Sorrow Is Seen Twice and Felt Once More

Alsifar’s ship floated smoothly along in orbit around Amorak’s home planet. The gentle, serene patterns it followed hid the devastated feelings of its passengers within.

Alsifar had resued his companions from the inferno, once the ship was free of the mountian Alsifar gathered the bodies of his fallen comrades and laid them on the walkway to the interior of the ship. they then flew to the open ocean, where Alsifar deposited the bodies, saying that they had no time for a proper burial.

Immediately afterward, they entered orbit.

For a long time afterward, the members of the group, who were chosen by fate to save existence, were at a complete loss of what to do. Alsifar sat at the helm, saying nothing and showing no emotion. Amorak and Justor wandered the corridors of the ship together, trying to learn the workings of the ship as well as get their minds away from the gruesome images of death.

Elsteba wandered as well, though she had significantly fewer things with which to occupy her mind. She walked for hours, changing her course only when she reached a dead-end. She just kept walking, because she knew that doing anything would keep her from screaming.

What was I thinking, getting myself into this? she thought, never letting her imagination reach farther than her eyes. What, did I think that it would be just a game? A lovely hike? Lots of work involved, but everyone will be safe?

She bit her tongue, stemming tears that threatened to reveal themselves. She repeated the same thoughts over and over in her head, and they never brought her a single bit of happiness or relief. She figured that she could just walk forever, and the haunting images of dead men’s eyes would never leave the forefront of her memory.

She stood before an automatic door, waiting for it to open itself. When it finally did, she was surprised to see Jacob.

“Jacob,” she cried. “What are you doing here?”

Jacob raised an eyebrow. “I should be asking you that, seeing as you’re in my room.”

Elsteba looked behind her. To her amazement, it was, in fact, the room that Alsifar had designated as Jacob’s.

“Sorry, I was just walking around. I wasn’t really paying attention to where I was going.”

Elsteba walked out of the room and started down the hallway. Before she could get more than a few feet, Jacob caught her arm.

“Do you want to talk?” he asked.

Elsteba tried half-heartedly to shake his hand away.

“Trust me. Talking will help you relieve some of the pressure.”

Elsteba hesitated, and then nodded reluctantly. Jacob led her to a bench at the foot of his cot. When they both sat down, Elsteba felt the tears that she had tried so hard to conceal fight their way to the surface again.

“So, first time seeing a dead person?” Jacob asked.

Elsteba nodded, not trusting herself to speak with her grief so close to spilling over as it was.

“You’ll get used to it. You probably should, too, seeing as that probably won’t be the last time it will happen either.”

Elsteba hiccupped and looked Jacob in the eye, mortified.

“I’m not talking about any of us, don’t worry. We’re all pretty tough in our own right. We have to be. I don’t think Alsifar would have called any of us out to help if we would go down that easy.”

But Alsifar didn’t call me, remember? Elsteba thought to herself. With that thought, her tears spilled over, and she began to cry.

Jacob wasn’t sure what to do. He tried to think of what he could say that would calm Elsteba down, but he couldn’t think of anything. He remembered what it was like for him when he first encountered death, though admittedly he wasn’t in the middle of a stressful and life-altering quest at the time. He was devastated on the inside and out. He tried to remember what he did to overcome the feeling.

Finally, Jacob tried to console Elsteba by hesitantly wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Elsteba reacted by burying her face into the front of Jacob’s jacket and crying even harder, letting out great wails between sobs. Jacob was stunned by her response. At first, he thought of getting away and leaving her to herself, but when he tried to edge away, Elsteba grabbed handfuls of his jacket and drew him closer. Jacob resigned himself to holding Elsteba around her shoulder while she released her pent-up stress of the last few weeks.

Jacob looked down at the top of Elsteba’s head. The sight of her crying uncontrollably on his lap caused him to remember, finally, how he had handled his first experience with a fallen friend. He remembered being exactly where Elsteba was now, and the lap was his mother’s. The revelation startled him, but for one moment, he felt what it was like for his mother, holding Elsteba close, stroking her hair, and telling her…

“Don’t worry,” Jacob found himself saying. “Do not mourn for those who have passed on. Cry softly instead for those who are living, and those who are yet to live, for theirs is truly the saddest fate. And yet, what is life to the living, except an extension of the life to those who no longer live?”

