Hey there, I’m Ella. I frequently get bullied at school, but Zoel Margaret is truly the worst. She’ll even bully me if I get ONE question wrong on a test. I’m currently shaking like a leaf in the school closet. It’s dark and frigid, with water dripping from the ceiling, soaking my face and braid. It’s like the boys’ school locker room in here, GROSS. At least I’m safe from Zoel. I stretch my achy legs, but then they’re captured in an immense ball of light! My hand clutches a broomstick, but I can’t hold on for long. I shriek as I drift into a white abyss.

Chapter 1: Portal

My head, ugh. Where am I? How did I get here? Was the ball of light a portal? A weeping willow is definitely weeping more than usual...unless it’s not one. It’s like emo boy hair; droopy, sad, and black. These “weeping willows” might actually be hanging trees, but still, that throbbing question, what happened back there with the portal? I’m not sure, all I know is that it might not happen again. How will I get home? Maybe my brother’s science book can help! Oh wait, the whole “portal thing”. I couldn’t go back if I tried. At least until it appears again. IF it appears again. The mud is slowly but surely sucking me in. My achy legs have good reflexes though, and they instantly pull me out of the sticky mud.

I hear a horrible cry. “Ahhh!” It’s coming from a creek in the distance. It sounds like an 18-year-old boy. Well, that’s interesting. Where I come from, 18-year-old boys think you’re a baby if you cry. (Even though they cry for their mommies at football practice). My feet take me over to the small, dark, blackened creek where there is a boy lying on his back. “Hello, are you there?” I shout across the water. No answer comes back to me, so I rush over to see him up close. He coughs, then whispers, “Gust…my name…is…Gust,” then closes his eyes as he lays down in a waiting silence. 

I better take him…somewhere. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into, but I do know that he needs help. Maybe a hotel? Do they even have those here? Or possibly a different dimension? I at least have to try. If I set off a signal, maybe someone will see me. If I put stone to stone, brain to mouth and Gust in my arms…wait…no. Where are stones in this place? Surprising for a creek to not have those. My mind races until… “Hello? How would you like to be at my five-star…GASP! My stars!” A tall woman with thin, old, tattered skin comes up to us. “Sweeties, please come to my hotel! 50% off, how does that sound?”

My mouth opens as if I were hypnotized, “Great. Sounds great, where’s the hotel?” She replies, “Closer than you think…” A hot flash consumes my senses as the trees bend and twist, falling into the black creek. The ground releases itself like a stage trap door, then, black swirls surround us all. A whirlwind sways over our heads, and then…like magic…we’re there.

Chapter 2: Hotel 

Chatter fills the air as spindly monster women race to their cars across the red and lavish carpet. “My name is Cacster.” A blue bellhop approaches us, her tail wagging back and forth. And when I say she’s blue I mean her whole body is literally BLUE. She’s much friendlier than I would’ve imagined, but I still wouldn’t get too close. That glimmer in her eyes looks almost unreal. And those…teeth. In other words, she’s as creepy as a broken doll. “Ms. Johana, which room shall I escort our lovely guests to?” She doesn’t even realize I have an unconscious boy in my arms? Wow, she must be used to this. “We need a suite, my dear. Also, I told this girl that she wouldn’t have to pay until later.” 

Ms. Johana gives Cacster a serious glance. “DON’T. EVEN. THINK. ABOUT. CHARGING,” she whispers with an intensity as deep as a pit. Cacster starts trembling before Ms. Johana like she had been out in the cold for 5 hours. Then, a monster slowly walks up to us shrouded under a thick, black cloak, and ghostly whispers, “Run.” Ms. Johana stays firm. That is until the mysterious cloaked figure says, “GIVE. ME. THE. SATISFACTION.” Then, a scream comes from the formerly firm ma’am as she runs into the woods. “My dear Ella, duel me. Or else…” the woman takes off her cloak to reveal a horrific queen, skin pale, eyes black and white, hair white as snow.

“Come on, face me! I’ll be glad to see you try,” she says. She throws a powerful, red ball of light at me that I barely manage to dodge. My eyes lock with Cacster’s. “Take him to the suite.” I hand the boy to her. A snarl washes over my face. I shake it off before yelling, “Everybody, run from this threat! To the…” I swish my head back and forth, no stairs, but there’s an elevator. “…elevator!” Everybody freezes before they jam-pack into the rusted elevator. I can’t let this creature take them! No…I won’t. “Cat got your tongue? More like a portal dragged you into the Monster World,” says the dark queen. The guests pack into the elevator like sardines. “What’s…the Monster World? Is it…here?” I say. After everyone’s gotten in, an adult monster presses a button. The elevator slowly begins to move. 

