The Myth and The Guardian Book II: Christopher

Austin struggled to breathe as he felt all of the oxygen around him vanish, and he was spinning faster than he felt his body could handle. He could feel Archie’s hands tighten their grip on his shoulders as he tumbled at dizzying speed with no idea where or when he would stop. He could feel his stomach flip and twist into knots from what was, without a doubt in his mind, the most harrowing rollercoaster experience he had ever endured. His head began to feel confused, and his limbs felt as if they were on fire as each muscle tightened. He eyes could not see anything at all, and the pain he felt was unlike anything he could remember experiencing. He felt as if gravity was pushing him to the ground and pulling him to the sky at the same time, and he wanted to scream but could not catch a single breath. He could feel the vomit building up in his throat, but, just as he prepared to succumb to the nausea, everything stopped.

Austin felt his feet touch the ground and quickly took the deepest breath he could take before the nausea became too strong. He bent over as quickly as he could, and the vomit came flowing from his mouth with a loud gagging sound. Archie stared at him with a slight grin on his face as Austin continued to vomit. Once the nausea had settled, Austin wiped the tears from his eyes and focused on controlling his breathing.

“Sorry about that?” Austin managed to choke out.

“It’s quite alright, dear boy. I should have told you to hold your breath. Light beam teleportation strips away all of the oxygen around us. It also strips away the oxygen inside our bodies if we do not hold our breath.” Archie said with the same grin on his face.

“Could you not have mentioned that a bit earlier?” Austin said as he took several short breaths.

“My apologies, Austin. I suppose it must have slipped my mind. After all, I have been beaming for numerous years.” Archie said with a slight chuckle.

Austin gave Archie a dirty look and noticed him trying to contain his laughter. He finally stood upright and looked around the strange location for the first time.

There was a large golden gate in front of the most beautiful mansion Austin had ever seen with his own eyes. The gate was shining as if the sun was shining directly on it, and it surrounded everything, but the small space Austin and Archie stood on. Austin took in the vision of the gigantic gold bars sticking from the ground and stretching high into the sky. He was mesmerized by the beauty of the gate until he noticed the entry point showing his birthmark. In the center of the enormous golden gate, there was a giant sun and quarter moon connected with the moon inside of the sun. Austin reached his left hand around to his back and felt the birthmark burned into his skinned.

“Yes, it is the same.” Archie said watching Austin carefully.

“Archie, where are we?” Austin asked as confusion filled his mind.

“That’s a tricky question to answer, Austin. We are everywhere and nowhere.” Archie said softly.

“What does that mean?” Austin asked quickly.

“It means welcome, Austin. Welcome to Enish Island.” Archie said placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder.

“Enish Island?” Austin repeated with confusion. “Archie, I’m afraid I have no idea what that means. Am I supposed to know about Enish Island?” Austin asked slowly. “No. This place is unknown to all but a few. No need to linger on understanding where you are, Austin. Everything will make more sense in time.” Archie spoke with certainty in his voice.

Austin looked up at him and decided not to ask him anything else for the time being. “It’s quite beautiful. Isn’t it?” Archie spoke smoothly.

“Yes. It’s the most beautiful place I have ever seen.” Austin agreed with great fascination in his voice.

“Dumbledore. When did you get back?” asked a strange voice.

Austin looked around and saw a boy only a year or two older than himself walking towards them.

“Just now, Aaron, and how many times must I ask you to stop calling me that?” Archie said to the new boy, Aaron.

“Sorry captain, I speak what I know. I know Harry Potter, and I know that you are my own little version of Dumbledore.” Aaron said with a snicker.

“Have I not warned you about obsessing over these books and movies?” Archie asked.

“Yeah, like a thousand times, but haven’t I told you that I’m a Potter Head?” Aaron said with a smile. “Anyways, it’s good to see you, Dumbledore.” He added as he gave Archie a pat on the back.

“You too, Dobby.” Archie replied with a mocking smile.

“Are you calling me an elf because you’re taller than me?” Aaron asked.

“No, I’m calling you Dobby because you’re ugly.” Archie said with a chuckle. “Still better looking than you, old man.” Aaron asked playfully. “Still, I wouldn’t want everyone calling me Dobby. So, welcome back, Archie.” Aaron added with a smile. He looked down at the ground and saw the vomit.

