"Forget it Jack. If we came to their rescue they'd turn on us when that thing was dead, if we could kill it. Let's get as far away from that creature as possible before it decides we are its next snack." Nicole snapped and turned her horse back toward the trail.

"No," Jack reached out and took hold of her arm. "I'm not going to let them die."

"It's all right, Jack" Sarah smiled, moving toward him. "It won't hurt them."

"How can you say that? It's huge!" Jack growled and spun his horse back in the direction of the battle.

"It's mine " Sarah added calmly.

"Yours?" Jack turned back to her.

"Conjuration, she's my baby." Sarah beamed, triumphantly. "It's a mixture of a Mammoth, gorilla and a saber tooth tiger." Her delighted laughter lightened Jack's mood. "She thinks we're her young she's just keeping them busy until we get away."

"That was fantastic!" Hopper's deep voice penetrated the darkness. "But can you bring back the sunlight? It'd be easier to travel if we could see where we're going."

"Of course," Sarah answered, still smiling at Jack. "It won't hurt them, I made sure of that. But it should keep them occupied for a few hours."

Looking toward the canopy of trees Sarah spoke a few short phrases. A soft breeze began to blow, flowing through her long amber hair as a soft yellow glow enveloped her. A trickle of light drifted downward through the thick canopy. Hopper's breath quickened at the sight of Sarah, consumed by her magic. Never before had Sarah looked so elegant, so beautiful. He felt stirrings build up inside him he had so carefully kept under control for the last two years. Then Hopper glanced down at his clawed hands and hairy body. His eyes darkened and the stirrings vanished.

"We don't have much light left." Jack observed quietly. "Let's put some distance between us and our friends."

Chapter Six.

Crickets filled the cool night air with a beckoning song Nicole couldn't resist . Hopper and Sarah fell asleep nestled together under a large fir tree as the elf silently disappeared into the forest. Nicole wandered effortlessly through the darkness. The sound of a small gurgling brook drew her to its sandy banks. Sitting on the edge of a fallen tree she pulled her boots off and thrust her tired feet into the stream. The cold water numbed her aching arches, sending a shivering pulse of relief through her small form.

A shift in the shadows and Nicole became part of the forest, silent and watching. Her dark green eyes focused on the same small red fox that had warned her of the warriors' attack earlier that same evening. Smiling, she reached out and waited for it to join her.

Tired of sitting quietly, waiting for some large creature to descend on them from the darkness, Jack rose from his perch at the edge of the small camp. His thoughts went to Nicole, where had she gone? What did she think she was doing? Hadn't they had enough excitement for one day? s.n.a.t.c.hing up his sword, Jack headed in the direction he had seen her disappear. One glance at Hopper and Sarah and he vanished into the shadows.

Jack was determined to find the voluptuous imp and return her to camp, over his shoulder if necessary. She'd been gone for nearly an hour. "Dr. Strong said to stay together." Jack mumbled under his breath as his foot struck a small rock. It was impossible to predict what could be lurking in the darkness surrounding the camp, just waiting to be discovered. Nicole was foolish to a.s.sume their adventure would only take place during the daylight hours. Anyone of them could be easily taken in the darkness and spirited away to lead the others on a chase far from their goal. Jack smiled wickedly as a vision came to him of Nicole's shapely legs sticking out of the jaws of some hideous creature.

His smile vanished as he realized if there was a monster it would more than likely spit out her dead body and challenge him to a fight to the death. Another death, another notch on his b.l.o.o.d.y sword, If he had to kill, then so be it. Still, he'd much rather slay a dragon than another elf. Their deaths had seemed too real.

"I won't kill another elf." Jack announced to the darkness. It was only a game, an illusion. The whole idea of this hypnotic adventure was to insure the experience felt as real as possible . But the way those elves died was too real, too harsh. It took the fun out of the game. He'd never been one to revel in the blood and guts of horror movies. He enjoyed the suspense or action, and a shapely female always helped the lack of a plot.

