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Book 4: Every Life is Beautiful

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Chapter Two: Baby Birds

 

“Mommy! Mommy!” shouted Cloudy, tearing down the last few feet of the stretch of road, a sense of furious urgency and panic revolving in her mind. Turning, she leapt the pasture fence and crashed hard to the ground, feeling a ripple of pain in her left shoulder, but she dismissed the injury and picked herself up, hurrying to her house.

Meanwhile, on the porch sat Springtime and Liloy, Meta Knight’s foster daughter. They had been contentedly chatting about the unpredictability of the weather and Liloy’s unborn baby when Cloudy’s shout had sliced the stillness of the air like a sword. Springtime looked in the direction of the road just in time to see her youngest child barrel the fence and fall hard on her shoulder.

“Oh my gosh!” cried Springtime, alarmed. She was relieved when a moment later, Cloudy picked herself up, closed the gap between herself and the house, and made a flying leap onto the porch, landing directly in front of the two women. “Hi,” she panted breathlessly.

Springtime and Liloy stared at her unkempt appearance, her tousled fur and askew bow. “What happened to you?” Liloy inquired.

It took Cloudy a full minute to catch her breath. “We need to take care of the baby birds!” she blurted out at last.

“Baby birds?” repeated Springtime. “What baby birds? What are you talking about, Cloudy?”

Cloudy tried again. “The baby birds whose mother was killed in the car accident!”

Liloy shook her head in confusion, her brow furrowed. “Maybe you should go back and start at the beginning, Cloudy,” she said gently.

At that moment, Star and Meta Knight arrived at the scene, the latter still clutching the nest. Springtime cast a bemused gaze upon the nest and then at the soldier. “Meta Knight, can you please explain all of this?”

“Magnus?” Scazzarda, Meta Knight’s mother, opened the front door and stepped outside. “What’s that in your hand?”

Meta Knight sighed and set the nest down on a lawn chair. “We happened to take a shortcut from Whispy Woods to the main road, and we saw a cardinal who was gathering food for her babies. Unfortunately, she. . .she. . .” The knight stopped talking and looked off to the far corner of the pasture.

Star, realizing his predicament, came to his rescue. “The mother cardinal was injured by a passing automobile and died on impact.”

“Oh, no!” Liloy exclaimed, putting her hand to her mouth, eyes wide. “How horrible!”

“Yeah,” Star agreed. “It was awful. Anyway, we dug a grave for the mother and buried her, and then Meta Knight took the nest and we brought it back here so we could raise the babies.”

“Now wait a moment, Star,” Springtime gently broke in. “I’m not sure that will work. First of all, we need to provide a proper housing environment and hydration, feeding, stimulation, monitor growth, and development for these birds, not to mention the healthcare and security they’ll need. Besides, I’m too busy raising you kids. Your father and I just don’t have the time to raise baby birds.”

“You have enough time to raise us, but not enough time to raise these orphaned babies?” Cloudy shot back, her voice rising with fierce determination. “So you’re saying if a poor, starving, abandoned child showed up at our door one day, you would turn him out? Huh? Is that what you’re saying?”

Springtime was momentarily startled. “N-No, that’s not what I’m saying at all! I just meant that. . .” Her voice trailed off. She didn’t know how to respond.

Scazzarda rested against one of the porch pillars, her green eyes sober, her face clouded with uncertainty. “Springtime,” she spoke. Springtime looked up at her. “I think we should give it a try. These baby birds at least deserve a chance to live, don’t they? Every life does.” She smiled slightly and quoted James 1:27, “‘Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.'”

Springtime mulled over Scazzarda’s words. She’s right, Springtime realized. All life does deserve a chance to live. She sighed. “All right,” she said, “we’ll raise the birds, Cloudy. We’ll try our best to make sure they thrive and live happy lives.”

Cloudy beamed her thanks. Then she frowned a little. “But we have to have the proper supplies and nutrients for the birds. I just don’t know if we can wing that, though.”

“I’m sure we can rustle up something, maybe from the attic,” Springtime smiled, chuckling inwardly at Cloudy’s pun. “In the meantime, let’s get the birds inside and set up a glass cage in the parlor. Then we’ll figure out what we need for them.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Cloudy said.

Scazzarda tenderly picked up the delicate nest, opened the door again, and they all stepped inside, with the exception of Meta Knight and Liloy, the latter asking to wait outside and speak with her father. When the door was closed, Liloy perched on the lawn chair and smiled at her father. “I’ve got the most exciting news!” she sang.

“Your baby will be born this month?” Meta Knight guessed, leaning against the porch railing.

“Well, yes, but I meant my other exciting news.” Liloy giggled in happiness, purposefully stalling just to heighten her father’s impatience. “I went to see Tilry today, and he’s doing much better; in fact, the doctors believe he may even fully recover and will live a healthy, full life!”

Meta Knight couldn’t believe it. This was the first he had heard about any of this. Still, he was overjoyed to learn of Tilry’s possible full recuperation. But he wasn’t about to show it. “That’s marvelous, Liloy,” he said, trying to sound composed and yet exuberant at the same time.

Liloy burst into laughter at his tone. “Oh, Father, stop trying to act all serious about the whole thing! Deep down, I know you’re really very excited, so why not just show it!”

Meta Knight had to laugh at her impudence. “As usual, Liloy, my daughter, you are right!” He scooped her up in his arms, lifting her clear off her feet. “I am very pleased that Tilry’s condition is improving rapidly.”

“Oh, so am I!” Liloy grinned and heaved a sigh of happiness. “I can’t wait for Tilry to see my little baby once it’s born. He’s going to be a dad, you know—and you’re going to be a grandfather!”

Meta Knight rested his hand on his daughter’s, and both embraced each other for the longest time. Liloy felt his grip tighten on her the slightest bit. She understood how much he hurt inside—over his abusive past, over his father Nightmare refusing to act paternally toward him and his sister. She knew it had taken a toll on him, physically, emotionally, and mentally. She wished she could help him, but knew that only God helped those who couldn’t help themselves.

 

* * * * *

 

“Okay, here we are,” Scazzarda announced, bringing into the parlor a sturdy glass aquarium and positioning it upright on the table. “This should be big enough to hold five wriggly, restless little hatchlings.”

“Now we need the heat lamps. I know we have three or four in the attic,” Springtime said.

Just then, Cloudy’s brothers descended the staircase and spotted the nest and aquarium on the coffee table. “What’s going on in here?” Sharkell asked, creeping forward and peering into the nest at the helpless, naked birds bundled together. “What are these?”

“Baby cardinals,” Star explained. “They were in an accident,” and she proceeded to tell them the entire story about the unfortunate death of the mother cardinal and how they were attempting to rear the babies. Sharkell and his brothers listened, fascinated, from beginning to end. But Sniper was unemotional, his face cold.

“Survival of the fittest, I guess,” was his unfeeling response to the heartrending story.

Star glared at her brother, disgust growing on her face. “Sniper, how rude! If your mother was killed in a car accident, would that be your reply?”

“No, of course not,” answered Sniper in a haughty voice. “But then again, I don’t have a bird for a mother, either. Good thing too, ’cause I couldn’t stand eating worms for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

Yodi, ever the peacemaker, broke in, “Oh, forget him. Let’s just get these birds settled in and comfortable.”

Springtime arranged some clean towels on the bottom of the tank. “Sniper, can you go to the attic and hunt for those heat lamps your grandma gave us a few years ago? They’re in the gray box marked 2GX4.”

“Aw, Mommy! Why do I have to do it?” Sniper complained. “I do everything! Make Waffle do it; he never does anything!”

Springtime looked like she was about to retort, but then a sly smile spread over her face. “Hey, Sniper, what big event is later this month?”

Sniper raised an eyebrow. “Um, well, it’s my birthday—as well as my other siblings’.”

“Exactly,” Springtime declared. “And if you don’t bring those heat lamps as requested, you’re going to be spending a very unpleasant birthday cooped up in your room, along with no presents, no cake, no fun. . .”

Sniper swallowed hard. “Boy, you sure drive a hard bargain, don’t you, Mommy?”

“Take it or leave it,” ordered Springtime.

Sniper thought it over for several seconds, then released a dark sigh. “Okay, I’ll bring them.” He vanished upstairs and was gone for several minutes. After a time, he reappeared with the heat lamps and handed them to her.

“Good, you got them,” Springtime said, relief evident in her voice, taking them, plugging them in, and positioning them over the aquarium in such a way so that all three beams of light merged into one. Then Scazzarda took the birds and tenderly lowered them directly in the spotlight. Their little bodies twitched as they settled together, trying to get warm in the lights’ glows.

“What do we need now?” Cloudy asked eagerly.

“Since they’re not yet fledglings, we need some sunflower hearts, seeds, insects, and mealworms. These can probably be purchased at a local pet store,” said Springtime. “I’ll send Showerstorm into town for it later, but for now, we can probably feed them soft fruits. Star, go look in the pantry and bring me some strawberries and blueberries. Bring a kitchen knife too.”

Star did as directed and soon returned with the necessary accessories. Scazzarda cut them up and then put them into a tiny dish, which next to she set a shallow pan filled with fresh water. “They should be fine now,” she said with a smile. “We’ll have to keep checking on them several times a day, but it’ll be worth it if they survive and live normally. Every bit of effort counts if we want them to grow and thrive.”

Meta Knight and Liloy then entered the house. “Hello,” Liloy called. “Sorry we’re a little late. Are the birds okay?”

“They’re just fine,” Cloudy said. “They’re sleeping.”

Meta Knight walked over to the aquarium and glanced down at the vulnerable chicks. His eyes flashed dark green in anxiety. “They’re so small,” he murmured. “And defenseless.”

Liloy walked over to Meta Knight and placed her hand on his arm. “They’ll be just fine, Father,” she told him. “Just fine. They’ll grow up to be beautiful, healthy birds. You’ll see.”

Meta Knight didn’t seem convinced. “I don’t know,” he said. He shook his head—rather vehemently, Cloudy thought, as if trying to dispel unspoken, dark thoughts lurking within the recesses of his mind. “I just don’t know. They’re so young to be separated from their mother.”

Liloy rested her head on his shoulder. “They’ll be all right.”

Cloudy couldn’t figure out her friend. One minute he was so determined to take care of the birds and make them well again and the next he was uncertain, hesitant about their health, not knowing whether or not they would survive. Why was he always so guarded and pessimistic, she wondered. Why couldn’t he just learn that sometimes a positive attitude was the best medicine there was?

