The Regions of Exordia

By Faye Summit

A race before man was created to bring lives into the worlds. Instead, they erringly created beings that flooded the worlds with terrors and deaths.

The race of Elysian hoped to end the decimated war between these formidable creations. Fortified realms were forged to bound them for their eternity in the Order of the Confinement. Locking away their biggest mistake.

Then, us, the human, was created. Undeniably, we are bound in our physical world. But our ignorance of this confinement has destined ourselves into unescapable annihilation.

Kacey, a scion of the Elysian was born amongst us. She was lured to traverse into the realms, disrupted the Order. The Elysian's ancient defense system had been triggered, when the realignment happens everything will return to the beginning, return to nothing. Will this be the end of mankind? And who is able to stop it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098067304

Book preview

Chapter 1

Shadows of Fire

Kacey…! Kacey! A light blow of air carried an echoic voice into my ear. The handful of water was meant to splash onto my face had all dripped away between my palms. I swiveled to chase the resonance of this female voice came through the washroom door. Other than a still picture of static fixtures, there was nothing. I reached for my glasses, instead, it was pushed and crack on the glossy floor.

Perfect! Why do you have cracked the day before my interview! I muttered to myself, while smoothing the little crack right in the middle of the lens. Nana had a saying. ‘Kacey no matter what, keep you glasses on, or trouble will find you!" I never had agreed with this nonsense, somehow, it got into me like a habit, so I put them on anyways, anytime.

Ka…cey! The female voice again. I followed it out to the hall. My experience reminded me it was one of them trying to play hide and seek with me, in the middle of the night. If it was any other night, I would not mind having a bit of fun and most often I could chase them back to their room, but tonight, I just needed some quite time for myself so I can prepare for tomorrow.

My eyes surveyed throughout the entire foyer of the building. In a glace, I caught a shadow flashed by at the top of the stairs.

I reached for my radio. Hawk, come in?

Beep! Kate, what’s going on? Hawk answered in a lazy tone, I could just picture he was sitting with this big belly facing the ceiling of the security room and resting his feet up on the computer desk. Honestly, I could never understand why he called himself Hawk.

I see movement heading to the second floor, can you scan the surveillance cameras please? One of them is on the loose.

All right! Let me see! You think someone is up and about ha? I don’t think so, none of the door sensors were triggered in the last thirty minutes, everyone is fast asleep in their cozy little room. Hawk babbled as usual.

In this numinous corridor, there was nothing other than the light beamed from my torch. At the end of the spectrum, it captured a shadow flown by like a piece of silk was carried in the wind.

Hey, girl, it is clear. Hawk’s call really made me jump.

I saw it again just now, check camera two zero six, it should be heading that way.

May be your eyes are playing tricks on you, Hawk insisted.

Maybe is the crack on my glasses!

Is about time you lose them!

What do you mean? I can’t take them off! Nana said—

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Your Nana was just full of…crazy stuff…But you know, she just wanted you to hide your pretty face behind those antique style glasses. Trust me, forget about them, and lose that ponytail of yours, all the boys in town will be huddling around you. It was kind of funny that he just wouldn’t agree anything my Nana told me, even till today and even after she died.

Boys! No thanks! I better keep them on then, I am not too fond with this kind of trouble.

Anyways, can you check again? My name was called, twice!

Ooh, may be someone is back from the past! I told you this place is haunted.

Very funny, I am not ten years old, you know I don’t believe in such thing. If you can scientifically proof it, I’ll believe you. Whatever I said to Hawk was kind of pointless especially he was a huge believer in the supernatural.

Okay, but really I don’t see anything, maybe you are tired, or stress about the job interview at the police station tomorrow. Hawks was right, this was the chance, the perfect reason to break the promise, and my courage to leave everything behind.

Kacey! The female voice whisper in my right ear again, Kacey! then shoot to my left ear. Something was not right, no one know my real name here, everyone calls me Kate. Come… the same voice again, far but loud.

I spun around with my torch and swept every inch in the darkness. There was nothing. Could that be some pesky school kids from my class snooping around trying to prank me. Right, I was just the perfect target, the orphan who never dare to fight back, who never looked up when laugh at and it was all because of the promise I made to my deceased grandmother. Well, but, if they set foot here, I could not let them ruin my only job.

I had no choice but to follow the voice!

A shadowy figure flew up the stairs, it was hard to catch up to it, somewhat it intended to let me catch up. Five floors were not much, only if I had enough sleep, it would be a bit faster.

