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Books

Book 3: With You Always

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A Word from the Author

 

Hello for the third time, my readers! I’ve learned so from this scary, sad, but hopeful story of faith, love,  and hope, and I trust you all have as well.

A few things here: One, this whole story is fiction, and it expands on the Kirby universe. This entire series is known as Christian fiction, meaning that one or more characters in the story are Christians and use the Bible to solve the problem(s). And I know that not everyone who reads this series is Christian. Tat’s perfectly fine, though; I don’t expect everyone to be. But something I do expect, dear readers, is that you learn something valuable from each story I write.

But while the story is fiction, the Bible is loaded with evidence that’s real and overwhelming. The Bible is the only Book that is authentic and valid and lines up with history and answers all questions about hefty topics, such as Noah’s Flood.

However, many people are puzzled by the Bible. They ask questions like: Does the Bible contradict itself? Who was Cain’s wife? How could Jesus die on the cross for me? If God loves us, why are we all suffering? Are angels real? What is my purpose in life?

These questions and more are answered by the Bible. False teachers and books (other than the Bible) can’t always be trusted. But the Bible can be. Why? Because it was given us by God—yes, Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Jesus is alive, and living, and real. If He had not been born. . .if He had not died. . .if He were not a real person and did not exist, then we wouldn’t even be here. We wouldn’t exist. We would merely be dust in the dirt

Joseph and his crew’s actions in this story may bother a lot of people. But justice is always served to those who hurt God’s people and commit moral evils. The Bible makes this very clear in Proverbs 11: 5- “The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.” I wanted to emphasize that verity.

God gave every single one of us a mind and a conscience. He keeps human depravity in check. He won’t let destruction run rampant. Yes, there are many evils in the world, we see. There are drunkards, murderers, rapists, and thieves. There are slave traders, those who abuse power, and even those who exploit their own people. But thanks to God keeping our depravity in check, we’re not all lying in our caskets right at this point.

By God’s grace, we are alive. By the Lord’s mercy, we aren’t struck dead by His hand, though we have every right to be condemned and die a miserable death in hell. We all have a choice to accept Him as our Savior. And if a true Christian truly accepts God in his heart, he will never regret his decision. Never.

The Romans Road of Salvation gives us three things we can do to be saved.

A—Acknowledge: Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of salvation and that you need Christ. You are not independent from God; you need God and learn from God. Without Him, you are spiritually dead.

B—Believe: Believe that Jesus died on the cross to save you and He was buried and rose again the third day out of that grave for YOU! Jesus conquered death and reigns on His throne in heaven.

C—Confess: Confess your sins to Him and ask for forgiveness. Beg Him to enter into your heart and be your Lord and Savior. He will govern your life the moment You ask Him to. You don’t need to pray in a fancy manner; just ask for forgiveness, confess your sins, and believe on Christ.

Dear readers, I hope you will respond to the truth of the gospel if you have not already. God loves all and wants to save all.

Next book is coming up, and see you then! God bless you all, my friends!

Books

Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Ten: The Party

 

“That wrapping is spectacular!”

“The balloons are a bit flat on one side.”

“Oh, brother! I got these garlands tangled!”

“Where’s the frosting? I know I left it on the kitchen counter. . .”

It was Liloy’s birthday, and Cloudy and her family and friends were putting on the final touches for the party. Liloy was due to arrive any minute now, and they were barely halfway done with the little jobs.

“Whoa! What the? Help!” hollered Sniper, struggling and wriggling to free himself from a tangled mess of balloon strings. “Get me out!”

“Okay. Hold still, Wiggly the Worm,” teased Cloudy. She took hold of an intractable piece of string in her mouth and tugged at it, untying the knot which held her brother captive. He shook the strings off his body and smiled his thanks. She flashed a grin at him and walked back to her place beside her mother, who was squeezing swirls of white frosting from a toothpaste-shaped tube onto the three-layer chocolate cake.

For a minute or two, no noise was heard except the rustling of the bushes’ leaves and the tinkling of the colorful bronze tassels dangling from the unicorn piñata. Then Sniper, who was playing lookout at the corner of the house, waved his paw wildly and hissed out, “They’re coming! They’re coming! Hurry and hide!” They all scrambled to conceal themselves from view and succeeded just as Liloy and Meta Knight stepped under the ivy-covered overhead trellis and into the garden.

Liloy paused a moment to savor the scene. Ten pastel-hued balloons were tied to the sandalwood picnic table, on which sat several presents shrouded in flashy wrapping paper. On a separate table, a marvelous cake of beautiful craftsmanship sat proudly on a silver dish. Beside the cake was a stack of china dishes and silverware. The piñata, hoisted from a branch in an old oak tree, swayed in the frequent gusts of wind. Various chairs and logs were placed in a ring around a crackling bonfire. A guitar leaned against one of the chairs.

“Guys?” prompted Liloy a little nervously. “Where are you?”

Liloy nearly jumped out of her skin when Sniper swung down from a rope attached to the top of the drainpipe and shouted in her ear: “Happy Birthday!”

“Yike!” Liloy cried, whirling to face him as he stood there grinning at her. “S-Sniper!”

“Gotcha!” Sniper fell back on the ground, kicking his legs and laughing hysterically. Liloy glared down at him, trying to appear stern, but she couldn’t help herself. She began to laugh too.

“Happy Birthday!” Cloudy and Star hollered as they leaped out from behind a patch of tall sunflowers.

Sniper’s brothers appeared from beneath the swing set.

Springtime and Showerstorm popped out from underneath the picnic table.

Miriam and her friends jumped out from behind the oak tree.

Scazzarda, Meredith, and Leo stepped out of the garden shed.

Together they gathered around Liloy and began congratulating her and wishing her many years of life and happiness. Liloy’s lively eyes danced with rapture and enlightenment as she hugged each of her friends and thanked them.

“Wow,” Liloy said, gazing at the garden. “You all did a wonderful job fixing up this party for me!”

“It took quite a while,” said Cloudy mildly, “but we managed to finish it in time.”

“Barely,” Sniper whispered to Yodi.

“Well, it’s fantastic!” Liloy complimented them. She smiled a little sadly as she again took in the beautiful sight. “I just wish Tilry could be here.”

Cloudy wished the subject of Tilry wouldn’t be brought up. She had practically forgotten about him in anticipation of this glorious, long-awaited day. Now a feeling of shame and sorrow swept over her as she recalled yesterday. She didn’t want the fact of Tilry’s absence to ruin the day. So how else could she make Liloy feel better?

“Um, hey, everyone?” Cloudy said in a too-bright tone. “We should really get this party started, don’t you think?”

Liloy seemed relieved at the change in topic. “Yeah. We should.” She turned toward the others, pasting a happy smile on her face and attempting to appear joyful. “Well?”

Scazzarda and Leo glanced at each other and gave imperceptible nods.

“All right!” Sniper shouted.

They all tramped over to the table on which sat the cake. Seventeen candles were positioned atop the rich delicacy. Liloy laughed at how tall the cake was. “You must have used a huge oven for this!” she giggled.

“Only the best for our friend,” Cloudy replied, smiling brightly.

Liloy looked down at Cloudy and grinned. “And whose idea was it to put my face on the side of the cake?”

“Mine,” Cloudy answered, beaming with pride. “I figured it would be a nice touch. After all, it is your birthday. . .and your cake.”

“Maybe we should trying doing that for Father’s birthday,” Liloy joked, “which, by the way, Cloudy, is two days after yours.”

