Souls of the Never

Prologue

The Glade—The Arrival—Sixteen Years Ago

Calleyne took shelter behind the mighty oak, kneeling down slowly to avoid disturbing the twigs on the ground. After three days of careful tracking, he was moments away from making the kill. The last thing he wanted to do now was give himself away. He unwrapped and strung his longbow, notching an arrow to the bowstring.

He had been dreading this moment for days. The stag was an old friend, and had been a part of his life since his father taught him to shoot a bow and hunt. Now, as he kneeled on the ground, he thought back to when he’d first seen the animal, over a decade ago, on his first ever foray with his father.

They sat huddled together in a hide he helped make. While they watched the herd pass, Calleyne caught his breath in wonder when his father pointed out the newborn buck.

He was beautiful and graceful, even in those early days, his bearing a sign of the majesty to come in later years. He’d grown to become head of the herd, and been uncontested for the last five seasons.

Calleyne watched him many times over the years, either from one of the concealed shelters scattered throughout the forest, or by using his arts to hide himself. He smiled as he imagined what his father might have said. “Cheating,” he’d always called it. “A great woodsman doesn’t need magic to catch his dinner.” He would have scowled.

His father had been dead for two years, however, lost in the deep forest while hunting a rare white stag, and besides, this hunt was not about catching food. This action he was about to take, although it wrenched at his heart, was a necessary kindness. The stag was infected with a malady which had swept through the great herds, decimating them.

The Elders in the Citadel had tasked Calleyne, and the other hunters, to bring such a beast back for them to study, to see if a cure for the disease could be found. Part of him was glad his old friend might serve some greater purpose than as meat over a fire pit.

A slight rustle on the far side of the clearing brought him back to the here and now. Although it was over half a mile away, his elven senses brought everything into crystal clarity. He watched the herd cautiously emerge from the trees, spreading out to graze on the long, sweet grass of the meadow. As he looked on, over twenty does appeared, young fawns among them, along with older bucks. For a moment he thought the stag must have died on the forest trail, for he was not among them, but then the trees parted, and he entered. Calleyne gazed at him with admiration and respect.

He was majestic, with over twenty points on his huge head, but sickness caused that head to bow in fatigue, and those same antlers were now blackened and withered. Calleyne felt pity, but he knew what he had to do was more humane than letting the animal suffer a slow and painful death. He could not do that to a friend.

Calleyne drew the arrow back, far enough to touch his cheek, taking careful aim at the stag’s heart, so the kill would be quick and clean. He hesitated for a second, to utter a spell which would ensure the arrow flew true, before releasing the string and sending it on its way...just as the whole herd scattered in panic, as a loud wail broke the silence.

Calleyne watched as the stag limped away, bleeding, the arrow buried deep in its hind quarters, and he cursed whatever made that unholy sound. The beast would be easy enough to track, and wouldn’t get very far, but it would suffer in pain until the end. Calleyne rushed to unstring his bow and take after the herd, when he heard the sound again, coming from halfway between him and where the deer entered the clearing. It sounded oddly familiar, a mewling, like a cat in pain, but it was too far to see anything through the long grass.

He weighed his choices. He could track and kill the stag, putting it out of its misery, or he could delay, to investigate the strange wailing noise. After a moment’s thought, he decided. If it was an injured big cat, the danger it posed to other wildlife or travellers was the greater risk. He took off, loping across the meadow in the slow, steady gait all hunters used.

As he approached the sound’s point of origin, he slowed and drew his hunter’s knife. It was more like a short sword, and had been his father’s. The enchantment within the crystal set in the pommel always kept its edge keen, and it was the only magical item his father had possessed. It had been a wedding present from his late wife, and the sunlight reflected off it as Calleyne crept forward.

He could hear the cry clearly now, and his breath caught as he placed the sound. This was no animal in distress. It was a baby, a crying baby. He couldn’t believe his eyes as the tall grass gave way to a flat patch of earth. It was as if the grass had been burnt away, but there was no blackness or smoke, and in the middle of this patch lay a squealing, wailing, pink infant.

Calleyne had never seen a baby before, at least, not up close. His mother died in childbirth, and his father raised him in a cabin in the forest. His aunt and uncle lived with them, but they were childless. He’d seen a baby once, from a distance, during a visit to the Citadel, but looking on this bundle of noise, Calleyne hadn’t the first idea what to do.

All thoughts of the stag left his mind for the moment, as he kneeled down and picked up the baby. A little girl, he thought absently. He released the clasp at his shoulder and shrugged his light cloak to the ground, placing the baby within, and wrapping her gently while trying to decide what to do.

His aunt and uncle wouldn’t know how to care for a baby, any more than he did, but then the dilemma hit him. It would take several hours to reach the Citadel and assistance, but could he leave the stag in pain for so long? No, he couldn’t do that to his old friend.

He looked down into blue eyes. She had stopped crying, so decision made, he ran to the tree line and fashioned a pouch from his cloak. He tied this high up on a tree, muttering a spell of protection over the babe, before following the trail of blood into the forest.

It didn’t take long. The stag had come to rest in a small clearing about 100 yards in. His breathing was ragged and Calleyne’s eyes prickled with tears. He turned to face him, a silent message passing between them. The stag knew what the elf was here to do, and so lay his graceful neck on the ground. Calleyne touched the huge form, tenderly stroking the thick fur. He drew his sword, and cried while he severed the vein. He held the massive but beautiful head until the breathing stopped.

He lay there for several minutes, tears dropping to the forest floor, before standing up. He cast a defensive spell to keep other animals away. He would return later.

He retrieved the baby and set off for the Citadel. The Elders would know best. As he loped along, holding the baby to his breast, the motion soothed and quietened her, and she fell asleep.

Calleyne looked down at her as he ran. She was beautiful, with dark curls of hair framing her now peaceful face. Her ears were oddly rounded, not pointed like his and everyone else’s, but he was sure that was because she was a baby. She’d develop normally as she grew up.

What will become of you? he thought, as he ran toward an uncertain future. Little did Calleyne know, the answer to his question might decide the fate of everyone, everywhere.

––––––––

THE ISLAND—IN THE RECENT Past

Katheryne ran.

People say you run faster when you’re scared. Katheryne ran because she was terrified! Her lungs seared as they breathed in the acrid smoke, but she forced one leg in front of the other as she fled the beach. Her hands swept palm fronds aside, even as the trunks around her smouldered.

Up ahead, the smoke cleared briefly, and she saw the hollow. She would be safe there; it was her special place. She renewed her effort, coughing through the sleeve of the pyjamas she held over her mouth.

A root rose from the cracking ground, and Katheryne sprawled headlong into the sparse jungle undergrowth. She cried out as she got onto her hands and knees. The jungle was alight, and the ferns she lay upon flashed into fire, scorching her skin. The heat intensified so rapidly she couldn’t breathe. She turned around to see the beach overcome with a tide of lava, as a pillar of flame rose like a crimson tornado to set the sky aflame.

Katheryne looked around to see the hollow engulfed in flame. Her soul cried out, and she dropped to her knees as the last shred of hope departed her heart.

A fireball exploded from the rivers of lava surrounding the island. She raised her arms to stave off her inevitable destruction, but the inferno washed over her. She stood like an ember, scorched and cracked, screaming in agony. The sound died, as the oxygen in her lungs ignited.

As she writhed in unimaginable pain and torture, Katheryne sensed the familiar, malevolent presence. The beast reached out with flaming talons. Agony flayed every nerve in her body. Over and over she tried to scream, but there was no air left to inhale...

KATHERYNE AWOKE WHEN violently shaken. Through the haze of wakefulness, she heard someone screaming. Slowly realising the wailing came from her, she tried to stop, but couldn’t control her body. Where was she? Where was the fire? Why, how was she alive?

“Kat, it’s okay. It’s just another dream.” Perri held her friend, as the shivering and screaming subsided, melting away into gentle exhaustion. Sweat drenched Katheryne’s body; her blonde hair stuck to her face, and her T-shirt clung to her body.

Perri looked at Katheryne as she recovered. She gently laid her friend’s head back on the pillow, wondering how much more she could take.

The dreams started over six months ago; at least, this was when Katheryne realized she was having them. The initial fits of wakefulness at night had rapidly descended into torture.

As Perri watched, Katheryne’s glazed expression showed a spark of awareness. She hesitantly looked up at her friend, guilt etching her expression. “Rough one, huh?” Perri murmured.

Katheryne croaked. “God, I feel like crap. What time is it?” She ran her fingers over her face to remove the hair plastered there, and groaned as she saw the luminous numbers beside her bed. It was 4:30 a.m.

Her heart gradually returned to a normal rhythm, and the trauma of the dream lost its potency, fading into a vague memory. “So, did I wake up anyone else this time?” She sat up, swinging her feet out to touch the floor, but not trusting them to support her weight.

Perri looked at her in exasperation. Her brows creased and she stifled a yawn. “I’m not sure. I think there might be a couple of fellas still asleep across town, but I wouldn’t bet on it.”

Perri and Katheryne were students at Queens University, and shared the largest room in a five-bedroom house, in the Lisburn road area of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Unfortunately for the others in the house, the walls were paper thin. Katheryne groaned, putting her head in her hands. “God, I’m in for it in the morning, aren’t I?”

Perri might have been angry with Katheryne, if this wasn’t the third time this month she’d had to wake her up to stop her screaming. The neighbour’s curtains already twitched when the girls came in and out, and she didn’t want to give them any more ammunition. It was a student housing neighbourhood. The locals were well used to parties and the like, but only last week Perri walked into the corner shop, and overheard two of them talking about the noise coming from their house. No, screams were definitely not a great idea at the moment.

“I’m sorry,” Katheryne repeated, coming out of the funk brought on by the dream. “It just seemed so real.”

“Can you remember anything?” asked Perri. “Why don’t you try what the doctor mentioned, you know, the self-hypnotising thingy? Maybe it’ll actually work this time.”

Perri had persuaded her friend, under much duress, to see her doctor the previous month. He’d referred her to a private clinic; Katheryne had money, enough that she could have set them both up in a private apartment, but she wanted to live the student life with her friends. She did, however, have private medical insurance. No National Health waiting lists for her. After all the standard tests were run, she was pronounced healthy, and in great shape overall. Perri joked at the time that Katheryne made her sick. The staff, however, referred Katheryne to a therapist who specialised in sleeping disorders. He taught her several techniques to relax her body and mind prior to sleep. He also taught Katheryne self-hypnosis to aid her in remembering her dreams.

Katheryne sighed and closed her eyes, relaxing as she slowed her breathing, and tried to make sense of the jumbled, vague mist in her head. She thought she could sense a faint wisp of a memory. She tried to grasp it, chasing it around, but it proved too elusive. Whatever it was, it faded before she could catch it.

“Nothing,” she muttered in frustration. “Except the fire and the pain.”

Bitterness edged the last sentence. Who could blame her, thought Perri. This dream was evil, and it was eating away at her friend, piece by tiny piece, each time she dreamt it.

Perri saw the direction the downward spiral was heading. Katheryne had always been one of the sanest, most level-headed people she knew. It was amazing, considering what she’d been through over the last few years. During the last few weeks, however, she’d become introverted, and prone to bouts of depression and self-doubt. She lost more confidence in herself with each occurrence of this dream, or whatever it was. Perri couldn’t be sure, and she was no expert, but the pain Katheryne experienced while she slept wasn’t normal. The pain was real. She had to help, any way she could.

Perri walked over to her own bed, yawning theatrically. She had to break this mood. “You know if you keep talking that way, you’ll confirm what I’ve known about you for years.” She sounded much brighter than she felt.

“If you’re going to say I’m insane, I’ll agree with you.” Katheryne lay staring vacantly at the ceiling.

“Insane? Nah. Just weird, maybe borderline psychotic, definitely screwy.” Perri thought she saw a flicker of a smile touch Katheryne’s lips. “But insane? Frankly, I don’t think you have the brains to be insane... Hey!” She broke off as Katheryne whacked her on the side of the head with a pillow.

It worked! The brief distraction diverted her friend from plunging deeper into the depression.

“That’ll teach you,” laughed Katheryne. She got up to retrieve her pillow, and leaned in to embrace Perri, her eyes wet with unshed tears.

“Thank you,” she whispered, and broke off before returning to her own bed. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to try to salvage what’s left of my sanity and get some sleep.”

“Hmm, says the mad girl who just woke up the whole street.” Perri laughed. “Night, Kat.” She glanced over, but Katheryne was already asleep. It never failed to amaze her how her friend could do that. Katheryne could fall asleep at will. She’d always been able to, as long as Perri had known her.

“Unbelievable!” Perri harrumphed, as her friend began to breathe deeply. If I had a dream like that, I’d be terrified to put my head back on the pillow, never mind fall asleep in five seconds flat, she thought. “Like I said...crazy.” She laid her head down, knowing sleep would be a long time coming.

SWITZERLAND—THE RABBIT Hole—Four Years Ago

“It’s working,” said Julia, her eyes alight with excitement as she watched the display. She couldn’t decipher visually what was happening, but the instruments were programmed to display the events happening at the sub-quantum level in an easy to understand fashion. Easy, that is, for an accredited holder of the Nobel Prize for Physics, or his senior lab assistant at least.

“No, it’s not,” said Jason, cursing under his breath. “Emitters are destabilising on the number four array. We’re going to have to collapse the field.”

“Shit, Jason. It’s only just out of variance,” said Julia. “It’s taken us five years to get this far. If we stop now...We’re so close. Come on, let’s ride the storm.”

Jason shook his head. “The storm is exactly what we’d be riding if this reaction got away from us, Jules. You know that. Beginning shutdown sequence.”

Jason typed a code into the master console, and watched the displays as the super magnets moved the particle beams out of collision configuration.

He snorted in frustration. “In the words of the great man himself, ‘Better to have lived to fight another day, than have your atoms smashed to, well... atoms.’ Anyway, I need an early night. I have a flight to catch at 5am.”

“You know, for a scientist with so many credentials, your devotion to your family is just, well... weird,” teased Julia.

“You’re just biased due to your own terrible record in that department,” retorted her boss. “I mean, why do you keep doing it? It’s what, three divorces now?”

“Two. I wasn’t married to Mark,” Julia snapped indignantly. “Oh, and there was the fact he was an asshole.”

“Hmmm, yes, I’d forgotten that. I’m not sure how, though, seeing as you continue to bring it up,” said Jason, teasing her. “Maybe there’s more there than you’re willing to admit?”

“Bite me.” Jules snickered, sticking her tongue out briefly.

Jason smiled. Jules had been with him for the last seven years, ever since she’d debunked a theory of his during a lecture at MIT, while on a consulting tour of the USA. Jason was of the opinion that, if a grad student her age had the sheer balls to argue the validity of two of his published papers, in front of a crowd of his peers and her seniors, he was fully entitled to get his own back.

The form of his revenge, however, had blown the brash youngster away. He offered her a post on his team. A very junior one, at least until she’d finished her education. He’d offered to pick up the tab, of course, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“You know, maybe you were right all along.” Jules became thoughtful. An idea was rolling around in her head, just barely formed, but gathering momentum.

Jason saw her expression go vacant as she grappled with whatever was hatching in her mind.

He smiled. “Far be it for me to argue with you, but what are you accusing me of being right about? You make it your hobby to prove me wrong at every turn.”

“Oh stop it! That was seven years ago. Can we drop it already?” Jules laughed, but she stopped the rest of her reply as the thought popped into clarity.

“In fact, let’s not stop it,” she said, “because that’s what I meant. What if you were right and I was wrong all along?”

“About?” Jason was confused, but he was used to his junior going off on a tangent like this. Some of her best ideas had come this way.

“Well, you have to admit, your basic universe theory—that there are multiple universes out there, each one created by different choices—well, that’s pretty much out there.” She smiled as she spun a finger in a circle around her temple.

Jason chuckled at the blatant insult.

“But what if you were right about the rest, Jason? Specifically, the barriers.” Jules was on a roll. “I mean, all along we’ve assumed the quantum level of matter is identical, and behaves according to the same laws of the universe, wherever it is. The theory agrees. In fact, everyone agrees with this.”

Jason’s raised an eyebrow. “Okay, I’m not sure where you’re going with this, but you seem to be trying to rubbish my first two theoretical papers, while at the same time you contradict my third. This third paper which, incidentally, was written after you pointed out the errors in my first two.”

He worked over what he had just said, and came to the conclusion there was logic in there... somewhere.

“It’s the barriers Jason!” enthused Jules. “I mean, all along we’ve been working on the assumption the barriers between dimensions, realities, worked to our set of rules, and our physical laws. We’ve been chasing a white rabbit down a rabbit hole for years, but the one thing we’ve always been looking for is the rabbit hole.”

His brows furrowed. “So what you’re saying is, even though there is proof the barriers between alternate realities do exist, there may be other ways to travel between them than breaking through them?”

Jason sat back, put his hand inside his lab coat pocket, and pulled out a pipe. Not that he’d ever think about lighting it in here, however, but it was one of the tools he used to focus his concentration.

Julia got up from her chair and started pacing back and forth across the small cramped laboratory, keeping herself distracted from the outside world while the idea fully formed.

Jason was just one step behind, and as they looked at each other, a spark of thought jumped between them as they simultaneously realized the possibility. That they may have just solved a conundrum which had stymied the scientific community, ever since the theory behind the Einstein-Rosen Bridge had been proven to be sound.

“So our white rabbit could be using a foxhole, or a badger’s hole,” said Jules.

“In fact, anything except a rabbit hole,” Jason concurred, finishing her thought. “Okay, that’s certainly going to prove hard to sell to our colleagues. Unless, of course, we can generate a shred of proof.”

“Well, Dr,” said Jules, “I think I feel like hunting some rabbits this evening, how about you?”

If they were right, and it was a huge if, Jason thought, then they were on the brink of a discovery which could revolutionise the future of the human race. For decades, man had dreamt about reaching other worlds, walking on alien soil, but the distances involved were immense. With the spaceship technology available to mankind today, it would take hundreds of years to travel to even the nearest sun, and keeping any sort of crew alive for this length of time was currently impossible.

Of course, there were the various experiments ongoing in fields such as cryogenic suspension, where the body was frozen to temperatures far below zero, so it could be preserved much longer than a normal lifespan. These ideas, however, were in their infancy, and there was no certainty they would ever be proven workable.

So imagine if a method could be found to link two points, separated by hundreds, perhaps thousands of light years, allowing a person to step in at one side of the portal and be transported instantly to the other. Faster than light theory had been proven, indeed the experiment currently being carried out here had successfully harvested millions of exotic matter particles, which exhibited all the characteristics of superluminal existence. If it could be proven this void between worlds existed, and the evidence gathered by his team during the current round of procedures definitely pointed to it, the next step would be finding a way to navigate within it.

Then there was the only slightly gigantic task of finding a point to link to and creating the link. Simple, he thought ironically.

Jason put the pipe in his mouth and clasped it tightly, the stale tobacco taste allowing him to relax as he turned to his friend, smiling broadly.

“Ah, screw it; I can sleep on the plane.”

SWITZERLAND—ALICE THROUGH the Looking Glass—The Recent Past

Jason had thought tomorrow would be the greatest achievement of his life. The culmination of his life’s work in the lab, brought to fruition in the experiment planned for the following morning. But as he lay here in bed with his wife slumbering in his arms, he knew he’d just surpassed it. Well, technically it had been a two-person job, but this little detail didn’t prevent him from feeling the elation and pride within, as he looked down at his beautiful and pregnant wife.

As she stirred, he remembered with regret the time lost with Katheryne, his daughter, and he made a vow then and there to make more time for this new life growing beside him. In fact as his wife woke up he made his first tentative step along this path.

As for Katheryne, well, she might just be surprised when her parents kept a promise for a change. The flight home to Belfast was booked for just after the experiment. Home, he mused. In the last ten years he’d spent more time in this lab than the house he owned.

“Hi, you two,” he murmured, as he kissed her gently on the forehead.

Alice McNair laughed. “Don’t tempt fate, it might be twins, or triplets,” she said, mischievously. The completely unconcerned look on his face must have shocked her as she sat up abruptly. “That wouldn’t bother you at all, would it?” she asked.

“Nope,” he chuckled, smiling widely, “in fact, I’ve made a decision. After tomorrow’s experiment I’m going to retire, well, semi-retire at least,” he added on as a look of disbelief appeared on his wife’s face.

“How can you say that Jason, I mean, what you do, it’s important, it’s—” but Jason interrupted her.

“What I do is almost finished. Once my theory is proven tomorrow, I can let Jules and the others continue the day to day work, while I get to sit back on my laurels for a while,” he said, smiling.

Alice grinned back at him. “Hmm, I don’t think there will be much time for sitting on any laurels, seven and a half months from now.”

Jason chuckled and pulled her closer, putting his hand on her stomach. Their schedules lately had made her news all the more remarkable. They’d seen each other only twice in the last two months, so that meant...

“Paris,” he said. “We made this little one the weekend in Paris, didn’t we?”

Alice put her hand on top of his and smiled. “Well, let’s face it, we had enough practice at the time, remember?”

Jason grinned at the memory and leaned in to kiss his wife.

“Why don’t you come with me in the morning?” he said, “I mean, it probably won’t be anything much to look at, but it’d mean a lot for me to have you there to see my final triumph!”

Jason sat up straight, and raised one pointed finger in the air, in what he obviously thought was an impersonation of pure brilliance. Alice, however, took one look and hung her head in her hands, giggling furiously.

She looked up once she had recovered to see him smiling at her. “OK, my nutty professor, I’d love to come. I haven’t seen Jules in ages anyway.”

She smiled wickedly at him as she pulled him to her.

“But for now, let’s see what sort of final triumphs we can get up to, just the two of us.”

BELFAST—GRADUATION Ceremony—The next day

“Are you going to eat that?” Perri laughed, as she expertly snagged the last bit of bacon from her friend’s almost empty plate, stuffing it into her mouth as she grinned broadly.

“I hate you,” Katheryne said, chuckling, even though it was the crispy bit she loved so much.

Perri’s auburn curls shook as she laughed triumphantly. “Hate you more.” She smiled as she finished their customary exchange, between chews of the bacon.

They sat outside a little cafe on the Dublin road, down the street from the hotel where Perri’s parents stayed last night. The spring sunshine shone through the leaves, and cherry blossom fluttered like hundreds of butterflies as the gentle breeze disturbed it.

Katheryne smiled at her friend and wondered, not for the first time, how they’d ever ended up this close. They were like sisters and best friends rolled into one, but were complete opposites in looks and personality. They were living proof of the age-old proverb that opposites attract.

Katheryne bowed her head as a group of guys walked by, staring at her. She recognised a boy walking along with them, and tried desperately to become invisible. His name was Liam, and they’d chatted a few times. He was doing a Masters in software design, and they shared a few classes. Unfortunately, he seemed to like her, and she squirmed in her chair as he waved. She imagined the smile fading from his face as she turned her back on him.

Why don’t they leave me alone? She thought. She wasn’t ready for anything like that; and what was so special about her anyway? Thankfully, by the time she turned back, Liam was lost in the stream of humanity. And fortunately, Perri was too caught up with demolishing the remains of her Ulster fry to notice Katheryne’s flush.

Katheryne smiled as her friend wolfed down the last bit of potato bread, dripping with HP sauce. There was a time, not so long ago, that the sight of food might have made her sick. Events in her recent past had put her on a downward spiral into self loathing. It had been a long and tiresome struggle, but Katheryne had a comfortable relationship with food again. So much so, she really missed that last piece of bacon.

Perri sat back and belched, loudly. “Now, that hit the spot. My stomach needed something to soak last night’s alcohol up.”

Katheryne chuckled. Perri was just Perri. She was loud and strong willed, but with a smile and sense of humour that she used to diffuse the delicate situations she sometimes found herself in. If she were honest with herself, she would admit she caused a fair percentage of those situations.

Perri’s auburn curls framed a pale face with a pair of dark brown eyes, a button nose and a full mouth, which was usually moving. She was no beauty, but striking, and her personality forced people to look beyond the exterior.

She used her brashness and confidence, along with her looks, to become quite a presence among students and staff alike, and it was unlikely there was anyone on campus who was unaware of her. Any enemies she made didn’t stay around for long. They either left her alone, after realising that winning against her was impossible, or more often, became her close friends.

Perri also had a soft streak a mile wide, which she kept well hidden behind the brazenness and sheer volume, but of which Katheryne was fully aware. She was lucky to be counted as her friend. The pair had been inseparable for years, since meeting at Victoria College boarding school.

Katheryne’s parents were scientists. Jason and Alice McNair were famous, but their work involved frequent travel, which was why Katheryne, during her secondary education, only saw her parents at school holidays. Even then, it was unusual to have them both at home at the same time.

Perri’s mother was a former student at Victoria, and firmly believed this school had shaped her young adult life, and set her on course for a successful future. She wanted the same for Perri, but the road hadn’t been as straight or uneventful in her daughter’s case.

Today was special. The crowd of passers-by, mostly students and their families, were there for the Queens University graduation. There were dark gowns everywhere, identical to the ones worn by the two girls.

“Where are your mom and dad?” asked Katheryne, fidgeting as she glanced up the street. “It’s almost time to go.”

“Oh, knowing them, they’re taking heed of the advice I gave them last night.” Perri smirked.

“What advice?” Katheryne smiled, because she already knew the answer.

“To get a room!” Giggles defeated any fleeting attempt to compose herself, and both girls descended into uncontrollable laughter.

“Good morning, girls,” said Perri’s mother, picking this moment to walk up to their table, hand in hand with her husband. The girls looked at each other, tears streaming down their cheeks, and promptly lost any semblance of self-control. They chuckled helplessly.

“You know, I wonder sometimes what sort of monster we’ve created,” pondered Perri’s father, Chris, as he looked on smiling.

Amanda, Perri’s mother, also smiled. “I blame the company she keeps. I mean, she’s always been such a quiet, impressionable child. Well, until the last few years, at least.”

She looked fondly on the two girls, as they gradually regained their senses. Amanda loved her daughter dearly, but held no illusions about the impact of Katheryne’s appearance in her life. Amanda suppressed a shudder, remembering her fears of how Perri might have turned out, had she grown up among the group of friends which stole her away from her parents for over a year.

Katheryne had seen the real Perri inside. The moment they met, she sensed a kindred spirit. She knew Perri was secretly desperate to escape the group, which had drawn her into their world of bullying and abuse. The thought of these so called friends turning their spite onto her, terrified Perri. It was Katheryne who suffered more than a year of taunts and attacks, to reach out and give Perri the strength to fight back.

And in customary Perri style, the fight was spectacular, resulting in two broken noses, (neither of them hers), several black eyes, and a healthy collection of bumps, scrapes and bruises.

Since then, Katheryne had been like a sister to Perri. She’d become a permanent fixture in their lives, an adopted family member who, in Amanda’s eyes, was as close as her own blood.

Amanda felt guilty sometimes, because Chris and she were playing the part of both parents. Katheryne’s parents were almost never around, always too busy with work, and Amanda thought, almost bitterly, about them now. This was their daughter’s one and only graduation, and they’d been too busy to come. She swallowed her anger and smiled at her surrogate daughter.

“So, Katheryne, what time do your parents get in? It’s a pity they couldn’t make the ceremony.”

Katheryne returned the smile. There was no bitterness hidden behind it, Amanda knew. Katheryne loved her parents, and had accepted their absences a long time ago.

“They’re getting in around 7pm. They’ll meet us at Benedict’s for dinner,” she said. “I talked to them last night, and they were so sorry they couldn’t make it, but dad was really excited about something. He was like a little boy on Christmas morning.”

Amanda raised her brows. “Oh? What’s he doing now?”

Katheryne smirked. “No idea. You know my dad; ever the secretive one.”

Amanda chuckled. “Well it’ll be nice to see them again. We haven’t caught up in...well, it must be over a year.”

Perri butted in. “Which means we can leave you lot talking, while we go and have some fun.” She grinned widely.

They all laughed, and Amanda released Chris, reaching with her hands to both of them.

“Come on you two. We took longer to, um, get ready,” she said, blushing underneath her makeup, “but we’d better be off. God knows, I’m sure this place will be glad to get rid of the pair of you, if even half the rumours I’ve heard are true.”

Katheryne looked across to Perri with a wide-eyed expression as she stage whispered, “How did they hear about you in Science with Mr Johnson?”

Perri feigned a look of shock. “Kat, it was Biology with Mr Johnson, remember?” She swept her hair aside with a nonchalant shrug, and again they descended into a giggling fit.

“Joke, Daddy,” Perri gasped to her father between breaths. Her father gave her one of his hard stares. Perri knew when not to step over the line, but she reckoned today of all days she could push the boundaries. Just not too much. She respected him and his blood pressure too much to go too far. Besides, it was time to go.

As the four of them walked across Shaftesbury Square, towards the main university building, Katheryne had never felt happier.

SWITZERLAND__THE SAME Time

Jason looked on as his teams carried out the final calibrations. All had been ready for hours now, but this was another way for Jason to keep them, and if he was honest, himself, focussed. This was the moment they had worked toward for the past three and a half years, ever since the first incontrovertible evidence had been gathered of the existence of extra dimensional space. This, in itself, had been a small step toward the final completion of a stable wormhole to another dimension, but the evidence that the space in between these dimensions existed, and was theoretically navigable, was a huge achievement.

And so it was with pride that Jason looked up at his wife, sitting in the viewing gallery with a number of the senior members of the facility. She winked at him cheekily, and he smiled back mouthing ‘I love you’ to her. She looked around, embarrassed to see a few of the others had seen his open display of affection, and were smiling in her direction. She didn’t mind. After all, she knew most of them, had known them for years in fact, and both she and Jason considered them friends.

The time had finally come, and Jason sat in his chair with his pulse racing, and entered the coded sequence to start the process.

Jules reached across from her seat next to him and squeezed his hand. He turned and they simply smiled and nodded to each other. Neither of them believed in luck, just in science.

“Particle beams at full strength, beams are in alignment,” reported Jules as she watched the monitors. In the chamber which housed the phenomenon, known as the collider aperture, but affectionately christened the rabbit hole by the team, dozens of beams collided at the same point creating a microscopic reaction similar to a sun.

Jason punched another sequence and watched as the instrumentation confirmed the convergence of the beams. The monitors automatically dimmed the display so the guests could watch without the need for protective glasses.

“We have a collision event,” he said, sounding calmer than he could possibly feel. The handling of collision of particles travelling close to the speed of light was a delicate balancing act. One tiny mistake in their calculations could start a chain reaction which would kill them and everyone else in the underground facility instantly.

“Stand by for matter injection,” said Jason quietly.

The exotic matter in question had been collected during multiple beam collisions at variable lower intensities over the last few months, and stored in magnetic containment vessels. Of course there had been several smaller-scale experiments carried out to prove the theory behind what they were about to do, but this was the first full-strength procedure. The magnetic siphon moved slowly into position.

Jason gave a final look around to his team and to the people in the gallery, and to his wife and unborn child, and pushed the button which ended his world.

What happened next should have been impossible, as a barely-visible, instantaneous reaction ripped across the space between the collider aperture and lab. Something not quite there appeared in the air before the viewing gallery. Like a circle of silver shot through with diamonds, it was present for just an instant, before seeming to lunge at the group and simply winking out of existence. Whatever it had been was gone. And so was Alice.

––––––––

KATHERYNE SLAMMED THE door of the apartment, almost hitting Perri in the process.

“Why bother,” she slurred. “They don’t give a shit. They sent me here to school because they couldn’t be annoyed with looking after me.” Her hand slipped off the counter of the breakfast bar. She stood up, staggering, but trying her best to appear sober; and failing.

“They don’t give a shit!” Her eyes glazed. Kat slumped down in a chair.

Perri was bleary eyed, but sighed in frustration. She loved Kat’s parents, but jeeze, on the one great night of their daughter’s life they couldn’t be bothered to turn up.

“Why don’t you try calling them again, Kat?” Perri sat down beside her friend. “There’s got to be some sort of explanation.”

Katheryne sat with her arms crossed and her bottom lip stuck out in a sulky pout. “What’s the point? It’s not as if this is the first time they’ve let me down.” She turned to look at Perri. “You know, I keep on defending them; keep telling people they’re good parents. Well no more!”

Perri knew it was the drink talking, so rather than contradict her she remained silent.

Katheryne got up. “I’m going to bed. If they call...well, tell them I don’t want to speak to them. Ever again!” She staggered towards her bedroom door, but before she was halfway there the door bell sounded.

Kat rounded on the door. “Ha! They’ve arrived at last. Well let’s see what excuse they have this time.” She opened the door, ready to tell her parents what she thought of them. The first word was halfway out of her mouth when she saw the uniforms.

––––––––

HOW LONG THE SOUL FLOATED in the emptiness could not be guessed. There was no time in the void between dimensions, so there was no way for it to reference the passage of minutes, hours, or even years.

A whisper remained, of another soul, linked embryonically to its own being, but the memory was weak, clouded and dim as everything before here and now was. The other consciousness had passed on somewhere else, leaving the single soul wandering this void, lost and alone.

Alone, that was, until it felt the presence of another–an entity which wasn’t a soul, or if it ever had been, it was blackened and corrupt beyond redemption.

The wandering soul recoiled in fear from the malice and evil emanating from the other, trying to hide, but there was nowhere to hide in the void. The aberration which had found it, chased the soul relentlessly, inevitably finding its prey. Toying with and torturing it, releasing it and letting the helpless soul think it had escaped, just to be drawn back into its maw.

After a time the being grew bored. Even though there was no way to measure the passage of time here, it knew it could not stay indefinitely. Its visits to the void were fleeting, and up until now had provided no escape from the utter loneliness of its corporeal prison.

So it imprisoned the soul within itself, intending to return with it to the physical plane, and use the life force pulsing inside to bolster its own ebbing existence, but in doing so it perceived new memories blossoming within its consciousness. There were visions of a blue world, with an abundance of life. Life which existed for one purpose, to follow another’s will, it thought.

His will, Tenybris finally realized, as he returned to his physical body, with the memories of the first soul he had consumed in eons still fresh and boiling through his mind.

A greed, which had lain dormant for an age, awoke inside him, furiously sweeping aside his intransigence. He became fully aware of how close he’d come to fading into oblivion.

Looking around at his prison, he saw it consciously for the first time in thousands of years, and felt something completely alien to him.

Hope...hope that he would finally escape this dungeon of his own making. He saw the bloody marks on the stone walls that his fingers had etched, as he’d in his madness attempted to break free.

He knew now, as he’d grown increasingly insane, his consciousness had been released to wander the Never. He still couldn’t understand how he could have brought the soul back. It should not have lingered long enough to be found. It should have dispersed and been absorbed almost instantly after its passing, joining with the energies of the Never to be reborn again.

He put these irrelevancies aside however, as his mind regained clarity and the hunger drew him back to his escape. He had this soul, one purer than he could ever have thought possible. The energy within it would provide him with sustenance for another thousand years if he consumed it now.

