ALSOBYRIDLEYPEARSON

KingdomKeepersII—DisneyatDawn

SteelTrapp—TheChallenge

WITHDAVEBARRY

BloodTide

CaveoftheDarkWind

EscapefromtheCarnivale

PeterandtheSecretofRundoon

PeterandtheShadowThieves

PeterandtheStarcatchers

ScienceFair

Thefollowingaresomeofthetrademarks,registeredmarks,andservicemarksownedbyDisneyEnterprises,Inc.:Adventureland®Area,Audio-

Animatronics®Figure,BigThunderMountain®

RailroadDisneyland®,Disney’sHolywoodStudios,Disney’sAnimalKingdom®ThemePark,Epcot®,Fantasyland®Area,FASTPASS®Service,FortWilderness,Frontierland®Area,Imagineering,Imagineers,“it’sasmal

world,”MagicKingdom®Park,MainStreet,U.S.A.Area,Mickey’sToontown®,monorail,NewOrleansSquare,SpaceMountain®Attraction,SplashMountain®Attraction,Tomorrowland®Area,WaltDisneyWorld®

Resort

“It’sASmalWorld”WordsandMusicbyRichardM.ShermanandRobertB.Sherman©1963

WonderlandMusicCompany,Inc.

BuzzLightyearAstroBlasters©DisneyEnterprises,Inc./PixarAnimationStudiosToyStorycharacters©DisneyEnterprises,Inc./PixarAnimationStudiosWinniethePoohcharactersbasedonthe“WinniethePooh”worksbyA.A.

MilneandE.H.

Shepard

Copyright©2005PageOne,Inc.

Ilustration©2005byDavidFrankland

Alrightsreserved.PublishedbyDisney•HyperionBooks,animprintofDisneyBookGroup.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,withoutwrittenpermission

fromthepublisher.

ForinformationaddressDisney•HyperionBooks,114FifthAvenue,NewYork,NewYork10011-5690.

PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

NewDisney•Hyperionpaperbackedition,2009

10987654321

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataonfile.

ISBN978-1-4231-4112-9

Thisbookisdedicatedto

anyoneandeveryone

whoeverwonderedwhathappenswhenthegatesareclosed

andthelightsgoout.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Towhoeverinventedholograms,thanksfortheride.

Withoutpeoplewhomakebookscometrue,likeAlZuckermanandAmyBerkoweratWritersHouse,andWendyLefkon,myeditoratDisney•Hyperion,projectslikethiswouldneverhappen.

Thankstoyouall.

ThanksalsotoLaurelandDavid,whoreadthisfartoomanytimes,redpensinhand.AndtoChristopherCainesforhiskeeneyeandgreatsuggestions.

AndthankstoJasonSurrell,aDisneyImagineerwhohasthe“keystothekingdom.”HetouredmethroughanemptyMagicKingdomonmorethanoneoccasion,andhelpedtomakemagicoutofreality.Jasonrepeatedlyservedupthehistoryofandlittle-knownfactsaboutthepark,thoughhe’llprobablydenyitinordertokeephisjob.

Thanks,too,toWayneandChristina—andadozenmorewhoshallremainnameless—wholivethisfiction.WayneworksbehindthescenesatSplashMountain,andthelovelyChristinaatSpaceMountain.Theyprovidedmountainsofhelp.

SpecialthankstoPaige,Storey,andSophie,throughwhoseeyesI’veseentheMagicKingdomsomanytimesnow,andwhogotmewonderingwhatitmustbelikeatnightaftereveryone’sdeparted…oralmosteveryone.

AndthankstoDave,whoteasedmerelentlesslyformystudyofthetrashevacuationsystemduringoneofoursecrettoursofthetunnels.Thisisforyou.Therereallyismethodtothismadness.Orsortof.

—R.P.

February28,2005

St.Louis,Missouri

1

HefoundhimselfstandingnexttotheflagpoleinTownSquare,intheheartoftheMagicKingdom.Inhispajamas.Howhe’dgottenhere,hehadnoidea.Hislastmemorywasclimbingintobed—itfeltlikeonlyminutesearlier.

Grippedbyasenseofpanic,awedbythesightoftheCinderellaCastleatnight,FinnWhitmanbrieflyrecalledthathe’dhadother,similardreamsrecendy—alwaysintheMagicKingdom,alwaysatnight.Butinhisthirteenyears,nonesoreal,sovividasthis:hefeltabreezeonhisface;hesmelledthewetearthofaflowerbednotfaraway;heheardthedistantwhineoftrafficandthebuzzofamotorboatonthelakebehindhim.

“Itlookssodifferent,”hethought,onlytorealizehe’dspokenoutloud.MainStreetstoodempty,notapersoninsight.Heglancedaroundandquicklysawthathewasallalone.

“Notsodifferentasallthat,”cameaman’svoice.Thoughfaint,itstartledFinn.Helookedaroundagain,thistimetryingtofindthesourceofthatvoice.

There!Anoldguywithwhitehair,onabenchinfrontoftheExhibitionHall.HesatsoclosetoaseatedsculptureofGoofythatFinnhadn’tnoticedhim.

Finnmovedtowardtheman,crossingtheemptystreet.Hefeltunusuallylight,almostbuoyant.

Theoldmanworekhakis,acollaredshirt,andanametag:WAYNE.

“Whereiseverybody?”Finnasked,struckbytheelectronicsoundofhisownvoice.

“Isitempty?”themanasked,lookingupanxiously.“Tellmewhatyousee.”

Finnwonderediftheoldguywasblind.HeseemedtobelookingrightatFinn;hisblueeyeslookedperfectlynormal.Still,maybehecouldn’tsee.

“Well,”Finnsaidpolitely,“it’slike…empty.Andit’sdarkout.Andit’sjustthetwoofus.”

Wayne’sexpressionchangedtodisappointment.

“WhatamIsupposedtosee,exactly?”Finnasked.

“You’reonlysupposedtoseewhatyoucansee.”

“Whateverthatmeans,”Finnsaid.

“Itmeansexactlywhatitsays.”

“Ifyousayso.”

“Listen,youngman,I’vebeenaroundheresincelongbeforeanyofthemwereevencreated.Iliveintheapartmentabovethefirestation.”HepointedrightatthefirehouseandthenlookedbackatFinn.“Thattakessomeseniority,believeme.”

Seniorityorsenility?Finnwondered.Livingabovethefirehouse?Finndoubtedit.

“Nicepajamas,”theoldguysaid.

Finnlookedathimself.Hispajamasseemedtobe…glowing.Whatwaswiththat?Hesaid,“Idon’tmeantoberude,butifyoucansee,ifyou’renotblind,thenwhy’dyouaskmeabouttheparkbeingempty?”

Wayne’sice-blueeyesdrilledintohim.“Howdoyouthinkyougothere,youngman?”

“ThatdependsonwhereIam,”Finnansweredhonestly.Thisfeltlikenodream

he’deverexperienced.

“Verygoodanswer.Iexpectednolessofyou.”

“Excuseme?”

“Iassumedthatyou’dquestionthis—that’sonlynatural—butultimatelythere’sonlyoneexplanation,isn’tthere?”

“Isthere?”Finnasked,confused.

“TheotheronesIwasn’tsosureabout.Butyou,FinnWhitman.Bytheway,that’safinenameyouhave.Anamewithrealpotential.”

Finntookastepback.Howdidthisoldguyknowhisname?

“Whatotherones?”Finnasked.HestudiedTownSquareandMainStreet.Thestreetlampsshoneyellow.TheCinderellaCastleglowedinthedistance.Allthefamiliarstreetsandpathsandattractions,butempty.“Itoldyou,there’snoonehere.Noonebutus.It’sempty.”

WaynesaidnothingashestoodandwalkedupMainStreet,pasttheshopsandtowardthecastle.Finnfoundhimselffollowingrightalong.TheyreachedCentralPlaza,anislandinthecenterofatrafficcircle,thespokesofwhichledtotheMagicKingdom’svariouslands—Tomorrowland,Frontierland,LibertySquare.TheystoppedinfrontofastatueofWaltDisneywithMickeyMouse.

Thecastlerosemajesticallyintothenightsky.

“Whattimeisit?”Wayneasked.

AsFinnbroughthisarmuptolookathiswatch,hesawthathisarmwasn’texactlyhisarm.Itwas…glowing.Notonlyglowing,buthecouldalmostseethroughit.Asif—

“What’sgoingon?”Finnasked.“What’swithmyarm?”

Waynesoundedcriticalashesaid,“Figureitout.”Hethenreachedintohispocketandremovedwhatlookedlikearemotecontrolforacar:asmallblackplasticfobwithasingleredbutton.Itlookedlikeagarage-dooropener.

“What’swiththatthing?”Finnasked.

“Thisbuttonwillsendyouback.”

“Backwhere?”Finnfeltajoltoffear.Whatifthiswasn’tadream?Hestudiedhisarmagain.

Thenhisotherarm.Helookeddownathislegs.Hiswholebodywasglowingandvaguelytranslucent.

“Backtobed,”Wayneanswered.

“Soitisadream?Ithoughtso.”

“It’snotadream.”

Finnsawapairoffour-foot-tallchipmunkscomeoutofthecastle.Theywalkeddownapathandturnedleft,towardToontown.Hefelthimselfstaring.Herecognizedthem.

“What?”Wayneaskedexcitedly.

“Nothing,”Finnanswered.

“Yousawsomething!”hepracticallyshoutedintoFinn’sear,causingFinntojumpback,startled.

Wayneleapedup,suddenlyyearsyounger.HepulledFinntohisfeet.

“Yousawsomething!”hethundered.

“Hey!What’sthebigdeal?”

“Tellmewhatyousaw.”

“Yousawittoo!”Finntoldhim.

“Whichcharacter?”

Finnfeltrelief.WayneknewFinnhadseenacharacter,whichhadtomeanhe’dseenittoo.

Hewasclearlyplayingsomekindofgame,makingFinnactuallynamethecharacter,butFinnwasgoodatgames.

“Whichcharacterdidyousee?”Finnasked.

“Youwantmetopushthisbutton?”Waynethreatened.

Didhe?Finnwasn’tsure.Ifitwasadream,theblackremote-controlfobrepresentedawayout.Whenwastherighttimetouseit?Hehopedtostretchthisoutaminutelonger.Itwasfunhere.

Heglancedaroundatthesoundoffootsteps.Goofywenttearingpastthem,notthirtyfeetaway,andheadedintoFrontierland.

Waynenevermoved.NeverlookedinGoofy’sdirection.

“You’replayingheadgameswithme,”Finnsaid.

“AmI?”

“Goofy,”Finnsaid.

“AreyouaskingmeifI’mgoofy?I’vebeencalledworse.”WaynestudiedFinn.Hisoldleatheryfacebrightenedashesaid,“YousawGoofy!”

MaybeWayneneededahearingaid—heseemedpronetofitsofshouting.

Finnbackedoff.“Yeah.Sowhat?Youwouldhavetoo,ifyou’dbotheredtolook.”

Wayneprobablycouldn’thearallthatwell.Heobviouslyhadn’theardGoofy’sfootsteps,becausehehadn’tturnedtowardthesound.

FinndecidedtotestWayne.“ChipandDale,”hesaid.“Yousawthem,right?”

“YousawChipandDale?”HemadeitsoundlikeFinnhadwonthelottery.Whatwaswiththat?

“I,ah…Thisisgettingalittleweird.IthinkIwanttogobacknow.”FinnheardhimselfrepeatsomeofwhatWaynehadtoldhim,thoughthewordsdidn’tfitinhismouthallthatwell.Itsoundedtohimlikesomeoneelsedoingthetalking.

“I’llpushthebutton,ifyoulike.ButIhavetowarnyou….”Waynefiddledwiththenametagpinnedtohisuniform.

“Warnmeaboutwhat?”

“Whatyou’llbemissing.Theparkafterdark.Basicallyalltoyourself.Theattractionsoperatedayandnight.Notmanypeopleknowthat.”

“NowIknowI’mdreaming.”

“Butyouaren’t,”Wayneexplained.“Areyouforgettingyourarm?”

Finnstudiedhisarmoncemore.“I’lladmit,thatis…interesting.It’salmostlike—”Finncaughthimself.

“Likeyou’reglowing,”Waynesaidinanall-knowing,I-told-you-sotoneofvoice.

“AmI?”

“Whatmightaccountforthat?”Wayneinquired.

Finnunderstoodsomehowthatalothungonhisanswer—hisimaginingthisplace,ordreamingit,orwhateverwashappeningtohim.Hisabilitytostayhere.Toreturn.Hewasn’tquicktoanswer.Hedidn’twanttofacewhatWaynewassuggesting.

“Igiveup,”hesaid.

“No,youdon’t,”Wayneprotested.“Youneverwouldhavebeenchosenforthisifyouwerethekindwhogivesuponthings.You’reafinisher,Finn.That’swhatIlikedaboutyoufromyourfirstauditiontape.”

Stunnedbywhattheoldguyhadjustsaid,Finnfelthismouthgodry.HowdidWayneknowabouthisauditiontape?Exactlyhowcomplicatedcouldadreamget?

“Whoareyou?”Finnblurtedout.

“I’mWayne.Iworkhere.IwasoneofthefirstpeoplehiredbyWaltDisneyto

imaginethispark.Therides,theattractions.TheycallusImagineers.”

“YouknewWaltDisney?”Finntriednottosoundimpressed.

“Hewasmyboss,youmightsay.Atanyrate,he’sthereasonI’mhere.Thereasonyou’rehere.”

“Me?”

“Iknowthiscan’tbeeasy.”

“It’sadream,”Finnsaid,thinking,What’ssohardaboutadream?

“No,it’snotadream,”Waynesaid.“Takealookatthemoon.”Finndidn’tmove.Wayne’svoicebecamemoresevere.“Isaid:lookatthemoon.”

Finnhadtoturnaroundtolocatethemoon.Ahalf-moon,likeacrookedsmile,hungwellabovethehorizon.

“Whenyouwakeup—whenyouthinkyouwakeup—takealookoutthewindow.You’llseethesamemoon,andyou’llknow.”

“Knowwhat?”Finnasked.

“Thatyouwerehere.SittinghereinDisneyWorldwithanoldguynamedWayne.”

“You’retellingmethisisn’tadream?”Finnfelthiswordscatchinhisthroat.

“We’vegotaproblem.Abigproblem.Aproblemthataffectsnotonlythepark,buttheworldoutsidethepark.WecallthemtheOvertakers.”

“Thewhat?”Finndidn’tlikethesoundofthat.

Waynesaidurgently,“Youneedtocontacttheotherhosts.Allfour.Arrangetomeetthemhereatthesametime.Thatwillmeanallofyougoingtobed,goingtosleep,fairlyclosetothesametime.Withinahalfhourofoneanother.Tellthemthat.Thatshouldwork,Ithink.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“There’safable,astory,apuzzleofsortsthatwasleftincaseofaproblemlikethis.It’scalledtheStonecutter’sQuill.”

“Aproblemlikewhat?”Finnfelttotallyconfused.TheStonecutter’sQuill—thetitlehadaneeriesound.

Justthen,TomSawyercameoutofFrontierlandandheadedupalongrampintothecastle.

IsthatreallytheTomSawyer?Finnwondered.Thebarefootboywassmokingapipewithalongstem.Waynedidagoodjobofnotreacting,ofpretendinghedidn’tseethekid.

Waynesaid,“Thepuzzlehastobesolvedtobeunderstood.Ithastobeunderstoodtobeofanyusetous.”HepausedandlookedoveratFinn.ItfelttoFinnasifWaynewerelookingrightthroughhim.“You’regoingtosolveit.”

“Me?”

“Thefiveofyou,”Waynesaid.

Finnjumpedawayfromtheman.Againhethought:howcomplicatedcanadreamget?IfWaynewasonlyapartofthedream,howcouldhepossiblyknowaboutthefourotherhosts?HowcouldhetalkaboutFinn’sauditiontapethewayhehad?Itwasallrelated,allrolledintoone,butFinncouldn’tsortitout.

Finnsaid,“You’retalkingaboutMGMStudios.”

“OfcourseIam,”Waynesaid.“Yousee?Iknewyouweretherightone.You’retheleader,Finn.”

“Idon’thavetheslightestcluewhatyou’retalkingabout,”Finnsaid.

“Nicetry.Butofcourseyoudo.YouknowexactlywhatI’mtalkingabout.Youjustdon’twanttofaceit.Perfectlyunderstandable.Thatwillchange.”

“Afable,”Finnsaid,testinghimagain.Couldadreamrememberitself?

“Themoon,”Wayneremindedhim.“Don’tforgetthemoon.”

Iwon’t.”

“Allfiveofyou.Ineedyoutogether.Here.Allinthesameplaceatthesametime.Icanexplainittoyouthen.Once.Asagroup.Justtheonetime.Youcandecide—asagroup—tohelpusornot.”

“Us?”Finnsaid.

“I’llexplainthataswell.”

“ThisistheweirdestdreamI’veeverhad!”Finnsaid,notrealizinghewasshouting.

“You’llgetoverit,”Waynesaid.Heraisedhisrighthand—theonecarryingtheblackremote-controlfob—andpressedthebuttonwithhisthumb.

Finnawoke,sittingupinbed.Hisbedsideclockread2:07A.M.Hecollectedhimself,checkedhissurroundings.Hereachedoutandtouchedtheglassofwaternexttotheclock.Justthefeelofitwasreassuring.Thankgoodness,hethought.

Adream?hewondered.“Whoa,”heheardhimselfsayaloud.“Whatadream!”Thistimehisvoicesoundedmorethewayitalwayssounded,whichremindedhimofhowthinandelectronicithadsoundedinthepark.

“Whoa,”herepeated,justtohearhimselfsayit.Hescratchedanitchonhishead,andanotheronhisbelly.Thatfeltbetter.Helaybackdown,hisheadonthepillow,hisgreeneyeswideopentothedarkroom.

AllatonceFinnspottedashaftoflight—bluishlight—onhisceiling.Itwasintheshapeofaknifeblade.Moonlight.

Finnslippedoutofbedwithtrepidation.Hecrepttowardthewindow,afraidtolook.Thecloserhegottoit,themorehisfacewasbathedinthatpalelightseepingthroughasmallcrackinthecurtains.

Finnraisedhisarmandcaughtsightofhiswatch.Hisarmappearedsolid.ItdidnotglowandshimmerthewayithadwhilehewaswithWayne.Thatcameasarelief.

Finnpartedthecurtains.

There,outthewindow,hangingintheexactsameplaceinthesky,whereWaynehadpointeditouttohim,Finnsawthecurvingsmileofahalf-moon.Couldhehaveknownthatinhissleep?How?Helookedagain.

Themoonseemedtobelaughingathim.

2

ThehalwaysofFinn’smiddleschoolcouldsometimesfeelaslongasrunways.Lateforclass,hefoundthistobeoneofthosetimes.Steellockersoccupiedmostofthespacebetweenthedoorstotheclassrooms.Thelockerswerecoveredwithstickersandpicturesofmoviestarsorproathletes,whichinstantlydistinguishedagirl’slockerfromaboy’s.Fluorescent-tubelightingcastasicklyglowovereverything,andmadehumanskinlookvaguelygreenish.

“Hesaidtherewasafable.Astoryofsomekind,”Finnsaidtotheboystandingnexttohim.

“ThatmyfriendsandIaresupposedtosavethepark,orsomething.”Herealizedhowridiculousthissounded.“Whateverthatmeans.”

“By‘friends’youmeanlike,me?”DillardColeasked.Dillardateenoughfortwokidsandhadthebodytoshowforit.

“Hedidn’tmeanyou,Dillard,”Finnsaidgently,tryingnottohurttheguy’sfeelings.“Notexactly.Hemeanttheother…thehosts.AtDisneyWorld.TheDHIs.”

“Noway.”

“Way,”Finnsaid,hurryingofftohisfourth-periodclassroom.

“Itwasonlyadream!”Dillardshoutedafterhim.

Finnwasn’tsosureaboutthat.

“We’rehonoredyoucouldjoinus,Mr.Whitman,”saidMr.RichardsonasFinnrushedintohisworldhistoryclass.Mr.Richardsonwasprobablythemostboringteacherintheentireschool.

He’dlivedintheU.S.fortwenty-someyears,butstillspokewithathickBritishaccent.Hesoundedlikeapompoussnob.

Finncheckedthewallclock;hewaseightminuteslate,justundertheten-minutedeadlinewhenRichardsonwouldhavegivenhimatardy.Threetardiesmeantafter-schoolstudyhall.Finnalreadyhadcollectedtwoothers,bothfromscienceclass.

“You’llsitupfront,please,”Mr.Richardsonsaid,indicatinganemptychair.Tortureontopofhumiliation.“Fortherecord,yournotorietypullsnoweightinmyclass.Ibegyoutorememberthatwhengradesareissued.Ifindtheideaofchildactorstediousatbest.”

“SorryI’mlate,”Finnsaid,slidingdownintothechair,resentfulthathe’dbeenmadetoapologize.

He’dtakenthejobatDisneyWorldsomewhatagainsthiswill,mostlyathismother’surging.

Atthetimeshe’dhadnoideashewasmakinghimintoamiddle-schoolrockstar.Heremembereditwell.

***

“Therewillbemoneyinit,”hismotherhadsaid.“YourfatherandIcanputalittlesomethingawayforyourcollege.”

“Idon’tknow,Mom,”Finnhadcomplained.

“ThisisWaltDisneyWorld,don’tforget.Youwouldbeahost,likeaguide,inWaltDisneyWorld.”

“It’snotexactlyme.”

“It’lllooklikeyou.Soundlikeyou.It’llseemlikeyoutoeveryonebutyou.

You’dbethereforyears,FinnWhitman.Maybeforever.Youcan’tgetany‘cooler’thanDisneyWorld.”

Hismotherdidn’tknoweverything,butwhenshewasrightshewasright.FinnlovedtheDisneyparks.Sodidhisfriends.EventhoughtheylivedinOrlando,theyallwenttotheparkswhenevertheycouldaffordit.“ButtheMagicKingdom,Mom?It’sforlittlekids.AtDisney-MGM,sure!AnimalKingdomwouldbeawesome.ButtheMagicKingdom?”

“YoulovetheMagicKingdom,andyouknowit.Besides,therestofyourfamilywouldgetcomplimentarypasses—severalayear,everyyear,forlife.Asin,forever.Wecouldbasicallygowheneverwewant.”

“Withoutme.”

“Ithoughtyoujustsaidyou’retoooldfortheMagicKingdom.”Finn’smomcouldtwistalmostanythinghesaid.Hepickedhisargumentscarefullywithher.Shehadexplainedthetermsofthecontracttohim,butFinnhadn’treallypaidattention.

“Tellmeaboutthedisguisestuffagain,”hesaid.

“YouwouldonlybeallowedtovisittheMagicKingdomwithpriorapproval.Oncepermissionisgranted,you’dstillhavetogoindisguise.Butahatandsunglasseswouldbeenough.You’donlyhavetowearthemwhenyou’reintheMagicKingdom.Theycan’thavetwoofyourunningaround,therealyouandthehologram-hostyou.Itmakessenseifyouthinkaboutit.”

Itdidmakesense,buthewasn’tabouttoadmitthat.

Shesaid,“Itsoundssoeasy.Allyoudoisletthemfilmyouwalkingandgesturing.Youreadthescriptacoupletimesintoamicrophone.Theyprocessthefilm,orwhatever,and,presto!

You’reahologram-hostattheMagicKingdom.Withacollegenesteggandlifetimecomplimentarypasses.Finn,youlovespecialeffects!Whatthey’reofferingisforyoutobethespecialeffect.Howmuchcoolercanthatbe?”Shewasrightagain,butheresistedanall-outagreement.Hismotherhadoncecalledanewtoaster“high-tech.”Whatdidsheknow?

“AllIhavetodoisaudition?”heasked,testingher.

“That’sright!Theymightnoteventakeyou.”

“Mom,”Finnsaid,“thisismewe’retalkingabout.Ofcoursethey’lltakeme.”

“Excuseme,Mr.Hotshot,butIdonotwanttohearyoutalkingthatway,andyouknowit.Ifthisisgoingtogotoyourhead,wearenotdoingthis.”

Actually,Finn’smomlovedtohearhimtalkthatway,thoughshepretendedotherwise.Shehadschooledhiminself-confidence.He’dauditionedforseveralthingsandneverwonapartyet,butnotbecausehelackedconfidence.

“Okay.I’lldoit,”hesaid.

Shebeamed.Helovedtoseeherlikethat—bright-eyedandchildlike.

AmonthafterFinnhadpassedthefinalauditionandwonaplaceasaDisneyHostInteractive,orDHI,hearrivedatanenormoussoundstageatDisney-MGMStudios.

Thesizeofajetaircrafthangar,thesoundstagewasriggedwithhundredsoffilmlights,agreenscreenthatfilledoneentirewall,trampolines,cameras,boommicrophones,anddozensofscruffilydressedcrewmembers.He’dneverseenanythinglikeit,exceptinmovies,thoughhedidhisbesttopretendotherwise.Acollege-agegirldressedinblackandgrayworeaheadsetwithamicrophonemouthpiece,afuzzyblackballbyherlips.Shecalledherselfa“PA.”IttookFinnfourdaystorealizethatthatstoodforproductionassistant.HerbosswasaguynamedBrad,fromDisneyImagineering.

BradmadeFinndressingreentightsandagreenstretchytopandwalkaroundonagreenstage.Thecostumehadsmallmetalsensors,likethincoins,stucktothetightsoneveryjointofhisbody—dozensofthethings.Camerashookeduptoacomputerrecordedthemovementofthesmallmetaldisks.Inthecameras’eyes,thegreencostume,movingagainstthegreenbackground,basicallymadeFinn’sbodydisappear.Thecomputersawhiminsteadasafloatingcloudofshinypoints.TheengineerswouldlaterusetherecordingsofFinn’smovementstoanimatethehologramsofFinnandtheotherkids.Bradexplainedthatthisprocesswascalled“motioncapture.”

Therewerefivekidsinall.Oneveryprettygirl,Charlene,hadsandyblondhairandblueeyes,withpaleskin.Theothergirl,Willa,struckhimasalittlegeeky,butextremelysmart.Shewassweet,butnotknockoutgorgeouslikeCharlene.NotmanygirlslookedlikeCharlene.Willastruckhimasmoody.Withherhoodedbrowneyesanddark,braidedhair,shemighthavebeenAsianorNativeAmerican.Maybeck,anAfricanAmericankid,wastallerthanFinnbyafullheadandhadthebig-guyattitudetogoalongwithit.ForsomereasonhemadeapointoftellingFinnthathewasaBaptist.Finn,whowasn’tterriblyreligious,wasn’tsurewhattodowiththatinformation,norevenwhatitmeant.

Onabreak,FinnhungoutwithMaybeckandthelastofthefive,aboywhointroducedhimselfasPhilby.LikeMaybeck,heobviouslypreferredtobecalledbyhislastname.

Philbylookedolderthanallofthem,butwasinfactthesameage.HehadaBritishaccentorsomethingclosetoit—AustraliaorNewZealand,Finnguessed.

“Quitethemotleygroup,”Philbysaid.

“We’retheOrlandoassortmentpack,”Maybeckquipped.“Oneofeveryflavor.”

Finnsaid,“We’reallfromdifferentschools,right?What’swiththat?It’sliketheywantedtomakesurenoneofuskneweachother.Whywouldtheydothat?”

“Control,”Maybeckanswered.“Thesekindsofguys…withthemit’sallaboutcontrol.Thatguy,Brad?Idon’ttrusthim.He’skeepingstufffromus.Countonit.”

FinnlikedBrad,butheknewwhatMaybeckwastalkingabout.Itdidfeelliketheyweren’tbeingtoldeverything.

“We’dbetterbeabletotrusthim,”Finnsuggested.“He’stheoneturningusintoholograms.”

“Idon’tknowaboutyou,”Maybeckanswered,“butInevertrustanyonebutmyself.”Headdedalittlelate,“Nooffense.”

Finnwantedoutofhistights.

Philbysaid,“DidyouknowthatDHI—DisneyHostInteractive—alsostandsforDaylightHologramImaging?”

“Seriously?”Finnasked.

“Totally.”

“See?”Maybecksaid.“That’swhatI’mtalkingabout—rightthere.FirstI’veheardofit.”

Philbycontinued,“Thishasneverbeendonebefore.DHIs.Notlikethis.We’regoingtobeturnedintoabsolutelyperfectthree-dimensionalimages.Duplicatesofourselves.We’lllookreal,butwe’llbemadeofnothingbutlight.It’sprettycooltechnology,actually.”

“Butifit’sneverbeendonebefore,”Finnsaid,“howdoweknowit’ssafe?”

Theboysglancedbackandforthbetweenthemselves.Philbysaid,“It’sliketakingpictures,that’sall.Howcanitnotbesafe?”

“Itpays,”Maybecksaidharshly.“That’sallIcareabout.Myauntcouldusetheextramoney.”

“Youraunt?”Finnsaid,beforehetookthetimetothinkthathisquestionmightsoundrude.

“Yeah,”Maybecksaid.“Ilivewithmyaunt.Myparents…Theyaren’taround.”

Finnfeltawfulforhavingasked.Maybeckgrewsilent.Heseemedlesstoughallofasudden.

“Sorry,”Finnsaid,“forasking.”

“Notyourproblem,”Maybecksaidinasoftervoice.“Myaunt’scool.Shetriedtogetmeinatoothpastead,butIlostout.Thenthisthingcameup.BradtoldmethatifI’dgottenthatadI’dneverhavebeenaskedtobeahost.Theywantnothingbutfreshfaces.”

“Soyougotlucky,”Finnsaid.

“Weallgotlucky,”Maybeckagreed.“ADHIintheMagicKingdom?We’regoingtobefamous.”

“We’regoingtobeghosts,”Philbycorrected.“Electronicghosts,providedthatthistechnologyactuallyworks.”

“Don’tsaystufflikethat,”Maybeckpleaded.“Ofcourseitworks.”

“Ofcourse,”Philbysaid.“Mybad.”Buthesoundedlessthanconvinced.

3

“Idon’tgetit,”DilardsaidashegrippedFinn’sanklesforsit-ups.Therewereaboutfortykidsonthecrabgrassdoingvariousformsofexerciseoutbehindtheschool,inafieldenclosedbyacorrodedchain-linkfence.TheSouthFloridaclimateatemetaldowntorustandturnedwoodtosponge.Onlyconcretehadafightingchance.Thekids,spreadaroundthefieldinclumps,triedtomakeitlookliketheywereexercising.DirtstucktoFinn’sarmsandthebackofhisneck.Helookedupattheocean-blueskyfullofbillowingwhiteclouds.

“TheotherDHIs,”Finnexplained.“TheDisneyHosts…I’vegottohookupwiththembeforeIgoback.”

“Youknowhowstupidthatsounds?”

“Yeah,butIdon’tcare.Nomatterwhat,I’vegottofindoutifthey’vehadsimilar…dreams.”

DillardglancedupandimmediatelyletgoofFinn’sankles.Finnwentheadoverheelsbackward.Hefoundhimselflookingatanupside-downversionofagirlnamedAmandaLockhart,whohadtransferredtotheschoolinlateSeptember,afewweeksearlier.Shehadexotic-lookingeyes,adeep,naturaltan,andafewfrecklesonhercheeks.Shewasstretchingalongwithadozenothergirls.Finnwasn’tbigongirls,butsomethingaboutAmandagrabbedandheldhisattention.

Dillardclaspedhisanklesagain.Finnstruggledbackuptositting.

Hesqueezedoutacouplemoresit-ups.“It’sexperimental,”heexplained.“The

DHItechnology.Notexactlyphotography,notexactlycomputergraphics.”

“You’regoingpsychoonme,”Dillardcomplained.

Finnsaid,“WhenIwokeup,themoonwasrightwhereitbelonged.Youwanttoexplainthat?”

“I’msorrytohavetotellyouthis,”Dillardsaid,“butIthinktheyfriedyourbrain.”

“Idon’tknowanyoftheirfullnames.Willa,Charlene,Maybeck,andPhilby.MaybeckandPhilbywillbeeasiertofindthanthegirls,becausethosearetheirlastnames,unusualnamesatthat.TherewasthisguyatMGMwhoranthings.Hewouldknowwhoeveryoneis,thoughI’mnotsurehe’dtellme.”

DillardgaveFinnapuzzledlook.“Ifeelsorryforyou,man.You’velostit.”

“Thenewgirl:Amanda.Doesn’thermotherorfatherworkoveratMGM?Didyouhearaboutthat?”Manyofthestudents’parentshadsomethingtodowithoneoftheparks.

“Amandaisagirl,”DillardremindedFinn.“Haveyoulostyourmind?”Dillardthoughtofgirlsasaseparatelife-form.

“Yeah,”Finnsaid.“MaybeIhave.”

4

Themonorailzoomedpastaseaofgreentrees,headingforastopattheGrandFloridianHotel.

“Thisisprettycoolofyou,Amanda,”Finnsaid.HeworeaTampaDevilRaysbasebalcapandapairofhisfather’soldsunglasses,whichlookedtoobigforhisface.Somedisguise.Amandaworehiphuggersandashirtthatexposedherbellybutton.

“We’retakingphotographs?”sheasked.

“They’refriendsofmine,yousee?”

“Sortof.”Thensheconfessed,“No,notreally.”

“Idon’tknowtheirfullnames,soIdon’tknowhowtofindthem.IfIcangetphotographsoftheirDHIsandshowthemaroundsomeoftheotherschools,thenmaybesomeonewillrecognizethem.

I’mnotsurewhatelsetodo.”

“Wordis,you’regoingpsycho,”Amandasaid.“Iwasn’tabouttogetyoumadatme.”

“I’mnotstabbinggirlsinshowersoranything.”

“That’sarelief.”AmandaallowedahintofasmilethatFinnknewshewouldrathernothaverevealed.Itwasn’tcoolforagirltoshowshelikedaboyany

morethantheopposite.Boysandgirlsseemedtospendalotoftimeandenergytryingtoconvinceoneanotherthattheydidn’texist.

Finnexplained,“Theproblemis,ifI’mgoingtovisittheMagicKingdom,myadmissionhastobepre-approved.Thatmeanstellingmyparents,andIcan’texactlyexplainthistothem.”

“Youhaven’texactlyexplainedittome.Listen,Idon’tmindusingacoupleofmyfamily’scomptickets,Finn.Ifyou’reworriedyouoweme,youdon’t.”

“Cool.”

“Iseverythingcooltoyou?”sheasked.“What’swithyouandthatword?”

“You’recool,”hesaid,lookingrightather.Wheredidthatcomefrom?

Sheblushedandbitherlowerliptokeepfromgrinning.Shelookedoutthemonorailcar’swindow,asifshehadn’tseentheGrandFloridianahundredtimes.

“Sowhy’dyouagreetohelpme,anyway?”heasked,coaxingher.Thedoorshissedshut.ArecordedvoiceannouncedthatthenextstopwastheMagicKingdom.

Sheglancedoutthewindowtoo.“Because…Ihavemyreasons.Iwanttohelp.”Shespoketotheglass.ThenshelookeddirectlyatFinnandsaid,“Besides,I’venevermetarealpsychobefore.”

“Veryfunny.”

“Ithoughtso.”

Whenshelaughed,itremindedhimofbells.HemadeamentalnotenottotellDillardthat.

AttheentrancetotheMagicKingdom,AmandahandledthecomplimentaryticketswhileFinnkepthisheaddownsoasnottoberecognized.Aminutelatertheywereinsidethemaingate,passingthespotwhereparentspickedupandreturnedtherentedbabystrollers.

Stilllookingatthepavement,Finnaskedher,“Doyouseeanyobvioussecuritytypes?”

“No.”

“Theydon’tallwearuniforms.They’reprettyhardtospot.”

“Finn,you’renotexactlyoneofthetenmostwanted,orsomething.We’regoingtobefine.

Hey!There’sahostoverthere,”Amandasaid.“It’snotyou,”sheannounced.

Finnlookedover.AcrowdhadgatheredaroundtheDHL“That’sCharlene,”hesaid.

“Youready?”

“Yes.”

“Okay,then.Heregoes.”

Amandaslinkedovertowardthecrowd,thenposedforashotwithCharleneasFinnraisedhisfather’sdigitalcamera.Charlenelookedperfectlyreal—absolutelyreal—untilakidwalkedthroughher.TheDHIneverstoppedtalking,nevernoticedthatakidwasplayingwithher.

“You’vegoneawfullyquiet,”Amandasaidamomentlater,assherejoinedFinn.

“I’dneverseenthatbefore.AkidwalkingthroughaDHIlikethat.”

“Theyshouldn’tbeallowedtodothat,”Amandasaid.“It’sdisrespectful.”

Itwasn’ttheactualactthatbotheredFinn.Itwastheconcept.Ahologramwasnothingbutlight—athree-dimensionalimage.Howcouldhebecomeonebyfallingasleep?Whatwashethinking?

“Doyoubelieveinweirdstuff?”Finnaskedher.

“Dependshowweird,Isuppose.”

“Realweird.”

“Tryme.”

ButatthatmomentAmandaspottedanotherDHIandstartedtowardit.

Maybeck.

Finn’slegsdidn’tmove.Hefeltsomethingodd.Likesomeonewaswatchinghim.Hespunaround.

MainStreetwascrowdedwithpeople.Finnsearchedfaces,hisfocusshifting.

Hestoppedonawhite-hairedguy—anoldguy—wearingabarbershopcostumethatmadehimlookevenolder.Wayne!HewaslookingrightatFinn,thesamewayFinn’sdadlookedathimwhenFinnhaddonesomethingwrong.

WaynesignaledforFinntolooktohisleft.

There,Finnsawfourolderguysinbanduniforms—redjacketswithbrassbuttons.Ittookhimasecondtorealizetheywereheadedrightforhim.

Security?

FinnturnedtoAmanda,whowasposingwithMaybeck,expectingFinntoshootapicture.Hecalledouttoher,“Trouble!”

They’ddiscussedthispossibilityandreviewedvariousoptions.Theyhadagreedthatiftheyhadtoseparateforanyreason,theywouldtrytomeetupagainattheexitfromtheHauntedMansion.Amandatookoffatarunwithoutasecondthought.Finntuckedhisfather’scameraintohispocketandduckedintotheEmporium.Madetolooklikeanold-timegeneralstore,itsoldeverythingDisney—clothing,dolls,stuffedanimals,CDs,andDVDs.Itwaspackedwall-to-wallwithshoppers.

Finnhurriedpastseveraldisplays,deeperintothestore.Hepassedshelvesofprincesscostumes.Arackofhatsandcaps.Aposterhungfromtheceilingbyastring,announcingtheVirtualMagicKingdom.Hestoppedandusedamirrortowatchthestorewindowsbehindhim.

Therehesawauniformedbandmusicianenterthestore.

Coincidence?Thebandmusicianglancedtohisright.Finnfollowedthatlineofsight—toanotherbandmember.Theyexchangedalook,andthentheyturnedandscannedthestore.

Finnfeltsickwithfear.He’dblownit,enteringtheparkwithouttheproperauthorization.Hisfamilywouldprobablylosetheircomptickets.HesupposedhisDHImightevenbeterminated.

Theywerecomingforhim:quickly,andwithgreatdetermination.Finnworkednottobeseen.Hefoundhimselfcorneredinthehatsection.

“Hey,”saidalittleboy,lookingupatFinnwithaweandwonder.“Areyouhim?”

“Goaway!”Finntoldthekid,notwantingtobebothered.

“Butit’syou,right?”thelittleboyasked.Hesteppedcloser,suckedinachestfullofair,closedhiseyes,andmarchedrightintoFinn.Finnstumbledbackastheboyfellover.

“Wow!”theboysaid,recoveringandcomingtohisfeet.“You’rereal!”

Thelittleboy’sattemptgaveFinnanidea.

TheEmporiumsoldclothing.FinnspottedarackofDHImerchandise,includingtheoutfitthathisownhostcharacterwore.

Hesnaggedapairofloudpurpleshortsandagreensurfingshirtandpulledthemoverhisownshirtandshorts.Hedidn’tlikeleavinghisDevilRayscapbehind,butsawlittlechoice.

Heplacedhissunglassesintotheemptypocketofhisownshorts.

Twoofthebandmemberssawhimandturned.Finnsqueezedbetweenthemandran.

Severalkidsspottedhimatonce.Shoutingforautographs,theyfollowedafterhim.Parentsplayedcatch-up,holleringaftertheirkids,“Stop!”and“Getbackhere!”

FinnledthechildrenoutontothesidewalkandintoMainStreet.AnalarmsoundedloudlyasFinnleftthestoreinclothingthathadn’tbeenpaidfor.Anxiousparentscloggedthedoor,blockingthesecurityguys.

“Hey!”oneofthekidsshoutedabovealltheothers.“Checkitout!Twoofthem!”

Finnglancedover,onlytorealizehewasstandingtwentyfeetfromhisownDHI.Hishostselfwassurroundedbyapairoffamiliesandwasansweringquestions.

Thetwobandmusiciansstumbledoutontothestreet.TheylookedbackandforthfromoneFinntotheother.Whichwaswhich?

TherealFinnpointedtothecastle.HerecitedthememorizedtourinformationrecordedduringthefilmingatDisney-MGMStudios.TheDHIFinn,thehologram,notfaraway,mimickedthesamemovesandrecitedthesamewordsfromthesamescript.

UnabletodeterminewhichFinntopursue,thebandmembersfroze.TherealFinnthenmovedhissmalgroupoffollowersupthestreetattheexactsamepaceashisDHI.Thetwowereperfectduplicatesofeachother.

Then,withenoughdistancebetweenhimselfandhispursuers,Finnslippeddownasidepath.HequicklyshedtheDHI-FinnT-shirtanddumpeditintothetrash.Hehoppedoutoftheuglyshorts,slippedhissunglassesbackon,andmadeoffatarun,headedfortheHauntedMansion.

Tenminuteslater,FinnspottedAmandawaitingonabenchneartheHauntedMansion’sexit,asplanned.AneatapronoflawnsurroundedthetoweringbrickVictorian-stylestructure.Thepavedareainfrontoftheentrancewasdividedwithchainsandstanchionsintothreelanes,includingonefortheholdersoftheFastpass.Parkedagainstthemansion’sfrontwall,equidistantbetweentheentranceandexit,stoodagleamingall-blackhorse-drawnhearse—eventhewindowswereblack.Theharnesshunginmidair;thehorsewasinvisible.

FinnwaitedbrieflybeforeapproachingAmanda,takingtimetodetermineifeitherofthemhadbeenfollowed.

“Hey,thereyouare,”Amandasaid.

“Iwasspotted.Igotaway,butjustbarely.”

“Willtheybustyou?”

“Notsuretheycanwithoutcatchingmefirst,withoutprovingit’sme.”

Sheglancedaround.“Sowhatnow?Howdowegetyououtoftheparkwithoutyourbeingcaught?”

Finnhadn’tthoughtthroughthispossibilitywhenformingtheiroriginalplan.“Isupposetheymightwatchtheexit.”

“Youthink?Getalife!Ofcoursetheywill.”

“Youthink?Getalife!Ofcoursetheywill.”

“There’saguy…anoldguy.Ithinkhemighthelp,ifIcanfindhim.”Finnspottedapairofclean-cutyoungmenapproachingtheFastpassentrance,notthirtyfeetaway,justontheothersideofthehearse.HeandAmandamovedafewfeettobescreenedfromview.

Finnsaid,“Okay.Lookovermyshoulder.Seethosetwotallguysinline?They’vegotwiresintheirears,andI’llbetthey’relookingforme.Andguesswhat?We’retrapped.”

Amandastudiedthetwo.WithFinn’sbacktothem,atthisdistance,hewassafe.ShelookedattheHauntedMansion,thenatthewaytheexitlineconvergedtowardtheentranceline,thetwoseparatedbyonlyachain.“Wecan’tleavethroughtheexitline.Notwiththemthere.”

“Iknow.”

“Butthey’reprettyfarbackintheentranceline,”sheobserved.

Finn’sskinwascrawled.Howtoexplainanyofthistohisparents?“Sowe’retrapped.Ialreadyhadthatmuchfiguredout.”

“Butthey’rejuststandingthere,waiting.”

“So?”Finnasked.

“So,we’vegottogetthemtomove,”sheanswered.

“Andhowarewesupposedtodothat?”heaskedsarcastically.“Callthemontheirradiosandtellthemthey’rewantedsomewhereelse?”

Amanda’sbrowknittightly,deepinthought.“They’llmoveiftheyseeyou.”

“What?Areyoucrazy?”

“Shush,”shecautionedhim.“Comeon!”shesaid,takinghimbythehand.Hewasn’tsurewhy,buthelethertakecharge.Therewassomethingaboutherconfidencethatreassuredhim.Itfeltalmostasifshe’dbeenthroughthiskindofthingbefore—thewayshestayedsocalm;thewayshestudiedthesituationcarefully.SheledFinnquicklyunderachain,behindthehearse,thenbetweenitandalowbrickretainingwall.Shepeeredaroundthehearse,monitoringthetwosecurityguards.“WhenIsay,‘Go,’wego,”sheinstructed.

“Ah—”Finnsaid,havingsecondthoughts.

Amandawatched.Thelinewasmovingalong,butthetwosecurityguysremainedneartheMansion’sentrance.

“Go!”shehissed.

Togethertheyhurriedintotheopen,duckedunderachain,andcutintotheentranceline.Abunchofpeoplemoanedandgroaned.Afewopenlycomplained.Butasthelinesurged,AmandaandFinnmovedwithit.

Amandawasnogiant,butshewasaninchtallerthanFinn.Sheroseontohertiptoes,lookedback,andwarned,“Okay…heretheycome.”ShetightenedherholdonFinn’shand.Together,theymovedwiththeline,whichsurgedagain.Afewsecondslater,theywereinsidetheMansion.

Amandakeptwatchbehindthem.

FinnandAmandasteppedintotheStretchingRoom—ahexagonalspacetwentyfeetacross.

Portraitshungonthewalls.Finnhadjustbeguntofeelsafe,when,asAmandatensed,helookedbackandsawthetwosecurityguysenter—thelasttwopeople

intotheStretchingRoombeforeitsdoorsclosed.

Amandaroseup.“Uh-oh,”shesaid.

“What?”

“They’repushingtheirwayoverhere.”

TheStretchingRoom,jam-packedwithpeople,didnotmakemovementeasy.

Aloudvoiceboomedoverthespeakers,welcomingthevisitorstothemansion.Itwarnedthemnottoleanagainstthewalls.Thelightsdimmed.Finndidn’tneedtostandonhistiptoestoseethetwoblondheadscomingtowardthem.

AmandapulledFinndownintoacrouch.Together,theyduckedandmovedthroughthecrowd.Itseemedthatthefloorwasbeginningtosink.Itlookedandfeltasiftheyweregoingdown,down,down,inanelevator.Thewallsstretched.Theceilingrecededabovethem.Eventheoilpaintingsstretchedlonger.

“We’recooked,”Finnsaid.

“No,”Amandasaid,stillleadinghim.“We’reokay.”Theyreachedafarwall.

Finnglancedback.Thetwoguyswerestillpushingthroughthecrowdtowardthem.“You’redreaming.”

“We’llusethechickendoor,”shesaid.

“Thewhat?”

“WhenIwassomethinglikefiveyearsold,Icompletelyfreakedoutinhere.Screamedmylungsout.Totallylostit.”

Asshesaidthis,theroom’sfloorstoppedmoving,thepaintedportraitsnowstretchedgrotesquely.Adeadmandangledfromanooseattachedtotheceiling.Somekidsshrieked.

Amandacontinued,“MymomgotmeoutwithouthavingtoridetheDoomBuggies.It’scalledthechickendoor.”

“Heretheycome!”Finncautionedinawhisper.Butjustashesaidit,thecrowd

surged,pressingFinnagainstAmanda.

“Perfecttiming,”shesaid,smiling.

Thetwosecurityguysgotstuckinthejam,stillafewyardsaway.

Oneofthewallpanelsopenedlikeadoor.Thecrowd—fatpeople,sweatypeople,smellypeople,baldpeople,andtwoteenagekids—lungedahead.

Themomentthedooropened,AmandatookFinnbythehandandtugged.TheyhurriedoutintothedimlylitcorridorleadingtotheDoomBuggies.

“Run!”Amandawhispered.“Wehavetohurry.”Sheledhimthroughanunmarkeddoorimmediatelytotheright.Finnfoundhimselfinanarrow,dimlylitcorridor.Ghoulishsoundsinthedistance.Amandaran,withFinnfollowingcloselybehindher.Sheprovedherselfaveryfastrunner.It’salmostasifshe’sflying,hethought.

