The sound of footsteps echoed in a dark chamber. A blazing torch illuminated the nearby surroundings. Five faint figures jogged briskly together while a sixth carried a child in their arms.

Opening his eyes, Eary was confused by the situation. He had been jostled from his sleep. They seemed to be guards from his father’s forces. Where they were bringing him, however, he did not know.

The band of seven made their way through tunnels and sewers. Eary was to afraid to speak. He didn’t even know the name of the man carrying him. He didn’t know very many people and all this commotion frightened the child. Pulling the hood of his cloak over his eyes, he hid from the strangers.

After holding on to the stranger for what felt Luke eternity, the bumpy ride came to a stop. The man set him down. Nervously, he pulled the hood from his eyes.

Standing there was the priest from the temple. Eary was elated. He not only recognized him, he’d always wanted to meet him. Instinctively, he ran to the priest who was busy talking with the men who carried him.

Impatiently, he began to pace around the priest’s robes. That was until he came face to face with a starteling sight. Another child. He was his age, but human. His dark hair and eyes proved it. Eary took another peek. He gasped. Could it be the boy from his window?

Peeking his head back around the priest’s robes, he came face to face with the boy. He waived his hand and spoke in some strange tongue. None the less, he waived back.

The priest, his six companions, Eary and the priest’s son made their way through the temple complex.

Large vaulted archways accented by foliage over took the spacious area. Large floating copper platforms floated up and up and up. They swirled around a grand ancient tree that was the temple’s center piece. Different levels ascended endlessly up a large cylindrical structure that encased the tree. Tremendous light reached the depths of the cavernous temple. Enough for life to flourish in abundance.

Eary was led to one of the floating platforms. The boy kept him calm as he revealed a simple rope from his pocket. It was worn and tied in a loop. The boy showed Eary a series of games with the rope and their fingers. The two giggled in the same language. He was so caught up he nearly missed the sight. They had ascended into the canopy of the tree. It large branches stretched on forever. Shining in those branches were large iridescent golden fruit. The power of which could be felt by even young Eary.

The platform stopped and the group continued down another path. This time, they ended up in a small quarters. Small arched window illuminated the small home of the priest and his family. It’s cozy feel made Eary feel right at home as the boy led him to his room.

It was very small. Merely big enough for a small bed and two small boys. Eary looked around and waited with anticipation. The boy removed a small box from under his bed. He opened the lid and removed a small round blue ball from the case. The boy put it in his mouth and instructed Eary to do the same.

He looked at the ball suspiciously. Taking a deep breath he complied with his new friend’s request. To his surprise, it was delicious. Swirls a flavors from his favorite fruit filled his mouth as the two smiled at each other.

*BZZT!* *BZZT!*

The alarm aroused Eary from his sleep. Another dream. He crawled over from the bed and searched through his closet. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he grabbed a blue hoodie and jeans. As he dressed a faint sparkle caught his eye. The pendant that Decan had given him for Christmas lay discarded on the nightstand. Picking up the trinket he examined it meticulously. He remembered the joy he felt when he received it from Decan. A tear fell down his cheek as he placed the locket back to its resting place.

It was Saturday, yet again. At least he decided to destroy his life on a Friday, he thought. He dreaded facing the others. Apprehensively, he walked into the kitchen. Calvin and Mei were talking over breakfast. He took a deep breath and approached.

“Hey guys,” Eary said as he took a seat next to Mei.

“Eary…hi,” Mei replied with a nervous smile.

Calvin did little to hide his displeasure. Setting down his cutlery hard he sprang from his seat and gestured for Mei to join him.

“Okay, why won’t you talk to me Cal?”

Calvin’s face was blank. His eyes showed nothing of anger, but of disappointment.

“I don’t know, man,” Calvin exclaimed in frustration. “You cheated on one of my best friends with one of his best friends. That’s pretty fucked up Eary. Not to mention you lied to my face about it,” Calvin said as his frustration grew. “No, we’re not friends.”

He turned and stormed off before Eary could respond. Mei halted his attempts to pursue him. She apologized before she ran off to join him.

Eary hung his head low. They weren’t friends anymore? Was everyone like that now? Their adventures, their bond. How could they be so easily dismissed? The feeling of being a pariah taunted him. That was until a familiar voice broke his trance.

