by Ally Condie
He didn’t say a word to Opal.
And if he never saw her again, that was fine too.
12
OPAL
“Incoming figment at twelve o’clock.”
Tyler’s voice crackled through the walkie-talkie. From where Opal stood beside the pond, she could barely make him out on the sloped houseboat roof.
“What is it?” Opal asked.
“It’s a … dinosaur.” Tyler’s voice was an octave higher than usual.
“What?”
Tyler had the binoculars. His job was to spot whatever appeared after someone went into the Darkdeep. It always spit the diver out into the pond, but the well’s creations could materialize anywhere on the island.
Figments.
Nico had said it first, and the name stuck. Opal thought it was the perfect way to describe the things that escaped from their minds. Imaginings that were real, but also weren’t.
They’d all changed into their swimsuits when they reached the houseboat—even Tyler, though it didn’t stop him from grumbling about how crazy they were. But the issue was decided. They were going to test the pool. No matter how reckless it might be, Opal wanted to see what the Darkdeep might pull from her.
“Tyler, don’t joke.” Opal looked at Nico, who was wading out of the water, dripping and sputtering.
“I’m serious.” Tyler snorted. “But it’s not … well, you’ll see.”
“Where is it?”
“Right behind you.”
Opal spun to face the woods.
Out stomped a six-foot orange T-Rex with teeth made of foam rubber and shiny brown eyes. It bumbled onto the grass and began to dance, swinging its arms and grinning.
Nico stopped dead. “Oh, crap.”
“Pippo the Dinosaur?” Opal laughed, and she could hear Tyler cracking up over the walkie-talkie. “Nico, why were you thinking about him?”
“Shut up. It’s not like I tried to.” He turned his back on her. He’d been rude again all afternoon, and Opal had no idea why.
Pippo waddled over to Emma, who’d run to join them and was smiling like a loon in her Timbers swim-team suit. She tried to pat the dinosaur’s back, but her hand passed right through it. Still, Pippo looked more solid than the last creation—a sparkling unicorn Opal had conjured. The figments lasted for only a few minutes before disappearing without a trace.
Pippo looked just like he did on his TV show. He tottered around, waving gleefully, but then spotted Nico.
Nico swallowed. His face was pale.
“Nico?” Emma asked. “Is something wrong?”
Out of nowhere, Pippo produced a giant bottle of Brack & Brack’s No-Tangles Shampoo.
“No way.” Nico looked more resigned than afraid. Pippo advanced, waving the bottle like an orchestra conductor. Nico backed up a step. “Stop it. I’m not five anymore. I’m not afraid of you.”
Pippo cocked his head. He put the bottle down and stretched out his short T-Rex arms.
Nico shot a glance at Opal and Emma. Emma was smiling, but not in a mean way. Opal knew her own grin might be a little mean.
“Go ahead,” Emma urged. “Try to hug him!”
Nico shook his head. A second later Pippo faded in a shimmering orange haze.
“I feel like we witnessed something special,” Tyler wheezed, out of breath. He’d climbed down from the roof and sprinted over to join them, a soggy blue towel draped over his shoulders. “Nico, facing the dino-terror of his past. And nearly messing himself.”
“I used to dream about Pippo.” Nico blinked with distaste. “He’d appear in my bathroom and force-shampoo my hair. It … wasn’t good.”
“The two things you hated most.” Tyler put a consoling hand on Nico’s shoulder. “Pipposaurus Rex and daily personal hygiene. Not much has changed.”
Nico shoved Tyler playfully. “Thanks a lot.”
“Why’d you imagine Pippo if you don’t like him?” Emma asked, stealing Tyler’s towel.
“I didn’t. He must’ve been lurking in my mind somewhere, and the Darkdeep picked him up. I’m not as good at this as you.”
Emma had gone in more than anyone, racing back to the whirlpool as soon as her latest figment disappeared. She’d conjured up a Porg from Star Wars, Moaning Myrtle, and an Angry Bird perched on a seven-foot Pikachu.
“Hey, the mini-dragon you called up earlier was super cool.” Emma frowned down at her phone. “I just wish we could take videos of these things.”
