Alcore sighed when he saw two peryton land on the landing deck Metra standing by him, the size of a dog. “What, I thought you two would be gone for another day or so?”

He looked at Valour and Menarie and then saw Wilma, “I showed them a few shortcuts. I am Wilma chief of the thunder pixies. I was told a human named Alcore wishes to make a treaty with my people.”

Alcore blinked, “oh that’s me.”

Wilma nodded “very well my time is little, shall we discuss now.”

Alcore could only nod “Uh yes Menarie, Valour take the perytons to rest.”

Wilma looked back to Alcore, “now let’s discuss this treaty. I am willing to fight the king. My people have hungered with revenge, we have been training after watching our brothers and sisters be slaughtered on their own land. Other tribes being extinguished like their nothing.”

Alcore noded “I will guarantee that your efforts shall not be for nothing. What I was thinking is that we remove all of the royal family's grip on the western coastline and gain numbers by freeing the great slum zone.”

Wilma looked at him and hummed “I will only try this after being here for a day so I may see if you’re worth my people's while.”

Alcore noded “Very well come I'll show you to your dorm.”

*****

The king rests his head in his black-gloved hand. He sits in his carriage watching as things pass in a dark blur the sun has set by now and he doesn’t mind if anything he quite likes the feeling of being surrounded by shadows.

He was on his way to a meeting, but he wasn't wondering why a meeting would be called ahead of schedule. Right now, his mind is thinking about the footage from one of his little brother's recent battle’s and he must say he was surprised. His brother, calm and intelligent to lost to a certain little rebel. Just in one shot.

How he would get footage from a fight you may ask. Well, materials from the veil can’t be brought to reality but that doesn’t mean stuff like video cameras and phones can’t be made. The king just orders his personal factory to whip something up for him; they do so as ordered.

The king sits up and hummed “they have gotten better at fighting and with their magic but they use it as a last resort” the carriage stops abruptly to the king's slight discomfort. He sighed and a worker opened the carriage door for him. He stepped out and walked up to the two kelpies attached to the carriage.

They nickered softly in hello, “hello my beauties thank you for the ride” the king turned to the stagecoach “I think you could have done a little better at the turns and been a bit gentler on my kelpies.”

The stagecoach sweats and gulps nervously as he feels himself shake. “Yes sir.”

The king gave a soft smile, “good see to it” the king stops half a foot away “oh and one more thing” a harsh smirk spread on his lips “would you mind feeding the kelpies for me” the stagecoach began to shake and sweat as he turned to look at the kelpies who lick their maws staring at him like he is their next coarse meal and gulps “y-yes sir”

With that, the king entered through a large set of doors opening to a large room with a long table. That was lavishly set, there at the table are already many figures with similar outfits to the kings. Murmuring can be heard as he walked to the table

Two were wherein masks while the rest were masking over their eyes. One is black and white while the other is white and black. These are his siblings and generals.

The king took a seat at the head of the table. He sets his hands on the table “so what is so important that you summon a meeting half a month early?”

The first to talk was one of his little brothers he was the one Lexy recently fought with, “yes you see the rebellion has a Vail Walker. This would not be such a problem if the fact that they're clearly more than just a soldier. Plus there’s the fact that there-“

The king puts up his hand “I already know, I have already encountered them twice out in the field. The first time they didn’t really fight against me but the second time.” He pulled at some of his red to black hair to reveal what he had left of an ear.

Quiet fills the room. The king rests his head on one of his hands “yes they will be quite the wrench into our plans but if you listen to me. Because I already have a plan on how to deal with them. If my plan works, the rebellion will be no more than a distant memory.”

One of his generals raised a brow “I am a little concerned how does this plan work?”

The king chuckles darkly “oh I was hoping someone would ask. You see I have selected a group of you to fight them not all at once. The ones who have been chosen are the ones who were all given cards before I came in here. However, for those who already do not engage them in battle again otherwise, the plan will be ruined. I don’t care about the order except for you two.”

The king points to the two wherein black and white outfits. “right after everyone else and I want you both to attack at the same time or a little bit after the other. If you choose after the other, I want you”

He points to the one who is wearing the blacker outfit “to be last” he ran a hand through his red and black hair “as for everyone else I don’t care who fights them next. But I do want to be aware of who it is, as for you general's I want you to pull half of the troupes from the slum zones and move them aft go to fort Telveno I will be there with further instructions”

His selections begin to mutter among themselves. The king waits patiently for an answer.

His generals were quiet and one of his female generals stood up. This one has her dark green hair that turns black at the tipped hair into a bun. “I will be next but how do I get them into a fight?” the king chuckles darkly “oh don’t worry I have eyes everywhere an opportunity will reveal itself”

*****

Lexy sat up out of bed and sighs as she was dressed in her pajamas. She tiptoed her way through the room to not wake Varikin. Before she left her room, she made sure to grab her bag of equipment and mech.

She stepped out of her bedroom. She went to the bathroom and took her medication. The hallways are poorly lit, but she must check something. The blond walks downstairs to go to the entertainment room.

Lexy opened the door to see Axle asleep on the couch who clearly fell asleep playing video games as she looked at the screen. His game finished at one o'clock and it was three o'clock in the morning.

She headed over to the table that had three tablets on it. Lexy opened one and turned it on. No password. It just opened to a popular search engine.

She brought up a weather radar for thunderstorms. She took out the jar with the butterfly inside it and whispered, “where is the capital city of Anawrath?” with that she lets the butterfly out of the bottle. The creature lands on the computer screen blue energy come off it and the light forms into two words Oklahoma City.

She smiled and the butterfly returned to the jar. Lexy sealed the bottle and put it back into her bag.

She then typed in Oklahoma City weather and the map moved in on Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City was currently covered in a set of thunderstorms which was what exactly Lexy needs. She remembered Alcore once saying whether worms are so big that the veil covers them up with clouds and thunderstorms because it just can’t handle them all that well.

The next step in her plan was to figure out how big the storm is. If the storm was big enough it meant a lot of weather worms and that was what Lexy was after. She zoomed out and to her luck yes a lot of weather worms. Lexy closes the laptop and heads back upstairs to her bedroom for a change of clothes.

She tiptoed into her room and changed her clothes to her flight uniform. Lexy grabbed the large jar with the enchanted butterfly inside.

