Chi: A Short Story 2

Under Ground #2.6

by Alice Rachel

Story #0.6 - Included in SHIFTING GROUND: A SHORT STORY COLLECTION

The day Chi's twin brother Stephen almost died from the West Nile virus was the day their relationship started to worsen. Unable to understand what could have caused such a change in Stephen's behavior, Chi is forced to fight to try and bring back the brother he used to know. But is their relationship truly damaged beyond repair, or can Chi hope that his brother might still care about him somehow? ​

35 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

UNDER GROUND Series Recommended Reading Order:

1 - UNDER GROUND - BOOK 1
2 - LOSING GROUND: A Stephen Richards Novella
3- STANDING GROUND - BOOK 2
4 - HOLDING GROUND: A Stephen Richards Novella 2
5 - COMMON GROUND: Kayla and Taylor's Story
6 - SHIFTING GROUND: A Short Story Collection
7 - DANGEROUS GROUND: Tina and Chase's Story (Out in October 2018)
8- BREAKING GROUND - BOOK 3 (Out in 2019)

Social Media Links:
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Reviews

[J. Kahele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved , loved this story

Chi is definitely one of my favorite characters in this series. He's spontaneous, brace and has this inner strength that is very admirable. Born an unwanted, he has endured trials and tribulations that no one else could ever endure and he always comes out strong and hopeful.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chi: A Short Story 2 (UNDER GROUND #0.6) by Alice Rachel an amazing four star read. This is the story of Chi Richards teenage years, we found out more about his childhood in part one of the story and this second part follows on as he grows up and we watch as his relationship with his twin brother Stephen fails. After Stephen nearly dies of West Nile their relationship falls apart and we watch as Chi struggles to come to terms with why this is happening. We watch as Chi faces the fact that although he is trying to fix their relationship, they may never get there. This series goes from strength to strength, and gets better with every instalment, each story reveals more details and another part of the journey. Alice Rachel takes you to a different world and even though the story is short, it’s a compelling read that reveals more of the story than you think possible in so few pages

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chi: A Short Story 2 (Under Ground #0.6) by Alice Rachel is part of the Under Ground series. I recommend that you read the previous stories first before this one as you will get a lot of background information on the characters and where they are coming from. This story is a continuation of Chi's story. You will enjoy how this author has created this story in Chi's point of view and his perspective on how things are. This is a short story but it will keep you engaged until the end. You will really get to see Chi in this story.

Chi is a twin born into a world where you are only suppose to have one child. Chi's parents have kept him hidden from the world but that has caused some issues with his twin, Stephen. Stephen almost died from the West Nile virus but that is the point that their relationship took a turn for the worse. All Chi wants is to have a relationship with his brother. He is forced to try and bring his brother back to normal, but will he do it? What will he lose in the process? Will he be able to repair their relationship? Does his brother still care about him? He is a strong character that just wants his brother to love him back. You will find yourself feeling for him as he is not even sure why his brother feels the way he does. He is a fighter and you will enjoy watching him fight for his life.

I have enjoyed each and every installment of this series and I can't wait to see what comes next and which character we will see their point of view next. Alice Rachel brings her characters to life and keeps you wanting to see more of them. I get hooked with every book I read of hers. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. You will find yourself reading this book in one sitting and you won't be able to put it down until the end. It is a fast paced story that will keep you wanting more from this character. I highly recommend this story as I know you will enjoy Chi's version as much as I have.

[Anita Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chi: A Short Story 2 (Under Ground #0.6) by Alice Rachel is part of the Under Ground series.
This story details Chi’s childhood and at first the relationship he has with his twin brother seems to be a normal one even though Chi is an ‘Illegal’ or ‘Unwanted’ and he has to be kept a secret from the authorities. However, as they get older this begins to cause some tension between the twins and thy each feel some jealousy and resentment towards each other.
The time that Stephen became really ill, almost dying; sees their relationship begin to fall apart and the resentment deepens. Stephen never tells why he begins to fall apart and Chi never understands why his brother is broken. All Chi wants is for his twin to love him.
Will the brothers ever find out how much they really mean to each other? Will Chi ever learn the real reason Stephen turns against his parents and closes himself off from Chi?
I love Alice Rachel’s work. She has developed her characters so that they are multi-dimensional and these short stories detailing the points of view of her characters give them greater depth and perspective. To know your characters so well to be able to do this shows an amazingly creative mind as well as skill. Chi’s story is a great addition to the Underground Series.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Chi: A Short Story Book 2
Author: Alice Rachel
FOUR STARS
Chi's short story book 2 is in two parts. The first part is Chi's childhood. The second part is Chi's teenage years. It is a companion book to the Underground Series of books by author Alice Rachel. This is a very short 15 minute read that gives you some of the detail about what Chi experienced growing up and before his parents and brother were taken by officers.
In this book we learn why Chi's brother Stephen ends up hating Chi and the entire family. Also the roll that Willow plays in Chi's life. This book ties together many of the loose ends of the series by going into more detail about the dynamics of the family and the many different reasons that Stephen has for not wanting to be a part of the family. Chi, was a twin and was therefore illegal because of it.
After his family was taken by the officers, Chi ran to his parents friends for protection and they claimed him as their own child. They sent him to school under an assumed name and allowed him the protection of their home.
Alice Rachel has a vivid way of describing this new world that she writes about.
Kelli Harper

