Hannah

    
 
Land of Dark

Chapter One: Into the Forest

“Where are we?” Ella asked. She and her best friend Samantha had been wandering around in the forest for what seemed like hours although it had probably only been thirty minutes. They were both twelve, and were staying at Sam’s house for a sleepover. Sam lived close to a huge forest so the girls decided to wander around. “Quit worrying! I know where we are!” Sam replied although really she was lost... “You don’t sound too sure of it!” After those words Ella gave up of talking anymore about it. She just followed her friend hoping Sam, some how knew where they were going.

   Now it really had been an hour. Ella sighed what could she possibly say to Sam? Sam got annoyed easily and always wanted to be right! Ella had been able to ignore that but not now! “Ok that’s it Sam we’re lost! Just admit it!” Ella finally had lost her temper! “Okay we’re lost! Now do you have any smart ideas?” Sam replied back not angrily but sadly like she had no idea what to do…. “While it looks like we’ve past this tree at least five times so I guess we have been going in circles. Every time we’ve been heading to the left so this time let’s try right.” Ella’s voice was softer now knowing that she had to find the way back. “Right…” Sam replied and with that they left, going right this time…

       Sam was about to say that it was no use when she saw the same tree from before it looked rather strange. It was brown and its leaves were of course green… Still something was different about it… “Do you notice anything unusual about this tree? I think it’s the one we’ve been passing all the time!” Sam knew it was a very odd question but she had to ask. As if the words she said weren’t the words she had wanted to say… Ella grinned at her friend, knowing not what she meant… “No it looks like a normal tree to me although maybe a bit bigger than usual trees and I don’t think it’s the same tree.” Sam chuckled in a way of response. Trying her best to look away from the strange tree… “I guess it’s nothing.” Although still she just had to turn her head to look at the tree.

“Anyways we’re still lost what should we do?”  Sam inquired a few minutes later…That Ella had no answer to… It was getting dark soon anyways and they wouldn’t be able to see, “maybe we could sleep here tonight!” Ella would love to stay in the forest over night it would be so exciting! Sam on the other hand was the opposite! (Well almost!) She liked to hike and explore but was totally against the idea of staying in the woods over night! “NO WAY!!! ARE YOU CRAZY!?!?” Her voice thundered through the forest like a screaming monkey. Ella had to giggle at the way she yelled out… “Whatever it was only a tho…” She never got to finish her sentence before she could a giant wave of wind through itself into the girls. Before they could even scream they were swept away!

              Chapter 2: Where am I?

Freezing snow was what woke Ella… It drifted down and gently landed on her nose in an instant she was awake! Where am I? She asked herself as more snow started to fall.  An in instant she forced herself up even though it was very chilly. Standing up she looked around her, snow flowed every where the only thing other than snow that you could see was trees… That was weird it was summer how could there be snow around? Suddenly she wondered where Sam was! Could the snow have buried her somewhere? It sure was pouring down! Her fears began to haunt her as she sprinted around the trees and snow!!! Finally she noticed far off in the distance blonde hair somewhere by a tree. Was it Sam? She had blonde hair! It must be her!

As Ella made a quick dash for the tree she was disappointed to find that instead of her friend an animal she had never seen before was there instead. The animal had bright blonde hair (like Sam.) it covered its whole body except for its eyes, which oddly were dark purple! It wasn’t very big more the size of a cat. At first the animal frightened Ella but as she got closer to it. Ella realized it was trying to become friends with her! It walked towards her and gave her a soft shove with its furry nose.

“Will you take me to Sam?” Ella’s voice shock as if she might think the animal would talk back to her. As if in response the animal started to trot away. Silently, Ella followed hoping some how the animal would be able to find Sam. As she trotted behind the animal she looked up in to the sky knowing she wasn’t home anymore. Maybe not even in her world.

             Chapter 3: In A New World!

Sam didn’t know where she was… At first everything had gone all weird, she couldn’t describe. Although it wasn’t like what happened to her friend, it didn’t make her fall asleep. She was awake through all of it, kind of rather dazed but definitely awake. She then saw snow, tree’s and Ella but before she could even talk to her, a thing that looked sort of like a human came up and grabbed her roughly holding her so tight it made Sam’s hands feel like fire! They were burning hot hands, grumbling something in a language she did not understand. The thing that looked sort of like a human dragged her away. 

Sam tried to scream, and of course try to run away but she just couldn’t! It was too strong for her, and anyways every time she tried to dash away. It would holler so loudly that her ears burned afterward! After walking for what seemed like hours she was forced into a cell.

“Why??” She cried from the cell! “What did I do?” Her voice boomed through every where inside the cell. Hoping some how some one would hear her, but no one did! Except for the weird human like thing who just ignored her as If it could keep out the sound of her voice. She screamed once more before she finally quieted down, realizing there was no more hope…

        Chapter 4: Some hope.

Ella did follow the strange animal for a long time. For an hour at least she was quiet just following the animal hopefully. Many times she thought she was just being plain dumb following an animal it being her only hope to ever finding her friend. Ella had soon figured out that in deed she was not in her own world… Probably because in her own world there was no snow right now, but of course there might be in a different part of the world that had snow in it! Well it was probably the animal that it being so different, yet strangely so familiar to her own animals. Well whatever it was Ella could not make up her mind all she knew was she was not in her own world…

Finally the animal stopped at a strange cell like thing… It actually had a lot of cells each were closed by a curtain that was locked up with a metal lock. Each cell a prisoner was kept in. You could tell by the sounds of each one… Ella looked at the animal oddly. “Why did you bring me here?” The animal just simply lay down and waited looking at the cells happily as if it had completed its duty… It really shocked Ella! “Well what am I supposed to do?”

 As if for an answer she heard Sam’s voice coming from the closest curtain to them, she couldn’t tell what Sam had said but Ella was sure it was her! Ella wanted to scream in her excitement but didn’t if Sam was locked up she was probably put there against her will. Ella was probably her only hope!

A deep sigh roused from Ella about an hour later… She had thought of every thing she could think of to get Sam out but every thing had not worked! Nothing worked… She had even thought of just running in there and stealing the keys from the guard who appeared now and then, but the guard was always on duty and he never fell asleep as if he didn’t need sleep… Anyways it was no use nothing worked… Besides Ella thought sadly, it’s getting dark soon and Sam might even have a better place to sleep than me, so with those thoughts. Ella looked hopefully at the strange animal before turning and stoking away not knowing what to do…

           Chapter 5: Alone…. Go back here and look…

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” Sam yelled loudly! She was tired of this! Why couldn’t she wake up and be back home? After being locked in this cell for hours she still was too stubborn to let herself believe that she wasn’t dreaming! It’s got to be a dream! She told herself again and again! Yet now she had lost it!!! “Let me out of here!” Sam’s temper was losing it! Whenever she saw the weird looking guard she’d scream and yell and make the weirdest sounds she’d ever done in her life but nothing helped… She was locked in a cold cell… Alone and it was dark… “I’m going to sleep!” She declared loudly! “I don’t care what anyone thinks about let alone you!”

              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ella couldn’t sleep no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t do it… Every time she thought a good thought she’d be almost asleep than she’d think of Sam and how alone she was, at least Ella had been able to find an abandoned cave, and cuddle up with the sweet animal that had ended up following her… Sam was alone with no one to cuddle or curl up with! “Oh what should I do?” She asked the animal which she had now named Snickers and she also found out (or she thought anyway) that the animal was female…  Snickers woke up in a start and started to trot out of the cave… Sighing Ella followed her quietly.