Nico’s dragon had been cool, Opal thought. They’d been going in one at a time to appreciate one another’s creations. Tyler had agreed to make one dive, conjuring his favorite cartoon genius, Suzie Robotonic. After watching the mad scientist draft schematics on her magic whiteboard, he’d declared himself satisfied, and spent the rest of the time on the roof.
“Who’s next?” Emma asked, bouncing on her feet.
“I’m good for now.” Opal was still recovering from seeing her idol, Sailor Jupiter, stalking through the trees. Though amazed by the figments, she found the Darkdeep unsettling—the way it touched her mind and filtered her imagination. Plus, she always came out spitting pond water. She needed more recovery time than Emma did.
Emma grinned. “Nico? Tyler?”
“You go ahead,” Nico said. “We all know you want to.”
“Well, if you insist!” She sprinted for the houseboat.
“I better get back to my post.” Tyler whistled as he strolled toward the stepping-stones. Opal couldn’t tell if he was afraid of the Darkdeep or was just being cautious, though it didn’t dampen his mood. Tyler just didn’t seem to want to go in again.
She did. Opal realized she was happy. Exhilarated. More and more she felt like part of the group, despite Nico’s surliness. Inside the circle. Something new and wonderful was happening, and she was at the center of it.
Or something has awakened, and you’re the cause.
Opal stopped short. Where did that notion come from?
The pond spewed Emma onto the shore, and she crawled out, coughing and shivering. It was getting late and the temperature had dropped.
“We should probably go soon,” Opal said.
Nico didn’t bother to respond.
Emma’s teeth chattered. “That c-c-can be the l-last one.”
“What’d you think about?” Opal asked. Emma was the best at being intentional—her plunges usually resulted in figments she’d deliberately tried to imagine.
“Godzilla,” Emma said simply.
Nico covered his eyes. “Oh, jeez.”
Emma beamed. “Pippo gave me the idea.”
“Great.”
Suddenly, a shadow engulfed the group.
They all looked up. And up, and up, and up.
Godzilla.
Huge and reptilian, he towered above them.
“Emma, no,” Opal breathed.
“It’s fine.” Emma sighed. “Bummer, though. He’s only a fifth of his real size.”
I wonder if he knows Pippo, Opal thought, backing away as the giant reptile took a step closer. He opened his mouth and roared, the sound fierce and full. A beam of blinding light shot from between his jaws.
“Wow,” Emma whispered. “Hi.”
Godzilla bellowed once more. Then, like a candle, he flickered and went out.
“Aw. He didn’t last long,” Emma said sadly. “I’m getting worse at this.”
“Small Godzilla or not, that was by far the biggest figment yet.” Nico stared at where the monster had been. “Maybe that’s why he vanished so quickly.”
Emma smiled, pleased. “Let’s go dry off. I’m gonna make a list of what I want to create tomorrow.” Nico grinned, and they started toward the stones.
Opal was about to follow, but something caught her eye.
“You coming, Opal?” Emma called.
“Be right there! I want to check something.”
As the others moved away, Opal walked across the field. There. She wasn’t imagining it. On the ground where
Godzilla had briefly stood was a slight indentation, the barest pressing of the grass. Opal took a deep breath.
She was looking at an enormous reptilian footprint.
13
NICO
Nico followed Emma and Tyler into the display room.
His temper had been slipping all day, but he didn’t want to ruin their excitement. He’d tell them about Opal and Logan later, when they could put their heads together privately, and figure out a plan to keep her away for good.
Emma skipped down the center aisle. “What should we catalog next?”
Nico forced a smile. “You choose.”
“Hmmm.” Emma tapped a finger to her lips. “So many options.” She pointed near the entrance to the Darkdeep’s spiral staircase. “Maybe that pirate sword over there?”
Nico glanced at the wall, but his attention was snagged by the green thing on its pedestal. He’d never given the jar much thought, but something about it now …
Nico walked over and peered inside. Where at first the blob had been a hazy, billowing mass—like mercury—it now seemed to have more definition. The glossy green ball had stretched somehow, becoming more oblong in shape, like a turtle shell made out of Silly Putty. If Nico squinted, he thought he could see the vague outline of a head.
