ALSOBYRIDLEYPEARSON

KingdomKeepers—DisneyAfterDarkSteelTrapp—TheChallenge

WITHDAVEBARRY

BloodTideCaveoftheDarkWind

EscapefromtheCarnivalePeterandtheSecretofRundoonPeterandtheShadowThievesPeterandtheStarcatchers

ScienceFair

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Yousee?Someone’slistening….

CONTENTS

TITLEPAGECOPYRIGHTPAGECHAPTER1CHAPTER2CHAPTER3CHAPTER4CHAPTER5CHAPTER6CHAPTER7CHAPTER8CHAPTER9CHAPTER10CHAPTER11CHAPTER12CHAPTER13CHAPTER14CHAPTER15CHAPTER16CHAPTER17CHAPTER18CHAPTER19CHAPTER20CHAPTER21CHAPTER22CHAPTER23CHAPTER24CHAPTER25CHAPTER26

CHAPTER27CHAPTER28CHAPTER29CHAPTER30CHAPTER31CHAPTER32CHAPTER33CHAPTER34CHAPTER35CHAPTER36CHAPTER37CHAPTER38CHAPTER39CHAPTER40CHAPTER41CHAPTER42CHAPTER43CHAPTER44CHAPTER45CHAPTER46CHAPTER47CHAPTER48CHAPTER49CHAPTER50CHAPTER51CHAPTER52CHAPTER53CHAPTER54CHAPTER55CHAPTER56CHAPTER57CHAPTER58CHAPTER59

CHAPTER60CHAPTER61CHAPTER62CHAPTER63CHAPTER64CHAPTER65CHAPTER66ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

1

LIGHTNINGFLASHEDONTHEHORIZON.AbreezeswirledaroundtheCastMembers.Theairtasteddusty,almostbitter,withelectricalcharge.

FinnWhitman,oneoffivekidsontopofthefinalparadefloat,pointedtothefargatewheretheMagicKingdom’sDHI-Dayparadewastopassthrough,wherefiveidenticalkids,wearingidenticalclothingtotheirs,stoodwaiting.

DHIstoodforDisneyHostInteractiveorDaylightHologramImaging—dependingonwhomyouasked—arecentadditiontotheMagicKingdomthatofferedthehologramsoffiveteenagekidsasParkhosts.ThefivekidswhohadauditionedforthoserolesweretypicallyforbiddentoentertheMagicKingdom.Buttonightwasspecial:itwasaDHIcelebration.

Finnsensedtroublecoming,wonderingifithadtodowiththeelectronicillusionswaitingbythegate.

“Howweirdisthat?”hesaid,seeinghimselfasahologramnotthirtyyardsaway.TheFinnWhitmanstandingbythegatelookednodifferentfromhimself,exceptforaslightsparkle,aglow,whenviewedfromacertainangle.

“Itgivesmetheweebies,”saidCharlene,regardingheridentical,thoughelectronicallyprojected,twin.Shetooworeacheerleader’soutfit;shetoohadherblondhairpulledbackseverelyintoaponytail,notahairoutofplace;shetoolookedslightlyembarrassedtohavethebodyofayoungwoman,insteadofagirl.CharlenewasanathleteandchampiongymnastandhadclearlybeenrecruitedasaDisneyHostforherclean,cheerleaderlooksandheruncannyphysicalability.Shewasgoodwithpeopleandcouldmakefriendswithanyone.Mostkidsatschoolwerejealousofher—buttheotherDHIsappreciatedtheskillsandabilitiesshebroughttotheteam.

ThehologramofCharlenestoodnexttothehologramofFinn,butthesoftwarehadallfivehologramsinPAUSE,makingthemlookmorelikeglowingmannequinsthankids.Theyawaitedthestartoftheparadewiththepatienceoftherobotstheywere.

“We’vebeenherebeforeasthem,”saidWilla,“butneverwiththem.”“Iwas,once,”correctedFinn.“Onlytheonetime,andIwasbeingchasedby

Security.Ihavetoadmit,itwasplentystrangetoseemyselfguidingsomeguestswhileIwasalsorunningformylife.”

“What’sthat?”askedPhilby,pointingupattherisebehindthetallboundaryfenceinsidetheMagicKingdom.

“CinderellaCastle,”answeredCharlene.“No,thegrayballoon,”Philbysaid.“It’smassive.”“Lookslikeaweatherballoon,”saidTerryMaybeck,whoseemedtostand

morethanaheadtallerthanallofthem.AnAfricanAmerican,Maybeckcurrentlyworehishairindreads,makinghimlookolderthantheothers.

Theswarmingcloudssuddenlyswallowedthelargeballoon.“Itdoesn’tmakesense,”saidPhilby.“Youdon’treleaseaweatherballoonin

anelectricalstormunlessyou’reBenFranklin.”“Notourproblem,”saidMaybeck.“Allwe’vegottodoisridethefloatand

wavetotheguests.Let’sstickwiththeprogram.”Atthatmoment,musicstartedandthefirstfloatmovedtowardtheopen

gate.Thefivehologramscametolife,asifaswitchhadbeenthrown.Theyformedalineatthefrontoftheparade,wavingtothebushes,asifguestswerewavingback.

“SometimesourDHIslooksostupid,”Willasaid.“Sometimes?”Philbysaidsarcastically.“Theypaiduswell,”Maybeckremindedthem,“andwegotGoldFastpasses

forourfamilies.We’vegotnothingtocomplainabout.”“Andthey’rehavingaparadetocelebrateourDHIsreturningtothe

Kingdom,”Finnsaid,“andwegettobepartofit.Thingscouldbeworse.”“Whoheredoesn’tmissthewayitusedtobe?Beforetheypatchedthe

sourcecode?”Maybeckmeteyeswitheachofthem.Finnhadbeenthefirstto“crossover”duringhissleep:towakeupashis

ownhologramintheMagicKingdom.Initiallyithadseemedimpossible,butencounterswithpiratesandwitcheshadmadehimreconsiderwhatwasrealandwhatwasmake-believe.Soon,allfivekidshadcometothesamerealization:whentheywenttosleepatnighttheyawokeinsidetheMagicKingdomastheirDHIholograms.Inreality,ithadnotbeenacorruptioninthesoftware’ssourcecodebuttheingeniousworkofaveteranDisneyImagineernamedWayne,whohadneededtheirhelp.ButnooneatDisneyknewthisotherthanthem,sorecentlyprogrammershadinsertedasoftwarepatchtocorrect“theproblem.”

NoneofthemknewifWaynecould,orwould,undoit,allowingthemtoreturntotheMagicKingdomasnighttimeholograms.Butallofthemsecretlyhopedhewould.

“Herewego!”saidFinn.“Hangon!”Theirfloatjerkedandclimbeduptheslopingasphaltjustbehindanother

floatcarryingAladdinandJasmine.Withallthefloatsstrungoutinaline,thekidshadlostsightoftheirmatchinghologramsoutinfront,leadingtheway.

Themusicswelled,andaman’svoicedramaticallyannounced,“WelcometoDHI-DayatMagicKingdom!”Thesoundofapplauseroseabovethelushjunglelandscaping.

“Keepyoursmileson,”saidMaybeck,“andhangontight.”Butatthatmoment,allfivekidslosttheirbalanceandstumbledintoeach

other.JasmineandAladdinalsoslippedofftheirpillowsastheirfloatacceleratedtocloseasuddengapthathadappearedintheparadeline.

IttookFinnamomenttospottheproblem:oneofthefloats—thevillainsfloat—hadbeenpulledoutofthelineandofftotheside.TheAladdinfloat,andtheonecarryingtheDHIs,hadspeduptoclosethegap.

“What’swiththat?”saidMaybeck.“Brokendown?”“No,”saidPhilby.“It’sempty.”Hewasright:thefloat’splatformlackedacharacterorCastMember.Itwas

justanemptywoodenrectangle.Belowit,theCastMembersresponsibleforpreparingthefloatsscurriedaroundfrantically,hurryingtogettheemptyfloatoutofthewayandtofillthevoidcreatedbyitsabsence.

“Whathappened?”FinncalleddowntooneoftheCastMembersjustbeforereachingthegateandtheadoringguests.

Themandidn’tanswerimmediately.Buthisfacegaveawayhisconcern.“Hewasrightthereaminuteago,”hemumbled,nearlydrownedoutbythemusic.“Iswearhewas!”

“Who?”calledFinn.“Whichcharacter?”Heandtheothershadlongsincelearnedtotakenothingforgranted.Not

whentherewereOvertakersinthePark,whowantedtogaincontroloftheMagicKingdom.Therewerenoaccidentshere:everythinghappenedforareason,eveniftheotherCastMembersdidn’trecognizeit.

“ThatfloatshouldhaveChernabogonit!”saidPhilbyshoutingtobeheardabovethemusic.“Onlyhe’snotthere.”HeturnedandlookedbackattheemptyfloatastheypassedfullythroughthegateandintothePark.Finnhadturnedaroundaswell.SohadMaybeck.

“Who’sChernabog?”grumbledMaybeck.Philbyanswered,“OnlythemostpowerfulvillainWaltDisneyever

created.”Finn’svoicewasoverpoweredbythejoyousmusicandthecrushof

applause.“Andhe’sgonemissing?Thatcan’tbegood.”

2

FINNFELTTHEQUICKENINGBREEZEofthelightningstormbearingdownonthePark.Hehopedtheweatherwouldholdoffatleastuntiltheparadefinished.Itwasaneveningparadewithfireworkstofollow.Hedidn’twantitcanceled.Itwasn’teverydayhewasaskedtorideafloatinDisneyWorld.

HekeptcheckingtheskyasthelineoffloatsreachedaviewofTomSawyerIsland.Henotedthatthewaterlookedoddlygreenandmysterious.Hisfourfriendswavedandsmiledatthecrowds—bigcrowds.AllbutMaybeck,whonoddedwithhiswholebodybutneveractuallywaved,hisheadboppingandmovingtotheparademusic.

AstheirfloatmovedthroughFrontierland,Finncaughtsightofagirlamongthecrowd.Shewaslikeabeamoflightorabrightstarinthenightsky,thewayshestoodout.Amidthehundredsofguests—thousands?—shehadappearedalmostmagically.Nut-coloredskin,thankstoanAsianmotherandAfricanAmericanfather;atangleofdarkhairbouncingas,runningnow,shekeptupwiththesteadymovementoftheparade.Sheseemedalmosttofloatabovetheground.ImmediatelybehindherfollowedJezebel.Andthoughtheyclaimedtobesisters,ithadtobebyadoption.Amanda’sskinwasarichcaramel,herhairsodarkbrownitwasmistakenforblack.Jezhadoncehadjetblackhairaswell,thoughitwasnolongerso.Butherpale,translucentskinsetherapart,notjustfromAmanda,butfromeverygirlFinnhadevermet;ithaddepth,asifyoucouldseeintoandthroughthefirstlayertosomepartofherthatlaybeyond.

“Amanda!”Finnshouted,breakingastrictrulethatrequiredsilenceofanyCastMembersonafloat.

Theotherkidshurriedoverandwavedenthusiasticallyatbothgirls.AmandaandJezwavedback,gladtohavebeenspotted.AmandagaveFinn

anenthusiasticthumbs-up—oratleasthethoughtshe’dintendeditforhim.Hehadn’tseenorheardfromherinweeks.Shehadn’tbeeninschool.She’ddisappearedthesamedayhersisterhadsomehowbeentransformedbyFinn—aneventhestilldidn’tfullyunderstand.Jezhadgonefromeviltwintoasweet,evenangelic,girl,allinlessthanaminute.OnlythenhadAmandadroppedthe

bombthatJezebelwashersister,anexplanationthathadneverbeenfullyclarified.

“Wheredidtheycomefrom?”Charleneasked.EvennowFinnheardatingeofjealousyinhervoice.Orwasthatsuspicion?TherewasalotunansweredaboutJezandAmanda.“Andcheckoutthathaircolor.Sincewhenissheastrawberryblonde?Lasttimewesawhershehadhairlikemygranny’s.”

“Whattheheckaretheydoinghere?”Philbycalledout.Hedidn’tmeanthesisters.

Twobigmonkeysweremovinginthebushes,swingingandkeepingperfectpacewith…wasitpossible?…thefloat.Theirfloat.

“SincewhenaretheremonkeysintheMagicKingdom?”Maybecksaid.“Aretheywild?”Charleneasked,havingnoticedthemaswell.Finnsawsomethinghisfriendsapparentlydidn’t:themonkeysweren’t

followingthefloat;theywerefollowingJezandAmanda,keepingperfectpacewiththeirmovements.

“Therearen’tanyprimatesinthewildinnorthernFlorida,”Philbysaid,evertheexpert.Philbywasawalkingencyclopedia—hekneweverything,andwhathedidn’tknowheknewhowtoresearch.Hisredhairandrock-climbing,thrill-seekingmind-setplayedagainstthegeekhereallywas.Afavoriteofthegirlsatschool,hewantednothingtodowiththem.Hespenthisweekendswithaclimbingwallandalaptop.

Theparadeturnedjustthen,makingagracefularcpasttheHallofPresidents.Thecrowdsthickened.Amanda’seffortstokeepupwiththeDHIfloatfailed.SheandJezstopped,caughtinabottleneckofParkguests.Finnwaved,andAmandawavedback,butitwasn’tapleasantorfriendlywave;itwasmorelikepanic.

Growingsmallernowandbeingabsorbedbythecrowd,AmandapointedtoCinderellaCastle.Thensharplyup.Finnnodded,hopingtocommunicatethathetoowasawareoftheoversizegrayballoon.ButAmandashookherheadviolently,asifhedidn’tunderstand.Henodded,againtryingtosaythathedidunderstand.Hefeltconstrainedbynotbeingabletoshoutdownather.Amandafranticallypointedtowardthesky.Thenshetorealeafoffaplantandpusheditagainstherface.Againshepointedtowardthecastle.Thenthefloatroundedthecorner,andAmandawasgone.

Finnlookedupattheswirling,darkclouds.They’llcanceltheparade,hewantedtoshout.Maybeshewasconcernedthatheandtheothersweresohighabovegroundwhenlightningthreatened.ButsurelytheParkauthoritieshadit

undercontrol.Hewasn’tworriedabouttheirsafety—hejustdidn’twanttheparadecanceled.

MaybeckedgedclosertoFinn,pushingpastCharlene,whowaswavingtwopom-poms.“Whatdoyousupposethey’redoinghere?”Maybeckasked,whilebobbinghisheadandtryingtokeepasmileonhisface.

“Noclue.”“AWOLallthistime,andtheysuddenlyreappearforourreopening

celebration.Doesn’tthatstrikeyouasjustalittlebitodd?”“Everythingaboutthemisodd,ifyouaskme,”saidCharlene,overhearing.“Whatwaswiththeleaf?”Finnmumbled.Nooneheardhim.“Ilikethemboth,”saidWilla,joiningin.Willalookedconstantlyonedge.

Shehadchocolate-colored,captivatingeyesandasomewhatgratingvoice.“Youlikeeverybody,”Charlenesaid.“Sowhat?”Willacomplained.“Itjustdoesn’twork.Youcan’tlikeeverybody,”Charlenesaid.“Whynot?Ofcourseyoucan!”Willasaid.“Oh,forgetit,”Charlenesaid,shakingherpompoms.Shelookedmore

eighteenthanfourteen.“AmandaknowswhereIlive,”Finnsaid.“OtherwiseImighthavesaidthat

theycameheretocatchupwithusafterreadingaboutthegrandopening.”“Ifshe’dwantedtocatchupwithyou,she’dhavecomebyyourplace,”

Maybecksaid.“Soit’syou,Isuppose,”Finnsaid.Maybeckbelievedeverygirlwasinlove

withhim.“SheknowswhereyouandJellylive,too,don’tforget.”“I’mjustsayingthetiming’skindofinteresting,”Maybecksaid.“Weknow

there’ssomethingstrangeaboutthosetwo,andtherejusthappenstobeapairofmonkeysfollowingthem.”

BothJezandAmandareappeared,stayingwiththeparadefloatonceagain.WithAmandastabbingtheskyandlookingworried,Finnpointedback,

behindher,tryingtoshowherthemonkeys.Butbeforehecouldtellifshesawthem,helostsightofAmanda.

“Shecouldhavebeenpointingtotheballoon,”Finnsaid.“Eventhoughitdisappeared,maybetheysawittoo.Whatevershesaw,shewas…Idon’tknow…agitated.Idon’tthinktheycameheretocelebrate.Ithinktheycametowarnus.”

“Warnus?”Charlenesaid.“Abouttheweather?”Maybecksaidskeptically.“Idoubtit.”

“Couldhavebeenabouttheprimates,”Philbysaid.“Yeah.Acoupleofmonkeys,”snappedMaybecksarcastically.“Now,there’s

somethingtosetyourlegstrembling.”“Maybetheywererunningfromthemonkeys,”Willasaid.“I’mnotevensuretheysawthemonkeys,”saidFinn.Theparadekeptmoving,andtheirfloatalongwithit.Theycrossedthe

lagoon,headingfortheHub,thedensityofthecrowdsincreasing.Cheersarose.Kidsscreamedouttheirnames.

“We’rerockstars,”saidMaybeck.“OurDHIsaretherockstars,”clarifiedFinn.“Let’snotconfusethetwo.”Finncaughtalightningflashoutofthecornerofhiseye.Thestormwas

movingcloser.Helookedupattheskytoseethatitwasfardarkerthanevenafewminutesago.WasthiswhatAmandahadwantedhimtosee?Hismindreeledwithpossibilities.Whyhadsheseemedsoagitated?Thelowcloudsandswirlingfogobscuredanysightofthegrayweatherballoon.Wouldanyonebelievehimnow?

Suddenlythemusicwasinterrupted.“Ladiesandgentlemen!”theboomingvoiceannounced.“WelcometotheMagicKingdom’sDHI-Daycelebration!PleasedirectyourattentiontoCinderellaCastle,wherethefireworkswillbeginshortly.”

“Look!”Philbysaid,“they’recuttingtheparadeshort!”Sureenough,theparadenowhookedaroundtheHub,andinsteadofheading

downMainStreet,USA,foritsfinalsegment,itwentfullyaroundtheHubandbackthewayithadcome.FinnbrieflysawthefiveDHIsfarahead,leadingtheway.

Whoeverwasinchargedidn’twanttheparadecaughtinthestorm.“Don’tyouthinkweshouldtellsomeoneaboutthatballoon?”Willaasked.

“That’sgottobedangerousinanelectricalstorm.”“Theymustalreadyknow,don’tyouthink?”saidFinn.Philbysaid,“Thestringorwireholdingitistiedtothatwindow.Maybeit’s

somekindofexperiment.”“Isn’tthatthewindowtotheapartment?”Finnasked.AsDHIs,thekidshad

previouslyusedthecastle’spenthouseapartmentasahidingplace.“Whatifthat’swhatAmandawaspointingto?”Finncontinued.“Whatifshe

wastryingtoshowustheballoon?”“Butwhy?”Willaasked.“What’ssoimportantaboutaballoon?”

“NothingtheOvertakerswouldlikemorethantoruintheDHIcelebration,”saidPhilby.“Whatifthey’retryingtouselightningtosetCinderellaCastleonfireorsomething?”

“Iwouldn’tputitpastthem,”saidFinn.“Wedon’tknowiftheOvertakersexistanymore,”saidMaybeck.“Ifthey

do,don’tyouthinkWaynewouldcontactus?Hasanyoneheardfromtheolddude,bytheway?”

TheOvertakerswereagroupofMagicKingdomcharacters,rebelsledbyMaleficent,theevilsorceressfromSleepingBeauty.TheirgoalwastooverthrowthegoodandtakecontroloftheParkforthemselves.WayneandothersbelievedtheOvertakersintendedtoimprisonanycharactersandCastMembersnotpartoftheirgroup.TheyhadbeencaughtpreparingvastdungeonsbeneathPiratesoftheCaribbean,whichweresaidtobeforthispurpose.

TheDHIswerenowalsoknownastheKingdomKeepers—oneofthemostpopularattractionsinthePark.ThelastthingtheKingdomKeeperscouldaffordwasforMaleficenttogainpoweragain.Theyhadbarelystoppedherthefirsttime,andshenowconsideredthemamonghergreatestenemies—adistinctiontheycouldhavedonewithout.

“Weshouldprobablytellsomeoneabouttheballoon,”Finnsaid,movingtothebackofthefloatandthesmallladderthere.“Attheveryleast,itshouldn’tbeupinthestorm.”

ThepeculiarphenomenonthathadbeendiscoveredshortlyaftertheDisneyHostInteractiveshadbeeninstalledintheMagicKingdomhadcarriedallfivekidsintoastrugglewiththeOvertakersandtheevilfairyMaleficent.

Waynehadshowedthemanastonishingthree-storymazecalledEscher’sKeepinCinderellaCastle,whichledtothelittle-knownpenthouseapartment,nowasecrethideawayusedbyWayne.

FinnwonderedaloudiftheballoonmightbesomethingWaynewasresponsiblefor.

“IfWayne’supthere,”Philbysaid,“weshouldgoseehim.”“Youcan’tleavenow,”complainedCharlene,wavingherpom-pomseagerly

forthecheeringcrowd.“Coverforme,”saidFinn.“Noone’sgoingtonoticeifoneofusisn’there.”“They’llnoticeifyouaren’t,”Willasaid.“Theywon’tnoticeifI’mnot.”“That’snottrue.Besides,I’mtheonegoing,soIdon’tthinkitreally

matters.”“Wenevergosolo.RememberwhathappenedtoMaybeck?”

Finnstopped,onefootovertherailandonthesmallladderleadingdown.Maybeck’sDHIhadoncefallenintoatrapthathadpreventedtherealTerryMaybeckfromwakingup.Theso-called“SleepingBeautySyndrome”mighthavekilledhim.

“Itwasyourrule,”Willaremindedhim.“Anditwasagoodone.We’vehadnotroublesincewestartedpairingup.”

“Okay,”Finnsaid.“So?”“Someone’sgoingtonoticeifyouleave,”Maybeckwarned.“Justkeepmoving,”saidFinn.“Themorethethreeofyoumovearoundup

here,thelesslikelyI’llbemissed.”“Youdon’tactuallythinkwe’regoingtoletyoudothisalone,doyou?”

Maybecksaid.“We’reallcoming,”Philbysaid.“Here’stheplan….”Hepulledthemall

intoahuddleatthecenterofthefloat.“ThefewestnumberofguestswillbeonthebridgetoLibertySquare.Wegetoffandstartshakinghandsandsigningautographslikeit’sallpartoftheparade.That’salsotheclosestwe’regoingtogettothecastle.Whenwemakeourbreak,weallgoatonce—again,likeit’sscripted.Ifwegetseparated,wemeetinsidethecastleinEscher’sKeep.”

Lightningflashedagain.Afewsecondspassedbeforethefirstrumbleofthunderrippledthroughtheair.

“Thatlightningisstillsomedistanceawayfromhere,right?”Charleneaskedanxiously.

“Closerthanitwas.Youcouldn’thearthunderafewminutesago,”Philbysaid.“I’llbetthey’reclosingtherides—themountainattractionsandrollercoasters.That’sgoingtomeanawholebunchoftheguestsinandaroundtheHubforthefireworks.”

“Ifwereallysawaballoon,whethertheybelieveusornot,we’vegottoconvincethemtocheckitoutbeforethatlightninggetshere.”Finncouldn’tstopthinkingaboutAmandaholdingupthatleaftoherface.Greenskin?Wasthatthemessage?Morethananything,hehopedtheymightfindthetwosisters.Hesensedtheyhadsomeoftheanswers.

“Andiftheydon’tcareabouttheballoon?”Willasaid.“We’reapproachingthebridge,people,”Philbyannounced.“Ifwe’regoing

todothis,now’sourchance.”“Okay,”Finnsaid,workinghiswaydowntheladder.Theothersfollowed.HehappenedtolookupatCharlenejustassheblinkedfuriouslytoprotest

leavingthefloat.“Wecan’tdothis!”shesaid.

Herblinkingrevealedasubtlegreenshadowonherlids,whichenhancedthecolorofhereyes.

Finnspokewhathe’dbeenthinking—whatAmandahadbeentryingtotellhimbyputtingthegreenleaftohercheek.

Hecalledouttotheothers,“Maleficentisinsidethecastle.That’swhatAmandawastryingtotellus.”

3

THEKINGDOMKEEPERSMETUPAGAINatthebaseofEscher’sKeep,aconfusingmazeofinterlockingstaircases,mirrors,anddoorsthatcrawleduptheinsideofCinderellaCastle.Ithadbeenbuiltyearsagoasanattractionbuthadneveropenedtothepublic,asithadprovedtoodangerous.Onemisstep,andyouweredumpedintochutesorslides,someofwhichlandedyouinthecastlemoat.

“ItriedtotellaCastMemberabouttheballoon,”Finnsaid.“ButhethoughtIwasmyDHIplayingsomekindoftrickonhim.Ishookhim,andhesaid,‘Amazingtechnology!Thatfeelssoreal!’Whatajerk!Itriedtopointouttheballoon,butwiththeclouds,youcan’tevenseethestringorwireorwhatever.”

“We’vegottogetupthere,”Philbysaid,“Maleficentornot.”“ButwhatifAmandawastryingtowarnus?”Charleneaskednervously.

“Wouldn’tthatmeanwemightbewalkingintoatrap?”“She’sgotapoint,”Maybecksaid.Finnquicklyreorganizedthem:heandPhilbywouldascendEscher’sKeep

totheapartment;MaybeckandWillawouldtrytofindAmandaandJezwhileCharlenestoodsentryonthepathtoFantasyland,givingPhilbyandFinneyesonthecastlefromtheoutside.

Theysaidtheirgood-byes,Maybeckuncharacteristicallywishingthemluck,hisdark,troubledeyesexpressingconcern.TheyagreedtomeetafterthefireworksinfrontofCinderella’sGoldenCarrousel,immediatelybehindthecastle.

“Andifyouguysdon’tshowup?”WillaaskedFinn.Thankfully,Maybeckdraggedheroutthedoorandintothecastlegiftshop’s

storageroombeforeFinnhadtothinkofsomethingpluckytosay.“Youokaywiththis?”Philbyaskednervously,hisfootonthefirststepof

Escher’sKeep.Itwasaroutethathadtobememorized,andneitherboyhadattemptedtoclimbitinseveralmonths.

“Let’sdoit,”saidFinn.Philbysteppedaside,allowingFinntoleadtheway.Itwasnopicnic.

Sometimesstairslednowhere.Asinglemisstepwouldmeanfallingdownaslide

tothegroundfloororintothemoat.Therouteuptoanelevatorthataccessedthepenthouseapartmentincludedinvisiblebridges,upside-downstaircases,andtrapdoors.Theillusionsweretheresultofmirrors,projections,andtricklighting,theircombinedeffectoverpowering.

“Doyouremembertheway?”Finnasked.Hefacedfourdoors,allindifferentcolors.Theyformedasemicircleonasmallplatformofpolishedfloortiles.HeandPhilbywerefifteenfeetabovethegroundfloor,havingascendedthefirststaircasecorrectly—skippingeveryothertread.

“Iwanttosaysecondfromtheright:blue.Butit’syourcall,”Philbysaid.Turningthewrongdoorhandlecausedatrapdoortoopen.PhilbystayedofftheplatformincaseFinnchoseincorrectly.Theplanwas

totaketurnsuntiltheygotitright.Finntriedthebluedoor,andthefloorfelloutfromunderhim.Down,down,

heraced,theslickslidespinninghimintightcoilsbeforethrowinghimoutontothefloor.Heheadedtotheslantedstairsandbeganclimbingagain.

Philbytriedtheyellowdoor.Thetrapdooropenedbeneathhim.Green—for“go”—seemedtoosimpleachoice,soonFinn’snextattempthe

triedthepurpledoor,anditopened.“Purple,”FinncalleddowntoPhilby,whowasgingerlyskippingstepsashe

madehiswayuptheslantedstaircase.Oncethroughthepurpledoor,Finnstartedacrossaninvisiblebridge—an

effectsoconvincinghewouldhavesworntherewasnothingbeneathhisfeet.Hemovedacrossitintinysteps,justbarelyslidingeachrunningshoeforward,makingsuresomethingsolidwasbeneathit.Philby,behindhim,tookthenovelapproachofgettingdownonhandsandkneesandbreathinglowontowhatturnedouttobeglass,andthenfollowingtheorbsoffog.

“It’samirror,”saidPhilby,sneakingupbehindtheslowerFinn.Thetrickwascompoundedbythefactthatafalsedestination—asecondpurpledoor—wasprojectedattheotherendoftheinvisiblebridge,makingFinnwanttoheadinthatdirection.Infact,atitsmidpoint,thebridgeveeredright,arrivingatwhatlookedlikeasolidwall,whichwasn’tsolidatall.Thetwoboysendeduponasecondsmallplatform.

“Irememberthispart,”Philbysaid.“Thisiswherewegodownthestairsinordertogobackup.”

“Areyousure?”Finntestedthe“up”staircase:itwasreal.HethoughtPhilbyhaditwrong.

ButPhilbywavedhishandacrossthestepfourstepsabovethisfirststep,

andthenpunchedhishandrightthroughtheillusion—thestairsstoppedmidflight,nothingbutaprojectedimage.Heledthewaydownastaircaseandthenbackupalongerstaircase,whichwouldmakeitappeartoanyonestandingbelowasthoughtheboyswerewalkingupsidedown.

“Youtwo!”alowvoicecalledoutloudly.“Comedownfromthere!”Finncaughtsightofanupside-downCastMember.Hewasdressedasa

barbershopsinger,inwhitepants,ared-and-white-stripedshirt,andastrawhat:aDapperDanCastMember.

“Security,”FinnwhisperedtoPhilby.“IfacedDapperDansjustlikehimthattimeAmandaandIwereheretakingpicturesofeveryone’sDHIs.Theyweretryingtocatchme.”

“Youarenotpermittedinthisarea!”themanhollered.“Comedownatonce.”

“Idon’tthinkweshouldtrusthim.”Theyreachedathirdplatformandduckedbehindafalsewallwithtwo

windows.“Youthinkhe’llcomeafterus?”Philbyasked.Thundercrackedhighabovethem.“Ithinkthere’ssomethinggoingonhere,”Finnanswered.“Theweather

balloon,themonkeys,AmandaandJezshowingupforthefirsttimeinforever.Andpersonally,Idon’ttrustanyonedresseduplikehe’ssellingfriedchicken.Hecouldbeanybody.That’saneasycostumetofake.”

“Soweignorehim?”Anothercrackofthunder.Itwasgettingclose.“Outrunhim,”Finnsaid,“isprobablymorelikeit.”“Andifwe’recaught?”Philbysaid.“Youeverreadthosecontractswe

signed?They’llremoveourDHIsfromtheserver.They’llreplaceuswithotherkids.We’llnolongerbeDisneyHosts,nolongerhavetheGoldFastpasses.We’llloseitall.”Hehesitated.“Allthatforsomeweirdballoon?Yousureit’sworthit?”

“You’retheonewhosawit,notme.Listen,I’mnotsureofanything,”Finnsaid.“Youwanttoheaddown,I’mnotgoingtostopyouoranything.”Headded,“ButI’mgoingafterthatballoon,SecurityornoSecurity.Amandawaspointingatthecastle,andthat’sgoodenoughforme.”

“Howcouldshepossiblyknowanythingaboutit?”Philbyasked.“HowcanwepossiblygotosleepatnightandwakeupasDHIsinsidethe

Park?Whenwasthelasttimeanyofthismadesense?”Philbypursedhislips.Henodded.“Yeah,okay.You’reright.Iftheytossus,

sowhat?Wegodownfighting.”“Exactly.”Finnpeeredaroundtheedgeofthewall.“Whatdoyousee?”Themaninthestrawhatwasgone.“Ithinkhe’scomingafterus.”

4

MAYBECKDUCKEDINSTINCTIVELYastheskyflashed,and,onlymomentslater,thunderboomedandrolledinalongseriesofendlessechoes.Afewearlyraindropssplatteredinhugeglobsontothefootpath,andtheairsmelleddustyandsweet—ozone—foretellingtheelectricalchargeitcarried.

Charlenestiffenedwiththecrackofthunder.“I…do…not…do…lightning,”shesaid.

TheParkguestsscatteredforcover,quicklyemptyingthepaths.“ThenforgetwhatFinnsaidandcomewithme!”Willasaid,takingCharlene

bythehand.“TheparadeblockedJezandAmandafromcomingoverthebridge.They’llprobablyheadpasttheHauntedMansionandthroughFantasylandtoreachthecastle.We’regoingthisway,”shesaid,pointinginthedirectionofCinderella’sGoldenCarrousel,“tocutthemoff.Maybeck,yougoaroundpasttheMansion.Hopefully,oneofusfindsthembeforewemeetupsomewherenearPeterPan.”

“Seeyouinaminute,”Maybecksaid.“It’shardtoseemuch,sopayattention,”shesaid.Theswirlingcloudshad

broughtanearlydarkness.“Neverfret.Eyeslikeahawk,”saidMaybeck.“Whataboutthemonkeys?”Charlenemumbled.“Whatifthatwassome

kindofomen?”“I’llkeepthatinmind,”saidMaybeck.Theysplitup,WilladraggingCharlenebythearm.Maybeckjoggedoff.ParkguestswavedatWillaandCharlene.Somebravedtheincreasingly

steadyraintochaseafterthem,callingforautographs.Willapressedon.Charlenesaid,“We’regettingwet.”“That’swhatusuallyhappenswithrain,”Willasaid.“Wecan’tgetwet!”shecomplained.“DHIsdon’tgetwet.Therainruns

rightthroughthem.Wecan’tdisappointthekidslikethat!”“Areyouworriedaboutthekids,oryourhair?”“Both,Iguess.”

“Okay.Solet’srunfaster.”

5

AMANDAANDJEZRANTHROUGHthelightrain,dodgingclustersofguestswhoweredeterminedtostickitoutandwaitforthefireworks.

“It’snotfarnow,”Amandasaid,spottingthespiresofCinderellaCastle.Jezdidn’tanswer.Amandaglancedback.Itwasn’tlikehersistertoavoidachancetomakea

snidecomment.“Keepup!You’refallingbehind,”shecalledout.Jezwasafastrunner;itmadenosensethatsheshouldlag.Sheseemedtoberunningatasteadypace,nofaster,noslower,nomatterwhatAmandasaidorhowfastsheran.

Therainmadethewalkwaymoreslippery.Amandaslowedandshortenedherstridestoavoidfalling.Whenshelookedback,Jezwasstillrunningatthesamepace,thesamestride.Sheapparentlyhadmagicalfooting—shedidn’tslip.

Amandastoppedandturnedfullyaroundandstaredathersister.Howcouldshenotslipevenalittlebit?

Despitethefallingrain,Jez’sshirtwas…dry,herhairperfectlyinplace.Whataprincess,Amandathought.Butthenshetensed.Jez’sfeetlandedonthewetwalkway.Nosplash.“Jez?Stop!Answerme,Jez!”Amandacriedout.ButJezjustkeptonrunningtowardher.Thesameperfectformandposture.

ThesameperfectJez.Jezfinallydidstop,thoughsheremainedseveralyardsoff,likeafearful

animal.Therewasareasonhershirtandhairwerebothdry:therainfellthroughher,

hittingthewalkwaybelow.Amandasteppedforward,nowonlyinchesfromhersister.Therainfell

harder,soakingherownhairandshoulders.Jezremaineddry.“Saysomething,”Amandawhispered.Shereachedoutherarmandswungitfromrighttoleft,cuttinghersisterin

half,herhandpassingrightthrough.

Ahologram.ADHI.“Where’smysister?”Amandamanagedtochokeout,thedropsofwater

nowflowingdownhercheekshavingnothingtodowiththerain.“Whathaveyoudonetoher?”

6

“HECAN’TPOSSIBLYKNOWthewayuphere,”Finnwhispered.“OnlyWayneunderstandsEscher’sKeep.Hesaidso.”Buthecouldheartheswishingoftheman’sclothingasheclimbedtheupside-downstaircase.Henotonlyknewtheway,heseemedtobequicklyclosinginonthem.

“Idon’tthinkthatactuallymattersrightnow,”Philbysaid.“Wearegoingtobeinsomeserious—”Hegasped.“Whatareyoudoing,Finn?”

Beforehim,FinnWhitman,thefourteen-year-oldboy,transformedintoaglowingversionofhimselfwithaslightlyshorterhaircut.HewasnowhisDHIhologram.

“Willasaidshes-sawyoudothis.”Philbystutteredwhennervous.“ButId-didn’tbelieveher.”

“It’snotverystable.Ican’tholditforverylong,”Finnsaid.“Go.Blacktiles.Nevertwoinarow.It’stheleftstaircasewhenyoureachtheotherside.There’sthefinalinvisiblebridgeandthentheblackhole.I’llmeetyouthere.Waitforme.”

PhilbywavedhisarmthroughFinnjusttoconfirmwhathe’dseenhimdo.“Butifyou’rehereasyourDHI,thenwhere’stherealyou?Notbackasleepinbed?Andwhycan’tanyoftherestofusdothiswhenwe’reawake?”

“Philby,Idon’tknow.Maybecksaidhe’shadthesamethinghappen.Willa,onceortwice.Wecandiscussthislater,okay?Forsomereason,I’mabletowillmyselftocrossover.Idon’tunderstandit,butIdon’ttrytounderstandit.ItjusthappensifIletit.Wrapyourmindaroundthat.Itdoesn’tlastlong,andit’sexhausting.SoI’llmeetyouintheblackhole,andI’mgoingtoneedyourhelpfromthereon.”

“Andyou’regoingtostayand…what?…fightthisguy?”“Yeah,right,”Finnsaidsarcastically,hisvoicesoundingalittlebitdifferent,

likethebuzzingofsomethingelectronic.“I’mgoingtomakehimwonderwhathe’schasing.I’mgoingtofreakhimoutofhisshorts.IfI’mlucky…well…let’shopeI’mlucky.”Hewaitedonlyseconds.“GO!”

Philbytookoffacrossthecheckerboardfloor,makingsurethetoesofhis

shoeslandedonlyontheblacksquares,andnevertwoblacksquaresinthesamehorizontalrow.ItrequiredakindofdancingacrossanddownthefloorthatmadehimlooklikeakidinRiverdance.

Finn’sabilitytocrossoverwhileawakehadtodowithachievingakindofmeditativestate.Ifhefocusedonhavingnofear,noworries,hetemporarilycrossedover.Hedidn’tknowtherulesorhowitworked,onlythathecouldmakeithappen—thoughonlyinsidetheMagicKingdom,wherehologramprojectorsexistedthroughoutthePark.Hetookamomenttotesthisability,awareofitsunpredictabilityandhislackofcontroloverit.Hegrabbedforthenearbydoorknob.Hishandlandedonit,andhewasabletoturnthedoorknob.Thenhepulledhishandaway,closedhiseyesbriefly,andconcentratedonjustasingleidea:light.Heopenedhiseyesandreachedforthedoorknobonceagain.Thistimethedoorknobpassedthroughhishand.Itsparkledandglowedasheswepthishandonthroughthedoorjambandbackout.

Sofar,heseemedtobeincontrolofhishologram,butheknewfrompreviousattemptsthathishologramquicklydeteriorated.Afewminuteswasallhehad,untilFinn,thefourteen-year-oldboy,camebacktoreplacetheDHI.

Hesteppedoutofthewayasheheardfootstepsapproaching.Themanarrivedattheplatform.Finnhidbehindhim.Themanwasbig,withthick,heavylegsandbroadshoulders.Helookedalittlefoolishinhisred-and-white-stripedjacketandstrawhat.Hestudiedthecheckerboardfloorlikeapersontryingtorememberthecode,bringinghisthickhandtohisscrabblychinincontemplation.

“Whiteorblack?Oddsorevens?”Finnsaid,startlingtheman.Themanspunaround,hisfaceaknotofanger.“You’renotallowedhere,”

hesaidinadeep,dryvoice.Incrediblyquicklyforhissize,hejumpedtowardFinnandswipedathim,hishandspassingrightthroughtheDHI,atwhichpointhestoodupinastonishment,lookingathisownhandsasifthey’dbetrayedhim.

“Onewrongstep,andyoufall,”Finnsaid,dartingpastthemanandoutontothecheckerboardfloor.Heconcentratedontheideaoflight—purelight.ADHIweighednothing,andonlyweighttriggeredthetilesinthefloor.Butheknewhecouldn’tmaintainthispurestateforverylong.Hehadtolurethemanoutontothefloorquickly.Therewasn’tmuchtime.

Hetriedanothertack.“I’maCastMember,”Finnsaid,“likeyou.”“Idon’tcare.You’renotallowedupthere,”hesaid.Bysayingthishe

confirmedheknewaboutthepenthouse—WaltDisney’sformerapartment—thesecretroomWaynehadofferedtheDHIsasaplacetohide.

AnOvertaker?Finnwondered.ThegrouployaltoMaleficent,dedicatedtochangingthebalanceofpowerintheParks.

“Isaidyou’renotallowedupthere,”themansaid.“Whiteorblack?”Finnsaid,hisDHIstandingononeofeach.ThepleasantwarmthoftheDHIgavewaytoaslightchill,andFinnknew

theinternallightwasgivingwaytofleshandblood.Hewishedheunderstoodhowtocontrolthistransformationbetter,butthatwasforanothertime.Hetookadvantageofhisbriefweightlessnessandcrossedthecheckerboardfloortoaplatformthatpresentedanotherthreeascendingstaircases.Hehadonelasttrickleft.

Themansteppedoutontothecheckerboard,keepinghiseyesonthesquares.Itwasalongfallbelow—thirtyfeetormore,thoughthefloorhadbeenpaintedinperspective,whichmadeitappearmorelikethreehundred:abottomless,rockycavern.Hetookthatin,andthen,ashelookedacrossatFinn,hisfaceturnedscarletwithanger.

“Youwon’ttalkyourwayoutofthis,son.”Hesteppedontoablacktile.Thenanother.Heknewthepattern!Makingsureheavoidedanytwoblacksquaresinthesamehorizontalline,heprogressedcautiouslybutquicklyacrossthefloor.

FinnfelttheDHIfading.He’dmanagedtomaintainitforaminuteormore,buthesuspectedheweighedsomethingnow.Wouldhetripthesensorsthatopenedthefloor,orcouldhemakeitacross?

Hisplanwastorunrightthroughtheman.Hebelievedifheconcentrated,hecouldsummonhispureDHIforthefractionofaseconditwouldtaketopassthroughhim.Indoingso,hewascertaintocausetheintrudertomisstep,whichwouldsendhimplummeting.ButFinnwouldhavetomovequicklytoavoidbeingonthefloorwhenitfelloutandgaveway.

Hesteppedoutontotwoblacksquares.Hecouldfeelhisweightonhisfeet.HewasaboutequalpartsboyandDHI.Howmuchlonger?

TheDapperDanstoppedhalfway,hisfaceascowl.Thensomethingoccurredtohim,andhebelchedoutalaugh.“Goingtowrestleme,areyou?”Hegrinnedmischievously.“I’llsaveyouthetrouble.”Hisrightfootreachedoutforawhitesquare.

FinnhadnotconsideredthatthefastestwayforthemantocatchFinnwastomakeFinnfallwithhim.

Finnranforwardontheblacktiles,simultaneouslylettinggoofallfear.Hefeltthewarmthreturnlikeablastfromafurnace.Butwellbeforehereachedthe

otherside—infact,beforeheevenreachedhisadversary—thefloorwentoutfromunderhim.

Themanfell,lettingoutashortscreamashewasfunneledintoaredplasticchute.

Finnwasfloating.Thetrapdoorhadopenedbeneathhim,buthisDHIsimplyhovered.Hewassuspendedtenfeetabovetheevacuationchute,withonlyairbeneathhim.

Hefeltthechillreturning.Hemanagedthreestepstowardtheedgeoftheopenpitandthenfell.Hisfingerscaughtthelipofthehingedflooring,andhisbodysmackedintothehangingtrapdoor.Normallynotgoodatpull-ups,hemusthavebeenpartiallyDHI,becausehemanagedtolifthimself,hookaleg,andpullhimselfup.Secondslater,thetrapdoorsnappedbackintoposition.Hestayedontheblacksquaresandrecrossed.

Middlestaircase.Reddoor.Herememberedthissectionwell.HeheardtheDapperDanhitbottomand,secondslater,thesoundofhim

climbingstairsagain.Fasternow.EvermoredeterminedtoapprehendFinn.Finnsteppedforwardintototaldarkness,amatterofextremetrust.Thefirst

timehe’dfollowedWayneinhere,he’dnearlypukedfromfear.Theblackhole.HeransmackintoPhilby.“There’snoelevator,”Philbysaid.“What?”“Noelevator.It’snothere.”“Ithastobehere,”Finnsaid.“Nosuchluck,Sherlock.”“Butthatmeans—”“Somebody’supthere,”Philbysaid.“Alreadyintheapartment.Andwhatdo

youwanttobetit’snotWayne?”“There’sgottobeanotherwayup,”Finnsaid.“Firestairs.Somethingforan

emergency.”“Incaseyouhadn’tnoticed,it’spitchblack.Youdon’thappentohavea

flashlightonyou,Isuppose?”“Turnyourbacktome,”Finnsaid.Hemusteredhisstrength.Transforming

intohisDHIsappedhisenergy.Hefeltexhaustedfromhavingchallengedthemanjustnow,butknewhehadtodothis.Heclosedhiseyes.Hefeltthewarmthreturn.Hecouldn’tholditformorethanafewseconds.Hecameoutofit,hislegsweak,hisheadswooning.

“Oh,man!Howcoolisthat?”Philbysaidexcitedly.“Holdontomyshirt,

lightningbug.Isawsomestairsoverhere.”Finnreachedoutandheldon,asmuchtokeephisbalanceastostaywith

Philby.Theyreachedasetofmetalstairs,thehandrailcooltothetouch.“Goingup,”saidPhilby.Theystartedclimbingthespiralstairs.Higherandhigher.Frombelowthemcametheheavybreathingofthemanpursuingthem.He’dalreadycaughtbackup.Hesoundedincrediblyclose.

7

MAYBECKPROVEDHIMSELFthefasterrunner,arrivingnexttoAmandaatnearlythesameinstantasCharleneandWilladespitehavingcomethelongwayaround.Therainwasfallinginpunishingwaves,andthunderwascrackingmenacinglyoverhead.

Amanda,soakingwet,wasonherknees,crying.Jezjuststoodthere,therainpassingthroughher.IttookMaybeckandthegirlsafewsecondstorealizewhatAmandaalreadyknew.

“Oh,man,”saidMaybeck.“Howlongagodidthishappen?”WillaandCharlenehelpedAmandatoherfeet.EveryonebutJezwasnow

drenched.Charleneheldherhandsoverherhair,asifthatwoulddoanygood.“Shedidn’tkeepup,”Amandasaid.“Ithoughtshewasprobablyfiddling

withheriPod—tryingtoprotectitfromtherain.Shewon’tstopmessingwiththatthing.SoIlookedback,and…shewasthere.”ShepointedtotheDHIofhersister.

“Buthowisthatpossible?”Willaasked.“Jezisn’taDHI.”“Sheisnow,”saidMaybeck,contradicting.Heranhishandrightthrough

Jez’sbodyandouttheotherside.SomekidscheeredandcalledoutfromthecrowdedareainfrontofPeter

Pan’sFlight,wheretheystoodprotectedfromtherain.“Somebodydidthis,”Amandasaid.“TheyprogrammedaDHIforher.But

it’snotmuchofaprogram.She’sjust…standingthere.”“Butwhy?”Maybecksaid.“Who?”Willasaid.“TheImagineerswouldn’tdothiswithoutWaynetelling

us.”Morekidscalledoutfromtheline,thistimewantingautographs.“Wecan’tstayhere,”saidMaybeck.“Ihavetofindher,”Amandasaid.“Therealher.”“WeneedFinnandPhilby,”Willasaid.Hunchedoverandmiserableintherain,Charleneadded,“Couldwemaybe

movethismeetingsomewheredry?”

Maybecksaid,“Wesawyoutwonotfiveminutesago.Iftheygrabbedher…iftheymadeaswitch…ithadtohavehappenedbetweenthenandnow.Somewherereallyclosetohere.”

“Areyousayingshewas…kidnapped?”Charlenesaid,alittletooconcernedwithherhairtohavestayedwiththediscussion.

“Ifhumanstakeyou,you’rekidnapped,”Maybeckanswered.“Idoubtthere’sanameforitwhenit’sabandofDisneyvillains.Butyeah.She’smissing.”

“Butwhy?”CharleneaskedMaybeck.“WhykidnapJez?”ThethreekidsstaredatAmanda,waitingforananswer.Shepursedherlips

asifshe’dswallowedsomethingbitter.“IfItoldyou—whichIcan’t—youwouldn’tbelieveme.”

“Tryus,”Maybecksaid.“You’dbesurprisedatwhatwecanhandle,”saidWilla.“TheOvertakers?”Maybeckasked,winningAmanda’sattention.“Youdon’tknowthehalfofit,”Amandasaid.“Tryus,”Maybeckrepeated.“Pleasetellus,”Willapleaded.Shewipedtherainfromhereyes.“Wewant

tohelp,butweneedtoknowwhat’sgoingon,whatwe’reinvolvedin.”Charleneprovedshe’dbeenpayingattentionafterall.“Thishastodowith

Finn,doesn’tit?WhenFinngottangledupwithJez,andyousaidsomekindofspellhadbeenremoved.Maleficent’sspell.”

Thatincidenthadhappenedmonthsago,thoughthekidsremembereditasifitwereyesterday.MaleficenthadkeptJezunderhercontroltopreventJez’sownpowersfrominterferingwithMaleficent’splan.TheDHIshadmanagedtotrapMaleficent,andFinnhadhelpedfreeJezfromthespell—thoughherpowershadyettobeexplainedtoanyofthem.Maybethiswaswhythesistershadvanishedrecently:tokeepfromhavingtoexplainthemselves.

“Wehavetohurry,”Willasaid.“Foronething,thosekidsareblowingourcover.Foranother,everysecondcounts.Shecan’tbefar.”

“Sincewhenareyouadetective?You’vebeenreadingtoomanyAmericanGirlbooks,”snappedCharlene.

“No,she’sright,”Maybecksaid.“Timeisinourfavor,butnotforlong.AmandaandIwillretraceherroute,lookingforher.Willa,youandCharlenegetFinnandPhilbyoutofthecastleandmeetupwithus.”

AmandajerkedherheadtowardCinderellaCastle.“He’sinthere?”shegasped,andthenmumbled,“I’dnearlyforgotten.”

“Forgottenwhat?”Maybeckasked.AmandalookedbackandforthfromthesputteringandsparkingDHIofher

sistertothecolorfullightsilluminatingthecastle.“Somethinghorrible’sgoingtohappen,”Amandawhispered.“Jezebel

dreamedaboutit.Wecameheretowarnallofyou.”ShemeteyeswithMaybeckandthenWilla.“He’sactuallyinthere?”

“Shedreamedaboutit?”Charlenesaid,distrustfulandsarcastic.“Yoursistercandreamthefuture,Isuppose?Isthatwhatyou’retryingtotellus?”

“Fairlieshaveabilitiesyouwouldn’tbelieve.”“What’saFairlie?”Willablurtedout.“Itoldyouyouwouldn’tbelieveme.”

8

FINNFOLLOWEDPHILBYupthetightlywoundspiralstaircaseincompletedarkness,hislungsandlegsburning,hisheadpounding.TransforminghimselfintoaDHI—twiceinamatterofminutes—hadtaxedhim.Heclimbed,halfin,halfoutofconsciousness,slidinghishandalongthecoolsteelhandrail,faintofheadbutnotofheart.SomeonewastryingtoattractlightningtoCinderellaCastle.HeenvisionedthepenthouseapartmentconvertedintoaFrankensteinlaboratory,someDisneymonsterstrappedtoastainless-steeltablewithwiresattachedtohisheadandheart.Hedidn’tknowwhattothink—exceptthattheOvertakershadsenttheDapperDantostopthem.Thathadtomeansomethingbigwasgoingdown.

Thundercrackedoutside,sendingarumbleuphislegs.Climbinghigherinalightningstormwasnotthesmartestmove.Hefeltanothertremorinhischest.

Speakinginabreathlesswhisperastheyclimbed,Finnsaid,“Whatifit’sallatrap?Anelaboratetrap?Whatifthisguyissupposedtodriveustothetopofthecastle?Whatiftheweatherballoonandlightningareintendedforus?Tokillus?”

Philbystopped,andFinnbumpedintohim.Hehadtroublecatchinghisbreath.Hisheartwasabouttoexplode.

Thestaircasevibrated:themanwasclimbingtowardthem.“Butifthat’sthecase,thenthisguy’ssuicidal,”Philbysaid,“becausehe’s

rightbehindus.”“Butifhe’sanOvertaker,howdoweevenknowhe’sreal?”“Howdoweknowifanyofthisisreal?”Philbyquipped.“Notoneofushas

evertoldourparentsaboutwhathappenstousatnight.Whydoyouthinkthatis?”Heansweredhisownquestion.“Becausetheywouldn’tbelieveit.”

Shadowsflickeredonthewall.Aflashlight.Theguy!“Climb!”Finnhissed.Theystartedclimbinghigher,runningupthestairsasfastastheycould.

