The Call for Arms

On a hot Saturday morning on the UCLA campus in Langstrum Alps, California, three members of the newly formed Spectrum Force-- Jocelyn Armand, Matthew O'Conner, and Craig Gillis, are keeping busy washing their friend Rachel Castaneda's car.

"Wow," said Matthew, wiping the windshield of the maroon Caravan, "I can't believe how dirty this minivan is! Does Rachel drive the off-roads or something?"

"No Matt," said Jocelyn, "Rachel is just so busy, she hasn't gotten a chance to wash her car. She's always been a bit of a workaholic, but now she has the responsibilites as leader of the Spectrum Force to add to her pile of work! Combine that with a six course credit load, part time job, and honors senior thesis, and Rachel barely has time to sleep!"

"If you ask me, Rachel takes life far to seriously," said Craig, picking up the hose, "After all, we're college students! We're supposed to be having the time of our lives! No student in her right mind spends her Saturday morning cooped up in the library, unless its finals week."

"I agree with you," said Jocelyn, stepping away from the car, "but that's the way she is. Work before play, no questions asked."

Matthew also stepped back, and Craig began to rinse the soapy water off the Caravan. Just then, Tamara Fox exited the High Rise, and jogged over to them.

"Hey, gang," she said with a warm smile, "Washing Ray's car?"

"Yep," said Craig, still rinsing the car, "Someone had to. Rachel doesn't do anything except work and study nowadays."

"I noticed that," said Tamara, "and I think I have a remedy for that. I know this guy--"

"Stop right there," said Jocelyn, walking to Tamara, "You know Rachel would never let you fix her up on a blind date!"

"I know. That's why I invited him to go with us to the movies tonight. I figure if we all go together, Rachel can get acquainted with him, and then... who knows?"

"I still don't think she'd go for that," said Matthew, "I don't even think she has time for a boyfriend."

"Then she'll make time for one! Studying day and night can't be healthy! Going on a date every now and then never killed anyone."

Then, Rachel walked over to them, her arms full of books.

"Guys," she said, "you really didn't have to do this. I would've gotten to it sooner or later..."

"Think nothing of it," said Jocelyn with a smile, "We just had some time on our hands is all."

"Ray, what're you gonna be doing later this afternoon?" asked Tamara.

"I'll probably still be writing this report on the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression," she said, staring down at her ton of books, "Its due Wednsday at ten in the morning, and so far, all I have is my outline! I still need to research a bit more, write out a rough draft, and type out my final. This paper is fifteen percent of my American History grade, and it has to be at least twenty typed pages."

"You have plenty of time!" said Tamara, "Besides, we were thinking we could hang out or something. There's this new action movie playing, and I thought it'd be fun to go see it."

"Oh, I don't think--"

"C'mon, Ray!" said Matt, "Live a little!"

Rachel sighed and started towards the doors of the High Rise, "We'll see. If I can finish half of my rough draft before six o'clock tonight, then you've got a deal."

Meanwhile, in a far away star system in the Andromeda Galaxy, there is a blue and green planet circling an ancient red giant star. The planet looks a great deal like Earth, with a vast area of the surface covered with life-giving water, and nearly all the land is covered with dense jungle. This planet is called Edenia, named after the biblical paradise that was home to the parents of mankind. If one takes a closer look, there is a single clearing in the forest, about two miles in diameter. Directly in the center of the clearing is a tall, majestic stone castle, with towers reaching to the heavens, and a drawbridge stretching across the crystal clear river circling the castle. This castle is home to one of the greatest power sources in the cosmos, the legendary Pyramid of Power, a shining golden pyramid about a foot tall and a foot across. The pyramid is said to contain the very power of the elements--Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, Lightning, and Wood, and thousands of years ago, this power source was owned by a peaceful race of wizards in the Betelgeuse star system. Unfortuately, that world was conquered by the imperialist Denebian forces, who wanted to keep the famed pyramid for themselves. However, a white Denebian mage managed to find the Pyramid of Power before the forces of Empress Phaedra could. That young mage, named Gaius, fled to Edenia to keep the pyramid safe. Presently, Gaius protects the pyramid inside this very castle. Other than the single inhabitant of the castle, there is no other intelligent life on Edenia. Or at least, there shouldn't be. For the castle appears to have a visitor, and a rather unwelcome visitor at that. Presently, Gaius, a seemingly young man with pale skin, waist length blonde hair, and flowing purple robes, is running through the castle urgently, constantly looking behind his back to see if his pursuer is close.