Snickers had again gone to the same place as before and again just sat down silently on the grass and waited for Ella to do something feeling quite happy with herself. “Oh fine should I just kill myself by trying to get into there!” Snickers just looked at her thoughtfully not making any noise what so ever. “I guess it’s that or my friend…”

She chose her friend; in fact she had sneaked into the cell rooms when she noticed the guard was on the other side of the cell. She had sprinted into the cell and looked for something to grab so she could some how open the cell. On her way around she saw Sam, Sam was sleeping so soundly that Ella didn’t want to wake her but she knew she had too… “Sam!” she whispered again and again till her friend woke up softly.

“Ella!” Sam almost yelled but tried to whisper! “Where were you?” Her voice was quieter now, “It’s hard to explain but we don’t have much time! Do you see anything around here that you could use to open this cell?” Ella’s voice was rushed and you could tell she was worried she’d be caught. BAM BAM BAM! The guards footsteps were hard a little of in the distance! They didn’t have much time. “Just go Ella don’t worry about me I’ll be fine,” Sam tried to hold back the tears but still they came. “I’ll come back tomorrow night but I must leave! Don’t cry Sam I promise I’ll get you out!” With those last words Ella sprinted out of the cells and went back to Snickers.

           Chapter 6: Meeting a close friend

Early in morning Ella woke up, she knew if she wanted to help her friend she’d have to start early! At first Ella had was sure she would not need to eat in the morning that she’d be okay, but once morning came Ella was starving! She needed food; she glanced at Snickers wondering what she ate at these times… She never seemed hungry she never seemed hungry, never! Where was she getting the food from?

Snickers motioned toward tree’s that were a little way off from the cave than sat down on the wet snow. Ella followed and did the same. She searched through the tree’s hoping to seem some fruit tree or something but sadly she could see nothing, that was in till she looked closer and saw a humungous tree that contained fruit every where on it!

Rushing towards it Ella found that not all the fruit looked like the fruit back home! There were strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and some grapes but that was all that looked familiar to her. The fruit looked great and Ella was starving she was about to go charging into it when she heard a soft voice call from the tree.

“Come eat the fruit do not be afraid.”

Ella at first wanted to run and scream back to Snickers but then she realized Snickers was eating the fruit happily taking no notice of the talking tree! “W-h-o are youuuu?” Ella’s voice strutted; she was still scared of this voice. 

“I’m he.”

Ella was astonished! She had heard something like that from her parents from the bible at home. “You’re god?”

“Well I am called many things, but I’m not a tree. Here most call me YAHWEH.”

YAHWEH yes I remember that name! She thought happily yes this was YAHWEH!!! You could tell by the kindness of his voice. “May I? I mean…. Eat from the tree?”

“Well of course it as much as you like.”

So Ella did! She ate as much as she could! Filling her body up with food! She was soon full, now she had to figure out how to save Sam. “May you help me find her?”

No voice came, later she wondered if YAHWEH had left her. Although she knew he hadn’t. He was with her for all of her troubles. Whether in this world or the other he was with her.

Chapter 7: Meeting Again

Ella hurried back to her cave, (Snickers following her.) she knew she didn’t have very much time and Sam might get impatient. Anyways the guard was the sleepiest at night and sadly it was already afternoon. Of course Ella had no idea what time exactly it was. Hurry! Hurry! I don’t have very much time! Her heart raced. She didn’t know what to do.

An hour had passed and Ella was still lost in what to do. She had run around basically the entire forest hunting for something that could break open a cell but nothing worked.  Oh what should I do? A small tear fell down her face. She knew what she had to do. Ella had to go back to the cells and find something there, that place was the only possible place where there could be a wrench or anything, even though Ella had looked hard. She knew she had to look even harder. Snickers just sighed laying down on the cave floor softly. She didn’t follow Ella as she ran out of the cave.

Dashing to the cell grounds Ella tripped on a rock. Oh now what? She thought sadly as she looked and blood started to pour out of her knee. “OW!” She wanted to scream because of the pain but forced herself not to. Instead she grabbed some clean snow and placed it gently on the cut. It stung badly but Ella knew she couldn’t let it get infected. As soon as it started to melt it take the dirt away. Ella ripped up the bottom part of her shirt than tied it around her leg tightening it so that it wouldn’t come UN done. Sighing she tried to relax herself, but nothing worked every time she was about to calm down she thought of Sam who was probably having the hardest time ever.

            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       Sam wasn’t having the hardest time ever but she defiantly was not having fun. She wondered what Ella was doing but nothing came to mind, except for maybe looking for something that could break her stupid lock! Oh how angry Sam was! She didn’t even know were she was. Where could she be? She didn’t know even why she was locked in jail. “Why am I in here!?!?!?” She screamed at the guard as he passed. “Tell me!” The guard just looked at her questioningly wondering what he meant. “Aba kingska?” His voice said back. He didn’t seem angry at Sam this time he was just confused.

       “Oh why don’t you understand? Why am I here?” She asked again. The guard simply looked at her sadly. For once he actually seemed like he didn’t want to be here that he didn’t look after her. That he simply just wanted to be away. “Plma.”  He muttered before he turned and stalked away sadly.

                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       After about 30 minutes Ella had fallen asleep. Her head had leaned against a tree that seemed oddly comfortable for a tree, so she had fallen asleep.

       “I can’t believe I feel asleep!” Ella had yelled a couple of hours later. “Now it’s probably 6 a clock and I have no ideas yet!” She now forced herself up sadly. “Oh what should I do?” At that moment an animal the size of a cat with fluffy fur appeared! “Snickers!” Ella exclaimed in excitement! Snickers looked at her happily as if she were smiling. Something was in her mouth. Dragging from the side was a wrench!

       “Snickers where did you get that!?” In excitement Ella toke the wrench from Snickers than started to wobble away. “Come on Snickers! I have absolutely no idea how you found that wrench but we need to hurry! Also if I fall or hurt myself again I’ll need your help!” Still looking like she was grinning, Snickers followed Ella.

                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       The sky was now fully black, and Sam was getting impatient! Were could Ella be? Ella promised she would come back! Tears started to fall from Sam’s eyes. She watched the guard slowly stomp away for about the millionth time hoping Ella would come.

       After about a second of waiting she saw something appear from a bush she wasn’t sure what it was, but as it got closer Sam knew. “ELLA!”

Chapter 8: Escape.

At first Sam didn’t notice Ella was hurt she was just excited to see her, but as she got closer Sam knew she had gotten hurt.

A million questions raced through Sam’s mind. Why are you hurt? Where on earth did you get the wrench? Why did you come so late? Why do you look so full? Shouldn’t you be starving like me?

Ella noticed the confusion in Sam’s expression. “I hurt myself by tripping when I was in a hurry to get here!” Ella stopped whispering for a second then got her wrench and started to open the cell. “After about three hours, Snickers came and some how she had found this wrench here!”

Sam looked oddly at Ella. “Who is Snickers? Is she human! How come I haven’t seen her yet?” Excitement filled Sam she would soon be free!

“We mustn’t talk anymore if we are any louder the guard will be faster, and Snickers is not human actually I’m not sure what she is!” Ella hurried to on lock the cell, but as much as she tried it only went slowly.

BAM BAM BAM!! The sound came again. “Here!” Ella slipped the wrench for the bars. “I have to go, I’ll see if I can try again to come back! If you can get yourself loose run into you see a cave, in the cave I’ll be there!”

