations. `Oh no, I can’t believe it,` Jim Davis said in a serious tone of voice. `What’s the matter? Pedro asked suddenly alarmed and nervous.

`It appears I won’t be able to tell you what your future holds after all. So, you will need to wait until something actually happens to find out,` he said sadly. `Would you like to know the reason I can’t tell you?` Jim Davis said whimsically. `I guess so,` Pedro replied. `All right. The reason I can’t say what your future holds is due to the fact that, "I’M NOT A FLIPPING FORTUNE TELLER, THAT’S WHY,` Jim Davis hollered at Pedro and everybody chuckled.

`Well thanks for clearing up that matter for me, Jim Davis,` Pedro remarked calmly and then he said, `If you don’t mind, I would like to introduce you to everybody. This is Red Eyes, Chris and Grey Skin,` he said and pointed to each of them. `Yes, I already know who they are. But, I don’t know anything about you or why you summoned me here in the first place. So tell me how you know about me and the reason why I am here,` Jim Davis demanded.

Pedro just ignored Jim Davis’s question and then he asked, `Do you know who Steven Boyd is?` `Do I look like I was born yesterday?` Jim Davis answered rudely. `All right, do you know that Steven Boyd is working with the Blufirs?` `Yes I do and I have to admit those creatures terrify me,` he admitted. `Good, then we can finally agree on something,` Pedro smiled. `And your point is?` `My point is, this entire planet is in jeopardy of being destroyed if somebody doesn’t do something to try and stop Steven Boyd and his friends.` `I understand that part, but what does that have to do with me?` Jim Davis asked suspiciously.

`We are going to need all the help we can get,` Pedro mentioned. `You still haven’t told me why I am here?` Jim Davis complained. `Isn’t it obvious? The four of us are going to try and stop Steven Boyd, and are going to need your help.` `Oh really, and just what are you expecting me to do for you?` Jim Davis wanted to know. Pedro swiftly answered, `First of all, I am going to need everybody’s help teaching me everything I will need to know as quickly as I can. For instance, Red Eyes is going to give me my first lesson in mirror traveling today.` `Oh really, well aren’t you the special one?` Jim Davis said mockingly. `However, I really doubt that is the reason you summoned me here. Am I right? So out with it boy, because I have a very busy schedule and I was in the middle of something very important when you rudely summoned me here.`

Pedro was starting to get irritated with Jim Davis’s sarcastic remarks and told him, `I am sure someone as famous and important as you can’t be bothered with a someone like me. But let me guess what you were doing. You were probably in the middle of an important movie scene, or you were auditioning for the star role in a play, or maybe you were meeting with the President of the company for dinner? Either way, I am sorry if I have inconvenienced you in any way. I do realize how important your time is, so let me get straight to the point.` Pedro then explained, `The truth is, I summoned you here because I need you to open that mirror so we can all pass through into the mirror world.`

`What? Is that supposed to be a joke?` Jim Davis protested `With the exception of you, anyone in this room can open that mirror with their eyes closed.` `You are absolutely correct, but I can’t and that is my point,` Pedro stated. `Then why didn’t you ask one of them to open it for you?` `I wanted you to be the one to do it for me,` Pedro stated. `Fine, is there anything else I can do for you Oh Special One?` Jim Davis snickered and bowed his head in an exaggerated manner. `As a matter of fact, there is,` Pedro answered back. `Okay. I’m listening,` Jim Davis answered unenthusiastically. `All right, I have to be certain I can count on you to come at a moment’s notice whenever I summon you, and I mean without exception,` Pedro declared.

`Oh, is that all? Just drop whatever I am doing and rush over here so I can open up a mirror, maybe wipe your nose or perhaps I could clean your bottom for you as well,` Jim Davis said negatively. Pedro swiftly responded, `Just make sure you come whenever I call you. That should be all, and now you’re dismissed to go back to whatever it was you were doing before I summoned you.` `Well aren’t you the pushy one?` Jim Davis complained again.

