The Ellick Diaries by Milly Grey January 16, 2014

2 Mom, Anastasia still hasn't put her seatbelt on! sang Ashton. Anastasia, I don't want to have to tell you again! Thanks a lot, Ashton, muttered Anastasia with a glare. Anastasia ducked her head, intent on finding her book. As soon as her fingers felt the leather binding of her prized treasure, a blood-curling scream sounded, followed by a loud screech of tires. Anastasia remembered hearing a shrieking cry, but would later realize that it was torn from her own throat as she was lurched out of the car and through the windshield. ** Anastasia opened her eyes to complete darkness. She couldn't see anything, so she screwed her eyes shut as a pounding reverberated through her temples. Her body felt stiff and sore, and it was as silent as death. She tried opening her eyes again, but instead of blackness her view consisted of the canopy of trees. Little sounds floated to her eardrums, like a bird's chirp, a crackling fire, splashing water, and what sounded like a very loud, grumbling snore. Anastasia closed her eyes again and sucked in a sharp breath. Something poked her side and she groaned.

3 Ashton, cut it out, coughed Anastasia. Ashton poked her again and her coughing increased tenfold. Stop, Ashton! That hurts! I dunno who Ashton is, lassie, but ye're 'n bad shape, said a gruff voice. Anastasia jumped, but regretted it immediately, because pain coursed through every vein in her body. She peeled open her eyelids and blinked rapidly before focusing on the dark body above her. Who are you? she whispered as her heart rate multiplied. Hanson Ellick, a' yer service, replied Hanson with a wink. And you? A-Ana-Anastasia. Well, Ana-Anastasia, what happened t'ye? He poked her side again, but more gently this time. His Irish-esque accent was thick enough to give her pause. Exactly where did she end up? I'm not sure. I remember we were on our way to my dance recital, and then someone screamed and everything was dark Wait! Where are Mum and Ashton? Are they here? Anastasia tried to lift herself up, but Hanson gently pushed her back down. Ye're alone, lassie, 'cept for me.

4 And where are we? asked Anastasia. We're in th' forbidden jungle 'f course, he said with a grin. Anastasia thought that answer odd before she shook her head and inspected the guy in front of her. Her head reared back in surprise as the name clicked. Wait. Hanson EllickHanson Ellick? The Hanson Ellick? Ha! Right. You can't be the Hanson Ellick. I mean he's battled trows, dragons, andand giants! Anastasia tried to sit up again, and this time, Hanson helped her and propped her back against a tree. Are ye saying I can' do all tha'? asked Hanson with a roguish grin. Not to mention he's a fictional character! He isn't real! Now I know Ashton is behind this. Ashton! Get out here now. This isn't funny! screamed Anastasia, nearly hysterical now. The world around them seemed to go completely still. Silent. Then, rather than an answering giggle from her little brother, a mighty roar echoed through the forest. Anastasia's eyes widened. That wasn't Ashton, she said. Now ye've done it. Come on, up ye go! We got t' run now.

5 Why? What was that sound? Hanson bid no response except to grab her by the arm, sling it around his neck, and lift her into his arms. Where are you taking me? asked Anastasia as she started slapping his chest. Let me down! Do ye want t' die? he asked impatiently. No. Then stop hittin' me, he said. Where are we going? asked Anastasia, her hands now tangled together in her lap. Away from whatever beast ye just awakened, lassie. Hanson started running in the opposite direction of the fading sun, his breathing ragged and his muscles tense. Anastasia finally took a good look at him and realized that he looked very similar to the animated version from her favorite book. He had hair as dark as night, which contrasted to her pale blonde hair. His eyes were a striking blue to her emerald green, and his skin had a tanned tone that looked like the exact opposite of her pale skin. She's short; he's tall. The only problem was that he wasn't real. If ye're done staring a' me, I need ye to crawl up in tha' tree. D'ye think ye can handle it?

