Jimmy and Cindy planned the trip very carefully. Jimmy completed several maintenence checks on the hovercar, while Cindy planned the provisions that they
would need. They planned to leave late Friday afternoon and travel until Saturday. They would take notes the whole of Saturday, and return home Sunday.
There were no holes in the plan, no area left unattended to. Nothing could ever go wrong.

Friday, Cindy walked home with Jimmy after school. Butterflies danced in her stomach.
CINDY: Neutron, are you sure about this? I mean, last time we tried to go somewhere, the hovercar ran out of fuel and we ended up stranded.
JIMMY: yeah, I remember that... don't worry, everything has been accounted for.
CINDY: hmmm... well, okay....

They stopped at Cindy's house so she could say bye to her mom, and then continued on to Jimmy's place. He said his goodbyes, and they hurried into the lab. Jimmy revved up the hovercar, and they started off. As they cruised through the warm, humid air, Cindy stole a glance at Jimmy. He was completely focused on the controls. It was cute how determined he was. She smiled softly to herself. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad... wait a minute! What was she thinking?! Of course this was going to be terrible! She sighed and leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. As she drifted off to sleep, her mind argued back and forth about whether all this time with Jimmy was going to be good or bad...

Eight hours later, Jimmy shook her awake.
JIMMY: We're here.
Cindy opened her eyes and peered over the side of the hovercar. Below her, a green canopy of twisting vines and rustling leaves spread for miles. She gasped. Colorful birds darted from tree to tree, singing merrily. A long, shining river twisted along, edged by sandy beaches.
CINDY: It's beautiful!
JIMMY: It really is... look at all the flora and fauna! It's scientifically incredible!
He grabbed paper and started jotting notes, his blue eyes darting from place to place. Cindy watched him, drawn in by the pure love he had for science. He glanced up and caught her looking at him.
JIMMY: What?
All of a sudden he grinned.
JIMMY: Why are you staring at me?
CINDY: Oh please neutron, why would I be looking at you? Your big head is just blocking my view!
Jimmy simply smiled and went back to taking notes. Cindy picked up her digital camera and started taking pictures. When she was behind the camera, she felt so creative. She snapped away, catching monkeys dangling from braches and snakes dripping from trees like intricately patterned vines. All of a sudden, a jolt caused them both to jump.
CINDY: Wat was that?
Jimmy peered over the side.
JIMMY: Pukin’ Pluto!
Cindy leaned over. An arrow was stuck into the side of the hovercar. Thick, black drops splashed to the ground below. The gas was leaking.
JIMMY: Oh no…
He hurried around, checking gauges and frantically maneuvering the hovercar so that they would land in a soft area. As the hovercar began sinking faster and faster, Cindy closed her eyes and braced for impact. This was just like the time they got stranded, only worse. This time, there was no Sheen, Libby, and Carl to come rescue them. They were alone.

The hovercar landed with a sharp jolt. Jimmy felt the stabilizers crumble and the engine blow. He sighed. This was bad. Glancing at Cindy, his eyes widened. She was sitting there, mouth open, tears rolling down her cheeks.
JIMMY: Cindy? Are you...okay?
CINDY: Do I look okay, Neutron? I knew something like this was going to happen, it always does.
More tears splattered onto the ground.
CINDY: Look Neutron, I really just want to go home. Please, just fix the hovercar now. Fast.
Jimmy was taken aback by Cindy's reaction to all this. He had expected screams, yells, insults hurled at him. He certainly had not forseen crying! Cindy and crying, was it even possible? He spoke softly.
JIMMY: I'm sorry Cindy. I can't...fix the hovercar now. It may take days, even weeks to collect the necessary supplies. We might be here awhile.
Cindy just turned away and stared off into the jungle. After a few tense minutes, she spoke in a choked voice.
CINDY: Jimmy, you promised me that everything would be okay. You said there was nothing to worry about. I trusted you. What a mistake that was. Tomorrow is my dad's birthday, and I am going to be in the Amazon.
Jimmy stared at the ground. He felt terrible. He hadn't meant for Cindy to miss her dad's birthday. Yet, how could he have known that an arrow would fly out of the jungle? What were the chances of that ever happening? This was ridiculous.
JIMMY: I'm sorry Cindy, I really am. But how was I supposed to have known that an arrow would hit the hovercar? It's not really something that you plan for. I will try to find the supplies I need as quickly as possible, but keep in mind that now we have to worry about who shot the arrow, why they shot it, and whether they meant to hit us. I knew that there were still several primitive tribes in the jungle, but it never even crossed my mind that we would run into one. The Amazon is huge, and there are about 100 tribes inhabiting it...
Jimmy's voice trailed off as Cindy stood up and vanished into the dense foliage. His heart raced. The jungle was very dangerous, full of poisonous animals and predators. He called after her.
JIMMY: Cindy! Come back! It’s dangerous out there, we have to stick together! Please!

There was no answer. Nothing moved. Jimmy collapsed onto a rock, burying his head in his hands. This was terrible. First, the hovercar crashes. Now, Cindy has run away, and he was alone. And so was she.

Vines twisted around Cindy's ankles, pulling her down into the muddy floor of the jungle. When she finally freed herself from the vines, upraised roots tripped her up and she came crashing down again. She wasn't usually this clumsy, but tears blurred her vision and she was too distraught to pay special attention to where she was going. Dirt streaked her face. Leaves and sticks were scattered in her hair. Finally, exhausted, she fell to her knees in the dirt. She didn't know why she ran away. Part of it was because she knew Jimmy was right. It wasn't his fault that the hovercar had crashed. She just needed someone to blame and he was the only one. She glanced up at the sky. The sun was slowly sinking below the horizon, leaving behind a trail of red and orange. She rose to her feet and began retracing her steps. The smart thing to do was to join Jimmy, and she was no idiot. After walking for a while, she smelled smoke. Parting the branches, she gasped. There sat Jimmy, but he wasn't alone, and he didn't look happy. He was seated on a log, rope binding his hands and feet. A woman with long black hair stood near him, stirring something in a pot.
CINDY (whispering): Jimmy? Jimmy, what is going on?
He looked up, and their eyes met. He mouthed for her to be quiet and run. She shook her head.
CINDY (whispering): I'm not leaving. What happened?
He glanced nervously at the woman who had previously been stirring, and was now talking to a man with red streaks under his eyes and white dots on his forehead.
JIMMY (whispering): They found me at camp. I think they're the ones who shot the arrow. Apparently we invaded their territory. I'm so sorry Cindy, I really didn't mean to get you into this mess.
CINDY (whispering): It's not your fault, Jimmy. I'm sorry I blamed you earlier.
She stepped out of the trees as quietly as she could, but the man and the woman both looked up and saw her.
WOMAN: Well, what have we hear...? Another one?
The man darted toward Cindy.
JIMMY: RUN!!!!!!
Cindy made a break for it, darting nimbly between trees. She heard the man's heavy footsteps behind her. All of a sudden, she saw that the ground ended not far ahead, giving way to a steep cliff. She braked, digging her feet into the ground. The man caught up and grabbed her by the arm. Leading her back to camp, he spoke grimly.
MAN: You people think you can just waltz onto my tribes' land... Your little, big-headed friend was quite shocked when we took him. He was working on his flying contraption, but was crying at the same time, so I don't think he was quite prepared for us, so he was an easy catch. But you, no, you were ready, but we got you anyway, didn't we? And people call us primitive...

But Cindy wasn't paying attention. She had stopped listening after he said that Jimmy was crying. Now she thought about this. She had made Jimmy cry? Oh, she hadn't meant to do that. There I go again, always only thinking of myself, she thought. Of course this was going to be stressful for Jimmy too...
By this time they had arrived at the camp. The man thrust Cindy down next to Jimmy and bound her hands and feet. Leaving them, he disappeared into a tent. Cindy spoke quietly.
CINDY: There was a cliff.
Jimmy nodded.
JIMMY: That's okay, it might be better if you're here. There is a greater chance of escape.
Cindy stared into the fire. Would they ever escape? What awaited them when the man returned? She scooted closer to Jimmy and whispered words she rarely spoke.
CINDY (whispering): I'm scared Jimmy... I'm scared.

The fire had burned down awhile ago, and was now reduced to a heap of softly glowing embers. The sky, a deep, velvety black, was lit by glittering stars.
Technically, it was beautiful. To Jimmy and Cindy, it was anything but. In their eyes, the night sky was a hard, cold black. The stars were dim, lifeless. Ugly.
To them, the beauty meant nothing.

Jimmy stared listlessly into the fire, watching the glowing embers slowly fade into the night. His eyes were glazed, emotionless. Cindy had never seen him like
this before. Usually he would be thinking, devising ways to escape. Now, he was, just, not. Cindy was worried.
CINDY (speaking in a low voice): Jimmy..?
There was no reply.
CINDY: Jimmy, listen to me!
Still, silence. His eyes stayed fixed on the fire.
CINDY: Neutron! Snap outta it!
Jimmy looked up, expressionless.
JIMMY: What.
CINDY: Jimmy, we need to get out of here, so you need to stop acting like this and start thinking. What is up with you?
JIMMY: Cindy, I have been thinking about the situation. And I think I have a plan...
CINDY: Well spill. This rope itches!
JIMMY: Alright. So the fire has burned down to embers. What we need to do is get one of those coals and position it on our ropes. There should be enough
heat to burn through the rope, but not quite enough to catch it on fire. Okay?
CINDY: Great. Just one question: How do we get the ember!? Our hands are bound, Jimmy. That’s basically the entire point.
JIMMY: Well, I figured that if we move our hands in little circles, the ropes should loosen a little. Then, one of us just leans down and puts the ember on the
other person. Then, once that person's rope has burned through, they will untie the one who is still roped. Get it?
CINDY: Yeah... so who gets the coal?
JIMMY: Well, I thought I would leave that up for you to decide.
CINDY: I'll put it on you.
JIMMY: Are you sure..?
CINDY: Yes. Positive.
She leaned down and tightened her fingers around a softly glowing coal. Straightening up, she carefully placed it onto Jimmy’s bonds. They both watched as
the rope began to glow orange and slowly burn apart, leaving charred edges as it went. When it was almost all the way through, Jimmy ripped through the
rest and immediately began untying Cindy's wrists. His hands worked quickly and nimbly, and within minutes she was free. They both worked on their own
ankles. Jimmy sighed as his ropes fell to the ground. He looked around cautiously and then stood up and stretched. Cindy joined him.
JIMMY: We need to get out of here, soon. As in, now.
Cindy nodded and got down on her hands and knees, motioning for Jimmy to follow. He glanced at the sky and then copied her. They began crawling towards the jungle. Crawling towards safety...

Jimmy and Cindy were resting against a tree. The sun was peeking over the lush green canopy, casting a golden glow over the foliage. The birds began
awakening and singing their sweet melodies. Now that they were free, they could see the true beauty of where they were.
CINDY: It's so pretty here.
She picked up a pink and orange flower and slipped it in her hair. Jimmy smiled and straightened it. She blushed.
JIMMY: Yeah... it is.
He really did think it was pretty. Just, Cindy was prettier.
All of a sudden, they heard voices and footsteps.
MAN: They have to be around here somewhere....
Jimmy and Cindy shot each other worried glances. Carefully rising, they turned on their heels and ran. They heard the man shout and begin chasing them.
Cindy scanned the forest for little pits or holes in trees that they could hide in. All of a sudden, she spotted a little cave. Grabbing Jimmy's hand, she pulled him into it. Panting, her hands on her knees, she whispered.
CINDY: I don't think he'll find us here.
There was no answer from Jimmy. She looked up to find him staring, fixated on the cave wall. She stood next to him, and in a few moments, she was speechless too. Intricate paintings covered the wall. There was something familiar about them though...something very familiar.... Finally, she spoke.
CINDY: Jimmy...Jimmy those people in the paintings....they look, they look like.... us.

The paintings were beautifully done, with incredible detail. It looked as if the glaring warriors and sparkling handmaidens could just jump right out at them. In the center of it all, on gold, jewel encrusted thrones, sat two people; a man and a woman – or perhaps a boy and a girl. These two figures were the ones that perfectly resembled Cindy and Jimmy. The pair gazed in awe at the artwork, speechless. Jimmy ran a hand over it, muttering things and taking mental notes and pictures. Cindy was trying to uncover the story the pictures told. It seemed that they were royalty, and were being waited upon hand and foot by young girls and protected by strong, sturdy young men. So far, that was all she could decipher. The two were so enthralled by their discovery that they failed to hear the echo of footsteps, coming from deeper inside the cave. Jimmy only noticed when it was too late. Slowly turning around, they found themselves facing a girl, about their age, maybe a bit older. The girl was beautiful, with piercing, icy blue eyes and jet black hair, cascading in soft waves around her shoulders. Her skin was dark tan. Loose, almost genie-like pants dyed a vibrant green fluttered around her legs in the humid breeze, and she wore a canvas colored tank top. A slender gold chain hung around her neck, with a shining emerald pendant settled perfectly in the hollow of her throat. Gold bangles clinked on her wrists, and a clay pot rested on her dainty head. Cindy glanced from the girl to Jimmy, whose mouth was hanging open in a small O, his eyes wide. Cindy turned to face the girl and spoke.
CINDY: Do you speak English? What language do you use?
GIRL: Yes, I speak English. What, do I look stupid?
Cindy did not like this girl’s sharp tone one bit.
CINDY: Well, how was I supposed to assume you spoke English? It is not the native tongue here, I assume?
GIRL: No, it’s not. And, what is wrong with him?
She jabbed a slender finger in Jimmy’s direction, who was still just standing there, drooling. Cindy rolled her eyes.
CINDY: He always goes gaga over pretty girls. He is actually really smart.
GIRL: Well, from what I saw he wasn’t going gaga over you?
Cindy felt a stab at her heart. That was true. He didn’t go gaga over her… She sighed and spoke softly.
CINDY: No, I don’t think he considers me pretty… I’m more of the “intellectual rival” type.
The girl shrugged.
GIRL: If you say so. Could you tell him to gather his wits? It’s kinda creepy. Anyway, my name’s Shii. [A/N: Pronounced she)]
CINDY: I’m Cindy, that’s Jimmy.
The girl glanced at them again, and then her eyes drifted to the paintings on the wall. All of a sudden she dropped her pot and sank to the ground.
CINDY: Wha… what? Did I say something wrong?
SHII: No!! Oh, how could I have been so stupid? And to think how I spoke to you!
She rose to her feet and picked up the pot.
SHII: Follow me please. I will take you to my city.

Shii led the way, deeper into the cave. After about five minutes of walking straight, she turned. Jimmy walked next to Cindy, behind Shii. He glanced over at her, was surprised to see a glare fixated on her face.
JIMMY: Cindy? Aren’t you at all interested in what we are about to see?
CINDY: Oh, I’m interested! More interested than you, anyway.
JIMMY: What?! Of course I’m interested!
CINDY: Oh yeah, I know what you’re interested in.
Jimmy blushed and quickly denied it.
JIMMY: I am not interested in h –
He cut off as Shii turned around. Cindy rolled her eyes.
CINDY: Whatever, Neutron.
Jimmy sighed. This always happened. He and Cindy would start getting along fine, and then something would happen to get in the way. A voice interrupted his thoughts.
SHII: Watch out – there are stairs here.
The trio descended a long, dark flight of stairs. It was cool, and Cindy could hear water dripping into puddles. All of a sudden, she spotted a light at the end of the stairs. As they reached the bottom, the light became blinding. They walked into it, and found themselves facing a beautiful city. There were little cube shaped houses lined up in neat rows. Tall poles topped with glowing glass balls adorned the streets, and bustling marketplaces in huge open squares were scattered about. In the center of the city, surrounded by a glistening canal of water, stood a castle. It shone with gold and jewels, with high turrets reaching toward the roof of the cave, and beautiful stained glass windows glinting in the soft light. Cindy and Jimmy stared in awe. This place was so gorgeous, and so modern, for being the middle of the Amazon. Shii smiled softly at the familiar sight.
SHII: Welcome to Shaninova. The city… of the stars.