Theirpursuerwasn’tnearlyaslightonhisfeetastheywere.Thebeamfromhisflashlightandthestrange,shiftingshadowsitcastpropelledthemhurriedlyup,

up,up.Atlast,theyfacedadoor.Itwasboltedshut;therewasnodoorknoborhandle.Inthedimlight,Finncaughtsightofahandwrittensigntapedtothewall:OPENONLYINEMERGENCY“Dowedare?”Finnasked.“Ithastoleadintotheapartment,”saidPhilby.“Agreed.”Thelightfromtheflashlightrosemorequicklynow.“Andwe’retryingto

getintotheapartment.”Finnmovedthebolt,andthedoorpoppedopen.Togethertheyenteredintoanotherdarkspace.Finnreachedout.Itwas

narrowandtight.Thesoundofbells…no…Finnknewthatsound.Itwasn’tbells.Itwas…hangers.

“We’reinacloset,”Finnsaidsoftly.“Aclosetinsidetheapartment,I’llbet.”“Thestairsaretheapartment’sfireescape,”saidPhilby.“Makessense.”But

whylockafireescapefromtheoutside?Finnwonderedsilently.Hegropedinthedarkandtouchedanotherdoorinfrontofthemandopened

itacrack.Theclosetledintotheapartment’ssmallbedroom,theshinybedspreadahideousshadeofgrassgreen.Theairsmelledstaleanddusty.Theboysslippedintothebedroom.Itfeltunbearablywarm.

Heavyfootstepsclompedupthestairs.“Hurry!”Finnhissed.HeandPhilbyrushedoutofthecloset,shutitsdoor

and,workingtogether,slidthebedtoblockit.Attheveryleasttheyhadboughtthemselvesafewseconds.

Theyhurriedtothebedroomdoor,andFinnputhiseartoit.“Anything?”Philbyasked,oneeyenervouslyontheblockedclosetbehind

them.“Itsoundslikesomeonemumbling.”Finnopenedthedoorcarefullyand

thenquietlysteppedthrough.Philbyfollowed.Theywereinasmallhallwaywithaviewintoalargerlivingroom.Thedecormighthaveoncebeencalledmodern.Nowitlookedslightlycheesy.

Finnangledhisheadaroundthecornertogetabetterviewintothelivingroom.Thenhejerkedback.

Maleficent—themostpowerfuloftheDisneyfairiesandFinn’sgreatestenemy—stoodbytheapartmentwindow.Amandahadsomehowknown!Maleficenthadenormousevilpowers,includingtheabilitytoconjurespellswithnothingmorethanincantations.Finnhadonceseenhertransfigureatrashbag

intoarat.Shehaddemonstratedpowersoffireandelectricity,conjuringacageofglowing“wires”aroundhim.Heroneweaknesswastemperature—shecouldonlyconjurewhencold,whichhelpedexplainherbeingjailedinanapartmentkeptsowarm.Hedoubtedshewasatherfullpowers,giventhewarmthoftheapartment,butthatcouldchangeinaninstant.Shehadherbacktothem,andherdarkrobehungtothefloor.NowFinnunderstoodwhathe’dheard:Maleficentwaschantingwhilefacingtheopenwindow.Itwasblockedontheoutsidebyaheavyirongrate—likeajailcell.

Castingaspell?Finnwondered.Hislegsshookwithfear.Thelasthe’dknown,she’dbeenlockedinajail

cellinthecatacombsbeneathPiratesoftheCaribbean.Whatwasshedoinghere?

Shesteppedawayfromthewindowbutcontinuedchanting.Throughthewindow,theskydarkened.Thestormroaredaslightningflashedandthundercracked.Finntensedwiththenextlightningstrike:atremendousflashwasfollowedinstantlybyacrackandboom.Wasshesummoningthelightning?Anotherloudcrack.Aboltofelectricitystrucktheirongrate.Itglowedredhot,andthensparksflew.Theirongratemeltedandfellopen,thewindownolongerblocked.Theevening’scoolbreezeblewthrough.

Maleficentclimbedupontothesill.Thecrowdcheeredfrombelow.Colorfilledthesky—thefireworksdisplayhadbegun.“Stop!”heshouted.Sheturned.“YOU!”Itwasnotrap.Theirbeinghereclearlysurprisedher.Herredeyeslockedontohis.Hergreen,hideousskinscrunchedtightly

aroundhereyes.Iflookscouldkill…hethought.Finnsteppedback,afraid.Thecoolair…Threeloudbangsofthundermixed

withthefireworks,makingawarzoneoutofthesky.Afierybackdropplayedoutbehindthegreencreaturestandinginthewindow.

Sheglancedbackathimonemoretimeandthenclimbedoutside.FinnandPhilbyhurriedtothesmolderingwindowopeningandlookedout.Maleficentwasclimbingthecastlewall,hercapeswirlinginthewind.She

movedlikeaninsect.Helookeddownandgasped.Theyhadtobeahundredfeetup.“I’mnotgoingoutthere!”Finnsaid.“Thestairs!”Philbysaid.Witheverysecondshewouldbecoolingoff,regainingherpowers.Theboys

hurriedbacktothebedroom,determinedtofollowher.TheDapperDanwaspoundingontheclosetdoorfromtheotherside.

“Ready?”Finnsaid,hishandsagainstthebedframe.Philby,selectedasaDHIinlargepartforhisbrainpower,didnotneedto

hearwhatFinnhadinmind.Heknewintuitively.“One…two…”Onthreetheboysshovedthebedoutoftheway.Thedoorflewopen.TheDapperDan,who’dbeenpushinghardontheclosetdoor,fellthrough

andtumbleddownontothecarpet.FinnandPhilbyduckedintothecloset,hurriedouttheemergencydoor,andthrewtheboltbeforetheDapperDanhadclimbedtohisfeet.Theyhadtrappedhiminside.

Theyhesitatedonthelanding.“Upordown?”FinnaskedPhilby,thechallengeobvioustobothboys.Philbylookeddownthestairs,knowingthismeantsafety.Thenhelookedat

Finn.“Ifshegetsfree,we’llneverbesafeagain,”hesaid.“Up!”thetwoboyssaidinunison.Theboysclimbedthedarkstaircase,slowlyatfirst,butthen,holdingthe

rail,Finnpickedupthepace.Astheynearedthetop,thesoundofthecrowdgrewlouder.Thestairsended

inasmallstonechamberwithanopenwindow.IttookonlysecondsforFinn’seyestoadjust.Therewasayoungwoman

tiedupinthecorner.Shehadwings,andforamomenthethoughtshe,too,wasanOvertaker.ThenherecognizedherasTinkerBell.ShewasaCastMember,incostume.

Maleficentstoodintheopenwindow,herrobefluttering,thefireworksflashingcolorsintheskybeyondher.NowFinnsawthemetalwiresecuredtothewall.

“Sillyboys!”Maleficentsaidinaraspyvoice.“Theendisnear.”Shejumped.Finnrantothewindow.Butshehadn’tfallen.Instead,sheflewoff,awayfromthem.Shecouldfly!ButthenFinnunderstood:neartheconclusionofthefireworksshow,Tinker

Bellflewfromthecastle.TinkerBellwasactuallyaCastMemberridingaziplinefromthecastleontoaroofinTomorrowland.Butonthisnight,itwasn’tTinkerBellridingthezipline.

Maleficentletoutabloodcurdlingscreech—tothedelightofthecrowd—as

sherodethewirehighinthesky.Shegrewsmallerandsmaller.Thecrowdwentcrazywithcheersandscreams.Herhideousscreechrangintheairuntilswallowedbythenextthumping

blastoffireworks—thegrandfinale—thatjoinedtheripplingofthunderechoingofftheFloridalandscapeliketheaftereffectofabombexploding.

9

THELIGHTNINGSTRIKEthathitCinderellaCastlechargedthenightskywithintenselightasfireraineddown.Theboltoflightninghadgroundedoutonthethinwireholdingtheweatherballoon.Next,thelightswentoutinalargeareaencirclingthecastle,includingthestreetlampssurroundingtheHub,mostofLibertySquare,andasfarawayasTomorrowland.Spotlightsthatnormallylittheskywentblack,leavingthecolorfulglowofthefireworks’grandfinale.

Thensomething—orsomeone—flewouttowardTomorrowland,anditwasquiteobviouslynotTinkerBell.Thecapedfigurewaschasedbyaballofswirlingorangeflame.Achorusofcheersarose.Noonewasexactlysurewhatthey’djustwitnessed,butwhateveritwas,itwasamazing.

Willaandtheothersheardthecheer.Onlymomentslateraswirlofrumorreachedthem:awitchhadflownfromthecastle.Maybecksaidafewwordsthatwouldhavegottenhimdetentioninschool.

“Whichwitch?”Charlenewonderedaloud.“Threeguesses,”saidAmanda.Thethreeotherslookedathersharply.“Finn!”Charlenemuttered,herworryhangingintheair.“Whatdowedonow?”Willagasped.“You’vegottotelluswhatyouknow,”MaybeckdemandedofAmanda.“It’sJezthatsawthiscoming,notme,”Amandasaid.“Sawwhatcoming?”heasked.“Trouble.”“Youalreadysaidthat.Yougottagiveusmore.”“Itoldyou:Jezisdifferent.”“She’syoursister!”hecomplained.“Yeah,”shesaid,soundingapologetic.“Kindof.IguessyoucouldsayI’ma

littledifferentaswell.”“Differenthow?”“Just…different.”“She’snotontrial,”WillacomplainedtoMaybeck.“SheandJezcameto

warnus!”SheaddressedAmanda.“WhatdidJezthinkwasgoingtohappen?”“Shesawthings.Shewrotethemdown—drewthings—inherjournal.Kept

trackofthem—dreamsmostly.Anddaydreams.But…”Shecutherselfoffandlookedateachoftheotherssearchingly.“Thereallycreepypartissheshowedmeasketchshemadeoflightningstrikingthecastle.Sheknewitwasgoingtohappen,andIthinksheknewthatFinnwasgoingtobeinside.”

“Youoweusanexplanation,”Maybecksaidimpatiently.“Andyou’llhaveit,”Amandaagreed.Sheglancedaround—anumberof

guestswerebravingtheraintogetabetterlookatthecastle.“Butnothere.Notnow.YouhavetohelpFinn.He’sindanger.Moredangerthanfromjustthelightning.It’stheOvertakers.Theydidthis.They’reresponsible.Jez…IhavetofindJez.They’reafraidofher…powers.Shecanstopthisbywarningyouandothers,butnotiftheycontrolher.”

“Stopwhat?”Maybeckasked.“IwishIknew.”“Thelightning?”Willaasked.“We’realittlelate,ifthat’sthecase.”“Itwasmorethanthat,”Amandasaid.“Listen,I’vegottofindJez.Youall

needtohelpFinnandPhilby.They’reindanger.Jezsawthatcoming.Thatwaswhatshewastryingtoprevent.”

“Okay,”Maybecksaid,“enoughchit-chat.Let’sgetgoing.AmandaandIaregoingtoheadbacktolookforJezwhileyoutwocheckoutthecastleandfindFinnandPhilby.”

“Withthepowerout,they’llclosethePark,”Willawarned.“They’renotgoingtoletusrunaroundforlong.Andiftheyrecognizeus,they’renotgoingtowantusintheParkatall.”

“Well,then,pullupyourhood.Messupyourhair.Wegottadothis,”Maybecksaid.“IftheyclosethePark,we’llIMandfigurethisout.”HegrabbedAmanda’sarmandtugged.Shehesitated,thenmovedwithhim.

Theytookoffatarun.“EveryoneIMatmidnight,”heyelledoverhisshoulder.CharleneandWillaheadedforthecastle,whichwasshroudedindarkness

andaveilofsmokeleftoverfromboththefireworksandthelightningstrike.Behindthem,theyleftthesputteringhologramofJez,who,asanotherseries

ofstreetlampsflickeredandfailedinthespreadingblackout,sputteredandwentdark.

Gone,justliketherealJez.Somekidscheeredfromunderawnings.Raincontinuedtofall.

Oneofthemshouted,“TheKingdomKeepersrule!”Willawincedathearingthenicknamethatalocalnewspaperhadadoptedfor

thekidsandtheirDHIs.Shefeltachilldownherspineandapaininherstomach.Theyweren’tsuperheroes;theywereteenmodelsmixedupinsomeconfusedtechnologythatnoonefullyunderstood—noteventhepeoplewho’dinventedit.

She’dgottenagoodlookatthethingflying.Shehadn’tmentionedwhatshe’dseentotheothers,becausewhowouldhavebelievedit?

Butsheknewwhatshe’dseen—whomshe’dseen—andthechillwasreplacedwithaspasmofterror.

Maleficenthadescaped.JezhadbeenturnedintoaDHI.Tothinkthatthosetwoeventsweresomekindoffreakcoincidenceand

unrelatedwasjustplainwrong.

10

ITSOUNDEDLIKEDOZENSoffootstepswerehurryingupthespiralstaircaseasFinnandPhilbyrushedtountiethewomandressedupasTinkerBell.Finngotthetapeoffhermouth.

“Areyouallright?”Shelookedterrified.“Who…what…wasthat?”Philbysaid,“Finn,we’recooked.”Theapproachingfootstepswerenoticeablycloser.Theywereeithersecurity

guardsorOvertakers.Eitherwayspelleddisasterfortheboys.“Who’scoming?”theTinkerBellwomanasked.“Wedon’tknow.”“I’mnotstickingaroundtofindout,”shesaid.Theboyslookedparalyzed.Shesaid,“Harnesses,”pointingtothewall.“They’rerescueharnesses,in

caseIgetstuckoutthere.”Shehesitatedonlyasecondbeforegrabbingone.“Putthemon!”

Shehelpedbothboysintotheharnessesanddouble-checkedthemforsafety.“Haveyoueverriddenazipline?”

Finnshookhishead.Philbysaid,“Incamponce.”“Samething,”shesaid.“I’mgoingtogofirst.”Sheclippedapulleytothe

guywire.“ThatwayIcancatchyoutwoasyouarriveontheotherend.Ready?”Whoeverwascomingupthespiralstairswasmovingfast.“Seeyoudownthere,”shesaid.Withthat,shejumped.Finnwatchedasshezoomedaway,intothedarkofthenight.She

disappeared.“Iamnotgoingoutthatwindow,”Finndeclared.“Listen,”Philbysaid,“wehavetwochoices:wecangetbustedandblamed

foreverythingthatjusthappened,orwecangooutthatwindow.”“You’reinsane.”Thesoundscomingupthestairsgrewevenlouder.

PhilbygruntedandpushedFinntowardthewindow.“You’refirst,”hesaid.“Idon’tthinkso.”“Thoseguysaregoingtobehereinabouttwoseconds.”“Whatifitdoesn’tsupportus?“ThisisDisney.Thethingwillprobablysupportatank.”“WhatifTinkerBelldoesn’tcatchus?”“Myadvice?Don’tlookdown.”PhilbytestedthepulleyandpushedFinn.Finnfeltablisteringwindonhisface.Hewas…flying.Itwas,foraninstant,thecoolestthinghe’deverdone.He

waszoomingdownthewire,highabovethegrassandthewater,headedforthelightsofTomorrowland.

Thewhineofthepulleyrosetoahigh-pitchedwhir.Philbywasbehindhimnow.Down,down,downtheyraced.Thenthewireleveledoff,andtheirspeeddecreased.Theywereheadedaboveasetofrooftops.FinncaughtsightoftheMONSTERS,INC.COMEDYCLUBsigntohisleft.Withthewiremorelevel,theycontinuedtoslow.

TinkerBellcaughtthematthefarend,infrontofasetofpads.Sheunhookedthepulleysandhelpedthembothoutoftheharnesses.

Finnlookedbacktoseeseveralmenhuddledinthetowerthey’djustleft.“Nicetiming,”Finnsaid.Seeinghowfartheyhadtraveled,hiskneeswent

weak.“Thatwasnotasmartthingtodo.”“Itwasincrediblystupid!”Philbyagreed.HelookedatFinnsheepishly.“But

man,wasthatfun!”TinkerBellledthemdownaverysteepmetalstaircaseandintoanalley.A

momentlater,she’dshowedthemhowtoreenterthePark.TheyhurriedtowardtheHub.

“FINN!”Heheardhisnameshoutedfromfaraway.IttookhimamomenttoseeintheglowofafewemergencylightswhatPhilbysawfirst:twofiguresupnearthecastle.Girls.

“It’sWillaandCharlene,”Finnsaid.“Howcanyoubesure?”Philbysaid,squinting.“Trustme.It’sthem.”Theboysrantowardthegirls,circledcarefully,andhidontheothersideofa

stonewall,waiting.Theysquatteddownandcaughttheirbreath.Finndaredtoraiseaneyeabovethewall:hesawapairofCastMembers

thathetooktobesecurityguards,searchingthecrowd.

“They’relookingforus,”hetoldPhilby.“MightbeOvertakers.MightjustbeDisneySecurity.”

“We’llgetacrosstheHubandcatchuptothegirls.We’rejusttwokidsnowamongalltheothers.”

Itwastrue:therainhadstoppedandthecrowdshadreturned.Anannouncementwasrepeatedseveraltimes,apologizingforthefactthattheParkwouldcloseearlyduetotheweather.CinderellaCastlehadbeenropedoff.

Finnnoddedhisagreement.ThetwoboyscrossedthebusyHuboutsideofthecastle.Astheyreachedits

centeranumberoflightscamebackon,andthelookandfeelofthecastlewasrestored.Somefiremenwerepackingup.

Andthere,lookingdownonthemfromthecastleplaza,wereCharleneandWilla.

Thegirlslookedterrified.

11

ATTWOMINUTESBEFOREMIDNIGHT,asFinnwaspreparingtoIMwithPhilby,Maybeck,andtheothers,hismessagingwindowshowedanunexpectedvisitor.TheInstantMessagingprogramwasonlyconnectedtopeopleonhisbuddylist,sotheappearanceofthisuninvitedvisitorwassomewhatsurprising,unsettling,andevenalarming.HisparentsmadeabigdealoutofhowunsafetheInternetcouldbe,howstalkersoftentrolledforkidsbypretendingtobekidsthemselves.Andwhilehethoughthisparentsoverdidtheirwarnings,heknewthatstuffhappened.Theappearanceoftheuninvitedguestmadehimwonderifitwashappeningtohim.

I’mfromthefirehouse.Finn’sbreathcaught.Waynelivedabovethefire-houseintheMagic

Kingdom.CouldthispossiblybeWayne?HisWayne?He’dbeenmissingforalongtimenow.

WAYNE?Finntyped.ButnothingappearedintheIMwindow.Itwasasiftheprogramwasblockingthatnamefrombeingwritten,thewaysomeWebsitespreventedtheuseofcertainwords.Heconsideredhowtoworkaroundtheproblem.Thenhetypedagain.

W…A…Y…N…E…?

youalwayswerethecleverone.mynamewassupposedtobeblocked,butseparatingtheletters!brilliant!Finnwasn’tconvinceditwasWayneontheotherendofthiswritten

conversation.Hecouldbeanimposter.Finntyped:youhavesomethingIfound,butyoukept.it’smagical,whatisit?Heanxiouslyawaitedtheanswer.Thisquestion,hefelt,woulddetermineif

itwasinfactWayne.unclewait’spenFinncursedatthescreen,notmeaningto.ItreallywasWayne.Noonebut

heandtheotherDHIsknewthatanswer.AnunusualfeelingovercameFinn.Formonthshe’dwonderedifWaynehad

diedorbeencapturedbytheOvertakers.Thrilledtonowreconnectwithhim,he

lethisfingershoveroverthekeyboard.Wheretostart?ADisneyold-timerandformerImagineer,WayneknewmoreaboutDisney

Worldthananylivingperson.HehadoncecountedWaltDisneyhimselfasapersonalfriend.AlegendinDisneycircles,hisnameoftenappearedonblogs.

HewasresponsibleforFinnandhisfriends’becomingDHIsinthefirstplace.Hehadcreatedtheconceptandhadoverseenthedevelopmentofthesoftware.Moreimportant,asfarasFinncouldtell,hecontrolledasecretgroupofCastMembersthatopposedtheOvertakers’attempttogaincontroloftheMagicKingdom.

we’renotsafehere.doyouhavevideoabilities?

yes.

thengoontothewebsite:www.dgamer.com/vmk.it’sasecurelink.butbeforeyoudothat,you’llneedtowritesomethingsomethingdown.FinnwonderedifWaynehadbeeninacomaorsomething.Hetyped:vmkwas

shutdownmonthsago.

tothepublic,yes.thesitehadtobeclosedforsecurityreasons.writethisdown.atthesign-on,usetheusername:imagineer1.yourpasswordisouruncle’sfullnamespelledbackwardwithnodashesorspaces.Finnquicklyscribbleddownyensidtlaw.walt-disneyspelledbackward.

okay.gotit.

youwillseeavideolinkbuttononthelandingpage.rightclickonthatbutton:itwillopenupavideochatwithme.seeyouinaminute.ThesuddenclosingofVMKhadcomeasashocktoFinnandhisfriends.

NewsthattheWebsiteremainedaccessiblesurprisedhim.Buthedidn’tdoubtWayneforamoment.Waynelivedandworkedinasecretworld.Hewasfullofsurprises.

***

“It’sreallyyou,”Finngasped,seeingtheman’sweatheredfaceonhiscomputerscreen.TherewasnotellinghowoldWaynewas,buthewasn’tyoung.

Thevideosignalwasn’tperfect:staticoverlaidWayne’sface,andthesoundofhisvoicewascracklinganduneven.HelookedandsoundedolderthanFinnrememberedhim.

“Youdon’thavemuchtime,”hesaid,causinggoosefleshtorippleupFinn’sarms.

“Excuseme?”Finnreplied.Waynewascontinuallycheckingoverhisshoulder,asifafraidofbeing

foundout,whichFinnfounddisturbing.“YouwereluckyattheParktonight,”Waynesaid.“Youwerethere?”“Nevermindaboutme.Youwerethere.That’sallthatmatters.”“ItwasMaleficent.”“Tellmeexactlywhathappened.”Finnkepthissummaryoftheevening’seventsasshortandsuccinctas

possible.HedescribedspottingAmandaandJezduringthestartoftheparade;oflaterseeingapairofmonkeysinthebushesnearthecrowd.Waynequizzedhimaboutthemonkeys.ThenFinndescribedhisbeingchasedupEscher’sKeep,andfinishedwithMaleficent’sdaringescapeoutthewindowanddownTinkerBell’szipline.

“We’dmovedherthere,”Waynesaid.“Thirdmoveinasmanyweeks.WehadintelligencethattheOvertakerswereplanningforherescape.Wethoughtbymovingheraroundfrequently…Butitobviouslywasn’tenough.”

“Whatabouttheweatherballoon?Thelightningstrike?”“Theapartmentwaslockeddownlikeajailcell.Sealedtight.Wehadto

provideawayoutincaseoffire,buttheclosestexitwaslockedfromtheinside.Oursecurityguardwouldhavehadtoopenthatdoorforhertoescape.”

“TheDapperDanchasingus…washeoneofyourguys?”“Youhadnowayofknowingthat.”ButIshouldhave,Finnthought.TheDapperDanhadknownthewayupthe

Keep.OnlyWaynecouldhavetaughthimtheroute.“Weputonananklebraceletthatwouldsendanalarmifshemovedmore

thanfiftyfeetfromthetransmitter,”Wayneexplained.“IthousedaGPStransmitter,sowecouldtrackherdown.Theyusedthepowerofthelightningstriketobreakopenthebars.Nothingshortofasmallbombwouldhaveaccomplishedthat.Thelightningalsotemporarilyknockedoutthepower,whichwascrucialforhertoescape.Theyboughtherenoughtimetocuttheanklebraceletoff.WefounditupthereintheTinkerBelltower.”

Thatdidn’tsoundgood.“Soshe’sjust…gone?”“Idoubtveryfar.Agreenfacetendstostickout.It’scontroloftheParkthat

she’safter.She’llstayinthePark,wethink.Buttoaccomplishhergoalof

domination,she’llhavetorebuild,andreorganizetheOvertakers.Andshe’llneedthefiveofyououtoftheway.Youdefeatedherlasttime.Shewon’triskthathappeningagain.”

Finndidn’tlikethewayWaynesaidthatsocalmly.Outoftheway?HetriedtowraphismindaroundthefactthattheyweretalkingaboutaDisneycharacter—villainornot—asifshewerehuman.AndafterallthatheandtheotherDHIshadbeenthrough,itwasn’tsohard.Somethingweirdwasgoingon,andsomehowtheywerenowabigpartofit.WhateverkindofbeingMaleficentwas,howeveritwasthatsheexisted,herpresencewasveryreal,aswasthethreattotheDHIs.

“Sheneedscold,don’tforget,oratleasttheillusionofcold.Shelosesherpowersintheheat.Forthisandotherreasons,wethinkshe’slikelygonetotheAnimalKingdom.”

“Because?”“Thereareseveralattractionstherethatarekeptquitechilly.Andofcourse

there’sEverest.”“IsthatwhereJezis?”Wayne’sfacetightened.“Youwanttoexplainthat,please?”Finntoldhimtherestofwhathadhappened.HerelatedwhatWillahadtold

himbrieflyupontheirmeetingbythecastle:thatJezhadbeenreplacedbyaDHIandtherealJezhadvanished.

“That’swhyIwasIMingtheothers,”heexplained.“AtmidnightweweregoingtomeetandtrytofigureouthowtogetJezback.”Helistenedtohimselfsaythat,andwonderedwhatchancetheyhadagainstMaleficent.Thenhecheckedthecomputerclockand,seeingitwaswellpastmidnight,wonderedwhynooneelsehadjoinedthechat.

“Amanda,”Finncontinued,“supposedlysaidsomethingaboutJezbeing…different.Likeshe’saCastMemberorsomething.”

“She’snotaCastMember,”Waynesaidknowingly.IfheknewsomethingaboutJez,hehiditwell,foralthoughthereceptionwaspoor—sparkingandsputtering—hisexpressiondidn’tchange.

“WhatI’mgoingtotellyounow,”Waynesaid,“isdonesointhestrictestconfidence.Doyouunderstandme,Finn?Youcansharewhatyoumustwithyourfriends,butonlyifabsolutelynecessary,andonlyiftheypromisetoprotecttheinformation.It’scriticaltothesafetyofallofus.”

“Ipromise.”AsecondchillracedthroughFinn.Wayneglancedsuspiciouslyoverhisshoulderfortheumpteenthtime.“I’m

inhiding,asyoumustbeawarebynow.TheOvertakersaresaidtohaveobtainedtheDHItechnology.Theyareworkingonprojectingme—turningmeintoaDHIsothattheycouldmisleadoureffortstodefeatthem.AndiftheymanagedtocontainmyDHIwhenIwassleeping…well…yousawwhathappenedtoyourfriendMaybeck.”

Monthsearlier,Maybeck’sDHIhadbeenpreventedfromcrossingbackover—aprocessthatwastriggeredbyasmallblackremotecontroldevicethatWaynepossessed.Asaresult,thehumanMaybeckhadremainedasleepinbedinakindofinducedcomawhilehisDHIhadbeentrappedinamaintenancecageinSpaceMountain.FinnhadfreedMaybeck’sDHI,andWaynehadthencrossedthemover,allowingthehumanMaybecktoawakenfromhiscomatosestate.ButtheideaofthathappeningtoWayneoranyoftheotherDHIseveragainwasterrifying.Unthinkable.

“Whatyou’vejusttoldmeaboutJezebel’sdisappearance,”Waynesaid,“figuresintothistheory,I’mafraid.ItsuggeststheOvertakersdo,infact,havetheDHItechnologyattheirdisposal,andthatpresentsuswithsomedifficultchoices.”

“OurDHIswentbackonlinetonight,”Finnmuttered.“Precisely!You’reawareoftheDHIexpansionplan?”FinnhadheardrumorsthattheAnimalKingdomwasplanningDisneyHost

Interactivecharacters—usingDHIsofAnimalKingdomanimalstoguidegueststhroughtheParkthesamewayhologramsofFinnandhisfriendsguidedguestsaroundtheMagicKingdom.

“AnimalKingdomthisyear,”Waynesaid.“Thenthey’llputyourDHIsatDisneylandandthecruiseshipswithintwoyears.YouandtheotherDHIshavebecomesopopularthattheImagineersarerampingupexpansionintoalltheParksaroundtheworld:Paris,HongKong,Japan.Youhavedevelopedanenormousfanbase.”

Thevideobrieflysputteredandwentdark,butamomentlaterWayne’sfacegrewlargerasheleanedtowardthecamera.

Waynespokesoftly.“Imagineeringwon’tconfirmordenymyteam’saccusationsthattheAnimalKingdom’sDHIserverwascloned,butnowwithwhatyou’vetoldme,I’msureofit.TheOvertakershaveasecondDHIserver,Finn.Noonearoundhereisevergoingtoadmitit,butthatdoesn’tmeanit’snottrue.Theyhavestolenthesoftwareresponsibleforprojectingyoufivekidsasholograms.Ifthey’vecreatedDHIdataforme,asIbelieve—andforJezebel,asyou’vejusttoldme—thenit’sinanefforttotrickusorspyonusormanipulate

us.WhatifmyDHIisusedsothatIgivemypeopleordersthatthey,theOvertakers,wantgiven?”

“ThatwouldgivethemcontrolofthePark.”Finnpaused,deepinthought.“Butwaitasecond.Iftheyhavethesameserver,thesamesoftware,doesthatgivethemcontroloverourDHIstoo?”

“Yousee?Youunderstandthingssoquickly.There’sareasonyou’retheleader,”Waynesaid,hiseyesbrieflylookingbrighter.

“I’mnottheleader.”“Ofcourseyouare.”“We’venevervotedonaleader.”“Notallleadersareelected,Finn.Somejustrisetotheoccasion.”Finnignoredthat.Heandhisfriendsworkedasagroup.Waynewouldn’t

understandthat.“Sowhatyou’resaying,”Finnsaid,“isthattheOvertakersmaybeableto

useourDHIsliketheyusedJeztotrickAmanda?Theycouldhaveusdoingstuffwewouldn’twant.”

“It’snotonlythat,I’mafraid.Iftheyhaveasecondserverupandrunning—andbyeverythingyou’vetoldmeaboutJez’sdisappearance,theymust—thenthegreaterconcernistheirgeneratingDHIsforeachofyouinsidetheAnimalKingdom.IftheytrapthoseDHIsandpreventthemfromcrossingbackoverwhenyou’reasleep…”

“We’denduplikeMaybeckwas.”“SleepingBeautySyndrome,”Waynesaid.“Yeah:SBS,”FinnwhisperedsosoftlytohimselfthatWaynedidn’thear.It

wasthenicknameWaynehadgiventothecomatosestate.“Butwhywouldtheywanttodothattous?”

“BecauseMaleficentwantsyououtoftheway.Forgood.Theycanonlyaccomplishthatifyougotosleep,”WayneremindedFinn.“That’sthekey,yousee?Ifnoneofyougoestosleep,there’snowayyou’llcrossoverinthefirstplace,nowayyoucouldbetrappedintheSyndrome.Theycannotgainthatcontroloveryouaslongasyouremainawake.”

“IthoughtthesoftwarewasrewrittensothatSBScouldn’thappenagain.Wasn’tthatthepointoftheDHIserverbeingdownforthepastcouplemonths?TheGrandOpeningwastocelebrateeverythingworkingagain.”

“Yes,yes,yes.AndI’dliketothinkthesamerewrittensoftwarehadbeeninstalledattheAnimalKingdom,butthatinstallationhasbeengoingonwhiletheoriginalsoftwarewasbeingdebugged.Iknowasoftwareupdatewasmade

availabletotheAnimalKingdom,butIcan’tgetanyoneovertheretoconfirmitevertookplace.”

FinnstaredatWayne’sflickeringface,histhoughtswhirring.WaynewaswarninghimthattheOvertakershadaDHIserverwiththeoriginalflawedsoftwarethatallowedSleepingBeautySyndrome.“You’refreakingmeout,”Finnsaid.

“Yes.Icanunderstandthat.”“Howdoyouknowanyofthisisforreal?”“Idon’t.AllIcantellyouis,asaprecaution,I’vebeentakingtwenty-

minutenaps—neveraminutelonger,hopingtokeepthemfromcrossingmeover.Sofarithasworked.Butforhowlong?Thecrossingoverhastodowiththedreamstate.Wedesigneditthatway.ItoccursinthefirstfewmomentsofREMsleep,whichisabouttwentyminutesintoadecentnight’ssleep.Thecrossingoverfeelstoyoulikeithappensimmediately—instantly—butthat’snotthecase.Andanotherthing:Idesignedthecrossingovertosynchronize—thatis,ifyouallgotosleepataboutthesametime,allfiveofyouwouldthencrossoveratroughlythesamemoment.Itsavesthecodefromhavingtoreloadforeachofyou.”

“Butwhatabouttheremotecontrol?Ifwegotintrouble,couldn’tyouusethattocrossusbackover?”

“IfyourDHIswereallinthesameplaceatthesametime.Yes,that’smorethanlikelypossible.Buttheycouldpreventthateasilyenough.”

“BykeepingourDHIsapart.”Finndidn’tlikewhathewashearing.“So,whatamIsupposedtodo?”heasked.Waynewasmakingitsoundasiftherewasnohope:theyweredoomed.

“Youneedtostayawake.YouneedtofindwheretherealJezebelisbeingkept,”Wayneexplained.“Andyouneedtofindthatsecondserverandtakeitback.Attheveryleast,youneedtocrashit.ButonlyonceJezebelissafeandyouseethatshe’sfullyawake.Iwouldn’tmindifyoucontactedmethenaswell.IfyoucrashthatserverbeforesavingJezebel…well…I’mnotsureyouoranyoneelsewilleverseeheragain.”

“Andiftheycatchyousleeping,thenthesameappliestoyou.”“Nevermindaboutme.It’sJezebelwemustconcentrateon.”“Why?Whoisshe?”Finnasked,hearingsomethingdifferent,something

urgent,inWayne’svoice.Heknewsomethinghewasn’tsharing.Waynegrimaced.Helookedsternlyintothecamera.“It’snotformetosay.”“Butyouknow?”

“Isuspect.Knowingandsuspectingaretwodifferentthings.”“Thentellme.”“Ican’t.Thatwouldn’tbefairtoheroryou.Foronething,Icouldbewrong.

Listen,Finn,therearepowersatworkfargreaterthanmyown.It’snotformetoguess.Ifyou’retolearnaboutJezebel,itwillhavetocomefromanothersource.”

“Amanda.”“Perhaps.”“They’resisters.”“That’salooselythrownaroundterm,nowisn’tit,Finn?We’reallsisters

andbrothers,dependinghowfarbackyougo.”“Theyaren’tsisters,”Finnsaid,seekingananswer.“Itisn’tformetosay.That’sthebestIcando.”“FindJez,”Finnsaid,repeatinghisinstructions.“Findandcrashthesecond

server.Recoveritifwecan.“It’schallengeenough,Iknow,”Waynesaid.“Butthebiggerchallengewill

behowquicklyyoucanaccomplishanyofthis.YouabsolutelymusthaveJezebelsafeandtheservercrashedbeforeanyofyoufallasleep.Ifyousleep,youverywellmaybecrossedoverintothatsecondserver,theOvertakers’server,andthatwouldleaveyou—therealFinn—”

“SBS,”Finnsaid,cuttinghimoff.“TheSleepingBeautySyndrome.”“Yes,I’mafraidso.”“You’reafraid?”saidFinnsarcastically.“HowdoyouthinkIfeel?”“There’sonelastthingIneedtoexplain.”Waynewasconstantlydoingthis:holdingstuffback,andFinnfoundit

frustratingandannoying.Itwasasif…asifheweretestinghim.“You’resurprisedyourfriendshaven’tIMedyou,”Waynesaid.“Yes.”Buthowdoyouknowthat?“Andyou’reprobablywonderinghowIknowthat.”“Okay.Youwin.”“You’llfindtheminyourprivateroominsideVMK.MaybeI’llhavetimeto

explainaboutVMKatsomepoint.Fornow,allyouneedtoknowisthatIsentyourfriendsthesamelinkandpasswordIjustgaveyou.Whenweendthischat,allyouhavetodoisclickontheVMKlogoonthelandingpage.It’lllinkyoudirectlytoVMK.”

“Noway!”ExcitementfilledFinn.Hehadlovedthevirtualcommunity.Theideaofreturning…

“Ipromiseyouit’strue.Rememberthelink:dgamer-dot-com,forwardslashVMK.You’llusethesameuserIDandpasswordI’vejustgivenyou.Andbytheway,somethingyoumayneed…There’sanewWebterminalinCampMinnieMickey.It’ssupposedtobeusedformakingDisneyvacationsreservations,butifyouclickonDreamVacationsandtypethepasswordIgaveyou,itwillgrantyouWebaccessandthroughit,awayintoVMK.”

“ButCampMinnieMickeyisintheAnimalKingdom?”Finnsaid.“Onceyou’reinsideVMK,ifyouneedmetypemyname.Itwon’tshowin

thetextbox,butI’llseeitandI’llcomefindyou.Trustnoone,noteventheavatarsinVMK.TheOvertakersareeverywhere.Takeeveryprecautionyoucan.”

“ButI’mgoingtoAnimalKingdom?”Finnsaid,repeatinghimself.Afterallhe’dbeentold,hewasn’tsurehewantedtogetanywherenearthepark.

“YoumustfindMaleficentanddestroythesecondserver.So,yes.YouandtheothersaregoingtoAnimalKingdom.”

Wayneturnedtolookoverhisshoulderagain.“Oh,no…”hesaid,hisvoicepanicked.Thescreeneruptedintostatic,andWaynewasgone.

***

FinnfoundhiswaytototheDHIs’privateroominsidetheVirtualMagicKingdom.Hewasdisappointedhedidn’thavetimetoenjoybeingbackinVMK.Thegamewasnearlyemptyofplayers,andtheeffectwaschilling.Ashereachedandenteredtheroom,hefoundMaybecksittingonavirtualcouch;WillaandCharlenewereoverinacorner,theirtextboxesfilledwithdialogueaboutwhathadhappenedduringthelightningstorm.

Philbystoodneartotheroom’sonlydoor,guardingtheentrance.TextbubblesappearedaboveeachoftheavatarsastheKingdomKeepersbegan“talking.”

philitup:he’sheremybest:abouttimeMaybeck’savatarstoodupandcrossedtothedoor,meetingupwithFinn.

QuicklytheotheravatarsswarmedaroundFinnaswell.willatree:wegotthemessagetowait,butweworriedwhatitmeant.

Finn:itwas_____.He’dforgottenthattheVMKserverwouldn’tallowhimtotypeWayne’sname.

philitup:who?

Finn:theoldguywiththewhitehair,fiveletters.

mybest:youmean_____?Butthesystemagainrefusedthename.where’shebeen?

Finn:heappearedonmyIMbuddylistandwehadavideochat,he’sintrouble,we’reallintrouble.

philitup:and?

Finn:seriousproblems,philby,staybythedoor,wedon’twantanyoneenteringunannouncedandreadingus.Philby’sandMaybeck’savatarspushedthecouchtoblocktheroom’s

entrance.Philbystoodthere,justbehindthecouch,whiletheothersmovedtothefarsideoftheroom.Charlenebrushedherhairinthemirror.Maybeck’savatarshotfreethrowsatabasketballhooponthewall.

FinndescribedthemeetingwithWayneassimplyaspossible.Finn:theAnimalKingdomisinstallingaDHIserver—animalhostsasguides,ouroldfriendthinkstheoriginalservermayhavebeencloned,possiblywhenMaleficentwashidingoutintheserverroom,rememberthat?ifthat’sright,theOvertakersmayhavetheirownDHIserver,ortheymayhavecontrolofthenewoneatAK.thatmeansifwegotosleeptheymaybeabletocrossusover—tocontrolusandpreventourreturn,we’dbeinperma-sleepthesamewayMaybeckwasatSpaceMountain.SleepingBeautySyndrome.

willatree:Jez’sDHI

Finn:exactly,thatwasthem,itconfirmssomekindofsecondserverisupandworking.

philitup:areyousayingwecan’tgotosleep?

Finn:he’swarningusnotto.

philitup:exactlyhowlongdoeshethinkwecanstayawake?

Finn:dependsonhowmuchCokewecandrink.

angelface13:i’mtiredrightnow.Charlene’savatarfinallyturnedawayfromthemirror.

mybest:thisiscrazy.

Finn:wecandowhateverwewant,he’sjustwarningus.

mybest:nottosleep.

Finn:yes.

mybest:andI’msayingthat’scrazy.

philitup:sowhat’sthedrill?

Finn:wefindjezandgethertosafety,thenwefindordestroythisclonedDHIserverandputitoutofcommission.

mybest:allbeforewegotosleep.

Finn:that’sthesafestforallofusItwasalongtimebeforeanydialoguelinesappearedaboveanyofthe

avatars.Finally,Willa’savatarsteppedawayfromtheothers.willatree:ifitwasmysister,i’dbefreakingout

angelface13:samehere.

mybest:doweknowthey’vegotherinAK?

Finn:rememberthemonkeyswesawtonight?they’vegottobefromtheAnimalKingdom!anditfitswithwhattheoldguysaidabouttheserver—that’sAKaswell.

philitup:AK’sabigpark

angelface13:iloveAnimalKingdom

mybest:wecan’tgetinthereatnightwithoutbeingbusted,idon’tneedanytrouble,myauntisusingmyDHImoneyformycollege.

Finn:theguywhochasedphilbyandme…turnsouthe’swiththeoldguy…hecangetusinaround5am,whentheparkiswakingup.there’sworktodobeforethen,weneedtoknoweverythingthereistoknowaboutthepark

mybest:suchas?

Finn:layoutandcastmembers—that’llbewilla.electronicsandsecurity—philby,ofcourse,includingthecoldestbuildings,maybeckwillfindouteverythingabouttheanimals—theirfeeding,wherethey’rekept,howdangeroustheyare.charlene:wemayneedcostumes,waystoblendin.

i’llIMwithamanda.shementionedhersister’sdiary,amandawillbepartofthis.Anyonehaveanytroublewiththat?Noonetypedathing.Finn:okay,goodluckgettingoutofyourhouses,i’mgoingonbike,weshouldallbringourDSssowecancommunicate,everyonehasone,right?Hewaited.Noonecameontosaytheydidn’townaDS.Finn:meetupwithafoodtruckat4:45amoutsidetheentrancetotheAnimalKingdomLodge,thedapperdanguywillbedriving,ifanyonecan’tmakeitearly,we’llallmeetafterthemaingatesopenonthepathleadingintotheRainforestCafé,agreed?

mybest:i’min

philitup:metoo.

willatree:likewise

angelface13:whatifwecan’tfindjez?FinnhadhalfexpectedaquestionlikethatfromCharlene.Buthewasn’t

preparedforthesinkingfeelinginhisgutashereadit.Hisfingershesitatedbrieflyabovethekeyboard.Andthenhetyped.

Finn:that’snotanoption.

12

FINNDIDN’TGETANYgreatjoyfromsneakingoutofhishouseat1AM.Hisparentswereprettygoodaboutgivinghimhisprivacyandspace.Thetwothingstheyaskedinreturnwerehonestyandtrust.Hebroketheirtrustbyopeninghissecond-storywindowandshinny-ingdownthefireropeinstalledforemergencies.Theonlyjustificationforhisactionswasthatthisqualifiedasanemergency—thoughhe’dneverbeabletoexplainittothem.Ifcaught,he’dbegroundedforalleternity.

HequietlywalkedtheHawkTracerBMXouttothesidewalk.Thenheclimbedontothebikeandtookoffdownthesidewalk.Itwasthemostbeautifulbikehe’deverowned—silver-and-blackframe,monkeybars,alloylevers—anditrippedalong,teasinghimintotryingafewtricks,suchasjumpingcurbsandpoppingwheelies,whichheresistedbecauseofthedark.

Hekepttotheresidentialstreetsasmuchaspossible,avoidingthebusieravenues,afraidthatapolicemanwouldstopandquestionakidonabike.Itwasalongride,andhesettledintoarhythmofslowingatstopsigns,lookinginalldirectionsforheadlights,andthencrossing—butneverfullystopping.Theresidentialstreetsweretotallyquietandemptyofcars.Soonhehadtwomilesbehindhim.Thenthree.Hecrossedtwomajoravenues,findinghiswayintoOrlando’solderneighborhoods,oneconnectingtoanother.Finally,theresidentialgavewaytothecommercial.Heflewpastshutteredbuildings,businessesofeverykind:psychicreadings,drycleaning,ayarnstore,abakery,dozensofrestaurantsandcoffeeshops,doggrooming,curtainsanddrapes,lamps,ahalfdozenbanks,andacopyshop.Hespottedtheredtileroofandstuccowallsofabuildinghe’dbeentooncebefore.Amanda’shouse.

Ithadatall,stained-glasswindowinthefront,justbelowasquared-offsteeplethatshowedawhiteangelagainstabluebackground.Maybeithadoncebeenachurch.

Hepulledthebikearoundbacktoanapronofcrackedblacktopthathadoncebeenaparkinglot.HelockedtheBMXtoametalrailingandthencircledthebuilding,wondering,Whatnow?He’dneverbeeninsideAmanda’shouse

before,thoughheassumed,fromwhatshe’dsaid,thatsheandJezhadseparatebedrooms.Eachground-levelwindowhadagridofheavywrought-ironbarsontheoutsidetoprotectagainstburglars;itgaveFinnaladdertoclimb.Hewentfromtherailingtothebarsonawindow,grabbedholdofanironpiperunningfromthegutters,threwakneeupovertheedge,andpulledhimselfontotheSpanish-tileroof.Hewalkedgingerly,forthefirsttilehesteppedoncracked.

Ashadewaspulleddownblockingthefirstwindowhereached.Finnedgedaroundthecornertoanotherwindowwithitsshadeup.Therewasasmallsolarpanelproppeduponthewindowledge.Itwasdarkbehindtheglass.Finncuppedhisfacetotheglassandwasabletomakeoutanemptybed.Therewerenopostersonthewall—noartworkatall.Theplacelookeddumpyandunlived-in.HetookthistobeJez’sroom.Therewerenobarsacrossthesecond-storywindows,sohetriedtoopenone,butitdidn’tbudge.Hemovedalongslowly;theroofwassteeplypitched.TheSpanishtilefeltsmoothandslipperybeneathhissneakers.

Thelastwindowonthissidehaditsshadeup,butgauzycurtainswerepulledacrossit.Italsohadthesamekindofsolarpaneloutside—thisonetapedtothejamb.Hetriedcuppinghiseyeswithhishandstotheglassbutcouldbarelyseeanythinginthedarkroom.Whathedidseewasapairofsneakersonthefloor:Amanda’sblackhigh-tops.Convincedhehadtherightroom,hetappedlightlyonthepane.Waited.Tappedagain.

Allatonce,blackobjectsfledfromtheoverheadeves.Bats!Finninstinctivelyjumpedback,slipped,andfellface-firsttothecurvedtileroof.Hereachedoutandclawedhisfingertipsintothewindowsill.Justthen,thecurtainssprangback,andtherewasAmandalookingouttherain-stainedwindowathim,herfaceasleepy,twistedknotofcuriosity.Sheworeaspaghetti-straptopandplaidpajamabottoms.

Finn’sfingersslippedaninch,leavingscratchmarksonthesill.Anotherhalfinch,andhewasgone.

Amandathrewopenthewindowandgrabbedbothhiswrists.Theylockedgrips.Sheputherfoottothewallandheavedandpulled.Finngrabbedtheinsideofthesill,gothiskneesunderhim,and,withherhelp,climbedinside.

“Sorry,”hewhispered.“Thefrontdooriseasier,”Amandasaidinanormalvoice.“Oryoucould

havecalled.”“Shhh!”hesaid,duckinglow,asifthatwouldhelp.“Why?”shesaid,againinhernormalvoice.“I’mtheonlyonehere.”

“What?”“I…ah…”Amandaswitchedonthelight.Itwasadimcompactfluorescent

bulbhangingfromawirethatledtoacarbattery.Asecondwireledfromthebatterytothewindowandthesolarpanelbeyond.AsFinntookallthisin,Amandaspoke,butunliketheAmandaheknew,shewasn’ttellingthetruth.“Ourmother…mymother…she…she…hersisterdowninBocaneededher.Shehadtoleavesuddenly.Leftmebymyself.”

“Allalone?”“I’mabiggirl.”“You’refourteen.Myparentsneverleavemealoneovernight.”Hepausedas

theirsituationsankin.“You’realone?We’realone?”Hespokeinhisnormalvoice.

Hetookinthelight,thebattery,andthesolarpaneloutsidethewindow.Hesawnolightinthehallway.He’dseennootherlightsfromthestreet.

“Weare.Staythere.”Shewenttoaclosetandputonarobe.Shesatdownontheedgeofherbedandpointedtoaricketychairatthedesk.

Finnmovedthechaircloser.“It’stwointhemorning,”shesaid.“Justfortherecord.”Theairfromtheopenwindowwascool.Thecurtainsdancedatthesides.

Amandastoodandclosedthewindow.“Whoa!”shesaid.“Checkitout!”IttookFinnamomenttospotthebathangingupsidedownfromtheeaves

abovethewindow.Itwasbig,thoughFinndidn’twanttoappearscaredbyabat.Ithadablueiridescencetoitsblackwings,tuckedatitssides.Itlookeddangerous.

“Creepy,”hesaid.“Therearealotofbatshere,”shesaid.“Ithinktheyliveintheattic.Though

that’sthebiggestoneI’veseen,byfar.”Shepulledthecurtains,shuddered,andsatbackdownonthebed.“They

maketheweirdestsoundsatnight.SometimesIhavetroublesleeping.”“Flyingrodents.Neverbeenabigfan.I’mnotoneofthoseguyswithrats

forpets.Nothanks.”“I’veneverhadapet.”“Seriously?”“Wemovedaroundalot.”Sheblushedandlookedaway;hewonderedwhat

thatwasabout.“YourememberWayne?”heasked.Hereyeswentwide.“Ithoughthe’ddisappeared.”

“Yeah,SodidI.”FinnwentontoexplainhisencounterwithWayne,andthenthemeetingthathadfollowed.Amandainterruptedseveraltimes,clarifyingtheconnectionbetweenJez’sdisappearance,herDHIbeingseenattheMagicKingdom,andthepossibilitythattheDHIserverhadbeencloned.

Shesatforseverallongminuteswithherheadinherhands,herhaircascadingoverherforearmsandformingaveilshehidbehind.

“I’mgoingtotrustyou,”shesaid.Finnfeltashiver.Helookedupatthebat,along,darksilhouetteseen

throughthetranslucentcurtains.“Okay,”hesaid.“Icantrustyou,right?”“Right.”“BecauseI’mnotsupposedtotellanyone.”Hedidn’tsayanything,butshehadeverycellinhisbodyfocusedonher.“Mostpeople,theywouldneverbelieveit.Andthat’sagoodthing.It’s

betterifpeopledon’tbelieveit.It’ssaferforeveryone.There’ssomesayingabouthidingbehindignorance,isn’tthere?Thereshouldbe,ifthereisn’t.AmIrambling?”

“Sortof.”“Nervous.”“It’sjustme.”ShecameupfromundertheveilofhairandmetFinn’seyes.Herswere

closetotears,shininglikemarbles.“You,ofallpeople,mightunderstand.Youandtheothers.Ican’tthinkofanyoneelse.Maybeyouwon’tbelieve—andthat’sokay,”shesaid,reachingoutandtouchinghisknee.“Iwon’tbemadoranything.”

“Ican’tbelieveitifIneverhearwhatitis,”hesaid,alittleimpatiently.Shenodded,hereyesapologetic.“JezandIaredifferent,”shesaid.“Iknowthat,”hesaidquickly.“You’reverydifferent.”“No…Idon’tmeanfromeachother.Ithinkitmightbebetterifyoujust

listen.Nooffenseoranything,butthisiskindofhardtoexplain.”Henodded,thinkingheshouldn’tspeak.Shesawthisandgiggled.Coveredhermouth.Lookedasifshemightcry.

Whenshespoke,itwasverysoftly.“Iguesstheonlywaytoexplainthisisjusttosayit.”Worksforme,hethought,butdidn’tsayso.“We’reFairlies.”“Youmean:fairies?”

“No.Fairlies.Asin,fairlyhuman.Itwassupposedlyajokealong,longtimeago,butitstuck.Fairlies.Gofigure.We’renotwitchesorfairies,oranythinglikethat.We’rejustkidswith…unusualabilities.”

“Suchas?”“I’mnotallowedtosay.Sorry.Rules,youknow?”“YouandJezaresisters?”“Sortof,Iguess.Notexactly.We’rebothorphans.AllFairliesareorphans.

Myparentsdrowned.Jez’swentonthistriptoSouthAmericaandnevercameback.Theythinkpirates—realpirates—gotthem.SheandIwereraisedinthesamefosterhome.That’swhyIcallhermysister.Fairliesdisplaycertainqualitiesataveryyoungage:spoon-benders,mindreaders,clairvoyants.Therewasaboywhocouldsetfiretothingsbyjustlookingatthem.Verystrange.Butreal.JezdreamedthetroublehereintheParks.ThiswaswaybeforeyouguyswerehiredtobethemodelsfortheDHIs.SheandI…wekindofranaway.Notrecommended,Imightadd.”

Finnunderstoodthesolarpanelsthen:therewerenoparents.JezandAmandalivedbythemselves.

“Thedaywegothere,MaleficentputaspellonJezorbewitchedherorsomething.Jezdidn’tevenrecognizeme.ThenyouandtheDHIscamealong.Somehow,youreleasedherrightbeforeMaleficentwascaptured.Iwantedtogobackafterthat,tothefosterhome,butJezhadmoredreams.Shekeepstheminadiary,ajournal,”sheexplained.

“So,shecandreamthefuture?”Finnaskedskeptically.“Believewhateveryouwantto,”Amandasaid,“ornot.Ibelievethe

OvertakershavetakenJezprisonertopreventherfrominterferingwithwhatevertheyhaveplanned.”

