The Pillars of Ponderay (10 page)

“S
o you wish to discover the secrets of Ponderay?” Albert, Leroy, and Birdie stood in the center of the room, while Professor Asante wheeled past them, parking herself in front of them. Seeing her like this, Albert's stomach whirled. Her injury was probably the reason for Professor Flynn and Tussy's whispered conversation in the Pit yesterday. What would happen to the chosen Balance Keepers, if someone as large and powerful as Professor Asante could end up like this after going into Ponderay?

Even sitting down in her chair, with her broken leg stuck out in front of her like a lead pipe, she was intimidating. And still taller than all three of them. She tapped her fingertips on her thighs. “I'm assuming that's why
you broke into my office in the dead of night. I had a rough day in Ponderay, and now you three.”

“We're sorry,” Albert blurted out. He swallowed the lump in his throat and tried to sound a little more diplomatic. “We'll go back to our dorms. You can give us detention. We deserve it.”

“Please forgive us, Professor,” Birdie piped up, putting on her best doe eyes. “We were hoping to find an advantage we could use in the Pit, but we shouldn't have come into your office without asking.”

Leroy just nodded and chewed on his lip, looking very much like a frightened rabbit that might bolt at any moment. Even Farnsworth whimpered, using his paws to shove his ears over his eyes.

“You admit your crime and ask for forgiveness at once. Interesting.” Professor Asante motioned to a plush leather couch in the corner of her office. “Take a seat, please.”

Albert exchanged a glance with his friends. They all looked a little sick, so Albert and Farnsworth took the lead.

Professor Asante followed, pushing herself past the trio to a bookshelf in the shadows. Across the room, Albert thought he saw a yellow flash on the edges of the curtain, but it settled back to blue when he looked.

“She looks like she's going to eat us,” Leroy whispered to Albert and Birdie.

“She's not a witch, she's not going to snack on our
bones,” Birdie hissed. “But there's no telling what else she might do.”

“Just wait a second, guys,” Albert whispered, trying to calm them both down. “Maybe she'll just give us detention and then let us go.”

Professor Asante seemed to find what she was looking for. She wheeled back over, the rusted spokes of her chair squeaking like mice. When she stopped in front of the trio, Albert saw a fat leather-bound book perched on her lap.

“You aren't the first students to go looking for answers about the Realms, you know,” Professor Asante said. She actually sort of smiled. “I admire your bravery. I never was a rule-follower myself.”

Albert, Birdie, and Leroy all breathed a sigh of relief.

Professor Asante raised an eyebrow. “Nevertheless, you will serve detention tomorrow morning, as punishment.” She tapped the book, and dust floated up, dancing in the air. “But for now, we'll simply enjoy a private lesson about Ponderay.”

The book was massive, even larger than the Black Book. Professor Asante flipped through the pages, and Albert, Leroy, and Birdie leaned forward, eyes wide. They saw a map of the Realm for the very first time.

The only similarity between Ponderay and Calderon was the ringlike shape that outlined both Realms. But while Calderon had forests and fields and spires,
Ponderay looked like the Grand Canyon.

“Most of the Realm is rocky and dry,” Professor Asante said. “But don't let the desert look fool you. The air is as frigid as a scorned woman's heart. The wind will knock a grown man from his feet, and the nights are darker than anything you've ever known.”

Albert shivered and pulled Farnsworth into his lap. Birdie wrapped her arms around herself. Leroy groaned and looked like he might be sick.

“Yes.” Professor Asante smiled, tapping her fingertips on the map. “Ponderay has been known to strike fear in even the bravest Balance Keeper's heart. But there's beauty there, as well. The Silver Sea.”

She moved her tattooed finger across the map, toward the center of the page. There was a wide circle, shaded gray. And inside of it, ten sketched pillars. They looked similar to the practice pillars in the Pit. But something told Albert these would be much, much taller.

