The Beast

by Ally Condie

  “We don’t invent stuff, Jake.” Bridger’s tone was icy. His gaze darted to Emma, then away. “That kind of deception is not what Freakshow is about.”

  “We examine reality in new ways, with totally open minds!” Emma chimed, sounding delighted as she spat out one of the show’s marketing slogans.

  “Exactly right,” Jacqueline said approvingly. “Ignore Jake. He just shoots the footage.”

  “If there were any strange prints, we’d certainly have to record them.” Bridger said, eyeing his cameraman. “The Beast must come ashore sometime, right?”

  Emma’s expression grew pensive. Opal watched Jacqueline fidget, then busy herself with the lights. A frigid gust tore through the makeshift set, rattling the array and pushing Bridger a step sideways. Shoulders tensing, he shoved his hands into his pockets.

  “What about the boat?” Jake said, packing his case. “We have the body damage to close with.”

  Bridger glanced at Emma. “We found it like that this morning,” he said quickly. “Looks like a ferocious animal attack for sure.” Then he shook his head angrily. “But it’s not enough to finish the series. The first episodes are a smash hit, and I promised the audience a truly spectacular finale. We need something huge and shocking to bring everything to a crescendo.”

  “The ending is the most important part of a series,” Emma said slowly. “We have to finish on a high note.”

  “We?” Bridger covered his smirk. “No, you’re right. Freakshow has put Timbers on the map. But without a satisfying conclusion, the whole production falls apart. Viewers will turn on us. I’ll never win another Clicky Award, and the series will be a failure. Freakshow: The Beast will go from hit to flop like that.” He smacked his hands together.

  Opal could tell that prospect offended every particle of Emma’s soul.

  “We can’t let that happen,” Emma swore. “What do you need to save the show?”

  “A Beast appearance would be nice,” Bridger snarked, drawing a laugh from Jake. “Without something extraordinary and tangible, we’ll be just another flash-in-the-pan web program that started with a bang but fizzled out.”

  The look on Emma’s face was starting to make Opal uneasy. “What would help exactly?” Emma asked. “You said a cave?”

  “Well, sure.” Bridger leaned back against a split-rail fence and folded his arms in annoyance. “Or something genuinely unexpected. An eerie setting, or an inexplicable piece of evidence. Anything to make the audience believe the Beast is real.”

  “Be careful, Emma,” Opal whispered, watching the monitor intently.

  The wind roared across the overlook again. Behind Opal, Derek began hastily packing things up around the van.

  Emma was staring at the ground, her nose scrunched in concentration. Then her head popped up, her face aglow with excitement. “There are these weird sea caves near the mouth of Still Cove! On clear days you can see them from the island. Some are super creepy.”

  Emma, no!

  The moment the words were out, Emma’s eyes popped. She clapped a hand over her mouth.

  “Island?” Bridger said, his eyebrows forming a V. “What island?”

  Opal tore off the headphones and bolted up the trail. Emma saw her coming, and her cheeks turned scarlet.

  “Emma!” Opal shouted. “We have to go. Right now.”

  “A dark, mysterious … deadly island.” Bridger was nodding to himself, growing excited. “Hidden at the heart of the Beast’s lair … We can shoot from above and below all that fog. Yes, Elizabeth. That could be exactly what we need!”

  Emma turned to Opal, fighting back tears. Opal could read her friend’s thoughts as if she’d shouted them.

  What have I done?

  21

  NICO

  Nico sped down the narrow path.

  The heart-stopping drop to his left—from the cliffs above Still Cove down to its icy water—was not one he wanted to repeat, but Nico was so panicked, he risked more than he should.

  What was Emma THINKING?

  Nico knew she felt horrible. Emma had barely been able to speak when she and Opal had found them packing up Logan’s Beast shop at the hardware store. Emma had covered her face while Opal explained that Bridger was refocused on Still Cove. This time, he and his team planned to climb down into the rocky bay.

  If they find the island …

  Nico didn’t want to think about it.

  And why didn’t my dagger work?! He couldn’t figure it out. Slash had barely noticed when Nico swung his blade straight through the figment’s abdomen. What is going on?

