Continued from [link]

" I don't believe it.." Lacey stumbled for words as she took the boy from one of Bastet's man servants. She was in shock..her mind confused with everything she'd experienced and come to accept over the last few days.Her grasp on what she'd accepted as reality shattered once again. This couldn't truly be Brandon..could it? After all she'd been through could it really be him?

" Lacey..??" Seth looked at her with concern ..and also obviously seeking the answer to the question she was asking herself.

" Lacey.." Persephone called out again as Taurus and Lucifer were dragging her literally down the hall to throw her out. " It's a trick..that is not Brandon..don't believe the lie.." Her words cut short as Taurus head butted her knocking her out both to shut her up and to stop her struggling.

" Ahhh..finally peace and quiet. " Bastet sighed. " I thought this little guy was annoying but she takes the cake. So Lacey my dear now that you have him in your arms and the harpy has been silenced..do you feel it..do you finally believe ?"

" I feel like he is Brandon..yet I'm too confused to know for sure. I mean..every time I think I get a grasp on what the hell is going on..."

" Life's like that sweetie you've just gotta deal." Bastet patted her head and winked. " He's your son..I know it..Seth probably can feel it too even though he is only a male..and deep down in your heart you know it to be true too.You've just got to clear your head of that bullshit Persephone's been feeding you."

" Possibly..it does feel right holding him though I truly never have before..something in his eyes. Yet..something is bothering me..something I need answered before I can even let myself begin to truly believe. " She looked directly into Bastet's beautiful eyes." If indeed we did leave him behind in the Clinic..if what you say is true..then how.."

" How did I end up with him ?" Bastet smiled . " Twas through no action of my own chile..twas Destiny dear."

" Destiny ? " Seth quietly laughed. " Surely you can do better than that Bastet."

" If I was spinning a tale indeed I could Seth.." Bastet replied tiredly."..but I'm not. It was what Lucifer was told and what she told me."

" Told by who ?" Seth asked

" I am honestly in the dark as much as you are old friend." Bastet said looking a little embarrassed which Seth took as a sign she was truly telling the truth as far as she knew it. " When Lucifer met me after my morning walk three lunar cycles ago as my walkers lowered my throne and rolled out my carpet she said a unknown entity had given her this child and that I was to be entrusted with it's care until three powerful yet lost souls would arrive.One would be a disbeliever but the other two would know.I would also be entrusted to point you along the path you must follow."

" Of course I looked at Lucifer as if she'd been into my hash supply again yet once I looked into her mind I knew she wasn't stoned but telling the truth. I tried to spy the being from her mind's eye yet it would not focus and I could not see it's true form. Lucifer said she could not focus on the entity herself yet she felt no evil..actually she felt nothing from it..except that it was ancient and unlike any being she had ever encountered before. It unnerved her yet she felt no threat so she did as the being said. She did ask it's name but all it said was it a messenger and guide of Destiny. It then bowed slightly and disappeared. That's all we know."

Seth looked closely at Bastet as if looking for any sign that she was lying and found none. Lacey looked at her then at Seth who simply nodded.

" Whether you believe me or not is up to you.." Bastet said slightly defensively.

" I do.." Lacey said. " .. at least as far as what you just told us. I do feel like this is Brandon..yet..after all I've been through there is this part of me that still is playing cautious.I guess with everything I just need a bit of time to sort it all out..to know what I truly feel myself inside..not just what everyone is telling me is real. Am I making sense ?"

" Perfectly child..you've been through a lot ." Bastet smiled sympathetically. " You're a strong one I sense..you'll make your minds peace when your ready.Now..as I believe I'm expected to do , and I know Seth would like very much as he always finds it hard to resist my charms.." she gave him a wink and a cheeky smile ".. I shall start you on your way to wherever "Destiny" wishes you to go."

" The nearest gateway to Thebes will suffice Bastet." Seth said yet knowing already it would not likely be the case.

" I wish I could my friend..yet you know the Veil as well as I do. Ever changing, ever growing, as infinite in vastness as it is in possibility. Never the same, impossible to map, go through one door here and you may never find home again. Though not impossible if strong of will and heart.Generally though if you find yourself here from where ever you came it's better to just find a place..or if truly gifted create one of your own..to call home and stay put. Yet we both know that you cannot."

" Indeed." Seth sighed.

" Well lets get you on your way then gloomy guts.." Bastet playfully punched him "..then I can get back to my lovelies and my pampering. As much as the little one here is adorable he has interrupted my beauty sleep numerous times and though I'm naturally perfect and drop dead gorgeous it pays to look after yourself. Something you should look into crusty..at least if only to ex foliate now and again."

" I'll bear that in mind." Seth rolled his eyes and Lacey grinned.

" Now..according to the "one who knows" you are to head south..a favourite direction of mine .." winking at Lacey who laughed " till you reach what we call here The Black Forest. We do so as once you pass a few feet into it you can't see a thing, not even with my beautiful peepers, because it's a doorway to who knows where . It's spooky..but..according to our mysterious visitor that is where you are meant to go. I'll send Lucifer to guide you then I'm afraid my sweets you are on your own. That's of course if you wish to follow our mysterious being's instructions..nothing says you have too."

" Is there another dimensional gate that you know of here ? " Seth asked.

" No..at least nothing stable. " Bastet answered. " Besides the occasional random portal every now and again the forest gate is the only one I know of. Looks like you got no choice but to go for a walk in the Black Forest old man."

