I see Myst running our way waving her arms wildly. She is hollering something, but I can't make out what, “What's wrong with Myst?” I ask. Everyone turns, then runs to her and I follow.

We are in hollering distance when I hear, “Demons,” She yells and everyone runs faster.. We get to the other side of the farm and see blue flames shooting up from some buildings.

“Fire demons,” Rock yells, “Hard to kill.” He heads off to one building where flames shoot up higher.

I stop and follow Rock with my eyes as I say,”Blades strike true, upon this true strike flames are doused.”

I then look at the closest building in flames and say, “Fire from the other side you belong home, go now to never return.” The blue flame sputters, then goes out. I run through the town squelching each flame.

I run to the last one which is where I see Rock engaged with the strangest creature I have ever seen. It looks more like a bunch of sticks connected to each other in a humanoid form. Its arms and legs are the same length so it can walk on two or four legs easily.

Rock is swinging and slicing, but the creature is as fast if not faster then he is. Several swings from Rock look like they are about to hit the mark when the creature seems to sidestep without moving.

I don't know why but the ability of some creature in Dungeons and Dragons comes to mind. “The creature is displaced, what you see is not where it is at.,” I yell at Rock.

I see the creature look at me and spit. I try to fall to my right. As I am falling I realize the blue ball of flame was displaced also and I have shifted directly in its path. I'm not sure why, but the ball seems to slow down giving me enough time to raise my hands in front of me. I imagine an invisible field around me and I see the ball bounce off me and into a building.

I finish my fall and roll over onto my knees facing the flame. I hold my palm out to the burning building and say, “Return from whence you came.”

To my surprise I see the fire ball suck back into a ball and fly back to the demon. “Rock, watch out” I yell as I see it heading straight at him. He avoids a swing of the demons arm and continues his motion to fall to the ground and roll away from the creature.

I see what looks like horror in a skeletal-stick face as the ball hits it. The thing burst into blue flames as it screams. I call it a scream, but it sounded more like a bunch of sticks and stones rattling in a bucket. It then explodes spraying all in distance with a black ooze.

“What the hell was that thing?” I ask exhaustedly.

“A fire demon,” Moon says, walking up to me. ”They are from the other world we now connect to. There are many different types of these creatures, but that one is the toughest to kill. What it is doing way out here, I don't know.” he says.

I get up and find Rock has joined us as he says, “They are the soldiers. They are only sent with a purpose.”

“It did look like it was searching. It went to Jode's house first, then attacked in a path heading to the farms.” Myst says.

“Why would it be searching for me?” I ask.

“I can't say for sure,” Moon replies, “But I think they know you are a threat to them. No one has ever seen anything stranger and more intelligent then the fire demons, but it is assumed that there has to be more. The fire demons show purpose but no true intelligence. They are fighters not planners.”

“So we can guess as long as I stay here the town is in danger.” I say.

“Regretfully yes,” Moon says.

“Then I must leave,” I say sadly.

“No,” Lady Light says, “We will just reinforce our protections.”

“I can't risk anyone getting injured, or even killed on my account.” I say.

“I swore on life I would never back down on my town and its people, no matter what. And you are as much a part of this town now then anyone. I watched you fight Jode, and for never having battled in your life you did an impressive job. I would be a fool to send you away.”

“I appreciate your concern and dedication Mayor Lady Light, but I had already planned on leaving anyway. My destiny takes me away, whether I want it or not. If I succeed there will never be a threat from demons again.” I say regretfully.

“And I just started to get to know you. I well know how cruel fate and destiny can be, Jode.” Lady Light says, “My wishes will always be with you, and I hope to see you again. There will always be a home here for you Jode.” She says almost in tears.

She comes over to me as she transforms into her demon looking form. As she hugs me and I hug her back, all I can think is how strange a distraught demon looks. I squelch a smile and try to make it look more like a sympathetic smile. I see Oaky give me a stern look and realize I have failed miserably.

I try to put a sad face on, but realize it was not needed because Lady Light turned and ran away. “You are horrible Jode,” Oaky says.

“I'm sorry I do feel sad that I have to leave. I feel this is home, but a crying demon seemed funny to me,” I say.

“You are just horrible,” Oaky says and walks off to where we lived. Myst gives me one of her motherly, 'you're in trouble,' looks and follows Oaky.

Rock comes over to me and whispers, “I see your point, it is funny,” he then walks off after the women.

