The Hidden Kingdom

Chapter 3

Dazed and disoriented, I looked up to see Elana slumped down next to me. "Are you--" the words died in my throat as the scenery caught my attention. This wasn't the movie theatre! Heck! This didn't even seem like we were in Colorado anymore! Slowly I raised myself off the ground and Elana followed suit. Our eyes were wide as we absorbed our surroundings. We were near a huge body of water. An ocean? The vast waters seemed to go beyond my line of sight. Spinning around, I could see the faint figures of looming skyscrapers. There was no trace of the theatre anywhere in sight. How could this be? I was just pressed against one of its walls a moment ago!

I had almost forgotten that Elana was here with me, but when I looked over at her, she appeared on the verge of tears. " What's going on? Where are we?" She yelled hysterically. Despite my own inner turmoil, I stretched out my hand to comfort her, but before I could reach her, she flinched. "NO! This is all your fault!"
"Calm down! What are you talking about? How could I've caused this? I'm just as confused as you!"
She began laughing hysterically. " You expect me to believe that? I saw what you did. One moment you were standing there and another you were passing through a solid wall! explain that!"

Angry at her accusations, I bitterly retorted, "I don't know what's crazier, this whole situation or you!"
Oh no. Now I'd done it. She glared at me with rage as she spit the word " witch" at me. Or at least it sounded like that...

Unexpectedly, a light feminine laughter rang out. We both turned to see an elderly lady walk towards us. "Dear, here we don't say the w word. It's quite rude you see." I was stupefied and remained standing in silence. The old lady chuckled once again then suddenly stopped. Her eyes widened as she discerned our mystified expressions. "Oh! Perhaps you should come with me. I might be able to answer any questions you have." Knowing neither of us had anything to lose, we willingly obliged.