At school, Ellie and Rob were leaving for the day. As they came out the door, Ellie felt someone grab her arm violently.
        Misty angrily said, "It's your fault, Peterson!"
        "Now what did I do?"
        "You cost me $1000 from Tom Wilkins! Because of you and Rob I never got any of the money!"
        "Hey, it's not our fault. You fabricated the story just to get that money. You're so blinded by greed you'd do practically anything just to get a buck. Well, I have a suggestion: get a job."
        "You better watch it! I am going to make you suffer, nerd!"
        "Oh, you'd risk getting suspended after you've had to spend a lot of time in the alternative classroom for all the trouble you caused last week? Think about it." Ellie then yanked her arm free from Misty's grip and walked away with Rob.
        As they continued going toward Rob's car, he said, "Boy, you sure are keeping your nerves in check."
        "Hey, I can't let a goof brain like her get to me. Anyway, as a girl with a double life, I don't have enough time to deal with her, especially if I ever find the creep who started the forest fire Saturday night."
        "If you end up finding the arsonist, what are you going to do with him?"
        "I'd give him a good punishment. I'd freeze him in a block of ice and happily turn him over to the sheriff. That arsonist will face the wrath of Princess Elementa if he's found. The nerve of that monster, trying to destroy the forest--"
        "Ellie," he interrupted, "you're stressing yourself again."
        "I am?" she said while blushing. "Oh, brother. I'm still having a lot of trouble getting used to this double life I have now. Meanwhile, that arsonist is still out there."
        "I know. The biggest worry right now is this: He probably knows about the fire being put out, and the seasoned arsonist is not going to be very happy about it. When opportunity knocks, he's going to try again, and possibly soon. It might be better for you to be prepared for anything to happen, but don't let it disrupt your school work."
        With concern in her voice, she stated, "That'll be easier said than done."
        "Do not worry, Princess," said the voice of the spirit in Ellie's mind. "You have your father, your friend, and me to assist you in this situation. Do not let the fear of your double life control your life."
        Ellie felt more at ease with the spirit's words. "You're right, my friend. I have to do things one step at a time. When the situation arises, I will deal with it then, not now. Thanks for the advice."
        "I am always ready to give you advice and wisdom when you are in need. Farewell, Princess."
        The link promptly faded from her mind, and she returned to reality.
        "I'm sorry, Rob," she said with a smile. "I guess I'm just not sure of myself right now."
        "Hey, no probs. Dealing with something like this takes time, and I'm ready, willing, and able to help you whenever you need it."
        "Thanks. I feel a lot better now." She then noticed her adopted father's car approaching. "Oh, there's Dad. I have to go, since I do have a lot of homework tonight. See you tomorrow."
        "Bye, Ellie." As she entered the truck, Rob had a troubling thought. "Ellie's got to take on much more responsibility than ever before. I just hope she can handle it okay, and I hope that arsonist is found soon and stopped before he causes more trouble."

        At five minutes until 4:00 p.m., at Wilbur's, Tom Wilkins entered the establishment, much to the chagrin of other customers. "Don't mind me, folks. I'm just waiting for someone, that's all."
        A few minutes later, Deputy Michaels entered and immediately spotted Wilkins sitting alone at a table.  As he approached the reporter, he said, "Hey, you ready for that interview?"
        "Yeah, I need some dirt, or the execs at Upline will be furious with me for not getting the truth."
        "You'll have the truth, but remember our agreement. My name does not get mentioned anywhere in the story. I could be risking my law career for doing this."
        "Don't worry, friend. I'll keep your name a secret, just as long as you give me the real dirt on this matter. Now, shall we get started?"
        "Sure thing. What do you want to know?"
        "The truth of the matter. Did two high school students start that fire?"
        "No," Michaels said in shaking his head. "Neither of them have the capability or know-how to start an elaborate forest fire such as this one. Only an expert arsonist could have set this fire."
        "But, what about the fact they were both in the forest the night of the fire? How do you explain that?"
        "One friend was having emotional problems while the other came along to help him. They had no idea a forest fire had started not too far away. Those two teenagers are completely innocent."
        "Can you give me their names?"
        "I will give you the names, but I can't mention their ages because of the law here. Got me?"
        "Yeah, I got it. Now, what are their names?"
