My entry for round 2. sub-genre Sci- Fi/ fantasy. Pictures used 1- canal lined with buildings, 2- a girl with blond hair and red eyes, 5- a man being drained of his blood from some kind of alien, 6- a rocky landscape with night sky with sun rising, 9- a person standing in front of a big door thing. Word count: 2,2003

"We've done it! We finally made a door- one that would let us into different worlds or dimensions if you would. Our world as we know it is dying, and I fear for our race. We have depleted our sources, our sun has turned cold, and even our moon threatens to leave us. I am afraid, terrified even. But I let that fear guide my mind, strengthen my will, and with help of other scientists and engineers, we were able to do the unthinkable.

"We have given our race a chance to survive, to carry our legacy on, and to warn others of what could happen if they aren't careful. Never in a thousands of years could anyone imagine that the end of our would actually be upon us now- not in some very far future. If only our ancestors had taken more precaution, then we wouldn't have had to go to such far measures to ensure our life doesn't end with our mistakes. As horrified as I am for our end, I am even more afraid of the thing we have created; a masterpiece born out of geniuses. What are we sending our children into? We know nothing about it, nothing of where they will end up. There's only a one way ticket, and that's out of here.

"For those of you who get my last message, please forgive me. I can only hope and pray that this door will take you to some safe haven. For the elderly, I'm saddened to say that we will not be going with them. We would never survive passing through the gateway. So for now, I stand in front of the greatest wonder our world has ever seen and question God on what I have done. Who will be suffering a greater fate, those left behind or the ones that leave?

"Believe me when I say I am so sorry."

Lilly couldn't help but to replay the message that had been programmed in her head. It helped to make her feel less alone, to hear another voice- even if said voice was only in her head. She couldn't even remember that last time she had spoken to another person, or seen an intellectual being that wasn't out to kill her. She half wondered if she could talk coherently if she were to ever stumble upon anyone. Being alone had that strange effect on you.

The message that she played over and over was her life line to humanity- it was just one of the other side effects that had occurred when she was a child, when she had stepped through the door. Along with her ability to teleport from planet to planet, if that was what she was doing.

There were many unforeseen things that happened when they had crossed the door. Some had died instantly, while others suffered painfully before they finally reached their end. Lilly didn't remember much about her past, but those memories were etched in her mind forever. The door might as well have been the gateway to hell for so many. Children and babies were gone forever. The ones that survived were altered, but without knowing how anything worked, they eventually disappeared one by one. Lilly didn't know if any of them were still alive.

Looking up at the sky, Lilly admired the stars that shone so brightly; it was breathtaking. The sun was starting to rise on the horizon. It was her favorite moment- when night and day met; dark and light coexisting together. For a brief moment they were balanced before one took over the other. It was the law of things: change. Nothing lasts forever, and she knew that all too well.

Lilly stood up, dusting the dirt off of her pants. She had been still longer than she'd like. Moving- that was all she knew. To keep heading forwards. She didn't know where she was heading, she had no idea where she was going or wanted to go. All she knew was that staying still or looking back was a sure way to get you killed.

Walking along the rocky terrain it was evident that there weren't any human inhabitants on this planet. Though Lilly didn't know how long she had been on this one; there was no pattern to the shift of night and day. Even if there was, she wouldn't have a way to judge the time of this place to the one of which she was accustomed to. She was lost in time and space, drifting along against the laws of nature.

Taking one step than another as she watched her footing, Lilly was careful to make sure she wouldn't twist an ankle. Injuring herself was the last thing she needed. There was never anyone around if she were to get hurt. She had learned some stuff on her own, simply things really. Like how to clean a wound, how to look for things that could possibly help the healing, but anything more serious than that, and she would be in trouble.

While Lilly was keeping an eye out for anything that might attack her, who knew what could be out there, pain erupted through her brain, instantly. She fell to the ground, clutching her head as her scream pierced the empty space. Excruciating waves of anguish washed over her, making her wish she could just take her life, end it now. There was no reason for her to carry on, other than the human will to survive, and she wasn't even sure if she was still classified as human.

When the pain subsided, she slowly and carefully stood up, checking her surroundings. It was another new place. The terrain was different- more leafy. Vegetation was usually a sign of life and she instantly became on guard.

She heard a noise from behind her, a rustling of leaves, and as Lilly turned around to look, a creature came charging at her at full speed. She took off running, not giving it a second thought. Nothing surprised her anymore; she had seen all sorts of things in her travels. That thing that was chasing her didn't even give her a moment of pause. One thing she had learned, and hoped in this case, was that there was some bigger monster that would come along and take care of her little problem.

What did surprise her, however, was the voice that came roaring through the forest, causing her to lose her focus and crash into the ground. The thing was upon her almost instantly. Lilly wasn't looking to find out what it would do to her and was struggling to free herself when a man threw himself on the back of the creature, slicing it's neck.