“The Ten Pillars have been in place since the beginning of time,” Professor Asante said, her voice carrying a touch of awe. “Imagine the pillars you've been practicing on in the Pit, and triple them in height.”

Albert pictured the Empire State Building, how he had to crane his neck to see the top. Sometimes, the clouds would cover it. What if the Ten Pillars were that tall?

Professor Asante went on. “Just over a thousand years ago, Ponderay suffered a massive Imbalance. We sent our
best Balance Keepers forth, in search of the Means to Restore Balance. But they did not succeed.”

Birdie gasped. “What happened?”

“An earthquake off the coast of what is now California. It devastated the surface world. Many lives—human, plant, animal—were lost.”

Farnsworth whimpered again, and the glow from his eyes faded. Albert scratched him behind the ears and hugged him closer.

“So how come it stopped?” Albert asked. “I mean, Balance had to have been restored eventually, right, or it would've kept getting worse. Earth would've been completely ruined.”

“Smart boy, just like your father.” Professor Asante nodded. She leaned back in her chair, the old seat popping and squealing in protest. “It was the Professors themselves, from all the Realms, who entered Ponderay. They barely made it out alive. But what they discovered was fascinating. And it may well be the answer to our problems in Ponderay today.”

“What is it?” Albert asked. He was hanging on Professor Asante's every word.

Even Leroy didn't look scared anymore. He looked fascinated.

Professor Asante smiled, and flipped to another page in the book. This one held a close-up of one of the Ten Pillars, showing its rocky sides, the strange handhold
divots; there was even a rough sketch of the top of the Pillar.

Just like in the Pit, there was a Tile on it, sticking out of a slot in the stone.

“As you know by now, we are assuming each Pillar has its own Tile,” Professor Asante said. “I managed to make it to the Silver Sea myself and climb one of the Pillars to attempt to confirm this. And indeed, when I removed the Tile, it had a rectangle marked on its face. The Core Researchers and I think each Tile has its own unique marking. But I fell into the Silver Sea before I could remove any others.”

Birdie gasped. “You fell from one of the Ten Pillars?”

Albert imagined how far of a fall that must have been. Professor Asante was lucky to be alive.

“The Ten Pillars, as of last night, were spinning at top speed, estimated to be around fifty-four miles per hour. The Core creatures, upset by the Imbalance, are reacting defensively. I was attacked by all of them at once. I'm lucky to be alive.” She stared at her injured leg for a moment before continuing. “By now, the surface world is reacting as we assumed it would, with hurricanes the likes of which no one has seen since the last Ponderay Imbalance.”

Albert gulped, and tried
not
to think about his family.

“So are the Tiles mixed up?” Birdie asked. “Is that what's causing the Imbalance?”

“That's what we believe, yes,” Professor Asante answered. “But like I said, I was only able to scale one Pillar. I have yet to confirm our speculations.”

“But why?” Birdie asked. “How did that happen?”

“The question is not why or how, Miss Howell, but
who
?” Professor Asante shrugged.

Albert nodded. “You mean someone's created the Imbalance.” He thought about what Trey had said earlier.

Professor Asante nodded. “I'm afraid so.” She stretched her neck and went on. “We are speculating that if we can remove the Tiles, and decipher a code they may have, such as color or markings, and match them back to their correct Pillars, then the Imbalance would be solved.” She pointed at her broken leg. “I shouldn't have gone in by myself. And now I can't go back in at all, thanks to this useless leg.”

“But who will go in now?” Birdie asked. “If you can't go, and the First Unit hasn't been chosen yet . . . Tussy can't go in alone!”

Professor Asante looked right at Albert before she spoke. He had a feeling she was about to deliver some horrible news. “Professor Flynn has volunteered to enter the Realm in my place.”

Albert's entire body froze. “Wh . . . what? But he can't! He's . . . no!”

Professor Asante didn't offer any sympathy. “It's very noble, what Professor Flynn is doing. He's a brave man,
and I have faith that he will be a great partner for Tussy.”