I trotted to the top floor and surprisingly the barricaded rooftop door was wide opened. Both Hawk and I were no professional security, still we must followed the protocol when something does happen.

My hand searched for the radio which I sometime would not even get to use for days, as practically nothing really happens here. I pressed the talk button, Hey, Hawk! Nothing! A few seconds later, I pressed again. No answer again! Hawk might had walked out from the control room.

Forget about protocol!

I put away my radio and decisively leaped out onto the roof. A stagnant mist was thick and musky with an extremely low visibility. It was bizarre, a fog like this never had happened around this time of the year.

I inhaled deeply to get some air as surely the fog was so thick that it was suffocating. My flashlight beamed at the fog, tiny visible water droplets gracefully floated evenly apart from each other, filling every inch of space all around.

I raised my hand to fan away the mist, they smoothly drift away in spinning motion. I felt I had entered into another world. I paced quietly around to see if anyone was there. Other than my flashlight, there was no other source of brightness enabling me to get a good view. The visibility was low. I warned myself to be caution when stepping forward.

Just when I approach the corner of the Elevator shaft, I heard someone was talking, sounded like a conversation but I could only hear a voice. I followed the sound to see who was there.

It was a figure! Blurry, still I could tell it was a female wearing a nightgown standing on the edge of the building. She had short brown hair, petite and with a hoarse voice.

It’s Mrs. Miller. The moment I realized it was her, my long-held breath escaped from my lung. I was not surprised to see her, only it was a bite odd to see her standing on the edge of the roof top.

I recalled a while ago, I met her in garden, I asked what she was doing, she claimed that she was enjoying her walk with Mr. Miller. The only thing was, she was alone at the time and Mr. Miller had passed away the year before.

Well! She had Alzheimer’s; hallucinations were very common symptom with patients like her. Other times, she was talking to herself, or acting as Mr. Miller was still around. I guess the heart crushing truth was too hard to accept and the mind had to trick the body to ease the psychological trauma.

How can I get her down, just a step, she will fall from the edge?

My movement must be tranquil if I Startle her, she may fall. I called her from afar, Mrs. Miller! She didn’t hear. I called her again, MRS. MILLER, IT’S ME, Kate! She finally turned to look at me but only for a split second and she turned back looking anxiously. I was about to call her again, and just then, she started muttering in a weird manner like she was actually talking to someone, down below.

Then she turned around surprised, Kate! What happened to you? Why are you here?

Ah…I came for you! I was literally speechless. I was supposed to be the one asking her that question. Let’s go back to your room, it’s cold and dark here. I ambled closer and closer.

Just then she turned to me, You shouldn’t be here. She sounded very concerned.

Right! Absolutely, we shouldn’t be here. It’s cold and it is very late. Let me take you down stairs. I held out my hand to her and gradually pace in.

Wait! she yelled frantically. Look underneath your feet!

I looked at my feet, other than my very faint shadows, there was nothing! Very funny, Mrs. Miller, there is nothing!

You have a shadow, you are still alive! she responded delighted but disturbed, Hide! Kate, you need to get out of here before they come.

I can’t leave you here, come with me.

Then she mumbled about something that made no sense to me, Charles and the others are moving on, it is time for me to join them.

Well! You know what, I just saw Mr. Miller downstairs, he asked me to look for you. I was never a fan of lying, I did that for emergency purposes only. I remembered Nana used to say this was Lies of Wisdoms, lies that can actually do some good.

Kate! Charles is dead, your gramma will be very upset if she knows you lie.

Sorry, Mrs. Miller, I thought…

You thought I don’t remember. I am different now, I am well and will be young again. But you should leave now, the Shadows of Fire will be here, you don’t want to be burnt alive.

Shadows of what? I asked. When she added Charles to the picture, I understood the reason, but where does this Shadow of Fire came from.

Charles told me stories about these creatures, they move like wind, bodies made of black smoke and their blood ignites fire. If one of these things touches you, you will burn while your heart is still pumping, and is your soul they want to possess for the eternity.

Something was way wrong; this was not a usual wander. I radio Hawk to pick up, no answers. I pressed again; he didn’t respond. What should I do now? Conversation! I needed to keep her engaged. Mrs. Miller, I am feeling a little woozy, I wonder if you can walk me down stairs please?

I am sorry, girl, I have no time for that! She answered firmly, Kate, the others are waiting, I have to go now. She answered while she gazed down below from the edge like someone was there, Kate! Run! They are coming! She stepped on the edge of the roof.

My heart sank right into my stomach, I shouted who is coming? She stared frighteningly above my head muttering, They are here! Hide! In the tank!