I must be quick, he thought as he ran, I don't have much time. I don't have the power to defeat that villainous Morose alone! Not when he has a platoon of Denebian Shadows at his command. If he is allowed to take the pyramid from Edenia, he shall no doubt hand it over to Phaedra, and then she shall be the most powerful being in the universe! I cannot let that happen!

Gaius finally reached the chamber of the Pyramid, located in the highest tower of the castle. He bolted the door shut, and then placed his hands on the Pyramid of Power. He closed his eyes, and used the power to send his thoughts across the galaxy, to the only person he could think of to ask for help.

Spectra! he called mentally, Spectra, my sister in the fight against the evil Denebian Empire, I beg your help! Phaedra has sent her dark warlock Morose, along with an innumerable amount of Shadow Warriors, to take the Pyramid of Power! Please, my sister, I cannot protect the pyramid against such an obstacle for much longer!

His eyes opened wide when he heard a powerful banging against the wooden door. He then picked up the pyramid, and ran to the only window in the chamber. Much to his surprise, he saw hundreds of Shadows surrounding the palace on all sides. Gaius gasped and fell to his knees, still clutching the pyramid to his chest.

I cannot fight off all those creatures, he thought sadly, My only chance is to fight of Morose himself, as long as is possible. It is nearly sunrise, and soon he will be forced to retreat and find a dark cavern to spend the day. Morose cannot survive in the light of day, since he is a gray Denebian. But, the Shadows can. I pray Spectra arrives with help soon, or the universe is doomed!

Suddenly, the door caved in, and a dozen Shadows, eerie silhouettes of men, surrounded the young mage menacingly. Gaius still clutched the pyramid protectively, and held out one hand towards his enemies.

"Taste the power of the elements!" he cried, summoning a cyclone from the pyramid. From the palm of his hand, a huge gust of wind blew forth, bowling over all twelve dark creatures. Gaius then leapt through the open window, creating a current of wind strong enough to carry himself and the pyramid over the army of wicked Shadows below. However, as soon as Gaius thought he was safe, a cocoon of black energy encircled him, and forced him back into the palace. Once the cocoon opened Gaius found himself back in the chamber of the pyramid. He looked up slowly, and saw a tall figure, completely cloaked in a navy blue robe. Even his face was obscured by the shadow of his dark hood, and only his ancient, gray hands and cold red eyes were visible.

"Gaius," said the cloaked figure, "I'm surprised at you. You should know that you can never hope to escape from the black magic of Morose, the most powerful warlock in the Denebian Empire."

"Well, I thought I'd give it a try," said Gaius impetuously, rising to his feet. As soon as he did, two Shadows grabbed him by one arm each, forcing him to drop the pyramid. Morose then held out his hand, and the pyramid floated to him. Morose began to chuckle cruelly.

"Now that I have you," the evil warlock said to the Pyramid of Power, stroking its golden enterior gently, "What do I do with your keeper? Oh, I have an idea!"

Morose raised his hand, and the Shadows released Gaius. Gaius lunged at Morose, in a futile attempt to regain the pyramid, but he was stopped in mid air by some invisible force, and he hung there helplessly. Morose gazed up at the young man, indulging in the fear shining in his blue eyes.

"Gaius," he said, "you are a traitor to the realm of Deneb, and to the royal family. You are hearby sentenced to death. A cold, cruel, painful death..."

Before Morose could carry out his horrible sentence, the large red sun of Edenia began to peek over the horizon. Whereas the Shadows were unaffected by the sun's life-giving rays, Morose shielded his red eyes in panic.

"I suppose I don't have time to finish the job," he said, pinning Gaius to a wall with his power, "Perhaps it is a crueler sentence to let you live, knowing you have failed in your mission to protect the Pyramid of Power at all costs."

With that, Morose waved his hand, and two thick, black tentacles sprouted from the wall on which Gaius was pinned to. They wrapped around his arms and body, leaving him helpless.

"Those vines will absorb whatever magical energy you have left in your body," said Morose, a cloud of gray mist slowly forming at his feet, "By the time the sun sets tonight, you will be completely drained of your powers. Farewell."

