Chapter 5

Why was it he could accept what he saw, or thought he saw in the Dream Orb, but found it difficult to understand and comprehend what was happening before him?

He finally realized something, something he could not yet fully fathom; he was falling in love with her. He rationalized that whatever she did had to have a reason behind it. The severity of it, no, the horror of it was difficult to fully accept though. He would find out eventually that there were very valid reasons for what went on, even though they were not apparent back then.

The time period next was a sort of Victorian or Edwardian period, judging from the style of things around them.

"There are still a few of them here my love!" She softly whispered.

He almost wanted to ask her about 'them' but refrained.

He did find out her name was Athena. That name was of the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, just warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. Athena was also the shrewd companion of heroes and the goddess of heroic endeavors. Did this mean that which we had done and were to do in the future were just and heroic things?

We walked the streets, seemingly unnoticed or invisible to the throngs of those around us. Looking around all I could see was a thin fine mist surrounding everything. I looked at my Athena. She just had a blank look about her and the start, I thought, of a small smirk. If everything had not passed as it had, I might have even sensed a smile coming. I would learn though it was just her anticipation of our next encounter. Yes, Athena had told me something of why we would do what we were to do.

We entered a hospital, a children's hospital in the centre of the city. The wards there were filled with children of all ages. In one section, that of the incurable, insane and dying, we entered. One bed held a young child. She seemed healthy, as healthy at least as one might expect of a child in hospital. We sort of floated to her. No words were exchanged, only thoughts as the girl, who was called Amanda started her barrage of questions, pleas, hopes and what I later found out could be called a hope for revenge.

"Yes my child, it is finally time. It is done and now we shall try to make up for all that you have had to endure." She held up another Dream Orb, similar to the one she had given me. Inside you could see some of those we had destroyed as well as dozens more.

"Each has paid something. Some more than others. Even I cannot restore all you have lost nor undo the terrible things you have had to suffer Amanda but, as I promised, everything you have had taken from you is within this device. You need only tell me you are satisfied with our revenge and are ready to enter this other world; a world where your life will be joyous once again."