" Well then we'd best be on our way." Seth said. He turned to Lacey. " Ready ?"

" You're welcome to stay if you like." Bastet offered.

" Thank you Bastet..truly for everything..but I think Seth's right. Whether destiny or not best face it and get it over with." Lacey said. " As much as I'd love to stay and relax and forget all the craziness.."

" I understand." Bastet smiled. " Be safe and look after the cherub and I truly hope that "Destiny"..or whoever..is kind to you. Seth you look after them."

" I will.. and thank you Bastet for your help and kindness.It has been good to see you again." Seth smiled.

" I know..now be off with you. " Bastet shooed them with a lazy gesture. " I may be immortal but it doesn't mean I've all the time in the world. I've important matters to attend to."

" Such as..?" Seth asked though knowing the answer already.

" Me." Bastet answered then turned and sauntered over to where she was when they first found her. " Now my pretty ones where were we.."

Seth and Lacey, with Brandon, turned and made their way back to the temple entrance and tried their best not to pay any attention to the noises they were hearing from Bastet. Lucifer was waiting for them outside as promised. So too was Persephone.

" Thought Bastet was gonna send her home ?" Lacey asked Seth.

" I think that was heat of the moment wishful thinking on her part Lacey." Seth replied whilst watching Persephone. " Remember what I said.You can enter The Veil through a gate but you cannot exit through .."

" The same gate..gotcha." Lacey sighed. " Looks like it's our "destiny" to be stuck with her for a bit longer I suppose."

" It does appear so." Seth replied. " Don't worry I won't let her bother you or Brandon."

" I know Seth " Lacey gave his hand a squeeze ." Who knows she might even prove useful."

" She will." Lucifer said quietly. " The being said three lost souls. Her destiny is entwined with yours. Now if you are ready we shall depart. Taurus has sent some servants on ahead with some provisions for you and your child Lacey."

" Thank you Lucifer " Lacey smiled.

Lucifer nodded her faceless head and then turned and beckoned them to follow. Persephone followed a slight distance behind in silence. Down a long steep winding path they walked, through sun lit woods and finally down the mountainside atop which Bastet's temple sat, till they came to a stream over which an ornate little bridge provided safe passage to what seemed an dense forest stretching as far as the eye could see..and beyond. A black iron gate could just be made out a few feet into the forest beckoning ominously from the shadows.

They stood at the forest edge and for a moment no one spoke. There was a feeling about the place, disturbing, yet none could put a finger on exactly what it was. Maybe it was just the deep darkness that shrouded it or maybe it was what they would find inside the darkness. All nearly jumped when Lucifer broke the silent reverie they were all sharing.

" I must leave you now." She turned to Seth." At the gate, as you did on your world, you must read the legend aloud to open the portal then cross quickly. May you reach your destination safely."

" Thank you Lucifer." Seth bowed slightly and Lucifer returned the gesture then turned, and launched into the air like a small phoenix, and within seconds was gone from sight.

" Shall we..?" Seth smiled a Lacey as he picked up the two sacks of provisions left there by the servants Lucifer spoke of.

" Why not." Lacey smiled. " Not like there is anything to be afraid of is there ?" Her eyes widened for a second. " Oh no..by saying that out loud I've just jinxed us haven't I ?"

" Most probably." Seth laughed. " Come along now and lets see what a fine mess you've got us into this time."

" Hey.." Lacey laughed then chased after him. Persephone just watched without emotion then silently followed.

Seth and Lacey looked at the inscription on the gate.

" You've gotta be kidding me." Lacey laughed.

" Once upon a time..." Seth read aloud.

A thunderous sound assaulted their ears and a crimson portal erupted before them. Seth took Lacey's hand and they crossed the threshold. Persephone looked back over her shoulder at the world behind her and for a split second saw a blurred black figure staring at them from the middle of the bridge. She blinked and it was gone. She stared at the spot for a second longer then turned and followed the others through the gate.

They endured only a little disorientation which they quickly shook off as within The Veil dimensional travel was as it was in their own dimensions. Once their eyes adjusted to the night like conditions they realized they were indeed in a dense yet beautiful forest. Fireflies, or insects like them, flew around them and birds of different colours and sizes darted up and between the towering trees. Butterflies and bees flittered around beautiful flowers, and flies and worms played in the biggest pile of crap Lacey had ever seen..or smelt. Sounds of movement echoed throughout the surrounding forest, distant animal and bird voices rose to make a strange yet magical song. It was indeed like a place from a fairy tale..to Lacey at least.

" It's beautiful." Lacey said." Must look gorgeous in the daylight."

" I think this is the day time Lacey." Seth said." It's the grand canopy high above us that keeps it like night. See off to the right and above sunlight just weakly shining through."

" Oh yeah..still it is beautiful isn't it ?" Lacey was walking and turning with child like wonder.

" So it is Lacey." Seth smiled. " Yet we must be careful still as all that glitters isn't always gold my dear. We don't know what we'll encounter here."

