Prologue:

The rain poured endlessly down upon the little car braving the storm. In it were two people, Mr. and Mrs. Price. The man, perhaps in his early-twenties, pulled into a parking spot and opened the door for his very pregnant wife. Pulling up her hood he ushered her inside. Ah, the joy of being indoors on a rainy day! The receptionist smiled up at the young couple, apologetically informing them that Mrs. Price's doctor was out on call. Another doctor could see them shortly though. The pale, smiling doctor, whom Mrs. Price had never seen before in her life, informed the scared mother-to-be that she needed an injection. It only took a moment. The shot that was given to her was not put on record. She never saw the doctor again.

A few months later, on February 3rd, a healthy baby girl was born. They named her Ellistia.

Part one:

"Ellie, come on! The van will be here in a moment!"

"Good. Then he'll be gone." But I ungraciously stomp over anyway. "Have fun in your warzone Dad. Next time try and actually tell us where you're going. Have fun dying." Scowling I turn away. Not quickly enough to miss his face though. Dads eyebrows are all scrunched up like they are when he's sad. The normally laughing eyes were downcast. He was hurt. By me.

It was Dads choice to become a Chaplin for the Military. Dads choice to leave us. Six months away. Six whole months away. Spinning around I run to say goodbye. To apologize for being a jerk. To say that I love him, that I'll miss him, to beg him to stay. But all that's left is a trail of dust.

He's gone, going off to a horrible place, thinking I hate him.

"Ellie, lets go inside. We've got to unpack, you're starting school tomorrow." My mom guides me towards the house. The sounds of the van leaving is in my ears. The look on my father's face is burned into my eyelids. Salty tears sting my cheeks. I go on autopilot as I unpack for the seventh time in thirteen years.

Part two:

"Good morning class. Today we have a new student, Ellistia Price." The teacher smiles and beckons me to the front. I give the class a forced grin, "Hi, I'm Ellie. It's nice to meet you." The kids all stare up at me. Must not get many new kids here.

 "Ellie, would you like to tell us a little about yourself?" The teacher asks.

"Sure.  I'm thirteen and I've just moved here from the U.K. My dad's a Chaplin for the Military. Um, yeah." I quickly head back to my seat, face burning. That never gets easier.

The day drags on till lunch. "Hey! You're the new girl, right? Would you like to come eat lunch with us?" A pretty girl with brown hair and green eyes asks me. "No thanks." I declare.

"Oh, ok. Well if you change your mind I'll be over there." She looks disappointed and walks off. 

I sit quietly down at an empty table and pull on my head-phones, looking forward to twenty minutes of ignoring everyone. Unfortunately for me, someone starts poking my arm almost immediately. "What?" I growl, trying not to get to angry at the offender.

"I'm Jay. It nice to meet you." A short, slim, rather pale boy introduces himself. His eyes are a penetrating leafy green partly covered by his floppy bleached blond hair. Barely sparing him a second glance I turn away. "Geeze girl!" He mutters, pulling off my head phones. Let me repeat, HE PULLED OFF MY HEAD PHONES!

"What's wrong with you? Are you dumb? Oh my gosh, can't I just listen to my music for twenty minute?" I screech.

"No."

I blink, "Excuse me?"

"No, you cannot listen to your music for twenty minutes. You're going to go talk to someone." My eyebrows are practically off my head by now.

"Um, that'd be great. Except no one wants to talk to me." I smirk in victory.

"That kid does." He points to the dark haired girl from earlier.

"No thanks. I'm busy." I retort.

"With what, arguing with me? Look, her name's Katie and she's really nice."

"Good for her. Have a nice day, Jay." Sarcasm is dripping off my words. I start to put my head phones on again when he grabs them.  This boy is really pushing it.

"Come on, do you want to be a loner?" I could have sworn I heard him mutter "again" at the end but how could he, or anyone here, know that? In truth I'd love to make friends and this little guy has an attitude. I'm not sure if I like him or not, seeing as he's going to sit here anyway though it might as well be my idea.

"Have a seat elf." I say with a little laugh. His eyes widen and his already pale face somehow gets paler. "If you don't want me to call you that I won't." I say, concerned.

