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Side note: Copyright belongs to me, Andrea Quinn. Ideas, characters, and the plot were originally mine. I own this book and all the content. I do not however, own any of the pictures used to make the set. Please agan reframe from copying and pasting any of this or claiming it as your own. All of it again, belongs to me, Andrea Quinn.
***There are random unformatted poems throughout the book, they were centered in Word. There are also words that someone is saying without quotes, it was italicized. Excuse bad grammar and make sure to leave a comment!***
 
Chapter 6
A sit down Q and A.

Dotted colors come and go. My vision blurs; what in the word....Uncharted rooms, unknown lands, they carry me. I can hear their feet shifting underneath. I stir; yet I feel like I will hurl. Blinking, my sight truly returns. Florescent lighting blazes down on me like a spot light. Hidden within the light figures grasped my arms and legs as they marched. Groaning, I glanced around. Of course; they surrounded me. The ones who had managed to multiplied. I tried to speak but all I could do was painfully moan. The back of my head was the cause, it throbbed. Someone snickered in glee; distracting me. But it had lasted for only a split second as a headache washed throughout me. It refused to be ignored. Trying to reduce the blaring pain I shut my eyes; cutting out all light. I let them carry me about, not caring where they lead me. My head hanged back as they marched; no one supported me. Agony was wrenching through me.
Taliana. You awaken. I groaned; no response. And what of your head? I felt it tingle as he mentioned it. Shaking it, and feeling sick from the never ending blackness within my eyelids I slowly battered my tried green eyes. His outline bolded; there he was along with his little manifesting friends. Their footsteps echoed about me; closing in. Blinking I endured the harsh lights as I still tried to meet his eyes. Still even underneath the artificial light he remained invisible; cloaked in a void. I groaned once more; freeing one of my hands at it met my head. It was an unbearable pain wrenching through. When would this secede? Turning, twirling, I hung my head back and let myself be aimlessly carried about on the seemingly endless rout. I didn't care; all I could focus on was the pain. Taliana. Are you okay? I nodded; unconcerned. He clearly seemed to be through; his internal voice spoke to me more than just by words. Yet all too soon; without thought I yelped out in pain. The motion stopped underneath and everything came to an eerie halt. Hollering began to rage. “What's happening?” “You whacked her, what do you think?” “She's experiencing pain?” “I thought she couldn't feel!” “Is something wrong with her mind?!” Voice chimed throughout the air as I nodded my head back and forth; my eyes were begun to get sore. “Calm ourselves. She cannot feel so do not make a sudden appeal. Continue on our trek.” The other voices had mystified me but the last one; edgy and refined was clear to me. He was the one who I could see. Blinking I tried to find his eyes only to be interrupted by another yelp. Agony coursed through my veins; I bared my teeth. “Is something happening with her spirit?” “No, it's too early.” “Then what should we do?” “I've already given instructions.” What was happening? Who spoke? “Wha-What are you talking about?” I mumbled under a hushed tone. My lungs were burning, the no air rested in there. The black void I've come to know glanced my way; behind his hidden face. I felt my brow furrow and my eyes narrow through the burning pain. “Where's my Q and A?” Sad really, how all I cared about was receiving my answers. Yet I did leave my town forever more to get the record straight. To escape the unrealistic events that surrounded me. And somehow I did this without a real plan; leaving with the only man who could possibly be the cause.
“We are here. Calm yourself. My half of the deal will be fulfilled. Right now, right here.” It was strange to hear his voice for real. Outside my head, his words weren't beginning red. Solemnly, I felt myself swallow as he spoke back to me as if this was all a horrible dream. But again and again I remained myself that I cannot see something that has fled.
Finally, they set me down on the icy ground. They stood me upright; letting me finally see something other than white ceiling. My hair fell forward, hugging my bare shoulders. Out of the corner of my eyes I washed the gold waves sweep forward as I found my upright state. I stumbled as the cloaked figures hands let me; letting my body stand. Ignoring my wobbling I scouted around; the room was bare. All that seemed to be in here was air. Glancing around I saw all that was there. Paintings were up on the wall; all drawn by a small child. They were of a girl with brown hair. As I crept forward, forgetting all about the figures lurking behind me I reached out to the hanging decorated paper. Running my hand over it I felt its essence. Like life surged through me. I breathed out and shut my eyes; the calmness of everything here seemed to refill and renew me.
“Why, hello there.” Turning, I swiveled about. Standing here in front of me was a little girl; the age at least ten. She smiled cutely and rocked about. My breathing slowed I could have sworn it was a cloaked figure once more. But out of the corner of my eyes I saw that they lingered back against a wall; even the one who repeatedly saved me for life ending falls. My eyes found the girl once more who stood there. Hazel eyes were framed by her long brown hair. It went all the way to her lower back like mines yet her hair seemed to hug her every tanned curve. There seemed to be no more pale people anymore or at least that was what I was coming to believe. Otherwise she was tiny like me; skin and bones were all she had to show. No muscles were visible underneath her clothes. “What is it that you seek?” Her voice charmed me back into focusing. I looked her up and down and swallowed hard. What was I supposed to say?
“A Q and A.” I emptily stated, locking our eyes. Her eyes seemed to beam when I finished my empty statement. “Alright. That will be easy.” She mused me; smiling way too sweetly. With a flash of her hand in the empty air and a quick twirl and table appeared. Catching me off guard I gasped quickly. She laughed meeting my eyes. “Calm yourself. It's just a table. Let's sit.” Her eyes ushered me on but all I could do is stare as she pulled out her chair. Hastily she sat down and glanced about finding me standing in the bare room. “Don't make me make you come here.” She smiled through her line yet all I could manage was to stare back blankly. She rolled her eyes and waved her hand inwards. Taliana go sit with her. My head turned to the herd of black cloaked figures across the room to find him standing there, un-amused. I licked my lips and looked back to the girl who now swung her legs happily in her chair. “Come here!” She pleaded, her eyes lighting up the vanished sky. With footsteps compared to a snail I trudge onwards; finding my own chair on the other end of the sleek white table. I pulled it out and fell down to the cold surface as my green eyes locked with her pair. She just sat there...Even with me here I felt as if she was oddly all alone, I should have known.