Or is something else going on? Cloudy suspiciously wondered as she watched her friend standing in front of the aquarium, head bowed, one hand clutching the corner of his cape. Liloy stood beside him, her gloved hand on his arm, a warm but worried smile on her face.

Was this a persistent whisper of. . .foreshadowing?

If so, what did it mean?

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Post Review: “I Am Just The Vessel. . .” by Willie Torres Jr.

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Today, I need to speak to all you readers about a post that really reminded me of me: “I Am Just The Vessel. . .” by Willie Torres Jr., author of the WordPress site https://beingcrazyforchrist.com/

Post link: https://beingcrazyforchrist.com/2026/05/26/i-am-just-the-vessel/

 

I, Starmonia, am an author, artist, and blogger. Like Willie Torres Jr., I have always loved writing. As a little child I would write silly stories. As a middle-aged kid I would write sensible, well-crafted poems, plays, and even songs. As I got older, I became more skilled at writing and really enjoyed doing it. I still do, in fact.

The main reason I write is not to earn money or become famous; it’s simply because I love doing it. I find pleasure in doing it. Another main reason is because I believe, through God, I can change the world. And I am changing the world even now, though I cannot see it. I am planting seeds that God will water and they will one day sprout into something amazing.

 

In his post, Willie knew he was not perfect. He also knew he was one of the least unlikely ones anyone would have chosen to change the world through his honest and amazing writing. But God is not just “anyone.” God is God, and He can choose anyone he wishes to fulfill His plan for creation. He chose twelve unlikely men to change the world in big ways. He chose a young virgin girl to carry His Son. He chose a little shepherd boy to be one of the greatest kings in Israel.

 

I am a very bright girl. I am very smart, intelligent, and spirited (perhaps too much sometimes). I am protective of my friends and family and hate seeing others bullied or cut down. I am empathetic, compassionate, and beautiful. And I am not bragging on myself; I’m merely speaking the truth. God says I am everything I mentioned above, and I believe I am.

But sometimes I really don’t know what exactly I’m supposed to be doing with my life. Sometimes I don’t see myself as a follower of Christ. Willie says it all in his post:

“Do I enjoy writing? Yes.

Do I love building friendships and relationships with others? Yes.

Do I see myself as a disciple?

I am supposed to… but only God truly knows. And if I am being honest, I hesitate to even carry that title, because of the weight it holds.”

I see myself the same way. There are times I doubt whether I’m truly worthy to carry the title of “Christian.”

“Some may say disciples are just ordinary men. And that is true. But they are also followers of Christ. They are called to go out and make disciples of all nations. Leaders. Servants. Messengers of truth.

They carry their Cross through trials, through struggles, through pain. They speak the Gospel for all to hear, without shame. Without fear of being mocked, rejected, spit on, or even killed for what they believe.

That is not a light calling.”

That is one of the truest statements I have ever heard in my life. I couldn’t have said it better.

“So I ask myself… am I worthy of that?

And the truth is, I do not see it in myself.”

I don’t see it in myself either. I doubt whether I’m truly good enough to accomplish the heavy task of walking and evangelizing for the Lord.

“I see my flaws. I see my doubts. I see the moments where fear tries to silence me, where I feel inadequate, where I question if I am enough.

But maybe that is the point.

Because being a disciple was never about being worthy on our own. It was never about having it all together, knowing everything, or standing without weakness. The very men Jesus called were imperfect, unsure, and at times afraid.

Yet they followed.

Not because they were worthy, but because they were willing.”

I have to admit, there are a lot of times I know I hurt Jesus with my wrongdoings. And it’s not that I wanted to do wrong, but nor was I willing to do right. I’m definitely not worthy to stand before Jesus, and neither is anyone else. But through Christ, I am made new. I am now able to stand before the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

I am willing to go wherever God has called me. And I know I am not worthy for the hard tasks He is placing before me, but I am definitely willing to do whatever He asks of me. . .no matter how hard it is.

I doubt myself from time to time, and I even doubt God at times, but I have never lost faith that God is watching out for me and has a plan for my life.

When I was five, I nearly drowned from falling into a river. I couldn’t swim and my family couldn’t see me under the murky water, but somehow, I floated back up for a second and part of my head was spotted, and that was how I was saved. When I was twelve, I was playing with a metal jewelry chain near an outlet into which was a plugged a nightlight, and like an idiot, I allowed the chain to touch the metal prongs of the nightlight. I burned my finger on the smoking black chain, but thankfully, the power went out before I was electrocuted and possibly died or anything caught on fire.

Looking back now, I know those rescues were not mere “good luck.” They were signs that God was telling me He had something great for me in store. And at this point, I’m still not certain what it is, but I know He has something wonderful planned for me.

“And maybe that is where I stand. Not as someone who has arrived, not as someone who claims the title boldly, but as someone who is learning… slowly, humbly… to follow.”

That’s certainly where I stand, no doubt about it! I am still learning to follow Him, and with God’s help, in time, the day will come when I will be able to face anything with no fear, for God is with me!

 

 

Thank you, Willie, for writing this spectacular post! You are truly a talented writer with a wonderful gift for words! I pray your books will change the world and show God’s love and conviction to all! God bless you, and keep writing!

Kirby of the Stars Stories

Beauty in Brokenness

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Tiff paused on the castle wall, her jade eyes reflecting worry. Her frightened eyes contrasted sharply with the peaceful orange-and-pink sky; you’d think she saw a ghost. The birds twittered a few “goodnights;” the leaves rustled in the evening breeze; the golden clouds melted into orange and grayish-black. The Booma-Dooma Volcano’s shadows darkened from smoky navy to blurred violet. Dyna Blade’s metallic rainbow wings sparkled in the last rays of the setting sun as she and her chick settled down to sleep.

While the world was peaceful. . .

the atmosphere of the castle was not.

The tension inside the enormous building threatened to swallow the inhabitants whole.

The fear all felt could not be contained.

So what to do?

*   *  *

Tiff was not prepared for her long night, nor what the outcome was to be.

It all started before breakfast.  Tiff was in her room, reading a book, when her younger brother, Tuff, called her down. Reluctantly, Tiff marched down to the breakfast table and found her place, taking her seat just as Lady Like, her mother, waltzed in with the dishes.

“Good morning, guys!” little Ivene cried, leaping into the middle of the table and knocking the teapot off; thankfully, Sir Ebrum caught it before it landed on the linoleum and shattered to pieces. Starmonia sedately swaggered in, her green eyes glowing bright.

By the time the king and his snail sidekick came to breakfast, the rest were half-done with their food. “Hey, y’all could’ve saved some for the rest of us!” Dedede snapped. “Is this how my no-good servants behave toward me, the royal king of Dreamland?”

“Save your thoughtless words and you won’t get hurt,” Ivene, the outspoken one, retorted, her brown eyes flashing. “Maybe if you showed a little more respect toward your subjects, we would show some more toward you.”

Escargoon chuckled and elbowed the king in the ribs. “She’s a mouthy one, huh, Sire?”

“Shut your mouth, you insignificant snailbrain!” Dedede ordered, banging Escargoon on the head. “When I want your worthless opinion, I’ll make sure to ask for it, got it?”

“Okay, fine. Sheesh,” Escargoon mumbled, rubbing his bruised head.

Tiff glanced across the table at one plate still filled. “Um, Mom?”

“Yes, darling?” Lady Like turned from the sink, a puzzled look on her weary but cheerful face.

“Why wasn’t Sir Meta Knight at breakfast?” Tiff asked. “He’s normally here around the same time we are.”

“Maybe he got held up patrolling,” Tuff kidded. “With all the work Dedede makes him do, perhaps he’s sleeping in.”

“Dedede would never allow that,” Sir Ebrum objected.

“Then what the heck is he doing?” Tiff demanded, standing up from her seat. “We should go see!”

“Whoa!” Lady Like objected. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. First of all, you don’t know what he’s doing. And secondly, if he even is doing something, it’s rude to interrupt.”

“But Mom!” Tiff exclaimed in exasperation. “What if something happened? We have to go see him now!”

“If you want to see him, fine,” Lady Like said, returning her attention to the dishes. “Just make sure you knock first.”

“Of course,” Tuff mumbled as she left the room, Ivene, Starmonia, and Tuff behind her. “What else would I do before entering his room?”

*   *   *

Tiff reached the knight’s room and knocked on the wooden paneling. She stepped back, expecting the door to swing open. But nothing happened. The door stayed tightly shut. Tiff raised an eyebrow.

“Ummm,” Ivene said hesitantly.

“Tiff, are you sure he’s in there?” Tuff inquired.

“He’s got to be,” Tiff answered. “Sword and Blade told me he hasn’t been out of his room all morning.”

Tiff knocked again, more insistently this time, but still no reply came from within. Tiff was starting to get extremely bothered; why was her friend not answering? Surely he would have heard the knocks, unless. . .unless something had happened. . .

Tiff grasped the knob and tried to turn it, but it wouldn’t budge. The door was locked!

“The door!” cried Tiff. “It’s locked!”

“What?” Tuff exclaimed.

Tiff sucked in her breath. “That’s it!” she burst out. “I’m breaking down the door!” Ignoring the objections from her friends, she kicked in the door, sending a shower of dust and wood splinters flying into the air. The foursome rushed into the room, only to find it deserted.

“Did anybody check the balcony?” Ivene piped up.

Tuff ran out onto the balcony and came back a few seconds later. “No one’s there,” he reported.

“Then where the heck is he?” Ivene exclaimed, stamping her feet in frustration. “He couldn’t have just vanished into thin air!”

Tiff’s eyes roved around the room until they came to rest on the bathroom door. She frowned. “Um. . .”

“You’re not suggesting we check the bathroom, are you?” Tuff joked. “I, for one, am not interested in doing such a thing. If we are doing so, we should definitely follow Mom’s advice and knock first.”

Tiff hesitantly knocked on the door, but there was no answer. She reached for the knob and slowly turned it, and the door swung inward. She took one glance inside. . .and screamed at the top of her lungs, the blood draining from her face.

“What is it?!” Ivene shrieked, jumping to Tiff’s side. What she saw made her heart leap into her throat. She couldn’t believe it.

Meta Knight was lying unconscious on the floor in a pool of blood!

Ivene was speechless. She felt as though she were going crazy. All she could think of was that Sword and Blade absolutely could not witness this horrible scene; they would freak. After what seemed like an eternity, she found her voice and hollered, “Someone get Dr. Yabui!”

