Elisa fled from strange pursuers who knew neither fatigue nor mercy. The light rustle of leaves and the constant snapping of branches told her they were hot on her trail, gaining ground with every passing minute. Fear and anxiety began to cloud the poor girl's mind. She had to lose them soon, or she was doomed. But how? There were far too many of them.
The world she had left behind was gone. Ahead lay a vast forest, and she was nearly at its edge. Great trees stood all around, yet they offered little cover even for a lone girl. The sun had not yet climbed high, and a crisp, fresh breeze filled the air. The April wind brushed against the soil like gentle fingers, coaxing vibrant green grass and beautiful flowers to life. The forest was very friendly. Every tree cast its own shadow that seemed to invite every traveler to rest. The rustle and whisper of their leaves gave the impression that they were conversing high above in a language unknown to us. And they truly were communicating. Their language was accessible only to this girl. They were informing her of the approaching enemies.
The fugitive was not from our world, yet she was dressed in a stylish black jacket and denim trousers, the kind worn by modern girls today. This suggested that the people of her world were not isolated from ours. Her long, dark chestnut hair flowed behind her, caught by the light breeze and her rapid movement. She was strikingly beautiful and graceful. A small pink backpack hung from her shoulders. The fugitive moved quickly and confidently. She feared nothing in this life. Her enemies were more numerous than anyone else's. Trained from childhood to fight them, she knew how to survive and handle the hardships of her life. Even though she was strong, at this time, Elisa needed help.
She was searching for someone to help her. The only place our mysterious stranger knew was a large plastic factory owned by her uncle in our world. Her treacherous enemies did not fall behind even in the human world, where she had fled. Those creatures hunting the girl communicated with each other through hollow whistles. Their faces looked fake. These were lifeless mannequins from the "World of Dolls." Fortunately, the fugitive had a rifle. Some warriors caught up to her, but the bullets struck them down first. Some she hit with the butt of her weapon so hard that their heads flew several meters away. It was a good thing Elisa loved to run, or her ill-wishers would have caught her long ago. This skill was what she needed most now.
Daily multi-hour morning runs had turned our heroine into an excellent runner. From the side, she seemed like a swift puma. Yes, a puma, not a doe, because she was no victim, as those who did not know her might think. They could not imagine how capable Elisa truly was. A plan had already matured in her head to get rid of these pursuers. But the members of this squad were incapable of thought! These were low-ranking skeletal combat mannequins. Their task was to stop the fugitive at all costs and return her to where she had escaped.
Slowly, the sun began to rise higher, and with it, the freshness of the morning weather began to fade. Elisa felt beads of sweat on her forehead, and with them, a sense of thirst. The worst part was that she had no water with her, and there was no sign of water in the nearby areas. Ahead were only trees. After a few minutes, the forest began to thin. This made things much more difficult. Elisa did not slow her rapid steps. A little further, and a lifeless clearing appeared before the girl, followed by a steep rocky ledge leading upward. All these places had long been familiar to her. She had passed through these spots many times because she loved visiting the human world. Since childhood, she had loved visiting the outskirts where people lived. But her uncle, John Urban, who owned the factory, never let her leave the factory walls, so she had never seen the city center. She constantly played with his daughter and son. The Urbans' house was also on the factory grounds. The only place they could visit was a village a few kilometers from the city. This was where our fugitive was heading now. Despite the factory being on the outskirts of a large city, John always preferred to stay away from it. He rarely left the factory himself, preferring to work on orders that arrived almost daily. Four years had passed since Elisa last visited her uncle. But that was enough for everything to change. All the places seemed different. The roads, houses, and trees also seemed alien to her.
— Nothing is as it was, — she thought. — Why is this happening? I don't know.
Four years ago, an unexpected event occurred. While Elisa was away, Urban's daughter and son were playing together in the village. They were not alone; local children were with them. Then, someone kidnapped Urban's daughter. Poor John and his wife asked everyone, but none of the children knew where she had gone. Only their son claimed he saw several women passing by while they were playing.
— They looked strange, their eyes seemed to glitter in the sun, — the son said.
He also claimed they looked at his sister strangely. Other children confirmed his story, but John did not believe his son.
— You made this up so as not to be at fault, — he said. — You simply didn't watch her, and she could have easily gotten lost in the forest.