“Eww, that’s disgusting.” He said turning his nose up. “You must be new?” Aaron added as he looked at Austin.

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Austin said slowly.

“No need to be embarrassed about it. First time Beamers always vomit. Not all of you can have an iron stomach like me. I never even felt nauseous my first time.” Aaron replied in a boastful tone.

“No. If I recall correctly, you released fluid from another part of your anatomy your first time.” Archie said staring at Aaron.

“You said you’d never tell anyone about that! Besides, I was scared and nervous.” Aaron said trying to hide his embarrassment. Austin could not help but laughing aloud from the image. “

You peed on yourself?” Austin asked through loud laughter.

“Think that’s funny do you, vomit boy? I was only a kid then. Eight years old.” Aaron said.

“Fourteen.” Archie said with a chuckle.

“As you can see, you can’t lie or keep secrets around Archie. Anyways, I’m Aaron. Welcome to Enish Island.” Aaron said stretching his hand out to Austin.

“Austin.” Austin said as he shook Aaron’s hand.

“Whoa.” Aaron exclaimed as Austin grabbed his hand.

“Archie are you serious? Another half-breed like me? Finally.” Aaron said shaking Austin’s hand.

“Aaron would you please watch your mouth. Half-breed is not an acceptable term.” Archie protested.

“Sorry. It just rolls of the tongue a lot better than…” Aaron started to say. “Enough. Quiet. I need to speak with you, Aaron.” Archie interrupted as he pulled Aaron off to the side.

Archie whispered into Aaron’s ear and suddenly Aaron’s eyes grew wide from shock and excitement.

“As in Christopher Cage? Why would you bring…” Aaron spoke loudly before Archie regained his attention. Archie continued to speak in a whisper, and Aaron nodded as he listened.

“I understand, Archie. I would like to assist you.” Aaron said unable to control the volume of his voice.

The two of them spoke quietly for a few more moments before they returned within hearing distance of Austin.

“Well, Austin. I’d like to be your training partner if that’s okay with you.” Aaron said looking at Austin with more respect than before.

“Sure, I guess. Hey what were you two whispering about? What is it he’s not telling me?” Austin asked Aaron in a serious tone.

“Just stuff that you’ll learn about soon enough. For now, all you need to focus on is your training.” Aaron said firmly.

“Well, I may choose not to do anything if you two keep hiding things from me.” Austin said coldly.

“Easy, kid. We’re not hiding anything. It’s just the way everything works around here. All on a need to know basis, and you’re not ready yet.” Aaron said casually.

“Well would one of you mind telling me exactly when I might be ready?” Austin asked in an overly frustrated tone.

“When your abilities are as polished as mine, probably.” Aaron confessed with a smile.

“So, you’re like me? You’re whatever it is I am? Does that mean you already know how to do what Archie can do?” Austin asked in a flow of questions.

“Sort of. I’m like you in ways, but you’re the special one. You’re the chosen one. I can do most of what Archie can do, but not all. You on the other hand will be able to master his abilities and then surpass them. All you have to do is stay focused and pay attention to what he says. Although I have to warn you, I have no intention of taking it easy on you. I don’t care how special you are.” Aaron said in a whisper with a grin on his face.

“I have no intention of giving you a reason to take it easy on me.” Austin said feeding off of Aaron’s thirst for competition.

“That’s what we like to hear. Hey, Archie. This one has some fight in him. He just tries to hide it.” Aaron said looking back at Archie.

Archie nodded and smiled his agreement to the statement.

“Well, what are we all waiting for…” Aaron said as he formed a white light that surrounded his hand. He placed the hand in the center of the gate, and the gate clicked and slowly opened.

“…let’s go inside.” Aaron finished his sentence with smoothness.

Austin followed Aaron inside the gate, and Archie walked slowly behind the two of them. “You’re going to love it here, Austin. This place is the best compared to everywhere but Esidarap.” Aaron said with great enthusiasm.

“Enish Island. Esidarap? Who came up with these weird names?” Austin asked as he walked quickly to keep up with Aaron.

“No idea. I do suppose they sound a bit weird to an outsider.” Aaron replied. “You’ll get used to all of it soon enough. You’re one of us now.” Aaron added sincerely. Austin smiled as he noticed how easily Aaron seemed to accept him as one of their own. “Thanks. Speaking of being one of you, what exactly are we?” Austin asked with ease.

