Five years ago576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXPt3dilea
Mpunde Girls Secondary School576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyuQu5fE0s
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU1EZUCb9c
It's Saturday. Unlike other people, I now hate Saturdays. This is the one day I always got to enjoy when I was little, as it was one of the days that you don't get to go to school. You get to sleep late the night before and wake up whenever you felt like it. Now that I'm older and at a boarding school, Saturdays are almost like any other day of the week, especially when there's one thing happening that day: Inspection.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysD9sZYoFn
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN6V3OaBY3
I groaned as I lazily sat up in bed. The morning bell hadn't rang yet and I noticed that almost everyone in the dorm were on their bunk beds, fast asleep. The good thing about Saturdays is that we get to wake up an hour late from the usual time. I looked out of the window across the room and saw the sun slowing rising up to the east. It's only a matter of time before one of the prefects sounds the morning bell. I better get up and head for the showers when there's still time.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMSTCMU59r
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jKqIRxxaX
I got out of bed on the down bunk and stood. I looked at Christine on the top bunk, sound asleep. She has a weird way of sleeping with her arms over her head and one foot out of the covers, dangling over the edge of the bed. I always had to be careful when getting up from the down bunk because of it.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwJtG1KYVx
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WDhrmBrLK
I wore my slippers and started to make my bed. At the far end of the room, I heard the noisy creak of a bunk. Someone's up early too. I soon heard the sound of slippers and I turned to look down the aisle. It's Chileshe, our dorm prefect.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LH881bW7P
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSjGvz7fi2
She stretched out her arms as she stood next to my bed. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she looked at me.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB8rNW3Txr
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"You're up early," she said and yawned afterwards.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNbENQ6jTr
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"Yes, I am," I said as I folded the ends of the bed cover under the mattress. "How are you this morning?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFO9RELNHV
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoMEdOLHVW
Chileshe had her hands on her hips as she arched her back, stretching.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvGmMLb3S2
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"Ah, my body is aching because of sports," she answered. "And my legs feel like l've been wearing rocks for shoes."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreyRoc0Ru1
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"Ya, I get the feeling," I said as I smiled at her. It's funny how I didn't feel my body ache so much like it always does after sports.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGemSRnpiXA
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnxmV16Nq4
Chileshe yawned again and this time she tried to cover her mouth. She continued her way down the aisle for the door.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTXvCeZ1CZ
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKTG9rnSv5
"I feel old already," I heard her mutter. I smiled at her as she walked away.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOk8ka1Pjo
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPvKeXgyc1
After making the bed, I changed out of my pyjamas and took my bath towel on top of the suitcase and covered my body with it. I fetched for my toothbrush and toothpaste in the suitcase. After unscrewing the toothpaste tube, I squeezed out a bit of paste and placed it atop the bristles of my toothbrush. After putting the toothpaste away, I went to the other side of the bed where the small locker was together with my bucket and Christine's piled over the other. I took my first towel behind the locker. It had tiny rails on three sides, making it easier for us to hang our things there. I placed the towel in the bucket and took my soap case in the locker, placing it in the bucket as well.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhZKVP4DV6
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VKHflBK6F
I straigthened up and noticed Christine move. I thought she was going to wake up, but she didn't. It's best not to disturb her. She didn't like to be disturbed on a weekend when she at least had an extra hour of sleep.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeYxceUMNt
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkhkyruRel
With the toothbrush in my hand and the handle of my bucket in the other, I was ready to go for a bath. Just as I took a step into the aisle, I felt a weird sensation run through my neck. I froze for a minute, then turned around. I looked around the little space in between the bunk beds. I didn't seem to see anything unusual. My dorm mates on the next bunk were also fast asleep. What was that just now?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHOs06mFo9
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3mFG5jexm
I ignored it and walked down the aisle, heading out of the dorm.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVT7aS56Ve
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxtx5fD2Sb
When I stepped out, the first thing that caught my attention was the sunlight hitting the green leaves of the two trees on the lawns. A slight breeze blew past and the leaves swayed as though dancing to the soft tune of the wind. The whole dorm area is quiet. It felt exotic just to experience this moment of peace.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IMbVaToWw