Secondslater,theyheadedthroughyetanotherdoor.Outsideagain,theywereonlyafewyardsfromwherethey’dbeensittingonlyminutesearlier,theblackhearseandtheFastpasslinetotheirright.Theentrance/exitwasstraightahead.

Theaircamealivewiththesoundofpiped-inmusicandthesteadyrumbleofparkgueststalking.

AmandaglancedbackattheMansion.Hereyeswentwide,andheknewtheywereintrouble.Shepracticallypulledhisarmoffasshedrewhimintoasmallgiftshop.Theyduckedbehindacarouselofpostcards.

Thetwosecurityguyshurriedpast,onlysecondsbehindthem.

FinnstoodbesideAmanda,theirarmstouching.

“They’vegone,”shesaid.“Welostthem.”

Finnhelduphisfather’scamera.“Let’strytogetafewmoreshotsonourwayout.”

5

“Butyougottahelpus!”Finnpleaded.

“Listen,Ican’t,”saidBrad,theImagineerwhohadproducedtheDHIfilmshootatMGM-Disney.Behindhimthesoundstagehummedwithforkliftsmovingequipmentaround.

FromtheMagicKingdom,AmandaandFinnhadriddenabustotheTransportationandTicketCenter,andthenanothertoDisney-MGM.Itwaslateintheafternoonnow,goingonevening.Finnhadtogethomesoonorfacebeinggrounded.

BradlookedatAmandaacoupletimes.“DoIknowyou?”hefinallyinquired.

“She’safriend,”Finnsaid,interruptingbeforeAmandacouldanswer.

AgainFinnshowedhimoneofthefourimagesonthedigitalcamera.“That’sWilla.

Remember?Youmustknowhowtofindher.It’simportant.”

“Yourparentscouldmakeaformalrequest,Isuppose.”

“Yeah,right!Myparents?”Finncomplained.“It’snotlikeI’mastalker!Iwantaphonenumber,isall.Herschool.Anything.”

Bradshookhishead,saidhewassorry,andsteppedbackontothesoundstage.Finncalledoutloudly,“WhatifIcanprovethere’ssomethingwrongwiththe

DHItechnology?”Thiswashislastresort.

Bradslowedastep,butdidnotstopcompletely.

“WhatiftheDHIsareallindanger?”

AmandaandBradlookedatFinncuriously.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout,kid?There’snothingwrongwiththetechnology,”hesaid,takingastepcloser.

“No?”Finnthoughthehadhimnow.“Getmethenamesoftheirschools.I’lldotherest.”

“What’swrongwiththetechnology?There’snothingwrongwiththetechnology,”Bradsaidmoreforcefully.“Nicetry.”HeturnedhisbackonFinnonceagain.

Finnsaid,“AnoldguynamedWayne.AnImagineer,likeyou.”

“WayneKresky?HowdoyouknowWayne?”Bradsoundedimpressed.

“That’sformetoknowandyoutofindout.CalWayne.Askhimifheknowsme.”

“YouknowWayne,”Bradrepeated,somewhatastonished.

“IknowabouttheOvertakers.”

ThecolorinBrad’sfacedrainedaway.Finnthoughtifhe’dpushedhimhewouldhavefallenover.

“ThesooneryouclearthiswithWayne,thebetter.Thelongerittakesformetogettotheotherhosts,thegreaterthedanger.”

Brad’svoicecrackedashesaid,“Nooneisindanger.”

Finnsaid,“TalktoWayne.”

FinnsignaledAmandawithhiseyes:timetogo.

AfewminuteslatertheywalkedpastthegiantreplicaofMickey’ssorcerer’scap.

“Whatwasthatallabout?”sheasked.“WhatschooldotheOvertakersplayfor?”

“School?”

“They’reasportsteam,right?”

“Oh…Right.”Finnsaid.Hefeltheowedhermorethanthat.“Haveyoueverhadadreamsorealthatwhenyouwokeupyouweresureyou’djustbeenwhereveryou’dbeeninthedream?”

“Everybodyhasdreamslikethat.Forme…well…it’smorelikeanightmare.”

“Butwhatifsomebodytellsyousomethinginthedream,somethingtolookforwhenyouwakeup,andyouwakeup,andthereitis?”

“I’dhavetothinkaboutthat,”sheconceded.

Finnfeltfrustrated.Hewantedtobealone,withtimetothinkthingsthrough.

Shesaid,“IfyouknowthisguyWayne,maybehecouldhelpyoufindtheothers.”

“No.He’stheonethataskedmetofindthem.”

Amanda’sfacetwisted.“Oh.”

TheyreachedthebuspickuppointattheTransportationandTicketCenter.Herbusarrived.

Shesaid,“TheOvertakersaren’tasportsteam,arethey?”

“No.”

“Andyou’renotgoingtotellmewhattheyare.”

“Maybesometime.”

“Icanhelpyou,Finn.Iwanttohelpyou.Butyou’vegottoletmein.”

Hesawsomethingbehindhereyes,asifsheknewmorethanshewaslettingon.Orwasthatjustanothergirltrick?Finncouldn’tthinkwhattosay.

Amandaclimbedontothebus,pausingbrieflytotalktothedriver.TherewerenoticketsrequiredontheDisneybuses,sowhywouldAmandastoptotalktothedriver?Asthebuspulledaway,Finncouldn’tgetthedriver’sfaceoutofhismind:anoldmanwithwhitehair,ice-blueeyes,andakindface.

Wayne?Wasitpossible?

6

Hishandtrembling,Finnrereadthelistthathadbeenleftforhimattheschoolofficethenextday:Howard

Lee

Maitland

Jackson

Herecognizedtheseasthenamesoffourmiddleschools.Fourschoolswherehenowbelievedhe’dfindtheotherDHIs.Thenotewasn’tsigned,butheknewitwasfromBrad.

“Youdon’thavetodothis,”heremindedAmanda,thoughitwasalittlelatenow.TheywereridingasomewhatsmellycitybustowardLeeMiddleSchool.One-storybuildingspaintedpink,seablue,andwhitestreamedpast.Heatwavesshimmeredfromthepavement.Anotherfallday.

“I’mokay,”shereplied.

Hewantedtothinkthishadbeenhisidea,butheknewbetter.Hewasn’tsurehowshe’dmanagedtotalkhimintolettingherjoinhim,buthereshewas.

“Wemightnotgetbackintimeforfifthperiod,”hewarned.They’dskippedoutonlunchtogether,slippingoutadoornearthegym.They’dbeinsomeserioustroubleifcaught.

“I’mabiggirl,Finn.”

Thebusdriver,afatguywithablotchyredface,keptaneyeontheminthemirror.Finnwasfeelingparanoid.“Hey,doyouthink—?”

“Thathe’swatchingus?”Amandasaid,interrupting.“Yes.”

“Whatifhe’ssomekindofspy?”Finnasked.

“Oh,please.He’sjustcuriousaboutacoupleofkidsontheirowninthemiddleoftheday.”

Hefeltstupidforhavingsaidthat.

Todrumitin,Amandaasked,“Whatkindofspy?Forwhom?”Shewhisperedintohisear,

“TheOvertakers?”

Shemeanttoteasehim,butFinnwasn’tlaughing.

“YousawthoseguysyesterdayattheMagicKingdom,”Finnremindedher.

“Youweren’tsupposedtobethere.Youbroketherules,”sheremindedhim.“Youthinkthey’reOver-takers?”Again,shewasteasing.

“Asifyou’dknow.”

“Whenareyougoingtotellmewhat’sgoingon?”

“WhenIfindoutmyself,”heanswered.

“Theseotherkids.TheotherDHIs,”shesaid.“Youthinktheyhavetheanswers?”

“Notexactly.”

Thedriverpickedupablackradiomicrophonewithacurlyblackcordandspokeintoit.Theycouldn’thearwhathewassaying.

“Whatifheworkswithtruancycops?”Finnsaid.Theschoolswereserious

aboutkidscuttingclass.

“Nowyou’remakingmeparanoid,”shesaidsharply.Shereachedupandpressedthesignalforthenextstop.Thebrakeshissedasthebusslowedandpulledovertothecurb.

Astheyhurriedoffthebus,Finncaughtthedriver’sgazeinthesidemirror:hewaswatchingthem.

Ninehotblockslatertheyreachedtheschool.Finnwasthirsty.

Itwasanicer,newerschoolthantheirs.Theywalkeddownthemainhall,tryingtolookliketheyknewwheretheyweregoing.Neitherhadbeenherebefore.

“What’stheplan?”Amandaasked.

“We’rehereatlunchtimeforareason,”Finnexplained,checkingawallclock.Theyhadtocatchareturnbuswithintwentyminutesorthey’dmissthestartoffifthperiod.Hedoubtedthey’dmakeit.

Theylocatedthecafeteriabyfollowingthenoiseandsmells.Tosavetime,FinnandAmandahaddecidedtosplitup.Theenormousroomwaspackedwithkidsandlitteredwithbackpacks.

Hundredsofkidsateatlongtables.

AsFinnpassedatable,heheardsomeonebehindhimsay,“Hey,isn’tthatoneofthehostsfromDisneyWorld?”Lessthanfiveminutes,andhe’dbeenspotted.Hedidn’tlikebeingfamousasmuchashethoughthewould.Heslippedonhissunglasses.

HesawAmandaafewtablesaway.Shecarriedcopiesofthephotographsthey’dtakenattheMagicKingdom.Shewasshowingthemaroundtokidsandaskingquestions.Finndidn’tknowwhichofthefourDHIswenttoLee.Hewalkedslowly,studyingfacesatthevarioustables.

Itwasreallyloudinhere.Anabundanceoffoodsmellscombinedintoastinkhefoundsickening.

AbigguysuddenlyjumpedupinFinn’sway,aneighth-grader,judgingbyhis

size.HeworeaColoradoAvalanchejersey,colorfuljams,andnewNikes.“Whoyoustaringat?”hegrowled.

“Noone.”

ThebigkidreachedoutandliftedFinn’ssunglasses.“Thinkyou’retoocool?”SeeingFinn,hedidadoubletake.

“Hey!HowcomeIknowyou?”

“Givemebackmyglasses,please.”

“Aren’tyoulikeonZoomorsomething?”

“I’dlikemyglassesback,please.”

“Give‘emback,Roy,”agirlatthenexttablesaid.“It’snotZoom,stupid.He’sahost—overattheMagicKingdom—likeCharleneTurner.”

CharleneTurner.Finnhadherlastnamenow.

“Oh,yeah!”thebigkidsaid,reluctantlyreturningthesunglassestoFinn.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“LookingforCharlene,”Finnsaid.

“Can’thelpyou,”thebigguysaid,sittingbackdown.

Finnlookedtothegirlexpectantly,butsheshookherhead.“Sorry,”shesaid.

FinnlookeduptoseeAmandawavingathim.Havingwonhisattention,shepointedtoawindowthatlookedoutontotheplayingfields.Shemovedherhandtomimicdribblingabasketball.

LeaveittoAmanda:she’dfoundCharlene.

7

Charlenewastalkingwiththreeothergirls,alldressedforP.E.ingraygymshortsandyelowTshirts.Charlene’sexpressionchangedinstantlyasshesawFinnapproaching.Hewonderedwhysheshouldbesodisappointedtoseehim.They’dgottenalongwellenoughduringtheshoot.

“Hey,”hesaid,greetingher,suddenlymadepainfullyawareofAmandastandingbyhisside.

Charleneexcusedherselffromherfriends,saying,“Backinawhack,”andapproachedFinn.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?Areyoucutting?”sheasked,viewingFinnskeptically.“Andwho’sshe?”

“Ihavetotalktoyou,”hesaid.Then,“She’safriend.”

Charlenelookedhimover,andthenmeteyeswithAmanda.“Idon’tthinkso,”shesaid,andstartedtowalkbacktowardherfriends.

“Thedreams.Disneyafterdark,”Finnsaid.Thatstoppedhercold.

AmandalookedatFinncuriously,butknewbetterthantosayanything.

“Dreamsthataren’tdreams,”headded.

Charlenespuntofacehim,excitementandalarminhersparklingeyes.“Nowayyoucouldknowthat,”shesaid.

“Unless…”Finnsaid.“I’vebeenthere,too.”

“What’sthisabout?”Amandaasked.AwhispermeantonlyforFinn,yetCharleneoverheard.

“Where’sshefitin?”Charleneasked.

“Itoldyou:afriendwillingtohelpmeout,”Finnexplained.Headdedquickly,“Wayne,theoldguy.Haveyoumethim?Heneedsusalltogether.Atnight.Tonight,ortomorrow.AssoonasIcanfindeveryone:thefiveofus,alltogether.”

“Thisisn’thappening,”saidCharlene,suspiciousofAmanda,puzzledbyFinn.Buttheexpressiononherfacetoldhimshe’dalsobeenintheparkinherdreams.

Charlenewasthekindofgirlyoumightseeonacerealbox.

“Doyouknowhowtoreachanyoftheothers?”Finnasked.

“IrunintoWillaonVMKsometimes,thoughit’smorebychance.”VirtualMagicKingdom,anew“massivelymultiplayer”onlinegame,wasalltherage.

Finnplayedtoo.“Canyoutellhertomeetus?”

“It’snotlikeIknowherlikethat.”Herfriendscalledovertoher.“Listen,Ican’tdothisnow,”

Charlenesaid.

“ContactWillaifyoucan.Butwhateveryoudo,gotobedearlytonight.Eighto’clock.Eighto’clock,exactly.”

“I’vebeentryingtostayup.Idon’texactlylovemydreamslately.”

“Weneedtoknow,”hesaid.Shehadtobeascuriousaboutthisashewas.Couldtheypossiblymeetintheparkintheirdreams?

“Yeah,okay…”Charlenesaidreluctantly.

CharlenelookedstraightatAmandabutspoketoFinn.“Noonecanknowabout

this,”shesaid.Thensheloweredhervoiceandhissed,“Itisn’tsafe.”

Thecoach’swhistlesoundedshrilly.CharlenetookoffrunningbutglancedbackatFinnonelasttime.Hesawfearinhereyes.

“Meetme!”hecalledout.

Charlenedidn’tanswer,buthereyesregisteredthatshe’dheard.

Afteramoment,Amandasaid,“We’dbetterbegettingback.”

“Yeah,”Finnagreed.

“Itisn’tsafe.”

Charlene’swarningseemedtohangintheairbetweenthem.

8

“I'mgoingtobed,”Finnannounced,standingupfromthedinnertableandcarryinghisplatetothekitchensink.Hehadn’tbeentobedatthishoursinceelementaryschool.

“Areyounotfeelingwell?”Hismothersaid,inshock.

“I’mfeelingfine,”hesaid.“I’mjustgoingtobedearly,ifthat’sallright?”

“Haveyoufinishedyourhomework?”

“Yes,it’sdone.Istayedafterforstudyhall.”

“Youwhat?”Shesetdownabowlofmashedpotatoesandcrossedherarms.“Finn?”Sheeyedhimsuspiciously.“Youstayedafterschooltodoyourhomework,andnowyou’reheadingtobedatseven-fifteen?”Thenightbeforelast,hismotherhadreceivedacallfromhercontactontheDHIteam,askingifFinnhadbeentotheMagicKingdomlately.Finnhaddeniedgoing,feelingawfulaboutlying,butknowingshewouldn’tbelievehim.She’dgroundedhim.Finndidn’teventrytochallengeher,andthathadconvincedherofhisguilt.“Ifyou’replanningtosneakout—”

“Noway!”Finnsaid.“I’mnot,Ipromise.”Hesteppedforwardandkissedher.“Goodnight,Mom.”

“I’mgoingtocheckonyouwhenyourfathergetshome.”

“Okay,”Finnsaid.“Justdon’twakemeup.Please,”headded.“Ineedagoodnight’ssleep.”

Hecheckedhiscomputer.Nointerestinge-mail.HedebatedloggingontoVMKandlookingforCharlene,butinsteadhechangedintohispajamasandbrushedhisteeth,passinghismotherinthehallonthewaybackfromthebathroom.

Sheworeherconcernopenly.“It’sonlyseven-fifteen,”sheremindedhim.“WecouldcatchtheSimpsons.”

She’dtrappedhim.Thiswasanofferhewouldnevernormallyturndown.

“I’mgoingtopass,Mom,butthanks.”

“It’sabadrule,makingyougetapprovalbeforegoing.Astupidrule,really.Ifyou…ifyoutookafriendtothepark…well…yourfatherandIwouldunderstandhowyouwouldn’thavewantedtotellus.”

Finnconsideredherolivebranch.“Amanda,”hesaid.“Hername’sAmanda.”

Reliefspreadacrosshismother’sface.Hefearedshemighthughim.

Shewassmilingnow.Beaming.

“’Night,Mom.”

Shelookedlikeshemightcry.

“I’lltalktoyourfather,”wasallshesaid.

Finnknewhewouldn’tbegroundedbymorning.

Heshuthisbedroomdoor.Ifhecrossedoverintothepark,hedidn’twanttobeinhispajamas,sohechangedbackintojeansandaT-shirt.Helaythereforfifteenwakefulminuteswiththelightsout,checkingtheclockregularly.Hetriedtorelax.Duskplayedattheedgesofhisshades.Itfeltlikethemiddleoftheday.Heclearedhismind,dozedoff,andfinallysankintoadeepsleep.

“You’relearning,”saidtheoldman’svoicefrombehindhim.

FinnturnedtoseeWayne,inkhakisandaplaidshirt,sittingbehindthewheelof

anelectricgolfcartwiththeWaltDisneyWorldlogopaintedonthefront.Theskyglowedfaintlyonthehorizon.IttookFinnamomenttoregisterhislocationassomewhereinFrontierland,notfarfromTomSawyerIsland.

“Youjustmissedthefireworksdisplay,”Waynesaid,stoppingthecartalongsideFinn.“Parkclosedafewminutesago.Ilovethistimeofnight.Especiallythemusic.”

“Whatmusic?”Finndidn’thearanymusicandrealizednowthathe’dalwaysheardmusicinthepark.Theoldguywasabitdaffy.

Finnreachedoutandgrabbedthesteelbarthatsupportedthecart’sawning.Hesawhisglowinghandwraparoundthemetalbutcouldalsofaintlyseethroughhishandaswell.Notonlythat,butthemetaldidn’tfeelexactlylikemetal.

“Thisissoweird,”heconfessed.

“Don’tfightit,”Waynesaid.

“ThisisprobablytheweirdestthingI’veeverdone.AndI’vedonesomeweirdstuff,”Finnsaid.

“Thisonetime,afriendofmineandI—”Hecaughthimselfblabbering.Instead,hetoldWayne,“IfoundCharlene.I’mstilltryingtolocatetheothers.”

“Ithastobeallofyou.Youunderstandthat,don’tyou?Allornothing.Youngstersyourage,youalwaysthinkit’sallaboutyou,onlyyou.Icanpromiseyou,ithastobeallofyou.”

“Iwanttohelpyou.”

“Youhavenochoice,”hesaid.“Atsomepointyou’llunderstandthat.”

Finnfeltthewordslikedrumbeatsinhischest.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“YouknowwhatImean.”

“Ithoughtitwasadreamatfirst,”Finnsaid.

“Andnow?”

“NowIdon’tthinkso.Idon’tknowexactlywhatitisifitisn’tadream,butIdon’tthinkitcouldbeadream.”Hehesitatedandsaid,“Isawthemoon.”

Waynenoddedandcockedhisheadcuriously.“Yetsomething’sbotheringyou.”

“Charlenesaiditisn’tsafe.Youbasicallysaidthesamething.”

“Andyethereyouare.Youcameback,”Waynesaid.

“Youbroughtmeback.”

“DidI?Notexactly.Thisisatwo-waystreet,youngman.You’reneitherhologramnorhuman.

You’resomethinginbetween,Ithink.Thehologramsdon’tthinkforthemselves,andtheyspeakonlywhatyourecordedforthem.Howmuchyouare…oneortheother…maydependonyourthinking;—whatyou’rethinking,howyou’rethinkingit.SoI’dbecarefulofwhatIwasthinking,ifIwereyou.”

FinnspottedalargegoldbearbytheentrancetotheJungleCruise.Heshookhisheadtoclearhiseyessincethebearwaswalkingontwofeetandtherewaswhatlookedlikeanoversizedratjoggingtokeepupwithit.“Isthat…?”

“What?”theoldmansaidexcitedly.

“PoohandPiglet?”

“Isit?”

“There!”Finnsaid,pointing.

“Itoldyou,didn’tI?”Waynewasquicktolosehispatience.“Idon’tseewhatyousee.”Hesoundedfrustrated.

“PoohandPiglet.”Finnwascertainnow.

“Whataretheydoing?”

“Walkingawayfromus.”

“Anythingelse?”

“You’rekidding,right?”Finnfeltlikesomekindoftranslator.

“Itoldyou:thingsarehappeninginthepark.We—youandyourfriends,actually—needtostopthem.”

“TheOvertakers.”

“Yes.”

“Itisn’tsafe,”Finnrepeated.

“No,it’snot,”Waynesaid,agreeing.

“What’sthatmean,exactly?”

“Whatdidyouthinkoftheparkasasmallchild?”

“Magic,”Finnsaidwithoutasecondthought.Hestillthoughtofitasmagic.

“Exactly,”Wayneagreed.“Buttherearetwosidestomagic,yes?Goodmagiciswhatyou’retalkingabout.Butthere’sothermagicbesidesgoodmagic.”

“Blackmagic,”Finnstated.

“Alayman’sterm,butyes,adarkersidetomagicthatfewifanyfullyunderstand.”

“Doyou?”

“Heavensno.ButWaltdid.Hewroteaboutit.Hemadefilms.Inventedcharacters.Heunderstooditsseriousness,itspotentialfor…butwe’regettingaheadofourselves.”

“Potentialforwhat?Evil?”

“Let’sjustputapininthat.We’llcomebacktoit.”

Finnclimbedintothefrontseatofthegolfcart.Hisfeetdisappeared.Theyweren’tsimplyinshadow;theywere…gone.Hefeltalittlefaint.“Myfeet,”hegasped.

Wayneexplained,“Thehologramimagingsystemisn’tsetuptoprojecttoalllocations.Thereareplaceswecallshadows.Likedeadspotswherecellphonesdon’twork.Insidesomeattractionstheywillbevisible—you,theDHIs,willbevisible.Otherlocations,maybenot.Yourfeetinsideacart,forinstance,”hesaid,pointing,“notsogood.Youmaybeabletocontrolthis.Wedon’tknowforsure.You’rethefirstofyourkind.”

Finnglanceddownathismissingfeet.Itwasn’tsobad.

“Okay?”Wayneasked.

“Okay,Iguess.”

Waynepressedtheaccelerator.Thecartlurchedforward.

“Where’dyougetyourlicense?”Finnasked,holdingonfordearlife.

“Whatlicense?”Wayneanswered,hiseyessparkling.

Fourorfivedark,shadowyfiguresstreakedacrosstheintersectioninfrontofthecart.Waynedidn’tseethem.Finnreachedoverandjerkedthecart’ssteeringwheel,narrowlyavertinganaccident.Waynebrakedtoastop.

“Younearlypavedthoseguys,”Finnexclaimed.

“Whatguys?”

“The—”Finncouldn’tcompletethesentence.Waynehadn’tseenthem.ThenFinnsaid,

“Pirates.”Hepointedtotheirleft.“Butnotexactlypirates.Theylookmorelike…”

“Likewhat?”

“Morelikerobots…LikethelifelikepiratesinPiratesoftheCaribbean.AndFinnrealizedthatwasit:theyweren’tpeople,butAudio-Animatronicsfiguresthathadsomehowcomealive.“Nevermind,”Finnsaid,notwantingtosoundcrazy.Agroupofthefigureswaspushingalineofsmalbluecarsaheadofthem.Finnthoughtherecognizedthecarsbutcouldn’tassociatethemwithany

particularattraction.HewasstuckontheideathatsomeoftheAAs—buttheywereonlymachines—hadcomealive.Wasthatpossible?

Wayneasked,“Howmany?”

“Five…no,six,includingtheguywiththehat.”

“Interesting.Whatguywithahat?”

Finndidn’twanttogothere.He’dcallthempiratesandthatwasthat.“Youreallycan’tseethem?”

“Me?Heavens,no.Iseethecars,butnothingelse,”Waynesaidexcitedly.“Andifyoucanseethem,thenmaybeyoucanstopthem.Oratleasttrytostopthem.”

“Stopthemfromwhat,exactly?”

“ThreenightsagoattheendoftheFantasmicsshow,thedragonsetMickeyonfire.

Obviously,that’snotsupposedtohappen.Mickeyissupposedtowin.Hejumpedintothewater.

He’sallright.Thecrowdlaughed.Theydidn’tgetit.ButMickeycouldhave…Hecouldhave…

couldbeinsomeserioustrouble.Andthenwhat?”

“Butthoseareactors,right?”

“Thedragonisamachine,anAudio-Animatronicsmachine.Butthatmachinemalfunctioned,didn’tit?Itdidsomethingthatit’snotprogrammedtodo.Howisthatpossible?Howcanthatbeexplained?”

Finnthought,Whatastrangeoldman.

Waynesaid,“YouthinkI’mastrangeoldman.”

“Donot.”

“You’rethechosenleaderoftheDHIs.Don’tquestionit.Acceptit.Withoutyou,

Finn,thereisnoplan.”

“Whatplan?”Finngulped.Wayneseemedsoseriousallofasudden.

Finnsensedsomethingbehindandtohisright.Hespunaroundandsawher.Charlene.

Hisbreathcaught.Shewas…glowing.Afuzzylightsputteredattheedgesofherbodyandallaroundherhead,likeahalo.Sheworeawhitenightgown.Herhairdancedinthewind.

SomedistancebehindherstoodPhilby.Heworeschoolclothes,likeFinn.Finnrecognizedhimimmediately.TheyweremissingMaybeckandWilla.

“Heythere!”agruffvoicecalledout.

Finnturned.Thepirateintheblackhatwasaddressinghim.

Me?Finn’sexpressionsaid,thoughhekepthismouthshut.

Wayneasked,“What’shappening?Don’tgetaheadofyourself,”hewarned.

CharleneandPhilbymovedsteadilycloser.

Wayne,appearingdistraught,admonishedFinn.“Youmustnotgetaheadofyourself!”

Finnclimbedoutofthegolfcart.Then,concentrating,hewalkedrightthroughthecarttotheotherside.It’sallaboutwhatI’mthinking,herealized.IfIfocusonbeingaDHI,I’mnothingbutlight.

AshimmeringCharleneapproachedatree.Shetriedtowalkthrough,butcrashedintoitinstead.“How’dyoudothat?”sheasked.“Whycan’tIdoit?”sheaskedWayne.

Wayneseemedflustered.“Youallneedmoretime.”HeglaredatFinn.

Theharshgrindingofmetaldraggingonpavementinterruptedthemasthepiratespushedthelineofbluecars.

Theoneinthehat,withabroadmoustacheandthickblackbeard,holleredout,

“Ahoy,there,matie!Lendusahand,ifyouwill.”

Finnstayedwherehewas.

“Isaidlendahand!”holleredtheelaboratelydressedman.Behindhim,themorescruffypirates—machines!—pushedanddraggedthebluecars.Allofasudden,FinnrecognizedthemasthecarsfromtheBuzzLightyearride.He’dbeenonitdozensoftimes.

“I’llpass,thankyou,”Finnsaid.

“Pass?Igaveyeanorder,meboy.Nowheaveto!”thecaptaingrowled.

“Anorder?Idon’tthinkso.”Finnreplied.

CharlenesteppedbackanddraggedPhilbywithher.Theyduckedbehindthetree.

“Thename’sBlackbeard,”themansaid.Hismouthmovedlikeapuppet’s.Hisarmsandlegsmovedstiffly.Hiseyesmechanicallyshifted,fromthelefttotheright,theirmotiondisconnectedfromhisspeech.

Finnfeltaspikeoffearbuthidit.“Isthatso?AndIsupposeI’mJackSparrow?”heasked,smirking.

Thecaptainsteppedforwardboldly,stillawaysoff.“Isyenow?”

Thepiratesstoppedtheirpushing.Theygatheredbehindtheircaptain.

Finncountedsixinall.Theyweredressedinill-fittingcostumes.Theyhadscarsontheirfacesandscabsontheirhairylegs.Theywentbarefoot,wearingdarkpantsthatstoppedattheircalves,andblue-and-whitestripedshirts.Buttheyweren’thuman.

Blackbearddrewhissword.Hissixpiratesdrewknives.“Isaidlendahand.You’remyconscriptnow,lad.I’dbeobligedifyouhoveto.”

“You’renotready,”WaynehissedatFinnfromtheshadows.“I’dhelpyouifIcouldseethem,butIcan’t.”

Finnfeltajoltofterror,unsurewhattodo.Hislegs,wobblyandrigid,wereunwillingtomove.

Hefiguredhecouldrunfasterthanabunchofmechanicalpiratesbutwasn’tsurehewantedtotestthattheory.Besides,hecouldn’tbudge.

Finnlookedback.Fourglowingeyes,likecats’eyes,shonefrombehindatree.CharleneandPhilby.

“Whatareyoudoingwiththosecars?”Finnaskedthecaptain,stalling.Think!

“YoumightcouldsayI’mborrowingthem,laddie.OryoumightcouldsaytheSpaceRangerSpinisunderrepair.”HetiltedhisheadandcastanevileyeinFinn’sdirection.“I’veseenyoubefore,JackSparrow.Now,wherewouldthatbe?”

“Idon’tbelievewe’vemet,”Finnsaid.

“He’sonea’themhosts,Captain,”asmallishmanwithfrogeyescalledout.Theman’srightarmcontinuallyliftedupanddown,upanddown.Thiswasapparentlythemotionhemadeinhisroleintheattraction,andhecouldn’tstopit.

“Ahost!”thecaptaindeclared.“Anewride?Isthatwhatye’retellingme?”

Hispiratesmumbled.

“Wedon’tmuchcarefornewrides,”thecaptainexplainedinadry,coldvoice.“Don’tmuchcareforthematall.”

“DoIlooklikearide?”Finnasked.Hisvoicetrembled.“I’mjustaboy.”

“You’remyboynow,”thecaptaindeclared.“Ain’the,lads?”Hispiratesallnoddedinchorus.

HesaidtoFinn,“Now…beagoodboyandlendusahand.”

“I’dprefernotto,”Finnsaid.“Ifyoudon’tmind,I’llbeonmyway.”Hesummonedhiscourageandturned.

“Yedon’tturnyerbackonthecaptain,youngster!Isaidhalt!”

Finnstoppedandglancedbackoverhisshoulder.Thecaptainsignaledhiscrew,andtheyreactedimmediately,likeabunchofwell-traineddogs.Theyfannedout.Theywerenotexactlyfastontheirmechanicallegsandfeet,buttheyweresteadyandworkedwellasateam.

OneofthepiratesclimbedintoaSpaceRangercar.HeaimeditstoylasercannonatFinnandfired.Abrightredpulseoflightshotthroughthenight,narrowlymissingFinn.He’driddentheSpaceRangerSpinhimselfadozentimesormore.Heknewtherewasnothingtofear;he’dputhishandsintothelaser’slightstreambefore.Nothingeverhappened.Thelasercannonswerenomoredangerousthanaflashlight.

Anotherthinredlineoflightflashed.Again,itmissed.

ButthenFinnrealizedthecarswerenotpluggedin,werenotattachedtoanyride,hadnopowersource.Sowheredidtheelectricityforthecannoncomefrom?

Asiftoanswerhim,thenextpinpointoflightstruckhisarm.Aredbeadflickeredonhisshirtsleeve.Thefabricinstantlyturnedbrown,thengray.Then…ouch!

Itburnedhim!Finnleapedoutoftheway.

“Hey!”heblurtedout.

Hesmelledburninghair.Hishair.Hisskin.

Thelaserwasreal.

Anotherflash.Finndodgedoutoftheway.Heavoidedthenextfewattemptsaswell,theredbeamsflyingpasthimlikeglowingarrows.Hedancedleftandright,hisarmstinging.

NowtheotherpiratescircledandclosedinonFinn,theirknivesextended.

Ifatoylasercanburn,whatisaveryreal-lookingknifegoingtodo?Waynehadwarnedhimthathewashalfhologram,halfhuman.Onlynowdidherealizehis

humanhalfcouldhurt.

Hiswoundedarmlookedlesstransparentallofasudden.Hewonderedifhisfearmadehimmorehumanthanhologram.Hepushedagainstthefear,asifheweretryingtoshutaheavydoor.

Agray-hairedpiratewithapeglegthump,thump,thumpedhiswaycloser.Thecircleclosedaroundhim.NowFinncouldsmellthepirates:oily,likeanoldcar,andfaintlyelectrical.

Charlenecalledouttohimfrombehindthetree.

Thecaptainraisedhisswordhigher,tryingtofollowthatvoice.“Reinforcements,mates!Beyeready!”

TwooftheyoungerpiratesclosedinonFinn.Theywalkedstifflyandslowly,likesix-foot-talltoysoldiers.Finncircledtohisright,awayfromthem.Hedodgedtwomoreattemptsfromthelaser.Oneofthepirateswashitintheprocess;thecaptainraisedhishandtostopthelaserassault.

Thetwoyoungpirates,theirknivesglinting,pressedevercloser.

Thecaptain,withonekneecocked,hisfootperchedontheleadcar,thundered,“Well,now,laddies!Servehimuplikeafinefilet!”

“Hey,dogbreath!”ItwasPhilby.Hesteppedoutfrombehindthetree.

AllsixpiratesturnedtowardPhilbyatonce.

Withthepirates’attentionbrieflydiverted,FinnsprangforthenearestSpaceRangercar.Hegrabbedholdofitslaser,swiveledandfired.Apulseofredlightshotout.FinnwasaveteranofSpaceRangerSpin.Hewingedthepirateinthecaraheadofhim,nottenfeetaway.Thepiratedidn’tseemtofeelit—hewasamachine.

Anotherpiratecharged.Finnshothiskneeout,andthethingtoppledover,itsonegoodlegmoving,stilltryingtowalk.

FinnsawadifferencebetweenBlackbeardandtheotherpirates:Blackbeardhadavaguelyhumansoundtohim.Mostoftheothers—allbutafew—lookedand

soundedmorelikemachinesthanrealpirates.

Finnslicedandburnedrightthroughthepeglegoftheolderpirate.Hetoo,teetered,leaned,andtumbledover.Twodown.

Onthecaptain’scommand,hismenchargedasaunit.Finnaimedfortheirkneesinabrilliantdisplayofgunnery.Theystaggered.Severalfell.Thecaptainorderedaretreat,andFinnheldhisfire.

Blackbeard,hiseyesdartingweirdlybackandforth,reachedfor,butthendecidedagainst,theswordthathungathiswaist.Hecluckedhistongueindisappointment.“Ye’vemadeaterriblemistake,lad.Meadviceforyeis,gobackfromwhenceyoucame.Andtakethemthereothertwowithye.Foryerowngood.”Hismechanicalfacialexpressionneverchanged.Hemadenomorethreats—notwithFinnstillperchedbehindthelaser.Hesimplyturnedandwalkedaway.Hedidnotrun,didnothurry,Finnnoted.Heheadeddownthepathand,amomentlater,wasgone,outofsight.Hispiratesdraggedthemselvesandtheirotherfallenmatesoffwiththem.

Finnreleasedhisholdonthelaser,hisfingersstifffromgrippingsotightly.Hisshirtboreasmallcharredhole.Theburnonhisarmwasnowablisteredscab.He’dhopedhemightonlyhaveimaginedit—butno:ithurtsomethingfierce.

Heclimbedoutofthecar.

“Waytogo,”Charlenesaidsimply,tryingnottosoundtooimpressed.

Philbyapproached,andFinnthankedhimforthediversion.

Thetwoshookhands.ItfelttoFinnasifthathandshakerepresentedapactbetweenthem.

Theywereinthistogethernow.

Tocelebratewhathecalledtheir“firstvictory,”Wayneofferedthemice-creambarsfromafoodkiosk.Hecarriedaheavy-lookingringwithdozensofkeysofallshapesandsizeswithwhichheunlockedthekiosk.

Finnsatdownonabench.Waynehandedhimhisice-creamsandwich,andFinntoreoffthepaperandbitintothetreat.Hetastedit,thoughitwasn’tnearlyas

sweetasitshouldhavebeen.

Maybehewasonlyhalfhuman,hethought.

“WhataboutWillaandMaybeck?”Charleneasked,enjoyinghericecream.

Finndevouredtheice-creamsandwich.Withhismouthfullhesaid,“Noclue.”

Charleneexplained,“MeandPhilbymethereintheparktheothernight.Wehaven’tfoundeachother…youknow…ontheoutsideyet.Notlikethewayyoufoundme.Buthereweare.”

Hermentionof“theoutside”sentshiversupFinn’sspine.

Philbysaid,“Idon’tseemtorememberasmuchasCharlenewhenIwakeup.I’mnotsurewhy.Butyouknow,I’veneverreallyrememberedmydreams,somaybethat’spartofit.”

“Butthisisn’tadream,”Finnremindedhim.

“Iknowthatnow,”Philbysaid.“ButIdidn’tknowthatearlier.”

“Thiswillallchange,”Waynesaid.“Themoreyoucrossover,themoreitwillfeelfamiliartoyou.”

“Crossover,”Philbyrepeated.

“Weird,huh?”Finnsaid.

Wayne’shandslippedintohispocket.

“No!”Finncalledout,knowingthemanintendedtosendhimbacktohisbed.“Youoweusanexplanationfirst.”

“Ineedyoualltogether,”Waynesaid.

Finnsaid,“Youhavethethreeofus.Thatwillhavetodo.When—if—we’reeveralltogether,thenfine,youcanexplainitagain.ButIjustgotburnedonmyarmbyagroupof…”

“Pirates,”Philbysaid.“Mechanicalpirates.”

“Mechanicalpiratesthatcouldtalkandtakeorders,”Charleneadded.

“Yes.Pirates,”Finnsaid.“Piratesyoucan’tsee,asIunderstandit.AndIdon’tunderstandit.

AndI’llstayup,dusktodawn,ifIhaveto,inordertofigurethisout.And,ifyoudon’ttelluswhatthisisabout,youwon’tseemeagain.”

“Orme,”Philbysaid.

“Orme,”Charleneagreed.

“It’snowornever,”Finndeclared.

Theoldmanlookedpalerbyagooddeal.Somebirdoffinthethickofgreencooeddeeply.

Finnfeltliketheywerebeingwatched.

“Allright,”Waynesaid,smiling.Heglancedaroundsuspiciously.“Comewithme.”

Theyfollowed.Afterabitofawalk,WayneunlockedandadmittedthemintotheauditoriumfortheCountryBearJamboree.Heplacedthethreekidsinthefirstrow.Thenhewalkedthroughthedarkspaceandcheckedallthedoors.Hereturnedtothefrontofthehallandleanedagainstthestagetoaddressthem.

“There’safinelinebetweenimaginationandreality.Aninventordreamssomethingup,andprettysoon,it’sthereonthetablebeforehim.Ascience-fictionwriterenvisionsanotherworld,andthensomespaceprobefindsit.Ifyoubelieveinsomethingstronglyenough,Ithinkyoucanmakeithappen.”

“That’sagoodthing,”Finnsaid.

Wayneasked,“Butwhatifwebelieveinwitchesandvillains?IfwebelieveasstronglyinWayneasked,“Butwhatifwebelieveinwitchesandvillains?Ifwebelieveasstronglyinthingslikethem…canwemakethemhappen?”

“You’regivingmethecreeps.”

“Thispark,thiswonderfulplace,makesbothsideshappen—thegoodandthebad.SomeofWalt’sstoriesgobackgenerations.Hundredsofyears.Cinderella.SnowWhite.Weseesimilarstoriesinmanydifferentculturesacrosstheglobe.Whatifthesestorieswereoncetrue?Iftheywerereal,passeddownfromgenerationtogeneration?Differentculturesexperiencingsimilarthings?Andiftheywerereal,arereal?Iftheheroandheroinegoofftolivehappilyeverafter,thenwhathappenstothevillains,witches,seamonsters,andevilstepmothers?”

Finnsaid,“You’resayingthatbecausetheparkmakesthemreal,theyarereal?”

“I’msayingifyoubelievestronglyenough,anythingcanhappen,andmillionsofpeople,kidsandadults,visitthispark—alltheDisneyparks,thecruiseline,theBroadwayshows,theWebsites,DisneyonIce—everyyear.Andthey—”

“Believe,”Finnsaid.

“Inthebadandthegood,”Charlenesaid.

“Exactly.Yes,theydo.Andthere’spowerinthatbelief,”Waynesaid.

“So?”Philbyasked.

“Soyouknowyourhistory.Whatisinevitableonceevilgainspower?”

Philbyanswered,“Itwantsmore.Empires.Wars.Thatkindofstuff.”

“WecallthemtheOvertakers,”Waynewhispered.

Finnfeltthehairsonthebackofhisneckstandup.

“Who?”Philbyasked,alsoinawhisper.

“We—theImagineers,I’mtalkingabout—neededsomethingmortal,somethingpart…ahybrid…thatcouldcrossovertothecharacterworld.That’swhatwecallit:crossingover.We’vesuspectedforyearsthatthecharacters‘comealive’—ifyouwill—oncethegatesareclosed.

We’vehadevidenceofthisforsometime.Butwhenthetroublestartedhappening,weknewweneeded…you—someonewhocouldseetheOvertakers.Interactwiththem.Stopthem.”

“Thisiscrazy,”Charlenemumbled.

“Waltknewthetimewouldcome.Theworldgetsoutofbalance.Thedarkforcesrule.Historyisfullofsuchtimes.Theycanlasthundredsofyearsunchecked.It’slikeaplague,thisdarkthought.There’snomusic.Noart.Onlytyrannyandwar.Madness.”

Charlenesaid,“IthinkI’veheardenough.I’dliketowakeupnow.Inmyownbed.”

Waynecontinued,“Youaskedtohearthis.Solisten.”

Thekidsremainedseated,theirfullattentiononWayne.

“AsIsaid,Waltknewsuchatimewouldcome.Heleftusatreasuremap,forascavengerhunt,somethingtheOvertakerscouldnoteasilyfigureout,eveniftheyobtainedit,whichtheyneverhave.Mostofthemaremachines,yousee—audio-animatronicsandfiguresfromattractions.Onlyahandfulcanthink,cancommunicate.Buttheycontroltheothers.”

“TheStonecutter’sQuill,”Finnmumbled.Waynehadmentioneditthefirsttimethey’dmet.

“Thewhat?”Philbyasked.

“It’safable,”Waynesaid.“ButI’mgettingaheadofmyself.Wemustwaitfortheothers.”

“I,forone,”Charlenesaid,“amnevercomingback.Soifyou’vegotsomethingtosay,you’dbettersayit.”

Waynepacedashetalked.“Thinkaboutit.ThePirates,Maleficent,CruellaDeVil,Ursula—allwithsomuchbelieffuelingthem,belief,todrawupon.Itwasinevitable,Isuppose.”

“Whatwasinevitable?”Charleneasked.

Waynedidn’tseemtohearher.“Andsomanyothers,allinthesameplaceatthesametime

—here,inthispark.Thebeliefsupportingthem,makingthemstronger.Makingthemreal.”

FinnexplainedtoCharleneandPhilby,“Thishassomethingtodowiththefire-breathingdragonandMickeyinFantasmic.”

Waynesaid,“That’snottheendofit.Wehaveridescloseunexpectedly.Thelasercarsgomissing.Costumesdisappear.Theparaderouteischanged,withnoonethewiser.Small,harmlessstuffsofar,butforhowlong?Didyouseethenews?Ahundredpadlockswerestolenfromahardwarestore.Thesecuritytapesrevealednothing,showednooneinsidethestore.Markmyword:thosepadlockswerestolen—oneminuteontheshelf,thenext,missing.So,how’dthathappen?Howlonguntiltherestofuscanseethem?HowlonguntiltheycanburnusthewaytheyburnedFinntonight?Whathappensthen?Whathappenswhentheyrealizethere’sawholebigworldoutsidetheseparkwalls?Whatiftheywanttoexpandtheirempire?Whatthen?”Hestopped.Hewasred-facedandbreathinghard.Finnthoughthelookedalittlesick.

“Maybeyoushouldsitdown,”Finnsuggested.

“Itwasn’tuntilthehurricanethatwerealizedhowfarthishadcome.”

“Thehurricane,”Finnrepeatedsoftly.

“AhurricanechangedcoursewhileoutatseaandthenheadeddirectlyheretoOrlando.I’llacceptthatascoincidence,aflukeofnature.”Wayne,clearlygrowingagitated,collectedhimself.

“Butdoyouknowwhathappenedtothatstormafteritpassedoverhere?CheckitoutontheInternet.Itlostpower.Cameinhereatonestrengthandleftconsiderablyweaker.Youthinkitjustrainedandblewitselfout?Wethinknot.Wethinkthatstormwasharnessed.Usedlikeagiantbattery.Likeavampiresuckingblood,theOvertakersusedthatstormtogainpower.Sincethatstorm,we’vehadalotmoreunexplainedinconveniences.They’repracticing.They’regettingreadyforsomethingbigger.”

“Areyoulisteningtoyourself?Thatcan’tbe,”Finnmumbled.“That’scrazy!”

PhilbycaughtFinn’slook.Heshookhisheadasiftosay:It’snotcrazy.Thenhesaidaloud,

“Someancientcivilizationsarethoughttohaveusedpowerfulstormstocontroltheirpeople.”

Waynesaid,“Thathurricanewasdowngradedafterpassingoverhere.”Hesoundedfrightened.

“I’dreallyliketogohomenow,”Charlenesaid.

Finnthoughtaboutitforamomentandsaidsoftly,“So,let’ssayweacceptsomeofthis.

Whatarewesupposedtodo?”Heknewhesoundedterrified,buthecouldn’thelphimself.

“Youthree,andtheothers,werecarefullychosenforyourindividualtalents.AsDHIsyouarepartoftheirworld;askids,you’repartofours.Youareoureyesintotheotherside.”

“Spies,”Philbysaid.

“Ifyoulike,”Waynesaid.

“Idon’tlike,”Philbyanswered.

Finnsputtered,“Idon’tseewhatwe’resupposedtodo.”

“Sureyoudo,oryouwouldn’tbeafraid.Andwhileyou’reatit,thinkaboutthis,”Waynesaid.

“WhyandhowdoyouthinkwecameupwiththeconceptoftheDHIs?”

Charlenesaid,“Usbeinghosts…You’resayingthatwasn’ttherealreason?”

Philbysaid,“Theyneededsomethingthatcouldexistinthecharacterworldbutwasn’tapartofit.”

Waynegrinnedathim.“Ah-ha!”hedeclared.“Butthedevelopmentcosts.Thetimeandenergyittooktocreateyou.Wehadtohaveauseforyoutojustifyyoutotherestofthecompany.”

HemeteyeswithFinn.

“BecausenoonewouldbelieveyouifyoutoldthemabunchofwitchesweregoingtotakeovertheMagicKingdom,”Finnsaid.

Waynedidn’tanswerthisdirectly.Hesaid,“Andsowedreameduptheideaoftheholograms,theinteractivehosts.”

Philbysuggested,“Youneededspies,someonetofindoutwhattheOvertakerswereupto.”

“Findoutiftheyevenexisted,”Waynesaid,nodding.

“Andnowthatyouknowtheydo,”Finnstated,rubbingtheburnonhisleftarm,“nowwhat?”

“Weneedtolureouttheirleader,whoeverthatturnsouttobe.Whateverthatturnsouttobe.

Deprogramit?Redrawit?Lockitup?Whoknows?”

“Youneedusasbait?”Finncomplained.

“Waltleftusasolution,”Waynereminded.“WeneedyoutosolvetheriddleoftheStonecutter’sQuill.”Theoldguylookedexhausted.

Charlenesaid,“Andifwedon’twantto?”

Wayne’smouthtwisted,andhiseyeslookedsternandserious.“Atsomepointyou’regoingtohavetosleep,”hesaid.“Andfromnowon,whenyoudo,you’regoingtocrossover.”Hehesitated,thensteppedclosertoher,hisfacegentleandkind.“I’msorry,mydeargirl,butthereisnoskippingthisride.”

9

WhenFinnawoke,hehurriedintothebathroom,torehisshirtoffoverhishead,andstudiedthepea-sizered-and-brownscabwiththedime-sizescarletcircleoffleshthatsurroundedit.Theburnhurtsomethingfierce.Thiswasnodream.Hewincedashecleaneditwithsoapandwater.