Aaron came to a complete stopped and looked at Austin with seriousness in his eyes. “You mean you still don’t know?” Aaron asked in a shocked tone of voice.

“No, I have no idea. Will you tell me?” Austin replied innocently.

Aaron took a deep breath and sighed before he looked Austin directly in the face. He paused for a moment until he could see the suspense build up in Austin’s eyes.

“Well, I’m not sure I’m supposed to be the one to tell you this, but I suppose it can’t hurt to share this information.” Aaron said slowly.

Austin could feel his heart start to race as he readied himself for some answers. Aaron paused for another moment and suddenly gave Austin a silly smile.

““You’re a wizard, Harry.”” Aaron said with a loud laugh as he began to walk again.

Austin wanted to pretend to be upset about the joke, but he could not help but laugh because he walked right into the punch line.

Austin, Aaron, and Archie arrived at the entrance to the mansion which looked more like a castle from a close view point. Austin could not have even imagined a home being as gigantic as the one his eyes were focused on.

“Why do you like Harry Potter so much?” Austin asked Aaron randomly out of curiosity.

“Yes. I am curious to know to answer to that question myself.” Archie added with interest in his voice.

“It’s not important. Besides, you two would probably think it’s stupid.” Aaron confessed with the first serious look on his face that Austin had seen so far.

“Does that mean it’s too personal to talk about or that you are just too embarrassed to explain?” Austin asked.

“You ask too many questions. It would probably be better if you focused on more critical issues such as learning to defend yourself.” Aaron said trying to deflect.

“Yeah. You have a point.” Austin admitted slowly.

“Would you like to open the door, or should I?” Aaron asked Archie.

“Allow me.” Archie replied casually. He formed a tiny ball of light with his right hand, and it floated upward until it flew inside of one of the windows. There was a bright flashing inside of the building, but it went away almost immediately.

“Austin, may I ask a question?” Archie said softly.

“Sure, ask away.” Austin replied politely. “I have noticed that you do not seem particularly interested in learning how exactly I create the white energy. Is there a reason for your lack of curiosity?” Archie asked with great curiosity.

“Yes. I think I have figured it out already. It’s energy, matter, and light. You’re not really creating it because it’s already there. You can control the energy of the light matter that exists.” Austin said in a proud voice.

“Impressive. You almost understand it completely. I will have to teach you the rest, but you have a nearly perfect understanding.” Archie said admiring the boy’s intelligence.

“Thank you. Actually, Joel and I figured it out together.” Austin confessed. “Professor Wilson? He is truly an exceptionally gifted and immensely bright man. Science man, yes?” Archie replied with a hint of fascination in his voice.

“Yes, he is brilliant, and he loves science.” Austin said with a weak smile.

After a few more moments of waiting, there was a loud clicking sound coming from behind the door. The door opened slowly, and Austin’s mouth dropped open from what his eyes were seeing.

“This is not possible.” Austin said in a hypnotized tone.

He looked over at Archie and Aaron who were not the least bit surprised by the sight. Austin returned his focus on the image standing directly in front of him. Standing no more than a foot away from him, An Archie made of light was staring back at him. The Archie made of light opened the door completely, smiled at the three of them, and vanished right before their eyes. Archie and Aaron entered the building smoothly, but Austin was frozen from complete shock.

“Austin, are you okay?” Archie asked slowly.

Austin stood there without saying a word at all.

“Hey, are you alright man?” Aaron asked trying to snap Austin out of his trance.

Archie grabbed Austin by the arm and pulled him inside of the building. Aaron closed the door, and Austin was as still as a statue for a moment longer.

“Archie… Teach me to do that.” Austin finally managed to say.

Aaron laughed to himself, and Archie gave Austin a smile.

“I plan to teach you all of those little fascinating tricks. That’s a promise.” Archie said cheerfully.

“Austin, I’m afraid there is no time to give you a proper tour of the place. I must insist that we begin immediately.” Archie spoke firmly.

“Aaron take him to the chamber at once. I shall join you both shortly.” Archie added.

““Come with me, Potter.”” Aaron said with a chuckle.

The two of them began to walk down the longest hallway that Austin had ever seen. As they walked down the hallway, doors began to pop up in certain places from out of nowhere.

