Saturday, February Second, 11:47 P.M…

Mike rushed up to me, engulfing me in a huge hug. I melted into his chest, feeling untamed sobs start to wrack my body. I shivered as he held me closer. I felt Tony’s familiar hands rub up and down my back soothingly. I turned to him, giving him a hug as well.

“What happened?”

“Where did you go!?”

“The security guards couldn’t find you, was everything alright?”

Their questions came like the tide: hard and fast. I shook my head to clear my thoughts before pushing past them and up into the bus. I needed to get to somewhere safe before I could answer all their questions. I stumbled around, feeling dizzy in the dark.

I fell back against a couch as the others followed me up. I stared at the opposite wall, barely believing what was happening, trying to absorb the words that Zila had told me.

Find Haven. Stay there until March.

Where was Haven? What state would that be located in? I had no clue to any of this. I couldn’t figure it out.

Through the next half hour, I slowly answered the band’s question. Alex, Jack, Zack, and Rian knocked on our bus as soon as I was finished. It was a little after midnight and I was exhausted. My eyelids started to droop and sag.

“I’ll get it.” Tony offered as the knocks increased in speed. Tony jumped back as he found Rian drumming double paradiddle triplet flams on the door. Rian blushed as he looked up to the face of the guitarist. The ATL boys poured on in an torrent, crushing into the lounge.

“Hey, where’s Rory?” Jack said, looking around.

“Open your eyes, dumbass!” Alex thumped the back of his head. Jack whined until Alex apologized and kissed it better. Zack knelt down in front of me on the couch. I leaned forward, resting my head on his shoulder. He rubbed my back soothingly.

The boys all settled in. Jaime and Vic by Jack and Alex. Mike by Rian, and I was next to Rian and Zack on my left. We had tons of room on the couch, so I curled up, laying down with my head in Zack’s lap. His hands rubbed my back gently, making sure that I was relaxed. I sighed sleepily, letting my eyes fall shut.

“…And then she said that this girl, I think her name was Zippa or something-“

“Zila. Don’t get it wrong or she’ll chop off your head with a skateboard.” I grumbled to Vic, who was recounting the story.

“Sorry, sorry…Zila knocked out the Matt and Jordan, and Matty told Oli to let them go. I think that was about it. Was there anymore, Rory?” Vic asked. I looked up. Zack gently removed a piece of hair that had fallen in front of my face.

“Yeah, she said something about finding Haven and staying there until March. I have no clue about where Haven is in.” I grumbled.

“Wait, why does she have to stay in some place called Haven? Aren’t we safe enough?” Jack argued.

“No, no. They’ve found us out. If we keep her any longer, it could be dangerous for us as well. We need to get her somewhere safer for now. And if she trusts this Zila person…then I guess we have to find out about this Haven place.” Mike responded quietly. I sighed. I don’t want to leave these guys again. I was tired of moving around, but it sounded like I had only a month left before I could go home.

I was so close.

“Well, we’ll keep an eye out on anyplace called Haven that has any connections to this girl called Zila. What was their organization called again?” Alex asked as the band stood up. I sat back up as Zack moved. I grabbed his hand, his fingers intertwining with mine.

“They’re the Guides, but did Zila say anything about being one of them?” Tony asked me. I shook my head, responding with a soft “no”.

The band quickly departed, saying they’d contact Sleeping with Sirens and Motionless in White for more information and to see if they knew anything about Haven. I looked up sleepily to Zack. He cupped my face in his worn hands.

“I’ll see you soon, okay?” He whispered. I nodded, leaning into his palms. His thumbs stroked my cheek gently.

“Goodbye, Zack.” I whispered. He smiled and kissed my forehead as he left. I could still feel the warmth of his hands well after he left the bus and I went back to my bunk to spend another sleepless night in.

Tuesday, February Fifth, 8:15 A.M..

On the third day, we finally got news about this Haven place.

The last few days had been spent wondering where this supposed safe place was located. We were completely clueless. We didn’t travel far because we didn’t want to go to Oregon before realizing that the place was in Maine. I spent the nights biting my lip in worry, wondering how close Chris was to getting Rory out and how close BMTH was to us.