With his dad's life on the line now, Albert had to know. “How exactly did you hurt yourself? Could it happen to my dad and Tussy, too?”

“Anything could happen.” Professor Asante grimaced as she touched her leg. “I made it all the way to the Silver Sea. I was halfway up the first of the Ten Pillars when the Jackalopes got to me.”

“Jackalopes?” Leroy blurted out. “Like the ones in Cedarfell?”

“But those aren't much larger than Farnsworth!” Albert added.

“Ponderay breeds creatures that are five times the size of what we have here in the Core.” Professor Asante motioned over her shoulder, to the curtain that covered up an entire length of wall. “In class tomorrow, you'll witness that firsthand.”

Birdie leaned forward. “Why couldn't you just borrow Jadar and fly to the top of the Ten Pillars? Then the Jackalopes couldn't reach you!”

Professor Asante chuckled. “That's a brilliant idea, Miss Howell, but a companion creature from one Realm cannot enter another. It would upset the Balance on its own.” She sat back in her chair and sighed. “I fear I've already given you enough answers for tonight. It's time you were on your way.”

Albert nodded, lost in thought. Professor Asante had
already given them lots of information, but nothing that would help them win in the Pit. And even though his heart was full of fear for his dad, he still had a job to do here. He put on his brightest, most charming smile and leaned forward. “Before we go, Professor, could I ask one more question?”

Professor Asante nodded, and Albert went on.

“If we wanted to be the very best that we could be as a team in the Pit, what would you suggest we do next time?”

“Yeah, I'd like to know your best advice,” Birdie added, leaning forward. She nudged Leroy, who shrugged and gave his very best puppy dog eyes. Even Farnsworth wagged his tail like he was begging for a cookie.

Professor Asante sighed. “You're clever, Hydra, and I like your determination, so I'll offer you a single bit of advice.”

She wheeled her wheelchair closer, coming to a stop just in front of the couch. “Remember what I said about the Means to Restoring Balance. You won't just be collecting Tiles in Ponderay. You'll have to put them back where they belong. You must be ready to work
as a team.
I cannot stress that enough. Argon is working well together, and it's moving them up in the leaderboard. Last term, I would have chosen Hydra as my champions. But this term”—she took a deep breath and nodded—“I'd be proud to have either.”

“We'll get you on our side,” Birdie said. “We'll do our best to make you proud.”

“You don't need to make me proud,” Professor Asante said. “You need to save the Core, and in turn, the entire world.”

She turned to wheel away, but Leroy cleared his throat and spoke up. “I'm just wondering, why don't we already know the exact way to solve the Imbalance, with the Pillars and their Tiles? You said an Imbalance happened a long time ago. Don't we have, like, old journals or notes or something from past Balance Keepers who saved the world?”

Professor Asante's face was grim. “There are documents for every Realm, from centuries ago, that have been preserved by the Core Watchers.”

“So why not just go and read those?” Albert asked. Leroy nodded in agreement.

“We cannot turn to them,” Professor Asante said, her voice as serious as death, “because they have been stolen.”

The room was totally silent. Albert's heart raced in his chest. It was the traitor.

There was no other explanation. It had to have been. The very same person who created the Imbalance stole the documents, so that no one would know for sure how to solve it.

Albert clutched Farnsworth as if he could ward off the
dark thoughts that were entering his mind.

What kind of person would want to do such a thing to the Core, and in turn, the entire
world
?

“You'd better be on your way. Tomorrow marks five days,” Professor Asante said. “Rest up, Balance Keepers. You're going to need it.”

Albert and his friends stood up to leave. They made their way slowly through the winding dark tunnels. Farnsworth led the way, and the padding of his paws was the only sound to be heard. Not a single member of Hydra said a word, but a silent message seemed to pass between the three of them.