Shii led them down the main street, toward the palace’s towering structure. Children frolicked in the streets, tossing balls back and forth and shouting to one another. People were eating and relaxing on their roofs.
JIMMY: This architecture reminds me of the Catal Huyuk life style.
Shii nodded.
SHII: Yes, we based our homes on their designs. As you will notice, every house is the same in size, and overall general appearance. This is because it makes us all equal. There is no way to tell the rich from the poor.
Jimmy looked impressed.
JIMMY: That’s very advanced.
SHII: Yes, this is quite an empire.
CINDY: Look, I’m terribly sorry to interrupt compliment time here, but where are you taking us?
Shii turned to her. Cindy thought she saw a flash of anger in her eyes, but when she looked again, there was nothing.
SHII: I am taking you to see our king.
CINDY: Actually, if you could just show us how to get out, and maybe provide us with the equipment we need to get home, since your empire is so advanced and all…
Shii faced her again, and this time Cindy was positive she saw a glint of evil in her cold blue eyes.
SHII: That I cannot do. My people have long awaited your arrival. You cannot leave. Besides - there is no escape.
A slam echoed through the city. Jimmy and Cindy whirled around just in time to see a huge slab of rock cover the door they had just come through. The door that led to the outside. The door that led to freedom. The door that now, was gone.

Cindy and Jimmy turned to face each other.
CINDY: Neutron....
JIMMY: Um, Shii?
SHII: Just follow me. Please.
Continuing up the main road, a stiff silence hovered in the air around the three. Cindy had a mixed expression on her face, Jimmy looked as if he was thinking very, very hard, and a cold smile played on Shii's soft pink lips. After what seemed like eternity, they reached the castle. Shii clapped twice and made a strange movement with her hands. The doors swung open, revealing a large, circular room. Two chairs, with gold frames and beautifully stitched cushions were placed on either side of an even grander one. The chairs, however, were empty. A man hurried up to the trio, casting a velvet cape over Shii's shoulders and placing a delicate, silver tiara on her black hair. Shii walked up to the chairs and sank into the middle one, motioning for Cindy and Jimmy to sit in the smaller ones. They did.
SHII: Well, now that we are all comfy, I suppose I should explain what is going on.
Cindy sighed, and spoke in a sarcastic tone.
CINDY: Yes, that would be nice.
Jimmy simply nodded.
SHII: Well you see, my people... ah, well, I should really begin with proper introductions. I am Shii: Empress of Shaninova. For a century, my people have suffered, for the gods have not been happy. Every 100 years, we must make a sacrifice. But for the sacrifice to be legitimate, we need two gods to be present. The sacrifices, we have, and now, the gods.
Cindy and Jimmy stole glances at each other.
JIMMY: So you mean to say...
Shii cut him short.
SHII: Please, let me finish. The last time a sacrifice was called for, the people of Shaninova could not provide the sacrifice, as the gods were not present, and neither were those who had to be sacrificed. You see, there are special "requirements" a sacrifice must have. As a result, the gods were not appeased, as they must be for us to maintain a subdued, peaceful life. So now, now that we have you, we can continue. But first, we must have you looking proper.
Again, she clapped her hands twice. A young man and a young woman came in.
SHII: Take them to be prepared.
The servants nodded. The man took Jimmy by the elbow, and the woman, Cindy. Shii leaned back in her chair and smiled. A good year, this would be.

The man showed Jimmy to a small chamber.
MAN: You will go in here, and sit for 10 minutes. When you emerge, you will find clothes on the table. Don them. I will meet you outside of the room for the rest of your preparation.
He opened the door and pushed Jimmy into the room. It was hot in there, and the steam made his eyes water. He sat down on a wooden bench and closed his eyes, counting to 60...

Meanwhile, Cindy was getting the same treatment. The steam curled her hair and made her cheeks turn a soft shade of pink. She did not like this one bit. She had never been too much of a girly girl. The ten minutes passed by slowly, but when it was up, she burst out of the room with vigor. Spying the clothes on the table, she picked them up and shook them out. Her eyes widened as the brightly colored cloth shimmered in front of her. The clothes were a lot like Shii's. The festive green of the tank top matched her eyes, and the golden yellow of the pants looked beautiful against her lightly tanned skin...

Jimmy, however, wasn't all too sure about his clothes. They were loose pants, also not too different from Shii's, but dyed a bright blue, to match his eyes. He sighed and slipped his red t-shirt into a large pocket convieniently placed inside the pants. This was going to be a long ceremony... He pushed open the door and jumped when the man appeared out of nowhere.
MAN: Alright, now....
He led Jimmy down the hall to yet another room.
MAN: Sit down in the chair.
Jimmy obliged. The man took a small box off of a shelf and opened it. Jimmy caught a glimpse of a white paste. The man dabbed his finger in it and ordered Jimmy to close his eyes. The paint was cold, and the man was rough. But Jimmy dared not move... This guy was intimidating.

Cindy walked gracefully out of her room, and the woman smiled when she saw her.
WOMAN: Oh, you are so pretty. Now come along, we must start the make up!
The two walked down another hall, and entered a room. Cindy sat in a chair, and the woman brought out a large, slim wooden box. She opened it to reveal rows upon rows of brightly colored powders and slim brushes. She swirled a brush in a soft pink shadow and told Cindy to close her eyes. Brushing it on gently, she added a thin line of eyeliner. Straightening up, she admired her work.
WOMAN: Alright, I will take you back to Her Royal Empress now.

Jimmy started when he saw Cindy. She looked.... beautiful. Her blonde hair was down, and it curled softly. Her pinks were flushed a soft pink, and her eyes sparkled.
JIMMY: C..Cin..Cindy! Um, y.. yo.. you look... you look um... you look very.... you look very... very... um, okay, well, you look very pretty.
He blushed crimson and looked at his feet. She smiled.
CINDY: Thanks Neutron, you don't look so bad yourself!
SHII: Ah, you are ready. Let us get the procession started.
JIMMY: Isn't it going to take days to prepare?
SHII: No, my people, since they never knew when you would come, were always ready. Now, let us go.
CINDY: Wait, I just have one question!
SHII: What.
CINDY: Well, is there a special routine the gods have to do?
SHII: Well yes, but why would you want to know what the gods do?
Cindy shot Jimmy a worried glance.
CINDY: Well, I thought we were the gods!
Shii laughed.
SHII: Oh! Whatever gave you that idea!! Of course you are not the gods, the gods are waiting!
CINDY: Well...w...well then.... that would mean... that would mean that we would be the... sacrifices?!?
A dark smile broke out on Shii's face.
SHII: Yes. You two are the sacrifices.

JIMMY: Wha… But… how?
Shii smiled again and tossed her black hair over her shoulder.
SHII: I think I made it quite clear at the beginning, when I first explained the situation. And you should certainly understand your place now, since I stated it so clearly.
CINDY: But you treated us so well! Aren’t sacrifices just lowly little scumballs? Certainly if we are the sacrifices we wouldn’t have had to go through all that preparation.
SHII: Well, sacrifices are greatly respected in this culture. They show their true devotion to our religion. Oh, and the preparation is simply because we don’t want you looking disrespectful in the presence of our mighty gods. Now, where were we? Ah, yes…
JIMMY: Wait, you never said we were the sacrifices!
SHII: Ah, but did I ever say you were the gods?
JIMMY: Yea, well… no, I guess you didn’t.
SHII: I do not tolerate mendacity in my empire Jimmy. Do you think I myself would lie? Now, just walk along in the procession until we reach the Rock, where the gods await your arrival. The rest will be explained there. With that, she flounced out of the room.
JIMMY: I am so sorry Cindy. If I had just agreed to do some regular research like you said none of this would have happened.
He sat down on the ground, and Cindy sat beside him.
CINDY: Look Neutron, this isn’t totally your fault. I mean, sure, you could have gone along with my idea, but we’re here now and we can’t change that. So buck up and think. Now.
Jimmy looked at her, a mixed expression on his face. Something between gratefulness and sorrow.
JIMMY: Thanks Cindy. I guess you’re right. I shouldn’t be looking back at what I should have done, I should be looking towards at what I can do. I just don’t know if there is really a way out of this… Thank you though Cindy. Thanks.
He gave her a quick hug. She blushed and smiled.
CINDY: You’re welcome. Oh, and, nice pants.
Jimmy grinned.
JIMMY: Thanks… you, err… Well…
Cindy raised an eyebrow, but butterflies filled her stomach. Jimmy cleared his throat.
JIMMY: You look very… very…
He sighed.
JIMMY: Okay. You look beautiful Cindy.
He turned crimson and stared at the ground for a minute, then glanced up awkwardly at Cindy. She smiled.
CINDY: Thanks Jimmy. You actually look quite handsome too. She leaned in, and all of a sudden her face was very close to his. Her lips were about to touch his cheek when Shii entered the room. Cindy saw her and immediately pulled away, blushing furiously. Jimmy looked confused for a moment, but then also spotted Shii and began to turn an apple red. Shii smiled her cruel, cold smile and spoke with a sarcastic sweetness.
SHII: Ah, young love. So innocent, so sweet. You two didn’t seem to be getting along so well before though! Ah well, are you ready? You must be so honored! Our religion has two gods, the god of the earth and the god of the sky. They control all. Our lives, our destiny, our purpose. Now, come this way, the procession will begin soon!
Cindy and Jimmy glanced at each other, a worried look pressed onto both young faces. Jimmy reached out, grabbed her hand, and the two followed Shii out of the great palace doors, fear in their hearts.

Outside, a huge procession was moving up the main road, dressed in bright colors and waving intricately patterned flags. Jimmy gulped and began surveying the area. Shii had moved on toward the front, obviously thinking they were following.
JIMMY: Okay Cindy, as soon as this group goes by, follow me, okay?
Cindy nodded. They waited anxiously for the next group to pass, then Jimmy darted out into the crowd, Cindy close behind. They moved with the flow of the crowd before Jimmy leapt back out of the mass of excited people into a dark alley. Cindy followed, her heart beating quickly. Nobody seemed to have noticed their absence yet though, and they crept further in between the square houses. Cindy stopped Jimmy before he turned a corner.
CINDY: Jimmy, let’s rather go to the front of the cave where the exit is. That way, we can follow that last people out and get away.
JIMMY: Yeah, that’s a good idea. You lead the way.
Cindy turned the other way and began walking at a brisk pace, keeping the procession in sight. They reached the exit and waited for the last few people to leave. They quickly darted out through the huge stone door seconds before it slammed shut behind them. They began climbing the familiar, dreary, cold, gray steps toward light, toward freedom. Minutes went by as they wove through the maze of dimly light corridors. They noise of the procession began to die away, and they found themselves at a dead end. They turned around and headed back, but once again met with solid wall. Looking at each other, a horrible realization crept through them. They were lost.

JIMMY: Cindy.... you wouldn't happen to remember...where we came from?
She gave him an incredulous look.
CINDY: You don't seriously think I would remember something you, the guy with the incredible memory, doesn't?
JIMMY: Well...
He glanced up, defeated. All of a sudden he frowned.
JIMMY: Why is everything always up to me? It's always, "Neutron, have a brain blast" or "we have to save the world! Well, actually, Jimmy, if you could...." You could help too Vortex.
CINDY: Oh, so now we're on last name terms again Neutron? Well you know what? Fine. I will help. I'll save you some thinking by getting my self out you selfish little... agh!!
She turned on her heel and stormed off.
JIMMY: Cindy!! Wait!! I didn't mean it like ----
CINDY: Oh just drop it Neutron!! Just... Just shut up!!
Jimmy reached out a hand as if to pull her back. Distress filled his deep blue eyes and he bit his lip. He shook his head and began to follow her. Her footsteps quickly faded off, and Jimmy was left alone. Closing his eyes, he spun around three times, opened his eyes, and started off in that direction. Not very scientific, but he was much too troubled to care. He hadn't meant to hurt Cindy...

Cindy wiped tears from her eyes as she stumbled down the musty corridor. Her breath came in sharp, shaky jerks and goosebumps dotted her pale skin. Shivering, she leaned against the cold stone wall. All of a sudden, the tears were everywhere. She sank down to the ground, sobbing. She didn't know why she was taking this so badly. It was like all this time someone had been piling bricks onto her shoulders and now, when Jimmy dropped this feather on top, everything came crashing down. Hopefully they'd find each other soon...

Hours passed, and with every minute Jimmy grew more and more desperate. Every time he came to a fork, he threw himself in one direction, barely caring where he went. Cindy was doing the same, hoping with all her might that she would run into Jimmy. Together, they had a chance. Alone... It was doubtful.
Jimmy struggled through an especially dark corridor. The combination of the darkness and total exhaustion led him to fail to notice Cindy's presence at the other end of the hall, and the same occurred for Cindy. Jimmy caught a glimpse of light and began to hurry toward it. Cindy heard his footsteps and followed them. The light grew closer and excitement filled Jimmy. He began running, and the light grew closer and closer. Freedom from this horrible, dark, dungeon-like maze was the only thing on his mind, and he was determined to obtain it. Cindy was running now too, for she was the shadowy outline of Jimmy in the dim glow of a light. Happiness overtook all sense as the two ran on, until Jimmy felt his stomach plummet. The light wasn't coming from the outside. A strong young man wearing a heavy frown gripped a bright lantern. Jimmy's eyes widened with fear. How could he have been so thoughtless! He quickly tried to creep into the shadows, but the young man swung around and the glow of the lantern caught Jimmy square in the face. He stood, frozen, like a deer in headlights. The man's face broke into a cold smile and he grabbed Jimmy by the arm.
JIMMY: Hey!! Let go!!
Cindy stood at the end of the hall, terrified. She quickly ducked into the shadows and watched with a horrified expression as Jimmy was dragged away. She was alone.

Jimmy struggled frantically as the huge man forcibly dragged him through the dark tunnel. He hoped Cindy would have the sense to stay away. In the meantime, Cindy had decided to follow the man from a distance, hoping he would lead her out of the cave. He obviously knew his way, for he turned the corners at a quick pace, pausing only once or twice to examine his surroundings or to remember which way to turn. After about 10 minutes of weaving their way through the maze, Cindy spotted a faint light and the end of the hall. The man and Jimmy disappeared through the exit and Cindy quickened her pace. She came to the paintings and paused to marvel at them for a moment. She recognized what was happening in the painting now. It pictured them preparing for the sacrificial ceremony. A lump formed in her throat when she looked at the image of Jimmy. Would she ever see him again? Turning away, she continued out of the cave.
Outside, the rain beat down heavily, drumming a steady rhythm on the soft ground. Within minutes, Cindy was completely soaked, and the makeup ran down her face in gentle rivulets, like a palette of colorful tears. At a complete loss as to what to do, she ran blindly into the jungle, looking for the hovercar…people…something, anything to give her inspiration for an idea to help. Rescuing Jimmy and getting home were the only two things on her mind, and she would stop at nothing to complete them.

A strong leather band bound Jimmy’s hands behind his back, and in the distance he could see the shady outlines of the Shaninovan people, waiting anxiously for his and Cindy’s arrival. Their disappearance had caused quite a stir, and everyone was riled up, especially Shii. She paced back and forth at the head of the crowd, an impatient, angry expression fixed on her pale face. Her icy blue eyes stared coldly into the distance, searching for any sign of the missing sacrifices. Finally, she spotted Tharo and another figure coming up the path. She pushed by several excited townspeople to meet them.
SHII: I was expecting two, Tharo! Where is the girl?
Her words were sharp, and Tharo seemed to shrink in her very presence.
THARO: I’m sorry, your majesty, the girl could not be found.
Shii’s eyes narrowed and she began scolding him in a language Jimmy couldn’t comprehend. It sounded quite a bit like Russian, with throaty rolls and sharp words. He listened for any possible similarities between this language and the 11 he was fluent in, but was only able to catch a few words – boy, girl, water, two, and lazy. Obviously Tharo was not being complimented. Jimmy sighed and looked toward the hundreds of people eagerly listening to their leader…

Cindy pushed thick, emerald vines from her face as she stumbled through the thick foliage. She had been hiking for hours now, and had found nothing. She collapsed at the base of a towering tree and let her eyes drift to the canopy of sun streaked leaves that blanketed the sky above. She was breathing heavily, but it slowed as she began to relax. The rain had ceased, and brilliantly colored birds swooped from tree to tree. Every now and then, the quick flash of a spider monkey diving from a high branch would catch her eye. The gurgle of the river as it wove its way between the trees mixed with the other melodious sounds of the jungle, and Cindy’s eyes began to close. As she drifted off into a fitful sleep, a slideshow of images flickered through her mind. Her as a baby, throwing feisty punches at her dad, her first day of school, the day Jimmy arrived – this one was the longest. Fourth grade, it had been, on the third day. He’d walked in, glancing nervously around with his big blue eyes. He wore his usual red tee and jeans, rolled up at the bottom so they wouldn’t drag in the dirt. All of a sudden the image jumped to the time they’d been stranded. Their smiles, that soft, at-ease feeling in the air. No pressure, no secrets, just them. The picture skipped again, this time to them arguing. They shoved their faces right up close, voices rising and falling quickly, hands gesturing madly. Cindy remembered the feeling she got in her stomach when they fought like that, right in each other’s faces. Like she could just lean forward and kiss him, right then. They way her stomach would tie itself up in knots trying to screw up the courage… Libby, Sheen and Carl stood to the side, watching them fight. Libby was rolling her dark brown eyes, and Sheen was staring intently at his UltraLord action figure. He pressed a button on the figure’s chest, and it retorted in a girly voice, “Wow! Look at that skirt! It is like, sooo cute!” Sheen grinned and said to no one in particular, “Ultralord, you are a mind reader.” Libby and Carl laughed. The sounded faded as the image crumbled into blackness. Sleep washed over Cindy like the gentle waves of the ocean as the sun inked vivid reds and oranges into the Amazonian sky.