“So what questions do you have for me?” Her voice was unusually happy; filled with glee. My brows furrowed; where would I begin? Where you should start is where you began to question. “How come he's always in my head?” I began; pointing my hand blinding towards the spot where he should have stood. “That is, if you can see him.” I quickly added; seeing as no one else could. The girl glanced over to him with a smile for a while. Then she turned her head back to me and smiled cutely. “He's just like you. That's why. All of us can see him by the way; just when you first meet him only his spirit was there.” Her answer was nothing and something I've heard before...“He said we were one that only we could see.” I was referring to him and me. The girl smiled. “At the time that was true. You two are one, as are you and me, him and me, and everyone else in this room.” A blank stare must have swathed my face and I sat there. My whole mind raced, all the earlier pain and agony seemed to flee at I sat there and stared. “I'm not sure what you mean. By spirit and all us being one.” At least I managed to grab that much. “I mean that we are all the same, we're all dust. We can all see. And of course we all know what is supposed to be.” I sighed, utterly losing my mind. But then it came to me. “The danger of dust, us? What is that supposed to mean?” Well, I had to start somewhere. “I'm glad you can quote him. What that means simply is that there is a danger caused by everyone here. Some see it as danger; we see it as finding our way. Something we do day by day.” She paused only to continue on. “There is no danger to us unless you find yourself against us. We are not good or bad we are just doing something with our own plans.” “Why do you keep referring to everyone here as us?” I asked mindlessly, puzzled by this tie. “Like the draw you feel to him, you feel to everyone here. Yet so many of us reside here the draw is everywhere.” “The draw....like the connection I felt when first meeting him?” She nodded. “That is one I speak of. We all feel draws because we are all one; we are all dust. And here, at Leta, we can find our way.”
“You’re leading my thoughts totally astray.” I butted in, begging her for more information from across the table. “Keep your voice hushed and I can answer everything you are going to say.” Blankly I nodded. She took a deep breath. “On the day you meet the 'cloaked figure' he exploded in front of you, spilling your blood. Yet no scars remained. That is because he only cut your spirit. On the second day the draw drew you near once more; only you two were there. Only you saw because only people like you and me can see spirits. Only his spirit was there at the time when he manifested once again. As well as yours; your body went with your friends.” “The movie...So only my body saw it?” She nodded. “And not my spirit?” “Your memory lies within your spirit, which is why you only remember meeting the 'cloaked figure.'” All of the pieces begin to aline.
She continued on. “You felt pain and sorrow yet both times you did not fear him. Subconsciously you knew deep down that you are connected. It's within your heart. And the second time you had secretly acknowledged it and the fact that you two were supposed to meet. Everyone knows and you couldn't change it. It saddened you but no fear swarmed you. Simply because your world was changing and you always knew it would but you never wanted to believe it could. Now, it had. It always would. It changed with dust; something you were unknowingly familiar with. Dust, it's within you. That is why it didn't scare you. Although you reasoned well about all of this you had been wrong. Until the day of the train; you knew what you were leaving behind. And still you came with him, to me. Destiny pulled you into, told you to go. And to lie. You wanted to be sure their lives wouldn't change like yours was. The act was sweet and kind but it left you bitter. You knew that part of you died inside that day. The childish seemed to have vanished from your soul.” How did this girl know so much? I felt like every word was true; that she was in my mind. She knew too much yet at the same time hearing it from someone else, someone like me, reassured me. I let my tears drip sore onto the clear floor. Everything she said hit home, pulling at my heart. She knew it all; she could tell me anything about the past days and it all had to be true. She was making me want to withdraw, to leave Leta. Her words ushered me onwards to go home and curl up against the wall. Yet this Q and A was far from over, her understanding eyes told me there was much more to come. So I asked on; this was my Q and A. I left all I forgot to love for this so I would truly take advantage of it.
“Why is Leta like Zorra?” I had to start somewhere and the past subject still stifled my hushed voice. "Leta is the land of the things that aren't supposed to be. So simply, Leta was just created a mirror world of Zorra. Zorra is true to its life and Leta is its false duplicate. It was a random draw; Leta could have been model after any world.” She spoke so casually... “And what of me? Of us? Why do you call this home?" She gave me a knowing stare. "Just like the rest of us, you aren't supposed to exist. And you've always knew it too which is why tears split when he told you that you knew what was supposed to been. You knew she was only supposed to live but her selfish acts created you. Subconsciously, this whole time you've known. You belong in Leta because your spirit and mind weren't supposed to exist." I shook my head no; it was like I reliving the gut feeling I experienced when I feel from the bell tower. “No! I'm only supposed to be me! I'm supposed to exist!” I stood up as blood warm tears poured down my face. Not again, I won't experience such disgrace. The girl sat there calmly as I cried my blood shot eyes out. She spoke calmly. “It's hard to accept, I know. I'm just like you. We are all dust. We all belong in Leta. But let me remind you. You can find your way here, one that will set you free. Make you only you and her. Destruction will set you free.” Her words stung, but not me. Was it the girl within me? The girl she spoke of?
“Now a question of my own.” Her voice broke through my sobs. Slowly I barely recomposed myself enough to glance up at her. "When you fell off the tower who rescued you?" She began. "Him." I pointed blankly over to the corner where I'd last caught his sight. “Do you know why?" I gave her a hasty shake of the head no. "He saved you from becoming her." "...What?" "You are her and she is you. She spoke to you because she is you. You know that without knowing, like you knew you two were supposed to meet. She is closer to your heart than you know but you feel repressed to her. She threatens to steal your life. The girl in your head.” I interrupted. “Who is she?” “The one who dreams for you stole your dreams. In exchange for her painful memories. Like the ones which cause you fear and pain; she has been involved with us, dust, many times before. Stopping us and our lost ways. She gave you her final dream the one she dreamt before she destroyed us. You were left in the dust yet she did not know through the exchange you gained much more; you gained her powers. She smiled at me; in the awkwardness of the whole situation she found humor. How? “And what is that?” I whispered, my eyes sore. My body was trembling. “You know. Look into her memories, the ones she shared with you.” Without fighting the fact that they were only my memories I shut my eyes and mentally searched files. I finally spoke after what seemed like elongated hours. “A sword is to be wielded by only her but now the two of us can use it. She hadn't seen the side effect coming when she shared gifted me her memories. Using this sword and destroying her with it with set me free.” I glanced up with wonder in my eyes. The girl smiled and nodded. “Destruction will truly set me free.”
Well done Taliana.