I tilted my head up to get a glimpse, other than the fog, I couldn’t see anything. I turned to ask Mrs. Miller, Who is here? Mrs. Miller?

The Shadows of fire, Mrs. Miller murmured brokenly.

Suddenly I felt a gush of hot air behind my head.

Run! Mrs. Miller screamed and let herself off the edge.

No! Wait! I cried and sprint forward, reaching my hands as far as I could. At that moment, my only hope was something might have caught her and I could pull her back from the edge.

I crashed to the half wall, hanging myself over the edge peered down to search for her.

The musky white mist as thick as cloud had completely blinded me. In the mist, there was some electric sparks of lightning. I did not see any signs of her anywhere.

Just then, I felt a scorching heat behind my head, a smelt of something was burning, followed by a sharp pinch of a piece of skin being torn. I crouched down and turned to see what was there, in front of me was a haze of black smoke floating above a meter away from me. Dozens of arms extended from the body, while they elongated to reach me, the arms turned orange red, while one of them blazed toward my face.

"Beep…Hey, Kate, is everything okay?" Hawk called on the radio. Just then, whatever it was zooming at me, had vanished. Vanished, completely.

Trying to grasp air, I breathe in sharply, Hawk, it is Mrs. Miller, she…Please send the med team to the Lavender Garden. Mrs. Miller had fallen down… I couldn’t go on anything further.

I looked over the edge again to see, to my surprise, the fog had completely cleared like there was a giant fan had blown it all away. I looked straight down five floors, nothing, no signs of anyone, or her.

"Beep…Kate! Are you okay? The med team is already with her. Hawk radio back, She had a heart attack."

What? these words unintentionally slipped out of mouth.

"Beep…Kate, where are you right now?" Hawk sounded concerned.

No, she was just here! I saw her standing on the edge of the building.

Are you sure it wasn’t someone else? Rod asked.

Whatever I wanted to say was stuck in my throat. Even I could not convince myself what I saw. The events had no logical explanation, Mrs. Miller killed herself jumping off the building and at the same time she had been in her room all along! How insane!

Never mind! I am coming down now! said reluctantly.

I walked mindlessly. The scene of her jumping off was repeating over and over.

What did I see?

How on earth she had been in her bedroom all this time?

And what was the black smoke thing? How could it disappear in a split second?

Unsure when I had reached the third floor. The corridor supposed to be quiet, somehow the medical team was making it look unusually busy. Mrs. Miller’s room was at the end of the corridor. Hawk stood outside glaring into the room statically.

I dragged my mindless self toward her room hoping this was just some mistakes. Hawk looked at me in a distance, shaking his head. I paced faster, when I got to her door, I looked in her bedroom she was lying there peacefully with a soft smile on her face. Maybe it was me, maybe I was insane.

Kate, Hawk called to me gently, I am sorry, she is gone?

How? I must have been so confused that these words just slipped out.

She is old, Kate! The doctor said her heart had stop and they couldn’t revive her. Hawk responded calmly placing his hand on my shoulder, Don’t worry, she is in a better place now.

Better place! Is there really a better place? This must had sounded very ignorant.

Hawk pinched up my security uniform from my shoulder, Kate, your shirt! Is burnt! he exclaimed.

I peered and realized a giant hole with brown ring of burn marks around it. I swear I never iron my uniform and it was not there before.

What happened on rooftop? Hawk asked with a serious tone that I had not heard before, Who was it that you said you saw?

I looked at him, part of me dying to tell him, but the tiny little consciousness left of me had warned me not to mentioning anything. Knowing either I will lose my job or end up in the psychiatric hospital. There was no one, maybe I was tired, plus the fog, I don’t think there was anyone.

What’s with this burnt mark, where did you get it. Hawk’s tone was gentle, still I could hear he was suspicion.

I forced a smiled and said, Maybe I left the iron on my shirt for too long.

He patted my head. I think it is time for you to go and rest. You have your interview at the Station, right? You better sleep soon! Hawk always tries to fill in as a father figure knowing I never had one.

I gave him the radio and gazed into the room to see Mrs. Miller. She was lying in her bed. I walked up to her, asked in my head what happen tonight? I knew I saw you but how.

I hold her hand for the very last time, Mrs. Miller, hope you are with Mr. Miller now, I whispered.

Hawk’s radio Beep which broke the silence in the room. We looked at each other confused, who could possibly radio him.

Hawk, is Betty, Mr. Hart want to see you and Kate for a few minutes, could you both come up please? Betty the nurse was on the intercom.