        "Robert Walker and Ellie Peterson. Those were the two people in the forest at the time. They are not suspects in this case at all. However, there is one person you could put down as a possible suspect."
        "Really? Who?"
        "There was a young lady who put out the fire named Princess Elementa. She--"
        "Who? Princess . . . Elementa, as in 'elements'?"
        "Yes. She's from another planet and--"
        "Another planet? Give me a break! Do you expect me to believe your main suspect is an alien from another world? The execs wouldn't believe it for $100 million! You're concealing the fact those two are the real suspects, aren't you?"
        Michaels became angered enough to grab Wilkins by the shirt. "You listen here, dirtbag! Mr. Walker and Miss Peterson are not responsible for that fire at all! The only person who may have the knowledge is the alien known as Princess Elementa. The sheriff and fire chief have ruled her out as a suspect, but I think she may have the motive to try and attract attention for herself. She's the real suspect in this, not those two!"
        Wilkins nodded while shaking in fear. "Okay, okay. I get it! I get it! Now let me go!"
        The deputy let go of the reporter and stood up. "All right, you got your story. Now remember the deal, my name doesn't get mentioned, and the ages of those two don't go on the air either. If I find out you've broken the agreement, I'll arrest you so fast you won't be able to say the word 'Upline.' Do I make myself clear?"
        "Perfectly," Wilkins said in a shaky tone. "At least I have a story, but I don't know if they'll buy it."
        "You're the reporter. Think of something to convince them." With that thought, Michaels walked out of the restaurant.
        Wilkins shook his head while trying to get his bearings back. "That's just great. A deputy in the Sheriff's Department gives me a story that just doesn't sound true. I'm going to do something about this matter and get to the truth, one way or another."
        Outside, Michaels walked to his patrol car and stepped in. Driving back to the office, he thought, "Perfect! Those fools will believe the 'good samaritan' was the arsonist while I can continue my work. I'm practically in the clear now."
        It was becoming more apparent Deputy Gordon Michaels was much more than what most people in Gurney expected . . .

        At the Peterson home, Ellie was working hard on her history homework in order to be prepared for the test on Thursday. "Okay," she said to herself, "the Battle of Hastings was in 1066, and William the Conqueror succeeded in allowing the Normans to take England from the Saxons. The only known piece of evidence of that battle is something known as the Bayeux Tapestry, a piece of embroidery which shows everything happening in the Norman invasion. Wow, I never thought a piece of sewn embroidery could really tell a story."
        Her adopted father came into the room and said, "You'd be surprised at what can tell a story sometimes. That tapestry tells the whole story about the impending invasion and the actual events themselves. Some people believe that can do better than what's told in a book."
        "Dad, is it possible I could find something, like a tapestry, that could tell me the story of what life was like for me as a princess back on Naturia?"
        "I don't know, pumpkin. But, when you're not having to deal with all the homework and tests, why don't we take a trip to the area where you had landed on Earth. Maybe we can find that lost spaceship and help you learn more about your past."
        "Well, at the rate I'm getting homework, it won't be until at least Thanksgiving before I can do anything."
        Mr. Peterson laughed at his daughter's comment. "I understand, sweetie. Are you finding the history of Earth interesting?"
        "Yes, I really am. I had no idea human beings had been in existence for no more than 40,000 years or that the planet was dominated by enormous creatures called dinosaurs. I find everything I'm learning in this book refreshing, except for maybe all the wars that have occurred. The kind of wars I had on my world were from other planets, not those within the planet. Why are there so many wars here?"
        "That's not an easy one to answer. Some wars are fought for religious reasons, others are for control of lands, and still others are for the purpose of changing their ways of life. In every case, lives are lost in the fight for whatever the people want to believe in. Take Rob, for instance. His father was killed on duty in the Persian Gulf War."
        "Why did that one occur?"
        "The dictator of Iraq invaded the little country of Kuwait in an area of the world called the Middle East. That's the most heated area in the world mainly because of religious differences. Unfortunately, this one was for control of oil."
        "I guess oil is a precious energy source here on Earth."
        "Right, sweetie. The oil there is where just about all countries on Earth get its oil. The Iraqi dictator wanted to seize control of all the oil, but the other countries of the world were determined not to let that happen, so war was declared on Iraq. After just over a month, Iraq surrendered and was faced with strict sanctions from the United Nations."
        "I'd like to know more about this United Nations group, but that won't be until later in the year."
