When I walked up to her on my front lawn I expected her to snap at me, but instead, she threw her arms around me with a comforting hug.
“What’s wrong, Lucas? You’re not acting like yourself. You missed detention again. Principal Garner is pretty mad. Tell me what’s going on. Don’t lie to me. I know something is wrong.”
I pulled away from her a little but never let go of her. Her embrace felt too good.
She whispered, “I can sense it.”
“I’m just feeling off. I’m not sure why.”
“Details.”
“I’m forgetting things…things I shouldn’t forget. I’m having a hard time concentrating. And…”
“And what?” she asked, cautiously.
“And I’m in pain all the time.” I winced from the fading sunlight in the distance.
“Pain?” she asked, with a cool hand along my cheek.
“My head, it’s pounding. Mostly from the light, and the rings,” I cringed.
“You mean the Jynshee Rings?” she asked, grasping her chain in her fist. Thankfully, it shielded their torturous shine from me.
“Yes. Their reflections seem to be blinding me, and I don’t understand why.” I placed my forehead against hers and instantly felt better.
“What did Ripley say about these new symptoms?”
I looked at her with my face full of uncertainty. “Ripley’s gone. I haven’t heard a peep from Ripley since after the final battle with Queen Strickland.”
Olivia touched my forearm. “That’s not good.”
“There is some good news though. I seem to feel better when you’re near me,” I smiled.
She rolled her two rings along her chain, inside her fingers, and wondered, “Do you think it has something to do with one of my rings?”
“Maybe.” I stepped in closer to her. “Or maybe it’s just you.”
She let a coy smile creep up on the corner of her mouth. “Maybe.”
Olivia placed both hands on my neck and pulled me in for a much needed kiss and my hands slid to her sides. As my fingers locked themselves within the belt loops of her jean shorts, I inhaled her breath just inches from my lips. Time slowed down and I prepared myself for her kiss.
Suddenly, a flash of purple smoke exploded from between our bodies and Ripley emerged from inside of it. With a shove, Ripley sent me to the ground in a blaze of electrifying smoke.
“Lucas!” Olivia screamed.
Ripley quickly wrapped around her body like a rope, and two massive wings sliced outward at Ripley’s sides. Fire sparked from my dragon’s eyes as it betrayed me.
“Ripley, what are you doing?” I hollered, and started to get back up.
“ Stay where you are! ” Ripley roared at me. Olivia tried to reach for me but Ripley tightened its coils and levitated a few feet above the ground. Olivia’s feet hung down, stretching to touch the grass below.
“Ripley!” I cursed.
“ Don’t try and follow us. This is your only warning, ” Ripley ordered, with orange fire dancing along its words. I took a small step backwards afraid to move. Ripley lowered its head down to mine and stared deep into my eyes. I made a fist, trying to will my power to my hands but it was too late. Ripley huffed in my face and rocketed upward into the sky.
“No!” I called out, and fell to my knees. What was happening? Nothing was making sense. Was this a nightmare? I searched the clouds overhead but they were gone. The light from the setting sun rushed into my eye sockets, bringing with it a stomach turning pain to my head. I felt the world start to slip away as I was only moments from blacking out. Just before my eyes rolled into the back of my head, I fell forward, stealing a glimpse across the street. My neighbors, the Anderson’s, were standing at attention with each of them pointing at me. Their index fingers stabbed at me and their eyes bulged from their heads. Wicked smiles cut along their faces, taunting me like two evil clowns. They cackled with an unnatural laugh that sounded more monstrous than human.
Just as I passed out they offered me one final promise…
“No more light!”
THE END?
EPILOGUE:
LEVEL UP
END OF ALL DAYS
Olivia:
Soaring through the skies over my hometown I held onto my kidnapper with all my strength. The blue nail polish I had painted on the night before chipped and peeled from the death grip I had on Ripley’s smooth scales. Up we flew, never stopping. Ripley tightened around me as we broke the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere and the heavenly sky changed from crystal blue to steel gray, then thick black. Space, Ripley was launching us into space. I wanted to scream but there was no sound. I wanted to cry but we were moving too fast and no tears could escape my eyes.
As we raced through the stars I looked below us and watched as our world grew smaller with every passing second. That’s when I realized that we were on our way to deep space and I was still alive, still breathing, even though there was no available oxygen. Ripley tilted our bodies slightly so I could see what was before us.
A hole.
A friggin’ giant hole in space. It was swirling with every known color. Waves of fluorescent light spilled from the middle of it, brighter than the closest star. Ripley intensified our speed and we shot right through the center of the galactic target. I closed my eyes and held my breath as the blackness of space disappeared.
“ Olivia, open your eyes. ”
“No!” I cursed.
“ Please, open your eyes, ” Ripley tried again.
Holding my eyelids closed as tight as possible, I yelled as loud as I could, “No!”