“I need to use the restroom.” Austin said to Aaron.

“What are you telling me for?” Aaron asked automatically.

“Because I have no idea where it is.” Austin said quickly.

“Oh, right. I forgot. It’s your first time here. I suppose I could use a little less fluid inside of me as well. Right this way.” Aaron said as he pointed to brick wall ten feet ahead and on his left.

“There’s nothing there.” Austin said slowly.

“Not yet. You have to wait until we get there.” Aaron replied.

They walked the ten feet to the wall, and a door appeared out of nowhere as they neared the wall. Aaron turned the doorknob and entered the restroom. Austin followed him in and became even more confused as he walked into the empty room.

“There are no toilets in here.” Austin said sharply.

“Noticed that, did you?” Aaron replied with a laugh.

“Then how do we use the toilet if there are no toilets.” Austin asked Aaron who was not paying attention.

“Aaron, I’m asking you a question.” Austin added as he tapped Aaron on the arm. “Hey, what are you doing. I’m trying to concentrate over here.” Aaron said. Aaron suddenly had a look of immense relief on his face.

“Ah, that’s a load better.” He said after a few moments.

“Aaron, I have to pee!” Austin yelled.

“Then go ahead, already. What are you waiting for?” Aaron asked.

“A toilet.” Austin said becoming frustrated.

“There are no toilets. We don’t need them here. Just do what you need to do.” Aaron said trying to explain.

Austin was confused but he could not hold it any longer. He unzipped his jeans and put his hands inside of the opening.

“What the hell are you doing? Keep that to yourself. If I see anything I don’t want to see, I’ll cut it off.” Aaron said quickly.

“Then how does this work?” Austin asked becoming more annoyed.

“Have you ever used a toilet before? Just imagine what you did last time you used one and replay it in your head.” Aaron said plainly.

“This is ridiculous.” Austin said coldly.

“Fine, hold it in then. Let’s go.” Aaron said as he turned to walk out of the room. “Wait.” Austin said automatically.

He closed his eyes and imagined himself standing up in front of a toilet. He could see himself, the toilet, and the stream of urine going inside of the toilet. He could feel the same sensation of relief he felt the last time he used the toilet, and before he knew it, he no longer had to use the bathroom.

“Finished yet?” Aaron asked with a slight giggle.

“I think so. I no longer feel like I have to use the bathroom.” Austin said with relief in his voice.

“Well, I wouldn’t imagine you would. You just peed all over the front of your pants. Look down.” Aaron said with a laugh.

Austin looked down immediately with wasted panic because his jeans were completely dry.

“That was too easy.” Aaron added laughing from the look on Austin’s face.

“Very funny.” Austin said coldly.

“Well, I thought so.” Aaron added still laughing.

“How did I pee without peeing?” Austin asked with a mixture of fascination and frustration in his voice.

“This is a very special place. That’s all you need to know for now.” Aaron replied with a grin.

“More secrets, great.” Austin mumbled under his breath.

The two of them exited the bathroom and walked back to the hallway to find Archie waiting on them with a large white sheet covering a stack of something floating beside him. Aaron looked at Austin and then at Archie with a confused look on his face. “Are you sure he is ready for that right now? Aaron asked slowly.

“He has to be. We only have one year to prepare him.” Archie replied with seriousness in his tone.

“A year? You have to teach him everything in one year? That’s not possible.” Aaron said with a hint of panic in his voice.

“I have to teach him as much as I can in one year, and there is no need for negativity.” Archie replied with firmness.

“A year? I have to stay here for a year? I have people waiting for me. I mean a year is not what I expected. I was thinking it would only take a matter of months at the most.” Austin said trying not to give the wrong idea of his understanding of the seriousness of the situation.

“Relax, my young eager friend. You will be back with your loved ones in three months by earth time.” Archie assured Austin.

“Earth time? What are you saying?” Austin asked growing tired of having to ask questions.

“Just follow us, and I promise you will understand.” Archie said sincerely.

Austin followed the two of them the rest of the way down the long hallway until there was no hallway left. Austin stared at the brick wall in front of him expecting a door to appear out of nothing or another Aaron made out of light to open a window or something. Instead, Archie and Aaron each grabbed one of his hands with extremely firm grips. “Hold your breath, Austin.” Archie spoke sharply.