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwm1WQdyt2
I took in the lovely fresh air and smiled to myself as I headed for the ablution behind the dorms. So far, I hadn't met anyone on the way. The whole school must be asleep with probably a few of us awake at this time.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fDk1Z4o5z
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pWXDuuWl8
I found myself outside the ablution. I had to fetch water first in the bucket outside the ablution building.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72nVjBoo41
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwX1fzYUHz
The tap area was empty. I placed my bucket under one of the taps to draw water, then went inside the ablution. The place was cold and silent. It won't be long until the aisle gets flooded. I tried not to think about it as I went over to the sinks to brush my teeth.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEZueQUIUz
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYdziFutj4
I ran my toothbrush a little under the open tap and placed it in my mouth. As I brushed, I heard one of the doors from either one of the shower cubicles or toilets draw open. I figured it must be Chileshe or somebody else. I spat out the toothpaste and rinsed with water. After spitting it out, I turned my head a little to see who is heading out of the ablution. But then, something struck my mind.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvI03bjZqj
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I hadn't heard any footsteps.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYKA7J31MX
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I fully turned around to look behind me and I saw no one standing in the aisle. This is creepy. I couldn't even tell which door opened because most of the doors to the shower and toilet cubicles were either closed or opened. Some of them stood slightly ajar. I'm freaking out for no reason. Maybe one of the doors flew open due to the wind. The funny thing is, I never felt any breeze pass through the door the whole time I was in here.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSH0X3kO0H
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2Mh9FKKQZ
I walked out of the ablution not thinking too much about it. These things happen. The last thing I want is to think about ghosts and what not.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN9GGx9fl5
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGLUhtjTDa
Outside the tap area, I found my bucket overflowing with water and I quickly closed the tap. Soon enough, Chileshe walked out of the ablution.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMm8yw1SJg
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62PFGXdb03
I didn't say anything as she headed for the dorm area. Maybe it was her whom I had heard. I almost blew out a sigh of relief, but I soon realised that I had my toothbrush in between my teeth. The last thing I want is for it to drop to the ground. The tuck shop where we buy most of our necessities from rarely opens on the weekends.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQyc40MeKF
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVpzTWG3Zi
I went inside the ablution and got to the first shower cubicle. I swung the little wooden door open with my foot and stepped inside with the bucket and the soap case. Once I closed the door, I started to bath.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHYp0xITgu
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVXiaHKA8g
I hummed to myself a familiar song. It's nice to have the entire ablution to yourself sometimes. You get to make as much noise as you want. It sometimes reminds me of how much noise I would make back home in the bathroom.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gv0rkTPr6
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yQHPFUtCx
As I poured water all over my body, I thought I heard a noise outside the shower cubicle.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTMiTBW9uF
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYtWrB1MLU
I stopped what I was doing to hear, but after a long quiet pause, I continued to bathe.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPgD5GIjNR
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Nwax0b0e
Within a few minutes, I heard the faint sound of the metal bell being hit. It's time for the whole school to wake up. I'm already done with my bath. I wrapped and tied the bath towel around my body, poured away the remaining water in the bucket and stepped out of the cubicle. I heard the faint sound of footsteps outside, and I knew some girls were making their way to the ablution.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVn6NcsJfX
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCGF4niqvF
I'm about to head out, when I hear something fall to the floor with a loud thud. I looked down the aisle. It felt like the noise came from the far end of the ablution.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitlQ4mFNhp
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4BNhEOhpl
Should I go and check it out, I ask myself. I don't think it's anything to worry about. I decide to go out when the door to the ablution soon shut itself in front of me. I stare at it, startled. Did it just close in on itself? There was no one standing outside to have done so.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkkqysgTal
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0JBzXfYa4
I turned back to look at the far end of the ablution and soon, the whole place grew colder than usual. The hair at the back of my neck stood up. I felt a sudden presence hiding behind the corner of the last shower cubicle, their breathing echoing around the ablution. Or was it just me?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmgrB6o5nM
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N2hZc3xcW
I started to rub my arms with my hands. The place felt like a freezer now. I breathed out through my mouth and saw cold mist lingering in the air before disappearing. What's going on here?