Finn’sskincrawled.Hefeltslightlysicktohisstomach.ShestaredatFinnlongandhard,hereyesfierypinpricks.“Ican’texpect

youtobelieveanyofthis.Askingthatisprobablytoomuch.Ihopeyoudosomeday.Ihopethismakesusbetterfriends,notworse.I’mtrustingyouinwaysI’venevertrustedanyone.”Shepaused.Herbreathingwaslabored,herskinflushed.Finnfeltasifhemightexplodewithanticipation.

“Andyourpowers?”heasked.“Sorry,”shesaidsquinting.“Can’tsay.Notnow.Notyet,anyway.”“YouandJezaresquatting.Here,inthishouse,thischurch.Whateverit

oncewas.Thesolarpower.”Hepointed.AmandaeyedFinncautiously.“You’renotgoingtotell.”

“I’vegotbiggersecretsthanthis,believeme.”“Itwasclosedup.Abandoned.Wealwaysenterbytheback.We’revery

careful.OnlyoncehaveIusedthefrontdoor,andthat’swhenyouandyourmotherdroppedmeoffhere.Iwasn’tevensureitcouldopen.”

“Andtheneighbors?”“Whatneighbors?It’sstoresandstuff.Noone’seversaidanything.It’sonly

beenacoupleofmonths.Thewater’son.It’scold;nohotwater,butitworks.Weshoweratschool.Thetoiletswork.”

“Thisiswaycool.”“It’snotgreat,butit’swhatwasavailable.Wehadtothinkfast.”“Don’tFairlieshavemoney?”heasked.“Ifyou’regoingtoteaseme,we’redonehere.”“Can’ttakeajoke?”“Notaboutthat.Andyes,Ihaveanafter-schooljob.Butrightnow,Ithink

webothcouldusesomesleep.”Sheyawned.“No!Wecan’tsleep,”hesaid.“Waynesaysifanyofus—theDHIs—goto

sleep,wemightgettrappedthewayMaybeckdidlasttime.HesaidtheonlywaytoprotectourselvesistofindJez,gethertosafety,andthenfindandcrashthesecondserver.”Heletthissinkin.“Weneedyourhelp.Thatis,onlyifyouwantto.”

“OfcourseIwantto.”Helikedtheideaofherbeinginvolved.Shewasthemostunusualgirlhe’d

evermet.Hewonderedwhatpowersshemighthaveandwhyshewouldn’ttellhimaboutthem.“YouweregoingtojoinusonIM,”heremindedher.

“Yeah,well…mycomputeraccessisthroughourlocallibrary.Alittlelateforthat.”

“Sowhataboutherjournal?CanIseeit?Maybesheleftcluesorsomething.Wedon’tknowwhatwe’relookingfor,andit’sahugepark.We’reallrealtired,andwehaven’tstarted.Wedon’tknowforsureshe’sintheAnimalKingdom.Waynethinksso,butnooneknowsforsure.Idon’tknowifyoucanhelp,but—”

“Absolutely.IabsolutelywanttohelpifIcan.”Shetookoff,outthebedroomanddownthedarkhall.Alightpoppedonin

thenextroom,castingatrapezoidoflightagainstthefarwall,whereamuralofawoman’ssternfacehadbeenpainted.SheseemedtobelookingatFinn.HeduckedbackintoAmanda’sroom.

Shereturned,clutchingaleatherjournal.Reluctantly,shepassedittoFinn.

“Thisisprivatestuff,remember?”Finnnoddedandflippedthroughthepages.Thediarywasfilledwith

writing,drawings,sketches.Clippingsandphotographshadbeenpasted,paper-clipped,andstapledtothepages.Fortunesfromfortunecookies.Ticketstubs.

Intheupper-right-handcornerofapagecrowdedwithsketcheswasadrawingofacastlebeingstruckbylightning.Finnpointedtoit.“Okay,”hesaid.“NowIbelieve.”

13

FINNCLIMBEDBACKUPthefireropetohisbedroomwindow,whilebelowhim,barelyseen,Amandawaitedforhim,straddlinghismother’smountainbike,whichhe’dloanedher.

Hismissionwastogetholdofhisfather’sBlackBerry;tomakesurehisparentsdidn’tworryabouthimorquestionwherehe’dgone;andtoborrowhislittlesister’sDSforAmanda,whodidn’townone.

Hereachedhisparents’bedroomontiptoeandquietlyopenedthedoor.Hismotherwassnoring;hisfatherlayonhissidefacingthewindow.Theclockonhismother’sendtableread4:08AM.

Hefoundhisfather’sdresserinthedarkandpattedaround,searchingforhisBlackBerry.OnSaturdays,hisfatheronlytookhisphoneifhewentonanextendederrand.Finncouldonlyhopethathisfatherhadnosucherrandsplanned.Ifhedid,andhelookedforhisphone,hewasn’tgoingtofindit.

Hereturnedtohismother’ssideofthebedandquietlyturnedtheclocksothatitfacedawayfromthebed,whereitcouldn’tbereadbyhismother.Thenhegentlyshookherawake.Shewasaheavysleeper,andhewascountingonhernotcomingfullyawake.

“Mom…”Hereyessquintedopen,sawhim,andthenshutagain.“Finn,”shecomplained.“It’sjustaftersix,”helied,wishinghedidn’thaveto.“I’mgoingonmybike

overtotheskatepark.MightgotoBlizzardBeachlater.I’llcall.”“Don’tforgetsunscreen.”Sheopenedhereyesalittlemoreandlookedfor

theclock,butshemadenoefforttoturnitaround.Thishe’dbeencountingon.“I’llcall,”herepeated.Therewasprecedenthere:earlySaturdaymorningridesattheskatepark

werepartofhisroutine.Bikesweren’tallowedinthehalfpipeafter9AMonweekends.Heoftengotupearlyandreturnedforalatebreakfast.ByaddingthebitaboutBlizzardBeach—afavoriteamonghisfriends—he’dboughthimselftherestoftheday.

“Takeyourfather’sphone,”shesaid,rollingover.“Ah…okay,”hesaid,hishandtappinghispocket.Heputawaythefire-escaperopeandleftthehousebythebackdoor,joining

Amandaandclimbingontohisbike.“How’ditgo?”sheasked.“Workedoutgreat.I’mgoodtogofortherestoftheday.”“Yourparentsletyouleavethehouseatfourinthemorning?”“Notexactly.Butwe’recool.”Hadhelookedoverheadhemighthavefeltotherwise:hangingupsidedown

fromthegutterofhishouse,thelargebatwiththebluetintonitswingsdroppedfreeandflewaway.Flappingfrantically,itcircledjustabovethetwobikesastheyspedoffdowntheemptystreet,redsafetylightsflashinginthedark.

14

THEFOOD-SERVICESTEPVANhaddoubletiresinthebackandmudflapsthatcarriedsilhouettesofsilvermouseearsontheirblackrubber.

Themanbehindthewheelhadfloridcheeks,blueeyes,andbushyeyebrows.HespokeinadeepvoicetoFinn,whopulledthepassengerdooropen.

“Everyoneinback.Findplacestohideincasetheycheckbackthere.”Hepoppedopenhisdoor.“It’llbepitchblackinthereonceIpullthatdoordown,sohurry!”

Finnrushedtheothersintotheback.Theyclimbedupintoarefrigeratedareaofcardboardboxesfilledwithfreshfruitsandvegetablesstackedontowoodenpalletsandstrappedtothewalls.Eachstackofferedaplacetohidebehind.Thekidsdoubledup.CharleneandWillahidbehindatowerofraspberryandstrawberryflats.MaybeckandPhilbyduckedbehindthelettuce,leavingFinnandAmandatopressintoasmallspacebehindsixstackedboxesofcarrots.

“Okay,”thedriversaid.“That’sgood.Staylikethat.Allset?”Thedoorcamedownhard,withabangoffinality.Itwasdarkasacave

inside.Therefrigeratorunitupnearthecabwheezedloudlyasitblewanicywind,freezingthem.

“Dang…”Maybecksaid.“ThisishowIalwaysimaginedprison.”“Whatifoneofusisafraidofthedark?”Charleneaskedtimidly.“ThensheshouldholdontoWilla,Charlene,”saidMaybeck.“Ididn’tsayitwasme!”Charlenesaid.“Right,”saidMaybeck.Thetruckgrumbledandgroanedasitlurchedaroundaseriesofcorners

towardthebacksideoftheAnimalKingdom.Prettysoonitsbrakessquealedtoastop.Finnandtheothershadbeeninthesamesituationbefore—atthereinforced,militarylikesecuritygatesatthebackoftheMagicKingdom.Hecouldpicturetheguardsoutside.Suppliesandmerchandiseandemployeescamethroughtheseentrances.Thedriver’scredentialswerechecked,manifestsandworkschedulescross-referenced.Thekidsheardsometalkingthroughtheshell,

thoughthewordswereindiscernible.Thenasinglethump.TheDapperDanhadelbowedthebackwallofthecab,tryingtowarnhispassengers.

“Idroppedmypurse,”Charleneannouncedinaharshwhisper.“Ican’tfindit!Ican’tfindmypurse.”

FinnknewthatifSecuritysawapurse,theywouldprobablyclimbupintothebackofthetrucktoretrieveit.Andifso,thenthey’dspotthekids.

“Ican’tsee!”shehissedagain.Soundsofthedoorhardwarerattledatthebackofthetruck.Thebackdoor

wasdefinitelyabouttobelifted.“Mypurse…”Charlenemoaned.Finnsteppedoutfrombehindthestackofcarrots.Amandareachedoutto

stophim,butshewastoolate.Hefeltaroundthefloor.Nothing.Thenherememberedhisfather’s

BlackBerry.Hepulleditoutofhispocketandhitabuttononthekeypad,andthescreencametolifelikeaflashlight.

Charlene’sarmshotoutfrombehindastackofboxes,andshegrabbedholdofherpurse.Itvanished.

Thedoorrolledopenacrack.FinnshovedtheBlackBerryintohispocket,snuffingitslight.Hiskneesdidn’tflex.Hedidn’tmove.Hejuststoodthere.Lightfloodedintothebackofthetruck.Heturned,butitwastoolate.Thedoorcontinuedup.

Inaninstanteverythingchanged:hewassuddenlypastedtotheceiling—floating—hiddenbytherollingdoor,whichwascarriedontrackslikeagaragedoor.

“Clear,”oneoftheSecurityguysannounced.Finnsanktowardthetruckbed.FromthelightoftheBlackBerryhesaw

Amandafacinghim,herarmextended.Asherarmfell,sodidFinn.Thebackdoorclatteredshutandtheclunkofhardwareconfirmedtheywere

lockedinsideagain.“Youdidthat!”hesaid,accusingAmanda.“Noideawhatyou’retalkingabout,”shewhispered.“Yousavedus,”hesaid.“Thatwaswaycool,Finn,”saidMaybeck.“Youmindtellingmehowyou

didthat?”AmandawhisperedwarmlyintoFinn’sear.“No…notyet.”Finnsaidintothedark:“Ah…Icouldshowyou,butI’dhavetokillyou.”Maybeckchuckled.

“Iwantsome,too,”addedPhilby.“Later,dudes,”saidFinn.Again,hefeltAmanda’sbreathwarmagainsthisneckasshewhispered

softly,“Thankyou.”Hewantedtosaysomething,buthisvoicehadgonedry,andhecouldn’tget

awordout.

15

AMOMENTAFTERthetruckfinallypulledtoastop,theDapperDanclimbedupinsideandthenloweredthegaragelikedoorbehindhimself,leavingitopenjustenoughtoadmitsomelightfromthenearbylightpoles.

“ThisisasfarasIgowiththetruck.Finngaveeachofyouanassignment,asIunderstandit.”

“I’vegotaprettygoodhandleonthetechsideofthePark,”Philbysaid.“Therearecamerasallovertheplace,someforSecurity,somefortheParkvisitors.Basically,wewon’tbealonewhereverwego.Butthere’saverycoolelementtothisIthinkweshouldconsider.”Heglancedaroundatthegroup.Charlenewastryingtowipeasmudgeoffherclothes,buteveryoneelsewaspayingstrictattentiontohim.“OutatConservationStation—whicheveryoneintheParkcalls‘CS,’bytheway—isabankofcameramonitorsthatareinteractive.Visitorscanactuallymoveandzoomthecameras,searchingforanimalsandthatkindofthing.ButIthinktheygiveusarealgoodopportunitytomonitorwhat’sgoingon.”

“Thatcouldbemyjob,”Amandasaid,volunteering.“Ifnooneelsewantsit,”sheaddedcarefully.

Everyonenodded.“Otherthanthat,”Philbysaid,swinginghisbackpackaroundandreaching

inside,“Igotnothin’.”“IsanyonegoingtoexplaintomewhyIbroughtalongmyDS?”Charlene

asked.“TheParksallhavefreeWi-Fi,”Philbysaid,asifthisansweredher.“Yeah?So?”shesaid.“SoI’veset-upaD-GamerchatroomsowecanIMeachother,”he

explained.“It’stotallysecure.Noonecaneavesdrop.”“AD-what?”sheasked.“D-Gamer,”hesaid.“Letmeshowyou.”PhilbytookherDSfromherand

changedhersettingstoallowWi-Fiaccess.ThenheshowedherhowtoenterD-Gamermode.TurningonhisownDS,hetypedamessagetoher.Analert

appearedonherscreenandsheansweredit.Thenheswitcheddeviceswithherandsentonefromherdevicetohis.

“Howtotallyawesome,”shesaid,marveling.TakingbackherownDS,shesentPhilbyatextmessage:

angelface13:ineverknewitcoulddothat.

philitup:it’sanewfeature,addedlastspring.

Finnsetuphissister’sDSforAmanda.Philbyhadinvitedthemalltojointheprivatechat,andsoontheywerealltextingbackandforth.

TheDapperDanclearedhisthroattostopthem,andtheyputtheirNintendosaway.HeaskediftheyknewtheirwayaroundthePark.“I’macquaintedwiththelayout,”Willasaid,pipingup.Shehandedoutmapsforeachofthem.“Basicallytherearefiveareas—Asia,Africa,CampMinnie-Mickey,andDinoLandUSA.Thesefoursurroundalakethatholdsthefifth,DiscoveryIsland,inthemiddle—theTreeofLife,somefoodstalls,andshopping.Idon’tknowourplan,ifwehaveone,buttherearefiveofus,notcountingAmanda,andfiveareas.Seemsprettyobvious.”

“AndI’llbewatchingyoufromtheConservationStation,”saidAmanda,remindingeveryone.

“Intermsofcostumes,”Charlenesaid,“thebestthingwecoulddoisjustdressasrangersoranimalcare.Eitherlightgreenordarkgreenshort-sleeveshirtsandshorts.Itwouldbebestifwecouldgettherealthing,butIdon’tseehowthat’llhappen.”

“ThatwillhappenbecauseI’mgoingtohelpyou,”thedriversaid.“CastMembersarenowresponsiblefortheirownuniforms.Butthere’sacostumingshedthatusedtobeforoutfittingeveryone.Nowit’smoreofastoragefacilityandcostume-repairfacility,butIcangetyouinthere.”

Finnsaid,“Here’swhatIsuggest:Willawillbeaconservationranger;Maybeckananimal-careworker;Amanda,Philby,andIstaydressedasweare.Charlene…yougetthetrickyone.”

“Whichis?”sheasked,finallylookingupfromthesmudge.“DeVine.”“Thankyou,”shesaid.“Thecharacter,”Willacorrected.“Hewasn’tgivingyouacompliment!”“Whoknew?”Charleneasked.

“Ithoughtyourcheerleadingexperiencemightmakeyouabettergymnastthantherestofus.DeVinewalksonhugestiltsanddressesintotalcamouflagesothatit’salmostimpossibletoseeher.Canyouusestilts?”

“I’veusedstiltsbefore,thoughnotrealhighones.”“Thesearerealhigh,”saidWilla.“TherearefourcompleteDeVineoutfits,”thedriverexplained.“ButI’ve

gottowarnyou:DeVineenterstheParkatten,twelve,two,andfour.IftwoDeVinesareseenintheParkatthesametime,thatwillalertSecurity.Soifyoudothis,you’llneedtohidedeepwithinthejunglewhentherealDeVineisinthePark.”

TheywereallstaringatCharlene.“Willyoudoit?”Finnasked.“What’sthecostumelike?”sheaskedthedriver.ButitwasWillawhoanswered.“It’samazing.Withthemakeup,sheblends

intothejunglesowellyoucan’tevenseeherwhenyou’reonlyafewfeetaway.”

“There’smakeupinvolved?”Charleneasked.“Thisissototallymything,Ican’tbelieveit.OfcourseI’lldoit.”

“Waynewantedmetotellyou,”thedriversaid,“thatMaleficentcantransformherselffromhumantoanimal.Itdoesn’tlastlong,anditexhaustsher,butanyanimalyouseeintheParkcouldbeher.Hesaidit’sincrediblyimportanttokeepthatinmind:anyanimal.”

“Andrememberaboutthesecuritycameras,”Philbyreminded.“ThewholeParkiswatched.Onlythewashroomsareabsolutelysafe.Nocameras.”

Heyawnedamassiveyawn.Itwascontagious:eachofthemyawnedinsuccession.

“Thehardestpartofallofthis,”Maybecksaid,“atleastforallofyou,islookingolderthanyoureallyare.Thankfullythat’snotsuchanissueforme.”

Philbycringed.“Givemeabreak,”hemuttered.“It’strue,”thedriversaid.“Wecanusesomemakeuptotrytohelp,but

thoseofyouincostumemustrememberthatCastMembersareeighteenandup.Soactitwherepossible,andavoidencounterswithParkvisitorsasmuchasyoucan.Whateveryoudo,don’ttalktootherCastMembers.It’safamilyhere—evenasbigasitis.CastMembersknowtheotherCastMembers.Youwillbefoundout.”

“That’sencouraging,”Maybecksaidsarcastically.“That’sreality,”thedriversaid.

“Yeah?”Maybecksnappedalittletestily.“Well,thatwouldbethefirsttimewe’vedealtwithrealityinalong,longtime.SopardonmeifIdon’trecognizeit.”

“Anyquestions?”thedriverasked.Hehoistedthetruck’sreardoor.Andwhilethesunhadnotyetrisen,they

foundthemselvesinavast,emptyparkinglot,alongsideseveralsteel-sided,mostlywindowlessbuildingsthatlookedlikewarehouses.TheskywasfullyaglowwiththepushofdawnasthekidsclimbedoutofthetruckandhurriedtofollowtheDapperDan.

16

THEDRIVERSHOWEDTHEMintotheCastServicesbuilding.Evenifthelightshadbeenon,itstillwouldhavebeengloomyandcreepyinside,withitsrowsofhundredsofabandonedlockers.Butunderthehazyglowofthedim,off-hourslighting,theplacelookedpositivelyhaunted.Notonelockerhadaperson’snameonit,nordidanyofthemlookused—noscratches,decals,graffiti,ordents.Nothinglikethelockersatschool.

“ThiswasoriginallygoingtobewhereCastMemberschangedforwork,”theDapperDansaid,“butitbecameimpracticalbecauseofthedistancetothePark.Butifanythinggoeswrong—amissingbutton,abrokenzipper—itcomeshere.Thebuilding’sonlyopenafewhoursaday.”

Thesixkidsstoodjustinsidethebuilding.Thedriverwalkedpastandunlockedaninteriordoortotheleftofanarrowcounter,behindwhichwasaretractablemetalbarrier,padlockedshut.

“Makesurethisislockedbehindyou.Whenyou’reready,youcrosstheroadsouthere.Staytothefarleftoftheparkinglots.There’sapedestrianentranceonWestSavannahCircle.Philby,ifyoufindyouneedanythingmechanical,anytoolofanysort,theadjacentstructureisthemaintenancefacility.Theanimationtraininglabisinthatbuildingaswell.PartsforanythingyoucandreamoftodowiththeAnimalKingdomcanbefoundoverthere.YoucanusetheseIDstoaccessitandanyotherfacility,”hesaid,handingeachofthekidsaplasticIDcard.Finn’scardhadhispictureonitandafakename,FinnianThomas,withafakeaddress.“Eachofyouisinthesystemasanemployeeofthecompany—andyou’reallinthereasbeingeighteen.Soifanyoneshouldask…thedepartmentyouworkforisonthereaswell.Memorizeit.ThesewillgetyouintoandoutoftheParkviathepedestrianentrances,allowyoutochargefood,buymerchandise.Butdon’tabusethem.Inmostcases,youdon’tneedthemtogobackstage.Butincertainbuildings,certainfacilities,youmay,sokeepthemhandy.Theygetyoupasttheelectronicsecurity.Whateveryoudo,don’tlosethem.I’llneedthemback,andI’llneedtodestroythem.”

Therewasanoisethen,likethewind:aswishing,whooshingsound,asif

someonehadleftawindowopen.Butnoonefeltabreeze,andnotahairmovedonanyone’shead.However,quiteafewhairsraisedonthebackofFinn’sneck.

“Whatwasthat?”heasked.Thedriverturnedtothedoortheyhadcomethrough.“I’vegottogo,”he

said.“You’reonyourownfromhereonout.”Hewasgoneinaninstant.Hishurryingoffsoquicklyaddedtothesenseofimpendingdanger.

Heclosedthedooralittleloudlyonhiswayout.Theboomechoedaroundthebuilding.

“Checkitout,”Maybeckcalledtotheothers.Hewasholdingopenthedoorthatthedriverhadunlocked.Theotherssteppedforwardandpeeredinside.Theceilingwasthirtyfeetoverhead,steelbeamswithcrosssupports—allunfinishedandbasic.Displayedbeforethemwerefiftyorsixtyrowsofclotheshangingfromsteelpipes.Therowsstretchedfromwheretheystoodtothefarsideofthebuilding,fiftyyardsormore.

“Oh…my…gosh,”gushedCharlene.Therehadtobethousands,perhapshundredsofthousands,ofgarments—

everykindofAnimalKingdomcostumeandCastMemberoutfit,ineverysize.Andaccessories:hats,boots,belts,buckles,backpacks,clipboards,pointers,pens,notepads—incontainersonshelvesjustabovetheclothingthatmatchedtheirtheme.

“Wow…”Willasaid.“Youallknowhowyou’redressing,”Finnsaid.Hespottedthesignsacross

theroom.“Women’slockerroomstotheright,men’stotheleft.Thesoonerwe’reoutofherethebetter.Philby,Amanda,andIwillstandguard.”

“Againstwhat?”Willaasked.“Useyourimagination,”Maybecksaid.“IfIwhistlelikethis,”Finnsaid,emittingawhistlethatsoundedalittlebit

likeasickbird,alittlebitlikealeakingballoon,“thenhideuntilyouhearitagain.”

“Ifyouwhistlelikethat,”Maybecksaidcondescendingly,“you’regoingtogetmelaughingsohardI’llneverbeabletohide.”

“Yourproblem,notmine,”Finnsaid.ThatsilencedMaybeckforthemoment,justlongenoughforPhilbytosay

he’dlookforadooratthebackwherehecouldstandguard.Amandawouldstaybasicallywheretheywere.Finnwouldpatrolthegenerallockerareawherethey’dentered.

Noonehadagoodfeelingaboutthis.NoonebutCharlene,whowasacting

likeshe’djustunlockedhergrandmother’sattic.

***

Suspendedabovetheimpossiblylongrowsofclothingandcostumeswerelargehand-paintedsignsdoneintheAnimalKingdom’sAfrican-stylelettering.Theydividedthespaceintosections,asystemusedtoorganizeahundredthousandCastMembercostumepiecesintosomethingmanageable.

WhileMaybeckcruisedANIMALCAREandWillaPARKRANGERS,CharlenebrowsedtheareamarkedPERFORMERS,searchingforDeVinecostumes.

Thefirstsuggestionthattheymightnotbealonecameintheformofnoise:thefamiliarsoundofhangerstinklinglikedullbells.Charlenenoticeditfirst,orwasatleastthefirsttovoiceherconcern.ShehurriedtofindWillaandwhisperedhotly,“Didyouhearthat?Thehangers?Comingfromoverthere?”Shepointed.

“What?”Willawasbusytryingtofindashirtthatwouldfither.“Hangers.Likesomeoneelseisinhere,”Charleneexplainedina

conspiratorialhush.“Don’tforgetSmallWorld.”AsDHIs,thekidshadonceriddenthroughIt’saSmallWorldlateatnight

onlytohaveallthedollscomealiveandattackthem.Itwasamemory—morelikeanightmare—noneofthemcherished.OtherpartsofvariousattractionsintheMagicKingdomhadcomealiveaswell,oftenthreateningthem,oroutrightcausingthemharm.Ithadinstilledareluctanceinthemall,adistrustofwhatmighthappennext,thathadstayedwiththemlongsince,andwhethertheyspokeofitornot,hauntedthem.

“You’rejustbuggybecauseit’sdarkinhere.”“I’mnotbuggy!Iheardhangersbangingaroundoverthere.What’swith

that?YouthinkIshouldtellFinn?”“Boys?Wedon’tneedboys.”Somehangersrangoutquitenearthem.Charlenejumpedback.Willastood

hergroundbutpeeredinquisitivelyintotheroom’stwilight.“It’sgottobeFinnorPhilbyplayingajoke,”shetoldCharlene.

“Ha-ha.”Willastoodtallerandspokewithauthority.“Okay,youguys!Yougotus.

Ally-ally-in-free.”Theting-tingofhangersfaded,likeaclockrunningdown.Thegirlswaited

forsomeonetojumpoutandsurprisethem,butitdidn’thappen.“Areyougoingtocheckitout?”Charleneasked,partlyhidingbehindWilla.

Togetherthegirlsexploredtherackinfrontofthem,pushingclothesaside.Theydidsocautiously,afewgarmentsatatime.Willagrabbedabunchofshirtsandslidthemtoherright.

Alargebatdroppedfromtherack,unfoldeditswings,andflappedviolentlytogainaltitude.Willaducked.Charlenescreamedandwentoverbackward,fallingtothefloor.

Thebatspiraledintotheupperreachesofthewarehouseand,becauseofCharlene’sscream,gottheattentionofeveryoneonthefloor.

Itwasabigbat,anuglybat,withawingspanofatleasttwofeet,butitmovedthroughtheairasfastasacatafteratoy,flutteringandflying,weavinganddiving,onemomentuphighneartheceiling,thenextdive-bombingdownoneoftheendlessaisles.

ThecommotiondrewFinnandAmanda,running.Philbyhurriedfromtheback.ButitwasMaybeckwhoprovedtobetheshrewdthinker.Hegrabbedabutterflynetfromthepropssectionandcameafterthebatlikealacrosseplayer,swingingthebillowingnetwithremarkableagility.

“Findthelights!”heshouted,followingthebatdownarowofgrassskirts.“Batsdon’tlikelight!”

Wheretheothersmighthavebeensatisfiedwithscaringthebatoutofthebuilding,AmandaandFinnunderstoodthetensioninMaybeck’svoice.FinnhadseenahugebatatAmanda’s.Thesamebat?Notagreatbelieverincoincidence,he,too,wantedtocatchit.ClearlyMaybeckalsobelieveditwasnoordinarybat.

“Philby,”Finnshouted,“thelights!”Hehadnoideahowtoturnonthelightsinabuildingthissize,butiftherewasaswitch,Philbywouldfinditbeforeanyoneelse.

Truetoform,theoverheadlightscameononlysecondslater,andthewarehouselitupliketheschoolgymnasium.Asthelightsflashedon,thebatdoveasifithadbeenshot,andtherewasMaybeck,lungingthroughtheair.Heswungthenet.Thebatswooped.Thetwometinatangleofnylonmesh,high-pitchedsqueals.Maybeckskiddeddownthesmoothconcretefloorlikeabaserunnerdivingforhomeplate.Hetwistedthenet,throwingitoveritselfandtrappingtheprizeinside.

Thekidsletoutanunplannedcheer.Theyhadtakenaprisoner.

17

MAYBECKAPPROACHEDtheemployeepedestrianentrancetotheAnimalKingdomholdingapillowcasethatwouldn’tstaystill.TheCastMemberentrance—employeesonly—wasarevolvingdoorofsteeltinesthatmovedonlyclockwiseandrequiredtheemployeecardtoopen.Theunattendedentrance—hewasgratefulforthat—requiredhimtoswipetheIDcardthedriverhadprovided.Aredlightturnedgreen,andMaybeckpushedthroughtheturnstile.Useofthepillowcasepreventedthecontentsfrombeingseen:thebat.Still,itwastoocloseforcomfort,andhewasonlytoohappytodangleitawayfromhissideasheclearedtheentrance.

Thepillowcasedancedagain.“Settledown!”hesaidharshly,awarethathewasspeakingtoawhite

pillowcase.Ormoreprecisely,itscontents:aRousettefruitbat.Tohissurprise,itquieted.Willa,ananimallover,hadidentifiedthebatthemomentMaybeckhad

caughtit.Thisledtoagroupdiscussionofwhattodowiththething.Charlenewanteditreleasedandoutofthebuildingasquicklyaspossible.Philbysuggesteddoingsomethingtoitthatwouldn’thavebeenapprovedbytheSPCA,andwhileWillathoughtitwas“cute”andthatitmightmakeaninterestingpet,MaybeckandFinncameupwithasolutionthatseemedtopleaseeveryone—exceptPhilby,ofcourse,sinceitmeantkeepingitalive.

“Wecan’tletitgo,”Finnhadsaid.“Iknowit’scompletelyridiculoustothinkitmightbeMaleficent…”Willagroanedatthementionofthis.“Butwhatifitis?Orwhatifwe’vecapturedMaleficent’sspy?AmandaandIsawabatatherhouse.Whatifthatwasthissameone?”

“IfitisMaleficent,don’tyouthinkshe’dturnbackintoherselfanddosomethingbadtous?”Willasuggestedsarcastically.“I’dsaythiswouldbeagoodtimeforthat.”

“Goodpoint,”Charlenesaid.“Waynetoldmetheheatslowsthepowerssheusestotransformherself.It’s

likeherkryptonite.Wedon’tknowwhatshe’scapableof,”Finnsaid.“Ijust

don’tseehowit’sworthtakinganyrisks.”“It’snot,”saidMaybeck.“We’vegottolockitup…dosomethingwithit,so

itcan’tfollowus.”“YouallknowwhatIthinkweshoulddo,”saidPhilby.Everyoneignoredhim.“It’llbelightoutsoon.Batsdon’tflyaroundinthedaylight.Themainthing

is:wedon’twantittofindusorMaleficent.”“Whycan’twejusthideitamongtheotherbats?”Maybecksaid.“Haveyou

evenseenthebatenclosure?Thisthingwon’tbegoinganywhere.Andit’snotlikeMaleficentcanwalkinthereandtakeitout.”

Finnsaid,“That’sbrilliant!”“EarthtoMaybeck.It’sjustabat.ItisnotMaleficent,orshe’dbeinourface

rightnow,”saidWillaemphatically.“Soyou’djustletitgo?”Finnasked.“Notme,”Maybecksaid,speakingdirectlytoFinn.“Attheleastitdeserves

abatjail.Icanbluffmywayintothebatenclosure.”Maybeckrarelylackedself-confidence.“Andifyou’restopped?”askedCharlene,alwaysthecautiousone.“I’lltellwhoeverstopsmeI’mreturningabatthatwassick.Youthink

anyone’sgoingtowanttogetupcloseandpersonalwiththisthing?”Hejiggledthepillowcase.ThebatturnedandflappeditsenormouswingsandtriedtonipatMaybeckthroughthefabric.

“Okay.That’ssettled,”saidCharlene.“Let’sjustgetitoutofhere.”AndnowMaybeck,insidethePark,wastellingthecontentsofhis

pillowcasetosettledown,andmuchtohisastonishment—itobeyed.Hetoldhimselfthathistoneofvoicewasresponsible,thatthebathadrespondedtohisanger.Butwhatifithadactuallyunderstoodhim?

Atafewminutespast6AMthereweremoreCastMembersintheParkthanhewouldhaveexpected.Herealizedthatemployeesmustarrivebetweensixandsevenbecausetheyweresuddenlyeverywhere:sweeping,openingupattractions,zippingaroundingolfcarts.Itwasafrenzyofactivity.Hefollowedaroadtohisleft,aroadhe’dseenanumberofCastMemberstake,notentirelycertainwherehewas.He’denteredtotheleftofthemainentrance—thatmuchheknew.HesneakedPhilby’smapoutofhisbackpocket.Philbyhaddonehishomework,supplyingbothaDisneyillustratedmapwithakeyandaGoogleEarthsatelliteviewofthearea.Onthesatellitemaphe’ddrawnandlabeledsomeredcircles,includingDeVine’sentrancegate,thetwomonkeytemples,the

ConservationStation,thePark’smainentrance,andthegrouprendezvousspot.OnceonDiscoveryIsland,MaybeckheadedforAsiaandtheMaharajah

JungleTrek.Somebirdscalledoutfromthetopofatree.Hemovedalittlefaster.HecrossedDiscoveryIsland,totherightoftheTreeofLife,aimingfora

bridgetoAsia.HetextedintotheDS.

mybest:i’minside,ontheisland.

Finn:okay.

Witheachofthekidscheckedintothechatroom,theycouldallfollowtheconversation.

MaybeckthenwrotetowarnthemabouthowmanyCastMemberswerealreadyinthePark.

mybest:untilparkopensuwillstickoutunlessdressedasacastmember.

HadMaybecklookedbackandslightlytohisleft,hewouldhaveseenthatwhathadstartedassixorsevenbirdswasnowmanytimesthatnumber.Theyflewtothenexttreeandsettledthere.Thenmorejoinedthem,andtheyflewtothenexttree.

Finn:willwait4parkopening,discoveredsomethinguseful,meetus@homebase?

mybest:needtoplaybatboyfirst,willmeetuafterparkopens.

philitup:agreed,willmeet@homebaseafterparkopens.

willatree:how’sthebat?

mybest:quietfornow.

Hewasgladthebathadstoppedmovingsomuch.Hedidn’tdareinformtheothersthathethoughtthethingunderstoodwhathesaid.

Hecrossedthebridge—theentrancetotheMaharajahJungleTrekjust

ahead.Acacophonysurroundedhim;hecouldbarelyhearhimselfthink.Helookeduptoseetwotreesfullofbirds.Foramoment,itseemedasiftheywerefollowinghim.

Na…hethought.Couldn’tbe…FinnhadheightenedMaybeck’scuriosity.Whathadtheydiscoveredinthe

shorttimeithadtakenhimtoenterthePark?Moreobnoxiousbirdnoisesoverhead.Helookedup.Fourtrees.Hundredsofbirds.Whatthe…?

18

PHILBYSWIPEDTHEIDthroughthecardreaderatthedoortotheAKMaintenancefacility.Asmallredlightturnedgreen,andPhilbypulledonthedoor.Itopened,andnoalarmssounded.

FinnheldouthishandtoAmanda,wholookeddownathersister’sdiaryandthenreluctantlygavethebooktohim.

“I’mnotsureshe’dwantmedoingthis,”Amandasaid,stillkeepingonehandonthediary,unwillingtofullyletitgo.

“Ipromise,onlythepageswetalkedabout,”Finnsaid.“Wedon’tknowthattheyhaveanythingtodowiththis,”Amandaprotested.“You’retheonewhosaidshecoulddreamthefuture.”“Sometimes,sure.Butthisispersonalstuff.”“Yousaidshewroteiniteachmorningafterwakingup.“It’strue.Shedid,”Amandaconfirmed.“Thenmaybe,withoutknowing,sheleftusclueshowtofindher.Shedrew

lightningstrikingacastle.Therearedrawingsofmonkeysinthere.”Hetuggedgentlyonthejournal,butAmandawouldnotletitgo.

“Please,”Finnsaidtoher.Foramomentthejournalconnectedthem.ThenAmandaletgo.“You’restandingguardforus,”Finnremindedher.HehelduphisDS.“Sendusatextifyouseeanyonecoming.”“Okay,”shesaid,hereyesfilledwithconcern.“Allwe’regoingtodoismakecopies,”Finnremindedher.“There’sgotto

beacopymachineorascannerinside.”“Andwhataboutbats?”sheasked.“We’llbecareful.Ipromise,”Finnsaid.HefollowedPhilbyinsidetoareceptionarea,whereawell-organizeddesk

heldatelephoneandcomputer.SomeDisneycartoonsweretapedtothecomputermonitor,andtherewereframedpicturesofthreekids.Thefewlightsthathadbeenleftoncastmurkyshadowsandofferedadimlylitcorridorrunninginbothdirectionsoffthisfrontroom.Thereweretwosigns,eachwith

anarrow:onereadMAINTENANCEandpointedleft;theotherreadANIMATIONTRAININGLABandpointedright.

“Cool,”Philbysaid,turningright.“I’vegottoseethis.”TheanimationtraininglabwasagaragelikeworkshopthatremindedFinnof

theworkshopinhisgrandfather’sbasement.TheL-shapedroomhadcountertopsthatranalongeverywall,behindwhichwerepegboardsholdingeveryconceivablekindoftool.Computersandhandtoolslitteredthecounters.ButwhatmadeitmuchdifferentfromGrandpop’sbasementwasitspurpose.TheroomwasdesignedfortherepairoftheAudio-Animatronics—thetalkingrobots—thatwereusedextensivelythroughoutthePark.Theresultwasthedisturbingpresenceofhumantorsos,heads,hands,andlegsineverystageofcreation,frompiecesthatlookedlikerobotstopaintedfacesdressedincostumesthatseemedsorealPhilbykeptspinningincircles,afraidoneormoreofthemmightsuddenlymoveorattack.Ofequalconcernwerethedozensofanimalsunderconstruction,includingpiecesoftigers,lions,Stitch,DonaldDuck,andafantastichand—possiblyfromagorilla—thatwasnearlythreefeetacrossandsupportedbyametalsuperstructurethathelditfourfeetoffthefloor.

“Whoa…”Philbysaid,takingalookaround.Bothboysspokeinwhispers,asifthe“body”partsmightoverhearthem.

“SomehowIdon’tthinkwe’llfindacopierinhere,”Finnsaid,holdingJez’sjournal.

“Oh,Ibetyou’rewrong.Givemeaminute.”Philbywalkedthelinesofworkbenches.Hemutteredwordslike“impressive”and“interesting”and“incredible.”ThenheaddressedFinn.“Articulated,motor-controlledlimbmovement—verycuttingedge.”Hestoppedinfrontofasix-foottyrannosaurheadwithwiresstickingoutofamissingeye.

“Whataboutacopier?”Finnremindedhim,notsoimpressed.“Yeah,okay,”Philbysaid.“ButIcouldstayhereforhours.”“Let’ssavetheextra-creditworkforanothertime.”Philby’scuriositycarriedhimtothefarendoftheroom,wherethelab

openedoutintoalargespacethatappearedtobeusedforassembly.Mostoftheroboticdummiesstoodontheirownhere—cablesandwiresrunningfromthem—andmanywereatleastpartiallyclothedandhadfaces.MostoftheAudio-Animatronicswereofanimalsinvariousposes,allofwhichlookedincrediblylifelike.ButitwasthefarendoftheroomthatintriguedPhilby.

“Checkitout,”hesaid,approachingtheareasomewhatcautiouslyandwithgreatrespect.“Rememberthis?”heasked.

Thethreewallsattheendoftheroomwerecoveredinjungle-greenpaper,aswasthefloor.Therewerestagelightsandtripodsandcamerasandadozencomputersonrollingstands.

“Ido,”saidFinn.HeandtheotherDHIkids,uponacceptancebyDisney,hadbeencomputer-modeledbyDisneyImagineers.TheirmovementswererecordedtocreatetheDHIs.Theemptycagesofftotheirleftsuggestedtheobvious.

“Animals,”Philbysaid,immediatelyunderstandingthesetup.“Theymotion-modeledanimalsheretocreateDHIs.”

“Waynetoldmetheyweredoingthat,”Finnsaid.“Animalhosts.”Thecameraswereallsetlowtotheground.Thentherewerethecagesand—herealizedashesteppedcloser—pawmarksseenfaintlyonthegreen-paperfloorcovering.

“Checkitout,”Philbysaidagain,thistimedirectingFinn’sattentiontofivephotographsthumbtackedtothewallnearby.Therewereseveralmonkeys,ababyelephant,apairoftigers,andagorilla.

“Gotit!”Finnsaid,pointingtoaflatbedscannerhookeduptoacomputer.Hetouchedthecomputer’sspacebarandthemachinewokeup.

PhilbylaidJez’sdiaryonthescannerbedandbeganscanningthepages.Asheprintedthemout,Finnreceivedatextmessage.

panda:2guysoutfront!!!

“Visitors!”FinnwhisperedtoPhilby.

Finn:gotit!thanx

Thelab’sonlydoorwasalongwayaway.TherewasoneEMERGENCYONLYdoortotherightofthegreen-screenarea,butithadanalarm,andFinnhadnodesiretodrawthewrathofSecurityuponhimandPhilbybeforetheymanagedtoevengetintothePark.

“Wecanhide!”Philbysaidinaharshwhisper.HepointedtoanareawheredozensofpartsandpartialbodiesoftheAudio-Animatronicsfigureshadbeenheapedintoakindofjunkpile.Manyofthehumanrobotshadfacesthatlookedphenomenallyreal.

Finngrabbedtheprintouts,andtheboysjumpedintothejunkpile,worming

theirwaydownintothepartssothatonlytheirshouldersandfacesshowed.Theyblendedinwiththerobotichumanparts.

Twomenenteredtheroom,bothwearingdarkbluecoveralls.Neitherseemedsurprisedtofindthelightsturnedon—somethingPhilbyhaddoneuponentering.

“It’salwayssomething,”thethinnerofthetwosaid.“Icouldhavetoldyouthesoundsystemwasgoingtogooutatsomepoint.TheyshouldhaverewiredtheAsiasystemwhentheyinstalledExpeditionEverest.Notmyfault.”

Themenscroungedaroundontheworkbenches,apparentlylookingforparts.

“Findingthebreakinthewire,ifthereisone,isgoingtobeabear,”saidtheheavierman.

“Don’tmentionbears,”saidtheotherone.HepointedtoanAudio-AnimatronicsfigureofastandingbearcubdesignedfortheCountryBearJamboree.“Thisonewillgetjealous.”

Bothmenlaughed—harderthanthejokedeserved.Thethinonesuddenlyturnedandheadeddirectlyforthejunkpilewherethe

boyswerehidden.“Didn’tweloantheseguysouracousticcoupler?”“It’sthetesterwe’relookingfor.Forgetthecoupler.”Thethinmanpickedupapieceofoneoftherobots.Hewasabouttwofeet

awayfromFinn,whoheldhisbreathinanattemptnottobenoticed.“Youknowwhat?”thethinmansaid,lookingrightatFinn,thenatPhilby,

thenatthestackofrobots.“Thisplacegivesmethecreepssometimes.Someofthesethingslooksoreal…Igottatellyou.”

“Foundit!”thebiggermansaid.Heheldupaboxwithalotofwiresrunningoutofit.“Iknewtheguyshadborrowedit.”

Hetuckedtheboxunderhisarm.Thetwomenreachedthedoor.Thethinmanstoppedatthelightswitch.

“Hey,”hesaid,“didyouturnonthelightswhenwecamein?BecauseIdidn’t.”

“Idon’tthinkIdid.”Finnfeltsweattricklingdownhisribcage.Hecalculatedthedistancetothe

emergencydoor,readytorunforit.“Well,”saidthebigman.Heswitchedoffthelights.

19

FINN’SFIRSTDECENTlookatthecontentsofJez’sdiarycameashe,Amanda,andPhilbyawaitedthePark’sopening.Themainparkinglotwasasteadystreamofarrivingvehicles.Awning-coveredshuttleswereusedtotransportvisitorstotheParkentrance.Theshuttleswerestackedupatthebackofthelotawaitinguse.ThethreekidssatonashuttlebenchtogetherandreviewedtheirpersonalphotocopiesofJez’sjournalindetail.

Finnhadalwayspicturedagirl’sdiarytobelineafterlineofneatlywrittencursiveonwell-organizedpages,thecontentsofwhichheldsecretsaboutherloveinterests.Whathesawheresurprisedhim.Jez’swasastream-of-consciousnesscollage,acollectionofimages,sketchesofanimals,andmusings.Therewereclothingreceiptspastedintothepages;piecesofpostcards,stapled;afortunecookiefortunetapedtoapage;therewererecipes,movieticketstubs,piecesoftornphotographs;ribbonsandcandywrappers.TherewasanarchthatlookedliketheletterM,withablobofinkontherightside.Surroundingandinterweavingitallwerelinesfrompoems,songlyrics,comments,andwhatlookedlikequotesfromconversationsshe’dhad.Itwasallmixedupintoamessofheavilyscribbledpenandpencil.

“Arethesesupposedtomeansomething?”Finnasked,fingeringthethreephotocopiedpages.

“Theymusthavemeantsomethingtoher,”Amandasaid.“Jeztookherjournalingveryseriously.”

“Andatwhatpointdidshecutoffherear?”askedPhilby.“GovanGogh.”Hewonafewsmiles.

“Look,”Finnsaid,indicatingtheupperright-handcornerofthephotocopy.“That’sacastleandalightningbolt.”

“That’swhatItoldyouabout,”Amandasaid.“Andlookdownhere.”Shepointedtowhatwasobviouslyamonkey.

“Yeah,butthiscouldbecoincidence,right?”Philbysaid,soundingsomewhatapprehensive.“Areweactuallygoingtobelieveapersoncanseeintothefuture?”

Finnlookedoverathimwithadumbfoundedexpression.“Okay,okay.Butitdoesn’tmeaneverythingonthispageissignificant,”

Philbyprotested.“Howdoweknowitisn’t?”Finnasked.“Thisisseveralnights’worthofdreams,”Amandasaid.“Youcantell

becausesomearepencil,somepen.Themovieticketsandpostcards—thatstuffismemories,reminders.”

“Butwhataboutthisdecal,orwhateveritis?”Finnasked.“Noidea.Astamp,maybe,”Amandasaid.Theletterswerereversed,theimagebackward.“There’satiger,agorilla,and…what’sthis,abowlingpin?”Finnturnedthe

pageupsidedown,butcouldn’tquitetellwhathewaslookingat.“Ithinkthey’reallclues,”Amandasaid.Philbyexhaledloudly,soastobenoticed.“Weallwanttofindher,Amanda.

Butifwegochasingdownsketchesfromherdiary,thenthat’salotofvaluabletimethatcouldhavebeenspentlookingforher.”

“Ithinkwecantrustthis,”shesaid.“Weneedmoreproof,”Philbycomplained.“Wehaveacastleandalightningbolt!”Finnpointedout.“Onoppositecornersofthepage.There’salsoanaqueduct,someballoons,

andarailroadtrack.”“Thesearedreams,notinstantreplays,”AmandatoldPhilby.“Shehad

visions.Glimpses.Howmuchofyourdreams,yournightmares,doyouremember?BitsandpiecesarewhatIget.Sometimesmorethanthat,apieceofastory,butnotthatoften.Maybewealldreampiecesofthefuturebutjustdon’thappentoknowit.Howoftendowewritethemdownormakesketchesandkeeptrack?Sheleftusclues,Philby.”Shewavedthephotocopyintheair.“Thisisthemapofherdreams.Maybeshedidn’tknowshewasleavingitforus,butthere’snoignoringthecastleandthelightning,isthere?Somaybenoteverythingonhereishelpful.Itprobablyisn’t.Butwewon’tknowthatuntilwecheckitout.Right?We’vegottocheckouteachthingonhere,becauseifevenoneotherthingonthispagecanhelpusfindher—”Shecoveredhermouthwithherfist,onthevergeofcrying.

“I’mjustsayingwedon’thavemuchtime.I’mnoddingoutlikeeveryotherminute.Wefallasleepandwemaystayasleepforever.That’swhatWaynesaid.Ijustwantustouseourtimeefficiently,that’sall.”Hestudiedthesheet.“Forinstance,who’sRob?”InseveralplacesontheclutteredpageJezhadwritten,

ChangeRob.“RobBernowski,”Amandasaid.“Fromschool.”“Afriend?Boyfriend?Orwhat?”Philbyasked.“Alittleofboth,Ithink.”“Andshewantstochangehim?Andthisisrelevanttous,how?”“Idon’tknow.Sure,Iguess.Sheputthatintothejournalinabunchof

places.”Amandaopenedupthejournalandflippedthroughseveralpagesaroundtheonestheyhadcopied.“Thewayshewritesit,it’slikeshe’sreallysetonit.”

“SoarewesupposedtotalktoRobaboutthis?”Philbyaskedsarcastically.“YouthinkRobhasher?”

Amandaglaredathim.Finnasked,“Whatcanithurttocallhim?Idon’tseewhywedon’tfollow

uponeverythingwecan.AmImissingsomething?Whatifthisisimportant,andweignoreit?”

“That’swhyyoucalledthemeeting,isn’tit?”Philbyasked.“Isayweputittoavote.Wecouldspendalldaychasingabunchofmeaninglessramblings,andwehaven’tgotallday.Howmuchlongercanwestayawake?”Heyawned,andthenFinnandAmandayawnedrightalongwithhim.

“Stopit,”Finnsaid.“We’reoutoftimehere,”Philbycomplained,“andwehaven’tevenstarted.

I’mgoingtohavetocallmymomatsomepoint,orshe’llhavethecopsoutlookingforme.”

“We’llputittoavote,”Finnagreed.“Butinthemeantime,we’regoingtomakealistofeverythingonthispageandwhatitmightmean,nomatterhowfarout.”HeaddressedPhilby.“We’lldoitscientifically.”Hesaidthisknowingitwouldappealtohim.

“Icangetbehindthat,”Philbysaid.AmandalookedoveratFinn,hereyesredandshiningbehindtearsshe

struggledtoholdback.Buthereyesalsohadatwinkleinthem.Sheseemedtobethankinghim.Finnreachedoutandtookherclenchedfistinhishand.

“We’regoingtofindher,”hesaid.

20

MAYBECKAPPROACHEDthebatenclosurefromtheMaharajahJungleTrekpath.Theenclosurewasquitelarge,withcolorfulprayerflagsstrungbetweenthefacadeofafakebuilding,rockwalls,andthelargeboxlikeframethatsupportedawallandroofofmeshnetting.Athree-stageviewingroomhadbeenbuiltalongthepath.ArangerwouldbeondutyoncetheParkopenedat9AM,butfornowitstoodempty.Maybeckavoidedtheviewingroom,justincase,stayingoutside,movingalongtheperimeterwallofthenetting.Heleftthepathandenteredthejungle,keepingclosetotheenclosure’snettedwall.

Itwasonlythenhesawthebirds.Hisfirstreactionwasoneofastonishment.Hethoughtitbeautifulinaway—athousandormoredarkbirdssocrowdedintothetreetopsthatlargebranchesbentundertheirweight.Hethoughthowfortunatehewastoseesuchaphenomenon—thatitprobablyonlyhappenedintheearlyhoursbeforeguestsarrivedandscaredawayallbutthemostbrazenofthewildcreaturesthathadadoptedtheAnimalKingdomastheirhome.

Thenhenoticedsomethingstrangeaboutthebirds:theyallseemedtobelookingrightathim.Heknewthiswasimpossible,andyet…Thethrillofastonishmentgavewaytotheelectricjangleofrawnerves.Theywerelookingrightathim.

Twothingshappenedthen:hespottedadoorintotheenclosureabouttenyardsfartherintothejungle,andthefirstofthebirdslefttheirperchesandflewtowardhim.

Heknewheshouldn’tpanic.Itwasonlybirds,afterall.Butthewaytheysurroundedhim…thewaythejunglewentsuddenlysilent…thewaythebatsintheenclosureawakenedwithastart—nocturnalanimals—arestlessjitteringastheyhungfromtheirperchessentaspikeofterrorthroughhim.Birdsflewinflocks,certainly.Buttheydidn’tattackasagroup.Didthey?

Thebirdsattacked.Itwasasifsomeonehadblottedoutthesun.Theycameathimasadark

cloudofbeatingwingsandunflinchingblackeyes.TheirsmallbirdlegswereaimedrightatMaybeck.Thebirdscameathiminsuchnumbersthatatfirstit

wasjustplainscary—theylandedonhishead,hisshoulders,hisarms,hisback.Butthenitwentbeyondscary—todangerous—astheweightofthempushedhimdown.Toanoutsideeye,itwouldhaveappearedasifthousandsofbirdshadlandedinthesamespotofthejungleatonce,buttoMaybeckitmeantapitch-blackflurryofwingsandbeaksandscratchingclaws.Hefoughtthemoffone-handed—grabbing,poking,sweepinghisarm,andknockingthebirdsaway.Butbacktheycame.

Heknewhecouldnotsustaintheweightofthebirds.Thepecking.Now,crushedbytheheaviness,feelingitmightbreakhimintwo,Maybeck

releasedthepillowcasetodefendhimself.Atinyhandreachedout…Amonkeyhand!Itsnatchedupthepillowcase,andthemonkeytookoff

running.Asitdid,thebirdsflewoff.Inaflutteroffeathers,thesunreappeared,andMaybeckwatchedasthemonkey,pillowcaseinhand,hurrieddownthepath.

Maybecktookoffafterit.Helookedhimselfoverasheran—notascratchonhim.Ifheweretotell

anyonewhathadhappened,theywouldn’tbelievehim.Hehadnoproofwhatsoever.Athousandbirdsattackedme!Itwouldsoundlikealameexcuseforhishavinglostthepillowcaseandthecaptivebat.HehadoriginallythoughtFinn’sclaimthatthebatmightbeMaleficentwasabitofastretch.Butnowhereconsidered.Birdsdidn’torganizelikethat,heremindedhimself.Monkeyswereknownthieves,butwhatwasamonkeydoinglooseinsidetheAnimalKingdom,eveniftheParkwasnotyetofficiallyopen?Hehadquestionsthatneededanswering.