" Gloomy guts." Lacey poked her tongue out and laughed. " Come on lets go exploring "

" Ahhh the exuberance of youth.." Seth sighed. He looked at Persephone and was met with cold silence. " Sulking are we ? "

She didn't answer him just started walking . He shrugged slightly then strode quickly to catch up with Lacey and Brandon. As he did she quieted him with a finger to her lips and he looked at her questioning with his eyes. "Listen.." she whispered. He heard faint whispering at first, then as they quietly followed the sound realized it was a voice of a child, a little girl. They crept around the roots of a massive tree and saw a little girl sitting in the grass. From her a deep sadness seemed to reach out and touch them coupled with confusion and a underlying simmering anger. Her voice as soft and pretty as she, her words..

" Why can't you love me Mother for just being me? Daddy loved me till he left for Heaven. Aunty loves me and wishes me her own..Uncle too though maybe a "touch too much"..just like your last boyfriend." She sniffed and wiped a tear. " Why can't I be me..what's wrong with eating a cookie..why do I have to live your dream..when oh when Mother can I be me ?"

Brandon giggled suddenly as a butterfly tickled his nose and the little girl swung round and saw them.

" No.." she gasped. " Leave me alone..I didn't do it.." A second later she was on her feet running, a bloody gore encrusted dagger in her hand, screaming in confusion and fear. As she ran the colour faded from her and her clothes making her a ghostly grey apparition then a few more steps she dispersed like ash .

" What the fuck ???" Lacey said stunned. " Woops..don't listen to Mummy's potty mouth Brandon." She mouthed the words to Seth again..he just shook his head both at her worrying about setting a bad example for Brandon and in answer to her question. " Was that a ghost ?" She asked aloud.

" A spirit, a dream, a memory..a forgotten scream..a mystery too sacred for us to even begin to understand." A lyrical tiny voice whispered in Lacey's ear.

" Oh..shit..what the..??" Lacey jumped back.

" Woopsie ..didn't mean to scare ya." The tiny voice said between giggles. A fluttering of tiny wings and a slight breeze around Lacey's head brought the voices owner into sight of them all. Lacey thought she was seeing things.

" Hiya, I'm Toots your friendly neighborhood Emerald Fae and I'm very glad's to meet ya." A truly beautiful being with wings like silk which were multi-faceted like stained glass windows but changed from one beautiful hue to another like neon lights back home. Skin smooth like a baby and emerald like she said, fiery red long wavy hair, eyes of gold and a smile so full of mischief she'd bring an entire Marine Platoon to their knees Lacey was sure.

" A fairy..???" Lacey nearly laughed in her disbelief.

" No no no no you stupid human cow.." Toots flew right up to Lacey's face. " Not a fairy..seriously do I look like a fucking Disney character to you I mean I'm naked for Amatiel's sake!!!! I am a .."

" Fae.." Persephone sneered whilst snaring Toots between finger and thumb."..and a dead one if you don't back off !"

" Hey..Persephone there's no need for that." Lacey said somewhat shocked by Persephone's sudden return from her sulking or whatever she was doing..actually she'd forgotten she was still with them." Let her go..it's my fault.I obviously offended her."

" Very well." Persephone said coldly. " Just don't trust her..Fae's are tricksters and are best ignored..or destroyed."

" Oh that is so rude ! I've a mind to turn you into a frog..but I'm afraid that would be an improvement and too much of a reward now that I looks at ye." Toot's whined." Now let me go already you..you..oh for Amatiel's sake no wonder you're a crabby bitch..you're a Seraphim ain't ya ?"

" No I am not you gnat !" Persephone snapped.

" Gnat..??..why you frigid goth wannabe drag queen nightmare..I'm gonna rip your tit's off.."

" Enough!!!" Seth roared. " Both of you!! Persephone let the Fae go..NOW!!!"

" Be careful Seth..." Persephone glowered at him then flicked Toots at his face as she walked slowly past him. Seth caught her with ease and cupped her in his left hand.

" My hero.." Toots said lounging seductively in his hands palm. " Wanna ditch the missus, the kid and the guard dog and go make out. I may be small but I got's great stamina."

Seth sighed and turned his hand palm down.

" Too old for me tastes anyways.." Toots said from the grass at his feet where she landed. " So..what brings an old crusty Egyptian God, a human chick in a cloned body with a baby, and a Seraphim bitch to our fair forest anyways ?"

" Destiny.." Lacey said.

" Huh ???" Toots scratched her head.

" Just passing through." Seth said dismissively. " We should be on our way Lacey."

" OK just one second." Lacey replied then looked down at the Fae who was still lounging on the grass. " Just out of curiosity Toots how do you know so much about us? I mean you just described us spot on a second ago.How can you know so much about people you just met ?"

" I just do..think it's mainly cause Amatiel knows .Plus we Fae are Magick and know all sorts of things..and we're hotties too..blessed aren't we ?"

" Who is this Amatiel you keep referring too ?" Lacey asked

" Amatiel is the Creator. She is the Mother of All. At the center she stands and all revolves around, springs forth and leads back to her."

" Lacey if we are to find the gate and hopefully a way back to Thebes we really should get moving." Seth said with a touch of impatience." Remember the longer we stay in The Veil.."

" The more it changes us I know." Lacey sighed. " OK let's get going then. It's been nice meeting you Toots, sorry about before I really didn't mean any offense. I'd love to find out more and talk to you more, but Seth is right..we can't stay."

" If you wish to find the gate to the next world..realm, dimension whatever..I can take you there." Toots looked from Lacey to Seth and back." It's a vast land ours is, full of beauty and danger, easy to get lost in and to endure misadventure. I and my sisters can guide you along the way, get you there safely and most definitely faster. We Fae are connected and know all the short cuts and tricks needed to get you there."