“Whoa! Really?” Sniper stared at Meta Knight in surprise. “So cool!”

“Yes, it is. But anyway,” Springtime broke in, “we should be singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Liloy right about now, should we not? Everyone ready? A one and a two and a three and a four. . .”

“Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday, dear Liloy!
Happy Birthday to you!”

“Thank you all so much,” Liloy said when the song was finished. “You were all in perfect harmony.”

“Yeah?” Leo cleared his throat and pretended to look solemn. “Well, you’re fixing to hear our perfect voices again later today, because we’re going to be singing around the fire together.”

“Oh, how exciting!” Liloy said happily. “I love singing. In fact, when I was in fifth grade, I won fist place in a singing contest hosted by our school.”

“What song did you sing?” Cloudy questioned.

“Um, I don’t recall,” Liloy admitted, scratching her head. “But I do know I won. I still have the trophy somewhere in our attic.”

“Neat! Then how about you lead the singing tonight?” Cloudy asked.

Liloy was taken aback for a moment at such a suggestion. “Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly!” she protested. “My-My voice isn’t that good anymore. Besides, I haven’t sung in at least two years or so.”

“Nonsense!” Star exclaimed. “I bet your voice is wonderful.” She gave Liloy a pleading look. “Oh, please lead the singing!”

Liloy seemed unconvinced. “I don’t know. . .”

“Please?” Star asked in a small voice.

Liloy sighed and swished her cape. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to do this without caterwauling or shattering your eardrums, but. . .okay. I’ll do it.”

Cloudy frowned. Why does Liloy think she’s a bad singer? she wondered, staring at her friend. That’s very odd. For a girl who won first place in a singing contest, she sure doesn’t act confident in her talent to sing. Perhaps it’s because of the recent events she’s gone through? Maybe she just needs a little encouragement, is all.

After the cake was devoured, Springtime declared it was time for presents.

“Wow!” Liloy gasped, seeing the tower of gifts. “How many trucks did it take to load all of these?!”

The children broke up at the witty question and the adults seemed faintly amused. Meta Knight, on the other hand, didn’t laugh or smile. He stood a little ways back from the group, silently observing the scene that was about to unfold before him.

Liloy took the first box handed her by Scazzarda and gingerly began tearing the hand-painted paper. Inside was a wooden carving of a prancing horse. Liloy knew who had created this masterpiece. No one else but Leo could have done such a thing. She smiled up at him. “Thank you, Leo.”

“You’re welcome,” Leo responded.

Liloy accepted the second package and carefully opened it. Inside was a handmade purse with fluffy purple tassels. She squinted at the gift, as if trying to place who had given it to her. Then her yellow eyes lit up. “Grandmother, you made this!” she exclaimed, looking up at Scazzarda.

“Who, me?” Scazzarda asked innocently. “Now, why on earth would you think it was me, of all people?”

Cloudy and her siblings erupted into laughter.

“Because you have a purse similar to this one,” Liloy pointed out, “and you designed that one yourself.”

Cloudy smothered a grin. “She’s got you there, Miss Scazzarda.”

Scazzarda chuckled and shook her head. “Of course she has.”

Liloy opened the next one, which was from Meredith. It was a beautiful charm bracelet with the verse John 3:16 painted on it. She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist and held it to the winter sunlight, admiring it. “Meredith, this is lovely,” she complimented her. “Did you make this?”

“Yes, I did,” Meredith answered. “I sometimes make handmade jewelry and sell it online. That’s my hobby.”

The rest of the gifts were exquisite—minus the dead cockroach Sniper gave her—and Liloy said so. She was pleased by the presents, but even more pleased by her friends’ generous hearts. “Even if the present is a roach,” she laughed.

Cloudy frowned slightly as she gazed at the pile of gifts lying at Liloy’s feet. “But wait,” she said. “We’re missing someone, aren’t we? Meta Knight didn’t give you a gift.”

“Did he forget?” Sniper asked sarcastically. “Or does he just not care?”

Cloudy gave her brother a withering look. “Meta Knight not caring about Liloy is about as likely as you ever growing up and acting your age,” she shot back.

Star giggled. Sniper looked insulted, but kept quiet.

“I did not forget you, Liloy,” Meta Knight spoke, walking to the front of the group and letting himself out of his cape. In his hand was clutched a few pieces of paper. Cloudy crinkled her brow in puzzlement. What kind of gift was paper? Still, she figured Meta Knight had his reasons.

Meta Knight extended the papers to his daughter and she hesitantly took them, unsure of what was written on the smooth sheets. She unfolded the papers, her eyes scanning the pages as she silently read through each one. Meta Knight lowered his head and released a low, shaky breath. Cloudy stood where she was, waiting, watching, feeling that something was going to happen. But she wasn’t sure what.

After a time, Liloy raised her head from the papers and glanced around at her silent friends. “What is it?” Cloudy asked quietly.

Liloy sighed and a sad smile formed on her lips. “This is a letter from Father to me. And. . .I would like to read it to you.”

Springtime and Showerstorm exchanged wondering looks. Cloudy curled up on the grass, prepared to listen.

Liloy smoothed out the sheets and cleared her throat, then began reading aloud the letter:

 

“My dearest Liloy,
I am writing this to you to express my feelings about you and your growth, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. My daughter, you are indeed different from most in the world today. You serve your God and submit to His will, and you love as you say He loves. You are kind, loving, beautiful, sweet, and empathetic.
When you became my daughter, I wanted you to have a life unlike and much better than mine. My life was filled with much trauma and horror, and I wanted you to feel loved and safe. But when your mother left, I felt like I was falling apart. I was left to raise you and your brother on my own, and I was determined to do so. But every night for the first year after your mother left, I couldn’t sleep and struggled with insomnia. I was afraid I was going to screw you up, and when your brother began to stray away and do questionable things, I was scared to death. I blamed myself for his wandering and drinking. But the only thing that gave me courage was your unshakable faith. You never once doubted. You never once asked why your brother strayed onto the wrong path. You remained faithful to your God. You possessed peace I did not.
After your marriage and Tilry’s diagnosis, the pangs of fear I felt from time to time occurred less and less, but became stronger and stronger. I  was worried something was going to go terribly wrong with you or Tilry like it had with Gregory, and I did not want a repeat of your brother’s straying. But your faithfulness to your God and everything you held dear assured me you were not going anywhere.
But as of recent events. . .
When you were abducted by Joseph, I was terrified for your safety. I didn’t know what was happening to me or why. I was breaking under the weight of the pressure I was under, and no one could truly see how much I was close to giving up—except for Cloudy. She is a priceless treasure of hope and love. Her faith beams bright in this dark, evil world, as does yours, my daughter.
No one could describe the relief I felt when you were found and rescued. But at the same time, no one could describe the stress and sadness I felt. Actually, stress and sadness doesn’t even begin to define how I felt. It was worse, far worse, but your faith and Cloudy’s love and kindness made me feel better and showed me I didn’t always have to suppress how I felt.
My daughter, there are no words to tell you how much I love you and appreciate you. But you mean the world to me. I could never stress or make you fully comprehend my undying love for you. You are one-of-a-kind and I would never trade you for any other daughter in the world.
I love you, Liloy.
Your father,
Magnus Stellarum.”

 

Cloudy felt as though she had been slapped across the head with a club; she was that stunned. Meredith was wiping tears from her eyes and Springtime was looking at Liloy with a smile. Leo was holding Miriam in his arms, tears streaming down his face. The children’s face showed solemnity and bewilderment.