Jack forced himself to slow his pace. His eyes searched the darkness spotting a white-faced owl as it took flight deep into the woods. Jack gave in to the sudden urge to follow the creature and moved silently through the trees after it. Hearing the sound of rushing water Jack hesitated, listening for any sign of activity. After all he was a barbarian, it seemed fitting . Jack moved slowly toward the water. It was a small brook, nothing like the pounding falls that had nearly ended his part in this adventure. How had the good doctor managed to give him such a complete sensation of diving? The feeling of cool water on his skin, the sound of the falls from beneath the surface were just too real. He'd even felt the pressure change as he swam to the base of the pond. There must be a pool somewhere in the complex. Stong must have led them to it and allowed Jack to dive into the water.

The panic and pain when his lungs drew in the water came back to Jack as he breathed in the moist air surrounding the brook. Dr. Strong was no fool. He wouldn't risk being sued by the family of a drowned patient. Jack doubted that Dr. Strong could have described the feeling of drowning to someone unless he had experienced it himself. It was highly unlikely that two out of the seven people involved in this adventure would have experienced the terror of drowning and lived to tell about it. Although it wasn't something that would come up in ordinary conversation, Jack knew, he knew how it felt.

He'd nearly died with his father. Yanked off his feet by the steep beaches undertow he'd been taken swiftly away from the sh.o.r.e. Away from the people he loved. His father had found him, deep beneath the salty water and pushed him to the surface, away from the pull of the ocean. But his father never made it to the surface. Jack had lost him forever.

Jack's father was the hero that convinced him to make the most of his life before it slipped from his grasp . Perhaps Strong somehow managed to tap into that memory and used it. Was he at this very moment exploring their memories for parallels in which to heighten their adventure?

When the game was over, Jack was going to find out what really happened. If Dr. Strong was taking liberties with his psyche, the prestigious psychologist would be the first to find out if hypnotically induced battle skills carried over to the real world. Shaking off the barbarian persona that sought to overwhelm him, Jack adjusted the sword in his belt and continued toward the brook. He spotted movement near a fallen log. His hand went to the hilt of his sword only to relax when he realized it was Nicole.

Sitting quietly, stroking the soft fur on the back of a small fox the dark elf turned slowly and smiled up at Jack. Entranced by her sparkling smile and deep green eyes, Jack sat down in the tall gra.s.s at her feet. He followed her gaze toward the treetops. A small break in the canopy allowed them a breathtaking view of the star-filled sky. A sense of calm came over Jack as he relaxed on the bank beside her. Following her lead , he removed his boots and sank his feet into the icy water.

"How did you find me?" Nicole asked, studying his face.

"I followed an owl." Jack smiled softly. feeling the exhaustion wash over him. Nicole only smiled, her dark eyes twinkling in the pale light . "Who's your friend?" Jack continued, reaching toward the fox.

Springing from her lap, the small animal scurried off and disappeared into the brush. Nicole's eyes followed it filled with laughter. "I guess he isn't in a social mood." She whispered, turning toward him and reaching out to caress his wavy brown hair .

"But you have been, all day." Jack reached out to take her hand in his. Jack felt the warmth of her palm brush against his ear as Nicole ran her fingers through his hair.

"Have I?' She asked, studying his face.

"I've never seen you so . . . relaxed, so carefree."

"Carefree, that's the perfect word for how I feel." Nicole answered, her hand exploring the contours of his back as she moved down onto the gra.s.s beside him. "All the tension and stress that I've carried with me for so long has vanished. I don't feel that surging force inside me. I've always felt driven, impatient for what the next step is supposed to be. As if I should be accomplishing something, striving to better myself, to better world every moment . I actually can't remember a time when I wasn't compelled to be the best at everything. Now suddenly, just because I'm here, in this *world', I'm free. Free of my anger, free of my inhibitions, free from the life I've worked so hard to build." Nicole stared up at the stars, shaking her head in wonder. "For the life of me Jack. I can even remember why I was so driven." Nicole leaned closer and nuzzled his neck, "Why is that Jack? What is it about Dr. Strong and this imaginary world that has finally allowed me to forget all the c.r.a.p that insisted on building my life around?"

"Are you so sure Dr. Strong did that" Jack's eyes narrowed.

"You think I liberated myself? That I'm taking liberties with my psyche under the mask of this elfin personality?" Nicole smiled at him. "Very deductive, Jack."

