{"id":1231,"date":"2022-08-25T20:45:54","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T20:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/?page_id=1231"},"modified":"2022-09-25T20:15:52","modified_gmt":"2022-09-25T20:15:52","slug":"a-ghost-evolves","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/?page_id=1231","title":{"rendered":"A ghost evolves"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1231\" class=\"elementor elementor-1231\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-25237d0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"25237d0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-eade385\" data-id=\"eade385\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eee38c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"eee38c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.16.0 - 17-10-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"404\" height=\"647\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/A-Ghost-Evolves_E-book-Final-thumbnail-size.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1893\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/A-Ghost-Evolves_E-book-Final-thumbnail-size.jpg 404w, https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/A-Ghost-Evolves_E-book-Final-thumbnail-size-187x300.jpg 187w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 404px) 100vw, 404px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a1ca8cf elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a1ca8cf\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6c9673d\" data-id=\"6c9673d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d191442 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d191442\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.16.0 - 17-10-2023 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-medium\">Chapter 4<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc8e007 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bc8e007\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-xl\">Play time!  I mean, first lesson<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-71609d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"71609d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.16.0 - 17-10-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>Dropping into my normal chair, I slowly took in the whole gang of them. For being a seemingly boring quiet woman, Karen sure had a lot of interesting friends. Picking my cable up off the desk, I carefully cleaned its platinum tip as I looked back and forth amongst the group. They didn\u2019t have a clue what was about to happen. This was going to be great.<\/p><p>Slowly the cable slipped into the jack in my temple as I eased back into my comfy chair. The world around me faded away to a faint memory as the darkness reached out, enveloping me in its welcoming arms. Tumbling head over heels into the digital oblivion, I was all smiles and giggles as I began contemplating the fun of the coming day.<\/p><p>***<\/p><p>What a rush. It absolutely never got old. Before opening my eyes, I flexed my fingers and toes to make sure everyone made the trip. Man, the outfit for this avatar seemed heavy today, and who hung the heavy weight on my left arm?<\/p><p>Opening my eyes, the scene before me caught me off guard. We were not in the dojo today. The road under my boots was hard-packed dirt. Trees lined the road on either side, and the sky was blue. Taking in my surroundings, I quipped to myself. \u201cWell, this is different. It should be fun to explore.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes, I have been working on some side projects after hours.\u201d Karen\u2019s voice startled me. \u201cWe needed some new environments to challenge you. Maybe your subprocessors might get above a light workout.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe can always hope.\u201d Glancing around, a question crept into my mind. \u201cUmm, where is everyone else? I thought we were all going to work out together today?\u201d Suddenly, just a little part of me wondered what I had gotten myself into.<\/p><p>\u201cOh, we are. Or at least you are. I\u2019m going to spend my time watching and monitoring you.\u201d The look on her face immediately sent up warning flags in the back of my head. \u201cMy buddies are going to give you a workout hopefully. You just head on down the trail, and let\u2019s see what they have in store for you.\u201d<\/p><p>I stopped, finally looking down at what I was wearing. \u201cWait a minute. They are <em>all<\/em> waiting for me? I don\u2019t get any help?\u201d My outfit was cumbersome and made me worry what might lie ahead. A battered breastplate covered my torso, and a wooden shield hung on my left arm. A longsword was sheathed in a scabbard at my waist. Great, medieval combat. Well, at least that was something new.<\/p><p>\u201cYoung lady, I have full confidence in you. And the whole point of this is to push you to your limits so we can figure out what they even are, because I\u2019ve not been able to find them yet.\u201d She seemed very happy with herself, which might bode badly for me later. We shall see. \u201cWe are going to crank it up a notch today. I have all of the safeguards in place, so go all out.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cUmm, more safeguards than normal?\u201d Unsheathing the sword, I swung it awkwardly a few times. \u201cThis appears to be potentially pretty lethal.\u201d Sheathing the sword, I removed some small brown puffballs from a pouch and tossed them into the air. Little sparrows exploded out of the puffballs, fluttering off into the distance. \u201cAm I actually supposed to stab my new friends?