"Nah, its ok." He quickly recovers his cool and sits down. Maybe he'll be nice.

Part 3:

I look in the floor length mirror. My reflection stares back at me. With skin that has always been pale, the  bright blue eyes, which I'm immensely proud of, stand out more. Shortly cut blond hair blond frames my slim, slightly pointed face. I always used to look permanently ill, now though, the look really suits me. A smile can really change the dynamics of my face.

Jay wanted to come over today. Apparently he has something to tell me. It's still hard to believe that a boy who'd started out by stealing my head phones became my best friend. We've been here almost three months now and I'm the happiest I've ever been. I've got a great friend, am getting really good grades and am not hated by the general student population. All a first. If only Dad were here, everything would be perfect.

A knock on my door brings me back to the present, "Hey Ellie." Jay looks slightly nervous for some reason. Actually he looks like he's about to throw up.  "Let's go on a walk or something."

"You know my Mom's not here, so you don't have to worry about her overhearing or anything" I question.

"Yeah, but I really need some fresh air." Curiosity raised, I follow him out the door.

"What's this about?!?" I explode as soon as we're out the door.

"So, my parents are contractors . They were never sure how long we'd stay. But they've taken a job somewhere else", Jay whispers. I stumble backwards. It feels like the air was knocked out of my lungs.

"I knew I shouldn't have made friends!" I choke.

"You should always try to make friends", he broke in.  

"You can't leave!" I babble.

"It's never up to us, as kids", Jay responds, "You'll make new friends." Then he looks as if he's steeling himself for something, "And if you ever need something all you've got to do is ask."

 I turn away, trying to get my breathing under control. "I'm really going to miss you Jay. Jay?" But he's gone. Not even a trace. I dial his phone but its been disconnected. It's as if he never even existed.

Part 4:

Bang bang bang! Someone pounded on the door. "Coming!" I scream, trying to wipe the tears off my face. This is why I never make friends. They always leave.

Bang bang bang! I wrench the door open, "Geeze people! Have some patie-"  Two men in uniform. No. This is not happening.

"Excuse me - is this the Price residence?", the taller man asks. I'm half tempted to say no. To pretend that The News isn't for us. But somehow I manage to choke out an answer, "Yes, officer." My heart's heavy with dread. Tears are threatening to fall. I hardly realize I'm shaking.

"Is your mother home?" The shorter guy asks gently.

"No." I don't know how I found the words but somehow I did, "My Dad, he's ok, right?" They exchange a glance. Every military kid knows what two men in uniform at the door mean. But it can't be true.

"Do you know where your mother might be?" He questioned.

"She'll be at work..."

"Could you get us there?"

"Yes, officer." My heart is in my throat. Everything is a blur until we get to the bank. I don't have a clue how I managed to lead them there. Maybe they ended up having to use a GPS. They lead me inside. Mom's talking to some customers.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Price." Officer Tall says.

"Give me a minute." Mom remarked. And then she looked up. Her face, it fell so far. It was like she was a completely different person. "No." she breathed, "No. What's happened? He can't be..."

"I'm sorry to inform you that your husband has been gravely wounded. He was hit by an IED, a piece of shrapnel just missed his heart. He being moved to a VA hospital nearby next week to try to give him better care. Even so, the doctors aren't sure he's going to make it."

And then my Mom collapsed.

Part 5:

I wanted to skip school the next day but couldn't stand to see my mom cry anymore. As I was walking into the office to get a late pass I heard my name and froze. "Ellie Price, little blond girl always around Jay?"

"Yes, her. Her father's just been hit by an IED, an Improvised Explosion Device. They're roadside bombs that throw shrapnel everywhere.  The doctors don't think he's going to make it."

"Poor girl! No wonder she always looks so upset. At least she's got Jay to help he. He's a sweet boy."

"Didn't you hear? He transferred yesterday." 

"Well, I'll be sure to tell her teacher and maybe get the counselor to talk to her." At this point I was done being talked about and burst in. I guess my tearstained face just enhanced the image of grieving child. But I found that for once I didn't care.

"I need a late pass." I mumble. They look so pitying.

