TGoF Chapter 2

I was falling. Falling off of a boat. I felt like I was frozen. My back hit the stormy waters and I began to sink. I didn't move, I couldn't. I just stared blankly up at the night sky through the dark water. A dark shape started coming towards me, picking up speed as I sunk deeper. It grabbed my wrist and started to pull me upwards. As we hit the surface I realized it as Kyden.

"Are you ok?" He asked with concern. I nodded and we swam over to where Keb and Ana were holding onto a large peice of drift wood. We grabbed on so we didn't tire out from swimming.

We were silent for a moment before Ana spoke up, "Now what?" I looked the ship was too far off it catch up to already.

"We could swim to that island. Maybe it's a part of Hawaii. We were headed there," Keb suggested, pointing to an island off into the distance.

"It's as good a plan as any," I said and the others nodded. We all began to kick, powering the driftwood forward. We were silent mostly. Some waves crashed into our faces, but for the most part the water had calmed down.

"Can we... Take a... Break?" Ana wheezed out. We'd been swimming for fifteen minutes straight. We all gladly stopped and just floated while hanging onto the driftwood.

"I know this isn't probably the best time but I have something to tell you guys... Well, more like show you," Kyden blurted out. We all turned our attention towards him, he looked really nervous and slightly uncomfortable.

"You don't have to be so nervous. We're your friends and fellow castaways," I said in an effort to be comforting. Keb and Ana agreed with me.

"This isn't my real eye color," He said, "They're contacts." Keb furrowed his eyebrows.

"No big deal. What's your real eye color?" Keb asked.

"That's the thing. Here, lemme show you," Kyden responded. He took out his contacts facing away from us. When he turned around I couldn't help but gasped. His eyes were a striking bright red, with flecks of a darker blood red in them. "Is it that bad?"

"Umm... It's certainly... Different?" Ana stated, sounding unsure of her words. I nodded.

Then Keb Joined in saying, "Why are your eyes that color?" Kyden just shrugged in response.

"No big deal, we won't look at you any differently, right guys? It's just your eye color," I said to make him feel better. The others nodded.

After another moment of comfortable silence Kyden spoke up, "We should probably start swimming again." I murmured an agreement and we began to kick again. We were slowly making progress, the fifteen minutes got us about a sixth of the way there.

We swam on and off for the rest of the day. Keb had a waterproof watch on, we fell off of the boat at approximately twelve in the morning. By the time we arrived at the island it was four in the morning.

"What a wonderful way to spend our birthdays," Keb grumbled. Ana, Kyden, and I all looked at him.

"You were born today too? We all were," Ana told him, gesturing to us.

"Oh, cool." That was the end of that. We walked up onto the shore of the island collapsed onto the sand. I laid down on my back, looking up at the morning sky.

I shut my eyes and rested for a moment but sat back up while we decided what to do next. We sat in a small circle. My back was to the ocean, Keb was across from me, Ana was to my left, and Kyden was to my right.

Keb was the first to speak, "Now what do think we should do?" We were silent as we thought. I looked at the island, right over Keb's shoulders, when I saw something I couldn't believe we missed.

"We could head up to that castle that we missed because of the fog," I suggested nonchalantly. They all turned to see what I was talking about.

There was a gravel path with small stones on either side leading up a small slope to the large palace. It was a beautiful white with blue roofs and towers. It was just overall amazing. "It's so...grandiose," I murmured as we walked up the path. I glanced at Keb's watch, it was 4:50.

Kyden knocked on the door. It was already slightly open. We all looked at each other before taking a step inside. We stepped into what was a short hallways. We all walked down it until we entered the room at the end. It was a grand foyer or really more like a throne room.

There were five thrones. The first one was gold with rubies all over it in ornate designs resembling flames, with a large ruby flame above the head. The next throne was also gold but instead of rubies had sapphires, with designs resembling waves and a large sapphire wave above the head. The throne in the center sat a little taller and was a bit more grand than the others. It was gold too, but this one had all different gems on it. They depicted scenes of nature with animals and plants, sprinkled with amethysts and a large amethyst above the head which was a heart. The next throne was gold with diamonds depicting the wind, and a diamond swirl above the head. The last throne was gold with emeralds depicting the earth and above the head was the earth. It was breathtaking.

"Hello Kyden, Cascata, Solana, and Keb. I've been waiting for you," a lady said who I hadn't noticed. She sat in the middle throne. She was beautiful. She had pale, flawless skin, defined features, a perfect body and face, and long black hair that cascaded down her back in gentle waves. The most striking thing about her were her eyes. They were bright purple, just like the gems that decorated the throne she was sitting on.