Kate, go on, I will catch up. I just have a couple of things to take care first.

I stared in the room, reluctant to leave. Hawk turned my shoulder and pushed me out the door.

My meandering took me to Mr. Hart’s room. I stood at the door gazing at the knob for some time until Betty came out. She was startled as I was standing there like a frozen corpse.

She whispers to me, He is not feeling too well tonight so keep it short, okay, my dear! Betty’s worry he will go on forever when he talks which was normal for him.

I sat by his bedside, he laid there with his eyes closed, just like how Nana spent her last few days of her life. I quickly wipe that thought out of my head which was causing too much heartache, How are you feeling?

Hah! Old and rusty! he jokingly replied. I heard about Mrs. Miller. He looked at me like the day I lost my grandma. Don’t be too sad. She is in a better place now.

Better place! Why do people always say that? I knew it was not nice to make such remark however my thought spoke out loud. Deep down I only believe this is a way to make the person handle the grieve.

You know, I will be there when my time comes. He said with a smile on his face.

Please don’t talk about this! I said in a begging tone. Regardless of the truth, hearing these words made me quivered. After Mum, then Grandma, I wouldn’t dare to think anyone else leaving me. What had happened tonight was heart stopping, besides, hearing these words from him was like having a giant slab on my chest crushing right down to my spine.

My silence made him uncertain, he glared and asked, Kacey, your glasses crack. I will order the new ones for you. He reached for his phone, I watched his harden fingers tried their punch the text.

Mr. Hart, can you tell me something? I have perfect vision. Why do I need these glasses?

Oh! he gasped. You have a rare genetic disease, if you don’t use these lenses, it will harm part of your brain.

Genetic disease! Nanna never told me. Every time I asked her, she would say trouble will find you. What trouble?

Here you go, I have ordered a new pair for you. Unfortunately, it will take a few days, I guess you need to wear those for your an interview tomorrow! If your mum is here, she would be very proud Kate.

He was right, Mum would be very proud if I could get in as a cadet and finish a degree. On the other hand, if grandma knew about this, she would be digging her way out from her grave, crawling her way back to strangle me.

He patted my hand. You seemed to be bothered by something. Stop thinking so much, tomorrow is an important day for you. Go on, get some rest.

Yes, it is.

It seemed just yesterday when I found you and your grandmother on the street. Now, you are all grown up like a chick all ready to fly out the nest, ready to leave this old man. He gave me a serious look and said, Remember, I can sponsor your university or college fees, all you need to do is ask.

Thank you! You had given me enough. Soon I’ll be eighteen, I should be responsible for myself.

He sighed. Well, if the plan changes, you can run this place for me, you know this is my dying wish.

I forged a smile, clearly knowing that was not going to happen. Being a police officer had been deep-seated within me since my mother die, that, I would never give up. Maybe I could promise him when I retire from the police force. No! That is really pushing it.

Get some rest! He smiled back.

A knock at the door interrupted.

Come in, Hawk!

Mr. Hart, I have the contacts for Mrs. Miller funeral!

Well! Very efficient, Hawk! He signaled Hawk to place the paper on his bedside table. By the way, anything odd happened tonight?

The question gave me a full blow to my head. Why is he asking this? Hawk and I exchange a glance quickly afraid Mr. Hart could catch it. Hawk looked uneasy with his mouth open, but nothing seemed to be coming out.

Hawk just stood there silently!

Good night, Kate! I will see you tomorrow, dear!

Good night, Mr. Hart.

I ambled to the door, hesitant to open the door, no matter how hard to stop the words bursting from my mouth but still they came out, Mr. Hart! When people die, where do they go? What if they linger and not able to go anywhere they wanted to go?

He laughed. I thought you don’t believe in such thing!

Good night! I exited the room with absolute embarrassment, but I knew what I saw.

Suddenly, I thought of something may hold the answers to what had happened. I raced back to the security room, pushed the door open, and sat down behind the control panel. I searched for all the recordings within the hour, hoping to find something. I fast forward, rewind, slow play, viewing frame by frame when I was in the cathedral hall then on the stairs then to the roof top.

There was nothing! I mean nothing including me! I should be showing up on the top floor approaching the stairs to the roof. My eyes were fixated on the monitor inspected every inch of the recording. Nothing! There was absolutely no sign of anything or anyone! Where was I? I should be in the recording up at that moment, at the exact place.

I checked again and again, every frame, matching the time shown on the recording. After the female voice, there was no recording of me anywhere. I took off before Hawk return.