"Of course sweetheart. I heard about your father and want you to know that your family is in my prayers. If you ever need anyone to talk to I'm always here for you." She frets.

"Thanks." I whisper, then head to class.

The whole day is a blur. Every class the teacher murmurs their condolences. The other kids give me side long glances.  I want to scream that he's not dead yet but can't find the energy. I wish Jay were here. He'd know what to say. I allow myself to be dragged over to a table by Katie, the girl Jay said was nice. People talk. I don't hear. All I can think is that the last thing I said to my dad, 'Have fun dying'. What if he actually dies? I run to the bathroom before I start sobbing in front of the whole grade. Katie come in after me. She doesn't try to say its going to be alright. Was I wrong about her?

A blur. That's all the next week is.

And then we get the call, Dad's getting worse. He most likely won't make it. My beautiful, kind father.  

Blindly I run to the park. "Why'd you have to leave, Jay? Why'd you leave? ANSWER ME!" I scream at the top of my lungs. People look at me pityingly, like I must be insane. The ground is spinning. The sky is cracking and falling down on the already broken Earth. And then I'm not there.

Part 6:

Everything was white. White white and more white. Endless stretches of white. White forever. I'm standing? sitting? floating? in the whiteness for an eternity. And then somehow, impossibly, there was a voice. "Ellie, Ellie, ELLIE! You've got to open your eyes! Don't get stuck on the border! You can do it!" At first it was just a mutter in infinity. Then it got louder. And it got clearer. And then it wasn't a voice, it was Jay. And then it wasn't white. It was as if a beautiful painting had had a cup of water spilled on it. Jay was staring at me worriedly, except he wasn't really Jay. Where his ears should've ended they didn't. They just went on and on until they tapered off to a delicate point.  I blinked rapidly. "Um, I think something I ate today must have gone bad." The world snaps into high definition.

Jay just stared at me for a moment and then he began to laugh. And laugh. And laugh. He laughed until his cheeks turned red and he was gasping for breath. He laughed until he looked like he was going to pee his pants. And then he hugged me, "Oh Ellie! I love humans so much! Man I wish I could've stayed longer!" I hugged him back for a moment. Until I registered what he said. Stiffening, I pulled back, "Wait a moment, did you just say you love humans. As if your not one..." I trail off in dismay.

"I didn't want to tell you but I don't really have a choice now." His eyes are full of dread, "Remember when I told you that my parents job was finished?"

"The parents who I never met?"

"Yeah. Well, it was my job. You see, each generation one human child - just one - is given a drink of the Otherworld before they are born. This way, they can see the Otherworld. The human child is monitored so that they will never find our world. For if they did they could see it for as it really was. This child is  called a Secret Keeper. Without them everyone would know of this world. You, Ellie, are this generation's Secret Keeper." He stared at me intently. It struck me, not for the first time, how extrodinary his eyes were. Almost like the inside of a green glow stick. I guess that's a side effect of being a, a what?

"What, exactly, are you?" I ask distrustfully.

"An Elf."

"Okkkk. So what prevents the other humans from seeing this world? And why am I different? Why doesn't everyone just drink this drink stuff? How is this even possible!?!" I'm practically shouting.

"Whoa! Calm down! So your mind provides a barrier between  your world and Otherworld. You remember that big white place where you were stuck? Well, normal humans couldn't even get in there.  As for why you're different, anyone who drinks the drink of Otherworld can see us. Like I said though, there is only one each generation. Humans can't just get Otherworldly drink. Most of the time even Secret Keepers never know the Otherworld exist, let alone be allowed to see it. Bringing you here was against the most ancient of laws. As for how this is possible, Elves much older and smarter than me have pondered that issue but never found an answer."

"If I can see this, then why couldn't I see your ears properly before?" I gesture to his over sized ears.

"I didn't want you to. We're an ancient race with magic in our veins. Even you, when in Human Territories, can be fooled by our magic."

"Human territory? Magic? I don't follow."

