The morning was broken by a rumble and a shake. Wind swept and tossed dust and dirt into the air. No one could see . Their eyes teared and stung. They heard once more the menacing laugh of Venger in the air. The air seemed to be sucked out from underneath them and pulling them through the earth. Clawing to the ground was the best they could do. A useless endeavour though. Suddenly it came to an end....

Nothing.

    Blackness unlike that of even the darkest, moonless, starless night. A gray mist creaped slowly. Enveloped. Surrounded. Choked. Bound. Like tiny tentacles each wisp of smoke grabbed hold of arms, legs, mouths....... throats.

    Gasping for one last breath, one more moment of life. Then like being reborn, life entered bodies where death conquered briefly.

    Hank, Sheila, Bobby, Presto, Eric and Diana. A light like a star blinded them. Then they could see just as suddenly. The wind was calm. It was over as quickly as it began. But no one else was around. Each stood alone on a burnt landscape. Even Bobby stood without Uni at his side. And the mocking of Venger’s evil, ringing in their ears, looking through eyes that felt as if they used sandpaper for tissues to wipe away the tears from eyes that stung. From empty hearts and lonliness.
 
 

"Let me go!"

Justin tried to struggle free from Venger’s grip. It was no use though. His hands were as strong as iron.

"It is a good thing for you, boy, that I need you alive." Venger said holding the small boy up to his face level.

Venger’s foul smelling breath was as evil as his voice.

"If you cooperate I may let you live. I know not who you are, and I care not whether you live or die. But you offer me the chance to once and for all conquer Dungeon Master and the Realm."

Justin still stuggled. Not a sign of fear escaped his face.

"You are indeed brave. I will change that."

Venger laughed. "I may need you living, but I can still make your stay....uncomfortable?" Venger’s voice lifted as it echoed off castle walls as he flew into his study chamber from a window. The black flying horse flew off and Venger dropped Justin to the cold stone with a plop.

"With more time I will be able to use the power you offer me for greater results. And more accurate. I still don’t know where I sent Dungeon Masters pupils. " Venger paused. With a wave of his hand and one of his wings outstreched he continued, "It matters not. If indeed I sent them to another time, then I can be assured that they will not bother me anymore."

"As for you boy." He gestured toward Justin. "If you cooperate I will not make your stay here unbearable." You are no danger to me, or to yourself. You cannot use the power you give me. But if you attempt to escape. Just once. I will ensure that the rest of your existance is a living nightmare. And I will ensure that your life will last for a very long time."

Venger’s hollow voice trailed, echoing down the hallway as he left the room. All Justin could remember next was appearing in a dark room, alone.