The deep breathing at the corner became much deeper this time. I wonder who could be behind there. Should I go and see who it is? The thought of doing so, made me freak out a little as I felt my heart start to beat faster. All this made me remember something that I wish I could forget.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06AvBQEWKQ
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz264Bu3ELd
The day I met Death.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAb0ZdiVo9
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis2K0RiF0x
I took a step back and found myself hitting my back onto the sink that was now icy cold. I looked around and noticed the place slowly getting covered in ice. I started to shiver like crazy now. Did Death finally catch up to me like he said he would? Was this really the end for me?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPpTO6rvCl
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9EBHnqWtx
The floor beneath was covered with ice and I shivered like hell. If Death really is here, he would have faced me like he did before. Why isn't he doing so now?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGClH8aPU0
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAcV2N8FkP
The breathing continued at the far end and I thought, if he isn't going to face me, I better go to him, ending this once and for all.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1C4VQmaDYd
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua8FMPuWbM
I dropped my almost frozen bucket onto the icy floor and slowly walked down the aisle, shivering. As I walked, snow started to fall from the ceiling. I looked up and didn't see the tinned roof, but white clouds. I looked back down and it was then that I realised that I wasn't in the ablution. Where there was supposed to be a line of shower and toilet cubicles, stood a line of tall pine trees covered in snow.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqStPqNvTb
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYga0VLSLDj
Where am I? Snow and pine trees? What is this place? How did I get here?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluByoslswq
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfNhQx3CGo
I stopped on my tracks and for a second, I forgot how cold I felt. I had never experienced snow before. I couldn't believe it. It never snows in Zambia. It never has. We do experience very cold winters in June and July, and sometimes during the rainy seasons. But it has never snowed before. I am definitely somewhere else.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8579ToKSvo
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T8opoPUND
I held out my hand and a few snowflakes fell onto my open palm. It was then that I noticed my hands were very pale. I remembered the day I met Death. I was just as cold as this, but there wasn't any snow or trees around.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUOM776Faz
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBtRmzRufG
The deep breathing I heard earlier caught my attention again, and I followed the noise. Maybe if I found whoever is there, they might help me out. If I stayed out here like this in only a towel and slippers, I'll freeze to death. Now that surely would be the end of me.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT4MQHKmp7
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bh5hCzKjS
The pine trees were neatly lined up on either side, and I continued to walk down the aisle to whoever was straight ahead. It's a pity I couldn't move fast enough with all the thick snow at my feet, slowing me down. Not to mention my legs were growing numb due to the cold that moving them felt like I had stones tied around my feet.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDEprIsuC6
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj2DCxmLm7
The person's breathing grew louder and within minutes, I found myself at the end of the aisle where the line of trees ended. And in front of me stood a vast land of snow, covering the ground for hundreds of miles.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfMq9fKXxM
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I continued to look onwards hoping to see if there were any buildings nearby or a few trees like the ones behind me, but no luck.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAZ7h8tC23
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PrB4jZcwb
I shivered and I continued to breath heavily. My lungs were getting affected by the cold. Now I see why people in the Northern Hemisphere who experience snow get to wear a lot of warm clothes. I am in dire need of them right now.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3c8AHaz7J
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCZ2p9fThZ
I heard deep breathing again and I quickly looked to my left towards the last tree on the aisle. I saw a black cloth on the snow behind the tree. There was someone seated there on the snow with their back against the tree wrapped in a black cotton blanket or something. The head was tilted to the side that I couldn't see the person's face.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiZ5HrIyaH
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSPVlxtNJv
"Hello?" I called out as I slowly approached.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7ukApxgUA
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8hmDKfx47
The person didn't respond and I noticed that the person wore a black hood over their head. I stopped for moment, thinking that I've stumbled upon Death while he's asleep. But then, I realised that the person under the hood is human. Death wouldn't be leaning against a tree in the middle of nowhere taking a nap, would he?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk3t1tinep
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjVbGXakLK
I slowly continued my approach and was within arms length. I stretched out my cold, shivering hand to hold the person's shoulder and try to wake them up.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrrJKJu8fH
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAkbtiC7oM
Just when my fingers were inches away, the person's left hand wrapped in a black glove, abruptly held my hand by the wrist. I gasped in fright and my heart beat quickened. I tried to back away, but the grip on my wrist tightened all the more that I felt my bone would snap.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCz6kH2XY1
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw2mCHW5D4
"Aargh!" I yelled, trying to pull away, but to no avail.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv7cZsDTJb
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The person hadn't even flinched and I wondered what could be running through his or her mind right now. By the grip around my wrist, I could tell this person is strong, and very dangerous.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtY2p0aWZj
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmifcrh7rl1
"Let me go, you're hurting me!" I yelled.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzHYpjqrJc
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBvsXiyazf
The hand tightened again and this time, the pain was excruciating that I fell to my knees in the snow, yelling in pain. My bone is on the verge of snapping for sure.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86K3oxGbUO
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJpfLNIkFb
"What are you doing? Let me go!"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab3E6LZV58
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF2uAi5hgd
The person finally moved, turning their head slightly just to look at me. I still couldn't make out a face because the person had a black mask covering the lower half of their face, and I couldn't make out the eyes.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70Ib7gtPXE
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuxUoj66l5
My other hand held on to the top of my towel, stopping it from falling. It would be embarrassing if it did and the person in front of me turns out to be a man. But that meant I couldn't even try to defend myself with my other hand held in a tight grip.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWlakqX0Xz
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzVzhocSXo
"Please, let me go," I pleaded. My knees were buried deep into the snow and that made me freeze all the more.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZY0QwuQRm
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1E2ZPJ7Ft
"What are you doing here?" the person asked in a female voice.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7EOEn3kHV
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMur4aXljlx
I paused. The person is a she. I tried to say something but my mouth couldn't produce any words. There was something about her that made me shake even more.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2g0oPmK4e
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeGhraW6yj
"I asked what you're doing here? You're not supposed to be here."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19Ghha4qV2
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcNQGYcqIe
"I-I," I stuttered. "I just found myself here. I..., I don't know how I got here."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf3w938kSc
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKrM6Z281N
"Leave," she said as she pushed my hand away with so much force that I nearly fell in the snow on my side. I quickly held my aching wrist.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSIo3201lj
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgWH8avL9S
"But I don't know how to get back," I said. I looked at my wrist. Where she had held me still ached. It also felt hot that I could see my skin redden despite how cold my body felt.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITQdK5Bhym
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiC4ZCgv34
The person moved her head again like she was staring at the clouds up above. "This place isn't meant for you."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxvxP2djsj
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiW3LltLCu
"Yes, I can see that," I nervously chuckled. I stopped when she didn't say anything.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASCxdX7Mll
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j5WbHadGh
"Tell me how to get back," I said. "I can't stay here much longer."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKUwrG9zLh
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrnjg1ZzBh
"I can't help you," the woman replied, still looking upwards. "You'll have to figure it out on your own."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZR76MG6TL
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxqipser1D
She slowly stood up from where she sat and I realised that she had been sitting on a wooden plank. It was barely visible with all the snow around, slightly buried in it. Her black cloak almost reached her feet. I still couldn't see her face as she looked the other way.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFkENBatjn
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41RdyMfo4d
"How am I supposed to get back when I don't even know how I got here?" I asked.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM7eRCLVpT
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1AY4n61Lo
"Like I said, you'll figure it out on your own," the woman said as she slowly started to walk away.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0hj9GOEUa
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNJeov6dHF
"Wait, don't go," I called out to her as I stood up from the snow. I could feel my body freeze all over and I stared at my fingers. The cold was getting to me for sure. My fingers were numb and slowly starting to swell. The thought of them turning black due to frost bite terrified me.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIL45VoNoC
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Soon, my body gave in and I found myself falling back onto the snow on my knees. What's happening to me?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUYUNJA8JI
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gTyPioDLR
I looked up at the woman slowly walking away into a vast emptiness ahead. There was a cold breeze and I knew I wasn't going to last much longer.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7d3WSFUeQ
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YM6NmMTUB
"Please...," I said, my teeth starting to clatter against each other. "Help..., me."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpG18MexNB
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ423n9E4mlH
The woman stopped walking and she slowly turned around to face me. What is she going to do? I couldn't read her intentions, not when I can't see her eyes under the hood.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHGg5yR0tb
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcn1WvPoK4
All of a sudden, she came at me, fast. I didn't have time to react as I felt her hand around my neck.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfqLSxsOYC
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHGvmmgHYT
This time, she was close enough that I saw her eyes. They glowed a bright terrifying red, like that of a monster. I held her hand around my neck trying to push it away. She held me tight just like she did before, and she slowly brought me closer to her face. I could feel something strange from her, cold and dangerous that it would scare anyone away. I wonder why I didn't feel it earlier. It felt oddly familiar.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0RqBhMTtp
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmSXEnCt2B
"Whatever you do, don't you ever, ever come back here!" she yelled at me. "At least try not to."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIhszHRWtC
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjPbBJQ8Od
She sounded calm and sincere on that last statement. I wonder why. Why is she so nice to me all of a sudden? She seemed like one who wandered off alone and didn't like to be around people, so I practically messed up her day by showing up here. I wish she couldn't hold my neck so tight if she really did care. But I couldn't speak with her hand squeezing my windpipe, and I simply didn't have the time to.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiG1dHuiJd
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUx57swRab
