Sounds filled Arin’s ears. Birds chirping, leaves rustling in a strong wind, a distant roar of water. There shouldn’t be any leaves. There should be no water. Everything should be frozen.

Reality still hasn’t settled in. The events of yesterday’s nightmare. Arin was still at home, still with the Lightfoots. Still with Ms. Holt. Fynne was not real, the Others were not real.

Arin opened her eyes, facing blue skies and blossoming trees. There was no sign of snow. Was this truly Fynne? Did she make it? Arin tried to sit up, arms and legs sore from running.

Inhaling, trying to remain calm, the scent of damp nature filled her head. It felt like spring. Granted, this was possibly a different dimension so perhaps it was a different season.

Arin checked for the letter. It was still in her pocket, a little bent, but mostly in good condition. The Plaque was unharmed as well.

In silence, Arin contemplated her next move. The foreign bird calls distracted her. She turned her attention away from that, trying to distract her fear. Arin could hear the churn of a river.

She looked around for the source. While the trees and leafy hills blocked a bit of her vision, her ears provided the river’s location. It was nearby. Arin began her search, struggling to carry the Plaque. Hopefully she would find help by the river.

Closer and closer, the trees began to spread out. Arin could see the river bank. Her heart skipped. Was this where Ms. Holt wanted Arin to go?

Leaving the forest, the ground changed from pine straw and twigs to grass. Bizarre fish flopped in and out of the strong current. Other than the wild fauna, no one was around.

Arin sat by the river edge, setting the Plaque down. Would someone come? Arin’s stomach grumbled, she sighed. What if she starved in the wilderness?

Ms. Holt . . . Arin wrapped her arms around her knees. I thought we would be safe. I don’t want to be here without you.

Arin continued to wait, longing for food and a nap. Where was everyone? Did she spawn far away from civilization?

I should get moving, who knows how far I have to walk.

Arin stood, struggling a little. As she reached for the Plaque, an indigenous animal screeched. Squinting and looking up, Arin scanned the skies for the monster.

Covered in white feathers, a bird flew towards Arin. By this massive creature’s side were two pegasi. Arin rubbed her eyes, making sure she wasn’t delusional.

As the three creatures flew closer, Arin spotted riders atop the two flying equines.

The letter. Arin pulled it out, anxious about this interaction. Would these strangers hurt her? Ms. Holt, what am I supposed to do?

Landing with a great thud, the three creatures towered over Arin. What Arin mistook as a bird, turned out to be some hybrid between avian and feline. To Arin’s surprise, armored humans rode the winged horses.

“A kid?” Arin’s presence clearly surprised her. “What are you doing out here?”

“Easy, she could be shy or even lost. Look at her heavy clothing, clearly her presence is an accident.” Both humans dismounted, staying by the creatures. Arin noticed swords on both. Anxious, she backed away. “No, no. It’s okay. We won’t hurt you.”

“I think,” the bird hybrid began, “your weapons are frightening her.” Arin swallowed, shaken by the animal’s perfect dialect. So, animals could speak English in Fynne apparently. “Peace, child, we won’t harm you.”

The two humans drew their weapons, only to immediately drop them on the stone bank. Was Arin’s fear that obvious? Arin continued to step away. What if these people were Others? Did Scolo tell them about her yet?

“Sir,” the female gasped, “the child, she’s covered in scratches and dirt. There is even a horrible bruise on her nose!”

“I noticed,” the great bird-thing said. “Do you need help? We will happily take you back to our castle.”

“Are we allowed to do that? What if she’s an Other spy?” the younger man by the white pegasus asked.

Other spy. They must not be Others! “Sir, I’m not a spy.”

“Aha, so you can talk! Can you please tell us who you are?”

“My name is Arin, sir. The Others are my enemy. They . . . have done awful things to me.”

“You were a prisoner then?”

“For a few minutes, but then my social worker, a Crimson, rescued me.”

“Social worker? Like a bodyguard?”

“No, she helped me get adopted.” They were quiet for a moment. The three strangers clearly pitied Arin. Upset by their sadness, Arin continued. “Where am I?”

“This is Crimson territory. You don’t know that?”