“What’s got you down, love,” Denby asked as he prepared a pan of scrambled eggs.

“Oh Denby, didn’t you here? I broke up the band,” Eary whined as he dropped his head on the counter.

“I heard you messed around with that Ephraim kid and Decan’s really pissed ‘bout it.”

“Does everyone hate me?”

“No. I don’t hate you. Sounds like me when I was our age.” Denby said reassuringly.

Was he really like Denby? Was he destined to attack every guy he meets with unwanted and unsolicited flirtation?

“Oh my god,” Eary whined as the thought pinged through his mind.

“Now don’t be like that, love,” Denby said.

He removed the eggs from the heat and move around the counter. Grabbing Eary he caressed his hair softly.

“What is it, love? You can tell me. I’m here to listen.” He said, his British charm dripping from each word.

“I can’t be like you, Denby. I just can’t.” Eary said frantically.

“Why’s that,”

“Alice says you’re a fuck boy. I can’t be a fuck boy, Denby. I just can’t.”

Denby pulled his head back. He looked Eary dead in the eyes.

“She told you what?” Denby replied angrily.

“That you were someone that would have sex with anyone.” Eary said with eyes wide.

“Look, its been like five people. Three girls, two guys. I ain’t a fuck boy, Earhart.”

Denby returned to his eggs. His focus clearly disturbed by the information.

“I’m sorry. I guess that’s not a lot.” Eary said, trying to console him.

Denby laughed. He shook his head as he continued to scramble the eggs.

“You know, you don’t know me.” Denby stated in annoyance .

“Yeah I do, I…”

“No. You all still treat me like an outsider. I try with Luke and Sakile. I try with Alice. I try with you. Yet, I ain’t close to any of you. Now I guess I know why. I’m a joke.”

He tossed the pan in the sink before storming off. Eary winced at the idea of another person being mad at him. He was losing friends by the second. Getting up from his stool, he bravely made his way to the living room.

Sitting there, Decan and Josh were joined by Calvin and Mei. Luke and Alice shared the love seat and we’re quick to welcome him warmly.


He felt his soul sink onto his feet. They had a life of their own as they swiftly found the armchair. Taking a seat, he began to relax a little.

“Are you being serious right now,” Decan’s voice rang out in insulted pain.

Eary shrunk in his seat. His lips unavailable for words. Luke and Alice defended his right to the living room. They were quickly corrected.

“He’s wearing Ephraim’s school hoodie,” Josh exclaimed in anger.

Eary looked down. Black marker and scribbled signatures covered the faded blue fabric.

“Shit,” Eary thought.

“Bitch, what the fuck. You’re on your own now. I can’t help you,” Alice’s voice rang in his mind.

His speechless eyes grazed through the field of shocked faces.

“I’m sorry! It was an accident. I thought it was one of mine. I’ll take it off, it’s fine, I’m sorry.”

He quickly removed the garment and cast it aside. A unanimous gasp fell across the small crowd.

“Oh my god, it was better before,” Alice’s voice rang in his head.

“What? Why,” Eary thought back.

“Ephraim gave you a large hickie. I means it’s fuck huge. How did you miss that?” Alice thought as she chuckled across the room.

Eary instinctively pressed his hand to his neck. Blue light erupted and cleared away the visible evidence. But it was too late. The three friends stormed from the room, leaving Mei behind.

“Eary! Can you please show a little tact?” Mei groaned.

Luke and Alice erupted in laughter. They braced each other up as their laughter consumed them.

“What’s so funny,” Eary said in horror.

“You’re so bad at this. It’s fucking funny,” Alice squealed through her gasps.

“Alright, alright, alright.” Luke said as he tried to control his laughter. “I’ll talk to Sakile about Calvin and Dad about Josh.”

Eary nodded as his bleak existence dawned on him. He lost everything obtaining something he used to want. He had loved him forever. But he had grown. He had built a whole kingdom, only to burn it down.

“Knock it off,” Alice’s voice range in his head.

“Can’t I pout in my own head? I’ve been through enough shit recently,” Eary replied.

“Uh-uh. You’ve caused a lot of shit recently. You’re just not used to the consequences of an adult decision.” Alice replied smugly.

