[ForgottenCode]

Charles sat down on a ruin and waited for the rest of the group to catch up. His thoughts were on what Andrew had told him, first through words and then by allowing his best friend to read his mind.

A moment after he’d collapsed, the rage had faded from Andrew, completely defeated. For a moment, his now gigantic friend didn’t know what to do. He’d stood there blinking his eyes and marvelling at his new form.

Although getting details of what had happened in the past when he’d given into the rage was like pulling teeth, Charles pieced together that Andrew’s rage had a time limit, after which he would shrink to his normal size and be too exhausted to do anything but find somewhere quiet to sleep it off. He remembered everything he’d done, but not what it felt like to be as tall as a building.

But when the rage broke and he didn’t immediately turn back and collapse, he could finally get the whole picture of this part of his Gift. Of course, given what had almost transpired, then wasn’t the time to contemplate what this all meant.

After reassuring everyone he was alright, and free of the berserking rage, Andrew and Lauren had left the group to talk. The Advanced Reading Moderator hadn’t wanted to reveal what was said, and Charles didn’t press either verbally or telepathically. After all, a man’s personal life was just that – personal.

Andrew had decided to remain a giant. He instinctively knew how to shrink back to his normal size, even if he’d never done so consciously before, but he was worried that if he did so, and they needed his strength later, he would be unable to grow without first giving into the rage again, and with Charles unconscious, he wasn’t about to take the chance he wouldn’t be able to break free again.

During all of this, Dr. Zorbino had checked out both Charles and Paul and revealed that they were both going to be fine, much to everyone’s relief, Andrew’s most of all, and that they would wake up when they were ready.

Conversation followed, and it was decided that Andrew would scout ahead, and carry both Charles and Paul, as he could do so without straining himself. He had retrieved the axe first, and carried it strapped to his back.

Charles ended his musings as he hugged Cadi – she and the rest of their party had just arrived. He assured her he was alright, just very tired both mentally and physically. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Paul had reunited with his two friends. Todd’s expression was that of respect, while Sarah could only look at her friend with wonder written all over her face.

“I think we should make camp here,” Marcos announced once everyone had gotten over their greetings.

“For once, we’re in complete agreement,” Charles replied. “I feel like I could sleep for a week.”

The Transportation Moderator just smirked and then turned to Andrew. “Do you have anything to report about what you saw when you were scouting?”

The giant of a man crouched down on his heels. He was still much taller than anyone else, but he could speak in a lower voice than normal. “Actually, yes. I saw creatures of all shapes and sizes, even one or two as large or larger than the one we fought back there. They all seem to be running away from something – or perhaps towards something.”

“I’m thinking that the creature that attacked us didn’t do so maliciously, but simply because we were in the way, and it felt it could get through us without dying. Everything I’ve read, and Marcos and the others have said tells me that very few of the creatures in this part of the Spirit World will actively attack anything or anyone else.”

“That tells me that whatever it is that’s pushing them all this way, has frightened them so much, that they’re willing to go against their natures just to get away.”

“It’s the storm,” Todd said and all eyes turned to him. But he shook his head. “I don’t know what it is exactly, but I can still feel that a storm is coming.”

“Alright, so where is this ‘storm’ pushing them, then?” Cadi asked, speaking for the first time since making sure Charles was alright.

Andrew shrugged. “This is my first time in the Spirit World. I can only tell you that they’re all running in the same direction we’re going. Unless there’s something else in that direction that I don’t know about, it has to be the Shadowlands.”

Marcos shook his head. “That doesn’t make any sense. The entity that rules in there would never allow this to happen – would never allow this many of the Spirit World denizens to crossover. He is very careful of his borders, and usually given the characteristics of the place, he’s more careful than he needs to be.”

His words were only met with confusion, but he continued on. “He is a being of immense power. The only thing I can think of that would make all this happen…”

He stopped and his eyes widened in what Charles could only figure was shock. “Alright fine. Although it’s going to be mostly useless, and I’m just going to have to repeat myself to all of you except Todd once we cross over, I think it’s time I talk about what I know of the Shadowlands.”

[linpixie]

Oh goody, answer one question and give me 5 more. sheesh!

You're good.

[Solar]

Thanks FC, I always enjoy reading this!