6 Evidently not, since she struggled to pull herself up each limb. Hanson scrunched up his face as he studied her. Anastasia puffed out each breath she took as she bent at the waist. Finally, Hanson grabbed her hand and pulled her towards another tree, where the roots of the tree were raised far enough over the ground that Anastasia could slide through two of the large roots and hide underneath. Hanson glanced over his shoulder before turning to her again with a wide grin. Ready t' watch me play, lassie? Anastasia sat there, eyes widened in fear and anticipation, watching as Hanson turned to survey the grounds around them. He looked up, taking in the trees and vines of the jungle, contemplating his best move. What exactly are we hiding from? Anastasia took hold of two of the tree limbs, so she could peer through them and up at Hanson. I already told ye tha', he said, still looking through his fighting options. Shouldn't we be running then? Hanson finally turned to look at her. I'd be runnin', ye'd be dead weight. But we're just sitting duc

7 Anastasia, I don't want to have to tell you again! An echo of her mother's voice swirled around her head, causing the headache from her accident to thump in her ears. Mum? Mummy? said Anastasia. Looking around, she saw no sign of her mother, but the echoing voice still lingered in her head. What is going on? Anastasia still hasn't put her seatbelt on! Ashton! Where are you? Anastasia struggled to her feet and crawled out of the tree, using the sturdy roots as crutches. Spinning in circles, she searched for Ashton, but she and Hanson were alone. What are ye doin'? asked Hanson. Didn't you hear them? My mum and Ashton? she asked, looking at him hopefully. No. Ye need to get back under th' tree, lass. He's a comin'. Hanson gently pushed her back, but she held her ground. What is happening? What is happening, she muttered to herself, still swatting Hanson's helping hands away. Yyou look like him. You have his name. But he's just a fictional character a fictional character! You're going crazy, Ana. Crazy. Ana-Anastasia! Pull yerself together and get under th' tree! barked Hanson.

8 Blinking at him owlishly, she said, And now a fictional character is telling me what to do. Think, Ana. On the way to the recital, there was an accident. This this is just a dream of some sort. That's all it is. You're dreaming of your favorite book. Play along. You can play along. Anastasia, fingers tapping against her lips in thought, finally looked at Hanson. He looked exasperated and annoyed. Play along until you figure out what's happening, she thought. Well, what about the ring? Your ring that you always use? She turned her head to get a glimpse of his hand. Hanson squinted his eyes against the sunlight. How'd ye know abou' tha', lassie? He inched towards her slowly, surveying her suspiciously. E-everyone knows about it, don't they? she asked as she grabbed at her head, the ache suddenly intensifying. They're not suppose' t'. I didn' think anyone did, until someone stole Right before ye arrive'. Hanson's fingers curled around her wrist and yanked it forward, pulling her unceremoniously into his chest. Turning her forearm so that he could see the inside of her wrist, he pushed the sleeve of her leotard up her arm. Where's yer mark, lassie?

9 I'm not marked! I'm not one of the Witch's minions! I promise! cried Anastasia, helplessly struggling against him. Ye know too much abou' me! Who are ye? Would you believe me if I told you I read it in a book? she asked. Th' only book abou' me is the Book o' Evelyn the Witch's book. How did ye fin' me? he asked. I didn't! You found me, remember? I woke up here! I don't know how, but I did, she said. Wha' does the Witch want wit' me? His grip tightened on her wrist. What she always wants, I suspect. How am I supposed to know? Anastasia tried to pull her arm back again. Ye work for her! he accused. No, I don't! Look, Ana-Anastasia, ye come outta nowhere and ye know all abou' me. Tha's no coincidence. Who are ye and wha' do ye wan'? Hanson let go of her arm and glared at her. Pushing his hand through his hair, he cocked his head to the side. Chafing her arm and righting her sleeve, Anastasia said, I don't know how I got heH-Hanson.