“Yaaa!”hehollered,hiscryechoinginthetiledroom.

“Finn,dear?”hismothercalledfromthehallway.Sheknocked.“Areyouallright?”

“Fine!”

“MayIcomein?”

“Ah…”

Sheletherselfin.Shewasinhernightgown.Dawnhadarrivedanhourearlier,thepinkoftheeasternskynowsilverwithclouds.

“Finn,dear?”

Shestudiedhiminthemirror’sreflection,frombehind,nodoubtwonderingwhyhewasonlyhalfdressed,hisshirtinaballonthefloor.

“What’sthat?Whathappened?Honey?”Shelaidherwarmhandonhisshoulder.

Finnfeltliketellingherthetruth,butheknewshewouldn’tbelievehim.Sowhattodo?

Theybothwerefocusedontheburn.Hecouldn’tverywellsaythathe’dbeeninalaserbattlewithinvisiblepirates.She’dcarthimofftothementalward,orworse,theirminister.

“Acigarette,”Finnsaid.Hehatedsmokingmorethananythingontheplanet.Inherrightmind,hismotherknewthisabouthim.Finnhadoncewalkedacrossarestaurantandboldlyaskedasmokertoputouthiscigarettesothathisownhamburgerdidn’thavetotastelikeanashtray.This,atsevenyearsold.Buthismotherwasn’tthinkingright.Toher,seeingwasbelieving.

“You?What?”shegasped.

Hefeltawful,bothforlyingtoherandforusingsmokingashisexcuse.He’dcrushedher.

“Mom…”

“Who?How’dyougetit?”

“Mom…”

“Anddon’tyoulietome!”

Hetriedtothinkofhowtoexplainthiswithoutlying,becausenottoliewasonepromisehehadmadetohisparentsthathehatedhavingtobreak.“Ididn’tsmokeit,Mom!Acigarette…

burnedme.”Hebentandpickeduphisshirtoffthefloorandheldituptoshowtoher.Theholewasobviousenough.“Itwasthisguy—abully,youknow.”

Shecollectedherself.“Abully?Whodidthistoyou,Finn?”

“Apirate,”heheardhimselfmumble.

“What?”

“He’s…called‘Pirate’becausehe’ssomean.”

“Heshouldbearrested.”

“No!It’snothing.”

“Nothing?That’sa—criminalact—burningsomeone.Finn.”Shespunhimaroundtofaceher.

“Breathe.”

“What?”

“Iwanttosmellyourbreath.”

“Mom!”

“Now,youngman!”

Hebreathedtowardhergropingnose.

Sheblinkedrapidly.“Soafterallwetalkedabout,yousneakedoutanyway?”

He’dforgottenaboutthatpartofhisexplanation.“I…ah…”

“Well!”shebrightened.Hereyeswentsoftandhereyebrowsdanced,andhethoughtthatthiswasthewayshelookedbeforeshecried.“Oh,Finn.Thankyoufornotlyingtome.It’ssoimportantnottolie.”Sheaddedmatter-of-factly,“Givemehisname,please.Hisrealname.Rightnow.”

“Idon’tknowhisrealname.Justsomekid.Idon’tthinkhemeanttoburnme,justscaremealittle.It’sjustoneofthosegrowing-upthings,youknow?”Sheoftentalkedtohimabout“growing-upthings.”

Sheheldhimatarm’slengthnow,studyinghimthoughtfully.Hedidn’tlikethelookonherface.Thiswasherbestimitationofaliedetector.

“Didyousleepinyourclothes?”Thedarkcloudinhereyesconcernedhim.“Thisisthesameshirt—thesearethesameclothesyouworeyesterday,forgoodness’sakes!”

Asshepiecedittogether,Finntriedtothinkofsomethingtodistracther.Butshewastooquickforhim.“Idon’trememberthatholeinyourshirtatdinner.”

“Handsbeneaththetable,Mom.”

“Finn…”

“Ican’thelpitifyoudidn’tseeit.”

“Ishouldhaveknown,withyourgoingtobedsoearlylastnight.”Shewasthinkingaloud.“Wecan’ttellyourfather.”

Hebreathedahugesighofrelief.

Sheeyedhiswound,“Butthisdidhappentoyoulastnight,didn’tit?Afteryouwenttosleep.”

Hehadnochoicebuttonod.Beinggroundedforlifewasbetterthancontinuingtolietoher.

“Howlatewereyouout?”sheasked,headingforhisbedroomwindowtoinspectitlikeadetective.

“Midnight.”Thiswasthetruth.

“How’dyoudoit?YourfatherandIweredownstairsuntilelevenorlater.”

Finn’swindowlookeddownonanareaofthedrivewayinfrontofthegarage.Therewasnoroofbelowhim,justatinyapronofflowerbeddingandthenthedriveway’sblackasphalt.Hehadabrainfreezetryingtothinkupawaytoexplainhisnocturnalescape,knowingfrompreviousexperiencethatthemoreofthestoryhemadeup,themoredifficultitwouldbetokeepitstraight.

Thenherememberedtheroom’swindowbox.“Thefireladder!”hesaid.Hisgrandfatherhadinstalledachainfireladderseveralyearsbefore.Intheeventofanemergencyhewastoblockthebottomcrackofhisdoorwithclothesorbeddingandwaitforinstructionsfromfirementousethestow-awayladder.He’dpromisedalongtimeagotoneverusetheladdertosneakout.

“Isee,”shesaid,clearlydisappointedinhim.

“Ifyouhavetogroundme,Iunderstand,”Finnsaid,tryingtosubtlyencouragehertodoso.Ifgrounded,hecouldspendmoretimeinhisroomwithoutraising

suspicions.Moretimeinhisroommeantmorechancestosleep,andsleepmeantcrossingover.Ifhenapped,wouldhecrossoverintotheparkduringtheday?

Somanyquestionstoanswer.

“Showme!”hismotherordered.

“Showyouwhat?”

“Theladder.Howyougotdownthere.”

Finnlookedoutthewindowandfeltalittledizzy.Itlookedaboutahundredfeetdown.Hismotherknewhewasafraidofheights.

“Youwantmetogodowntheladder?”Heknewshecouldn’tpossiblywanthimtodothat.Itlookedlikeadeathwish.

Glancingoutthewindow,shesaid,“No.Itlooksdangeroustome.”

“Itisdangerous.”

Sheputherhanddownontothewindowbox’slid.

Hewasinbigtroubleifsheopenedupthewindowbox.Thatfireladderwasburiedunderapileofunusedtoysthatwentbackyears.Probablydustaninchthick.Howwouldheexplainanyofthat?

Hehurriedtostopher.“Imessedup,Mom!I’msorry.”

“You’redefinitelygrounded.”

“Yes,ma’am.”

“Andyou’renottousethatladderexceptincaseofanemergency.Ineedyourwordonthat.”

Sheaddedhotly,“AndI’llexpectyoutokeepit.”

“Ipromise.”Hehunghishead,feelingamixtureofshameandexcitement.Hepokedathiswoundasifithurtalotmorethanitdid.

“Nowlet’sgetthatcleanedup!”shesaid.

10

Finnstoodinfrontofhislocker,wonderinghowhewasgoingtofindtheremainingtwoDHIs,WillaandMaybeck.Hedidn’ttrustCharlenetoseekoutWilla.Justashewasthinkingthis,avoicesaid:“IsabellaAngelo.TheycallherWilla.”Amandasteppedoutfrombehindhisopenlockerdoor.

Wherehadshecomefrom?Couldshereadminds?

“What?How?”Surprisedbyher,hecouldn’tgetasentenceout.

“Willa,”Amandarepeated.

FinnrememberedWillaasabookishgirlwithchocolate-browneyesandaloudvoice.

“Youfoundher?”heasked,astonished.

“MaitlandMiddleSchool.”

“Buthow—?”

“Ihavemyways,”shesaid.

“She’sintosomeweirdkindofsport,”Finnsaid,remembering.“It’snotgymnastics.”

“Archery.”

“That’sit!”

“Likecupid,”shesaid.“Andswimming.”Amandahadcertainlydoneherhomework.“Shesaidyouwerecute.”

“You’vespokentoher?”

“She’llmeetyouinVMKtonight,likeyousuggested.”

“You’reamazing.”

“Howwasitlastnightwhenyouwenttosleep?”sheaskedcuriously.“Didyou…youknow?”

“What?”askedDillardColefrombehindthem.Dillard’ssweatshirtwasbigenoughtocoverachair.

“Hey,Dill.I’mkindabusyhere.”

Dillardlookedbetweenthetwo.HisgazelandedonFinn.Helookedhurt.Heshuffledoff.Thesidesofhisshoesweresowornontheoutsideedgesthathisanklesrolled.

FinnfeltbadtoseeDillardsocrushed.Hewasagoodguy.ThecrossingoverwastakingFinnawayfromfriendslikeDill,makingallsortsoftroubleforhim.

Amandapersisted.“Didyouendupintheparklastnightornot?”

“Yeah.Charlenewasthere.AndPhilby.Andtherewere…pirates.”

“Pirates?”

“AsinPiratesoftheCaribbean.Themachines—theguysyouseeintheship,andstuff.It’skindahardtoexplain,exactly.”

Theshockregisteredonherface,butdissipatedjustasquickly.“And?”

“Itgotalittle…weird.”

“Defineweird,”shesaid.“Didyouseeanyoneelse?”

“Likewho?”

“Idon’tknow.”

FinnrolledhissleeveuppasthiselbowtotheBand-Aidandtheglowingredcirclesurroundingit.“Itookalaserhit,”hesaid.

Herfacetwisted.“Thatlookslikeacigaretteburn.”

“Youandmymother,”hemuttered.

“Excuseme?”

“I’mgrounded.Asin,forever.It’salongstory.”

Shesaid,“MaybeckworksatCrazyGlaze.”

Finnlookedatherblankly.

“Theceramicsshop,”shesaid.“OveronKilgore.Youdecoratemugsandplatesandpitchers.Stufflikethat.Theyfirethemthere,too.It’shisaunt’sstore.”

“Howdoyouknowallthis?”heasked.

Sheavoidedananswer,blushingandstaringatherfeet.“I’mcomingwithyou,”sheannounced.“That’spartofthedeal.”

“Whatdeal?”

“Ourdeal.”

“Dowehaveadeal?”heasked.

“Wedonow.”

“MaybeyoumissedthepartwhereItoldyouIwasgrounded.Igottagethomeafterschool.”

“Didyouridethebus?”

“Mybike.”

“Well,thereyougo,”shesaid.“Metoo.We’lljusthappentostopthereonthewayhome.”

Amandaliftedherheadasifshe’dheardsomething.Herhairwhippedaroundassheturnedtolookdownthehall.“Uh-oh,”shesaid.

Allatonce,Finnfeltanumbingcoldnesspassthroughhim,awaveofnausea,asifallthebloodhadsuddenlydrainedoutofhim.Hesanktohisknees.

Amandacaughthimashewasgoingdown.Herbooksspilled.Somekidssteppedoutofherway.

“Finn?Finn?Areyouokay?”

“Cold…”hemanagedtoexplain.

Shehuggedhim,tryingtowarmhim.Finncouldn’tkeephisteethfromchattering.Hiswholebodywasshaking.

Amandapleadedwithhim.“Finn…”Sherubbedhisarms.“Thinkofsomeplacewarm.Abeach.Aboat.Hot,hotsun…It’sahotbeachonasummerday.”

Finnfelthimselfwarming.Themorehethoughtofthebeach,thewarmerhefelt.

Amomentlaterhefeltfine.Heleanedawayfromher.“Whoa,”hesaid.“Thatwassomekindofstrange.”

Asmallgroupofkidsthathadgatheredmovedon.

Finnstoodup.

“Areyousureyou’reokay?”sheasked.

“FeltlikeIblewafuse,”hetoldher.“Thanksforthecoaching.Where’dyoulearnthat?”

“Somuchofthatstuffisinourminds,”wasallshesaid.Shegiggled.“Ithoughtyou’dfainted.”

Hesaid,“Youturned…justbefore…likeyouheardsomething.Whatwaswith

that?”

“I—”Shelookedaway.Shedidn’tofferananswer.

Nowitdawnedonhimwhathadjusthappened.

“‘Itisn’tsafe,’”hemumbled.

Amanda’sbrowknitingraveconcern.Thesecondbellrang.

Finnwhispereddryly,“NowIknowI’vegottogettoWillaandMaybeck.I’llmeetyououtbythebikesafterthelastbell.”

11

CrazyGlazewascrowdedwithmothersandtheirchildrenbusilypaintingblankpotteryatbrightlylittables.Therewereseveralconnectedrooms,allfilledwithcolorandthemurmurofactivity.

FinnandAmandalockedtheirbikesoutfront.Onceinside,theyweredirectedtoaheavysetgray-hairedAfricanAmericanwomanwhoworehoopearringsanddarkpurpleeyeshadow.

“I’mlookingforDonnieMaybeck,”Finnsaid.

“YoumeanTerry,”shesaid,asmileovercomingher.“Donnie’shisstagename.Say,aren’tyouasweet-lookinggirl,”shesaid,noticingAmandaandstudyingherfeatures.

“WhoshouldIsayiscalling?Waitaminute!”sheinterruptedherself.“Don’tIknowyou?”sheaskedFinn.“You’reahost,right?IsawyouatMGM,duringthefilmshoot.”

Yes,maam.

Shenodded,proudofherself.“That’sitexactly.Iwasovertherenearlyeverydayyouallwereshooting.Butyou,girl.I’drememberyou,andIdon’tbelievewe’vemet.”

“Amanda.AfriendofFinn’s.”

“Well,I’mpleasedtomeetyouboth.I’mTerry’sAuntBess.Irunthisplace.Ownittoo!”Asshegrinned,theroomseemedabitbrighter.“KidsaroundherecallmeJelly.”

“Jelly?”Amandasaid.

“It’salongstory.Itstartedwithjellydonuts,andgotoutofcontrolfromthere.Don’taskme!”

“IsTerryaround?”Finnasked.

“Terry’soutback.Buthe’stakingiteasytoday.Notfeelingexactlytop-notch.I’mnotsurethisisthebestdayforavisit.”

“Hedidn’thappentofeelfaint,didhe?”Finnblurtedout.

Thewoman’sfacehardened.ShecrossedherarmstightlyandlookeddownatFinn.“Nowwhywouldyougoandaskthat?”

“IthinkIneedtoseehim,Ms.…Jelly.”Finnsawthewayhisguesshadstruckher.

“Schoolnursesaidthere’sabuggoingaround,”shesaid.

“Andmaybethat’sallitis,”Finnsaid.

“Whatisityou’renottellingme,son?”Jellyasked.

“Ireallyneedtoseehim,”Finnpleaded.

Whenshenodded,herdoublechinturnedintoatriple.“Okay.Justnottoolong.Hear?”

***

“You!”MaybecksaidtoFinn,lookingup.Hewasaheadtallerthaneitherofthem.Hisexpressionwasdefiant;therewasahardnessinhiseyes.Hewasinthemidstofunpackingunglazedceramics.Hedidn’twantthemthere.

FinnintroducedAmanda.

Maybecksaid“Hey”toher.HelookedatFinncuriously.“Sowhat’sgoingon?”

“Areweokaytotalkhere?”Finnasked.

Maybecklookedaround,closedadoorthatledintothefrontoftheshopandsaid,“We’regood.”

“How’syoursleepthesepastcouplenights?”

“What’swiththat?”Maybeckasked.

“Hadanyvividdreams?”

MaybecklookedsearchinglyfromFinntoAmanda.

Finnsaid,“Sheknows.I’vetoldhereverything.”

Finnsaid,“Sheknows.I’vetoldhereverything.”

“I’mnotsayingIhaveorhaven’t,”Maybecksaid.

“Didyoumakethese?”Amandapointedtoaseriesofbeautifullypaintedwaterpitchersonashelfamiddozensofotherbowlsandmugs.TheimageonthepitcherswastheCinderellaCastle.

“Touristslikethem.”

“Butyoupaintedthem,”shesaid.

“Yeah.Isellthemontheside.”HeloweredhisvoiceandsaidtoFinn,“Listen,themoney…

fromDisney…beingaDHLIt’smadeabigdifferenceforus—myauntandme—andIcan’trisktheiraskingforthatmoneyback.”

“That’snotgoingtohappen.”

“Howdoyouknowitwon’t?”

Finnhadn’teverconsideredsuchathing.Hismotherwouldkillhimifhelosthiscollegemoney.

“DoyouhaveInternetaccess?”Amandaasked.

Finnglancedoverather.Whydidshealwayshavethebestideas?hewondered.

“Sure,”Maybeckanswered.

Finnsaid,“TheothersandI…Tonightwe’remeetinginmyguestroomintheVirtualMagicKingdomWebsitetogetthisstuffstraight.”Hepausedandadded,“It’shappeningtoallofus,Maybeck.Thedreams…ofbeingthere.Thefaintingthisafternoon.”

“Notme.”Maybecklookedbrieflyafraid.

Finnsaid,“Theoldguy,Wayne?He’sgotsomekindofmissionforus.Asateam,I’mtalkingabout.Hesayswe’vegottogotosleepatsomepoint,andthatwhenwedo,we’regoingtocrossover.”

Maybecklookedcompletelyserious.Therewasnotalaughingboneinhisbody.“Ican’tmessthingsupformyaunt.”

“Wecan’tstopthis,”Finnwarned.“Whatever’shappening,wecan’tstopit.AtleastIhaven’tbeenableto.Haveyou?”Hefeltanotherlittlechill.Hesaid,“Itisn’tsafe.”

Maybeckmeteyeswithhim,ameanlook,bothangryandafraid.He’dheardthosewordsbefore.

“Noway…”hesaiddarkly.

“Way,”saidFinn.

Maybecksaid,“Yeah,well…thenIguesswegottadothis.”

12

Finn’smotherfumbledaroundwiththeservingplates,asnervousascouldbe.Hersonhadneverbroughtagirlhomefordinnerbefore,andshewasquitebesideherself.

Sheservedmeatloaf,withgreenbeansandbacon,salad,andcornbread,onlytodiscoverthatAmandawasavegetarian.

Finn’sfatherwasquieterthanusual.AbouthalfwaythroughthemealheaskedAmandatopassthesalt.

Finn’smomtoldhisfather,“AmandaandFinnaregoingtochatonlinetogetherafterdinner.”

“Isthatright?”heasked.

Mr.Whitmanchallengedtheirguest.“Idon’tseewhyyouhavetogoonlinetotalk.Whycan’tyoujusttalkifyouwanttotalk?”

“Wedon’townacomputer,”Amandaanswered.“OraTV.”

Mr.Whitmanlookedupfromhisplate,possiblyforthefirsttime.“Well,goodforyou,”hesaid.

“Nothingwrongwiththat.Finnspendswaytoomuchtimeonhis,asfarasI’mconcerned.”

“Donald!”Finn’smothersnappedathim.

“I’mjustmakingconversation,”Mr.Whitmancomplained.

“Hey,Dad,”Finnsaid,tryingtosalvagethings.“Youknowthathurricane—Iforgetitsname—

theonethatturnedoutintheoceanandcamebackashore?”Gary.

“Yeah,Gary.Isittrueitlostalotofitspowerafteritwentoverus?”

“Overhalfitswindspeed.Yes.Downgradedtoatropicalstorm.Butthat’sprettytypicalwhenstormspassoverland.Why?”

“Oh,nothing.Nevermind,”Finnsaid.

HeglancedatAmanda.Shenoddedtowardherwatch.

“We’regonnagoupnow,”Finnsaid.Hisparentslookedateachotherbutsaidnothing.

OntheirwayupthestairsFinnheardhisfathersay,“Ifthosepantsofhersgetanylower,they’llfalloff.”

“Theyallwearthemthatway,dear,”Mrs.Whitmansaid.“She’sadorable.”She’dloweredhervoicetoawhisper,butFinnhadstoppedonthestairsintimetohear.

“Nothingwrongwithhimhavinganewfriend.Hecan’tspendallhistimewithDillard.”

Hismotherthencalledoutloudly,“Leavethebedroomdooropen,please,Finn.”

“Iwill!”Finncalledback.

HegaveAmandahischairinfrontofthescreen.Hesatonawoodenchestthathedraggedfromhiscloset.Itcontainedanoldmodeltrainset.

“Fiveminutestoseven,”Amandasaid,checkingherwatch.

FinnenteredtheVirtualMagicKingdomWebsite.Heloggedon,selectedGUESTROOMSfromthemapoftheMagicKingdom,andthentheoptionofpickingaroomfromanalphabeticallist.HelocatedFINN’SROOMand

double-clicked.

Thescreenwentblack.Somemusicplayed.Hisroomappeared.

Itwasastoneroom,asiftheywereinadungeonorcastle.Usingcredithe’dearnedbywinningchallengesonthesite,he’dfurnishedtheroomwithapairoflime-greencouches,twochairs,asodamachine,andthreepostersonthewalls.

“What’swiththecolorofthosecouches?”Amandaasked.

“What?Ilikethem.”

“Trustme,you’recolor-blind.”

Finn’scharacterwasanillustratedboywhoworebrightlycoloredjamsandalight-blueT-shirt.

Finnusedthemousetomovehischaracteracrossthescreen,getasodafromthemachine,andreturntooneofthetwochairs.Thesmalfiguresatdownandwaited,occasionallyraisinghisarm,underFinn’sdirection,toliftthecantohisface.

“Thisiswild,”Amandasaid.

“HaveyouneverseenVMK?”heasked.“Everyoneatschool’sonheretwenty-fourseven.”

Afewminutesafterseven,asecondfigure,agirl,appearedintheroom.Sheworehiphuggersandalemon-yellowtopthatshowedherstomach.

Adialoguebubbleappearedaboveher.

Angelface13,itread.

Coolroomappearedinsidethebubble.

Finn:Thnx,saidthebubbleabovetheboyinthechair. Grabasoda.

ThegirlcharacterboughtherselfadrinkandtookaseatonthecouchnearFinn.

Angelface13:Ugotanytunes?

Finn:Yeah,butwe’regoing2chat.Let’shang.

Otherscomingsoon.

“It’sCharlene,”Amandasaidoutloud.“Icantellbythewayshedresses.”

“Yeah,”Finnsaid,agreeing.

WillaandPhilby’scharactersappearedalmostsimultaneously.Philby,withredhair.Willa,dressedlikeahippie.Theytoogotdrinksandgatheredbytheothers,bothstanding.Philby(philitup)complimentedFinnonhischoiceofposters,clearlyimpressedthatFinnhadearnedenoughcredits—“creds”—topurchasethem.WillachattedwithCharleneaboutsomenewclothesthatshe’dfoundinoneofthemerchandisestores.

“Thisisareallyweirdthingtosay,”Amandasaid,“butIfeellikeI’mintheroom,notjustwatching.”

“Iknow,”Finnsaid.“It’shighlyaddictive.”Headded,“I’dmakeyouacharacter,butfornowI’mnotsuretheothersshouldknowyou’relistening.”

“No,no!Iagree.Idon’twantthemtoknow.Idon’twanttobeseenasaproblem.”

“You’renotaproblem!”Finnsaid,thinkingheshouldgoaheadandregisteracharacterforher.“Farfromit.Withoutyou,thismeetingwouldn’tbehappening.”

Dilltoastshowedupintheroomandasked,What’sup?

“That’smyfriend,Dillard.”

“Wemet,”Amandasaid.

Finn’scharacterstoodandledDillard’sintothefarcorneroftheroomtotalktohim.FinnexplainedtoAmanda,“Youhavetobeneareachothertotalk.It’scalledproximity,forobviousreasons.DillandIcantalkoverhere,andtheotherswon’tseeitand…”

HisexplanationwasmadeclearasCharleneandWillacontinuedtalking,presumablyaboutclothes,butthedialogueintheirbubbleswasreplacedwith

exclamationpoints,dollarsigns,andampersands—unreadablegibberish.

FinntriedtopolitelyaskDillardtogoaway.Dillarddidn’tgettheideaatfirstandforcedFinntogetalittlebluntonceMaybeckarrived.“Thatdidn’tgosohot,”hetoldAmandaasDillard’scharacterlefttheroom.

“Tellhimaboutittomorrowinperson.Ifyoumakeitintosomethingsecret,thatyou’resharing,hewon’tevenrememberthis.”

“Goodwithpeopleareyou?”Finnthoughtaboutthis:shewasgoodwithpeople.Foronething,she’dsurvivedhisdadatthedinnertable.

Maybeckpassedontheofferofadrink.He’dgivenhischaracterasizableAfro,bluejeans,andawhiteT-shirt.Somehowitmadehimlooktallerthantheothers,whichhewasinpersonaswell.

Mybest:Let’sdothis.Igothomework.

Finn:Okay.We’reallhere.

Eachoftheotherssaidhello.ThenFinncontinued.

Finn:we’veallhadbasicallythesame“dream”

orwewouldn’tbehere.MaybeckandIbothfelt

kindasick,likefainting,earliertoday,anybodyelse?

ThedialoguebubbleaboveWilla’scharacterstarted“talking.”

willatree:yes.Ifeltawful,butonlyforafewminutes.

angelface13:metoo

philitup:yup

Mybest:sowhat’swiththat?

Finn:theyaren’tdreams,charleneandphilbyandIwereallintheparklastnight.Igotburnedonthearm.whenIwokeup,Ihadthesameburnonthesamearm.it’sforreal.Itwasn’tadream.

Maybeck’scharactermovedaroundtheroombutstayedcloseenoughtochat.WillagotupoffthecouchandmovedovernexttoCharlene.Nowritingappearedaboveanyofthecharacters.

Amandasaid,“Ithinkyoufreakedthemout.”

Finncomplained,“WhatwasIsupposedtodo?”

angelface13:Isawhimgetburned.It’sforreal.

philitup:what’sweirdisthatovertherewelooklikeourDHIs,butFinngettingburnedmeanswemustbepart

Finn:human.PartDHI,parthuman.That’swhatWayne,theoldguy,saidwewere.

Mybest:doesanyonehearhowcompletelystupidthissounds?

philitup:weallgotsickatbasicallythesamemoment.Thatmaysoundstupid,butitfeltawful.

Mybest:sowhatwedo?

Amanda,lookingon,said,“Now,Finn.You’vegottotellthemnow.”

Finn:ifweallgotobed—tosleep—atthesametimetonight,maybewe’llarrivetheretogether.

Mybest:tellmeyou’rekidding?

Finn:That’sthewayitworks,I’msureofit.Waynewantsusallthereatthesametime.

Finnfeltarushofheat:allfiveofthemhadcrossedoveratvarioustimes.Theyallsharedthissameexperience.Hisfingershoveredabovethekeyboard.

Finn:theonlywaywe’regonnaknowwhat’supistogotobedatthesametimeandhopewewakeupoverthere2gether.tonight.K?

Onebyone,thecharactersanswered.

willatree:I’llbethere.

angelface13:I’mhavingtroublefallingasleep,butI’lltry.

philitup:I’mthere.

Mybest:word.

Finn’scharacterstoodupfromthecouch.Hewenttothecorneranddroppedthecanintoanopenbox—hismakeshifttrashcan.Charlenefollowedhisleadanddidthesame.

Mybest:weallplayVMK,right?Whatifthat’sgotsomethingtodowithit?

Hehadapoint,Finnthought.Thegamehadanotherworldlyquality.

Finn:we’vegottotalktoWayne.Howabout9:00tonight?

Eachofthecharactersagreedtothetime,atextbubbleappearingabovetheirheads.Then,onebyone,theycheckedout.Finn’scharacterstoodaloneintheemptyroom.

“Youlookkindalonelyjuststandingthere,”Amandasaid.

“IthinkI’mafraid,”Finnadmitted.Hecouldn’tbelievehe’dsaidthataloud.

“Ibettheyallaretoo,”Amandasaid.“Rememberthatfearisahumanemotion.ADHIwouldn’tfeelfear.”

Thewayshesaidit,socalm,andlikesheknewwhatshewastalkingabout—reallyknewit—

gaveFinnthisstrangetinglingfeeling.HethoughthowstrangeitwasthatAmandahadjustshowedupthewayshehad,becomehisfriendrightashebegancrossingover.Howcouldheaskforabetterfriend?Andyet…Wastheresomethingshewasn’ttellinghim?

Hecaughtalookinhereyeasifshe’dsaidtoomuchandnowregrettedit.Shelookedaway,breakingtheireyecontact.

“Finn?”Itwashismothercallingfromdownstairs.Itdisturbedthemoment.Finndidn’taskAmandaanything—buthe’dwantedto.

Hecheckedthetime.Itwasgoingoneighto’clock.

“IcandriveAmandahomenow,”sheholleredupstairs.

“IwishIcouldgo,”Amandasaid.Shedidn’tmeanhome.

“Yeah,thatwouldbecool.”Hecaughthimselfusingthatwordagain.She’dteasedhimaboutitearlier,butnotnow.

“It’llbeallright,”shesaid,standing.“Remembereverythingsoyoucantellme.”

Hewalkedherdownstairstothedoor,wherehismotherwaswaitingwithasmile.Thethreeofthemwalkedouttothedriveway.Finntookthebackseat.Amandaandhismomtalkedaboutboringgirlstuff:favoriteshoppingmallsandplacestogetyourhaircut.

Shelivedonthefaredgeoftheirschooldistrict,inwhathadoncebeenasmallchurch.Therewasastained-glasswindowinthecenteroftheroof’speak:abluebackgroundwithawhiteangel.

Litfrominside,itlookedasiftheangelwereflying.Hedidn’tknowwhy,butitseemedappropriateforAmanda.

Finnhurriedhismothertodrivefasteronthewaybackhome.

Shelookedathimfunnywhenhetoldherhewasgoingtobelatetobed.

ItwaslikesomethingfromStarTrek,orPowerRangers,Finnthought.HewasstandingatCentralPlaza,acircleofgrassandsidewalksinfrontofthecastle.Overthenextseveralminutes,onebyone,theotherfourDHIsappeared.Charlenefirst,lyingonthegrasstohisleft,wearinghernightgown.Shestretchedherarmsasifwakingup.Philbywasnext—hisredhairelectricasaDHI.HecamehurryinginfromTomorrowland.WillashowedupontheroadtoFinn’sright.Shealsoworepajamas—shortsandamatchingT-shirt.

MaybeckcamewalkingupMainStreetalongsideWayne,whodroveaDisneygolfcart.

“Well,well,”Waynesaid.“Thegang’sallhere.”HeclimbedoutofthecartandmadeapointofsayinghellotoWilla,whomhe’donlymetoncebefore.

AloudcrashingnoisecamefromsomewhereinTomorrowland.Cheeringfollowedthis.

“Somethingwild’sgoingonoverthere,”Finnsaid,pointing.

AconcernedWaynesaidquickly,“Followme!AndnotaworduntilIsay.”

TheyfollowedWayneandhiscartuptherampthatledintotheenormouscastle.FinnnotedthattheDHIsglowedandshimmeredonceinsidetheshadowofthecastlearches.

“Memorizeallthiscarefully!”WaynecalledbacktotheDHIs.

Heledthemthroughagiftshopandintoastorageroom,thenthroughaheavymedieval-styledoorthatheunlockedwithalargekey,anddownanondescripthall,throughanotherdoor,andintoavast,cavernousspace.

Finnstopped.Staircasesledineverydirection,interconnectinginimpossibleways,someupsidedown.Avarietyofoddlyshapeddoorsofallsizesfacedhimateverylevel.Eachcorridorandstaircaseconnectedtothenextinthemostunlikely,impossibleways.Allinterlocked.Itwasagiantpuzzlethatsomehowallfittogether.Andyetitmadenosense:invertedstairs?

“WecallthisEscher’sKeep.WaltadmiredM.C.Escher’swork,”Waynesaid,climbingastaircase.

“Who’sEscher?”Finnasked.

“Doyourhomework,”Wayneadmonished.“ThekeepwasbuiltaspartofanAliceinWonderlandattraction.Butitneveropened.”

“Whynot?”

“Waltdecidedtokeepitforhimself.”

Finnreachedthetopofsomesteepstairs,outofbreath.HecontinueddownadarkenedhallandlookeduptoseeWaynestandingupsidedownonalandingafewyardsahead.

Waynesaid,“Don’tbefooled.You’refine.Butasinglemisstepandyou’llendupinaslidethatwilldumpyouintothemoat.Sostaytotheleft,andonlysteponthebluetiles,neverthewhiteorthered.Passitalongtotheothers.”

Finnrepeatedtheweirdinstructionsinawhisper.AmomentlaterhestoodwithWayne.Totheothers,nowarriving,bothWayneandFinnappearedtobestandingupsidedown.

HeheardMaybecksay,“Okay!Thisiswaycool.”

Waynesaid,“Thisisagoodplacetocomeifyou’reeverintroubleortryingtohide.Withoutaguidetoshowtheway,noonemakesitupthefirsttime.

Memorizeitcarefully.Thecastlehasseveralsecretentrances.I’llshowyouifwehavetime.Onceinhere,you’resafe.”

Itisn’tsafe,FinnrememberedCharlenesaying.Hewasn’tsurehewantedtogoanyfarther.

Waynecontinued,“TheotherplaceyoushouldbesafeisifyoufollowthetracksoutoftheFrontierlandtrainstationtowardtheIndianEncampment.Therearesometeepeesouttherethataren’tprogrammedforDHIprojection.”

“Safefromwhat?”Finnasked.

“Ah!”Waynesaid,ignoringFinn’squestion.“Herecometheothers.Followme!Memorize!”

hereminded.“Thenexttwostaircasesarefakes.”

Finnwasstunnedbyhowincrediblyrealeachofthemanystaircasesappeared.Thefirststaircaseturnedouttobenothingbutpaintonawall.Wayneledhimtotherealstaircaseandtogethertheyclimbedit.

Finnlookedback,carefullycommittingtheroutetomemory.HecalledaheadtoWayne.“IfI’mhalfhologram,halfhuman,asyousaid,howcanItouchanything?Shouldn’tIonlyhalftouchit?”

“HaveyoustudiedEinstein,Finn?”Finndidn’twanttosounddumb,sohedidn’tanswer.“It’stimeyoudid.There’smorespacebetweenatomsthanthereareatoms.Andyetatomsholdtogethersomehowandformwhatwethinkofasasolid.Wecantouch,smell,taste.Itallcomesdowntowhatyoubelieve.Whatyouthinkyoucando.”

TheonlythingFinnknewaboutEinsteinhadtodowithbagels.Hestucktomorepracticalmatters.“Howwillweevergetbackdown?”

Ashereachedyetanotherlanding,FinnrealizedWaynewasnowheretobeseen.

“Takethemiddledoor,”Wayne’svoiceinstructed.

Finnfacedhalfofahexagon:threedoors,allatangles.Hewalkedthroughthemiddledoor,whichsprangshutbehindhim.Henowstoodinapitch-black

space.Beingparthologram,Finnglowed,castingabluishlightintotheabsoluteblackness.Butthespaceseemedtoswallowhislight,togoonforever.Hesawnothing.

Charlenecameinnext.Evenwhenthedooropened,Finnsawnowalls,onlyblackness.

“Idon’texactlylovethis,”Charlenesaid,apulsingbluelightinthedark.

Thewayhervoicesounded—socloseandbright—toldFinnthattheywereinaverysmallroom.

“Lookup,”hesaid.

“Arethosestarsforreal?”Charleneasked.

“Isanythingrealhere?”

Thedooropened.Philby,Willa,andMaybeckentered.Asthedoorshut,thestarsreappeared.

“Wow!”Philbysaid.

“Yeah,”Finnagreed.

“What’sthisabout?”Maybeckasked.

FinnjumpedasWaynesaidfrombehindhim,“Movetothecenter,everyone.”He’dbeenstandingthereallalong.

Thekidscrowdedtogetherintoagroup.Finnfelttheoldman’shandgrabhiswristandpullhimtowardwhatturnedouttobeawall.

“Feelthis?”Wayneasked.

“Yes.”Itwasasmooth,glassybutton.

“Andthis?”

Another.

“Yes.”

“Push.”

Finnpushed.Thefloorvibratedandthestarsgrewcloser.

Ittookamoment,butWillaunderstoodbeforetheothers.“It’sanelevator!”

“Anelevatorwithoutwalls,”Finnsaid,foritwasn’tthefloorthatappearedtobemoving,butthewalls.

“It’sanelevatorfloor,”Maybecksaid.“Aplatform.”

Theoverheadconstellationsgrewcloser.AstheyreachedtheBigDipper,Finncouldimagineitasacleverlyshapeddoor.

“Yougottalovethis,”Philbysaid.

“Idon’thaveto,”Charleneprotested,soundingalittlefrightened.

Thefloorstopped.Finnheardaclick.Hepushedagainstthewall—theBigDipper—anditopened.

Theyenteredasmallapartment,fullofoldfurnitureinpastelcolors,likesomethingfromFinn’sgrandparents’house.Asmalldraftingtableoccupiedthefarcorner.Mostofonewallwasfilledwithbooks.Atinygalleykitchenwasinexttotheroom’sonlywindow.Narrowandsmall,theslitwindowbelongedinacastle.Itwastintedwithabluetheatricallightinggelwithatinyholecutintoittoallowyoutopeeroutside.FinnlookeddownovertheentireMagicKingdom.Theviewtookhisbreathaway.Theywereveryhighup.

“WelcometoWalt’ssecrethideaway,”Waynesaid.

Threephoneshungfromthewall:red,blue,andyellow.Philbystudiedthem.

“Nevertouchanyofthose,”Wayneadvised,eyeingeachofthekids.

Charlenepeeredoutthesmallholeinthewindow.“Beautiful,”shesaid.Thatledtoeachofthekidstakingaturn,oohingandahhing.

Waynewaitedforthemtofacehim.Itwasasmallapartmentwithbarelyenough

roomforthesixofthem.

“Youwereeachpickedforareason,oryouwouldn’tbehere,”hesaid.“OurselectionoftheDHIswascarefultothepointofpainstaking.We’vebroughtyouheretohelpus.I’mgoingtoshareastorywithyou.Afable.It’ssomethingthathasbeeninmycarealong,longtime.Waltentrustedmewiththis,andithasbeeninmyheadeversince.Allfableshavenames.ThisoneiscalledTheStonecutterand,asitturnsout,hasbeenaroundafewthousandyears.Buttakenote:WaltcalleditTheStonecutter’sQuill.It’suptoyoutofindoutwhyheaddedquilltothename.Buthere’sthestory.Ibelieveittobethekeytostoppingtheforcesthataregathering.”

Thekidslookedforplacestosit.Willatookachair.CharleneandPhilbythecouch.Maybecksatonthefloor.Finnstood.

Noonesaidaword.Waynehadtheirfullattention.

“Itwasahot,swelteringday,andthestonecutterbalancedonhishaunches,chiselandhammerinhand,streamsofsweatrunningdownhisbackashebrokebitsofrockawayfromthebaseofawallofstone.Itwashard,blisteringwork,anditfeltlikethesunhadnomercyonhim.

“Howwonderfulitmustbetohavethepowerofthesun,hethought.IfIwerethesun,noonecouldresistme!IwishIwerethesun!

“Inaninstant,hefoundhimselflookingdownontheearth,beatingonitwithhisheatandenergy.Hewasthesun,andhelikedthewayhetouchedeverythingandeveryonebelowhimwithoutmercy.Inhispresence,peoplewouldbethirsty,theywouldbehot,andtheywouldalwaysknowhewasthere.

“Suddenly,herealizedthattherewassomethingimpedinghim.Hecouldnottouchtheearthwithhispower.Helookeddownandsawthatacloudhadinterposeditselfbetweenhimandtheearth.

“Hmm,hethought.Inspiteofmygreatpower,thereissomethingthatthwartsme.SurelythiscloudismightierthanIam.IwishIwerethecloud!

“Andinaninstant,hefoundhewasthecloud,andhecouldblockthesunalldaylong.What’smore,hecouldrainonthosebelowhim,bringingcold,erodingbuildings,drowningwhathepleased.Surelytherewasnothingmorepowerful

thanhewasnow!

“Buthefelthimselfbeingswayed,andquitewithouthisconsent,hewasbeingpushedandhecouldnotresistthemovement.Hefoundthatthewindwasblowinghimtotheside,andhesawthatbecausehecouldnotdefyit,itwasmightierthanhim.HowIwishIwerethewind!hethought.

“Andhewas.Whereheblew,hugetreesbent.Hecouldpushgreatwallsofwaterwherehepleased.Hecouldtopplethetallest,mostmajesticbuildings.Surelyhewasall-powerfulnow.

“Butashesweptacrosstheworld,hecameacrosssomethingthatstoppedhim.Helookedandrealizedthatthemountainbeforehimcouldnotbepenetrated.Ashardashemightblowagainstit,hecouldnotpushittotheside.Lookhowitresistsme!hethought.Surelythismountainismightierthanme.IwishIwerethemountain!

“Andhewas.Hesat,imperialandbold,tallandproud,boltedtotheearth,andheknewthattherewasnothinginalltheworldthatcouldmovehim,coulddestroyhim,orcouldovercomehim.

Hewasthemightiestthingofall.

“Butthenherealizedsomething.Fromsomewherefarbelow,hefelthewasbeingreduced.

Hewasbeingdestroyed—tornapart—quiteagainsthiswishes,andhecoulddonothingaboutit.

Whatistheremightierthanamountain?heaskedhimself.Notthesun,thecloud,orthewind…

Whatcoulditbe?

“Withgreateffort,helookeddown,andthere,farbelow,athisverybase…

“Hesawastonecutter.”

Thekidssaidnothing,focusedonWayneexpectantly.

Waynesaid,“Thethingsinthestoryyouneedtofocusonarethesun,cloud,wind,andstone.Atleastwe’reprettysureaboutthat.Notetheorder.AllfourofthesethemesareseenrepeatedlyintheMagicKingdom.Somehowtheyaremeanttoleadustoasolution,awaytodefeatthedarkerpowersthathavebeguntothreatenthepark.”

Silence.

“Comments?”Wayneasked,remindingFinnofanEnglishteacher.

“Becarefulwhatyouwishfor.That’sthetheme,isn’tit?”Maybeckasked.

Finnsaid,“Italsosaystobesatisfiedwithwhoyouare.

“Nottomentionthatnomatterhowstrongyouthinkyouare,there’salwayssomethingstronger,”Willacontributed.

Philbysaid,“Soit’saboutpower.It’sastudyofpower.”

“Walttoldmethatstory,”Wayneexplained,“andthensaidsomethingIwillneverforget.Hesaid,‘Ihaveplansforthisplacethatshouldputthingsinperspective,Wayne.’Andtherewasthistwinkleinhiseye.Therewassomethingmoretoitthanhewaslettingon.Atleastthat’sbeenmyopinionalltheseyears.”

“Butwhat?”Finnasked.

Wayneshrugged.Herepeated:“Ihaveplansforthisplacethatshouldputthingsinperspective.”

“Andwe’resupposedtofigureoutwhyhecalledit‘TheStonecutter’sQuill’?”Willaasked.

“Yes,it’suptothefiveofyoutosolvethefable.Othershavetriedbeforeyou,myselfincluded,buttonoavail.Asmattersgrewmoreurgent,wecameupwiththeideaoftheDHIs.Youhaveonefootinthecharacterworld,oneinthereal.Weneednotonlytosolvewhateverthefableissupposedtotellus,butweneedtoapprehendandstoptheOvertakersresponsibleforourrecentproblems.”

“Andwe’rethechosenones,”Maybecksaidskeptically.

“Indeed,youare.Verycarefullychosen,atthat:intelligence,athleticism,artistry,computerknowledge.”

“Whatifwedon’twanttobechosen?”Willaasked.

Finnanswered.“There’snotmuchchoice.We’regoingtocrossoverwhenwegotosleep.”

“Butthatmustbeyourdoing,”WillasaidtoWayneaccusingly.

Theoldmanlookedbackimpassively.Foramomentitseemedhemightrefusetoanswer.

Theoldmanlookedbackimpassively.Foramomentitseemedhemightrefusetoanswer.

Thenhesaid,“It’soutofmyhandsnow.”Heraisedhisarmsdramatically.“I’vewaitedalongtimetotellthatstorytoyou.

Willaspoke,“Whatareweupagainst?”

Waynesaid,“Youknowhowyoucansometimessenseastormbeforeiteverrains?Youcanalmostsmellit?Whateverishappeningtothisplaceislikethat:weknowit’scoming.Badthingshavebeenhappening,butworsethingsareontheirway.We’repowerlesstodoanythingaboutthem.Youarenot.Youfivecanchangeit.”

Maybecksnorted.

Philby,deepinthought,complained.“Whatifthereisn’tenoughtime?”

HewonWayne’sattention.

Finnexplained,“Thisafternoonweall…kindoffainted.Allofus.Rightatthesametime,andallincompletelydifferentlocations.”

Wayne’sfacewrinkledinconcern.Heconsideredthiscarefullyandsaid,“Wasthissometimeaftertwoo’clock?”

Finngasped.“Howwouldyouknowthat?”

“TheDHIshereinthepark—theywentdownforafewminutesthisafternoon.Somethingtodowiththecomputerserver.Maybeck?”

Maybeckshiedfromthesummons.

“That’sright,”Philbysaid,remembering.“You’reacomputerfreak,aren’tyou,Maybeck?”

“Freak?I’mfreakinggoodwiththem,ifthat’swhatyou’reasking.”

Finnspeculated,“Ifwe’reabletocrossoveratnight—andwecertainlyare,thenmaybeifsomethinghappenstotheDHIsduringtheday,italsohappenstous.”

Waynesaid,“Ithinkyou’dbetterhurry.”Hepursedhislipsandlookedeachofthemintheeyesbeforesaying,“OncetheOvertakersrealizeyouintendtohelpus—thatyou’reheretostopthem—Ibelievethey’lldowhatevertheycantostopyoufirst.Maybeyourfaintingistheresultoftheirdarkpowers.Iftheycanstopyoufromcrossingover,we’redefeated.Fearisonewaytostopyou.”Hepausedamomentandsaid,“Thisisnewgroundforallofus.”

Finnfeltachillrunuphisspine.

Stilldeepinconcentration,Philbysaid,“Waltwasanartist.Ananimator.Hedrewthings.Youdrawthingswithpencilsandpens.Quills.”

“Yes,”Wayneagreed.“Wegotthatfaraswell.”

“Sothesolutiontothefablehassomethingtodowiththat,”Philbysaid.“Apen.Apencil.Aquill.”

Waynenodded.“Justaswe’vethoughtthesemanyyears.Butwhatitisexactly,andwheretofindit?Wehavenoidea.”

Willahadherownconcerns.“Whatdoyoumeanby‘darkpowers’?Somekindofmagic?”

“Whatputsusinabadmoodwhenjustaminutebeforewefeltsogood?”Wayneasked.

“Whatmakesusafraidofthedarkwhenweknowperfectlywellthere’snothing

badoutthere?

Whatexplainsthatsometimeswethinkofapersonandtwosecondslaterthephonerings,andit’sthatsamepersoncallingus?”Again,Waynelookedatthekidsonebyone,hisfacedeadlyserious.“Notallsuchforceshavetodowithhatsandrabbits.Thereareforcesbiggerthanallofus.Good,andbad.”

Waynereachedtowardthewall.“Goodluck,”hesaidashepushedacircularmetalplateembossedwithasilhouetteofMickeyMouse.Apanelintheflooropenedupbeneathhim.Waynefellthroughanddisappeared.

Finnjumpedup,aheadoftheothers.Thefloorwassolidagain.Waynewasgone.

Sittingonthecoffeetableinthecenteroftheroomwaswhatlookedlikeasmallblackgarage-dooropenerwithasingleredbutton.

Waynehadusedittosendhimbacktohisbedonhisearliervisits.Finnpointeditoutfortheotherstosee.“Well,Iguessthat’sit.Sowho’sin?Who’supforsolvingtheStonecutterfable?”

Onebyone,theotherDHIstentativelyliftedtheirhands.TheyhadacceptedWayne’schallenge.

Hesaid,“PhilbyandWillawillworktoconnectthefabletotheMagicKingdom.Therehastobesomethingwe’resupposedtodowiththestory.MaybeckwillfindoutasmuchashecanabouttheDHIserversandwhatwemightdotoprotectthem,toprotectus.CharleneandIwillstudyuponWaltDisney—whyhemighthavepickedtheStonecutter’sfable,what’swiththequill,andanythingelsewecanfindout.Soundokay?”

Noonedisagreed.Finnwastheacknowledgedleader.

Finnsaid,“Idoubtthisbuttonisgoingtocrossoverwithme.It’llremainhere.”