I leaned into Jaime’s side as he read the newspaper on the couch when the phone rang. Vic bolted up to answer it. Tony parked the bus, jumping up to listen in. We all waited patiently, seeing who it was who had called.

“Hello, this is Vic.” Vic started off. The bus held its breath. Vic’s eyes went wide as the responder answered with his or her name.

“I’ll put you on speaker.” The singer began hurriedly as we all crowded around the table and listened in.

“Hey guys, it’s Chris and the boys.” We all froze in shock. Please, please tell us they had good news!

Tony was the one who finally answered. “Hey Chris! What’s up?” Tony locked eyes on me for a moment before going back to having a staring contest on with the phone.

“So we have two pieces of good news and one bit of bad news.” He started off.

“What’s the good news?” Mike eventually inquired. I could hear some people talking in the background of the other line. It felt like an eternity before there was an answer.

“I’m going to have to tell you the bad news first. Bring Me the Horizon disappeared off the map. Their bus, the people, the crew, everything. It all just fell off the face of the earth. We have no clue where they are, which is quite dangerous”

I think all our hearts stopped.

“However, here’s the one part of the good news: We think we know where Haven is.”

“WHERE!?” The five of us chorused. I note of joy leapt into my heart. The sooner we knew, the sooner I could be safe, and maybe even Virgo as well!

“Ricky contacted Jason and asked about Zila. He said he recognized the name of a girl he met long ago. The Guides used to have a special branch of their organization that dealt with the safe transport back home to girls like Rory. Before they had bands do it, they had other people help the Wanderers home. Zila was part of that special section with a few select others. Well, one day, she disappeared completely off the map. She came back a year later, returning with a scar down her back, and a different person. She was more secluded and wasn’t around much. She still works with the Guides, but all she does is collect names, find the girls, and help them on their way. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s impossible to get ahold of her since she’s constantly on the move. She’s more of an enigma than a person.” Chris finished. We all waited.

“Chris, just get to the point!” Balz wailed in the background. I laughed quietly.

“Sorry, sorry! Anyways, Jason told Rick that Zila had once mentioned a Haven when she was talking about a Montana mission. Something about a safe place there. She didn’t say the exact location, but ask around Hikingson, the town around where the supposed location is. Go there, and you may get answers.” He said. As soon as Chris mentioned a place, Tony, our personal GPS and driver, bolted for the cab and started up the engine. I could hear a little beep of the GPS getting started.

“What’s the other good news?” I asked timidly.

“You might want to talk to someone.” Chris said meekly. There was a crackle on the phone, some quiet, encouraging words, and the mention of my name, before someone grabbed hold of the phone.

It was a girl, a young girl. “Rory? Rory? Is that you?” The girl whispered.

Virgo.

Virgo.

My little sister.

I burst out into tears, sobbing into the phone from joy. “Virgo! It’s me! I’m okay! I’m okay! We’re going to be okay!” I hiccupped from the tears. I could hear her start to cry as well.

“Rory please help me! They have me! Please help me!” She sniffled quietly, trying not to be heard. I shook my head, closing my eyes and looking down.

“No, no, Virgo, you have to listen to me! They’re going to help you! They’re going to help us get home! Remember the bands I talked about a home and you used to roll your eyes and say that I was just being a fangirl? These are them! They’re going to help you!” I begged her. I didn’t want to tell her that they were the ones that hurt me first, because that would just frighten her. I’ll let them tell her themselves. No, they would have their time.

“I’m scared, Rory! Please help me. I just want to get home.” She whimpered. I longed to hug her and make her see the truth.

“Virgo, do you know Ricky?” I asked, trying to distract her. There was a small “mmhmm” to confirm that she did know. I swore I could hear Ricky chuckle in the background. “He’s a good friend of mine. He’s going to help you, okay? They’re going to make sure that they treat you right or I’m personally going to escort each and every one of them to the NINTH RING OF HELL.” I basically yelled the last part so that they would hear me loud and clear.

Ryan screamed in panic in the background. Ghost started saying a little prayer of safety.

“You’re scaring them, Orion.” Virgo chuckled through sniffles. I smiled a little, wiping my own tears away.

