《Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds》 Flower 0: Betrayal of a Masterpiece Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 0: Betrayal of a Masterpiece Six centuries ago the sweet scent of fresh rain and the squelch of the soft soil filled the world beneath the tangerine sky and its scattered purple clouds that still lingered with the threat of more rain. A man pushed through the thick foliage toward a structure that jutted from the towering trees. Something impeded the light of the emerald sun before an explosion flattened the trees and sent the man flying into a stone pillar with a loud crunch that was deafened by the ensuing sonic boom. The man struggled to his feet and was wracked with pain. He instinctively snapped his fingers and cursed himself as his body was healed. He sighed heavily as he removed his circle framed glasses and cleaned them. ¡°Captain Mine,¡± someone called out to the man, ¡°This way.¡± Mine placed his glasses back on and could barely see through the dust cloud that was kicked up by the explosion. All he could see was a dim light glowing over his head, a hand gripped his forearm and pulled him through the dust cloud. ¡°What happened?¡± Mine asked as he was pulled into the building. He brushed the residual dust from his frock coat and was awed by grand hall he found himself in. ¡°Where are we?¡± The door was slammed shut and Mine whirled around to see his savior. A man with a literal sun for a head turned to face Mine with a cloud like scarf wrapped around his neck, ¡°The Tapja of the planet showed up of course. You can¡¯t expect to steal the riches of the planet without some kind of trial.¡± ¡°Trial or not my Charm was ahead of me and would have noticed it sooner,¡± Mine snapped. The man shrugged, ¡°And where¡¯s your Charm now?¡± ¡°I lost contact with them,¡± Mine stated. The man clapped his hands, ¡°Ah, so they couldn¡¯t have notified you of the danger. Maybe they were defeated.¡± Mine scoffed, ¡°You wish Elliston.¡± ¡°Oh my, to think I¡¯d want you to fail. It hurts my heart Mine. I thought we were on the same side.¡± ¡°Same crew, different sides and you know it,¡± Mine said. He twisted his wrist and a cane appeared in his hand with a glowing yellow orb for the handle. He never liked the sun headed, Elliston Frame. A man who¡¯s features couldn¡¯t be seen wasn¡¯t to be trusted. ¡°Sides don¡¯t matter, as long we collect the treasure for Admiral White we¡¯re on the same side,¡± Elliston said, ¡°Besides you¡¯re lucky I found you. How many dolls do you have left?¡± ¡°All I need is one,¡± Mine quipped. Elliston chuckled, ¡°Always keeping your hand close to your chest. The fact that you cursed when you healed yourself means you have less than five.¡± ¡°Something like that,¡± Mine said, ¡°Why so interested?¡± ¡°Just curious, you know how things get the closer you get to the prize. A lot more perilous things get.¡± Elliston said and added, ¡°The last thing I need is a useless old man slowing me down.¡± Mine snarled and he raised his cane and wagged it in front of Elliston¡¯s sun head, ¡°Who ya calling old? I¡¯m sixty-seven and still in my prime. Don¡¯t go flapping your gums at me young¡¯n.¡± Elliston started to laugh and threw his hands up, ¡°Forgive me, I just don¡¯t want nothing happening to Admiral White¡¯s favorite treasure on my watch.¡± Mine lowered his cane, he hated being called a treasure but knew there was some truth to Elliston¡¯s words. If something were to happen to Mine, Alistor White, his leader and benefactor would eviscerate anyone and anything responsible. He huffed and said, ¡°Where¡¯s the treasure. The quicker we claim it, the faster we can end this.¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree with you more,¡± Elliston said as he and Mine stepped into the giant hall. He looked down at his wrist and whistled, three small orbs zipped towards him and began to orbit around his head. ¡°I¡¯ve already scanned the building with my sattelites, apparently there¡¯s a temporal nexus at the heart of it.¡± ¡°A temporal nexus?¡± Mine asked as he followed closely behind Elliston. ¡°A gathering of time, this planet must be at the center of the galaxy and the civilization that used to live here must have built around it to keep it hidden from their enemies.¡± ¡°Or considered it to be some kind of sacred entity to be revered and protected,¡± Mine said. Elliston scoffed, ¡°Yeah right, people only hide things they want to keep from others. We¡¯re gonna take a right here,¡± he turned down a narrow corridor that would have been hidden if it weren¡¯t for a frayed banner that hung from the ceiling in tatters. At the end of the corridor they found themselves in a throne room with a domed ceiling and agiant suit of armor sitting in the crystal throne. The suit of armor was covered in a thick layer of dust that made it look gray and cobwebs connected it to the walls marking it¡¯s time unmoving. Mine and Elliston were like children at the feet of the giant suit of armor and moved around it with the gentleness of mice around a slumbering cat. Once behind the throne they sighed with relief. ¡°I thought it was going to wake up,¡± Elliston said. ¡°Same here dear,¡± Mine said before he waved his cane creating a yellow orb that surrounded him and Elliston. The yellow orb was hit with such force it was sent flying across the room. Due to it¡¯s stickiness of the orb, it stuck to the wall and inside of it Mine and Elliston groaned. ¡°Spoke too soon.¡± The suit of armor was on it¡¯s feet and brushing the cobwebs from its body. Behind the mask of the helmet a growing red orb hovered inside of it. It closed it¡¯s hands as if it were praying and as it pulled its hands apart a giant blue metal sword formed. ¡°Is that-¡± Mine started to ask when the suit of armor vanished and reappeared in front of the orb and jabbed the tip of its sword at it. Mine released the orb just in time and they fell towards the floor. His eyes started to glow and his shadow reached up and slowed his descent. Elliston created steps with his cloud scarf and walked down them leisurely, ¡°Ho boy, that cane of yours never fails to impress me.¡± ¡°Neither does your scarf,¡± Mine said as he rolled up his sleeves and regrouped with Elliston, ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to fight against Kingston.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to avoid it,¡± Elliston said and looked toward the suit of armor. He released one of his satellites and zipped around the room. ¡°You know my name,¡± a voice boomed from within the suit of armor, ¡°I thought my name had been lost to time.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Kingston the Living Armor,¡± Mine scoffed, ¡°Yeah right.¡± ¡°Tucy¡¯s greatest warden. I would never have imagined you being stationed here,¡± Elliston said, ¡°You must have pissed someone off to leave you here.¡± ¡°I was charged with the greatest task,¡± Kingston said. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Elliston asked. ¡°Annhilate anyone who dared come here.¡± The suit of armor vanished again and charged at Elliston with its shoulder lowered. Elliston started to spin and redirected Kingston toward Mine. Mine shook his head and created another orb with his cane and welcomed the suit of armors attack. The orb burst as if it were a bubble and ensnared Kingston in a thick sticky substance that glued it to the ground. Mine sighed and sai, ¡°I honestly expected you to be a tougher opponent dear.¡± ¡°I found a door,¡± Elliston said as he waved to Mine from behind the throne. Mine narrowed his eyes at him as he approached and said, ¡°You did that on purpose?¡± ¡°Oh my, did what? I would never put you in danger,¡± Elliston said with a false sincerity in his voice. He placed his hand on the back of the throne and swiped his hand over it and a door appeared. Mine pushed past him and pushed the door open revealing glowing crystal steps that descended in a spiral. He turned back to Elliston who made a gesture for him to go first. He grit his teeth and started down the stairs into whatever trap awaited them. At the bottom of the stairs Mine and Elliston found themselves of a hundred floating doors. As they moved through the room they noticed the doors seemingly led to no where. Mine reached for the knob of a door when Elliston swatted him and pointed at the ceiling. Hanging over the hall of doors was large circular door with heavy chains and vines wrapped around it. ¡°That¡¯s the door to the nexus,¡± Elliston said. His cloud scarf started to grow around his neck and slowly created a staircase that led to the door on the ceiling. ¡°No worries, I¡¯ll go first.¡± Mine rolled his eyes and waved him forward. When they reached the top of the stairs gravity seemed to reverse and they stood on the door instead of looking up at it. Elliston crouched over the door and touched the knob but the chains and vines moved toward him as if they were serpents. Mine stopped him and pointed out the creeping vines and chains. ¡°What do you think Mine?¡± Elliston asked. Mine scratched his chin and placed his palm on the door and his eyes started to glow. His yellow heart shaped irises started to pulse and he unleashed a bit of his aura. The vines and chains responded and started to retreat. Mine stepped away from the door with Elliston as it opened on its own. As the door opened a oily black liquid spilled from threshold as if it were a waterfall. The liquid spilled over the hundred doors below them and a deafening cackle filled the room. ¡°Yes, yes, yes, free that which was lost and come forth,¡± a woman¡¯s voice cried out. Elliston clapped his hands and said, ¡°It¡¯s just as you said Cassidy.¡± Mine whirled on Elliston with his cane aimed for his head. However, Elliston anticipated his attack and turned up the heat being emitted from his sun and melted the cane¡¯s yellow orb. He laughed as Mine snatched the cane away and took the opportunity to kick him in his chest as he reversed gravity again and Mine plummeted towards the pool of black liquid that pooled around the doors. He resurfaced and stood up in the black liquid as it swirled and swished around him. A small woman sitting on a giant crystal ball hovered beside Elliston Frame as he stood on a cloud. She glared down at Mine and said, ¡°I knew you¡¯d be able to crack it open for us.¡± ¡°You called it,¡± Elliston said, ¡°I¡¯m happy I followed your plan.¡± ¡°What plan? What is this? Are you claiming the treasure for yourself? Admiral White will hunt you down to the ends of the universe for treason,¡± Mine shouted up at them. Elliston shook his head, ¡°No, she won¡¯t she¡¯ll be much too busy to worry about me. Besides, she¡¯ll prioritze finding you.¡± ¡°Finding me?¡± Mine started to laugh, ¡°If you think either of you are walking out of here alive you¡¯re dead aready.¡± He snapped his fingers but nothing happened. He did it again to the same affect and he looked down at his hand. ¡°What have you done?¡± ¡°The problem with you people with Sway is that you rely so much on your power and never think what would happen if you didn¡¯t have it,¡± Cassidy said. ¡°The liquid your standing in was a potion concocted over eleven billion years ago to cut off the Galva, the most dangerous race of beings from sway. To forcefully sever their ties, they had to be baptized in it for centuries.¡± ¡°The Galva?¡± Mine asked, he racked his brain trying to make sense of what he was hearing. ¡°The mythical race of beings said to rival the Stars themselves?¡± ¡°Yes, yes, yes, the Galva are far from myths,¡± Cassidy said excitedly, ¡°Thanks to you, the legendary conquerors of Tucy have been freed to resume their work.¡± She clapped her hands and spread her arms. The doors all around Mine started to open and from within massive bipedal beings with black and white striped hair, and three black crystals lining the bridge of their noses appeared. They ranged in skintone from red to orange, from pale green to blue to the most vibrant purple. All of them were well over seven feet tall and each of them had a unique weapon fashioned to one of their wrists. The Galva had bright silver eyes with black scelra and after a few moments all of their eyes landed on Mine. ¡°Fret not Children of Tucy¡¯s ancient past,¡± Cassidy called out to them, ¡°That man is your benefactor and the key to your freedom.¡± Mine started to laugh hysterically, ¡°You¡¯ll have to kill me.¡± ¡°Not really,¡± Elliston said, ¡°You already made the exchange. When you unlocked the door you gave the Nowhere Nexus permission to keep you instead.¡± ¡°You underestimate the power of Burden because you have Sway. If learned properly one could alter the fabric of reality,¡± Cassidy said, ¡°You missed all the signs thanks to a simple masking charm.¡± She spit and a blue light moved through the room revealing all the warning signs that had been invisible a moment ago. She cackled and clapped her hands together, ¡°When you study burden you learn to read languages that not even the Tulpa can translate.¡± Mine was surrounded by the Galva and his lip quivered with rage. He jumped in the air and Cassidy¡¯s eyes widened as Mine snapped and reappeared in front of them. He twisted his wrist and swung his can like a bat. Elliston blocked his attack effortlessly and turned to Mine and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to let your Charm know you didn¡¯t go down without a fight.¡± He impaled Mine¡¯s chest with a spear shaped cloud and growled, ¡°Admit it, you only had one doll left.¡± He opened his hand and the cloud spear vanished leaving a hole in Mine¡¯s chest. There was a loud snap before Mine fell in the black liquid again with a huge splash. He resurfaced thrashing and gasping for air, he touched the place where the hole in his chest was and glared up at Elliston. Mine reached into his coat pocket and brandished a hand axe. ¡°You sure about this Mine? Every bit of the hurt is for you to endure. No more dolls to soak up your damage,¡± Elliston said. Through clenched teeth Mine roared, ¡°Die!¡± He hurled the axe at Elliston and dove into the black liquid. He started to swim through the Galva toward the door stairs they descended. Mine cursed himself repeatedly for not having more dolls. He promised himself to never have less than a hundred dolls at his disposal. Elliston caught the axe and Cassidy shook her head, ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk, retreat is futile.¡± She began to whisper an archaic language and the black liquid waterfall reversed. The black liquid rushed back to the door on the ceiling and dragged Mine along with it. He swam against the current but to no avail and was pulled back and up toward the door. Elliston continued to laugh as Mine reached for him through the torrent of black liquid. Cassidy floated up to him and caressed his cheek, ¡°You¡¯ll be a myth before anyone finds you.¡± Mine pulled away, he wanted nothing more than to slit the woman¡¯s throat and watch her essence pour from her bing. ¡°I refuse to be forgotten! I am Mine Heart! The Nowhere-Man! I will return! Mark my words! You¡¯ll both rue the day you betrayed-¡± before Mine could finish the door on the ceiling sucked him into the abyss and closed. The vines and chains crept across the door again and regained their firm grasp over the door. In the darkness Mine could barely move, his body no longer complied with his thoughts, he floated in the blackness unable to speak or voice his frustration. His desires burned from within and lingered unanswered. ¡°I need to tell Alistor¡­ I must warn the Charm¡­ I have to get back¡­ I want to go home¡­¡± Flower 1: El Dorado Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Chapter 1: The El Dorado Nexus Six centuries later the tangerine sky and thick purple clouds lingered over the ruins of a former civilization that had been reclaimed by nature.The aromatic scent of wildflowers and the underlying scent of gunpowder. The terrain was overtaken by thick ropey vines with dagger like thorns and purple flowers growing out of them evenly spaced out. The structure that once held the temporal nexus was a husk of its former self, half of the building was destroyed and what remained was overgrown with the vines. The stillness of the ruins made them eerily quiet and only the melodic rustling of distant leaves could be heard like a whispering ghost on the wind. The tranquility was shattered by the backfiring of an old engine as a star vessel entered the atmosphere. The ship seemed to fall slowly but suddenly picked up speed and caught fire a it plummeted towards the planet below. Inside the ship a grumbling curse resounded off the walls of its interior amd a large tattooed fist slammed on a flickering counsel. ¡°Work for me Bertha, this be our last hurrah anyways. I¡¯ll let ya rest as soon as we touch down safely.