The cloud spread further, until it completely hid Morose's form from view. Then, the cloud suddenly vanished from existence, and Morose was gone. Gaius sighed deeply and hung limply from the slimy tentacles. Twelve shadows remained on guard, waiting vigilantly for Gaius to try and escape.

Its about noontime in Langstrum Alps, and outside on the College Green between the four High Rise apartment buildings, hundreds of UCLA students enjoy the beauty of California springtime, either by throwing around a frisbee, playing baseball, enjoying a picnic, or just laying out and relaxing in the sun. But one student can't afford to enjoy a lovely day. She's even closed the windows and the drapes so as to cut out any distractions from the outside world, even the sounds of the birds singing. In her bedroom Rachel is staring at her computer screen, reading and re-reading her first attempt at an introduction for her American History paper, in a desperate attempt to get the creative juices flowing.

"'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'. The above quote by the English novelist Charles Dickens, in his classic work A Tale of Two Cities, aptly describes the contradicting prosperity and poverty of two of the most anti-typical decades in American history--the 1920's and 1930's..."

As she concentrated on her assignment, the marquise cut purple gemstone on her silver ring began to glow brightly. At first, she didn't notice the beacon, but soon the darkened room was filled with the eerie purple light, and Rachel absently glanced at her ring. She nearly jumped out of her seat, and rose her ring high and closed her eyes.

Spectra? she called mentally.

*Rachel, please report to Cloud Castle immediately. I shall create a portal for you.*

Rachel opened her eyes to see a bright circular portal in the center of her room. She quickly saved what she had written on her computer, and stepped through the portal to Cloud Castle, Spectra's home, floating high over Langstrum Alps. Soon, the other five members of the Spectrum Force arrived. Everyone's eyes fell on Keith, whose long blonde hair was damp and in disarray.

"This had better be important," he muttered bitterly, combing through his hair with his fingers, "I had just stepped out of the shower!"

"It is important, Keith," said Spectra, standing up from her throne, "I have received an urgent message from an ally of mine. The Denebian Empire has stolen the mighty Pyramid of Power, and they cannot be allowed to keep it."

"What's the Pyramid of Power?" asked Tamara.

"About three thousand years ago, Gaius, a white Denebian mage like myself, was entrusted to keep the Pyramid of Power safe. The Pyramid of Power contains near infinite elemental power, and in the wrong hands, it can devestate planets in seconds. Phaedra's servant Morose has raided Gaius' palace on the distant planet of Edenia, in the Andromeda Galaxy, and I fear he has succeeded in taking the pyramid. Gaius called for my help only moments ago."

"Spectra, how will we reach Edenia?" asked Jocelyn, "If we fly at light speed, it would take over two years to reach the closest star to the Sun, and Edenia is in another galaxy entirely! It will take centuries to reach that star system, if not more!"

"Indeed it would, Jocelyn. That is why we have created Hyperspace Portals."

"What?" asked Craig.

"There are many alien races who explore the cosmos. Eons ago, Hyperspace Portals were created, one in each solar system. The portals allow you to pass through hyperspace, which is a shortcut to your destination. It will take about ten minutes to reach Edenia through hyperspace."

"Okay, team," said Rachel, holding up her ring, "Let's Spectrum Sync!"

"Spectrum Sync...Red!" yelled Keith.

"Spectrum Sync...Orange!" cried Jocelyn.

"Spectrum Sync...Yellow!" cried Tamara.

"Spectrum Sync...Green!" shouted Matthew.

"Spectrum Sync...Blue!" hollered Craig.

"Spectrum Sync...Purple!" yelled Rachel. In seconds, each Spectrum Enforcer was clad in his/her colored uniform, with black sleeves and leggings, white gloves and ankle high boots, golden belts, colored facemasks, and blue visors covering their eyes. They all rose to the air, and sailed towards the window.

"Where's this Hyperspace Portal, Spectra?" asked Keith.

"In this solar system, the Hyperspace Portal is suspended in the atmosphere of the largest planet. It looks like a severe storm on the planet Jupiter."

"Wait a minute," said Matthew, "You're saying the Great Red Spot isn't a storm, but rather a portal?!"

"Not exactly. The portal is inside the storm, and that is what causes the tremendous updrafts that cause the cyclonic storms. Now, you'd best hurry. It shall take nearly an hour to reach the portal, and the longer you delay, the less chance the Pyramid of Power will still be on Edenia. In order to program the Hyperspace Portal to take you to the solar system of Edenia, you must use this."

