The Lost ( A Sequel To The Forgotten )

Knor's Realm

The day before the raid, we discuss the whole "possession" problem.

"Knor didn't really turn me completely evil," Cass explains. "He just strengthened my fear and confusion. A lot. I was still in control, just with different intents... It made sense when Knor was possessing me." Knor possessing our allies could be a major problem. I can't imagine Rolly in golem form attacking us.

"Hit Knor's real body while he's possessing people," Ray suggests. "I doubt he can defend himself and possess someone at once." The discussion goes on for a while, and eventually we decide to test different methods of attack. Hopefully, we'll find something that works.

Evening hits quick, and we all know this is our last night before the big day. Instead of Cass and I chatting, our whole group sits and watches the sun set together.

"This is it," Tarna says.

"Yeah," Person agrees. We're all silent for a moment.

"Guys, whatever happens," Cass starts. "I love you guys. We make a great team, whether we're hiding in The Hideout or plotting in our forest home."

"Whether we're training or resting," I add. "Exploring tents in Odds And Ends or solving riddles near the Collections House." I remember the different places we've been with surprising fondness. Each event that led up to this was important. And for kids who were kidnapped, stuck in a cage and tortured, we've got some pretty great stuff to look back at. Escaping Ultra Tech, meeting Cass, Tarna, Ray, Rolly and Shiran. Breaking back into U.T. for freedom, escaping with only our lives and Person. Solving riddles, pulling an axe out of thin air. We've done pretty good. Tarna lifts her sword to the setting sun.

"We may be lost. But at least we're lost together."

"Lost together," we all repeat, holding our swords up as well. These two words nearly sum up our adventures together. Lost: usually a bad thing, and we're constantly finding ourselves lost in the chaos and mystery of our lives. Together: a uniting word, and the only reason any of us are who we are. Combined, these two words make a phrase that truly fits us. Lost together.

***

It's the day. The day of the raid. Possibly the best day in the history of our lives. Or maybe it'll turn out to be the worst. Either way, none of us are turning back.

From behind our boulder shelter, we quickly say our momentary farewells.

"Lost together," I murmur to my friends. They repeat the phrase, and with that, we sneak toward the Ultra Tech building. The first defence we have to overcome: a tall fence, with lookouts patrolling around it. At least, there are usually lookouts. I don't see any today.

"How do we get past it?" Cass whispers. Ray grins and steps toward the fence.

"Simple. You call on your buddy, the guy with hands that could burn through solid stone. Or fence." With this, Ray melts away a hole in the fence. We all head through the fence. We're now on Ultra Tech soil. This is Knor's territory. Once we're through the fence, our destination is the U.T. entry door. There don't seem to be any guards, which is unusual.

"Where is everyone?" Tarna whispers. "Last time, we'd already had to take out a dozen guards by now."

"Expect a surprise attack," Ray mutters. He then pushes open the door, and we're immediately met with... nothing. The entry room is empty.

"We're either lucky or right where Knor wants us," Tarna whispers. We all hope for the first but expect and dread the second. From the entry room, we split up with a silent nod. Cass and I are entering the Portal Room from the left, which means going through the Dining Hall and Guard's Quarters. We go to the door leading to the Dining Hall.