Liloy raised her head and gazed at her father, who was looking away from her. He wrapped his cape around himself with shaking hands. Liloy continued to look at him, love in her eyes. Cloudy found the silence increasingly awkward and wished with all her heart that someone would say something—anything!

At length, the knight finally spoke. “Liloy, I didn’t. . .” he began, but Liloy put a finger to her lips, shushing him.

“Don’t say anything,” she told him in a gentle voice. “I know exactly what you’re going to say, and it’s not true. This means so much more to me than all of these other gifts combined, and I’m not going to pretend the letter means less. It’s a beautiful gift, Father, and you are a wonderful parent to me. I wish I could tell you how much I love you, but there are no words to tell you, Father.” She reached out and grasped his trembling hands, smiling at him, tears in her eyes. “You are indeed someone every special to me, Father.”

Meta Knight couldn’t say anything; he was too overwhelmed. Instead he embraced his daughter tightly, feeling happier than he had in days. The others began to applaud, their faces shining with pure joy. Cloudy barked, backflipped twice, and released a howl of excitement.

“Truly the Lord’s at work here!” Star murmured under her breath. “There’s a change in the air. . .I just know it.”

Liloy and her father separated from their embrace, still holding each other’s hands, smiling softly at one another. Cloudy grinned at the two and yipped, directing their attention toward her. “Cloudburst, what is it?” Meta Knight asked.

“Come on, you two!” cried Cloudy, doing a rough-and-tumble. “What are you waiting for? It’s party time!”

Liloy laughed. “You’re right, Cloudy! It is indeed party time!” She tugged at her father’s hand. “Let’s go see what’s next, Father.”

It turned out that next was games. First up was Charades. Cloudy was picked to act out the first charade. She smiled as she gazed at the oak tree, the piñata swinging from the lowermost branch. She knew exactly which charade to act.

Cloudy began by gesturing to the sky and pretending someone was speaking to her from above. Then she followed by pretending to swing an axe and chop wood, then building what appeared to be a boat. Then she made wave-like motions beating against the imaginary boat and rain coming down in great sheets.

“I know! I know!” Star cried, dancing about eagerly.

“Yes?” Cloudy prompted.

“Noah’s ark!” cried Star, letting out a howl of triumph.

“Yeah! Good job!” Cloudy high-pawed her older sister.

After a few more charades, Tag was next. Cloudy won hands down. No matter who was chasing her, she could always avoid being touched by him. No one could figure out how she managed to dodge being tapped, but she did nonetheless.

The next game was the Sack Race. The kids split into two teams and each stepped into a gunnysack and lined up at the marked starting line. When Liloy called out the signal to go, the teams hopped to get to the finish line first, most ending up sprawled out flat on the grass. The adults were laughing hysterically at the children’s comical accidents and spills. Zach crossed the finish line first. Eloise was a close second, and Miriam was third.

The third game was Hide and Seek. Cloudy was the only one out of all the children not to be found, and everyone was confused about where she was until she crawled from below the garden shed. Then embarrassment loomed.

Then came the time to whack open the piñata. Liloy was first to try. She blindfolded and handed the club, and wham! she smacked her target head-on. Candy spilled all over the ground and the children scrambled to collect as much as they could. Liloy giggled at their excited cries of delight and the argument that ensued between Sniper and Waffle over who had the most candy.

All this furor continued past late afternoon and until the sun began to set. Then Springtime called the others to the bonfire. A few drained children flopped into the chairs. Liloy and Meta Knight seated themselves together on a log while Leo took up his guitar and sat across from the birthday girl and her father. Cloudy sighed with delight as she curled up by Scazzarda, who was stoking the dying embers with a thin metal rod.

Leo tuned up his guitar and smiled at Liloy. “What song would you like to sing tonight?”

Liloy looked into the fire and grinned. “‘Who Else’, by Liliya Chekh. I love that song.”

Cloudy smiled as she realized she recognized the song, though she had never heard Chekh’s version of it. She was curious to know how it went.

“Sure. Whatever you desire.” Leo tried a few chords until he reached one that was satisfactory. “Okay, are you ready?”

Liloy took Meta Knight’s hand. “Yes.”

Leo began playing the soft but powerful tune and Liloy began to sing, her voice melding with the thrums of the guitar strings.

 

“I am an instrument of exaltation,
And I was born to lift
Your Name above all Names.
You hear the melody
Of all creation,
But I have songs of praise
Not even angels sing.

Who else is worthy?
Who else is worthy?
There is no one;
Only You, Jesus.
Who else is worthy?
Who else is worthy?
There is no one;
Only You, Jesus.”

 

Leo nodded toward the girls, motioning for them to join in the singing. They gladly obliged.

“You are the infinite God of the ages,
Yet You chose to make
My heart Your dwelling place.
You healed my brokenness,
Showed me Your glory;
So I have songs of thanks
Not even angels sing.

Who else is worthy?
Who else is worthy?
There is no one;
Only You, Jesus.
Who else is worthy?
Who else is worthy?
There is no one;
Only You, Jesus.
Who else is worthy?
Who else is worthy?
There is no one;
Only You, Jesus.
Who else is worthy?
Who else is worthy?
There is no one;
Only You, Jesus.”

 

As Cloudy sang, she felt a deep peace bubble up inside of her and spread throughout her body. She smiled, her fangs glowing orange in the flickering, dancing tongues of flame, her emerald eyes reflecting the heated glow of the embers. They were almost to the bridge, which was one of Cloudy’s favorite parts.

“Lamb of God, anointed One,
Who was and is and is to come,
Seated on the throne above;
Holy, holy!
Righteous One Who shed His blood;
You proved to us the Father’s love.
Jesus Christ, be lifted up!
Holy, holy!
Lamb of God, anointed One,
Who was and is and is to come!
Oh, ohhh!
You are and You are
Righteous one Who shed His blood
You proved to us the Father’s love.
Jesus Christ, be lifted up!”

 

“Take it away, children!” Liloy called.

 

“Who else is worthy?
Who else is worthy?
There is no one;
Only You, Jesus.
Who else is worthy?
Who else is worthy?
There is no one,
It’s only You, Jesus.

There is no one;
It’s only You, Jesus.”

 

There was a slight pause and then everyone camped round the fire, including Meta Knight himself, completed the outro:

 

“There is no one;
It’s only You, Jesus.”

Cloudy felt a bittersweet crest of happiness sail over her, burying her in mixed feelings of bliss and sorrow. For she knew that this had been a completely wonderful day, and she would remember it for always and replay it over and over again in her mind. But tomorrow Miriam would be gone, off to live in Prism Plains, and she would never come back here to live. And that was by far the blackest part of the entire day.

_____________________

Note: “Who Else” in Liliya Chekh’s version was written and sung by Liliya Chekh. All credit for this song goes to her.

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.

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.

Books

Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Seven: A New Friend

 

Scazzarda opened her eyes to bright moonlight streaming in through the window. She was sleeping on the parlor couch in Cloudy’s home. Meredith and Leo, Springtime and Showerstorm, and Cloudy’s siblings were asleep upstairs. Everything was quiet as a tomb and completely peaceful. So why had she woken up?

Then a soft scraping sound reached her ears. Her eyes traveled to the window next to the parlor’s window, and she saw a silhouette slip past the pane and melt away into the darkness. A tight grip of fear seized her heart as she realized the house was being watched!

