“Don’t you worry about someone wandering by and seeing magic at work?” I ask.

“Not at all. If someone does wander by, they are very lost or hiding from authorities. The first are easily made to believe that what they saw didn’t happen. Humans try real hard not to believe in magic.

As for the others. Well on the run is not conducive to getting others to believe you. Anyway, way out here no one ever comes out. That is why I chose this place.

I once had a few kids come out and try to get into my house. I created an illusion of it being haunted and haven’t had an intruder since.” Manstorm says.

“Strange I would think with all the ghost hype lately it would draw people.” I say.

“Not a remote place like this. Too far away from civilization and no easy access. Two major deterrents. Humans want to be scared, not fearful of dying.” he returns.

“True. Well I guess we better be off to our sandy graves. I hope to be able to see you again. Who knows, I just might be your first real ghost.” I say.

“Joking about death. You are unique for one with magic Jode. I look forward to your next visit.” he says.

I look around and notice the limo is gone. I don’t remember if it was here when I exited the house. “Or maybe we stay.” I say, “No transport. Did I piss Star off that much?”

“I’m on the way in the helicopter,” Butler says in my head.

“Or we wait for the copter,” I say.

“How do you know the copter is on the way?” Rock asks.

“Butler told me,” I say.

“The link?” Oaky asks.

“No, mind talk or telepathy,” Manstorm says.

“Thanks,” I say.

“Welcome,” Manstorm returns

We only have to wait a minute to hear the sound of the copter. It lands next to us without even a leaf fluttering. “Magic is much better then the real thing. I didn’t have to comb my hair.” I say and Manstorm chuckles.

We get in to see Butler in the pilot seat. “You coming back with us?” I ask.

“I was going to take you as far as I can into the desert,” he replies.

“Can’t you take us all the way?” I ask

“No, there is a magic whirlpool. It drains magic. The transport would fail and disappear. It would not be a loss, but I do not have the power to counter it.” It says. We take off and the other two get on the windows to check out the net.

“So magic cannot be used in the desert?” I ask.

“The whirlpool pulls the magic down. So in the desert magic is enhanced on the ground, but drained in the air.” It says.

“Easier to keep track and control if all have to be grounded. Reduces the area Drake has to watch,” I say.

“Correct,” it replies.

“So the watchers are prevented from the area too?” I ask.

“No. Even a dragon of Drakes age cannot affect us. But it hinders our ability to affect others,” it says.

“So Drake doesn’t consider you a threat?” I ask.

“Even if he did, there is nothing he could do to us,” It says.

“I have to ask. You would not have been killed or removed by the curse would you?” I ask.

“No. We exist outside this plane. We took the name watchers for a reason.”

“Angels are based off of you aren’t they?” I ask in my head.

“And demons, my wise Jode,” he replies in my head.

“You all existed before even humans and dragons haven’t you?” I ask.

“Yes, You are starting to tread on dangerous ground, Jode. I suggest you let it go. I cannot lie to you, nor will I hold info back. But some knowledge is best left for a later date,” it says.

I notice I have gotten Oaky and Rocks attention. “I will have to take your wise counsel. Thank you Manstenien.“ I say. Where I got the name I don’t know. It just came out before I realized what I was saying.

“Any time enlightened one,” it replies.

Rock huffs and turns back to the windshield. Oaky quietly turns back to the window too.

“Butler how long have you been Star’s butler?” I ask.

“Since the creation of the house, about eighty earth years,” it replies.

“Sorry we didn’t get to the damn,” I say.

“That is okay. Star says she plans on being in the human world more and wants us to go to the damn. Neither of us are aging so we still have several years to get there,” it says.

“Did you miss Star?” I ask.

“Yes, I am at a level to feel emotions. Star made sure of that. She wanted a companion as well as help.” it says.

“I’m glad you both have someone. I feel you are the best for her,” I say.

“Thank you Jode, I hope you find someone too,” he says.

“Thanks for the sentiment even though I bet you already know now,” I say.

“Not for certain, but yes,” it replies.

“Well ask him,” Rock says.

“No, Some things are better to experience and not know of,” I say.

“You are just so frustrating sometimes, Jode,” Rock returns.

“I know. My mother never let me forget that,” I say with a smile.

We ride in silence. I like having Butler as our pilot. He doesn’t have to create all the copter effects. All I can really think about is that I am going home.

I can’t say I ever felt out of place in the human world. I just feel that a world of magic gives me a strange sense of security. I know that even in this world I can use magic. The problem is that I have to hide it.

I know I would really miss all my friends I had made in town. I would even miss Gushes, the pain in the ass. I wonder if I should say that is his name now. I chuckle to myself.

There is no pause when we get to the portal. I figure they telepathically communicated our location. I see the watchers shift location, but I see a slight flicker this time.

“What was that?” I ask.

Oaky and Rock look at me. Rock asks, “What?”

“The flicker,” I say.