"Many years ago, before mankind became corrupted by greed, our peoples lived in harmony. Over time the humans changed. They became crueler and darker. A vicious, bloody war broke out. Thousands of lives were lost by both sides. These are known as the dark ages. The pure magic of the Elves won over the dark, twisted power that was all humans had left. In punishment for man's wrongdoing, their memories of our kind were wiped out. Mythical and man would never mix again. The world was to be split into Human Territory and Otherworld. Your kind lost their magic. For magic is a gift only to those pure of heart. No son of man can ever hope to be good enough because of his forefathers sins.

"You being here, it's against the laws. Your family are good people. Allowing your father to die even while you, his daughter, keep our secret? That would be wrong in the most honest sense of the word. You do not deserve magic, but your father does not deserve to die. The remedy for your fathers illness is within reach. Together, we can receive it. "

"Wait, how do you know he's hurt? And how do you know that the war was the humans' fault? Aren't there bad Elves?"

"I'm your watcher. I know an awful lot about you. We knew it was the humans fault because the magic chose us. True, there are bad Elves, but they're called Goblins. They have their own Territories. " For the first time I took a good look around me. Trees taller and lusher than anything that could be seen in the Human Territories. A small pond full of water of the bluest blue. The sky was unpolluted and shining with a radiance I'd never seen before.  It was so peaceful, unblemished in the true sense of the word. And yet no words can describe the wondrous place to which I'd been transported.

"Is this how the whole world used to be?" I ask, somewhat breathless.

"Yeah, once upon a time. It is gorgeous, isn't it?" Jay smiles, "And believe it or not we're still on Earth. Have you ever wondered why people just don't live some places? Well that's the Otherworld. Wandering into it, a human would see nothing. But though our land might be small, space doesn't matter so much with magic. We do our best to keep at least our part of the universe exactly as it was meant to be."

"Well, what are we waiting for? We need to save my Dad!"

Part 7:

"Ok, so here's the plan, right now we're in the outer reaches, but to reach the remedy, we need to go further in. In fact, I believe that the only thing that can save your father is the Nisi, a remedy made only by the most skilled of elves. It can save someone even from the brink of death. But be warned, the Nisi is only found in the deepest archives of the Elfish Dome of Justice. Even if we do manage to get the potion, well, it's made for elves. There's no guarantee that it would even work on your Dad", Jay reasoned. He asked a silent question - is it worth it?

"We've got to do it", I decide. "So, how are we going to break into your Elf Dome?" It was the only choice. The only chance to save Dad.

A huge grin slid onto his face, "We dress you up like an Elf and hope no one notices. Once we're in the building we'll hope for the best. "

My jaw drops, "You're kidding! Right? Where am I going to get elf clothes? And how are we going to get in without being noticed? How on Earth do you expect to even get the right potion!?! This is never going to work!" I shriek at his ignorance.

"Hey, you forgot the, 'hope for the best,' part!" He grins cheekily.

"Why you little-"

"Relax! I'm just messing with you! Sort of. Anyone can get in, so we'll just have to pretend we know what we're doing. Then together, we'll go get the potion."

"That sounds rather....vague."

"Don't worry about it!  You do have to wear elf clothes though, you'll stick out like sore thumb if you go dressed in that." He points to my  jeans and t-shirt. "Lets get this party started!" He grins and snaps his fingers.

The dress is simply atrocious. It's blue, like my eyes, but all floaty. Not like any fabric you'd find in the Territories, "You cannot expect me to wear this! It looks ridiculous! I look like a 2- year old dressed up for Halloween!" Maybe I don't like magic.

"Its perfect! You'll pass as a waterfall Elf." He giggles.

"A waterfall elf? You're laughing at me! It's not you who has to wear a stupid costume! I am NOT doing this!"

"Look, it's what everyone wears. I'll be the one looked at strange, but I'm a watcher so this is what I've got to wear. As for a waterfall Elf, its like an ethnicity. This disguise will be perfect because, to be honest, the waterfall Elves are rather flighty and antisocial. You wont be expected to know much. Its your dad we're trying to save."

I cant argue with that, so I decide its time to pull my ace, "And what about the fact that my ears are normal?"

"What do you think hair's for?" Rolling his eyes he beckons me forward, "Please don't freak out." Jay sighs and then we disappear. Again.

