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ALSOBYRIDLEYPEARSON
KingdomKeepersII—DisneyatDawn
SteelTrapp—TheChallenge
WITHDAVEBARRY
BloodTide
CaveoftheDarkWind
EscapefromtheCarnivale
PeterandtheSecretofRundoon
PeterandtheShadowThieves
PeterandtheStarcatchers
ScienceFair
Thefollowingaresomeofthetrademarks,registeredmarks,andservicemarksownedbyDisneyEnterprises,Inc.:Adventureland®Area,Audio-
Animatronics®Figure,BigThunderMountain®
RailroadDisneyland®,Disney’sHolywoodStudios,Disney’sAnimalKingdom®ThemePark,Epcot®,Fantasyland®Area,FASTPASS®Service,FortWilderness,Frontierland®Area,Imagineering,Imagineers,“it’sasmal
world,”MagicKingdom®Park,MainStreet,U.S.A.Area,Mickey’sToontown®,monorail,NewOrleansSquare,SpaceMountain®Attraction,SplashMountain®Attraction,Tomorrowland®Area,WaltDisneyWorld®
Resort
“It’sASmalWorld”WordsandMusicbyRichardM.ShermanandRobertB.Sherman©1963
WonderlandMusicCompany,Inc.
BuzzLightyearAstroBlasters©DisneyEnterprises,Inc./PixarAnimationStudiosToyStorycharacters©DisneyEnterprises,Inc./PixarAnimationStudiosWinniethePoohcharactersbasedonthe“WinniethePooh”worksbyA.A.
MilneandE.H.
Shepard
Copyright©2005PageOne,Inc.
Ilustration©2005byDavidFrankland
Alrightsreserved.PublishedbyDisney•HyperionBooks,animprintofDisneyBookGroup.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,withoutwrittenpermission
fromthepublisher.
ForinformationaddressDisney•HyperionBooks,114FifthAvenue,NewYork,NewYork10011-5690.
PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica
NewDisney•Hyperionpaperbackedition,2009
10987654321
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataonfile.
ISBN978-1-4231-4112-9
Thisbookisdedicatedto
anyoneandeveryone
whoeverwonderedwhathappenswhenthegatesareclosed
andthelightsgoout.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Towhoeverinventedholograms,thanksfortheride.
Withoutpeoplewhomakebookscometrue,likeAlZuckermanandAmyBerkoweratWritersHouse,andWendyLefkon,myeditoratDisney•Hyperion,projectslikethiswouldneverhappen.
Thankstoyouall.
ThanksalsotoLaurelandDavid,whoreadthisfartoomanytimes,redpensinhand.AndtoChristopherCainesforhiskeeneyeandgreatsuggestions.
AndthankstoJasonSurrell,aDisneyImagineerwhohasthe“keystothekingdom.”HetouredmethroughanemptyMagicKingdomonmorethanoneoccasion,andhelpedtomakemagicoutofreality.Jasonrepeatedlyservedupthehistoryofandlittle-knownfactsaboutthepark,thoughhe’llprobablydenyitinordertokeephisjob.
Thanks,too,toWayneandChristina—andadozenmorewhoshallremainnameless—wholivethisfiction.WayneworksbehindthescenesatSplashMountain,andthelovelyChristinaatSpaceMountain.Theyprovidedmountainsofhelp.
SpecialthankstoPaige,Storey,andSophie,throughwhoseeyesI’veseentheMagicKingdomsomanytimesnow,andwhogotmewonderingwhatitmustbelikeatnightaftereveryone’sdeparted…oralmosteveryone.
AndthankstoDave,whoteasedmerelentlesslyformystudyofthetrashevacuationsystemduringoneofoursecrettoursofthetunnels.Thisisforyou.Therereallyismethodtothismadness.Orsortof.
—R.P.
February28,2005
St.Louis,Missouri
1
HefoundhimselfstandingnexttotheflagpoleinTownSquare,intheheartoftheMagicKingdom.Inhispajamas.Howhe’dgottenhere,hehadnoidea.Hislastmemorywasclimbingintobed—itfeltlikeonlyminutesearlier.
Grippedbyasenseofpanic,awedbythesightoftheCinderellaCastleatnight,FinnWhitmanbrieflyrecalledthathe’dhadother,similardreamsrecendy—alwaysintheMagicKingdom,alwaysatnight.Butinhisthirteenyears,nonesoreal,sovividasthis:hefeltabreezeonhisface;hesmelledthewetearthofaflowerbednotfaraway;heheardthedistantwhineoftrafficandthebuzzofamotorboatonthelakebehindhim.
“Itlookssodifferent,”hethought,onlytorealizehe’dspokenoutloud.MainStreetstoodempty,notapersoninsight.Heglancedaroundandquicklysawthathewasallalone.
“Notsodifferentasallthat,”cameaman’svoice.Thoughfaint,itstartledFinn.Helookedaroundagain,thistimetryingtofindthesourceofthatvoice.
There!Anoldguywithwhitehair,onabenchinfrontoftheExhibitionHall.HesatsoclosetoaseatedsculptureofGoofythatFinnhadn’tnoticedhim.
Finnmovedtowardtheman,crossingtheemptystreet.Hefeltunusuallylight,almostbuoyant.
Theoldmanworekhakis,acollaredshirt,andanametag:WAYNE.
“Whereiseverybody?”Finnasked,struckbytheelectronicsoundofhisownvoice.
“Isitempty?”themanasked,lookingupanxiously.“Tellmewhatyousee.”
Finnwonderediftheoldguywasblind.HeseemedtobelookingrightatFinn;hisblueeyeslookedperfectlynormal.Still,maybehecouldn’tsee.
“Well,”Finnsaidpolitely,“it’slike…empty.Andit’sdarkout.Andit’sjustthetwoofus.”
Wayne’sexpressionchangedtodisappointment.
“WhatamIsupposedtosee,exactly?”Finnasked.
“You’reonlysupposedtoseewhatyoucansee.”
“Whateverthatmeans,”Finnsaid.
“Itmeansexactlywhatitsays.”
“Ifyousayso.”
“Listen,youngman,I’vebeenaroundheresincelongbeforeanyofthemwereevencreated.Iliveintheapartmentabovethefirestation.”HepointedrightatthefirehouseandthenlookedbackatFinn.“Thattakessomeseniority,believeme.”
Seniorityorsenility?Finnwondered.Livingabovethefirehouse?Finndoubtedit.
“Nicepajamas,”theoldguysaid.
Finnlookedathimself.Hispajamasseemedtobe…glowing.Whatwaswiththat?Hesaid,“Idon’tmeantoberude,butifyoucansee,ifyou’renotblind,thenwhy’dyouaskmeabouttheparkbeingempty?”
Wayne’sice-blueeyesdrilledintohim.“Howdoyouthinkyougothere,youngman?”
“ThatdependsonwhereIam,”Finnansweredhonestly.Thisfeltlikenodream
he’deverexperienced.
“Verygoodanswer.Iexpectednolessofyou.”
“Excuseme?”
“Iassumedthatyou’dquestionthis—that’sonlynatural—butultimatelythere’sonlyoneexplanation,isn’tthere?”
“Isthere?”Finnasked,confused.
“TheotheronesIwasn’tsosureabout.Butyou,FinnWhitman.Bytheway,that’safinenameyouhave.Anamewithrealpotential.”
Finntookastepback.Howdidthisoldguyknowhisname?
“Whatotherones?”Finnasked.HestudiedTownSquareandMainStreet.Thestreetlampsshoneyellow.TheCinderellaCastleglowedinthedistance.Allthefamiliarstreetsandpathsandattractions,butempty.“Itoldyou,there’snoonehere.Noonebutus.It’sempty.”
WaynesaidnothingashestoodandwalkedupMainStreet,pasttheshopsandtowardthecastle.Finnfoundhimselffollowingrightalong.TheyreachedCentralPlaza,anislandinthecenterofatrafficcircle,thespokesofwhichledtotheMagicKingdom’svariouslands—Tomorrowland,Frontierland,LibertySquare.TheystoppedinfrontofastatueofWaltDisneywithMickeyMouse.
Thecastlerosemajesticallyintothenightsky.
“Whattimeisit?”Wayneasked.
AsFinnbroughthisarmuptolookathiswatch,hesawthathisarmwasn’texactlyhisarm.Itwas…glowing.Notonlyglowing,buthecouldalmostseethroughit.Asif—
“What’sgoingon?”Finnasked.“What’swithmyarm?”
Waynesoundedcriticalashesaid,“Figureitout.”Hethenreachedintohispocketandremovedwhatlookedlikearemotecontrolforacar:asmallblackplasticfobwithasingleredbutton.Itlookedlikeagarage-dooropener.
“What’swiththatthing?”Finnasked.
“Thisbuttonwillsendyouback.”
“Backwhere?”Finnfeltajoltoffear.Whatifthiswasn’tadream?Hestudiedhisarmagain.
Thenhisotherarm.Helookeddownathislegs.Hiswholebodywasglowingandvaguelytranslucent.
“Backtobed,”Wayneanswered.
“Soitisadream?Ithoughtso.”
“It’snotadream.”
Finnsawapairoffour-foot-tallchipmunkscomeoutofthecastle.Theywalkeddownapathandturnedleft,towardToontown.Hefelthimselfstaring.Herecognizedthem.
“What?”Wayneaskedexcitedly.
“Nothing,”Finnanswered.
“Yousawsomething!”hepracticallyshoutedintoFinn’sear,causingFinntojumpback,startled.
Wayneleapedup,suddenlyyearsyounger.HepulledFinntohisfeet.
“Yousawsomething!”hethundered.
“Hey!What’sthebigdeal?”
“Tellmewhatyousaw.”
“Yousawittoo!”Finntoldhim.
“Whichcharacter?”
Finnfeltrelief.WayneknewFinnhadseenacharacter,whichhadtomeanhe’dseenittoo.
Hewasclearlyplayingsomekindofgame,makingFinnactuallynamethecharacter,butFinnwasgoodatgames.
“Whichcharacterdidyousee?”Finnasked.
“Youwantmetopushthisbutton?”Waynethreatened.
Didhe?Finnwasn’tsure.Ifitwasadream,theblackremote-controlfobrepresentedawayout.Whenwastherighttimetouseit?Hehopedtostretchthisoutaminutelonger.Itwasfunhere.
Heglancedaroundatthesoundoffootsteps.Goofywenttearingpastthem,notthirtyfeetaway,andheadedintoFrontierland.
Waynenevermoved.NeverlookedinGoofy’sdirection.
“You’replayingheadgameswithme,”Finnsaid.
“AmI?”
“Goofy,”Finnsaid.
“AreyouaskingmeifI’mgoofy?I’vebeencalledworse.”WaynestudiedFinn.Hisoldleatheryfacebrightenedashesaid,“YousawGoofy!”
MaybeWayneneededahearingaid—heseemedpronetofitsofshouting.
Finnbackedoff.“Yeah.Sowhat?Youwouldhavetoo,ifyou’dbotheredtolook.”
Wayneprobablycouldn’thearallthatwell.Heobviouslyhadn’theardGoofy’sfootsteps,becausehehadn’tturnedtowardthesound.
FinndecidedtotestWayne.“ChipandDale,”hesaid.“Yousawthem,right?”
“YousawChipandDale?”HemadeitsoundlikeFinnhadwonthelottery.Whatwaswiththat?
“I,ah…Thisisgettingalittleweird.IthinkIwanttogobacknow.”FinnheardhimselfrepeatsomeofwhatWaynehadtoldhim,thoughthewordsdidn’tfitinhismouthallthatwell.Itsoundedtohimlikesomeoneelsedoingthetalking.
“I’llpushthebutton,ifyoulike.ButIhavetowarnyou….”Waynefiddledwiththenametagpinnedtohisuniform.
“Warnmeaboutwhat?”
“Whatyou’llbemissing.Theparkafterdark.Basicallyalltoyourself.Theattractionsoperatedayandnight.Notmanypeopleknowthat.”
“NowIknowI’mdreaming.”
“Butyouaren’t,”Wayneexplained.“Areyouforgettingyourarm?”
Finnstudiedhisarmoncemore.“I’lladmit,thatis…interesting.It’salmostlike—”Finncaughthimself.
“Likeyou’reglowing,”Waynesaidinanall-knowing,I-told-you-sotoneofvoice.
“AmI?”
“Whatmightaccountforthat?”Wayneinquired.
Finnunderstoodsomehowthatalothungonhisanswer—hisimaginingthisplace,ordreamingit,orwhateverwashappeningtohim.Hisabilitytostayhere.Toreturn.Hewasn’tquicktoanswer.Hedidn’twanttofacewhatWaynewassuggesting.
“Igiveup,”hesaid.
“No,youdon’t,”Wayneprotested.“Youneverwouldhavebeenchosenforthisifyouwerethekindwhogivesuponthings.You’reafinisher,Finn.That’swhatIlikedaboutyoufromyourfirstauditiontape.”
Stunnedbywhattheoldguyhadjustsaid,Finnfelthismouthgodry.HowdidWayneknowabouthisauditiontape?Exactlyhowcomplicatedcouldadreamget?
“Whoareyou?”Finnblurtedout.
“I’mWayne.Iworkhere.IwasoneofthefirstpeoplehiredbyWaltDisneyto
imaginethispark.Therides,theattractions.TheycallusImagineers.”
“YouknewWaltDisney?”Finntriednottosoundimpressed.
“Hewasmyboss,youmightsay.Atanyrate,he’sthereasonI’mhere.Thereasonyou’rehere.”
“Me?”
“Iknowthiscan’tbeeasy.”
“It’sadream,”Finnsaid,thinking,What’ssohardaboutadream?
“No,it’snotadream,”Waynesaid.“Takealookatthemoon.”Finndidn’tmove.Wayne’svoicebecamemoresevere.“Isaid:lookatthemoon.”
Finnhadtoturnaroundtolocatethemoon.Ahalf-moon,likeacrookedsmile,hungwellabovethehorizon.
“Whenyouwakeup—whenyouthinkyouwakeup—takealookoutthewindow.You’llseethesamemoon,andyou’llknow.”
“Knowwhat?”Finnasked.
“Thatyouwerehere.SittinghereinDisneyWorldwithanoldguynamedWayne.”
“You’retellingmethisisn’tadream?”Finnfelthiswordscatchinhisthroat.
“We’vegotaproblem.Abigproblem.Aproblemthataffectsnotonlythepark,buttheworldoutsidethepark.WecallthemtheOvertakers.”
“Thewhat?”Finndidn’tlikethesoundofthat.
Waynesaidurgently,“Youneedtocontacttheotherhosts.Allfour.Arrangetomeetthemhereatthesametime.Thatwillmeanallofyougoingtobed,goingtosleep,fairlyclosetothesametime.Withinahalfhourofoneanother.Tellthemthat.Thatshouldwork,Ithink.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“There’safable,astory,apuzzleofsortsthatwasleftincaseofaproblemlikethis.It’scalledtheStonecutter’sQuill.”
“Aproblemlikewhat?”Finnfelttotallyconfused.TheStonecutter’sQuill—thetitlehadaneeriesound.
Justthen,TomSawyercameoutofFrontierlandandheadedupalongrampintothecastle.
IsthatreallytheTomSawyer?Finnwondered.Thebarefootboywassmokingapipewithalongstem.Waynedidagoodjobofnotreacting,ofpretendinghedidn’tseethekid.
Waynesaid,“Thepuzzlehastobesolvedtobeunderstood.Ithastobeunderstoodtobeofanyusetous.”HepausedandlookedoveratFinn.ItfelttoFinnasifWaynewerelookingrightthroughhim.“You’regoingtosolveit.”
“Me?”
“Thefiveofyou,”Waynesaid.
Finnjumpedawayfromtheman.Againhethought:howcomplicatedcanadreamget?IfWaynewasonlyapartofthedream,howcouldhepossiblyknowaboutthefourotherhosts?HowcouldhetalkaboutFinn’sauditiontapethewayhehad?Itwasallrelated,allrolledintoone,butFinncouldn’tsortitout.
Finnsaid,“You’retalkingaboutMGMStudios.”
“OfcourseIam,”Waynesaid.“Yousee?Iknewyouweretherightone.You’retheleader,Finn.”
“Idon’thavetheslightestcluewhatyou’retalkingabout,”Finnsaid.
“Nicetry.Butofcourseyoudo.YouknowexactlywhatI’mtalkingabout.Youjustdon’twanttofaceit.Perfectlyunderstandable.Thatwillchange.”
“Afable,”Finnsaid,testinghimagain.Couldadreamrememberitself?
“Themoon,”Wayneremindedhim.“Don’tforgetthemoon.”
Iwon’t.”
“Allfiveofyou.Ineedyoutogether.Here.Allinthesameplaceatthesametime.Icanexplainittoyouthen.Once.Asagroup.Justtheonetime.Youcandecide—asagroup—tohelpusornot.”
“Us?”Finnsaid.
“I’llexplainthataswell.”
“ThisistheweirdestdreamI’veeverhad!”Finnsaid,notrealizinghewasshouting.
“You’llgetoverit,”Waynesaid.Heraisedhisrighthand—theonecarryingtheblackremote-controlfob—andpressedthebuttonwithhisthumb.
Finnawoke,sittingupinbed.Hisbedsideclockread2:07A.M.Hecollectedhimself,checkedhissurroundings.Hereachedoutandtouchedtheglassofwaternexttotheclock.Justthefeelofitwasreassuring.Thankgoodness,hethought.
Adream?hewondered.“Whoa,”heheardhimselfsayaloud.“Whatadream!”Thistimehisvoicesoundedmorethewayitalwayssounded,whichremindedhimofhowthinandelectronicithadsoundedinthepark.
“Whoa,”herepeated,justtohearhimselfsayit.Hescratchedanitchonhishead,andanotheronhisbelly.Thatfeltbetter.Helaybackdown,hisheadonthepillow,hisgreeneyeswideopentothedarkroom.
AllatonceFinnspottedashaftoflight—bluishlight—onhisceiling.Itwasintheshapeofaknifeblade.Moonlight.
Finnslippedoutofbedwithtrepidation.Hecrepttowardthewindow,afraidtolook.Thecloserhegottoit,themorehisfacewasbathedinthatpalelightseepingthroughasmallcrackinthecurtains.
Finnraisedhisarmandcaughtsightofhiswatch.Hisarmappearedsolid.ItdidnotglowandshimmerthewayithadwhilehewaswithWayne.Thatcameasarelief.
Finnpartedthecurtains.
There,outthewindow,hangingintheexactsameplaceinthesky,whereWaynehadpointeditouttohim,Finnsawthecurvingsmileofahalf-moon.Couldhehaveknownthatinhissleep?How?Helookedagain.
Themoonseemedtobelaughingathim.
2
ThehalwaysofFinn’smiddleschoolcouldsometimesfeelaslongasrunways.Lateforclass,hefoundthistobeoneofthosetimes.Steellockersoccupiedmostofthespacebetweenthedoorstotheclassrooms.Thelockerswerecoveredwithstickersandpicturesofmoviestarsorproathletes,whichinstantlydistinguishedagirl’slockerfromaboy’s.Fluorescent-tubelightingcastasicklyglowovereverything,andmadehumanskinlookvaguelygreenish.
“Hesaidtherewasafable.Astoryofsomekind,”Finnsaidtotheboystandingnexttohim.
“ThatmyfriendsandIaresupposedtosavethepark,orsomething.”Herealizedhowridiculousthissounded.“Whateverthatmeans.”
“By‘friends’youmeanlike,me?”DillardColeasked.Dillardateenoughfortwokidsandhadthebodytoshowforit.
“Hedidn’tmeanyou,Dillard,”Finnsaidgently,tryingnottohurttheguy’sfeelings.“Notexactly.Hemeanttheother…thehosts.AtDisneyWorld.TheDHIs.”
“Noway.”
“Way,”Finnsaid,hurryingofftohisfourth-periodclassroom.
“Itwasonlyadream!”Dillardshoutedafterhim.
Finnwasn’tsosureaboutthat.
“We’rehonoredyoucouldjoinus,Mr.Whitman,”saidMr.RichardsonasFinnrushedintohisworldhistoryclass.Mr.Richardsonwasprobablythemostboringteacherintheentireschool.
He’dlivedintheU.S.fortwenty-someyears,butstillspokewithathickBritishaccent.Hesoundedlikeapompoussnob.
Finncheckedthewallclock;hewaseightminuteslate,justundertheten-minutedeadlinewhenRichardsonwouldhavegivenhimatardy.Threetardiesmeantafter-schoolstudyhall.Finnalreadyhadcollectedtwoothers,bothfromscienceclass.
“You’llsitupfront,please,”Mr.Richardsonsaid,indicatinganemptychair.Tortureontopofhumiliation.“Fortherecord,yournotorietypullsnoweightinmyclass.Ibegyoutorememberthatwhengradesareissued.Ifindtheideaofchildactorstediousatbest.”
“SorryI’mlate,”Finnsaid,slidingdownintothechair,resentfulthathe’dbeenmadetoapologize.
He’dtakenthejobatDisneyWorldsomewhatagainsthiswill,mostlyathismother’surging.
Atthetimeshe’dhadnoideashewasmakinghimintoamiddle-schoolrockstar.Heremembereditwell.
***
“Therewillbemoneyinit,”hismotherhadsaid.“YourfatherandIcanputalittlesomethingawayforyourcollege.”
“Idon’tknow,Mom,”Finnhadcomplained.
“ThisisWaltDisneyWorld,don’tforget.Youwouldbeahost,likeaguide,inWaltDisneyWorld.”
“It’snotexactlyme.”
“It’lllooklikeyou.Soundlikeyou.It’llseemlikeyoutoeveryonebutyou.
You’dbethereforyears,FinnWhitman.Maybeforever.Youcan’tgetany‘cooler’thanDisneyWorld.”
Hismotherdidn’tknoweverything,butwhenshewasrightshewasright.FinnlovedtheDisneyparks.Sodidhisfriends.EventhoughtheylivedinOrlando,theyallwenttotheparkswhenevertheycouldaffordit.“ButtheMagicKingdom,Mom?It’sforlittlekids.AtDisney-MGM,sure!AnimalKingdomwouldbeawesome.ButtheMagicKingdom?”
“YoulovetheMagicKingdom,andyouknowit.Besides,therestofyourfamilywouldgetcomplimentarypasses—severalayear,everyyear,forlife.Asin,forever.Wecouldbasicallygowheneverwewant.”
“Withoutme.”
“Ithoughtyoujustsaidyou’retoooldfortheMagicKingdom.”Finn’smomcouldtwistalmostanythinghesaid.Hepickedhisargumentscarefullywithher.Shehadexplainedthetermsofthecontracttohim,butFinnhadn’treallypaidattention.
“Tellmeaboutthedisguisestuffagain,”hesaid.
“YouwouldonlybeallowedtovisittheMagicKingdomwithpriorapproval.Oncepermissionisgranted,you’dstillhavetogoindisguise.Butahatandsunglasseswouldbeenough.You’donlyhavetowearthemwhenyou’reintheMagicKingdom.Theycan’thavetwoofyourunningaround,therealyouandthehologram-hostyou.Itmakessenseifyouthinkaboutit.”
Itdidmakesense,buthewasn’tabouttoadmitthat.
Shesaid,“Itsoundssoeasy.Allyoudoisletthemfilmyouwalkingandgesturing.Youreadthescriptacoupletimesintoamicrophone.Theyprocessthefilm,orwhatever,and,presto!
You’reahologram-hostattheMagicKingdom.Withacollegenesteggandlifetimecomplimentarypasses.Finn,youlovespecialeffects!Whatthey’reofferingisforyoutobethespecialeffect.Howmuchcoolercanthatbe?”Shewasrightagain,butheresistedanall-outagreement.Hismotherhadoncecalledanewtoaster“high-tech.”Whatdidsheknow?
“AllIhavetodoisaudition?”heasked,testingher.
“That’sright!Theymightnoteventakeyou.”
“Mom,”Finnsaid,“thisismewe’retalkingabout.Ofcoursethey’lltakeme.”
“Excuseme,Mr.Hotshot,butIdonotwanttohearyoutalkingthatway,andyouknowit.Ifthisisgoingtogotoyourhead,wearenotdoingthis.”
Actually,Finn’smomlovedtohearhimtalkthatway,thoughshepretendedotherwise.Shehadschooledhiminself-confidence.He’dauditionedforseveralthingsandneverwonapartyet,butnotbecausehelackedconfidence.
“Okay.I’lldoit,”hesaid.
Shebeamed.Helovedtoseeherlikethat—bright-eyedandchildlike.
AmonthafterFinnhadpassedthefinalauditionandwonaplaceasaDisneyHostInteractive,orDHI,hearrivedatanenormoussoundstageatDisney-MGMStudios.
Thesizeofajetaircrafthangar,thesoundstagewasriggedwithhundredsoffilmlights,agreenscreenthatfilledoneentirewall,trampolines,cameras,boommicrophones,anddozensofscruffilydressedcrewmembers.He’dneverseenanythinglikeit,exceptinmovies,thoughhedidhisbesttopretendotherwise.Acollege-agegirldressedinblackandgrayworeaheadsetwithamicrophonemouthpiece,afuzzyblackballbyherlips.Shecalledherselfa“PA.”IttookFinnfourdaystorealizethatthatstoodforproductionassistant.HerbosswasaguynamedBrad,fromDisneyImagineering.
BradmadeFinndressingreentightsandagreenstretchytopandwalkaroundonagreenstage.Thecostumehadsmallmetalsensors,likethincoins,stucktothetightsoneveryjointofhisbody—dozensofthethings.Camerashookeduptoacomputerrecordedthemovementofthesmallmetaldisks.Inthecameras’eyes,thegreencostume,movingagainstthegreenbackground,basicallymadeFinn’sbodydisappear.Thecomputersawhiminsteadasafloatingcloudofshinypoints.TheengineerswouldlaterusetherecordingsofFinn’smovementstoanimatethehologramsofFinnandtheotherkids.Bradexplainedthatthisprocesswascalled“motioncapture.”
Therewerefivekidsinall.Oneveryprettygirl,Charlene,hadsandyblondhairandblueeyes,withpaleskin.Theothergirl,Willa,struckhimasalittlegeeky,butextremelysmart.Shewassweet,butnotknockoutgorgeouslikeCharlene.NotmanygirlslookedlikeCharlene.Willastruckhimasmoody.Withherhoodedbrowneyesanddark,braidedhair,shemighthavebeenAsianorNativeAmerican.Maybeck,anAfricanAmericankid,wastallerthanFinnbyafullheadandhadthebig-guyattitudetogoalongwithit.ForsomereasonhemadeapointoftellingFinnthathewasaBaptist.Finn,whowasn’tterriblyreligious,wasn’tsurewhattodowiththatinformation,norevenwhatitmeant.
Onabreak,FinnhungoutwithMaybeckandthelastofthefive,aboywhointroducedhimselfasPhilby.LikeMaybeck,heobviouslypreferredtobecalledbyhislastname.
Philbylookedolderthanallofthem,butwasinfactthesameage.HehadaBritishaccentorsomethingclosetoit—AustraliaorNewZealand,Finnguessed.
“Quitethemotleygroup,”Philbysaid.
“We’retheOrlandoassortmentpack,”Maybeckquipped.“Oneofeveryflavor.”
Finnsaid,“We’reallfromdifferentschools,right?What’swiththat?It’sliketheywantedtomakesurenoneofuskneweachother.Whywouldtheydothat?”
“Control,”Maybeckanswered.“Thesekindsofguys…withthemit’sallaboutcontrol.Thatguy,Brad?Idon’ttrusthim.He’skeepingstufffromus.Countonit.”
FinnlikedBrad,butheknewwhatMaybeckwastalkingabout.Itdidfeelliketheyweren’tbeingtoldeverything.
“We’dbetterbeabletotrusthim,”Finnsuggested.“He’stheoneturningusintoholograms.”
“Idon’tknowaboutyou,”Maybeckanswered,“butInevertrustanyonebutmyself.”Headdedalittlelate,“Nooffense.”
Finnwantedoutofhistights.
Philbysaid,“DidyouknowthatDHI—DisneyHostInteractive—alsostandsforDaylightHologramImaging?”
“Seriously?”Finnasked.
“Totally.”
“See?”Maybecksaid.“That’swhatI’mtalkingabout—rightthere.FirstI’veheardofit.”
Philbycontinued,“Thishasneverbeendonebefore.DHIs.Notlikethis.We’regoingtobeturnedintoabsolutelyperfectthree-dimensionalimages.Duplicatesofourselves.We’lllookreal,butwe’llbemadeofnothingbutlight.It’sprettycooltechnology,actually.”
“Butifit’sneverbeendonebefore,”Finnsaid,“howdoweknowit’ssafe?”
Theboysglancedbackandforthbetweenthemselves.Philbysaid,“It’sliketakingpictures,that’sall.Howcanitnotbesafe?”
“Itpays,”Maybecksaidharshly.“That’sallIcareabout.Myauntcouldusetheextramoney.”
“Youraunt?”Finnsaid,beforehetookthetimetothinkthathisquestionmightsoundrude.
“Yeah,”Maybecksaid.“Ilivewithmyaunt.Myparents…Theyaren’taround.”
Finnfeltawfulforhavingasked.Maybeckgrewsilent.Heseemedlesstoughallofasudden.
“Sorry,”Finnsaid,“forasking.”
“Notyourproblem,”Maybecksaidinasoftervoice.“Myaunt’scool.Shetriedtogetmeinatoothpastead,butIlostout.Thenthisthingcameup.BradtoldmethatifI’dgottenthatadI’dneverhavebeenaskedtobeahost.Theywantnothingbutfreshfaces.”
“Soyougotlucky,”Finnsaid.
“Weallgotlucky,”Maybeckagreed.“ADHIintheMagicKingdom?We’regoingtobefamous.”
“We’regoingtobeghosts,”Philbycorrected.“Electronicghosts,providedthatthistechnologyactuallyworks.”
“Don’tsaystufflikethat,”Maybeckpleaded.“Ofcourseitworks.”
“Ofcourse,”Philbysaid.“Mybad.”Buthesoundedlessthanconvinced.
3
“Idon’tgetit,”DilardsaidashegrippedFinn’sanklesforsit-ups.Therewereaboutfortykidsonthecrabgrassdoingvariousformsofexerciseoutbehindtheschool,inafieldenclosedbyacorrodedchain-linkfence.TheSouthFloridaclimateatemetaldowntorustandturnedwoodtosponge.Onlyconcretehadafightingchance.Thekids,spreadaroundthefieldinclumps,triedtomakeitlookliketheywereexercising.DirtstucktoFinn’sarmsandthebackofhisneck.Helookedupattheocean-blueskyfullofbillowingwhiteclouds.
“TheotherDHIs,”Finnexplained.“TheDisneyHosts…I’vegottohookupwiththembeforeIgoback.”
“Youknowhowstupidthatsounds?”
“Yeah,butIdon’tcare.Nomatterwhat,I’vegottofindoutifthey’vehadsimilar…dreams.”
DillardglancedupandimmediatelyletgoofFinn’sankles.Finnwentheadoverheelsbackward.Hefoundhimselflookingatanupside-downversionofagirlnamedAmandaLockhart,whohadtransferredtotheschoolinlateSeptember,afewweeksearlier.Shehadexotic-lookingeyes,adeep,naturaltan,andafewfrecklesonhercheeks.Shewasstretchingalongwithadozenothergirls.Finnwasn’tbigongirls,butsomethingaboutAmandagrabbedandheldhisattention.
Dillardclaspedhisanklesagain.Finnstruggledbackuptositting.
Hesqueezedoutacouplemoresit-ups.“It’sexperimental,”heexplained.“The
DHItechnology.Notexactlyphotography,notexactlycomputergraphics.”
“You’regoingpsychoonme,”Dillardcomplained.
Finnsaid,“WhenIwokeup,themoonwasrightwhereitbelonged.Youwanttoexplainthat?”
“I’msorrytohavetotellyouthis,”Dillardsaid,“butIthinktheyfriedyourbrain.”
“Idon’tknowanyoftheirfullnames.Willa,Charlene,Maybeck,andPhilby.MaybeckandPhilbywillbeeasiertofindthanthegirls,becausethosearetheirlastnames,unusualnamesatthat.TherewasthisguyatMGMwhoranthings.Hewouldknowwhoeveryoneis,thoughI’mnotsurehe’dtellme.”
DillardgaveFinnapuzzledlook.“Ifeelsorryforyou,man.You’velostit.”
“Thenewgirl:Amanda.Doesn’thermotherorfatherworkoveratMGM?Didyouhearaboutthat?”Manyofthestudents’parentshadsomethingtodowithoneoftheparks.
“Amandaisagirl,”DillardremindedFinn.“Haveyoulostyourmind?”Dillardthoughtofgirlsasaseparatelife-form.
“Yeah,”Finnsaid.“MaybeIhave.”
4
Themonorailzoomedpastaseaofgreentrees,headingforastopattheGrandFloridianHotel.
“Thisisprettycoolofyou,Amanda,”Finnsaid.HeworeaTampaDevilRaysbasebalcapandapairofhisfather’soldsunglasses,whichlookedtoobigforhisface.Somedisguise.Amandaworehiphuggersandashirtthatexposedherbellybutton.
“We’retakingphotographs?”sheasked.
“They’refriendsofmine,yousee?”
“Sortof.”Thensheconfessed,“No,notreally.”
“Idon’tknowtheirfullnames,soIdon’tknowhowtofindthem.IfIcangetphotographsoftheirDHIsandshowthemaroundsomeoftheotherschools,thenmaybesomeonewillrecognizethem.
I’mnotsurewhatelsetodo.”
“Wordis,you’regoingpsycho,”Amandasaid.“Iwasn’tabouttogetyoumadatme.”
“I’mnotstabbinggirlsinshowersoranything.”
“That’sarelief.”AmandaallowedahintofasmilethatFinnknewshewouldrathernothaverevealed.Itwasn’tcoolforagirltoshowshelikedaboyany
morethantheopposite.Boysandgirlsseemedtospendalotoftimeandenergytryingtoconvinceoneanotherthattheydidn’texist.
Finnexplained,“Theproblemis,ifI’mgoingtovisittheMagicKingdom,myadmissionhastobepre-approved.Thatmeanstellingmyparents,andIcan’texactlyexplainthistothem.”
“Youhaven’texactlyexplainedittome.Listen,Idon’tmindusingacoupleofmyfamily’scomptickets,Finn.Ifyou’reworriedyouoweme,youdon’t.”
“Cool.”
“Iseverythingcooltoyou?”sheasked.“What’swithyouandthatword?”
“You’recool,”hesaid,lookingrightather.Wheredidthatcomefrom?
Sheblushedandbitherlowerliptokeepfromgrinning.Shelookedoutthemonorailcar’swindow,asifshehadn’tseentheGrandFloridianahundredtimes.
“Sowhy’dyouagreetohelpme,anyway?”heasked,coaxingher.Thedoorshissedshut.ArecordedvoiceannouncedthatthenextstopwastheMagicKingdom.
Sheglancedoutthewindowtoo.“Because…Ihavemyreasons.Iwanttohelp.”Shespoketotheglass.ThenshelookeddirectlyatFinnandsaid,“Besides,I’venevermetarealpsychobefore.”
“Veryfunny.”
“Ithoughtso.”
Whenshelaughed,itremindedhimofbells.HemadeamentalnotenottotellDillardthat.
AttheentrancetotheMagicKingdom,AmandahandledthecomplimentaryticketswhileFinnkepthisheaddownsoasnottoberecognized.Aminutelatertheywereinsidethemaingate,passingthespotwhereparentspickedupandreturnedtherentedbabystrollers.
Stilllookingatthepavement,Finnaskedher,“Doyouseeanyobvioussecuritytypes?”
“No.”
“Theydon’tallwearuniforms.They’reprettyhardtospot.”
“Finn,you’renotexactlyoneofthetenmostwanted,orsomething.We’regoingtobefine.
Hey!There’sahostoverthere,”Amandasaid.“It’snotyou,”sheannounced.
Finnlookedover.AcrowdhadgatheredaroundtheDHL“That’sCharlene,”hesaid.
“Youready?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,then.Heregoes.”
Amandaslinkedovertowardthecrowd,thenposedforashotwithCharleneasFinnraisedhisfather’sdigitalcamera.Charlenelookedperfectlyreal—absolutelyreal—untilakidwalkedthroughher.TheDHIneverstoppedtalking,nevernoticedthatakidwasplayingwithher.
“You’vegoneawfullyquiet,”Amandasaidamomentlater,assherejoinedFinn.
“I’dneverseenthatbefore.AkidwalkingthroughaDHIlikethat.”
“Theyshouldn’tbeallowedtodothat,”Amandasaid.“It’sdisrespectful.”
Itwasn’ttheactualactthatbotheredFinn.Itwastheconcept.Ahologramwasnothingbutlight—athree-dimensionalimage.Howcouldhebecomeonebyfallingasleep?Whatwashethinking?
“Doyoubelieveinweirdstuff?”Finnaskedher.
“Dependshowweird,Isuppose.”
“Realweird.”
“Tryme.”
ButatthatmomentAmandaspottedanotherDHIandstartedtowardit.
Maybeck.
Finn’slegsdidn’tmove.Hefeltsomethingodd.Likesomeonewaswatchinghim.Hespunaround.
MainStreetwascrowdedwithpeople.Finnsearchedfaces,hisfocusshifting.
Hestoppedonawhite-hairedguy—anoldguy—wearingabarbershopcostumethatmadehimlookevenolder.Wayne!HewaslookingrightatFinn,thesamewayFinn’sdadlookedathimwhenFinnhaddonesomethingwrong.
WaynesignaledforFinntolooktohisleft.
There,Finnsawfourolderguysinbanduniforms—redjacketswithbrassbuttons.Ittookhimasecondtorealizetheywereheadedrightforhim.
Security?
FinnturnedtoAmanda,whowasposingwithMaybeck,expectingFinntoshootapicture.Hecalledouttoher,“Trouble!”
They’ddiscussedthispossibilityandreviewedvariousoptions.Theyhadagreedthatiftheyhadtoseparateforanyreason,theywouldtrytomeetupagainattheexitfromtheHauntedMansion.Amandatookoffatarunwithoutasecondthought.Finntuckedhisfather’scameraintohispocketandduckedintotheEmporium.Madetolooklikeanold-timegeneralstore,itsoldeverythingDisney—clothing,dolls,stuffedanimals,CDs,andDVDs.Itwaspackedwall-to-wallwithshoppers.
Finnhurriedpastseveraldisplays,deeperintothestore.Hepassedshelvesofprincesscostumes.Arackofhatsandcaps.Aposterhungfromtheceilingbyastring,announcingtheVirtualMagicKingdom.Hestoppedandusedamirrortowatchthestorewindowsbehindhim.
Therehesawauniformedbandmusicianenterthestore.
Coincidence?Thebandmusicianglancedtohisright.Finnfollowedthatlineofsight—toanotherbandmember.Theyexchangedalook,andthentheyturnedandscannedthestore.
Finnfeltsickwithfear.He’dblownit,enteringtheparkwithouttheproperauthorization.Hisfamilywouldprobablylosetheircomptickets.HesupposedhisDHImightevenbeterminated.
Theywerecomingforhim:quickly,andwithgreatdetermination.Finnworkednottobeseen.Hefoundhimselfcorneredinthehatsection.
“Hey,”saidalittleboy,lookingupatFinnwithaweandwonder.“Areyouhim?”
“Goaway!”Finntoldthekid,notwantingtobebothered.
“Butit’syou,right?”thelittleboyasked.Hesteppedcloser,suckedinachestfullofair,closedhiseyes,andmarchedrightintoFinn.Finnstumbledbackastheboyfellover.
“Wow!”theboysaid,recoveringandcomingtohisfeet.“You’rereal!”
Thelittleboy’sattemptgaveFinnanidea.
TheEmporiumsoldclothing.FinnspottedarackofDHImerchandise,includingtheoutfitthathisownhostcharacterwore.
Hesnaggedapairofloudpurpleshortsandagreensurfingshirtandpulledthemoverhisownshirtandshorts.Hedidn’tlikeleavinghisDevilRayscapbehind,butsawlittlechoice.
Heplacedhissunglassesintotheemptypocketofhisownshorts.
Twoofthebandmemberssawhimandturned.Finnsqueezedbetweenthemandran.
Severalkidsspottedhimatonce.Shoutingforautographs,theyfollowedafterhim.Parentsplayedcatch-up,holleringaftertheirkids,“Stop!”and“Getbackhere!”
FinnledthechildrenoutontothesidewalkandintoMainStreet.AnalarmsoundedloudlyasFinnleftthestoreinclothingthathadn’tbeenpaidfor.Anxiousparentscloggedthedoor,blockingthesecurityguys.
“Hey!”oneofthekidsshoutedabovealltheothers.“Checkitout!Twoofthem!”
Finnglancedover,onlytorealizehewasstandingtwentyfeetfromhisownDHI.Hishostselfwassurroundedbyapairoffamiliesandwasansweringquestions.
Thetwobandmusiciansstumbledoutontothestreet.TheylookedbackandforthfromoneFinntotheother.Whichwaswhich?
TherealFinnpointedtothecastle.HerecitedthememorizedtourinformationrecordedduringthefilmingatDisney-MGMStudios.TheDHIFinn,thehologram,notfaraway,mimickedthesamemovesandrecitedthesamewordsfromthesamescript.
UnabletodeterminewhichFinntopursue,thebandmembersfroze.TherealFinnthenmovedhissmalgroupoffollowersupthestreetattheexactsamepaceashisDHI.Thetwowereperfectduplicatesofeachother.
Then,withenoughdistancebetweenhimselfandhispursuers,Finnslippeddownasidepath.HequicklyshedtheDHI-FinnT-shirtanddumpeditintothetrash.Hehoppedoutoftheuglyshorts,slippedhissunglassesbackon,andmadeoffatarun,headedfortheHauntedMansion.
Tenminuteslater,FinnspottedAmandawaitingonabenchneartheHauntedMansion’sexit,asplanned.AneatapronoflawnsurroundedthetoweringbrickVictorian-stylestructure.Thepavedareainfrontoftheentrancewasdividedwithchainsandstanchionsintothreelanes,includingonefortheholdersoftheFastpass.Parkedagainstthemansion’sfrontwall,equidistantbetweentheentranceandexit,stoodagleamingall-blackhorse-drawnhearse—eventhewindowswereblack.Theharnesshunginmidair;thehorsewasinvisible.
FinnwaitedbrieflybeforeapproachingAmanda,takingtimetodetermineifeitherofthemhadbeenfollowed.
“Hey,thereyouare,”Amandasaid.
“Iwasspotted.Igotaway,butjustbarely.”
“Willtheybustyou?”
“Notsuretheycanwithoutcatchingmefirst,withoutprovingit’sme.”
Sheglancedaround.“Sowhatnow?Howdowegetyououtoftheparkwithoutyourbeingcaught?”
Finnhadn’tthoughtthroughthispossibilitywhenformingtheiroriginalplan.“Isupposetheymightwatchtheexit.”
“Youthink?Getalife!Ofcoursetheywill.”
“Youthink?Getalife!Ofcoursetheywill.”
“There’saguy…anoldguy.Ithinkhemighthelp,ifIcanfindhim.”Finnspottedapairofclean-cutyoungmenapproachingtheFastpassentrance,notthirtyfeetaway,justontheothersideofthehearse.HeandAmandamovedafewfeettobescreenedfromview.
Finnsaid,“Okay.Lookovermyshoulder.Seethosetwotallguysinline?They’vegotwiresintheirears,andI’llbetthey’relookingforme.Andguesswhat?We’retrapped.”
Amandastudiedthetwo.WithFinn’sbacktothem,atthisdistance,hewassafe.ShelookedattheHauntedMansion,thenatthewaytheexitlineconvergedtowardtheentranceline,thetwoseparatedbyonlyachain.“Wecan’tleavethroughtheexitline.Notwiththemthere.”
“Iknow.”
“Butthey’reprettyfarbackintheentranceline,”sheobserved.
Finn’sskinwascrawled.Howtoexplainanyofthistohisparents?“Sowe’retrapped.Ialreadyhadthatmuchfiguredout.”
“Butthey’rejuststandingthere,waiting.”
“So?”Finnasked.
“So,we’vegottogetthemtomove,”sheanswered.
“Andhowarewesupposedtodothat?”heaskedsarcastically.“Callthemontheirradiosandtellthemthey’rewantedsomewhereelse?”
Amanda’sbrowknittightly,deepinthought.“They’llmoveiftheyseeyou.”
“What?Areyoucrazy?”
“Shush,”shecautionedhim.“Comeon!”shesaid,takinghimbythehand.Hewasn’tsurewhy,buthelethertakecharge.Therewassomethingaboutherconfidencethatreassuredhim.Itfeltalmostasifshe’dbeenthroughthiskindofthingbefore—thewayshestayedsocalm;thewayshestudiedthesituationcarefully.SheledFinnquicklyunderachain,behindthehearse,thenbetweenitandalowbrickretainingwall.Shepeeredaroundthehearse,monitoringthetwosecurityguards.“WhenIsay,‘Go,’wego,”sheinstructed.
“Ah—”Finnsaid,havingsecondthoughts.
Amandawatched.Thelinewasmovingalong,butthetwosecurityguysremainedneartheMansion’sentrance.
“Go!”shehissed.
Togethertheyhurriedintotheopen,duckedunderachain,andcutintotheentranceline.Abunchofpeoplemoanedandgroaned.Afewopenlycomplained.Butasthelinesurged,AmandaandFinnmovedwithit.
Amandawasnogiant,butshewasaninchtallerthanFinn.Sheroseontohertiptoes,lookedback,andwarned,“Okay…heretheycome.”ShetightenedherholdonFinn’shand.Together,theymovedwiththeline,whichsurgedagain.Afewsecondslater,theywereinsidetheMansion.
Amandakeptwatchbehindthem.
FinnandAmandasteppedintotheStretchingRoom—ahexagonalspacetwentyfeetacross.
Portraitshungonthewalls.Finnhadjustbeguntofeelsafe,when,asAmandatensed,helookedbackandsawthetwosecurityguysenter—thelasttwopeople
intotheStretchingRoombeforeitsdoorsclosed.
Amandaroseup.“Uh-oh,”shesaid.
“What?”
“They’repushingtheirwayoverhere.”
TheStretchingRoom,jam-packedwithpeople,didnotmakemovementeasy.
Aloudvoiceboomedoverthespeakers,welcomingthevisitorstothemansion.Itwarnedthemnottoleanagainstthewalls.Thelightsdimmed.Finndidn’tneedtostandonhistiptoestoseethetwoblondheadscomingtowardthem.
AmandapulledFinndownintoacrouch.Together,theyduckedandmovedthroughthecrowd.Itseemedthatthefloorwasbeginningtosink.Itlookedandfeltasiftheyweregoingdown,down,down,inanelevator.Thewallsstretched.Theceilingrecededabovethem.Eventheoilpaintingsstretchedlonger.
“We’recooked,”Finnsaid.
“No,”Amandasaid,stillleadinghim.“We’reokay.”Theyreachedafarwall.
Finnglancedback.Thetwoguyswerestillpushingthroughthecrowdtowardthem.“You’redreaming.”
“We’llusethechickendoor,”shesaid.
“Thewhat?”
“WhenIwassomethinglikefiveyearsold,Icompletelyfreakedoutinhere.Screamedmylungsout.Totallylostit.”
Asshesaidthis,theroom’sfloorstoppedmoving,thepaintedportraitsnowstretchedgrotesquely.Adeadmandangledfromanooseattachedtotheceiling.Somekidsshrieked.
Amandacontinued,“MymomgotmeoutwithouthavingtoridetheDoomBuggies.It’scalledthechickendoor.”
“Heretheycome!”Finncautionedinawhisper.Butjustashesaidit,thecrowd
surged,pressingFinnagainstAmanda.
“Perfecttiming,”shesaid,smiling.
Thetwosecurityguysgotstuckinthejam,stillafewyardsaway.
Oneofthewallpanelsopenedlikeadoor.Thecrowd—fatpeople,sweatypeople,smellypeople,baldpeople,andtwoteenagekids—lungedahead.
Themomentthedooropened,AmandatookFinnbythehandandtugged.TheyhurriedoutintothedimlylitcorridorleadingtotheDoomBuggies.
“Run!”Amandawhispered.“Wehavetohurry.”Sheledhimthroughanunmarkeddoorimmediatelytotheright.Finnfoundhimselfinanarrow,dimlylitcorridor.Ghoulishsoundsinthedistance.Amandaran,withFinnfollowingcloselybehindher.Sheprovedherselfaveryfastrunner.It’salmostasifshe’sflying,hethought.