Scazzarda slowly stood to her feet and crept over to the window, drawing back the pink translucent curtains a tad. At first she saw no one. Gradually, as the minutes ticked by, she saw the shadowed figure of a man standing on the porch steps, a gun in hand, looking out over the pasture, his back stiff. He furtively scanned the area with his eyes, his face a mask of enigma. After a while, he gave a low whistle and two more men appeared on the outskirts of the pasture, rifles in hand, brown felt caps pulled low over their foreheads. On the front of the cap, carved into the felt, was carved the insignia of a one-eyed serpent.

Scazzarda really started to panic then. The house was being guarded by three armed men! She wondered if she should wake the others but then discarded the idea. No use—it would probably put them in more danger than they already were. Then what to do?

Scazzarda could hear the men talking outside, and she tiptoed closer to the door to hear them better. At first all she heard were faint murmurings, but then began to detect full sentences.

“I don’t like this,” the first man said nervously. “If we wake these folks up to ask where Tilry is, we might raise suspicion.”

“Oh, cut your yakkin’, Derek,” the third man scoffed. “It ain’t that big o’ a deal. If they get too nosy in our affairs, we’ll club ’em over the heads with our guns.”

“Yeah, Joe,” said Man Two. “And besides, Derek, who says they’ll suspect anything? We’ll jest pretend to be hunters who’ve lost out way, and we’ll fake that we live near the hospital Tilry’s in. Once we find out which hospital he’s is, we’ll kill ‘im. Short, simple, and to the point!”

“Well said, Sam,” said Joe. “And you know the deal, Derek. Boss’s orders.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know!” Derek said. “It seems too risky! What if they call the police or something?”

“No need to worry ’bout that,” Joe laughed. “I just turned off all the electricity.” He frowned and fingered his rifle. “Don’t be chicken, Derek. You’re not gettin’ paid to be a wimp. Now get up to the door and knock.”

Derek obeyed, banging lightly on the door. Scazzarda knew now she had no choice. She had to wake the others. Turning, she stumbled up the stairs, almost tripping on one of the steps, and ran into Springtime and Showerstorm’s bedroom. “Springtime! Showerstorm!” she hissed. “Wake up! There’s trouble!”

Springtime stirred and opened her eyes. “Scazzarda?” she asked in bleak surprise. “What time is it?” Her gaze went to the alarm clock, which was blank. “Why is the clock turned off?”

“Please listen!” pleaded Scazzarda. “There’s three armed men at our door who are pretending to be hunters in order to know where Tilry is so they can kill him! They turned off the electricity to prevent us from calling the police!”

“What?” Showerstorm was alarmed. “They’re armed? With what weapon?”

“Rifles,” answered Scazzarda briefly.

“Oh, no!” whispered Springtime. “What shall we do?”

Then came the knock again, louder this time.

Showerstorm slowly let his breath out. “The panel that houses the switches for the circuits is at the side of the house. If I can sneak out the back door and manage to flip the switches back on. . .”

Springtime gasped, terrified for her husband’s safety. “No! They’ll see you and shoot you! it’s too dangerous!”

“Hon, I have to,” Showerstorm firmly replied. One look at this face told his wife he was serious about this deal. There was no changing his mind. “I want you to turn all the light and appliances off and answer the door. Play along with any story the men tell you and don’t act suspicious.”

Scazzarda and Springtime obeyed to the letter. They switched off all the upstairs devices and lights while Showerstorm slipped out the back door. Then they raced downstairs and did the same to the rest of the appliances.

Just then, the knock came on the door once more.

“Open it!” Scazzarda commanded her friend.

Springtime hestantly cracked open the door a little, blinking sleepily. Scazzarda hung back out of sight. “Yes?”

“Oh, hello, miss,” Joe said politely, doffing his cap. “We were hunting in the woods a little ways from here, but we lost our way home. We were wondering if you knew Tilry Stellarum.”

“Do you have a permit?” Springtime asked.

Joe blinked, taken aback. “I beg your pardon?”

“Do you have permission to hunt in the woods?”

“Well, of course,” Joe said, frowning.

“May I see the permits?” Springtime requested.

Joe scowled darkly at her. “Look, lady, I don’t have time to show you our measly permits. I just need to know which hospital Tilry is in. We live near him.”

“If you live near him, you should know where he is,” Springtime said bluntly.

Joe raised an eyebrow. “We, uh, forgot the name of the hospital. It had an odd name, I know that.”

Springtime smiled mysteriously. “Sorry I can’t help you. You could try the nearest house from here.”

While the men and Springtime were talking, Showerstorm had sneaked around to the side of the house and had quietly opened the panel door. He carefully pilled several levers to activate the power, keeping an eye on the men all the while. He was in direct eyesight of them, yet they never so much as glanced over in his direction.

“Lady, I would think you would know which hospital we’re talking about,” Joe said. “Tilry Stellarum’s there.” He shot her a searching look. “Surely you know Tilry.”

“I can’t say if I’ve ever heard of him,” Springtime said, still smiling in her cryptic way. “But I might have.”

Showerstorm figured his wife needed some help, so he turned to go back inside. But as he did, he stepped on a twig. The twig gave a loud crack which resounded throughout the night.

Joe stopped speaking. “What was that?”

Springtime’s heart was pounding wildly, but she tried not to show her fear. “What was what?”

“I heard something snap.”

“I didn’t hear anything.”

Showerstorm remained motionless. Joe and his cronies listened closely, but heard nothing more.

“Probably just some animal,” Springtime suggested, but she couldn’t help smiling at her pun.

Joe glanced at her. “What are you smiling about?” he demanded.

“Me?” Springtime questioned. quickly rearranging her facial expression to look serious.

“Yeah. you, lady. I’m not talkin’ to the door,” said Joe.

“I thought so,” Springtime said. “You don’t really strike me as the kind to talk to doors.”

“Just hurry up and answer the question,” Joe said sternly.

“Oh, okay. What was the question again?”

“Why were you smiling?”

“I don’t know. Why were you smiling?” asked Springtime, pretending to get mixed up.

Joe rolled his eyes. “Ma’am, I’m not standing around here all night playing games with you. Just answer my question and get on with it.”

“Did you know where Tilry is or why I was smiling?” Springtime inquired, stalling for time.

“Both.”

Showerstorm quickly hurried through the back door and softly shut it, then padded upstairs into his room. He picked up the telephone, dialed the number of the nearest police department, and waited. After a few dial tones, a woman picked up and said, “Hello?”

In a hushed voice, Showerstorm hurriedly related the situation to her. When he finished, the woman said, “Okay, we’ll send out a few officers to apprehend those men. Be careful and stall as long as you can.” There was a slight pause. “I’ll be praying for you.”

“Thank you.” Showerstorm felt his heart warm as he put down the phone. No one in the police department had ever said such a thing to him before. He crept down the stairs and behind the front door with Scazzarda. Springtime was still speaking to the “hunters.”

“Do you know the name of the hospital or not?” Joe impatiently asked.

Springtime was not about to endanger the life of Tilry. “I don’t know if I do or not,” she answered. “It’s hard to say. There are probably several hospitals around here. I can never keep them straight.”

“Then answer the second question. Why were you smiling?” Joe asked.

Springtime thought fast. “Oh, I just thought of a joke, was all. Want to hear it?”

“No,” Joe said firmly. “Look, we need to get going. We’ve wasted enough time.” He began to edge away.

“Oh, you have to hear this one,” Springtime insisted. “It’s hilarious.”