Laying on the couch in my grandma’s old room. Gazing at Nana’s bed wishing she was there to hear what I had been through. Forcing myself to sleep was a mission, more I tried, more I was awake. There was time when I thought I her snoring in my dream. When I woke up, I only found myself in the room. It had been more than a year, I was reluctant to take her bed. Deep down I denied she was really gone.

I stared at the ceiling, wondering what had happen tonight,

Who was calling me?

What happened on the rooftop?

What happen to all the recording which should captured my trail?

How could a person talk to someone in one place and be dying in a different place, at the same time?

I slowly dozing off, just in between, Mrs. Miller, the black figure, one after another casted the unwanted dream in me…

Chapter 2

Devouring Giant Sphere

The rushing footsteps shuffled back and forth outside of my room. I laid in bed, my mind was shifting in and out of dreams. I tried to open my sealed eyelids, after a second or two, they felt back down. Oh No! The Interview! I reached over to the lamp table searching for my phone.

What! It’s eight already! It supposed to goes off at seven thirty! I bounced out of bed, dived into the washroom for a quick shower.

Matt always said I lived in the stone age, he said I should be equipped for this modern world, so he gave me the phone last week. I guessed it was never easy for a stone age person to learn the technology.

Unlike any other day, my black leggings and the no brand hoodies would not be the best outfit for the interview. Finding something formal was not difficult at all, especially when there was not much to choose from. The only thing I had was the beige color blouse which was the last birthday gift from Nana and my only pair of black pants that I had worn to every single funeral for the friends who died here. Funeral or interview, I supposed they were the same, just the matter of respect.

I rushed out with my backpack, skipping down the stairs and tried to avoid any eye contact with anyone I walked past.

Kate! Tianna the receptionist called.

I turned to greet her, at the same time my feet were walking backward out the door, Morning, Ti! I need to go right now. I will see you after four okay?

She raced up to me, handed me a paper bag and said, Big Guy left you a muffin, he said you should eat before your interview.

And…can you help with Mrs. Miller’s funeral set up tonight. It is tomorrow afternoon.

For sure, I will see you later then! I forced a smile and headed straight to the door.

The sweet smell, the warmth of blueberry muffin, the memories of being homeless, they all smashed into my head. Nana and I were left homeless after mom die, we slept on our neighbors’ front porch for four days, and wandered the street with empty stomach. The most painful of all was not knowing when it was going to end.

The fifth day, Mr. Hart found us and took us in. We rode in his big old Mercedes, curling at the back seat with Nana, cold, hungry and tired. When we arrived, Mr. Hart shown us in and straight to the cafeteria, then came the Macho Chef, Big Guy who came with a tray of these muffins for us. I remembered I gulped down three muffins in a few minutes and I was only eight.

On the way to the gate, I walk past the beautiful garden of little blue flowers which I spent most of weekends planting them. Mr. Hart said they were Forget Me Not. Every summer, he asked me to plant them everywhere around the retirement home. He said the love ones will find the way home when they see the flowers.

Years after years, he did the same thing. First, I thought it was just his saying. Then rumors spread that he has been waiting for someone, but, for whom, I never ask.

My feet were approaching the gate, but, I sensed a hollowness in my heart. Did I leave something behind or was there something important that I couldn’t quite remember! Looking back at the retirement home, unwanted debated lingered. For years, I had seen enough death. I had said enough goodbye to people before I came to know them.

I never like it here, but if I did not stay where could I possibly go. I had imprinted myself onto this place, I was part of it and it became part of me. The memories, the flowers and the people, they were the only thing I got.

I turned and ran.

Arriving at the gate, Moh the security guard called out from his small entrance office, Good morning, Kate! The bus is not here yet!

Morning, Moh! I greeted him with my puffing voice. I did not care to carry on a conversation like usual. I stood at the gate waiting for the only bus passing by this morning. Hoping nothing will happen to it. Missing this bus would mean whatever I ever wanted would pop like a bubble.

My hand reached inside the paper bag, the warm muffin seemed soft but with a crunchy top. Just then, in a distance, the sound of big vehicle roaring closer and closer, before the muffin left the bag, it was dropped back inside and remain perfectly unbitten.

Good luck with your interview, Kate! Moh poked his head out from the small window and waved at me. I smiled at him and step onto the bus. It was hard to believe a simple job interview had become a hot topic for this retirement home. To them, I gave them the sense of hope, and they gave me the sense of death, and that was what I pay to live.