She sprang to her feet. Gesturing to Mei, she commanded,

“C’mon, let’s do something!”

Mei shook her head.

“I’d love to, but I don’t want to upset Calvin. I should support him.” Mei said softly as she rose from her seat.

“Bitch, sit you’re ass down,” Alice ordered, pointing to Mei.

Mei swiftly retook her seat. Her face filled terrified surprise. 

“What about you? He’s like you’re best friend here. You’re supposed to ditch him because your boyfriend has a problem with that? Hello no,” Alice said passionately.

The moment was broken by the arrival of Ephraim. He sported a blue, white and pink plaid tucked neatly into his jeans. He smiled shyly at Eary before taking his seat.

“Why are you shirtless,” He asked.

“Huh, oh well I…” Eary replied nervously.

He quickly grabbed the hoodie from the floor and swiftly put it on. Ephraim chuckled.

“Nice.”

Eary sighed at the serendipity. The familiar signatures criss-crossed him once more. Ephraim beamed as he reached for the remote.

“Alice, I really shouldn’t…” Mei whispered.

“No, no, I get it,” Alice replied as she watched Eary and Ephraim’s lustful glances.

Mei headed off in search of Calvin. Her quick departure reflecting Eary’s audacity.

“I guess it’s just the four of us then. Luke, got any ideas,” Alice said in a sigh.

“I can’t,  I’m working with Beverly today in Bright Hope.” He said as he sprang up.

“What? You don’t even need that girl. You’re super fine on your own,” Alice said.

“Well thank you for the vote of confidence, but I have a long way to go.” Luke replied with a smirk.

“Just skip it,” Alice whined.

“I can’t. You three have fun though,” Luke replied as he also left.

Eary felt a mix of despair and excitement. Everyone hated him, sure. But Ephraim was very cute today. So his apprehension and shame began to fade away. He couldn’t wait for what Mote had to say about all this. Mote!

“Has anyone seen Mote? I haven’t seen him since the night Luke showed us his inventions.” Eary stated.

“Mote’s missing again? I smell an adventure. You up for it Bennett,” Alice said.

“That sounds great actually,” Ephraim replied enthusiastically.

He smiled over to Eary. His brown eyes milked heart for the answer they sought.

“I would love for you to come, Eph.” Eary replied.

The two smiled. Their eyes stared into the others soul. As if it was the first time a thousand times over.

“Okay…then it settled.” Alice awkwardly said.

The three held hand and thought of the moteling. Suddenly the smell of crisp air and fabric softener filled his lungs. Opening his eyes, Eary found himself in front of the pearly gates once more.

“Why are we in heaven again?” Eary said in confusion.

“Heaven?  Where in heaven? Are you serious right now,” Ephraim said in disbelief.

“I don’t know. Let’s look around,” Alice replied.

The two examined the outside structure. Although, thinking of Mote brought them here, he was no where to be found.

“Guys, are we dead,” Ephraim shrieked.

“Sorry, no Ephraim. It’s just heaven,” Eary replied bluntly.

“Yeah, it not like it’s a big deal or anything.” Alice said.

Eary peaked his head off the ledge. Staring down the long stretch of cloud, he noticed a strange and new structure.

“I think I found him, follow me.” Eary stated.

He scaled the edge of the gate. The abyss below tugged gently at him as he maneuvered himself into place.

“Ephraim, take my hand,” he called out.

Ephraim nervously made his way to the clouds edge. He gazed down. The swirling abyss of fire and darkness began to pull at him. Eary swiftly pulled him over by the collar.

“Careful. That’s hell down there. It’ll try to suck you in,” Eary explained as he began to scale to the other side.

“What? Are you insane? I can feel it pulling me in. Oh god! Oh god! Eary!”

Ephraim began to scream uncontrollably as the vortex pulled at him stronger and stronger.

“Move!”

Ephraim flung through the air and landed safely on a cloud. A purple mist shrouding his launch position. Alice soon emerged and regrouped with pair.

She smiled and laughed awkwardly as Ephraim shook in horror.

“Hey, you lived. Congratulations,” Alice said as she headed towards the structure.

Eary help him to his feet. They followed slowly behind. Ephraim too shook up to keep pace.

“Why are we doing this Eary,” Ephraim asked as his teeth chattered from the fear.