Joe sighed irritably. “Fine. Hurry up and tell it.”

“Okay. How do you stay warm in a cold room?” asked Springtime.

Joe threw up his hands. “I give up.”

Springtime grinned. “Just find a corner—they’re always ninety degrees.”

Joe scoffed. “Ha, ha, ha. I’m dying from hysterical laughter. That was so funny.”

“Thank you,” Springtime said, ignoring his obvious sarcasm. At that point, the sound of a police siren broke the silence. Joe’s eyes grew wide.

“The police!” cried Sam.

“Is there a problem?” Springtime asked, faking concern.

Six police cars came into view, speeding as fast as they could down the road, their red and blue lights flashing wildly. Joe loaded his rifle and pointed it straight at Springtime’s face! “Did any of you call the police?” he shouted.

Springtime was so frightened she couldn’t answer. The police cars pulled up in front of the house and several officers emerged from the cars, each holding a flashlight and taser.

“Joe, we need to get out of here!” Sam shouted, tugging his buddy’s sleeve. Already the officers were running across the pasture.

Joe took the hint and darted away toward the woods, Sam and Derek in tow. But the officers were faster and reached them before they could hurdle the half-mark fence. Two officers pinned Joe’s arms behind him and a third grabbed Sam around the neck and threw a headlock on him. Only Derek managed to yank free from the fourth officer’s hands and run away into Whispy Woods He vanished into the black, shapeless mass of forbidding, crooked trees and shrubbery.

“Oh, no!” the second officer shouted.

“Get him!” yelled the first.

“No use,” Springtime panted, running out to meet them. “He got away.”

“Who are you?” the first officer interrogated.

“Springtime. My husband called you,” Springtime explained.

The first officer nodded and shone his light of Joe’s and Sam’s faces in turn as the second officer clicked handcuffs on the two prisoners. “Hm. These look like buddies of notorious killer Joseph Unswall’s dishonest gang.”

“Joseph Unswall!” Springtime cried out.

The officers looked at her in surprise. “You know him?” inquired the fourth officer.

“He kidnapped my two friends’ daughters,” said Springtime. “I believe these three were going to stage an attack on Tilry Stellarum at Oromo Thuli Hospital.”

Joe stared at her in surprise. “You mean you knew the name of the hospital all along?!”

“Of course,” Springtime answered dryly, “but I would never have told you.”

Sam turned pale as he listened. Springtime looked at him and asked, “Do you know where Joseph Unswall is?”

Sam nodded.

“Then where?” the third officer asked.

“He’s at the abandoned Finkins cottage,” Sam replied.

Springtime studied his face, but saw nothing dishonest in his eyes. “Hm, fine,” she said. “I’ll take your word for it.” She turned back to the officers. “Could you go out there and rescue my friends’ daughters?”

“We’ll try,” said the third officer in a calm manner. He lifted a radio to his lips and spoke into it, saying that several officers had arrested Joe and Sam but Derek had gotten away. Then he placed the radio down and told Springtime, “If you want, you and a few of your friends can come with us.” He handed Joe and Sam over to a few police sergeants, and the two men were hustled off in the direction of the waiting cars.

“I would like to,” Springtime answered gently. “And I’m sure my husband would like to go too.”

“Then get ready. The Finkins cottage is about twenty miles away,” the officer remarked gravely. “And if Derek gets back to his boss and reports what happened, Joseph might kill the girls. We’ll have to move fast.”

“Understood,” Springtime calmly replied.

 

* * * * *

 

“You mean you know where my daughter is?” Meredith cried out in joy.

“Sam said she and Liloy were at the Finkins cottage twenty miles away from here,” Springtime explained. “The police said they would bring a few of us with them to aid in the rescue.”

“I’m going,” Leo said quietly. Meredith gasped.

Showerstorm’s expression was one of doubt. “Are you sure, Leo? This is going to be very dangerous. . .and you just got out of the hospital too. . .”

Leo shut his eyes. “I’ve got to. My daughter is in danger, and it would be so unlike a good father to not help rescue his child from a serial killer.”

“I’m going too,” Scazzarda added.

Springtime cast a nervous glance at her husband, then at Meredith. “Meredith, can you take care of the children all by yourself or do I have to call my sister or Mrs. Ivy to stay with you?” Mrs. Ivy was Cloudy’s kindergarten teacher

“Don’t bother disturbing them,” Meredith said shortly. “I can care for them myself.”

“What if Derek returns?” Sniper asked. He and the other children were standing on the stairs, listening to the conversation.

“We’ll have a few officers guard the house,” answered Showerstorm, glancing at his son. “Don’t worry.”

Sniper briefly looked back at his siblings, who gave him serious looks. Then he stepped forward. “Daddy, can I join you and Mommy and the other officers on the rescue mission?”

Springtime started and stared at Sniper. “Are you serious, dear? You want to come along?”

Sniper nodded, and for the first time, he seemed completely responsible and willing to fight for his friends’ lives. “I want to go.”

Showerstorm nodded his approval. “All right, son. Come along and prove your worth to the team.”

“Can I go too?” Star asked.

“Yes, but hurry and get ready,” Showerstorm told her. “The sun will be rising in a few hours, and we won’t be able to hide so easily. Let’s go!”

When the children were ready, the adults herded them out to the police cars.

 

* * * * *

 

About an hour or so after all this excitement took place back at Cloudy’s house, Cloudy and Meta Knight were awake and talking. But after they finished their talk and were silent for a time, a twig snapped deep  the recesses of the woods. Meta Knight tensed and slowly stood, drawing his sword with the utmost caution, gesturing for Cloudy to get behind him. The child obeyed, her green eyes as big as marbles.

“Who is there?” the soldier demanded, his weapon at the ready.

A man in his early twenties with a brown cap and rifle stepped into a pool of moonlight filtering through the thick canopy of trees. He halted, surprised, at sight of a blue-caped knight and a frightened Malamute puppy.

“Who are you and why are you here?” Meta Knight quietly asked, standing his ground. His fingers tightened around the rapier’s hilt.

“Derek Haslon.” The man unloaded his rifle and set it on the ground, approaching them warily. “I ran away from the police.” He didn’t seem afraid to speak the truth, and Cloudy found that quite remarkable.

“Why were the police after you?” she asked.

Derek sat down on the grass and a few feet away from the two. “It’s mighty risky to tell ya this, but I got to. My boss put me and my friends up to trying to ask some woman named Springtime where Tilry Stellarum is.”

“Springtime!” Meta Knight said in astonishment.

Derek nodded, confused by the knight’s reaction. “You know her, then?”

“She’s my mom,” said Cloudy.

“Ohh.” Derek cupped his chin in his hand. “Um, anyway, as I said, me and my friends was put up to the task of locating Tilry’s hospital.”

“Why?” Cloudy wondered. “Why were you put up to that?”

Derek rubbed his temples as if his head hurt. “Boss wanted us to attack Tilry and kill ‘im.” Meta Knight gasped. “But I didn’t want to do it.”

Cloudy stared at him. “Why not?”

“Because I don’t want to be a criminal,” Derek answered.

“Why?” Cloudy asked again. She found it odd that he was part of some weird criminal gang but yet he didn’t even want to be a criminal.