Ripley let out a long sigh, “ As you wish. I shall wait until you are ready. ”
Lucas’ pet dragon actually sounded hurt by my reluctance to obey and that’s when I noticed that Ripley was no longer wrapped around me. I was standing on my own two feet. The thought was too much for me to understand so I slowly opened my eyes, one at a time. I wasn’t ready for what I saw.
“This is impossible,” I said, with my voice fading to nothing. I was standing in a large room, but it wasn’t a room. It was as if the walls and floor were made out of liquid mirrors that reflected everything. And I do mean everything, stars, planets, comets, oceans, mountains, even my thoughts. As I tried to process this absurd scene, my actual thought printed across the silver flowing walls…
…EVEN MY THOUGHTS…
Where had Ripley taken me?
…TAKEN ME…
“ I had to bring you here. It was for your own safety. ”
“I don’t understand,” I barely said, without passing out. My words spelled along the beautiful wall again. With a patient breath I watched as Ripley settled in front of me, calm and inviting.
“ You were in mortal danger, ” Ripley declared.
“Why?” I asked, filling with anger.
“ Because, Olivia, that wasn’t Lucas. ”
“What?” I spit out. My head felt dizzy with fear. Ripley lowered its head and said nothing. I stepped forward with my fists shaking at my sides. “What do you mean that wasn’t Lucas?”
Ripley’s eyes swelled with golden fire and the color brought a soothing calm to my racing heart. At the same moment came another impossible sound.
A voice.
“It was a clone,” Lucas spoke from behind me. His words crashed into me, bringing my tears, finally.
I spun around with my senses overwhelmed, and stuttered out, “Lucas?” Then, like a phantom, he was there. First his smile, then his face, and finally his whole body. His name flashed in bright letters along the floor and walls.
“Hey, O,” he whispered. I ran up to him and threw my arms around his neck to make sure he was real. He buried his face in my hair and inhaled a gargantuan breath, almost like he hadn’t seen me in forever. Sweetly, he whispered in my ear, “I’ve missed your face.”
“Lucas, what’s going on? Where are we?”
He softly took my hand in his and his tattoo along his wrist lit up l
ike a Christmas tree. Slowly, he walked me across the room and stopped me when we reached a familiar scene, the beautiful horizon of our planet, Earth.
“We are in a time rift. The improbable location on the very edge of the wormhole that exists under our school. A physical representation of time and space. We are everywhere, and we are nowhere,” Lucas informed.
“Huh?”
“I like to call it the Elysian Fields!”
“You’ve read one too many classical mythology books, Lucas.”
He smirked, “So I’ve been told.”
Shaking my head in confusion, “Why are we here? Why are you here?”
Lucas’ face grew solemn. “I don’t know, but that person back home is an impostor, a fake.”
“Impostor? But, how?” I gasped, holding onto his arm like glue. My equilibrium was almost completely gone now, and I was afraid I might faint.
“During our final moments with Queen Strickland’s head, something happened. Something unbelievable.”
“Go on,” I begged.
“I was brought here and he, was put in my place,” Lucas frowned.
“Who?”
“The Other.”
Shaking my dizzy head, I asked more aggravated, “Who?”
“I’m not sure who he is, but I know what he’s going to do,” Lucas warned, and turned to me. I just stared at him, holding onto his shoulders for stability. “He wants the Jynshee Rings and he’ll kill all who bear them.”
My heart slammed into the back of my throat with fear. “No!”
“The end of days is upon us, O, and it starts with the death of all our friends,” he warned.
“Sophia!” I cried. Her name slithered along the walls and ceiling, in giant letters, taunting me.
“We need to save the world…again,” Lucas said, desperately. Ripley appeared between Lucas and I, curling its smoky wings around both of us. I finally succumbed to the weight of the situation, and the heavenly room fell black.
In our minds six empowering words rang out like music…
~ I believe in both of you. ~
GAME
OVER
BEHIND THE SCENES:
Lucas Ryan is back!!! And it’s the adventure that keeps on giving. When I dreamt up this amazing series I wasn’t sure if I could do the story justice. It’s an adventure that will continue as long as I can still physically hold a pen to paper. I see no end in sight for our ragtag group of heroes. Hopefully the next installment will be ready sooner than later. Keep believing!!! Keep dreaming!!! And, keep your eyes peeled for the third book in the ongoing series…
…coming soon…
LUCAS RYAN VERSUS
————————
THE OTHERS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
MADISON DANIEL is a man trapped in the imagination of the young at heart. He writes with youthful expression and abandonment. Raised on Action movies, Sci-Fi television, music videos, comic books, and video games, he has successfully turned these inspirations into a full-time job. Seven years of hard work, and ten published books later, he is still passionate about his characters. He lives by one motto…
“MUSIC IS LIFE & THE WRITTEN WORD IS OUR SOUL.”