“To…see what Mote is up to.” He replied.

Ephraim shook his head in anxiety as the two caught up with Alice.

“The Wayward Spirit,” Alice said.

A small white board was duct taped to the blue tarp wall of the hovel. Refrigerator magnets spelled out the illustrious establishment’s name. While zip-ties, duct tape and yard tools made up its frame. Different colored tarps amassed in different piles, made it a ‘dwelling’.

“I guess we found him,” Eary said flatly.

The three pulled back the overlapping tarp door. Inside, his parents tables from last year’s garage sale, played host to several phantoms. They seemed to be drinking and eating what looked to be rotisserie chicken. Behind the bar, made up of three 2×4s and three piles of cinder blocks, was Mote.

He was speaking to a specter when the trio caught his eye. In a trail of blue, he quickly greeted his friends.

“Welcome to The Wayward Spirit! I’m the owner of this fine establishment. I assume you have a reservation?”

Ephraim was taken aback. His eyes grew wide with wonder while his jaw dropped.

“I can hear him.”

Eary smiled at the sight. He was always so cute when he experienced new things and hearing Mote might make him feel more welcome. However, the moteling was clearly up to something. With Eph around, he had to be on his guard.

“Mote, I’m not playing this game. What is this place? God’s gonna be p.oed when they find out.” Eary said.

“Hmmm, nope! I don’t see a reservation for a little bitch anywhere on here,” Mote replied, checking his invisible register.

“How about an Alice Pickering?”

“Why yes Miss Pickerin’, you’re certainly on the list. Please have a seat at the bar.” Mote replied.

He glared at Eary. Firm in his character.

“Ephraim Bennett?”

“I do believe I see an Ephraim Benson. Would that be you,” Mote asked with a sneer.

Ephraim nodded as he beamed ear to ear. He was then directed to the bar as well. Now only Eary and Mote remained. The two stared each other down, refusing to give in. But Eary missed breakfast and Mote was a good cook.

“Eary Olson?”

“Hmmm, nope. No Earys. I do see a Gary Oldson. Would that be you,” Mote inquired.

“Yeah, fine, that’s me.” Eary replied in annoyance.

A cell phone’s muffled ringing could be heard faintly.

“Could ya excuse me for a moment,” Mote asked as he removed a cell phone from his moteling pocket.

Eary scoffed in annoyance. He could clearly see Ephraim and Alice giggling at the moteling’s mischief at his expense.

“I’m sorry, sir. There must be some kind of mistake. That was Mr. Oldson on the phone confirmin’ his reservation. I’m gonna need to see some identification,” Mote stated.

“I’m sorry! I’ll play along next time,” Eary said.

“Ya better! Now get over here. I’m gonna show ya the finest establishment in town.” Mote replied.

The moteling hurried over behind the bar. A series of liquors were lined up on the floor, while cups and glasses of differing styles and colors filled the patron’s hands. The wafting smell of pizza and chicken filled the air causing Eary’s mouth to water.

“Mote, I’m starving. What do you got to eat around here,” he asked.

Mote flew under the bar. He quickly emerged holding three menus. They were simply the cut off lids of boxes with crayon dictating the choices; Fried Chicken, Pizza (assortment), Mozzarella Sticks (out of stock), Sandwiches (assortment), Pizza Rolls (out of stock), Pickles, Nuts

“I would like a pizza. Ah, what’s non-alcohol around here,” Eary said.

“You three,” Mote replied as the whole bar erupted into laughter. “Sure thing, kid. I’ll toss ya a soda on, how’s that?”

“Great, thank you,” Eary replied handing his menu to Mote.

The little moteling flew off and hollered the order in back. He returned to his friends. Resting his little elbows on the bar and asked;

“So what brings ya kids today?”

“I haven’t seen you in awhile Mote. I was getting worried,” Eary said.

“Well aren’t ya sweet. Nah, I’m just passin’ time. Had a great business idea, so I had to roll with it.” Mote replied.

“Isn’t this where you and the other motelings will end up if earth is destroyed,” Alice asked.

“Uh well…” Mote replied.

