AGROUND STORY P18

Thalia paused.

“Me?”

The stranger nodded, as the zaps of energy released their arms and dissipated into the night air. Small blue coils of residual energy lingered in the air before floating off on the wind. Silence hung in the air between Thalia and her future self.

“Yes, you.” The stranger said.

“B-But- what about what you said about someone following us? Who is it? We??re still in danger- if they??re still following us, then-“

“Thalia. Those were just my efforts to get you to leave this place.”

“You really scared me!” Thalia yelled. “I was scared. And you were lying? I hate you!” She lashed out once more with the bolts of lightning, which the stranger dodged, before coming up in front of Thalia and placing her hand reassuringly on her shoulder.

“I am you.” The stranger said.

A mixture of tension and awkwardness filled the air.

“Come on,” the Stranger said, turning to face the way they had come in. “We can go now.”

“But- if I??m the secret,” Thalia muttered, “then what??s up in that tower?”

The stranger didn??t know how to react, and just stood there lamely. “Fine.” She said. “Go check it out. But?? don??t expect me to come.”

“I won??t.”