“I was sort of coerced to join Joseph Unswall’s gang,” Derek explained, a tone of distant regret and shame in his voice. Cloudy’s eyes widened at the name of Unswall. “My family and me was destitute and needed money real bad to live. Joseph met my dad at a restaurant one night about a year ago and blackmailed him through some means. I was forced to join his dirty gang under threat of Dad being harmed and with a promise that I would get paid.” He lapsed into a gloomy silence, then continued, “I didn’t do nothing real bad. Maybe I stole a few times and knocked someone out with my gun, but it ain’t like I killed anyone or something.”

Cloudy wanted to tell him that anything that went against God’s righteousness was a sin, but she didn’t right then. “So what happened tonight?” she questioned. “How did you get away from the cops?”

Derek bit his lip. “Joe turned off the power so no one could call the police should anyone in the house get too suspicious. But somehow the power got turned back on and somebody called the police. Joe and Sam was arrested, but I manage to run away.”

Meta Knight sighed. “So you work for Joseph Unswall.” He shook his head. “If I were you, Derek, I would not go back to him. He might kill you.”

Derek shivered. “That’s what I’m afraid of,” he admitted.

“Then why not come with us?” suggested the puppy. “You can help us save Miriam and Liloy!”

Meta Knight stared at Cloudy in surprise.

Derek’s mouth dropped open. “How did you now about them?”

“We’ve been trying to track them for a while,” Cloudy said. “They’re our friends.”

Derek took off his cap and ran his fingers through his black hair. “So you’re saying you want me to join up with you guys?”

“Yeah. If you’re tired of working for Joseph, then come with us and go straight from now on,” said Cloudy. “Wash your hands of this mess and don’t look back. Change.”

Derek heaved a sigh. “I’d love to, but Joseph might get heated if he finds out I’m workin’ on the opposite team.”

“But it might get your sentence lightened when the police catch up with you,” Cloudy pointed out.

Derek frowned.

“Look, yo have to take responsibility for your actions,” Cloudy insisted. “If you committed those crimes, then you have to serve the time for those crimes. It’s the law.”

Derek slowly puffed out his breath and scratched his head. “Yeah. . .I guess you’re right. Okay. When the police find me, I’ll go willingly and serve the time required in jail.”

Cloudy grinned and wagged her tail. She hoped Derek was sincere about turning over a new leaf.

Meta Knight was less enthusiastic about Derek joining their side, but when he saw how gracious Cloudy was being by allowing Derek to have another chance to prove his trustworthiness, he decided to follow her lead, It might be a mistake, he thought, but the greater mistake would be to doubt him altogether.

“The come with us, Derek,” commanded Meta Knight. He sheathed his rapier, but kept his hand on the hilt. “Take us to the girls. At once.”

Derek nodded agreeably. “Follow me,” he gestured, and led the way, running off toward the road.

“Wait a minute!” Meta Knight hurriedly ran back to their campsite, stuffed the blankets in the pack, slung it over his shoulder, and ran after Cloudy, who was waiting on the grass with Derek. The three then darted off into the inky blackness of the early morning.

 

* * * * *

 

Springtime, Showerstorm, Scazzarda, Leo, Sniper, and Star clambered into three separate police cars. The one who had arrested Sam, Officer Rokstaun, invited the two siblings into his car; their parents were put into Officer Vaysten’s; and Scazzarda and Leo entered Officer Jayme’s.

“Buckle up, kiddos!” Rokstaun shouted and he climbed behind the wheel and turned off the flashing lights on the top of his car. “We’re on a hazardous mission here, so do as you’re told. Okay?”

“Yes, sir!” Star answered smartly, saluting,

“Aye, aye!” Sniper returned.

The three cars started up and drove down the road, Star felt terribly ill at ease but also a little excited, She knew this mission could potentially be extremely perilous, but she was determined to move forward and be brave. Looking at the grim face of her brother, she could tell he felt the same way.

Rokstaun gunned the car faster, telling the brother and sister to hang on to their seats. “It’s gonna get awfully bumpy,” he warned.

Star whimpered when the car rocketed over a medium-sized bump in the road. It would have thrown her out of her seat had her seatbelt not been protecting her. Sniper, on the other hand, didn’t seem to care. He roved his eyes over the underbrush and thick growth lining the sides of the road, as if looking for somebody.

In Officer Vaysten’s car, Showerstorm was talking to his spouse. “Hon, do you suppose there’s a possibility we could meet up with Cloudy on this road?”

“I would love to see her safe and sound,” Springtime confessed. “But she could be miles away from here by this point. Or she could be way out in the woods.” A look of terror overshadowed her face. “Oh!”

“What?” Showerstorm didn’t like how pale she had become. “What are you thinking of?”

Springtime turned a pair of frightened eyes upon him. “Derek!”

“Derek?” he repeated.

“Yes!” she cried. “He escaped and ran away into the woods, remember? W-What if he meets up with Cloudy and Meta Knight and decides to harm them?!”

“Oh my gosh.” Showerstorm had never even given thought to that possibility, but now it was as lain as day to him. . .Could something possibly happen to her and the knight?

 

* * * * *

 

Cloudy, Meta Knight, and Derek ran along the curved road as fast as they could, The sky had changed from dark purple to light punk mixed with a dab of orange and blue. The first pricks of the sun’s rays peeked over the horizon’s edge. The birds were beginning to chirp their good morning calls to many passersby. A mother robin hopped along a patch of bare ground and dug a fat worm from the earth, then flew with it back to her nest. The cry of three baby robins greeted the ears of the tree searchers as they flew along.

As they were running, Cloudy tripped over an unseen root and fell to the ground with a thud. Meta Knight stopped to help her up, but Derek kept running. Meta Knight frantically shouted after him, “Wait, Derek!”

To the knight’s chagrin, Derek didn’t stop. He continued to dart on and turned into the woods, charging into the undergrowth. He disappeared among the thick foliage.

“Why did he do that?” Cloudy asked.

Meta Knight let out a low gasp, shocked at the thought that had come to him. “Maybe he abandoned us here! Maybe he wasn’t leading us in the right direction after all!”

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Book 3: With You Always

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Chapter Six: Comfort in the Night

 

Cloudy trudged along the deserted road, her paws aching with every step. She’d never dreamed walking could be so tiresome if you did it long enough. Behind her stepped Meta Knight, his pace tired, his eyes worried, a slight slump to his usually proud stature.

Cloudy paused long enough to glance up at the sky, darkening with bruised twilight. The sun was setting and the shadows were lengthening, indicating night was right around the corner. There was no way they could travel in the dark; it was too dangerous. They would have to make camp pretty soon.

As if reading her unspoken thoughts, Meta Knight said softly, “It’s getting dark.”

“Yeah.” Cloudy looked back at him and kept walking.

“We may have to set up camp soon.”

“Uh-huh.” Cloudy didn’t stop. She merely kept on.

Meta Knight suddenly halted and leaned against a tree, covering his eyes with one hand. Alarmed, Cloudy turned back to him. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. I just do not feel well all of a sudden.”

“Are you sick?”

He shook his head.

Cloudy trotted back to him and gazed at him with her soulful eyes. “Hey,” she spoke soothingly, resting her paw on his hand. “What’s the trouble?”

The knight lowered his hand from his eyes and gripped the tree trunk, trying to control his emotions. “I’m scared,” he admitted. “I’m afraid to face Joseph.”

“Me too,” replied Cloudy.

He looked down at her, his eyes glowing a light orange. “You’re such a brave warrior, my friend! How can you possibly be scared?”

Cloudy tilted her head slightly to the side. “I could ask the same of you.”

He mulled over her words, wondering if they were meant as a compliment or to get him to think. His eyes shifted to a light green as he dropped his gaze to the ground.