Spectra held up a small black machine with the numbers 0-9 on it, as well as a larger red button on top. Rachel took the machine and examined it.

"It looks like a television remote control," she said, "What do we do with this?"

"Once you reach the portal, press the red button to activate it. The space inside the portal becomes black when its on. Then type in the number 91000616, and then hit the red button again. Pass through, and in about ten minutes, you will pass through the Hyperspace Portal in Edenia's star system. That portal is orbitting Edenia herself. Edenia looks a great deal like Earth, and the palace is in the center of a large clearing on the largest continent. But take care, Spectrum Force. There is no way to know if Phaedra's forces are still in the palace."

"Number 91000616?" asked Rachel, looking at the machine, "I think we can handle it."

"Where's this Great Red Spot exactly?" asked Tamara.

"I think I can find it," said Jocelyn, "Its really very pronounced, once you get close enough to Jupiter."

Then Jocelyn, the Orange Enforcer, leapt through the large window, and the other five enforcers followed her through the heavens. They immediately converted their bodies into streaks of colored light, and sailed through the vastness of space, completely unimpeded by the lack of air or the cold temperatures. In just under an hour, the six individuals slowed down their transit, and transformed back to human form, with a single energy bubble with white hue encasing the group to provide oxygen and warmth and to protect them from the inhospitable environment of Jupiter. They gazed down at the red giant in awe.

"This is absolutely amazing," said Tamara, "We're so far away from Earth that we can't even see it!"

"We are the first humans to ever see Jupiter close up," said Jocelyn quietly, "What an honor."

"Yeah," said Keith, "and although I'd really love to stay here and explore, we have a mission to accomplish. Now, we still haven't found the Great Red Spot."

"Well, we can circle the planet together," said Jocelyn, "We can't miss it."

The group moved together, circling around the massive, gaseous orb, until a rather large brown and white elliptical storm was seen.

"Oh my gosh," gasped Tamara, "I had no idea it was so... big!"

"Its about 30,000 miles long," said Jocelyn, "When you think about it, a Hyperspace Portal has to be gargantuan, or else large interstellar ships can't pass through."

"That sounds reasonable enough," said Rachel, "Let's take a closer look."

The six sailed down into the violent storm, keeping up the force bubble to protect them. Once they passed about two miles of harsh winds, the storm died down a bit, and from above the Spectrum Force could see a silver metallic ring about four miles thick and about 5,000 miles in diameter. Rachel held out the control, and pressed the red button. Instantly, the area inside the metal ring converted from whiteish brown gases to a black surface. Rachel then typed in the code and once again hit the red button, and then concentric white circles moved from the outside of the ring into the center of the black space.

"Okay, gang," said Rachel, "We'll travel through the portal in the form of light, so we'll be moving as quickly as possible. Once we're through, transform back into human form and create a Spectrum Shield so you can breathe. Once all six of us are through, we'll unite our bubbles so we can talk to each other. Uh, Keith, you go first. Then after five seconds, Jocelyn goes in, and then so on. I'll bring up the rear. Okay?"

The Spectrum Force nodded, and then the bubble vanished, leaving the six humans floating in space. Instantly, the Red Enforcer transformed into a beam of red light, and sailed through the center of the portal. Five seconds later, the Orange Enforcer became a beam of light, and followed. In order, beams of yellow, green, blue, and purple light passed through the massive portal, and then the black surface vanished, allowing the white and brown gases of Jupiter to once again pass through the empty center of the metal ring.

About ten minutes later, six forms floated high above the lush planet Edenia. They slowly descended through the upper atmosphere, and circled around the planet until the plains on the largest continent was located. Upon closer surveilance, the Spectrum Force saw the castle, with a suspicious mass of black surrounding the palace on all sides.

"I don't believe this," whispered Craig, "its like a sea of Shadow Warriors! They've completely surrounded the palace!"

"This is not a good sign," said Matt, "How do we get in?"

"If we're fast enough, we should be able to fly past them without them seeing," said Jocelyn, "After all, we can fly at the speed of light."

"Well, how do we enter the palace?" asked Tamara, "The drawbridge is closed."

"Where we'd be the least conspicuous," said Rachel, gazing down at the palace, "There, in the highest tower. There's a big window right there. Since its high up, the Shadows probably can't even see the window clearly. Let's go."