Lexy quickly grabbed her shoes and now ready to go, headed out of the mansion. Steps out to the driveway and pulls the black cord on her mech. Her large black and purple feathered wings spread out. The blond closed her eyes and thought of reality.

She opened them and No wind greeted her, just warm dull air at the edge of the convex area. Lexy pulls out the enchanted butterfly, its soft blue glow reflecting on her face “take me to the capital, please” the butterfly fly took to the sky its delicate wings give the sound of a soft flutter. She soon followed it into the air.

It didn’t take long to get to the capital for only fifteen minutes. Lexy stopped midair and caught the butterfly, “this is fair enough, thank you” the butterfly returned to its jar after a short pause. Lexy looked at the capital and it was far more impressive than what she expected.

The houses were like ancient Japanese palaces that are all built around tall stone pillars the size of a skyscraper. Bridges linking the houses and acting as walkways that even could hold a horse. The whole city was lined with a large wall.

But as to her calculations, there was a large system of weather worms flying over and with them a storm.

She saw flying ships going from place to place. She also noted the wall with patrols all over the place. Some on the wall, some outside the wall.

Lexy sighed, “alright already this far no turning back” She entered the storm that has encased around the weather worms, the sound of thunder filled her ears flashed of lightning cause her to flinch. Lexy flew lower but just enough to be covered by the storm.

As she enters the eye of the storm, she sees the giant castle that sits on a foundation of stone and sits above the clouds.

She looked down at the base of the stone foundation and saw a large set of sewer systems that lead into the castle. She smirked knowing this will be her way in and brought back out the enchanted butterfly “take me home please” the butterfly led the way and it’s another fifteen minutes back to the mansion.

Lexy landed in the driveway and put away her wings and the enchanted butterfly. She entered the mansion and entered the entertainment center. The blond tiptoes through the room to not wake up Axle and puts away the phone.

She then sneaked out of the room and headed upstairs to her bedroom. Lexy softly opened the door and entered her bedroom. Lexy tiptoed to her bed and put away her mech. Her robes of requirement changed into a fluffy set of pajamas that were yellow in theme. Lexy lays down and heads back to sleep.

****

Lexy woke up groggy to the sound of Varikin barking “ugh no doggy” Varikin only got louder in his barks. She sighed “fine I’m up” She sits up and her robes of requirement change to a set of blue jeans and a red hoodie. Lexy put on her sneakers and exited her bedroom with Varikin by her side.

The blond-headed down the halls not really wanting breakfast. When she bumped into Carin “oh, sorry Carin”

Carin adjusts her glasses “oh no you're fine”

Lexy then had an idea strike, “hey, Carin I am actually glad I bumped into you. I know that this is a bit out there but what if you took spider silk and made a giant net from it.”

Carin hummed in thought and pulled the clipboard out from her arm. She then pulled a pencil out of her ear and began jotting down ideas for this. Carin then pulled the sheet of paper off the clipboard and handed it to Lexy.

Carin began walking away, “that should give a good start in what you would need to do but keep in mind that getting spider silk is a tedious process” Lexy nods and folds the paper then pockets it. The blond decides to head to the dining room for breakfast.

Lexy then decided to head to the dining room for breakfast. She entered the dining room with Varikin by her side. She noted that everyone was here. Lexy decided to sit by Axle. Axle grumbled, “uh my arm is sore maybe I slept on it funny.”

Lexy nodded, “ya maybe it’s from sleeping on the couch too much. Maybe try one of the guest beds they aren’t that bad”

Axle blinked, “you kind of have a point there, kiddo”

Lexy gave a kind smile, “yup happy to help you Ae because I love you guys. You’re like a bunch of older siblings I never had honestly”

There was an immediate silence as to whether she did something wrong. No, she didn’t, Axle after just being silent for a moment he leans over and hugs her. “love you too kiddo, like a big brother kind of way” he released her from a hug.

This brought a lot of easier thoughts to Lexy for a short moment she thought he hated her or something. She continued to smile but it slightly wavered.

Lexy watched when one of the maids set a plate of steak and eggs with a glass of apple cider. She also noticed they set down a strange-looking purple-like fruit in front of her. The blond perplexed by this fruit pokes it a bit.

Axle chuckled and grabbed the fruit, “it’s called a queen fruit” Lexy watched when Axle took a sharp knife to the fruit and cut it in half revealing white like orange slices inside of it. “You eat the white part” Axle set down the queen fruit in front of Lexy.

She grabbed a piece of the white part of the fruit and put it in her mouth to try, which she quite enjoyed. She ended up eating all of what she could eat of the fruit. Lexy then eats her steak and eggs.

Now finished with breakfast Lexy stood up and pushed her chair in, “whelp off to the forest I go, I might be back by dinner” She then headed upstairs to her room and grabbed her mech. She then hooked it up to her backpack. The blond then heads downstairs to join up with Varikin. He eyes her mech with a skeptical look in his eyes.

The two left the mansion and entered the forest. Once they were far enough Varikin begins with “so you are going to talk to Alcore right about the mission to infiltrate the capital”

Lexy gave a smile, “yup but I think he is going to say pretty much say what you did.”

Varikin shrugged “probably” the duo continues walking through the forest until they reach the clearing.

Lexy put a hand on Varikin's head and with a quick thought, the blond teleported them to reality. The odorless air greeting her and Varikin. Lexy led the way to the base, “I don’t know if he will be at the base Varikin, what if he is helping out with the village defense, I noticed those walls being built.”

Varikin noded “ya I see what you’re saying but we should at least ask you never know”

Lexy sighed and shook her head, “ya but he kind of comes off to me at times as overprotective. But other times he is a bit scary and other than that I can see why you would have him be the leader of the rebellion. Even though he is a little young in my opinion”

She felt a sudden change of atmosphere from Varikin, his ears drooped and he lowered his head “it’s not his fault if he becomes overprotective with you. I think you should know. He lost everything because of the royal family. And you are a constant reminder to him”

Lexy tilted her head “how?”

Varikin sighed, “you look just like his little sister Lily. I just thought you should know.” Lexy nods understanding now, Alcore a bit better. “I think he told me about that a few times.”

Silence then fell between the duo and they reached the base.