But this would only prolong his imprisonment here, so he dismissed the notion immediately. No, he thought as he looked around at the carcases of the great dragons which littered the fortress, there is another way.

If this innocence could be turned, if it could be corrupted, he could use it to find a way to this blue world it was from. Not for him directly, until he could devise a way to break these walls around him, but if the memories brought to him were to be believed, this world possessed a magic perfectly suited to doing just that.

This... science, would provide at last a means to free himself, and once he was free, this same science, and the mighty weapons already possessed by these humans might...no, would, assist him in returning to his own birthright.

He would pierce the “Veil” which the accursed Olumé had used to rip his magic away. Pierce it and consume all the life and magic hidden there, and when he was done, all magic, all power would be held within his form to be used solely at his whim.

He laughed, but there was no merriment in the cruel sound. It was his first laugh in millennia that hadn’t been wholly insane. He had purpose again, and set about his plans with just one thought and desire in his black heart.

Revenge!

BELFAST—EYES IN THE Mirror—Present Day

“There’s your friend again,” said Perri, smirking, while flicking her eyes toward someone behind Katheryne’s shoulder.

“Stop it Perri!” snapped Katheryne. There was an edge to her voice. Perri was always trying to set her up with someone or other, but this evening she just wasn’t in the mood. She was tired, and knew she should have stayed at home tonight.

The ‘friend’ in question, had so far avoided her gaze, as every time she glanced round, he vanished into thin air. This was the third bar they’d been to this evening. It was their friend Stacey’s birthday party, but this ‘invisible stranger’ turned up, according to Perri at least, right after they arrived in each one.

Perri was good with faces, especially cute boy faces, which this one obviously was, judging by the eager expression on her face. Perri liked boys. Considering they’d attended an all-girls school, it was amazing she’d racked up the amount of boyfriends she had. Katheryne knew Perri wasn’t a slut or anything; it was just her confidence and manner made it easy for her to go after anything, or anyone, she set her sights on. Sometimes the boys in question even had a choice, Katheryne thought, with an inward chuckle.

“C’mon, it’s your round,” Perri shouted over the music, as she dragged Katheryne to her feet, and pushed through the crowd toward the packed bar. Although the student population dwindled at the end of term, a Saturday night in Belfast was always buzzing.

As they stood there waiting, Katheryne’s eyes were drawn to the mirror behind the bar, and she stood staring at the crowd reflected in it. Something wasn’t right. It felt like someone was watching her, and she tensed as she glimpsed a reflection of dark eyes staring at her. The hairs on the back of her neck rose up. Goose bumps appeared on her arms, as she felt a mild electric shock wash over her body. Her face flushed, and her heart raced as she tried to turn, but she couldn’t move a muscle. She was a rabbit trapped in the headlights of an onrushing car, waiting for the inevitable to happen, completely dazzled and mesmerised by the intensity of those impossible eyes. Both of them were trapped, unwilling and unable to look away from each other. The longing reflected from the gaze hit her full force. She felt love, denial and hopelessness, and part of her broke inside. This being, whoever he was, was in pain.

“What’s yours, luv?” shouted the barman over the noise, shattering her out of the spell. For a second, Katheryne reeled in shock, but she shook herself and turned to look around. A horrible sensation of loss settled at her core, as she desperately searched the crowd; but whoever those impossibly bright, dark eyes belonged to had disappeared.

At this point, all Katheryne wanted to do was turn to Perri and tell her she wanted to go. Her heart was beating harder than she could ever remember, and a cold pit formed in her stomach.

Unfortunately, Perri was busy talking to a tall blonde man and his friend; for a second Katheryne wanted to run, knowing this would be another matchmaking fiasco.

This may have been on Perri’s agenda, until she turned and saw Katheryne’s terrified expression. She turned to the guy, shouting they’d be right back, before grabbing Katheryne by the elbow and heading for the door. As they got out into the fresh air, Perri turned to her friend, a look of consternation on her face.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Perri frowned, standing with her arms crossed, waiting for an explanation. She knew Katheryne hadn’t wanted to come out this evening, but earlier she’d detected the signs of the depression she thought passed months ago. She wasn’t about to take any crap excuse for bailing on her and her friends. Especially, she mused, when the guy she’d just been talking to seemed so responsive.

“I think . . . Perri, I don’t understand what I saw, but whatever it was I can’t explain it,” said Katheryne, breathlessly. Her head reeled. What she’d just seen, if she hadn’t imagined the whole thing, was impossible, but she needed to tell her friend.

Perri’s concern, the suspicion she’d had a few minutes ago in the club, perked itself up again. She’d also seen something which disturbed her.

“OK, Kat, you’re scaring me now.” Perri’s voice trembled. She hadn’t seen her friend this jumpy in months. “Are you sure you even saw anything? I mean, it was pretty dark in there and the lights...”

Katheryne cut her off sharply. “I’m not crazy, Perri. I might not know what I saw in there, but I’m sure it was real . . . well, sort of . . . I think.”

The uncertainty in Katheryne’s voice mingled with something else, and Perri shuddered when she realized it was fear, terror even.

Katheryne’s voice trembled as she spoke. “It was the dream, Perri.” She looked up, and Perri couldn’t mistake the fear in her eyes. “The guy I saw in there. I’ve been seeing him in my dreams.”

For a second, Perri looked like she would ridicule the whole idea. Man of my dreams . . . yeah, right, until she saw the pained expression on Katheryne’s face.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Perri realized the sight she’d seen earlier might be linked to what Katheryne was talking about. She felt a shiver go up her spine, and looked around quickly, but saw nothing beside the normal human traffic of a late Saturday evening.

Katheryne slumped down on the low wall outside the bar, and closed her eyes. “I didn’t get a good look at his face, but his eyes, it was like they were looking into me, not just at me. God, I’m going mad.” Katheryne snorted. “Must be the lack of sleep.”

Perri narrowed her eyes. “You told me the dreams had gone.” This just gets better and better, she thought.

“Well, about that.” Katheryne looked down at the ground. She supposed she’d better get this over with. “Gone might have been too strong a word.” She could tell Perri was angry with her, and she didn’t blame her. She’d sworn to her she hadn’t had a dream in weeks. It was the only way she’d been able to persuade Perri to take the job in Dublin, while she stayed on in the apartment they’d rented shortly after graduating from Queens. Now the look of guilt on Perri’s face nearly broke Katheryne’s heart.

Perri, however, gave herself a shake, and stood up. “Wait there and I’ll get our coats. You can tell me all about it when we get home.”

Katheryne nodded her head in thanks, and sat waiting for her friend. This was a conversation she wasn’t looking forward to.

ACROSS THE STREET, a young man and woman sat on a bench with their backs to the club. Both of them had piercing blue eyes. His were unusually dark, a shade of blue just lighter than black, while the girl’s were the color of pale morning dew. The woman’s long hair was the color of pale gold, almost white. He had wavy, jet black hair reaching down to the nape of his neck, but besides these cosmetic differences, their similarity was unmistakable. But then, this was common in twins.

The blonde woman looked over her shoulder, at the solitary young woman sitting on the low wall, and chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” grunted Derren sullenly, making a conscious effort not to look round himself.

“I can see why you fell in love with her, she is beautiful. Different, somehow, from the others.” Krista turned to her brother. “How is that possible, do you think?” The question was rhetorical, but she raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

Derren did his best to ignore his sister’s question, but it was no good. Krista always enjoyed exploiting her brother’s discomfort. It was a game they both played.

“I wonder what the Leadership back on Sanctuary might say about your . . . attraction,” she said, teasing him.

“I’m not in love with her,” grumbled Derren, even worse-tempered this time. He turned, so his sister could look up into his eyes. “I’m not in love with her.”

“If you say so, little brother,” muttered Krista, as she glanced over again, smiling. The girl with the dark red hair had returned with their coats, and both got up ready to leave.

“Explain how she could see you again?” asked Krista, taunting her little brother of all of seven minutes. “Her, and her little red-headed friend there too. That shouldn’t be possible. We should be invisible to everyone here.”

“Her friend,” replied Derren in an exasperated tone, “whose name is Perri, in case you’re interested, seems to have some level of power. Undeveloped, but enough to break through a common diffraction cloak at least. Once I realized she could see me I fixed the error. It won’t be a problem again.” Derren’s face reddened. He didn’t like making mistakes, but he had made too many assumptions about the level of power they expected to encounter here.

“And Katheryne? How do you explain that one?” Krista looked at him with her crooked smile.

“I’m not sure,” Derren replied, as he shifted in his seat. Krista sensed an undercurrent of deception. “It may be something to do with the fact I’ve been shielding her visions for the last two months. We’ve become . . . close, somehow.”

“Hmm, close.” Krista leaned over and whispered into her brother’s ear. “Keep telling yourself that, brother dear. One day you might even believe it.”

She stood up and held out her hand. “Come on, they’re leaving; we better stay close . . . just not too close, okay?” She smiled wickedly, and Derren gave her a smouldering look.

“One day, dear sister, one day.” This was all he could manage, but he’d get his own back, even if it meant putting pepper in her pants, like he’d done as a kid. Hmm, that might even be worth the pain, he thought.

“What are you smiling at?” asked Krista as they walked after the two girls.

“Oh, nothing,” said Derren, still smiling. “Nothing at all.”

As they followed at a distance, Derren’s thoughts turned to the first time he’d seen Katheryne’s face.

REGULAN SPACE—THE BATTLE—CENTURIES Earlier

Derren had trained his whole life for this, but it wasn’t until right this second he knew everything was pointless.

As the alarms screeched throughout the station, and everyone jumped up to run to their posts, himself included, he looked back at his bunk, at the drawings hanging on the bulkhead behind his bed.

One in particular drew him back, but he tried to dismiss it. He’d only drawn a few outlines on the page. In fact, he didn’t understand why he’d even done this much, but it always stayed with him, wherever he ended up.

Derren drew real life, as he interpreted it. Most of the drawings on his bunk were of his squad, either as he’d seen them in person, or as he’d imagined their movements in the simulations.

There were several of his squad in various situations, some of them in this room. Derren enjoyed capturing them at moments of extreme behaviour, but there were several pictures of solitary people, sitting contemplating whatever they’d been thinking at the time.

To the others, the drawings were simply pencil or chalk on paper, but when Derren looked at them, he knew what each person was thinking, at that exact time. It was his gift, one he kept secret. He wasn’t sure how the others might react to finding out he knew their innermost thoughts.

Top centre was a sketch of the dorm on the training station, drawn the evening they’d all arrived, scared and nervous, straight out of boot camp.

Botra. Large, hulking, loveable Botra, sat beside the door, on the number one bunk, wondering what to do. He knew he wasn’t a leader. His size had been the casting factor, and uncertainty etched his face.

Dwenn was next down, lying relaxed on her own bunk, inwardly furious with the decision not to appoint her as lead. She lay, watching in delight as Botra panicked. She loved Botra, but Dwenn had a cold streak she found hard to control sometimes.

The other in the picture was Hick, Derren’s best friend, who had been with him, in one guise or another, since they were children, living on their parents’ neighbouring farms. Hick sat in the drawing, looking in humour at the wreck happening across the four foot divide between the bunks, while trying to hide the fact he was hopelessly and tragically in love with Dwenn.

So much had changed in the years since he’d drawn the picture. Most of the others in the dorm that night were dead. Of the three people pictured, two remained.

Dwenn was dead along with the rest, killed in the same battle that took his twin sister, Krista, from him over six months earlier.

He was now squad lead, with a rank of Captain, leader of a much larger group than he’d ever imagined. Hick was his Lieutenant, and Botra his sergeant.

He sincerely hoped Dwenn and Krista were dead, even though his heart ached for them. Reports coming back to him, since his promotion gave him elevated access, suggested otherwise. Death would have been a release, compared to the horror stories which returned from the front, tales of reanimated corpses rising to attack their former friends.

The page pinned to the bottom left of his bunk, beside where he laid his head on the hard pillow every night, didn’t belong with the rest, but Derren always kept it close.

It was always in the same position, wherever and whatever ship or station he’d been on since the invasion six years ago. He’d never even put another mark on the page after his initial sketch, but as everyone scrambled to their stations, he stood there gazing at it, irresistibly drawn to the image within.

He heard Hick calling him, as if under water. Everything around him grew dim and faint. As he watched the drawing, his hands reached out to stroke the page as a face took form. He knew the face, he’d been dreaming of it for years, but he’d never seen the features take form. Only a whisper had ever revealed itself to his conscious mind.

Time stood still. All the detail outside of the page continued to blur, as the face took full form and color, in an explosion of revelation and clarity.

He knew who this was, and his heart leapt and recoiled at the same time. He didn’t know, couldn’t understand how he felt so strongly for a person he’d never met.

Time froze again as he took in her features, her emerald eyes, set in a beautiful face, framed by pale, honey colored hair.

Derren was so caught up in the moment, he started as a hand gently touched him on his shoulder. He looked up in wonder as his sister looked lovingly down at him, smiling her crooked smile which was a mirror image of his.

She winked, conveying her love, along with a hint of mischief which Derren had missed so much these last few months. Derren reeled in shock and relief, as he realized this was not a dream, or a trick of his mind. She was real. His sister was alive, and she was here.

“Time to go, little brother,” she sang out, taking his hand in hers, and raising him to his feet.

Derren shook her away, and turned to look around at the activity in the corridor beyond. The corridor, however, and everything else surrounding it was gone. He and Krista floated amidst the wreckage of what had once been the battle station. As he took it all in, he saw body parts of people still attached to the larger pieces of the structure which had been there just a few minutes earlier. They span through space, and as Derren watched, fires winked out as compartments blew open to space, expelling bodies along with the wreckage.

“What happened?” He turned to Krista, pleading with her. “I was just here. Botra and Hicks were, too. We just heard the alarms. Where are they, Krista?”

He looked around at the total devastation, teetering on the edge of panic, and saw the sparks in the heavens marking where the other stations had stood defiantly against the enemy. Clouds of fire and plasma, dotted throughout the heavens, marked where the defensive fleets had made their stand.

Fleets which had kept the peace in this area of space, hundreds of worlds, allied for a thousand years, all now gone in the last desperate battle for survival.

“Derren, we have to go...now.” Krista looked scared, glancing around furtively. Dimly, Derren remembered he’d never seen his sister frightened before.

“I’ll explain when we get there, but please, take my hand. Please, trust me,” she begged.

As he looked out over the planet of his birth, a massive shadow passed between it and the sun it orbited. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the huge creature soar towards them. Krista caught her breath as she saw it, but twin beams of coherent light struck it, linking it for an instant with the surface of the planet.

The beams hadn’t impacted or caused any hurt to the beast, being shrugged off in disdain by its magical defences, but thankfully they distracted it briefly, and the monster spent a moment purging the entire continent below with unholy flame.

Derren was distraught. Everything and everyone he’d ever known had been annihilated, but the one thing, the one person he’d missed the most was standing here before him, pleading with him to leave. He knew he had nothing to stay here for, but somehow he couldn’t leave this spot.

Then he realized the drawing was still there, within his reach, the beautiful face calling to him, looking back at him.

“Who is she?” he asked his sister. Krista looked back in confusion.

“Who’s who?" She looked in the direction Derren indicated but saw only open space, interspersed with explosions.

Derren didn’t understand. Why couldn’t she see her? The picture hung in the air at his right hand. Why was it he could feel so much for this person he’d never even met, yet his sister couldn’t even see her? He decided then to let it go. He knew the features on the page. He knew the twin of his own soul, and she would always be there in his heart.

“I thought I saw something for a second,” he lied. He raised his hand and clasped his sister’s tightly. In a flash, the stars disappeared, and they were in a different place.

BELFAST—DREAMS BECOME Visions—Present Day

Back at Katheryne’s apartment, Perri finished making them both tea, and came to sit next to her friend on the sofa.

“Well, at least you aren’t dreaming of the end of the world anymore,” Perri joked, twirling her fingers through her hair. “So what does he look like anyway, this guy?"

Katheryne looked down. She didn’t know how to explain what she’d seen in the club, and was on the verge of writing the whole experience off as a hallucination, brought on by lack of sleep and too much wine.

“I don’t know.” Katheryne’s shoulders slumped. “To be honest, all I remember are his eyes.” She sighed in frustration.

Perri took a sip of her tea, put it down at her feet, and shifted round so she was looking at her friend.

“So everything else is still a blur, same as always?” asked Perri. Katheryne shrugged again. “Bummer.”

Perri sat quietly. Perri didn’t do quiet, so Katheryne immediately knew something was wrong. She paused for a few seconds. She knew Perri enjoyed this little game of theirs, and they both knew the rules.

“So?” Katheryne asked, after the appropriate pause.

“So, what?” Perri wasn’t going to make this easy.

“So, obviously you saw something Perri; so out with it... now!”

Perri had a strange, pensive expression on her face, which Katheryne hadn’t seen before. Her friend was usually so sure of herself that she blurted out what she wanted to say before fully thinking it through. This new Perri was...disquieting.

“Actually, it’s more like something I didn’t see,” she replied.

Katheryne looked confused, so Perri went on. “You know that guy? Your ‘friend’ from tonight?” Katheryne furrowed her brow in annoyance, but nodded. “Well he was cute, really cute, even by my standards.” This provoked a snort from Katheryne. “Okay, sometimes my standards can be...off, but not this time, believe me.” Perri looked dreamy for a moment before Katheryne nudged her.

“Sorry, you lost me there for a second,” she said. “Well anyway, I was, you know....appraising him... when I noticed something freaky; here was this guy, this gorgeous, god of a guy, gazing adoringly at you, standing right there in the middle of the club with God knows how many people in it. But no one was looking at him. Not one, Katheryne. It was like they saw through him. And no one had the right to look through this guy, if you know what I mean.”

Katheryne looked at her friend, suspiciously. She was used to Perri’s love at first sight habit, and was willing to indulge her, but then she realized what Perri had said.

“And this...invisible...guy, was looking at me? Are you sure?” she asked in disbelief.

“I think I said, gazing adoringly, anyway it was more than just looking, believe me,” said Perri, “but then he looked across at me. He was surprised I was looking back...surprised I could see him. Then he disappeared.”

“You mean he left,” corrected Katheryne.

“Kat, there’s no way this guy could’ve moved so fast. That’s why I dragged you to the bar, to see if I could catch sight of him, but he wasn’t in there. And before you start, you know what I’m like with cute boys...I have radar.” Perri’s last statement was true. Once she’d ‘locked on’, she never missed.

“Well remember, I never saw him either,” said Katheryne, “and I seem to remember your radar snagged you another target soon enough.” Katheryne raised an eyebrow, but Perri brushed her comment off.

“But what if you did see him?” Perri was deadly serious.

Katheryne looked at her friend, as she slowly came to accept, and put together the two separate events. “It was him...I saw him in the mirror, but when I turned to look, he’d gone.”

“Yeah, neat trick huh?” joked Perri, before taking Katheryne’s hands in hers. “Kat, I don’t know about you, but this is starting to give me the willies.”

“Me too, Perri. I...I just can’t understand how this is happening. I mean they’re just dreams; how can they be real?” Katheryne verged on tears as she laid her head on Perri’s shoulder. “So, what do we do now?”

“I have no idea,” Perri replied, glumly, but then turned to Katheryne with an indignant look on her face. “Why’d you tell me the dreams had stopped?”

Katheryne gave her a guilty smile, and looked down at the floor. “I...I knew you’d never leave if you thought I was still having them, and its true isn’t it?”

She looked up at Perri, but her friend dropped her gaze, and she knew she’d been right. “I couldn’t ask you to stay. I had no right to do that.”

Perri raised her head to stare back at her. “You didn’t need to ask me, I’m your friend remember? That’s what friends do.”

“Yeah, right. I think what you’ve been doing goes above and beyond the job description,” Katheryne said, “but I’m really glad you’re here.” Katheryne leaned her head on her friend’s shoulder again as Perri put her arm around her.

The girls sat in silence and companionship for a moment, before Perri spoke.

“So what did you mean when you said that back at the club? About the dreams being different now?” Her eyes narrowed. “Hey, I’m still mad at you for not telling me, so come on, spill.”

Katheryne fidgeted in her chair, clearly uncomfortable with what she was about to say.

Finally, she sat up and sighed. “When you told me about the Dublin job, I was terrified, Perri. You were the only one I’d ever told about the dreams, and you’re the only reason I’d managed to stay sane. But you were leaving, so I had to do something.”

“But Kat, you should have said. There’s no way I’d have left you alone if I’d known how scared you were. I mean, what sort of friend would I be if I’d done that?”

“I know, Perri,” said Katheryne, “but there was no way I was going to let you miss out. You love your job; it’s what you’ve wanted to do for as long as I’ve known you. I just had to try harder to control the dream. And it worked...for a while at least.”

Perri didn’t understand where this was going. She’d watched Katheryne cry out in pain in her sleep too many times.

“How? Kat, these dreams were killing you. I know that, and so do you. I thought they’d just...stopped, somehow. Now you’re saying it was you?”

“Yup,” she said, as Perri looked back with a deadpan expression. “I managed to push back the flames, a little at a time and more each night. After a while, I’d made this sort of bubble that protected us.”

“Us? What do you mean us?” Perri voice rose in tempo and bordered on hysteria.

“I wasn’t alone, Perri. I couldn’t believe it, but as I pushed the flames back, more people, well, some of them weren’t human, were able to shelter under the shield. By the time you left, there were over a hundred others there on the beach with me. It was an island, Perri. I’d made an island in the middle of all of the fire.”

“Wow,” Perri squeaked, before asserting more control over her faculties. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me all this? You let me think the dreams had stopped. Now you’re saying you’ve been playing about on a beach with...with, aliens?”

“Perri, I’m sorry, but I’m only just starting to remember.” Katheryne reached over to hold Perri’s hands. “Up until now everything’s been...misty. I barely remembered anything when I woke up. It was just like normal dreaming I guess. So, I wasn’t...technically, lying when I said the dreams had stopped.”

Perri was furious. “No way am I letting you off that easy. God, I am so pissed off with you!”

The sight of her friend getting up and pacing repeatedly across the apartment had an unexpected effect. Katheryne tried her best, but she couldn’t muffle the laugh that escaped her lips.

Perri stopped to look at her in annoyance. She stood with her hands on her hips, anger bubbling up inside her as her friend looked back, choking her humour. Before they knew it both girls were hugging and giggling uncontrollably.

“I’m still gonna make you pay for this, you know that, don’t you?” said Perri.

Katheryne smiled. “I probably deserve it. Jesus Perri, it’s good to have you back.”

They sat for a moment, just being with each other, before Perri’s curiosity got the better of her.

“So this guy, Mr. Bright Eyes, he was one of the others on the island?” Perri smiled, hungry for more of this fantastic story.

“No,” replied Kat. “He came later.” Katheryne’s expression darkened, as more of the mists appeared to clear in her mind. She sat for a second, using the relaxation exercises to calm herself, searching the jumble of thoughts, but as she did so something clicked in her brain, like a veil lifting from her memories.

She bolted upright in shock as things which had happened in the dream sharpened, like a camera lens instantly focussing. Katheryne almost passed out, as repressed emotions surfaced in a tidal wave, with the fear and terror fighting with the light and hope as she struggled to make sense of the storm.

Perri looked on helplessly as her friend stiffened and arched her back. Katheryne’s eyes closed, moving rapidly under her eyelids, but seconds later Katheryne regained normality and they flicked open.

“I’m OK,” she gasped. “I’m alright Perri. I...remember. I remember everything... I think.” Katheryne smiled gently at Perri and visibly relaxed. Perri was still worried, but took it as a good sign and sat back a bit, giving her friend some room.

“What do you mean, Kat?” demanded Perri nervously, “remember what? What just happened? It was like you were dreaming but more...intense, or something.”

When she was able to speak, Katheryne’s voice shook, but had an undercurrent of iron Perri had never heard before.

“There’s something out there Perri, something that wants to get here, and if it does everyone is dead. Everyone, everywhere will be gone, and it’ll be so terrible that we’ll be glad when we eventually die.”

Perri looked at her friend like she had a crazy woman on her hands, before realising this was Katheryne. The same incredible person she’d known most of her adult life. She nodded for her to go on.

“A few weeks ago...I remember the night because it was a nightmare. There was lightning everywhere and all the lights were out. I ran up from the bus stop in the dark. All I wanted to do was get into bed and pull a pillow over my head. It was mad outside, scary.”

Perri watched as Katheryne clasped her hands in her lap to stop them shaking.

“It turned out the storm wasn’t the worst of it.” Her voice shook as she continued. “As soon as I fell asleep and appeared on the Island, I was attacked.”

Perri gasped but remained silent.

“The fire was...terrible, much worse than it’d been before. It was too much for me, but I couldn’t let the others down, so I fought back. At least until it appeared.”

“It?” muttered Perri.

“I don’t know what it was, Perri, but it was evil. I could taste the corruption coming off it in waves. It made me feel sick.” Katheryne grasped Perri’s hand as she reached across to her.

“It was some sort of beast, like something out of your worst nightmares, times a thousand,” she continued, “but it didn’t know I could see it, at least I’m pretty sure it didn’t. I’m certain if it had I wouldn’t be here tonight. It would’ve stopped playing with us and wiped us out.”

“So what did you do? You’re still here so I assume you did something, right?”

Katheryne nodded slowly, “I had to let it think it was winning, but I needed to protect the others. I let it burn me, Perri. Just enough to wake me up.”

Perri cried out in alarm, “You did what?! Are you mad?”

Katheryne’s expression was pained as she continued. “I had no choice, Perri. And besides, it worked. I woke up.”

The girls sat in silence for a while before Perri’s curiosity got the better of her.

“So what happened next?” asked Perri, not really wanting to know the answer.

Katheryne sighed deeply. “I didn’t sleep for three days. I was too scared. I popped pills, lived on coffee, Red Bull, anything I could think of to keep me awake, but it wasn’t enough.”

Perri knew the person sitting in front of her was far more than the one she’d left here a few months before. Katheryne was terrified, even now, weeks after this vision. Perri couldn’t imagine how her friend must have felt at the time. She’d come through it, and Perri sensed the strength Katheryne had carefully hidden and denied for years coming to the surface.

“I fell asleep on the couch on the third night.” Katheryne forced the words out, obviously reluctant to remember what happened next. “It was horrible, Perri. As soon as I arrived, the beast was there. It’d been waiting for me, and it caught me before I could do anything to fight back. I felt its hatred. I saw the others burning all around me, and I couldn’t take any more. I knew I was beaten, Perri. I had nothing left to fight with, so I gave up. I can still hear its laughter. It was the coldest sound I’ve ever heard.”

Katheryne shivered at the memory, before brightening as a small smile appeared on her lips, to the bemusement of Perri.

“Um, forgive me for saying this Kat, but this doesn’t seem like a happy story to me. Why are you smiling?”

“Because that’s when he saved me,” she replied.

Perri gaped. She was speechless, as she watched her friend savour the repressed memories of her first meeting with...who?

“Wait a minute...back up, who saved you?” Perri demanded.

Katheryne’s brows furrowed in concentration, as she struggled to remember as much detail as she could.

“I’m not sure. He was only there for a second,” Katheryne replied. “I was so surprised when he appeared that I pushed him away.” Perri looked at her in with a mixture of disbelief and disgust.

“I know, Perri, but I had, still have, no idea who he is, but when he’d gone, the island was different. I could still see the flames, still feel the heat, but the pain was gone. It was the same for the others. They couldn’t believe it. He’d saved us all.”

“So what happened to that beast thing?” asked Perri.

“It was still there, like a ghost. It couldn’t see us, but it looked like it was still torturing something. You could see it was enjoying itself. It disappeared after a while though, along with the flames.”

“Weird,” said Perri.

“You’re telling me. Next thing I knew I was surrounded by all these people, if you could call them that. We had a while to get to know each other.”

Perri knew something was happening, that somehow she too had become involved in a plan, and Katheryne was vital to the success of whatever it was.

When Perri looked at Katheryne now, she saw more than her best friend, but somehow she was still exactly the same person she’d spent years growing up with, and shared so many experiences with. Nothing had changed, but what was happening now was meant to happen, like a natural evolution.

“So aliens exist,” Perri exclaimed, totally nonplussed. She quite surprised herself by being this calm. Here she was discussing the dreams her friend had been having for months, which now looked like they weren’t dreams at all, but some sort of vision or astral projection. It was a lot to take in.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I believe you,” said Perri. “It’s just nothing else makes sense....Ha!” Perri gave a snort as she suppressed a giggling fit. “Here we are talking about astral projections, dreams, and aliens, and I’m wondering about making sense. If anyone heard us, we’d be opening the door to the guys in white coats. This whole thing is crazy, you know?”

“Tell me about it,” agreed Katheryne. “God, this is so screwed up I can hardly think straight. All along I thought I was just having bad dreams.” A thoughtful expression crossed her face as she struggled with a thought forming. “What changed?” she asked herself.

“You mean, what changed to make you see it wasn’t a dream?” Perri questioned, finishing her thought for her.

Katheryne knew what the answer was, unconsciously, before it surfaced, but as it hit her, she denied it. She was afraid if the feelings inside her were real, then she would expose a part of herself she’d kept hidden for years, only allowing Perri and her family a tentative entry.

Katheryne had only sensed the stranger for a second, but felt a connection, a bond which went deeper than any conscious feeling. If this stranger turned out to be the boy from the club earlier–and Katheryne was certain they were one and the same–she knew he was more dangerous to her than anyone she’d ever met.

Dangerous. Maybe that was the wrong word, but Katheryne knew she’d be helpless against feeling the same bond as in the dream; vulnerable enough to do whatever this being requested of her.

“It was him,” she breathed. Katheryne verged on tears and her body quivered, so Perri reached over to comfort her. As her hand touched her friend’s arm, Katheryne recoiled. The barriers she’d built around her heart since her mother died had been blown away. Katheryne’s coping mechanism was to push away...hard!

Perri knew something was wrong. She felt uneasiness growing between her and her friend, which had never been there before.

“Kat, what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice shaking.

Katheryne looked at her with fear and rejection on her face, a look Perri remembered only too well.

––––––––

VICTORIA COLLEGE—THE Bullies—Five Years Earlier

They called themselves ‘The Group’, but all the girls knew they were a gang in all but name. They strutted around the grounds of Victoria like they owned it.

The group’s leader, Whitney, was the worst. Lovely, pretty, wicked Whitney, whose dad headed the board of governors, was naturally better than the other pupils. Her subjects, as she loved calling them.

Perri was granted ‘membership’ of the group on her first day, due to Whitney’s dad asking his daughter to take her under her wing, as a favour to his friend Chris. After all, his daughter was so popular and clever, and all the other kids looked up to her.

Perri was thrilled. Here she was, the new girl in school and already she had so many popular friends. She even called her mom to tell her the good news.

The first few weeks were great. Her new friends showed her around all the cool places to hang out, and the best ways to bunk off class. All the popular girls did it.

It was a few months before she noticed cracks in the facade of her ideal new world.

The look of fear on the kids’ faces as they passed them in the corridor, the bruises on a 2nd year’s back as they changed for PE, with Whitney and the others staring and laughing cruelly, as the little girl cried.

Perri decided to distance herself, try to maybe make a few friends outside the group. She became close to one of the girls in her dorm, whose name was Grace. They had loads in common and got along really well.

It took four days for the fledgling friendship to come to a crashing end. Perri came back from class early, and walked in on Grace packing her belongings. She had her back to Perri as she threw the contents of her drawers and wardrobe into her case. Perri came up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder. Easter holidays were only a week away so Grace was clearly getting away early.

“So, where are you going on hols, Grace?” Perri asked. The reaction to this simple question still gave her bad dreams, even to this day.

Grace sprang away from her, eyes wide in fright. Perri saw a bruise buried under a layer of concealer on her cheek.

“Get away from me!” Grace screamed. Perri recoiled, tears welling in her eyes.

The hand on her back caused her to gasp, as Whitney pushed her back into the room. She had a few of the others with her, and she smiled sweetly as she turned to Perri.

“Are you going to let this...thing, speak to you like that, Perri?” Her lips curled in disgust as Grace started to back away, crying and shaking her head from side to side, mouthing the word no, over and over.

At last Perri understood what these people were. These girls she’d thought were her friends were the worst sort of predators. Bullies, who exploited their parents’ positions to gain immunity from suspicion, while they abused the vulnerable lonely kids, who weren’t brave, or big enough to fight back.

Perri wanted more than anything to turn and stand in front of Grace, and save her from any more injury. She was certain the hidden bruise had been carried out at Whitney’s order.

But she was terrified. The group had kept her separated from the rest of the school for months, so to the other kids, she was one of them. She had to be like them. Didn’t she go everywhere and do everything with them? She was obviously as bad as the rest, a bully to be feared and avoided.

She realized then, there was no escape unless she became a victim like Grace, so she started to turn to confront them, about to act much braver than she had ever felt.

“Leave them alone!”

The voice was soft but determined, as its source appeared from the door of the bathroom at the bottom of the dorm.

Perri breathed a sigh as the attention shifted onto the newcomer.

The small girl, with shoulder-length blonde hair, stood watching them defiantly, and Perri wished she could be as brave; but the wish faded as Whitney laughed.

“Look girls, fresh meat,” she said, loudly, and the others joined in her laughter. The sound frightened Perri more than it should have, because she realized she’d heard it so many times before, directed at others. It was now close to being turned towards her, and she shivered.

Perri knew Whitney expected her to join in the merriment, but as she watched the blonde girl, she was stunned into silence by her total lack of fear.

The girl looked straight at her, daring her to stand her ground against the others, but Perri couldn’t, she was too scared. How could this little girl protect her? Her earlier courage deserted her, along with her tiny defiance at not laughing along with Whitney. She stepped back along with them.

Part of her knew she might pay a price for her brief rebellion, but she realized right at this moment she didn’t care. It was a small victory, and even though she felt ashamed at her cowardice, she watched as the girl acknowledged her sacrifice and smiled.

THE MEMORY SKIPPED. A year passed; a year in which Whitney and her group repaid the blonde girls defiance a hundred times over. A year in which Perri even helped on occasion, too terrified to resist the pressure of her peers.

The girl, Katheryne, wouldn’t be beaten. Through it all, she fought back, all the time daring Perri to do what she knew she so desperately needed to do. Every time something was thrown at her, physically or verbally, Katheryne glanced across at her, waiting for a reaction. Every time she ended up sprawled face down in the corridor, with her books strewn around her, she looked up, never begging, but her eyes always met Perri’s with a smile. Perri, however, was always too frightened; until the day of the fight.

Katheryne was on the ground, cut and bleeding with Whitney on top of her. Whitney’s own knuckles were bloody, having been provoked by Katheryne to do her own dirty work for once. Whitney was clever, clever enough to always punish her victims by proxy, using the puppets she surrounded herself with to carry out the beatings she decreed necessary.

Katheryne managed to break Whitney’s temper so completely, that for once she put aside all thoughts for her own safety in anonymity. She had kissed a boy Whitney had claimed as her own, one of a few Whitney had convinced she was a decent person. So Katheryne’s kiss was like a red rag to a bull, and as she watched Whitney pummel Katheryne’s face, Perri saw her chance at last.

