Chapter 6:

CHAPTER 6

The rest of the night was all a blur.

I remember creeping through a deserted street, where all colour and life had been wiped of. Where smiles, laughter and loud chatter was now just pitch black. I don't remember how we got back to the in, but I remember holding Ralph's hand securely in my own, not wanting to let go of the only thing I felt the need to care about, that was in my reach.

I also remember putting up some black out curtains (don't ask me why), that we found under one of the trundle beds we slept on. Ralph didn;t feel like eating, and neither did I. We just sat in the corner of the room, with two of the seven kerosene lamps lit, together, white as a sheet.

Again, I was quite sure we had fallen asleep, for I woke to the sound of Ralph groaning beside me. He then started snoring, and because I am a light sleeper, I couldn;t get back to bed.

After what seemed like hours, Ralph stirred, and I stared at him for a long time, as he exchanged my scared gaze.

Ralph's Point of View

That was it. I think I had fallen for Miera. But- I can't and WON'T think about that now! Why? Why us? Why now? Were Hiljea and Gar Hulland ok? What was happening?

At least Miera was safe.

At least.

I couldn't think of a reasonable excuse for this strangeness! Was it some sort of drill? Or, were there evil zombie sheep attacking the island? I doubted it was the latter.

This was so pathetically petrifying! Here I am, just staring at Miera, when a whole lot of people could be in danger! This just CANNOT be a dream!

If it was, then this is horribly unfair. And- this dream has been going on for ages, am I in a coma? But, thats irrelevant! Again! Ugh! I should say something.

Miera's Point of View

"M-M-Miera?" mumbled Ralph, as he blushed.

I seemed lost for words. "Morning Ralph. How are you feeling?"

I think at that moment Ralph tried to smile, but, no offence, he did a bad job. It looked like a pained grimace rather than a fake grin.

"I'm great. Are you ok? I wonder what's going on..." He didn't get to finish, for a loud knock was heard on the door. A familiar voice called from behind it. "Children! Open the door! It's me! Gar Hulland!"

Ralph was at the door in a flash. Perhaps he was expecting Gar Hulland to visit.

Gar Hulland hurried inside and bolted the door behind himself. "Alright children. There is something terrible going on right now. Remember what I told you in one of the numerous discussions we had? Hevidell* is at war with us, Chickawulu, again. There is no time for you two to escape, so I want you to hurry to the childrens' war shelter located at 8674 Juntiea, Revemerall 43. It's underground, so keep your eyes peeled."

"Now, be careful. Especially you Ralph. I have heard from sources, that every boy over the age of 13 is to fight in this war. YOU are NOT to fight. Is that understood? I want you returned back to wherever you came from intact and in a healthy condition. Anyone ask you, answer you are 12 years old. I think you may be able to pull it off. I am part of the strategy planning force, do not worry about me. I am in safe hands. Hiljea and her family have left for Gardrome**, which is remaining neutral- for the time being. Don't worry about anyone but yourselves. Now, I have to go! Fare well, children, I may not see you for many a day!"

And as he said that, we saw Gar Hulland for the last time in a long, long time.

~~~

We never found our way to the childrens' war shelter at 8674 Juntiea, Revemerall 43.

*- Hevidell is the neighbouring island that is often in war with Chickawulu

**-Gardrome is another neighbouring steampunk island that is the smallest of the three islands. It remains neutral in most of the wars between Chickawulu and Hevidell.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I think I might leave one of these after every chapter :)

I am SO upset. I have a strange feeling this is becoming a romance novel, and that is not intended. Please just note that I have never written an action novel (this is SUPPOSED to be an action novel, as you will see later on) or a romance one, so if this takes a sudden bend to either, forgive me for being a wee bit... newbie-ish :D thanks for reading my Author's Note section!