Coming out of his own mouth, rather than his mothers, these words had significantly less polish and shine than he had remembered. Looking down at Elsteba, however, he saw a grateful face looking back up at him. No way, he thought. It actually worked?

“Thanks,” Elsteba said, straightening herself up and wiping the lingering tears from her eyes. “It didn’t really make much sense, but it somehow makes me feel a lot better.”

“Yeah. That doesn’t make much sense either, does it?”

“Not at all. You probably need to see a psychiatrist now.”

“That makes even less sense.”

Before long, Elsteba and Jacob were laughing and joking to each other like childhood friends. They hadn’t forgotten the hardships that they had faced, or the challenges that were yet to come. For the moment, however, let the past be buried and the future forgotten.

Impact Zone

Alsifar Lead the Group as fast as they Could manange, Traveling through a Huge Jungle when all the Shattered Trunks of the Trees were Pointed Directly at you was Extreamaly Difficult, The Terrain was not to Freindly either. they Stopped only as nessisary, to Rest, and to eat. Despite all his efforts Alsifar was unable to lead them to his ship before Nightfall.

Gammon and Athelia had Joined them Before they Set out, though Neither talked much. this Worried Jacob.

"How are you two?" he asked after several hours of Travle. Gammon just Shrugged and Althelia Replied "chastened..."

with answers like that Jacob didn't see the Point in asking any more Questions. they Made a Few other Comments Doing their Best to Guide the Group out of Dangerous areas, or keeping them away from trecherous places. According to them Alsifar had asked them to Scout the way Before they returned to the camp. this explained their long absence. however in all cases They Both Seemed slightly Depressed.

they all talked little, Alsifar had Made it Clear that they Needed to Devote their Attention to Moveing as Swiftly to their Destination as Possible. as Sunset Approached a Darker Feeling Set in. a Feeling of doom. there was no Real explanation for it, it just settled in. even alsifar seemed affected by it. worry showed through his Actions.

Amorak seemed tense as well, he Sayed Close to Elsteba and Asked Jacob to Do the Same. Justor Became the Advance Scout, he would Journey a Little ways ahead and then Return Trying to help Gammon and Althelia Guide the group as Quickly as Possible. in any other Circomstance he would have enjoyed Firgureing out How these Holograms Could be Substantial yet Insubstantial at the same time, but he knew that had to wait.

As the Moon Drifted Higher and Higher, The Jungle Got Quieter and Quieter. Amorak who had Lived in this Place a long time had never heard the Jungle Noises Stop so Suddenly.
"Alsifar, We shouldn't be Here Something isn't right." Amorak Whispered.
Alsifar Relpied "No...something isn't Right...yet we Must Press on..."
Justor Soon Returned, "There are Strange Tracks ahead." Alsifar looked Worried
"how strange?" he asked, "it looks as if A large mass of Serpents Passed by, and something else...something with Large Five Clawed Feet..." Alsifar Sighed, "we Must Move Quickly and Silently, Justor cloak us so that we may Pass Unseen and uheard." Justor nodded, then Muttered Silently. " it is Done, i will return Again soon." he said Before Darting off again.

as the moon came to rest Directly Above their heads, They Found themselves entering the Impact Crater. the Sight infront of them was Something to behold. a huge portion of the Mountial Root had Been blown away and a Roughly Cone shaped impact crater spread from the Epicenter of the impact Zone.

Alsifar's Ship Looked like a Gigantic Crystal teardrop it Reflected the Suble Moonlight to a high degree, they could see the Reflection of the entire crater in it...even their own small forms standing on the edge. it was Almost as Large as the Remainder of the Mountian, although it Stuck out of it at a very Odd angle, it's lower half was Completly Burried in Rock.