As two of the others held Katheryne’s legs and arms, Perri struck. She’d grown over the last year, but Whitney always surrounded herself with big girls. They were on their knees, pinning Katheryne to the ground, so Perri ran, and kicked one of them sideways, producing a satisfying crack as her face hit the ground.

Whitney was still occupied with trying to break Katheryne’s face, but the girl holding her arms looked up in panic, just as Perri landed on her, hard. They rolled and Perri lashed out, hitting the girl a glancing blow on her arm before they separated. Perri waited for the larger girl to fight back, to return and use her size and weight advantage to screw her into the ground, but she was astounded, and relieved, when the girl stumbled up and ran off.

Whitney eventually realized what was going on around her, and the color drained from her face, as she found herself truly alone for the first time in years.

Katheryne watched as Perri grabbed Whitney’s hair and yanked her backwards off her, swinging the larger girl around so she sprawled across the ground, cutting her arms and face, before rising to confront Perri, her face a mask of fury.

“You bitch!” she spat. “You are so gone, you wee shit! You think you can do this to me and stay in this school? My Dad will have you expelled when he finds out what you’ve done!” She glanced at Katheryne. “Don’t bother looking at her. She’s a freak like you’re gonna be. She’s nothing; I mean look at her...I’ve just beaten the shit out of her and there’s nothing either of you can do about it! I can’t believe I gave you a chance.”

Perri stood her ground. “What chance did you ever give me, Whit? To be one of you, or like the other victims in the school?” She glanced at the bloody form on the ground. “Katheryne is the only girl who ever had the balls to stand up to you, but you lot couldn’t break her, could you?”

As Whitney lunged toward her, her face connected with Perri’s fist travelling in the opposite direction. Whitney’s nose exploded in a fountain of blood as she collapsed in a heap, redness pooling on the ground.

Perri looked across at Katheryne, grinning widely. “You have no idea how good that felt.”

Katheryne smiled back. “Well, it certainly took you long enough, you silly cow!” She wiped blood from the corner of her mouth.

Perri walked over and took the hand of her new best friend, helping her up just as a teacher entered the room, and rushed off in a panic to the school office.

The icing on the cake came when Whitney attempted to lay the blame on Katheryne and Perri. On the surface her claim that the two of them had started the fight was pretty plausible. After all, there were the injuries inflicted on Whitney and the other two girls, who, of course, backed up their leader’s claims.

Katheryne expected this; in fact she’d planned the whole encounter, as she explained to Perri later. Perri wondered what might have happened if she hadn’t intervened.

So, when the headmaster questioned them, Katheryne was able to point to the imprint of several heart shaped marks on her face, which matched the ring Whitney wore on her right hand. This in itself meant little, but when word of Whitney’s defeat got out, it spread like wildfire around the school; Katheryne had ensured this would happen. It provoked a small stampede of pupils to the headmaster’s office. Each story turned out to be spookily similar, and always involved Whitney, either directly or by association.

The investigation took two days, and at the end of it, Whitney and five others of the group were expelled from Victoria College, the incident marked on their permanent school records. Along with more than a dozen other suspensions, the halls almost overnight become a haven for intelligent, shy and brilliant girls. Exactly as it had been when Perri’s mother had been there.

Whitney’s father apologised to Perri, saying he let her and the school down. His offer of resignation from the board of governors was accepted.

BACK IN THE PRESENT

Perri watched as her friend and champion looked at her with an expression of hostility. Her heart broke in half as she lost the closest thing to a sister she’d ever had. The memories of Grace in the school dormitory flooded back.

As quickly as this terrible moment materialised, Katheryne wilted, bending over to put her head in her hands and cry.

Perri had never seen her friend cry like this. Even at her mother’s memorial service, her tears had barely run down her face before drying. Perri had known she was putting a brave face on, unable to open up to her father who blamed himself, unwilling to add to his grief.

Perri and Katheryne were close friends at this stage, but the sisterly bond which would develop between them was still in its infancy, so Perri assumed Katheryne had done her crying in private. Now she was certain she hadn’t, that the sobs now shaking her violently were the first true outpouring of grief she’d allowed herself since her mother had died.

Perri held Katheryne gently in her arms, crying herself, as she tried to support her friend, but feeling useless. A part of her still wondered about the brief distance and hostility Katheryne had imposed a moment before. She thought now, even as Katheryne curled into a ball and pressed herself against her, that the moment had passed and she needn’t have worried.

“I’m so sorry Perri,” she heard Katheryne jerk out, in between the sobs.

What are you so sorry for? Perri thought. 

“I’m so, so sorry,” her friend repeated.

“Shh Kat, it’s OK honey,” Perri whispered, not wishing to cause her friend more pain.

“It’s not OK!!” shouted Katheryne as she sat up, tears flowing down her cheeks.

Perri was taken aback by the anger on Kat’s face, afraid for a split second after what had just happened, before realising her friend’s anger was directed inwards, at herself.

Perri sat, confused, as Katheryne got up and walked to the kitchen. She heard her fix two glasses with ice and bourbon, before returning to sit down on the couch. She handed a glass to Perri before taking a long sip on hers.

“I owe you an explanation,” she said.

Perri was about to go off on a “Feckin’ right you do” retort, but caught herself. There would be a time and a place for this later, but for now her friend was hurting and she wanted to help. She stayed silent.

Katheryne’s eyes were wet. “When my mom died the way she did...it destroyed me, Perri.” Katheryne let go, the tears flowing freely down her face. “I thought at the time that I had no one. My mother and father were my best friends. I know I was sent away to school, but that didn’t bother me. I know why it had to be like that, and we talked every single day, about absolutely everything.”

Perri wanted so much to gather her friend up in her arms right now, but she knew Katheryne needed to unload all this baggage she had been suppressing for years. So she sat back and listened as her friend continued.

“But then mom was gone, and every time I looked at dad, all I could see was him looking back at me, seeing my mother and recoiling with guilt.

“It wasn’t in my head, Perri!” she insisted, as her friend started to shake her head to try and persuade her she was wrong. “I knew it was true; I could feel his hurt.” Katheryne was shaking again.

“I could feel it, but I couldn’t do anything but add to it, so I helped my dad to do what he thought he wanted. I helped to push him away.” Katheryne sat still, and Perri reeled from her admission. They’d never talked about the reasons her father never called her, but Perri always assumed it had been his decision to distance himself.

“He called me, a month after the funeral, twice. He left a voicemail. He wanted to talk. But I didn’t call him back.” Katheryne’s voice broke. She looked over at Perri, pleading with her to understand, without realising her friend had already decided how she felt, and that she loved her and respected her even more than before.

“You thought if he didn’t see you, he’d be able to heal, to get over it faster, didn’t you?” asked Perri. As her friend broke down again, she went to her and gently stroked her hair as she pulled her into her arms. Katheryne nodded, still sobbing.

“Kat, it wasn’t your job to be strong for your father. You were what, seventeen when it happened? It was his job to be strong for you!”

Perri was furious. “And a month....he waited a month, after his wife....your mother... died, to call his only child. And all he did was leave two feckin messages?”

Katheryne raised her head, just enough so Perri saw the anguish and self loathing in her eyes.

“But Perri, that’s not the worst, not by a long shot,” she cried, turning away, as if she didn’t want Perri to see the guilt in her eyes, and condemn her as she told the final truth.

“Part of me never survived what happened,” Katheryne explained, looking back, willing herself to meet her friends gaze. Perri looked back in confusion.

“I never let anyone into my heart from that point on. No one was able to come close, so no one would be able to hurt me like that again. And I wouldn’t be able to hurt anyone again either.

“Aye, I let a few people get part way, like your parents...and you, but never all the way in.” She looked at Perri in resignation.

Perri simply stared back for what seemed like an eternity. Katheryne was about to ask her to say something, when Perri broke the silence.

“Liar,” she exclaimed abruptly. There was no anger in it. It was a simple statement. In fact Perri looked back and broke into a smile, a tender loving one you might show a silly kid that had got something totally, innocently wrong.

Perri cried, tears running down her cheeks. “You keep telling yourself deep down you don’t love me, or Amanda or Chris, and I’ll keep calling you a liar.”

Katheryne looked back, eyes wide in surprise, and something else. Doubt perhaps?

“You think you have this hard heart, untouchable and unbreakable? Well baby, let me tell you, you’re wrong, you have the biggest heart I know.”

“But it...” began Katheryne, but Perri interrupted.

“And don’t you even think about saying it was all an act, you can’t tell a lie to save your life, Katheryne; even the time we were caught in my dad’s car, all you had to do was say you were me and you’d have gotten off scot free. But no, that copper saw straight through you, and that’s why you still take the bus everywhere.”

A ghost of a smile appeared on Katheryne’s face, but it wasn’t going to be that easy.

“Perri, you don’t understand,” she started, but Perri interrupted again.

“Tell me you don’t love me; tell me I’m not closer than a sister to you. Tell me you don’t love Chris and Amanda as if they were your own mom and dad,” demanded Perri, almost shouting now as she held Katheryne’s gaze.

“And don’t you dare tell me I don’t understand!” Perri shouted. “Who was it that tried to act all hard, while you got dirt rubbed in your face and gum thrown at your hair in class? Who was it who joined in the name calling, while all the time feeling sick to her stomach, because she knew you were doing all of it for me. You knew I wasn’t like the others, but I put you through hell and you just came back for more.” Perri was screaming now, “so don’t you dare say I don’t understand, because damn you, you saved my life!”

The silence was palpable. Both girls faced each other, tears streaming down their faces, Perri daring Katheryne to contradict her.

“I...I...but it’s not possible,” whispered Katheryne. “I tried so hard.”

“No, you didn’t Katheryne.” Perri smiled. “You just didn’t have it in you to do that. Your heart’s too big...thank God.”

Perri wasn’t religious, but at this point she would have praised the lord almighty in thanks. For a minute she’d thought she had lost her friend, but as she looked into Katheryne’s eyes, she saw dawning acceptance.

“So what’s it like to not be the stone faced bitch you’ve been trying to tell yourself you were?” Perri wasn’t about to pull any punches, lest her friend try and talk her way back into denial.

They sat for several seconds, faces inches from each other as Perri dared Katheryne to shy away, but dreading that she would.

“Damn you, Perri.” Katheryne hissed through clenched teeth, “Why did you have to make this so hard?” She turned away, but Perri knew she’d made a huge step forward. She’d been afraid that her friend’s spirit had broken, but the anger proved otherwise.

“What did you expect? I’m your friend; you think you can get rid of me that easy?” Perri taunted, more relaxed now the spell was broken.

“So are you going to tell me what this is all about?” Perri asked, “The truth this time, not the bullshit attempt to drive me away.”

Katheryne looked up, shock and guilt etched on her face. She was still reeling from the realization she had let her defences fail so abysmally, but as she looked at Perri, she drew strength from the solidity of their friendship. A smile glanced briefly across her face.

“I’m scared, Perri,” she cried. “Terrified. Something is happening and I have no way to control it, and I’m afraid that everyone close to me will get hurt.”

“But haven’t you just finished telling me how you were able to control it?” Perri started, before taking the next step and realising how wrong she’d been.

“The guy in the dream, he’s real isn’t he? That’s how you were able to remember, because you saw him tonight. When you said it earlier you were serious, weren’t you?”

Katheryne looked over and nodded, unable to voice what was going through her mind. But as usual, Perri had the uncanny ability to finish her train of thought.

“So if he’s real—” began Perri, but she stopped herself, unwilling to finish the terrible idea forming at the pit of her being.

“The dream, all of it, must be real too,” whispered Katheryne. She just sat there, with her hands clasped in her lap like a lost child. Which as Perri realized just then, she was.

The strength she’d witnessed just moments ago ebbed away, and Perri knew what she did in the next few seconds would decide the fate of not just the two of them, but of countless lives.

“Who is he?” Perri blurted out. It was all she could think of to break the downward spiral, but the result was totally unexpected.

Katheryne jerked upright and stood up. Perri saw pain and uncertainty, but along with this came an expression she couldn’t remember seeing on her friend’s face before. A kind of expression you have when you’re struggling to accept something you’ve been trying to deny for years.

“Perri, you’re not going to understand what I’m about to say,” said Katheryne seriously. “I’m not sure I’m going to understand it, and I’m the one saying it.”

Katheryne’s head reeled with indecision, but deep down she knew without a doubt what she was about to admit was true.

“He’s the reason I tried to push you away, and Jesus, Perri, I’m terrified of him,” she breathed, her face white with fright.

Perri struggled to understand where this was going, but after the revelations this night she wasn’t about to interrupt her friend. Part of her knew she wasn’t going to like what she was about to hear. Looking at the expression on Katheryne’s face, she knew she, too, was struggling to come to terms with what she was about to say.

“The reason I tried to push you all away, why I thought what I was doing was the right thing,” she began, “was because I thought if I could close myself off from the people that I love the most in the entire world, maybe I’d be able to protect myself from him.”

“Protect yourself from him?” asked Perri, taken aback. “Didn’t you just say he was protecting you, or looking over you or something like that?”

“He is, I think,” Katheryne wavered uncertainly. “I’m pretty sure he’s the one who hid us from that, that.... monster.”

Perri sensed a “but”, however she managed to button her mouth and let her friend continue.

“When I first sensed he was there, there was something else.” The fear in her voice had given way to a sort of wonder, and for a second there was a warmth in her speech. “Almost as if he had seen me, not for the first time, but that he’d known me for years. He was so vulnerable just then, almost like he’d bared his soul...no, that’s not right.” Katheryne searched for the right way to describe the instant of closeness she’d experienced.

Her face reddened, color rising on her cheeks, as she finally understood what the stranger had felt towards her. Part of the memory held over from the dream, experience, whatever it was, still lay beyond her reach, but the sheer emotion present in this moment was almost more than she could stand.

“He’s in love with me,” Katheryne turned to Perri, the sudden realisation etching shock onto her face, “and I’m in love with him.”

It took almost a whole second, longer than Katheryne had thought, for her friend’s reaction.

“Are you fricking serious?” Perri almost screamed. “Jesus, Kat, that has got to be the craziest thing I’ve heard tonight, and think about it; if this is more crazy than the rest of what’s happened, it is fricking out there!”

Katheryne took a deep breath. She knew her friend meant well and she’d been grateful more than once in the past for her ‘guidance’ for want of a better word, with guys.

“I love him,” she breathed finally, as if she had been holding a breath for so long her lungs were fit to burst. She didn’t want to say anything more and turned to her friend.

“Don’t ask me how. I know I’ve never even met him, but I know, Perri,” Katheryne insisted. “It’s as if he’s a part of me, and I know now that no matter how hard I try, there’s no way I can keep him out.”

For a second Perri almost dismissed what she’d said. Katheryne had had several boyfriends over the few years Perri had known her, but most hadn’t lasted more than a few weeks.

There was one who had been around for a few months, but it had ended badly when he’d tried to come onto Perri one night, while Katheryne was at her parents’ house.

Perri thought back to then, and recalled the feeling of betrayal she’d felt as he tried to force himself on her. Perri had never told Katheryne about that night, not in any detail at least. She’d told her friend she’d seen him with another girl, and after what she’d done to him during the assault, he was in no mind to deny it when Kat faced him with it.

She’d simply had to clear up the mess afterwards. Katheryne had loved the asshole. It hadn’t been pretty.

But now, how was Perri supposed to protect her best friend from a guy who she’d not only met in her dreams, but who was also some sort of guardian angel?

“Kat, I know you think you’ve got some sort of feelings for this...whoever he is, but you have no idea who this guy is. Jesus, if he was even halfway normal, and by normal I mean remotely connected to this reality, then maybe, just maybe it might be OK.”

Katheryne started feeling guilty. She didn’t know how to make Perri understand, because she didn’t understand herself. How she could be in love with someone she’d spent a fleeting instant with, in a dream? What had happened earlier was surreal now, but she couldn’t block her feelings. All the barriers she had imagined she had erected had been smashed to ruins. And the realization that this brief encounter had proven how vulnerable she had become, scared her to the centre of her being.

Katheryne sat on the edge of the chair, at odds with her feelings, when someone knocked loudly on the apartment door.

Both she and Perri nearly jumped out of their skins; it was as if they’d been in their little bubble of reality, and the knock had just burst it. Both of them stood just staring at each other for a second, before Perri crossed to the door, put the security chain in place, and cracked it open.

What happened next was a blur of motion as Perri stepped back, breathed in sharply and turned to Katheryne. Her face was as white as a sheet. There was a strange humming noise, and the chain fell apart as the door was pushed open from outside. Both of them stood unable to move, as the dark form with the impossible eyes stood silently in the doorway.

Katheryne’s heart leapt as she realized it was him, but she surprised herself when she realized she still had a measure of control on her emotions. He stared back at her, and in that instant she knew how mistaken she’d been.

She’d been afraid that the being, this man, would seek to use her vulnerability against her. She still knew, standing here now, she would have been powerless to prevent him doing just that. The face which looked back at her, however, reflected the same desire, but also the same hesitation to give in to the inevitable bond she also felt.

As they stood there, gazing intensely at each other, she also saw surprise on his features, as if he, like Katheryne had been in denial until this moment. Neither of them seemed capable of movement, as to do so would break the spell. They were lost in each other.

“Well, this is awkward,” said another voice, and it wasn’t until then both girls realized there was someone else standing behind the man.

He smiled crookedly, and Katheryne’s heart skipped a beat as he did so, but he moved sideways far enough to reveal a slim woman with the palest blonde hair, and eyes like morning dew.

“I think what my brother neglected to ask was, ‘May we come in?’” said the woman, in a musical voice with a vaguely English accent, before gliding past the man, glancing up at him with the same lopsided grin, “Men!” she snorted.

––––––––

THE GLADE—EXPLODING Rivers and Mermaids—Present Day

“So, what has Gwenyth done this time?” asked Hallor, moodily.

“Or should I say, what have they done? I can’t imagine my daughter wouldn’t try to rope her chief accomplice into whatever she’s decided to break.”

Kon’s mouth twitched briefly, before he managed to regain the composure fit for a Magister of the Council.

“And I take it you’re here because they have managed to break something... again!” Hallor walked over to the seating area, beckoning his friend to sit.

“Actually, this time your daughter and her friend managed to cause a small explosion.” The smile was impossible for Kon to hide this time. “No small feat when you consider they blew up a river.”

Hallor’s eyes widened in shock, “How could anyone blow up a river?” Hallor spoke quietly, but Kon heard the disbelief in his voice. He decided it was time to inject a bit of humour into the occasion.

“I believe one possible answer to your question is, ‘quite spectacularly’.” Kon’s ebony face lost its ability to hide his mirth, as his niece’s antics had the usual effect of amusing him extremely.

Hallor looked at his brother in law with disapproval before he too smiled, albeit with an expression of exasperation. It was a feeling he had become used to over the last few years.

Ever since Calleyne had arrived at the Citadel sixteen years ago, with the baby girl wrapped in his cloak, Hallor had felt out of his depth. His wife, Marissa, had fallen in love with her instantly, however, and indeed so had he at the time. All the Council had agreed to the adoption, but although he had loved her dearly, her increasing appetite for trouble over the last few years had continually alarmed him.

“She is a good child, Hallor, and though you judge Amilee harshly, she is also,” said Kon. His dark skin heightened his smile. “Brother, they are young, why can’t you relax a little and let them have some fun?”

Hallor snorted, “Because ‘fun’ for those two normally means destruction, Kon.” The exasperation was evident again in his expression. “Her ability continues to grow. By the great one, how does anyone blow up a river? Was anyone hurt?”

“On this occasion the damage was limited to a sandbank on the lower banks of the estuary,” explained Kon, “though there are rumours a mermaid may have gotten her tail singed.” Kon looked on the verge of laughing out loud.

Hallor, however, was not amused.

“Mermaids again! What is it she sees in those creatures? They are dangerous, undisciplined. Why does she keep confronting them like she does?” he asked.

Kon laughed, heartily and loudly. “For the great one’s sake Hallor, can’t you see?” He gave his sister’s husband a mischievous look, “They are kindred spirits, and she isn’t confronting them, she’s playing with them, trying to compete with their power over the water. And judging by the display today, she has already surpassed them.”

Hallor didn’t know whether to feel proud, angry, or terrified at the vision his friend painted. Gwenyth, the child who had been brought before them by the youth Calleyne almost 16 years ago was special. Even as a babe she possessed a power, a perception beyond her years. The questions she began to ask as a toddler dispelled any notion she was Eldar, even if the lobes on her round ears were not a clear indication in themselves.

And if her increasing power, her ability to shape and control the magical fabric of this world she had arrived in marked her as special, it frightened her adopted father. The other one, Amilee, the cousin of Calleyne, born to his aunt and uncle shortly after Gwenyth’s arrival, was her twin.

Impish, troublesome, and hot-headed, she was not the companion he would have chosen for his daughter. But the choice hadn’t been his. Marissa loved Amilee like a second daughter, so he had buried his objections, deep enough so nobody could see the fear and jealousy within him.

“I suppose I have been hard on them,” he lied, “harder than I should be perhaps, but Kon, you know I love them.”

Only part of Hallor believed what he’d just said. There had been a time, years ago, when he would have found this whole episode as humorous as Kon. But now everything she did put his plans in jeopardy, and he was terrified of being found out before they came to fruition.

Fortunately for Hallor, Kon was blind to the fear lurking behind his friend’s eyes. He was much younger and less experienced than Hallor, and full of the innocence and purity of the Lands around him. He had, however, risen rapidly in the ranks of the Magisters, the enforcers of the peace here in the Veiled Lands, which was testament to his own ability. This was why his niece’s growing power delighted him so much. He saw a kindred spirit within her, one he thought he could nurture and bring into the Magistry. Her power at this young age was phenomenal. It was still raw and unskilled, but with instruction she could be great among their ranks, great enough even to eventually rival the Elders, he thought.

Only one person in the room thought this was a good thing.

Hallor had been ambitious all of his long life, and it had served him well, leading him to the seat at the head of the Council of the Eldar. The Council had ruled and protected the people of this world since the beginning, when the Veil had hidden the Land and its magic from the enemy, Tenybris.

Tenybris had sought to use the magic which lay at the core of Teralia, to conquer and enslave the entire universe. Indeed he had almost succeeded. If it hadn’t been for the actions of the great one, Olumé, who hid the Lands and all their magic behind the great Veil, the universe and all the worlds and beings upon them, would be a ghost of what had been. All of them would exist to serve Tenybris. But without the magic, his forces had been defeated.

Tenybris, however, had escaped and still remained hidden, even to this day.

In the thousands of years of history of these Veiled Lands, there had never been any major strife or conflict; indeed, why should there be any when the Land provided everything for its people? The Magistry existed to mediate any minor disagreements which arose. Frictions between the various races living here were always minor and short lived, thanks to their strength and wisdom.

There had been occurrences, stretching back over a century now, but becoming more frequent, which threatened to disrupt the harmony. Like the affliction which had decimated so many of the great herds of deer and bison, or the unexplained disappearances of travellers journeying through the deep forest.

“You know, Hallor,” said Kon, “if these rumours bear any substance, we may need all the help we can get.”

Hallor snorted. “Rumours are what they are, Kon. Nothing more than stories made up in an attempt to disrupt the peace of the Glade.”

“But might it not be wise to send a scouting party into the forest? Hallor, there have been three disappearances this year alone.”

“Yes, and of these three, two have been known troublemakers. I’m sure the Faer have simply been leading them a merry dance through the deep, in revenge for them trespassing in their groves. They will turn up, eventually.”

Kon clearly didn’t agree, but he wasn’t about to overstep his authority. Hallor may be his bother-in-law, but Kon was still a junior member of the Magistry.

“I suppose you’re right, my friend,” he said, “anyway, I have work to do. Will I see you at dinner later?”

“Yes, I have matters to discuss with the Council, but tell Marissa I won’t be late.”

Kon bowed before leaving the room.

Hallor had been chosen to lead the Council, but he had also been chosen to carry out another far more important task... It was he who was to ensure the release of the magic and the destruction of the Veil. So the great Olumé had told him in the visions. But he had been warned by Olumé to move slowly and secretly, to bear the burden of fear upon his own shoulders, knowing panic would sweep the land if it was known the time of battle was so close. Hallor knew he had to remain in power long enough for the Veil to be broken, for according to Olumé, his plan had failed utterly and magic was the universe’s only hope.

A small part of him quailed at what he might be forced to do, but someday, soon, he would have to deal with his daughter.

THE GLADE—BOYS—PRESENT Day

Gwenyth sat next to Amilee on the branch. Their legs dangled down over the waves below, but Amilee knew for the first time in her short life, she looked at a sad being.

She couldn’t quite understand the concept of sadness. Her friend had tried to describe it to her several times, but it wasn’t until now that she’d ever witnessed it. She wasn’t sure she liked it.

In fact, at this moment in time, she was sure she didn’t. If she could do anything to avoid feeling it she would. It looked...she wasn’t sure. Wrong, somehow.

“You know, we could go down to the market,” said Amilee brightly. Much more brightly than she felt, “I bet there’ll be boys there.” She sat smirking, but after a few seconds watching her friend, she admitted defeat and joined in with a sullen expression.

Gwenyth began to giggle. Amilee looked over. Sometimes her friend confused her. Her expression however, seemed to amuse her friend even more as tears of mirth ran down her cheeks.

“Ami, you should see your face; it’s hilarious,” laughed Gwenyth between breaths. “You can’t do depressed to save your life. You look like you’ve got wind.”

“Oh!” said Amilee, a smile creeping back onto her face. “Remember the time you made your dad’s dog keep blowing off when he patted it on the head?”

Gwenyth giggled even more, nodding enthusiastically. Everyone in Gwenyth’s extended family knew about the prank, but it had taken her father three days for the shoe to drop. After his immediate annoyance he saw the funny side, and had shrugged it off.

Or so she had thought, until the wardrobe in her bedroom had swallowed her one day, and painted her bright blue from head to toe. It had taken a week to wear off. A week of sniggers and laughs as she passed her friends in the academy. A week after which she was forced to acknowledge her father as the superior prankster.

Those had been good times, she thought as she turned melancholy again. Her father hadn’t been like that in years. Lately he seemed to live under a gloom which prevented any happiness from entering.

He never laughed, and never found humour in anything she did anymore. She knew within herself that her attempts to grab his attention were escalating along with her increasing ability.

One of these days, her temper might inspire her to do something completely irresponsible, and she smiled inwardly. There were more than a few out there who might consider her latest escapade just a bit over the edge into irresponsibility.

Her father being chief amongst them. The lecture she had endured this time had been harsh. She’d never imagined her father could be so cruel. His words had hurt her more than ever before, and his anger had been venomous.

She struggled to remember the father who joked and played tricks on her when she was little. The man who gave the latest lecture wasn’t the same person, she was sure. Though Gwenyth was still young, she knew something was very wrong with him.

She thought her mother saw glimpses of it, but normal family life was just that. Normal, if subdued. Lately her father was very careful to have their meetings in private, away from unwanted ears.

She wondered whether she should tell Amilee about her fears, but as she watched her friend jump down off the branch, and dance across the ground below, she knew she wouldn’t understand. Gwenyth knew she had matured much faster than Amilee, much faster than any normal being here. At sixteen she was wiser than many who were over a century old.

Her adolescent mind wondered if somehow this made her father jealous, but she dismissed it right away. What would he need to feel jealous of? She was his daughter, and she loved him. How could she ever hurt him?

So it was with a lighter heart that Gwen ran after her friend towards the market. After all, Amilee had been right. There probably would be boys there.

THE PLANET SANCTUARY—REALITIES—YEARS Before

“So how will I know?” asked Derren.

“What do you mean?” replied B’ran. This was the first time this had ever been asked, and the old man seemed offended. The initiates were expected to study the history as they progressed in power. They travelled the Never, cataloguing the realities, the idiosyncrasies, as major decisions fractured the lines and created each shard of existence.

There were endless realities, the number constantly changing as major events created new shards, while minor changes could merge one or more realities with another. In the vastness of the Never, there was chaos as the paths converged and diverged with seemingly random and lawless abandon.

When Derren had been brought to Sanctuary by his sister, he’d spent weeks adjusting to the fact that he, Krista, and all the others here were unique. They were called the Liberi Nauntum, which means Children of the Never. They had the natural ability to not just travel in space, but also between these realities. And not only just travel between, but all of his peers shared a link, and were capable of mapping the chaotic creation process.

This was instantaneously shared subconsciously among them, so they alone could make sense of the anarchic collisions of choice and happenstance.

Derren had been to hundreds of them so far, and he knew that to a common observer most would have seemed identical. But the perception granted to him and the other Liberi enabled him to instantly see the subtle differences, and the paths weaving endlessly between them.

The other incredible fact he struggled with, was the Liberi were almost never from the same time frames. There could be a thousand years between the time that Derren and Krista had lived in and some of the others. The leaders of Sanctuary could reach through time, retrieving the new-born Liberi at the moment of their deaths.

Their number was always constantly maintained at 500. As they were lost, killed in combat or by accident, they were “replaced” by the leaders.

Their search was eternal, their battle endless. They existed for two reasons.

Foremost they were a constant force for vigilance. Derren had been amazed to discover his own battle had been one of the last. That Tenybris’s forces had been utterly defeated had left him reeling in exultation. But the news of his escape had left a cloud of uncertainty across Sanctuary.

Even though his armies had been destroyed, elements of his supporters still existed, causing dissent wherever they could, and so the Liberi battled far and wide across the realities, seeking to eradicate them and their twisted teachings.

The Tenybrists had garnered a following based on the fact that Tenybris’s body had never been found. And they preached he would return to complete his conquest.

This was the second burden the Liberi were tasked with.

Tenybris would return; this much was inevitable. He had hidden himself well, but the Liberi had wandered the Never for millennia in search of his bane. For there existed a prophecy here in Sanctuary which had been passed down from the days when Olumé had been alive. The prophecy of the Foundation.

In each reality there was one single being of great power, able to project their consciousness into other universes. They were not able to travel physically, but were capable of journeying with their minds between realities and interacting with the beings there.

Across the universes, these interactions had many explanations. Ghosts or spirits, loved ones reaching out from beyond the grave, was a common belief. Some imagined they were angelic beings, and whole religions had grown around them.

Each being was powerful in their own right, but what the Liberi ultimately searched for was the Foundation. The single being who would bring them together, unite and multiply their power, and provide the means to finally destroy the enemy. For if Tenybris escaped unopposed, all of these realities would be consumed and twisted beyond recognition.

B’ran dismissed the inquiry, but the youth continued to stare back. He looked around at his peers, but they sat staring ahead as if they were blind.

“B’ran,” Derren continued, “we all know what we can do. We all know the history, for what it’s worth. What I want to know is how I will know when I find the right one? How will I...we,” Derren indicated the others, “know when we have found the Foundation?”

As B’ran began to explain how all the realities meshed together, how it didn’t matter about the reactions across universes, Derren stood up so abruptly his chair flew backwards.

“Listen to me, you idiot!”

The others looked at him, but instantly averted their eyes. Several of the initiates present here had had “run-ins” with B’ran before, so they lowered their gaze as he began to bluster, his face reddening as his temper broke at last.

“How dare you, boy,” he sneered pompously. “You are not here to ask questions which will become clear to you through time. The universe will not give up its secrets simply because a whelp like you demands it. Even if you do seem to think it owes you more than the rest of us lowly beings.”

Lately, all of the lessons which had put both Derren and B’ran in the same room had descended into this sort of conflict. Unfortunately for Derren, B’ran seemed to have powerful friends, and he possessed a cruel willingness to abuse his position.

Unfortunately for B’ran however, Derren didn’t give a damn, and continued to be a constant annoyance at every single opportunity.

“You don’t know, do you?” realized Derren at last. B’ran moved his mouth silently as if trying to decide if he should answer.

Derren wondered if now might be the time to reveal he already knew the answer to his own question. That he had already met the person in his drawing more than ten times, but each time the meeting had resulted in bitter disappointment.

That although they had all been physically the same as the image, the feeling, the empathy, he’d got from them had always been wrong, diminished somehow.

He’d finally told Krista about the drawing, only to find out she’d suspected he’d had this gift for years. She’d urged him to tell Sanctuary’s leadership, but he’d resisted. She’d been here for months more than he had, and he still hadn’t come to terms with what he thought of as their callous and unfeeling method of initiating a new Liberi to their ranks.

The Liberi were always born out of battle, their powers only ever manifesting at the final moment of their destruction. Krista had been lost, killed, Derren had thought, over 6 months before his final battle, in another attack far from their home world.

She had been prevented from any contact with him all that time, and Derren still felt bitter about it. He knew it hadn’t been her decision; simply the leadership would not allow anything to jeopardize their great plan. So Derren had had to submit to six months of pain, thinking his twin dead, or worse.

So as B’ran continued his attempt to browbeat him into submission, he knew that no, he would not make it easy for them. Not yet. Not until he’d found her himself.

And besides, thought Derren, annoying B’ran was proving to be increasingly entertaining.

THE PRISON—TENYBRIS

Tenybris laughed with gleeful malice, as the creature the soul had become told its tale. It had been child’s play to create the physical form from the leftover carcases of the dragons trapped here with him. He’d received a jolt of satisfaction as the soul quailed in revulsion, as it perceived its final resting place.

Tenybris had left just enough of the original consciousness for the soul to be in eternal torment, enough so it could witness the actions of its corrupted intelligence, but be utterly helpless to control it.

Even now, as Tenybris sat listening, he could sense the misery deep inside the creature, and he smiled.

He had sent his beast travelling out across the void, as his mighty dragons once had, in search of this world it had come from. Weeks had passed, and each time the creature returned after a fruitless journey, Tenybris punished it with violence and pain.

For now, however, this was forgotten, and for the present at least he was satisfied, as the creature grovelled before him, and recounted its latest foray. It had heard a rumour of the blue planet some time ago, and had followed the trail to its source, much to the delight of Tenybris.

The dim visions recalled by the soul, of a world bursting with such an abundance of life, were brought into clarity as the creature shared its memories with its master. Tenybris hungered voraciously, but it was not yet possible for him to escape his confinement.

He sent his minion back with orders to study and watch these beings, these humans.

The creature spent almost a year searching for the right vessel to defile. It thought this task would be difficult, but the people of this world, especially its rulers, were already far down the road to depravity. It would have been so easy to pick any number of these and pander to their greed and sin.

But its master would not settle for an easy conquest. He would want to savour the taste, as the being fell from purity into corruption. It stalked through the dreams of the humans, hunting for the right qualities and traits its master would demand.

It was drawn at last to particular place. It was an island of some sort, with azure seas and golden beaches. The tiny spark inside it screamed in rebellion, but the creature delighted in this as it saw the child with yellow hair. The voice within screamed, and part of the beast was curious, as the leftover consciousness had never been so disruptive. It dismissed it with a thought and watched the girl as it decided the best way to begin the torment.