“Watch yourself Rock,” Moon gibes, “You may be the son of the oldest dragon, but a woman's wrath has no boundaries.”

“Yeah, Yeah,” Rock says waving his hand in dismissal.

“You are going to be a horrible influence on that boy, you know that?” Moon gives me a look.

“Yeah I know. I have no clue what his mother was thinking,” I say and we both laugh. We then follow the group to my home. Home: I never thought I would feel that way about a shack, but I feel it is more home then any place I have ever lived. I could do without the hot tempered demons though.

I get to my place and find it burned to the ground. A little sputter of yellow flame pops up every so often, then goes out.

Oaky is rummaging through the rubble to see what she can find. “Could anything have survived that flame?” I ask.

She looks at me in tears, “I hope so, it was a gift from my mentor.” she says through the tears.

“What does it look like, and I will help.” I say concerned and walk to her.

“It will look like a yellow and red leaf to you about this big,” she says, indicating an object about three inches big.

I move things around trying to find it. I can't see how a leaf can survive this, but I had to at least try. Everything I move just reveals more black-gray ash. Every once in a while I would grab something hot and jump back in pain. We search for several hours, but find nothing.

Oaky steps just outside the area of destruction and flops to the ground bawling. I start toward her to comfort her when I see movement behind her. I see something fall to her right, back far enough to be out of her sight. As I get close I see what looks like a red and yellow leaf fluttering slightly in the wind. I walk to her right and pick it up.

It appears as she described, but as I pick it up a faint glow appears, then fades away. I hear something in the back of my mind say, Thank you, and it turns to a yellow and red seed.

I hand it to Oaky, “Sorry it was a leaf, but when I picked it up it turned to a seed.” I say

She gets up, turns to me and holds out her hand for me to drop it in. She holds it for several seconds in disbelief, then a smile fills her face.

Her eyes are filled with surprise and excitement. She clasps her hand tightly around the seed and hugs me tightly. I just stand there unsure what to do.

She lets go then looks at it briefly, before clasping her hand back around it. She looks at me even more teary eyed, but the tears look to be of joy. “Thank you,” she says and pecks me on the cheek. She then runs off faster then any person I thought could.

I stand stunned unable to react or think. “You have no clue what happened do you?” Moon asks. I had forgotten he had been standing watching us search.

“Not a clue,” I say, lost in confusion.

“That item has been passed down in her family for generations. Each tree spirit gets one from their mentor. That particular one was given to her mentor by her mother. It is not normal for that to be done. So it had more meaning to her then most.

That item you touched and transformed is from a tree older than even Star Seeker. Each graduate tree spirit is given one as her initiation to their life after training. Each leaf dies with its holder if it is not given as a gift. That leaf is said to be almost as old as Star Seeker so her mother did not want it to die with her.

Your touch transformed it to a seed, something not heard of for generations. It is said only the pure of heart and power of the ancients can do that.” he says.

“Well that leaf is confused. My heart is not pure. I had no qualms in killing that fire thingy.” I say in disgust.

Moon laughs, “A pure heart has nothing to do with innocence or violence. Even the most violent of people can have a pure heart. Purity is in the intent, not the thought.” he says.

I blink and look at him sternly, “Do huh?”

“Perhaps one day you will understand, and if not you will be the purest heart that ever lived.” he says with a smile.

I glare at him, “You know you are a pain in my ass sometimes,” I say.

“Then I am a good teacher,” he says.

“Pah,” I say and head off to see if anyone else needs help.

I am surprised that no one was harmed in the attack. A lot of homes look like mine, but everyone had gotten out safe. One fairy got her hand burned, but I was told she would heal fine.

In the air hung the smell of soot and smoke. The air around the town holds a haze from the many buildings that still burn in spurts. I walked around to be sure no one was missing. I did not know everyone in the town, but with a question here and there I could be sure all was safe.

Then it hit me, Gushes at Dawn is the only water elemental in town. I rush over to his home to feel relief that his home was untouched. I knock on the door, but don't get a response.

I panic and pound on the door yelling his name. I hear him yell, “Go away I can't.”

“Can't what?” I ask, confused for a few seconds, then it dawns on me. “Water spout, it's okay. It's gone. You're safe.”

I hear him speak a little softer, “Are you sure?”

“Of course you blubbering huge tear spout, we killed it. Rock has part of it on him. We need a good water hose to clean up the mess.” I say sarcastically. Gushes at Dawn is the only person in this town that never takes my insults personally. He knows I do it in jest.

