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  The old lady abruptly stopped humming. She had located a pouch and poured a grainy powder into the palm of her hand. Her fist clenched around the powder.

  Korin darted toward the door. No living being could harm her disembodied form, but somehow she had no doubt that this strange woman would not be willing to follow that rule.

  “Stop right there," Azalea said. Korin froze in place. "You’re wrong you know. Spirits aren’t so hard to destroy. There are ways of removing the energy from the consciousness so that it never can stick back together again. But you said your friend can do this as well? Who taught her?”

  “Nobody taught her really; she figured it out when she was younger,” Korin’s voice cracked as she replied to this dominating personality. “She says she reads the entities’ consciousness, then reminds it of its true purpose in existence. That's what destroys it. She can’t destroy one that's not truly corrupt.”

  “I like that,” the old woman laughed with a wheezy cackle that left Korin no closer to reading the woman’s real mood or intent. “A litmus test for evil; I can end them, but sometimes it might be nice to know for sure what these lost ones are really about.”

  “Terra does, or at least; she did. But, if I don’t find her, she may not survive. I should have done more to stop her.”

  “Well, I suppose I have to hope I can meet this person that you claim can find and destroy these entities,” The woman said with a smirk. “I guess that means you get your bus schedule after all. Xavier, go get that pamphlet while I try to figure out just how to help this one.”

  “Yes ma’am, but I thought...”

  The woman interrupted her grandson. “Never mind what you thought right now, you just do as I say.”

  “I really could use some help,” Korin admitted. She took a hesitant step towards the lady.

  “Of course you could. All of those who walk free on this side need some help. At one time, they wanted to do what was right, to get back where they belonged. Seems like lately, they want to go places they shouldn’t and cause all sorts of problems.”

  “That's exactly what Terra has been trying to stop! Her and Troy’s group, they are training to keep the others under control.”

  “I see we have much to talk about. I’ll be calling you back to have a chat real soon.” The old woman’s eyes twinkled with mischief befitting a naughty child.

  “I hope we can run into each other again,” Korin lied, “But right now I need to find my friend.”

  “What’s your name lost one?” the woman demanded.

  “Korin, Korin Malm. Right now, I really need that bus schedule.”

  “Don’t fret my dear, Korin. Xavier already has the paper. Show the lady what she wants to know.”

  Korin stepped toward the child. Something about the situation was strange, but there was no time to waste on this strange pair when Terra was putting herself in danger. As Korin leaned in to read the schedule, the woman approached her in one fluid motion. She touched her hand to Korin’s arm. The gesture felt supporting and kind but in an instant, a strange, tingling warmth shot into Korin and jolted through her from top to bottom. She propelled herself away from this new sensation.

  “What was that? What did you do to me?” A strange shape with intersecting loops appeared on Korin’s arm where the woman had touched her but faded away within a few seconds.

  “I told you I’d be calling you, now when grandma Azalea calls you, you'll come back around.”

  “Look, err Azalea, um, Ma’am, I appreciate that you're curious, but I have a lot to do. I have to find Terra, help Troy, and I have Terra’s mother to protect.”

  “I see, and you'll have time to explain it soon enough. Right now, you better finish your reading because Xavier’s momma is about ready to take us home. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll be calling you.”

  “Oh, well, I hope you have a nice visit.” Korin tried to focus on memorizing the document in the hands of the wiggling boy. Six cities to choose from and any of them could just be the next station where Terra stopped. It wasn’t much to go on.

  “You find your friend. I’ll be waiting.” Azalea said.

  “I hope I can do just that,” Korin said as the elderly lady shuffled her grandson out of the door ahead of her. I sure hope you don’t think I’ll be searching for you to report my progress. Korin turned to leave.

  Chapter 3

  Six cities to choose from; how could Korin narrow that down? If only she could use the Internet to access social media to search for Liam or his foster family. Being disembodied gave Korin abilities that she never had before, but in the mortal world, it also limited her from using the day to day conveniences that those who still possessed a body took for granted.