“Of course, puny little girl,” she says, before launching another giant, red ball of light at me. I race to the left avoiding the attack. “What are you? Tell me NOW,” I say to the queen.“So desperate. Well…I am fear, I am insanity, and my name is…Quasel,” she laughs maniacally. Then, I hear a loud BOOM! That boy named Gust, who I saved…he’s conscious? How could that be? He growls, then launches a bright, blue beam at Quasel. Her blast is much larger, stronger, darker than his. He begins to catch up. “AHHH! The elevator is falling!” The hotel guests screech. The people, they need my help. I climb up the elevator’s long, old cable with all my might, muscles tensing, body aching. But then, the elevator stops.

It’s in the exact same place it was before it started falling. Quasel and Gust’s battle continues, but Gust is now losing. His blast isn’t nearly strong enough. He keeps pushing, until eventually… “Ha ha! I’ve won this game now haven’t I?” Her head lingers above Gust’s. “Please, I don’t remember who I am, and I don’t remember what I am,” he says in such a tearful manner. “Pathetic,” was Quasel’s only words before she stares at me and remarks, “You, are mine.” Then, the world becomes…black.

My aching body rises from the soft cushions. “Well, good morning ma’am!” Cacster, of course it’s Cacster. She’s like my alarm clock, annoying as a bird shouting out, CAAAAAW! Her eyes lock with mine, but not in a 'oh you’re in trouble' way. More like a spunkier version of an 'are you okay?' glance. Her sharp tail reminded me of how hard I clenched my fists last night, how heat seemed to arise from thin air, how Gust was named pathetic. “Hello? You theeeeeere?” Cacster raises her brow in a curious fashion. “What…happened last night, Ella?” I respond, “Quasel…” Sweat falls from my forehead to my cheek. Cacster’s forehead fills with beads of sweat. 

Her hands fidget as if she’s playing a game of thumb war, but her smile is still there. Like I’m talking to my mom after I’ve eaten her secret stash of candy, I ask, “So, where’s Gust? He’s not in his bed, is he?” Cacster stops fidgeting to make eye contact. “Who’s…uhh…Gust?” A growing suspicion engulfs my senses, but then disappears. She doesn’t know who the boy is that I carried in my arms. The one I rescued, the one I should’ve rescued again. “He’s the 18-year-old.” “An...infant?” “An infant? Aren’t 18-year-olds in high school?” Her mouth starts describing how monsters age like a math teacher. 

At the end of her long, torturous lecture she finally summarizes everything. “Monster years are different than human years. In order to identify an age in monster years, you have to add 100 to that age, then multiply by 2.” The door flashes open, revealing a freshly bathed (and dressed) Gust. “You’re alright!” My shout somehow causes my feet to rush towards a confused Gust. My arms wrap around his striped sweater, then my pulse speeds like a car on the highway. Gust’s face turns into a dark grey inferno as we laugh together nevously. “Well, look at you two love birds,” Cacster chuckles promptly. Then, me and Gust shout, “We aren’t love birds!” 

Cacster puts a blue finger to that snarky, know-it-all face. I seriously wish I could throw her into a lake. Then, I’d be able to talk to Gust…PRIVATELY. “You…are…you…are…you…are.” A demon-like voice swoops into my head as my hands clutch against it. “I……” my voice withers away as images engulf my vision. My father, running with thousands, no…millions of light green, ripped dollars. Liquid gold drips from his fingers and lips as he continuously screams, “MONEY…you…are…you…are…you…are…” Cacster stares directly into my weary soul as three, finally spoken words escape my lips “You…two…run.” Then, once again the world goes black.

Two tired eyelids open slowly as my mouth breathes a heavy sigh. “Where…am I?” The room tiles own many twists and turns, somehow combining to make a complete pattern. “We’re at that lady Cacster’s house,” says Gust as he streams his gray fingers through my long, unbraided hair. "Are you okay?” “What…happened?” I reply. “You fainted, and then Quasel found us. After that, Cacster teleported us to her house.” “Oh my goodness, are YOU okay?” “Yeah, I’m fine…” My body and the couch meet once more.

Chapter 3: Adventure 

“Don’t strain yourself. You’re lucky to be alive.” “Lucky to be alive? Was there something dire besides Quasel?” “You just went through a Prophecy Process.” “What’s a Prophecy Process?” I curiously reply. “A Prophecy Process is when you see something from the past or future. Monsters can go through it easily, but for humans…it’s usually the last thing they see. What did you see in the Prophecy Process?” “I saw…my dad, eating all of the money in our family.”