The door flies open and he almost knocks me over hugging me. Now I have put my face in water many times, but with Gushes at Dawn it is much different. It feels like a fast flowing river with no way of getting out of it. And the strangest part is that you can breath as long as the moving water doesn't keep knocking the air out of you.

He can make as many appendages as he wants, so I had ten fast flowing rivers hugging me as well. He has my arms pinned to my side so I can’t push him away. So between the slaps in the face I say, “Hay let go I'm fragile.”

He backs off and says, “Sorry Jode I was just so scared.”

“I know, I was too. I can only imagine what it would be like for you,” I say sympathetically.

“My grandfather died in a lava flow. I watched him turn to steam. I had nightmares for years,” he says shaking.

I go over and pat his back, “It's okay, water spout, you're okay. I'm going to leave so it doesn't happen again.” I say trying to comfort.

He jumps back in shock, “What? You can't leave.”

“I have to, I have no choice.” I say.

“No, I will talk with the Mayor. She can't kick you out.” he says desperately.

“She isn't kicking me out. I have to leave for other reasons.” I say

“But why?” he asks.

“Because I may be the only one who can stop the outsiders,” I say.

“Oh, I see, I'm sorry but I can't go with you. I would panic too easily,” he says.

“I wouldn't expect you to go, or even want you to. I'm just worried no one will be here to clean you out.” I say.

“I will wait for you to get back to get in the sink hole. So you have to get back soon. I'm going to miss it.” he says.

“I'll try, but I can't promise.”

“You have to come back.” he says and hugs me, but with only two arms this time.

“Okay, Okay, I will try my best.” I say.

He pulls back, “You have to promise on life.”

“I can't do that. It could hinder my effectiveness in the adventure ahead.”

“I know, be sure to come back and say goodbye, I have a gift for you.” he says.

“I can promise that.”

“Thank you,” he says and slumps into his home and closes the door slowly.

“I'm going to miss that spout,” I say staring at his door.

“I'll keep an eye on him,” Moon says, “I'm not you, but he at least likes me.”

“He more than likes you Moon,” I say walking off. “He had told me many times how much he respects you.”

“Thanks for telling me. I have wondered for years what he thought of me. His race doesn't attach to others very easily.” he says.

“Really I wonder why,” I say, “A wild river that has emotions that change faster than a fire fly’s butt at night. Seems like the perfect companion to me.” I say sarcastically.

Moon laughs, “You have a knack to make the most complex things seem simple.”

“What are you talking about, everything is simple, simply confusing.” I say seriously.

Moon laughs till all solidity is lost in his form. For a while I have a black cloud floating next to me. I walk around checking up on everyone and find that five homes were destroyed. The demon had been in town for some time before Myst found us.

One of the libraries was completely destroyed with some documents that can never be replaced. One of the major health clinics was destroyed. They say it was lucky, one person that was unable to move on their own was moved earlier that day. One of the other clinics just got a new device that they hoped would help the injured, knome.

I really didn't know the lady, but thought I would go check on her. I didn't have anything better to do, and most of the others in town were busy cleaning up the town.

I enter the clinic to see a lone person lying on a bed. I walk over to see a short dirt brown human form lying down. Her back is to me. Her skin looks like dark clay just after a good rain. If I didn't know better I would say it was a clay statue.

I have been told knomes don't have ears like most, but hear by sensing vibrations in their skin. She turns over as I walk up, and I notice that she has to pull her legs over with her hands.

I'm sure a few artists would love to be able to sculpt like the way she looks. There was no denying she was female. The feminan features on her face are more defined and elegant then any woman could ever have. Other than being short, every feature of her body screams female. The only strange feature is she has no ears and no nostrils.

Her clay eyes blink at me, “Do I know you fine young lad?” She asks with an earthy yet feminine voice.

“No, my name is Jode, the others were busy with the clean up. I thought I would check to see if you were okay.”

“How sweet. I have heard of you. I hear a lot of things when they think you are asleep. Most forget we never really sleep. My name is Forms Under the Falls. But you can call me Falls.”

“Do you mind if I ask how this happened?” I ask motioning to her legs.

She giggles, “From a fall off a cliff. Ironic huh?” she asks rhetorically.

“Just a bit, but at least you live up to your namesake.” I say.

She laughs and her skin looks like an earthquake, “I like your thinking. But unless they can figure out why I lost the use of my legs, I can never fall again.