Crying Sam nodded than hid the wrench in her left pants pocket while she watched her friend go. “Good-bye Ella…” She whispered as soon as her friend was gone. “Take care…”

          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ella waited and waited to see if the guard would leave for long enough for her to see Sam, but every time she was about to make a move to run in the guard would appear again. He’s on us! She thought to herself again and again. Oh! Sam! What if I can’t get in again! It’s all up to you. After that Ella didn’t go back to the cave. She just waited hoping that Sam would be able to free herself.

Try Sam Try.

        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sam grew more nervous and more nervous as she noticed the guard coming into the cell he knew something was up. “I don’t have anything!” Sam declared although she had never been a good actor and the guard didn’t believe her at all.

BAM BAM BAM. She grew uneasy she had hid the wrench tightly against her pocket. It was easy to spot and that was what scared her the most. As the guard cam closer and closer to her Sam could almost feel his body heat on her. “Oh please!” She started to cry. “Please yes I have the wrench! I’ll come back and help you to! I can tell you, you are being punished! I know you don’t want to be! I see you slowly fall asleep at night and then wake up in a start as if you’ve seen a ghost! Please,”

The heat was gone. She looked up; instead of standing over her the guard was almost smiling at her. He was off a bit. A first Sam thought his smile was really just a trick but he was indeed smiling at her.

“I know I will help you.”

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That night Ella couldn’t sleep, she just sat there thinking, hoping, and praying. She hoped YAHWEH would appear or maybe Sam. As morning came Ella felt sick. Too sick to even get up to eat from the tree. Although Snickers was fine and she ran off as soon as she saw Ella sick and got Ella some food. When Snickers returned Ella gave her a huge hug. Then slowly eat the food.

“Thank you Snickers, I didn’t get enough sleep last now.” After Snickers left again to go get food for her this time, Ella doused off, dreaming of YAHWEH.

Hello, Welcome to your dream… “Huh?”  Ella asked herself. “Ohh of course I always have the weirdest dreams except this time it’s different I know I’m in one…” Confused Ella just stayed still. Suddenly YAHWEH appeared.

“Welcome my child.”

Ella recognized the voice at once. Although YAHWEH again was not in human form he was indeed there, as if she could feel him beside her. “Oh Hello YAHWEH! How much I’ve missed you! Whatever am I going to do in this strange world?”

His presence felt closer now.

“You will be safe here.”

“I know but will I ever get to go home.”

“I do not tell the future.” His soft voice rang.

Ella sighed. It seemed YAHWEH was always so mysterious about the future both in her own world and in this.

“Are my parents worried about me?” She had often wondered this question. Although she never thought she’d ask it in a dream. This dream was weird though, it was so much more real then any other dream she’d been in before.

“Do not worry, my child.”

See mysterious! “Okay I won’t.” A soft smile came from her lips before she woke up.

Had it just been a dream? She asked herself again and again. Maybe no, because YAWEH was really there. He had appeared in her dream, but he had been there.

             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“WHAT YOU COULD TALK THE WHOLE TIME?!” Sam had screeched when she heard him speak English! “How come you never told me?”

“There is a rule that I was forced to do, I was not aloud to speak any human language. Although I know them all.”

Sam was shocked! She couldn’t believe it. “Then why are you speaking English right now?”

“I just couldn’t watch you cry anymore, I realized I’d rather be imprisoned for life. Then let one more tear fall from your face.”

“Wow! Well why weren't you aloud to speak? Also why was I forced into this cell?"

He was getting impatient Sam knew but she just had to know a couple more things. “These cells that you live in, actually are cells to keep things from other worlds kept in. I was forced to stay on guard. They said if I didn’t I would be forced in jail, and anyways they told me I couldn’t speak because they didn’t want me to communicate a secret plan with you in English. They don’t know that language. Now we must hurry.”

“Okay but first I need to know your name. Mine is Samantha but I prefer Sam, also can I possibly know what you are?”

He began to UN lock the door with his keys. “You may call me Kans, although my real name is: Kansighdon, but I doubt you can pronounce that.” He gave a small chuckle at her next request. “I am actually part human although I am hath Ogre.”

That makes sense. That’s why he’s so big!

Chick click. The sound of the cell being opened made her smile. “YES!”

“Okay now we must hurry soon the headmaster will find out what I’ve done.” Kans cried as he begun to hurry out of the cells.

Sam was about to follow when she looked behind her and saw all sorts of different creatures.  Even some from her own world as well. “We can’t just leave them give me the keys!” Her voice was rushed, but Kans just shock his head.

“We don’t have time, come on we must hurry.”

Sam sighed then slipped her hand into his pocket and toke the keys. “I’m sorry but I have to help them!” She ran down the way to the gates starting at the one that had been closest to hers. It was an animal from her own world! It was a baby grizzly bear!

“It’s okay I’ll take you out and care for you, then when we get back home I’ll return you to your mother.”

By now Kans was with her. “OH! You are so persistent! If you insist but we must hurry!” He grabbed hath the keys a raced to the other jails.

Chick Click. “You’re free!” The grizzly bear snuggled against Sam lovingly. “Your welcome.” Some muttered under her breath as she raced to open more cells.

Once they had finished all the other things had run off except for the grizzly bear. Finally Sam followed Kans through the exit. She excitingly realized something. She was free!

Chapter 9: Together Again!

Ella spotted them in a second! It was Sam! She was about to sprint out and greet her when she noticed Kans. She was scared, dead scared! What if the guard had caught Sam and made her show him were the cave was! Fear trembled through her as she ran back to the cave grabbed Snickers and dashed to the forest. Hoping to find a tree to hide in!

I have to go in there to save her. Ella thought as she watched them both go to the cave. Something’s weird though… The guard isn’t even holding onto her. Maybe he’s really a good guy! She was getting hopeful now, but what if he isn’t! He can’t be! Ella yelled at herself! Okay here’s the plan.

I’ll sprint towards his back then try to jump on him! We’ll I’m no him I’ll yell at Sam to save herself! It’s got to work! Okay so Ella didn’t have the most brilliant ideas but she had to give at try!

Giving herself a nice running start she dashed towards the guard. She made a huge jump and flew her hands on top of his shoulders! “Run Sam Run!!!” She screamed loudly. “Save yourself!”

Sam just burst out giggling like crazy. She didn’t dash away she just stared at her chuckling. “Oh Ella, he’s not evil he’s on our side!”  Kans gently grabbed her and put her gently on the grass.

When she landed Ella was bright red with embarrassment. “Really?! Really Sam!?” She began to giggle as she chased Sam around. Sam was back. She was really back!

Chapter 10: Sad Yet Happy

Ella and Sam had chased each other for hours. (Although they did take short breaks.)They were always together. Once it began to get dark Kans did call them in. They needed to learn how to get home.

Tired and hungry the girls came into the cave. (You might be wondering what the grizzly bear and Snickers were doing while the girls ran around. While actually they became friends! They played with each other in the cave.) Sam looked down at the cute little animals. “The grizzly bear need’s to go home.” She said at once, “How long has it been in the cells Kans?”

“Not very long just a couple of months maybe two.” Kans replied under his breath. “I’m sure he misses his mother too.”

 Ella looked at Kans, she wasn’t sure if she could forgive him for what he did to Sam. Although Sam had been able to so why couldn’t she?

“We’ve been to busy running Sam so I haven’t introduced you to Snickers yet.” Ella whispered to Sam. Sam gave a small giggle.