*   *   *

Tiff sat on the edge of Meta Knight’s bed and looked sadly at him. He seemed fine now, but there was something about him that didn’t seem normal. . .was it his color? His breathing? She was so scared she couldn’t think straight. She could never forget the red painting the floor of the bathroom. That image would remain with her for a lifetime.

Dr. Yabui snapped his medical bag shut and stood up. Tiff gazed up at him with worried eyes. “Dr. Yabui, what’s wrong with him?” she begged to know.

Dr. Yabui shrugged. “It appears to me he, er, threw up blood, though I really have no idea why. It seems to me it was caused by extreme stress or trauma, but I don’t know of anything terrible that happened to him, except for the losses and horror he experienced in the army.” He scratched his head. “Does anyone else know something I’m missing?”

No one said a word, but Starmonia noticed Tuff staring at her. “Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.

Tuff crossed his arms. “I think you know,” he said.

Starmonia stared at him. “Why me?”

“You seem to be keeping a lot of secrets from us,” Tuff replied, “and so I think you know.”

Dr. Yabui frowned. “Starmonia, if you know something we don’t, you have to tell us.”

“It’s not fit for children to hear!” Starmonia shot back. “And besides, I promised Meta Knight I would never tell.”

“You have to tell us,” Dr. Yabui persisted. “We have to know.”

Starmonia knew there was no use arguing with him. She scowled. “Okay, fine,” she muttered. “If you really have to know, there’s no use keeping it in the dark, I suppose.” She sighed deeply. “Sir Meta Knight was abused. . .badly! I will not go into details, but we’ll leave it at that! All right?!”

There was a stunned silence. Tuff looked at the floor. Tiff turned away from Starmonia and looked at the far wall. Dr. Yabui twiddled with his bag. Ivene rolled her eyes to the ceiling, a peeved expression on her face. No one knew what to say; they were all in complete shock.

A knock came on the door and Dedede poked his head in. “Hello, everyone. What’s up? A meeting?”

“Oh, be quiet,” snarled Ivene. “Nobody’s in the mood for your wisecracks. Why don’t you go away and leave us alone?”

Dedede stared round at the solemn faces. “Hey, what’s up? Why do you all look like you’re attending a funeral?”

Tiff sniffled, tears filling her eyes. She ran her fingers over Meta Knight’s limp hand, hating how still he was.

Ivene tossed her head, her eyes glowing with a defiant light. “If you don’t get out of here fast, Dedede, we’re likely to be attending your funeral,” she snapped.

“Whoa!” Dedede held up a hand. “Chill! I’m not here to do anything! I just wanted to know why Dr. Yabui was here.”

“None of your business,” Tuff responded.

Dr. Yabui seemed uncomfortable. “Umm, I think I’ll be taking my leave now,” he said quietly, slipping out of the room, but not before calling, “Call me if he gets worse or does anything like this anything.”

“We will,” Ivene promised.

Dedede was left standing in the room with three angry kids and a silent adult. He felt as though he wasn’t welcome here, probably because he wasn’t. In truth, he didn’t feel as though he ought to be there. But here he was, nonetheless. No one looked at him; no one spoke to him; no one acknowledged him. He felt as though he didn’t exist.

At last, Ivene turned around and her eyes pierced him like a laser beam. “What do you want?” she coldly asked. “If you’re here to make fun of us, then do so. But don’t just stand there saying or doing nothing. You give me the creeps when you do that.”

“Um. . .” Dedede fiddled with his fingers. “Um, well, I just wanted to know what was going on. You all seem kind of upset about something, is all.”

Ivene stood up, her eyes glowing with fierce anger. “Yeah? And since when do you care if we’re upset?!” she cried. “You enjoy making everyone miserable! Ever since my sisters and I first arrived here in Cappy Town nearly fifteen years ago, you’ve done nothing but bother, tease, and humiliate everybody here! You think you’re the star of this show, but you’re not! In fact, you’re lower than anybody I’ve ever met! Even Nightmare himself probably couldn’t hold a candle to you!”

“That’s not true!” Starmonia exclaimed before she could stop herself. Realizing what she had just said, she clapped a paw over her mouth.

Tiff stared at her through shimmering eyes. “What?”

“Uhh, it’s nothing. . .” Starmonia turned away and rolled her eyes, hating herself. . . “I nearly gave away the secret!” she muttered.

Dedede seemed startled. “What is she talking about?”

Before anyone could answer, Meta Knight suddenly stirred and opened his eyes. Tiff was so relieved he was waking up that she forgot Dedede for her friend. “Meta Knight!” she murmured.

“Tiff?” The knight sat up and grasped her hand. “Where am I. . .What are you doing in here?” He looked at the others crowded round the bedside and at Dedede standing by the door. “Why are you all in my room?”

“Ummm, it’s a long story,” Tuff replied. “But long story short, you threw up, passed out in your bathroom, and Dr. Yabui came to find out what was wrong. Starmonia told us you had been abused.”

“Tuff!” Ivene gasped.

Starmonia groaned under her breath. “Tuff, why. . .”

Meta Knight stared at Tuff. “She did what?”

Tuff rubbed the back of his neck, wondering if he should have said that. “Um, uh, she said you, uh, were. . .abused? I guess. . .” His voice trailed off.

Tiff brushed her hand across her eyes. “She said you were abused,” she said, her voice threatening to crack. “She said you wanted her to keep it a secret, but I don’t know why. It’s not like such a horrible thing can be kept in the dark forever.”

“Why did you never tell us?” Ivene asked.

Meta Knight’s grip involuntarily tightened on Tiff’s hand. “It was bad enough living through those memories once,” he whispered. “Why bring them up again?”

“Oh, I don’t think you ever need to bring them up again,” Ivene retorted. “In fact, I bet you think of them all the time and that’s what causes you to stress yourself out and throw up just like you did today. Isn’t that right. Sir Meta Knight?”

Meta Knight was so shocked he couldn’t answer.

“Ivene!” Starmonia hissed through clenched teeth. “Stop it!”

“You know,” Ivene went on, ignoring her sister, “the more you try to keep your bad secrets in the dark, the more they’ll show. And one day, they’re gonna spill over.” She scowled at him. “What else are you keeping from us? Huh? What else have you not told us?”

“Nothing!” Meta Knight replied, but his voice was shaking.

“You saying so doesn’t make it true! Not in the slightest!” Ivene shouted.

“Ivene, I don’t think. . .” Tuff began.

“Quiet!” Ivene ordered. “I’m not talking to you! This is between me and Sir Meta Knight!” Back to the knight. “If you have anything you’re suffering from, tell us now! Now is the time to spill everything that’s bothering you!”

“Nothing is bothering me,” Meta Knight spoke, but his voice was strained with emotion. “I-I’m fine.”

“Fine?!” Ivene shrieked. “Fine?!! I don’t call throwing up, being stressed, having bad nightmares and horrible flashbacks, and not being able to sleep being fine! That’s a total lie, and you know it!”

“Ivene, stop!” Starmonia ordered. “That’s quite enough out of you! And stop yelling! That’s not going to help anything in the slightest!”

Ivene stopped yelling and the angry look faded from her eyes. The room became silent. No one spoke. No one moved. Finally, Ivene looked back at the soldier. “Meta Knight. . .” she said, her voice as calm as calm could be defined, “. . .take off your mask.”

Meta Knight hesitated. He didn’t seem willing to oblige.

“Don’t you see?” Ivene insisted, a slight hint of impatience in her voice. “You’re getting all shut off with your mask on for ages and ages! You need to take it off.”

Meta Knight dropped his gaze to the floor, not knowing what to say. After a moment, he reached up and removed his mask, and for the first time since she was very young, Tiff saw his true face. She gasped in surprise.

Dedede took a step back, startled. He had never before seen Meta Knight unmasked. “Whoa! Uh. . .”

“And now do you see why I always wished to hide myself from the world?” Meta Knight asked, his voice quavering. “I am afraid others will hate me as I hate myself. I blame myself for everything that’s happened to me all these years. I am afraid others will criticize and make fun of me as those who have hurt me in the past did.”

Tiff was shocked by her friend’s words, but even more shocked by. . . “Meta Knight!” she gasped. “Are you crying?” She had never before seen him cry.

Ivene sighed heavily, her high-toned ears wilting. Starmonia sat beside her baby sister, Tuff standing beside the two of them. Dedede was too stunned to say a word.

“M-Meta Knight?” Tiff gently touched his hand. “Don’t cry. It’ll be all right. Really. It will.” Hardly thinking about what she was doing, she hugged him gently, soothingly. He leaned against her shoulder, his body shaking uncontrollably, tears seeping out of his eyes and onto her shirt. She didn’t care about herself; her friends were more important.

“‘It’ll be all right?'” Dedede softly repeated to himself. He pressed a hand to his head, suddenly feeling like he had heard that phrase before. . .many years ago. . .

_ _ _

“Dede?” Little Tiff, aged three years old, slipped into the king’s bedroom. Dedede was lying on his bed, facing the wall, his shoulders trembling. Tiff climbed onto the bed and sat beside him, tapping his shoulder gently. “Dedede aw wight?”

Dedede sniffled and turned over to see Tiff sitting beside him. He was honestly astonished to see her. He had never been nice to the girl and yet here she was, a sincere expression of concern on her face. He wiped his face. “I’m fine, Tiff.”

Tiff didn’t look convinced. “Why Dede cwy?” she inquired, her little face screwing up into a look of sympathy. “Happen?”

“N-No, nothing happened, child. . .” But it was not true. He had suffered from another nightmare about his father throwing him off the turret, but he did not want to admit it. “It’s nothing, r-really. I’m. . .”

Tiff touched his hand. “Dede, why cwy?” she asked again, her voice filled with sadness. “Why?”

Dedede couldn’t answer. He had never felt this before, but strangely, he felt as though Tiff really. . .loved him. Actually cared about him. He had never felt this way before in his life. Another tear slipped down his face as he reache d out and embraced Tiff, who patted him lovingly.

“It be aw wight, Dedede,” Tiff said softly. “It be aw wight. God wuvs you.”

_ _ _

“Dedede?” Ivene asked. “What’s wrong? Why are you spacing out?”

Dedede, startled, snapped back into reality. “Uh, uh, I’m sorry. I was just. . .” Why did I think about that now, of all times? he wondered.