Her red glowing eyes shined even brighter that I felt my eyes burn and start to water. Soon, I felt my whole face start to burn up too.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxQTfyQNF5
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmd0ILl2a6
I tried letting out a scream, but I couldn't hear myself doing so. Everything around me started to disappear and all I could see was red. My whole body was burning up like I had been poured acid, melting away my skin. This time, I screamed for sure.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkU1ieinY3
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTaOGQjzB5
I open my eyes, finding myself back in the ablution near the sinks close to the now open door.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIT14Prk1Z
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf987pxCobe
I start to look around. Where is all the snow and the trees? The woman? Am I really back? But how?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyRSBlJwNJ
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLCROjKMxv
The ablution still remained empty with only me inside. Hadn't the morning bell rang? Where is everyone?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDDOgMBXrw
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17D0LSpYNQ
I didn't need to panick as I heard the buckets by the tap area draw water and a few girls talking. I placed my hand onto my chest and drew out a breath. I'm really back. But then, I started to panic again. I quickly held my face and looked at the rest of my body. I thought my skin had been burnt beyond recognition. That would've been horrible. What if the other girls saw me in such a state? They would scream that's for sure.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ4CGYqTTQ
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4LAy2flKm
I turned around to look into the mirror above the sink. I'm okay, I told myself. Thank goodness. I went on ahead to run a hand around my neck where the woman had held me. There weren't any marks. I looked down at my left wrist. No marks there either. This is strange. What I had experienced felt real, almost like my encounter with Death. I never came out without a wound or a scratch, but I really did die that day. How come the encounter with the woman felt different yet oddly familiar at the same time?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBuzQLJ7mg
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9guweZucPy
I couldn't dwell on that for now, as a girl came into the ablution in her pyjamas, carrying a bucket. I had to go and get dressed. Standing here made me feel like the whole place would get cold again.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeB2UyJlMA
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs64MAmxmv
I walked out of the ablution with my bucket in hand and headed for the dorm. When I got there, almost everyone was out of bed. A few were still asleep. Christine was one of them.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn9S9j7CXT
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOkxj6T7t7
"Wake up, you," I said as I came to our bunk and gently slapped her on the cheek.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkzamOzfXx
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J5xZokJ6Q
"Awwh, Diana!" she protested as she turned around to face the other side.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7II26wBVF
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMlNCdRUEz
"You're forgetting that today is Saturday," I said as I went to the other side of the bunk to get dressed.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJLb9xTpFb
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlwk0Mhh67
"You said it yourself. It's Saturday."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHXTOxyZan
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNiArdel5x
"It's inspection day."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXCOje6e3a
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7dpHUFEgx
She quickly sat up on her elbow to look at me. "I thought inspection is tomorrow."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywEkKf6VzH
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0gQDlnoSL
"Inspection day last week was on a Sunday."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G7GZEe7Fg
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMDWqPPoPH
"Ahhh!" she muttered as she fell back in the covers. "Now I really need to get up."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZmhgAP691
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3q1TJUuK4
"You surely do."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGhPHgjvEV
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvm598Bs6p
Christine soon sat up and jumped down from the top bunk, landing with a loud thud. I've always told her not to do that. There are ladders on the bunk beds for us to get down safely. I certainly didn't feel like reminding her today. My words always fell on deaf ears.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCv55DLtdn
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSDBGjQFy6
"How come you managed to bath so early?" she asked.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRMrJvhLw2
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSvSklvDFX
"I woke up early," I answered as I opened my suitcase to get my lotion.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjdMsbCxb1
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiJuA1cb4L
"I better go," she said as she got her slippers from under the bunk. She took her bucket and towel, before making her way to the door.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpo4wGE5PK
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA6BKKK8eV
As I dressed up, putting on my white shirt and plain black skirt, I remembered how cold I felt in that place full of snow. For once, I felt grateful that I'm back. I really thought I was going to die there.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawyUeCtc1P
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2ZLQjEQim
I soon sat on my bed and looked around the dorm. Almost all the bunk beds were empty. Pretty much everybody is in the ablution right now. I had plenty of time to myself, so I might just head out to do my morning chores. It might be the weekend, but we still have duties to attend to.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw4g75KA0E
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb5D9H3m7I
Then it happened again. A weird chill down my spine. I held the back of my neck and shuddered. What is this feeling? And why do I feel I've to go outside?576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25naIV3yuX
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA9RXJpETu
I got up from the bunk, making my way out of the dorm. In doing so, I looked over at Amanda's bunk. It was empty, her bed properly made. I tried not to look at the bunk bed next to hers; Chisha's. I try to ignore this feeling I've about her after that dream I had, but I realise that it's hard to do so. With everything I've gone through lately, I feel there's a lot I don't know about.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ426Zn4YkNd
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwTD9tKFw3