Heranasfastashecould.Whenthemonkeystoleoffintothejungle,Maybeckfollowed.

21

WILLACROSSEDDISCOVERYISLAND,feelingasifeveryonewerestaringather.Couldtheytellshewasunderage?Shedidn’tthinkshelookedallthatmuchyoungerthantheothergirls.Theformalityoftheuniformhelpedherlookolder,addingagoodthreeorfouryearstoherfourteen.ButwhatiftheywerestaringbecausetheyrecognizedherfaceasthatofaDHI?Ifcaught,shecouldloseherfamily’sGoldPass,aswellasherperformancecontract.ShemightnolongerbeoneoftheKingdomKeepers.Shekeptherheaddownandwishedshe’dusedmoremakeupatthecostumewarehouse.TheIDbadgeWaynehadgivenherwasclippedtoherwaist,helpingtomakeherlookofficial.Withhereyestotheground,shewalkedwithherbackstraightandtookdeterminedstrides,knowingtheimportanceofbodylanguage.

ShehadvolunteeredforwhatwasprobablythemostdangerousassignmentthatFinnandPhilbyhadcomeupwith:toinfiltrateandsearchtheKilimanjaroSafarigrounds.Theideawasasimpleone:ifsomeonewashidingJezintheAnimalKingdom,whynotstashhersomeplacewherepeoplewereprohibitedfromgoing?WhentheParkwasopen,thesafariteemedwithhundredsofwildanimals.Peopleridingonthesafariwererestrictedtothebacksofthesafaritruckswithadriver/guidewhopointedoutanimalsandtookguestsona“mission”tosaveababyelephantfrommake-believepoachers.But,accordingtoPhilby’sresearch,throughoutthesafarigroundstherewerefeedingstations,waypoints,andevensomehiddengatesofferingbackstageaccess.TheOvertakershadoncehiddenMaybeckinamaintenancecageinsideSpaceMountain;itseemedpossible,logicaleven,thattheymighthideJezinasimilarlyimpossible-to-accessplace.Butifoneofthemgottherebeforetheanimalswerereleased…

“It’sdoneinstages,”Philbyhadexplained.“Thomson’sgazellesareprettytameandharmless.Somearen’tevenroundedupatnight,butmostoftheotheranimalsare.They’refedandwashedanddoctored,ifneedbe,aftertheParkclosestothepublic.”

“Butwhataboutearlymorning?”Willahadasked.

“BeforetheParkopens,theyreturntheanimalsinaspecificorderthatoffersthefewestproblems.ThetrickforyouistogetinsidebeforeeightAM.”

Willadidn’twearawatch.Shehadnoideawhattimeitwas.Thatwasanoversight.Shewasguessingitwasbetween6:30and7:00AM,whichgaveheraboutanhour.Butthelateritwas,thelesstimeshehad.Shequickenedhersteps,offDiscoveryIslandnow,andheadedtowardtheentrancetotheKilimanjaroSafari.Atremendousflockofblackbirdspassedoverhead—theremusthavebeenthousandsofthem.Theystreakedacrossthemorningskyandweregone.

“Ifyouhurry,youcancatchthelastone.”Shelookedup.Itwasacuteguywearingauniformidenticaltoherown.HestoodbelowthesignfortheKilimanjaroSafari.

“Ah…yeah,”Willasaid.Butshetensedasshefelthiseyesfollowingher.DidshelookoldenoughtocarryanIDbadge?

Shewalkedquicklythroughtheemptywaitingarea,turningandwindingherwaydowntotheloadingdock,whereoneofthetruckswaswaiting.Therewasanolderwoman—shehadtobenearlythirty—leaningforwardfromthefrontbench,coachingthedriver.Willawastheonlypassengerbesidetheinstructor.Itwasobviouslysomekindoftrainingrun.Thetruckrumbledoffdownapaththatwoundthroughthejungle.

Willacalledout,“I’llbehoppingoffatIturiForest.”Theinstructor,withoutsomuchaslookingback,liftedherarmandwaved.Willaheavedasighofreliefandheldonasthedriveravoidedpuddlesand

recitedsomememorizedlinesintotheradio,“communicating”withotherrangerswhoweresearchingforthepoachers.Willahadtakenthesafariridemanytimesandenjoyedthestorybehinditaswellastheanimal-watching.Buttheemptinessoftheplaceatthishourgavehertheshivers.Thetruckroundedabendandslowed.

“Ishereallright?”theinstructorcalledbackinquisitively.Suspiciously?TheIturiForest,Willarealized.“Fine!”Shehoppedthethreefeetdowntothemuddyground,hopingthe

instructorwouldn’tseethatshewaswearingrunningshoesandnottherequiredrangerboots.Sheslappedthesideofthetruck,anditlumberedoff.Theminuteitwasgone,sheregrettedgettingoff.

Aloneonthetruckroute,inthemidstofathickforestofbambooandseacane,Willaspottedapurewhiteibisasstillasastatue.Thebirdstoodononeleg,perfectlybalanced.

SheunfoldedthemapPhilbyhadgivenher,triedtoestablishherposition,andpunchedthroughtheforesttoherleft,expectingtocomeacrossafeedstationwithinthenextthirtyyards.Itwastoughgoing,theforestthickwithvegetation.

Hadshelookedbehindher,shewouldhaveseenalizardfollowing.Itwasfiveorsixfeetlong,withathintailandlittleclawsonitsfeet.Notsomuchalizard—morelikeaChinesedragon.

22

MAYBECKLOSTGROUNDtothesmall,agilesimianthatmovedthroughthejungle’stightgrowthinaseamless,fluidmotion.HewonderedifthemonkeywasunderMaleficent’scontrol.Butifso,thenwhyhaditnotbeenorderedtoreleasethebat?Hisanswercameasasliceoffirstlightcaughthiseyes.Batswerenocturnal;itwassunrise.Releasingthebatwasnotanoption.

Maybeckhadtogetitback.Hesmashedintobambooandrubbertrees,babybanyansandmangrove.Hesloshedthroughthefloodedjunglefloor,quicklygainingonthemonkey.

Maybeck’sprogressregisteredonthemonkey’sfaceaswide-eyedterror.Itshriekedandexplodedintoafrenzy,brieflyincreasingitsleadonMaybeck.Butonlybriefly.

Maybeckbrokeoutofthejungleandfeltsomethinghardbeneathhisfeet.Helookeddown:traintracks!TheWildlifeExpressTrainwasgoingthroughitsmorningtestrun.Maybeckjumpedoutofthewaywhenheheardablastfromthetrain’swhistle.“Youcrazy?”theconductorshoutedthroughtheopenwindow.

He’dbeenspotted.Asthetrainpassed,hesawtheconductorreachingforhisradio.

Notgood.Thetrainwhistlepiercedthemorningair,sendingaflockofsandhillcranes

intothebluesky.Maybeckspottedthemonkey.Ithadbeencrouchedinthecenterofthebirds.Heclosedthedistancetotenyards,thenfive.

Thetrainhadfollowedalong,sweepingcurveoftrackbutwasnowcomingaroundandcatchinguptothem.ItreappearedtoMaybeck’sright.Themonkeychangeddirections,goingstraightforthetrain.Maybeckskiddedtoastop,caughtatoe,andwentdownhard.

Helookeduptoseethemonkeyslipbeneathatraincar,thepillowcaseinhand.Maybeckhurriedtohisfeetandrantowardthetrain.Thetrainconductorhungoutofthelocomotive,shoutingathim.Maybecksquattedintimetoseethemonkeyracingacrossashortdistanceofgrasstowardmorejungle.Therewas

nowayMaybeckwasabouttocrawlunderamovingtrain.Hewaiteditoutimpatiently.Itseemedtomoveveryslowly.Finally,Maybecktookofftowardtheendofthetrainandcamearoundit,onceagaincrossingthetracks.

HefoundhimselfnexttotheChakranadiChickenShop.Hecametoahaltingstop,lookedleft…right…there!Aflashofthewhitepillowcasewasallhecaught—justroundingabendinthepath.Hetookoff,headingawayfromFlightsofWonder.Again,hissizeandspeedovercamethemonkey’sefforts.

Themonkeysenseditspursuerandskitteredbackandforthinazigzag,chatteringloudly.Itcrossedthepathandshotstraightupadanglingropetowardaconcretetower.Itreachedtheturret,nearlythirtyfeetofftheground,andbrieflydisappeared.ThenexttimeMaybecksawit,themonkey—stillcarryingthepillowcase—hurriedacrossasetofropestowardacrumblingAsiantempleencasedinbambooscaffolding.Thiswasonanislandsurroundedbyanarrowmoat.

Maybeckstoppedattheconcretetower.Theendoftheropethemonkeyhadclimbedwasfrayedasifithadbeenchewedthrough.Hestudiedthelayout,noticingthattheropebridgesconnectedbacktothetemple,whichmeantthatthemonkeysweren’tsupposedtobeabletogetdownoffthetowers.Themoatwasmeanttopreventtheirescapefromtheisland.Butthemonkeyshadmanagedtodroparopethathadyettobespotted.Bydoingso,they’dgiventhemselvesanescaperoute.

Themonkeydisappearedintotheredbricktemple,draggingthepillowcasebehindit,andwasgone.

Maybeck,understandingtheimportanceofactingquickly,rolleduphispantlegs,pulledoffhisshoes,andwadedintothemurkywater.Apairofducksstartledandsplashedawaytotheothersideofthetemple,squawkingandquacking.

Maybeckfeltthecoldmudoozebetweenhistoes.Bubblesrosetothesurfaceallaroundhim,givingoffanunpleasantodor.

Hefacedawoodendoorwithironbarsoveritssmall,squarewindow.Itwastheonlywayintothetemplethathecouldsee.

Hearrivedthereinfivegiantstepsand,sloshingoutofthewater,reachedforthedoor’shandle.

23

WILLACHECKEDPHILBY’SMAPoncemore:hehadmarkedthelocationofafeedingstation—disguisedasalargestump—attheedgeofthesavannah.ItsproximitytoanighttimeanimalholdingpenqualifieditasapossiblehidingplacewhereJezcouldbekeptandneverdiscovered.Aclockranoffthesecondsandminutesinherhead—shehadseveralsuchplacestocheckbeforetheanimalswerereleased.

Shepushedthoughtheforest,followingthemap,andreachedtheedgeofthesprawlingsavannah:aflatplainoflowgrassesinterspersedwithtreesandrocksandafewsmallponds,allofitsurroundedbylowrollinghills.Itglistenedinthefirstgoldenraysofdawn.

There,quitesomedistanceaway,shesawastump,thinkingimmediatelythatitcouldn’tpossiblybePhilby’sstumpbecauseitlookedsoreal.Butthelocationwasright,soshedecidedtohavealook.

Theproblemwas,therewasnowaytosneakuptowardastumpinthemiddleofafieldwithoutbeingseen.Shehadtocrossahundredyardsintheopen.Notthattherewasanyonetoseeher,butanothertrainingtruckcouldcomebyatanyminute.Shedecidedratherthanrunoutandlooksuspicious,shewouldwalkcasually—justanotherdayonthejob.Hopefully,therangeruniformwoulddotherest.

Then,takinginhersurroundings,shehappenedtolookback.Atfirst,shethoughtitwasanalligator.Terrorgrippedher:alligatorsate

people.IthappenedallthetimeinFlorida.She’dheardtheycouldrunfasterthanhumans,andwhenyousawoneyoudidn’twanttorunbecauseitteasedthemintochasingyou—andiftheychasedyou,theyconsideredyoufood.Soshecontinuedwalking,thoughslightlyfasterthanbefore.Thestump—orfakestump—roseatleastthreefeetofftheground.Ifshecouldonlyreachitintime…

Butthenshelookedagain.Itwasn’tanalligatorafterall,butagiantlizard,maybesixfeetlong.She’dstudiedKomododragonsinschool,andthislookedprettymuchexactlylikeone.Komodosdidn’teatpeople,buttheywereknown

tobiteanddoseriousharm.Shedidn’tknowtheruleaboutKomodos—didyourunorwalk?Thelizardturnedsidewaysforasecond,asiftosizeherup,andonceagainshechangedhermind:itwasn’taKomodo;itlookedmore…prehistoric,withthickscalesand…wasthatpossible?…wings,tuckedinalongitsback.Itlookedmorelike…

Adragon.She’dreadstoriesaboutdragons.Hadseenmovies.She’dalwaysconsideredthemmythologicalcreatures.Butnowshewaslookingatone.

Ithadadisgusting,pinktonguethatflickedlikeasnake’s—butabouttwofeetlong.Thetonguecurledasitdrewbackbetweentherowsofgray,stubbyteeth.

Shewantedtothinkofthisascoincidence—thetwoofthemhadjusthappenedtocrosspaths,anditwasnowfollowingher.Trackingherwasmoretothepoint,shethought.Butthensomethingevenmorestrangeenteredherthoughts:whatifJezwasindeedlockedupinthestump—thefoodlocker—andthedragonwassomekindofpatrolfortheOvertakers?Afterall,thesafariwasfilledwithallsortsofanimals,fromgiraffestozebras,butascalyAsiandragonwithwings?

TheOvertakers.Itwasthefirstthingtocometoher:ifJezwasbeingkeptouthereonthe

savannah,itseemedobviouswhowouldguardher.Andiftherewasadragonmixedinwithalltherestoftheanimals,couldthatpossiblybeacoincidence,sincedragonshadn’texistedforthepastfewmillionyears—ifever?

Sowhatexactlywasthedragonwaitingfor?Itjustlingeredbackthere,adozenyardsaway,trollingbackandforthacrossthegrassylandscapeasifsniffingaroundforfood.Ifhewasgoingtoattackher,whynotgettoit?

Couldadragonpossiblythink?Coulditbewaitingtoseeifsheheadedforthestump?Shesubtlyincreasedboththequicknessandthelengthofherstrides.Sheglancedbacktoseethatthedragonhadstayedrightwithher.Itdidn’tseemtobemovinganyfaster,either,andyet…thereitwas.

Nowmoreconvincedthaneverthatshewasitsintendedtarget,shelookedaroundandrealizedthatshewasallaloneoutonthesavannah.Shesawanostrichinthedistance—perhapstheyhadbegunreleasinganimalsalready.AherdofThomson’sgazellesshotacrossthefield,butsomenightstheywereleftonthegrounds;itdidn’tmeanmuchtoseethem.If,ontheotherhand,theanimalswerealreadybeingreleasedandintroducedtothesavannah,thenWillahopedtheymightdistractthedragonfromitscurrentobsessionwithher.

Shemovedincreasinglyclosertothestump,andnow,lookingback,shesaw

thedragonfollowingher.Ifsheclimbedontopofthestump,shewouldbeoutofreachofthedragon.Butwhataboutthewings?Couldsomethinglikethatpossiblyfly?

Sheheardthesuddenbeatingofhooves,secondslatermixingwiththerumbleofatruckengine.Aherdofzebrashadbeenreleased—againtoherleft—andfromsomewherebehindheratruckwasapproaching.Ifshewasgoingtoinspectthestumpithadtobenow—rightnow.

Sheranthelastfewyards,andifshe’dharboredanydoubtsastothedragon’sintentions,theywereansweredbyitslight-footedsprinttokeepupwithher.Therewasnoturningbacknow.Nochanginghermind.Thedragonracedtowardher,itsmouthopen,snappingattheair.

Shereachedthesideofthestump—thoughshapedlikeastump,itwasmadeofmetal,withasmalldoorintheside.Sheworkedthesnaplockoffthehaspandopenedthedoor.

Thedragoncharged,seeminglynottouchingthegroundatall.Itflickeditslongtailbackandforth,movinginasnakelikefashion,quicklyclosingthedistancebetweenthem.

Willadoveinsideandpulledthedoorshutbehindher.Itwasincrediblywarminside.EnoughlightfilteredintoallowhertoseethatJezwasnotthere.Thereweresacksoffoodandsaltlicks.Itsmelledlikeapetstore.Acoiledhosehungfromahook.

Thedragonsmashedintothedoor,thenslammeditspowerfultailagainstthestump.Herearsrang.Arumblinginthegroundgrewlouder.Willalookedoutacrackintheaccessdoortoseetheherdofzebrasbearingdownonherasitcrossedthesavannah.

Thedragontookoffforadistanttreeandclimbeditinacreepy,effortlessway.

Willasaggeddowntosit,tryingtocatchherbreath.Andthenshesawit:freshlyscrapedintothefakestump’srustymetalwasa

simplemessagethatmadeabsolutelynosense—andyetsomehowsheknewithadbeenwrittenbyJez.

Itread:ChangeRob.Shecurledupandheldherbreath,waitingtofleethestumponcethestorm

ofzebrashadpassed.

24

MAYBECKSTOODINSIDEadarkenclosurethesizeofalargecloset.Ithadaconcretefloorfromwhichalowbrickwallrosetowaistlevel.Fromthere,framedlumberintersectedbylongbamboopolesrosegeometricallyoverhead,wrappedontheoutsidewithheavybrownvinyl:fakebrick.Together,itaddedupontheoutsidetowhatlookedlikeanAsiantemple.Butinsideitsmelledbad—reallybad—likeoneofthosePorta-Pottiesatthestatefair.Itwassurprisinglycoolinside—aplaceforthemonkeystoescapetheheat.Therewasawhiteplastictubwithametalhandlesittingbythedoor.Alongsideitwasaneatlycoiledgreenhoseconnectedtoaspigot.

Thedoorclappedshutbehindhim.Heturnedintimetoseethemonkeyoverhead,carryingthepillowcase,climbingeffortlessly,up,up,up,pullinghimselfbetweenthebamboopolesandjeeringdownatMaybeck.

Sunlightseepedinthroughseveralsquareopeningsatthetopofthetemple.Thetempleprovidedshelterforthemonkeys,aplacetohidefromstormsandacoolplacetosleep.Thesmellwastheproblem:themonkeysusedtheconcretefloorastheirbathroom.Heunderstoodthepurposeofthehose,then,andfelttemptedtogivetheconcreteasprayingoff.

Ifthemonkeymadeittothetopwindow,thepillowcaseanditscontentswouldbegone.Maybeckconsideredclimbing,butthatwasaracehewassuretolose.

Themonkeycrossedalongthebamboorafters,andthen,toMaybeck’ssurprise,begantoworkitswaybackdown.Maybeck’seyesslowlyadjustedtothedark.Andthensomethingmovedfromtheshadows.

Maleficent.ShesteppedouttowhereMaybeckcouldseeher,regalinherpurple-fringed

blackcape,herstartlinggreenskinglowingwithmaliciousness.“Hello,Terrance.”Avoicelikegrindingstones.Themonkeyhandedherthebag.Sheaccepteditwithanoutstretchedarm,

nevertakinghereyesoffMaybeck.“Doyouknowwhathappenstochildrenwhoplaywheretheydon’t

belong?”Hecouldn’tgetawordout.“Theyget…burned,”shesaid.Aflamingorbappearedinonehand.She

cockedherarmback,readytothrow.Maybeckdoveforthehose,swiveleditsnozzle,andshotaferociousstream

ofwateratthewitch.Themonkeycriedoutandleapedupintotherafters.ThewaterstreamknockedtheburningballoutofMaleficent’shandbut

producedacloudofsteamthatimmediatelyfilledthesmallspacesothicklyhecouldn’tsee.

Adarkshadowshiftedinsidethegraycloudofsteam:Maleficentmovingtocutoffhispathtothedoor.Heabandonedthehoseandsprangforthedoor.Butshewasmuchfasterthanhe’danticipated.Hecameface-to-facewiththegreenskinandbloodshoteyes.Herbreathwaslikeadeadmousecaughtinatrapasshesaid,“No.Idon’tthinkso.”

Maybeckdidn’thesitate.Hekickedout,punchingthedooropenandadmittingafloodoflight.Maleficent,stillholdingthepillowcase,movedtoblockhisexit,justashe’dhoped.

Hesprangupoverhead,throughthebamboo,andsqueezedouttheholeatthetop.Hand-over-hand,heswungupthetautconnectingrope—fiveyards…ten—ashepulledhimselftowardthetower.

Maleficentsteppedoutintothesunlightbutjumpedback—theheatofthesun’sraysalreadytoomuchforher.

Maybeckreachedthetowerandfoundthedanglingropeandsliddown,burninghishands,reachedtheground,andtookoffrunningwithoutlookingback.

Heunderstoodwithabsoluteclaritywhatwasgoingon:thebatwasaspy—Maleficent’sspy—andshe’ddispatchedthebirdsandthemonkeytomakesureshereceivedthebat’sreport.

ThebathadfollowedFinnsinceAmanda’s.Itknewallaboutthem.AndnowMaleficentknew,too.

Heshudderedwiththethoughtofthatashebrokeintothejungleandranforhislife.

25

THEMOMENTTHEPARKgatesopenedtothepublic,Finn,Amanda,andPhilbyenteredthroughtheCastMemberentrance,usingtheIDsthatWaynehadprovided.FinnandPhilbyweredeterminedtomixinwiththecrowdsandreachtherendezvousintimetomeetupwiththeothers.FamousasDHIs,theirfaceswereknownthroughouttheDisneykingdoms,afamethatthreatened—fortheywereforbiddenfromattendingexceptonspeciallyapproveddays.Gettingaroundwithoutbeingrecognizedwasnotgoingtobeeasy.Theyworebaseballcapstohidetheirfaces,andtheykepttothemselvesasmuchaspossible.

BythetimetheyreachedthebenchesjustinsidethelargegatesnorthoftheRainforestCafe,wheretheAnimalKingdomparadeoriginated,awetMaybeckandadirty-facedWillawerewaiting.FinnhandedoutcopiesofthepagefromJez’sdiary.

Quietatthishour,itwasagoodplacetomeet.Theygatheredaroundabench,awaitingCharlene’sgrandentranceasDeVine,theivy-coveredchameleon.

Maybecktoldthemaboutbeingattackedbybirds,aboutlosingthebattoamonkey,andabouthisencounterwithMaleficent.

WillaspokeofherpursuitbyaminiaturedragonandherdiscoveryinthemetalstumpofthecrypticmessageleftbyJez.

“There’ssomethingtobelearnedfromwhatwebothwentthrough,”Willasaid,continuing.“Wecan’ttrustanyoftheanimalswesee.Maleficentcancontrolthem.Whetheraflockofbirds,oradragonwithwings.We’renolongerintheAnimalKingdom,we’reinMaleficent’skingdom.”

“Ifshewenttoallthistroubletobehere,there’sgottobeagoodreason.”Finnheardsomethingbehindhimandglancedoverhisshoulderintothejungle.Hesawnothing.WillaandMaybeckwerefreakinghimout.

“Maleficent’sweakintheheat.Sheneedscoldtosurvive.Ifshe’shangingouthere,it’ssomeplacecold.”

“Butwhyhere?”Finnasked.“Weneedtokeepwatchonthebatenclosure,”Maybeckproposed.

“Icangoplacesnoneofyoucan,”saidagirl’svoicefrombehindthem.OnceagainFinnlookedbackintothejungle.Againhesawnothing.

“Uphere,”saidthevoice.Heandtheotherslookeduptoseeavine-coveredleotard,withnofaceand

noarms.ItwasCharlene,incostumeasDeVine,herfacepaintedgreenandblack.Theoveralleffectwasdisarming:she’dbeenstandingthereallalong,immediatelybehindFinn.

Philbyapplauded.“Outrageous!”hesaid.“Whoa,”saidMaybeck.“Youtotallyblendin.”“Ican’tbelieveit!”saidanexhilaratedWilla.“I’mlookingrightatyouandI

almostcan’tseeyou.”“I’llneedtoleavetheareabeforetherealDeVinecomesout.ButIcango

almostanywhereundetected.EvenMaleficentisn’tgoingtoseemeinthis.”“Okay,Charlenewillwatchthebatenclosure,”Finnstatedwithafeigned

authority.HerememberedWaynetellinghimthathewasthegroup’schosenleader,thoughhestillwasn’tbuyingit.Buttohissurprise,noonearguedwithhim.

Charlene,blendingintohersurroundings,waitedforsomeParkgueststopassandthensaid,“Willsomeonepleasehandmethepagefromthediary?”

Amandaproducedit,stoodonthebench,andpassedituptoher.Charlenestudiedit.“Monkeys…tigers…abat…Thisisenoughfornow,”she

said.“It’spossiblethateverythingonthatpageissignificant,”Finncautioned.CatchingPhilbydozingoff,hepunchedhiminthearm.“AndNOfalling

asleep,”heremindedthem.“I’mexhausted,”Willasaid.“Wecannotsleep!”Finnrepeated.“Waynewarnedusaboutthat.We’vegot

tobelievehim.”Maybeckindicatedafoodcart.“Cokesallaround!”Afewminuteslatertheywereallloadinguponcaffeine.“MaybeMaleficent

can’tgetJezoutoftheparkuntilafteritcloses,”Amandasaid,“ormaybetheplanistorunallofyouarounduntilyoutireout.IfshecantrapyouallintheSleepingBeautySyndrome,sheeliminatestheenemyandisfreetorulewithoutchallenge.”

“YouthinkshetookJeztobaitus?”Willaasked.“Noneofthismeansanything,”Maybecksaid,“untilwefindJez.The

challengeistostayawakelongenoughtofindJezandcrashthisclonedserver—

ifitevenexists.ThenmaybewehuntdownMaleficent,ifwe’restillstanding.ButuntilwefindJez,noneofitmatters.”

“Listen!”Charlenesaidfromhighonthestilts.Thekidsturnedtheirattentiontowardthejungle.“Nottome!”Charleneclarified.“Tothemusic.”Thekidsperkeduptheirears.ItwasAshleyTisdale’s“KisstheGirl,”

comingoverthePark’sspeakersystem.“Yeah?So?”askedWilla.“RadioDisneyplaysthatallthetime.”“Iknowthat,”Charlenesaid.“Butmeandmyfamilycomeasoftenas

possible,andI’veneverheardthatsonginthisParkbefore.”Thekidslistenedsomemore.“You’reright.It’salwaysLionKingandstuff

likethat.”“It’sJez,”Amandastated.“What’sJez?”Finnasked.“‘KisstheGirl’isJez’sfavoritesong,”Amandasaid.“Sheabusesthatsong

onheriPod.Ifitdoesn’tbelonginthisPark,thenit’sher.It’ssomekindofmessage.”

“Ithinkyou’remoretiredthantherestofus,”Maybecksaid.“Whichiscompletelyunderstandable,”Willachimedin,“giventhe

stress…”“Listen…listen!”Amandademanded,raisingafingertotrytoshutthemup.

“Raven-Symonéisgoingtosing‘UndertheSea’next.”“Yeah,right,”saidMaybeck.“Isupposeifyoursistercandreamthefuture,

youcanhearit.”“Philby,”Amandasaid,“JezhadheriPodwithher.Istheresomewayshe

coulduseitoverthesoundsystem?”“Hijackthesoundsystem?”Philbysaid,consideringthequestion.“Depends,

Isuppose.Ifshestrippedawirefromtheearbudsandtappedinto—”Buthewascutoffbythemusicchanging.Raven-Symonéwassinging“UnderTheSea.”Allthekidswentquiet.SomevisitorswalkedpasttalkingaboutgoingonExpeditionEverest.The

parentssoundedreluctanttotrytheride.Butitwasn’tthegueststhathadsilencedthekids.“Coincidence,”Maybecksaidinawhisper.Hedidn’tsoundatallconvinced.“It’sJez,”Amandacountered,hervoicenoticeablybrighter.“Iknowforafactthattheyneverplaythatsonghere,”Charlenesaidfrom

uphigh.“IbelieveAmanda.Andbesides,it’ssofterthantheregularmusic—notasloud.Itdoesn’tsoundright.”

“WhichwouldalsoexplainwhyFinnandIoverheardtwomaintenanceguystalkingaboutsound-systemproblems,”Philbysaid.

Finn’sfacebrightened.“That’sright!”“Thenwhydoesn’tshejustsendusMorsecode,orsomething?”Maybeck

complained.“Becauseshecan’tgiveawaywhatshe’sdone,”Amandasaid,tryingto

thinkasJezwouldthink.“Shedoesn’twantthemfiguringitout.Soshe’stryingtocommunicatewithus,withoutitbeingreallyobvious.”

“Waitrighthere,”Philbysaid,takingoffatarun.Thekidswatchedhimgo.TheyusedthedowntimetoreviewthepagetakenfromJez’sdiary.“Theanimalscouldsymbolizedifferentthings,”Willasuggested.“Likewhat?”askepticalMaybeckquestioned.“Listen,Iseethedrawingof

thelightningstrikingacastle,andevenI’vegottoadmitit’sprettycoincidental.Buttherestofthese?They’reanimals.Sowhat?Shelikesanimals.Itdoesn’tmeantheymeansomething.”

“Itdoesn’tmeantheydon’t,”Amandacountered.“Youdon’tknowJez.They’reclues.Clueswe’resupposedtofollow.”

Philbycamerunningtowardthem.Ashedid,therewassuddenlynomusicatall:ararityinanyoftheDisney

Parks.Then“UndertheSea”beganplayingagain.Onethingallthekidsknew:musicneverrepeatedinanyoftheParks.Not

ever.Outofbreath,Philbysaid,“It’splayingonthissideoftheParkandinAsia.

DiscoveryIslandandAfricahavedifferentmusicgoing.”“Thatdoesn’tnecessarilymeananything,”Maybecksaid.“Howdoweknow

thatisn’talwaysthecase?”Philbyexplained,“FromwhatIknow,thesystemisdesignedtobeableto

movesoundaroundthePark.Theparadesrequirethatthemusicfollowthefloats.It’sasophisticated,computer-controlledsoundsystem.I’veneverreadanythingaboutonehalfoftheParkbeingsentonekindofmusic,andtheotherhalfanother.”

“Thatconfirmsit’sJez,”Amandasaidexcitedly.“Shejustrepeated‘UndertheSea.’Weknowthatsongdoesn’tbelonghere,andonheriPoditfollows‘KisstheGirl.’Prettyobviousshewantssomeonetohearit.Maybeus.Maybe

someonetotrytofixit,someonetogolookingfortheproblem.”“Ormaybe,”saidWilla,“thesongitselfissignificant.Ariel.OrUrsula—”“IhateUrsula,”Charlenetossedout.“Orithastodowithwherethey’rekeepingher,”Amandacontinued.“Orit

fitsintoherdreamsinsomeway.”“We’vegottotakeitseriously,”Willapleaded,lookingatFinn,knowingthe

decisionwouldsomehowbehistomake.Finnfeltalleyesfallonhim.Hestifledayawn.Everyminutewasprecious.

Hisheadwascloudedandheavy.“Let’srundowneverythingtodowithTheLittleMermaid,”Finnsaid.Maybeckgroaned.“Isn’tthatwastingtime?Thebatisreal.Thatmonkeyis

real.Thedragonwasreal.Let’sfollowthingswecanactuallysee.”“Howdoweknowthat?”Charleneaskedfromatopherstilts.“Ariel’sGrotto,”Willasaid.“MagicKingdom.”“Wesplitup,”Finnsaid,pullingoutapencilandwritingonthebackofthe

photocopyofthediarypage.“Maybeckwilltrytolocatetheanimalsandimagessketchedinthediary.Therestofuswilllookforanythingtodowith‘UndertheSea’andTheLittleMermaid.”

“Idon’tknowifthiscounts,”Philbysaid,“butwhenyoustandinlineforNemo,overatEpcot,theoceanispaintedaboveyou.You’reliterallyunderthesea.”

“Ilikeit,”Finnsaid.Hewroteitdown.“Thesamething’strueatHollywoodStudios,”Willasaid.“OntheVoyage

oftheLittleMermaid,youstandundertheseawhilewaiting.”“Okay…Okay…”Maybecksaid,finallygoingalong.“Idon’tknowifthis

counts,butthere’sthispostermylittlesisterloves.Alwayspointsitout.It’sbytheMickey’sPhilharMagicline.I’mprettysureit’ssayssomethinglike‘AMustSea,’spelledS-E-A.”

“Thatdefinitelycounts,”Finnsaid,writingthisdownaswell.“Anythingelseanyonecanthinkof?”

Onebyone,theotherseithershooktheirheadsorshrugged.“It’salot.Andthey’respreadallovertheplace.”“It’sawasteoftime,”Maybeckcautioned.“It’sjustasong.”“Youhaveyourassignment,”Finnsaid.“Philbywillstayandtrytofigure

outthePark’ssoundsystem.GetontoVMKifyoucanandfindWayne.”HeexplainedhowtousetheDisneyvacationkioskinCampMinnie-Mickey.“Maybehecanhelp.”HeturnedtoAmanda.“YouwillkeepwatchforJezusing

theAnimalCamattheConservationStation.WillawilltakeAriel’sGrottoandMickey’sPhilharMagic—bothinMagicKingdom.I’lltakeNemoandtheVoyageoftheLittleMermaid.Maybeck,youstayandkeepafterthemonkeyandbat.Followthecluesinthediary,workingwithCharlene.Anyproblems?”

Tohissurprise,noonecomplainedortriedtochangetheassignments.Maybeheactuallywastheleader.

“Allofushavetostudythispagefromthediary.Weeachhaveacopy.Weneedtowritedownwherewe’veseenanyoftheseanimals,orimagesoftheseanimals.Thisbuildingshedrew…thisdudewearingaturban.AndI’llcallRob,sincehisnamekeepscomingup.”

Hemeteyes—tiredeyes—withMaybeck,andsawMaybeck’sfrustrationandimpatience.

“I’mopentosuggestions,”Finnoffered.Asilencehungheavilyintheair.Itwasbrokenbythemusicbeginningagain.“UndertheSea.”Playingnow

forthethirdtimeinarow.“Twohours,”Maybecksaid.“Wemeetbackhere.”“Agreed,”Finnsaid.Thekidsscattered.

26

LIKETHEOTHERS,WillahadputherAnimalKingdomCastMembercostumeonoverherregularclothes.She’dslippedoutoftheAKcostumeandhadtuckeditintoabushoutsidethegatesoftheMagicKingdom.UsingtheIDWaynehadgivenher,shewasadmittedthroughtheCASTMEMBERONLYline.

Shestoppedatapayphoneandcalledhermother.Thiswascritical,becauseshedsneakedoutintheearlyhoursofthemorningbefore,sayingshe’dgonetoMass.Shedidthisonherownperiodically—somethinghermotherfound“dear”—sosheknewitwouldn’traiseasuspicion.Hermotherwasnolongerachurchgoer,notsinceherfather’saccident,sotheonlyexcuseshehadtomakenowconcernedwhatshewasdoingwithhermorning.

“I’matDisneyWorld,”shetoldhermother,settlingforthetruth.Forallsheknew,thepayphone’scallerIDhadalreadygivenheraway.

“Butyou’renotallowed.They’llpullourpassiftheycatchyou.”“It’simportant.”“Whatcouldbethatimportant?”“I’mdoingitforafriend.”“Doingwhat?”“Research.”“You’renottangledupwiththoseotherkidsagain,areyou?”“They’remyfriends,Mom.”“Theygotyouintoalotoftroublelasttime.”“I’llbehome…later.I’llcallifit’sgoingtobeafterdark.”“Itisnotgoingtobeafterdark,younglady.Iwantyouhomebyfive.”“Ican’tpromisethat.”“Youcan,andyouwill.I’mstillyourmother,andifIsayfive,thenit’sfive.

Andremember:stayawayfromtheMagicKingdom.Iftheymakeusgivethatmoneyback…”

“Theywon’t,Mom.I’llcall.Iloveyou,Mom.”Shehungup.Hermotherhadn’tbeenherselfsincetheaccident.Insomewaysthetwoofthemwerecloser;inotherwaysthey’dkindoftradedroles:Willafeltmoreliketheparent.

Shewonderedwhycertainthingshappenedinlife—happenedtosomepeoplebutnotothers.WhyhadshebecomeaDHI?Howverydifferentherlifewouldbehadsheneverauditionedforthepart.Nowshewascaughtupinsomethingfewwouldbelieve;shedidn’tevenbelieveitherselfsomeofthetime.Rescuingagirlwhocoulddreamthefuture?Itsoundedsostupid.Andyet…

ShekeptherheaddownonthewaytoAriel’sGrotto.Ifshewasspotted,she’dbemobbedbyautographseekers.IfbustedbySecurity,theywouldthrowheroutandtakeaction.Shehopedthelittlebitofmakeupshehadonwouldhelpdisguiseher.Shepromisedherselftokeepalowprofileandgetthisoverwithasquicklyaspossible.

ShechargedaprincesswigandDisneyhatontohercreditcard.Akhaki-coloredbaseballcap,itwasalittlelargeforherhead,butithelddowntheredwigandhidherfacewell.ShewalkedbrisklyandturnedoffMainStreetassoonaspossible,cuttinginalongtheMonster’s,Inc.LaughFloorandloopingaroundtowardthegrotto.Notasingleglanceinherdirection.Thedisguisewasworking.

ShestoppedatthetentlikestructurebearingthenameARIEL’SGROTTOandstudiedthemarquee.ItheldjustthetwowordswithanimageofArielbetweenthem.Somefakeflagsflew.

Ifsherememberedcorrectlyfromthenightbefore,theArielparadefloatwasadornedwithcolorfulsculpturesofSebastian,Scuttle,Triton,andUrsula.DidJez’smusicalcluehaveanythingtodowiththeparade?

Afteralongwaitinline,shestoodinsidethegrotto,wheregirlslineduptomeetArielandhavetheirpicturestakenwithher.Shewasposedinsideagiantclamshell.

“UndertheSea,”Willawasthinking,searchingforapossibleconnectiontoJez’sdisappearance.Thesongplayedrepeatedlyinsidethegrotto.Withit,shefeltatangibleconnectiontothemissingJez.

SomethinginhereisimportanttoJez.…Shemadeherselfbelievethis,havingnoideawhetherornotitwastrue.Shewasnowthirdinline,behindmotherswiththeirdaughterslinedupto

gettheirphotostaken.BehindAriel,largecolorfulstarfishclungtotheaquamarinewall,andnexttoherwasasmallwoodenchest.

Nothinghereseemedofinterestsaveforthechest,thepossiblecontentsofwhichintriguedher.Whatwasinthechest?Itlookedtobenothingmorethanaprop—somethingforyounggirlstoleanagainstwhilegettingtheirphotostaken.Butoh,howWillawantedalookinside.

Shesteppedforward,nowsecondinline.Agirlandhermothergottheirpicturetaken.TheCastMemberplaying

Arielwasbeautiful.Shespokepolitelytoboththemotheranddaughter,thenglancedaheadtoWilla.

ShemotionedWillaforward.“Ithinkwehavesomethingincommon,”shesaidsoftly.She’dseenpastthe

wigandhair,recognizingWilla.“Don’ttell,”Willapleaded.“Please?”“Noway!”Thenlouder,forotherstohear.“Wouldyoulikeyourpicture

taken?”“Iforgotmycamera.”“Well,then.”ArielextendedherhandforWillatoshake.“Nicetomeet

you.”Sheloweredhervoice,“Yoursecret’ssafewithme.”“Ihaveafavortoask,”Willasaid.“I’mreallyjusthereforhandshakesandphotographs.”“Thetreasurechest,”Willasaid,pointingtothewoodentrunk.“What’s

inside?”“Noidea.”Realizingotherswerelistening,sheaddressedeveryone.“I’ve

neveropenedit.”“Couldyouplease?”“I’veneverbeenasked.”“Ifyoudon’tmind?”Willasaid.Arielclearlydidn’tknowwhattodo.Shekepthercomposure,buthereyes

wanderedasifahandlermightstepforwardtohelpher.Infact,thatwasexactlywhathappened.

“MayIhelp?”ayoungwomanasked.“Thisyoungladywouldlikemetoopenthetreasurechest,”Arielexplained.“It’simportant,”Willasaidinawhisper.Thoughthecompanyhadneverpubliclyacknowledgedtheworkthe

KingdomKeepershaddonetosavetheMagicKingdom,wordhadspreadthroughthecommunity.Therewerefewthatdidn’tknowthestorybynow,bothinsideandoutsidethenetworkofParkemployees.Abookhadbeenwrittenandpublishedasfiction,butmanyknewthetruth.

“Howimportant?”Arielasked.Willaraisedthebaseballcap,revealingherself.Ashockofrecognition

overcamethegirl.Willahopedthiswastherightthingtodo.Sheloweredhervoice.“DidyouhearaboutTinkerBelllastnight,duringthefireworks?”

Ariel’seyeswidened,andshenodded.“Whatisgoingonhere?”thehandlerwhisperedhotlyintoWilla’sear.“What?Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”“Don’tgivemethat!FirstCaptainHookcomesthroughourlinenosing

aroundwherehedoesn’tbelong,andnowyou?Andnotfifteenminutesapart?Whatisitwithyoupeople?”Sheleanedinevencloser.“Areyouinspectingusorsomething?”

“CaptainHook?”“Don’tgivemethat.”“Whatdidhewant?”“CaptainHook’sawalkaround.Hedoesn’ttalk,incaseyou’veforgotten.

HowwouldIknowwhathewanted?”“Hewasjusthere?”“Theyneverusedtopullsurpriseinspections,”thehandlercomplained.

“AndIdon’tlikeit.”Willatriedtoprocessallthatshewasbeingtold.TheOvertakers?Here

beforeher?AlsointerestedinAriel?Why?“Youwantyourpicturetakenwithme?”Arielasked.“Itwouldbean

honor.”She’dopenedthetreasurechestforWilla:empty.Willafeltherheadspin.ShehadtobeatCaptainHook—orwhoeverhewas

—toMickey’sPhilhar-Magic.“I’mfine!”sheshoutedoverhershoulder,alreadyhurryingaway.

27

FINNARRIVEDATHOLLYWOODSTUDIOSbone-tired,wellawarethatifheoranyoftheotherKingdomKeepersfellasleep,theymightnotbeseenagain.Ever.Worse,Jez’sdisappearancepressuredallinvolvedtofindherquickly.Hewasgoingtobeintroubleifthiswentonmuchlonger.Hedidn’tputitpasthisparentstogolookingforhimatBlizzardBeach.Whentheyfailedtofindhimthere…

HehurrieddownHollywoodBoulevardtowardMickey’sgiantsorcererhat,whichtoweredone-hundred-and-twentyfeetoverthecentralplaza.Hehadhishisowncapbrimpulleddownlowoverhissunglassesashekeptaneyeoutforanykidsrecognizinghim—hedidn’tneedthat.Hewouldtakeevasiveactionifnecessary.Heidentifiedpossibleescaperoutesineachdirection.

WhilecheckingoutaKodakshoptohisleft,hespottedalargeblackcrowonthebuilding’sroof.Thebirdwascertainlybigenoughtodrawattentiontoitself,butFinn’scuriosityrandeeper:itseemedtobestaringathim.Thebirdhaditsheadcockedsothatitslargeblackeyewastraineddown,notjustonthestreetbutonFinn.AsFinnmoved,sodidthebird’shead.AsFinnhurriedupthestreet,thebirdflewandfollowed,buildingbybuilding.

Finnmightnothavetakenanynoticeorinterestinastupidcrow,buthecouldn’tignoreMaybeck’staleaboutbeingattackedoutsidethebatenclosurebyaflockofbirds.He’dbeenbittenbadlybyaparrotonceandcouldrememberitasifitwereyesterday.

Now,hurryingtotheVoyageoftheLittleMermaid,itseemedprettyobviousthatthecrowwasfollowinghim.This,inturn,madehimsearchtheareatoseeiftherewereanyotheranimalsnearby.HespottedagroupofchickadeesinatreeoutsidetheBrownDerby—buttheydidn’tseemparticularlythreatening.Asolojaystoodwatchfromaroofoverlookinganicecreamvendor.Finn’sdistractionwiththeanimalscausedhisattentiontofalter.

Heheardthevoicetoolate.“Aren’tyou…him?”Aboyoftenoreleven.Hisparentsstoodafewfeetback,hismother’sfacebrightwithexpectancy.Finnglancedaround.Howhadtheboypossiblyrecognizedhim?Hedidn’twantthis

togetoutofhand;sometimessigningasingleautographcouldstartabigline.“DoyouliketheMagicKingdom?”Finnaskedtheboy,whothennodded

vigorously.“TheKingdomKeepers,”theboysaid.“You’reFinn.Youbeatup

Maleficent.”Finnbitbackasmirk.“Nothardly.Thosearejuststories,”hesaid,accepting

anautographbookfromtheboy.“I’llsignthis,butonlyifyoupromisenottotellanyone.”Heloweredhisvoiceandsaidconspiratorially,“I’mhereonamission.”

Theboy’seyewentwide.Heshookhishead,tooawedtospeak.“Good.”Finnledtheboyovertothesidewalk,wherehecouldsignthe

autographbookwithhisbackturnedtothestreet.IntheDisneyParks,anyonesigninganythingattractedattention.

Theboyfollowed.AsFinnputpenciltopaper,hebrieflyglancedupandintothereflectioninthestorewindow.Threebrooms,oneholdingabucketofwater.Hespunquicklyaround,droppingtheautographbook.Theboybenttoretrieveit.

Thebroomsstoodfacinghim.“Thankyou!”theboysaid,cherishinghisautograph.Finnhadnearlyforgottenabouthim.“Noproblem.”Thensomethingoccurredtohim.“Youseethosebroomsoverthere?They

lookrealfamiliar,butIcan’trememberwhy.…”“Fantasia,”theboysaid.“Fantasia,”Finnsaid.“Idon’tthinkI’veeverseenthatone.”“It’saprettyweirdmovie,”theboysaid.“Thebroomsshowupin‘The

Sorcerer’sApprentice,’Ithink.Mickey,theapprentice,can’tcontrolthemagic—youknow?Itgetsalloutofhand.Thebroomsarepartofthat.”

Uncontrollablemagic,Finnthought.Yes,heknewexactlywhatthatwasabout,justlikeuncontrollableholograms.Thebroomswerethereforhim.Hefeltcertainofitallofasudden.

Finnthankedtheboy,whoranbacktohismother’sside.WerethebroomspartofParkSecurity?Weretheygoingtobusthimfor

beinginthePark?Orweretheysomethingmoresinister:uncontrollablemagic?Thebroomsswepttheirwayacrossthestreetanddrewcloser.Hewalkedquicklyaway.Helookedback:thebroomsweredefinitely

following.Upahead,heheardmusicfromHighSchoolMusical.Ahugecrowdof

onlookersformedahalfmoonaroundastreetshowofcheerleadersandbasketballplayersdancingandsinging.

Finnworkedhiswayintothedensecrowd,gladtoseethebroomsstopattheback.Butthenthethreesplitup.Theonewiththebucketwentaroundthecrowdinonedirection;onestayedput;theothersweptoffintheoppositedirection.Hewassurrounded.Iftheyweren’tSecurity,thentheyweresomethingmuchworse.

TheleaderoftheHighSchoolMusicalstreetshowcalledforvolunteerstodancewiththem.Anumberofkidsraisedtheirhands.Finnfollowedoneofthekidsasthemusicstarted.Hekepthisbacktothecrowdandheadedtowardthemovablestage.

Thebroomsallweretrappedwiththecrowd.Finndodgedhiswaythroughthecheerleadersandduckedbehindthestage.

Hehurriedthroughtheplazabeneaththesorcerer’shat,runninghardnow.HearrivedatTheGreatMovieRide.

Thebroomsregroupedandmovedthroughthecrowd—buttheydidn’tseemtobeinanyhurry.

Finnenteredtheride.Hewasdirectedintooneofthecars,joiningafamilyofthreeonalongbench.Heloweredhisheadtokeepfrombeingseen.Buthelookeduptostealapeektowardtheentrance.

Forsomereason,thebroomshadn’tfollowedhiminside.

28

TWENTYMINUTESLATER,withnosignofthebrooms,FinnjoinedthelineforVoyageoftheLittleMermaid.Theceilingwaspaintedtolooklikewater.Hisheartbeatexcitedly:hewas“underthesea.”

Therewasnotellingwhathemightfind.Bigorsmall,ordinaryoroutoftheordinary,itcouldbeanything.

Heheardacommotionbehindhim—thepeoplewaitingforthedoorstoopenwereoohingandahhing.Finnturnedcarefullyaroundandspottedthethreebrooms.Theydancedandbowedandentertainedastheyprogressivelymovedcloser.

Finnnudgedpastseveralpeople.“Excuseme…Igotcutofffrommyfamily…pardonme…I’velostmyfamilyandIthink…”Heneverquitecompletedasentence,thinkingthismadeeachexcuselessofalie.

Peoplecomplained,butnoonephysicallystoppedhim.Hepushedtotheveryfrontoftheline,puttingagooddistancebetweenhimselfandthebrooms.Whatdidtheywant?hewondered.Wouldtheypossiblytrytohurthimwithallthesepeopleaswitnesses?

Thedoorsswungopen.Finnhurriedacrossarowinthemiddleofthelargeauditorium.Ifhekeptgoinghe’dhavereachedtheseatsclosesttotheexitdoors,buthewasafraidhemightbemoreeasilyspottedthere.Sohetookaseatnearthemiddle.

Thetheaterfilledquickly.Thebroomsappearedattheendoftheline.Theyspreadoutandmovedalongthewalltothebackoftheauditorium.

Beforehehadtimetothink,thelightsdimmedandthetheaterwentdark.Verydark.Asanartificialrainbegantofall,Finntookachanceandpeekedoverhisshoulder.Thebroomsseemedtobewatchingtheshowalongwiththecrowd.Awetmistblewfromthestage,surprisingtheaudience.Achildcriedout.Thentherewerelaughsastheaudiencesettledinfortheshow.Thethememusicrangout:“UndertheSea.”

ThesongwastheconnectiontoJez,andFinnsearchedthestageforpossiblecluesasdozensofbrightlycoloredseacreatures,glowinginthepitchblack,

beganswimmingacrossthestagetothemusic.Arielarrivedonstage,andtheaudienceapplauded.

Flashesofcolordrenchedtheauditorium.Hestolealooktotheback:onlyonebroom.

Hefoughtoffasenseofpanic.There!Midwaydowntheauditorium,abroomoneachside.Tohisrelief,theystillappearedfocusedontheshow,nottheaudience.Toplayitsafe,heloweredhisheadandpulledthebrimofhiscapdownfarther.Howlonguntiltheyspottedhim?Andthenwhat?

Thecrowdlaughed,butnotFinn.Acellphonerangintheaudience.Severalheadsturnedinhisdirection.His

father’sBlackBerrywasringinginhispocket.He’dforgottenallaboutit.Hefumbledwithitandshutitoff,butbythetimehehad,itseemedasifhalfthetheaterwerelookingathim.

Includingthetwobroomsoneitherside.Themusicgrewlouder.Theauditoriumdarkenedonceagain.Finndroppedtoallfoursandbegancrawlingtohislefttowardtheexit

doors.Guestsmovedtheirlegstoallowhimpast,creatingacommotion.Astormeruptedonstage.Finnreachedtheendoftheaisleandhesitated.Lightfloodedthetheater.Peopleapplauded.

Finnjumpedupandmadefortheexit.Heranstraightforthebroomandpusheditover.Hittingtheblindingsunlight,hetookoffatafullrun,unwillingtolookback

toseeifacrowwasfollowing,orabroomchasinghim.Itseemedtohimhe’dpickedupnothingofvalue.Awasteoftime.

Ormaybenot,hethought.HadtheOvertakersbeenfollowinghim?Whyhadthebroomsseemedmoreinterestedinthestageshowthaninfindinghim?Maleficent’spowersclearlyextendedthroughoutalloftheDisneyParks—theexistenceofthebroomsconfirmedthatmuch.

OnhiswaybacktoAnimalKingdom,hesentatextwarningtotheothers.FourmemberscheckedinonD-Gamer:Philby,Maybeck,Charlene,and

Amanada.AllbutWilla.Finntriedseveraltimestoreachher,finallygivingupandhopingherDS

wassomehowoff-line.Butitdidn’tmakesense.TherewasfreeWi-FiallovertheParks.Sowhywasn’tsheanswering?

29

WILLATRIEDTOUSEHERIDtojumpthelineforMickey’sPhilharMagic,buttonouse.Soshejoinedalonglinethatmovedinwaves,asagroupofthreehundredguestswasadmittedintotheauditorium.

Witheachsurgeintheline,shepassedmoreposters—allwithafunnyplayonwords.Thelinemovedahead,anditwasn’tlongbeforeshefacedtheoneMaybeckhadmentioned.ItshowedArielandTriton,asMaybeckhadremembered.Itwastitled,“AMustSea!”

Aplaqueonthebottomoftheframeread:ARIELBROUGHTPARTOFHERWORLDINTOOURWORLD.…

Willaknewthiswassomehowsignificant.Shesatdowntomakeanoteofit,tocopyitoutexactlyasitwaswritten.

Someofthesmallerkidswerealsowaitingoutthelinebysittingonthefloor.

Jezhadbroughtapartofherworldintoourworld,aswell,Willathought.She’dbroughtherdreamsaboutthefuture.Shehadforeseenthingshappeningintheworldthathadnowtakenplace:thelightningstrikingthecastle,forone.Finnwasright.IftheyweretofindJez,herdrawingsweretheanswer!Theposterseemedtoconfirmit.

Willawrotethenoteandputitinherpocket.Thensheleanedherheadback—justforaminute,shetoldherself—andtriedtothinkofwhatelsethemessagemightmean.Themoresheconcentrated,theheavierherheadbecame.Hereyesbegantoblinkawaythestingingfatigue.