Tiff wasn’t paying any attention to Dedede’s strange behavior. She was too absorbed in comforting Meta Knight. She could vaguely recall comforting several times in the past when he seemed stressed or traumatized, but never when he cried. In fact, she couldn’t recall him ever crying in front of her. But now he no longer seemed to be the strong, stoic knight she had always known. Now he seemed like a broken, fallen soldier who needed to be reminded how much he was truly loved. . .both by his friends and by God Himself.

“Meta Knight, I need to tell you something,” she said quietly, a lump in her throat. “I love you way more than you will ever know, and you cannot comprehend how much I appreciate you being my friend. I hate seeing you upset or unhappy, and I long to make you feel better, but I can’t if I don’t know what’s wrong. I know you have a lot of trust issues and I can respect that, but I wish to goodness you’d be more upfront and honest with me about what’s going on with you.” She sighed shakily. “I know you hate yourself for what happened to you all those years ago, but know God sees something in you no one else could ever see. . .beauty in your brokenness, my friend.” She held him closer as she spoke, and the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over and streamed down her face. “I really want you to know,” she choked out, “that nothing you do will ever shake my love for you!”

Dedede was touched by the scene. He had never really noticed it before, but Tiff and Meta Knight seemed to have a beautiful and intimate bond of friendship. They were always together, always talking, always hanging out, always training, always seeing the good in each other despite their faults. I wonder why I didn’t see it there before? he wondered.

He looked at them a moment longer, puzzlement clouding his features. Then he smiled.

He decided it didn’t really matter why he hadn’t seen their bond before. The important thing was that they had it.

They didn’t care about each other’s pasts.

They didn’t care about each other’s faults.

All they cared about was their loving bond for each other.

And that was how it was supposed to be.

 

-Starmonia

 

P.S. Let me know what you think of the story!

Books

Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Nine: A Serious Conversation

 

Cloudy sat in the waiting room of Oromo Thuli Hospital with Liloy, waiting for news of Meta Knight, Derek, and Miriam. Her mind flipped back through the pages of the events that had taken place over the last few days. First the moving announcement from Miriam; then Joseph driving through Spring Breeze and abducting Liloy and Miriam; then the search-and-rescue mission; Joe and Sam’s arrest and Derek’s joining forces with Meta Knight and Cloudy; Derek’s running off and the bomb explosion; Joseph cornering them and Derek’s injury; and their miraculous escape. Cloudy knew she would never want to experience anything that frightening ever again. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the last time she would go through something truly terrifying. As she later came to realize, her entire life practically revolved around danger.

Just then, the nurse opened the waiting room door and smiled kindly at the two girls. Cloudy rose to her feet. “How are they?” she inquired.

“They’re just fine,” the nurse said. Cloudy and Liloy heaved collective sighs of relief. “Miriam and the knight can go home tomorrow, but they’ll have to take it easy the first few days.”

“And Derek?” Liloy asked.

The nurse’s smile slipped a notch. “Well, he was injured a lot worse than supposed. He may be here a few days, possibly a week. The knife split his forehead nearly to the brain. It’s a pretty bad wound. Had the blade actually hit his brain, the wound would have been fatal.”

Cloudy bit her lip and swiveled her head around to glance up at Liloy. The older woman glanced down at Cloudy with a mixture of sorrow and indecision in her eyes. Then Cloudy turned back to the nurse. “May we see our friends?”

“Certainly,” the nurse agreed, holding open the door for them. “The knight and Miriam are hanging out in Tilry’s room—Room 416. Derek’s two rooms down from them.”

“Thanks,” answered Cloudy, her tone sincere. She rushed past the nurse and trotted to the elevator. As soon as she and Liloy were inside, Liloy pressed the button for the fourth floor. Cloudy stayed perfectly still as the elevator began to rise, enjoying the funny feeling of the ascent. When the doors slid open, they stepped out and began strolling leisurely down the hallway. Cloudy studied each room number as they passed by, looking for the correct one. “Here we are,” she said finally, halting in front of a varnished door. “Room 416.”

Liloy took a deep breath and softly rapped on the door. From within answered a weak voice, “Come in!”

Liloy turned the brass knob, pushed open the wooden door, and marched inside, Cloudy following suit. Tilry was sitting up in bed, Meta Knight seated in a chair beside him. Tilry’s dull eyes brightened with joy when he saw his wife. “Liloy!” he whispered, his voice trembling.

Liloy merely grinned, her face glowing radiant with happiness and overwhelming joy. She felt like crying but knew that would in no way suit this wonderful occasion of being reunited with her loved ones. “Hello, Tilry.” She walked over to him and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Cloudy!” cheered Miriam. She jumped up from the corner where she had been sitting and hugged her best friend. Cloudy noticed Miriam’s arm was swaddled in a clean white bandage that started at the wrist, extended past the elbow, and ended just a few inches below the shoulder.

“How are you feeling?” asked Cloudy.

Miriam smiled grimly. “Okay, I guess—except I’m a little sore from my gunshot wound.” She gave a low, hollow laugh. Then her grimness was replaced by a sincere smile of joy. “Actually, I’m especially feeling wonderful now that I’m back among those whom I know I can actually trust.” She cast a knowing look over her shoulder at Meta Knight, who imperceptibly nodded at her to show he understood.

“Oh, I’m so glad you and Sir Meta Knight showed up and saved us!” Miriam exclaimed, heaving a long sigh of deep, intimate relief. “I don’t think I could have spent another minute in that cold, stuffy prison. If I had, I would have screamed my head off.”

Cloudy had to giggle at the thought. Instantly she became sober. “In all seriousness, I’m glad we rescued you when we did,” she spoke. “Otherwise, you probably would have died.”

“Yeah,” nodded Miriam, her face becoming grave.

There resounded another knock on the door and Miriam went to answer it. A few seconds later, Cloudy heard her shriek with excitement and in rushed Nika and Eloise, their arms around Miriam. All three were hopping up and down and chattering endlessly and squealing with intense delight. Eloise spotted Cloudy and ran over to her, wrapping her arms around the puppy’s neck and hugging her. Cloudy’s oxygen supply was nearly cut off, but she managed to smile and greet her friend, “Hi, Eloise!”

And at that moment, who should enter but Zach! Arrow was beside him. “Hello, everyone!” Arrow joyfully called. When his eyes landed on Cloudy, a broad grin spread across his face and he leaped over to her in three bounds and, oblivious to the others watching, embraced her with all of his strength.

“Don’t forget me!” Lily cried, leaping into the room and landing squarely on all fours, her tail wagging at top speed.

“Lily!” Cloudy exclaimed.

“Cloudy!” responded Lily.

Then in walked Leo, Meredith, and Scazzarda! They stopped short in the doorway and stared incredulously at the vast array of children jumping and swinging around and chatting all at once, laughing and squealing alternately. Liloy caught her grandmother’s eye and made a gesture of joy with her fingers, the faintest smile on her lips.

Scazzarda chuckled. “I take it they’re all glad to be back together?”

“Right,” Liloy replied.

“Okay, kids, settle down!” Meredith called out gently. The children cut their merrymaking and gazed at her with wide solemn eyes filled with respect. Meredith gently shut the door and sat down daintily in an upholstered chair, motioning for them to sit or stand quietly. When everyone was settled, she said, “Now Cloudy, why don’t you tell us about your—uh —adventure with Joseph?”

When Meredith made that request, it was as if the sun hid behind the clouds. Cloudy’s excited, enthusiastic expression she had been wearing with her friends gave way to a tight, angry look. She made a face of disgust and loathing. “I don’t want to talk about it,” she answered in a half-despondent, half-angry tone, her emerald eyes flashing. “I hated every minute of it—the fear and horror we endured, the bomb explosion, and Joseph’s threats! The worst part was when we were nearly killed! It’s a good thing the police showed up at the right time; otherwise, we would be mutilated and bleeding on the cabin floor right about now! We barely escaped with our lives!” She stamped her foot on the floor, her voice rising unexpectedly in shrill rage. “Why must I keep retelling my terrors and bringing up bad memories that I’d much rather forget?!”

Eloise gasped and recoiled, shocked that Cloudy would speak to an adult in such a way. But Meredith seemed to understand Cloudy’s frustration and misery with bringing up touchy subjects. “I see, dear,” she murmured. “Well, if you don’t wish to tell us, you may not, And if you want to keep it to yourself, do so, by all means.”

Cloudy nodded, still looking angry. She lay down on the linoleum tiles, her chin resting on her front paws.

Meanwhile, Tilry hadn’t said a word in all this time. He just watched in silence while Cloudy gave her heated tirade, his expression neutral. But when Cloudy was silent and the entire room was quiet, he sighed and turned his head to look up into his wife’s face. “Liloy, why didn’t you call and tell me you had been kidnapped?” he demanded in an anxious voice, taking her hand.

“I asked Father not to speak of the matter to you,” Liloy explained, “because I didn’t want you to worry.”

“‘Didn’t want me to worry?'” he repeated. His hand clenched tightly around Liloy’s. “I was freaking out over your disappearance! I didn’t know what had happened until Eloise got word from the authorities that you were with Joseph! I had to hear about your abduction from her!”

Cloudy was astounded and completely dumbfounded by that announcement. She turned to Eloise, who looked very embarrassed. She dropped her eyes to the floor when she noticed Cloudy staring at her. “You told Tilry Liloy was kidnapped by a serial killer?!” she exclaimed. “In his critical condition?!! Eloise, why would you do such a thing!”

Eloise didn’t meet Cloudy’s eyes when she spoke. “He was terribly worried about her almost to death, Cloudy,” she slowly answered. “I—I just figured maybe. . .if he knew where she was, he wouldn’t worry so much.”

“Yeah?! And how you think he felt after you told him his spouse was with a murderer who was recently jailed for maiming and killing several innocent people who never did him a lick of harm?!” yelled Cloudy. “I wouldn’t imagine he brought out the noisemakers and party hats! And as for him being worried almost to death, maybe it would have been better never to tell him at all! The way I see it, it would have been better for him to die not knowing of Liloy’s horrible predicament than to nearly kill himself with extreme anguish over her kidnapping by the inappropriate serial killer, Joseph Unswall!” The minute the rude, horrid words left her mouth, she was ashamed of herself.

Meredith let out a loud gasp of horror and placed her hand over her mouth. Leo stared at Cloudy in disbelief. Meta Knight lowered his head as if in shame. And Liloy just looked plain upset. Cloudy focused on the several pairs of eyes staring at her. She hadn’t meant to say something so brusque or even to indirectly imply that Tilry should have died.