A familiar voice called out, Yo! Kate! What’s up! Going to town? Swimming classes today? It was Jamal, the youngest driver in the bus company and the one with the most substantial size as well.

Jamal and I met in the retirement home when he was visiting his grandparents after they had moved in. He came every two weeks and the moment he steps in, everyone was alerted by his bonkers laugh.

Morning, Jamal! Yeah, to town! I answered. At that moment, I was not in a mood to explain why. Maybe I was tired of seeing people showing their unexplainable look on their faces, especially when I tell them I wanted to be a police officer. I could almost hear their thoughts questioning why I wanted to follow my mom’s death path. I just smiled and turned to search for a seat.

I looked around, realizing I was the only passenger at that time. There was not many who live around here, the retirement home was pretty much the only thing existed in the outskirt of town.

In this forty to fifty minutes’ ride, it was perfect for reviewing the interview questions which Matt had prepared me. He was so serious about it, it was like he was the one going for it. Since grade ten, he had been telling me to give it a try. That I agreed with him.

I gazed at the words, forced my eyes to pin on the paper but my mind was hammered by the flakes of memories of what I saw last night. The image of Mrs. Miller stood on the edge, said those bizarre things and watching her jumped off the building; they reappeared in my head over and over.

My mind had pondered for so long until the chattering and shadows of people had gradually increased, then I realized the bus had reached the city.

Peering through between a few people, noticing the roads were busy. Traffic and pedestrians were perfectly navigated by traffic lights. I squeezed myself through the other passengers and stood next to Jamal.

Where’re you heading Kate? Jamal asked.

The library, I answered. The library was right behind the station, it would only take a couple of minutes to reach the station.

I gazed through the gigantic windshield of the bus, searching for the right street. Just then something seemed very out of place.

About fifty meters in front of the bus, there was a little girl standing in the middle of the road, looking around like she was lost.

The bus was approaching her straight on and Jamal did not seem to have any plan of slowing down. In my head, I know Jamal has been a very careful driver, never had any accidents or issues.

What was he doing? She was right there, how could he not see her?

Twenty meters…bus still moving. The speed was slow, still he did not plan to stop the bus.

Jamal! Slow down, there is a girl on the road! I screamed as the bus was only five meters away from the girl.

She stared at the bus with no intention of getting off the road. I place my hand on Jamal’s shoulder and said, Jamal! Stop the bus! I screamed.

Woy! What the! Jamal yelled, slammed on the brakes and turn the wheel away from the girl.

The bus then hit the curb and had stop instantly. The sudden breaking had thrown me to the windshield. A loud bong ring at my ear, I lost my balance and felt on the ground. Everything turned dark and I lost the sight of everything.

I could hear Jamal called out to the passengers asking if everyone if they were injured.

Kate, you all right? Jamal kneeled down to check on me.

I am fine, go check the others. My head was spinning as I felt it was about to fall out.

Struggling to sit up, most I manage to curl up, but my forehead was still adhered to the floor. Go, check the others.

Kate, I swear, the girl, just show up from nowhere! Oh my… Jamal’s muttering faded in and out.

The girl, I asked, do you see her now?

No! I don’t see her anywhere! his frantic voice was purposely lowered to avoid the passengers paying too much attention to him, I was sure, I didn’t run her over!

Don’t worry! Go! I am sure she is fine, I said.

I’ll check others! You take it easy ah! he made his way through to the bus inspecting everyone on board.

I sat on the floor with my head still swinging. Then faintly I heard, Please help? a little girl voice, very close but faint.

That blunt was hard. My vision was not regained immediately. I blinked a few times trying to see if there was someone, it was hazy but still a shadowy figure was standing in front of me.

Please, can you help me find my parents? the little girl asked. My shoulder was stiff which struggled to push myself up.

Hurry please? the little girl begged and pulled my arm.

I sat up and felt something ran down on the side of my face. Just when I wanted to wipe it off, the little girl grabbed my hand and tried to pull me up.

She shook my hand and said, Come! I wobbled out of the bus realizing everyone was standing around looking at the bus, confused and wondered what had happened.

What should I do? Should I ask someone else to help her? No, what if I asked the wrong person! Losing her parents must be hard, I can’t leave her!

I looked at my watch, thirty minutes to ten, I told myself, I had to find her parents and race to the Station. We strolled faster and faster. It was rather odd that the girl knew exactly where to go. She never glanced around or stop to think, she just trudged to go where she wanted.

We finally stopped, she stared at the end of the alley, did not let out a word.

What is your name? I asked.

