Chapter 50

Blue fire pulled him from darkness. As he opened his eyes, he could see Dagr on his chest, pushing physical energy through him. The dragon must have pulled at his power while he was unconscious, to help him heal.

He started to get up, but the memory of Dawon’s warning rushed back to him, and he froze. Carefully, he tried to take in the area around him.

“What happened?” Dagr had been scouting the enemy camp, so Nick doubted he saw the attack. However, he hoped his friend could tell him what had happened while he was unconscious.

I’m not too sure. It seems someone attacked you and left brought you to the fourth year’s camp. However, I couldn’t see who. Based on the speed it happened, I would assume it was the missing fourth year. Nick looked around, confirming what Dagr said. He was indeed lying on the ground, the large DRAGOONs towering over the camp. In the distance, he could see the four fourth years, causally talking.

He turned his head, and was able to make out Naomi and Becca, chained together. They both seemed unconscious as well.

“Any sign of Keith?” Nick wasn’t certain if he would be able to rescue Naomi and Becca without a distraction. But if Keith was still out there, Nick could hope he would stick to the plan. The moment the fourth years were caught off guard, he could make a portal, and get everyone to safety.

Not yet, but the moment you were brought to the camp, I came down to heal you. Nick sent a feeling of appreciation through their bond, and turned slightly towards Becca, hiding the fact he was conscious. Dawon sat protectively by her, watching the fourth years.

“Is she alright?” Nick sent his thoughts towards Dawon, and the cat jerked its head towards him, clearly startled.

She is just unconscious. We were attacked suddenly by that female fourth year. Rebecca didn’t have a chance to defend herself. Even with all his physical strength, Nick knew he couldn’t fight off Rasha, so he doubted Becca would have been able to defend herself even if she had been prepared.

“Are you able to access her powers?” Dagr had access to his, so he figured Dawon must as well.

No, they placed something on her, that has cut us off from the other dimensions energy. Nick could see a strange metal collar around Becca and Naomi’s necks, most likely more Int technology. He could only guess that was what was blocking their energy access. He couldn’t help but wonder why the fourth years hadn’t placed one on him as well. However, he pushed the thought away quickly, knowing he needed to focus on saving everyone first.

“Alright, well I’m going to do my best to save them. Hopefully, Keith gives us an opening.” Nick glanced towards the fourth years, but there was still no sign of Keith.

“In the meantime, I need you to try and get some help.”

We are miles away from the school, it will take a long time to run back. Nick could tell Dawon wanted to help Becca, but was also afraid to leave her for too long.

“I can make a portal back to the Academy for you real quick. It will be small, and hopefully won’t be noticed. The moment I do, run through it, and try to find Alana. If anyone can help us, it will be her.” No matter how strong the fourth year physicals were, Nick had a feeling Alana would be able to figure out a way to help. If only Eli was still around too.

Alright, I’m putting Rebecca’s safety in your hands while I’m gone. Nick couldn’t help but smile at that statement, he was glad Becca had someone to look out for her.

Nick pulled in his spiritual power, the ice contrasting with the physical fire through his veins, and the world burst to life with colors. He could see the fourth years lightly glowing blue, meaning they were holding at least a small amount of physical power. He turned towards Dawon, and opened a small portal back to the Academy. The tiger leapt swiftly through it, and Nick could only hope Alana was back at the Academy.

“Now why did you have to do that?” The voice was accompanied by a swift kick, sending Nick tumbling away. He could feel his ribs crack, only to be healed by the fire within. He was holding his full physical power, and yet he didn’t see the source of the kick.

“I was going to take my time with you, but it seems you’ve decided to speed up your own demise.” A form materialized, and Nick couldn’t help but gasp. Standing above him, glowing bright blue and yellow, was Keith.

“What-“

“What’s going on? What am I doing? Why do I have yellow energy?” Keith’s eyes were cold, a smirk across his face. “All good questions Nicky. Would you like me to explain?” The other fourth years appeared around Nick, surrounding him. Their laughter sent chills down Nick’s spine, but it was Keith’s eyes, and the way he spoke, that really scared Nick. He was the fifth fourth year that was missing from the group, meaning he had helped capture Naomi and Becca.