The two entered the base, other members busy with their work. Lexy noted Magi and Jackson putting water into cauldrons in the kitchen talking to each other.

Lexy and Varikin walk up to the two “hi Lexy”

Magi spoke happily while Jackson waived, “hi how was your escort mission?”

Lexy gave a nervous chuckle, “ya that was fun” she says in a highly sarcastic voice. Lexy scratches her arm “just almost got eaten by a pack of kelpies then attacked by one of the princes that had crazy electric storm magic. Trust me he was tough.”

The two glanced at the other, “you survived another encounter with royalty, bloody you seem to be a beacon of trouble.” Jackson said with a hint of suspicion and sarcasm in his voice.

Magi stayed quiet, worry filling his expression. He knew he needed to head back to his side. He didn't belong here, he was crueler than anyone here. He kills without a second thought but these rebels kill to survive and try to leave the world better than they left it.

Lexy smiled kindly, “Tell me, anyhow Jackson, do you Know where Leo is?”

Slight annoyance flashed over Jackson’s face, “oh him yeah he and Meko are in the lab working on some bugs with the mechs or something like that”

Lexy nodded, “thanks Jackson” Jackson noded and returned to putting water in the cauldrons.

Lexy and Varikin entered the lab and saw the usual messy mash of parchment glowing tubes and writing on the walls. Maybe the last one is new? The blond walked quietly behind Leo and looked over his shoulder.

While Varikin headed over to talk to Miko.

To see Leo was working on what she has no clue of what it is “Hey Leo- “

Leo jumped extremely startled by her “ahh! Oh? Hi. What do you need?”

Lexy smile “sorry Leo didn’t mean to scare you”

Leo sighed, “it is ok but what do you need?”

Lexy pulled out the paper of notes that Carin had made. “yea just curious what if we had nets against dragon blooded that the renegades could deploy in an aerial fight. I was thinking the material could be spider silk. When it's so thin it can stop a bee, what could it stop when it is as thick as a pencell? Also, one last question: do you know where Alcore is?”

Leo hummed for a bit, “yea I think he is down in the dungeons supervising a few interrogations on some Anawrath soldiers. While showing Wilma around.”

Lexy tilted her head to the side a bit, “we have dungeons, and whose Wilma?”

Leo nodded “ya you head down the hall that leads to the combat room and there will be another hallway at the end to the right and that leads to the dungeons.”

Lexy nodded “thanks Leo!” and rushed out of the lab Varikin rejoined by her side. “so, he said no?”

Lexy shrugged “not sure, anyhow on to the next one”

Varikin sighed “oh boy here we go”

Lexy took a turn and entered the hall that led to the combat room. The duo made it down the hall to the end and the right was another hallway.

The duo entered this hallway to be greeted by two large doors. The doors opened to reveal a large hallway. With prison cells on both sides. Inside these cells were Anawrath soldiers and other creatures of the sort.

That’s when she hears a soft low voice “what? You young one over here.” She turned her head to see a wispy black figure that held a human-like silhouette that was almost angelic. Its eyes were haunting blue and orange.

It gazed back at her, confused when she looked at the creature. it boomed with a laugh that echoed through the halls. That brought Alcore running down the hall shortly behind him was Wilma along with a few other weapons drawn.

Alcore looked at the laughing creature, eyes wide “you- you spoke.”

The creature stopped laughing, “Oh forgive me I just never in a millennium thought I would see one of their kind again, Alcore.” it says with a smirk.

Alcore glared “their kind, who are you talking about?”

The creature chuckled, “Oh let me guess you don’t know, do you little CELESTIAL.” It finishes with venom and amusement in its words.

Alcore looked around to see Lexy “oh you know what she is?”

The creature yet again chuckled but this time with far more amusement in theirs voice. “oh, do I know? Why yes, I do, however, I had to get a better look to realize. They usually look a bit different.”

Lexy stepped up, “then what am I?”

The creature smirked, “oh no I’m not going to say that easily I'll tell you and the celestial this. One of you will fail and soon fallow die, while another is not what they think they are and must face their brethren”

Alcore frowned, “alright I think that’s enough let’s go.”

Wilma looked at the creature, “you know don’t you.” They only nod in response and Wilma caught back up with the group.

Lexy sighed, “sorry Alcore I was looking for you and Leo said you would be in there.”

Alcore scratched his head, “it’s ok and why are you looking for me?”

Lexy straightened up a bit to gather all the courage in her guts. So, she can push down the nervous feeling spreading thru her, “yes I came looking for you to ask if I and Varikin could”

She paused a bit and then with a huff of air, “infiltrate the capital so I can then sneak into the Castle all to find a book that will let us find a weakness of the king”

Alcore blinked and for a very short stressful moment, he stayed quiet. Then his expression changes stern, “no, absolutely not that would be a suicidal mission I forbid any of my soldiers to go in there. I know you want to help, and I have a few missions coming up that I think you’ll be a great help on so be a little more patient and it will be rewarded, ok?”

Lexy nodded and smiled, “yup I will wait and be patient thanks for the talk Alcore, I’ll just go and do exactly what you told me not to” Alcore a little weirded out by the tone she used just decided to leave it be. Nor did he quite catch the last part of Lexy’s words yet.

Lexy and Varikin rushed off like it’s the end of the world with a quick “goodbye!”

Alcore was left standing there repeating all that Lexy said in his head to understand why she just ran off and then it hit him like a freight train. “CRUD! LEXY! COME BACK HERE!” Alcore ran with all his might to the exit only to find she wasn't there.

So, he rushed to the launch pad where Fendres was calmly overseeing some aerial drills while sipping on some dumpling soup in a mug. Alcore runs up to Fendres with a panicked look in his eyes ``Fendres please to the heavens and Tethys has Lexy been here?”

Fendres shook her head softly, “Nah what’s got you in a not?” Alcore not calming down “LEXY! Is what she’s heading to the capital!”

Fendres spit out what soup was in her mouth and now shared the panicked look that Alcore has “she WHAT? Well, I’ll be sure she really is growing so fast. Alcore you know we all have defied orders. But I will say this is a bit extreme”

Alcore sighed “otherwise not here but there is one last thing I want to check”

Alcore ran off to the lab and with a loud bam, he opened the door to the lab. Which scares Leo half to death letting out a high-pitched screech “heavens you know there is such a thing as knocking on the door right?”