Side note: Copyright belongs to me, Andrea Quinn. Ideas, characters, and the plot were originally mine. I own this book and all the content. I do not however, own any of the pictures used to make the set. Please agan reframe from copying and pasting any of this or claiming it as your own. All of it again, belongs to me, Andrea Quinn.
***There are random unformatted poems throughout the book, they were centered in Word. There are also words that someone is saying without quotes, it was italicized. Excuse bad grammar and make sure to leave a comment!***

Chapter 5
Leta.
 
My eyes fluttered open without any consent. The rocking of the train wasn’t underneath me any longer. I glanced around as an air deprived brain demanded a yawn. Why did it seem like the whole world was shifting underneath me? Stirring a bit I let my eye lashes flutter. With my hands out stretched I rose up my upper torso. As my vision returned in the hazed light I found that I wasn’t on any kind of train. No, I wasn’t even in Drante. The sun’s beautiful rays would have greeted me if that were true. Not here though. I wasn’t in a train station or terminal. I was in a bed that wasn’t my own. No there wasn’t any comforter or any kind and nothing was pleasing to my eye. No vivid greens, no bright reds, nothing. This room was swathed in white. I was sure this was an illusion until I rubbed my eyes to find that it remained. My hands found my hair and I smirched it up; the feeling of silky waves in my hands put me to ease.
Then I remembered. Sudden dread poured into my veins; where was he? My green eyes scanned the room but he was no were to be found. There was no one was to be seen. Where had he gone? The man is black, the man who could explode? The black cloaked figure, the one who talks to me through my mind. Soundless yet still every word I can hear. He wasn't here. Where had he gone? Where had he left me? The questions came swifter than the time I gave myself to calculate. My feet had found the floor once more yet there was no white barrier anymore. My shoes had fled like they had grown their own needs. They left me creeping on the icy ground. Mindless though, I really didn't care. I was just worried about him and where he had left me. Was it an insane institute? I wouldn't be surprised. He had good reason to believe I was a little bit crazy. I did after all think that there was such a thing as razor sharp dust sharp as tusk that had flew out to behind not to mention men who could combusted. Like a cherry to a cake voices that rambled in my head…I would lock myself up as well.
My hand ran against the walls allowing myself to get a feel for the popcorn pattern under my skin. I crept about the empty room not scouting for shoes but for the blended door where a knob stuck out. I soon found myself creeping about; my eyes glued onto the sleek surface. Step after step without a question in my head. A deep breath was drawn as I locked on. The knob seemed to draw closer within my reach. Maybe it was all in my head but as my pulsing hand found the icy knob I realized. It was like a painful memory. I shut my eyes and wondered why but in my head I knew I had nothing to dread. I yanked it back and fell forward into an empty abyss. A white cloud out of that room there had laid nothing. When I had opened the door I found myself falling into an empty abyss. No panic, no adrenaline pounded through my chest. Voices didn’t manifest. An empty fall; I was soaring through an endless sky. My eyes were only seeing endless white. My hair rose but none of my mind or body said the same. It was more like I was lying down not falling to the ground. Not at all like my first free fall; I had been completely alone this time around. I knew I wouldn't hear her again, nor would he appear.
So why did I feel like this was far from the end?
A gasp ran through me; my real eyes opened broad. My breathing was quick as I touched concrete at the same end of the same bed. Yet instead of instant relief I found myself really awake. The white room, the never ending fall; had it come to end? How come? What was becoming of me?
A dream, you dreamt. She let you have a small piece of vivid past dreams.
I heard his voice once again and instantly I scouted for his hidden figure. Soon his cloaked arms felt real against my skin and I knew what had happened again. “A dream...” I mimicked, glancing at my hands. I couldn't dream. But...she can? For me? What in the world was happening? Almost reading my mind he spoke again. She does indeed but usually not for you. She was trying to give you a piece of normality. I drily laughed to myself as I rolled my eyes; it was way too late for that. That had all fled along with permanent, personal dreams. Ones that were had been my own but I already knew why I couldn't. I ignored it and attended to my raging feelings. My eyes weighed heavy after the sudden impact from landing in the dream but they were bloodshot because of the stream that left my face’s water banks. My body ached from the endless running. My heart had turned at the insight that there was so much to learn. I was promised a Q and A at Drante to diffuse the manner in a swifter pace. Yet we no longer on the train at least that part of my dream remained true. We were already were at Drante. We crossed the thread; we are back home. “And where’s that?” Truly take a step back with those green eyes and remember what you see. Instantly I obeyed but there was a slight complication. I was nuzzled into his arms and he was carrying me around like a rag dag. Fluttering my eye lids I turned my head to the side to cast awareness of this place for myself. There, the land truly appeared to me as I finally saw it for what it was. “Zorra...” No. This is the land of things that aren't supposed to be; the true home to you and me. Welcome to Leta. They looked so similar. Expect no sun shined over the horizon and no people roamed the street. I knew I wouldn't find a gang of boys behind a ragged curtain here. Yet at the same time, I felt at home. Really at home, for the first time I can remember. You belong here. I glanced over the run down town with flickering neon signs I didn't understand why.
You’re no longer mindless. Do you see the connection? I nodded my head; this land, Leta, was as destructed as could be but there was a mild peace that it could bring. Something about the dark alleys, absent sun, and the never ending moon light seemed to put me at ease but I had no idea why that would be. Whatever it was my mind flickered with uneasiness; why did this land draw me in? Shall we continue on? He only provided a distance nod. We were off suddenly it felt all too surreal to be in his arms. I didn't try to steal glance at his hidden face yet instead I watched the shattered buildings fly by. He was running I could hear the thunder of his footsteps. Going swifter than my eyes could keep up with yet still I felt like I was stationary. The world was racing towards me and I sat there in his arms, empty. This will not be a short journey. “Then I'll think.” I instantly replied finally speaking out loud. For some reason I didn't freak out when I heard his voice echo in my head…maybe it was because I knew it soon fled and was never permanent. As an icy silence found me and he cut off his thoughts he left me alone; allowing me to go into my own private zone.
I really had left Zorra. Yesterday it felt all too real but now the idea had no appeal. As if leaving my mother and best friends behind was something I grew to learn to live by but no, it truly should have left me scarred. Yet no emotions lingered and no feelings left my heart charred. Nor did instinct compel me on anymore; I felt no drive. No need to run, no need to disappear, or go too far. I didn't want to shriek or fall to my knees at my loss of everything. No emotion ties were rose from my unplanned departure. No, I was just too stunned to care too much. Nothing had processed, nothing had left a permanent touch, but I still felt insane as if I had conjured this all up. It's all too fake, all too real; the world seemed to swirl. Like the black dust that hadn't presented itself to leave me cut.
We are here. I figured as I glanced up. Out of the corner of my eyes I had begun to see buildings being to twiddle down and die. No signs were up high. Yet still in the hollowness of this town I felt drawn as I looked dead on. A white castle laid in my field of vision. It had doubled as a sky rise. Pointed ends puncture the hazy skies. The sleek building shined in the lacking light; flaunting its height. This is where Leta truly rest. I nodded in agreement; it was unique as Mount Everest. It was the highlight of the town it was the sparkling crown. Were we all stay and were we find our way. ”Me too?” He nodded as he let me compose myself for once. He shifted my weight in his arms as he let me calculate this was the beginning of the new.
Creeping up to the tower sent shivers down my spine. Everything seemed to shine in the darkness but no one lurked. Not outside, not around, there was no one to be found and as the cloaked man crept up open the so called “sparkling crown” no one drew near; no one even appeared. It was just like the rest of Leta; empty and without a trace. A dust ball was the most life present here. Still, deep down inside, everything felt alright even with the stillness that ravaged the town; the so called crown.
Pulling me from internal thoughts was the unseen ground. He had dropped me; slipping his arms away while I had been glancing around. I greeted the sturdy ground for real for the first time in the while. No endless fall or gasping awake instead it was quick and in haste but displeasing still. My lips pulled down and my face shined but when I glanced the way I last found him an empty shadow remained. He had vanished without my constant look. The anger that had found its way to my untainted face was soon replaced. Confusion shrouded my mind for something I mistook. As my eyes flickered around I didn't just see one shifting shadow his one distinct coat multiplied in my book. As one leaned forward; all too human, but all too terrifying I soon realized that he was gone. My heart stopped on its last beat and my breath stilled…what had just happened here? My question was led astray as they lead my thoughts another way. With one swift swing I blacked out. A chuckle broke out as a stray black figure twirled the bloody bat within her hand; proud to have knocked me out.

Side note: Copyright belongs to me, Andrea Quinn. Ideas, characters, and the plot were originally mine. I own this book and all the content. I do not however, own any of the pictures used to make the set. Please agan reframe from copying and pasting any of this or claiming it as your own. All of it again, belongs to me, Andrea Quinn.
***There are random unformatted poems throughout the book, they were centered in Word. There are also words that someone is saying without quotes, it was italicized. Excuse bad grammar and make sure to leave a comment!***
 

What do you seek?
What do you want from me?
Why run?
Why hide?
Questions and answers, they get you nowhere.
Us.
You; we aren’t meant to be.
Trust me.
Not even in my wildest dreams.
Why do you always insist on separating?
Why stay?
Why go?
This is goodbye.
 

