If this is your first time to JonasHyde.com – welcome!  There is a great deal of content on the site, so here are a few places to start:

Narratice Poetry
Lament for Lady Beth
Seraph’s Song: The Epic Fable of Sister Sera
The Bounty

Episodic Fiction
The Echo Chronicles

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Entertains ages 3-12
 

CHAPTER ONE

Deep in the quiet Forest of Treehoth, over the River of Oxyl, and past the Lake of the Rising Sun, hid the Secret Woods of Junto.  These weren’t just any old secret woods that were hidden past the Lake of the Rising Sun, over the River of Oxyl, and deep in the Forest of Treehoth.  These secret woods just happened to be the home of the one and only Targy the Great Bunny Star.

      Many a story has been written about Targy the Great Bunny Star, but none more important than the story I am about to tell you here.  Sure, Targy’s journey into the Heart of Wonders, or the time she discovered the Miniature Mice of Middleclouds, are both great stories.  However this story, the story of how Targy the Great Bunny Star got her special name (not Targy – her parent’s named her that silly), but the Great Bunny Star, is what this story is all about.

      So sit back, relax, and listen, because Targy’s tale is one of fantastic adventure, fanciful fairies, and plain old funny fun!

      It all started when Targy turned 10 (that’s the Coming of Age age for rabbits), and she left the Forest of Treehoth for the first time ever.  She didn’t plan on leaving the forest.  As with all things that ever happened to Targy, she just kind of found herself in that situation. 

      Her entire life, up until this point at least, Targy didn’t have many responsibilities.  Of course she had to clean her room, do dishes, and sometimes even help her parents in the yard, but besides those chores, she was free to do what she wanted. 

      Some parts of the year Targy went to school with all of her friends, but that hardly seemed like a chore.  She LOVED school!  But when Targy turned 10, it was during the summer months, when school was already done for the last year and had not yet started for the next.  It was during these months that Targy usually found herself in the most precarious of situations.

      The Coming of Age time is a really, really special time for rabbits in the Forest of Treehoth.  It’s when they get a special title.  For some, like Bruno the Boring Bunny, the names are not so cool.   For others, such as Sara the Silly Sweet Bunny, it’s way neat.  Well Targy had high hopes for her name, like Targy the Totally Awesome Bunny, which would be way more awesome than Targy the Perpetually Grounded Bunny. 

      Either way, she was excited that it was finally time for her Coming of Age ceremony, which usually involved a big party and some crazy hocus pocus.  But as with everything in Targy’s life, her ceremony did not exactly go as planned. 

      The short part of this story is telling you how the Coming of Age party was supposed to go.  Just like for all the other bunnies, everyone in town would get together as the sun went down.  The bunny would approach the town elders, (those were all the old bunnies that lived in the area, who by that age preferred to be called rabbits), and they would give the bunny a nickname. 

      Usually, the name would come from how the bunny had acted during their lives (which was really just another way to get the bunnies to behave while growing up, because really, no one wanted to be called Susie the Terrible Tyrant Bunny).  Afterwards there would be a huge party, and this was really the best part, because all the bunnies would get to stay up late, play, and eat crazy candies, cakes, and cookies.  I mean, right, what a great time! 

      But sometimes, and this was very rare, something would happen to the bunny that would help them earn a name… a name the town elders did not pick themselves.  Bunnies such as Thomas the Town Builder Bunny and Julie the Beautiful Bunny Bunny got their names for obvious reasons, but trust me, there is a story to be told there as well.  This, my friend, is where Targy’s story really started. 

      Those who knew Targy should not have been surprised at the events that happened.  Nothing ever really seemed to go as planned where Targy was concerned, and her Coming of Age time was no different.  But then again, that’s what made Targy… well, Targy!

Chapter Two

      It all started on the Eve, which was not to be confused with Birthday Eve or Christmas Eve, but rather, the Eve of the Coming of Age.  Although, this would have been a mouthful to say over and over again, so instead, was simply called the Eve.  Trust me on this though, if you ever are vacationing in the Secret Woods of Junto, and just happen to mention the Eve, every bunny will know exactly what you are talking about.

      So in the morning, which some may say is contrary to its name but was when the Eve actually took place, just after the sun started to shine and the fresh dew began to glisten on the trees, Targy heard a knock on her window. 

      What, does that surprise you?  Not all rabbits live in rabbit holes you know.  Some, like those who lived in the Secret Woods of Junto, had their own homes.  Most were even lined with their own carrot gardens.  Because what they say is true, rabbits really do love their carrots.  Besides, Targy would never be caught living in some dirty old rabbit hole! 

      So, back to the knock, because I’m sure you are curious as to who it is.  But don’t worry; there is no need to be scared.  Targy sure wasn’t!  The knock was a familiar knock to her, and belonged to her most bestest friend in the world, Lilly. 

      Even though so far I have only told you about Targy, anyone who knew Targy, or even had heard stories of her, knew of Lilly as well.  The two were like peas in a pod.  But instead of being small, round, and green, one was a bunny and the other a squirrel.  So sure, maybe they did not look alike, but boy they sure did act alike.  They might as well have been sisters! 

      Everywhere that Targy went, Lilly was sure to go, and everywhere Lilly went, Targy would follow.  So on the rare occasion when they went in different directions… well, you can see what the problem would be!  Luckily, such things did not happen often.

      Excited to see her friend, Targy opened the window and Lilly came jumping in with a big smile on her pretty little face!  Compared to Targy, Lilly was a little one.  Sure, most squirrels are smaller than rabbits anyways, but you would never really notice it until you saw a squirrel and a bunny, ears and all, standing side by side.  But what Lilly lacked in size, she made up for in spunk.  Besides, she had proven time and time again that anything Targy could do, she could do too.  

      Like the time they raced to the River of Oxyl and back.  We’ve all heard the story of the tortoise and the hare, but that hare would have been no match for this squirrel!  And when it came to hops, some in the Forest of Treehoth swore Lilly was a flying squirrel… that’s just how awesome she was. 

      “So Targy, today’s the day.  Are you excited?  Huh, are ya?  Are ya?” Lilly asked, circling her friend with enthusiasm.

      Laughing out loud Targy replied, “Of course I am Silly Lilly.  I’ve been waiting for today my whole, entire life.”

      “Any idea what name the elder rabbits are gonna give ya?”

      “Well, the newest idea I came up with last night was Targy the Magnificent Bunny.  But then I thought I would sound too much like a magician.  And I don’t know any magic tricks, so that could end up a bit embarrassing, or at the very least, awfully confusing.  But it doesn’t matter anyway.  Can you believe none of the elders have asked for any of my ideas?”

      “You know, I don’t think that’s exactly how it’s supposed to work Targ,” Lilly said with a smile as she gave her friend a big hug.  “So, what do you want to do today?”

      “I don’t know, it’s such a loooooong time until the ceremony.  Wanna go for a hike?  I hear the rainbow orchids have gotten their color, and those are always so pretty.  We can get some for our hair.  I think it would look great for tonight.”

      “Um, didn’t your mom tell you to stick around town today?”

      “I think she meant stick around later on so I wouldn’t be late.  But if we go early, we’ll be back early.  I’m sure that’s what she really meant.”

      “Hmmm,” Lilly thought to herself as she weighed the idea before responding, “Sounds like a great plan to me.  Let’s go!”

      With those fateful words is where the long part of our story begins.  Because you see, as I mentioned earlier, nothing ever seemed to go as planned for Targy, which is the exact reason her mom suggested she stay nearby on this special day in the first place. 

      No matter their good intentions, Targy and Lilly were masters at finding themselves in sticky situations.  Such as the time they went on a hike and ended up in the Sticky Stickwaters of Sticksdale…  now that was really a sticky situation for sure.  At least you could be sure they wouldn’t end up there again!  If we ever get the time, that will definitely have to be another story I share with you.

 Chapter Three

       The two friends set out, with plan in mind to visit the rainbow orchids and be back before lunch.  The girls both decided not to let anyone know, especially Targy’s mom, that they were going in the first place.  They did not want to start a fuss.  Besides, they really, really wanted to surprise everyone with some beautiful flowers for the ceremony tonight, and there were no prettier flowers anywhere in the Forest of Treehoth than the rainbow orchids.

      With the morning sun still fresh in the sky, Targy and Lilly began their journey.  For them it seemed simple enough, but for you and me, it’s what this story is really all about.

      The trek to the rainbow orchids was an easy one, and was a trip the two friends had made often in the past.  All they had to do was go through the woods, over a hill, and around a bend.   Sure, that might not sound helpful as far as directions go, but if you ever get the chance to see the hill or walk around the bend, you would know exactly what I mean.

      Once there, a short walk down and across Cricket Creek would get you to the outskirts of the rainbow orchids, which at first glance would not seem impressive at all.  In fact, you might not even know you were there unless you had been there before, because the orchids on the outer ends were all green and brown like the surrounding trees. 

      It worked out well though, because the random visitor would likely pass the nestled field without even a second glance.   But for the locals in the area, they all knew that the deeper they went, the more amazing the field became.

      Now some may think the rainbow orchids were given their name because of all the different colors of the orchids.  Shades of blue, pink, purple, yellow, orange and more, the flowers were all so beautiful.  But it’s how these orchids got their color, which is the best part of this part of the story, and is the real reason they have the name that they do.

      You see, a loooong time ago, a leprechaun named Larry (though he preferred to be called Lawrence) was visiting the Forest of Treehoth.  Now you may not believe in leprechauns, or fairies, or unicorns or the like, but I can tell you for sure, that in these parts, such things are as real as you and I. 

      Anywho, Larry…. sorry, I mean Lawrence, was about to retire, which meant he was turning his leprechauning duties over to the younger leprechauns.  Before he could though, he had to find a place to hide his life’s earnings… his pot o’ gold. 

      Well, you’ve probably heard how such leprechauns hide their gold at the end of a rainbow, and Lawrence’s pot of gold was no different.  But don’t get your hopes up too much, there was no pot of gold here at the rainbow orchids. 

      No, instead, this is where Lawrence’s rainbow started (and where it ended is a whole other adventure, and another story, of its own)!  So if you ever see a field of all different colored orchids, chances are a leprechaun has already been to that very place. 

      So it was Larry, um, Lawrence the Leprechaun’s magic rainbow that turned the drab and ordinary orchids into the amazing wonder that became the rainbow orchids Targy and Lilly were visiting on this day, and that’s how this particular field of orchids got their name. 

      It took almost an hour for the girls to make the half hour trip to the rainbow orchids, mainly because of the detours they took along the way.  For Targy and Lilly, the shortest distance between two points may have been a straight line, but that would hardly be any fun.  So they stopped here and there, and there and here along the way, laughing and playing the entire time.  But when they finally arrived, the inspiring beauty of the field brought a warm and fuzzy feeling to their insides and a smile to their faces.  Even though they had both been to the field many times before, the radiance of the rainbow orchids never got old, and made every visit feel like the first.

Chapter Four

      “Oh wow, Targ,” Lilly exclaimed as she ran deep into the center of the orchids, “these are all so beautiful!”

      “I know, right.  It never gets old.  They are as gorgeous as the first time I saw them,” Targy replied as she followed close behind her friend.

      Darting left, right, and around in circles, the girls scampered about the field, taking a second here and a moment there to stop and smell the orchids.  Every color of the rainbow, and even some colors that aren’t part of a rainbow but really should be, glistened from the petals of the flowers.  The deeper they went into the field, the more vibrant the colors became.

      “So Lilly, what do you think about these?” Targy asked as she gently pulled up a deep purplish-blue flower.  On it were tiny white spots shaped like hearts.  She then placed it into the small fluff of hair that was set between her ears. 

      “Wow, that is way pretty Targ,” Lilly responded as she scuttled over toward her friend.  Then tugging on a soft pink orchid herself, she held it up and added, “What do you think of this?   I bet your mom would love it!”

      But to Lilly’s surprise, Targy never responded.  Instead, she just stood there, with her ears pointing straight up to the sky and her eyes as wild and bright as the midday sun.  The look on her face said it all, telling Lilly to turn around and share in the wonder.  So she did, and upon doing so, gave witness to the most beautiful sight the two girls had ever seen up until this point in their lives (and ended up being one of the top five most beautiful and awe-inspiring moments of their entire lives!)

      Deeper into the meadow of flowers, in what was actually the very center of the field, rested a small patch of the most vibrant and stunning orchids in the entire world.  It was a patch the girls had never, ever, seen here before. 

      Whereas every other flower in the field was this color or that, and maybe sometimes even made more special by a pretty pattern, these flowers, the orchids that were in the center of the field, beat them all.  They were mixed and matched, and wonderfully beautiful. 

      In the center of all these amazing flowers, stood out one in particular.  It was a blossom unlike any other.  This orchid looked as if it were painted by a rainbow itself, stripped with a slew of awesome colors that each seemed to shimmer and glow as if a real rainbow rested on its petals.

      “Wow,” was all Targy could muster as she made her way to the flower.  With each step she took, her eyes got bigger and bigger, her gaze fixated upon it.  Trust me, the Easter Bunny (who was like a distant eighty-third half cousin to Targy’s mom’s second most bestest friend) could have walked by with a basket of really smelly eggs and Targy would not have even noticed.  “Now that is a flower I’ve got to have,” she added, “it would be perfect for tonight.” 

      So she bent down and placed her hands on the thick green stem and was just about to pull when she heard a soft voice call out, “No, please don’t do that!”

      “Why not, Lilly?” Targy asked as she stopped and turned around.

      “Why not what?” Lilly replied as she moved in closer to get a better look at the flower for herself.

      “Why did you tell me to stop?”