A sea of people spread before Jimmy, a grave murmur hanging heavily in the air. From what Jimmy had gathered, the sacrifice couldn’t take place without Cindy. A few yards away, Shii was talking angrily to a group of men, jabbing her finger in different directions. The men hurried off into the dense thicket of trees, and Shii turned and marched over to where Jimmy stood. Placing her hands on slender hips, she tossed her shimmering black hair over her shoulder. Jimmy looked at her for the first time in a while, and saw that she too had changed for the ceremony. A glowing lace of sapphires adorned her hair, and a light green powder had been rubbed on her eyelids. Despite her dazzling appearance, with her mouth set in a grim line and her eyes glinting with a malicious glare, she looked quite unattractive. She turned her icy gaze upon him and spoke.
SHII: Do you have any idea what your little game has caused?
Jimmy mustered what he hoped was a careless glance and shrugged.
SHII: A complete disaster! The gods grow impatient. It won’t be long before they show their anger. Your little friend better show up soon…
She whirled and flounced away. Jimmy sighed and looked toward the sky. Dark clouds loomed on the horizon, foreshadowing even more rain. He shivered as a cold breeze snaked around him. Hopefully Cindy would be able to avoid the guards on her trail…

A crash of thunder echoed through the trees, causing Cindy to stir. As fat, warm raindrops began to fall from the darkening sky; she sat up all the way and looked around. Her dream… What had that meant? Jimmy! The word sped through her mind, accompanied by worried thoughts. Where was he? Was he alright? She pulled herself up and began running toward a clump of trees she thought she recognized. She pushed through, realized she had no idea where she was, and turned back. A feeling of desperation filled her, weighing her down like a heavy sack. She tripped over roots and rocks, and within the first hour she was covered in bruises and scratches, and her shirt hung in rags around her dirt stained shoulders. Finally, after hours, she came to a clearing she thought she recognized. She looked around, and all of a sudden felt a jolt of excitement. Her heart raced and the mud caked on her face cracked when a huge smile crossed her face. There, in a patch of weeds, lay the hovercar.

Cindy ran to where the hovercar lay in ruins. The steering wheel lay a few feet away, and bolts, screws and wires erupted from a hole in the dashboard. Fuel and water fused together in a puddle near the puncture wound from the arrow. A brief thought flitted through Cindy's mind. Who had shot that arrow? Shii had never mentioned it... Were there other people out here? She hurriedly swept the thought away, not wanting to scare herself. She had to concentrate on one thing now, and one thing only. The hovercar.

Jimmy strained at the leather strap on his hands, but it was no use. The guard behind him chuckled at his efforts.
GUARD: Look, your efforts amuse me, but you don't have a chance. I would advise you to stand still.
Jimmy sighed and sank to his knees. It took him a few minutes to realize that tears were slowly dripping down his face - he had assumed they were raindrops. Every rustle from the forest made him jerk up and look for any sign of Cindy. He found himself wishing that the searchers would find her. If he wasn't going to get through this, he at least wanted to be able to tell her how he really felt. Plus, when she was around, he felt so much more confident. It was like she flipped a switch on in him. His bravery switch, it seemed. Now, here, he was alone. He let his eyes wander, and he saw two children in the crowd.
A girl and a boy. They seemed about his age, perhaps a little younger. Their mother and father stood behind them, speaking in low voices, and the kids stood quietly, obviously trying to be on their best behavior. He felt himself smile. They reminded him of home, where he himself had countless times stood in front of his parents quietly, trying to stand up straight and look more grown up than he was. The two caught him looking at them and immediately looked down. Jimmy sighed and turned his gaze to the rushing Amazon below, deciding to take the time to soak in the view. If they did get back alive, they would need something for their project! The entire procession stood on a rock that jutted out above the rushing Amazon below. Trees spread like a velvet carpet as far as the eye could see. Jimmy was so enthralled by the beauty, he didn't hear the guard come up behind him. He was only alerted of his presence when he grabbed his arm, yanked him up, and dragged him over near Shii.
GUARD: Don't move.
Jimmy looked out toward the forest. Did this sudden action mean they had found Cindy? Impossible. They had no technology, no walkie talkies or radios to send in messages... unless they had a signal?
JIMMY: Have you found Cindy?
GUARD: No.
A wave of relief swept over Jimmy. Although moments ago he had wished her here, there was always a chance she could find help...or the hovercar.

Cindy stared at the mass of technology spread across the forest floor, her eyes wide. She knew a little about computers, chemistry, and physics, but there was no way she could manage this... But it was her only chance. She went around, collecting every little piece of machinery she found, and constructed several different piles, sorted into where she thought the pieces would go. She first looked for something to patch the hole made by the arrow. She decided on thin strips of bark. She went around, peeling away any loose bark she could find. When she finally had a sufficient amount, she began patching it on,
using sap from a drip she found while on her bark hunt. She toiled away for 3 hours, knowing her work had to be flawless if she wanted any chance at rescuing Jimmy. When she finally sat back on her heels to inspect her work, sweat dripped down her brow, and mud and oil streaked her face. As rain began to drip from the heavy, silver clouds, she cuddled inside the hovercar and let her mind wander to Jimmy. She had previously banned herself from thinking of him, as every time she did her heart faltered, like someone had tied it into a million knots. Now, she came to a decision. The next time she saw him, no matter where they were, who they were in front of, she would tell him how she felt. She would tell him how each and every time she saw him, when her eyes
met his, how her stomach somersaulted. How she watched his eyes light up when an idea crossed his mind, how when his brow was furrowed with concentration, how when he smiled and laughed with Sheen and Carl, how she longed to tell him what her heart was screaming. How she longed to tell him that she loved him. The sound of a voice echoing through the trees jolted her from her fantasies. She hurriedly covered the hovercar as best she could with branches, leaves and grasses, so that it looked as natural as possible. Then, she darted into the trees.

Moments later, three men crashed through the bush.
MAN 1: I am telling you, we are never going to find this girl.
MAN 2: Well, her "hiiiiiighness" Shii the "magnificennnt" says we cannot rest until we have her in our clutches.
He drew out the adjectives with a sour tone in his voice. The third man sighed.
MAN 3: We must obey her, and you two both know that. We will sorely regret it if we go back without her.
The other two men grumbled replies, but they continued trudging through the forest. Little did they know that above them, perched high in the branches of a tree, crouched the very girl they were seeking.

Shii grew more and more agitated with every passing minute. Her eyes had narrowed into slits, and her mouth slipped into a tighter and tighter line. Several times she walked up to Jimmy, stared at him with disgust, and opened her mouth as if to say something, but then just whirled away. Jimmy was shaking uncontrollably. The cold snaked around him and he felt himself getting dizzy. His vision blurred in and out, and goose bumps dotted his flesh. His eyes were watery, and his hair hung limp. His face was expressionless, but somewhere in there was a bundle of fear, anxiety, and anger. Finally the guard approached him again.
GUARD: The search has been abandoned. Your friend seems to have eluded us, but don’t worry about her, we’ll find her sooner or later…or something will.
Jimmy stared up at the guard, his face blank.
JIMMY: So what?
The guard looked surprised.
GUARD: Well, obviously the sacrifice will continue, we will just have to cope without the girl.
Jimmy shrugged.
JIMMY: Oh.
Inside, he felt…nothing. Like something had just floated in, took his heart, his brain, everything, and then floated out, without a care. He knew he should be feeling something, dread, happiness, anything, but nothing came. He was empty.

An hour had passed and the men had not returned. Cindy slowly eased out from her hiding place among the leaves and shimmied down the tree. She crept over to the hover car and swept the leaves and branches away. The steering wheel was still disconnected, but otherwise, it seemed alright. She started to pick up the wheel, but stopped when she realized how tired she was. She barely had the strength to do anything, and if she tried anything now, it would be useless. She slithered under a bush and was had barely touched her head to the ground before sleep overcame her.

A cold breeze fluttered through the crowd like a whisper, sharing something different with each oblivious listener. The sun melted below the horizon, and the curtains of night drew closed. The people of Shaninova had vanished into makeshift tents that glowed and eerie gray in the yellow light of the soft fire. Where Shii had gone, Jimmy did not know, nor did he care. He didn’t sleep like the rest of the people, yet he did not remain awake. His vacant eyes seemed to forever scrutinize the invisible horizon, but his mind was elsewhere. As morning dawned, he returned to himself reluctantly. Shii reappeared, dressed in the same livery she had donned for the ceremony yesterday. Her pale blue eyes shot into Jimmy’s, and he struggled to hold her gaze. She eventually looked away to address a guard, but soon turned back to Jimmy. She walked toward him, a slight swagger in her dainty step. Her entourage separated off into different positions as she neared Jimmy, who was jerked roughly to a standing position. Shii spoke calmly, whatever anger that had previously engulfed her gone.
SHII: Well Jimmy, it looks as if the day has come. Now, I ask of you one task before the ritual begins. Do I have your cooperation?
Jimmy simply stared, his eyes brimming with hatred. Shii sighed.
SHII: I understand that you past few days have been somewhat tumultuous, but the task should prove itself simple. Look around Jimmy. Tell me, what do you see? What do you feel when the golden sun arches high above the swaying treetops? Do you feel a surge of power as this great ball of fire heaves itself across the sky that is its path? Do the burning colors touch your heart, and bring an inexplicable feeling of sadness with them? I may appear to be a woman with a heart of cold, solid stone Jimmy, and that may be true, but I have a soul. I feel the same feelings as you Jimmy.
Jimmy’s eyes narrowed and anger rippled across their deep blue surfaces.
JIMMY: You know nothing of what I feel!
Shii gazed at him intently.
SHII: Then tell me what you feel Jimmy. Tell me.
JIMMY: What do I see? I see trees, but although they were once majestic figures, dressed in robes of fine green linen, their skin rough and dark, they are now dull and lifeless. Most stand weakly, withered with age. I saw once beautiful plants and animals; I heard once haunting, whispered cries. Now, I see plants, their flowers wilted, leaves stained a comatose brown. The animals, they are all alone. Their cries, once filled with mystery, are now cries of anguish and misery.
He locked his eyes with Shii’s. She stood quietly and returned his defiant stare.
SHII: What you’ve described interests me Jimmy. You say you once saw the beauty, but now you see the pain. But do you suppose that perhaps now, you’ve seen the true forest?
“What you've described interests me Jimmy. You say you once saw the beauty, but now you see the pain. But do you suppose that perhaps now, you've seen the true forest?"

The harsh wind stung him like a thousand needles as he stood there. His bare chest was covered in goosebumps, and tears welled in his deep blue eyes. Voices whirred around him, but he heard nothing. When black paint was run across his back, he felt nothing. When the guard pushed him forward, he walked slowly. He had accepted what was coming long ago. And as he felt his foot meet air, he closed his eyes.

Death is a funny thing, really. We spend our entire lives dreading it, but what exactly we dread will never be known. I suppose it's simply the concept that once it comes, you're gone. No one on Earth will ever speak to you, see you, touch you again. Maybe, at death, one feels something, sees something, that tells them that it's time they reached the end. Then again, perhaps not. Jimmy, well, he felt afraid, but somehow calm, like what was coming was coming, and that was that. It was a fact. And facts, well, they comforted Jimmy, and had done so all his life. Maybe because a fact had to be true. After all, it had been turned inside out, upside down, side to side, searched for holes, breaks, anything. If the fact remained, then it was, well, a fact. A cold, hard, truth.

Love is a lot like death, when you think about it. We spend our entire lives waiting for it, but for whom and what we wait is a mystery. When we find love, how do we know? How can we be sure there's not someone else out there, searching for you? You see? There are similar aspects, yet the two seem so different. Love is supposed to be beautiful and perfect, and death brings images of dark pain into our minds. Yet there is a side of love that is dark and painful, and a side of death that is beautiful and perfect. Cindy knew both sides. Her love for Jimmy was often engulfed by dark, secretive pain. But when it showed through, it was beautiful, and everything seemed perfect.

Perhaps when death and love mix, something dark and beautiful emerges. Perhaps something is saved, or something is lost, but both for the better. There will always be a dark side to it, but something beautiful will seep through the cracks.

It was love that drove Cindy to push harder.

It was death that pushed Jimmy to hold on.

It was both that forced both to make the dark, beautiful decision.

And it was both that brought them together.

"Jimmy? Jimmy, can you hear me? Come on Jimmy, open your eyes..."

"Cindy...?"

"Jimmy, are you alright?"

As Jimmy's eyes fluttered open, a mud-covered, wild looking girl swam into focus. Her hair was an amber blonde, and with the evening sun casting a golden glow across her compassionate face, she looked almost... angelic. She smiled when she saw he was awake, and Jimmy's heart melted. However, obviously this was a little too much because he suddenly doubled over in pain, after letting lose a sharp gasp.
CINDY: Jimmy!! Oh, are you okay??
She peered back at him, her face filled with concern. He looked up at her and flashed her a weak smile.
JIMMY: Yeah... Where... Where are we?
Suddenly his eyes widened.
JIMMY: We're not... up "there", are we???
He gestured to the sky, and Cindy let loose a small laugh.
CINDY: No! We are currently floating down the Amazon River in your hovercar.
JIMMY: My hovercar??
Cindy nodded.
JIMMY: What exactly... happened?
CINDY: I pieced together the hovercar after I found it lying in ruins in the jungle. I had no idea what had been going on, and was following only my feelings. I couldn't get the hovercar to travel more than a few meters in the air, so I flew it to the river and started paddling. I guess fate got me here just in time, because you stepped off the cliff just as I rounded the bend. You hit the water and stayed down for a long time. I can't tell you how frightened I was, Jimmy. I thought you were... well, you know...
He nodded solemnly.
CINDY: Anyway, I used my last ounce of strength to paddle over to where you had gone down, and tried to find you. A few seconds later, you surfaced, obviously unconscious. I dragged you out, and well, here we are.
Jimmy was silent for a moment. He stared out at the horizon, with an expression on his face that Cindy couldn't quite interpret. Suddenly, he grabbed her and pulled her very close.
JIMMY: Cindy, I need to tell you something.
She shifted uncomfortably in his iron clasp, and he loosed his grip. She turned her emerald eyes to his ocean-blue ones, and waited.
JIMMY: I know that 11 is a very young age, and that love is something that people say you really only experience when you are older, but let me tell you, I think I know what love is.
Cindy's eyes widened.
JIMMY: Every time I see you, I feel the need to show you how amazing I can be. When you get close to me, my stomach ties itself in knots, and my brain completely blanks. I have to struggle for comebacks, and I can't count how many times I have wanted to reach up and...
He kissed her cheek.
JIMMY: Do that.
Cindy stared at him, stunned.
CINDY: Jimmy.... Do you really.. mean all of that?
He slowly nodded, his face completely serious. Cindy gazed at him - at his childish, brilliant face, his beautiful blue eyes, his heart-melting smile - reached up, and kissed him back.

