A Wish Granted

Chapter 8

'Yikes I failed again. But what do I write? It doesn't make sense. What word could possibly stop a war?'

Time was running out. Last time his heartless 'STOP' didn't work. He only had one chance left.

'I don't think I should leave this in Erin's hands. But wait, is this any significant progress? He would kill me if I didn't do much this round.'

Jay looked at the board. Empty and dirty. And then the piece of charcoal. Dark and gloomy, but something which left a strong mark. And finally at the barrier. In a few minutes, he would create a doorway on either side to let the leaders in. He'd hide himself, and make sure they both noticed the board. Was he missing something?

"Maybe voice? I could say something to amplify the effect, but then hiding behind a rock wouldn't possibly help."

He thought for a moment, and looked up. The sky was bright, and if he floated at a certain point beneath the sun, then it would be his silhouette, and not him, which would be visible. By speaking from a point like that, and making sure he was well shielded from the archers' range, he could pass. Now all Jay needed to do was to figure out the perfect spot.

×

Erin ran back to the café. Panting, she entered and walked towards their table.

Her grandfather looked at her as she sat down, and then asked worriedly, "Erin? Where were you so long? You feel better now, right?"

"Yep, I'm completely fine. I was just around the alley."

'Come on Erin.'

"Grandpa.." Erin hesitated, thinking what she should say next. "How are you? You inquired a lot of times about me, but isn't it really you who is unwell?"

He replied, not meeting her eyes, "Heh your grandpa is strong enough, age can't beat thy old man."

"Are you sure? You aren't hiding any.. fatalistic disease?"

He looked at her, eyes wide open. "You..knew?"

"I do, and you should really get that checked."

"It'll cost too much. I'd rather die-"

"NO! WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT!?"

He sighed. "Apart from you, whoever cares for this ageing man? Once you grow old, who comes back to help you?"

"Demears does! You can give him a try! Just because he isn't really related to you by blood doesn't mean he won't love you! Plus, who says we can't pay for it? It's not like we have no money at all."

"You are little, the world of finances needn't concern you. Demears, I don't know about him. I was so unsure, I couldn't ask to bring Demears here. Next time, I guess I'll take both of you, if there is one. But well, since you say so, I'll get myself checked out."

Erin grinned and hugged her grandfather, as he laughed and patted her back. As tears of elation escaped her eyes, she found herself back in the real world.

×

"Impressive." said the voice. "I thought Jay would win, but well he didn't find the right spot."

"Who was that kid?" Erin asked.

"Who? You mean the one who really helped you open up?"

"Duh."

"That was my doing, in reality he is non-existent, but well, the challenge was going too blandly. This is of no use if you make it so boring."

"You mean to say toying with people's darkest memories is all part of a game? Oh, and what of Jay?"

"The last challenge, hmm what should it be? Enough of dreams and dragons, I need something much better." The voice spoke again, after a slight pause, his voice sounding horribly malicious, "Oh! I know, this will be perfect."

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Hiya! Erin did it! She overcame her blocks and told her grandfather, thus finally completing the challenge! Illuminate this star down here to show your love for Erin!

But oh, poor Jay, this doesn't look good.
(Forgive me if you think I'm too harsh on him)

The story's inching near towards the end, what do you think the last challenge would be? Will Jay make it out?

See you soon:)

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