Alcore walked up to Leo “sorry but slim on time did Lexy pass through here?”

Leo nodded, “yes” startled by how urgent.

Alcore sighed and ran a hand through his hair, “did you catch where she went?”

Leo leaned back into his chair “uh no was I supposed to?”

Alcore merely cursed under his breath “no but, uh this is so frustrating!”

Meko peaked out of his side of the lab to see what all the commotion was about. Leo put a hand on Alcore's shoulder “calm down she probably hasn’t gotten that far away yet we still have time to catch up to them”

Alcore sighed and took a breath, “you are right I’ll get Jackson and a few others to come with” Alcore ran off to get Jackson, and as he said a few others.

****

Lexy quickly rushed through the canyon walkways around the Rebellions doorway. Out of breath she stopped and looked behind herself to see Miko and Magi both equipped with mechs. Magi huffed, “do you really think we would let you do something so stupid alone? And before you question, we better get moving and yes Varikin already filled us in.”

Lexy left speechless only nodded when she heard soft chuckling from Varikin who turned into his ferret form and got into her bag. She sighed and took out the butterfly Alcore gave her.

She opened the bottle and whispered, “take me to the capital.” The butterfly took into the air and Lexy pulled her black ringed cord. Her black and purple wings spread and pulled her into the sky.

Meko pulled his black ringed cord and motioned for Magi to just pull his normal one. Meko’s wings were white with ocean blue tips. Meko attached a cord from his mech to Magi, having typed up “trust me.” And with that, they take off into the air following after Lexy.

The three now in the sky follow the butterfly when it leads them over the layer of clouds and comes after five minutes of silence. Lexy looked at the system of weather worms going over the capital in the soft distance they swirl in and out of their own storm that these creatures have created. The group was ever-growing closer.

Lexy sighed, “alright so I plan to infiltrate the capital, Sneak into the castle bye heading through the sewer systems. Once we infiltrate the castle, we find the library. We get the book I’m after and then we go as quickly as we got there.”

Magi frowned, “Wait a book? All this for a book? What’s so special about this book?”

Lexy huffed, “I’m looking for a book that can tell us what kind of magic the king has and what its weakness is.”

Magi nodded, “yea that makes sense. But uh how are we getting in there in the first place?”

Lexy smirked, “enjoy the calm before the storm.” She said pointing to the storm system circling over the capital.

Magi frowned, “wait what. We're going in the storm?”

Lexy nodded, “yup, that’s how we get in. Low visibility and sneaking through the pipes that go through the sewer lines and lead up to the streets.”

The other two nod when five minutes pass and the three stop at the edge of the storm. Lexy put the butterfly back in its jar and put the jar in her bag, “All alright you ready?”

Miko noded and Magi looked to Lexy, “ready as I’ll ever be.”

Lexy smiled, “alright let’s go!” with that, the group plunged into the storm. The sound of thunder clouding their hearing and lightning consuming their vision intermittently.

The group despite this managed to dive at the edge of the castle and land at the edge of the sewer systems at the castle's base.

She looked up at the looming castle rain falling on her face and lightning struck the sky as she did so. She folded up her wings back into her mech. Varikin hopped out of Lexy’s backpack and transformed into his wolf form then landed in front of her, “do you have a light?”

Magi smirked, “good thing I brought these then.” He said pulling out three medium-sized lanterns. He handed one to Meko and one to Lexy. “Here is a knob on them that will turn them on and the further you turn it the brighter the light but do be aware it does fuel off your magic.”

The three turned on their lanterns. Leys glowed purple while Cody’s glowed red and Miko’s glowed blue.

Varikin nodded, “good, follow me” Varikin led the way, a strange silence between them when they walked through the stone sidewalk of the sewer systems, the smell was bad but not intolerable. Until Lexy broke the silence, “so were you born at the Capital base?” Varikin frowned and he only nodded and continued to lead the group.

Magi has honestly never been down in these tunnels before. Heck, he didn’t even know they existed before today. He looks around at the tunnels. Nothing important.

It was then Varikin led them to a left down a single way there at the end was what seemingly used to be a wall blocking an entrance of a straight-up tunnel that had a staircase in it.

The group followed the white wolf. Varikin didn't stop but merely continued to lead the way. The stairs lead up to a large cavern that had smashed tables, plates, rocks accompanied by scorch marks and slash marks.

Lexy gives an impressive whistle “did a storm come through here?”

Varikin and Miko both have strong expressions of sadness “no this is what is left of the capital base” Lexy and Magi glanced at each other now understanding the sadness in their teammate’s eyes.

Varikin shook his head, “common let’s keep going” Lexy nodded. She was a bit curious about how this place got destroyed but that should be the last question to ask right now.

Magi looked around at the scratch marks that were burned into the tanned stone walls. Varikin leads the group to a large hallway that had a lot of openings in the side of the hallway and a set of exit at the end of the hall.

One of these exits looked large enough to fit a car in but for now, she will leave it be she has spotted something else that catches her eye.

Lexy stopped at the opening on the left side of the hall. The doorway-sized hull opens to a large laboratory. It had giant test tubes with glowing liquid inside along with shattered glass and broken tables.

Lexy then noted that there was a book underneath a broken table. It’s large and thick with thin pages. She picked it up and skims through it to realize this was a book of research records that Leo made.When she eyed the illustrations of inventions and notes on them. She put it in her backpack and turned around to see Varikin, “sorry got distracted”

Varikin looked around a bit when Magi and Miko entered the room “no it’s ok I was wondering if there was anything left here. I remember the last thing Leo was working on was invisible blankets and other stuff like that” Miko nodded in agreement.

Magi eyed the tall test tubes, “That’s not creepy at all.” He said with sarcasm.

Lexy perked at this and excitement filled her at the thought of finding a cloak that grants invisibility. Lexy began to look around the lab for this said Invisible cloak tech. Until she tripped on a box. Lexy regained her balance, turned around, and picked up the box.

The box is about big enough to put a set of shoes in. It’s black in color and looks like it has seen better days.

Magi peaked over, “what is that?”