      Shrugging her shoulders Lilly responded, “I didn’t say anything.”  With that, she leaned over to grab the flower herself when yet another voice yelled out even louder this time, “She asked you nicely not to do that… hello?!?”

      Lilly jumped back and turned to Targy, but the bunny just shook her head in disbelief.  The girls then looked at each other in wonderment before Lilly finally got up the courage to ask out, “Um… is anyone there?”

      “Of course we are here,” the second voice responded, seemingly coming from the orchids themselves.  “Who did you think was talking to you, the flowers?”

      By this time, the surprise in Targy had long given way to curiosity, so stepping forward and leaning in a bit closer she replied, “So, you uh, aren’t the flowers?”

      “Of course not, silly.  Talking flowers aren’t real,” the first voice chimed in again.

      Standing ever so close now to her friend, and with her eyes squinted and focused trying to make sense of what was going on, Lilly asked, “Then who are you…?”

      “And where are you…?” Targy added.

      Just then, from the center of the centermost rainbow colored orchid nestled deep and hidden here in the field, floated up two of the most beautiful, though very most smallest, creatures the girls had ever seen.  As their eyes about popped out of their heads, and as their jaws dropped to the ground, the best friends asked in unison as their voices trembled with caution and amazement, “… and what are you?!?”

Chapter Five

      “We are butterfly fairies,” the smaller of the two creatures responded first.        

      “You mean you’ve never seen a butterfly fairy before?” the slightly larger one added.

      “Um… no,” Targy responded.  “I’ve never even heard of a butterfly fairy before.”

      “Well, we are as real as you two,” the larger fairy replied.  “My name is Raine and this here is my little sister, Poe.”

      Now I don’t know what you know about fairies, or butterflies for that matter, but when you combine the two you get the perfect combination of beauty, smarts, and sass.   And where these two were concerned, they had ample amounts of all three things!

      To their own kind, each butterfly fairy looks unique and special, but to most everyone else, they all have a tendency to look alike.  But, even with the confusion, telling the difference between these two fairies was actually pretty simple. 

      You see, butterfly fairies never, ever, cut their hair, because that is where their magic is stored.  The longer the hair, the more powerful the magic in the fairy.  So Raine, being the older and slightly more experienced fairy, had the longer hair.  Poe, being a few years younger, was still growing hers out.  So there you go, a quick lesson on butterfly fairies should you ever come across a couple.  Which regardless of what people say, is very likely to happen at least once in your life.

      “Well it’s nice to meet you,” Targy finally said back after getting over the initial shock of meeting these fanciful new creatures.

      “And you as well,” Poe responded before Raine jumped in.  “Now if you would be so kind as to not pick this flower, we would really appreciate it.  It is not very appropriate of you ya know.”

      “Why, what’s so special about this flower?”

      “You mean besides the obvious?” Raine countered.

      As a result of those coarse words, Targy’s face turned from one of wonder and excitement to sudden sadness.  “I’m sorry, have we offended you in some way?”

      Seeing this, Raine flew up close and stopped right before Targy’s eyes.  This caused the cautious bunny to take a small step back (which actually put a large distance between the two given the fairy’s small stature).  Raine then bowed gracefully at the hips and responded, “No, I’m the one who is sorry.  I’ve been rude…”

      “It’s just a really special flower,” Poe interjected as she came to the defense of her sister.

      “That it is,” Raine finished.  “It’s our only way home.”

      In surprise, Lilly jumped in and asked, “Your home… it’s in that flower?”

      “Well, not in the flower itself exactly,” Raine responded.

      “But the doorway to our home is in the flower,” Poe added.  “And if you pull the flower, you’ll break the doorway and we will never get back!”

      “Oh wow, we are soooo sorry,” Targy replied.  “We almost really ruined things for you two.  So why are you here in the first place?  Are you picking flowers to bring back home with you?”

      “I wish,” Poe whispered under her breath to the point the girls could barely make out what she was saying.

      “Um, not exactly,” Raine then said a bit louder.

      “Why not?  What’s wrong?”

      “A whole lot.  We didn’t even plan to come here.  We just kind of ended up here as we were running away.”

      “Running away?  Why?  What happened?  Running away is never a good answer for problems,” Targy said.

      “No, it’s not like that… we didn’t want to go, but our parents told us to run.”

      “They did?  Why, what happened?” Lilly asked, now with concern in her voice.

      “Our land was attacked by the evil dream wizard, Cyrus,” Raine replied.

      “Who is that?” Targy questioned.

      “He is a wizard who lives in a castle up on Mount Vermin.  No one ever really paid much attention to him before because his power only came in the darkness of night when everyone was asleep.  But it never got dark in our home because of our fairy magic.  Except then magical creatures started disappearing from all over Magicalli, which is our homeland.  It seemed he had been stealing their magic to make his own magic more powerful, and eventually he was able to make everything go dark.  And that’s when the trouble really started for us,” Raine answered.

 Chapter Six

      “Oh no, that is so terrible!” Targy gasped.

      “And that’s not the worst part,” Poe said before Raine continued on.  “Yeah, Cyrus went and captured all of the fairies from our home.  And now he is stealing all their magic too by taking their hair.  Then he is going to keep them in his dungeon and every time their hair grows back, he is going to cut it again.  Eventually he is going to be too powerful for anyone to stop.  We barely escaped.”

      “He is a really bad man,” Poe then added in quickly.  “But Raine saved my life.  I was really afraid, but she told me to be brave and just keep going.  So we did.  And I never looked back, not once… but I was so scared.  Next thing you know, Raine opened up the petal portal and here we were.”

      “Cyrus didn’t follow you, did he?” Lilly asked as she then started looking around a bit frightened.

      “No… not yet at least,” Raine answered.  “He isn’t powerful enough yet to cross over into this land.  But believe me, once he gets enough fairy magic, nothing will be able to stop him.  We were just letting some time pass by so we could rest up before we went back to try and save our family and friends.  Otherwise they will be his prisoners forever.”

      “But I don’t think we can do it alone,” Poe chimed in.

      Raine gave her sister a soft nudge before she replied, “Shhh… don’t say that Poe.  We are the only ones left that can help them!  We have to go back.”

      Just then, the sadness of their plight touched Targy’s heart.  She could not even imagine what it would be like if her family and friends were all captured.  So with that overcoming any fear she had, Targy said, “Don’t worry girls.  We will help you.”

      “We will?” Lilly quickly asked in surprise.

      “Sure Lilly.  What if it were your mom and dad?  Or me even?  Wouldn’t you need help?  This Cyrus guy sounds like a really bad man, and it sounds like only a matter of time before he comes here.  Then it just may be our parents who get captured next.  We can’t let that happen!  Besides, I bet Poe and Raine here would do the same for us.”

      “Yes, yes, of course we would,” Poe said excitedly. 

      “Are you sure about this?” Raine then asked.

      “Yeah, are we sure about this?” Lilly added as everyone looked at Targy.

      “Of course I’m sure.  But if you don’t want to go Lilly, you don’t have to.”

      “Yeah, we’ll understand,” the two butterfly fairies said together.

      It took only a second for Lilly to decide.  Not only did the butterfly fairies need her help, but Targy was right.  What would happen if Cyrus got enough of the fairy hair to take over the Secret Woods of Junto… or even worse, all of the Forest of Treehoth?  She couldn’t let that happen.  Besides, she wasn’t about to let Targy go on this adventure by herself.  She just met two butterfly fairies… there is no telling what would happen next!  “I’m in,” Lilly finally responded with excitement.  “Adventure… excitement…. a squirrel craves these things!”

      With that, the larger of the two small fairies fluttered her heart shaped wings and circled the really special rainbow orchid.  When she did, it started to shimmer and shake, and from its center a brilliant light began to shine. 

      The girls watched in silence for a moment as Poe shouted out loud before jumping in, “Come on you two, follow me!”

      Targy and Lilly looked at each other, and then glanced over at Raine.  The remaining fairy simply smiled though and urged them on.  Targy then shrugged her shoulders and throwing caution to the wind, pounced upon the flower.  But instead of smashing it, she simply disappeared into it.

      “Wow,” Lilly whispered as she watched her friend leave the Forest of Treehoth for the first time ever.

      “Your turn,” Raine then urged.

      With that, Lilly did one of her most superest jumps ever (so far at least) and leaped right into the center of the flower.  After a quick second, she was gone too. 

      Next, following the girls, Raine entered the center of the flower and the petal portal closed behind her.  As it did, all that was left behind in the beautiful field of rainbow orchids was a still silence.

 Chapter Seven

       The trip to Magicalli (which is the special land beyond our land that all magical creatures come from) was not as scary as you may think.  In fact, that’s exactly what Targy and Lilly have said about the trip each time they’ve retold this very story I’m telling you.  

      The oddest part of the journey was the spinning in total darkness and the whirly twirly feeling inside their stomachs (which ended up being the inspiration for the Whirly Twirly ride at the annual Treehoth Festival as a matter of fact).

      But once on the other side, what they found just about left the girls speechless (which is kind of wacky since it hardly was any more uncommon than meeting talking fairies or taking a ride through a petal portal in the first place).

      Anywho, what Targy and Lilly found in Magicalli was not exactly what they were expecting.  The petal portal had put them right smack in the middle of Monarchia, village of the butterfly fairies.  What one would expect if they were to imagine such a place would probably be an area of brightness and beauty.  But this was hardly what they were welcomed with.  Instead, everything was dark and gloomy, and really, really wet, as if it were always raining (even though there wasn’t a rain cloud in the sky).  It was just that dreary.

      “Um, you live here?” Lilly asked as she looked around.

      “It wasn’t always like this,” Raine responded. 

      “Yeah,” Poe added.  “It used to be really pretty.  But ever since Cyrus started working his dark magics, our home has really suffered.”

      “That is so sad,” Targy whispered soft as she rubbed her cold shoulders.  “But don’t worry girls.  We will get this place fixed right up.”

      “Well, if we can save the other fairies, the magic can be restored to our home and Monarchia will be beautiful once more,” Raine said.  “But it’s going to be dark soon…”

      “You mean it’s going to get darker than this?” Lilly questioned.

      “Much darker I’m afraid,” Poe finished.  “That’s why we need to get moving.”

      So for the next hour, the four girls embarked on their journey.  In the beginning, not one of them had much to say.  There was no dancing, or playing, or anything of that sort.  With every step (or hop, or flutter) they took in fact, more and more of the happy spirits that made these girls special seemed to disappear.

      Sensing this was another effect of the dark wizard’s spells, Targy knew she had to keep everyone’s spirits up.  Otherwise, they would have no energy left.  After all, I don’t know if you knew this, but it is impossible to defeat evil dream wizards if you don’t have any happy energy. 

      So with that thought in mind, Targy began to sing, softly at first, “What do you get…”

      Looking around, no one seemed to respond, so Targy continued with her song, “What do you get when you mix insects with your clothes?”

      All the girls now just seemed to look at her with somewhat serious looks on their faces as Targy persisted with a smile on her own, “Ants in your pants.  And what do you get when you mix…”

      Just then, Lilly chimed in, “Pasta with a ghost?”

      Smiling huge now, Targy responded in tune, “Spookhetti…”

      Then the two best friends continued on, singing together now, “And what do you get when you mix a pig with your laundry?”

      Feeling the happiness coming from the Targy and Lilly seemed to energize the two fairies, causing them to join in now as well, “Hogwash!”

      With that, all the girls were now giggling and singing together, hopping and dancing their way down the trail.  And for anyone who took notice, they would have seen a soft glow left on the path behind the traveling adventurers. 

      By now, they were all singing loudly, twirling about, “And what do you get when you mix a bear with a snowstorm?”

      The girls all came together in a big hug and screamed out at the top of their lungs, “A teddy brrrrr!”

      With that, they all fell to the ground laughing hysterically.  The gloomy night seemed to brighten up just a bit.  But it was only a momentary respite, because it was then when Raine quickly fluttered up and pointed out across the way, uttering softly, “Um… girls, we’re here.”

Chapter Eight

      Off in the distance rested a huge castle.  In fact it was so big, it seemed closer than it actually was.  It was really tall, and had four pointy towers coming up from the outer walls.  Any more detail than that was difficult to see from where the girls were, because of the darkness surrounding the castle. 

      Sure it was gloomy from where Targy and her friends were standing, but over the castle was a thick dark cloud, which instead of rain showers, let loose rays of dark shadows.

      “We need to go there?” Lilly whispered.  “Um, I’m not so sure about this…”

      “C’mon, Lilly.  It’s ok to be scared.  Just remember why we are here.  They need our help,” Targy replied.  “But how are we going to get in?  That’s an awfully big castle.”

      “We won’t be going in the front door, that’s for sure,” Raine said as she took off down the hill.  “Now follow me!”

      Still a bit afraid, Lilly asked, “Follow you where?”

      “There is a secret entrance.  Getting in won’t be hard at all,” Poe answered as she fluttered off after her sister.

      Lilly looked at Targy, and in her friend’s eyes got all the reassurance she needed.  “We can do this,” Targy said softly, “… together!”

      Now, I’ve got to tell you.  Most people I’ve told this story too have felt a lot like Lilly (just a wee bit scared) even listening to it.  But as with most things, sticking by your friends usually turns out pretty good, and this time would be no different.  So like Targy, don’t give up hope yet!

      It took only a few minutes, in fairy time that is, for the girls to get to the castle’s secret entrance.  The singing had stopped, but there was definitely a different feeling within the group.  The two butterfly fairies were excited to be seeing their family and friends soon, while Targy and Lilly were staying focused on the task at hand. 

