Motion Commotion

CHAPTER 3

INERTIA GETS US NOWHERE

Adam sighed. “Come on Krys! We’ve got to help. How dangerous can it be?”

“You just want to look good in front of that Vicky.” Krys turned and looked towards the people walking the mall.

“Krys, we have to at least try. Don’t worry! We’ll stay together and I’ll get us out, if it looks too dangerous.”

“Like you’re some kind of superhero,” Krys sneered. “Okay, but no running off because you’re trying to impress someone!”

“We’ll stick together! I promise.” Adam held out his hand and Krys shook it.

As they looked at each other somehow the mall faded, and a strange looking countryside appeared. Trees grew in clumps and at weird angles. There were different types of flowers that tended to clash in color, and grow in odd patches. Off in the distance, was the strangest building they had ever seen. It was a variety of stories and heights. In fact, it looked impossible to get from one part to another.

“Wow! I guess Granny took care of things. Do you see any of the others?” Krys looked around at the odd place.

“I don’t see anyone other than us. Look over there; that must be Chaos’ castle.” Adam pointed in the direction of the strange building.

“Yeah. I can’t tell whether it’s weird, or just plain ugly,” Krys commented.

“Or a little of both,” Adam continued to stare at the castle.

“Do you think he knows we’re here?” Krys questioned.

“I guess we’ll find out.” Adam swallowed and started walking towards the castle. Krys followed, but as they walked, the castle never got closer. It always seemed to stay the same distance away. After a while they stopped.

“Where are the others? I thought some of them would be here.” Krys looked around hopefully.

“Remember Granny said they wouldn’t be able to function here.” Adam also looked around but only saw the strange landscape they’d already seen.

“Yeah, but a little more help would be appreciated. I don’t know about you but this is driving me crazy. We’re not getting anywhere,” Krys complained.

“There must be some way to get there.” Adam collapsed on a nearby log.

“Do you think that it’s just an optical illusion?” Krys dropped down beside him.

“Maybe, but it still tricks our brains.” Adam pondered the strange creature that was flying around his head. “Maybe we should try closing our eyes.”

“Then how are we going to know when we get anywhere, not to mention tripping over something!” Krys stood up again and stared at the now many creatures buzzing around them.

“You got a better idea?” Adam asked.

“Hmmmm. Wait, maybe it’s not so much an optical illusion, as a trick.” Krys thought a minute and then turned back to Adam. “Whom else does Acceleration have a relationship with?”

“Besides Mickey?” Adam gently shooed one creature away, only to have two more move in.

“Yeah, and besides time.” Krys looked around at what was now a definite swarm. “Ah, Adam…”

“Well, distance, and direction!” Adam seemed rather pleased with remembering.

“Uh, Adam?”

“What?”

“I think someone knows we’re here, and I don’t think they are happy about it.”

“What are they?” Adam looked closer at what he’d first thought were flies. The creatures looked like bees, with a leprechaun head.

“I don’t think I care. Let’s just move.” The creatures were buzzing loudly, but it sounded more like a lot of people laughing.

“Krys, they’re kinda all around me. I’m not sure I can stand up.”

“Adam? I can’t see you! Adam!”

In the next moment the creatures were gone and Adam was left sitting on the log alone.

“Krys? Where are you?” Adam jumped up and decided now was a good time to panic. “Krys? Krrryysss!” No one answered; in fact, it was extremely quiet. Adam looked at the castle but still couldn’t figure out how to get there. And now he’d lost his sister and had no idea how to find her. He looked back the way they had walked. It looked like he was still where they had started. Guilt joined his panic, as he thought about his promise to his sister.

“Granny! Granny Force get me out of here now!” Adam yelled.