Five years ago490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUcHHgAcgJ
Mpunde Girls Secondary School490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aD3knf7sU
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh4TTNeYY4
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg4Xsf7Qas
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8k9eiqRhY
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2UGhkn9LV
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF6pjhOcW6
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr6fynm207
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGpSCI2aO4
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7V1cS7nv6
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiifCVGBsZH
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1I1q9l5g2V
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"You're up early," she said and yawned afterwards.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfsOgBSSYP
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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?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqsQSFkoUu
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Chileshe had her hands on her hips as she arched her back, stretching.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYceZgeYHff
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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."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJsSOKulj9
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdv6dvhNs7
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK4f9vzi1l
Chileshe yawned again and this time she tried to cover her mouth. She continued her way down the aisle for the door.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHnjBOLcYy
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJy341MEi1
"I feel old already," I heard her mutter. I smiled at her as she walked away.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1ZR50n7zo
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFL1pORvnp
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNGx7MGURr
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVSxDn5Xv3
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRri4mNYXe
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr7rtyTBBp
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?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpJVvqyVZ7
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrhBGdVc8Y
I ignored it and walked down the aisle, heading out of the dorm.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dedqjHO81
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQpodtoUyA
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynUYFZeOqx
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvr3k1F2pj
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl4tvkymiZ
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0c5UCsocjW
I found myself outside the ablution. I had to fetch water first in the bucket outside the ablution building.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJhszBaF4P
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jk0bzFpdu
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIkKTWRdUO
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3OB2wajqt
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrIYKBGwqe
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I hadn't heard any footsteps.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSRvAfDlAD
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI7PpJkVqy
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2bMBWgY1v
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2xqO9CfWi
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90oTA53BFB
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIPDOzMAFb
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1sW48eUsZ
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI8dJfxd4u
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzODWixDAt
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDKFBIk0zN
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIcngG0lAt
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfQf11T8yk
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rvbfzJg6o
As I poured water all over my body, I thought I heard a noise outside the shower cubicle.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hcJhbwsYL
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT4JBMRvGP
I stopped what I was doing to hear, but after a long quiet pause, I continued to bathe.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW1I68lcn3
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMLFh08T9r
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOCUycisGC
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30bw1A0MNp
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ri2PuhaWT
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDCDMZm0Mg
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdutyUULSv
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQe6Z2mAYn
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?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEqC6OqKVJ
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTmA0I8sAn
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zosVGZCLu
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxDxBim0Ya
The day I met Death.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTq6EZRoPI
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIj5EagrtV
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?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6U9Cnl6pJ
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsTU4fVa8g
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?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOP0GajCsc
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo8Pnin6VG
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcfgPva6Ui
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDvHpDg5pW
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVCAuYtl1k
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqDbXw2feZ
Where am I? Snow and pine trees? What is this place? How did I get here?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesMRwiZS0H
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj9yqOFUBP
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2mnn825CU
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotRNEk7JQ3
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nMqu0FwY0
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJYaAAJP07
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMdfBzmdLi
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PbNZpqW7T
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BYALUgygO
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYOZfSMo1q
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzGa8rgAwr
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTyPuSDGTc
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuMXj8yAXS
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTdbMX1GBI
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHRDu3uvJa
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMm7C78N1K
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOASzVwqUK
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGqCKZ2GZq
"Hello?" I called out as I slowly approached.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjJhNltBFo
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZRSHI2TxC
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?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQipzhZyCT
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoaooSIw2o
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBC5I0Px1N
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIOVc08Z1d
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"Aargh!" I yelled, trying to pull away, but to no avail.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttTKJDdDLn
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tZkUfEuem
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnrGTvF8HZ