Maybecksaid,“Myguessis,it’saproximitything,likethedialoguebubblesinVMK.Youhavetobenearitwhenit’spushedinordertogoback.Soifyou’reeverintrouble,getupheretothisroomandpushthisbutton.”

“Okay?”

Everyonenodded.

Finnindicatedtheblackfobwiththeredbutton.Theyallgatheredclosetogether.

Maybecksaid,“Itmightbesmarttoholdhands.”

Thekidslookedanxiouslyandapprehensivelyamongthemselves.

Finnsaid,“Itwouldn’tbegoodtogetleftbehind.”

Theygrabbedeachother’shandsimmediately,formingacircle.WillatookFinn’srightforearm,freeinghishandtoreachdownandpressthebutton.

Theworldwentdark.

13

Thenfolowingnight,thefiveDHIsgatheredneartheRiverboatCruiseasthefirstrumblingsofathunderstormechoedlikefarawaydrumsinthedistance.Theapproachingcloudsdrewaveilacrossthenightsky.Theriver’sblackwaterswirledandlappedlazilyattheriverbank.WaynehadmentionedtheIndianEncampmentasasafelocation,andthishadledtheDHIstomeethere.

Theclusterofextremelyrealistic-lookingteepeessatatoparise,overlookingTomSawyerIsland.Theencampmentincludedadozenhuman-sizemodelsofNativeAmericansdoingaday’swork:choppingwood,tendingafire.Atthefakecampfire,anoldNativeAmericanwomansquattedwhileshecooked.

AsFinnledtheDHIsinsidethefirstoftheteepees,theyalldisappeared.Charlenegaspedaloud.“We’re…”

“Invisible,”Maybeckanswered.“Ourhologramsarenotprojectedinsidetheteepees.

Basically,we’reinakindofhologram-projectionshadowhere.”

Finnsaid,“That’sgottobewhyWaynesuggestedit.It’stheperfecthidingplace.”

“Ourhologramsapparentlyhavebeenprogrammedtoprojectinsidemostattractions,”

Maybecksaid.

Philbysaid,“Theplanwastohaveusguideguestsontotheridesatsomepoint.Stillis.Sittherewiththemandexplainthehistoryoftheattraction.ThatproducerBradtoldmeaboutitwhenwewereallatMGM.”

Finnsaid,“Buthere,we’resafe.”

Thesmallspacewascrowdedwiththefiveofthem.Maybeck’scrossedlegs—andonlyhislegs—showedbecausetheywereneartheteepee’sopendoor.ApartofCharlene’sleftkneeshowedaswell.

“Thisistooweird,”saidaninvisibleWilla.

Maybeckraisedandloweredhisarmintothelightthatcamethroughthedoor,makinghishandappearanddisappear.Hesaid,“It’slikecellphonereceptioninatunnel.”

“Let’snotforget,”Philbypointedoutinawhisper,“thatthoughwemaybeinvisible,wecanheareachother.Thatmeanswecanalsobeheard.”

“Goodpoint,”Willawhisperedback.

Finnalsospokequietly.“So,wherearewe?Willa?Philby?”

Philbysaid,“TheStonecutterfableissupposedtoleadustoaquill:maybeaspecialpenorpencil;maybesomethingusedbyWaltDisneyalongtimeago.Ourcluesare:sun,cloud,wind,andstone.AsWaynesaid,they’refoundalloverinthepark.”

“Theattractions,”Willasaid.“Waltknewtheywouldstaybehindlongafterhewasgone.”

Philbysaid,“Ridesdealingwithsun,clouds,wind,andstone.”

“We’reworkingonwhichattractionshavetodowitheachclue,”Willasaid.

Finnpointedout,“ButWaltdiedbeforetheparkwaseveropen,didn’the?Sohewouldn’thaveknownwhatattractionswouldendupgettingbuilt.Notallofthem,anyway.Maybewe’resupposedtotrytosolvethisinDisneyland,nothere.”

Willasaid,“Buthehaddozensofloyalpeopleworkingforhim.Hisbrother.Hisnephew.Hecouldhavepassedhiswishesalongtoanyoneofthem.”

Philbyadded,“AndWayneworkedhere,inDisneyWorld.WalttoldthefabletoWayne,andnooneelse.”

“Thatweknowof,”Willareminded.

“Theanswersarehere,”Philbysaidconvincingly.“Wejusthavetoputitalltogether.”

FinnaskedMaybeckifhe’dfoundoutanythingabouttheDHIservers.Anyclueastowhytheyallfaintedatthesametime.“WasWaynerightaboutthat?”

“YourememberwehadtosignthosereleasesbeforetheystartedturningusintoDHIs?”

Maybeckreplied.“Someoftheseimagingtechniqueshaveneverbeentriedbefore.That’swhatmakesitlooksocool,right?It’s,like,totallynewstuff.TheDHIserversclearlycontrolourholograms,butwhytheycouldaffectusashumansisreallyweird.IncrossingbackoverwemusttakesomethingofourDHIswithus.Wedon’tseeit,wedon’tfeelit,butit’sthere.Thatmightexplainhowmessingwiththeserversmadeusfeelfaint.Idon’tknowabouttherestofyou,butI’mnotrealkeenonsomeoneelsecontrollingme.I’mnotlovingthatidea.Ithinkthetimewillcomewhenwe’dratherhavecontroloftheserversourselves.Sothat’swhatI’mworkingon.”

Murmursrippledthroughthegroup.Nooneobjectedtotheideaofgainingself-control.

“TheFallGamesaretomorrow,”Charlenesaid.“Iseveryoneheregoing?”

Theyrealizedtheywouldallbethere,participatinginvarioussports.

“Thatgivesusachancetomeetagain,”Finnsaid.“Let’smeetbythesnackbarbeforeanyofthesportsgetgoing.”

“Psst!”Maybeck’sarmappearedbrieflyashereachedacrossthedoorwayandpulledCharlene’skneebackinside.Intheshadowherlegbecameinvisible.

FinnthenheardwhatMaybeckhadheard:thesoundoffootsteps,thecrunchingofgravel.

Nearby.Securityguards?Atthesametime,hefeltasuddendraft,likewhenhesteppedintoanair-conditionedroom.Heshivered.

“Ifeelyou…”Itwasawoman’shoarsewhisper,raspyanddry,asifshehadsandinherthroat.GoosefleshrippledupFinn’sarmsanddownhisspine.Hewasfreezingnow.“Youdon’tbelonghere.Goaway.”

Thesoundoffootstepsmovedslowlyawayfromtheirteepee,andcontinuedontothenext.

Finnheldhisbreath.Thesoundstopped,andthenheadedbacktowardthem.

InsidetheteepeecameasoftshufflingsoundastheinvisibleMaybeckandCharlenemovedfartherawayfromthedoor.

“Ifeelyou,”camethatawfulvoiceagain.“Youcan’thidefromme.”

Itwasn’tjustanywoman’svoice.Finnhadheardthatvoicebefore.Buthowwasthatpossible?

Thefootfallscircledtheteepeeandcamearoundfrontagain.Twolegsappeared,withblackstockingsthatendedatlow-heeled,shinyblackshoes.AninvisibleWillareachedoverandfoundFinn’shandandclutchedittightly.Herswaswarmandclammy.

Theblack-stockingedlegsbentasahandappearedintheteepee’sdoorway.

Agreenhand.Thehandemergedfromtheendofalongblacksleeve.Greenasalizard,theknucklesbentandbumpy,thenailsaslongasclaws.Charlenegaspedaloud.Tooloud.

Theairgrewcolderstill.Thewomanbentoverfullyandpeeredintothedarkteepee.Sheworearobelikeblackdresswithjaggedpurplefringeandapurplestriperunningupthemiddle—

somekindofcostume.

“Interesting,”shesaid,staringintoanemptyteepee.

NowFinnunderstoodhowheknewthisvoice:itwasfromoneoftheDisneymovies.Butwhichone?

Herackedhisbrain,asWilla’shandgrewcolderinhis.Shesqueezedsohard,ithurt.

Thewomanbentlower,andlowerstill.Theairgrewcolderandcolder.

Agreenneckappeared,thenagreenchin,agreennose,andfinallyherfullface.Wretched,yetsomehowbeautiful.

ItwasMaleficent,themean-spiritedwitchfromSleepingBeauty,themostill-temperedanddreadedwitchofall.

Hiseyeswerestingingwithice,Finnlookedaway,thinkingthecoldmightkillhim.Whenhelookedback,shewasgone.Twofootprint-shapedpatchesoficeshowedwherehershoeshadbeen.Thegroundwasfrozensolidwhereshehadstood.

Noonespokeforseverallongminutes.Finnwasthefirsttobreakthesilence,inafaintwhisper.“Wasthatanillusion?”

“Ifitwas,itwasonesolidillusion,”Maybecksaid.

Philbyasked.“Whataboutthecold?WasItheonlyonewhofeltthat?”

“Noway!”theyallchorused.

“Ihadmyeyesshut,”Charleneconfessed.

“Metoo,”Willaadmitted.OnlythendidsheletgoofFinn’shand.Hewasgladtheywereallinvisible.Hewouldn’thavewantedtoexplaintheirholdinghands.

Maybeckscootedforward,andashedid,partiallyreappearedatthemouthoftheteepee’sopendoor.Aboutathirdofhimpeeredoutside,therestofhiminvisible.

“She’sgone,”Maybecksaid.

“She?”Charleneasked.

“Herskincertainlylookedrealenough,”Finnsaid.

“Thatwasgreenskin,notgreenmakeup.Markmywords,”Maybecksaid,“Iknowthedifference.”

“AreyousuggestingwhatIthinkyou’resuggesting?”Willaasked.

Finnofferedtheonlyexplanationhecouldthinkof:“IthinkwejustmetanOvertaker.”

14

TheWideWorldofSportscomplexhousedelevenbaseballdiamonds,aseparatemajor-andminor-leaguebaseballstadiumwithseatingforninethousand,fivesportsfields,atenniscomplex,anda400-meterrunningtrack.Thefacilityhadasmanyparkinglotsasanairport.Variousbuildings,allpaintedyellow,werescatteredaroundthegroundsandhousedacafe,lockerrooms,andmeetinghalls.

OnthisOctoberafternoon,nearlyathousandlocalstudentsandtheirfamiliesjammedthecomplexfortheannualFallGames.

“You’renottellingmeanything,”Amandacomplained,assheandFinnwalkedtowardthesnackbar.“Allyoucareaboutishookingupwiththeothers.What,I’msuddenlynotyourfriend?”

“It’snotlikethat.”

“Looksthatwaytome.”

“Listen…allsortsofweirdstuff’shappening.”

“Well,thatcertainlyclarifiesthings.”

“It’scomplicated.”SuddenlyFinnspottedPhilbyandMaybeck,bothintheirgymclothes,astheyclimbedthestepstothecentralfacilitythathousedlockerroomsandanindoor-outdoorsnackbar.ATVnewscrewwaspickingoutkidstointerview.Finnsteeredwellclearofthecameras;hiscelebrityasaDHImade

himaprimetargetforTV.

Finnfeltthecuriouswarmthonthebackofhisneckthathealwaysfeltwhensomeone’seyeswereonhim.Throughthechaoticcrowdsofkidsandparents,coachesandreferees,volunteersandWideWorldemployees,Finnspottedagirllookingathim.Notjustanygirl.Shewasbeautiful,withpaleskinthatsetoffherjet-blackhair.Herdeep-setgrayeyescaptivatedhim,evenfromadistance.He’dneverseenherbefore.

Itdidn’ttakeAmandalongtonoticeFinngazingatthegirl.Shestaredlongandhardather.

“Who’sthat?”Finnasked.

“Who?”Amandatriedtopretendshehadn’tseenher.

“Thegirlyou’restaringat.”

“Neverseenherbefore.”IsAmandaupsetwithme?Finnwondered.Sheturnedandhurriedoff.

Finncalledouttostopher,butshepretendednottohear.

ThepalegirlwiththeblackhairsmiledatFinn,whocouldn’tavoidpassingnexttoheronhiswaytojointheothers.

“Hey,Finn,”shesaid,asiftheykneweachother.

Hestopped.“Hey.”

“I’mJez.”

“That’sanunusualname.”

“ShortforJezebel.It’sfromtheBible.”Shewasn’tproudofthis.“Mymother.Youknowhowthatgoes.”

“LawrenceFinneganWhitman.Myparentsactuallythoughtthey’dcallmeLarry.Larry!Canyouimagine?IswitchedittoFinninthirdgrade,thoughit’snotmuchbetter.”Hecouldn’tstophismouthfromtalking.Hetoldhimself,Shut

up!,buthekeptongoing.“Andthenallthefishjokesstartedcoming.Fin,this.Fin,that.”

“What’syoursport?”

Itwasasifshehadn’theardhim.Hefeltrelieved.“Soccer.Yours?”

“Spectator.Icametowatch.”

Hereyesweregraywithgreenspecks,likeimperfectjewels.

“Havewemet?”heasked.

“Idon’tthinkso.”

“Butyouknewmyname.”

“Iknowallaboutyou.”ThewayshesaiditbotheredFinn.“BecauseoftheMagicKingdom!”

sheexplained.“You’remyfavoriteDisneyhost.”

Finnfeltawkwardanduncomfortable.Whatwashesupposedtosaytothat?Hewassavedbythepublicaddresssystem.Playersweresupposedtofindtheirteams.FinnwantedtocatchupwithhisfellowDHIs.

“Well,”hesaid,“Igottago.”

“There’saGirlScoutcarwashtomorrow,”shesaidcasually,likeanafterthought.Whenshelaughed,itsoundedalmost—musical.“Youcouldcomebyifyouwant.”

“Yeah…maybe…”

“It’satDangerousDan’s.”

Finnhurriedupthestairsandpastthesnackbar.

Hefoundtheothersinasour-smellinglockerroommarkedVISITORSB.Backpacks,athleticbags,andsmellyshoessurroundedthem.FinnandMaybeckorganizedplasticchairsintoacircle.

Philbysaid,“WillaandIhavemadesomeprogress.”

Finnfeltawrenchinginhisgut.Thedeepertheywent,themorehefearedtheywereindanger.

Philbyglancedtowardthedoor.NowFinndidtoo,because,likePhilby,hethoughthefeltsomethingcomingfromthere:aslightchill.Afamiliarchill.

“Arewegoingtotalkaboutlastnight?”Charleneasked,clearlyunsettled.

“What’stotalkabout?”Maybecksaid.“WewerevisitedbyMaleficent,awitchwithgreenskinandblacktights,whobroughttheambienttemperaturedowntoaboutfivebelowzero.”Hespokewithsomuchsarcasmthatnoonedaredbringthesubjectupagain.

FinntoldPhilby,“Thegamesarestarting.We’vegottohurry.Haveyougotanything?”

Philbyexplained,“Thefirstclueinthefableissun.Thereareplentyofsunsinthepark.ButsupposedlytheridewiththebiggestsunisIt’saSmallWorld.Ithinkweshouldstartthere.”

“Startwhat?”Charleneasked.

“Lookingforclues.”

“Whatkindofclues?”shepersisted.

“I’mnotsurewe’llknowuntilwefindone.”

“Doesanybodyelsehearhowridiculousthissounds?”Maybeckasked.

Finnsaid,“We’regoingtoendupintheparktonight,likeitornot.Wemightaswellhaveaplan.”

Willaspokeup.“Weshouldallgotobedearly,rightateight,astheparkcloses.Agreed?”

Maybecksnorted.“Youguysarecrazy.Youknowthat?”

Finnsaid,“Weneedallofus,Maybeck.”Hefeltawashwithasuddenwaveof

coldagain.

Notasstrongasattheteepee,butnotnormal.Heloweredhisvoice.“Ithinkwe’redonehere.”

Theotherssuddenlyfeltthecoldaswell.Maybeck’ssmugnessfellfromhisface.Hesaid,

“Okay,I’llbethere.”

“Butwhataboutthegreen—thing,person,woman?”Charleneasked.

Maybeckanswered.He’dlosthissarcasm.“Listen,we’dbetterstayalert.Notonlywhenwe’reinthepark.”Headdedcautiouslyinawhisper,“Arewesosurethiscrossingoverthingisaone-waystreet?Ifwecancrossovertothere,whosaystheycan’tcrossovertohere?”

15

“Finn,areyousureyoufeelallright?”hismothersaid,lookingupfromthekitchensinkwhereshewasdoingdishes.Hisfatherhummedashewipeddownthekitchentable.

“I’mfine.Ijustwanttogotobedearly,that’sall.”

“Forthethirdorfourthnightinarow,”hismothersaid.

Hisfatherbarelylookedup.“Trytosneakoutagain,you’regroundedfortherestofyourlife.”

Finnandhismotherexchangedalook:she’dtoldhisdad,aftersayingshewouldn’t.

“I’mnotgoingtosneakout,”Finnpromised.

“I’lltakeawayyourcomputer.Nomoree-mail.Nomoregaming.”

Thiswastheworstthreathecouldmake.

Hisfatherlookedup.“Therewasabreak-inataweldingshoptheothernight.Abunchofgearwasstolen.Samenight,thepolice—thepolice,thisis—reportedabunchofhandcuffsmissingfromastorageroom.Thiswasalloverthenews.Youandyourfriendsgosneakingaroundatnight,andyou’llbeblamedforthingslikethat,youunderstand?Whetheryouhadanythingtodowiththemornot.Youendupatthewrongplaceatthewrongtimeandit’sgoingtolookbad

—verybad—foryou.”

“Wouldn’tthepolicehavesecuritycameras,Dad?”Finndidn’treallywanttheanswertothis,buthehadtoknow.Waynehadmentionedthebreak-in.

“Idon’thaveanyidea!I’mjustworriedaboutyou,Finn,notwhateverwasstolen.AreyoulisteningtoanythingI’msaying?”

“Isyourhomeworkdone?”hismotherinquired,changingthesubject.Sheknewwhentorescuehim.

“Alldone.Seriously,I’mjusttired.”

“It’sbecauseyousleeptoomuch,”hisfathersaid.“Moreyardworkwouldbegoodforyou.

Why,whenIwasyourage—”

“Dad!”Finncomplained.“Canwemaybetalkaboutthisinthemorning?”

Thedigitalclockthatwaspartofthestoveread7:45.Finnneededtobeinbedandasleepbyeightifhewastomeettheothers.

Finndressedwarmlyandclimbedintobed,bootsandall.Hepulledthesheetandblanketuphighincasehismotherlookedinonhim.Shemightwakehimifshesawhewaswearingstreetclothes.HehadnoideawhatmighthappentohisDHIifhewererudelyawakenedfromsleep,buthedidn’twanttofindout.

Helaythereinbed:7:55.Hedidn’tfeelparticularlysleepy.Ifhedidn’tcrossover,thensomeoneelsewouldhavetoleadthegroup.Thisthoughtmadehimmoreanxiousandlesssleepy:8:04.Hefelthischancesslippingaway.Howwouldhefindthemifhearrivedlate?TheMagicKingdomwashuge!Thisledhimtowonderhowitwasthattheyallarrivedinthesamegeneralarea.Waynehadn’texplainednearlyenoughofthis.

Thefront-doorchimesounded.

Itwasanoddtimeofnightforvisitors.Theirnext-doorneighborsalwaysusedthebackdoor.

“Finn?”hismothercalledupstairs.

Bothannoyedandcurious,Finndraggedhimselfoutofbed.Heheadedtothedoorandthencaughtalookathimselfinthemirror.Hewasfullydressed,headtotoe,indayclothesthathehadn’tbeenwearingearlier.Whatwouldhismotherthinkofthat?

Heremovedhisbootsandsocksandrolledupthelegsofhisjeans.Ifhethrewabathrobeoverhisclothes,he’dlookreadyforbed.

Aglanceintothemirrortoldhimhehadtolosethejacket,orlookliketheIncredibleHulk.

Checkinghimselfonelasttime,heheadedoutintothehall.

Jezstoodinsidethefrontdoortalkingtohismother.Finnfeltstupidwearingabathrobe.Toolate.She’dglancedupandseenhim.

Hesummonedhiscourageanddescended,asifitwereperfectlynormaltobereadyforbedateighto’clock.Hefeltwarmundertherobeandlayersofclothes.

“Hey,Jez!”Amillionthoughtsranaroundinhisbusybrain.Howdidsheknowwherehelived?

Whatwasshedoinghere?

Heglancedatthegrandfatherclock:8:10.Thiswasaseriousproblem.

Hismothercouldn’tshutup,ofcourse.SherambledonabouthowrefreshingitwastomeetoneofFinn’sfriends,andsuchacutegirlatthat.

Finnshotheraprivatelook.Hismomexcusedherselftothekitchen.

Jezsaid,“Icamebytocongratulateyou.”

Finnfeltconfused.

“Soccer,”Jezsaid.“Youguystookthird.”

Theclockread8:12.

“Well,”Finnsaid,movingtoopenthedoor,“Thanksalot.Thatwasreallyniceofyou.”

“Nicebathrobe,”Jezsaid,stiflingagrin.“Youfeelokay?”

Truthwas,Finnwasoverheatinginallthelayers.Sweattrickledoffhisforehead.Hemoppeditupwithhissleeve.

“Justalittletired.Probablyjustthegame.”

Shenodded,butstudiedhimoddly.Hefeltoneofhispantlegsslipdown.Hebentoverandstuffeditbackup,withoutofferinganexplanation.

Thedoorbellrang.

Mrs.Whitmanchargedoutofthekitchen.Finntriedtostopherwithaglance,butitwasnogood.Finnsteppedupandopenedthedoor.

Amanda.

Hismotherlostthebattletokeepasmileoffherface.Headingbackintothekitchen,shecalledout,“I’llgetcookies.”

“Hey,Finn,”Amandasaid,steppinginside.“I’mAmanda,”sheintroducedherselftoJez.

“Jez.”

“Yeah,Iknow.”AmandagaveJezthatsamepenetratinglookshe’dgivenherearlieratthesportscomplex.Jezjustlookedbackatherandsmiled.

“Whatkinddoyoulike?”Finn’smotheraskedfromthekitchendoorway.

ThetwogirlsfollowedMrs.Whitman.

“Whatkinddoyouhave?”Jezasked.

Finnfeltoutnumbered.Hewasboilinghotandboilingmadforhavinghisplansinterrupted.BythetimehereachedthekitchenallthreeofthemwerejabberingawayabouthowquicklycookieswentstaleintheFloridaweather…somethingaboutGirlScouts…Jezmentionedthecarwash.

Theclockread8:15.

“I’mbeat!”Finnannouncedfromthehall.Thetwogirlsglancedover,theconversationinterrupted.HismothergavehimanOh,noyoudon’t!face.

Hesaid,“Imean,Idon’tfeelsohot…Actually,Idofeel—hot.Likeafeverorsomething.”

“Butyousaidyoufeltfine,”Jezcorrectedhim.

Heswipedhisdampforeheadwiththesleeveofthebathrobe.“Hot,”herepeated.“Didyouneedsomething,Amanda?”heasked.

“No.Iwasjustintheneighborhood.ThoughtI’dstopby.”

Intheneighborhood?Finndidn’tthinkso.Shelivedseveralblocksaway.

Jezasked,“WillIseeyouatthecarwash?”

Amandasaidearnestly,“Absolutely!”asifJezhadintendedthisforher.

“Night,then!”Finnsaidsoftly,backingupthestairs.“Seeyoubothtomorrow,Iguess.”

Amandascrunchedherfaceandsnarledsecretlyathim.Shedidnotwanttobeabandoned.

Hismothersaid,“Finn,we’regoingtohavesomecookies—”

Amandasawhispanickedexpression;thenshelookedattheclock.Sheunderstood.“It’sokay,wecandoitanothertime,”shesaid.ShepulledJeztowardthehallway.

Thegirlssaidgood-bye.FinntriedtothankAmandawithhiseyes.

Afterthedoorshut,hismotherasked,“Isittrueyou’renotfeelingwell?”

“MustbewhyI’msotired,”Finnsaid.

“Well,gettobedandwe’llseehowyoufeelinthemorning.”

Musictohisears.

16

TheCinderelaCastleshoneinthenightsky.Forallthemake-believeinthisplace,everythingseemedsorealthatFinnbrieflyunderstoodhowthelineshadblurred.Evenatthishourmusicfloatedontheair,comingfromFrontierland.Mustbeaprivateparty,Finnthought.Hadn’tWaynesaidthatprivatepartieshadbeencanceledbecauseoftheproblemstheparkhadbeenhaving?

HadFinnimaginedthat?

Adampeveningchillstungtheair.Itfeltlikerainwascoming.Finndidn’tknowhowhisDHIwouldreacttorain.Hedidn’tknowalotofthings.Likewheretofindtheothers.Theyhadcrossedoveraheadofhim,nodoubt,butwerenownowheretobeseen.Heconsideredcheckingtheapartmentfirst,followedbytheteepee,butthenrememberedthatPhilbyhadmentionedIt’saSmallWorldwhentheyhadallmetatthesportspark.TheywerelookingforattractionsthatcorrespondedtothesunclueinTheStonecutter’sQuill,andthoughtheSunshineTreeTerrace,theSwissFamilyTreeHouse,andtheCarpetsofAladdinwereallplausiblecandidates,PhilbyandWillahadpickedIt’saSmallWorld.

Theridehadtworeferencestothesun.One,initsthemesong:Thereisjustonemoon

Andonegoldensun

Two:theride’sCentralAmericansectionincludedablazingMayansun,thebiggestsunintheMagicKingdom.

SoFinnheadedtoIt’saSmallWorldfirst,knowinghewouldhaveledtheotherstherehadPhilbyorMaybecknotarrivedontime.Hefoundthefourwaitingoutsidetheattraction,Philbyanxiouslylookingathiswrist-watch.WillawavedexcitedlyasshesawFinnapproaching.Heheardhersay,

“Itoldyouhe’dmakeit.”

“SorryI’mlate.Troubleathome,”Finnsaid.

Astheysteppedinside,therideseemedtowakeup.Thefamiliarsongstartedplaying,atunethattheyallknewbyheart.

“It’safterclosing,sowhydidthemusicsuddenlystart?”heasked.

Philbyanswered,“Don’tworryaboutit.”

Maybeckwarnedtheothersthatitcouldbeatrap.“Stufflikethisdoesn’tjusthappen.”

Finntoldthemaboutthemusiche’dheardcomingfromFrontierland.“Maybethere’sapartyoverthere.”

Charlenesaid,“Waynetoldmetheridesandattractionsareleftonatnight.Let’sjustgetitoverwith.”

“Butthelightsareoff,”Finnsaid.

Indeed,thefarthertheymoveddowntheramp,thedarkeritgrew.Onlysomeemergencyfloodlightsandexitsignswereglowing.Theyprovidedenoughlighttoseeby,butjustbarely.

Theyallclimbedintoaboat,FinnsittingwithPhilby,MaybeckbetweenCharleneandWillaonthebenchbehind.

“Thatsongdrivesmenuts,”Charlenesaid.“Thewayitgetsstuckinmyhead.”

“Thatsongiswhywe’rehere,”Philbyremindedher.“Itrepeatsthewordsunoverandover,andthisisoneoftheoriginalrides.”

Theboatstartedmoving.Asitroundedabendintothefirstscene,themusic

grewlouder.

Finnandhisfriendsfacedhundredsofdolls,allrepresentingthedifferentcountriesandcontinentsoftheworld.TheywereAudio-Animatronics,sotheirlimbsandmouthsmovedastheysang.Thelowlightcasteerieshadows.Anopenarchupaheadledintothenextscene.

“Doweevenknowwhatwe’relookingfor?”Charlenewhined.

“AFastpassbacktoournormallives,”Maybecksnorted.

Charlenesaid,“It’screepyinhere.Realcreepy.”

Willapointed.“Hey!Didthatdollmove?”sheasked.

Maybecksaid,“They’reallmoving,girl.They’resinging.”

“No,Imean—moving.Asinwalking.”

Maybecklaughed.Theothersfollowed—evenWilla,whowasgladforthechancetoreleasethetensiontheywereallfeeling.

Theirboatpassedunderthearchandintothenextscene.

Behindthem,whentheDHIswerenolongerlooking,oneoftheBritishdollsleanedforwardandsnappeditsgluedfeetoffthedeckofthedisplay.Ittookalongstrideforward.Fourothersdidthesame—twofromFrance,twofromSwitzerland—theirmouthsmovingalongwiththesonglyricsastheirfeetbrokefree.

Lookingforclues,WillaandPhilbycalledoutthevariousEuropeancountriesrepresentedbythedolls.

“It’scoldtonight,”Charlenecomplained.Shecrossedherarms.

Finnfelttheunusualchillaswell.He’dcometorecognizethatchill.HelookedaroundforanysignofMaleficent.

Philbysaid,“Thinkintermsofthefable.It’soriginallyanancientChinesestory,soweshouldfocusonAsia,theride’snextscene.”

“There!”Willasaid,pointing.“IjustsawaGermanmove!

NowFinnlookedbackaswell.“Philby?”hesaid.

Theothersturnedtolook.Theboatrockedastheymoved.

Charlenescreamed.Maybecksaidawordhewasn’tsupposedtosay.Philbyplungedhishandintothedarkwaterandshouted,“Paddle!”

Behindthem,severaldozendollshadbrokenloosefromthesceneandweremarchingtowardthewater.Towardtheboat.

Thekidspaddled,buttheboatdidn’tmoveanyfaster.Itwaslockedontoatrackandmovedmechanically.

Behindthem,theloosedollsbangedintoeachotherandtumbledover,butthenstoodupagain.Moreandmoreofthemleanedandwiggledandstretchedandbrokefreefromthevariousplatforms.Theymarcheddownthroughthepanoramas,throwingtheirlegsforwardlikelittlesoldiers,andfelloverface-firstintothewaterlikelemmings.

Theboatdraggedslowlyforward.Thekidscouldnotsteeritrightorleft,normoveitanyfaster.Morewide-eyeddollsfellofftheplatformsandplungedintotheshiningwater.Miraculously,theirarmsbegantostrokefreestyle,andtheirfeettoflutterkick.Theywereswimming.

“They’recomingrightatus!”Willashouted.

Finnheardlittlethudsasthefirstdollsarrivedandbangedintothehulloftheboat.

“Thisisn’thappening,”Maybecksaid,tryingtosoundcalm.

“Shut—up!”saidCharlene.“Dosomething!”

Thereweremoreofthedollsnow—maybefiftyormore,allswimmingtowardtheboat,theirnationalcostumesreducedtowetrags.Theyconvergedontheboat,stackingoneatopthenext,higherandhigherinafloatingpile.Onedollfloppedovertherailandintotheboat.Thenanother,andanother.

TheboatpassedintotheAsiascene.Noneofthekidswaslookingforcluesnow.

Thedolls’littlesingingmouthsopenedandshut,snappingviciously.Afewmoretumbledoverandintotheboat.Theywereclimbing!Astheylanded,theyrolled,crawled,andthenpulledthemselvesuptostanding.

OnebitdownontoFinn’sarm,lockingitsjaw.Itdrewblood.Finnknockeditoffandbackintothewater.

TwootherdollsattackedPhilby.Maybeckpushedthemoffasiftheywerelivelobsters,thenpickedoneupandthrewit.Itstruckthewallandsmashedintopieces.

Theotherkidscheered.

CharleneandWillaknockedthedollsofftheedgeoftheboatbeforetheycouldclimbin.FinntoreabitingdolloffPhilby’sleg.

Maybeahundreddollswerenowswimmingtowardthem.Theyweredefinitelylosingthebattle.

FinnglancedaheadthroughthenextarchtotheAmericasscene.Therehesawdozensofdolls,linedupandwaitingfortheboat.

Maybeckshouted,“We’relosingthewar,incaseanyone’skeepingtrack!”Hislegwasbleedingfromabite.Willasmackedadollbackintothewater.Itrosetothesurface,turned,andswamagainfortheboat.

Legionsofdollsclosedinfromallsides.

ThatchorusofsingingscreamedinFinn’sears:“It’sasmallworldafterall.It’sasmallworldafterall.…”

Finnfeltlikehewasbeingdrivenhalf-crazybythesound.

“There’sawayoutofthis!We’remissingsomething,”hecried.“Think!Everyonethink!”

“Anautomaticweapon?”Maybecksuggested.

“Abaseballbat,”Willasaid,grabbingseveralmoredollsandtossingthemovertheside.

“Formacircle!”Finnordered.“Backtoback!”

Withoutargumentthekidsturnedbacktoback,likethefivepointsofastar.

“Wemusthavewhateveritisweneedtobeatthem,”Finnsaid.

“Why?”askedthecynicalMaybeck.

“Becausegoodconquersevil,”Charleneannounced.“ThisistheMagicKingdom!Finn’sright.”

“We’remissingsomething,”Finnsaid.

“Anoutboardmotor?”Maybeckquipped.“Astickofdynamite?”

Finnlookedup.TheywereintotheAmericasscenenow,andthereonthewallwasthehugeMayansun.

Finncaughthimselfhummingalongwiththethemesong.

WillaheardFinnhumming.Shejoinedinwiththelyrics.

Thedollskeptadvancing.Everykidboreabruiseoranopenwound.Theysweptthedollsofftheedgeoftheboat,butitwasclearlyalosingbattle.Dollsjumpedfortheboatandheldontoitssides.

Maybeckbangedtheirlittlehandswithhisfists.

Charlenejoinedinsinging:

“Thereisjustonemoonandonegoldensun—”

Sun!Finnthought.Whatweretheymissing?

“Andasmilemeansfriendshiptoev’ryone—”

Smile!Thesunhadbroughtthemhere.Thesunisoftenshownwithasmileonitsface.

Friendship,Finnthought.

“It’sallaboutfriendship!”Finndeclared.“Thelyrics!Ourabilitytospreadfriendshipliketheraysofthesun!”

“You’reoutofyourmind!”Maybeckroared,smashinganencroachingdoll.

“Asmilemeansfriendshiptoeveryone!”Willacried.Sheconsideredthisamomentwhilestillbattlingthedolls.“Wehavetosmileatthem!”

Finnhollered,“Tryit!”

Maybeckcomplained,“Youhavegottobekidding!”

“Smile!”WillaandFinnholleredsimultaneously.

Andwiththat,allbutMaybeckbrokeintomassivefakesmiles.Theylookedlikejack-o-lanterns.

Finnwatchedastheeffectofthosesmilesregisteredinthefrozenglasseyesofthedolls.

Theexpressionsonthesmallfaceschangedfrombloodlusttosurprise,thencuriosity,andthenoutrightaffection.

Theeffectquicklyspreadthroughthefacesofotherdolls.Somestoppedswimming.Othersturnedaround.

“Keepsmiling!”Finnsaid,throughclenchedteeth,hisfakesmileneverfaltering.

Astheswimmingdollsencounteredthesmiles,theyfellbackoverthesideoftheboat,backintothewater.

Finnandtheothersbeganclearingdollsoutofthebottomoftheboat.Insidethevastroom,thesongcontinued,overandover,overandover.Withinafewminutes,theboatwascleared.

Dozensofdollsfloated,lyingstillinthewater.

It’saSmallWorldwasgoingtobeclosedfor“restoration”forquitesometime.

TheboatpassedthegiantsunattheendoftheAmericasscene.

Finnstudieditcarefully.Hesawnothingthatevenremotelyresembledaclue.

17

Saturdaymidmorningfoundtheskywithoutacloud.Ahotsunburnedayelowholeintherichbluebackground,promisingthunderstormsbylateafternoon.ThecornerparkinglotofDangerousDan’sUsedCarswasmarkedbylittleredandyellowplasticflagsonastringthatranfromlightpoletolightpole,givingtheschoolcarwashthefeelofacircus.Afour-foot-longmockblimpandabigbunchofcolorfulballoonshoveredfiftyfeetabovetheasphaltinanefforttodrawattention.

Thatwasalsothejobofthegirlsatthestoplight,whoworejeanshortsovertheirbathingsuitsandheldasignproclaiming:GIRLSCOUTCARWASH—$5.

Dan’solder-modelHyundais,Fords,andBuickshadbeenparkedtotheside,leavingalargeareanowcoveredwithhoses,buckets,andlotsofwhitefoam,asskinnygirlsstruggledtoscrub,polish,andshinethecarsthatlinedupforthefive-dollarwash.Mostofthetimetheprocessincludedawaterfight,orabucketbrigade,thegeneralchaoskeptundercontrolenoughtobefunforall,evenonlookerslikeFinn.

TherewasalreadyarumorgoingaroundthatIt’saSmallWorldhadbeenvandalizedthenightbeforeandwouldbeclosedformonths.Policewereinvestigating.

FinnstoodawayfromallthewaterwithhisfriendDillard,whohadtakentheoccasiontoborrowoneofhisfather’sHawaiianshirts.Finnthoughthelookedprettycool.

FinnspottedJezassheleftthecollectiontable,whereshe’dbeentakinginthemoney.Shekickedoffherpairofshortstorevealadarkpurpleone-pieceSpeedoandjumpedintothemiddleofawaterfight.Sudsflew.Thegirlsgiggledandscreamed.TheyhoseddownaVolvoandspongeditclean.Nowwet,withherhairslickedback,JezlookedoveratFinn.She’dknownhewasthereallalong.

Noticingthis,Dillardsaid,“Youthinkshelikesyou?”

Finnsaid,“She’sagirl.Notellingwhatshethinks.”

Dillardasked,“Youthinkgirlsaresmarterthanus?”

“Insomethings.”

“Likewhat?”

“Likeschoolstuff,andfriendships,andfamilystuff.”

“Sowe’rebetterat…?”Dillardasked.

“Computergames.Andfarting,”Finnsaid,crackinguphisfriend.

“What’ssofunny?”saidagirlbehindthem.

ItwasAmanda,wearingawhiteT-shirtoveraswimsuitandapairofjeanshorts.Finnsaidhiandshesaidhibacktobothboys.

Dillardopenedhismouthtosayhello,butbelchedinstead.He’dneverbeenmucharoundgirls.Bothboyslaughedhard.

Amandadugintothesnugpocketofherjeansandpulledoutseveralbills.ShehandedDillardadollar.“Hey,Dill,”shesaid,calculatinglycoy,“wouldyoumindgettingmeanorangesoda?”

“No—no—no…”hestuttered.“Happyto.”

DillardaskedifFinnwantedanythingandFinnpassedhimadollar,askingforacola,andthankinghim.Dillardtookoff.

Amandasaid,“Thenearestorangesodaisatthegasstation,acrossthestreet.

It’lltakehimawhile.”

“He’snotaservant,youknow?”Finnsaid.

“IwantedtohearaboutIt’saSmallWorld,”shesaid.“Thatwasyouguys,Iassume.”

Finnsaid,“Youcan’tsayanythingtoanyone.”

“Youguystrashedtheplace?”Shetookastepback.“Why?”

“Itwasn’tanythinglikethat.Itwas—”Hefeltboxedin.“Impossibletoexplain.”

“Impossiblebecauseyouwon’t,youmean.”

“Impossiblebecauseyouwouldn’tbelieveit.”

“That’snottrue.Tryme.”

Finnmeteyeswithher,consideredifthiswastherightthingtodo,andsaid,“Thedollscamealiveand…attackedus.”

Amandalookedstunned,butshedidnotmakefunofhim.

Finnreturnedhisattentiontothenoisygirlsandthecarwash.

Hepulledupthelegofhisshortsandshowedherwherehe’dbeenbitten.Amandagasped.

“Finn…”

“Iknow,”hesaid.“It’sgettingserious.”

“Getting?”shefiredbacksarcastically.

“Andwhat’sworse,wedidn’tfindanycluestothefable.”

“You’vegottostopthissomehow,Finn.It’stoodangerous.It’sjuststupidtocontinue.”

Finnsaid,“WishIcould,butIdon’tthinkIcan.”

“WhenIdothingsIshouldn’tdo,mymothersaysIneedanewpairofglasses—thatIshouldbelookingdifferentlyatthechoicesImake.”

AsilentalarmwentoffinFinn’shead.Hetunedouteverythingaroundhim—everythingbutAmanda—andfocusedonher.“Whatdidyoujustsay?”

“Youcan’tgogettinghurt.That’sjuststupid.”

“Abouttheglasses,”Finnsaid.

“Justsomedumbthingmymothersays.”

“Likeadifferentperspective,”hesaid.

“Yeah.”Herconcernmounted.“Whatifyoujuststayedupallnightanddidn’tgotosleep?BythetimeyoudidgotosleeptheMagicKingdomwouldbeopen.Evenifyouendedupthere,itwouldbesafer!”

“Andthisfortherestofmylife,Isuppose?”Finnasked.Buthisbrainwasworkingovertime.

Anewpairofglasses.

“Hey,isn’tthatguyahost?”Amandaasked.

FinnspottedMaybeckataboutthesamemomentthatJezdid.Maybeckwentovertoher,saidsomething,andthetwostartedlaughing.

JeztookMaybeckbythearmandledhimovertoalemonadestand.Shesnatcheduptwocupsandofferedhimone.

Onlythen,ashepeeredovertherimofthepapercup,didMaybeckspotFinnandAmanda.

Hiseyeswentwidewithrecognition,andhegaveFinnahalfwave.MaybecktooktwostepstowardFinn,butJezcaughthimbythearmagain,tippedhiscuptomakehimfinishhislemonade,andthensaidsomethingthatcausedhimtocrumpleuphiscupandthrowitather.Jezdidthesamebackathim.Within

secondsitevolvedintoawaterfight,withMaybeckatitscenter.

ForsomereasonFinnwantedtobeatthecenterofthatbattle.Buthisfocusshiftedpastthewaterfighttothestreetandacarparkedthere.

Disguisingthedirectioninwhichhewaslookingbypretendingtoscratchhishead,Finnsaid,

“Checkoutthatblackfour-wheel-drivethatjustpulleduptothecurb.”

“Yeah?”Amandasaid.

“Lookclosely.Tellmewhatyousee.”Finnturnedhisbackonthecarcompletelynow.

“Okay.Awoman.Agrown-up.”

“Herhands.Onthewheel.”

“Whitegloves,”Amandasupplied.“That’salittleweird.”

“Alittle?”

“Yeah.Whiteglovesarealittleweird,evenforFlorida.”

“Liketotallyinsane,”Finnobserved.“It’sazilliondegreesout.”

“You’vegottoseethis,”Amandatoldhim.

Finnglancedcarefullyoverhisshoulder.Goose-bumpsracedupbotharms.Thedriverrolledthepassengerwindowdown.Jez,who’dbrokenawayfromthewaterfight,walkedstifflytowardthecarandsteppeduptothewindow.Thedriverleanedovertospeaktoher,givingFinnabetterlook.Herfaceappearedunnaturallypale.SheremindedFinnofsomeone,buthecouldn’tplaceher.

“Doesshelookfamiliartoyou?”

“Shelooksscared,”Amandasaid.

Finnhadbeenlookingatthedriver.OnlynowdidhefocusonJezandseehersquarepostureandunexpressiveface.

Thedriverhaddarkhair,pulledbacksharply.

“Icanthinkofonereasonyoumightwearglovesandatonofmakeup,”Finnsaiddryly.

Amandawasoffinherownworld,stilldescribingJez.“Shelookssounhappy.”

“Youthinkthat’shermother?”

“No!”Amandasnappedsharply.

“It’spossible,”Finnsaiddefensively.

“Theydon’tlooktoofriendlytome,”Amandasaid.“Butyou’rerightaboutthegloves.What’swiththat?”

Finndidn’tsaywhathewasthinking:Youmightwearglovesandalotofmakeupifyourskinwasgreen.

18

ThatsameSaturdaynight,theDHIsmetattheIndianEncampmentacrossfromTomSawyerIsland.Ateighto’clocktheparkwasstillopen,sotheywaitedforitsclosingbyhidinginvisiblyinsidetheteepee.

Finnsaid,“We’llmakeourmoveduringthefireworksfinalescheduledforeight-thirty.Alleyeswillbeaimedatthesky.”

“Whynotjustwaituntilclosing?”Charleneasked,neveroneforunnecessaryadventure.

Philbyanswered,“AfterwhathappenedatIt’saSmallWorld,Disneyannouncedthatthey’reincreasingsecurity.Thatmeanspatrols,probablyinpairs,maybeingolfcarts.Wecan’taffordtogetbusted.Sowecrosstheparkwhiletherearestillguestsinside.SeeingaDHIwillmakesenseaslongasitisn’tpastclosing.”

Finnaskedtheobvious.“Howdidthosedollscometolife?”

Philbyansweredwithaquestion.“Howdowecometolife?”

“Weweredesignedtocrossover,ifyoubelieveWayne.Thedollsmostdefinitelywerenotdesignedtomarcharoundattackingpeople.”

Maybecksaid,“Acertainwomanwithagreenfacecomestomind.Aspell?”

Finnfounditoddbutcooltobeinvisible,tobenothingbutavoice.HewonderedifMaybeckhadgottenasgoodalookatJez’smomasheandAmanda

had.

Philbyannounced,“Wecantalkaboutthislater.Fornow,we’lltravelingroups,neverallfiveofustogether,incaseweshouldgetcaught.Andnomatterwhat,wenevergoitalone.Twogroups.Finnandme.Thethreeofyou.”

Nooneobjected.

“Maybeck,”Finnsaid,“didyougetthem?”

“Yeah,”Maybeckanswered.“Hangon.Ileftthembythedoor.”

Maybeck’sarmappearedbytheteepee’sopendoor.Heproducedfivepairsofplasticglasses.“Igotherealittleearly,”hesaid.

“What’swiththat?”Philbyasked.

Finnexplained,“Walt’scommenttoWayne.Andthensomethingafriendofminesaidaboutperspective.”

“Idon’tgetit,”Charlenesaid.

“AsIrecall,Walt’sexactwordstoWaynewere:‘Ihaveplansforthisplacethatshouldputthingsintoperspective.'”

Finnexplained,“Inthelatefiftiesandsixties,3-Dmovieswerealltherage.Waltwasanillustratorandmoviemaker.Hewouldhaveknownallaboutperspective.Thesedaysthe3-D

moviesaresomeofthecoolestthingsintheparks.IthinkWaltmentionedittoWayneforareason,andWayneandtheothersneverpickeduponit.Perspective;3-D.Youhavetowearspecialglasses.That’swhyMaybeckandthegirlsarereturningtoIt’saSmallWorldtonight.”

“What?”Charlenesaid.

“Wemissedtheclue,”Finnexplained.“Weshouldhavefoundsomething.Thosedollsdidnotwantusinthere—ormaybetheywantedourattentiononthemandnotthescenery.Whatifweweren’tlookingfromtherightperspective?”

Philbyasked,“Youthinktheglassesaretheanswer?”

“PhilbyandIaregoingtotakethenextclue—clouds—whileyouguysareatIt’saSmallWorldcheckingouttheMayansun,thistimewithglasses.”

“Isn’tgoingbacktherealittlerisky?”Charleneaskednervously.

Maybecksaid,“It’sthelastplacethey’lllook.Lightningdoesn’tstriketwice,andalthat.”

Acoilofwindswirledoutsideoftheteepee,tossingupdust.Itquietedthegroup.TheywaitedaminuteormoretofeelachilorseeMaleficent,buttherewasnothing.

Charleneasked,“Whatdoyousupposehappenstousbackhomeinbedifwegetbustedonthisside?”

Silence.

“Ithinkmyparentsaresuspicious,”Willaannounced.

“Mineare,too,”Finnadded.“TheythinkI’msneakingout.”

“Mymom’saluptight,”Charleneconfessed.

“Goingtobedateightdoesn’thelpthings,”Maybecksaid.“MyauntthinksI’vetotalylostit.”

FinnaskedPhilbyandWillawhat,ifanything,they’dlearnedaboutclouds,thenextclueinthefable.

Philbyexplained,“Therearecloudsinsomanyrides.Pooh.PeterPan.Buttheridewiththemostclouds,andthebiggestclouds,isSplashMountain.That’swhereFinnandIwilstart.”

“Startwhat?”Charleneasked.

“Whenwe’reinsidetheattractions,”Philbyannounced,“wealweartheglasses.We’l‘gainabetterperspective.’Let’smeetbackattheapartmentatten.Thebuttonisupthere.Useitifyouhaveto.”

“Listenup,”Finnsaid,movinginvisiblytowardtheteepeedoorandeventualyintotheareawherehecouldbeseen.“Majorityrules.Ifyouguysneedtoleavethepark,thenusetheremote.”

Maybeckasked,“Whatifittakesalofusatthesametime?Whatifwe’rewrongaboutneedingtobeclosetoit?”

“Thenwe’llfindoutthehardway,”Philbysaid.

“Weshouldgetgoing,”Maybecksaidanxiously.

“What’sthematter?”CharleneaskedMaybeck.“Yougotahotdate?”