[Tracy Antonelli Manderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi: A Short Story 2 (Under Ground #2.6) by Alice Rachel
5 out of 5 stars

This is the sixth book that I have read by Ms. Rachel and she did not disappoint me in this short story. I simple love her work. She has this unique way of telling her story that has you stepping into her world and the characters are well developed. The way she surprise’s you at every turn was really remarkable especially when you thought one thing and it was the total opposite.
Chi's twin brother Stephen almost died from the West Nile virus and after his recovery their relationship started to worsen. Unable to understand what could have caused such a change in Stephen's behavior, Chi is forced to fight to try and bring back the brother he used to know. But is their relationship truly damaged beyond repair, or can Chi hope that his brother might still care about him somehow?
I highly recommend this story/series and you need to read them in-order to get the full effect of the series… I just simply love these characters and story line.. I can’t get enough of this series
By
Tracy Manderson

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Chi (#2) is A Short Story in the Underground series.
This story gives us a look at Chi during his childhood and teenage years. It delves into his damaged relationship with his brother, from Chi’s perspective- and how Chi doesn’t understand what happened between them.
He hopes that they may be able to rediscover a brotherly bond. But Chi has no idea what Stephen has been through and the things that Stephen keeps from him. Their parents play favourites and but Chi seems blind to it all- no one should ever have to endure what Stephen has been put through and Chi is spared this trauma- at Stephen’s expense.
Another really well written instalment added to a captivating series. These novellas are like ‘extension’ packs for the main Underground series. We get a closer look at the characters personalities and motivations.
An interesting read!

Thank you Ms. Rachel!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi: A Short Story 2 is a short story in the Under Ground Series by Alice Rachel. It gives a view into Chi and Stephen's childhood, told from Chi's perspective. This was one of my favorite short stories to accompany this series. We get a vivid visual into their home life, and not only how Chi feels, but also helps explain why Stephen turned out the way he did. There is so much information packed into this book, but I don't want to give any away. I highly recommend this to anyone who read the Under Ground series. If you are going to read only one of the many short stories, this is the best one to read, in my opinion. I give this short story a 5 star. I love Alice Rachel and her ability to write such vivid scenes, and make us readers fall in love with the characters. She keeps me coming back for more.

[Misty Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

****4 Stars****
Chi: A short story 2 by Alice Rachel

Chi: A short story 2 by Alice Rachel is a nice 4 star story that follows Chi from the young age of 7 years old, as he experiences life in the home with Stephen being treated differently and not exactly understanding why. The story also explores the interaction between Chi and Willow in the barn, where Chi finds out from Willow that Stephen is to marry on the same day they are to be married, because of Chi and Willow both being Unwanted. The story also shows more of how Stephen acts as a result of how he is treated by their parents and the problems this causes between Chi and Stephen due to secrets Chi isn't aware of and Stephen’s heartbreak of not being able to be with Willow. This is another good addition to the Under Ground Series.

[Kandis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi : A Short Story 2
By Alice Rachel
**5 Stars**

In Chi’s 2nd story we start when he and Stephen is 7 years old. We have a chance to see the innocence of Chi and exactly how much Stephen needed protection from his parents. I will say this story upset me. Why was Chi so blind to the horror happening right in front of him. I understand when he is a child but as he gets older he is still blind to everything he isn't told about. We also find out more about where the officers took Stephen. How far will the bond of brothers stretch?

[Kristan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi a short story 2 is sixth in Alice Rachel's Under Ground short stories (0.6) that takes place during her Under Ground series. These are embellishment stories that give you more insight on the characters in the series. Chi's brother Stephen almost died from West Nile virus and since that day everything changes. Stephen no longer wants to play with his brother, he treats him differently and Chi doesn't understand why. Though I was hoping for a reconciliation between the two boys over the course of them growing up, it looks as though the relationship is completely broken.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi: A Short Story 2 by Alice Rachel explains more about Chi’s childhood with his brother Stephen, giving readers more insight into their relationship. Chi’s relationship with Willow is also part of this book, as well as the time he lived with another family and tried to fit in, while trying to join the Underground.