Secondslater,theyheadedthroughyetanotherdoor.Outsideagain,theywereonlyafewyardsfromwherethey’dbeensittingonlyminutesearlier,theblackhearseandtheFastpasslinetotheirright.Theentrance/exitwasstraightahead.
Theaircamealivewiththesoundofpiped-inmusicandthesteadyrumbleofparkgueststalking.
AmandaglancedbackattheMansion.Hereyeswentwide,andheknewtheywereintrouble.Shepracticallypulledhisarmoffasshedrewhimintoasmallgiftshop.Theyduckedbehindacarouselofpostcards.
Thetwosecurityguyshurriedpast,onlysecondsbehindthem.
FinnstoodbesideAmanda,theirarmstouching.
“They’vegone,”shesaid.“Welostthem.”
Finnhelduphisfather’scamera.“Let’strytogetafewmoreshotsonourwayout.”
5
“Butyougottahelpus!”Finnpleaded.
“Listen,Ican’t,”saidBrad,theImagineerwhohadproducedtheDHIfilmshootatMGM-Disney.Behindhimthesoundstagehummedwithforkliftsmovingequipmentaround.
FromtheMagicKingdom,AmandaandFinnhadriddenabustotheTransportationandTicketCenter,andthenanothertoDisney-MGM.Itwaslateintheafternoonnow,goingonevening.Finnhadtogethomesoonorfacebeinggrounded.
BradlookedatAmandaacoupletimes.“DoIknowyou?”hefinallyinquired.
“She’safriend,”Finnsaid,interruptingbeforeAmandacouldanswer.
AgainFinnshowedhimoneofthefourimagesonthedigitalcamera.“That’sWilla.
Remember?Youmustknowhowtofindher.It’simportant.”
“Yourparentscouldmakeaformalrequest,Isuppose.”
“Yeah,right!Myparents?”Finncomplained.“It’snotlikeI’mastalker!Iwantaphonenumber,isall.Herschool.Anything.”
Bradshookhishead,saidhewassorry,andsteppedbackontothesoundstage.Finncalledoutloudly,“WhatifIcanprovethere’ssomethingwrongwiththe
DHItechnology?”Thiswashislastresort.
Bradslowedastep,butdidnotstopcompletely.
“WhatiftheDHIsareallindanger?”
AmandaandBradlookedatFinncuriously.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout,kid?There’snothingwrongwiththetechnology,”hesaid,takingastepcloser.
“No?”Finnthoughthehadhimnow.“Getmethenamesoftheirschools.I’lldotherest.”
“What’swrongwiththetechnology?There’snothingwrongwiththetechnology,”Bradsaidmoreforcefully.“Nicetry.”HeturnedhisbackonFinnonceagain.
Finnsaid,“AnoldguynamedWayne.AnImagineer,likeyou.”
“WayneKresky?HowdoyouknowWayne?”Bradsoundedimpressed.
“That’sformetoknowandyoutofindout.CalWayne.Askhimifheknowsme.”
“YouknowWayne,”Bradrepeated,somewhatastonished.
“IknowabouttheOvertakers.”
ThecolorinBrad’sfacedrainedaway.Finnthoughtifhe’dpushedhimhewouldhavefallenover.
“ThesooneryouclearthiswithWayne,thebetter.Thelongerittakesformetogettotheotherhosts,thegreaterthedanger.”
Brad’svoicecrackedashesaid,“Nooneisindanger.”
Finnsaid,“TalktoWayne.”
FinnsignaledAmandawithhiseyes:timetogo.
AfewminuteslatertheywalkedpastthegiantreplicaofMickey’ssorcerer’scap.
“Whatwasthatallabout?”sheasked.“WhatschooldotheOvertakersplayfor?”
“School?”
“They’reasportsteam,right?”
“Oh…Right.”Finnsaid.Hefeltheowedhermorethanthat.“Haveyoueverhadadreamsorealthatwhenyouwokeupyouweresureyou’djustbeenwhereveryou’dbeeninthedream?”
“Everybodyhasdreamslikethat.Forme…well…it’smorelikeanightmare.”
“Butwhatifsomebodytellsyousomethinginthedream,somethingtolookforwhenyouwakeup,andyouwakeup,andthereitis?”
“I’dhavetothinkaboutthat,”sheconceded.
Finnfeltfrustrated.Hewantedtobealone,withtimetothinkthingsthrough.
Shesaid,“IfyouknowthisguyWayne,maybehecouldhelpyoufindtheothers.”
“No.He’stheonethataskedmetofindthem.”
Amanda’sfacetwisted.“Oh.”
TheyreachedthebuspickuppointattheTransportationandTicketCenter.Herbusarrived.
Shesaid,“TheOvertakersaren’tasportsteam,arethey?”
“No.”
“Andyou’renotgoingtotellmewhattheyare.”
“Maybesometime.”
“Icanhelpyou,Finn.Iwanttohelpyou.Butyou’vegottoletmein.”
Hesawsomethingbehindhereyes,asifsheknewmorethanshewaslettingon.Orwasthatjustanothergirltrick?Finncouldn’tthinkwhattosay.
Amandaclimbedontothebus,pausingbrieflytotalktothedriver.TherewerenoticketsrequiredontheDisneybuses,sowhywouldAmandastoptotalktothedriver?Asthebuspulledaway,Finncouldn’tgetthedriver’sfaceoutofhismind:anoldmanwithwhitehair,ice-blueeyes,andakindface.
Wayne?Wasitpossible?
6
Hishandtrembling,Finnrereadthelistthathadbeenleftforhimattheschoolofficethenextday:Howard
Lee
Maitland
Jackson
Herecognizedtheseasthenamesoffourmiddleschools.Fourschoolswherehenowbelievedhe’dfindtheotherDHIs.Thenotewasn’tsigned,butheknewitwasfromBrad.
“Youdon’thavetodothis,”heremindedAmanda,thoughitwasalittlelatenow.TheywereridingasomewhatsmellycitybustowardLeeMiddleSchool.One-storybuildingspaintedpink,seablue,andwhitestreamedpast.Heatwavesshimmeredfromthepavement.Anotherfallday.
“I’mokay,”shereplied.
Hewantedtothinkthishadbeenhisidea,butheknewbetter.Hewasn’tsurehowshe’dmanagedtotalkhimintolettingherjoinhim,buthereshewas.
“Wemightnotgetbackintimeforfifthperiod,”hewarned.They’dskippedoutonlunchtogether,slippingoutadoornearthegym.They’dbeinsomeserioustroubleifcaught.
“I’mabiggirl,Finn.”
Thebusdriver,afatguywithablotchyredface,keptaneyeontheminthemirror.Finnwasfeelingparanoid.“Hey,doyouthink—?”
“Thathe’swatchingus?”Amandasaid,interrupting.“Yes.”
“Whatifhe’ssomekindofspy?”Finnasked.
“Oh,please.He’sjustcuriousaboutacoupleofkidsontheirowninthemiddleoftheday.”
Hefeltstupidforhavingsaidthat.
Todrumitin,Amandaasked,“Whatkindofspy?Forwhom?”Shewhisperedintohisear,
“TheOvertakers?”
Shemeanttoteasehim,butFinnwasn’tlaughing.
“YousawthoseguysyesterdayattheMagicKingdom,”Finnremindedher.
“Youweren’tsupposedtobethere.Youbroketherules,”sheremindedhim.“Youthinkthey’reOver-takers?”Again,shewasteasing.
“Asifyou’dknow.”
“Whenareyougoingtotellmewhat’sgoingon?”
“WhenIfindoutmyself,”heanswered.
“Theseotherkids.TheotherDHIs,”shesaid.“Youthinktheyhavetheanswers?”
“Notexactly.”
Thedriverpickedupablackradiomicrophonewithacurlyblackcordandspokeintoit.Theycouldn’thearwhathewassaying.
“Whatifheworkswithtruancycops?”Finnsaid.Theschoolswereserious
aboutkidscuttingclass.
“Nowyou’remakingmeparanoid,”shesaidsharply.Shereachedupandpressedthesignalforthenextstop.Thebrakeshissedasthebusslowedandpulledovertothecurb.
Astheyhurriedoffthebus,Finncaughtthedriver’sgazeinthesidemirror:hewaswatchingthem.
Ninehotblockslatertheyreachedtheschool.Finnwasthirsty.
Itwasanicer,newerschoolthantheirs.Theywalkeddownthemainhall,tryingtolookliketheyknewwheretheyweregoing.Neitherhadbeenherebefore.
“What’stheplan?”Amandaasked.
“We’rehereatlunchtimeforareason,”Finnexplained,checkingawallclock.Theyhadtocatchareturnbuswithintwentyminutesorthey’dmissthestartoffifthperiod.Hedoubtedthey’dmakeit.
Theylocatedthecafeteriabyfollowingthenoiseandsmells.Tosavetime,FinnandAmandahaddecidedtosplitup.Theenormousroomwaspackedwithkidsandlitteredwithbackpacks.
Hundredsofkidsateatlongtables.
AsFinnpassedatable,heheardsomeonebehindhimsay,“Hey,isn’tthatoneofthehostsfromDisneyWorld?”Lessthanfiveminutes,andhe’dbeenspotted.Hedidn’tlikebeingfamousasmuchashethoughthewould.Heslippedonhissunglasses.
HesawAmandaafewtablesaway.Shecarriedcopiesofthephotographsthey’dtakenattheMagicKingdom.Shewasshowingthemaroundtokidsandaskingquestions.Finndidn’tknowwhichofthefourDHIswenttoLee.Hewalkedslowly,studyingfacesatthevarioustables.
Itwasreallyloudinhere.Anabundanceoffoodsmellscombinedintoastinkhefoundsickening.
AbigguysuddenlyjumpedupinFinn’sway,aneighth-grader,judgingbyhis
size.HeworeaColoradoAvalanchejersey,colorfuljams,andnewNikes.“Whoyoustaringat?”hegrowled.
“Noone.”
ThebigkidreachedoutandliftedFinn’ssunglasses.“Thinkyou’retoocool?”SeeingFinn,hedidadoubletake.
“Hey!HowcomeIknowyou?”
“Givemebackmyglasses,please.”
“Aren’tyoulikeonZoomorsomething?”
“I’dlikemyglassesback,please.”
“Give‘emback,Roy,”agirlatthenexttablesaid.“It’snotZoom,stupid.He’sahost—overattheMagicKingdom—likeCharleneTurner.”
CharleneTurner.Finnhadherlastnamenow.
“Oh,yeah!”thebigkidsaid,reluctantlyreturningthesunglassestoFinn.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“LookingforCharlene,”Finnsaid.
“Can’thelpyou,”thebigguysaid,sittingbackdown.
Finnlookedtothegirlexpectantly,butsheshookherhead.“Sorry,”shesaid.
FinnlookeduptoseeAmandawavingathim.Havingwonhisattention,shepointedtoawindowthatlookedoutontotheplayingfields.Shemovedherhandtomimicdribblingabasketball.
LeaveittoAmanda:she’dfoundCharlene.
7
Charlenewastalkingwiththreeothergirls,alldressedforP.E.ingraygymshortsandyelowTshirts.Charlene’sexpressionchangedinstantlyasshesawFinnapproaching.Hewonderedwhysheshouldbesodisappointedtoseehim.They’dgottenalongwellenoughduringtheshoot.
“Hey,”hesaid,greetingher,suddenlymadepainfullyawareofAmandastandingbyhisside.
Charleneexcusedherselffromherfriends,saying,“Backinawhack,”andapproachedFinn.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?Areyoucutting?”sheasked,viewingFinnskeptically.“Andwho’sshe?”
“Ihavetotalktoyou,”hesaid.Then,“She’safriend.”
Charlenelookedhimover,andthenmeteyeswithAmanda.“Idon’tthinkso,”shesaid,andstartedtowalkbacktowardherfriends.
“Thedreams.Disneyafterdark,”Finnsaid.Thatstoppedhercold.
AmandalookedatFinncuriously,butknewbetterthantosayanything.
“Dreamsthataren’tdreams,”headded.
Charlenespuntofacehim,excitementandalarminhersparklingeyes.“Nowayyoucouldknowthat,”shesaid.
“Unless…”Finnsaid.“I’vebeenthere,too.”
“What’sthisabout?”Amandaasked.AwhispermeantonlyforFinn,yetCharleneoverheard.
“Where’sshefitin?”Charleneasked.
“Itoldyou:afriendwillingtohelpmeout,”Finnexplained.Headdedquickly,“Wayne,theoldguy.Haveyoumethim?Heneedsusalltogether.Atnight.Tonight,ortomorrow.AssoonasIcanfindeveryone:thefiveofus,alltogether.”
“Thisisn’thappening,”saidCharlene,suspiciousofAmanda,puzzledbyFinn.Buttheexpressiononherfacetoldhimshe’dalsobeenintheparkinherdreams.
Charlenewasthekindofgirlyoumightseeonacerealbox.
“Doyouknowhowtoreachanyoftheothers?”Finnasked.
“IrunintoWillaonVMKsometimes,thoughit’smorebychance.”VirtualMagicKingdom,anew“massivelymultiplayer”onlinegame,wasalltherage.
Finnplayedtoo.“Canyoutellhertomeetus?”
“It’snotlikeIknowherlikethat.”Herfriendscalledovertoher.“Listen,Ican’tdothisnow,”
Charlenesaid.
“ContactWillaifyoucan.Butwhateveryoudo,gotobedearlytonight.Eighto’clock.Eighto’clock,exactly.”
“I’vebeentryingtostayup.Idon’texactlylovemydreamslately.”
“Weneedtoknow,”hesaid.Shehadtobeascuriousaboutthisashewas.Couldtheypossiblymeetintheparkintheirdreams?
“Yeah,okay…”Charlenesaidreluctantly.
CharlenelookedstraightatAmandabutspoketoFinn.“Noonecanknowabout
this,”shesaid.Thensheloweredhervoiceandhissed,“Itisn’tsafe.”
Thecoach’swhistlesoundedshrilly.CharlenetookoffrunningbutglancedbackatFinnonelasttime.Hesawfearinhereyes.
“Meetme!”hecalledout.
Charlenedidn’tanswer,buthereyesregisteredthatshe’dheard.
Afteramoment,Amandasaid,“We’dbetterbegettingback.”
“Yeah,”Finnagreed.
“Itisn’tsafe.”
Charlene’swarningseemedtohangintheairbetweenthem.
8
“I'mgoingtobed,”Finnannounced,standingupfromthedinnertableandcarryinghisplatetothekitchensink.Hehadn’tbeentobedatthishoursinceelementaryschool.
“Areyounotfeelingwell?”Hismothersaid,inshock.
“I’mfeelingfine,”hesaid.“I’mjustgoingtobedearly,ifthat’sallright?”
“Haveyoufinishedyourhomework?”
“Yes,it’sdone.Istayedafterforstudyhall.”
“Youwhat?”Shesetdownabowlofmashedpotatoesandcrossedherarms.“Finn?”Sheeyedhimsuspiciously.“Youstayedafterschooltodoyourhomework,andnowyou’reheadingtobedatseven-fifteen?”Thenightbeforelast,hismotherhadreceivedacallfromhercontactontheDHIteam,askingifFinnhadbeentotheMagicKingdomlately.Finnhaddeniedgoing,feelingawfulaboutlying,butknowingshewouldn’tbelievehim.She’dgroundedhim.Finndidn’teventrytochallengeher,andthathadconvincedherofhisguilt.“Ifyou’replanningtosneakout—”
“Noway!”Finnsaid.“I’mnot,Ipromise.”Hesteppedforwardandkissedher.“Goodnight,Mom.”
“I’mgoingtocheckonyouwhenyourfathergetshome.”
“Okay,”Finnsaid.“Justdon’twakemeup.Please,”headded.“Ineedagoodnight’ssleep.”
Hecheckedhiscomputer.Nointerestinge-mail.HedebatedloggingontoVMKandlookingforCharlene,butinsteadhechangedintohispajamasandbrushedhisteeth,passinghismotherinthehallonthewaybackfromthebathroom.
Sheworeherconcernopenly.“It’sonlyseven-fifteen,”sheremindedhim.“WecouldcatchtheSimpsons.”
She’dtrappedhim.Thiswasanofferhewouldnevernormallyturndown.
“I’mgoingtopass,Mom,butthanks.”
“It’sabadrule,makingyougetapprovalbeforegoing.Astupidrule,really.Ifyou…ifyoutookafriendtothepark…well…yourfatherandIwouldunderstandhowyouwouldn’thavewantedtotellus.”
Finnconsideredherolivebranch.“Amanda,”hesaid.“Hername’sAmanda.”
Reliefspreadacrosshismother’sface.Hefearedshemighthughim.
Shewassmilingnow.Beaming.
“’Night,Mom.”
Shelookedlikeshemightcry.
“I’lltalktoyourfather,”wasallshesaid.
Finnknewhewouldn’tbegroundedbymorning.
Heshuthisbedroomdoor.Ifhecrossedoverintothepark,hedidn’twanttobeinhispajamas,sohechangedbackintojeansandaT-shirt.Helaythereforfifteenwakefulminuteswiththelightsout,checkingtheclockregularly.Hetriedtorelax.Duskplayedattheedgesofhisshades.Itfeltlikethemiddleoftheday.Heclearedhismind,dozedoff,andfinallysankintoadeepsleep.
“You’relearning,”saidtheoldman’svoicefrombehindhim.
FinnturnedtoseeWayne,inkhakisandaplaidshirt,sittingbehindthewheelof
anelectricgolfcartwiththeWaltDisneyWorldlogopaintedonthefront.Theskyglowedfaintlyonthehorizon.IttookFinnamomenttoregisterhislocationassomewhereinFrontierland,notfarfromTomSawyerIsland.
“Youjustmissedthefireworksdisplay,”Waynesaid,stoppingthecartalongsideFinn.“Parkclosedafewminutesago.Ilovethistimeofnight.Especiallythemusic.”
“Whatmusic?”Finndidn’thearanymusicandrealizednowthathe’dalwaysheardmusicinthepark.Theoldguywasabitdaffy.
Finnreachedoutandgrabbedthesteelbarthatsupportedthecart’sawning.Hesawhisglowinghandwraparoundthemetalbutcouldalsofaintlyseethroughhishandaswell.Notonlythat,butthemetaldidn’tfeelexactlylikemetal.
“Thisissoweird,”heconfessed.
“Don’tfightit,”Waynesaid.
“ThisisprobablytheweirdestthingI’veeverdone.AndI’vedonesomeweirdstuff,”Finnsaid.
“Thisonetime,afriendofmineandI—”Hecaughthimselfblabbering.Instead,hetoldWayne,“IfoundCharlene.I’mstilltryingtolocatetheothers.”
“Ithastobeallofyou.Youunderstandthat,don’tyou?Allornothing.Youngstersyourage,youalwaysthinkit’sallaboutyou,onlyyou.Icanpromiseyou,ithastobeallofyou.”
“Iwanttohelpyou.”
“Youhavenochoice,”hesaid.“Atsomepointyou’llunderstandthat.”
Finnfeltthewordslikedrumbeatsinhischest.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“YouknowwhatImean.”
“Ithoughtitwasadreamatfirst,”Finnsaid.
“Andnow?”
“NowIdon’tthinkso.Idon’tknowexactlywhatitisifitisn’tadream,butIdon’tthinkitcouldbeadream.”Hehesitatedandsaid,“Isawthemoon.”
Waynenoddedandcockedhisheadcuriously.“Yetsomething’sbotheringyou.”
“Charlenesaiditisn’tsafe.Youbasicallysaidthesamething.”
“Andyethereyouare.Youcameback,”Waynesaid.
“Youbroughtmeback.”
“DidI?Notexactly.Thisisatwo-waystreet,youngman.You’reneitherhologramnorhuman.
You’resomethinginbetween,Ithink.Thehologramsdon’tthinkforthemselves,andtheyspeakonlywhatyourecordedforthem.Howmuchyouare…oneortheother…maydependonyourthinking;—whatyou’rethinking,howyou’rethinkingit.SoI’dbecarefulofwhatIwasthinking,ifIwereyou.”
FinnspottedalargegoldbearbytheentrancetotheJungleCruise.Heshookhisheadtoclearhiseyessincethebearwaswalkingontwofeetandtherewaswhatlookedlikeanoversizedratjoggingtokeepupwithit.“Isthat…?”
“What?”theoldmansaidexcitedly.
“PoohandPiglet?”
“Isit?”
“There!”Finnsaid,pointing.
“Itoldyou,didn’tI?”Waynewasquicktolosehispatience.“Idon’tseewhatyousee.”Hesoundedfrustrated.
“PoohandPiglet.”Finnwascertainnow.
“Whataretheydoing?”
“Walkingawayfromus.”
“Anythingelse?”
“You’rekidding,right?”Finnfeltlikesomekindoftranslator.
“Itoldyou:thingsarehappeninginthepark.We—youandyourfriends,actually—needtostopthem.”
“TheOvertakers.”
“Yes.”
“Itisn’tsafe,”Finnrepeated.
“No,it’snot,”Waynesaid,agreeing.
“What’sthatmean,exactly?”
“Whatdidyouthinkoftheparkasasmallchild?”
“Magic,”Finnsaidwithoutasecondthought.Hestillthoughtofitasmagic.
“Exactly,”Wayneagreed.“Buttherearetwosidestomagic,yes?Goodmagiciswhatyou’retalkingabout.Butthere’sothermagicbesidesgoodmagic.”
“Blackmagic,”Finnstated.
“Alayman’sterm,butyes,adarkersidetomagicthatfewifanyfullyunderstand.”
“Doyou?”
“Heavensno.ButWaltdid.Hewroteaboutit.Hemadefilms.Inventedcharacters.Heunderstooditsseriousness,itspotentialfor…butwe’regettingaheadofourselves.”
“Potentialforwhat?Evil?”
“Let’sjustputapininthat.We’llcomebacktoit.”
Finnclimbedintothefrontseatofthegolfcart.Hisfeetdisappeared.Theyweren’tsimplyinshadow;theywere…gone.Hefeltalittlefaint.“Myfeet,”hegasped.
Wayneexplained,“Thehologramimagingsystemisn’tsetuptoprojecttoalllocations.Thereareplaceswecallshadows.Likedeadspotswherecellphonesdon’twork.Insidesomeattractionstheywillbevisible—you,theDHIs,willbevisible.Otherlocations,maybenot.Yourfeetinsideacart,forinstance,”hesaid,pointing,“notsogood.Youmaybeabletocontrolthis.Wedon’tknowforsure.You’rethefirstofyourkind.”
Finnglanceddownathismissingfeet.Itwasn’tsobad.
“Okay?”Wayneasked.
“Okay,Iguess.”
Waynepressedtheaccelerator.Thecartlurchedforward.
“Where’dyougetyourlicense?”Finnasked,holdingonfordearlife.
“Whatlicense?”Wayneanswered,hiseyessparkling.
Fourorfivedark,shadowyfiguresstreakedacrosstheintersectioninfrontofthecart.Waynedidn’tseethem.Finnreachedoverandjerkedthecart’ssteeringwheel,narrowlyavertinganaccident.Waynebrakedtoastop.
“Younearlypavedthoseguys,”Finnexclaimed.
“Whatguys?”
“The—”Finncouldn’tcompletethesentence.Waynehadn’tseenthem.ThenFinnsaid,
“Pirates.”Hepointedtotheirleft.“Butnotexactlypirates.Theylookmorelike…”
“Likewhat?”
“Morelikerobots…LikethelifelikepiratesinPiratesoftheCaribbean.AndFinnrealizedthatwasit:theyweren’tpeople,butAudio-Animatronicsfiguresthathadsomehowcomealive.“Nevermind,”Finnsaid,notwantingtosoundcrazy.Agroupofthefigureswaspushingalineofsmalbluecarsaheadofthem.Finnthoughtherecognizedthecarsbutcouldn’tassociatethemwithany
particularattraction.HewasstuckontheideathatsomeoftheAAs—buttheywereonlymachines—hadcomealive.Wasthatpossible?
Wayneasked,“Howmany?”
“Five…no,six,includingtheguywiththehat.”
“Interesting.Whatguywithahat?”
Finndidn’twanttogothere.He’dcallthempiratesandthatwasthat.“Youreallycan’tseethem?”
“Me?Heavens,no.Iseethecars,butnothingelse,”Waynesaidexcitedly.“Andifyoucanseethem,thenmaybeyoucanstopthem.Oratleasttrytostopthem.”
“Stopthemfromwhat,exactly?”
“ThreenightsagoattheendoftheFantasmicsshow,thedragonsetMickeyonfire.
Obviously,that’snotsupposedtohappen.Mickeyissupposedtowin.Hejumpedintothewater.
He’sallright.Thecrowdlaughed.Theydidn’tgetit.ButMickeycouldhave…Hecouldhave…
couldbeinsomeserioustrouble.Andthenwhat?”
“Butthoseareactors,right?”
“Thedragonisamachine,anAudio-Animatronicsmachine.Butthatmachinemalfunctioned,didn’tit?Itdidsomethingthatit’snotprogrammedtodo.Howisthatpossible?Howcanthatbeexplained?”
Finnthought,Whatastrangeoldman.
Waynesaid,“YouthinkI’mastrangeoldman.”
“Donot.”
“You’rethechosenleaderoftheDHIs.Don’tquestionit.Acceptit.Withoutyou,
Finn,thereisnoplan.”
“Whatplan?”Finngulped.Wayneseemedsoseriousallofasudden.
Finnsensedsomethingbehindandtohisright.Hespunaroundandsawher.Charlene.
Hisbreathcaught.Shewas…glowing.Afuzzylightsputteredattheedgesofherbodyandallaroundherhead,likeahalo.Sheworeawhitenightgown.Herhairdancedinthewind.
SomedistancebehindherstoodPhilby.Heworeschoolclothes,likeFinn.Finnrecognizedhimimmediately.TheyweremissingMaybeckandWilla.
“Heythere!”agruffvoicecalledout.
Finnturned.Thepirateintheblackhatwasaddressinghim.
Me?Finn’sexpressionsaid,thoughhekepthismouthshut.
Wayneasked,“What’shappening?Don’tgetaheadofyourself,”hewarned.
CharleneandPhilbymovedsteadilycloser.
Wayne,appearingdistraught,admonishedFinn.“Youmustnotgetaheadofyourself!”
Finnclimbedoutofthegolfcart.Then,concentrating,hewalkedrightthroughthecarttotheotherside.It’sallaboutwhatI’mthinking,herealized.IfIfocusonbeingaDHI,I’mnothingbutlight.
AshimmeringCharleneapproachedatree.Shetriedtowalkthrough,butcrashedintoitinstead.“How’dyoudothat?”sheasked.“Whycan’tIdoit?”sheaskedWayne.
Wayneseemedflustered.“Youallneedmoretime.”HeglaredatFinn.
Theharshgrindingofmetaldraggingonpavementinterruptedthemasthepiratespushedthelineofbluecars.
Theoneinthehat,withabroadmoustacheandthickblackbeard,holleredout,
“Ahoy,there,matie!Lendusahand,ifyouwill.”
Finnstayedwherehewas.
“Isaidlendahand!”holleredtheelaboratelydressedman.Behindhim,themorescruffypirates—machines!—pushedanddraggedthebluecars.Allofasudden,FinnrecognizedthemasthecarsfromtheBuzzLightyearride.He’dbeenonitdozensoftimes.
“I’llpass,thankyou,”Finnsaid.
“Pass?Igaveyeanorder,meboy.Nowheaveto!”thecaptaingrowled.
“Anorder?Idon’tthinkso.”Finnreplied.
CharlenesteppedbackanddraggedPhilbywithher.Theyduckedbehindthetree.
“Thename’sBlackbeard,”themansaid.Hismouthmovedlikeapuppet’s.Hisarmsandlegsmovedstiffly.Hiseyesmechanicallyshifted,fromthelefttotheright,theirmotiondisconnectedfromhisspeech.
Finnfeltaspikeoffearbuthidit.“Isthatso?AndIsupposeI’mJackSparrow?”heasked,smirking.
Thecaptainsteppedforwardboldly,stillawaysoff.“Isyenow?”
Thepiratesstoppedtheirpushing.Theygatheredbehindtheircaptain.
Finncountedsixinall.Theyweredressedinill-fittingcostumes.Theyhadscarsontheirfacesandscabsontheirhairylegs.Theywentbarefoot,wearingdarkpantsthatstoppedattheircalves,andblue-and-whitestripedshirts.Buttheyweren’thuman.
Blackbearddrewhissword.Hissixpiratesdrewknives.“Isaidlendahand.You’remyconscriptnow,lad.I’dbeobligedifyouhoveto.”
“You’renotready,”WaynehissedatFinnfromtheshadows.“I’dhelpyouifIcouldseethem,butIcan’t.”
Finnfeltajoltofterror,unsurewhattodo.Hislegs,wobblyandrigid,wereunwillingtomove.
Hefiguredhecouldrunfasterthanabunchofmechanicalpiratesbutwasn’tsurehewantedtotestthattheory.Besides,hecouldn’tbudge.
Finnlookedback.Fourglowingeyes,likecats’eyes,shonefrombehindatree.CharleneandPhilby.
“Whatareyoudoingwiththosecars?”Finnaskedthecaptain,stalling.Think!
“YoumightcouldsayI’mborrowingthem,laddie.OryoumightcouldsaytheSpaceRangerSpinisunderrepair.”HetiltedhisheadandcastanevileyeinFinn’sdirection.“I’veseenyoubefore,JackSparrow.Now,wherewouldthatbe?”
“Idon’tbelievewe’vemet,”Finnsaid.
“He’sonea’themhosts,Captain,”asmallishmanwithfrogeyescalledout.Theman’srightarmcontinuallyliftedupanddown,upanddown.Thiswasapparentlythemotionhemadeinhisroleintheattraction,andhecouldn’tstopit.
“Ahost!”thecaptaindeclared.“Anewride?Isthatwhatye’retellingme?”
Hispiratesmumbled.
“Wedon’tmuchcarefornewrides,”thecaptainexplainedinadry,coldvoice.“Don’tmuchcareforthematall.”
“DoIlooklikearide?”Finnasked.Hisvoicetrembled.“I’mjustaboy.”
“You’remyboynow,”thecaptaindeclared.“Ain’the,lads?”Hispiratesallnoddedinchorus.
HesaidtoFinn,“Now…beagoodboyandlendusahand.”
“I’dprefernotto,”Finnsaid.“Ifyoudon’tmind,I’llbeonmyway.”Hesummonedhiscourageandturned.
“Yedon’tturnyerbackonthecaptain,youngster!Isaidhalt!”
Finnstoppedandglancedbackoverhisshoulder.Thecaptainsignaledhiscrew,andtheyreactedimmediately,likeabunchofwell-traineddogs.Theyfannedout.Theywerenotexactlyfastontheirmechanicallegsandfeet,buttheyweresteadyandworkedwellasateam.
OneofthepiratesclimbedintoaSpaceRangercar.HeaimeditstoylasercannonatFinnandfired.Abrightredpulseoflightshotthroughthenight,narrowlymissingFinn.He’driddentheSpaceRangerSpinhimselfadozentimesormore.Heknewtherewasnothingtofear;he’dputhishandsintothelaser’slightstreambefore.Nothingeverhappened.Thelasercannonswerenomoredangerousthanaflashlight.
Anotherthinredlineoflightflashed.Again,itmissed.
ButthenFinnrealizedthecarswerenotpluggedin,werenotattachedtoanyride,hadnopowersource.Sowheredidtheelectricityforthecannoncomefrom?
Asiftoanswerhim,thenextpinpointoflightstruckhisarm.Aredbeadflickeredonhisshirtsleeve.Thefabricinstantlyturnedbrown,thengray.Then…ouch!
Itburnedhim!Finnleapedoutoftheway.
“Hey!”heblurtedout.
Hesmelledburninghair.Hishair.Hisskin.
Thelaserwasreal.
Anotherflash.Finndodgedoutoftheway.Heavoidedthenextfewattemptsaswell,theredbeamsflyingpasthimlikeglowingarrows.Hedancedleftandright,hisarmstinging.
NowtheotherpiratescircledandclosedinonFinn,theirknivesextended.
Ifatoylasercanburn,whatisaveryreal-lookingknifegoingtodo?Waynehadwarnedhimthathewashalfhologram,halfhuman.Onlynowdidherealizehis
humanhalfcouldhurt.
Hiswoundedarmlookedlesstransparentallofasudden.Hewonderedifhisfearmadehimmorehumanthanhologram.Hepushedagainstthefear,asifheweretryingtoshutaheavydoor.
Agray-hairedpiratewithapeglegthump,thump,thumpedhiswaycloser.Thecircleclosedaroundhim.NowFinncouldsmellthepirates:oily,likeanoldcar,andfaintlyelectrical.
Charlenecalledouttohimfrombehindthetree.
Thecaptainraisedhisswordhigher,tryingtofollowthatvoice.“Reinforcements,mates!Beyeready!”
TwooftheyoungerpiratesclosedinonFinn.Theywalkedstifflyandslowly,likesix-foot-talltoysoldiers.Finncircledtohisright,awayfromthem.Hedodgedtwomoreattemptsfromthelaser.Oneofthepirateswashitintheprocess;thecaptainraisedhishandtostopthelaserassault.
Thetwoyoungpirates,theirknivesglinting,pressedevercloser.
Thecaptain,withonekneecocked,hisfootperchedontheleadcar,thundered,“Well,now,laddies!Servehimuplikeafinefilet!”
“Hey,dogbreath!”ItwasPhilby.Hesteppedoutfrombehindthetree.
AllsixpiratesturnedtowardPhilbyatonce.
Withthepirates’attentionbrieflydiverted,FinnsprangforthenearestSpaceRangercar.Hegrabbedholdofitslaser,swiveledandfired.Apulseofredlightshotout.FinnwasaveteranofSpaceRangerSpin.Hewingedthepirateinthecaraheadofhim,nottenfeetaway.Thepiratedidn’tseemtofeelit—hewasamachine.
Anotherpiratecharged.Finnshothiskneeout,andthethingtoppledover,itsonegoodlegmoving,stilltryingtowalk.
FinnsawadifferencebetweenBlackbeardandtheotherpirates:Blackbeardhadavaguelyhumansoundtohim.Mostoftheothers—allbutafew—lookedand
soundedmorelikemachinesthanrealpirates.
Finnslicedandburnedrightthroughthepeglegoftheolderpirate.Hetoo,teetered,leaned,andtumbledover.Twodown.
Onthecaptain’scommand,hismenchargedasaunit.Finnaimedfortheirkneesinabrilliantdisplayofgunnery.Theystaggered.Severalfell.Thecaptainorderedaretreat,andFinnheldhisfire.
Blackbeard,hiseyesdartingweirdlybackandforth,reachedfor,butthendecidedagainst,theswordthathungathiswaist.Hecluckedhistongueindisappointment.“Ye’vemadeaterriblemistake,lad.Meadviceforyeis,gobackfromwhenceyoucame.Andtakethemthereothertwowithye.Foryerowngood.”Hismechanicalfacialexpressionneverchanged.Hemadenomorethreats—notwithFinnstillperchedbehindthelaser.Hesimplyturnedandwalkedaway.Hedidnotrun,didnothurry,Finnnoted.Heheadeddownthepathand,amomentlater,wasgone,outofsight.Hispiratesdraggedthemselvesandtheirotherfallenmatesoffwiththem.
Finnreleasedhisholdonthelaser,hisfingersstifffromgrippingsotightly.Hisshirtboreasmallcharredhole.Theburnonhisarmwasnowablisteredscab.He’dhopedhemightonlyhaveimaginedit—butno:ithurtsomethingfierce.
Heclimbedoutofthecar.
“Waytogo,”Charlenesaidsimply,tryingnottosoundtooimpressed.
Philbyapproached,andFinnthankedhimforthediversion.
Thetwoshookhands.ItfelttoFinnasifthathandshakerepresentedapactbetweenthem.
Theywereinthistogethernow.
Tocelebratewhathecalledtheir“firstvictory,”Wayneofferedthemice-creambarsfromafoodkiosk.Hecarriedaheavy-lookingringwithdozensofkeysofallshapesandsizeswithwhichheunlockedthekiosk.
Finnsatdownonabench.Waynehandedhimhisice-creamsandwich,andFinntoreoffthepaperandbitintothetreat.Hetastedit,thoughitwasn’tnearlyas
sweetasitshouldhavebeen.
Maybehewasonlyhalfhuman,hethought.
“WhataboutWillaandMaybeck?”Charleneasked,enjoyinghericecream.
Finndevouredtheice-creamsandwich.Withhismouthfullhesaid,“Noclue.”
Charleneexplained,“MeandPhilbymethereintheparktheothernight.Wehaven’tfoundeachother…youknow…ontheoutsideyet.Notlikethewayyoufoundme.Buthereweare.”
Hermentionof“theoutside”sentshiversupFinn’sspine.
Philbysaid,“Idon’tseemtorememberasmuchasCharlenewhenIwakeup.I’mnotsurewhy.Butyouknow,I’veneverreallyrememberedmydreams,somaybethat’spartofit.”
“Butthisisn’tadream,”Finnremindedhim.
“Iknowthatnow,”Philbysaid.“ButIdidn’tknowthatearlier.”
“Thiswillallchange,”Waynesaid.“Themoreyoucrossover,themoreitwillfeelfamiliartoyou.”
“Crossover,”Philbyrepeated.
“Weird,huh?”Finnsaid.
Wayne’shandslippedintohispocket.
“No!”Finncalledout,knowingthemanintendedtosendhimbacktohisbed.“Youoweusanexplanationfirst.”
“Ineedyoualltogether,”Waynesaid.
Finnsaid,“Youhavethethreeofus.Thatwillhavetodo.When—if—we’reeveralltogether,thenfine,youcanexplainitagain.ButIjustgotburnedonmyarmbyagroupof…”
“Pirates,”Philbysaid.“Mechanicalpirates.”
“Mechanicalpiratesthatcouldtalkandtakeorders,”Charleneadded.
“Yes.Pirates,”Finnsaid.“Piratesyoucan’tsee,asIunderstandit.AndIdon’tunderstandit.
AndI’llstayup,dusktodawn,ifIhaveto,inordertofigurethisout.And,ifyoudon’ttelluswhatthisisabout,youwon’tseemeagain.”
“Orme,”Philbysaid.
“Orme,”Charleneagreed.
“It’snowornever,”Finndeclared.
Theoldmanlookedpalerbyagooddeal.Somebirdoffinthethickofgreencooeddeeply.
Finnfeltliketheywerebeingwatched.
“Allright,”Waynesaid,smiling.Heglancedaroundsuspiciously.“Comewithme.”
Theyfollowed.Afterabitofawalk,WayneunlockedandadmittedthemintotheauditoriumfortheCountryBearJamboree.Heplacedthethreekidsinthefirstrow.Thenhewalkedthroughthedarkspaceandcheckedallthedoors.Hereturnedtothefrontofthehallandleanedagainstthestagetoaddressthem.
“There’safinelinebetweenimaginationandreality.Aninventordreamssomethingup,andprettysoon,it’sthereonthetablebeforehim.Ascience-fictionwriterenvisionsanotherworld,andthensomespaceprobefindsit.Ifyoubelieveinsomethingstronglyenough,Ithinkyoucanmakeithappen.”
“That’sagoodthing,”Finnsaid.
Wayneasked,“Butwhatifwebelieveinwitchesandvillains?IfwebelieveasstronglyinWayneasked,“Butwhatifwebelieveinwitchesandvillains?Ifwebelieveasstronglyinthingslikethem…canwemakethemhappen?”
“You’regivingmethecreeps.”
“Thispark,thiswonderfulplace,makesbothsideshappen—thegoodandthebad.SomeofWalt’sstoriesgobackgenerations.Hundredsofyears.Cinderella.SnowWhite.Weseesimilarstoriesinmanydifferentculturesacrosstheglobe.Whatifthesestorieswereoncetrue?Iftheywerereal,passeddownfromgenerationtogeneration?Differentculturesexperiencingsimilarthings?Andiftheywerereal,arereal?Iftheheroandheroinegoofftolivehappilyeverafter,thenwhathappenstothevillains,witches,seamonsters,andevilstepmothers?”
Finnsaid,“You’resayingthatbecausetheparkmakesthemreal,theyarereal?”
“I’msayingifyoubelievestronglyenough,anythingcanhappen,andmillionsofpeople,kidsandadults,visitthispark—alltheDisneyparks,thecruiseline,theBroadwayshows,theWebsites,DisneyonIce—everyyear.Andthey—”
“Believe,”Finnsaid.
“Inthebadandthegood,”Charlenesaid.
“Exactly.Yes,theydo.Andthere’spowerinthatbelief,”Waynesaid.
“So?”Philbyasked.
“Soyouknowyourhistory.Whatisinevitableonceevilgainspower?”
Philbyanswered,“Itwantsmore.Empires.Wars.Thatkindofstuff.”
“WecallthemtheOvertakers,”Waynewhispered.
Finnfeltthehairsonthebackofhisneckstandup.
“Who?”Philbyasked,alsoinawhisper.
“We—theImagineers,I’mtalkingabout—neededsomethingmortal,somethingpart…ahybrid…thatcouldcrossovertothecharacterworld.That’swhatwecallit:crossingover.We’vesuspectedforyearsthatthecharacters‘comealive’—ifyouwill—oncethegatesareclosed.
We’vehadevidenceofthisforsometime.Butwhenthetroublestartedhappening,weknewweneeded…you—someonewhocouldseetheOvertakers.Interactwiththem.Stopthem.”
“Thisiscrazy,”Charlenemumbled.
“Waltknewthetimewouldcome.Theworldgetsoutofbalance.Thedarkforcesrule.Historyisfullofsuchtimes.Theycanlasthundredsofyearsunchecked.It’slikeaplague,thisdarkthought.There’snomusic.Noart.Onlytyrannyandwar.Madness.”
Charlenesaid,“IthinkI’veheardenough.I’dliketowakeupnow.Inmyownbed.”
Waynecontinued,“Youaskedtohearthis.Solisten.”
Thekidsremainedseated,theirfullattentiononWayne.
“AsIsaid,Waltknewsuchatimewouldcome.Heleftusatreasuremap,forascavengerhunt,somethingtheOvertakerscouldnoteasilyfigureout,eveniftheyobtainedit,whichtheyneverhave.Mostofthemaremachines,yousee—audio-animatronicsandfiguresfromattractions.Onlyahandfulcanthink,cancommunicate.Buttheycontroltheothers.”
“TheStonecutter’sQuill,”Finnmumbled.Waynehadmentioneditthefirsttimethey’dmet.
“Thewhat?”Philbyasked.
“It’safable,”Waynesaid.“ButI’mgettingaheadofmyself.Wemustwaitfortheothers.”
“I,forone,”Charlenesaid,“amnevercomingback.Soifyou’vegotsomethingtosay,you’dbettersayit.”
Waynepacedashetalked.“Thinkaboutit.ThePirates,Maleficent,CruellaDeVil,Ursula—allwithsomuchbelieffuelingthem,belief,todrawupon.Itwasinevitable,Isuppose.”
“Whatwasinevitable?”Charleneasked.
Waynedidn’tseemtohearher.“Andsomanyothers,allinthesameplaceatthesametime
—here,inthispark.Thebeliefsupportingthem,makingthemstronger.Makingthemreal.”
FinnexplainedtoCharleneandPhilby,“Thishassomethingtodowiththefire-breathingdragonandMickeyinFantasmic.”
Waynesaid,“That’snottheendofit.Wehaveridescloseunexpectedly.Thelasercarsgomissing.Costumesdisappear.Theparaderouteischanged,withnoonethewiser.Small,harmlessstuffsofar,butforhowlong?Didyouseethenews?Ahundredpadlockswerestolenfromahardwarestore.Thesecuritytapesrevealednothing,showednooneinsidethestore.Markmyword:thosepadlockswerestolen—oneminuteontheshelf,thenext,missing.So,how’dthathappen?Howlonguntiltherestofuscanseethem?HowlonguntiltheycanburnusthewaytheyburnedFinntonight?Whathappensthen?Whathappenswhentheyrealizethere’sawholebigworldoutsidetheseparkwalls?Whatiftheywanttoexpandtheirempire?Whatthen?”Hestopped.Hewasred-facedandbreathinghard.Finnthoughthelookedalittlesick.
“Maybeyoushouldsitdown,”Finnsuggested.
“Itwasn’tuntilthehurricanethatwerealizedhowfarthishadcome.”
“Thehurricane,”Finnrepeatedsoftly.
“AhurricanechangedcoursewhileoutatseaandthenheadeddirectlyheretoOrlando.I’llacceptthatascoincidence,aflukeofnature.”Wayne,clearlygrowingagitated,collectedhimself.
“Butdoyouknowwhathappenedtothatstormafteritpassedoverhere?CheckitoutontheInternet.Itlostpower.Cameinhereatonestrengthandleftconsiderablyweaker.Youthinkitjustrainedandblewitselfout?Wethinknot.Wethinkthatstormwasharnessed.Usedlikeagiantbattery.Likeavampiresuckingblood,theOvertakersusedthatstormtogainpower.Sincethatstorm,we’vehadalotmoreunexplainedinconveniences.They’repracticing.They’regettingreadyforsomethingbigger.”
“Areyoulisteningtoyourself?Thatcan’tbe,”Finnmumbled.“That’scrazy!”
PhilbycaughtFinn’slook.Heshookhisheadasiftosay:It’snotcrazy.Thenhesaidaloud,
“Someancientcivilizationsarethoughttohaveusedpowerfulstormstocontroltheirpeople.”
Waynesaid,“Thathurricanewasdowngradedafterpassingoverhere.”Hesoundedfrightened.
“I’dreallyliketogohomenow,”Charlenesaid.
Finnthoughtaboutitforamomentandsaidsoftly,“So,let’ssayweacceptsomeofthis.
Whatarewesupposedtodo?”Heknewhesoundedterrified,buthecouldn’thelphimself.
“Youthree,andtheothers,werecarefullychosenforyourindividualtalents.AsDHIsyouarepartoftheirworld;askids,you’repartofours.Youareoureyesintotheotherside.”
“Spies,”Philbysaid.
“Ifyoulike,”Waynesaid.
“Idon’tlike,”Philbyanswered.
Finnsputtered,“Idon’tseewhatwe’resupposedtodo.”
“Sureyoudo,oryouwouldn’tbeafraid.Andwhileyou’reatit,thinkaboutthis,”Waynesaid.
“WhyandhowdoyouthinkwecameupwiththeconceptoftheDHIs?”
Charlenesaid,“Usbeinghosts…You’resayingthatwasn’ttherealreason?”
Philbysaid,“Theyneededsomethingthatcouldexistinthecharacterworldbutwasn’tapartofit.”
Waynegrinnedathim.“Ah-ha!”hedeclared.“Butthedevelopmentcosts.Thetimeandenergyittooktocreateyou.Wehadtohaveauseforyoutojustifyyoutotherestofthecompany.”
HemeteyeswithFinn.
“BecausenoonewouldbelieveyouifyoutoldthemabunchofwitchesweregoingtotakeovertheMagicKingdom,”Finnsaid.
Waynedidn’tanswerthisdirectly.Hesaid,“Andsowedreameduptheideaoftheholograms,theinteractivehosts.”
Philbysuggested,“Youneededspies,someonetofindoutwhattheOvertakerswereupto.”
“Findoutiftheyevenexisted,”Waynesaid,nodding.
“Andnowthatyouknowtheydo,”Finnstated,rubbingtheburnonhisleftarm,“nowwhat?”
“Weneedtolureouttheirleader,whoeverthatturnsouttobe.Whateverthatturnsouttobe.
Deprogramit?Redrawit?Lockitup?Whoknows?”
“Youneedusasbait?”Finncomplained.
“Waltleftusasolution,”Waynereminded.“WeneedyoutosolvetheriddleoftheStonecutter’sQuill.”Theoldguylookedexhausted.
Charlenesaid,“Andifwedon’twantto?”
Wayne’smouthtwisted,andhiseyeslookedsternandserious.“Atsomepointyou’regoingtohavetosleep,”hesaid.“Andfromnowon,whenyoudo,you’regoingtocrossover.”Hehesitated,thensteppedclosertoher,hisfacegentleandkind.“I’msorry,mydeargirl,butthereisnoskippingthisride.”
9
WhenFinnawoke,hehurriedintothebathroom,torehisshirtoffoverhishead,andstudiedthepea-sizered-and-brownscabwiththedime-sizescarletcircleoffleshthatsurroundedit.Theburnhurtsomethingfierce.Thiswasnodream.Hewincedashecleaneditwithsoapandwater.