“While you told me who she was but I’ve never seen her before! She’s adorable. Oh and this is Kans! Although his real name is well I can’t pronounce it but it’s really interesting! The grizzly bear well you’ve probably guessed it some how got put in this world too! On the way here Kans found out it was male!” Sam had so much to tell! She knew although that she didn’t have forever to tell everything.

“I have things to tell too! Guess who I met.” Kans interrupted before she could finish. “I’m sorry but we must get to the topic at hand! You too obviously need to get home but how? Your parents are probably so worried about you!” Ella shock her head grinning. “They’re not worried, maybe a bit but YAHWEH told me not to worry.”

Sam stared at Elle memorized. “You talked to YAHWEH!!” Amazement showed through her body. “Really? WOW! That sounds so cool!” Ella chuckled Sam was even closer with God then she was. “You can meet him too although he doesn’t always show when you want him too you have to be patient.” Sam was not disappointed at this at all, that smile that came when she heard his name never left her face.

“I see you both believe in YAWEH well I’m afraid I don’t although my wife does. I have one rule that sometimes I like and sometimes I don’t. Either way I’ve always lived that way and I always will. The rule is this: I do not believe anything in less I have seen it.” Kans voice erupted from his throat as he said the words Sam had heard from her Aunt and Uncle.

“That’s really sad Kans I wish you believed anyways I’m really hungry, Ella do you know were food is?” Ella nodded, “follow me,” was all she said before slowly walking off. Kans just sighed then followed slowly. He couldn't believe he just couldn't!

As they came to the clearing of the tree Sam looked up in joy to see fruit of all kinds. Without saying anything else she gobbled it all up as fast as she could!

Kans oddly didn’t see anything. For him it looked like Sam was just eating air. “Sam what are you doing? You must be so hungry you can imagine food!”

“I’m not imagining it!” Sam exclaimed proudly. “You obviously don’t believe, so you can’t see.” Kans’s face looked stubborn. “No you are going crazy! Can’t you see it now come along.”

Sam just giggled than ate a grape. “You can think I’m crazy but really you are crazy, but I think YAHWEH only let’s us see this food because we believe in him although I would be wrong.”  Ella had joined her now.  “I will not believe I just can’t!” was all Kans mumbled, and then he ran off. As if terrified that they might be telling the truth, that the girls might actually be right.

As he left Sam sat down on the wet grass. The snow had begun to go away now, leaving dew behind. “I guess we should just leave him, he’ll never believe just like my Uncle and Aunt.” Ella didn’t know what to say to that. “Look Sam don’t feel sad so quick. Maybe he will love the Lord some day just not now. Anyways we really need to think about what to do, let’s go back to the cave.” Sam nodded then followed Ella.

It had been a happy and sad day and Sam didn’t know what to make of it.

Chapter 11: Finding the Village

Sam awoke first, sad thoughts flowing through her mind. She wanted to go home, she had decided that. No matter how much she would miss this world she wanted to go home. Kans was still gone; when they had got back from the tree he had been gone. It made her so disappointed. “It’s my entire fault.” She said to her baby grizzly bear which she had now named Honey. Sam knew she couldn’t wake Ella so she got up then walked slowly out of the cave.

Honey followed her as well. “Oh Honey what should I do know? Kans was the only adult and now he’s gone! It’s just you, Ella, Snickers, and I left!” Honey just gave her the same look back. He wanted to go home to his mother now too. It made sense, they both wanted their parents.

“I wonder if while ever be able to go back.” Sam wanted to cry but she didn’t. Be strong, she had told herself again and again. Giving Honey a small pat Sam walked off. Feeling nothing but pain, it’s my fault. It’s my entire fault.

       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sniff sniff sniff. “Oh go away Snicker’s I’m trying to sleep.” Ella sighed annoyingly, but Snickers didn’t stop. “Fine! I’ll get up.” Ella had to chuckle although Snickers could be annoying Ella loved her more then any other animal she’d met before. Forcing herself up she looked around the room. Where was Sam?

 Probably outside. She told herself as she roused out of the cave. Sam wasn’t there. Oh no! She yelled at herself! I knew I shouldn’t have trusted that thing! That stupid guard must have taken her away! “Sam, where are you!?” Terror filled Ella as she sprinted around the cave. “This isn’t funny!”

Snickers was with Ella, but where was Honey? “Honey! Come here!” She started to whistle for the grizzly bear. After about three minutes of constant calling Ella gave up. Oh Sam! I knew we couldn’t trust him. A small tear appeared on her cheek.

Snickers licked it off lovingly. “Thank-you,” her soft voice rang out. “It’s time we start looking in the forest, maybe she just went for a walk.” Although you could tell by her voice she wasn’t sure about it.

       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sam had been in the forest, but after she walked around for a long time. (Probably close to hours!) She found a small path. It was a real path! Although it had small rocks in the way it looked way more like a path then any she’d ever seen in the forest.

She could see a small clearing ahead. No tree’s lay in the way ahead! Amazing! Excitingly she sprinted on ahead. As she got closer she realized something, houses lay ahead. Not very far but kind of far away. Over a hill and a two roads and she’d make it. Kans has got to live here! She wasn’t positive but it was all she could hope on.

       Making a dash for the closest house, Sam looked ahead and saw Kans! (Or at least she thought it was Kans) Taking a deep breath she exclaimed. “Kans oh man I’ve looked every where for you! Where have you been?" The thing that looked like Kans turned around and stared at her questiongly. It turned out actually to be female, and didn't look exactly at Kans at all.

       “You know Kansighdon, my husband?”

Chapter 12: Singka

       “SAM!” Ella was tired exhausted and pretty annoyed. Where could Sam be? It made her cry to think about it. Ella’s thoughts had made her even more depressed. That thing must have taken her away! She kind of even wanted to slap herself every time she thought that. She knew that if she thought bad thoughts it would just make her sadder and sadder.

       Snickers gave a small like smile to Ella. Trying to cheer her friend up made Ella grin back. “You’re an amazing pet Snickers if only we could find Sam, although it might get dark soon anyways and I’m so lost if it does, I guess we should just try to find our way back.”

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       Sam had stared at Kans’s wife for minutes. Questions were running through her mind. Finally the thing gave a small chuckled then led Sam inside. “Kans told me about you right before he was taken away earlier today. He told me that if you came here that I should treat you like a proper guest.” The female thing remarked grinning.

       “Ohh, well thank you. I guess, but where is Kans? I was worried that I had hurt him in some way. Was he angry with me? Also where is he?” She asked again she was truly worried about him. “Oh and I suppose I should know your name.” Sam knew it was rather rude to ask so many questions but she had to know them!

       “Lot’s of questions for a small girl. Don’t worry about Kans he should be safe.” Her voice cackled and Sam could tell at once she was lying. “He was not in the least bit angry at you, if anything I think he was angry at himself. Although he wouldn’t tell me why. My name is Singka don’t worry about being able to pronounce it instead just call me Sing. Anyways let’s not worry too much about names now! Come inside you are welcome! Hopefully not too hungry though!”

       Sam smiled but she wondered if she actually could trust this lady. Was she really Kans’s wife? “Please before then can you tell me where Kans really is?”

       A tiny tear actually came to Sing’s eyes. “He was taking away by the Gons I’m afraid he may not survive the night.” More tears came down her eyes and Sam felt bad about ever asking the question. “I’m sorry,” and Sam even began to cry too. Sam didn’t even have an idea about who in the world the Gons were, but she knew by Sing’s voice they were terrible people.

       A silent thought accrued in her brain, “Sing I’ve got an idea. Come along we must hurry.” With Honey at her heals (who had been playing in a bush while she and Sing had been talking.) she made a dash to the house, to see if she could run inside. She couldn’t she had to wait for Sing at the door.  