Arin held out the letter. “I think this will explain why, sir.” One of the humans accepted it from her, stepping back to give her space.

“Read it aloud,” the hybrid ordered. For the fact he was the only one giving commands showed that he had authority over the humans.

The man opened it, unfolding the parchment inside. Clearing his throat, he read. “My name is Otara, spy for the Crimsons that hid as an Other for two years. If you are reading this, whoever this may be, know that I am sorry. I have failed in protecting this child, as she was instructed to hand over this letter in the event of disaster.

“Whoever this may be, please have mercy on this child. She is young and innocent, coming from the mythological Reality Dimension. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she has now been sucked into our war and must take up the role as Plaque-Reader. Hopefully, the Plaque is with her still. It is the original prophecy that was brought to us centuries ago. I managed to steal it from the Others and brought it with me to the Reality Dimension.

“Whoever is reading this, I ask again that you are kind to this child. She has likely experienced a lot lately. Please do not add stress to her life. Arin, that’s her name, is probably going to be incredibly shy at first. If you give her hugs and some food she’ll probably open up. She has no allergies so don’t worry about putting nuts and berries into her meals. Arin usually likes to have eleven hours of sleep. While she adjusts to this alien world, please let her rest. I also want you to answer any questions she has. Arin is neutral in this war, and deserves some answers. At times—”

“That’s enough, I get the idea.” The bird ruffled his feathers, slightly nervous. “Is this true, Arin?”

“Yes, sir.” She bowed her head. “I really would like some answers.”

“And you shall get them!” He was smiling, wings open. “I am Gage, one of the Crimson kings. Arin, I would be honored to have you come back with us.” He added, “good thing we decided to patrol at this time!”

“R—really?!” Her expression lit up. “You’ll take me in?!”

“Absolutely. Otara was our friend. If she died and you are her beloved friend, then you are a priority to protect, with or without the prophecy being involved.”

“T—thank you, Your Highness.”

Gage nodded, “now. Let me take you to our castle. I’m certain that some will love to meet you.”

The two human Crimsons approached Arin, greeting her with gentle smiles. Although strangers, they somehow related to her pain. They would try to make things better for her, Arin knew this was something to be celebrating.

She rubbed at her watering eyes. “Th—thank you, sir.”

“Retake your weapons, one of you carry the Plaque, the other the letter,” Gage instructed. “I will carry the child.”

The female Crimson grabbed Arin’s shoulder and hand, smiling. “C’mon, dear, let’s take you home.” Arin was only able to nod, still bewildered by all of this. “You’ll adjust, no worries.” Arin nodded again, stopping in front of Gage. His height and sharp talons intimidated her.

“I’m assuming that you’ve never ridden a griffin before?” Instead of commenting, Arin shook her head avoiding his stare. “Just stay put on my saddle and don’t pull any feathers.” He lied down, allowing Arin to climb onto his leather saddle.

She hesitated. Arin saw movies of people riding horses and it seemed easy, but was riding a giant eagle-leopard the same case? What if he dropped her? There were no reins, so all Arin could hold onto was the saddle edge.

“Is this safe, sir?”

“Yes.” Gage paused. “We must hurry, Arin.”

Arin climbed onto the saddle. It was incredibly uncomfortable, thick and inflexible. Arin’s legs couldn’t even reach the end of the saddle. There must be a better way to travel.

“The Plaque is secured, sire.”

“Excellent.” He spread his wings. “You hanging on, Arin?”

“Y—yes, sir.” She gripped the saddle edge, elbows shaking.

Gage bounded forward, jerking Arin back. The griffin thundered his wings against the stones, dust flying. Bouncing, Gage jumped higher and higher. Frightened by this sudden motion, Arin pressed herself against the saddle, eyes shut.

The bouncing stopped, Gage continued to beat his wings elevating into the sky. Wind throwing her hair back, Arin could tell that she was in the air now. Never before had she been in a plane, or on a roller coaster. This was her first experience in the sky.