  He reached the cave and bolted into the hidden passage, jogging down the switchbacks that descended below the cove itself. Mind racing, Nico scarcely paused as he passed the Torchbearers’ secret ritual chamber inside the tunnel. Maybe Bridger wouldn’t see the trailhead, or would chicken out at the cave mouth. The odds seemed low that he’d actually find a way onto the island.

  Don’t panic. This could still blow over.

  But Nico had a sinking feeling it wouldn’t.

  In a shaky voice, Opal had explained how driven Bridger was to find the perfect ending to his series. He’d promised viewers something amazing, and now had to deliver. Bridger was clever and capable, Nico grudgingly conceded. If he looked hard enough for a way down from the cliffs, Nico thought he’d eventually find one.

  That’s why Nico had left the rowboat tied up below the ledge at the mouth of the cave. He didn’t want the film crew poking around inside—the Torchbearer tunnel was too obviously built by human hands. Film of that alone would be enough to boost ratings. People would flock to the cove to figure out why a secret passage was there.

  But if Bridger and his team paddled out in the rowboat, they might get turned around in the heavy fog and miss the island completely. And even if they didn’t, they would have to come ashore on the beach. Maybe they wouldn’t climb over the ridge to where the houseboat was hidden.

  That’s a lot of maybes.

  Gritting his teeth, Nico climbed the opposite side of the tunnel and emerged into open air. He scrambled up the ridge without pausing. Dense mists covered the island, blocking all view of the houseboat from the heights. Nico nearly sobbed in relief. We can do this. We can still protect the Darkdeep. He started down toward the stepping-stones across the pond.

  The others would be right behind him. Opal, Logan, and Tyler were spying on the van, hoping Bridger wouldn’t follow through on his plan. Emma had gone to rejoin the film crew. It had taken hugs and reassurances to pull her back together, but she was the most important member of their squad right now. She could embed with the Freakshow team as they searched. Maybe steer them away.

  Nico raced up the front steps of the houseboat and charged through the foyer. Inside the showroom, he made sure the panel concealing the stairs down to the Darkdeep was still blocked by a bookcase. He doubted anyone who didn’t already know where the door was could find it, but if Bridger got footage of the houseboat, it was only a matter of time until others showed up. Someone would discover the secret entrance. And the Darkdeep.

  Nope nope nope. Not gonna let that happen.

  Nico took a step back and spun, straining to think of anything he could do to protect the collection.

  Is something wrong? a voice sounded in his head.

  Nico nearly jumped out of his skin. Thing was staring at him from the pedestal, a concerned look on its face.

  “You’re … you’re back.”

  Nico swallowed. He didn’t like being alone with Thing. Not when the creature could touch his mind.

  I never left, Nico. I needed to rest. It was difficult reconstituting into a state recognizable by humans. But I’m feeling much better now. Thing paused, the skin above its left eye arching. You seem distressed. Can I assist you in some way?

  Nico stared for a moment, then barked a laugh. “There’s a film crew headed to Still Cove, searching for this island. You see the problem, right?”

  Thing frowned. I do i
ndeed. Would you like me to help?

  Nico ran a hand over his face. He still had a hard time exchanging telepathic pleasantries with an alien blob floating inside a glass jar. “Help how?”

  Before Thing could answer, the curtain swished aside. Opal ran in with Tyler and Logan. “They found our rowboat!”

  Nico’s heart sank into his shoes. “Are they in the cove?”

  Opal nodded grimly. “We hid on the path behind them, above the fog. But we heard them climb down to the water and row out. They could be anywhere right now.” Opal cleared her throat. “Emma’s with them.”

  “Don’t you mean Elizabeth?” Logan snarked, but no one laughed. Outside, the wind howled like a pack of wolves. The weather had deteriorated swiftly as the massive thunderstorm moved in from the Pacific.

  “It’s good she’s there,” Tyler said. “She can keep them away from the island.”

  Nico’s eyes met Opal’s. Will she, though? Could Emma bring herself to trick the crew, when working with them was all she’d ever dreamed of?

  They’re here.

  Everyone jumped. Logan took a step away from Thing.

