Excerpt Chapter Eleven -Mixed and Mashed
As one would imagine, a mysterious forest might offer deep, eerie
chills, especially at night.
Instead, the forest cast a rich glow, and the environment was beautiful
and serene.
Walking slowly with their eyes absolutely feasting on the horticultural
delights, the boys were approached by something they weren’t sure was real. It
floated effortlessly, lighting up in a sporadic pattern, but had neither sound
nor discernible shape, other than being somewhat clear and round.
Its fluttering wings suspended it in the center of their disbelieving
huddle. All eyes were on it, but what it was provoked more mystery than the
forest itself. It bounced in a cheery, beckoning fashion, flashing its stunning
wings, drawing the boys into a never-ending waltz. They were transfixed, unable
to glance at each other, prevented by the daze each silently battled.
The little glowing being carried about, moving closer to their faces. It moved
in and out of trees, spewing sparkle and splendor, then floated away from the
boys, yet stayed close enough to continue the enticement.
Contributing to the amazing glow ricocheting from sprawling fronds to
soaring trees and fallen leaves, the being’s creativity advanced in a display
of twirls and spins, astonishing the boys. And they followed their little
friend further and further into the forest.
Deeper ahead, the visual spectacle beautifully intertwined with the
clicking noise, which grew louder and more defined, moving up the scale into
high notes. The repetition of the noise mesmerized the boys, equating to an
invisible lasso.
The friends grouped together, looking ahead and behind. Their stomachs
tightened as the tension grew.
What they saw next would pale in comparison to their little, wondrous
friend, who steadily bounced around several curvy pathways.
The small creature led them into an area deep within the preserve
housing two large, floating, clicking balls of light. The boys instinctively
covered their eyes, yet still tried to peep through their fingers.
The light balls began spinning wildly and grew louder, with their tops
spitting out free-falling shavings of light like fireworks.
The sputtering light bounced off the dirt only to end up against a tree
or one of the boys, then back down and up again.
Slowing down, the beings moved in between the boys. Too scared to move
and struggling with reality, the boys’ eyes locked onto the radiant balls.
And with a striking force, the five friends were encased by a bright,
piercing light as the balls exploded, emitting their energy onto the boys.
Mixing and mashing north, south, east, and west, bright waves covered
the soil, spreading across trees, rock, and all plant life. The forest fell
silent, frozen like an inhale without an exhale. It was dark and quiet, except
for the liquid energy dripping from the huge, wavy leaves.
Being subjected to drifts both in and out of reality, the boys
succumbed to the lure of a vacant black space within the deepest parts of their
minds. They fell to the ground unconscious, laying in this forbidden domain in
the center of a place they had been warned not to approach.
And from some distance toward the other side of the preserve, a draped
shadow had been looking inward and saw this mysterious incident.
The curve of his black hood was loose enough for him to witness the
unthinkable. But it also shrouded his expression, which was impassive.
This figure, a dark stranger, had been watching the boys for a period
of time and saw the explosion of light. He knew it had exposed them to a grave
risk in this place of both awe and fear. He realized time would now take the
reins as a master guide for these stricken young men, all of whom would need
hope as a rod and stamina as a spear on the long journey ahead.
Knowing the veil of normalcy would need to be maintained in order for
this inconceivable episode to be minimized, the Dark Stranger drew upon his
strength to physically move each of the boys to Rhee’s house.
He knew familiar surroundings would ease them as they roused, barely
able to comprehend their predicament.
For he knew much, and every step, every footprint left an indelible
impression on the path leading to the studio in Rhee’s backyard. Indeed,
footprints providing a window to the past meshed with hope for the future.
And like a laser, the Dark Stranger steadied his gait, hurling each one
up and over his powerful shoulders.
As he absorbed the totality of the scene, he breathed deeply. His head
hung in a manner to which only trauma could relate. But in a sign of
resilience, it swiftly sprung back.
Under the circumstances, he knew time would not be patient nor
friendly.
Welcome or unwelcome. Fate had arrived.
