A cruel wind was blowing, taking with it the drowned cries of sorrowful earth. Blackened ruins were all over the surrounding, no matter which way we see, it was all destruction.

Somewhere around we see a movement from one of the ruins. We see a figure of a girl. Groaning, the girl woke up and froze when she saw the ruins before her. She forced herself to stand up and cried out in pain when she realized she might have hurt the bones on her right leg. She managed to stand up and she looked around her.

Desolate winds were blowing her long hairs aside. We see the dirty face of the girl and the small cut on her forehead. She furrowed her eyebrows, hands reached out toward her ears as if she was trying to block something in. Her lips opened but we couldn’t make out the words she said.

Suddenly she spun around when she heard a loud bang from behind. We couldn’t see what she saw but she was clearly terrified. Eyes widened in fear, she screamed.


Opening Song: Blue by Angie Hart



Field Of Innocence

Chapter One

Rutledge Cafeteria, Appleby

Tinggg!!

snapped out of her trance. She looked around and realized she was in a cafeteria where she worked. She noted that she was in her waitress uniform and were in waiting for the food inside the oven. She grabbed the oven mitt near her and used it as she opened the oven and remove the tray inside.

She walked out of the kitchen and toward one of the table where the order should be placed. “Alright…” She said with a sweet smile at the customers. “Here is your ham-cheese sandwich and your pancake. Now just holler at me if you need anything else…” After saying that, she went and settled down at the counter.

A small ringing bell indicated they had a customer and put on her best smile to greet the newcomer. Her smile widened when she saw who the visitors are. Three men and a child walked inside the cafeteria and settled on the table near the counter.

“Well, hello there, I see that you guys are starting early today…” said. “Hello, Eaze…”

The small boy smiled shyly at the girl.

One of the men, the one with messy hair and super thick glass, smiled at . “Yo, , nice to see you again…” he said. “Yeah, we decided to start early today so that we could, you know, finish early…”

“Is today time to receive your payment again?” asked.

“How would you figure that out?” Tyki asked.

only grinned as she pulled up her note. “Ok, what is your order? Or is it the usual?”

Another ringing bell followed by a young girl came in hurriedly. She started to ramble. “Ok, I know I’m late but I have perfectly good explanation for this…”

smiled. “Good morning, !”

rushed toward . “Hey, ! Where is she? Am I in trouble?” She looked around for Aunt Jenny, the owner and chef of the small food court. Aunt Jenny is a very strict woman but she is kind to her subordinates and customers as long as they make sure not to piss the woman off.

“No, she went to the market to buy some stuff. You’re safe.” said amused.

“Oh, thanks God!” said a bit too dramatically. She stared at their steady customers. “Oh, hey, Tyki, Crack, Momo and hello, Eaze!”

“Yo!” Tyki waved the girl absently. “We want the usual…” he said to .

“I gotta change…” said as she hurriedly went inside the kitchen.

“Alright, just wait for a moment. I will get right on your order…” said to Tyki and the others and then followed toward the kitchen.

bend down and pulled out the tray out of the oven. She saw standing over her and she had a huge grin on her face. furrowed her eyebrows a little torn between confusion and amusement, knowing her best friend has something up to her sleeve again. “What?”

didn’t answer but she still has that smile on her face.

“What?”

“Ask me why I’m smiling!” said eagerly.

chuckled. “Ok. Why are you smiling, ?”

Before could answer, Momo yelled, “Where is my food? I’m hungry over here!!”

“Coming!!” shook her head and got out the kitchen and toward the counter, bearing the tray. “Get the other tray!”

took the other tray and followed out, still with a grin in her face.

“Here is your order…” placed the tray in front of Tyki and the others and did the same. “Enjoy.” She said with a smile. Then she looked at . “You were saying…”

pulled out two tickets. “We got ourselves two tickets for RMJL Theater!”

blinked her eyes. “OMG…” She grabbed the tickets. “Where did you get that?”

smirked. “Oh, I have my way… Don’t you love me, your goodie good best friend?”

“RMJL Theater?” Tyki repeated. “What was that?”

smiled. “It’s our favorite theater. They had the best drama shown on stage. Ok, maybe not the best but good enough. and I watched it together when we were little.”

“It’s my dream to be able to join that theater…” said with stars on her eyes.

grinned, seeing her friend daydreaming.

Tyki smiled. “You want to be an artist too, ?”

look surprised. “What? Me? An artist? No. It’s ’s dream, not mine. I just like enjoying a good story.”

“I see…”

shrugged and observed the tickets. “Wait, , this is for this week and it was in Fern City and that was like…”

“…which is why we are going to take a break from this job for a bit…” said.

“We are?” asked, totally confused.

“Yes! We are going to go to Fern, baby!!” said. “Fern!” She yelled dramatically.

laughed.