John Urban's wife was from this village. Her name was Aunt Meredith. In her youth, she was Urban's assistant and performed many responsible tasks. Despite John being from another world, she married him. Her sister Ursula lives in the same village.
John searched for his missing daughter everywhere, asking everyone, young and old, but without result. They blamed their son for this tragedy. John Urban no longer wanted to see him. James — as they called Urban's son — now stood guard over the two worlds. His squad, consisting mainly of "Living Dolls," was stationed near the village where Nadine disappeared. He not only guarded his father's factory from unwelcome guests but also searched for his missing sister. But unfortunately, it was all in vain. Nadine vanished without a trace...
Approaching the ledge, Elisa steadied her breathing a little. Then, stepping onto the edge of the clearing, she lunged forward with all her might. These were her last strengths.
— Perhaps this clearing was the boundary that was strictly forbidden for any living being of either world to cross, — our heroine thought. — Why didn't I think of these things before?
And it was true. The forest from which the girl emerged was called the "Spectral Forest." Elisa's world — "Marionis" — guarded by strange forest creatures, was in the middle of this forest. It was a world of dolls divided into two camps. One was inhabited by "Living Dolls," and the other by the "Lifeless." The "Living" dolls were very similar to humans and possessed not only all human qualities but also some other virtues. For example, they possessed magic in a sense. They looked very fragile but possessed immense strength. The "Lifeless," in turn, were soulless and cruel, but their high-ranking representatives also possessed intellect and the gift of speech. The "Lifeless" always envied their "Living" compatriots. There was constant enmity between them. But in their endless conflicts, the "Living" always won.
Marionis was always a closed country. Access to it was always blocked. Even the forest creatures guarding them, who possessed the gifts of clairvoyance and magic, could not step onto the threshold of Marionis, neither physically nor by any other means. Now, the balance of passage through these worlds was broken. The "Spectral Forest" was visible even to ordinary people. Who could have done this? Behind all this stood the powerful Torsken — the new ruler of Marionis. He was an invader and a usurper. Torsken possessed the enormous power endowed by his parents. Although he belonged to the "Lifeless" dolls, he possessed many qualities of the "Living." Torsken was a new breed. Now there were many like him. The villain was supported by the "Lifeless," who considered him their leader. Torsken considered his fellow tribesmen to be the true dolls. He was always on the side of the opponents of the "Living" dolls. He used to serve the King and was his first assistant. He was considered the second person in the state after the King. Having studied all the weaknesses of the "Living Dolls," Torsken staged a coup. He sent the King and his entourage to prison.
Apparently, the villain had long been plotting foul plans. He and his like-minded followers established a new order in Marionis. This villain threatened not only Elisa but everyone! Torsken had many supporters. They were not only among the dolls but also among ordinary people. Torsken was greedy, cold-blooded, and treacherous. Possessing such power, he now wanted to rule alone. But his first target was the King's daughter, Princess Elisa. She had a very strong magical aura. Through her, he wanted to influence the "Living Dolls." The vigilant and very sensitive Elisa, with the help of friends, was able to flee from the world of Marionis. She promised herself never to submit to the "Lifeless" dolls.
Secretly raised by the best masters of various martial arts, she grew up strong and resilient. No one knew about these qualities of the girl. Many looked at her as a spoiled daughter of the King. Even Torsken was unaware of Elisa's hidden capabilities. The evil usurper considered her weak and helpless. Но the Princess was not like that! All this was a surprise for anyone who wanted to offend or insult her in the future. She hid her "super" abilities even from her own brother. She had never shown her strength before.
In the palace, the usurper and new king Torsken was in a rage after hearing of the Princess's flight. Besides the pursuers now hunting Elisa, he gathered a massive army. Now they were waiting for his command to attack the human world.
— Stupid donkeys! Why did you let her go? — he shouted at his deputies. — Gather the spies, scouts, and saboteurs! Everyone hunt the Princess! Bring her to me, no matter what! She is a weakling and a girl spoiled in the palace. She cannot have gone far.
— We will try, sire! — his entourage answered in chorus. — We have already sent several more strong squads to get her.
— Get her for me quickly and bring her to me!
— Princess Elisa is very proud, master, — one of his associates said quietly. — It will be difficult for you to break her.
— What do you know about it, you jester! — Torsken shouted at him. — She will break quickly here, you'll see! Now, everyone out! Search for this weak fugitive! If you don't find her, I will destroy all of you, every single one!