Fire, it decided at last. As the girl splashed through the waves, it bent its will to the task. The seas exploded in superheated steam as the lava bubbled from the fissures it opened all around the island.

The beast watched in evil anticipation as the girl ran in terror and the trees along the seafront ignited. It longed to prolong its game, but the corruption of an innocent could not be rushed. It also knew his master would want to hear of its progress. It was sure he’d be pleased and looked forward to its reward.

So it was that Tenybris watched as the beast itself tortured the tiny remnant of its pure soul as a reward for its success. The beast had done well. The torment of this young human would continue until she begged to be released, at which point the creature would be free to enter her mind and consume it, finally gaining a presence in this physical world of wicked beings. But it had to be done slowly. The mind needed to be stripped of all hope, all resistance, else it may regain control again over time. Tenybris smiled his evil leer. Slow torment was the kind he enjoyed the most.

THE ISLAND—REVELATION—PRESENT Day

Katheryne and Derren walked together, their feet sweeping through the fine sand on the beach as the waves crashed in breakers a short distance away.

Both hearts ached to take the other’s hand, to somehow affirm their love, but neither of them was quite ready to totally offer themselves up.

They were in no doubt that would eventually happen, but as Katheryne consciously thought, I’m not that kind of girl, she knew what she felt for Derren was real. And she knew not being that kind of girl wouldn’t matter a damn.

Her whole body tingled in his presence. When the initial shock of his arrival had dispersed, and he and Krista tried to explain what was happening, all she’d been able to do was look at him.

And she knew from the constant sarcastic remarks coming from his sister, that Derren’s behaviour was a mirror of her own.

Katheryne looked around. The Island was clear now. Derren had tuned the flames out fully, so this whole bay area was back to its pristine natural beauty. She took it in, drinking in the smells and sounds, feeling a sense of satisfaction. This oasis of safe haven was her creation.

As she stopped and turned around, several of her friends waved across at her, and she waved back. Katheryne vaguely remembered listening, as Derren had explained how he protected them from the flames. At the time she’d been too busy watching his mouth move to pay attention. She giggled inside. They had time. She’d ask him again, later.

One thing did bother her though. Walking a short distance inland to the fringe of the jungle, Katheryne sat on a fallen palm trunk. Derren followed her and stood, his impossible eyes gazing down into hers. Their intensity was almost too great to withstand, but she suffered the attention gladly as they pierced her heart and soul.

“Sit,” she said, smiling as she patted the trunk beside her.

Derren gave that lopsided grin again, causing a flutter to travel through her whole body.

“You do realize we’ve been walking for over an hour in silence, and the first word you say to me is, ‘Sit’.” He was beaming now, perfect teeth behind his perfect lips. “Most people might see this as an anti-climax.” He chuckled, the sound musical as he took his assigned position on the trunk beside a very flustered Katheryne.

“I think it’s safe to say we’re not ‘most people’,” she agreed, her own smile having a similar effect on Derren as he flushed visibly.

“I think that’s a safe enough bet.” He looked straight into her eyes and Katheryne saw the desire simmering barely below the surface of his expression. “But you wanted to ask me something.”

Katheryne’s eyes widened, but she wasn’t shocked at his ability to read her thoughts. They’d walked for an hour in silence because neither of them had felt the need to talk, as if simply being with each other fulfilled their every need.

Katheryne had to break eye contact at this point. She was having trouble concentrating. Both she and Derren were stuck in a feedback loop of mutual denial, restraint, and inevitable destiny.

“I wanted to ask you what makes me so special,” she said, looking up again. “You told us last night about visiting all those other realities. Surely you must have met other ‘me’s’. What makes me so different from them?”

The reaction from Derren when she’d finished the last sentence was totally unexpected.

He stood up and took her hands, pulling her up into his arms. He kissed her. Before Katheryne could catch a breath she was kissing him back, tenderly, but with an urgency born of unendurable restraint and separation.

There was an eternity of love and passion in that kiss, and their souls joined in exultation and bliss. Katheryne’s heart pounded in her chest, threatening to burst, and as their bodies touched, she felt his, beating in unison with hers.

Everything external ceased to exist as they clung desperately to each other.

They separated slowly and reluctantly, breathless but ecstatic.

“That’s not an answer, you know,” she gasped, “but I’ll let you off with it...this time.”

Derren blushed. He seemed embarrassed but completely pleased with himself, as his grin lit his face.

“I didn’t think you’d believe me if I just told you, so I thought showing you may have been a better way of...convincing you,” he breathed. “I’ve never felt this before, Katheryne. I wanted to, but it just wasn’t there.”

She backed off a little. “What do you mean? What wasn’t there?”

Derren looked deep into her eyes as he spoke.

“Part of our mission, mine and Krista’s along with the other Liberi, is to find the Foundation.”

“The Foundation? What is that, a stone or something?”

Derren chuckled. “No. It’s a person, one who is supposed to save us all from Tenybris. I never knew who it was at the start, when I first began to search for it, but somehow I was certain I would be the one to find it. To find you, Katheryne.”

“Me?” Katheryne gaped. She pushed away, her palms facing Derren. “You must have me mixed up with someone else. I mean, I’m just...ordinary. I’m just...me.”

She blurted the last word out, but Derren simply smiled as he swept his arm out, indicating their current surroundings.

“How do you explain this place, then?” he asked. “This might be beyond someone ‘ordinary’, don’t you think?”

Katheryne was spooked, but Derren held his hand out to her.

“I will never hurt you, Katheryne,” he said with an integrity and intensity which banished her doubts and fears. Katheryne took his hand and allowed him to draw her into his arms again. She pressed hard against him, savouring the feeling of safety he provided.

“There is another reason I knew, however, I must say the kiss was...nice.” The mischievous grin on his face caused her to flush.

Katheryne knew he was teasing her...Nice! Explosions were still echoing in her chest and all he had to say was Nice?

He’ll pay for that later, she thought, and a part of her wondered what she meant, before surprising herself by the answer. A heat grew within her, almost overcoming her self-control, but for now she was intrigued by what he’d just said.

“So, are you going to explain?” asked Katheryne, as she ran her hand over his chest, feeling the irresistible beating of the heart beneath, “or are you expecting something else...nice, as an incentive?” She, too, smiled wickedly.

Derren flushed. He hardly knew anything about this girl, but the depth of the feelings coursing between them prevented any doubt about their future. All he wanted, all he needed, was to kiss those perfect lips again, and never stop.

It was an exercise in iron will as he forced his arm to release Katheryne and reach inside his shirt, drawing out a folded square of paper. He gave it to her. “Open it,” he said, smiling enigmatically.

As she took it, and began to unfold the page, an image appeared on the paper, and as she looked on the unfinished picture it completed itself, drawing her in as the face fully formed. She immediately recognised her own features looking back at her, but as she watched, it came to life, emotions flooding out at her. She felt the love she felt for Derren, the restrained desire, and the complete and utter trust in him. The picture was her; there was no mistake.

“I’ve been searching for the one true Foundation for years, Katheryne,” Derren said, as a tear rolled down his cheek. “In every reality I visited, I was drawn to you, but every time I met them it felt...wrong.”

He took the hand holding the drawing. “I never felt this! It was like the others were poor copies of the original.” He released her, needing her to make the final decision. Only she could accept who, and what, she was.

Katheryne’s head was reeling, confusion conflicting with joy, and as the need inside her erupted in heat and necessity, tears fell warmly onto her cheeks.

She looked at Derren. “How?” was all she managed before he swept her into his arms, kissing her again as if they had just reunited after an age apart. Their bodies responded, as the desire overcame any restraint they possessed.

As they parted briefly, Katheryne asked something which suddenly became very important to her. “How long? How long have you been searching for me?”

“Forever,” gasped Derren, “I’ve been looking for you forever.” His body shook in anticipation as they melted into each other’s souls.

BELFAST—DEFINITELY That Kind of Girl—The Morning After

Katheryne woke gently, alone in her bed, but she shivered as she realized she would never truly be alone ever again. Every heightened sense within her tingled with excitement as she went over the events of last night in her head. She imagined Perri’s face, and grinned in anticipation. She would never believe what Katheryne had done.

Perri called her a prude all the time, so Katheryne could see her friend’s expression as she told her how she’d slept with a guy on her first date.

She lay on the bed, pondering for a second whether making love in a dream even counted as real, but every memory, every sensation she remembered from last night banished any doubts....it was real, oh my God, it was real!

A cheeky grin graced her face as she realized she would have to suggest a little alone time to Derren. Just to compare notes, of course, she thought, and then we’ll just have to see what happens next.

She couldn’t believe she was thinking like this. In a way Perri was right. She was a real goody-two-shoes when it came to guys, but here she lay wondering what might happen if Derren was here next to her. Wondering might be the wrong way to describe what she felt; she knew exactly what would be happening, and her heart skipped as she realized she missed him already.

Then the smell of bacon hit her nostrils and she realized how hungry she was. For food this time, she thought mischievously. Oh my God, what’s happened to me? she wondered again as she got up and put her robe over her shorts and  T-shirt. She caught a sight of herself in the mirror, and decided to brush her tousled hair before venturing outside her room.

She thought about the possibility of scaring him off, but dismissed it immediately, smiling warmly as she glowed with inner heat. They had shared so much more than their bodies last night; each of them knew the other completely and utterly. More, they trusted one another unconditionally.

Two minutes later she walked into the kitchen of the small apartment to see Perri at the cooker, frying bacon, and Krista relaxing against the worktop. There was no sign of Derren. She panicked briefly.

Krista saw her come in and seemed to sense her distress.

“Good morning, sleepy head,” she said brightly in her musical voice, somehow managing to convey a touch of sarcasm along with her clear affection for Katheryne. “Derren’s just gone out to get more milk; he’ll be back soon.”

The relief on Katheryne’s face must have been unmistakable, but Krista continued to speak, switching instantly from friendly to a look of accusation. “So, what have you done to my brother?” she demanded bluntly.

Katheryne’s face dropped in horror, and she knew her blush was redder than ever before. Perri looked around and gave her one of her ‘We need to talk, now,’ looks, while simultaneously trying to suppress a laugh.

She looked over at Krista, who was clearly enjoying every second of her discomfort, but Katheryne knew it wasn’t malicious.

“It’s just, I don’t seem to be able to wipe this silly ‘cat got the cream’ grin off his face.” She gave a mock concerned look toward Perri who nodded, the same look on her face, although Katheryne knew she struggled to maintain her composure.

“I mean, I’ve been trying to all morning,” Krista continued, “he doesn’t even seem to mind me calling him ‘Junior,’ and that usually sends him right over the edge.” She looked straight at Katheryne. “Have you any idea how infuriating that is?” A smile broke through the mask.

Katheryne was sure at this point neither of them doubted what she and Derren had got up to, but she didn’t trust herself to say anything.

Part of her was afraid if she did open her mouth, they’d see right through any lies she might tell, but most of her wanted to shout from the roof tops about what had happened, and how she felt. She wanted them to know how happy she was.

The fact Derren’s sister was the one asking the questions definitely posed a complication. They’d only met last night after all, and she had already slept with her brother. What might Krista think of her; what kind of person would she think Katheryne was?

Panic arose within her, and she doubted the wisdom of her actions. She started to work some sort of explanation through in her head, but realized Krista was smiling at her with the same crooked grin as Derren’s.

There wasn’t a hint of hostility in her expression. She had already accepted what happened; more than that, she appeared genuinely happy for them.

But there was no way she was going to go into details. She was his sister, after all.

Perri was still giving her the look, but was also smiling warmly. Perri’s reluctance to believe in their feelings for each other had vanished the moment she’d seen Katheryne and Derren finally meet. Their joy had been unmistakable and undeniable, so who was she to question true love?

At that moment the door opened, and Derren walked in with the milk. If Katheryne thought there was anything odd about a guy from another world popping to the store for groceries, any such mundane thoughts disappeared the second they saw each other.

Two steps and she was in his arms, physically for the first time, and if possible, more connected than even in their shared dream. He raised his hand and touched the back of it to her flushed cheek, before lifting her mouth up to touch his. Their kiss was brief and blissfully tender, managing to momentarily satisfy their yearning for each other.

“Hello, you,” breathed Derren, his voice heavy with emotion. As he looked into those emerald pools, his soul leapt. So many years of searching, so many times finding the wrong one and almost dying, but now she was here in his arms. It was like the hope and love he had held for each of these others was gathered together now in what he finally felt.

Katheryne contented herself with gazing into eyes dark as the night’s sky, but illuminated with inner light from a billion stars. She couldn’t speak, but she didn’t need to. She leant her head back for him to kiss her again.

“Jeesh, get a room you two,” muttered Perri, grinning widely.

“Hmmm, quite,” agreed Krista reprovingly, with a faint smile on her face. “Now if you’re quite done embarrassing us all, can we please have breakfast?”

The intensity decreased a notch, but they were still spellbound as Perri put plates of bacon, eggs, and hash browns on the table. She sat down as Krista grabbed the coffee jug and poured.

Derren sat down beside Katheryne, unable to take his eyes off her. Their hands crept towards each other’s on the surface of the table.

Krista snorted. “You know, I’m not sure I can eat this with these two like this; frankly, I feel quite ill.”

This had the desired effect, and everyone laughed as the atmosphere became less furnace-like. They sat in silence for a few minutes as the meal was eaten. Katheryne was famished, and she had one of Derren’s hash browns halfway to her mouth before she realized what she’d done.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” she blurted quickly as she started to return it to his plate, but he laughed warmly.

“No, you keep it; we’ll discuss payment later,” he said, grinning again. Katheryne smiled back brazenly.

Perri looked upwards in exasperation. “Better get used to it, Derren; she’s notorious for stealing food. She does it to me all the time.”

Katheryne snorted, “Ha! Pot meets kettle I think.”

“Hate you,” laughed Perri.

“Hate you more,” said Katheryne, smiling as she stuck her tongue out.

They giggled, but realized Derren and Krista looked at them in confusion. Unfortunately this simply caused more giggling.

Derren and Krista looked at them and then at each other, but ended up laughing themselves, if for no other reason than it seemed like the right thing to do.

Derren watched Katheryne as she laughed. He delighted in the sound. He still struggled to come to terms with the fact he’d found her after all these years and disappointments. He’d been worried that if he ever found her, she wouldn’t live up to the image in his mind.

But as he laughed along, he realized she surpassed his wildest dreams. She was perfection personified in his eyes and heart. He knew he loved her, but the power and intensity of what he felt for her made the word seem insignificant.

Last night on the Island he had opened his heart, leaving himself more vulnerable than he’d ever been, but she had taken him and joined her soul to his, strengthening them both, adding her love, so what resulted was greater than the two of them had been before.

He longed to be alone with her, to consummate what had happened, in the physical world; to touch her with his own hands and mouth.

As she looked back at him, he felt her love and desire flow across the short distance between them, almost tangible in its intensity.

Krista watched them closely. She knew he’d been lying when he said he wasn’t in love with her back on the park bench. She knew it was his self-defence mechanism, in case the Katheryne in this reality had turned out to be like the others. She’d seen his heart break nearly a dozen times now when he’d met the wrong one.

Now, as she observed the bond growing between them, she smiled, and her heart soared along with her brother’s. That they’d finally found the Foundation didn’t matter right now. It could wait. For a short time, at least.

BELFAST—PERRI’S CONCERN

Katheryne waited for Perri to say something...anything. She knew her friend was aware something had happened on the island, but she’d needed to tell her the whole truth. Perri was still unclear about the whole Island thing, as she called it, so she sat quietly trying to sort it in her mind.

Derren and Krista had gone to update the leadership back at Sanctuary.

Katheryne knew this was one of the reasons for their departure, but she had a feeling that Krista at least, was aware she and Perri needed some time, and an opportunity to talk. Katheryne used it for her and Perri to have a heart-to-heart.

As Derren left the apartment, she’d almost cried, and they’d clung to each other until Krista forcibly pulled her brother after her, tutting and muttering something about lovesick puppies.

It was like they desperately needed to cram all the love they had missed out on, the experiences which had been denied to them, into every second they now had together. And if he wasn’t here with her, she felt robbed somehow. Even now, with him gone less than an hour, her heart ached.

She’d sat and poured her heart out to Perri, as she had so many times before about boys, her mom, her dad, everything in fact.

Perri listened patiently, providing just the right amount of comfort at just the right time, as Katheryne went over the events of the night before, holding nothing back as she described how all her fears were swept away in the hours of blissful ecstasy.

As she sat waiting, Katheryne grew concerned her friend might disapprove of how she’d behaved. She knew what she’d done was so out of character for her that Perri might think something unnatural had happened to her; like something was controlling her somehow.

She was the first to admit what had happened, what she’d done, was so totally alien to her normal behaviour. But to deny it now would be a betrayal of how she felt about Derren.

She had no regrets, could not be more certain that what she had done, what she was going to keep on doing, was real and true to her heart’s desire.

“Wow,” gasped Perri.

“Wow?” asked Katheryne in return.

“Yeah. Wow,” sighed Perri, looking vacantly into thin air.

“Is that it? Wow?” Katheryne wanted, needed more from her friend, but as she watched, Perri sat up with an amazed expression.

“You know, up until right this moment I didn’t think it existed,” Perri said. She had tears in her eyes, but Katheryne knew her friend wasn’t sad, but overjoyed.

“I know, true love. Who knew?” said Kat. She felt the same as Perri. True love was something from movies and fairy tales, not for an ordinary girl from Belfast. But then true love was insignificant when compared to what they had.

“God, he’s fit,” breathed Perri, gazing vacantly out the window. She looked up, worried Kat might take her comment as inappropriate. “Sorry.”

“Hey, I’m not arguing,” said Katheryne, smiling. “He is so hot, isn’t he?”

Both of them laughed, any uneasiness immediately banished.

With the ice broken, they relaxed and lay back onto the bed, both of them silent for a moment.

“So, how serious is this?” asked Perri, “I mean, does Amanda need to get a hat?” Perri seemed totally nonchalant, but Katheryne knew she was faking it.

“Yeah, Perri, it is that serious,” she replied, “and I wish you would call your mom ‘Mom’, and not Amanda.” She smirked, but Perri sensed an undercurrent of sadness in her tone. It seemed strange after the rapturous events she’d just finished describing.

“It’s the rest of it, isn’t it? You’re this Foundation thing they’ve been looking for forever, and it’s freaking you out.”

She watched as Katheryne struggled to make sense of what she felt.

“That’s part of it,” Katheryne admitted, “It’s like a bit of me always knew I was meant to do something, well...special, and I know that I have to do it, that I will do what I have to, no matter what.”

Katheryne sighed and sat up, a melancholy look on her face.

“And there’s another part of me that’s totally pissed off. I mean I’ve just found him, Perri. It’s like I had an emptiness inside me I never realized was there, but he’s filled it. And I’ve done the same for him. We’re complete now for the first time in our lives.” Katheryne’s voice was full of bittersweet emotion.

“I’m sorry if that sounds corny, Perri, but that’s what this is.” She watched as her friend nodded.

“I suppose I’m being selfish,” said Katheryne, “but I want some time to...you know, just be together, to make our own memories. Just be Katheryne and Derren, at least for a little while.” Her eyes were moist with tears now, but behind them Perri sensed a resolve, a determination to do what was right.

“Don’t you think you have the right to be a little selfish?” exclaimed Perri, “Jeeze, Kat, this is major star-crossed lover material here. But that’s not what’s wrong, is it?”

Katheryne got up and walked to the window and looked out, pulling her arms around herself as if she needed to reassure herself.

“No,” said Katheryne. “No, it’s not. I don’t have a choice in any of this Perri. On one hand I don’t have a choice about how I feel about Derren.” As she said his name her eyes lit up and Perri saw the warmth of her love in them. “I couldn’t leave him, ever. It’s like we’re part of the same soul now.”

“But I know I don’t have a choice about being who and what I am, and I know that without me...without just little me, Perri,” she looked across desperately at her friend, “that without me it all ends.”

Perri was conflicted. She could see how happy Katheryne was that they had finally found each other; indeed she herself was overjoyed for her friend; and also for Derren, if she was totally honest. There was no doubting what he felt for Katheryne. What she’d just said about them being two parts of the same soul could not have been mistaken when you saw them together, and even now, she knew her friend was suffering because he wasn’t here with her.

But then there was the pressure to follow this path to who knew what...to be this Foundation. She hoped her friend would be able to endure it, but as she watched, she perceived how Katheryne drew strength from her bond with Derren, and she was certain she would. She was just scared that what would remain after it was all over wouldn’t be her friend any more.

It was like Katheryne read her thoughts as she nudged across and embraced Perri. They lay there together for a minute before Katheryne broke the silence.

“I’m scared, Perri,” she whispered, “not so much about what’s ahead; there’s nothing I can do to alter that now. I’m afraid about what might happen to me, to us. I can already feel I’m...different than I was, somehow.”

After a moment Perri said, “You are, but you’re not,” looking cryptically at her friend. Katheryne seemed baffled by this, so Perri continued.

“It’s like all the bravery, all the strength you’ve always denied you had is coming out. You’re finally realising how strong you are, Kat. I’ve known you had it for years, ever since you came out from behind those lockers to help a little girl escape a horrible life. And the little girl wasn’t Grace, Kat...It was me.”

They clung to each other, crying, and Katheryne knew Perri would remain her anchor, her rock. And like her namesake, Perri would keep her grounded and safe, preventing her from becoming lost in the storm to come.

“I love you, Perri,” cried Katheryne.

“I love you more,” sobbed Perri, although they both smiled.

They lay there for a while, taking comfort in each other’s presence in silence.

The calm broke as the apartment door flew open with a bang.

“Katheryne, Perri, where are you?!” Katheryne had only known Krista a very short time, but she knew the panic in her voice was totally out of character. A ball of ice formed in the pit of her stomach as she opened the door to see an ashen-faced Krista standing there, alone.

“They’ve taken him, Kat,” gasped Krista, “they’ve taken Derren.”

THE NEVER—THE BEAST’S Hunger

The creature regarded the scene before it. The inferno was everywhere now, and triumph was within its grasp. Soon it hoped to take the soul of the girl, and rip it from her body, to deliver its innocence to its master. It longed to be given the gratification of consuming the sweet essence, but knew Tenybris treasured the moment of corruption above all else. The girl’s soul would become Tenybris’s puppet, as its own had years before.

The creature wondered briefly at the silence of the spark of soul left trapped within its ruined consciousness. The violent, hopelessly futile struggles to gain precedence had ceased weeks ago, but it was unusually dormant, and the creature was concerned it may have gone mad. Master would fix that, it knew. He would not allow a victim to escape the torment decreed by him.

So it continued its observation, laughing in cruel glee as the girl screamed in torment, burning over and over as she dreamt. Soon she would demand release, and soon it would be there to grant it.

BELFAST—DERREN’S HOPE

The ball of ice became lead as Katheryne felt a chasm open up below her soul and all her hope disappear into it.

“Who’s taken him, Krista?” It was Perri. She’d managed to regain a bit of her equilibrium, and she grabbed Katheryne as she slumped sideways.

“The Leadership,” Krista began to explain, “Derren and I travelled to Sanctuary to report, to tell them we’d found you, Katheryne; that we’d finally found the Foundation.”

At the mention of the Foundation, Kat sobered, before snapping back to awareness, instantly exerting a level of discipline which managed to scare Perri for a second. She was alert, her attention focussed on what Krista was saying.

“He told them, didn’t he?” said Katheryne in a whisper, “he told them about us.”

Krista nodded, “Yes, he did,” she looked puzzled at Katheryne as she continued, “I tried to tell him to take it easy, to sound them out first. None of them ever had an inkling Derren was in love... had been in love with you from the start.”

“But you knew.” It was a simple statement, a fact, and Krista nodded again.

“I’ve known for years there was something he was hiding from me, but he only told me the truth shortly after he’d arrived on Sanctuary,” explained Krista. “Katheryne...Kat, you need to understand what this was doing to him. He kept meeting you time and time again, and every time he did, he denied he was in love with you. But each and every time he hoped beyond hope the next one would be you, and each and every time he got his heart broken in half when it wasn’t.”

Katheryne blanched as her heart both leapt and quailed. She’d known Derren had been searching for her for years, but he hadn’t told her about his feelings for the other Katherynes, the dread this must have instilled in him toward every new encounter. She almost wept as she imagined his pain.

“So he was determined to tell them everything,” Krista went on, “He said he’d spent too long denying it, and wasn’t about to waste any more time refusing to acknowledge his love for you. When he told the gathering it...it was as if a bomb went off. Derren has...upset a few of them over the years.” A grim smile ghosted over her features briefly, and she bared her teeth. “There was one of them there, B’ran, who despises him, and he had quite a few supporters with him, enough to persuade the rest to take Derren away for questioning.”

Perri looked across at Katheryne’s face to see a mask of pain mixed with anger and determination. Krista was looking at Katheryne too, concern on her face, but concern for herself this time as if her next admission would make Katheryne hate her.

“I couldn’t get to him, Katheryne,” she cried, “there were too many of them for us. We tried, we took out scores of guards, but for each one we did, two more appeared. He shouted for me to run, and for a second I hesitated and they almost had me. But I ran, Kat. I opened a portal to here and ran away. I’m sorry, Katheryne, I’m so sorry.” Krista slumped to her knees and put her hands to her face to try and hide the tears, but in an instant Katheryne was there, pulling Krista close, hugging her fiercely.

“It wasn’t your fault, Krista,” hissed Katheryne, her voice colder than Perri had ever heard it. “I don’t know what their problem with us is, but they’ve made a big mistake.” She gently pushed Krista back so she could look her in the eyes. “I’ll need your help to fix it.”

Katheryne helped Krista to her feet. She didn’t know how she was so calm, when inside her chest her heart was shattering, but she knew if she lost control they would lose any chance of helping Derren.

“So, what do we do?” This came from Perri, and Katheryne and Krista turned to her as she stood there with her hands on her hips, and a determined look on her face. Katheryne smiled and opened her arms, inviting Perri to join in the huddle, embracing both of them tightly.

“I don’t know, Perri,” she admitted, “but I think I might know someone who does.”

Krista looked back, confused as Katheryne grinned at them both. “Who?” she asked.

Katheryne’s smile deepened. “I’ll explain later. Krista, can you get us back to Sanctuary?”

Krista and Perri looked at each other and simultaneously back at Katheryne, as if she’d just lost her mind.

Krista shook her head. “I can’t get back. I tried, but they’ve put some sort of block in the way, something I’ve never experienced before.”

This interrupted Katheryne’s train of thought.

“But why would they do that?” Katheryne asked, almost to herself. She looked at both her friends. “If I’m the Foundation, why do they want me kept here? I thought the whole idea was for me to travel to Sanctuary with you to carry on the battle from there.”

“That’s what we’ve always been told; it’s the prophecy...” she stopped short as she saw Katheryne’s eyes widen in shock.

“Yeah, sorry, we hadn’t gotten round to telling you yet. You, ah....seemed to have other things on your mind.” She paused for a second before going on to recite it.

“You are supposed to come back to Sanctuary where you will unite the Powers and provide the means to defeat Tenybris. Sorry that’s not word for word; my history sucks.”

Perri grinned from ear to ear, “You’re in a prophecy... Wow!”

Katheryne cringed, “God, why me?” she asked looking heavenward, “Couldn’t you just have sent Derren here as a kid and arranged for us to meet as two normal, everyday people? But no, there had to be a prophecy, didn’t there?”

Perri’s grin widened as she giggled, and even Krista smiled, before bringing them back to reality with a bump.

“But Kat, none of that matters,” she stressed. “If we can’t get back to Sanctuary, how can we get to Derren?”

Katheryne’s thoughts flashed in her head, her mind racing as she followed a plan which was unfolding faster than she could ever have imagined. And it was her plan, and this realisation alone shocked her more than anything.

She knew she wasn’t stupid; her degree proved otherwise, but as these thoughts flashed through her head, she knew what was happening inside her mind was several levels above what a normal person was capable of.

“You said Derren had upset some of these leaders.” Katheryne spoke quickly now. “Why did he do that? Aren’t these guys supposed to be like, guardians of some sort? If so why did Derren keep trying to cause trouble with them? Surely he trusted them.”

A strange expression crossed Krista’s face, as she finally comprehended what she herself had never understood about her twin’s confrontational behaviour.

“He didn’t trust them,” she said, understanding at last, “not all of them, anyway, and definitely not B’ran, though in his case I tend to agree. He’s slime.”

“And these others he upset,” continued Katheryne, “were they among the supporters who backed up B’ran?”

Krista visualised the gathering, concentration crossing her features before the penny seemed to drop. She looked horrified as she turned to Kat and Perri.

“All of them were there, every single one,” confirmed Krista, “and all of them sided with B’ran. Katheryne, if what you’re suggesting is true, there is something very wrong on Sanctuary.”

“Excuse me,” Perri snapped loudly. “I’m sorry if I’m a bit slow, but what exactly are you suggesting, Kat? Maybe you can slow down a bit so we mere mortals can catch up?”

Katheryne laughed warmly, “Sorry, Perri, I keep forgetting this is all new to you.”

“I’ll try to fill in the gaps, shall I?” suggested Krista.

Katheryne nodded. “Go ahead; I’m still getting my head round it all too.”

“OK then, Perri,” began Krista, “Sanctuary was hidden thousands of years ago, so Tenybris couldn’t use it to travel instantly to the other realms. If he’d conquered Sanctuary we’d have ceased to exist, and he’d currently be Mr. Big around here. Actually here, there, and everywhere, but you get the picture.”

Perri nodded for her to continue.

“So for the last few thousand years, the Leadership have been watching for Tenybris’s return, while all along they’ve been recruiting the Liberi...us...to fight their battles against the leftovers of Tenybris’s armies. But what Katheryne is saying, and I don’t want to admit this but I think I agree with her, is some of the leaders have been operating to a different agenda. Derren didn’t quite know, but he’s a very good judge of character. He must have sensed something unnatural going on.”

“Didn’t he ever tell you?” asked Perri, and Krista blushed.

“Yes, he did.” She groaned. “Lots of times, in fact."

Krista’s face looked horrified, “Oh my god, he’s going to be insufferably smug when we manage to free him.”

She looked beseechingly at Katheryne.

“I don’t suppose we could leave him there, just for a year or two maybe?”

Katheryne smiled and shook her head.

“No, I suppose not.” Krista grimaced.

“Which brings me right back to our main problem; how do we get back to Sanctuary to rescue his sorry arse?” Her words hid her deep concern for her brother’s safety, but Katheryne and Perri understood completely.

Katheryne simply smiled, enigmatically, “I think I need to go and speak to some of my other friends.”

THE ISLAND—RESCUE PLAN

Katheryne looked out across the bay, remembering her last time here, and who she’d been with. Now she was alone, she let her emotions slip. She sat on the fallen trunk and wrapped her arms around herself, and sobbed. How would she live with herself if she let something happen to Derren?

Although she knew she was being incredibly selfish, all she could think about was how broken she would be if he didn’t come back to her.

Part of her knew he was hurting as much as she was, more so, because he was totally alone among enemies. Enemies whom he’d thought of not as friends perhaps, but at least as allies. Did he even know she was trying to rescue him? No, how could he?

The success of her plan hinged on so many things, but it was a good plan, she thought, as did Krista. Perri still hadn’t got her head fully round how it was going to work, but she was coming along.

Katheryne had talked to most of her friends here on the Island...friends who it turned out were the Powers Derren mentioned before...and asked them a simple question. Did they know any Liberi, and could they contact them?

She was surprised when most of them replied yes. It turned out most had been discovered by the Liberi over the years, but strangely, they had been asked not to discuss them with anyone. It was obviously important to them to remain in the shadows.

It was only the fact that Katheryne had brought them together to this place, and provided protection from the beast, that they had agreed to trust her in this revelation.

Also to her surprise, all of them were aware of the existence of Sanctuary, which made her next request much easier once she’d explained her fears. Krista had given her names of Liberi who were friends of hers and Derren’s. She’d been amazed when the islanders knew a different one each, but then she shouldn’t have been surprised, not really. The Liberi had been searching the realities for thousands of years...for her. It made perfect sense they’d find the Powers.

She took some of them aside and asked them to contact their Liberi, as Katheryne had started to refer to them, and explain what had happened, and ask if they were willing to help.

So she sat, waiting here for a response to her desperate cry for help, praying that Krista wasn’t terribly mistaken, and her friends could be trusted.

As she waited, she was suddenly overwhelmed when she realized it had been less than a day since she and Derren had walked along this very beach, afraid to hold each other’s hands in case the slightest touch would spark the fire burning at their core. It seemed like they had lived a lifetime since that first touch, by virtue of how much had been shared between them.

Her whole being cried out in anguish and loneliness, but as she turned to look into the jungle, to the shielded nook where they had given themselves to each other so completely only hours ago, her breath caught in her throat.

Derren stood there, watching her in disbelief and euphoria. They ran into each other’s arms, their mouths meeting, their lips parting as they revelled in each other’s presence. Part of her wondered how this was happening, but it was a very small part. She didn’t care; he was here and he was hers.

Last night had been a release, a rapturous explosion of the pent-up emotions which had been repressed for years, finally given a conduit.

What happened now was an exploration of each other’s needs and wants, as they clung to each single second in the presence of the other half of their soul.

The sense of urgency was still present; indeed how could it not be? So much time had been wasted already, and the desire for each other was heightened by his capture and forced separation.

But as they lay with each other, entwined in the limbs of their soul mate, exchanging tender caresses and sharing in the joy of each other’s unexpected presence, they knew it had to end. They had to talk, because the opportunity that Derren’s presence here on the Island granted, increased the chances of Katheryne’s plan tenfold.

She drew back. She knew Derren understood, though she sensed it was a battle to contain his emotions. Katheryne knew how he felt. She wondered again at the change which had come over her, how completely she wanted this man to take her. She struggled to regain control, but eventually managed to reassert her will.

“How is this even possible?” asked Derren in amazement. Like Katheryne, he had been caught up with the need they both had for each other, but he had been walking the Never for years searching for her. What had happened should not have been impossible.

This place, this Island Katheryne had created, was a bridge between realities, which allowed the Powers in each universe to interact consciously with each other. But the only reason he’d been able to follow her last night was because they had been so close, physically as well as emotionally.

And there was the fact they had discussed and planned his entry to her mind, and by proxy into the Island, beforehand.

The shield he’d used to hide this fabrication from the beast had taken weeks of probing into Katheryne’s subconscious, and he had only managed to enter for an instant to taste her thoughts so he could complete it.

In that instant, he’d known she was the one, the Katheryne he’d searched for so long. He’d yearned to stay with her, to reveal his love for her. But the hope had been ripped away as he’d been ejected forcibly from her presence. She hadn’t been ready to accept the truth, he knew now, but at the time the rejection he’d felt had almost destroyed him.

He thought Krista had sensed a subtle difference in his approach to the inevitable meeting. There had been the dread, as there had been so many times before, and he’d continued his facade of denial of love for her.