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI fully expect you to try. Don\u2019t worry, if you manage to land a lethal blow, the grid runner will be ejected from the system.\u201d Something about her tone made me want to listen closely. \u201cIt will hurt just like whatever happened, but you will not die. Just be tossed out of the game.\u201d<\/p><p>Wait a minute. \u201cAre we sure I\u2019m ready for this?\u201d TING! Something ricocheted off the back of my breastplate. \u201cWhoa. Now hold on a minute.\u201d Spinning around, I raised the shield in time to block the next arrow. Protocols began scrolling down in front of my eyes. Medieval Shield Techniques 101\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Shield Bashing for Amateurs\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Surviving a Medieval Battle\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. All three files opened, and my processors gobbled them up hungrily.<\/p><p>\u201cRainbow Bright doesn\u2019t look too tough in here.\u201d Digital Paradox taunted me from behind. \u201cI thought you said this was going to be a challenge, BA.\u201d<\/p><p>He sounded way too close. Spinning on my heels, I looked up and up some more. I brought the shield around; the blow from his massive war hammer lifted me off the ground, flinging me down the road. Shaking my head trying to get my bearings, I flexed the fingers on my left hand. The blow to the shield had sent pain shooting up my arm, and it had gone numb. The redheaded giant before me laughed as he began to walk forward menacingly.<\/p><p>He was maybe seven feet tall and looked like a cross between an angry Hagrid and Conan the Barbarian. Off to the side of the road, a little guy dressed like Robin Hood darted off into the trees, probably Hyper Jinx. Oh my, this was going to be interesting.<\/p><p>\u201cOh, some of those new safeguards will hopefully keep you from affecting my grid quite so easily.\u201d Karen stood off to the side dressed like a simple monk in brown robes. \u201cMake you run things more like the rest of us have to.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cCome on, girl. You can handle one cranky barbarian.\u201d Ecstasy Eternal rode down the road on a black stallion, stopping behind Digital Paradox. Black velvety robes flowed around her. Her hair was tightly braided, maroon and purple braids mixed in with the natural black. \u201cKaren showed me your numbers. Warm up on the big guy, then we can all join the party.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat? What do you mean warm up on me?\u201d Digital Paradox paused his advance, glancing over his shoulder. \u201cThere\u2019s not going to be anything left for you guys.\u201d Hefting his war hammer, he seemed to be trying to decide what to smash next.<\/p><p>The attitude this guy had really needed to be checked and downsized. His size and reach were going to make him a problem, and the fur and leather armor? That was actually probably pretty effective against my sword. As I slowly got to my feet, feeling was beginning to come back to my left arm. That had hurt\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. a lot.<\/p><p>The three files on shield techniques had been digested nicely, and now my processors were working on longsword styles. The total package would be needed to make it through today. My shield felt like it was an extension of my will as I pivoted to meet my oversized cocky opponent.<\/p><p>Bringing my shield around, it reverberated with the war hammer\u2019s impact but did not have the same effect as before. Good. Pivoting, I prepared to engage my first offensive protocol when something wrapped around my ankle, jerking my right foot out from under me. WHAT?<\/p><p>The silver, mostly transparent rope led back to a vaguely female humanoid shape, which was warping before my eyes like it was covered in mirrors. Wow! That was kinda cool, except it made it really hard to focus on it. OK. Dream Nova and Hyper Jinx must not have gotten the memo of the one-on-one combat with Digital Paradox.<\/p><p>Rolling to the side, pain shot up through my right shoulder as the war hammer crushed the metal plates of armor encasing it. Ow! My sword dropped from my grasp as I managed to get to my knees. Ting! An arrow bounced off the front of my breastplate. OK guys! This was not fair. Four on one?<\/p><p>Karen was just standing off to the side. How could she just stand there while I was getting my skinny booty kicked all over the road? A file blinked behind my eyeballs: \u201cLongsword Techniques \u2013 Master.\u201d Beside it blinked: \u201cUseful protocol found. Download?\u201d YES! Download it fast! My thought was cut off abruptly.<\/p><p>\u201cAw, come on, guys. Let me have some fun.\u201d Digital Paradox sounded like he was really close again. Not good. \u201cStop distracting her. You\u2019re making it too easy.\u201d<\/p><p>Still on my knees, I turned to face him. The war hammer\u2019s upward momentum lifted me off the ground, sending me flying down the road again. My poor breastplate would never be the same. The front was caved in, and a few of my ribs may have been broken in the process. Pain lanced through my torso as I rolled to my knees again.<\/p><p>Tasting blood, I spit red to the side. Yep, not good. My processors were beginning to warm up a bit.<\/p><p>Behind me somewhere, a voice sounded unsure. \u201cHey, how is she still alive? Why hasn\u2019t the system kicked her out?\u201d Digital Paradox seemed unsure suddenly.<\/p><p><em>Oh. That\u2019s right, you booty-sniffing pony apple eater. This game is just getting started.<\/em> Electrons began pulsing through my body, infusing me with new energy. When I looked down, the dent in my breastplate was gone. An intricate carving was slowly appearing on its now-mirrored surface. It looked like a unicorn; rainbow sparks danced along the etching.