This time Pedro answered back sarcastically and said, `If you don’t think you can handle something as simple as opening a mirror, I can always contact the Genie in the bottle instead.` Completely caught by surprise at Pedro’s remark, Jim Davis was momentarily at a loss for words. A few seconds later he looked at him straight-faced and said, `I beg your pardon. What did you say?` Pedro smiled at him and repeated, `I said if you. . .` `Yeah ! Yeah ! Yeah! I heard you the first time. And people tell me that I am rude?` Jim Davis said angrily and then he vanished. A second later the mirror’s reflection disappeared and purple smoke began swirling around it’s opening. `That’s odd,` Pedro mumbled to himself. `What’s odd?` Chris asked. `That is the first time I saw a mirror with purple smoke.` Red Eyes quickly responded, `Just when you think you have seen everything, someone opens up a mirror and something different happens.` `Do you happen to know why?` Pedro asked. Red Eyes explained, `It all depends on the crystal that is used, the world you are entering, and the individual who is opening up the mirror. For instance, I have seen mirrors that smoke, flash, light up, spark, and fill a room with different colors just to name a few.`

`I can’t wait to see them,` Pedro answered. `I take it that means you are ready for your lesson, but before we go there is something I have to ask you,` Red Eyes said in a serious tone. `Okay,` Pedro answered. `To begin, I have to admit that I would never have thought to ask Jim Davis for his help. Was there any particular reason why you did?` `Yes, there is. I remembered Chris telling me all about Jim Davis’ unfortunate accident. And about how he turned himself into a mirror and couldn’t change himself back. So, I just figured if there was anybody who would know all about mirrors and the mirror world, it would have to be Jim Davis.` `True, but as I am sure you have already discovered, Jim Davis is a very difficult individual to deal with. Although, I have to confess I have never seen Jim Davis interact with anyone the way he did with you just now. Normally, if someone says anything Jim Davis doesn’t like, he just gets angry, becomes rude, and then he disappears a moment later.`

`Maybe so, but under these circumstances I believe Jim Davis will work with us,` Pedro said positively. `I hope you’re right,` Red Eyes said and then he warned Pedro, `Just remember that Jim Davis and Steven Boyd are two very different animals. Steven Boyd is an extremely cunning and resourceful being. You can never take anything for granted or underestimate what he is capable of doing.` `All right,` Pedro agreed. Then he stood completely awestruck knowing he was gazing into a world that was completely different than any other place on Earth. Without hesitation Pedro reached out his hand and put it through the purple smoke surrounding the mirrors opening. `Wow, it feels so weird. First it felt cold when I put my hand in, and now it feels warm,` he acknowledged as he pulled it out.

`Are you ready to begin?` Red Eyes asked as he jumped through the opening. Pedro quickly followed behind and when he was on the other side he commented, `It’s not as dark as it was the last time you took me inside the mirror world.` Red Eyes then explained, `If there are only a few mirrors it will probably be dark or pitch black. On the other hand, if there are numerous mirrors next to each other, it might be extremely bright. It all depends on where you are at when you’re traveling inside the mirror world and how bright the world is you are entering in or exiting.`

`I can’t believe how massive this cave is. THIS IS REALLY COOL,` Pedro shouted just to hear if his voice would echo inside the caves. Next he asked, `How do you keep from getting yourself lost inside this place?` `I have been traveling through the mirror world for thousands of years and I’ve learned how to get around. However, truth be known I still get lost from time to time,` Red Eyes confessed. Then he cautioned Pedro, `At times, many of these caves can be awfully dangerous if you don’t know how to maneuver around inside of them. Not only that, but Steven Boyd and his blue friends could show up at any time and we need to be ready just in case they do. Still, at the moment I am more concerned about you.` `Me? Why me?` Pedro asked suddenly worried. Red Eyes then reminded him, `I have never taken a human inside of the mirror world for more than a short period of time. I am not really sure how your mind and body will react after an extended period of time in here.`

Pedro then boasted, `Don’t worry about me, I can handle anything.` Red Ryes humbly admitted, `I sure hope so, because it took me a few times before my body was able to adjust without losing the last meal I ate. Still, if by chance you happen to feel a little uncomfortable or weak, just let us know and we can stop to let you rest.` Pedro agreed and nervously started rubbing his hands together, knowing he would finally get the opportunity to travel inside of the mirror world without a cover over his head.