      Besides, something inside of them felt different, something they could not explain.  The only thing they could tell for sure was that it was not a bad emotion inside of them.  No, instead it felt like something much better, much stronger.  It was as if a good surprise was coming, but they just could not tell what yet.

      “Are you doing ok?” Poe asked, seeing the odd looks on the girls’ faces.

      “Yeah,” Targy responded.  “My stomach feels a bit weird though.  But it’s not like a scared or nervous weird.  It’s just a weird, weird.”

      “That’s probably the magic,” Raine replied.

      This made Lilly perk her ears as she asked, “Magic?”

      “Yeah, the magic of Magicalli,” Raine continued.  “Everything in Magicalli has magic inside of them.  That’s how horses became unicorns, how trees can talk, and how butterflies become, well…”

      “Butterfly fairies!” Poe then chimed in excitedly.

      Smiling at her sister, Raine added, “Yes, butterfly fairies.  And you two girls are no different.  It’s probably the magic growing inside of you.”

      “You mean we have magical powers?” asked Lilly, now feeling much braver about the situation.

      “Of course you do,” said Raine.  “Like I said, everyone has magic inside of them.  Magicalli just brings it out and makes it stronger.  For example, even the courage you’ve shown so far is like a magical power.”

      “Well shoot, I hope that’s not my only power…”

      “Don’t worry, it isn’t.  That feeling in your stomach right now is Magicalli working its magic on you!”

      Curious now herself, Targy asked, “So what kind of power will we get?”

      “That’s a mystery to me.  For creatures like you, it’s different in everyone.  Only time will tell.”

      “How much time?” Lilly questioned next.

      “I wish I could tell you.  But you’ll know when it’s time.  Trust me.  Now we better get going.  Quick, through here.”

      Looking around, Targy did not see anything, so she asked, “Through where?  I don’t see anything but an empty field.”

      “Just wait for it,” whispered Poe. 

      With those words, Raine closed her eyes and spun quickly, causing her long, dark hair to whisk around.  After a second or two, bright slivers of magic started to fall upon the ground, kind of like really brilliant snowflakes.  A second or two after that, the girls finally saw what was happening.

      On the ground where the fairy dust was landing, the grass and dirt began to disappear.  It took only a few breaths (of which due to the excitement, the girls had to make a serious effort to remember to take), before the ground completely gave way, and all that was left was a staircase going into the earth. 

      But it was not some dark and eerie staircase as one might expect.  No, since this staircase was made by fresh and new fairy magic, it was as all things fairy would be, beautiful and bright.  So, compared to the rest of the drab world, it actually looked pretty inviting.

      After her sister was done, Poe got a big smile on her face and said out loud, “Through there!”

Chapter Nine

      The girls all made their way down the staircase.  With every step they took, the light behind them seemed to disappear, allowing new light to shine in front of them. 

      “Wow Raine, your magic is strong,” Targy said softly as they made their way along the underground tunnel.

      “Thanks,” replied the older fairy, “but my magic is nothing.  You should see what some of the even older fairies can do.”

      “Well it’s no wonder Cyrus wants the fairy magic then…”

      With Raine and Poe leading the way, the four girls eventually reached their destination, which seemed to take forever (but actually only took about ten fairy minutes).  And even though they were tired (Targy and Lilly especially because they had to hop and run all this way just to keep up with the fluttering of the fairies) the only thought in their minds was the task at hand. 

      When they reached the end of the tunnel, Raine motioned for the girls to stop, and then pointed off a short ways.  “That’s the entrance to the dungeon,” she whispered.

      Lilly shuddered at the words.  Seeing this, Targy grabbed her hand as friends do, and gave her a big smile.  It was a smile that gave the little squirrel continued courage.  Then, with bravery in her own voice she said softly, “Ok girls, let’s go get your family…”

      Targy then took off toward the dungeon.  Now, I’m not sure what you’ve heard about Targy from her other stories, but generally speaking, her and Lilly are not the most silent or elegant of creatures.  In fact, many of their adventures have been caused by some accident they have found themselves a part of.  But on this adventure, in this moment, even the graceful Singing Swans of Ferndale would have been proud.  Because Targy moved along, making hardly a noise, and without a single misstep.  And following her lead, the rest of the girls quickly followed.

      “There they are,” Lilly said with a soft tone as the girls all took in the sight before them.  What was easily over a hundred fairies, and probably even closer to five hundred, fluttered before the adventurers.  But these fairies were not quite like the two Lilly and Targy had been traveling with.  These fairies seemed much more passive and were trapped behind bars made of dark magic. 

      It was obvious the dreary gloominess of the dungeon had sapped most of their wild energy.  That, combined with their stolen magic, which was evident by each fairy having little to no hair at all, made it impossible for the once fanciful creatures to save themselves.

      As the girls were each looking around in attempt to make a plan to free the fairies, Poe caught sight of her parents, and then beaming toward them, called out, “Mom… Dad… are you all right?”

      “Poe, no wait!” Raine cried out a moment too late to stop her sister.  Wanting to protect her, the older fairy darted out toward the prison as well.  The two fairies made it quickly to the bars, only to be forced back by Cyrus’ spell.

      “Poe…. Raine…” their fairy mother asked, “What are you doing here?”

      “We are here to save you… all of you,” Poe answered excitedly.

      “But it’s too dangerous.  You must leave now before Cyrus comes back.”

      As Raine looked around trying to find a way to break the spell, she replied, “Not without all of you.”

      “Did you come alone?”

      “No,” Poe responded, “We brought some new friends.”

      With those words, Targy and Lilly stepped out from the dark hallway.  All the fairies gasped with exhilaration.  Magical creatures, such as fairies and the like, usually do not mix with normal folks such as these two girls.  And when they do, it is almost always on the other side of the petal portal.  So seeing the bunny and squirrel here in Magicalli was a huge shock, but a good one.  And it gave the fairies enough hope that something special may truly happen now that would free them from their cage of shadows.

Chapter Ten

      Looking around, the girls did not see too much that could help them.  The room had a thick, dark smoky fog about it, which seemed to keep the bars strong and tough.  Tougher even than the hardest metals in the world.  And though the bars were not so close together that the fairies couldn’t fit through, it was the magic radiating from the bars that prevented any escape.

      “What are we going to do, Raine?” Poe asked her sister.  “How are we going to free them?”

      The older fairy twirled about, trying to open a small pinhole door through the dark magic, but her power just was not strong enough.  After a few moments of no success, she fell to the ground in fatigue.  “I don’t know Poe… I’m just not strong enough to break through the spell.”

      Even though the sisters were out of ideas, Targy was not about to fail after coming all this way.  So without giving up hope, she scanned the area.  Then using her super eyesight, (which really wasn’t a power… I mean, after all, all bunnies have great eye sight from eating all those carrots) she saw what looked like a gem above the prison cage.  It was large and dark, yet shiny… like a huge black diamond.  A thick beam of shadow seemed to be coming from it, and pointing right at the cage. 

      “I think that dark crystal is powering the magic on the bars,” Targy said as she pointed up.

      “But how can we get to it?” Poe asked.

      “Ya, I might be able to flutter up that high, but I definitely won’t be fast enough.  I’ll never make it through that shadow beam,” Raine added.

      Just then, Lilly spoke up, “I think I can do it.”

      The girls all turned to look at the squirrel.  “What, how?” Raine asked her.

      “I’m not sure,” she responded.  “I just feel like I can do it.”

      “Are you sure?” Targy asked her best friend.

      “Yuppers, I think so.”  Then turning to Raine she asked, “If I can nudge it just enough to tilt the beam, do you think you can open a doorway long enough to free your family and friends?”

      “Not alone,” Raine answered with a smile, “But I bet I can with Poe’s help.”

      The younger fairy smiled, and gave her sister a big hug.  Then Targy turned to her friend and did the same, while whispering into her ear, “Good luck.”

      “Ok, stand back,” Lilly said.  After focusing her thoughts and taking a deep breath, she began a countdown, “Three, two, one…”

      “Take off!” everyone yelled, as if urging Lilly on.  And that it did.  The little squirrel had come such a long way.  After leaving the Secret Woods of Junto for the first time ever, facing her fears, and standing by her friends, this was nothing.  So she took a leap unlike any other leap she had taken before. 

      Remember how earlier I mentioned that some had thought Lilly was a flying squirrel because of her jumping ability?  Well this jump was even higher.  And remember when I told you how she would beat that legendary hare in a race?  Well this was even faster.  Lilly jumped so high and so fast that she was able to go right through the shadow beam, and throwing all of her weight into it, hit the dark diamond crystal. 

      As she fell back to the ground, she landed on her plush tail and rolled against the wall.  Targy ran over to her, kneeled down and then asked, “Lilly are you ok?”

      Smiling, the squirrel responded, “I’m fine.  Did it work?”

      Looking up, the girls both saw the shadow beam was now tilted slightly to the side, leaving a weakness in the magic around the bars.  Targy then answered softly as she helped her friend up, “It sure did Lilly.  You did it!  That jump was amazing.  How did you know you could do it?”

      “I didn’t,” Lilly answered.  “Not for sure at least.  I just felt it inside of me.  I think that is my power here.  It felt really great!”

      “Well it was way awesome,” Targy added as she gave her friend another huge hug.  “I’m so proud of you.”

Chapter Eleven

      The two friends then ran over to the cage where Poe and Raine were starting to work their magic.  After Lilly’s jump, the fairies found a weak part in the bars, a place where the tilted shadow beam was only partially focused.  This disruption was just enough for the sisters to focus their energy and create a pinhole through the magic bars.

      With each second that passed, the hole grew larger and larger, and quickly became big enough to fit the butterfly fairies through.  One by one, each of them exited the cage, and as they did, each helped out the one behind.

      Just as the last fairy exited, the whole group surrounded Poe and Raine, thanking them for their heroics.  “Now, we just have to get out of here,” Raine said as she tried to help organize the gaggle of fairies.

      But at that moment, the room halted in sudden stillness and silence as a loud boom echoed throughout the entire fortress.  Just then, seeming to come from the walls themselves, a dark voice yelled out, “You may have gotten free from my cage, but you shall never leave this castle!”

      “Cyrus!” Poe cried out loud in a panic.  “What do we do?”

      Everyone then looked at Targy, hoping and searching for an answer for the biggest and bravest adventurer in the room.  At that moment, she felt the weight of everyone’s freedom on her shoulders, but it was not a bad thing.  In fact, (Targy went on to say many times later), if anything, it helped urge her on.  After all, she could not let all these fairies, or her friends, suffer.

      Right at that moment, a loud bang echoed through the halls, over and over again.  It was as if giant footsteps were getting closer and closer to where they were. 

      “Quick, we don’t have much time,” Targy yelled.  “Lilly, you have to lead the fairies out of here the way we came in!”

      “What?” Lilly responded in surprise. 

      “Someone has to stay behind and slow Cyrus down so you all can get out.  And you are faster than me, so you need to lead them.”

      “I can’t leave you here.  I won’t leave you here!”

      “No, you have to.  Remember how you had the feeling inside of you telling you that you could make that jump?  Well I have that same feeling now.  This is my chance to take the leap Lilly.  You have to believe in me!”

      Lilly did not want to give in, but she trusted her friend’s words so much.  Targy had never lied to her before.  If she said she could do it, Lilly just had to believe in her.    

      So Lilly jumped into the bunny’s arms, and gave her friend a huge, giant hug.  “Just be careful,” she said.  “I’ll be waiting for you outside.  I’m not going to go home without you!”

      Returning the embrace, Targy replied, “You won’t have to.  I’ll be right behind you.”

      Just then, Raine yelled out, “Poe, go with Lilly.  I’m going to stay here with Targy.”  Everyone in the room was just about to protest, but before anyone could get out a single word, Raine continued on, “I’m not about to leave Targy here by herself.  She risked herself to help us, and I’m going to stand by her.  Besides, I’m the most powerful butterfly fairy left because Cyrus hasn’t gotten my hair yet.  So maybe, just maybe, together Targy and I can slow him down long enough for you all to escape.”

      “But Raine!” Poe exclaimed.

      “But nothing, Poe.  You need to help Lilly get the others to freedom.  You can do it.  I know you can.  You’re a smart and amazing little sister.  I believe in you.  We all do!”

      With that, the two sisters embraced, and shortly after were joined by their parents.  But before the hugs could go on too long, the sound of the clanging footsteps were getting closer and closer.  In fact, they seemed like they were just moments away.

      Raine turned away and yelled out to everyone, “Now go.  Follow Lilly and Poe.  They will lead you to safety.  And don’t worry about us, we will be fine…”

      “We got this,” Targy finished.

Chapter Twelve

      As everyone ran out through the secret tunnel, Targy and Raine braced themselves.

      “Do you have a plan?” Raine asked as the sound of Cyrus’ footsteps were just around the corner.

      “Maybe not a great one, but I got something.  We have to lead him away from the tunnel.  Can you combine some of your sparkly fairy dust all close together and create a small crystal?  Kind of like the dark gem up there?”

      “I don’t know… I think so.  I’ve never tried it before but ya, I think I can.”

      “Awesome!  Just follow my lead and when I call out, make one as fast as you can.”

      “Got it!” Just then, as Raine was finishing her words, Cyrus came running into the room.

      In all the adventures, and of all the situations that Targy ever found herself in, she said none ever made her more scared than this single moment.  She did not feel it so much at the time, but afterwards, when asked about what had happened on this night, in this room, she realized just how scared she really was.  But the fear, she would always add, did not make her cower.  No, instead it gave her the strength to fight on.  Because she knew what she had to do, and she knew she could do it.  She believed in herself just that much.