        "Listen, if you need help at any time about history, you can always come to me, since I've lived a lot of history."
        Ellie smiled and stated, "Thanks, Dad. Your personal experiences can be a big help to me when I have a presentation to give later this year. It'll count for 50% of the total grade for the second semester."
        "I'll let you get back to your homework, pumpkin. I know how important the tests are to you."
        "Yeah, but I just hope my other identity doesn't get in the way."
        "Don't worry, Ellie. I know you'll only become Princess Elementa when it's absolutely necessary. You've got an enormous responsibility on your hands, but I can tell you're taking it as best you can."
        "Thanks, Dad." She then returned to working on her history homework, which for her was an interesting course, considering from where she had come.

        Later that evening, Rob had just finished his biology homework and took some rest before proceeding on with his grammar assignment for the evening. "Whew, DNA strands are not easy to remember, with all the T, A, G, and C things to put on this thing. at least I'm getting the hang of it, though." In the ten-minute break, he decided to turn on his television. On the screen was the one reporter he despised through the weird situation with Ellie and Princess Elementa.
        "This is Tom Wilkins," said the Upline reporter on the screen. "You have heard about the mysterious forest fire that erupted here on Saturday night, and now I have some vital new information about a possible suspect. A reliable source, whom I agreed not to tell the source's name, tells me the two people trapped in the forest that night, one Robert Walker and one Ellie Peterson, are not the real suspects in the case. He said they had neither the knowledge or expertise to start such an elaborate fire.
        "However, he did say there may be one possible suspect in the matter: a young woman who supposedly appeared out of nowhere and stopped the fire all by herself. It's possible the young woman, with the name of Princess Elementa, may have started the fire herself to attract attention."
        Rob became totally shocked at the report. "I can't believe that jerk! How did he get the info on the princess and on us!? I've got to tell Ellie this right away."
        He quickly picked up the telephone and dialed the Peterson home.
        There, Mr. Peterson picked up. "Hello?"
        "Mr. Peterson, Tom Wilkins is doing a report on the fire, and he somehow knows about Elementa and the fact we were there!"
        "What!? How?"
        "Turn on the TV, and see for yourself."
        After doing so, Mr. Peterson heard the awful commentary by the reporter. "The young woman is allegedly from another planet and has the power to do something like this. If this is true, it seems she does not want to come forward and surrender to authorities."
        "Oh, my God!" he gasped. "He does know about Elementa's existence."
        "No," whispered a frightened Ellie, who stood at the door of the living room. "How could this have happened?"
        Mr. Peterson turned around and saw his distraught daughter. "Ellie, wait--"
        "No! Just stay away from me!" She then ran out the door and took off on her bike into the night.
        "Ellie! Come back, please!" He then put his head down in sadness. "Oh, Ellie, it's not your fault. That creep Wilkins is going to pay for this." He then just remembered Rob was still on the telephone. "Rob, Ellie's seen the report and taken off on her bicycle. Can you find her?"
        "No problem, Mr. Peterson. I think I know where she's going." He then hung up the phone and started running to his car when his mother came in.
        "Sweetie, what's wrong? Where are you going?"
        "I have to find Ellie. She's run away from her father."
        "What? Why?"
        "It's something only she, her father, and I can understand. I hope you're not upset about this."
        Mrs. Walker smiled and said, "No, I'm not upset. There are some things we have to keep to ourselves, which in some cases may be for the better. Go find your friend, Rob. Make sure she's all right."
        "Thanks, Mom." He then gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be back as quick as I can." He then got to his car and drove towards the forest, a likely place for Ellie to go at this point.
        Able to go around where Wilkins was doing his report, Ellie took her bike deep into the forest to let out some painful emotions. "I didn't do it! How could that man say something so horrible? Who told about my existence anyway? I don't belong here on Earth!"
        Sensing the pain within her heart, the spirit of the Nature Crystal appeared in front of her. "Princess, what is the matter? Why are you upset with yourself?"
        "Because learning of my true identity has now resulted in being accused of starting the forest fire. Someone told Tom Wilkins about me, and now people are going to accuse me of starting that fire last Saturday." The princess then started to shed tears.
        The spirit moved next to her and put her hands on Ellie's shoulders. "No, Princess. You cannot assume everyone will accuse you of creating the fire. You did nothing wrong and were able to save the forest. You must not be hard on yourself about this situation."