I soon found myself by the door and just as I walked out of the room, I almost ran into Chisha. Well..., my morning couldn't get any weirder.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqC8c2K93d
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa9VX0la1G
"Morning, Diana," said Chisha.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwzrgeA0NG
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24Kpcvvl1j
"Morning," I said.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6vz7IjyOJ
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm1UKG8sTJ
We didn't speak any further as she entered the dorm and I walked down the corridor, heading out of the dorm area. I still had this weird feeling about her. I wish I knew why. If I do find out what it is, something tells me it won't be pretty.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz0pVDZZKt
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFtmt0gnXf
I went through the gate that lead the way out, and as soon as I was on the other side, I noticed that the environment around me felt so peaceful. There was no one around. Far ahead was the garden, and next to it the poultry. I remembered what happened there yesterday.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF1FimLyHh
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDl1KupkEw
A thought struck me. I'm supposed to meet Stella and the others today. But I shouldn't worry since one of them would come and get me.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5E020VHVE
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75zEvY3jJP
I started to make my way to the dining area. My dorm mates and I had switched from working at the orchard to the dining. There's always a switch in duties among dormitories.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvcrVk9cat
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnsO5UEV0P
On my way, I passed the library, and ahead was the garage where the school packed it's truck and also where they kept other equipment like the brooms used for sweeping the outside area. I hoped that the garage was open, but it was locked. Lucky enough, someone was kind enough to leave the brooms outside.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T8s3RByFm
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYykLmon74F
As soon as I reached the garage door, I took one of the brooms. I was about to head for the dining hall right in front of me when the wind blew and I felt a weird chill down my spine, stronger this time. It's as if there's someone behind me.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseobRHIvKT
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyEKeAjoca
I turned around. There's nobody there. Strange.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQmwaJ9LYC
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t7wwW7utA
I turned back around, and immediately I did, I found myself bumping into something that clearly wasn't there before. I hit my forehead and nose in the process.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUGEjDQXGa
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ0uq3FwUZ
"Ouch," I muttered, holding my nose. My eyes started to water because of the pain.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6qMYohUqj
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNGfMzh8xV
"You really should be looking where you're going," came a male voice in front of me.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZKE4pAx6T
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoIzwJjbGX
I opened my watery eyes and the first thing that caught my eye was a purple cloak.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJUx8AStXy
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkffDGXNdF
I quickly took a step back and beneath the hood was the man from yesterday. I didn't get to see his face then, but this time, I did.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJDrKNGdDx
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyaCTlsyiI
His mouth raised up into a smile. A corky one for that matter.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUnvTtEPvm
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnv03Djktq
"You're the man from yesterday," I said, still holding my nose.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnfuI2Uakb
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOk0NXj7Kx
"Yes, I am," he said. "You probably don't know my name. I'm Ryan. I see you got my signal."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8xfpf6kgn
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVk43I95xc
I didn't say anything as I continued to look at him. I soon dropped my hand. I noticed that his eyes were blue like the sky above me. They reminded me of my grandmother- my mother's mum- who also started to develop blue eyes due to her old age. But his were a much deeper blue than hers.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdrdeyoHkw
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrm5RFyJCP
"Wait..., what signal?" I asked.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4SmKSFI9Z
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r56y3ZErz
"You didn't feel anything strange back in your room?" he asked with a worrying look on his face.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPktwAAtSG3
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN39cJD7no
I soon remembered the weird chill I felt back in the dorm as I held the back of my neck. He should have signaled me at a better time than that.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTTbbw7eHK
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9d1ECLhjx
"If we're done with introductions," he said, "let's get going."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJhvIjWGcC
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfceggG2Rk
"Wait, you're taking me with you right now?" I asked just when he was about to turn around and lead the way.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzpg1KkKIw
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9QipEN5X5
"That was the agreement, wasn't it?" he asked with his eyebrow raised.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIGNsIO54q
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMq48PB6KS
"Ummm...," I turned to look behind me to see if anyone had shown up. Hard luck. I turned back to him. "Do you think it's okay if I don't go right now?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvTp1VuGWQ
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq8D14I93F
He gave me a serious look and I regretted saying that. He had his hands cupped before him, obviously contemplating about who knows what.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GLCZNpre7
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QE7lNk8ZH
"Didn't we agree that your training starts today?" he asked.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVPoTUkI7q
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgfkzJZ9Hg
"If you think about it, you ordered that training starts today. I practically didn't agree on anything."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF1rDZVwj7
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SahK1d0eL
"Don't try to wiggle your way out of this, Diana." He leaned closer. "Your training is of utmost importance."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1gt27J81H