Feel free to stalk…
MadisonDaniel.com
THANK YOU:
This shout out goes to every single person who has shared in the adventures of Lucas Ryan and his friends. From the youngest reader to the oldest. Remember, believe in the impossible. Believe in adventure. But most of all, believe in yourself.
#TeamBelieve
Thank you ALL!!!
I write for YOU!!!
Mads
SONG CREDITS & PLAYLIST
*All music is suggested in complete respect and love of the artists. Please take a moment and support all the names and acts on the list. Do not illegally download and strive for a unique and detailed experience.
Music is life...
Man In A Box by Alice In Chains
Written by Layne Staley & Jerry Cantrell
© 1991 Columbia
It’s About Time by Young the Giant
Written by Eric Cannata, Francois Comtois, Jacob Tilley, Payam Doostzadeh & Sameer Gadhia
© 2014 Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Thiskidsnotalright by AWOLNATION
Written by Aaron Richard Bruno
© 2013 Toro Rosso Tracks O.B.O. Awolnation Music
Midnight City by M83
Written by Anthony Gonzales, Morgan Kibby & Justin Medal-Johnsen
© 2011 Columbia
Cool Kids by Echosmith
Written by Echosmith, Jeffery David, Jesiah Dzwonek
© 2013 Warner Bros.
Mz. Hyde by Halestorm
Written by Elizabeth Mae Hale, Scott C. Stevens
© 2012 Voice Of The Storm Publishing, Bughouse, My City Screams, Warner-tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Heroes (We Could Be) by Alesso
Written by Tove Lo, Alessandro Lindblad, David Bowie & Brian Eno
© 2014 Def Jam
Big Freeze by Muse
Written by James Bellamy
© 2012 Hewrate Limited, Warner Bros.
Panic Station by Muse
Written by Matthew Bellamy
© 2012 Warner Bros. Hellium - 3
Feeling Good by Muse
Written by Anthony Newley & Leslie Bricusse
© 2001/1964 WMG
We’re The Kids by Parade Of Lights
Written by Ryan Daly, Anthony Improgo, Michelle Ashley & Randy Schulte
© 2013 Astralwerks
Overprotected by Britney Spears
Written by Max Martin & Rami
© 2001 Jive
Beggin For Thread by Banks
Written by Jillian Banks, Jesse Rogg & Tim Anderson
© 2014 Harvest
Dangerous by Big Data
Written by Daniel Armbruster & Alan Wilkis
© 2014 Wilcassettes, Crush Music, Warner Bros.
Leave A Scar by Marilyn Manson
Written by Marilyn Manson, Chris Vrenna & Twiggy Ramirez
© 2009 Interscope
Bad Blood by Bastille
Written by Dan Smith
© 2014 Virgin Records
Every Day Is Exactly The Same by Nine Inch Nails
Written by Trent Reznor
© 2005 Interscope/Nothing
Amen by Halestorm
Written by Elizabeth Hale, Scott Christopher Stevens, Joseph Hottinger
© 2015 Voice Of The Storm Publishing, Bughouse, My City Screams, Warner-tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Point Of No Return by Starset
Written by Alan Powell, Rob Hawkins, Dustin Bates & Rob Graves
© 2014 Razor & Tie Recordings, LLC.
My Demons by Starset
Written by Rob Graves, Steve Aiello & Dustin Bates
© 2014 Razor & Tie Recordings, LLC.
Carnivore by Starset
Written by Dustin Bates, Rob Hawkins & Rob Graves
© 2014 Razor & Tie Recordings, LLC.
Apocalyptic by Halestorm
Written by Elizabeth Hale, Scott Christopher Stevens, Joseph Hottinger
© 2015 Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC
Mayhem by Halestorm
Written by Elizabeth Hale, Scott Christopher Stevens, Joseph Hottinger
© 2015 Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC
Weak And Powerless by A Perfect Circle
Written by Maynard James Keenan, Billy Howerdel
© 2003 Virgin
The Day The World Went Away by Nine Inch Nails
Written by Trent Reznor
© 1999 Nothing
The Hand That Feeds by Nine Inch Nails
Written by Trent Reznor
© 2005 Interscope/Nothing
Send The Pain Below by Chevelle
Written by Chevelle
© 2003 Epic
/> The Red by Chevelle
Written by Sam Loeffler & Joe Loeffler
© 2003 Epic
Closure by Chevelle
Written by Chevelle
© 2003 Epic
Kings And Queens by THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
Written by Jared Leto
© 2009 Virgin Records, EMI
Northern Lights by THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
Written by Jared Leto
© 2013 UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP
End OF All Days by THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
Written by Jared Leto
© 2013UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP
LUCAS RYAN VERSUS: THE RETURN
BY MADISON DANIEL
© AUGUST 2014/MAY 2015
YOU made it this far, soooooooooo, who’s up for a riddle?
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What is the center of GRAVITY?