<\/p><p>To my right, Karen stood wide-eyed. \u201cGuys! Heads up! We have some major anomalies happening.\u201d She kept glancing between me and Digital Paradox. \u201cIt\u2019s about to get rough. Hold on!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThere is no way.\u201d Digital Paradox began slowly walking backward away from me. \u201cWhat the\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0? How is\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0? There is no way she should be\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d Each thought stopped short as he tried to compute what he was seeing.<\/p><p>Standing up, I reached into my front belt pouch. I strode forward, and my right hand flung rainbow glitter into the air, which obediently swirled around me in a thirty-foot circle. Before I could bring my arm down, an invisible rope wrapped around my wrist and jerked it painfully.<\/p><p>Dream Nova? OK girl, you want to dance? Twenty feet away, my glitter began covering her warping mirrored body, which made her very easy to see. Stepping toward her, I pulled with my right and brought the shield around in a devastating bash. She dropped like a sack of potatoes, twitching on the ground. Might be sneaky, but apparently no fortitude. Her electrons exploded before my eyes, swirling away on the passing breeze.<\/p><p>Karen sounded almost scared. \u201cI\u2019m going to shut it down. The anomaly is growing; I\u2019m having a hard time controlling it. Hold on while I engage an emergency void protocol.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo! My team\u2019s got this.\u201d Ecstasy Eternal sat tall in her saddle, perfectly calm. \u201cWe are professionals. The safety protocols are working. Dream Nova is safe on the outside.\u201d<\/p><p>Ting! Another arrow ricocheted off my shield. \u201cOK Waldo, I have had about enough of you and your arrows!\u201d Opening my right hand, palm open, I pointed to my sword, which was about twenty feet away. It obediently lifted off the ground, spinning into my open hand in a flash.<\/p><p>I swung it around, and the point stopped in the direction I thought Hyper Jinx was hiding. All the leaves on the trees and bushes turned different bright colors and dropped to the ground, exposing the annoying archer, who was now dressed in the red and white of Waldo. Eyes wide in surprise, he darted off deeper into the woods.<\/p><p>Karen was getting frantic. \u201cGuys, this is going to get really out of control fast. I need to shut it down. Soon I might not be able to.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf the safeguards are holding, let it play out.\u201d Ecstasy Eternal still appeared outwardly calm, although she was moving her black stallion farther down the road. \u201cThis is amazing; I want to see how this finishes out.\u201d<\/p><p>A rainbow cape now flowed down my back, and at some point, my ponytail had come undone, unleashing a cascade of rainbow-colored hair, which now floated along behind me. As I strode forward confidently, my processors had calmed down and were happily coasting at 50%. \u201cOK you oversize Stay Puft Marshmallow Boy, I\u2019m coming for you next!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou think a little flash will scare the Digital Paradox? Then you are mistaken, little girl.\u201d His voice betrayed no fear, and he was all business now. \u201cLet\u2019s continue this dance, shall we?\u201d Stepping forward, the monster war hammer came arcing around on a collision course with my head.<\/p><p>My shield easily made it up in time, blocking the war hammer. The sound of the impact was odd. Pieces of something red began raining down around me. Lowering the shield, I almost giggled. Digital Paradox looked like he was holding a giant red lollipop, which had shattered. The last pieces of candy fell off the stick as I watched.<\/p><p>Stepping back, he looked at his broken war hammer in disbelief. \u201cHow did you do that?\u201d For the first time, he may have sounded a little nervous. \u201cNo matter. Plenty of toys left.\u201d Reaching over, he literally pulled a small tree up by its roots and hefted it like a club. As he took a practice swing, tremors rolled over his massive body. Dropping the tree, his hands moved to his knees as he tried to steady himself.<\/p><p>Standing up, he shook his head and hefted the tree again. \u201cKid, I am going to smash you to a pulp.\u201d Then he stopped abruptly, looking down. \u201cWhat on earth did you do to me?\u201d He looked like a seven-foot marshmallow man, and a fat one at that.<\/p><p>I engaged my combat protocol, and the sword swung effortlessly in my grasp. It was as if it was an extension of my will. The dulled steel was now shiny and smooth. Bright colors seemed to bleed through the metal. Chromatic flames of every color of the rainbow danced along its razor-sharp edge.<\/p><p>Reflexively my shield arm came up, blocking the incoming tree. Digital Paradox was going to be a professional to the end. As the tree rolled harmlessly off the shield, I spun, bringing the flaming sword around and cleaving through his right arm. The smell of burning marshmallows filled the air.<\/p><p>He stumbled back, screaming in anger. His marshmallow body was turning brown around the stump of his lower arm. Glancing around, he looked for another weapon. I must say, here at the end I was impressed. None were nearby, so his big gooey fist came around in an attempted knockout swing.<\/p><p>Ducking the tasty-looking arm, I thrust the flaming sword up into his ample wiggling and jiggling gut. Flames immediately began crawling up his front and back where my blade protruded. My stomach growled at the yummy smells of roasting marshmallows. As I withdrew my blade, he screamed in pain, trying to hold in the gooeyness of his insides with his left hand. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7bff12 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a7bff12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"120\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Bethany-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1497\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-68501f9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"68501f9\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3e39575\" data-id=\"3e39575\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-876aa12 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"876aa12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-medium\">Chapter 23<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9327d66 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9327d66\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-xl\">Seeing someone for the first time<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a520acb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a520acb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The marble stairs leading up to the entrance were clean and clear of debris, as if something was maintaining it, which was kinda strange. I headed up first, with Brian following close behind me. This was part of Ursula\u2019s domain, so I knew I was safe.<\/p><p>\u201cYou said the old bear was your friend?\u201d He moved up to walk next to me as we entered the building. \u201cThat is a claim few people could make today.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYeah, it\u2019s kind of a strange story, and a long one too.\u201d Standing slightly inside the entrance, I paused in awe of the coolness before me. \u201cI\u2019m not sure if we have enough time for me to fill you in on that part of my life.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI would never pry. All of us have our secrets.\u201d His tone shifted slightly, and he exhaled loudly. \u201cAnd the events which gave birth to those secrets are what made us who we are today. We all have them.\u201d<\/p><p>We are not a secret anymore, Princess whispered quietly in my ear. It\u2019s nice not being a secret. I think I like not being a secret.<\/p><p>Hush, little me. Bethany scolded the more exuberant Princess. Just because he\u2019s being nice doesn\u2019t mean he\u2019s our friend.<\/p><p>Brian\u2019s gaze returned to mine. \u201cYour secrets will be safe with me, my wild one. Whether or not you become part of Copperhead\u2019s team, your secrets will die with me if you choose to share them.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI came here in good faith, Tont\u2014\u201d Catching myself, I redirected my thought before it leaped out my mouth any further. \u201cYou promised me a nice peaceful quiet place. I wouldn\u2019t mind seeing that since we rode the whole way across town.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSorry, you are correct. I promised you peace, and I have continued to bother you.\u201d He nodded and began walking away from me. \u201cPlease forgive me and follow. Allow me to show you what I spoke of.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou are forgiven for now.\u201d Following along, I continued to take in the awesomeness of the museum. \u201cHow is it that all of this is still here. I mean, it\u2019s dusty and dirty, but how come everything hasn\u2019t been stolen or vandalized?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIf you truly knew the old bear, how can you even question that?\u201d His walk slowed until he was next to me. \u201cHis power is limitless, it seems. The metroplex still whispers of the beginning because he was there on the fateful day so many years ago.\u201d<\/p><p>My mind wandered back to what history I could dredge up. Then firing up my internal processors, I had them scour my databases for Central Park history. I stopped in my tracks, and my eyes widened in realization. \u201cWait\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. he was there at the massacre? The Central Park Massacre? How old is he?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo one knows for sure how old he is. In the beginning there were a handful of shamans taking part in all of this, but eventually it was just him.\u201d He stopped and looked back at me. \u201cAt least that is what I have heard. The whispers on the wind of the metroplex are what they are\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. urban legends. But there is a ring of truth to the ones concerning him.\u201d<\/p><p>Tears formed at the corners of my eyes as articles and videos scrolled before my eyes. Images of bodies, so many bodies, and the blood\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. so much it pooled in low spots on the ground. The Central Park Massacre wasn\u2019t taught in school much, but the history existed on the grid, if you went looking for it. I almost wished I hadn\u2019t.<\/p><p>\u201cI am sorry. That is a history we will hopefully never repeat.\u201d Brian sounded somber. \u201cI should not have brought that up. Forgive me again. Please follow me a little farther, then I can show you my place of peace.\u201d He extended his hand toward me.<\/p><p>It\u2019s OK, Princess whispered in my head, and Bethany was silent. Take his hand. I think he needs it as much as you do\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.<\/p><p>Reaching out, I took his hand, which sent a shiver up my arm. Closing my eyes, I tried to banish the images of the Central Park Massacre and allowed myself to be docilely led by another lost soul.<\/p><p>***<\/p><p>The entire museum was empty except for us. Skeletons of dinosaurs looked down at us. The stuffed animals of the extinction display seemed to watch us as we slowly made our way through the exhibit.