  Korin charged through the front wall of her home. Or rather the place was Terra’s house. It had become a home for Korin when Terra adopted her as her best friend and secret roommate. Ironically, Portia Roland, Terra’s adoptive mother brought Terra home as an infant in much the same way. Despite sharing her home with Korin, Portia still had no idea that there were three occupants in her home rather than two.

  Korin scanned the space. Where was Portia? Did she know that Terra was taking a cross-country trip? Terra was eighteen now. There was not much Portia could do to prevent Terra from leaving. Despite this, Korin knew that Terra loved her adoptive mother very much. She would try to soften the news if she told her anything at all.

  A quiet voice from upstairs reassured Korin that Portia was at home. A flicker of hope shot through Korin; perhaps Terra had already spoken with her mother and just maybe she had given her a clue as to where she was heading. Korin’s silent footsteps propelled her up the steps two at a time.

  Who was Portia talking to? A sickening sense of deja vu came over Korin as she remembered the time not so long ago when the Scourge had invaded the home and taken over Portia’s body. Terra had almost been too late to stop the Scourge that time, and now there was no way to notify her if something was wrong.

  Korin rounded the corner and jogged through the doorway of Portia’s bedroom. Stupid, if the Scourge is here you just gave yourself away. Korin realized her mistake as she scanned the brightly decorated room for signs of trouble.

  Portia sat at the foot of her bed holding her cell phone to her ear protectively.

  Thank goodness, she’s just on the phone! But who is she talking to?

  “Yes, I can hear you just fine... No, I don’t think your phone is breaking up... No, I’m not in a dead zone either; I’m sitting on my bed at home, not moving at all.” Portia pressed her lips together in a tight line. She put the phone down on the bed. Apparently, the call was disconnected.

  Korin felt the same frustration that was now etched on Portia’s face. Portia stared at the phone with a sense of determination. Could she make Terra call her back by using sheer willpower? Portia shook her head slightly, then picked up the phone and went downstairs.

  “What are you up to Portia? Do you know where Terra went?” Korin asked. She did not expect a response.

  Portia sat down at a desk in front of her antiquated PC. She pushed the power button, initiating a low mechanical whir as the long-dormant machine attempted its boot process.

  “I probably shouldn’t, but I need to know she’s safe…” Portia mumbled to herself.

  “Shouldn’t what? Terra's not safe, not even a little! If only you could hear me maybe we could help each other!” Korin said.

  Portia took out a packet of papers from the file drawer in the desk. Korin looked over her shoulder.

  "Please tell me you know something. I’m wasting too much time," Korin mumbled. "If anything happens to Terra, I may never forgive myself!" Korin angled herself for a better view over Portia’s shoulder, and then caught a clear glimpse at the letterhead on the top paper. "Really? A cell phone contract? Your daughter is missing. So you want to review your contract. Now’s not the time to worry about trimming the budget!"

  Portia shuffled through the folder of phone documen
tation while Korin glared at her progress. She moved over so she stood defiantly over Portia with her arms braced against the desktop. After a moment, Portia located the paper she had been searching for and turned to the computer screen.

  “Come on Portia, are you punishing Terra by turning off her phone?” Korin asked. “Now's not the time. You need to be trying to find out where she is! This may be the last chance you have to find her before it’s too late!”

  Portia showed no sign of awareness despite Korin’s rant. She carefully typed in the web address as she glanced back and forth at the page for guidance. The computer navigated to a web page and Portia input the needed data, meticulously following directions with a presence of mind that Korin could not have mustered even if she could have consistently and accurately used the mouse and keyboard.

  “Alright, that should do it,” Portia announced to herself. “Go ahead machine, find my iPhone!"

  “Find My iPhone?" asked Korin. "Please tell me you have a link to Terra’s phone! I could hug you!” Korin clasped her hands as she turned towards her unknowing landlord with pure elation.