Shefellasleep.Therestwasadream.Shesawherselfbeinghelpedtoherfeetby—ofall

things—twobearsfromtheCountryBearJamboree.Thekidsaroundher,boredwithwaiting,werethrilledtoseethebears.AsshewastakenoutofthelineandthroughaCastMemberdoor,shefeltherentirebodytingle.Notanicetingle,butlikewhenafootfallsasleep—thesamekindoftingleshe’dexperiencedonthenightswhen,fallingasleep,she’dcrossedoverasaDHI.

Wherethebearsweretakinghershecouldn’ttell,buttherewerevoicesand

thesoundofanengine.Afewminuteslatercamethesoundsofcardoorsandmorevoices.Afriendlyvoicewelcomingpeople.SheheardtheAnimalKingdommentioned.Itwasn’tlonguntilshefeltincrediblycomfortable,anditwasquietagain.Beautifullyquiet.Wonderfullyquiet.

Far,farinthedistancesheheardthecallsofexoticanimals—asifsomeonehadAnimalPlanetplayingontheirtelevision.

Wherevershewas,itfeltlikeshecouldsleepthereforever.

30

PHILBYAPPROACHEDTHEDisneyVacationkioskinCampMinnie-Mickey,astone’sthrowfromtheLionKingpavilion.HeclickedonDreamVacationsandtypedinyensidtlaw.PresentedwithaWebpage,hetypedintheaddress:www.dgamer.com/vmk,asFinnhadinstructed.Henextclickedonthelogoandwasaskedforhisusernameandpassword.Amomentlater,tohissurprise,hearrivedatVMK’sCentralPlaza,incontrolofanavatar.Henavigatedtheavatartowardabenchatthecenterofthescreen.

Wayne?hetyped.ButasFinnhadwarned,nothingappeared,onlythequestionmark.Hetypedthenameagain.HisspeechbubbleshowedonlyhisID—philitup—andaquestionmark.Growingimpatient,Philbywalkedhisavatararoundtheplaza.Aminutepassed,feelingmorelikefive.Forathirdtime,hetriedtypingthename.Nothing.

Ashecircledbackaroundtothebenches,aspeechbubbleappearedaboveanavatarwithunusuallywhitehair.Philbycouldn’trememberhavingseenhairthatcolorinsideVMKbefore.

[]:wereyoulookingforsomeone?appearedabovethewhitehead.philitup:unclewait’spen.finnsentme.

[]:followmeAsFinnhaddonebeforehim,PhilbyfollowedWayneonalongtripthrough

theWebsitetoaprivateroomPhilbyhadneverseenbefore.Wayne’savatarshutadoorbehindthem.

[]:wecantalkhere,anythingtypedisencrypted.

philitup:okay.

[]:doyouhaveamessagefromfinn?

philitup:weneedengineeringblueprintsfortheAK,itlookslikeJezmayhavemessedwiththesoundsystem,ificanstudythewayitallworks,maybewecanfindher.

[]:messedwith?

philitup:asong—UndertheSea—wasplayedoverthePA.notonlydoesthatsongnotbelonginAK,butitplayedthreetimesinarow,andamandasaysit’sthesamesingerjezhasonheriPod,notthesingerdisneyuses.

[]:isee.

philitup:finnthoughtyoucouldhelpmegettheplans,ithoughtaboutthatmaintenanceplaceyoushowedus,buthowcanigetpasttheworkers?

[]:youwon’tneedto.besides,thistimeofdayit’stoorisky,there’sabetterway.onceweleavethisroom,we’renolongerencrypted,iwon’tansweranyquestionsoutthere,soi’llexplaineverythingnow.onceweleavehere,you’reonyourown,althoughi’llshowyoutheway.i’llgetyouinside.

philitup:insidewhere?

[]:patience,myboy.Wayne’savatarmovedbacktothedoor.Hetypedinacodethatshowedonly

asasterisksinhisspeechbubble.Thedooropened.Theavatarsteppedoutintothehall,lookedinbothdirections,andreturnedtotheroom,againshuttingandcode-lockingthedoor.

[]:canneverbetoocareful,itwouldappearwe’reallalone,whichisgood.VMKwasnotalwaysagame,originally,theimagineerswantedtocreateavirtualcontrolroomforthevariousparks,essentially,theywerelazy,theywantedawaytofixsmallmechanicalproblems,orstudytheschematicsfromremotelocations—theirhomes,orwhiletheyweretraveling,themoreemployees,themoresetsofplanswereneeded,andthepaperplanswereconstantlychangingandneedingupdatingassystemswereimprovedormodified,aguynamedalexwrightcameupwiththeideaofputtingitallonline,theywouldencryptaccessforsecurityreasons,andeachImagineeroremployeewouldhavehisorherownavatar—amockhumanbeingwithhandsandfeetthatcouldnotonlystudytheschematicsonlinebutcouldcarryoutsomeminimalmaintenanceorswitchingprocedures:openboxes,pullswitches,theareatheycreatedwastermedthevirtualmagickingdom—vmk—andintheirsparetimetheybegantocreategameswitheachother,theybuiltroomsandattractionsintheirvirtualworld,itwasonlymuchlateritoccurredtosomeonetoallowthepublicinside,atthattime,theysealedoffwhattheycallthemechanicals,hidingthembehindencryptedfirewalls,lastyearitbecameapparenttheOvertakersweretryingtocompromiseVMK.thesitewasclosedtothepublic,icangetyouaccesstothemechanicalsifthat’swhatyouwant?

philitup:doesthatincludethemusicsystem?

[]:iwouldimagine,followme.anddon’twriteanythinguntilItellyoutodoso.itisnotbeyondconsiderationthattheovertakersaremonitoringvmk.theyshouldneverbeunderestimated,theyaredeviousandpowerful,andit’sapparenttheywillstopatnothingtocontrolthekingdoms,wemustbevigilant.Philbydidn’ttypeanything.Heguidedhisavatartowardthedoorand

waitedasinstructed.Wayneapproached.Asterisksappearedinhisspeechbubble.Thedoor

swungopen.Philby’savatarfollowedthewhite-headedfigureoutintothehallway.

WayneknewhiswayaroundVMK,takingPhilbytoplaceshe’drarelyvisited.Theyenteredaprivateroomthatdidn’tlookparticularlyinteresting.Philbyrealizedthiswasatrick:thelessinterestingitlooked,thelessinterestedanyonewouldbeinspendingtimeinthere.Waynecodedthedoorshutandthenapproachedthefarwall.Again,asterisksfilledhisspeechbubble.Adoorswungopen,andthelandscapechangedconsiderably.Thewallsandfloorsweresilverandblack.Darkbluesignswithwhiteletteringactedastrailguides:

Theyturnedleft,followingthesignstotheAnimalKingdom.AccessthroughthedoormarkedAKCONTROLrequiredyetanothercodefrom

Wayne.Thedooropened,revealingaroomwithaflowchartprojectedonalargewall.ItremindedPhilbyofawarroom,likehe’dseeninmovies.Theflowchartshowed:MECHANICALS,SECURITY,STRUCTURES,ATTRACTIONS,GATES/ACCESS,BACKSTAGE.UndersomeoftheseweresmallertideslikeASIA,AFRICA,CAMPMM,DINOL.Itlookedlikeagiantoutlineorfamilytree,withbranchesconnectingamaintidetoitssmallersubtitles.

Wayne’savatarclimbedintoacageontheendofalongmechanicalarm.ItremindedPhilbyofthecherrypickersroadcrewsusedtotrimtreesorrepairphonepoles.Waynepulledthedoortothecageshut,andPhilbywatchedashepushedleversandthecagerosetopassinfrontofthetitlesontheflowchart.

HemaneuveredthemtostopatMECHANICALS.Waynereachedoutandpushedagainstthescreen.Immediately,theprojectiononthewallchanged.NowMECHANICALSwaslistedatthetop,andthereweredozensofsubcategories,including—Philbynoticed—PUBLICADDRESSSYSTEM.

Waynereachedoutandtappedthetitle.Theletteringfoldedback,openinganentrancelikeawindowinthewall.

Wayneopenedthecagedoorandledthemthroughthisnewopeninginthewallandintoamassivelycomplexroom.Philbygasped.Heheardhisownvoiceandonlythenwasremindedofwherehewas:standinginasmallhut,inCampMinnie-Mickey.Forthepastfewminuteshehadalmostbecomehisavatar.He’dbeentransported.Hehadn’trememberedwherehewas.Now,glancingbehindhim,helookedoutthroughtheopendoorwayintoCampMinnie-Mickeyandremindedhimselftoremainalert;theOvertakerswerenottobeunderestimated.

Hethenlookedtothescreen;Waynewaswaitingforhim.[]:we’resafenow.

Philbymovedhisavatarforward.Hefacedalargesound-mixerprojectedonthefloorinfrontofhim.Hestudiedit,realizingthiswasaphotographicimage,probablyoftheactualsoundboardsomewhereintheAnimalKingdom’scontrolroom.And,liketherealthing,thevirtualsoundboardwouldnotonlyallowhimtochangevolumeorinputsthroughoutthePark,italsodisplayedcablestoswitchingstationsandthehundredsofspeakersplacedthroughouttheAnimalKingdom.Withaclickofabutton,hecouldthenoverlayeitherasatelliteimageoramapofthePark,makingiteasytoidentifytheexactlocationofthevarioussound-systemelements.Waynewasright:itofferedaneasymethodfortroubleshootingproblemsoridentifyingproblemspotswithoutbeinginthePark.

Slowly,hegotthehangofthetechnology.philitup:whoa…

[]:nooneeveraccusedtheimagineersofbeingstupid.

philitup:thisisincredible,icanfollowanywireanywhere.

[]:andperformtestsonitishouldthinkthatwasthepurposeafterall:long-distancetestingandrepair.

philitup:howmuchtimedoihave?

[]:noonewillbotherushere,takeaslongasyoulike,sincei’vegoneintohiding,ihavenothingbuttime.Philby’smaininterestwastheseparationofthePark’sbackgroundmusic,

dividedintothefivesoundareas.Eachareahaditsownoutput,volume,andtonecontrols.Helocatedtheoutputwiresonthebackofthemixer—virtualspeakerwiresleadingoutintothePark.

philitup:whatarethechancestheOvertakershavejezlockedupinthesoundcontrolroom?shecouldinputheriPodintothismixerprettyeasily.

[]:iwoulddoubtthatbuticangocheckifyoulike.

philitup:check,how?

[]:allthesecuritycamerasareonthescreenoutthere,wherewejustwere:themainscreen,icangointothesecuritycontrolroomandviewanycamerainthepark.Philbyhadanidea.Hewondered…philitup:someofthosecamerasconnecttotheConservationStation,theTVsthatvisitorscancontrol.

[]:theAnimalCams.yes.

philitup:couldirerouteallthesecuritycamerastooneoftheAnimalCams?[]:ifyouknowwhatyou’redoing,isuspectyoucould.

philitup:IdoallthecableTVstuffatourhouse,icanprobablyfigureitout.

[]:let’sfinishuphere,andi’lltakeyouoverthere.

Philbyspentseveralminutesfollowingthespeakercables,quicklydeterminingthatfromwhereheandtheothershadheard“UndertheSea”playingoverthesystem,they’dactuallybeenpartoftheAsiaspeakersystem.Herecheckedthesoundboard,lookingtoseeifhecouldexplainJez’siPodhavingplayedoverthesystem.Thereweresomanyknobsanddialshedidn’tknowexactlywhathewaslookingat.He’dusedGarageBandonhisowncomputer,butthiswasfarmorecomplex.

philitup:she’seitherbeingkeptinthecontrolroomorsomewhereinasia.

[]:asiaisbig.

philitup:tellmeaboutit.I’mdonehere,canyoushowmethesecurityroom?HefeltexcitedasWayneledhimbackouttothecagedlift.Waynedirected

thecagetotheSECURITYtitle,selectedthemenu,andthennavigatedtothecameracontrolroom.SoonPhilby’savatarhadagainpassedthroughawindowinthewallandwasstandinginfrontofanenormoussecondwallofTVscreens.Therehadtobehundredsofthem.Therewasacontrolboardhereaswell.ItonlytookhimafewminutestoconnectamastercablefromthevideocontrolboardtooneoftheAnimalCamconsoleinputs.ThisfedallthesecuritycamerasintoasingleAnimalCamconsoleintheConservationStation.

PhilbywrotetoAmandaonD-Gamer,double-checkinghiswork.Amandalocatedtheconsoleandtookitover.Thrilled,shewrotebackhowshenowhadcontrolofhundredsofcameras.ShecouldviewmostoftheParknow:insidealltheattractions,outsidewalkways,parkinglots.

panda:thisisincredible,philby.thanku.

ShewaitedforPhilbytowriteback.Butnomessagewasreturned.Philbyneverhadachancetoanswerher.Onceagainhe’dlosttrackof

himself—soengrossedinthevirtualworldsofVMKandD-Gamerthathe’dforgottentokeepaneyeonhissurroundings.

Butneartheendoftheirdiscussion,hehadfinallylookedaround.

Andfoundhimselfface-to-facewithaveryangrytiger.

31

OFCOURSE,ATFIRSTPHILBYcouldn’tbelieveit.Atiger.He’dneverrealizedhowbigtheywere:thetigerstoodashighasPhilby’s

shoulder.Orange,black,andwhitestripes,likewarpaint.Itseyeswerehypnotic;hecouldn’tpryhisownawayfromthem.Theystaredathimlikehewas…lunch.

Thetigerblockedthedoortothesmallhut.Therewasnogettingpastit,evenifPhilby’slegshadworked,andatthatmomenthehadnosensationinhislegswhatsoever.Hefeltnothingbuttremendousfearcharginghissystem.Ittookhimovercompletely.Ownedhim.

AtigerlooseintheAnimalKingdom!Wherewerethesirens?Whereweretheanimalpolice?

Heopenedhismouthtoscream,buthisthroatprovedtoodry,andhecroakedoutapatheticnoisethatdidn’tevensoundclosetothe“Help!”he’dintended.

Thetigercockedhishead,lookingathimfromanangle.Sizinghimup.Preparingtoattack,itcrouchedslowlyandsilently.Asgracefullyasadancer,itsquattedontoitshaunches,itslegmusclesflexingasifthereweresteelcablesbeneaththecolorfulhide.

Philbycouldn’ttakeitanymore.Hesquintedhiseyesshutandbracedhimselffortheattack.

Whennothinghappened,heslowlyedgedhislefteyeopenslightly,stealingalook.

Atthatexactmoment,thetigerjumped.Philby’sworldwentdark.Hefeltnothing.

32

FINNARRIVEDTOTHERENDEZVOUSatthespecifiedtime.TherewasatallguyinaDisneycapandgreencoverallshangingoutbythegatetobackstage,andittookFinnamomenttorealizeitwasMaybeck.Withhisfaceintheshadowofthecap,helookedabouttwentyyearsold.Thetwoboysmetupandstoodtotheside,nearthejungle,amazedatthenumbersofvisitorsthatnowjammedthePark.

Speakingunderhisbreath,Finnexplainedhisencounterwiththebrooms.“MaybethebroomsmeantheOvertakersaretryingtocleanthingsup,”

Maybecksaid,amusedbyhisownjoke.Finndidn’tdignifythatwitharesponse.“TheDeVineCharleneisoverbythebatenclosure,”Maybeckcontinued.“Iwalkedaroundtryingtofindstufffromthediary.EndedupbackattheGibbonsTemple,andIgottatellyou,Whitman”—MaybeckalwayscalledFinnbyhislastname—“therewassomeseriousactionoverthere.Bunchoftherangersallmakingastink.FromwhatIoverhead,someorangutanspulledafastone.Oneoftheapessupposedlystoleakey,hiditinhisupperlip,andthenpulledoffajailbreak.Somekindofsmarts,theseapes.Sixofthemaremissing.There’ssomeseriousstuffgoingdown,nodoubtaboutit.AndfarasIcantell,we’retheonlyoneswhohaveaclue,andnotmuchofaclueatthat.”

Finncheckedhiswatch.“Where’sPhilby?AndWilla?Philby’sneverlatetoanything.”

“Haven’tseeneitherofthem.Amanda’shangingattheConservationStation,”Maybecksaid.“Philbyhookedupabunchofothercamerassomehow.Sonowshecanseebasicallyeverythinggoingon:theattractions,thepaths,andallthebuildings,insideandout.Butshe’sstuckoutthere.Shecan’tleaveherAnimalCamconsolebecauseshedoesn’twantanyonetodiscoverwhatPhilbyriggedupforher.Whataboutyou?”

“Thethingaboutthebrooms—”Finnsaid,startingtoexplainthewayhe’dfelt.Butthenhecuthimselfoff.

“Yeah?”“Doesn’tmakeanysense.”

“Asifanyofthismakessense!Hello?Tryme,Whitman.”“Okay.SoprettysoonafterIarrivedatHollywoodStudios,Ithoughtthis

crowhadspottedme.Thenthebroomsshowup.Youknow?Buttheydidn’texactlycomeafterme.Theyjustkindoffollowedmethere.AtVoyageoftheLittleMermaiditwasalmostliketheyweretheretowatchtheshow.ThewayIwas.”

“Idon’tgetit,”Maybecksaid.“Yousee?”Finnsaid.“WhentheBlackBerryrangtheysawme.Everybody

sawme.ButIthinkthebroomsweresurprisedtoseemethere.Ormaybetheydidn’tcare.”

“Istilldon’tgetit,”Maybeckadmitted,thoughsomewhatreluctantly.Maybeckpridedhimselfonknowingthingsbeforeothers.

Finnblurtedoutwhathe’dbeenthinkingeversincetheencounter.“MaybethebroomswereatVoyageforthesamereasonIwas:tolookforanswers.Mybeingtherebothconfirmedtheywereintherightplaceandthreatenedthem.”

“Threatenedthemhow?”“Whatifthecrowwassomekindofspy?”“Likethebat,”Maybecksaid.“Yeah!Exactly!Andwhatifthebroomsweresenttofollowme?Sothey

did.UntilTheGreatMovieRide.Theydidn’tfollowmeintothere.Why?”“Ihopeyou’regoingtoanswerthat.”“Becausebymygoinginthere,theywerenolongerworriedaboutme.And

thenwhenIgottoVoyage,theyweren’tevenlookingforme.Itwastheshowthattheywereinterestedin.”

“Theshow,”Maybecksaid.“Listen,I’mnotgettingthis.What’sup?”Finngatheredhiscourage.“IthinktheOvertakersheard‘UndertheSea,’

sameaswedid.”“Meaning?”“Thinkaboutit,”Finnsaid.Hewatchedasthementaltumblersclickedintoplaceandunlocked

Maybeck’sthought.Maybeckspokeslowly.“They’refollowingthemusiccluethesamewayweare…because…they’re…lookingforJez.”

“Sheescaped,”Finndeclared.“Theyhadherinthestumponthesavannah.Weknowthatmuch.Maybeintransferringher,maybesometimebeforetheyevermovedher,shemanagedtoescape.ShehidsomeplacehereinAK.Andforsomereasonyettobedetermined,sheusedthemusicasaclue.”

“She’sstuckinthePark,”Maybecksaid,“andshecan’tgetoutwithoutour

help.Sosheplayedthemusictosendusaclue.”“Weheardit,”Finnsaid,“butsodidtheOver-takers.Webothstarted

lookingatanythingandeverythingthathadtodowith‘UndertheSea.'”“Itmakessense,”Maybeckagreed.FinntriedtheD-Gamerchatroomagain,sendingashout-outtoWillaand

Philby.Butthescreendidn’tchange.Theyweren’tanswering.“Sowhatdowedonow?”heasked.“Wecan’twaitforthemanylonger.MaybethedreamsinJez’sjournalare

supposedtohelpusfindher.”“WeneedWillaandPhilby,”Maybecksaid.“Therearealotofdrawingsto

makesenseof.”Finnsaidwhattheybothwerethinking.“Whatifsomething’shappenedto

them?”Thetwoboysmeteyeswithhorrifiedexpressions.

33

AMANDAPRESSEDTHEright-handbuttononthecameracontrols,zoomingintogetacloserlookatFinnandMaybeck.

TheAnimalCamstations—fourinall—wereenoughlikeavideogamethatshehadimmediatelygottenthehangofit:asmallscreentoherrightdisplayedrowsandcolumnsofthumbnailimages,eachrepresentingadifferentcameramountedsomewhereinthePark.Normally,therewereaboutadozenvantagepointsoffered,allofthemdevotedtothewildlifeondisplayinthePark:giraffes,elephants,tigers.Philbyhadupgradedhers.Scrollingdownthethumbnailscreen,shehaddozensofviewsavailabletoher—maybeahundredormore.Selectingaparticularcameratransferredtheviewtoamuchlargertelevisionscreenmountedateyelevel.Shecouldthenzoominandoutusingthetwobuttonstotheright,ormaneuverthecameratolookleftorright,upordown,usingajoystick.ItprovidedherwithavirtualtourofeveryaspectoftheAnimalKingdom.

Atthemoment,shewaswatchingFinnandMaybeckasshewaswritingtoFinnonD-Gamer.

panda:havenotseeneitherwillaorphilbyoncamera

Finn:canucthecastmemberentrances?

panda:yes.buthavenotseenthem,parkispacked,couldbehere.

Finn:ithinktheotakersmayhaveheardthechangeinmusicsameasus.UwatchhomebaseforPhilyandWila.alsokeepeyeonus.watchourbacks.

panda:cando.

Finnhesitatedbeforewritingthenextmessage.Buthefelthehadtotellher.

Finn:maybeckandithinkthere’sachancejezescaped,itmightexplainsomestuffthat’sbeenhappening,ifso,she’sprobhidinginpark.

Foralongtimethescreenflickered,butnomessageappeared.Hecouldn’timaginewhatAmandamusthavebeenfeeling.

Finn:wecouldbetotallywrong,maybeckandiaregoing2trackdowneachofthediarydrawings,maybeherescapewaspartofherdreams.?????ruok?

panda:scared4jez

Finn:mydad’scrackberrydoestheinternet,iwillgoontovmkandtry2findwayne.maybehecanhelpusfindphilby.

panda:i’llwatch4themandi’llwatchuandmaybecktoo…

Thecursorhesitated.Shewasn’tdonetyping.

…butifsheescaped,whyhaven’tweheardfromher?

Finndidn’thaveananswerforthat.

Finn:?????don’tknow.

AmandazoomedthecamerabackandtriedtostaywithFinnandMaybeckastheyheadedoff.Ittookheraminutetofigureouthowtofollowthem,onecameratothenext—shelostthemtwice—butnotlongafter,shepulleduptheirimagesastheymovedfromcameratocamera.ShepiecedtogethertheroutetheyweretakingtoDiscoveryIsland.Atthesametime,shestudiedthetinythumbnailviews,hopingbeyondhopetocatchaglimpseofhermissingsister.

***

FinnandMaybeckwalkedtheJungleTrekinahurry,thoughnotsofastastostickout.Theykeptabouttenyardsapart;ifoneofthemwasspotted,maybetheotherwouldn’tbe.TheTrekhadanoccasionalparkrangerataneducation

station—theretogivehands-ondemonstrationstothecurious—anyoneofwhommightbeanOvertaker.FinnpaidparticularattentiontoeachoftheserangersasMaybeckpassed,gladtoseethatnoneseemedtotakeanyparticularinterestinhim.

Soon,theyreachedthetiger-viewingyards,wheretheystoodamongtheruinsofanIndiantemple—thejungleandbuildingssoauthenticthat,althoughhe’dneverbeenthere,Finncouldimaginehimselfhalfwayaroundtheworld.Thefootpathroseheretowhereitwasfifteenortwentyfeetofftheground,thewallsofthecrumblingtempleholdingintheParkguests,offeringviewstoeitherside,downintograssyknollsandfields.Intheheatoftheday,thetigershadtakentotheshadeattheedgeofthewallthatcontainedthem.Peoplecrowdedthetemple’sviewingwindowstogetadecentlookatthewildcats.Thearchingwindowsheldnoglassbutweredividedintosmallsquaresasiftheydid,oroncehad.Andwhiletherewasnopushingorshovingtowinthebestview,therewassomeseriouslycompetitiveleaninggoingon.

ButbeforeFinneverreachedtheclotofguestsatthewindows,Maybeckstoppedandpulledhimaside.

“Checkitout!”JustMaybeck’stoneofvoicetoldFinnitwassomethingimportant.

Typically,Maybeckwasmuchtoocooltogetexcitedaboutanything.“Sonofa______.”MaybecksaidawordthatwouldhaveonceagaingottenFinngroundedforaweek.

“Oh…man,”hesaid,whileMaybeckwasbusyunfoldinghiscopyofthepagefromJez’sdiary.

Thetemple’sstonewallheldaseriesofstonecarvings,fourfeetbyfourfeetpictographsshowingdifferentscenes.Theprimitivecarvingswerebeautiful.Oneshowedapersonwithhisorherarmsintheair,andaneagleflyingoverhead.Anotherhadafruittreeatitscenter,withbirdsinthebranchesanddeersurroundingit.Amonkeysatatthebaseofthetreeholdingapieceofthefruit.Thereweretwoothers,bothdepictingaweird-lookingguywithamustachedancingaroundanddoingstrangethings.ButitwastheimageofthemonkeythatcapturedandheldFinn’sattention.

Maybeckpointedtothemonkey.“That’sthemonkeyshedrew,”hesaid.“Itwasn’talivemonkey,itwasthisone.”

“Agreed.”

panda:finn,checkoutthediarypage.

Hequicklytextedbacktoher.

Finn:themonkey?canucwhatwec?

panda:checkoutthewindow,myanglematchesthediaryexactly.

“Thewindows,”FinntoldMaybeck,pointingtotheknotofvisitorsstrainingforalook.HethenfoundtheincrediblysimilardrawingonthephotocopyofthediaryandpointedthisouttoMaybeckaswell.

HeandMaybeckmovedtowardthecrowd.“Igottatellyou,”Maybecksaid,“untilnow,Iwasn’tbuyingthatJezcould

dreamthefuture.”“Andnow?”Finnasked.“Yeah,well.Aperson’sgotarighttobewrong.”

34

FINNANDMAYBECKsteadilypushedtothefrontofthethronggatheredatthewindowsoverlookingthetigeryards,whereablanketofgreengrasswasinterruptedbysometreesandrocks.Ahugetigressslumberedinthethickshadeofabamboostand,herbackagainstthetallrockwallthatcontainedher.Jezhadsketchedboththiswindowandthesculpturereliefsthey’djustbeenstudying,meaningthislocationhadplayedasignificantroleinherdreams.

Butwhatrole?Finnwondered.“Itcouldbeshe’shidinginthetigeryards,”FinnsaidquietlytoMaybeck.“Youseeheroutthere,doyou?”Maybeckasked.“No.But—”“That’sbecausesheisn’tthere.”“Butitmakessense.Shewouldn’texactlybeabletomoveifshewasstuck

inthere.Notwithtigersroamingtheplace.”“Whitman,lookaround.”Finnmovedtotheoppositesideofthewalledbridgedividingthetwotiger

yards.Hedidn’thavetochallengeanycrowds,becausethereweren’tany.Thereweren’tanytigersseenfromthisside.

“Convinced?”Maybecksaidfrombehindhim.He,too,hadswitchedsides.“Butwhywouldshehavedrawnboththewindowandthemonkey?Canyou

explainthat?”Finnaskedanxiously.“Theyhavetomeansomething.”“Shedrewalotofstuff:adinosaur,themonkey,thewindow,abat,someold

dude.Howarewesupposedtoknowwhatitallmeans?”“That’sjustthepoint,”Finnsaid.“Wearesupposedtoknowwhatitmeans.

We’resupposedtofigureitout.We’resupposedtohelpher.”“Maybeit’sabouttheanimals,notthelocations,”Maybecksuggested.

“Somethingtodowithmonkeys,tigers,anddinosaurs.Whatdotheyhaveincommon?”

“Nothing,”Finnsaid,“exceptthatthey’reallpartoftheAK.”“Theserver!”Maybecksaidexcitedly.“Thesecondserver.Didn’tWayne

tellyoutheplanwasto—”

“MakeanimalsintoDHIs!”Finnshoutedalittletooloudly.“You’reright.”HepulledoutthepageofJez’sdiaryandstudieditagain.“Whatiftheseanimalsaretheonesthey’returningintoDHIs?Jezsawtheminherdreams.Theymeantsomethingtoher,somethingimportant.”

MaybeckwrotetoAmandaontheDS.

mybest:amanda.howmanytigersuc?

panda:3

mybest:finnandmethinksomeanimalsmayBDHIs.

FinnjoinedtheD-Gamerchatroom.

Finn:otakersmightusedhis2fakeusout.

mybest:maleficentcannotbetrusted,shecouldhavemadeadhiofherself2useasdecoyorsomething,noway2know.

panda:shewantscontroloftheparks,itmakesmoresenseshewouldusethedhis2scaretheguests,or2putusintosbs.shedoesn’twantusaround,that’s4sure.

Finn:andwithjezbeingabletoseethefuture,she’sarealthreat,whatifsheknowswhatMaleficenthasplanned?

panda:thatwouldexplainwhymaleficentwants2controlher.

Finn:thediarydrawingsofanimalsmaybe2warnus2watchoutforthisorsomething.

panda:no.it’smorethanthat,herdreamsinvolveher.haveueverhadadreamthatyou’renotin?never!thediaryisaboutherdreams,herlife.

Thescreenflickered.Shewasn’tthroughtyping.

panda:…there’satruckbeingunloadedbehindthebatenclosure.2cages…bothwrappedwithtarps.

mybest:doesn’tmeananything.

panda:listentome!thetruckdriverhasamonkeyonhisarm.alivemonkey,theparkwouldneverallowamonkeytoberunningaroundloose,thesecastmembersarefakes.

mybest:howbigrthecages?

panda:big!bigenoughforalargedogor…awildcator…

Maybeckinterruptedbytypingquickly:

mybest:philbyandwilla!

Finn:amanda,watcheverycamerainthatarea,we’reonourway!

35

FINNANDMAYBECKmadetheirwaytowardthebatenclosure,justdownfromthetigeryardalongthewinding,darktrailoftheMaharajahJungleTrek.Bugsbuzzedpasttheirheadsastheheatenvelopedthem,makingtheircheststightandtheirbreathshort.Birdscriedoutandflutteredpast,winningMaybeck’sunflinchingattentionasherecalledhisearlierhorrifyingexperience.HisDSbeepedandhecheckedforthemessage.

panda:thebackstagecamera@thebatenclosurejuststoppedworking.

“Thatcannotbeacoincidence,”MaybeckwhisperedtoFinn.“Thatcamerawassabotaged.Something’sgoingonbackthere,andweneedtoknowwhatitis.”

angelface13:hey,guys,rightbehindu.

Finnspunaround,lookingforher.

angelface13:2yourleft.

Finnglancedinthatdirection.Finnsawherfirst:apalergreenshapeamidthedarkgreenofthe

undergrowth.Shewasonthestiltsandtenfeetintothejungle,allbutinvisiblethankstothetwistingvineofleavesthatdisguisedher.Itwasonlywhenshemadeaslightmotionthathewasabletospother.TheboysmovedclosertothejunglesotheycouldtalktoCharleneinawhisper.

“I’vebeenkeepinganeyeontheenclosureasMaybeckasked,”shesaid.“There’sbeenalotofactivity,alotofcomingandgoingthroughthosedoorsattherear.Theworkershavepaidparticularattentiontothatbigbatneartheredflagonthefarleft.Twicethey’vecarriedhimthroughtothebackandthen

returnedhimoutfront.Idon’tknowifthat’stheonethatwasinthepillowcase,but…itmightbe.”

FinnandMaybeckweren’twheretheycouldseewellintotheenclosure.Maybeckwalkedsteadilyclosertotheviewingstation,leavingFinnbehind.Hepositionedhimselfwithadecentviewoftheenclosure,thenturnedtowardFinn,andbothshruggedandnodded,asiftosay:It’scertainlybigenoughtobethesameone.

Finnsaid,“Weneedtogetbackthereandfindoutwhat’sinthosecages.”“Noway!”Maybeckprotested.Charleneasked,“StillnosignofWillaandPhilby?”“No,”Finnansweredwithaheavyheart.“IthinkIhaveanidea,”Charlenesaid.“Awaytofindoutwhat’sgoingon

backthere.”Finn,surprisedbyCharlene’soffer,turnedtowardthejungletofaceher—

thoughbecauseofthewaysheblendedin,hefounditdifficulttoseeher.Maybeck’sattentionremainedfullyfocusedontheenclosure.HeandCharlenewereopposites:Maybecktendedtoreacttooquicklytosituationsandlikedtoworkasaloner;Charlenerarelycontributedindiscussions,andwhenshedidparticipate,enjoyedworkingaspartofateam.

“Whatareyouthinking?”Finnasked.“I’mgoingtoneedadiversion,”Charlenewhispered.“Somethingbig.

Somethingeveryonewillwatch.Andbyeveryone,Imeaneverylastbirdandcaterpillar,andespeciallythepeopleandbats”

36

INGENIOUS,FINNTHOUGHTashemovedthroughtheswingingdoorsandintotheforwardviewingbooth.Therewerethreelevelsofviewingofferedatthebatenclosure,threeopen-airroomsconstructedofdarkwoodthatledtheParkguestclosertotheriskofcontactwiththeflyingrodents.Thefirstviewingroomofferedglasswindows;themiddleroom,screens;andthefinalroom—moreofalongbooth—nothingbutwell-spacedverticalwoodenbarstokeepthelargebatsatbay.ThebarswereclearlywideenoughforFinntopokehisheadthrough,yettoonarrowfortheextendedwingsofthelargeAfricanbats.

Finnkepthiscappulleddownsnugly,hopingtoavoidbeingrecognized;thatwasthekindofdistractionhecoulddowithout.Theviewingroomwasstaffedbyacollege-agegirlinaranger’suniform.Presently,shewasansweringthequestionsoftwoyoungboyswhohadtoomuchenergyforsuchasmallspace.Theirmotherseemedunwillingtocontainthem,whichservedFinn’spurposewell.Heslippedthecaseoffhisfather’sBlackBerryandsteppedclosetotheopen-airviewingwindows,hoistingthephonetotakeapicture.Hepresseduptothebars,awarmbreezestrikinghim,andcaughtafleetingandexasperatedglancefromtheranger,whowasfindingherpatiencetaxedbythetwoboys.

Finnpurposelyfumbledwiththephoneandcase,allowingthecasetoslipoutofhishandsandfallthroughthebars,downintotheenclosure.Hepocketedthephone.

“Mycase!”heshouted.Hejumpedupontothesillandbegantosqueezehimselfthroughthebars.

Finnwasrelativelyslightofbuild.Heactuallygotpartwaythroughthebarsbeforetheranger’sstronghandgraspedhimbytheupperarm.

“GETOUTOFTHERE!!”thegirlscreamedatthetopofherlungs,pullingonhim.“YOUCAN’TGOINTHERE!!!AREYOUOUTOFYOURMIND?”

TheeffectwasexactlywhatCharlenehadhopedfor:everyhumaneyewasdrawntoFinn;someofthebatswerespookedbytheranger’sadmonishments.Forafewpreciousseconds,therangerpulledandFinnresisted.

“Mycase!”hehollered.

“GETDOWNFROMTHERE!”Finnstoleonequickglance.MaybeckhelpedCharlene,onstilts,throughthe

jungledoorandintotheenclosure.Charlene’sivy-cladcostumepushedupagainsttherocksatthefarendoftheenclosure,andwithinsecondsamiracleoccurred:shedisappeared.DeVine’scostumefitintotheenvironmentsowellthatherformappearedasivygrowinguptherocks.Therewasnomistakingthiswhatsoeverforagirlonstilts.Thechangewasextraordinary.

Finn,apologizingandcomplainingatthesametime,allowedhimselftobedrawnbackintotheviewingroom,actuallygratefulfortheranger’sefforts,sincetheswirlingbatsswoopedanddovetoocloseforcomfort.Therangerscoldedhimbriefly,thenpromisedtohavehislostcaseretrieved.Shetriedtocontactsomeoneoverherheadset,butclearlytherewasnoanswer.Shedouble-checkedboththeheadsetandtheradioitwaspluggedinto,obviouslyannoyedbythelackofresponse.

Sheblushed,apologized,andaskedFinntostickaround.“Idon’tknowwhyI’mnotgettinganyonebackthere,”shesaid.

Ido,Finnthoughttohimself.Thepeoplebehindthatdoorarenotthepeopleyounormallyworkwith.Ifthey’reevenpeopleatall…

Onceagain,hiseyesstrayedtothefarsideoftheenclosure,wherehesawthattheivypatchontherockshadmigratedafewfeetfartheralong,ayardortwoclosertotheenclosure’scenterdoors.Charlenewasmovingsoincrediblyslowly,soexpertly,thatitwasimpossibletodetecthermovements.Theivyseemedtobegrowingandextendingallonitsown,blendinginperfectlywiththeivyalreadythere.

37

WITHHERBACKTOafalserockwall,CharlenewatchedFinnbeinggrabbedbytherangerintheviewingbooth.Thegirlstoppedhimfromjumpingintotheenclosure,andthenthetwohadwords.CharlenethoughtthatFinnseemedtobelookingrightatheracoupleoftimes,andshewonderedhowgoodajobshewasdoingatblendingin.

Withherfacepaintedcamouflagegreen,white,andbrown,onlythewhitesofhereyesthreatenedtogiveheraway;soCharlenetriedtokeephereyesaverted.Butitwasn’teasy.Jangledbyrawnerves,sheinchedherwayalongthewall,tryingnottolookatthebats.Shehatedbats,andtheonesintheenclosurewerethesizeofbowlingpins:big,gray,wingedrats,hangingupsidedownfromclotheslines.Aslongastheykepttheirdistance,shethoughtshecouldmakeit.

Theonlypeoplewhomightspotherwerethoseintheviewingstation:theParkvisitorsandtheranger.Whenshedidlookup,itwastowardthebooth.Shedidn’tknowifAmandahadacameraaimedather,andshe’dlostsightofMaybeck,whowassomewhereofftoherrightnearthejungledoor.Shewasonherown:fencedinwithseveraldozengiantbats,inaplacethatsmelled…well,funky…tryingtoslowdanceherwaycleararoundthecurveofthesmooth,irregularrockwalltothecenterdoors.

Sheinchedastilttoherleft,steppedtheotheralong,andthenfroze,allowinghervinestoblendinwiththosegrowingontherocks.Then,aminuteortwolater,shemovedagain.Sheandthevinescreptahead,noonethewiser.

Finnleftthebooth,andMaybeckappearedoutonthepathwithhim.Theybothglancedonceinherdirection.ShesawFinnlifthisDS,signalingforherthatatextwascoming.

Finn:can’tcuatall,Charlie,greatjob,we’rehereifuneedus.

Thetwoboyswalkedoff.ItwasthefirsttimeFinn,oranyoneelseforthatmatter,hadevercalledher

Charlie,andsheactuallylikedthenickname.Therewassomethingpleasing

aboutit,somethingincrediblypersonalthatmadeherfeelespeciallygoodaboutit.Shehopeditmightstick,providingshegotoutofherealive.

Theleftstiltcaughtonarockasshemoved,andtherockshotoutfromunderitlikeawetbarofsoap,raisingapuffofdust.This,inturn,startledthebats,alreadyedgyfromFinn’sdistraction.Threeoftheuglythingsflewstraightforher,comingtowardherfaceatincrediblespeed,flyingcloseenoughthatshecouldseenotonlytheblackglass,buttonlike,beadyeyes,butthetinygrayhairsthatsurroundedtheirrattyfaces,andtheeerietranslucenceoftheirwings.Herstomachknotted,herheadswooned,andascreambubbledupfromherlungs.Shekeptsilentonlybysnappingherlipsshutandclenchingherteeth.Thelastofthethreebrushedagainstherhair,dislodgingacarefullyplacedplasticvineandcausingastrandtofallintohereyes—undoingherdisguise.Ifanyonelookeddirectlyathernow,theyweresuretoseealengthofblondhairinexplicablystickingoutfromtheivy—andthatcouldn’tbegood.Sheblewthehairoutofhereyeswithupturnedlipsandmovedmorequicklynow,slippingherwayaroundthecurvingrockwallandnearingthegreendoorsatitscenter.

Shewaspartiallyhiddenbyseveraltreesasshenearedthetwodoors,suddenlyrealizingthatonstiltsshewasmuchtootalltofitthroughwithoutMaybeck’shelp.Beingnearthemiddleoftheenclosure,shewasalsonowthecenterofattention.Withoutherknowingit,theParkguestswerelookingdirectlyather.

Shewasn’tgoingtogetthroughthosedoors,andshe’dcometoofartoturnback.Shelookedup:therockwallrosehighaboveherhead,butthoughitwasunevenandcraggy,therewereplentyofhandholdsvisible.Charleneclimbedtherockwallathergym—sheconsideredherselfsomethingofanexpert.

Thetrickwasgettingherfeetoutofthestiltswithoutbeingseenandthenleavingthestiltsproppedagainsttherocksothatshecouldreturntothemandeffectherescape.Sheeaseddownintoasquat—notaneasybalancingactonstilts—andmanagedtoreleaseherleftfoot.Shefreedherrightfoot,too,andthencarefullysteppedoutofbothstiltstoleavethemrestingagainstthefakerockwall.Someoftheivystrandsthatwrappedaroundthestiltscontinuedhigherandmergedintothosethatsurroundedherleotard.Shemanagedtodisconnectthetendrilsonebyone;farmoreweresewntotheleotardandremainedpartofhercostume.Thesealsohelpeddisguiseheras,byhandholdandfoothold,Charleneclimbedhigheruptherockface.Witheachsmallascentshepausedforwhatfeltlikeaverylongtime,allowinghervinestocombinewithrockandmakeitmoredifficulttospother.Shewashelpedoutbythetrees

andvegetationbetweenherandtheviewingbooth.Butsoonsheroseabovethecrownofthenearesttree,clingingtotheoddtextureofthefakerockandstayingclosetothelineofrealivytohelpcamouflageher.

Then,anypossibleroutedisappearedaboveher.Shewasusedtohavingtoplotherwayuparockwall,soshepausedandlookedforapossibleroute.Theonlysmallhandholdsshesawmovedawayfromthepatchofrealivy.Butshehadnochoice.Asshestartedoffinthatdirection,sherealizedshewasheadingdirectlyabovethedoubledoorsatthecenteroftheenclosure.ShewasalsoexposingherselftobeingseenbyParkguests,asshewasnowdirectlyinfrontoftheviewingbooths.Becauseofthis,shetriedtomoveincrediblyslowly.Buttheslowclimbingtaxedherstrengthandweakenedher.

Shecouldn’t“creep”betweenhandholdsandfootholds,soshewatchedtheviewingbooths,waitedfortheattentionofthegueststostraytoonesideortheother,andthenmadehermove.

Thedoorsswungopenbeneathher,andaworkersteppedthrough.Onlythendidsherealizethatsomeofthesandytexturewasshreddingoff

thewallwhereherrunningshoestouched.Paintedsandraineddowntowardtheground,fallingrightontheheadofthemanwho’dcomethroughthedoors.Ifhelookedup,hewouldseeher.

Countingonhisentrancetohavedistractedboththeguestsandtheranger,Charlenenolongertookhertime.Shegatheredherstrength,reachedout,andmovedwithaccuracy—threehandholds,twofootholds.Sheclimbedquicklyanddeliberately,clawingherwayuptotheverytopoftherocks,where,enclosedbytheaviary’snetting,shespreadherselfflat.

Thedustsprinkledintothehairofthemanbelow.Heturnedtolookup.Buthesawonlyawall—anemptywall.Hebrushedthesandoutofhishairandcursedthepeoplewho’dbuilttheenclosure.Thedarnedthingwasclearlyfallingapart.

38

CHARLENESCOOTEDTOthefaredgeofthetopofthewallandpeeredoverthelip.Shehadagoodviewthroughthenettingofthebackstagearea.Theenclosure’swoodendoorsopenedontoasmall,courtyardlikeareabetweenthefakerockwallandalargegaragewithaflatroof.Thesteelwallfacingherhadbeenpaintedasabackdroptolooklikerocksandvines.

Shecouldhearagooddealofactivitytoherleftbutcouldn’tseewhatwasgoingon.Shespottedacameramountedafewfeetdirectlybelowherandaimedbackstage;sheassumedthiswasthecamerathatAmandahadmentioned,theoneoutofcommission,aneasyassumption,giventhatthewirerunningfromitwascurrentlyunplugged.

Shereachedundertheedgeofthenetting,almosttouchingthecamera,herfingersgraspingforthedanglingwire.Ifshecouldonlyreconnectit,Amandacouldtakeoverthesurveillance.Itwasnouse—shewastoofaraboveit,andtomoveanylowerwouldriskherbeingdiscovered.ButCharlenewasnotonetobediscouraged.Shesquirmedherupperbodyslightlyfartherofftheledgeandstretchedout,herfingersnowonlyaninchortwofromthewire.

Shelungedandgrabbedholdofit,thewirefirmlyinherhand.Theworkerwhohadenteredtheenclosureonlyaminuteearlier,theman

whosehairshehaddustedwithsand,nowcamebackthroughthetwindoorsandshutthem.TherewasnotimeforCharlenetoretreat.Instead,shehungoverthewallledgedirectlyabovehim,herlefthandholdingthewire,herrightkeepingherselffromfalling.

Themanstoppedandputdownawhitebucket.“Welldone.”Charleneheardthevoice—awoman’ssterilevoice,uncaringandevenrude,

ifutteringtwosmallwordscouldbemadetosoundrude.“Tiehimup,”thesamevoicesaid.Immediatelythreebigmonkeysappearedfromaroundacorner.Fastas

lightning,theyswarmedtheworker.Onetiedandknottedalengthofropearoundtheman’swrists,holdingthembehindhisback.Anothersecuredhis

ankles.Withinseconds,themanwasbound.Thethirdmonkeyleapedatthemanandknockedhimover.Themanfell,andthetwomonkeysimmediatelydraggedhimacrosstheblacktopandproppedhimupagainstametalbox,whilethethirdtiedagagaroundhisopenmouth.

OnlythendidCharlenedetectmovementtoherleft,fromwherethevoicehadbeenheard:aflashofpurplefabricandgreenskin.

Maleficent.Charlenedidn’tactuallyseeher,butshedidn’thaveto.Purpleandgreen

werelikeMaleficent’steamcolors.Whoelsecoulditbe?Withthemonkeys’attentiononthehostage,Charlenereconnectedthe

cameraandwire.Thecameraimmediatelysprangtolife,trackingleft.Charlenequicklyretreatedbacktothetopofthewall,flatteningherself.Shehadachoicenow:shecouldleavethistoAmandaandthecameraor…

Shespunaroundandcrawledinthedirectionofthenoises.Shehadtoseeforherself.Somethingpromptedhertoglancebacktowardtheviewingbooth.FromthisheightshecouldseeouttoseveralsectionsoftheJungleTrekpath.Itsurprisedherhowmuchshecouldsee—includingMaybeckandFinn,who,standingtothesideofthepath,wereshakingtheirheadsfuriouslyather.

Andthensheunderstood:ifshecouldseesomuch,thenParkguestsonthetrail—likeMaybeckandFinn—couldseeheraswell.Butratherthangoback,shecontinuedcrawling,hercuriosityignitedbytheflashofgreenandpurple,bytheeeriesoundofthewoman’svoice,andbyatriooflargemonkeyswhohadactedonorders.Shecrawledpastanarrowwallthatactedlikeabuttress,supportingthefakerockwall.Italsoscreenedthesourceofthenoises,andbyleavingitbehind,shenowsawthroughthenettingwhatallthecommotionwasabout.

FourhairyorangutansweredirectingsmallermonkeyswhileMaleficentstoodintheshadewatching.Themonkeyswereunloadingbagsoficefromalargerectangulartruck.Theywerestackingthebagsintoaheap,andtheicewasmeltinginthesunshineandleakingoutintoalargepuddlethatdisappearedbeneaththetruck.Thewholeoperationlookedsohuman—bossesandworkers.Andyettheseweren’thumansatall.

Thenshesawthetwocages.Big,asAmandahaddescribed.Theysatonthepavement,pushedupnexttothesteelbarn.Bothwerewrappedincanvastarps,butthecanvaswasnotsecuredwellalongthebottom,allowingCharlenetoseeasliceofforestgreenfabricinsidethecage:aranger’suniform.

Willa!

Shecouldn’tseeanythinginsidethesecondcage,butshedidn’tneedto:Philby.Shehadnodoubts.

“Faster,”Maleficentordered.“Weneedmoreroom.Bigger!Ifhe’stofit,itmustbebigger!”

WeretheytakingPhilbysomewhere?SmugglinghimoutoftheParkinanicetruck?Orwasshetalkingaboutsomeotherhostage?

Shetriedtomakesenseofitall:themonkeysclearlyobeyingMaleficent’sordersasiftheyunderstoodher,thecagescontainingherfriends,themeltingpileoficebags,theurgencyinMaleficent’svoice.

Sheknewwhathadtobedone:shehadtountietheworkerandsethimfree.Butdidshedareclimbdownandattemptthat?Wasn’titwrongnotto?Andifshemessedup,ifshegotcaught,wouldsheenduplikeWillaandPhilby?WherewouldthatleaveMaybeckandFinn,exceptfurtherisolated?

Backingupslowlynow,shedecidedthisneededateameffort.ShewasnomatchforthepowerofMaleficent,whohadonce,withnothingbutawaveofherhandsandamumbledincantation,createdanelectronicfencetosurroundCharlene’sfriends.

Theclimbbackdownthewallprovedmoredifficultthanherascent.Shehadjuststrappedherfeetbackintothestiltswhensheheard:“Look,Mommy!What’sthat?”

The“that”washer,ofcourse—theboywaspointingather.Shestoodabsolutelystill.Itfeltlikefiveminutespassed;itwasmorelikethirtyseconds.“What?Where?Thebigonehangingfromtherope?”themotherasked.“Notthebats!Thethingy.Thecreature.Thevinethingy.”Butnoonesawher.Charlenehadblendedintothefoliagearoundher.Afew

minuteslatertheunwillingboywasledaway,stillprotestingthathecouldseethevinelady,andwhycouldn’tanyoneelseseeher?

IttookCharlenefifteenminutestoworkherwayaroundtherockwall,andaseconddistraction—thistimeexecutedbyMaybeck—toleavetheenclosure.

Amomentlater,FinnandMaybeckjoinedher.“So?”Finnasked.“Didyouseeanything?”“We’vegotproblems,”Charleneanswered.“Big…bigproblems.”

39

FINNIMMEDIATELYUNDERSTOODwhatCharleneandMaybeckdidnot:itwasn’tPhilbyandWillainthecages.Notexactly.

Hetookoffdownthejunglepath,forcingMaybecktohurrytokeepupwithhim.Charlenehadbeenaskedtoblendintothejungleandkeepastricteyeonthebatenclosure.HeusedtheDStotellAmandathesamething.NowthatCharlenehadrepairedthesabotagedcamera,Amandahadmoreopportunitytomonitoreventsbackstage.

Thoughwinded,Maybeckkeptup.“What’sgoingon,Whitman?”“You,ofallpeople,shouldknow,”Finnsaid.“Me?Why?”“SpaceMountain.”Maybecksaid,“Whataboutit?”FinnstoppedandpulledMaybecktothesideofthepath,outofearshotof

theotherguestswhopassedinasteadystream.Hespokeinahush.“Whentheytrappedyouinperma-sleep,theyputyourDHIin—?”

“Amaintenancecage!”Maybeckanswered.“Itwasn’tWillaandPhilbyCharlenesaw.ItwastheirDHIs.”

“Exactly,”Finnagreed.“EvensomeoneaswarpedasMaleficentwouldn’tputakidinacagethatsmall.ButaDHIisanotherstory.”

“ButiftheDHIsareinthosecages,”Maybecksaid,“thenwhydon’ttheyjustwalkout?”

“Whydidn’tyoujustwalkoutofthemaintenancecageinSpaceMountain?”“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“ItwaslikeIwashalfasleeporsomething.Until

youshowedup,ithadn’toccurredtome.”“Becausewehadcrossedover,andyouhadnot.Withyourbodyinperma-

sleepIhaveafeelingyourDHIiskindofinthissuspendedstate.Itdoesn’tknowwhat’sup.Remember,WayneprogrammedtheserverthatcontrolledourDHIs.Maleficentisrunningthesecondserver.WhoknowshowtheirDHIsareprogrammed?”

“Soweneedtocrossthembackover,”Maybecksaid.“That’stheonlyway

togetthemoutofthecontrolofthesecondserver.”“Exactly!”“ButwhywouldtheOvertakersdothis?”Maybeckwonderedaloud.“Why

traptheminperma-sleepinthefirstplace?”“There’sonlyoneguyIknowwhocananswerthat.Andhe’salsotheguy

whoholdsthebutton.Theremotecontrolthatcancrossthembackover.”“Wayne!”“IfIcangetthatremotefromhim,andwecangetclosetothosecages,we

canreleasethesleepingWillaandPhilby—wherevertheyare.AndIhappentothinkIknowwheretheyare.”

Maybeckdidn’tdignifythatwithaquestion,buthealsocouldn’twipethecuriosityoffhisface.

“AnimalKingdomLodge,”Finnanswered.“ThosearetheclosestbedstothePark.Youcanreachthelodgefromthesavannah,andweknowtheOvertakersareonthesavannah.”

“I’vegottoadmit:itdoesmakesense,”Maybecksaid.“Whenexactlydidyoufigureallthisout?”