        "She's right, Ellie," said an approaching Rob. "Blaming yourself will not solve this problem at all."
        "What are you doing here?"
        "I saw that report on TV, and then I called your dad. He then told me you ran away after you saw the story, and I had a pretty good idea as to where you'd be. I went in my car to find you, and it looks like I did pretty good. You and I both like to go to the forest to think when we're having problems."
        "Guess that was a bit of a giveaway. Now, how am I going to face--no, how are we going to face everybody at school tomorrow? They'll think we started the fire."
        "Not necessarily. Remember, a lot of people don't trust Tom Wilkins."
        "You don't understand. The way he twists things around, he'll make them think we are the suspects in this arson case."
        "Look, Ellie. Whatever happens to both of us, I'll stick by you, I promise as your best friend."
        She then looked at him and calmly asked, "Are you sure?"
        "You stuck by me when I was out here, and you're my friend. Real friends will go through the hardest times together. Please, come home to Mr. Peterson. He's worried about you."
        "He is? Really?"
        "Yes. Remember what he's told you: He will love you no matter who you really are. You're a kind and gentle person as both Ellie Peterson and Princess Elementa. No matter which identity you use, the personality shines through in both."
        With a sigh, the princess looked at him and said, "You're right. I have to go home and face the problem, not keep it hidden and try to run away from it. Will Dad forgive me?"
        "Of course he will. He's there for you to help you, not hurt you, ever. The same goes with me and the spirit."
        Ellie hugged her best friend. "Thanks, Rob. I guess I just have to get used to everything that's happened to me in the last few days and come to terms with it. I can't let people like Tom Wilkins and Misty Ziegler keep getting me down. I have other friends like Sheriff Sanderson, Fire Chief Ryan, and Regina Johnson. I am not going to let the bad people outweigh the good people, especially since most of the people here in Gurney are the friendliest. I think my parents sent me to the right place after all."
        "I'm happy for you. Now, shall we get home?"
        "Good idea. I still have some history homework to finish. Let's go. Oh, and thanks for your help, Spirit. I'm glad you're always around, too."
        "I will always be there for you, Princess. Farewell for now." The spirit then disappeared into the night.
        "Let's go home, Rob."
        The two friends went to the car and bike and returned to their respected homes.
        At the Peterson house, Mr. Peterson was relieved to see his adopted daughter home safely. "Oh, Ellie, are you all right?"
        Embracing him, she answered, "Yeah, I'm okay. I'm sorry I ran off like that, Dad. I didn't mean to get you worried."
        "It's all right, pumpkin. You just couldn't face the reality of the situation right away, so you did what you thought was best for yourself but not for the rest of us. That creepy reporter will do anything to get a story, and apparently someone told him about Princess Elementa's existence. The question is who?"
        "And why?" she added. "I want my other identity to remain quiet for now, but now I may be forced to deal with the double life. At least for now, only you and Rob know I am Princess Elementa. If others learn this, though--"
        "Nobody will know. A lot of people have called here already saying they're behind you, not against you. They know you and Rob didn't start the forest fire. You have more support than you realize."
        "I'm grateful for it, Dad. I think I'll be all right now."
        "Okay, pumpkin. You go finish the homework, and I'll help you get to sleep."
        "Thanks, Dad." She then went back to her room to finish her history assignment and try to get her mind away from the developing situation.
        When Rob arrived back at his house, his mother looked at him with worry. "Is Tom Wilkins accusing you of starting the fire? Please tell me you didn't do it."
        "No, Mom. Neither Ellie nor I started that fire. You know how twisted Tom Wilkins can be."
        "Maybe, but what about this Princess Elementa character? Is this something he made up?"
        Rob decided to tell his mother the truth, partially. "Mom, I'm going to say something, but you have to promise not to reveal this to anybody."
        "Just tell me first, okay?"
        "All right. There is a young woman from another world named Princess Elementa who stopped the forest fire before it could do major damage, but she did not start that fire to attract attention. Sheriff Sanderson, Fire Chief Ryan, Ellie, and her father do know about her, but they didn't want to say anything because they feared of a panic in town. You do understand, right?"
        Mrs. Walker breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Of course I understand, son. The princess must be the good samaritan Sheriff Sanderson was keeping hidden from the public. I assume she's very shy and quiet right now."