JIMMY: Life's pretty crazy, hmm?
Cindy lifted her head from his shoulder long enough to nod.
CINDY: It can take you through some more "eventful" times, but even when everything seems like it's gonna come crashing down, something stops it.
Jimmy nodded.
JIMMY: You know Cindy, a lot of the time, you've been that "something."
She grinned up at him.
CINDY: Ya, well, you know, I try.
She flexed her bicep, and Jimmy laughed.
JIMMY: That's not quite what I meant, but...
They both smiled. A few minutes of silence passed, where the two simply stared into the horizon, each thinking their own, private thoughts. Finally, Cindy spoke in a tone barely above a whisper.
CINDY: We should probably -
JIMMY: Get home sometime soon.
Jimmy sighed as he finished her sentence. Cindy nodded.
JIMMY: Let's get the hovercar onto the shore, and I will see if I can figure out the problem with the wiring.
The two paddled towards the shore, hopped out, and pushed the craft towards the sandy bank. Jimmy slid the top off of the dashboard and gazed at the mess of wires that lay before him. Using his hands, he sifted through the cords until he found the one that controlled the fan that lifted the car off of the ground.
JIMMY: The connection is a little weak, we will just need some kind of material to reinforce the bond. A thin leaf, perhaps grass...
He continued mumbling to himself as Cindy wandered off to find something to patch the connection. She came back minutes later, holding a few strands of a thin, flexible grass.
CINDY: Will these do?
Jimmy took them and nodded gratefully.
JIMMY: Thanks Cin.
She smiled absently, and Jimmy watched her carefully.
JIMMY: Is anything bothering you Cindy?
CINDY: Nah, I'm just thinking.
JIMMY: Penny for your thoughts?
CINDY; I'm just wondering. Why do our adventures always have to end just when they get good? I mean, you and I both know that as soon as we get back to Retroville, we're going to go straight back to being enemies. We always do.
Jimmy took her hands in his.
JIMMY: Cindy, I will promise you this: When we get back, I will stay completely the same. I will do anything for you. For God's sake, if you want me to stand on top the flagpole and publicly confess my love for you, I will.
Cindy sighed and turned her back to him.
CINDY: Don't make promises you won't keep, Jimmy.
JIMMY: Cindy, why won't you understand? I'm making a promise to you only because I know that I can keep it.
She faced him again.
CINDY: Jimm-
Jimmy put his hand to her mouth.
JIMMY: Shh... Come on, tell me you hear this...
They both sat in silence for a minute, their hearts beating loudly against their chests.
JIMMY: Maybe... It was just an animal....
Cindy nodded, but her eyes were wide with fear.
CINDY: What if it's-
A familiar voice interrupted her sentence.
Well, well, well... Look who we've found.

Jimmy and Cindy stood side by side, speechless. A toss of black hair, the flash of cold, blue eyes... Shii had returned. Behind her stood her ensemble of bulky, muscular men, all with sly, knowing grins adorning their smug faces.
SHII: You two! Grab them!
Two men stepped out and reached for Jimmy and Cindy. Their reflexes kicked in just in time, and they both sprang into action. Cindy whacked the man heading for her, and Jimmy dodged under the legs of his captor. Leaving the men standing there, stunned, the two vanished into the jungle.
SHII: Get up, you lazy oafs!! Don't just stand there, fools!!
The trees became a green blur, and all Jimmy could hear was the pounding of his heart, and feet. He looked ahead and saw Cindy sprinting a few feet in front of him. Branches whipped across his face, leaving stinging scratches, but he barely noticed. He was running like he had never run before. Cindy was the same - she saw only the obstacles that she needed to dodge. Finally, the two slowed their pace and stopped to rest against a thick, knobbly tree. Jimmy had his hands on his knees and was panting furiously, and Cindy was walking in small circles, her hands on her head.
CINDY: We need to keep moving, Jimmy. They are coming after us, you heard Shii.
JIMMY: Yeah, I know. We should find a tree, maybe, that we could climb and hide in.
Cindy looked up at the tree that Jimmy was leaning against.
CINDY: You know, this one could do. It's got plenty of footholes and handholds.
JIMMY: Yeah, you're right. You go up first.
Cindy shook her head.
CINDY: No, Jimmy. You and I both know that I can climb faster than you. Now go!! You're wasting time!!
Jimmy sighed and grabbed hold of a thick, low branch. He heaved himself up, little by little. Cindy watched him slowly disappear into the leaves, then began to scramble after him.

A few minutes later, the two reached a sturdy, somewhat flat branch, high up in the tree. Jimmy eased himself onto it, and Cindy followed. They relaxed, being careful not to fall, or let any leaves tumble from the tree, for that would give away their position to anyone that passed under. Just minutes later, the sound of heavy footsteps rang through the jungle. The men were speaking in a language that neither Jimmy nor Cindy could understand - it must've been the Shaninovan tongue. Cindy looked down to see a huge, beetle-like insect creep across her lap, and start up her arm. Eyes wide, she kept as still as she could, desperately fighting the urge to shake the bug off. When the beetle reached her shoulder, however, she could no longer contain her anxiety. As subtly as she could, she shook her arm, and the beetle went flying off. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief, but her feeling of apprehension quickly returned when an exclamation rose from the men below. A few breathless minutes passed, where neither Jimmy nor Cindy dared open their mouths. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the men's voices faded. Jimmy let out a long, slow breath.
JIMMY (whispering): Cindy!! What were you thinking with the bug?!?
Cindy scowled.
CINDY (whispering): Look Jimmy, there was a bug the size of a pancake crawling toward my face. I was NOT about to let that thing get any closer.
JIMMY: That bug could've cost us our lives Cindy!!! You have to be more careful.
Cindy rolled her eyes, then nodded reluctantly.
CINDY: Alright, alright.
JIMMY: Now, we need a way to get back to the hovercar without being seen or captured.
Cindy shook her head doubtfully.
CINDY: I am almost positive there will be guards everywhere Jimmy. Shii is not about to let us get away. You saw her face. She lives to be malicious.
JIMMY: We just have to find a way to outsmart her.
CINDY: And her little troop of muscular, loin cloth wearing bodyguards.
Jimmy nodded.
JIMMY: Just let me think.
He turned away from her, and she smiled as she saw him assume his "brain blast" position.
JIMMY: Think, think, think...
Cindy rolled her eyes and let a whispered chuckle escape.
JIMMY: Brain blast!!
CINDY: Look Jim, no offense, but frankly, the whole "brain blast" thing... It's gotta go.
He frowned.
JIMMY: It helps me think, Cindy. Just put up with it! And please, stop treating this so loosely! We could be talking about our lives here!! Do you care at all?
Cindy sighed.
CINDY: Of course I care, Jimmy. I've got big plans for my future, and no where in them does it say that I am part of some jacked-up sacrificial ceremony. I am just trying to make the best out of a terrible, life threatening situation.
JIMMY: Agh, you sound like Sheen!
CINDY: What?!? Oh wow... Forget about making the best out of a cruddy situation. The old, pessimistic Cindy is back!
Jimmy smiled.
CINDY: Now, what's your plan?

Cindy scrambled down from the tree and looked around furtively. There was no one in sight, so she quietly began to make her way toward the river, following only the gurgling sound of the water.
I must be insane, she thought, as her eyes searched the river bank for any sign of human life.
Picking up a stick, she quickly drew a circle in the mud, then began creeping along the shore. All you have to do is find the hovercar. If you see any people, stay out of their way! Whatever you do, don't get caught. Jimmy's instructions ran through her mind. Yeah, it sounded simple enough, but when you were actually out here, it suddenly became much more than just finding the hovercar. She hated to admit it, but the dark was one of her worst fears, and it just made it worse that she was out here under the pitch black sky, avoiding strong men in loin cloths and an insanely beautiful woman. And the insanely part should be taken literally.

Jimmy had explained the plan quickly, to make it sound simple. He knew he was asking a lot of Cindy, but he also was aware that she was much more agile than himself. He had told her: "All you have to do is find the hovercar. I will wait in the tree for 15 minutes after you leave. Once you reach the riverbank, if there isn't anyone there, draw a circle in the mud. If there are people lurking, come back. Stay out of anyone's way. The most important thing to do is NOT to get caught. However, if no one is around, just start searching. If and when you find the hovercar, come back to where you drew the circle - that's where I'll be waiting. If you don't think you'll remember where the hovercar was, leave an inconspicuous trail. You know, a sort of Hansel and Gretel type thing. I want you to be really careful here, Cindy. Remember, this is your life we're talking about here..." And that was it. No intricate details, no wild ambitions, nothing. Jimmy didn't want to flaunt his genius here. No, he cared too much for Cindy to risk anything.

A soft, misting rain had begun to fall. It left soft, diamond-like droplets hanging on the leaves, and the silver, iridescent glow of the moon created a vision that was quite mysterious. Cindy pushed wet, blonde strands of hair from her face. She had been looking for at least an hour now. Her frustration was barely managable, and the urge to give up lurked in the corner of her mind. Every time it dared move forward, however, she quickly shoved it back. She needed to do this, not just for Jimmy, but for herself. This whole time, she'd felt so useless, so weak. Finding the hovercar would be just the thing to prove to herself that she wasn't.

Jimmy had been waiting by Cindy's circle for hours, and there had still been no sign of her. He had ventured out onto the beach for a few minutes to search for signs of a struggle, but had seen none. Unless Cindy had been taken further up the bank, she was still looking for the hovercar. Please be okay Cindy, please... he thought desperately. Suddenly, the bush next to him quivered. He started, eyes wide, mind racing. A flash of blonde hair and a glimpse of flashing, triumphant green eyes soothed his nerves, but he still shook uncontrollably as Cindy emerged from the bush.
CINDY: I'm sorry Jimmy, I didn't mean to scare you!
Jimmy sighed and shook his head.
JIMMY: That's alright. Did you find it?
He asked this last question with a certain reserve in his voice, as if he didn't want to raise either person's hopes.
Cindy's face broke into a grin and she nodded.
CINDY: Yes! It's about a mile down the riverbank. Shii's men must've hauled it in there to hide it from us.
Jimmy laughed softly and gave her a quick hug.
JIMMY: That's my girl...
Cindy stepped back, surprised.
CINDY: What did you just call me?
Jimmy blushed and looked at the ground.
JIMMY: Sorry, I didn't mean to off-
CINDY: No, no, um, but, did you call me "your girl"?
Jimmy nodded.
JIMMY: Yeah...
Cindy felt a shiver fly up her spine.
CINDY: Does that mean we're...
JIMMY: A real couple?
She nodded.
JIMMY: Yeah, I guess it does. I mean, if you want to be...
Cindy beamed.
CINDY: Oh, sure, ya know, okay. Actually, really, I mean, yes.
Jimmy just smiled. There was complete silence for a moment, during which they just stood and smiled, neither speaking, nor feeling the need to. All of a sudden, a single, small noise shattered the glass of silence that windowed the forest. A twig snapped, just meters away from where Cindy and Jimmy stood.

Cindy flashed Jimmy a frightened stare. He returned it, at a loss as to what to do. Cindy motioned towards a tree, wordlessly suggesting that they climb it, but Jimmy shook his head.
JIMMY (mouthing the words):Just stand still.
Cindy raised an apprehensive eyebrow, but froze when she heard footsteps. The two stood, statues in the forest. Suddenly, a voice rose above the trees.
"Why did we come here we're never going to find them I think I'm allergic to that AHH help I think I heard a snake ouch why'd ya do that pleeeease let's go..."
Jimmy looked at Cindy, confused.
JIMMY (mouthing the words): Nonstop complaining...? That almost sounds like...
Cindy shook her head.
CINDY (mouthing the words): No, it couldn't be. Not here...
The bushes rustled. Cindy grabbed Jimmy's arm, and fright danced in both of their eyes. Bracing themselves for the worst, they turned in unison to face the three figures emerging from the depths of the forest. Jimmy squeezed Cindy's hand hard, and she could see beads of sweat rivulet down his forhead. As the flora finally parted, Cindy and Jimmy's eyes widened, and their mouths dropped open in sheer shock.
JIMMY: SHEEN??!?!?!!
Sure enough, the tall, lanky figure of Sheen Estevez appeared, followed by Libby, and finally, scurrying behind like a mouse, came Carl.
For a moment, everyone stood, dumbfounded, staring blankly at each other. Then Sheen lurched forward and yanked Jimmy into a huge bear hug.
SHEEN: Jimmy!! Oh man, it's been FOREVER, lemme tell ya!! Carl and Libs and I were SO, I mean SO bored without you!!
Carl nodded in agreement.
CARL: Ya Jim, never leave us behind when ya go on an adventure again! Unless of course there are gonna be snakes, and lots of plants that make me sneeze, and...
JIMMY: Hah! So it was you complaining!! Oh, it's great to see you guys!!
Sheen glanced over at the girls.
SHEEN: Aww, look, the girls are catching up too. Hey Libs, don't forget ta tell Cindy the big news!!
He winked at Jimmy.
SHEEN: Libby's my official girlfriend now!
Jimmy grinned.
JIMMY: That's awesome, Sheen!
He was about to reply with the news that Cindy was his official girlfriend now too, but for some reason, he decided to hold back.
On the other side of the small clearing, the girls were discussing the latest news.
LIBBY: So, Cin, now that you know how everything is back home, I thought I saw you and Neutron holdin' hands?!?! Girl, you got yourself a boyfriend in the Amazon??!
Cindy blushed and smiled excitedly.
CINDY: Well, ya, after we were separated for days, and neither knew if either was even alive, I guess we both decided that it was now or never. No day like today, I suppose!!
Libby squealed.
LIBBY: Oooh girl, that's awesome!!! Yeah!!
CINDY: Sooo, what was Sheen's big news, eh?
This time it was Libby's turn to blush and grin.
LIBBY: Umm, I wish I could say it was as dramatic and sudden as yours, but you know Sheen and I have had a thing for a while, so, we finally decided to make something of it, ya know?
Cindy nodded and smiled and her best friend.
CINDY: Looks like this project didn't turn out to be so bad, at least for us, huh?
LIBBY: Yep!!
By this time, the boys were starting to saunter over, Sheen jabbering excitedly.
SHEEN: Hey Jimmy, I made up a joke on the way here!!! Wanna hear it?
JIMMY: Sure, Sheen. And then I want to hear how exactly you guys DID get here.
SHEEN: Ya okay but my joke first. Okay, so, here it is: Why did Jimmy cross the galaxy?
Jimmy smiled.
JIMMY: I don't know, Sheen, why?
SHEEN: TO GET TO THE OTHER.... errrr.. What was that last part again??
LIBBY: Side, Sheen. It's "to get to the other side".
SHEEN: Oh. Ya, well, get it Jimmy??!! Hahaha.
Jimmy rolled his eyes and laughed.
JIMMY: Got it, Sheen.
His expression quickly changed though, and he looked more serious.
JIMMY: So, how did you guys get here?
Libby stepped up.
LIBBY: I'll explain that...

LIBBY: It all started when you guys left. You said it would be about a day or so before you got back, but once two days had passed, we were all starting to get a little worried...
**begin flashback**
LIBBY: Sheen, Carl, I'm gettin' a little worried. Didn't Jimmy and Cin say they'd be back after a day or so?
Sheen shrugged. His eyes were glued to the TV screen, on which Ultralord was engaged in a fierce battle against Robofiend.
LIBBY: SHEEN!!
She reached over and flipped the TV off.
SHEEN: Hey!!! That was a new episode!!!
Libby scowled at him.
LIBBY: Our friends are practically missing here Sheen, I think you should at least be a little worried.
SHEEN: Well, FINE. Whadda you say we do then? Fly there, find Jimmy and Cindy, and come back??
Libby thought for a moment.
LIBBY: Yeah, pretty much.
SHEEN: Oh. Well. Okay then.
Carl whimpered from the couch.
CARL: But you guyyyyyyys!! There will probably be snakes and stuff there, and plants that I'm allergic to... It will be baaaad!! Let's just wait for Jimmy and Cindy to come back!! They will, they ALWAYS do.
Sheen shook his head in disagreement.
SHEEN: No, Carl, we're going. If Libby says we're going, we're going. Plus, she probably wont let me watch Ultralord anymore. So, I say, we go!!
Libby smiled.
LIBBY: Okay, well, now that we've got that figured out, how do we get there???
Sheen and Carl looked at each other, and huge grins spread across both boys’ faces.
SHEEN/CARL: A bag of Jimmy's hair!!!
Libby's mouth dropped open.
LIBBY: You guys have a bag of Jimmy's hair?
Sheen nodded excitedly.
SHEEN: We like to call it "Bag-O-Hair"
Libby shook her head in amazement.
LIBBY: Well, then, take me there, I suppose...
**end flashback**
LIBBY: So that's how it all started out. Once we reached your lab, Jimmy, the boys made me cover my eyes so I didn't find out how to get into your lab.
Jimmy breathed a sigh of relief.
SHEEN: OOooooh, I wanna tell the rest!! I wanna!!!
LIBBY: Okay, Sheen, go ahead.
Sheen grinned and stood up, clearing his throat.
SHEEN: Well....
**begin flashback**
Sheen and Carl entered the lab, and Libby followed cautiously. Inventions were strewn across the floor in all directions, and machines whirred in every corner.
LIBBY: Whoa...
SHEEN: I KNOW. And don't the flashy buttons just scream "PRESS ME"??!?!?!?!!?
Libby eyed him strangely.
LIBBY: Errrr... Sheen? Did you take your pills this morning??
Sheen looked uncomfortable.
SHEEN: Ummm.... Hey look!! There's Jimmy's rocket!!
He ran over to the sleek, blue rocket and ran his hand along the gleaming paint.
SHEEN: Ahh... The Strato XL. You should see this baby jet. It's amazing.
Libby rolled her eyes.
LIBBY: Okay, Sheen, Carl, you guys in back. I'll drive.
**end flashback**
SHEEN: See, it's really nothing special. We just got here, and now we are. No real adventure.
Jimmy glanced around, worriedly.
JIMMY: My rocket's still in one piece, right??
Libby nodded.
LIBBY: Rest assured Jimmy, your rocket's safe.
A look of relief spread across Jimmy's face.
JIMMY: Goood.
A sudden high-pitched cry shattered the happy, relaxed mood that had blanketed the kids before.
Libby, Sheen, and Carl looked around in surprise.
CARL: Wha... Wha... What was that??
JIMMY: Oh... er... Did we forget to mention that we're currently being hunted by a pack of men in loincloths, being led by an insane Amazonian queen?