“Backthere,”Finnsaid.“WhenCharlenedescribedthecages,itallfit.”“Andnowwe’reheadedtofindWayne.”“Yeah.There’stheterminalinCampMinnie-Mickey.IcanaccessVMK

there,”Finnsaid.“IthoughtPhilbynevercamebackfromthatterminal.”“Whichiswhywe’redoingthistogether,”Finnsaid.“Charlenewillstayand

keepaneyeontheenclosure.I’llusetheterminaltotrytogettoWayne,andyou’llstandguard.We’llusetheDSs.Youseeanythingweird,youcantextme.”

Theystartedwalkingagain.“Butwhatifwe’rewrongaboutthecages?”Maybeckasked.“We’renot,”answeredFinn.

***

Finn’savatarstoodbythebenchintheVMK’scentralplaza,whileFinnhimselfoccupiedthesmallboothneartheLionKingpavilioninCampMinnie-Mickey.Theairwasburninghot,andhepickedupthesmellofpopcorn,whichmadehimrealizehowhungryhewas.Heknewthatsoonhisparentswouldstarttoworry.Theywouldexpecthimhomefromthewaterpark.Buthehadthingstodo.

Knowingitwouldnotprint,hetypedWAYNEintohisdialoguebox.Sure

enough,itturnedredinthetextframeandwouldn’tprint.Players’avatarsenteredtheplaza,pausingbelowthebillboardsor

circulatingwhilewaitingtomeeteachother.Finn’spatiencewaswearingthinwhenawhite-hairedavatarfinallyappearedfromhisright.Wayne’savatarneverstoppedmovingasFollowmeappearedinthedialoguebox.

HeledFinntothesameroomwherehehadtakenPhilby.Waynelockedthedoorwithaspecialcode.

[]:we’resafehere.

Finn:philbyandwillahavegonemissing,wethinktheirDHIsarebeingkeptincagesbehindthebatenclosure,ineedthebutton.

[]:Ispoketophilbynotlongago.righthere.

Finn:henevershowedup.ithinkMaleficentisholdingthemtoprotectthesecondserver,wecan’tcrashtheserverwithwillaandphilbystuckinSleepingBeautySyndrome.

[]:thisismostdisturbing.

Finn:canyougetmethebutton—theremotecontrol?

[]:yes.ofcourse,thoughi’llhavetouseamessenger….mayisuggestthetalkingrecyclingbin.afewminutesfromnow,neartheticketgates,theremotewillbetapedinsidetherecyclingbin.reachinandfeelalongthetop.

Finn:i’llbethere.

[]:ifshe’stryingtoprotectthesecondserver,thenIfeartheworst:shewilleitherturnherselfintoaDHItofoolusordoharm,orshewillcompromisetheanimalDHIscreatedforAnimalKingdomandusethemtoheradvantage,thisisagravesituation,inthemagickingdomsherecruitedOvertakersfromwithintheattractions,mostnotablythepiratesandthesmall-worlddolls,inanimalkingdomtherearefew,ifany,suchcharactersshecanrecruitforherarmy,itisourfearshehascorruptedtheanimalsthemselves,fivemoreorangutanshaveescaped,alongwithahalfdozengibbons,severalsnakescannotbefound,awildebeestrammedoneoftheelectricalfencesattemptingtobreakout.sheisclearlygainingstrength.

Finn:wewantourfriendsback.Jezdrewsomethingsinherdiarythathavealreadycometrue,wethinkthediarymaybe—

HestoppedtypingasMaybeckshouted:“Mayday,dude!Mayday!Mayday!”

40

MAYBECKKEPTWATCHfromthesideofapopcorncart,whereamulticoloredumbrellawasangledtothrowshadeontotheCastMemberbehindthecart.ThetiltedumbrellaofferedMaybeckascreenfrombehindwhichhepeered,spyingonFinnandtheParkguestsmillingaboutCampMinnie-Mickey,aswellasthesurroundingjungle.Nearby,agardenerwaswateringsomeplantsandhosingdownthebaseoftwotalltrees,allowingthewatertopool.

Becauseofhispersonalexperiences,Maybeckalsokeptaneyeonthesky,alertforanybirds.Butitwasalizard,notabird,thatcaughtandheldhisattention.

SmalllizardsinhabitedmostofFlorida.He’dgrownsoaccustomedtoseeingthemzipuptrees,acrosssidewalks,anddownthewallsofbuildingsthathealmostdidn’tnoticethematall.HisauntJelly,whowasasclosetoamotherasMaybeckwouldeverget,calledthem“littledragons”andconsideredthemcloserelativestothecockroachandmouse.Shewasn’tbeyondtryingtobeatthemwithabroomassheshooedthemfromthehouse.He’dbeencatchingthemsincehewasfive;ifyougrabbedonebythetail,thetailcameoff.Forawhilehe’dkeptthetails—he’dhadabouttwenty—butJellyhadfoundthemandthrownthemout,neversayingathingaboutit,thenlyingtohimwhenheasked.

Butthelizardhesawwasn’tlikeotherlizards.Foronethingitwasfairlybig—fiveorsixinches,insteadofthetypicalthreeorfour.Itwasalsosomekindofchameleon,quicklychangingfromthebrownofthewoodchipsinthejungletothegrayishblackofthepavedpathasthereptileemergedintosunlight.Butmorethananything,itwasthewaythelizardheadedstraightintotroublethatwonMaybeck’sinterest.Despitedozensofrunningshoesandsandalsslappingdownarounditlikemallets,thecreatureneverwaveredfromitsmission,dodgingthiswayandthatasitriskedgettingcrushed.ThelizardsthatMaybecklivedwithspookedeasilyandskitteredawayasfastaslightningwhenapproached.He’dneverseenalizardasboldasthisone.Itheadedstraightfor…

…theDisneyVacationWebterminal.Maybecklookedbacktowardthejunglefromwherethelizardhademerged.

Fromthere,intheshadeddarknessheldinplacebytangledvinesandleavesthesizeoftennisrackets,twosetsofgreenglowingeyesstaredout.Hefixedhisattentiononthem,tryingtostripawaythecamouflageofplantsandundergrowthinordertoseetowhatthoseeyesbelonged.

Monkeys…hethoughtatfirst.Buttheeyesweretoowidelysetforagibbon,andtoofarofftheground.Orangutans!

Itwasthenthathesawthechameleonstitchitswaybackthroughtheslalomcourseoflegsandslitherintothejungle,headingdirectlyforthegreenflashofeyes.

Asmuchasheresistedtheideathatanyofthiswasactuallyhappening,hesorteditoutquickly:thelizardwassomekindofmessenger;themonkeyswereonamission;Finnwastheirtarget.

Amomentpassed,andherealizedhe’dalmosthaditright.Almost,butnotquite.That’swhenhesawalionslinkoutofthejungle.He

fumbledwiththeDS,butitwasgoingtotaketoolong.“Mayday,dude!Mayday!”heshouted.TheParkvisitorssawthelionaswell.Amanscreamedasawomangrabbed

herchildrenbythehandsandstartedtorun.Thecrowdscattered.Finnturnedaroundandfroze.Maybeckagainglancedtohisleft—thegardener.Heknewwhattodo.

41

FINNSPUNAROUNDtoseealionstrollingtowardhim.Abiglion.Alionwithathickcollaroffur,ahugehead,beadyeyes,andglisteningwhiteteeth.Heinstantlyknewthiswasnotacaseofbadluck:thelionwascomingforhimjustasthebatshadcomeforMaybeck.

Thelionlumberedtowardhim,nowonlyafewyardsaway.Theguestshadscatteredbutnowencircledanareaabouttwentyyardsacross,withthebeastatitscenter.

Heatflashedthroughhim,andallthehairsonhisarmsandthebackofhisneckrosewithhisfright.

Heknewwhathehadtodo:hehadtocrossover.Thelioncouldn’thurtaDHI.Butastheenormouscatbegantoflex,asifpreparingtostrike,Finn’sfearwasnottobeconquered.Thelionopeneditsmouthandletoutatremendousroarthatseemedtocomefromallaround.ItsurroundedFinnandshooktheground.Itdidn’tsoundnatural.Finnthrewhishandsout,fendingofftheattack.Heswooned,feelingdizzy.

Andthen,atonce,severalhandsgrabbedhimandbegantodraghimaway.Heheardapplauseandlaughter.Heblinkedhiseyesopenbutwasimmediatelyblindedbythesuninthesky.Heavertedhiseyesandhappenedtocatchaglimpseofoneofthehands

wrappedaroundhisarm:blackandcalloused,withlong,thinfingers.Thehandwasconnectedtoahairyarm.

Finnwrenchedhisheadaround.Hewasbeingdraggedoffbyapairoforangutans.Hetriedtobreakthegrip

oftheoneonhisleft,andthethingbareditsteethandlungedtowardhisfaceasiftobitehim.Finnjerkedaway,narrowlymissingthoseteeth.

Theyweredragginghimtowardthejungle.Theywerekidnappinghim.Andtheaudiencethoughtitwasallpartoftheshow.

42

MAYBECKHEARDTHATROARandranforthegardenerwhowaswateringthetrees.Hestolethehoseoutoftheman’shands.Notreallyaman—morelikeacollegekid.Theguydidn’tappreciatesomeonestealinghishose.

Maybeck’sauntJellyhadamuttnamedPorkywhoconsideredtheirsmallbackyardhisdomain.AboutonceamonthsomestupidneighborhooddogwoulddecidetovisittheirbackyardwithoutaninvitationfromPorky,typicallyresultinginadogfightofepicproportions.

ThefirsttimeMaybeckhadtriedtobreakuponeofthefights,he’dnearlygottenhishandbittenoff.He’dbeensavedbyJelly,whohadbrokenupthefightwiththegardenhose.Eversince,MaybeckhadusedastrongburstofhosewatertoseparatePorkyandhisprey.

Hetookthehoseandsprintedtowardthelargeapeswhoweredragginghisfriendacrossthepavement.Hefoughthiswaythroughthethickcrowd,whichwasactuallylaughingandcheering.

Maybeckgavethehoseonelasttug,buthe’dreacheditslimit.Itwouldextendnofarther.

Hesqueezedthehandleandshotaburstofwateratthelion.Thewaterpressedrightthroughtheanimal.

ADHI!Next,Maybeckaimedthehoseatthenearestorangutan,hittinghimsquarely

inthehead.Theapewasreal.ItletgoofFinntoblockthewaterstreamingtowarditsface.

Again,theaudienceletoutacryofapproval,clappingandhollering.TheapeshotaglanceatMaybeckasiftochallengehim,thenquickly

seemedtoreconsider,andturnedbacktowardFinn.Maybeckblastedtheotherape.FinnbrokeloosejustasthegardenerjumpedontoMaybeckfrombehind,

wrestingthehosefromhisgrip.Finnscrambledtohisfeet,slippedonthewetblacktop,andwentdownhard.

Bothorangutansrushedhim,andFinnrolledoutoftheway,causingthetwo

apestocollide.HegottohisfeetandtookofftowardMaybeck,whoknockedthegardeneraside,openingasmallholeinthecrowd,whichFinnchargedthrough.

Thetwotookoffatafullsprint,theorangutansfollowing,theirbackshunched,theirteethbared.

Finnglancedoverhisshoulder,butitslowedhim.“Don’tlookback!”Amandasaidintohisear.“I’vegotyou.TheLionKing

showisrunning!Youcanlosetheminthere!”“Thisway!”FinnshoutedatMaybeck,whohadheardAmandaaswell.Theyangledslightlytowardthelarge,openpavilion,whereaflashofbright

colorandloudAfricanmusicconfirmedtheshowwasunderway.“They’regainingonyou,”Amandawarned.“Zigzag!”FinnandMaybeckimmediatelycutleftandright,rightandleft,inrandom

patterns.Ratherthanrunstraightandinterceptthem,theorangutansfollowedtheirpathsexactly,andtheboys,havingthelongerstrides,increasedtheirleads.

“It’sworking!”Amandacheeredthemon.Togethertheboysburstintotheshowalreadyinprogress.Foursetsof

woodenbleachersrosefromatheater-in-the-round,atthecenterofwhichwerecolorfullydressedacrobatsperformingonagianttrampoline,withtrapezeartistsspinningoverhead.

AsFinnslowed,Maybeckdidn’thesitateforasecond.Perhapsitwastheresultofforwardmomentum,perhapsbecausetheLionKingstagesetblockedtheirway;butMaybeckranrightuparamp,hitthetrampoline,andvaultedhiswaythroughtheairandacrosstotheotherside.Hetuckedintoasomersault,rolledtostanding,andwentrunningdowntheopposingramp—rightoutofthepavilion.

Tryingtoavoidacollisionwiththeramp,Finnskiddedandtuckedhislegsunderhimasifslidingintohomeplate.Hebracedhimselftobecrushedintothesideofthestage,onlytoflythroughthefabricskirtthatsurroundeditandfindhimselfunderthemovablestageplatformandthegianttrampolineatitscenter.Hecrawledtowardtheotherside,lookingbacktoseetwoorangutansrightbehindhim.

Heglancedoverhead.Thetrampoline’sfabricstretchedtowardtheconcretefloorastheacrobaticshowcontinuedabovehim.Wheneveranyonehitthetrampoline,thefabricstretchedsolowthatFinnhadtolieflat;hecouldn’tsquatwithouttheriskofbeingcrushed.Watchingtheorangutansapproach,hesuddenlysawhissituationnotasathreatbutanopportunity:hecouldusethe

trampolinetohisadvantage.DoubtingthatheandMaybeckcouldoutrunthetwoapes,Finnturnedand

tookastand.Theapeswerefasterandstrongerthanhe,butFinnhadtheedgeinintelligence.Heremaineddirectlyunderthepulsatingtrampoline,nowturningtofacethetwoapes,whoimmediatelyslowedwiththischallenge.

Finneggedontheapes,drawingthemtowardhim,whilekeepinganeyeonthepatternofthestretchedtrampolinefabric.Therewerecurrentlyfourperformersonthetrampoline.Thepatternofjumpswas:thefourcorners;thecenter;thefourcorners.

Finnbelly-crawledtotheright.Thenearestapetookthebait,turningtointercepthim.Thetrampolinesuddenlycavedinovertheape’shead,stretchingtowardtheground.Theape,caughtbetweenthetrampolineandtheconcrete,wascrushedbytheweightoftheacrobat.Theapewasflattened.Itcriedoutsharply,rolledaway,andtookoffatarunintheoppositedirection.

Thetrampolinecamedownimmediatelyinfrontoftheotherape,andthatprovedenoughmotivation.Thisonetookoffaswell,followinghisbuddy.Finnrolledandcrawledouttheothersideandthensprintedforthesunlightoutsidethepavilion.

Maybeckhadwaitedforhim.Maybeck,whoneverthoughtofanyonebuthimself.

Theytookoffrunningbeforeeithersaidaword,butastheyreachedfullstride,Finn,theslowerofthetwo,managedtopullevenwithMaybeck,thoughonlybriefly.

“Thanks,”FinncalledouttoMaybeck.“IthinkwenowknowwhathappenedtoPhilby!”

“Thewatershotrightthroughthelion,”Maybecksaid.“ItwasaDHL”“Maleficent’sbuildinganarmy,”Finntoldhim.“Anarmyofanimals,”he

added.Maybeckflashedhimasuspiciousanddisbelievinglook.“Waynetoldme,”Finnsaid.

FinnturnedandledMaybecktowardtheParkentrance,stillatafullrun.“Whereareyougoing?”Maybeckhuffed.“Thebutton,”Finnsaid.“Theremotecontrol.Wecan’tfreeWillaandPhilby

withoutthebutton.”

43

HAVINGWITNESSEDTHEENCOUNTERwiththe,AmandakeptacloseeyeonFinnandMaybeckastheyheadedtowardtheParkentrance.Shehadagoodunderstandingofthecamerasystembynow,enablinghertoguidetheboysandchecktheareabothinfrontandbehindforanysignofOvertakers.

AfamilywaitedbehindAmandatouseherAnimalCam.Amongthemwasanobnoxiousboywhoheckledher.Shewonderedwhatwouldhappenifshewereforcedtosurrenderherviewingstation,whenthepersontouseitnextrealizedtheyhadaccesstoeverysecuritycamerainthePark.Again,theboyraisedhisvoice.

“Youdon’townit,youknow!Giveitarest.”TheoutburstwontheattentionofaCastMember,whothenheadedtoward

her.AmandaquicklyresettheviewingmenutomatchwhatwasofferedbythethreeotherAnimalCamstations,butifthenextuserhappenedtoscrolldown…

ThelittleboyjeeredatAmandaashesteppeduptothestation,whichworkedinherfavor:hismothertookawayhis“privilege”ofusingtheAnimalCam,allowingAmandatoretakeherplace.

ShecaughthisreflectioninthePlexiglasthatprotectedtheAnimalCam’stelevisionmonitor.

Shespunaroundsharply,gettingabetterlookattheboy’sarm.Theboysnappedather,“Takeapicture,it’lllastlonger.”“Your…tattoo…”Amandamuttered.“Whataboutit?”theboyasked.“MayI?”Shetookatentativestepcloser.Theboytriedtostepawayanddenyher,buthismotherblockedhim,

suddenlyAmanda’sally.Amandareachedintoherbackpocketandwithdrewthephotocopiedpage

fromJez’sdiary.Amandaheldthephotocopyuptothelightandpeeredthroughthepaperto

reversetheimage.Itwasamatch,anear-perfectsketchofthetattoo:agorillaoncrutcheswith

ayellowbandageonitsrightfoot.Ontheboy’sarm,“HelpCareforWildlife”waswrittenacrossthetopand“Disney’sAnimalKingdom”atthebottom.ButJez’sversionofferedonlytheimage,notthewords.Amandahadmistakenthefigureinthesketchforaman.

“Where’dyougetthis?”sheasked.Themotheranswered,nottheboy.“Here,”shesaid,pointingtowardthe

largewindowsatthefarendoftheareathatlookedinonaveterinariansuiteandseverallaboratorieswhereanimalswerehousedorcaredfor.“Theygivethemoutifyoutaketheprivatetour.Thekeepers.”

ThiswonanoverwroughtreactionfromAmanda,whowasthinking:KingdomKeepers.

“Theanimalkeepers,”thewomanclarified.“Ohhh…”“MyhusbandisaconsultanttoDisney.TheygavePrestonandmeaprivate

tour,earlier.Reallyincredible,ifyoucanarrangeit.”“Itwasawesome,”saidPreston,hismoodsuddenlypleasant.Boys!“Attheendofthetour,thetattoowasoneofthekeepsakestheygavehim,”

themotherexplained.“Backstage,”Amandamumbled,hermindwhirringasshecalculatedhowto

getherselfaprivatetour.Jezhadbeenbackthereinherdreams.Shefeltcertainofit.

Thenshereconsideredhersituation:shehadanAnimalKingdomCastMemberpassinherpocket.

Whatwastostopherfromgoingbackthere?

44

INSIDETHEANIMALKINGDOM’Smainentrance,inthelargecentralcourtyardwhereParkguestsgathered,stoodatalkingrecyclingbin.Ametalboxstandingaboutfourfeethigh,itlookedlikeaU.S.PostalServiceboxpaintedgreen.Itwascurrentlysurroundedbyseveralsmallboysandapairofcuriousgirls,amazedthatwhentheyaskeditaquestion,theboxcouldanswerthem.

FinnandMaybeckslowedandapproachedtherecyclingbincautiously,notwantingtodrawattentiontothemselves.

“Findanewspaper,”FinnsaidtoMaybeck.“What?”“Splitup.We’vegottofindsomethingrecyclable.Thetrashcansmakethe

mostsense.”“YouwanttoDumpster-divethetrashcansforsomethingrecyclable?”“Exactly.Anewspaper.Sodacan.Plasticwaterbottle.Doesn’tmatter.Ineed

anexcusetoopentheflapandputmyhandinside.Ihadn’tfiguredonitbeingsopopular.”

“FEEEEEEDMEEEEEE,”thecanwassayingtothegigglingchildren.“Doyourecycleathome?”

Thekidsweregettingakickoutofthetalkingcan,theiramusedparentsstandingbackandwatching.

Theboyssplitup,andshortlythereafter,Maybeckreturnedwithanemptywaterbottle.

“Perfect,”Finnsaid,takingholdofthebottle.Suddenly,thebinturnedsharplytowardFinn.Theyoungerkidsjumped

back,followedbyavolleyoflaughter.“FEEEEEEDMEEEEEE,”thecanrepeated,nowaimingdirectlyatFinn.FinnhadnodoubtthatWaynehadarrangedthissomehow.“Eleveno’clock,”MaybeckwhisperedatFinn.Finncarefullylookedslightlytohisleftandidentifiedacasuallydressed

manwearingsunglassesandapairofheadphones.Hecarriedwhatlookedlikearadioinhishands,butFinnrecognizeditastheremotecontroldevicethatwas

steeringthebox.Thismanwasalsolisteningandspeakingthroughthemovingbox.HissunglassespreventedFinnfromknowingwherehewaslooking,butFinnbelievedthemanwasverymuchawareofthetaskathand.

Finnhoistedthewaterbottle.Theboxsaid,“DidyouknowthatrecycledwaterbottlesaremadeintoPark

benches,picnictables,andcarparts?”“Ididnot,”Finnanswered.“Areyougoingtofeedmeornot?”theboxasked.“Feedit!”oneofthelittlekidssaidboldly.“Doit!”chimedinanother.Finnknewhowtoplaythis.Heapproachedtheboxwarily,thewaterbottle

extendedasanoffering.Hereachedintothebin.Thenhelurchedforward,asiftheboxweretryingtoswallowhim.Asthekidsrecoiledinamixtureoflaughterandscreams,Finnranhishandalongtheroofoftheboxandbumpedintosomethinghard.Hetookholdofitandpulled.Sometapecameloose,andhenowhadtheremoteinhand.Hecuppeditinhisfist,drewhisarmbackoutofthebindramaticallyandgesturedwildly,pocketingthedevice.

“Yum,yum!”saidtherecyclebin.“More!Iwantmore!”“I’mafraidthat’sall,”saidFinn,backingupandmovingaway.Thebinspun

towardtheotherchildren,drawingtheirattentionandmakingiteasierforFinntoslipaway.

Heglancedoveratthemansecretlycontrollingthebinandthoughthesawaslightnodofacknowledgment.

HisDSbeepedandhecheckedthechatroom.

angelface13:they’realmostthroughthemovingice.

Finn:we’reonourway.wedidalittlerecycling.

45

HAVINGHANDEDOFFTHEREMOTEcontroldeviceCharlene,whostoodwatchoutsidethebatenclosure,FinnandMaybeckrodeaDisneybustotheAnimalKingdomLodge.

Charlenewould,onceagain,useherstiltsandcamouflagetoapproachthebackstageareabehindtheenclosure.Thistime,shewouldcirclearound,ratherthanentertheenclosure,avoidingthescrutinyoftheParkvisitors.Oncesheestablishedherselfatopthewallnearthetwocagesandtheicetruck,shewouldnotifyFinnontheDS.

TheboyshadtodiscoverwheretherealWillaandPhilbywerebeingkeptandbeonhandtogetthemoutofthehoteloncetheyawakened.Charlenewastotriggertheremote,cancelingtheirDHIstate.

TheyenteredtheAnimalKingdomLodgelobby,andbothboysgasped.Finnhadneverseensuchaplace.Itfeltasifhe’dsteppedintoAfricaitself:thevastfloorandthecolumnswerecraftedfromadark,unusualwood;thelobbyfurniturewascoveredinbrown-and-whiteanimalskins;giantchandeliersmadeofspearsandshieldshungfromtheceiling.Africanmusicplayed,therhythmenchanting.Thebellhopsworebrownsafarioutfits.Thelobbystretchedtwohundredfeetormore,leadingtostairsandgiantwindowsthatlookedoutontoanAfricansavannah,whereFinncouldseetwogiraffesandseveralwildebeests.

Uponseeingallofthis,Maybeckhissedabadword.Therewerepeopleeverywhere.Someoccupiedthesumptuousfurniture;

othersmilledabout,headingthiswayorthat.Theclatterandhumofpeopleeatingandtalkingwaftedupfromalowerleveltotheright.Afewpeoplewaitedinlineattheregistrationdesktotheleft.Butallaround,therewasafeelingofexcitementandmysteryasfamiliesandstaffcameandwent.Intothiswalkedtwoboys,oneinaParkworker’scoveralls,theotherinshortsandaT-shirt.

Noonepaidthemtheslightestbitofattention.“We’reinvisible,”Finnsaidsoftly.“Ihearyou,”Maybeckagreed.FinnrarelyfoundaplaceinsideDisneyWorldwherehewasnotself-

consciousaboutbeingaDHIactor,wherehedidn’tfeeltheweightofeyestrainedonhimwonderingifhewashim,theDisneyhostfromtheMagicKingdom.Yethere,inthewondrouslobbyofthismagnificentlodge,hefelttransportedacrosstheoceanstoanothercontinent,onefarawayfromMickeyandMinnieandthepersonhehadbecome.

“Anyideas?”Maybeckasked.“Wecan’texactlyasksomeoneifthey’veseenaboyandagirl,”Finnsaid,

havingalreadywalkedpastafewdozenboysandgirls,mostinthecompanyoftheirparents,butnotall.

“No.”“IfIcouldgetontoVMK,Waynemightbeabletolookupwhatroomshave

beencheckedintointhepastfewhours,buttherewouldbetoomanytocount.”“Yup.”“Notmuchhelp.”“Nope.”“So,doyouhaveanybrightideas?”Finnasked.Thetwoboyspasseda

smallstudy,likeaprivatelibrary,ontheirleft,andtheycontinueddownalongcorridorofhotelrooms.

“Wecan’texactlygoknockingoneverydoor,”Maybecksaid.“Youthink?”Finnsteppedasideandallowedafamilycomingtowardthem

topass.“Iwashopingforsomethingmoreconstructive.”“I’vegotnothing,”Maybecksaid.“Inoticed.”“Wecoulddivideandconquer,”Maybecksuggested.“Icouldtakethe

upstairsortheothersideofthehotel.”ThelodgewasfashionedinagiantY,withthelobbyinthestem,andthe

roomsstretchingoutintobothwingsoftheVatthetopofthestem.TheVstuckoutintoasavannah,andthelongcorridorsperiodicallyofferedviewingstationsoneitherside,whereallkindsofwildlifecouldbeseen,frombirdsthatstoodfourfeethightozebrasandThomson’sgazelles.

“WecouldstayintouchbyDS,”Maybeckcontinued.FinnstoppedandgrabbedMaybeckbythearm.“That’sit!”hewhispered

harshly.“Itis?”“TheDSs,”Finnsaid.“WhenaDSgetsanewmessage,itbeeps.”“So?”“So…ifwekeeptexting,andifoneofusisnearthedoortotheirroomwhen

itbeeps,thenwe’llhearitandknowwhichroomthey’rein.”“Sweet,”saidMaybeck.“Butwhatifthey’rebeingguarded?TheguardswilljustturnofftheDS.”“Theyweren’tguardingyouthattimeatSpaceMountain.”“True.”“Whyguardsomeonewho’sasleepandcan’twakeup?Kindofawaste,

don’tyouthink?”Finnthoughtabouthowhewoulddoit.“You’dputthemonthebed,pullthedrapes,putaDONOTDISTURBsignonthedoor,andleavethem.”

“Okay!Makessense,”Maybecksaid.“ThenwestartwithroomsthathaveDONOTDISTURBsignsonthedoors.Atfouro’clockintheafternoon,howmanyroomscanthatbe?”

“Notmany,”Finnagreed.“StartsendingmessageswhileIfindtheroomswiththeDONOTDISTURB

signs.”“Ifthey’rehere,”Maybecksaid,“we’regoingtofindthem.”

***

FinnpressedhiseartothedooroutsidearoomwithaDONOTDISTURBtagonthehandle.He’dfoundthreedoorssofar.Withhiseartothefourthsuchroom,heheardafaintbutfamiliarbeepandknewitwasaDS.

Finn:foundit!!!

AminutelaterMaybeckcamedownthehallwaytowardhim.“Thisistheirroom,”Finndeclared.AsMaybeckleanedhisearagainstthe

door,Finnsentatext.Maybecksmiledandpulledawayfromthedoor.“Bull’s-eye!”“You’reabetterliarthanIam,”Finnsaid.“Isthatsupposedtobeacompliment?”“Charming.Imeanttosayyou’remorecharmingthanIam.You’rebetter

withtheladies.”“Thatgoeswithoutsaying,”Maybecksaid.“There’saroombeingcleaned,backtowardtheelevator.”“Ipassedit,”Maybeckconfirmed.“Ithinkyouleftyourfamily’sParkHoppersinthisroom,andyourfather’s

inhereasleepwithaheadache,whichexplainstheDONOTDISTURBsign.”“Ithinkyou’rebrilliant,”Maybecksaid.

“Goeswithoutsaying.Canyoupullitoff?”“Thisismewe’retalkingabout!”Maybeckboasted.“Samequestion.”“You’llneedtogetyourselfgone,”Maybecksaid.“I’llhangatthenextsetofwindows.”“I’lltextyouonceI’minside,”Maybecksaid.

***

Lessthanfiveminuteslater,Finnreceivedthetextmessage.Hereturnedtotheroomandknockedsoftly.Maybeckopenedthedoor.

Theroomheldabigbedandapairofbunks.Philbywasdroolingontothepillowofthebigbed.Willasleptpeacefullyonthelowerbunk.Theyshookbothkids,buttonoavail:perma-sleep—SleepingBeautySyndrome.

“TheonethingIremember,”saidMaybeck,whoyawnedallofasudden,“ishowmuchIdreamedwhentheyhadmeinthisstate.Idreamedofbeinglockedup.IthinkIwasdreamingwhatmyDHIwasseeing.”

Finnyawnedreflexively.“Don’tgetmetired,orwe’llenduplikethem.”“Anapwouldn’thurt,”Maybecksaid,eyeingthebunk.“Wecouldtake

turns.Tenminutes.”“Donotgothere.”“I’mtired.”“That’sthepoint.Hangon.”FinnsentCharleneatextmessage.

Finn:readywhenur.

angelface13:allset.

BothMaybeckandFinnheardtheloudscratchingsoundatthesametime.AtfirstFinnthoughtitwasaradioorTVinanotherroom.

Maybeckhurriedoverandcrackedthecurtains.“Apes!”hehissed.Hehelduptwofingers.

Twoapes,Finnrealized.Outonthebalcony.Theslidingdoorsqueakedasoneoftheapespulledonthehandlefromtheoutside.

Maybeckpointedtohisownchestandthenthecloset.Seeingthissignal,Finnhurriedintothebathroom,steppedintothetub,andpulledtheshowercurtainclosed.Heheardthedoorswingopenandthesoundsofthetwoapesmovingaroundtheroom.Weretheylookingforthem?Hadthemaidtold

someoneaboutlettingMaybeckintotheroom?AmessagefromCharleneappearedonFinn’sscreen.

angelface13:i’minposition,willpushremotein3,2,1…

Thebathroomdoorwasflungopen.Finncouldhearoneofthetwoorangutansbreathinghard,andtheroomsuddenlysmelleddifferent.Hereachedupandturnedtheshowerheadtofacethecurtains,hishandonthefaucet.

Fourhairyfingersappearedattheedgeoftheshowercurtain.Finnfeltasifhemightpassout.

Theshowercurtainwasjerkedopen.Finnyankedthelever.Waterroaredintothefaceofanuglyorangeape.The

apeslappedhisownface,screamed,andjumpedback.Finnleapedfromthetub,pulledaterryclothrobefromthebackofthe

bathroomdoor,andtosseditovertheape.Hethenusedthebathrobe’sbelttotakeastrongturnaroundtheconfusedape,pulledittight,andknotteditaroundtheape’slegs.Theorangutanfellover,kickingandthrashingandscreaming,doingnothingbutspinningincirclesonthebathroomfloor.

Thesecondapeappearedatthedoorway.Finnlungedfortheotherbathrobe,butitdrewhimclosertotheape,whosebigmouthcameopen,teethbared.JustasFinnfearedtheapewouldstrike,Maybeckleapedoutofthebedroomclosetandpokeditwithahangerthathewieldedasasword.

Thisprovokedtheape.ItspunaroundtochallengeMaybeck,givingFinntheextrasecondsheneededtotakeholdoftherobeandthrowitovertheorangutan.HeandMaybeckmadequickworkoftyingupthisoneaswell.Theydraggeditintothebathroomand,astheyshutthedoor,bothapeswereseenwhirlingangrilyonthetilefloor.

FinnshookWilla.MaybeckpulledonPhilby’sarm.Bothgroanedandsquirmeduncomfortably:theywereawakening!CharlenehadusedtheremoteontheDHIsinthecages,andithadworked.Thecageswerenowempty—theDHIsgone,zeroedoutbytheserver.MaleficentandtheOvertakerswithherhadtobeterriblyconfused.

Andangry.Theorangutansscreamedloudlyfromthebathroom.MaybecksaidtoPhilby,“Iknowyoufeellikeazombie.I’vebeenthere.But

wehavetohurry.We’vegottogetyououtofhere.”

46

FINNANDMAYBECKescortedPhilbyandWillatothetrainplatformfortheWildlifeExpressTrain.Amandahadannouncedadiscoveryandaskedthattheymeether.She’dbeenverysecretive,andtheywereeagertotalkwithher.

Charlenewasstillkeepinganeyeonthebatenclosure.Theicetruckhadnotbeenmoved.

ThekidsstoodaroundwatchingFinnashefinallymadethecalltoRobBernowski,Jez’sboyfriend.HehadtheBlackBerryonspeakerphonesoeveryonecouldhear.

“Rob?”“Yeah?Who’sthis?”“MynameisFinnWhitman.I’mafriendof—”“Jez’s.Yeah,Iknow.”Hedidn’tsoundtoothrilled.“Shetalksaboutyouand

theothersallthetime.”Toomuchofthetime,histoneofvoiceimplied.“Haveyouseenherbyanychance?Heardfromher?”“No.Why?”“Justcurious,”Finnsaid.“What’supwiththat?”“Justasking.”“Because?”“Yeah,well…listen…Iknowthisisgoingtosoundstupid,butiftherewas

onethingJezcouldchangeaboutyou,whatwoulditbe?”“Isthissomekindofcontestorsomething?”Finnhesitated.Willawasnoddingviolently.“Yeah,that’sitexactly,”Finnsaid.“Acontest.Aschoolthing.Howwelldo

boyfriendsandgirlfriendsknoweachother?”“Theonethingshewouldchange?”“Yes.That’sthequestion.”Alonghesitationontheotherendofthecall.“Myclothes.Shedoesn’tlike

myjeans,man.Iwear‘emkindalow.”“Yourjeans?”

“Yeah.DidIanswerright?”“I’llhavetogetbacktoyouonthat,”Finnsaid.“That’sallyoucanthink

of?”“IcantellyoutheonethingI’dchangeabouther,”Robvolunteered,not

givingFinnachancetostophim.“I’dtakeheriPodawayfromher.She’s,like,addictedtothatthing.That,andallthewordgamessheplays.She’sintoscramblingeverywordshecan—makingotherwordsoutofthesameletters,youknow?”

“Anagrams,”Finnsaid.“What’sthat?”Robasked.“It’swhatyoucallthat:ananagramisawordthatcanbemadefromthe

lettersofanotherword.”“Neverheardofit.”Hepaused.“Sowhataboutmyprize?DoIwina

prize?”“Ah…we’llletyouknow.Thanksforyouranswers.”Finnendedthecall.“Anagrams,”Philbysaid.“Youthinkit’sworthatry?”“Dowethinkwhatisworthatry?”Maybeckasked.“Jezwrote‘changeRob’inherdiary—”“Andinsidethetreestump,”Willaadded.“Somekindofcode?”Finnasked.“GivemetheBlackBerry,”Philbysaid,reachingtowardFinn.“Ireallydon’tthinkweshouldcallhimback,”Finnsaid.“I’mnotcallinganyone.TheBlackBerryhasInternet.Wecansettlethis

prettyquickly.”FinnandtheothersleanedoverPhilby’sshoulderasheusedtheBlackBerry

toGoogleananagramsite.Then,reachingasite,hetypedin“changeRob,”andhitthebuttontogenerateanagrams.

Thesmallscreenshowedalonglistofpossiblelettercombinations.“‘Branchego,’”hereadfromthescreen.“‘Cornbaghe.’”Theylaughed.

“‘Herbcango.’”“Letmeseethat.”WillamovedinnexttoPhilby,towheretheirshoulders

touched.Noonemissedhowcloseshegottohim,leastofallMaybeck,whosuddenlystartedshiftinganxiously.Willastudiedthescreenandspokeinaquietvoice.

“We’vedonethisbefore,”sheremindedhim.“ThecluesfromtheStonecutter’sQuill.Remember?WesolvedthatanagramwithoutaWebsite.”

“That’sbecausewedidn’thaveaBlackBerry.There’snothinghere,”Philby

said.“Therearenopropernames,”Willasaid.“So?”Philbychallenged.WillatooktheBlackBerryoutofPhilby’shandandhelditwhereshecould

studyitclearly.ThenshecalmlyreturnedtheBlackBerrytoPhilby,whopasseditbacktoFinn.

“SoI’vegotone,”shesaid,capturingthefullattentionoftheothers.Shemeantthisasachallenge.SheremainedincrediblyclosetoPhilby,andshewaslookinghimdirectlyintheeyes.“Oneword.Aname.ADisneyname.”

“Igiveup,”Finnsaid.“Idon’t!Wait!Wait!”Philbybarked,notwantingtolosetoWilla.“ADisneyname?”Maybeckasked.“Butthenthat’sgottobeit.Whatisit,

Willa?Telluswhatitis!”“Giveup?”sheaskedPhilby,hervoiceahoarsewhisper.Therewas

somethinggoingonbetweenthesetwo.AndMaybeckdidn’tlikeit.“No…No…”Philbypleaded.“Hegivesup,”Maybecksaid.“WEALLGIVEUP.”Willa’seyesscrunched,asiftoconveyherdisappointmentinPhilby.But

Philbydidn’tseeher.Hiseyeswereclosed,hislipsmovingasifreadingtohimself.

“Chernabog!”Philbyshoutedout.“AndIwasabouttogiveuponyou,”Willasaid,obviouslyimpressed.“ThecreaturefromFantasia?”Finnasked.“Youeverseethatmovie?”Maybeckquestioned.“Heisonemeandude.”“Andguesswhat?”Willasaid.“Chernabog’snotonlythemostevilofallthe

Disneyvillains,hehappenstobeademonwithbatwings!”Thekidswentsilent,theairsuddenlyshatteredbythetrain’ssharpwhistle,

announcingitsarrivalatthestation.

47

HE’STHEBADDESTOFTHEBAD.ThemostevilWaltDisneyevercreated.”Philbywasinfineform,backtohimself,alertfromthesleephe’dgottenandabletothinkmoreclearlythaneitherMaybeckorFinn.TheywaitedinlinefortheParktraintotheConservationStation.

Charleneremainedbehindinthejunglejustoutsidethebatenclosure.Sheblendedinwellthereand,havingfoundalogtostandonwithherstilts,couldkeepaneyeontheactivitiesbackstagebypeeringoverthetopofthewall.Thebackdoorsoftheicetruckhadbeenshut,Maleficentinside.AsfarasCharlenecouldtell,beforeenteringthebackofthetruckneitherMaleficentnorthemonkeysandapeshadrealizedthecageswereempty.ThetarpsusedtocontainthecaptiveDHIsandtoblocktheirprojectionsfromshowinghadalsoservedtofooltheircaptors.

Oncethelinewasmoving,Maybeck,Finn,Willa,andPhilbyseparatedfortherideouttotheConservationStation.TheyeachtookaplaceonthelongbenchesamidtheParkguests,allondifferenttraincars.SummonedbyAmanda,theywereanxioustorendezvousandfindoutwhathadhersooverheated.

AsthetrainarrivedatRafiki’sPlanetWatch,thekidssplitup.ParkvisitorstrudgedupthelongpathtowardtheConservationStation.Theywereateamnow,protectiveofoneanotherandconcernedforeachother’ssafety.Thesekids,whohadoncebeenstrangers,werenowanythingbut—broughttogetherbyacommonenemyandthestrangemanifestationsofatechnologygonewrong.Toremindthemoftheirpreviousliveswouldhavebeenfoolish,fortheycouldbarelyrememberatimewhenfallingasleepdidnotmeancrossingoverintoastrangeworld,andwhereawhite-hairedoldmanhadnotcontrolledtheirsharedfate.

Finn,who’dtakenuptherear,enteredthefacilityandjoinedtheothersinahuddlebytherestrooms.

“I’mstarving,”saidWilla.“Later,”saidPhilby.“What’ssoimportant?”FinnaskedAmanda,whohadabandonedher

viewingstation.Thecrowdhadthinnedasaveterinarydemonstrationhadbegunatthecentraldisplaywindow:asnakehadeatenagolfballandwasundergoingsurgery.

“Wehavetoactwhilethey’redistracted.AndIhavetogetbacktotheAnimalCambeforesomeonerealizeshowmanycamerasthatstationhasaccessto.”

“Act?”Finninquired.“Oneofthesketchesfromthediary.”Sheunfoldedtheoriginalpageofthe

diaryandpointedouttheapeoncrutches.“It’satattoo.Awashabletattooforthechildren.It’sgiventothemaftertheprivatetoursofthevetclinic.Ithinkourpasseswillgetusbackthere,butIdidn’twanttoleavemystationfortoolong.Andsincetheveterinaryclinicmeansanimals,Ithoughtitwasbettertogetsomehelpandmaybedothisasateam.”

“Agreed,”saidFinn,attemptingtodigesteverythingshe’djusttoldthem.“Atattoo?”Maybeckquippedincomplaint.“WhataboutChernabog?What

aboutthetwoapesweleftspinningdonutsbackinthelodge?Whocaresaboutsomebleepingtattoo?”

“Ifit’sinthediary,”Philbysaid,“thenit’spartofthepuzzlesheleftus.Thatmakesitsignificant.Amanda’sright:wehavetopursueit.”

“Saystheonewhojustgotacouplehours’sleep,”Maybeckcomplained.“Iknowthismaysoundfoolish,”Amandasaid,apologizingtoMaybeck,

“butIfeelit’simportant.Ireallydo.Iwouldn’thavecalledyououthereotherwise.Iknowhowhardyou’reallworkingtohelpJez.Howmuchriskyou’retaking.Ican’ttellyouhowIappreciateit.Ihavenorighttoaskyoutodoanythingmore.”

“That’strue,”Maybecksaid.“Shutup,”saidWilla.“I’magreeingwithher.”“You’rebeinganimrod,andyouknowit,”Willaprotested.“Atattoo!”Maybeckshouted,alittleloudly.“Everythinginthediaryhasprovedout,”Finnremindedthem.“Thetiger

andlionwereDHIs.Shedrewthelightninghittingthecastledaysbeforeitoccurred.”

“ChangeRob,”Willasaid.ShereviewedFinn’sphonecalltoRobforAmanda,andthediscoveryoftheChernaboganagram.

“Andthattoo,”Finnagreed.“Theapes,”Philbyadded.

“Andnowthetattoo,”Maybeckmumbled.“Okay.Igetit.Sowhatnow?”“I’mgoingbackthere,”Finnsaid.“Intothevetclinic.”“AndI’mgoingwithyou,”Amandastated,leavingnoroomforargument.“Icantakeovertheviewingstation,”Philbyofferedeagerly.“WillaandIwillstandguard,”saidMaybeck.“OurDSsattheready.”“What’sthecodewordifthere’saproblem?”Finnasked.“Giveitarest,Whitman.”“Chernabog,”saidPhilby.Alleyesfellonhim.“Atleastthatwaywe’llallunderstandit’sserious,”Philbysaid.

48

FINNSWIPEDHISIDinthecardreader.Asmalllightchangedtogreen.Anevensmallerlightwentoffinhisbrain:whatiftheOvertakershadfiguredoutthekidswereusingfakeIDsandwerenowtrackingthemthroughtheuseoftheircards?Heshookitoff.

Hetriedthedoorknob,andthedooropened.HeandAmandasteppedthrough,leavingthesoundsofactivitiesbehindthem.

ThehallwayhefoundhimselfinremindedFinnoftheveterinarian’sofficewherehismothervolunteeredpart-time.Italsoservedtoremindhimofhismotherandthefactthathehadn’tyetcalledhome.He’dmessedup:soonhisparentswouldbeatBlizzardBeachlookingforhim.Theyweregoingtobefurious.Hewonderedifanyoftheotherkidswereinthesamepredicament.Onethingwascertain—timewasrunningout.TheParkwouldremainopenonlyanotherhourorso.Jez’schancesofbeingfreedwerequicklydiminishing.

Heknewthatnomatterhowtheytried,heandAmandastilllookedlikekids.Tired,evenexhausted,kids—butkidsnonetheless.Therewasnogettingaroundit.Andhehadnoideaifunaccompaniedkidshisagewereallowedbackstage.Withthisinmind,hesignaledtoAmandatohurry,andtheymoveddownthehallwaywithaneyeoutforsomeplacetohide.Thankfully,mostofthedoorshadglasspanels,allowingthemtoseeinside.Theypassedanexaminationroom,andanother,filledwithmedicalequipment.TherewasonedoormarkedPRIVATE,andanotherwithstickersandcartoonclippingstapedtoit.ItwasthisdoorFinntriedfirst.Insidewasasingletableandsomevendingmachines—anemployeelounge.Itwasempty.Theyduckedinside,bothwide-eyedandslightlyoutofbreathduetotheexcitement.

“I’mterrified,”Amandasaid.“Metoo,”Finnadmitted.“Wehavenoideawhatwe’relookingfor.”“No.Butshemusthavedreamedaboutthattattoo.Thathastomean

something.”“Butwhat?”

“Thetattoosaregivenouttokidswhotaketheprivatetours.Maybethere’ssomethingonthetourwe’resupposedtosee?”

Amanda’sblueeyesbrightened.“That’sgottobeit!You’reagenius.”Finnfelthisfacewarm.“Hardly,”hemumbledunderhisbreath,wondering

howaguylikeMaybeckcouldcarryhimselfsoconfidently.Therewasnoiseinthehallway,andbothoftheminstinctivelylookedfora

placetohide.Buttheemployeeloungeofferedthemnothing:afewlockers,allpadlocked.

AtextmessageappearedonboththeirDSs

angelface13:thegreenonejustlefttheicepalace.

“Maleficentjustlefttheicetruck,”Finnwhispered.“Yeah…Isawthat.Butwhat’sitmean?”“Noidea.Butitcan’tbegood.”Amandalookedterrified.“Okay,here’sthe

thing:trytolooklikeyoubelonghere,”headvised,bracinghimselfforwhoeverwasouttheretocomethroughthedoor.

Instead,hesawawomandressedingreennursingscrubsleadingtwoadultsandastringoffourorfivekidsdownthehallway.Atour!

“I’vegotanidea,”Finnsaid.Amomentlater,heandAmandawereinthehallwaytrailingonlyafewfeet

behindthefamily.Foranyoneseeingthemtheywouldappeartobeagroup.Thenurse,busywithherexplanations,amemorizedtoursheprobablydidtoooften,seemedtopaylittleattentiontothoseatthebackofthepack.

Theguidepointedoutthepurposeofseveraloftherooms,explaininginsomedetailaboutthecareandattentionlavishedontheanimalsinthePark.ThisfacilitywassoadvanceditwasusednotonlyforDisney-ownedanimals,butforallsortsofwildanimalsrescuedthroughoutthestate.FinnfoundhimselfgettingcaughtupinthetourasAmandatuggedonhisshirt.Theystopped,andthetourwentalongwithoutthem.

Onthewallwasacorkboard.Pinnedtoitwerephotographsofsomeoftherecoveredanimals—includingagorillawithabrokenleg.Thereweremapsandbrochurestackedtotheboardaswell.

“Thetattoo!”Amandasaid.Shewasright:thesimilarityofthesubjectswasunmistakable.Aphotoofa

gorillawithabrokenlegandatattoosketchofthesamething.“Buthowdoesithelpus?”

“Idon’tknow,”Amandasaid,“butwe’reintherightplace.”Finnstudiedtherestofthestuffthumbtackedtothecorkboard.Oneofthe

itemswasaverylargesatellitephotooftheentireAnimalKingdom.Finnspentagooddealoftime—probablytoomuch,accordingtohismother—onGoogleEarth.Helovedeverythingaboutsatellitephotos.Usingtheimage,ittookhimonlysecondstoestablishwheretheywere:inacomplexofbuildingsnearthetoprightofthephotoattheendofaloopthatwasobviouslythetrainline.

Andthenhesawthem:anMnearthebottom,andaCnearthetop.Foramomenthisbreathcaught;itfeltasifabonewerestuckinhisthroat.

Hishandsweremovingbeforeheknewexactlywhathewasdoing.Hepulledthethumbtacksfromthefourcornersofthesatellitephoto.

“Howstupidcouldwebe?”hemuttered.“Finn?What’sgoingon?”Amandaasked,theconcernapparentinhervoice.“Hey!”cameaman’svoice.“Youcan’tdothat!Putthatback!”Finnglancedtohisright.Themanwasalongwayoff,attheendofthe

hallway.“Finn?”Amandasaidheatedly.“They’rebothhere:theMshewroteinherdiary,and‘UndertheSea’!”Finn

answered.Hepointedtothesatellitephoto,whichhehadturnedcounterclockwise.

Themanpickeduphispace,headingtowardthem.“Heythere!”hecalledout.

“Itwasn’t‘UndertheS-e-a,'”Finnspelled.“But,undertheletterC!”Turningthephoto,hetracedtheprominentshapeatthetopofAsia.ItwasveryclearlyabigboldletterC,formedbyanarchedbridge.“She’shere.Jez…isundertheConthemap.”

“Oh…my…gosh!”Amandasquealedwithexcitement.“Youfoundher!”“It’sthetigeryards,”Finnsaid,recognizingtherouteoftheJungleTrek.

“MaybeckandIwalkedrightbythere.”Themanwasnearlyuponthem.Finnkeptholdofthesatellitephoto,alreadyfoldingitasheturnedto

Amandaandshoutedharshly,“Ithinkit’stimewe…RUN!”

49

AMANDAANDFINNturnedthecorner.AtthefarendofthehallwayglowedaredEXITsign.FinnwasalreadyintheprocessoftextingaD-Gamermessage.

Finn:chernabog!

Thegreenfairyroundedthefarcorner,comingbetweenFinnandtheEXITsign.Sheheldablackkittyinherarms.

Shesetthecatdown,wavedherhandoverit,anditstretchedandgrewtothesizeofapanther.ThemanpursuingAmandaandFinnskiddedtoastop.

“Silly,sillyboy,”Maleficentsaid,aimingherfingerathim.“Won’tyoueverlearntomindyourownbusiness?”

“Whoareyou?”themanshoutedfromwellbehindFinn.“Pest!”shecalledout,wavingherfingerattheman.Thepanthertookoff—

runningrightpastAmandaandFinn—andchasedthemanaroundthecorner.Finnpushedthefearfromhisthoughtsanddroveawayhisanger.He

whispered,“Examinationroom,”andpointedsubtlywithhislefthand,holdingitbehindhisback.“Gettheothers.We’llmeetupatthetrek.”

“I’mnotgoinganywhere,”Amandainformedhim.“NotwithoutJez.”Hecouldn’tallowherdefiancetorufflehim.Aboveall,hehadtoclearhis

mindofanyfrustration,resentment,orillwilltowardothers.Ashedid,hefeltthefamiliartinglingsensationinhistoesandfingers,andheknewitwasstarting.Knew,withoutlooking,thathewascrossingover.

Inthepast,hehadonlybeenabletosustainhiswaking-DHIformforamatterofaminuteortwo.Somehowheknewitwouldhavetobelongerthistime—thatthiswastobeatestofhisstrength.

HesuspectedthatbybecominghisDHI,heriskedtheSleepingBeautySyndrome.Thiswasunchartedterritory,buthehadtodosomethingtocounterMaleficent’spower.

“Go!”hecalledouttoAmanda.“No.I’mstaying.”

Maleficentdrewherscrawnyhandstowardherface,herfingerstwitching,herlipsbubblingwithanincantation.Finncouldsenseaspellcoming,buthewouldnotallowhimselftofearit.EvenhisfrustrationwithAmandafornotlisteninghadtobeignored.HewouldbenohelptoherifMaleficent’sspellaffectedhimaswell.

“Youhaveapowerfulmaster,”Finncalleddownthehall.HewatchedasMaleficent’sfacebecamerubberywithsurpriseandwrinkledwithconcern.

“Youknownothingofmymaster,”camethereply.“Morethanyouthink.IsitcontrolovertheAnimalKingdomthat

Chernabogwants?”Maleficentcringedatmentionofthename;itwasasifFinnhadspokena

sacredsecret.Shecurledherhandsintoatightball,andFinncouldfeelitcoming.

“Lookout!”heshoutedatAmanda.Heturnedtowarnher.Amandawasgone.Vanished.Nolongerbyhisside.Maleficenthurledablindingballofenergydownthehall.Aboutthesizeof

asoftball,itspunthroughtheair,throwingoffsparkslikeatiny,blazingsun,andlookedasifitwouldburnupanythinginitspath.

“Duck!”saidAmanda’svoice.Finnglanceduptoseeherfloatinghorizontallyneartheceiling.“DUCK!”sherepeated.ButitwastoolateforFinntoduck.Theburningballarrivedandpassed

rightthroughhim.Itexplodedattheendofthehall,hittingatilewallanderuptingintoacloudofblacksmokethatrosetotheceiling.Thesmokecrepttowardablinkingsensormountedintheceiling.