Gage tilted his body, turning around. Arin whimpered slightly sliding off the saddle. Her escort straightened out, now flying at a comfortable level. Opening her eyes for a small moment, she realized how high they already were. The trees, the river, all so small. Fish and other small details now unnoticeable. Courage in her chest, Arin looked up at the bright blue sky. Just like Earth there were white clouds that dotted the plane. A single sun hovered overhead. Just as bright as the one at home. Arin blinked away the sunspots, rubbing at her eyes.

The two Crimsons joined Gage and Arin, one holding onto the Plaque. Hopefully she would take great care of it. Focused ahead, Arin wondered where they were going.

“Gage, can you please answer some of my questions now?”

He was quiet for a moment before answering, “go on.”

“Who is Otara? She was my social worker but I’m curious about how she came to my world. Also are all Crimsons actually human? I’ve heard rumors but didn’t believe them.”

“About half of the Crimsons are human. The rest are non-humans like me.” There was a long pause as Gage gathered his words. “Otara was a spy that acted as a general for the Others. Her duty was to send us their battle plans before they attacked. The last thing she sent us was a note talking about the ‘Plaque-Reader’ and prophecy. We thought she was implying some code words but alas we could never decipher her message. After that she just disappeared, none of the spies could find her. I guess she was being literal, huh?” He laughed nervously, voice trailing off.

“Do you think she wanted to find me before the Others?”

“That is what I believe. And now here you are. She finished her mission, she is at peace.”

“And so I’m guessing you need me to find the Children of Destiny? The chosen ones?”

“Children of Destiny? So they really are called that after all? Huh. Anyways, we thought you were a fairy tale. I’m sure all of this seems pretty unreal to you, hm?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well, I shouldn’t overwhelm you then! While you stay with us, I’m sure most of us will happily help you however possible. You will probably have to stay with us for a long time. Over the course of your stay, we’ll help you as much as possible.”

“Thank you . . .” Arin tried to mat her hair down, but the wind kept ruining it. She thought of another question to ask Gage. “Where are we going?”

“Back to the Crimson Capital. It shouldn’t be much longer, just sit tight.”

Arin nodded, still gripping the saddle with pale knuckles. Would they take care of her like Ms. Holt did? Arin already missed her, the singing and hugs and words of encouragement. Would these Crimsons be able to fill the many holes in her heart?

Gage lolled around in the sky as they continued. It wasn’t so bad flying after all. His feathered ears began to twitch. He lifted his head, scanning the horizon. “We’re almost there,” Gage began, “but the Others are here too.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that there are Others at the Crimson Court! You’ll have to be careful once we land. Just stay on my back and we’ll be fine. Let me do the talking,” Gage explained and a large building began to peek in the horizon. “You two fly ahead, make sure the Crimsons are aware of my return. Do not tell them about the Plaque. I will do the explaining.”

The pegasi hurried ahead. Arin hunched over, what were the Others doing with the Crimsons? Were they still after her?

“Here we are now. Pretty, isn’t it?”

Arin gawked at the castle. It was magnificent. Perhaps twenty stone spires protruded into the sky. Flags waved bearing the same insignia as the banners hanging from the walls, each showing the same symbol of a slightly disfigured rhombus and a rainbow ring around this mysterious shape. Steel gates guarded the entrance separating the first courtyard from the forest nearby. The buildings were all connected like a grand school. Staring at it made Arin realize how small she was in this world. This couldn’t possibly be Gage’s home.

As Gage neared the closest courtyard the rest of the castle came into view. Two courtyards were behind the first row of walls, thick walls must separate each courtyard from one another. The time it must have taken to make this blew her mind; and for it to remain mostly unscratched as well was astonishing.

Arin could make out figures now. The Others, who were obviously the ones cloaked in their black cloaks, were doing the talking. Each one armed with swords. The chromatically-dressed Crimsons were wary by the Others’ sudden appearance. The Crimsons greatly outnumbered the large band of Others. Clearly Scolo got reinforcements.

“Mila!” Gage screeched doing a sudden dive into the courtyard. Arin barely held on. “Don’t listen to a bloody thing that monster has to say!” Others and Crimsons moved out of the way as Gage landed on the ground. Arin gazed around as everyone turned their attention towards her. “Where is Mila? I need to tell him something!”