Austin obeyed the order immediately and took a deep breath. They stepped forward and walked directly through the brick wall in front of them. Everything with dark for a moment, and Austin felt his entire body go from normal temperature to freezing within seconds. The cold was deep and painful. It was the sort of cold that makes a person aware of every bone in his body. Austin wanted to yell from the pain, but he was not about to try to inhale or exhale until he was sure it was safe to breathe. The came through the other side of the wall, and Austin quickly took a deep breath. He looked over at Aaron who was also exhaling and inhaling deeply. Archie, on the other hand was not bothered at all by the freezing coldness that Austin assumed they all felt.

“If you two are ready, take another deep breath.” Archie said quickly.

Austin and Aaron took another deep breath and prepared themselves for what would happen next. Austin expected to pass through another seemingly solid object, but he was mistaken. He closed his eyes and was immediately overcome with the sensation of flying. He opened his eyes and looked around trying to make out images, but he could not see anything at all besides a blur. There was no sensation about it, he was actually flying or floating fast enough to feel equal to flying. There was no pain involved in this part of getting to wherever they were going, and Austin allowed himself to relax and enjoy the thrill. He closed his eyes again and pretended he was a superhero like superman or riding on the back of a giant white luck dragon like Atreyu from the Never-ending Story, the movie that Alex made him watch when they were younger. He enjoyed the movie more than he let her know.

He smiled at the way his stomach was feeling as he rose upward at an unknown speed. The tickle growing stronger inside of him, his heart rate increasing, and his mind feeling clear and peaceful at the same time, made him think of a rollercoaster. He had never been on a rollercoaster, but he had heard about them and imagined this was what riding one must feel like. He could only equate this feeling with one experience that he himself had experienced. Kissing Alex. This was almost what he felt every time he kissed Alex, but it lacked a certain level of intensity to be completely equal. He was basically flying, and all he could think of was her. He missed her already.

Austin, being so consumed with his thoughts, did not notice when the motion had stopped. He was standing completely still with his eyes closed holding onto the moment inside of his mind.

“You can breathe now, Austin.” Archie spoke in a soft soothing voice.

Austin obeyed the instruction and forced his eyes to open and focus on the present. His mind quickly went from soothing images of Alex to confusion and immense panic as he looked around in disbelief.

“What? What’s going on? I can’t breathe. This is not possible.” Austin said expressing his panic.

He was staring at nothing. His mind went into frenzy as his thoughts squirmed around inside of his head trying to make what he was seeing make any sense at all.

“There’s nothing here! We are surrounded by nothing.” He screamed as looked down at his feet that were standing on complete white blankness.

He looked to the left, then right, then up and began to feel dizzy and frightened all at once.

“Calm down, Austin. You have to remain calm. You can breathe. I assure you there is plenty of air around us.” Archie said in a soothing voice.

Aaron watched Austin panic and could not hide the smile on his face.

“Aaron this is no laughing matter. He has to calm down before he goes insane.” Archie said sharply to Aaron.

“Insane? I could go insane here? Now, I can calm down.” Austin said as he paced back and forth unable to control his balance.

He stumbled and looked down at nothing to break his fall which made him panic even more. He stood completely still as he thought about himself falling forever until the end of time. He was frozen out of fear and shock, but his mind was all over the place with the worst possible scenarios of being trapped or lost in the strange place. His hands began to tremble, and he could not form the words he wanted to say. His heart was racing harder and faster than ever, and he could not seem to control his breathing. The medallion on his neck began to glow, but Austin saw the glowing as the medallion trying to strangle him. “It’s trying to kill me! I have to take it off.” He screamed as felt all the oxygen disappear from the place.

“Relax, Austin. You are fine. You just have to relax.” Archie spoke in a soothing tone.

Austin was approaching the brink of insanity as he noticed Archie’s head transform into a giant serpent’s head.

“Stay away from me. Demon! I’ll kill you. Stay back!” Austin screamed as his mind played tricks on him.

Suddenly he felt an eagle’s claw on his shoulder which turned him around, and the last thing he saw was a ball of fire heading directly for his face.

“Austin? Austin?” Archie spoke loudly as he tried to wake the boy up. “Austin, are you okay?” He asked as Austin opened his eyes.