The Spectrum Force once again transformed into beams of light, and flew through the window without being seen. However, when they reverted back into human form, to their surprise, they were no longer wearing their uniforms. Rather, they were in their street clothes. They were so surprised that they failed to see a group of Shadows quickly hide in the shadows in the room.

"Hey!" cried Keith, "What gives?!"

"I... I don't understand!" said Rachel, "What happened?"

"You..." whispered a voice, "who are you?"

The Spectrum Force turned around, and gazed at the pale blonde man dressed in purple robes who was chained to the stone wall with black tentacles.

"Are you Gaius?" asked Rachel, walking up to him.

"Yes," he answered weakly.

"We're the Spectrum Force," said Keith, "Spectra sent us to help you."

"Shadows," Gaius whispered, fighting to remain conscious, "All around you..."

Suddenly, all twelve Shadow Warriors who were left in the chamber to guard Gaius leapt out of their hiding places, immediately surrounding the now powerless Spectrum Force.

"Guys," commanded Rachel, "keep those things busy! Tammy, you and Jocelyn try to free Gaius!"

The Spectrum Force leapt into action immediately. Craig lashed out at three Shadows at once with his powerful uppercuts and jabs while Rachel fought some others off with expert kickboxing moves. Matthew kept the Shadows at bay with a series of highly skilled backflips and splits, leaving them open for devestating karate kicks, punches, and sweeps from Keith, the blackbelt martial artist on the team. While the four fighters stand their ground against the outnumbering Shadow Warriors, Tamara and Jocelyn manage to pry the slimey black tentacles off Gaius. The young mage immediately collapsed once released, and the two girls caught him and lay him gently on the floor.

"He looks wasted," said Tamara, "Is he even awake?"

"I can't even determine if he's alive!" said Jocelyn, touching Gaius' still chest, "I can't find a heartbeat!"

"That's because you are looking in the wrong place, Child," said Gaius weakly, an amused smile on his face, "My heart is on the other side of my chest, and it is a few inches lower."

"Oh," said Jocelyn sheepishly, "Are you okay?"

"No," Gaius admitted, trying to sit up, "Morose's tentacles drained most of my power. Hopefully, though, I can finish off these Shadow Warriors for you."

Jocelyn and Tamara helped Gaius to his feet, and he brought his hands together, creating a sphere of pulsing white light. Then, the light expanded, and filled the entire room, disintegrating the twelve monsters while not injuring the Spectrum Force. The surprised teens turned around and stared at Gaius, who immediately fell to his knees.

"I'll be fine," he said quietly, "I'm just so tired..."

"What's going on here?" asked Craig, "Where's the pyramid?"

"Morose took it. However, he cannot return to Phaedra's ship until the sun sets, so he can float out and pass through the Hyperspace Portal. Sunlight is very lethal to Denebians, you know."

"Yeah," said Matthew, "But, where is he now?"

"He left my palace with the pyramid as soon as the sun rose. He is no doubt hiding from the sunlight somewhere. You are the keepers of the Spectrum Stones, right?"

"Right," said Rachel.

"Then the stones will glow brighter as you approach the Pyramid of Power. You can use your rings as homing devices."

"But, something happened to our rings!" said Keith, "When we materialized here, we weren't Spectrum Enforcers anymore."

"Let me see your ring,"said Gaius, looking up at Keith. Keith removed his ring and handed it to Gaius, who examined it intently.

"Your ring is depleated of solar energy," said Gaius, "You use a great deal of energy transforming into beams of light, and the star that Edenia revolves around isn't strong enough to power your gems. I'm afraid you cannot Spectrum Sync again, until you re-energize your stones."

"Is there anyway to re-energize them here?" asked Tamara.

"The Pyramid of Power could do it--"

"But we don't have the pyramid!" said Craig, "This mission is getting along just great!"

"There is a solution," said Gaius, enclosing the red Spectrum Stone in his fist, "I have enough power left in me to recalibrate your rings slightly, allowing you to call upon the power of the elements. This sun is capable of powering your stones with elemental energy. Each of you shall command a different element, and there shall be enough energy to power your rings until sunset, which is four hours away. This red ring will harness the element Fire."

Gaius handed the ring to Keith, who slid it on his finger and stared at it in surprise. Jocelyn then handed Gaius her ring.

"The orange ring shall allow you to control the element Water."

Then, Tamara gave Gaius her ring.

"The keeper of the yellow ring shall wield the power of Wood."