Tilry blinked at Cloudy a few times, undecided as to whether he should scold her or keep quiet. Finally, he decided to refrain from rebuking her. Instead he turned to Meta Knight. “Father, you explain this,” he ordered in a stern voice. “Why did you not tell me where Liloy was when you already knew?”

Meta Knight sighed deeply. “Tilry, she asked me not to. And I did not want. . .to worry you.” His voice faltered as he went on, ” I just. . .did not want you. . .to worry. . .was all.”

Tilry’s face showed agony. “Father, you know how much I love Liloy. I love her with all of my heart. And I love you too. So much. But I hate it when you feel as if you have to keep something from me because you’re afraid I’m going to get angry at you or react badly.”

Cloudy raised her head and stared at Tilry. What did he mean by that?

Meta Knight shook his head. “Tilry, I. . .” He alternately clenched and unclenched the folds of his cape. Cloudy could feel the tension rising, and she was frightened by that for reasons she could not explain. “Tilry, I can’t. . .You know I. . .”

“Father!” Tilry’s voice was nearly at the breaking point. “Speak the complete truth about why you did not let me know Liloy was kidnapped! I know it wasn’t just because you didn’t want to worry me. There’s more to it that you’re not telling me.” He reached over and took his father-in-law’s hand. “Father, I beg you. . .please tell me the complete truth.”

Meta Knight glanced down at their joined hands and closed his eyes. Somehow Tilry’s raw vulnerability and honesty gave him the strength to tell the truth. “In truth, Tilry, I—I didn’t tell you because—I can’t stand to look at you. I didn’t want to face you with the truth because I can’t even look at you in your deteriorating state of health.” Overcome with emotion, he couldn’t go on.

The breath Cloudy had been holding in her lungs slowly hissed out. Her ears drooped. She felt sad for Meta Knight. How hard it must have been for him to admit such a thing, she thought, admiration in her eyes. But how terribly sad at the same time. Looking round at her friends, she could tell they felt the same way she did.

Tilry gazed at Meta Knight for the longest time, the love in his eyes salient. Tears filled his eyes and one dropped down on his cheek. A sob emanated from his throat, his body trembling uncontrollably. He raised his hand to hide the tears streaming down his face, but Cloudy saw them. She gasped soundly.

“Tilry,” Liloy pleaded with her husband, tears in her own eyes, “listen to me, babe. Father loves you very much, but this has been extremely hard on him. He would never abandon you, but there are times he needs to step back and think over hard situations.”

Tilry didn’t reply. He sat hunched, one hand covering his eyes, weeping. Scazzarda put an arm around Meredith, who was crying. Leo didn’t cry, but he was obviously touched by the scene. Miriam and the other children did not cry, but stared wide-eyed at the adults, their faces showing slight bewilderment. Meta Knight didn’t know what to say. He felt terrible.

“I’m sorry I hurt you,” Meta Knight whispered, “but you asked me for the truth, my son.” Tears sprang to his eyes. “I didn’t mean. . .”

“Father,” Tilry interrupted, getting control of his emotions and wiping his eyes. “You did not hurt me. I understand the truth is blunt sometimes, but I am not angry with you. I promise.” He let out his breath. “I just felt very overwhelmed by all of this—my hospitalization, Liloy’s abduction—and I broke.” His hands began to shake. “I didn’t mean to cause you so much grief. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“No!” Meta Knight objected. “No, Tilry. I love you, and I always will. You’re not causing me grief. I’m pained to see you in this condition, but you are not in any way causing trouble for me, so do not think you are.” He smiled sadly, though Tilry could not see it. “You’re very valuable to me, and I would not want to lose you for the world. No matter what happens in your life, you’ll always be precious to me.”

Tilry grasped both of Meta Knight’s hands in his, fighting back tears. Then the two embraced as everyone watched. Eloise lifted her hands and began to clap, and one by one, the others joined in the clapping. Soon the whole room echoed with applause.

Meta Knight and Tilry disentangled themselves from their embrace and smiled at their joyous, acclimating friends. Scazzarda meandered up to Tilry and fondled him. Then she did the same to her son. He returned the tender affection, his eyes gleaming light blue. The others began to participate in the hugging. Laughter, bear hugs, and tears shared a part of the sweet, emotional scene young Cloudy was witnessing.

But as Cloudy observed her jubilant friends winging round and round the room, sheer elation written on their faces; and when she saw Meta Knight and Tilry, their hands clasped, the smallest smile sprang to her lips. Yes, Tilry, you are indeed precious to Meta Knight. You’re precious to all of us. I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Tilry laughed and brushed his eyes with the back of his hand. “I’m sorry about all of this, children,” he apologized. “I don’t think you can really comprehend this at your age. You probably think this is odd.”

“No, sir,” answered Eloise in a no-nonsense intonation, firmly but respectfully. “We may be pretty young, but we’re not ignorant. We understand your situation completely.”

“That’s right,” Nika chimed. “Kids are a lot smarter and fathom way more than their executives think.”

Tilry had to smile at that statement. It was true, he knew. His father had once told him the very same thing. “You’re right.” He sighed and leaned back against the pillows, suddenly seeming very drained. Eloise felt sorry for him. He had been through so much in so short a time.

Meredith too noticed Tilry’s exhaustion. “Come, children,” she said in a low voice. “Let’s leave Tilry to his rest.” She opened the door and moved outside, Scazzarda and Leo behind her.

The other kids languidly trooped out of the room, Cloudy halting only once to look back at speak to Tilry. “See you later, Tilry,” she murmured. “I’ll be praying for you—and for your life.”

Tilry smiled tiredly at her. “Bless you, child,” he told her.

Cloudy smiled too, a feeling of warmth and ecstasy moving through her. As she passed out of the room and smoothly shut the door, she prayed in her heart, “Thank You, Jesus, for keeping me, Miriam, Liloy, Derek, and Meta Knight safe while in Joseph’s habitation. And thank You for helping us escape with our lives. I love You forever, Jesus. Amen.” Then she trotted down the hallway, turned the corner, and was gone.

Short stories

Leap of Faith

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“Take him around once more, Myra,” Ellie called to her friend, reining in her horse, Maccabee. Her eyes absently followed Myra and Jubilee around the paddock as they alternately trotted and cantered. Myra seemed a bit uptight, but Ellie couldn’t blame her. She had been that way since July—since the day she had had the terrible riding accident at Northwood Horse Show.

Myra had been warming up Jubilee and preparing him for their turn to jump. As they effortlessly flew over the jumps, a child had accidentally thrown a toy into the arena. It barreled right past Jubilee, startling him and causing him to land right on top of one of the oxers, wrenching his tendon in the process. Myra had been thrown and had badly injured her leg. She had completely recovered without any problems and so had Jubilee. But after she had gotten out of the hospital, Myra had begun to act skittery and frightened of riding.

Ellie shivered as she recalled how panicked she had been upon seeing Myra thrown from the saddle, striking her head against one of the jumps. Then she was brought back to the present as she noticed how stiff Myra was and how tightly she was clutching the reins. “Relax, Myra,” Ellie reminded her. “You’re going to work up your horse.”

Myra sat up straighter in the saddle and loosened up on the reins, slowing Jubilee to a walk. “There’s no way I can be in Ritternown Horse Show next week,” she complained to Ellie. “I’m just not talented enough for riding!”

“Sure, you are,” contradicted Ellie. She rode Maccabee over to Jubilee. “Look, Myra, your nervousness and lack of proper riding have nothing to do with you being a horrible rider. I get you’re scared because you had that accident last month, but at least you got back on. Now all you have to do is get over your fright.”

“How do you do that?” Myra asked.

Ellie thought a moment as she gazed toward the setting sun. She couldn’t very well formulate an answer for that. “The longer you do it, the more comfortable you feel,” she said at last. “And gradually, your fear goes away—but only if you kill it.”

Myra sighed. “And how do you kill it?”

“By doing the thing you’re most afraid of,” Ellie replied.

Myra frowned a little. “Are you telling me I have to jump in order to kill my fear of jumping?”

Ellie shrugged. “Basically.”

“No way!” Myra shook her head. “I didn’t let you talk me into entering the horse show to jump! I’m going to stick to equitation and the hunter division and that’s it! I will not take that chance again!”

“But who’s to say you’re not going to get hurt doing equitation or the division?” Ellie asked, driving her point home. “And if you do, what will you do then? Stay out of horse shows forever? Quit riding entirely?” She automatically bent forward to pat Maccabee’s neck. “Myra, what I’m saying is this: You can’t let your fear keep you from doing what you love. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith into the unknown, no matter how frightening or unsure it is. And who knows? You might surprise yourself with the results.”

Myra frowned and ran her finger along the pommel of the saddle. “I guess. . .” she mumbled.

Ellie smiled encouragingly at her. “Come on, Myra,” she gently prodded. “At least try the jumping class.” Seeing her friend’s doubtful look, she added, “Please?”

Myra sighed. “I don’t know how I let you talk me into this. . .but fine. Yes! I’ll do it. I’ll jump in the horse show.”

Ellie grinned and clicked her tongue to Maccabee. “I just know you’ll be a success,” she called over her shoulder to Myra as she and Maccabee cantered toward a set of four gymnastic fences. “Come on! Let’s start practicing now.”

Myra reluctantly followed, but now there was the tiniest glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

______

The day of the horse show had finally arrived! Everyone at the grounds was extremely busy. Horses were being groomed, riders were scurrying around, reporters were taking notes—everything was a whirlwind of excitement and busyness. Ellie and Myra stood a little way off from the madness, watching everything that was going on.

“Jumping starts in a few minutes,” Ellie reported. “Are you nervous?”

“Me? Of course I’m nervous,” admitted Myra. “I’ll always be nervous before a show. I don’t know how I’m going to do.” She ran her fingers through the thickly braided sections of Jubilee’s black mane. “What if I goof up and everyone laughs at me?”

“Don’t worry about the crowd,” Ellie supplied helpfully. “Concentrate on your riding. Tell yourself, ‘I will do well. I can do well. I am talented enough to win this show.’ Say that over and over while you’re warming up and I guarantee you’ll be confident when it’s time to jump.”

“Why would you say that?” Myra asked. “I’ll bet you’re just trying to make me feel better.”

“No way! I’m serious,” Ellie said. “I’ve tried it myself and it’s worked. I just know it will help you too, Myra.”

Myra didn’t say anything, but her face registered doubt.

“All contestants to the arena,” the announcer droned over the speaker. “First up is Elinda Haye on her horse, Maccabee.”