Readers will love more insight into Chi’s family and his beginning life, as well as after he lost his parents.

[Jazmine Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi: A Short Story 2 gives us a look at Chi’s childhood. We can see how he was treated by his parents and often found himself caught in the middle of Stephen and his mother’s arguments. It allows us to see the damaged relationship he had with his brother. One that used to be great, but now is very different.

[Rosemarie ♦ wandersbetweenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chi is a character that I have a love-hate feelings with. I love them for being such a sweethear. He’s caring personality is really one of a kind. But there are day in which I hate him (not the hate hate him kind of thing, I hope I’m making sense here). I dislike his attitude towards Stephen. I wish he knew the struggles Stephen went through just to protect him. But Chi can’t seem to see that.

It also sucks that Chi is the most favorite child among the two of them. Chi is always the first priority in the household. Chi has to stay hidden and safe. But Stephen isn’t.

It disturbs me knowing Stephen is being maltreated by his father and Chi didn’t know it. Their mother even blames Stephen for ruining their family.

Chi is so blinding by everything that has been happening in their household.

Why can’t he see through thr lies of their parents? Why can’t Chi listen to Stephen for once? Why can’t he let himself see the truth in Stephen’s words? Why doesn’t he have to see the bad in Stephen and the good in their parents?

Those are questions I’ve been asking myself since reading Chi’s first short story. It has never been answered and I want it to be answered someday.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Because we promised. You and me together forever.”
Another short but jam packed novella from the underground series by Alice Rachel. This one picks up around the time that Chi is in his younger childhood years in part one. There is definitely something not right in Chi’s household. There is a strong undertone of abuse happening between his father and Chi’s twin brother Stephen. “I know Daddy doesn’t love me as much as he loves Stephen.” Then in part two the teenage years are revealed to the reader. We see Stephen lashing out but Chi not fully understanding why. We also get a glimpse of Willow and Chi’s arranged relationship. “Stephen has been in pain for a very long time. I can feel his emotions as if they were my own. His pain flows through my skin as if we shared the same body. And I just hurt from looking at him. But he won’t talk to me. He’s making our lives so difficult. I’ve asked him if there’s anything bad going on at school, or if there was anything I could do to help, but all he ever does is push me away. But he is my brother. And I won’t let go.”

[Ava Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like Chi is a pot of boiling water now. When he's young he's so innocent and kind and never wanting to hurt his family especially his brother, but as he grows he changes. He starts to bubble and get these angry feelings inside him, and that continues till he's at a roaring boil and murdering those who hurt him or those he loves left and right. Anybody else get this comparison?

Chi is the textbook definition of losing innocence I feel. He hardens like molten lava through time, and he starts to feel less and less. He's so angry all the time. Everything is just waiting to explode in him. But at the beginning he's sweet and taking the blame and stealing for his brothers advantage. I wish I could say that I wish he'd stay that kind sweet character but I like who he's become. I like the way he is now. Makes him such an interesting character.

This whole story showcases his change and I really loved it!

[Kirstym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi: A short story 2 by Alice Rachel continues the background story of Chi and Stephen from Chi’s POV and is another five star read. This is another supplemental short story of the Underground series of books. You should read the books before the short stories and these really compliment the books and fill in the gaps in the backstory. This short story looks at the relationship between Chi and Stephen and the point at which it starts to break down. We learn why Stephen hates his family and it ties up the loose ends that are made in the books and gives us a better understanding of the dynamics of the family. these stories are so well written and these short stories are incredible, this one is about 15 minutes to read but can change your opinion on characters in that time.
Alice Rachel is a very clever writer and this series is wonderful, I love the characters and the short stories are fantastic.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s another pretty good short story from Alice Rachel. This time we get a look into Chi and Stephen’s strange and secretive childhood. These twin brothers love each other very much, but because of society’s crazy beliefs, the brothers are often at war with each other. Chi and Stephen’s parents may be part of the Underground Rebels that are challenging the rules of society, but what’s happening behind closed doors is more disturbing than the society’s beliefs.
Alice Rachel alludes to some dirty deeds happening in the Richards family home. Things that should never happen to children. With the help of psychotic parents, society’s rules and age the boys push away from each other and their love soon turns to hate due to a true lack of communication.
Another heart breaking story from Alice Rachel. We can only hope the Richard family finds peace and gets what they deserve as well.
Another recommendation for Alice Rachel. Just make sure you start at the beginning of this series.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chi: A Short Story 2 by Alice Rachel
Four Stars

Chi: A Short Story 2 is part of the Under Ground Series #0.6 by Alice Rachel. This set of short stories are small snapshots, most less than 50 pages, and written in different points of view. Therefore, they should be read in order to get the whole picture of this story.