Another Suprize Awaited their discovery but they Did not notice it until Alsifar Pointed it out.
"that is where our Freinds wait for us." Alsifar had Pointed to a Small craft that sat on the Inside edge of the Crater. its one door was open and Light was Flooding out.
"Does anyone See them?" After Looking Everyone Shook their heads.
"that's odd, from this direction we should be able to...lets go to them and see what is going on." they Quickly Moved to the Craft, no one in sight. Elsteba Jacob and Amorak Noted the Craft was Packed Full of food and water. exept for one small kubby which seemed Mostly Empty.


"justor Lower your Cloaking." Alsifar Whispered Justor nodded and Alsifar Called as Quietly as he could "Jethro, Logan?! show yourselves we have arived."


there was no answer, No noise, not of anything Living nor of air or water. Alsifar Streightened as his eyes passed over the remains of Jethro and Logan...two slightly pink skeletons.

"Quickly! you all Must Go to my Ship! Justor Cloak us." Just as he Finished a few Soft Claps Broke the Silence.

a Deep Smooth Voice broke slid out of the darkness. "they will Make nice additions to my Collection wouldn't you say Alsifar..." a Figure had appeared Dressed in a Ragged Black Cloak ripped and worn in random Places. the Hood was cast so that no one could see his face.
Alsifar Didn't reply because He knew he wouldn't be heard anyway. Justor had Sucsesfuly Cloaked them in time.

At first Elsteba Wondered why anyone would wear such an outfit, as the Figure neared she noticed that the Cloak had been Made that way on Purpose, Mostly she Guessed to Inspire fear in his enemys, and that was working. She felt very scared, a slight fear showed on Jacob's face and to her suprize Amorak also showed a tinge of fear. this didn't help her own confidence

"ah, hiding i see...i can't See any of you or hear you...however i do smell you, the result of several days in the sun and sand i suppose...Alsifar How can you stand to Live amoung Such Smelly Creatures?" the Figure said after a while slowly moving towards them

Amorak Could tell that this Being was Telling the truth, espesialy by the way it was slowly cautiosly moveing forward and tilting it's covered head slightly to sniff the air. he aslo knew that it's comments were meant to provoke a reaction. to which he had no desire to respond.

"i wonder how your current companions will react when they know they are going to die more horrible deaths, they will be live when i taste them.  you know i always liked the Fresh Prey...espesialy the unsuspecting, the First i took was completely Oblivious to my Presence...too ocupied with his own Food. ahh but the other was Much more alert, we had to fix that." the Figure Drew a long Pointed sword, it's red tip Glinted in the Moonlight, "all it took was a little distraction and a quick poke with this and well you can see the results, no struggling from him."

He can't possibly mean that he ate them?!? jacob thought in digust. who was this new enemy? and more importantly what was he? something about this person seemed to fluid too...different, to be human.

Jacob was suddenly aware of how Defenseless he was, Justor could use Magic and held a Cloak around them but if that failed? Amorak probably could Do something, Alsifar as well, But he and Elsteba had no weapons. Jacob had left his weapons on his world. if anything happened he and Elsteba would Be the ones stuck in the Middle of the Defensive Circle. He didn't like the Idea of not being able to defend himself

"Justor, Take the others to my ship, Gammon and Athelia Weapons ready, you will protect them on the way. Elsteba take my staff with you, it will show you the way in...i will deal with this one." Alsifar said gesturing towards the Figure. he Handed his crystal staff to Elsteba and it began to glow a brilliant white
Jacob Felt Power Surge through the watch as gammon's Sword Began to Glow with similar Bright white Light, and Athelia's hands did the same.
with that Justor Lead the way at a run, the others Followed Quickly. the Figure Laughed a Deep resounding laugh, " ooo, a Chase how fun! you know they can't out run me."
"you will have to go through me Demon!" Alsifar Roared. Figure Chukkled, "that is a little Easier said than done, But i Precive you are weaker than when we last Met."
Alsifar Snarled, "i can still take care of you!"
"we Shall see." the Figure Pulled its wepon up so that Alsifar could see, "such a quaint weak wepon...i far better prefer my own Tooth and Claw!" it threw the wepon to the ground.