  Portia squinted at the monitor. As the digital map resolved on the screen, both women waited for an answer with nervous anticipation. Suddenly, a tiny indicator appeared on the screen. “Hmm, a tour of colleges huh,” Portia grumbled to the screen. “What school is she looking at, a community college? More like visiting that little boyfriend that she keeps a secret from me. I wish she would just admit it. I don’t understand why she feels like she needs to hide things!”

  “You don’t know the half of it!” grumbled Korin. “But not knowing is probably a more peaceful way to deal with things.” Korin continued to lean towards the screen to examine the phone location as Portia pushed her chair back from the desk and picked up her phone.

  Portia’s expression was grim yet determined as she scrolled through her phone’s contact list.

  “You’re going to call her back?” asked Korin. “Good for you. We should go after her together!”

  As Portia searched for the contact information a sudden impulse struck Korin; she reached for the mouse as she focused on using her limited energy to manifest her hand more fully. To her own amazement, the mouse yielded to her touch. The cursor shot up the screen. Korin located the toolbar and clicked ‘print’ in one fluid motion. On the other side of the desk, the ancient desk jet printer wheezed to life.

  “What in the world?” muttered Portia. The antiquated printer eked out a print of the map.

  Korin eyed the paper expectantly. She had the location she needed, but how could she get there in time? Terra had traveled non-stop since she left Korin. The length of her trip had bought Korin time before Terra found the fight she was looking for, but it also made catching up with her less and less likely.

  If only I could bring the paper. Who am I kidding? If I could just buy a plane ticket, things would be so much simpler!

  Portia’s distraction by the printer was overshadowed by her call connecting. Portia pushed the speakerphone button as she scanned the screen once more.

  “Hello.” Terra’s voice sounded cheerful.

  “Are you still riding to visit Tech?” asked Portia. She attempted to sound unconcerned.

  “No, don’t worry, my bus just arrived,” said Terra. “They're going to show us the dorms in a little while. I’ll try to call you once I get settled in for the night.

  Portia shook her head. She took a deep breath before responding, and then let it out silently. “Okay, be safe, Sweetheart. I love you. And stay with the group. I don’t like the idea of you alone.” Portia blushed with emotion.

  “I'll be fine, Mom; I love you too,” Terra’s voice gave no hint of suspicion that her mother knew anything about her lie.

  “Goodbye, Sweetheart, stay safe!” Portia said. She was unable to keep the questioning tone out of her voice. A tear sparkled in the corner of her eye. She wiped it silently.

  “Goodbye, we'll talk soon. I promise!” Terra answered.

  Portia hung up. “Young people,” she shook her head again. “Just tell me, so I can help keep you safe.”

  “Who will keep you protected then?” Korin asked. She was used to Portia’s lack of response. “Now's the time.: we need to go after her. We need to stop this craziness before it goes on any further.”

  Portia looked at Terra’s location once again. Korin could see the pain etched in Portia’s expression: Portia knew Terra had lied to her, but she had chosen not to confront her adult daughter.

  “We need to go now!” Korin pleaded. As she spoke a strange feeling coursed through her. Korin felt as though all her energy was pulled up where it culminated in one point on her upper arm. Korin grabbed her arm in protest. She looked down to locate the source of the problem. The strange looping image had reappeared on her arm where the old medium, Azalea had once touched her. Korin’s eyes widened with fear as the mark began to glow. She realized that she was moving through time and space, rocketing away as though an unseen hand dragged her from Portia and any notion of reaching Terra in time. She moved as though an unseen hand was dragging her at an alarming pace. Korin struggled uselessly against the grasp.