<\/p><p>My feet stopped in front of a glass case. Inside stood a gray wolf, its fur amazingly clean with no dirt or dust apparent in the whole display. The sign told me that just like so many other species the gray wolf no longer existed in the wild but only in captivity.<\/p><p>Even though it was possible to release animals into the wild, society as a whole was not inclined to do so. It was perfectly fine to protect them in zoos. It was safer for them, and their lives were most likely better? What? That made no sense. I looked up at Brian.<\/p><p>\u201cThe world does not deserve wolf, yet here I am.\u201d Brian\u2019s hand felt cold in mine. \u201cThe world took wolf\u2019s land, it took his family, and it finally took his life. Yet some of us still walk among the sheep because we cannot help ourselves. It is in our blood to protect, even if they do not see it.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDid the city take your family?\u201d Wasn\u2019t sure where that came from. I thought princess snuck out, the little brat. \u201cYou didn\u2019t always live in the city?\u201d I tried mentally to clamp down on the gang upstairs before this got out of hand.<\/p><p>\u201cNo. I have not always lived in the city.\u201d Beginning to move again, he dodged the big question. \u201cThis city is a wretched place. It is not fit for man or beast. I will never understand why people want to live in this concrete jungle.\u201d<\/p><p>Passing through an archway, I knew immediately that we had arrived in his happy place. It was an exhibit on the early American Indians. Glass cases were filled with artifacts, and large displays depicted life a few centuries ago. A woven mat covered a large section of floor in the center of the room.<\/p><p>Various items were scattered around the floor. Closer examination made me think the placement of the items was not random. Releasing my hand, Brian walked over to the center of the mat. Removing his leather vest, he sat down cross-legged in the middle of the mat and laid his vest on the ground next to him.<\/p><p>When he shrugged out of his gun harnesses, they were also placed carefully to the side. Looking up at me, he nodded, motioning me to sit. \u201cPlease. Sit with me, my lost wild one. Welcome to my quiet place. It is a place of pain, but also peace. May it help you as it has helped me\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d<\/p><p>***<\/p><p>He quietly sat on the floor for a few minutes, arranging things until they were to his liking. Removing powders and ground-up leaves from a few pouches, he began crushing them in a small stone mortar and pestle. Eventually the contents of the pestle were poured into a slightly larger stone dish. The edges of the dish were blackened and charred.<\/p><p>Flint and steel appeared in his hand from somewhere. Sparks clicked into the bowl until smoke began spiraling up. He leaned over, inhaling deeply, and smiled a genuine smile. \u201cYes, this is much preferable to the noise and chaos of that club you like.\u201d<\/p><p>Sniffing tentatively at the smoke, it felt as if the edges of my mind were suddenly getting fuzzy. \u201cWhoa. What is that stuff?\u201d I reflexively scooted a little further away from the smoke. \u201cThat stuff is strong.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cIt is to calm the spirit. The laws of man might not agree with my choice, but that does not concern me.\u201d He leaned closer, and his smile widened as he inhaled again. \u201cIt has helped generations of Windwalkers cope with the annoyances and evils of life.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI would say so; you\u2019re not going to tell me what is in that smoke, are you?\u201d Man, even not inhaling deeply, that stuff gave me a buzz. Note to self, stay away. \u201cHave you brought many lost souls here? Is this like the local rehab center?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cNo, only you, wild one. I have not even brought the rest of the team here.\u201d His tone stayed cool and distant. \u201cThis place is special; it is not for just anyone.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThen why bring me here?\u201d That was a legit question. But I still didn\u2019t think he wanted me on the team. \u201cI\u2019m just a lost girl. There are probably thousands of us in the city. Why waste your time on me?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cDo you recall our first encounter? Copperhead said he would trust his life on my gut feelings.\u201d As he chatted, more dried leaves were sprinkled in the stone bowl, causing the smoke to shift in color. \u201cWell, I think there is something under this colorful shell you hide behind. And that something deserves to be released and free.\u201d<\/p><p><em>Watch out, he is about to start digging again.<\/em> Princess popped into my head first. He wants us to be free. He wants us to live again. You see, he\u2019s not a bad man.<\/p><p>Be careful. Not surprisingly, Bethany was cautious. I still don\u2019t trust him. He\u2019s trying to work an angle; I just have to figure out what it is.<\/p><p>Brian cocked his head as we locked gazes again. \u201cWhat are they saying? I feel as if one wishes to speak and the other wants to hide. Your mind must be a complicated, confusing place.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat\u2019s one way to put it.\u201d Yeah, they needed to chill. No more talking! \u201cWe are a spirited bunch with a varied view on life.\u201d Maybe that smoke was affecting everyone upstairs. I had the distinct impression they wanted to get chatty, unfortunately. \u201cI\u2019m never lonely though.