Part 8:

"This is the Elfish Dome of Justice. Just be quiet and pretend you know what you're doing", Jay murmurs in my ear. I follow him down a long, window- lined passage. It's bustling with life, small corridors leading off in every direction. Then we turn on one of them and start heading down. Instead of getting dark, though, orbs of light appear, illuminating the passage with a dancing, cheerful light.  There are hundreds of Elves, all wearing costumes similar to mine. Guess Jay was right. I'd never tell him that. All the Elves seem to be working on something important.

No one even gives us a second glance as we head deeper and deeper down into the bowels of the Earth. The walls gradually change from smooth marble to natural rock. It's unnatural, the Elves, the rock, the glowing orbs. Somehow, though, it's not. Somehow, it's as natural as could be.

I'm zoning out when Jay veers off into an unmarked passageway. My hearts beating a million miles an hour. Every shadow is a guard Elf waiting to take us away. The book shelves are hiding places. I ram into Jay and almost scream. "You know we're allowed to be here, right?" He laughs.

"Um, yeah, of course." I groan at my own ignorance.

Jay just rolls his eyes, "It should be right around here, small bottle, glowing contents." He starts to rummage around the shelves, checking labels. "Not really glowing though, more like-"

"Shining?" I hold up a vile no bigger than my thumb. Inside is a tiny amount of a clear liquid. Yet it shines. You can tell just by looking at it that its full of healing magic.

"The Nisi." Jay breaths, "We've done it. We've really going to save your dad!" 

I jump up and down trying not to squeal with joy. "Thank you Jay, thank you, thank you, thank you!" 

"Drop the potion, Human." A loud voice booms.

Part 9:

The cell is not light and airy. In fact it was pretty much the exact opposite. It was dark, dank and tiny. I was alone. Don't ask me how long I was in there. It seemed like forever. There wasn't even a door, once they shoved me in, the gap closed and looked just like any other wall. Perhaps they were just planning to leave me here until I died of hunger and thirst.

They'd taken the potion. I don't care if I die, all I care about now is saving my Dad. That's all that matters. Really, that was all that ever mattered. If they do let me talk, I'll tell them this. If they don't, I can't do anything to change it. With that thought, I finally lay down and rest.

The door creaks open and light filters in, burning my eyes. "Stand up, human. Come with me." A hand pulls me roughly to my feet. I can't see a thing. "The Elfish Watcher, Jay, has already given his testimony. You will now speak before the Counsel. They will find the truth." My eyes finally adjust to the light. I've got two gaurds, armed with spears. It's clear they don't think me much of a threat, what with the dirty blue dress and human bloodline. They prod me forward and before I know it, we're standing by a huge, ornate door, "Good luck, you'll need it." He smirks, pushing me in.

At first, I wonder why they left me alone. Then I realize - they didn't. Surrounding me are dozens of well-dressed Elves. Some have long white beards, others look no older than I. All are staring directly at me. It's just like every new school ever. No one's talking. You could here a pin drop. Cuting the tension with a knife wouldn't be a challenge.  Am I supposed to speak first? "Hi." My voice echoes around the chamber. Eyebrows begin to rise, "I was told I needed to go to some trial, but if I'm in the wrong place I can just leave..." I turn around and head towards the door.

"Stop." The Voice commands. "We are gathered here today to judge the Human Secret Keeper Ellistia. The charges are as follows, Being informed of the Otherworld. Coming to the Otherworld, when that is explicitly against the treaty laid down after the Dark War. And finally, planning and executing a plot to steal from the counsel. Does the accused deny these charges?"

I gulp, "No sir."

"Does the accused wish to provide a testimony to the Counsel, knowing that everything you say can and will be used against you?"

"Yes sir." A murmur of surprise ripples across the room

"The Human dares speak in our presence?" A disgusted voice whispers, but I hear it.

"Look, I didn't chose to be your Secret Keeper or anything. That was up to you. My father is dying, and he needs that cure. So do what you want with me, just help my Dad and be lenient with Jay. It wasn't his fault." I step back.

"You say you were trying to get the Nisi for your father?"