“Yaaa!”hehollered,hiscryechoinginthetiledroom.
“Finn,dear?”hismothercalledfromthehallway.Sheknocked.“Areyouallright?”
“Fine!”
“MayIcomein?”
“Ah…”
Sheletherselfin.Shewasinhernightgown.Dawnhadarrivedanhourearlier,thepinkoftheeasternskynowsilverwithclouds.
“Finn,dear?”
Shestudiedhiminthemirror’sreflection,frombehind,nodoubtwonderingwhyhewasonlyhalfdressed,hisshirtinaballonthefloor.
“What’sthat?Whathappened?Honey?”Shelaidherwarmhandonhisshoulder.
Finnfeltliketellingherthetruth,butheknewshewouldn’tbelievehim.Sowhattodo?
Theybothwerefocusedontheburn.Hecouldn’tverywellsaythathe’dbeeninalaserbattlewithinvisiblepirates.She’dcarthimofftothementalward,orworse,theirminister.
“Acigarette,”Finnsaid.Hehatedsmokingmorethananythingontheplanet.Inherrightmind,hismotherknewthisabouthim.Finnhadoncewalkedacrossarestaurantandboldlyaskedasmokertoputouthiscigarettesothathisownhamburgerdidn’thavetotastelikeanashtray.This,atsevenyearsold.Buthismotherwasn’tthinkingright.Toher,seeingwasbelieving.
“You?What?”shegasped.
Hefeltawful,bothforlyingtoherandforusingsmokingashisexcuse.He’dcrushedher.
“Mom…”
“Who?How’dyougetit?”
“Mom…”
“Anddon’tyoulietome!”
Hetriedtothinkofhowtoexplainthiswithoutlying,becausenottoliewasonepromisehehadmadetohisparentsthathehatedhavingtobreak.“Ididn’tsmokeit,Mom!Acigarette…
burnedme.”Hebentandpickeduphisshirtoffthefloorandheldituptoshowtoher.Theholewasobviousenough.“Itwasthisguy—abully,youknow.”
Shecollectedherself.“Abully?Whodidthistoyou,Finn?”
“Apirate,”heheardhimselfmumble.
“What?”
“He’s…called‘Pirate’becausehe’ssomean.”
“Heshouldbearrested.”
“No!It’snothing.”
“Nothing?That’sa—criminalact—burningsomeone.Finn.”Shespunhimaroundtofaceher.
“Breathe.”
“What?”
“Iwanttosmellyourbreath.”
“Mom!”
“Now,youngman!”
Hebreathedtowardhergropingnose.
Sheblinkedrapidly.“Soafterallwetalkedabout,yousneakedoutanyway?”
He’dforgottenaboutthatpartofhisexplanation.“I…ah…”
“Well!”shebrightened.Hereyeswentsoftandhereyebrowsdanced,andhethoughtthatthiswasthewayshelookedbeforeshecried.“Oh,Finn.Thankyoufornotlyingtome.It’ssoimportantnottolie.”Sheaddedmatter-of-factly,“Givemehisname,please.Hisrealname.Rightnow.”
“Idon’tknowhisrealname.Justsomekid.Idon’tthinkhemeanttoburnme,justscaremealittle.It’sjustoneofthosegrowing-upthings,youknow?”Sheoftentalkedtohimabout“growing-upthings.”
Sheheldhimatarm’slengthnow,studyinghimthoughtfully.Hedidn’tlikethelookonherface.Thiswasherbestimitationofaliedetector.
“Didyousleepinyourclothes?”Thedarkcloudinhereyesconcernedhim.“Thisisthesameshirt—thesearethesameclothesyouworeyesterday,forgoodness’sakes!”
Asshepiecedittogether,Finntriedtothinkofsomethingtodistracther.Butshewastooquickforhim.“Idon’trememberthatholeinyourshirtatdinner.”
“Handsbeneaththetable,Mom.”
“Finn…”
“Ican’thelpitifyoudidn’tseeit.”
“Ishouldhaveknown,withyourgoingtobedsoearlylastnight.”Shewasthinkingaloud.“Wecan’ttellyourfather.”
Hebreathedahugesighofrelief.
Sheeyedhiswound,“Butthisdidhappentoyoulastnight,didn’tit?Afteryouwenttosleep.”
Hehadnochoicebuttonod.Beinggroundedforlifewasbetterthancontinuingtolietoher.
“Howlatewereyouout?”sheasked,headingforhisbedroomwindowtoinspectitlikeadetective.
“Midnight.”Thiswasthetruth.
“How’dyoudoit?YourfatherandIweredownstairsuntilelevenorlater.”
Finn’swindowlookeddownonanareaofthedrivewayinfrontofthegarage.Therewasnoroofbelowhim,justatinyapronofflowerbeddingandthenthedriveway’sblackasphalt.Hehadabrainfreezetryingtothinkupawaytoexplainhisnocturnalescape,knowingfrompreviousexperiencethatthemoreofthestoryhemadeup,themoredifficultitwouldbetokeepitstraight.
Thenherememberedtheroom’swindowbox.“Thefireladder!”hesaid.Hisgrandfatherhadinstalledachainfireladderseveralyearsbefore.Intheeventofanemergencyhewastoblockthebottomcrackofhisdoorwithclothesorbeddingandwaitforinstructionsfromfirementousethestow-awayladder.He’dpromisedalongtimeagotoneverusetheladdertosneakout.
“Isee,”shesaid,clearlydisappointedinhim.
“Ifyouhavetogroundme,Iunderstand,”Finnsaid,tryingtosubtlyencouragehertodoso.Ifgrounded,hecouldspendmoretimeinhisroomwithoutraising
suspicions.Moretimeinhisroommeantmorechancestosleep,andsleepmeantcrossingover.Ifhenapped,wouldhecrossoverintotheparkduringtheday?
Somanyquestionstoanswer.
“Showme!”hismotherordered.
“Showyouwhat?”
“Theladder.Howyougotdownthere.”
Finnlookedoutthewindowandfeltalittledizzy.Itlookedaboutahundredfeetdown.Hismotherknewhewasafraidofheights.
“Youwantmetogodowntheladder?”Heknewshecouldn’tpossiblywanthimtodothat.Itlookedlikeadeathwish.
Glancingoutthewindow,shesaid,“No.Itlooksdangeroustome.”
“Itisdangerous.”
Sheputherhanddownontothewindowbox’slid.
Hewasinbigtroubleifsheopenedupthewindowbox.Thatfireladderwasburiedunderapileofunusedtoysthatwentbackyears.Probablydustaninchthick.Howwouldheexplainanyofthat?
Hehurriedtostopher.“Imessedup,Mom!I’msorry.”
“You’redefinitelygrounded.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Andyou’renottousethatladderexceptincaseofanemergency.Ineedyourwordonthat.”
Sheaddedhotly,“AndI’llexpectyoutokeepit.”
“Ipromise.”Hehunghishead,feelingamixtureofshameandexcitement.Hepokedathiswoundasifithurtalotmorethanitdid.
“Nowlet’sgetthatcleanedup!”shesaid.
10
Finnstoodinfrontofhislocker,wonderinghowhewasgoingtofindtheremainingtwoDHIs,WillaandMaybeck.Hedidn’ttrustCharlenetoseekoutWilla.Justashewasthinkingthis,avoicesaid:“IsabellaAngelo.TheycallherWilla.”Amandasteppedoutfrombehindhisopenlockerdoor.
Wherehadshecomefrom?Couldshereadminds?
“What?How?”Surprisedbyher,hecouldn’tgetasentenceout.
“Willa,”Amandarepeated.
FinnrememberedWillaasabookishgirlwithchocolate-browneyesandaloudvoice.
“Youfoundher?”heasked,astonished.
“MaitlandMiddleSchool.”
“Buthow—?”
“Ihavemyways,”shesaid.
“She’sintosomeweirdkindofsport,”Finnsaid,remembering.“It’snotgymnastics.”
“Archery.”
“That’sit!”
“Likecupid,”shesaid.“Andswimming.”Amandahadcertainlydoneherhomework.“Shesaidyouwerecute.”
“You’vespokentoher?”
“She’llmeetyouinVMKtonight,likeyousuggested.”
“You’reamazing.”
“Howwasitlastnightwhenyouwenttosleep?”sheaskedcuriously.“Didyou…youknow?”
“What?”askedDillardColefrombehindthem.Dillard’ssweatshirtwasbigenoughtocoverachair.
“Hey,Dill.I’mkindabusyhere.”
Dillardlookedbetweenthetwo.HisgazelandedonFinn.Helookedhurt.Heshuffledoff.Thesidesofhisshoesweresowornontheoutsideedgesthathisanklesrolled.
FinnfeltbadtoseeDillardsocrushed.Hewasagoodguy.ThecrossingoverwastakingFinnawayfromfriendslikeDill,makingallsortsoftroubleforhim.
Amandapersisted.“Didyouendupintheparklastnightornot?”
“Yeah.Charlenewasthere.AndPhilby.Andtherewere…pirates.”
“Pirates?”
“AsinPiratesoftheCaribbean.Themachines—theguysyouseeintheship,andstuff.It’skindahardtoexplain,exactly.”
Theshockregisteredonherface,butdissipatedjustasquickly.“And?”
“Itgotalittle…weird.”
“Defineweird,”shesaid.“Didyouseeanyoneelse?”
“Likewho?”
“Idon’tknow.”
FinnrolledhissleeveuppasthiselbowtotheBand-Aidandtheglowingredcirclesurroundingit.“Itookalaserhit,”hesaid.
Herfacetwisted.“Thatlookslikeacigaretteburn.”
“Youandmymother,”hemuttered.
“Excuseme?”
“I’mgrounded.Asin,forever.It’salongstory.”
Shesaid,“MaybeckworksatCrazyGlaze.”
Finnlookedatherblankly.
“Theceramicsshop,”shesaid.“OveronKilgore.Youdecoratemugsandplatesandpitchers.Stufflikethat.Theyfirethemthere,too.It’shisaunt’sstore.”
“Howdoyouknowallthis?”heasked.
Sheavoidedananswer,blushingandstaringatherfeet.“I’mcomingwithyou,”sheannounced.“That’spartofthedeal.”
“Whatdeal?”
“Ourdeal.”
“Dowehaveadeal?”heasked.
“Wedonow.”
“MaybeyoumissedthepartwhereItoldyouIwasgrounded.Igottagethomeafterschool.”
“Didyouridethebus?”
“Mybike.”
“Well,thereyougo,”shesaid.“Metoo.We’lljusthappentostopthereonthewayhome.”
Amandaliftedherheadasifshe’dheardsomething.Herhairwhippedaroundassheturnedtolookdownthehall.“Uh-oh,”shesaid.
Allatonce,Finnfeltanumbingcoldnesspassthroughhim,awaveofnausea,asifallthebloodhadsuddenlydrainedoutofhim.Hesanktohisknees.
Amandacaughthimashewasgoingdown.Herbooksspilled.Somekidssteppedoutofherway.
“Finn?Finn?Areyouokay?”
“Cold…”hemanagedtoexplain.
Shehuggedhim,tryingtowarmhim.Finncouldn’tkeephisteethfromchattering.Hiswholebodywasshaking.
Amandapleadedwithhim.“Finn…”Sherubbedhisarms.“Thinkofsomeplacewarm.Abeach.Aboat.Hot,hotsun…It’sahotbeachonasummerday.”
Finnfelthimselfwarming.Themorehethoughtofthebeach,thewarmerhefelt.
Amomentlaterhefeltfine.Heleanedawayfromher.“Whoa,”hesaid.“Thatwassomekindofstrange.”
Asmallgroupofkidsthathadgatheredmovedon.
Finnstoodup.
“Areyousureyou’reokay?”sheasked.
“FeltlikeIblewafuse,”hetoldher.“Thanksforthecoaching.Where’dyoulearnthat?”
“Somuchofthatstuffisinourminds,”wasallshesaid.Shegiggled.“Ithoughtyou’dfainted.”
Hesaid,“Youturned…justbefore…likeyouheardsomething.Whatwaswith
that?”
“I—”Shelookedaway.Shedidn’tofferananswer.
Nowitdawnedonhimwhathadjusthappened.
“‘Itisn’tsafe,’”hemumbled.
Amanda’sbrowknitingraveconcern.Thesecondbellrang.
Finnwhispereddryly,“NowIknowI’vegottogettoWillaandMaybeck.I’llmeetyououtbythebikesafterthelastbell.”
11
CrazyGlazewascrowdedwithmothersandtheirchildrenbusilypaintingblankpotteryatbrightlylittables.Therewereseveralconnectedrooms,allfilledwithcolorandthemurmurofactivity.
FinnandAmandalockedtheirbikesoutfront.Onceinside,theyweredirectedtoaheavysetgray-hairedAfricanAmericanwomanwhoworehoopearringsanddarkpurpleeyeshadow.
“I’mlookingforDonnieMaybeck,”Finnsaid.
“YoumeanTerry,”shesaid,asmileovercomingher.“Donnie’shisstagename.Say,aren’tyouasweet-lookinggirl,”shesaid,noticingAmandaandstudyingherfeatures.
“WhoshouldIsayiscalling?Waitaminute!”sheinterruptedherself.“Don’tIknowyou?”sheaskedFinn.“You’reahost,right?IsawyouatMGM,duringthefilmshoot.”
Yes,maam.
Shenodded,proudofherself.“That’sitexactly.Iwasovertherenearlyeverydayyouallwereshooting.Butyou,girl.I’drememberyou,andIdon’tbelievewe’vemet.”
“Amanda.AfriendofFinn’s.”
“Well,I’mpleasedtomeetyouboth.I’mTerry’sAuntBess.Irunthisplace.Ownittoo!”Asshegrinned,theroomseemedabitbrighter.“KidsaroundherecallmeJelly.”
“Jelly?”Amandasaid.
“It’salongstory.Itstartedwithjellydonuts,andgotoutofcontrolfromthere.Don’taskme!”
“IsTerryaround?”Finnasked.
“Terry’soutback.Buthe’stakingiteasytoday.Notfeelingexactlytop-notch.I’mnotsurethisisthebestdayforavisit.”
“Hedidn’thappentofeelfaint,didhe?”Finnblurtedout.
Thewoman’sfacehardened.ShecrossedherarmstightlyandlookeddownatFinn.“Nowwhywouldyougoandaskthat?”
“IthinkIneedtoseehim,Ms.…Jelly.”Finnsawthewayhisguesshadstruckher.
“Schoolnursesaidthere’sabuggoingaround,”shesaid.
“Andmaybethat’sallitis,”Finnsaid.
“Whatisityou’renottellingme,son?”Jellyasked.
“Ireallyneedtoseehim,”Finnpleaded.
Whenshenodded,herdoublechinturnedintoatriple.“Okay.Justnottoolong.Hear?”
***
“You!”MaybecksaidtoFinn,lookingup.Hewasaheadtallerthaneitherofthem.Hisexpressionwasdefiant;therewasahardnessinhiseyes.Hewasinthemidstofunpackingunglazedceramics.Hedidn’twantthemthere.
FinnintroducedAmanda.
Maybecksaid“Hey”toher.HelookedatFinncuriously.“Sowhat’sgoingon?”
“Areweokaytotalkhere?”Finnasked.
Maybecklookedaround,closedadoorthatledintothefrontoftheshopandsaid,“We’regood.”
“How’syoursleepthesepastcouplenights?”
“What’swiththat?”Maybeckasked.
“Hadanyvividdreams?”
MaybecklookedsearchinglyfromFinntoAmanda.
Finnsaid,“Sheknows.I’vetoldhereverything.”
Finnsaid,“Sheknows.I’vetoldhereverything.”
“I’mnotsayingIhaveorhaven’t,”Maybecksaid.
“Didyoumakethese?”Amandapointedtoaseriesofbeautifullypaintedwaterpitchersonashelfamiddozensofotherbowlsandmugs.TheimageonthepitcherswastheCinderellaCastle.
“Touristslikethem.”
“Butyoupaintedthem,”shesaid.
“Yeah.Isellthemontheside.”HeloweredhisvoiceandsaidtoFinn,“Listen,themoney…
fromDisney…beingaDHLIt’smadeabigdifferenceforus—myauntandme—andIcan’trisktheiraskingforthatmoneyback.”
“That’snotgoingtohappen.”
“Howdoyouknowitwon’t?”
Finnhadn’teverconsideredsuchathing.Hismotherwouldkillhimifhelosthiscollegemoney.
“DoyouhaveInternetaccess?”Amandaasked.
Finnglancedoverather.Whydidshealwayshavethebestideas?hewondered.
“Sure,”Maybeckanswered.
Finnsaid,“TheothersandI…Tonightwe’remeetinginmyguestroomintheVirtualMagicKingdomWebsitetogetthisstuffstraight.”Hepausedandadded,“It’shappeningtoallofus,Maybeck.Thedreams…ofbeingthere.Thefaintingthisafternoon.”
“Notme.”Maybecklookedbrieflyafraid.
Finnsaid,“Theoldguy,Wayne?He’sgotsomekindofmissionforus.Asateam,I’mtalkingabout.Hesayswe’vegottogotosleepatsomepoint,andthatwhenwedo,we’regoingtocrossover.”
Maybecklookedcompletelyserious.Therewasnotalaughingboneinhisbody.“Ican’tmessthingsupformyaunt.”
“Wecan’tstopthis,”Finnwarned.“Whatever’shappening,wecan’tstopit.AtleastIhaven’tbeenableto.Haveyou?”Hefeltanotherlittlechill.Hesaid,“Itisn’tsafe.”
Maybeckmeteyeswithhim,ameanlook,bothangryandafraid.He’dheardthosewordsbefore.
“Noway…”hesaiddarkly.
“Way,”saidFinn.
Maybecksaid,“Yeah,well…thenIguesswegottadothis.”
12
Finn’smotherfumbledaroundwiththeservingplates,asnervousascouldbe.Hersonhadneverbroughtagirlhomefordinnerbefore,andshewasquitebesideherself.
Sheservedmeatloaf,withgreenbeansandbacon,salad,andcornbread,onlytodiscoverthatAmandawasavegetarian.
Finn’sfatherwasquieterthanusual.AbouthalfwaythroughthemealheaskedAmandatopassthesalt.
Finn’smomtoldhisfather,“AmandaandFinnaregoingtochatonlinetogetherafterdinner.”
“Isthatright?”heasked.
Mr.Whitmanchallengedtheirguest.“Idon’tseewhyyouhavetogoonlinetotalk.Whycan’tyoujusttalkifyouwanttotalk?”
“Wedon’townacomputer,”Amandaanswered.“OraTV.”
Mr.Whitmanlookedupfromhisplate,possiblyforthefirsttime.“Well,goodforyou,”hesaid.
“Nothingwrongwiththat.Finnspendswaytoomuchtimeonhis,asfarasI’mconcerned.”
“Donald!”Finn’smothersnappedathim.
“I’mjustmakingconversation,”Mr.Whitmancomplained.
“Hey,Dad,”Finnsaid,tryingtosalvagethings.“Youknowthathurricane—Iforgetitsname—
theonethatturnedoutintheoceanandcamebackashore?”Gary.
“Yeah,Gary.Isittrueitlostalotofitspowerafteritwentoverus?”
“Overhalfitswindspeed.Yes.Downgradedtoatropicalstorm.Butthat’sprettytypicalwhenstormspassoverland.Why?”
“Oh,nothing.Nevermind,”Finnsaid.
HeglancedatAmanda.Shenoddedtowardherwatch.
“We’regonnagoupnow,”Finnsaid.Hisparentslookedateachotherbutsaidnothing.
OntheirwayupthestairsFinnheardhisfathersay,“Ifthosepantsofhersgetanylower,they’llfalloff.”
“Theyallwearthemthatway,dear,”Mrs.Whitmansaid.“She’sadorable.”She’dloweredhervoicetoawhisper,butFinnhadstoppedonthestairsintimetohear.
“Nothingwrongwithhimhavinganewfriend.Hecan’tspendallhistimewithDillard.”
Hismotherthencalledoutloudly,“Leavethebedroomdooropen,please,Finn.”
“Iwill!”Finncalledback.
HegaveAmandahischairinfrontofthescreen.Hesatonawoodenchestthathedraggedfromhiscloset.Itcontainedanoldmodeltrainset.
“Fiveminutestoseven,”Amandasaid,checkingherwatch.
FinnenteredtheVirtualMagicKingdomWebsite.Heloggedon,selectedGUESTROOMSfromthemapoftheMagicKingdom,andthentheoptionofpickingaroomfromanalphabeticallist.HelocatedFINN’SROOMand
double-clicked.
Thescreenwentblack.Somemusicplayed.Hisroomappeared.
Itwasastoneroom,asiftheywereinadungeonorcastle.Usingcredithe’dearnedbywinningchallengesonthesite,he’dfurnishedtheroomwithapairoflime-greencouches,twochairs,asodamachine,andthreepostersonthewalls.
“What’swiththecolorofthosecouches?”Amandaasked.
“What?Ilikethem.”
“Trustme,you’recolor-blind.”
Finn’scharacterwasanillustratedboywhoworebrightlycoloredjamsandalight-blueT-shirt.
Finnusedthemousetomovehischaracteracrossthescreen,getasodafromthemachine,andreturntooneofthetwochairs.Thesmalfiguresatdownandwaited,occasionallyraisinghisarm,underFinn’sdirection,toliftthecantohisface.
“Thisiswild,”Amandasaid.
“HaveyouneverseenVMK?”heasked.“Everyoneatschool’sonheretwenty-fourseven.”
Afewminutesafterseven,asecondfigure,agirl,appearedintheroom.Sheworehiphuggersandalemon-yellowtopthatshowedherstomach.
Adialoguebubbleappearedaboveher.
Angelface13,itread.
Coolroomappearedinsidethebubble.
Finn:Thnx,saidthebubbleabovetheboyinthechair. Grabasoda.
ThegirlcharacterboughtherselfadrinkandtookaseatonthecouchnearFinn.
Angelface13:Ugotanytunes?
Finn:Yeah,butwe’regoing2chat.Let’shang.
Otherscomingsoon.
“It’sCharlene,”Amandasaidoutloud.“Icantellbythewayshedresses.”
“Yeah,”Finnsaid,agreeing.
WillaandPhilby’scharactersappearedalmostsimultaneously.Philby,withredhair.Willa,dressedlikeahippie.Theytoogotdrinksandgatheredbytheothers,bothstanding.Philby(philitup)complimentedFinnonhischoiceofposters,clearlyimpressedthatFinnhadearnedenoughcredits—“creds”—topurchasethem.WillachattedwithCharleneaboutsomenewclothesthatshe’dfoundinoneofthemerchandisestores.
“Thisisareallyweirdthingtosay,”Amandasaid,“butIfeellikeI’mintheroom,notjustwatching.”
“Iknow,”Finnsaid.“It’shighlyaddictive.”Headded,“I’dmakeyouacharacter,butfornowI’mnotsuretheothersshouldknowyou’relistening.”
“No,no!Iagree.Idon’twantthemtoknow.Idon’twanttobeseenasaproblem.”
“You’renotaproblem!”Finnsaid,thinkingheshouldgoaheadandregisteracharacterforher.“Farfromit.Withoutyou,thismeetingwouldn’tbehappening.”
Dilltoastshowedupintheroomandasked,What’sup?
“That’smyfriend,Dillard.”
“Wemet,”Amandasaid.
Finn’scharacterstoodandledDillard’sintothefarcorneroftheroomtotalktohim.FinnexplainedtoAmanda,“Youhavetobeneareachothertotalk.It’scalledproximity,forobviousreasons.DillandIcantalkoverhere,andtheotherswon’tseeitand…”
HisexplanationwasmadeclearasCharleneandWillacontinuedtalking,presumablyaboutclothes,butthedialogueintheirbubbleswasreplacedwith
exclamationpoints,dollarsigns,andampersands—unreadablegibberish.
FinntriedtopolitelyaskDillardtogoaway.Dillarddidn’tgettheideaatfirstandforcedFinntogetalittlebluntonceMaybeckarrived.“Thatdidn’tgosohot,”hetoldAmandaasDillard’scharacterlefttheroom.
“Tellhimaboutittomorrowinperson.Ifyoumakeitintosomethingsecret,thatyou’resharing,hewon’tevenrememberthis.”
“Goodwithpeopleareyou?”Finnthoughtaboutthis:shewasgoodwithpeople.Foronething,she’dsurvivedhisdadatthedinnertable.
Maybeckpassedontheofferofadrink.He’dgivenhischaracterasizableAfro,bluejeans,andawhiteT-shirt.Somehowitmadehimlooktallerthantheothers,whichhewasinpersonaswell.
Mybest:Let’sdothis.Igothomework.
Finn:Okay.We’reallhere.
Eachoftheotherssaidhello.ThenFinncontinued.
Finn:we’veallhadbasicallythesame“dream”
orwewouldn’tbehere.MaybeckandIbothfelt
kindasick,likefainting,earliertoday,anybodyelse?
ThedialoguebubbleaboveWilla’scharacterstarted“talking.”
willatree:yes.Ifeltawful,butonlyforafewminutes.
angelface13:metoo
philitup:yup
Mybest:sowhat’swiththat?
Finn:theyaren’tdreams,charleneandphilbyandIwereallintheparklastnight.Igotburnedonthearm.whenIwokeup,Ihadthesameburnonthesamearm.it’sforreal.Itwasn’tadream.
Maybeck’scharactermovedaroundtheroombutstayedcloseenoughtochat.WillagotupoffthecouchandmovedovernexttoCharlene.Nowritingappearedaboveanyofthecharacters.
Amandasaid,“Ithinkyoufreakedthemout.”
Finncomplained,“WhatwasIsupposedtodo?”
angelface13:Isawhimgetburned.It’sforreal.
philitup:what’sweirdisthatovertherewelooklikeourDHIs,butFinngettingburnedmeanswemustbepart
Finn:human.PartDHI,parthuman.That’swhatWayne,theoldguy,saidwewere.
Mybest:doesanyonehearhowcompletelystupidthissounds?
philitup:weallgotsickatbasicallythesamemoment.Thatmaysoundstupid,butitfeltawful.
Mybest:sowhatwedo?
Amanda,lookingon,said,“Now,Finn.You’vegottotellthemnow.”
Finn:ifweallgotobed—tosleep—atthesametimetonight,maybewe’llarrivetheretogether.
Mybest:tellmeyou’rekidding?
Finn:That’sthewayitworks,I’msureofit.Waynewantsusallthereatthesametime.
Finnfeltarushofheat:allfiveofthemhadcrossedoveratvarioustimes.Theyallsharedthissameexperience.Hisfingershoveredabovethekeyboard.
Finn:theonlywaywe’regonnaknowwhat’supistogotobedatthesametimeandhopewewakeupoverthere2gether.tonight.K?
Onebyone,thecharactersanswered.
willatree:I’llbethere.
angelface13:I’mhavingtroublefallingasleep,butI’lltry.
philitup:I’mthere.
Mybest:word.
Finn’scharacterstoodupfromthecouch.Hewenttothecorneranddroppedthecanintoanopenbox—hismakeshifttrashcan.Charlenefollowedhisleadanddidthesame.
Mybest:weallplayVMK,right?Whatifthat’sgotsomethingtodowithit?
Hehadapoint,Finnthought.Thegamehadanotherworldlyquality.
Finn:we’vegottotalktoWayne.Howabout9:00tonight?
Eachofthecharactersagreedtothetime,atextbubbleappearingabovetheirheads.Then,onebyone,theycheckedout.Finn’scharacterstoodaloneintheemptyroom.
“Youlookkindalonelyjuststandingthere,”Amandasaid.
“IthinkI’mafraid,”Finnadmitted.Hecouldn’tbelievehe’dsaidthataloud.
“Ibettheyallaretoo,”Amandasaid.“Rememberthatfearisahumanemotion.ADHIwouldn’tfeelfear.”
Thewayshesaidit,socalm,andlikesheknewwhatshewastalkingabout—reallyknewit—
gaveFinnthisstrangetinglingfeeling.HethoughthowstrangeitwasthatAmandahadjustshowedupthewayshehad,becomehisfriendrightashebegancrossingover.Howcouldheaskforabetterfriend?Andyet…Wastheresomethingshewasn’ttellinghim?
Hecaughtalookinhereyeasifshe’dsaidtoomuchandnowregrettedit.Shelookedaway,breakingtheireyecontact.
“Finn?”Itwashismothercallingfromdownstairs.Itdisturbedthemoment.Finndidn’taskAmandaanything—buthe’dwantedto.
Hecheckedthetime.Itwasgoingoneighto’clock.
“IcandriveAmandahomenow,”sheholleredupstairs.
“IwishIcouldgo,”Amandasaid.Shedidn’tmeanhome.
“Yeah,thatwouldbecool.”Hecaughthimselfusingthatwordagain.She’dteasedhimaboutitearlier,butnotnow.
“It’llbeallright,”shesaid,standing.“Remembereverythingsoyoucantellme.”
Hewalkedherdownstairstothedoor,wherehismotherwaswaitingwithasmile.Thethreeofthemwalkedouttothedriveway.Finntookthebackseat.Amandaandhismomtalkedaboutboringgirlstuff:favoriteshoppingmallsandplacestogetyourhaircut.
Shelivedonthefaredgeoftheirschooldistrict,inwhathadoncebeenasmallchurch.Therewasastained-glasswindowinthecenteroftheroof’speak:abluebackgroundwithawhiteangel.
Litfrominside,itlookedasiftheangelwereflying.Hedidn’tknowwhy,butitseemedappropriateforAmanda.
Finnhurriedhismothertodrivefasteronthewaybackhome.
Shelookedathimfunnywhenhetoldherhewasgoingtobelatetobed.
ItwaslikesomethingfromStarTrek,orPowerRangers,Finnthought.HewasstandingatCentralPlaza,acircleofgrassandsidewalksinfrontofthecastle.Overthenextseveralminutes,onebyone,theotherfourDHIsappeared.Charlenefirst,lyingonthegrasstohisleft,wearinghernightgown.Shestretchedherarmsasifwakingup.Philbywasnext—hisredhairelectricasaDHI.HecamehurryinginfromTomorrowland.WillashowedupontheroadtoFinn’sright.Shealsoworepajamas—shortsandamatchingT-shirt.
MaybeckcamewalkingupMainStreetalongsideWayne,whodroveaDisneygolfcart.
“Well,well,”Waynesaid.“Thegang’sallhere.”HeclimbedoutofthecartandmadeapointofsayinghellotoWilla,whomhe’donlymetoncebefore.
AloudcrashingnoisecamefromsomewhereinTomorrowland.Cheeringfollowedthis.
“Somethingwild’sgoingonoverthere,”Finnsaid,pointing.
AconcernedWaynesaidquickly,“Followme!AndnotaworduntilIsay.”
TheyfollowedWayneandhiscartuptherampthatledintotheenormouscastle.FinnnotedthattheDHIsglowedandshimmeredonceinsidetheshadowofthecastlearches.
“Memorizeallthiscarefully!”WaynecalledbacktotheDHIs.
Heledthemthroughagiftshopandintoastorageroom,thenthroughaheavymedieval-styledoorthatheunlockedwithalargekey,anddownanondescripthall,throughanotherdoor,andintoavast,cavernousspace.
Finnstopped.Staircasesledineverydirection,interconnectinginimpossibleways,someupsidedown.Avarietyofoddlyshapeddoorsofallsizesfacedhimateverylevel.Eachcorridorandstaircaseconnectedtothenextinthemostunlikely,impossibleways.Allinterlocked.Itwasagiantpuzzlethatsomehowallfittogether.Andyetitmadenosense:invertedstairs?
“WecallthisEscher’sKeep.WaltadmiredM.C.Escher’swork,”Waynesaid,climbingastaircase.
“Who’sEscher?”Finnasked.
“Doyourhomework,”Wayneadmonished.“ThekeepwasbuiltaspartofanAliceinWonderlandattraction.Butitneveropened.”
“Whynot?”
“Waltdecidedtokeepitforhimself.”
Finnreachedthetopofsomesteepstairs,outofbreath.HecontinueddownadarkenedhallandlookeduptoseeWaynestandingupsidedownonalandingafewyardsahead.
Waynesaid,“Don’tbefooled.You’refine.Butasinglemisstepandyou’llendupinaslidethatwilldumpyouintothemoat.Sostaytotheleft,andonlysteponthebluetiles,neverthewhiteorthered.Passitalongtotheothers.”
Finnrepeatedtheweirdinstructionsinawhisper.AmomentlaterhestoodwithWayne.Totheothers,nowarriving,bothWayneandFinnappearedtobestandingupsidedown.
HeheardMaybecksay,“Okay!Thisiswaycool.”
Waynesaid,“Thisisagoodplacetocomeifyou’reeverintroubleortryingtohide.Withoutaguidetoshowtheway,noonemakesitupthefirsttime.
Memorizeitcarefully.Thecastlehasseveralsecretentrances.I’llshowyouifwehavetime.Onceinhere,you’resafe.”
Itisn’tsafe,FinnrememberedCharlenesaying.Hewasn’tsurehewantedtogoanyfarther.
Waynecontinued,“TheotherplaceyoushouldbesafeisifyoufollowthetracksoutoftheFrontierlandtrainstationtowardtheIndianEncampment.Therearesometeepeesouttherethataren’tprogrammedforDHIprojection.”
“Safefromwhat?”Finnasked.
“Ah!”Waynesaid,ignoringFinn’squestion.“Herecometheothers.Followme!Memorize!”
hereminded.“Thenexttwostaircasesarefakes.”
Finnwasstunnedbyhowincrediblyrealeachofthemanystaircasesappeared.Thefirststaircaseturnedouttobenothingbutpaintonawall.Wayneledhimtotherealstaircaseandtogethertheyclimbedit.
Finnlookedback,carefullycommittingtheroutetomemory.HecalledaheadtoWayne.“IfI’mhalfhologram,halfhuman,asyousaid,howcanItouchanything?Shouldn’tIonlyhalftouchit?”
“HaveyoustudiedEinstein,Finn?”Finndidn’twanttosounddumb,sohedidn’tanswer.“It’stimeyoudid.There’smorespacebetweenatomsthanthereareatoms.Andyetatomsholdtogethersomehowandformwhatwethinkofasasolid.Wecantouch,smell,taste.Itallcomesdowntowhatyoubelieve.Whatyouthinkyoucando.”
TheonlythingFinnknewaboutEinsteinhadtodowithbagels.Hestucktomorepracticalmatters.“Howwillweevergetbackdown?”
Ashereachedyetanotherlanding,FinnrealizedWaynewasnowheretobeseen.
“Takethemiddledoor,”Wayne’svoiceinstructed.
Finnfacedhalfofahexagon:threedoors,allatangles.Hewalkedthroughthemiddledoor,whichsprangshutbehindhim.Henowstoodinapitch-black
space.Beingparthologram,Finnglowed,castingabluishlightintotheabsoluteblackness.Butthespaceseemedtoswallowhislight,togoonforever.Hesawnothing.
Charlenecameinnext.Evenwhenthedooropened,Finnsawnowalls,onlyblackness.
“Idon’texactlylovethis,”Charlenesaid,apulsingbluelightinthedark.
Thewayhervoicesounded—socloseandbright—toldFinnthattheywereinaverysmallroom.
“Lookup,”hesaid.
“Arethosestarsforreal?”Charleneasked.
“Isanythingrealhere?”
Thedooropened.Philby,Willa,andMaybeckentered.Asthedoorshut,thestarsreappeared.
“Wow!”Philbysaid.
“Yeah,”Finnagreed.
“What’sthisabout?”Maybeckasked.
FinnjumpedasWaynesaidfrombehindhim,“Movetothecenter,everyone.”He’dbeenstandingthereallalong.
Thekidscrowdedtogetherintoagroup.Finnfelttheoldman’shandgrabhiswristandpullhimtowardwhatturnedouttobeawall.
“Feelthis?”Wayneasked.
“Yes.”Itwasasmooth,glassybutton.
“Andthis?”
Another.
“Yes.”
“Push.”
Finnpushed.Thefloorvibratedandthestarsgrewcloser.
Ittookamoment,butWillaunderstoodbeforetheothers.“It’sanelevator!”
“Anelevatorwithoutwalls,”Finnsaid,foritwasn’tthefloorthatappearedtobemoving,butthewalls.
“It’sanelevatorfloor,”Maybecksaid.“Aplatform.”
Theoverheadconstellationsgrewcloser.AstheyreachedtheBigDipper,Finncouldimagineitasacleverlyshapeddoor.
“Yougottalovethis,”Philbysaid.
“Idon’thaveto,”Charleneprotested,soundingalittlefrightened.
Thefloorstopped.Finnheardaclick.Hepushedagainstthewall—theBigDipper—anditopened.
Theyenteredasmallapartment,fullofoldfurnitureinpastelcolors,likesomethingfromFinn’sgrandparents’house.Asmalldraftingtableoccupiedthefarcorner.Mostofonewallwasfilledwithbooks.Atinygalleykitchenwasinexttotheroom’sonlywindow.Narrowandsmall,theslitwindowbelongedinacastle.Itwastintedwithabluetheatricallightinggelwithatinyholecutintoittoallowyoutopeeroutside.FinnlookeddownovertheentireMagicKingdom.Theviewtookhisbreathaway.Theywereveryhighup.
“WelcometoWalt’ssecrethideaway,”Waynesaid.
Threephoneshungfromthewall:red,blue,andyellow.Philbystudiedthem.
“Nevertouchanyofthose,”Wayneadvised,eyeingeachofthekids.
Charlenepeeredoutthesmallholeinthewindow.“Beautiful,”shesaid.Thatledtoeachofthekidstakingaturn,oohingandahhing.
Waynewaitedforthemtofacehim.Itwasasmallapartmentwithbarelyenough
roomforthesixofthem.
“Youwereeachpickedforareason,oryouwouldn’tbehere,”hesaid.“OurselectionoftheDHIswascarefultothepointofpainstaking.We’vebroughtyouheretohelpus.I’mgoingtoshareastorywithyou.Afable.It’ssomethingthathasbeeninmycarealong,longtime.Waltentrustedmewiththis,andithasbeeninmyheadeversince.Allfableshavenames.ThisoneiscalledTheStonecutterand,asitturnsout,hasbeenaroundafewthousandyears.Buttakenote:WaltcalleditTheStonecutter’sQuill.It’suptoyoutofindoutwhyheaddedquilltothename.Buthere’sthestory.Ibelieveittobethekeytostoppingtheforcesthataregathering.”
Thekidslookedforplacestosit.Willatookachair.CharleneandPhilbythecouch.Maybecksatonthefloor.Finnstood.
Noonesaidaword.Waynehadtheirfullattention.
“Itwasahot,swelteringday,andthestonecutterbalancedonhishaunches,chiselandhammerinhand,streamsofsweatrunningdownhisbackashebrokebitsofrockawayfromthebaseofawallofstone.Itwashard,blisteringwork,anditfeltlikethesunhadnomercyonhim.
“Howwonderfulitmustbetohavethepowerofthesun,hethought.IfIwerethesun,noonecouldresistme!IwishIwerethesun!
“Inaninstant,hefoundhimselflookingdownontheearth,beatingonitwithhisheatandenergy.Hewasthesun,andhelikedthewayhetouchedeverythingandeveryonebelowhimwithoutmercy.Inhispresence,peoplewouldbethirsty,theywouldbehot,andtheywouldalwaysknowhewasthere.
“Suddenly,herealizedthattherewassomethingimpedinghim.Hecouldnottouchtheearthwithhispower.Helookeddownandsawthatacloudhadinterposeditselfbetweenhimandtheearth.
“Hmm,hethought.Inspiteofmygreatpower,thereissomethingthatthwartsme.SurelythiscloudismightierthanIam.IwishIwerethecloud!
“Andinaninstant,hefoundhewasthecloud,andhecouldblockthesunalldaylong.What’smore,hecouldrainonthosebelowhim,bringingcold,erodingbuildings,drowningwhathepleased.Surelytherewasnothingmorepowerful
thanhewasnow!
“Buthefelthimselfbeingswayed,andquitewithouthisconsent,hewasbeingpushedandhecouldnotresistthemovement.Hefoundthatthewindwasblowinghimtotheside,andhesawthatbecausehecouldnotdefyit,itwasmightierthanhim.HowIwishIwerethewind!hethought.
“Andhewas.Whereheblew,hugetreesbent.Hecouldpushgreatwallsofwaterwherehepleased.Hecouldtopplethetallest,mostmajesticbuildings.Surelyhewasall-powerfulnow.
“Butashesweptacrosstheworld,hecameacrosssomethingthatstoppedhim.Helookedandrealizedthatthemountainbeforehimcouldnotbepenetrated.Ashardashemightblowagainstit,hecouldnotpushittotheside.Lookhowitresistsme!hethought.Surelythismountainismightierthanme.IwishIwerethemountain!
“Andhewas.Hesat,imperialandbold,tallandproud,boltedtotheearth,andheknewthattherewasnothinginalltheworldthatcouldmovehim,coulddestroyhim,orcouldovercomehim.
Hewasthemightiestthingofall.
“Butthenherealizedsomething.Fromsomewherefarbelow,hefelthewasbeingreduced.
Hewasbeingdestroyed—tornapart—quiteagainsthiswishes,andhecoulddonothingaboutit.
Whatistheremightierthanamountain?heaskedhimself.Notthesun,thecloud,orthewind…
Whatcoulditbe?
“Withgreateffort,helookeddown,andthere,farbelow,athisverybase…
“Hesawastonecutter.”
Thekidssaidnothing,focusedonWayneexpectantly.
Waynesaid,“Thethingsinthestoryyouneedtofocusonarethesun,cloud,wind,andstone.Atleastwe’reprettysureaboutthat.Notetheorder.AllfourofthesethemesareseenrepeatedlyintheMagicKingdom.Somehowtheyaremeanttoleadustoasolution,awaytodefeatthedarkerpowersthathavebeguntothreatenthepark.”
Silence.
“Comments?”Wayneasked,remindingFinnofanEnglishteacher.
“Becarefulwhatyouwishfor.That’sthetheme,isn’tit?”Maybeckasked.
Finnsaid,“Italsosaystobesatisfiedwithwhoyouare.
“Nottomentionthatnomatterhowstrongyouthinkyouare,there’salwayssomethingstronger,”Willacontributed.
Philbysaid,“Soit’saboutpower.It’sastudyofpower.”
“Walttoldmethatstory,”Wayneexplained,“andthensaidsomethingIwillneverforget.Hesaid,‘Ihaveplansforthisplacethatshouldputthingsinperspective,Wayne.’Andtherewasthistwinkleinhiseye.Therewassomethingmoretoitthanhewaslettingon.Atleastthat’sbeenmyopinionalltheseyears.”
“Butwhat?”Finnasked.
Wayneshrugged.Herepeated:“Ihaveplansforthisplacethatshouldputthingsinperspective.”
“Andwe’resupposedtofigureoutwhyhecalledit‘TheStonecutter’sQuill’?”Willaasked.
“Yes,it’suptothefiveofyoutosolvethefable.Othershavetriedbeforeyou,myselfincluded,buttonoavail.Asmattersgrewmoreurgent,wecameupwiththeideaoftheDHIs.Youhaveonefootinthecharacterworld,oneinthereal.Weneednotonlytosolvewhateverthefableissupposedtotellus,butweneedtoapprehendandstoptheOvertakersresponsibleforourrecentproblems.”
“Andwe’rethechosenones,”Maybecksaidskeptically.
“Indeed,youare.Verycarefullychosen,atthat:intelligence,athleticism,artistry,computerknowledge.”
“Whatifwedon’twanttobechosen?”Willaasked.
Finnanswered.“There’snotmuchchoice.We’regoingtocrossoverwhenwegotosleep.”
“Butthatmustbeyourdoing,”WillasaidtoWayneaccusingly.
Theoldmanlookedbackimpassively.Foramomentitseemedhemightrefusetoanswer.
Theoldmanlookedbackimpassively.Foramomentitseemedhemightrefusetoanswer.
Thenhesaid,“It’soutofmyhandsnow.”Heraisedhisarmsdramatically.“I’vewaitedalongtimetotellthatstorytoyou.
Willaspoke,“Whatareweupagainst?”
Waynesaid,“Youknowhowyoucansometimessenseastormbeforeiteverrains?Youcanalmostsmellit?Whateverishappeningtothisplaceislikethat:weknowit’scoming.Badthingshavebeenhappening,butworsethingsareontheirway.We’repowerlesstodoanythingaboutthem.Youarenot.Youfivecanchangeit.”
Maybecksnorted.
Philby,deepinthought,complained.“Whatifthereisn’tenoughtime?”
HewonWayne’sattention.
Finnexplained,“Thisafternoonweall…kindoffainted.Allofus.Rightatthesametime,andallincompletelydifferentlocations.”
Wayne’sfacewrinkledinconcern.Heconsideredthiscarefullyandsaid,“Wasthissometimeaftertwoo’clock?”
Finngasped.“Howwouldyouknowthat?”
“TheDHIshereinthepark—theywentdownforafewminutesthisafternoon.Somethingtodowiththecomputerserver.Maybeck?”
Maybeckshiedfromthesummons.
“That’sright,”Philbysaid,remembering.“You’reacomputerfreak,aren’tyou,Maybeck?”
“Freak?I’mfreakinggoodwiththem,ifthat’swhatyou’reasking.”
Finnspeculated,“Ifwe’reabletocrossoveratnight—andwecertainlyare,thenmaybeifsomethinghappenstotheDHIsduringtheday,italsohappenstous.”
Waynesaid,“Ithinkyou’dbetterhurry.”Hepursedhislipsandlookedeachofthemintheeyesbeforesaying,“OncetheOvertakersrealizeyouintendtohelpus—thatyou’reheretostopthem—Ibelievethey’lldowhatevertheycantostopyoufirst.Maybeyourfaintingistheresultoftheirdarkpowers.Iftheycanstopyoufromcrossingover,we’redefeated.Fearisonewaytostopyou.”Hepausedamomentandsaid,“Thisisnewgroundforallofus.”
Finnfeltachillrunuphisspine.
Stilldeepinconcentration,Philbysaid,“Waltwasanartist.Ananimator.Hedrewthings.Youdrawthingswithpencilsandpens.Quills.”
“Yes,”Wayneagreed.“Wegotthatfaraswell.”
“Sothesolutiontothefablehassomethingtodowiththat,”Philbysaid.“Apen.Apencil.Aquill.”
Waynenodded.“Justaswe’vethoughtthesemanyyears.Butwhatitisexactly,andwheretofindit?Wehavenoidea.”
Willahadherownconcerns.“Whatdoyoumeanby‘darkpowers’?Somekindofmagic?”
“Whatputsusinabadmoodwhenjustaminutebeforewefeltsogood?”Wayneasked.
“Whatmakesusafraidofthedarkwhenweknowperfectlywellthere’snothing
badoutthere?
Whatexplainsthatsometimeswethinkofapersonandtwosecondslaterthephonerings,andit’sthatsamepersoncallingus?”Again,Waynelookedatthekidsonebyone,hisfacedeadlyserious.“Notallsuchforceshavetodowithhatsandrabbits.Thereareforcesbiggerthanallofus.Good,andbad.”
Waynereachedtowardthewall.“Goodluck,”hesaidashepushedacircularmetalplateembossedwithasilhouetteofMickeyMouse.Apanelintheflooropenedupbeneathhim.Waynefellthroughanddisappeared.
Finnjumpedup,aheadoftheothers.Thefloorwassolidagain.Waynewasgone.
Sittingonthecoffeetableinthecenteroftheroomwaswhatlookedlikeasmallblackgarage-dooropenerwithasingleredbutton.
Waynehadusedittosendhimbacktohisbedonhisearliervisits.Finnpointeditoutfortheotherstosee.“Well,Iguessthat’sit.Sowho’sin?Who’supforsolvingtheStonecutterfable?”
Onebyone,theotherDHIstentativelyliftedtheirhands.TheyhadacceptedWayne’schallenge.
Hesaid,“PhilbyandWillawillworktoconnectthefabletotheMagicKingdom.Therehastobesomethingwe’resupposedtodowiththestory.MaybeckwillfindoutasmuchashecanabouttheDHIserversandwhatwemightdotoprotectthem,toprotectus.CharleneandIwillstudyuponWaltDisney—whyhemighthavepickedtheStonecutter’sfable,what’swiththequill,andanythingelsewecanfindout.Soundokay?”
Noonedisagreed.Finnwastheacknowledgedleader.
Finnsaid,“Idoubtthisbuttonisgoingtocrossoverwithme.It’llremainhere.”
Maybecksaid,“Myguessis,it’saproximitything,likethedialoguebubblesinVMK.Youhavetobenearitwhenit’spushedinordertogoback.Soifyou’reeverintrouble,getupheretothisroomandpushthisbutton.”