But as he’d pushed the door open and saw her, not just her physical body but all she had within, he’d been suspended in time, unable to move as he witnessed the image he’d kept in his heart look back at him...Look back and return his love, his hesitation and denial, but with an acceptance of the inevitable, of the inescapable bond between their souls.

But that couldn’t explain how he was here now, when his physical self was so far away, imprisoned behind a barrier on Sanctuary.

Katheryne didn’t need him to explain his bewilderment. She could sense his confusion, but was still struggling with the reality of what she’d done. As she looked around she saw the island, but then her perception shifted and she saw beyond.

She perceived the Never for the first time, and marvelled at its vastness. She knew, even as she watched the currents and eddies affect the strands and paths shifting timelessly, she could discern a pattern within it.

She was so overwhelmed at the sheer scale of it all that she was terrified of this ability. There was nowhere she couldn’t go, and no place she couldn’t see. It crashed in on her, threatening to overcome the limits of her mind, but then Derren was there, holding onto her in the dream, as she knew Perri would in the mundane world.

Katheryne dragged herself back to him, and he stood holding her gently, but firmly in his arms.

He balked at her ability, but instinctively he understood what she was becoming. The Foundation. He’d expected the changes to take place over years, as she accepted her power and learned to wield it. But as he gazed at this amazing young woman, whom he loved beyond anything else, he knew she’d been born to the task, and the knowledge was already unfolding within her.

“You brought me here, Katheryne,” said Derren, beaming at her, “your heart reached out and found me and brought me here.”

“God, I thought I’d lost you and I sat over there, and just as I broke apart, you were here,” she sobbed, tears of wonder and joy welling in her eyes as she returned his embrace.

Derren kissed her again, their hearts bounding in rapturous union, and Derren whispered, “My heart, my soul is yours Katheryne, for now and into eternity.”

The feelings threatened to overcome them again, to shut the world outside a cocoon formed of love and desire, but Katheryne became aware of one of the Islanders standing discretely a short distance away, obviously at odds as to whether to interrupt. It was a battle for them both to wrench themselves out of the other’s embrace, but they eventually parted.

“Later,” Katheryne promised, smiling tenderly.

“I’ll hold you to that,” he breathed, and kissed her gently, even that brief contact making her soul soar.

“You’d better,” gasped Katheryne impishly, as she turned and beckoned her friend to come over.

The man approached, and Katheryne bowed. She’d tried to learn the proper greeting for all the races present on the Island, and this one was a Calarian called Jip. His real name had turned out to be unpronounceable to her. He had tried for days to teach her, unsuccessfully, so they’d eventually settled on Jip as a compromise.

He bowed in response, revealing the line of short spikes along the back of his head. Except for these he could have been taken for a human.

“Hello Katheryne.” He spoke in heavily accented English and bowed also to Derren. “Toshi sends his greeting to you both, and has asked me to tell you he will be returning to Sanctuary as soon as possible. He will wait there for further instruction.”

“Toshi?” said Derren, wide eyed. “You contacted Toshi? How?” Derren struggled to comprehend the steps already taken towards his rescue. Katheryne smiled at him, laughing at his incredulous expression.

“What, did you think I would just leave you there,” she purred as she passed her arm around his waist and pulled herself into his chest, “when we have so much unfinished business?” Katheryne looked up to see his expression soften to one of awed affection.

“When you say it like that, we do have quite a bit to discuss don’t we?” he agreed, mischievously, but his musical voice then took on a serious tone. “It won’t be easy, Katheryne. They’re holding me in a cell below the Arbiters building. B’ran’s group are in control of the major factions of the Leadership, and he has guards everywhere. Even if Toshi manages to get me out we’ll have a fight on our hands.”

“Which is why Toshi won’t be coming to get you,” beamed Katheryne. “I will.”

––––––––

SANCTUARY—THE DARK Plan

Derren sat on the bench, looking out at the guards as they gazed back angrily. They stood still on either side of the security desk...at least they tried. One of them stroked the baton on his belt. The other’s eyes narrowed in a grimace. A smile curled Derren’s lips as he noticed an ugly bruise darkening on one of their cheeks.

He hadn’t gone quietly, and he and Krista had managed to totally incapacitate at least fifty guards before they had grappled him to the ground and bound him. He was gratified to see he’d inflicted some collateral damage in the process.

The smile had its desired effect as the guard reddened further. If he could just make him angry enough to drop the force shield, the two of them wouldn’t stand a chance.

The Liberi were the ultimate warriors. They combined physical strength and speed, with a mental ability which granted them power beyond any normal being. Their perception allowed them to step outside a conflict and choose their moment to strike the opponent, almost as if time stood still.

He decided to up his game a notch. He might as well have a little fun while he waited.

“So, how are your little friends?” he asked as his lopsided grin grew menacing. “I must say, you all seem to share a common trait. However, I fail to see how a glass jaw and weak wrists would be seen as a benefit to your master’s guard."

Derren’s grin widened as he witnessed the taunts hitting home.

He chuckled. “Perhaps you could take classes in animal care instead; though by the smell of you both, I’d guess that animal care is a hobby, not a vocation.” He wrinkled his nose in disgust.

The guards looked at each other, one of them scowling and grinding his teeth, as he fought the desire – and his orders – to beat the prisoner to a pulp. The other was visibly shaking with rage, his breathing deep and noisy.

“Oh my, are you alright there? You seem to be quite unwell. Something you ate perhaps. Do you need to go poo poo?” Derren taunted in a child’s voice.

The guard took a step toward the control panel, and Derren poised himself to strike, but before he could, another person entered the room. The guards resumed their stiffened positions.

“Well, well,” sneered Derren, “do you two always call in the chief shit herder when you feel threatened?” He shifted his attention to the large, white-haired man who now stood in front of the cell.

“Hello B’ran, to what do I owe this pleasure? Have you become bored with your little boys already?” asked Derren, derisively.

“Perhaps these two might serve a purpose in your chambers, as they obviously seem to be completely unsuited to the Corp.” He looked directly at the red-faced guard. “That one even needs to use the little girl’s room.”

Derren thought the guard might combust, he’d gone so red.

B’ran was unfazed. He turned and gestured for them to leave, which they did so reluctantly. Derren was quite pleased with himself. Making enemies was so much more fun when they were idiots.

B’ran took out a device and activated it, placing it on the table. It emitted no sound, but Derren knew instinctively all the cameras and other surveillance devices in the cell had been rendered useless.

“Got something to hide B’ran? Now that you’ve blinded the cameras, why don’t you get your goons back and have a little fun with me? I imagine you’d get quite a kick out of that, pardon the pun,” said Derren, smiling.

B’ran stepped closer to the shield, grinning evilly. “I don’t need the likes of those to cause you pain, whelp. Not when there are so many other more...entertaining ways to make you suffer.”

“Really? I thought witnessing and inflicting violence was your thing B’ran. Oh wait, my mistake. You like your victims to be much younger don’t you?” Derren saw this hit home. Rumours about B’ran’s tastes had been circulating for years, but he’d always been able to deflect any action taken against him.

B’ran was livid, any semblance of self-control slowly ebbing as Derren taunted him. But even though his fury was evident, he smiled wickedly.

“We’ll see how impudent you are when I throw your sister’s eyes into your cell; those lovely blue eyes that I’ve been dreaming of for years.” B’ran laughed as Derren’s face dropped. “And I’ll continue to add to the parts of her rotting on your cell floor. Fingers, tongue, teeth...until she begs to die. Then I’ll bring her here, and watch your face as I gut her.”

Derren knew B’ran was tainted, perverted even, but it wasn’t until here and now that he knew he was truly insane.

Derren had always hated him, as he always seemed to delight in the misery and loss of the newly arrived. The Liberi seldom arrived on Sanctuary after a peaceful transition, often traumatised by the loss of their loved ones and worlds they’d known.

B’ran fed on this, abusing and bullying, while at the same time picking and choosing those to twist to his will.

Derren had seen it happen many times, as young and vulnerable beings were ruined by B’ran’s...attentions. Some were twisted enough by him to think what he did was normal, and chose to ally themselves with him.

Worse, though, were the ones who knew what he did was wrong, and fought back.

B’ran delighted in their attempts to denounce him, almost like he dared them to defeat him.

So many of these poor children – because they were invariably children – had ended their own lives as they’d recognised the futility of their actions, and saw B’ran continue in his vile practice.

B’ran didn’t care, simply reaching across time to replace these, ‘poor lost ones who couldn’t accept the burden.’

But the worst sort of madness filled B’ran’s eyes as he continued.

“And then there’s your darling Katheryne, your long lost bitch of a lover.” B’ran’s eyes glinted with hunger. “Oh, how I will enjoy making her suffer. I wonder how much pain she will endure before she curses your name for betraying her.”

This did it. B’ran finally broke the barrier to unleash Derren’s temper. He launched himself at the force-field, throwing himself ineffectively against it again and again, listening to B’ran’s laughter as he injured himself for no gain. The field flared, and B’ran recoiled as a screen on the desk behind him exploded, showering him with sparks. Finally, spent, Derren stood, staring into the face of a madman.

“What happened to you B’ran?” he asked, his breathing laboured. “You were supposed to watch over us. Why have you betrayed everything you vowed to protect?”

B’ran sneered, almost spitting the words out. “Why should I have to protect the likes of you? You and the other lower life forms deserve no such comfort. You will serve along with the rest of the universes, when the Master returns.”

Derren felt as if he’d been struck, as the realization of just how far B’ran had fallen sank in. He’d thought him corrupt and ambitious, but nothing in his wildest imaginings could have made him imagine this. And what was worse, was Derren knew B’ran was not alone, as he had seen the faces of those who had stood behind B’ran as he called for Derren’s detention.

How could we have been so blind? he started to ask himself, before he realized, and saw the way the Liberi had been manipulated. The leadership had used them to hunt out the Power in each reality, never keeping them on Sanctuary for any longer than totally necessary, keeping them distant while the poison festered and grew here at home.

And now they knew where each and every one of the Powers was. They knew where Katheryne was, and it made him sick to his stomach as he realized he had been the catalyst which had forced their hand.

If he hadn’t admitted he’d loved her, they would simply have attempted to assign another Liberi, no doubt one loyal to B’ran and his supporters. Derren might have grown suspicious then, and been able to take some sort of action.

And if he hadn’t loved her he would have agreed unsuspectingly. Such moves were not unheard of, though unusual and rare.

But he did love her, completely and eternally, and because he did, B’ran knew Derren would never have left her, would never have allowed her to be unprotected from any accident which might unfortunately occur at some point in the future.

Thank God Krista had escaped to warn her. If she hadn’t, another Liberi would have simply taken his place, a fabrication of lies told to Katheryne about a sad mishap with one of the portals, and tragically both Derren and his sister had been lost. And then Katheryne would have died at their hands.

B’ran watched as the truth dawned on Derren’s face, and he chuckled shrilly in delight as he saw the pain etched across it.

“In a few days we’ll be ready to go and fetch your slut, and the harlot of a sister of yours. I’ll enjoy myself with both of them I think. Oh they won’t enjoy it, not one little bit, but I will savour the feeling of their flesh.” B’ran sneered and licked his lips, tormenting Derren with the vision he portrayed.

Derren would have ripped him apart right there, if he could only have reached him, but his anger simply allowed B’ran to goad him further.

“And then my men will enjoy them too, all of my men; as you watch.” B’ran leered as he saw the barb cut deep and then turned to leave, collecting the device as he turned it off. “Until then, I’ll leave you to your imagination. I’m sure I’ve given you enough food for thought.”

As he walked out, Derren wanted to shout out a promise to kill him, however he stopped himself as he knew B’ran would draw pleasure from his pointless threats.

It wasn’t as if Derren wouldn’t kill him eventually, and it would give him so much more satisfaction if the pompous scum didn’t expect it. He had no idea what was coming.

BELFAST—ARMING UP

Perri barely understood what was about to happen. The last two days had been a whirlwind of activity. Katheryne had been in and out of the Island, coordinating the plan to free Derren, while simultaneously preparing herself mentally for the attack on Sanctuary.

For that’s what this was, an attack into hostile, possibly...probably, deadly enemy territory. Katheryne and Krista had originally planned for it to just be the two of them who would join with Toshi and the others on Sanctuary, and Krista was still in a foul mood over Katheryne agreeing to let Perri come along, but then Krista hadn’t known Perri for years. She didn’t know how it would have been impossible to make her stay here, while her friends put themselves in danger. Katheryne realized after a few minutes that time unavailable to them would have been wasted in screaming arguments, and so had given in.

And although Krista made her feelings clear at every opportunity, it didn’t prevent her from teaching Perri to handle the weaponry she brought from their own apartment, where she and Derren had been staying while in Belfast.

A Liberi’s whole body was a weapon, a natural, killing machine honed to a knife edge of lethality, but Krista firmly believed in success through superior firepower.

So when she’d returned with what was literally an arsenal, Perri and Katheryne had gaped in amazement. There were knives, swords and other assorted bladed weapons, but Perri had been drawn to the more sophisticated array of projectile throwers, from darts, bows and crossbows all the way up through handguns, to what could only be some sort of energy weaponry.

Krista, to her credit, had been graciously surprised when Perri selected a compact metal handgun, pulled the slide back and ejected the clip, as she ensured the barrel and breech were clear, before reinserting the mag and making the weapon safe. Perri’s father was a member of the PSNI, but his job was a little riskier than most of his colleagues.

E4 was a subset of the Special Branch, so she’d been taught a healthy respect for handguns from the age of thirteen, when she’d first gone to the range with him. Perri still remembered the day in 2007 when her dad, Chris had shot dead a gunman who tried to kill her whole family, in a drive by shooting on the Ormeau road. She could still see the masked man, leaning out of the side of the white van with an assault rifle aimed at them, could still recall her father’s arm pushing her back behind the door as he drew his weapon. The staccato of automatic gunfire had been halted by a single shot, but not before three people had been shot, one fatally.

The police found the van burnt out a few hours later, and the next day a body turned up with Chris’s bullet in him. Perri found herself uprooted as all of them were relocated to the east coast of Scotland, to an idyllic town called Stonehaven.

E4 looked after its own, and over the next few weeks two more bodies surfaced. Unfortunately, her parents couldn’t return to their home country. Even Perri’s surname on the Queens University roll had been changed. As she’d grown up, living and playing in Scotland, Perri always had a gun close by. She was an expert shot.

Krista decided to expand Perri’s knowledge to as sharp a point as possible given the short time frame, which was why at this moment she was equipped with a rather dangerous looking energy pistol strapped to her waist.

As Katheryne looked at Krista and Perri she was vaguely reminded of a television show she’d watched as a kid, only with the turtles being replaced by her two friends. The whole scene was frankly comical and she started to laugh, which rapidly descended into shared merriment as the others joined in, realizing how outlandish they must appear.

Any tension which had existed vanished as the three of them did what was necessary to provide the strength for the others to succeed. Which at the moment meant creating a bond linking family, friendship and love which needed to exist in order to overcome the hardship ahead.

“Are we ready?” Katheryne asked Krista. She’d had to rely on Krista’s judgement, as she was still coming to terms with her blossoming power. She kept discovering different facets to the abilities growing within her.

There was the obvious sheer power which had to be tethered wilfully; lest the rage running just beneath Katheryne’s outwardly calm composure erupted in violence.

What these people had done, if what she and Krista suspected to be true, was a complete betrayal of all beings across all realities. This in itself was enough to provoke the danger within her, but Katheryne knew it was the capture of Derren which threatened to unleash it. She had it under control for now, but knew herself how delicate a balance had to be maintained to contain it.

But the other paths her mind was opening were much more subtle. She could sense, almost taste the minds and thoughts of anyone she concentrated on. Indeed when this skill had first awakened, Katheryne had found it difficult to tune out the tidal wave of emotions from the city around her. She had briefly floundered, until the core of her being asserted its control at a subconscious level. She’d erected a mental shield to filter out the background riot of noise.

Her perception of her surroundings had sharpened so much, she was aware of the tiniest shifts in even the particles of dust in the air, and she wondered again how it was her mind could process all this extra raw data being pumped into it. Her brain had become a sponge, soaking up everything it could and expanding endlessly.

She was even aware of the reaction her question had caused, as Krista’s pulse increased and she went over in her head what she expected to meet.

Krista couldn’t be sure what resistance they would encounter on the way to rescue Derren, but between the three of them, she was the only one who knew the layout of the buildings they would need to pass through to get to him.

Krista shrugged. “Honestly Katheryne, we couldn’t be more ready,” she replied with more confidence than she truly felt.

“That said I have no idea what we’re about to walk into. Toshi’s told us about the increased patrols and the numbers of guards around the gathering plaza, but even he can’t tell us why.”

The plaza was the central nexus that housed the larger portals to the major population centres throughout the universe. Why there should be a small army there none of them knew, but they all agreed it wasn’t good.

Krista walked across the room to Katheryne and reached down to her own ankle, unbuckling a small hidden scabbard which she held out to her.

“I know you said you didn’t want a weapon, but I’d feel much safer if you took this,” she said, and just as Katheryne seemed ready to refuse again she whispered, “If it makes it any easier, Derren made it for me.”

Katheryne was startled as Krista looked ready to burst into tears. In the two days they’d known each other, Krista had projected the outward personality of an ironclad, efficient robot. It was as if she had erected a wall around her feelings, but Katheryne knew there was something else in her recent past which was too raw to deal with right now. So Krista had put it into its little box, to be dealt with at a more convenient time.

Her only outlets of warmth had been directed toward her brother and the two of them here with her. As Katheryne watched, she saw the facade crumble for an instant, but long enough for her to understand Krista was suffering from the loss of her previous life much more than she cared to show. And her barriers were nowhere near as strong as she had hoped.

Katheryne took the knife, for that’s what it was, and drew the blade out, marvelling at the craftsmanship and grace imbued within it. The hilt was slim, obviously made for a small hand, and the pommel was in the shape of two hands clasping a perfect emerald stone. Somehow she knew he had picked it to match her own eyes.

Two inscriptions marked each side at the base of the blade, and as Katheryne watched they translated themselves in her mind. On one side was brother. On the other was sister. Her breath caught in her mouth as she realized how precious this must be to them both.

“I can’t take this,” whispered Kat as she fought back tears. “It...it doesn’t belong to me.”

Krista closed Katheryne’s hands around it and pulled her into a hug, and they stood for a second as Krista wept silently.

“It’s the only thing I have that he made for me, and I know if that’s the only way you’ll take a weapon, then he’d want you to have it.” Krista stepped back, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand as the robot regained control. Not enough, however, to stop the ghost of a smile cross her face.

“But I’ll be wanting it back, so don’t be going and getting yourself killed or something else stupid, okay?”

Katheryne smiled back. “Okay, nothing stupid, not even getting killed. I’ll do my best.”

“You’d better do,” said Perri cheekily, “If you die my mom will kill me."

All three of them laughed as the tension flooded away. They knew they were as ready as they could be. Krista looked at her watch.

“I suppose we should be going. It’ll take us a few minutes to get to the portal site,” she said.

Perri still wasn’t sure about the portal idea, and kept asking questions about it. “Why can’t you just open one here, then we wouldn’t need to walk anywhere?” she asked, patting the gun at her waist, “let’s face it, we’re not exactly inconspicuous.”

Krista shrugged. “Well, I can hide the three of us so no need to worry about being seen,” she replied confidently, “As for the portal, I can create one basically wherever I want, which is fortunate, because that’s the only reason I managed to escape Sanctuary.”

Perri looked back, obviously still confused.

“The only reason I escaped is because this place is so familiar it’s become sort of a home away from home. The more we travel to one place, the faster we’re able to construct a portal there. If I’d been forced to open one from scratch I’d never have got away.”

“But I need a little space to work this one. We know roughly what time Toshi will try to disrupt the block, but I’ll have to probe the portal to make sure it’s safe and the block has been removed. When I tried to get back before, I was blown across the room, and I’m not sure your apartment would survive intact.” Katheryne and Perri looked at Krista before glancing across at each other. They were sure anything which could knock her across a room was nothing they’d be able to handle.

“So where are we going?” asked Katheryne.

“Derren and I found a handy spot not far away,” replied Krista, “It’s got the space we’ll need and it’s out of the way.”

Katheryne picked up her coat and turned to the others.

“Let’s go get Derren.”

SANCTUARY—DWENN

Toshi and Laren walked through the huge entrance of the Arbiter building as they had countless times before, but now they looked at it with newly opened eyes.

The increased guards on every entrance, and on the balconies watching over the crowds crossing the foyer, had seemed natural to them before.

But the amount of firepower on show back in the Portal plaza was staggering. Each of the mighty machines which kept the larger transportation portals stable was ringed with soldiers and heavy weaponry. Even more curious was the fact they were all cloaked with diffraction fields, so to the normal traveller the plaza looked as it always had.

Such a deception was ineffective against a Liberi’s heightened awareness, so the invasion force, for that’s what this must be, was completely clear to them. The Guardian Corp, it seemed, had expanded beyond its intended purpose.

The Corp was created hundreds of years ago, to provide security and protection for the Leadership, and to watch over any prisoners brought back by the Liberi.

Historically there had been very few captives. The supporters of Tenybris usually chose to die rather than be captured, and the Liberi were unselfishly willing to grant their wishes.

But the Corp had grown in numbers steadily over the last few years; the reasons given had been ambiguous, but seemed to have the ring of logicality about them at the time. It was clear to Toshi the numbers involved had been grossly misquoted.

As they walked along the edge of the crowd waiting for the riser tube he knew everything he’d been told was a lie. He felt exposed and vulnerable, although there was no way B’ran or any of the others could ever have expected there were Liberi here who knew what was happening on Sanctuary.

That said, the sheer number of guards created a level of risk which would have blunted any normal person’s determination and will.

Toshi and Laren were not normal people however, and as they took the riser upwards to the control centre at the heart of the building, they linked briefly to the other teams to confirm their readiness.

They were positioned to provide support to Katheryne and the others, when Toshi and Laren deactivated whatever was blocking the portal from Earth.

That none of them knew how this had been done hadn’t perturbed them in the slightest. They knew the only place it could have originated was from the control centre, which was soon to become a very interesting place to be.

If the total destruction of every machine in the room was required, then this is what they would have to do. They knew no one would be able to stop them. During a scout earlier by one of the others, there had been between fifteen and a maximum of twenty five guards present.

If that might have caused one Liberi to break a sweat, two of them were complete overkill. Toshi liked overkill. Especially now he knew any collateral damage inflicted wouldn’t be to anyone innocent.

This confidence lasted barely half a second as they exited the riser at the control centre, and came face to face with something, someone completely unexpected.

Dwenn was, to Toshi and Laren at least, an extremely junior Liberi who had arrived on Sanctuary just days ago. But as she stood before them, the power she emanated dwarfed what she should have been able to wield at this early stage of her training. And it was this power which seemed wrong to them. There was a perceptible aura of evil and corruption coming from her.

Laren linked the others instantly, warning them to expect the unexpected as Toshi took in the room. There were over 100 guards, weapons primed and pointed at them, but Toshi wasn’t concerned about them. Anything they could do would be inconsequential to Laren and him. Unlike Derren and Krista, he and Laren had come prepared for battle.

What worried him was this...Dwenn seemed to have been expecting their arrival. And this by extrapolation meant she was either much more powerful than they could imagine, or they’d been betrayed by someone they’d thought they could trust.

Neither choice was attractive to him, which was why he paled at Laren’s expression. He knew right away at least one of the other teams had been compromised and taken out.

This was why at that moment he decided to go for one of his plan B’s. The fact there was no plan B didn’t distract him. Plan B was good, simply because it didn’t exist. If one or more of the other teams had been turned, the enemy knew the original plan, so plan B was a better option.

Toshi was good, very good at what he did best, which was thinking on his feet, so he knew if plan B was to work, Dwenn or whoever...whatever she was, had to think they were still following the original.

They approached each other slowly and warily. Dwenn watched them with a bored expression, but both Toshi and Laren could sense the rage within her.

“So Dwenn, I take it you are responsible for the block on Earth,” he said, watching as Dwenn crooked her head sideways.

“My, you are a clever one aren’t you?” she sneered in a condescending tone. Her face was a mask of neutrality, but her eyes had a look of wild glee as if she was anticipating something.

“Not clever, just logical,” replied Toshi, “The block is unlike anything we have seen before, as are you. I don’t believe in coincidences this...unusual.”

Laren moved to his side, brushing her hand against his in a prearranged signal.

As a last resort they were to abandon the building and open portals to designated escape points. With traitors among them this was unsafe, as the escape points would no doubt be manned by the enemy now, so Toshi and Laren needed to regroup and gather what Liberi they could trust together. And one of them just happened to be below them in a cell.

A cell that none of the enemy suspected they knew the location of.

Toshi grinned widely and bowed with a flourish. He was rewarded with a brief furious look of rage, as he and Laren stepped backwards and fell through the portal she’d created in the floor of the chamber.

BELFAST—THE WRECKED Chapel

Katheryne and Perri looked around at the ‘spacious secluded area’ Krista had brought them to. They had to admire her audacity, as they took in the derelict pews and pulpit across from the nave of the empty chapel.

Scaffolding was everywhere, though it too was rusting and ancient.

“Well, it’s definitely deserted, I’ll give you that much, Kris,” said Perri, sarcastically, as Krista frowned. She always got annoyed at Perri’s habit of shortening names. When Perri put Kat and Kris in one sentence together it threatened to provoke a squeal, but for now she let it go.

She stood in the centre aisle which had been cleared of seating. Katheryne and Perri could clearly see where a swath had been cut through them by some sort of blast.

The wreckage, bent metal and splinters of wooden pews lay against the stone wall behind them. How someone could have withstood the level of destruction was beyond them, but they both knew how it had happened. Their respect for Krista raised another notch.

“You two should stand over there,” suggested Krista, gesturing to the nave. “The wall should deflect any debris.” Her tone was totally neutral but they knew her too well by now. She felt responsible for keeping the two of them alive.

Katheryne looked at her watch and saw it was almost time for them to act. Synchronising the attack had been a nightmare. Between the different types of time flow inherent throughout the Island, here on Earth and on Sanctuary, they’d had to adopt something Katheryne was incredibly uncomfortable with. She’d had to rely on her own judgement.

But as she closed her eyes and expanded her perception outwards across the Never, she knew it was time.

What she also realized was something had changed. It was subtle but somehow it tasted...wrong. She stopped and concentrated her attention on Krista. As she watched, Krista began to open a portal, and probe the other side. Katheryne saw the tendrils of her thoughts as they reached out to the threshold. She also saw the malevolent energy hidden just across it.

“Krista, stop!” she shouted, just in time. Krista withdrew her mind an instant before she’d committed, but even as she stepped back all of them saw the angry red tinge in the air where the portal had hung.

“What is that?” asked Krista in horror and revulsion, “That’s not a block, that’s some sort of trap.” She turned to Katheryne, aghast. “That would have killed me...thank you.”

Katheryne nodded in acknowledgement, but as she watched the ring in the air dissipate, she felt a...flavour. How she could feel a taste she couldn’t explain, but it was the only way she could reconcile the sensation in her head.

Until she let it in, and realized it wasn’t her memory this taste of emotion came from. It was Derren’s.

For a moment she had to separate the thought, as the taste and the memory of his absence was still too raw to experience without pain.

“Dwenn?” she muttered. Puzzled, she turned to Krista, “Who’s Dwenn?” She knew the name, and it matched the consciousness she’d just felt, but it was wrong...there was something evil there.

That one word provoked a reaction in Krista neither she nor Perri could have predicted.

“No!” Krista groaned in anguish. “She’s dead, she has to be!” Krista’s face drained of color as she stood shaking her head from side to side. Perri started to cross towards her, but Katheryne held her back.

“Damn you! DAMN YOU!” she screamed at where the portal had been. Her face was a mask of madness and hysterical grief. She had nothing to lash out at physically however, so while Katheryne didn’t think she would hurt them intentionally she didn’t want any accidents happening.

But as she watched Krista’s madness rise in power, it suddenly wilted and they heard Krista sob, “No, please don’t, she’s dead. She has to be.”

She looked like a little girl lost, who had just been told her parents had died, but this was far worse. Neither she nor Perri understood as Krista curled up on the ground and broke apart, crying.

Perri pulled away as Katheryne released her arm and ran to Krista, taking her up in her arms, gently cooing to her like she was an injured bird.

Katheryne searched Derren’s memory. Her ability to do this still amazed her as she recalled all she knew about Dwenn.

She had been Derren’s friend, and Katheryne cried as she shared Derren’s grief at her death months before his own journey to Sanctuary. In the same battle Krista had travelled there in fact.

Derren had known his sister and Dwenn were close, but as Katheryne watched through his eyes, she saw the truth Derren had been too blind to see.

Krista and Dwenn had been lovers. More than that, they had been in love, completely and totally.

And now Dwenn was alive could only mean one thing. As Krista sat sobbing on the ground Katheryne heard her heart and soul shouting no, no, no, no.

It was the worst form of grief. That her love had died was tragic. That she had returned, a vessel of the enemy’s malice, hurt Krista, seared her deep into her being and she sat there, broken.

Katheryne didn’t know what to do. She relied on Krista to get them to Sanctuary, but she stood watching as Perri cradled Krista in her arms. She felt guilty because she should be doing the same. She should be comforting her friends.

Instead she felt angry. Derren was there alone and she couldn’t get to him, and it was this ‘Dwenn’ who was stopping Krista from helping her. She hated her. How could she have left Krista like that only to return to torture her?

For a moment she pondered how she might punish Dwenn. Hurt her the way she was hurting her loved ones. God, how she hated her!

Hate was a word, an emotion which Katheryne was growing closer to. It was so easy to do, so easy to hurt others. The monster within her grew restless and uneasy as the bindings controlling it weakened.

Derren knew for months who I was, she thought bitterly. Why hadn’t he come to her earlier? They could have had months of love before the battles. But no, he waited till it was too late. He gave her just enough time for her to fall in love with him before he deserted her.

And Perri, she had left her to the dreams. Yeah she’d told her the dreams had gone, but a real friend would have known wouldn’t they? Of course they would. Perri had known she was still having the dreams, but had left her alone to suffer. Damn her!

As for the others on the island, they were just using her for protection. Without her they would be still screaming in pain. Why did they deserve her help anyway? What had they done for her except to use her selfishly, never intending to repay her kindness? She would kill them all, but not before she watched them burn for a little while.

Hate was... easy. She smiled as she began to see how much easier it was to hate than to love and forgive.

Fortunately, Katheryne had never had an easy life, but she’d had a loving one, and now a familiar voice echoed behind the poison spilling into her mind. One word screamed over and over. Lies. Lies. Lies. Lies. Lies.

The voice was silenced almost instantly, and Katheryne felt a sudden unbearable sense of loss. The love which had come in a wave along with the voice had been unmistakable in its origin, and its intention to force Katheryne to step back worked. She broke the spell of bitterness and hatred which threatened to engulf her. Her anger broke free of the bounds within her, as she opened her mind to confront the thing which attacked her across the gulf of worlds.

THE ISLAND—THE BEAST’S Fury

There was something wrong, the creature knew now. The girl had been holding out for much longer than she should have been able to. It decided to take a more personal involvement and removed the spell which prevented the girl from seeing it. Surely the sight of its malevolence would finally bring the girl to the brink of hopelessness.

But as it stood before her, the cloak torn away, the reaction was...nothing. No terror, just the continual scream of pain as she burned. It looked around and saw the flame licking against everything on the island, the rivers of lava consuming the beach as it ate into the jungle.

Everything was as the beast had intended, so how was this girl, this child, able to defy it?

Then it dawned upon the beast how badly it had failed. With a thought it banished the inferno it had created, but the scene before it remained the same. It roared in anger, reaching out to crush the girl, sweeping its talons straight through the mirage. For all this time, all these months, it had been watching an illusion.

Master would punish the beast for this. The pain of before would be nothing compared to the damage which would be inflicted on it when it returned with the news. But it never dawned on the beast to not return, as it was bound in slavery to its master, never to escape.

Desperately, it sought some method of redemption, some way to attenuate its master’s anger. It withdrew from the illusion and searched the planet below for any crumb of chance. It still couldn’t manifest physically on this world, but as it searched hysterically it found the familiar soul and drew closer to it.

As it hovered over the orb of light, a plan of sorts began to form. If the soul could only be poisoned and defiled a little, then the beast had a chance to return to the girl’s dreams. It only needed a sliver of hatred to exist, so it could be cultivated and expanded, allowing it access again.

And this time there would be no slow advance. This time the soul would be ripped away and destroyed, before the ruined husk was returned to its master. Master would still punish the beast; for it would have denied him the satisfaction of corrupting the innocent, but it would still be useful as a mindless slave. And the Master would have his tool on the blue planet, ready to carry on his plan.

The creature studied the soul, wondering how best to attack. It seemed stronger somehow than it had been in the dream, but what was the soul of one of these humans compared to the being its master had created?

It had to be subtle, however, so the beast began by sowing doubt and anger, plucking the threads which tied the soul to its physical body, to instil feelings of jealousy and hatred. Emotions which would unbalance the sub consciousness of the girl, and warp her way of thinking, turning her from herself into a being the creature could again influence in the dream worlds.

The beast was so intent on its task it was unaware of the rising rebellion of the soul inside. Its control and dominance over it was let go for a fleeting instant, and the remnant screamed out. The beast slammed it deep into oblivion so fast it thought its actions futile. It would deal with it later, and the creature’s hunger flashed in anticipation.

It turned its attention to the task in hand. Just in time for the fury and power released from the single insignificant human soul to wrap it in pain.

Lashes of energy, unexpected but no less devastating for that, curled around the beast’s body, causing welts to appear and scales to sheer off in agony. It was impossible, but its physical body was being destroyed by this spirit essence, and there was no way for it to fight back. Any attempt to erect a defence was ripped down, any offensive action instantly and painfully repulsed.

The beast retreated to its body but the soul continued its assault, fresh waves of pain wracking its body and mind. The beast ran; its last desperate effort before its ruin succeeded, and it departed into the Never, but even here the beast knew it could still be touched, as the whips of pain sought to drag it back to its death.

Just as it seemed it was doomed, the barbs let go, releasing the beast to escape further into the Never to safety. It raced, terrified toward its Master, knowing what lay ahead, but dreading what lay behind.

BELFAST—PAYBACK’S A Bitch

Katheryne’s heart thumped as she became fully aware of the thing, quite literally, from her nightmares. The very fibre of her being told her to run and hide, but she knew if she did she would be defenceless against the beast.

The power flowed through her, unbridled as she summoned all her will and attacked. It was raw, untrained but utterly furious in its purpose, as she lashed the creature with wave after wave of anger.

Part of Katheryne knew that to be angry was to give in to her inner passion, but too bad. This thing had pissed her off. It had hurt her, tortured her for months if not longer. And it had hurt her friends and tried to turn her against them. She felt sick to her stomach as she recalled the thoughts which had been going through her head just moments before.

This thing deserved to be destroyed. It was an abomination, made evil, by evil. It was beyond pity so it got none. It fled to its body but Katheryne followed, refusing to let it escape. The power she was using to attack was but a tiny fraction of what she was capable of, and part of her quailed, as she realized this was because she wanted the beast to suffer.

