76 The Portal

76 The Portal They waited until daybreak. Peanut stood in the Bunker's armoury waiting for Mr and Mrs M, Jonathan Higginbottom and Doodle, who were going to lead her, Rockwell and Little-Bit to the portal. She marvelled at the vast array of pink and blue pencils laid out in rows on the floor, all of which had been drawn by the original two that Mrs M still kept in her hair. Peanut took the sight of them as small consolation for the fact that she no longer had Little Tail to contribute to the cause. Rockwell blustered into the room, his rucksack on his back and a bandage around his head. Are you ready, Peanut?' 'I am. How are you feeling?' 'Oh, I'm fine,' he replied. 'Hopefully the whack on the

head will have knocked a bit of sense into me. It's been quite the adventure, hasn't it?' 'Yes. It has. And you know what? There's no one else I'd rather have shared this experience with,' Peanut said, smiling. 'Now come on. Let's get going. The group left the bunker and headed north for the cover of Sketchwood, and then, once they were hidden by the trees, west. Half an hour later they passed the signposts that Peanut had seen when she first arrived in Chroma. It seemed like a lifetime ago. After another hour of walking, the black, spiky trees of Sketchwood gradually became broader and leafier. 'The Green Valleys,' said Mr M. 'A beautiful, peaceful place. I only hope that it stays that way.'

Through gaps in the foliage, Peanut caught glimpses of rolling hills peppered with majestic oak trees stretching their branches up towards the sky. Here we are,' said Mrs M presently. They were standing in the middle of a particularly densely wooded area, right on the city limits. Next to them was a narrow pathway that led into the thick greenery through a tunnel of trees. 'This is it. The Green Valleys portal.' Mr M pointed at the tunnel. 'Many famous creatives from your world have trodden this path. Hockney, Spencer, Sargent, your dad, to name but a few. You are in good company.' 'So...' said Peanut, 'I guess this is it. For now, at least.' 'It is. But we will be seeing you again,' said Mrs M. 'Of that, there is no doubt. And remember,

if you uncover any information about Mr White's nefarious activities in your world, you let us know straight away. Deal?' 'Deal!' said Peanut and Rockwell together, saluting. 'Goodbye, my friends, said a teary Jonathan Higginbottom as he enveloped all three children with his huge, scaly tail. 'You take care of yourselves.' Tears filled Little-Bit's eyes. 'You too. We love you, Jonathan Higginbottom.' Rockwell emerged from the reptilian hug and looked over at Mrs M. 'Thank you so much for everything. I will never forget my time in Chroma. It's been such an adventure!' 'You take care, young man,' she replied. And be sure to do well in that physics test. 'We'll be back soon,' chirruped Little-Bit. 'You just see if we're not.' 'Well, you will always

be welcome at the Bunker, wherever it may be. You have done the city of Chroma a great service by bringing Malcolm back to us.' After more hugs and tears as they ruffled Doodle's soft, silky fur one last time, the children waved goodbye and started to make their way down the leafy passageway. The branches arching over their heads got lower the further they walked, so much so that they were almost bent double by the time they reached the door. It was small and wooden— only about one metre high. Rockwell gave it a push. To their relief, it opened easily. 'You first,' he said to Peanut, wriggling aside to let her pass. 'See you on the other side...' Peanut got down on her hands and knees, looked back over her shoulder at her sister and her best friend, and crawled through.