“Okay?”
Everyonenodded.
Finnindicatedtheblackfobwiththeredbutton.Theyallgatheredclosetogether.
Maybecksaid,“Itmightbesmarttoholdhands.”
Thekidslookedanxiouslyandapprehensivelyamongthemselves.
Finnsaid,“Itwouldn’tbegoodtogetleftbehind.”
Theygrabbedeachother’shandsimmediately,formingacircle.WillatookFinn’srightforearm,freeinghishandtoreachdownandpressthebutton.
Theworldwentdark.
13
Thenfolowingnight,thefiveDHIsgatheredneartheRiverboatCruiseasthefirstrumblingsofathunderstormechoedlikefarawaydrumsinthedistance.Theapproachingcloudsdrewaveilacrossthenightsky.Theriver’sblackwaterswirledandlappedlazilyattheriverbank.WaynehadmentionedtheIndianEncampmentasasafelocation,andthishadledtheDHIstomeethere.
Theclusterofextremelyrealistic-lookingteepeessatatoparise,overlookingTomSawyerIsland.Theencampmentincludedadozenhuman-sizemodelsofNativeAmericansdoingaday’swork:choppingwood,tendingafire.Atthefakecampfire,anoldNativeAmericanwomansquattedwhileshecooked.
AsFinnledtheDHIsinsidethefirstoftheteepees,theyalldisappeared.Charlenegaspedaloud.“We’re…”
“Invisible,”Maybeckanswered.“Ourhologramsarenotprojectedinsidetheteepees.
Basically,we’reinakindofhologram-projectionshadowhere.”
Finnsaid,“That’sgottobewhyWaynesuggestedit.It’stheperfecthidingplace.”
“Ourhologramsapparentlyhavebeenprogrammedtoprojectinsidemostattractions,”
Maybecksaid.
Philbysaid,“Theplanwastohaveusguideguestsontotheridesatsomepoint.Stillis.Sittherewiththemandexplainthehistoryoftheattraction.ThatproducerBradtoldmeaboutitwhenwewereallatMGM.”
Finnsaid,“Buthere,we’resafe.”
Thesmallspacewascrowdedwiththefiveofthem.Maybeck’scrossedlegs—andonlyhislegs—showedbecausetheywereneartheteepee’sopendoor.ApartofCharlene’sleftkneeshowedaswell.
“Thisistooweird,”saidaninvisibleWilla.
Maybeckraisedandloweredhisarmintothelightthatcamethroughthedoor,makinghishandappearanddisappear.Hesaid,“It’slikecellphonereceptioninatunnel.”
“Let’snotforget,”Philbypointedoutinawhisper,“thatthoughwemaybeinvisible,wecanheareachother.Thatmeanswecanalsobeheard.”
“Goodpoint,”Willawhisperedback.
Finnalsospokequietly.“So,wherearewe?Willa?Philby?”
Philbysaid,“TheStonecutterfableissupposedtoleadustoaquill:maybeaspecialpenorpencil;maybesomethingusedbyWaltDisneyalongtimeago.Ourcluesare:sun,cloud,wind,andstone.AsWaynesaid,they’refoundalloverinthepark.”
“Theattractions,”Willasaid.“Waltknewtheywouldstaybehindlongafterhewasgone.”
Philbysaid,“Ridesdealingwithsun,clouds,wind,andstone.”
“We’reworkingonwhichattractionshavetodowitheachclue,”Willasaid.
Finnpointedout,“ButWaltdiedbeforetheparkwaseveropen,didn’the?Sohewouldn’thaveknownwhatattractionswouldendupgettingbuilt.Notallofthem,anyway.Maybewe’resupposedtotrytosolvethisinDisneyland,nothere.”
Willasaid,“Buthehaddozensofloyalpeopleworkingforhim.Hisbrother.Hisnephew.Hecouldhavepassedhiswishesalongtoanyoneofthem.”
Philbyadded,“AndWayneworkedhere,inDisneyWorld.WalttoldthefabletoWayne,andnooneelse.”
“Thatweknowof,”Willareminded.
“Theanswersarehere,”Philbysaidconvincingly.“Wejusthavetoputitalltogether.”
FinnaskedMaybeckifhe’dfoundoutanythingabouttheDHIservers.Anyclueastowhytheyallfaintedatthesametime.“WasWaynerightaboutthat?”
“YourememberwehadtosignthosereleasesbeforetheystartedturningusintoDHIs?”
Maybeckreplied.“Someoftheseimagingtechniqueshaveneverbeentriedbefore.That’swhatmakesitlooksocool,right?It’s,like,totallynewstuff.TheDHIserversclearlycontrolourholograms,butwhytheycouldaffectusashumansisreallyweird.IncrossingbackoverwemusttakesomethingofourDHIswithus.Wedon’tseeit,wedon’tfeelit,butit’sthere.Thatmightexplainhowmessingwiththeserversmadeusfeelfaint.Idon’tknowabouttherestofyou,butI’mnotrealkeenonsomeoneelsecontrollingme.I’mnotlovingthatidea.Ithinkthetimewillcomewhenwe’dratherhavecontroloftheserversourselves.Sothat’swhatI’mworkingon.”
Murmursrippledthroughthegroup.Nooneobjectedtotheideaofgainingself-control.
“TheFallGamesaretomorrow,”Charlenesaid.“Iseveryoneheregoing?”
Theyrealizedtheywouldallbethere,participatinginvarioussports.
“Thatgivesusachancetomeetagain,”Finnsaid.“Let’smeetbythesnackbarbeforeanyofthesportsgetgoing.”
“Psst!”Maybeck’sarmappearedbrieflyashereachedacrossthedoorwayandpulledCharlene’skneebackinside.Intheshadowherlegbecameinvisible.
FinnthenheardwhatMaybeckhadheard:thesoundoffootsteps,thecrunchingofgravel.
Nearby.Securityguards?Atthesametime,hefeltasuddendraft,likewhenhesteppedintoanair-conditionedroom.Heshivered.
“Ifeelyou…”Itwasawoman’shoarsewhisper,raspyanddry,asifshehadsandinherthroat.GoosefleshrippledupFinn’sarmsanddownhisspine.Hewasfreezingnow.“Youdon’tbelonghere.Goaway.”
Thesoundoffootstepsmovedslowlyawayfromtheirteepee,andcontinuedontothenext.
Finnheldhisbreath.Thesoundstopped,andthenheadedbacktowardthem.
InsidetheteepeecameasoftshufflingsoundastheinvisibleMaybeckandCharlenemovedfartherawayfromthedoor.
“Ifeelyou,”camethatawfulvoiceagain.“Youcan’thidefromme.”
Itwasn’tjustanywoman’svoice.Finnhadheardthatvoicebefore.Buthowwasthatpossible?
Thefootfallscircledtheteepeeandcamearoundfrontagain.Twolegsappeared,withblackstockingsthatendedatlow-heeled,shinyblackshoes.AninvisibleWillareachedoverandfoundFinn’shandandclutchedittightly.Herswaswarmandclammy.
Theblack-stockingedlegsbentasahandappearedintheteepee’sdoorway.
Agreenhand.Thehandemergedfromtheendofalongblacksleeve.Greenasalizard,theknucklesbentandbumpy,thenailsaslongasclaws.Charlenegaspedaloud.Tooloud.
Theairgrewcolderstill.Thewomanbentoverfullyandpeeredintothedarkteepee.Sheworearobelikeblackdresswithjaggedpurplefringeandapurplestriperunningupthemiddle—
somekindofcostume.
“Interesting,”shesaid,staringintoanemptyteepee.
NowFinnunderstoodhowheknewthisvoice:itwasfromoneoftheDisneymovies.Butwhichone?
Herackedhisbrain,asWilla’shandgrewcolderinhis.Shesqueezedsohard,ithurt.
Thewomanbentlower,andlowerstill.Theairgrewcolderandcolder.
Agreenneckappeared,thenagreenchin,agreennose,andfinallyherfullface.Wretched,yetsomehowbeautiful.
ItwasMaleficent,themean-spiritedwitchfromSleepingBeauty,themostill-temperedanddreadedwitchofall.
Hiseyeswerestingingwithice,Finnlookedaway,thinkingthecoldmightkillhim.Whenhelookedback,shewasgone.Twofootprint-shapedpatchesoficeshowedwherehershoeshadbeen.Thegroundwasfrozensolidwhereshehadstood.
Noonespokeforseverallongminutes.Finnwasthefirsttobreakthesilence,inafaintwhisper.“Wasthatanillusion?”
“Ifitwas,itwasonesolidillusion,”Maybecksaid.
Philbyasked.“Whataboutthecold?WasItheonlyonewhofeltthat?”
“Noway!”theyallchorused.
“Ihadmyeyesshut,”Charleneconfessed.
“Metoo,”Willaadmitted.OnlythendidsheletgoofFinn’shand.Hewasgladtheywereallinvisible.Hewouldn’thavewantedtoexplaintheirholdinghands.
Maybeckscootedforward,andashedid,partiallyreappearedatthemouthoftheteepee’sopendoor.Aboutathirdofhimpeeredoutside,therestofhiminvisible.
“She’sgone,”Maybecksaid.
“She?”Charleneasked.
“Herskincertainlylookedrealenough,”Finnsaid.
“Thatwasgreenskin,notgreenmakeup.Markmywords,”Maybecksaid,“Iknowthedifference.”
“AreyousuggestingwhatIthinkyou’resuggesting?”Willaasked.
Finnofferedtheonlyexplanationhecouldthinkof:“IthinkwejustmetanOvertaker.”
14
TheWideWorldofSportscomplexhousedelevenbaseballdiamonds,aseparatemajor-andminor-leaguebaseballstadiumwithseatingforninethousand,fivesportsfields,atenniscomplex,anda400-meterrunningtrack.Thefacilityhadasmanyparkinglotsasanairport.Variousbuildings,allpaintedyellow,werescatteredaroundthegroundsandhousedacafe,lockerrooms,andmeetinghalls.
OnthisOctoberafternoon,nearlyathousandlocalstudentsandtheirfamiliesjammedthecomplexfortheannualFallGames.
“You’renottellingmeanything,”Amandacomplained,assheandFinnwalkedtowardthesnackbar.“Allyoucareaboutishookingupwiththeothers.What,I’msuddenlynotyourfriend?”
“It’snotlikethat.”
“Looksthatwaytome.”
“Listen…allsortsofweirdstuff’shappening.”
“Well,thatcertainlyclarifiesthings.”
“It’scomplicated.”SuddenlyFinnspottedPhilbyandMaybeck,bothintheirgymclothes,astheyclimbedthestepstothecentralfacilitythathousedlockerroomsandanindoor-outdoorsnackbar.ATVnewscrewwaspickingoutkidstointerview.Finnsteeredwellclearofthecameras;hiscelebrityasaDHImade
himaprimetargetforTV.
Finnfeltthecuriouswarmthonthebackofhisneckthathealwaysfeltwhensomeone’seyeswereonhim.Throughthechaoticcrowdsofkidsandparents,coachesandreferees,volunteersandWideWorldemployees,Finnspottedagirllookingathim.Notjustanygirl.Shewasbeautiful,withpaleskinthatsetoffherjet-blackhair.Herdeep-setgrayeyescaptivatedhim,evenfromadistance.He’dneverseenherbefore.
Itdidn’ttakeAmandalongtonoticeFinngazingatthegirl.Shestaredlongandhardather.
“Who’sthat?”Finnasked.
“Who?”Amandatriedtopretendshehadn’tseenher.
“Thegirlyou’restaringat.”
“Neverseenherbefore.”IsAmandaupsetwithme?Finnwondered.Sheturnedandhurriedoff.
Finncalledouttostopher,butshepretendednottohear.
ThepalegirlwiththeblackhairsmiledatFinn,whocouldn’tavoidpassingnexttoheronhiswaytojointheothers.
“Hey,Finn,”shesaid,asiftheykneweachother.
Hestopped.“Hey.”
“I’mJez.”
“That’sanunusualname.”
“ShortforJezebel.It’sfromtheBible.”Shewasn’tproudofthis.“Mymother.Youknowhowthatgoes.”
“LawrenceFinneganWhitman.Myparentsactuallythoughtthey’dcallmeLarry.Larry!Canyouimagine?IswitchedittoFinninthirdgrade,thoughit’snotmuchbetter.”Hecouldn’tstophismouthfromtalking.Hetoldhimself,Shut
up!,buthekeptongoing.“Andthenallthefishjokesstartedcoming.Fin,this.Fin,that.”
“What’syoursport?”
Itwasasifshehadn’theardhim.Hefeltrelieved.“Soccer.Yours?”
“Spectator.Icametowatch.”
Hereyesweregraywithgreenspecks,likeimperfectjewels.
“Havewemet?”heasked.
“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Butyouknewmyname.”
“Iknowallaboutyou.”ThewayshesaiditbotheredFinn.“BecauseoftheMagicKingdom!”
sheexplained.“You’remyfavoriteDisneyhost.”
Finnfeltawkwardanduncomfortable.Whatwashesupposedtosaytothat?Hewassavedbythepublicaddresssystem.Playersweresupposedtofindtheirteams.FinnwantedtocatchupwithhisfellowDHIs.
“Well,”hesaid,“Igottago.”
“There’saGirlScoutcarwashtomorrow,”shesaidcasually,likeanafterthought.Whenshelaughed,itsoundedalmost—musical.“Youcouldcomebyifyouwant.”
“Yeah…maybe…”
“It’satDangerousDan’s.”
Finnhurriedupthestairsandpastthesnackbar.
Hefoundtheothersinasour-smellinglockerroommarkedVISITORSB.Backpacks,athleticbags,andsmellyshoessurroundedthem.FinnandMaybeckorganizedplasticchairsintoacircle.
Philbysaid,“WillaandIhavemadesomeprogress.”
Finnfeltawrenchinginhisgut.Thedeepertheywent,themorehefearedtheywereindanger.
Philbyglancedtowardthedoor.NowFinndidtoo,because,likePhilby,hethoughthefeltsomethingcomingfromthere:aslightchill.Afamiliarchill.
“Arewegoingtotalkaboutlastnight?”Charleneasked,clearlyunsettled.
“What’stotalkabout?”Maybecksaid.“WewerevisitedbyMaleficent,awitchwithgreenskinandblacktights,whobroughttheambienttemperaturedowntoaboutfivebelowzero.”Hespokewithsomuchsarcasmthatnoonedaredbringthesubjectupagain.
FinntoldPhilby,“Thegamesarestarting.We’vegottohurry.Haveyougotanything?”
Philbyexplained,“Thefirstclueinthefableissun.Thereareplentyofsunsinthepark.ButsupposedlytheridewiththebiggestsunisIt’saSmallWorld.Ithinkweshouldstartthere.”
“Startwhat?”Charleneasked.
“Lookingforclues.”
“Whatkindofclues?”shepersisted.
“I’mnotsurewe’llknowuntilwefindone.”
“Doesanybodyelsehearhowridiculousthissounds?”Maybeckasked.
Finnsaid,“We’regoingtoendupintheparktonight,likeitornot.Wemightaswellhaveaplan.”
Willaspokeup.“Weshouldallgotobedearly,rightateight,astheparkcloses.Agreed?”
Maybecksnorted.“Youguysarecrazy.Youknowthat?”
Finnsaid,“Weneedallofus,Maybeck.”Hefeltawashwithasuddenwaveof
coldagain.
Notasstrongasattheteepee,butnotnormal.Heloweredhisvoice.“Ithinkwe’redonehere.”
Theotherssuddenlyfeltthecoldaswell.Maybeck’ssmugnessfellfromhisface.Hesaid,
“Okay,I’llbethere.”
“Butwhataboutthegreen—thing,person,woman?”Charleneasked.
Maybeckanswered.He’dlosthissarcasm.“Listen,we’dbetterstayalert.Notonlywhenwe’reinthepark.”Headdedcautiouslyinawhisper,“Arewesosurethiscrossingoverthingisaone-waystreet?Ifwecancrossovertothere,whosaystheycan’tcrossovertohere?”
15
“Finn,areyousureyoufeelallright?”hismothersaid,lookingupfromthekitchensinkwhereshewasdoingdishes.Hisfatherhummedashewipeddownthekitchentable.
“I’mfine.Ijustwanttogotobedearly,that’sall.”
“Forthethirdorfourthnightinarow,”hismothersaid.
Hisfatherbarelylookedup.“Trytosneakoutagain,you’regroundedfortherestofyourlife.”
Finnandhismotherexchangedalook:she’dtoldhisdad,aftersayingshewouldn’t.
“I’mnotgoingtosneakout,”Finnpromised.
“I’lltakeawayyourcomputer.Nomoree-mail.Nomoregaming.”
Thiswastheworstthreathecouldmake.
Hisfatherlookedup.“Therewasabreak-inataweldingshoptheothernight.Abunchofgearwasstolen.Samenight,thepolice—thepolice,thisis—reportedabunchofhandcuffsmissingfromastorageroom.Thiswasalloverthenews.Youandyourfriendsgosneakingaroundatnight,andyou’llbeblamedforthingslikethat,youunderstand?Whetheryouhadanythingtodowiththemornot.Youendupatthewrongplaceatthewrongtimeandit’sgoingtolookbad
—verybad—foryou.”
“Wouldn’tthepolicehavesecuritycameras,Dad?”Finndidn’treallywanttheanswertothis,buthehadtoknow.Waynehadmentionedthebreak-in.
“Idon’thaveanyidea!I’mjustworriedaboutyou,Finn,notwhateverwasstolen.AreyoulisteningtoanythingI’msaying?”
“Isyourhomeworkdone?”hismotherinquired,changingthesubject.Sheknewwhentorescuehim.
“Alldone.Seriously,I’mjusttired.”
“It’sbecauseyousleeptoomuch,”hisfathersaid.“Moreyardworkwouldbegoodforyou.
Why,whenIwasyourage—”
“Dad!”Finncomplained.“Canwemaybetalkaboutthisinthemorning?”
Thedigitalclockthatwaspartofthestoveread7:45.Finnneededtobeinbedandasleepbyeightifhewastomeettheothers.
Finndressedwarmlyandclimbedintobed,bootsandall.Hepulledthesheetandblanketuphighincasehismotherlookedinonhim.Shemightwakehimifshesawhewaswearingstreetclothes.HehadnoideawhatmighthappentohisDHIifhewererudelyawakenedfromsleep,buthedidn’twanttofindout.
Helaythereinbed:7:55.Hedidn’tfeelparticularlysleepy.Ifhedidn’tcrossover,thensomeoneelsewouldhavetoleadthegroup.Thisthoughtmadehimmoreanxiousandlesssleepy:8:04.Hefelthischancesslippingaway.Howwouldhefindthemifhearrivedlate?TheMagicKingdomwashuge!Thisledhimtowonderhowitwasthattheyallarrivedinthesamegeneralarea.Waynehadn’texplainednearlyenoughofthis.
Thefront-doorchimesounded.
Itwasanoddtimeofnightforvisitors.Theirnext-doorneighborsalwaysusedthebackdoor.
“Finn?”hismothercalledupstairs.
Bothannoyedandcurious,Finndraggedhimselfoutofbed.Heheadedtothedoorandthencaughtalookathimselfinthemirror.Hewasfullydressed,headtotoe,indayclothesthathehadn’tbeenwearingearlier.Whatwouldhismotherthinkofthat?
Heremovedhisbootsandsocksandrolledupthelegsofhisjeans.Ifhethrewabathrobeoverhisclothes,he’dlookreadyforbed.
Aglanceintothemirrortoldhimhehadtolosethejacket,orlookliketheIncredibleHulk.
Checkinghimselfonelasttime,heheadedoutintothehall.
Jezstoodinsidethefrontdoortalkingtohismother.Finnfeltstupidwearingabathrobe.Toolate.She’dglancedupandseenhim.
Hesummonedhiscourageanddescended,asifitwereperfectlynormaltobereadyforbedateighto’clock.Hefeltwarmundertherobeandlayersofclothes.
“Hey,Jez!”Amillionthoughtsranaroundinhisbusybrain.Howdidsheknowwherehelived?
Whatwasshedoinghere?
Heglancedatthegrandfatherclock:8:10.Thiswasaseriousproblem.
Hismothercouldn’tshutup,ofcourse.SherambledonabouthowrefreshingitwastomeetoneofFinn’sfriends,andsuchacutegirlatthat.
Finnshotheraprivatelook.Hismomexcusedherselftothekitchen.
Jezsaid,“Icamebytocongratulateyou.”
Finnfeltconfused.
“Soccer,”Jezsaid.“Youguystookthird.”
Theclockread8:12.
“Well,”Finnsaid,movingtoopenthedoor,“Thanksalot.Thatwasreallyniceofyou.”
“Nicebathrobe,”Jezsaid,stiflingagrin.“Youfeelokay?”
Truthwas,Finnwasoverheatinginallthelayers.Sweattrickledoffhisforehead.Hemoppeditupwithhissleeve.
“Justalittletired.Probablyjustthegame.”
Shenodded,butstudiedhimoddly.Hefeltoneofhispantlegsslipdown.Hebentoverandstuffeditbackup,withoutofferinganexplanation.
Thedoorbellrang.
Mrs.Whitmanchargedoutofthekitchen.Finntriedtostopherwithaglance,butitwasnogood.Finnsteppedupandopenedthedoor.
Amanda.
Hismotherlostthebattletokeepasmileoffherface.Headingbackintothekitchen,shecalledout,“I’llgetcookies.”
“Hey,Finn,”Amandasaid,steppinginside.“I’mAmanda,”sheintroducedherselftoJez.
“Jez.”
“Yeah,Iknow.”AmandagaveJezthatsamepenetratinglookshe’dgivenherearlieratthesportscomplex.Jezjustlookedbackatherandsmiled.
“Whatkinddoyoulike?”Finn’smotheraskedfromthekitchendoorway.
ThetwogirlsfollowedMrs.Whitman.
“Whatkinddoyouhave?”Jezasked.
Finnfeltoutnumbered.Hewasboilinghotandboilingmadforhavinghisplansinterrupted.BythetimehereachedthekitchenallthreeofthemwerejabberingawayabouthowquicklycookieswentstaleintheFloridaweather…somethingaboutGirlScouts…Jezmentionedthecarwash.
Theclockread8:15.
“I’mbeat!”Finnannouncedfromthehall.Thetwogirlsglancedover,theconversationinterrupted.HismothergavehimanOh,noyoudon’t!face.
Hesaid,“Imean,Idon’tfeelsohot…Actually,Idofeel—hot.Likeafeverorsomething.”
“Butyousaidyoufeltfine,”Jezcorrectedhim.
Heswipedhisdampforeheadwiththesleeveofthebathrobe.“Hot,”herepeated.“Didyouneedsomething,Amanda?”heasked.
“No.Iwasjustintheneighborhood.ThoughtI’dstopby.”
Intheneighborhood?Finndidn’tthinkso.Shelivedseveralblocksaway.
Jezasked,“WillIseeyouatthecarwash?”
Amandasaidearnestly,“Absolutely!”asifJezhadintendedthisforher.
“Night,then!”Finnsaidsoftly,backingupthestairs.“Seeyoubothtomorrow,Iguess.”
Amandascrunchedherfaceandsnarledsecretlyathim.Shedidnotwanttobeabandoned.
Hismothersaid,“Finn,we’regoingtohavesomecookies—”
Amandasawhispanickedexpression;thenshelookedattheclock.Sheunderstood.“It’sokay,wecandoitanothertime,”shesaid.ShepulledJeztowardthehallway.
Thegirlssaidgood-bye.FinntriedtothankAmandawithhiseyes.
Afterthedoorshut,hismotherasked,“Isittrueyou’renotfeelingwell?”
“MustbewhyI’msotired,”Finnsaid.
“Well,gettobedandwe’llseehowyoufeelinthemorning.”
Musictohisears.
16
TheCinderelaCastleshoneinthenightsky.Forallthemake-believeinthisplace,everythingseemedsorealthatFinnbrieflyunderstoodhowthelineshadblurred.Evenatthishourmusicfloatedontheair,comingfromFrontierland.Mustbeaprivateparty,Finnthought.Hadn’tWaynesaidthatprivatepartieshadbeencanceledbecauseoftheproblemstheparkhadbeenhaving?
HadFinnimaginedthat?
Adampeveningchillstungtheair.Itfeltlikerainwascoming.Finndidn’tknowhowhisDHIwouldreacttorain.Hedidn’tknowalotofthings.Likewheretofindtheothers.Theyhadcrossedoveraheadofhim,nodoubt,butwerenownowheretobeseen.Heconsideredcheckingtheapartmentfirst,followedbytheteepee,butthenrememberedthatPhilbyhadmentionedIt’saSmallWorldwhentheyhadallmetatthesportspark.TheywerelookingforattractionsthatcorrespondedtothesunclueinTheStonecutter’sQuill,andthoughtheSunshineTreeTerrace,theSwissFamilyTreeHouse,andtheCarpetsofAladdinwereallplausiblecandidates,PhilbyandWillahadpickedIt’saSmallWorld.
Theridehadtworeferencestothesun.One,initsthemesong:Thereisjustonemoon
Andonegoldensun
Two:theride’sCentralAmericansectionincludedablazingMayansun,thebiggestsunintheMagicKingdom.
SoFinnheadedtoIt’saSmallWorldfirst,knowinghewouldhaveledtheotherstherehadPhilbyorMaybecknotarrivedontime.Hefoundthefourwaitingoutsidetheattraction,Philbyanxiouslylookingathiswrist-watch.WillawavedexcitedlyasshesawFinnapproaching.Heheardhersay,
“Itoldyouhe’dmakeit.”
“SorryI’mlate.Troubleathome,”Finnsaid.
Astheysteppedinside,therideseemedtowakeup.Thefamiliarsongstartedplaying,atunethattheyallknewbyheart.
“It’safterclosing,sowhydidthemusicsuddenlystart?”heasked.
Philbyanswered,“Don’tworryaboutit.”
Maybeckwarnedtheothersthatitcouldbeatrap.“Stufflikethisdoesn’tjusthappen.”
Finntoldthemaboutthemusiche’dheardcomingfromFrontierland.“Maybethere’sapartyoverthere.”
Charlenesaid,“Waynetoldmetheridesandattractionsareleftonatnight.Let’sjustgetitoverwith.”
“Butthelightsareoff,”Finnsaid.
Indeed,thefarthertheymoveddowntheramp,thedarkeritgrew.Onlysomeemergencyfloodlightsandexitsignswereglowing.Theyprovidedenoughlighttoseeby,butjustbarely.
Theyallclimbedintoaboat,FinnsittingwithPhilby,MaybeckbetweenCharleneandWillaonthebenchbehind.
“Thatsongdrivesmenuts,”Charlenesaid.“Thewayitgetsstuckinmyhead.”
“Thatsongiswhywe’rehere,”Philbyremindedher.“Itrepeatsthewordsunoverandover,andthisisoneoftheoriginalrides.”
Theboatstartedmoving.Asitroundedabendintothefirstscene,themusic
grewlouder.
Finnandhisfriendsfacedhundredsofdolls,allrepresentingthedifferentcountriesandcontinentsoftheworld.TheywereAudio-Animatronics,sotheirlimbsandmouthsmovedastheysang.Thelowlightcasteerieshadows.Anopenarchupaheadledintothenextscene.
“Doweevenknowwhatwe’relookingfor?”Charlenewhined.
“AFastpassbacktoournormallives,”Maybecksnorted.
Charlenesaid,“It’screepyinhere.Realcreepy.”
Willapointed.“Hey!Didthatdollmove?”sheasked.
Maybecksaid,“They’reallmoving,girl.They’resinging.”
“No,Imean—moving.Asinwalking.”
Maybecklaughed.Theothersfollowed—evenWilla,whowasgladforthechancetoreleasethetensiontheywereallfeeling.
Theirboatpassedunderthearchandintothenextscene.
Behindthem,whentheDHIswerenolongerlooking,oneoftheBritishdollsleanedforwardandsnappeditsgluedfeetoffthedeckofthedisplay.Ittookalongstrideforward.Fourothersdidthesame—twofromFrance,twofromSwitzerland—theirmouthsmovingalongwiththesonglyricsastheirfeetbrokefree.
Lookingforclues,WillaandPhilbycalledoutthevariousEuropeancountriesrepresentedbythedolls.
“It’scoldtonight,”Charlenecomplained.Shecrossedherarms.
Finnfelttheunusualchillaswell.He’dcometorecognizethatchill.HelookedaroundforanysignofMaleficent.
Philbysaid,“Thinkintermsofthefable.It’soriginallyanancientChinesestory,soweshouldfocusonAsia,theride’snextscene.”
“There!”Willasaid,pointing.“IjustsawaGermanmove!
NowFinnlookedbackaswell.“Philby?”hesaid.
Theothersturnedtolook.Theboatrockedastheymoved.
Charlenescreamed.Maybecksaidawordhewasn’tsupposedtosay.Philbyplungedhishandintothedarkwaterandshouted,“Paddle!”
Behindthem,severaldozendollshadbrokenloosefromthesceneandweremarchingtowardthewater.Towardtheboat.
Thekidspaddled,buttheboatdidn’tmoveanyfaster.Itwaslockedontoatrackandmovedmechanically.
Behindthem,theloosedollsbangedintoeachotherandtumbledover,butthenstoodupagain.Moreandmoreofthemleanedandwiggledandstretchedandbrokefreefromthevariousplatforms.Theymarcheddownthroughthepanoramas,throwingtheirlegsforwardlikelittlesoldiers,andfelloverface-firstintothewaterlikelemmings.
Theboatdraggedslowlyforward.Thekidscouldnotsteeritrightorleft,normoveitanyfaster.Morewide-eyeddollsfellofftheplatformsandplungedintotheshiningwater.Miraculously,theirarmsbegantostrokefreestyle,andtheirfeettoflutterkick.Theywereswimming.
“They’recomingrightatus!”Willashouted.
Finnheardlittlethudsasthefirstdollsarrivedandbangedintothehulloftheboat.
“Thisisn’thappening,”Maybecksaid,tryingtosoundcalm.
“Shut—up!”saidCharlene.“Dosomething!”
Thereweremoreofthedollsnow—maybefiftyormore,allswimmingtowardtheboat,theirnationalcostumesreducedtowetrags.Theyconvergedontheboat,stackingoneatopthenext,higherandhigherinafloatingpile.Onedollfloppedovertherailandintotheboat.Thenanother,andanother.
TheboatpassedintotheAsiascene.Noneofthekidswaslookingforcluesnow.
Thedolls’littlesingingmouthsopenedandshut,snappingviciously.Afewmoretumbledoverandintotheboat.Theywereclimbing!Astheylanded,theyrolled,crawled,andthenpulledthemselvesuptostanding.
OnebitdownontoFinn’sarm,lockingitsjaw.Itdrewblood.Finnknockeditoffandbackintothewater.
TwootherdollsattackedPhilby.Maybeckpushedthemoffasiftheywerelivelobsters,thenpickedoneupandthrewit.Itstruckthewallandsmashedintopieces.
Theotherkidscheered.
CharleneandWillaknockedthedollsofftheedgeoftheboatbeforetheycouldclimbin.FinntoreabitingdolloffPhilby’sleg.
Maybeahundreddollswerenowswimmingtowardthem.Theyweredefinitelylosingthebattle.
FinnglancedaheadthroughthenextarchtotheAmericasscene.Therehesawdozensofdolls,linedupandwaitingfortheboat.
Maybeckshouted,“We’relosingthewar,incaseanyone’skeepingtrack!”Hislegwasbleedingfromabite.Willasmackedadollbackintothewater.Itrosetothesurface,turned,andswamagainfortheboat.
Legionsofdollsclosedinfromallsides.
ThatchorusofsingingscreamedinFinn’sears:“It’sasmallworldafterall.It’sasmallworldafterall.…”
Finnfeltlikehewasbeingdrivenhalf-crazybythesound.
“There’sawayoutofthis!We’remissingsomething,”hecried.“Think!Everyonethink!”
“Anautomaticweapon?”Maybecksuggested.
“Abaseballbat,”Willasaid,grabbingseveralmoredollsandtossingthemovertheside.
“Formacircle!”Finnordered.“Backtoback!”
Withoutargumentthekidsturnedbacktoback,likethefivepointsofastar.
“Wemusthavewhateveritisweneedtobeatthem,”Finnsaid.
“Why?”askedthecynicalMaybeck.
“Becausegoodconquersevil,”Charleneannounced.“ThisistheMagicKingdom!Finn’sright.”
“We’remissingsomething,”Finnsaid.
“Anoutboardmotor?”Maybeckquipped.“Astickofdynamite?”
Finnlookedup.TheywereintotheAmericasscenenow,andthereonthewallwasthehugeMayansun.
Finncaughthimselfhummingalongwiththethemesong.
WillaheardFinnhumming.Shejoinedinwiththelyrics.
Thedollskeptadvancing.Everykidboreabruiseoranopenwound.Theysweptthedollsofftheedgeoftheboat,butitwasclearlyalosingbattle.Dollsjumpedfortheboatandheldontoitssides.
Maybeckbangedtheirlittlehandswithhisfists.
Charlenejoinedinsinging:
“Thereisjustonemoonandonegoldensun—”
Sun!Finnthought.Whatweretheymissing?
“Andasmilemeansfriendshiptoev’ryone—”
Smile!Thesunhadbroughtthemhere.Thesunisoftenshownwithasmileonitsface.
Friendship,Finnthought.
“It’sallaboutfriendship!”Finndeclared.“Thelyrics!Ourabilitytospreadfriendshipliketheraysofthesun!”
“You’reoutofyourmind!”Maybeckroared,smashinganencroachingdoll.
“Asmilemeansfriendshiptoeveryone!”Willacried.Sheconsideredthisamomentwhilestillbattlingthedolls.“Wehavetosmileatthem!”
Finnhollered,“Tryit!”
Maybeckcomplained,“Youhavegottobekidding!”
“Smile!”WillaandFinnholleredsimultaneously.
Andwiththat,allbutMaybeckbrokeintomassivefakesmiles.Theylookedlikejack-o-lanterns.
Finnwatchedastheeffectofthosesmilesregisteredinthefrozenglasseyesofthedolls.
Theexpressionsonthesmallfaceschangedfrombloodlusttosurprise,thencuriosity,andthenoutrightaffection.
Theeffectquicklyspreadthroughthefacesofotherdolls.Somestoppedswimming.Othersturnedaround.
“Keepsmiling!”Finnsaid,throughclenchedteeth,hisfakesmileneverfaltering.
Astheswimmingdollsencounteredthesmiles,theyfellbackoverthesideoftheboat,backintothewater.
Finnandtheothersbeganclearingdollsoutofthebottomoftheboat.Insidethevastroom,thesongcontinued,overandover,overandover.Withinafewminutes,theboatwascleared.
Dozensofdollsfloated,lyingstillinthewater.
It’saSmallWorldwasgoingtobeclosedfor“restoration”forquitesometime.
TheboatpassedthegiantsunattheendoftheAmericasscene.
Finnstudieditcarefully.Hesawnothingthatevenremotelyresembledaclue.
17
Saturdaymidmorningfoundtheskywithoutacloud.Ahotsunburnedayelowholeintherichbluebackground,promisingthunderstormsbylateafternoon.ThecornerparkinglotofDangerousDan’sUsedCarswasmarkedbylittleredandyellowplasticflagsonastringthatranfromlightpoletolightpole,givingtheschoolcarwashthefeelofacircus.Afour-foot-longmockblimpandabigbunchofcolorfulballoonshoveredfiftyfeetabovetheasphaltinanefforttodrawattention.
Thatwasalsothejobofthegirlsatthestoplight,whoworejeanshortsovertheirbathingsuitsandheldasignproclaiming:GIRLSCOUTCARWASH—$5.
Dan’solder-modelHyundais,Fords,andBuickshadbeenparkedtotheside,leavingalargeareanowcoveredwithhoses,buckets,andlotsofwhitefoam,asskinnygirlsstruggledtoscrub,polish,andshinethecarsthatlinedupforthefive-dollarwash.Mostofthetimetheprocessincludedawaterfight,orabucketbrigade,thegeneralchaoskeptundercontrolenoughtobefunforall,evenonlookerslikeFinn.
TherewasalreadyarumorgoingaroundthatIt’saSmallWorldhadbeenvandalizedthenightbeforeandwouldbeclosedformonths.Policewereinvestigating.
FinnstoodawayfromallthewaterwithhisfriendDillard,whohadtakentheoccasiontoborrowoneofhisfather’sHawaiianshirts.Finnthoughthelookedprettycool.
FinnspottedJezassheleftthecollectiontable,whereshe’dbeentakinginthemoney.Shekickedoffherpairofshortstorevealadarkpurpleone-pieceSpeedoandjumpedintothemiddleofawaterfight.Sudsflew.Thegirlsgiggledandscreamed.TheyhoseddownaVolvoandspongeditclean.Nowwet,withherhairslickedback,JezlookedoveratFinn.She’dknownhewasthereallalong.
Noticingthis,Dillardsaid,“Youthinkshelikesyou?”
Finnsaid,“She’sagirl.Notellingwhatshethinks.”
Dillardasked,“Youthinkgirlsaresmarterthanus?”
“Insomethings.”
“Likewhat?”
“Likeschoolstuff,andfriendships,andfamilystuff.”
“Sowe’rebetterat…?”Dillardasked.
“Computergames.Andfarting,”Finnsaid,crackinguphisfriend.
“What’ssofunny?”saidagirlbehindthem.
ItwasAmanda,wearingawhiteT-shirtoveraswimsuitandapairofjeanshorts.Finnsaidhiandshesaidhibacktobothboys.
Dillardopenedhismouthtosayhello,butbelchedinstead.He’dneverbeenmucharoundgirls.Bothboyslaughedhard.
Amandadugintothesnugpocketofherjeansandpulledoutseveralbills.ShehandedDillardadollar.“Hey,Dill,”shesaid,calculatinglycoy,“wouldyoumindgettingmeanorangesoda?”
“No—no—no…”hestuttered.“Happyto.”
DillardaskedifFinnwantedanythingandFinnpassedhimadollar,askingforacola,andthankinghim.Dillardtookoff.
Amandasaid,“Thenearestorangesodaisatthegasstation,acrossthestreet.
It’lltakehimawhile.”
“He’snotaservant,youknow?”Finnsaid.
“IwantedtohearaboutIt’saSmallWorld,”shesaid.“Thatwasyouguys,Iassume.”
Finnsaid,“Youcan’tsayanythingtoanyone.”
“Youguystrashedtheplace?”Shetookastepback.“Why?”
“Itwasn’tanythinglikethat.Itwas—”Hefeltboxedin.“Impossibletoexplain.”
“Impossiblebecauseyouwon’t,youmean.”
“Impossiblebecauseyouwouldn’tbelieveit.”
“That’snottrue.Tryme.”
Finnmeteyeswithher,consideredifthiswastherightthingtodo,andsaid,“Thedollscamealiveand…attackedus.”
Amandalookedstunned,butshedidnotmakefunofhim.
Finnreturnedhisattentiontothenoisygirlsandthecarwash.
Hepulledupthelegofhisshortsandshowedherwherehe’dbeenbitten.Amandagasped.
“Finn…”
“Iknow,”hesaid.“It’sgettingserious.”
“Getting?”shefiredbacksarcastically.
“Andwhat’sworse,wedidn’tfindanycluestothefable.”
“You’vegottostopthissomehow,Finn.It’stoodangerous.It’sjuststupidtocontinue.”
Finnsaid,“WishIcould,butIdon’tthinkIcan.”
“WhenIdothingsIshouldn’tdo,mymothersaysIneedanewpairofglasses—thatIshouldbelookingdifferentlyatthechoicesImake.”
AsilentalarmwentoffinFinn’shead.Hetunedouteverythingaroundhim—everythingbutAmanda—andfocusedonher.“Whatdidyoujustsay?”
“Youcan’tgogettinghurt.That’sjuststupid.”
“Abouttheglasses,”Finnsaid.
“Justsomedumbthingmymothersays.”
“Likeadifferentperspective,”hesaid.
“Yeah.”Herconcernmounted.“Whatifyoujuststayedupallnightanddidn’tgotosleep?BythetimeyoudidgotosleeptheMagicKingdomwouldbeopen.Evenifyouendedupthere,itwouldbesafer!”
“Andthisfortherestofmylife,Isuppose?”Finnasked.Buthisbrainwasworkingovertime.
Anewpairofglasses.
“Hey,isn’tthatguyahost?”Amandaasked.
FinnspottedMaybeckataboutthesamemomentthatJezdid.Maybeckwentovertoher,saidsomething,andthetwostartedlaughing.
JeztookMaybeckbythearmandledhimovertoalemonadestand.Shesnatcheduptwocupsandofferedhimone.
Onlythen,ashepeeredovertherimofthepapercup,didMaybeckspotFinnandAmanda.
Hiseyeswentwidewithrecognition,andhegaveFinnahalfwave.MaybecktooktwostepstowardFinn,butJezcaughthimbythearmagain,tippedhiscuptomakehimfinishhislemonade,andthensaidsomethingthatcausedhimtocrumpleuphiscupandthrowitather.Jezdidthesamebackathim.Within
secondsitevolvedintoawaterfight,withMaybeckatitscenter.
ForsomereasonFinnwantedtobeatthecenterofthatbattle.Buthisfocusshiftedpastthewaterfighttothestreetandacarparkedthere.
Disguisingthedirectioninwhichhewaslookingbypretendingtoscratchhishead,Finnsaid,
“Checkoutthatblackfour-wheel-drivethatjustpulleduptothecurb.”
“Yeah?”Amandasaid.
“Lookclosely.Tellmewhatyousee.”Finnturnedhisbackonthecarcompletelynow.
“Okay.Awoman.Agrown-up.”
“Herhands.Onthewheel.”
“Whitegloves,”Amandasupplied.“That’salittleweird.”
“Alittle?”
“Yeah.Whiteglovesarealittleweird,evenforFlorida.”
“Liketotallyinsane,”Finnobserved.“It’sazilliondegreesout.”
“You’vegottoseethis,”Amandatoldhim.
Finnglancedcarefullyoverhisshoulder.Goose-bumpsracedupbotharms.Thedriverrolledthepassengerwindowdown.Jez,who’dbrokenawayfromthewaterfight,walkedstifflytowardthecarandsteppeduptothewindow.Thedriverleanedovertospeaktoher,givingFinnabetterlook.Herfaceappearedunnaturallypale.SheremindedFinnofsomeone,buthecouldn’tplaceher.
“Doesshelookfamiliartoyou?”
“Shelooksscared,”Amandasaid.
Finnhadbeenlookingatthedriver.OnlynowdidhefocusonJezandseehersquarepostureandunexpressiveface.
Thedriverhaddarkhair,pulledbacksharply.
“Icanthinkofonereasonyoumightwearglovesandatonofmakeup,”Finnsaiddryly.
Amandawasoffinherownworld,stilldescribingJez.“Shelookssounhappy.”
“Youthinkthat’shermother?”
“No!”Amandasnappedsharply.
“It’spossible,”Finnsaiddefensively.
“Theydon’tlooktoofriendlytome,”Amandasaid.“Butyou’rerightaboutthegloves.What’swiththat?”
Finndidn’tsaywhathewasthinking:Youmightwearglovesandalotofmakeupifyourskinwasgreen.
18
ThatsameSaturdaynight,theDHIsmetattheIndianEncampmentacrossfromTomSawyerIsland.Ateighto’clocktheparkwasstillopen,sotheywaitedforitsclosingbyhidinginvisiblyinsidetheteepee.
Finnsaid,“We’llmakeourmoveduringthefireworksfinalescheduledforeight-thirty.Alleyeswillbeaimedatthesky.”
“Whynotjustwaituntilclosing?”Charleneasked,neveroneforunnecessaryadventure.
Philbyanswered,“AfterwhathappenedatIt’saSmallWorld,Disneyannouncedthatthey’reincreasingsecurity.Thatmeanspatrols,probablyinpairs,maybeingolfcarts.Wecan’taffordtogetbusted.Sowecrosstheparkwhiletherearestillguestsinside.SeeingaDHIwillmakesenseaslongasitisn’tpastclosing.”
Finnaskedtheobvious.“Howdidthosedollscometolife?”
Philbyansweredwithaquestion.“Howdowecometolife?”
“Weweredesignedtocrossover,ifyoubelieveWayne.Thedollsmostdefinitelywerenotdesignedtomarcharoundattackingpeople.”
Maybecksaid,“Acertainwomanwithagreenfacecomestomind.Aspell?”
Finnfounditoddbutcooltobeinvisible,tobenothingbutavoice.HewonderedifMaybeckhadgottenasgoodalookatJez’smomasheandAmanda
had.
Philbyannounced,“Wecantalkaboutthislater.Fornow,we’lltravelingroups,neverallfiveofustogether,incaseweshouldgetcaught.Andnomatterwhat,wenevergoitalone.Twogroups.Finnandme.Thethreeofyou.”
Nooneobjected.
“Maybeck,”Finnsaid,“didyougetthem?”
“Yeah,”Maybeckanswered.“Hangon.Ileftthembythedoor.”
Maybeck’sarmappearedbytheteepee’sopendoor.Heproducedfivepairsofplasticglasses.“Igotherealittleearly,”hesaid.
“What’swiththat?”Philbyasked.
Finnexplained,“Walt’scommenttoWayne.Andthensomethingafriendofminesaidaboutperspective.”
“Idon’tgetit,”Charlenesaid.
“AsIrecall,Walt’sexactwordstoWaynewere:‘Ihaveplansforthisplacethatshouldputthingsintoperspective.'”
Finnexplained,“Inthelatefiftiesandsixties,3-Dmovieswerealltherage.Waltwasanillustratorandmoviemaker.Hewouldhaveknownallaboutperspective.Thesedaysthe3-D
moviesaresomeofthecoolestthingsintheparks.IthinkWaltmentionedittoWayneforareason,andWayneandtheothersneverpickeduponit.Perspective;3-D.Youhavetowearspecialglasses.That’swhyMaybeckandthegirlsarereturningtoIt’saSmallWorldtonight.”
“What?”Charlenesaid.
“Wemissedtheclue,”Finnexplained.“Weshouldhavefoundsomething.Thosedollsdidnotwantusinthere—ormaybetheywantedourattentiononthemandnotthescenery.Whatifweweren’tlookingfromtherightperspective?”
Philbyasked,“Youthinktheglassesaretheanswer?”
“PhilbyandIaregoingtotakethenextclue—clouds—whileyouguysareatIt’saSmallWorldcheckingouttheMayansun,thistimewithglasses.”
“Isn’tgoingbacktherealittlerisky?”Charleneaskednervously.
Maybecksaid,“It’sthelastplacethey’lllook.Lightningdoesn’tstriketwice,andalthat.”
Acoilofwindswirledoutsideoftheteepee,tossingupdust.Itquietedthegroup.TheywaitedaminuteormoretofeelachilorseeMaleficent,buttherewasnothing.
Charleneasked,“Whatdoyousupposehappenstousbackhomeinbedifwegetbustedonthisside?”
Silence.
“Ithinkmyparentsaresuspicious,”Willaannounced.
“Mineare,too,”Finnadded.“TheythinkI’msneakingout.”
“Mymom’saluptight,”Charleneconfessed.
“Goingtobedateightdoesn’thelpthings,”Maybecksaid.“MyauntthinksI’vetotalylostit.”
FinnaskedPhilbyandWillawhat,ifanything,they’dlearnedaboutclouds,thenextclueinthefable.
Philbyexplained,“Therearecloudsinsomanyrides.Pooh.PeterPan.Buttheridewiththemostclouds,andthebiggestclouds,isSplashMountain.That’swhereFinnandIwilstart.”
“Startwhat?”Charleneasked.
“Whenwe’reinsidetheattractions,”Philbyannounced,“wealweartheglasses.We’l‘gainabetterperspective.’Let’smeetbackattheapartmentatten.Thebuttonisupthere.Useitifyouhaveto.”
“Listenup,”Finnsaid,movinginvisiblytowardtheteepeedoorandeventualyintotheareawherehecouldbeseen.“Majorityrules.Ifyouguysneedtoleavethepark,thenusetheremote.”
Maybeckasked,“Whatifittakesalofusatthesametime?Whatifwe’rewrongaboutneedingtobeclosetoit?”
“Thenwe’llfindoutthehardway,”Philbysaid.
“Weshouldgetgoing,”Maybecksaidanxiously.
“What’sthematter?”CharleneaskedMaybeck.“Yougotahotdate?”
Maybecksmirked.“NotwithyouIdon’t.”