\u201d I tried to lighten up the mood a bit. He didn\u2019t take the bait.<\/p><p>\u201cA person can be lonely in a crowded room.\u201d His dark eyes gave nothing away. \u201cFor you it is all in your head. That does not mean you are not lonely and crave more from life.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cI\u2019m on my way to awesomeness, and that doesn\u2019t leave any room for many other people. They will just get in the way.\u201d Anytime I had let people get close, either I got hurt or they did, so there would be no more of that. \u201cOr die. That is also a very likely scenario.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThat is very sad, wild one; I have to believe that in your heart there is room to love and be loved; otherwise what is the point of existence?\u201d Something shifted in his voice slightly. \u201cI have walked my current path for so long, there may not be hope anymore for me, but you are so young. How do you live without hope?\u201d His voice cracked ever so slightly.<\/p><p>Something hurt him. He\u2019s just like Benjamin, and he has never totally found his way back. Bethany sounded more compassionate than she had in a very long time. He needs us as much as Benjamin needed us.<\/p><p>I miss Benjamin. Princess was about to start crying, I thought. I miss him so much, and Sheldon too. I could just about hear her sniffling upstairs. It was getting distracting.<\/p><p>Brian\u2019s eyes widened as he performed his magic trick again. \u201cWho were they? I sense warriors. Both of them were lost souls such as yourself. Yet you helped them?\u201d His curiosity was about to get the best of him.<\/p><p>Bethany stepped forward, taking the wheel for just a moment. \u201cYes, they were both very special men who had lost their way. I was much younger the first time, and the other was more recently. Are you still lost, Brian Windwalker?\u201d<\/p><p>His gaze bored into my soul, searching for something. \u201cAm I lost? In some ways I am lost, yet I know exactly where the dark roads I walk will lead me. Although the path has been longer than I hoped, I believed we would have been reunited by now. Yet here I am talking to you, wild one.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWas there a Mrs. Windwalker, Brian?\u201d Princess spoke quietly, sneaking out for the first time in a while. \u201cDid you have a family?\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cOnce, a long time ago, there was.\u201d His penetrating gaze never wavered from mine. \u201cBut it was taken from me. That secret is what brought me to this wretched city. Never to leave, it would seem.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWhat happened? What brought you to the city, Brian?\u201d The tables were turned in my favor, but I was not happy about it. Grabbing the wheel back from Princess, I could sense his pain. \u201cThe warriors from my past all walked dark roads.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYou helped these warriors, and it was from the love of your heart. A heart that still exists, even if you do not wish to listen to it. Because of these other warriors, I will tell you something few have ever heard. And maybe it will help you trust me.\u201d He inhaled deeply from the smoke, closing his eyes. \u201cWinter came upon my people unexpectedly\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2af5faa elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2af5faa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"120\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Mr.-Teddy-Armor.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1499\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6b9fd57 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6b9fd57\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-88b96e4\" data-id=\"88b96e4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f77d165 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f77d165\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-medium\">Chapter 81<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c652f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6c652f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-xl\">The end of my luck?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-353c20f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"353c20f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Captain! Wake up!\u201d Mr. Teddy\u2019s voice jerked me into consciousness. \u201cYou are needed urgently. Please! We need you!\u201d The pain in his voice was enough to almost deal me a physical blow.<\/p><p>\u201cYo, Cap!\u201d Mr. Crispy Bear sounded more annoyed than worried. \u201cI know you got this somehow, but it might help us if you got out of bed and helped us on the main deck. Things are beginning to get a little too exciting, even for me.\u201d<\/p><p>As I finally gained full control of my senses, my eyes flared open and my head swiveled around, taking in the whole picture. My stuffed companions were standing on stools beside a huge feather bed, which I was lying in. They both looked very concerned. Slinging the bright orange comforter off, I sat up, entangled in a bright neon-green sheet.<\/p><p>\u201cReport.\u201d The word fought its way out of my mouth. My thoughts were very disjointed and hard to string together. Finally, I was successful. \u201cWhat is the situation? How bad is it?\u201d What was wrong with my head? Usually, the thoughts were out of my mouth before I could finish them.<\/p><p>\u201cWell, those rough scoundrel scallywags have managed to catch up to us.\u201d Mr. Crispy Bear really did make a cool pirate sporting his peg leg and eye patch. \u201cThey were preparing to board when we came in here to get you.