Part 47 (1/2)

Kim led them straight to the O-Xone They entered it, and the hall became real around them.

Edsel and Pia were there in Breanna's seat. So were Breanna and Justin ”We were afraid you wouldn't make it,” Pia said, coming to hug Chlorine.

Chlorine had had a similar fear, but didn't care to admit it ”Nimby knew.”

”For sure,” Breanna said ”We sent the locket out, but heard there was really bad weather in Mundania. We figured we knew why. When the Baldwins reported trouble getting through, we were really nervous ”

”Midrange Cat got through with the locket,” Chlorine said. ”I think the magic leaked out and affected him, giving him extra intelligence He knew where to go.” Suddenly she realized why Nimby had been sleeping so much his Awareness had been following the cat, guiding Midrange throughout ”The Demon E(A/R)th was watching the humans, not the cat, so he slipped though.” She glanced at Kim ”You'll have to see that Midrange gets back to his family, with our grat.i.tude.”

”We will,” Kim said.

Nimby touched hands with Edsel, and Chlorine touched Pia. Her orientation changed, now she was looking the opposite way.

Nimby touched Chlorine's hand Suddenly she had important new information. She turned to Pia ”I have some news for you Nimby is pleased with the way you and Ed cooperated, and has given you three gifts.”

”Oh, we don't need any gifts.” Pia protested ”Being in Xanth was such a wonderful experience for us” She glanced at Edsel ”We're going to stay married, and have children, and I'm going to study the environment I have gained so much!”

”Then I hope you are pleased with the gifts for they have already been given,” Chlorine said ”First, your body has been restored to its form at age sixteen, as it seems was your wish in Xanth, and will be easier to maintain that way.”

”Oh!” Pia exclaimed ”I thought that was only during the adventure. It was a foolish wish, anyway ”

”It's really meant for Edsel,” Chlorine said. ”i 1,1^ ,f -* FrUiM agreed.

”Second, your diabetes is gone.”

Pia's mouth dropped open ”No more needles? I thought that was only in Xanth too. The healing spring.”

”No more needles. Third, you will receive a visit from the stork.”

Pia was astonished ”You mean-even though we were in Xanth, with your bodies?”

”Perhaps.” Chlorine said ”We used your bodies similarly. Because of your a.s.sociation with Xanth at the time, your child will have a magic talent, when visiting Xanth.”

Pia seemed about to faint ”That really, gave her something to think about,” Kim said, smiling ”I envy her.” Kim's smile, though genuinely warm for her friend's good fortune, had a tinge of sadness she tried to mask.

”You, too, will receive a visit,” Chlorine told her ”With similar magic.”

”A-? But that can't be! I mean-” Kim hesitated, unaware that they knew about her problem in that respect, and her secret heartache ”I mean, we were in Mundania the whole time.”

”The storks deliver as Nimby tells them to. The two of you were extremely helpful, and are deserving.”