Ellie quickly crossed her fingers for good luck and swung up into the saddle. “Wish me luck,” she said to Myra. She touched Maccabee’s side with the heel of her boot and the horse trotted off toward the arena.

Myra was amazed at Ellie’s confidence as she sailed over each jump, a calm, composed look on her face. Her signals were nearly invisible; it was as if she and Maccabee were one. How does she do it? Myra wondered. How can she be so calm? 

After a few more riders, it was Myra’s turn. As the arena gate swung open, Myra rode inside. The gate clanged behind her.

Myra began a quick but efficient warm-up for Maccabee, walking, trotting, and cantering at short intervals. While doing so, she reviewed the order of the fences in her mind and told herself what Ellie had told her to think: “I will do well. I can do well. I’m a talented rider. I can win this.”

When she was ready, she turned toward the first fence and urged Jubilee toward it. The bay never batted an eye. He calmly approached it and leaped over it as it if were merely a log in his path. She shortened his stride as they neared the second fence, and again he cleared it with almost no effort. They repeated the process for the rest of the course. When they finished, the crowd burst into applause. Beaming with pride, Myra rode out of the ring.

“Beautiful, Myra!” Ellie congratulated her friend. “That was a splendid performance!”

Myra smiled. And it was then she realized she no longer felt afraid. Ellie’s advice had worked. “Thanks, Ellie,” she said. “You’re a great friend.”

“Oh, think nothing of it!” Ellie said, waving her hand dismissively. “I’m always glad to help.”

When the results for the jumping class were announced, Myra had placed first, with Ellie being a close second. Myra grinned madly as she attached the blue ribbon to Jubilee’s bridle, giving him a pat on the nose as she did so. “You’re a champion,” she whispered into his silky ear.

The hunter division was next, then equation and dressage. Myra placed second in the division and first in equation and dressage. When the time came to announce who the winner of the Ritternown Horse Show Trophy would be, Myra and Ellie were known as the top riders of the show. Not once had they placed below third. Not once had anyone come close to their ability to ride so well.

The announcer droned on and on about the trophy and about who had donated it. Myra began to get impatient. Maccabee champed his bit and stomped his foot. Ellie crossed her fingers behind her back. Finally, the time came.

“The winner of this year’s trophy is Myrabelle Karner, of Rocky Ford, Colorado.”

The crowd erupted into cheers and Ellie gave Myra a victory sign. Myra set off for the grandstand, her eyes shining, her smile wide. She barely heard the rest of the announcer’s commentary as she collected her trophy. As she gazed at the silvery sheen of the prize she held in her hand, she knew she had not gained this trophy on her own. She owed it all to Ellie, her best friend—the one who had first encouraged her to conquer her fears.

Books

Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Eight: Found!

 

“But I just can’t believe Derek would intentionally run out on us like that,” Cloudy protested. “He seemed sincere about changing his ways.”

“Then why did he not stop when I called to him?” Meta Knight returned.

Cloudy rubbed a speck of mud from her nose with her paw. “Perhaps he didn’t hear you? He was pretty far ahead.”

“He wasn’t that far ahead,” Meta Knight insisted. He vigorously shook his head. “No. He set us up. He purposefully led us in the wrong direction and then abandoned us. He tricked us.”

Cloudy shot him a dark stare. “Rushing to judgment is unwise, Sir Meta Knight.”

“Who says I am rushing to judgment?” demanded the soldier. “You saw how he acted!”

“You have no proof he left us behind on purpose,” Cloudy reminded him. “And I, for one, do not believe he ran out on us or led us in the wrong direction. I think he just didn’t hear us. If we track down his scent and go after him, we’re bound to catch up to him.”

Meta Knight heaved a sigh. “I can’t believe you, Cloudy. He ran away from us and you want to catch up to him. . .How do you know he doesn’t wish to hurt us?”

Cloudy frowned. “I don’t.”

“Then why run the risk of going after him, child?”

“Because I want to believe he’s sincere. I want him to have another chance to set his life right,” replied Cloudy. “Jesus gives everyone a second chance to repent and turn to Him. Shouldn’t Derek have that same chance?”

Meta Knight unthinkingly grasped the corner of his cape and swished it slightly, thinking hard about the truth of her statement. “Perhaps he should, my friend. Perhaps he should.” He released his cape. “Okay. You win. Go catch up to Derek. I will be right behind you the whole way.”

Cloudy nodded. Then she looked confused as she noticed he was taking a few things out of the pack and placing the rest under a ring of bushes. “Um, what are you doing?”

“If Derek is really leading us to Liloy and Miriam, I honestly do not want to lug the whole pack around. It gets heavy after a while,” the knight admitted, dropping the few items he held into his cape. “I’ll take only what we really need.”

Gotcha,” Cloudy nodded. She placed her nose to the ground and sniffed for Derek’s scent. When she located it, she let out a short bark and zoomed off into the woods. It was all Meta Knight could do to keep up with her.

 

* * * * *

 

“Whoa!” Cloudy whispered. “Look at that!”

Meta Knight crept up behind her and looked where she was pointing. Nestled in a tiny clearing was a rickety, decrepit cabin. The windowpanes were shattered and the roof was sagging and leaky. There was no sign of life anywhere, which raised his suspicions.

“Where is Derek?” he whispered.

Cloudy raised her head and snuffed the air. “My senses tell me he’s in this area,” she said.

The knight tensed. Cloudy noticed and glanced up at him in surprise. “What is it?”

“Look,” whispered Meta Knight. “In front of the house.”

Cloudy peeked through the leaves of a sturdy bush and spotted Derek half-concealed in the shadows, his snake insignia reflecting in the dawning light of the morning. He crept up the crumbling steps and softly knocked. The door opened and he vanished inside, shutting the door behind him. A thunderous silence fell over the place.

Meta Knight let out his breath, not even realizing he had been holding it. “Why did he go in there?”

“I don’t know,” responded Cloudy, “but I’m fixing to find out.” She started off toward the clearing. “Come on.”

Meta Knight found himself frozen to the spot, staring undecidedly at his friend. He didn’t understand—what was wrong with him? He wasn’t one to stand frozen in fear like this. Shaking off his anxiety, he started off after Cloudy.

They had only gone a few steps when Cloudy gave a muffled yelp. Suddenly, to Meta Knight’s surprise, she was no longer on the ground. She was suspended in the air by a thick rope wrapped around her ankle. Despite the gravity of the situation, he couldn’t help chuckling at her awkward predicament.

Cloudy scowled at him when she heard him laughing. “What’s so funny?” she hissed. “Get me down from here!”

“Okay, okay.” Still snickering, he drew his rapier and slashed the rope in half. With a stifled yell, she dropped straight into his arms.

“Thanks,” she said gratefully.

“You are welcome,” he replied, sheathing his sword. He carefully stepped to the edge of the tract, Cloudy behind him. They slowly took a step toward the house. . .then another. . .then another. . .and another. . .

“Oh, bother,” Meta Knight grumbled, halting as he eyed another noose lying on the ground. “More rope traps? How many are there?” With a shrug, he stepped over the noose and onto a raised patch of dirt. . .

BOOM!!!

With a loud explosion, dirt flew in all directions choking smoke and thick dust and debris clouded the sky. Meta Knight was thrown backward with a vengeance and slammed hard into a tree. He rolled over on the ground and was still.

“Meta Knight!!” screeched Cloudy in pure terror. She ran to him and shook him, but it didn’t help. He didn’t budge. “Meta Knight, wake up!” she cried.

At length, to Cloudy’s indescribable relief, he stirred and opened his eyes. Slowly sitting up, he stared at the wreck a few inches away from them. “What. . .is that?”

“Are you okay?” Cloudy frantically asked, ignoring his question.

Meta Knight grabbed the tree trunk to stand up, but a searing pain shot through his wrist and traveled down his arm. He winced, tears forming in his eyes. “No.”

“What’s wrong with your arm?!” Cloudy’s green eyes were wide and terrified.

“I don’t know,” he answered. He didn’t want to admit his foot hurt badly too. “What happened to me?”

“It was a bomb. I think it was planted under the ground and you accidentally set off the mechanism which blew it up,” Cloudy informed him. “You banged into that tree pretty hard.” She turned worried eyes upon the cabin. “Who knows how many more bombs are planted between here and the house?”

Meta Knight shuddered involuntarily. “I don’t want to know.” He again attempted to stand, but his foot wouldn’t permit it. He leaned against the trunk, breathing heavily.

Cloudy gazed at him, her eyes filled with fright. “I hope nothing more happens on our way to the cabin,” she whispered.

“Don’t get your hopes up too high,” came a raucous voice from behind the two. With a gasp, Cloudy spin around and found herself staring right into the eyes of a strange man. His features and facial appearance matched the exact description of Joseph Unswall! He carried a rifle and his finger was on the trigger. Derek was behind him, a coil of rope in his hands.

“Derek!” cried Cloudy. “What are you—Why did—How could—” She broke off talking when she saw the way Derek was glaring at her. There was a warning look in his eyes that spoke, “Don’t say anything here.”

“Get up!” Joseph ordered them. He pressed the point of the rifle to Cloudy’s neck. Her eyes narrowed at him, but she said nothing.

“Come on, stand up!” Joseph snapped at Meta Knight. “What’s your problem?” He jerked the knight’s wrist, causing him to cry out in excruciating pain. “Now get moving to the cabin! March!”

 

* * * * *

 

Springtime sighed and brushed some fur off her pert nose. “Morning already?” she murmured, noting the pink streaks on the tree trunks. She called up to Officer Vaysten, “Are we there yet, Vaysten?”

“Almost,” he answered. “In a few more minutes.”

Springtime sighed and settled back against the leather seat. She caught a glimpse of her husband in the seat next to hers, his eyes half-closed. Poor thing, she thought. He must be very tired.

Her mind then flew to Joseph and his gang. How could Joseph do such a horrible thing as kidnap two vulnerable young girls and threaten them? That set her wondering how many more victims he was holding captive. How many has he killed besides the ones he was arrested for murdering? she thought in horror. Is he killing anyone right now? Maybe Liloy and Miriam?! Or some other innocent person?!! Maybe at this very moment, he’s recruiting his sick buddies to go out and hunt down more unsuspecting victims! Or maybe he’s. . .

She was startled out of her thoughts by a loud explosion from a short distance away. Officer Vaysten slammed on brakes and stared into the thicket. From his vantage point, he could see columns of gray smoke billowing upward above the trees, rocketing higher and higher into the tangerine- and rose-colored sky.