Once Tamara took her ring, Matthew handed Gaius his ring.

"The green stone shall be make its owner the master over the element Wind."

Then, Craig gave Gaius his ring.

"The owner of the blue stone can bend the element Earth to his will."

Finally, Rachel handed Gaius her ring.

"The purple stone will grant its wearer full command over the Lightning that streaks the heavens."

Gaius weakly handed Rachel his ring, and then collapsed to the ground. The Spectrum Force immediately kneeled beside him and tried to wake him.

"Are you gonna be okay, Gaius?" asked Tamara, "Is there something we can do?"

"Only the Pyramid can restore my energy to me. You must find the Pyramid. In the throne room, behind the fireplace, there is an underground tunnel leading away from the palace and into the surrounding forest. If you travel through the tunnel, you can avoid the armies of Shadows surrounding the palace. Hurry, for your rings depend completely on the rays of the sun for energy, and the sun will set in just over four hours!"

Then, Gaius' eyes closed, and he fell limp to the ground. Tamara gasped loudly, while Jocelyn checked his pulse, this time in the right place.

"He's alive," she announced, "I think he's in a really deep sleep. The only way we can help him is to get the Pyramid of Power."

"Should we just leave him here?" asked Matthew. Keith shrugged.

"We don't have time to hide him, and since Morose already has the pyramid, he has no reason to come back. As soon as the sun sets, he'll fly up to the portal, and transport himself to Phaedra's ship. We have to find the Pyramid and take it from him before sunset, so let's get going."

"Well, we can at least find a bedroom or something," said Tamara, "I'll look around. If Gaius is the protector of the Pyramid, one would think he sleeps closeby, just in case someone attacks during the night."

Tamara left the Pyramid's chamber and jogged down the dark hallway, illuminated only by several torches attached to the stone wall. Sure enough, the next chamber down was a large bedroom. Tamara returned to the rest of the Spectrum Force, and Craig carried the sleeping mage to the bedroom. Once he was lain on the bed, the six heroes walked down the hallway away from the Pyramid of Power.

"Too bad Gaius didn't tell us where the throne room is," said Matthew.

"Its most likely on the first floor," said Rachel, "so we need to find a staircase or something."

"But, how can we find anything in this darkness!" complained Jocelyn, "Most of these torches have burnt out."

"I'll handle it," said Keith, reaching up and pulling a burnt out torch from the wall. He pointed his Spectrum Stone to the top of the wooden staff, and a beam of red light rekindled the flame. The torch burned brightly, and Keith began leading the way down the hall.

"Nice thinking, Keith," said Craig, "I guess we're gonna need to get used to having these elemental powers."

"We don't have much time to get used to them, though," said Rachel, "We only have four hours to explore this entire planet, and find Morose's lair! Even with our rings working like compasses, the odds are definitely against us."

"All the more reason for us to hurry," said Keith, descending the stairs, "Watch your step, gang. These stairs are pretty steep."

Soon, the Spectrum Force had descended the staircase, and found themselves inside a large, well-light chamber, with a long, red carpet stretching from the large doorway on one side to the platform against the back wall, with a large golden throne mounted in the center of the platform. The red carpet was lined by floor lamps, each with a bright fire burning on top. Behind the platform was a snow white curtain, and the Spectrum Force passed through the curtain to see a small square carpet facing a fireplace. The fireplace burned brightly, and the teenagers looked around curiously.

"This looks like a meditation room," said Rachel quietly, "Only a carpet to kneel upon, and the fireplace to provide warmth and light."

"Well," said Matthew, "Gaius said there's a tunnel in the fireplace, so the first thing to do is get rid of the fire."

Matthew pointed his ring to the fire, and a gust of strong wind blew out the flames, leaving only Keith's torch to illuminate the chamber. Then, Craig bent down and knocked on the stones forming the back of the fireplace.

"These stones aren't even cemented together," he said, gripping one of the larger stones. He managed to push it out, revealing a dark, damp tunnel behind the wall of piled on stones. Soon, he managed to take enough stones away to make enough room for a person.

"You guys go inside," Craig instructed, "and I'll put the stones back up behind us. That way, if anyone searches this room, they won't be able to tell someone's been through here."

Keith nodded, and stepped through the entrance first. Then, Tamara, Matthew, Jocelyn, and Rachel followed. Craig began to rebuild the wall from inside, and then followed his friends into the darkness.