"i was hoping you would say that." Alsifar said with a slight Smirk. then Almost too fast to see Bolth of them changed shape and Lunged at one another

the others Heard the Titanic Rumble Beguin. A titanic Roar Split the air and then the earth shook. they Saw Lights as Torrents of Liquid elemental Fire caused the Forest behind them explode into Flame and the Rocks to glow Red and melt. Sounds like the Ripping and Twisting of Metal Filled the air, Punctuated by Roars of Pain and Effort which echoed across the landscape.

"Keep Running!" Justor yelled over the noise as they reached the rim of the crater, "we are nearly there!"
The reflection in the giant crystal ship of what was happening behind them was awsome to behold. A wall of fire reached high into the sky and Shapes and shadows Twisted through it. Lightning flashed Out of the Pillar of smoke, and down into the Fire where breif Flashes of Green and Blue and Deep Red emurged. below it all a Bed of white hot rock.
The Sounds were horrible, Highpitched Screeches to Deep Rumbleings. it Seemed Impossible for anyone or anything to Create the Noises that where heard.

as the group reached the Base of the Ship castle, Alsifars Staff emitted a Small Beam of light towards a place on the Surface of the ship not to far away.
"there go!" Justor said pointing to where the light met the surface of the Ship.
upon aproaching the Light expanded and a Door way Appeared. Just as suddenly as they began the Sounds of Battle had Quieted, They all paused, catching their breath just outside the door. they watched the raging flames for the firgure of alsifar to emurge. the wall of flame didn't falter.
"do you think he was Defeated?" Amorak Asked, but no one wanted to answer.

they watched not wanting to belive that it might be true. then, the earth shook and the flames quieted. with a pained screech a large shape was thrown into the air, tossed towards the sea.

with a large burst of wind the remainder of the flames dissapeared with no sign of alsifar.

they watched in a numb daze, with alsifar gone what would they do now? they knew little about how to pilot this ship, or where to go and what to do. they were stranded on a strange world with no way to get anywere.

"ALL OF YOU INSIDE!!" a hoarse voice Rored. "this isn't over yet!" Alsifar came limping around the edge of the ship. his white robes singed and his hair burnt. " if we don't get into orbit soon, we will consign this planet to a fate more horrible than Death."

"how did you?..." Jacob started, "No Time!" alsifar said cutting him off hurrying through the door. the moment his foot touched the crystal the whole ship lit up sending light out into the night. "you coming?" he yelled over his shoulder as he continued through the passageway.

they all hurried after him

Another Course in Another Place

Four hours had passed since Elsteba Alastair had Presumably Been Annihilated...Principal Schellhous had delivered the News Two hours ago and in that Time everything had gone Crazy. The Universal Board of Education had Come Personally To Inspect the Workings of the School, and Besides a whole Plethora of Legal Issues that had suddenly Appeared the Largest one was an investigation on the The Educational Systems Method of Transporting Students. Nothing would Have Worried Mr. Slavinois Except the board had Stumbled Upon the Records of the "Unofficial Testing"...upon further inspection, these records could be the one thing that Could Point a Finger of Blame at him.

a Knock Came to his Door, "enter" he Called. The School Officer Entered the Room, "i am Sorry To inform you that this School is Going to have to Be Shut down until we can Sort out what happened here, however it seems there has Been An Arrest." Mr. Slavonois Looked questionably at him, "Principal Schellhous has been the one Named Responsible for this Disaster." "

what? Why??" the officer Smiled, "his name was the one on the Forms authorizeing the tests on the system." Mr. Slavonois Smiled Back, "well, that's sad to hear."


the Two Men Laughed For a Long Moment, "there is still a day, by then we'll have got him Off all Nice and Clean." Mr. Slavonis Nodded Sitting Back in his Chair, almost Talking to himself he said, "The Course is Set then...He will be Pleased to hear that..."

Snag in the Plans

"Why are we here, again?"

"Alsifar told us to wait here with the ship while he met with the others."