Lexy looked at him “I don’t know. I tripped on it.” She opened it and inside was a quilted blanket. She turned to Varikin and raised the cloth for him to see only to be able to see him through the cloth, “do you think this is it? Because I can see you through this thing”

Varikin shrugged, “probably from what I can remember it looks like it. If I remember correctly, he was still working on a few bugs with it”

Lexy nodded, “alright I want to check the other rooms too”

Varikin tilted his head and followed her out of the abandoned lab. “Wait, why? Are you going to get something for everyone that they forgot or lost?”

Lexy gave a smile, “yup” Cody nodded, “I think I’m going to look in this lab place a bit longer.”

Miko nodded and typed up on his device, “I'll stay here two see if I can find some of my old work.”

Lexy smiled, “sure thing I'll come and get you two once I finish up.”

With that Lexy and Varikin entered the room across and found it was filled with the pink color of all sorts of girly things, along with a bunch of horseshoes.

She turned to Varikin, “is this Kanki's room?”

Varikin shook his head, “no this is Fendres’s actually” she makes an o with her lips a bit shocked. Lexy looks around the room.

The walls were pink but beyond that, it’s badly trashed, the dresser was smashed, the bed was halfway burnt and broken alongside the litter of broken items on the floor. However, one item that was not nearly as broken or smashed laid gently on the smashed dresser. This item was from what Lexy can tell a cowboy hat.

She stepped over broken items and gently picked up the hat for closer inspection. The hat had feathered wings on the sides. Despite the dust, the hat is in good condition. Lexy opened one of her portals and put the hat in it. “It will come out whenever I open the next time I open a portal. I hope” With that, she closed the portal and exited the room. With Varikin shortly after.

The next room didn’t have much color to it. Yes, it’s trashed, the bed was broken and turned upside down. “who's room is this.”

Varikin looked around, “this is Alcore’s”

Lexy looked at the room, “you see anything he would like to have back?” Varikin looked around the room and something caught his eye.

Varikin pointed his paw out to the broken door of the closet that is somewhat blocked by the broken upside-down bead. “There I think it’s his father’s sword; he lost it during the fall.”

She carefully pulled out the sword of the ruble and splintered wood. Lexy’s expression changed to one of wonder as she gazed at this sword.

The blade had this natural glow to it. Lexy turned to Varikin, “why does it glow?”

Varikin turned toward the exit of the room and glanced back “it is an enchanted blade they commonly glow like that.” Lexy nodded and opened a portal. Fendres’s hat fell out of the portal. She picks it up and puts it back in along with Alcore’s father’s sword.

The two head to the next room and Varikin stopped Lexy from going in, “Varikin what is up with you?” Varikin keep his head low, “there’s no point in going in, their dead”

Lexy's expression softened, “oh ok let’s go to the next one then” Varikin noded.

The next room had a few scattered dolls made from leaves as far as Lexy can tell. She picked up one that is shaped like a fairy. She looked over to Varikin, “is this Kanki’s?” Varikin noded.

Lexy opened a portal. The sword and hat fall out of the portal. Lexy picked the items up and put them back in the portal along with the doll.

The two left the room and entered the next. This room was mostly trashed and broken. The blond began to carefully look through the rubble and trash while Varikin kept watching. “I think that is Kuma’s room and are we really finding something for everyone that they forgot?”

Lexy saw something shine under some broken and cracked wood. “No, not everyone, just Leo, Kuma, Kanki, Jackson, Fendres, Jennie, and Alcore. So the last ones are Jennie and Jackson. Do you know where his room is?”

Varikin nodded, “yea it’s at the end of the hall” Varikin led the way down the hall to the room, and just like the others it looked like a tornado went through it.

Lexy entered the room and after her first step in she heard cracked glass clattering. She lifted her foot to see that she stepped on a photo with a broken frame.

The photo was of Jackson and Varolus. Lexy’s eyes widen “Jackson's brother is a specialist” Varikin walked up to the photo, “I think that we should have a chat with him when I get back”

She opened two portals one above the other. Creating an endless fall for the items. Lexy picked up the picture and added it to the loop of falling items. Lexy closed the top portal and then the bottom. “ok let’s go to Jennie’s room and get that book or books” Varikin then lead the way to Jennie’s room.

Just like the others, it looked like a total mess. Lexy and Varikin discover a barbaric spear with animal claws and teeth tether to it; its other end has gold-colored fur with a feather attached to the fur. Both sides have a curved blade.

Lexy picked it up and opened her endless loop of falling items. “this is in pretty good condition actually” Lexy put the spear into the loop of falling items and then closed it.

Varikin comes up to Lexy “so that’s it we sneak into the upper levels and then into the castle archives?”

Lexy nodded her expression going moniton “yes then we can figure out a weakness of the king's magic and Alcore can do what he wants with it.”

Varikin nodded, “right I'll lead the way and stay close you can get lost in these tunnels really quick.” Lexy nods understanding. The two head back to the lab Cody looked up “time to go?”

She nodded and Cody motioned to Meko it's time to go and the four regroup. Varikin began to lead the way through by leaving the base and going into a tunnel large enough to fit a car in. Lexy then noted the many stairways that lead up. She also noted that there was a sign above each stairway but they were written in writing Lexy did not understand. Varikin takes a stairway to his left, Lexy tailing behind.

It was as they climbed up the stairs, they heard loud noises and when they got closer. Varikin stops once he reaches the top of the stairs.

Cody hummed, “what is that?” Varikin peered out of the stairway to see what was making the noise. Varikin saw a large cavern with dwarfs making weapons each having a furnace system around them. The loud noise was the sound of the dwarfs striking the iron. But it’s not the dwarfs that worry him, it's the guards that are watching them work.

Now that Varikin takes a better look at the dwarfs. They aren’t singing their glorious songs of creating almost angelic masterpieces for swords. Instead, their faces are sad and miserable. They have chains on their legs that bind them to the floor.

Varikin turned back to the other three “if we stay quiet and crawl on the floor, we should make it without being spotted by any of the guards. I also don’t recommend the use of magic unless necessary. I've always wondered where the counsel had their weapons made sense, they banned the teaching of blacksmiths. They enslaved the dwarfs. Magi, do you have a potion that can break through those chains?”

Magi smirked, “lucky for us I’m a fire mage. So yes.”

Varikin looked at Lexy, “Lexy, do you think you can move Cody to the chains without getting spotted.”