Sally, she quietly answered.

Sally, listen! We will find your parents. Do you know where they are right now? I asked. She looked at me and pointed at the sidewalk in between two buildings.

Strangely, people were pouring into this alley. It was a dead end, except, a double door with a big sign said Paradise Arena, this name blinked in my head, seemed familiar but I was not able to retrieve any memories of this place.

Sally, are you sure we should go in there? I crouched down to look at her, she nodded.

We followed the stream of people flowing in the entrance. It was so crowded that we were squashed in between while walking through the long and narrow corridor. An uneasy feeling kept striking me.

What are all these people doing here so early?

Hockey game? Couldn’t be.

Figure skating competition? During a weekday, that can’t be! Something is not right!

We proceed to the end of the corridor, an eye piercing light gradually got greater and greater. The crowd dispatched to both side ascending to the seats around the arena.

I remembered then, the night, Matt brought me here during a public skating session. It was the day he got in as a cadet, according to him, that was the way he celebrates. The arena was packed with people, everyone was gliding on the ice, except me. I was like a post who stood on the ice most of the time, Matt had to drag me in, and that made me the most hated girl of the night, I heard someone was laughing, Handsome boy and ugly penguin!

The flickering lights with color, upbeat dance music and a happy crowd of teenagers had turned into a sight of ghastly emptiness.

Boarded glass surrounded the rink were smashed leaving shattered piece everywhere. Decayed leaves blown from the collapsed rooftop covering the floor where was once layered with ice, and the molding smell filled the air like a mushroom farm grew in a hot house.

A thought rushed to my head, I looked around and realized those people we followed had disappeared? There was no one anywhere and the hum of the absolutely silence confirmed I was not imagining it.

I held the girl’s hand tighter. I think your parents are not here! She gazed with a vacant look in her eyes.

I know they are! The little girl started squeezing my hand harder and harder. She stared at the center of the ice rink, pointed at nothing and said, They are in there!

Where?

There! The glowing ball of light! You can’t see? she asked.

No! There is nothing!

You have to see it with your mind! She pointed at her forehead between her brow and said. The she pulled me along toward the center.

Suddenly, there was a gush of wind, appeared from nowhere. The dry leaves were swept up one by one rolling to the center of the rink. The mysterious wind whirled in the debris, creating a small tornado, pulling lightweight object up toward it. Stronger by the seconds, the girl began to lose her footing, she was getting pulled in.

I grabbed her other hand quickly to pull her closer. The small tornado whirling in more dust, leaves, small pieces of newspaper, all most anything that was loose and light. The whirled of wind had pulled the girl in, including part of me.

Dust streaked into my eyes, I blinked and blinked, hoping to tear away the dust. Something forcefully pulled us into the swirled of debris.

We have to get out of here! Hold on tight. I raised my voice as the sound of the wind, it was humming louder and louder at my ear. I back away from the swirl, I pulled the girl toward me just then, there was illuminating.

Ar! The girl cried for help, breaking my gaze at this glowing object. My leg! Just then I realized there was some luminescence white strings extended out of the swirl wrapping around her leg lifting her in air.

The white strings reached out from inside of the glowing sphere. She was snatched like a fly being caught by the stretchy tongue of a frog. I was then being dragged on my feet toward this glowing object at the same time.

Hold on, I am pulling you out! I nodded at the girl. Another forceful wrench pulled again.

Ar! I watched the girl’s face as pale as light, both of her hands clenched on to mine, her fingertips were digging into my skin, scratching along the back of my hand.

A powerful twitch, she disappeared into the swirl of debris, I could only see her hands clenching onto mine, dragging me with her. My head went in the swirled first, dry leaves and small rocks were hitting my face.

Another big wrench again! I was inside. Past the inches of debris, I was enclosed by it, but it was calm, quiet and peaceful. In fact, it was too quiet that I could only hear a silent hum.

Help me please? The girl screamed as half of her body had been partaken by the inner sphere which released a dim white light. I tried to pull her out but she was grabbed tightly by something stronger.

What is this thing?

It looked like a giant light bulb with a luminous light source within. Thousands of fluorescence tiny beads roved on the surface of the sphere, looked very much like microscopic creatures swarming under the microscope.

Hold on tight! I gripped the little girl’s hand as hard as possible, toughen my arms and shoulders, then pulled, step back and pulled again. I got most of her body out. I knew one more pull, she would be completely free from it.

Just then, some luminescence white strings extended out from the glowing sphere. They wrapped around her legs, another one snatched around her waist and finally her neck. She was zipped into the sphere!