  “Here?” Nico’s eyes shot to the curtain. “On the houseboat?”

  No. The island. They arrived on the beach and are staring into the forest. Emma has told them there are rabid bats in the trees. The bearded man is setting up a tripod.

  Tyler made a strangled sound in his throat. “We’re sunk. They’re going to find the houseboat and ruin everything.”

  Opal moved face-to-face with the jar. “Thing, can you read their minds?”

  Thing squirmed in its lime-green bath. Not read them. But I can track their communications. I can hear—for lack of a better word—anyone who sets foot on this island. Right now the brown-haired man is speaking directly to a camera about … Oh my. Why does he think the leviathan lives here?

  “Long story.” Nico scraped both hands over his scalp. “Maybe that’s all they need? Bridger on the beach, talking about the Beast?” He knew his words sounded more wishful than anything.

  Thing dashed those hopes immediately. They’ve decided to climb the ridge. Emma is telling them it’s full of snakes, but they’re ignoring her. Why does this Bridger fellow call her Elizabeth?

  Opal was peeking between her fingers. “The noose is tightening, guys. I’m out of ideas.”

  Would you like me to misdirect them?

  “Can you do that?” Nico blurted, eyeing the jar nervously. Tyler started the pacing the room.

  I can send images into their minds and try to lead them astray. I was able to communicate with Opal in this way when I nudged her toward the cemetery. Shall I try?

  “Yes, Blob Man!” Logan shouted. “Please don’t let them find us here, mind-melding with you and hiding an interdimensional waterslide in the basement!”

  Thing closed its eyes. Silence swept over the room like a weighted blanket. For long seconds, no one moved a muscle. Then Thing reopened its eyes with a frown.

  This Bridger is a stubborn man. He has an idea fixed in his brain that I can’t seem to dislodge. He thinks something incredible must be on the other side of the ridge.

  Nico could barely ask the question. “What does that mean, Thing?”

  It means they’re coming, Nico. There’s nothing I can do to stop them.

  22

  OPAL

  Opal ducked to avoid a shooting rainbow.

  “Where did these stupid figments come from?” she snapped, leaping behind a flowering shrub halfway up the slope overlooking the pond. The air outside was bitingly cold—the temperature had dropped several degrees since they’d left the houseboat in a rush to intercept the Freakshow team.

  The boys were up ahead, herding a group of pastel-colored teddy bears off the ridge. As Opal watched, the green one turned and snarled at Logan, paws on its hips as it fired a shamrock-shaped laser beam from the design on its stomach. Logan yelped and hit the dirt as the burst sizzled past him.

  “Care Bears are supposed to be nice!” Tyler squawked, stomping toward a bright yellow one with a shining sun on its chest. Growling, the figment tried to bite his leg, but Tyler kicked out and it scurried into the bushes.

  “Keep them on the pond side of the ridge!” Nico yelled, as he chased after an orange teddy emblazoned with flowers. “If Bridger sees one of these things, we’re cooked.”

  The creature spun suddenly and extended its claws, nearly gouging Nico’s eyes. Nico shoved the vicious little cub with both hands and it tumbled downhill.

  There were five Care Bears in all. Thwarted on the hilltop, they had gathered inside a circle of broken rocks just below the summit and were glaring up at their pursuers. Opal worried they might try a group stare, shooting more lasers from their emblems. She didn’t want to find out what those colored beams could do if they struck a target.

  “How do we get rid of them?” Opal grumbled. “I’ve never wanted to knife a teddy bear before, but if that’s what it takes …”

  Are you asking me? Thing said in Opal’s mind. I thought I was supposed to track Bridger.

  “Yes, keep doing that,” Opal said aloud. “We need to know where he is at all times.” A thick fog was seeping through the trees, reducing visibility to only a few feet in every direction.

  “Talking to the alien glop ball again?” Tyler shook his head. “Remember when the weirdest thing we did was play dinosaur charades?”

  “We have to get these little jerks out of here.” Opal stretched her arms wide and flapped them at the Care Bears. They responded by gnashing short, pointy teeth. The brown one with a heart on its stomach seemed ready to chomp Opal’s arm off. She paused to wipe sweat from her forehead. “Okay, I’m getting creeped out.”