      As Targy stood there, with Raine resting upon her shoulder, Cyrus stepped out from the shadowed darkness.  He was tall… very, very tall, and thin.  It was difficult to make out any real features on him though, because he seemed to be swirled in a thick stream of black smoke… or maybe he was made of the smoke itself.  Either way, Targy had no intention of getting close enough to finding out.

      “Hmmm, what is that I smell?” Cyrus echoed out with a deep and raspy voice.  “Is that rabbit?” he then added as he lunged forward.

      “It’s bunny, and you can’t have any!” Targy yelled back as she hopped to the side and bounced right past Cyrus.

      The evil dream mage turned around suddenly, and shot beams of shadow in Targy’s direction. But her natural bunny instincts helped her avoid every blow.   And as she was bouncing about, she yelled out to Raine, “Now!”

      With those words, the brave young butterfly released a bunch of fairy dust from her hair into the air, and then spinning around it as fast as she could, started to force the dust together into a tiny crystal stone.  Exhausted from the effort, she was just about to fall to the ground.  But before she did, she swung her hair around one last time, and tossed the gem over to Targy.

      The bunny then caught the fairy crystal in mid hop, and landed right in front of Cyrus. 

      “You dare challenge me?” Cyrus bellowed out.  “I shall make you my pet!”

      “I don’t think so,” Targy yelled back before whispering under her breath, “I hope this works.” 

Chapter Thirteen

      Now, what Targy was about to do was something she had never done before.  But as with Lilly, she knew in her heart it was something she could do.  Everyone comes to a point in their life when they are forced to try something new, and with enough effort and concentration, chances are, they will succeed.  It really doesn’t take the magic of Magicalli to unlock the power within, but in this case, it might have helped just a bit.

      Targy then closed her eyes and focused her thoughts.  She thought of all the fairies they just freed.  She thought of her new friends, Raine and Poe.  She thought of her bestest friend Lilly, who she was so proud of.  She thought of her other friends back in the Secret Woods of Junto.  And she thought of her parents.  She thought of all these people, all at once, and the very thought of them made her insides warm with love. 

      The more she thought of them all, the stronger the love within her grew.  Soon, after only a second or two (of bunny time that is) she felt as if the love had grown so much she could not hold it in anymore.  As she opened her eyes, she saw a brilliant white light with shades of pink surrounding her.  This was her power… her light.  A light brought on by love, courage, and happiness.

      Targy watched as Cyrus began to slink back.  The brightness beaming from the bunny scared him.  It was everything he was not. 

      Seeing this, Targy then focused her thoughts even more and concentrated on the light.  Then with a final scream, the bunny yelled out, “Leave my friends alone you bad man!” 

      She centered the light and focused on putting it through the crystal.  As it went in one end a brilliant and bright radiance, it came out the other end a powerful and strong beam. 

      The beam of her love-light hit Cyrus’ largest shadow beam straight on, and forced it in reverse.   The evil dream mage tried to fight back, but the more Targy focused and concentrated, the stronger her beam became.  After a few seconds, her love-light overcame the shadow darkness and knocked Cyrus back against the wall and onto the ground.

      Seeing Cyrus defeated, at least for the moment, Targy stopped concentrating and put the gem in her pocket.  She ran over to Raine, who sat exhausted and almost speechless on the ground. 

      “Wow, Targy,” the fairy panted out between heavy breaths.  “That was the most amazing thing I have ever seen.”

      “I couldn’t have done it without you girl,” the bunny replied as she scooped her friend up from the ground.  “Now let’s get out of here!”

      Without taking a second look behind them, Targy and Raine took off down the darkened hallway.   While off in the distance, they could hear Cyrus stirring as he yelled out, “This isn’t over yet!”

Chapter Fourteen

      With Raine in her hand, Targy moved as fast as she could down the tunnel.  Her love-light, dimmer now than it was earlier, still was bright enough to light the path.  She ran part of the way, and hopped the rest, moving as fast as she could.

      In took just a short time for her to reach the exit.  With a mighty pounce she flew out of the ground as the fairy doorway closed behind her.

      “Oh Targy, I was so worried,” Lilly exclaimed as she ran over to her friend. 

      But before any more happy words could be exchanged, the ground started to shake and a big howl came from the castle walls.  Everyone turned and looked as the cloud above the towers started to swirl and darken even more.

      “Um, what’s happening now?” Lilly asked.

      Everyone was silent for a moment, when Raine turned to Targy and wondered, “Do you still have that crystal?”

      “I sure do,” Targy responded as she handed it over to her friend.  “Why?”

      “I have an idea,” Raine replied while turning to the rest of the fairies.  “Now I know most of your magic has been taken.  But if I’ve learned anything from these girls today, it’s that magic is in all of us… and hair or not, I know there has to be something left in each of you.  I need you all to focus on helping me make this crystal bigger.  I know we can do it!”

      It didn’t take much convincing to get the fairies to want to try.  So all together, every butterfly fairy released what little magic they could.  By themselves it may not have been much, but combined, it was something special and powerful. 

      With every fairy that focused its energy, the crystal grew larger and larger.  Once it was the size of a coconut, Raine then turned and said, “Ok Lilly, do you think you can do one of your super jumps, and bring this crystal into the air as high as you can?”

      “I’ll do my best!” Lilly replied, full of confidence now.

      “And Poe,” Raine continued on, “can you place a floating spell on it to keep it in the air?  My magic needs to recharge, and you’re the only one left who is powerful enough!”

      Believing in herself, the younger fairy responded, “I know I can do it, Sis!”

      Smiling, Raine handed the crystal to Lilly who took a deep breath.  Then with every bit of strength she could muster, she leaped high and far into the air.  When she could not go any higher, she let go of the crystal.  Then as she fell back to the ground, the rest of the fairies caught her, and Poe stepped up.

      The little fairy spun around really fast, much as her older sister had done so many times before.  With a flip of her shorter hair, she released a stream of thin magic into the air, catching the stone, and keeping it afloat.

      Everyone cheered as Raine turned to Targy and said, “You know what to do.  Do you have anything left?”

      “I think so!” the bunny exclaimed.  Closing her eyes, she focused all of her love once more.  This time though, she was urged on by all of her friends.  And just when she thought she was going to pass out from the effort, Lilly came over and grabbed her hand, giving her support.

      That last bit was all she needed to help push her, and with a giant warmth filling her, she released it all out into the sky.  Raine fluttered up, and helped direct the love-light to the crystal by swirling around it.  And once it hit the crystal, the rest was magic.

      The love-light hit one side of the crystal a thin beam, but then was augmented by the millions of pieces of fairy dust pressed together.  It then shot out the other end, and covered the castle off in the distance.  Much like the dark diamond that imprisoned the fairies, this glimmering white gem that was powered by the love-light locked away the darkened castle of Mount Vermin, trapping Cyrus in it forever.

Chapter Fifteen

      The crowd cheered as the darkness of the land began to subside.  Up until now, Targy and Lilly had only witnessed the dreary gloom of Magicalli.  But after Cyrus’ spell was broken, the vibrant beauty of the land began to return.

      The group made its way back to Monorchia, with the fairy crystal staying behind, high in the air, keeping the darkness at bay. 

      Once back at the fairy village, the town elders offered the girls a place to stay.  But as much as they wanted to join their new friends, they knew they had to get back home, as their own families were probably worried sick.

      “We would love to stay,” Targy told Raine and Poe, “but we really need to go home.  I’m sure our parents are searching all over for us.”

      “We understand… we all do,” Raine replied as she gave the girls a big hug.

      “But you are welcome back anytime,” Poe added.

      “And if we can ever return the favor, just ask,” Raine finished right after her sister.

      “Oh thank you so much,” Lilly then said.

      “For what?” the fairies asked together.  “It is we who should be thanking you.  You saved our land.”

      “For helping me see what I was capable of,” Lilly responded.

      “Shoot,” said Raine.  “That was inside of you the entire time.  Magicalli just helped you realize your potential.”

      The girls all said their final goodbyes as Raine opened up the petal portal one more time.  Lilly jumped through first.  But before Targy joined her, she turned to the fairies and whispered, “Goodbye my friends, I will miss you all.”  She then blew them a kiss and jumped into the petal portal, disappearing into thin air.

      Now, you might think that was the end of the story, and in a way, it was.  Because it was the end of their adventure.  But at the very beginning of this story, I told you I would explain how Targy got her special title, and that part is coming up right now!

      Once back in the field of rainbow orchids, Targy and Lilly looked at each other in silence.  They were tired but happy, shocked but proud.  They could hardly believe the adventure they had just gone on.  But let me tell you this, it got much easier for them as the years went on, because this adventure was hardly the last.

      It was night time in the Secret Woods of Junto, and dark all around.  But not the same dark that the girls had experienced in Magicalli.  No, this dark was more natural, and not nearly as scary.

      “So, what type of trouble do you think we are in?” Lilly asked her friend as they set off for home.

      “Probably a lot,” Targy responded as she began to pick some flowers.  After all, that was the whole reason they had come here in the first place.  Then she added, “I can’t see us talking our way out of this one.  They will never believe us.  The truth sounds more fake than any lie we could ever make up ourselves.”

      “Ya, I think you’re right.”

      The rest of the way, the girls walked in silence.  They were in no hurry to get back because of the trouble they were surely in, but they wanted to see their families.  Also, they had little to say as chitter- chatter, because really, after an adventure such as what they were just on, what is there to talk about?  No, they had to soak it all in, and face the music back at home.

Chapter Sixteen

      The walk back to their town went much quicker than when they left.  The village was all assembled, circled around the town elders, when Targy and Lilly finally entered the outskirts. 

      At first they went unnoticed, but as they got closer, Targy’s mom saw her and bounced over quickly, “Where have you been young lady!?!” she asked with a bit of anger and concern mixed in her voice.

      The young bunny gave her mom a hug, as Lilly bounced off to find her parents and do the same.  Targy then looked up in her mom’s eyes and said, “You’ll never believe me.”

      “Just try me,” she replied.

      Targy relayed the entire story to her mom, who at first seemed to take it very well.  But with every mention of fairies, magic, and crystals, you could see the belief in her mother’s eyes drift deeper and deeper away.  By the end of her story, everyone in town, who by this point had surrounded Targy, shook their heads in disbelief.

      So Targy stood there, with her head pointing down and a sad look on her face as the elders began the Coming of Age ceremony.  She just knew it would be bad, especially now.  But as she stood there, alone and upset, Lilly came bouncing by her side.  She took her hand and whispered to her friend, “You don’t have to do this alone.”

      The elders addressed the crowd, speaking loud for all to hear.  “Targy, your bad behavior today is shining proof of what bunnies should not do.  As such, we feel you need to be made example of, so none of the other bunnies follow in your footsteps.  At your age, you should be a model for good deeds, and your lies today are not the example we want shown.  So from this moment forward you are to be known as Targy the…”

      Just then, from the back of the crowd, a voice yelled out, “Wait!”

      Then another voice joined in, “Stop!”

      Everyone looked around, but no one could tell where the voices were coming from.

      “Who goes there?” one of the town elders asked out.

      “My name is Raine,” the familiar butterfly fairy said as she fluttered up beside Targy.

      “And I’m Poe!” the other said proudly as she settled in beside Lilly.

      The entire town stood in amazement and shock.  Up until tonight, they had never even heard of such a magical creature, and now before them, fluttered two.  Silence filled the air as Raine began to speak, “Everything Targy has told you is true.  She saved our land, our home, our friends…”

      “And our family,” Poe added.  “And we can prove it!”

      “Prove it?” the town elder said.  “How?”

      “Well if two butterfly fairies standing before you aren’t proof enough,” Raine answered with a touch of sass, “then how about taking a look up in the sky.”

      All at once, the entire town looked up into the night air as they had all done so many times before.  Above the Secret Woods of Junto was often a clear evening sky, and tonight was no different.  In it, one could see a bright full moon, and hundreds of little stars.  But tonight, one star, a new star, was shining brighter than any other.

      The entire town gasped in amazement as Raine continued on, “That star is your proof.  It is shining bright with Targy’s love for us all.  In our realm, it is a crystal powered by her love keeping the evil dream mage, Cyrus, imprisoned.  But it shines so bright and so powerful, that you can see it as a star here in your world.  As long as that star is in the sky, we know our land is safe!”

      “It’s true, it’s true!” Poe added.

      With those words, the crowd began to murmur.  After a few moments, the murmurs turned to cheers.  Targy’s parents rushed right over and gave their daughter a huge hug.  Her mom then said, “Oh my princess.  I’m so sorry for not believing you.  Will you forgive me?”

      “Of course mom,” Targy replied as she gave her mom a kiss on the cheek.  “I know.  It was quite the story, huh.”

      “You are going to have to tell me all about it again… without leaving out any details!”

      “I will, Mom.  I will.”  Targy then turned to her friends Lilly, Raine, and Poe, and said, “Thank you for standing by me.  I love you all.”

      “We love you too Targ!” they replied together as they embraced in one big hug.  After a moment though, they were interrupted.

      “Ahem,” one of the town elders said.  “We have discussed these events.  In light of what has happened, we would like to apologize to Targy, and to you Lilly, for ever doubting you.”

      The girls just smiled as the elder continued on, with the entire town cheering in the background, getting the party started.

      “And from this moment on, for her heroic deeds as proven by the brilliant twinkle in our evening sky, we hereby call you now and forever, Targy, the Great Bunny Star!”

      And that, my friends, is Targy’s tale…

The End

Read: The Echo Chronicles Episode 1 – Awakening

Run.

One little word, yet it sends so many feelings through my head.  Disorientation is first.  The fever from the Feral bite yesterday really kicked my ass.  Can you hallucinate while asleep?  Or is it just called a dream?  Either way, once I woke from it to a blended reality, the confusion hit me hard.  