Libby stopped short.
LIBBY: You’re WHAT?
Jimmy cringed.
JIMMY: Heh… Long story?
All of a sudden the bushes rustled behind them.
JIMMY: Run!!
The five set out sprinting through the forest. Cindy quickly gained the lead with her long, effortless strides. She was followed by Jimmy, Libby, Sheen, and finally, huffing and puffing his way in the back, Carl. Cindy glanced over her shoulder and slowed her pace so that Jimmy could catch up with her.
CINDY: We ought to find a place to rest. I don’t think they will be able to hold out much longer. They aren’t exactly used to this environment…
Jimmy nodded.
JIMMY: You’re right. Let’s look for a cave, or some kind of canopy in the trees that will hold all five of us.
CINDY: Do you really think all five of us should hide together? Wouldn’t it be better if we spread out, so that if they catch some of us, the others will be able to help out?
Jimmy stared at his pounding feet, thinking.
JIMMY: Well… I suppose so. However, it would also be beneficial if we were all together when we got caught. We’d have a greater chance of escape with five brains working.
Cindy raised an eyebrow.
JIMMY: Okay, three brains working…
He looked over his shoulder to see if Sheen and Carl were listening. Luckily, they weren’t in earshot.
CINDY: Alright, we’ll all hide together.
Her bright, focused eyes scanned the jungle.
CINDY: There! See that little cave? I bet they’ll miss that, and we can probably all fit inside, if we squish.
JIMMY: Excellent! You’ve got good eyes, Cin; beautiful ones, too.
He murmured the last phrase, but Cindy still caught it.
CINDY: Thank you.
He grinned and blushed.
JIMMY: Sure.
All of a sudden, there was a sharp shriek. Jimmy spun around, but Sheen, Libby and Carl were all still running to catch up. Jimmy slowly let his gaze fall to the ground, where Cindy lay, curled in a ball, clutching her ankle. Silent tears ran down her face. Jimmy darted down besides her and gently pried her hands from her ankle. The redness and slight swelling made it obvious - she’d twisted her ankle… Or worse.
Jimmy was whispering soft condolences to Cindy as Libby, Carl, and Sheen came, panting, to Jimmy’s side.
LIBBY: What happened?
JIMMY: She fell, I think she twisted her ankle on an upraised root. At least, I think it’s twisted… Quick you guys, help me get her into that cave before the men come.
SHEEN: Aye, aye, Jim. D’ya think she’s gonna be okay?
JIMMY: I hope so.
Cindy let out a slow moan as the four kids lifted her up and gently carried her to the small save opening. Jimmy lowered himself in, and eased Cindy into his arms as the other three tenderly pushed her in. Jimmy carried her over to a corner of the cave and lay her down.
JIMMY: You’re going to be okay, Cindy. You’re going to be okay…

Cindy moaned lightly as Libby gently propped a makeshift pillow of soft leaves under her swollen ankle. Jimmy was in the opposite corner, tending to the small, dim fire they had going, and Carl and Sheen sat to the side, looking awkward and quite, for once. Sheen crawled over to Jimmy, a worried expression on his face.
SHEEN: Jimmy, are you okay…? You’ve been pointing your laser at that poor log for the last 15 minutes.
Jimmy looked up. His eyes were somewhat glazed over, and his face looked ghostly in the flickering light.
JIMMY (in a small voice): No, Sheen… I’m not.
Sheen looked horrified. He slowly inched back towards Carl.
SHEEN (whispering to Carl): Jimmy needs help, Carl. I think we should try to find the rocket. I think I remember where we left it.
Carl’s eyes widened.
CARL: …Us??
Sheen nodded, a determined glint in his eyes.
SHEEN: Yes. We have to come through for Jimmy, Carl, just like he always comes through for us.
CARL: Wow, Sheen, I never knew you were so brave.
SHEEN: Yeah, me either.
On the other side of the cave, Cindy had wormed her way over to the fire, where she perched cautiously next to him, wary of both her ankle, and Jimmy.
CINDY: Jimmy, you okay?
JIMMY: Are you?
CINDY: Yes, **winces**, but that’s not what I asked.
JIMMY: Yeah, I guess I’ll be okay. I don’t know, this all has been so crazy though. It’s like some big chemical reaction, things just keep happening.
Cindy smiled wistfully, and entwined Jimmy’s fingers in her own.
CINDY: Hey, if I know anything, I know this: We’ll make it through. For all we know, maybe it will be Sheen and Carl that end up bringing us all home!
Jimmy smiled.
JIMMY: You never know!
Cindy full out grinned.
CINDY: There’s a hint of the old Jimmy, I think he’s coming back!
JIMMY: Yeah. Hey, I think I’m going to go apologize to Sheen, I think I freaked him out a little bit with my whole “down in the dumps” phase there.
He looked around.
JIMMY: Where is Sheen?
Libby came over.
LIBBY: And Carl, now that you mentioned it!
CINDY: Did they go out to get food, maybe?
Jimmy rose.
JIMMY: I’ll go have a peek and see.
CINDY: Careful…
Jimmy slowly popped his head out of the cave. He quietly eased himself out, and gave a quick glance around. Sheen and Carl were no where in sight. Jimmy quickly returned to the cave.
JIMMY: No, they’re no where.
Libby looked scared.
LIBBY: But Sheen…
Cindy gave her friend a comforting hug.
CINDY: He’ll come back, Libs, they both will.
She glanced at Jimmy, whose face was a mix of a thousand emotions.
Maybe he had been right to be so worried.

Sheen and Carl crashed through the underbrush, Sheen looking hard at the ground, and Carl singing the “It'll Be Alright” song.
CARL: We are going to find the rooooocket, and everything will be alriiiiiiight, and I'll get hoooooome, and do some lauuuundry....
SHEEN: CARL!! You've been singing that tuneless thing for hours now!! Wouldya please shut your piehole?
CARL: I find the tune rather soothing... It keeps my mind off of the chafing that's going on in a very painful place....
SHEEN: AH, Carl, TMI!
CARL: Soooorry...
SHEEN: Shhh!! I think I recognize this stump! I know I do, because the bark on the left side reminds me of Ultralord's profile. See? You can see his chin there, and his mask over here...
Sheen began pointing out, in great detail, the many features of his wooden Ultralord. Finally, he stood, licked the tip of his finger, and held it to the sky.
SHEEN: Hmmmm....
He waved his finger around for a few more seconds, and then smiled triumphantly.
SHEEN: That way!
He jabbed his finger directly north, and the two boys set off, Carl still quietly humming the It'll Be Alright song, and Sheen beginning to pick up the horrendous tune.

Jimmy sat, deep in thought, while Libby and Cindy conversed in hushed voices, Cindy stealing worried glances at Jimmy every few seconds.
LIBBY: Cin', you know, I'm having a lot of trouble having a decent conversation with you when you keep makin' eyes at Jimmy ova there.
Cindy blushed.
CINDY: Sorry... Err, what were we talking about again?
Libby rolled her eyes.
LIBBY: I was trying to tell you that...
She broke off as she saw Cindy's gaze drift over to where Jimmy perched.
LIBBY: Aghh!! Forget it!
Cindy gave her best friend an apologetic glance, and Libby smiled knowingly.
LIBBY: Go talk to him Cindy, you and I both know you want to...
CINDY: Okay, but...
LIBBY: Go!
Cindy was just about to set off towards Jimmy when she heard a noise next to her, and jumped at the sight of his familiar blue eyes.
JIMMY: Can we take a walk, Cindy?
CINDY: A... walk? Even with my ankle?
He nodded. His eyes pleaded for her to consent, and after a prod from Libby, she nodded. He grabbed her hand and pulled her quickly out of the cave. Once outside, he pulled her, rather roughly, a few paces away from the cave entrance, behind a moss carpeted boulder. He placed a hand on each of her shoulders and pulled her close. Cindy was slightly frightened - Jimmy had never acted this way before.
CINDY: J-J-Jimmy? Are you... alright?
Jimmy pulled her face towards his and kissed her gently. As he pulled away, she saw tears running down his face like tiny diamonds. He quickly whispered three words in her ear, and then disappeared running into the forest. Cindy stared after him for a few minutes, and then, crying silently, returned to the cave, where Libby eagerly awaited their return. A look of horror crossed her face when only Cindy returned, but the horror quickly turned to compassion as she caught sight of her friend's tear stained face.
LIBBY: Do you want to talk, Cindy?
Cindy turned to Libby and nodded, slowly. The two girls sat down, and Cindy started venting, in a choked, tired voice.

Sheen sat down, frustrated.
SHEEN: I swear north was the right way...
Carl looked around, utterly confused.
CARL: Well... Errrmm.... Maybe...
SHEEN: Maybe what, Carl? Maybe we're failures. Maybe we're nothing without Jimmy. Maybe we ought to just give up. We come packaged with a thousand "maybe's", Carl.
CARL: Well, actually, I was going to say that maybe the rocket is near there, see, the clearing?
Sheen sat bolt upright. He squinted in the direction Carl had motioned in, and his eyes lit up with what he saw.
SHEEN: Carl, you are a GENIUS!!
He leapt up, and, with Carl in hot pursuit, took off flying in the direction of the clearing.

Sheen and Carl burst into the clearing, their stomachs tight with anticipation. To their extreme relief, in the clearing, covered in vines, leaves, and branches, sat the rocket. Sheen ran to it, frantically pulling off the flora, while Carl hung back, holder his inhaler nervously as the plants flew everywhere.
CARL: Careful Sheen... I'm allergic to some of those things, I swear!!
Sheen shrugged and kept clearing the rocket.
SHEEN: You've got your inhaler, man, what's the prob?? YES!! I found it!!
He triumphantly held up his Ultralord doll, and the purple plastic glinted in the fading sunlight.
SHEEN: Okay, so, we know how to fly this thing, right? Remember, we did it the last time Jimmy's selling robot-y thingy gave it to us FREE!! 'Member that?
CARL: OOoh yeah!! But then we crashed it...
Sheen nodded, grinning.
SHEEN: But this time, we know what we're doing, right??
He hopped into the driver's seat, and Carl followed tentatively.

Cindy sighed and turned to Libby. Her voice quivered as she began speaking, slowly at first, but slowly, she gained speed, and within seconds was rambling non stop, the words jumbling together as if they were in a blender.
CINDY: Me, Jimmy, we started getting along, I told him, he told me, promise, he said "he had to", he told me he was sorry, why would he, lie, I knew this would happen, he can't keep....
LIBBY: Cindy, girl, you gotta slow down. Now, can you tell me what you are talking about?
CINDY: Well, Jimmy promised me that everything would be the same when we got back. He said that we'd keep getting along. He even said that he'd... Nevermind. But now, we were outside just now, and...
LIBBY: And...?
CINDY: And, all he said was that he was sorry... He said to me "I'm so sorry." That's it. Three words. "I'm - so - sorry."
Libby looked perplexed.
LIBBY: Why was he sorry? Cindy, what exactly happened out there?
CINDY: He is sorry because. Because...because he had to leave. He just couldn't take it anymore Libby. At least, that's what I think... Imagine it. Every time something goes wrong, Jimmy has to be the one responsible for everyone. He knows that if he doesn't figure something out, the rest of us may....
Libby nodded slowly.
LIBBY: I'd never even thought about that before, Cindy. But you're right. He does always come through... And that must be so much responsibility.
She gazed off into the distance, thinking hard.
LIBBY: Is this what it's been like this whole time for you two? Dramatic events, one after another? I mean, I've been here what, maybe, a day? And Sheen and Carl have already disappeared, and now Jimmy... Just bang, bang, bang.
Cindy nodded, but there was a hint of a smile on her face.
CINDY: Yeah, it has been, but I guess I never really noticed, because with Jimmy, it just seems like I can think so clearly, and everything just seems.... I dunno, not right, exactly, but...
LIBBY: I think I know what you mean. That's sort of how I feel around Sheen... Just, easy, I guess.
Cindy nodded.
CINDY: Yeah... Easy.

Sheen and Carl bounced across the trees, fire spluttering from the back of the rocket, mixed with a crazy spiral of ash grey steam.
CARL (yelling): Sheen, are you SURE you know what you're doing???
SHEEN (yelling): Of course, Carl!!! I'm just not sure where we're GOING!!
CARL (yelling): WHAT???
SHEEN (quietly): Nothing...
He trained his eyes to the ground, trying desperately to recognize something, when suddenly, through the canopy of leaves, he saw a flash of red. Without warning, he took a sharp nose-dive towards the ground, Carl screaming for dear life. Just before they crashed into the ground, Sheen pulled up sharply on the wheel, and the rocket evened out. As the dust settled, a figure emerged from the trees, shouting angrily.
CARL: Is that....
SHEEN: ENGLISH?
CARL: Ummm, well, no, that's not quite what I was going to ask, but yes, I guess that works too... And I guess it's English... I can't really tell.
SHEEN: Well, let's find out. EXCUSE ME? ARE YOU SPEAKING ENGLISH??
The answer was incomprehensible.
SHEEN: Nope, no, definitely not English.
CARL: Well then, just out of interest... Who could that be?

Sheen hopped out of the rocket to listen closely to the man’s ramblings. Carl quickly followed suit. The figure marched towards Carl and Sheen, shaking his strong, tan fist at them sourly. Sheen shrugged to Carl.
SHEEN: Well, I dunno who he is. It’s not like I’m psychic… But Ultralord is!! Man, in episode 234, he can see that Robofiend is gathering a huge army, and…
CARL: Umm, Sheen, I hate to interrupt you, but I don’t think whoever this is likes us too much…
Sheen went on for a few more seconds, before pausing to acknowledge Carl.
SHEEN: Hmm? Oh, well…
He glanced over at the quickly approaching figure. By this time, he was close enough for the boys to see the twisted frown on his face, his bulging muscles, and sweaty, crinkled forhead.
CARL: Sheen… Maybe we should…
SHEEN: Cut the chatter Carl, and RUN!
The two boys scrambled for their footing, and took off running towards the rocket. Sheen leapt into the pilot’s chair and hurriedly started pressing buttons.
SHEEN: She won’t start!! C’mon baby, fire up! For the Sheenster…?
Carl looked over his shoulders, worriedly.
CARL: Sheen?? It’s… He’s coming!!
Sheen let out a sigh of relief as the rocket’s blasters fired up.
SHEEN: There we go! 3, 2, 1, lift off!!
The rocket blasted above the treetops, leaving the shouting man behind. Carl wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, and took a long puff from his inhaler.
CARL: Sheen, the next time you think you “see” something, let me know first!
SHEEN: Well gee whiz, sorry Carlito, but I just decided to follow my instincts, ya know?
Carl grumbled something inaudible to himself, and Sheen shrugged.
SHEEN: Whatever. Do you know where the cave is?
Carl shook his head anxiously.
SHEEN: Oh. Well, we’ll find it.
Carl looked concerned.
CARL: Sheen, you can’t even find your own nose sometimes! How am I supposed to trust you to find the camp?
SHEEN: Because, CARL, Oh Trustless One, I see it right there!
He pointed to a mop of trees. Sure enough, a small dome of rock peeked out from underneath a tangle of heavy undergrowth. Carl look amazed.
CARL: Wow, Sheen, I never knew you were so nature-y!
Sheen grinned.
SHEEN: It just runs in my blood, Carl! It’s a special, hidden talent.
Sheen landed the rocket with a jolt, and the two boys quickly hopped out and slid into the cave. They found the two girls sleeping around the dim, flickering fire. Sheen quickly roused them.
SHEEN: C’mon guys, we found the rocket, let’s go home already!! This place stinks!! Literally!
Libby moaned as she sat up.
LIBBY: Wha? Sheen? What are you doing here? Carl? Where’d you guys go?
SHEEN: No time for that, Libby!! We gotta go!
He looked around impatiently.
SHEEN: Say, where’s Jimmy?
Cindy sat bolt upright.
CINDY: We can’t leave.
A worried, scared expression cowered on her face.
CINDY: No! Not without Jimmy! We have to wait, we have to find him!
Libby and Sheen began to drag the wailing Cindy from the cave.
LIBBY: Cindy, Cindy shhh… He’s a genius, c’mon, he’ll find his way home!
Cindy screamed.
CINDY: No!! We have to wait! No! Put me down, now! Stop it!
Suddenly a yell echoed through the trees. The four kids stopped dead, staring, terrified, into the forest.
CINDY (whimpering): You see? I tried to tell you… We can’t leave…