10 She pointed over Hanson's shoulder and he followed her gaze. He staggered backwards before straightening his posture. Anastasia recognized the stance as 'battle mode.' Get back under th' tree, bu' make no sudden movements, lassie, said Hanson quietly. Before them was the biggest thing that Anastasia had ever seen breathing. She's read about the giants, of course, but to see one. It was huge, slobbery, and very upset about being woken up, Anastasia imagined. It's just not possible. Her dream world sure did seem real enough, though. Reminding herself that it was all a dream, Anastasia moved slowly and as quietly as possible, but ended up tripping on a tree root. She squealed as she landed on her bum, and Hanson flinched as the giant gave a growl. What part o' quietly didn' ye get, lass? he whispered harshly. I'm sorry! But I am injured, y' know? she whispered back. Jus' get in th' tree! Anastasia slipped under the tree and huddled on the side farthest from the giant and Hanson. Hanson pulled a whip from his belt and took hold of a sickle in his right hand.

11 Hanson, the ring! You need to use your ring! I don' have me ring! he replied in a strained voice as he danced around the giant's feet, trying to confuse it. What do you mean you don't have your ring? That's the only way you'll win! Where is it? Anastasia asked, hysterical. Funny thing, tha'. One o' the Witch's minions took it, shortly before ye arrived actually. Oneone of the minions? Wait, we're not seriously back to this, are we? I'm not one of her minions! Ye said it, not me, lassie, He took a swing at the giant's foot after slashing it with the whip. I thought she didn't know about your ring, she mused. Me, too. But ye know about it. Want t' explain tha'? This feels like dj vu. Why does this feel like dj vu? So, you found a girl in the woods, who doesn't know how she got here. Your ring is gone and you're battling a giant. You know about the Book of Evelyn... Wha' are ye goin' on abou'? asked Hanson, annoyed. You fought the blind dragon before you found me, didn't you? Anastasia crawled towards the opening in the tree roots and peered up at Hanson and the giant.

12 Once again, ye seem to know a bi' more about me than ye should, lass, Hanson said as he glanced back at her before dodging the giant's swinging arm. I'm not just imaging this world. This isn't an ordinary dream. I've put myself in the book, whispered Anastasia, I'm in The Ellick Diaries. I'm her. Rubbing her eyes, Anastasia peered through her fingers. Don't get ahead of yourself, Ana. Figure out the giant, then worry about Mira. Hanson continued to dance around the giant's feet as the giant took large swings. Anastasia watched him nervously. Think, Ana. How do you kill a giant without the aid of the magic ring? It's been a while since you've read the first book, but you must remember... A thump and a groan drew her attention to Hanson, who had been slung into the tree she was hiding under. He was barely moving as the giant made its way to finish the job. The giant uprooted a nearby tree with one fist, holding it like a club. It roared at Hanson, spit flying out of its mouth. Anastasia crawled over to the opening that she came through and peered up at a struggling Hanson. He was soaked in goop.

13 She spared a glance at the giant. It had a large snout, dead eyes, and slobber dripping from its chin, but that's not what kept Anastasia's attention. Behind the giant's ear, the sun glinted against a slippery, black liquid that oozed down its pale, yet muddy skin. Hanson, I know how to kill the giant! Anastasia half-lifted herself from the tree to look at Hanson excitedly. Enlighten me, please. I'd love t' hear it, said Hanson, rolling away from the tree trunk the giant slung at him. Anastasia dropped back into the tree with a shriek as dirt, mud, and grass was chucked everywhere. Your sass isn't helping the situation, Hanson. Either tell me your grand plan or be quiet, AnaAnastasia. Really? You're going to be demanding right now? I'm trying to help, said Anastasia, eyebrows raised and arms crossed. The giant abandoned the tree, tossing it into a cluster of other trees, before grabbing Hanson in its pudgy fist. Hanson slashed at the giant's hand with his sickle, but it was like trying to stick a needle in cement for all the good it was doing him.

14 Then help, Ana! yelled Hanson.