Chapter 4
Going home.
 
A gasp. Today, I awoke with a gasp. It was from the impact of the street. But as my mind and spirit rejoined with my body I felt no broken bones, nothing to show. Again; I saw this coming at the last second before the golden words appear; after he nodded to me. Like he had come to rescue me from something I was defensively against. And in the second, when he nodded his lips moved. I saw them through the black void.
“Drante.” I mimicked my smooth fingers on my thin lips as I did. It was a place; accessible by the train that connected the islands of Marcio. Zorra was one of them, my town. Or at least that’s what I came to believe. I needed fare to get there. Throwing the covers off my nerve shocked body I went to my closet aka, the hidden piggy bank. Ripping at the many pants pockets I owned I found at least twenty gold pieces. Licking my chapping lips, I assumed that would be enough for one single day; if not multiple. Then, skipping the morning shower, I ripped off yesterday’s clothes; it didn’t shock me that they weren’t stained with red rubies that should have slipped from my body. Hastily, I recovered myself in the comfiest traveling clothes I owned. A black sports bra coupled with a white hem and black silky shorts. Slutty, but free movement appealed to me lately and this kind of attire provided just that. Out of the routine, I grabbed my only brush and ran it through my beach blond waves; watching the newly found frizz retain itself and my hair meet the curve of my lower back once again. Finally I flipped my head down then up; adding volume. I glanced in a mirror on my dresser; if I hadn’t been so focused on getting ready I would have found myself to look particular at ease today. Even my green eyes shone in the same way as before as they examined my tones abs and lack of fat. A golden figure didn’t hurt either.
The ragged white flip flops wouldn’t do. My feet lead me to a dust corner; where sneakers awaited. White and black of course; like they were awaiting this day. Mind racing, I went over to my messy bed; crawling on top. Even though it showed clear signs I had fallen asleep here last night I didn’t really come here till my body met the forbidding concrete below the bell tower. But if that happened I wouldn’t be here, so I didn’t fall.
Right now wasn’t the time for questions. I slid my body over the sill and once again crept to the water pipe; it was easy to find in the morning’s clear sky. I slid down today; no time for dawdling. My hands were scarred from the prickly sides but as I reunited to the ground I didn’t whine or blow on them; it was time to go. Walking would take too long; my thighs started me off in an automatic run. Like the ones I used to take with all of them.
“Yuruki, Jhad, Mikhail...” Their names slipped out as I winded up the only hill; straight for Central Station. It had only been two days but I felt like I haven’t seen them in years…decades…Last time I saw them was when I was only worried about summer vacation ending. If I remembered right, school was a few days away. None of that matter now though. Something drove me on; it winded me threw the morning’s crowd and across the vivid town; but it all flew by. Drante, I needed to go. I couldn’t wait from them, they wouldn’t see him anyway.
My legs throbbed but as I whipped through Central Station to the train terminal were I came to a speedy halt. The immense golden figure withheld someone inside everyone just brushed off; a man in a black cloak. They walked by him; unafraid, unaware. None of them had been caring, none them knowing. The portion of the cloak that would represent his face swiveled my way as he looked up and down; as if he was examining me. I swallowed hard and pushed the glass door open and walked into the terminal; getting shoved aside by the carefree citizens. My eyes locked on the black figure; studying him. He wouldn’t, no he couldn’t flee my vision this time. My feet lead me atomically to a ticket booth free of line. Mindlessly, I dug out two golden pieces; tickets for any location were 800 runde. Tossing them onto the tile corner my eyes never left the cloaked figure even as the ticket booth runner slid me my change and ticket. Not even when I made my way away from the ticket booths and towards the boarding train depots. Never, not once as my eyes had been glued onto his hidden figure. Only him. He didn’t make one motion. Like on the very first day. He didn’t even budge as people shoved him aside. If it wasn’t for the black shadow covering his face I would have seen his eyes. For I knew his too, never left mine.
“Taliana!”
No. I didn’t care. The cloaked figure nodded to me approvingly. He understood; he drew me in. Instinct was my guiding thread.
“Taliana, wait up!” Why that Mikhail was always seemed to find me when everything was out of whack? Licking my lips I pressed onwards, not caring. I wouldn’t let him leave my eyes. Not this time. My fingers curled up tighter on the money and ticket I failed to tuck away in my short’s pockets. I felt my hair fly behind me as if it was agreeing with my choice; ushering me onwards, to forget the past…I was closing the distance between us so fast…Till he ripped at my shoulders. I spun around to find Mikhail’s brown eyes looking so anxious, so sadden. It wrenched at my heart and tore me apart. He had been running I could tell. His heavy panting said it all too well.
“Taliana, your mom said she didn’t see you at all this morning or last night. She didn’t even know you came home…that is…if you did…” His words were broken up but I nodded. Why bother to tell him I was preoccupied? His eyes searched mine, searching for something, anything. But nothing came to him. He licked his lips; dried by the twirling wind outside. “Taliana, where are you going? Why are you dressed like that?” His eyes glanced up and down my revealed body. Oh how I just wanted to throw myself into his arms right now and tell him all I knew, all I know. Yet something kept still me; so very still. How could I tell him? This felt too much like goodbye. I shook my head no and lowered my eyes; for fear he would see the crystal tears.
“Taliana…tell me...why did you buy a ticket?” “The beach, I’m going to the beach.” I lifted my head; my eyes dried. Excuses, lies, it was time for goodbye. He didn’t understand and the truth would pain him. But as I meet his and searched his own for disbelief I knew all too well; he didn’t believe. Suddenly his hand on my shoulder began to burn and his eyes were so visibly hurt. He licked his lips again like in a desperate attempt to formulate words.
A chime was heard; singling for some of the trains to leave. I couldn’t miss mine; I need to go on the one with him, the cloaked shadow. “I have to go.” I mumbled, pulling out from his hand. His face was so obviously covered in hurt. But then his brown eyes shone. “Taliana, I’ll come with you! The beach is always fun. Even if it’s just me and you!” His voice was filled with glee and happiness that was beyond me. With a weak nod I lied and with a thin smile I bought myself some time. He darted off, one finger in the air singling for me to wait there. I swiveled around though; I didn’t care. My eyes scouted the terminal and I found a black void still waiting for me. My heart pulsed and my eyes clouded. This really was goodbye, wasn’t it? Surely, if I wasn’t supposed to go the man in black would have evaporated into dust by now. He did not.
With feet pulled by an invisible tug I found myself shifting across the gleaming title floor. He awaited me. The man in black; he had to be. With an empty heart I watched him board the train; his eyes never leaving mine. I couldn’t see them but I was so sure…Crossing the terminal was the hardest thing I had to do my whole life; knowing that this was goodbye. But as I approached my train; he beckoned me. Leave now and you’ll know everything worth knowing. How could I resist the answers to all of this? No, I couldn’t pass that up; I needed to know what was going on. Why everything had went so wrong. And as I boarded the train with each step, I grew closer to my distant answers. Foot by foot I found him in my green eyes, in the very back he awaited me. Hazed vision blurred the path but I still found myself following an invisible tug; like a connection I couldn’t rid. The atmosphere grew thick as I finally sat next to him. Head down, I didn’t say a word.
Not yet, you’d be alone. Remember, only you and me can see… He hadn’t opened his lips yet I could hear each word like it was a hiss. Tears fell down my checks as I solemnly nodded; only he and I...The two of us…were meant to be. Right then, before and now. Subconsciously I knew. And suddenly all too well it came to me; only we were supposed to meet. The sadness he brings was only for me…For I could relate...Couldn’t I? My head throbbed; this tug, an inseparable hug was always supposed to be. No questions yet no grantees. This wouldn’t end that easy. Not for him or me.
Yet, I found myself swirling around in the chair as the sliding doors slammed shut. Clouded eyes found a familiar outline. He stood there; ticket in hand. Tears were running down his cheeks. How he spoke to me….My best friend. He wasn’t alone; Yuruki and Jhad were by his side. And I could almost hear his lies. What would he tell them? What other than that I had gone to the beach to without anyone. But he knew he had to know, that wasn’t the truth. There would be no tears for something that simple, a place so near. But he knew he really did. Mikhail...Yuruki...Jhad....all my best friends and I was leaving them in the wind.
Why concern yourself with him? “He’s my friend…” I mumbled, turning back around in my chair to hear him grunt. Taliana. You know now all too well that was your final goodbye. You’re with me; I’m going to help you see more than ever before. I nodded; he was going to clear out the fog. Q and A. “Here…now?” I whispered underneath my dangled head. No, at Drante. There I shall lead you back. “Back where?” I had to be quiet; for I didn’t want to people to think I was losing my head. Where you always were supposed to be. There lies a gate; the only thread connecting these two worlds. Funny. We all knew there were different worlds in this galaxy but I never envisioned myself leaving Zorra. But as the train racked me up and down this was becoming all too real. And suddenly, with the rocking of my head it hit me.
“What have I just done?”
The world swayed around me and for just this once, I was completely alone. The train and all its passengers seemed to vanish into thin air. Even the seat underneath me. The man in black swirled into dangerous dust; yet it missed me. The walls of the steel had lowered and I scanned the horizon as we left. Goodbye, I just said goodbye. Forever more. What would happen to my mother? I could already see her crying on the kitchen corner. And Mikhail? Surely, he would weep for many days along with Yuruki and Jhad. Or would they set out to find me? That’s what I would do if I was them. If I didn’t understand why my best friend just ran away; why she boarded a train. Yes, that seemed like the right outcome. Who wouldn’t come after someone as important as I was to them?