“That is an effect from getting close to the void,” Butler says.

Rock looks at Butler in shock, “You mean?”

“Yes,” Butler says, “We came close to being the two percent,” it says.

“I don’t like that,” Oaky says.

“I don’t either,” Butler commented, “The void is the only place that scares us.”

“Scares you,” I state nervously, “Then it can’t be a good place.”

“It is neither good nor bad. It just simply is. The void is the layer between. Even watchers cannot see the void,” it says.

“Has a watcher gotten lost in the void?” I ask.

“Many,” it replies without feeling.

“Doesn’t that bother you?” Oaky asks.

“No. Their knowledge is not lost. They still exist, just not where they can be sensed. Nothing is ever destroyed. It simply is somewhere else or something else,” it says.

“You don’t mourn their loss?” Oaky asks with a hint of disgust.

“No, Morning is for a loss. We have not lost our friends. We merely haven’t found them yet. Balthazar is a good example. We did not mourn him dying because we knew he was somewhere, we just didn’t know where. And now he is found. So we never lost him,” it says.

“Your right,” Oaky says in confused shock.

“That makes creepy sense,” I say and shutter.

“Yeah,” Rock comments.

“You will lose the internet. The ones who were stabilizing the portal are leaving. They granted us a boost to our destination. The effect will interrupt the use of the internet,” it says.

“Okay,” Oaky says and clears her window. Rock just simply turns off the windshield.

“The speed will create an effect so be prepared,” it says.

Before I can respond, my vision blurs then the view warps. It gives the effect similar to warp drive on TV. But instead of a line streaking past, you get the effect of the warp going to a point in your view.

My head then spins and my vision blurs again. When it clears everything is stationary. All I see around me is sand. But unlike sand I have seen, this sand is pure white. I don’t think I have ever seen anything so white.

“This is as far as we can go in a transport. There are water containers in the compartment beside the door. Be sparing., I don’t know if water summons will work here. Magic does not always have pleasant effects in this desert,” it says.

“Where are we anyway?” I ask.

“It is known as death’s desert. You know the area as the state of Texas. Although it doesn’t look like the state. The desert actually takes up an area larger than Texas, but the magic whirlpool is only around the dragon who resides in the center area of the state. It will take you a couple of hours to get to his lair. But it is the creatures between here and there that is the problem,” it says. While he talked the copter lands.

“Thanks,” I say and get out of the copter. The air is dry and hot. The sun bares down on my exposed skin. I can feel it burning all ready.

I notice a handle next to the large side door. I open it and find three large water pouches. They look like the pouch is made of swede. I grab them and almost drop them due to the weight.

I give Oaky and Rock one. We each sling it over our head. Surprisingly the weight is distributed on my back. The copter takes off into the sky. I lose sight of it as it crosses the sun.

“Um do you know where to go Rock. I forgot to find out,” I say.

“Nope, I guess we wonder,” he replies.

“I sense an ancient power,” Oaky says.

“Guess you lead this time. Well in a sense. I think we should stay close just in case,” I say.

“Well we better get close quick. Somethings coming,” Rock says.

“What?” I ask looking around.

“I don’t know, but it is coming quick,” he says.

“From where?” I ask.

Rock points in the direction in which we are facing. “That’s the direction of the power,” okay says.

“Guess Drake doesn’t waste time,” I say.

“It stopped,” Rock says.

“Could he be coming to meet us?” I ask.

“No, the source of the power is way out there. It hasn’t moved,” Oaky says.

“Well, do we chance it?” I ask.

“Better than waiting to get ate,” Rock says.

“Rock can you fly?” I ask

“I don’t know why?” he asks.

“Because a high look out would really be nice,” I say.

He jumps and changes. He starts to fly up but falls back down to about ten feet above us. “This is as high as I go,” He says with his normal voice, but with a slight growl.

“At least it is higher. Lead on Oaky,” I say.

We slowly walk on the loose sand. I was just expecting to walk normally, but the sand makes movement sluggish. It's strange how the land looks completely flat. I expected to see dunes or something.

After a few minutes I think I realize why there are no dunes. There is no hint of a breeze. I have never been in a place with absolutely no breeze. You would think you could feel it as you walk. I try to fan myself with my hand, but I can’t even feel any air movement. What could cause that.

“Stop,” Rock says.

“What, are we getting close to the thing that stopped?” I ask.

“No it is keeping its distance, but the sand has a moving rift,” he says.

“A what?” I ask.

“There is a ripple in the sand heading right for us,” he says and drops down to human form next to us, “It's a sand burrower.”

“What is that?” I ask.

“It's a worm-like creature that burrows under the sand. They are very dangerous, because they attack from under the sand,” he says.

“Well you can fly so maybe I can levitate us, hold your panties,” I say.

I hold out my hands palm down, “It is weight I release, it is sand I defeat. Upon the air I ask us to be, Levitate,” I say while visualizing us above the sand.