This is a continuation of Chi’s story. This book starts where Chi is living with family friend and looking for his parents and his twin brother. He is going to school under a false name and training with the Underground. He is learning small snippets of information about his family. Has his brother betrayed him? They were always treated differently by their parents. Learn a little more of Chi’s POV in this installment.

That is the thing about this series each little chunk is a block of time that you get with from each character's point of the same period. They make for very interesting chunks of the big picture.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi 2 by Alice Rachel is a short story that should be read after the 2nd book and Stephen Richard’s Novella 2 and it is part of her Under Ground series. Again, I will anger some of the Under Ground series fans as I will say that I do not understand how Chi could live his life being so clueless! I would have thought that living as an Unwanted and how strong the undertones of abuse were in their household! The way his mother treated his brother, the way his father treated his brother, oh man, could he not get the feeling that something is wrong?! He says himself “Stephen has been in pain for a very long time. I can feel his emotions as if they were my own. His pain flows through my skin as if we shared the same body. And I just hurt from looking at him.”
I love how Alice keeps giving us glimpses into the main characters’ history and she does it in such a compelling way!

[Kat Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're like me and you're all wrapped up in these characters, you'll be so happy to get your hands on Chi's second story. I'm not going to lie-it is difficult reading due to the disturbing topics. But once you're through, you'll have a pretty good idea of why Chi turned out the way he did and why Stephen turned out the way he did. The writing, as usual, is gorgeous and vivid. "She nods and gives me a smile that never reaches her eyes." Love that line and so many others.
And isn't it nice to have these novellas to expand on the characters' personalities and motivations without having to detract from the flow of the main novels?

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chi: A short story 2 by Alice Rachel
4 stars
Having read the first short story about Chi I was looking forward to reading more about him and this book was really good as it went back to Chi’s childhood and his relationship with his twin brother Stephen and their parents. I really felt for Stephen in this book, he clearly went through some pretty tough times with his father. Chi really loved this brother and wanted to do anything he could to help him even if he was jealous of him sometimes. I think the author has a real talent for drawing you into such short stories quickly. I am enjoying getting to know the characters and I am definitely going to be reading more in this series!

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chi: A Short Story 2 (UNDER GROUND #0.6) Alice Rachel – 4 Stars

Reading in the correct order, this is the 10th story to read.

Continuing from Chi’s point of view, this is his understanding or telling of what happened to his twin Stephen growing up. Seeing it from an adult’s point of view (mine), my heart is just shattered.

Alice Rachel is a gifted writer and I’m so glad to have been introduced to her. With only a few words, she’s able to evoke such emotions from what would appear to be a “simple tale”. Don’t judge a book by its blurb is what I’ve learned in this series because there is so so much more behind what is obvious.

[Kaylin Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story gives the reader a better understanding of Chi and Stephen. This is how the two boys were treated differently and this is when all Stephen's hatred began. I really feel for Stephen after reading this story. At one point I really hated him and now I am started to feel a little more compassion for his character. He had a rough childhood and his parents didn't care about him at all. Anyone in his situation would be just as messed up as he is. Somehow, through all his anger, he has always managed to care about Chi though.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Background for Chi and his relationship towards his brother and Willow, how it was from his point of view and my heart broke for Stephen all over again because contrary to Chi I KNOW what is going on between him and their father and it makes me spitting mad and cry at the same time. But I fell for Chi here too, poor boy.

Great book!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated this story to see how Chi felt when he was younger and how he and Stephen lived from his point of view.

[Rhonda Pulk · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟

The information today this short story relays is informative to that overall story about Chi and the underground. However, as a stand alone short story it is choppy. I feel it would have been better served being woven into the novel. The emotions of fear and sadness are prominent in this piece as Chi feels his twin pulling away. Great writing  but would have been better served in the completed novel.

[Nikki LeClair]

I really liked this addition to the Underground series! This short story is centred around Chi and Stephen’s relationship, and why Stephen detests Chi and their family. Through it though, we get glimpses of how much the brothers truly care for each other and we wonder if they will ever tell each other how they really feel. If all the pettiness and hate can be tossed aside. This story was told from their childhood which I think was a great way to tell it, the innocence of youth was far from vague in the thoughts of Chi throughout this short.