Thefourothersbooedhim.Maybeckwentrightongrinning,unperturbed.
19
FinnandPhilbyclimbedintoSplashMountain’swaterwaycarefuly.Thedarkwaterwascold.
Finndidn’tlikethefeelingatall.“Arewesure,”hewhisperedtoPhilby,“thatthisisworthit?”
“Dowehaveachoice?”
Theysloggedtheirwaythroughthefirstpartoftheride,aroundsometurns,andsoonencounteredarubberconveyorinclinethatprovedatoughclimb.Itgrewdarkerthedeepertheywentintotheride.Asidefromhiscold,wetlegs,Finnfeltadifferentchillallthroughhisbody.HeconsideredmentioningittoPhilby,buthedidn’twanttosoundafraidlikeCharlene.
Theyclimbedthroughasecondtunnel,muchlongeranddarkerthanthefirst.Ithadstairsoneithersideformaintenanceandemergencyevacuation.Onlytheorangenightsky,andaslightglowfromtheirholograms,offeredanylight.Oncethroughthissecondtunnel,theyrestedbrieflybeforepassingamassivetreeontheirleft.Inonescenetherewasaladderhangingfromabranch,withalaundrylinetotheirright.Herethewatercurrentwasstrongandthegoingmoretreacherous.
Philbysaidsoftly,“Ithinkweoughttofloat.”
“What?”
“Float,”herepeated.Philbyloweredhimselffullyintothewaterandleanedback.ThewatercurrentquicklycarriedhimawayfromFinn.
Reluctantly,Finndidthesame,notwantingtobeleftbehind.
Bothboysmaintainedtheirbalanceanddirectionbykeepingonehandonthesteelrailmeanttoguidetheride’sboats.
“I’vetakenthisrideazilliontimes,”Philbysaid,“butthisisprettycool.”
Finndidn’tlovebeingsoakingwet,buthetoowasenjoyinghimself.
Thentheyenteredadarkscene,acavelikespacefilledwithAudio-Animatronicfigures.Thecharacters,turnedoffforthenight,allstoodfrozeninmidgesture.
“Kindacreepy,”Finnsaid.He’dhadenough.Thegoingwasperfectlyflathere,thecurrentslow.Hegrabbedtherailandpreparedtoclimbout.
Philbydoveforward,splashingthemboth,andgrabbedholdofFinn.
“Youcan’tdothat!”Philbywarnedhim.“Ifweclimbout,we’lltripthealarm.”
“Whatalarm?”Finnchallenged.
“Theyuseinfraredsensorstodetectanyonewhotriestogetoutofalogcarduringtheride.”
“Buttheride’sshutdown.”
“Butistheinfraredshutdown?”Philbyasked.“Idoubtit.Besides,therearethirty-sixhiddencamerasalongtheride.Ifweclimbout,we’llbephotographed.”
“It’spitch-black!”
“Butwe’renot,”hesaid,indicatinghisownglow.“We’llbephotographed,trustme.Andifwe’rephotographed,we’reidentifiedandbusted,”Philbysaid.
“Howdoyouknowanyofthisstuff?”
“CanyouspellGoogle?”
“Andyouwaiteduntilnowtotellmethis?”Finnasked.
“Iwasn’tgoingtowriteyouareport,”Philbysnappedbackirritably.
Finn’sfeargrewmoreintensethedeepertheyventuredintothiscave.Theyfloatedfasternowastheroutetwistedandturned.Thewaist-deepwaterintheride’schutewasgettingdeeper;andthewaterwasflowingfaster.
“IfIrememberright,we’regoingintoasmall—drop,”Philbyannounced.
Bothboysrusheddownthedrop.Finn’sheadwentunderwater,andheheardsomethinggrinding.Somethingmechanical.
Hebobbedtothesurface.“Didyouhearthat?”
“Theride’sturnedon,”Philbydeclared,hisvoiceunsteady.“Thatmeansthelogcarsaremoving.”
Finnrecalledthemarchingdolls.Hehadnodesiretotrytooutracemetalboatsshapedtolooklikelogs.
Anotherdrop.
Thewatertriedtoswallowthem.Bothboysremainedontheirbacks,armsextendedtostayafloat.Atthebottom,Finnlookedaheadtoseeanothertunnelapproaching.
“Idon’tlikethis!”hesaid.
Astheynearedthetunneltheysawlightsandheardmusicplaying.Voicessang,“Yougottakeepmovingalong.”
Therobotcharactersweremoving;giantcreatureswithlongnosesandbigbugged-outeyesrockedanddanced.Onethrewafishinglineatthewater.
Finnsaid,“I’mstartingtothinkgettingbustedwouldn’tbetoobad.”
“Notyet!”Philbyannounced.“We’vegottohanginthere.”
Thetwoboysswamandbouncedandbumpedtheirwayalongthewaterroute.Theypassedfakegreenhillsandlow-hangingtreebranches,andasix-foot-tall
rabbitholdingapaintbrush.
ThesethingslookeddevilishtoFinnashesawthemloomingabovehim.
“Theridetakesatotalofelevenminutestocomplete,”Philbysaid.“Ifwe’rehalfwayalong—
andIbetweare—thenthefirstlogcarshouldn’tarriveforanothersixminutes.Bythattime,we’llonlyhaveacoupleminutestogo.”
“Whydoesn’tthatsoundterriblyreassuring?”
Nextweremountainbackdropsandtwelve-foot-highbears.Finnlookedaway,coldandshivering,andanticipatedthearrivalofasteellog.
“Clouds!”Philbyannounced.
Finnsawtheminthebackdrop.Theywerepaintedbehindamountainrange.Hewormedahandintohispocketanddonnedthepairof3-Dglasses,justasPhilbydid.
Nothing.Thecloudslookedperfectlynormal.
Finnsqueezedtheglassesbackintohispocketwithdifficulty.“Thisiscrazy,”hesaid.“Whatarewedoinghere?”
“Themoreimportantquestion,”Philbyanswered,“iswhoknowswe’reinhere,andwhywastherideturnedon?”
“Ifyou’retryingtocheermeup,you’renotdoingsuchagreatjob,”Finnfiredback.
Agiantrabbitjumpedacrossthescene,andcalledoutloudly,whichcausedFinntosplashinself-defense.Okay,Finnthought,nowI’mdefendingmyselfagainstmechanicalrabbits.Whatiftheserobotscomealivethesamewaythedollsdid?“Okay,”hesaid.“Iwouldliketogetoutofhere!”
“Moreclouds!”Philbyannounced.
Finnfumbledwithhisglassesagain.Wearingthem,hetookinthecloudsand
sky.Stillnothing.
nothing.
Presently,therewerechipmunkvoicessingingsomethingatsuchahighpitchandvolumethatFinncouldn’tunderstandaword.Buthecouldfeelthelogsapproaching.Philbykeptglancingoverhisshoulder.Hecouldfeelthemtoo.
Alowmalevoicebegannarratingtheride.Thescenebecameasdarkastheinsideofastomach.Theboysbouncedofftherailsandthechutewalls.Bruisedandcold,Finngrewincreasinglydesperate.“Exactlywhatarewedoinghere?”heaskedashisheadcameupfromunderwateragain.
“Mybad,Finn,”Philbysaid.“Butkeeptheglasseson.Okay?Andkeepaneyeoutformoreclouds.”
Alargewolfwearingacowboyhatandholdingarabbitwassayingsomethingthatwasprobablyfunny,thoughFinnwasn’tlistening.Hisearsweretunedtothesteadygroanofthesystem—theapproachofthelogcars.
“Maybeweriskthecameras,”Finnsuggested.
Philbysaid,“AndhaveourDHIsremovedfromthepark?Idon’tthinkso!”
Finnknewthiswasright.Hefelthiscouragegatheringandwasgladtohaveitback.
Theyslippeddownadip,travelingeverfasterinthedark,churningwater.Finnsawlightupahead.Hefeltaprofoundsenseofgratitude.Theendoftheride,insightatlast!Butthenherememberedwheretheywereintheride.Nextupwas—
Areallybigdrop.Theride’sbiggestdropofall.Itsbiggestthrill.Thrillorkill?Finnwondered.
Heback-paddled,fightingthecurrent.
“Thatbaby’saboutfourstories,straightdown,”Philbysaid.“Forty-fivedegrees.Amilliongallonsofwaterdrivingyoulikeafreighttrain.”
Theirbodiesslappedforward—closertotheedge—despitetheirvigoroussplashing.
“It’lleithercrushus,”Finnsaid,“orwe’lldrown.”
Philbydidn’tdisagree.
Finnsaidmoreloudly,“Isaid:it’lleithercrushus,orwe’lldrown!”
“Yeah,”Philbysaid.“Ithinkyou’reright.”Herolledontohisstomachandtriedtoswimawayfromthedrop,butitwasnouse:thewaterwastoofast.
Finnalsorolledoverandstartedswimming.Hetriedfortheedge,happytoclimbout,evenwiththeriskofgettingbusted,butthestrongcurrentpreventedhimfromreachingtheside.Hepanicked.
Thoughthetwoboysswamfrantically,theywereactuallymovingwiththecurrenttowardthedrop.
Philbysaidbetweenstrokes,“Ifwe—couldget—intoalog—”
Wasthatpossible?Finnwondered.Itdidseemtheperfectsolution.
Howmuchlongeruntilalogarrived?Finnwondered.Hetwistedhiswatchwhileflappinghisotherarminanawkwardcrawl.Anymoment,hedecided.Betweengulpsofdisgustingwaterhesaid,“Soundslikeaplan.Keepswimming!”Theywerebothstillslippingbackwarddespitetheirefforts.Theride’sdramaticplummetdrewnear.
ItfelttoFinnasifhewerebeingsuckeddownagiantdrain.
“We’renotthinkingright!”hesaid.Thefirstlogappeared.Itlookedbigandpowerful,anditwascomingrightforthem.
Stillthinkingoutloud,Finnsaid,“We’remadeoflight,Philby.Holograms!We’rehalflight.Wearen’tsolid.WaynetalkedaboutEinstein.Abouthowwe’remorespacethanatoms.”Hecouldn’tseePhilbythroughallthesplashing.
Avoicesurfaced.“Idon’tthinkthisisthebesttimetodiscussphysics,”Philbysaid.“Besides
—Iprobablyknowmoreaboutitthanyoudo.”
Theyheardaloudbump!andwhack!fromthedarkastheloggrewcloser.
“Ifwe’remostlylight,”Finnproposed,“thenwatercurrentcan’taffectus.Lightmovesthroughwater;itdoesn’tgetcarriedoffbyit.”
Drivenbyhisnewfoundconfidence,Finnrolledontohisbackandstrokedmoregently.
Slowly,hepulledawayfromPhilby,andwithhalftheeffort.
It’sallwhatI’mthinking,herealized.
PhilbywatchedasFinn’sglowingbody—brighternow—swampasthimupstream.Indoingso,Philbyallowedhimselftorelaxforamoment.
Amomenttoolong.
Philbywassuckeddownthethroatofthefinalplummet.
Timeslowed.Philbytumbledthroughspaceandwater,holdinghisbreathandthensuckingforair.Hislungsburned.Hecouldn’ttellwhatwasupordown.Then,amidtheswirlofblack,ahandappeared.Ahumanhand.Glowing,asifithadbeenpluggedintothewall.Behindthathandanothershapeformed.Thatshapewasanarm,Finn’sarm.
Finnwasinsidethelogcarleaningover.Thetwoboyslockedhands,andFinndraggedPhilbyupandintothelog.Thelogthrewoutatremendoussplashasitreachedthebottomofthechute.
BythetimePhilbyhadrightedhimself,nowsittingup,theloghadsnakedthroughthechuteandenteredyetanotherscene.Thiswasthelastscene,themostexoticoftheattraction.
FinnandPhilbyscrambledfortheirglasses.
“Howdidyoudothat?”Philbyasked.
“I’mnotsure.ButIthinkitwasallinmyhead,”Finnreplied.
Behindthepaddleboat,Finnspottedlargepinkcloudsinabigbluesky.Hisheadswirledwiththesoundsofvoicessinging“Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.”Heslippedontheeyeglasses.
There,behindtheShowboat,hesawabunchofclouds.Inthemiddleofoneofthebiggestcloudshesawseveralbigletters.Theyappearedtohavebeenspray-painted: FME
WhenFinnliftedhisglasses,thelettersdisappeared.
“Ourfirstclue!”Finnwhispered,lookingfortheexit.
20
“Where’sMaybeck?”Finnasked.Thetwogirlsdidn’tanswerrightaway.TheyseemedshockedtoseehimandPhilbysowetandsopale.
“Wedon’tknow.”Charlenesoundedfrightened.
“Thesun!”Philbysaid.“Didyoutrytheglasses?”
“Y,I,andR.Threeletters!Theylookpainted,addedonlater.”Willarepliedexcitedly.
“Samewithus!”Philbysaid,“F,M,andE.We’redefinitelyontosomething.”
Finninterruptedtheirglee.“Where—is—Maybeck?”
Charlenelookedworried.“Wegottotherideandhesaidhehadsomethinghehadtocheckout.Wetoldhimwehadtosticktogether,butheblewusoff.”
“Andhehasn’tcomeback,”Willasaidangrily.
“Hasn’tcomeback?”Philbyasked,finallyrealizingtheyhadaseriousproblemontheirhands.
“Andthiswas,like,halfanhourago,”Charlenesaid.
“Hekeptcheckinghiswatch,”Willacomplained.“Hewasnervousaboutsomething,likehewaseagertogetback.”
“Oh,no.”Finnheardhimselfmoan.
“Thebutton!”heandPhilbysaidatonce.
IfMaybeckhadtakenthebuttonfromtheapartmentwithhimtotheotherside,hecouldleavethemallstrandedinsidetheMagicKingdomuntilhereturned.Nooneknewifthebuttonwouldcrossoverorstaybehind.Buttheydidn’twanttowaittofindout.
Thefourtookoffatarun.
Theyapproachedthecastlewithcaution.Itseemedalikelylocationforsecurityguards.Atnight,lightstreamedupontoitsstoneexterior,thetoweringspirespointinglikefingersintothedarksky.Crouchedbehindsomethickbushes,justofftherampthatleduptothecastle,thekidswaited,listeningintentlyandlookinginalldirections.
CharlenenudgedPhilby,whonudgedFinn.Apairofpirates—figuresfromPiratesoftheCaribbean,nothumans—lurkedinshadowjustinsidethecastle’sfirstarch.Waiting.Theirmechanicaleyesneverblinked.
Finnwhispered,“Iknowthosetwo!Theywerepartofthegroupthatattackedme.”
“You’reright,”saidPhilby.“Iwastheretoo,remember?”
“Youthinkthey’rewaitingforus?”Charleneasked.
“No.Howcouldtheypossiblyknow—?”Finncuthimselfoff.
“Maybeck,”Willasaid.“Youdon’tthink—?”
“MaybeckisnotanOvertaker,”Philbydeclared.
“Hecouldbeaspy,”Charleneproposed.
“Noway!”Finnsaidsharply.“Ifthey’rewaitingforus,itmeansMaybeck’sintrouble.”
“He’sbeencaught!”Willasaid.
AchillpassedthroughFinn.Hewaitedamomenttoseeifitlingered—incaseitmeantthatthewitchwasnearby.Thefeelingpassed.
Philbysaid,“Didn’tWaynesaysomethingabout—”
“Secretwaysintothecastle,”Finnfinishedforhim.“Yes,hedid.AndhealsosaidifyoutookawrongstepinEscher’sKeepyouendedupinthemoat.Buthenevershowedusanysecretdoors.”
“Iknowwhereoneis,”Philbyannounced.
“What?”Finnsaid,astonished.
“VMK,”Philbyexplained.“IwasinthisroomandIheardthesetwoguystalkingaboutcountingstones.Castlestones:I’mpositivethatwasit!Ihadnoideawhattheymeant.Butitcouldbeasecretdoor,awayinside.”
“Howmanystones,andfromwhere?”Willaasked.“We’vegottohurry.Maybeckmayneedus.”
“Idon’tremember,butthepointis,theremustbeastoneyoupushtogetinside.”
“Butthat’sinacomputergame!”Charleneprotested,sweepingonearmacrossthescene.
“Thisisreallife!”Theyalllookedatherglowing,transparentarm.“Orsortof,”sheadded.
“Thegameispartofreallife,”Philbysaid.
“Followme,”Finnsaid.
TogetherthefourDHIscreptontheirstomachsuptothewallofthecastle,wheretheywerenowoutofsightfromthewaitingpirates.
“Spreadout,”Finnsaid.“Pusheverystoneyoucanreach.”
Theyformedalongline,wrappingaroundthesideofthecastle,theirbackstoTomorrowland,wherethemanicuredlawnspilleddowntowardthemoat.Finn
pushedagainstthecoolstoneblocks.Hestartedatkneeheightandpushedagainsteverystonehecould.Thenhemovedanarm’slengthtowardCharlene,immediatelytohisright,andstartedagain.
AfewminutesintothisprocessWillacalledout,“Gotit!”
Finnandtheothershurriedover.
Adoorhadopenedinthewallofthecastle.
Itwaspitch-blackinside.
Philbysaid,“Alwaystrustcomputergames.”
Withnoonesteppingup,Finntookthelead.Thechillycorridorsmelleddampandold.
Philbyenteredlast.Hesaid,“Waitup!We’vegottoshutthisthing.”
Willaturnedtohelphim.Shefoundanironhandlestickingoutofthewall.Shepushedandcouldn’tmoveit,thenleanedherweightontoitanditrotatedtowardthefloor.Thestonedoormadeasoundlikefingernailsonablackboardasitclosed.
FinnwasstillverywetfromhisordealatSplashMountain;hissoakedclothesmadehimverycoldnow.Hefelthiswayalongthecoolrock,trippedwhenhereachedsomestairs,andwarnedtheothersinadrywhispertolookout.Togethertheyclimbedthestairs,atthetopofwhichFinnencounteredadeadend.Itwasastonewallthatdidn’tbudgewhenheleanedagainstit.
Charlenefoundanironhandle,justliketheoneWillahadfoundattheotherend.Thetwogirlsleanedagainstit,andthewallinfrontofFinnmovedopenacrack.HeandPhilbypusheditfartheropen….
“Thethrone!”Finnsaid,recognizingwherethisdoorled.
TheysteppedintothethroneroominthewaitingareaforCinderella’sRoyalTable.Thereweretapestriesandflagsonthewalls.Thethronewasattachedtothehiddendoor,sothatwhenthedoorhadopenedthethronehadmovedwithit.Asateamtheypushedthedoorback,butnotbeforePhilbyhadtakenamoment
tofindthehiddenswitch,awoodenknobtuckedawayonthebackofthethroneitself.Whenthisknobwasmoved,thedoortrippedopen.Theytrieditoncethedoorwasbackinplace,andsureenough,itcameopenforthem,offeringthemawayout,ifneeded.
MinuteslaterthethreeothersfollowedFinnupEscher’sKeep.Hehadcarefullymemorizedtheway,buttookhistime,knowingonefalsestepcould—
“Thartheybe!”cameagruffvoicefrombehindanddownbelow.
FinnandtheothersturnedtoseethesametwoAudio-AnimatronicpiratesstandingatthebaseofEscher’sKeep.Theyappearedtobeoverwhelmedbythecomplicationsofthestairways,ladders,andplatforms,allofwhichwereinterconnectedinimprobableways.
Onepiratewasdressedinabluecoat,theotherred.Theoneinredpulledouthisknifeandpointedupthestairs.
“Hurry!”Charlenecriedout.
Thesoundofclunkymechanicallegsechoedupthefirststairway.
“Wecan’thurry,”Finnreplied.“Wemakeamistakeandweendupinthemoat,andthatwouldmeansecurityguards.”
Thepiratescontinuedtoclimb.
Philbysaid,“Besides,theywon’tfigureitout.”
Buttohisamazement,thetwopiratesmadealuckyguessatthefirstplatformandfoundthecorrectstairway.Atthetop,theredpirateturnedleft,buttheblueonegrabbedhimbytheshoulderandstoppedhim.Theywerefrighteninglyclosetothekidsnow,onlyonestairwaybehind.
Finnrememberedhowtogetontotheupside-downmirrorstairs.Hesteppedonthecorrecttilesandthentestedthestairwaywithhisrightfoot.Itwassolid.Heclimbed,andtheothersfollowed.Astheycameouttheendofashorttunneltheirimagesappearedupsidedowntothepiratesbelow.
“Avast!”theredpiratecalledoutsharply.
Heandthebluepiratehurriedupthesetofstairsinfrontofthem.CharlenechargedpastFinn,clearlyafraid.ButPhilby,Willa,andFinnwatchedfromtheirinvertedpositionsasthetwopiratesreachedthenextlandingandtriedtodecideonacourse.Theyarguedbetweenthemselves.
“Youwouldn’tknoweastifthesunwasrising!”
“No?Whenwasthelasttimeyouknewforefromaft?”
Theysteppedupontoasetofstairs,seeminglyproudoftheirchoice,andpromptlyvanishedfromsightamidaroarofrough-soundingwords.
Amomentlater,twosplashes.
Finnsaid,“Andthatwouldbethemoat.”
Afewminuteslaterthefourkidsrodethenight-skyelevatortotheapartmenttogether.Totheirconfusion,theyfoundtheremotebuttononthecoffeetable,exactlywhereFinnhadleftit.
“Eitherhecamehereandsenthimselfback,”Philbysaid,“leavingustheremote,or—”
“Heneverlefthereinthefirstplace,”Finncompleted.
“Thatmightexplainthepirates,”Willasaid,stillwonderingifMaybeckwassomehowaspy.
“Oritmighttellushe’sbeencaught,”Philbysuggested.
“Whatabouttheteepee?”Charleneasked.“Didn’twesayifwedidn’tmeethere,we’dmeetthere?”
“Yes,wedid.You’reright,”Finnsaid.
“Idon’tlovetheideaofgoingbackthewaywecame,”Philbysaid.“Thoseclownscouldreturn.”
FinnmovedovertothesilverMickeyplateonthewallbythewindow.“Wayneusedtheexpresslane,”hereminded.
“I’mnotgoingfirstonthatthing!”Charlenedeclared.
Finnsaid,“ThenIwill.”Hehittheplate.
Thefloorfelloutfromunderhim,andheslidinhisdampclothesdownatwisting,steepexittube.Itwasthebesttubehe’deverridden,includingeverywaterparkhe’deverbeento.Itleveledoffnearthebottom,slowinghimdown,andhepoppedthroughapairofdoorsandlandedonapatchofgrassinashadowynookoutsidethecastlewalls.Herolledoutofthewayandwaited.Amomentlater,Willacamethrough.ThenCharlene,andfinallyPhilby.
Together,theymadetheirwaytowardFrontierland,andtheteepee,stayinginshadowandhidingoften.
TheycalledforMaybeckinsidetheteepee.Noanswer.Then,atPhilby’surging,theyclimbedinsidetogetoutofsight.
Finnsaid,“Wehavetofindhimbeforewegoback.”
“Butit’slate,”Charleneprotested.“Wehavetogetback.Listen,he’stheonewhotookoff.Hebroketherules.Whyshouldwebetheonespunished?”
Finnasked,“Andifitwasyouleftbehind?”
“Shh!”Philbysaid.
Theparksuddenlyseemedunusuallyquiet.ItfelttoFinnasiftherewereathousandearstrainedintheirdirection.
Arustlecamefromthebushesjustontheothersideoftheteepeewall.
Theyheardfootsteps.Someonecirclingtheteepee.
Iknowyou’reinthere,saidMaleficentinherdry,raspyvoice.ButFinnheardherinhishead,notthroughhisears.Missingsomething,arewe?Shecluckedhertongue.Whatashameyoudidn’tlistenandobey.Itoldyoutostayawayfromhere.Nastychildren.Nastylittlechildren.
Thefootfallscontinuedaroundtheteepeeandreachedthefrontdoor.Theteepee’sinteriorgrewsteadilycolderuntilthekidscouldseefourplumesoftheir
foggedbreathemergingclearlyfromtheirinvisiblebodies.
Acrossfromhim,Finnheardabriefbutsharpclatterofteeth.Charlene’s,nodoubt.
Thefourplumesoffogstoppedasallfourheldtheirbreath.Aganglyshadowstretchedacrosstheopendoorway.
Maleficent’svoicesoundedlikeslowlycrackingglass.“Youshouldhavestayedawaywhileyouhadthechance.”Theshadowbent.Heroddlybeautifulgreenfaceappearedintheopendoorway.
Charlenescreamed,jumpedup,andfledtheteepee,suddenlyvisible.Shesurprisedthewitch,whoreeledbackinstinctively.MaleficentlungedatCharlenewithherskinnyarmsandbonyfingers,butCharlenewasmuchtoofastforher.Maleficentgotonlyapieceofthegirl’sblackTshirt.Theshirtstretched,andCharlenewasnearlypulledoffherfeet.Buttheshirttoreatthelastsecond,leavingascrapofclothinMaleficent’sgreenhand.
WillafledrightbehindCharlene.Thewitchmissedherentirely.
FinnsawthatMaleficent’seyeswereeerilybright.Shehadsurprisinglypretty,highcheekbones,withahighforehead,blackhair,andastrongchin.Sheworeastrangeheaddress,liketwotwistinghornsthatrosefromthehoodofhercape.Herinquisitivefaceexploredtheemptyteepee.
“Whycan’tIseeyou,youpoorsimplefools?Hmm?Haveyougotmagicofyourown?Doyou?”Nevertakinghereyesofftheinsideoftheteepee,shecrouched.Hertwistedgreenfingerswithrednailscouldn’tkeepstill.Shescoopedupafistofsandydirtfromjustoutsidethedoorway.
Finnkeptinshadow,remaininginvisible.Hemovedcarefullyandquietlytowardthedoor.
“Now,FinnWhitman,youshalldealwithme,”thewitchsaid,castinganarcofsandinside.
Briefly,aghostlyimageofPhilby’sleftsideappearedasthesandstruckandstucktohim.
Acleverwitchatthat,Finnthought.
Philbybrushedoffmostofthesand,butnotall.Hisghostlyimageremained.
Maleficentsteppedoverthelipandintotheteepee,headingrightforPhilby.
Finnjumpedforwardandshovedhertothedirt.Itfeltlikehehadrammedintoawallofice.
“Run!”Finnshouted.
Philbyjumpedoverthewitch’slegsandsprangoutoftheteepee.Helandedinthedirt,rolled,andcametohisfeet.
Finnalsotrippedoverthelowerlipoftheteepee’sdoor.He,too,wentdownface-firstintothedirt.
AsFinncametohisfeet,acrowflewfromtheteepee.ThebirddoveforFinn,itstalonslikedinnerforks.Finnblockedtheattackwithhisforearmandwasoffatarun.
Thecrowshrieked,rosehigh,circledonce,anddoveagain,aflutteroffeathers.
Finnranhardandfast,thinking,Shewillnotscareme.Shewillnotscareme!
Thebirddoveagain,thistimestrikingthebackofFinn’shead,itstalonsscratchinghisscalp.
Finnheadedfortheshore.Hehitthewaterinaracer’sdive,knowingthecrowcouldn’tfollow.
Butthecrowtuckeditswings,lowereditshead,anddoveforthewater’sblacksurface.Finnheardabigsplashandthensilencebehindhim.
Charlene,Philby,andWilla,alreadyinthewater,swamtoshoreandclamberedupontothebankandquicklyoutofsight.
Finnrealizedthebird—thewitch—hadgoneintothewaterbuthadnevercomeout.
Atthatverymoment,hefeltsomethingwraparoundhisankle.Slimyandcold,it
draggedhimunder.
Agiant,blackeel.ItclimbedupFinn’sbody,wrappedaroundhismiddle,andsqueezed.Andsqueezed.Finntoreatitwithhishands,butitwasliketryingtograbagiantslitheringbarofsoap.
Themorehefoughtagainstit,themoreitsqueezed.Hefeltthewindbeingchokedoutofhim.Hecouldn’tbreathe.Hewaslosingconsciousness.
Finnheardaloudwhine,likean…engine.Theeel’sgripslackenedjustenoughtoallowFinntotakeabreath.
Abovehim,FinnsawPhilbyinoneofthejungleboats.Philbyheldtheboat’soutboardmotortiltedjustabovethewater,itsspinningpropelleraimedattheeel.
Asthepropellerwasjustabouttocuttheeellikeameatgrinder,thebeastreleaseditsholdofFinnandslitheredbackdownunderthedarkwater.FinnpulledhimselffromthewaterasPhilbyrantheboatuponshore.
“Wegottago,rightnow!”Philbyshoutedtothegirls.“We’vegottogetbacktotheapartmentandgetoutofhere.”
“Maybeck—”Finnsaid.
“Wecan’twait!”Philbyshouted.
“That’swhatI’vebeentellingyou!”Charlenesaid.
“Ihateleavinghimbehind,”Willasaid,worried.
“Wealldo,”Philbysaid.“Buttheyknowwe’rehere.We’vegottoleave.”
Finnhardlyheardanyofthis.Hewasnotthinkingofthewater,northecrow,northeeel.Hewas,instead,thinkingonlythisonething,overandover:Sheknewmyname.Sheknewmyname.
21
Amandastayedintheleadonherbike.Thankfuly,shehadn’taskedanyquestions,andhetookthisasasigntheywerebecomingreallygoodfriends.HetoldheronlythathehadtoseeJellyandthatshewaswelcometocomealongifshewanted.Theylockedtheirbikesbeneathasignthatread:CRAZYGLAZE.
“You’reawfullyquiettoday,”shesaid.
“Yeah,”wasallFinncouldthinktosay.
“Youwantmetokeepherbusywhileyoucheckaroundback.Isthataboutit?”
Henodded.
Amandaenteredthestore,glancingbackatFinnwithaworriedexpression.
Finnfoundtwofireescapesoutback,madeofslattediron,servicingseveraldoors.
FinnheardJelly’sdistinctivevoicethroughanopenwindow.ThiswasfollowedbyAmandaaskingafterTerry.
“Terry’snotfeelingwell,”Jellysaid.
“Ibroughthimsomehomework,”Amandasaid.Itwasawhitelie,becauseinfactsheandFinnwenttoadifferentschoolthanMaybeck;butsheneededareasontoseehim.
“That’ssweetofyou,girl.I’llbesuretopassitalong.”
Amandasaid,“Isittheflu?”
“Notexactlytheflu,”Jellyanswered.“Youwanttoleavehimhomework,that’dbefine.Butrightnow,I’vegotalotdo.”
“CanIhelpyou?”Amandaoffered.“CanIfillinforTerry,ifhe’snotfeelingwell?”
“Well…Terry’sasleepupstairs.Thatwouldbeverygoodofyou,Amanda.Thankyouforoffering.I’mhappytopayyou,thoughIcan’tpaymuch.”
Finnclimbedupthefireescape.Therailwashottothetouch.Ifcaught,Finnwasn’tsurewhatexcusehe’duse,buthe’dthinkofsomething.Atthefirstlandingtherewasanormal-lookingdoor.
Finnknockedgently.Nothing.Thenhetriedthedoorknob;itturned,buthedidn’tdareopenit.Thatwasjustplainwrong,andhecouldn’tbringhimselftodoit.
Thentheobvioushithim:thatotherlandingbelowtheadjacentwindows.Ifhecouldmakethejump…
Finnclimbedovertherailofthelanding,hungon,andjumped.Hisfingershookedaroundtherailing.Hehungonfordearlife,pulledhimselfover,andcollapsedbelowthefirstwindow.
Hegottohisfeetandpeeredin.Hesawatelevisionroomwithsomeverynicepotteryscatteredaround.Thenextwindow,considerablysmaller,wascoveredontheinsidebyathickcurtain—abathroom,perhaps.
Finnmovedtothethirdwindowandpeeredinside.
Maybeck.
Hewasasleepinbed—withtheshadeupandthelightson,Finnnoted—rolledover,withhisbacktoFinn.Hehadonthesameshirthe’dbeenwearingthenightbefore.Nexttothebed,onasidetable,Finnnoticedathermometerbulb-downinaglassofwater,afaceclothfoldedintoastripthreeincheswide,andacopy
oftheBible.
Finnknockedgentlyontheglass.Maybeckdidn’tstir.Finntriedagain,alittlelouder.
Maybeckdidn’tbudge.IfFinnknockedanyharder,hethoughthe’dbreaktheglass.Instead,hetestedthewindow.Itopenedacrack.Again,hefacedgoinginsideuninvited.Again,hecouldn’tbringhimselftodoit.
Buthedidslidethewindowupandstickhisheadthrough.
“Maybeck!”hewhisperedharshly.“Maybeck,wakeup!
“Finn!”ItwasAmanda’svoice,behindandbelowhim.Finnbumpedhisheadonthewindowframeasheturnedtolookforher.
“Jelly’scomingupthere!”Amandawarnedfrantically.“Sheheardyou!”
Finnduckedoutthebedroomwindow.HecouldhearJellycomingupthestairs.Thefootstepswereclosenow.FinnslidMaybeck’swindowshut,ducked,andhurriedtotherailing.Heclimbedover,paused,andjumped.
Forafractionofasecond,itseemedthathe’dmisjudgedthedistance,thathewouldfall,crashinginapileofbrokenbonesrightinfrontofAmanda.Buthemadeit.Heclimbedovertherailingandhurrieddowntogroundlevel.
“Finn?FinnWhitman?”Jellyholleredfromtheupstairsbalcony.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Hello,Jelly!”Finncalledback.
“Yousneakingaroundbackhere?”
“No,ma’am.”
“’Causethat’swhatitlookslike.”
“IneedtotalktoTerry,”Finnconfessed.“It’simportant.”
“Youcan’t.Terry’ssick.Notwell.”
“Sick,orasleep?Hewon’twakeup,willhe?”
AmandasnappedherheadinFinn’sdirection.
Jellysaid,“Youstayrightwhereyouare,youngman.”
Jellytookhertime.“Listen,”shesaid,emergingthroughthebackdoor.“ThisisnotsomethingIwantgoingaroundschool.Youunderstand?”Shemeteyeswiththemboth.“Terry’sgotsomekindofsleepingsickness.”
Finngasped.
“Wecan’twakehimup.He’snotgotafever.Notbeenbittenbyanything.Nosweatsorshakes.”ShetookalonglookupatMaybeck’sbedroomwindow.“Doctorsaystolethimbeonemorenight.Tomorrow,hegoestothehospitalandtheystartdoingtests.ButI’msayingmyprayers.Nothingseemswrongwithhim.Doctorsayshe’sfineinalltheimportantways.”
“He’sstuckasleep?”Amandasaid.
“That’safunnywaytoputit,”Jellysaid,“butyes.”
FinnwantedtokickAmanda,butshedidn’tknowwhatshe’dsaid.Hehadtoldhernothingaboutthenightbefore.
Maybeckwasstillcrossedover.Finnstruggledtofigureoutwhatthatmeant.
“Can’twakehimup?”Finnblurtedout.
“That’sright,”Jellysaid.
Finnconsideredcarefullybeforehespoke.“Listen…Idon’texpectyoutobelievemeoranything,butTerry’scondition—ithastodowithhisbeingaDHI,aDisneyHost,likeIam.”Shestudiedhimthoughtfullybutdidnotinterrupt.“IthinkIcanhelphim.Maybe.Helphimwakeup.”
“Isthissomekindofjoke?Becauseit’sinpoortaste,youngman.Terry’sextremelyill.”
“Finn?”Amandasaid.“What’sgoingon?”
“Beforehewenttobedlastnight—maybeevenyesterdayafternoon—didMaybeck…didTerry…getaphonecall?”
Jellytookanotherstepawayfromhim.“What’swithyou,boy?”Shewasnotpleased.Shelookedonthevergeoftears.
“Hedid,didn’the?AndI’llbethecameawayfromthatcallexcited,didn’the?Becauseitwasfromagirl,wasn’tit?”
“Her?”Jellysaid,pointingatAmanda,notrealizingshe’djustconfirmedthatFinnwasright.
“No,”Finnsaidsoftly,“nother.”Thoughtscrowdedhishead.“Pleasedon’ttakehimtothehospitaluntilyouhearfrommetomorrow.”
“I’msupposedtotrustmyTerrytoathirteen-year-oldboy?”Jellysaid,incredulous.
“Fourteen,”Finnsaid.“I’mfourteennextmonth.”
22
Backridingtheirbikes,FinnandAmandapedaledsidebysideonthesidewalk,slippingintosinglefilewhenevertheypassedapedestrian.Theafternoonslidtowardevening,thesundragginglowerinthesky,thefirsthazeoftwilightuponthem.Finnfelthiswholeworlddimming.
“He’snotasleep,ishe,Finn?”sheasked.
“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Thenwhat?”
“Trappedoverthere,”Finnsaid.
“What’sthatmean?”
“Itmeanswelefthim,andweshouldn’thave,andnowhe’sstuckbackthere.Onthisside,he’sasleep.Overthere,he’sstillaDHI.Whoknowswhat’shappenedtohim.”
“Youthinkhe’sbeencaughtorsomething?”
“Ihopenot,”Finnanswered.“Butthisisnothingbutbad.Realbad.”Finnfeltacoolwindonhisback.Hecranedoverhisshouldertolook.
ThoughFinnsaidnothing,Amanda,ridingalongsidehimsaid,“Ifeelit,too.Checkoutyourhandlebars.”
Finntouchedhishandlebars:icecold.Hisfingersleftsmallpatchesofvaporbehindasheremovedthem.
“Justlikethecarwash,”shesaid.
Finndidn’tneedtobetoldwhatthatsuddenchillmeant.
HescouredtheimmediateareaforanysignofMaleficent.
Hesawonlycars,storefronts,andpowerlines.
Blackcars,redcars,bluecars,andwhite.
Smallcars,bigcars,dullcars,andbright.
Wheredidtheycomefrom?Whereweretheygoing?
Somecarsweredriving;somecarsweretowing.
“Doyoueverthinkinrhymes?”heaskedher,wonderingwherethathadcomefrom.
Sheglancedoverathim,gravelyconcerned.
“What?”heasked.
“You’rethinkinginrhymes?”
“Sowhat?”
Sheanswered,“It’soneofthesigns—it’ssomething….”Shecaughtherself.Hervoicetrailedoff.
“Whatsigns?”
Sheallowedherbiketofallbehindhimsofarthathecouldn’tseeher.SoFinnslowedaswell,andtheydueledthisway:Amandaslowing,thenFinnslowingtojoinher,untiltheyhadcometoastop.
“Whatdoyouknowaboutthis?”heasked,feelingagitatedandimpatient.“It’sasignofwhat?”
Totheirrightwasacommunitycenterandadjoiningitanenormousskateboardparkwithahalfpipe,afullpipe,jumps,andfourtubs—alandscapeofsmoothconcretebasins,likeemptyswimmingpools,interconnectedbyrampsandtunnels,whereadozenkidswerepracticingstunts.
Amandasaidmeekly,“Rhymingis…it’soneofthesignsof—witches.”Withthat,sheroseupontoherpedalsandzoomedoff,turningintotheskateboardpark.
Theparkwasfullofskaters,
Fullofconcretealligators,
Kidsinhoards,ridingboards.
Sunwassinking,growinglater.
Finnshookhisheadviolently,sidetoside,tryingtoclearhisthoughtandpushawaytherhymes.Whathadshejustsaid?Hecouldn’tremember.Allhecouldhearwererhymes.Onethoughtfounditswaythrough:Amandaknowssomethingsheisn’ttellingme.Finnracedtocatchher.
Thisisweird,
Likeamanwithabeard.
Greenskinandpigs’eyes,
Froglegsandfireflies,
Adarkcavewithloudcries.
Agirlwithtearsinhereyes.
Finncaughtuptoher.Amanda’seyeswerered.She’deitherbeencryingoraffectedbythespeedofherriding.
“Amanda…”
“Ican’ttellyou,”shesaid.
Amotorizedminibikezoomednoisilyaroundthecorneranddroppedintotheskatepark.Theriderwasthinandworeablackleathertopandpantsandablackhelmetwithasilver-mirroredvisorthathidhisface.
Theminibikecamestraightatthem,showingnosignsofslowing.Onthecontrary,itwasonacollisioncourse.
Amandaroseupontoherpedalsanddroppedherbikeintothefirstbigconcretebathtub.
Finnfollowed.Theyclimbedtheopposingwallandflewup,airborne.
Theminibikefollowed.
Finnrosefromhisseat,balancedthebikeintheair,tippedforward,anddoveintothenextbigconcretebasin.
Amandadroppedintothehalfpipetotheleft.
Separatedlikethis,theminibikedriverhadtochoose;itcameatFinn.
Theotherboardersandbikersstoppedwhattheyweredoingandwatchedthecontest.
Amandaflewdownthesteepwallofthehalfpipe,pickingupspeedandlaunchingintoahighjump.Finn,parallelwithhernow,yankedhisfrontwheelinmidairandchangeddirectionuponlanding.Hejoinedher,followinginsidethefullpipe.
Astheminibikeenteredthefullpipe,Finnfoundthescreechingwhineofitsmotordeafening.
Outtheendofthepipe,ridingtogethernow,FinnandAmandaracedtothebottomofthethirdtub,pusheddownontotheirseatsbycentrifugalforce.Astheyraceduptheopposingside,theylifted,tippedtheirweightinunison,andreversedtheirbikes.Aimedbackdownintothedeepbasin,theminibikewhiningtowardthem,AmandabravelyreachedoverwithherleftarmandgrabbedFinnbytheforearm.Finnreturnedthegrip.
“Youreadyforthis?”sheasked.
“Onthree,”Finnsaid.
Theyreleasedtheirbrakesonthecountofthree,zoomingtowardtheoncomingminibike,theirarmsextendedandreadytoclotheslinetherider.
Thebikesflewdown.Theminibikewounditswaytowardthem.AmandaandFinnscreamedinunison.Atthelastpossiblesecond,theriderdumpedtheminibikeinaflurryofsparks,slippingundertheirclaspedarmsandbetweenthetwobikes.
Thefewonlookersletoutawildcheer.
AmandaandFinnstoppedatthetopofthebasinandlookedback.
Thedriver,lyingnexttotheminibike,appearedokay.He(she?it?)stoodup,brushedoff,andgesturedtowardthetwo.Finnfeltapulseofcoldfillhim.Afamiliarcold.
Amandashoutedsomethingthatsoundedlikeaforeignlanguage.Shecrossedherarmsandthenthrewthemforwardtowardtherider,andthecoldstoppedabruptly.Theleather-cladriderwasliftedfromthegroundandthrowntotheconcrete.
“Ride!”AmandaholleredatFinn.“Ride,anddon’tlookback!”
Finnpedaledoff,wonderingifhe’djustseenAmandadothat.
“Whoareyou?”heshouted,astheirbikesreachedthestreet.
“We’vegottosplitup,”shesaid.Withthat,shepedaledfuriouslyawayfromhim.
23
Atdinnerthatnight,Finnbroodedatthetable,unabletotakehismindoffrecentevents:Maybeck’ssleepingsickness,Amanda’smysteries,thelettersthey’dfoundsecretlyhiddenatbothIt’saSmallWorldandSplashMountain.
Watchinghim,hismotherworealookofcuriosity,whilehisfather,intypicalfashion,atequietly.Finnstabbedathisfoodandmoveditaroundonhisplate,hopingitmightappeareaten.
“Howwasschooltoday?”hismotherasked.Everynight,thesamequestion.Nextwouldcome:didyoudoanythingfuntoday?Whatareyourfriendsupto?
“Didyoudoanythingfuntoday?”sheaskedbrightly.Shecouldn’tstanditwhenFinnwasquietlikethis.
“Idon’tknow,”Finnansweredhonestly.“It’sallright,Isuppose.”
“Youcandobetterthanthat,”hisfathersaid.HisfatheralwaysthoughtFinncoulddobetterateverything.HeseemedalwaystoberidingFinnabouthisgradesorhisperformanceonthesoccerfield.Hetalkedaboutcollegescholarshipsliketheyweresomekindofreligion.
“I’mgood,”Finnsaid,pushingbackhisplate.“MayIbeexcused?”Anotherpartofthesecretcode.Hehadnochanceofleavingthetablewithoutthesepasswords.
“Nosnackslater,sweetheart.Thisisdinner.”
“Iknow,”Finnsaid.Hestoodupfromthetableandgrabbedhisplate.Suddenlyhisheadwentallrubbery,asifallhisbloodwasdrainingfromhimatonce.
Hethoughthemightpassout.
“Finn?”Hismother’svoice,butinthenextcounty.
Thentherewasherpaintedmouthmovingabovehim,hervoicesoundingdetachedandseveraloctaveslowerthannormal,likeatapeplayingathalfspeed.She’drushedtohisside.
Thelightsintheroomdimmed.Apowerfailure?Hesawhisfather,chewedfoodinhisopenmouth,looking…scared.
“Finn,dear?”hismothersaid.
“I’m…fine,”hereplied.
Hismotherhoveredoverhim.Hefelthisparentstakinghimunderhisarmsandleadinghimupstairs.Finn’sfeetflappedanddragged.Hefeltuseless.
Theyledhimtowardhisbed.
“No!No!Idon’twanttogotosleep!”Buthiseyesfeltsoheavy….
Heclosedhiseyes,andithappenedagain.
24
Finnawokeonthesameparkbenchwherehe’dfirstmetWayne,attheendofMainStreet,acrossfromthefirestation.Itwasnighttime,thoughtheparkremainedopen.
Helookeddowntoseehisarmsandlegsfaintlyglowing:hewashisDHIselfSomekidssawhim,andheknewhewasinfortroubleifhedidn’tgetoutofthere.
Aflashoflighttohisright.Finnstrainedtoseethroughthethickcrowds—alwayssomanypeople!—and…
Yes,thereitwasagain:anotherflashoflight.Foraninstant,thecrowdpartedandhesawPhilbywaving.
Finndraggedhimselfheavilyacrossthestreet,stillfeelingsluggish,leavingthecuriouskidsbehind,andcaughtupwithPhilby.
“Ithoughtthatwasyou,”Philbysaid,pocketingaflashlight.
“Youdon’tlooksohot,”Finnsaid.
“Haveyoutriedamirror?”
“Anotherbrownout?”Finnasked.
“Iassumeso.”
“We’reearly,”Finnsaid.
“Yeah,butifwe’rehere,chancesare,thegirlsaretoo.Weshouldchecktheapartmentandtheteepee.”
“Butlet’sdoittogether,”Finnsuggested.
“Maybeck?”Philbyasked.
“Iwenttohishouse,”Finnanswered.“He’sasleepinbedandtheycan’twakehimup.
Tomorrowmorningthey’regoingtotakehimtothehospitalandstartrunningtests.We’vegottofindhimbeforethat.Whoknowswhatthey’ddotohim?”
“Maybeckwascaught,”Philbysaid.“Anditwasn’tsecurity.ItwastheOvertakers.Ithastobe.
WaynesaidMaybeck’sourcomputerguy.Weknowhe’sbeenpokingaround.TheOvertakersdon’twanthimmessingwiththeDHIserver.Thebrownouts—ourfeelinglousylikethis.That’stheserverdoingthat.TheOvertakersaretryingto—”
“Killus?”Finnsaid.
“Slowusdown.Scareusaway.”Hedidn’tsoundconvinced.
“ThenI’dsayit’sworking,”Finnsaid.
“Sowheredowestart?Theapartmentortheteepee?”
FinnlookedpastPhilbyattheglowingwindowsabovethefirestation.“Neither,”Finnsaid.
“Followme.”
***
Finnclimbedthestairsonthesideofthefirehousetwoatatime.
“Ishouldhavethoughtofthisbefore.Hetoldmehelivedhere.”
“Who?”
Finnknockedonthedoor.
Wayneanswered.
PhilbyandFinnwerewelcomedinside.Itwasacozyroom,allwoodandbrass,thatfeltlikesomethingfromaship.
Wayneworeaheavywoolsweater,khakipants,andMickey-and-Minnieslippers.Therewerebookseverywhere,andnotelevisionorevenaradio.Thebedwasupinaloftintheverypeakoftheroof.
“Wow!”Philbysaid,lookingaround.TherewereDisneytoysscatteredaround,antiquesthatwentbackdecades.AfabricwallhangingshowedoffoverathousandDisneypins.
“Iwonderedhowlongitwouldtakeyoutolookmeup,”Waynesaid.Itseemedalmostasifhe’dbeenexpectingthem.Therewerethreeteacupsbythestoveandthreechairssetoutfacingoneanother.
Waynepouredthemsometeaandgesturedforthetwoboystositdown.
“CanyouhelpusfindMaybeck?”Finnasked.
“WasitMaleficent?”Philbyasked.