"Yes, he's a good, brave man. He's been fatally wounded by an IED while trying to give aid to people living in warzones. This is the only thing that can save him."

"What is an IED?" I guess all their wars are magic here.

"An Improvised Explosive Device. The shrapnel hit my dad right in the chest, narrowly missing his heart. He's going to die soon if I don't help him. You can do whatever you want with me. Just please, please help him", I begged them. Don't ask me where I was getting the words, or the bravery. It was the truth though. "I owe it to my Dad, for all the times he helped me with my homework, taught me to ride my bike, came home early to throw a winter picnic on the living room floor. He was a better person than I could ever be. You all hate Humans for the war all those years ago but people change. Just because one generation of humans were bad doesn't mean we all are. Those humans were jerks. We've changed. Sure, greed might be in our nature but if you have any mercy, any compassion, any grace , please save my Father." I implore.

The Elves began speaking among themselves motioning to me occasionally. Even from where I was standing I could tell that they were arguing. What they were saying was a mystery to me, though. I wonder vaguely where Jay is and hope he's alright. What if I was too late? If they gave me the cure, but Dad was already- no, I can't think that way.

"Order in the court!" The Voice yelled, "I,  Eldrin Thera, Head of the Elfish Assembly, propose a deal with the accused. When you stated that we may judge you unfairly for something you could not help was very thought provoking. Here is our proposal; you, Ellistia, will be given one vial of Nisi for your father and will be allowed to return to the Human Territories. In return, you will never tell any human of the existence of our kind. You will never attempt to find the Otherworld again.  Do you accept?" I hadn't even dreamt that I would get that good of a deal!  

"Wait- what about Jay?"  I cant take this deal without making sure he gets off.  I would never forgive myself.                                     

"It is customary that an Elf committing crimes such as his will be put in prison for a period of three years."

"Then I can't accept." I'm at their mercy but I can't just leave Jay. "Look, you let Jay go - with a clean record - and I'll agree to your terms." Murmuring broke out once again. I was certain that I was going to be thrown back in that dank cell forever, but it'd be worth it if I managed to save my friend.

A huge smile broke across Eldrin's weathered face, "Perhaps Humans have changed. I agree to your terms, exactly as they were stated."

Part 10: 

The hospital was white and smelled of antiseptic. A nurse lead me and Mom to my Dad's room. She apologetically informed us that Dad's normal doctor wasn't available but another doctor could see us shortly.  Outside his room I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what was to come. Slowly, I opened the door. My Mom waited outside for a moment, trying not to break down.

Inside, my Dad lay pale and still on a hospital bed. Moving forward, I uncorked the bottle concealed in my sleeve. Slowly I poured the Nisi into his mouth. It could either save him, or it could kill him. I watch for any sign of life, any change.  

My Mom walks in. When she sees Dad, she rushes to him, sobbing. I put my arms around her, my own eyes wet. It didn't work. Why didn't it work? Have I killed him? A pale, concerned looking doctor walks in and starts checking his vitals. Mom looks like she's trying to remember something, "Excuse me, do I know you?" She asks

"No mam. I don't know how you could", the doctor replies, seemingly flustered. He gets back to work, his actions becoming more and more frenzied.

And then Dad coughs. He opens his eyes and ever so slowly, ever so painfully sits up. For a moment the whole room is frozen. Like a freeze frame. Then I scream,  "Daddy!" and lunge for him.

"Sweetheart!" He hugs me. We're both crying.

"I'm so sorry for being horrid to you. I shouldn't have judged you. You never wanted to leave us, you were just doing what was best for all of us. I love you Daddy. I'm so glad your alright!"

"Oh sweetie, it's ok. I love you so much. I forgive you, I forgive you." He rocked me against him.

"But, but your chest... Your injury!" Mom gasped. Dad's eyebrows scrunched up and he reaches up to where the gaping hole used to be.

"It doesn't hurt at all."

"That's not possible!" Mom says, "Doctor, what's going on?"

"Perhaps you should just take it as a gift. Mr. Price, you seem fully healed and are thus free to leave." The doctor smiles and winks at me, then walks out. For a moment we all just stand there in shock. Dad stands up. Then together, we head go home.