— It will be done, sire, — everyone answered in chorus and went their way.
— Begone! I don't need your promises! — throwing his head back, the new king growled. — How I am tired of you all.
We shall see if Torsken manages to possess Elisa. She feared neither Torsken nor any other enemies, whoever they might be. With her strength and mind, she could overcome anyone she wanted. The bad thing was that Torsken had caught her parents. It was terrible to think if Torsken would kill them. But the most terrible thing she thought about was the behavior of her brother Edmar, who had joined the enemy's side. He suggested Elisa surrender. She did not understand one thing: why Edmar had stood on the enemy's side.
— Base traitor, and he calls himself a brother, — she thought. — To betray one's own kin is worse than a betrayal. It is a crime! I hate you! How did I respect him before? In the end, he turned out to be a real coward.
But Elisa was mistaken about her brother. After she left Marionis, Prince Edmar, pretending to be Torsken's servant, freed his father and mother from captivity. When Torsken left to catch Elisa, Edmar killed the guards. He led them into the "Spectral Forest" with his few remaining friends. The Princess did not know about this yet. But Torsken was quickly informed of Edmar's betrayal. Learning of this, he feared a mutiny and returned to the palace. Torsken killed all the remaining associates of the King and built his further treacherous plans.
When she left the world of dolls, she was accompanied by two "Lifeless" dolls. They were loyal to her to the end. They accompanied her, but when the attack on Elisa began, they were intercepted by enemies. What happened to them, the girl did not know. She felt sorry for them. These dolls had lived near her in the palace. The Princess had known them since birth. They helped Elisa's parents raise her. How could she leave her loyal friends? The dolls shouted after her that they would hold them back. What happened to them? They were probably already destroyed by the enemies. Elisa thought she would definitely avenge them. Quickly climbing with her hands and feet, she scrambled up. From here, the girl could perfectly see her pursuers.
— What should I do now? — this thought ran through the girl's head.
There was forest ahead too, but a building appeared there. Reaching it quickly, she went inside and began her plan, which she had previously devised. The girl's strange pursuers were approaching the ledge quickly. It was hard to believe they would ever fall behind her. Climbing the height was very easy for them. Moving cold-bloodedly, they found themselves in a moment at the door of the abandoned shack where the girl had entered. Entering the house, they saw her backpack on the table. Muttering something, one of these creatures opened the backpack. It triggered a mechanism followed by a strong explosion. The shack and everything inside were blown into the air. The pursuers were finished.
After that, the girl quickly walked forward toward the large city where her uncle lived. Now in her hands, she held only the rifle that Uncle John Urban had given her. But the road to the city was still far. Ahead of her lay a small village where she once played with the Urban children. Elisa was seized by thirst, the heat of the merciless sun, and was very exhausted by constant fear for her life. Her fragile body could not endure such suffering. The wooden houses that appeared ahead cheered her up a bit. Walking along the path, she looked for Aunt Meredith's house, where her sister lived. In place of this house, a completely unfamiliar building now stood.
— How can it be? I remember this house stood right here! — our heroine was indignant.
Should she go into the house or go further? No, go further, but how to go? It seemed all the resources of her body were exhausted. Among the giant trees, she stood — one small, but proud and militant, clenching both her hands. Her beautiful eyes were bloodshot. Suddenly her head spun, and she fell to the ground.
— Who will come to her aid, who will pity her? Perhaps no one...! She has no one now! It's all over! I should have died with those Lifeless creatures that were pursuing me, — she thought, gradually losing consciousness.
But by a lucky chance, near where she fell, a man past middle age was passing by. He quickly approached the girl and gave her water from a plastic bottle. Swallowing a few gulps of water, she fainted. The passerby picked up the girl and quickly brought her to a large house nearby.
— How strange! This girl is the image of Gloria. In her youth, she looked exactly the same! Is she her granddaughter? — the stranger combed her hair with his fingers. — Fragile, graceful, this is definitely a "Living" doll from Marionis. Yes, correct! This is her granddaughter Elisa, who did not give up and recently fought the Lifeless. I was told she defeated the "Lifeless." A small clash that occurred in Marionis ended in her favor. The "Lifeless" wanted to liquidate Elisa's parents. But the girl managed to expose them and protect her father and mother. A villain named Torsken fled the scene of the crime. Now, peace should have come there. Why is the girl here? Did something else happen there...? The house blown up a few minutes ago! Why didn't I realize sooner...! Is the portal open again? Maybe a war between the living and the lifeless dolls has started again? Or maybe those terrible creatures appeared? No, I must find out everything. If it's so, I cannot leave this girl here. She is in great danger! I must immediately go to Volien and ask what he knows about these events. Surely the "Lifeless" have started a hunt for this girl.