“A bomb!”Showerstorm gasped, now fully awake.

“It’s a bomb, all right,” Officer Vaysten confirmed, his face grim and set into tight lines. “We’ve got to find out where that explosion came from, and fast! There’s not a moment to lose!”

All three cars slowed to a stop and the officers and their passengers emerged. Huddling into a group, they stood by the side of the road, gazing at the wreaths of smoke twisting and curling skyward and beyond.

“Who or what could have set off a bomb?” Leo wondered. “And who planted it?”

“Might have been Joseph,” Sniper suggested. “He sounds dumb enough to do it.”

Star giggled at her brother’s comment. “Yeah, that definitely sounds like something he would do.”

“All the same, we must investigate,” said Vaysten. He drew out his taser and the other two officers followed his example. “Let’s go. Stay behind me, everyone, and be alert and on guard. Ready? Let’s move out!”

 

* * * * *

 

Joseph pushed open the termite-eaten door and shoved Meta Knight and Cloudy inside. He led them through several small rooms and narrow halls. As Cloudy passed by a dark, dismal bedroom, she glanced inside and thought she saw a little girl lying on the floor. Instantly, thoughts Miriam crowded her mind. She hoped she was wrong about what she saw and that the object on the floor would turn out to be something other than a person.

Joseph led them down a flight of stairs to a door and brought forth a set of keys from his jacket pocket. He unlocked the heavy iron door and pushed it open. Cloudy could feel the draft as it hit her in the face. But what she saw made her forget all her frightening thoughts from the last few days. Miriam and Liloy were sitting together on the floor, staring wide-eyed at the group!

Miriam gasped. “Cloudy!” she cried out. “Sir Meta Knight!”

Meta Knight couldn’t reply. He could only look at them with shining eyes.

After confiscating Meta Knight’s phone, Joseph roughly thrust the two toward the girls. “You all can hang out and chat down here,” he said brusquely. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. I need to round up some of the Cyclops Serpents scouts and have them find Joe and Sam. I trust they’re done, er, butchering Tilry by now. ”

Cloudy had to smile at how cleverly Derek had outwitted Joseph. If he only knew that Joe and Sam were in jail and that Derek’s no longer his henchman! Then her smile faded as she remembered how Derek had run off and how he had showed up with Joseph after the explosion. She frowned, thinking over these vitally important pieces of information. Had Meta Knight been right the whole time about Derek? And had Derek been lying about changing his lifestyle?

“Derek, watch these idiots whilst I round up those scouts,” commanded Joseph.

Derek nodded respectfully. “Yes, Lord Joseph.”

Joseph banged the door closed and was gone. Derek settled himself on the icky floor and restlessly played with the rope in his hands. Meta Knight seated himself next to the girls. Cloudy sat a few feet away from Derek and gazed steadily at him. Derek didn’t raise his eyes from the rope for a time, but finally he looked into Cloudy’s eyes.

“Derek,” Cloudy said, her voice sharp, “explain all of this to me. Now.”

Derek looked extremely uncomfortable. “I understand this seems bad,” he hastened to say, “but it’s not what it looks like.”

“Then what is it?” demanded the puppy, glaring at him.

Derek hung his head and didn’t answer. He let the convolution of rope slip from his hand and onto the slimy floor.

“Derek, I trusted you,” said Cloudy in an interrogating tone. “And you went back on us. After you promised to change your ways too. And yet here you are, helping your wicked boss keep these scared, helpless girls—” She nodded toward Miriam and Liloy. “—and possibly others captive. What do you have to say for yourself?”

Derek sighed and rested his head against the wall. “Cloudy, listen to me. I am changing my ways. I do want to go straight. I wasn’t lying about that. What I am doing is this: I’m keeping the real me’s identity secret so my true self won’t be revealed to the wrong person. Do you understand?”

Cloudy merely stared blankly at him. It was clear she didn’t get at all what Derek was saying.

“In other words,” Derek said, dropping his voice to a low whisper and leaning forward, “I’m faking my loyalty to Joseph.”

Cloudy’s puzzled look was replaced by one of understanding. “Ohh,” she said quietly. “So. . .you didn’t abandon us? You’re not helping Joseph kidnap us after all?”

“No way!” Derek shook his head, his face showing surprise. “Why would you think such a thing?”

“Meta Knight thought you threw us to the wolves when you ran away from us back in the woods,” explained Cloudy.

Derek gave her a blank look. “What are you talking about? I didn’t run away from you.”

“Meta Knight shouted to you to stop because I tripped,” said Cloudy. “But you acted like you didn’t hear him.”

“I didn’t hear him calling me,” said Derek. “I just assumed you were still behind me.” He gave her a small, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry I gave you the wrong impression. I know it must have looked suspicious that I didn’t stop when Meta Knight called.”

“That’s okay,” answered Cloudy. “But I have another question. Why didn’t you warn us there were so many traps around this place?”

A guilty look shadowed the young man’s face. “That was a big mistake,” he said with a grimace. “I meant to tell you when we arrived at the cabin and I was going to show you the safest path across, but you weren’t with me and I had to get inside before Joseph became suspicious by my long absence. Later, Joseph and I heard the bomb go off, and I panicked. Joseph ordered me out there with him to see who was trespassing, but I knew it was you two.”

“And what was the rope for?” Cloudy nodded her head toward the thick, snakelike braidon the floor.

“Joseph wanted it in case our trespassers became too resistant.”

Cloudy felt relieved. She knew he was telling the truth. “I believe you, Derek.”

Derek beamed her a smile of thanks.

Liloy and Miriam were listening in amazement. But Meta Knight was at a loss for words. Now the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. He felt ashamed of his earlier thoughts of Derek. How could he have even though the younger man would go back on them? He wanted so much to apologize to him but could think of nothing to say.

Derek removed his cap and hung it on a nail protruding from the wall. “Whew! I feel tons better than I’ve felt in months. And now I know it was stupid of me to join up with Joseph and his ridiculous gang. It wasn’t worth my time or energy. When I get out of prison, I’m going to spend the rest of my life doing something worthwhile, like helping the homeless or rescuing orphaned children.”

Cloudy smiled sadly. “Those things are wonderful, Derek,” she said sincerely. “And you should definitely do those things if you have a chance. But in the long run, unless you know Jesus as your Savior, none of those things are going to be worth the time you spent on them.”

Derek ran his fingers through his hair, looking decidedly troubled at the mention of Jesus. “I’ve heard about God lots of times from my parents. But I’ve never truly lived out their teachings the way I should have,” he confessed. “I guess I was too obsessed with chasing after the things of this world—and I hated the thought of God being my Ruler. I didn’t wish to answer to Him.” He twisted his hands in his lap. “But now I’m beginning to question that view. I know the pleasures of this world are fleeting and picayune compared to eternity, and I know God is real and true and faithful to His promises.” He sighed deeply. “But will He forgive me for what I’ve done? Will He have me?”

Cloudy grinned victoriously at her newfound friend. “Yes, Derek—yes!” she said, jumping to her feet, her voice rising. “All you have to do is this one word—believe!” She spoke the last word with growing passion and excitement.

“Believe?” Derek’s eyes sparkled with interest.

“Yes! Yes!” she cried, her tone overflowing with joy. Pirouetting, she continued, “Admit you’re a sinner! Believe Christ died, was buried, and rose again the third day for you! And lastly, confess your sins and accept Christ into your heart, and you shall be saved!”

Liloy spoke up. “‘Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!'”

“Right on target, Liloy!” Miriam high-fived the young woman.

Derek laughed for the first time in a long time. His heart felt unusually light. “I will think on what you have said, Cloudy. But I believe I shall accept God’s invitation to sit with Him at His table. I just need some time to think through all of this.”

Cloudy nodded understandingly.

“So how do we get out of here?” Liloy broke in.

Cloudy looked to Derek for an answer. What he did next surprised and confused her beyond words. He slyly raised an eyebrow at each of them, a mysterious smile on his face. Then he recited a brief poem none of them had ever heard before:

“The wood’s panel is weathered.
Algae lies in the battered door.
The house east of mine, however—
Their fine wall is as clean as their linoleum floor.”

He finished the poem and sat there grinning at his doggerel. It didn’t take long for him to figure out that everyone in the room was completely bewildered by the verse he had chosen. They were staring at him like he was insane, baffled looks on their faces.

“Take the third word from each line and put them together,” Derek hinted.

They thought a moment. Miriam was the first to call it out. “Panel in east wall!” she said softly so as not to attract attention from the outside world. She didn’t know if Joseph or one of the scouts were listening.

“Correct.” Derek pointed to the east wall. There was a section of wood that was lighter in color than the others. He walked over to it, reached down, and pressed the middle of the panel with his thumb. The door noiselessly slid open, revealing a pipe that looked similar to a tube slide at a playground.

Miriam stared at it in astonishment. “You mean we were able to escape the whole time?!” she exclaimed.

“I suppose so,” Derek said with a slight shrug. “I’m just wondering why in the world Joseph put you in here when he knew it was likely you would escape.”

“Who can understand that guy’s mind?” muttered Cloudy.

“I told you!” Miriam whispered into Liloy’s ear, an air of triumph in her tone. “He’s crazy! He doesn’t use his brain!”

“I can’t argue with you there,” Liloy giggled.

Derek cleared his throat meaningfully and gestured toward the secret passageway. “Um, girls?” he said gently. Liloy and Miriam glanced questioningly at him. “You have to hurry if you want to get out of here before Joseph returns.”

“Oh, right!” Liloy smiled and stood up, taking Miriam by the hand. Together they strolled over to the panel and stood looking down at it.

“How far of a drop is it?” Miriam asked, looking warily at the tube.

“Not that far,” Derek assured her. “It’s built very much like a playground slide. It’ll only last a few seconds.”

Cloudy trotted over to join her friends. Then as if remembering someone, she turned and called quietly, “Come, Meta Knight. Let’s go. We need to get out of this creepy joint.”

Meta Knight obediently rose to his feet. But he has forgotten he was hurt. As soon as he put pressure on his bad foot, a stinging pain shot through it. With a low cry, he fell to the floor with a thump.

Liloy became alarmed. “Father, are you okay?” she asked, striding over to him and kneeling beside him.

Meta Knight couldn’t speak. He began trembling, trying not to cry. H e didn;t want to admit he was in terrible pain, but it was true.

Derek’s face was bleak. “You really hurt yourself when that bomb flew up, didn’t you?” he asked.

“You were hurt by that?!” Liloy screamed. “Why didn’t you say so?!”