Then he snorted. Sure, buddy, the sludge ball grew a noggin. Nico turned back to the aisle, but as he did, he felt a prickling sensation between his shoulder blades.
Nico turned around, eyes darting. For a moment, he’d had the unmistakable impression of being watched. Yet there was no one else, not even Opal. The sensation faded quickly. Nico almost laughed, but his heart wasn’t in it. At times the collection really gave him the creeps. Who put all these weird things together? Why? And where was that person now?
“Guys?” Nico called out. “Does this look different to you?”
Tyler looked up from a roll of parchment. “The jar thing? Different how?”
Nico ran a hand through his damp hair. “I don’t know. Just … changed.”
Emma was at his side in a heartbeat. “You know, it does look more solid. Did you shake it or something?”
“I’ve barely looked at it until now,” Nico admitted, chuckling nervously. “But I could swear it was just a swirling glob of goo earlier.”
“You think it’s growing?” Emma whispered, eyes shining as she examined the jar.
Nico held up a hand. “It’s probably nothing. Maybe it warmed up in here. Or got colder. Whatever. Forget I said anything.”
The curtain swished and Opal walked into the room, her face pinched as if she were deep in thought. Nico muttered something under his breath.
“What is it with you?” Emma whispered, elbowing him in the side. “You’ve been like an angry cat around her all day.”
Opal must’ve heard. “I wouldn’t mind knowing either,” she said drily, crossing her arms. “I thought we were past this, Nico.”
Nico’s face clouded. “I thought we could trust you. I was wrong.”
Opal shot him a baffled look. “What are you talking about?”
“This afternoon. Orca Park. Tell these guys who you were huddled up with, whispering secrets.”
“What?” Then recognition dawned in Opal’s eyes. “Oh, Nico, it wasn’t like that.”
“Logan Nantes.” Nico bit off the name. “Whose dad is busy getting mine transferred to Antarctica. But you had a good laugh with your pal from Overlook Lane.”
Opal’s hands rose. “Nico, I swear, you’ve got it wrong. I didn’t even want to be there.”
“Could’ve fooled me. I saw you two cracking up by the swings.”
“No, tha—”
“I bet you told him about the island, didn’t you?” Nico’s voice dripped with accusation. “The houseboat, the Darkdeep, figments, everything. Whatever it took to score points with the cool crowd.”
Opal stared, openmouthed. Emma had stopped moving. Tyler nervously bit his lip. Finally, Opal squeaked, “I would never.”
Nico jabbed a finger at her. “Then how come you didn’t mention your little chat?”
“Because I know how much you hate him!” Opal shot back. “Logan isn’t as bad as you think, but I’d never reveal our secrets. Give me a little credit.”
Nico’s hands flew up. “You’re defending him?!”
Opal winced. “Okay, he’s been awful to you, I admit it. Logan can’t let go of his father’s stupid grudge. But he has another side, too. I wish he’d let more people see it.”
Nico scoffed, but Opal raised a palm as if she were about to swear an oath. “I didn’t tell him anything,” she promised. “It was his mom’s idea we go to the park, and I couldn’t get out of it. I spent the whole time counting down the seconds until I could bail and come here.”
“Then what were you two giggling about, huh? Who’ll buy my house after I’m gone?”
“I was trying to throw him off our scent!” Opal took a deep breath, as if struggling to keep her voice level. “Logan is suspicious about where I’ve been lately. I’m usually around our block a lot, but suddenly I’m never there.” Her face reddened. “So I made up something,” she mumbled at the floorboards.
“Made what up?” Emma asked.
Opal rolled her eyes. “I said I’ve been practicing a dance solo for the festival. ‘A Radish Emerges,’ I called it. Like, you know … me sprouting from a seed into a vegetable.”
Tyler barked a giddy laugh. “Oh man, I’d pay to see that one.”
“That’s what we were laughing about,” Opal said, glaring at Nico. “I even told him that messing with your dad was wrong. He didn’t like that, but I said it anyway.”
She fell silent. Nico was staring at his shoes.