Maybecksmirked.“NotwithyouIdon’t.”

Thefourothersbooedhim.Maybeckwentrightongrinning,unperturbed.

19

FinnandPhilbyclimbedintoSplashMountain’swaterwaycarefuly.Thedarkwaterwascold.

Finndidn’tlikethefeelingatall.“Arewesure,”hewhisperedtoPhilby,“thatthisisworthit?”

“Dowehaveachoice?”

Theysloggedtheirwaythroughthefirstpartoftheride,aroundsometurns,andsoonencounteredarubberconveyorinclinethatprovedatoughclimb.Itgrewdarkerthedeepertheywentintotheride.Asidefromhiscold,wetlegs,Finnfeltadifferentchillallthroughhisbody.HeconsideredmentioningittoPhilby,buthedidn’twanttosoundafraidlikeCharlene.

Theyclimbedthroughasecondtunnel,muchlongeranddarkerthanthefirst.Ithadstairsoneithersideformaintenanceandemergencyevacuation.Onlytheorangenightsky,andaslightglowfromtheirholograms,offeredanylight.Oncethroughthissecondtunnel,theyrestedbrieflybeforepassingamassivetreeontheirleft.Inonescenetherewasaladderhangingfromabranch,withalaundrylinetotheirright.Herethewatercurrentwasstrongandthegoingmoretreacherous.

Philbysaidsoftly,“Ithinkweoughttofloat.”

“What?”

“Float,”herepeated.Philbyloweredhimselffullyintothewaterandleanedback.ThewatercurrentquicklycarriedhimawayfromFinn.

Reluctantly,Finndidthesame,notwantingtobeleftbehind.

Bothboysmaintainedtheirbalanceanddirectionbykeepingonehandonthesteelrailmeanttoguidetheride’sboats.

“I’vetakenthisrideazilliontimes,”Philbysaid,“butthisisprettycool.”

Finndidn’tlovebeingsoakingwet,buthetoowasenjoyinghimself.

Thentheyenteredadarkscene,acavelikespacefilledwithAudio-Animatronicfigures.Thecharacters,turnedoffforthenight,allstoodfrozeninmidgesture.

“Kindacreepy,”Finnsaid.He’dhadenough.Thegoingwasperfectlyflathere,thecurrentslow.Hegrabbedtherailandpreparedtoclimbout.

Philbydoveforward,splashingthemboth,andgrabbedholdofFinn.

“Youcan’tdothat!”Philbywarnedhim.“Ifweclimbout,we’lltripthealarm.”

“Whatalarm?”Finnchallenged.

“Theyuseinfraredsensorstodetectanyonewhotriestogetoutofalogcarduringtheride.”

“Buttheride’sshutdown.”

“Butistheinfraredshutdown?”Philbyasked.“Idoubtit.Besides,therearethirty-sixhiddencamerasalongtheride.Ifweclimbout,we’llbephotographed.”

“It’spitch-black!”

“Butwe’renot,”hesaid,indicatinghisownglow.“We’llbephotographed,trustme.Andifwe’rephotographed,we’reidentifiedandbusted,”Philbysaid.

“Howdoyouknowanyofthisstuff?”

“CanyouspellGoogle?”

“Andyouwaiteduntilnowtotellmethis?”Finnasked.

“Iwasn’tgoingtowriteyouareport,”Philbysnappedbackirritably.

Finn’sfeargrewmoreintensethedeepertheyventuredintothiscave.Theyfloatedfasternowastheroutetwistedandturned.Thewaist-deepwaterintheride’schutewasgettingdeeper;andthewaterwasflowingfaster.

“IfIrememberright,we’regoingintoasmall—drop,”Philbyannounced.

Bothboysrusheddownthedrop.Finn’sheadwentunderwater,andheheardsomethinggrinding.Somethingmechanical.

Hebobbedtothesurface.“Didyouhearthat?”

“Theride’sturnedon,”Philbydeclared,hisvoiceunsteady.“Thatmeansthelogcarsaremoving.”

Finnrecalledthemarchingdolls.Hehadnodesiretotrytooutracemetalboatsshapedtolooklikelogs.

Anotherdrop.

Thewatertriedtoswallowthem.Bothboysremainedontheirbacks,armsextendedtostayafloat.Atthebottom,Finnlookedaheadtoseeanothertunnelapproaching.

“Idon’tlikethis!”hesaid.

Astheynearedthetunneltheysawlightsandheardmusicplaying.Voicessang,“Yougottakeepmovingalong.”

Therobotcharactersweremoving;giantcreatureswithlongnosesandbigbugged-outeyesrockedanddanced.Onethrewafishinglineatthewater.

Finnsaid,“I’mstartingtothinkgettingbustedwouldn’tbetoobad.”

“Notyet!”Philbyannounced.“We’vegottohanginthere.”

Thetwoboysswamandbouncedandbumpedtheirwayalongthewaterroute.Theypassedfakegreenhillsandlow-hangingtreebranches,andasix-foot-tall

rabbitholdingapaintbrush.

ThesethingslookeddevilishtoFinnashesawthemloomingabovehim.

“Theridetakesatotalofelevenminutestocomplete,”Philbysaid.“Ifwe’rehalfwayalong—

andIbetweare—thenthefirstlogcarshouldn’tarriveforanothersixminutes.Bythattime,we’llonlyhaveacoupleminutestogo.”

“Whydoesn’tthatsoundterriblyreassuring?”

Nextweremountainbackdropsandtwelve-foot-highbears.Finnlookedaway,coldandshivering,andanticipatedthearrivalofasteellog.

“Clouds!”Philbyannounced.

Finnsawtheminthebackdrop.Theywerepaintedbehindamountainrange.Hewormedahandintohispocketanddonnedthepairof3-Dglasses,justasPhilbydid.

Nothing.Thecloudslookedperfectlynormal.

Finnsqueezedtheglassesbackintohispocketwithdifficulty.“Thisiscrazy,”hesaid.“Whatarewedoinghere?”

“Themoreimportantquestion,”Philbyanswered,“iswhoknowswe’reinhere,andwhywastherideturnedon?”

“Ifyou’retryingtocheermeup,you’renotdoingsuchagreatjob,”Finnfiredback.

Agiantrabbitjumpedacrossthescene,andcalledoutloudly,whichcausedFinntosplashinself-defense.Okay,Finnthought,nowI’mdefendingmyselfagainstmechanicalrabbits.Whatiftheserobotscomealivethesamewaythedollsdid?“Okay,”hesaid.“Iwouldliketogetoutofhere!”

“Moreclouds!”Philbyannounced.

Finnfumbledwithhisglassesagain.Wearingthem,hetookinthecloudsand

sky.Stillnothing.

nothing.

Presently,therewerechipmunkvoicessingingsomethingatsuchahighpitchandvolumethatFinncouldn’tunderstandaword.Buthecouldfeelthelogsapproaching.Philbykeptglancingoverhisshoulder.Hecouldfeelthemtoo.

Alowmalevoicebegannarratingtheride.Thescenebecameasdarkastheinsideofastomach.Theboysbouncedofftherailsandthechutewalls.Bruisedandcold,Finngrewincreasinglydesperate.“Exactlywhatarewedoinghere?”heaskedashisheadcameupfromunderwateragain.

“Mybad,Finn,”Philbysaid.“Butkeeptheglasseson.Okay?Andkeepaneyeoutformoreclouds.”

Alargewolfwearingacowboyhatandholdingarabbitwassayingsomethingthatwasprobablyfunny,thoughFinnwasn’tlistening.Hisearsweretunedtothesteadygroanofthesystem—theapproachofthelogcars.

“Maybeweriskthecameras,”Finnsuggested.

Philbysaid,“AndhaveourDHIsremovedfromthepark?Idon’tthinkso!”

Finnknewthiswasright.Hefelthiscouragegatheringandwasgladtohaveitback.

Theyslippeddownadip,travelingeverfasterinthedark,churningwater.Finnsawlightupahead.Hefeltaprofoundsenseofgratitude.Theendoftheride,insightatlast!Butthenherememberedwheretheywereintheride.Nextupwas—

Areallybigdrop.Theride’sbiggestdropofall.Itsbiggestthrill.Thrillorkill?Finnwondered.

Heback-paddled,fightingthecurrent.

“Thatbaby’saboutfourstories,straightdown,”Philbysaid.“Forty-fivedegrees.Amilliongallonsofwaterdrivingyoulikeafreighttrain.”

Theirbodiesslappedforward—closertotheedge—despitetheirvigoroussplashing.

“It’lleithercrushus,”Finnsaid,“orwe’lldrown.”

Philbydidn’tdisagree.

Finnsaidmoreloudly,“Isaid:it’lleithercrushus,orwe’lldrown!”

“Yeah,”Philbysaid.“Ithinkyou’reright.”Herolledontohisstomachandtriedtoswimawayfromthedrop,butitwasnouse:thewaterwastoofast.

Finnalsorolledoverandstartedswimming.Hetriedfortheedge,happytoclimbout,evenwiththeriskofgettingbusted,butthestrongcurrentpreventedhimfromreachingtheside.Hepanicked.

Thoughthetwoboysswamfrantically,theywereactuallymovingwiththecurrenttowardthedrop.

Philbysaidbetweenstrokes,“Ifwe—couldget—intoalog—”

Wasthatpossible?Finnwondered.Itdidseemtheperfectsolution.

Howmuchlongeruntilalogarrived?Finnwondered.Hetwistedhiswatchwhileflappinghisotherarminanawkwardcrawl.Anymoment,hedecided.Betweengulpsofdisgustingwaterhesaid,“Soundslikeaplan.Keepswimming!”Theywerebothstillslippingbackwarddespitetheirefforts.Theride’sdramaticplummetdrewnear.

ItfelttoFinnasifhewerebeingsuckeddownagiantdrain.

“We’renotthinkingright!”hesaid.Thefirstlogappeared.Itlookedbigandpowerful,anditwascomingrightforthem.

Stillthinkingoutloud,Finnsaid,“We’remadeoflight,Philby.Holograms!We’rehalflight.Wearen’tsolid.WaynetalkedaboutEinstein.Abouthowwe’remorespacethanatoms.”Hecouldn’tseePhilbythroughallthesplashing.

Avoicesurfaced.“Idon’tthinkthisisthebesttimetodiscussphysics,”Philbysaid.“Besides

—Iprobablyknowmoreaboutitthanyoudo.”

Theyheardaloudbump!andwhack!fromthedarkastheloggrewcloser.

“Ifwe’remostlylight,”Finnproposed,“thenwatercurrentcan’taffectus.Lightmovesthroughwater;itdoesn’tgetcarriedoffbyit.”

Drivenbyhisnewfoundconfidence,Finnrolledontohisbackandstrokedmoregently.

Slowly,hepulledawayfromPhilby,andwithhalftheeffort.

It’sallwhatI’mthinking,herealized.

PhilbywatchedasFinn’sglowingbody—brighternow—swampasthimupstream.Indoingso,Philbyallowedhimselftorelaxforamoment.

Amomenttoolong.

Philbywassuckeddownthethroatofthefinalplummet.

Timeslowed.Philbytumbledthroughspaceandwater,holdinghisbreathandthensuckingforair.Hislungsburned.Hecouldn’ttellwhatwasupordown.Then,amidtheswirlofblack,ahandappeared.Ahumanhand.Glowing,asifithadbeenpluggedintothewall.Behindthathandanothershapeformed.Thatshapewasanarm,Finn’sarm.

Finnwasinsidethelogcarleaningover.Thetwoboyslockedhands,andFinndraggedPhilbyupandintothelog.Thelogthrewoutatremendoussplashasitreachedthebottomofthechute.

BythetimePhilbyhadrightedhimself,nowsittingup,theloghadsnakedthroughthechuteandenteredyetanotherscene.Thiswasthelastscene,themostexoticoftheattraction.

FinnandPhilbyscrambledfortheirglasses.

“Howdidyoudothat?”Philbyasked.

“I’mnotsure.ButIthinkitwasallinmyhead,”Finnreplied.

Behindthepaddleboat,Finnspottedlargepinkcloudsinabigbluesky.Hisheadswirledwiththesoundsofvoicessinging“Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.”Heslippedontheeyeglasses.

There,behindtheShowboat,hesawabunchofclouds.Inthemiddleofoneofthebiggestcloudshesawseveralbigletters.Theyappearedtohavebeenspray-painted: FME

WhenFinnliftedhisglasses,thelettersdisappeared.

“Ourfirstclue!”Finnwhispered,lookingfortheexit.

20

“Where’sMaybeck?”Finnasked.Thetwogirlsdidn’tanswerrightaway.TheyseemedshockedtoseehimandPhilbysowetandsopale.

“Wedon’tknow.”Charlenesoundedfrightened.

“Thesun!”Philbysaid.“Didyoutrytheglasses?”

“Y,I,andR.Threeletters!Theylookpainted,addedonlater.”Willarepliedexcitedly.

“Samewithus!”Philbysaid,“F,M,andE.We’redefinitelyontosomething.”

Finninterruptedtheirglee.“Where—is—Maybeck?”

Charlenelookedworried.“Wegottotherideandhesaidhehadsomethinghehadtocheckout.Wetoldhimwehadtosticktogether,butheblewusoff.”

“Andhehasn’tcomeback,”Willasaidangrily.

“Hasn’tcomeback?”Philbyasked,finallyrealizingtheyhadaseriousproblemontheirhands.

“Andthiswas,like,halfanhourago,”Charlenesaid.

“Hekeptcheckinghiswatch,”Willacomplained.“Hewasnervousaboutsomething,likehewaseagertogetback.”

“Oh,no.”Finnheardhimselfmoan.

“Thebutton!”heandPhilbysaidatonce.

IfMaybeckhadtakenthebuttonfromtheapartmentwithhimtotheotherside,hecouldleavethemallstrandedinsidetheMagicKingdomuntilhereturned.Nooneknewifthebuttonwouldcrossoverorstaybehind.Buttheydidn’twanttowaittofindout.

Thefourtookoffatarun.

Theyapproachedthecastlewithcaution.Itseemedalikelylocationforsecurityguards.Atnight,lightstreamedupontoitsstoneexterior,thetoweringspirespointinglikefingersintothedarksky.Crouchedbehindsomethickbushes,justofftherampthatleduptothecastle,thekidswaited,listeningintentlyandlookinginalldirections.

CharlenenudgedPhilby,whonudgedFinn.Apairofpirates—figuresfromPiratesoftheCaribbean,nothumans—lurkedinshadowjustinsidethecastle’sfirstarch.Waiting.Theirmechanicaleyesneverblinked.

Finnwhispered,“Iknowthosetwo!Theywerepartofthegroupthatattackedme.”

“You’reright,”saidPhilby.“Iwastheretoo,remember?”

“Youthinkthey’rewaitingforus?”Charleneasked.

“No.Howcouldtheypossiblyknow—?”Finncuthimselfoff.

“Maybeck,”Willasaid.“Youdon’tthink—?”

“MaybeckisnotanOvertaker,”Philbydeclared.

“Hecouldbeaspy,”Charleneproposed.

“Noway!”Finnsaidsharply.“Ifthey’rewaitingforus,itmeansMaybeck’sintrouble.”

“He’sbeencaught!”Willasaid.

AchillpassedthroughFinn.Hewaitedamomenttoseeifitlingered—incaseitmeantthatthewitchwasnearby.Thefeelingpassed.

Philbysaid,“Didn’tWaynesaysomethingabout—”

“Secretwaysintothecastle,”Finnfinishedforhim.“Yes,hedid.AndhealsosaidifyoutookawrongstepinEscher’sKeepyouendedupinthemoat.Buthenevershowedusanysecretdoors.”

“Iknowwhereoneis,”Philbyannounced.

“What?”Finnsaid,astonished.

“VMK,”Philbyexplained.“IwasinthisroomandIheardthesetwoguystalkingaboutcountingstones.Castlestones:I’mpositivethatwasit!Ihadnoideawhattheymeant.Butitcouldbeasecretdoor,awayinside.”

“Howmanystones,andfromwhere?”Willaasked.“We’vegottohurry.Maybeckmayneedus.”

“Idon’tremember,butthepointis,theremustbeastoneyoupushtogetinside.”

“Butthat’sinacomputergame!”Charleneprotested,sweepingonearmacrossthescene.

“Thisisreallife!”Theyalllookedatherglowing,transparentarm.“Orsortof,”sheadded.

“Thegameispartofreallife,”Philbysaid.

“Followme,”Finnsaid.

TogetherthefourDHIscreptontheirstomachsuptothewallofthecastle,wheretheywerenowoutofsightfromthewaitingpirates.

“Spreadout,”Finnsaid.“Pusheverystoneyoucanreach.”

Theyformedalongline,wrappingaroundthesideofthecastle,theirbackstoTomorrowland,wherethemanicuredlawnspilleddowntowardthemoat.Finn

pushedagainstthecoolstoneblocks.Hestartedatkneeheightandpushedagainsteverystonehecould.Thenhemovedanarm’slengthtowardCharlene,immediatelytohisright,andstartedagain.

AfewminutesintothisprocessWillacalledout,“Gotit!”

Finnandtheothershurriedover.

Adoorhadopenedinthewallofthecastle.

Itwaspitch-blackinside.

Philbysaid,“Alwaystrustcomputergames.”

Withnoonesteppingup,Finntookthelead.Thechillycorridorsmelleddampandold.

Philbyenteredlast.Hesaid,“Waitup!We’vegottoshutthisthing.”

Willaturnedtohelphim.Shefoundanironhandlestickingoutofthewall.Shepushedandcouldn’tmoveit,thenleanedherweightontoitanditrotatedtowardthefloor.Thestonedoormadeasoundlikefingernailsonablackboardasitclosed.

FinnwasstillverywetfromhisordealatSplashMountain;hissoakedclothesmadehimverycoldnow.Hefelthiswayalongthecoolrock,trippedwhenhereachedsomestairs,andwarnedtheothersinadrywhispertolookout.Togethertheyclimbedthestairs,atthetopofwhichFinnencounteredadeadend.Itwasastonewallthatdidn’tbudgewhenheleanedagainstit.

Charlenefoundanironhandle,justliketheoneWillahadfoundattheotherend.Thetwogirlsleanedagainstit,andthewallinfrontofFinnmovedopenacrack.HeandPhilbypusheditfartheropen….

“Thethrone!”Finnsaid,recognizingwherethisdoorled.

TheysteppedintothethroneroominthewaitingareaforCinderella’sRoyalTable.Thereweretapestriesandflagsonthewalls.Thethronewasattachedtothehiddendoor,sothatwhenthedoorhadopenedthethronehadmovedwithit.Asateamtheypushedthedoorback,butnotbeforePhilbyhadtakenamoment

tofindthehiddenswitch,awoodenknobtuckedawayonthebackofthethroneitself.Whenthisknobwasmoved,thedoortrippedopen.Theytrieditoncethedoorwasbackinplace,andsureenough,itcameopenforthem,offeringthemawayout,ifneeded.

MinuteslaterthethreeothersfollowedFinnupEscher’sKeep.Hehadcarefullymemorizedtheway,buttookhistime,knowingonefalsestepcould—

“Thartheybe!”cameagruffvoicefrombehindanddownbelow.

FinnandtheothersturnedtoseethesametwoAudio-AnimatronicpiratesstandingatthebaseofEscher’sKeep.Theyappearedtobeoverwhelmedbythecomplicationsofthestairways,ladders,andplatforms,allofwhichwereinterconnectedinimprobableways.

Onepiratewasdressedinabluecoat,theotherred.Theoneinredpulledouthisknifeandpointedupthestairs.

“Hurry!”Charlenecriedout.

Thesoundofclunkymechanicallegsechoedupthefirststairway.

“Wecan’thurry,”Finnreplied.“Wemakeamistakeandweendupinthemoat,andthatwouldmeansecurityguards.”

Thepiratescontinuedtoclimb.

Philbysaid,“Besides,theywon’tfigureitout.”

Buttohisamazement,thetwopiratesmadealuckyguessatthefirstplatformandfoundthecorrectstairway.Atthetop,theredpirateturnedleft,buttheblueonegrabbedhimbytheshoulderandstoppedhim.Theywerefrighteninglyclosetothekidsnow,onlyonestairwaybehind.

Finnrememberedhowtogetontotheupside-downmirrorstairs.Hesteppedonthecorrecttilesandthentestedthestairwaywithhisrightfoot.Itwassolid.Heclimbed,andtheothersfollowed.Astheycameouttheendofashorttunneltheirimagesappearedupsidedowntothepiratesbelow.

“Avast!”theredpiratecalledoutsharply.

Heandthebluepiratehurriedupthesetofstairsinfrontofthem.CharlenechargedpastFinn,clearlyafraid.ButPhilby,Willa,andFinnwatchedfromtheirinvertedpositionsasthetwopiratesreachedthenextlandingandtriedtodecideonacourse.Theyarguedbetweenthemselves.

“Youwouldn’tknoweastifthesunwasrising!”

“No?Whenwasthelasttimeyouknewforefromaft?”

Theysteppedupontoasetofstairs,seeminglyproudoftheirchoice,andpromptlyvanishedfromsightamidaroarofrough-soundingwords.

Amomentlater,twosplashes.

Finnsaid,“Andthatwouldbethemoat.”

Afewminuteslaterthefourkidsrodethenight-skyelevatortotheapartmenttogether.Totheirconfusion,theyfoundtheremotebuttononthecoffeetable,exactlywhereFinnhadleftit.

“Eitherhecamehereandsenthimselfback,”Philbysaid,“leavingustheremote,or—”

“Heneverlefthereinthefirstplace,”Finncompleted.

“Thatmightexplainthepirates,”Willasaid,stillwonderingifMaybeckwassomehowaspy.

“Oritmighttellushe’sbeencaught,”Philbysuggested.

“Whatabouttheteepee?”Charleneasked.“Didn’twesayifwedidn’tmeethere,we’dmeetthere?”

“Yes,wedid.You’reright,”Finnsaid.

“Idon’tlovetheideaofgoingbackthewaywecame,”Philbysaid.“Thoseclownscouldreturn.”

FinnmovedovertothesilverMickeyplateonthewallbythewindow.“Wayneusedtheexpresslane,”hereminded.

“I’mnotgoingfirstonthatthing!”Charlenedeclared.

Finnsaid,“ThenIwill.”Hehittheplate.

Thefloorfelloutfromunderhim,andheslidinhisdampclothesdownatwisting,steepexittube.Itwasthebesttubehe’deverridden,includingeverywaterparkhe’deverbeento.Itleveledoffnearthebottom,slowinghimdown,andhepoppedthroughapairofdoorsandlandedonapatchofgrassinashadowynookoutsidethecastlewalls.Herolledoutofthewayandwaited.Amomentlater,Willacamethrough.ThenCharlene,andfinallyPhilby.

Together,theymadetheirwaytowardFrontierland,andtheteepee,stayinginshadowandhidingoften.

TheycalledforMaybeckinsidetheteepee.Noanswer.Then,atPhilby’surging,theyclimbedinsidetogetoutofsight.

Finnsaid,“Wehavetofindhimbeforewegoback.”

“Butit’slate,”Charleneprotested.“Wehavetogetback.Listen,he’stheonewhotookoff.Hebroketherules.Whyshouldwebetheonespunished?”

Finnasked,“Andifitwasyouleftbehind?”

“Shh!”Philbysaid.

Theparksuddenlyseemedunusuallyquiet.ItfelttoFinnasiftherewereathousandearstrainedintheirdirection.

Arustlecamefromthebushesjustontheothersideoftheteepeewall.

Theyheardfootsteps.Someonecirclingtheteepee.

Iknowyou’reinthere,saidMaleficentinherdry,raspyvoice.ButFinnheardherinhishead,notthroughhisears.Missingsomething,arewe?Shecluckedhertongue.Whatashameyoudidn’tlistenandobey.Itoldyoutostayawayfromhere.Nastychildren.Nastylittlechildren.

Thefootfallscontinuedaroundtheteepeeandreachedthefrontdoor.Theteepee’sinteriorgrewsteadilycolderuntilthekidscouldseefourplumesoftheir

foggedbreathemergingclearlyfromtheirinvisiblebodies.

Acrossfromhim,Finnheardabriefbutsharpclatterofteeth.Charlene’s,nodoubt.

Thefourplumesoffogstoppedasallfourheldtheirbreath.Aganglyshadowstretchedacrosstheopendoorway.

Maleficent’svoicesoundedlikeslowlycrackingglass.“Youshouldhavestayedawaywhileyouhadthechance.”Theshadowbent.Heroddlybeautifulgreenfaceappearedintheopendoorway.

Charlenescreamed,jumpedup,andfledtheteepee,suddenlyvisible.Shesurprisedthewitch,whoreeledbackinstinctively.MaleficentlungedatCharlenewithherskinnyarmsandbonyfingers,butCharlenewasmuchtoofastforher.Maleficentgotonlyapieceofthegirl’sblackTshirt.Theshirtstretched,andCharlenewasnearlypulledoffherfeet.Buttheshirttoreatthelastsecond,leavingascrapofclothinMaleficent’sgreenhand.

WillafledrightbehindCharlene.Thewitchmissedherentirely.

FinnsawthatMaleficent’seyeswereeerilybright.Shehadsurprisinglypretty,highcheekbones,withahighforehead,blackhair,andastrongchin.Sheworeastrangeheaddress,liketwotwistinghornsthatrosefromthehoodofhercape.Herinquisitivefaceexploredtheemptyteepee.

“Whycan’tIseeyou,youpoorsimplefools?Hmm?Haveyougotmagicofyourown?Doyou?”Nevertakinghereyesofftheinsideoftheteepee,shecrouched.Hertwistedgreenfingerswithrednailscouldn’tkeepstill.Shescoopedupafistofsandydirtfromjustoutsidethedoorway.

Finnkeptinshadow,remaininginvisible.Hemovedcarefullyandquietlytowardthedoor.

“Now,FinnWhitman,youshalldealwithme,”thewitchsaid,castinganarcofsandinside.

Briefly,aghostlyimageofPhilby’sleftsideappearedasthesandstruckandstucktohim.

Acleverwitchatthat,Finnthought.

Philbybrushedoffmostofthesand,butnotall.Hisghostlyimageremained.

Maleficentsteppedoverthelipandintotheteepee,headingrightforPhilby.

Finnjumpedforwardandshovedhertothedirt.Itfeltlikehehadrammedintoawallofice.

“Run!”Finnshouted.

Philbyjumpedoverthewitch’slegsandsprangoutoftheteepee.Helandedinthedirt,rolled,andcametohisfeet.

Finnalsotrippedoverthelowerlipoftheteepee’sdoor.He,too,wentdownface-firstintothedirt.

AsFinncametohisfeet,acrowflewfromtheteepee.ThebirddoveforFinn,itstalonslikedinnerforks.Finnblockedtheattackwithhisforearmandwasoffatarun.

Thecrowshrieked,rosehigh,circledonce,anddoveagain,aflutteroffeathers.

Finnranhardandfast,thinking,Shewillnotscareme.Shewillnotscareme!

Thebirddoveagain,thistimestrikingthebackofFinn’shead,itstalonsscratchinghisscalp.

Finnheadedfortheshore.Hehitthewaterinaracer’sdive,knowingthecrowcouldn’tfollow.

Butthecrowtuckeditswings,lowereditshead,anddoveforthewater’sblacksurface.Finnheardabigsplashandthensilencebehindhim.

Charlene,Philby,andWilla,alreadyinthewater,swamtoshoreandclamberedupontothebankandquicklyoutofsight.

Finnrealizedthebird—thewitch—hadgoneintothewaterbuthadnevercomeout.

Atthatverymoment,hefeltsomethingwraparoundhisankle.Slimyandcold,it

draggedhimunder.

Agiant,blackeel.ItclimbedupFinn’sbody,wrappedaroundhismiddle,andsqueezed.Andsqueezed.Finntoreatitwithhishands,butitwasliketryingtograbagiantslitheringbarofsoap.

Themorehefoughtagainstit,themoreitsqueezed.Hefeltthewindbeingchokedoutofhim.Hecouldn’tbreathe.Hewaslosingconsciousness.

Finnheardaloudwhine,likean…engine.Theeel’sgripslackenedjustenoughtoallowFinntotakeabreath.

Abovehim,FinnsawPhilbyinoneofthejungleboats.Philbyheldtheboat’soutboardmotortiltedjustabovethewater,itsspinningpropelleraimedattheeel.

Asthepropellerwasjustabouttocuttheeellikeameatgrinder,thebeastreleaseditsholdofFinnandslitheredbackdownunderthedarkwater.FinnpulledhimselffromthewaterasPhilbyrantheboatuponshore.

“Wegottago,rightnow!”Philbyshoutedtothegirls.“We’vegottogetbacktotheapartmentandgetoutofhere.”

“Maybeck—”Finnsaid.

“Wecan’twait!”Philbyshouted.

“That’swhatI’vebeentellingyou!”Charlenesaid.

“Ihateleavinghimbehind,”Willasaid,worried.

“Wealldo,”Philbysaid.“Buttheyknowwe’rehere.We’vegottoleave.”

Finnhardlyheardanyofthis.Hewasnotthinkingofthewater,northecrow,northeeel.Hewas,instead,thinkingonlythisonething,overandover:Sheknewmyname.Sheknewmyname.

21

Amandastayedintheleadonherbike.Thankfuly,shehadn’taskedanyquestions,andhetookthisasasigntheywerebecomingreallygoodfriends.HetoldheronlythathehadtoseeJellyandthatshewaswelcometocomealongifshewanted.Theylockedtheirbikesbeneathasignthatread:CRAZYGLAZE.

“You’reawfullyquiettoday,”shesaid.

“Yeah,”wasallFinncouldthinktosay.

“Youwantmetokeepherbusywhileyoucheckaroundback.Isthataboutit?”

Henodded.

Amandaenteredthestore,glancingbackatFinnwithaworriedexpression.

Finnfoundtwofireescapesoutback,madeofslattediron,servicingseveraldoors.

FinnheardJelly’sdistinctivevoicethroughanopenwindow.ThiswasfollowedbyAmandaaskingafterTerry.

“Terry’snotfeelingwell,”Jellysaid.

“Ibroughthimsomehomework,”Amandasaid.Itwasawhitelie,becauseinfactsheandFinnwenttoadifferentschoolthanMaybeck;butsheneededareasontoseehim.

“That’ssweetofyou,girl.I’llbesuretopassitalong.”

Amandasaid,“Isittheflu?”

“Notexactlytheflu,”Jellyanswered.“Youwanttoleavehimhomework,that’dbefine.Butrightnow,I’vegotalotdo.”

“CanIhelpyou?”Amandaoffered.“CanIfillinforTerry,ifhe’snotfeelingwell?”

“Well…Terry’sasleepupstairs.Thatwouldbeverygoodofyou,Amanda.Thankyouforoffering.I’mhappytopayyou,thoughIcan’tpaymuch.”

Finnclimbedupthefireescape.Therailwashottothetouch.Ifcaught,Finnwasn’tsurewhatexcusehe’duse,buthe’dthinkofsomething.Atthefirstlandingtherewasanormal-lookingdoor.

Finnknockedgently.Nothing.Thenhetriedthedoorknob;itturned,buthedidn’tdareopenit.Thatwasjustplainwrong,andhecouldn’tbringhimselftodoit.

Thentheobvioushithim:thatotherlandingbelowtheadjacentwindows.Ifhecouldmakethejump…

Finnclimbedovertherailofthelanding,hungon,andjumped.Hisfingershookedaroundtherailing.Hehungonfordearlife,pulledhimselfover,andcollapsedbelowthefirstwindow.

Hegottohisfeetandpeeredin.Hesawatelevisionroomwithsomeverynicepotteryscatteredaround.Thenextwindow,considerablysmaller,wascoveredontheinsidebyathickcurtain—abathroom,perhaps.

Finnmovedtothethirdwindowandpeeredinside.

Maybeck.

Hewasasleepinbed—withtheshadeupandthelightson,Finnnoted—rolledover,withhisbacktoFinn.Hehadonthesameshirthe’dbeenwearingthenightbefore.Nexttothebed,onasidetable,Finnnoticedathermometerbulb-downinaglassofwater,afaceclothfoldedintoastripthreeincheswide,andacopy

oftheBible.

Finnknockedgentlyontheglass.Maybeckdidn’tstir.Finntriedagain,alittlelouder.

Maybeckdidn’tbudge.IfFinnknockedanyharder,hethoughthe’dbreaktheglass.Instead,hetestedthewindow.Itopenedacrack.Again,hefacedgoinginsideuninvited.Again,hecouldn’tbringhimselftodoit.

Buthedidslidethewindowupandstickhisheadthrough.

“Maybeck!”hewhisperedharshly.“Maybeck,wakeup!

“Finn!”ItwasAmanda’svoice,behindandbelowhim.Finnbumpedhisheadonthewindowframeasheturnedtolookforher.

“Jelly’scomingupthere!”Amandawarnedfrantically.“Sheheardyou!”

Finnduckedoutthebedroomwindow.HecouldhearJellycomingupthestairs.Thefootstepswereclosenow.FinnslidMaybeck’swindowshut,ducked,andhurriedtotherailing.Heclimbedover,paused,andjumped.

Forafractionofasecond,itseemedthathe’dmisjudgedthedistance,thathewouldfall,crashinginapileofbrokenbonesrightinfrontofAmanda.Buthemadeit.Heclimbedovertherailingandhurrieddowntogroundlevel.

“Finn?FinnWhitman?”Jellyholleredfromtheupstairsbalcony.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Hello,Jelly!”Finncalledback.

“Yousneakingaroundbackhere?”

“No,ma’am.”

“’Causethat’swhatitlookslike.”

“IneedtotalktoTerry,”Finnconfessed.“It’simportant.”

“Youcan’t.Terry’ssick.Notwell.”

“Sick,orasleep?Hewon’twakeup,willhe?”

AmandasnappedherheadinFinn’sdirection.

Jellysaid,“Youstayrightwhereyouare,youngman.”

Jellytookhertime.“Listen,”shesaid,emergingthroughthebackdoor.“ThisisnotsomethingIwantgoingaroundschool.Youunderstand?”Shemeteyeswiththemboth.“Terry’sgotsomekindofsleepingsickness.”

Finngasped.

“Wecan’twakehimup.He’snotgotafever.Notbeenbittenbyanything.Nosweatsorshakes.”ShetookalonglookupatMaybeck’sbedroomwindow.“Doctorsaystolethimbeonemorenight.Tomorrow,hegoestothehospitalandtheystartdoingtests.ButI’msayingmyprayers.Nothingseemswrongwithhim.Doctorsayshe’sfineinalltheimportantways.”

“He’sstuckasleep?”Amandasaid.

“That’safunnywaytoputit,”Jellysaid,“butyes.”

FinnwantedtokickAmanda,butshedidn’tknowwhatshe’dsaid.Hehadtoldhernothingaboutthenightbefore.

Maybeckwasstillcrossedover.Finnstruggledtofigureoutwhatthatmeant.

“Can’twakehimup?”Finnblurtedout.

“That’sright,”Jellysaid.

Finnconsideredcarefullybeforehespoke.“Listen…Idon’texpectyoutobelievemeoranything,butTerry’scondition—ithastodowithhisbeingaDHI,aDisneyHost,likeIam.”Shestudiedhimthoughtfullybutdidnotinterrupt.“IthinkIcanhelphim.Maybe.Helphimwakeup.”

“Isthissomekindofjoke?Becauseit’sinpoortaste,youngman.Terry’sextremelyill.”

“Finn?”Amandasaid.“What’sgoingon?”

“Beforehewenttobedlastnight—maybeevenyesterdayafternoon—didMaybeck…didTerry…getaphonecall?”

Jellytookanotherstepawayfromhim.“What’swithyou,boy?”Shewasnotpleased.Shelookedonthevergeoftears.

“Hedid,didn’the?AndI’llbethecameawayfromthatcallexcited,didn’the?Becauseitwasfromagirl,wasn’tit?”

“Her?”Jellysaid,pointingatAmanda,notrealizingshe’djustconfirmedthatFinnwasright.

“No,”Finnsaidsoftly,“nother.”Thoughtscrowdedhishead.“Pleasedon’ttakehimtothehospitaluntilyouhearfrommetomorrow.”

“I’msupposedtotrustmyTerrytoathirteen-year-oldboy?”Jellysaid,incredulous.

“Fourteen,”Finnsaid.“I’mfourteennextmonth.”

22

Backridingtheirbikes,FinnandAmandapedaledsidebysideonthesidewalk,slippingintosinglefilewhenevertheypassedapedestrian.Theafternoonslidtowardevening,thesundragginglowerinthesky,thefirsthazeoftwilightuponthem.Finnfelthiswholeworlddimming.

“He’snotasleep,ishe,Finn?”sheasked.

“Idon’tthinkso.”

“Thenwhat?”

“Trappedoverthere,”Finnsaid.

“What’sthatmean?”

“Itmeanswelefthim,andweshouldn’thave,andnowhe’sstuckbackthere.Onthisside,he’sasleep.Overthere,he’sstillaDHI.Whoknowswhat’shappenedtohim.”

“Youthinkhe’sbeencaughtorsomething?”

“Ihopenot,”Finnanswered.“Butthisisnothingbutbad.Realbad.”Finnfeltacoolwindonhisback.Hecranedoverhisshouldertolook.

ThoughFinnsaidnothing,Amanda,ridingalongsidehimsaid,“Ifeelit,too.Checkoutyourhandlebars.”

Finntouchedhishandlebars:icecold.Hisfingersleftsmallpatchesofvaporbehindasheremovedthem.

“Justlikethecarwash,”shesaid.

Finndidn’tneedtobetoldwhatthatsuddenchillmeant.

HescouredtheimmediateareaforanysignofMaleficent.

Hesawonlycars,storefronts,andpowerlines.

Blackcars,redcars,bluecars,andwhite.

Smallcars,bigcars,dullcars,andbright.

Wheredidtheycomefrom?Whereweretheygoing?

Somecarsweredriving;somecarsweretowing.

“Doyoueverthinkinrhymes?”heaskedher,wonderingwherethathadcomefrom.

Sheglancedoverathim,gravelyconcerned.

“What?”heasked.

“You’rethinkinginrhymes?”

“Sowhat?”

Sheanswered,“It’soneofthesigns—it’ssomething….”Shecaughtherself.Hervoicetrailedoff.

“Whatsigns?”

Sheallowedherbiketofallbehindhimsofarthathecouldn’tseeher.SoFinnslowedaswell,andtheydueledthisway:Amandaslowing,thenFinnslowingtojoinher,untiltheyhadcometoastop.

“Whatdoyouknowaboutthis?”heasked,feelingagitatedandimpatient.“It’sasignofwhat?”

Totheirrightwasacommunitycenterandadjoiningitanenormousskateboardparkwithahalfpipe,afullpipe,jumps,andfourtubs—alandscapeofsmoothconcretebasins,likeemptyswimmingpools,interconnectedbyrampsandtunnels,whereadozenkidswerepracticingstunts.

Amandasaidmeekly,“Rhymingis…it’soneofthesignsof—witches.”Withthat,sheroseupontoherpedalsandzoomedoff,turningintotheskateboardpark.

Theparkwasfullofskaters,

Fullofconcretealligators,

Kidsinhoards,ridingboards.

Sunwassinking,growinglater.

Finnshookhisheadviolently,sidetoside,tryingtoclearhisthoughtandpushawaytherhymes.Whathadshejustsaid?Hecouldn’tremember.Allhecouldhearwererhymes.Onethoughtfounditswaythrough:Amandaknowssomethingsheisn’ttellingme.Finnracedtocatchher.

Thisisweird,

Likeamanwithabeard.

Greenskinandpigs’eyes,

Froglegsandfireflies,

Adarkcavewithloudcries.

Agirlwithtearsinhereyes.

Finncaughtuptoher.Amanda’seyeswerered.She’deitherbeencryingoraffectedbythespeedofherriding.

“Amanda…”

“Ican’ttellyou,”shesaid.

Amotorizedminibikezoomednoisilyaroundthecorneranddroppedintotheskatepark.Theriderwasthinandworeablackleathertopandpantsandablackhelmetwithasilver-mirroredvisorthathidhisface.

Theminibikecamestraightatthem,showingnosignsofslowing.Onthecontrary,itwasonacollisioncourse.

Amandaroseupontoherpedalsanddroppedherbikeintothefirstbigconcretebathtub.

Finnfollowed.Theyclimbedtheopposingwallandflewup,airborne.

Theminibikefollowed.

Finnrosefromhisseat,balancedthebikeintheair,tippedforward,anddoveintothenextbigconcretebasin.

Amandadroppedintothehalfpipetotheleft.

Separatedlikethis,theminibikedriverhadtochoose;itcameatFinn.

Theotherboardersandbikersstoppedwhattheyweredoingandwatchedthecontest.

Amandaflewdownthesteepwallofthehalfpipe,pickingupspeedandlaunchingintoahighjump.Finn,parallelwithhernow,yankedhisfrontwheelinmidairandchangeddirectionuponlanding.Hejoinedher,followinginsidethefullpipe.

Astheminibikeenteredthefullpipe,Finnfoundthescreechingwhineofitsmotordeafening.

Outtheendofthepipe,ridingtogethernow,FinnandAmandaracedtothebottomofthethirdtub,pusheddownontotheirseatsbycentrifugalforce.Astheyraceduptheopposingside,theylifted,tippedtheirweightinunison,andreversedtheirbikes.Aimedbackdownintothedeepbasin,theminibikewhiningtowardthem,AmandabravelyreachedoverwithherleftarmandgrabbedFinnbytheforearm.Finnreturnedthegrip.

“Youreadyforthis?”sheasked.

“Onthree,”Finnsaid.

Theyreleasedtheirbrakesonthecountofthree,zoomingtowardtheoncomingminibike,theirarmsextendedandreadytoclotheslinetherider.

Thebikesflewdown.Theminibikewounditswaytowardthem.AmandaandFinnscreamedinunison.Atthelastpossiblesecond,theriderdumpedtheminibikeinaflurryofsparks,slippingundertheirclaspedarmsandbetweenthetwobikes.

Thefewonlookersletoutawildcheer.

AmandaandFinnstoppedatthetopofthebasinandlookedback.

Thedriver,lyingnexttotheminibike,appearedokay.He(she?it?)stoodup,brushedoff,andgesturedtowardthetwo.Finnfeltapulseofcoldfillhim.Afamiliarcold.

Amandashoutedsomethingthatsoundedlikeaforeignlanguage.Shecrossedherarmsandthenthrewthemforwardtowardtherider,andthecoldstoppedabruptly.Theleather-cladriderwasliftedfromthegroundandthrowntotheconcrete.

“Ride!”AmandaholleredatFinn.“Ride,anddon’tlookback!”

Finnpedaledoff,wonderingifhe’djustseenAmandadothat.

“Whoareyou?”heshouted,astheirbikesreachedthestreet.

“We’vegottosplitup,”shesaid.Withthat,shepedaledfuriouslyawayfromhim.

23

Atdinnerthatnight,Finnbroodedatthetable,unabletotakehismindoffrecentevents:Maybeck’ssleepingsickness,Amanda’smysteries,thelettersthey’dfoundsecretlyhiddenatbothIt’saSmallWorldandSplashMountain.

Watchinghim,hismotherworealookofcuriosity,whilehisfather,intypicalfashion,atequietly.Finnstabbedathisfoodandmoveditaroundonhisplate,hopingitmightappeareaten.

“Howwasschooltoday?”hismotherasked.Everynight,thesamequestion.Nextwouldcome:didyoudoanythingfuntoday?Whatareyourfriendsupto?

“Didyoudoanythingfuntoday?”sheaskedbrightly.Shecouldn’tstanditwhenFinnwasquietlikethis.

“Idon’tknow,”Finnansweredhonestly.“It’sallright,Isuppose.”

“Youcandobetterthanthat,”hisfathersaid.HisfatheralwaysthoughtFinncoulddobetterateverything.HeseemedalwaystoberidingFinnabouthisgradesorhisperformanceonthesoccerfield.Hetalkedaboutcollegescholarshipsliketheyweresomekindofreligion.

“I’mgood,”Finnsaid,pushingbackhisplate.“MayIbeexcused?”Anotherpartofthesecretcode.Hehadnochanceofleavingthetablewithoutthesepasswords.

“Nosnackslater,sweetheart.Thisisdinner.”

“Iknow,”Finnsaid.Hestoodupfromthetableandgrabbedhisplate.Suddenlyhisheadwentallrubbery,asifallhisbloodwasdrainingfromhimatonce.

Hethoughthemightpassout.

“Finn?”Hismother’svoice,butinthenextcounty.

Thentherewasherpaintedmouthmovingabovehim,hervoicesoundingdetachedandseveraloctaveslowerthannormal,likeatapeplayingathalfspeed.She’drushedtohisside.

Thelightsintheroomdimmed.Apowerfailure?Hesawhisfather,chewedfoodinhisopenmouth,looking…scared.

“Finn,dear?”hismothersaid.

“I’m…fine,”hereplied.

Hismotherhoveredoverhim.Hefelthisparentstakinghimunderhisarmsandleadinghimupstairs.Finn’sfeetflappedanddragged.Hefeltuseless.

Theyledhimtowardhisbed.

“No!No!Idon’twanttogotosleep!”Buthiseyesfeltsoheavy….

Heclosedhiseyes,andithappenedagain.

24

Finnawokeonthesameparkbenchwherehe’dfirstmetWayne,attheendofMainStreet,acrossfromthefirestation.Itwasnighttime,thoughtheparkremainedopen.

Helookeddowntoseehisarmsandlegsfaintlyglowing:hewashisDHIselfSomekidssawhim,andheknewhewasinfortroubleifhedidn’tgetoutofthere.

Aflashoflighttohisright.Finnstrainedtoseethroughthethickcrowds—alwayssomanypeople!—and…

Yes,thereitwasagain:anotherflashoflight.Foraninstant,thecrowdpartedandhesawPhilbywaving.

Finndraggedhimselfheavilyacrossthestreet,stillfeelingsluggish,leavingthecuriouskidsbehind,andcaughtupwithPhilby.

“Ithoughtthatwasyou,”Philbysaid,pocketingaflashlight.

“Youdon’tlooksohot,”Finnsaid.

“Haveyoutriedamirror?”

“Anotherbrownout?”Finnasked.

“Iassumeso.”

“We’reearly,”Finnsaid.

“Yeah,butifwe’rehere,chancesare,thegirlsaretoo.Weshouldchecktheapartmentandtheteepee.”

“Butlet’sdoittogether,”Finnsuggested.

“Maybeck?”Philbyasked.

“Iwenttohishouse,”Finnanswered.“He’sasleepinbedandtheycan’twakehimup.

Tomorrowmorningthey’regoingtotakehimtothehospitalandstartrunningtests.We’vegottofindhimbeforethat.Whoknowswhatthey’ddotohim?”

“Maybeckwascaught,”Philbysaid.“Anditwasn’tsecurity.ItwastheOvertakers.Ithastobe.

WaynesaidMaybeck’sourcomputerguy.Weknowhe’sbeenpokingaround.TheOvertakersdon’twanthimmessingwiththeDHIserver.Thebrownouts—ourfeelinglousylikethis.That’stheserverdoingthat.TheOvertakersaretryingto—”

“Killus?”Finnsaid.

“Slowusdown.Scareusaway.”Hedidn’tsoundconvinced.

“ThenI’dsayit’sworking,”Finnsaid.

“Sowheredowestart?Theapartmentortheteepee?”

FinnlookedpastPhilbyattheglowingwindowsabovethefirestation.“Neither,”Finnsaid.

“Followme.”

***

Finnclimbedthestairsonthesideofthefirehousetwoatatime.

“Ishouldhavethoughtofthisbefore.Hetoldmehelivedhere.”

“Who?”

Finnknockedonthedoor.

Wayneanswered.

PhilbyandFinnwerewelcomedinside.Itwasacozyroom,allwoodandbrass,thatfeltlikesomethingfromaship.

Wayneworeaheavywoolsweater,khakipants,andMickey-and-Minnieslippers.Therewerebookseverywhere,andnotelevisionorevenaradio.Thebedwasupinaloftintheverypeakoftheroof.

“Wow!”Philbysaid,lookingaround.TherewereDisneytoysscatteredaround,antiquesthatwentbackdecades.AfabricwallhangingshowedoffoverathousandDisneypins.

“Iwonderedhowlongitwouldtakeyoutolookmeup,”Waynesaid.Itseemedalmostasifhe’dbeenexpectingthem.Therewerethreeteacupsbythestoveandthreechairssetoutfacingoneanother.

Waynepouredthemsometeaandgesturedforthetwoboystositdown.

“CanyouhelpusfindMaybeck?”Finnasked.