Side note: Copyright belongs to me, Andrea Quinn. Ideas, characters, and the plot were originally mine. I own this book and all the content. I do not however, own any of the pictures used to make the set. Please agan reframe from copying and pasting any of this or claiming it as your own. All of it again, belongs to me, Andrea Quinn.
***There are random unformatted poems throughout the book, they were centered in Word. There are also words that someone is saying without quotes, it was italicized. Excuse bad grammar and make sure to leave a comment!***
 

Chapter 3
Meeting her.
 
Yawning, I had awoken. Another poem had tied itself with another dream. I don't care what it means...A reeking smell hit my noise and uncomfortable oil swathed me. A shower was much needed. Pointlessly, I rolled out from my covers and began undressing as I headed for my personal bathroom. The green striped hang over shirt reunited with the floor along with the capris that clung to me. My bra and panties were next, hitting the bare tile floor of the bathroom room as I crept onwards; multitasking. My hand blindly found the shower door and swung it out, allowing me to creep in. It shut behind me effortlessly. The shower accented with lily pots and plastic, nameless shampoos and conditioners. Yet as I walked into today, instead of melting my problems away it created a roar of stressed thoughts.
Deciphering had to make its mark. Where would I start? What did this all mean? I planned to begin last night yet a blissful sleep stole me away as I came back to my house like a disappointed stray. I wanted to stay at the Usual Spot but Mikhail walked me home in the shadows, at least, that's what I remember. Maybe I was really talking to the cloaked man. Or I could have been dreaming my first real dream in numerous years....but I don't dream. No, I can't see things that have fled me. Yet I could see and hear a man no one else knew existed, a man made of dust. One could explode.
I whimpered to myself as the water ran down my toned body. How did I finish his thoughts? I felt like we...were....really connected. It was supposed to be, there was no doubt for me. Yet me seeing him alone, but then again, only we could see. “Only us...” I memorized his enchanting words. He sees me and I see him and that was it. Only we were supposed to meet, I was sure of it. Then and there he was the only one I could see both times. That's why everyone vanished the first time; they couldn't meet him. What would they do if dust explode and cut their faces too? And second time he found me when I was alone, not a witness to spare. No one to care....
The shower ended much too fast. The pounding of the burning water soon turned icy cold and I had to get out before I outlasted the water supply itself. Most of the precious shower time was spent convincing myself that everything that was happening was happening to me for a reason. One I didn't know but all I would have to do is wait and see...I changed empty mindlessly; into a white collared blouse and a plaid skirt with a matching plaid head band. Ended with of course, the ragged white flip flops. Clothes thrown on, I repeated my window sill stunt but this time, the scenery, and the bustling people were only distractions, ones I could care less for. Nothing really threw my gaze off as I jumped from the water pipe.
Heavy eyed, I crossed my arms and rubbed my non-existed biceps. As if I was subconsciously reassuring myself as I trotted down the street. Exhaustion stole my empty mind and I let my feet lead me astray. Yet still, I found myself at the Usual Spot in what seemed as seconds; but that was relativity. I must have been wondering around aimlessly for what could have been half the day.
I reached out, my hand barely meeting the purple curtain I've become distance from. “Yuruki, Jhad...Mikhail...” I whispered, almost whimpering. What is happening?! My mind swore, and I felt tears soar. I shook my head left and right and clenched my pearly whites. My body trembled and my hands ripped the curtain out of the way; sobbing as I stumbled in.
Yet no one was here today. No one's sweet, normal, calming voice greeted me in their usual way. No laughter pierced my ear; the symphony I was longing for wasn't here. My knees gave way in the silence and my heart broken sobs echoed throughout the encased hideout. I was so alone, no one could ever know...no one would believe me, no one could see but him and me...
It must have been hours I stayed there curled up on the bare floor. I swore I could have cried a river it the floor hadn't absorbed it all. My head pounded, but today no golden poems were found as the cause. No cloaked man was to blame; I probably was just going insane.
But I couldn't stay here on the bare floor. It was filthy for one and someone would probably bargain in. No one needed to see me in a wreck especially not after what happened yesterday; my snot and tears probably wasn't the most gorgeous sight even on a blond like me. Finding my footing I arose and whipped my tears and nose with my hairless arm. Unsanitary yes, but that's all I had nearby. I fixed my hair; tucking it behind my sun kissed ears. Then solemnly I left and joined the thin crowd outside.
As my puffed up green eyes scouted the streets the time setting become more noticeable to me. When I left I could have sworn it was morning though I wasn't quite sure...I never really did look up at the sky. But now, the street lights were flickered on and the rustic town regained its twilightic appeal once more. Coupling it was a chilling breeze that swept right by me. Goose bumps climbed up my bare skin; and my hair twirled in the wind…
“Where could they be…?” My hushed voice questions, my heart yearning for my friends. For enclosure for a talk, even I just decided to pretend this all was a dream…My footing once again lead me aimlessly and I stumbled the sunset streets; my arms crossed and my head hanging down. I really didn’t care for anyone…a painful emptiness was shrouding me. Was it what he said? I knew but I didn’t? I felt that way before…What did I know subconsciously? Why did his words strum such strings? They did the same as they replayed in an eerie melody with my heart and mind Funny. Where your feet with take you if you let them guide. If you empty out you mind. I found myself climbing a clock tower’s staircase; the streets had long ago vanished underfoot. Now squeaky stairs took their place along with ticking of the gears pounded against my obvious ears. Ignorance was bliss. For now it was, at least. I didn’t focus, didn’t think. I just let my dried eyes and throbbing feet take me where they pleased. I found myself in a place I knew too well; the clock tower where me and my buddies would sit up on a ledge right overhead the time display. We used to play cards up there till one day, Yuruki almost fell off. It had given us such a scare we never went back up there…But I always did love the feeling of hanging over the edge, like I was about to fall. I never would though; equal balance on both sides was the key. One I’ve mastered long ago. Now, it was like I was coming back to relive distance memories. Ones that were fussing out, soon enough they would be destroyed. Right now, I wanted to see if I could recapture them before I lost them forever more…My hand acted with me thinking and I soon realized my upward trek was over; I was at the abandoned door. Creaky as it used to be; with a grunt I sung it open and instantly, a familiar breeze hit me. My feet did the rest; left after right, no thought needed. Allowing me to gaze ahead; the sunset streets were coming to their end to be replaced by a sweet darkness that I usually missed in bed.
My green eyes swept Zorra’s street over and over again; the Italian themed town gleamed in the moon’s own unique feel. This time with my heart and mind as one I tip toed across the ledge and slid down against the brick wall behind. My hair was thrown out of place but here, now, wasn’t the time to care. My heart was being filled with a familiar tingle; one I forgot. Excitement tied with pure bliss. Everything else was dismissed. My mouth hung open involuntary and a childish smile last for a while. No wonder I was lead here, nothing, not a thing seemed wrong or out of place like it should always be. No cloaked man, no golden poems, no violent dust, just…
Us. It wasn’t his voice, but it still made my eyes widen and my fingers slip. My breath caught itself as I waited for something I didn’t know. My eyes were frantic; the voice had come from overhead. And instantly, I was looking to the empty sky, searching for the girl. But no one was there; no one was to be heard…Right here…Now, her voice seemed closer; like she was next to my heart. So very close…yet so far like she was off in a distance land but she still found her way here. And I know if she had been sitting next to me I would have watched her nod. “Not now! Leave me alone!” I yelped as my undisturbed place was setting off the voices in my head. But then again, I could feel her shake her head no. Anger shrugged through me; coupled with blood warm tears. “Please…not here…” I whimpered, trying to send her away but I knew she stayed. My eyes blurred, I had to get out of here. Too hastily, I arose.
My footing slipped; I feel amiss. Tumbling down, flying for real. Yet now, the descent seemed all too sluggish. My body was free falling; swirling in circles. I closed my eyes as the hushed wind swept over me. Out stretched my hands and let them levitate all by themselves. No effort no thought needed. I wasn’t there. I didn’t feel any tears or pain, no love or horror, nothing to lose, nothing to gain. An endless free fall…Darkened by my closed eyes. I could myself breathe in anticipation; when would it end?
You can’t end it this easy.
His voice rang, was oddly comforting as it overpowered hers. I could almost see his outline; his cloaked figure in my mind. I saw him reaching out; his hand finally out of his robe. He was just like me…You and me; you can’t just let this be…He almost sounded like he was pleading. And suddenly I saw me and him levitating in my own mind. His hand outstretched. Don’t grab it, let go. Her voice had found me again? I shook my head. “NO!” I wrenched forward and locked his and mine hands; our pulses joining. He nodded once before my body met the street concrete.