The man shoved the creature off of her and held out his hand.

"Hi, I'm Rykal.... and you're not from around here."

"Thanks," Lilly said as she took his hand. The word felt awkward to say out loud, and her voice was nearly foreign to her; a stranger. "I'm Lilly," she croaked out.

"What are you doing, traveling by yourself?" Rykal asked while searching the surroundings. "How did you get here?"

Lilly shrugged. Sure the man had saved her life, but did she owe him anything? She didn't ask for his help.

"Well I can take you to my city, but you should know that people are going to look and questions will be asked."

Lilly nodded her head and followed his lead. She wasn't sure if it was the wisest thing to do, but the chance to be around people again- she couldn't pass that up. Even if the place was completely strange; the guy was dressed in some kind of armor that looked like a knight or a warrior from the past.

"What was that thing?" she asked out of curiosity.

"That was a Yerin. They survive by sucking us dry of blood." He glanced back at her. "You were lucky, you know? It's not a pleasant way to die."

"Then I guess I owe you, Rykal."

"You don't owe me anything... but you could tell me why you have red eyes," Rykal said as he held a branch out of her way. "I've never seen anything like it."

"It's... an enhancement," she said while looking down at the ground. She hated her eyes, always seeing everything in a red haze. She missed being able to see normal.

"Ah," was all he said, then cleared his throat before continuing. "It's obvious you've had a hard time. And either you are an outcast or a runaway, but just know either way you'll be safe here."

"Why not abandon?"

He laughed, "Because you're too pretty to be abandoned."

Lilly blushed. Was he flirting with her? She didn't know, but she thought she might have liked it. She was sure the pink could be seen clearly on her pale skin.

"Don't tell me you're not used to compliments, a beautiful girl like you?" Rykal asked, noticing her blush. "Well, it's a good thing you've come here then."

"Is it?" Lilly looked up at him. "Why?"

"I have more than enough compliments to give," he winked.

"And what if I bring trouble?" she asked.

"Pretty girls always bring trouble," he grinned. "But they're usually worth it."

Lilly saw a Yerin behind him, and before she could shout a warning, it was on him. She ran at the thing, throwing herself on top and trying to fight it off. But the familiar sensation started to wash over her, causing an explosion in her head. She let out a shriek.

This couldn't be happening to her, not now. She had finally found a place to stay, a friend. She needed to save him, she owed him. In a haze she could see the Yerin sucking blood from Rykal.

"No!" Lilly cried as she tried to hold onto this place, struggling to stay here while her nails dug into the creature. Warm blood was flowing over her fingers: Rykal's blood.

But then it was gone- everything. No Rykal, no blood, and no Yerin. She wanted to cry, to scream, to fall apart; but she couldn't do it. She needed to have her wits, to be aware of her surroundings, or it could be her life ending. Though she wasn't so sure she cared at this point.

She was standing on a sidewalk of a canal lined with homes and buildings. A few of them had lights whereas the rest were dark. The place made her think of home. She was so young, but she could still remember what home was- the way the air smelled, the sounds of city and water as one, and the people.

In the times since she had walked through the door, she had never seen anything resembling it. Part of her felt joy, the other fear and anger. How long till this would be ripped away from her too? Would she make a friend only to be torn away when they need her? Would she always be destined to be alone?

They were questions that she knew would never be answered, but was beginning to think that the last one was to be true. She had left for a chance of life only to have it taken away from her time and time again.

She started walking the sidewalk guided by the light of the night sky, when a voice played in her head, of its own accord this time.

"We have given our race a chance to survive, to carry our legacy on, and to warn others of what could happen if they aren't careful. Never in a thousands of years could anyone imagine that the end of our would actually be upon us now- not in some very far future. If only our ancestors had taken more precaution, then we wouldn't have had to go to such far measures to ensure our life doesn't end with our mistakes...

"You are our last chance to save others. The modifications you have received were of my own doing. I never wanted for you to have this life. To forever be alone must be worse than burning alive in hell. I know you will face danger, but you will be able to achieve so much. To show others of our ways, teach them of our history. Everything we were and everything we are resides in you. You have the ability to travel without ever needing the door again. And so much more. It's there, all you have to do is unlock it.

"Never think for once I don't grieve for you- you're my daughter. The only solace I have is to think that I gave you the way to see the universes and so much more. To think of all the things you will learn and discover.

"Please, find some sort of happiness. The others didn't know I gave you these gifts. You are one of a kind- use it. It is all there, you just have to unlock it. I had fear of where you would end up, perhaps becoming trapped there. I needed to make sure you had a way to get out. I broke all the rules for doing this. I don't ask for forgiveness. I only want you to know that I love you."