Run.

After my senses leveled, the anxiety set in.  Who was screaming that small, simple word?  What were they running from?  The unknown can always be scary, but once it’s upon you, it’s simply terrifying.  

Run.

Then hope hits.  As I’ve said before, it’s what I dose with.  Well hope, and the occasional pill.  But when the pills wear off, it’s the hope that’s still around.   

Run.

Finally, the courage rises to the surface. Who was the voice… the voice that sounded so scared and alone, crying out to?  This world… these woods, can be one hell of a place.  I gather myself – centering my thoughts while grabbing my bow.  My first instinct is to head toward the voice.  Unfortunately, it goes against one of my golden rules – safety in solitude.  But in my experience, it’s usually the good that is always running from the bad, and I sure could use some good in my life. So with that thought, I put my rules aside and take off.

Even with my blindness, I move deftly through the trees.  I see the world differently than most.  Some call my gift flash sonar, others, echolocation.  Kaya and I watched a special on it before the Event.  Well, she watched… I mainly listened.  I hadn’t realized it then, but I had been doing it all along.  That’s how I got the name, Echo.  Though when it started, it was more of a joke than anything.  When a blind little Indian girl cocks her head and begins to click her tongue incessantly, it draws attention.  Yeah, kids can be cruel.  

After the TV special, I put a little more effort into getting good at it.  Once the world went to Hell, all I had was time to get it right.  So Kaya helped me master it.  Now, in this new world, I imagine it’s more of a benefit than sight.  Because day or night, it helps me hunt better than any Feral.

So how does it work?  I produce brief, sharp clicks with my tongue.  Those clicks travel at a rate of over a thousand feet per second, bouncing off every object around me.  The sound then comes back, but much softer.  I listen to the slight echoes, and through them, flesh out the world around me.  The more familiar I am with a location, the more accurate I am in seeing my surroundings.

Sound like bullshit?  Well, its not.  Bats, dolphins, and even Beluga whales have similar skills.  And according to that TV special, I’m not alone on the human front either.   Not sure how many of those folks have survived as I have.  I guess their blood type would probably have some say in that.  All I know for sure is if not for my flash sonar, I’d probably be like the other 90% of the human population… dead or turned.  And I like living a whole Hell of a lot more.

As I get closer, the voice I’m tracking begins to fade.  Not in distance, but in life.  You know that sound of verve and energy that underlies every word spoken?  It may be happiness… most times it’s not, but every time it’s different and unique.  Distinctively human.  Listen to the garbles of Ferals enough, filling the night air around you as you try and sleep, and you quickly begin to pick up on the differences between them and us.  The voice I hear is definitely one of us, but fading fast.

On approach, I scan the area.  Nothing.  Aside from us, the forest is as still as ever.  No Ferals, no animals, and no other people.  The voice is soft now… and weak.  Definitely male, yet fairly young.  Finally, I catch the tone of a withering innocence as he seems to be awakening to the hopelessness of death upon him.  I pity him, and that’s not like me.

I place the bow over my back, and swing down from the trees, effortlessly and silent.  I catch the scent of death in the air.  That all too familiar smell.  Foul fowl.  I fucking hate that smell.  It instantly makes me think of Dad.  From there, my mind takes me down a rabbit trail of memories I usually try and push away.  

Barely audible, I hear the voice strain with every breath.  Run.  Yet his body doesn’t listen.  He is on all fours now, crawling… trying to push on.  He is small, and of slight build.  Larger than me, but definitely not full into his frame.  I probably linger too long, watching with my senses.  Hearing every breath fade.  Smelling his life turn sour.

I would turn in disgust, but to be honest, it’s a scent I’m all too familiar with.  So instead, I just stand there.   Normally, I’d just wait it out.  Wait for him to turn or die, whichever came first.  Then I’d finish him off if he turned, and loot him either way.  But this time is different.   That pity I told you about… it’s eating at me now.  I just can’t put my finger on why.

Cautiously, I make my way over.  I can’t catch the virus from him, but I have no desire to repeat last night anytime soon.  I don’t mind hallucinating on wild shrooms, but from a Feral bite… that I can do without.  He may not be turned yet, but he sure does smell damn close.

He doesn’t notice me as I start to step near.  So in my softest, most nurturing tone, I call out to him, “Hello… are you OK?”

Startled, he stops crawling and turns.  He is definitely scared.  You don’t need any special senses to hear his heart practically beating out of his chest.  I catch the scent of salty sweat in the air, accentuating the smell of his changing skin.  He has the late stages of the fever.  He is close to turning.  Real close.

Sensing his fear, I continue to speak out in my soothing tone, “It’s OK.  I’m not here to hurt you.”  Damn, I sound a lot like Kaya right now.

His voice strains to speak with volume.  “Who are you?”

“My name is Echo.  What’s your name?” I answer as I slowly make my way toward him.  “What are you doing out here?”

He seems to have gotten himself together as he responds a bit more calmly, “You need to help me…”

“That’s what I’m here for.  What’s your name?”

“Mark.  My name is Mark.  Now please, help me.”

As I get to him, he grabs my arm with a surprising quickness and pulls me close.  I almost fall completely on top of him. He is strong for his frame, definitely a sign of the turn.  I touch his face – partially to get up, and partially to ease the nagging curiosity that has been eating at me.  His slight features are reminiscent of someone I hadn’t thought about in a long while.  He is just a boy, and that’s when it hits me.  I know where the pity has come from.  He reminds me of Noah.

Before the world turned to the Hell I’m in now, I lived on a reservation inCalifornia.  Well, it was more like a small town, but it was protected land.  I didn’t have many friends.  I spent most of my time with Kaya, and when she was busy, I was usually just alone.  Then I met Noah.  

I guess you could say he was my first school-girl crush.  He was in my fifth grade class.  We never really talked, but over the summer he made extra money mowing lawns on my street and we connected.  I know, so cliché.  As the summer ended, he was diagnosed with some kind of cancer near his spine.  So he moved with his family to get treatment, and I never heard from him again… but I never forgot him.  He was kind to me, and not in the condescending way that most people were.  With Noah it was different.  Unfortunately, once he got sick I didn’t repay the favor.  In hindsight, I realize I treated him the same way that I hated how everyone else treated me.  That pity I felt for Noah… that’s what I’m feeling now towards Mark.  His body has almost completely turned, but his mind just hasn’t caught on to the fact yet.  It’s holding on to that last tiny thread of humanity.  I sense that, I feel pity, and it makes me hate myself.  Selfish, right?  Here the kid is dying… turning into a Feral, and all I can think about is how I feel.  I’m such a bitch.

“OK, Mark.  What are you doing out here?”

“You need to help m…”

“Yes, Mark,” I interrupt.  Pity only augments my patience so much.  “But you are sick.  Real sick.  I’m not sure there is much I can do to help.”

“I know I’m sick,” he says as he straightens himself.  “That’s why you need to help me, Echo.”

“What can I do?”

He grabs my hand suddenly and it surprises me a bit.  His fingers are tacky, his grip is strong, and he smells like death.  If not for the conversation I was having with him, I would think he had already turned.  “Take this,” he says as he pushes something into my hand.  I feel a thick paper fill my grasp, but I’m hesitant to fully take it.

“Um, what is this?”

“A letter.  Well, I have a few more,” he adds as he pushes a satchel my way, “but that’s the most important one.”

“Letters?”

“Yeah, you need to take them to Aspen Summit.  People are waiting for these letters.  I’m not going to make it, we both know that.  So please, Ech…”

“Wait,” I interrupt again as I push myself away a bit.  “You want me to deliver letters?  To a place called Aspen Summit?  What the Hell are you talking about?”

“Listen.  I don’t have much time.  I need you to promise me.  Promise me you’ll take these letters.  Aspen Summit is a small encampment up north.  Past the foothills.  It’s about two days out from here… maybe three.”

I just sit there in silence.  I seem to do that a lot.  Give me a crisis, and I know how to react.  But make me deal with people, and I often shut down.  That’s what’s happening now.  So I just listen.  

“You need to do this for me.  Don’t let these letters get lost.  Promise me.”

There we go… promises.  Every time I make someone a promise, we all end up getting hurt.  I have a feeling this time won’t be any different.  I’m about to say no.  To tell the kid he is on his own.  But I can’t.  The pity has crept in, and it’s not letting go.

“What kind of letters are they?  Military?”

“No, no, nothing like that.  They are more important.  They are letters from people.  People like you and me.  And they are going to other people.  Families.  Entire families of people that haven’t been affected by the virus.  These letters are hope, Echo.  Hope for a whole lot of people.”

There’s that word.  Hope.  I swear this kid is in my head.  How can I say no?  Besides, if there is an entire encampment of people, untainted by all this shit and not all fucked up, it may do me good to find them.

“OK, Mark.  I’ll do it.”

“Promise me.”

“I promise,” I reply.  The words come out in a short burst, like I was just punched in the gut.  I hate making promises because I always keep them, no matter the cost.    

“Good.  Now, all these letters are important.  But this one,” Mark says as he reaches out and shakes the end of the letter still held firm my hand, “is the most important.  It’s to my uncle.  He is the head of Aspen Summit.  Make sure he reads it in private.  Can you do that for me, Echo?”

He can’t be a day over thirteen given the size of his frame and the tone of his voice, yet he seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.  I have so many questions for him, but I know he doesn’t have much time left.

“OK, I’ll do my best.  But you’ve gotta give me more on where Aspen Summit is.  I’ve never even heard of it before.”

I wait for a response, but nothing comes.  The only sound is that of his labored breathing, which is getting more erratic with every passing moment.  Just then, his body starts convulsing.  So I grab him by his shoulders and hold him down, “Mark, are you still with me?  Mark?!?”

After a few seconds of pause, he finally whispers out.  “Kill me.  Please.  I can’t become one of them.”

“Mark, I can’t.  I just ca…”

“Echo, please.”

My heart sinks.  I know deep down what I’ve got to do.  I know what I would want someone else to do for me.  I’d kill him anyways once the turn was complete, but at least this way he can die with some humanity left.  I imagine that makes all the difference in the world.

Slowly, I shift my hands from his shoulders, place them around his throat, and begin to squeeze.  I’d pray for him, but I don’t much believe in God.  I’ve never been able to figure how He could exist and let a world like this come to be.  I imagine a believer would tell me that’s where faith comes in.  That it’s all part of His plan.  But then I’d point to Mark… point to what I just had to do to save the last shred of his humanity and ask, “Is this God’s plan?” 

And just like that, he’s gone.  I know nothing about him.  Neither his family, nor his home.  I have no idea how old he really was, what life was like for him before the Event, or even what his favorite color was.  All the things that make us people.  I don’t know any of these things.  All I know is his name was Mark, and I just killed him.  At least he died human.

__________

“Echo, Echo.  It’s been a Hell of a day, Sis,” I say into my recorder as I hold Mark’s letter in my hand.  “I met a boy today, and no, it’s not like that.  His name was Mark and he was bringing a bag full of letters to some place called Aspen Summit.  He said it was north of here, but I’ve never heard of it.  He said everyone there was free of the virus.  Is it true, Kaya?  I want to believe him…”

I rub my fingers along the exterior of the letter.  At times, I can pick up on the differences in density between the ink and the paper, but in this instance, I’m getting nothing.  The journey probably washed everything out, making it impossible for me to read.  I want to open it.  To find out what’s inside, but Mark said his uncle needed to read it in private.  I didn’t exactly promise I would make that happen, I only said I’d try.  But I’m not going to break a dying wish over semantics.   

“He asked me to bring the letters for him before I… before he died.  He was sick.  Not sure how he got it.  I didn’t see any wounds on him, and I thought that if he wasn’t immune, he would have already caught the virus long ago.  Are there places that haven’t been affected yet and that’s where he came from?  Places where there are no Dosers or Laborers?  Places where people just… live?  Not a place like New Boulder where every immune person constantly needs to look over their shoulder, but a real place.  A place like every other before the Event.  I’m not sure if it’s even possible, but if so, I’d love to find it.”

I soak in the clear, evening air.  The wind is calm and the forest actually feels safe.  As for me, I feel good.  I think back to that final moment with Mark, and it sits well.  I would’ve wanted him to do the same for me.  I would rather a stranger take my life at my request than become what I hate most.  No, I feel good about Mark… and I feel good about these letters.  At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

“Can you believe it? I’m a fucking mail carrier now.  I wasn’t so sure I’d go through with it, but honestly, what else have I got to do?  Maybe this will lead me to you.  I haven’t made any progress on my own.  Besides, the kid hit a nerve in me.  And these letters… he talked all about them and the hope they would bring everyone.  I know that feeling, Sis.  It’s how you helped me cope with Mom’s death.  Sending her letters even though I knew she could never get them.  It helped me then, and now I can give these people that same feeling, only better.  We all could use a little therapy, and these letters may be able to do just that.  I decided I’m going to head out in the morning.  I hope you’re there, but wherever you are, know that I love you and I won’t stop searching for you.  I promise.  Echo out.”

With that, I put the recorder away, sliding it into my pouch along with Mark’s letter.  I then begin to pack up camp, preparing to leave at first light.  There are so many things I would have liked to have asked him.  So many questions I need answers to.  It looks like the only place I’m going to find them now is in Aspen Summit.  Wherever that is.

__________

AspenSummit.  It didn’t seem like much when I first arrived, but then again, looks can definitely be deceiving.  Mark was right, it was about three days north from where I had found him.  What he forgot to say was that it was about another day west from there as well.  I don’t know what he was thinking, or where he was coming from, but he would have never made the trip in the condition he was in.  