The result was not near what I expected. I watch as the sand becomes glass. It appears to be several inches thick. “Okay not what I wanted. But if it prevents a sneak attack I can deal,” I say.

I could swear I see a slight wave in the sand go by us. Before I can say anything the glass jumps slightly. I look down to see a round mouth with row upon row of sharp teeth. The outer rim of the worm moves like it is trying to suck at the glass.

The mouth pulls down and sand fills the spot. I feel a spray of sand hit me from behind. I turn and see a worm headed giant lizard. It has the body of a komodo dragon. It is white and three times bigger than any komodo I have ever seen on television.

Instead of a lizard head there is a worm. Its mouth is wide open showing the rows of teeth. “You're on your own to fight Rock. I don’t dare spell any of us,” I yell.

“Okay,” Rock says and jumps at the creature.

“I’ll try to communicate or control, but I have never tried a desert animal,” Oaky says.

“Otay, go to the farthest point of the glass,” I say and point to the ground.

I put my palm out at the creature, “Dancing sands move to your beat. Attack the creature on your unmoved sand,” I say.

Several dozen small pillars of sand pop up and start undulating independently of each other. “Oh dear lord,” I say. I stand a few seconds and an idea dawns on me.

I see Rock hopping around trying to slice at the creature. The beast seems to be able to pace him. I see a slice close to the mouth seeping yellow liquid. I think of the fastest and violent sounding music I know.

“Okay sand, try to at least get close to what I want,” I say. “Dancing sand with its own sound you hear. I set my tone upon the air and land and sea. Dance the music I set for thee. For life’s sake if nothing else do a violent boogie on the beat you feel,” I say.

The pillars freeze and I see another small wave go by. Then the pillars start vibrating violently. In the distance I hear what sounds like drums. The sound gets louder and louder. It sounds like a reggae beat on fast speed.

I hear what sounds like the string quartet practicing before they start. A low hum slowly rises in volume from below me. All the different sounds collide on the creature. Then they all go silent.

I hear a low sound coming from the creature. Then there is a burst of music. I have never heard anything like it before. In one way it is the most wildest sounding music ever, yet it has an interesting rhythm.

I see Rock give me a strange look. The pillars begin to dance with the music. They look to want to dance with the creature. They start out nicely nudging and shifting with the creature.

The creature begins to get annoyed by them which allows Rock a few hits. That annoys the creature even more and it scatters a pillar with its own head. All the pillars freeze.

They then begin to move more violently, but still in beat. The pillars violently attack the creature causing lesions on its skin. The creature finally goes wild and ignores Rock to stop the pillars.

The creature's distraction is Rock's advantage. In just a few slices the creature gurgles and spams, then falls. Rock jumps on the glass. The pillars go back to their dancing.

I can’t help myself, when will I ever get the chance to dance with sand? I hop off the glass and tap one of the pillars. It freezes then begins to do a little jiggle. I jiggle and dance with it. I watch all the pillars line up around me. I do the strangest movements and the pillars try to imitate. After about a minute the pillars grow arms and also imitate my arm movements.

I’m really getting into the music when I hear Rock yell, “Jode,” he holds out his hands in a gesture of what are you doing.

“Alas fine dancers I must part, a dragon awaits us. To eat us or knock me even more silly, I do not know,” I say and bow. The pillars bow in return and collapse into the ground. The music goes silent.

“What in the name of life are you doing?” Rock asks.

‘I was attempting to dance,” I say. The sand ripples, but only slightly.

“We need to get to Drake and get out of here before we get killed,” he says.

“Oh loosen up Rock. Think of it this way. If we died now would you feel you did all you could have done? Like dance with sand. Now, when will you get a chance like that again?” I ask walking up to them.

“Uh?” Rock starts then says, “Your right, I have lived the straight life way too long. The binding is gone,” he says then looks at Oaky. “The music is gone, but would you dance with me for a short? I have wanted to since I met you,” he says.

Oaky blushes and shys away, but holds out her hand. Rock takes her hand gently and pulls her to him. They hold each other and slow dance on the glass. As I watch them shift about, I see the sand round us move in a slow rhythm.

After a few seconds I begin to hear a soft rhythmic sound emanating from the sand. I don’t recognize the music, but it is a love song beyond a shadow of a doubt.

“Please allow this to work right, they really need some help,’ I say then focus on the outer rim of the glass. “And so soft and smooth dance your rhythm for the love birds.” I imagine sand people swaying to the rhythm. To my surprise it works.

I watch as the sand rises to form people made out of sand around the glass. The people sway to the rhythm. the two sway to the sounds for several minutes then stop.

They pull apart and look at the sand people. The sand people fall back into the ground and the rhythmic sound stops. “Did you do that?” Oaky asks.

“Only the people, not the music,” I say.

“Was it a residue of your music magic?” Rock asks.

“I don’t know,” I say, then add, “I doubt it.”

“Then who?” Oaky asks.