Lexy nodded and glared at the guards. Varikin tilts his head “Hey, Lexy, you ok?”

Lexy didn’t glance at him, she just stared at the guards. The thin glass, for once Varikin felt it crack, “slavery should never be legal in any way shape or form. I don’t care what the reasoning behind it.”

Varikin could feel the magic pressure building around her and he knows that when someone was excited or emotional, the amount of magic they put out can increase or decrease.

Lexy's expression didn’t waver when she turned to look at varikin, “quick question for you, the invisible cloak we grabbed?”

Varikin maid a small shake of his head, “no idea if that thing even works, I say it’s not worth risking”

Magi looked to Lexy, “hey calm down I understand the anger trust me I do. But try and tone it down a bit.”

Lexy nodded and took a deep breath the magic aura around her settled back down and they begin their new task

Lexy and Magi quickly find that military-style crawling will turn you into a dirt and lint roller. The sound of the dwarf’s hammers against the hot metal they are working with is equivalent to the sound of thunder. Their ears were ringing from the sound.

With all the noise it made it a lot more difficult to hear the guards approaching. But that was okay. They had Varikin with Meko who both have better hearing. Varikin watched the guards change place leaving a window for Magi and Lexy to go in and break the chains on one of the dwarfs.

Varikin gave the signal and Lexy and Magi sped forward to a group of four dwarfs. The dwarfs note the two and look at her with shock. Lexy makes a quiet motion with her hand.

They nod and watch with aw as Magi murmurs a few things and his hands turn a bright hot red as he breaks the chains enough to where at just a glance it looks fine. Lexy then quickly whispered to the group “when I give you a signal you free your friends and others to get out of here.” They nodded and she and Magi hopped into a portal right before a guard turned around.

The group repeated these four more times around the room. This led to a group of twenty dwarfs ready to go and free the other dwarfs. Lexy sighed, her hands softly burned and the scars on her wrists were glowing.

She felt sweat drip down her face from the heat in the cave. Lexy leaned against the stonewall, the group hiding in a corner of the cavern. “Ok, let's check to see what is in the next room before we give the dwarfs the signal. If the next room has more guards, we take care of them and then give the signal.

After we free the dwarfs we head to the library and come back and get them out of here by taking the sewer systems under the city or after taking care of the guards and getting the books we could put the dwarfs in my pocket space of magic.”

Varikin shakes his head “not that last one it might not work.”

Magi and Meko nodded in agreement.

Lexy hummed, “I know what if we first go get the book come back here and then free the dwarfs by leading them out the city thru the sewers” Varikin nodded “All alright I’ll lead”.

The group quickly began sneaking through the cavern. Making a sharp stop at the first furnace Varikin peaked past the corner to see if any guards were coming towards him and the others.

Not this time Varikin quickly crawled forward to get to the next furnace Lexy shortly behind. Varikin checked the next corner, a guard heading their way. Varikin quickly turns around to face the others and shoves them both out of the guard’s sight.

The guard looked down the aisle, shrugged, and went back to his post. Varikin peaks back to make sure that the guard does not see him or the rest of the group. The coast is clear enough to make a mad dash for the next room.

Varikin turned to the group, “All alright let’s dash for the next room” Lexy nods and gives a thumbs up “all alright” While Cody and Miko nod.

Varikin noded turned around and waited for the perfect moment when a guard turned around leaving a perfect path to the next room. Varikin bolts for the next room and the rest of the group shortly after.

The group barely made it to the next room which had a bunch of mine carts that were filled with brand new weapons. Some yet to depart onto the railing. To their left was a set of stairs with a sign above it that is in a language Lexy doesn’t understand

The group looked around the room and saw no soldiers. Lexy quickly noted the stairs and pointed to them “hey Varikin those stairs go up I think that’s where we should head next”

Magi noded “yea the sign even says stay out.”

Varikin looked in one of the carts. Inside were some swords and cadavers. All of which have tags that tell what they were made of and what enchantments they have.

None of which would be good to Lexy; she has no experience with the art of swords; she just handles knives. He knows that non-enchanted weapons can only take you so far also. “hey, you guys see anything you like?”

Lexy walked up to one of the carts and she doesn’t know how to use these weapons. “Sorry, Varikin I don’t know.”

Magi smirked when he saw an enchanted short sword “I know how to use this.” He said picking it up.

While Miko shrugged as he typed “I’m fine.”

Varikin shook his head, “all I have are teeth and you have magic that is an emergency only weapon. You do have those throwing knives Leo made for you?”

Lexy noded “yup sounds Right ok let’s go” Varikin noded and resumed leading the way.

Varikin leads up the stairs slowly and cautiously. Once to the top another set of tunnels splitting off with signs above them. However, unlike the previous tunnels, these are arched and made with gray stone.

Varikin read the signs above each and then resumed leading the group to the archives. The tunnel was well lit and eventually opened to a giant room that let one pear up to the upper levels. It was filled with shelves of books. The floor that the group was currently on is filled with tables and chairs. Bookshelves at the walls of the room.

Lexy looked around the room, jaw dropped in awe. “Ok so how in the world are we going to find this book?” Miko nodded and Cody gaped in awe when he said, “I agree.”

Varikin turns to Lexy “do you still have the butterfly Alcore gave you?”

Lexy’s expression filled with realization. “Oh ok!” She clipped her backpack and opened it to find the butterfly. Which was a breeze due to the blue glow from the insect. Butterfly glowing a bright blue.

She pulled out the jar with the butterfly inside, closed her backpack, and put it back on. She lets the butterfly out of the jar “can you take me to a book about different magic types and their weaknesses?”

The butterfly’s only response was flying up to the upper floors. Lexy pulled the cord on her mech. Her black large wings spread out. With a push of the wings, she flies to follow the butterfly up to the third floor.

The butterfly landed on a book with an inch worth of dust on it. Lexy softly flies up to the book and the butterfly then lands on the blond’s shoulder. She pulls out the book and the cover is worn but thick. Dust flying everywhere.

Lexy flew back down to Varikin and made a gentle landing. She sets the book down to put the butterfly away and pulls the cord on her mech to put away her wings. She pulled off her mech and put away the butterfly. Then put it back on.