        "Yes, she is. She doesn't want to be known yet, but with this story, things may have gotten worse off for her."
        "I hope not. This Princess Elementa girl must be scared right now, wherever she is."
        "No, Mom. I think she has some support on her side to help her get through something like this. She's still getting used to being on another planet."
        "The poor thing. I just hope she'll be okay."
        "Don't worry, Mom. She'll be fine, as long as she has some friends to help her understand how life is here on Earth."

        Meanwhile, at his home, Sheriff Sanderson became very upset. "I can't believe it! Who in the world told Wilkins about the princess? She was supposed to have remained a secret until the arsonist was found, and now he has the nerve to say she was the one who started the fire. Oh, Princess Elementa, I hope you haven't heard this story. If you have, I just want you to know you're not responsible for any of this mess. I know you're a friendly person from another world just trying to help others. You came to our world as a lonely survivor of your lost planet, and you don't deserve to be treated as though you were a criminal." He then got on to the telephone. "Fire Chief Ryan, did you see the report?"
        "Yes, I did, and I want to know who spilled the beans to Wilkins! I know it wasn't you, and I didn't do it, either. I'm almost certain it was someone in either the Sheriff's Department or the Fire Department. What do you propose we do at this point?"
        "Tomorrow morning we'll have all units from both departments meet at my office. We're going to find out who had the guts to tell Wilkins about the princess after we made the vow not to reveal her existence."
        "Sounds like a good idea, Dan. I'll have everyone from the Fire Department over at your office at 8 a.m. sharp. Someone's going to tell the truth, whether he or she likes it or not."
        "Let's hope we can get to the bottom of this affair before the situation grows worse for the princess."
        "Yeah. I know if she saw this story, she's probably become more frightened to come out now."
        "That's what I've been thinking. If only we can find a way to contact her again, but how?"
        "I don't know, Dan. Let's concentrate on tomorrow morning, though."
        "Right. See you at 8 a.m."
        With that, he hung up the phone and went to sleep, albeit an uneasy one.

        The next morning, at exactly 8 a.m., Sheriff Sanderson and Fire Chief Ryan stood in front of more than 100 people who made up the Sheriff's and Fire Departments.
        The sheriff walked around, all the while not in a very good mood. "Okay, Tom Wilkins was able to report about the existence of Princess Elementa, a woman who was supposed to remain a closely guarded secret until the arsonist is found. Now some people are assuming she's the arsonist. Both Fire Chief Ryan and I are not very happy right now, people, because someone amongst you has revealed this mess to him. We'd like to know which one of you did this and why. If this was for money, one of you will find yourself in a mess of trouble for violating the confidentiality rules. The names of the two people trapped at the time were also revealed, but luckily the ages weren't. If one of you steps forward and tells the truth, I will consider going easy on you. I just want to know the reason why you told Tom Wilkins of all people. If he twisted your arm, I'll understand with his crazy tactics. Now, who among you told him?"
        Everyone remained very quiet, but one young woman said, "I did not do it, sir."
        "I know you didn't, Ramirez. You're not the type of person who's going to do anything to cause trouble."
        Fire Chief Ryan then asked, "Anyone in my department say anything to Wilkins?"
        "No, sir," said rookie fireman Jay Simms. "Most of us were at the fire station yesterday afternoon doing our usual workouts. The ones of us who were not there responded to a fire at the local textile plant that took about an hour to put under control."
        Ryan was pleased to hear that story. "Is he telling the truth?"
        The other members of the Fire Department nodded in agreement.
        "Well, Dan, I hate to be a party crasher, but it looks like someone in your department is the guilty member of this bunch."
        "Guess you're right." He then turned to his deputies. "Well, it looks like one of you here is the person who revealed the story."
        Michaels said, "Wait, how do you know Simms was telling the truth? He may be lying."
        "No way!" Simms shouted angrily. "We filed the report yesterday afternoon!"
        Ryan tried to calm him down. "Relax, Jay. I got the report, and that's a confirmation of your story."
        "I'm sorry for the outburst, sir."
        "Hey, I was a rookie myself once. I know how it can be sometimes."
        "Me, too," added Sanderson. "No hard feelings."
        Michaels's inner anger started to grow. "Those fools! If they figure out I was the one who told the story, all my plans will be ruined! I have to do something." He then spoke again. "I know who could tell. Go down to the Gurney High School gym. Most of the people down there saw the actual interview taking place. They could give you the answer."