“Buthow…?”hemuttered.Amanda,stillfloating,said,“ItoldyouJezandIhadunusualabilities.”“Youcanfly?”“Notexactly.Icanlevitate.”Shesankthen,andreturnedtoherfeet.Finnknewthisdiscussionwouldhavetowaituntillater.Maleficenttwistedheruglyfingers.Acageofblue-whitelinessurrounded

FinnandAmanda.Finnwasn’tscaredofthelasercage.HisDHIsteppedrightthroughit,

comingclosertoMaleficent.Amandafloatedoffherfeetandswamthroughtheair,slippingthroughagapbetweentheelectricbars.Shesankbacktothefloor.

“Orisittheotherwayaround?”FinncalledouttoMaleficent.“IsitthattheAnimalKingdomcontrolshim,andyou’regoingto‘save’Chernabog?Tofree

him!Hispowersarelimitedhere.Isthatit?”Maleficenttookastepback,awayfromFinn.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dever

sensedanounceofretreatinher.Hesavoredthemoment.Bygloating,hebrieflylosthisDHI.“Mymaster’spowersareanythingbutlimited,”shesaid.“Justyouwait!”ShethrewanarrowofflameatFinn.HischerishingMaleficent’sretreathad

costhimmorethanhalfhisDHI.Hewasnowhalfkid,halflight.Andasheturnedhisbackagainsttheoncomingarrow,heunknowinglyofferedherhismortalhalfSeeingthis,Amandaleapedinfrontofhim.

Thearrowstruckherinthechestandwastotallyabsorbed.Herarmsandlegsglowedasshesanktothefloor.

Maleficentgrinnedanevilgrin.“Lookslikeyourgirlfriendshouldn’tplaywithfire,”Maleficentsaid.AmandalayunconsciousontheflooratFinn’sfeet,aburnmarkonhershirt.

HisfearremovedhimfromhisDHIstateandexposedhimtoMaleficent’spowers.

Butsomethingelseovercamehim—awild,pent-upangerthathecouldnolongercontrol.Hechargedthewitch.

Awide-eyedMaleficentseemedtosensehersituation.Asherlipsmutteredanotherincantation,shewastoolate.

Finnhitherwithabodyblock,hismomentumslammingheragainstthewallandpinningherthere.Hebroughthishandstoherthroat.

Herskinwasicecold.Hesaid,“Releaseherthisinstant.Youbringherback…orsohelpme…”He

tightenedhisgrip.Hercoldskinwaslikenothinghe’deverfelt.Maleficent’ssicklygreenskinturnedyellow.Hewaschokingthelifefrom

her.Shehadnovoice.Noincantations.“RELEASEAMANDA!!”Finnshouted,holdingthewildpantheratbay

withhisvoice.Hetightenedhisgrip.Maleficent’seyesbulged.Shewavedherhand.

Amandacoughedandsatup,comingbacktoconsciousness.“Areyouallright?”Finnasked.Amandacoughedhardbutnodded.Finnsqueezedeventighter.“TellChernabogit’sover,”hesaid.“Hewill

neverregainhispower.TheOvertakersarethrough.”Hethrewhertothefloor,turned,andran,grabbingAmandabythehandjust

asthesmokereachedthesmokealarm.

“Yousavedmylife,”Amandasaid,clingingtohisarm.“Maleficentwasscaredofyou!”

“Iwas…mad,”Finnsaid.“Ididn’tknowyoucared,”Amandateasedhim,justastheyopenedan

emergencydoorandsprintedoutside.“WhosaysIdo?”hesaidtoher,hisvoicebreaking.“Boys…”shemuttered.

50

THEKINGDOMKEEPERSandAmandastoodwatchingtheAnimalCam,withPhilbyatthecontrols.AllbutCharlene,whokeptvigilatthebatenclosure,herDSinhand.Philby,beingPhilby,hadquicklylocatedtwocamerasthatservedthetigeryardsandathirdthatlookedbacktowardthearchedbridgethatseparatedthetwoenclosures.ItwasthisbridgethatcausedtheConthesatellitephoto.

“Theykeeptigersoneithersideofthebridge,”heexplained.“Bothsideshavewaterandsometreesforshade.Fromthebridgeyouhaveagoodviewofeitheryard.”

“Butifshe’sundertheC,she’sunderthebridge,”Finnsaid.“Idon’tknowthatthat’spossible,”Philbysaid,switchingcameraviews.“Zoomback!”Willasaidinanexcitedvoice.Philbydidassheasked.Amandasteppedforward,herfingerpointingtothescreen.“Thewindow!

That’sfromthediary.”“Yes,”Finnsaid.“Youshowedusthatbefore,whenMaybeckandIwere

overthere.”“Shedreamedaboutthisplace,”Amandasaid.“Noquestionaboutit.”Willapushedherwaytoacloserviewofthescreen.Maybecksaid,“ArewejustgoingtowatchTVallday?Let’sdo

something.”Willapointed.“Zoominonthis.”“Onwhat?”Philbysaid.“Justdoit,”Willapersisted.PhilbyusedtheAnimalCam’sjoysticktoaimthecamerawhereshepointed:

asectionwherethewallmetthedirt.“Zoomin,”shedirected.Itwasn’tdirt,asitturnedout.Slowlyageometricshapebecameapparent:a

woodenhatchwithgrassgrowingarounditsedges.“Thatcouldn’tbewhatIthinkitis,”Maybecksaid.

“It’satrapdoor!”Amandadeclared.“Atrapdoorinatigeryard,”Maybecksaid.“Yeah,thatmakessense.”“She’sinthere,”Amandasaid.ShelookedtoFinnforsupport.“Don’task

mehowIknow,butshe’sinthere.”“Philby?”Finnasked.“What’satrapdoordoingthere?”“You’regoingtothinkI’mcrazy.”“Tryme,”Finnsaid.“Let’ssayyou’rethepersonrunningthetigers.Howareyougoingtoget

anytigersintothisloweryard?”Heswitchedcameraviews.Itshowedaslowlyrisinghillofgrass.

“How‘bouttryingthegate?”Maybeckasked.“Thereisnogate.Notintheloweryard,onlyintheupperyard.Weknow

fromwhatWaynetoldusthatalltheanimalsareaccountedforeachevening.They’rekeptinbarnsandpensbackstage.I’mthinkingtheyprobablymoveacoupletigersintothisupperyardinthemorning—thentheyopenthehatch.Itleadstoashorttunnelthatconnectstotheloweryard.Tigersarecats,sothey’resmart.Theylearnfast.”Hezoomedthecameratowhereasecondhatchcouldbeseen,thistimeintheloweryard.“Oncethefirsttigersareintheloweryard,theyclosethehatchesandputtwomoretigersintotheupperyard.Tigersareterritorial,sothissystemkeepsthemapart.”

“Brilliant,”saidWilla.“Idon’tmeantoplaydevil’sadvocate,”saidMaybeck,whothrivedon

playingdevil’sadvocate,“butiftheyletthemininthemorning,thendon’ttheyletthemoutintheevening?SoifJezisdownthere,whichpersonallyIdon’tbelieve,doesn’tthatmean…?”Hedidn’tfinishhisthought.

“Thatifshe’sstilldownthereatclosing,thenthetigergetsherfordinner,”Philbysaid.

Willagasped.“Howcouldshehavegottendownthereinthefirstplace?”Maybeck

questioned.“Shecouldhavecrossedthesavannah,”Willaproposed,“afterescapingthe

treetrunk.Jumpedawall,orenteredanopengate,onlytofindherselffacingtigers.Maybethehatchwasalreadyopen;maybesheopeneditherself.Wewon’tknowuntilwefindher.”

“Onething,”Philbysaid,“supportingthistheory…ifIwereriggingthesoundforthePark,thewireswouldfollowthepath.Itmightmakesensetohaveajunctionboxdowninthetunnelconnectingtheyards.Workerswouldhavea

placetocheckthewiresthat’soutoftheviewoftheguestsandsafelyawayfromthetigers.”

“Nomatterwhat,”Finnsaid,“Ithinkwetalkedourselvesintocheckingoutthattunnel.”

“Atunnelwedon’tevenknowexists,”Maybeckremindedthem.“Butthere’ssomethingelsetothinkabout,”Finnsaid.“TheMonthe

satellitephotoisamatchwiththeMinthediary.”“SoshecouldjustaseasilybehidingsomeplaceontheM,”Maybecksaid,

pleasedtohavesomeevidencetosupporthisview.Amandashookherhead.“No,Idon’tthinkso.Sheplayedthatsongover

andover.ShehastobeundertheC.”“Thenwhat’stheMabout?”Maybeckasked.“Well,foronething,”Willasaid,“it’syourinitial.”Maybecklookedasifhemightstickhistongueoutather,butheresisted.“Inthediarythere’sablobofinkonthelowerrightstemoftheM,”Philby

pointedout.“Thatcouldbeamistake,oritcouldmeansomething.AndImightaddthateverythinginthediarysofarhasmeantsomething.”

“Agreed?”Finnsaid.“Solookwhereitis,”Philbysaid.“Dinoland.”Philbylookedaroundattheothers.“Doanyofyouevercome

tothisPark?”heinquiredsarcastically.“Dinolandisridiculouslyboringexceptforoneattraction.”

“Thatresearchthing—Dr.GrantSeeker,”Willasaid.“Dinosaur.Rememberanythingspecialaboutit?”“Onlythatitwasreallycool,”Willaanswered.“Notcool—well,yes,it’scool—butit’salsocold.Andit’scomputer

controlled.Majorlycomputercontrolled.Therehavetobesomeseriouscomputersrunningthatride.”

“Thesecondserver,”Finnwhispered,“couldbehiddenamongthem.”“Asgoodaplaceasany.”“Listentoyou!”Maybecksniped.“Wedon’tknowanyofthisforsure!”“No…”Philbysaid.“Buttheremightbeawaywecouldfindout.IfIcan

getbackonVMK,andWaynegetsmeintothecontrolcenter,Imaybeabletotracknetworkbandwidthusage.”

“SpeakEnglish,”Maybecksnapped.“Thinkaboutit:ifwegoafterJez,howisMaleficentgoingtocomeafter

us?”

“Withbirds,”Maybecksaid.“Andmonkeys,”Willaadded.“Andlions,”saidFinn.“AndDHIsofalloftheabove,”Philbysaid.“ThemoreDHIssheuses,the

morebandwidthusageonthenetwork.WhatI’msayingisthis:wewanthertocomeafteruswitheverythingshe’sgot,becausewhenshedoes,Icanprobablylocatethesecondserver.AndifIdo,thenmaybeIcancutitoffthenetwork.ThatwouldtakealltheDHIsofanimalsoutoftheequation.”

“Sowesplitup,”Finnsaid.“Maybeck,Willa,andPhilbywillteamuptotakeoutthesecondserver,todestroyitifpossible.Charlene,Amanda,andIwillgetinsidethetigeryardandgetintothathatch.”

“Oh,yeah,likethat’sgoingtohappen,”snippedMaybeck.“Philbysaidthetunnelmakessenseformaintenance.Ifthat’sthecase,do

youthinkthemaintenanceworkersgothroughthetigeryardseverytimethere’saproblem?Idon’tthinkso.There’sgoingtobeanotherentrance—ahatch,amanhole,something—probablyhiddeninthejungle.SomethingthatJezcan’tgetto,orisn’tstrongenoughtomove.PhilbycancheckitoutwhenhegetsintoVMK.Theremustbeawaytoopenthehatchesinordertomovethetigers.Philbycanlookforthat,andwe’llbeinposition,readytomove.”

“Therearestillafewsketchesinthediarythatwehaven’truninto,”Amandaremindedeveryone.“Weshouldn’tforgetaboutthem.There’sthehairygorillaandtheowlonthebranch.There’stheelephantandthehunchbackguywholookssortofIndian.”

“Everyonewillstayalertforthose,”Finnsaid.“Alert?”Maybecksaid.“I’mhalfasleeponmyfeet.”“Nosleeping!”Philbywarned.“WillaandImessedupthingsbygetting

caught.We’rebothsorryandappreciateeverythingyoudidforus.ButtheParkisclosingsoon:sixo’clock.Andthatmeanstheanimalswillallbemovedbackstage,includingthetigers.Ifthereisatunnelbetweenthetigeryards,andJezisdownthere…”Hedidn’thavetofinishthesentence.

ButapparentlyMaybeckfeltobligedto.“Thenshebecomeskittychow.”

51

CHARLENEINSISTEDTHATshecouldslipoverthewalloftheuppertigeryardwithnoonethewiser.

“Idon’tthinkso,”saidFinn.He,Amanda,andCharlenewereassembledalongtheedgeoftheJungleTrek,verynearthetigeryards.

“Icanstayclosetothewall,likeIdidatthebatenclosure,”Charlenesaid.“Noone’llseeme,andthatincludesthetigers.”

“Tigersarefast,”Amandaremindedher.“Veryfast.Andtheycanjump,let’snotforget.”

Charlenenodded.“Butalsolazy.I’llbeontheoppositewall.Ifthetigermovesorshowsanyinterest,youcanwarnme.Icanvaultthewallinananosecond.It’snotasifit’sgoingtogetme.”

“No,probablynot,”Finnsaid.“Butit’salsonotworththerisk.Attheveryworst,wewaituntiltheytrytomovethetigers.Ifwe’reright,they’llopenthehatchesatthatpoint.Jezwillgetoutofthere.OurjobswillbetodistractthetigerssoJezdoesn’tgetattacked.”

“Tigerbait?”Amandaasked,horrified.“Yourplanistouseusastigerbait?”“MyplanistorescueJez.Attheveryworst,wewaitoutthePark’sclosing.”“Let’slookforamaintenanceentrance,”Amandaencouraged.“Ifitactually

exists,itcan’tbefarfromthebridge.”“Agreed.AndCharlenepromisesnottojumpthewall,”Finnsaid,looking

upather.“Iwouldsuggestyouscouttheperimeterlookingforotherhatches,gates,oranythingelseweshouldknowabout.”

“Icandothat.ButIcanalso—”“Don’teventhinkaboutit,”Finnsaid,interruptingher.AmandaandFinnsetoffdownthepathtowardthetigerbridge.AtFinn’s

suggestion,theykeptafewyardsapartincasetheycameunderattackfromtheOvertakers.Theysharpenedtheirsenses,alerttowhatwasoverheadandallaroundthemforanythingoutoftheordinary—especiallymonkeysandorangutans.

TheyscoutedbothtigeryardsfromanoldIndiantemplemadeofstoneand

plaster,whichwasatthetopofthetigerbridge.AmandastaredoutthewindowthatmatchedwhatJezhadsketchedinthediary.Anenormoustigerwasstretchedoutintheshadeabouttwentyfeetbelowandacrosstheyard.Shecouldn’tseethetrapdoorfromwhereshestoodbutcouldplaceitjusttoherleftinhermind’seye.Sheswitchedsidesandkeptlookingaround.

Finnpatrolledthecenterofthebridge,alsoswitchingsidesandlookingintobothtigeryards.He’dhopedtoseeamanholecoverinthepath—someindicationofmaintenanceaccess—buttherewasnone.

“IthinkIhavesomething,”Amandasaidfrombehindhim.Shefacedsomeplantsandabeautifulsectionofthewall,wherefourlargestonepanelshadbeencarved,eachdepictingauniquescene.Finnrecalledthesefromhavingseenthemearlier,andhesaidso.

“Idon’tthinkweshouldbeseenstaring,soI’mgoingtoturnmyback,butcheckoutthesecondpanel,”Amandasaid,spinningaround.

“Theowl!”Finnsaid.“Andtheelephantwiththeheaddress.”“Bothofwhichshesketchedinherdiary,”Amandareminded.“It’sasecretpanel,”Finnsaid.“Theaccesstothetunnel.”“Wedon’tknowthat,”Amandaprotested.“Screenme,”Finnsaid.“I’mgoingbackthereandlookingforsomekindof

switchtoopenit.Thewayit’sonthecorner,it’sperfectformaintenance,becauseyou’rehiddentostartwith.Noone’sgoingtoseeme,butjusttomakesure…”

“I’vegotyoucovered,”Amandasaid.Finnslippedintothevegetationandsteppedintoshadow.Thegroundhere

wasdisturbed,andhenoticedseverallargeshoeprintsinthemud,convincinghimallthemorethattheywererightaboutthis.

Heranhishandalongtheedgeofoneofthelargestonepanels,hopingtofindsomekindoftrigger.Nothing.Hetappedonitlightly.Itsoundedhollow.“Thishasgottobeit,”hehissed.“ButIcan’tfindanythingtoopenit.”

“Trytheowl,”Amandacalledoverhershoulder.Ofcourse!hethought.Hestretchedtoreachtheowl,openedhishand,and

pushed.Thetilewiththeowlmoved.Thepanelclickedandpoppedopenaninch.Finnthreadedhisfingersbehinditandpulled.Itwasincrediblyheavy.

“I’vegotit!”heannounced.Butbehindthepanelhesawametalgate.Andthegatewaspadlocked.This

helpedexplainwhy,ifJezhadfoundthisentrance,she’dbeenunabletogetout.Hedidn’thesitateforamoment.Understandingtheriskhetook,Finn

flushedallthoughtfromhismind.Hewasneitheranxiousnorexcited.Neitherangrynortirednorhungry.Hefeltthenowfamiliartinglinginhisarmsandlegsandwitnessedaslightglowonthebackofthestonepanelthathungopen:hehadcrossedover.Hesteppedthroughthewrought-irongate,hisglowilluminatingadank,stonestairwaythatspiraleddowntohisleft.Heturnedaround,hisDHIalreadyfadingasfearcreptintohim.Fearofthedark.Fearoftheunknown.Hewashimselfagain.Hereachedthroughthegateandgrabbedaheavyironhandleontheinsideofthepanel.Hepulledwithallhisstrength,andthemassivestonedoorclickedshut.

He’dactedalittletoohastily:itwaspitchdark.Hecouldn’tseeathing.

52

FINNFELTHISWAYDOWNthedampstonesasthestairsbeneathhimfellawayinaspiraltohisleft.Itsmelledatonceofdustandmold,likehisgrandparents’basement.Hecountedthestairsashewent:ten,eleven,twelve…beforetheyleveledoff.Hewalkedontheflatnow,straightahead,hislefthandskimmingarockwall,theoccasionalcobwebtanglinginhisfingersandmakinghimjump.Finndidn’tlikespiders.

Thesoundofhisrunningshoesscrapingtheconcretechanged;hecouldfeelhewasinamoreopenarea.Hisvision,whichhadshownhimnothingbutsparklesandcurlicues,improvedtowherehecouldmakeoutahazebothtohisleftandright.Ithungintheairlikeagraymist.Andnow,slowlyforming,alump,aninterruptioninthemist.Animperfectioninthehorseshoe-shapedglowthatcontinuedtodefineitself.

“Jez?”hecalledoutsoftly.Thelumpmoved.Hethoughtitmighthaveturnedinhisdirection.Hecalledhernameagain,thistimealittlemoreloudly.“Ifyou’readream,goaway!”Jez’svoice!“It’sFinn,”hesaid,takingstepstowardher,hishandstillguidinghimalong

thewall.“Whycan’tIwakeup?”shemuttered.Finnfeltgood.Hisheartswelledinhischest.Itwasnotsimplytheprideof

success,ofbeatingtheoddsandfinallyfindingher.Itwentbeyondthat,tosomethingmore.Hefeltanimportanceinbeinghere.Asignificance.HewassavingJez.Hewasdoingsomethingthatreallymattered,notjuststudyingorwastingtimeonhiscomputer.Itgavemeaningtoalltheefforttheyhadgoneto,alltheriskstheyhadtaken.

Andthenthetunnelfilledwithacolorfulglow,likealightwarmingup.Anditwasalightwarmingup.Hislight.HisDHI.Itfilledhisendofthetunnel,andwhathadbeenalumpofdarknesstransformedintoJezebel.Shestoodupfromherslumpedpositionlookingalmostangelicandcametowardhimslowly,asifshewerefloating.Hecouldn’tsustainhisDHI,anditvanished.Hepulledout

theBlackBerry,usingitsglowingscreenasaflashlight.Hethoughtofherashavingjetblackhairandbonewhite,almost

translucent,skin.Intriguingeyes.Thathadbeenhowshe’dlookedwhenhe’dfirstmetherontheSportsComplexsoccerfield,whatseemedlikeyearsearlier.Infact,ithadonlybeenamatterofmonths.ButJezhadmadearadicaltransformationwhenMaleficent’sspellhadbeenlifted.Herhairwasnowashockingblond—almostwhite.Herthinlipsshinedluminouslyred.

Shecameintohisarms,likeayoungchildhuggingaparent,andthenletgo.IntheBlackBerry’sweirdlight,theybothlookedvaguelyblue.“Ididn’tthink…”shestammered.“Ihopedandevenprayed,thoughI’mnot

verygoodatpraying…IwireduptheiPodbutcouldn’tbesure…”“Amandafoundapageinyourdiary,”heexplained.“Wefollowedyour

sketches.”“Idon’tevenrememberwhatIdrew.”“Dreams,”Finnsaid.“Amandasaiditwaswhatyoudreamed.”“Nightmaresismorelikeit.I’vehadthemhereaswell—downhereinthe

dark.”Sheexplainedtheordealshe’dbeenthrough.ItwasmuchastheKingdom

Keepershadcometosuspect:herdetentiononthesavannah;herescape,whichturnedonamistakemadebyoneofthemonkeys;herflightacrossthesavannahandoverawallthatturnedouttobethetigeryard.Theearlymorningreleaseofthebigcatsandherfindingherselffollowingonedownawoodenhatchandintothetunnelwhilebeingstalkedbyanotherleftbehindintheupperyard.

“Thehatchesbothclosedatthesametime,andIwastrapped.AtfirstIrealizedhowluckyIwas,becausetheOvertakerswouldneverthinktolookinsuchaplace,butthenastimewenton,itoccurredtomethatnoonewouldlookdownhere.ThatIwasnotjusthidden,Iwastrapped.Andthat’swhenIrealizedthatadreamI’dhad—ofalandscape,butfromabove,likefromaplane—madeallthemoresense.Iwasinthetunnel,undertheCinthephoto.”

“Itwasasatellitephoto,”Finnsaid,explaining.“Oneofyoursketchesledustoit.”

“Andthat’swhenIrealizedthesongonmyiPodmighthelpyoufindme.Iusedmyearbudwiretoconnecttoabox.”SheturnedtheglowingiPod,revealingaseriesofthreejunctionboxesmountedtothestonewallandanumberofwiresleadingfromthem.“Icouldn’tbesureitwouldwork,butIthoughtitprobablyshould.Andmaybeyou’dhearit.IfyouwereevenhereinthePark.AndsoIdecidedtosavethebatteryandonlyplaythesongeveryfew

hours.”Shepointedattheglowingfaceofthedevice.“Itstillhassomepower,thoughnotmuch,I’mafraid.”

“Weneedtogetoutofhere.AmandaandCharleneareuptherewaitingforus.PhilbyisonVMKwithWayne—”

“ButVMKisclosed!”“Waynefixedthat.Thetwoofthemaremonitoringnetworktrafficandalso

tryingtoseeiftheycancontrolthehatchesinthetigeryards.”FinnhadnearlyforgottenabouttheDS.Hecheckedthatitwasturnedon.

Nosignal.HetriedtheBlackBerry:nobars,nosignal.“Togetdownhere,”Finnsaid,“Ihadtocrossovertogetthrougha

maintenancegate.Youcan’tturnyourselfintoaDHIthewayIcan.Youcan’tcrossovertogetbackout.”Hepaused,tryingtothinkclearly.“We’rekindofstuckdownhere.”

“Youcanstillgetout.”“That’snotgoingtohappen.I’mnotleavingwithoutyou.”“Youdon’thappentohaveahamburgerandfriesinyourbackpocket,do

you?”“I’mgoingtotrytheDSagain,closertothehatches.”“I’lltakethatasano.”ShedisconnectedtheiPodandcarrieditinfrontofherasaverydim

flashlight.FinndidthesamewiththeBlackBerry.Thetunnel’sfloorwasconcrete,itswalls,stone.ThetunnelwaslongerthanFinnexpected.Nearingthefarend—theendleadingintotheuppertigeryard—thetunnelfloorbegantorise,formingaramp.Thespacebecamelowerandtighter,endinginaboxofconcretethreefeetsquare,aspaceFinncouldjusttuckhimselfinto.

“It’sexactlythesameontheotherend,”Jezsaid.Finnalreadyknewtheirsituationhadimproved:thestaticinhisearhad

lessened.“Haveyoutriedopeningit?”“Yes.Ofcourse.Itdoesn’topen.”“Whatiftwoofuspushed?”“It’snotthatit’sheavy.It’slatchedshut.Tigersaremuchstrongerthaneither

ofus.I’msureit’sconstructedtostopacurioustigerfromopeningit.”Shepausedamoment.“Whydoyoukeepcheckingyourwatch?It’sonlyafewminuteslaterthanwhenyoufirstlooked.”

Finnsaidnothing.Buthecheckedhiswatchagain.Shewasright,itwas5:18.He’dlastcheckedat5:15.

“Whatisit?”sheasked.

“TheParkclosesatsix.”“SoAmandaandtheotherswillhavetoleave.That’snotthemostawful

thing.”“Itisn’tjustthat,”hesaid.“Theymovetheanimals—alltheanimals—outof

theParkatclosing.”“Includingthetigers.”Jezmadeitastatement.“I’mafraidso.”“Andifwe’redownherewhentheymovethemHervoicetrailedoff.Finncaughthimselfnodding.TheDSbeeped,indicatingaconnection.

philitup:Finn?Finn?

Finn:i’vegotjez!!!she’sok!

Messagesstartedtocompete,butPhilbycuteveryoneoffwithanannouncement.

philitup:foundthevirtualswitch,ithinkicanopenthehatches,wantme2try?

FinnlookedupatJez.“Whatdoyouthink?”“Dowehaveachoice?I’drathergeteatenrunningformylifethantrapped

inatunnel.”“Yeah,Iknowwhatyoumean.”

angelface13:tenapesjustenteredthetigeryards,lookslikesomeoneknowswhatweknow.

FinnexplainedtoJez,“Aguysawustakethesatellitephoto.It’spossiblethattheOvertakersheardaboutitandfiguredoutyouweredownherethesamewaywedid.”

“Therearemonkeysoutthere?”Jezasked,unabletokeepthetensionoutofhervoice.

“Meanmonkeys,”Finnconfirmed.“Thoughtheorangutansaretheworst.”“Well,that’scertainlyreassuring.Andwe’regoingoutthere?”

“I’mnotsurewehaveanychoice.”

53

MAYBECKANDWILLAstoodguardattheDreamVacationkioskinCampMinnie-Mickey.WiththeirbackstoPhilby,whooccupiedthecomputerterminal,theykepttheireyesonthecrowdaswellasonthejungle,acutelyawarethatthelastattackhadcomequicklyandwithoutwarning.

Philbyhadhishandsfull.Whilehewasnegotiatinganintricatesetofnetworkingcables,representedon-screenbyarainbowofwiresthatspideredoutfromvariousnetworkhubstothemyriadattractions,securitycameras,andcashregistersthroughoutAnimalKingdom,Waynehadworkedhiswaythroughthevirtualschematicstofindaswitchhebelievedresponsibleforthetiger-yardhatches.Philbyhaddouble-checkedWayne’sworkand,agreeingwithhim,hadcalledFinnovertheDS.

philitup:changedatimer,in5minutesthetunnelhatcheswillopen.

“Fiveminutes,”Finnsaid,soundinganxious.

philitup:willtrytoknockoutanydhis.notsureifpossible.

WithCharlene’sannouncementthatthemonkeyshadarrivedinthetigeryards,Philbynoticedthatthevolumeofnetworktrafficincreasedexponentially.Dataflowedalongthecolorfulcables,notindatastreams,butindatarivers.Philbyworkedthecursortomovehisavataralongthevirtualcatwalksthatcarriedthenetworkcableslikecolorfulhoses.Screenbyscreenhefollowedtheincreaseincolorthatsignaledariseindataflow.Blueindicatedoutbounddata—fromvariousserversplacedthroughoutthePark—whileredsignifieddatareturning,checksumsusedtotelltheserverthedatahadreacheditsintendeddestination.LikedataovertheInternet,itmovedinpulses,orparcels,whichwhencombinedaddeduptoawholemessageorimage.Withthejumpindatatraffic,thebluelinespulsedskyblue,andtheredlinesturnedfire-enginered.

Thepulsesgotfasterandtheburstsbrighter,untilallatonceagoodnumberoflinesturnedintoashimmeringpurple—acombinationoftheredandblue,thedatamovinginsuchquantityandatsuchspeedsthatthetwocolorsbecameathird.

ThesewerethelinesthatinterestedPhilby,foraslife-sizegraphicimages,hologramsconsistedofphenomenalamountsofdata.Hisavatarhurried,stayingwiththesamepurpledatalinethroughahalfdozenscreens,makingsureheneverconfusedonepurplelineforanother.(Bysimplyrollingthecursoroverthepurplelineacorrespondingnumberappeared—likeanIDtag.Hefollowednumber518912.)Thedatawaspassedfromonenetworkhubtoanother,thelargestandmostcomplicatedbeingahubmarkedDiscoveryIslandHub.

Fromhere,thepurplelinestraveledsoutheastacrossabridge.Justbeforethebridge,anetworklineledtoastructuremarkedFlameTreeBarbecue.Philby’savatarreachedthefarsideofthebridgeandturnedtofollowthepurplecablesasWayne’swhite-hairedavatarpoppedupfrombelowthebridge.Wayne’savatarheldtwosilverswordscradledinhisarms.

[]:here,oneisforyou.ifearwemaymeetresistance,andremember:althoughonlyavirtualworld,ifyouravatariskilledorcaptured,it’sGameOver,iwon’tbeabletoreconstructyouandreinsertyouintoVMKforatleastanhourortwo,andIfearbythenitwillbetoolate,ifyou’retoaccomplishyourmissionyoumuststayinthegame.

philitup:asword?

[]:it’sallicouldfindonshortnotice.

philitup:howmanyofthem?

[]:noidea,maybenone,butthecloserwegettodestroyingthem,thebiggerthefighttheywillputup.theyknowyouwereinvmkearlier.Iassumethey’veadjustedtheirdefensesaccordingly.

Philbytookholdofthesmallsword—itlookedlikeasilvertoothpick—andswungitbackandforth.Ittookhimamomenttogetthehangofit.ThenWaynesteppedinfrontofhimandthetwosparred,Waynehandlingtheweaponwithsurprisingaplomb.Infact,themoreaggressivePhilbygotwiththesword,themoreeffortlessWayne’smotions.Theycontinuedtoduel,Wayne’savatardancingcirclesaroundPhilby.ThenPhilbyheldhisswordtohischestandtypedamessage.

philitup:you’vedonethisbefore.

[]:alittle,perhaps.

philitup:morethanalittle.

[]:therewasatime…alongtimeago…whentheovertakerschallengedthekingdom,thisiswhyunclewaltleftthestonecutter’squillinthefirstplace.Iwasamemberoftheteamsenttorepeltheovertakers.

TheStonecutter’sQuillhadbeencentraltotheKingdomKeepers’firstattempttodefeattheOver-takers.Philbyfounditinteresting,importanteven,tohearthehistory.Hetoldhimselftoremembereverythingsohecouldtelltheothers.

philitup:sent?

[]:disneyworldwasjustbeingbuiltatthetime,therealpowerofthekingdomlayindisneyland,asitdoestothisday.

philitup:whatkindofpower?

[]:itneedn’tconcernyounow.

philitup:butitdoes.

[]:patience,myyoungfriend,ifthebattleeverreturnshome,believeme,thekingdomkeeperswillbepartofit.

philitup:youwereaswordsman?

[]:welearnedmanydefenses,theswordbutoneofthem,surprisinghoweasilyitcomesback,you’redoingwellenough,justremember:itisdouble-edged,itcutsjustaseasilyonthebackswing.conserveyourenergyandalwaysswinginbothdirections.

philitup:I’lltry.

[]:it’sallthatcanbeasked,nowlet’sbeoff…Togethertheycontinuedalongthecatwalks,upanddownstaircases,always

followingthepulsingpurplecables.Agroupofcablesrantotheright.Philbystoppedtoexaminethem:nonewaspurple.Otherscontinuedstraightahead.

[]:we’reindinoland.thosearerestaurantstoourrighttheridesaretoourleft:fossilfungames,primevalwhirl,andtriceratopspin.Sixcablescontinuedstraightahead—fourofthempulsingarichpurple.

WhathadlefttheDiscoveryIslandhubashundredsofdatacableshadbeenreducedtojustafew,themajorityofwhichwerepurple,indicatingalargeamountofdatatransfer.Thecableswerenearingthesourceofthatdata—thesecondserver.

Philbywasscared.ForFinn,thekeywastodefeatthesecondserver,to

eliminatetheDHIsMaleficentwasusingtoincreaseherarmy.Whoknewhowmanyofthemonkeys,birds,ortigerswerereal?Theonlywaytoabsolutelyknowwastoshutdownthesecondserver—forgood—andthattasknowfelltohimandanoldmanwithtoothpickswords.Iftheyweregoingtoencounterresistance,itwasgoingtobesoon.

Hedidn’tneedtoaskWaynewherethosecablesled.TherewasonlyasingleattractionatthebottomofDinoLandUSA.

Philby,theboy,nottheavatar,brieflyreleasedtheVMKcontrols.Heturnedaround,foundMaybeck’sfaceinthecrowd,andcalledout,“TheDinoInstitute.YouandWilla…asfastasyoucan!”

Thenheturnedbacktothescreentoseethathewastoolate:Waynewasunderattack.

54

TWOMINUTES…

Finncounteddownthesecondsonhiswatch.Heheardhismouthspeakbeforehemeanttosayanything.

“ThefirsttimeIsawyouIwasscaredofyou,”hetoldJez.Thetwowerehuddledclosetogetherjustbelowthehatchintheuppertigeryard.

“Me?”“Yourlonghair.Thewayyoulookedatme.”“IwasunderMaleficent’sspell,”sheremindedhim.AndIwasunderyours,hethought.“Yeah,”hesaid.“Thethingis,asit

turnedout,therewasnothingtobeafraidof.”“Areyoutryingtotellmesomething?”sheasked.Theirfaceswereabouta

footapart.Onlyatinybitoflightseepedinfromaroundtheedgesofthehatch,emittingadullglow.Hesawtheshapeofherhead,nothingmore.

“Fearisaweirdthing.Itcantotallytakeover,oryoucanpushitawayandsuddenlyit’sgone.That’showI’mabletobeaDHI—Iremoveallthought,allfear,andsuddenlyIcrossover.”

“It’sgoingtobescaryoutthere,”Jezsaid,suddenlyunderstandingwhatitwasFinnwastryingtosay.

“Yeah,Ithinkso.”“Whycan’tboyseversaywhattheyactuallywanttosay?Ifyouwere

Amanda,you’dhavejustsaid,‘Headsup,girl!It’sgoingtobefreakyoutthere.'”“Headsup,girl,”Finnsaid.“Ha-ha,”shemockedhim.“IwilltrytoleavethehatchasmyDHI.IfCharlene’sinsidethetigeryard,

shewillbenearawall.Haveyoueverbeentoarodeo?”“Areyouserious?”“Inarodeo,theclown’sjobistodistractthebull.Todrawthebull’s

attentionawayfromthebullridertogivetheriderenoughtimetogetoverthefence,outofdanger.ThinkofCharleneandmeastheclowns.You’retherider.”

“They’recomingafterme,”Jezsaid.

“They’llcomeafterallofus,”Finnsaid,“buttheycanonlyhurtyou.Theydon’tknowthat,sothat’stoouradvantage.”

“It’snotmuch.”“No.Butit’sallwe’vegot.IfCharlenehasjumpedthewall,thenshe’ll

knowthewayout.YoumustfollowCharlene.Nomatterwhathappenstome,nomatterwhatyousee,ignoreit.StaywithCharlene.”

“Idon’tlikethesoundofthis.”“I’mjustsaying.”Oneminute…“Finn,ifyou’retryingtoimpressme…Ialreadyhaveaboyfriend…”“Rob,”Finnsaid.Hesawherheadcocktothesideincuriosity.“‘Change

Rob’—itwasinyourdiary.AmandatoldusRobwasyourboyfriend.Ittookusforevertorealizewhyyou’dwrittenthat.”

“AndwhyhadIwrittenthat?”“It’sananagramforChernabog,”Finnsaid.“LiketheguyinFantasia?”“Thesame.Wethinkhe’sMaleficent’sboss,orking,orwhateveryou’dcall

it.”“Superior,”shesaid.“Whatever.He’stheoneincontrol.”“Ithink…ohmygosh.”“What?”“IthinkIhadadaydream,”shesaid.“WhileIwasdownhereinthedark.

KingoftheMountain,Icalledhim.Bigandugly,andreallyhairy.Hewastryingtokillme.MeandAmanda.Hehadthisclubinhishand.No!Itwasn’taclub.Itwas—”Shegasped.Forthefirsttimeinthedulllighthecouldseeherfaceclearly:hereyesweresquintedclosed.

“What?”“Itwasn’taclubinhishand,”sherepeated.“Itwas…you,Finn.Hehadyou

bythelegsandwasswingingyoulikeaclub.”FinnknewthestrengthofJez’sdreams.Hefoundithardtobreathe,hischest

tight,histhroatdry.Fear!Hehadtopushitaway.Hehadtofindasenseofcalm.Heneededtocross

overtohisDHI.Becauseatthatmoment,thehatchabovetheirheadsbegantosqueakand

groan.Lightfloodedinandblindedthem.

Thehatchwascomingopen.

55

PHILBYRAISEDHISAVATAR’SSWORDandblockedtheswipeofsilversteelthataimedforhishead.Waynewasfightingtwoatonce,hisswordnothingbutablurofshininglight.

Thethingscomingatthem—therewerefouraltogether—werehunchbackedtrollswithexaggeratednoses,longhair,andstrongarms.Nevermindthattheywereavatars,theywerehorrendous-lookingcreatures,incrediblyquickwiththeirswordsanddeterminedtoeliminateWayneandPhilbyfromVMK.

Philbyblockedasecondswipeandthenathird.Hebackedupandmovedtohisright,noticingthatthetrollpivotedonitsleftfootasitturnedtostaywithPhilby.Philbyraisedhisswordasiftostrikeablowtothehead.Thetrollcrosseditsswordtoblock,butPhilbyreleasedthesword,allowingittofalland,asitdid,hebentforwardandwastheretocatchitbeforeithittheground.Heswungatthetroll’sleftleg.Itslicedintwoattheknee.Thetrollsteppedforwardandfelloverontoitsface.Ittriedtostandbutwasuselesswithoutaleftleg.

PhilbysteppedarounditintimetoengagetheswordofthethirdtrolltoattackWayne,whowasalreadybusydefendinghimselfagainsttwooftheattackers.Philbycaughtthistroll’sswordasitswungbackoveritshead.ThecontactspunthetrollaroundanditcameatPhilbywithaseriesofswiftslicestotheair,narrowlymissingthechestofPhilby’savatar,whichwasinsteadyretreat.Thetrollrearedbackandlowereditsswordwithpowerandspeed.Philbysidestepped,tripped,andhisavatarwentdown.

Theswordsmackedintooneofthepurplenetworkingcables,cuttingitintwo.Thepurplecolorimmediatelyswitchedtogray,andPhilbyrealizedthatsincethiswasaninternalmaintenancesite,anythingdonetothemechanismwasforrealandaffectedtherealworld.Whereverthatdatafeedhadbeenheaded,itwasnownullandvoid.Heconsideredcuttingallthecables.Wouldn’tthathavethedesiredeffect?Wouldn’titstopallthedata—andmorethanlikelyalltheDHIs?Hethoughtitwould,butatthesametime,withoutthatvividcolor,hewouldn’tbeabletofollowthecablestotheirsource—thesecondserver.Andthatwastheultimateprize.

AtrollleftthefightwithWayne.Itsquattedandjumpedaphenomenaldistance,landingrightinfrontofPhilby.ItraiseditsswordtodoPhilbyin.Itwasnowtwoagainstone.Philbyspuninafullcircle,hisswordoutstretched.Itwassimilartoamartialartsmove,anditcaughtthetwoothersbysurprise.Hehitthefirstinthearm,severingit.Thesecondtookthetipofhisswordacrossitschest.Philbyspunagain,thistimetakingastepforward.

Theone-armedtrollmerelyswitchedhands,nowholdingtheswordwithitsright.ItlowereditatPhilby,whodancedtotheleftjustasthebladecamedownlikeaguillotine.ItchoppedofftheendofPhilby’srightfoot.

Philbymovedandsawhisavatarsway,abouttofall.Hejerkedleftandmaintainedhisbalance:hecouldstillstand,buthisstepshadtobeshorter.

Waynehaddispatchedtheremainingtroll.HecameatthetwoonPhilbyfrombehind,andsoontherewasaflashofswordsasPhilbybattledtheone-armedtrollandWaynetookthewoundedone.Philbymovedtohisright,seeingthatWaynewasmovingthatwayaswell.AndnowPhilbysawWayne’sscheme.Thetwotrollswerebattlinginclosequarters,toonearoneanother.Theyeachpivotedononelegastheyturned—afaultydesign—andWaynewasworkingtotietheirlegstogether,tocrosstheirlegs.

Itworkedbeautifully.Onemoremovetohisright,andPhilbywatchedasthetwotrollstumbledover.BeforePhilbycouldevenlifthissword,Waynehadremovedthesetwofromthegameaswell.Waynehurriedtotheonespinningonthefloorandstoppeditwithaswordthrust.

[]:ifwedon’thurry,they’llgenerateanotherfiftyoftheseandsendthemourway.canyoufindtheserver?

philitup:I’msureIcan.

[]:thendoit.andtellyourfriendsuptopwemayneedtheirhelp,myguessisthesetrollsaren’tgoingtoletusanywherenearthatserver.

56

THEIREYESADJUSTINGastheyclimbedupthesmallrampandoutoftheopenhatch,FinnandJezbeheldanintimidatingsight.Theuppertigeryardwasalargeenclosure,anopenexpanseofslopinggreengrasssurroundedbyfifteen-foot-highwalls.Theenclosure’sboundarieswerebrokenbybambootrees,wildgrasses,andjungleshrubs.Intheshadetotheirleft,andjustcomingtoherfeet,wasanenormoustigress,sixfeetfromshoulderstotailwithahugehead,andpawsthesizeofovenmitts.Sheglancedbackatthemwithherambereyesandletoutathunderousgrowl—theywereintrudersandshedidn’tappreciatebeingawakenedfromhernap.

Directlyaheadofthem,comingoverthecrestofthesmallrise,weretwomoretigers—barrelingtowardFinnandJezatfullspeedand,totherightoftheyard,ahalfdozenmonkeysandfourlargeorangutanswerealsocharging.Thenumberofwildanimals,aswellastheircombinedferocity,everytwitchofmuscleaimeddirectlyatFinnandJez,frozethekids.Theystoodabsolutelystill,whichwasagoodthing.

ThenFinnspottedtheivycreepingalongtherightwall—justbehindthegangofmonkeys.Charlene.

“Finn?”aterrifiedJezsaid,hervoicebreaking.“Nofear,”Finnwhispered.Hehadtriedtocrossoveronhiswayoutofthe

hatch,buthisexcitementhadpreventedit.Hedidn’twantJeztoknowthis,sohespokewithauthority.

“Movetoyourright,”hesaid.“Stayclosetothewall.”“Butthemonkeys!”shesaid.“Iknow.”Ahollowgrowlreverberatedfrombehindthem:anothertiger,thisone

comingthroughthetunnelfromtheloweryard.Finnpickedupastickandsteppedforward,puttinghimselfbetweenthe

chargingmonkeysandJez.Thetwocentertigerscontinuedtheiradvance,whiletheoneintheshadetothelefthadspunfullyaroundtofacethehatch.Ifhedidn’tdosomethingquickly,heandJezweregoingtobeanimalcrackers—a

lateafternoonsnack.“Go!”hesaid.Jeztookoffalongthewallatarun.Finnattackedthelineofadvancingmonkeysandapes,swingingthestick

likeabaseballbat.Themonkeysskiddedtoastop,formingasemicirclearoundhim.Hesawaflashintheeyesofoneoftheorangutans:theapehadspottedJezfleeingalongthewall.Hechosethisapetogoafter,chantingunderhisbreath:Nothingcanhurtme.

Hechargedtheorangutan,swungthestick,andforcedtheapetodancebackward,outofthewayofcontact.Indoingso,theorangutanleftasmallgapbetweenhimandtheapetohisside.ItwasjustbigenoughforFinntosqueezethrough.Heranforwardandshotthegap.Theapeturned.

ThisofferedJeztheopportunitytorunevenharder,quicklymovingalongthewalltowardtheslowlyadvancingCharlene,who,posingasDeVine,washighatopherstilts.

Thelargecattotheleftsteppedoutoftheshadows,herstridescalculatedandcontrolled:shewashunting.IfnotFinn,anyoneofthemonkeyswouldmakeaworthwhilesnack.

Themonkeyssawthecataswell,theirhacklesraisedinalarm.Finnwasfacingthewallofmonkeysasthesecondcatclimbedupandoutof

thetunnel.Heglancedoverhisshoulder:theothertwocatswouldarriveatanymoment.

He’ddoneafinejobofpullingattentionawayfromJez,buthisownsituationwasfarmoretentative.Ifhedidn’tthinkofsomethingquickly,hislonestickwasnotgoingtobeenoughtodefendhimself.

Heheldthestickhighoverheadandcriedoutloudlyinawarcry.“Goahead,tryit!”heshouted,watchingJezcontinueherprogress.Butthe

monkeysgrewdaring,tighteningthecirclearoundFinn.Preparingtostrike.

57

PHILBY’SANDWAYNE’SAVATARSranalongacatwalkofsteelmesh,followingthefewremainingcablesliketraintrackstowardanunconfirmeddestination.ButeverythingpointedtowardtheDinoInstitute.Finally,thefirstwalloftheinstituteappeared,andthentheidentificationontheschematics.

ThetrickforPhilbywastojugglebackandforthbetweentheDSandthecomputerterminal.Itwasn’teasy.

philitup:it’sdefinitelydino-institute.

mybest:we’realmostthere.

Hestudiedthewiresaheadofhim.Thepurplewiresturnedrightjustinsidethedoorsoftheinstitute.

ThevirtualblueprintspreadoutbeforehimandWayne.Astheynearedtheentrance,theplanshiftedfromtwotothreedimensions.HeandWaynemovedinsidetheguestentrance.Philbystayedalertforanyotherwaystogetin.

Wayne’savatarstoppedattheedgeofthedoorway.PhilbytypedamessagetoWayne.philitup:what’swrong?

[]:isenseatrap.

philitup:why?

[]:weshouldhavemetmoreresistance,iamfamiliarwiththeirtactics,thisisunlikethem.

philitup:maybethey’vechanged.

[]:notlikely,theovertakersneverrest,theyarecunningandcleverandtheypossessmanyspells.iwouldsuggestwelookforanotheraccesspoint.

philitup:there’snotime,besides,thecablesarerighthere.

[]:haveyouconsideredthecablesthemselvesmaybepartofatrap?Philbyhadnotgivenitanythought.Thedataflowhadconvincedhimhe

wasfollowingtherightcables.Ifitwasatrap,thenMaybeckandWillawerealsowalkingrightintoit.

[]:please…anotherdoor,it’ssaferforallofus.Philbyhesitated,incrediblytemptedtofollowthecables.ButWaynehad

gottenhimthisfar.Hehadtotrusthim.Hebackedhisavataroutoftheentrance,tookhishandsoffthecontrols,andtextedamessagetoMaybeck’sDS

philitup:ifucangetbackstage@dinoinstitute,urlooking4arackofservers,therewillbthickblueorgrayethernetcablesclippedintothebackofeachserver,theremaybeahub—aboxwithflashinglights.

Ashisavatarsteppedoutofthestructure,theschematicsreturnedtotwodimensions.Hestudiedthefullschematics.Thebiggestbackstageareasweretotheright.

philitup:workshopsare@endofride,mustdestroyserver.

HewaitedtomakesureMaybeckhadreceivedthemessages.

mybest:gotit..ihope.

58

THEAPESANDMONKEYSENCIRCLEDFINN,closingaroundhimlikeanet.HowsimpletocrossoverbrieflyintohisDHIandjustwalkrightthroughthathairyline,butitwasnottobe:hewasterrified.Hewasn’tgoingtocrossoveronhisown.

Hespun,lookingfortheweaklinkinthecircle.Heconsideredchargingsomeofthesmallermonkeys,breakingthelinethereandrunningforit.Buttheyallwereferociouslyfastontheirfeetand,atthemoment,baringtheirteethinadisplayofaggressionandanger.

HecaughtsightofJezasshereachedCharlene.Excitedly,thetwogirlsworkeditouttowhereCharlenewasleaningherbackagainstthewall,andthenimbleJeznowclimbedupthestilts—usingthemasaladder—towardCharlene’swaitinghand.Finnlookedawayasthefingersofthetwomet,confidentthatCharlenewouldgetJezupandovertotheotherside.

“Overhere!”ahigh-pitchedvoicecalledout.Finnheardguestsshout:“Checkitout!”“Lookatthis!”“Therearekidsin

withthetigers!”Wherehadshecomefrom?Finnwondered.ItwasAmanda.Shewasinside

thetigeryard,thehuge,prowlingcattoherleft,thecircleofmonkeysdirectlyinfrontofher.

DisneySecuritywouldbeontheminminutes.TheyhadtogetJez—andthemselves—outbeforetheywereeithereatenbythetigersorcaughtbySecurity.

Theothertwocatsarrivedatthesametime.They,too,begantocircle,alongwiththetigerthatescapedthehatch—awidercirclethanthemonkeys,onethatincludedAmanda.

TheescapedtigerstillconfusedFinn:howhaditgottenintothetunnelinthefirstplace?Wastheloweryardhatchopen?Ifso,whohadopenedit?

Onlytheprowlingtigressthathademergedfromtheshadowsremainedonherown,majesticallymovingwithlong,confidentstrides,restlesslybackandforth.Sheseemedtobeagitated,studyingthecommotioninheryard,

calculatingastrike.Severalofthemonkeysspunaround,distractedbyAmanda,andbroketheir

chain.Finntookadvantageofthedistractionandshotfortheopening.Thetwochargingtigersturnedatthelastminute,nowaimingforAmanda.Finntooktwostepstowardher,intendingtodefendher,butthenwitnessed

herleavingtheground.Shelevitated,floatinghigherandhigher.Themonkeys,carriedbytheirownmomentum,ranrightthroughthespaceshehadoccupied.Thetwochargingtigersleapedintotheair,reachingtheirclawstowardher.Onecaughtthelegofherjeans,buttherewasnosoundoftearingfabric.Noscream.

Theleapingtigerflewthroughtheairandlandedwitharoll.Theslinkingtigresssatbackonherhaunchesandsprangforthecharging

tiger.ItlookedasifthetigressweretryingtodefendAmanda.Thetwotigersgrowledatthetigressandthethreecatsbegantocircleeachother.

Ignored,Amandaloweredherselftothegrass.“Thewall!”FinncalledouttoAmandaasheraisedhissticktowardthe

remainingtwomonkeys.AmandasprintedtowardCharlene.Finnturnedhisbackintheirdirection,battlingmostofthemonkeys,who

dartedabouthimtryingtosinktheirteethintohislegs.Heknockedthembackwithhisstick,butapparentlytheybarelyfeltit.

Lookingovertheheadsofthemonkeys,Finnsawthetigressswipingherhugeclawsattheothertwograndcats.Itlookedasifthecatsmadecontact,butnoneofthemreeledwithpain—theyheldtheirground.

CharleneletoutasquealasAmandaclimbedupherstilts;herhandhadbecomecaughtbetweenastiltandthewall.

Withthatsqueal,allthreecatsturned.Oneminutefightingeachother;thenext,actinglikecuriouscats.Theyclearlysawthemonkeys,thenFinn,andfinallythegirlinthedistanceclamberingupawall.

Theycharged.Finnhadhishandsfullwiththemonkeys.Hehadnotanounceofstrength

norasecondoftimetodealwiththreeenormouscatsbarrelingdowntowardhim.

Thisisit,hethought.Itwastoolatetoturnandrun.Toolatetoescape.Thecatswerelightningfast.Theyseemedtopulltheearth,andFinnwithit,

dragginghimtowardthem.Withoutlooking,themonkeysknew.Theydartedtotheirleft,removingthemselvesfromthetigers’lineofsight.

Finnreadiedhispatheticstick;itwasallthedefensehehad.Hewasgoingto

beeatenalive.Thetwosmallertigersleapedintotheairwhenjustfiveyardsaway,

perfectlycalculatingthedistance.TheywouldlandonFinn,crushinghim,thensnaphisneckwiththeirpowerfuljawsandstartthefeast.

Finnbracedfortheend.

59

PHILBY’SANDWAYNE’SAVATARSHAD,onlyfiveminutesearlier,movedaroundtherightwalloftheDinoInstitute,asitappearedonthevirtualschematics.

philitup:ifyouhelpedcreatetheplace,howaboutalittlehintofhowtoreachthatroom?Nearthesouthwalloftheinstitute,thepurplecablesterminated.The

blueprintshowedaseriesofwallsaroundthem,butnodoor.Sowastheserverinacloset?Aworkspace?Theceiling?Thehidingplaceinthefloor?

[]:computerscamewayaftermytime.Ihavenoideawherethatis.

philitup:none?areyousure?theydon’tneedmuchspace,butithastobeacoolroom,andtheyrequirealotofcabling,sotheywouldbeoveratunnelorsewer,or—

[]:stormsewers.Wayne’savatarlifteditsarmtopoint.[]:Irememberameeting,yearsago,whereroutingdatalinesoverthestormsewerpipeswasdiscussed,stormsewerscarrytherainwateroutofthepark,thesewerlinesareinmaintenanceconduitsthroughoutthepark.

philitup:butthisisaservertheywanttohide,thattheydon’twantanyonetofind.