Cindy's eyes welled with tears, and she whispered something quietly to herself before turning to face Carl, Libby, and Sheen.
CINDY (whimpering): Libby... There's something I didn't tell you back there... In the cave.
She trailed off as another screech echoed through the forest. Her tears beat into the ground, and Libby moved forward to comfort her. Cindy yanked away with a frightened expression on her face.
LIBBY: What didn't you tell me in the cave, girl? C'mon, everything's going to be alright, shhh...
CINDY: I lied, Libby... Jimmy... Outside, he didn't tell me that he was sorry... I knew from his eyes that he was sorry... No... He told me "just save them".... He knew something was about to happen. He could sense that Shii and her men were near, and that they would spare no one. He saved us all, and that's why we can't leave. That was Jimmy screaming just now. I'm trying to tell you. We have to stay.
LIBBY: Cindy. Why didn't you tell me the truth?
CINDY: Because I.... Because I was thinking only of myself. I was only thinking about how much I loved him, and how quickly he was slipping away. I forgot to think about you, Libby. I forgot to think about Sheen and Carl. I could only think about me. I see now, that I'm often doing just that. Being selfish. All this time I've been hiding, withdrawing back into my shell, and it's been hurting everyone around me, including the boy I love. I have to make up for what I've done, Libby. Can you understand that? I have to save Jimmy's life to redeem my own.
Libby nodded slowly, then turned to Sheen and Carl.
LIBBY: Sheen, talking to Cindy just now, I realize how serious this situation is. I've been taking life for granted... I've been taking you for granted. I love you, Sheen. I just want you to know that.
SHEEN: I love you too, Libbs.
Cindy smiled softly. She looked at Carl, whose face was somewhat forlorn. She padded over and threw her arms around him.
CINDY: Oh Carl, you've always been here for everyone! You're so innocent, Carl... You're like a brother to all of us!
And she pulled back, she caught sight of his bewildered expression and laughed.
CINDY: Don't worry Carl, this won't last for long! As soon as we get home, it'll be the same old evil Cindy again!
Carl shrugged.
CARL: I wouldn't mind the nice Cindy... Evil Cindy is scary!
LIBBY: Alright “nice Cin'”, you got a plan?

Cindy nodded.
CINDY: Yes, but it's dangerous... I'm not sure if I really want to put you guys in so much peril.
Libby, Sheen and Carl looked at one another, a determined glint in all six eyes.
LIBBY: We're ready for anything, Cin... Tell us whatcha got.
CINDY: OK. We know the noises came from that direction.
She pointed to the west, from where only minutes before the agonized screams had reverberated in their ears.
CINDY: If we follow the noises, our instincts, and any trail we find, we should be able to find Jimmy. However, I think we should split up. That way, there's a greater chance that at least one of us will be able to get to Jimmy. Once we have him, if any of us gets caught, Jimmy and whoever rescues him can come to help. There's a few things I've observed about Shii's men these past days... The most important probably being that they aren't all too intelligent. Hiding in trees, under bushes, and in the shadows will probably conceal you well enough. I think they imagine we'll just come blundering into their path sooner or later, and they can just seize us. They are very, very, strong. Once you're caught, I hate to say it, but you're caught. Once they've got you in their grasp, you may as well just give up physically. Just remember, there is always a chance to outsmart where there isn't a chance to outdo physically.
CARL: Cindy... I know I'm slow, and I'll just cause problems with this plan... I think I should stay behind with the rocket. I can hide with it, so that no one will take it. You three will do much better without me plundering along.
Cindy looked at Carl, and his big, round eyes stared intently back at her. She thought for a moment, and then nodded slowly.
CINDY: Alright Carl, if that's what you think is best for you. Guarding the rocket is probably wise... We don't want to return to find our only mode of transportation gone.
LIBBY: You said we should follow a trail... If we plan to split up, how will the people that aren't on the trail going to know where they're going?
Cindy stared hard at the ground, thinking furiously.
CINDY: That's a good point, Libbs... But I think I can solve that. Lets all stay as far away from each other as we possibly can, but just make sure to stay in a position where you can see the person following the trail. We're also going to need a signal, if one of us actually does find Jimmy...
Sheen eyes lit up.
SHEEN: I've got it!! A wolf howl! I'm really good at those.. Remember Libby??
Libby smiled.
LIBBY: Yeah, for you're class presentation...
Sheen nodded proudly.
CINDY: Wow, Sheen, I never thought the day would come when you would come up with an idea that would work, but that's actually a good one! The noise will be distinguishable, since there aren't any wolves in this area, but it will still sound natural.
SHEEN: That's exactly what I had planned! UltraLord would be proud!
CINDY: Alright... Is everyone ready?
The four of them looked at each other. A different type of fear lingered in each person's mind. Finally, Carl nodded bravely. Cindy smiled, relieved someone had picked up her question.
CINDY: Let's do it.

Carl hurried over to the rocket and began pushing it towards a tangle of vines and leaves; a perfect hiding spot. Meanwhile, Cindy, Libby and Sheen huddled together, talking excitedly.
SHEEN: This is sooo awesome, it’s just like that Ultralord special where he had to spy on Robofiend in his fiery lair!
Libby rolled her eyes.
LIBBY: Yeah, Sheen, except none of us have bulging muscles and dress in purple suits and wear funny-looking masks.
Sheen shrugged.
SHEEN: We could imagine we were.
Libby gave an exasperated sigh and turned to Cindy.
LIBBY: Cindy, I think you should follow Jimmy’s trail.
CINDY: Why me? I’m not a very good tracker… My dad took me hunting once, but I mostly just watched, I don’t really like that particular “sport.”
LIBBY: Well, you mean the most to Jimmy, and you probably know the forest, and Shii, much better than me or Sheen. C’mon girl, just do it. I know that if you think hard enough about it, you’ll be able to do it!
Cindy cast a worried glance into the trees and inhaled slowly and deeply.
CINDY: Alright, I’ll do it. Libby, you can run on my right, and Sheen, on my left.
SHEEN: Sweet. Sounds like a plan. Now, can we get going?
He bounced up and down impatiently, tapping an invisible watch.
LIBBY: Yeah, let’s go. Ready, Cindy?
She nodded determinedly.
SHEEN: You comfy, Carl?
CARL: Depends on what you mean by “comfy…” My feet all are blistered, and I think I see the beginning of a bunion…
LIBBY: Ewww, Carl, way too much info!
Carl gave an apologetic squeak.
SHEEN: Ya know, I don’t think we have all day here!
CINDY: Yeah, yeah, let’s go, let’s go…
The three of them lined up. Cindy squinted into the dense wall of trees, searching for footprints. Finally her eyes were rewarded with the sight of three pairs of fresh shoe prints.
CINDY: Okay guys, I got the trail. Follow me!
She set off running into the jungle, being careful not to lose track of the prints. Sheen and Libby followed on her left and right, counting on the quick flashes of Cindy’s blonde hair to keep them from straying from the trail. The three of them had never run so quickly. Flowers, leaves, branches, animals, they all flew by at such rapidity that they became a kaleidoscope of blurs. Minutes and miles ticked by, until finally, Cindy stopped and gave a sharp howl into the sky. Sheen and Libby both screeched to a halt and made their way towards the noise. As Cindy’s slim figure came into view, Libby quickened her pace, keeping a careful lookout for anyone that may be near. Sheen was doing the same on the left. The three met at the base of a thick tree. Libby raised her eyebrow at Cindy’s baffled expression.
LIBBY: Uh oh… What happened?
Cindy pointed to the ground.
CINDY: The tracks… They just…disappeared.

LIBBY: Well they can't have just vanished! They must go somewhere we're not seeing!
Cindy slumped against the trunk of the tree, her eyes closed, mouth shut in a tight, thin line. Libby collapsed next to her, and Sheen followed suit, his tired, messy head lolling on Libby's shoulder. Sheen's eyes scanned the ground, but his vision blurred quickly from his complete exhaustion.
CINDY: They did vanish... I can't see them anywhere. All I can see are those lines, like someone dragged a stick through the ground...
Suddenly she sat up, alert.
CINDY: Agh! How could I be so stupid?! Those aren't lines! They're drag marks! Look see, the lines cross over some footprints there... We haven't lost the trail, the marks just changed! Obviously here, Jimmy started to put up a struggle, so they ended up dragging him.
She leapt up and began running along the lines, zig-zagging across the forest. Libby and Sheen sprinted after her, giving each other confused glances as they fought to catch up with Cindy's quickening stride. When they finally drew up next to her, panting insanely, Cindy's face had crumpled.
CINDY: They really disappear now, guys. Look.
She gestured around the forest.
SHEEN: No... Look right there! There are drag marks that go under that bush!
Cindy's eyes lit up.
CINDY: Sheen! That was amazing! How could I not have seen that!? I really need to work on my observation skills!
Sheen shrugged and polished his nails on his shirt.
SHEEN: Well Cindy, my good friend, some of us are just talented, and some of us are still trying to uncover what we're best at. It seems you are the latter: a budding flower, trying to find your place in the scary world of weeds and roses.
Cindy rolled her eyes.
CINDY: OK Sheen, you're taking it too far now.
He shrugged.
SHEEN: Sorry.
LIBBY: Guys, we're wasting time here!
Cindy nodded, and without further ado, dove into the bush and began crawling along the ground, keeping her eyes trained firmly on the trail. Sheen and Libby followed silently. They crawled for what seemed like hours, until suddenly, Cindy stopped. A tiny shriek escaped from her mouth, and a cold, hard laugh rang through the trees. Sheen and Libby stared up at the figure before them in horror.
CINDY (whispering): Guys... I'd like to introduce you to Shii.
The three children sat frozen, as their eyes trailed over the majestic, petrifying woman before them.
SHII: Ah, we meet again.
She chuckled.
SHII: I always knew you'd end up bowing down to me someday, little girl. I just didn't know it would be so soon!
Cindy scowled and her hands clenched into fists. Her green eyes burned with an angry fire, when suddenly, a defiant smile stretched across her face. Slowly, she rose to her feet.
CINDY: I just don't know, Shii... It almost felt wrong, like you and I should maybe... Switch positions?
Shii raised an angry eyebrow.
SHII: Get down, now.
Cindy grinned.
CINDY: Ummm... No.
Shii's eyes widened.
SHII: How dare you defy me!
She reached out to grab Cindy's wrist. With the speed of a lightning bolt, Cindy grabbed Shii's arm and flipped her onto the ground in one fluid, graceful movement.
CINDY: Sheen, Libby, help me!
Libby and Sheen rushed over to where Cindy was struggling to keep Shii on the ground. As Libby and Sheen grabbed her arms and legs and held her, Cindy rose.
CINDY (In an airy, royal tone): Well, my dear Shii, it seems the tables have turned!
Shii screamed out in a hoarse, angry tone.
SHII: Guards!!!
Cindy smiled triumphantly.
CINDY: Oh, poor Shii. Shall I get you a blanket and a teddy bear? You need your guards to protect you, don't you?
Shii twisted her mouth into a wry smile.
SHII: Oh, no, I don't need my guards for protection. It's just, there's someone I'd like you to see.
CINDY (whispering): J.. Jimmy? Oh my...
Jimmy looked up at her with his sad blue eyes. His gaze brought tears to her eyes, and she choked them back with trouble as her hands clenched into tight fists.
CINDY: You. Let. Him. Go.
Shii grinned slyly and shook her head.
SHII: Ummm... No.
Cindy scowled.
CINDY: Pretty sad, you can't even come up with your own retorts. You have to use mine.
SHII: Just giving you a taste of your own medicine, you silly little girl. How do you like it now? A tad bitter, I might say?
CINDY: Why I oughta...!
She lunged towards Shii, only to be quickly and firmly restrained by Sheen and Libby.
LIBBY: Cin’, beating Shii up isn't gonna do anythin' here! I think coolin' down and figuring out the smart way to deal with this situation is the best idea, girl.
Cindy sighed and relaxed. Turning around, she stalked a few paces away from Shii and began pacing. Sheen glared at Shii, while Libby looked anxiously at her best friend. Suddenly, Cindy's head snapped up, and the daring glint in her eyes told Libby that she had a plan.
CINDY: Sheen, Libby, come here!
Shii raised an eyebrow.
SHII: Guards! Bring the boy to me.
CINDY: Okay guys, quickly. I have a plan, but it's risky. Is everyone here willing to put their lives in danger for the sake of Jimmy?
SHEEN/LIBBY: Of course!
Cindy glanced over at Shii nervously, for she had heard Shii order the guards to bring Jimmy to her. She was speaking to him in her lofty voice. She was too far away for Cindy to hear what she was saying, but her instinct told her that if she was going to carry out her plan, it better be soon.
CINDY: Alright guys. Sheen, I know you can juggle, right?
He looked at her incredulously.
SHEEN: Eh, yeah, but Cindy...
CINDY: No, no, you'll get it. Can you juggle pretty much anything?
Sheen nodded.
CINDY: Good! You'll need to juggle those rocks over there, okay? And sing a song. I know it's pretty old school, but believe me, we're not exactly trying to distract Shii, here... Libby will do that. Just try to get the guards to look at you. They don't look too intelligent, unlike Shii. Got that, Sheen?
SHEEN: Yup.
CINDY: Good. Now, Libby, what I'm going to ask you to do is very risky, but... I think I can count on you.
LIBBY: Of course you can, girl! Just gimme orders.
Cindy smiled, obviously very relieved.
CINDY: Alright. You didn't happen to bring your eyeshadow compact, did you?
Libby fumbled around in her pocket for a moment, and triumphantly presented a small, black box.
CINDY: Perfect.

Cindy grabbed the compact from Libby and grinned. Libby shot a confused glance and Sheen, who shrugged.
LIBBY: Err, Cin, I don't mean to question your genius or anything, but, um, what exactly do you need that for? I mean, I think Jimmy likes you for who you are, not what you look like!
Cindy rolled her eyes.
CINDY: It's not the makeup that I need Libbs, it's the mirror! You see...
She flipped open the thin black box. Suddenly, her smile disappeared.
CINDY: Libby... Oh. It doesn't have a mirror?
Libby shook her head slowly.
LIBBY: No, I'm sorry Cindy.
Cindy sighed and collapsed onto the ground.
CINDY: Don't worry, Libby, it's fine.
She laughed quietly.
CINDY: I mean, how were you supposed to know I'd need a compact with a mirror out here in the Amazon?
Again, she chuckled slightly, but Libby could see tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Sheen wandered over, holding the rocks he'd been told to juggle in his hands.
SHEEN: Hey Cind, you still need me to juggle these?
CINDY: No. Sheen. I don't. Just give them to me.
Sheen looked taken aback at her harsh tone and quickly handed over the rocks before darting behind Libby and peering nervously over her shoulder. Cindy slowly placed two of the three rocks on the ground. She turned the third one over in her hand, running her fingers along its smooth, dark surface. Finally, she began to wind up, when Libby realized what she was planning.
LIBBY: Cindy, no, you don't mean to actually...
It was too late. The rock flew from Cindy's hands and hit a guard hard in the knee, causing him to buckle and fall to the ground, clutching his bruised kneecap in his hands. Cindy quickly picked up a second rock and hurled it at the other guard. This too hit him in the knee, and he crashed to the ground with a surprisingly high pitched squeal. Shii whirled around and grabbed Jimmy by the arm. He struggled against her as best he could, but his entire body was bruised after being dragged across the forest floor for so many miles. She quickly overpowered him and began dragging him into the trees. Cindy darted after them. She hadn't bothered to pick up the last stone, for hitting a running target was difficult and probably wouldn't inflict much pain. Her one and only goal was to grab Jimmy and run for her life. Her heart lifted when she realized that the gap between her and Shii was shrinking, and any fatigue and pain she had felt before vanished. Sheen and Libby were sprinting after her, calling her name frantically and begging her to slow down. She called to them breathlessly.
CINDY: I can't! I have to catch her!
She sprinted ahead until finally, her feet pounded next to Shii's. Shii struck out with surprising force and knocked Cindy backwards, but she managed to keep her footing.
CINDY (breathlessly): Look, Shii. All I want is Jimmy. I would be happy to give myself up if you'll just let him go! The entire world needs him. Sure, I suppose I would be missed, but Jimmy, he's going to benefit all mankind one day. So please, I'm begging you, just let him go!
Shii suddenly halted and Cindy had to back pedal furiously to stop in time.
SHII: Fair enough.
She tossed Jimmy towards Cindy, who caught him gently and lowered him slowly to the ground. He looked up at her, and a slow smile crossed his face. He spoke in a battered, throaty voice.
JIMMY: Cindy. Did you really mean all of that?
CINDY: All of what, Jimmy?
JIMMY: About me, and mankind...
CINDY: Of course I meant it, Jimmy. I don't say things I don't mean.
He raised a mud-caked eyebrow.
CINDY: Okay, well, maybe sometimes, but I truly meant every single world I just said.
Jimmy smiled.
JIMMY: I guess it's my turn to tell the truth then now, huh?
Cindy's tired face broke into one of her sweet smiles.
JIMMY: I may benefit mankind one day, Cindy, but I'll never do it without you. Your smarts, your personality, your smile. Everything about you already benefits mankind. Every word that escapes your mouth should be documented and meticulously studied, for underneath every sentence you complete lies a story. Your story. You bottle everything up, Cindy, and keep it locked away in a safe with a code that you don't even know. However, every time you let your guard down, and that safe swings open, a secret comes out that's so beautiful and complicated that even I can't even understand it. You're different, Cindy. You... You're a scientist that specializes in your own mind. Do you understand what I mean?
Cindy nodded, slowly.
CINDY: Yes, Jimmy. I think I understand exactly what you mean. And…I think I just remembered the code to my safe.
JIMMY: Really? What is it?
CINDY: You.

