Prologue

Clara sat across from the doctor, her fingers running through her hair. He looked up at her over the rim of his glasses and let out a long sigh.

"Mrs. Saltzman, I can understand your concerns." He leaned over and rested a hand gently on her shoulder. "I have been working with your daughter for many years now, and I have to say she has come a very long way."

"I don't think you can Dr. Wenge," Clara snapped jerking away from the doctor's touch. "You weren't there for the nights where my daughter woke up screaming. You weren't there for the panic attacks that pulled her out of school. You didn't see how she was at home or in public. She can barely leave the house without hyperventilating. How do you expect me to allow her to go on some crazy trip?"

Clara sat there, breathing heavily after her tirade. Dr. Wenge removed his glasses and rubbed at his eyes. He glanced over towards the door where he knew Amari was listening. He could still hear her begging him to try and reason with her mother. Still, he himself wasn't sure if this was truly right for her. Such a damaged girl, going on such a huge journey, her mother has every right to object.

"Clara," Dr. Wenge began pausing to find the right words. "I myself am a parent and I can understand how hard it is to let your children go."

"Again, you don't understand a damn thing!" Clara spat standing up and glaring down at him. "It is far too dangerous out there for her. She can't go out there. What if something happens? For years all she can stand is that Charizard her father keeps around. She can't go out there."

"Clara, please listen to me," Wenge snapped back. "Amari is a strong, young woman. You have to put a little faith in her. I've discussed the dangers she may face and she has accepted them. Whether you like it or not, she is going." Dr. Wenge stood and pulled Clara up with him. He led her towards the door and looked at her once more. "Trust your daughter, Clara. After all she is her father's daughter."