  Opal glanced down at the pond. The mist was weakening—she could see the houseboat’s roof poking through a rolling eddy of fog. If Bridger and his crew make it this far, they’ll notice it for sure. And how would Opal explain being on the island in the first place?

  Logan growled suddenly, deep and convincing, making himself big as he stomped toward the figments like the Frankenstein monster. The Care Bears recoiled as one, then fled into the lower woods, bouncing and tumbling as they scampered down from the ridge. Their yowls of outrage floated on the spanking breeze.

  “Not bad,” Nico said, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.

  “No problem,” Logan said. “I’m the natural enemy of stuffed toys. I destroyed every one I had when I was little.”

  Opal listened intently to make certain the unruly bears were truly gone. “What if they circle around us to the beach? There’s zero way to play those guys off as a Halloween prank.”

  “Emma has a dagger,” Logan said. “She knows what to do.”

  “That won’t help her, remember?” Tyler shivered in the icy wind. “I got one of the Care Bears with mine just now, but the blade passed right through it, like I was fighting a ghost. The little punk stuck its tongue out at me and ran.”

  Opal winced. Just like the gremlin in the forest. She met Nico’s eyes, and saw her concern mirrored there. If our daggers really have stopped working …

  “But we handled that Charmeleon same as always,” Nico muttered. “It doesn’t add up.”

  “Later.” Opal brushed loose hairs behind her ears. “We have to focus on Bridger. It’s game-over for our secrets if Emma has to fight a band of laser-shooting teddy bears in front of his camera crew.”

  Nico slapped a hand against his side. “Fine. Let’s just hope we catch a break.”

  Opal snorted. Right. Lots of those so far.

  Logan grunted sourly. “We wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for Emma.”

  Opal wheeled on him, eyes blazing. “She didn’t mean for this to happen, Logan.”

  Logan crossed his arms. “I know that, Opal. But does it matter? Emma screwed up big-time, and now everything we’ve worked to protect is at risk.”

  Opal didn’t respond. How could she? Logan was right. She hugged hers
elf in the chilly air.

  Thing’s voice sounded. The strangers are not deterred. They are headed your way.

  “Crap.” Nico wiped damp palms on his jeans. “We’re going to have to confront them.”

  “And say what?” Tyler peered into the gloom-soaked forest surrounding them. “Hey, guys, no worries, we checked for the Beast already and it’s not here?”

  Opal shook her head. “Bridger is obsessed with finding a game changer for his show. The only thing that might lure him away is—”

  “The Beast itself!” Nico blurted, inspiration dancing in his eyes. “Opal, are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

  Opal laughed nervously. “I don’t know. What do you think I’m thinking?”

  “That Thing could summon the Beast for us.”

  Opal blinked. “You think Thing can do that?”

  Nico rubbed the back of his neck. “I dunno. The little guy seems … fairly … capable.”

  Tyler slapped his hands together loudly. “Guys! Hold up. You’re talking about intentionally attracting the Beast here? To this island? How does that help us, exactly?”

  “Bridger wants authentic Beast footage more than anything,” Opal replied. “So if the monster were to appear somewhere else, like out in the cove maybe … He might chase after it?”

  “Or the Beast might decide to come ashore and eat everybody,” Tyler squawked. “This is a terrible plan!”

  Logan shrugged. “At least it’s something. They’re going to be here any minute.”

  Thing, where is Bridger right now? Opal asked silently.

  For a moment there was no answer. Was Thing there? Could it still respond?

  He’s just below the other side of the ridge.

  Opal looked at the others. “Did you hear?”

  “Yes.” The boys muttered in unison.

  Opal exhaled. “Okay, here’s the plan. Thing, you’re going to call the Beast into Still Cove and make it swim around. When the film crew sees it, send the Beast away again. Can you handle that?”

  Yes. But the intruders are very close. You must stop them now.

  Opal didn’t ask if the others had heard. She sprinted to the top of the ridge and down the other side, nearly slamming into Bridger. “Turn around!” Opal shouted, causing him to flinch back in alarm. Tyler grabbed Emma and began whispering furiously in her ear.