“Good, they should be scared. You be good for them, okay? They’re going to help you out, not hurt you. It’s going to be okay. I have to go now, alright? You’re going to be safest with them. Oli’s not going to hurt you as long as you stay with them, alright? Promise me you’ll be safe.” I whispered to her.

“I promise.” Came the reply a moment later

“Goodbye, Virgo.” And then I clicked off. I felt temporary relief rise in my heart, knowing that she was okay. I know Ricky will take good care of her, at least.

But now, for Haven.

Thursday, February Seventh, 12:07 P.M…

Tony Perry drove the bus like a madman. He really, really did.

I believe that he even set a world record for the fastest time that a tour bus can travel hundreds of miles. Damn, he was good.

We got to Hikingson, a small town with barely a population of a thousand. The cars rolled along the streets like lazy roly-polies. We parked the bus in a gas station for Turtle to refill the tanks from his demon driving.

“Who should we talk to first?” I asked quietly. Vic shrugged. I looked at Jaime, who was staring off a bar.

“I need a drink.” He mumbled before going over there. Vic trailed him. I looked at Mike, who seemed to be glazed over with the need for more alcohol. I sighed and basically dragged him along with me as we followed the other two. Tony yelled for us to wait up, but he quickly finished pumping the gas and trailed us.

We got into the bar. It was called Long Road Tap House. I read the sign quickly before following the others into the front door of the bar. Few people were in here at this time in the afternoon. I was surprised that it was even open.

Jaime and Vic had already ordered drinks by the time we got a chance to sit down. Mike kept me close at his side. A girl approached me from behind the counter. Her eyes held a knowing glint of amber mixed with flint.

“You need a drink?” She asked. I shook my head. I’m a minor and despite everything I’ve ever gone through, I don’t need to get drunk on top of that.

“I’m fine thanks.” I said with a smile. But she didn’t leave.

“You need something. Everyone comes in here for something. Drink, food, chat, information, gossip…it’s the hub of the town.” She chuckled darkly. I read her name tag…Delta. What a unique name. Deltas: never really a good thing. There are plus/delta charts for a reason, and the deltas weren’t the good side.

“We’re actually looking for someone who lives around here. He’s kind of a hermit, but his directions to his home weren’t clear.” I said nonchalantly, trying not to give away too much. I felt the boys look at me from the corner of their eyes.

“A man living around here? Outside of town or inside?” She asked curiously.

“Outside. He’s supposed to be way outside of town, but I’m not too sure.” I added unhelpfully. She went to drying a glass while mulling the thought over.

Eventually, she answered with, “Oh, you’re one of those people.”

I shot her a curious look. She pointed to the sign labeled with the name of the bar.

“People always come here looking for a ghost story. Ours is about the Long Road. Just north of town is a long road. It leads to the middle of nowhere. No trees. No mountains. Just some hills and plains. The road stretches out for a mile before just ending abruptly. There’s nothing there. No houses, no churches, no mines, just open fields for the next few miles. No one really goes out there because the Long Road is twenty miles long and most people get discouraged before they reach the end of it. Few people actually make it. Besides, the road is so small that most cars don’t actually fit on it unless they’re four wheeling the entire way. It’s not really a fun trip. You have to make it on foot for the most part. There’s rumored to be a ghost that haunts the road. She comes around once in a while, sneaking along the roads. The last person who saw her came away with blood running down their face; just a scratch to remind people that it’s her territory, but a bloody one nonetheless.” She finished off, setting the glass back in its cabinet.

Blood? Sneaking around in the dark? A specter like figure?

Yep, that’s Zila. I would bet money on that.

And if that’s where Zila hangs around…then that’s where Haven is. Sounds like a perfect place for a hideout. Some place where people never go? Too long of a road to trek? A ‘ghost’ hiding out there? Yep, that’s a place Zila would likely to be.

“Have you been to the end of the road?” Mike asked. The lady, Delta nodded. Delta leaned against the bar, a smirk growing on her face. She tapped a tiny white line running from her forehead to her ear.