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cYes. The crew and I did our best, but we need your leadership to conquer this mighty foe.\u201d Mr. Teddy almost sounded embarrassed having to ask for help. \u201cThe first gangplanks were falling as we came to get you.\u201d<\/p><p>The door to my cabin swung open, crashing against the wall, drawing our attention to it. A tall black teddy bear stood framed in the afternoon sun. In his paws, he held a musket, which he began to raise toward us!<\/p><p>\u201cThe evil is upon us!\u201d Mr. Teddy jumped down to the floor, picking up his sword and shield. \u201cI shall vanquish this foe for you, my princess! Fear not.\u201d Raising his shield, he advanced toward the sinister bear.<\/p><p>\u201cDude? Do you have to be so dramatic all the time?\u201d Mr. Crispy Bear pulled a pistol from his belt and pointed toward the door. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s OK to take the easy way out, man.\u201d Black smoke bellowed out the barrel, and the crack of the gunshot made my ears ring. The black teddy bear clutched his chest, dropping the musket as red fluffy stuffing blew out of his back. He staggered backward out the door and out of sight.<\/p><p>\u201cYes, sometimes your direct approach can be useful.\u201d Mr. Teddy lowered the visor of his helmet and walked toward the cabin door. \u201cAnd it does save me some trouble and a lot of energy, thank you, sir.\u201d Nodding his helmeted head toward Mr. Crispy Bear, he charged out the door onto the main deck.<\/p><p>\u201cBut it would be really handy if you got out of bed and helped us, Cap.\u201d Mr. Crispy Bear was suddenly all serious. \u201cAll joking aside, it\u2019s not good out there. I can only fake it for so long. Things are not going our way. If you want this to stay <em>your<\/em> ship, you have some work to do. Get out there as soon as you can.\u201d Finishing reloading his pistol, he glanced my way one more time before charging out the door himself.<\/p><p>Thoughts began to percolate into my consciousness. Everyone surrounding me. Tommy holding my hand. What was happening? Was I dying? Chills ran through my body as I leaped out of bed. But what could I do? Staring into the mirror on the wall, I was dressed in plain drab clothing, brown breeches and a gray shirt. My blond hair was pulled back in a single braid.<\/p><p>Grabbing a tarnished cutlass from a peg by the door, I charged out onto the main deck into total mayhem and chaos. Teddy bears were everywhere! My rainbow furry stuffed shipmates were locked in mortal combat with hordes of black teddy bears, which were boarding my ship. Running across gangplanks and swinging across on ropes, they were everywhere!<\/p><p>Red-tinged stuffing was scattered all over the deck. Dismembered arms and legs with stuffing poking out the ends were scattered about. Focusing to my left, I momentarily froze. Mr. Hugsly was wrapped around three black teddy bears, squeezing for all he was worth. Two others were hacking away at him. His stuffing littered the ground.<\/p><p>Charging ahead, I cleaved the head off the first black teddy bear and then skewered the second one. Knocking them aside, I cradled Mr. Hugsly in my arms. He weakly raised his head to mine. \u201cMy princess? You returned to us. We have tried, but there were too many. Forgive us\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d His red-tinged stuffing fell through my fingers as his body went limp in my grasp.<\/p><p>Tears streamed down my cheeks as I gently placed Mr. Hugsly on the deck. Across the ship, Team Fluffy Cute was in mortal combat with a pack of large dogs. Evil black teddy bears stood around the roiling mass of fur, teeth, and claws, occasionally firing muskets into the fray. I was too far away to help them.<\/p><p>Yippers and Yappers were charging to rescue Team Fluffy Cute from the canine aggressors. As they galloped toward the fray, a fresh batch of evil black teddy bears jogged across a gangplank. Raising their muskets, their intent was obvious.<\/p><p>\u201cNO!\u201d My shout carried across the chaos. Almost everyone stopped, but two muskets continued to track my childhood friends. As I launched myself across the deck, the muskets roared, blowing huge holes through Yippers and Yappers. Howling and whining, they spun off to the side, lying unmoving in a heap of red-stained polka dots.<\/p><p>My scream was one of anguish as I reached the two musket-toting teddies. With one mighty two-handed swing, I cleaved through both of the murderers and continued toward the chaos surrounding Team Fluffy Cute. Wading into the mayhem, I hacked and slashed until nothing moved around me.<\/p><p>Dropping my cutlass to the deck, I scooped up the torn and battered form of the last member of Team Fluffy Cute who still clung to life. Hugging her to my chest, I tucked her bloody head up under my chin. A faint purr vibrated against my neck, but then she was silent\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.<\/p><p>AHHHH! Laying her cooling body to the deck, I retrieved my cutlass from the piles of red-stained stuffing and fluff, which was scattered about everywhere. Turning in a circle, my vision began to swim as my brain tried to process what was happening. It was only a dream\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. but it was real to me.<\/p><p>Back over by my cabin, Mr. Knockers and Miss Fruity were dive-bombing black teddy bears, trying to distract them away from Mr. Teddy and Mr. Crispy Bear who were quickly being overwhelmed. Over on the other ship, a line of musket-toting black teddies were preparing a volley line. Their barrels tracked my colorful feathered friends.<\/p><p>Again, the word was ripped from my soul to no avail. \u201cNOOOOOO!