Jimmy smiled.
CINDY: And there's a secret that really wants to escape from the confines of my big black safe now.
JIMMY: May I inquire as to what that secret may be?
CINDY: Of course you may.
JIMMY: Well... err, what is it?
Cindy blushed to the tips of her roots and scuffed her bare foot in the dirt.
CINDY: Umm… It's kind of hard to just blurt out, I have to compose myself before I'll be ready to tell you.
JIMMY: Ok, I'm happy to wait, Cindy. I'd wait for you forever.
Her head snapped up.
CINDY: Do you really mean that?
JIMMY: Of course, Cindy.
She smiled gently.
CINDY: I'm really happy to hear that, Jimmy...and my secret, well.
She sighed.
JIMMY: It's perfectly fine if you don't want to confide in me, Cindy. I understand, no worries.
CINDY: No, I do want to tell you. I really do! It's just...
JIMMY: Just what?
CINDY: I...I don't know.
Suddenly, a cold laugh made both of them jump.
SHII: Forgot about me, did you?
Cindy turned around, horrified. Shii's presence had, in fact, slipped her mind.
SHII: Well, I would suggest that you say your goodbyes. The boy, he can stay. But you! Come with me, or face dire consequences.
Cindy gulped. She turned around and faced Jimmy. As she turned, Shii directed her gaze into the forest and winked at a shadowed figure that remained unnoticed by the four children. Cindy's voice was weak and tearful, but her words were strong and sure, as if she had never been more determined and confident in her life.
CINDY: I love you.
His eyes widened, and he stepped towards her. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Shii grabbed Cindy's arm and yanked her away. Libby and Sheen came running up just as Shii began to haul Cindy towards the river.
JIMMY: What are you... No!
He darted forward, with Libby and Sheen close behind. He ran as he had never run before. He grimaced has he extended his arm toward the fluttering cloth of Shii's robe. Suddenly, he felt someone grab his arm. Whipping around, he turned to face one of Shii's guards. A slow smile stretched across the guard's face.
GUARD: I think my great master and her people needs you as well.
Sheen and Libby screeched to a halt, but Jimmy desperately motioned for them to go on. Then, everything went black.

CINDY: Where are...
SHII: Silence!
She clapped a pale hand over Cindy's mouth and continued to hurry towards the river.
SHII (muttering): I can't believe I have to touch these imbeciles. This is no job for an empress!
Suddenly, the pounding of desperate feet began to ring in Cindy's ears. She slowly turned her head, only to see the flushed faces of Sheen and Libby just feet away from where Shii had stopped. It seemed that Shii hadn't yet heard Cindy's saviors, so Cindy quickly mouthed for them to keep quiet. Immediately, Sheen dropped to the
ground and rolled behind a rock. Libby rolled her eyes and began crawling towards Cindy. Sheen appeared from behind a tree and began worming across the ground, soldier style, towards Libby and Cindy. Mud streaked his face and twigs and leaves protruded like horns from his messy black hair. After about 30 seconds of insane crawling, he reached Libby and Cindy.
SHEEN (whispering): OK, so what's the plan?
CINDY (whispering): Get up and run for your life. Where's Jimmy?
SHEEN (whispering): We lost him back a ways.
CINDY(whispering): ...Lost him?
LIBBY(whispering): A guard grabbed him while we were running after you.
Suddenly her eyes widened and she pointed upwards. Cindy and Sheen turned their eyes towards Libby's finger and gasped. Shii stood there, smiling her cruel grimace. Cindy gulped.
CINDY: OK, this is a really lame, unintelligent way to escape, but I'm the most desperate I've been in a very long time. Run!
She hopped up and began sprinting in the other direction. Sheen and Libby did the same. Within minutes they reached Jimmy and his captor. Cindy jumped onto the guard, screaming. She quickly executed a karate chop on the man's arm and released Jimmy. He stood up wearily. She leapt off the guard and grabbed Jimmy's wrist. She began sprinting again, and Jimmy struggled to keep up with her.
JIMMY (panting, and breathless): Thanks, are you okay? What did...
CINDY (breathless): Just shut up and run!
The four of them sprinted like crazy into the jungle.
JIMMY: Left!
CINDY: Right!
They zigzagged their way through the trees, branches whipping their faces and upraised roots snapping at their ankles. After what seemed like forever, a clearing came into view.
LIBBY: In the bushes!
The four of them dove into the thick shrub. Inside, it was pitch black. Eight frightened eyes were all that were visible. Suddenly, Cindy felt a presence at her right shoulder. As she turned to see what was there, a tenth pair of eyes blinked back at her.

Cindy stifled a scream.
EYES: Hey! Cool it. It's me, Carl.
She let out a relieved breath.
CINDY: Don't ever do that again, Carl, or else.
The eyes widened.
CARL: Sorry!
Suddenly, Jimmy whispered for them to be quiet. Someone had entered the clearing. Suddenly, a rustling sound filled the area. Someone was searching through the bushes.
JIMMY (whispering): It's Shii, and her guard. But I've got an idea... See that grass, right there?
He pointed out of the bush, to a patch of long, strong grass growing just outside of the clearing.
JIMMY (whispering): Cindy, Sheen, start picking. Carl and Libby, you stay here with me.
Cindy and Sheen crept out of the bush and quickly began picking long strands of grass from the ground.
SHEEN: What do you think he wants these for?
CINDY: I'm not sure. I've just learned never to question Jimmy!
In a few minutes, the two of them returned to the bush, clasping thick bundles of grass in their hands.
JIMMY (whispering): Excellent. Now, when I count to three, Cindy, you and me will leap out of the bush and tackle Shii to the ground. Libby, Sheen, you guys take care of the guard. Carl, you come out with the grass, and we'll start tying them up! Okay, ready: One, two, three!
Cindy and Jimmy leapt out of the bush and straight onto Shii, who yelped in surprise. Libby and Sheen were already tackling the guard to the ground. Cindy dropped to the forest floor and swung her legs out, knocking Shii off balance and sending her crashing to the ground. With a grunt, Jimmy rolled her over and pulled her hands behind her back. At this moment, Carl came crashing out of the shrub, armed with the long strands of grass. Libby and Sheen set to work tying the guard up, while Carl worked furiously Shii's feet. After a few minutes of frantic tying, Jimmy rolled her over again.
SHII: You fools! Let me go!
The guard said nothing, but just wormed around on the ground. Jimmy shook his head.
JIMMY: Your little ritual went far enough, Shii. You almost cost my girlfriend her life, not to mention myself!
Cindy blushed and smiled at the word 'girlfriend'.
CINDY: I think I know just where you belong, Shii.
Suddenly, a young man stepped into the clearing.
MAN: With us.
The five kids looked up in astonishment.
SHEEN: Who the heck are you?
The man smiled sagely.
MAN: Well, I think they might recognize me.
He motioned towards Jimmy and Cindy, who were gazing at him thoughtfully.
CINDY: You're the man who captured us when we first crashed.
The man nodded.
MAN: And the one who shot the arrow. I apologize for my early actions. I had no idea that you two would be our saviors.
Cindy shrugged.
CINDY: That's OK. Just don't do it again.
MAN: Of course not. And please, let me introduce myself. I am Kengas, leader of the Mijini tribe. For centuries, my people have lived in fear of the cruel empress of Shaninova...
JIMMY: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold it. You've been plagued by the cruel empress of Shaninova for centuries? You mean, she's ruled for...
KENGAS: Hundreds of years. Too many to count.
CINDY: But how?
KENGAS: Each time she delivers a sacrifice to the gods of Shaninova, she is granted one hundred more years of life. She has taken countless people from my tribe. She is basically immortal, as long as she continues to please the gods.
Jimmy's mouth dropped open.
JIMMY: That's impossible!
KENGAS: So it would seem. Anyway, for centuries, my tribe has sent its strongest warriors to defeat Shii, but each time, she has prevailed. We prayed each day to our gods, hoping for a blessing that would save us from our terrorized lives. It seems you are our miracle.
JIMMY: Thank you for your kind words, but it was really you who brought your blessing upon your tribe. After all, had you not shot that arrow, we never would have even met Shii.
Kengas smiled.
KENGAS: I suppose it was fate, then. Anyhow, you have captured the mighty Shii, and now, all will be well.
JIMMY: What do you plan to do with her?
KENGAS: We will keep her in our underground jail. As for Shaninova, we will allow the citizens to decide their future. We do not wish to impose anything on them.
CINDY: That's very noble of you, Kengas.
He smiled.
KENGAS: Thank you. I don't believe I ever learned your names.
CINDY: Cindy... Cythina Aurora Vortex, actually. But I prefer Cindy.
JIMMY: Jimmy Neutron. Well, James Isaac, but everyone says Jimmy fits me better.
Kengas nodded.
KENGAS: I think they're right.
Jimmy shrugged.
KENGAS: Is there any way my village and I can repay you children for your deed?
JIMMY: Well, we need some spare parts for our hovercar, so that we can get home safely.
KENGAS: We will serve you as best we can. Please, follow me.
He hoisted both the guard and Shii over his shoulders with suprising ease, and started off into the jungle. Jimmy, Carl, Sheen, Libby, and Cindy shrugged at one another, and then followed after him. It seemed like things were looking up.

Kengas lead the way, over roots, under branches, for what seemed like hours. Carl was zigzagging around, trying to avoid all sorts of insects and plants. Sheen had his arm slung over Libby's shoulder and had dove into a lengthy explanation of the latest episode of UltraLord at least three hours ago. Jimmy and Cindy were walking next to each other, but an awkward silence created a wall between them. Jimmy tried several times to break it down, but only succeeded in making small cracks.
JIMMY: So, Cindy, you excited to get home?
His tone was eager, but near the end of his question, his tone softened. Cindy kept her eyes on the ground.
CINDY: Uh huh.
JIMMY: Is anything wrong, Cindy?
CINDY: No. I'm fine.
Jimmy raised his eyebrows.
JIMMY: Are you sure?
He took a step closer to her and slowly entwined his fingers in hers. She looked up at him blankly, but when he smiled at her, she couldn't help but grin back.
JIMMY: There we go.
Cindy sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder as best she could.
CINDY: I hate to sound like Sheen, but are we there yet?
Kengas turned around and smiled sagely.
KENGAS: Yes Cindy, just a little farther!
Cindy groaned.
JIMMY: Hey, look on the bright side. We'll be home soon, and everything will be back to normal!
Cindy suddenly let go of his hand and stepped away.
CINDY: Yeah. Back to normal.
Jimmy looked hurt.
JIMMY: Cindy, I wish you'd tell me what was wrong... Maybe I could help?
CINDY: What if I don't want things back to normal, Jimmy? I like being your girlfriend!
Jimmy's expression changed, and he looked confused.
JIMMY: You'll still be my girlfriend when we get back, won't you?
CINDY: That's the point! You and I both know we'll just start fighting again!
She turned away.
CINDY: Besides, we've already had this conversation.
JIMMY: Yeah, and what did I say?
Cindy sighed.
CINDY: That nothing would change.
Jimmy nodded.
JIMMY: And now, name a time I've broken a promise.
There was silence from Cindy.
JIMMY: I don't feel the need to say any more.
He reached over and grabbed her hand again.
CINDY: Yeah, well, you break the promise and I'll break your face!
She laughed, and Jimmy chuckled as well.
JIMMY: Alright. But are you sure you'd want to date a guy with a broken face?
Cindy smiled and gazed into Jimmy's eyes. She failed to notice, however, that Kengas had stopped. With a surprisingly loud thud, she whacked straight into him, bounced back, and then landed on the jungle floor in a daze. Jimmy tried to suppress a laugh and helped her up.
JIMMY: You OK?
Cindy nodded and looked towards Kengas, who was patiently waiting for Carl, Sheen, and Libby to arrive. As they trudged up, covered in sweat and dirt, he began speaking.
KENGAS: Alright. Cindy, Jimmy, I'm sure you two recognize the village.
He started walking towards the circles of huts, pointing out buildings left and right. Finally, they reached a large, square, mud building. Kengas dipped his head and strode through the open door. The five children followed glancing about. Once inside, Kengas set down Shii and her guard and motioned to a man stranding in a corner. He strode off and came back minutes later with four large men. They picked up the guard and Shii and carried them out of the hut. With that taken care of, Kengas sat down on a grass rug and motioned for the children to do the same. Once they were all comfortable, he began again.
KENGAS: If I remember correctly after that trek, your wish was for spare parts for your hovercar?
Jimmy nodded.
KENGAS: Unfortunately, my village is not very... How would you say it? Techno advancing.
Cindy smiled.
CINDY: Technologically advanced.
Kengas nodded at her.
KENGAS: Yes. However, as promised, I will try my best to help you in any way.
Suddenly, Jimmy spoke.
JIMMY: We don't need to fix the hovercar, necessarily. We still have the rocket, which I hope remains fully functional.
He shot a glance at Carl, who looked confident.
CARL: It's all good, Jim.
JIMMY: Good. Now, if your village could just help us make some sort of device that could latch the hovercar to the rocket so that we can successfully tow it home...
Kengas looked confused. Cindy sighed.
CINDY: What he means is that if your people could provide us with some sort of rope, then that would be nice. Very, very strong rope.
KENGAS: Ah, thank you, Cindy.
Cindy nodded, and Kengas rose.
KENGAS: I will call my people together now.
With that, he walked out of the hut, leaving the five children alone.