¡± With the man¡¯s words the ship settled down and regained its former slow descent and the large man in the ship sighed with relief. The ship suddenly shut down and plunged toward the ground and crash landed in a lush bush with thick red leaves. The man was thrown from his seat and groaned as he stood up. ¡°I¡¯m getting to old for this,¡± the man said to himself as he rubbed his aching knees. He wore a pair of dingy red and white striped pants that fit him loosely, a tattered white shirt, a denim frock coat with random patch work, and a short red scarf. On his wrist was a gaudy watch with all kinds of knobs and buttons on it. He looked down at the watch and tapped the screen and twisted one of the knobs. Nothing happened and he sighed before whacking the instrument on his wrist. He shook his head and pressed a button. A door appeared on the exterior of the star-vessel and slid open. The eight-foot-tall man with broad shoulders, a thick white beard, and a scar running along the bridge of his broad nose stepped out. He took a deep breath, opened his massive arms, and exhaled. He choked on the stale air and reached for his throat, he laughed at himself as he wiped his face with his handkerchief. He leapt from the crashed star vessel and landed with a loud thud that created a small tremor. ¡°Bertha¡¯s been through a lot, it¡¯s nice to have her caught by such a lovely bush,¡± the man said as he rubbed the exterior of his star vessel. He adjusted his striped trousers and looked at his gaudy outdated data watch again and groaned. He gently tapped the screen with his thick sausage like finger and a holographic display appeared over it. He fiddled with it for a few minutes before a pulsing red light appeared over the screen and shot into the sky. As he waited for it to descend he couldn¡¯t help but notice the former walkways that ominously disappeared beneath the vines. When the red light returned his watch chimed and he was provided an aerial map of his surroundings. ¡°So this is where ya were last seen eh?,¡± He reached in his pocket and pulled out a pair of reading glasses and as well as an old book titled, ¡°Tucy¡¯s Tales.¡± He opened the book and compared the map his watch displayed to the one drawn in the book. He took his glasses of and closed the book, ¡°Close enough. Can¡¯t always get things right eh, Mr. Charm?¡± The large man made his way through the ruins doing his best to avoid the undisturbed flowers. Despite his size and age the man was incredibly nimble as he almost danced across the terrain with ease. Unbeknownst to him, he was being closely monitored by the creature that dwelled there and considered the ruins to be its home. When the man reached the structure that was ensared by the vines he walked around it to find an opening but the only one he could identify was the gaping hole in the domed ceiling. Before he tried to climb the vines he knew he had to make sure his assumptions of his surroundings were valid. ¡°Hmmmm¡­¡± the man approached a flower as he scratched his beard. He reached in the pocket of his frock coat and pulled out a paintbrush. His eyes brown eyes started to swirl with color along with the tip of the brush as he waved it over the flower. He painted a transparent light blue cube that encased the flower. ¡°I may not be a botanist but I¡¯ve got a good idea why yer pulsin and it smells like gunpowder.¡± He twirled the paintbrush and poked the blunt end into the cube without breaking it. He barely nicked the leaf of the flower when it exploded violently inside the cube. The man started to chuckle and said, ¡°Violet nebula blossoms eh?¡± He stepped away from the veil of vines and looked up at it again. The flowers were evenly spaced and he charted a course to his destination. Before he started to climb, he used his paintbrush to encase the flowers on his route in cubes. The hole in the dome was the only entry point and the man huffed at the task ahead of him. He began the arduous climb and was careful as he made his way up the thick ropey vines making sure not to disturb the flowers or to get sliced by the thorns. The vines were as hard as stone and the thorns as sharp as obsidian as he made his way up the vines making sure to avoid the flowers. As he reached the top of the curtain he took a deep breath and sat on the edge. His hands had fresh wounds and swelled from gripping the vines. He cursed under his breath when he noticed his palm was sliced open. The man snatched his scarf from around his neck and haphazardly wrapped it around his hand. While striving to fasten the knot with his teeth, the hairs on his forearms stood on end. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The man looked down and noticed the prowling predator that had been watching him. It circled the structure looking for a path to the man. When it noticed the blue cubes it tilted its head. From the man¡¯s position the creature was of the feline variety but with scales instead of fur and its long tail was spiked. It had four eyes that glared up at the man from below and yowled in his direction. The creature leapt onto the vines and teased one of the cubes with its tail to test. The flower exploded but the cube mainatined it and the creature stretched before it began to follow the man¡¯s cube-lined trail to safety. The man knew the creature wasn¡¯t friendly and it getting closer wasn¡¯t ideal. The creature moved slowly at first never taking its eyes off the giant meal of a man. It¡¯s body flexed and it pounced. The man clenched his jaw and threw himself back as his eyes started to glow again. With a sweeping motion, he wielded his paintbrush like a sword unleashing a surge of red paint that splattered the airborne creature. The paint splattered across the creature, emtwining its six legs as it crashed beside him. He managed to grab the creature''s tail before it touched any of the cube free nebula blossoms. He sighed with relief which was short-lived as the angry predator started to writhe in the man''s grip. The creature was powerful and nearly tore free. "¡°Cut¡­¡± With a swift grip, the man seized the creature''s tail and forcefully hoisted it into the air, ¡°¡­it¡­¡± He flung the creature away from the violet nebula blossoms towards the ground, letting out a fierce roar, ¡°Out!¡± It slammed into the ground and continued to struggle with the red paint binds. The man got to his feet and groaned as he took a step without looking. The creature crashed into the ground, wrestling against the red paint binds. As the man rose to his feet with a groan, he took a step without looking. The sudden crunch reverberated through the area, seemingly slowing down time itself. Before he could glance downward, the violet flower he stepped on detonated, triggering a domino effect across the dome''s structure, leading to its collapse. At the base of the structure, the creature freed itself just as the explosion occurred, launching violet nebula blossom seeds in a sprawling eruption. Swiftly, the creature evaded the bullet-like seeds by burrowing into the ground, escaping the barrage. Emerging from the debris, the man effortlessly pushed aside a boulder as though it were a mere blanket. A cascade of colors erupted from his body, pooling into a vibrant puddle of paint at his feet as he looked around. While the once-vivid hues of his attire dimmed to a dingy gray, they retained their original form. ¡°There goes my last life,¡± he grumbled. He was inside the structure and the former dome ceiling had caved in. His watch was broken and he cursed as half the screen was blank while the other had a myriad of colored streaks of light. He snatched it off his wrist and tossed it on the ground in frustration. ¡°Flow be with me,¡± he whispered. He knew that the explosion took more out of him than he was willing to give but he was determined to find what he was searching for. He walked for what seemed like hours, hours which seemed to turn into days and days which seemed never-ending. He noticed a mark on the wall that he had come across several times on his jourmey. He stopped to examine it and suddenly his eyes started to glow. He painted an ¡®X¡¯ over the glyph and the room swirled around him. He was suddenly standing at the foot of a giant crystal throne. He stepped back and his jaw fell at the sight of a giant helmet on the seat of the throne. The sapphire blue helmet shimmered and gleamed as if it were recently polished and buffed. Behind the mask of the helmet a single red orb came to life and glared down at the man. ¡°Are you Kingston?¡± the man asked with tears welling up in his eyes, ¡°The Living Armor?¡± ¡°Yeah yeah,¡± The helmet said clearly annoyed, ¡°Who are you and what do you want?¡± ¡°Bazpo Gonnerhiem, last Captain of Bailey White¡¯s Flock,¡± the man stated and bowed his head, ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you. You¡¯re one of the legendary figures of Tucy.¡± ¡°So I¡¯ve been told,¡± The helmet said getting agitated by the old man¡¯s emotional state. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve come for Mine Heart,¡± Bazpo said. Kingston groaned, ¡°Just go arond to the back of the throne, go down the stairs and look up.¡± ¡°Is that it?¡± Bazpo asked, ¡°Why so simple?¡± ¡°Most things in life are simple,¡± Kingston said absently. The light behind the helmet faded and Kingston was quiet again. Bazpo walked around to the back of the throne and there was a hole punched into the throne where the magic door used to be. He immediately headed down the spiraling staircase that led to Mine. As he descended the final steps, the vista unfolded into the chamber of doors. It was a sight beyond belief, a unique feature unlike anything in Tucy. The doors hung suspended in midair, each revealing emptiness beyond. He refrained from attempting to open them, opting instead to examine each one meticulously. His gaze followed Kingston''s instructions, and there it was¡ªa circular door shrouded in chains, entwined with thick vines, secured by a padlock, hovering above the room. His brow furrowed as he contemplated how to reach it. Nothing in the space made sense and he knew from experience that when nothing makes sense always¡­ ¡°Trust ye sway,¡± Bazpo said with a brilliant grin. Bazpo closed his eyes and brought his palms together before his chest. When he reopened them, they shimmered with vibrant colors that matched the vivid hues swirling within his irises. His colorful tears streamed down his cheeks, cascading into his luminous beard. At his feet, an orbiting kaleidoscope of colors danced around him. Unsheathing a colossal paintbrush, he began to embellish the room with strokes of bright hues. The floating doors responded, shifting and transforming into a staircase. With determination, he embarked on the strenuous ascent. Upon reaching the padlock, he delicately touched it with a smaller brush retrieved from his coat pocket. A kaleidoscopic key materialized within the lock, accompanied by a resonant click that filled the room. The doors to nowhere began to dissolve as the padlock plummeted to the ground. He observed as chains and vines slithered away from the door, a slow retreat that matched the disappearance of the doors below. Meanwhile, the circular door in the ceiling split apart, flinging open just as the final door vanished beneath his feet. An all-encompassing darkness spilled forth from the now-opened ceiling door, engulfing the chamber. In an instant, the man was seized by the force, whisked away from the vanishing chamber into the unknown. Flower 2: Lost and Found Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 2: Lost and Found Slowly, the receding darkness unveiled a ceilingless chamber adorned with towering stacks of treasure that seemingly vanished into the infinite above. Coins, jewels, ornate jewelry, armor, weapons, and an assortment of riches were meticulously sorted into distinct piles. Despite the absence of a visible light source, the well-lit room gleamed with an ethereal light. A tower of mirrors stood elegantly, strategically reflecting the ambient light throughout the space, casting shimmering glints across the treasures. Bazpo, once engulfed by the darkness, now knelt gasping for breath in the surreal environment. His eyes no longer glowed, yet they continued to spill vibrant tears as he struggled to catch his breath. ¡°Oh dear me, after that display of sway it¡¯s a shame you''re nearly dead. You did well to avoid the violet nebula blossoms, but the Chameleo is always a thron in the ass. I removed Kingston¡¯s body in hopes that I would get a chance to limber up. I wanted to experience what the current Tucy has to offer. The last guy was far too weak and I denied his claim to my treasure.¡± The voice seemed to come from every direction and Bazpo stifled his cough. He forced himself to his feet and looked around. His eyes were bloodshot and his voice was hoarse, ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± There was no verbal response, instead, the hairs on his forearms stood up as he could feel someone beckoning him. He slowly maneuvered around the piles of treasure clearly weary of where he was going. As he moved through the room he couldn¡¯t help but glimpse at the shadow boxes that lined the walls with figures inside each of them. All of the figures looked exactly the same except they were each wearing different outfits. He looked down and noticed that the floor seemed to swirl all leading to the center of the room. He followed the pattern and froze in his tracks. In the center of the room, a giant book no smaller than a star vessel hovered in front of a high-backed black chair with golden trim. His breaths hitched as he felt a presence like none he had ever experienced before. Every fiber of his being yearned for escape, yet he found himself drawn closer, swallowing hard against the dryness in his throat. Gripping his paintbrush tightly, he approached the throne-like chair, an unsettling apprehension growing within him. A purplish-blue plush beaver with a bicorne hat and a yellow tie poked its head out from the throne and stared at the man. He smiled and waved, ¡°We be pirates.¡± The man was immediately put at ease upon seeing the plush beaver, ¡°Me too, eh,¡± He shook his head and said, ¡°I prefer corsair.¡± The beaver squealed with excitement and ducked back onto the throne, ¡°Ya hear that Cap¡¯n? He¡¯s a pirate too.¡± ¡°Whatever you say, Gunther,¡± the same smooth voice as earlier said. A youthful brown skin hand appeared and curled a finger, ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, come around so I can see you already. It¡¯s rude to keep an old man waiting, dear.¡± The man started to laugh and started to cough, ¡°I¡¯m sure I feel much older than you look.¡± When he finally reached the throne he looked down and his eyes widened as he watched his approach being scribbled down in the book by a floating feather pen. He leaned in and read the book describing him leaning in by name. He cupped his mouth and the pen wrote about it. He swallowed and that appeared on the page as well. When he turned to see the occupant in the chair his jaw dropped. ¡°Impossible,¡± the man gasped. ¡°Dear Bazpo, this is Tucy do you really think things are still impossible after all you¡¯ve seen today?