        "Hmm, good idea," agreed the sheriff. "If Wilkins was there, a lot of people could have easily seen him and the person who told the story. We'll check it out as soon as possible."
        "Okay, people," said Ryan, "go back to the fire stations and be ready for anything, understand?"
        All his firefighters yelled, "Yes, sir!" They then took off in their fire trucks and rescue vehicles to return to their respected bases to be on alert for fires around town.
        Ryan then turned to Sheriff Sanderson and said, "You and I will go to the gym by ourselves. Last thing we need is a total panic situation."
        "Agreed. Officers, return to duty as of now."
        As the deputies dispersed, Michaels had a nasty thought in mind. "Perfect! I've sent them on a wild goose chase, and now my plans continue. I'll torch this forest for sure this time, and that little brat Princess Elementa will not get in my way this time."
        He got to his patrol car and took off for his normal daily patrol duty. "As soon as early evening comes, I'll have the chance to finish off the forest for good. If Princess Elementa interferes this time, she'll go down with this stupid forest!"

        Meanwhile, at Gurney High School, Ellie was trying to pay attention to her algebra teacher but was getting teased by students sitting around her.
        "You and Rob did it, you and Rob did it," sounded one student in a cacophonous tone.
        Another said, "They're both pyromaniacs, but they won't admit it."
        "I knew Rob hadn't changed," said yet another student.
        Ellie had heard enough. She then raised her hand and said, "Excuse me, Mrs. Murphy?"
        "What's the matter, Ellie?"
        "I can't hear you with all these people teasing me behind my back."
        "I understand. Come over here next to Carrie."
        Ellie sat next to the sophomore representative.
        When she put her face down, Carrie gave her reassurances. "Ellie," she whispered, "I know you and Rob didn't do it. I'm behind both of you."
        "Thanks, Carrie. That means a lot to me."
        The young princess understood about not everyone accusing her of committing such a horrible crime as starting the forest fire on purpose.
        Just after first period, Ellie was surprised to see Sheriff Sanderson and Fire Chief Ryan roaming the halls. "What are both of you doing here? Going back to school?"
        "'Fraid not," said Ryan somberly. "We're trying to find out who spilled the beans about the princess's existence to Tom Wilkins. Um, you weren't in the gym yesterday were you?"
        "Only for P.E. class at 2nd period, but I didn't see Tom Wilkins at all. If he came, it was probably in the afternoon, when the gym's open at 6th period."
        Sanderson agreed. "Sounds pretty good to me. We'll come back this afternoon and ask anyone if they remember seeing Tom Wilkins yesterday. Sorry for the trouble, Ellie."
        "That's okay, Sheriff, I understand. So, this girl Elementa is the good samaritan?"
        "Yeah, but she didn't want to be revealed yet because she's from another planet and is kind of alone around here."
        Ellie knew just how wrong he was. "No, Sheriff. I'm not alone at all here. I'm sorry I can't tell you I'm the princess, but it's just not safe for me to reveal my secret to anyone besides Rob and Dad right now."
        "Well, we'll see you later."
        "Okay, Sheriff."
        Ellie then walked to her second period P.E. class and assured herself she would not be alone in this unusual struggle with her other identity.
        At the 3rd period study hall, she and Rob were both getting snickered by the other students, who claimed they were the arsonists responsible for the fire the previous Saturday.
        Fortunately, Mrs. Wiley knew what she was doing in stopping them. "Unless you all want detention, you leave Mr. Walker and Miss Peterson alone. They did not start that fire, and I will not have anyone else spreading vicious lies about them, is that understood?"
        The other students went away from the pair but still made nasty comments about them.
        Ellie put her face down in shame. "Rob, how will we ever get through this?"
        "We'll get through it. You've got your dad, and I have Mom, and we have some people supporting us."
        "Yeah, some. Not everyone."
        "Hey, you can't please everyone all the time."
        "Yeah, I guess so, but still . . ."
        "Have faith, Ellie. We'll make it past this nightmare somehow."
        "Okay. I have to believe in myself. Thanks, Rob."
        "Not a problem, Ellie. After all, I've been through a similar nightmare, remember?"
        "Oh, yeah. I forgot."
        "At least I know what to do in situations like this. Just remember, you're not alone in this problem."
