Chapter 4

Delving into the Past

As Prince and their attacker fought it out, the din in the restaurant intensified to the sound of thunder. With a panicked plea for their safety racing through her head, Emily saw the violent confrontation develop before her eyes.

But as she thought all hope was gone, a stunning disturbance broke out at the door: a large number of uniformed police officers were flooding the restaurant, their credentials glowing in the dim light.

Examining the scene in front of him, one of the policemen yelled, "Everyone, stay where you are!"

Emily held Prince's arm in relief as they moved toward the police, their hearts still racing from the awful incident.

How could this be happening? Prince asked, his voice ablaze with urgency.

The policeman looked them over, his gaze narrowing. "We got reports of a disturbance," he said in a dejected tone. "It appears there was a miscommunication."

Emily was frantically trying to make sense of the circumstances. Maybe a miscommunication. But how could such upheaval have started in the first place?

But before she could say anything, their attacker was hauled away in handcuffs, the din of the restaurant drowning out his cries. Emily watched him go into the night, his destiny unknown, with a heavy heart.

Prince glanced at Emily with worried eyes as the police started to remove the crowd. You okay?

Emily nodded, hardly raising her voice above a whisper. Assumed.

But even as she spoke, a little doubt persisted in her thoughts, a feeling that this was more complicated than first appeared. Why had their attacker chosen them and who was he? Most importantly, maybe, was what connection did it all have to Jennifer?

Emily felt ill to her stomach that she could no longer escape the inquiries that followed her about. Answers that may throw light on the realities lurking in the shadows and threatening to destroy everything she treasured were what she needed.

Emily went straight to Prince, determined to get the truth. Jennifer has to be found.

Prince gave his serious nod. Recepted. Where, though, should we begin?

Examining their options, Emily's thoughts raced. Though Jennifer was always resourceful, she had also occasionally disappeared without a trace when agitated. They would need to move quickly if they were to find her.

And then inspiration struck, a recollection of their time spent in the Love Garden, a place where destiny were shaped in the depths of the earth and secrets were whispered on the wind, right as she was about to give up.

Emily said, her voice full of emotion, "The Love Garden." I'll find her there.

Empathy for Jennifer and a desire to solve the mysteries that had brought them to this point propelled Emily and Prince into the darkness.

They had no idea, though, that the truth they were looking for would put their love to the test and confront the ghosts of their pasts—shadows that, if they weren't careful, would swallow them whole.

Emily held Prince's hand as they moved over the gloomy streets, their love serving as their own lighthouse. Because she understood at that very moment, in the middle of the chaos and turmoil, that their relationship was unshakable, a lighthouse in a world full of doubt and uncertainty. And knowing that, no matter what obstacles arose, she vowed to never give up on their love.

Prince, we must hurry, Emily says. Jennifer might be under risk.

Emily knows, Prince. We shall track her down. Still, caution is required. Who can say what we could find?

Emily: It makes little difference to me. Friends like Jennifer need us right now.

Prince: I get it, but coming in blindly won't benefit anybody. Plan is what we need.

Emily : Ok, what advice would you give?

Prince: We part company. In that way, cover more ground. I'll journey eastward toward the Love Garden, and you westward. We'll cross over in the middle.

Emily : Are you positive that is a good idea? Out here, things are dangerous.

Prince: Emily, we've got no time for arguments. Suspect me.

Emily is good. But Prince, watch where you step. Not wanting to lose you either.

Prince: Nevermind about me. Just give locating Jennifer your whole attention.

Emily and Prince said their farewells, each lost in their own thoughts and anxieties. Their footsteps resonating on the pavement was the only sound in the pitch-black, desolate streets.

Moving gingerly, Emily peered into the shadows for Jennifer. But she was so far away in the huge Love Garden that it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Emily heard a faint murmur, a ghostly echo, suddenly. Her heart thumping in her chest, she froze and strains to hear.

Help, please...

Emily: Jennifer really? That you, then?

Emily, I need help.

Emily immediately trailed the sound, her willpower propelling her on. Her worst worries, though, came true as she rounded the corner: a creature with icy eyes loomed before her.

Emily You who? Want what?

Emily, you ought not to have come here. Right now, I own this domain.

Emily : You speak of what?

Figure: It will become clear enough. I have you for the time being, though.

The person hurried forward, their hands extended in her direction, before Emily could respond. Emily staggered backwards, her mind racing with her quest for a way out.

But as the person drew nearer, a bright flash appeared from behind them, a well-known shape towering over the night.

Prince, just leave her alone!

Prince roared defiance, his hands clinched in resolve, and rushed forward. Turning to face their new opponent, the figure stammered, their hold on Emily releasing.

Figure: Prince, thank you for coming.

Prince: Put away the politeness. Release her right now.

Figur: Or what? You intend to fight me?

Prince: Should I need to.

The figure hurriedly and fatally charged Prince with a growl. However Prince was prepared, his years of preparation showing as he easily evaded their assaults.

The two figures clashed, Emily watching in wonder as each blow reverberated through the darkness like a tremendous symphony. But Emily realized as the fight dragged on that she had to find Jennifer before it was too late.

Emily bolted passed the combating pair, her eyes darting about the shadows seeking her pal. She saw her then, a figure crouched in the shadows, their face smeared with weeping, just as she was about to give up.

Emily: Hi Jennifer.

Thanks god Emily is here, Jennifer says.

Emily burst forward with a relieved scream, her arms tightly embracing Jennifer. But their reunion was brief, for the sounds of fighting reverberated through the night, warning them of the peril that remained close by.

Jennifer, it's time for us to leave. Not safe here.

But Prince?

Emily: He will get through. We have to put getting you to safety first right now.

Emily hurried through the gloomy streets with Jennifer in behind, racing for the security of home while her heart hammered in her chest. But Emily couldn't get rid of the impression that their agony was far from finished, that the shadows that had threatened to swallow them were still there in the shadows, waiting for the right opportunity to strike once more.