A Paladin's Promise

Chapter 1: Expulsion From The Red Wings

"What am I going to do? What am I going to say to your mother?!" I watch my father pace the floor, his hands pressed into the sides of his head. He ruffles his shiny black hair in frustration. How could he have let this happen to his only child?

"Dad, it's okay. I promise. We'll figure this out."

"Bradley? Are you okay? I heard a noise," my mother's voice calls from upstairs. My father pauses for a moment before responding.

"Honey, you should come downstairs."

"All right, just a minute."

As he continues to panic, I try to calm him down.

"She'll forgive you. I promise," I say. "You couldn't have imagined such a situation."

"I know, but you must admit, testing a machine I've just finished on my only daughter..."

"Maybe, but Mom is a sweet person. She'll go easy on you."

Soon, we hear my mom walking down the steps.

"What is it, Bradley?" she asks, peeking around the corner.

"Mercy, um... I have to share something with you. Something serious."

"Oh. Okay. What's wrong?"

"Come see for yourself," my father says. She walks over to the television and her eyes widen in surprise. As far as I can tell, she's not angry at all.

"Adrienne?" she asks.

"H-Hey, Mom," I say, waving.

"Sweetheart, can you hear me?"

"I can hear you, Mom." I smile. She presses her clean slender hand against the screen. Her nails are white with tiny black hearts and perfectly manicured. My mother always looks so pretty. My father says I receive all of my looks from her. Her fiery red hair spills over her shoulders in loose waves. Her blue eyes are full of wonder. I lift my hand to hers.

"What... What did you do?" She turns around to face my father. No sign of anger crosses her face. Honestly, though, I've never seen my mother angry before. I'm not sure how she remains so calm all the time. Must be a gift.

"I... I designed a device to shatter the barrier between reality and fiction. Adrienne wanted me to try it on her and I agreed."

"I see. And now she can't return."

"Mercy, I'm so—"

"Hey," my mother says, her melodious voice soft with compassion. "You're okay. Accidents happen. I'm sure you'll find a way to save her."

"You... You're not angry?"

"No. I know you're trying your best." She smiles warmly at him, then lightly kisses his cheek and starts to walk away, when...

"Mercy?"

"Yes, love?"

"I'm sorry. I really am."

"Don't worry; I forgive you. And besides, I'll be here every step of the way," she says, climbing the stairs. My father turns back to me, holding the machine in his trembling hands.

"Adrienne, I'm so sorry. I didn't want this."

"You're okay, Dad. Everything will be all right," I say reassuringly. "Although neither of us is quite sure how to proceed, we do know one thing: we aren't giving up yet."

"You're right. I'm going to do everything I can to save you, sweetheart." He smiles at me.

"What should I do now?" I ask.