Red Eyes continued, `Before we get started, there are a few rules you need to learn about. First, it is imperative that everyone stays close to the person in front of them and keeps their eyes focused on them at all times.` Then he cautioned, `You are going to see all sorts of weird-looking lights, movements, shadows and things moving around inside some of the mirrors as we pass by them. If you’re not careful, you could easily get distracted and let your minds wander off. If you allow that to happen, you might accidentally get yourself lost. I can’t emphasize how tempting it will be to walk over to a mirror and peek into it, but you must resist that urge.`

Pedro was curious and asked, `What do you normally see when you look at a mirror from the other side of the glass?` Red Eyes replied, `It can be anything as simple as someone combing their hair to creatures from another world.` `Will they be able to see us? Pedro asked. `Only if the mirror is opened. So, just stay focused on the person in front of you. At the beginning it will be really difficult to do. But with time, your mind will become accustomed to staying focused on the person in front of you. Until then, you might go through short periods of feeling very nauseous. If that happens to you, just let us know. Then close your eyes for a minute and it should subside. Don’t forget, no matter what you see or hear you cannot wander off. Then again, if by chance you find yourself separated and lost from the rest of the group. Stay where you are, and I will come back looking for you.`

`Trust me, I won’t stray,` Pedro assured Red Eyes. `Don’t be so certain. If you get careless you could accidently end up in another world and there’s no telling what you might find or what might find you. As I’ve already stated, these caves can be very tricky and confusing. Although, there is one thing that you can be certain of and that is the mirrors never lie. What I mean by that statement is, nobody has the ability to change their physical shape while traveling inside of the mirror world. Therefore, you will always know exactly what somebody looks like, and now I think it’s time for us to get started. Are you ready Pedro?` `Sure, lead the way,` and Pedro followed closely behind Chris watching her every move so he wouldn’t lose his focus.

As they continued walking along the path, Pedro started thinking about the things Red Eyes mentioned could happen if he wasn’t careful. A couple of minutes later, he lost his concentration and let his mind begin to wander. Then, without realizing what he was doing, he began to stray and wandered over to the first mirror that caught his eye. Although it was glowing very dimly Pedro could sense the mirror held a deep secret and couldn’t fight the impulse to peek into it. After his first glimpse, Pedro discovered the mirror’s surface was too dark for him to see what was on the other side. As he stood staring at it, his curiosity kicked in and suddenly he just had to find out what was on the other side. Without thinking, he pressed his face against the glass and tried to see through it. Seconds later Pedro swiftly discovered he was no longer on the outside looking in, but inside another world that was very dark, cold, and damp. Reality quickly kicked in and brought him back to his senses and realized he was lost. `How do I get back to the other side?` he told himself and started looking for the mirror he entered in through, but couldn’t locate it.

`Oh no,` Pedro mumbled to himself when he remembered Red Eyes’ warning to him about not wandering off and getting himself lost. How am I going to find my way back? Pedro thought as he began looking around and noticed everything looked very strange and foreign. `What kind of a place is this?` he asked out loud as if somebody was going to hear him and answer back. Pedro then noticed he was standing in the middle of an open field, but he had never seen trees that looked so peculiar. Although the tree trunks were only ten feet high, their branches reached out over about forty feet and they were all intertwined. Their large black and gray leaves resembled thousands of scorpion tails all snapping at each other as they swayed back and forth without any wind to move them around. The sky was dark gray with no moon or stars to shine or help give off any light for Pedro to see. The foliage which covered most of the ground was the only thing that gave off any type of light. It reminded Pedro of the grass in his own back yard and yet it was very different. Each individual plant had hundreds of thousands of long luminescent orange blades that lit up the ground and helped him to see in the distance. Pedro was surprised when he reached down and touched a few of the blades and the entire plant stopped glowing as if someone had just turned if off like a light switch.

There was also a peculiar odor that was lingering in the air and Pedro couldn’t remember ever smelling anything like it before. Though it wasn’t unpleasant, it still made him feel uncomfortable because it was a reminder to him that he was lost inside another world. The longer Pedro thought about his dilemma, the angrier he became with himself for getting separated from his friends. Now what am I supposed to do? he thought as he sat down and closed his eyes to clear his mind. `I can’t believe it,` he mumbled softly to himself, suddenly embarrassed when he remembered his last conversation with Red Eyes. How he had assured him he would never wander off or get himself lost, but he did. Feeling upset and downhearted he started thinking about Vickie. He wondered what she would think of him if she knew he had gotten himself lost and he was beginning to doubt she would ever fall in love with him. `What could I possibly giv... What was that?` Pedro mumbled instantly alarmed when an odd sounding noise in the distance distracted him and he quickly opened his eyes to look around. Seconds later, he saw something moving in the distance but couldn’t make out its shape. It was moving slowly and it appeared to be gliding along the ground. Although Pedro didn’t feel there was any immediate threat, he couldn’t take his eyes off the shape and was glad whatever it was hadn’t noticed him. About a half hour later he realized the creature had only moved about twenty feet. Perhaps it’s a giant snail and I can outrun it? he hoped but continued to keep his eye on it just in case it wasn’t. A short while later Pedro realized the creature hadn’t moved and thought, Maybe it’s asleep? Then he took a deep breath and tried to relax but just as he did something pinched his arm. It startled him so badly he almost let out a yell but quickly discovered he couldn’t because something grabbed him by the face and covered his mouth. When he looked up, he saw Red Eyes who was standing over him. `Don’t make a sound,` he whispered to him.