A burst of blue light flew out carrying Eary’s pizza and soda. It was piping hot and smelled amazing. It’s topping were a bit unusual, but knowing Mote it had to be an improvement. He grabbed a slice and sank in his teeth. It was delicious. The flavor combination knocked Eary back.

“Oh wow, Mote. This has to be the best pizza I’ve ever had, hands down.” Eary said, still chewing.

“Thanks, kid. Now, here’s your bill. I’ll just put it right there.” Mote replied as he stashed a small note under the pizza board.

Eary picked up and examined the note.

“$150! Are you serious,” Eary erupted.

Mote nodded. He examine the note for closer inspection.

“Is there a problem, sir?”

“How could this be $150?”

“This is the finest establishment in town, sir.” Mote replied sliding the bill back to Eary.

“We’re in heaven and this place is made of tarps,” Eary exclaimed still woofing down the pizza.

“I’m sorry, sir, but we are located outside the gates of heaven. In the kingdom of Motetopia.” Mote replied.

“Look, its fine Eary. Mote just use my card,” Alice said, flashing her platinum.

“This is a cash only establishment, madam,” Mote said, staring Alice down.

“Congratulations Eary, you found Mote, and clearly he wants you for something. So Ephraim and I are getting out of here before he over charges us too. C’mon Eph.” Alice said as she and Ephraim rose from their seats.

“You’re just going to leave me here?” Eary whined.

“I’m gonna get ready for the raid on Sasha’s lab tonight…” Alice replied.

“That’s tonight,” Eary exclaimed.

Alice nodded as she headed to the entrance. Ephraim stood by nervously. He seemed to be contemplating frantically in his head. A moment later he plopped back down in the stool.

“I’ll stay here and help Mote and Eary,” he stated with shaky confidence.

Eary smiled at the gesture. It wasn’t fighting the forces of darkness but it was brave. A simple fish out of water chasing a dream. Ephraim had always been a bit of a romantic. Always using video games and comic books to escape. It was a shared bond with Eary’s reading. The ‘miracle’ and this new secret world combined…must have been heart breaking to think he missed the boat. But he always tried. Even when they weren’t best friends, he still tried. So Eary was not surprised by his choice to stay.

“That’s super kind of ya, Eph,” Mote said. “It’s a good thing too. With Eary’s little arms, he’d take forever workin’ off that bill.”

Mote flew in the back and waived the two in.

“Get a move on yous two. Got a ton of work with your names on it,” Mote hollered.

“Well you two boys have fun. I’m going to get my hair done. Chao bitches,”

Eary and Ephraim gazed at each other in apprehensive excitement. Eary had never had him on a real adventure yet. Porting was fun, but with Mote involved, it was bound to be magical.

Inside the backroom, the two saw Mote scrambling frantically. He pulled a pizza off a pizzazz, and tossed some chicken in the small deep fryer.

“Well, what ya waitin’ for, an invitation? Get over here and help me,” Mote hollered as he dashed around the tiny kitchen.

The two began to set up slices on individual plates. Mote, on the other hand, flung them out using some kind of moteling telekinesis.

The trio took a brief respite after fiasco, only to have the alarm ring again. Once again, they hurriedly made up plates while Mote ‘served’ them. Catching their breath, Eary asked;

“Why don’t you summon the moteling’s to help you?”

“Anu can’t find out ‘bout this, she’d kill me,” Mote wheezed. “Besides, I got great friends like yous two.”

“What do you need me to do,” Eary groaned.

“I just need some help in the kitchen. Oh, and peel some potatoes, cut ‘em up and throw them in the deep fryer. I’ll add fries to the menu then,” Mote replied.

“Is this where all the pizzas went,” Ephraim asked as he examined the trash can.

“And what of it, huh? I’m a member of this house hold too and I am entitled to the food in the fridge,” Mote protested.

“You’re selling our food for cash now? That’s a step up for you.” Eary said.

“I’m workin’ for everyone. Like I said, I got a great business idea.” Mote replied.

“What kind of business,” Ephraim asked, eager to be involved.

“Pot,” Mote said with a twinkle in his eye. “Maryjane, cannabis, the chronic. I’m talkin’ about makin’ some real mother fuckin’ money.” Mote announced. “I'll have my tribe begin a mass growing operation. I’ll order ‘em to. Then I’ll sell it all off and live like the king that I am.”