Wayne’seyebrowsarched.HedidnotanswerPhilbydirectly.“Whatdoyouknowabouther?”
Hehadowl-likecirclesbeneathhisice-blueeyes.HelookedominousandmenacingnowinsteadoflikethesillyoldguyFinnhadfirstthoughthimtobe.Hesmiledthinlyandsaid,“Amazingthingshappenwhenweputourmindstoit.Thereisasayingthatseeingisbelieving.Butbelievingisseeing,aswell.Andtouching.Andhearing.Connecting.”
“Thewitch,Maleficent,hassomethingtodowiththis,”Finnsaid.HetoldWayneeverythingthathadhappenedrecently.
“Apparentlyshehaseverythingtodowiththis,”Wayneagreed.
“TheOvertakers,”Finntested.“ThereareotherOvertakersbesidesMaleficent.”
“Toomanytocount.”
“Likethepirates.”
“Workerbees,isall.Thepiratesdon’tmattermuch.Butyoumustunderestimatenothing,noone.Convictionisthebetterpartofintent.Fewbattlesarewonbystrengthalone.Cunningandknowingyourresourcescanhelpyouoverpowerthemostpowerful.”
“HowdowestopMaleficent?”Philbyaskedanxiously.Hesippedthetea,likedit,anddranksomemore.
“Don’tgetaheadofyourselves,”Waynesaid.
“Maybeck,”Finnsaid.
“Theywon’twantanyonetoseehim.Nortohearhim,shouldhecallout,”Philbycontinued.
“Someplacedarkandnoisy,”Finnsaid.
“Oneoftheattractions!”Philbysaid.“LikePiratesoftheCaribbean!Thepiratestookhim!”
“It’snotdarkenough,”Finnsaid.“Andwherewouldtheyhidehim?”
“Ontheboat,maybe,”Philbysaid.
“Possibly,”Waynesaid,thoughhistoneofvoicesuggestedthathedidn’tgivetheideamuchcredence.
“Well,listen,Obi-Wan,”Philbysaidsarcastically.“Whydon’tyoutellmeandLukeherewheretofindhim,andwe’llmakeforhyperspace.”
“Warmer,”WaynesaidtoPhilby,thoughheengagedFinnwithhiseyes.
“SpaceMountain,”Finnsaid.“Pitch-blackandsuperloud.”
Philbysatforwardexcitedly.“Isheright?Isthatwherethey’vegothim?
Brilliant!”
Waynesippedhistea,lookingoverthecup.“Ihavenoideawhereyourfriendisbeingkept.
It’sabigpark.Verybig.”
Finnthoughtforamomentandthensaid,“Moreimportant,itmightbeliketheteepeeinsidethere.ADHIshadow.ThatwouldmakeMaybeckinvisible—easytohide,tosaytheleast.”
IfWayneknewanyanswers,hisfacerevealednothing.
“It’saplacetostart,”Finnsaid.“Wehavetostartsomewhere.”
Waynesaid,“They’rekeepingyoufromsolvingthefable.Youseethat,don’tyou?Distractingyou.”
“Andifwesolveit?”Philbyasked.
“Whenwesolveit,”Finnsaid,lookingrightatWayne.
“Rescueyourfriend.Solvethefable.Onlythenwillweknowwhat’sexpectedofyou.”
FinnandPhilbywouldn’tbeenteringSpaceMountainthroughthefrontdoor.Waynetoldthemofatrapdoorthatexistedintheverytopofthepointeddomeroof.TheroofhatchwasusedbyMaintenance,andtohisknowledgehadneverbeenlocked.
Iftheboyscouldclimbtothefirstlevelofthedome—aboutfifteenfeetup—they’dreachametalladderthatranupthebackofthedometothepinnacle.Fromthere,theycouldentertheride’sinterior.
AtWayne’ssuggestion,theboysborrowedsomeropesfromthefirehouse.Theythensnuckthroughshadows,carryingtheheavyropesovertheirshoulders,andreachedthebacksideoftheattraction.
Crouchinginsomebushes,lookingatthesteepnessoftheroofandthesmalmetalladderthatledtothetop,Finnsaid,“TheOvertakershavegottoassume
we’llcomeforMaybeck.”
“Buttothemwe’rekids,don’tforget.”
“They’llhavepatrols.Cameras,maybe.”
“Sowhenwedothis,wedoitquickly.”
Theroofwasshapedsomethinglikeamagician’shat,withawidebrimandaconicalpeakedcrown.Therewereantennaeontop.
Philbyprovedhisclimbingskillsbytossingoneoftheropesoverametalrailingonthebrimpartoftheroof.Hetieditoff.“We’reset,”heannounced,wavingFinnover.
Finn,whowasnotbigonheights,shinnieduptherope.Inshortorderhereachedthebrimoftheroof.Hethrewalegoverandpulledhimselfup.
Philbyfollowedsilentlyandwithoutincident.
Theykeptawayfromtheedgeoftheroof,wheretheymightbespotted,asPhilbypulleduptheropeandstasheditoutofsight.Quicklytheyascendedthewhitemetalladderthatrantothepeak.Attachedtotheroof,itranatthesamesteepangleasthecone.
Theyreachedthetop,andsureenough,therewasametaltrapdoor,exactlyasWaynehaddescribedit.
Finnreachedforthehandleandpulled.Itliftedopen.Hepeereddownintoablacksquare,completelyvoidoflight.
“Who’sgoingfirst?”Philbyasked,hisvoicebreaking.
Finnledthewaydownthemetalladder.Philbyfollowedandtheydescendedsilenty.Afteramoment,Finn’seyesightbegantoadjust.Theywerewayupinsidethepointy-hatpartofthedomedceiling,agiganticspacethatcontainedtheentireSpaceMountainrollercoastertrack.Hemadeoutafewredexitsigns,buttheywerenotbrightenoughtoseeby.
Thetrackwasatangleofmetalfringedbycatwalksandsupportedbytowering
I-beamsandsteelcolumns.Finnfeltasifhewereinsideacomplicatedclock.Theyreachedacatwalk—apaththatledalongtherollercoastertrack,withametalmeshfloor—andfollowedittoasetofmetalstairsleadingdown.Thisconnectedtoanothercatwalk.Suddenlyitfeltasifthey’denteredamaze.
“Thisiscrazy,”Philbywhispered.“Theplaceishuge.Maybeckcouldbeanywhere.”
“I’mnotsosureaboutthat,”Finnsaid.“Agreed,it’shuge,butlookaround.Whereareyougoingtohidehim?”Nowthathiseyeshadfullyadjusted,hecouldmakeoutthesizeandscopeofthecomplicatedtrack.Butitwasallexposedandopen—notagoodplacetohidesomeone.
“Hey!”Finnsaid,holdingouthishand.Seeinghishand.
“Yeah,”Philbysaid,“Iknow.”ButhemovedhisownarmaroundtoshowFinnthatthemetalbrokeuptheimaging.Hisarmappearedtobeinpieces,separatedbyblackstripes.TheDHIprojectioninherewasspottyatbest.
“Youtakethatside,”heinstructedPhilby.“We’llmeetinthemiddleoverthere.”Hepointedoutalowspotintheridewherethetrackturnedsharplyleft.
“Ifsomethinggoeswrong,”Philbycautioned,“wegetoutofhereandmeetattheapartment.”
“Gotit.”
Finndescendedyetanotherladderandthenfollowedacatwalktowardoneoftheexitsigns,usingitasabeacon.Thecatwalksremindedhimofsubmarinemovies.
Ifhewerehidingsomeone,Finnthought,he’dstashhishostageclosetowhereguestsmadethemostnoise—inaplacewhereanyshoutsforhelpwouldlikelygounheard.Finnsearchedthetrackoverheadforjustsuchaspot.Thenheleanedovertherailofthecatwalkandlookedbelow.
Notfarbelowhim,andslightlytohisleft,henoticedanindistinctdarkshapethat,asheapproached,herealizedwasgeometric:alargerectangle.Nowherecognizeditasaboothorstorageroom.Likethecatwalks,itswallswereofheavywiremesh.Finnclimbedovertherail,loweredhimselfanddroppedtoa
catwalkbelow.Hereachedoutandtouchedthewiremesh—itwascoveredinagreasydustthatstucktohisfingers.Itlookedlikealargegardenshed,aboutsixfeettall,tenfeetdeep,andfifteenfeetlong.
OnthefrontoftheshedaheavycanvaswashungthatpreventedFinnfromseeinginside.
Thecanvaswastieddownontheinside.Finnlocatedtheonlydoor,whichwaswood-framedandalsocoveredwithwiremesh.Hefelthiswaydownthedoorandstruckapieceofheavymetal:apadlock.
Lockedout.
“Pssst!”FinntriedtosignalPhilbybutgotnoanswer.Finnlookedaround,offintothedark,realizinghe’dcompletelylosttrackofhisfriend.Hetriedagain.“Pssst!”
Amuffledvoicemadehimspinaround:itwascomingfrominsidethescreenedshed.
“Philby!”Finntriedagain,alittlelouder.Heheardthescuffleoffeet.
“Mmms…hmmm…heggg…warfff,”saidthemuffledvoicebehindhim.
“Maybeck?It’sme,Finn!”Finnstruggledwiththelockagain,andthenremembered:hedidn’tneedtounlockthedoor.
Finnclosedhiseyesandconcentratedonhisbeingmadeoflight,nothingbutlight,andhewalkedthroughthewall,justashe’dswumthroughthewaterwithoutfeelingtheeffectofthecurrent.
Oncethrough,herealizedhowmuchdarkeritwasinsidetheshedbecauseofthecanvas.
Finnfelthiswayaround,steppingoverboxesandcoilsandpiecesofmetal.
Themuffledcallsforhelpbecamemoreurgent.
“I’mrighthere,”Finnsaid,turningtowardthesound.
Closebynow,Finnsquatted,feltaround,andtouchedanarm.
Hejumpedback,felloverandknockedsomethingloose,makingaloudsound.
“Nnnnnnnn,”saidMaybeck.Wigglingashewas,apieceofMaybeck’sDHI,hisleftside,suddenlyshowed.Finnlungedforwardanduntiedthegag.
“Oh,man,”Maybecksaid,thegagslippingoff.
“Youokay?”
“No,I’mfamished!AndI’mthirsty.Butthankyou,man,thankyou!”
FinnuntiedMaybeck’swristsandankles.
Maybecksaid,“Let’sbookit.”
“WegottafindPhilby.He’sinheresomeplace,lookingforyoutoo.”
Maybeckpulledonthelockeddoor,butitdidn’tbudge.“Buthow’dyou…?”
“Rightthroughthewall,”Finnexplained.
“That’sfineforyou,butwhataboutme?Ican’tgothroughadumbwall.”
“Sureyoucan.”
“No,Ican’t.”
“You’regoingtohaveto.”
Maybeckstaredatthedarkcanvasandthelockeddoor.“AreyoutellingmeIcouldhavejustwalkedoutofhereallalong?”
“Notifyou’dconvincedyourselfyouweretrapped,”Finnreplied.
Maybeckreachedout.Hishandstruckthecanvas.
“You’vegottolosetheattitude,Maybeck,”Finninstructed.“You’reonlyhittingthatwallbecauseyouthinkthat’swhat’ssupposedtohappen.”
“Idon’thaveanattitude.”HewaitedforsomesupportfromFinn.“DoI?”
Finndemonstrated.First,hereachedoutandtouchedthecanvas;then,hereachedoverasecondtime,andhishandandforearmpassedrightthroughuptohiselbow.
“Idonothaveanattitude,”Maybeckrepeated.
“Proveit,”Finnsaid.HewasworriedaboutthenoisePhilbywasmakingtryingtogetovertotheshed.Thebumpsandbangsseemedamplifiedinthisechochamber.
OnMaybeck’ssixthtry,hewalkedthroughthewalloftheenclosure.Onceontheotherside,hebentover,asifinpain.
“Youokay?”Finnasked.
Giddywiththeaccomplishment,Maybeckstartedgiggling.“Whatadumbjerk!Icouldhavewalkedoutofthereallalong.”
“Notwithyourhandstied.Thatropeisfromthisside.Theropewouldhavestoppedyoufromgettingthroughthewall.”
Maybeckblurtedout.“ItwasJez.”
“WhatwasJez?”
“Shecalled,”Maybecksaid.
“Calledyourhouse,”Finnsaid,havingfiguredoutsomeofthisonhisown.“Lastnight,justbeforeyoucrossedover.”
“Saidshe’dmeetme.”
“Whenyoucheckedyourwatch…”Finnsaid,speculating.“Thelineyoufedusabouthavingahotdate…Youreallydidhaveahotdate.”
“IditchedthegirlsatIt’saSmallWorld.Weweregoingtomeet—Jezandme—atthecarousel.ButallofasuddenIwassocold.Icouldbarelymove—likeslowmotion.”
“Yeah,cold,”Finnsaid.Hewasthinking:beenthere,donethat.
25
Fornearlyaweek,thekidsmetinsidetheparkaftergoingtobed,butonlyforamatterofminutes.Asquicklyaspossibletheywouldusethebuttontoreturnhome,havinglookedfornomoreclues.Theycaughtuponsleep.Theydidtheirhomework.Theyrejoinedtheirfamilies.
Maybeck’sabductionhadwornthemoutandfrightenedthemtothepointofnotwantingtocontinue.TheyovercametheirreluctanceonlywhenPhilbyshowedupatoneoftheirmeetingstellingofanewspaperstoryhe’dreadaboutanelectricalcompanypowerstationthathadbeen
“attacked”anddrainedofallitspower.
“It’snotacoincidence,”hetoldtheothers.“Thisisspreadingbeyondthepark.”
OnSaturdaymorning,thegirlsdecidedtousetheircomplimentarypassestoentertheMagicKingdomlegally.Askids,notDHIs.Thatfeltsafer.Theyworedisguisesinordertokeepfansfromspottingthemandcarried3-Dglassestowearontherides.
Astheystoodoutside,waitingtoboardTheManyAdventuresofWinniethePooh,acartoonyvoicecameoverthespeakerssaying,“Happywindsday.”Itwasthis,andotherreferencesontheride,thathadledthemtopickitasthemostwind-orientedrideinthepark.WindwasthethirdclueintheStonecutter’sfable.
Theysatdowninthecar,andtheridebegan.Blacklightsmadetheirteethglowwhiteandtheirskinandclothingalmostdisappear.
“Glasses,”Willaannounced,donninghers.Charlenefollowed.“Youlookright.I’lllookleft,”
Willacoached.“Ifweseeanyletters—biglettersinanunexpectedplace—we’resupposedtowritethemdown.”
Charlenesaid,“I’vegotit.”Shesoundednervous,andWillaunderstoodherconcern.Therideshadbeenanythingbutfriendlysincethishunthadbegun.
Astheytraveledalong,doorsswungopentoadmittheircarintoeachnewscene.Reachingthethirdscene,Charlenerealizedsheheardnoonetalking.Shelookedbackandsawtherewasnooneinthecarbehindthem.Risingtoherknees,shesawnooneinthecarbehindthatoneeither.
Yetthelineoutfronthadbeenpacked.
“Willa…?”
“Overthere!”Willasaid,pointingoutalarge,colorfultreedrawnontoapanel.Sheliftedanddroppedher3-Dglassesontohernoseinordertomakesure—butyes,therewasasingleletterdrawnintotheleavesofthetree.
Shecalledoutquickly,“It’sanS!”
“S?”Charleneasked,puzzled.“Butlookbehindus!”
Willawastooexcitedtolookback.
“There’snoonebehindus,”Charleneannounced.“Nooneinthecarsbehindus.Whynot?”
WillapulledafoldedpieceofpaperfromherpocketandscribbleddownS.Asshedid,adropofwaterappearedonthepaper.Thenanother.Andanother.
“Behindus!”Charlenecriedurgently.
Willalookedback.Shelookedup.
Morewater.
Thedoorstothenextscenepoppedopenandshut.Theywereintherainscene.
Raindrawninlonglinesdownthewalls.Rainfallingfromtheceiling.
“Sincewhenisthispartoftheride?”Willacomplained,stuffingthepaperintoherpocket.
Atthatmoment,theircarstoppedmoving.
“What’shappening?”Charlenewhined.“Whyarewestopping?”
Thefewlightraindropschangedintoadownpour.Atfirstitseemedfunny.Butthenitwasn’tsimplyrain,itwasatorrent.Buckets.Bothgirlsgaspedforbreaththroughasteadystreamofwaterpouringdownontothem.Itwashardtobreathewithoutcoughing.
“Thisisn’tright!”Willacried.
Nowthewaterbeneaththeircarbegantorise.Thecarlifted,floating.Charlenelungedforwardnervously,nearlycapsizingthem.Sheleanedoutofthecarandpushedagainstthelargedoorstothenextscene.
“They’restuck!Theywon’topen.”
Asthewaterroseatanastonishingrate,thecarfloatedhigherandhigher.Sparksflewaselectricalwiresweresubmerged.
“Stayinthecar!”Willahollered.Lightsocketssparkedandzapped.“Wecouldbeelectrocuted!”
Thecarfloatedquicklytowardtheceiling.Willaunderstoodtheworstofit:thehighertheyrose,thelessavailabletheairwouldbe.Theywouldeitherdrownorsuffocate.
“Willa…”Charlenemoaned.
“Iknow.”
Thecarrosehigherstill.
Sparksflewagainasmorelightswentunder.
“We’reintrouble,”Willasaid,surprisinglycalm.
“Duh!”
“Weneedawayout.”
“Justnowoccurredtoyou,didit?”
Therainfelllikeawaterfal—thecarwasnowlessthanthreefeetfromtheceiling.Anotherfootortwoandthecarwouldbepinnedwiththegirlsinsideit.
Whywon’tthedoorstothenextsceneopen?Willathought.
“Sitstill,”shewarnedCharlene.
Studyingthelargescenedoors,Willastoodupinthecar.Charleneholleredathertositdownasthecarthreatenedtotipover.
Willagrabbedtheoverheadpipestostabilizethecar.Shethenpulledhandoverhandtodrawthecarclosertothedoors.Butasthewaterrose,withsolittleroom,Willawasforcedbackdownintoherseat.
Notime!
Waterstreameddownherneckandshouldersasshespottedasawed-offlengthofpipejammedacrossthetopofthelargedoors,blockingthemandholdingthemshut.The“rain”wasnothingmorethantheemergencysprinklersystemgonewild.Allthistroublecouldbeeasilyexplained:thesprinklersmalfunctioning.Maleficenthaddoneherjobwell.
Willapulledonthesawed-offlengthofpipebutcouldn’tbudgeit.ShecalledforastunnedCharlenetohelpasthewaterrosesteadilyhigher.
Togethertheypulled.
Waterspilledoverthesideofthecar,quicklyfillingit.
Willachanted,“One—two—”
On'Three!’bothgirlsheavedonthepipe,pulingitfree.
Thedoorsblewopen.Thegirlsfellbackintothecarasafewthousandgallonsofwaterrushedintothenextscene,andthecarrodetheleadingedgeofthe
wavelikeasurfboard.
Theplumeofwaterspunandturnedandtwisteditswayouttowardtheride’sfinish,levelingoffasitreachedtheexit.Theircarloweredandsettledintothetrack,rightwhereithadstarted.
Thewaitingguestsstoodtheredrenchedheadtotoe.Alakeofwaterhadfloodedthepavementoutsidetheattraction.
Inalltheconfusion,thetwogirlshurriedfromthecarandranfortheirlives.
26
Latethatafternoon,nearingthedinnerhour,theDHIsmetinFinn’sguestroomintheVirtualMagicKingdom.Thishadbecomesomethingofaroutineforthem.Lately,Charlene’sandWilla’scharacterstookthecouchwhileFinn,Maybeck,andPhilbystoodandmovedaroundtheroom.
AtextbubbleappearedaboveWilla.ShetoldthemaboutnearlybeingdrownedatWinniethePooh,andthatshehadcalledPhilbypriortothismeetingandhadtoldhimabouttheSsheandCharlenehaddiscovered.ItwasPhilby’sjobtomakesenseoftheclues.
Philby’scharacterexplainedthathe’drunthelettersFMEYIRandSthroughanInternetanagramgenerator.Theprogramrearrangedthelettersintoeverypossiblecombinationandthenprinteduptheresults.
philitup:thereareonlytwodecentpossibilities.MYFRIESandYESFIRM.Neithermakesmuchsense.
Finn:Soweneedmore.Thelastcluementionedinthefableis“stone.”Anyideaswhatridethatmightbe?
philitup:IthoughtaboutTomSawyerIsland.Therearerocksoverthere.ButthenIrealizedithastobeThunderMountain.Imean,givemeabreak!Talkaboutrocks.Thatplaceisallrocks.
Finn:Sowe’llstartthere,atThunderMountain—PhilbyandI.
Mybest:Soundsgoodtome.
angelface13:Butwe’llallcrossover,justaswedoeverynight.Arewesupposedtojustwaitforyou?
FinncouldjustimagineCharlenewhiningasshetyped.
Finn:Atsomepoint,we’llneedtogetWayne.Helivesabovethefirestation.BythetimePhilbyandIareoffThunderMountain,weshouldhavealltheletters.We’llgetbacktogetherandtrytosolvetheriddle.Ifwedo,ifwe’resuccessful,we’llneedWayne.Heshouldbetoldwhat’sgoingon.
Mybest:Icangetoverthereandgivehimaheads-up.Thegirlscankeepalookoutfromtheapartment.ItlooksrightdownMainStreet.We’llsetupsomekindofsignalincasetheyseetrouble.That’llhelp.
philitup:soundslikeaplan.
ThefivecharactersformedahuddleinthemiddleofFinn’sguestroom.Theyallputtheirhandsintothecenter,likeplayersonasportsteam.Andthentheylefttheroom.
Finnheadeddownstairsandfoundhismotherbentoverthekitchensinkdoingdishes.
Sheasked,“Doyouwanttohelpme?”
“Sure.”
Finnbaggedandtookoutthetrash.Hecleanedthekittylitter.Hewasabouttoputsomedishesawaywhenhismotherremindedhimwherehishandshadjustbeen;sohewashedhishandsandwasputtingawaysomedisheswhenshesaid,“Weneedtotalk.”
“Sure.”
“Let’ssitatthetable.”
Thetable?Thiswasbad—verybad.
“Ineedsomethingexplainedtome,andIwantyoutobehonest,”shesaid.Thekitchentablegrewimpossiblylonginhismind,asifhismotherwereajudgewaydownatthefarend.
“Okay,”hesaid.
“Thelaundry.”
“Yeah?Whataboutit?”
“I’myourmother,Finn.Eachdayyoucomehomefromschool,Ilookatyou,bothbecauseIloveyouandbecauseit’smyjobtokeepyourclothesclean.Ifyourpantsareclean,forinstance,Isaynothingandyoucanwearthemanothertime.Ifthey’redirty,Iaskyoutoputtheminthelaundry.”
“So?”
“Remember,Ineedyoutobehonest.That’smoreimportanttomethananythingelse.”
“Mom…”
“I’drathernotinvolveyourfather,butifyouinsistonlyingtome,Imostcertainlywill.”Shepausedandthensaid,“Yourclothesaredirtierinthemorningthantheyarewhenyougotobed.Aweekago,theyweredampandsmelledlike…well…awful.”
Evidence!Hehadn’tthoughtaboutthisaspectofhisadventures.Hehadtriedtokeephimselflookingthesame:takingshowersinthemorningtogetthedirtoff.Yethehadjusttossedhisclothesintothehamper.Nowhesawthestupidityofthat.
“It’snotwhatyouthink,Mom.”
“Enlightenme.”
“Ihaven’tliedtoyou.Notexactly.”
“Youeitherhaveorhaven’t.There’snoin-betweenwhenitcomestothetruth.”
“Ihavenotsnuckoutofthehouse.Ipromise.”
Hesawatremendousreliefinhereyes,butstillhervoicequavered,“Finn…”
“Iswear.Mom,Ihavenotsnuckoutofthehouse.ItoldyouIwouldn’t,andIhaven’t.”
“Finn…”
“Ihavewornmyclothestobedafewtimesinthepastcoupleofweeks.IftheylookmorewrinkledinthemorningthantheydidwhenIwenttobed—”
“Wrinkled?They’refilthy!Wet.Withholesinthem.I’msorry,butthatdoesn’tsoundlikethetruthtome.Let’sstartover,onemoretime.Please,trustme.Youcantellmewhateveritis.
Whetherornotweinvolveyourfather…well,we’llsee.”
“Itstaysbetweenthetwoofus?”Finnaskednervously.“Igottahearyousayit,Mom.”
“Itstaysbetweenthetwoofus,”shesaid.
“Okay,butyou’renotgoingtolikeit.”
“Finn!Justtellme.”
Finndrewinadeepbreath,wonderingifheactuallyshouldtellher.Whatchoicewasthere?
Theevidencehadbustedhim;heneededtoexplainitwithoutgettinghimselfintomoretrouble.
Hesaid,“SomethingcrazyhappenedwhentheymadetheDHIsoutofus—thefivekids.”Hewatchedherfacegrowcuriousandconcerned.“Whenwegotosleep,wearen’texactlyasleep.
WewakeupinDisneyWorld…asDHIs—asholograms.”Nowsheseemedtobefightingasmile.
“Troubleis,whateverhappensthere,carriesoverhere.SowhenIgetalldirtythere,Iendupdirtybackhere.Butyoucan’ttellDad,remember?Youpromised.”
Foramomentitdidn’tappearshewasbreathing.Then,herlipsunpuckered,hernostrilsflared,andshegrinned.“Thatisthelamest,thoughthemostcreativeexcuseyou’veevertried.”
Finnstaredather,dumbfounded.Sothisiswhathegotfortellingthetruth.
“Mom,it’sthetruth.”
Shetriedtocomposeherself,lostittoacreepingsmile,andthensuddenlygrewveryseriousasFinn’sexpressiondidnotchange.Nowsheseemedtobelievehim.
“Theburnyousawonmyarm?Alaserfiredatmeinsidethepark,atnight.Ihaveabruiseonmylegwhereadollbitme.”
“Adoll?”Therewasthattwitchingsmileagain.
“It’saSmallWorld.Oneofthosedolls.”
“Isee.”
Hecouldn’tunderstandit.Shedidn’tbelievehim.
“Yousaidyouwantedthetruth,”heremindedher.Maybeshethoughthewaslosinghismind.
“Nodoctors,”Finnsaid,defendinghimself.
“Youactuallybelievethis?”
“Howdoyouexplainmymuddyclothes?Huh,Mom?Iamnotsneakingout.Iknewyouwouldn’tbelieveme!”
Hisreasoningclearlyperplexedher.
“Letmegetthisstraight,”shesaid.
Heinterrupted.“Youwon’tgetitstraight.Becausewehaven’tgottenitstraight—thefiveofus.
Youcan’tstopit,Mom.Ican’tstopit.Noneofuscan.Itjusthappens.Anduntilwesolve—There’sstuffthat’sgottohappenbeforethisisgoingtostop.”
“Finn,you’reworryingme.”
“Youpromisedyouwouldn’ttellDad.”
“ButIthought…Idon’tknowwhatIthought.”
“Youpromised.Justrememberyoupromised.”Headded,“Thewetclothes.TomSawyerIsland.Youknowthatlakearoundit?”
“Thisisnotfunny,Finn.Okay?A-plusfororiginality.Youreallyhadmegoing.Now,pleasetellmethetruth.Therealtruth.”
“’There’snoin-betweenwhenitcomestothetruth,'”hesaid,quotingher.“Ifyoucan’thandlethetruth,it’snotmyfault.”
“Finn,donotleave.Notlikethis,”shedemandedashestoodfromthekitchentable.“Whereareyougoing?”shecalledout,stoppinghiminthedoorway.
Finnturnedandfacedhistroubledmother.“There’sonlyonewaytoendthis,togetthisoverwith.”Hehesitated,thinkingofallthethingshecouldexplainifshewouldonlybelievehim.“I’mgoingtosleep.”
IfFinnhadtotackleThunderMountainwithanyofhisfellowhosts,hewasgladitwasPhilby.
Philbywasthekindofsmartthatmadeotherschoolkidsaskhimtodotheirhomework.BynowhewouldhavedoneasmuchInternetresearchontherideaspossible.They’dbothriddenitdozensoftimes.Butclimbingaroundtherideatnightwasaltogetherdifferent,asthey’dlearnedthehardwayatIt’saSmallWorldandSplashMountain.
Theystoodattheentrancetotheride.Moonlightglintedonthetracks.Finnsaid,“Theletterswe’remissingcouldbeanywhere.Onanystone,anyrock.”
“Yougotit.”
Theyweresurroundedbymaybetenthousandrocks.
“AnythingIshouldknowbeforewestart?”Finnasked,knowingtherehadtobe.
Philbysaid,“Therearesecuritycameras.Alotofthem.Someareinfraredandcanseeatnight.Andit’slikeSplashMountain:wecan’tleavethetrack.That’sallwe’vegottoworryabout.”
Finnknewthatwasn’tthecase,buthedidn’tsayanything.Hedidn’twanttojinxthem.
Theboysstarteddowntherollercoaster’strack.Itroseandtwistedandturned,extremelytrickytowalk.Theybothworetheir3-Dglassesandlookedeverywherepossibleforclues.Philby,inthelead,occasionallystoppedandlistenedandlookedaround.ItmadeFinnnervous.
Theycontinuedalongtheemptyrollercoastertrack,sometimeswalkingalmostcrablike.
Theymadeitthroughtwolongclimbswithoutincident.Therollercoasterrosehigherandhigher.
“Wherearewe?”Finnasked.
“Alittleoverhalfway,I’mthinking.”
Theystoppedtorest.Themoonlightshonedownontotheredrocks.Neitherboysawanyletterswrittenonthestone.
Finnsaid,“Hey,guesswhat?Wehaven’tgotaclue.”
“That’sasickjoke.”
Theyenteredacanyonwithsteepwalls.Itgrewdarkerthefartherintheywent.Finnfelthisnervestighten.Hedidn’texactlyloverollercoasters.Walkingoneinthedarkdidn’thelpmatters.
Theboysloweredthemselvesdownashortdropinthetracksasthecanyonwidened.Thescenewaspartdesertfloor,withcactusesandminingequipment,andpartrockcanyon.Massivestonewallsroseonallsides.
“Toocool!”Philbysaid,liftinganddroppinghisglassesontohisnoseandpointing.
Atfirst,FinnthoughthemeanttheIndiandrawingsandthedinosaurfossilthatstuckoutfromthefarthestrockwall.
Butthenhelookedmoreclosely.Theletters:T,P,N.Eachletterappearedtobe
engravedonitsownrockintheride’srockslide.
Finncheckedwithandwithouttheglasses.Thiswasdefinitivelytheirclue.
“Waytogo!Okay,that’sit,”hesaid.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”
“We’reclosertotheendthanthestartoftheride.It’soverthisnextrise.We’llgetoffthetrackstherewithoutbeingseenbythecameras.”
“Okay.Let’sjustgo,”Finnsaid,wantingtobegone.Somethingwasn’trighthere.Hecouldn’tidentifywhatitwas,buthefeltit.
Theystruggleduptherollercoastertrack,foritwassuddenlymuchslipperierthanbefore.
“Almostthere!”Philbycalledfromthetop.
ThenextscenelookedlikeYellowstonePark.Geysersspitintotheair.Therewerepoolsofwaterinluminousshadesofgreenandyellow.
Thegroundbeneaththemshook.Philbytouchedtherailtoseeifitwasvibrating,meaningthattheridehadturneditselfon.Heshookhishead.
“Maybeit’sjustaneffect.Youknow:Yellowstone.Earthquakesandstufflikethat.”
“I’dhavereadaboutthat,”Philbydeclared.“Idon’tthinkso.”
Thegroundshookevenmorefuriously,andnowFinnwasscared.Toomuchweirdstuffhadhappenedontheridesforhimnottobeafraid.
Afewyardsdownthetrack,Finnfeltthefirsttouchofcoldcreepintohislegs.
“Philby!”
“Yeah,Ifeelittoo,”Philbyanswered.
Withhislegsgoingnumb,Finnfoundithardtowalk.Hewhispered,“Theonlytimewe’vefeltthisbefore—”
“Maleficent,”Philbyanswered.
“Yeah.”
Wateratthetopofthegeysersturnedfirsttoiceandthensnow,whichfellthickly.
Finn’scoldlegswerenearlyimpossibletomove.“We’vegottogetoutofhere!”Hecouldfeelthechillseepingintohischest,hisbreathingtightanddifficult.Toomuchlonger,andhewouldn’tbegoinganywhere.
Philbystoppedthembothandsaid,“Listentothat!”
Likesomethingcrackingapart,Finnthought.Ice?Itdidn’tsoundexactlylikeice.
“We’vegottohurry!”Philbybarkedout.
“Hurry?Icanbarelymove.”
Thecrackingsoundgrewfrighteninglyloud.Itcamefromthescenebehindthem—theUtahdesertscenethey’djustleft.
Theycautiouslyclimbedbackupthesmallriseinthetrack,tolookbackfromwherethey’djustcome.Theypeeredovertherails,followingthatloudcrackingsound.
Acrosstheway,rocksplinteredaroundtheenormousdinosaurfossil.
“That’saT.rex,”Philbywhispered.“Fortyfeetlong.Eighteenfeethigh.Fifty-eightteeth.Runsfortymilesanhour.”
Finndidn’tneedallthefacts.SometimeshewishedPhilbywouldjustkeepthemtohimself.
Thetwoboyswatchedinhorroras,onebyone,thebonesvibratedandbrokefreefromtherock.Theydidnotfall.Theydidnotbreak.Theyheldtogetherasone…giant…
“Run!”Philbyshouted.
Acloudofdustrosebehindthemasthegroundtrembledwitharhythmicclomp,
clomp,clomp.
Footsteps.Bigfootsteps.
Allatonce,theT.rexskeletoncameoverthehill,followingthetracks.Thethingwashuge.
Thedinosaurhadallitsbones,withnoeyes,noskin,noflesh—butallitsteeth.
Philbyshouted,“Keeprunning!Don’tslowdown!”
Finn’scold,unwillinglegsslowedhim.Hescrambledahead.TheT,rexcharged,loweringitsheadandcomingforthem.FinnwasbehindPhilby,closetothecharge.
Clomp!Clomp!Clomp!
ThegroundshooksoviolentlythatFinnfell.Hesliddowntherails,caughthold,andregainedhisbalance.
Thebonesclatteredasthedinosaurcharged.Theboysclimbedthenextriseandjumpedover.Thebeastmovedfaster.
Finnmadeamistakebyglancingback.Thebeastsnorteddustoutoftheholesinitsskullwherenostrilsshouldhavebeen.Itlowereditsheadonceagainandpickedupspeed,thejawsclappingopenandshut,soundinglikeadoorbeingslammed.
Finnclearedthetopoftherollercoaster’snextrockypeak,withthedinosaur’sjawbonessnappingonlyafewfeetfromhimnow.Finnwasgoingtobeeaten.Hesliddownthelastdescendingslopeoftherollercoaster,asifhewereslidingdownanenormousbanister.
Thetrackleveledoffhere,givingthedinosaurtheadvantage.ItsnappedandcaughtapieceofFinn’sshirt.
Thetrackcurvedahead.Finn,findingspeedhedidn’tknowhehad,cried,“Help!”
“Physicsclass!”shoutedPhilbybackathim.“Thetrackisbanked.”
“WhatdoIcare?”
TheT.rexstumbledandlostafewyards.Theboyshurrieduptheslightriseintothesteepturn.
“Thetrackisbanked!”Philbyrepeated.
Finnunderstoodthenwhathadtobedone.Hewastheonetrailing.Hisheartlodgedinhisthroatashestoppedjustbeforetheapexoftheturn.Hefacedthebeast,makingatargetofhimself.
“Comeandgetit!”heshoutedattheT.rex.
Hewavedhisarmslikeamatadortauntingthebull.
Thehugemassofrattlingbones,surroundedbyacloudofdust,boredownonhim.Fasterandfasteritcame.
Finnwaited…andwaited…knowinghehadtotimehismoveperfectly.
TheT.rexcharged.
Justastheskeleton’steethwereafootawayfromhischest,Finndoveoffthetrack.
Thebeastfaltered,lurched,andtippedtoitsleftwhenthetracksuddenlycurvedtotheright.
Thebonesofanouterlegsplinteredandsnappedattheknee.Themonsterrolled,brokethroughtheplywoodofthescene’smountainbackdrop,andtumbledovertheside.
Finnwatchedasitlandedwithanoisyexplosionofbrokenbonesthatscatteredliketreebranches.
Philby,whohadalsostopped,lookeddownatFinnandhelpedhimuptotherail.
“Waittiltheyseethatontheircameras!”
Theboysturnedandhurriedoffintothenight.
27
Sinceallofthekidswerehungry,theylefttheapartmenttogetherandreconvenedatCosmicRay’sStarlightCafe.Finnledtheway,passingrightthroughthelockedfrontdoor.
Maybecksurprisedtheothersbycookingupdecent-tastingturkeyburgers.Theystayedinthekitchenareaandkeptthelightsoffsoasnottobeseen.Exitsignsandafewoverheadsecuritylightsprovidedtheonlyillumination.FinnandPhilbyfashionedatableoutofarollingcartwithlockingwheels.Invertedplastictubsandbucketsservedaschairs.Thetwogirlssattogetherononeside,FinnandPhilbyontheother.Maybeckjoinedthemlastandtooktheheadofthetable.
Philbyplacedapapernapkininfrontofthem.
“Thisiseverythingwehave,”heexplained,jottingdownthelettersthey’dacquiredbyfollowingthecluesinthefable:
FMEYIRSTPN
“Theymustspellsomething,”Charlenesaid.
“IfIwasatacomputer…IfIhadananagramgenerator,”Philbysaid.
Hewrotethelettersoutagain,thistimeleavingmoreroomaroundeachone.Hetorethelettersapart.AfewminuteslatertheyhadScrabblelettersmadeoutofatornnapkin.
Thekidsstudiedtheletters,callingoutwordstheysaw.
“MEN,”Charlenesaid.
“Leavethattoyou!”Willaquipped.
Philbysetthelettersaside.
Finnsaid,“SPIT.”
Hepulledtheseoutaswell.
“FRYisleft,”Philbypointedout.
“MENFRYSPIT?”Willaasked.
“MENSPITFRY?”Charlenesuggested.
“Noway,”Philbysaid.“We’lltryagain.”Hereshuffledthetenletters.
E
NP
STM
YFRI
“I’mkilleratScrabble,”Charleneannounced,“ifIdosaysomyself.”
“Haveatit,”Philbysaid.
Charlenearrangedthelettersintogroups,brokeupthosegroupsandtriedagain.Herhandsmovedveryfast,likeacarddealer.
Sheassembledtheminto:
MYPITFERNS.
“Verygood!”Willasaidencouragingly.
MYTIPFERNS
“Again,”Philbysaid.Finnkepttrack,writingdownallthevariations.
FIRMSPYNET
“That’saninterestingone,”Philbysaid.
Finnmadesuretogetitdown.
MENFISTPRY
“Youaregoodatthis!”Willasaid,impressed.
“Weallhaveourtalents,”Charlenequipped.
Then,tworightinarow:
METFRYSPIN,MYPINSFRET.
SuddenlyMaybecksneezed,sendingthelettersairborne.FinnandPhilbysnaggedafewofthemandreturnedthemtothetable.
Othersfloateddownlikelargesnowflakes.Theysettled,onebyone.
“Wait!”Finncalledout.Hegaspedashesawwhattheletterswerespellingallbythemselves:WY
FIRST
PEN
Finnlickedthetipofhisfinger,touchedtheWandturneditover.Hethenneatenedtherest:MYFIRSTPEN
“TheStonecutter’sQuill.It’sWaltDisney’sfirstpen,”Philbysaid.“Ohmygosh!”
“Butwhatdoesitmean?”Charlenesaid.
“It’sthenextclue.Itmeanswe’vegottofindWalt’sfirstpen,”Philbyanswered.
Maybeckgroaned,“Youhavegottobekiddingme.”
“Butwhere?”Charleneasked.
Silence.
“Isthereamuseumorsomething?”Finnasked.
Thekidsallshooktheirheads.
“There’sthatthing,OneMan’sDream,”Willastated.“OverinDisney-MGM.It’skindoflikeamuseum,Isuppose.”
Philbysaid,“Thatsounds…relevant.”
“Whatareyou,alawyer?”Maybecksaid.
Willacontinued,“AsIremember,there’sstuffthere,likeanolddeskandmodelsandthingslikethat.”
“Worthatry,”Finnmutteredsoftly.
“Wayne,”Philbysaid,drawingeveryone’sattention.“ThisisaquestionforWayne.”
Maybecksaid,“Ipaidhimavisit.Askedhimtojoinusintheapartment.Hesaidhishipwasbotheringhim,andthatifwewantedtoseehim,itwouldhavetobeathisplace.”
“Well,then,”Finnsaid.“Iguessthat’sthat.”
Theysplitupintotwogroups—FinnwithWilla;MaybeckandPhilbywithCharlene—andlefttherestaurantfiveminutesapart.
TheareaofgreatestriskwasMainStreet,whichwasthepark’ssoleentranceandexit.Youcouldn’tleaveorentertheMagicKingdomwithoutwalkingdownMainStreet.ThefirestationwasupatTownSquare,attheoppositeendofthestreetfromwheretheywere.
WhenFinnandWillareachedtheparkendofMainStreet—theareanearthecastle—theystayedclosetothestorefronts,duckingintodoorwaysandsneaking
glancesoutontotheemptystreet.TwicetheyhidintheshadowsagainstadoorasFinnspottedthetaillightsofgolfcartsinthedistance.Hecheckedhiswatch:intwominutestheotherthreewouldleavetherestaurant.TheideahadbeenforFinnandWillatobesafelyinsideWayne’sbythen.
Themostriskcamewithcrossingthestreet.FinnsignaledtoWillaandcounteddownwithhisfingers.Three…two…one…
Theytookoffacrossthestreet,twoblursofdull,colorfullight.Astheydid,Finnhadthepronouncedfeelingthatsomeonewaswatchinghim.Heglancedoverhisshoulderandthoughthesawashadowmoveinoneofthedoorways.Butwho?
DoortodoortheymovedupMainStreet.Finnlookedback,buttherewasnomoresignofanyonefollowing.Whenhewassuretheywereintheclear,heledWillatowardthefirestationandupthebackstairs.Wayneansweredthedoorasifhe’dbeenwaitingforthem.
“Ithinkyou’vedoneit,”Waynesaid,withallfiveDHIsgatheredinhisapartment.PhilbyandFinnhadexplainedtheirsolutiontothefable.
Waynecontinued,“Itwastheglasses,yousee?Thatreferencetoperspectivewaswherewefailedalltheseyears.Youshouldbeveryproudofyourselves.”
“Isthatit?”Maybeckasked.“Canwestartsleepingagain,forreal?”
“Youcantry,”Wayneanswered,“butI’mwillingtothinkyou’llhavetoseeitthrough.”
“Seewhatthrough?”Maybeckcomplained.“Youwantedustosolvethefable,andwedid.”
WaynestaredatFinnuntiltheboysaid,“It’snotsolved.Maybethepenistheendofit.”
“It’spossible,”Waynesaid,“butIwouldn’tcountonit.”
“Whycan’tyoutakeitfromhere?”Maybeckasked.
“Icouldtry,”Wayneanswered.“ButI’mnotsurethatwouldsolveyourcrossing-overproblem.”
“Youdesignedustocrossover.Soun-designus,”Charlenesaid.
“Ifonlyitwerethateasy.No,I’mafraidFinn’sright:you’llneedtoseethisthrough.”
“You’reafterher,”Maybecksaid,finallyunderstanding.“Wasthiseveraboutthefable?Oristhatjustawaytosmokeherout?”
“It’sverymuchaboutthefable,”Wayneanswered.“Isensesomehostilityinyou,Terry”
“Doyoureally?”Maybecksnortedandcrossedhisarms.“Thatwouldn’tbebecauseIwaskidnapped,wouldit?Andnowyouwantmecomingbackformore?”
Willaasked,“Isheright?Arewesupposedto…deliver…thatthing.Maleficent?Howdowedothat?”
“Youtakethingsoneatatime,”Waynereplied.“Let’snotgetaheadofourselves.”
“OneMan’sDream,”Finnsaid.
“YoucangoinasaDHI,butyouwon’tgetoutwithwhatyouwant,”Waynestated,surprisingthem.“Thinkaboutit.Youmightgetinside,butthepenwouldnotcomeoutwithyou.Thepenismaterialandreal,whereasyou—”
“Arenot,”Philbyanswered.
“Sowehavetostealit?”Finnasked.
“Youaregoingtoborrowit,Isuppose.”
“Whycan’tyoudothat?”Maybeckchallenged.
“Iwasn’ttheonetosolvethefable.I’mnottheonebroughtheretofixthings.Youare.Allfiveofyou.
“Butyoucouldgetthepenifyouwanted.”
“CouldI?IfanoldgoatlikemefromImagineeringaskedtogetinsideadisplay
inOneMan’sDream,they’dprobablyfireme.Ihavenobusinessthere.”
“Whichdisplay?”Philbyasked.“Youknowwhichdisplay,don’tyou?”
“Ihaveanidea,”Wayneadmitted.
“Sheesh!”Maybeckhuffed,fedup.
“Thereareseveralreplicas.Adraftingtable.Hisschooldesk.EvenWalt’soriginaloffice.Apen…it’sconceivableitcouldbeinanyofthese.Youmustbringmethepenthemomentyouhaveit.AndunderstandthethreatyounowposetotheOvertakers.Don’tunderestimatethat.Notforaminute.You’vesolvedthefable.Theymayknowthat,oratleastsuspectit.Ifthepenisvaluableenough,powerfulenough,tohideinsideafable,thenonecanimaginewearenottheonlyonesafterit.”
“You’reafraidofher,”Willasaidsoftly.“Youcreatedusbecauseyou’reafraidofher.”
“Areyouoldenoughtounderstandthesaying‘Don’tshootthemessenger’?”Wayneasked.
Finnhadheardtheexpressionbefore,andjudgingbythefacesoftheothers,theyhadtoo.
HethoughtheunderstoodWayne’smessage.“You’renottheonewhocreatedus,”hesaid.“Sowhodid?”
Voicescameloudlyupthebackstairsfromoutside.Severalmen.Oneofthemsaid,“Wasthiswhereyousawthem?”
“Wewerespotted!”Charlenesaidinapanic.
“You’llhavetogonow,”Waynesaid.
HelookedtowardFinn,whosaidinapanickedvoice,“Theremote’sbackintheapartment.
That’swhereweleaveit!”
Thesoundoffeetcomingupthestairsgrewallthelouder.
Apoundingonthebackdoor.
Waynehadacontentedsmileonhisface.“Youdon’tthinkwe’ddothiswithoutmakingabackup,doyou?”hesaid,holdingupanexactreplicaoftheirremote.
Anotherloudknockonthedoor.“Openup,please!”adeepmalevoicecommanded.
“Gather‘round,”Waynesaid,calmandrelaxed,asifhehadnotacareintheworld.
TheDHIshuddledtogether.
Waynepushedthebutton.
28
TheTransportationandTicketCenterhummedwithconversationasatangleofparkvisitorsshuttledbetweenbusesandmonorails.Somefamilieswereendingtheirdaysjustasotherswerestartingtheirs.OnaMondayafternoon,thickwithhumiditythetiredandimpatientmingledwiththeexhilaratedandanxious.Forsome,adayspent;forothers,aneveningfullofpromise.Thehumidityhungintheairsoheavilyyoucouldpracticallywearitlikeacoat.
Abovethegigglesandshrieksofexcitedchildrenandthescornfullreproachesoftheirexhaustedparents,thepurrofatrainapproachingcouldbeheard.
“We’reofftoalatestart,”Philbyannounced,checkinghiswatch.Charlene’scheerleaderpracticehaddelayedthem.“It’salmostaquartertofive.”
“OneMan’sDreamclosesatfive,”Willainformedthem.“We’reokay.We’llmakeit.”SheturnedtoFinn.“Whatifwewere‘accidentally’insidewhenitclosedforthenight?”
Philbyshotdownhersuggestion.“There’snowayfiveofuswillbeabletohideoutinthereandgetlockedin.Forgetit.”
Finnsaid,“Butoneofusmightbeableto.”
Philbysaid,“ThereareatleastninesecuritycamerasinsideOneMan’sDream.Ifevenoneofusisseeninthereafterclosing,we’reinbigtrouble.”
“Maybenot.”AfamiliarvoicecamefrombehindFinn.ItwasAmanda.