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rfun9TomX
"But how important is it? So much is happening right now that no one's telling me. Your people seem to know, but I've to go through training before I get a reasonable explanation."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gj5qymLyI
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uDRlA8KqR
"We know you don't understand what's going on and that's why we want to help you."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bOx9Tfbbw
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPbuBYAHeT
"Oh, really? And how is this 'training' going to help me?" This time I raised my eyebrow at him.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiALHQIjLa
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJIe6f0gFl
"It's going to give you the answers you're looking for and to get you prepared." The corner of Ryan's lips raised up into a smile.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY28ycEreJ2
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmUVDIW884
"Is it physical? Am I going to learn some kind of skill?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx5O4H87J5
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhG9izsz9w
"All these questions are going to make my head ache." He straightened himself. "Come on, we better hurry."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBZG5SMEP4
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGoaybd02j
"Wait a minute," I said, stopping him from turning around again.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBElridp43b
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD55TqzDkZ
"What now?" I could tell in his voice that he's irritated. I probably looked like an annoying child that wouldn't stop bothering him.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANmoTAXEA3
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfL5FhLNRD
"I've my duties to do first and there's breakfast that I can't miss. Also-"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnrFZjBs16
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5jnjphI7Z
"Hold on a minute, young lady," Ryan held up his hand to stop me from talking, "all that doesn't matter. No one is going to notice that you're gone."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdLKQE8VM1
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXwKyzXk4K
"Are you sure? I may not be the most popular girl around, but I've friends that will notice that I'm not here."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihsX0H8n8x
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z4NF34U5t
"That's why I'm telling you, no one will notice. Not even them. And if you're worried about breakfast, you'll have something at the island. We don't want you training on an empty stomach."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4pubBZ2ev
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVA71L7A8j
"Oh..., this training is physical, then?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3FJEPiIUu
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP5WAHxTD5
"You'll see when we get there. Can we please go now?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVtetMLE1g
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfIlWjxPJ3
"Well..., alright." I dropped the broom onto the ground.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPwblfdzXF
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecVqgIuWH0
"Good," said Ryan as he finally turned around. "You ask too many questions for your own good. You can't have an answer to everything."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUsdfKnYl4
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2ojwqRsnp
"I hope it won't come to that," I answered as he lead the way behind the garage.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1vVAo9o25
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu8vIw6dYK
I heard him scoff. "Some day you'll."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG9byTMTZJ
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinOei3ZPZz
We stopped behind the garage and beyond it were houses. The teacher's compound. No one was allowed there except the prefects in case any emergency occurred in school that required any of the teachers' attention.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi37Bog0KGH
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BX6QghSo6
I turned to look at Ryan who now faced the wall of the garage. With his right hand he reached for something inside his right sleeve. He pulled out what looked like a long straight stick, purple in colour. It was then that I realized that it wasn't a stick, but a pencil. I wondered what he was going to do with it as he approached the wall. He looked at the wall as though contemplating on something. Then with the pencil, he begun to draw.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOEnwMjvtr
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4N3dyIdcW
"What are you doing?" I asked, surprised that someone like him would graffiti the wall. "That's not allowed."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4fsycvCl0
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BXVpI1cZ3
"I'm drawing us a way out of here," he replied. I noticed that the purple pencil had a purple lead instead of black, leaving a trail like a thick crayon.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQfnPYI90P
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TjxdAM05k
"How is drawing going to take us where we need to go?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCdtzlzhfc
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUL58YuA3lS
"Already full of questions, huh?" Ryan asked as he finished drawing a full round circle, almost his height. "Don't you watch fantasy movies?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq7HYGcS0D
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O8VfuzdDK
"Of course I watch fantasy movies," I said, upset with him questioning me about such. If anything, I am a big fan of fantasy.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cp4qIZMmU
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0aear6SfT
"Good, then you should know that everything isn't always as it seems." He started to draw something inside the circle. "You've heard of teleporting from one place to another, right?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Nj6EMjK0w
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiPcuMifeK
"I have. For you to do so, two places are supposed to be linked together, hence taking you through in what seems like an invisible doorway to the other side. There are other cases that don't apply to such where you can teleport however you want."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeBsjYOpzl
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGjXYNxFHi
"Good, you're sharp, I can give you that," he said as he continued to draw. The drawing started to take shape of a butterfly.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5w8IaOG8s
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq66Fs27wg
"So this drawing will lead us to the island?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFUrViKoqF
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz8OepZSKb