¡± Seated upon the throne was a striking figure¡ªa man with rich brown skin, a sepia undertone enhancing his allure. His silver locs were elegantly fashioned into twin buns atop his head, complemented by circular yellow-framed shades that accentuated his features. He wore a tailored to fit black suit with yellow accents and socks. As he spoke, his lips curved into a flawless and dazzling white smile, radiating an aura of warmth and charm. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡°The fact you know my name.¡± Bazpo started to sniffle and tried to wipe the tears before they could fall. He shook his head and looked up at the tower of mirrors, ¡°I know anything and everything is possible in Tucy, but you¡­¡± ¡±Shouldn¡¯t still exist,¡± the man on the throne finished his statement. Bazpo looked down and nodded, ¡°But how?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a long story dear,¡± the man said with the plush beaver named Gunther sitting in his lap chewing on a pickle. ¡°If you¡¯d like¡­ I¡¯ll tell you everything. As long as your not in a rush to leave.¡± ¡°This is it for me,¡± Bazpo said as he fought tears back, ¡°Please, I wanna hear the whole story.¡± The man sighed, ¡°If you insist dear, time moves differently here anyway.¡± He whistled and a giant headless armor appeared with a couch in its hands. It placed the couch in front of Mine and bowed before leaving again. Mine clapped his hands and said, ¡°Hmph, where to begin?¡± ¡°Was that?¡± ¡°Kingston¡¯s body?¡± Mine said and shrugged, ¡°Yes, the body is quite nice when the head isn¡¯t attached. Gunther polishes the helmet when he gets upset with me. However, I was referring to the my story dear.¡± ¡°The beginning,¡± Gunther said, ¡°It¡¯s always best to start there.¡± The man pursed his lips and rolled his eyes, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have asked¡­¡± he waved off the thought and said, ¡°Six hundred and sixty-seven years ago all of Tucy was blessed with my birth¡­¡± Gunther rolled his eyes and folded his arms, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean the very beginning.¡± Bazpo hung on the man¡¯s every word and listened to the man tell his tale of being lost and never being found. He dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief the man had provided for him. In the midst of telling the story, the man produced tea and snacks for them to eat seemingly out of nowhere. By the time he reached the present Bazpo was a blubbering mess and couldn¡¯t help but laugh and cry at the same time. ¡±You¡¯re truly incredible, I¡¯m so happy this is where my story comes to an end,¡± Bazpo said as he wiped his face. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be, dear.¡± Bazpo shook his head and said, ¡°I was sick before I got here. I¡¯ve been dying since I left Bertha.. They stopped making my medicine. This is most assuredly my end.¡± ¡°Aw, I¡¯m sorry to hear that dear. Did you live the life you wanted?¡± the man sincerely asked. "Absolutely,¡± Bazpo replied with a smile. ¡°I assembled a crew of seventy-seven under the banner of a long dead crew. We scoured the cosmos in pursuit of treasures that were the stuff of myth. Some we found, others remained elusive. And now, here I am, in the presence of Admiral White¡¯s greatest treasure.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a treasure, I¡¯m a masterpiece dear,¡± Mine said, his lips pressed into a hardline. ¡°Do you have any remaining requests?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Bazpo said as he was set upon by a vicious fit of coughs. The man waited patiently as Bazpo was able to quell his cough long enough to say, ¡°Tell Bertha, I¡¯m sorry. I left her in a red leaf bush.¡± "Hmph," the man grunted, narrowing his eyes behind his circular shades as he watched the imposing figure before him as he coughed harshly. He removed his shades, meticulously cleaning them on Gunther''s yellow tie, much to the plush beaver''s annoyance. Snatching back the tie at the first opportunity, Gunther muttered curses under his breath. The man replaced his glasses and inquired, "Is that your only request?" ¡°Can you complete it fer me?¡± Bazpo asked. ¡°My map of Tucy.¡± The man¡¯s eyebrows shot up and he smirked, ¡°I¡¯m only going home, but I¡¯ll try my best.¡± Bazpo smiled warmly, ¡°That¡¯s all I ask.¡± The man strode towards the tallest mirror nestled at the tower''s foundation, peering at his reflection. With meticulous precision, he adjusted his collar and cuff links before snapping his fingers. A black wooden cane materialized in his grasp, its handle adorned with a golden orb. He drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes in contemplation. "It has been a much-needed timeout, and I am deeply grateful to you, my dear Bazpo," he murmured. "Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have led to the discovery and liberation of a Masterpiece. For that, I shall forever be indebted to you. May my final gift bestow upon you the peace you seek." The darkness began to pool all over the room and began to swallow the piles of treasure including the tower of mirrors that the man was standing in front of. He turned to look at Bazpo and sighed when he noticed he was asleep. He snapped his fingers and Bazpo turned into a doll. As the darkness washed over the man his voice lingered, ¡°Rest well dear.¡± Flower 3: Meddling Monster Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 3: Meddling Monster The darkness cascaded from the ceiling door like a torrential waterfall, flooding the chamber of doors with a gleaming pool of treasures. As the door slammed shut, a heap of gold coins shifted, revealing the purplish-blue plush beaver''s head. Glancing around, the plush beaver sighed, "Uh, Cap¡¯n? Where''d ya go?" There was a loud snap and the man appeared sitting beside Gunther on his throne and asked, ¡°You called for me, Gunther dear?¡± Gunther jumped up and wrapped his arms around his neck, ¡°We¡¯re really free!¡± ¡°I told you it was only a matter of time. We weren¡¯t going to be bound forever.¡± ¡°How long has it been since you were locked out of space and time?¡± ¡°If I calculated the time it took to tell the story to Bazpo is correct it should have been six hundred sixty-eight years, dear.¡± Gunther''s jaw dropped, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Seriously?" he exclaimed, his stomach growling loudly in response. "No wonder I''m so hungry." ¡°I¡¯m famished as well dear, but don''t you believe we deserve a breath of fresh air?¡± Mine asked. The purplish-blue plush beaver nodded his head until his hat came off and Mine couldn¡¯t help but laugh. He stood up and his throne-like chair sank into his shadow. He and Gunther made their way toward the spiral staircase that would lead back to the throne room. However, the treasure blocked their only exit. The man snapped his fingers and all the treasure vanished instantly. He snapped his fingers again and they appeared reappeared behind the throne. The helmet on the seat of the throne came to life again and sighed, ¡°Back so soon?¡± ¡°So soon?¡± the man asked, as he walked to the front of the throne with Gunther perched on his shoulder. ¡°I feel like its been ages.¡± Gunther smiled and waved at Kingston. ¡°Hi Gunther,¡± Kingston said and then the glowing orb behind the mask began to pulse. It glared at Mine and growled, ¡°How are you free?¡± ¡°Bazpo was just what I needed,¡± he said, ¡°A sway pool deeper than the expectations of their life.¡± ¡°Sounds like a sacrifice,¡± Kingston stated. Mine rocked his head side to side and shrugged, ¡°I guess, but it was a willing sacrifice dear. Stop trying to make me out to be a bad guy.¡± ¡°You are!¡± Kingston roared. ¡°Depends who you ask dear, I¡¯ve always been on my way home. It isn¡¯t my fault things happen when I¡¯m around.¡± ¡°Where¡¯s my body?¡± Kingston asked. The man pressed his finger to his chin and said, ¡°Nowhere, I¡¯ve collected it. I can do the same for you as long as you promise not to come after me. I¡¯ll find you someplace to guard that won¡¯t be so¡­¡± he looked around and said, ¡°Lonely. What d¡¯you think dear.¡± The helmet groaned and asked, ¡°Do I have much of a choice?¡± ¡°I mean, if you want to see the rest of you again,¡± the man said as he twisted his wrist and summoned his cane. He leaned on it and looked up at the helmet with a devious smirk. ¡°Whatever you decide make it quick. I¡¯m on my way home.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Kingston snapped, ¡°I refuse to be part of your shenanigans.¡± The man mimicked him, rolled his eyes, and snapped his fingers. The helmet disappeared and the man looked up to the former domed ceiling of the throne room and took a deep breath. He sighed and was ready to leave his prison behind when the hairs on the back of his neck stood up and he whipped around. ¡°Help! Help us!¡± Someone cried out from the chamber of doors below. The man exchanged a perplexed look with Gunther, finding mirrored confusion in the plush beaver''s expression. Their attention snapped back to the stairs as the cries for help intensified, accompanied by approaching footsteps that echoed nearer to the staircase''s summit. ¡°What¡¯s that Cap¡¯n?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure Gunther dear,¡± The man said with a broad smile, ¡°This is exciting isn¡¯t it.¡± Suddenly the tangerine sky grew dark and purple clouds began to gather and swirl overhead. The man and Gunther watched the phenomenon in awe as the clouds moved unnaturally in the sky then suddenly ceased. ¡°What was that Cap¡¯n?¡± Gunther clung to Mine¡¯s head completely terrified of what was happening around them. ¡°I¡¯ve got no idea dear,¡± the man said as he started to laugh. ¡°You used to know everything,¡± Gunther cried out and clenched his eyes shut. ¡°Things change after six centuries, dear.¡± Gunther trembled and then his nose wrinkled. He relaxed for a moment and sniffed the air. ¡°Urgh gross,¡± He said as he jumped off the man¡¯s shoulder and disappeared. ¡°The least you could do is tell me what you smelled before you leave me to deal with it, dear.¡± Gunther poked his head from behind the man¡¯s leg and said, ¡°Kids.¡± ¡°Baby goats? I love baby goats, dear.¡± ¡°No,¡± Gunther shook his head, ¡°Children.¡± The man grew nauseous and gagged, ¡°Kids are gross.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m leaving before they get here,¡± Gunther said as he saluted the man and vanished behind his leg. ¡°Where¡¯d they come from?¡± the man asked. He looked around and thought aloud, ¡°I should hide, maybe they won¡¯t see me.¡± ¡°Who don¡¯t you want to see you?¡± An unfamiliar voice asked from behind him. ¡°The children, dear,¡± the man said and shushed the voice. ¡±Oh, do you think they¡¯re dangerous or something?¡± ¡°Probably,¡± the man said, ¡°Most of them don¡¯t wash their hands and are incredibly smelly. More disgusting than dangerous.¡± The boy looked down at his dirty hands and nodded his head, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± The man peered down at the boy with dirt-stained hands, instinctively drawing away. Brushing off his clothes, he growled, "Did you touch me?" His gaze darted between the black-haired boy with brilliant blue eyes and freckles decorating the bridge of his nose, and the small gold-skinned girl with raspberry-colored hair, eyes, and nails, who clung tightly to the boy. "Where did you come from?" he demanded, his tone edged with a mix of surprise and suspicion. The boy couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the man''s obvious disgust. He flashed a grin that was missing a tooth. He shook his head and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t touch you. I¡¯m Trey Storm, I don¡¯t know how we got here. We were running from-¡± The boy turned to the stairs and sighed with relief, ¡°We must have gotten away from them.¡± The man narrowed his eyes and leaned on his cane and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to inform you, dear. Bazpo is unavailable at the moment. Best be on your way, back to your mother now.¡± ¡°You know my mom?¡± Trey asked curiously. Before the man could respond the clouds started to swirl again. His eyebrow raised and he looked to the stairwell and back to the awestruck boy. The girl however was glaring at the door as if she knew what was to come next. The man noticed a writhing black ring around her neck before she turned back to him with pleading eyes. ¡°Woah! That¡¯s beautiful,¡± Trey said absently. ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time dear,¡± Mine quipped, he moved toward the throne and asked, ¡°Who was following you?¡± ¡°His name is Alpine Kane, he¡¯s a Knight of Leivviel. He was chasing Molly and I rescued her of course,¡± Trey said as the sky returned to normal. ¡°How¡¯d you get here dear?¡± ¡°We went through a door and ran up the stairs.¡± The man¡¯s brow knitted together, ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± ¡°Anything¡¯s possible in Tucy, Cap¡¯n. Especially if we opened a door by mistake,¡± Gunther said nonchalantly appearing on Mine¡¯s shoulder with a pickle. Molly¡¯s eyes widened when she saw Gunther and she let go of Trey and reached for him. Trey started to laugh, ¡°I think she likes him.¡± ¡°Too bad, Gunther¡¯s mine,¡± The man said raising Gunther over his head and sticking out his tongue. ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± Gunther said, ¡°You are Cap¡¯n Mine Heart.¡± The man¡¯s eyes widened and he covered the purplish-blue plush beaver¡¯s mouth and said, ¡°Hush, there¡¯s power in a name and we should¡¯t give it freely.¡± He looked at Trey and Molly who stared at him clearly bewildered and said, ¡°Don¡¯t mind him.¡± An unusual buzzing sound seized their attention, causing them to looked up and discover drone hovering overhead. Without warning, it dropped a metal tube with a flashing light on one end in between them. Reacting instinctively, the man dashed toward Trey and Molly, snapping his fingers the moment he made contact with them. *** Meanwhile, in the chamber of doors, a small man with orange skin, prominent horns sprouting from his forehead, and a slender spiked tail, observed the screen hovering above his watch. He spoke urgently, "Um, sir. We have a problem.¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. A handsome man, adorned in an intricate gold and black suit of armor, his majestic gray wings elegantly folded behind him, meticulously polished his broadsword with a growl of irritation. "What is it now? I''m not opening another of these doors," he grumbled in frustration. With a swift motion, he sheathed his sword and casually tossed a cloth over the remains of a bug-like creature, neatly halved and lying in front of a closed door. ¡°I lost them sir,¡± the orange skinned man said quietly. ¡°Your supposed to be the greatest tracker at Madame Monroe¡¯s disposal. How are you this bad at keeping up with yout target?¡± The handsome man asked. He sighed and asked, ¡°Why are we after the Voskia child again?¡± ¡°She is part of Madame Monroe¡¯s entourage and apparently the boy kidnapped her, sir.¡± ¡°What a waste of my time. I¡¯m Alpine Kane, a sworn Knight of Leivviel. My duty is to the planet not to pursue the monarchs whims.¡± With a loud snapping sound, Mine reappeared in front of the two men, shielding Trey and Molly behind him. "Excuse me," he began, his tone firm, "were you the ones responsible for that smoke grenade?" He raised an eyebrow as he glanced up at Alpine Kane, who towered almost a foot taller than him. Alpine Kane looked the old man up and down, ¡°And if I was, what are you going to do about it?