" Do not trust her." Persephone said quietly.

" You definitely know where the gate is and how to get us there quickly and safely ? " Lacey asked ignoring Persephone.

" Yes , with help from my sisters along the way, I most certainly can." Toots said with pride.

" Where is it then.." Persephone loomed over Toots.

" In the Serenity Temple atop the holiest of Holy." Toots said.

" Where is that exactly ?" Persephone asked expressing frustration through the increasing coldness of tone in her voice.

" The center and heart of all our land...a top the highest and holiest.. where Amatiel resides and sleeps. When we are on our way, though many a mile away, I'll be able to show you..yet don't think you can simply fly there once you see because you can't..nothing that simple though your face shows you think it will be. "

" Dare I ask why is that ?" Persephone sighed.

" Cause silly Seraphim..nothing ever is." Toots stared into the icy dead stare of Persephone's eyes as if to convince her she was telling the truth.

" We shall see..Fae." Persephone said the last with a implied disgust for Toots' kind.

" If you two are finished..?" Seth looked from one to the other. " I'd like to get going before I'm too old."

" Too late..but..I knows what you mean." Toots grinned. " Follow me.."

Lacey smiled and looked at Seth who shrugged and gave her a " why not ?" look and they both started after the Fae who was flittering around and singing happily to herself.

" This will end badly I'm certain." Persephone said quietly to herself.

" C'mon Persephone..and for the love of the gods cheer up will ya!" Lacey grinned at her. " Where's your sense of adventure and fun. C'mon walk with us and we'll follow Toots together."

" Like lambs to the slaughter.." Persephone sighed.

" What ?" Lacey asked.

" As you wish I said." Persephone said louder so she could hear her this time. This human was truly doing her head in, one minute she hates her the next minute she wants them to be best friends. Truly she was beginning to wonder what Gaia was thinking bringing this confusing creature back.

They walked for about twenty minutes Earth time through the dense forest, Lacey and Brandon both "ooing and ahhing" at all the wonderful creatures and flora and laughing with Toots who was taking delight in showing them the sights in between teasing Seth and Persephone relentlessly and good heartedly. Persephone nearly even smiled when she teased Seth about his cod piece. They eventually stopped at fallen tree and stood on it's mighty trunk looking at a truly darkened area that appeared to rise like a hill but like the gate on Bastet's world it was truly too dark to see.

" What now ?" Seth asked.

" We wait a few moments..then we'll be able to continue." Toots answered. " Too dark, too silent..too dangerous at the moment."

" Why ? " Lacey asked. " What's in the dark that you are afraid of and why will a few minutes make any difference Toots ?"

" There are many things to fear in the darkest places of the forest Lacey..but it is more the time of day that makes it dangerous than what awaits ahead in the dark at the moment. In a few moments you'll know why..and be able to see why too as it starts again for another day."

" Well that certainly cleared things up.." Seth rolled his eyes.

" Listen..he comes..bringer of light, angel of war, king of the skies. " Toots said quietly in deep reverence as a breeze picked up and intensified swirling dust dirt and leaves from the ground and rustling and swaying violently the branches and leaves of the towering ancient trees. A fear raising cry shredding it's way through their ears, thunderous motion of wings encouraging the breeze into a frenzy, and from above the sound of something huge smashing it's way through the ancient canopy of trees.

" Toots !!" Lacey yelled above to terrible commotion. " Wake the fuck up will ya and tell us what the hell is going on !! "

" It's the great Eagle..The Kaiser..and his gypsy queen Lilly..crashing through the roof of darkness to unleash a shower of gold to drive back his enemies and light the path for his winged forces to rain down his wrath upon those that drove his kind from their true home and turned it into the dark travesty it is now." She flittered upwards and looked down upon them. " Once the golden warm rain falls we have only a few minutes to run the path before the yellow waters run off and he and his forces complete their pass. We have to be through to the other side before that happens and his enemies retaliate. Persephone..to make it you must carry the humans..Seth run as hard and as fast as you can..go as soon as the gold rain ceases to fall."

" Gold rain..big bird.." Lacey motioned for Seth and Persephone to stand under a big leaved tree. " I don't think we want to be standing in the open for this shower."

" Why..??" Seth asked perplexed.

" Lets just say Seth sometimes all that glitters isn't gold." Lacey replied.

" Oh..OHHH!!! That's disgusting !!!" Seth moved further under the tree.

Then like a reeking hot shower of molten gold it fell in a line that indeed cut a path through the darkness ahead and sounds of creatures moving to get out of it's way could be heard.

" I love the smell of urine in the morning !!" Toots cried in joy. " C'mon kids time to book !"

The sun shone through the destroyed canopy and it's rays glittered along the stream of urine that was beginning to run back down the hill as they made their way swiftly through the path, Seth pounding swiftly along the ground carefully sidestepping and jumping over the offensive fluid , the others just ahead flying. Hundreds of birds of different species flew in and around them, dive bombing the hiding creatures then darting back out into the light and skies. Then projectiles like spears, and rocks came flying out from the trees hitting some birds..then even more deadly attacks as creatures leapt from the trees and the unmistakable sound of weapons fire rang out and the birds began to scream and scatter. Soon feathers began to rain down as well as corpses , and the canopy began to settle and fall back into place, letting the darkness begin to reclaim it's dominion over the light. They raced as fast as they could and watched as the great eagle and it's surviving raiders soar up into the sky, whilst hearing a mass of angry movement and cries below and in Seth's case all around. They were swiftly becoming a new target.