“WasitMaleficent?”Philbyasked.

Wayne’seyebrowsarched.HedidnotanswerPhilbydirectly.“Whatdoyouknowabouther?”

Hehadowl-likecirclesbeneathhisice-blueeyes.HelookedominousandmenacingnowinsteadoflikethesillyoldguyFinnhadfirstthoughthimtobe.Hesmiledthinlyandsaid,“Amazingthingshappenwhenweputourmindstoit.Thereisasayingthatseeingisbelieving.Butbelievingisseeing,aswell.Andtouching.Andhearing.Connecting.”

“Thewitch,Maleficent,hassomethingtodowiththis,”Finnsaid.HetoldWayneeverythingthathadhappenedrecently.

“Apparentlyshehaseverythingtodowiththis,”Wayneagreed.

“TheOvertakers,”Finntested.“ThereareotherOvertakersbesidesMaleficent.”

“Toomanytocount.”

“Likethepirates.”

“Workerbees,isall.Thepiratesdon’tmattermuch.Butyoumustunderestimatenothing,noone.Convictionisthebetterpartofintent.Fewbattlesarewonbystrengthalone.Cunningandknowingyourresourcescanhelpyouoverpowerthemostpowerful.”

“HowdowestopMaleficent?”Philbyaskedanxiously.Hesippedthetea,likedit,anddranksomemore.

“Don’tgetaheadofyourselves,”Waynesaid.

“Maybeck,”Finnsaid.

“Theywon’twantanyonetoseehim.Nortohearhim,shouldhecallout,”Philbycontinued.

“Someplacedarkandnoisy,”Finnsaid.

“Oneoftheattractions!”Philbysaid.“LikePiratesoftheCaribbean!Thepiratestookhim!”

“It’snotdarkenough,”Finnsaid.“Andwherewouldtheyhidehim?”

“Ontheboat,maybe,”Philbysaid.

“Possibly,”Waynesaid,thoughhistoneofvoicesuggestedthathedidn’tgivetheideamuchcredence.

“Well,listen,Obi-Wan,”Philbysaidsarcastically.“Whydon’tyoutellmeandLukeherewheretofindhim,andwe’llmakeforhyperspace.”

“Warmer,”WaynesaidtoPhilby,thoughheengagedFinnwithhiseyes.

“SpaceMountain,”Finnsaid.“Pitch-blackandsuperloud.”

Philbysatforwardexcitedly.“Isheright?Isthatwherethey’vegothim?

Brilliant!”

Waynesippedhistea,lookingoverthecup.“Ihavenoideawhereyourfriendisbeingkept.

It’sabigpark.Verybig.”

Finnthoughtforamomentandthensaid,“Moreimportant,itmightbeliketheteepeeinsidethere.ADHIshadow.ThatwouldmakeMaybeckinvisible—easytohide,tosaytheleast.”

IfWayneknewanyanswers,hisfacerevealednothing.

“It’saplacetostart,”Finnsaid.“Wehavetostartsomewhere.”

Waynesaid,“They’rekeepingyoufromsolvingthefable.Youseethat,don’tyou?Distractingyou.”

“Andifwesolveit?”Philbyasked.

“Whenwesolveit,”Finnsaid,lookingrightatWayne.

“Rescueyourfriend.Solvethefable.Onlythenwillweknowwhat’sexpectedofyou.”

FinnandPhilbywouldn’tbeenteringSpaceMountainthroughthefrontdoor.Waynetoldthemofatrapdoorthatexistedintheverytopofthepointeddomeroof.TheroofhatchwasusedbyMaintenance,andtohisknowledgehadneverbeenlocked.

Iftheboyscouldclimbtothefirstlevelofthedome—aboutfifteenfeetup—they’dreachametalladderthatranupthebackofthedometothepinnacle.Fromthere,theycouldentertheride’sinterior.

AtWayne’ssuggestion,theboysborrowedsomeropesfromthefirehouse.Theythensnuckthroughshadows,carryingtheheavyropesovertheirshoulders,andreachedthebacksideoftheattraction.

Crouchinginsomebushes,lookingatthesteepnessoftheroofandthesmalmetalladderthatledtothetop,Finnsaid,“TheOvertakershavegottoassume

we’llcomeforMaybeck.”

“Buttothemwe’rekids,don’tforget.”

“They’llhavepatrols.Cameras,maybe.”

“Sowhenwedothis,wedoitquickly.”

Theroofwasshapedsomethinglikeamagician’shat,withawidebrimandaconicalpeakedcrown.Therewereantennaeontop.

Philbyprovedhisclimbingskillsbytossingoneoftheropesoverametalrailingonthebrimpartoftheroof.Hetieditoff.“We’reset,”heannounced,wavingFinnover.

Finn,whowasnotbigonheights,shinnieduptherope.Inshortorderhereachedthebrimoftheroof.Hethrewalegoverandpulledhimselfup.

Philbyfollowedsilentlyandwithoutincident.

Theykeptawayfromtheedgeoftheroof,wheretheymightbespotted,asPhilbypulleduptheropeandstasheditoutofsight.Quicklytheyascendedthewhitemetalladderthatrantothepeak.Attachedtotheroof,itranatthesamesteepangleasthecone.

Theyreachedthetop,andsureenough,therewasametaltrapdoor,exactlyasWaynehaddescribedit.

Finnreachedforthehandleandpulled.Itliftedopen.Hepeereddownintoablacksquare,completelyvoidoflight.

“Who’sgoingfirst?”Philbyasked,hisvoicebreaking.

Finnledthewaydownthemetalladder.Philbyfollowedandtheydescendedsilenty.Afteramoment,Finn’seyesightbegantoadjust.Theywerewayupinsidethepointy-hatpartofthedomedceiling,agiganticspacethatcontainedtheentireSpaceMountainrollercoastertrack.Hemadeoutafewredexitsigns,buttheywerenotbrightenoughtoseeby.

Thetrackwasatangleofmetalfringedbycatwalksandsupportedbytowering

I-beamsandsteelcolumns.Finnfeltasifhewereinsideacomplicatedclock.Theyreachedacatwalk—apaththatledalongtherollercoastertrack,withametalmeshfloor—andfollowedittoasetofmetalstairsleadingdown.Thisconnectedtoanothercatwalk.Suddenlyitfeltasifthey’denteredamaze.

“Thisiscrazy,”Philbywhispered.“Theplaceishuge.Maybeckcouldbeanywhere.”

“I’mnotsosureaboutthat,”Finnsaid.“Agreed,it’shuge,butlookaround.Whereareyougoingtohidehim?”Nowthathiseyeshadfullyadjusted,hecouldmakeoutthesizeandscopeofthecomplicatedtrack.Butitwasallexposedandopen—notagoodplacetohidesomeone.

“Hey!”Finnsaid,holdingouthishand.Seeinghishand.

“Yeah,”Philbysaid,“Iknow.”ButhemovedhisownarmaroundtoshowFinnthatthemetalbrokeuptheimaging.Hisarmappearedtobeinpieces,separatedbyblackstripes.TheDHIprojectioninherewasspottyatbest.

“Youtakethatside,”heinstructedPhilby.“We’llmeetinthemiddleoverthere.”Hepointedoutalowspotintheridewherethetrackturnedsharplyleft.

“Ifsomethinggoeswrong,”Philbycautioned,“wegetoutofhereandmeetattheapartment.”

“Gotit.”

Finndescendedyetanotherladderandthenfollowedacatwalktowardoneoftheexitsigns,usingitasabeacon.Thecatwalksremindedhimofsubmarinemovies.

Ifhewerehidingsomeone,Finnthought,he’dstashhishostageclosetowhereguestsmadethemostnoise—inaplacewhereanyshoutsforhelpwouldlikelygounheard.Finnsearchedthetrackoverheadforjustsuchaspot.Thenheleanedovertherailofthecatwalkandlookedbelow.

Notfarbelowhim,andslightlytohisleft,henoticedanindistinctdarkshapethat,asheapproached,herealizedwasgeometric:alargerectangle.Nowherecognizeditasaboothorstorageroom.Likethecatwalks,itswallswereofheavywiremesh.Finnclimbedovertherail,loweredhimselfanddroppedtoa

catwalkbelow.Hereachedoutandtouchedthewiremesh—itwascoveredinagreasydustthatstucktohisfingers.Itlookedlikealargegardenshed,aboutsixfeettall,tenfeetdeep,andfifteenfeetlong.

OnthefrontoftheshedaheavycanvaswashungthatpreventedFinnfromseeinginside.

Thecanvaswastieddownontheinside.Finnlocatedtheonlydoor,whichwaswood-framedandalsocoveredwithwiremesh.Hefelthiswaydownthedoorandstruckapieceofheavymetal:apadlock.

Lockedout.

“Pssst!”FinntriedtosignalPhilbybutgotnoanswer.Finnlookedaround,offintothedark,realizinghe’dcompletelylosttrackofhisfriend.Hetriedagain.“Pssst!”

Amuffledvoicemadehimspinaround:itwascomingfrominsidethescreenedshed.

“Philby!”Finntriedagain,alittlelouder.Heheardthescuffleoffeet.

“Mmms…hmmm…heggg…warfff,”saidthemuffledvoicebehindhim.

“Maybeck?It’sme,Finn!”Finnstruggledwiththelockagain,andthenremembered:hedidn’tneedtounlockthedoor.

Finnclosedhiseyesandconcentratedonhisbeingmadeoflight,nothingbutlight,andhewalkedthroughthewall,justashe’dswumthroughthewaterwithoutfeelingtheeffectofthecurrent.

Oncethrough,herealizedhowmuchdarkeritwasinsidetheshedbecauseofthecanvas.

Finnfelthiswayaround,steppingoverboxesandcoilsandpiecesofmetal.

Themuffledcallsforhelpbecamemoreurgent.

“I’mrighthere,”Finnsaid,turningtowardthesound.

Closebynow,Finnsquatted,feltaround,andtouchedanarm.

Hejumpedback,felloverandknockedsomethingloose,makingaloudsound.

“Nnnnnnnn,”saidMaybeck.Wigglingashewas,apieceofMaybeck’sDHI,hisleftside,suddenlyshowed.Finnlungedforwardanduntiedthegag.

“Oh,man,”Maybecksaid,thegagslippingoff.

“Youokay?”

“No,I’mfamished!AndI’mthirsty.Butthankyou,man,thankyou!”

FinnuntiedMaybeck’swristsandankles.

Maybecksaid,“Let’sbookit.”

“WegottafindPhilby.He’sinheresomeplace,lookingforyoutoo.”

Maybeckpulledonthelockeddoor,butitdidn’tbudge.“Buthow’dyou…?”

“Rightthroughthewall,”Finnexplained.

“That’sfineforyou,butwhataboutme?Ican’tgothroughadumbwall.”

“Sureyoucan.”

“No,Ican’t.”

“You’regoingtohaveto.”

Maybeckstaredatthedarkcanvasandthelockeddoor.“AreyoutellingmeIcouldhavejustwalkedoutofhereallalong?”

“Notifyou’dconvincedyourselfyouweretrapped,”Finnreplied.

Maybeckreachedout.Hishandstruckthecanvas.

“You’vegottolosetheattitude,Maybeck,”Finninstructed.“You’reonlyhittingthatwallbecauseyouthinkthat’swhat’ssupposedtohappen.”

“Idon’thaveanattitude.”HewaitedforsomesupportfromFinn.“DoI?”

Finndemonstrated.First,hereachedoutandtouchedthecanvas;then,hereachedoverasecondtime,andhishandandforearmpassedrightthroughuptohiselbow.

“Idonothaveanattitude,”Maybeckrepeated.

“Proveit,”Finnsaid.HewasworriedaboutthenoisePhilbywasmakingtryingtogetovertotheshed.Thebumpsandbangsseemedamplifiedinthisechochamber.

OnMaybeck’ssixthtry,hewalkedthroughthewalloftheenclosure.Onceontheotherside,hebentover,asifinpain.

“Youokay?”Finnasked.

Giddywiththeaccomplishment,Maybeckstartedgiggling.“Whatadumbjerk!Icouldhavewalkedoutofthereallalong.”

“Notwithyourhandstied.Thatropeisfromthisside.Theropewouldhavestoppedyoufromgettingthroughthewall.”

Maybeckblurtedout.“ItwasJez.”

“WhatwasJez?”

“Shecalled,”Maybecksaid.

“Calledyourhouse,”Finnsaid,havingfiguredoutsomeofthisonhisown.“Lastnight,justbeforeyoucrossedover.”

“Saidshe’dmeetme.”

“Whenyoucheckedyourwatch…”Finnsaid,speculating.“Thelineyoufedusabouthavingahotdate…Youreallydidhaveahotdate.”

“IditchedthegirlsatIt’saSmallWorld.Weweregoingtomeet—Jezandme—atthecarousel.ButallofasuddenIwassocold.Icouldbarelymove—likeslowmotion.”

“Yeah,cold,”Finnsaid.Hewasthinking:beenthere,donethat.

25

Fornearlyaweek,thekidsmetinsidetheparkaftergoingtobed,butonlyforamatterofminutes.Asquicklyaspossibletheywouldusethebuttontoreturnhome,havinglookedfornomoreclues.Theycaughtuponsleep.Theydidtheirhomework.Theyrejoinedtheirfamilies.

Maybeck’sabductionhadwornthemoutandfrightenedthemtothepointofnotwantingtocontinue.TheyovercametheirreluctanceonlywhenPhilbyshowedupatoneoftheirmeetingstellingofanewspaperstoryhe’dreadaboutanelectricalcompanypowerstationthathadbeen

“attacked”anddrainedofallitspower.

“It’snotacoincidence,”hetoldtheothers.“Thisisspreadingbeyondthepark.”

OnSaturdaymorning,thegirlsdecidedtousetheircomplimentarypassestoentertheMagicKingdomlegally.Askids,notDHIs.Thatfeltsafer.Theyworedisguisesinordertokeepfansfromspottingthemandcarried3-Dglassestowearontherides.

Astheystoodoutside,waitingtoboardTheManyAdventuresofWinniethePooh,acartoonyvoicecameoverthespeakerssaying,“Happywindsday.”Itwasthis,andotherreferencesontheride,thathadledthemtopickitasthemostwind-orientedrideinthepark.WindwasthethirdclueintheStonecutter’sfable.

Theysatdowninthecar,andtheridebegan.Blacklightsmadetheirteethglowwhiteandtheirskinandclothingalmostdisappear.

“Glasses,”Willaannounced,donninghers.Charlenefollowed.“Youlookright.I’lllookleft,”

Willacoached.“Ifweseeanyletters—biglettersinanunexpectedplace—we’resupposedtowritethemdown.”

Charlenesaid,“I’vegotit.”Shesoundednervous,andWillaunderstoodherconcern.Therideshadbeenanythingbutfriendlysincethishunthadbegun.

Astheytraveledalong,doorsswungopentoadmittheircarintoeachnewscene.Reachingthethirdscene,Charlenerealizedsheheardnoonetalking.Shelookedbackandsawtherewasnooneinthecarbehindthem.Risingtoherknees,shesawnooneinthecarbehindthatoneeither.

Yetthelineoutfronthadbeenpacked.

“Willa…?”

“Overthere!”Willasaid,pointingoutalarge,colorfultreedrawnontoapanel.Sheliftedanddroppedher3-Dglassesontohernoseinordertomakesure—butyes,therewasasingleletterdrawnintotheleavesofthetree.

Shecalledoutquickly,“It’sanS!”

“S?”Charleneasked,puzzled.“Butlookbehindus!”

Willawastooexcitedtolookback.

“There’snoonebehindus,”Charleneannounced.“Nooneinthecarsbehindus.Whynot?”

WillapulledafoldedpieceofpaperfromherpocketandscribbleddownS.Asshedid,adropofwaterappearedonthepaper.Thenanother.Andanother.

“Behindus!”Charlenecriedurgently.

Willalookedback.Shelookedup.

Morewater.

Thedoorstothenextscenepoppedopenandshut.Theywereintherainscene.

Raindrawninlonglinesdownthewalls.Rainfallingfromtheceiling.

“Sincewhenisthispartoftheride?”Willacomplained,stuffingthepaperintoherpocket.

Atthatmoment,theircarstoppedmoving.

“What’shappening?”Charlenewhined.“Whyarewestopping?”

Thefewlightraindropschangedintoadownpour.Atfirstitseemedfunny.Butthenitwasn’tsimplyrain,itwasatorrent.Buckets.Bothgirlsgaspedforbreaththroughasteadystreamofwaterpouringdownontothem.Itwashardtobreathewithoutcoughing.

“Thisisn’tright!”Willacried.

Nowthewaterbeneaththeircarbegantorise.Thecarlifted,floating.Charlenelungedforwardnervously,nearlycapsizingthem.Sheleanedoutofthecarandpushedagainstthelargedoorstothenextscene.

“They’restuck!Theywon’topen.”

Asthewaterroseatanastonishingrate,thecarfloatedhigherandhigher.Sparksflewaselectricalwiresweresubmerged.

“Stayinthecar!”Willahollered.Lightsocketssparkedandzapped.“Wecouldbeelectrocuted!”

Thecarfloatedquicklytowardtheceiling.Willaunderstoodtheworstofit:thehighertheyrose,thelessavailabletheairwouldbe.Theywouldeitherdrownorsuffocate.

“Willa…”Charlenemoaned.

“Iknow.”

Thecarrosehigherstill.

Sparksflewagainasmorelightswentunder.

“We’reintrouble,”Willasaid,surprisinglycalm.

“Duh!”

“Weneedawayout.”

“Justnowoccurredtoyou,didit?”

Therainfelllikeawaterfal—thecarwasnowlessthanthreefeetfromtheceiling.Anotherfootortwoandthecarwouldbepinnedwiththegirlsinsideit.

Whywon’tthedoorstothenextsceneopen?Willathought.

“Sitstill,”shewarnedCharlene.

Studyingthelargescenedoors,Willastoodupinthecar.Charleneholleredathertositdownasthecarthreatenedtotipover.

Willagrabbedtheoverheadpipestostabilizethecar.Shethenpulledhandoverhandtodrawthecarclosertothedoors.Butasthewaterrose,withsolittleroom,Willawasforcedbackdownintoherseat.

Notime!

Waterstreameddownherneckandshouldersasshespottedasawed-offlengthofpipejammedacrossthetopofthelargedoors,blockingthemandholdingthemshut.The“rain”wasnothingmorethantheemergencysprinklersystemgonewild.Allthistroublecouldbeeasilyexplained:thesprinklersmalfunctioning.Maleficenthaddoneherjobwell.

Willapulledonthesawed-offlengthofpipebutcouldn’tbudgeit.ShecalledforastunnedCharlenetohelpasthewaterrosesteadilyhigher.

Togethertheypulled.

Waterspilledoverthesideofthecar,quicklyfillingit.

Willachanted,“One—two—”

On'Three!’bothgirlsheavedonthepipe,pulingitfree.

Thedoorsblewopen.Thegirlsfellbackintothecarasafewthousandgallonsofwaterrushedintothenextscene,andthecarrodetheleadingedgeofthe

wavelikeasurfboard.

Theplumeofwaterspunandturnedandtwisteditswayouttowardtheride’sfinish,levelingoffasitreachedtheexit.Theircarloweredandsettledintothetrack,rightwhereithadstarted.

Thewaitingguestsstoodtheredrenchedheadtotoe.Alakeofwaterhadfloodedthepavementoutsidetheattraction.

Inalltheconfusion,thetwogirlshurriedfromthecarandranfortheirlives.

26

Latethatafternoon,nearingthedinnerhour,theDHIsmetinFinn’sguestroomintheVirtualMagicKingdom.Thishadbecomesomethingofaroutineforthem.Lately,Charlene’sandWilla’scharacterstookthecouchwhileFinn,Maybeck,andPhilbystoodandmovedaroundtheroom.

AtextbubbleappearedaboveWilla.ShetoldthemaboutnearlybeingdrownedatWinniethePooh,andthatshehadcalledPhilbypriortothismeetingandhadtoldhimabouttheSsheandCharlenehaddiscovered.ItwasPhilby’sjobtomakesenseoftheclues.

Philby’scharacterexplainedthathe’drunthelettersFMEYIRandSthroughanInternetanagramgenerator.Theprogramrearrangedthelettersintoeverypossiblecombinationandthenprinteduptheresults.

philitup:thereareonlytwodecentpossibilities.MYFRIESandYESFIRM.Neithermakesmuchsense.

Finn:Soweneedmore.Thelastcluementionedinthefableis“stone.”Anyideaswhatridethatmightbe?

philitup:IthoughtaboutTomSawyerIsland.Therearerocksoverthere.ButthenIrealizedithastobeThunderMountain.Imean,givemeabreak!Talkaboutrocks.Thatplaceisallrocks.

Finn:Sowe’llstartthere,atThunderMountain—PhilbyandI.

Mybest:Soundsgoodtome.

angelface13:Butwe’llallcrossover,justaswedoeverynight.Arewesupposedtojustwaitforyou?

FinncouldjustimagineCharlenewhiningasshetyped.

Finn:Atsomepoint,we’llneedtogetWayne.Helivesabovethefirestation.BythetimePhilbyandIareoffThunderMountain,weshouldhavealltheletters.We’llgetbacktogetherandtrytosolvetheriddle.Ifwedo,ifwe’resuccessful,we’llneedWayne.Heshouldbetoldwhat’sgoingon.

Mybest:Icangetoverthereandgivehimaheads-up.Thegirlscankeepalookoutfromtheapartment.ItlooksrightdownMainStreet.We’llsetupsomekindofsignalincasetheyseetrouble.That’llhelp.

philitup:soundslikeaplan.

ThefivecharactersformedahuddleinthemiddleofFinn’sguestroom.Theyallputtheirhandsintothecenter,likeplayersonasportsteam.Andthentheylefttheroom.

Finnheadeddownstairsandfoundhismotherbentoverthekitchensinkdoingdishes.

Sheasked,“Doyouwanttohelpme?”

“Sure.”

Finnbaggedandtookoutthetrash.Hecleanedthekittylitter.Hewasabouttoputsomedishesawaywhenhismotherremindedhimwherehishandshadjustbeen;sohewashedhishandsandwasputtingawaysomedisheswhenshesaid,“Weneedtotalk.”

“Sure.”

“Let’ssitatthetable.”

Thetable?Thiswasbad—verybad.

“Ineedsomethingexplainedtome,andIwantyoutobehonest,”shesaid.Thekitchentablegrewimpossiblylonginhismind,asifhismotherwereajudgewaydownatthefarend.

“Okay,”hesaid.

“Thelaundry.”

“Yeah?Whataboutit?”

“I’myourmother,Finn.Eachdayyoucomehomefromschool,Ilookatyou,bothbecauseIloveyouandbecauseit’smyjobtokeepyourclothesclean.Ifyourpantsareclean,forinstance,Isaynothingandyoucanwearthemanothertime.Ifthey’redirty,Iaskyoutoputtheminthelaundry.”

“So?”

“Remember,Ineedyoutobehonest.That’smoreimportanttomethananythingelse.”

“Mom…”

“I’drathernotinvolveyourfather,butifyouinsistonlyingtome,Imostcertainlywill.”Shepausedandthensaid,“Yourclothesaredirtierinthemorningthantheyarewhenyougotobed.Aweekago,theyweredampandsmelledlike…well…awful.”

Evidence!Hehadn’tthoughtaboutthisaspectofhisadventures.Hehadtriedtokeephimselflookingthesame:takingshowersinthemorningtogetthedirtoff.Yethehadjusttossedhisclothesintothehamper.Nowhesawthestupidityofthat.

“It’snotwhatyouthink,Mom.”

“Enlightenme.”

“Ihaven’tliedtoyou.Notexactly.”

“Youeitherhaveorhaven’t.There’snoin-betweenwhenitcomestothetruth.”

“Ihavenotsnuckoutofthehouse.Ipromise.”

Hesawatremendousreliefinhereyes,butstillhervoicequavered,“Finn…”

“Iswear.Mom,Ihavenotsnuckoutofthehouse.ItoldyouIwouldn’t,andIhaven’t.”

“Finn…”

“Ihavewornmyclothestobedafewtimesinthepastcoupleofweeks.IftheylookmorewrinkledinthemorningthantheydidwhenIwenttobed—”

“Wrinkled?They’refilthy!Wet.Withholesinthem.I’msorry,butthatdoesn’tsoundlikethetruthtome.Let’sstartover,onemoretime.Please,trustme.Youcantellmewhateveritis.

Whetherornotweinvolveyourfather…well,we’llsee.”

“Itstaysbetweenthetwoofus?”Finnaskednervously.“Igottahearyousayit,Mom.”

“Itstaysbetweenthetwoofus,”shesaid.

“Okay,butyou’renotgoingtolikeit.”

“Finn!Justtellme.”

Finndrewinadeepbreath,wonderingifheactuallyshouldtellher.Whatchoicewasthere?

Theevidencehadbustedhim;heneededtoexplainitwithoutgettinghimselfintomoretrouble.

Hesaid,“SomethingcrazyhappenedwhentheymadetheDHIsoutofus—thefivekids.”Hewatchedherfacegrowcuriousandconcerned.“Whenwegotosleep,wearen’texactlyasleep.

WewakeupinDisneyWorld…asDHIs—asholograms.”Nowsheseemedtobefightingasmile.

“Troubleis,whateverhappensthere,carriesoverhere.SowhenIgetalldirtythere,Iendupdirtybackhere.Butyoucan’ttellDad,remember?Youpromised.”

Foramomentitdidn’tappearshewasbreathing.Then,herlipsunpuckered,hernostrilsflared,andshegrinned.“Thatisthelamest,thoughthemostcreativeexcuseyou’veevertried.”

Finnstaredather,dumbfounded.Sothisiswhathegotfortellingthetruth.

“Mom,it’sthetruth.”

Shetriedtocomposeherself,lostittoacreepingsmile,andthensuddenlygrewveryseriousasFinn’sexpressiondidnotchange.Nowsheseemedtobelievehim.

“Theburnyousawonmyarm?Alaserfiredatmeinsidethepark,atnight.Ihaveabruiseonmylegwhereadollbitme.”

“Adoll?”Therewasthattwitchingsmileagain.

“It’saSmallWorld.Oneofthosedolls.”

“Isee.”

Hecouldn’tunderstandit.Shedidn’tbelievehim.

“Yousaidyouwantedthetruth,”heremindedher.Maybeshethoughthewaslosinghismind.

“Nodoctors,”Finnsaid,defendinghimself.

“Youactuallybelievethis?”

“Howdoyouexplainmymuddyclothes?Huh,Mom?Iamnotsneakingout.Iknewyouwouldn’tbelieveme!”

Hisreasoningclearlyperplexedher.

“Letmegetthisstraight,”shesaid.

Heinterrupted.“Youwon’tgetitstraight.Becausewehaven’tgottenitstraight—thefiveofus.

Youcan’tstopit,Mom.Ican’tstopit.Noneofuscan.Itjusthappens.Anduntilwesolve—There’sstuffthat’sgottohappenbeforethisisgoingtostop.”

“Finn,you’reworryingme.”

“Youpromisedyouwouldn’ttellDad.”

“ButIthought…Idon’tknowwhatIthought.”

“Youpromised.Justrememberyoupromised.”Headded,“Thewetclothes.TomSawyerIsland.Youknowthatlakearoundit?”

“Thisisnotfunny,Finn.Okay?A-plusfororiginality.Youreallyhadmegoing.Now,pleasetellmethetruth.Therealtruth.”

“’There’snoin-betweenwhenitcomestothetruth,'”hesaid,quotingher.“Ifyoucan’thandlethetruth,it’snotmyfault.”

“Finn,donotleave.Notlikethis,”shedemandedashestoodfromthekitchentable.“Whereareyougoing?”shecalledout,stoppinghiminthedoorway.

Finnturnedandfacedhistroubledmother.“There’sonlyonewaytoendthis,togetthisoverwith.”Hehesitated,thinkingofallthethingshecouldexplainifshewouldonlybelievehim.“I’mgoingtosleep.”

IfFinnhadtotackleThunderMountainwithanyofhisfellowhosts,hewasgladitwasPhilby.

Philbywasthekindofsmartthatmadeotherschoolkidsaskhimtodotheirhomework.BynowhewouldhavedoneasmuchInternetresearchontherideaspossible.They’dbothriddenitdozensoftimes.Butclimbingaroundtherideatnightwasaltogetherdifferent,asthey’dlearnedthehardwayatIt’saSmallWorldandSplashMountain.

Theystoodattheentrancetotheride.Moonlightglintedonthetracks.Finnsaid,“Theletterswe’remissingcouldbeanywhere.Onanystone,anyrock.”

“Yougotit.”

Theyweresurroundedbymaybetenthousandrocks.

“AnythingIshouldknowbeforewestart?”Finnasked,knowingtherehadtobe.

Philbysaid,“Therearesecuritycameras.Alotofthem.Someareinfraredandcanseeatnight.Andit’slikeSplashMountain:wecan’tleavethetrack.That’sallwe’vegottoworryabout.”

Finnknewthatwasn’tthecase,buthedidn’tsayanything.Hedidn’twanttojinxthem.

Theboysstarteddowntherollercoaster’strack.Itroseandtwistedandturned,extremelytrickytowalk.Theybothworetheir3-Dglassesandlookedeverywherepossibleforclues.Philby,inthelead,occasionallystoppedandlistenedandlookedaround.ItmadeFinnnervous.

Theycontinuedalongtheemptyrollercoastertrack,sometimeswalkingalmostcrablike.

Theymadeitthroughtwolongclimbswithoutincident.Therollercoasterrosehigherandhigher.

“Wherearewe?”Finnasked.

“Alittleoverhalfway,I’mthinking.”

Theystoppedtorest.Themoonlightshonedownontotheredrocks.Neitherboysawanyletterswrittenonthestone.

Finnsaid,“Hey,guesswhat?Wehaven’tgotaclue.”

“That’sasickjoke.”

Theyenteredacanyonwithsteepwalls.Itgrewdarkerthefartherintheywent.Finnfelthisnervestighten.Hedidn’texactlyloverollercoasters.Walkingoneinthedarkdidn’thelpmatters.

Theboysloweredthemselvesdownashortdropinthetracksasthecanyonwidened.Thescenewaspartdesertfloor,withcactusesandminingequipment,andpartrockcanyon.Massivestonewallsroseonallsides.

“Toocool!”Philbysaid,liftinganddroppinghisglassesontohisnoseandpointing.

Atfirst,FinnthoughthemeanttheIndiandrawingsandthedinosaurfossilthatstuckoutfromthefarthestrockwall.

Butthenhelookedmoreclosely.Theletters:T,P,N.Eachletterappearedtobe

engravedonitsownrockintheride’srockslide.

Finncheckedwithandwithouttheglasses.Thiswasdefinitivelytheirclue.

“Waytogo!Okay,that’sit,”hesaid.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”

“We’reclosertotheendthanthestartoftheride.It’soverthisnextrise.We’llgetoffthetrackstherewithoutbeingseenbythecameras.”

“Okay.Let’sjustgo,”Finnsaid,wantingtobegone.Somethingwasn’trighthere.Hecouldn’tidentifywhatitwas,buthefeltit.

Theystruggleduptherollercoastertrack,foritwassuddenlymuchslipperierthanbefore.

“Almostthere!”Philbycalledfromthetop.

ThenextscenelookedlikeYellowstonePark.Geysersspitintotheair.Therewerepoolsofwaterinluminousshadesofgreenandyellow.

Thegroundbeneaththemshook.Philbytouchedtherailtoseeifitwasvibrating,meaningthattheridehadturneditselfon.Heshookhishead.

“Maybeit’sjustaneffect.Youknow:Yellowstone.Earthquakesandstufflikethat.”

“I’dhavereadaboutthat,”Philbydeclared.“Idon’tthinkso.”

Thegroundshookevenmorefuriously,andnowFinnwasscared.Toomuchweirdstuffhadhappenedontheridesforhimnottobeafraid.

Afewyardsdownthetrack,Finnfeltthefirsttouchofcoldcreepintohislegs.

“Philby!”

“Yeah,Ifeelittoo,”Philbyanswered.

Withhislegsgoingnumb,Finnfoundithardtowalk.Hewhispered,“Theonlytimewe’vefeltthisbefore—”

“Maleficent,”Philbyanswered.

“Yeah.”

Wateratthetopofthegeysersturnedfirsttoiceandthensnow,whichfellthickly.

Finn’scoldlegswerenearlyimpossibletomove.“We’vegottogetoutofhere!”Hecouldfeelthechillseepingintohischest,hisbreathingtightanddifficult.Toomuchlonger,andhewouldn’tbegoinganywhere.

Philbystoppedthembothandsaid,“Listentothat!”

Likesomethingcrackingapart,Finnthought.Ice?Itdidn’tsoundexactlylikeice.

“We’vegottohurry!”Philbybarkedout.

“Hurry?Icanbarelymove.”

Thecrackingsoundgrewfrighteninglyloud.Itcamefromthescenebehindthem—theUtahdesertscenethey’djustleft.

Theycautiouslyclimbedbackupthesmallriseinthetrack,tolookbackfromwherethey’djustcome.Theypeeredovertherails,followingthatloudcrackingsound.

Acrosstheway,rocksplinteredaroundtheenormousdinosaurfossil.

“That’saT.rex,”Philbywhispered.“Fortyfeetlong.Eighteenfeethigh.Fifty-eightteeth.Runsfortymilesanhour.”

Finndidn’tneedallthefacts.SometimeshewishedPhilbywouldjustkeepthemtohimself.

Thetwoboyswatchedinhorroras,onebyone,thebonesvibratedandbrokefreefromtherock.Theydidnotfall.Theydidnotbreak.Theyheldtogetherasone…giant…

“Run!”Philbyshouted.

Acloudofdustrosebehindthemasthegroundtrembledwitharhythmicclomp,

clomp,clomp.

Footsteps.Bigfootsteps.

Allatonce,theT.rexskeletoncameoverthehill,followingthetracks.Thethingwashuge.

Thedinosaurhadallitsbones,withnoeyes,noskin,noflesh—butallitsteeth.

Philbyshouted,“Keeprunning!Don’tslowdown!”

Finn’scold,unwillinglegsslowedhim.Hescrambledahead.TheT,rexcharged,loweringitsheadandcomingforthem.FinnwasbehindPhilby,closetothecharge.

Clomp!Clomp!Clomp!

ThegroundshooksoviolentlythatFinnfell.Hesliddowntherails,caughthold,andregainedhisbalance.

Thebonesclatteredasthedinosaurcharged.Theboysclimbedthenextriseandjumpedover.Thebeastmovedfaster.

Finnmadeamistakebyglancingback.Thebeastsnorteddustoutoftheholesinitsskullwherenostrilsshouldhavebeen.Itlowereditsheadonceagainandpickedupspeed,thejawsclappingopenandshut,soundinglikeadoorbeingslammed.

Finnclearedthetopoftherollercoaster’snextrockypeak,withthedinosaur’sjawbonessnappingonlyafewfeetfromhimnow.Finnwasgoingtobeeaten.Hesliddownthelastdescendingslopeoftherollercoaster,asifhewereslidingdownanenormousbanister.

Thetrackleveledoffhere,givingthedinosaurtheadvantage.ItsnappedandcaughtapieceofFinn’sshirt.

Thetrackcurvedahead.Finn,findingspeedhedidn’tknowhehad,cried,“Help!”

“Physicsclass!”shoutedPhilbybackathim.“Thetrackisbanked.”

“WhatdoIcare?”

TheT.rexstumbledandlostafewyards.Theboyshurrieduptheslightriseintothesteepturn.

“Thetrackisbanked!”Philbyrepeated.

Finnunderstoodthenwhathadtobedone.Hewastheonetrailing.Hisheartlodgedinhisthroatashestoppedjustbeforetheapexoftheturn.Hefacedthebeast,makingatargetofhimself.

“Comeandgetit!”heshoutedattheT.rex.

Hewavedhisarmslikeamatadortauntingthebull.

Thehugemassofrattlingbones,surroundedbyacloudofdust,boredownonhim.Fasterandfasteritcame.

Finnwaited…andwaited…knowinghehadtotimehismoveperfectly.

TheT.rexcharged.

Justastheskeleton’steethwereafootawayfromhischest,Finndoveoffthetrack.

Thebeastfaltered,lurched,andtippedtoitsleftwhenthetracksuddenlycurvedtotheright.

Thebonesofanouterlegsplinteredandsnappedattheknee.Themonsterrolled,brokethroughtheplywoodofthescene’smountainbackdrop,andtumbledovertheside.

Finnwatchedasitlandedwithanoisyexplosionofbrokenbonesthatscatteredliketreebranches.

Philby,whohadalsostopped,lookeddownatFinnandhelpedhimuptotherail.

“Waittiltheyseethatontheircameras!”

Theboysturnedandhurriedoffintothenight.

27

Sinceallofthekidswerehungry,theylefttheapartmenttogetherandreconvenedatCosmicRay’sStarlightCafe.Finnledtheway,passingrightthroughthelockedfrontdoor.

Maybecksurprisedtheothersbycookingupdecent-tastingturkeyburgers.Theystayedinthekitchenareaandkeptthelightsoffsoasnottobeseen.Exitsignsandafewoverheadsecuritylightsprovidedtheonlyillumination.FinnandPhilbyfashionedatableoutofarollingcartwithlockingwheels.Invertedplastictubsandbucketsservedaschairs.Thetwogirlssattogetherononeside,FinnandPhilbyontheother.Maybeckjoinedthemlastandtooktheheadofthetable.

Philbyplacedapapernapkininfrontofthem.

“Thisiseverythingwehave,”heexplained,jottingdownthelettersthey’dacquiredbyfollowingthecluesinthefable:

FMEYIRSTPN

“Theymustspellsomething,”Charlenesaid.

“IfIwasatacomputer…IfIhadananagramgenerator,”Philbysaid.

Hewrotethelettersoutagain,thistimeleavingmoreroomaroundeachone.Hetorethelettersapart.AfewminuteslatertheyhadScrabblelettersmadeoutofatornnapkin.

Thekidsstudiedtheletters,callingoutwordstheysaw.

“MEN,”Charlenesaid.

“Leavethattoyou!”Willaquipped.

Philbysetthelettersaside.

Finnsaid,“SPIT.”

Hepulledtheseoutaswell.

“FRYisleft,”Philbypointedout.

“MENFRYSPIT?”Willaasked.

“MENSPITFRY?”Charlenesuggested.

“Noway,”Philbysaid.“We’lltryagain.”Hereshuffledthetenletters.

E

NP

STM

YFRI

“I’mkilleratScrabble,”Charleneannounced,“ifIdosaysomyself.”

“Haveatit,”Philbysaid.

Charlenearrangedthelettersintogroups,brokeupthosegroupsandtriedagain.Herhandsmovedveryfast,likeacarddealer.

Sheassembledtheminto:

MYPITFERNS.

“Verygood!”Willasaidencouragingly.

MYTIPFERNS

“Again,”Philbysaid.Finnkepttrack,writingdownallthevariations.

FIRMSPYNET

“That’saninterestingone,”Philbysaid.

Finnmadesuretogetitdown.

MENFISTPRY

“Youaregoodatthis!”Willasaid,impressed.

“Weallhaveourtalents,”Charlenequipped.

Then,tworightinarow:

METFRYSPIN,MYPINSFRET.

SuddenlyMaybecksneezed,sendingthelettersairborne.FinnandPhilbysnaggedafewofthemandreturnedthemtothetable.

Othersfloateddownlikelargesnowflakes.Theysettled,onebyone.

“Wait!”Finncalledout.Hegaspedashesawwhattheletterswerespellingallbythemselves:WY

FIRST

PEN

Finnlickedthetipofhisfinger,touchedtheWandturneditover.Hethenneatenedtherest:MYFIRSTPEN

“TheStonecutter’sQuill.It’sWaltDisney’sfirstpen,”Philbysaid.“Ohmygosh!”

“Butwhatdoesitmean?”Charlenesaid.

“It’sthenextclue.Itmeanswe’vegottofindWalt’sfirstpen,”Philbyanswered.

Maybeckgroaned,“Youhavegottobekiddingme.”

“Butwhere?”Charleneasked.

Silence.

“Isthereamuseumorsomething?”Finnasked.

Thekidsallshooktheirheads.

“There’sthatthing,OneMan’sDream,”Willastated.“OverinDisney-MGM.It’skindoflikeamuseum,Isuppose.”

Philbysaid,“Thatsounds…relevant.”

“Whatareyou,alawyer?”Maybecksaid.

Willacontinued,“AsIremember,there’sstuffthere,likeanolddeskandmodelsandthingslikethat.”

“Worthatry,”Finnmutteredsoftly.

“Wayne,”Philbysaid,drawingeveryone’sattention.“ThisisaquestionforWayne.”

Maybecksaid,“Ipaidhimavisit.Askedhimtojoinusintheapartment.Hesaidhishipwasbotheringhim,andthatifwewantedtoseehim,itwouldhavetobeathisplace.”

“Well,then,”Finnsaid.“Iguessthat’sthat.”

Theysplitupintotwogroups—FinnwithWilla;MaybeckandPhilbywithCharlene—andlefttherestaurantfiveminutesapart.

TheareaofgreatestriskwasMainStreet,whichwasthepark’ssoleentranceandexit.Youcouldn’tleaveorentertheMagicKingdomwithoutwalkingdownMainStreet.ThefirestationwasupatTownSquare,attheoppositeendofthestreetfromwheretheywere.

WhenFinnandWillareachedtheparkendofMainStreet—theareanearthecastle—theystayedclosetothestorefronts,duckingintodoorwaysandsneaking

glancesoutontotheemptystreet.TwicetheyhidintheshadowsagainstadoorasFinnspottedthetaillightsofgolfcartsinthedistance.Hecheckedhiswatch:intwominutestheotherthreewouldleavetherestaurant.TheideahadbeenforFinnandWillatobesafelyinsideWayne’sbythen.

Themostriskcamewithcrossingthestreet.FinnsignaledtoWillaandcounteddownwithhisfingers.Three…two…one…

Theytookoffacrossthestreet,twoblursofdull,colorfullight.Astheydid,Finnhadthepronouncedfeelingthatsomeonewaswatchinghim.Heglancedoverhisshoulderandthoughthesawashadowmoveinoneofthedoorways.Butwho?

DoortodoortheymovedupMainStreet.Finnlookedback,buttherewasnomoresignofanyonefollowing.Whenhewassuretheywereintheclear,heledWillatowardthefirestationandupthebackstairs.Wayneansweredthedoorasifhe’dbeenwaitingforthem.

“Ithinkyou’vedoneit,”Waynesaid,withallfiveDHIsgatheredinhisapartment.PhilbyandFinnhadexplainedtheirsolutiontothefable.

Waynecontinued,“Itwastheglasses,yousee?Thatreferencetoperspectivewaswherewefailedalltheseyears.Youshouldbeveryproudofyourselves.”

“Isthatit?”Maybeckasked.“Canwestartsleepingagain,forreal?”

“Youcantry,”Wayneanswered,“butI’mwillingtothinkyou’llhavetoseeitthrough.”

“Seewhatthrough?”Maybeckcomplained.“Youwantedustosolvethefable,andwedid.”

WaynestaredatFinnuntiltheboysaid,“It’snotsolved.Maybethepenistheendofit.”

“It’spossible,”Waynesaid,“butIwouldn’tcountonit.”

“Whycan’tyoutakeitfromhere?”Maybeckasked.

“Icouldtry,”Wayneanswered.“ButI’mnotsurethatwouldsolveyourcrossing-overproblem.”

“Youdesignedustocrossover.Soun-designus,”Charlenesaid.

“Ifonlyitwerethateasy.No,I’mafraidFinn’sright:you’llneedtoseethisthrough.”

“You’reafterher,”Maybecksaid,finallyunderstanding.“Wasthiseveraboutthefable?Oristhatjustawaytosmokeherout?”

“It’sverymuchaboutthefable,”Wayneanswered.“Isensesomehostilityinyou,Terry”

“Doyoureally?”Maybecksnortedandcrossedhisarms.“Thatwouldn’tbebecauseIwaskidnapped,wouldit?Andnowyouwantmecomingbackformore?”

Willaasked,“Isheright?Arewesupposedto…deliver…thatthing.Maleficent?Howdowedothat?”

“Youtakethingsoneatatime,”Waynereplied.“Let’snotgetaheadofourselves.”

“OneMan’sDream,”Finnsaid.

“YoucangoinasaDHI,butyouwon’tgetoutwithwhatyouwant,”Waynestated,surprisingthem.“Thinkaboutit.Youmightgetinside,butthepenwouldnotcomeoutwithyou.Thepenismaterialandreal,whereasyou—”

“Arenot,”Philbyanswered.

“Sowehavetostealit?”Finnasked.

“Youaregoingtoborrowit,Isuppose.”

“Whycan’tyoudothat?”Maybeckchallenged.

“Iwasn’ttheonetosolvethefable.I’mnottheonebroughtheretofixthings.Youare.Allfiveofyou.

“Butyoucouldgetthepenifyouwanted.”

“CouldI?IfanoldgoatlikemefromImagineeringaskedtogetinsideadisplay

inOneMan’sDream,they’dprobablyfireme.Ihavenobusinessthere.”

“Whichdisplay?”Philbyasked.“Youknowwhichdisplay,don’tyou?”

“Ihaveanidea,”Wayneadmitted.

“Sheesh!”Maybeckhuffed,fedup.

“Thereareseveralreplicas.Adraftingtable.Hisschooldesk.EvenWalt’soriginaloffice.Apen…it’sconceivableitcouldbeinanyofthese.Youmustbringmethepenthemomentyouhaveit.AndunderstandthethreatyounowposetotheOvertakers.Don’tunderestimatethat.Notforaminute.You’vesolvedthefable.Theymayknowthat,oratleastsuspectit.Ifthepenisvaluableenough,powerfulenough,tohideinsideafable,thenonecanimaginewearenottheonlyonesafterit.”

“You’reafraidofher,”Willasaidsoftly.“Youcreatedusbecauseyou’reafraidofher.”

“Areyouoldenoughtounderstandthesaying‘Don’tshootthemessenger’?”Wayneasked.

Finnhadheardtheexpressionbefore,andjudgingbythefacesoftheothers,theyhadtoo.

HethoughtheunderstoodWayne’smessage.“You’renottheonewhocreatedus,”hesaid.“Sowhodid?”

Voicescameloudlyupthebackstairsfromoutside.Severalmen.Oneofthemsaid,“Wasthiswhereyousawthem?”

“Wewerespotted!”Charlenesaidinapanic.

“You’llhavetogonow,”Waynesaid.

HelookedtowardFinn,whosaidinapanickedvoice,“Theremote’sbackintheapartment.

That’swhereweleaveit!”

Thesoundoffeetcomingupthestairsgrewallthelouder.

Apoundingonthebackdoor.

Waynehadacontentedsmileonhisface.“Youdon’tthinkwe’ddothiswithoutmakingabackup,doyou?”hesaid,holdingupanexactreplicaoftheirremote.

Anotherloudknockonthedoor.“Openup,please!”adeepmalevoicecommanded.

“Gather‘round,”Waynesaid,calmandrelaxed,asifhehadnotacareintheworld.

TheDHIshuddledtogether.

Waynepushedthebutton.

28

TheTransportationandTicketCenterhummedwithconversationasatangleofparkvisitorsshuttledbetweenbusesandmonorails.Somefamilieswereendingtheirdaysjustasotherswerestartingtheirs.OnaMondayafternoon,thickwithhumiditythetiredandimpatientmingledwiththeexhilaratedandanxious.Forsome,adayspent;forothers,aneveningfullofpromise.Thehumidityhungintheairsoheavilyyoucouldpracticallywearitlikeacoat.

Abovethegigglesandshrieksofexcitedchildrenandthescornfullreproachesoftheirexhaustedparents,thepurrofatrainapproachingcouldbeheard.

“We’reofftoalatestart,”Philbyannounced,checkinghiswatch.Charlene’scheerleaderpracticehaddelayedthem.“It’salmostaquartertofive.”

“OneMan’sDreamclosesatfive,”Willainformedthem.“We’reokay.We’llmakeit.”SheturnedtoFinn.“Whatifwewere‘accidentally’insidewhenitclosedforthenight?”

Philbyshotdownhersuggestion.“There’snowayfiveofuswillbeabletohideoutinthereandgetlockedin.Forgetit.”

Finnsaid,“Butoneofusmightbeableto.”

Philbysaid,“ThereareatleastninesecuritycamerasinsideOneMan’sDream.Ifevenoneofusisseeninthereafterclosing,we’reinbigtrouble.”