¡± He poked Mine in the chest and smirked. Soriel stared at Mine curiously and tilted his head as he tried to figure out his identity. Mine watched Alpine¡¯s finger and brushed off his clothes. He started to laugh and turned to Molly who was holding onto Gunther and Trey and said, ¡°Do me a favor dear, go through the third door on your left and I¡¯ll be right behind you.¡± Trey frowned, ¡°What are you going to do?¡± "Exercise, my dear," the man exclaimed, clapping his hands together with a smile. He glanced at Gunther and instructed, "Keep the little ones safe." Gunther saluted from Molly''s arms, replying, "Aye, aye Cap¡¯n." "Don''t you dare move," Alpine barked. Meanwhile, Mine turned back to face Alpine, gracefully twirling his cane before tossing it into the air. With a deft catch, Mine wielded an emerald-encrusted cleaver-like sword, displaying mastery over it. Alpine smiled and inquired, "And who might you be?" "There''s power in a name, not to be given lightly. Mine is Mine, and it belongs to me. You may call me Mr. Heart, for that''s who I am, dear," Mine replied with a confident tone. Trey hesitated, torn between staying with the enigmatic old man and following Molly''s lead. Yet, Molly''s unwavering determination prevailed as she forcefully pulled Trey along, sprinting toward the door Mine had directed them to. However, Soriel intercepted their path, looming menacingly in front of the door. Gritting his teeth, Trey yelled, "Out of my way!" Summoning all his strength, he executed a drop kick, propelling the door open as Soriel deftly evaded his attack. Seizing the opportunity, Molly flashed a smile at Trey''s bold move and swiftly crossed the threshold before Soriel could impede them further. With a resounding slam, the door shut in Soriel''s face, leaving him as a witness to the unfolding battle between Mine and Alpine. The two men glared at one another and in a split second their blades clashed with a shockwave. The two men smiled at one another before retreating and clashing again. Everytime their blades met thunder resounded in the chamber of doors. Soriel could barely keep up with their speed as they clashed repeatedly trying to gain the upper hand. When Alpine cut through a door to attack, Mine retreated to put space between them. ¡°The doors are off limits,¡± Mine growled. ¡°They mean nothing to me,¡± Alpine said as he cut another door in half. Mine¡¯s eyes widned, ¡°Do you have any idea where you are?¡± ¡°It matters not,¡± Alpine roared as he spread his wings and took flight. ¡°I¡¯ve been graced with a demon to be slayed, my blade hungers for your demise.¡± "Oh, really, dear?" Mine inquired, a challenge in his tone. He drew a deep breath and tapped his cleaver-sword against the ground thrice. In response, the remaining doors slammed against the walls, creating an expansive space for them to engage in battle to their heart''s content. Soriel swiftly ascended the stairs leading up to the throne room, determined not to be caught between the two formidable opponents. A sudden surge of vibrant green energy materialized into a blade, hurtling upwards towards Alpine with such speed that his only recourse was to block it swiftly with the broad side of his sword. Alpine grit his teeth, the attack was significantly stronger than the others. He had to take evasive measures and get from in front of it. He used his wings to push off and deflect the surging blade into the ceiling, gouging a hole in the floor of the throne room. Alpine flipped in the air and hurtled himself toward Mine. ¡°Show me how strong you are,¡± Mine yelled with an enthusiastic smile on his face. ¡°Let me see what the universe has in store for me.¡± Alpine wasted no time, swiftly swinging his sword and conjuring a radiant golden energy blade. The golden guillotine descended with determined force, aimed directly at the smiling man who greeted it with open arms, embracing the glow of the attack. A valley was carved into the terrain as the golden blade made contact. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Alpine swooped down, launching a barrage of smaller golden scythes that cascaded into the cavern created by his initial strike. ¡°May Excalibur¡¯s blades chase you into the arms of your after,¡± Alpine said breathing heavily as he sheathed his sword. ¡°I¡¯ve met her already dear, she was quite exhausting,¡± Mine said. Alpine whipped around to see Mine stretching. The smile hadn¡¯t faded from his face and he was seemingly unscathed except his suit was brown with cream accents, ¡°You said you have Excalibur as if there¡¯s only one which piece of the collection do you have?¡± Alpine looked back to the valley where his attack landed and said, ¡°I saw you be eviscerated by the attack and for good measure I-¡° Mine waved him off and said, ¡°Yeah, yeah, yeah, that happened over there. Now, I¡¯m over here. Pay attention dear, you''re bound to go a bit batty when dealing with a masterpiece.¡± The knight steadied himself, gripping his sword tightly. "In my possession is Elix, Sixteen of Excalibur," he declared before launching into a lightning-fast blitz. His blade was drawn with such velocity that it seemed to vanish into thin air. Mine tilted his head, but not before the golden blade grazed his neck as Alpine sped past him. Yet, Mine''s smile widened, almost bordering on madness, and he nodded in satisfaction. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Glorious exercise, thank you, dear," he exclaimed, vanishing and reappearing overhead, spinning with his cleaver. A halo of emerald energy formed around him as he descended. Alpine roared furiously, swinging his sword with both hands in an attempt to end the battle decisively. When Alpine''s Excalibur clashed with Mine''s blade, a shockwave erupted, propelling them in opposite directions. Agilely flipping in midair, Alpine flapped his wings to regain balance, scanning the area for any sign of his opponent. Mine forcefully slammed his blade into the ground, arresting his backward momentum. Spinning around, he ended with arms outstretched and a smile across his face. Simultaneously, they locked eyes and surged toward each other at lightning speed. The clash of their weapons reverberated through the structure like thunder. Mine deflected one of Alpine''s descending strikes and began to laugh. "Meet Mae, my dear cleaver. Isn''t she lovely?" Mine managed between his devious chuckles. "This is even more exhilarating than I anticipated, dear." ¡°Why must you hinder my quest?¡± Alpine growled as he blocked a horizontal slash that was aimed at his midsection. ¡°I¡¯m only here to catch a thief and rescue a girl.¡± Mine tilted his head and his smile faded, ¡°I thought I was a demon put in your path to be smited. Are you getting tired and nearing your limit dear?¡± A scowl crept across Alpine¡¯s face, ¡°You dare¡­¡± a yellow light began to emanate from his armor¡­ ¡°Mock a Knight of Leivviel? Fool¡­¡± a brilliant light flashed and Alpine¡¯s entire body started to glow. His aura changed and Mine performed a series of backflips putting distance between them. ¡°Oh my,¡± Mine said in a crouched position as he brushed off his clothes and looked up at Alpine¡¯s display, ¡°I wonder what all that shimmer is about.¡± ¡°This is the light of a knight and I will smite all monsters in my way,¡± Alpine said as he raised his sword over his head. Through the crack in the ceiling Mine could see the sky and it seemed to react as the purple clouds gathered over the structure as if it were the eye of a storm. Mine stood up and watched the sky, then looked back to Alpine just in time to see him disappear in a flash of light. The scene unfolded in a whirlwind of unexpected maneuvers and shocking revelations. Mine, initially taken aback, instinctively raised his blade, only to be propelled into the air by Alpine''s sudden attack. Hurtling across the ground, Mine collided multiple times before slamming into one of the doors lining the wall. Groaning, he struggled to comprehend the sudden surge of strength from Alpine. Unexpectedly, a radiant Alpine hovered overhead, emitting a glowing aura. "Your survival is a surprise," he remarked. "I''ve been eager to test this new power bestowed upon me by Circe Kirke herself, the Enchantress." Pushing himself up, Mine retorted through his pain, "New power? Ha, vintage is always in style." Blood trickled from his forehead, staining his glasses. Alpine, radiating with glowing runes framing his face, arrogantly countered, "What''s old is meant to be forgotten. Farewell to what shouldn¡¯t exist." In a blink, Alpine vanished and reappeared before Mine. His sword thrust upward, sinking into Mine¡¯s abdomen. A spray of blood showered Alpine''s face, but the blood didn''t belong to the man he stabbed. A searing pain enveloped him as he turned in slow motion, witnessing his left arm separated from his body and spinning beside him. "Oh dear, I¡¯ve taken your arm," Mine chimed in a sing-song tone. "Your swiftness means nothing when faced with true technique. Tremble in fear now, for it''s my turn to show you true power." The tense confrontation unfolded with Alpine facing Mine, grappling with the terrifying reality of his opponent''s resilience. Unable to retrieve his sword from Mine''s midsection, Alpine flew into the air, seeking refuge from the monstrous adversary. Whispering incantations under his breath, he directed the yellow runes to gather around his stump, cauterizing the wound as he ascended higher into the sky. A sharp whistling sound approached him swiftly, prompting Alpine to roll in the air and narrowly evade his own sword''s attack, which chased him through the hole in the ceiling. Elix arched in the sky, spiraling towards the ground as Alpine pursued his blade, unaware of Mine''s whereabouts. Descending rapidly, Alpine caught sight of Soriel cowering behind the throne. Landing beside him with a heavy breath, Alpine sheathed his sword, the burden runes fading gradually. "S-Sir Alpine! You''re alive," Soriel exclaimed with tearful relief, peeking from behind the throne. "Did you defeat him? Where is he? Where did he go?" "Of course, I faced that monster," Alpine growled, his gaze fixed on his glowing stump. "He cut off my arm." Soriel, visibly shaken, stammered, "D-Di-Did you win?" Alpine''s response was filled with frustration, "I impaled him with my blade, but he kept fighting. I couldn''t find his weakness.¡± "That''s because I don''t have one, dear," Mine announced, emerging from the hole in a red suit with black accents. He nonchalantly adjusted his clothes, twirling Mae before it transformed back into his cane. Observing the two men, he sighed, "Don''t be too hard on yourselves. I''ve honed my skills for three hundred years. My creations can endure more than you imagine. Where would you rank me among the strongest people you know?" "Amongst the Matthew''s brothers," Soriel responded promptly. "Oooh, strong, are they?" Mine inquired. Soriel nodded, affirming their strength. Alpine, tense and determined, gripped his sword tightly, urging, "Say no more, Soriel." "You''re not finished?" Mine asked eagerly. "Shall we continue our duel?" Alpine turned to his companion, "Do you remember the door we used to get here?" "I can find it," Soriel replied uneasily, then questioned, "What about the girl?" "Find the door," Alpine growled, his resolve firm. "There''s no need to discuss our mission. This monster needs to be dealt with." Mine clapped his hands excitedly, ¡°You really do mean to end this. Well, let me not disappoint you.¡± He took off suit jacket and tossed it on the ground, he rolled up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt and slammed his cane on the ground and it turned into Mae again. He kicked it up to him and brandished it with masterful ease. ¡°Fine,¡± Alpine said as rose into the air and pointed his sword in Mine¡¯s direction. ¡°I am Sir Alpine Kane, Knight of Leivviel, officer of the Orbit Police and keeper of peace in the Universal Tribunal Union¡¯s territories. Before my time here comes to an end I will vanquish the monster that has appeared to obstruct my mission.¡± As he took his stance, the runes started to gather around his face and glow again. His aura manifested around him like a cloak of yellow light. Mine inclined his head and to witness the beautiful dance of the clouds as Alpine¡¯s power surged. He didn¡¯t bother to look at the glowing man and instead yawned. He heard Alpine¡¯s furious roar and felt him approaching faster than he had moved previously. Alpine could feel his muscles tearing and regenerating rapidly as he moved toward the man with rage coursing through him. He roared from the sheer pain that moved through his body and the anger that fueled his attack. He had become so consumed by his fear that he became angry with his own weakness. He had overcome all obstacles, effortlessly bound over hurdles, and annihilated any hindrances that appeared between him and his goal. As he closed in and raised his sword he made eye contact with smiling man. He felt unease and changed his trajectory but as he closed in Mine stared through him. Alpine switched his position and attempted to attack from every blind spot he could imagine in the blink of an eye. However, Mine followed all of Alpine¡¯s movements while standing perfectly still. Alpine¡¯s legs suddenly felt weak and he retreated to Soriel¡¯s side. Sweat formed on his brow as his ragged breaths caused him to shudder. His knees buckled and he fell to one of them and stabbed the ground with his sword to keep him upright. With a mixture of amusement and sincerity, Mine taunted Alpine, reveling in his adversary''s struggle.¡°What happened dear? Couldn¡¯t find an opening? I told you, I¡¯ve taken my time cultivating my skills, dear. You¡¯re gonna have to do a little more to catch me off guard.¡± Despite his dimming glow and severe injuries, Alpine refused to yield, reaffirming his determination not to fall to a mere "meddling monster." As Soriel announced the discovery of the exit, Alpine, clinging to his last ounces of strength, seized Soriel and leaped through the hole in the floor, disappearing from Mine''s sight. The purple clouds gathered overhead and became a halo. By the time Mine made it to the hole and looked down into the chamber of doors Alpine and Soriel were gone. Left alone in the throne room, Mine mused casually to himself, seemingly unfazed by the battle. Mine''s enigmatic demeanor persisted, unaware of the lasting impact of the encounter, confident that his name would be remembered. With a nonchalant shrug, he followed through the hole, his shadow reached up to catch him and slowed his descent. He brushed off his knees as he looked around with an air of bemusement. ¡°What door did I tell those kids to go through again?¡± Flower 4: Aint No Way **Summary of Flower 4: Ain¡¯t No Way - "Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds"** Gunther, Trey, and Molly find themselves in an alley after passing through a door, with Gunther weakened and desperate for food. They enter Vicky V¡¯s Saloon, a small, inconspicuous building that surprises them with its museum-like interior and exotic menu. They meet Tella, a deer-like hostess, and Vicky, the imposing but friendly owner, who feeds them a feast of cosmic delicacies. During their meal, Gunther mentions Captain Mine, which catches Vicky''s attention. Meanwhile, Mine, the captain, navigates a mysterious chamber of dangerous doors and eventually arrives at Vicky V¡¯s. He encounters two thugs, Paco and Tony, and uses his magic to manipulate them before reuniting with Vicky, who is astonished to see him after so long. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Flower 5: Churning Gears Ryder Gear escapes a threatening situation but is caught by Mine Heart, who saves him from an oncoming truck. Mine demands Ryder return a stolen coin, but Ryder claims he spent it on settling a debt. Mine reveals he is seeking a star vessel and challenges Ryder, who boasts of his "Assembly Line" ability to build anything from blueprints. Ryder proves his skill by reconstructing a pocket watch for Mine and agrees to build the star vessel to clear his debt. Mine then takes Ryder and the others to El Dorado, while two thugs watching the scene decide to withhold information from their boss. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Flower 6: Meteor Neat Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 6: Meteor Neat As Trey recanted his tale to Mine in Vicky V¡¯s Saloon, someone else was just as curious about how a Storm Child got involved with Madame Monroe¡¯s prized voskia, Little Miss Molly. The man with the wide brimmed hat sat in his booth with an empty glass in front of him. A small yellow skinned man with tiny horns approached and asked, ¡°How¡¯s everything going? Can I get you anything else?¡± ¡°What?¡± the man looked up and asked clearly irritated. ¡°Would you like anything to eat sir?¡± ¡°No, go away,¡± the man growled. He flashed a silver insignia on his sleeve and said, ¡°I¡¯m working.¡± The waiter noted the man¡¯s Orbit Police badge and cleared his throat, ¡°In order to remain seated here without calling attention of our boss I¡¯m going to have to insist you order something. Or would you like another drink perhaps?¡± ¡°Another Meteor whiskey neat,¡± the man said dismissively. ¡°Right away sir,¡± the man bowed his head and walked away from the table. He rolled his eyes and walked to the bar and leaned against it. ¡°I hate the Orbit Police.¡± Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°Don¡¯t we all?¡± Tella said as she hoisted a large tray with several drinks on her shoulder. The waiter put in the man¡¯s order and waited for the drink to be prepared. He flinched when he saw Mine and Tella crash into one another. However, he was surprised to see Tella dipped as if she were dancing with the man and the drinks completely undisturbed on the tray. Tella looked annoyed but the waiter had to admit the man was smooth. While the officer waited for his drink he was awed by the sudden appearance of three chests overflowing with treasure. He sat up in his seat and like the other patrons he couldn¡¯t look away. The man who summoned the treasure and arrived later than the children had jumped up and left the little ones in pursuit of a single coin. Vicky offered the children dessert as her staff came to collect the treasure chests. When she walked away the man saw an opportunity and moved toward the table. Suddenly, an incessant ringing and vibration called his attention and he was forced to retreat. He cursed under his breath, irritated by the interruption. He stepped into the hallway that led to the restrooms and looked around. The ceaseless beeping emanated from his watch and he slammed his palm on its face. A small ball shot from the watch and the voice belonging to his commanding officer boomed. ¡°Officer Bao-Min Nita you have been requested to join a special task force for a mission provided by the Zazpi Judges, report to Pravda immediately.¡± ¡°How¡¯s that supposed to hap-¡° before he could finish his question a red portal opened beneath him and he vanished from the hall. The waiter returned to the man¡¯s table with the glowing alcoholic beverage on a tray. He cursed when he noticed the man was gone. He looked around and quickly finished the drink. ¡°If I¡¯m gonna pay for it, might as well enjoy it.¡± Flower 7: Sovereign Unease Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 7: Sovereign Unease Overlooking the sprawling desert that extended endlessly toward the horizon, the majestic castle stood atop Olympus, the tallest peak on Thessaldonia. As the sun ascended, its golden rays cast a radiant glow upon the city below. At the castle''s veranda, a tall woman emerged, draped in a flowing midnight blue cloak trimmed with shimmering gold. Two attendants held the edges of her cloak, preventing its sweep along the ground. Her tawny hand, adorned with intricate tattoos, gently rested on the railing, the elegant curves of her fingers illuminated by light blue nails. A long, regal gown of matching blue cascaded down her form, accentuating her commanding presence. From her exposed midriff, a teardrop navel ring dangled, connected by a delicate chain that swayed upon her hips. With a graceful motion, she raised her other hand skyward, a ritual performed each morning since her ascension to ruler of the planet. As if calling upon nature itself, she summoned a bolt of lightning that crackled and danced at the castle''s peak, setting off the resonant toll of the morning bells. A serene smile graced her full lips as electric energy twirled around her tattooed fingertips, a testament to her power and authority. ¡°Good morning your majesty,¡± A woman said on her knee with her head bowed. She wore a white cloak with a black trim and a cat-like tail that curled behind her. ¡°Rise Sister Aggel,¡± the monarch said without turning around. Her voice is soft and melodious, ¡°What do you have to report?¡± Sister Aggel stood up but kept her eyes cast down, she didn¡¯t dare gaze upon her queen. She absently pawed at her curls and purred softly, ¡°He still lingers in the caverns below among the Bodoluu, your majesty.¡± ¡°And his sister?¡± the monarch asked simply. ¡°She remains unaware of his presence,¡± Sister Aggel stated simply. ¡°Good, maintain your eyes on the boy.¡± Sister Aggel groaned absently and the monarch turned to the woman. Her glowing turquoise eyes fixed on the woman¡¯s lithe form. She crouched down and inclined her head with a finger beneath her chin. Sister Aggel¡¯s hair was dark gray and covered her face when the monarch lifted her face. ¡°Is there something you wish to say?¡± the monarch asked, brushing the girl''s curls from her face, revealing her cat-like nose and whiskers. She opened her bright green eyes and stared into the beautiful face of her monarch. She swooned and purred, ¡°Your majesty, he is no longer a boy. That¡­ man dwells beneath us now and has earned the respect of the Bodoluu. Should his desires become¡­¡± she looked away. ¡°Hold not your tongue Sister Aggel. You have served me well these many years. Speak what you feel,¡± the monarch instructed as she caressed her cheek. Sister Aggel nuzzled her monarch¡¯s hand relishing the touch, ¡°The desires of a man are foreign to the citizens of our city. Should he find his way to the city¡­¡± she trailed off for a moment and sighed, ¡°there would be unrest.¡± The monarch looked down at the woman and tilted her head curiously, ¡°Are you attracted to him?¡± ¡°Goddess no, your majesty,¡± Sister Aggel stated adamantly but failed to hide the blush that warmed her cheeks. The monarch couldn¡¯t help but laugh and said, ¡°See to it that, nothing comes of his¡­¡± she took a deep breath, pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. She stood up and said, ¡°Needs. Can I entrust you with this mission?¡± "Yes, Your Majesty," Sister Aggel began with a composed tone, her feline eyes briefly betraying her emotions with dilated pupils and a heightened blush. Swiftly regaining her composure, she averted her gaze, thoughts flickering to the other sisters she served with. "May I humbly request that Sisters Delia, Sephima, and Toll be permitted to join me in this task you have granted? I seek to avoid any discord among us, should they learn of my separate service." ¡°Do what needs to be done to keep my son out of the city,¡± the monarch said sternly and turned to look over the city below. ¡°No man has set foot in Olympus since my father died thirty years ago. I will not allow the whims of a boy¡¯s raging hormones to desecrate these sacred grounds. As a Sister of Olympus, I expect you to do your duty and keep him at bay.¡± ¡°As you declare, your majesty,¡± Sister Aggel said on her knee with her head bowed. ¡°May you walk with the Goddess,¡± the monarch said dismissively. ¡°Forever forward, your majesty,¡± Sister Aggel said as she vanished. The monarch drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly, ¡°I need to get rid of him.¡± ¡°Your Majesty," Anella, one of the two small women holding the tail of her cloak, spoke respectfully. Both women, near-identical with their light blue skin, rotund figures, and matching hairstyles, served as the monarch''s most trusted advisors. Although their names were rarely spoken, they were ever-present in the monarch''s court, considered ornamental by many. "It might be prudent to permit the boy entry into the city," Anella suggested. "Alternatively, your majesty," Drizstasia added, "You could make an example of him before your daughters and the esteemed Sisters of Olympus." ¡°She would see him and know,¡± the monarch sighed heavily. ¡°She can never see him.¡± ¡°Your majesty could use the ferocity of her namesake and reduce him to ash,¡± Anella stated. ¡°She would never know, your majesty,¡± Drizstasia said. The queen swept across the room, her attendants in tow, and gracefully opened the door. Before her, two Sisters of Olympus were on bended knee, heads bowed in respect. The queen, her eyebrow arched in inquiry, addressed them in her commanding tone, "What brings you here, Sisters?" The smaller of the two sisters jumped up and pulled off the hood of her beige cloak with a pink trim revealing the freshly shaved side of her head only made more evident by the reddish brown braid that coiled around her neck. ¡°What do you think ma? I finally committed to it.¡± The monarch drew in another deep breath and sighed, ¡°This is completely inappropriate. Sister Doro, care to explain?¡± The other sister with an emerald green cloak with a black trim stood up but didn¡¯t look up at the monarch. ¡°I have no excuses, your majesty. Sister Gilda overcame me and I only managed to arrive here after she knocked on your door.¡± The beautiful girl with the same sun kissed tawny complexion as the monarch had a dash of freckles that speckled her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. She had her mother¡¯s lips and her turquoise eyes were reflected back at her. She smiled and unlike the monarch her canines were slightly longer. ¡°Why can¡¯t I come see my mom?¡± ¡°You are a Sister of Olympus, I am more than your mother,¡± the monarch stated, ¡°If you wish to be in my presence then do so as the other sisters and visit me in my throne room.¡± She slammed the door in Sister Gilda¡¯s face and turned back to find herself staring at her reflection. She smoothed out the front of her dress and walked back to her veranda. ¡°Your majesty, the girl wishes to be loved by you,¡± her advisor said. ¡°The girl will learn to be a proper sister. You need not coddle her, your majesty,¡± the other stated. They glared at one another for a few minutes as if having a silent argument. When the monarch spoke her voice was full of sorrow, ¡°Love is not what she desires, not will she ever be a proper sister. She is rebellious, much like her aunt. She wants adventure, the life of a warrior princess is not what Gilda desires.¡± Before either of her attendants could speak, clouds began to materialize overhead seemingly out of nowhere. The dark clouds swirled into a halo that hovered above the peak of Olympus accompanied by the sudden presence of an immense aura that created a subtle shock wave that made goosebumps rise all over her body. The monarch whirled around and smiled when she found the gold trims, seven of her most elite Sisters of Olympus on a knee with their heads bowed. ¡°We await your command, Queen Zeus,¡± Sister Akik¡¯ibe said, wearing a crimson cloak with a gold trim. Queen Zeus clasped her hands behind her back and said, ¡°Eliminate all invaders.¡± ¡°As you wish,¡± Sister Akik¡¯ibe said. ¡°May you walk with the Goddes,¡± Queen Zeus said dismissively. ¡°Forever forward, your majesty,¡± the nine Sisters of Olympus said in unison before vanishing as Sister Aggel had. *** Outside of Queen Zeus¡¯ bedroom chambers, Sister Gilda was caught off guard by her mother¡¯s abrupt dismissal and whirled on Doro. ¡°Can you believe her?¡± ¡°I can,¡± Doro sighed, ¡°I told you this would happen.¡± ¡°Urgh, she¡¯s so condescending.¡± ¡°She¡¯s the Queen,¡± Doro said simply. ¡°She¡¯s my mother,¡± Gilda growled. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°You are a Sister of Olympus,¡± Doro replied, ¡°You are expected to train, work, and earn. Just as all of the Sisters of Olympus before you. Queen Zeus gave you life, in return you should give yours to her.¡± With that Doro turned away from Gilda and walked down the hallway away from the monarch''s quarters. A chill ran up Gilda¡¯s spine and she turned back to her mother¡¯s room. She absently reached for the doorknob when Doro seized her hand. Gilda¡¯s turquoise eyes met Doro¡¯s emerald gaze and she pouted, ¡°Why are you like this?¡± Doro turned Gilda away from the door and pulled her along, ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°So dedicated to Zeus,¡± Gilda whined. ¡°Queen Zeus,¡± she emphasized the first word and continued, ¡°took me in and helped mold me into the warrior I am.¡± ¡°Yeah, she also handed me over to you the day I was born,¡± Gilda said, ¡°She¡¯s never promoted you. She yells at you on behalf of me all the time. She doesn¡¯t even allow us to go on missions. Don¡¯t you want to get out of this castle? Even getting her to allow us to go to the city is nigh-impossible.¡± ¡°She granted you permission last year,¡± Doro stated simply. Gilda stepped in front of Doro impeding her progress and narrowed her eyes, ¡°Are you really okay with this?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been over this a million and now thirty-three times Gilda,¡± Doro said calmly, ¡°I have loved caring for you and being your personal guard since the moment your mother awarded me the opportunity to do so. You are the joy of my life and now it is my duty to mold you into a warrior capable and worthy of your mother¡¯s throne. I will see that this becomes so.¡± She placed her hands on Gilda¡¯s shoulders and smiled, ¡°There will be a day when you understand why Queen Zeus is the way she is and why she is so protective.¡± ¡°I highly doubt that,¡± Gilda said, looking away from Doro. Doro turned Gilda and pushed her forward, ¡°You¡¯ve already delayed your training for the day. We must begin, besides you have Olympic Crystal training with Sister Sarini this afternoon.¡± Gilda perked up a bit, ¡°I guess that¡¯s always a good time.¡± ¡°Then we must get through our morning session,¡± Doro said, guiding Gilda into the training courtyard. It was empty, as per usual and Gilda groaned, as per usual. However, on this particular day there was something in the air that made the arduous training seem to go by in a blur. Sister Gilda plopped down on a bench to catch her breath, Sister Doro joined her moments later and said, ¡°You out paced me in the last lap. Very good¡­¡± she suddenly jabbed at Gilda with her index finger. Gilda reflexively blocked all but the last strike to her forehead. ¡°You pushed yourself to the point of exertion and left yourself vulnerable.¡± Gilda swatted her finger away and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine. There¡¯s no one to fight anyway.¡± ¡°Not today,¡± Doro agreed, ¡°but you must never forget. Anything is possible in-¡± ¡°Tucy,¡± Gilda finished Doro¡¯s favorite phrase and groaned, ¡°You act like I¡¯m not completely aware of that. Seriously though, when was the last time anyone dared come to Thessaldonia. Zeus declared our sovereignty before I was born.¡± ¡°Queen Zeus,¡± she emphasized the first word again, ¡°did in fact declare our planet independent of the Universal Tribunal Union and the Muses. We are sovereign, which means we¡¯re alone when a great threat befalls us. We, the Sisters of Olympus, are the only hope we have against anything that comes from the stars. That¡¯s why we train so hard. That is why you must be ready.¡± ¡°Ready for what?¡± Gilda groaned. Someone entered the training area just as Doro was getting ready to speak. A beautiful woman taller than all of the Sisters of Olympus strode across the courtyard toward them and cleared her throat. Gilda narrowed her eyes as she approached and said, ¡°Where¡¯s Sarini?