Emily followed Tyler through the snowy landscape, contemplating what he had just said. She was actually rather disturbed by it. The fact that she no longer existed in the place that had been her home for the past sixteen years was a bit scary.

And of course she was still Emily! She didn't feel different. She still had the same rather stocky build and the proud air about her, though it had been slightly damaged by Tyler's clear showing of the little respect he had for her.

"Where are we going?" She asked. Tyler looked at her over his shoulder. "Places," he replied simply. Emily scowled at him. "That's not very satisfying." She muttered.

Tyler grinned a little. "I'm well aware, Maple. But if I were to tell you where we really were going, you would probably turn around and try to find a way home once again. And I can't have you do that."

"Well, the way you're talking, it's making me want to turn around. Wouldn't it be safer to just tell me instead of warn me all mysteriously. You make it sound like I'm about to walk into a death trap." Emily said.

Tyler faced forward again. "Actually, Maple, you very well may be walking into a death trap."

~

"So could you tell me a bit more about this place?" Emily asked, gazing at the frost covered trees with her first signs of real curiosity about her new home.

Tyler didn't respond immediately. He continued to walk until he realized that Emily was no longer behind him. He turned around. "What are you looking at, Maple?" He questioned, a spark of amusement in his voice.

Emily turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling as she touched one of the leaves. She looked like a child, Tyler observed, and he actually rather enjoyed the effect.

He took in her new appearance. She was no longer human-looking, or at least, not in her face. Of course, he had known this appearance for quite some time, but it was still wonderful.

Her eyes were now cat-like. Big and blue with slit pupils, instead of the green that they had been before. Her ears had the same droopy look as his, and her hair was a sparkling black with purple-blue streaks. Her nose was sharp and her lips, though a little fuller than his, were thinner and lighter than they had been previously.

And Tyler found this simply beautiful. Of course, he was careful not to state it, for he knew one thing for sure about the girl standing before him.

She would never fall in love.

Whatever the case though, he could try and dream, and really, he was quite sure he had better chances with her than anyone else. So why should he worry?

"I'm looking at the trees." Emily told him. "They're so much prettier than the ones in our world...and the frost doesn't run off either! Are they always like this?"

Tyler smiled a little and walked over to her. "Actually, yes they are." He said. "I guess I should explain a bit more thoroughly about this world."

~

"In your world, there are four seasons, and they all happen everywhere. You gave them names. Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The cycle repeats every year, and that's what you're used to.

"Well here, there are six different kingdoms. Each one represents a different one of our seasons. We are in the Kingdom of the Snow. Here, you'll notice that most people have paler skin, and either black or white hair. You have black, I have white. There's also the Kingdom of the Rain, the Kingdom of the Sun, the Kingdom of the Blossoms, The Kingdom of the Frost, and the Kingdom of the Leaves.

"Our kingdoms live in peace. We all have our own powers...or more like elements, and that's what we're named after. No two people have the exact same element, though sometimes they can be similar.

"There are monsters everywhere. The only reason we're not being constantly attacked is because of the people that are like our version of an army. They keep us safe.

"And then, there is the fact that every kingdom has a king, and only a king. Even if the king is married, there is no queen. Now, do not take us the wrong way. We are well aware that women can make decisions for themselves. But kings are a bit more...emotionally stable."

Emily actually smiled. "To be honest, I don't think I can disagree with you." She said. "I'm not proud of it, but most women...well...you know our problems."

Tyler laughed. "Oh yes. I'm painfully aware. Now we should probably get going, for their's not much more to tell you, and if we don't hurry, you won't be able to register for the night."

~

Tyler and Emily walked up to a castle made of ice. It looked rather...painful. There were spikes sticking out of the walls and the windows were protected with spikes as well.

Tyler was looking upon the place in disapproval. Emily glanced sideways at him. "It wasn't always like that, was it?" She asked softly.

Tyler smiled a little and shook his head. "You, child, are too smart for your own good." He said with a sigh.

His face suddenly fell. "No, Maple, it wasn't always like this. But...times have changed. There's nothing we can do to change that."

Tyler and Emily walked up to a wooden door with a brass knocker, also covered with spikes. "How are you supposed to knock on that?" Emily asked coldly, her eyes growing frosty. She was obviously annoyed by all of this security.

"RIVER!" Tyler yelled, making Emily jump back a foot. Tyler turned and grinned at her. "Sorry, Maple. Didn't think that would scare you."

The door opened with a squeak, and a man appeared. His hair was white with black stripes, and he had the same general appearance of most of the subjects of the Kingdom of the Snow. His eyes were icy-blue.

"Hello Flame," he said, smiling so that his eyes twinkled. Tyler nodded once. "Hello River. I'm here with...a new arrival." He said.

River glanced at Emily and widened his eyes. "Maple?" He whispered.

Emily glared at him cooly. "I don't know you. Why do you know me?" She snapped.

River shook his head. "It's a long story, child, and I figure that I'm not the one to tell you. Honestly, I don't even think he should tell you. You might hate him forever...but what does he know anymore? He might not even remember. And if he doesn't...well we'd have to make him remember. She's still here, but I haven't seen her in so long...is she still alive, I wonder?"

River seemed to be speaking to himself, and, to Emily's annoyance, he was making less sense by the second. Emily cleared her throat loudly and the man's eyes came back into focus. They widened slightly, as if he was surprised to still find them standing there.

"Come with me, Maple." River ordered, turning and walking into the castle. Emily followed him, Tyler close behind.

They walked up a spiral staircase and along a hallway. River stopped at a door on the right. "This is the king's study." He explained.

Emily was wondering why he was bringing her here, but she didn't want to ask.

He opened the door and revealed a nervous man pacing around the room. He caught sight of Emily and froze, his eyes widening.

"Maple?" He asked. Emily rammed her palm into her face. "Why does everyone here know me!?" She yelled.

The man raised his eyebrows. "Well I would assume we're allowed to, considering you're my daughter."