Eaze smiled seeing being hyperactive as usual. “Sound like fun…”

and Tyki stared at Eaze, making the boy squirm a bit.

“Eaze, I forgot, you also enjoy stuff like that…” Tyki said. “I’m sorry; unfortunately, we didn’t have enough money for…”

Crack cut in, “And who would like to watch girlie stuff like that anyway? It’s just a waste of money…”

Both and glared at the man.

“Wasting? It’s educating!” protested. “…a bit anyway…” She shrugged.

let out a grunt. “You know nothing of art. I think you’re the one who waste money on gambling, beer and women!”

and Crack started to argue with each other.

Tyki chuckled as he watched the arguments broke between the two.

Eaze pulled a book from his backpack. He gave it to . “I had finished reading it. It was good reading. Thank you.”

grinned. “I’m glad you like it, Eaze. I have some more new books if you want to borrow…” Another bell rang indicating more customers. looked up and smiled. “Welcome.” She looked at Eaze. “I will give it to you later.” She winked and goes to serve the new customers’ orders.

------------------------------

Somewhere on the road

bid goodbye toward Aunt Jesse and her husband, Uncle Julio; both are the owner of the café she worked in. She smiled as she tightened her jacket over her waitress uniform, a red bag-pack on her shoulder. It was evening and the sky was in color of slight darkish orange-red. It looked like it was going to rain soon.

“If I’m hurry, I might still be able to catch up with Eaze in the mine.” thought. Her hands opened her bag where inside we could see a few books wrapped neatly in plastic. First drop of rain started to fall as she made her way toward the mine. She sighed and quickly pulled her black-dotted umbrella from her bag.

As she made her way through, she saw an old woman got picked by a bunch of kids. She quickly rushed to rescue the poor woman. After she scared the kids away, she helped the old woman to stand as she put her umbrella over the old woman’s head so she was safe from the raindrops.

“Thank you, child…” The old woman whispered gratefully as one of her hands grabbed your wrist. “You saved me from trouble… How ever I could repay you for your kindness?”

smiled. “It was alright. It is only natural to help people in need or in trouble…” she said half-absentminded, half-meant it.

The old woman look pleased at her reply. “I’m glad there is still someone that cares for others like you… There are not much of people like you these days…”

gave the old woman an odd look. She shrugged. “There is a shelter over there.”

The old woman smiled as the young girl led her toward a nearby door-stoop.

looked up toward the sky and the raindrops that got so heavy now. She looked over the old woman. “It might not be my business but if you don’t mind me asking, where do you intend to go, Mam? Perhaps I could help you out reach toward your destination…” She offered kindly out of pity.

The old woman sighed. “The place I will have to go…is not the place you should go to…for now…”

furrowed her eyebrow. Why is this old woman being so cryptic with her words for anyway? She noticed the bag the old woman had over her shoulder. She saw a pack of tarot cards and a small crystal ball in it. “Are you…a fortune-teller, Mam?”

“Ah, right, I almost forgot…” The old woman chuckled. “Do you want me to tell your fortune for you?”

“Err…”

“Free of charge. Just think of it as my way to repay your kindness…”

“You don’t have to, Mam…”

“I should insist, Miss…”

“. .” automatically replied.

“Miss , please give me your hand…” The old woman asked. Her eyes soft and kind made unable to refuse her offer.

watched as the old woman touched her hand. “You are also a palmist?”

The old woman smiled. “I tell people’s fortune by any means…through my card reading, my crystal ball or even just by palm reading…”

“That’s…quite handy…” said.

“You didn’t quite believe in fortune-telling, did you?”

“No, sorry…”

“It’s alright.” The old woman’s forehead furrowed suddenly as she read the young girl’s palm. “This…”

“What is it?” asked a bit alarmed at her tone.

“Your life is about to get drastic change. It will feel, at first, like your world is going upside down. But, have faith; as long as you remain strong, you will get through the trial…”

“That doesn’t sound good…” said.

The old woman chuckled and put her hand over softly. “I believe in you. You shall fulfill what most others couldn’t…” She stared at ’s eyes intensely.

felt dazed. She pulled her hand away from the old woman. She shook her head as if trying to snap out of whatever daze she was in before. Suddenly she felt uneasy toward the old woman. “Err, thank you for the free fortune-telling but…” She looked around and took a step back away from the old woman. “…but I have to go now…”

“Wait…” The old woman called out. “You forgot your umbrella…”

stared at her umbrella. She forced a nervous smile. “You can keep it; think of it…as my…thanks. It looks like the rain is going to stop soon so I will be alright without it.” She chuckled nervously. “Nice meeting you, Mam, I should go now…” She turned and ran a bit to avoid the raindrops.

The old woman watched the girl sorrowfully. “Be brave, , for soon in front of you will be a road full of harsh and cold reality… Soon your world will be filled with pain, blood and darkness…”

The rain had stopped completely now. walked alone as she pondered on the fortune-teller she met earlier.