¡± The woman peeled back her purple cloak with a silver trim and glared down at Gilda with contempt in her dark brown eyes. ¡°Sister Sarini,¡± she began emphasizing the first word, ¡°Is currently on mission for the great Queen Zeus. I was given the duty to train you today.¡± Gilda leaned back on the bench and crossed her arms in front of her chest, ¡°I don¡¯t feel like it, Nozu.¡± Gilda left out the honorific and smirked at her clear displeasure. "Sister Nozu," Doro acknowledged with a nod, "I shall leave you both in privacy." She glanced at Gilda, who seemed somewhat reluctant to let her leave. Gilda reached out, gesturing for Doro to stay, but the towering figure of Sister Nozu intervened. She presented four crystal shards to Gilda, prompting her to choose. Gilda''s gaze fixed on the red shard, and she promptly selected it. "Please, Sister Doro," Gilda exclaimed as Doro made to leave, "fetch me a sweet bun." With that, Sister Doro departed on her errand. Gilda turned toward Sister Nozu, ready to speak, but before a word escaped her lips, she was met with a forceful punch. Sister Nozu''s fist was encased in a gleaming purple crystal gauntlet, and it sent Gilda hurtling across the courtyard. She collided with the obstacle course, a gasp escaping her lips as she tumbled onto the ground. ¡°Lesson one, never take your eyes off your opponent,¡± Sister Nozu said with a devious grin. Gilda pushed off the ground and groaned, she squeezed the red crystal in her hand and it transformed into a dagger. She twirled it between her fingers and held it in a reversed grip. A warm liquid dripped down her lip and she wiped her mouth. When she saw her blood she growled and blitzed Sister Nozu, ¡°You bitch!¡± ¡°Oh, a bit of your own blood makes you bark huh?¡± Sister Nozu asked as she evaded Gilda¡¯s wild and uncoordinated slashes. She sidestepped and delivered a body shot that forced the air from her lungs. ¡°Your emotions can¡¯t get the better of you.¡± Gilda¡¯s eyes started to glow and a thick turquoise fog billowed from beneath her cloak and filled the courtyard. Sister Nozu looked side to side and then back to Gilda who faded into the fog and disappeared. *** ¡°Once we find Bazpo¡¯s ship we can make our way to,¡± Mine turned to Trey and asked, ¡°Where was it that you were heading, dear?¡± He noticed everyone¡¯s upward gaze and found himself under an unfamiliar sky. Ryder dropped the blueprints and rushed over to Mine and asked, ¡°Um, sir, did you say Bazpo?¡± ¡°Yes dear,¡± Mine said quietly as he looked around. They were surrounded by dunes of sand and in every direction the sand seemed to go on forever. ¡°Where are we?¡± Trey''s fingers fumbled over the watch''s buttons, and a brilliant beam shot skyward, piercing the dawn with an urgent signal. Its luminescence waned, swallowed by the hazy morning. Mine, Gunther, and Molly craned their necks, their gazes following the fading light. Ryder, engrossed in his conversation with Violet, glanced up briefly. A muted chime echoed from Trey''s watch, and his eyes widened in alarm. He turned to Mine, his voice fraught with urgency, ¡°I-I don''t think we should be here!¡± ¡°Where are we, dear?¡± Trey was hesitant to say and Mine tilted his head and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ryder''s screen flickered with erratic symbols, an exclamation point blinking relentlessly as he staggered in panic. ¡°Thessaldonia! What in the world?¡± His frantic gaze darted around the now unfamiliar surroundings. ¡°Where''s the door? It''s gone!¡± His helmet flew off his head to scan the area. Mine''s expression turned pensive, his brow furrowing in realization. ¡°Ah, that was an oversight. Apologies.¡± Trey and Ryder exchanged wide-eyed looks, their concern mirroring each other''s. ¡°Are you serious?¡± Ryder exclaimed, his voice tinged with apprehension. ¡°We''ve gotta get out of here,¡± Trey insisted, urgency coloring every word. ¡°My mom''s going to freak out if she finds out.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just another part of the adventure dear,¡± Mine assured them, he approached Molly who was still holding Gunther and hadn¡¯t moved since they arrived. ¡°Everything¡¯s going to be okay. We never end up where we aren¡¯t supposed to be.¡± The small Voskia girl gazed up at Mine with a mix of disbelief and excitement. He couldn''t help but smile at her reaction. "Gunther, are you alright? I expected you to be more thrilled," Mine said. "You heard the name of the planet, didn¡¯t ya? Of course, I¡¯m excited. To return her cloak would be the greatest gift we could give her," Gunther replied enthusiastically. "Absolutely," Mine agreed. "Want to take a look around?" He extended his hand toward Gunther, who wiggled out of Molly¡¯s grasp and scampered up Mine¡¯s arm. With a playful flourish, Gunther transformed into a spyglass. Mine peered through it, and with a quick flick, the spyglass transformed back into Gunther. "So, where are we headed?" Mine inquired, his curiosity piqued. Molly reached out for Gunther and he leapt into her arms and said, ¡°We¡¯re heading north.¡± ¡°Very good, let¡¯s make haste. I don¡¯t want to be caught out here after dark, dear.¡± Meanwhile, Trey and Ryder huddled together, exchanging their knowledge of Thessaldonia in hushed tones. A sense of relief washed over Ryder as they shared insights and strategies for potential escape. He put his helmet back on and held it in place for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m happy you get the idea of danger, kid,¡± Ryder said, patting the boy on his back. ¡°We gotta get off this rock as soon as possible. We¡¯re in big trouble if we get caught.¡± ¡°Of course I do, besides my mom flagged this planet on my watch that means I¡¯m not supposed to be here. I don¡¯t wanna get in trouble,¡± Trey said. ¡°What should we do?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got a few ideas but nothing completed at the moment,¡± Ryder said, he opened his trench coat revealing rows of tiny glass bottles. ¡°I¡¯m sure I can mix and match a few of my stored blueprints and come up with something. It''s just gonna take some time and a safe space to build.¡± ¡°Are you going to build my ship here?¡± Mine asked, suddenly breaking up their huddle, ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ll have enough time. It¡¯s quite the ship, it took me a few decades to smooth out the finer details of it.¡± Ryder¡¯s screen swung around to face Mine and Violet¡¯s voice said, ¡°We¡¯ll need at least a few months to complete your project. In the meantime, we need to figure out a way off this planet.¡± "Why is that, dear? I¡¯ve got some business to tend to in the north,¡± Mine stated calmly. Trey furrowed his brows. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got to deliver something to the monarch of the planet. Apparently, her castle is at the peak of the tallest mountain, dear,¡± Mine said with an air of casualness. Trey¡¯s tension eased a bit. ¡°Oh, he knows the monarch.¡± Mine turned to Ryder, diverting the conversation. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t happen to have a vehicle that could help us get across this terrain, would you?¡± Ryder¡¯s voice quivered with panic from behind his helmet. ¡°Did you say you have business with the monarch?¡± ¡°I did,¡± Mine replied curtly. ¡°How much would it cost to acquire a vehicle for this terrain? If you don¡¯t have anything, just say so, dear.¡± Ryder scoffed and showcased his inventory of glass bottles in his jacket. With a deft motion, he crushed one of them and threw it in front of him, conjuring a large dune buggy from its remains. ¡°That¡¯ll be twenty thousand nomi.¡± ¡°Perfect,¡± Mine said, already heading toward the vehicle. Molly followed suit and settled in the back seat. However, Trey and Ryder exchanged uncertain glances. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t delay. You¡¯ll be compensated once the commission is completed, dear,¡± Mine urged. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be on this planet,¡± Ryder groaned as he reluctantly climbed into the back seat. Trey climbed in the driver''s seat and Mine stared down at the boy, ¡°Are you seriously going to drive, dear?¡± ¡°Ryder¡¯s gotta build,¡± Trey said as he pressed the button that brought the vehicle to life. ¡°Where do I go again?¡± ¡°North,¡± Gunther said as he climbed onto Trey¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Just head for that mountain.¡± He started to spin and turned into a pair of goggles. Trey slipped them over his head and a digital path appeared in front of him. ¡°This is cool,¡± Trey said as he headed toward the mountain in the distance. ¡°Of course he is, he¡¯s my creed after all. He can see all the things that I cannot and acts as my compass,¡± Mine said proudly, ¡°Cool is an understatement for what my dear Gunther is.¡± Trey¡¯s goggles suddenly depicted pulsing hearts, causing him to veer off course. After they cleared up, he apologized and refocused on the provided path. Meanwhile, Ryder and Violet collaborated on assembling his blueprints to construct a ship suitable for escape. As Molly gazed out over their surroundings, a contented smile spread across her lips. Mine relaxed, propping his feet up and closing his eyes, his cane tucked within his crossed arms. Flower 8: Unexpected Separation Flower 8: Unexpected Separation The dune buggy kicked up sandy trails as it journeyed across the harsh expanse of Thessaldonia''s desert. Ryder had stashed away rations from Vicky V''s, ensuring everyone could eat and drink as they traveled¡ªalbeit for a price, which Mine promised to settle once his mission was accomplished. A brief stop for a stretch and some relief, and they were back on the route as guided by Gunther''s goggles. Molly nestled against Mine, using his suit jacket as a blanket, and dozed off while Ryder kept himself entertained in the backseat, humming along to a tune tapping on his helmet in his lap. Meanwhile, Trey engaged in a peculiar chat with Gunther, the plush beaver in goggle form, as the journey pressed on. ¡°So this is your first time seeing the universe?¡± Trey asked. ¡°Indeed matey,¡± Gunther grumbled, ¡°Mine and I forged our pact in El Dorado. Ever since then I¡¯ve always been by his side.¡± ¡°Wow, that¡¯s crazy. I want a creed.¡± ¡°Sorry to tell ya kid but ya gotta be a Heart to form a creed.¡± Trey sighed, ¡°That sucks.¡± He was quiet for a moment and then asked, ¡°What business could Mr. Heart have on this planet if he¡¯s been locked up for six hundred years?¡± Gunther chuckled, ¡°We may not have been able to leave, but we had occasional visitors.¡± ¡°I thought El Dorado was supposed to be really hard to find.¡± ¡°Well, most people were simply lost and found their way to El Dorado,¡± Gunther said. ¡°Huh? How does that work?¡± Trey asked. ¡°El Dorado is a place that tends to collect lost things and people. You didn¡¯t know where ya were before ya found the door right?¡± Trey thought back to Leivviel and shook his head, ¡°I didn¡¯t know where I was but there was a map that led us to the door.¡± Gunther''s laughter filled the air, coinciding with a sudden blackout on the screen guiding Trey. Startled, Trey hit the brakes hard, jolting the dune buggy and waking Mine from his slumber. Instinctively, Mine held onto Molly, who remained undisturbed, continuing to snore lightly against his chest. "Are you alright?" Mine inquired, turning towards Trey. His gaze shifted to the backseat where Ryder remained in an unbroken concentration, his eyes glowing faintly under closed lids as he worked. The helmet resting in his lap emitted a similar pulsating light, yet its screen remained blank. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Trey said, breathing heavily with his hands gripping the steering wheel. He snatched off the goggles and tossed them in the backseat. Gunther was still laughing when he returned to normal and said, ¡°Forgive¡¯em cap¡¯n. The boy said he had a map that brought him to El Dorado.¡± ¡°I did,¡± Trey snapped, ¡°Molly did something to my watch and we were led to it by a map.¡± Mine noticed that the boy was upset and placed his hand on his, ¡°I believe you dear. Never mind Gunther.¡± Mine turned to the plush beaver and scolded him with his eyes, ¡°He already told us that bit of information back at the saloon dear.¡± Gunther waved him off, ¡°I dunno if I was payin attention at the time.¡± He shrugged, ¡°Ta be honest I woulda laughed then if I had been. There¡¯s no way ya can find El Dorado unless yer lost.¡± ¡°Anything is possible in Tucy,¡± Mine said with a coy smile. Gunther stopped laughing and glared at him. He hated when Mine used his logic and words against him. ¡°There are also rules,¡± Gunther noted, ¡°In order to find yer way to what¡¯s lost is to be lost. Having a map means ya know where ya are and where ya goin.¡± ¡°Ask her,¡± Trey spat, pointing at Molly, ¡°She¡¯s the one who did it.¡± Mine raised his hand stopping Gunther¡¯s response before he even started. He sighed and said, ¡°I believe you Trey. However, Gunther you aren¡¯t wrong. That¡¯s how everyone else found El Dorado, however, no one came in through one of the doors in the chamber. Casto, wrong portal coordinates. The Avalon, crash landed. Neblina, literally fell from the sky and crashed into the throne room. Bazpo was meandering about the cosmos. They were lost, but none of them used the doors. Maybe Molly has a better understanding of things connected to the doors somehow.¡± Gunther rocked his head side to side and finally said, ¡°I guess yer right.¡± ¡°Of course I am dear,¡± Mine said, ¡°I¡¯m a genius after all.¡± Suddenly, a blaring alarm shattered the quiet of the desert, prompting everyone to snap to attention. All eyes turned to Violet, who was propped in Ryder¡¯s lap. She began to float and her screen lit up, followed by her urgent voice. ¡°There¡¯s a storm approaching. Seeking shelter is highly recommended.¡± "Seems we''re in a spot of trouble," Mine remarked, glancing around at the encroaching sandstorm. "We need shelter, and fast. Any suggestions, Gunther dear? What¡¯s Nowhere got to offer?¡± Gunther disappeared behind Mine and reappeared a moment later, ¡°Nuffin cap¡¯n.¡± Ryder jolted back to reality and erupted into screams, bolting out of the dune buggy and dashing aimlessly across the desert sands. His frantic sprint transformed into futile attempts to scale a nearby dune, only to slide back down to the bottom. Trey found himself chuckling at Ryder''s antics, even as Ryder pointed fingers at the laughing Storm Child, blaming him for their chaotic situation. ¡°I can¡¯t control the weather,¡± Trey managed to say. ¡°I didn¡¯t drive into the storm.¡± ¡°Then what¡¯s the point of being called Storm Children.¡± ¡°Because of my mother duh,¡± Trey said as he knocked on his head. Mine and Gunther exchanged curious glances but didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°You¡¯re completely useless,¡± Ryder yelled, throwing his hands in the air. He turned to walk away and Violet fell on his head. Her voice came across clear but only audible to him, ¡°Capture is imminent. I suggest we abandon the others.¡± Before Ryder could issue a warning, he was enveloped by tremendous pressure. When he glanced back at the dune buggy, Trey stood with his hands raised, while Mine held Molly close and simply observed. Ryder let out a groan and turned, discovering they were surrounded. Grateful for the helmet he wore, he noticed seven Sisters of Olympus, riding large, sharp-beaked birds, encircling their dune buggy. Each of the sisters were draped in vibrant cloaks with shimmering gold trim, an impressive sight. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m-¡° Trey started to say. ¡±Silence,¡± snapped Sister Akik¡¯ibe as she threw off the hood of her red cloak. She was an older woman with red and white hair braided back. Her face was framed by a thick scar and her cloak was adorned with more patterns than the other women she was accompanied by. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna die,¡± Ryder whispered. The elderly woman vanished leaving her mount, and Violet abruptly flew off Ryder¡¯s head as he was kicked in the face, burying his head in the sand. ¡°Silence was a command,¡± the woman declared, turning to the others. ¡°Do you understand?¡± Trey nodded earnestly, while Mine regarded the woman unimpressed and unamused. With a deep breath, he sighed and acknowledged her. ¡°Very good,¡± the woman, known as Sister Akik¡¯ibe, stated with pursed lips. ¡°I am Sister Akik¡¯ibe. You have trespassed on the sacred ground of our monarch, Queen Zeus Titan. You have been charged and found guilty of the following crimes¡­¡± Mine began to laugh and covered his mouth, but Akik¡¯ibe¡¯s eyes snapped to him. He attempted to raise his hand to speak but couldn¡¯t contain the fit of giggles that spilled from his lips. The woman vanished again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but this is outrageous. How can we be charged and found guilty without a trial?¡± He asked, blocking her attempted strike with his cane. The woman completed a series of backflips to put space between her and Mine. She raised her hand and said, ¡°On behalf of the Sisters of Olympus, my judgment is final. Kill them!¡± Ryder scrambled to free himself from the sand, shaking his head in disbelief. The distant war cries of the Sisters of Olympus echoed, and he looked up at Mine, panic etched on his face. "I don''t wanna die, boss." Mine met Ryder''s gaze and sensed the sincerity in the man''s eyes. He drew in a deep breath and shook his head gently. "This isn''t where my story ends, and as long as you''re in my employ, I can assure you that yours won''t either." He placed a comforting hand on Ryder''s shoulder and offered a reassuring smile. Snap! The scene shifted abruptly as Mine and the others disappeared, causing the Sisters of Olympus to halt their advance and rein in their birds. Sister Akik¡¯ibe cursed under her breath, scanning the surroundings until she noticed a sleeping figure beneath a suit jacket. She signaled to her fellow sisters to stay alert and cautiously approached the vehicle, carefully removing the jacket to reveal a resting individual. Molly stirred from her slumber, rubbing her eyes and blinking groggily at her surroundings. She spotted the limp Gunther plush on the seat next to her and hugged it tightly, finding comfort in its soft fur. Yawning and stretching, she glanced around, immediately noticing the nine cloaked women surrounding her, their faces obscured by their cloaks. Feeling a pang of anxiety, she swallowed nervously and clutched the plush Gunther closer to her chest. *** Mine, Trey, and Ryder reappeared at the mountain''s base, finding themselves in the heart of a quarry bustling with a diverse group of men, all diligently mining crystals of varying colors. Curiously, none of the workers appeared surprised or disrupted by the trio''s sudden appearance. In a rush of laughter, Ryder leaped to his feet, frantically patting himself all over. However, his amusement swiftly turned to concern when he realized Violet was nowhere to be found. Hastily, he pulled up his trench coat, attempting to shield his face from view. ¡°Where are we?¡± Trey asked with a wrinkled brow. ¡°How¡¯d we get here?¡± Mine sighed, ¡°We were in the desert but would end up here eventually. I just made it happen without all the fuss, dear.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t get it,¡± Ryder said, ¡°But I¡¯m alive and that¡¯s all that matters.¡± Trey glanced up at Mine and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Molly?¡± Mine realized he wasn¡¯t holding the small voskia girl anymore and frowned. He looked around and said, ¡°Gunther isn¡¯t here either. It¡¯s possible she never came to this place with us.¡± ¡°Where is she?¡± Trey asked. ¡°We gotta go back. We can¡¯t just leave her behind.¡± ¡°She¡¯s with Gunther, she¡¯ll be fine,¡± Mine said, ¡°However, I¡¯m curious as to what would lead us to this place without her.¡± ¡°What if those ladies took her?¡± Trey asked insightfully. ¡°Maybe she¡¯s with them.¡± ¡°If she¡¯s amongst the women of this planet its safe to assume she¡¯s safe,¡± Mine said, ¡°From what I¡¯ve been told Thessalddonia is unforgiving to men.¡± Ryder turned to him and peeked from within his trench coat and asked, ¡°What¡¯d you mean?¡± ¡°I thought you knew the monarch,¡± Trey pressed. Mine chuckled, ¡±We all end up where we¡¯re supposed to be dear, even when the reason isn¡¯t clear.¡± He leisurely walked through the quarry twirling his cane. ¡°Why are you like this?¡± Ryder asked as he followed. ¡°Like what dear?¡± ¡°So, nonchalant,¡± Ryder said, ¡°We lost Molly, you don¡¯t know why we¡¯re here, and you¡­¡± he looked back to see where Trey was and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t know the Monarch.¡± ¡°I know why we¡¯re here,¡± Mine said simply. Trey scanned the workers in the quarry, observing their vacant stares and the burden rune necklaces adorning each of their necks. A shiver ran down his spine; he''d been warned to steer clear of Thessaldonia but never understood why. His mother had always emphasized the Queen''s formidable power, and that was enough to keep him away. Stranded on this planet, a sense of foreboding grew within him. Just as he started to voice his unease, he noticed Mine and Ryder had wandered off. Racing after them, he inadvertently caught the attention of a woman seemingly made of metal in a yellow cloak with black trim. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Ryder seemed baffled, "So, hold on. You''re saying you''re six centuries old and Bazpo gave you his star vessel after he swapped places with you as the resident of El Dorado?" ¡°A solid summary,¡± Mine nodded as he headed toward a cavern, ¡°Listen dear, all I want is to settle my business here and return home. The ship I gave you blueprints for will help me get to my destination. Once we get back to El Dorado we¡¯ll use Bazpo¡¯s star vessel to find a place of respite for you to work in and go from there. I promise you¡¯ll need for nothing and you¡¯ll be safe in my employment.¡± Ryder leveled a skeptical gaze at Mine. "You said that, and we nearly died. Those women were going to kill us." "Did we, though? The truth is, we wouldn''t have ended up here if that were a fact," Mine responded calmly. "From what I gather, we''d have been enthralled by them and sent here to work until... well, until we died," he continued nonchalantly, observing an old man collapsing nearby. "But none of that matters now," he added, arms outstretched. "All that matters is the present, and here we are." There was a sudden uproar, and both men turned to see Trey racing toward them. Mine raised an eyebrow, tilting his head, while Ryder took off in the opposite direction. As Trey neared Mine, he waved and bolted past, urgently shouting, "Run!" Behind Trey, the Sister of Olympus who had spotted him earlier charged through the quarry workers effortlessly, her stride flawless and her legs visibly crafted from metal. Mine, intrigued, remained rooted to the spot. "Mr. Heart!" Trey''s panicked voice echoed from several yards away, "She''s a Perpetual!" "A what¡ª" Mine began, but before he could finish, the woman unsheathed a red crystal katana from her belt and sliced him cleanly in two. Terror widened Trey''s eyes as the grim reality sank in. This was precisely why his mother had forbidden him from being on Thessaldonia. The women here were fearsome. With that chilling realization, he swiftly pivoted and raced toward the cavern where he''d seen Ryder vanish. *** ¡°This should prove useful,¡± Sister Nozu said as she tossed a small vial to Gilda. She grabbed the vial, emitting a groan. Bruised and aching all over from Sister Nozu''s intense training, her entire body protested. She twisted the top off the vial and brought it close to her nose. Instantly recoiling, she gagged and swiftly sealed it shut. "There''s no chance I''m drinking this." ¡°It¡¯ll help with the soreness,¡± Nozu said, ¡°I believe I broke a few of your ribs, I suggest you drink the mender.¡± Gilda stuck out her tongue defiantly, tucking the vial into her cloak just as the door to the training courtyard swung open. Both sisters turned their attention to the entrance, catching the expression on Doro''s face. She noticed the awkward gazes directed at her and immediately put on a smile, presenting the sweet bun that had been requested. However, Gilda winced in discomfort as she tried to stand up, emitting a groan. Nozu couldn''t help but chuckle, swiftly delivering a backhand to Gilda''s midsection before heading toward Doro. The two exchanged a brief, hushed conversation. With a salute from Doro, Nozu departed without sparing a glance back at Gilda. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you okay?¡± Gilda asked as Doro approached her. ¡°Of course,¡± Doro said with a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°You look awful.¡± ¡°Nozu¡¯s just better at hiding her pain,¡± Gilda said as she sighed heavily and accepted the still warm sweet bun. ¡°Mmm, thank you. How was the city? Anything new?¡± Doro hesitated to reply and after a few moments she smiled again and said, ¡°Sister Leida is having a girl.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Gilda asked not surprised, ¡°That¡¯s not new. When was the last time a woman had a boy on Thessaldonia?¡± she shook her head and took a bite of the sweet bun. Her hand moved to her cheek as she chewed acknowledging another sore spot from her training. ¡°I¡¯m sure there are boys born on the surface,¡± Doro said, noticing Gilda¡¯s discomfort. ¡°You used your sway didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°How can you tell?¡± Gilda asked after she struggled to swallow. She couldn¡¯t help but smile when Doro offered her another of her favorite treats, ¡°A frizzy melon frizz? What did I do today that your treating me so nicely?¡± ¡°I always spoil you,¡± Doro swatted her playfully, ¡°Besides, Nozu only goes this hard,¡± she touched dried blood on Gilda¡¯s forehead and she winced involuntarily, ¡°when you use your sway.¡± Gilda¡¯s lips twisted upward as she pulled away and said, ¡°You never let me sleep in.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say I coddle you,¡± Doro said, ¡°I¡¯m going to heal you up. You still have classes to attend this afternoon.¡± Gilda groaned again and asked, ¡°Do I have to?¡± ¡°Of course you do,¡± Doro said as she exhaled and a green smoke billowed from her mouth and surrounded Gilda soothing her bruised and aching body. ¡°You know this is gross,¡± Gilda said as her body healed rapidly as it was enveloped in the green smoke. It wrapped around her mouth and her cheek felt better instantly. ¡°I¡¯m aware you¡¯ve mentioned it seven million seventy-seven times now,¡± Doro said cutting off the smoke and tying a knot at the end. Gilda chuckled softly, "Well, as long as you understand." As the smoke dissipated, she stretched, and with a series of pops and cracks, her body completely healed, leaving her feeling incredible. "Thank you, though. It''s always appreciated." *** Trey stole a glance over his shoulder and the Sister of Olympus stood over the two halves of Mine and a tear spilled down his cheek. Trey sprinted toward the caverns, desperate to reach Ryder and potentially join him on his star vessel. Just as he crossed the cave''s entrance, he was suddenly jerked backward and pinned against the wall. Mine swiftly covered Trey''s mouth, signaling for silence with a gentle finger to his lips. Dressed in a forest green suit with a chocolate brown shirt, Mine smiled warmly at Trey, who couldn''t help but embrace him. ¡°I thought you were dead.¡± ¡°Over there I was,¡± Mine said pointing back to the quarry. ¡°These women mean business. Luckily I¡¯ve got dolls to spare.¡± He looked around and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Mr. Gear?¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t run by you?¡± Trey whispered. ¡°No dear,¡± Mine said, ¡°I arrived here just as you did.¡± ¡°Maybe he ran away.¡± Mine chuckled, ¡°I don¡¯t think Mr. Gear is that much of a coward.¡± ¡°I do,¡± Trey said as he let go of Mine and wiped his face. Trey was spot-on about Ryder Gear. As soon as he entered the cavern, Ryder sprinted forward without a pause. Swiftly reaching into his coat, he crushed another bottle and flung it ahead of him. In an instant, a hover bike materialized in front of him. Without hesitation, he hopped on, activating the silent vehicle with a press of a button. Speeding down the cavern''s broad corridor, he skillfully navigated past the working men and delved deeper into the cave''s depths. Ryder sneezed causing him to veer off course and slam into the wall. He was thrown from the bike and hit the ground with loud crash. He ended up with his heels over his head and his coat draped over him. He cursed and growled, ¡°Storm brat, he¡¯s gonna get me killed. I really don¡¯t wanna die.¡± He murmured under his breath upon hearing approaching footsteps, quickly taking cover behind a heap of dull crystals. Peering cautiously over the crystals, he spotted two burly men carrying crystal pitchforks on their shoulders. They moved silently, their expressions glazed, much like the other workers he''d seen. Carefully skirting along the wall, he found an unoccupied cavern and pressed onward, delving deeper into the caves. As he progressed, the passageways grew more labyrinthine until he reached a fork in the path. Glancing back to where he had come from, he realized he was entirely alone; not even the workers had ventured as far into the depths as he had. "Hello?" His voice reverberated through the cavern, the sound trailing endlessly. Suddenly feeling exposed, he clutched his trench coat tightly. "Is anybody there?" "Not usually this deep," a voice responded. Ryder''s head snapped around, but he saw no one. Shaking his head and wiping the sweat from his brow, he muttered, "I''m losing my mind." "Why do you think that?" the voice continued. "I''m hearing voices, obviously," Ryder replied, his eyes widening as he stiffened. "I was hoping it was my subconscious." "Zeus Titan," the voice suddenly declared. "Where?" Ryder hit the floor, covering his head with his trench coat, and began crawling toward the wall. Booming laughter filled the cavern. "I knew it, you haven¡¯t been enchanted. Who are you?" The voice shouted followed by a booming laughter. "I¡¯m lost and stressed out," Ryder said, cautiously peeking from beneath his trench coat. He breathed a sigh of relief upon recognizing the voice as male and not that of the Sisters of Olympus. Standing up, he asked, "Where are you?" "Look out!" the voice warned, and before Ryder could react, a monkey landed on his head. The reddish-brown monkey had turquoise eyes and sported harem pants with an intricate design similar to the cloaks of the Sisters of Olympus. The monkey patted Ryder on the head, "My bad, bro." ¡°N-no pro-problem monkey,¡± Ryder said as he fought the urge to fling the beast from his shoulder. The monkey leaped from his shoulder, and with a swirl of turquoise smoke, he morphed into a towering figure. In the dim-lit cavern, his head remained shrouded, while his colossal frame, broad shoulders, and sculpted back resembled that of an Olympian athlete. A thick, reddish-brown, prehensile tail coiled around his waist, accentuating the harem pants he wore. As he flexed his neck, a satisfying crack echoed through the space. Ryder instinctively took a step backward, a sudden urge to flee gripping him. But assessing the man''s formidable physique, he knew evasion would prove futile. He relaxed slightly, reassured that he wasn''t indebted to such an imposing figure. With a subtle movement, he