The five children exchanged nervous glances, until finally, Jimmy rose.
JIMMY: What say we venture outside?
Cindy rolled her eyes.
CINDY: Sounds good. But you could’ve just said, “Hey, let’s go outside!”
Jimmy shrugged.
JIMMY: I like my way better.
CINDY: If that’s what floats your boat.
Jimmy led the way out of the hut, with Cindy, Libby, Sheen, and Carl following close behind. Kengas was standing on a raised platform, addressing the sea of people that spread before him in a clicking language that the kids could not understand.
JIMMY: That’s the same language Shii was speaking.
His voice was low, almost as if he was muttering to himself, but Cindy heard him.
CINDY: Wouldn’t Shii have been speaking Shaninovan or something along those lines?
Jimmy looked up at her.
JIMMY: I don’t know. I guess we’ll just have to trust Kengas… Honestly, I’m too desperate to get home to care anymore.
Cindy nodded.
LIBBY: Still, I have to admit, he gives me the creeps. Let’s just get our rope and leave.
Carl nodded.
CARL: Plus, I think I might be allergic to mud huts.
SHEEN: Carl, how many times do I have to tell you! Your allergies are all in your head!
CARL: Sheen, we both know what happened the last time you gave me that speech.
Sheen grinned, remembering.
SHEEN: Oh yeah… Jimmy got covered in dino boogers! Hahaha… They smelled funny. They were saltier than my own snot, too. Maybe it was a diet thing?
Libby made a face.
LIBBY: Sheen, that’s disgusting. First of all, you ate dinosaur snot? And second, you eat your own boogers?
Sheen looked indignant.
SHEEN: Like you don’t!
Libby rolled her eyes. Jimmy shushed them impatiently.
JIMMY: Guys, this situation is really making me nervous.
CINDY: Jimmy, maybe we should just give Kengas a chance. He has been pretty hospitable, you have to admit.
Jimmy sighed. Suddenly, they all realized that Kengas had stopped speaking. The ocean of villagers was slowly melting apart as they scattered into their respective homes. Kengas strode towards them, a satisfied smile lighting up his handsome face.
KENGAS: Your rope will be ready soon. May I offer you anything whilst you wait?
Jimmy shook his head quickly.
JIMMY: No, thank you, Kengas. Perhaps Carl and I will go fetch the rocket.
Kengas nodded.
KENGAS: If you wish. Would you like a small party of warriors to accompany you?
JIMMY: I’m sure Carl and I will be able to handle this task, thank you.
Kengas smiled.
KENGAS: Alright.
Jimmy turned to Cindy, Libby, and Sheen.
JIMMY: Will you guys stay here and keep an eye on the whole situation while Carl and I are gone?
Cindy shot him a dubious glance. Jimmy grabbed her hand and led her away from Carl, Sheen, and Libby.
JIMMY: Cindy, I need you here because I trust you to maintain the situation incase something unexpected occurs. Okay?
CINDY: Yeah, alright.
He swooped in and pecked her cheek quickly.
JIMMY: I knew I could count on you.
Cindy blushed furiously and smiled. Jimmy beamed back and then reached over and grabbed Carl by the shoulder.
JIMMY: You are coming with me.
He turned and waved to his three friends.
JIMMY: We’ll be back soon. You guys… take care of yourselves.
Libby, Sheen, and Cindy watched nervously as Jimmy and Carl headed into the trees.

LIBBY: So, what now?
Cindy shrugged.
CINDY: We wait, I guess.
She looked around.
CINDY: Let's find a place to get comfortable.
Sheen tapped his chin with a finger.
SHEEN: Well, in UltraLord episode #291, he and UltraLady [He cast a flirtatious glance at Libby, who rolled her eyes] decide to get comfy in the lofty branches of a Dyawannacomfispawt tree. The leaves provide a comfy, cottony mattress, and the perfect love nest.
He raised his eyebrows at Libby again. Laughing, she reached out and knocked him backwards.
LIBBY: Get a life, Sheen.
Cindy watched this whole episode with an incredulous grin plastered on her face.
CINDY: You guys have got to be the weirdest couple Retroville has ever seen.
Libby giggled and turned to Cindy.
LIBBY: Oh, I wouldn't be talking, Ms. Neutron. What are people going to think of that?
Cindy blushed and turned away.
CINDY: Uh… Let's just find a comfortable spot now, okay?

Jimmy sighed and tapped his watch impatiently.
JIMMY: Carl, I think you and Sheen succeeded in dislodging the rocket's tracking device. It was located on the front antenna. Did anything happen to that?
Carl thought for a moment.
CARL: Gee Jim, you know, I'm honestly not sure.
JIMMY: Agh!
Carl looked upset.
CARL: I'm sorry, Jimmy! I didn't know!
Jimmy forced a smile in his direction.
JIMMY: Oh, that's alright Carl. I don't mean to snap. I'm just very stressed out, is all. Don't pay any attention to me.
Carl beamed.
CARL: Okay, Jimmy!
The boys continued to walk through the trees. Jimmy stopped and consulted his watch every few minutes in the hope that it would pick up some signal from the rocket. Carl would point out landmarks he thought he recognized every now and then, and Jimmy checked for drag marks from the wheels. Hours ticked by like seconds, and their feet slowly began to drag. Their faces were drooping, and the only hope they still held was dragging by a thin thread.
CARL: Jimmy? Jimmy... Are we going to find it?
JIMMY: I don't know, Carl. I mean, the chances of us are finding it are...
He stopped to think for a moment.
JIMMY: About 3,405,143 to 1.
CARL: Uh, alright.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up.
CARL: Jimmy! Jimmy!
He tugged eagerly on Jimmy's short, tattered red sleeve.
CARL: There it is!
Jimmy looked up in disbelief. His eyes slowly scanned the trees in front of him. A glint of blue caught his eye, and he grinned widely.
JIMMY: Way to go, Carl! You found it!
The two boys sprinted towards the rocket. They were only feet away when Carl felt a strong hand grab his arm. He slowly swiveled his head, eyes wide. A grim face stared back at him.
CARL (whispering): Jimmy...
He took a deep breath.
CARL: Run!

The man’s hold on Carl’s arm was as strong as a death grip. His knuckles drained to a harsh white, and his eyes rotated wildly in his dark head.
MAN: Where is she?
His voice was halting and desperate. He shook Carl angrily, his eyes flashing with contempt.
MAN: Do you realize what you’ve done to us? We need her, she is our everything! She controls our lives! Without her Holy Guidance, we will die.
Carl glanced around nervously, the black hole in his stomach expanding quickly. Men, woman, and children staggered towards him, their livid, wild expressions contorting horribly in the blood red sunset. Finally, Carl brought himself to speak. His voice shook uncontrollably, along with the rest of his petrified body.
CARL: I’m… I’m not sure who you’re talking about!
The man narrowed his eyes, crinkling his brow in disgust.
MAN: You lie.
CARL: No, I… I don’t! I don’t even know who you are!
The man grimaced.
MAN: We are the abandoned Shaninovans. You are one of the rebels who captured our Great Queen. You are a contributor to our suffering.
Carl glanced around at the approaching Shaninovans. He took a deep breath.
CARL: I… We…
His pathetic, frightened stuttering was interrupted by a loud roar. The man whipped around, his expression melting into one of utter confusion, as Jimmy blasted out of the bush. Carl’s face broke into a look of pure relief as Jimmy slowed the rocket.
JIMMY: Hurry Carl, jump in!
Carl frowned. Gathering all the strength he held deep inside of him, he squirmed his way out of the man’s grasp and threw himself into the rocket. Jimmy revved up the engine and together, they soared into the sky.
CARL: Phew, thanks Jim. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.
JIMMY: That’s what friends are for, Carl. Now, we just have to get back to Kengas’s… “Kingdom,” and fetch the girls… and Sheen.
Carl giggled.
CARL: You could always count Sheen as a girl. He does play with dolls, after all.
Suddenly, a loud voice rang through the trees.
VOICE: Hey! I heard that, Carl! They’re action figuuuuurrees!
Jimmy and Carl began laughing uncontrollably as Jimmy smoothly brought the rocket down in amongst the small huts. Cindy, Libby, and Sheen hurried over to them. Sheen scowled at Carl and began explaining in a heated voice that UltraLord was by no means a girly doll. He was, in fact, an icon of manliness.
CINDY: So, what happened? Anything?
JIMMY: Well, Carl was attacked by vicious Shaninovans, as far as I know. Carl, would you care to share your experience?
Carl nodded slowly and began recalling the frightening encounter. The other four listened, enraptured.
JIMMY: I had no idea that she was such an imposing figure in her people’s minds. I thought we were liberating the Shaninovans from a certain fate, rather than drawing them into one.
CINDY: I guess it just goes to show…
She shook her head, slowly. Suddenly, a pair of sandaled feet appeared in front of her. Looking up, she found herself staring into Kengas’s deep, dark eyes.
KENGAS: My most esteemed friends, your rope is ready.
JIMMY: Ah, thank you, Kengas.
He bowed awkwardly, not knowing what else to do. Kengas dipped his head as well before turning swiftly and striding towards a group of chattering villagers. Jimmy, Carl, Sheen, Libby and Cindy followed nervously. As they approached, the villagers scattered like crows in the street, soaring from one hut to another. There, where they had been standing, lay a coil of hand woven rope at least 1 foot thick. Kengas gestured towards the rope, smiling softly.
KENGAS: It's all yours, my friends. Use it well. My village and I must be moving on now, so I will leave you each with a gift of gratitude.
He turned to Jimmy, who shifted uncomfortably. Kengas quickly pulled something from his wrist and held it out to Jimmy, who looked at it quizzically. Kengas smiled.
KENGAS: The thing that you wear on your wrist... It confuses me. Perhaps it is a symbol of strength in your culture. But here, I am giving you another ornament.
Jimmy took a closer look at the heap of beads that lay crumpled in Kengas's hand. Sure enough, there lay a bracelet composed of smooth, round, black and white beads.
KENGAS: This bracelet is said to defend the owner.
His face broke into a soft smile.
KENGAS: It's protected me well. I can only hope it will do the same for you.
Jimmy smiled back and picked the bracelet from Kengas's hands. Quickly slipping it over his wrist, his eyes widened in surprise. It looked good. Kengas grinned.
KENGAS: It suits you well.
He turned to Cindy and reached for a necklace that lay suspended around his dark neck.
KENGAS: I apologize for only being able to give you material items, but I hope that you have gathered wisdom from me as well.
Cindy nodded.
CINDY: I think I have.
Kengas held out the hand woven chain that dangled from his coffee colored fingers.
KENGAS: You are a very beautiful girl. I think this will compliment you. It was woven by my young sister. She was...
He turned away, hiding his face.
KENGAS: Taken...
Cindy put a timorous hand on his shoulder.
CINDY: I'm sorry...
Kengas turned back, a glimmer of tears obvious in the bottom of his eyes.
KENGAS: Thank you for your kindness.
He watched carefully as Cindy fastened the choker around her neck.
KENGAS: A little loose, but it's nice.
She smiled and nodded, her soft bangs swinging in her eyes. Kengas turned to Sheen, Carl, and Libby.
KENGAS: Your gifts, although small, are intricate. Each holds a secret truth, which perhaps you one day will discover.
He reached into a deep pocket and revealed three wooden figures. Each was covered with intricate writing and symbols.
LIBBY: Wow, these are amazing.
Sheen was whirling his around.
SHEEN: Nice aerodynamics. He might even fly a little smoother than UltraLord!
Kengas smiled, but his eyes shone with confusion. Libby grinned.
LIBBY: Believe me, that's a huge compliment.
Carl was inspecting his quietly.
CARL: It's adorable. Like a funny-looking llama, almost...
LIBBY: That, again, is a compliment.
Kengas tilted his head, beaming. There was absolute silence for a moment, until Jimmy shattered it with words they had all been longing to hear.
JIMMY: Come on guys, let's go home.

“Wha… Where am I?”

“Home. Welcome home, Jimmy.”

Jimmy sat up, rubbing the sleep from his curious blue eyes. As his vision cleared, his mother’s warm smile came into focus as a plate of eggs and toast was set on his bedside table.
JUDY: I brought you breakfast. You’ll have to tell your father and me all about your little adventure. We’ve missed you, and you’ve had us worried sick!
Jimmy smiled slightly.
JIMMY: Thanks, Mom. I’ll tell you all about it over dinner, when I’ve recuperated.
She nodded and turned to leave the room. Jimmy called after her, his voice cracking as the sleep slipped from his throat.
JIMMY: Uhh, Mom? If… Cindy calls… Will you tell me?
Judy grinned to herself.
JUDY: Of course, Jimmy.

Three hours later, Jimmy and Cindy sat in the library; their heads slumped on the table, sighing exasperatedly over the paper they had neglected for the past week.
CINDY: I can’t believe it. We spend a week running from some crazed empress, and we’re still expected to turn in an essay.
Jimmy lifted his head for a moment, in order to admire the soft blonde gleam of her silky hair.
JIMMY: If you don’t want to write it, I’d be happy to do it by myself.
Raising her emerald gaze to his sapphire eyes, she shook her head.
CINDY: Nah. I need to supervise in order to protect our grade.
Jimmy stuck his tongue out at her in mock anger, and she laughed, earning a sharp look from the gray-haired librarian.
JIMMY: Okay, okay. Let’s hit the books.
He reached for a thick, green book, embellished with faded, silver writing. Blowing a thick layer of dust from the cover, he began turning the yellowed pages. Cindy flipped through a few colorful books, scribbling the occasional note, until she grew bored and scooted closer to Jimmy, who seemed utterly enthralled by the tome that sat before him.
JIMMY: Cindy… Look…
He pointed to a large, intricate drawing. Two young people, a man and a woman, stood back to back. Her long, black hair fell to her waist, twisting menacingly in the still wind. An olive green dress adorned her slender figure, and a silver lace decorated her hair. The man, bare-chested and dark, wore a colorful arrangement of necklaces and headbands. Behind each figure was a different image. She stood before a tall, white castle, crowned by a velvet sky. Vines, intertwined in slightly disturbing images, provided a background for the man’s imposing stature.
Cindy’s mouth dropped open, a soft gasp escaping her lips.
CINDY: How…
Jimmy’s finger slid across the page, landing on a paragraph directly above the image.

Cindy raised her eyes from the page.
CINDY: That’s impossible. This book is… rubbish. Yeah. Complete bogus.
Jimmy sighed, his shoulders slumped.
JIMMY: Look here.
He pointed to another section of the page, which obviously explained the young man portrayed in the portrait.
Any citizen that resisted the Empress’s rule was removed. Rumors of the fate of these unfortunate souls flew down each darkened alley, until even the smallest child could recite them. The only confirmable fact was that these persons never returned to Shaninova. At least, all but one. Kengas, a young man of extraordinary mental strength, somehow managed to avoid his fate, although how he refuses to explain. Once outside the prison that Shaninova came to be, he discovered others who had avoided Shii’s rule altogether. These few men and women joined as one. Their group became known as the Sobreviventes, or, Survivors. However, as the years passed, Kengas saw that he was not changing. His face did not wrinkle, his bones did not creak, and as his friends began to weaken, he realized that although he would soon be digging graves for them, his was never to become. Fear and grief struck the poor, young man like a biting wind. In a desperate plea for separation from the dying world, Kengas prayed each night for death….
CINDY: You see? It’s absolute garbage. We met Kengas, and there’s no denying that.
JIMMY: He always seemed to radiate a sort of sadness…
He shook his head, as if to rid the thought from his head.
JIMMY: You’re right… You must be right. Just a bunch of nonsense.
Cindy nodded curtly.
JIMMY: But perhaps…We all fear death to a point of….
He thought for a moment.
JIMMY: Obsession. Maybe… Never dying is what we should dread most.”
Cindy shook her head in disbelief.
CINDY: How… That’s impossible. You can’t believe this, Jimmy. I mean… Think of it scientifically. They cannot have lived for all these years.
Jimmy sighed, his gaze drifting toward the window.
JIMMY: Perhaps we didn’t see anything. What if it was all a crazy dream? I mean… I… don’t know.
Cindy smiled at him. Gently prying the book from his fingers, she closed it and rose. Stretching out her hand, she beckoned for him to rise. Their fingers intertwined as he rose.

The cold, winter air snapped at their faces as the library doors swung shut behind them. Jimmy pulled Cindy into a tight hug, pressing his forehead to hers.
JIMMY: Maybe, what we need to do is forget.
Cindy pulled back, her face contorting into a look of utter confusion.
CINDY: Maybe you’re right… But… Do you mean… All of it?
Jimmy looked slightly confused for a moment, his curious eyes studying the horror on Cindy’s face. Finally, he laughed.
JIMMY: No. Not all of it, Cindy. I think you know what I mean.
He linked his arm with hers.
JIMMY: What I’m trying to convey is that maybe we should attempt to forget the fact that we were chased half way around the Amazon by some power-crazy, immortal empress.
Cindy sighed.
CINDY: Maybe you’re right.
She scowled as she realized what treacherous phrase had escaped her lips.
CINDY: But don’t think that makes you smarter than me, Nerdtron.
JIMMY: Well, I think we’re getting somewhere. Two weeks ago, you never would have said that.
She shrugged.
CINDY: Whatever. Two weeks ago, I was a normal girl.
Jimmy raised an eyebrow.
CINDY: Okay, well, I was more normal than I am now –
Jimmy pressed a finger to her lips. His face was suddenly very close to hers, and she flushed in sudden embarrassment.
JIMMY: We agreed not to talk about that anymore, didn’t we? Now come on, this is boring. Let’s go get milkshakes and discuss Saturday.
He grabbed her hand and began walking. She stumbled after him.
CINDY: What? Saturday? What’s happening on Saturday? Hey! Nerdtron! Get back here! Wait!
He, who had been jogging for the past few moments, broke into a run. She chased after him, hurling mild insults at his back. The two of them disappeared into the distance, Jimmy laughing, Cindy red in the face from yelling, and both completely, helplessly in love.