“Yo, !” Tyki called out. “What are you still doing over here?”

snapped out of her thought. She looked up at Tyki and smiled. “Ah, Tyki, glad I caught you.”

“Oh? You’re looking for me?” Tyki asked in teasing tone.

gave him a look. “Not you. Eaze.” She pulled open her bag and gave the older man the books she intended to lend for the little boy. “Here, please give this to Eaze.”

Tyki received the package with a smile. “Ah, more books! Good, Eaze would love this…” He stared at with a kind eyes. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome…” smiled.

They walked together.

“So you and are really going to Fern then? Did your grandfather give you permission to go?” Tyki asked as he observed the young girl.

rolled her eyes. “Please, I’m nineteen! I so do not have to ask permission from Grandpa to go now! Technically I’m mature enough to make my own decision so…I will go to Fern no matter what he said THIS time!” she said, eyes filled with determination.

Tyki look amused. “Sound more like you are going to a war than a holiday…”

was stunned at what he said.

Tyki chuckled at her expression.

“Not funny. But you know, your right, when I got home, I would have to deal with Grandpa Braham and…” She sighed. “I know we would get into another argument for the Fern thing…”

“Your Grandfather is protective of you…”

“Too protective. I swear one of these days he is going to lock me down in a room and throw away the key…”

Tyki chuckled again.

“What about you? Going to travel around again with the others?” asked.

“For now, we decided to stick around here longer…” Tyki answered.

“I see.” watched as the older man lit himself a cigarette. “You really need to cut down on those. It is bad for your health.”

Tyki chuckled after he took a drag from it. “Old habit dies hard…”

sighed. “I better go home now before Grandpa Graham and Brother Dean kill each other.” she said.

That’s right; it has been three years since the biggest arguments between her grandfather and brother. didn’t know what was the fight is all about but ever since that her grandfather and brother always argued with each other whenever they met and in the same room. Dean had left their hometown just after the biggest argument and only visited her and their grandfather once in awhile.

“Is your brother going to come to the mine for work?” Tyki asked.

“I don’t know. Perhaps when he is in need of some money…” answered with a shrug.

“Tell him I’m looking forward to play poker with him.”

“Alright, if I see him around, he has been going out a lot lately…”

“See you after your private holiday then?”

“Yes, see you soon.”

They parted ways.

------------------------------

Train Station

The next morning and were in the train station. They were very early because the night before both is too excited and couldn’t sleep. They had got little sleep and decided to meet a little earlier in the train station.

“Did your grandpa agree that you go to Fern with me?” asked.

“Do you really have to ask?” shot her friend a look. “Of course he’s not but I insisted. Brother Dean helped me in my arguments. He agreed that once in awhile I need to see the world…”

whistled. “Ooh, brother started to corrupt the sister as well ne?”

chuckled. “Not really. Dean made me promise to go back home as soon as possible. Although he agreed that I should see some places, he didn’t want me to go for more than two days unless there is…let’s just say…chaperon…”

“What did he think I am?”

“Well, obviously not a fitting chaperon…”

tilled her head. “Right, cuz I’m your evil friend that will corrupts you as soon as we are out of their sight…” She smirked. “That’s me, corrupter of innocent…”

laughed. “Oh, don’t be cute… Dean is just worried. I mean this is the first time we’re off just the two of us…”

bought a drink from a seller. “So is Dean going to stay around here with your grandpa so long as you are gone? Or will he come with us? I mean I wouldn’t be surprise if he insists to come with us…” She took a sip of her drink.

“Dean might be protective, but not that protective… He knew exactly what I felt. He lived it before. Difference is he has his freedom now, mine is still limited. He wants to give me my space, given that this probably the first and hopefully not the last I’m allowed to go off on my own…” explained.

“What about your grandpa? He loses the arguments against you two? Would love to see his expression when you told him of our plan…” grinned evilly. “Love the old man but he is just so…you know…”

“Be grateful that he didn’t think of you as an evil witch that is trying to soil his precious granddaughter…” said with a mocking smile.

“Oh, is that supposed to make me feel better?” asked as she rolled her eyes.

“Well, you did proclaim yourself as the corrupter of innocent…” said in a serious fake tone then laughed at ’s annoyed expression.

“Did you really tell him we will go on to the Fern just the two of us?”

“What, are you kidding? Of course not. If he knows that, even with Dean as a back-up in my argumentation, there is no way he would simply allow it…”

“So you lied… Geez, maybe I’m a corrupter of innocent after all... Our little sweet is actually told a lie to her dear grandfather? That’s a first…”

“Oh please, don’t flatter yourself… I’m just simply no angel…”

“Most people think that you are…”

“Well, they’re wrong… I could be mean if I want to…”

“Right~~!”