“Family…if only I knew…who I was.” Gust’s eyes fill up with gray rain drops. “You’re…amnesiac? I learned about that in school. It’s when you don’t even remember who you are, your family, friends, how to speak, walk, but you’re, no offense, a monster. You’re not like humans, but…your heart is.” “And you’re the kindest person I’ve ever met.” Gust leans into me as my hand meets his cheek. We have a moment of silence until… “Hello kids! You want a snack?”

Cacster’s white, sharp teeth show as she lowers her plain, snow-colored tray. The bowl of eyes atop it jiggles like a ton of jello. “Just kidding! I have an adventure to embark on," she says. I reply, “Hey, thanks for saving my life, I guess.” “It’s funny how you humans pair the words, “I guess” with “thanks for saving my life,” Cacster says. It begins with a chuckle from Gust, next, a snicker from Cacster, then a giggle from me, and finally a huge laugh from all of us. My bottom eventually slips from the torn couch to the rug.

“Um…sorry for falling off your couch?” “It’s fine, it’s really fine.” Cacster's hand grasps mine and pulls me toward her. Gust's head tilts to the right. “Why are you in a spy outfit?” he asks. “Quasel attacked the hotel for the first time in 1,000 years. She’s the only one in the Monster World worse than Helen,” says Cacster. “Who’s Helen?” I ask. My eyes make contact with Cacster’s. She responds, “Helen is a horrible monster who destroys everything in her path.” 

“What if they were good guys at one point? Maybe something happened to them?” Cacster and Gust stare at me, fists clenched, eyes flaming. Their eyes exclaimed one thing--THEY. WERE. NEVER. GOOD. “Quasel sleeps in a cocoon until 1,000 years have passed. Then, she strikes the hotel.” Cacster says. “Why specifically the hotel?” I respond. “I don’t know. Nobody knows.” Gust’s eyes spark like a match, eye brows popping up and down with interest.

“I’m going on a journey to Quasel’s palace. You kids stay here,” says Cacster. “Why only you? We’re here too,” says Gust as he bites his lip in desperation. “I want to come with you,” I exclaim as my fist clenches into a ball. “Me too!" Gust shouts in agreement. Me and Gust stand up, ready for battle. “Fine…but Ella, you’re gonna have to get some gear on. Gust, your outfit is good.” Cacster winks as she clutches my hand. She takes me away to the most sophisticated room I’ve ever seen.

“Come on, let’s put you in the perfect fit.” Then a large, glass case shimmers like diamonds as two interesting outfits lay inside it. A boatload of dots lay upon the light blue wall. “Why is there a sign in Japanese?” “Uhh…no reason!” Cacster’s back straightens as a white glimmer grows in her eye. “Sorry I…” “It’s fine. It’s… it’s fine,” Cacster says, “I have just the perfect outfit for you. It’ll go with your eyes and everything!” 

Her hand meets with one of the colorful dots. “Battle striker fit, ASAP.” “Understood,” the computer responds helpfully. “Are those…buttons?” Cacster’s head nods up and down. “Fit ready. Please escort yourself to the closet on the left,” the computer says. The door comes out from its sealed state by the force of my hand. Then, out of the blue, the whole outfit zooms itself to me, folded and pretty. “Don’t hold up the outfit yet! I wanna keep it a surprise!” says Cacster.

“OK Cacster, I won’t hold it up yet!” As my fingers slip the dress onto my body, a thought pops into my head. “Cacster, what if Quasel was previously good?” “Never. Villains like that are born bad,” says Cacster. “What about her family? They have to be good people, right?” I say. “The only thing she has even close to family is her one servant, Dolly,” says Cacster. “Is Dolly good?” “Eh, she’s pretty pedestrian,” she says.“ Cacster, you wanna be…I dunno…friends?” I ask.

“Friends? Like, actual friends?” she asks. “Sure! I mean, you saved me from Quasel after all.” “Of course! I’ll gladly accept your invitation!” Cacster says. Through a crack in the door, I see her holding an old piece of paper. After a few moments, she opens the sun-filled window and grabs a magnifying glass. She places the paper under the glass and when it begins to flicker, she instantly pulls away. I flip my long, brown cape. Then, I march out through the pale blue door.

“My, my! Look at you!” Cacster winks with a sly smirk on her face. A brown, leather cloak lies on my back, a black shiny belt wraps around my waist, knee high mud colored boots adorn my feet, and the white fabric of my short dress flows like a river. “Now we can go on that journey!” she says. Her eyes glimmer with excitement. “I’ve never gone on a book-like journey before!” I say. She tilts her head and shrugs, “Ummm… Ella, we kind of ARE in a book.” I immediately start to laugh, “STORY of my life!” Cacster starts to chuckle too. 