"Oh, yeah...I'm hungry."

"Well, we brought an entire ship full of food, didn't we?"

"Oh yeah...I'll be right back."

A minute later, Jethro returned to his post, his arms laden with various food stuffs.

Logan sighed and resumed his scanning of the surrounding forest, his keen eyes alert for any sign of danger.  He was particularly careful to watch for the enemy Alsifar had told them about before he left; judging by the descriptions he had been told, he had good reason to keep his senses about him.

Beside him, his brother was hungrily wolfing down food with a ravenous fury.  Where he put it all, Logan had no idea, but somehow, Jethro so far has single-handedly eaten half his allotted share of food in the past several hours, and has shown no signs of stopping.

Jethro looked up from his half-eaten loaf of bread and asked, "What are we supposed to be guarding all this stuff from, again?"

Logan looked Jethro in the eye, amazed at his show of utter stupidity.  "From the being Alsifar told us about, remember?  The Umbering."

Jethro looked blankly at Logan for a moment, then shrugged his shoulders.  "What's a Lumberding?  Some kind of wood-eating monster?  Why would one of those eat the food in a metal ship?"

"It's the Umbering, you idiot.  A being of immeasurable size, comprised of pure darkness, and seeks only destruction for the sake of destruction."

"Brother, you are hurting my head.  I can't eat right with a headache."

Jethro's whining  was beginning to get on Logan's nerves.  "How can you be eating right now?  We are on duty, protecting this ship and its cargo for those who would use it to defeat the single greatest threat to existence and order in this and every universe, and your only concern is what you can stuff in your mouth?"

"You talk funny, brother," Jethro said through a mouth that was full to the brim with nuts and salted meat.

Logan let it drop.  It wasn't the first time he had chided Jethro for his obvious lack of caring for anything other than food, and it definitely wouldn't be the last time, either.  He wondered how they could be related in any way when they were practically polar opposites.  I guess that's how twins work, Logan thought to himself, They're not normal unless they drive each other crazy.

He leaned back, allowing himself a brief respite to stretch his legs.  Even though this world was inhabited by the Umbering, he still couldn't help but notice how beautiful it was, even at night.  The trees weren't overly ancient, but they were old enough to be tall and noble things of beauty.  He looked up into the sky at the moon, in the height of its arc.  It was full tonight, and cast its light on the world below it.  He marveled how the light would land on those same trees, casting  long shadows toward them and -

Logan jumped up, his hands raised in preparation for battle.  The moon wouldn't be casting long shadows at its point in the sky.  Those shadows were also pointing toward them, due south, which was an impossible direction for the shadows to be pointing, since the moon, being directly above them, would cast shadows pointing either west or east, depending on the time of night.

"Heads up, Jethro.  I don't think we are alone."

For the first time Logan could remember in their entire time together, Jethro didn't respond with an unintelligent remark; he didn't respond at all.

"...Jethro?" Logan asked hesitantly, casting a sideways glance at where his brother was sitting.  What he saw was an empty stool, absent of even the many articles of food which Jethro was gorging on earlier.

In an instant, the darkness overwhelmed him.  Logan thrust his palm and sent a ball of light hurtling toward the mass of shadow, but this was soon quenched, and once again Logan found himself alone in a world where he could not see a foot in front of him.  He could not even see the very solid blade positioning itself behind him, at the base of his skull.  It was only when it thrust forward was he aware of his presence, and by then it was too late.

The Journey Onward

As the First Rays Of Sunlight began to peak over the horizon, the Huddled Silhouettes of the Sleeping group Began to move. Amorak watched them with an expression of Pure Boredom. Jacob Was the First to Get up and Stretch.





Slowly the others Began to Drag themselves Up off the Ground to Begin a New day, which From Amoraks Perspective Might well be the same as the day Before, though he had Learned new things met knew people and remembered Various Facts About himself he would rather have left everything the way it was.