The force brought me inside as well. The center was dimming and glowing like heart beats. I stared at it, and for some reason I was not afraid but instead the light was very peaceful and inviting.

My legs started to step in further toward the light, and just then, I felt something grab my shoulder so tight and yanked me backward. My entire body was out of the sphere, then I sensed my back hit a person. And just then, I realized I had lost the girl, I shoot up to reach inside trying to grab her again but I was stop by the person behind me. A strong grip turned me around, my arms were aching from the grip of this person.

Let her go! She doesn’t belong here! a guy in a noir hooded trench coat said in a deep low tone. He urged his face at me, it was so close that I could see only his pale lips and his pointy chin. I back away. My vision was caught by a pair of aquatic eyes hid behind his long dark color fringe. They reflected the glow of the sphere and the overwhelming of sadness transpire.

Your glasses! he uttered while inspecting them.

What? I tried to lose his grip but held on, That’s got nothing to do with you.

Tell me, where did you get them? he asked.

Quit it! It’s not funny! The girl flashed into my mind. Please! The girl, you have to help her! I pleaded, and tore the blood stopping grip away from him and headed to the sphere again and attempted to reach for the girl. When I was about to throw myself in it, the sphere had changed. The outer layer of debris had suddenly lost its’ spinning momentum, everything dropped on the ground exposing the glowing sphere within.

A hand stretched to hold my wrist. This hand in a rolled-up sleeves exposed dozens of long clawed scars.

I threw his grip away, Don’t touch me! I shouted.

The Sphere had changed! What’d happened? Why can’t I get in? I touched the outer layer, watching the glowing beads ripples away from my fingers. For some reason, my fingers were making fluorescence beads swirled faster and faster, within seconds the sphere was solidified and impenetrable.

I turned to the guy and demanded, What is happening? Did you do this?

The guy tried to pull me back, I struggle and bang on the sphere. I shouted, How did you do that?

I continued to bang my fist on the outer layer, strived to call the girl within. At that moment I could only hope to break this thing open to safe her. My palms smooth against the solid surface of the sphere in search of any opening or gap.

Is this your prank? It is enough, you need to let the girl out now. I raised my hand intended to bash on it, my arm was caught before it landed on the surface.

What do you think you are doing? The guy asked with a furiously looked on his face.

If you are not letting the girl out, I will? I pulled my hand lose from his grip, held my fist so tight and bang on the sphere as hard as I could.

My fist started to tingle. The swirling beads had stop moving. In just a couple of seconds, the tiny beads started to turned grey around my fingertips. All movement had stopped, it became stone cold and cracks were stretching like webs.

All activities were ceased, the crackly sound was getting more frequent and louder. I stood still, watching it turned from a magnificent glowing sphere into a ball of stone.

It’s broken, I can get the girl out!

I clenched my fist to hit it again, hoping I could speed up the breaking process. I bang my hand on it again, this time even harder. Then someone wrap the arms around my waist, pulling me back with great strength.

No! the same voice as the guy with those scars screamed loudly. Crack! Cling! The sphere was shattered. Every piece promptly dropped on the ground and turned into white ashes evaporated in the air.

Then, there were sparkles of dust emerged from the clouds of ashes filled in the arena. But there was no sign of the little girl. Instead, the dust sparkles spiraled, forming crystal ball like orbs floated in the air, moving gracefully around each other like fireflies dancing in the night.

My arms were being seized and the pain disrupted my gaze at the phenomenal event.

What did you do? The guy with the scars bellowed at me, he held my arms so tight that he was about to shake them off.

I just wanted to save the girl! What happened to her? Where did she go? I asked louder and louder. He did not bother to answer. I yanked the guy’s hands off my arms, Get off me!

The guy stared at empty space where the sphere was hovering a minute ago. He pressed something in his ear and said, Eyko, we have a subject! And get Raj to detect the Vortex78, it might have been destroyed.

The guy did not show any signs of willingness to help find the girl. All I could think of was Matt and to call the police, so I ran to the exit.

Hey you, listen! The girl was already dead, is time for her to move on, she is going where she meant to be! The guy was shouting over to me while he followed, he caught up to me and pulled me to a stop. Wait! You are not going anywhere! You are held accountable for the destruction of the vortex.

The what? I was completely infuriated, I would never expect anyone would elaborate a joke to this extend.

At the corner of my eye, I saw another figure. There was a person who looked foreign. He was dressed in a deep red Robe with a dull yellow under layer. His head was shaved clean,