They
had
to get better. For Albert's dad. For Albert's family. For the rest of the world. Next time they were in the Pit, they had to win.

A
lbert woke early the next morning to the soft blue gleam of Farnsworth's eyes.

“What time is it?” Albert whispered. “Go back to sleep, buddy.”

Farnsworth whimpered and flashed his eyes. Before Albert could roll over, the dog dropped a slobbery envelope onto Albert's chest.
That
got his attention. Albert sat up, suddenly wide awake.

“Is it from my dad?” Albert asked as he scooped up the envelope. Sure enough, he saw his name scrawled on the front in his dad's typical chicken-scratch handwriting.

This envelope was heavier than usual. As soon as Albert opened it, an ornate golden key tumbled out,
landing with a soft thump on Albert's lap. It glittered a strange blue-green in the light of Farnsworth's eyes.

“What's this?” Albert held up the key.

Farnsworth whined again. The light in his eyes grew so bright that Leroy groaned and slammed a pillow over his face.

“All right, all right, I'm coming,” Albert whispered. “As long as you take me to whatever door this key belongs to.”

Farnsworth winked a knowing, glowing eye. Albert climbed out of bed, laced up his boots, and followed Farnsworth out the flap of the tent.

For this early in the morning, the Core was surprisingly full of life. Albert passed three Core workers on the way to the Main Chamber. They had hard copper miner's hats on, like the Path Hider's, and were busy looking at a blueprint of one of the tunnels. A group of Core Cleaners scrubbed the statue of Frog Man.

“Good morning.” Albert smiled and waved as he passed by the workers and marched out into the Main Chamber. The first thing he noticed, much to his dismay, was the glowing red
5
on the clock.
As if I really needed the reminder.

Professor Bigglesby, an ancient dwarf who had a disturbing obsession with Core weaponry, stood on one of the bridges in the center of the room. He had a gleaming
golden sword in his hand, and was practicing slicing and jabbing at the air.

“Up so early, Mr. Flynn?” Professor Bigglesby said, as Albert stepped onto the bridge. He swiped the sword past Albert, narrowly missing his shoulder. Farnsworth howled and raced across to the other side.

“I'm just going to see my dad,” Albert said as he dodged another swipe of the blade. “Any idea where he is?”

Professor Bigglesby nodded, then dropped to the floor and rolled, tucking the sword close to his body. “He's in the Cave of Whispers, most likely!”

Albert raced off after Farnsworth. As crazy as the old dwarf was, Professor Bigglesby had skills.

Once out of the Main Chamber, Farnsworth led Albert down an unfamiliar tunnel. Blue flames flickered on the walls, and the longer they walked, the colder it became. The ground sloped downward, so steep at times that Albert was almost sliding in his boots.

Finally, Farnsworth came to a stop at an old door. The wood looked as if it were cut right from the bark of a tree. It was as gnarled and wrinkled as Pap.

There was a keyhole in the door, just above an old-fashioned crystal handle that sparkled like a million stars. Albert pulled the key out of his pocket and stuck it into the lock. It was a perfect fit, and almost like magic, the old door swung inward with a creak.

Farnsworth scurried inside, and Albert chased him into the darkness.

Albert couldn't even see his own two feet. It reminded him of his first time inside the Troll Tree, only now, Albert didn't feel the fear that he had back then.

“Okay, lights on,” Albert said to Farnsworth. He was about to scratch Farnsworth's head and rev up his high beams, when suddenly, light shone at the end of the tunnel, beckoning Albert forward.

He took a few more steps. The path grew brighter and brighter as he went, and by the time the tunnel widened and Albert stepped into open space, his jaw was hanging nearly to his toes.

“Holy Calderon,” Albert gasped.

The Cave of Whispers was completely covered, from floor to ceiling, in crystals. It was like Albert had just stepped inside a kaleidoscope. Every time he blinked, the colors of the gems flickered and changed. Some of them were the size of boulders, while others were as tiny as Farnsworth's eyes. But all of them, every single one, was so beautiful it was like Albert was staring into the stars.
More like a galaxy
, Albert thought.