My excursion was pretty uneventful.  I saw a few groups of Ferals along the way my first day, but they were easily avoided.  My arm was still sore from the last three I encountered, and I had no intention of meeting up with any more unless I absolutely had to. 

The second day I hit the mountains and that really slowed me down, but I just kept going.  From there, I just followed Mother Nature.  Right around then is when Kaya would have told me about Earth Spirits guiding me.  Usually I would have just laughed it off, but in a sense, it was kind of true.

In the woods outside of New Boulder, there was a whole lot of nothing in terms of wild life.  Sure the occasional deer or rabbit would wander by, but that was it.  Generally speaking, animals get it right.  They survive on instinct, and are smart enough to follow that instinct.  They sense a Feral in one direction, they go in the other.  Simple.  Humans on the other hand, we always feel immortal until death is upon us.  And that is usually a recipe for disaster. 

Once I found myself in the mountains, I started catching signs of wild life.  The more north and west I traveled, the more signs there were.  As for Ferals, it was as if they never even existed up here.  For the first time in a long time, the scent of death was nowhere to be found.  All I got was clear air and pine, and I reveled in it.  I hadn’t felt so alive in a long time.

I finally found Aspen Summit during the early evening of the forth day.  There had been a light snowfall, but it was more wet than cold.  My food rations were looking good too.  I had enough left from the deer I killed to easily get me through another couple of days, and that wasn’t even considering the neck meat I could use in stew.  So even though the excitement behind the idea of Aspen Summit intrigued me, I decided to stay hidden on the outskirts of the encampment for the night to gauge the situation.  Mark had said very little, and in the days since, my head went through a thousand different scenarios.  The only thing more dangerous in this new world than hungry Ferals were desperate humans… and I had no desire to walk in ill-prepared. 

So last night I made a nest up in the trees as I often do.  Only this time, my focus was on Aspen Summit.  Wrapped in my fur and using my net as a hammock, I spent a great deal of time getting a fix on the encampment.  I remained focused and still, parlaying my patience and skills into much needed information. 

Aspen Summit was no more the size of a square city block or two.  As for people, I was able to count nearly eighty, and the smell of death wasn’t on a single one of them.  In the center of the encampment was one large, log built building.  I immediately got the impression that it was their church.  The group as a whole seemed strong in their faith. 

The building also doubled as the main housing unit.  The majority of the people slept there.  Scattered throughout the rest of the encampment were tents of various sizes- a little over twenty in number.  It seemed Aspen Summit was run through these tents.  Food, supplies, and protection were all divided up between everyone… and everyone filled their purpose in making it work. 

Along the outside, multiple guards scattered about, but they definitely had more of a militia feel to their patrol than full-on military.  This place was everything Mark had alluded to.  A group of people united under one goal – just trying to make life work.  I fell asleep late into the night, thinking Aspen Summit was a manifestation of the hope I’ve tried to hold on to.  I’ve heard rumors of places like these, but never thought in a million years that something this untainted could exist in this world.  Yet here I was, on the doorstep.  And the letters… they would be my ticket in.   

In the morning, I left most of my gear in the trees.  I only brought with me the things that I could afford to lose or absolutely needed to seem plausible.  It was going to be hard enough to explain how a blind girl was able to survive and make her way here, let alone explain how I got the letters.  So I tried to keep it as simple, but as real, as possible.  I kept my knife while leaving my bow.  I wrapped my fur around me while leaving my pouch.  Pretty much besides the knife and fur, all I had with me were a portion of my rations, my camel-pak, Kaya’s recorder, and Mark’s satchel.  Everything else I left hidden away.  If I got into trouble, I could always just double back and grab my gear whenever I needed it.

It’s been a few hours since daylight has hit, and I figure now is as good a time as any to get the party started.  I had gotten all the information I could from outside the encampment, but there was only way I would know for sure how real the idea behind Aspen Summit was.  I had to go in. 

I grab a branch off the ground, and use it as a hiking stick.  It fits neatly into people’s preconceived notions of how I should look.  Anything to sell my story without having to give up too much of the truth.    Then with a deep breath, I make my way out from the trees and toward the encampment.  It isn’t long before I’m noticed by one of the guards. 

He blows a whistle that is hung around his neck, and it hurts my ears.  I may not be able to see, but my sense of hearing is pretty well-tuned, and this asshole just doesn’t know when to quit.  I’m relieved when he stops, but I can barely understand what he is saying through the residual ringing in my ears.

“You, stop,” I finally make out as he points the barrel of a hunting rifle toward me.  “Don’t come any closer.”

I may be a pretty damn good hunter, but I’m not Wonder Woman.  Bullets kill, so I comply.  I stop and raise one hand as I lean my weight against the stick through the other hand.  I’m sure I look like a mess.  My long, dark hair is all mangled and the wrap around my eyes is stained with blood, sweat, and dirt.  Perfect.

“I mean you no harm,” I say out loud, trying to hold back a slight chuckle.  I feel like I’m some alien from another planet.  I shouldn’t be laughing, but I get that way sometimes when I’m nervous.  My fate is no longer in my survival skills, but in my story, and I’m not very good with words.  It doesn’t take long until the one guard multiplies into five.  At this point, I either make this work, or die trying… literally. 

No one says anything to me until a sixth man joins the group.  He carries himself differently than the others.  Though average height, he seems to stand much taller than his stature would suggest.  And while he isn’t carrying a rifle like the others, he does have a pistol holstered to his side.  Finally, in a strong, powerful voice deep in tone he asks, “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

I slowly swing the satchel around to my front, and carefully put my hand inside.  I hear the collective breath of the group in front of me stop, which causes my own breath to pause.  Then carefully, I pull out one of the letters and say, “My name is Echo, and I made a promise to bring these to you.  I assume this is Aspen Summit?”

The man steps forward as the guards lower their weapons slightly.  He grabs the letter from me and then asks, “And who did you make such a promise too?”

“A boy named Mark,” I reply. 

After a moment of silence, I finally hear him say, “Remove your cloth.  Show me your face.”

It’s not something I like to do, but I figured it was coming so I comply.  I can feel the man’s gaze look me over a few times.  Then after a moment he asks, “Where is Mark now?  How do you know him?”

“I’m sorry, but Mark didn’t make it.  I met him in the woods outside of New Boulder.  He must have been attacked by Ferals.  I tried to help him the best I could, but he was too injured to save.  He asked me to bring these to you, so here I am.”

More silence.  I assume this man is the camp’s leader, and then by presumption, that would make him Mark’s uncle.  If so, I’m sure the news of his nephew’s death doesn’t go over well.

“You expect me to believe,” he finally says, “That you just happened upon my nephew in a forest.  His dying wish was for you to bring these letters to us.  And you, a blind girl, finds her way all the way up here without any help?  Where are your friends?”

“Well, it wasn’t exactly his dying wish… but yeah, that’s pretty much what happened.  Look, I’ve been on my own since the world went to Hell.  Mark seemed like a good kid and if what he said was true, I just had to find you all.  Places like how he described Aspen Summit are fairytales out in the real world.  I had to find out if this place was for real.  And if Mark was your nephew, I am sorry for your loss.  But he did ask me to give you this.”  I then reach into my waist strap and pull out the first letter Mark gave me to me.  “He did ask though that you read this when alone.”

The man takes the letter and then walks all around me.  He scans the forest and then finally, after satisfaction sets in, continues, “Echo, you say?  Interesting.  Are you thirsty, Echo?”

“I could definitely use something to drink, Sir, yes.”

“Excellent.  Why don’t you come with me then?  I have a few questions for you.”

With caution high but no hesitation, I begin to follow him into the camp.  At first he seems to walk slow and with care.  However, once he realizes I can keep up without issue, his pace returns to normal.  We enter the main portion of Aspen Summit with one of the guards accompanying us.  As we approach a tent off to the south side, he asks for the satchel while ushering me in. 

“I apologize for not having much by way of accommodations, Echo, but we are simple people,” he says as he then hands me a glass of water.  I find it odd.  I haven’t sipped from an actual glass in years.  Its weight feels heavy in my hand, and cool to the touch.  Little things like this are what I find I miss almost more than anything.

“No, no it’s perfect.  Thank you very much,” I respond while finding a seat on the floor.  I’m at his mercy at this point, so I may as well get comfortable.

“So, Echo.  That is a unique name.”

“Yeah, kids can be cruel…”

“Yet it seems to fit you.”

“I suppose.”

“Well Echo, my name is Charles Thatch, though most people just call me Thatch nowadays.”  I just sit and listen as he continues on, which he does while going through the letters within the satchel.  “Do you have any family, Echo?”

“No, Sir, not any more.”  I pause for a moment before adding, “Well, a sister.  But I haven’t seen her in forever.  I’m not even sure if she is still alive.  Do you?”

The pace of the conversation moves slowly, as Thatch answers each question only after a moment of pause.  “No.  If what you’re telling me is true, then I have no more family left.  Mark was my brother’s son, and they were the only family I had left.”

“I am so sorry for your loss.”

“As am I.  But I do suppose I owe you a bit of thanks.  Lord knows it could not have been easy to find us.  But I’m glad you did.  The people here could really use these letters.  We are trying to grow Aspen Summit, but outside the constraints of the new world.  Places like Old Denver are just blood farms for those in power.  Everyone else is constantly looking over their shoulder to avoid turning.  Here we are just trying to reconnect families.  These letters are a key part to that.”

“So Mark was sent to bring these letters alone?  How old was he?”

“I could ask the same of you young lady.  Age doesn’t mean what it did in the past.  Kids grow up much quicker, and adults die much sooner.  But no, it wasn’t all left to him.  He did leave with his father.  I guess neither of them made it.”

It’s another one of those situations.  This is me at my worst.  So I just sit silent, and continue listening. 

“What I don’t get, Echo, is how you came to be here?  Are you really alone?”

“Why, just because I’m blind?  I find that a little insulting, Sir.  Yes I’m alone, though I didn’t ask for it.  I’d rather my sister wasn’t kidnapped.  I’d rather my Dad didn’t catch the virus.  I’d rather my mom didn’t die when I was born.  I didn’t ask for this… I’ve just learned to deal with the shitty hand life has dealt me.”

“Yes, I suppose that’s all we can do… live within God’s plans for us.  Well, Echo, thank you again for bringing these letters.  You are welcome to stay for now, just please keep your manners about you.  I would like to read this letter Mark felt was so important for me to receive.  So if you would excuse me?”

“Of course,” I respond while slowly getting up.

As I’m about to leave, Thatch speaks one final time, “Oh and Echo?  Many people here are going to ask you about the world outside.  You look like you’ve experienced a great deal.  Probably more than you should’ve and definitely more than you ever would’ve if the world hadn’t changed.  If you are asked… could you please refrain from the extents of the horrors?  These people are scared enough as it is.  We are just trying to rebuild.”

“Sure, Sir.  I won’t say anything,” I reply as I exit the tent, but it struck me as a bit odd.  I’m not sure what they expect.  This world is what it is now.  It’s Hell on earth.  If anything, they should be preparing for the inevitable clash against it, not burying their heads in the sand.  They won’t be able to hide up here forever.  But if that’s the plan, I sure would love to be a part of it.

__________

“Echo, Echo.  Well Kaya, I’ve gotta tell you, this place is great,” I whisper soft into my recorder as I sit along the outer wall of the church.  “This day was more than I could have expected.  After I delivered the mail, I wandered the encampment.  It was bustling and full of life.  Everyone was so nice too, but not in the creepy kind of way that makes you think they are waiting for you to sleep so they can boil you for dinner.  No, it felt real.  It felt like home… before everything went to shit. 

“I learned a lot about how Aspen Summit was started.  Thatch was an ex-cop from Denver.  In the early stages of the virus, he and some buddies headed up here with their families.  Along the way, they picked up the others.  By the time they arrived, the small group of twenty or so from Denver grew to the group they have now.  It was a lot like The Walking Dead comic the kids in school would read.  It’s funny how life tends to imitate art. 

“By the time the virus was spread, they were already set up and self-sufficient.  Other than Mark and his dad, no one had left Aspen Summit since the Event, and I have been their first visitor.

“At first, security was tight.  But as time moved on and they realized no one was going to find them, things started to mellow out.  Most of the camp feels pretty secure about things, but I didn’t have the heart to tell them that if I could find it, chances are others will too. I don’t think they have any idea how big Bio-Eden has gotten, or have ever come across a Seeker.   Ignorance is bliss I suppose. 

“The day passed by quickly and everyone was cool.  It runs like a machine around here.  Everyone has their chores, and each chore helps the community in some way.  It kind of reminds me of a commune.  Take the concept of money out, and people seem to do just fine together.  I know, I know.  I sound like a fucking Liberal now.

“By the time nightfall came, a party-like atmosphere filled the camp.  I felt free, Kaya.  I really did.  People were playing instruments and singing, while others were laughing and dancing.  And the food… there was so much to eat. 

“After dinner, Thatch distributed the letters to everyone at the party, and from then on, I was treated like a hero.  We have a place we can settle down now, Sis.  All I have to do is find you.  But the best part is, Thatch said he might even be able to help with that.  I should find out more tomorrow.  I love you so much.  Wherever you are, know that it won’t be long now.  Echo out.”

I bask in the moment one last time, as the cool night air brushes against my face.  I don’t know what I did right to deserve this, but I am thankful I’m here.  Maybe it was the letters.  Karma is a powerful thing I guess.  All I know is that if Mark had never come my way, I’d probably be heading east, hopeless and lonely in my search for Kaya.  I feel bad he had to die for me to get here, but they say all things happen for a reason.  Maybe Thatch was right… maybe this is God’s plan?