“I'm so sorry,” I say.

“It's okay, it was my own fault. A man caught my eye and off I went,”

“Well did you get to meet him?”

“No, I couldn't see him again after what happened.” she says shyly.

“Oh come on that is the best time. Just hint it was his fault by telling him you fell admiring him and there’s your way in the door.”

“Really?” she asks suspiciously.

“Pretty sure. I may be human, but I can't see him being much different in his thinking. All males love to be admired, and for someone to injure themselves admiring them is the greatest compliment ever.”

She blushes or I should say she turns a light gray, “Really?”

“I would go get him to prove it, but I'm sure he is helping with the clean up.”

“I'm sure, I'll test your theory later.”

“I don't mean to be rude or callous, but is your skin made of actual clay?”

“Not rude at all. I know you did not live here till about a year ago. And yes it is. There is no real simple explanation, but we are formed from the earth.”

“Then how do you move your limbs or keep from falling to a pile of mud?” I ask, then realize how callous that sounded, “Oh sorry, I speak before I think.”

She smiles,”It is okay, I don't mind. We have a rock skeleton wrapped with a magical mud. Our consciousness is said to reside in all the mud, so we can lose part of our body and still reform it if we find a compatible substance. That is why my condition is confounding. I have reformed my legs many times, but they still don't work.” She says depressed.

“Did they check your spine?” I ask.

“What? No,why?” she asks, confused.

“Because in humans the legs are connected to nerves in the spine. If they are severed or damaged it causes paralysis in the limbs.”

“I don't know. Can you check?”

“Um I'm not a doctor though, “ I say scared.

“Don't worry you can't harm me. I don't feel pain and the health care has done worse trying to figure this out. When I turn over just reach in and feel.”

“Uh okay,” I say, sorry I ever suggested it.

She rolls over to expose her back. I start to reach for her back and hesitate, “Go ahead it's really okay,” she says slightly muffled in the pillow.

I reach in with disgust, but it just feels like putting your hand in water with rubber gloves on. I feel around and find a long row of smooth round stone. I feel around and find one with a tiny chip out of it.

“Are your spine rocks supposed to be all smooth?” I ask.

“Yes why?” she answers muffled.

“Because one is chipped.” I say.

“Well pull it out.”

“What?” I squeal.

“Go ahead,” she replies muffled.

I pull out the rock. If I hadn't just pulled it out of her,I would have thought it was a normal stone in a creek bed. It is smooth and looks to be perfectly round other than a nick out of it. It looks like it was clipped by an ax.

“Now get another one off the tray,” she muffles.

I look around and find several stones the same shape on the other side of her, in a box, on a tray. I put the one I pulled out on the tray and pick out a new one from the box and go back.

I reach back into her with the rock between my first two fingers and my thumb. I feel around to find the open area between the row of rocks. I shift my fingers to place the stone in place. I feel it pull out of my fingers to place itself in position.

I jerk back and stand up. I wait to hear her scream, but instead her whole body shivers. She looks more like dirty water than clay at that point. She rolls over, and I notice her legs respond sluggishly.

“Oh Jode you are wonderful. No one would have thought of that. So many can be helped by that simple process. I would hug you but it will take several days for me to adjust to the new legs.”

“You're very welcome, but I actually didn't think it would work.” I say.

“I didn't either, I just wanted to see if I could feel the magic everyone has been talking about. And they are right, your hands are wonderful. Just that feeling would have been enough for me, but to have my legs back too. You are a miracle worker.” She says elated.

“Um okay. I really do need to get out and help too. I hope you don't mind if I heal and leave.” I say.

“Oh Jode I don't think you could do anything wrong,” she says dreamily, “You go. Others will need you too.”

“Uh yeah sure. I say backing out of the room, then turn and sprint out the door.

I head over to my devastated home unsure of what else to do. I see everyone rushing around doing what they can to help. I stare at the rubble that once was my home for a year. I feel a sadness as I sit, and come to the realization I now have to leave the best year of my life.

I sit on the ground outside the frame in a fairly clear spot. I stare not fully realizing I am moving my hands in odd motions and gestures. I only vaguely see the dust and soot swirling around in the air.. The stones shift around in the swirl and mostly burnt wood reform and reshape themselves.

I feel the sadness of my loss fill me slowly. I see only sadness in front of me. I think I see a glow around me, but the sadness I feel prevents me from seeking where it comes from. The area in front of me is now a blur of smoke and flame. The flare is white hot and I feel the heat increase on my face.