In the middle of the cave, atop a large square purple crystal, sat Professor Flynn. He wore his emerald Professor's coat, and from here it almost looked like he was a part of the cave.

“Dad!” Albert called out.

His voice exploded across the cave. Suddenly the crystals began to tremble and shake. Smaller ones crashed down from the ceiling, and the colors flashed so brilliant
and blinding that Albert had to shut his eyes and look away. The cave rumbled and groaned until the echo of Albert's voice faded to silence.

When Albert opened his eyes, Professor Flynn was crossing the floor to meet him.

“You have to keep your voice down,” his dad said gently.

Albert nodded. When he spoke, he kept his voice softer than the ruffle of a bird's wings. “The Cave of Whispers?”

Professor Flynn nodded. “It's brilliantly designed, when you think about it. Noise isn't allowed here. If it gets too loud, the cave rebels. It's the perfect place to come when all you want to do is think. It doesn't allow for much more than that.”

He smiled and waved Albert over. Together, they crossed the cave floor. Albert felt like he was walking on a rainbow. With each step he took, the colors changed. Sometimes he was walking on a green patch, other times he was walking on red or blue or magenta. All of it was mesmerizing.

Professor Flynn took his seat on a giant crystal, and Albert sat beside him. Farnsworth raced around the cave, leaping over crystals and gems, and snapping at them as their colors changed.

“You know lots of secret Core places,” Albert mused. “What else is there?”

Professor Flynn's eyes sparkled with a boyish charm that Albert only noticed when they were inside the Core. It was like his dad was happier here, more himself than he ever could be on the surface. “Telling you would ruin the surprise. Someday, we'll visit every room in the Core together. Maybe even discover new ones.”

Albert's heart swelled. “I'd like that.”

“Despite the Imbalance you're here for, it's good to have you in the Core during the holidays. You're experiencing life the way I do here, year-round. The Float Parade is soon, and the Core . . .” Professor Flynn's voice trailed off, and he smiled like he'd caught himself about to spoil a delicious secret. “Well, there's much you'll discover soon.”

The last time they'd been together alone like this, it was Albert's first time in the Core. His dad had taken Albert to the Cave of Souls, a place that held balls of light and fire that represented the souls of every Balance Keeper to ever pass through the Core.

Albert had taken Birdie and Leroy there just before they returned home. They'd been fresh out of the Calderon Realm, still full of the overwhelming joy that came from setting an Imbalance back to normal.

“Any more news on Ponderay?” Albert asked. He didn't mention that just last night, he'd been caught sneaking into Professor Asante's office. He also didn't mention that all he'd been thinking about since last
night was how terrified he was for his dad's life.

Professor Flynn sighed. “Not yet, I'm afraid. Professor Asante's been injured, so we've taken another step in the wrong direction. Tussy can't go in alone. It's too dangerous. And on that note, I do have something I need to tell you. . . .”

“I already know you're going into the Realm.” Albert cut his dad off before Professor Flynn could say anything else. “I'm scared for you, Dad. But I know you're doing the right thing.”

Professor Flynn looked exhausted, but still, he gave Albert his best smile. “It's what you would do, huh, kiddo?”

Albert laughed. “You're exactly right.”

His dad nodded. “I wish I didn't have to go in. But right now, California is in a complete state of emergency.”

“I saw the news yesterday,” Albert said. “Hurricanes. What's next? Earthquakes?”

Professor Flynn shrugged. “We cannot be sure, until the Realm decides to react further.”

“I'm worried about Mom and the kids,” Albert said. His chest felt constricted, and all he wanted to do was call and talk to them. “What if they aren't okay?”

“Pap heard from your mother just yesterday. They're trying to head back to New York, but flights have been canceled indefinitely,” Professor Flynn said. “She's a smart woman. She'll figure out a way to keep the family safe.”