Pedro nodded his head to let Red Eyes know that he understood what he wanted and after he released him. Pedro quickly whispered back, `I have been watching that creature for over an hour and I don’t think it can move fast,` Pedro let him know. `That is only because it hasn’t seen us yet,` Red Eyes said in a whisper. `So get up slowly, don’t make a sound, and follow me.` Pedro nodded his head in agreement but as he stood up to leave, he accidentally stepped on a large tree root that was sticking out of the ground. With a loud cracking noise that echoed as it snapped in two and alerted the creature there were others who were close by. The creature immediately let out a horrible screech and started racing towards them at top speed. `It saw us, RUN,` Pedro shouted. `Here it comes, Red Eyes shouted as he reached over and grabbed Pedro, flinging him over his shoulder and took off running as fast as his legs would move.

`HURRY,` Pedro yelled when he noticed the creature had already traveled half the distance between them and saw its dark grey eyes glowing dimly. `I can’t believe how fast it can move,` Red Eyes complained. `You have to run faster. It’s gaining. HURRY! It’s almost on top of us` Pedro screamed in panic as he watched the creature leap into the air and it was heading straight at them. Pedro was scared out of his mind but couldn’t look away as the creature landed only fifteen feet away and he held his breath. A few seconds later Pedro watched as a mirror closed, cracked, and then it unexpectedly vanished.

`That was too close for comfort,` Red Eyes admitted as he dropped Pedro on the ground and started gasping for air. Pedro was shaking uncontrollably and couldn’t answer back. When he was finally able to speak he asked, `What happened to the mirror and what was that thing?` Red Eyes then explained, `Whenever a mirror is broken from inside a world, it ceases to exist here. Therefore, it will no longer be available for use and disappears from the mirror world. As for that thing, it’s called a Shcedic. They are nasty tempered creatures who can outrun just about anything that I know exists. They swallow their prey whole but unlike most other creatures, you remain alive. Then get eaten over a long period of time as they slowly devour you from the outside in.` `Whoa, that sounds painful,` Pedro moaned.

`I’m sure it is but didn’t I warn you not to take your eyes off the person in front of you? So what happened?` Red Eyes asked him to explain. `Yes you did but let me. . .` `It’s a good thing Chris happened to notice you entering that mirror when she did, or we would have lost even more time then we already have.` `I’m really sorry. One moment I was following Chris and the next I ended up in that terrible place. I don’t even know how I did it,` Pedro explained.

`It’s because you’re a human and your mind is still too weak to control your curiosity,` Red Eyes commented. `That is why I am going to ask Chris to follow behind you until you can learn how to keep your mind focused on the person in front of you. Now let’s get moving,` and they started walking. When they reached the others, Pedro hung his head down in shame and apologized for getting himself lost.

`Don’t worry about it Pedro. It could have happened to any of us,` Chris said trying to comfort him. `I know but I was so sure it wouldn’t happen to me.` Red Eyes swiftly reminded him, `I tried to warn you how easy it is to get yourself lost. Now let’s get going,` and everybody followed Red Eyes as he pointed out some of the things to look for when traveling inside the mirror world. As he followed behind Grey Skin, Pedro was determined not to allow his mind to wander off again and tried not to think about anything. Still, as hard as he tried, he couldn’t shake the sensation that his body’s chemistry was rapidly changing from the inside out. For some odd reason he began to think about cheetahs and how fast they could run. He remembered they could reach top speeds of seventy-five miles per hour and before he realized it, he was daydreaming again. However, this time when he came to his senses everybody else was standing around him with puzzled expressions on their faces.