“Trust me, I wouldn’t fool out there. I went out to the end with some friends, and it was during the day. We got to the end by the time the sun was setting and when we walked back, the specter got us. I wouldn’t go there, if you’re trying to ask about it. The specter doesn’t kill people, well there was a large bus that tried to get out on that road, but the bus didn’t come back. Don’t know what happened to it. I just watched the bus go down there, and never saw it come back. Saw no one else return from the walk. Us locals, we respect that it’s the ghost’s territory. We keep our distance. We’re not going like that bus did.” She shook her head and turned her back. Vic passed me a stony glance.

A bus. I had a feeling a band tried to discover her hideout and Zila had taken care of it…if you know what I mean…

“Thank you, Delta. We’re going now.” Mike excused us. Delta sighed and shook her head.

“If you’re going down there, good luck. May God have mercy on your foolish souls.” And with that, we were off.

When we got to the road, we went as far as we could, which was only about seven miles, before we realized that we would have to walk the rest of the way. None of us were particularly excited about a thirteen mile hike on a dirty, dusty, tiny road that had grass starting to go over it. A hand made sign warned us about our road.

Past this sign is the specter’s territory. Walk with caution.

I smiled a little. Zila could certainly put the fear of God into people.

“Ready?” Jaime asked with a smile. Mike nodded and grabbed my hand. I took my bag and skateboard off the bus, slugging them over my shoulder. I had everything I needed in there: water, the cellphone numbers, some snacks, and other essentials.

And so our trek began.

When we got three miles when the road hit hills. We climbed to the top of one and stood out, looking over a sea of green grass. Nothing. Nothing.

Nothing.

There were no houses, no trees to hide a building, no sign of dirt kicked up by car wheels in the distance. It was all just empty.

“Are we sure this is the spot?” Tony asked, trying to be hopefully. Vic looked sad that there was nothing. I shook my head.

We really don’t know anything at this point, and that was the disappointing part. I started to make my way back down without another word. Mike trailed me. None of us spoke, just making our way without question.

And then, I saw it.

A bike. A green bike, painted the color of the grass. It was hidden so perfectly, I nearly missed the glint of the wheel spoke, painted green as well, but one had a little chip in the paint, revealing a sparkle of metal.

It was off the path, hidden underneath a bush and brush and long grass and day. I ran towards it, the boys calling for me as I turned into barely a head in the long grass. Everything was so tall, I couldn’t even see Mike! Vic must’ve been swallowed up by the earth, he was so short!

I smiled in joy. No one just leaves a bike so well hidden.

I grabbed the bike by the handles, heaving it up. Stooping down, I squeezed the wheels. Full. Someone had used this recently, that’s why it’s so well painted and not chipped by weather.

We were close.

“Guys! I found a bike!” I rolled the machine back out onto the road. We all stood huddled around it. It was a one person bike, but one of us could use it to get to the end of the road.

“I think this is the way to get to the end of the road quickly enough.” Mike murmured, squeezing my shoulder. I gave him a curious look.

“What do you mean by quickly enough?”

“I was connecting the dots for what Delta said at the bar. Those who explore it by day don’t often get to it until dusk. If you start walking twenty miles in the morning, you have to start at about three in the morning when it’s still pitch black outside to be able to make it by the end. It’s too narrow and dangerous to take a car, so you have to walk it. You’d make it to the end by the afternoon, but then you’d get back to the main road by dusk. Anyway you put it, you walk the road when it’s dark, and that would be when Zila comes out, warding people away, so no one walks this path at all because they would have to walk it in the dark.” Mike started. Jaime gave him a curious look, but Mike held up his hand. “You don’t see the hidden paths at the end of the twenty miles unless you can get to it by daylight and see it. The only way to take the path is by bike. So if you get to the end of the road before it gets dark, you’ll have a chance of finding a hidden path or another clue as to where Haven is!” Mike cheered. It all clicked.

No one walks the path anymore because they’d have to walk some part of it when it’s dark, and that means the specter is out. Everyone is too afraid of the specter to walk it in the darkness. However…if I can get to the end of the path when it’s still daylight, I can still see my way around, and there will be enough light to search for other clues!

I started to hop on the bike. Vic grabbed my shoulder.