“Who is that on your back?” someone asked coldly, pushing his way to the front. The older man was dressed in a white uniform with golden tassels on the shoulder pads. Badges covered his chest and a small silver crown rested on his shaggy head. Clearly, this man was an important figure.

“Mila! There you are!” Gage cried relieved. Arin smiled shyly.

“That better not be what the Others were—” Mila scoffed, he had a small English accent. Arin rubbed her eyes making sure she wasn’t in Great Britain instead of this Fynne place.

“That’s the human from the Reality Dimension that we were talking about. We’ll gladly take her off of your hands,” Scolo explained. Arin glared at them.

“NO! You killed Otara!” Gage growled spreading his wings wide defensively. Some whispered at the news.

“Yes! They did! They killed her as we tried to escape from them!” Arin explained pointing an accusing finger to the intruders.

“Why would we believe you?” Mila hissed.

“Because! Otara died to protect the lone Plaque-Reader—”

“Plaque-Reader! They exist?” the Crimson next to Mila shouted gleefully, almost jumping up and down from joy.

She wiped her sweaty hands against her pants. “Y—yeah. I brought the Plaque with me too! Ms. Holt thought it would be best if I did.”

Still testing her Mila asked mockingly, “if you read the Plaque then what did it say, ‘Plaque-Reader’?”

Why are they being so cautious around me? Why can’t they believe me and take me for my word like Gage . . .? She wrung her hands nervously wondering if she should mention the Green Phoenix. “It spoke of the five Children of Destiny. It also said how they would defeat some growing darkness.” The more Mila asked the more the Crimsons believed her. He was failing, right?

“So you do know the prophecy!” the Crimson next to Mila commented again, earning a shove in the shoulder by Mila.

“Shut up already, Coyasko,” he ordered.

Even though Mila was a head smaller than Coyasko, who was like a giant, Coyasko backed off. The two were clearly angry with one another.

“So . . . you Others say that you want this Plaque-Reader because she’s a murderer? You also claim that she stole something of yours; which you probably stole in the first place,” Coyasko muttered. The Other nodded his head.

“Honestly, yes. Who would you believe though, me or her,” he growled gesturing to Arin.

“You’re much more believable than her. Very well, take the child and go!” Mila turned his back to Arin, preparing to walk inside.

“Stay on my back. Don’t get off,” Gage whispered. Arin held onto the saddle tense. She began to tremble.

So close to safety.

“Gage, let them have her already. I order you to hand her over!” Mila commanded but Gage growled and swiped a talon at the approaching Others.

“Call that griffin off!” Scolo stumbled back as he avoided the attack.

“What have you done to my partner? Why won’t he listen to me?”

“Do something, Gage!”

“Restate the Plaque verbatim!” Gage instructed, snapping his beak at a nearing Other.

“Verbatim? What does that mean?!”

“Arin!” he screeched, annoyed by her ignorance.

The Crimsons and Others closed in on the two, several swords reflecting sunlight. She gazed around the mix of colors, faces, and creatures. She closed her eyes with her head hanging low with defeat.

What did the Green Phoenix say? Maybe I should tell them that, Arin debated. She glanced at Mila saddened by his hate. “The Plaque was a way of communication. Someone called the Green Phoenix spoke to me through it. He told me all of these things that I’ll happily share with you! The Watchers helped as well, they guided and helped me here. I came so far and . . . and I don’t want to give up yet! Please let me stay, Mila! I—I promise that I’m more than what you expect!” Arin pleaded. Coyasko lowered his sword convinced.

“Now I know that she should stay. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves. Even someone like her.” Coyasko sheathed his sword. None of the Crimsons followed his lead.

“Curse the stars and spirits! Mila, let us have her.”

“Take her and go!” He shooed them away with his hand. An Other minion darted to Gage’s right and tackled Arin off of him. She screamed, trying to push him away.

“Mila, you can’t do this! I won’t let you!” Gage cried, throwing the Other back. He stood over her defensively, releasing a shrill battle cry.