“Brave or not, all warriors get frightened at one time or another,” Cloudy continued though he hadn’t spoken. “It’s all right to be scared. What’s not all right is when you allow fear to govern your life.”

Meta Knight stared at her, wondering where she got her wisdom from. But she only watched him with her clear, bright eyes, as intelligent as a cat’s and as solemn as an otter’s. Behind those eyes, that perfectly ordinary look, lay a mind full of knowledge and truth beyond understanding. For her age, she was so mature, whether anyone realized it or not. And so smart. She was also strong. Despite her trials, she stayed true to her faith and her God.

Meta Knight had to smile. Kneeling and petting Cloudy’s fur, he said, “You are indeed a mystery. It will take more than a detective to solve you.”

Cloudy laughed at his joke, but then jumped as a loud, shrill ringing sound cut through the quiet, cold evening air like a knife. “What’s that?” she asked fearfully.

“Silly puppy. It’s my phone,” Meta Knight told her.

“Oh.” Cloudy relaxed. “Who’s the call from?”

Meta Knight pulled out his phone and glanced down at the screen. He gasped. “Liloy!”

“What?” Cloudy’s eyes widened. “Liloy?”

“Yes!” Meta Knight pressed the talk button, put the call on speakerphone, and waited. Cloudy, her eyes filled with curiosity, wagged her tail slightly, wondering if Liloy was really calling or if it was a trick of Joseph’s.

Then a feminine voice came over the speakerphone. “Father?” she asked quietly, hesitation and fear in her voice.

“Meta Knight?” That was Miriam.

Cloudy gasped.

“Liloy!” Meta Knight murmured.

There was a cry of joy from the other end of the line. “Father, it’s you! Oh, I’m so glad to hear from you!”

“Where are you?” called Cloudy.

“Hi, Cloudy!” Miriam greeted her friend.

“Cloudy’s!” Liloy’s voice overflowed with warmth. “Hello! You’re here too?”

“Uh-huh. I’m on the road with Meta Knight, hunting for you and Miriam,” the Malamute explained. “We heard you were kidnapped by Joseph Unswall.”

“Yeah,” Miriam said, disgust evident in her voice.

“Yes, we were,” Liloy said. “We’re locked in a basement in a weird, dilapidated house in a clearing somewhere; I don’t really know where. Miriam’s phone was confiscated, but I hid mine so I could try to call you.”

“Are you two okay?” Cloudy asked.

“Yes, we are fine. Joseph didn’t hurt us, thank the Lord, but I don’t know what he’ll do.” She sighed. “I don’t understand why he’s even doing this. He was so nice back in school.”

Meta Knight and Cloudy exchanged grim looks. “Liloy, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your friend Joseph is now a murderer and. . .” Meta Knight paused and looked at Cloudy. “. . .And he’s also something I will not mention around Cloudy. I will say it is inappropriate, and leave it at that.”

There was a horrified gasp from Liloy. “What?!”

“I knew that guy had something off with him,” Miriam muttered.

“That can’t be true!” Liloy whispered, her voice trembling. “Why would. . .how could he do such horrific things?!”

“I don’t know.” Meta Knight shook his head a little sadly. “Sometimes the kindest people can turn crazy, Liloy. It happens.”

There was silence for a bit. Then Liloy spoke again. “Well, we need to escape from this place, and fast! Joseph said he would come back to talk to us in a few hours.” Then she murmured in a worried tone, “Now all I’m wondering is what that means. . .”

A pained, apprehensive look arose in Meta Knight’s eyes.

“Never fear. We’ll see if we can locate you!” Cloudy brazenly declared. “But it’s getting dark now, and we’ll have to make camp soon.”

“Oh, no! Please keep looking for us!” Miriam pleaded. “Our lives are at stake here! We could be dead before morning!”

“Okay,” Cloudy relented. “We’ll search for an hour more, and then we’ll conclude the hunt for the night. Okay?”

“Yes,” said Liloy. Then she paused a moment and after a time, softly asked, “Father, did-did you tell Tilry where I was?”

Shocked by the sudden change of topic, Meta Knight replied he had not. “It would only upset him to learn about your abduction.”

“Good.” Liloy sounded relieved. “Well, if he asks where I am, tell him I’m safe from harm and that, with any luck, I’ll be seeing him very soon.”

“I will, and . . .”

Meta Knight never finished the sentence, for at that moment, there was a loud crash and bang and hollering of, “Liloy, you tattletale! How dare you leak your location and call for help! You’re going to pay!”

A gunshot rang out and screams of terror arose from the two captives. Then came the sound of glass shattering and the connection cut off. Only the dial tone was heard.

“Liloy!” Meta Knight shouted. “Liloy!”

There was no reply.

Fright bubbled up in Cloudy. “What happened to them?!” she exclaimed.

Meta Knight stared at the screen a moment longer, then put his phone away. He looked at his small friend. “I don’t know,” he replied, agony in his voice.

“Did they. . .Did they. . .?” Cloudy couldn’t bring herself to say the word “die.”

Meta Knight shot her a pointed look, guessing her thoughts. “I don’t know,” he repeated, fighting to keep his voice from shaking, “but we need to find them now.” He gestured for her to keep moving.

Cloudy had forgotten about the pricking pains in her feet and her fatigue. Now she felt renewed and and ready to continue the search for her friends. She didn’t care what anyone else thought. Liloy and Miriam were in danger, and she was going to be the one to rescue them and bring them home. Spurring her pace to a faster speed, she darted down the road and vanished into the gathering blackness. Meta Knight ran after her.

 

* * * * *

 

Liloy stared up at Joseph, her eyes filled with dread. Joseph leered down at her, the character of his face cold and calculating. The remains of Liloy’s phone lay smashed to pieces on the floor where Joseph had blown it to smithereens with his rifle, and Miriam was sprawled on the floor, unconscious, her arm bleeding from a gunshot wound.

“Fool,” Joseph seethed. “Nitwit. How dare you attempt to phone for help! You almost ruined everything! I kept you out here for a reason, and I will not allow you to escape until I fulfill my goal!”

What is your goal?” Liloy inquired, her voice infuriated.

A wicked smile appeared at the corners of Joseph’s mouth. “That involves you. You, Liloy Stellarum, will not leave this place until your husband is dead and you agree to be my bride!”

Liloy was badly shaken and scared by that announcement, but she retained her composure. “What are you talking about?!”

“You are to be my wife,” Joseph said as if the answer were completely obvious.

“Yeah?” Liloy was growing bolder. “What if I refuse?”

“Then you will die, as well as your family and friends,” answered Joseph coldly. His chilling words caused a shiver to pass through the pregnant woman. She could see in his eyes that he was dead serious. What could she do now?

Joseph smirked. “I’ll give you tonight to think about it. In the morning I’ll come back to hear your answer.” With a final wicked laugh, he walked up the basement stairs, slamming the door behind him and locking it. Liloy and Miriam were left alone in the cold, dank room once more.

Liloy buried her face in her hands and began crying. She was at a loss for what to do. What did Joseph mean about Tilry being killed? Did he have accomplices who would stage an attack on the hospital and kill Tilry? And what about Meta Knight and Cloudy? Would Joseph try to hurt them too?

Just then, Miriam stirred and opened her eyes. It took a while for her vision to adjust to the blackness, but presently, she was able to see. Her gaze landed on Liloy, and she sat up. “Liloy!”