"Not at all Nicole. You think this is some fantastic game where anything goes. " Jack growled. "You haven't escaped from anything. You're so hyped on turning this into a million dollar investment, you've forgotten that we return to reality in a few hours."

"Relax, Jack." Nicole smiled softly as she leaned back against the log.

"Reality, Nicole. You remember it? It's where you'll have to explain to Tom what you were doing ten seconds ago."

"Tom . . . that was a mistake, Jack. A big one for both of us." Nicole turned and stared at him. "I wanted him because he was stable, well educated and had connections in places I couldn't reach. He wanted me because I'm old money and he needs the prestige." She gazed into his eyes, her smile returned. "But why am I explaining this to you? You've known it all along."

"I never . . ."

"You didn't have to, Jack. Tom knew we both did and we didn't care. It's as close to an arranged marriage as you can get without walking down the aisle. "

The crickets filled the silence between them as they stared into the shadows. The wind rushed over the treetops, bringing with it a dampness that settled over the forest like a cool mist.

"I have liberated myself, Jack." She finished.

"Maybe, you're always in control, Nicole. I find it hard to believe you're not holding your own now. Dr. Strong may be guiding this journey, but he can't control every emotion we feel, not for 72 hours straight. He's got to take a break sometime. Our sleeping periods would be the perfect time for him to rest. So, the way I figure it, we're on our own for the next hour or so. What we're feeling now are your own emotions, free from his influence.

"I've felt different from the moment we arrived here. Maybe it's the elf character or the expectations of the adventure. I don't know and I don't care. I just hope I can carry this back with me. For the first time in my life I can relax. I can sit and listen, to the crickets, the water, the wind. It doesn't matter what, all that matters is that I'm sitting still, perfectly still. No impatient, wiggling, twitching or tapping. I wish I could stay here, forever."

Jack's laughter filled the small clearing silencing the night sounds around them. "You and I have never been in sync. Here you are talking about harmony and contentment and all I feel is skepticism." Jack shook his head sadly. "Dr. Strong's made this seem too real for me. I'm having a hard time dealing with all the bloodshed . . . and your turnabout. I think we're running around the countryside like a band of psychotic killers, slashing and laughing. Jack's smile faded as he leaned forward to s.n.a.t.c.h a small rock from the bubbling water. "I think we've lost sight of the real adventure."

"We've reversed roles . " Nicole giggled. She took hold of his shoulder and pulled him gently back. "I was the cautious, dedicated leader and you were the carefree adventurer. Now I'm rushing into unknown encounters, throwing caution aside and you're the one hollering for us to stay on target. "

"I just don't want anyone to get hurt. If you and Hopper keep running off . . ."

"Okay, no more charging into the face of danger unless it's absolutely necessary." Nicole agreed.

Chuckling at her daughterly tone, Jack conceded and changed the subject. "Do you realize this is the first conversation we've had without arguing."

"You mean without insulting each other. " Nicole corrected, grinning back at him in the darkness.

"I've never insulted you." Jack whispered, looking into her dark green eyes.

Nicole met his stare. "You're right, I guess. I have a habit of considering whatever you say to be an insult because your comments are always so close to the mark. I am here to invest."

"There's nothing wrong with that."

"I know." Nicole ran her fingers down his bare arm and caressed his hand. "Do you think we can be friends when we get back to reality? "

"What are you going to tell Tom?"

"The truth, not like the last time."

"Then I think we might have a chance. " Jack smiled.

"I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with." Nicole admitted.

"Well, that's certainly true." Jack answered putting his arm around her.

" It's just that I feel people should stop whining about their lives and make them into what they want them to be."

"Instead of treating your life like a big vacation." Jack cut in .

"You completely frustrate me, Jack. You have no goals, no direction you just float around the world and enjoy yourself contentedly. Your life is completely unstructured. Even so, you've always had everything you wanted and a dream of friends who care deeply about you and are always willing to bail you out of any situation you get yourself into."

Nicole sighed. "It infuriated me and at this moment I have no idea why."