Pedro was about to ask them what was going on when he realized he had the ability to read their thoughts. At first, he was confused because they were all thinking about a very big cat. They were also trying to figure out how someone was able to change their form inside the mirror world. As he continued reading their brain waves, he suddenly realized they were all talking about him. That’s odd, what do they mean I changed my form and now they can’t understand what I’m saying? Pedro was perplexed until he looked down and discovered he didn’t have arms with hands. Instead, he had two long furry legs covered with lots of spots and he had paws with claws at the end of them. This can’t be right. . . but when he looked over his shoulder he discovered there were two additional legs with spots and a matching tail as well. I must be dreaming. There’s no way I changed myself into a Cheetah. This can’t be happening… and he closed his eyes for a moment hoping he was only dreaming. However, this time when he opened his eyes he heard Chris telling him, `We were wondering how long it was going to take you before you figured out how to transform yourself back to normal.`

`I don’t understand,` Pedro complained to Red Eyes. `I thought you said no one could change their form inside of the mirror world.` `I did, because we didn’t believe it was even possible. Not until you just proved us all wrong.` he admitted. `I’m curious,` Pedro mentioned. `Do you have any idea how I was able to transform myself?` `To be honest, we’re not really sure. We think it might have something to do with the combination of you’re being human, your exposure to our crystals, and the bond you made with Chris. It’s really unnatural and we would never have believed it was possible if we hadn’t seen it with our own eyes.`

`Is that a good thing or bad?` Pedro wanted to know. `It’s a Great thing,` Grey Skin answered excitedly. `Now we will have the element of surprise over Steven Boyd and his friends. They won’t be expecting anybody with the ability to change their shape inside of the mirror world, so we should be able to catch them off guard.` `That’s great, but now I have another question.` `Sure, what is it?` Red Eyes inquired. `If Chris saw me going into the mirror, why did it take you over an hour to find me? I stayed right where I was until you came looking for me. Not only that, but I couldn’t find the mirror I entered in through.`

It might have felt like an hour had passed by, but it was actually around ten minutes. Time in the mirror world remains fairly stable. However, once you enter into another world, sometimes time can change to a different speed. For instance, there are worlds where time moves at a faster rate like the one we were just inside. Still, there are others that might move very slowly and some could even feel like time is standing still. As for the mirror you just entered and couldn’t locate, it was a very dark world. You probably couldn’t see it.`

`That makes sense but now I have another question,` Pedro stated. `After I transformed myself into a cheetah, why is it I was able to understand what you were saying, but you couldn’t understand me?` Everybody started laughing hysterically and Pedro asked, `What’s so funny?` Chis responded, `We couldn’t understand you because you were talking Cheetah. Not to mention you gave us quite a fright when you started roaring loudly at us.` `I did?` Pedro asked surprised to hear he roared. `You most certainly did,` Red Eyes replied and then he remarked, `We can talk about it some other time, but we’ve already wasted enough time, `he reminded everyone. `Now let’s get moving before Pedro decides to give us another surprise.`

`I sure hope not,` Pedro muttered under his breath. `Just make sure to keep your eyes focused on Grey Skin,` Red Eyes warned Pedro and started walking. `I’ll do my best,` Pedro agreed. Nevertheless, with their huge legs and long strides, Pedro found it difficult to keep up with the group and had to run most of the way just to keep up with them. He was also tired and irritated with Chris who kept giving him a shove and telling him to speed up. About the fifth time Pedro was about to complain when Red Eyes made an unexpected stop. Then motioned for everyone to stop and be silent which caused Pedro to bump into Grey Skin who whispered and complained, `Why don’t you look where you are going?` `Sorry.`

`What’s the matter?` Chris whispered to Red Eyes. `I’m not sure,` he whispered back. Then he lifted his head high and started looking around the area. `I think it’s safe for us to continue on. I don’t see anything moving around. All the same, keep your eyes open for any movement in the shadows,` he cautioned everybody. `It appears we have some allies in the mirror world,` He commented.` `What do you mean?` Chris questioned him. Red Eyes pointed towards the end of the tunnel leading away from where they were all standing and asked, `Can you see them?` `I don’t see anything. What are you talking about?` Pedro asked confused. Chris looked over at Pedro and rolled her eyes as she explained, `There are four dead Blufirs lying on the ground at the end of this tunnel to our left.` `Really, what happened to them? ` `I’m not sure,` Red Eyes answered. `But I intend to find out,` and he walked over to investigate.

CHAPTER TWO

The Unexpected

When they reached the Blufirs’ remains, it appeared the creatures had all been killed by something powerful. They could see lots of blood and body parts which were scattered everywhere. ´That’s Weird,´ Pedro commented when he noticed all of the Blufirs were missing their heads. Then he asked, ´With so many body parts, how can you be so sure there are only four of them?` Red Eye didn’t answer Pedro’s question. Instead, he smiled and pointed at the wall behind him. When Pedro turned around, he gasped at the sight of four very long spears sticking out