Finally the long awaited chapter two is now here! Thank you so much to the readers who reviewed my first chapter. Here are your cookies. I apologize for taking for ever it was horrible of me. But at last here is chapter two! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I only own the obvious original characters.

Chapter Two:

Coraline left the next morning and continued on to the next town. Archimedes sat securely on her shoulder, keeping an ever watchful eye over his young charge.

"Archimedes you know this area well, what is the next town from here?"

'The city of Volterra, I hear it is a beautiful place indeed.'

"Any city with a name like that is bound to be beautiful. How long till we reach it?"

'Hopefully by sundown if we are lucky.'

Coraline grinned "Wind, could you be so kind?"

'of course young miss. we would be happy to assist you.'

The wind grew stronger and Coraline began to rise up from the ground as the wind wrapped around her. Soon, she was flying, Archimedes took flight as well. Remaining by her side the entire time.

It was barely late afternoon when Coraline and Archimedes arrived. The city was alive with people everywhere. Coraline couldn't believe how beautiful the city was. She walked around taking in every single aspect of this city.

Suddenly someone accidental bumped into someone "oh I'm so sorry," she looked up and saw a beautiful woman with red eyes.

"No it was entirely my fault." She said with a brilliant smile. She walked past Coraline and inhaled deeply, the woman stopped walking and her eyes seemed to roll back into her head. Her mouth watered as she turned back to Coraline.

"You are a new comer here aren't you? I could tell instantly when I saw you. Why don't you come for a tour of the palace?" Coraline was about to answer but the red eyed woman grabbed her hand and dragged her along with the rest of the group. "Oh come now it will be fun."

"But I...Archimedes..." The owl sat restless upon her shoulder, his big eyes looked wearily upon the woman.

'Remember Coraline, the elements are always watching you.'

The red eyed woman continued to walk next to Coraline all the while her icy cold hand still held a hold of hers. They entered the palace and made their way down to the throne room.

Coraline gulped as the woman's hold on her tightened. "Archimedes..." she said softly her voice full of fear as the massive doors opened. Only once they were inside did she finally let go.

"Welcome,"

She looked up and saw three men sitting in three throne like chairs. Quietly Coraline backed up and pressed herself against the wall between two torches, holding Archimedes securely in her arms.

All of the people dressed in black rushed at the crowed at inhuman speeds. Coraline watched with wide eyes as they people around here were being slaughtered. Then the red eyed woman who brought her here locked eyes with her. "Come now deary, we won't hurt you." She said in a false caring tone.

Coraline backed away from her, her back still firmly pressed up against the marble walls. "You smell so sweet. You will be my meal." She charged, laughing all the while her red eyes turned black.

CLOSE YOUR EYES!

Mixed voices, deep and demonic shouted in her head, Coraline snapped her eyes shut and felt an immense heat surround her.

The red eyed woman screamed as the flames from the torches by the Coraline came at her. Forming the shape of dragons roaring as they surrounded her; Keep your eyes shut Coraline, keep them shut till we tell you to open them. The voices must have been the one belonging to the flames that had come to her rescue. She slid down the wall till she was sitting on the floor, hugging her beloved owl and her legs to her.

"STOP," Came yet another voice.

The flame dragons ceased their roars and stared at the man who seemed to be the leader. He walked forward towards the flame dragons. Then he eyed the girl who was huddled against the walls.

The dragons hissed at him, daring him to come closer. Slowly Coraline's eyes opened, and she locked eyes with the man through the flames.

"What is your name little one,"

She did not answer, for she was still frightened. "Please, call off your dragons," said another who seemed much older "We promise you we will not harm you." His voice was monotone but gentle.

The dragons looked back at Coraline What shall we do Coraline?

By now Archimedes had got out of her hold and stood on her shoulder once again. Softly Coraline spoke to the flames "If they show any sign of threat, you come back."

As you wish.

The flames receded back to the torches from whence they came. The Elder of the three leaders came forward. He knelt down in front of Coraline and stared at her as though he were looking at a frightened child. "What is your name young one?"

She hesitated for a moment before she spoke. "Coraline"