"Yes. There's a matching butterfly symbol on the island; many of them actually, but one of them acts like a doorway. You can easily come and go to the island, but you need to learn something important first." He finished the drawing of the butterfly dissected into four parts.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFYev1fYY5
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkbRfFpaFo
"What is it?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmcQcC2lmA
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lK7LXzDZy
"How to use it. It's not some ordinary drawing. You need to activate it for it to act as a doorway."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9ErAGA2vl
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGkO6zmAAa
"How do you activate it?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdukz1TLxgE
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhPTfDbvYW
"By a chant." He turned to look at me.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z7a7OjrhX
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu9NVqfIar
"A chant? Meaning I've to say something?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8gVsAZKBK
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtXjHKgVvn
"Yes. The bad part is, you don't know the language yet."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTX2fKQ2hg
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPcMyVJK2w
"Oh..., that language," I muttered as I remembered the writings I saw on the doorway of the Butterfly Temple.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0lp5ph5Ei
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMAo9kK4xF
"Don't worry, it isn't as hard as you think." Ryan beamed at me.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJmOZXmrz9
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q5uoiM2uM
"Easy for you to say. I've the man in green teaching it to me."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAxDZYcGOB
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdUdqMSN3u
"He's a handful, but Bob isn't that bad when you get to know him."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMfEf44UtC
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"I beg to differ," I quietly muttered to myself as Ryan turned to look back at the drawing.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeZUBQF0Em
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"Okay, we better get going."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6WPBIVBbw
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Ryan stretched out his hand and laid it on the drawing. He soon started to chant in a strange language I had never heard before. The air around started to change. It was getting warmer and I noticed the drawing on the wall start to glow.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoWPOtFBLi
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz58nXmqNW
Ryan stopped chanting and dropped his hand. Soon enough, the glow from the drawing had also died down. For a moment, I thought the wall would part in half revealing the other side, but so far, there was no change.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzig4EoSqW
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrydRcG1fIU
"Is that it?" I asked Ryan.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX61DzH8VM
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"That is it," he said as he turned his head to look at me. "All we've to do is walk through." He pressed his hand onto the wall where the drawing was and it went right through.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaTN8XpiP1
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx0YMtxZgW
"Wow. But wait..., won't someone find the drawing and get dragged in by accident?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lY7jxH3Xo
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEAPJeps22
"That's a good question. No, they won't be able to see the drawing because I've concealed it from human eyes and from supernatural creatures, except you, of course. And don't worry, if anyone were to find themselves leaning on this part of the wall, they won't get dragged in."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKhxCR8g6O
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdK8hXmiui
"So, I can use this doorway from now on to get to the island, right? Does that mean I can come visit whenever I want?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDWKpEX4JM
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68d6WPXfjC
Ryan smacked his lips, and I realized that I wasn't going to like his answer.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLxuIFh0N0
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5pTprywFN
"For now, the doorway will open only when you're summoned for training. Until you learn the language, I'm afraid you can't come and go as you please."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhJ9zfhxZY
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxPxUwz0xe
"But what if there's an emergency here and I need your help?"576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrYH9NkRDe
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgpEAmFuug
"Don't worry, there's something for that too. I'll tell you about it later. Right now, we've to get moving."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWtbXWrNcW
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4hE47FuH7
"Okay." I slumped my shoulders. Learning can sometimes be a pain, but something told me I might like what I'll learn at the island, even though it might take a toll on me.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzMltFmoQm
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KCUxKYAZG
Ryan lead the way by walking towards the drawing and went through the wall, disappearing out of sight. I swallowed as I also took a step forward. When I approached, I closed my eyes just in case I find myself hitting the solid wall instead. I took another step and I felt myself stepping into a whole different world. There was a warm feeling around me, like I've been wrapped in a warm blanket. When I continued going forward, the effect soon subsided and I knew I was in a whole different environment.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRL9x0Cr7U
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"That wasn't so hard, was it?" Ryan asked.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQUpintuGh
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I opened my eyes and I found myself in what looked like a lovely flower garden. I quickly turned to look behind me and there stood a bronze statue of the butterfly symbol. That's the other doorway Ryan was talking about, and it stood on a round stone dias.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcXEX1R8mH
576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwyBeQJbuP
"Come on, we better get going," said Ryan. I quickly turned to see him walk down the steps of the dais to the stone aisle below. "The others are waiting for us."576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPHstPREWF
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I quickly rushed down to catch up to him towards what felt to me like an adventure.576Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ozLrgFvsV