“Maybenot.”AfamiliarvoicecamefrombehindFinn.ItwasAmanda.

Shewassittinginthefrontpartofthetraincar,herbackdirectlytothem,exactlybehindFinn.

Thisisanythingbutcoincidence,hethought.

Finnhadbarelyspokentohersincethatdayattheskateparkwhereithadseemedtohimshe’dknowntoomuch,orwaskeepingsomethingfromhim.Hisintentionalavoidanceofherhungintheairbetweenthem.

Finnintroducedheraroundtothosewhohadnotmether.

ShetoldFinncandidly,“Yousawmeintheparklastnight.MainStreet.Notfarbehindyou.”

ThefourotherDHIslookedatFinnasifhe’dbetrayedthem.“That’sbecauseIfollowedJezthereafterschool,”Amandaexplained.

“Jez?”Maybeckblurtedout.

Amandasaid,“Jezneverlefttheparkatclosing.ShewentintoPiratesoftheCaribbeanandnevercameout.IhidinthebathroomsbehindPiratesandwaitedfortheparktoclear.ThenIhidinastairwellandwaited.”

“Arewesupposedtobelievethis?”Charleneasked.

“Believewhatyouwant,”Amandasnappedather.“Afterclosing,itwasherturntohide.ShetookaplaceonMainStreet.Youguysjust…arrivedallofasudden.Imean,oneminutenoonewasthereonthebench,andthenthereyouwere.Itwastheweirdestthing.Andshefollowedyou.”

“Andyoufollowedher,”Finnsaid.

Philbytestedher.“Shefolloweduswhere?”

Amandaanswered,“ShefollowedyouandFinntoThunderMountain,andsodidI.”

Maybecknodded.Whatheheardmadesense.“Thisissolid,guys.ThisgirlJezistrouble.”

“LatershewentovertoCosmicRay’s,”Amandasaid.

Charlenewentpale.“Butwhy?”

“Yeah.WhywouldJezfollowus?”Philbyaskedcuriously.

Amandasaid,“Curiositykilledthecat.”

FinnandMaybeckexchangedglances.Finnasked,“Whereisshenow?”

“Shefollowedyou,Finn,today.Afterschool.IlostherattheTransportationandTicketCenter,butshe’saroundheresomeplace.”

Charlenesnapped,“Sincewhendidyoubecomeourguardianangel?”

“MymotherworksatMGM,”Amandasaid.“Inadministration,inoneoftheoldbungalows.I’vebeenthere,like,azilliontimes.Theyknowme.Themainsecurityofficefortheparkisinthatbuilding.”Shehesitatedamomentandthensaid,“Iknowthoseguys.Icandistractthem.IfIthinkthey’regoingtoseeyouononeoftheirscreens,Icandrawtheirattention.”

“I’lljustbetyoucan,”snarledCharlene.

“Idon’tknowaboutthat,”Finnsaid.Itsoundedcomplicatedtohim.Risky.

“Icanhelpyou,”shesuggested.“Icansignalifthey’reontoyou.”StillFinnhesitated.“Youneedsomeonetowarnyou.”

He’dknownforsometimethatshewantedtobeaDHI,wantedtobepartoftheadventure.

Showingoffherknowledgeofthearea,AmandatoldPhilby,“Listen,there’sasound-and-lighttowerrightthereatthesidedoortoOneMan’sDream.Fromupthere,oneofyouwouldbeabletoseeprettymuchallaroundthepark.You’dbeabletospotthesecuritypatrolswaybeforetheyreachedtheattraction.”

Willasuggested,“AllinfavorofAmandahelpingusout?”

Everyone’shandwentup,butFinn’swasnoticeablyslowerthantheothers.Notinghisreluctance,Amandascrunchedherfaceathim.

“Ijustdon’twantyougettingintotrouble—orworse!—forsomethingyou’renotinvolvedin,”hesaid.“Thiscanbedangerous,Amanda.Youneedtoknowthatbeforeyouvolunteer.”

Amanda’snostrilsflared.Shelookedangry.“Icantakecareofmyself.”

WillaandCharlenegrinned.

Charlene,usuallythemostreluctantofthefive,said,“Okaythen,it’sdecided.”

OnceinsideMGMpark,theyquicklysplituptoavoidrecognition.

FinnandWillaheadedupSunsetBoulevard.Amandasplitfromthegroup,presumablytoreachSecurity.Philbysoughtoutthesound-and-lighttower,withCharleneashisrunner,incasehespottedtrouble.

“Youdon’tlooksohot,”WillatoldFinn.

“I’mjust…nervous,Iguess,”Finnsaid.TheyhadcomeupwithadecentplanonhowhemighthideinsideOneMan’sDream,buthewasn’teagertotestit.

Heasked,“Whatiftheycountheads?Whatiftheyknowhowmanygoinandoutofthetheater?”

Willaconsideredthisandthensaid,“Nah,theydon’tdostufflikethat.Maybetheycountpeoplegoingintothepark,butnotontotherides.Thatdoesntmakesense.”

“Theymight.”

“Theymight,buttheydon’t.”

Thetwopassedthefifty-foot-highreplicaofMickey’ssorcererhatthatstoodinfrontoftheChinesetheaterandservedasabandstand.Theystoppedatakiosksellingpinsandfilm,hats,stuffedanimals,andpostcards.

OneMan’sDreamwascrowdedwithgrandparentsandmotherswithstrollerstryingtoescapethemuggyheat.FinnpassedseveraldisplaysdealingwiththehistoryoftheparkandthewaysinwhichtheImagineershadrealizedWaltDisney’sdream.Willawaitedneartheentrance,doingagoodimitationofagirl

waitingforafriend.

OneofthedisplaysshowedWaltDisney’ssecond-gradeschooldeskfromMarceline,Missouri.Finnstudiedthedeskcarefully,wonderingifDisney’s“firstpen”mightbeinside.Itswoodentopwashinged,withashallowcircularwellcutintoitforabottleofink.

“Notexactlylikeyourdeskatschool,I’llbet,”saidawomanstandingbehindFinn.Shewasveryold,withkindeyes,translucentskin,andafaintwhitemoustache.SheworeanemployeenametagthatsaidCHARLOTTE.Herhairwasthecoloroflaundrylint.Hereyelashesweresopaletheywerealmostinvisible,whichlefthereyelidslookinglikeweirdflesh-coloredcupsthatblinkeddownoverhereyeslikeabird’s.Hervoicesoundedlikethesquealofapinchedballoon.

Finn,who’dhopedtogothroughtheexhibitunnoticed,blurtedout,“I—it—didn’tdoanything.”

“Ididn’tsayyoudid,youngman.”Shelookedathimcuriously.

“AmItoolatetowatchthemovieonWaltDisney’slife?”

“No,notatall.There’safinalshowingin…”Shecheckedherwatch.“Well!You’llhavetohurry.It’sjustdownthehallandtoyourright.It’sbiographical,youunderstand?It’snotliketheBugmovieorPhilharMagic.Nothinglikethose.”

“Iknow,”Finnsaid.Thewoman’sheavyperfumemadehimdizzy.Ittrailedafterherlikecarexhaust.Sheapparentlyfeltobligedtomakesurehemadeitintime.Togethertheywalkedpastotherdisplays.FinncaughtsightofWaltDisney’sWestCoastoffice—thedisplayWaynehadmentioned.

“Herewego,youngman,”thewomansaid.“Waithereandthey’llshowyouinside.”

Finnsawanotherdisplay,thisoneopentotheair,notsealedunderglass:adraftingtablewithabunchofpensandpapers.Waynehadmentionedthisaswell.Whichdisplay?Finnwondered.

Thedoorstothetheateropened.Finnandafewotherswereshowninside.Finn

tookaseatneartheback.

Thelightsdimmedalmostimmediatelyandthefilmstarted.Finnwatchedafewminutesofit,sloucheddowninhisseat,andthenslippedontothefloor.Hecurleduptightlyundertheseatinfrontofhiminordertohide.Thefilmranaboutfifteenminutes.Finnwasalreadyfeelingstiffbythetimeitfinished.

Thetheatergoersexitedintodaylight.Finn’sheartracedinhischestashehidandthedoorstotheoutsidethumpedshut,closinghimin.Thetheaterdarkened.Moresounds:ushersmakingsmalltalk,peoplesayinggood-byeandgoodnight.

Thensilence.

Finn,stillonthefloor,uncoiledandrelaxedhistightmuscles.Twominutespassed.Five.Nosoundsatallbeyondthealmostpainfulbeatingofhisheart.

Hegottohisfeet,gatheredhiscourage,andcalledout,“Hello?”preparedtoinventsomeexcuseifheraisedanyone.

Nothing.

Hepushedthroughthedoorsandwalkedbackintothemaingallery.Hetriedoncemore:

“Hello?”Ifdiscovered,he’dclaimhehadfallenasleepduringthefilm.

Nothing.

Afewlightshadbeenlefton,buttheonesinsidethedisplayswerealloff.Finncheckedoutthedraftingtable.Hewasdisappointedtoreadthelittlesignthatdescribedthedisplay.TherewasnomentionofthedraftingtablehavingbelongedtoWaltDisney.Itwasjustoneofmanydraftingtablesusedbyhisanimationstaff.Therewereacouplepensandpencils,aclearplasticdraftsman’striangle,andsomepapersscatteredaround.Finncarefullyclimbedintothedisplayandopenedsomesmalldrawersofacabinetnexttothetable.Allempty.

Next,hereturnedtothedisplayofWaltDisney’soriginaloffice.Thereonthedesk,bothamugandacorkglobeheldanabundanceofpensandpencils.Adozenormore.Myfirstpen.

Finnknewjustbylookingthatthiswastheplace.

Hedidn’twanttostealanything.HeremindedhimselfthatthishadbeenWayne’sidea,nothis.Theywereborrowingthepens.Nothingmore.Waynecouldreturnthem.Noharm.

Buthowtogetinsidetheglassed-indisplay?Finndidn’tseeanykindofdoor,excepttheoneleadingintotheoffice,anditwasinthebackwallofthedisplay.Hesawnowayin.

Hesearchedforapossibleaccessdoorintothebackofthedisplays,assumingtherewasahallwaybehindthevariouswindows.Theonlydoorhefound,towardthemainentrance,wasnotonlylockedbutfarawayfromtheofficedisplay.

Hebacktracked,passingallthedisplaysagain.Hefoundnodoor.Nowaybackthere.Buttherehadtobeaway!Somewaytomovefurniture,dust,clean,changelightbulbs.

Onlyashepassedablueposterforthethirdtimedidhehappentonoticeasmallfloor-to-ceilinggap.TheposterwasasketchoftheearthwithMickeyMouseears.Theearthwascrying.

ThesmalldescriptionexplainedthatthisdrawinghadbeenanewspapercartoonthatranfollowingDisney’sdeath.Itdepictedtheworldmourninghisloss.

Finnshovedhisfingersintothesmallcrackandpulled.Thepostermovedandthedoorcameopen.Hewasinsideinaninstant.

Justashesteppedintorelativedarknessbehindthedoor,Finnheardthreeloudknocksatadistance.Willa’ssignal.Terrorfloodedhim.SecurityguardswereeitherintheareaorheadedforOneMan’sDream.Fiveknockswouldsignalthatthecoastwasclear.Hepulledthedoorshutbehindhim.Thiswasasgoodaplacetohideasany.

Amomentlaterhestoodabsolutelystillasheidentifieddeepvoicesnearby.Justthroughthewall.Twomentalking.Insidetheattraction.

“Yousayitwasananonymouscall?”Oneguardspeakingtoanother.

“Agirl.Younggirlatthat,”theothersaid.“That’swhatMannysaid,yeah.Probablyjustaprank.Youknowkidsthatage.ButifMannywantsitcheckedout…”

“Thenwecheckitout.”

“Gotthatright.”

Finnheldhisbreathastheydrewclose.

“Thingis,”thesecondguardsaid,“thefrontdoorwaslockedgoodandtight.Wechecktheotherdoorsandwegotnothingtoworryabout.Nowaysomeone’sinhereifallthedoorsaretight.

Falsealarm.Plainandsimple.AmIright?”

“You’reright.”

“Okay,thenlet’sgetsomecoffee.”

“I’malloverthat.”

Finnwaitedseveralmorelongminuteswithoutmoving,practicallywithoutbreathing.Whohadcalledsecurity?Amanda?Hadshefedthemabunchoflies?DidshewantFinntogetcaughtbecauseofthewayhe’dexcludedherrecently?

Iftheywerecaughtnow,theirattempttostopMaleficentwouldbethwarted.Theparkwouldeventuallyfallunderhercontrol.Worse,ifshetookherpowersoutsidethepark,whoknewwhatwouldhappen?WhoknewwhatwouldbecomeofthefivekidswhohadoncebeenDHIs?

Oneanonymouscallhadnearlyruinedeverything.

Nowheheardadistantsound:fivedullbeats,likeafistonglass.Thesignal.

Hiseyesadjustedtowhatlittlelightwasavailableinthisbackhallway.Heturnedlefttowardtheofficedisplayandsoonreachedadoormarked:WD’sOFFICE.

Finnopenedthisdoor,steppedinside,andwasnowstandinginthedisplay.He

movedcarefully,notwantingtonudgeanythingoutofplaceordisturbtheoffice’scontents.Theairwasstuffyandunusuallydry.Hekeptwatchoutintotheemptygallerybeyond.

Onthewallatinyredlightbeganflashing.Asensorofsomekind,thoughanalarmdidnotsound.Anenvironmentalsensorperhaps,measuringheatandhumidityforthesakeofthedisplay’scontents.Finn’sbodyheatandhisbreathing,alongwiththeopendoortothebackhall,hadtrippedsomekindofsilentalarm.

Hequicklysnatchedupallthepensandpencilsfromboththeblackcoffeemugandthecorkglobe.Hewasnearlyouttheofficedoorwhenhesawascrollofarchitecturalplansleaningupagainstthedesk.WalthadtoldWaynethathe“hadplansforthisplace.”Finn,likeWayneandothers,hadtakenthewrongmeaning.Plans,asindrawings,notplans,asinideas.Finnscoopedthemup.

Heheardthreeloudthudsonthegallery’souterdoor—anothersignalfromWilla.Someonewascoming.Again.

Finnhurriedouttheoffice’sbackdoor,shutitcarefully,andheadeddownthebackhallway.

Butwheretogo?hewondered.

Hesawanexitsignateitherendofthehallway.Whichway?

Helookedleft,lookedright,butwasfrozenbyindecision.

Heheadedright,awayfromWilla’swarning.

Downthenarrowhall,ajogleft,hefacedametalexitdoorwithapanicbar.Hehesitated,foratthatverysecondanicyfrostsplinteredandcrackedtheinsidesurfaceofthedoor.Something—someone—wasjustontheotherside,anditwasn’tsecurityguards.

Thefrostyimageslowlytooktheshapeofahumanhand.Finnjumpedback.Hecouldseehisbreathnow,couldfeelthatsamepenetratingcoldgettingtohimagain.

Heturnedtorun,butcouldnotmovehislegs.Heteetered,readytofall.The

frostontheinsideofthedoorspreadfromthethinfingersofthehandlikeaweb.Finnglanceddowntoseethatthefloorhadicedupbeneathhim.Itwaslikestandingonaskatingrink.Thenhisbodymovedforward,allonitsown,slidingontheice,asifdrawnbyamagnet.

Heputouthishandstostophimself,buttheystucktothedoor.Thatforcecontinuedtopullhim.Nowhisbodyglueditselftothedoor.Inchbyinchhisheadwaspulleduntilhischeekfrozetothemetal.Pulledagainstthedoor’spanicbar,hefearedthedoormightcomeopen.Whoever,whatever,wasontheothersidewantedthepensandpencilsinhispocket.TheOvertakers.

Theplanssquirtedoutfromunderhisarmandcameunrolledastheyhitthefloor.Finncouldseetheywerefadedblueprintsofthevariousparks.Onebyone,thesheetsslippedunderthedoorwhileFinnwashelplesstostopthem.

Thepanicbarinchedaheadand,asitdid,themechanismdrewtheboltofthelockawayfromthelipofmetalthatsecuredthedoorshut.

Behindhim,thevoicesinsidethegallerygrewlouderasthesecurityguardsdrewcloser.

“Hey,Manny!Overhere!ThinkIgotsomething!”

Theguardswereinthebackhallway.

Whateverwasontheothersideofthedoormadeasoundlikewintrywind.

Finntriedtodismissit,ignoreit,butitgrewlouder.

Then,fromoutsidethedoor,Finnheardshouting.Theroarofthewindimmediatelylessened,fadingaway,replacedbythesoundsofrunningfeet.Theiceontheinsideofthedoorslowlymelted,sendingstreamsofwaterrushingdown.

Finnheardtheslapofbootsasthesecurityguardsdrewcloser.Hepushedthepanicbar.

Theicecrackedandthedooropened.Finntoresomeskinoffthepalmsofbothhandsashepulledawayfromtheicybar.

Brightlate-afternoonsunshineblindedhim.HecouldjustvaguelymakeoutWilla,agooddistanceaway,runningtowardhim.

Behindhim,agirlwithlonghair.

Jez?Amanda?

Finntookoffinthatdirection,curioustofindoutwhohadcausedthatice.

Thefleeinggirlroundedthebuilding’sbackcorner,outofsight.

Finnsprintedtocatchupcalling,“Hey!Wait!You!Waitup!”Hewasnolongerafraidofthisperson.Hewantedanswers.

He,too,hurriedaroundthecorner.Hecollidedwithsomeoneandtheywentdownhard.Finncametohisknees,dazed.

“You?”hesaid.

Hesatface-to-facewithAmanda.

“You?”hesaidagain,desperateforanexplanation.“Youcausethecold?”

“Finn—”

“You’retheone?”hegaspedindisbelief,hatingherforallherlies.

“Me?”Shelookedastonished.Butwasshejustacting?

Shesaidinawhisper,“Didyougetwhatyoucamefor?”

Finncouldn’tgetawordout,hischesttight,hisfistsclenched.

“Finn,please.You’vegotthiswrong.”

Herosetohisfeetandbackedawayfromher,butnotdaringtotakehiseyesoffher.“Itrustedyou,”hesaid.

“Finn,”shepleaded.“There’ssomuchtoexplain.Butnothere.”

“Notanywhere,”hefiredback.“Notever.”

“Run!”Willacalledout,catchingup.“They’recom-ing!

Amanda,stillseatedonthepavement,hadtearsinhereyes.

Willacametoabreathlessstop.“Finn!Theguards!”

HeandAmandahadnotbrokeneyecontact,thoughtheydidnow.Hebackedupatfirst,stilllookingather.Thenheturnedandranashardandasfastashecould.

29

Mickey’sNot-So-ScaryHaloweenParty,themostfunofanyofthepark’sspecialevents,wasnottobemissed.ItprovidedagoodopportunityforthekidstobringthepenstoWayne,sincetheywouldhavetodelivertheminperson,notasDHIs.

Allfiveofthekidshadplannedtoattend,usinguponeoftheir“legal”visitstothepark.Finnwasn’tsurewhototrustanymore,butcertainlynotthepirates.TheirapparentconnectiontoJezmadehimallthemorecurious,andallthemorecautious.

Thepartytookplaceatnight,afterhours.MainStreetwasdecoratedtomatchtheoccasion,costumeswereallbutmandatory,andghoulishcharacterswalkedthestreets,addingtothechillsandthrills.

PhilbybelievedthepartyalsoprovidedMaleficentarareopportunitytouseallthecostumingtohideherself.Awitchwouldgounnoticedonanightlikethis.ShecouldmeetwiththeotherOvertakerswithoutraisinganeyebrow,andcouldmoveabouttheparkfreely.Ifshewasplottingawaytotakeoverthepark,this,ofallnights,seemedtheperfecttimeforhertospringherplan.

Thekids—kids,notDHIs—hadaplaninplacetokeepbothPiratesoftheCaribbeanandtheHauntedMansionunderclosewatch.TheychosetheHauntedMansionbecauseghostsandgoblinswouldserveawitchwell,andifMaleficentplannedtotakeoverthepark,noworinthefuture,shewouldneedanarmyofOvertakerssupportingher.

Finn’smotherdroppedhimoffintheschoolparkinglot.Hesufferedthroughtheusuallecturefromheraboutgoodandproperbehavior.Snore.Overthreehundredofhisfellowschoolmates,includingDillard,rodeschoolbusshuttlestotheMagicKingdom.Thesesamebusesweretotakethemallbacktotheschoolateleveno’clock,whenthepartyendedandtheparkclosed.Parentswouldpickuptheirkidsintheschool’slot.

Onceinside,theplanwasforthekidstomeetatthestatueofRoyO.DisneyoutsidethefirestationinTownSquare.Fromtheretheywould“divideandconquer,”asMaybeckputit.

Havingstruggledwithcostumeideas,Finncamedressedinblackjeans,ablackT-shirt,andanewcape.Heworeablackmaskoverjusthiseyes.HethoughtofhimselfasZorro,whenintruth,hewasdressedforanyadventurestheymightencounter.

Ateighto’clockthousandsofkidsandtheirfamiliespouredintotheparkwearingelaboratecostumesthataddedtotheheightenedsenseoffun.Inanyotheryear,Finnwouldhaveheadedstraighttoaridetogetinline,readytoscreamandbefrightened.Despiteitsname,Mickey’sNot-So-ScaryHalloweenPartyofferedplentyoffrightstoitsguests.

Musicwaspumpedintothepark,notthetypicalDisneysongs—mostofwhichFinncouldhumfrommemory—butinstead,monstertunesandghostsongs,punctuatedbyfitsofghoulishlaughter.Theparkcamealivewiththesounds.

Arrivingasplanned,afewminutespastopening,Finnfounditdifficulttopickouthisnewfriends.Thiswaspartlybecausethereweresomanypeoplefloodingintothepark,andpartlybecauseofthecostumes.

“Thereyouare!”DillardColesaid.He’delectedtocomeasacrab,wearingalargeroundshellmadeofbrownpaper,hishandsinovenmittsforclaws,andseveralsetsofspringylegsprotrudingfromtheshell.

“Youlooklikeagianttick,”Finnsaid.“Crabsaren’tbrown.”

“Grocerybags.Itwastheonlypaperwecouldfind.”

Fromupclose,FinnsawthatDillard’scostumewasindeedmadefromdozensofgrocerybagscutopenandtapedtogether.

“Youseenanyonefromschool?”Finnasked.

“Nah.You?”

“Nah.”

“IhateHalloween,”Dillardsaid.

“Thenwhydidyoucome?”

Thecrabshrugged,allitslegsbouncingatonce.“Thecandy.Whereyoubeen,anyway?

Seemslikeweneverhangoutanymore.”

Itwastrue:Finn’slifehadchangedsincethecrossing-overhadbegun.He’dquicklymadenewfriendswiththeDHIs.Theirquestwasallhethoughtofanymore;evenhishomeworkwassuffering.

“Youknowwhat’sgoingon,”hesaid.“Oratleastsomeofit.”

“Yoursuperpowers,”Dillardteased.

“Yeah.Likethat.”Finnhadn’ttoldDillardhalfthestuffhe’dbeenthroughinthepastfewweeks.Heledasecretlifenow.

Untilthismomenthehadn’trealizedjusthowsecret.Worse:untilheandtheothersfixedthings,untilthegrowingpoweroftheOvertakerswaschallengedandstopped,hislifewasn’tgoingtogetmuchbetter.Stayingawakeallnight.Feelingtiredallday.Battlinghisparents.Tellinghismomthetruth,whichshe,ofcourse,foundunbelievable.

“Whatridedoyouwanttogoonfirst?”Dillardasked.“EarthtoFinn!Hello?”

Finncouldn’thearbecausehe’dspottedawitchheadingforthem.Amongalltheothercostumes,thisoneinparticularstoodout.Notjustforthecostume,butforthegirlwhoworeit.

AsDillardturnedtofollowFinn’sgaze,hiscrabbodyandlegshitkidsbehindhim,drawingjeersofcomplaintandclearingaspacearoundhim.

“CheckoutCruellaDeVil,”Dillardsaid,followingFinn’sgaze.“Hey,isn’tthat—”

“HernameisJez.”

“Fromthecarwash.”

“Right.”

Jezworeaskintightblack-and-whiteleotardwithblack-and-whitetights.Herhairwashalfblack,halfwhite.Shecarriedamasquerademaskonastickandworewhiteglovesthatranallthewayuptoherelbows.Thesmallmaskwasblack,likeFinn’sZorromask.Shehadablackbeautymarkdrawnontohercheektotheleftofherlips,whichwereexaggeratedbybrightredlipstick.

Shelookedlikeacollegegirl.Hercapeswisheddramaticallyasshewalked.Itwasn’tmadeofcheapcostumematerial,butsomethingmuchnicer.Shedrewlooksfromagoodnumberofboysasshepassed.

SheheadeddirectlytoFinnandDillard.Thesongplayingfromthebusheswas“MonsterMash.”JezsteppeduptoFinn,standingalittletooclose.Theyalmosttouched.Finnfelttemptedtotakeastepback,butheldhisground.

Jezspokesoftly,privately.“Greatmindsthinkalike,”shesaid.“Ourmasks,”sheaddedafterFinnfailedtorespond.

“Hey,Jez,”Finnsaid.

“Lookout,Zorro,”shewarned,“Imightputaspellonyou!”ShebrieflydroppedthemaskandmeteyeswithFinn.Shesmiled.

Dillardcoughed.Acoughingcrabwithdancinglegs.Heclearedanevenbiggerspaceforhimselfinthecrowd.

“Maybeyoualreadyhave,”Finnsuggested.

Shesaid,“Agoodspell,Ihope.”

“Areyouagoodwitch?”

“Thebest,”shesaid.“Can’tyoutell?”Shespun,hercaperising.SheendedhertwirlfacingDillardandsaidtohim,“Aren’tyougoingtooffertogetmesomethingtodrink,Sebastian?”

“Hey!SheguessedI’mSebastian!”DillardsaidproudlytoFinn.

“You’vegotenoughhands,don’tyou?”sheasked,tweakingoneclawandsendingitbouncingupanddown.

Finnsaid,“He’snotanerrandboy,he’smyfriend.”

“Hey!Idon’tmind,”Dillardsaid.Heraisedhisovenmitts,madeclawmotions,andwaddledoffinsearchofsomethingforthemtodrink.

“He’sagoodguy,”Finnsaid,whenJezfacedhimagain.“He’sbig,sopeoplemakefunofhim,buthecan’thelpit.”

Sheignoredwhathe’dsaid.“WanttodotheHauntedMansionwithme?”Jezasked.

Finnfelthisthroattighteninpanic.ThemansionwasanattractionthatseemedperfecttohideOvertakers.“It’llbetoocrowded,”hesaid.

Anawkwardmomentsettledbetweenthem.

“MissCongeniality,”Finnsaid.

“What?”

“TheSandraBullockmovie?”Finninquired.Hepointedtowardtheparkentrance.“Afriendofmine…Charlene.Youmetheratthesportspark,”hesaid.Charlenealsoworemakeupandlipstick,whichgaveherhighcheekbonesandathinnerface.Itwasagooddisguise.HerbluecocktaildressswishedassheparadedstraightovertoFinn.

CharlenelookedJezupanddown.“Adorable,”shesaidinsincerely.

“Imaginative,”Jezsaidbacktoher.

CharleneignoredJez.“SorryifI’mlate”shesaid.

“Noprob.”

“FinnandIaregoingovertotheHauntedMansion.”Jezannounced.“Wanttocome?”

Charlenecomplained,“ButFinn,youpromisedmethefirstride.Remember,Finn?”

ShewasgivinghimtheexcusetheyneededtogetovertoPiratesandbewiththeothers.

“Whenyou’reright,you’reright!”Finnsaid,alittleawkwardly.HeaskedJezifhecouldcatchuptoherlaterfortheHauntedMansion.

Shefrowned.

Dillardreturned,bearingtoomanydrinkstohold.Hedroppedone.

Jezreachedoutandcaughtitasitfell.Shenotonlysnaggedthecupbutsomehowmanagedtocatchallthesodaaswell.Notadropspilledtotheground.Itwasanimpossiblefeat.

Finntookamomenttoreplayitinhismind.“Howdidyoudothat?”

CharlenetookthethirdcupfromDillardandthankedhim.

“I…ahh…”Jezsaid.

Dillardhadintendedoneofthethreeforhimself,butdidn’ttellthattoCharlene.Whenhemoved,hisvariousarmsbouncedwildly.Hemumbledandheadedofftogetanother.

“Youdidn’tanswerme,”FinnremindedJez.“Howdidyoudothat?”

Jezstumbledoverherwordsasshemadewhatwasclearlyalameexcuse.“Mymomdoesn’tlikememessingupthekitchen.I’vegottenprettygoodatnotspilling.”

Catwomanapproached.FinnrecognizedAmandaimmediately.

Finnhadn’tspokentohersincetheircollisionbehindOneMan’sDream.He

couldn’tsorteverythingout:whatshe’dbeendoingthere;whythecoldhadn’tseemedtoaffecther.Hedidn’tfeellikehangingoutwithhertonight.Hewasn’tsurehowtotellher.

DillardreturnedfairlyquicklyandsaidhellotoAmanda.HerattentionremainedonFinn.

“Finn?”Amandasaid.

Finnturnedhisback,notsurewhattodo.Notthat,herealized,asshestormedoff.Hefeltrotten.

FinnofferedCharleneandJezanotherdrinkandthenheadedoffhimself,gratefultogetaway.ThegirlshungwithDillard,whostruggledtogetapapercuptohismouth.Hespilledsomesodadownhisfrontwhenoneofhisownclawsbangedagainsthim.

AmandasnuckupbehindFinninthesodaline.

“Isawher,Finn.Jez.BehindOneMan’sDream.Thosemonitorsareoldandfuzzy,butI’msureitwasher,andIcameovertheretowarnyou.”

Again,Finndidn’tknowwhattosay,didn’tknowwhattothink.Hedidn’tturnaround.

Amandacontinued,“Doesn’tthatstrikeyouasalittleodd?Alittletoocoincidental,herbeingtherelikethat?Rightthen?”

“Youwerethere,too.Thatstruckmeasoddaswell.”

“Ijustexplained.”

Theysteppedawayfromthesodaline.Finnjuggledthreecups.“Youweren’tsureitwasher.

Youjustsaidsoyourself.”

“Thinkabouthername,Finn.Jezebel?Comeon.TheBible?”

HewasnotexactlyaBiblescholar.

“Jezebeliswicked.Evil.Justlikeawitch.Andthatfitswiththecold,right?”Amandaasked.

“Itcouldhavebeenanyonedoingthat,”Finnblurtedout,thinkingofthewomaninthecar.

Sheleanedbackandlookedathimasifshedidn’tknowhim.“Whatareyouthinking?Areyouserious?Me?Listen,there’ssomethingyouneedtohear…somethingIhavetotellyouabouther.I’mnotsupposedto—doyouunderstandthat?Thiscouldgetmeinbigtrouble….”

Suddenly,Amandashuddered.Herheadjerkeduptowardthesky.Hershouldersshruggedandstiffened.Hereyesrolledinherhead.Finnthoughtshewasgoingtofaint.Hedumpedallthedrinksintoanearbytrashcan,freeinghishands,andtookherbythearm.Thenbythewaist.Shesankintohisarms.Shefeltcold,reallycold,andstiff,asifsheweresufferingsomekindofseizure.

Finn,wantingtoavoidmakingascene,walkedhertoabenchandsatherdown.

Acommotioneruptedbehindhim.HeturnedtoseeCharlenenowsittingdownonthesidewalk,herheadhangingslackoverherknees.Shehadapparentlyfaintedaswell.

AnadulthurriedtowardCharlene.

“Finn!”ItwasWilla,latetoarrive.

“Notimetoexplain,”hesaid.“You’vegottogetCharleneoverherebeforepeoplestartaskingquestions.Thegiantcrab—that’sDillard—he’llhelpyou.Hurry!”

Willa,who’dcomeasDorothyfromtheWizardofOz,rushedacrosstoDillard,tookholdofoneofhisovenmitts,anddraggedhimovertothewiltedCharlene.

FinncheckedAmanda.Shelookedhalfasleep,hereyesbarelyopen.Thankfully,shewasbreathingnormally.“Amanda!”hesaid,butgotnothingfromher.

Abrownout,hethought.Butabrownoutaffectingahuman,notaDHL.

Ifyou’renotcareful,I’llcastaspellonyou.Hadn’tJezsaidsomethinglikethat?

Washeimaginingthatshe’dsaidthat?

Helookedaround,hiseyessearchingforJez.

Hadn’tAmandabeenjustabouttotellhimsomethingtodowithJezwhenshe’dfainted?

WillaandDillardhadCharlenewalkingbetweenthem.Definitelyagoodsign.

There!FinnfinallyspottedJez.Shestoodonthefarsideofthestreet,talkingtoanadult—aThere!FinnfinallyspottedJez.Shestoodonthefarsideofthestreet,talkingtoanadult—athinwomaninalargewitch’shat,herbacktoFinn.HewatchedasJezpointedinhisdirection.Hefeltgoosebumpsraceuphisspine.Whatwasshetalkingabout?

Then,justforaninstant,JezaccidentallymeteyeswithFinn,fromclearacrossthestreet.AmomentlaterJezledthewomanoff,absorbedbythecrowd.

“Listen…Finnsaid,tryingtothink.“Igottago,”hetoldWilla.

“What,justleaveushere?”Willaasked,astonished.

“YouknowanythingabouttheBible?”heaskedWilla.

“Alittle.Sure.”

“IthinkIknowwhat’sgoingon,”heannouncedtoWillajustasPhilbyandMaybeckshowedup.

“I’mgladsomeonedoes,”Maybecksaid.

Philbyhadcomewearingawhitecurlywigandbigblackglasses,callinghimselfEinstein.

MaybeckhadsprayedhishairgrayandworetheflagofSouthAfricaonhissleeve.

“NelsonMandela,”MaybecktoldFinn.

“Youguyscomewithme,”FinninstructedashespottedJezandthewomanagain.TheywerewelldownMainStreet,headingtowardthecastle.

Amandasatupsuddenly,surprisingthemall.Willayelped.

“Don’t!”Amandagasped,lookingdirectlyatFinn.“Youhavenoidea…oftheirpowers.”

Sheslumpedback,inthatsameloststateagain.

“We’vegottogo.Now!”hetoldtheboys.

ThethreeboyshurrieddownMainStreet.

“Whatabout,youknow…?”Maybeckasked.

Finntappedhischest.“Ibroughtthepens.”

“Aren’twegoingthewrongway?Shouldn’twebegoingtothefirestation?”

“Don’taskmehow,butJezdidthistoCharleneandAmanda.Madethemsick.”

“That’sridiculous!”Maybecksaid,hisvoiceraspy.Theywerenearlyrunning.

Finnexplained,“Jezhookedupwithawitch!Incostume?Orforreal?Superskinny.Longblackhair.Soundlikeanyonewe’veseenlately?Andoh,bytheway,Jezjusthappenstobewearinglongwhitegloves.”

“CanIjustsay,you’vecompletelylostit,”Maybecksaid.“Andbycompletely,Imeanonehundredpercent.”

“Gloves.Jeziswearingwhiteglovestonight.Theygotoherelbow.AmandaandIsawthosesameglovesat—”

“Thecarwash,”Maybeckanswered.He’dseenthemtoo.

Finnsaid,“Jezisawitch.Andso’shermother.”PhilbyandMaybecklookedstunned.“Youwantmetoproveit,you’llcomewithme.”

Followingnow,Philbysaid,“Whatifyouhappentoberight?Inthatcase,whatarewedoingchasingawitchandherdaughter?Imean,howstupidcanwebe?”

Maybeckhuffed.“I’mgoingtohaveyouguysinstitutionalized.AmItheonlysanepersonleft?”

“Wait!”Finnsaid,stoppingthem.TheyduckedbehindapillarinfrontofaMainStreetshop.

Hepointed.Jezandthewomanturnedleftattheplaza,justbeforethecastle.

“Howmuchdoyouwanttobetthey’reheadingtoPirates?”

Rememberingtheconversationonthemonorail,Philbysaid,“AmandatoldusJezdisappearedthere.”

“Afigureofspeech,”Maybeckinterjected.“That’sall!”

AsFinnledthemleftoffthestreetaswell,Maybecksaidmoreseriously,“Listen,I’vebeenthere:whereCharleneandAmandaarerightnow.Feelingsicklikethat.Youdonotwanttomesswiththesepeople.”

“Theyaren’tpeople,”Finnsaid.“That’sthewholepoint.Iftheywerepeople,thenWayneandtheotherscoulddealwiththem.Thisisuptous,youguys.Nooneelseisgoingtodothis.”

“We’regoinginthereafterthem?”Philbysaid.JezandthewomanarrivedattheentrancetoPiratesoftheCaribbean.Sureenough,theyheadedinside.

“Idonotlikethis,”Maybecksaid.“Whathappenedtovoting?”

“Allinfavor?”Finnasked.HeandPhilbyraisedtheirhands.

Maybeckgroaned.

TheystoppedshortoftheentranceandstaredwarilyattheoldSpanish-stylebuilding.

“Okay,”Philbysaid,“nowI’mscared.”

30

Atnight,inthemidstofaHaloweencostumeparty,PiratesoftheCaribbeantookonamoremenacingfeel,somethingeachboyfeltasheentered.Flamencoguitarmusicechoedfromwallsthatflickeredinthelightofdimlanterns.Andwhilethemoodwasfestive,theHalloweenpartywasaspecialevent,sothecrowdsweremuchsmallerthanusual.Theresultwasanattractionwithdesertedhallwaysandahollowechotoeverysound.

Theboyshurrieddownastonecorridor.FinnhadlostsightofJezandhermotherjustasheheardtheolderwoman’sraspyvoicesaying,“Overhere.”

Thiswasfollowedbyaslightsqueakofmetal,adoorswingingonhinges,andaresoundingclangthatreverberatedoffthewalls.

“Youhearthat?”Maybeckasked.

Thetrioslowed.Astheyreachedasharpturninthehall,Maybeckbentdown,pretendingtotiehisrunningshoe,toletagroupofeagerteensracepastthem.Whenthehallwasemptyagain,Philbypointedtoashortstaircasesetintothewall,cordonedoffbyachain.

Totherightofthehallwasapit,ajailcellholdingapairofpiratefiguresengagedinagameofchess.

Maybeckhurriedforward,jumpedthechain,andclimbedtheshortstairs.Hereportedbackdowntotheothers,“There’sapairofcannonsandakindofturretthing.Lookslikethetopofafortorsomething.”

Philby,evertheacademic,explained,“It’samock-upofabattlement,withtwineight-poundcannonsandtheirshotinwovenbaskets.”He’ddonehishomework,asusual.

Finn’sattentionremainedonthejailcellandthesturdyironbarsmountedintotheconcrete.

Hetesteditsdoor,whichswungopen,makingthesameeeriesqueakthey’dheardonlymomentsbefore.

Excitedvoicesrangfromtheentrancetotheattraction.Morepeoplecoming.

Maybeckwhisperedsoftly,“Ifwe’regoingin,we’regoingin.Wecan’tstandaroundstaringatit.”

TheboyssteppedinsidetheheavyjailcelldoorandFinnpulleditshut.

Theyduckedintoshadowasseveralgroupsofkidshurriedpasttowardthestartoftheride.

Finnthenmotioneddownintothepitandthetwopiratesplayingchess.Itwasalongwaydown,andtherewerenostairs.

Philbyfoundaweightedropeconnectedtoanover-headpulley.“Caretotaketheelevator?”

Hetestedtherope,heldontightly,andsteppedoff.Hefloatedtothebottomofthepit.Amomentlatertheotherboyshadreachedthejail’sfloor.

“Okay,thisisreallyweird,”Finnsaid,“butIknowthisguy.”Hepointedtooneofthepirates.

Heknewthisfigurefromthelaserbattle.Lookingmorecarefully,herealizedthatherecognizedbothpirates.Hedaredtoreachoverandgentlypokethearmofthenearestpirate.Thankfully,itwasamodel,likeamannequin,andherelaxed.

Theyemergedintoalong,straighthallwaythatlayinshadowytwilight.Jailcellslinedbothsides.

“It’sa…prison,”Maybecksaid.

Finnstoppedandexaminedashinypieceofmetalthathungfromoneofthedoors.Itturnedouttobeapadlock.Asparklingnewpadlock.Eachofthecellswassecuredwithasimilarlock,allbrandnew.Onfurtherinspection,manyofthehingestothecelldoorshadbeenrecentlyrepaired.

Freshweldmarksabounded.

“Thishasallbeenfixedup,”Philbysaid.“Andrecently.What’swiththat?”

“Padlocks,”Finnsaid.“Ahundredpadlocksstolen.RememberwhatWaynesaid?”Herecalledhisfathermentioningweldinggearbeingstolen.TheOvertakers.

Philbyhandledoneofthepadlocks.“You’renotsaying—”

“Youwanttoexplainit?Goahead!”Finnsaid.

Maybecksaid,“Listen,thismakessense.Thesecellsarehuge.Eachcellcouldholdwhat,ten,maybetwentypeople?”

Theboyscontinuedthroughthegloomyjail.

Philbydidthemath.“Thatmeansyoucouldlockuphundredsofpeopledownhere.Yourealizethat?”

Finnsaid,“Parkemployees.”

“They’replanningatakeover,”Philbysaid.“Theystolethelocks.Theyfixedupthecells.”

Finnstated,“Theyobviouslyplantousethese.”

“ThisisexactlywhatWayneisafraidof,”Philbysaid.“NowIgetit:iftheyorganize,andiftheyhaverealpowers,it’spossibletheycouldtakeoverthepark.”

“Andoncetheydid,”Finnsaid,“whatwouldhappentotheguestswhoarrived?”

“It’snotjustajail,guys.Welcometothedungeon.”Maybeckpointedtoadoor

attheendofthejails.Thedoorhungopen,revealingatomblikedarknessbeyond.“Andyes,”headdedquickly,

“Irealizehowstupidthissounds.”

Finnreminded,“Remember,we’renotcrossedover.We’renotgoingtoturninvisible.We’renotgoingtoglow.We’renotgoingtowalkthroughwalls.Soifwerun,werun.”

“I’malloverthat,”Maybecksaid.

Theypausedatthedoorandlistenedtohigh-pitchedvoicesfaintlycomingthroughthedarkness.

Philbywhispered,“Isuggestwesticktotheshadows.”

“Shadows?”Maybeckquestioned.“It’spitch-blackinthere.”

“Itwon’tbe,”Philbyassuredhim.

Maybecksaid,“Nomatterwhat,wehangtogether.Youdonotwanttogoone-on-onewiththesepeople.”

“Iftheyarepeople,”Philbysaid,meaningitasajoke.Noonelaughed.

“Anyadvice?”Finnasked.

“Don’tunderestimatetheirpoweroveryou,”Maybecksaid.“Youdon’twanttolookintotheireyes.Irememberlookingintoapairofeyes—thecoldgotmuchmoreintense.”

“So…trytothinkofotherthings,orwhat?”Finnasked.

“Yeah.Theydefinitelyputthoughtsintoyourhead,whichfeellikeyourownideas.Buttheyaren’tyourideasatall.They’relikeorders.Weoughttogothroughthatdoorwithourmindsalreadyoccupied,”Maybecksuggested.“Ifwegothroughatall.”

“Occupiedwithwhat?”Philbyasked.

Maybeckanswered,“What’stheugliest,weirdestmonsteryou’veeverseen?In

amovie,inyourimagination,inyoursleep?Trythat.Anddon’tletgoofit.Fightfirewithfire.”Headded,“Jezissonice,it’shardtoseeherasdangerous.That’swhenyoustartlosingpower,whenthecoldreallygetsgoing.”

“Andyoucouldn’thavetoldusthisbeforewedecidedtocomehere?”Philbyasked,annoyed.

“Ididn’trememberanyofthis.SwearIdidn’t.Notuntiljustnow.Butman,I’mtellingyou,it’sallcomingbackinabigway.”

“Areweallset?”Finnasked.

Theboysnodded.

Finnledthewaythroughthedoor,hisfeetfeelingthewayinfrontofhim.Thedarknessgavewaytoadescendingstonestaircase.Partwaydown,thestairsturnedleftandadimelectriclightshoneoverhead.Morelightsupahead.

Thestagnant,mustyairgrewquicklycool.Thewallsdrippedandgreenslimerandownthemlikethickpaint.Theboyssloshedthroughseveralshallowpuddles.Finnfollowedtwosetsofwetshoeprintsnow,frompuddletopuddle.

Allatoncethespaceopenedintoasquareroom.Thestoneceilingwassupportedbyfourenormousstonepillars,eachwithadifferentanimalheadcarvedontoit.Thecarvingswereofghoulish,evilfaces,halfanimal,halfhuman—hideous,withbugeyesandtonguesstickingout.

Stonebenchesranalongthewalls.Thiswassomekindofgatheringplace.

Theairfeltevencoldernow.

Finncountedthreedarkdoorwaysleadingfromtheroom.Jezandthewomancouldhavegonethroughanyoneofthem.

Philbydroppedtooneknee,lookingforwetprintstofollow.Hecrawledforwardonhishandsandkneesandendedfacingthemiddleofthethreedoorways.Hepointedsilently.

Finnnodded.

Theboysenteredadank,narrowtunnelwithwallscloseenoughtotouchonbothsidesatthesametime.Itgrewevergloomier.Therewasbarelyanylight.Asuffocatingstalenesshungintheair.

Finntoedhiswaycarefullyahead,encounteringyetanothershortflightofstonesteps.Asinglebarebulblittheplacewherethetightpassagewayendedatasecond,vastopenspace,aroomcarvedfromsandstone.Ahalfdozencolumns,allconnectedbycarvedarches,roseliketreetrunksfromthefloor.

ItremindedFinnofEscher’sKeep.ItwasalmostasifEscherhimselfhadoncebeenhere.

Manysimilarpatternsanddesignsadornedtheroom.HadWaltDisneyonceshownthisroomtothegreatartist?

Maybeckcrossedhisarmstightly.“Temperaturealert,”hewhispered.“Arcticairmass.”

Itwasanunnaturalcold.Afartoofamiliarcold.Theyweredrawingclosertothesource.

Philby,inthelead,ledthemtotheright.Noticingthatthechillwasreducedhere,theyreverseddirections,followingthecoldlikeabloodhoundfollowsascent.

AtremorofterrorranthroughFinn.Whatweretheythinkingincominghere?Aspiralstaircasethatlookedlikeahermitcrab’sshellrosetohisleft.Anothersetofnarrowstonestepsdescendedstraightahead.Thisplacewasalabyrinth.Butmorestrangely,itwasalsoaforced-perspectivehallway.Thedeepertheypenetratedintotheroom,thelowertheceiling.Theeffectmadetheroomappearmuchlongerthanitactuallywas.

Finn,nogianthimself,duckedasthemoistsandstonecaughthishair.Spiderwebsstucktohisface.Heclawedatthem.

Theboysheardhushedvoicestotheirright.Theychangeddirection,hunched,andstoopedbytheslopedceiling.

“Valorissuchadangerousthing.”Thesamevoicefromtheteepee:Maleficent.

Theboysstoppedandturnedinunison.

Shestoodalongsideacolumn.She’dhiddenbehindit.They’dwalkedrightpasther.“Likebeestosugarwater,”shesaid.

Shenowblockedtheirreturnroute.

Shesaid,“Ifyoudidn’tcaresomuchaboutyourtwogirlfriendsupthere,youwouldn’thavefollowedusdownhere.Andifyoudidn’tfollowus,thenhowwouldweevergetyoutogiveusthepen?”

They’dbeentricked.JezandMaleficenthadwantedtobefollowed.

Maybeckmadeaquickmovetohisleft,butwithasimplewaveofherglovedhandMaleficentthrewupaseriesofwhitevibratinglinesthatconnectedonecolumntothenext.Acageoflight.

Thelineshummedandsparkedwithelectricity.Theyaddedlighttothegloominess.

Asecondwaveofherhandserectedmorelines,intricatelyconnected.Shehadcreatedacomplexfencearoundtheboys.

Shesaid,“You’refamiliarwithshockcollarsfordogs?Wirelessfences?Sameconcept.Idon’tadvisetestingit,butbemyguests,ifyoumust.”

ThelightallowedFinntoseethepurpleofherrobes.Tooscaredtotalk,hesummonedhiscourage,refusingtolookdirectlyatherwhileatthesametimekeepingamonstrousimageinhismind’seye.

“Weknowyouhaveitonyou,”shesaid,“youcleverchild.Now…placethependownonthefloorthere.Assoonasyoudo,yourgirlfriendswillfeelfine.”

