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Show Chapter Sixteen Sandy plummeted downward. She couldn't see the valley below, for it was blanketed with a heavy mist. As she submerged into the mist, she closed her eyes, waiting to be dashed to pieces on the valley floor. SPLOOSH.' The terrified girl fell through a soft, wet barrier and bounced several times before she stopped, unhurt. Dazed, she opened her eyes. She was inside the bubble, which hung, suspended in the mist! The force of her landing jarred it loos«, and they started to slowly descend into Sol Vallis. Sandy looked below her in confusion. She couldn't see far, for the mist shrouded the landscape. When they got closer, she saw that the homes were grey and shabby. Everything, bushes, trees, grass - seemed dead and colorless. There were no children playing. In fact, there was no sign of people anywhere. The bubble gently touched the ground and popped. Sandy's eyes filled with tears as she looked about her. Verus: lied to me, she thought sadly. This is not a happy, sun-filled valley - it's gloomy and ugly. She burst into tears. "What is the matter, child?" 'M Startled, Sandy jumped. An old, ugly man, dressed in rags, stood before her. "Please don't be frightened," he pleaded. "I won't harm you. Why are you crying?" His voice and eyes were so gentle that Sandy trusted him at once. |