Finally they broke through into a small field of wild grass and cloudy yet blue sky. A few minutes later they stopped fleeing and collapsed to the ground where they rested for a few minutes.

" What was that all about ?" Lacey asked.

" Another of the many great feuds and wars that have been erupting with more and more frequency I'm afraid. " Toots answered sadly." Animals fighting animals, beings and creatures of magic and science fighting animals and each other, and mythical beasts and monsters ..all tearing each other apart where once all lived in harmony. The battle we witnessed between the forces of The Kaiser and those of The Tree and Land based animals led by The Squirrels is one of the very first. The birds lived in the trees first, then the other animals like deers and bears, foxes, mountain lions etc..then rabbits and then the slightly unbalanced squirrels. The place became over crowded, food became threatened, then inhabitants became prey. The Squirrels sort shelter in the trees then began systematically throwing nests and birds from their homes.The birds young became easy prey for the predators below and battles began to break out.

Hunters from other places discovered the forest too and sent in their technological nightmare creatures to infiltrate and decimate the likes of deers and rabbits. The land animals blamed the birds an all hell broke loose. The creatures attacked and overpowered the hunters and the Squirrels took command of their weapons and soon became the dominant species and led all against the birds and forced them out. The technological rabbits and deer of the hunters now uncontrolled ran a bloody rampage then left under their own devices to spread out throughout the lands. They still are out there killing to this very day.

The birds fled to the mountain ranges and there found he who would rally them..he who would lead them into a quest for revenge, a quest for honour, and a quest to regain their rightful home. The mighty god-like eagle, The Kaiser. Their guerrilla raids and fighting has raged every day ever since."

" Does not your Creator have the power to stop all this war ?" Persephone asked without a trace of sarcasm. " Gaia , I know, would crush any uprising that unsettled or disrupted our Kingdom."

" Our Creator sleeps..dreams.." Toots replied." She stands in the center of our world and has not moved or spoken or awoken since we first found her. It's like she's waiting for something or someone..her state, motives..reasons are a mystery..yet they are her own and we must respect that. Why she lets the turmoil continue to escalate, why she lets her children die..no one knows. Her ways are mysterious yes..but it is not our place to question. We'll know when the time is right and when we are worthy I suppose."

Persephone just nodded and the others just looked elsewhere in silence.

" Anyways little buckeroos.." Toots sprang up all full of beans.".. times we gets moving again."

" Where to now ?" Lacey asked a little hesitantly.

" To the field of Tulips just a few clicks that way where I'm afraid I'll be leaving you for a short while. Don't despair though I won't be leaving you high and dry..nuh uh.. I'll be handing you over to the very capable hands of my sister."

" Your sister..?" Lacey looked at Seth who just shrugged.

" Yes my sister." Toots grinned." Cherry The Desire Fae. She's bigger than me and is a humongous nymphomaniac..and not too choosy either..but she's a blast and will get you safely to the next stage where we'll meet up again..oh..and she is a captain of a Pirate ship too..I tell ya you'll love her."

" Gaia help us.." Persephone sighed under her breath.

" Well enough nattering lets get moving with a purpose people." Toots said and turned and flew on. The others followed quickly on foot. Lacey turned back briefly looking at the woods behind which was still full of activity by the sounds of it and saw something that made her do a double take. A black figure, female though almost skeletal, with black robes and what appeared to be a hat or head gear with sash like strips of material hanging from its brim. It's face pale and blurred it appeared to just be standing there staring after them. It bowed slightly then blinked out of existence. Lacey stared a few seconds longer at where it was standing.

" You saw it too ?" Persephone asked her from behind her right shoulder.

" Yes...do you think it's the being Bastet told us about? " Lacey turned to face her.

" Possibly..I saw it as we left her realm." Persephone mused privately a second." How did it feel to you ?"

" I don't know..nothing really.Why? " Lacey asked.

" Lucifer said she felt no threat..no emotion at all. Just something ancient." Persephone said almost to herself. " I felt nothing either..and that young Lacey scares me more than anything. A being that gives nothing is a being totally unreadable and unpredictable..totally capable of anything."

" Lets keep moving then and just keep an eye out for it. If it is the same being maybe it's just making sure we are following the right path." Lacey started walking.

" Most probably..hopefully..I'd still like to know why?" Persephone asked.

" So would I Persephone..so would I."

They caught up with the others and filled Seth in about the figure. Soon they reached the field of tulips that Toots had mentioned and stopped. The tulips were huge, as tall as Seth, maybe more and there seemed to be holes littered throughout the entire field.

" Pretty huh ?" Toots fluttered up to them. " Perfect cover for the nasties that lie beneath."

" The holes I take it ?" Seth asked. " What lives in them and how dangerous?"

" The rabbits..remember I mentioned them before?" Toots received nods in return and continued." Lethal artificial killing machines yet with real organs encased within their mechanical bodies and yes real fur on the outside.Raised, trained as predators and on flesh and blood, they live for the sole purpose to hunt kill and feed. They also are insane and without a controller to inhibit their actions by remote they totally are free to act out their twisted urges. I've seen them "play" with their prey before, over the years, and they've truly evolved on their own into some seriously fucking twisted bunnies."