"Let me go, you're hurting me!" I yelled.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor9zb58SzN
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrlw1IM8MT
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXllFq9Vjzp
"What are you doing? Let me go!"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6WVzDh3XS
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tsqdXSIK7
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNCT8JNf7l
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiqtb4sVKe
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WBHyQ6snu
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EYIl5g3wg
"Please, let me go," I pleaded. My knees were buried deep into the snow and that made me freeze all the more.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwsCDfoi0H
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOguQILqR92
"What are you doing here?" the person asked in a female voice.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxwhg4cKEB
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftkmRXjstQ
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6Bv6gNgSP
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgQS4WxFOr
"I asked what you're doing here? You're not supposed to be here."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJGjGMPRZb
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjsYj2kcYo
"I-I," I stuttered. "I just found myself here. I..., I don't know how I got here."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGDGwVUlEm
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsGvHDGrLK
"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfadXXS7qK
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9n6RPe1GY
"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOxBFashoY
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxOXJkxo9N
The person moved her head again like she was staring at the clouds up above. "This place isn't meant for you."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs888jv5GHX
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkDsUe58zG
"Yes, I can see that," I nervously chuckled. I stopped when she didn't say anything.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3c4xEKdAI
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvxnwIGFXh
"Tell me how to get back," I said. "I can't stay here much longer."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03WTsvJtqY
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFco7oKK4ps
"I can't help you," the woman replied, still looking upwards. "You'll have to figure it out on your own."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aIefchOn4
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8luQK84bF
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOmLmXIoAF
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUYw8P1jaL
"How am I supposed to get back when I don't even know how I got here?" I asked.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tkwVnzFzF
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcusXklfTGP
"Like I said, you'll figure it out on your own," the woman said as she slowly started to walk away.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WfDupVdpf
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUjhlUqnfO
"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCClvoRewq3
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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?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXagIwifryx
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKQramQY0l
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"Please...," I said, my teeth starting to clatter against each other. "Help..., me."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcMqKKIQoI
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviVKfG4GDB
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxtJpUUP7W
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokcaxbYlX9
All of a sudden, she came at me, fast. I didn't have time to react as I felt her hand around my neck.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKGXpimVU1
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHqoCpHnck
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgqoHzg906
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKITsEsf1R
"Whatever you do, don't you ever, ever come back here!" she yelled at me. "At least try not to."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItV2VHd48a
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi07EnsEAJe
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicbxLIxX8R
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvAagMJRwR
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyqHEKs4I8
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHJeMzgVoi
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfsiHrnXFS
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqcUrXPLh8
I open my eyes, finding myself back in the ablution near the sinks close to the now open door.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ6OAiBqGG
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGWKFw4K8V
I start to look around. Where is all the snow and the trees? The woman? Am I really back? But how?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVsfmi6GoH
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVyu96uhpj
The ablution still remained empty with only me inside. Hadn't the morning bell rang? Where is everyone?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMb73ZTdkF
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ03Wu4ij6D
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyLxybr3Nq
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiShNE42LX
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?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBXeHyYI4Y
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjS8lqivDd
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJO7pBfSDT
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsitMmpaAe4
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlrvJLAFwo
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuKR0vdHLK
"Wake up, you," I said as I came to our bunk and gently slapped her on the cheek.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdsWbFuI8q
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskCQ0duhoq
"Awwh, Diana!" she protested as she turned around to face the other side.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERYfhNhO7A
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjC9RqoYmN
"You're forgetting that today is Saturday," I said as I went to the other side of the bunk to get dressed.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKgswxx0u1
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PdYGKE2VF
"You said it yourself. It's Saturday."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrbJvJg6rA
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLz0uAtcME
"It's inspection day."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTAcrbtJJh
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYeQ97H6vr
She quickly sat up on her elbow to look at me. "I thought inspection is tomorrow."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5unH5CEMzN
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MleLEjEF2
"Inspection day last week was on a Sunday."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJEJ6U09Oy
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzmYc11aiz
"Ahhh!" she muttered as she fell back in the covers. "Now I really need to get up."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3TdpP7YAo
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbZWm4qf7M
"You surely do."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgYv67x3BM
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEZkp3UqDs
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmB8UsivPp
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeE3xHLiPg
"How come you managed to bath so early?" she asked.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHozqyFrmJ2
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjfWVYTLrS
"I woke up early," I answered as I opened my suitcase to get my lotion.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKjrFMfusS
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIdSb1av2N
"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6klGi21EuQ
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvRwkLQCqj
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL0Y2auOGt
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmXLJu5AQW
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBLIAwBXHP
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUzdvarKT7
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?490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrH4ZsiNmZ
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Kt1kZ5wbF
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR15haIhltD
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8ewFBh7zh
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaeZM1TjRc
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6BtG7dtQQ
"Morning, Diana," said Chisha.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRa1A1ap9h
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CU1SHNSzF
"Morning," I said.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmK4IHZetf
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPiI1WvusX
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEcdb6Bl4W
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn002Os14vi
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBApy15UIt2
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eWIBGNDsX
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncU2zc6abv
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLGZlA344r
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22FaKlO0wc
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnqUrBvBEW
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtUNqmsEfz
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEIWEzp0cZ
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyXxT6w72n
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpTOxsgPIk
I turned around. There's nobody there. Strange.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bf2zdaICF
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MbZmRNEvU
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6FBDSszRc
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKB3ZTH8Re
"Ouch," I muttered, holding my nose. My eyes started to water because of the pain.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW3CvnrryK
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvbXEqdtZJ
"You really should be looking where you're going," came a male voice in front of me.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybzSqRsdrE
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCtHYks7qM
I opened my watery eyes and the first thing that caught my eye was a purple cloak.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4qRq3fhEI
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd55tH8Fjw
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHHXvsWVxC
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12rWK1xLWl
His mouth raised up into a smile. A corky one for that matter.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL8YOE56DQ
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBIU1pQpa9
"You're the man from yesterday," I said, still holding my nose.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oVGKWavbR
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGyjtUTSwj
"Yes, I am," he said. "You probably don't know my name. I'm Ryan. I see you got my signal."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSbuEWnVrl
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDXFzphqPa
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCejdlEe8ss
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYr5aprE8C
"Wait..., what signal?" I asked.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGALCHIwUw6
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp7H4xPjzI
"You didn't feel anything strange back in your room?" he asked with a worrying look on his face.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweHqowOgvb
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDWVedYTNh
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJInKZjkord
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv6YWYo3yC
"If we're done with introductions," he said, "let's get going."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG5tuN2SYe
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK8XjkaN3G
"Wait, you're taking me with you right now?" I asked just when he was about to turn around and lead the way.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5TO2uYHbE
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FSYl1CDfu
"That was the agreement, wasn't it?" he asked with his eyebrow raised.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe2VECp5wN
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vTU7SWB5q
"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?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENBvMsMgdb
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLN1H7Jkr6
He gave me a serious look and I regretted saying that. He had his hands cupped before him, obviously contemplating about who knows what.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8S5O1zXvg
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3nDK6FiUa
"Didn't we agree that your training starts today?" he asked.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMAEdQHuFB
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7DzYWcnQm
"If you think about it, you ordered that training starts today. I practically didn't agree on anything."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvkwNH7SpN
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP2poYGAqQ
"Don't try to wiggle your way out of this, Diana." He leaned closer. "Your training is of utmost importance."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hi5ghRKxU
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcOclhWmIs
"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."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBvsDTG3yl
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllZmVJofmf
"We know you don't understand what's going on and that's why we want to help you."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy3gUMYdTr
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eeM24rH02
"Oh, really? And how is this 'training' going to help me?" This time I raised my eyebrow at him.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjpsFcr36p
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFjxA6ChiW
"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1BKJlOQ1k
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvgORGXMcY
"Is it physical? Am I going to learn some kind of skill?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHwwEZr7NC
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsKpWDOndd
"All these questions are going to make my head ache." He straightened himself. "Come on, we better hurry."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkyxBMeT9Q
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaoQTSGf49
"Wait a minute," I said, stopping him from turning around again.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF792i82Mqy
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuxNksJzic
"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrF4pG0QmH
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPvuUJmRIP
"I've my duties to do first and there's breakfast that I can't miss. Also-"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu5DWcZvJ1
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWGVdirPRL
"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."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri9ja6IKjE
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxpzH0S7SD
"Are you sure? I may not be the most popular girl around, but I've friends that will notice that I'm not here."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegguoU0E1U
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcFsMhaxqL
"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."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAthcG4dklQ
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7l6zFyetI
"Oh..., this training is physical, then?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35ZpDo4M5W
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdNF7GDQAt
"You'll see when we get there. Can we please go now?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3Tr6bfaJo
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBJI9o3vkO
"Well..., alright." I dropped the broom onto the ground.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dTES0pOiG
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ2Mzcg8f8
"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."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZalOsAatwA
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EMj1EEvou
"I hope it won't come to that," I answered as he lead the way behind the garage.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhleIZcCtqJ
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL0juIWnY0
I heard him scoff. "Some day you'll."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSjjgy4Xs2
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGeVuBfINn
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5li72vyOi
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqT9OJsTTU
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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltSnItVbJq
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS5203ZpkB
"What are you doing?" I asked, surprised that someone like him would graffiti the wall. "That's not allowed."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxpNBRBKMt
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpvOtGVtID
"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmeoFEqq6l
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2xxwUyuME
"How is drawing going to take us where we need to go?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOceuRRB32Y
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzuoDlzJJG
"Already full of questions, huh?" Ryan asked as he finished drawing a full round circle, almost his height. "Don't you watch fantasy movies?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkBJJL9NKR
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLSLiM8NFp
"Of course I watch fantasy movies," I said, upset with him questioning me about such. If anything, I am a big fan of fantasy.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH9nXNvX7t
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgHVNpoqta
"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?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mVqusbucs
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIa0t3lPiY
"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."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBM7zARdbp
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6rVTAALuZ
"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tLLJdEYLI
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7W2VPQfnm
"So this drawing will lead us to the island?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Yb8Pq2vGj
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrGGQCGFhA
"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Gd0202tg
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQM2xnnKbD
"What is it?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVII5kHu48m
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ278ZDEcfNh
"How to use it. It's not some ordinary drawing. You need to activate it for it to act as a doorway."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQefymQlbcg
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPqwdIQjyT
"How do you activate it?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t4n3Xef2a
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAULt6Ii6Vm
"By a chant." He turned to look at me.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmwtpYMo1z
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrd0qo2Wox
"A chant? Meaning I've to say something?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEg2oinB6m
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWWX8zEpzC
"Yes. The bad part is, you don't know the language yet."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRjHvnuI5S
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QDnQuC5Nc
"Oh..., that language," I muttered as I remembered the writings I saw on the doorway of the Butterfly Temple.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOcrNZblHA
490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVnDkPXcoc
"Don't worry, it isn't as hard as you think." Ryan beamed at me.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6RLq4ThO4
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"Easy for you to say. I've the man in green teaching it to me."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkakcRDbAQ
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"He's a handful, but Bob isn't that bad when you get to know him."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdy2xcwNgA
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"I beg to differ," I quietly muttered to myself as Ryan turned to look back at the drawing.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU22rsCAvI
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"Okay, we better get going."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQT9MmyykI
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRJ7wWdmvJ
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEImj04vQi
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"Is that it?" I asked Ryan.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvOFZcEmuB
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJgVMjBqRD
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"Wow. But wait..., won't someone find the drawing and get dragged in by accident?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYyVevjnfk
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"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."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasUzSQ7rhm
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"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?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4NgZRk2SK
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Ryan smacked his lips, and I realized that I wasn't going to like his answer.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMrKguitjD
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"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."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyub8YMJtEs
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"But what if there's an emergency here and I need your help?"490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf5yleinIa
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"Don't worry, there's something for that too. I'll tell you about it later. Right now, we've to get moving."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMaTfJpV4S
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"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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMgiBeBJ1R
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEIPxyuUju
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"That wasn't so hard, was it?" Ryan asked.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew9LY3rWwo
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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.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmldGcOuHc
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"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."490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PEOo4Dlf3
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I quickly rushed down to catch up to him towards what felt to me like an adventure.490Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1TaIxRZ6g