Chapter 13: A Small Plan

       As Ella made her way back to the cave, she got lost. Oh what’s the point of this! She angrily thought. I’m lost and I’ll have to sleep in the cold! All alone! As her thoughts grew worse and worse, she grew angrier and angrier. Finally it grew so dark she could see nothing but the dark out line of the trees. Ella started to remember the odd tree that they had seen before.

       While really Sam had seen it. Maybe it had taken us here. No it was just wind. She cuddled down towards a tree and saw Snickers come up behind her. Although I still wonder about that tree, maybe if I have paid closer attention to Sam about the tree then I wouldn’t be in this predicament. Well at least I… Her thoughts trailed off, what could she possibly have done to change it?

       It was the wind only the wind. Those were her finale thoughts before she snuggled up with Snickers and fell into deep sleep. Luckily it was Ella who had to stay in the forest on that dark shivering cold night, not Sam.

                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       “Come along!” Sam had cried again and again. “We shall eat first; while we eat you tell me your plans.” Sing was so unsurprisingly like Kans. She preferred to worry about the small things before the big things. “Fine,” Sam mumbled under her breath and quickly sat down to eat the food.

       “Thank you now will you please tell me what your plan is. I can tell it’s got something to do with my husband but we don’t have time to get into details.” Sing’s voice was so rushed it made Sam think her idea wouldn’t work.

       “Well first you have to tell me about these Gons.” Sam replied back. It seemed as if they were changing. Now Sing just wanted to go and do it and Sam was thinking about the details.

       “They are terrible beings small one. I hope you never in your life will have to see them. Each night they go out and set houses or buildings on fire. Their leader Smith (he is a Gon as well) is trying to do some experiment with different beings from different worlds. I can guarantee he was going to do it to everyone in the cells where you were. I’m not sure what experiments they are but I am sure they are not good ones. Also these Gons are bigger then you could ever imagine. Each one is over 15 feet in height; although how wide they are I don’t know. Some are as skinny as you; some are as wide as the giant bridge that runs across this land.”

       The words frightened Sam but she knew that even if they did she had to do her plan. “This is it…”

Chapter 14: Finding The Way. (Gons)

As dark headed away and morning dew slowly drifted down onto the wet muddy grass Ella woke up. She smiled she could see so mush better now. “It feels so much better to be.” Her brain couldn’t find the right words. “Oh what does it matter? Come along Snickers we must find either our way to Sam or at least the way back.”

       Snickers got up groaning, she obviously didn’t want to get up yet. After waiting for a minute Snickers was up and about jumping like there was no tomorrow! Smiling and chuckling at Snickers because she was so silly Ella started to walk where she hoped would be a smart way to go.

                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After they had finished dinner and talked more into their plan. Sam and Sing did not go to bed instead at once they headed to the Gons head quarters. Sing had led the way and Sam had followed nervously holding onto a giant pan (probably the size of a small computer) that would hopefully be enough for their plan. 

“This way,” Sing whispered under her breath then pointed to a corner. Sam nodded then followed trying to make no noise with the heavy pan. “Ajeka ma?” A voice was heard around the corner. It was a question Sam knew that much but she could also see that Sing had a small tear rolling down her cheek. Sam badly wanted to ask what was wrong but didn’t. She would be far too loud. Finally Sing started to climb over, she was over in a second and after she was soon over. Sam slowly followed, her heart feeling quite proud. Crackle Crackle, bang. Oh why do I have to be so loud now! Finally she toppled over the tall fence.

Sing gave a small smile as she watched Sam fall down into the soft ground. Sam blushed feeling kind of embarrassed that she had been so loud. “Let’s see you go up and down a huge fence with a giant pan!” Yes Sam had not whispered but she was trying to make herself less embarrassed. “Shhh,” Sing’s voice gently pushed the words out of her mouth. “Follow.”

BANG DANG BANG DANG BANG. The floppy footsteps of the Gons were now coming. “Hide!” Sings voice shock as she grabbed Sam’s arm roughly and dragged her behind a small tree that lay in the midst of everything else.

More voices were heard but they were just mumbles Sam could not understand them. She could tell by Sing’s expression that she couldn’t understand them either. 

       The mumbles came closer and closer, as if they could hear Sam’s thumping heart. She closed her eyes covered her ears and pushed herself uncomfortably into a ball shape. Finally she stomping stopped, the tree was slowly getting lifted up. It’s my entire fault! Sam thought with tears now growing in her eyes. It’s my entire fault.

                 Chapter 15: Finding Sam’s Tracks

       “I can’t believe it!” Ella declared annoyed, “we finally find were Sam has been al this time and now she’s not even here!” So it was true, Ella had found the path to the city and now she had found Sam’s light foot prints in the path. Snickers started to roll over in the dirt playfully. They both marched up to a house then gently knocked on the door. Nothing came no noise nothing, sighing Ella gently pushed the door open. ‘Creek,’ she knew it was in some way wrong to open a door that others lived in, but she was positive Sam’s tracks had led here. If it was your best friend you’d do the same wouldn’t you?

       So in Ella went although she carefully didn’t leave any foot prints or finger prints of any kind. She knew that if this was illegal which most likely it was in this world she’d be doomed. Her feet softly touched ground as she headed towards the kitchen.

       “Hello? Anyone home?” No response except for the dark silence that surrounded the house. Then under the table Honey appeared! Honey scrambled into Ella’s arms then started to snuggle. Obviously Sam hadn’t meant to be gone this long. Honey was starving! “Oh Honey! Where is Sam?” The small bear just nuzzled against her jacket. ‘She’s gone.’ The grizzly bear seemed to say, ‘she’s gone and she is in trouble.’

                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       You may think that Sam got trapped in a cage with Kans that very night, but she didn’t. When all hope seemed deadly lost Sing had picked up the giant pan and thrown it at them. She had had perfect aim while almost perfect. The first Gon fell down and didn’t get up while they ran, but the second Gon chassed after them. Luckily being small had its advantages here as well. Sing (although really she was huge compared to any human.) Had a harder time and had to hide behind bigger stuff then Sam. Sam only had to duck behind small broken parts of the building, while Sing had to just sprint as fast as she could sometimes hitting a tree that she could hide behind sometimes no.

       Finally the Gon had lost complete track of them. Sam and Sing found each other and started to hug one another. “We’re safe!” They both cried at the same time.

Chapter 16: Hope Drops, Worries Accor.

       Ella ran outside looking hard and fast for something! “No tracks! This is terrible! How will I ever be able to find Sam with no tracks? Honey please tell me the way.” Honey just looked at her oddly. Oh if only bears could talk! “It’s just like before. I have a pet to look after but no Sam. Also again I don’t know where in the world she is.”

       Small tears trickled down Ella’s once happy face. Snickers and Honey had now run off having fun as if nothing else in the world mattered to them. Ella wished that she too could act like nothing mattered except for fun, but she couldn’t. “Oh Sam, why did you have to go again?”

           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       “We must go back Sing.” Sam had said again and again. “We can get help, I can get Ella and who knows what Honey could do!”

       “No, he is my husband I can’t just leave him behind.” Sing’s voice trembled as she spoke the truth. Sam simply rolled her eyes. She’d never even had a crush before how could she possibly know love? The truth she didn’t. Well except for mother and father love.

       “Well I don’t think I’ll ever know love like that, anyways I don’t think I’ll ever want to love someone in that kinda way.” Sam couldn’t help but smile after what she had replied. Sing just chuckled a little then slowly motioned towards the dark buildings.