Lexy turned to Varikin and the rest of her team “All alright let’s go kick some soldiers to next week and free a couple of dwarfs, all on a day’s work, right?”

Magi chuckled “yea next we'll take down the empire all on its own and be home in time for diner.”

Miko typed up on his device “If this is a new version of a day’s work then I’ve been really lazy.”

Varikin shrugged, “Nah this will be the easiest part the hard part will be surviving the enraged captain Jackson and Alcore.” the whole group smiled and Magi shrugged.

But before Magi could say another word there was the haunting noise of the large libraries doors being opened,

“Yes, you're enraged captains because you will have failed your mission and you will have to tell them the tragic tale of how the guardian died.”

The group turned on a dime to see Elvira. Who smirks at them as she makes a large circle in front of her. Black light seeped from her fingertips and the group could only watch when a dragon stepped out of the portal. Black scales shimmered over its body that was littered with holes. Seeping from the holes was an eerie bright purple liquid.

The beast leaned back and took a deep breath. Purple sparks licked at its teethed maw. It was there again this strange feeling like Lexy recognized this monster. Like they came from the same place. She couldn't help but stare.

Before they could react two women each wearing a mask came rushing in with weapons. One with black clothing had a sword of light while the other had a large shield of shadow rising from the ground. The one with a sword of light looked to the group,

“Don't ask questions, just go!”

Lexy turned to the others her trance now broken, “alright let’s go” She quickly lead the way back to the dwarfs her fathers blade out and already glowing an eerie purple

The tunnels provided no problem until they reached the large cavern of dwarfs. Lexy stands up and readies herself.

Magi looked to the other three, “I focus on freeing the dwarfs you cover me” Varikin nodded, and with that they all spring into action.

Lexy charged with Varikin in his ferret form. Anawrath soldiers shouting at them to stop. Lexy sent out a loud whistle and the dwarfs Cody had freed earlier snapped their chains. Then spring to action and attack the soldiers with what they have.

Meko begins fighting soldiers while freed more dwarfs and right when he gets to one a soldier is about to strike at him with his sword when one of the dwarfs deflects it with a hammer. “hurry I’ll hold them back”

Magi nodded “thank you!” The redhead ran when he dashed to free another dwarf. Lexy smirked when she saw a soldier rushing at her with a spear. She dodged the spear and sweeps his feet off the ground with a kick

The soldier toppled over and Lexy put a portal over his head and created another to her left just big enough for the soldier's head to pop out of it. The soldier looked at her and then his body. His eyes widened in terror “what the bloody hell you do to me?!”

Lexy smirked, “eh making you more manageable.” With that, she checked his pockets and pulled out a phone. She smirked“thank you kindly. I didn’t know there were phones. Now as for you.” With a stab, the black and purple magic seeps from the blade.

The man screamed in agony for a short second and was gone. She closed the portals and looked at the horrified soldiers. “D-Demon!”

She smirked, “oh please I’m far more real.” With that, she slashed the air with her father’s blade, sending an attack through the air. Two dogged but the third wasn’t so lucky.

The other two shook with fear when they saw their comrade be consumed by the magic. Lexy pulls her black cord letting out her two large wings as she leaps behind the two wings flailing out over her head “BOO!”

The two took one glance and they ran for the doors screaming in terror. Lexy chuckled and saw all the other soldiers had been taken care of.

Lexy headed to the exit made a loud whistle, and a follow-me jester.

The group quickly rejoins with Lexy at the front of the pack of twenty or so dwarfs. She looked at the large group of dwarfs “I almost can’t believe we did this year mom would so kill me if she even heard of me doing any of this. Alright, Varikin, can you please lead the way back?” Varikin noded and began to lead the group through the tunnels and then the abandoned base. Lexy heard soft murmuring from them. They reached the sewers and then after a good twenty minutes of walking.

They reached a tunnel opening to the outside of the city and the wall around it. Outside of the city and the wall is a set of villages that don’t have nearly as often patrols. But it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be careful.

Lexy turned to Varikin and the rest of the group, “alright there are fewer patrols than in the capital, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be wary. But there is something I need to do before we continue.”

Lexy turned to the dwarfs “are any of you injured?” a soft murmuring spreads over the crowd of dwarfs and a few raise their hands. “alright we'll treat wounds and then we’ve got to move” fifteen dwarfs step up. Nothing too severe, just shallow cuts along the arms and some burns. Lexy takes her medical kit out of the bottom of her bag and she pulls out gnaws, antibiotics, and butterfly stitches.

Magi watched when she walked up to the first dwarf who had just a long cut on his arm. He didn’t say anything. So Lexy puts on a pair of gloves and her first step is applying the antibiotics. Then wrapped the wound in gnaws.

She repeated this on any of the others who have cuts until she came to the last dwarf with injuries and he looks the worst out of them all he got burned on the left of his face accompanied by multiple cuts on his shoulder down to his hands.

Lexy uses the rest of the antibiotics, butterfly stitches, and gnaws on his injuries. The dwarf stares in wonder at her work “do you specialize in medical practice?”

Lexy shrugs “no I just know the basics. Anything else?” he shakes his head “no but if I may ask what your name and your comrades and did someone send you?”

Lexy puts away the emergency kit and puts back on her equipment “no one sent us. We came on my accord, as to your first question my name is Lexy that’s Cody, Miko, and Varikin. Now that is taken care of let’s get moving”

She led the way and she decided it was best to go around the villages then through them. So, she began leading them through tall grasses and shrubs. Ten minutes of this and they get to a field of crops that leads to eventually desert flatlands.

It took them another twenty minutes to reach out to the desert flats and that’s when they heard it. The sound of running mechs and a bunch at that. Lexy and her team look up to see all the renegades including Fendres accompanied by Lexy can already tell an enraged Captain and Alcore.

Alcore landed in front of her with Jackson and Fendres by his side. He had the expression that Lexy can only explain as the look of an enraged mother.

Lexy felt herself shrink a bit. Alcore has come off as intimidating before but this may slightly terrify her. “hi, Alcore- “

She was quickly stopped by Jackson, “save it for when we get back and mind explaining the dwarfs?”

Lexy noded, “Our original goal was to get a book on magic types that would tell us a weakness of the blood king. Which I will say was a success. The dwarfs found out that the empire had enslaved the dwarfs to make armor for them. So, we freed them and treated their wounds.”

