�Don�t try changing my motives,� Sparrow glared, �Don�t think I haven�t already figured out your plan.�
JC gulped, still startled. �Sparrow please. Those are my band mates, and��
�And didn�t I warn you earlier to scat? It�s not my fault you�ve got cotton stuffed in your ears.�
�Sparrow,� Kaden beckoned, �I love Tara more than life itself. Plus�� he added, �I know for a fact you once had a daughter. Hmm, the name�s Emily��
�Leave Emily out of this!� Sparrow screamed. �I can�t help that the Master kidnapped her and held her hostage until I agreed to convert! I can�t help it that he didn�t keep his promise and shoved her off the cliff! I can�t help�� She broke down sobbing. �I�didn�t even�get to say�goodbye��
For the first time since the whole nightmare, JC took pity upon the woman. �So,� he concluded, �You didn�t willfully sign the demon contract. Nalani did, and Devon and Gandor probably did too. You did it out of love for your child��
�Oh, what difference does it make now?� Sparrow spat. �Emily�s dead, and I don�t see any alternative for my situation!�
�Yes, there is,� Kaden prodded, �Help us. Avenge your daughter. Do something!�
Sparrow remained silent. �Okay,� she muttered solemnly, �I�ll help. Actually, this credits your rescue mission. Right now I am blocking my mind so Kujaur cannot read what I am thinking. I�m blocking your minds too, so whatever we concoct, it will be our secret��
�Excellent!� JC shouted. �Let�s get to work!�
CHAPTER FORTY
Kujaur and the Master gazed down upon Lance�s nearly comatose body. �Kujaur,� the Master spoke, �When will he be ready?�
�The first quarter of �the Process� has begun. Soon, my Keeper of Fear, soon you will have your revenge, but do not resume to badger me��
�I�m sorry! I�m sorry!� The Master quickly apologized.
Kujaur waved his hand over Lance�s face. �Awaken.�
Lance stirred. He cautiously sat up.
�Where am I?�
�It is best that you do not remember,� Kujaur answered, �Now tell me, what�s your name?�
Lance panicked. Oh my gosh! �I-I-I don�t remember!�
�Where are you from?�
�I-I don�t know!�
�Any memories at all?�
�NO!�
The Master sighed contently, relishing Lance�s panic. �Ah, so the first quarter worked.�
�Yes. All the characteristics and traits that made him Lance belong to you. He has been reduced to nothing but a body with a terrified mind.�
Lance hugged his knees and buried his head. �Stop cowering!� The Master yelled angrily. Kujaur placed a hand on his shoulder. �Relax. Be patient if you want �the Process� to be successful.�
�Next, we begin the second quarter of �the Process�.