Side note: Copyright belongs to me, Andrea Quinn. Ideas, characters, and the plot were originally mine. I own this book and all the content. I do not however, own any of the pictures used to make the set. Please agan reframe from copying and pasting any of this or claiming it as your own. All of it again, belongs to me, Andrea Quinn.
***There are random unformatted poems throughout the book, they were centered in Word. There are also words that someone is saying without quotes, it was italicized. Excuse bad grammar and make sure to leave a comment!***
 

What is waiting for you?
I don't know anymore.
You've lost, long time ago
Come back, I'll be here.
What will happen?
You'll lose the love you never loved.
Icy, cold, why would I go?
Sunny, light, I leave home.
You won't be living
Not till the new dawn
Fear swarms you
The light in my eyes say something more
Run away
Stay with me.
 
Chapter 2
Seeing stars.
 
I don't dream anymore. No pictures. Nothing but gold words that faded into dust, swept away with words unknown to me. Like the poems I see during my day dreams. They leave my head throbbing and my heart yearning. Even as I awake now a deep, much needed yawn seized my first moments of the day. My mind was swirling; I've come to ignore the poems my head manifests. They mean nothing to me. I blinked multiply times, ridding the gold dust to find orange rays highlighting my room as I regained my vision.
What was that all about yesterday?
I couldn't answer that it was a question I barely comprehended. Dust with sharp edges like broken glass. How did a man erode? Why wasn't I dumbfounded? I felt like...he...I had to be there in front of him, right then. Like that man had been drawing me in closer to him for some unknown reason beyond my understanding. And I saw it coming, the explosion, I was so nervous but not....was I nervous because I secretly and unknowingly knew? Nothing about the man erupting into dust horrified me. But what did was when Yuruki, Jhad, Mikhail and everyone one else vanished.
“Oh no.” I shot up in my bed, glancing out the curtain-less window above my bed. Outside lied the scene view I remembered. Zorra's Italian themed houses and greener seemed undisturbed and people wandered the streets.
No one's gone anymore...
Why now? I shook my head; my beach blond waves were thrown about. I closed my longing eyes. What the heck had happened? At least I was wrong about my thoughts, everyone’s back now...but I could have sworn the only person there was the gang banger...the man dressed in only black.
“Yuruki, Jhad and Mikhail probably know what happened, maybe they even caught the man who did this to me.....they must be worried sick.” Speaking to myself come my nerves and frankly I need very much at the moment.
My mind was made up. I was going to the Usual Spot to see if they were there. I stumbled out of my bed, and threw off my blue tank top and capris, along with my A sized bra and thong. I scooped up the nearest bits of clothing’s and tugged them over my bare body. First were the essentials. Followed by a white and green striped off the shoulder shirt that looked roughed up coupled with light blue capris. I blindly braided my hair that ran to my lower back into a loose braid over my right shoulder. The dead ends of my hair intertwined. Finally, glancing in the awaiting mirror I checked my appearance.
“What...the...the cuts...”
All had vanished; like overnight sleeping cured each imperfection. Not even a scar from the razor dust doing was left. I glanced up and down in the mirror; baffled. Nothing remained. No bloody scabs rested on my sun kissed skin. Nothing....What in the world was happening to me? Did I...I.....No...I couldn't...
“Taliana!”
Fear swarmed me. Even with my mother’s gently voice I felt like something was wrong.....An icy chill swept up my spin. But with a deep grieving sigh I turned around and looked around my brown and white room. Green plants sat on chest oak night stands and my brown striped comforter found a new spot on the bare wooden floors. Yet none of this signified any importance. Much more was clouding my mind. I slipped on white flip flops; nothing special and then sat myself on top of my bed. My mind racing, my mother didn't need to see my like this. Stunned, confused, on the brink of insanity. What would she say about my drained face? I could wait to find out...I grasped the chilling window sill and raised it upwards; the fresh reinvigorating air meeting my face instantly as I let the outside world in. I put on hand on the outside wall and put on foot on my sill. Followed by the next and soon I stood two stories over Zorra's crowded streets; creeping along a shaky ledge. With a deep breath I slid on foot after the other to the left, running my hands over the popcorn walls as I crept about. Finally, I meet my savior of the heights; a water pipe with steel screws. They were just big enough for me to rest my petite toes on top of and use like a latter. But first, I carefully slid my sandals off, letting them meet the streets with an echoing plop. Followed by me; I made a hasty descent down the water pipe and jumped off when I felt I was close enough to the welcoming ground.
“Taliana!” My mother’s voice was carried by the empty wind and it seemed to have swirled around me. But nothing in my heart or mind felt as if I should come back. No, I've made my departure. Now I must seal the deal. Sliding on my white flip flops and repositioning my hair, I trekked onwards; not glancing at my window seal for I know what was there. A disapproving look had been shot my way.
The Usual Spot was never too far away. Not when I wanted it to be. I twirled through the streets; weaving in and out of the vanishing crowd. As I approach the back alley the beige painting of the houses was chipping and the people were thinning. A purple drag curtain was hung by an elongated shower curtain between two abandon buildings. To others was a warning side but for me, an indication. Unknowingly smiling, I pushed the curtain aside to find a sight my eyes welcomed. Yuruki, Jhad, and Mikhail had been eating ice cream. One wrapped; they saved it for me. And as I approached they all meet my eyes, all smiling in between their licks.