What Frustrated Amorak the Most was the Lack Of action, they had Been Presented with a Problem but no one Moved to Try and Fix it. Amorak Seriously Doubted Anyone knew how. He was also Frustrated with this Alsifar Person, something About him still Struck him as uncomforting. Alsifar's Dramatic Arrival Hadn't helped the Situation either, it only made things more confusing, and Promising to make things more clear in a Future that would never arrive.





Amoraks' Train of brooding thought was Disrupted by Jacob who tapped him once on the Shoulder and asked "do you know where Alsifar Went?"


Scanning the Camp He Noticed that Alsifar had indeed disappeared, That Irritated Amorak a little. It was Unsettling how Easily Alsifar could slip away without Being seen, and return in Like manner.


"No" Amorak Said Responding More in a Glare than in words. Jacob Backed away, a little disturbed by the Red tint that flashed in his eyes.


"You could try a Little Optimism now and again. it would Make things a lot easier in the Future for all of us." he said Walking Off toward the water.





Amorak Studied Jacob For a moment, That was An Authoritative Statement he had Just made. it also Hinted that he Had come To accept the Situation.


"ah yes, that is how the Survivalist Mind works doesn't it. Judging every aspect of everything, Determining Threats to personal Well being and Status, Determining Opportunities for Personal Interest and Continuance. all to Make sure i Survive. so that i can go on." Amorak Found himself Agreeing with the voice that had Just Spoken. Amorak admitted it out loud, and that he had to think that way to survive here...



then realizing what had happened he scowled. He had Just been Tricked into Speaking his Mind, which was something he was unaccustomed to and something he Didn't want to do. Amorak didn't even need to turn to see who it was, he knew exactly who it was.



Alsifar smiled, "i understand amorak, but there is one thing you need to understand. You are apart of a Team now, you Need to not only think for yourself but for the others. if is a matter of Trust. Be Assured No one here would Betray you, they have no reason to. They all are trying to find it in them to think for a great many other people besides themselves and Like you everyone is trying to Square with what has been Forced on them."



Amorak glanced at Alsifar, "by you" alsifar nodded, " if it makes you feel better to blame all that has happened and all that will happen on me then do, For what it’s worth I will admit it is all my fault and that there is no possible apology that I could give to anyone here for what I have done. My actions have pulled Four People from their lives to put together a shadow of a hope of Destroying a very Pervasive evil. But it wasn’t me who Took you from your life was it? i may have placed you here as you are, but i was not the one who started this for you. Deep inside however you knew that this time would come. that i would return for you. Amorak a Duty calls it is still to be seen who will answer.”


With that Alsifar stood to his Full height which was indeed very Tall, he faced Elsteba and Justor who were Sitting Silently by the Fire Justor had roused from the Ashes. Jacob Was Returning from the water side. “A Call has Been made!” Alsifars Voice Boomed across the Space between them, causing Jacob and Elsteba to Jump in Surprise, Justor turned his head slightly. Amorak rolled his eyes, talk about a flare for the dramatic,

“A Call has been made to those who Have the Courage, the Fortitude, and the sense of Right and Wrong to do what is needed! A Call to all those who Have the Potential to Change the tread of all time! A Call to those who have the Power to Rekindle the Light that Fought against the dark and to right what has been Greatly Wronged! It is You who Are before me today that meet the Standards needed! A Duty Calls Who will answer? Who will Face their Destiny! I Ask You four around me What is Your Choice? To Fight with me against the Umbering? Or to return whence you came and Leave? What Say you!” Alsifar Pointed at Justor, he stood and Faced Alsifar, “I Say, I will walk with you.” Amorak sighed and Stood as well, “ as do I” Alsifar was right, Amorak knew this had been coming and knew what he had to do.

Alsifar Pointed at Jacob, “what do you say?” Jacob Looked at the Ground, and then at his watch, he stared at it for a long moment. His Father had Done Many things To both Anger and Gladden Him, Forceing him on an Adventure was one of the things that Angered him slightly, but Jacob Knew he had to Help in some way. he Couldn't stand to Know something was wrong and not try helping fix it. “I will walk with you.” he said Meeting Alsifars Eyes.