Shewassittinginthefrontpartofthetraincar,herbackdirectlytothem,exactlybehindFinn.
Thisisanythingbutcoincidence,hethought.
Finnhadbarelyspokentohersincethatdayattheskateparkwhereithadseemedtohimshe’dknowntoomuch,orwaskeepingsomethingfromhim.Hisintentionalavoidanceofherhungintheairbetweenthem.
Finnintroducedheraroundtothosewhohadnotmether.
ShetoldFinncandidly,“Yousawmeintheparklastnight.MainStreet.Notfarbehindyou.”
ThefourotherDHIslookedatFinnasifhe’dbetrayedthem.“That’sbecauseIfollowedJezthereafterschool,”Amandaexplained.
“Jez?”Maybeckblurtedout.
Amandasaid,“Jezneverlefttheparkatclosing.ShewentintoPiratesoftheCaribbeanandnevercameout.IhidinthebathroomsbehindPiratesandwaitedfortheparktoclear.ThenIhidinastairwellandwaited.”
“Arewesupposedtobelievethis?”Charleneasked.
“Believewhatyouwant,”Amandasnappedather.“Afterclosing,itwasherturntohide.ShetookaplaceonMainStreet.Youguysjust…arrivedallofasudden.Imean,oneminutenoonewasthereonthebench,andthenthereyouwere.Itwastheweirdestthing.Andshefollowedyou.”
“Andyoufollowedher,”Finnsaid.
Philbytestedher.“Shefolloweduswhere?”
Amandaanswered,“ShefollowedyouandFinntoThunderMountain,andsodidI.”
Maybecknodded.Whatheheardmadesense.“Thisissolid,guys.ThisgirlJezistrouble.”
“LatershewentovertoCosmicRay’s,”Amandasaid.
Charlenewentpale.“Butwhy?”
“Yeah.WhywouldJezfollowus?”Philbyaskedcuriously.
Amandasaid,“Curiositykilledthecat.”
FinnandMaybeckexchangedglances.Finnasked,“Whereisshenow?”
“Shefollowedyou,Finn,today.Afterschool.IlostherattheTransportationandTicketCenter,butshe’saroundheresomeplace.”
Charlenesnapped,“Sincewhendidyoubecomeourguardianangel?”
“MymotherworksatMGM,”Amandasaid.“Inadministration,inoneoftheoldbungalows.I’vebeenthere,like,azilliontimes.Theyknowme.Themainsecurityofficefortheparkisinthatbuilding.”Shehesitatedamomentandthensaid,“Iknowthoseguys.Icandistractthem.IfIthinkthey’regoingtoseeyouononeoftheirscreens,Icandrawtheirattention.”
“I’lljustbetyoucan,”snarledCharlene.
“Idon’tknowaboutthat,”Finnsaid.Itsoundedcomplicatedtohim.Risky.
“Icanhelpyou,”shesuggested.“Icansignalifthey’reontoyou.”StillFinnhesitated.“Youneedsomeonetowarnyou.”
He’dknownforsometimethatshewantedtobeaDHI,wantedtobepartoftheadventure.
Showingoffherknowledgeofthearea,AmandatoldPhilby,“Listen,there’sasound-and-lighttowerrightthereatthesidedoortoOneMan’sDream.Fromupthere,oneofyouwouldbeabletoseeprettymuchallaroundthepark.You’dbeabletospotthesecuritypatrolswaybeforetheyreachedtheattraction.”
Willasuggested,“AllinfavorofAmandahelpingusout?”
Everyone’shandwentup,butFinn’swasnoticeablyslowerthantheothers.Notinghisreluctance,Amandascrunchedherfaceathim.
“Ijustdon’twantyougettingintotrouble—orworse!—forsomethingyou’renotinvolvedin,”hesaid.“Thiscanbedangerous,Amanda.Youneedtoknowthatbeforeyouvolunteer.”
Amanda’snostrilsflared.Shelookedangry.“Icantakecareofmyself.”
WillaandCharlenegrinned.
Charlene,usuallythemostreluctantofthefive,said,“Okaythen,it’sdecided.”
OnceinsideMGMpark,theyquicklysplituptoavoidrecognition.
FinnandWillaheadedupSunsetBoulevard.Amandasplitfromthegroup,presumablytoreachSecurity.Philbysoughtoutthesound-and-lighttower,withCharleneashisrunner,incasehespottedtrouble.
“Youdon’tlooksohot,”WillatoldFinn.
“I’mjust…nervous,Iguess,”Finnsaid.TheyhadcomeupwithadecentplanonhowhemighthideinsideOneMan’sDream,buthewasn’teagertotestit.
Heasked,“Whatiftheycountheads?Whatiftheyknowhowmanygoinandoutofthetheater?”
Willaconsideredthisandthensaid,“Nah,theydon’tdostufflikethat.Maybetheycountpeoplegoingintothepark,butnotontotherides.Thatdoesntmakesense.”
“Theymight.”
“Theymight,buttheydon’t.”
Thetwopassedthefifty-foot-highreplicaofMickey’ssorcererhatthatstoodinfrontoftheChinesetheaterandservedasabandstand.Theystoppedatakiosksellingpinsandfilm,hats,stuffedanimals,andpostcards.
OneMan’sDreamwascrowdedwithgrandparentsandmotherswithstrollerstryingtoescapethemuggyheat.FinnpassedseveraldisplaysdealingwiththehistoryoftheparkandthewaysinwhichtheImagineershadrealizedWaltDisney’sdream.Willawaitedneartheentrance,doingagoodimitationofagirl
waitingforafriend.
OneofthedisplaysshowedWaltDisney’ssecond-gradeschooldeskfromMarceline,Missouri.Finnstudiedthedeskcarefully,wonderingifDisney’s“firstpen”mightbeinside.Itswoodentopwashinged,withashallowcircularwellcutintoitforabottleofink.
“Notexactlylikeyourdeskatschool,I’llbet,”saidawomanstandingbehindFinn.Shewasveryold,withkindeyes,translucentskin,andafaintwhitemoustache.SheworeanemployeenametagthatsaidCHARLOTTE.Herhairwasthecoloroflaundrylint.Hereyelashesweresopaletheywerealmostinvisible,whichlefthereyelidslookinglikeweirdflesh-coloredcupsthatblinkeddownoverhereyeslikeabird’s.Hervoicesoundedlikethesquealofapinchedballoon.
Finn,who’dhopedtogothroughtheexhibitunnoticed,blurtedout,“I—it—didn’tdoanything.”
“Ididn’tsayyoudid,youngman.”Shelookedathimcuriously.
“AmItoolatetowatchthemovieonWaltDisney’slife?”
“No,notatall.There’safinalshowingin…”Shecheckedherwatch.“Well!You’llhavetohurry.It’sjustdownthehallandtoyourright.It’sbiographical,youunderstand?It’snotliketheBugmovieorPhilharMagic.Nothinglikethose.”
“Iknow,”Finnsaid.Thewoman’sheavyperfumemadehimdizzy.Ittrailedafterherlikecarexhaust.Sheapparentlyfeltobligedtomakesurehemadeitintime.Togethertheywalkedpastotherdisplays.FinncaughtsightofWaltDisney’sWestCoastoffice—thedisplayWaynehadmentioned.
“Herewego,youngman,”thewomansaid.“Waithereandthey’llshowyouinside.”
Finnsawanotherdisplay,thisoneopentotheair,notsealedunderglass:adraftingtablewithabunchofpensandpapers.Waynehadmentionedthisaswell.Whichdisplay?Finnwondered.
Thedoorstothetheateropened.Finnandafewotherswereshowninside.Finn
tookaseatneartheback.
Thelightsdimmedalmostimmediatelyandthefilmstarted.Finnwatchedafewminutesofit,sloucheddowninhisseat,andthenslippedontothefloor.Hecurleduptightlyundertheseatinfrontofhiminordertohide.Thefilmranaboutfifteenminutes.Finnwasalreadyfeelingstiffbythetimeitfinished.
Thetheatergoersexitedintodaylight.Finn’sheartracedinhischestashehidandthedoorstotheoutsidethumpedshut,closinghimin.Thetheaterdarkened.Moresounds:ushersmakingsmalltalk,peoplesayinggood-byeandgoodnight.
Thensilence.
Finn,stillonthefloor,uncoiledandrelaxedhistightmuscles.Twominutespassed.Five.Nosoundsatallbeyondthealmostpainfulbeatingofhisheart.
Hegottohisfeet,gatheredhiscourage,andcalledout,“Hello?”preparedtoinventsomeexcuseifheraisedanyone.
Nothing.
Hepushedthroughthedoorsandwalkedbackintothemaingallery.Hetriedoncemore:
“Hello?”Ifdiscovered,he’dclaimhehadfallenasleepduringthefilm.
Nothing.
Afewlightshadbeenlefton,buttheonesinsidethedisplayswerealloff.Finncheckedoutthedraftingtable.Hewasdisappointedtoreadthelittlesignthatdescribedthedisplay.TherewasnomentionofthedraftingtablehavingbelongedtoWaltDisney.Itwasjustoneofmanydraftingtablesusedbyhisanimationstaff.Therewereacouplepensandpencils,aclearplasticdraftsman’striangle,andsomepapersscatteredaround.Finncarefullyclimbedintothedisplayandopenedsomesmalldrawersofacabinetnexttothetable.Allempty.
Next,hereturnedtothedisplayofWaltDisney’soriginaloffice.Thereonthedesk,bothamugandacorkglobeheldanabundanceofpensandpencils.Adozenormore.Myfirstpen.
Finnknewjustbylookingthatthiswastheplace.
Hedidn’twanttostealanything.HeremindedhimselfthatthishadbeenWayne’sidea,nothis.Theywereborrowingthepens.Nothingmore.Waynecouldreturnthem.Noharm.
Buthowtogetinsidetheglassed-indisplay?Finndidn’tseeanykindofdoor,excepttheoneleadingintotheoffice,anditwasinthebackwallofthedisplay.Hesawnowayin.
Hesearchedforapossibleaccessdoorintothebackofthedisplays,assumingtherewasahallwaybehindthevariouswindows.Theonlydoorhefound,towardthemainentrance,wasnotonlylockedbutfarawayfromtheofficedisplay.
Hebacktracked,passingallthedisplaysagain.Hefoundnodoor.Nowaybackthere.Buttherehadtobeaway!Somewaytomovefurniture,dust,clean,changelightbulbs.
Onlyashepassedablueposterforthethirdtimedidhehappentonoticeasmallfloor-to-ceilinggap.TheposterwasasketchoftheearthwithMickeyMouseears.Theearthwascrying.
ThesmalldescriptionexplainedthatthisdrawinghadbeenanewspapercartoonthatranfollowingDisney’sdeath.Itdepictedtheworldmourninghisloss.
Finnshovedhisfingersintothesmallcrackandpulled.Thepostermovedandthedoorcameopen.Hewasinsideinaninstant.
Justashesteppedintorelativedarknessbehindthedoor,Finnheardthreeloudknocksatadistance.Willa’ssignal.Terrorfloodedhim.SecurityguardswereeitherintheareaorheadedforOneMan’sDream.Fiveknockswouldsignalthatthecoastwasclear.Hepulledthedoorshutbehindhim.Thiswasasgoodaplacetohideasany.
Amomentlaterhestoodabsolutelystillasheidentifieddeepvoicesnearby.Justthroughthewall.Twomentalking.Insidetheattraction.
“Yousayitwasananonymouscall?”Oneguardspeakingtoanother.
“Agirl.Younggirlatthat,”theothersaid.“That’swhatMannysaid,yeah.Probablyjustaprank.Youknowkidsthatage.ButifMannywantsitcheckedout…”
“Thenwecheckitout.”
“Gotthatright.”
Finnheldhisbreathastheydrewclose.
“Thingis,”thesecondguardsaid,“thefrontdoorwaslockedgoodandtight.Wechecktheotherdoorsandwegotnothingtoworryabout.Nowaysomeone’sinhereifallthedoorsaretight.
Falsealarm.Plainandsimple.AmIright?”
“You’reright.”
“Okay,thenlet’sgetsomecoffee.”
“I’malloverthat.”
Finnwaitedseveralmorelongminuteswithoutmoving,practicallywithoutbreathing.Whohadcalledsecurity?Amanda?Hadshefedthemabunchoflies?DidshewantFinntogetcaughtbecauseofthewayhe’dexcludedherrecently?
Iftheywerecaughtnow,theirattempttostopMaleficentwouldbethwarted.Theparkwouldeventuallyfallunderhercontrol.Worse,ifshetookherpowersoutsidethepark,whoknewwhatwouldhappen?WhoknewwhatwouldbecomeofthefivekidswhohadoncebeenDHIs?
Oneanonymouscallhadnearlyruinedeverything.
Nowheheardadistantsound:fivedullbeats,likeafistonglass.Thesignal.
Hiseyesadjustedtowhatlittlelightwasavailableinthisbackhallway.Heturnedlefttowardtheofficedisplayandsoonreachedadoormarked:WD’sOFFICE.
Finnopenedthisdoor,steppedinside,andwasnowstandinginthedisplay.He
movedcarefully,notwantingtonudgeanythingoutofplaceordisturbtheoffice’scontents.Theairwasstuffyandunusuallydry.Hekeptwatchoutintotheemptygallerybeyond.
Onthewallatinyredlightbeganflashing.Asensorofsomekind,thoughanalarmdidnotsound.Anenvironmentalsensorperhaps,measuringheatandhumidityforthesakeofthedisplay’scontents.Finn’sbodyheatandhisbreathing,alongwiththeopendoortothebackhall,hadtrippedsomekindofsilentalarm.
Hequicklysnatchedupallthepensandpencilsfromboththeblackcoffeemugandthecorkglobe.Hewasnearlyouttheofficedoorwhenhesawascrollofarchitecturalplansleaningupagainstthedesk.WalthadtoldWaynethathe“hadplansforthisplace.”Finn,likeWayneandothers,hadtakenthewrongmeaning.Plans,asindrawings,notplans,asinideas.Finnscoopedthemup.
Heheardthreeloudthudsonthegallery’souterdoor—anothersignalfromWilla.Someonewascoming.Again.
Finnhurriedouttheoffice’sbackdoor,shutitcarefully,andheadeddownthebackhallway.
Butwheretogo?hewondered.
Hesawanexitsignateitherendofthehallway.Whichway?
Helookedleft,lookedright,butwasfrozenbyindecision.
Heheadedright,awayfromWilla’swarning.
Downthenarrowhall,ajogleft,hefacedametalexitdoorwithapanicbar.Hehesitated,foratthatverysecondanicyfrostsplinteredandcrackedtheinsidesurfaceofthedoor.Something—someone—wasjustontheotherside,anditwasn’tsecurityguards.
Thefrostyimageslowlytooktheshapeofahumanhand.Finnjumpedback.Hecouldseehisbreathnow,couldfeelthatsamepenetratingcoldgettingtohimagain.
Heturnedtorun,butcouldnotmovehislegs.Heteetered,readytofall.The
frostontheinsideofthedoorspreadfromthethinfingersofthehandlikeaweb.Finnglanceddowntoseethatthefloorhadicedupbeneathhim.Itwaslikestandingonaskatingrink.Thenhisbodymovedforward,allonitsown,slidingontheice,asifdrawnbyamagnet.
Heputouthishandstostophimself,buttheystucktothedoor.Thatforcecontinuedtopullhim.Nowhisbodyglueditselftothedoor.Inchbyinchhisheadwaspulleduntilhischeekfrozetothemetal.Pulledagainstthedoor’spanicbar,hefearedthedoormightcomeopen.Whoever,whatever,wasontheothersidewantedthepensandpencilsinhispocket.TheOvertakers.
Theplanssquirtedoutfromunderhisarmandcameunrolledastheyhitthefloor.Finncouldseetheywerefadedblueprintsofthevariousparks.Onebyone,thesheetsslippedunderthedoorwhileFinnwashelplesstostopthem.
Thepanicbarinchedaheadand,asitdid,themechanismdrewtheboltofthelockawayfromthelipofmetalthatsecuredthedoorshut.
Behindhim,thevoicesinsidethegallerygrewlouderasthesecurityguardsdrewcloser.
“Hey,Manny!Overhere!ThinkIgotsomething!”
Theguardswereinthebackhallway.
Whateverwasontheothersideofthedoormadeasoundlikewintrywind.
Finntriedtodismissit,ignoreit,butitgrewlouder.
Then,fromoutsidethedoor,Finnheardshouting.Theroarofthewindimmediatelylessened,fadingaway,replacedbythesoundsofrunningfeet.Theiceontheinsideofthedoorslowlymelted,sendingstreamsofwaterrushingdown.
Finnheardtheslapofbootsasthesecurityguardsdrewcloser.Hepushedthepanicbar.
Theicecrackedandthedooropened.Finntoresomeskinoffthepalmsofbothhandsashepulledawayfromtheicybar.
Brightlate-afternoonsunshineblindedhim.HecouldjustvaguelymakeoutWilla,agooddistanceaway,runningtowardhim.
Behindhim,agirlwithlonghair.
Jez?Amanda?
Finntookoffinthatdirection,curioustofindoutwhohadcausedthatice.
Thefleeinggirlroundedthebuilding’sbackcorner,outofsight.
Finnsprintedtocatchupcalling,“Hey!Wait!You!Waitup!”Hewasnolongerafraidofthisperson.Hewantedanswers.
He,too,hurriedaroundthecorner.Hecollidedwithsomeoneandtheywentdownhard.Finncametohisknees,dazed.
“You?”hesaid.
Hesatface-to-facewithAmanda.
“You?”hesaidagain,desperateforanexplanation.“Youcausethecold?”
“Finn—”
“You’retheone?”hegaspedindisbelief,hatingherforallherlies.
“Me?”Shelookedastonished.Butwasshejustacting?
Shesaidinawhisper,“Didyougetwhatyoucamefor?”
Finncouldn’tgetawordout,hischesttight,hisfistsclenched.
“Finn,please.You’vegotthiswrong.”
Herosetohisfeetandbackedawayfromher,butnotdaringtotakehiseyesoffher.“Itrustedyou,”hesaid.
“Finn,”shepleaded.“There’ssomuchtoexplain.Butnothere.”
“Notanywhere,”hefiredback.“Notever.”
“Run!”Willacalledout,catchingup.“They’recom-ing!
Amanda,stillseatedonthepavement,hadtearsinhereyes.
Willacametoabreathlessstop.“Finn!Theguards!”
HeandAmandahadnotbrokeneyecontact,thoughtheydidnow.Hebackedupatfirst,stilllookingather.Thenheturnedandranashardandasfastashecould.
29
Mickey’sNot-So-ScaryHaloweenParty,themostfunofanyofthepark’sspecialevents,wasnottobemissed.ItprovidedagoodopportunityforthekidstobringthepenstoWayne,sincetheywouldhavetodelivertheminperson,notasDHIs.
Allfiveofthekidshadplannedtoattend,usinguponeoftheir“legal”visitstothepark.Finnwasn’tsurewhototrustanymore,butcertainlynotthepirates.TheirapparentconnectiontoJezmadehimallthemorecurious,andallthemorecautious.
Thepartytookplaceatnight,afterhours.MainStreetwasdecoratedtomatchtheoccasion,costumeswereallbutmandatory,andghoulishcharacterswalkedthestreets,addingtothechillsandthrills.
PhilbybelievedthepartyalsoprovidedMaleficentarareopportunitytouseallthecostumingtohideherself.Awitchwouldgounnoticedonanightlikethis.ShecouldmeetwiththeotherOvertakerswithoutraisinganeyebrow,andcouldmoveabouttheparkfreely.Ifshewasplottingawaytotakeoverthepark,this,ofallnights,seemedtheperfecttimeforhertospringherplan.
Thekids—kids,notDHIs—hadaplaninplacetokeepbothPiratesoftheCaribbeanandtheHauntedMansionunderclosewatch.TheychosetheHauntedMansionbecauseghostsandgoblinswouldserveawitchwell,andifMaleficentplannedtotakeoverthepark,noworinthefuture,shewouldneedanarmyofOvertakerssupportingher.
Finn’smotherdroppedhimoffintheschoolparkinglot.Hesufferedthroughtheusuallecturefromheraboutgoodandproperbehavior.Snore.Overthreehundredofhisfellowschoolmates,includingDillard,rodeschoolbusshuttlestotheMagicKingdom.Thesesamebusesweretotakethemallbacktotheschoolateleveno’clock,whenthepartyendedandtheparkclosed.Parentswouldpickuptheirkidsintheschool’slot.
Onceinside,theplanwasforthekidstomeetatthestatueofRoyO.DisneyoutsidethefirestationinTownSquare.Fromtheretheywould“divideandconquer,”asMaybeckputit.
Havingstruggledwithcostumeideas,Finncamedressedinblackjeans,ablackT-shirt,andanewcape.Heworeablackmaskoverjusthiseyes.HethoughtofhimselfasZorro,whenintruth,hewasdressedforanyadventurestheymightencounter.
Ateighto’clockthousandsofkidsandtheirfamiliespouredintotheparkwearingelaboratecostumesthataddedtotheheightenedsenseoffun.Inanyotheryear,Finnwouldhaveheadedstraighttoaridetogetinline,readytoscreamandbefrightened.Despiteitsname,Mickey’sNot-So-ScaryHalloweenPartyofferedplentyoffrightstoitsguests.
Musicwaspumpedintothepark,notthetypicalDisneysongs—mostofwhichFinncouldhumfrommemory—butinstead,monstertunesandghostsongs,punctuatedbyfitsofghoulishlaughter.Theparkcamealivewiththesounds.
Arrivingasplanned,afewminutespastopening,Finnfounditdifficulttopickouthisnewfriends.Thiswaspartlybecausethereweresomanypeoplefloodingintothepark,andpartlybecauseofthecostumes.
“Thereyouare!”DillardColesaid.He’delectedtocomeasacrab,wearingalargeroundshellmadeofbrownpaper,hishandsinovenmittsforclaws,andseveralsetsofspringylegsprotrudingfromtheshell.
“Youlooklikeagianttick,”Finnsaid.“Crabsaren’tbrown.”
“Grocerybags.Itwastheonlypaperwecouldfind.”
Fromupclose,FinnsawthatDillard’scostumewasindeedmadefromdozensofgrocerybagscutopenandtapedtogether.
“Youseenanyonefromschool?”Finnasked.
“Nah.You?”
“Nah.”
“IhateHalloween,”Dillardsaid.
“Thenwhydidyoucome?”
Thecrabshrugged,allitslegsbouncingatonce.“Thecandy.Whereyoubeen,anyway?
Seemslikeweneverhangoutanymore.”
Itwastrue:Finn’slifehadchangedsincethecrossing-overhadbegun.He’dquicklymadenewfriendswiththeDHIs.Theirquestwasallhethoughtofanymore;evenhishomeworkwassuffering.
“Youknowwhat’sgoingon,”hesaid.“Oratleastsomeofit.”
“Yoursuperpowers,”Dillardteased.
“Yeah.Likethat.”Finnhadn’ttoldDillardhalfthestuffhe’dbeenthroughinthepastfewweeks.Heledasecretlifenow.
Untilthismomenthehadn’trealizedjusthowsecret.Worse:untilheandtheothersfixedthings,untilthegrowingpoweroftheOvertakerswaschallengedandstopped,hislifewasn’tgoingtogetmuchbetter.Stayingawakeallnight.Feelingtiredallday.Battlinghisparents.Tellinghismomthetruth,whichshe,ofcourse,foundunbelievable.
“Whatridedoyouwanttogoonfirst?”Dillardasked.“EarthtoFinn!Hello?”
Finncouldn’thearbecausehe’dspottedawitchheadingforthem.Amongalltheothercostumes,thisoneinparticularstoodout.Notjustforthecostume,butforthegirlwhoworeit.
AsDillardturnedtofollowFinn’sgaze,hiscrabbodyandlegshitkidsbehindhim,drawingjeersofcomplaintandclearingaspacearoundhim.
“CheckoutCruellaDeVil,”Dillardsaid,followingFinn’sgaze.“Hey,isn’tthat—”
“HernameisJez.”
“Fromthecarwash.”
“Right.”
Jezworeaskintightblack-and-whiteleotardwithblack-and-whitetights.Herhairwashalfblack,halfwhite.Shecarriedamasquerademaskonastickandworewhiteglovesthatranallthewayuptoherelbows.Thesmallmaskwasblack,likeFinn’sZorromask.Shehadablackbeautymarkdrawnontohercheektotheleftofherlips,whichwereexaggeratedbybrightredlipstick.
Shelookedlikeacollegegirl.Hercapeswisheddramaticallyasshewalked.Itwasn’tmadeofcheapcostumematerial,butsomethingmuchnicer.Shedrewlooksfromagoodnumberofboysasshepassed.
SheheadeddirectlytoFinnandDillard.Thesongplayingfromthebusheswas“MonsterMash.”JezsteppeduptoFinn,standingalittletooclose.Theyalmosttouched.Finnfelttemptedtotakeastepback,butheldhisground.
Jezspokesoftly,privately.“Greatmindsthinkalike,”shesaid.“Ourmasks,”sheaddedafterFinnfailedtorespond.
“Hey,Jez,”Finnsaid.
“Lookout,Zorro,”shewarned,“Imightputaspellonyou!”ShebrieflydroppedthemaskandmeteyeswithFinn.Shesmiled.
Dillardcoughed.Acoughingcrabwithdancinglegs.Heclearedanevenbiggerspaceforhimselfinthecrowd.
“Maybeyoualreadyhave,”Finnsuggested.
Shesaid,“Agoodspell,Ihope.”
“Areyouagoodwitch?”
“Thebest,”shesaid.“Can’tyoutell?”Shespun,hercaperising.SheendedhertwirlfacingDillardandsaidtohim,“Aren’tyougoingtooffertogetmesomethingtodrink,Sebastian?”
“Hey!SheguessedI’mSebastian!”DillardsaidproudlytoFinn.
“You’vegotenoughhands,don’tyou?”sheasked,tweakingoneclawandsendingitbouncingupanddown.
Finnsaid,“He’snotanerrandboy,he’smyfriend.”
“Hey!Idon’tmind,”Dillardsaid.Heraisedhisovenmitts,madeclawmotions,andwaddledoffinsearchofsomethingforthemtodrink.
“He’sagoodguy,”Finnsaid,whenJezfacedhimagain.“He’sbig,sopeoplemakefunofhim,buthecan’thelpit.”
Sheignoredwhathe’dsaid.“WanttodotheHauntedMansionwithme?”Jezasked.
Finnfelthisthroattighteninpanic.ThemansionwasanattractionthatseemedperfecttohideOvertakers.“It’llbetoocrowded,”hesaid.
Anawkwardmomentsettledbetweenthem.
“MissCongeniality,”Finnsaid.
“What?”
“TheSandraBullockmovie?”Finninquired.Hepointedtowardtheparkentrance.“Afriendofmine…Charlene.Youmetheratthesportspark,”hesaid.Charlenealsoworemakeupandlipstick,whichgaveherhighcheekbonesandathinnerface.Itwasagooddisguise.HerbluecocktaildressswishedassheparadedstraightovertoFinn.
CharlenelookedJezupanddown.“Adorable,”shesaidinsincerely.
“Imaginative,”Jezsaidbacktoher.
CharleneignoredJez.“SorryifI’mlate”shesaid.
“Noprob.”
“FinnandIaregoingovertotheHauntedMansion.”Jezannounced.“Wanttocome?”
Charlenecomplained,“ButFinn,youpromisedmethefirstride.Remember,Finn?”
ShewasgivinghimtheexcusetheyneededtogetovertoPiratesandbewiththeothers.
“Whenyou’reright,you’reright!”Finnsaid,alittleawkwardly.HeaskedJezifhecouldcatchuptoherlaterfortheHauntedMansion.
Shefrowned.
Dillardreturned,bearingtoomanydrinkstohold.Hedroppedone.
Jezreachedoutandcaughtitasitfell.Shenotonlysnaggedthecupbutsomehowmanagedtocatchallthesodaaswell.Notadropspilledtotheground.Itwasanimpossiblefeat.
Finntookamomenttoreplayitinhismind.“Howdidyoudothat?”
CharlenetookthethirdcupfromDillardandthankedhim.
“I…ahh…”Jezsaid.
Dillardhadintendedoneofthethreeforhimself,butdidn’ttellthattoCharlene.Whenhemoved,hisvariousarmsbouncedwildly.Hemumbledandheadedofftogetanother.
“Youdidn’tanswerme,”FinnremindedJez.“Howdidyoudothat?”
Jezstumbledoverherwordsasshemadewhatwasclearlyalameexcuse.“Mymomdoesn’tlikememessingupthekitchen.I’vegottenprettygoodatnotspilling.”
Catwomanapproached.FinnrecognizedAmandaimmediately.
Finnhadn’tspokentohersincetheircollisionbehindOneMan’sDream.He
couldn’tsorteverythingout:whatshe’dbeendoingthere;whythecoldhadn’tseemedtoaffecther.Hedidn’tfeellikehangingoutwithhertonight.Hewasn’tsurehowtotellher.
DillardreturnedfairlyquicklyandsaidhellotoAmanda.HerattentionremainedonFinn.
“Finn?”Amandasaid.
Finnturnedhisback,notsurewhattodo.Notthat,herealized,asshestormedoff.Hefeltrotten.
FinnofferedCharleneandJezanotherdrinkandthenheadedoffhimself,gratefultogetaway.ThegirlshungwithDillard,whostruggledtogetapapercuptohismouth.Hespilledsomesodadownhisfrontwhenoneofhisownclawsbangedagainsthim.
AmandasnuckupbehindFinninthesodaline.
“Isawher,Finn.Jez.BehindOneMan’sDream.Thosemonitorsareoldandfuzzy,butI’msureitwasher,andIcameovertheretowarnyou.”
Again,Finndidn’tknowwhattosay,didn’tknowwhattothink.Hedidn’tturnaround.
Amandacontinued,“Doesn’tthatstrikeyouasalittleodd?Alittletoocoincidental,herbeingtherelikethat?Rightthen?”
“Youwerethere,too.Thatstruckmeasoddaswell.”
“Ijustexplained.”
Theysteppedawayfromthesodaline.Finnjuggledthreecups.“Youweren’tsureitwasher.
Youjustsaidsoyourself.”
“Thinkabouthername,Finn.Jezebel?Comeon.TheBible?”
HewasnotexactlyaBiblescholar.
“Jezebeliswicked.Evil.Justlikeawitch.Andthatfitswiththecold,right?”Amandaasked.
“Itcouldhavebeenanyonedoingthat,”Finnblurtedout,thinkingofthewomaninthecar.
Sheleanedbackandlookedathimasifshedidn’tknowhim.“Whatareyouthinking?Areyouserious?Me?Listen,there’ssomethingyouneedtohear…somethingIhavetotellyouabouther.I’mnotsupposedto—doyouunderstandthat?Thiscouldgetmeinbigtrouble….”
Suddenly,Amandashuddered.Herheadjerkeduptowardthesky.Hershouldersshruggedandstiffened.Hereyesrolledinherhead.Finnthoughtshewasgoingtofaint.Hedumpedallthedrinksintoanearbytrashcan,freeinghishands,andtookherbythearm.Thenbythewaist.Shesankintohisarms.Shefeltcold,reallycold,andstiff,asifsheweresufferingsomekindofseizure.
Finn,wantingtoavoidmakingascene,walkedhertoabenchandsatherdown.
Acommotioneruptedbehindhim.HeturnedtoseeCharlenenowsittingdownonthesidewalk,herheadhangingslackoverherknees.Shehadapparentlyfaintedaswell.
AnadulthurriedtowardCharlene.
“Finn!”ItwasWilla,latetoarrive.
“Notimetoexplain,”hesaid.“You’vegottogetCharleneoverherebeforepeoplestartaskingquestions.Thegiantcrab—that’sDillard—he’llhelpyou.Hurry!”
Willa,who’dcomeasDorothyfromtheWizardofOz,rushedacrosstoDillard,tookholdofoneofhisovenmitts,anddraggedhimovertothewiltedCharlene.
FinncheckedAmanda.Shelookedhalfasleep,hereyesbarelyopen.Thankfully,shewasbreathingnormally.“Amanda!”hesaid,butgotnothingfromher.
Abrownout,hethought.Butabrownoutaffectingahuman,notaDHL.
Ifyou’renotcareful,I’llcastaspellonyou.Hadn’tJezsaidsomethinglikethat?
Washeimaginingthatshe’dsaidthat?
Helookedaround,hiseyessearchingforJez.
Hadn’tAmandabeenjustabouttotellhimsomethingtodowithJezwhenshe’dfainted?
WillaandDillardhadCharlenewalkingbetweenthem.Definitelyagoodsign.
There!FinnfinallyspottedJez.Shestoodonthefarsideofthestreet,talkingtoanadult—aThere!FinnfinallyspottedJez.Shestoodonthefarsideofthestreet,talkingtoanadult—athinwomaninalargewitch’shat,herbacktoFinn.HewatchedasJezpointedinhisdirection.Hefeltgoosebumpsraceuphisspine.Whatwasshetalkingabout?
Then,justforaninstant,JezaccidentallymeteyeswithFinn,fromclearacrossthestreet.AmomentlaterJezledthewomanoff,absorbedbythecrowd.
“Listen…Finnsaid,tryingtothink.“Igottago,”hetoldWilla.
“What,justleaveushere?”Willaasked,astonished.
“YouknowanythingabouttheBible?”heaskedWilla.
“Alittle.Sure.”
“IthinkIknowwhat’sgoingon,”heannouncedtoWillajustasPhilbyandMaybeckshowedup.
“I’mgladsomeonedoes,”Maybecksaid.
Philbyhadcomewearingawhitecurlywigandbigblackglasses,callinghimselfEinstein.
MaybeckhadsprayedhishairgrayandworetheflagofSouthAfricaonhissleeve.
“NelsonMandela,”MaybecktoldFinn.
“Youguyscomewithme,”FinninstructedashespottedJezandthewomanagain.TheywerewelldownMainStreet,headingtowardthecastle.
Amandasatupsuddenly,surprisingthemall.Willayelped.
“Don’t!”Amandagasped,lookingdirectlyatFinn.“Youhavenoidea…oftheirpowers.”
Sheslumpedback,inthatsameloststateagain.
“We’vegottogo.Now!”hetoldtheboys.
ThethreeboyshurrieddownMainStreet.
“Whatabout,youknow…?”Maybeckasked.
Finntappedhischest.“Ibroughtthepens.”
“Aren’twegoingthewrongway?Shouldn’twebegoingtothefirestation?”
“Don’taskmehow,butJezdidthistoCharleneandAmanda.Madethemsick.”
“That’sridiculous!”Maybecksaid,hisvoiceraspy.Theywerenearlyrunning.
Finnexplained,“Jezhookedupwithawitch!Incostume?Orforreal?Superskinny.Longblackhair.Soundlikeanyonewe’veseenlately?Andoh,bytheway,Jezjusthappenstobewearinglongwhitegloves.”
“CanIjustsay,you’vecompletelylostit,”Maybecksaid.“Andbycompletely,Imeanonehundredpercent.”
“Gloves.Jeziswearingwhiteglovestonight.Theygotoherelbow.AmandaandIsawthosesameglovesat—”
“Thecarwash,”Maybeckanswered.He’dseenthemtoo.
Finnsaid,“Jezisawitch.Andso’shermother.”PhilbyandMaybecklookedstunned.“Youwantmetoproveit,you’llcomewithme.”
Followingnow,Philbysaid,“Whatifyouhappentoberight?Inthatcase,whatarewedoingchasingawitchandherdaughter?Imean,howstupidcanwebe?”
Maybeckhuffed.“I’mgoingtohaveyouguysinstitutionalized.AmItheonlysanepersonleft?”
“Wait!”Finnsaid,stoppingthem.TheyduckedbehindapillarinfrontofaMainStreetshop.
Hepointed.Jezandthewomanturnedleftattheplaza,justbeforethecastle.
“Howmuchdoyouwanttobetthey’reheadingtoPirates?”
Rememberingtheconversationonthemonorail,Philbysaid,“AmandatoldusJezdisappearedthere.”
“Afigureofspeech,”Maybeckinterjected.“That’sall!”
AsFinnledthemleftoffthestreetaswell,Maybecksaidmoreseriously,“Listen,I’vebeenthere:whereCharleneandAmandaarerightnow.Feelingsicklikethat.Youdonotwanttomesswiththesepeople.”
“Theyaren’tpeople,”Finnsaid.“That’sthewholepoint.Iftheywerepeople,thenWayneandtheotherscoulddealwiththem.Thisisuptous,youguys.Nooneelseisgoingtodothis.”
“We’regoinginthereafterthem?”Philbysaid.JezandthewomanarrivedattheentrancetoPiratesoftheCaribbean.Sureenough,theyheadedinside.
“Idonotlikethis,”Maybecksaid.“Whathappenedtovoting?”
“Allinfavor?”Finnasked.HeandPhilbyraisedtheirhands.
Maybeckgroaned.
TheystoppedshortoftheentranceandstaredwarilyattheoldSpanish-stylebuilding.
“Okay,”Philbysaid,“nowI’mscared.”
30
Atnight,inthemidstofaHaloweencostumeparty,PiratesoftheCaribbeantookonamoremenacingfeel,somethingeachboyfeltasheentered.Flamencoguitarmusicechoedfromwallsthatflickeredinthelightofdimlanterns.Andwhilethemoodwasfestive,theHalloweenpartywasaspecialevent,sothecrowdsweremuchsmallerthanusual.Theresultwasanattractionwithdesertedhallwaysandahollowechotoeverysound.
Theboyshurrieddownastonecorridor.FinnhadlostsightofJezandhermotherjustasheheardtheolderwoman’sraspyvoicesaying,“Overhere.”
Thiswasfollowedbyaslightsqueakofmetal,adoorswingingonhinges,andaresoundingclangthatreverberatedoffthewalls.
“Youhearthat?”Maybeckasked.
Thetrioslowed.Astheyreachedasharpturninthehall,Maybeckbentdown,pretendingtotiehisrunningshoe,toletagroupofeagerteensracepastthem.Whenthehallwasemptyagain,Philbypointedtoashortstaircasesetintothewall,cordonedoffbyachain.
Totherightofthehallwasapit,ajailcellholdingapairofpiratefiguresengagedinagameofchess.
Maybeckhurriedforward,jumpedthechain,andclimbedtheshortstairs.Hereportedbackdowntotheothers,“There’sapairofcannonsandakindofturretthing.Lookslikethetopofafortorsomething.”
Philby,evertheacademic,explained,“It’samock-upofabattlement,withtwineight-poundcannonsandtheirshotinwovenbaskets.”He’ddonehishomework,asusual.
Finn’sattentionremainedonthejailcellandthesturdyironbarsmountedintotheconcrete.
Hetesteditsdoor,whichswungopen,makingthesameeeriesqueakthey’dheardonlymomentsbefore.
Excitedvoicesrangfromtheentrancetotheattraction.Morepeoplecoming.
Maybeckwhisperedsoftly,“Ifwe’regoingin,we’regoingin.Wecan’tstandaroundstaringatit.”
TheboyssteppedinsidetheheavyjailcelldoorandFinnpulleditshut.
Theyduckedintoshadowasseveralgroupsofkidshurriedpasttowardthestartoftheride.
Finnthenmotioneddownintothepitandthetwopiratesplayingchess.Itwasalongwaydown,andtherewerenostairs.
Philbyfoundaweightedropeconnectedtoanover-headpulley.“Caretotaketheelevator?”
Hetestedtherope,heldontightly,andsteppedoff.Hefloatedtothebottomofthepit.Amomentlatertheotherboyshadreachedthejail’sfloor.
“Okay,thisisreallyweird,”Finnsaid,“butIknowthisguy.”Hepointedtooneofthepirates.
Heknewthisfigurefromthelaserbattle.Lookingmorecarefully,herealizedthatherecognizedbothpirates.Hedaredtoreachoverandgentlypokethearmofthenearestpirate.Thankfully,itwasamodel,likeamannequin,andherelaxed.
Theyemergedintoalong,straighthallwaythatlayinshadowytwilight.Jailcellslinedbothsides.
“It’sa…prison,”Maybecksaid.
Finnstoppedandexaminedashinypieceofmetalthathungfromoneofthedoors.Itturnedouttobeapadlock.Asparklingnewpadlock.Eachofthecellswassecuredwithasimilarlock,allbrandnew.Onfurtherinspection,manyofthehingestothecelldoorshadbeenrecentlyrepaired.
Freshweldmarksabounded.
“Thishasallbeenfixedup,”Philbysaid.“Andrecently.What’swiththat?”
“Padlocks,”Finnsaid.“Ahundredpadlocksstolen.RememberwhatWaynesaid?”Herecalledhisfathermentioningweldinggearbeingstolen.TheOvertakers.
Philbyhandledoneofthepadlocks.“You’renotsaying—”
“Youwanttoexplainit?Goahead!”Finnsaid.
Maybecksaid,“Listen,thismakessense.Thesecellsarehuge.Eachcellcouldholdwhat,ten,maybetwentypeople?”
Theboyscontinuedthroughthegloomyjail.
Philbydidthemath.“Thatmeansyoucouldlockuphundredsofpeopledownhere.Yourealizethat?”
Finnsaid,“Parkemployees.”
“They’replanningatakeover,”Philbysaid.“Theystolethelocks.Theyfixedupthecells.”
Finnstated,“Theyobviouslyplantousethese.”
“ThisisexactlywhatWayneisafraidof,”Philbysaid.“NowIgetit:iftheyorganize,andiftheyhaverealpowers,it’spossibletheycouldtakeoverthepark.”
“Andoncetheydid,”Finnsaid,“whatwouldhappentotheguestswhoarrived?”
“It’snotjustajail,guys.Welcometothedungeon.”Maybeckpointedtoadoor
attheendofthejails.Thedoorhungopen,revealingatomblikedarknessbeyond.“Andyes,”headdedquickly,
“Irealizehowstupidthissounds.”
Finnreminded,“Remember,we’renotcrossedover.We’renotgoingtoturninvisible.We’renotgoingtoglow.We’renotgoingtowalkthroughwalls.Soifwerun,werun.”
“I’malloverthat,”Maybecksaid.
Theypausedatthedoorandlistenedtohigh-pitchedvoicesfaintlycomingthroughthedarkness.
Philbywhispered,“Isuggestwesticktotheshadows.”
“Shadows?”Maybeckquestioned.“It’spitch-blackinthere.”
“Itwon’tbe,”Philbyassuredhim.
Maybecksaid,“Nomatterwhat,wehangtogether.Youdonotwanttogoone-on-onewiththesepeople.”
“Iftheyarepeople,”Philbysaid,meaningitasajoke.Noonelaughed.
“Anyadvice?”Finnasked.
“Don’tunderestimatetheirpoweroveryou,”Maybecksaid.“Youdon’twanttolookintotheireyes.Irememberlookingintoapairofeyes—thecoldgotmuchmoreintense.”
“So…trytothinkofotherthings,orwhat?”Finnasked.
“Yeah.Theydefinitelyputthoughtsintoyourhead,whichfeellikeyourownideas.Buttheyaren’tyourideasatall.They’relikeorders.Weoughttogothroughthatdoorwithourmindsalreadyoccupied,”Maybecksuggested.“Ifwegothroughatall.”
“Occupiedwithwhat?”Philbyasked.
Maybeckanswered,“What’stheugliest,weirdestmonsteryou’veeverseen?In
amovie,inyourimagination,inyoursleep?Trythat.Anddon’tletgoofit.Fightfirewithfire.”Headded,“Jezissonice,it’shardtoseeherasdangerous.That’swhenyoustartlosingpower,whenthecoldreallygetsgoing.”
“Andyoucouldn’thavetoldusthisbeforewedecidedtocomehere?”Philbyasked,annoyed.
“Ididn’trememberanyofthis.SwearIdidn’t.Notuntiljustnow.Butman,I’mtellingyou,it’sallcomingbackinabigway.”
“Areweallset?”Finnasked.
Theboysnodded.
Finnledthewaythroughthedoor,hisfeetfeelingthewayinfrontofhim.Thedarknessgavewaytoadescendingstonestaircase.Partwaydown,thestairsturnedleftandadimelectriclightshoneoverhead.Morelightsupahead.
Thestagnant,mustyairgrewquicklycool.Thewallsdrippedandgreenslimerandownthemlikethickpaint.Theboyssloshedthroughseveralshallowpuddles.Finnfollowedtwosetsofwetshoeprintsnow,frompuddletopuddle.
Allatoncethespaceopenedintoasquareroom.Thestoneceilingwassupportedbyfourenormousstonepillars,eachwithadifferentanimalheadcarvedontoit.Thecarvingswereofghoulish,evilfaces,halfanimal,halfhuman—hideous,withbugeyesandtonguesstickingout.
Stonebenchesranalongthewalls.Thiswassomekindofgatheringplace.
Theairfeltevencoldernow.
Finncountedthreedarkdoorwaysleadingfromtheroom.Jezandthewomancouldhavegonethroughanyoneofthem.
Philbydroppedtooneknee,lookingforwetprintstofollow.Hecrawledforwardonhishandsandkneesandendedfacingthemiddleofthethreedoorways.Hepointedsilently.
Finnnodded.
Theboysenteredadank,narrowtunnelwithwallscloseenoughtotouchonbothsidesatthesametime.Itgrewevergloomier.Therewasbarelyanylight.Asuffocatingstalenesshungintheair.
Finntoedhiswaycarefullyahead,encounteringyetanothershortflightofstonesteps.Asinglebarebulblittheplacewherethetightpassagewayendedatasecond,vastopenspace,aroomcarvedfromsandstone.Ahalfdozencolumns,allconnectedbycarvedarches,roseliketreetrunksfromthefloor.
ItremindedFinnofEscher’sKeep.ItwasalmostasifEscherhimselfhadoncebeenhere.
Manysimilarpatternsanddesignsadornedtheroom.HadWaltDisneyonceshownthisroomtothegreatartist?
Maybeckcrossedhisarmstightly.“Temperaturealert,”hewhispered.“Arcticairmass.”
Itwasanunnaturalcold.Afartoofamiliarcold.Theyweredrawingclosertothesource.
Philby,inthelead,ledthemtotheright.Noticingthatthechillwasreducedhere,theyreverseddirections,followingthecoldlikeabloodhoundfollowsascent.
AtremorofterrorranthroughFinn.Whatweretheythinkingincominghere?Aspiralstaircasethatlookedlikeahermitcrab’sshellrosetohisleft.Anothersetofnarrowstonestepsdescendedstraightahead.Thisplacewasalabyrinth.Butmorestrangely,itwasalsoaforced-perspectivehallway.Thedeepertheypenetratedintotheroom,thelowertheceiling.Theeffectmadetheroomappearmuchlongerthanitactuallywas.
Finn,nogianthimself,duckedasthemoistsandstonecaughthishair.Spiderwebsstucktohisface.Heclawedatthem.
Theboysheardhushedvoicestotheirright.Theychangeddirection,hunched,andstoopedbytheslopedceiling.
“Valorissuchadangerousthing.”Thesamevoicefromtheteepee:Maleficent.
Theboysstoppedandturnedinunison.
Shestoodalongsideacolumn.She’dhiddenbehindit.They’dwalkedrightpasther.“Likebeestosugarwater,”shesaid.
Shenowblockedtheirreturnroute.
Shesaid,“Ifyoudidn’tcaresomuchaboutyourtwogirlfriendsupthere,youwouldn’thavefollowedusdownhere.Andifyoudidn’tfollowus,thenhowwouldweevergetyoutogiveusthepen?”
They’dbeentricked.JezandMaleficenthadwantedtobefollowed.
Maybeckmadeaquickmovetohisleft,butwithasimplewaveofherglovedhandMaleficentthrewupaseriesofwhitevibratinglinesthatconnectedonecolumntothenext.Acageoflight.
Thelineshummedandsparkedwithelectricity.Theyaddedlighttothegloominess.
Asecondwaveofherhandserectedmorelines,intricatelyconnected.Shehadcreatedacomplexfencearoundtheboys.
Shesaid,“You’refamiliarwithshockcollarsfordogs?Wirelessfences?Sameconcept.Idon’tadvisetestingit,butbemyguests,ifyoumust.”
ThelightallowedFinntoseethepurpleofherrobes.Tooscaredtotalk,hesummonedhiscourage,refusingtolookdirectlyatherwhileatthesametimekeepingamonstrousimageinhismind’seye.
“Weknowyouhaveitonyou,”shesaid,“youcleverchild.Now…placethependownonthefloorthere.Assoonasyoudo,yourgirlfriendswillfeelfine.”