Liloy brought her hands down from her face and gasped, staring at Miriam. “Miriam! Are you all right?” she asked in a hushed tone.

Miriam winced as a wave of pain shot through her arm. “No. Did I get blasted by a gun or something?”

“Yes, by Joseph,” said Liloy.

“I should’ve known,” Miriam mumbled, then frowned as she noticed the tears on Liloy’s face. “What. . .What’s the matter?”

Liloy tearfully related Joseph’s threat to her, and Miriam gasped in horror as she listened. “You mean if you don’t agree to be his wife, he’ll kill us all?!” the young girl exclaimed.

“That’s what I ascertained,” Liloy said sorrowfully.

“Oh, no!” Miriam groaned. She put a hand to her head. “I should have listened to my mom and not ridden with Joseph!” She glared at Liloy, rage flashing in her eyes. “You’re an idiot! We should have stayed at the bus stop and waited for the next bus! Instead, you made me ride with a gruesome serial killer whose intention is to force you to be his wife or kill us all! What kind of daughter are you?! A brainless lunatic daughter, that’s what you are! If we die down here, it serves you right!”

Her cruel heartless words pounded in her ears, They were crude and brusque and vile. Miriam could hear her own voice echoing throughout the dark room, shouting all sorts of ghastly things to a girl not even an adult. Instantly, she was aghast. She regretted what she had said. Why had she blown up like that? That wasn’t like her!

Liloy looked hurt and melancholy. Miriam felt a rush of sympathy for her. Liloy was in a difficult situation, what with being kidnapped and threatened at gunpoint, not to mention her overwhelming worry for her ill husband. Miriam was very sorry she had yelled so harshly at Liloy. Liloy had only been doing what she had thought best.

“I’m sorry, Liloy,” Miriam apologized, looking down at the floor. “I should never have shouted at you like that. I don’t even know why I did.”

Liloy worked up the courage to smile. “It’s okay, Miriam. I forgive you,” she accepted the apology, wiping her eyes.

Miriam grinned. Then her smile disintegrated as she stared down at the dusty floor, her brow furrowing. “Well. . .what now?”

“We’ll have to wait,” Liloy told her. “Our only hope now is rescue.”

 

* * * * *

 

Cloudy awoke to a faint silvery glow. Puzzled, she glanced upward and then realized that it was only the moon. She stood up, stretched, shook herself, and scanned the dense woods. Except for the light of the planetoid, everything was pitch-black. Even the twinkling stars that littered the night sky didn’t give off much light. There was not even a breath of wind. She imagined Joseph hiding in the shadows, a gun in hand, glaring at her from the stillness of the shrubbery. She shuddered and then firmly shook her head, telling herself she was being silly. According to her intense canine radar, there was not a soul around besides her and Meta Knight.

The two friends had set up camp a few hours ago after an unsuccessful hour of hunting for Liloy and Miriam. Meta Knight had said he would keep watch, and Cloudy had not objected. As soon as her head had hit the blanket, she was gone to dreamworld.

But now she was wide awake. What had roused her, though?

Then she heard a sound. It was a strange, stifled noise, and it was coming from not too far away. She cautiously picked her way over a few roots to a nearby oak tree, the moonlight illuminating her way. Finally, she reached the oak tree and peered around the side of the wide trunk. Meta Knight was seated there, his cape drawn around himself and hiding his face. He was shaking.

Again, Cloudy thought in dismay. She felt angry at the injustice and cruelty of this world. Meta Knight’s distress over his missing daughter was getting to him, and she hated that. She wanted to kick Joseph’s hiney to the moon! If only I could, she thought bitterly. Then he’d probably learn his lesson.

“Meta Knight?” Cloudy whispered, keeping her voice low so as not to scare him.

He gasped, alarmed, and raised his head. In his eyes flashed a look of fright and rage. Cloudy tensed and turned her body slightly so that she was in the defense position. She was almost expecting him to yell at her for startling him. For a while, the two stared each other in the eye, each wondering why the other was behaving so oddly. The knight spoke no words, but the look in his eyes communicated what he was feeling: fear, anxiety, and anger. He bowed his head again, trying hard to suppress his emotions but failing.

Cloudy’s eyes softened and she relaxed her body. She looked up at the knight who was her best friend. If he is in pain, I will help him. If he is upset, I will comfort him. If he is anxious, I will calm him. That’s what friends are for. Occasionally she would wonder about what some might think of a ten-month old puppy enhancing a friendship with a thirty-year-old soldier. But always, her words from a few months ago would come back to her: “Age doesn’t matter in friendship.” Often she wondered if that was true, but deep down she knew it was.

“You’re worried about Liloy,” Cloudy said. Meta Knight stiffened at her sudden words. “You’re worried about her and Miriam, as well as Tilry.” She looked directly at him, but he wouldn’t look her in the eye. “Aren’t you?”

He didn’t answer, but she couldn’t miss his uncomfortable silence. She knew she had hit the nail right on the head. Then he looked her straight in the face, and in his eyes was a look she never forgot. She couldn’t describe the look in words, but it was one she rarely saw when he was upset. It was mix of agony, terror, anger, and pure anguish. She knew she would never forget that look, and yet at the same time she wanted to forget it altogether. She was essentially afraid to look at him. He continued to look at her, tears shimmering in his eyes. One ran down his cheek and he quickly raised his gloved hand and wiped it away, but not before Cloudy saw it. Stifled sobs escaped him, and his body was shaking uncontrollably. It sent a scare through Cloudy, but she did not know why; maybe she was afraid something would happen to him.

“Hey.” She paced her paw on his hand. “Meta Knight, you’re getting yourself too worked up. You need to calm down. Everything will be all right.”

He shook his head. “No,” he cried. “They’re in danger, severe danger. Who can tell what Joseph will do to them?”

Cloudy withdrew at his suffocated tone. “Think positive!” she burst out, making the knight jump. “We can’t just sit here and think pessimistic thoughts! We are going to rescue them if I have anything to say about it! I will not let my friends die or be maimed in any way!”

Meta Knight was astonished at her spitfire spirit. She was stout and bold and ready to help anyone in need. She was passionate about taking on the world. Meta Knight didn’t doubt for a second that she was a true warrior. Only a devoted warrior would be willing to rescue others and lay down their lives for their friends.

“Cloudy. . .” The knight’s voice was no more than a whisper.

Cloudy looked up at him. The dim starlight reflected in her fervid eyes, giving her a look of maturity and calmness. There was no sound except for an occasional night owl’s hoot and the knight’s quick, shaky breathing. The moonlight played over her black-and-white fur, making it appear charcoal-silver. For the longest time, the two friends gazed at each other, each sending the other a silent message.

“Don’t be afraid,” Cloudy ultimately spoke. “We’re still alive for a reason, and God willing, nothing will happen to us. We will all make it out alive.”

Tears streamed freely down the soldier’s face and he closed his eyes, feeling the hope of Cloudy’s words embrace him through and through. Cloudy smiled at him. But it was not the kind of smile a little girl would give him. It was the smile of a young woman. She reached out her paw and he grasp it, letting himself out of his cape. Then he swept her into a placid hug.

“Cloudy,” Meta Knight said softly, “you are truly one of the sweetest children I have ever met. I do not believe there is another like you.”

“I say the same of you,” Cloudy said.

He gazed down at her and a blend of sorrow and tranquility flashed in his eyes. She beamed at him and he smiled back.

At that moment, the snap of a twig broke the lazy silence. . .