"How do you know us?" Ana asked. She smiled and came to stand in front of us. She had on a sleek and elegant light green dress that came to just above her ankles, making me notice she was barefoot.

"It's a very long story. How about we get you in some dry clothing and we can discuss it over a nice breakfast?" She asked. The four of us who had just swam here looked at each other and decided that that would be amazing. We told her and she began speaking again, "My name is Damia. If you'd just follow me I'll show you to your rooms. As I said, I've been expecting you."

We followed her through some more corridors and up a lot of stairs until we reached the top floor of the castle. A grand staircase spilled out onto an open sitting area with five doors and rooms behind them. Each door had a gemstone with the same symbol that was above the thrones in that order on the doors.

"The middle rooms mine, but the other rooms have been stocked with your favorite colors, things that you have or like at home. The blue one is Cascata's, the red one is Kyden's, the lighter blue is Solana's, and the green one is Keb's," Damia explained. We nodded and headed to our rooms.

I was amazed at how perfect the room was for me, but I focused on getting clothes. I grabbed skinny jeans and a nice light purple top. I also put on some really soft socks before going out to the sitting area. As quick as I was I was still the last one out.

"Does anyone know how to get back?" As soon as I asked that a dog came bounding up the steps, more like a wolf really. Ana stood on the couch in fright.

"Get that thing out of here!" She shrieked. I laughed as I made my way over to the dog.

"It's a Czechoslovakian Vlcak, a type of wolf-dog. Here it says his name is Vladimir," I informed them.

Kyden asked, "Why's he here?"

"To guide us," Keb said suddenly. We looked at him and he shrugged.

"As good as theory as any. Come on Ana, he won't bite," I said in an effort to be comforting.

Rolling her eyes she responded saying, "Thats what they all say." When we approached Vladimir he bounded down the steps with us close behind. He led us through hallways and down stairs until we reached a grandiose dining room.

"Thanks Vlad," Kyden said once we had reached the room where Damia was sitting at the head of the table expectantly. Vladimir suddenly barred his teeth and gave a vicious bark at Kyden, erupting a scream from Ana, before going and laying beside Damia's chair.

"He prefers to be called Vladimir. Vladimir means great ruler, while Vlad only means prince," Damia corrected. Kyden shook his head in understanding. "Oh! I had a breakfast of your favorite foods prepared."

We all took seats where our favorite foods are. Fruit salads, scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, and for me a plate of chocolate chip pancakes. "So, what did you have to explain?" Kyden asked, his mouth full of bacon. I kicked him under the table.

"Umm..." She faltered before saying, "You guys control the elements."

"Really?! That's awesome!" Keb exclaimed. I knew I'd always felt a pull to the water, maybe that's my element.

"You guys can live here with me, you've already seen your rooms, and I'll help train you to harness your powers." Damia added, "Are you in?"

I nodded my head, and then Kyden and slowly Keb and Ana agreed. Damia couldn't hold her excitement. "We're part of something called The Guild of Five. I trust you know your elements, as you've always felt a slight connection. I don't control the elements, I'm who you guys call Mother Nature actually," Damia continued to inform. I drank all if this information in as we ate breakfast. This would be an adventure.

"What will our parents think happened to us?" Ana suddenly asked.

"They'll simply think you've gone missing, runaways or falling overboard," Damia dismissed.

Kyden snorted, "They could think I'm dead for all I care." I had to remember to ask Kyden about this later.

"I'm fine with that, as long as Leo's taken care of," Keb added. Ana nodded and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Damia suddenly stood up and put two fingers in her mouth before letting out a shrill whistle. "I know you guys have met Vladimir and I decided you should meet the rest of the pack," Damia examined as wolves filed in the room. I recognized them as the same breed as Vladimir.

Damia told us their names and explained that Vladimir was the Alpha and that he had a Luna who was tending to their pups currently.

"What are we doing after breakfast?" Ana asked aloud.

Damia replied, "You guys can either get some rest, explore the grounds, head to the beach, play games, whatever you'd like."

"What if we get lost? Is there a map or something?" Keb asked.

"Mila!" Damia yelled before a wolf came in, speaking to the wolf she said, "Go get Katerina, Borka, and Danil." The wolf trotted off and returned with three others.

"What's going on?" Ana asked nervously.

"They will be your guides. They'll understand you and do as you say. Borka to Kyden, Danil to Keb, Katerina to Cascata, and Mila to Ana. Oh, I want to talk to you Ana. You guys are free to do whatever you want," Damia informed us. We nodded and all headed in separate directions with our wolves, except for Ana.