She covered her ears burying her head in her knees. Coyasko nodded to a few Crimsons and they charged forward. Swords clashed and the sound of roaring creatures filled the courtyard. The twelve Others fought back. None were fighting to kill. Judging by the Crimsons’ retreat they didn’t think she was worth getting hurt for. Others began to push their way to Arin. She scrambled away from Gage, away from the fighting.

Scolo pounced over the last Crimsons in his wolf form, opening his jaw wide revealing fresh blood stains. It was Ms. Holt’s blood. She turned to run but he pinned her to the ground with two giant paws. He pressed his face in front of Arin, breathing on her. His bright eyes were focused on her lineament, as if he desires to know everything about her.

“What can you do now? Who will save you?” he laughed. “Or will you get those Watchers to shoot me? Well guess what? We cornered that damned boy, he told us everything about you! Then that lowlife human must’ve told you that we were coming. It must be the only explanation for why you ran away.”

Victor was protecting me? He . . . didn’t mean anything by what he said?

Arin pressed her hands against his chest trying to push him off. Scolo only laughed. A crazed laugh. She screamed, the fate of being mauled hanging over her. He moved a paw under her chin.

“Don’t scream. You’ll ruin your voice!” he mocked. The Crimsons surrounded the two, swords at the ready. “Now I’m sure that they all want to know your name, so tell me—them—who you are.”

“I’m—I’m . . .” Everyone stared at her, even Mila but instead of interest, he was frowning. “My name is Arin!”

Arin grabbed his muzzle and pinned it shut with her hands. He threw his head upwards tossing her away from him. She screamed as she flew in the air. Within seconds she was on the ground again, jaw and teeth aching from landing on her chin. Everything was numb from the fall. Scolo opened and closed his jaw hating the odd feeling of being muzzled. She sat up swaying back and forth. She placed a muddy hand on her forehead before scrambling to her feet.

No one else deserves to die because of me. I’m sorry. Ms. Holt, Crimsons, everyone. I’m sorry! Arin spotted a sword lying a few feet away. She picked up the weapon, struggling a bit. She unsheathed the blade, holding it in an awkward position. Scolo growled as Arin dropped the sheath.

Scolo leapt forward.

Today you die, Scolo! He continued forward kicking up dirt from each bounce. Heart pounding, earth swaying. He opened his jaw as wide as he could, beginning his final leap. Arin screamed swinging her sword horizontally.

The blade slashed across his cheek. Scolo skidded to a halt and whimpered. Blood poured from the fresh wound. Arin charged forward, swinging the sword with no posture or control. He jumped back from each pathetic swing.

By some miracle, Arin gashed his chest. Scolo barked and backed farther away. She was randomly swinging this blade but was actually doing something! Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she swung her sword at her foe. Others followed his lead, retreating from the Crimsons. Coyasko pulled Arin back as the Others grouped together. One of the Others held a sphere into the air and the shady figures teleported out of the courtyard.

Arin stood still with the sword in hand. None of the Crimsons moved either. They whispered though the mass of murmurs was just a loud hiss. Arin dropped the sword and fell onto her knees, arms shaking.

“Arin!” Gage shouted running next to Arin. “How—what—are you—”

“I’m fine,” Arin whispered, and she wrapped her arms around Gage. She was shaking. “I’m fine.”

“That's good. How did you know how to fight?” Coyasko asked kneeling next to Arin as well.

“I don’t know. I was pretty awesome, right?” she tried to laugh but was wheezing too hard. He smiled and gently rubbed her back trying to calm her down.

“Well, I guess you can stay now. I think we can all agree that this is fair!” Gage adjudicated standing up. The Crimsons turned to the crossed Mila. He turned and walked away, his silk robe trailing behind him. Everyone was distraught at her arrival.

“I am going to take that as a ‘yes, I am enthralled to help you, Arin!’” Coyasko chortled and Gage guffawed. Arin however stared at the ground. He—they—hated her.

“Thank you, umm . . . sir. I’ll try my hardest to help you!” Arin beamed, struggling to pronounce Coyasko’s name. The Crimsons departed from the courtyard talking amongst one another. This was her home now? These people will raise her?

He chuckled. “I bet you’re hungry. We’ll get you something to eat and a room,” Coyasko patted Arin’s back. “But first you really need to learn how to fight.”