       “Please Sing I mean can’t we just please not go there tonight can’t we get some help, I can ask my friend Ella, and the police could come.” Sam’s voice sounded so pleading but Sing just shock her head as her way of response then quietly started to walk away.

       Sighing, Sam followed behind. I wonder were Ella is right now. I shouldn’t have left Honey alone so long, I hope she’s okay. Her thoughts gently made her more and more worried. Stop worrying, was all she could say to make herself less worried. You always were a worry wart!

Chapter 17: Making a Friend.

       Ella silently stopped crying. A thing that looked something like Kans came walking towards her. Run! Her thoughts told her! Run for your life! Her feet shacked as she made a fast get away.

       “Stop!” The voice huffed and puffed as it ran after her. Run! She didn’t know what to do or were to go so she just sprinted away.

       “Stop please!” The voice was right behind her now. Okay so it’s polite villain! That doesn’t mean anything just run! Her hands were suddenly pulled straight back. “AW!” She screeched as her was pulled back.

       “Finally, I just wanna talk.” Its voice was now just a whisperer. Ella said nothing she just struggled as she was forced back to some ones house then pushed inside. It’s goanna it me! She thought while holding back those dreaded tears. The odd thing pointed towards a chair then sat down beside her.

       “Welcome,” it said politely (Ella could now tell it was a girl), but Ella just glared at her annoyingly.

       “I do not want to harm you.” Still Ella said nothing. Say nothing! She kept on telling herself. Just pretend you don’t understand English, and then maybe it will let you go.

       “I know who your friend is.” Its voice was softer now. Don’t believe her! Ella’s thoughts rammed through her brain madly, she didn’t know whether to talk or not. She bit her lip in frustration then slowly calmed herself down.

       “She has bright blonde hair and enchanting eyes that are well it’s hard to remember eyes!” The creature started to chuckle at herself then slowly Ella joined. “I, what I mean is.” Ella stopped herself then started again. “If you do know my friend then where is she? Also how did you know that I was looking for her? I wanna know your name as well.”

       Slowly the creature started to talk in her voice. “I’m afraid I do not know where your friend is. I just saw her and Sinka leave. I think they may have gone to destroy the Gons. I’m sorry I knew I should’ve stopped them. Singka is my best friend too.” She stopped then continued making sure she was choosing the right words. “You were kind of screaming her name and I heard Singka saying it to the girl. Sam I think it was? My name is Sujinksay. Rather interesting I know but all our names in this town are. I’d prefer to be called Sujin, for I have always been called Sujin.”

       Ella looked down at the ground, “the Goons?”  Her voice trembled. She could just tell by their name they were horrible. “Why would they go there? I’m Ella.”

       Sujin let a sigh rumble down her throat. “Questions, questions…” She mumbled. “They went their to save Kans, Singka’s husband.”

       Everything suddenly made since to Ella. Of course! It all makes so much since now! With great excitement Ella jumped out of her chair and sprinted to Sujin. “We must go after them!”

       Sujin started to chuckle. “Yes I know but first you have to know of the dangers.”

       “I don’t care about the dangers!” Ella’s voice exclaimed loudly. “Now we just must go, and anyways if you don’t I will! Where is the way to the Gons headquarters?”

       Sujin made a small smile glow starting from her mouth up to her eyes. “You are very brave I agree we must go this very night.”

       Ella shock her head. “No we have to go now.” She was so persistent that it rather annoyed Sujin.

       “You are mad if you want to even think about that, they’re eyes can see so much better in mere daylight. Night is the time Ella.”

       “Fine then but we leave right at 5 PM!” Ella’s voice rumbled through her throat.

       “I don’t know these weird times you are talking of my friend.” Sujin said with a small chuckle. “And I’m a leader of well it’s hard to say but the leader of the smart group, yes call it that.”

       “Oh 5 a clock is well it’s rather hard to explain! Let’s just say right after dinner. Now I’ll be back in a second but I must go get Snickers and Honey.” Ella slowly walked out the door.

       Sujin watched her leave looking at her like she was some crazy person.

Chapter 18: Kans…

       Sam trudged on it seemed like dark long hours had passed. She wanted to go home be in her soft bed with her giant pillow and soft silk blankets. Sing turned her head as she noticed Sam slowly dozing off. It seemed impossible for someone to be able to doze off during a walk but it was possible.

       “Wake up!” Sing whispered shaking Sam roughly. Sam mumbled something then realized where she was.

       “Ohh,” she yawned. “I’m sorry I’m really tired. Can we take a break?” She yawned again tiredly.

       “No Sam we have to get to Kans! We’re almost their then we can save him and everyone can be happy.” Sing loved Kans so much that it almost bugged Sam.

       “Just as long as I can sleep when we get back. Anyways how are we going to get Kans free?” Sam had now woken herself up and was trying keeping herself wide awake.

       “Don’t worry I have a plan, but first we have to get there without being loud so shhh.” Sing went ahead then started to lead the way again.

       Ahead a glimmer of light could be seen. A light!  Sam’s thoughts exclaimed excitingly. Sing was excited as well and started to run ahead. Sam gave a deep sigh then followed happily.

       Sing was faster then Sam and had made it to the cells before she did. Once Sam got there she looked sadly at the cells. They looked like the ones Sam had been in before and she remembered her horrible memories. Sing looked back at her thoughtfully; I wonder if Kans told her what he did to me.

       Sing was smiling though and quietly started to walk towards the end of the cells. “Kans, it’s me Sing.” Her voice was barely over a whisper and Sam could only hear mumbles.

       “Over here,” a voice cracked away off in the distance. Sam wanted to dart into the air with excitement but Sing just shock her head. ‘It could be a trap.’ Sing’s eyes seemed to say. Although Sing was a bit frightened she carried on quietly. Finally as they got to the very end of the many cells (that were actually all empty!) they found Kans pushed against the very edge of the wall and you could tell he had been hurt by the Gons. Scratches could be seen around his whole body and bruises were all over his legs. He was covered in nothing but dark rags. With one glance you could tell he was unconscious.

       “Kans!”

Chapter 19: Magical Dreams.

       Ella had come back and found Sujin waiting patiently in her kitchen with everything ready beside her on her dinning room table. Two animals scurried into the kitchen behind Ella.

       “Hello,” her voice was soft although confused a bit too by the animals being there, Ella grinned at it. “Hi this is Honey.” She explained pointing to the small grizzly bear that was nuzzled up beside Snickers. “This is Snickers,” then she pointed towards the other animal that was bigger. “They’re my friends and well pets I guess do not fret about them. 

       Sujin smiled deep in her eyes you could see she was glad they were there. “We’ll it will soon be dark we should head out now.”

       “I agree though I have a question. Should we bring Snickers and Honey?”

       “No for I do not want them to get hurt while we’re practically doing suicide.” Sujin smiled after her words to make Ella not feel bad about leaving them behind. “They’ll be fine.”

       Ella did not look sure and she was not sure but she agreed none the less. “Although we should leave food and water for them, maybe even we could let them go to this wonderful place outside, were their were well cotton candy and big huge lakes. Chocolate streams.  I’m sure there is one in this amazing world! Isn’t there?

       Sujin started to chuckle and looked strangely at Ella. “You are thinking of magic lands my dear friend!” Ella seemed quite disappointed at this but still held her bright smile.

       “I wonder what your world is like more then you imagine, is there things like that there.” Sujin was trying to cheer her up that made Ella chuckle.

