I squinted my eyes in a strange land. Fifteen years had passed, and yet the place was nostalgic.

The sky was a pastel blue, and white puffy objects flowed in it. Around me were trees with green leaves and flowers of all shades. The smell of weeds flooded my nostrils and a gentle breeze swept through my hair. A bright object-- even brighter than the blood moon-- lit the sky and placed a gentle touch of warmth onto my body.

Echo gestured to the alien planet around us. "This is where I grew up."

A smile covered my face ear to ear. "It's wonderful!"

"I enjoy it too," Echo said.

"Isn't it nice to actually be in this ozone again?" Arvin asked.

"I'm happy we're out of that creepy forest!" Cora said.

"The oxygen levels in the other realm were not doing well with my asthma and allergy problems. This place sustains my life force much better," Arvin said.

Archer sighed. "Lighten up on the science terms, man! I can feel Raven's knockers getting stiff..."

I cursed under my breath. "Sicko..."

"At least it isn't cold any more," the little boy said.

"Where to?" Éclair asked.

Everyone looked to Echo for guidance.

"We'll wait," he said.

"Can't we just get back to civilization and start over?" Jordan asked.

"We can't leave Dusk behind. He distracted the assassin to save us," Echo said.

I nodded. "He's right."

"We can figure out where we are too," Echo said.

"You don't know where we are?"

"I didn't grow up here. I first traveled to cities with Melinda."

"We're in Aria," Cora wagered

"How do you know that?" Éclair asked.

Cora pointed into the distance. "There's the castle. Sugarcakes and candy... they've got some new tech!"

A castle in the distance barely came into view. Surrounding it was a semi-clear barrier.

"That's my grandfather's tech," Arvin said.

Echo pointed to the castle. "That's where my other friends are."

"Think they'll be surprised to see you?" I asked.

Echo nodded. "But we shouldn't go without Dusk"

"What if it's the assassin comes through?" Archer asked.

"I doubt that," Cora said.

We waited for a few minutes, thinking of Dusk. If he couldn't beat the assassin, no one could. Echo and I used sticks to draw in the dirt when a cracking noise filled the air.

Someone stepped through the portal. Cora tapped Echo's shoulder. Dusk made it, smiling with confidence. The portal door closed behind him, shriveling into nothing.

"You made it!" Echo patted Dusk's back, ecstatic to see his friend..

"Was it hard?" Cora asked with concern.

"He could only change into animals. I'm just glad you're okay," Dusk said.

"Do you need your medicine or...?" Echo asked.

Dusk spoke, "I have everything under control, but thanks for the offer."

"Thanks for saving us," I said.

"What's next on our agenda?" Dusk asked.

Echo sighed. "I need to train before talking to Melinda. She won't understand anything going on."

"I hope Zolona's okay..." Cora said.

"We can go back and get her once we get stronger," Dusk said.

I nodded. "Exactly."

"What are we doing first for training?" Dusk asked.

"I thought you picked," I said.

"I'm taking suggestions," Dusk said.

"Can you train Echo while I talk to Cora?" I asked.

Echo smiled. "Sounds like a plan."

He walked off with Dusk.

"What will we do?" Jordan asked.

"You and Archer can train some. Arvin, Éclair, and the rest can find food," I said.

"Got it, Love," Archer went to tell the others.

Cora and I were alone.

"What is it?" Cora asked.

I took a deep breath out. "Back in the Forest of Unknown Darkness, Dusk told me I was addicted to something."

"To what? Or should I say who..."

"You knew?"

"Don't be silly, Raven. Of course I know you have a crush on Echo! The way you look at him is adorable."

"Thanks?"

"It's a good thing Raven..." Cora laughed. "Or is it Kaira?"

"The only reason I didn't like Raven was because I connected with it. Raven means more to me than Kaira."

"That's Echo's nickname for you too. It's great that you're beginning to like it."

"It's just... I don't know what to do. It seems Echo has his sights set on you. You're the girl he deserves."

"Me?" Cora's jaw dropped. "How could you say that? You're smart, beautiful, magical, confident, caring, a little rebellious, alert, adventurous, encouraging, but I'll admit you're stubborn when you want to be."

"Oh really?" I asked.

"So what do you like about him?"

"He's caring, optimistic, easy to get along with, agreeable, attentive, brave, smart, lively, loving, creative, thoughtful, but also indecisive and too trustworthy of others."

"You're terrible dancers."

"Dancing with him felt like flying, no matter how many blisters I have."

"You've got that right."

"I just don't know. I'm new to all of this. What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

"Knowing the glances that he gives you when you look at each other, it's off to a great start."

"We're best friends..."

"He's more than that to you," Cora smiled.

"Dusk knows..."

"I know. Promise had him tell me."

"She did?"

"Why else talk to us instead of you?"

"I got my complete set of memories back, which is great, but Echo would've given up his for me."

"You share that connection too. If you like, you can train with Echo and I can talk to Dusk."

I hugged her. "That will be great, Cora. Thank you."

"Just look at them fighting. Dusk's really teaching Echo well, isn't he? I mean, sure, Echo's not nearly as good, but at least he's trying..."

She and I looked their direction. They fought with two sticks.

"Keep your eyes focused. You can't get distracted," Dusk said.

"I know," Echo smiled.

Dusk knocked Echo to the ground, and Echo blocked him with his stick. It was a good move-- one I wished Zolona could see. Dusk kicked Echo's side and caused him to drop his weapon, placing his stick to Echo's throat.

Dusk raised an eyebrow. "You're getting better."

"Thanks," Echo said.

I smiled. Maybe if I got to train with Echo, I could find out if he just saw us as best friends. To me, he was everything. He was someone I could share all of my secrets to.

People perceived him as a weakling; I saw a young man. I didn't like when anyone did anything wrong, but his clumsiness and imperfections were amazing. To me, he was perfect. I strived to be like that.

Echo wouldn't want that though. He'd want me to be unique rather than something that I wasn't. Looking at him fighting Dusk, I could only imagine what I'd do if I got everything to work out. I'd have a glimmer of hope to cling to. He was an amazing person, a good person. I could only dream of us being together. He wouldn't think of me the same.