" So what do we do..how do we get across? I assume we have to cross this field to get where we're going right ? " Lacey asked.

" Yup.." Toots replied." Before anyone asks no you simply can't just fly over. There is sensors placed in the tallest of tulips that act like radars that will detect the slightest unusual movement..even a bee can't fly over without alerting the furry fuckers to it's presence."

" So how are we gonna get across Toots ?" Seth asked getting a little impatient with Toots' long winded explanations.

" Two ways old crusty one. " Toots replied deliberately to wind him up some more. " First way is too dangerous this time as crusty here couldn't pull it off due to his weight and height which is a shame as it's fun and that is to tip toe through the tulips. The adrenaline rush is freakin awesome I can tell ya. Second way is the way we are gonna do it. I'm gonna go rustle up my sister Cherry and she and Herman are gonna come get ya and take ya swiftly and quietly to the other side."

" Who's Herman ?" Lacey asked.

" He's Cherry's latest victim. Poor thing is totally infatuated with her yet blind to the fact that there can't ever truly be anything between them. Even though he's smart and charming, and Cherry has had many inter species relationships before, it's physically impossible being that he's a giant snail. It's sad really. Lucky for you guys though as he is strong swift and silent..just glides over any surface like silk..and..the rabbits can't handle his secretions..like friggin acid to them. Sooo..that's how you are gonna get across."

" Poor Herman." Lacey said.

" Yeah..oh well.." Toots spun round and waved." I'll be off and Cherry and Herman will be here in no time to pick you guys up. Just stay put and whatever you do be very quiet and don't go near the tulips OK? Catch ya down the ways..be good and if ya can't be good be careful." With that she flew to the right along the perimeter of the tulip field.

" Guess we best just sit and get comfy till Cherry turns up." Lacey said then stopped as she heard a familiar voice..yet somehow it had aged slightly...coming from within the tulip field.

" Mum ..no..don't hit me anymore..please..I'll do what you want..I'll be who you want me to be..What ? What boy? It was just a kiss Mum..no..no I didn't sleep with him how could I with you always watching me...Stop hitting me please!!! I didn't sleep with him..I'm not like that..I'm not a whore Mother..No..no Mother please I don't need cleansing..please Mother no...please.."

" Dear gods.." Lacey whispered feeling the girl's pain. The girl now appeared about fourteen, a beautiful yet tortured soul, and like before when Brandon seemed to disturb her so too it seemed did Lacey's whispered words.

" No..no..I'm going to die.." and again as before " No..it wasn't me..I didn't do it.." and she was off running again, fading, and finally dispersing.

" That poor thing..." Lacey said to no one in particular.

" Indeed..such pain.." Seth said. " It's definitely not a ghost though..such emotion..I think it's a memory, a fragment, so raw and powerful it's being projected into the reality of this world from a mind and soul so fragile it's beginning to unravel..so close to being lost."

" Surely though.. a person can't project their memories to play out like a hologram in the real world ..can they?" Lacey searched his face to see if he was truly serious.

" You've heard of places where traumatic experiences have taken place..betrayal heartbreak death murder..how some people see and feel the images and emotions of those moments even though they've taken place possibly decades even hundreds of years before? " Seth asked her. " I think your Psi people or Mediums call it residual energy..or even a type of manifestation where an incident or moment of such emotion is replayed over and over again in the place it originally occurred."

" I guess so..yet.." Lacey said not really sounding at all convinced. " Though to be residual energy it would've had to happen here wouldn't it? That couldn't be the case.."

" Remember what Kendra told you about the power of Words..of Thought..of the Mind..how powerful they truly can be.." Seth said whilst running possibilities through his mind as what this girl truly was.

" Yes I do..but if that was the case.." Lacey started to say but was cut off by another female voice, loud cheerful and proud.

" What's with all the long faces? Ain't nothin' to be sad about folks for I have arrived!! The One..The Only..and damn fucking gorgeous if I do say so myself..Cherry Fae of all the naughty goodness yer dirty little minds could ever think of and then some..and I'm here to rescue ya."

" We're doomed then.." Persephone muttered.

" Herman give the crabby Seraphim a kiss and cheer the bitch up will ya, that's a good fellow."

" Ever wonder being that you are a snail Herman what it would be like to be a slug ?" Persephone smiled coldly as Herman's eye's bugged out and he disappeared into his shell.

" Herman..you get back out here this instant!!" Cherry banged on his shell.

Lacey couldn't help but laugh as she took in the antics of the Fae and her giant snail. She definitely looked the embodiment of fetishes with her leather corset and knee high hooker boots, spiked of course,suspenders and lace stockings,and last but not least her curvaceous and well endowed natural assets. The lace train of fine silks and lace was a nice touch, porcelain skin, full lips ,button nose and come hither doe eyes..and of course long blonde wavy hair. She even made the ridiculous leather pirate hat look sexy. Her wings gorgeous pinks purples and reds.The only thing that truly took her by total surprise was she truly was bigger than Toots..about five-eleven..didn't know Fae came that big.

" Like what ya see honey ?" Cherry said catching Lacey checking her out. " Wanna buy me a drink on the other side ?"

" Might just do that." Lacey winked at her.