Silence.NotevenMaybeckrespondedwithhisusualsarcasm.

Philby’seyesdancedtowardthesparkingwhitelinesthatcagedthem.Finncouldfeelhimplottingescape.

Finnfeltitworthalie.“ItmighthelpifIknewwhatyouweretalkingabout.”

“Youinsolentyoungman.”

“Wewerethere.OneMan’sDream.”Jezsteppedoutfrombehindanothercolumn.

“OneWitch’sDream,too,”Maleficentsaid.“Theseparksgrowso…claustrophobic—don’tyouthink?”

Seeingthesetwosidebyside,Finnrealizedhowdifferenttheylooked.ItwashardtobelieveJezwasthiswoman’sdaughter.AndnowhefeltawfulfordoubtingAmanda.Nowshesatsemiconscioussomewhereabovethem.

“Youtwocango,”MaleficentsaidtoPhilbyandMaybeck.Shesweptherhandtoonesideandthefencesputteredandvanished.“Omniahaecobliviscantur!”shechantedmusically,thensaid,“Whenyoureachthesurface,youwillremembernoneofwhathasgoneonhere.Neithertheeventsnorthewaydown.Allyouwillrecallisgoingtotherestroomtogether.Youdon’tknowwhereFinnis.Haven’tseenhiminawhile.Nowgo.”

Thetwoboysremainedrootedfirmlyinplace.“Noway!”Philbysaid.

“Silly,sillyboy.”Sheclappedherglovedhandstogether.Philbyseemedtoloseeveryboneinhisbody.Hefelltothefloorinaheapofunwillinglimbsandmuscle,alumpofflesh.

“I’mgivingyouaverygenerousopportunityhere.Terryknowsbetterthantodisobey,don’tyou,Terry?”

Maybeck’slipsmoved,butnosoundcameout.

“Icanaddsomepain,ifyoulike,”shesaidtoPhilby.

“No!”Maybecksaid,reachingforPhilby.

“Go!”Finninstructedthem.

Theylookedpainedtohearthisfromhim.

“Go,”herepeated.

Losingherpatience,Maleficentasked,“Ordoyoupreferfire?”

Herlefthandsuddenlyheldaballofflame.Sheblewitout.

“Orwind?”Theroomswirledwithagaleforcethatblewdustintotheireyesandknockedtheboysofftheirfeet.NeitherJez’srobesnorhermother’ssomuchasfluttered.

“Wanttoplaysomemore?”sheasked.

Maleficentlitanotherballofflameinherhand.Sheblewonit,sendingitrollingdirectlyforMaybeck.Itexplodedinapuffofblacksmokejustbeforereachinghim.

HelpingPhilbyup,Finnleanedinandwhispered,“Keepanimageinyourhead.Focusonsomething.Protectyourmemory.”Hegavehimalittleshove.“Now,go!”hesaidmoreloudly.

MaybeckledPhilbybythearm.Theyhurriedoutoftheroom.

Whentheyweregone,Finnsaidtothewitch,“You’reheadoftheOvertakers.”

Shecackledanedgylaugh.“Me?Head?Falsecomplimentswillgetyounowherewithme,youngman.Iambutahumbleservanttoshewholiveswithin.Mypowersaresosmallandinsignificant.Donotwasteyourbreath.I’manerrandrunner,that’sall.”

Finnfelthiskneesgoweak.Therewassomethingmorepowerfulthanshewas?

Sheinstructedhim:“Now,putitonthefloor.Doso,orsuffer.Yourchoice.”

“Makeme,”Finnsaid.

MaleficentwavedherrighthandandFinn’scapeblewopen.TheassortmentofpensandpencilstakenfromWalt’sdeskstuckoutfromthecape’sinsidepocket.Thewitchturnedawayandthecapefellshut.

“Ifyoucouldmakemehanditover,youwouldhave,”hetoldher.“Butyoucan’t.Forsomereason,youneedmetocooperate.Whyisthat?”

Heflashedopenthecapeagain.Andagain,sheavertedhergaze.

“Heprotectedagainstthis,didn’the?WaltDisney,”Finnsaidasheconcealedthepensandpencilsagain.

Maleficentdaredtoventurealookatthepens,hereyessparkling,asifFinnwereholdingamilliondollarsingold.

Hetookholdofthepensandheldthemouttowardher.Maleficentcoweredawayfromhim.

“Interesting,”Finnsaid.“Youneedoneofthesepensorpencils,don’tyou?Butwhichone?”

Hesteppedforward.Shemovedback,andaway,duckingbehindthenearestcolumn.“Therealquillcanhurtyou,can’tit?Dullyourpowers?”Heunderstoodthen.ThiswashowWaynecouldstoptheOvertakers.

“Itcanstopyourplans,thispen,can’tit?Youneedtogetridofit.Destroyit.Evenjustitsexistencehasthreatenedyoualltheseyears.”

“Whatdoyouknow?You’rejustaboy!Andweallknowlittleboysshouldn’tplaywithfire.”

Withthat,shepretendedshewasbowling.AlargeballoffirerolledfromherhandandacrosstheflooratFinn.Hedodgediteasilyenough,butthencameasecond,andathird.

Jez“caught”theballsoffireontheoppositesideandbowledthembacktowardMaleficent.

Finn,trappedinthemiddle,dancedtoavoidtheflames.

Aballsingedhiscape.Hecouldn’tkeepthisupforlong.HefoundhimselfhoppingaroundlikeanIrishstepdancer.

“YouwilldoexactlyasIsay,”Maleficentinstructedhim,stillbowlingherfireballsathim.

Finnunderstoodwhathehadtodo.Dodgingthefireashelanded,hescatteredseveralofthepensacrossthestonefloor.Aballoffiretumbledtowardthepens.

“No!”thewitchshouted.Withawaveofherhand,theflamingballsvanishedintowispsofblacksmokeandthetangysmellthatfollowsalightningstorm.

So,Finnthought,shedoesn’twanttodestroythepen,andshecan’ttouchitherself.Shehasauseforit,butisalsoafraidofitspower.

“Youthinkyourselfsoclever?”shecalledoutangrily.Shewalkedrightthroughhiselectriccage,straightforthepens.

Finndoveacrossthefloor,sweptthemupintohishand,andsprintedforthewhitesparkingfence.Shehadpassedthroughwithoutsomuchasaspark.

Whenhewascrossedover,FinnhadbeenabletowalkthroughwallsandcounterthecurrentsofSplashMountainbyconcentratingontheDHIessenceofhiscrossed-overbody.Sowhynotpassthroughthiselectricfenceunharmed?

Hefocusedonthesingleidea:Iamlight.Iamnothingbutlight.NothingcanstopmeifI’mnothingbutlight.NothingcanharmmeifI’m—

Wham!

Reachingthefenceatfullstride,hewasknockedbackoffhisfeetandontothefloor.Hefeltasifhe’dbeenstabbedinthechest.

Maleficentseemedtofloat,notwalk,assheapproached.Shetoweredoverhim.Scowling,thewitchraisedherarm,abouttodeliveraspell.Finnclutchedthepensandjumpedtowardher,lightningfast.Hethrustthepensinherface.SparksflewasthepensconnectedwithMaleficent.

Sheflewbackandfelltothestonefloor.

“YourGrace?”Jezcalledout.

Thewitchlayonthestonefloor,stunned.Theelectricfencesputtered.

Finnsteppedclosertothefallenwitch,thepensheldinfrontofhimlikeasword.Sherecoiled,expectinghimtostrikeagain.

“Lowerthefence!”heinstructedJez.HenevertookhiseyesoffMaleficent.Sheseemedtobegainingherstrengthback.“Lowerthefence,orI’lldoitagain,”

Finnwarned.

Thebarsofbuzzingwhitelinessparkedtwicemoreandthenvanished.

“ReleaseAmandaandCharlene,”hetoldher.WhenJezhesitated,hesteppedclosertoMaleficent.Thefeelingofcoldincreased.Herstrengthwasindeedreturning.HeneededJeztodothisquickly,beforehermothercametohersenses.

HestabbedatMaleficentwiththefistfulofpens.Asecondburstofsparksthrewherdownagain.

“Okay!”Jezexclaimed.Shewavedherhands.“It’sdone.”

Finnbackedupandreachedthestairway.

AweakenedMaleficentliftedherheadandsaid,“Wewillmeetagain,youngman.Wehaveunfinishedbusiness,youandI.”

Finnturnedandran.

31

ThekidsneededtheplansthathadbeenstolenfromFinnatOneMan’sDream,andnoonehadanydoubtsastowhohadtakenthem.Maleficentwouldreturnforthepen—theStonecutter’sQuil

—withavengeance.Whateverpowersthepenandtheplanspossessedwhencombined,eachsidehadtheirreasonsforwantingwhattheothernowpossessed.

BeforeheleftMickey’sNot-So-ScaryHalloweenParty,FinnpaidWayneavisittoexplainthenight’sevents.

“It’salwayssuchanoisynight,”Waynecomplained.Helookedsillydressedinapairofpajamasandaplaidrobe.HeworeMickeyandMinnieMousefuzzyslippers.

“Weneedyourhelp.”

“Soitwouldseem.Soitwouldseem.”Waynepacedhissmallapartmentoverthefirestation,glancingoutthewindowsoccasionally.Finnheardhimmutter,“Whenwilltheygohome?”Thenhepacedsomemore.“Twobirdswithonestone,”hesaid,nowaddressingFinn.

“How’sthat?”Finnasked,impatienttohookbackupwithhisfriendsandleavethepark.

“Icanhelpyou—willhelpyou—butitwon’tcomewithoutadditionalrisktousall.Shehastobedesperatetobebowlingfireatyourfeet.Revealingherselflike

that.”Hestudiedthepensspreadoutonthesmalldiningtable,whereFinnhadputthem.“You’llkeepallofthese,becausethey’veobviouslycomeinhandy.Tomorrow’stheday.They’llbeexpectingyoubynight,ofcourse,becausethat’swhenyou’reusuallyhere.Soitcan’tbenight.Itmustbeday.Furthermore,ifyou’retosecuretheplans,thenyoumustbeaboy,notcrossedover.”

“Butwecantouchandholdthingswhenwe’recrossedover.Icangetthoseplansback.”

“Youcan’tdothatwhereI’msendingyou,”Waynecountered.“You’llhavetobeyourself.Theothersaswell.Andyou’llneeddisguises,oryou’llgetcaught.”Waynepaused,thinkinghard.

“Cast-membercostumes,youunderstand?Employees.Eachofyou.Icanhelpthereaswell.”

“Butwhy?Whereareyousendingus?”

“Youshowedme,”Waynesaid.“Imighthaveneverfiguredthisoutbymyself.”

“Showedyouwhat?”

“Where’stheoneplacethataweakenedMaleficentcanhidewithoutbeingquestioned?”

“Hereinthepark.”

“Imean,whereinthepark?”

“Whateverride,whateverattractionshe’spartof.”

“Butthat’sthepoint.Sheisn’tpartofone,”Wayneanswered.“Herroleisoveratthestudios.

She’sinFantasmics.That’sallshedoeshere—thatoneshow.Sheturnsherselfintothedragon.

Maybeinreallifeaswell.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”

“I’manoldmantalkingtohimself,that’sall.Backtotheimportantquestion:wherecanshehideintheMagicKingdom?”

“Outintheopen?”Finnguessed.

“Precisely.AndifIwereher,ifI’dstolentheseplansandthenledboysdowntomysecretlair,Iwouldneedsomeplacenewtolaylow.Theboysmighttellpeopleaboutthedungeons.Theycouldbesearched.Icouldbecaught.Ineedaplacenoonecanfindme.”

“Butwhere?”Finnasked,feelingasiftheyweretalkingincircles.

“We’llneedallfiveofyoutodressascastmembers.You’llmeetmeattheTransportationandTicketCenter,busstopnumberfive,atnineo’clocktomorrowmorning.Canyoumakethat?”

“Tomorrow’sSunday.Probably.Isupposeso.”

“Makesureyoudo,”headvised.

“Whatdidyoumeanby‘twobirdswithonestone’?”

“We’regoingtouseherowntacticsagainsther.Ifyoumanagetogettheplans,she’llcomeafteryou.She’llwanttostopyoufromgettingthemtome,especiallynowthatsheknowsyouhavethepen.”

“So?”

“You’regoingtoleadherintoatrap.”Hisoldeyesbrightened.

“You’regoingtouseusasbait?”

WaynelookedatFinn.Hisfeaturessoftened.“Howterriblyimpoliteofme.Ithasbeensolong,yousee.We’resoclosenow.Soveryclose.”HestraightenedupandlookedFinnintheeye.

“Ineedyourhelp—yoursandtheothers’—incatchingMaleficent.Itisatasknotwithoutrisk,butoneIassureyouwellworththeeffort,ifyou’regame.Thisis,Ibelieve,whatWalthadintendedallalong—thecaptureofanOvertaker,thebeginningoftheendforthem.”HepausedandallowedFinntothinkthroughhis

proposal.Thenheasked,“So?Willyouhelpme?”

Atninethenextmorning,FinnstoodwiththeothersinlineatbusstopnumberfiveattheTransportationandTicketCenter.

Alargebuspulledup.Thedoorswungopen,andfrombehindthewheelWaynemotionedtheminside.“Well?”theoldguysaid,“Hurryitup!”

Thekidspiledon,andWayneshutthedooranddroveoff.Theywereallaloneintheotherwiseemptybus.

“Thereisn’ttime,”Waynesaid.“There’sabagforeachofyou.”

Finn’snamewaswrittenononeoffivegrocerybags.Insidewasacostume.

“Putiton,”Wayneinstructed.“Ladiestotheback.”

Someblanketshadbeenstrungacrosstherearseatstoprovidethegirlsprivacy.

“Gentlemenupfront.”

Wayneturnedthebusatthenextcorner,andtheboys,allinvariousdegreesofundress,hadtoholdontokeeptheirbalance.

Waynepickedupthemicrophoneandannouncedsothegirlscouldhearaswell,“I’llbringyouinaroundthebackoftheparkatFrontierland.You’llenterthetunnelsfromthere.”

“Tunnels?”Finnasked.

“Afterthat,it’suptothefiveofyou,I’mafraid.”

Whentheboysweredressed,CharleneandWillacameforward.Willaworeanold-fashionedblue-stripeddressandapuffy-sleevedblouseprintedwithpastelflowers,theuniformoffood-serviceworkersinFrontierland.CharleneworeaskirtandtopofadeckhandonthepaddlewheelsteamboatthatcircledTomSawyerIsland.

“Listen,allofyou!There’sascheduleinplacewemustkeeptoinorderforthistowork.”

WaynewasoneoftheworstdriversFinnhadevermet.Thebusnearlysideswipedtwocars,thenveeredleftandscrapeditswheelsagainstthecurb,beforesmashingbackdowntotheroadway.

“Okay,we’relistening,”Finnsaid,realizingthattheoldgoatwasagitated.

PhilbywasdressedasaboatmanontheJungleCruise.FinnwasanewspaperboyfromMainStreet.Maybeckworeaturban-toppedoutfitfromtheMagicCarpetsofAladdin.

Waynepulledthebusoverandthrewopenthedoor.Amandaboarded.

“Sheisnecessarytoourplans,”Wayneannounced.

AmandalookedFinnintheeyeandthen,withoutsayinganything,tookaseatinthemiddleofthebus.

Wayneexplained,“Amandahastherunoftheplace.She’snotontheDHIwatchlist.She’llactassentryandguidewhenyouneedher.”

NowinsidetheMagicKingdom,Wayneslowedthebusnexttoalargewhitebuildingthat,accordingtoitssign,hadsomethingtodowithwastedisposal.Awidemetaltube,connectedtothebuilding,extendedoutfromanearthenbank.Apavedroadleduptherisetoaverylargedoublegateinthewoodenwall.Flowersandshrubscoveredasmallhillthatborderedatallwoodenfence,whichwasbehindFrontierland.

Waynespuntofacethem,stillbehindthewheel.Henervouslycheckedhiswristwatch.“You’llweartheseIDtagsaroundyournecksatalltimes.Butturnthemsotheyfacein,sotheIDpicturedoesn’tshow.”WaynehadborrowedsomeIDtagsforthem.

“What’sthisbuilding?”Maybeckasked.DressedasAliBaba,orwhoeverhewas,Finnthoughthelookedprettycool.

Wayneanswered.“Thisisimportanttoyou,Finn.Haveyoueverseenagarbagebagbeingcarriedaroundinsidethepark?”Wayneasked.

Allfiveshooktheirheads.

“Thisbuildingiswhy.Allthepark’strashtravelsundergroundthroughaseriesofsteeltubes.

Thosetubesterminatehere,wherethetrashiscompacted,andthenshippedofftoadump.Theprocessisautomated.I’vebriefedAmanda.”

Sheremainedintheback,silentandstudious.BriefedAmandaaboutthetrash?Finnwondered.Hekepthismouthshut.

“OnceIgetyouinside,”Wayneinstructed,“you’reonyourown.TheUtilidorhere—that’swhattheparktunnelsarecalled—iscomplicatedandbig.Thecorridorsaremorelikeundergroundroadsthansidewalks.Therearegolfcartsandelectricbuggiesdownthere,sokeepalertanddon’tgethit.CastmembersknowtheUtilidorwell,andyou’recastmembersnow.You’llneedtolookcomfortable.”

“WhataboutMaleficent?”Finnasked.“Theplans?”

“Terrence,”WaynesaidtoMaybeck,“what’slikelythecoldestroominanofficebuilding?”

“Thecomputerroom,”Maybeckanswered.“Theservercenter.”

“Sowhere’sthesafest,mostcomfortableplaceforsomeonewholikesthecoldtospendtime?”

“Arefrigerator?”Charleneanswered,notpayingenoughattention.

“Onepossibility,yes,andonethatyouandWillawillpursue.There’sanentiresectionoftheUtilidordevotedtocoldfoodstorage.”

“Thecomputercenter,”Maybecksaid,answeringWayne’squestion.

“TheserversarehousedatthebackofwhatwecalltheControlRoom.That’sforyouandtheboys.”Waynewarnedthem,“Stayalertforasuddendropintemperature.That’swhatyou’relookingfor.Themissingplanswon’tbefaraway.Weneedthoseplans.”Waynelookedtroubledandconcerned.“Thepointis,fromwhatFinndescribed,hewoundedMaleficent.Weakenedher.

HealsomadeitimpossibleforhertoremainbelowPiratesoftheCaribbean.I

believeshe’stakentotheUtilidor,where,lookinglikeacastmember,noonewouldquestionordetainher.Yourjobistogetthoseplansfromherandtoflushherout.Todrawherout.Wewillhandletherest.”

“We?”Philbyasked.

“Youleavethattome,youngman.”Helookedbetweenallsixkids,fornowAmandawasstandingjustbehindFinn.“Areyouready?”

Amomentofhesitationsettledoverthekids.Then,onebyone,theynodded.EvenCharlene.

Wayne’sfacebrightenedagain.“Onceyou’vegottheplansandyou’retopside,”hesaid,

“that’swhenthechasebegins.I’mafraidyoumayliterallyneedtorunforyourlives.Maleficentisnotlikelytobeagoodloser.Finntakestheplans.Amandawillguidehimbackhere.”Again,Waynetookamomenttomakeeyecontactwitheachofthekids.HeendedwithFinn.“You’lldoexactlyasshesays.”

FinnglancedbackatAmanda.

Hedidn’tfeelgoodaboutthis.Sherevealednothingofwhatshemightbethinking.

FinnfelttherewasanunusuallystrongbondbetweenWayneandAmanda.Weretheyrelatedsomehow?Withoutquestion,Finnthought,Amandawasnoordinarygirl.

Waynethrewthebusdooropen,andthekidshurriedout.

32

InsidetheMagicKingdom,thesunshonebrightly.Finn’scostumewarmedup.HethoughttheairsmelledlikeThanksgiving.IttookhimaminutetospottheturkeylegbeinggnawedonbyabigmanwearingaHardRockCafeshirt.

ThesixkidsandWaynepassedintotheparkthroughahighwoodenfence,withThunderMountaintotheirright.Pasttherideandthroughanotherdoormarkedforcastmembers,theyenteredaroomwithdullgreenwalls.Theysawanelevatordoor,scratchedandinneedofpaint,withasinglearrowpointingdown.Alargesignboltedtothecinderblockwallabovetheadjacentsetofdescendingstairscautioned:CASTMEMBERSONLYPLEASE.

“I’llgofirst,”Wayneannounced.“Girls,you’llfollowmetofoodservice.Terrence,youknowwhatyou’relookingfor.Goodluck,everyone.”

Finnfelthisthroatcatch.TherewasonlyonereasonWaynecouldbedoingthissosoonontheheelsofthepreviousnight.

Itisn’tsafe.

TheyhadtoaccomplishthisbeforeMaleficentregainedallherpowers.ThoughFinnwonderedwhatwouldbecomeofthemifshealreadyhad.

Wayne’swhiteheadbobbeddownthestairs,followedcloselybyCharleneandthenWilla.

Theboysheardaheavydooropenandclose.Thensilence.Finn’sthroatwas

bone-dry.Hispalmsweresweating.

Maybeckwentfirst.Hedescendedthestairs,suddenlyconsumedbyshadow.Again,thesoundofthedooropeningandfallingshut.

Thatdoorswallowedhisfriends.Hehopedhe’dseethemagain.

Philbywentnext.

Finnthenworkedhiswaydownand,handonthedoor,remindedhimselftostaycalm.Hetuggedonthedoorandopenedittoastrange,unfamiliarworld.Theyfoundthemselvesinatunnelthatranagreatdistanceinbothdirections.PeopleinDisneycostumeswalkedingroupswhilebattery-operatedvehiclespliedthecorridors.

TheUtilidorwasphysicallymuchwider,muchbigger—enormous,really!—thanFinnhadimagineditwouldbe:anundergroundroadofsortswithdoorsleadingfromit.

ActorsdressedasnonhumananimatedDisneycharacters,likeMickeyandMinnieandDonaldDuck,paradedpast,eachwearingorcarryingamasklargeenoughtocovertheirwholehead.Therewereothersdressedashumancharacters,wearingmakeupbutwithoutmasks—

BelleandSnowWhite,PeterPan,andMulan.Thewalkarounds,theywerecalled.

Asmallelectrictruckzoomedpast,stackedhighwithcansofsodaandbottledwater.FinnlookedtoseeCharleneandWillaheadedinthesamedirectionthetruckwasgoing.

HefollowedashortdistancebehindPhilby,whointurnfollowedMaybeck.Theboyswerenowmovingintheoppositedirectionfromthegirls.

Overhead,alongthetunnel’sceiling,thickcablesandpipeshung.NoDisneymusicplayeddownhere.Insteadtheboysheardonlythewhineofthevehicles,thesteadywhooshofpiped-inair,andthegentlemurmurofvoices.

FinnpassedagirlwithCinderella’shairandface.Butsheworebluejeansandatanktop,notyetincostume.

Theboyswalkedbrisklyforwelloverfiveminutesbeforefinallycomingtoanothertunnel.

MaybeckfollowedthesignsasWaynehadtoldhim.Thisnewtunnelgraduallyslopeddownward,leveledout,andrananotherfiftyyardsbeforeclimbingagain,thenitdead-endedatyetanotherbusytunnel.Finnfollowedtotheright,PhilbyandMaybeckjustahead.

Officesandunidentifiedroomslinedtheroute.Itwasextremelybusydownhere,withpeoplecomingandgoinglikeworkerbees.Finncaughtaglimpseofacafeteria.HepassedsignsforthePROPERTYROOM,abarbershop,andawomen’shairsalon.Acity!Thetunnelveeredleft.

PhilbyandMaybeckslowedandpretendedtoreadfromabulletinboard.

“It’sjustupahead,”Maybecksaidinalowvoice.“Thetimingiscriticalbecausethere’sacoffeebreakcomingup.Waynethinksourbestshotatgettinginthereisduringthecoffeebreak.”

Finntookasipfromawaterfountain,stealingalookdownthehall.Theywaited.Afewminuteslaterthreeworkers—twomenandawoman—leftthedoormarkedCONTROLROOM.

Theboysapproachedthedoorandentered.

Insidetheyfacedrowafterrowofsteelshelving,likebookshelvesinalibrary,floortoceiling.

Insteadofbooks,theshelveswerefilledwiththousandsoftinyblinkinglights,red,yellowandorange:rack-mountedcomputers.

Itwaschillyinhere.

Maybeckhurrieddownthesecond-to-lastrow,sayingsoftly,“Wayne’spointisthatnoonewillnoticeMaleficent’scoldaurainacoldplacelikethis.Hesaidtheserversareinabackroom.”

Sureenough,theysoonstoodfacingseveralsteeldoors,allunmarked.

Finnsteppedforwardandtouchedthebackofhishandtoeachdoorin

succession.Themiddledoorwasnoticeablycolder.

Finnwonderedforhowmanyyears—howmanydecades—MaleficenthadbeenconfinedtothevarioustunnelsandlairsbeneaththeMagicKingdom.Itseemednowondershe’dturnedtothedarksideofherpowers.

“Howdowedothis?”Maybeckasked,nowthathe’dledthemhere.

“Idon’tthinkweknock,”Philbysaid.

“Actually…maybewedo,”Finnsaid,surprisingtheothertwo.Hethoughtforaminuteandsaid,“Haveeitherofyoueverruntrack?”

Maybecknodded.

“Howabouttherelay?”Finnasked.

Maybecknoddedagain.

“Drivers,startyourengines,”Finnsaid.Hepulledtheboysintoathree-wayhuddleandtoldthemhisplan.

“Knock,knock!”Finnsaidloudly.“It’syourfavoriteDisneyHostInteractive,”heannounced.Hekeptoneeyeonthewallclock.Thecoffeebreakwasscheduledtolastfifteenminutes.Sixofthoseminuteswerebehindthem.

Noanswer.Sevenminutesgone;eightminutesremaining.

“I’vecometoofferyouadeal.”

Spinesoficecreptuptheedgesofthecloseddoor.Finncouldpicturethewitchstandingjustontheotherside.Hiskneesfeltweak,buthehadtogothroughwiththis.

Heraisedhisvoice.“We’rethrough.We’redone.Wayne—he’sanoldguywhosentusheretostealsomethingfromyou—butwe’vehadachangeofheart.Wewanttodestroytheserver.ThecomputerthatgeneratesourDHIs.Wedon’twanttodothisanymore.”Stillnothing,thoughtheiceonthedoorthickened.“Wedon’tknowwhichserveritis.Wedon’tknowwhattodo.Youhelpus—withouthurtingus—andwe’llgiveyouthepens.”

Thedoorknobwentwhitewithfrost.Shewasholdingitfromtheotherside.

“You’rethinkingthisisatrap,”Finnsaid.“Andyou’rerighttothinkthat.Butitisn’t.Wejustwanttogohome.Wewanttosleepatnight.Please…helpus,andyou’llhavewhatyouwant.”

Thedoorknobturned.

Maleficentstoodinthedoorway.ShehadnotfullyrecoveredfromFinn’szappingherthenightbefore.Shelookedolder,slightlyyellowinthecheeks.Behindher,onastackofmorecomputers,FinnsawthescrollofplansshehadstolenfromhimatOneMan’sDream.

FinnandMaybeckbackedupastep.Philbywasnowheretobeseen.

“Whichserver?”Finnasked.

“Andweneedwhateverback-upservertheyhave,aswell,”Maybecksaid.“Oncewe’regone,wedon’twantthemabletobringusback.”

Maleficentglaredatthemwithhereyelidsloweredmenacingly.Shewaseitherhalfdeadorreadytokill.

“I’msorryforwhatIdid,”Finnsaid.“Ididn’tknow.”Finnrealizedhe’dzappedagooddealofthepowerfromher.He’ddrainedher.Shewaslikeabatteryrunningoutofjuice.

Shesaidnothing,juststoodthereblinking,lookingdevilish.Shegatheredherstrengthandsaid,“Jezlikesyou,orIwouldhavehurtyoulastnightwhenIhadthechance.”

“That’scomfortingtoknow,”Finnsaid.“I’llputdownthepens.Youcanhaveit.Butfirstyou’llshowustherightserver.”

“Firstthepens,”shesaid.“YouthinkI’dtrustyoulikethat?”

“AndwhyshouldItrustyou?”

“Thisisyouridea,notmine.Besides,onceIhavethepen,whatthreatareyou?”

Finnconcealedhissmirkasheshrugged.“Haveityourway,”hesaid.

Hewithdrewthegroupofpensandpencilsfromhispocketandplacedthemontheground.

MaleficentapproachedthemlikeakidnearingaChristmastree.Sheseemedtohavemoreenergy.Hereyesflaredopeninexpectation.

Finntookseveralmorestepsbackward,Maybeckrightnexttohim.

ButbehindMaleficent,thedoortothebackroomswungslowlyawayfromthewall,andtherestoodPhilby.InhisrighthandPhilbyclutchedafistfulofpensandpencilstightly.

Maleficentbenttowardthepensonthefloor,clearlycautious.Butasshedrewclosershesawmodernbrandnamesonthepens.Shelookedupthroughfieryeyes.

“Now!”Finnshouted.

PhilbychargedfrombehindanddidjustasFinnhadtoldhim:holdingthepensextended,hedrovehisfistintothewitch.

Atthatsamemoment,sheturnedaround.

Ablindingflasheruptedasthepensmadecontact.MaleficentrosefromthefloorandwasthrownviolentlypastFinnandMaybeckandintotheheavyblackshelves.

Maybecksprintedforwardintothebackroom,grabbedtherollofplans,andheadedforthemaindoor.Philby,stunnedbywhathe’ddone,passedthepenstoFinn,leavingbehindonthefloorthepenstheboyshadcollectedfromadeskatthefrontofthecontrolroom.

Philbywasnextoutthedoor.

“What’sgoingonhere?”AbigmanblockedFinn’sexit.

JustthenashowerofsparksandspurtsofflamerosefromwhereMaleficentlaypinnedtothecomputershelves,impaledontoastackofelectricaloutletsand

surgesuppressors.Astheelectricityflowedthroughherbody,beneaththesmokeandspittingsparks,Finnsawherskincolorreturntoarichgreen.Theelectricityfedher.

“What—is—that—?”askedtheofficemanager.

Maleficent’sbloodshoteyesflashedopenandlockedontoFinn.He’dneverseeneyessoangry,someanandvicious.Sopowerful.Andtheywereaimedathim.Onlyathim.

Theofficemanagerstaggeredtowardafireextinguisherhangingfromthewall.

Finnmadeforthedoor.

Maleficentpulledherselfloosefromthemetalshelvingasashowerofsparkscascadedoverheadandcried,“Aaaah!Ineededthat!”

Sheflewoutthedoor.Literally.

Theofficemanagerfainted.

33

Finnhitthetunnelrunning.BehindhimracedablurofgreenandblackasMaleficentspedthroughtheair,herarmpointinginfrontofherandleadingtheway.

Closingthedistance.

Theboysransidebysidenow,Maleficentbehindthem,andclosingfast.Likeashellgame,theboyspassedtheplansbackandforthbetweenthem,thenswitchedpositionsastheyranandpassedtheplansagain.Forsomeonebehindthem,whereMaleficentnowfollowed,itgrewimpossibletodeterminewhichboyhadtheplans.

Then,justasMaleficentwasnearlyuponthem,theboyssplitup,runninginthreedifferentdirections.

Maybeckmumbled,perhapsalittletooloudlyforhisowngood,“I’vegotthem!Don’tworry.

Justrun!”

Finntookanexitdoortohisleft.Heracedupthestairsatafuriousspeed,glancingbehind.

NoMaleficent.She’dfollowedMaybeck.

Finnbrokeintoblindingdaylight.Hecheckedthetubeofpaperstuckedintohis

waist,thrilledtheplanhadworked.Freshair.Parkmusic.ForamomentFinncouldn’tfigureoutwherehewas.

AcastmemberdoorledoutintoTomorrowland.Thatwaswrong!Hewasoutofposition.Finnfledthroughthedoorandoutontoabusyconcourse.

Atmidday,theareabustledwithactivity,asteadystreamofguestsinachaoticmassofTshirts,shorts,andthesweetsmellofsuntanlotion.

HowlongwouldittakeforMaleficenttodiscovertheirtrickery?

TheplanhadbeentorendezvouswithAmandaonthebridgebetweenTomorrowlandandtheCentralPlaza.Butwhichway?FinnhadlefttheUtilidorviathewrongexit.

Heheardthecrowdscreamtohisright.HewasfamiliarwithallsortsofsoundsintheMagicKingdom,butthisparticularroarsoundedoutofplace.

Asecondlater,MaybeckcameoutofthesameCASTMEMBERSONLYdoor.Hewasoutofbreathandsweating.

“She’safterPhilby,”hetoldFinn.

Anotherscreambrokefromthedistance.

Somelittlekidsshouted,“Aladdin!Aladdin!”andcutthroughthethickcrowdstoreachMaybeck,whotheymistookforthecharacter.Maybecktriedtogetawayfromthem.Parentscalledaftertheirkidstobepolite.AlineformedbehindMaybeckasheandFinnsetoutwalking.

Maybecksaidunderhisbreath,“Weshouldhavelostthewardrobe.”

“Idon’tknow,”Finnsaid,“maybewecanusethis.”

HehandedMaybeckoneofthepens.

“You’rekiddingme!”

Thechildrencaughtupandsurroundedthemboth,theirautographnotebooksoutandready.

“Signsomeautographs,Aladdin,”Finnsaidencouragingly.

Withclenchedteeth,Maybeckaskedinawhisper,“HowdoyouspellAladdin?”

Finnspelleditforhimasyetanotherexcitedscreampealedfromthecrowd—thistimemuchcloser.Aseaofparkguestspartedtohisright.Agreenwitch.Maleficent.Shewalkedquicklyanddeliberatelyandwasjustscaryenoughlookingtoholdheradmirersatbay.

“Headdown!”Finncalledout.

Maybeckducked,continuingtoscribbleoutautographsfuriously.

Thegreen-facedwitchandherfollowingseaoffanspassedthemby.

Finnbackedawayfromtheclotofeagerchildren.

“That’sall!”Finnsaid,thoughtolittleeffect.

Maybeckwassuddenlyhookedonthisautographwriting.Hemadenoattempttostop.

“Aladdin!”Philbycalledout.“You’regoingtobelate!”

Maybeckfinallygaveitup.Hemadehisapologies,andheandFinnmovedon.

Thecrowdupahead,thegroupfollowingMaleficent,stopped,collidingintooneanother.This,becausethewitchhadstoppedandturned.Butwhy?

Finnmovedintheotherdirection.Hecameface-to-facewithJez.

“Giveusthepenandtheplans,andwewon’thurtyou,”shesaid.

Severalthingshappenedatonce.First,Finnspottedagroupoffourorfiveseagullsclusteredatopahighwhitefence.ThenhesawAmanda.Shestoodinsidethesamewhitefence,thegullsperchedoverhead.ShesignaledFinntojoinher.Third,Jezreachedfortheplans—andstolethemfromhim.

“Go!”FinnorderedMaybeck.AndtherewasPhilbystandingnexttoAmanda,alsobeckoningthemovertothefence.

FinndoveatJez,knockedherdown,andtooktheplansback.Shesatuponthepavement,mumbledsomething,andcastaspellatFinn.

Hefeltasharppainfloodthroughhim.Hiskneeswentweak.Thatdreadedsenseofcoldovercamehim.

Jezsmiledathersuccess,gottoherfeet,andsteppedtowardhim.Finnfoughtagainstthespellbythinkingofhimselfaspurelight—asaDHI—eventhoughhewasjustFinnWhitman,theboy.Heallowedhernopoweroverhim,refusedtogiveintoher.Ashedid,somethingstrangehappened.Hisfingerstingled.

Awomaninthecrowdgasped,“Oh,mygosh!Lookwhoitis!”

Finnwascrossingover—becominghisDHI.

HementallypushedagainstJez.Theharderhepushed,themoreofhisbodyturnedtolight—ahologram.

Thenextspellshetriedtocastpassedrightthroughhimandturnedasmalltreejustbehindhimtosolidice.

Thecrowdapplaudedandcheered,childrenshouting,“More!More!”

JezlungedatFinnbutshe,too,passedrightthroughhim.

Again,thecrowdcheered.

Shedaredtotryagain.Thistime,Finnsteppedintoherandstopped.Hemovedwithherinperfectlock-step,ablesomehowtoknowhereverythought.

Shespunincircles,tryingtoridherselfofhim.Theywereasingleentitynow:spinningandglowing.Twokidsinone.Thecrowdwentwild.

Finnresistedthecold.Hefeltwarmthreplaceit.Heheardhercallingout,“YourGrace!”Shesoundeddesperateandafraid.

Thecrowdroaredtheirapproval;aspinningvortexoflight,andthegirl’swildcriesforhelp.

Finnsteppedawayfromher,andJezspuntoastop,dazed.Sheraisedherhead

slowlywhilestudyingherhands,herarms,touchingherforearmsasiftheydidn’tbelongtoher.

“Ican’tbelieveit.”AshereyesmetFinn’s,shecriedout,“I’m…free!”

Freefromwhat?Finnwondered.

“Youdidit!”JezsaidtoFinn,hereyesbright,hervoiceexcited.“Nomorecold.NomoreMaleficent.Youfreedme!”

Withthat,themoststartlingthinghappened.Jezchanged,shetransformed,beforeFinn’seyes.Thecrowdapplaudedasherhairchangedcolor,fromjet-blacktoasandyblond.Hereyebrowsandeyelashesbecamelighteraswell,andafewfrecklesappearedonhercheeks.Shewas,withoutquestion,adifferentgirl,abeautifulgirl,andyet…familiar.Finncouldn’tgetoverthefeelingthathe’dmetherbefore,thatheknewher,thisnewgirl.Andthen,asheglancedbacktohisfriendsandsawAmandatherecallingforhim,aspikeofastonishmentfilledhim,andhefelttheDHIdissolveandtherealFinnreturn.Amanda’sfacefilledwithlight,withanexpressionofjoyFinnhadneverseen.Tearsfilledhereyes.

Finnlookedbackandforthbetweenthetwogirls,JezandAmanda,and—

Itcouldn’tbe….

Butitwas.

Theyweresisters,twinsperhaps,notidentical,butclosetoit.

OnlythendidheunderstandAmanda’sefforts,hernevergivingup.OnlythendidhecometowonderifAmandawasn’tsomekindofwitchherself—agoodwitch.

Thecrowdexplodedintocelebration.

Maleficent’sgreenformstreakedtowardthem.

AsFinn—aboyagain—reachedthefence,hefacedAmanda.“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”

“Youweren’tready,”shesaid.

Amandastoodinfrontofalargeyellowcylinderstickingoutoftheground,withathick,circular,steeltrapdoorontop.Anumberofwarningpostersinstructedproperuse.

“Theotherswentahead,”Amandasaid.“Go!”

Finnlookeddown.“Butit’satrashchute.”

“Go!Feetfirst.”Sheopenedit.“Quickly!Jump!”Sheseemeddistracted.

Finnfollowedherlineofsight.MaleficenthadcaughtuptoJez.ButJezheldherhandsinfrontofher,andtryasMaleficentmight,shecouldnotgetclosetothegirl.Ragingwithanger,MaleficentsuddenlysawFinn.

FinnaskedAmanda,“IsJezwhoIthinksheis?”

“Jess,notJez,notanymore.Howcanweeverthankyou?”Thetearsspilledfromhereyes.

“Wecouldn’tbreakthespellourselves.”

“Thensheis—Thenyouare—”Finn’sheadswam.

ButhestoppedhimselfasMaleficentraisedherhandtocastaspell.

Seeingthis,Finnjumpeddownthetrashchute.

FromhighoverheadheheardAmanda’sgleefullvoiceechoashefell.“I’llneverforgetwhatyoudid!”

Ashewassuckeddownthefoul-smellingtube,Finntuckedtherollofplansawayunderhisbelt.Hetookadeepbreathandgagged.Hethoughthemightthrowup.

Thetubereekedofrottingtrash.Gooeybitsandstickyglobsofrancidfoodandsoggylitterstucktohimlikeleeches,lickedhisfaceandsloppedintohishairandclothing.Again,hefelthimselfgag.

Inthedistance,fardownthetube,echoingthroughthemetal,Finnheardhoots

andhollers—MaybeckandPhilby.

Thesuctionspittrashintohisface.Heslammedintosomekindofmeshgate,anintersectionofconvergingtrash-evacuationtubes.Ontheotherside,blackgarbagebagsandtrashracedpast.Thenthegateopenedanditwashisturn.Hetumbleddownandrolledintothenexttube,pickedupspeed,andheadedoffagain,upsidedownandbackward.

Windroaredallaroundhim.Agarbagebagsmashedintohim.Itbrokeopen,itstrashfreed.

Awfulstuffracedaroundhimandstucktohim.Hebracedhimselfjustintimeforanotherintersection.Butthisgatewasopenandhemovedintoathird,largertube.

Aluminumcanspepperedhishead.Cellophaneandcottoncandystucktohim.Diapers,orangepeels,stickypopsiclesticks.Hesomersaultedtoavoidthisstuff,andthere,behindhim,cameadullgreenlight.Itgreweverlarger.Itmovedquickly.

Hewasthrownintoabacksomersault.Ashecamearound,hefoundhimselffacingMaleficent.Armsatherside,headforward,legsoutstretchedbehindher,shefleweffortlesslythroughthegarbagetube,apparentlyunaffectedbythesuction.

“Missme?”shewheezed.

Shelunged.Herice-coldhandgrabbedforthescroll.Finnkickedoutandpushedherback.

Herwideeyesnarrowedinhatred.Shelungedagain.

Finnstraightenedhimselfoutandgainedspeed.Hebrieflypulledawayfromher.

Throughtheroar,heheardhermumble:“Animatransformatur!”Finnduckedassheflickedherwristathim.Asandwichbagnexttohimmeltedandre-formedintoarat.Thatspellhadbeenmeantforhim.Atonce,theratcamealive,itstailswiping,itslittlefeetclawingforpurchase.

Maleficentclosedthegap.Finntoreaholeinagarbagebag,scatteringits

contents.

Heheardaclankofmetalnotfarahead:yetanothergate.

TheratscrambledandscratchedatFinn.IfheandMaleficentcrashedintoagatetogether,shewouldhavehimandtheplans.Hefeltcertainofit.

Shewounduptodeliveryetanotherspell,thetwoofthemracingthroughtheslimytube.Finngrabbedholdoftheclawingratandthrewitather.MaleficentfoughtofftheratandcamerightforFinn.

Hesawasmallwhitecirclegrowlargerandwider.Theendofthetunnel!Finncouldsmellfreshair.

Tryingtobuyhimselftime,heshoutedather,“Youforgotsomething:evilneverwinsintheMagicKingdom.”

Shecalledback,“Thatdependsonwhosemagicitis.”

Propelledouttheendofthetrashtube,Finnflewthroughtheairandcrashedintoaseaoftrashbagsinanenormoussteelcollectionbox,likearailroadcar.Hescrambledtowardtheedge,wherehesawWayneandothers,menandwomen,surroundingthehugecollectionbin.

“Hurry!”Wayneshouted.

Finnreachedfortheedge,pulledhimselfupandover,andfelltotheground,splatting,soakingwetwithtrash.

TherehesawPhilbyandMaybeck,alsocoveredingoo.

HewatchedasMaleficentshotouttheendofthetrashtubeandintothegiantcontainer.

Theteamofadultsquicklyproducedanet,draggingitfromoneendtotheotherandtrappingherinside.

“Tothebus!Quickly!”Waynehollered,movinginthatdirectionhimself.

Theotheradultsworkedfuriouslytosecurethenet.

AsFinnran,heheardMaleficent’swailsofcomplaintfromthebin.

Maybeck,Philby,andFinncaughtuptoWayne—theoldguylimpingalong.

Finnshouted,“You’renotgoingto—”

“No!”Waynereplied.“Wedon’tkillanythinghere.Notevenwitches.We’llgiveheratasteofherownjail—theoneyoufound—forawhile.It’llgiveustimetodeterminehowmuchpowertheOvertakershavegained.You’vedonewell!We’realmostthrough.”

“Almost?”shoutedallthreeboys,comingtoastopatonce.

Theyallboardedthebus.

Finnhandedhimtheplansandthepens.

Waynelookedbackgratefullyandsaid,“Goodjob,kids.”

34

Lookingoutthewindowofthecastleapartment,havingcrossedoverjustbeforeteno’clock,Finnthoughttheparklookedbeautiful.

Hewonderedifhe’deverknowthetruthaboutAmanda,ifhe’deverseeheragain,forshe’dbeennoticeablyabsentfromschoolthatMonday.HethoughtaboutMaleficentsayingthattherewereOvertakersfarmorepowerfulthanshewas,andhewonderedifmoreadventureslayinstoreforhimandhisnewfriends.

Willawasthelasttocrossover.Sheappearedintheroom,wearingacottonnightgownthatflowedtoherankles.Toexplainthisshesaid,“Mymomputmetobed.NothingmuchIcoulddoaboutit.”

Finnlookedaroundateachofhisnewfriends.Helikedthemall,thougheachforadifferentreason.Heunrolledthefadedblueprintsofthepark.

Theyexaminedthem,fascinatedtoseehowtheparkhadstartedout.Wayneexplainedwhattheywerelookingat.

Fromthegroupofpensandpencilsonthecoffeetable,Wayneselectedaboring-lookingblackone.Itwasfatandbulged.Averyoldfountainpen.

Wayneputonapairofsunglasses.Hepassedoutsunglassestoallthekidstoo,andtoldthemtoputthemonaswell.

“Now,”Waynesaid,“wefinallyputthetwotogether.”

“Howwillweknowifit’sright?”Finnasked.

Wayne’sagedfacetwistedintoasmile.“Believeme,we’llknow.”

Waynecontemplatedthepen,thenpassedittoFinn,“Thisisforyou,Ithink.”Heindicatedasmallmetalleverontheendofthepen.

Finnpickedupthepen,carefullyunscrewedthecap,andhookedthesmallleverwithhisfingernail.Helookedupateachoftheothers,theirexpectanteyesfilledwithcuriosityandexcitement.

“Holdituphigh,”Wayneinstructed.

Finndidso,andpulledonthelever.Asingledropofdarkinksplasheddownontotheplans.

Finn,Wayne,andallthekidsjumpedback.

Thedropofinksettled,thenexpandedandbledoutintoeachandeveryfadedlinedrawnontotheplans.Itracedfromonetoanother,spreadingfasterandfaster.Faintlinesbecamesolidandbold.

Thedetailedplanstransformed,onepageafteranother.SomeofwhatFinnsawwasfamiliar,anareaofFrontierland,apieceofLibertySquare.Butmuchofthiswasforeigntohim—partsofaparkneverbeforeseen.

“Comelook!”Waynesaid,nowstandingbythesmallwindow.Hetorethetheatricalgelfromthewindow.

Thekidsjoinedhim,squeezingtogether.

Below,thedarkparkfilledwithlight,followingthesamepatternthattheinkflowedthroughtheplans.Lightrusheduplanesandstreets,jumpedoverbenchesandengorgedtrees.Attractionscamealive.FirstontheouteredgeoftheMagicKingdom,butsteadilyrushingtowardthecastle.

Fasterandfasterthelighttraveledthroughthepark,brighterandbrighter.Itarrivedatthecastlefromalldirections,abrilliantwhitelightracingupthewalls.Thekidsjumpedback,blinded.

Theskyeruptedwithfireworks,throwingblazingcolorandlightintotheheavens,deafeningexplosionsandblindingcolors.

ThelocalnewspaperswouldreportthenextdaythataprivatepartyattheMagicKingdomhadbeenresponsibleforthemostamazingshowoffireworkstheparkhadeverseen.ButFinnandtheotherDHIswouldknowdifferently.

Withtheskystilleruptingoutside,WaynewalkedovertoFinnandextendedahandofthanks.

Theyshookhands.Thekidscheeredandformedahuddle.Astheyspunincelebration,Waynereturnedtothecoffeetable.There,hepickeduptheblackremote.

Andpushedthebutton.

RIDLEYPEARSONistheaward-winningcoauthor,withDaveBarry,ofPeterandtheStarcatchers,PeterandtheShadowThieves,PeterandtheSecretofRundoon,andScienceFair.Hehasalsowrittenmorethantwentybest-sellingcrimenovels,includingKillerWeekend,andtheyoungadultnovelsKingdomKeepersII—DisneyatDawnandSteelTrapp—TheChallenge.HewasthefirstAmericantobeawardedtheRaymondChandler/FulbrightFellowshipinDetectiveFictionatOxfordUniversity.