Right in the middle of our commotion, Gust swooshes in, impatiently palming his face. “Guys, let’s go already!!!” We both nod heads as Cacster goes to pack her bags.

Chapter 4: Taking Off

After packing everything we needed, we finally set off. It was dusk by now. Gust didn’t mind holding Cacster’s bags. After all, they were not that heavy. But eventually, “Cacster, can you hold your OWN STINKING BAGS?! I CANNOT HANDLE THIS ANYMORE!!!” She rolls her eyes and clutches all of the pink, fabric bags. “Maybe we should take a break from walking,” I remark as I watch the colorful terrain. Gust and Cacster nod their heads, and we rest on an uncomfortable rock.

“What is that?” I say. “It’s…it’s the cave!” Gust points to a looming, jagged cave. “We’re going in kids,” she says. “Do you think anyone is in here?” I whisper as we tip-toe into the dark, gloomy cave. Cacster’s eyes transform into tiny black dots. “What’s wrong?” Gust starts shaking her back and fourth. “CACSTER?! SPEAK!!!” My voice booms through the silent cavity. 

Cacster sinks into Gust’s arms. “Gust…LAY. HER. DOWN.” We lay her flimsy body down. I prepare for CPR when, SWOOSH! Strong winds rush through the cave. “Gust, what’s…” “Focus, Ella! Cacster NEEDS YOU!” My young body leans over her navy blue lips. I am about to begin CPR when… “Please…run.” An echo spreads its wings. There’s quiet until…ROAR! 

“Leave me, kids…” Cacster grunts. “You’re alive!” I slowly back away. “I don’t want you to get…” Her eyes, perhaps permanently…shut. Gust watches in horror as her left arm drops to her side. “NOOOO!” Gust’s eyes stare down to his feet. “I caused it all. Everything.” Quasel cackles like the maniac she is. The world becomes a bleep. Cacster…she’s a survivor. She saved me. And now…she’s gone. Faded forever. “IT…WON’T…HAPPEN. OUT OF EVERYONE…WHY HER?!” Quasel falls into silence. “She was your protector. I couldn’t let you kids get the edge, now could I?” It happens. I…snap. Right. In. Half.

“YOU…MONSTER!!!” Nothing but rage burns in my mind. A blue inferno of pain and loss. I rock down to the floor as something emerges from my cloak. I can’t tell what it is until… “AHHHH!” Large, feathered, white, wings spread like wind from my back. Then, I realize that two large menacing horns are coming out of my head! “My…goodness.” Quasel trembles in absolute horror. “You…” her finger points at me. “…The One…” 

I flap high into the darkness. An instinct burns deep inside of my soul, screaming, “DEFEAT HER!!!” Energy blasts from my hand as I chant, “Moca…kelia…HOMNOS!” Quasel is trapped inside of a transparent box. “Got me today…but tomorrow…I will have my revenge.” She fades into the crisp air. My body drops as the horns and wings disappear. My eyes glance where Cacster lays. Or at least…where she was.

“Where did she go?” Gust’s legs stay in place for a few seconds, until he begins to panic. “Where…where…where…?” His pacing echoes through the dripping cave like knocks on a wooden door. But then, an inverted eye stares through a crack in the cave. I begin to push, harder and harder. Eventually, the rock swings to the left. He slowly straightens up to full height. “Should we go in?” he asks. I respond, “We could find her.” “Good point, Ella.” We march into the gloomy cavern.

One foot in front of the other, we sneak inside. Spiders creep upon the creaky walls, their webs following suit. Black and white photographs, potions and flurries sit on the dusty shelves. “Gust…do you think this was a good idea?” My young voice pierces through the eerie halls. “Maybe not…” he halts mid-sentence. “...Helen!” “Ha…ha…please…just…run!" cries Helen. "I didn’t see Quasel being so destructive and bringing hopelessness to everyone. They always screech outside the door, "THE EVIL HELEN," well If they think I’m bad…then hear me roar.”

Helen stares into the cavern for one second, until, “Ha…ha…ha…” Her eyes well up with tears as her cackles fill the air. Her inverted eyes close after a few moments.

“Please, Helen, please, it’s okay.” Gust reassuringly pats her back. “We’re looking for our friend Cacster. Have you seen her? She’s LITERALLY blue…” “Yes,” she responds bluntly to his remark. “She’s with me.” “Where’s the body?” My voice trembles tearfully. But then, a blue hand launches out of the darkness. “Body?”