I thought about what to do and the decided on rest. "Katerina... Can I call you Katie?" She nodded like a human, "I'm gonna get some sleep, can you... Lead me to my room?" She nodded again and I followed her back to the room.

I closed the door and got changed into some pajamas for now before climbing into bed. Katie laid at the foot of my bed. "You can come up on the bed, Katie." She jumped up and I patted the spot next to me. She lay next to me as I pet her fur. "I always wanted a dog..." I murmured as I drifted to sleep.

When I woke up Katie was at the foot of my bed. I looked at the clock next to me, it was almost noon. I got up and made myself look presentable before changing into the clothes I ate breakfast in.

"Katie... Can you take me to Damia?" I asked, feeling a little silly talking to a dog. She nodded and led me through the castle to where Damia was in a greenhouse filled with plants.

She greeted me, "Hello, Cascata."

"Oh, it's Cassie. Did I happen to miss lunch?"

"No, are you hungry?"

"Not really. Thanks though," I finished before walking off with Katie at my side. "Wanna go to the beach?" I asked Katie. She nodded and led me there. Once I felt the sand between my toes I relaxed a little. Then, I got an idea.

I walked with Katie towards the castle while telling her my plan, "Let's get the gang come to the beach with us!" She nodded and let out a long howl. Soon we heard three replies and Katie trotted off with me behind her.

We gathered up the gang, finding them throughout the castle. They all agreed to the idea so we all went up to our rooms to change into swimsuits and grab things like towels and sunscreens. We met up at the front door.

We all were wearing something different. I was wearing a light purple one piece with light blue swirls that had an open back and tied in a bow behind my back. Kyden was wearing neon green swim trunks that showed off all of his muscles. Keb was wearing a black wet suit with dark blue accent. Lastly, Ana was wearing an aquamarine bikini with ruffles on top.

"I haven't been to the beach in forever," Kyden murmured as we stepped out on the sand.

Keb grinned from ear to ear, "Last one in the water has to be it in Marco Polo!" We all raced in the water. Kyden was the last one in.

"Ugh... Marco!" He shouted.

I laughed as we all replied, "Polo!" Ana was closest, causing Kyden to lunge for her. She squeaked and ran over to where Keb and I were laughing.

"Marco!"

"Polo!"

We continued to play, long after Kyden's turn, and until we got tired. I began to float on my back to relax a little, the waves rocking me.

"Cas?" Ana asked. I stood up and noticed the boys were on the beach with the dogs.

"Yeah?"

"Wanna head in for some snacks?"

"I think I'm gonna go get changed first then eat, go on without me." She nodded and we both headed to shore, walking towards the palace, all of us wrapped up in towels. I walked with Katie to my room. I looked at the clock and saw it was already past three o'clock. I changed into what I had eaten breakfast in before brushing my wet hair.

I was able to make my way to the kitchen with little help from Katie. Everybody else had eaten so I grabbed a snack and took it to my room. Katie and I sat on my bed as I ate an apple and she had a banana.

When we finished eating I examined my room a little more closely, finding games and puzzles in the closet, much like how I store my toys. I also found craft supplies stored around a huge craft table. Lastly, I saw what night have been my favorite part of the room. A reading alcove. It was tucked away in the corner if the room and had stuffed animals and a beanbag chair with a bookshelf, much like the one on the cruise.

I scanned my eyes over the books to see what I had. Mostly adventure and a few others which all intrigued me greatly.

"You like to read?" A voice that belonged to Kyden asked. I didn't jump, but instead turned around and nodded.

I grinned proudly, "I have a vocabulary a few grade levels ahead so reading feels like second nature."

He rolled his eyes, "Way to make me feel incompetent."

"Sorry," I blushed, "at least you used a big word like incompetent."

He mulled it over and nodded his head, "True. Anyways, I came in here... I can't remember why. Oh well." He walked out. As soon as he disappeared from view he came back on.

"Did you remember?" He nodded.

"Have you seen the outside grounds yet?" He asked. I shook my head. "Borka and I are going to go on a walk and were wondering if you and Katerina wanted to come?" I nodded my head and smiled.

"Come on Katie," I called while Kyden did the same to Borka. The dogs led us to a back door that led to some paths. "What about Keb and Ana?" I asked as we walked down a path surrounded by beautiful Hawaiian flora.

"Ana is reading a book and Keb just doesn't wanna come," he replied.

"So I was your last choice?" I asked with phony sadness.