        "Yeah," she said with a smile. "I feel more like Lucie Manette already."
        Rob laughed lightly at her comment. "Yeah, I don't blame you. Even Lucie had a sense of humor. When do you have to decide on your character?"
        "By 5th period. I'm definitely going to stick with Lucie Manette. I just hope nobody else takes her first."
        "Don't worry. Just do the best you can. I think you'll have Lucie nailed."
        "Sounds good enough to me."
        For the remainder of the study period, they had no problems and ignored all the comments made by the other students. They were able to concentrate on their biology notes to be prepared for another test in the week.

        Later that afternoon, Ryan and Sanderson came around to the gym and asked the students if they had seen Tom Wilkins in the gym the day before.
        When all answered no, Sanderson suddenly became suspicious. "If they didn't see Wilkins here yesterday, then Michaels was lying about where he was yesterday."
        "That means Michaels was the one who told Wilkins, but why?"
        "I don't know, but at least we know which person spilled the beans. Now I'm starting to wonder if there's more to Deputy Gordon Michaels than we realize."
        Just as school was letting out for the day, B.J. Montgomery spotted both Sanderson and Ryan. "Um, excuse me, but if you wanted to find Wilkins, he was at Wilbur's yesterday."
        "At Wilbur's?" asked Ryan.
        "Yeah, he was talking to someone. I think it looked like Deputy Michaels."
        Sanderson looked at the football star and said, "Thanks, B.J. That's all the information we needed to know."
        As soon as B.J. left, the two officials saw Ellie and Rob.
        "Ellie, Rob," said the sheriff.
        Both grew worried when they were asked to come up to them.
        "Don't worry, you two. You're not in any trouble. We just figured out we've been led in the wrong direction."
        "Really?" asked Rob. "Who spilled the beans?"
        "It was Deputy Michaels. He lied to us this morning about where Wilkins had been yesterday afternoon. He said that reporter was here, but B.J. revealed to us he was at Wilbur's and interviewed Michaels about Princess Elementa."
        "I don't understand," said a concerned Ellie. "Why would Deputy Michaels reveal a secret to the most horrible reporter on the planet?"
        "For money?" said Rob. "I know he's just starting out, but maybe he needed the money."
        "That's not an excuse," Sanderson said angrily. "He had no right to tell Wilkins an official police secret."
        Ellie saw her bicycle and said, "I'll leave that for you to deal with. I have to get home, by bike today. See you guys later."
        She then ran to her bike and wheeled away for home.
        Rob had a worried look on his face. "Ellie, be careful. If Deputy Michaels is the real arsonist, you could be heading into danger. Watch your back."
        Sanderson said, "I'm going to call Michaels back to the office immediately and talk to him about this matter. Ryan, be prepared for anything."
        "Count on it, Dan." He then took off in his special fire chief car.
        The sheriff turned to Rob and said, "Don't tell anyone else about what's going on here. Otherwise, we'll have a major panic on our hands."
        "No problem, Sheriff. My lips are sealed about this matter."
        "Thanks, Rob. I'm sorry this whole mess is happening to the princess. She's just an innocent alien trying to live peacefully in her new home, and now all this has occurred."
        "Don't blame yourself, Sheriff. My biggest worry is this: If Deputy Michaels lied about her being the suspect, there's a chance he could also be . . ."
        "The real arsonist? No, that can't be true. I just can't believe that. I'll check his background, though, just to reassure myself about the situation."
        "Not a bad idea. Sheriff, the princess does have friends on her side, including you. Don't worry about the princess being upset with you. She's friendly and will understand."
        "Yeah, I guess you're right. I just have to believe she's a positive person."

        When Ellie continued riding her bike into the forest, she suddenly came to notice a patrol car on the outskirts of the area. "That's strange. What's that doing here?"
        She decided to stop and get off the bike. She went looking around into the forest with a little worry. "Why is the trunk open?" She then detected a familiar substance, one that was foul. "I've smelled this before. It must be that gasoline, very similar to what I smelled after the fire last Saturday." Not feeling sure of herself, she contacted the spirit of the Nature Crystal telepathically. "Spirit of the Nature Crystal, I need your advice. Please hear me."
        "I hear you, Princess. What troubles you?"
        "This scent of gasoline. I had the same scent last Saturday after the fire as Princess Elementa. Is this what I think it means?"