“I think so, Joel. I was having the strangest dream.” He said slowly as he sat up. Austin looked around and was still in the blank nothingness. His heart began to race again, and he started to panic just as he had before.

“Enough of this.” Aaron said as he held his right hand in his left hand because of the pain he created when he knocked Austin unconscious the first time. Aaron closed his eyes quickly and opened them to reveal a burning white glow inside his eyes. He kneeled down and placed his face a few inches from Austin’s face. He stared Austin in the eyes and spoke clearly and slowly.

“Austin. You will listen to me. You are not afraid of this place. This place feels like home to you.” Aaron said focusing on Austin.

“Yes. I am not afraid. This is home.” Austin responded in a trance. “You will stand up and remain calm while listening to Archie. Do you understand?” Aaron spoke as he focused on Austin.

“Yes. I will remain calm and listen to Archie.” Austin repeated.

“And you will tell nobody about me peeing on myself.” Aaron said quickly before Archie smacked him on the back of the head.

“Aaron no pee-pee.” Austin said still in the trance.

“Archie what is this inside of his head? It appears to be moving towards me, but that’s impossible.” Aaron said in a curious and confused tone.

“Aaron, break the trance.” Archie said firmly and fast.

“I think I can collect it just give me a moment.” Aaron replied.

“Aaron, stop the glean now. That’s an order!” Archie shouted.

Aaron hesitated a few moments and fell to the ground with a loud scream. He was shaking from fear as he clenched his head.

“Ahh, make it stop. Make it stop!” Aaron cried as he saw Christopher’s memories and heard his voice.

“I’m going to kill you. I’m going to kill you all when I get out of here. Everyone will suffer!” Christopher spoke in a cold frightening voice.

Archie formed a small ball of light and pushed to Aaron’s head. The ball glowed quickly then exploded and knocked Aaron out of the trance.

Aaron gasped moved back quickly while trying to stand, but he slipped and fell back to the ground.

“Aaron, listen to me. It’s okay. You are fine.” Archie spoke trying to comfort the boy.

“Archie, how could you do this? They are still connected? You brought him here, and they are still connected?” Aaron asked with fear and pain in his eyes.

“I had no choice, Aaron. He is in danger. They are all in danger.” Archie replied with seriousness in his voice.

“I saw him. I saw what he has done. All of those people.” Aaron said softly with sadness in his tone.

“I know, Aaron, but you have to remember that they are not the same person. Austin is good. He is the chosen one, and I have to help him. I will understand if you wish to leave now.” Archie said quietly.

“Leave? I’m not going to leave out of fear, Archie. More importantly, I will help him because of who he is.” Aaron spoke bravely.

“That is most noble of you, Aaron. He will need all the protection and help we can provide because of who he is.” Archie said firmly.

“No. I do not mean just because he is the chosen one, Archie. I mean, I know who he “is”. I’ve known since the first moment you told me his name. That’s why I volunteered to help you.” Aaron said starting at Archie.

“How? How did you know? You can never tell him.” Archie spoke with panic in his tone.

“I know because you are my mentor. You trained me. You and I are connected, Archie. As for me keeping the secret, I would never do anything that could hurt him or you.” Aaron said sincerely.

“Thank you, Aaron. Thank you, my friend.” Archie spoke as he helped the boy to his feet.

“Archie, I hope you realize that he will have to be told sooner or later.” Aaron spoke clearly.

“Yes, I know. In the meantime, I am trying my best to protect him from everything.” Archie said softly.

“Now, you won’t have to do it alone.” Aaron said in a matter of fact tone.

The two of them stared at one another for a while before finally returning their attention to Austin. Austin was still on the ground with a blank expression on his face.

“Do it quickly this time, Aaron.” Archie said smoothly. Aaron focused on Austin again and stared into his eyes.

“Everything will be okay. I promise.” Aaron whispered to Austin as he formed light with his hand.

“Everything will be okay.” Austin repeated.

Aaron placed the hand over Austin’s eyes and broke the Glean with a quick flash of light. “What happened?” Austin asked as he snapped out of the trance.

“Where are we, Aaron? What is this place?” Austin asked quickly. “It feels peaceful here. It feels like I’ve been here before.” Austin added slowly as he looked around the room of nothing.

Archie cleared his throat to gain Austin’s attention.

“Welcome, Austin, to The Chamber of Hyperbolice.” Archie said loudly.