Kyden thought I was serious and tried to make up for it, "No! I mean, sure I asked the others first but that doesn't mean I don't wanna go on a wall with you, which is true. Not the not wanting to go with you, the other part..."

"I'm just joking, chill."

He sighed in relief and that was that. We walked in a comfortable silence at the dogs played with each other ahead of us and we admired the flowers.

After a while the trail was coming to an end. "We should hang out more often," Kyden said suddenly.

I chuckled, "At first you freaked out and then we didn't talk."

"Oh yeah. Well, I should go check on Keb," he blushed. I nodded and he walked off, turning back to wave before he rounded a corner and I couldn't see him.

"Oh Katie. Katie, Katie, Katie. What am I gonna do?" I asked her. She tilted her head in confusion, making me laugh. "Nothing." She nodded and we walked back to my room together. I plopped down into the chair and Katie lay down at my feet.

I spun around a little and looked around the room for something to do. My eyes landed on a sketchbook and drawing tools. I picked them up and opened to the first page.

I sketched the outline of a tiger. Then it looked out of proportion do with a little erasing it became a picture of Katie. After about a half hour of hard work I had a doodle of Katie.

"What do ya think?" I asked, showing the paper and doodle to Katie. She gave a little bark of approval and I smiled. My art was terrible but I got a dogs approval at least.

I wanted to do a picture of a person next so I walked over to Ana's room. Her door was shut so naturally I get down on the ground and looked under the crack in the door. She was moving around, not a good drawing subject. I didn't want to bother Kyden so I went to Keb's room. The door was open. He was just laying on his back on his bed reading a book. Perfect.

I saw in the doorway and took out my sketchbook. I noticed his room was all green almost. Like my room was all blue. If he noticed me, he didn't say anything, but as far as I knew he had no clue I was there.

I doodled the outline of him and his bed. Eventually it looked good so I picked up my colored pencils. Now for the hard part.

"What're you doing?" I looked up to find Keb had looked away from his book. He furrowed his eyebrows at me. It probably was a strange sight. A girl he barely knew sitting in his doorway while he read a book, drawing.

I meant to answer as a statement, but it sounded more like "Sketching you?"

"Oh," was his reply, "Ok." I sighed in relief. At least he didn't think I was some weirdo, even though that's how my good friends described me.

He kept on reading so I kept on sketching. After what felt like an hour, and probably was, I was done. I had even included Danil, his dog, in the picture. He was laying at the foot of Keb's bed.

"Done!" I announced proudly. Keb sat up so I walked over to show it to him.

"That's really good!" He complimented, "Hey Danil, come here! You're even in the drawing," Danil hopped up on the bed and licked me. I scratched him behind the ears.

"That's two Czechoslovakian Vlcaks approval."

"Katerina-"

"Katie."

"Katie liked your drawing? Can I see it?" I pulled out the doodle to show him. His eyes widened. "This is so cool. I stink at drawing."

"Thanks," I blushed. "You were a great subject," now it was Keb's time to blush.

"Thank you. See ya later," he responded as I gathered up my supplies from the doorway and headed back to my room. Katie trotted over to me, wagging her tail.

"Keb an Danil likes my art," I told her. She nodded and walked over to my desk. She stood in her hind legs and put her paws on my desk, then started to growl.

I walked over to my desk and saw a note.

"The Guild of Five, we're coming for you," I whispered. It was signed TFoE. The writing was messy and dark, and sent shivers down my spine. "Katie, where's Damia?"

Put her head under my hand, her new signal meaning to follow her. We were walking down the corridors at a brisk pace. When we finally found Damia I was out if breath.

"What's wrong, Cassie?" She asked when she saw I had been running. She walked over to me from where she had been sitting on a bench in the gardens with Vladimir, and even he stood to attention and walked over to Katie.

"I saw this note on the craft table in my room. Katie growled at it so I checked it out and thought you should see it," I handed her the scrap of paper. She furrowed her eyebrows at first, then her face darkened.

She sighed and cupped her chin with her hand and covering her mouth while she thought. Suddenly she said, "There was one thing I forgot to tell you at breakfast. Vladimir, get the others. Katie, tell the pack to get ready for a meeting." Katie howled as she ran off, signaling a chorus of other howls.

"What's happening?" I asked worriedly. Damia gave me a sad smile and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Come," She gestured, "it will all be explained at dinner."

I nodded and followed her into the dining room. Soon after Vladimir led Ana, Keb, and Kyden into the room before leaving. He was probably going to the meeting for all of the dogs.

"What's going on?" Ana asked as she sat next to me.

I sighed, "I guess we'll find out."