       “No, but they’ve made incredible things there! Like roller coasters! Even buildings like 30 stories high! There are even water slides and a place called Disney Land! Although I must admit I’d rather just go hiking then do any of those things.”

       “Now we must hurry and although there is no magical land with cotton candy and chocolate streams, I have a back yard that can be used to make sure they stay here

       “That sounds good!” Ella then scurried to pick up Snickers and Honey while Sujin gathered up food and soft leaves to lay on for the animals.

Chapter 20: Oh Brother!

       Jerk Stir Yank. The lock flapped back and forth but it wouldn’t come loose.

       “Kans, please wake up already.” Sam mumbled under her breath Sing was crying and Sam couldn’t stand tears.

       “It won’t work!” Sing’s voice cried with large tears in her eyes, what if he’s dead?”

       Sam rolled her eyes, “trust me he’s not dead I toke a home alone course thingy and it was actually more of a first aid class. Anyways my point is that I learned how to see if someone was unconscious or not or something like that.”

       Sing just nodded and worked her heart out into the persistent lock. Sam got up from her own hunt for the key and gently pushed the crying Sing away as she started to work on the lock herself. 

        Sing just started to moan louder. “The Gons will come and kill us! There’s no point in even trying.” Tears rolled down her eyes sadly.

       “The only reason those Gons would come would be because of your loud moaning!” Sam snapped back, “I’m already frustrated enough now do be quiet!”

       At the sound of her voice Sing’s loud moans stopped and turned into little soft tears.

       “Okay this isn’t working.” Sam said giving the lock one finale shove. “We should go and look for the key or at least look for something to bang it with.”

       “No, they’ll kill Kans! We have to stay here!”

       “Oh for Pete sake!” Annoyance flowed through Sam’s body. “We’ll die here too if we stay! If you’re going to be this stubborn then I’ll go by myself.” Sam then rushed out of the cell grounds making her way back to the trees.

~~~~~~~~

       “Let’s go,” Sujin said grinning.

 “I agree, now you lead the way!” Ella replied smiling with great joy.

       Sujin just nodded then hurriedly started to jog ahead. “Sounds incredible, I think the fastest way is down this trail.” Sujin started to laugh and Ella looked at her oddly.

       “What are you laughing at?” Ella asked confused.

       “I think Sam and Singka toke the longest way there is which is funny because Singka always brags about how much she knows this place and that she knows all the short cuts.”

       Ella smiled, “anyways we’d better get going. How long do you think it will take?” 

       “Ohh about 30 minutes tops but it’s harder to see at night and after all it is getting late let’s go a head.”

Chapter 21: Trust.

       Nothing. Nothing at all! Sam thought annoyed, nothing that could ever open an actual lock. She didn’t know where else to look she knew Sing was probably weeping tremendously over Kans. Grownup’s will never make sense to me! Love seemed so odd to Sam she loved her parents and her of course the rest of her family but she had never really loved someone in that way.

       Sing probably thinks I’m dead. She worries over so much, like everything. Thud. “Ouch!” Sam yelped tripping over a lug was not very much fun. “If only Ella were here then everything would be better.”

       “Sam.”

       Sam scared scurried behind a dark tree.

       “Sam you know I can see you,” It sounded so much like Ella it made Sam even more afraid.

       “W-h-o are you?” Sam managed to say in mumbles.

       “It’s me well me and Sujin, Ella.”

       “I don’t believe you!” Sam screeched.

       “Come out of the trees and simply look you’ll see me Sam.”

       Sam had never been faced with such a decision. She didn’t know what the Gons could do maybe they could make up voices to deceive their pray. “How come you came back here instead?” She said feeling very brave.

       “Then I suppose you don’t trust me.”

“Fine I’ll come!” Sam got up out of the tree, and was surprised and scared to find a Gon staring right at her, in its dark scary hands held Ella.

       She began to sprint in a second but the Gons had got her before then. Sam was picked up straight into the air and suddenly couldn’t breathe through the tightness in her chest.

       It’s all over. She thought then fell into a deep unconscious.

Chapter 22: Pain and Sorrow.

       “Sam, Sam wake up!”

       “Wh-at?” 

       “It’s Ella, Sam don’t worry everything is going to be okay.” Her voice was obviously not telling the truth but Sam just smiled.

       “Ohhh my head hurts. What happened after I went out?”

       “Well first they het your head with a rock to make double sure you were knocked out then they well did that to me too, at least I think they did.”

       “How did you get here?”

       Ella grinned happily at her best friend. “It’s rather a long story.”

       “Where’s Sing and Kans?”

       “Kans is in another cell I think it’s next door but he’s knocked out, and I don’t know who Sing is but there I think I saw someone running out of the building when the Gons came but she got picked up by them anyways. Sujin is in this cell with us over there.” She said pointing towards a body that was asleep on the left side of the cell.

       “Sujin?”

       “My friend.” Ella simply replied. “You should get some sleep Sam, you look even more tired then Sujin did when she got up.”

       “Oh Ella everything’s lost we’re all alone and I don’t think we’ll ever get out.”

       “Don’t worry Sam just get sleep.”

       Sam slowly began to doze off with an actual grin on her face. Ella then too fell deep into sleep not knowing what actually would happen.

~~~~~~~

       The next morning Sujin was the first to wake up. Then Sam and Ella actually needed the most sleep in the end of it all.

       “I see you’ve awaken.” Boomed the disgusting Gons voice. “I’m the only one of the few Gons who actually speaks your odd language. So get up already lazy legs.”

       “At least we got the nice one!” Sam whispered to Ella who couldn’t help but laugh.

       The Gon angry at them grabbed the whip beside him and threw it at Ella.

       Ella screeched in pain and Sam instantly was sorry for making the joke. She badly wanted to say so but was afraid if she did she might get hit with it.

       “Now anyone else got comments!” Stormed the Gon and then no one replied. “I didn’t think so, now follow me this instant!” he opened the gate slowly and led Sujin, Sam, and Ella out of the dreaded cell.

       “You are going to meet the head Gon the questions asked now go.” The Gon seemed anything that you could think of that’s dreadful. Even when Sam and Ella had just given each other worried glances he whipped them both.

The only thing that could keep all of them (mean Ella, Sam, and Sujin) going was the hope that maybe some how the head Gons could be nice.

Chapter 23: Slink

       “Welcome, do not be afraid.” Spoke one of the head Gons. “We do not want to harm you.”

       The words only made Ella and Sam more scared.

       “Do not stand there like fools! Tell us your names humans and you too whatever you are I always forget the names of you things.” The other head Gon said 

       “I’m Kelly,” Ella spoke bravely although she did lie and deep down she knew it was wrong and Sam knew it was her time to be brave. “I’m Sarah.” Her voice quivered and finally Sujin spoke.

       “Sujinksay, I am Sujinksay.”

       Ella stared wide eyed at her. Why tell the truth? There seemed no point to it but Sujin didn’t even look at Ella she just forced her head forward towards the head Gons.

       “Very well, well it doesn’t matter if your lying or not. Tell me you with the blonde hair, why did you come here?” The first one spoke again obviously knowing that Sam was the most afraid of them and would probably tell the truth.

       “Well I came here to look for a friend of mine Kans with.” She stopped feeling dumb that she had almost let them know about Sing.

       “With who?” Demanded the second Gon.

       “Her name is Singka.” Sam replied not sure really what to do. Ella was looking at her sadly Ella was obviously disappointed in Sam. I can’t lie! Sam wanted to say. You know I’m no good at it!