  “No! I can’t leave, not now!”

  ~~~~~~~~

  Korin came to rest on a wooden floor. The sound of her bodiless-self hitting the floor startled her. Why had she heard a sound? Korin cringed against the unwelcome force: she felt as though an electric shock was passing through her.

  “Easy now!” Azalea’s distinctive voice did nothing to ease the strange sensation that gripped Korin. Azalea moved her hand over Korin’s prone figure as she muttered to herself. Instantly the strange pulse relented. Korin sat up shakily and attempted to scoot away from Azalea.

  “What did you do to me?” Korin demanded. “How did I get here?”

  “Why are you so surprised to see me, dear? I told you I'd be calling you.”

  “Calling? I didn’t know you meant this!” Korin’s voice betrayed her emotions.

  Azalea chuckled. “Did you expect a phone call?”

  Korin stood up shakily. “Of course not, but I would have spoken with you. Now's just not the right time. I really need to go. My friend Terra is in danger, and I think I know where she is!”

  “You?” Azalea looked up at Korin and raised one eyebrow. “What can you do against these spoiled things that are creeping all around now? You said before that your friend, Terra, was the one that could destroy them.”

  “Of course, she's a guide,” Korin said. “I was just a human being before everything went wrong.”

  “Listen to yourself, dear. If your friend is what you say she is, then you need to stay out of her way and let her do the work she was sent to do.” Azalea shuffled over and sat slowly on a dilapidated recliner. Her aging body did not match her quick wit.

  “You don’t know the situation,” Korin said. “Terra is willing to sacrifice herself!”

  “You're only looking at the feelings, guilt and sorrow, love and anger. You need to step back. The emotion is just a way to get at the real reason. It's no different for your friend. She has her part to play.”

  “You sound a bit like her, always talking about someone’s purpose,” Korin ran her hand over her upper arm where the mark still stung dully with a quiet reminder of her new tether to this strange lady.

  “There is an order to all of this if you bother to look for it,” Azalea said. “Now I need you to tell me about this Terra of yours. You tell it from the beginning, and then I’ll send you on your way.” Suddenly, the sound of running footsteps interrupted the women. “Xavier, you come on in here. You need to hear what this lady says. It may mean something; the part of the puzzle that will help us set right what has gone wrong for these lost-ones going every which way.”

  “But grandma, I was going to the park!” Xavier whined.

  “Don’t you sass me! You come in here and sit. Do you want to grow up with broken-down spirits swarming around like gnats? You sit here and listen
so we can find out what’s what.”

  “Yes ma’am,” Xavier slumped into the room and plopped down on the couch.

  Can I just run for it? Terra’s time is running out and instead of helping her, this lady wants me to sit around and tell stories! A throb in Korin’s arm reminded her that if she left; Azalea would real her back in as easily as a fish hooked on her line. Korin sat down on the couch opposite the boy. “Alright, I'll tell you how I met Terra and how she learned to destroy the Scourge. But then I have to go.”

  “I’ll send you along, no worries,” said Azalea. “I may even be able to speed up your travels.” The gleam in Azalea's eye was unmistakable.

  I'll never make it in time. But what can I do? I’m trapped here. I have to tell her what she wants to know… If only Carol had been able to send Terra the help she needed from the Tweens! Korin resigned herself to the situation. The pang of guilt and loss throbbed in her chest as she began the long story of how she lost her still-living body and how that tragedy led her to meet Terra. “For me, all of this started when I was attacked.”

  Chapter 4

  Liliana climbed the tall staircase that led to the Council chamber. She sighed as she looked up at the building: it was the culmination of the beauty of the Tweens, paved and sculpted of a crystal-like structure that formed the architecture of the Tweens. The substance appeared at once like a frozen fluid and an infinite prism consisting of interweaving strands that picked up and dispersed the light for the spiritual residents. Today, this beauty could not improve her mood. She had failed to find her charge, Carol. Her nervousness increased with each long stride, although she forced herself to stand up straight and walk with confidence.

  Normally, the chamber itself was alive with the ebb and flow of its visitors. They climbed the formidable stairway that surrounded the building to bring concerns or requests to the Council of the One. The Council alone served as a filter for the singular creator who looked over this dimension of creation and protection.