Alsifars Gaze settled Upon Elsteba, “and what do you say Elsteba” his Voice was Calm and quiet yet it carried all the way to her. She Frowned, she had not been expecting this. Caught between wanting to help and Feeling inadequate, she remained quiet for a long time.
Her thoughts raced, how could she do any of this? what would the others think if she decided to go back? she wasn’t even supposed to be here and yet Alsifar was asking her to join them, did he really belive she could do what he asked?

“i…” she said glancing briefly at the expectant faces, alsifars slight smile sent a Shock of certainty through her mind. “I will go with you…though I don’t know how much help I will be…” Alsifar only smiled wider, “don’t think down on yourself now, that would be the last thing we need. Now as all of you agreed you would walk with me, I Propose we start now. we have a lot of ground to cover before night falls and at this point we don’t want that to happen.”

“alsifar we haven’t even had Breakfast and you want us to go somewhere?” Jacob asked Alsifar sighed, “Can’t anyone not question me just once! I brought us Food for the way but we must leave immediately!”

“why? and where ever would we go?” Justor said gesturing inland, “we are in the middle of nowhere Practically.”

“the Longer we stay here the More likely Servants of the umbering will show up and as to where we would go we need to get something from my ship so that we can leave this world. Now can we get going?!?”

“one More question” Jacob asked, “where did the food come from?”

“I don’t have time to explain everything, but Some Friends Gave it to me, you will meet them when we get to my ship.”

Their Curiosity satisfied for the moment they began the Journey, Alsifar Passed out several Packs filled with water and food. Then they were off through the impact flattened Jungle.

TO BED!

"Jacob." Amorak Called from a Distance, "Justors' Device did not Make it through."


Jacob Looked Up from his quiet Conversation with Elsteba. "what? Why?"


"go ask Him i would not know." Amorak Replied Sitting down by the Fire.


Jacob Stood and Walked Over to Alsifar and Justor who were Still Arguing.



he Tried to Get their attention but they Didn't even notice


"Justor! What do you mean the IDMTM Didn't Make it?" Jacob Yelled Finaly


"When the Matter Transferal Beguins it can't be stopped, Usualy the IDMTM would have Appeared with me but the Glitch happened After i had Blinked out of my Exiance, leaving me Hurtleing through the void between spaces. Basicaly it Blew up and sent me into nothingness! i could have ceased to exist, it was Fortunate that this reality was so close to mine relitivaly speaking because you can't measure something that isn't there..."


Alsifar Stopped Justor with one Look and then said, " It would have been usless for what we would need it for, it can only Jump twice. once away to somewhere else, and then Back."


Justor looked annoyed " i said i was Beta Testing it! of course it wasn't going to be Perfect."


Alsifar waved his hand " justor! Let it go, it's gone. you have more Interesting Machines and Gadgets to Get aquainted with."


"like what!" Alsifar Pointed at Jacobs Wrist, "like that, and no you can't look at it now, we all need rest for what is to come."


Elsteba And Amorak Aproached Tentitively, " what Exactly is to come?" Amorak asked sounding like he really Didn't care.


Alsifar Smiled " an Adventure, the Details Of which You will find out Tommorow. Now All of you GO TO BED! i will take the first watch."


"what about gammon and Athelia? aren't they Still Out there?" Jacob asked " They are Makeing sure the Shadow is gone, as well as Keeping us Safe from other harms, still one of us should be awake just in case. They will return by Morning, do not worry Jacob as long as your safe they will be fine. Do i have to Repeat it again? all of you Go To Sleep!"


Grumbleing everyone Eventualy made it back to the Places that had Served as Beds since they had gotten there. Justor Quickly and Easily Made his own place and over time Everyone was asleep.

After all were sleeping semi soundly, Jacob arose awakened by Alsifars touch, "Jacob it's your turn"

Jacob quickly stood and streatched, "Alsifar?" jacob whispered," yes, jacob." "i've been talking with Elsteba, and she Really doesn't want to be apart of this. she Thinks it's all very interesting, but she doesn't see how she can be of use. Frankly i don't see how a tecno wiz kid, a mysterious Hermit, a normal school girl, a strange old man, a couple of Holograms, and i can save anything."