Alcore sighed “fine bring the dwarves with and you” he turns to Lexy “are getting an earful once we get back. Got it?” Lexy noded a smug grin on her face.

Magi and Meko glance at each other “oh boy here we go.”

Fendres turned to the other renegades, “alright pull out your extra harness and get these guys hooked up” she said and referred to the dwarfs. The renegades noded and responded with “yes captain!” They all begin pulling out harnesses and cords to attach to the harness and the mechs. The renegades begin helping the dwarfs put on the harness.

Varikin turned into his ferret form and went into Lex's bag. Fendres walked up to Lexy, “well you’re the last one I expected to pull something off like this. I was expecting to find you dead. So, more power to you kid” Fendres ruffled Lex’s hair.

Fendres turned to the renegades and the dwarfs “alright ready to go?” all the renegades give a thumbs up while the dwarfs give nervous expressions.

Alcore was the first to take off and then like a domino effect they all took off.

The flight back only took ten minutes. Fendres landed in the town with the renegades and the dwarfs.

While Lexy, Cody, Miko, Jackson, and Alcore land in the base. Lexy landed near Alcore and Jackson. She opens the zipper on her backpack to let Varikin out.

Varikin crawled up to Lexy’s shoulder in his ferret form. Alcore folds in his wings and takes off his mech. Jackson does the same and stands by Alcore.

Alcore turned to the base, “follow me” Alcore and Jackson lead her through the base others giving her curious looks. They pass through the cafeteria, Katie making food, Kuma and Kanki talking to Jennie. They turn and wave to Lexy. Lexy softly returned it with a smile and a small wave.

Alcore and Jackson lead her to a room with a table and three chairs. Three chairs on one side, two on the other.

Alcore and Jackson sit on one side while Lexy, Cody, and Miko sit on the other. Varikin still perched on her shoulder.

Alcore was the first to talk, “what the hell were you four thinking you could have been killed or captured. You went against orders and ugh what do I do with you. What was so valuable to go there for!?”

Lexy kept a straight face with her two comrades and shrugged, “well now that you’re done yelling, I can show you”

She took off her bag and pulled out the large dusty book she got from the royal archives. Both Jackson’s and Alcore's eyes widened like saucers. Their jaws drop. Lexy shrugged “I can’t read it, but I was wondering if you could”

Alcore gently touched the book, “this is a book of arcane by the great priestess Invaria of the white sword this is invaluable. How did you ...never mind? I will take this to Leo to see if he can translate it. I leave Jackson to cum up with a punishment for you four”

Alcore gently picked up the book and headed off to find Leo. Leaving Jackson and Lexy, Magi, Miko, and Varikin behind.

Jackson hummed for a bit “early morning each day for the next two weeks or until I say otherwise that will be all you four are dismissed” The four nodded and walked out of the room.

Magi sighed, “I thought they were going to kill us. But I’m glad they didn’t hooray! I Live!”

Miko noded harshly in agreement and then typed, “well Leo’s going to want an explanation com on Cody. See you in the morning Lexy”

Lexy nodded and watched the other two leave. She then looks at Varikin “alright let’s head back to the mansion I am hungry” while leaving she waved goodbye to others and then exited the base.

Varikin hopped off Lexy and turned into his wolf form. He begins leading Lexy thru the maze-like area “We only got let off easy because you brought the book”

Lexy shrugged, “ya I was wondering about that, but it is what it is” the rest of the way was quiet. Varikin stops.

She put her hand on Varikin’s scruff and began thinking of home. Within a second she heard the chirping of birds and the soft sound of humming crickets.

She begins walking to the mansion and Varikin put up his Doberman pinscher allusion. The two walk through the forest midday sunlight seeping through the tree's canopy. “So, do you think Thokath is hyperventilating?”

Varikin pondered at her question “no because you left a note but then again, he comes off as a bit clingy to me”

Lexy thought back “ya know that you mention it he is a bit clingy”

The two reached the mansion and Lexy opened one of the large doors. She and Varikin stepped inside the mansion to see Thokath talking to one of the butlers. Thokath turned to see who entered and he gave a soft smile, “oh hi you’re back Lexy. You can go and have dinner if you want but I have a guest coming for a meeting he wanted to do personally.”

Lexy tilted her head “Meeting?”

Right as she said this a black limo pulled up into the driveway and shortly after there was a knock on the door. Two butlers hurry to let in three people.

Lexy felt her whole body freeze as she saw the blood king enter the room. His outfit was a simple tuxedo. Two female’s by him one with white hair and the other with black their outfits very similar to the kings. Lexy recognized these two they were the ones who held back the dragon and the green-haired lady.

Thokath walked up to the king “I'll go get those from papers. They’re too big to be opened in my office.” With that Thokath rushed off to go get form papers.

Varikin growled menacingly at the king standing protectively in front of Lexy teeth bared.The king looked to the source of growling and his eyes widened “Oh hello, I didn’t see you when I came in. It’s a pleasure to see you again and I must say I’m surprised”

Lexy glared “like I wanted to see you either this surprised me as much as it did you.”

The king chuckled and then his expression changed to serious “I know what you took, and I expect it to be returned. That book is no joke child. It has power, power by dark forces.”

Lexy frowned, “What kind of dark forces. The apostles? I thought you sent them after me”

The blood king shook his head and he looked at her with shock, “no, not the apostles and I'll be dead the day I work with them. It’s the white sword, not everyone is who they claim they are. Now I'm going to ask this. Do you have the book?”

Lexy smirked “sorry I don’t seem to have it on me must’ve left it somewhere, oops. Bye, the way are you in need of a hearing aid, Your highness.”

The king glares “I’m getting tired of that remark Child and things will get worse if you continue to aid the rebels. That will be your only warning”

Lexy’s smirk only growed “oh such a hypocrite, I thought you wanted to play a game are you getting tired cuz I’ve learned how to bend the rules. You’re highness.” She says with an overly sweet childish tone.

Thokath walked into the room with some large scrolls and papers.

Lexy smirked, “I’m going to go and sit on the side here.”

With that she sat on the top of the stairs watching for any shady moves from the king or his goons and until an hour later only then did he leave.

Lexy sighed, “I wish that will be the last of him.”