" Oooh you teasing minx you.." Cherry smiled cheekily. " I like you. Now unless you all wanna stay here and play with the Bunnies I suggest you all get your spanky cute butts up on Herman's big old shell here quick smart. It's quite comfy and makes a very pleasurable ride..if ye follow me drift. C'mon don't be shy.."

" This is going to be a very long day." Seth sighed.

" Watch it you or you'll be running and eating me snail's trail all the way instead of sitting with us." Cherry threatened.

" Not one word Lacey.." Seth held a finger up to Lacey who had a grin from ear to ear.

" It'd be too easy old man." Lacey laughed and let him lift her and Brandon up onto Herman's shell which was as comfy as Cherry had said. Seth jumped up next and Persephone crouched behind as if taking rear guard. She landed hard on her butt as Herman took off through the tulips suddenly, smoothly, and very very swiftly. No one dared laugh.

Silently, swiftly he moved through the tulips, not a rabbit spotted yet. Seemed it was true that the rabbits were afraid of him and his acid like secretion.Lacey looked back and saw one bunny stick it's head out of a hole , sniff around , then disappear back down. She hoped it wasn't telling it's buddies and hoped to the gods that Herman kept speeding along and they were long gone before it returned.


He didn't slow down though once they were through as there were still holes past the tulip field and kept going until he breached the waters of a small river and glided effortlessly across it's surface.On the other side trees once again formed a dense forest but he did not enter. Instead he turned left and skirted along it's perimeter line until he reached a path that ran into a less dense area.

The path soon went from tree lined grass to dirt then stone slab tiles. The tree line moved back from then on in and along the path stone pillars covered in vines ran in their place at it's sides. Carvings and primitive pictographs began appearing on them as they followed it deeper in and a arched roof damaged as they approached began to come into view above them then deeper in retained it's original form. Tiled and painted, though in earthy tones and with more primitive artworks and writings, it began to look and feel like a subway station. Through cracks in the walls and holes in the ceiling vines and branches from outside were the only reminders now that they weren't back on Earth to Lacey. It was beginning to smell like a subway, little creatures scurrying around in the dark added to the feeling, and a flickering neon light above a archway now approaching definitely felt like home.

" Everyone jump off for a minute please." Cherry said climbing down herself. " Though you cant see it yet the floor begins to rise into a ramp and Herman won't be able to carry you through as the entrance will become too low.We'll hoof it from here and Herman will lead the way. Don't worry it gets lighter and nicer from here on up."

" What is this place ?" Lacey asked.

" The Terminal." Cherry answered then took off after Herman without elaborating as He was moving fast.

" OK.." Lacey deadpanned.

They followed through the archway and found themselves in a large foyer like area. At the center was a large stair case which back home would be wide enough to have two escalators going up and two going down that led to a second floor semi lit by sporadically spaced lights along the high ceiling. The second floor was more a landing that ran around the foyer area with what looked like doors and archways running off of it. The ceiling was painted with beautiful and angelic women, cherubs, and wonderous creatures, such details and colours and amazing composition it would have taken years to complete. Lacey wished she could have seen it in its original glory. Statues lined the staircase all the way up from proud Lions at it's base, to birds of prey then apes, and finally warriors the likes of centurions and samurai's and knights. The craftsmanship was exquisite. To the left and right of the staircase there were doors and unlit tunnels branching off as well as kiosk like stands and stone benches. Dry fountains featuring dragons and phoenix' and peacocks were located on either side of the entrance they just came through. The floor looked like marble and was covered in more carvings , writing and sigils and runes of some sorts. What looked like the remains of once beautiful tapestries or banners could be seen in different states along the semi lit walls. At the top of the staircase from an archway a little ways back light suddenly shone through and a second yet not as wide staircase was revealed and it was from there Cherry yelled down for them to get their butts into gear and join her.

When they reached the top of the staircase and the landing they were able to hear sounds of birds and wind echoing down and see slight light changes reflecting off the tiled walls from far up the ascending steep stairs and tunnel. It was, once past the first twenty steps becoming high enough for them all to once again ride on Herman.

Just before she was lifted on once again by Seth Lacey swore she heard movement from downstairs. Like rats scurrying she told him. Seth looked but could not see anything.

" C'mon you two we ain't got all day." Cherry waved them back. They walked back and got on Herman but Lacey felt a slight unease come over her as whilst looking down with Seth at the foyer, though they didn't see or hear anything, she now had the feeling that they were being watched. Herman moved off again and swiftly began ascending. She felt only a little better as he put swift distance between them and the source of what she felt .

Daylight and fresh air soon greeted them as they passed through the last section of the tunnel and they emerged onto a large platform. Stone pillars supported a roof from which planters which held exotic plants and flowers hung suspended along the platforms length. Vines draped from the outside atop of the roofs lip. More benches and fountains and statues lined its length. The platform in each direction ended at what seemed to be like cave walls, or an opening in a mountain which as Cherry was to point out was exactly what it was. A very high mountain she went on to add.

Through the pillars dead ahead Lacey could see a ramp that seemed to extend from the platform to a tower which another platform this time made of metal surrounded. It wasn't until they moved onto that ramp and looked down did she realize that they were now above the forest canopy , way above it, as the tower they were about to glide onto disappeared into the mist surrounding the mountain. A airship..Zeppelin she thinks they are called..droned a little way aways along the canopy top in the distance..a winged serpent incredibly long weaved in and out of the mist in the other direction..green and red and gold scales and crimson gold and white wings..truly graceful and beautiful.