She was barely aware her consciousness was now far above the planet as she punished the body of the creature, ripping parts of it away in chunks of rotten flesh.

The thing attempted to flee deeper into the Never but Katheryne simply reached in and began to pull it back, savouring the fear she felt coming from it.

Let it think it can escape, just tease it, she thought with cruelty.

A faint voice tugged at the back of her head, telling her to stop, to pull back from this madness, that this wasn’t who she was.

Katheryne wanted so much to dismiss it, and continue the destruction and dismemberment of the beast. What was one little voice to the deeds this thing needed to atone for?

She baulked as she realized the insistent voice didn’t come from her. It came from the creature. For a second her denial wrote it off as an attempt to fool her into letting it go, but then the dreadful realization hit her like a freight train.

She knew the taste behind the voice, although it was faint and was clearly in pain. Katheryne had known it and loved it all her life. She released the beast and watched as it escaped into the Never.

She withdrew to her body. Perri and Krista looked at her in shock as she turned to them, her face a mask of anguish. She said a single word before collapsing on the floor. “Mom.”

BELFAST—ROUNDABOUT Ways

Katheryne woke unwillingly. She knew pain awaited her, and tried to keep beneath the protective blanket of unconsciousness as long as possible, but the voices calling her name wouldn’t let her do that. She opened her eyes reluctantly.

“Kat, thank God!” Perri hugged her tightly, holding on for dear life. Krista too looked on in relief, though Katheryne could see the pain in her red rimmed eyes, and the glimmer of tears still present there.

“Are you OK? What happened?” asked Krista. Katheryne tried to sit up, only to be overcome by a wave of nausea,

“Here, drink this,” said Perri, holding a bottle of water to her lips. She let her friend take a few sips before thumping her gently on the shoulder. “That’s for scaring me half to death...again.”

Katheryne smiled and managed to sit upright without puking.

The two girls looked at her expectantly. “How much did you see?” Kat asked. She didn’t know how to explain what had happened, because she wasn’t sure herself.

Krista kneeled down beside the two of them. “Perri had her back to you, comforting me.” She looked embarrassed, but gave Perri a brief smile.

“Katheryne, you were surrounded by some sort of energy; at least that’s what it looked like. I’ve never seen it’s like before. It was alive, part of you somehow,” marvelled Krista, “but that wasn’t the scary part.” Perri and Katheryne looked inquisitive so Krista went on.

“There was rage on your face Katheryne, a fury I never thought you capable of. Whatever it was you were doing, and whatever you were doing it to, you wanted to kill it or at least hurt it very badly. Can you tell us why?”

Katheryne took a deep breath. This was going to be hard on them all.

“You’re right; I did want to kill it. It was the creature from the dream.” Perri gasped and Krista’s lips tightened into a thin line.

“It had me under some sort of spell. I was starting to hate you, all of you. Every fear I’d ever had, every little doubt or insecurity I’ve ever felt, it magnified and fed back to me.” Katheryne shivered.

Perri took her hands in hers. “Oh my God, that must have been horrible.”

“How did you break it?” asked Krista, ever the more practical one.

“I didn’t,” said Katheryne, “there was a voice...only it wasn’t a voice, more a thought, or a few thoughts. But they told me it was a lie, that I shouldn’t listen to the thing trying to make me hate you.” She looked into their eyes, with shame in hers.

“And I was starting to hate you, all of you...I’m...sorry.” Krista put a supporting hand on hers, alongside Perri’s.

“I didn’t know who was right, who I should listen to...the spell was making me enjoy hating you,” continued Katheryne, “until I recognized the flavour of the thoughts. That was enough. I saw the creature, and knew it had been making me think those terrible things about you all...so I got mad, madder than I’ve ever been. You’re right Krista, I wanted to kill it, but more than that, I wanted to make it suffer. I wanted to hurt it so much, like it had hurt me, and for a while it felt so good. I was enjoying myself as I tortured it.”

Katheryne looked at Perri and saw the horror on her face. She wanted to explain herself but Krista interrupted.

“Understandable, go on,” she looked across at Perri, willing her to understand what her friend had been going through, and Perri nodded in agreement. There would be time for recriminations later.

“I heard the voice again. I thought it was inside me and it was telling me what I was doing was wrong, that I wasn’t that sort of person. I could feel the love for me and the disapproval of what I was doing. But it wasn’t coming from me.” Tears came unbidden, and sobs caused her chest to heave.

“It was coming from the creature,” she cried, “It was coming from my mom.” Katheryne broke down and could say no more.

She sat on the ground for a long time. Long enough so that when she went to rise she was sore and stiff, but the others hadn’t wanted to push her for fear of tipping her over the edge.

After a while Perri asked the question they all wanted answered. “How? I mean, she’s dead isn’t she. I’m sorry Kat, but isn’t she?”

Katheryne sniffed. “I thought, everyone thought she was, but there was no body; the accident, everyone thought she’d been vaporised or something. My god, all this time she’s been alive and we didn’t know.”

“She’s not,” Krista said sharply, but softened her tone when Katheryne’s expression darkened.

“At least, not really. Look I’m sorry if this hurts you, Kat, but let me explain what I can?” Katheryne nodded.

“This is going to be difficult for you to listen to, both of you, because you knew the person who was Katheryne’s mother,” Krista began, “but the voice you heard was...at least I think it must have been, from your mother’s soul. She is dead, but her soul is a prisoner of Tenybris.”

Perri instantly grabbed Katheryne’s hand and squeezed it in support. Katheryne was simply...numb. She was beyond shock, past denial.

To think for so long her mother was dead, only to now find out she was in some sort of limbo of torment was, well, horrible was putting it mildly.

“But I heard her, I felt her Krista,” said Katheryne, pleading for it to be so, “I know it was her...it was too familiar for it not to have been. We have to help her. She saved me so there’s no way I’m going to leave her like this.

“You said that she wasn’t really dead. Well if she isn’t then we can help her can’t we?” begged Katheryne.

Krista’s emotions were in turmoil. What had happened to Katheryne’s mother was almost exactly what had happened to Dwenn. If she gave into the hope that rescue was possible for her mother, then it was possible, more likely even Dwenn could be saved.

After all, Krista had a clear impression Dwenn still inhabited her own body. Otherwise, who could have created the trap which had almost killed her? Even as she thought this, that the girl she loved had tried to do this to them, she died a little inside.

If Katheryne’s mother could be released, and allowed to pass on to the Never, freeing her from bondage and torment, then so could Dwenn. And maybe, just maybe, her soul mate could come back to her, made whole again. But only if the corruption could be purged from her.

It seemed too much to hope for, but that’s what Krista had just been granted. Hope, for the first time in so many empty bitter months.

“Perhaps,” admitted Krista, somewhat guiltily, “Katheryne you have to understand one thing. Your mother is dead.”

Katheryne stared back defiantly for a second, daring Krista to be wrong, before lowering her gaze in acceptance.

“There is no way to return her, for there is no body to return her to. I’m sorry, if there was a way, any way conceivable, I would say.”

Katheryne wilted before her, and it was all Krista could do to remain strong. It would have been so easy to take her into her arms, tell her it would be okay.

But it wasn’t okay, because for Katheryne’s mother, the only release would result after the defeat of the beast she had as her host.

“You...we, have to free her soul from the beast. She is in pain Katheryne, trapped within her own corrupted soul,” said Krista. “The only hope is to destroy the vessel she is imprisoned within, free her essence to pass into the Never and be reborn.”

Katheryne watched as Perri’s face flushed in anger and frustration as she struggled still with what was going on around her.

“For God’s sake Kris,” she spat, “How the heck is Kat going to do that?”

Krista groaned, but Perri was in full flow.

“She’s just found out her mother hasn’t been truly dead for two years, instead she’s been imprisoned inside a monster, and made to watch as she tortured her own daughter!”

Perri looked like she was about to grab Krista by the hair, but Katheryne was there, between the two of them, a presence which seemed to diffuse the hostility.

She embraced both of them, and Perri and Krista felt a calm overcome them. They could feel their friend’s love flowing in a circle as they clung to each other.

“I know what I have to do,” whispered Katheryne, “and I know what you need to do Krista.” Then she turned to Perri.

“Perri, you need to help both of us,” she said. “You’re the most important out of all of us, will you help?”

“Really?” Perri asked, “You need to ask? What do I have to do?"

“You have to help get us to Sanctuary. Don’t ask me how; I just know you have the answer.”

Krista and Perri almost jumped. How was Perri, who had trouble even grasping the concept of the dream world, going to transport them to a world which was denied to them by not only the leadership who were corrupt, but at least one servant of the greatest threat to reality ever?

“Are you mad?” Perri asked incredulously, “For fecks sake, Kat, I got lost on a direct flight to London last month! I ended up taking two buses and a train, and ended up arriving a day late. And you want me to take you halfway across the galaxy to somewhere I’ve never even been?”

The answer was glaring Katheryne in the face as she turned to Perri.

“Perri, had you ever been to London?” she asked.

Perri wondered where she was going. She was suspicious of Katheryne’s motives. Why was she asking all these questions?

“No,” she answered, “never.”

“But you still got there?”

“Yeah, indirectly, I lost a suitcase for God’s sake. It had my makeup and underwear in it. It took me two days to collect enough to go out.”

“Thanks Perri, I knew I could rely on you,” said Katheryne, as she turned to Krista.

Perri was oblivious for a second, before she realized she had in fact given them a way to get to Sanctuary. She still had no clue how it would work, but she supposed it was better than nothing.

“Krista,” said Katheryne, “We can’t get to Sanctuary directly; the portal from Earth is blocked right?” Krista nodded suspiciously, “So how about we go around? Get to Sanctuary from somewhere else?”

Krista dismissed the idea right away, shaking her head, “Impossible, we can only travel through Sanctuary. It’s the hub, the nexus that binds the Never. It’s never been possible to travel directly from one world to another.”

“Why?” asked Katheryne.

Krista stared back, blankly. She was totally thrown by the question. The Liberi could create a portal to anywhere they had been to before. They could also share the impression...the taste almost, of a place they had been to another, enabling them to travel there also.

The limitation to this was it could only be done between locations on the world they happened to be on at the time.

Travel to other worlds required you to go through Sanctuary, however briefly. For it provided the anchor, the reference point in space/time which allowed the creation of portals across the vast distances between worlds. Without this anchor, a portal would be cast adrift and the Liberi would end up lost amid the endless realities.

Krista and Derren had explained this as much as possible to Katheryne and Perri, Krista thought, so why was she asking this question when she already knew the answer?

But as she looked at Katheryne smiling back at her, Krista knew she was missing something very important. Katheryne had shaken her badly; her level of adeptness with the power within her at this early stage was astounding, almost frightening. Yet she had seen the force flowing through her, had felt the intensity of her talent as she assaulted the beast, so at this stage Krista didn’t think Katheryne was incapable of anything, if she put her mind to it.

“You can do it can’t you,” Krista said incredulously, “You can travel directly.”

“Not exactly,” Katheryne replied, “I can get us to wherever we need to be, but I think I’ll need your help to show me where to go.”

Perri stood gaping. She was so far out of her depth she didn’t dare interrupt, but Krista, also, still didn’t fully understand.

Katheryne seemed to realize, and so went on, “I can see the paths Krista, the threads between the realities.” She watched as Krista’s eyes widened in wonder. Katheryne knew only the Liberi had possessed this ability before now.

“And there’s a pattern there, a subtle intricate movement, but I can read it. I know how to do this; you just have to trust me.”

“I...trust you Katheryne,” Krista stated. And it was true. She trusted, and would follow this girl to the end of all endings. At last she accepted that she too was bonded to Katheryne, a bond of sisterhood and love as strong as her own with her brother. And through her, she felt Perri as well, some fledgling power awakening inside her, unbeknownst to her conscious mind.

Katheryne smiled, acknowledging Krista’s acceptance and welcoming her also, as the sister to stand alongside the other sister of her heart. But what had to happen next would be...difficult, and Katheryne grimaced inside as she took Perri’s hands.

“You...Perri, I need you to stay here,” she blurted out, cringing as she waited for the explosion...which never came. Perri simply looked back at her with sad but affirming eyes and sighed.

“So,” she said, haughtily, “What’s this incredibly important job I have to do? The one that’s going to stop me flying off to other worlds, and meeting cute alien guys.”

Kat and Krista smiled at the image of Perri accosting some poor unwary guy on some distant planet. God help the galaxy if Perri ever managed to escape, Katheryne thought, smiling.

“You need to be what you’ve always been to me Perri,” she said, “You need to be my rock, I need you here so I have something to anchor myself to, something that I can use to bring us back if this doesn’t work.”

“What do you mean if this doesn’t work?” Krista interjected. “Sorry Katheryne. I trust you, but we could be lost, end up anywhere, anywhen in fact.”

“Is that even a word?” Perri asked, before she got what Krista had meant, “You mean you can time travel? Cool!”

Krista smiled but adopted a serious attitude right away. “Yes, time travel is possible, but it’s never done. The risks are just...terrible. It just can’t be done. It’s written into our core being, some sort of genetic law handed down through all of us.”

Perri, indeed Katheryne as well, looked at Krista blankly. Some further explanation was obviously required.

“Okay,” explained Krista, putting on her school teacher voice again, “Let’s say that I left here now, went back in time, and killed my own grandfather as a boy...I know, brutal, but it’s just an example,” she added as the girls’ faces blanched.

“So, with my grandfather dead before he could have had children, then how could I have existed...Are you with me so far?”

They nodded.

“Right, well here’s the rub. If I never existed, then who went back to kill my grandfather?”

She watched as confusion mixed with understanding and then back to confusion again on Katheryne and Perri’s faces.

“That’s...that’s just mad,” said Perri.

“That...is a paradox,” said Krista, “and something like that happening can rip realities apart. Although similar natural events are happening on a smaller scale right now.”

“You mean people are killing their own grandfathers all the time?” Perri looked across at Katheryne, “Doesn’t sound very natural to me.”

Krista laughed, not quite sure if Perri had been serious. Perri winked at Katheryne who smiled again.

“Nothing that drastic Perri,” the school teacher voice said, “But the decisions we make each day change the paths of realities, even if it’s almost too subtle to notice. For instance, a girl could get up one morning and put on a red dress instead of a blue one, and the guy she passes in the street smiles at her because he likes girls in red dresses. They talk, go on a date, get married and have children. And all because she wore the red dress instead of the blue.”

“While in another reality she chooses the blue dress, and he walks past her in the street, never noticing her,” finished Perri, “Wow, this is heavy stuff.”

“Quite,” said Krista, smiling widely. “But these are natural events, not intentional incursions into the past in an attempt to change the future. Such events would wipe out...well....limitless realities. So it’s never done, and there are barriers at the core of all Liberi to prevent it happening.”

“So, that’s why you need me to stay here,” said Perri, “Well I suppose if I have to save reality single handed I can forego the holiday...this time anyway.” She turned to Krista, “But when all this is over you owe me a trip to some pleasure planet somewhere....I suppose they do exist, don’t they?”

Krista laughed musically, “Perri, if we get through this I’ll show you sights that’ll blow your mind. And I won’t even be stealing your boyfriends,” she added under her breath, just loud enough to make Perri gasp.

Katheryne and Krista laughed out loud at Perri’s shocked expression, and a second later she joined in.

“Well,” she said in between breaths, “I never saw that coming.”

After much more utterly deserved and required giggles had been giggled, the girls finally calmed and Katheryne turned to her two friends.

“Ready?”

Both nodded nervously. The tension ramped up again as Katheryne began to stretch out her awareness, faintly hearing a voice say, “If we die, Amanda’s going to kill us, you know that, right?”

She couldn’t laugh, but she could feel the humour deep in her soul as she soared across the Never, part of her still attached to Perri as she sought the place she needed. She linked to Krista, and used her knowledge of the stars to find a suitable world, and finding one, she reached back and guided her as she created the portal.

Instantly Krista and Katheryne were surrounded by trees, in a wide clearing with an odd shade of blue sky overhead. There was life everywhere, and Katheryne could sense birds and animals throughout the area as she cast out her awareness. She drank it all in, delighting in the exquisite differences between here and Earth.

“We’re on Dalryras,” Krista said in wonder, “By the Great Maker, you did it. I can’t believe you actually did it.”

Katheryne smiled too, “I thought you said you trusted me, why so surprised?”

“Do you think I’d have even gone along with this quite frankly bonkers idea if I hadn’t?” she said, laughing warmly.

Katheryne joined in but she started to feel a sense of urgency, as if she needed to be somewhere, fast.

Krista noticed and began her own preparations for a portal, but Katheryne became concerned. Her knowledge of portals was still incredibly limited.

“Where will we go? Is there somewhere on Sanctuary you know is safe?” asked Katheryne, “I mean something must have gone wrong if the barrier was still there.”

“Don’t worry, there’s a place only Derren and I know about. He took me there once, but I always felt as if I was intruding, like it was his place somehow.” Her expression was thoughtful for a second, as if she had almost grasped a stray notion before it escaped unfulfilled, “I can get us there, ready?”

Katheryne held her hand as they walked through the shimmering air to be transported into a dream.

SANCTUARY—PLAN B

Derren knew something was wrong. The number of guards in the cell block had just been tripled, and though the security systems prevented a clear link to the outside world or his friends, he could sense confusion, and something like a controlled edge of panic.

He wondered if the attack had begun as planned. He knew the allotted time had passed, and he worried for the safety of Katheryne and the others. They should be on Sanctuary by now, but they had a combined force of twelve Liberi, more than enough to handle what the Corps could throw at them.

He was taken completely by surprise when Toshi and Laren fell through the portal in the ceiling on top of the group of guards in the room. Pandemonium reigned for a few seconds, as the two of them quickly regained their equilibrium and dispatched the guards within the immediate vicinity. The whole process took about thirty seconds, but Derren heard alarms going off throughout the building.

Laren went to the security panel to lower the force field, as Toshi stepped forward to embrace his friend.

“We have a little trouble, my friend,” he stated.

Derren graced him with one of his crooked grins, “That’s what I always loved about you Toshi, your gift for understatement.” His smile vanished, however, as Toshi and Laren’s expressions conveyed the gravity of the situation.

“The others?” asked Derren, meaning the other teams.

“Unknown,” replied Laren. She had avoided contact with them. Two teams hadn’t responded to her last link, which meant at least one member of those teams of two was a traitor. No normal being could have silenced another Liberi so quickly.

She thought it unlikely all the teams had been compromised, and they had probably gone dark in order to get to safety. So until she had been contacted by at least a group of four she would not respond. She decided if more than three Liberi had been turned, then they were in real trouble.

“So what went wrong?” asked Derren as they stripped weapons from the guards.

“Not a what,” said Toshi, “More of a who.”

Derren look confused.

“OK, short version,” continued Toshi, and told Derren about the confrontation in the control room.

Derren’s head was reeling as Toshi finished. “This, Dwenn, was she my height, slim, dark hair?”

“Sounds about right,” said Toshi, “You know her?”

“Knew her,” hissed Derren, “She’s dead, or at least she’s supposed to be.”

“That is...unfortunate.” Toshi was rarely flustered, but this news shook his calm demeanour. “At least that explains the aura she was emanating. She’s no Liberi Derren, but she has power, a lot of it. She’s the one blocking the portal to Earth.”

“Which is still up I assume?” Toshi nodded.

“Right,” Derren said, “I take it you have one of your legendary plan B’s in progress?” He smiled and Toshi returned it.

“Oh how well you know me my friend.” Toshi glanced at Laren who manned the security cameras. “How long?”

“Two minutes tops,” replied Laren, grimacing. She turned to Toshi, “You were the only one of us with the clear image of the cell, so fortunately none of the others can portal here. But the guards are coming down the riser and the stairs. I’ve closed all the doors I can but it won’t take them long to break through.”

Toshi paused for a second, going over the plan in his head. He turned to Derren.

“We have been betrayed, my friend.” The calm composure he outwardly projected was a mirror for what he felt inside. These people had been their friends for years. They were clearly the same persons they always had been, or else they would have been found out over the last few days of planning.

So what force was out there which could turn them to betray and kill their friends?

“Our choices are to run, or fight. If we escape, however, we lose the opportunity of taking out the traitors,” said Toshi.

“And if we leave, we spend the rest of our days looking over our shoulders,” Derren agreed, “We will never know who to trust, no matter how long we’ve known them. But they can’t have turned many, or else we’d be dead by now.”

“We know they’re here now, so we bring them to us?” asked Laren.

“Exactly,” said Toshi, “however this is neither the right time nor place. We should depart and create one of our own choosing. And there is also this Dwenn to deal with. She is an unknown.”

“When the time comes, leave her to me.” Derren’s face was a mask. “That creature, whatever it is, isn’t Dwenn. I’ll be doing her memory a favour. Besides, we still need to deactivate the block she has on Earth. And if I need to kill her to do that, well, its two birds with one pebble isn’t it?” Derren smiled cruelly.

“We need to go, now!” shouted Laren as an explosion went off outside in the passageway.

Derren nodded and began to open a portal to a place he hoped only two people knew about. As the shimmer widened, he beckoned the others through and followed. One minute they were in the cell block surrounded by dead or dying bodies, the next they were...not where Derren expected.

The view was spectacular but familiar, as he took in the wide azure sea, and the white powder beach backed by the thickening trunks of the jungle. It was the island he had visited many times while on Sanctuary, when he had wanted total seclusion to ponder the face in the drawing. Now, as he looked around, it was as if the color had intensified a hundredfold. Everything was sharper, more vivid, and his eyes widened as he understood at last where he was. His heart jumped. This was Katheryne’s Island.

Why hadn’t he seen it before, when they were together there? True, they had been...distracted, he thought with a smile, but it was unmistakably the same place. The only details missing were the other Powers.

Another question entered his head. How had Katheryne imagined this place and created it in her dreams? He thought about his months of shielding her from the beast. Perhaps he might have subconsciously revealed this place, but as he followed the thought through, the truth dawned, and his heart swelled.

Katheryne had been dreaming of this island for years before they had ever met. Derren was overcome as he realized what this meant.

He had been dreaming of her, searching for her for years. And every time he came to this island, to clear his mind and think of her, she had been here with him, somehow. She knew he was coming, maybe not consciously, but her heart and soul were already bound to his, even as his were to her, from the first thought they shared of each other.

“Derren!”

He heard the voice, but he closed his eyes, not wanting to believe the impossible truth. His soul tore his eyes open as he turned to see her running towards him. She flew into his embrace as their essence merged. They were together, and nothing would ever tear them apart.

THE GLADE—THE BROWNIES

“Did you see that?” asked Amilee, pointing off to the side of the path. They were walking to her parent’s cabin, a journey they had undertaken countless times.

Gwenyth looked to where Amilee indicated, but saw nothing.

“I don’t see anything,” she said, shielding her eyes from the sun as it speared through a gap in the trees, “What was it?”

“I’m not sure. I could have sworn for a second I saw a dinor,” said Amilee, “But there’s no way they’d come this deep into the Glade. They know the Faer folk rule the forest.”

“And I can’t imagine the Faer folk allowing a dinor to get this far in the first place. It’s over one hundred leagues from their lands to here, and why would any dinor want to travel this far to a place where she could get killed on sight anyway?”

“Hmm, I suppose,” agreed Amilee, “It must have been a trick of...OOF!”

She was cut off short by the impact of a large green ball hitting her at the base of the back, and as she sprawled forwards onto her hands, she saw a similar ball topple her friend.

She looked down at her cut hands and knew her knees were bleeding too. This path wasn’t well travelled, so the ground was rough. Gwen was just about upright again when a gravelly voice came from the undergrowth.

“Not hurt us, please not hurt us!” The voice was obviously terrified, but Amilee was angry.

“Us, hurt you?” she shouted, indignantly, “You’re not the ones lying on the ground with cuts and bruises.”

“We sorry,” said the voice, and there did seem to be a feeling of regret in it. “One panicked and another...panicked too.” The voice struggled with its limited vocabulary.

Gwenyth was upright now and walked warily over to help Amilee to her feet. They stood back to back to guard against further attacks. Amilee could feel Gwen raising protective spells around them both.

“You can come out now,” she said loudly, “If you promise not to attack again we won’t hurt you.”

They heard mutterings in a strange language, and after a few moments a solitary figure stepped out onto the path. It was small, about 3 feet tall, very hairy and extremely dirty. It stood stooped over with a rounded back and Gwen realized it had been these beings, bent over and rolled into a ball, who had quite literally bowled them over.

“You’re a Brownie, aren’t you?” asked Amilee in disbelief. The small person shifted its feet uncomfortably, but nodded quickly.

“Brownie, what you call us,” it said in stilted English. “We are called, different to ourselves, but Brownie is...fine.”

“But what are you doing here?” asked Gwenyth. “Don’t your people normally live in the deep forest? I’ve never heard of any of you ever being seen this close to the edge.”

The muttering increased around the trio and the Brownie said something in their tongue. Seconds later the girls were surrounded by small untidy people, dozens of them.

“Wow, you guys move quietly,” said Amilee.

The Brownie smiled. “Sometime we need be quiet. Safer be quiet. Now, good time for quiet.”

The two girls exchanged a glance, “Why? Why is now a good time to be quiet? Sorry, but what’s your name?” Gwenyth asked.

The Brownie’s chest swelled as he seemed to raise himself to his tallest posture, almost prideful. The girls waited in anticipation, expecting a long winded announcement.

“I called, Gak,” said the Brownie as he bowed, almost becoming a ball as his head touched the ground. He was obviously very proud of the name, but the girls had to suppress a giggle.

“Okay, Gak,” said Gwenyth, her lips twitching, “can you tell us why being quiet is good?”

Gak’s face shadowed, and as he looked deep into the trees, back to his home, Gwenyth saw a glimpse of moisture in his eyes.

“Something is bad, back there,” Gak gestured toward the heart of the forest, “Home not safe. We need to run, be quiet, need to....hide.”

Gak looked up, switching his glance between the girls and the forest, “Will you help us? Please?”

Gwenyth was stuck half way between pity, and an instinct to pick Gak up and cradle him. He and the rest of his family were lost. These people were the gentlest of creatures, their attack on the two girls evidence of how afraid they were.

“We could take them to see the Faer folk,” suggested Amilee. “They might agree to help. Let’s face it, it won’t hurt to ask, and by the look of them they’re on their last legs.”

As Gwenyth looked out among the Brownies, she began to see past the untidiness, realising her first impression of them had been completely wrong.

These people were not dirty and they were not smelly. They were the forest, and they were a long way from home. But they were tired, and as she looked closer she saw babies among them. Like little bunches of twigs, their mothers held them protectively to their chests.

Yes, the Faer would look after them. They would, or by the Great One they would have her to answer to.

THE ISLAND—REBELLION

Their joy at seeing each other again, gaining physical contact when hope was all they’d survived on for days, brought Derren and Katheryne even closer. It was happiness tinged with urgency, however. Events were unfurling, and they had to put their feelings aside and deal with the enemies before them.

Krista had almost broken apart when it was confirmed it was her old lover who created the block, and tried to kill her and the others back on Earth. She’d buried her grief, however, and emerged with a singular purpose. She vowed that if she couldn’t heal the tortured soul which Dwenn had become, then she would be the one to free it, and end its torment.

Derren had embraced her in mutual grief and admiration, as his sister’s inner strength held her together, but he knew how close to the edge she was. His twin was the strongest person he had known until he’d met Katheryne, but he recognised the depth of pain which came close to taking her from him.

Toshi proved to be the greatest boon of all, as he sat with them and constructed a plan that was intricate at the same time as being clear, and providing them all with a purpose and a definite task within it. It went through several evolutions as more Liberi were transported to the Island.

Katheryne assisted Laren when she vetted the others who attempted to link with her. To the amazement of them all, Katheryne was able to taste the mind behind the link, and this told them who the traitors were.

There turned out to be three in all, two of whom had been the first to attempt a contact with Laren, who had been designated as their communications hub.

She had an enhanced talent when it came to manipulating the subtle link between one Liberi and another. While the link was normally only clear enough for communication when directed from one to another, Laren could join them together, almost like a conference call.

But it was so much more than that, as the link brought with it a background of awareness of how the others felt during the bond, and Laren’s ability to handle so much empathic energy was unique, until Katheryne showed the same skill.

The traitors had no way of knowing Katheryne and Laren were aware of them, so they had chosen simply to not talk to the first two for the time being. The two lone traitors had been members of the two teams who disappeared first, and no one on the island was in any doubt their partners were murdered at their hands. They could be dealt with later.

The third traitor, however, posed a bit of a dilemma. She had hooked up with another team of two, whom Katheryne confirmed were loyal, but had no way of knowing they were in the company of a murderer. They discussed the best way to eliminate her, and in the end it was decided Toshi and Laren would link with the two loyal Liberi simultaneously and pass on the traitor’s true identity. The resulting fight hadn’t been pretty and both were injured, but the traitor was gone.

They sat together now around a campfire at the edge of the jungle, a force of nine Liberi, and Katheryne, going over the final plan. In an hour they would depart the island in two groups, with two main targets.

Derren and Katheryne would go with Laren and one other to find B’ran, and ascertain how deeply the poison had spread throughout Sanctuary.

Krista, Toshi and the other three Liberi would go after Dwenn. It was thought by now the other two traitors would have realized they’d been discovered, and so would have returned to B’ran or Dwenn. If not they would be dealt with after the more urgent missions were completed.

Derren took Krista aside, away from the others.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to do this?” he asked his twin, and as his hand held hers he felt a quiver go through her.

“If you’re asking whether I’ll be able to go through with it,” she paused, as if attempting to convince herself and not Derren, “If it comes down to choosing between killing Dwenn, or letting her escape to try and kill us all again, I will do what’s right Derren.”

She was in pain but Derren knew what she said was the truth, and he shrugged his shoulders, embracing his sister even as his eyes pricked with moisture. They spent a few moments in silence before returning to the others. Katheryne met them and embraced them, pouring her love and support into both of them.

Then it was time to leave, and the two teams separated as the portals were opened.

SANCTUARY—THE ATTACK on Dwenn

The fact they were attacking in the middle of the night meant there was a degree of uncertainty as to Dwenn’s location. As there was no way she could know Krista and Katheryne were on Sanctuary, she should still be in the control centre, maintaining the block.

Toshi chose to target the portal on the entrance passage to the room, so the five of them assembled there, ready to assault together. Toshi and Krista were to engage Dwenn and any other traitor if he was there. The others had to take out the guards, thus eliminating any distractions before assisting in taking Dwenn out.

But the best laid plans rarely survive the initial moment of contact, and this was the case as Toshi entered the room. It appeared to be empty.

Krista held back out of sight for the initial encounter; she would enter to take Dwenn off balance at the most opportune time. The four others stood as their eyes adjusted to the dim light coming off the displays.

Toshi stretched out his awareness as the displays flickered randomly. He tuned into the patterns, concentrating on what was missing instead of what was apparently present. A screen at the back of the room flashed up a status which illuminated a row of seating, the chairs casting a series of shadows across the floor. Except one of them which remained unchanged.

Toshi linked to the others and they separated, circling around where he’d indicated. He continued to scan the room, but except for the anomaly, he saw nothing untoward.

He grunted an invisible hammer struck him, savage and unexpected, and he flew ten feet though the air to strike the doorframe. For any normal being this might have been a killing blow, but Toshi rolled into a crouch, facing his invisible assailant.

The others turned toward him, missing the movement behind as the anomaly closed on them. Toshi opened his mouth to shout, but before a sound escaped his lips a funnel of flame shot from the shimmer, engulfing the others. They scattered, rounding on the enemy. Their armor and shields saved them from being incinerated, but before they could regroup, a blast of lightning hit them, overloading the shielding and dropping them, twitching to the ground.

Toshi drew a pistol and aimed at the source of the attack, but he staggered under a series of blows from behind. The pistol skittered across the floor as he collapsed onto his hands and knees.

He lashed out like lightning, his legs flashed through the air behind him. He was gratified when they connected with something solid. He heard a curse as someone landed hard on the ground beside him. He still couldn’t see anything there, but a Liberia didn’t need sight to fight. Now they were close, Toshi homed in on the heartbeat and struck down hard with both fists. He was rewarded with an explosion of air and breaking bones as the traitor, Dzall appeared from nowhere. Toshi jumped up and grabbed his assailant around the neck with one arm as his hand flew upward and sideways, jerking the head around. The resulting crack caused a jerk before the body slumped under him.

He rounded, searching for his mislaid weapon, but froze as a single shot rang out. Krista stood in the doorway with her pistol raised. The lightning was gone, but there was still no sign of Dwenn; for Toshi was certain only Dwenn was capable of the power displayed here.

The others were sitting up and shaking their heads, as Toshi reached to his belt and withdrew a handful of small silver globes.

Stunners!

The others heard the linked warning, and as Toshi threw the spheres outward in a circle, they closed their eyes and covered their ears.

The stunners exploded like miniature suns, as blinding beams of light and cracks of thunder filled the room. Toshi flitted his eyes back and forth.

“Watch for shadows!” he yelled to Krista as more stunners went off. The others cowered under the assault, but Toshi raised his retrieved pistol in unison with Krista and they filled the air in front of them with projectile fire. A shape materialised as the firepower drained whatever cloaked it. Toshi linked to Krista, and they stopped firing as she retreated to the corridor.

Toshi turned and gave his full attention to the thing which had been Dwenn. The other three warriors were on their feet and crossed to back him up.

Dwenn stood, her face a mask of rage, murder and madness. Toshi felt the power emanating from her, but he was confident she’d be unable to withstand an assault by four Liberi.

“It’s over, Dwenn,” he said. “You have power, I’ll grant you that, but there’s no way you can take all of us at once.”

Dwenn’s eyes narrowed, but instead of hesitating, she smiled. “Hmm, an interesting turn of phrase, Toshi. I may just have to do that.”

She tilted her head back and laughed.

None of them could ever recall a crueller, more tormented sound, and it shook them to their core, rattling their confidence as an irresistible sensation of fear grew deep in their souls.

How could they hope to defeat this power? Toshi thought. This being had returned from death to confront them and was unstoppable. As she stood there, emanating the terrible energy, the Liberi quaked with terror and shrank back. None of them dared to move in case they drew the wrath of this mighty one before them, but even as their terror mounted, they began to be awestruck by her incredible beauty.

Toshi wondered what he saw in Laren, when in comparison to this vision before him she seemed so plain.

Dwenn continued to laugh. It was such a lovely sound, musical and full of joy. Toshi knew he would do anything, absolutely anything in his power to make her happy. He loved her. They all did. Who could fail to love this being of insurmountable perfection? As he looked at the others, he saw tears matching his own flowing down their cheeks. They were blessed to be in the presence of their Goddess, and they bowed before her, offering up their souls.

OUTSIDE IN THE CORRIDOR Krista fell to the floor, the contents of her stomach barely remaining within her body, as bile stung her throat. Her head exploded with pain, and she curled into a ball, shaking uncontrollably.