[]:theemployeebathroomintheDinoInstituteiswaytoocold,andeverybathroomhasdrains,right?somedrainsfeedthestormsewers.PhilbygrabbedholdoftheDS.Itwasworthatry.

philitup:dhiserverisinanemployeebathroomclose2thesouthwall.

mybest:onourway.

philitup:wayneandiwilltry2cutthecables,utry2findserver.

PhilbylookedbackattheVMKscreenand,ashedid,thescreenpoppedandsparkled.Itoccurredtohimthatsomeonecouldbemonitoringthem.TheOvertakerscouldknowthatheandWaynewereonline.Couldtheytracetheirlocations?Ifso,bothheandWaynewereatgreatrisk.

philitup:hurryup!wehavetocutthecables.

Wayne’savatarrushedtokeepupwithPhilby.ItforcedWaynetokeephishandsonthemouseandoffthekeyboard:hecouldn’ttypeamessageaslongasPhilbykepthimmoving.

Theytraveledaroundthecorneroftheinstituteandbacktothecatwalkthatcarriedthedatacables.Philbystruckthepurplecableswithhissword.Once…twice…threetimes.Allthecableswerecut.Theyimmediatelyturnedgray—thedatastreamwasdead.

Whywasn’tWaynehelping?Philbyturnedhisavatartolook.Wayne’savatarwasn’tmoving.philitup:comeon!hurry!Thewhite-hairedavatarjuststoodtherenotdoinganything.PhilbywishedhecouldscreamatWayne,insteadofjusttyping.Whywasn’t

theoldguyfollowinghim?Thentheimpossiblehappened:Wayne’savatardissolved.

60

MAYBECKANDWILLAoccupiedthebackseatofoneoftheexplorationvehiclesinsidetheDinoInstitute.Thefrontseatstoodempty,andgiventhesizeofthecrowdlinedupfortheride,thisshouldhavetoldthemsomething;butthey’dbeentoopreoccupiedwithPhilby’sinstructionstopaymuchattentiontoanythingbeyondlookingfordoorsofferingemployeesbackstageaccess.

Theridewasdarkandverycold,withstunninglyrealdinosaursappearingateveryturn.AsteroidsfelltoEarthinashoweroffiberoptics.Thevehicleroundedalongturn.Theprehistoriccreatureslookedupandturnedtowardthetruck.

“Howarewegoingtodothis?”WillaaskedMaybeckinawhisper.“Wecan’tjumpfromthecarwithoutsettingoffthealarms.”

“We’llfindawaybackstage,”Maybeckpromised.“Thetrickistoknowwherewe’regoing.”Heindicatedthepartoftheridetotheirright.“Thissectionisallinteriortothetrack.Philbysaidaworkshoporbathroom.Thoseroomsaregoingtobeinspacesbetweentherideandtheexteriorwalls—orcurrentlytoourleft.”

“Areyousureaboutthat?”sheasked.“I’mnotsureaboutanything,”heconceded.Thenextsceneshowedatyrannosauruseatingalizard.“It’screepythewaytheireyesmove,”Willahissed.“Itfeelslikethey’re

lookingrightat—”Butherwordswerecutoffasthedinosaur’sgianttailswipedoverthe

engineoftheopen-toppedvehicle.MaybeckreachedoutandpulledWilladownontohimafractionofasecondbeforethemassivetailnearlybeheadedher.Thetailbrokesomeequipmentoffthevehicle,andittumbledtothetrack.

MaybeckdaredtosneakalookandpushedWillabackup.“Wasthat…supposedtohappen?”shegasped.Maybeckpulledatalapbeltathiswaist;thenhetriedWilla’s.Thebelts

wouldn’trelease—theywerelockedshut.Thekidscouldn’tjumpoutofthevehicleevenifthey’dwantedto.

“Idon’tthinkso.No,”Maybeckanswered.“Ithinkthatwasintendedforus.Headsup!”

Heglancedback.Novehiclesinsightineitherdirection.Theridewasdesignedsothatnocareversawanother.Therewasnouse

callingoutforhelp.“YourememberSmallWorld?”heaskedher.“IwasonWinniethePoohwithCharlene,”Willaanswered.“Wenearly

drowned,don’tforget.”“Ihaven’tforgotten.Mypointis:Ithinkthisislikethat.”“Ithinkyou’reright.”Iftheycouldhavejumpedfromthecar,thesensorswouldhavestoppedthe

ride,butthelockedseatbeltspreventedtheirescape.Suddenly,apterodactylshotdownatthemfromoutofthepitch-black

ceiling.Itwasdarkandangular,withawingspanofoversixfeet.Withitssharptalonsextended,itdescendedtooquicklyforMaybecktoreact,catchinghimbythewristasheshieldedhisfacefromtheattack.Atthemomentthetalongrabbedholdofhim,hisseatbeltreleased,thetimingtooperfecttobecoincidental.Thebirdlockedontohisforearmanddraggedhimupandoutofthevehicle.

Willascreamed,spun,andgrabbedhimbytheboots.MaybeckwasnowstretchedbetweentheoverheadbirdandWilla,stilllockedinherseat.Neitherwaswillingtoletgo.Hegroanedinagony—itfeltlikeeveryjointwasseparatingsimultaneously.

Hetwistedhisforearmtotheleftthenquicklytotheright,breakingthebird’sgriponhim.Thepterdoactyl’slongbeakbentbacktopeckatMaybeck,buttoolate.Maybeckreachedoutandsnappedthebird’slegattheknee.Thecreaturecriedout,flappeditswings,andwasabsorbedintothedarknessoftheceiling.

Wasitalive?Willapulledhimdownintothebackseat,butheavoidedtheseatbelt.Thepterodcactyl’sbrokenleginhand,Maybeckstudiedit.Anelectrical

wireextendedfromthebrokenknee.“You’rebleeding,”shesaid.Hestudiedthethreeholesinhisskin.“Itdoesn’thurtmuch.I’mfine.”“Itgotyou.”“Dangrightitdid.”OnlyMaybeckdidn’tsay‘dang.’“Thisrideistryingtohurtus!”

“Youthink?”hesnappedsarcastically.“You’renotsurprisedbythat,areyou?Therearesensorsoneveryride.Probablycameras,too.Throwinalittleartificialintelligence,andhowhardcanitbetoprogramaservertodefenditself?”

“Youthinktheserverisdoingthis?”“Ithinkitknowswemeanbusiness.Ithaseveryrighttobescared.I’m

goingtofryitsinnardsif—no,when!—wefindit.”“Buthow—?”Willabegan.ShecutherselfoffasMaybeckstoodupinthe

seat,grabbedalight,andturnedittoshowthemsomethingofthetrackinfrontofthem.

Backbehindthejungleplants,heilluminatedablackdoorandadisguiseddeviceprotrudingfrombesideit.

“Ten-to-onethat’sacardreader,”Maybecksaid.“That’sourwayin.”“ButI’mstuck,”Willaremindedhim,indicatingthelockedseatbelt.She

pulledandsquirmed,buttherewasn’tanywayshewasgoingtoslipoutofitsgrip.

Maybeckglancedaroundsharply.Thecarhadalreadymovedthempasttheblackdoor.Theywereroundingaturntowardtheendoftheride.Theywouldbecaughtand—ataminimum—thrownoutofthePark.IftheOvertakersgotholdofthem,thenthingswereabouttogetalotworse.

“Therehastobeanemergencyrelease,”Maybecksaid,tryingtothinklikePhilby.WhatwouldPhilbydo?

“Ifacarstops,”shesaid.“Likeafireorsomething…”“Thebeltswouldrelease!”Maybecknearlyshouted,agreeingwithher.“We’regoingtohavetomovefast,”hesaid.Arhinoceroslikedinosaur

steppedoutofthesceneupaheadandlowereditshead.Itwasgoingtohead-buttthem.

Maybeckjumpedfromthevehicle.Nothinghappened.He’dexpectedflashinglightsandsirensandforthevehicletostop.Butthe

carcontinuedforward,aimeddirectlyatthearmor-cladbeastwithitsheadlowered.

Maybecktorelooseabranchfromatree.Hehurriedtothefrontoftheresearchvehicleandswungthebranchrepeatedlyatthevehicle’sbumperandgrille.

“Terry!”Willashouted,callingMaybeckbyhisfirstname.“Therehastobe…”Maybeckmutteredtohimselfashecontinuedtobash

thevehiclewhilehebackeduptowardthewaitingdinosaur.Hispantsbeltsnaggedonsomethingonthefrontgrille.Ifthebeastchargednow,itwouldcrushhimagainstthecar.

Again,hesmackedthefrontofthecar.Itstopped.He’dknockedoutafrontsensor.Strugglingtofreehishookedbelt,heturnedandglancedoverhisshoulder.

Thedinosaurbrokeloosefromhisscene—thethingwasdefinitelyalive!—andcharged.

Withthestoppingofthevehicle,analarmnowsoundedthroughoutthebuilding.

Willa’sseatbeltreleased,freeingher.Sheleapedfromthebackseat.“Theblackdoor!”Maybeckcalledoutcalmly.

Againhewrestledwithhisbelt.Nowhefiddledtounstrapit:hewasstuck.Thedinosaursnortedandchargeddownthetrackathim.Onlyatthelast

seconddidMaybeckspotasmallpoolofoilalongthetrack—oneofthevehiclesaheadofhimwasleakingoil.Ashenoticedit,heelectedtostayperfectlystill.

“MAYBECK!”Willacriedout.Hisbeltstillcaught,Maybeckturnedaroundandfacedthecharginganimal.Hisbeltbucklecamelooseandslippedoutoftheloopsonhispants.Hedroppedtothefloor.Thedinosaurslippedintheoilandcrashedintothefrontofthevehicle,

demolishingtheroverintoatwistedVofbentmetal.Maybeckwaslyingdirectlybetweenthedinosaur’slegs.Hescrambledtohisfeet.Willaheldtheblackdooropen.Maybeckranlikehe’dneverrun.Thedinosaurturnedandfollowed,not

slowedbythecrushingimpactwiththevehicle.Maybeckliterallydovethroughtheblackdoor.Willaswungitshut.Thewall

shookasthedinosaurimpactedthemetaldoorandconcretefirewall.WillatookMaybeckbythehandandpulledhimtohisfeet.

“Youcouldhavebeenkilled.”“Isawthathislegswerelikestumps.AslongasIstayedbetweenthem…”“Thatwastoobigarisktotake.”“It’snotlikeIhadforevertothinkaboutit,”hereplied.Helookedaround.Theywereinalong,curvinghallway.Therewereno

markingsonthegraywalls.Overhead,hundredsofwireswerecarriedinakind

ofmetalladderthathungfromtheceiling;itraninbothdirectionsandoutofsight.Amongthewiresweredozensofblueones.

“Wefollowthewires,”Maybecksaid.“Butinwhichdirection?”“Thisway,”Maybecksaid.“Buthowdoyouknow?”Willaasked.“Idon’t,”hesaid.“Somethingswe’vejustgottotakeonfaith.”“Faith?Thisisyouspeaking?WhathaveyoudonewiththerealMaybeck?”“Giveitarest.”Theywerehurryingnow,thealarmstillsounding.Perhapsemployeesall

rushedtoassignedstationsinemergencies—ortounloadguests.Whateverthecase,thehallwaywasempty.

Maybeckmovednotwithhiseyedownthehall,butinthetangleofwiresoverhead.Willadidmuchthesame.

“There!”shesaid,pointingoutamassivegroupofbluewiresrunningfromthewirecarrierthroughaholeaboveadoortotheirright.

Maybeckswungopenthedoor.Workbenchesranalongthefarwall,coveredwithspareparts,soldering

guns,tools,andhydraulics.Inthemiddleofthespacetotheirleftwasametalrack,floor-to-ceilingshelvingholdingdozensofcomputerservers,networkhubs,andsurgesuppressors.

“We’vegotit!”Willaproclaimed.“No!”Maybeckcountered.“Itcan’tbethiseasy.Philbysaidweshouldlook

foraclosetorabathroom.”“Butthesearecomputerservers.Itcouldeasilybe—”“No,itcouldn’tbehere.Thisrideusesallthesecomputers.Thenerdsthat

workonthemwouldnoticeaserverthatdidn’tbelong.Philby’sgottoberight.”“Thenwhere?”“Thewires,”Maybecksaid,hurryingaroundthebacksideoftherackof

computers.Therehadtobeseveralhundredwires—bothblueandblack—thebluewiresinterconnectingtheserversandthehubs.Theblackwiresrantopowersupplies.Someofthegroupsofwireswerewell-organizedandheldtogetherbyplasticties;othershadbeenaddedhastilyandwereinatangledclumpofspaghetti.

Maybecklookedthisalloverandsaid,“We’renotgoingtofindithere.”“Howcanyoutellthat?”Willaasked.“Becausethesameguysthatworkthecomputersknowthewires.They

couldspotwiresthatdidn’tbelong.”“Inthismess?Idon’tthinkso.”Willasteppedforwardanddraggedher

fingernailalongonewire,thenanother.“Whatareyoudoing?”“Everygirlknowsthatmakeupcanhideanything,”shesaid.“Thewayyou

foolthenerdsisyoupaintthebluewiresblack.Thentheydon’tnotice—”Shecutherselfoffasherthumbnailflakedawaysomeblackpaint,revealingthebluewirebelow.“Voilà!”

“IfIhadn’tseenitwithmyowneyes,”Maybecksaid.Footsteps…comingfastdownthehall.“Thedoor!”Maybeckwhispered.Willaracedtothedoorandquietlyspunthelock.Thepeopleinthehallranpast.ShelookedatMaybeckandrolledhereyes:

thathadbeentooclose.AssherejoinedMaybeck,hefollowedthepaintednetworklinetowhereit

hadbeenrunalongtheundersideofthebottomshelf.Togethertheytraceditandthreeotherstotheinteriorwall,andalongthiswallandanothersetofshelvestowhereasmallholehadbeendrilledthroughsomeplasterboard.AdoorstoodimmediatelytoMaybeck’srightwhereawalljuttedout.Hetriedthedoorknob.

Locked.Willapointedtoasmallsignthatidentifiedthedoor:JANITOR.“That’sperfect!”Maybecksaid.“It’scertaintohaveadrain—whichishow

PhilbysaystheyrunthewiresaroundthePark.”“Ineedsomethingthesizeofacreditcard,”Willasaid.Maybecklookedathercuriously.“Ihavebrotherswhoareconstantlytryingtolockmeoutofthebathroom.

Theythinkit’sfunny.”Shefoundametalplateonaworkbench.Shesliditintothecracknexttothe

doorjamb,andthedarkroompoppedopen.“SometimesIhatebeinganonlychild,”Maybeckquipped.Theroomwasapileofjunk—aneglectedstoreroom.Ittookhimaminute,

butMaybecklocatedtheservermountedbeneathaphoto-developingbench—ablue-and-silverDellthatlookedalotlikeapieceofahomestereo.

Iftheywereright,thissmallboxcontrolledallthehologramsoftheanimalsthey’dbattled,anditpossessedthepowertoerasethemall.

“Whatnow?”sheasked.“Wedon’tjustpulltheplug.Iknowthatmuch.”

“Amagnet,”shesaid.“Weneedamagnet!”Together,thetworeturnedtotheworkshopandbegansearchingforanything

magnetic.Willafoundacoupleofsmallmagnets,buttheybothagreedtheywouldn’tbepowerfulenoughtodoanyrealdamage.Theyneededtorearrangeallthemagneticinformationontheharddisk.Itwasgoingtotakesomething…

“There!”Maybecksaidtooloudly.Atthatverymoment,anotherlineoffootfallshadbeencomingdownthe

hallway.Thenoisestoppedjustoutsidethedoor.Afistbangedonthedoor.“Blockit!”hehissed,instructingWilla.Forwhathe’dspottedwascurrentlyupneartheceiling.Itwasaverylarge

devicewithtwometalplatesconnectedbywires;ithungfromtheendofahydraulicarmandwasclearlymeanttoraiseandlowerheavypiecesofthedinosaursthatwereunderconstructionorrepair.

Willarolledatoolchestinfrontofthedoorandthenlockedthewheels.Maybeckthrewaswitchandworkedthehydraulicarm,attachingthemagnet

totheendofit.Hefoundthepowerswitchandtriedit:awrenchandthreescrewdriversjumpedoffaworkbenchandstucktothemagnet.He’dgottenittooclosetotheworkbench,buthe’dprovenhispoint.

Heflippedofftheswitch,andthetoolsdroppedtothefloorinacacophonyofbangingmetal.

Nowthepeopleontheothersideofthedoortriedalltheharder.Maybeckwrestledwithagiantcotterpinthatheldthemagnettothearm.He

gotthemagnetfree,extendedthewireconnectingit,andwasabletostretchittoallthewayinsidethedarkroom.Thethingwasmassive.Heknewithadtoberightontopoftheservertocorrupttheharddrive.Ittookmostofhisstrengthtoliftthemagnetandallhisstrengthtoholditunderthecounterandagainstthehiddenserver.

“Throwtheswitch!”hecalledout.“I’malittlebusyhere,”Willasaid,havingdraggedalegofatyrannosaurus

toblockthedoor.“I…can’t…hold…it,”Maybeckgasped.“Throwthefreakingswitch.”Only

hedidn’tsay“freaking.”Willaabandonedthedoorandrantothecontrols.Shethrewtheswitch.ThemagnetleapedoutofMaybeck’shandsandglueditselftotheserver.A

small,greenLEDonthefront—meanttoindicatehard-driveactivity—turnedtoamber,thenflashedred.Next,allthelightsontheserverfailedcompletely,andtherewasanelectricalsmellintheair.

Thesecondserverwasdead.MaybeckandWillahugged,onlytorealizewhattheyweredoing.Then

Willapushedhimawayandsaid,“Don’tdisgustme!”Maybeckbrushedoffhisclothesandquicklychangedthesubject.“I

probablyshouldhavecheckedwithPhilbybeforedoingthat.Ihopeitdoesn’tmessthingsup.”

Theworkroomdoorbangedopenaninch,thetoolcarrierslidingontheconcretefloor.

Twoinches.Thenfive.“Whatnow?”sheasked,hervoicetight.Maybeckglancedoverhead:itwasadropceiling,maybeafootortwolower

thantheoneoutinthehallway.“Howareyouwithsmallspaces?”heasked.

61

THETWOTIGERSVANISHEDINMIDAIR.Asdidfourofthesixmonkeysandtwooftheorangutans.

Thebigtigressfromtheshadowsremainedandsodidthemassivetigerthathadcomethroughthehatch.Finncountedtwomonkeysandtwoorangutans.

DHIs,Finnrealized.Twoofthetigersandseveralofthemonkeysandapeshadbeenholograms.Nowonderhisblowswiththestickhadn’tdonemuch.

Amanda’sclimbhaddistractedthecharginganimalsjustlongenoughforFinnandJeztogetpastthem.Meanwhile,Philby’steamwasabouttodefeatthesecondserver.

Nowitwastimetogetoutofthere.Finntookoffrunning.Acaged-injungleJeepappearedfromovertherise,a

flashinglightatopitsroof.TheorangutansmovedtointerceptFinn.JezrantowardCharleneandthe

wall.Incrediblyfast,andeasilyasbigashewas,theapescameatFinnwithwild

eyesanddroolingsnortsofintention.ThefirstofthetwoboundedtowardFinn,madeonegiganticleap,andwouldhavetornhisheadoffwithitsoutstretchedhandhadthetigressnotsprung.Thecatscaredtheorangutan.Theaperolledintoaball,cametostanding,andsawthecatbearingdownonitonceagain.ForcedtochoosebetweenpursuingFinnorconfrontingthecat,theorangeapeturnedtoescape.Now,facedwithaJeepcomingatitheadlong,theorangutansprangforthebamboogroveanddisappeared,thehugecatfollowinghotlyonitstail.

Thesecondapesawitspartnerfleeandbeatahastyretreat.ThankfullyforFinn,thatretreattookitintothepathoftheJeep,whichveeredsharplytoavoidacollision.TheJeepskiddedtoastopneartheopenhatch,awayfromCharlene,whoremainedpoised,herstiltspressedatanangleagainstthewall.Jezwasnowheretobeseen.She’dmadeitoverthewall.

“Howaboutalift?”Finnshouted.Charlenebentlowandofferedhercuppedhandsasaboost.

Finnclimbedup,layflat,andofferedCharlenehishand.Shetookit,stood,and,asrangershurriedfromtheJeep,shookherlegsviolently,managingtokickloosefirstone,andthenbothofthestilts.Someoftheivythatconnectedhercostumewiththestiltstoreloose.ShelefttherangerswithapairofstiltsintheirhandsassheandFinnbothloweredthemselvesdownoffthewall.

Dozensofguestshadgatheredtoobservetheexcitement.SomeapplaudedastheKingdomKeepersdroppedtothepath,buttheydidn’tstickaroundtotakeabow.

Charlenesaid,“Thisway!”andledtheothersdirectlyacrosstheformalgardensandintothejungleonarouteshenowknewwell.

Butjustbeforetheyenteredthedensejungle,Jezpulledtoastop,transfixedbysomethingtoherright.

Allthekidsstoppedandlookedinthatdirection.Theysawasnowcappedpeakofatoweringmountain.

“Thatmountainwasinmydream,”shetoldFinn.“ThedreamItoldyouabout.”

“KingoftheMountain”Finnsaid.“WhereyouandAmandawereunderattack.”

“Yes.”JezreachedoutandtookAmandabythehand.Shesaidnothing,butthelookthatwasexchangedbetweenthetwo“sisters”wouldhavequietedeventhemostcynicalperson.

“That’sExpeditionEverest,”Charlenesaid.“Then,likeitornot,that’swherewe’reheaded,”Jezsaid.“Neveronce,not

once,hasoneofmydreamsliedtome.”

62

HAVINGRECONNECTEDONTHEDS’S,alltheKingdomKeepers,alongwithJezandAmanda,reunitedinasmallpatchofjungle.BehindthemtoweredExpeditionEverest,andscreamswereheardperiodicallyastherollercoasterthrilleditsriders.AfteraquickcelebrationofJez’sreturn,Finnbroughtupthedaydreamshehadhadwhiletrappedinthetunnel.

“Butsowhat?”Maybeckasked.“Wehadtwothingswehadtodo:getJezbackandkillthesecondserver.We’vedoneboth.I’msotiredIcanbarelystand.Let’sgetoutofherewhilewestillcan.”

“Youallcango.It’sallright,”Amandasaidmatter-of-factly.“Wewillneverbeabletorepayyouforallyou’vedone.”

“Butyourdream,”Charlenesaid.“Thegiantattackingyou.Finninhishands.”

“Allthemorereason,”Maybecksaid,“weshouldjustboogieandforgetaboutallthat.”

Helookedtotheothersforagreementbutsawonlyvacantfaces.“Comeon,people!”Maybeckchastised.“Quitwhileyou’reahead.Ever

heardofthat?”“Leavenostoneunturned,”Finnsaid,“mightbemoreappropriate.Wayne

hasgonemissing.”“Philbycutthedatalines.Whoknowshowthataffectedthedataflowinthe

Park?Besides,itwasn’tWayne.ItwashisVMKavatar!Areyoukiddingme?We’regoingtostayandtrytofindamissingavatar?Areyouserious?HalftheParkisoutlookingforus.”

“MaleficentservesChernabog.WeknowthatChernabogdefeatedMickeyattheFantasmics.Waynetoldusthatalongtimeago.Thatmeanshehasmajorpowers.He’stheoneDisneydemonthatweknowvirtuallynothingabout—”

“Andlet’sleaveitthatway!”“ButJezdreamedsomethingawful.AndMaleficentcouldhavehiddenin

anyoftheParks.Whyhere?Whynow?What’sbeingplanned?WithWaynemissing,it’suptoustofindout.”

“You’rehallucinating,”Maybecksaid.Philbysteppedforward.“WithoutWaynewe’dhavefailed.Ipromiseyou

that.Maleficent’sgothim.Don’taskmetoexplainthat,butIjustknowit.Andifthat’strue,it’smyfault—it’sallofourfaults.Canyouhonestlyjustgohomeandgotobedknowingthat?”

Maybeckhunghisheadandshookitbackandforth.“No.”Hesoundedsodespondent.

“No,”Philbyagreed.“Ididn’tthinkso.”CharleneunfoldedthephotocopiedpageofJez’sdiary.Shepointedtothe

sketchofwhatlookedlikeagorilla.“Whatifthisisn’tagorillaatall?Whatifit’stheyeti?”

Jezspokeup.“YoujusttoldusthatChernabogwasmissingfromhisfloat,remember?MaybeMaleficentthoughtthatthatwastherealChernabog,onlytodiscoveritafake.Thebat…themonkeys…somethingcouldhavetoldhertherealChernabogwaslockeduphereinAK.”

“Ormaybethiswholething,”Finnsaid,“wascookedupbyMaleficenttouseustoleadhertoWayne.Hasanyoneconsideredthatpossibility?”

Hedrewstunnedexpressions.“Whatifwedidexactlywhatshewantedustodo?”Finnaskedinasofter

voice.“Wecouldn’thavegottenJezwithoutWayne’shelp.Heknewtheywerelookingforhim.SoMaleficentcooksupthisplantobasicallyuseJezasbait.Wethinkshe’safterJeztokeepJez’sdreamsfromforecastingwhatMaleficentisupto—andthatcouldberight.Butitdoesn’tmeantherewasn’tabiggerplan.”

Alightbreezebrokethesilencebetweenthemas,onceagain,itcarriedthecriesfromExpeditionEverest.

“Onethingweknow,”Willasaid,“isthatEverestiscold.Atleast,itrepresentsthecold.”SheindicatedthegorillaonJez’sdiarypage.“Whatifthisistheyeti,likeCharlenesaid?”Theotherkidsstaredatherwithpuzzledexpressions.“Whatif,likeMaleficent,theyetican’thandletheheat?SoMaleficent’sjobisnotonlytogethimoutofthePark,butkeephimcold.Keepthembothcold.”

“Theicetruck!”Charlenesaid.“Exactly!”agreedWilla.“Buttowhatpurpose?”complainedMaybeck.“Howdoweknow?Arefrigeratedtruckcantakehimanywherehewantsto

go.”“Butwhere?”askedFinn.

“SoExpeditionEverestwasawayforWayneandtheotherstocontrolChernabog?”Charleneasked.“TheImagineersbasicallylockedhimupinadeepfreeze?”

“Itcouldbe,”agreedWilla.“TheylockedupMaleficentinthedungeons,let’snotforget.”

Philbyspokeconfidently.“IsaywegetinsideExpeditionEverestandcheckouttheyeti.Thatcouldbewheretheanswerslie.Jezdrewitinherdiary.Ithastomeansomething!”

“Itmeansthat’swherethedangerlies,”mutteredJez.Finnsaidquietly,“ChernabogisusingMaleficent—maybetogethimoffof

EverestorevenoutofthePark.MaleficentusedustorevealandcaptureWayne.IftheyeliminateWayne,thentheytakeawayyearsofknowledgeaboutalltheParks,allthehistoryofthisplace.Ifthey’retryingtogaincontroloftheParks,Waynehastogo.He’sprovedthat.”

“Hehastheknowledgeandleadership,”saidWilla,“tostopthem.”Leadership,Finnthought.Waynehadgivenhimalectureonhowtobea

goodleader.HadWayneknownwhatwascoming?“Wayneisnottheonlyonetheyneedtogetridof,”Maybeckreminded

them.“I’dsaywe’vebecomeaprettybigpaininthe—”“But!”Finnsaid,interrupting,“there’sobviouslystuffwehaven’tfigured

out.Maybealotofstuff.It’sprettyobviouswedon’thaveitall.Wecan’tmakeanyconclusionswithoutgoinginthere,withoutknowingmore.I’mgoinginthere.AndIhaveahunchAmandaandJezare,too,becauseJezdreamedaboutit.”

Thetwosistersnodded.“Thisisstupid,”Maybeckwhined.“Itcouldbeatrap.“WhichiswhyyouandWillaandCharlenewillremainoutsideofEverest,”

Finndirected.“Ifwegetnailed,you’llhavetocomesaveus.”HeknewiftherewasonethingMaybeckloved,itwasbeingthehero.

Maybecksnorted.“Okay,”hesaid,relenting.“Philbywillcomewithmebecausehe’ssogoodwithtechstuff,andif

there’sonethingweknowaboutExpeditionEverest,it’sthatit’shigh-tech.”“Ihaven’tstudieditmuch,”Philbycautioned.“We’lltakeourchances,”Finnsaid.“TheParkclosesin,like,fiveminutes,”saidCharlene.“Thatmayworkevenbetterforus,”Finndeclared.“WhataboutthefactthatJez’sdaydreamhasApeManswingingyouaround

likeadrumstick?”Maybeckcrossedhisarms,believinghe’dfinallyfoundaholeinFinn’splan.

“Butwhathedoesn’tknow,”Philbysaid,“isthatwealreadyknowthat,andthat’sgottabetoouradvantage.”

“Notifyou’retheonebeingswungaround,”saidMaybeck,clearlychallengingFinn.

“I’lltakemychances,”saidFinn,staringbackatMaybeck’stwitchingsmileandwonderingwhyhe’dvolunteered.

63

THELINEFOREXPEDITIONEVERESThadbeenshutdownfifteenminutespriortotheParkclosingtomakesuretherollercoasterwasfreeofpassengersbytheappointedtime.ThelinetwistedthroughastartlingreproductionofaNepalesevillage,completewithprayerflagsandAsianmemorabilia.

Finn,PhilbyAmanda,andJezstucktogether.Theypassedintothebackstageareathrougha“ParkRangersOnly”gateandsimplywalkedintotheenormousstructurethathousedtheexoticrollercoaster.

FinnhadexpectedtoneedhisIDandperhapssomequicktalkingtogetthemallinside,butwiththeclosingoftheridetothepublic,someonehadleftthebackstagedooropen,andthekidssimplywalkedin.

“It’sthreestructuresinone,”Philbyexplainedinahush.“Themassivesuperstructurethatsupportstheexteriorbuilding,therollercoaster,andtheyeti.”

“Ithoughtyouhadn’tstudiedit,”whisperedJez.“Ihaven’tstudieditthoroughly,”Philbyreplied,“butthatdoesn’tmeanI

haven’treaduponitalittle.”“Wemayneedtherollercoasterforourescape,”FinnsaidtoPhilby.“Why

don’tyoustayandtrytohandlethat?”“Done,”saidPhilby.Hecouldbeahandfulwhenheshowedoff.“Seeyouupthere,”Finnsaid.Themetalstairsremindedhimofafireescape.Thethreeofthemclimbed

andclimbed.Thentheyclimbedsomemore.Farbelowtheysuddenlyheardmen’svoices.Thelightswentout.ThenareverberatingthunkasadoorwasslammedshutwithafinalitythatFinnfeltuphisspine.

Withthelightsout,thebuilding’svastinteriorwasheldinanunnaturalhazecausedbythefewemergencylightsstrategicallyplacedthroughout.

Noonesaidanythingatfirst,butatremoroffearpassedbetweenthem.Finncouldn’tlosetheimageofhisbeingswungaroundbyhisfeet.Stepby

stephefelthimselfdrawntothatfate.Amandastartedtalking,possiblytobreakthemoodestablishedbythelights

goingout.“Whatisitthatsomething—someone—likeChernabogwants?”

“Power,”Jezanswered.“Exactly,”Amandaagreed.“He’sbeenlockedupinhereeversincethey

builttheride,andnowhewantsfreedomandpower,probablyinthatorder.”“Andyou’resayinghe’dhavegottenbothifIhadn’tdreamedwhatI

dreamed,”Jezsaid.“Hestillmaygetboth,”Amandacautioned.“Andwhat’stheonething

anyoneseekingpowerisafraidof?”“Whatisthis?”Finncomplained,“asocialsciencesclass?”“Answerthequestion,”Amandapushed.“Hisenemies,”Finnanswered.“Yes!Hisenemies,”Amandaagreed.“Inparticular,anyenemywhois

potentiallymorepowerfulthanheis.Sowhoarehisbiggestenemies?You—theKingdomKeepers—orWayne,orJez,orwhom?”

“Alloftheabove,”awindedFinnreplied.Thestairsseemedtogoonforever.Thetriopassedalongtherollercoaster’shigh-techtracksandthearcticscenerythatonlymadethechilloftheairallthemoreconvincing.“Ornoneoftheabove,”Finnsaid,hismindracing.

“You’remessingwithus?”Amandasaidaccusingly.Finnanswered,“ChernabogisrarelyseeninanyoftheDisneystuff.

FantasiaandFanstasmicsareit,Ithink.”“AndallthepostcardsandstuffthatshowtheDisneyvillains,”Amanda

corrected.“That,too.ButintheFantasmics—he’sbeatenbythesorcerer,Mickey,”

saidFinn.“AndinFantasia,bythesun.”“Interesting,”saidAmanda.Shedidn’tsoundwindedatall.Finnwondered

ifshewaslevitatingherselfuptheendlessstairs.Jezasked,“AreyousayinghehastodefeatMickeybeforehecanbeassured

ofmaintaininganypowerhegains?”“DefeatingMickey,”Finnsaid,“defeatsusall.WithoutMickey,thereisno

MagicKingdom,noAnimalKingdom,noDisneyatall.”“ButthenwhykidnapJez?Whyinvolvethefiveofyou?Whatdoyouguys

havetodowithMickey?”Amandaasked.“Nothing,”Finnanswered.“That’swhat’spuzzling.Butthinkaboutit:the

soonerheeliminatesMickey,thesoonerthere’snoonetostophimfromovertakingthePark.”

mybest:icetruckjustarrived!!!

Finntoldthetwosistersthenews.“Theicetruckpulleduparoundback.”“Thenthisisit,”Jezsaid,hervoicetrembling.“WhateverMaleficenthas

beenplanning,it’shappeningrightnow.”Theyroundedacornerandthenquicklyjumpedtoonesidetohide.Whatthey’dwitnessedwasemblazonedintheirminds.Farabovethem

toweredthefrighteningfigureoftheyeti.Itstoodthirtyfeettallormore,leaningoutoverthetrack—theembodimentofevil:monstrousandotherworldly.

Attheyeti’sfeetstoodatallfigureinablackrobe.Theyweretoofarawaytoseethepurplefringeonthecapeorthegreenskin,butnooneinthegroupdoubteditwasshe.Hiddenbyanoutcroppingofrock,theycontinuedhigheruntilthesteadychantingofhervoicecouldbeheard.Shewasconjuringaspell.Asthestaircasecurved,followingtherocks,theywereforcedtodroptotheirstomachsandbelly-crawlupthemetalstairs.ThenFinnraisedahandsignalingtheotherstostop.

Hedidn’tknowexactlywhythey’dcomehere—onlythattheycouldn’tturnawayfromJez’sdaydream.PerhapstheywereheretowitnesswhateverMaleficentplanned,perhapstostopit.HebelievedtheirattendanceherecriticaltoWayne’srescue,yetheknewtheywerenomatchfortheyeti.NotifMaleficantawakenedthething.

Andthenitbecameperfectlycleartohim:theyhadtostopherfromawakeningtheyetiinthefirstplace.Chernabogmustnotcometopower.ThiswasthesecrettopreservingthepeaceintheAnimalKingdom.ThiswaswhyJezhaddreameditinthefirstplace.

Morethananything,Finn’sconcernforWayneremainedattheforefrontofhisthoughts.Hehadtofindoutwhathadhappenedtohim,wherehe’dgone.Andtothatend,hemustnotbeafraid.

Thisbecamehisfocus:hemustnotbeafraid.Hefeltatinglingsensationwashoverhim.

Itwastrue:hedidnotseethegreenskinorthefringeonMaleficent’srobe,andhewasbettingshecouldn’tmakeoutthesuddenslightshimmertohisskin,either.

Herosetohisfeetandcalledoutboldly,“Doyoureallythinkyou’llgetawaywithit?”Hiselectronically-edgedvoiceechoedinthecavernousbuilding.

AmandaandJezslunkbackanddown,onceagainhidingintheleeoftherockoutcropping.

Farbelow—milesitseemed—aloudpopwasheard,followedbysuddenhumming.Theroundrailtotheleftofthestairscarriedaslighttremor.

Therollercoasterhadbeenswitchedon.

64

ITALLHAPPENEDSOQUICKLY:hiswordsechoingaroundthebuilding;thesteadyincreaseinelectronicandmechanicalsoundsastherollercoasterstartedup;Maleficent’sarmsshootingupfromhersidesandliftingherrobelikemagnificentwings.

Thetwitchingoftheyeti’sfingers,likethepawsofasleepingdog.Toolate!Shehadalreadyawakenedthegiant.Hismassiveheadmovedside-to-side,andaloudcrackthunderedthrough

thesnowcappedmountains.Thehumandwhiroftherollercoastergrewsteadilycloser.“Silly,silly,boy!”MaleficentspunaroundandshotaballoffireatFinn.The

sizeofasoccerball,itexplodedathisfeet,flamingout.AndwhereasonceFinnwouldhavebeenterrifiedbysuchthings,would

havestoodtransfixedbythepowershedisplayed,somethinghadcomeoverhim.Shewasnothingbutanillusionist,amagicianusinghersubstantialskillstoscarehim.Hewasnolongerconvincedsheevenpossessedtheabilitytokillhim—or,ifshedid,thenwhyhadn’tshedoneso?

“Ifyouweregoingtokillme,”heshouted,“thenyouwouldhavedonethatthefirsttimewemet.Butyoucan’t,canyou?WaltDisneywouldneverallowacreationofhisimaginationtotakealife.”

Thetinglinggrewstronger;hefeltitinaway,adegree,he’dneverexperienced.ThisconfrontationwasmakinghisDHIstronger.

“ButIamnotofhisimagination,”Maleficentsaid.“Iamoftheoldstories—talesthatexistedforhundredsofyearsinplacesallaroundtheworld.Talesofthingsthatactuallyhappened.”Sheshotanotherballathim.Again,hedidnotmovefromhisspot.Again,theflamesfellshort.

Thegiantyetiwasawakenow,toweringoverthemall,eyesblinking.Finndidnotrecoil.HecouldnotpictureWayneandtheotherImagineersbuildingcreaturesdesignedtoharmthem.

Therollercoasterspedcloser.“Iwillkillyou,”Maleficentsaid,“whenyouarenolongerofusetome.”

Shebentbackwardandlookedupatthehairycreatureaboveher.“WhenLordChernaboghasnofurtheruseforyou.”Sheletoutalaugh—abloodcurdlingcackle—thatforthefirsttimechallengedFinn’sDHIstatus.Hisfeetandhandsgrewcold,andittookallhiswilltoovercomethispoisonandreturntohisfullDHI.

Thebeasthadthereactiontimeofasnake.OnemomentFinnwasstandingonthestairs.Thenext,theyetihadhimbythelegsandwasswinginghimoverhead.

Hislegs…notthelegsofhisDHI.AmandaandJezjumpedoutfromtheirhidingplacesandJezshouted,“Lethimgo!”

“Ah!”Maleficentcriedout.“Ifitisn’ttheFairlies.”Amandacranedforward,herneckthrustout.Maleficentknewwaytoo

much.Finnknewthesecrettohisownsurvivalwastopushawayhisfear,but

beingswungatthirtymilesanhourovertheheadofaforty-foot-tallgiantprovedadifficultchallenge.

Maleficentsuddenlyfloated—levitated—offtheplatform,clearly,nothingshe’dplannedforherself,forsheflailedherlegsandarms,dogpaddlinglikeakidstrugglingtoswimforthefirsttime.

“Youputmedown,child!”sheroared.ShehurledaballofflameatAmanda,wholeanedslightlyleft,allowingthe

asteroidtopass.ItexplodedintotheHimalayas.“PUTHIMDOWN!”criedoutAmanda,“ORIWILLDROPYOUAS

YOUWISH!”Maleficentmovedlikeapuppettwentyfeettotheleft.Nowtherewas

nothingbutasixty-footfalltoconcretebeneathher.Finnfeltthetinglingreturn,and,asitdid,theyeti’shandclosedshut

throughhisbody—nothingbutlight.Finnclamoredupthebeast’sarmtowarditsmassivehead.Theyetiswipedathim,butagainhishandpassedthroughFinn’sDHI,unabletotouchhim.

HecaughtaglimpseofMaleficentasshebegantotransformintoacrow.Butasshedid,Amandareleasedherandthegreen-skinnedcreaturefellfifteenfeetstraightdownbeforestoppinginmidair.

“Youtrythatagain,”Amandawarned,andI’lldropyoubeforeyouhavethechance.

Maleficentlookeddownandseemedtoconsiderherodds.ThenshelookedbackatAmanda.

“Youharmme,youlittletart,andyourfriendwillneverseehispreciousWayneagain!”

WiththementionofWayne,Finnslipped.Hefellofftheyeti’sshoulder,andthesensationimmediatelyremovedhisDHI.Hesliddownthesideofthecreature,graspingatthemattedgrayhairandsomehowcontrollinghisfall.Ashereachedtheyeti’sleg,itmoved.Thentheother.Thegiant’sfeetbrokefreeoftheplatformwhereithadstoodforseveralyears.Theentirebuildingshook.

Aseriesofscreamswasfollowedbytherollercoastershootingupatthemthroughthedarkness.Philby,Maybeck,andWillazoomedpast—backward—andoutofsight.

MaybeckwavedatMaleficent.Thewitchproclaimed:“YouwillbringmetheStonecutter’sQuill,oryou

willneverseethewhite-hairedmanagain.”Atthatmoment,theyetibegantochange.Thehairwassuckedinsideits

arms,turningthegrayskinsmooth;thelegsandarmsshrank,andtheneckgrewthinner,whiletheheadalsolostitshairandsproutedhorns.ThegiantcreaturehadbeenreducedtoafiguremuchgreaterthanMaleficent,butnolongerathirty-foot-highbeast.Hornssprouted,whileblackwebbingformedunderthething’sarmslike…batwings.

Chernabog.Finnheardtherollercoasterslowinginthedistance.Itwouldbereturning—

andwhenitdid,he,Amanda,andJezneededtobeonit.Thepen,Finnrealized.TheStonecutter’sQuillwasthepenWalthadusedto

imaginethefirstplansoftheParks.IthaddemonstratedgreatpowerstheoneandonlytimeFinnhadseenitused.Powers,heassumed,thatcouldbeputtoeviluseaseasilyastheyhadbeentogood.

AwalloftensionformedbetweenAmandaandMaleficent.Thewitchproducedanotherballoffire,butthistimeAmandalevitateditaswell.Ithoverednexttothewitch,burninghotlyandilluminatinghergreenface.

“Youwillregretthis,littleone,”Maleficentmuttered,clearlyafraidofherownfire.“Youareplayingwiththingsyouknownothingabout.”

Shegrewtheheadofavulture.Wingsbegantosprout.Amandareleasedher.Again,Maleficentfellabruptly,beforeslowlybeing

carriedaloft.Evidenceofthevulturewasgone;thegreen-skinnedfairyhoveringovertheprecipitousfall.

ThestrainonAmandawasevident.Shehadquicklygrownpale,herbodynowshaking.

FinnsawthatMaleficentwasmerelyplayingfortime.SheknewAmandacouldn’tkeepthisupforever.

“ReleaseWayne!”Finncalledout,“orshe’lldropyou.“TheQuill,”Maleficentsaid,“oryou’llneverseehimaliveagain.”She

lookedoveratFinn,whoheldtoChernabogratherthandroptotheplatformwherethecreaturemightsquashhimlikeabug.

Amanda’sstrengthgaveout,andshecollapsedintoJez’sarms.“Youharmanyoneofusandyouwillneverseethatpen!”Finnshouted.He

letgo,jumped,sliddownthemountainslope,andaimedstraightforthetwogirls,hopinghistimingwasright,forhecouldseetherollercoasterfromthecornerofhiseye.Chernabogsteppedforward,raisinghisarmsindefiance.Buthewastoolate.

Finn’swildslidedownthemountainsideconnectedwithbothgirlsattheexactmomenttherollercoasterarrived.HestretchedouthisarmsandcaughtbothAmandaandJez,hismomentumcarryingallthreeofthemheadfirstintothepassingrollercoaster.Theytumbledintoamiddlecar.

Butthesafetybarsontheridewerealreadyset,havingbeenlockedatthestart;and,asthecarsgainedsubstantialspeed,FinnheldontotheweakenedAmandaasJezreachedouttoclingtothecar,andwithMaybeck,PhilbyCharlene,andWillacallingoutfromtheback,theKingdomKeepersplummeteddownintothedark.

65

CHERNABOGMOVEDWITHsurprisingagilityforsomethingthatwasabeastlydemonwithapairofbatlikewingsthesizeofboatsails.

Tothesurpriseofall,ChernabogmadenoattempttostoptheKingdomKeepers.Heflewtowardthebottomoftheride.ForonceinhislifeFinnwilledarollercoastertogoevenfaster.

Hedidnotwanttolosethem.FinnhadriddenonExpeditionEverestbefore.Withinamatterofseconds

theywouldbethrownintoaspiralthatwouldcrushthemagainsteachotheriftheycouldn’tholdontightly.

Holdingonwithonehandeach,heandJezwrappedtheirfreearmsaroundtheother’sshouldersand,withAmandapinnedbetweenthem,leanedforward,bracedforthespinout.

ExpeditionEverestroaredintoitsclimacticspiral,theG-forcedrivingFinnandJeztotheirright,theirhandsslippingalongtherestrainingbars.Theforcenearlythrewthemfromthecar,buttogetherFinnandJezmanagedtokeepAmandapinnedin,andsoontherollercoasterbegantoslowtoastop.

Asitcametorest,therestrainingbarsreleased,andMaybeckandtheothershurriedtojoinFinn,Amanda,andJez.

FinnleftAmandainthecareofhersisterandledtheothersthroughthebuildingandoutanenormousgaragedoorthatwasstandingwideopen.

Theyranoutintothestreetwheretheycaughtafinalglimpseofthebackoftheicetruckasitspedaway.

“Whatnow?”agaspingPhilbysaid,clutchinghissides.“Theygotaway,”Finnsaid.“Butwecan’tjustletthemgo!”Maybecksaid.“WegotJezback,”Finnsaid,“andwecrippledthesecondserver.”He

lookedateachoneofhisfriends.“Ithinkit’ssafetosaythatJezandAmandaarenowofficiallyKingdomKeepers.”

Theothersnodded.“Wehaveworktodo,”Willamumbled.

“Let’sgetsomesleep,”Finnsaid.Hissuggestionmetwithnoresistance.

66

THESTORYMADETHEmorningnews:arefrigeratortruck,beingdrivenpoorly,hadbeenpulledoverbythelocalpolice.Theofficersworethathe’dbeenknockedoverwhenhe’dgonetoopenthebackofthetruck,andthattwocreatureshadbeenseenhurryingaway.Herefusedtodescribethem.HesaidonlythattheyhadtraveledinthegeneraldirectionofDisney’sHollywoodStudiosthemepark,andthatfromeverythinghe’dseen,thatwaswheretheybelonged.

Fornearlytwoweeks,Finn—who’dbeengroundedforamonth—sneakedontoVMKthewayWaynehadtoldhim.HehopedtofindWaynebytypingthenameintoatextscreen.Whenthewhite-hairedavatarfailedtoappear,Finnorganizedtheotherkids,mostofwhomwerealsocurrentlygrounded.

SoitwasthatexactlyamonthaftertheeventatExpeditionEverest,Finnwenttosleepfullydressed,holdingasmallblackremotebuttoninhisrighthand.

Ashefellasleepthatnight,heintentionallydreamedoftheMagicKingdom,andheawakenedthereonaParkbench,hisbodyglowingunderthemoonlight.

Hewasatthehubneartheentrance,attheendofMainStreet,USA.Soon,theotherKingdomKeepersjoinedhim.OnlyCharlenewasstillinher

nightgown,havingforgottentochangeintostreetclothesbeforegoingtosleep.Ormaybethiswashowshewantedtodress.

ThefiveheadedupandintothesmallapartmentabovethefirehouseintheMagicKingdom.Itwasexactlytwelvemidnight.

ThiswasWayne’sapartment.Mosthadvisiteditbefore.Therewasincrediblysourmilkintherefrigeratorandfoodthatnowworeacoatofgreenfuzz—Waynehadnotbeenhereinaverylongtime.

TheysearchedforoveranhourfortheStonecutter’sQuill,buttonoavail.IfWaynehadhiddenit,he’dhiddenitwell.

“Whatnow?”Charleneasked.“Isthereanychoice?”Finnasked.

“Butwithoutthepen,”Philbysaid,“whatleveragedowehave?Wecan’twinhisreleasewithoutthatpen.”

“We’llthinkofsomething,”Finnsaid.“OrmaybeJezwilldreamit,”saidCharlene,“andgiveusmorecluesto

follow.”“Thepointis,wedidsaveJez,andweprettymuchsavedtheAnimal

KingdomfrombeingoverrunbyDHIs.Wecan’tbegivingDHIsabadname,afterall.”

Theylaughed.Fiveshimmeringkids,glowingastheyenjoyedararemomentoflevity.

“MaleficentusedustobringWayneoutofhiding,”Finnsaid.“Wefailedhim.Andalthoughwedon’tknowenoughaboutChernabog,we’veseenhispower.AndIhaveahunchthatthebatwithgreenwingswashimallalong,althoughI’mnotsurehowtoexplainthat.”

“WeknowthatevenMaleficentcannottransformherselfforverylong,”Philbysaid.“Especiallyinthisheat.SheandheranimalarmymayhavebeenplanningtotakeoverAK.Theyhadtheicetruckastheirbackup,incasetheyfailed.ItwasonlywhenwecrashedtheserverthatsheresortedtomovingChernabog.What’sstrangeisthatiftheyhadn’tcapturedJez,ifshehadn’tbeeninthattunneltohavethatdaydream,wemightneverhaveknownwhatMaleficentwasplanning,mightneverhavebeentherewhenshewasfreeingChernabog.”

“Ithinkitwasintended—usbeingthere.Ithinkifwe’dfailedtodefeattheserverthentheanimalswouldhavecaughtusallandtakenustoher.Idon’tknowwhatwouldhavehappened,butIthinkshehadplansforus.Amandasavedusallbylevitatingher.Withoutthat…”

“Ialwaysthoughtstayingupthatlatewouldbefun,”saidCharlene.“Butit—”

“Stank.”AlthoughMaybeckusedanotherword.“We’vegotworktodo,”Finnsaid.“Andweneedtoactquickly.Who

knowswhatsecretsWaynemighthaveinthatoldheadofhis?Secretsnooneshouldknow.”

“Telluswhattodo,”Willasaid.AlleyesfellonFinn.Theywaitedforhimtosaysomething.Hesmiled,awarmthfillinghimandmakinghisDHIglowevenbrighter.Waynewouldhavebeenproud.“We’llmeetafterschool.We’vegottofindWayne.”

Heraisedhisrighthand.Initwastheblackremotewiththesmallbuttonatitscenter.

“Ready?”hesaid.Theothersnodded.Hepushedthebutton.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

TheKingdomKeepersnovelsdependonateam,inpartbecausetheresearchconductedinsidetheParks,andalsoabouttheParks,isbothcomplexandtime-consuming,andultimatelyessentialtothestory.

First,Iwanttothankmyco-writer(fromothernovels),DaveBarry,who,duringacarridetoOrlando’sairportmadesuggestionstotheoutlinethatformedandframedthebook,foreverchangingit.HejokeshowI’mthe“plotguy”inourpartnership,butforonceheis“makingthisup.”Hesettheclockinthebooktickingandgavemeoneofthemostimportanttwists.Thanks.

TherealdedicationofthebookshouldprobablybetoAlexWright,aDisneyImagineer,amanwithtirelesspatience,whohasendured(andIamnotmakingthisup!)hundredsofe-mailswhereIpickedhisbrainfordetails.Alexalsohostedseveralbehind-the-scenetoursformeinAnimalKingdomandintroducedmeto:

Dr.JosephSoltis—WildlifeTrackingCenterDr.DonNeiffer—VeterinaryHospitalDebbieWeber—AnimalNutritionCenterMattHohne—AnimalBarnsJasonSurrell—DisneyImagineer(andAKtourhost/insider)

I’dalsoliketothankmyniece,BlairM.Daverman,forfillinginsomeblanksaboutthesportoflacrosse.

Mywife,Marcelle,alongwithLaurelandDavidWalters,asalways,copyeditedthevariousdrafts.AndTannerWalters,whoinsixthgradereadsmorethanIdo,gavemeanearlyreadandcaughtabunchofproblems.SodidmydaughterPaige.AndthankstodaughterStoreyforreadingKK1andtellingmewhatsheliked!

SpecialgratitudetoNandyLitzinger,myofficemanager;WendyLefkon,Disneyeditor;AmyBerkower,agent;MatthewSnyder,filmagent;andJenniferLevine,Disneypublicist.

Itobviouslytakesavillage.

—RidleyPearsonJanuary2008

St.Louis,Missouri

RIDLEYPEARSONistheaward-winningcoauthor,alongwithDaveBarry,ofPeterandtheStarcatchers,PeterandtheShadowThieves,PeterandtheSecretofRundoon,andScienceFair.Hehasalsowrittenmorethantwentybest-sellingcrimenovels,includingKillerWeekend,andtheyoungadultnovelsKingdomKeepers—DisneyAfterDarkandSteelTrapp—TheChallenge.HewasthefirstAmericantobeawardedtheRaymondChandler/FulbrightFellowshipinDetectiveFictionatOxfordUniversity.