“I hope so,” Albert said. He imagined the determined look that was always in his mom's eyes, and he drew on that for strength. “Tussy is training us well. We'll be ready in just a few more days. If we're not, I'm afraid of what she might do to us. She's the scariest girl I've ever met.”

They both laughed softly, careful not to disturb the silence. Farnsworth had chosen a spot in the far corner of the cave. His eyes were on full blast, but they blended right in with all the twinkling gems.

“The Core is amazing,” Albert said. “I just can't believe there's someone that wants to harm it. Why?”

Professor Flynn put a hand on Albert's shoulder. His grip was warm and strong. “People are afraid of what they can't control. Do you remember when you first got your Tile?”

“How could I forget?” Albert asked. “That was the craziest day of my entire life.”

He thought back to his very first day in the Core. Albert had dove deep into the Waterfall of Fate in search of a white Tile, only to come up with one that was unlike any other in the Core. At first, Albert had been disappointed, and a little afraid.

No one seemed to know what the Master Tile did. People looked at him differently while it hung from his neck.

“I guess what you're saying is, sometimes people freak out when they're faced with the unknown. Right?” Albert asked.

His dad plucked a stray strand of hair off of the lapel of his jacket. “You didn't see it that way. You saw it as a problem to solve. You did what you had to do, and came out stronger in the end. That is my hope for
all
Balance Keepers, for this Imbalance and all future Imbalances. That we will come together and save the Core before it's too late, rather than giving in to our fear of what could happen if we fail. I'm afraid that this traitor—whoever they are—wasn't feeling up to that task.”

Albert reached down and closed his fingers over his Master Tile. It had saved his dad and the old Calderon First Unit in the Realm of Calderon last term. Maybe it could save the Core this time, too.

“Do you think I'll ever go into a Realm again?” Albert asked, a little too loud. “We've been so awful in the Pit lately. It's humiliating.”

The crystals around the room buzzed and morphed from one color to the next, making Albert's head dizzy. It was beautiful, but also frightening in its own way, just like the Realms.

“In time, kiddo,” Professor Flynn said. He plucked a tiny orange crystal from the floor, and held it out to Albert on his palm. It flashed like the flames of a roaring fire. “Reminds you of Calderon, doesn't it?”

“Definitely,” Albert said. He could picture Calderon Peak, the King Fireflies buzzing and spitting flames, the Sea Inspire roiling with poison before Albert dove in and
released the silver eggs to set it all back to normal again.

Professor Flynn smiled. “You were great there, kiddo. Greater than anyone I ever could have imagined.” He flipped the crystal over, and on the other side its color was deep, starlight silver. It reminded Albert of what he knew of Ponderay.

Professor Flynn continued. “That was
you
, Albert, not the Realm of Calderon, that made you succeed. You'll do great anywhere you go. You're a Flynn, and you're destined for more than just
one
thing.”

Professor Flynn tossed the crystal, and Albert caught it. It was warm and cool all at once. He tucked it into his pocket for safekeeping.

“I hope you're right, Dad,” Albert said.

Professor Flynn reached into his pocket and produced a golden Medallion. “Before I forget, do me a favor and call your mom soon? She's left seventeen voice messages with Pap. Leave it to her to be in the middle of a hurricane with a crazy aunt and three kids, and still be worried about you on the other side of the country.”

“She's got the determination of a Balance Keeper, that's for sure,” Albert laughed and took the Medallion. He felt a little bit lighter, knowing that his mom had at least been able to call. She was okay, for now. “Thanks, Dad.”

Professor Flynn nodded and put his arm around Albert's shoulders.

“Dad?” Albert asked. “Promise me you'll be safe tomorrow, in the Realm.”

“I promise,” Professor Flynn said.

They sat together for a little while longer, father and son in silence, watching the Cave of Whispers morph around them like a living, breathing thing.