Alsifars eyes twinked in the darkness, "neither do i, but it's the only hope there is, and unless you have another plan, there is no other way...you don't have another plan do you?? if you do i would really like to hear it."

Jacob chukkled softly, " no i don't have another plan, but are you sure we can all do this?"

alsifar smiled, "Positive, if we stay togeather and find how to Complete our Parts in the Plan, we won't fail. as for elsteba, she can't return to her world yet. the Umbering is Blocking the way...i belive he has a plan for that world, so we will have to return to stop it eventualy. For now however we can't do anything untill you master how to use the watch, if you truly understand how to use the watch even the umbering won't ba able to stop you from getting somewhere. now if you would excuse me i am tired Jacob, i am glad we had this chat, but i can hardly keep my eyes open. when the moon reaches the horizon, wake Amorak, he will take the last watch. see you in the morning jacob" With that Alsifar Laid down where jacob had just risen from and Almost imidiately began snoreing.

Jacob shook his head, he was a weird Person.

Justor and Alsifar

Amorak Walked back over to where Justor and Alsifar where still in Deep Conversation about something Amorak Didn't want to or Care to Understand.

As he neared Justor suddenly looked annoyed and Began to Yell at Alsifar, "I KNEW IT!!! My calibrations were to precise for This kind of Mistake to Happen! i Memorized them all and yet you say i am Wrong! i have Photographic Memory...YOU SABOTAGED MY IDMTM!!!!!!" Alsifar Looked Slightly Embarased

"Sabotaged is to Strong a word, i would Prefer Tweaked." Justor Glared at Alsifar, "You have no idea How Much it Hurt to suddenly Be Ejected through Space and Time Faster than the Speed of Light. you Could have Killed me!"

Alsifar Smirked "You had to end up here and that was not where you were Going, you have a Job to do Little Cousin. Dead you are not, and i know enought about how the universe works to get you here Alive."

Amorak Paused, Did he Just call Justor "cousin??" that was Shocking. Yet He could not know exactly what Alsifar Ment. Amorak Stepped Forward, " Justor, Jacob Wants to see your Device." Justor Glanced Angrily at Alsifar, "sorry...It didn't make it through..."

The Way Forward

Justor took a deep breath. "So, I am going to ask this question again, and I would prefer it if I got a straight answer instead of a deep epithet from Noah here. Where am I?"

"Exactly where I said before, Justor," Alsifar said, "You are - "

"Where I need to be, yeah. Is that the only response I am going to get?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

Amorak stepped forward. "You are on my home world. I have lived here all my life. It has never really had a name, because I never thought it needed a name. Although," he added, glaring at Alsifar, "due to recent events, I'm not sure it's still the same world I know."

Alsifar laughed. "Oh good, you are starting to show some sense of humor! I was beginning to lose hope in you."

Amorak merely rolled his eyes and walked back to the fire, where Elsteba and Jacob were talking with each other in muted tones.

"...pretty sure that's why he's here."

"Jacob, are you sure? He said it malfunctioned, glitched and sent him through a rip in space. How can we use something like that?"

"I can tell he's the kind of person who lives and breathes technology. I'm pretty tech-savvy myself. If we work on it together, I know we can fix whatever problem is bugging it."

"And then what do we do?"

"We can - "

Jacob looked up and saw Amorak sitting a few feet away and stopped talking. He merely stared at him with a look that contained feelings which Amorak didn't understand, but made him feel like he had intruded at just the wrong moment.

Elsteba turned around to face Amorak. "So how is the newest member to our team of outcasts?" she asked.

Amorak shrugged. "He enjoys talking my ears off, so I'm sure he will be welcome with the rest of you."

"Hey Amorak?" Jacob said, "Can you go tell him that I want to see this device he said brought him here first thing tomorrow?"

"What am I, your - " Amorak started to say, but Jacob shot him a glare that issued a challenge. Amorak thought about it, then decided it wasn't a challenge he bothered to accept. "Sure. Whatever."