       “She is lying!” the second Gon cried to the other. “Singka died years ago I was the very one who saw her die.”

       The other Gon nodded, “you said you had killed her but perhaps you have not! Maybe you lied yourself!”

       Ella, Sam, and Sujin looked at each other oddly, hoping that maybe if the Gons kept on fighting they could make a break for it.

       The second Gon started to cry then smiled a devious smile. “You were always too smart, but you were also devious that’s what I liked about you. Although there was one thing that always annoyed me about you it was that you had a good side. I thought I could break you from it but I can’t. So it’s true I did not kill Singka, she is right now being tortured with her husband.”

       The first Gon lifted his fist to the air and struck the other one. “That is what you deserve. Not all Gons are evil, but you have made them so. Now leave and never return.”

       The Gon didn’t seem to want to leave but he did and not one of them ever saw him again.

       The three females stared wide eyed at the scene go by.

       “Wow!” Sam exclaimed.

       “That’s insane!” Ella screeched.

       “Thank you!” Sujin simply said.

       “You are all very welcome! Now come along I can sneak you through the Gons and you’ll be safe but first we must go find your friends, ohh and I almost forgot please call me Slink.”

       Slink led them out towards the torture chamber were Sing and Kans were held.

Chapter 24: Saved.

       “Leave her alone!”

Sam heard a voice cry out from ahead of her.

       “What’s that?” She asked afraid of what might lie ahead.

       “It’s probably your friend hurry I’m afraid Singka is getting hurt!” Slink said as he hurried faster along. They all followed as fast as they could behind him finally they made it to the dark chamber.

       The chamber if you could call it that made Ella have the chills. Screaming voices could be heard from below everything seemed to go black and none of them except Slink could see anything. “It’s to make sure the next captives can’t see what’s about to happen.” He exclaimed.

       “I’m terrified,” Ella whispered to Sam.

       “You terrified! Don’t be, soon we’ll be home safe and sound.” Sam replied back to her friend.

       “You mustn’t chat,” Sujin said softly. “Or else whoever is here will know that we are not here for torture.” Her voice silenced them both 

       Suddenly a giant noise was heard from above and if they had been able to see they would have seen a black gate being opened. Scared to deaf Ella and Sam took a quick step back. Slink stepped forward and pretended to be taking in prisoners.

       “Thokk outsh jdlsjfd.” He said in a language that Sam and Ella were afraid of.

       Ella and Sam closed their ears to the next for it sounded even more menacing and scary. Finally after closing their eyes for 5 minutes Slink gave them a soft wave with his hand to let them know it was over.

They walked in and light appeared in the room. At first the light burned their eyes for they had been in the dark for so long but the light also seemed like a welcoming to them. Soon Kans and Sing were seen. They looked terrified and were obviously afraid of what might happen next.

       “It’s me!” Sam whispered as she ran towards them. “It’s Sam.”

“Sam?” Kans soft voice slowly rang out towards them. “Oh it really is you.” He gave her a soft hug then smiled. “You’re here to save me, oh thank you!”

Sing was unconscious but Sam just smiled back at Kans. “You have no idea how terrified I was Kans. Why’d you go?”

“Hush now we will talk about that later for now we must hurry.”

Sam nodded and introduced him to Slink. (Ella and Sujin already knew him of course!) “We have to hurry and don’t worry Slink is a good Gon he’s the only reason we would have been able to save you."

Kans lifted up his wife and carried her in his arms out of the torture chamber. Slink promised that day (because of Ella’s protests) that he would come back and save the rest of the innocent humans and other beings who were being tortured for no reason.

Chapter 25: Going Home

“Do you think I mean do you think it’s time to go back Sam?” Ella asked the next day when they were all (well except for Slink who was too big to fit into the house but don’t worry he ((being a Gon)) could make a mere house in minutes.)

“I don’t know, when YAHWEH wants us to go back I guess and that could be a long time away.” Sam replied smiling.

“I’m not sure if I want to leave.” Ella said sadly.

“Me neither I like it here although I wish my family was here.

Ella nodded sadly in truth both girls were a little confused about what they really wanted. “Hey Sam I was just thinking. You know that tree that we kept on seeing?

“Yeah, I remember kind of embarrassing on my part though.” Sam said blushing.

“Well I think there was something strange about it wherever we walked we came upon that very tree.”

“So?”

“So! I think I’ve seen that tree before!”

“Really!?”

“Follow me!” Ella stood up then ran off Sam close behind her. The tree was in the deep edge of the forest surrounded with other smaller trees beside it.

“Are you sure that’s the tree?” Sam asked as Ella stared in awe at the tree.

“Well I think so don’t you?”

“Yeah I see it know but what did the tree have to do with getting us back home? Remember it was the wind.”

“Well, I think YAHWEH also had something to do with it but I’m not sure.”

“Okay so the three things we think had something to do with it are: tree, wind, and YAHWEH.”

“Well maybe like Narnia YAHWEH is kind of like Asalan and he brought us here he made the wind to take us home and he will probably take us back.”

Sam nodded, “he probably made the tree as sort of a sign to tell us that we were leaving. Do you think he’ll send us back Ella?”

“Yep! We just have to wait until he decides to take us home.”

“With the wind!” Sam added with a little giggle. As soon as the words lifted Sam’s mouth the majestic wind and again picked them up from the snowy ground that they sat on. Ella and Sam toke a deep breath as they were lifted above the ground, through the tree and back to where they belong.

Chapter 27:

Again like before Sam had stayed awake for the trip while Ella slept. Sam felt great comfort the way back home, before it had taken only seconds to get to the other world. Now it seemed to take forever, but a good forever like Sam would want to stay there for almost forever. Warmth filled her body as she glided down to the ground.

It’s over. She thought sadly, “I never even got to say good bye to anyone YAHWEH. Also I never got to see you.

“My child the only reason you did see me was because you believe so well."

“YAHWEH!” Sam exclaimed with joyful tears in her dark eyes. “That doesn’t make sense.”

“You are blessed child with the gift to believe without seeing others that is why. Now I must leave so you can get back to your uncle and your aunt.”

“Will I ever talk to you again?”

“Whenever you want! Good-bye for now my child but remember I will always be in your heart.”

With that YAHWEH was gone sadness filled Sam but she knew he was still there. Over her shoulder Ella slept soundly and for the first time Sam felt glad not to see any snow. “Ella!” She exclaimed. “Get up! We gotta get home!”

“What??” Ella replied more asleep then awake.

“WE’RE HOME!!!”

With this Ella woke up and looked around. “WAHOO!” Sam giggled and led the way home.

 “Actually you know what Ella maybe you should lead the way.”

 A tale by Hannah Galbraith Gr.6D

EPILOG

The two girls found the way home with YAHWEH’s inside help and Sam was hugged deeply between her uncle and aunt, while Ella was rushed to call her parents. Whenever Sam and Ella were asked were they went they’d simply reply. “To the Land of Dark.” That would leave everyone speechless and the parents simply thought they had been playing a game in the woods imagining. Although always they’d wonder how for so many days the two young girls survived in the woods.

This book was dedicated to: I haven’t decided yet! :P

I would like to thank: everyone in LA enrichment for the help! Also Katarina Greer for the ideas.

  After reading Hannah's draft, please send her your positive feedback, as well as any constructive criticism that might
 help her develop her story further. Remember, we are only at an idea stage in the writing, so we are looking to give
 ideas to improve on the flow of the story, the plot, the characters, the setting, etc. Let's not focus on spelling and
 grammar. We will do that later....

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