“Maybe one of us should search it out first.” He suggested. I shook my head.

“If I get there and it’s daylight, I will have enough time to search for some clues for an hour, but by the time I get there, I won’t have enough time to get back with daylight to spare. It’s got to be a one way trip. If I can get there, I’ll find out where this Haven place is.” I said softly. Everyone’s face fell. Jaime was the first to jump up and tackle me.

“DON’T GO!” He whimpered loudly. I hugged him back tightly. He sniffled into my shoulder. I squeezed his hand affectionately.

“It’s okay, Himes. I’ll be fine.” I tried not to think about the wildlife roaming the area at night as I said this. I hugged all the others, thanking them for helping me on my pathway to freedom. Mike was the last. He came up to me, slipping paper in my bag.

“If you get a chance at a phone again, then call me.” He nodded with a small smile. I leaned forward, pressing my lips against his. The drummer’s hands tenderly touched my cheek as I broke away. I could see tears forming.

“I love you, Mike. Don’t forget that.” I whispered. He nodded.

“I love you too, Orion.” He sniffled. I squeezed his hand for extra measure before pedaling off down the hills, weaving around the grass. I swore I could hear Turtle cry out in sadness.

My poor Turtle.

Three hours later…

I finished my journey, just standing on a circle of dirty. A tiny rock tower marked the very end of the trail. No signs. Nothing.

I was in a sea of grass. Nothing left but me and the bike and the bag and skateboard on my back. I stepped off the bike, laying it down and starting to walk around by the grass. I was too afraid that the long fingers of green would swallow me up again, but I took a deep breath and walked a little ways out into the grass.

I still saw nothing as I returned to my bike. I barely had two hours left before sunset and total darkness would set in. I would be stranded out here unless I found a way to Haven quickly.

An hour passed.

Nothing.

Ten more minutes.

Nothing.

I sat down in despair, realizing that the boys had left. I was alone. There was no way back unless I trekked through pitch blackness, probably going to hurt myself again.

I sat next to the bike, surrounded by a tidal wave of green. The hope was gone, sucked out of me. All I could do was cry, but the tears didn’t fall.

Everything was so empty inside. I was so…gone.

Putting my head in my arms, I shook as the wind kissed my skin. The aloneness set in on me like a boulder tumbling from the mountain tops. The wind whistled as I mourned. The earth snorted loudly.

Wait…the earth doesn’t snort.

I looked up, freezing on the instant. I couldn’t see anything, but that doesn’t mean that nothing is here. As I searched around more and more frantically, I noticed two pricked up ears from above the grass.

And then they moved forwards.

I stood up, grabbing the bike quickly, eyes wide.

A horse and rider stepped out of the sea of grass and into the dirt. A boy, about as old as Zila was, maybe a year or two older, was atop of a dapple grey horse. He had a grey beanie on, a silver lip ring, and a small smile on his face.

His eyes were two caring orbs that looked at me curiously from seas of blue. He had natural blond streaks through his light brown hair. He wore a light blue shirt that looked worn and faded, but well loved. Overall, he spoke of safety and home and trust and love.

We stood there for several minutes, his horse’s ears not even twitching. Eventually, he chuckled quietly, eyes scrunching up at the corners as he smiled.

“Looks like you found her bike. Only those who choose to see it can find her. I trust that she revealed herself to you, lucky bastard. I couldn’t even most of the time in the first few months I knew her.” The boy laughed brightly, like the tinkling of silver bells. I relaxed a little.

He knew Zila.

“I’m looking for a place called Haven.” I started off shakily. The boy dismounted, came before me, took the bike, placed it in the grasses, hid it well, and then returned to his steed.

“Well, it’s your lucky day!” He started. I looked at him curiously as he urged his horse to approach me. I fell still at the sight. He smiled again, holding out his hand for a handshake. I took it slowly.

“My name is Haven, and welcome to safety!”

Notes

Hello everyone! Sorry this was so long!

What do you guys think about Haven? Surprising plot twist, huh? Haven isn't a place but a PERSON!

Don't forget to keep on commenting, voting, and subscribing! Thanks a bunch! :D