With that, I get up and head inside the church.  The community gave me a cot to sleep on, so no more trees.  I’m so tired, I feel like it’s only going to take a moment for me to fall asleep.  I have no idea what news Thatch will have for me, or what tomorrow will bring, but all I know is that for the first time in a long time, I can honestly say, life is looking up.

__________

Cough.

It all starts with that one sound.  That one horrible sound that means things will never be the same. 

Cough. Cough.

I sit up quickly and scan the area, clicking my tongue as silently as possible.  Thankfully, no one is awake yet.  I throw my legs over the side of the cot and hastily strap on my boots.  As I’m doing so, the sound intensifies. 

Cough. Cough. Cough. Cough. Cough. Cough. Cough. Cough.

“Oh shit,” I whisper.  Just then, I pick up a scent I haven’t smelled in days… death.  “What the fuck happened?” I ask myself.  Though in truth, I already know the answer.  The virus has found Aspen Summit.

I get up and head outside, scared to breathe.  Not because I’m afraid of catching it because I already know I can’t.  No, I’m afraid to wake anyone.  I don’t want to deal… don’t want to have to answer any questions.  Once I slink through the door and close it behind me, I finally exhale.  Just as I do, I hear a familiar voice behind me.  Thatch.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Echo,” he says between coughing of his own.

As I turn to face him, I scan the area and find he is alone.  One on one, I could probably take him, so I’m not too scared.  But he does have his pistol.  That is his advantage.  At least it’s still holstered.

I quickly pick up the scent of death on him.  Foul fowl.  It isn’t terribly strong, but it’s definitely there.  I say nothing.

“I’ve been up all night, young lady, wondering what to do with you.  I got sick last evening.  At first I thought it was just a cold, but then the visions came.  Primal urges that manifested vibrantly in my head.  I remembered hearing that was an early symptom of the virus, Omnigen they called it.  By the time I realized what it was, the night’s festivities were already over.  I was thinking to myself… we survived all this time without the virus reaching us.  But the day you show up, I catch it.”

There is no fight in me.  The words coming from Thatch slice me like a thousand blades.  I understood at the first cough what happened and it brings me now to my knees.  I try to speak, but I can’t.  So he continues on.

“I thought at first the letters might have been tainted, but we both know the virus can’t spread that way.  Then I thought of you.  You’re immune, aren’t you Echo?”

I nod slowly.

“That’s what I figured.  Immune, but infected.  You, young lady, are a carrier.  And not just a mail carrier apparently.  Everywhere you go, you spread the virus… tainting everything pure that you come in contact with.  As long as you’re alive, the world will never heal.”

His words cut, but I don’t fight them.  All I can do is put my head in my hands and start to cry.  “I’m so sorry,” I choke out, but I feel my words are meaningless.  “I had no idea…” 

“I believe you, Echo.  But unfortunately, it matters little.  You have gotten us all sick.  You have infected each and every person in Aspen Summit with a disease that has no cure.  So in the next couple of days we all will either die or worse… turn into those impious creatures.”

I never wanted it to happen, but it doesn’t matter.  It doesn’t matter now that I planned to live here.  That life was finally starting to get better.  That I was starting to buy into God’s plan.  All that matters is I’ve given this entire community a death sentence.  Their lives are on me. 

“So like I said, I’ve thought all night about it, and I know what I’ve got to do.  Stand up.”

I do as he says, and hope for the worst.  I want him to extract revenge.  I want him to kill me.  I deserve it.

“We can’t concern ourselves with the rest of the world, Echo.  It is what it is.  But clearly, Aspen Summit is over with.”  He then throws a medium-sized duffel bag my way.  I don’t try and catch it.  I just let it slam against me before it falls to the ground.  Thatch then continues on, “Take it and go.  It’s not much, but you should find the supplies in there useful.  Also, I promised you I might have some information on your sister, Kaya.”

For the first time since he started talking, my senses start to come back at the mention of her name.

“Well I do… and that’s in there too.”

“You’re letting me go?” I ask through broken breath as I try and clear my tears away.

“Yes, Echo, I am.”

“But why?”

“Because like I said, the world is already infected.  There is no sense in you dying here too.  God has a plan for you.  I’m not sure what it is, and I wish he hadn’t involved us, but it’s not my place to stop it.  However, in exchange, you must do something for me.”

“What?  What can I possibly do?”

“We decided as a community that if the virus ever reached us, we would die before turning.  It’s a vow we all took.”

His words make me think of Mark.  His final plea makes even more sense to me now.

“So, I am going to go into that church and tell everyone what has happened.  While I am, you are going to lock the door behind me.”  He pauses for a moment, walks over to me, and puts a large canister in my hand.  I know what is coming next.  I don’t want him to say it, but he does anyways.  “Then, you will burn us down…”

I shake my head.  My hands are trembling.  “No… No… I can’t do it. All those people….”

“All those people are already dead, Echo.  You’ve seen to that.  At least let us die children of God instead of…. instead of whatever monsters now walk this earth.”

“I can’t.  I just can’t…”

“Either you do,” he says as he pulls out his pistol and puts the nozzle to my head, “or you die, and I do it for you.  Either way, it’s happening… and happening now.  We have no idea how long it will be until the first of us turns.  We can’t wait.  So either way, it’s happening.  And Echo, your sister is alive.  You can still save her.  Don’t die here for no reason.”

Time seems to stop.  It’s all so sudden.  Just last night I was thinking life had finally gotten good again, and now… and now, “I can’t kill all those people, Thatch.  I can’t.”

“You already did!  They are all dead.  All of them.  You infected us all. You owe us,” he screams at me.

I want to argue, but I know he is right.  They are all dead.  I turn my body into the cold steel of the gun’s barrel, and push it away with my head as I go back to the church.  Slowly, I start pouring the contents of the canister all over the outer walls.  Gasoline.  It’s been awhile since I’ve smelled it, but its scent is unforgettable.  The fumes attack my nostrils harshly, and it takes me back.  Takes me back to when Dad, Kaya, and I burned our house down.  But that was to escape.  This… this is different.   

As I pour, Thatch whistles out, and within a few seconds, the remaining guards come upon us.  I hear the door of the church open, and without fight, they calmly walk inside.  Thatch then turns back and says, “Here, take this flare.  Once I’m inside, lock the door, finish the deed, and go.”

I nod.

“No, I need you to promise me, Echo.  Promise me you will finish this.”

There we go with promises again.  How can anyone make a promise to mass murder eighty people?  But then I realize.  They are already dead.  Besides, I made the same choice for Mark.  Why is it any different if eighty people ask me to do what I did for one?  Where do I draw the line?  With that, I whisper out softly, “I promise, Thatch.”

“Good,” he replies as he hands me the flare.  He then walks into the church and as he closes the door says, “Echo.  Good luck finding your sister.  But just remember, wherever you go… death will follow you.”

The door shuts, and as promised, I lock it behind him.  I slump to the ground once more and begin crying.  As the tears start to fall down my face, the sky above me starts to cry its own tears.  The rain pelts down hard.  It soaks my body as I listen to the commotion within the church.  At first, I can sense the terror.  Quickly it shifts to fear.  But then seemingly just as quick, something strange happens.  A calm fills the building.  There is no gunfire.  No panic.  No screaming or pleading.  Just a still and silent calm.

I pull myself up and press my ear to the door.  I can hear inside, faintly, the sounds of prayer.  It makes me sick.  But not of them… of myself.  I don’t understand it.  I don’t understand where they found such strength… all of them.  I wish I had it, but I don’t.  I don’t understand God… I don’t understand His plan… their plan… and I have no idea what my plan even is.  They are willing to die to prevent turning.  Me, I should kill myself before I turn anyone else.  But I can’t.  I need to find Kaya… or at least that’s my excuse. 

With that, I turn away and break the flare.  The hot spark lights immediately and burns stronger than the rain hammering down.  Unable to face it, I throw it behind me and hear it bounce against the church’s exterior.  Instantly the gasoline catches fire.  I grab the bag Thatch left for me and open it.  Placing my hand inside, I find the supplies he talked about, a recorder quite larger than mine, and the satchel Mark gave me.  It’s full of all new letters.  I’m not sure what to think, so I just close the bag and strap it over one shoulder. 

Thick smoke fills the air around me as the church is in full flame now.  I want to succumb to it.  To have it choke out my life.  But it doesn’t.  It’s just washed away by the heavy rain falling down upon me.  God’s tears.  They turn the earth to mud below my every step as I walk into the forest.  Not a single scream from the church fills the air and I quickly realize then what it means.  Where the people of Aspen Summit are now free from this Hell, I’m cursed to live on – yet I find it doesn’t bother me.  I feel nothing in fact.  There are no more tears… no more pain… and no more hurt.  I just put one foot in front of the other and continue on.  And with that I realize one more thing.  While my body still lives… inside I’m dead.

 __________

 Coming June 2012
The Echo Chronicles: Episode 3

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2) Download The Echo Chronicles: Episode 1 – Awakening for FREE.

Hark,
oh hear,
this tale I need to share,
for perhaps its moral can save your soul,
as she saved mine. 

For on that night,
now so long ago,
her Nightingale’s Song was first whispered to me. 

I remember it clearly,
as if its the only memory left to recall. 

In that moment,
the tempest winds swirled ‘round me,
mirroring the angst and strife within. 

My life’s turmoil,
was soon to be at its end,
not by disease,
nor crime,
but simply by my ain will. 

For there I stood,
balanced ‘pon the cliff’s edge,
staring into the Tempter’s void. 

His abyss called out,
beckoning me with its honeyed gifts. 

Not the temptations of pleasure one would expect,
but simply,
a release from the pain. 

‘Twas then,
in that moment ‘fore death,
when time stops with the world,
and all sits still,
her call came to me. 

The soft voice of a sabled bird,
bejeweled with the lure of an azure stone,
travelled ‘pon the winds.

I turned to find its source,
but could not,
due to the blackness that engulfed me. 

The sound was faint,
and I wondered for how long she had been there,
calling to me,
without my e’er noticing.  

So I closed my eyes,
and focused on her call. 

Its subdued sound had a somber touch,
which I at first did not realize,
for it was laced within a joyful facade. 

‘Pon opening my eyes,
I found her ‘fore me,
suddenly as if there the entire time. 

At first glance,
I could quickly see through the masque of her bliss,
and to the pain ‘neath. 

It mirrored my own anguish,
and in that instance,
I knew we were as one. 

I reached out my hand,
and she perched ‘pon it,
tilting her head so slightly to the side,
as the world stormed ‘round us. 

‘Twas then,
I asked her if she had come to join me,
to end her pain as I was ‘bout to end mine. 

Her response tho’,
was more than I could e’er relate here. 

For from her echoed a song,
so beautiful and pure,
I knew at once it matched her soul. 

She sang of love and life,
of pain and death,
and of the infinite emotions betwixt the ends. 

Her verve filled my ain self,
with a strength I had long lost. 

As she sang tho’,
the tempest winds swirled ‘round me with even a greater fury,
as if the Tempter himself were trying to claim his prize. 

Then with a sudden gust ‘gainst my back,
I lost my step,
and fell. 

Fell deep,
down into the darkened abyss. 

Just when I thought I had found hope,
found love,
my life’s journey was to come to an end. 

The deeper I fell,
the louder His laugh,
the Tempter’s merry,
it resonated ‘round me without end. 

I thought all was lost,
for my strength paled in comparison to Alighieri’s,
and I would surely succumb to the darkness. 

But then,
just as all faith was exhausted,
my Nightingale came to me,
flying as I was falling. 

She then continued her song,
drowning out the Tempter’s curse. 

Promise once again returned,
and the icy darkness of lonely solitude within,
began to fill with a warm flow of light. 

At first dull,
the glow intensified,
quickly turning into a brilliant radiance. 

After filling my ain soul,
the cavernous void I was descending into,
also began to shimmer. 

In that moment,
when light finally overtook the darkness,
a second gust came,
this time larger than the first. 

Blowing up from the abyss,
it pushed me high into the Heavens,
as if rising from a geyser of damnation.  

‘Twas truly a resurrection of my ain soul,
I felt reborn. 

When all was done,
I stood back where I started,
‘pon the edge of that cliff. 

Howe’er this time,
there was no storm ‘round me,
only a shining star,
resting high in the northern sky. 

And my Nightingale,
she who risked everything to save me,
was still there by my side. 

In the time since,
she has ne’er left,
and our wounds healed,
falling off with the memories we both cared to forget. 

Tho’ time unfortunately passes,
which brings me to this present point,
for my time is at its end. 

I wish I could spend,
eternity e’ermore with her,
but alas,
such dreams can ne’er come to be. 

Thankfully,
by the Maker’s gift,
I was given this time with her,
tho’ but a moment,
in the scheme of fore’ers grace,
yet I feel as if I have lived a lifetime tenfold,
by her side. 

So with my final breath,
I pray you heed my tale,
as I offer these last words to you my love,

     I heard the whisper of your call,
     upon the evening’s wind,
     beckoning my soul with your Nightingale’s Song,
     for then my heart it did enthrall.

     At once my love was fore’er yours,
     and since without regard,
     for on that tempest night my life you did save,
     and our love since e’er endures.

     Now on this eve I bid goodnight,
     as I fall e’er asleep,
     but fear not for Tempter’s grasp has given way,
     to our long love you did ignite.

     Do not weep my love as I die,
     I’ll always be with you,
     as you were for me my sabled Nightingale,
     e’er in love… I bid you goodbye.

Reorganizing the Top 5 based on YOUR responses.  So, what are your thoughts for number one?