\u201d Smoke bellowed out down the line of muskets as the cracks reached my ears simultaneously. Rainbow feathers flew off in different directions as my friends jerked and twitched. Seconds later, both of them crashed at my feet in a torn and butchered mess of colorful feathers and bloody stuffing.<\/p><p>Dropping down to the deck, I pulled their battered forms to me. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. It\u2019s my fault.\u201d Sobbing, I pulled Miss Fruity closer for a moment. I heard barely audible chirps. \u201cNo, you did all you could. It\u2019s all my fault.\u201d A few faint tweets reached my ear. \u201cI love you too.\u201d Leaning down, I kissed the bloody feathers on top of her head as I felt the final breath leave her body.<\/p><p>Tap\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Tap\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Tap\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Mr. Knockers was trying to peck against the deck weakly. Laying Miss Fruity down, I pulled him close. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr. Knockers.\u201d Tap\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Tap\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. Tap\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. His beak pressed against my shoulder. \u201cI will never forget you. Never.\u201d Tap\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. He was still. Didn\u2019t move again\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.<\/p><p>AHHHHH! Too much\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. no more! My head felt as if it were going to spilt open. Staggering to my feet, I slowly turned in a circle, taking in my remaining crew and the entire scene of chaos before me. My teddies were few and far between. This battle was over. There was nothing more I could do. I had lost.<\/p><p>\u201cPrincess!\u201d Mr. Teddy was frantic on the other side of the deck. \u201cThere are too many!\u201d Frantically, he blocked with his shield and slashed with his sword. He slayed a black teddy with every swing, and still more came charging across the gangplanks. \u201cI shall never give up as long as I live!\u201d<\/p><p>A black teddy was sneaking up behind him, its spear lowered, preparing to thrust. Too far away. \u201cMr. Teddy!\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-70ea18d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"70ea18d\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-be6a204\" data-id=\"be6a204\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-444f072 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"444f072\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large\">pre-order today on amazon!<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e6a711 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6e6a711\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Free on Kindle Unlimited or $4.99 for e-book<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-wpl_tracker=\"{&quot;analytics&quot;:true,&quot;analytics_category&quot;:&quot;Outbound Link&quot;,&quot;analytics_action&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;analytics_label&quot;:&quot;evolves e-book&quot;}\" class=\"events-tracker-for-elementor elementor-element elementor-element-94ce44d elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"94ce44d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ghost-Evolves-Neon-Book-ebook\/dp\/B0BD2SCDVD\/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CO84GHGUS5LY&#038;keywords=a+ghost+evolves&#038;qid=1662397900&#038;rnid=2941120011&#038;s=books&#038;sprefix=a+ghost+evolves%2Caps%2C266&#038;sr=1-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Pre-order now<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-720f691\" data-id=\"720f691\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9bade01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9bade01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large\">order your signed paperback here!<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a7a4fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0a7a4fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Author signed copy only $20.00 plus shipping and applicable taxes<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-wpl_tracker=\"{&quot;analytics&quot;:true,&quot;analytics_category&quot;:&quot;Outbound Link&quot;,&quot;analytics_action&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;analytics_label&quot;:&quot;evolves author copy&quot;}\" class=\"events-tracker-for-elementor elementor-element elementor-element-978835d elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"978835d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/gregory-l-bruner.square.site\/?fbclid=IwAR15_3pqt9YXpVJvZxfR-fAiWfeu4Bgll2OTBl948MQX6yZ1o82t3ysQn28\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">pre-order now<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 4 Play time! I mean, first lesson Dropping into my normal chair, I slowly took in the whole gang of them. For being a seemingly boring quiet woman, Karen sure had a lot of interesting friends. Picking my cable up off the desk, I carefully cleaned its platinum tip as I looked back and &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/?page_id=1231\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">A ghost evolves<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"","footnotes":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1231"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1231"}],"version-history":[{"count":46,"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1997,"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1231\/revisions\/1997"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond2060books.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}