Silence.NotevenMaybeckrespondedwithhisusualsarcasm.
Philby’seyesdancedtowardthesparkingwhitelinesthatcagedthem.Finncouldfeelhimplottingescape.
Finnfeltitworthalie.“ItmighthelpifIknewwhatyouweretalkingabout.”
“Youinsolentyoungman.”
“Wewerethere.OneMan’sDream.”Jezsteppedoutfrombehindanothercolumn.
“OneWitch’sDream,too,”Maleficentsaid.“Theseparksgrowso…claustrophobic—don’tyouthink?”
Seeingthesetwosidebyside,Finnrealizedhowdifferenttheylooked.ItwashardtobelieveJezwasthiswoman’sdaughter.AndnowhefeltawfulfordoubtingAmanda.Nowshesatsemiconscioussomewhereabovethem.
“Youtwocango,”MaleficentsaidtoPhilbyandMaybeck.Shesweptherhandtoonesideandthefencesputteredandvanished.“Omniahaecobliviscantur!”shechantedmusically,thensaid,“Whenyoureachthesurface,youwillremembernoneofwhathasgoneonhere.Neithertheeventsnorthewaydown.Allyouwillrecallisgoingtotherestroomtogether.Youdon’tknowwhereFinnis.Haven’tseenhiminawhile.Nowgo.”
Thetwoboysremainedrootedfirmlyinplace.“Noway!”Philbysaid.
“Silly,sillyboy.”Sheclappedherglovedhandstogether.Philbyseemedtoloseeveryboneinhisbody.Hefelltothefloorinaheapofunwillinglimbsandmuscle,alumpofflesh.
“I’mgivingyouaverygenerousopportunityhere.Terryknowsbetterthantodisobey,don’tyou,Terry?”
Maybeck’slipsmoved,butnosoundcameout.
“Icanaddsomepain,ifyoulike,”shesaidtoPhilby.
“No!”Maybecksaid,reachingforPhilby.
“Go!”Finninstructedthem.
Theylookedpainedtohearthisfromhim.
“Go,”herepeated.
Losingherpatience,Maleficentasked,“Ordoyoupreferfire?”
Herlefthandsuddenlyheldaballofflame.Sheblewitout.
“Orwind?”Theroomswirledwithagaleforcethatblewdustintotheireyesandknockedtheboysofftheirfeet.NeitherJez’srobesnorhermother’ssomuchasfluttered.
“Wanttoplaysomemore?”sheasked.
Maleficentlitanotherballofflameinherhand.Sheblewonit,sendingitrollingdirectlyforMaybeck.Itexplodedinapuffofblacksmokejustbeforereachinghim.
HelpingPhilbyup,Finnleanedinandwhispered,“Keepanimageinyourhead.Focusonsomething.Protectyourmemory.”Hegavehimalittleshove.“Now,go!”hesaidmoreloudly.
MaybeckledPhilbybythearm.Theyhurriedoutoftheroom.
Whentheyweregone,Finnsaidtothewitch,“You’reheadoftheOvertakers.”
Shecackledanedgylaugh.“Me?Head?Falsecomplimentswillgetyounowherewithme,youngman.Iambutahumbleservanttoshewholiveswithin.Mypowersaresosmallandinsignificant.Donotwasteyourbreath.I’manerrandrunner,that’sall.”
Finnfelthiskneesgoweak.Therewassomethingmorepowerfulthanshewas?
Sheinstructedhim:“Now,putitonthefloor.Doso,orsuffer.Yourchoice.”
“Makeme,”Finnsaid.
MaleficentwavedherrighthandandFinn’scapeblewopen.TheassortmentofpensandpencilstakenfromWalt’sdeskstuckoutfromthecape’sinsidepocket.Thewitchturnedawayandthecapefellshut.
“Ifyoucouldmakemehanditover,youwouldhave,”hetoldher.“Butyoucan’t.Forsomereason,youneedmetocooperate.Whyisthat?”
Heflashedopenthecapeagain.Andagain,sheavertedhergaze.
“Heprotectedagainstthis,didn’the?WaltDisney,”Finnsaidasheconcealedthepensandpencilsagain.
Maleficentdaredtoventurealookatthepens,hereyessparkling,asifFinnwereholdingamilliondollarsingold.
Hetookholdofthepensandheldthemouttowardher.Maleficentcoweredawayfromhim.
“Interesting,”Finnsaid.“Youneedoneofthesepensorpencils,don’tyou?Butwhichone?”
Hesteppedforward.Shemovedback,andaway,duckingbehindthenearestcolumn.“Therealquillcanhurtyou,can’tit?Dullyourpowers?”Heunderstoodthen.ThiswashowWaynecouldstoptheOvertakers.
“Itcanstopyourplans,thispen,can’tit?Youneedtogetridofit.Destroyit.Evenjustitsexistencehasthreatenedyoualltheseyears.”
“Whatdoyouknow?You’rejustaboy!Andweallknowlittleboysshouldn’tplaywithfire.”
Withthat,shepretendedshewasbowling.AlargeballoffirerolledfromherhandandacrosstheflooratFinn.Hedodgediteasilyenough,butthencameasecond,andathird.
Jez“caught”theballsoffireontheoppositesideandbowledthembacktowardMaleficent.
Finn,trappedinthemiddle,dancedtoavoidtheflames.
Aballsingedhiscape.Hecouldn’tkeepthisupforlong.HefoundhimselfhoppingaroundlikeanIrishstepdancer.
“YouwilldoexactlyasIsay,”Maleficentinstructedhim,stillbowlingherfireballsathim.
Finnunderstoodwhathehadtodo.Dodgingthefireashelanded,hescatteredseveralofthepensacrossthestonefloor.Aballoffiretumbledtowardthepens.
“No!”thewitchshouted.Withawaveofherhand,theflamingballsvanishedintowispsofblacksmokeandthetangysmellthatfollowsalightningstorm.
So,Finnthought,shedoesn’twanttodestroythepen,andshecan’ttouchitherself.Shehasauseforit,butisalsoafraidofitspower.
“Youthinkyourselfsoclever?”shecalledoutangrily.Shewalkedrightthroughhiselectriccage,straightforthepens.
Finndoveacrossthefloor,sweptthemupintohishand,andsprintedforthewhitesparkingfence.Shehadpassedthroughwithoutsomuchasaspark.
Whenhewascrossedover,FinnhadbeenabletowalkthroughwallsandcounterthecurrentsofSplashMountainbyconcentratingontheDHIessenceofhiscrossed-overbody.Sowhynotpassthroughthiselectricfenceunharmed?
Hefocusedonthesingleidea:Iamlight.Iamnothingbutlight.NothingcanstopmeifI’mnothingbutlight.NothingcanharmmeifI’m—
Wham!
Reachingthefenceatfullstride,hewasknockedbackoffhisfeetandontothefloor.Hefeltasifhe’dbeenstabbedinthechest.
Maleficentseemedtofloat,notwalk,assheapproached.Shetoweredoverhim.Scowling,thewitchraisedherarm,abouttodeliveraspell.Finnclutchedthepensandjumpedtowardher,lightningfast.Hethrustthepensinherface.SparksflewasthepensconnectedwithMaleficent.
Sheflewbackandfelltothestonefloor.
“YourGrace?”Jezcalledout.
Thewitchlayonthestonefloor,stunned.Theelectricfencesputtered.
Finnsteppedclosertothefallenwitch,thepensheldinfrontofhimlikeasword.Sherecoiled,expectinghimtostrikeagain.
“Lowerthefence!”heinstructedJez.HenevertookhiseyesoffMaleficent.Sheseemedtobegainingherstrengthback.“Lowerthefence,orI’lldoitagain,”
Finnwarned.
Thebarsofbuzzingwhitelinessparkedtwicemoreandthenvanished.
“ReleaseAmandaandCharlene,”hetoldher.WhenJezhesitated,hesteppedclosertoMaleficent.Thefeelingofcoldincreased.Herstrengthwasindeedreturning.HeneededJeztodothisquickly,beforehermothercametohersenses.
HestabbedatMaleficentwiththefistfulofpens.Asecondburstofsparksthrewherdownagain.
“Okay!”Jezexclaimed.Shewavedherhands.“It’sdone.”
Finnbackedupandreachedthestairway.
AweakenedMaleficentliftedherheadandsaid,“Wewillmeetagain,youngman.Wehaveunfinishedbusiness,youandI.”
Finnturnedandran.
31
ThekidsneededtheplansthathadbeenstolenfromFinnatOneMan’sDream,andnoonehadanydoubtsastowhohadtakenthem.Maleficentwouldreturnforthepen—theStonecutter’sQuil
—withavengeance.Whateverpowersthepenandtheplanspossessedwhencombined,eachsidehadtheirreasonsforwantingwhattheothernowpossessed.
BeforeheleftMickey’sNot-So-ScaryHalloweenParty,FinnpaidWayneavisittoexplainthenight’sevents.
“It’salwayssuchanoisynight,”Waynecomplained.Helookedsillydressedinapairofpajamasandaplaidrobe.HeworeMickeyandMinnieMousefuzzyslippers.
“Weneedyourhelp.”
“Soitwouldseem.Soitwouldseem.”Waynepacedhissmallapartmentoverthefirestation,glancingoutthewindowsoccasionally.Finnheardhimmutter,“Whenwilltheygohome?”Thenhepacedsomemore.“Twobirdswithonestone,”hesaid,nowaddressingFinn.
“How’sthat?”Finnasked,impatienttohookbackupwithhisfriendsandleavethepark.
“Icanhelpyou—willhelpyou—butitwon’tcomewithoutadditionalrisktousall.Shehastobedesperatetobebowlingfireatyourfeet.Revealingherselflike
that.”Hestudiedthepensspreadoutonthesmalldiningtable,whereFinnhadputthem.“You’llkeepallofthese,becausethey’veobviouslycomeinhandy.Tomorrow’stheday.They’llbeexpectingyoubynight,ofcourse,becausethat’swhenyou’reusuallyhere.Soitcan’tbenight.Itmustbeday.Furthermore,ifyou’retosecuretheplans,thenyoumustbeaboy,notcrossedover.”
“Butwecantouchandholdthingswhenwe’recrossedover.Icangetthoseplansback.”
“Youcan’tdothatwhereI’msendingyou,”Waynecountered.“You’llhavetobeyourself.Theothersaswell.Andyou’llneeddisguises,oryou’llgetcaught.”Waynepaused,thinkinghard.
“Cast-membercostumes,youunderstand?Employees.Eachofyou.Icanhelpthereaswell.”
“Butwhy?Whereareyousendingus?”
“Youshowedme,”Waynesaid.“Imighthaveneverfiguredthisoutbymyself.”
“Showedyouwhat?”
“Where’stheoneplacethataweakenedMaleficentcanhidewithoutbeingquestioned?”
“Hereinthepark.”
“Imean,whereinthepark?”
“Whateverride,whateverattractionshe’spartof.”
“Butthat’sthepoint.Sheisn’tpartofone,”Wayneanswered.“Herroleisoveratthestudios.
She’sinFantasmics.That’sallshedoeshere—thatoneshow.Sheturnsherselfintothedragon.
Maybeinreallifeaswell.”
“Idon’tunderstand.”
“I’manoldmantalkingtohimself,that’sall.Backtotheimportantquestion:wherecanshehideintheMagicKingdom?”
“Outintheopen?”Finnguessed.
“Precisely.AndifIwereher,ifI’dstolentheseplansandthenledboysdowntomysecretlair,Iwouldneedsomeplacenewtolaylow.Theboysmighttellpeopleaboutthedungeons.Theycouldbesearched.Icouldbecaught.Ineedaplacenoonecanfindme.”
“Butwhere?”Finnasked,feelingasiftheyweretalkingincircles.
“We’llneedallfiveofyoutodressascastmembers.You’llmeetmeattheTransportationandTicketCenter,busstopnumberfive,atnineo’clocktomorrowmorning.Canyoumakethat?”
“Tomorrow’sSunday.Probably.Isupposeso.”
“Makesureyoudo,”headvised.
“Whatdidyoumeanby‘twobirdswithonestone’?”
“We’regoingtouseherowntacticsagainsther.Ifyoumanagetogettheplans,she’llcomeafteryou.She’llwanttostopyoufromgettingthemtome,especiallynowthatsheknowsyouhavethepen.”
“So?”
“You’regoingtoleadherintoatrap.”Hisoldeyesbrightened.
“You’regoingtouseusasbait?”
WaynelookedatFinn.Hisfeaturessoftened.“Howterriblyimpoliteofme.Ithasbeensolong,yousee.We’resoclosenow.Soveryclose.”HestraightenedupandlookedFinnintheeye.
“Ineedyourhelp—yoursandtheothers’—incatchingMaleficent.Itisatasknotwithoutrisk,butoneIassureyouwellworththeeffort,ifyou’regame.Thisis,Ibelieve,whatWalthadintendedallalong—thecaptureofanOvertaker,thebeginningoftheendforthem.”HepausedandallowedFinntothinkthroughhis
proposal.Thenheasked,“So?Willyouhelpme?”
Atninethenextmorning,FinnstoodwiththeothersinlineatbusstopnumberfiveattheTransportationandTicketCenter.
Alargebuspulledup.Thedoorswungopen,andfrombehindthewheelWaynemotionedtheminside.“Well?”theoldguysaid,“Hurryitup!”
Thekidspiledon,andWayneshutthedooranddroveoff.Theywereallaloneintheotherwiseemptybus.
“Thereisn’ttime,”Waynesaid.“There’sabagforeachofyou.”
Finn’snamewaswrittenononeoffivegrocerybags.Insidewasacostume.
“Putiton,”Wayneinstructed.“Ladiestotheback.”
Someblanketshadbeenstrungacrosstherearseatstoprovidethegirlsprivacy.
“Gentlemenupfront.”
Wayneturnedthebusatthenextcorner,andtheboys,allinvariousdegreesofundress,hadtoholdontokeeptheirbalance.
Waynepickedupthemicrophoneandannouncedsothegirlscouldhearaswell,“I’llbringyouinaroundthebackoftheparkatFrontierland.You’llenterthetunnelsfromthere.”
“Tunnels?”Finnasked.
“Afterthat,it’suptothefiveofyou,I’mafraid.”
Whentheboysweredressed,CharleneandWillacameforward.Willaworeanold-fashionedblue-stripeddressandapuffy-sleevedblouseprintedwithpastelflowers,theuniformoffood-serviceworkersinFrontierland.CharleneworeaskirtandtopofadeckhandonthepaddlewheelsteamboatthatcircledTomSawyerIsland.
“Listen,allofyou!There’sascheduleinplacewemustkeeptoinorderforthistowork.”
WaynewasoneoftheworstdriversFinnhadevermet.Thebusnearlysideswipedtwocars,thenveeredleftandscrapeditswheelsagainstthecurb,beforesmashingbackdowntotheroadway.
“Okay,we’relistening,”Finnsaid,realizingthattheoldgoatwasagitated.
PhilbywasdressedasaboatmanontheJungleCruise.FinnwasanewspaperboyfromMainStreet.Maybeckworeaturban-toppedoutfitfromtheMagicCarpetsofAladdin.
Waynepulledthebusoverandthrewopenthedoor.Amandaboarded.
“Sheisnecessarytoourplans,”Wayneannounced.
AmandalookedFinnintheeyeandthen,withoutsayinganything,tookaseatinthemiddleofthebus.
Wayneexplained,“Amandahastherunoftheplace.She’snotontheDHIwatchlist.She’llactassentryandguidewhenyouneedher.”
NowinsidetheMagicKingdom,Wayneslowedthebusnexttoalargewhitebuildingthat,accordingtoitssign,hadsomethingtodowithwastedisposal.Awidemetaltube,connectedtothebuilding,extendedoutfromanearthenbank.Apavedroadleduptherisetoaverylargedoublegateinthewoodenwall.Flowersandshrubscoveredasmallhillthatborderedatallwoodenfence,whichwasbehindFrontierland.
Waynespuntofacethem,stillbehindthewheel.Henervouslycheckedhiswristwatch.“You’llweartheseIDtagsaroundyournecksatalltimes.Butturnthemsotheyfacein,sotheIDpicturedoesn’tshow.”WaynehadborrowedsomeIDtagsforthem.
“What’sthisbuilding?”Maybeckasked.DressedasAliBaba,orwhoeverhewas,Finnthoughthelookedprettycool.
Wayneanswered.“Thisisimportanttoyou,Finn.Haveyoueverseenagarbagebagbeingcarriedaroundinsidethepark?”Wayneasked.
Allfiveshooktheirheads.
“Thisbuildingiswhy.Allthepark’strashtravelsundergroundthroughaseriesofsteeltubes.
Thosetubesterminatehere,wherethetrashiscompacted,andthenshippedofftoadump.Theprocessisautomated.I’vebriefedAmanda.”
Sheremainedintheback,silentandstudious.BriefedAmandaaboutthetrash?Finnwondered.Hekepthismouthshut.
“OnceIgetyouinside,”Wayneinstructed,“you’reonyourown.TheUtilidorhere—that’swhattheparktunnelsarecalled—iscomplicatedandbig.Thecorridorsaremorelikeundergroundroadsthansidewalks.Therearegolfcartsandelectricbuggiesdownthere,sokeepalertanddon’tgethit.CastmembersknowtheUtilidorwell,andyou’recastmembersnow.You’llneedtolookcomfortable.”
“WhataboutMaleficent?”Finnasked.“Theplans?”
“Terrence,”WaynesaidtoMaybeck,“what’slikelythecoldestroominanofficebuilding?”
“Thecomputerroom,”Maybeckanswered.“Theservercenter.”
“Sowhere’sthesafest,mostcomfortableplaceforsomeonewholikesthecoldtospendtime?”
“Arefrigerator?”Charleneanswered,notpayingenoughattention.
“Onepossibility,yes,andonethatyouandWillawillpursue.There’sanentiresectionoftheUtilidordevotedtocoldfoodstorage.”
“Thecomputercenter,”Maybecksaid,answeringWayne’squestion.
“TheserversarehousedatthebackofwhatwecalltheControlRoom.That’sforyouandtheboys.”Waynewarnedthem,“Stayalertforasuddendropintemperature.That’swhatyou’relookingfor.Themissingplanswon’tbefaraway.Weneedthoseplans.”Waynelookedtroubledandconcerned.“Thepointis,fromwhatFinndescribed,hewoundedMaleficent.Weakenedher.
HealsomadeitimpossibleforhertoremainbelowPiratesoftheCaribbean.I
believeshe’stakentotheUtilidor,where,lookinglikeacastmember,noonewouldquestionordetainher.Yourjobistogetthoseplansfromherandtoflushherout.Todrawherout.Wewillhandletherest.”
“We?”Philbyasked.
“Youleavethattome,youngman.”Helookedbetweenallsixkids,fornowAmandawasstandingjustbehindFinn.“Areyouready?”
Amomentofhesitationsettledoverthekids.Then,onebyone,theynodded.EvenCharlene.
Wayne’sfacebrightenedagain.“Onceyou’vegottheplansandyou’retopside,”hesaid,
“that’swhenthechasebegins.I’mafraidyoumayliterallyneedtorunforyourlives.Maleficentisnotlikelytobeagoodloser.Finntakestheplans.Amandawillguidehimbackhere.”Again,Waynetookamomenttomakeeyecontactwitheachofthekids.HeendedwithFinn.“You’lldoexactlyasshesays.”
FinnglancedbackatAmanda.
Hedidn’tfeelgoodaboutthis.Sherevealednothingofwhatshemightbethinking.
FinnfelttherewasanunusuallystrongbondbetweenWayneandAmanda.Weretheyrelatedsomehow?Withoutquestion,Finnthought,Amandawasnoordinarygirl.
Waynethrewthebusdooropen,andthekidshurriedout.
32
InsidetheMagicKingdom,thesunshonebrightly.Finn’scostumewarmedup.HethoughttheairsmelledlikeThanksgiving.IttookhimaminutetospottheturkeylegbeinggnawedonbyabigmanwearingaHardRockCafeshirt.
ThesixkidsandWaynepassedintotheparkthroughahighwoodenfence,withThunderMountaintotheirright.Pasttherideandthroughanotherdoormarkedforcastmembers,theyenteredaroomwithdullgreenwalls.Theysawanelevatordoor,scratchedandinneedofpaint,withasinglearrowpointingdown.Alargesignboltedtothecinderblockwallabovetheadjacentsetofdescendingstairscautioned:CASTMEMBERSONLYPLEASE.
“I’llgofirst,”Wayneannounced.“Girls,you’llfollowmetofoodservice.Terrence,youknowwhatyou’relookingfor.Goodluck,everyone.”
Finnfelthisthroatcatch.TherewasonlyonereasonWaynecouldbedoingthissosoonontheheelsofthepreviousnight.
Itisn’tsafe.
TheyhadtoaccomplishthisbeforeMaleficentregainedallherpowers.ThoughFinnwonderedwhatwouldbecomeofthemifshealreadyhad.
Wayne’swhiteheadbobbeddownthestairs,followedcloselybyCharleneandthenWilla.
Theboysheardaheavydooropenandclose.Thensilence.Finn’sthroatwas
bone-dry.Hispalmsweresweating.
Maybeckwentfirst.Hedescendedthestairs,suddenlyconsumedbyshadow.Again,thesoundofthedooropeningandfallingshut.
Thatdoorswallowedhisfriends.Hehopedhe’dseethemagain.
Philbywentnext.
Finnthenworkedhiswaydownand,handonthedoor,remindedhimselftostaycalm.Hetuggedonthedoorandopenedittoastrange,unfamiliarworld.Theyfoundthemselvesinatunnelthatranagreatdistanceinbothdirections.PeopleinDisneycostumeswalkedingroupswhilebattery-operatedvehiclespliedthecorridors.
TheUtilidorwasphysicallymuchwider,muchbigger—enormous,really!—thanFinnhadimagineditwouldbe:anundergroundroadofsortswithdoorsleadingfromit.
ActorsdressedasnonhumananimatedDisneycharacters,likeMickeyandMinnieandDonaldDuck,paradedpast,eachwearingorcarryingamasklargeenoughtocovertheirwholehead.Therewereothersdressedashumancharacters,wearingmakeupbutwithoutmasks—
BelleandSnowWhite,PeterPan,andMulan.Thewalkarounds,theywerecalled.
Asmallelectrictruckzoomedpast,stackedhighwithcansofsodaandbottledwater.FinnlookedtoseeCharleneandWillaheadedinthesamedirectionthetruckwasgoing.
HefollowedashortdistancebehindPhilby,whointurnfollowedMaybeck.Theboyswerenowmovingintheoppositedirectionfromthegirls.
Overhead,alongthetunnel’sceiling,thickcablesandpipeshung.NoDisneymusicplayeddownhere.Insteadtheboysheardonlythewhineofthevehicles,thesteadywhooshofpiped-inair,andthegentlemurmurofvoices.
FinnpassedagirlwithCinderella’shairandface.Butsheworebluejeansandatanktop,notyetincostume.
Theboyswalkedbrisklyforwelloverfiveminutesbeforefinallycomingtoanothertunnel.
MaybeckfollowedthesignsasWaynehadtoldhim.Thisnewtunnelgraduallyslopeddownward,leveledout,andrananotherfiftyyardsbeforeclimbingagain,thenitdead-endedatyetanotherbusytunnel.Finnfollowedtotheright,PhilbyandMaybeckjustahead.
Officesandunidentifiedroomslinedtheroute.Itwasextremelybusydownhere,withpeoplecomingandgoinglikeworkerbees.Finncaughtaglimpseofacafeteria.HepassedsignsforthePROPERTYROOM,abarbershop,andawomen’shairsalon.Acity!Thetunnelveeredleft.
PhilbyandMaybeckslowedandpretendedtoreadfromabulletinboard.
“It’sjustupahead,”Maybecksaidinalowvoice.“Thetimingiscriticalbecausethere’sacoffeebreakcomingup.Waynethinksourbestshotatgettinginthereisduringthecoffeebreak.”
Finntookasipfromawaterfountain,stealingalookdownthehall.Theywaited.Afewminuteslaterthreeworkers—twomenandawoman—leftthedoormarkedCONTROLROOM.
Theboysapproachedthedoorandentered.
Insidetheyfacedrowafterrowofsteelshelving,likebookshelvesinalibrary,floortoceiling.
Insteadofbooks,theshelveswerefilledwiththousandsoftinyblinkinglights,red,yellowandorange:rack-mountedcomputers.
Itwaschillyinhere.
Maybeckhurrieddownthesecond-to-lastrow,sayingsoftly,“Wayne’spointisthatnoonewillnoticeMaleficent’scoldaurainacoldplacelikethis.Hesaidtheserversareinabackroom.”
Sureenough,theysoonstoodfacingseveralsteeldoors,allunmarked.
Finnsteppedforwardandtouchedthebackofhishandtoeachdoorin
succession.Themiddledoorwasnoticeablycolder.
Finnwonderedforhowmanyyears—howmanydecades—MaleficenthadbeenconfinedtothevarioustunnelsandlairsbeneaththeMagicKingdom.Itseemednowondershe’dturnedtothedarksideofherpowers.
“Howdowedothis?”Maybeckasked,nowthathe’dledthemhere.
“Idon’tthinkweknock,”Philbysaid.
“Actually…maybewedo,”Finnsaid,surprisingtheothertwo.Hethoughtforaminuteandsaid,“Haveeitherofyoueverruntrack?”
Maybecknodded.
“Howabouttherelay?”Finnasked.
Maybecknoddedagain.
“Drivers,startyourengines,”Finnsaid.Hepulledtheboysintoathree-wayhuddleandtoldthemhisplan.
“Knock,knock!”Finnsaidloudly.“It’syourfavoriteDisneyHostInteractive,”heannounced.Hekeptoneeyeonthewallclock.Thecoffeebreakwasscheduledtolastfifteenminutes.Sixofthoseminuteswerebehindthem.
Noanswer.Sevenminutesgone;eightminutesremaining.
“I’vecometoofferyouadeal.”
Spinesoficecreptuptheedgesofthecloseddoor.Finncouldpicturethewitchstandingjustontheotherside.Hiskneesfeltweak,buthehadtogothroughwiththis.
Heraisedhisvoice.“We’rethrough.We’redone.Wayne—he’sanoldguywhosentusheretostealsomethingfromyou—butwe’vehadachangeofheart.Wewanttodestroytheserver.ThecomputerthatgeneratesourDHIs.Wedon’twanttodothisanymore.”Stillnothing,thoughtheiceonthedoorthickened.“Wedon’tknowwhichserveritis.Wedon’tknowwhattodo.Youhelpus—withouthurtingus—andwe’llgiveyouthepens.”
Thedoorknobwentwhitewithfrost.Shewasholdingitfromtheotherside.
“You’rethinkingthisisatrap,”Finnsaid.“Andyou’rerighttothinkthat.Butitisn’t.Wejustwanttogohome.Wewanttosleepatnight.Please…helpus,andyou’llhavewhatyouwant.”
Thedoorknobturned.
Maleficentstoodinthedoorway.ShehadnotfullyrecoveredfromFinn’szappingherthenightbefore.Shelookedolder,slightlyyellowinthecheeks.Behindher,onastackofmorecomputers,FinnsawthescrollofplansshehadstolenfromhimatOneMan’sDream.
FinnandMaybeckbackedupastep.Philbywasnowheretobeseen.
“Whichserver?”Finnasked.
“Andweneedwhateverback-upservertheyhave,aswell,”Maybecksaid.“Oncewe’regone,wedon’twantthemabletobringusback.”
Maleficentglaredatthemwithhereyelidsloweredmenacingly.Shewaseitherhalfdeadorreadytokill.
“I’msorryforwhatIdid,”Finnsaid.“Ididn’tknow.”Finnrealizedhe’dzappedagooddealofthepowerfromher.He’ddrainedher.Shewaslikeabatteryrunningoutofjuice.
Shesaidnothing,juststoodthereblinking,lookingdevilish.Shegatheredherstrengthandsaid,“Jezlikesyou,orIwouldhavehurtyoulastnightwhenIhadthechance.”
“That’scomfortingtoknow,”Finnsaid.“I’llputdownthepens.Youcanhaveit.Butfirstyou’llshowustherightserver.”
“Firstthepens,”shesaid.“YouthinkI’dtrustyoulikethat?”
“AndwhyshouldItrustyou?”
“Thisisyouridea,notmine.Besides,onceIhavethepen,whatthreatareyou?”
Finnconcealedhissmirkasheshrugged.“Haveityourway,”hesaid.
Hewithdrewthegroupofpensandpencilsfromhispocketandplacedthemontheground.
MaleficentapproachedthemlikeakidnearingaChristmastree.Sheseemedtohavemoreenergy.Hereyesflaredopeninexpectation.
Finntookseveralmorestepsbackward,Maybeckrightnexttohim.
ButbehindMaleficent,thedoortothebackroomswungslowlyawayfromthewall,andtherestoodPhilby.InhisrighthandPhilbyclutchedafistfulofpensandpencilstightly.
Maleficentbenttowardthepensonthefloor,clearlycautious.Butasshedrewclosershesawmodernbrandnamesonthepens.Shelookedupthroughfieryeyes.
“Now!”Finnshouted.
PhilbychargedfrombehindanddidjustasFinnhadtoldhim:holdingthepensextended,hedrovehisfistintothewitch.
Atthatsamemoment,sheturnedaround.
Ablindingflasheruptedasthepensmadecontact.MaleficentrosefromthefloorandwasthrownviolentlypastFinnandMaybeckandintotheheavyblackshelves.
Maybecksprintedforwardintothebackroom,grabbedtherollofplans,andheadedforthemaindoor.Philby,stunnedbywhathe’ddone,passedthepenstoFinn,leavingbehindonthefloorthepenstheboyshadcollectedfromadeskatthefrontofthecontrolroom.
Philbywasnextoutthedoor.
“What’sgoingonhere?”AbigmanblockedFinn’sexit.
JustthenashowerofsparksandspurtsofflamerosefromwhereMaleficentlaypinnedtothecomputershelves,impaledontoastackofelectricaloutletsand
surgesuppressors.Astheelectricityflowedthroughherbody,beneaththesmokeandspittingsparks,Finnsawherskincolorreturntoarichgreen.Theelectricityfedher.
“What—is—that—?”askedtheofficemanager.
Maleficent’sbloodshoteyesflashedopenandlockedontoFinn.He’dneverseeneyessoangry,someanandvicious.Sopowerful.Andtheywereaimedathim.Onlyathim.
Theofficemanagerstaggeredtowardafireextinguisherhangingfromthewall.
Finnmadeforthedoor.
Maleficentpulledherselfloosefromthemetalshelvingasashowerofsparkscascadedoverheadandcried,“Aaaah!Ineededthat!”
Sheflewoutthedoor.Literally.
Theofficemanagerfainted.
33
Finnhitthetunnelrunning.BehindhimracedablurofgreenandblackasMaleficentspedthroughtheair,herarmpointinginfrontofherandleadingtheway.
Closingthedistance.
Theboysransidebysidenow,Maleficentbehindthem,andclosingfast.Likeashellgame,theboyspassedtheplansbackandforthbetweenthem,thenswitchedpositionsastheyranandpassedtheplansagain.Forsomeonebehindthem,whereMaleficentnowfollowed,itgrewimpossibletodeterminewhichboyhadtheplans.
Then,justasMaleficentwasnearlyuponthem,theboyssplitup,runninginthreedifferentdirections.
Maybeckmumbled,perhapsalittletooloudlyforhisowngood,“I’vegotthem!Don’tworry.
Justrun!”
Finntookanexitdoortohisleft.Heracedupthestairsatafuriousspeed,glancingbehind.
NoMaleficent.She’dfollowedMaybeck.
Finnbrokeintoblindingdaylight.Hecheckedthetubeofpaperstuckedintohis
waist,thrilledtheplanhadworked.Freshair.Parkmusic.ForamomentFinncouldn’tfigureoutwherehewas.
AcastmemberdoorledoutintoTomorrowland.Thatwaswrong!Hewasoutofposition.Finnfledthroughthedoorandoutontoabusyconcourse.
Atmidday,theareabustledwithactivity,asteadystreamofguestsinachaoticmassofTshirts,shorts,andthesweetsmellofsuntanlotion.
HowlongwouldittakeforMaleficenttodiscovertheirtrickery?
TheplanhadbeentorendezvouswithAmandaonthebridgebetweenTomorrowlandandtheCentralPlaza.Butwhichway?FinnhadlefttheUtilidorviathewrongexit.
Heheardthecrowdscreamtohisright.HewasfamiliarwithallsortsofsoundsintheMagicKingdom,butthisparticularroarsoundedoutofplace.
Asecondlater,MaybeckcameoutofthesameCASTMEMBERSONLYdoor.Hewasoutofbreathandsweating.
“She’safterPhilby,”hetoldFinn.
Anotherscreambrokefromthedistance.
Somelittlekidsshouted,“Aladdin!Aladdin!”andcutthroughthethickcrowdstoreachMaybeck,whotheymistookforthecharacter.Maybecktriedtogetawayfromthem.Parentscalledaftertheirkidstobepolite.AlineformedbehindMaybeckasheandFinnsetoutwalking.
Maybecksaidunderhisbreath,“Weshouldhavelostthewardrobe.”
“Idon’tknow,”Finnsaid,“maybewecanusethis.”
HehandedMaybeckoneofthepens.
“You’rekiddingme!”
Thechildrencaughtupandsurroundedthemboth,theirautographnotebooksoutandready.
“Signsomeautographs,Aladdin,”Finnsaidencouragingly.
Withclenchedteeth,Maybeckaskedinawhisper,“HowdoyouspellAladdin?”
Finnspelleditforhimasyetanotherexcitedscreampealedfromthecrowd—thistimemuchcloser.Aseaofparkguestspartedtohisright.Agreenwitch.Maleficent.Shewalkedquicklyanddeliberatelyandwasjustscaryenoughlookingtoholdheradmirersatbay.
“Headdown!”Finncalledout.
Maybeckducked,continuingtoscribbleoutautographsfuriously.
Thegreen-facedwitchandherfollowingseaoffanspassedthemby.
Finnbackedawayfromtheclotofeagerchildren.
“That’sall!”Finnsaid,thoughtolittleeffect.
Maybeckwassuddenlyhookedonthisautographwriting.Hemadenoattempttostop.
“Aladdin!”Philbycalledout.“You’regoingtobelate!”
Maybeckfinallygaveitup.Hemadehisapologies,andheandFinnmovedon.
Thecrowdupahead,thegroupfollowingMaleficent,stopped,collidingintooneanother.This,becausethewitchhadstoppedandturned.Butwhy?
Finnmovedintheotherdirection.Hecameface-to-facewithJez.
“Giveusthepenandtheplans,andwewon’thurtyou,”shesaid.
Severalthingshappenedatonce.First,Finnspottedagroupoffourorfiveseagullsclusteredatopahighwhitefence.ThenhesawAmanda.Shestoodinsidethesamewhitefence,thegullsperchedoverhead.ShesignaledFinntojoinher.Third,Jezreachedfortheplans—andstolethemfromhim.
“Go!”FinnorderedMaybeck.AndtherewasPhilbystandingnexttoAmanda,alsobeckoningthemovertothefence.
FinndoveatJez,knockedherdown,andtooktheplansback.Shesatuponthepavement,mumbledsomething,andcastaspellatFinn.
Hefeltasharppainfloodthroughhim.Hiskneeswentweak.Thatdreadedsenseofcoldovercamehim.
Jezsmiledathersuccess,gottoherfeet,andsteppedtowardhim.Finnfoughtagainstthespellbythinkingofhimselfaspurelight—asaDHI—eventhoughhewasjustFinnWhitman,theboy.Heallowedhernopoweroverhim,refusedtogiveintoher.Ashedid,somethingstrangehappened.Hisfingerstingled.
Awomaninthecrowdgasped,“Oh,mygosh!Lookwhoitis!”
Finnwascrossingover—becominghisDHI.
HementallypushedagainstJez.Theharderhepushed,themoreofhisbodyturnedtolight—ahologram.
Thenextspellshetriedtocastpassedrightthroughhimandturnedasmalltreejustbehindhimtosolidice.
Thecrowdapplaudedandcheered,childrenshouting,“More!More!”
JezlungedatFinnbutshe,too,passedrightthroughhim.
Again,thecrowdcheered.
Shedaredtotryagain.Thistime,Finnsteppedintoherandstopped.Hemovedwithherinperfectlock-step,ablesomehowtoknowhereverythought.
Shespunincircles,tryingtoridherselfofhim.Theywereasingleentitynow:spinningandglowing.Twokidsinone.Thecrowdwentwild.
Finnresistedthecold.Hefeltwarmthreplaceit.Heheardhercallingout,“YourGrace!”Shesoundeddesperateandafraid.
Thecrowdroaredtheirapproval;aspinningvortexoflight,andthegirl’swildcriesforhelp.
Finnsteppedawayfromher,andJezspuntoastop,dazed.Sheraisedherhead
slowlywhilestudyingherhands,herarms,touchingherforearmsasiftheydidn’tbelongtoher.
“Ican’tbelieveit.”AshereyesmetFinn’s,shecriedout,“I’m…free!”
Freefromwhat?Finnwondered.
“Youdidit!”JezsaidtoFinn,hereyesbright,hervoiceexcited.“Nomorecold.NomoreMaleficent.Youfreedme!”
Withthat,themoststartlingthinghappened.Jezchanged,shetransformed,beforeFinn’seyes.Thecrowdapplaudedasherhairchangedcolor,fromjet-blacktoasandyblond.Hereyebrowsandeyelashesbecamelighteraswell,andafewfrecklesappearedonhercheeks.Shewas,withoutquestion,adifferentgirl,abeautifulgirl,andyet…familiar.Finncouldn’tgetoverthefeelingthathe’dmetherbefore,thatheknewher,thisnewgirl.Andthen,asheglancedbacktohisfriendsandsawAmandatherecallingforhim,aspikeofastonishmentfilledhim,andhefelttheDHIdissolveandtherealFinnreturn.Amanda’sfacefilledwithlight,withanexpressionofjoyFinnhadneverseen.Tearsfilledhereyes.
Finnlookedbackandforthbetweenthetwogirls,JezandAmanda,and—
Itcouldn’tbe….
Butitwas.
Theyweresisters,twinsperhaps,notidentical,butclosetoit.
OnlythendidheunderstandAmanda’sefforts,hernevergivingup.OnlythendidhecometowonderifAmandawasn’tsomekindofwitchherself—agoodwitch.
Thecrowdexplodedintocelebration.
Maleficent’sgreenformstreakedtowardthem.
AsFinn—aboyagain—reachedthefence,hefacedAmanda.“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”
“Youweren’tready,”shesaid.
Amandastoodinfrontofalargeyellowcylinderstickingoutoftheground,withathick,circular,steeltrapdoorontop.Anumberofwarningpostersinstructedproperuse.
“Theotherswentahead,”Amandasaid.“Go!”
Finnlookeddown.“Butit’satrashchute.”
“Go!Feetfirst.”Sheopenedit.“Quickly!Jump!”Sheseemeddistracted.
Finnfollowedherlineofsight.MaleficenthadcaughtuptoJez.ButJezheldherhandsinfrontofher,andtryasMaleficentmight,shecouldnotgetclosetothegirl.Ragingwithanger,MaleficentsuddenlysawFinn.
FinnaskedAmanda,“IsJezwhoIthinksheis?”
“Jess,notJez,notanymore.Howcanweeverthankyou?”Thetearsspilledfromhereyes.
“Wecouldn’tbreakthespellourselves.”
“Thensheis—Thenyouare—”Finn’sheadswam.
ButhestoppedhimselfasMaleficentraisedherhandtocastaspell.
Seeingthis,Finnjumpeddownthetrashchute.
FromhighoverheadheheardAmanda’sgleefullvoiceechoashefell.“I’llneverforgetwhatyoudid!”
Ashewassuckeddownthefoul-smellingtube,Finntuckedtherollofplansawayunderhisbelt.Hetookadeepbreathandgagged.Hethoughthemightthrowup.
Thetubereekedofrottingtrash.Gooeybitsandstickyglobsofrancidfoodandsoggylitterstucktohimlikeleeches,lickedhisfaceandsloppedintohishairandclothing.Again,hefelthimselfgag.
Inthedistance,fardownthetube,echoingthroughthemetal,Finnheardhoots
andhollers—MaybeckandPhilby.
Thesuctionspittrashintohisface.Heslammedintosomekindofmeshgate,anintersectionofconvergingtrash-evacuationtubes.Ontheotherside,blackgarbagebagsandtrashracedpast.Thenthegateopenedanditwashisturn.Hetumbleddownandrolledintothenexttube,pickedupspeed,andheadedoffagain,upsidedownandbackward.
Windroaredallaroundhim.Agarbagebagsmashedintohim.Itbrokeopen,itstrashfreed.
Awfulstuffracedaroundhimandstucktohim.Hebracedhimselfjustintimeforanotherintersection.Butthisgatewasopenandhemovedintoathird,largertube.
Aluminumcanspepperedhishead.Cellophaneandcottoncandystucktohim.Diapers,orangepeels,stickypopsiclesticks.Hesomersaultedtoavoidthisstuff,andthere,behindhim,cameadullgreenlight.Itgreweverlarger.Itmovedquickly.
Hewasthrownintoabacksomersault.Ashecamearound,hefoundhimselffacingMaleficent.Armsatherside,headforward,legsoutstretchedbehindher,shefleweffortlesslythroughthegarbagetube,apparentlyunaffectedbythesuction.
“Missme?”shewheezed.
Shelunged.Herice-coldhandgrabbedforthescroll.Finnkickedoutandpushedherback.
Herwideeyesnarrowedinhatred.Shelungedagain.
Finnstraightenedhimselfoutandgainedspeed.Hebrieflypulledawayfromher.
Throughtheroar,heheardhermumble:“Animatransformatur!”Finnduckedassheflickedherwristathim.Asandwichbagnexttohimmeltedandre-formedintoarat.Thatspellhadbeenmeantforhim.Atonce,theratcamealive,itstailswiping,itslittlefeetclawingforpurchase.
Maleficentclosedthegap.Finntoreaholeinagarbagebag,scatteringits
contents.
Heheardaclankofmetalnotfarahead:yetanothergate.
TheratscrambledandscratchedatFinn.IfheandMaleficentcrashedintoagatetogether,shewouldhavehimandtheplans.Hefeltcertainofit.
Shewounduptodeliveryetanotherspell,thetwoofthemracingthroughtheslimytube.Finngrabbedholdoftheclawingratandthrewitather.MaleficentfoughtofftheratandcamerightforFinn.
Hesawasmallwhitecirclegrowlargerandwider.Theendofthetunnel!Finncouldsmellfreshair.
Tryingtobuyhimselftime,heshoutedather,“Youforgotsomething:evilneverwinsintheMagicKingdom.”
Shecalledback,“Thatdependsonwhosemagicitis.”
Propelledouttheendofthetrashtube,Finnflewthroughtheairandcrashedintoaseaoftrashbagsinanenormoussteelcollectionbox,likearailroadcar.Hescrambledtowardtheedge,wherehesawWayneandothers,menandwomen,surroundingthehugecollectionbin.
“Hurry!”Wayneshouted.
Finnreachedfortheedge,pulledhimselfupandover,andfelltotheground,splatting,soakingwetwithtrash.
TherehesawPhilbyandMaybeck,alsocoveredingoo.
HewatchedasMaleficentshotouttheendofthetrashtubeandintothegiantcontainer.
Theteamofadultsquicklyproducedanet,draggingitfromoneendtotheotherandtrappingherinside.
“Tothebus!Quickly!”Waynehollered,movinginthatdirectionhimself.
Theotheradultsworkedfuriouslytosecurethenet.
AsFinnran,heheardMaleficent’swailsofcomplaintfromthebin.
Maybeck,Philby,andFinncaughtuptoWayne—theoldguylimpingalong.
Finnshouted,“You’renotgoingto—”
“No!”Waynereplied.“Wedon’tkillanythinghere.Notevenwitches.We’llgiveheratasteofherownjail—theoneyoufound—forawhile.It’llgiveustimetodeterminehowmuchpowertheOvertakershavegained.You’vedonewell!We’realmostthrough.”
“Almost?”shoutedallthreeboys,comingtoastopatonce.
Theyallboardedthebus.
Finnhandedhimtheplansandthepens.
Waynelookedbackgratefullyandsaid,“Goodjob,kids.”
34
Lookingoutthewindowofthecastleapartment,havingcrossedoverjustbeforeteno’clock,Finnthoughttheparklookedbeautiful.
Hewonderedifhe’deverknowthetruthaboutAmanda,ifhe’deverseeheragain,forshe’dbeennoticeablyabsentfromschoolthatMonday.HethoughtaboutMaleficentsayingthattherewereOvertakersfarmorepowerfulthanshewas,andhewonderedifmoreadventureslayinstoreforhimandhisnewfriends.
Willawasthelasttocrossover.Sheappearedintheroom,wearingacottonnightgownthatflowedtoherankles.Toexplainthisshesaid,“Mymomputmetobed.NothingmuchIcoulddoaboutit.”
Finnlookedaroundateachofhisnewfriends.Helikedthemall,thougheachforadifferentreason.Heunrolledthefadedblueprintsofthepark.
Theyexaminedthem,fascinatedtoseehowtheparkhadstartedout.Wayneexplainedwhattheywerelookingat.
Fromthegroupofpensandpencilsonthecoffeetable,Wayneselectedaboring-lookingblackone.Itwasfatandbulged.Averyoldfountainpen.
Wayneputonapairofsunglasses.Hepassedoutsunglassestoallthekidstoo,andtoldthemtoputthemonaswell.
“Now,”Waynesaid,“wefinallyputthetwotogether.”
“Howwillweknowifit’sright?”Finnasked.
Wayne’sagedfacetwistedintoasmile.“Believeme,we’llknow.”
Waynecontemplatedthepen,thenpassedittoFinn,“Thisisforyou,Ithink.”Heindicatedasmallmetalleverontheendofthepen.
Finnpickedupthepen,carefullyunscrewedthecap,andhookedthesmallleverwithhisfingernail.Helookedupateachoftheothers,theirexpectanteyesfilledwithcuriosityandexcitement.
“Holdituphigh,”Wayneinstructed.
Finndidso,andpulledonthelever.Asingledropofdarkinksplasheddownontotheplans.
Finn,Wayne,andallthekidsjumpedback.
Thedropofinksettled,thenexpandedandbledoutintoeachandeveryfadedlinedrawnontotheplans.Itracedfromonetoanother,spreadingfasterandfaster.Faintlinesbecamesolidandbold.
Thedetailedplanstransformed,onepageafteranother.SomeofwhatFinnsawwasfamiliar,anareaofFrontierland,apieceofLibertySquare.Butmuchofthiswasforeigntohim—partsofaparkneverbeforeseen.
“Comelook!”Waynesaid,nowstandingbythesmallwindow.Hetorethetheatricalgelfromthewindow.
Thekidsjoinedhim,squeezingtogether.
Below,thedarkparkfilledwithlight,followingthesamepatternthattheinkflowedthroughtheplans.Lightrusheduplanesandstreets,jumpedoverbenchesandengorgedtrees.Attractionscamealive.FirstontheouteredgeoftheMagicKingdom,butsteadilyrushingtowardthecastle.
Fasterandfasterthelighttraveledthroughthepark,brighterandbrighter.Itarrivedatthecastlefromalldirections,abrilliantwhitelightracingupthewalls.Thekidsjumpedback,blinded.
Theskyeruptedwithfireworks,throwingblazingcolorandlightintotheheavens,deafeningexplosionsandblindingcolors.
ThelocalnewspaperswouldreportthenextdaythataprivatepartyattheMagicKingdomhadbeenresponsibleforthemostamazingshowoffireworkstheparkhadeverseen.ButFinnandtheotherDHIswouldknowdifferently.
Withtheskystilleruptingoutside,WaynewalkedovertoFinnandextendedahandofthanks.
Theyshookhands.Thekidscheeredandformedahuddle.Astheyspunincelebration,Waynereturnedtothecoffeetable.There,hepickeduptheblackremote.
Andpushedthebutton.
RIDLEYPEARSONistheaward-winningcoauthor,withDaveBarry,ofPeterandtheStarcatchers,PeterandtheShadowThieves,PeterandtheSecretofRundoon,andScienceFair.Hehasalsowrittenmorethantwentybest-sellingcrimenovels,includingKillerWeekend,andtheyoungadultnovelsKingdomKeepersII—DisneyatDawnandSteelTrapp—TheChallenge.HewasthefirstAmericantobeawardedtheRaymondChandler/FulbrightFellowshipinDetectiveFictionatOxfordUniversity.