“‘Sup Taliana?” Jhad grinned big at me; swiping up the unwrapped ice cream from the cardboard box it laid on and tossing it across the barren space. I barely caught it; I wasn't really hand eye coordinated. But I held it in my hands; my eyes locked onto it as if it was a treasure.
“Guys....Yesterday...When I fell onto the ground and I was bleeding did you see the guy dressed in black?” I glanced up from the numbing ice cream to find puzzled faces. No one was licking their ice creams, no one was even speaking. I feared this kind of response...Finally, Mikhail had cleared his throat.
“Taliana, you didn't fall onto the ground. And there was no one dressed in black.” An awkward silence for them, but a baffled expression clearly represented my thoughts. “Of course there was, you all vanished and he was the only left, expect he, when I walked up to him, he...he...exploded into dust so sharp it cut my skin. But then you all were near me, yelling something and he...was still there.” I searched their empty eyes with desperation as my throat dried. A new silence fell upon the room; one I didn't know. Did they not trust me? Couldn't they see I wasn't lying?
“Taliana if something like that happened to you, I would remember, trust me. Besides we went to the movies yesterday, remember? You hated 5 minutes and you said we never would get to pick out the movie again.” Mikhail's voice was oddly soothing and reassuring. Then I had...I did imagine it. My own private thoughts confirmed but my heart disbelieved. I couldn't remember one scene from 5 minutes or scolding them for their awful choice in cinema. All my mind would register was me beginning drawn to that man by instinct, like he had a pull on me. I knew there was something. There had to be. I knew what was going to happen, but nervousness still resided within me. The dust, and him, I had to be there at the moment. No one else had been, nowhere else. But why I could only remember it? Or was it just me that had seen it, since they all vanished? But surely they could recall me collapsed on the street bleeding. Yet I have no scars, no proof to be seen. None proof stayed with me. It was a dream. This time my heart bought the truth, or so it seemed.
You don't dream.
That voice filled my head, one that I heard yesterday. My heart pinged and I restrained my eyes. I weakly grinned and swayed about. “Guys, it was just a dream! I was kidding!” Mikhail's, Yuruki's, and Jhad's eyes revealed relief and they began joking to each other; sharing laughs and personal stories about things that now fled me. Dreams....I don't dream...poems have become my imagination. How did the voice know? So what did this all mean?
Wait and see.
And instantly, I forgot about my problems and dreams. I shared my sweet laughter with Mikhail, Jhad, and Yuruki. I shared my blissful smile and humor. All was peaceful and free the whole afternoon. We revisited the beach, me paying for most of it with runde from the bank. Of course we were kicked out after Yuruki and Mikhail snatched some ice cream 'cause they couldn't find me. Jhad let me sleep on his shoulder the train ride home and now we sauntered down the only steep hill in Zorra; heading back to the Usual Spot. The light post eliminated the streets giving everything a twilightic feel. Everything was perfect.
“Hey guys, how about if we stay the night in the Usual Spot today?”
I suggested, as we approached the purple curtain. Mikhail, Jhad, and Yuruki all turned to me with big grins and nodded. “Sounds fun.” Mikhail agreed, locking his arm with Jhad's and Yuruki's. “Right, everyone, whoever makes it back here with all their stuff first gets 200 runde from the last person!”
“I'm not paying anyone anymore!” I yelped with glee, darting away from my three guys. The wind hit my face as I scattered down the winding roads that led home. The sun could have been ushering me on, the wind could have been running besides me, I wouldn't have known. My eyes found something knew; a black cloaked figure. And sudden, all my problems, all my fears reappeared.
Taliana.
All happiness, all glee fled me, leaving me queasy. The iciness of his voice was carried in the wind. And again, I felt a thread, an instinct pulling me closer and closer...All the nervousness subsided and again I knew.
“Me and you...” I whispered, the gentle wind assisting my hush words over to him. I saw the cloak figure nodded. I swallowed hard. You and me, right now, are supposed to be. His silent voice echoed in my head, an eerie chill crept down my spine. The one only his voice could cause.
“Supposed to be here, now.” We were supposed to be there as well. Somehow, I knew he was referring to yesterday. The dangerous of dust, of us. My eyes searched the black void hidden behind his cloak, some reason I wanted to cry and I had no idea why. You were surprised, nervous, but you knew, deep down what was supposed to be, been. You knew without knowing. You and me, only the two of us... “Can see....” I finished his sentence as the man cloaked in black swiveled into the air, disappearing and leaving me along, right then and there. He vanished into razor sharp dust.
“What does it all mean?” I had to stop my mouth before I began my own soliloquy. Hushing them, my thoughts swirl as the dust glistened by me, for once I wish I could dream. Dream and forget all about him, all about what is happening to me. My eyes shut but nothing became vivid, not even gold letters. A black emptiness took the place of my vision and nothing more. A frustrated sigh escaped my lips as I reopened my eyes. There, where he had stood, the sun had made the horizon line as was casting a scenic view throughout Zorra. Yet all I pretended to see was him, and his endless cloak. Even that was blurry.
“Taliana! You lost!”
His voice was so distance I almost didn't recognize it as his. But as I turned around and found Mikhail’s dismissed brown eyes with my own I could see his face flat. “You're crying...” He whimpered, raising his hand out to me. Yet all I saw was a distance shadow, I heard was inaudible voice pitches for my mind thought one thing. What's wrong with me?