“I could!”

“Right~~!!”

“!!”

The two got inside the train and sat in their seat on a third-class cabin. They put down their bags on the appropriate place before settle down on their seat, happily chatting about what to expect in the next town Fern. There is still time before the train started to drive on. Slowly but surely people started to fill in the train.

put a hand over her head.

“What’s wrong?” asked.

“Uh, just minor headache…do you have an aspirin?”

“Let me check my bag… Here…”

“Thanks…”

There was an announcement that the train is about to depart.

“Feel better?”

“A little. I could use some sleep though…”

“Well, ok, just get a rest, I will wake you up when we’re there.”

smiled and leaned her back on the quite uncomfortable seat. She closed her eyes, willing for the headache to go away. She felt the train started to move slowly.

watched her friend started to drift into slumber and smiled.

was awoken in a rude awakening when the train went into sudden halt followed by a chain of reaction that rose cries of fear and panic everywhere.

screamed as she gripped her seat tightly before another hit shook her out of the seat. She yelped when her left arms break through the impact. She moaned in pain.

looked around her. She could sense the fear that invades her mind and body. She could hear scream of fear and panic everywhere as the train let out a very terrifying noise and loud bang. She hit her head on the window and her forehead is bleeding.

Half of the train got damaged. People everywhere got wounded throughout the seem-never-ending impact. Blood splatters are everywhere as people got thrown off around like a rag doll. Screams, cries and prays are heard as the train got jerk around some more before finally came to a stop.

slowly lifted up her head. She looked around her and sobbed when she saw some people were crying in pain, children were crying over their loved ones’ dead body and so many, many dead bodies…including ’s…

cried as her body shook in tremble. She tried to move her legs but she couldn’t. That’s when she saw the fire that suddenly occurred and move alarmingly toward her and the others…and she screamed…

held both of her hands over her head and started to scream.

“!! What is it?!” asked in panic when suddenly her friend started to scream around, alarming the other passengers in the train. “Hey, wake up! Wake up!!”

cried out in pain, still holding her head. She opened her eyes. Sweat covered her pale face. She stood up suddenly and looked around her in panic. “Oh my God…”

“What? What?” asked. “, are you alright?”

was too freak out to hear what said. “The train is going to crash!!” She screamed. Tears fell down her cheek. “We had to get off this train!!”

“, calm down, your just having a nightmare…” said.

“No, I saw it happen, , we’re all going to die!!” grabbed and tried to convince her.

The other passengers were eyeing the two girls as if they are crazy.

“We have to get off! I have to get off!!” yelled as she ran toward the train door.

“What’s going on over here?” A train service officer asked when he heard the commotion.

told him about the train and demanded to get off, not caring just how she sounded irrational.

The officer looked at and asked if was on drug. The other passengers started to feel uncomfortable with what said and demanded the officer to get the crazy girl off the train.

“I can’t believe that we got thrown off the train…” looked upset.

was seated in a bench in the station, looking so tired and defeated.

sighed. She turned toward . “Ok, what’s that all about anyway? You better have a freaking good explanation of why we shouldn’t be in that train!!”

sighed and shook her head. “I already told you what happen…”

“Yeah, you have a sudden what…vision of the train is going to crash!” said sarcastically. “I don’t buy it!”

“Why would I lie about something like that? You know I look forward to go to Fern as much as you do…why would I mess that?”

sighed again and gritted her teeth. “Whatever. Now what are we going to do?”

bit her lips. “Sorry I messed up, ok? Let me make it up to you…”

“You better. The tickets to watch RMJL performs go to waste just like that!” snapped her fingers. She grabbed her bags and started to walk away then stopped. She looked at . “What the hell you are sitting there for? Get me something to eat now! I still want to ramble about how you waste a perfectly good…” She started to ramble non-stop.

shook her head and smiled a little. She grabbed her bag as well and walked toward her friend.

------------------------------

Rutledge Cafeteria

That afternoon, Tyki and his friends were on a lunch break and as usual they went to their favorite cafeteria to order some food. That’s when breaking news on radio told them about horrible train wreckage.

“Dear God…” Aunt Jesse, the owner, put a hand over her mouth. “That’s the train and got on to…” Fear clearly visible on her face and tone.

Her husband, Uncle Julio, looked shock. “Are you sure?”

Tyki and the others stopped eating when they overheard what the couples had said.

Eaze’s face looked pale. “-sis and -sis are…dead?”

Tyki observed the little boy beside him, not knowing what to say in this situation.

------------------------------

“Oh.My.God…” whispered as she overheard the news about the train wreckage in the radio while she and were on the way back to their small town Appleby. looked over .

’s face looked very pale but she didn’t say anything.

------------------------------ 

Cassiel Lorna

Edited by Moth - September 27, 2008