“I didn’t say a single word about this place.” A hint of pleading entered Opal’s voice. “I wouldn’t do that. Not to any of you.”
Nico’s head rose. He met Opal’s eye. “You swear it?”
“I swear.”
Nico held her gaze a moment longer. “Okay. I’m sorry. I worried maybe … I thought …” He released a pent-up breath. “It doesn’t matter what I thought. I was wrong and I’ve been acting like a jerk. My bad.”
Nico heard Emma exhale. Tyler wiped his palms on his jeans with a relieved whistle. Opal was still standing apart from the others, as if unsure the storm had passed.
“Come on,” Nico said, managing a grin. “We’ve got work to do.”
Opal smiled. “Yup. And I just discovered something important.”
Nico arched an eyebrow. Emma and Tyler looked Opal’s way as well.
“I think the figments are getting stronger.”
“Well, yeah.” Tyler seemed underwhelmed. “The last ones weren’t as hazy as the purple bear. I guess the Darkdeep needed a few rounds to warm up.”
“It’s not just that,” Opal said. “Godzilla left a footprint behind!”
Nico shook his head. “But they’re just figments. Ideas lifted from our heads. They aren’t real, Opal. You can wave an arm right through them.”
Opal shrugged. “I checked the grass. It’s bent in the shape of a giant lizard foot.”
“Godzilla’s a dinosaur, not a lizard,” Emma corrected automatically. “At least, he was in the original movie. A theropod.”
Tyler covered his face. “How is that relevant?”
“Just saying.”
“What matters is,” Opal continued, “these figments are more real than just flimsy images. And they might be getting realer.”
Nico’s eyes tightened. “This is bigger than we thought.”
“Better than we thought,” Emma crowed.
“Okay, this seals it.” Tyler tugged on the back of his neck. “We can’t let anyone else find out about the Darkdeep. It might be dangerous.”
“We have to guard it,” Opal said. “Keep the whole island secret.”
“Guardians.” Emma’s eyes rounded. “Oh man, we’re going to need a cool name. What about the Darkdeep Keepers? No, no! The Whirling Well
Watchers! Triple Dubs for short?”
Nico ignored her. “So that’s it, huh? We’re responsible for it now. And everything inside this boat.”
Opal nodded. “Just us four. Assuming we’re done arguing about whether I’m allowed to be here or not?”
Nico chuckled sheepishly. “What would we do without you?”
He stuck out his hand, palm down. Opal blinked, then covered it with her own. Tyler slapped his on next, followed by Emma’s two-handed grip over the top. The four of them stood there, linked, facing off in the center of the silent showroom.
Tyler shuffled his feet. “Should, like, one of us say something?”
Nico grinned. “Sure. Go ahead.”
“I was hoping you would.” He looked at Emma, but she shook her head, giggling.
Nico glanced at Opal. Her eyes were gleaming. Is she crying?
“Opal?” he asked. “You have anything?”
She sniffed once, then smiled brilliantly. “I think we covered it, right?”
They all dropped their hands, bursts of laughter echoing up to the dusty rafters.
14
OPAL
A cute ninth grader strode down the hall toward Opal.
Cute ninth grader Evan Martinez, to be exact. “Opal Walsh?” he said.
“Yup.” Why did I just say “yup”?!? she chided herself, but also, he knew her name! She hitched her backpack higher. “Hi, Evan.”
“Your mom’s waiting in the front office. I’m supposed to come get you.”
“Oh. Great.”
She didn’t know whether to be mad at her mom for dropping by the school, or pleased she got to walk with Evan Martinez. He was wearing his soccer uniform. She hoped everyone saw.
Ooh! Maybe Evan Martinez could show up as a figment one day.
No. Tyler and Nico would crush her for it. Emma might understand.
When they arrived at the office, Evan held the door for her. “Thanks,” Opal said.
“No problem.” He sat down behind the STUDENT AIDE placard. Opal had a sudden desire to apply to be a student aide.
“Opal!” Kathryn Walsh called. “Hello, sweetie.”
“Hey, Mom.” Opal tore her gaze from Evan, who was stapling papers in a very arresting way. “Everything okay?”