She felt the initial fear grow into an attempt to twist her emotions; to draw her into complete devotion to the being. She felt a tug, and something lurched at the core of her being. A need to offer herself to her new love threatened to overwhelm her, to strip her of any will or self control.

Krista gritted her teeth. She felt...knew who did this. She’d been in love with Dwenn for years before the final battle where they’d both died, so she knew what she was being forced to feel now was wrong, that her mind was being raped and abused by this creature. She understood now how the other Liberi were twisted to betray their friends.

They were utterly and helplessly in love with Dwenn, and any wish she suggested would be a further way for them to worship their goddess. They were powerless against the demands of their hearts.

Krista’s heart rejected the false emotions, and she shook as she regained her own will. Slowly, she uncurled her quivering limbs, shaking her head to remove the last vestige of the corruption. She knew she had moments to break the spell, for she knew that’s what this had to be. The others would be drawn in hopelessly and totally, and soon they would be lost forever.

Krista steadied herself and prepared for a fight to the death with her true love.

“So, Dwenn...miss me?” she asked, as she stepped into the doorway.

The reaction was instantaneous. The cackling laughter halted and Dwenn took a step backwards in shock. Krista was vaguely aware of the others as they slumped to the floor. She just prayed to the Maker she’d recovered fast enough to save them, but let a breath out as Toshi cursed. Her lips twisted briefly. Toshi never cursed, so she took this as a good sign.

She turned her full attention on the figure before her. The madness in Dwenn’s eyes was still there, but it seemed to soften as Krista watched.

“Krista?” Her voice was like a little lost child’s as her expression lightened. “Is that you? Oh, my love, thank the Maker you’re here!”

Dwenn’s features turned desperate and horrified, as tears formed in her eyes.

“Please Krista, please save me,” Dwenn pleaded. “I’m trapped in here, trapped inside this...this, thing.”

Tears flowed down Dwenn’s cheeks as she continued. “You wouldn’t believe the things it’s making me do, Krista...terrible, awful things, but I can’t help it. It’s too strong for me...I can’t stop it. Please, Krista...please help me.”

For the briefest instant Krista wavered. The voice, the way she held herself, it was all Dwenn. She took a step towards her, ready to take her in her arms and tell her it would be fine.

Her Liberi’s heightened awareness revealed a flash of contempt in Dwenn’s eyes, before the creature she had become renewed the facade.

Krista maintained her mask of concern for her lover as she walked slowly towards her.

“Thank you, oh thank you, Krista.” Dwenn spread her arms to receive her lover, gratitude evident on her face.

Krista entered the embrace, resting her head against Dwenn’s shoulder, as she passed an arm around her back to draw them closer. As Dwenn began to close her arms around what she thought was yet another willing puppet, Krista plunged the blade up into her ribcage, deep enough to rupture the heart of the girl she loved.

Krista realized at last her hope had been foolish. There was nothing left of her Dwenn, except the memories this thing was using to deceive them. She knew Dwenn’s soul had been twisted and corrupted beyond any attempt to heal it, and her only choice was to release it from its torment.

The creature’s face was close enough to kiss, and Krista did so now, just a peck on the cheek. It was enough to say goodbye, as the body of Dwenn pushed itself back and looked down at the knife protruding from her chest.

“Why, Krista?” The creature evidently wanted to maintain the act to the end, to punish her old lover as much as possible, but Krista decided she’d had enough.

“Because Dwenn died years ago, when your bastard master murdered her,” she said in a voice colder than death. “You’re just a shell, a poor copy of the person she was. The wonderful, brilliant, girl who I loved completely.”

The creature was on its knees now, with black, dead blood pooling beneath it.

“All you have left is a whisper of her, trapped there inside you.” Krista held Dwenn’s head in one hand as she drew another knife. “One I’m about to set free.”

“You won’t do it, bitch.” The real evil inside revealed itself in a last ditch attempt to save its life. “If I die, I’ll take her soul with me. I’ll spend eternity playing with the slut. I’ll make her curse the day she ever met you, by the time I’m done, your precious little Dwenn will...”

She didn’t finish the sentence. She might have found it difficult with the blade between her teeth, pushed upwards into her brain. The creature fell backwards in a heap. Krista stood silent for a second before whispering one word.

“Liar!”

She stretched out her mind, and watched the light of a single soul arise in joyous freedom. It seemed to linger for the briefest time, and Krista was overcome with a feeling of love and gratitude before the released essence of her love’s soul passed into the Never.

Tears flowed down Krista’s face as Toshi gathered her into his arms.

Goodbye my love, she thought, as she leant into Toshi and wept.

SANCTUARY—THE ATTACK on B’ran

Derren had never been in B’ran’s quarters, but Laren had. During their time on the Island she had recounted the meeting she’d had with him, shortly after arriving on Sanctuary. How B’ran offered her a drink which must have been drugged, as the vague memory of him forcing himself upon her sickened her.

She had been seven years old at the time. Old enough to know what had happened was wrong, but young enough so B’ran was able to ridicule her story, painting her out as a misguided child with a vivid imagination.

Laren attempted suicide a dozen times over the years before she met Toshi. What started out with him being her protector and counsellor had grown into mutual love between them.

So as she stepped through, into a room which had been a place in her nightmares for years, she shuddered. Then Katheryne was there beside her, and she felt the strength renew within her, and her confidence return as this presence which was Katheryne linked with her and bolstered her spirit.

Derren was there along with Chran, whose skin was bright green, a sure sign of his eager anticipation. As Laren closed the portal she looked around the room, the entranceway to B’ran’s quarters. It was empty, but music could be heard playing from an open doorway ahead.

Derren took the lead and advanced toward the sound. A quick glance around the frame and he looked back, two fingers indicating two people in the room. The rest of them closed up towards the doorway, but Katheryne put her hand on Derren’s arm.

There was something...wrong. As she extended her senses into the room and saw B’ran for the first time, there was an aura of....staleness, surrounding him. He was definitely alive, but it was like he was preserved, not fresh somehow. Then as Katheryne tasted his thoughts, the truth and the revulsion it caused within her made her withdraw, disgusted.

He was using the energies of the young Liberi to extend his life, siphoning off their life force a trickle at a time to inflate his own. He should have died years ago.

Derren saw her sickened expression, but Katheryne signalled she was fine, so they approached the doorway, and Derren flew inwards.

The other person in the room was one of the traitors, a Liberi called Rhen, from the planet Oaxa. He was large and reptilian with claws at the end of his long fingers. Derren had known him for years, and although they weren’t as close as Toshi or Laren, they had spent many a night drinking each other’s health.

His betrayal had hit Derren hard, but not as hard as he hit Rhen now. Derren knew he needed to take the reptilian out fast using maximum force and violence, lest Rhen be allowed to use his superior strength and size to its best effect.

Derren’s initial attack knocked Rhen off balance but he was already recovering, so Derren launched into a fluid sequence of attacks, blows so fast they couldn’t be seen by a normal eye.

But Katheryne was no longer normal, so she watched as over a hundred punches and kicks landed on Rhen in under a second. The effect was devastating. Ren’s body convulsed so fast his internal organs battered his insides, the thick bones of his ribcage shattering and piercing his lungs, and with each successive assault blood flew from them, out of his mouth and nose. In another second Ren lay dying on the floor with Derren standing over him, breathing deeply with his hands clenched, and his eyes wide with a mixture of anger and pain.

Katheryne crossed to him and laid her hand on his shoulder as she poured her love and support into him, in an attempt to relieve his guilt. She was gratified when he turned and gave her a brief smile. A crash and a scream of fury interrupted their thoughts.

B’ran had tried to raise the alarm, but Laren intercepted him and threw him against a wall, shattering a picture frame with his head. As Derren and Katheryne turned she screamed in fury and attacked.

Laren lashed out with her foot, connecting with B’ran’s large stomach. They heard the air empty from his lungs as he flew across the room. They stood back. They knew what had happened here so many years ago. Laren needed to vent her anger. And besides; Derren had told them of the conversation in the cell. Neither felt any inclination to halt Laren’s retribution.

“Remember me B’ran?” she hissed between clenched teeth as she hauled him up and head-butted him, breaking his nose into a bloody hole above his mouth.

B’ran screamed in pain, but his voice was silenced by fear as he recognised the grown up seven year old face, grimacing two inches from his own.

“Yes, you do, and I’m glad,” she whispered. “There won’t be any drugs to blunt the pain I’m about to cause you.”

She grabbed him between the legs, and B’ran squealed like a pig as she sank her fingers in and squeezed as hard as she could. His face grew red as he gasped for breath, but Laren simply held on and smiled.

“Please,” he whimpered, “please stop.”

Laren released him just long enough for a look of relief to show on his face, before she reached down and grabbed one of his hands, twisting it effortlessly to break his arm so badly the bone protruded from his skin.

He screamed in agony and horror as she continued her assault, breaking the fingers on his other hand, punching him so hard and so many times that his face became a toothless bloody mess, but all the time careful to limit any damage which would prevent his interrogation. It was torture, pure and simple, but she had lived with torture ever since this thing had robbed her of her innocence.

Finally, she stood back, breathing heavily, her eyes red with anger and tears. B’ran cowered in a ball at her feet, and as she lowered her head to his ear, he tried to turn away. “I’m not finished yet,” she whispered, and B’ran cried out in terror and agony as she ripped his ear off.

Laren stood back, spitting as she wiped the blood from her mouth. The others looked at her with varying expressions. Derren’s was one of staunch approval, and Chran’s skin shone with a maroon tint as he conveyed his pride in her.

But Katheryne looked on in horror at the broken creature before her. Derren had just killed Ren, but that was nothing compared to the violence she watched Laren inflict on another being.

Then she remembered back to a couple of days ago, to when she had almost killed the beast. She recalled now how much she enjoyed it at the time.

As she looked into Laren’s soul, Katheryne realized none of this was about enjoyment or satisfaction for her. She had needed to do it, for if she hadn’t, she would have to live with the demons of his assault for the rest of her life.

She looked across into Laren’s eyes and nodded her acceptance. She felt Laren relax. Katheryne’s approval was important to her, much more so than the others.

Katheryne laughed inwardly. If she’d been so inclined, she might be happy about the disciples she was gathering. As it was, she was glad she’d gained another close friend and a moment passed between them as if to confirm it.

The peace was broken when Derren walked across and lifted B’ran into a chair, where he slumped, groaning in pain. Derren pulled another over and turned it around, sitting backwards across it looking directly at B’ran.

“So,” said Derren, grinning his crooked smile, “where were we?”

B’ran sat bleeding but defiant, as if the appearance of Derren had given him a sudden boost of hatred.

“You are all going to die,” he gasped, wincing as the effort of speaking caused fresh waves of pain to flow through him.

“Hmm.” Derren was still smiling. “You first I reckon, B’ran. In fact, I’m sure Laren there will be only too happy to assist, though you may not enjoy the experience as much as we all will.”

Laren leaned in, licking her lips. The blood from his ear was still on her face, and her cruel grin wiped any defiance from him.

“What do you want?” he squeaked, trembling. “You’re going to kill me, I know that, but tell me what you want.” He looked over at Laren with terror in his eyes, a fleeting glance, as if any more would provoke another attack. “Just keep her away from me.”

Laren chuckled, increasing his discomfort.

“Now...what do I want?” Derren asked rhetorically. “You, dead, but you already know that. So I suppose I’ll have to ask some hard questions B’ran.”

The grin continued to bore into B’ran and he wilted, any attempt at resistance gone.

“You can start by answering the question I asked you from my cell,” Derren said. “Why? Why did you betray your own people, people who trusted you and your friends to protect them? You have everything. Position, power.” Derren looked around at the luxurious surroundings. “You have all this so tell me, why?”

B’ran shifted in his seat before realising how painful that was.

“This was never enough,” he said with bitterness in his voice, “This is...was...a stepping stone to more. You have no idea how much power is out there for the taking.” His face had a vacant look as he imagined what he would never have.

“The master would have rewarded me with much,” he cried, “I have done so many things to assist his return, and he would have gifted me with power unimaginable.” B’ran was wandering now, madness seeming to take him as he started to ramble.

Katheryne stood beside Derren, and he sensed her essence even without physical contact. He realized her attention was directed towards B’ran.

She placed her hand on Derren’s shoulder, using his knowledge of this man she had never met to search out the chinks in the armour he might have erected against a lesser attack.

His defence was swept aside effortlessly as Katheryne emptied his mind, taking all his knowledge, all the plans and plots and deeds he had done in Tenybris’s name, and instantly she knew. And with the knowledge came the revulsion and disgust as the one act of utter evil came to the fore of his mind.

Derren felt a shudder ripple through her as the hand on his shoulder tightened to the point of pain.

He reached out with his own awareness, seeming to stand above his own body, and perceived a torrent of conflict as his soul mate stood at the centre of a storm.

Two beings battled in the confusion, identical in all respects except for their ultimate goals. In one aspect Katheryne restrained her rage to allow B’ran to exist, knowing what he had done. Derren still didn’t know what this was.

The other one, however, terrified him. It was still Katheryne, but she was frightening in her aspect and determination to destroy. As it dawned on him the target of her rage was not only B’ran, but something else unknown to him, he knew he had to act. For if the chaos inside the other being triumphed, the Katheryne he knew would be lost forever; and he couldn’t let that happen.

He summoned what power he had, so insignificant when compared to hers. The love at his core, the pool of hurt he would become if she was lost, called out to her. She answered, gladly, and Derren sensed her relief as the madness faded from her features and she looked at B’ran in disgust.

That even B’ran’s mind refused to rebel against what had been done, was proof of the depth of depravity to which he had fallen. She desperately wanted to reach out with her mind and burn his brain, slowly as it stewed in its own fluid.

But she had travelled the path of madness and rage, so she withdrew, using the love provided by Derren to force the monster which threatened to consume her back into its cage. It would be there when she needed it, but for now she had to try and deal with the revelation she had discovered.

“They killed her,” Katheryne breathed and she stood, fists clenched so tight her nails bit into her palms. Derren sensed her fury hiding beneath the veneer she was being forced to maintain.

He embraced her, and she fell weeping into his arms.

“They gave my mother’s soul to Tenybris, Derren,” she whispered, “They reached back through time and offered her up to him.”

Derren rounded on his old teacher. What he felt now was beyond hate. He wanted to end him but couldn’t. There was more they needed to know, but Derren vowed that every moment of Bran’s remaining life would be utterly miserable. And he would not die easily. Derren would see to that.

Then he looked at his lover’s face and saw the dread in her eyes. Through the link, but more so through the bond of their souls, the tragic certainty of what she had to do unfolded. He realized the truth, and his heart turned to ice.

The fate of untold realities rested in the decisions about to take place in the next few minutes. They met each other’s gaze with despair etched onto both faces; they knew there was only one choice.

None of the Liberi could do it. Their genetic coding prevented it, but Katheryne was so much more than they were. Katheryne had to go back. Go back and correct the aberration in time before the universe was utterly destroyed. She needed to return to the moment of her father’s experiment, and prevent Tenybris from reaping her mother’s soul. This would prevent him from creating the beast who would torture her dreams.

This was the easy part, at least to her. She gazed into Derren’s eyes and her soul rebelled. Finally they were together, joined at last, body and soul as one. But now Katheryne had to wipe it all away, everything they had shared and felt and experienced over the last few fleeting days. Days that had lasted an eternity, all of it would be gone.

She cried, as she imagined Derren’s heart breaking all over again as he met her alternate personas. She wondered how much longer he’d have to search for her, once the beast was gone, when he wasn’t drawn to protect her in her dreams.

Then she cursed this Great One they all believed in. If she ever met him, she vowed to kick his pompous, interfering ass.

SANCTUARY—HEARTS BROKEN

Derren ran his hand along the curve of her back. He knew she was ticklish, but the sounds she made weren’t laughter. He delighted in it anyway, as if anything escaping her lips was music to his soul.

Katheryne rolled over to face him, and she put her hand up to touch the side of his face, drawing him down to her lips, needing him to kiss her.

Heat exploded as they touched, neither seeming to tire of the other’s embrace, the contact of their bodies, physical and spiritual.

Their first physical coupling had been...intense. The experience in the dream had been the height of rapture, but it was cast into insignificance by the sensation of feeling Katheryne move against him. They had provoked reactions in each other which had driven them to the edge of madness and lust, drawing back only when both were finally spent.

Now the passion reignited, Katheryne’s hunger matched by his own, her need for him overwhelming, as her mouth parted and she invited his tongue to explore her.

Their breath became the others, as they tasted each and every sensation their souls offered. It was exquisite, perfect. What they shared made creation pale into insignificance.

The hollow in Katheryne’s dream, the same one they were both entwined in now, had been the catalyst for the passion, the helpless embrace they were in, and they needed to milk every instant, for both of them felt the disaster ahead.

For now, however, it didn’t matter. They soaked each other up. Every emotion, every feeling and memory they shared, as if they too had experienced it.

The thoughts of each other were vague, in fact they didn’t matter. Thought was irrelevant as desire took over, driving concern for anything else away. Katheryne responded as Derren caressed her, her pleasure resounding throughout him, feeding back into her in a loop of never ending ecstasy.

In the end they lay, one soul in two bodies, together for an instant, but damned to be apart forever. Each tried uselessly to draw on a thread of hope they could be forever together.

That they were here now, in each other’s arms, seemed to taunt them, somehow giving them hope they could be with each other for more than a moment.

Agony etched Derren’s face as he drew Katheryne mouth to his in a final passionate kiss. There might be another embrace before the goodbye, but this was their last sharing of souls, and they mingled, merging in mutual union.

Katheryne’s eyes as they parted were devastated, as were his. Their hearts broke as they drew apart, needing but not wanting to accept what had to be.

As they stood, and began to get dressed, it was like a wall formed between them. They both knew it was necessary for their mutual sanity, for if they gave in and defied what they both had to do, then all creation would suffer an eternity in bondage and torment, as Tenybris consumed the universe.

What they had discovered was so profoundly shocking, so ultimately destructive, it must be prevented, and Katheryne was the only one capable of doing so.

B’ran had used the twisted being Dwenn’s power to break the cardinal rule which all Liberi could not.

They realized the rot throughout Sanctuary was unassailable. B’ran, though now dead at Derren’s hand, had confirmed the majority of the leadership had already been turned, and no action by them could prevent the others from succumbing within days.

Except for widespread executions, there was no way to prevent the fall of this world. This was another force guiding Katheryne toward what she had to do.

As they walked towards the camp set up on the beach, she realized she didn’t even know how she was to do it. None of the Liberi could describe the process of time travel, because they were genetically incapable of even attempting it.

The memories she had taken from B’ran were useless, because he’d used Dwenn to carry out the atrocity. Dwenn was gone too, and thankfully Krista had survived intact. She was scarred deeply, but she was still here with her brother and Katheryne.

She thought of Perri now, and how much she missed her. She should be here, and she knew Krista would feel the same happiness.

There was something happening between the two of them. Katheryne wasn’t sure either of them knew it, but as Krista had broken down when Dwenn’s trap almost killed them all, Perri had fallen for her. Her bravado about cute guys, and her feigned shock at Krista’s sexuality had been an act, Katheryne knew now.

She supposed she should have been surprised. Perri had never given any indication of being attracted to anyone other than boys, and she knew what was emerging between her friend and Krista would, probably, surprise her as much as it did Katheryne.

But all she felt now was a reluctant acceptance, only reluctant because it didn’t matter. In a short while all this would be gone, and who would ever know if the moment needed for Perri to fall for Krista would ever come about again.

Oh my god Katheryne thought. The block was gone now that Dwenn was dead. She could go get Perri.

But just as she had this thought she realized, what would be the point? She could bring her here for a few hours, only to wipe them from reality a short time later.

Katheryne felt so alone. She couldn’t reach out to Derren without risking the possibility of both of them rebelling against what had to happen.

She couldn’t bring Perri here to talk, if even for a moment.

And Krista was still so damaged, thinking she was so alone, without realising there was another hope for her soul.

“Hurts doesn’t it?”

Katheryne jumped as she realized Chran had sneaked up on her. Sneaked may have been too strong a word, however. His people had developed a genetic ability to camouflage themselves over five hundred years ago. It came naturally to them now, enough so she could barely see him in the twilight under the jungle.

“Leaving someone behind I mean,” he continued in his deep low voice. “Someone you love.”

He sat there, dark as the jungle around him, but his eyes twinkling in sadness.

“Who were they?” Katheryne asked, sensing a kindred spirit.

Chran sat down beside her, and she was shocked to discover she had been sitting here for so long.

Derren had walked to the far side of the fire to spend some time with his sister.

“My wife and daughter,” he said, as his skin turned a shade of blue. “I watched as our home was burned by the dragons. I couldn’t lift a finger.”

Katheryne blanched in empathy as she felt his anger.

“It’s so cruel the way it happens to us you know. We only gain our power in death, they say.” He sat, and bitterness flowed from him.

“The lucky ones don’t remember. Normally the Liberi travel when they’re young, too young to remember clearly what came before their arrival. But some of us have lived a life beforehand, got married and had a family. I had both.”

Katheryne felt Chran’s pain. She felt it and needed to help him, but as she projected her power, he turned to her, palm outstretched.

“Please...don’t. I need to remember. The hurt...it, helps.” She withdrew, understanding his denial.

“You need to keep the memories for both of you Katheryne,” said Chran, now a shade of deep red. Slowly, she began to understand the subtle change in shade as passion.

“You’re about to take away the last two years of everyone’s existence, and after it’s done, there will only be one person left who will have the memories of what has happened. You, Katheryne will remember it all.”

Chran breathed deeply, before raising his head to gaze with piercing eyes into hers. “And if they were mundane, ordinary experiences, well, that would be fine. It would be unfortunate for some, of course, but unimportant to most. But you will retain the hurt and the pain the rest of us don’t remember, because we will have never experienced it.”

He grew intense now. “Your memories are neither mundane nor ordinary Katheryne. They are vital. Hold onto them, because like my memories of my family, they matter. More to you than me perhaps, though mine are precious to me.”

“But with yours, you can create a hope again. Perhaps even rediscover your love with Derren, even though he will be a different Derren from the one you know now.”

Katheryne’s heart convulsed at this. There would only ever be one Derren for her. Any other would be judged by his standard, and she knew no matter how lofty they reigned, they would be as nothing compared to him.

“I’m sorry,” said Chran. “Perhaps I should not have said anything.” He got up to leave, his skin a shade of dark blue again.

Katheryne almost let him go without a word, but she turned to him, and put her hand on his arm. She was shocked by how warm Chran’s skin was.

“Thank you,” she said, feeling bittersweet. “Thank you for opening my eyes.” She smiled warmly as she went on. “I may curse you for it over the years, but I’ll never deny you told me the truth.”

Chran nodded, grief etched on his face as he walked away.

Katheryne sat and watched him, experiencing the same pain he felt, and as she looked around, she wondered if she would have the strength to do this. All these people sat around the fire with her were about to simply cease to exist.

She rose and began a slow walk down to the water’s edge, wondering at the reality of her dream made physical, as the waves began to lap over her bare feet. She looked up at the sky, taking in its inky blackness. Sanctuary had no sun, moon, or stars. It existed in a bubble at the heart of the Never, but Katheryne felt the threads of reality flowing through the planet. Millions...billions of realities began here. But where they ended was the problem.

So much uncertainty. Enough doubt to overcome her. Suddenly Derren was there beside her, and as he took her hand she shivered, and almost pulled it away.

Instead she turned and looked up again for what she knew would be the last time in this reality.

“I don’t want you to say goodbye,” he said. “There would be little point, when only you will remember saying it.”

He stood looking down at her with that lopsided grin, and her heart shattered into a billion pieces. Tears flowed freely, dropping to the sand below as she reached up to touch his cheek tenderly.

“I don’t want to lose you Derren,” she cried, “but I know I have to. Damn it, why does everything have to be so cruel.”

She began to feel bitter, but Derren put a finger against her lips. He took her into his arms and she put her head into his chest. She could hear and feel the beat of his heart, and time seemed to stand still.

“You will never lose me, my love,” he said tenderly, tears welling in his eyes also. “I will always be there in your heart, as you have always been in mine. If the universe were to be destroyed a thousand times, it wouldn’t matter, because what we have cannot be wiped away by something as trivial as time.”

Katheryne pushed him away. “You’re wrong. What I’m about to do, to all of this,” she beckoned to the island around them, “all of you will be gone forever.”

Derren smiled and shook his head. “Not forever Katheryne...only for a little while. One day we’ll meet again.” He cupped her head gently, raising it so he could look into the deep pools of emerald light that were her eyes, the eyes which had haunted his every waking moment for decades.

“There are a few things I’m certain of, you know, and that we will meet again is one of them,” he promised, smiling. “Our souls will find the other part of itself across the gulf of the universe, and they will know each other’s essence.” He raised the palm of his hand to cover her heart, and Katheryne saw tears glisten in the moonlight as they flowed down his face.

“You just need to keep this half inside you safe and intact.” He glanced down to where his hand touched her, “so that when we do find each other again you can heal the fracture.”

He kissed her, each of them tasting the saltiness of the others tears on their lips, and suddenly Katheryne knew Chran was wrong.

She was certain, totally without doubt now, that whatever Derren she met would become hers again when their souls touched. For she knew the love for him she held within her would be enough, because it was limitless and eternal; and as her awareness drew outwards, she looked down at the two bodies below, witnessing the energies flowing through them.

It was one constant aura of golden light which at once completely enveloped them, before shifting to a shaft that passed through both hearts, before intertwining their whole beings. And between the two bodies was the single soul that bound them together, unbreakable and irresistible.

She had dreaded this moment of parting for days, and had done everything she could, made every excuse to delay it, but as Katheryne watched the scene below her, she knew she perceived a constant in the universe. And she knew, even as she soared upward, with Sanctuary now an insignificant pinprick of light below, she wasn’t leaving Derren. How could she leave something behind when she carried it inside her?

She stretched beyond, and the whole of the Never was below her now, like she was somehow detached from it. She struggled to comprehend what just happened. Surely the Never was limitless, she thought, but as she looked out, she perceived a curvature stretching over the horizon.

She thought dimly back to a high school geography class where the subject had been infinity. Infinity, if she recalled correctly, definitely did not have a curvature, of this she was certain.

So if the Never wasn’t endless, what was it?

Around her was utter blackness, the true void of nothingness she had thought the Never was. She was overcome with a feeling of vertigo, as her consciousness attempted to comprehend the sheer scale of it all.

And as if her consciousness listened to her, she suddenly held the Never suspended weightless in the palm of her hand. It was so small, but she was still able to reach in and perceive the smallest, most insignificant thread within it.

My God, what am I? Katheryne thought? God? Goddess? No, she could never be so arrogant as to think that. The being who was Katheryne shivered in relief at her mortality. She was still her, of this she was certain.

But what am I? She asked herself again.

‘You are hope!’ She heard the voice speak from everywhere at once. It almost overwhelmed her as the power behind it flowed through her, and she knew however powerful she was destined to become, would be nothing compared to this being.

Suddenly, the presence was there before her, and she looked on in wonder as a form took shape. She expected a vision of angelic power, but appearing before her was the form of an old man, ancient even, though he still had the aura of power unlimited coming from him.

“Yes, yes that’s much better,” he said brightly, as he ran his hands down over himself, inspecting his body as if it was somehow alien to him.

He wore a simple robe of brown cloth, tied with a sash rope as a belt. His hair was curly, but as white as snow as it tumbled down over his shoulders. His face, although ancient, possessed an ageless quality and an unmistakeable warmth.

“It’s been so long since I took form I’d forgotten what I looked like.” He winked mischievously at Katheryne. “Still got it though haven’t I, the ability to make an entrance?”

Katheryne gaped at his expression. This being who had just appeared before her, the one she knew possessed unlimited power, had just smiled and winked at her.

He could see she was astounded and completely confused, so he waved his hand with a flourish and a laugh; they were back on the Island.

It was identical to the beach she left just a few minutes ago, but Katheryne knew it wasn’t quite right. As she looked across to see the old man studying her with a look of curiosity in his ancient eyes, he smiled in satisfaction.

“Very good, very good indeed, you can tell this is all a construct.” He waved his hand indicating their surroundings, but it wasn’t a statement that required an answer. “I thought it might be a little more comfortable to have a familiar place where we could talk.”

Even his voice seemed ancient, thought Katheryne, but it was warm and friendly and she felt herself relaxing. She couldn’t be sure if the calmness overcoming her was natural, or some sort of spell being cast, but she knew there was no malicious intent; and there was the fact she was still curious.

“Who are you?” she asked.

The old man looked aghast for an instant. “Oh my, where are my manners. Oh my, oh my indeed,” he continued, seeming to be caught off guard and acting flustered. “It has been so very long since I’ve talked face to face with anyone, you see. How rude of me.”

He gave himself a shake, smiled warmly again, and bowed deeply before her. “Please forgive an old man’s ramblings my dear. My name is Olumé.”

Katheryne reeled in shock. Derren and Krista had told her of the legends, and the name most prevalent and revered above all others was Olumé. It had been he who had hidden the magic, and halted Tenybris’s first assault on the universe.

Her expression must have betrayed her thoughts as Olumé chuckled warmly.

“I suppose I should be glad some people remember me after such a long time,” he said still smiling. “Now let me look at you. Stand up straight dear, stand up...it’s not every day I get to see my greatest ever creation.”

Katheryne stood straight and still on reflex, but the shock caused her head to swim and she staggered. Olumé was there holding her hand to steady her. He may have looked ancient, but the hand was as firm as a rock as Katheryne felt his strength support her.

“I’m sorry Katheryne,” he said, embarrassed, “I had quite forgotten about the correct use of timing and tact.” Olumé managed to be bashful and mischievous at the same time, and Katheryne delighted in his ability to make the contradictions seem totally natural.

“I had no right to confront you with this before ‘preparing the ground’, as they say. Please sit down.” He waved, his wrist twisting in another extravagant flourish.

The fallen tree trunk appeared from nowhere, and Katheryne sat carefully, still feeling a faint dizziness.

She looked up at him as another similar trunk appeared and he too sat down. He seemed ancient, but his movements belied his appearance as his bearing upon the trunk was almost regal. It might have been a gold leafed throne, such was the serenity he possessed.

“I don’t understand,” she said in wonder. “What do you mean? How can I be your greatest creation?”

Olumé pondered where to begin. He had his directness under control now and was obviously careful about how to continue.

“Hmm, well, creation may have been a bit presumptuous of me,” he joked. “Of course I didn’t ‘actually’ create you...it’s more like you are the culmination of a plan I put in place thousands of years ago.”

This made Katheryne only slightly less confused.

“How is that possible?” she asked, incredulously. “How could you plan for one person to be born at the right time, after thousands of years have passed?”

Olumé smiled smugly and laughed his impossibly childish laugh. The sound could only be described as magical, and Katheryne was caught up in it as she smiled also.

“It was a very good plan,” he said, chuckling again. “One of my best, and even if I say so myself, I’ve made some fine plans over the years, even before my death.”

Katheryne’s jaw dropped open. How could all the power she sensed be coming from someone that wasn’t even alive?

“Yes, Katheryne. I’m dead,” confirmed the being who had been Olumé, however the smile remained on his face.

“Oh, I’m still me,” he said mischievously, “but what you see before you is a remnant of my soul, left here for the sole...if you’ll pardon the pun...for the sole purpose of assisting you with your current dilemma.”

All these revelations were too much for Katheryne to take, but she made herself concentrate, and gradually her head stopped trying to explode. But as her mind calmed, other questions came to her, ones that she never in a thousand years had expected to be able to ask.

Olumé’s remnant sat still, but was aware of the curiosity fighting to get free.

“Ask your questions Katheryne. We have a short time before we need to go.”

Katheryne couldn’t quite believe she was here, talking to a being, even the remnant of one, who had been dead for millennia. She had so many questions but time was short, so she sought the one which had bothered her for so long.

“Why did you let Tenybris win?” she asked. “I mean, it’s obvious to me that when you were alive, you were so much more powerful than he was. Why didn’t you stop him when you had the chance to?”

The being sighed, as if he had been dreading this very question, and it was with a hint of sadness that he looked at Katheryne and spoke.

“Yes, I was more powerful than Tenybris, you are correct in that observation Katheryne,” he said quietly. “But to stop him...to kill a friend, even one who had fallen so far as he had, would have left its mark on me. Even though I would have done it with the very best of intentions, I would have awakened a beast inside of me which would eventually have grown to make what Tenybris has become seem like a kitten beside a lion.”

“You see, our race...The People we simply called ourselves, we are...were, I should say, the embodiment of innocence. Before Tenybris’s fall, we had existed for thousands of years in peace, as the Land gave us everything we needed. There was no greed, for why should there be when you had everything your heart desired? But our desires were pure and unselfish, and unfortunately open to exploitation.”

“Outsiders came,” he continued, “and though the vast majority were friendly to the People, and respected the Land, there were those who were unscrupulous and greedy. They began to use the People’s bond with the Land to grow rich and powerful on their own worlds. The balance of peace in the universe was in danger of being interrupted, so I knew I had to act.”

Katheryne sat with a look of wonder on her face as he went on with the tale.

“My father and I created a simple enough spell, one which was completely harmless to the visitors to the Land, but one which halted the exploitation of my simple people instantly. You see, Katheryne, I knew that the driving force behind these crimes was greed. So without greed they were no longer a danger.”

Katheryne gaped, “You took away their greed?”

“No...no that would have been...un-neighbourly of me,” he grinned. “No, I simply masked their greed while they were on my world. They could travel there with the worst of intentions, but as soon as they stepped foot in the Lands, they no longer wanted anything more than they absolutely needed.”

Katheryne smiled as what he had said caused her to laugh.

“That’s brilliant,” she giggled, “God, you must have pissed them off.”

Olumé’s remnant laughed along with her.

“Yes, I do recall some resentment being directed toward me as they departed,” he chuckled. “I can’t for a second think why, can you?”

Katheryne was still smiling, but felt another question coming, so she calmed herself before speaking.

“So, what happened? It seems like you had everything in hand.” she asked.

The being was suddenly sombre.

“Yes, it did appear that way, and for many years it was.” He sighed, as if what he was about to say was incredibly hard for him to admit.

“The People did not travel beyond the Lands Katheryne, for obvious reasons. We were bound to it and we loved it. I was the only one who ever felt...inclined to wander among the outside.”

Katheryne could clearly see moisture in Olumé’s eyes.

“Tenybris, however, left on some mysterious errand, and it was on the planet of Sanctuary that something happened to darken his soul. Beings, frustrated with their inability to exploit my people, did something that turned him away from the light.” Olumé sighed deeply.

Katheryne looked at him in shock. “These people did this? I can’t believe that anyone could have been so spiteful and stupid to unleash him on the universe.”

“Oh, I don’t think they had any idea of how far their little plan would get out of control,” said Olumé, grimly. “No, I think they were simply trying to engineer a...change of management as it were, so they might be able to negotiate better terms with Tenybris.”

Olumé grew sorrowful again as he continued.