“Mote, pot is pretty much legal in most places.” Ephraim said breaking the mood.

“I know that. That’s why I’ll start by having my scouts take to the streets in places it’s hard to come by. Next, I’ll take the money and establish a franchise, maybe outta Bright Hope. I got the idea while we’s was in Colorado after all.”

Eary sighed and shook his head in disapproval.

“So you want to enslave your people to grow illegal drugs. Then distribute them to places where it is outlawed. In an attempt to live a grander life style for yourself.” Eary stated in annoyance.

“Chill captain buzz kill, it’s just pot, sheesh,” Mote exclaimed. “I ain’t gettin’ into anything harder, and shame on you Eary for suggestin’ it. My God, we’re in heaven, kid.”

Mote buzzed off to the tarp door. Before leaving he announced;

“If any angels or Claris show up, this is your place. Got it, kid?”

Mote swiftly exited in a burst of blue. Eary’s jaw dropped to the floor. Ephraim approached and stood next to him.

“Is he Satan? I mean, pretty much all you guy’s stories about him kinda sound like it.” Ephraim said staring in disbelief at Mote’s gaul.

“You know, I’ve never said so but have often suspected as much,” Eary replied.

The two began by taking control of the kitchen. Eary was on fryer and pizzazz duty, while Ephraim peeled and chopped at the potatoes.

It was nice. They always made a great team. Even when they were little. They rarely fought and took duties equally. He had missed this. The two were laughing and reminiscing while taking a quick break. In the midst of the conversation Ephraim accidentally placed his hand over his. Their eyes met. A moment later the two had disregarded their tasks. In a fit of passion they were recreating their moment from the bathroom. The endless beeping of the alarms alerted the moteling to the back.

“Bahh, What the hell! I got food back here, sheesh.” Mote exclaimed.

He quickly removed and discarded the burnt pizza and blackened chicken. He grumbled the entire time, paying no respect to the two frozen lovers. Before returning to the bar, he said;

“Good for you kid! Decan's gonna be devastated though.”

He disappeared out of the small kitchen, leaving Eary alone with Ephraim and his thoughts.

The idea of hurting Decan didn’t sit well with him. Neither did it sit well to hurt Ephraim. He was a wash with emotions, his mind far away. Ephraim, on the other hand, lost little excitement by the moteling’s visit. Carrying on, his face buried in Eary’s neck.

Afterwards, they swiftly dressed. Eary said little, despite Ephraim’s many attempts. In an attempt appease his distant lover, Ephraim insisted on completing the tasks while Eary took a rest.

An awkward aura loomed in the air. Eary had a hard time expressing his feelings. It had always been the biggest fear of his. Now, however, they were manifesting all over the place for Eary. So expression had to come. He bravely opened his mouth and said;

“I feel terrible about Decan and I still care for him.”

Ephraim turned and looked him in the eye. He gave a faint smile, lips curled in. He said;

“I know. You should…I should. We did something unkind to others.”

He moved across the room. Each step resonating a new energy in him. It was if he had grown up incredibly fast. His arm wrapped around him and pulled him close. A feeling of warmth and safety washed over him. A couple more emotions joined the party. Familiarity and guilt.

Images and scents of Decan flashed before his closed eyes. No matter how tight Ephraim squeezed, he could not dispel his conscious.

Ephraim reached in his back pocket. His hand clenched in a fist, he held it out to Eary.

“Open,” he whispered.

Eary opened his hand. Ephraim opened his. Down fell a multicolored rope. It’s ends were joined in a continuous loop.

“I got it at the school store. It helps me when I got a lot on my mind.” Ephraim said.

Eary dropped the thin rope in disbelief. His dream. The boy. He stared deeply into Ephraim’s eyes. Searching, he tried to recall the boy’s features.

They did look a bit a like, he thought as he examined his face. Could Ephraim be connected to this somehow? If he was also there in the past and Decan wasn’t, it could mean something, he thought.

The faint smile and concerned brow of Ephraim, gave little to the imagination on his thoughts. Eary grabbed him and pulled him close. The confused young man accepted and held him back. Tears began to roll down Eary’s eyes.

He felt a sense of validation from the moment. Validation sorely needed. Maybe Ephraim was right. Maybe they did belong together.