        "It is highly possible. The person who is supposed to be trusted to protect life and uphold the law in this area may in fact be the one responsible for the fire which nearly destroyed this forest before."
        "I must check it out."
        "Please, Princess, be careful. Do not get too close, for if this man sees you, you may put yourself in grave danger."
        "It's a chance I must take to protect this forest again."
        "I understand, young one. Your parents would be proud of you."
        "Thank you, friend."
        Ellie returned her mind to reality and assessed the situation. "Now's not the time to become Princess Elementa. I have to confirm the truth before I can do anything right now."
        She then was able to tiptoe her way through the forest and found someone pouring the gasoline all over the forest. "Hmm, that's strange. He looks like someone in the Sheriff's Department, but why? I don't understand."
        The gentleman in the deputy uniform said, "He he he. I know this forest will go down for good this time, and I'll do whatever it takes to take this forest down once and for all."
        When he turned his face, Ellie immediately recognized it. "I don't believe it! It's Deputy Michaels! I remember his face from the festival. He's the real arsonist! I've got to tell Sheriff Sanderson fast!" As she tried to take off for her bike, her shoe accidentally hit a broken branch, resulting in the sound being heard. She then froze in complete fear.
        When Michaels turned and noticed Ellie he became embittered. "What the--what are you doing here?"
        Ellie confronted him truthfully about the matter. "You. You're the one who started the fire last Saturday night, didn't you?"
        "Yes, little girl. I am the one, and I really didn't like it when that brat Princess Elementa interfered and ruined my plans for the total destruction of the forest."
        "But, you're supposed to protect life and property, not destroy it. What's the matter with you, Deputy Michaels?'
        "I've got news for you, little girl. My name isn't really Gordon Michaels."
        "What?"
        "That's right. The real Gordon Michaels was supposed to join Sheriff Sanderson, but I cut him down before he had the chance to become a new deputy, so I took his identity. My real name is Jimmy Williams, and I'm a seasoned arsonist, wanted in at least 14 states for arson. I figured being here would be a piece of cake, but that princess girl's interference didn't let me finish the job, so I have to do it all over again."
        Ellie became upset. "You killed someone who was supposed to be a deputy sheriff, one who ensures the safety of the people here in Gurney. You're a madman!"
        "That's right. I am a madman, and you've seen way too much, little girl. I'm afraid I'm going to have to stop you before you get the chance to tell that stupid sheriff what you know."
        Ellie then started running for her life to reach the bike to get away, but then Williams took the gun out of the holster and started firing at her.
        Freezing in fear again, she faced her enemy. "Don't you understand? This forest is a way of life for many of these people. If they lose the forest, they'll lose their livelihood, their jobs, everything."
        "Do I look like I really care!? It's time to move into the 21st Century, and there's no room for trees anymore! Now, why don't you just stand right there, so I can take care of you once and for all?"
        The young lady then started running again, trying to outrun the dangerous man as quickly as she could to reach the bike.
        Dodging behind tree after tree, she was able to keep the distance between herself and Williams very great. She kept going for about 20 minutes and then stopped behind a larger oak tree. "I'm too tired to go another step. I just hope I've kept him preoccupied long enough." Then, she saw her bike and made a break for it.
        However, from behind her, Williams grabbed her and put a napkin over her mouth.
        In a matter of seconds, she was out cold, completely unconscious.
        "This chlorophyll should keep you out for a long, long time, little girl. Now, I'm going to make certain no one finds you, and the forest will go up in flames. The best thing about it is, I'll be in the clear, and everyone will think that stupid little princess is to blame for all the trouble!"
        A few minutes later, he took her to a log cabin and tied her up completely, gagging her at the mouth as well. Next, he took a can of gasoline and a can of kerosene and poured the liquids all over the place. Then, he took a match, struck it against the match box, and lit it. Finally, he threw the lit match on the floor, instantaneously igniting the area with flame.
        Before he locked the cabin, he said, "Well, little girl, I guess my plan's going to succeed this time, and if that princess shows up, I'll be ready and waiting for her this time! Goodbye, brat!"
        Williams then proceded to lock up the cabin and proceeded with his plans to burn the forest down forever.
        As for Ellie, still unconscious, her time was beginning to run out as the flames and smoke began to overtake the cabin.

Proceed ahead to the thrilling conclusion!