“SHHHHHH!!” Miriam, Derek, and Cloudy hissed loudly.

With an apologetic gasp, Liloy placed her hand over her mouth. “Sorry,” she whispered. “It’s just. . .that news came as quite a shock to me.” She shook her head in disbelief. “Father, why didn’t you tell us you were injured?”

“I don’t know,” he replied, breathless from the pain.

Derek sighed and walked over to Meta Knight. Kneeling next to the soldier, he questioned, “Where does it hurt?”

The knight didn’t answer. That struck Cloudy as strange. She began to wonder if something else was wrong other than his wrist and foot injuries. Liloy too seemed concerned and she quietly spoke, “Father?”

Derek reached out and carefully grasped the knight’s wounded wrist. What Meta Kight did next was a complete shock to everyone in the room. A wild look of fear and horror leaped into his eyes and he violently jerked his arm away from Derek, at the same time striking at the younger man with his good hand. “Don’t touch me!” he cried out. “Stay away from me!”

“Yikes!” Cloudy exclaimed, taking a step back.

Liloy, too shocked for words, withdrew. Miriam clung tightly to her, her face drawn and frightened. Derek too retreated and stared at the soldier in silence, his eyes searching the knight’s face.

Cloudy was the first to break the silence. “What is wrong with you?” she asked, her voice filled with distress and a slight bit of nervousness. “Why are you acting so scared of Derek? He wants to help you, not harm you. Do you still believe he’s not to be trusted?”

Meta Knight looked up at her, his fists clenched, his breathing uneven. But when he glanced into Cloudy’s puzzled, wary eyes and saw the way she was staring at him, he let his hands drop and bowed his head. Cloudy didn’t know what to make of his behavior.

“I’m sorry,” Meta Knight whispered. “I don’t know what came over me. I. . .” His voice broke.

Liloy gave him a comforting hug. Miriam joined in. Cloudy watched from afar, her eyes brightening. Derek had to smile at the girls’ kindness toward their wounded friend. “You all really love one another, don’t you?” he asked.

Liloy smiled and nodded. “We do.”

“We really do,” added Miriam.

Cloudy swished her fluffy tail and bobbed her head in agreement.

Derek again knelt next to the knight but did not grab his arm this time. “Can you tell me where it hurts?” he asked again, his tone as of one when talking to a child who had fallen and hurt himself.

Meta Knight raised his head. “My wrist and foot,” he whispered.

Derek looked steadily at him. “May I see your wrist?” he inquired.

Meta Knight hesitated a minute, then gingerly extended his arm. Derek took it carefully between his own hands and examined it with the utmost caution. Liloy held her father’s other hand, her eyes locked on the floor, her brow knitted.

“Well,” Derek said darkly, “this is a bad injury. His wrist is wrenched and I believe his foot is the same way. Also, I don’t know if the blast injured any internal organs. If it did, he needs medical care—and fast.”

Cloudy gasped. But it wasn’t a gasp that communicated her fear for Meta Knight; it was a different sort of gasp, one that voiced something bad was about to occur.

“What’s wrong Clou—?” Derek began, but at that moment was cut off by the sound of the iron door being thrown open. It hit the wall with a loud whack, creating a dent in the woodwork. Joseph stormed into the room, a knife in his hand, his face livid, his eyes flaming. Two scouts dressed similarly to Derek were with him.

“Derek, you lying scoundrel!” roared Joseph, waving the knife dangerously close to Derek’s face. “You lied to me about Joe and Sam! You told me they had already killed Tilry and were taking care of him! But no such thing ever happened! One of my scouts said they were arrested this morning and that they never came anywhere close to Tilry!”

Then his eyes feel on the panel and hi face burned even more intensely with fierce, vengeful rage. “And on top of that, you’re trying to help these numskulls escape!” he screamed. “What kind of loyal subordinate are you?! You traitor! This is the last straw! You’re finished!”

“I. . .I. . .” Derek took a step back, his face showing unmitigated terror. Cloudy had never seen him look so freaked out before. She was terrified herself. There was no way out of this jam! She began to wonder if her life was coming to a close.

Joseph stuck his face right in Derek’s, his hand tightly clutching the knife. “You’re going to be very sorry you ever betrayed me, you moron! And let this be a lesson to you never to go back on your own boss!” With those ominous words, he swung the knife wildly at Derek. The blade sliced deep into his forehead and Derek released a pain-filled scream, falling to the floor, unconscious. Or was he unconscious? Cloudy couldn’t tell if he was still breathing or not.

Miriam screamed loudly at the bloody sight of Derek lying on the floor, a mortal slice to his head. Liloy shrieked and Meta Knight exclaimed in shock. He felt sick to his stomach—How could Joseph do that?!

Joseph threw back his head and laughed aloud. “At last!” he said gleefully. “Derek has learned it never pays to be a quisling.” He turned his attention to the small group clustered together on the floor. “And now,” he spoke, his voice indicating finality, “your turn.”

Cloudy knew now she had no choice. Sink or swim, live or die, she had to do it. She darted away from her friends as fast as he could, ignoring Joseph’s yell to come back, and dove into the pipe. As soon as she did, the panel door slammed behind her. Sliding down the short length and finally making it to the bottom, she picked herself off the leafy ground and raised her head to the sky. She let out a long, loud howl which echoed throughout the clearing, reaching nearly to the moon.

 

* * * * *

 

“Look!” Scazzarda cried, reaching underneath a bush and pulling out a white duffel bag. She turned it over in her hands. “This is the bag I gave Magnus and Cloudy before they went on their journey!” She stared at Officer Jayme. “This means they’re somewhere in this general vicinity!”

Officer Jayme nodded, taking the bag. Let’s hurry,” he said. “If they are here, we have to find them. Come on!” He started to move off.

“Wait!” Star cried, holding up a paw.

Rokstaun looked to her. “What?”

“Shh!” Sniper ordered, motioning to them to be quiet. “Listen!”

They all halted and tuned their ears. At first they heard nothing but the faint rustling of the bushes’ leaves. Then they caught a faint sound. it was the sound of howling, a frightening, eerie sound. But it wasn’t a wolf or a coyote. It was a dog. A puppy, to be more exact. And the puppy sounded just like. . .

“That’s Cloudy!” cried Showerstorm. “She’s calling to us! We have to go to her!”

They ran across the narrow lush area and turned right, charging on for a few yards until they came to a clearing. There they stopped, dumbfounded, at sight of a huge, smoking crater in the earth.

“The bomb!” Star whispered, her voice trembling with fear.

Sniper’s brown eyes grew wide. “Hey, look!” he cried.

There in the center of the clearing was a small cabin which had gone to seed forever ago. Cloudy stood in front of it, howling with all her heart and soul.

Scazzarda cupped her hands to her mouth and shouted, “Cloudburst!” across the open space separating them.

Cloudy quit howling and a look of wonder crossed her face. “Miss Scazzarda? Is that you?” she called.

“Yes!” Scazzarda yelled. “Where are Magnus and the others?”

Before Cloudy had a chance to reply, one of the Cyclops Serpents scouts threw open the front door, a loaded rifle in hand. “There you are, you mangy rat!” he shouted. Gun raised, he started her direction.

“Get away from me!” screeched Cloudy, pivoting on her toes and darting in the opposite direction from the scout. He chased her around the perimeter of the yard, a threatening look on his face.

“Our turn!” Officer Vaysten shouted, brandishing his taser. He and the other two officers took the clearing by storm and apprehended the scout. The scout fought tooth and nail but was no match for the three officers.

Officer Rokstaun yanked him around. “Where are Liloy and Miram?” he demanded. The scout glared sullenly at him, refusing to answer.

“In the house!” Cloudy gasped out, breathless from being pursued.

“We’ll rescue them!” Jayme and Vaysten declared, confidently marching inside.

“Cloudy!” cried out Springtime. In seconds, Cloudy was swept up in her mother’s embrace. “My baby!” she murmured. “Are you all right?”

“Sis!” Sniper shouted, rushing to her. Star was right beside him.

“Sniper! Star!” exclaimed Cloudy, overjoyed to see them again after what seemed like decades, but it had really only been a couple of days. “It’s wonderful to see you!”

“Cloudy!” Scazzarda knelt down and hugged her furry friend. “My friend, are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine,” Cloudy assured her. Then she turned to Officer Rokstaun. “Officer, how did you get across that clearing without stepping on any more bombs?”

Rokstaun blinked. “You mean there’s more than just that one?”

“Um, well, not exactly. I mean, I don’t know if there are any more,” Cloudy said.”After Meta Knight set off that last one, I was quite unsure.”

“Magnus set that bomb off?!” Scazzarda gasped. “Good night, is he okay?”

“No,” answered Cloudy truthfully. “He wrenched his wrist and foot from slamming into a tree, and we don’t know if he has any internal injuries. He needs medical aid.”

“Here we are!” Jayme announced. He and Vaysten led a handcuffed Joseph and four more scouts from the cabin. Behind them were Miriam, Liloy, and Meta Knight! The unconscious Derek was being carried by Officer Vaysten.

“Magnus,” whispered Scazzarda, her eyes welling with tears. She put her hand to her mouth.

“Daddy!” Miriam shouted with delight as she was scooped into Leo’s arms.

“Caught him threatening the girls and the soldier with a knife,” Jayme said, pointing to Joseph with his taser. “Thankfully, we took the knife away before any more damage was done and made him and his pals lie facedown on the floor.”

“Was there anybody else in the cabin besides them?” Cloudy asked, recalling the image of the little girl lying on the floor of the bedroom.

Jayme shook his head. “No one else. We’re sure of that because we made a thorough search.”

“We’ll have to take you all to the hospital to get looked at,” said Rokstaun. He frowned at Derek. “I don’t know what in the heck happened to him, but it looks bad.”

“Joseph cut his head with the knife,” Cloudy answered wearily.

Leo pressed his face into his daughter’s hair and drew a deep, shaky breath.

Scazzarda cast a quick look at Derek and then turned away.

Sniper and Star scowled at Joseph, who sneered at them in response. He showed no guilt over what he had done.

Jayme rubbed his face with the palm of his hand and sighed heavily. “Let’s get to the hospital,” was all he said. He led them across the clearing, taking great care to avoid any possible hiding places of underground bombs. Only once did Cloudy pause and glanced back at the cabin. She felt a rush of sadness creep over her. All of this could have been avoided had Liloy and Miriam chosen not to ride with Liloy’s former schoolmate.