The room in the house was poorly lit. Although Elisa lay motionless, she heard everything. Who was this person anyway? How does he know her? Elly could not understand this. Then she began to rave:
— Mom.... Mommy, where are you.... I destroyed them, but they are coming after me again, help me...
— Here, drink this, daughter, and everything will pass, — the stranger gave her water.
— My name is Elisa. They are chasing me...
She took a few sips, then fainted.
— What's wrong with you, daughter? Elisa... I knew you were Gloria's granddaughter! — the stranger said.
Elisa lay with a face reddened from the heat and dehydration. But it was heartening that she was still alive.
— Well, look out, whoever you are, you beasts! — the stranger got seriously angry. — If anything happens to this little one, I will spare no one!
His shadow split, and a shaggy figure of a humanoid creature with an elongated chin appeared behind him. He held a strange weapon with both hands. The creature looked very aggressive. This was Dex's best friend — Volien. He could appear from behind his back at any moment.
— Volien, what news in your forest? — Dex asked, holding Elisa's hands. — I was just about to look for you.
— It's very easy for you to find me, my friend. You only have to think of me, and I will appear from your shadow. Did you forget about that?
— Yes. You know, Volien, I am getting old. I've started forgetting a lot now, — Dex said seriously. — Volien, buddy, won't you tell me the news?
— The news is bad, my friend! The world of dolls is open and in danger; a huge number of dolls have leaked into your world. Now the old story may repeat itself. The "Lifeless" are looking for this girl. Spies reported where she is going. Torsken and his squad plan to go to the plastic products factory to first capture Urban. They decided not to touch Elisa for now.
— And what is known about the girl's parents?
— Her parents are alive. They were able to escape with their son and loyal friends. My people helped them, and they are now in a safe place.
— Well done!
— Who? Us or them? — his shaggy friend asked.
— Both you and them are well done! I declare my oral gratitude to you.
— Thank you! — Volien smiled with a wide grin and moved his protruding ears. — Our enemy Torsken will now attack the factory.
— What should we do now? — Dex asked. — Let's destroy them at the factory!
— Good, Volien, you are an excellent informant and advisor.
— I try to be useful to your people.
— Our people are in debt to you, my brave friend! — Dex replied. — And where shall we hide the girl?
— The girl will stay here for now. James Urban's squad will arrive here soon. With them, she will be safe for now.
— Yes, one more piece of news, Dex-buddy.
— Speak, — his friend replied.
— Two more strange dolls passed through the ghostly world. They disappeared in these very places. We couldn't catch them. Judging by our instincts, they were not hostile. You know, we recognize enemies immediately. This is an advantage given to us by nature.
— Yes, friend, you surprise me every day! — Dex patted Volien on the shoulder. — Now let's head to the factory unnoticed. You know, I have a feeling they have already captured it. After all, John Urban is not the same person. He has become a weak and involuntary alcoholic. We must be careful. Torsken's spies must be waiting for us ahead. We need to gather a team.
— There is no need for that, Dex, my numerous squad is always with me. U-u-u-u-u! — Volien cried out softly.
— No, don't shout, my friend, — Dex explained to him and walked toward the factory. — We're going unnoticed!
— All right, friend! — his strange companion disappeared into Dex's shadow.
In the house where Elisa lay, a small family lived. They agreed to look after her. The residents of this village always helped Dex and Urban. The girl was put to bed. She now lay in Aunt Meredith's empty room. She called another woman for help. It was clear that she recognized her and stroked her hair. This was her aunt's own sister.
— Elisa, daughter dear, you have returned; how long you haven't visited us. We missed you very much. You have become like a daughter to us.
— Yes, Meredith, — Ursula confirmed her words. — We love her as our own.
— What happened, do you know? — Meredith asked.
— Dex says that the history of the past is repeating. The world of dolls is open again. He says that Torsken has seized power and wants to go to war against us. He also wants to destroy Urban.
— Oh, this is a big trouble. We must inform James and Henry as soon as possible. Let them prepare to repel the attack.