I ignore the discomfort and continue without thought. I just feel a loss that can never be filled. I begin to feel a stream of tears rolling down my face, and a voice in the distance call my name.

I think, Jode, is that my name? Then I come back. The sadness fades and the world once a blur, now comes into focus. My eyes focus and see a miniature city in front of me. Pure white spires rise hauntingly high into the air. A city of white and green shines in front of me.

It is almost impossible to see the edges of the city because nature and architecture merge perfectly. I see what looks like ghostly people moving about among the city. Multicolored dragons fly as shadows among the spires. A glow of white emanates from the center to slowly diffuse to the edges.

“Jode?” I hear Star ask.

I look up to see Star looking down on me with a single silver tear falling from her eye. I reach out and catch it as it falls. It touches my hand and I feel a cool calming sensation come from it. It forms into a perfect sphere of silver. It looks like a perfect silver pearl.

I look back up and Star is smiling. She holds her hand out for me to take it. I let her effortlessly raise me to my feet.

“What? What happened?” I ask, still trying to focus on the now.

“You gave me a gift I thought I would never see again. You gave me my city back,” she says softly.

“What?” I look around and really focus on the city. “Who did that?” I ask, still holding the silver pearl tightly in my hand.

“You did dear boy,” Star responds.

“But...” I say, still confused and disorientated.

“May I?” I hear Moon ask.

“Certainly, I have other engagements I have postponed. Thank you for calling me, Moon. I feel the town will see a lot more of me,” She says.

“Always a pleasure,” Moon says and I then notice that it looks like the whole town is around us. Everyone bows as Star turns and glides out beyond the crowd and vanishes beyond my sight.

“Jode,” Moon says and I turn to him and he continues, “That is the ancient city of the humans. The city Star Seeker was born in. The once great city that the curse destroyed completely. You created it from the remains of your cabin. You pulled from a memory beyond your own, and gave us all a blessing that can never be fathomed.”

“But I just was sad for the loss of my cabin, not a whole city.” I say, beginning to recall.

“The sadness you felt for your loss here must have pulled a greater loss in your soul. The structure you created has the power the once great city had. It emanates the protection that once great city had. With it you have protected this city more than all the mages alive today.”

“I couldn't have, I'm no ancient,” I say defiantly.

“But this,” Moon says and points at the city still active with its ghost inhabitants, “Says otherwise. You may not physically be an ancient, but your soul is.”

“But that isn't me anymore,” I say.

“Maybe not, but you are ancient whether you want to be or not. It is a part of who you are. You are the key, now you have to find the lock. Through you lies a great future for us all.”

“I'm just a man, nothing more.” I say indignantly.

“And so were the ancients,” he responds.

“You're a thorn in my ass again,” I say sarcastically.

“I do my best,” he returns.

I hear a roar of laughter seep through the crowd. I notice the sun low on the horizon, but the light of the city I created gives off light creating the illusion of midday.

“Well crap it's late, how long was I doing that,” I ask.

“Not long. It was created quickly. It was done before anyone noticed it. But you just sat there staring at it. No one could wake you from your trance. I had to call Star Seeker to help. It took her to call your name once and you came back.”

“Damn what a waist, I wanted to help clear, sorry.”

“You have done more than anyone else could. You healed Falls and created a protection from the demons.”

“A protection, how do you mean?” I ask.

“While you sat in your trance another fire demon came. We were all here at the time and only saw it in time to see a ball of fire streak toward us. It had not been in flight long when a beam shot from the central tower,” Moon points at the tallest tower in the miniature city, which sits in the center of the city.,” It hit the fire and extinguished it, and flew on to strike the demon. It vaporized instantly.”

“Damn, don't piss off the tower,” I say and hear a low chuckle wave through the crowd. “Well I doubt I'm going to be sleeping here.” I say looking at the little city. I notice that dragons no longer fly above it, and there is very little movement in it. I guess it reflects the time of the day too.

“Gushes at Dawn asked that you stay with him,” Moon says.

“But what about Oaky?”

“She hasn't returned yet. I figure she will be back by morning. She doesn't need to sleep.” he says.

“Oh yeah, I forget that. Well I am off, if I can,” I say. The group opens a path in the direction of Gushes at Dawn's place.

“Neat, I thought that just happens in the movies,” I say and walk down the opening in the crowd.