Lament for Lady Beth
Seraph’s Song: The Epic Fable of Sister Sera
The Bounty
- or do you have a different favorite? -

Comment, Message, Email, Tweet, or Smoke Signal your vote!

In this moment,
my heart is weak,
why is it hard to say,
what we both want to speak,
an ocean of fear,
a breath and a tear,
a beautiful thing,
life could be,
if I would ever know,
the familiar stranger,
so far away…

Lament for Lady Beth by Jonas Hyde

Lament for Lady Beth
by Jonas Hyde

Once there was a man who walked this cobbled street,
with quill and ink in hand,
who accomplished such a magnificent feat,
on a scale so wide and grand,
for he was a poet true,
known far across this land,
as a smith of words, oft who,
wove tales littered of romance and fears,
with a skill matched world ‘round by few,
by those who strived to be his peers,
but little did they know his words were, in actuality, scribed with real blood and tears.

In past by day, using wit and charm,
he enticed women without regard,
but by night, to them each and all, would only come pain and harm,
a curse he could not control tho’ he tried so hard,
the monster dwelling within his dreams,
leaving women lifeless and his own psyche scarred,
for every morn’ he woke, he heard their deathly screams,
and tho’ this poet named Elias at birth,
would try numerous plans and schemes,
his life was void of happiness and mirth,
causing him to challenge in truth, his eventual purpose and own self-worth.

Tho’ his curse had not always been,
‘stead coming to him after deal with Tempter was made,
for fame and fortune was his sin,
and this curse fore’er was his trade,
unless his heart could find love’s hue,
and for that every day he prayed,
but with each eve that passed he knew,
morrow’s morn would be ushered by death so cruel,
serving up his own tears of rue,
leaving him to play the fool,
learning hard that sorrow following sin was an eternal rule.

‘Til the fateful day when this story starts,
as most lessons do,
when love at first sight ravaged young lovers’ hearts,
as if born from a sorcerer’s brew,
for it was then when he met her,
woman beautiful so, with raven’s hair and eyes as deep as ocean blue,
and our poet’s heart quickly began to stir,
lost within the presence of she who stole his breath,
as the world ‘round him began to blur,
he vowed ne’er to love again by pledge of his own death,
save for this woman simply known as Lady Beth.

‘Pon shared breath their love was sealed,
costing to start not even a word,
for when looking into each other’s eyes their souls were healed,
and tho’ some may find it absurd,
their lives seemed eternally blessed,
and it was then when to Elias it occurred,
to put such thoughts true to the test,
for if Lady Beth truly had an effect so,
then it would also suggest,
that perhaps she could ease his nightly woe,
and salvation, her love could bestow.

So with that their courtship began,
and their love started to grow,
love which made Elias a better man,
for by day and night his heart blazed aglow,
with the thought of Lady Beth’s touch,
‘til after six months time he simply had to know,
if his salvation could be simple as such,
as sharing his world with she,
or if it were asking too much,
so that evenfall her took her to the sands bordering the sea,
and as dusk fell, Elias made his plea.

“Lady Beth I speak to you now,”
as he held her hands in his so tight,
“and ‘pon my ain heart I make you this sacred vow,
fore’er for us shall begin tonight,
and last even past our ends,
if you will accept my invite,
to be so much more than friends,
to become my wife,
for our love transcends,
for with you I want to share my life,
and with that, end all of our trials and strife.”

As was her way,
Lady Beth looked deep into his eyes,
and even tho’ there were no precise words to say,
how she felt and how he made her heart rise,
her gaze said it all,
for she could not disguise,
how love which started so small,
could quickly grow so deep,
how he had been there when she herself was about to fall,
for even she had secrets to keep,
which when alone at night would softly make her weep.

For in the darkness of her own past,
were secrets locked away,
undisclosed whispers that were in stark contrast,
to how she felt on this day,
for in her youth,
she was feasted upon as prey,
deflowered in a way so uncouth,
the very thought of it brought tears and pain,
and no matter how hard she tried to hide the truth,
she could not refrain,
from having tears of fear fall oft as London rain.

So together these two stayed,
the night through on this beach,
comforting each other so neither was afraid,
of the night’s tortuous reach,
and for the first time in fore’er,
for both and each,
they longed to awake together or never,
as they pledged each other their eternal love,
a bond which would never sever,
to put the other on a pedestal tall and above,
a feeling that ‘fore neither had dreamed of.

Starting with a touch, followed with a kiss,
their passion was secured,
penetrating bliss,
and with that Elias was assured,
that Lady Beth was the one,
as when morning came he thought he was cured,
for the first time in fore’er his love rose with the sun,
and watching her as she dressed,
his curse seemed finally undone,
lost within her smell, her warmth, her life, he noticed upon her breast,
a perfect mark from birth, in the likeness of a wren’s nest.

So noon next they returned home and plans begun,
as Lady Beth shared the news,
family and friends were all excited save one who would not be outdone,
sister Anne who concocted a ruse,
to pillage Elias’ love and lust,
to try and replace his muse,
to try and gain his trust,
for visage with sister she shared,
twins at birth, though harboring a silent disgust,
a hatred born of always being compared,
wishing it would be for her, not Lady Beth, that people cared.

The day came when Elias and his love were to wed,
so Anne put her plan into motion,
to take Lady Beth’s place at the altar in her stead,
for she had come up with the notion,
that Elias’ love should be hers,
so in secret she concocted a potion,
a recipe passed down from the most venomous saboteurs,
which would create a lasting sleep,
so that what next occurs,
would be her sin to reap,
but then, as most already know, the cost of such follies is never cheap.

With a villain’s deftly grace,
Anne met her sister alone,
and under the guise of offering good luck’s embrace,
she enacted her plan which only the Tempter would condone,
for the potion had been laced,
within the fabric of the veil that was hand sewn,
which when ‘pon Lady Beth it was placed,
the fumes were inhaled,
causing her to fall o’er at the waist,
into waiting Anne’s arms, as her plan had detailed,
leaving her to smile, for she knew she had prevailed.

Anne next placed her sister ‘pon the ground,
with one final task to complete,
tho’ she had to hurry ‘fore they were found,
to quickly finish this act of deceit,
so Anne unbuttoned the dress,
which concealed Lady Beth’s heartbeat,
and no longer able her vileness to suppress,
she inked ‘pon self the likeness to,
the mark of which her sister’s breast did possess,
the wren’s nest she matched through and through,
‘pon herself as if birth’s true tattoo.

And though it sounds so tragic,
with plan complete, Anne left her sister to die,
to let the potion work its dark magic,
so she could be ever so sly,
and have Elias for herself, for all of time,
even tho’ their love would be a lie,
Anne cared not of her crime,
she simply wanted Elias in a way she could not explain,
as her lust for this poet was truly sublime,
so her sister’s life she would feign,
if it meant with Elias she could remain.

Anne next went to the alter in a rush,
and as she saw the poet there ready and waiting,
her face started to blush,
witnesses thought its cause was love visually translating,
but rather it was the sign of sin’s pact being completed,
for Anne the duality of the moment was elating,
and with Lady Beth defeated,
that night with Elias would be breathtaking,
caring not that she cheated,
for in the moment of their love making,
all else would be forsaken.

So let this story now move to that exact second,
as it is a question oft’ asked,
when Elias’ manhood did Anne’s flower beckon,
in that moment how did true love remain masked,
the answer is one of which any man would not be proud,
for it comes down simply to within her petals he basked,
lost within the moment’s cloud,
thinking it was with his love Lady Beth that his body danced,
not knowing he was deceived by sin’s shroud,
and even when ‘pon the heaving nest he glanced,
the visage of the beauty ‘for him left Elias entranced.

Unfortunately for Anne, Elias’ story she did not know to heed,
leaving her open to a fate she did not expect,
for after sealing their vows with his seed,
she fell asleep in his arms thinking all was perfect,
and it was, ‘til he too fell into night’s slumber,
when for the first time in fore’er the curse over his body came into effect,
the monster within he could not encumber,
and as it awoke,
Anne became just another number,
for his sin did hers provoke,
resulting in her death, fate’s cruel joke.

But day next when Elias rose with the morn’s light,
he was sent into unending despair,
for by his side was the most gruesome sight,
to which he could not stop his stare,
his love he thought he had killed,
for he was still unaware,
that Anne’s sinister plan had been fulfilled,
so instead he thought it was Lady Beth’s body there that did lay,
and all over him his grief spilled,
for he thought his love did the monster within him slay,
and it was a notion which would bring e’erlasting dismay.

Wanting to breath not a moment more,
Elias reached for the nearest blade,
for now himself he did abhor,
and in pain and grief the situation he weighed,
then wished for the strength to bring his own demise,
to unite in death with who he thought he betrayed,
so after whispering ‘pon her cheek his final goodbye,
he plunged the cutting edge deep into his chest,
but as he did he was then met with perhaps this story’s biggest surprise,
something he would ne’er have guessed,
causing him to utter out softly, “Tempter, why with me do you jest?”

For as life within Elias began to escape,
Lady Beth entered the room,
at first the poet did not believe the shape,
his eyes noticed as death began to loom,
but as she came ever so close,
his soul once more did true love consume,
“O’ how fate blows,”
Elias whispered low,
“The Tempter’s plan is truly morose,
I know I reap what I sow,
but is it you my love, or a hoax, I must know ‘fore my soul is sent to the pits below?”

“Nay, it is no ruse which you see,
for I am really here,
it is truly me,”
Lady Beth replied as she drew herself near,
and in the moment that followed her story to him she did relate,
ending with how the poison’s strength was not so severe,
for it only made her sleep the night straight,
rather than through infinity,
a gift perhaps from fate,
a sign maybe even of heavenly divinity,
of which she was starting to forge a true affinity.

Crimson life dripped from his lips,
as Elias offered one last smirk,
he then placed his hands ‘pon her hips,
and uttered his last poet’s work,
offering to her alone his final piece,
as his body began to cough and jerk,
the pace of the words started to increase,
for it was then ‘Lady of my Dreams’ was said,
and ‘pon completion his life finally did cease,
causing her tears to be shed,
for in her arms his body finally fell dead.

Able not to bear the ache,
of her sister’s and lover’s end,
Lady Beth grabbed the blade herself so she could in death also partake,
for she knew her heart would ne’er mend,
and with that thought slit her own skin,
to join Elias as now both their soul’s were to descend,
for with her demise only the Tempter was to win,
but regardless of her torment,
knowing she would spend eternity with Elias made her finally grin,
and even though it was ne’er her intent,
for Lady Beth we shall fore’er lament.

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Late last eve,
my daughter came to me,
for the first time in ever it seems,
asking for a tale,
woven with the fabric of her youth.

It had been since those nights,
so many years ago in fact,
when I was last asked,
to complete such a task,
that I was unsure if such yarns were still within.

At first I stammered,
as I so oft do when taken aback,
but then she closed her eyes,
pulled the blanket to her chin,
and with a whisper asked, please.

I closed my eyes as she did,
then took a breath deep,
and lost myself  in the past,
searching for the days when passion flowed,
before my own muse died.

I thought of love lost,
and love never swooned,
I thought of the fears I let win,
the chances I never took,
and then I thought of you.

    Once upon a time,
    in a land far and away,
    was a beast dark and tall,
    with a sorrow so large in his heart,
    he despised each breath,
    taken every single day.

    For trapped he was,
    in a chamber of lies,
    living a life so hated,
    death would be welcome,
    save for the love he felt,
    when gazing into his daughter’s eyes.

    Til that one day,
    when as all thing do,
    life changed in blink,
    for beauty came,
   with a smile so bright,
   and a soul so true.

 The beast at first,
 noticed not the love within,
 blanketed only in his pain,
 so at first time passed,
 wasted moments,
 filled with hurt and sin.

 Tho’ beauty still,
 never lost hope,
 for she could look deep within the beast,
 and see what others could not,
 a heart longing to be loved,
 but bound by strife and rope.

 So patient she was,
 as she took his hand,
 and taught him how to love once more,
 filling the void of his darkness,
 stoking the fires of his life,
 each moment was grand.

 But beast was,
 as he was,
 not by curse or birth,
 but cause of his own,
 living in fear,
 doing what he does.

 Hardly any way to be,
 it changed him so,
 from the inside out,
 to the beast I speak of now,
 til that day that came,
 when he gave beauty the blow.

 Not of fist or foot,
 but a pain so much worse,
 for he told beauty on that day,
 that tho’ he cherished her,
 their love could never be,
 by fault of his curse.

 Beauty did not understand,
 nor did she care,
 for patience she had,
 and in her heart she knew,
 that if beast would just allow it,
 nothing would ever compare.

 But the beast was scared,
 and lost in his own sorrow,
 that he turned away,
 and left beauty in tears,
 as he begged her to go,
 and not be there tomorrow.

 So left she did,
 against her own will,
 and beast soon died,
 alone in life,
 because time passed,
 and his world became cold and still.

 For daughters grow up,
 and soon move on their own,
 and with beauty gone,
 the beast wept and cried,
 with regret in his heart,
 and his soul all alone.

Upon completing the tale,
my daughter was long asleep,
peaceful and serene,
happy just to hear my voice,
unknowing of my pain within.

So I slowly rose,
and wiped the tears from my eyes,
and promised that in my coming days,
I would find the love I missed,
that I would find you.

Whether it be in life,
or in death,
never again shall I let a moment pass,
or a breath wasted,
without you by my side.

Regret is the mistress I never longed for,
though she is the one I lie with now,
while you my nightingale,
with your Wilde rose in tow,
are all I ever wanted.

So hear my words,
as I shout to the world,
with me you’ll be evermore,
I’m just so sorry,
it has taken this long.