When he opened the door he was greeted by a familiar face. "Lance?" He laughed and grasped his old buddy in a hug before shoving him backward again. "What the hell are you doing here man?" He asked. Lance was a strong handsome African American male. He wore a brown leather coat and some nice jeans and was holding two big bags of luggage. "I came to see you. Heard about your mom man, couldn't miss this she is basically my momma too." Arty smiled in appreciation. "Come on in." He said as he waved his hand. "So how bad is it man? Lance asked as he walked in the door. "Pretty bad." Arty began. "Doctors give it about a month more, says her cells are abnormally agressive, something like they've never seen." Lance sighed. "Thats rough bro, listen i want to stay here for a while make sure ya'll are alright." Arty shook his head and sat on the couch.

The two spent the rest of the evening catching up on all they had missed over the years which was mostly just school for the both of them. Arty felt better having his best friend back, hell Lance was basically his brother. His mother had taken Lance in when his parents were on a binder which was more often than not. Come to think of it he wasn't sure they had ever stopped drinking. The two had been through alot together, it was no surprise Lance would be here for this too. As Arty drifted off to sleep he began to dream a strange dream. He could see a beautiful lake, behind it a wonderous green mountain. It seemed familiar to him, this place though he was certain he had never been here. As he looked across the water a womans voice rang out to him. "Pick me up, and cast me out." From the water a hand protruded grasping the hilt of a beautiful glistening silver blade. He awoke the next morning to discover that his slippers had been soaked in water.