Side note: Copyright belongs to me, Andrea Quinn. Ideas, characters, and the plot were originally mine. I own this book and all the content. I do not however, own any of the pictures used to make the set. Please agan reframe from copying and pasting any of this or claiming it as your own. All of it again, belongs to me, Andrea Quinn.
***There are random unformatted poems throughout the book, they were centered in Word. There are also words that someone is saying without quotes, it was italicized. Excuse bad grammar and make sure to leave a comment!***
 

 
Walk in the light its beats on your face
Unreal.
Each stride, each laugh you share seems to have disappeared.
What purpose does it serve?
The dust of your past swirls around you, beckoning
It leads to the end of you.
You can feel her calling
Run away.
Everything you feared, loved, hated
Means nothing.
It's her not you
Give in or fight anyway?
Doesn't matter, it's never been
You.
 
Chapter 1
The first encounter
 
“Taliana!”
Why does it seem like everything is so surreal? Why do I only imagine poems now instead of pictures?
“Taliana!!”
My head wiped up to the ring of my name. My jet green eyes surveyed the ghetto club house I've come to love. Mikhail, my best friend had pushed the tattered curtains open, and was waving me to come out onto the barren streets.
“Taliana! You okay? Aren't you coming??”
Involuntary my lips formed a weak smiled and I bobbed my head. I had no idea where we going, at all. Not a clue. But apparently when I had zoned out into my day dream world Yuruki, Jhad and Mikhail had a fully-fledged decision about today’s plans and already departed; ready to full fill them.
“Right behind you!” I got up and fixed my conservative blue tank top, pulling it onto the rim of the comfiest black silk shorts I owned. Hastily, I pulled my beach blond hair around my neck and jogged up to Mikhail's side. He flashed me his personal elated smile and put his hands on the back of his head as we began to depart from our hidden club and onto the streets. Me, blindly following him.
We didn't exchange words, but it was a comfortable silence. One I've grown to love. We were trekking up the only hill in Zorra, one that lead straight to the Central Station. As I pushed onwards up the steep slope Mikhail’s figure blocked my view of where we were headed. His curly dirty blond hair strayed in numerous directions, framing his face and his tanned figure that matched my own and it was blocking the sun from sending harmful rays into my piercing green eyes. His baggy white tee and blue jean capris casted uneven shadows around me as well. Following in his steps was my best of not getting separated from the group.
We made a hasty turn; wrapping around a beige building coupled with black light posts that towered half as high as the building. I barely got a glance at the road ahead; but it looked like we were already in Central Station. And as we continued our walk, the buildings around me, all beige with vivid roofs, and greener on every corner confirmed my assumption. Central Station was classy like that.
“Jhad, Yuruki!” Mikhail yelped, waving his hand up high. The two boys did the same, instantly waving as well. A contagious smile wrapped around my thin lips as Mikhail darted up to them and punched them both in the arm. I followed him at my own pace letting my beach waved hair wave in the wind. Jhad and Yuruki were talking and laughing with Mikhail, all of them sharing an infection giggle. They really were a sight; Jhad, a total Asian. Black spiked hair with thin brown eyes that often were mistaken for a black void. His tanned figure was wrapped in two jackets; ebony, high-collared jacket underneath and a white unzipped one top, pleated, and folded back. It was coupled with jet black capris with beige leggings. And then there was Yuruki, captivating blue eyes and light blond hair. His seemed even lighter than my own; which had been tanned itself by the sun's rays. His locks were almost a puzzling white that stood out on his golden skin. He wore something similar to Mikhail; a white tank top for guys of course, and baggy beige capris. Our clothes were oh so differentiated.
“Taliana! I swear you’re the slowest girl I've ever meet!” Yuruki remarked as I crept up to them. I crossed my arms over my flat chest and stuck my tongue out; which received a few snickers from Jhad and Mikhail. We all exchange sweet smiles; the laughter and hate jokes felt so familiar.
“Whatever, I don't care. We aren't in a rush anyway.” I tossed my hair over my shoulder, pretending to be too worthy for them. My eyes had snapped shut as well, but I pried on open to see Mikhail mimicking me. I busted out laughing; he looked so ridiculous. Even Jhad and Yuruki shared my humor in his gay pose. I loved these guys so much... “True. But the train is coming in an hour so we only have a little bit to get ready for the beach.”
A puzzled look consumed my face as Jhad spoke, I had no idea we were going to the beach again....Weren't we tan enough? Plus, we already went to the beach like six thousand times this summer vacation. “Uh...can we just go to the movies?” I suggested, cupping my hands together and putting on a puppy face as I threw my more preferred plan out in the open. Jhad, Mikhail and Yuruki exchanged glances I knew too well; wordless debating. Finally Mikhail sighed and crossed his seemingly hairless arms.
“I guess we could. There is that new movie out; 5 minutes.” I sighed disappointingly as soon as he finished; 5 minutes was about this guy who had only five minutes to save a plane full of people from a terrorist bombing. He kept dying till he got it right. But I guess it was better than paying six thousand runde for tickets and food for the overcrowded, overrated beach. Plus with Jhad's and Yuruki's hasty head bobbing I guess it was three against one.
“Alright....how much runde would it cost us to get into the theater?” I probably carried the most runde, all the time so it was probably was coming out of my pocket once again.
“Uh, tickets are 400 runde. And slushies are 200 runde. There are four of us so that’s...”
“2,400 runde.” Yuruki finished Jhad's thought, seeing as Jhad was the absolute worst mathematician in the entire grade. 2,400 runde was a lot cheaper than six thousand runde. I stuffed my hands into my empty black pockets and felt the familiar craving of the gold pieces each worth 700 runde. There were four, I could cover us all. But as I glanced up from my hollow pockets Yuruki, Jhad, and Mikhail weren't standing in front of me.
“Guys....where did you go?” I emptily pondered, searching the bare streets for my friends...But nobody was to be found. Something about a sudden disappearance by not only my friends, but soon I found, all of Zorra's citizens made me extremely anxious. I could feel my eyes scan Central Stations streets as if it was a hide and seek game; over and over. Finally, as my eyes crossed over the right section of Central Station I saw a figure cloaked in black. His face, or her face, was completely devoured in what seemed like an empty void. Seeing that person had made my stomach turn.
“Hello.....?” I whimpered, starting up towards the over dress person. Instinct drove me onwards. They didn't move, not one body part. Not even their head. I finally got close enough to them to see the details of their extravagant cloak but still they wouldn't meet my eyes. But I didn't withdraw. I felt like had...I felt like....something about the person...
“Umm...excuse me...” My voice was unstable and shaky; I felt like I was walking up to a gang banger. But they didn't move a muscle even with me right in front of them.
Taliana.
It could have been the gang bangers voice; I wouldn't know. Because as soon as my name was spoken the black figure erupted into nothing but razor sharp dust that slide across my skin, slicing bit’s and piece of it open. I didn't shriek, I didn't whimper as my flawless skin was scared or as my red rubies meet the cold street. Nothing escaped my lips. But in my heart, I felt like I knew this was going to happen but I couldn't explain it. No, nothing could explain it. I just let the dust keep hitting my skin until I felt so frail, so unbelievable anemic that I collapsed to the ground; falling as if I was a rag doll. Then ragged yelps enter my ears as Yuruki, Jhad, and Mikhail stood over me; all vaporizing as dust encircled them and bolden their figures. Their lips were moving, they eyes were frantic but everything began to disappear. Everything was meaning nothing.
The only thing I seemed to see or hear was the cloaked figure standing in the distance; staring directly at me.
Taliana.
So why wasn't I scared?