“The seed they planted within Tenybris lay dormant for years. I doubt he even became aware of his growing dissatisfaction until over a century had passed,” said Olumé bitterly.

“If only I had been more vigilant I might have been able to save him, but by the time I perceived how much he had changed, it was too late to help him.”

“But I couldn’t kill him Katheryne, because don’t you see?” he was clearly pleading for her to understand. “In a way I was responsible for what had happened to him. It was my spell that drove those others to carry out this act.”

Katheryne balked at this. “There’s no way you’re to blame for the evil and jealously of others...you couldn’t have known what they would do.”

Olumé smiled back in gratitude. “Thank you my dear. You may be right, but the deed was done, and it was too late for me to stop it. So I had to do my best to mitigate the unfolding disaster...which is where you come in.”

“This big plan of yours again, huh?” she asked.

“Yes, my plan. Although the plan to bring about your existence is only one of many that are slowly coming together.” He hinted, but gave nothing more away.

“The plan to shape humanity was, as I have said, one of my better ones. Even in the beginning of your evolution your race was a contradiction.” Olumé smiled as he teased Katheryne.

“You are capable of so many differing levels of emotion. With love and hate at either end, you are one of the only races in the universe that can feel both at the same time.”

“Well, there’s a thin line between love and hate,” Katheryne said smiling.

Olumé chuckled. “Do you realize you are probably the only race in existence who would even understand that phrase?”

His face darkened. “The People are a race of purity and innocence as I have said, but they are a race capable of vast extremes. Indeed, until Tenybris’s fall, my entire race had been utterly pure, with no evil thoughts ever having entered their lives in thousands of years. A lot of that was because of the rarity of travel beyond the Lands. The Lands themselves were the source of the purity, so while the People resided there, their innocence was incorruptible.

“But once a seed of evil has entered into one of us, as it did with Tenybris whilst off world, the path to the other end of the extreme is irresistible. There can be no halting the fall until hatred has taken the soul and twisted it to evil.”

He turned and looked intensely at Katheryne as he spoke. “And that is why I could not kill Tenybris, Katheryne, even if I had wanted to. I couldn’t do it because if I had, I would have set myself on the path toward hatred. I would have been terrible Katheryne, believe me when I say that Tenybris’s atrocities would have paled into insignificance when compared to mine.”

As she looked at Olumé she was frightened, but was certain what he said was true.

“And I didn’t want to, because he had been my friend for centuries before the fall. We were closer than brothers, so at the end of my life I rejoiced, because if everything I had planned came to fruition, my friend’s soul would be saved.”

As Katheryne watched, a tear ran down Olumé’s face. He sat there on the fallen trunk, clinging onto a hope he had no way of knowing would ever end in success. She began to stand but he moved first.

“But for now, we have a soul to save.” He snapped his fingers, and as he stood up, the island was gone and they were again in the void of blackness.

Katheryne felt as if she had more to say, as if more remained unsaid, but Olumé’s actions made her remember the purpose of this meeting.

“So you can tell me how to travel in time?” Katheryne asked hopefully.

Olumé looked back in amusement. “No my dear, you already know how to do that...look.” He gestured as the globe of the Never appeared before them and she was drawn deep inside it, flying faster and faster until she abruptly stopped.

Before her was her mother’s soul, floating serenely through the Never as it prepared to pass on and become one with the void, her essence to be reborn in new life.

Olumé was there at her side, watching her closely as she reached out and touched the globe of light and energy, feeling the confusion within, but receiving back a flood of love as it seemed to know who was there.

“Mom.” Katheryne’s eyes were wet with fresh tears as she poured her own love back into the sphere. She turned to Olumé. “What do I do? Can I hide her somehow from B’ran, before he feeds her to Tenybris?”

Olumé’s features grew dark as a shadow seemed to pass over them, but he brightened as he spoke.

“You don’t understand Katheryne,” said Olumé gently, as if he spoke to a child who needed gentle guidance to come to the right conclusion.

“B’ran has already done this,” he said indicating the globe of essence. “The accident your father witnessed was no such accident. It was the being, Dwenn, who reached in and ripped your mother from you all.”

Katheryne’s whole being reeled in shock. She felt like she couldn’t breathe as Olumé made this revelation, but she made an effort and slowly recovered as he continued, seemingly unaware of the effect his last sentence had had on her.

“True, the experiment your father was carrying out at the time provided her with a clearer, more accessible victim. I’m sure Dwenn was delighted when your mother was lit up like a nova by the unfortunate side effects of it.” He almost cackled at this point but managed to stop, and as he searched Katheryne’s face he became saddened as he saw the effect the news was having on her.

“He could never have suspected anything like this would have happened, my dear, so don’t judge him harshly,” he said. “As a matter of fact his experiment was a total success, except for the unfortunate consequences of course.”

His bright manner angered Katheryne, but he laid his hand on her arm as he realized that yet again he had gone just a little bit too far. “I’m sorry Katheryne; I need to mind what I say. I apologise for being so...flippant.”

Katheryne felt the sincerity and regret flowing from him, so she reached and patted the hand smiling.

“So,” she said, “now what? If I’m too late to stop B’ran and Dwenn now, can’t I go back further?”

“There is no need,” Olumé explained. “Everything we need is in place now. I just have to show you what to do.” He continued in his bright voice, but Katheryne sensed something change. She had a brief glimpse of something she didn’t understand. Olumé was hiding something from her, but she couldn’t imagine what, or why he would do so. But she had a task ahead of her so she decided to let it go, for now.

“OK...show me what I have to do,” she said, hesitantly.

There was no hint of deception on Olumé’s part as he continued, so Katheryne thought she must have been imagining something.

“First you have to understand that if your mother’s soul stays in the Never, it will be found by Tenybris. Part of Dwenn’s spell is causing it to linger for much longer than it normally would.”

“So I have to hide it? The same way that Derren hid me?” she asked.

“No,” replied Olumé. “No trick of concealment would be enough to fool Tenybris. We have to send the soul somewhere else.”

Katheryne looked at Olumé, confusion on her face.

“But there is nowhere else,” she said. “The Never is all of existence isn’t it?”

Olumé paused. He had a thoughtful enigmatic look on his face now.

“It...used to be.” He was smiling that smug smile again.

“Ah, is this another of your plans?” Katheryne smiled back at him.

“Yes, and another of my better ones again,” he laughed as he rubbed his hands together. “I’m sure you’ve heard of the Veiled Lands?”

She nodded. “The place where you hid the magic from Tenybris, right?”

“Yes, yes...well in a few moments, if I have...planned it right,” another chuckle, “a rift will open in the Veil, and you will have the opportunity to transport your mother there.”

“We’re going to send her to the Veiled lands?” Katheryne’s heart soared as she saw a way to save her mother. “You mean she’ll be alive?”

“She will survive yes,” said Olumé, his tone not conveying total confidence, and the feeling he was hiding something reawakened inside her.

“But she will be unaware of who she is until much later in her life. She needs to be mature enough to accept the tasks before her at the proper time, which is why we have to send her back in time at the same time as we transport her through the rift.”

“But isn’t that dangerous?” asked Katheryne, remembering the conversation with Krista back in the Chapel. “What about the risk to the future if she does something wrong?”

Olumé swelled with smugness. “All planned for my dear. She’ll not be in this universe, so any action she takes there will have no effect here, you see?”

“Right...I think,” said Katheryne doubtfully, but another question arose urgently.

“OK, you say whatever she does won’t affect this universe,” she pondered, “but what about the Veiled Lands? Couldn’t she somehow damage them?”

Olumé smiled, and looked on Katheryne with an expression of the utmost pride.

“You have exceeded even my greatest expectations my dear,” he beamed. “Yes of course, you are right, but that is also something I have planned for.”

He might have been about to say more, but Olumé expectedly looked around, as if he tasted the Never, before fixing Katheryne with an intense stare.

“It’s time, are you ready?” he asked.

“But I don’t know what to do,” she said, panicking.

“I told you, that’s what I’m here for,” laughed Olumé, as he reached out and took her hands, grinning and somehow managing yet again to take her concerns and worries away.

He took her hand and guided her, as she used her mind to search for the image he painted in her head. She began to see it, a slight tear in the fabric of the Never, and as she concentrated, it expanded outwards. Before her a window in the void opened into a green and bright world.

There was a forest stretching below them for as far as they could see, and Katheryne marvelled at the sheer vitality coming from it. The power and intensity of the life coming from this world dwarfed anything she could ever have imagined.

At Olumé’s mental suggestion she shifted them, and they dropped down into a wide meadow.

Here at ground level the force was almost intoxicating, and she was almost caught up in it, but she knew she had a job to do, and so drew her awareness back into herself.

Katheryne felt Olumé inside her mind, guiding her actions as she shifted the view in the rift.

As she looked upwards the sun began to speed across the sky, blue turning to black as night sped on before day. Faster and faster it became, before it was a blur of greyness.

“How far does she have to go back?” Katheryne asked. Her casual tone surprised her as she realized what she was asking. How far should she...Katheryne, send her mother’s soul back in time?

“Oh, about sixteen years should suffice, time works slower in the Glade,” Olumé replied.

As the blur slowed again to become a beautiful sunny day, Katheryne felt her mind grasp onto the soul of her mother and move it over the threshold. She looked on in wonder as the globe of light crossed over into this amazing place, drawing energy from its surrounding, using the increased vitality available in this world to transform into a baby girl as she gently lowered her to the ground.

“She’s so beautiful,” Katheryne whispered, crying freely.

“Your mother said those exact same words when she first laid eyes on you.”

Katheryne looked across in disbelief at Olumé.

“I have been ‘keeping an eye on you’ since before you were born Katheryne,” he revealed, smiling gently, but there was a hint of something else there, and Katheryne sensed a shadow pass over his heart as the rift began to close.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, all of a sudden concerned for her mother again. She looked back as the rift shut. “Won’t she be safe there?”

“Yes my dear,” Olumé said, but his head was bowed, “Your mother will be safe in the Glade, until it is time.”

“Then what’s wrong? Haven’t we done what we set out to do?” asked Katheryne.

Olumé seemed to deflate, all the happiness and mischief he previously projected seeming to evaporate.

“I’m sorry to say that yes, we have done everything exactly as I...planned it.” There was no glee or satisfaction this time, and panic and confusion set in within Katheryne as the remnant of Olumé turned to her with tears in his eyes.“I’m sorry Katheryne,” he said solemnly. “Your mother’s soul would never have been found by Tenybris, for he would not have been drawn to the innocence he so savoured.”

Katheryne didn’t...couldn’t know what was happening. She had saved her mother, moved her across time and space to ensure Tenybris had no way to find her.

So why was Olumé so melancholy when they had won?

“Separating them was the only way. If there had been any other possibility, please believe me I would not have done this. I have watched across the ages for any opportunity that would have prevented the need for this...travesty, but my plan, my greatest ever plan relies on it, if you are to triumph eventually.”

What did he mean eventually? What other way? Why was he sorry? Who had he separated whom from? Her mom had been the only soul here.

The old man became transparent, as if with his task complete he had to return to the energy he truly was. As she watched him return to the Never, and dissipate throughout the whole universe, she sensed a feeling of great sadness and regret, before at last Olumé was gone.

Katheryne was alone again. Her mother was safe, but what had Olumé meant? What had he done to feel so tragically sorry for?

She felt lost and confused for what seemed like hours as she wandered the Never, but just as she decided she should return to her own time and face the aftermath of what she had done, she was overcome with a feeling of utter terror.

All around her there was a presence, a malevolence that dwarfed the power of the beast by several levels of magnitude.

Katheryne searched for the monster bound within herself, intending to release its fury and power, only to realize this thing around her was capable of swatting anything she threw at it like a tiny insect.

Her horror mounted. How could she fight this thing? Derren and the rest had been wrong, their prophecy utterly flawed. She felt the consciousness that was Tenybris approaching, could sense the ravenous hunger and thirst.

For a second the voice of Olumé whispered in her head, ‘You are hope, Katheryne...use it.’

She didn’t fully understand, but her strength renewed as final defiance manifested itself within her. She felt Olumé guiding her again as the presence faltered and shifted its attention.

What could it be shifting to? Katheryne was alone here, now that Olumé and the soul of her mother had gone.

Then she realized the dreadful truth. She wasn’t alone. There was another presence here, and she turned to behold a tiny globe of light. So tiny it could only be one thing.

It was a light as pure and bright as a sun, and familiar to her as she recognised the voice which had saved her from her own monstrous rage. It was a soul so innocent, that as she had deflected Tenybris’s attention, he had been drawn to it.

Katheryne looked on in horror as Tenybris moved toward the infant soul. All she had time to do was reach out and touch it for a fleeting instant, desperately joining a shard of herself and her hope to her sibling, before she watched helplessly as Tenybris dragged her baby sister’s soul away across the Never, screaming in terror.

THE GLADE—FAERHAVEN

Gwenyth and Amilee stood gazing in awe at the sight before them. They’d walked most of the day, leading the Brownies along seldom travelled paths through the forest, but now they stood at the edge of FaerHaven, the home of the Faer folk.

Both of them had been here before, but the sight was always breath-taking in its magnificence. In a clearing stretching up through a large opening in the canopy above stood the Tree, and the light from it lit their faces and the forest around. Hues of gold and silver mixed with the rich greens. The aroma of life and freshness was everywhere.

The Tree was the vitality of the forest, and the essence of every bud on each and every living plant was bound to it, flowing and ebbing throughout the boughs that stretched towards the sky. It was huge, dwarfing the other mighty oaks at the edge of the clearing, and pinpricks of light could be seen flitting through the branches above, resembling hundreds of tiny fireflies.

Both of them knew these were in fact the Faer themselves, and as they left the cover of the trees, several of these tiny figures flew swiftly toward them. As they approached, Gwenyth saw them take shape as they seemed to grow. Indeed, by the time they had reached the pair, the figures had grown to normal size. As they landed lightly on their feet they folded a pair of gossamer wings in against their backs.

There were three of them, and as they looked at Gwenyth and Amilee they smiled brightly and happily, giving of an aura of carefree purity. Unfortunately, Gwenyth was only too aware of how thin this shell of innocence could be.

The Faer were by no means evil, but their peculiar definition of fun could have stretched the imagination way beyond anything even she would dare to try.

And the power they wielded was multiplied tenfold when they were in the clearing close to the Tree, so it was with caution that Gwenyth began the greeting.

“My Queen,” she bowed toward the figure dressed in gold and green robes of silk.

“You do us a great honour in meeting us like this. Thank you for accepting our request for audience.”

The Queen looked across at the male wearing a silver and blue robe, and the other who was attired differently. His crystal armour shone with a magical light, and his sword, also crystal, burnt with a blue flame at his side.

“So Cantror,” she teased with a musical tone, “Do you still feel threatened by these two younglings? Their courteousness alone belies the wild rumours I have heard of them.”

Cantror took his hand off the pommel of the sword to point at Gwenyth and Amilee.

“This pair have led me a merry dance for years, Majesty,” he scowled, “If it’s not stealing ambrosia to intoxicate the bees, it’s fighting running battles through the streets of the Citadel with our own younglings. They are a menace and even that one’s father agrees.”

The third person chuckled and Cantror glowered at him.

“It sounds much more like younglings having fun than an attempt at widespread destruction my friend,” laughed Thomyne, the prince consort. The sound was melodious and merry. He turned to the two girls.

“I know I shouldn’t say this, but Cantror has just reminded me how funny your trick with the bees was...Do you know it took the herders three days to sober them up? Oh the furore they raised was so hilarious, I haven’t laughed so hard in years.”

Gwenyth looked across at Amilee, who wore an incredulous expression on her face.

“Actually your highness,” smiled Gwenyth, “We didn’t mean to get them that drunk...we sort of, dropped the barrel into the hive.”

The Queen and Thomyne chuckled their musical laugh, as Cantror continued to glare grumpily at them.

“You see?” she grinned at Cantror, “Hardly a case for capital punishment my old friend, simply younglings making merry.”

Cantror reluctantly shrugged his shoulders.

“They do seem to have perfected a degree of respect that we seldom encounter in their people,” he grunted, “Perhaps they have grown out of their foolishness.”

He gave the girls a look which told them he suspected this about as much as he thought he could breathe underwater.

The Queen looked at them, the smile still on her face but with an air of curiosity.

“So, what brings you to the Tree Gwenyth? I sense this isn’t a social visit, although your other, visits could hardly be called this either.” She grinned mischievously at the pair.

“You’re right of course your Majesty,” she replied, “I...we, have a favour to ask.”

“Hmm...a favour.” The Queen smiled as she glanced over at Cantror and saw his face redden.

“Why should we grant a favour, especially to you Gwenyth, daughter of Hallor,” she asked, smiling enigmatically. “You and your friend here have caused quite a bit of disruption among my people, so why should I feel the urge to help you now?”

“Because it’s not for us,” replied Gwenyth, “We found some...friends who need assistance, and we thought you might like to help.”

The Queen stared back with her head tilted to one side, as if she was listening to something far away.

“Ah, yes...the Brownies.” She smiled at the shocked expression on the girl’s faces. “None can approach the Tree without permission, whether consciously sought or unconsciously granted.”

“We have been watching and assisting the Brownies for a few days now,” the Queen continued, “We have ensured that when they camp it is always within a stone’s throw of a stream or spring, and we have taken care that their route has been close enough to plants which could provide them with fruit and berries.”

Gwenyth was amazed but warmed by the generosity of the Faer Folk. They were not often known for their hospitality.

The Queen seemed to hear her thoughts.

“Brownies are part of the forest, as are we. Though distant, they are kin to us, and we would never allow harm to come to them.”

She turned her enigmatic smile on Gwenyth, “But I suspect that you are thinking of a more...permanent arrangement?”

Gwenyth smiled in relief. She had expected a lot more animosity and resistance than was apparent here.

“Yes, my Queen,” she admitted, “They are fleeing from darkness at the root of the forest and have no home to return to. If somewhere safe could be found, nearby where you could perhaps keep an eye on them? I would be...in your dept, Majesty.” Gwenyth bowed again.

The Queen’s face darkened for a second, but it was Thomyne who spoke next.

“We are aware of this shadow at the heart.” He frowned. “We have lost a scout who went to investigate and are readying a force to journey in search of him.”

“You’ve lost a scout?” blurted Amilee in alarm, “but the Faer can’t get lost, this is your forest!”

The Queen turned to her. “Indeed my child, it would take something most unfortunate to prevent one of my people from returning to FaerHaven. And there is a sickness growing on one of the branches at the heart of the Tree itself that remains untouched by all our healing arts.”

The smiles and veneer of happiness were gone now as Gwenyth realized something had changed between them. In caring for the Brownies, they had shown the Queen and her consort they had a concern for the health and wellbeing of their forest.

“Is there anything we can do to help, Majesty?” asked Gwenyth.

The Queen pondered for a time before speaking, “Thank you, Gwenyth for your kind offer. I would appreciate it if you could carry warning to your father and the Council of the situation. I cannot leave the Tree while it is sick, for fear of it weakening without my bond, and I have no one else who can be freed. Your appearance here today is indeed fortuitous.”

Amilee highlighted just one cause for concern. “Ah...your Majesty, I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but we’re not exactly the Councils, or indeed her father’s, favorites at the moment....I’m not sure they’d listen to a word we say.” She looked down, guiltily.

“In fact I’m pretty sure they’ll think we we’re playing some sort of prank,” she finished.

“Which is why I’m giving you this to take back with you.” The Queen held out a slender arm and handed a golden bud to Gwenyth. “This will ensure you are treated as my proxy. Keep it safe and return it to me with any message the council sends.”

Gwenyth was astounded. What the Queen had just done was to appoint her as an ambassador to the Citadel from the court of the Faer Folk. No other being outside the Folk had ever been granted such an Honour.

“Your Majesty, you have no idea what this means to me,” she gasped, but was amazed when the Queen crossed to her and touched her on the arm.

“I think, judging by your reaction I have some idea at least,” chuckled the Queen, “but I think I have chosen my envoy wisely. Gwenyth, there is wisdom and power untapped inside you. You may spend most of your time trying to prove otherwise, but some of us can see past this, to the core of your being.”

Gwenyth looked puzzled as she wondered what the Queen meant. She knew she had power within her, but wisdom? Nothing she had ever done could have been defined as wise; in fact most of it came under the heading of stupid or reckless.

She gave the Queen a wry expression of thanks.

“I hope I won’t disappoint you my queen,” she said quietly.

“Oh my dear,” comforted the Queen, “you have no idea what path lies before you. Did you know that my people sometimes have visions? Our lives and dreams are so close, entwined within our race that we see glimpses of our friends and families futures.”

Gwenyth understood from stories she had heard as a child how the Faer could predict each other’s futures.

She remembered wondering at the time how she might react if she was told her life would unfold, outside of her control; no matter what she did being able to alter the prediction.

And now she sensed that the Queen had exactly this sight of her path ahead and she shivered.

“Never before have any of the Folk had a vision of an outsider’s future,” confirmed the Queen, “but last night I saw your face on a baby with the great one watching over it.... It was shifted, somehow, as if instead of the future I was seeing the past.”

She paused for a moment.

“We have memories of the past Gwenyth but this was not one of them, because none of the Folk were there to see it. What I saw was your past. You are not of this land Gwenyth. You were brought here by Olumé, but there was another there. She was hidden from me but I could feel her as a mirror of you.”

Gwenyth reeled in shock. A suggestion placed within her years ago was crying for release. But the overawing feeling was one of love, love that had been imparted upon her by the gentle touch of another.

“My daughter!” As she looked in shock at the Queen she received a nod of acquiescence. “How?”

“Great things are happening around us Gwenyth,” waved the Queen as she turned around to look up at the gap in the canopy.

“You have your task, my request for assistance from your people,” she said, “this you must promise to carry out.”

Gwenyth nodded.

“When you return, we shall explore who you are and where we should go,” said the Queen. “The Veil is breaking and the boundaries are merging together. Soon we shall return to the battle we thought we had escaped.”

The Queen stared back in grim determination.

“But first we must deal with the seed which has been planted here, because it is also not of the land. You were put here to help us, Gwenyth, for none of us here are equipped with your power, and if I can help you awaken your life...you can save us all.”

BELFAST—THE APARTMENT

Katheryne lay in her bed alone, as she had done for over a week since their return from Sanctuary.

She knew there were other people around here somewhere, others who cared deeply for her just outside the door, if she would just gather the strength to accept them in.

And she knew at some level within herself she was hurting them terribly by the simple act of not letting them help her.

But above all other thought was what she had done. The heinous crime she had willingly carried out.

She had arrived back on the island, the timeline intact, and Derren, along with the others had been completely oblivious to what had occurred. Everyone was as she had left them, because the realities had not been altered.

Yes, she had gone back and rescued her mother’s soul, but the beast still existed, and so everything which had happened was untouched.

It should have been a happy time, as she was returning to the Derren she had always loved, but the meeting had been ruined as she’d revealed what she’d done. Instead of her mother’s soul trapped in torment within Tenybris’s creation, it was the pure, helpless soul of her infant sister. And it had been her doing.

Nothing and nobody had been able to divert her from this self-destructive spiral she was stuck in. Indeed, if it had just been her sister’s loss she had to face, it might have been recoverable. But the fact was all their fears were turning to certainty.

Tenybris had retained his creature, which would inevitably corrupt a soul to gain a foothold in the physical world of this reality. And the fact this creature held a shard of her, in the form of her sister, tortured her waking hours and sleepless nights.

Sanctuary was lost. Shortly after her return, over fifty Liberi invaded the island. Katheryne didn’t know if they were truly servants of Tenybris, as the attack and resulting retreat was too swift to taste any more than one or two minds. True, one was confused, uncertain about what she and the other Liberi were doing, enough so she remained on the periphery of the battle. But the other one she tasted had the taint of corruption unmistakably emanating from him.

Toshi had thankfully planned for such an eventuality, so right now Earth hosted a force of six Liberi. They were all who managed to escape the battle. Toshi, along with Chran escaped with Derren, Krista and two others.

Laren and the others had been lost, at least one of them dead. At the last moment, Laren held them at the portal and used her ability to manipulate the link against the enemy forces to cause a feedback loop among them, giving them a brief few seconds of confusion to escape. But in doing so she had used her mind as the conduit, and in the resulting bedlam she was captured.

Toshi was distraught in grief, more so because he didn’t know if she was alive or worse, if she was herself any more.

Katheryne blamed herself for all of it. She had failed. And she lay now; awake in her bed, wallowing in her guilt.

She could feel the others close by in the apartment. She could share their feelings and this made her plummet even further into despair as she knew it was she who was causing their pain.

Derren barely hung together, as the person he loved above all else self-destructed while he watched, unable to do anything.

Krista watched her brother fall apart, while desperately needing Katheryne to come back to somehow save them from the hopelessness they faced.

Toshi was here too. His emptiness mirrored hers as he thought of Laren, and what torment she might be enduring at the hands of the enemy.

And then there was Perri. Perri who barely understood what had happened, and was so out of her depth when it came to the matters of the greater universe.

For a week, she watched as Katheryne gradually shut down and withdrew into a shell of depression, almost afraid to do or say anything lest it make matters worse.

And for a week she had given in to the advice and guidance being given by the others. I mean, how was an ordinary girl from Belfast supposed to understand what was going on in Katheryne’s head after everything she’d been told?

Which was why she was at this moment standing outside Katheryne’s bedroom, trying to drum up the courage to give her friend the biggest kick up the ass in the history of reality.

Perri was pretty sure if the others had a clue what she was about to do they’d have stopped her. But then, they hadn’t known Katheryne for the years she had.

There was no way they could know how alien this new one was to the real Katheryne, so Perri was determined to do what she could to bring her friend back; kicking or screaming maybe, but she wasn’t coming out of this room until she had her safe in her arms.

She raised her hand, hesitating briefly before knocking and entering. She didn’t wait for an invitation as she flung herself onto her friend’s bed.

She lay in silence for over a minute, mentally begging her friend to acknowledge her presence, but as she turned her head she saw Katheryne was still in the same position she had been when she came in, sitting hugging her knees at the top of her bed.

Perri hadn’t been present when events were unfolding on Sanctuary, so she heard everything second or third hand. And in doing so she read between the lines and put all the disjointed parts together in a fashion she could understand.

She was pretty sure the picture of what had happened in her mind was not what they individually remembered. Each of the others had missed certain key facts the others possessed, and she tied them all together.

It wasn’t their fault; they were caught up in their own grief and were all still in a state of shock.

“So,” she began, “How is your mom?”

Katheryne jerked her head around to look at Perri, her face set in an expression of shock and anger.

Perri was gratified to see her question provoke any response but wasn’t about to stop.

“You do remember your mom don’t you?” Sarcasm dripped from her voice, “You know, the person you saved...the person who is alive because of what you did?”

“Stop it Perri,” pleaded Katheryne.

“Stop what?” Perri replied, innocently. “Stop telling the truth? Stop pussy footing around you like everyone else? Stop letting you destroy yourself because something happened you could never have prevented?”

Katheryne’s face went white with pain and denial as she put her head into her arms and didn’t make a sound.

“So which is it Kat?” asked Perri. She sat up and turned around on the bed to face her.

Katheryne looked at her as if she was afraid of her, but Perri knew she was more afraid of what Perri was going to say.

“Perri, you have no idea what I did,” cried Katheryne, “I gave my sister, my baby sister, to the most evil thing in the universe. God knows what he’s going to do to her.”

Perri knew Katheryne was traumatised as visions of torture flooded her head. What she was about to say might tip her friend over the edge she was precariously teetering on, but she had no choice. If she was going to save her she had to do this.

“Kat, you already know what Tenybris’s done to her don’t you?” said Perri quietly, “You’ve seen what she’s become.”

Katheryne looked at her with a horrified expression on her face.

“Sorry Kat, but you need to hear this,” said Perri, “I’m pretty sure you’re blaming yourself for everything, aren’t you?”

“Damn right I am Perri!” Katheryne wailed, “I mean who else’s fault is it? I had one thing to do...I had to stop Tenybris getting his hands on a soul to use for his creature. I couldn’t even get that one little thing right, and because I screwed up everything is gone.”

Perri looked straight into her friend’s eyes.

“Kat, if you’re going to be totally honest with yourself that’s not what you went back to do. You went back to free your mother didn’t you?

“Yeah sure the result would have been the same,” Perri continued, “Your mom’s soul, or whatever it was, well it would have been freed, and Tenybris would have been stuck in his prison, yeah?"

Katheryne sat with wild eyes and shook her head in denial.

“But all this wasn’t what was meant to happen Perri,” Katheryne countered, crying, “I was supposed to save my mom and that would have been it. Tenybris would have been gone and...”

“But he wouldn’t have been gone, Perri interrupted, “he’d have still been there, safe and snug in his prison. Wouldn’t he Kat?

“And he’d be safe from all of you, all of those friends of yours on your island that you’re supposed to unite and multiply or something... Sorry, I still haven’t heard this prophecy completely yet.”

“The prophecy’s wrong Perri,” spat Katheryne bitterly, “Nothing I have could ever stand up to what I felt out there. And even if I had the power to unite the others, Sanctuary is gone, there’s no way we can ever go back there. It’s hopeless Perri, just hopeless.”

The last sentence was a sob.

“OK so just out of interest,” inquired Perri, a curious look on her face, “Is your mom alive? I mean, really alive Kat?”

The effect was exactly as Perri hoped. The despair flowing from her friend was abruptly dammed, as the realization of what she had done hit her. She had gone back to save her mother and that’s exactly what had happened.

But she thought that in saving her mom she’d be ending her life, simply letting her pass on, but instead she moved her...somewhere else. To this Veiled Land, where she now had a body and was truly alive.

Perri didn’t know how she was doing it but she could see her friend’s thoughts, almost at the same time as she thought them, so when she began to sense a branching back into her destructive path, she had an instant in which to act.

“You didn’t know about the baby did you? Kat, this may hurt, but frankly I don’t give a shit; what you saw, felt whatever, it wasn’t even a baby.”

Perri paused to give both of them a chance to think.

“We saw your mom a week before she died remember? Did she look pregnant? I’m not saying she wasn’t for a second Kat, but if she was, it was early days. Early enough that what you saw wasn’t, couldn’t have been a baby.”

“A foetus?” Katheryne sat for a second, gripping the edge of the bed as the truth hit her. “Perri, if that was a foetus it was incredible. The intelligence, the awareness it had was amazing.”

“Which is why you thought it was your mom when you heard the voice, you said it was familiar, remember?”

“But it wasn’t mom, it was...oh my god Perri...even now, she’s still there, inside that thing. And even after being there for more than two years she’s still fighting it!”

“And my mom, she’s alive,” Katheryne was smiling again at last, “She’s alive Perri!”

Perri saw the spark of hope ignite within her friends mind, but like the ember it was, it needed to be nurtured and fed before it would be strong enough to burn through her current depression.

“You did the right thing Katheryne,” said Perri. “Don’t you see? If the creature hadn’t been allowed to exist, then Tenybris would never be found. And if you’re this Foundation thing from the prophecy, he has to be found now, when you’re alive, not in god knows how many more thousands of years...now Kat!”

“But what about my sister?” Katheryne faltered. “Foetus or not, that’s what she is Perri...and I gave her up.”

“No you didn’t Kat,” insisted Perri. “You didn’t give her up, because that would have meant you’d known about her, and the only one there who did know about her was this Olumé person.”

Perri had laid it all out now. The whole picture was right there in front of her friend. All she had to do was take it all in and put it together.

And as she watched, her friend’s eyes lit up with a life which had been missing for weeks, and Perri at last saw her friend looking back at her. She was broken and battered more than anyone had ever had a right to be and survive, but she was back. Back to where she could get the help and support she so badly needed.

Katheryne whirled round on the bed and wrapped her arms around her friend, and Perri felt the hot tears as they hit her neck. She sobbed like a baby for what seemed like an hour, but couldn’t have been more that 10 minutes. Perri held onto her, saying nothing but simply being there. It was enough.

“You did it again Perri,” whispered Katheryne, “you saved me.”

As Perri looked at her friend, she saw a light which had been restrained in hopelessness finally gain freedom. And not just see it, she felt the joy coming from Katheryne. Indeed, she felt the presence of the others, and their not so happy auras.

She figured this might be about to change, and smiled broadly back at her friend. Whatever power was emerging inside her could wait.

She got up and pulled Katheryne to her feet. She was unsteady for a second, but Perri was there as always, her rock in all ways possible. She looked at Katheryne, and could perceive the nervousness below the surface, but this was easily outshone by a solid determination to never slide so deep down inside herself again.

“Ready?” asked Perri as she opened the door to the room.

Katheryne gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and nodded.

As she walked into the living area, six sets of eyes looked up, but there was only one person who she sought.

Derren looked up, an expression of desperate hope etched on his face, dreading for a second he’d have to look on the wretched being his soul mate had become, but a second was too long as he saw her.

He took two large strides across the space between them, and took the smiling, laughing, and crying form, lifting her to cradle her in his arms. Her arms were around his neck, and she pulled him down to kiss her. Neither of them would ever have thought their previous encounters were ordinary, but this coupling paled them, made them nothing as the rapturous energy flowed around them.

Everyone felt it, and the fear and doubts they had experienced over the last week evaporated as their wonder spilled out of them, their vessels no longer able to contain it, it was so powerful.

Krista came to stand next to Perri and took her hand, tenderly. Both of them knew there was something growing between them, though neither felt a need to do anything about it just yet.

And besides, this was Derren and Katheryne’s moment, and they watched the joyous reunion in silence.

Even Toshi was lifted out of his melancholy by the exuberant energy flowing through him. Who couldn’t resist this, he thought. With this amount of love and hope on our side we’re invincible.

Derren released Katheryne to stand, but they still clung to each other, as if they feared to let go ever again.

Katheryne managed to break reluctantly free, and stood looking at her impossible man. Impossible because she never imagined this much love could exist in the universe, the depth of emotion they felt for each other was inconceivable.

Derren looked down and returned the same glowing expression. She was glowing, brighter than a sun, but he didn’t, couldn’t look away. The pain and uncertainty of the last few days was washed away as his wish came true. She had returned to him. He sensed the damage, but it was nothing compared to the strength and will at the forefront of her mind.

“Hello you,” he breathed, smiling the lopsided smile which never failed to catch her heart.

“Hello you, too.” Katheryne smiled, causing an equally effective reaction.

“I thought I’d lost you again,” said Derren, huskily, “you know you need to stop doing that. I might start to take it personally.”

“I think you’ll be able to hang onto me for a little while this time,” she chuckled, “at least for a day or two.”

“Only for a day or two? Is that all I get?” He feigned rejection, “And here I was thinking you loved me.”

Katheryne looked up, as she realized something hadn’t been said.

“I love you Derren,” she breathed, “even though this is the first time I’ve said it, I’ve loved you for years, and saying it now feels so amazing I just might cry.”

“I love you too Katheryne,” he whispered in reply as he drew her close to him again.

Nothing more needed to be said. They had a little time before the next battle.

Just a little.

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The End

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