The pair of adventurers sat quietly on the bank of the narrow brook, listening to the distant cry of the night. A racc.o.o.n appeared across the water carrying a small object in its paws. Carefully, it danced across the rocks on the brook toward them. Stopping a few feet away, it surveyed them? Then walked up to Nicole, placed the object in her lap and scampered off. Jack reached over, picked up the delicate oval and examined it.

"An egg," he frowned, glancing up at Nicole.

"Breakfast," She declared, smiling back at him.

"Well you'll need a few dozen more to make a decent omelet." Jack smiled, "It's not big enough to feed a mouse."

"She was making a gesture," the dark-eyed elf explained. "She's a friend."

"Have you received many of these . . . gifts?" Jack chuckled, handing her the tiny blue egg.

"The birds bring me flowers."

"That's useful."

Nicole smiled and glanced around, "Look, there through the trees. "

"What?" Jack sat upright, reaching for his sword.

" It's the doe that helped us escape."

Seeing the faint image of a deer in the shadows, Jack relaxed back against the log. The crickets continued their serenade. Nicole pointed out the night creatures as they rushed to fulfill their needs. A sudden flutter caught their attention as the white-faced owl came to light on the hollow log behind them.

"That's my buddy. " Jack explained.

The small owl c.o.c.ked its head to one side and dropped a dead field mouse into Jack's lap then flew into the darkness.

Jack lifted the small sacrifice up by the tail and waited patiently for Nicole to stop laughing.

"A token of my esteem, My Lady." He handed her the mouse. Accepting the gift , Nicole tossed it high into the air. The owl swept out from the trees, s.n.a.t.c.hed it up and disappeared.

Staring after the tiny predator, as it vanished in the darkness, Nicole's thoughts went to her other self. After a moment she turned back to Jack and smiled, softly. She knew why Nicole Waters was angry with Jack. His blue eyes, bright smile and quick wit were exactly what she needed but didn't want. She cooed softly, reaching out to caress his bare shoulder. "Did you ever wonder what it would be like to kiss a wild woodland elf?"

"What?" He stared into her eyes.

"Woodland elves are sisters to the woodland nymphs. Wouldn't you like to experience the kiss of a magical nymph?"

" I ' m not sure what you're asking . . ."

Nicole leaned against him in the darkness. The wind blew softly, flowing through her long black hair. "The thought has crossed your mind. Hasn't it, Jack?" She whispered, slipping her arms around his narrow waist. "Tell me, Jack."

"Nicole . . ." Jack growled, stiffening.

" I've thought about it, Jack. I never would have admitted that as Nicole Waters. But here in this world Nicole Waters doesn't exist. Only a woodland elf, one who wants to know what it's like to feel the warmth of your body close to hers." Nicole nestled against him, brushing her lips across his throat.

"Remember reality Nicole?" Jack cautioned.

"Didn't you ever wonder what it would be like to make love to me, Jack?"

Jack grabbed Nicole's arms by the wrists and pushed her back from him. "Reality," he growled.

"I haven't forgotten it, Jack. " She meeting his angry gaze "It's over with Tom. I'm done pretending."

Jack's arms surrounded her as he pulled her against him.

An uncontrollable fever ran through Nicole's small form. They fell back onto the gra.s.s clinging to one another. Jack's lips traced the outline of Nicole's throat moving down to the softness of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s as he unb.u.t.toned her vest. Nicole arched her back and pulled him closer.

"Stay with me tonight, Jack." She whispered, breathlessly.

Jack gazed into her eyes as he brushed a strand of ebony hair from her cheek and whispered, "I'm not going anywhere."

Hopper gently separated himself from the slumbering sorceress he'd held throughout. the night. Smiling down at her, he rose and grimaced as his long spine snapped and crackled. Glancing around for Nicole and Jack, he found a pile of large red and purple berries on their food satchel near the cold embers of their fire. s.n.a.t.c.hing a handful he kissed Sarah gently on the forehead and growled softly in her ear. "There's mischief afoot, Sorceress. I do believe a band of crazed fairies set upon us whilst we slept."

Her eyes popped open, startled by his words and the deep tone of his voice. "Fairies?" She gasped, sitting up, confused.

"Fruit fairies to be exact. " His deep voice answered.

"What are you talking about?"