" Off again kiddies and go around the other side." Cherry smiled patted Herman's shell." Herman has to go up and over and doesn't want you to fall off..well maybe the Seraphim but she can fly so that would really be no fun at all."

" Maybe I should fly him to a beach..see how he likes gliding across " salt" water." Persephone replied in her best icy voice. She laughed as Herman took off up the tower then disappeared over the top.

" Play nice children.." Seth said and shook his head.

" Children rarely do old man..they rarely do.." Cherry seemed to go somewhere within then flew up and over the tower to rejoin Herman.

" Don't listen to her Brandon.." Lacey said as he giggled up at her. " You're a good kid and you'll be nice to others won't you?"

" He will be a grand young lad Lacey." Seth said. " Now lets join the others."

" Oh wow.." Lacey whispered to herself as they joined the others. The view of the forest was spectacular and truly revealing as the vastness of this land they found themselves in hit home. She could see in the distance rivers, lakes, scattered structures and clearings, and wonderous giant creatures and machines..or at least at this height and distance what appeared to be.. both on land and in the sky. There was also something massive yet obscured at this distance way out on the horizon of this incredible vista. Directly in front of her though, running straight ahead then seemingly for miles branching out in different directions, was an amazing bridge network linking up to other towers like this one. A pair of rail tracks ran in the center of the bridge yet she could see no train nor any visible power supply. The bridge itself was another virtual museum of art and writing , almost a sculpture itself, and made of stone and metals.Angelic sculptures lined it's walls and symbols and writings its paths and inner walls.The paths formed walkways on either side of the tracks for pedestrians she assumed. It was truly a beautiful and amazing creation..yet..she wished it wasn't so damn high. Like the ramp before it's supports just seemed to go so far down you couldn't see where they touched ground.

" OK peeps now that you're all here here's the plan." Cherry said cheerfully. " We're gonna travel along the tracks till we reach the ocean exit where will make our way back down to terra firma and after a short walk make our way to the dock where my trusty vessel awaits. We'll then sail around the great divide..the great chasm where she stands and sleeps. Once safely around we'll dock and Toots will take you from there to she who sleeps and to the gate at the Serenity Temple atop her holiest of Holy. You'll also be helped by our half-sister Belladonna who is a mermaid would you believe. Our other sister..well..hopefully you won't meet her or need her services so best not jinx ourselves by saying the dreary ones name."

" Sounds wonderful." Persephone said sarcastically. " Hey Herman looks like we're going to the beach after all." He flinched." So Fae..when does the train get here ?"

" Trains don't come this far out silly Seraphim..not for many a year now. They only run in central area..around.."

" She who dreams..blah blah.." Persephone dismissed her with a bored wave of her hand. " So guess it's Herman again or can I actually fly this time ?"

" You can fly..but if something big dives down and eats ya it'll be yer own fault." Cherry pouted visibly upset by Persephone's slight and teasing of Herman. " Everyone else please hop up on Herman and lets get rollin."

They had only just started moving when a squealing sound and the sound of wings reached their ears from above. Also the sound of what could only be a tiny elephant. Shadows played across them and then a blur of pink and white went screaming past them and down underneath the bridge. A grey blur followed a split second later.

" What the hell..??" Lacey asked.

" Nothin to worry about." Cherry said. " Just a trader and his herd."

" Oh..OK." Lacey replied sounding very unconvinced. Even more so when she heard a machine sound coming closer from ahead of them somewhere. Ever more so when she saw a dark shape with smoke billowing starting to grow on the tracks in the distance.

" No trains you said Fae.." Persephone flew along side Cherry." Then what is that fast approaching ?"

" Oh crap!!" Cherry looked very worried." Herman slow down and turn us round Hon..now!!!"

Before he could a black steam locomotive came screaming to stop right in front of them. Then at the same instant the creatures that flew over them rose up on either side squealing like frenzied banshees. Another sound equally hellish came from behind on the platform they had not long left.

" Turn around and get us outta here now Herman !" Cherry banged on his shell.When he did turn.." Oh fuck me sideways..train in front, flying pigs on each side..and bunnies to the rear.We're surrounded !"

" Pigs can fly..who knew..?" Lacey nearly laughed.Seth stood in a protective stance next to her and Brandon and Persephone appeared to have put her game face on.

Just then a sound of a shotgun being pumped made everyone turn back to the train. A grinning yet truly smashed up looking cat was standing atop the engines cabin aiming the gun right at them and a crazed looking mountain of a female clown sat next to it laughing and pointing at them one by one. Then a tiny elephant in a leather coat and what looked like a gas mask flapped it's big ears and landed on the clowns shoulder.

" She's a bright one that one ain't she Bertha ?" The elephant asked the clown.

" Sure is Theodore." Bertha laughed."

" Wonder if she can guess what's gonna happen next?" Theodore leaned forward and stared straight at Lacey.

" Can ya sweet cheeks ? Can ya guess what's gonna happen next ?"

TO BE CONTINUED....

Dedicated to my friends for their inspiration and friendship

Hope you all enjoyed Lacey's new adventure. Thanks to all for looking and for those who hung around long enough to read

Roughly about 40 hrs in the drawing , A4 original size, using my trusty weapons of choice Artline Drawing System 0.1 and for ideas Staedtler triplus micro 0.5mm mech pencil.

Till next time..