loosened his trench coat and reached within, retrieving a small bottle. He hesitated, prepared to shatter it against the ground, but halted as he caught the piercing turquoise gaze fixed upon him. "How did you escape the desert without succumbing to enchantment?" The man''s voice deepened in his human-like form. He adjusted his stance, rolling his shoulders, and inquired, "You were there, in the desert, weren''t you?" Ryder felt beads of sweat forming on his brow. His nerves palpable as he adjusted his collar with a gulp. "No, that wasn''t me. I, uh..." His words faltered as he abruptly froze, pressing against the wall. A wispy turquoise mist snaked across the floor, extending its tendrils toward them. Reacting swiftly, the man vaulted over the fog and seized Ryder by the collar, attempting to hoist him off the ground. Surprised by Ryder''s unexpected weight, he struggled initially, but as Ryder leaped, his body became lighter, allowing the man to lift him effortlessly off the ground. "We shouldn''t be here, Sister Gilda," Doro yelled. "This could be dangerous." "I heard laughter," Gilda exclaimed, excitement in her voice. "We shouldn''t meander," Doro retorted. "What if we get lost?" "I''ve been using my fog to map out Olympus for years. All these caverns are connected," Gilda casually mentioned. Doro halted in her tracks. "You what?" Gilda froze, realizing she had revealed her greatest secret. The turquoise mist faded, and Gilda turned back to Doro, her cheeks flushed crimson. "I know a shortcut back to the city," she hurriedly tried to change the subject, but Doro''s dark scowl indicated trouble. Nervously biting her lip, Gilda averted her gaze from Doro, bracing herself. After a tense silence, Doro harrumphed and spoke tersely, "Let''s return before NLO-8 comes with calvary." Gilda sighed with relief, and their footsteps quickly faded away. The hefty man exhaled, the same sense of relief evident as he gently returned Ryder to the ground, landing beside him. He scratched the back of his head, revealing a moment of vulnerability. Taking a closer look at him, Ryder couldn''t help but feel a bit intimidated by the man''s striking ruggedness. Ryder instinctively ran his fingers through his hair and adjusted his clothes, attempting to present himself as decently as possible in front of the nearly unclothed man. "Close call," Ryder exhaled gratefully. "Thank you for that." The man shrugged casually. "Why¡¯d you lie to me?" Ryder''s eyes widened. "What¡¯d you mean?" "You''ve got sand in your beard and a knot from Sister Akik¡¯ibe¡¯s kick. I''ve had my fair share of those..." He lightly poked the knot on Ryder¡¯s head, causing him to wince. "No need to lie to me. Like you," he leaned in, draping his arm over Ryder''s shoulder and whispered, "I''m trying to escape this place myself. Help me, and I''ll help you." "Seriously?" Ryder asked, the excitement of potential escape eclipsing the pain. "Absolutely. My future wife is out there among the stars, and I won''t find her by staying here." ¡°Wife?¡± Ryder asked, clearly confused. The man started to laugh and led Ryder through the cavern, ¡°Yeah man, I¡¯m not marrying any of the Sisters of Olympus, my wife¡¯s gotta be far from here.¡± Ryder rubbed the knot on his head and said, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to marry any of them either.¡± The man chuckled and asked, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°Ryder,¡± he grumbled, ¡°Yours?¡± ¡°Kyan,¡± the man said offering him his hand. The two men shook hands and a low wooshing sound could be heard ahead of them. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ryder asked, freezing in his tracks. ¡°That¡¯s our way up,¡± Kyan said. Ryder shook his head, ¡°Nah, I¡¯m good. I just need a spot I can meditate so I can build and not be captured.¡± ¡°Well the only way to get off the planet is to depart from the city.¡± ¡°What? Why? I can just take off from the ground.¡± ¡°Not if you want to smash into the burden barrier that surrounds the planet. Only way to leave the atmosphere is from the highest point on the planet and that¡¯s the city.¡± Ryder groaned and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t that where Queen Zeus lives.¡± ¡°Yup,¡± Kyan shouted as the sound got louder. ¡°No worries though. We won¡¯t go straight to the top. You need to finish your build and a safe place right?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Ryder said. ¡°I can provide that just follow me,¡± Kyan said, ¡°I know this place like the back of my hand.¡± He noticed the freckles on the back of his hand and looked at them with wonder, ¡°I didn¡¯t know I had freckles there.¡± Ryder¡¯s shoulders dropped and he palmed his face, ¡°What have I gotten myself into?¡± ¡°Not sure yet but it sounds like fun,¡± Kyan said swatting him on the back causing the smaller man to stumble. The cavern echoed with a whooshing sound, louder than ever, forcing Kyan to shout, ¡°Can you handle heights?¡± "As long as I''m not plummeting from them, I''m good!" Ryder yelled, struggling to hear himself amidst the tumultuous noise. Ahead, a radiant light beckoned from the cave''s end. "Great! This is the opposite," Kyan playfully backhanded Ryder, then dashed forward. "Come on!" Ryder hesitated but feared getting lost, so he sprinted to catch up. He halted when he saw Kyan standing at a cave opening. The wind roared so fiercely that Ryder couldn''t make out Kyan''s words. Feeling a tap on his shoulder, he saw Kyan pointing at a beaded necklace around his own neck. Kyan removed it and tossed it into the opening. Suddenly, the necklace soared into the air, causing Ryder''s knees to buckle, sending him tumbling. Shaking his head, Ryder found Kyan clearly amused as he approached, wearing a broad smile, and extended his hand. Ryder hesitated but took Kyan''s hand, instantly regretting it as he felt his body yanked from the ground and hurtling towards the opening. He squeezed his eyes shut, experiencing a fleeting weightlessness before foolishly peeking. His mouth opened to scream, but he succumbed, fainting. Kyan agilely flipped into the opening, catching Ryder''s limp body and his necklace as he ascended gracefully. Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 9: All in a day Flower 9: The Fates At the peak of Olympus, a sprawling city of crystalline structures glimmered and shone under the warm gaze of an emerald sun, perched atop lush clouds. Its inhabitants traversed the stunning city with ease, free from worry or concern. Their perpetual safety was nurtured by the efforts of the Sisters of Olympus and the watchful eye of the benevolent Queen Zeus. Amidst the prevailing peace and flourishing relationships, the days lost the vibrant energy that once defined them. In recent years, only one thing had the power to stir the city: news, the word on the street, gossip, and the day Mine Heart arrived in Thessaldonia, the city was abuzz. When Doro arrived in the market she was greeted with the usual respect from the patrolling Sisters of Olympus as well as the fond stares of the small girls that heard tales of Sister Doro Zo and her efforts to keep the city safe. She was a legend to many and those who saw her always acknowledged her. On this particular day however, she noticed something else had everyone¡¯s attention. She approached three women conversing amongst themselves near the bakery. ¡°Beautiful day ladies,¡± Doro said, the usual greeting amongst the citizens. ¡°Indeed Sister,¡± they replied in unison. ¡°There¡¯s so many quiet conversations today,¡± Doro said gesturing to the other clusters of women throughout the market place. ¡°Care to drop a word for your sister?¡± The three women looked at one another cautiously and back to Doro. One of them piped up and nervously said, ¡°Oh, just city gab.¡± ¡°Yeah, Sister Leida is having a girl,¡± another added. ¡°Goddess bless her,¡± the third said. ¡°May you have a beautiful evening Sister,¡± the first said before she ushered the other two away. Doro nodded her head, ¡°Indeed ladies.¡± She watched the three women leave speaking in their hushed tones. ¡°Just what is this day?¡± ¡°One of suspense,¡± another woman said as she stepped beside Doro. She was radiant beneath her yellow cloak with silver trim, her swollen belly was decorated with intricate yellow markings and a yellow crystal resting over her belly button. ¡°The old crone has been spewing prophecy in the square again.¡± ¡°Sister Leida,¡± Doro said excitedly and bowed her head in respect. ¡°Beautiful Day Sister, Goddess bless you and your daughter.¡± ¡°The formalities are unnecessary Sister,¡± Leida siad, ¡°How is our,¡± she paused and placed her hand on her chin, ¡°Sister or is it princess? I always forget.¡± She said teasingly. Doro¡¯s jaw dropped and she couldn¡¯t help but laugh, ¡°Your tongue is loose in pregnancy sister.¡± ¡°It¡¯s always been loose,¡± Leida snapped, ¡°That¡¯s why Zeus called for me to bear.¡± ¡°Queen Zeus,¡± Doro said nervously, ¡°She is wise in her decisions. We all have a role to play.¡± ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Leida said as she took Doro¡¯s hand and led her toward the square, ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my question so I¡¯m assuming Sister Gilda has continued to be the brat she¡¯s always been. How is the role your playing as her nanny?¡± Doro stopped walking and pulled Leida back forcefully, ¡°I¡¯m not her nanny. I care for Sister Gilda because none of you would.¡± ¡°It isn¡¯t and wasn¡¯t our place to do so,¡± Leida snapped, ¡°Her mother should have been the one to care for her. She expects me to care for,¡± she pointed at her belly and growled, ¡°this one.¡± Her nostrils flared and she took a deep breath. ¡°With the help of the Sisters,¡± Doro said reassuringly, ¡°You re not alone.¡± Leida narrowed her eyes and growled, ¡°I¡¯m more alone now than you¡¯ll ever understand. Be happy you cannot bear daughters for your majesty¡¯s sake.¡± She snatched away from Doro¡¯s grip and walked off. After a few steps she vanished into the crowd that surrounded the fountain in the square. ¡°The day comes nigh women! A man! He comes! He takes! He leaves us without! We, your Sisters of Olympus cannot protect you. We have not been ready for a long time. We¡¯ve been misled! We must prepare! Bar your doors, cast your spells!¡± A woman shouted from the center of the crowd. Doro pushed through the crowd to see the woman. An old haggard woman with an worn and tattered green cloak with a black trim spoke through a crystal megaphone that amplified her voice. ¡°What man?¡± a woman cried out in the crowd. The old woman whipped her head around revealing a horribly scarred face and crystals in place of her eyes. She wagged her crooked and gnarled finger at the woman who called out, ¡°He comes from nowhere. Appears he does. He comes! He presence is nigh!¡± Three Sisters of Olympus, adorned in black cloaks with crisp white trim, materialized abruptly before the old woman, trailing billows of smoke from their heels. These three enigmatic figures were known as the Fates, a unique echelon within the Sisters of Olympus. Hidden behind their crystal masks, their true identities remained a mystery. They encircled the old woman, and in an instant, vanished from sight. While most of the onlookers dispersed, Doro managed to witness the truth within that fleeting moment. She trembled, unable to steady herself, and closed her eyes, focusing on a series of calming breaths. In her mind''s eye, she witnessed the Fates appearing, shrouding the woman in her own cloak before abruptly ending her life and swiftly spiriting her away. Gasping, Doro''s eyes snapped open as she scanned the surroundings. The crowd had dispersed, and the women of the city resumed their activities as if nothing happened. Yet, a lingering murmur lingered among the whispers about the man. Doro made her way back to the bakery, thoughts of Gilda lingering in her mind. She collected her sweet bun but Sister Leida''s cutting words stung her deeply. Despite the sting, she managed a grateful thanks to the woman who handed her the bag. Heading back to the castle, her mind raced until she noticed the peculiar gazes from Gilda and Nozu. Putting on her best smile, she decided to set aside her other concerns. Her priority was Gilda, and she was determined to fulfill her duties. After a brief exchange with Nozu about the encounter with the Fates, Doro cheerfully presented the sweet bun to Gilda. Gilda groaned as she peered out of the window instead of listening to the heavy woman who taught her the history of Thessaldonia. Usually Doro would have prodded her for not paying attention or pretend that what¡¯s being said is actually important. She turned to her best friend and closest confidant and noticed her absent stare. For a change she was the one to prod her, Doro shook her head and smiled at Gilda. ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Gilda whispered. Doro shook her head and pointed to the woman in front of them, ¡°Pay attention.¡± Gilda narrowed her eyes and thrust her hand in the air, ¡°Excuse us Sister Benni, I¡¯m not feeling well and I fear I may have gotten Sister Doro sick as well. I wish not to spread this illness. So we¡¯re gonna leave,¡± she stood up and took Doro¡¯s hand and pulled her toward the door. She was clearly perfectly fine as she bowed her head respectfully with a big smile and said, ¡°May your evening be beautiful Sister.¡± Once in the hallway Gilda couldn¡¯t help but laugh and said, ¡°Now I know somethings wrong. You didn¡¯t even try to stop me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Doro said, as she allowed Gilda to pull her back toward her bed chambers. ¡°I¡¯m not myself today.¡± ¡°Yeah, not since you got back from the city,¡± Gilda said, ¡°You¡¯ve been acting really weird. You''re like a zombie. What happened?¡± Doro didn¡¯t know what to say, so much had happened but she wasn¡¯t sure how to address it with Gilda. She stopped and looked her in the eyes and said, ¡°I think I need to speak to Sister NLO-8.¡± Gilda¡¯s eyes widened excitedly, she screamed and asked, ¡°Are you serious? The quarry master? Can I come?¡± Doro took a deep breath and nodded her head affirmatively, ¡°I¡¯ll tell the guards that it¡¯s a project for history or something. They¡¯ll most likely want to confirm with Sister Benni.¡± ¡°Why are we worried about the guards?¡± Gilda asked. ¡°How do you expect to get out of the city? There¡¯s no way in or out of the city that isn¡¯t monitored and if we try to sneak out I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll garner more attention than we would if we walked out through the front gates.¡± ¡°You¡¯re taking me to the city?¡± Gilda squealed excitedly, ¡°Okay, okay, okay. I have an outfit.¡± With a burst of excitement and laughter, Gilda dashed off towards her room before Doro could intervene. Doro walked over to a window and looked down at the city as everything she ever knew to be true seemed to be tested. She knew the only way to get answers would be to speak to the absolute oldest Sister of Olympus, the perpetual Quarry Master NLO-8. *** The Sisters of Olympus that went to intercept Mine and the others were left with the small Voskia girl and her plush and none of them wanted to be responsible for her. They argued amongst themselves due to having the same rank none of them could force the others to take responsibility for the girl. It came down to the women drawing straws and the two with the shortest would have to return to the city with Molly. Sister Akik¡¯ibe let out a heavy sigh as she drew one of the long straws. There was little wait to discover who among them would shoulder the duty they all seemed eager to avoid. Sister Obella, the adept archer clad in an orange cloak with gold trim, and Sister Idek, donning a pink cloak with similar adornments, known as the youngest and brightest talent among the Sisters of Olympus, were assigned to take Molly to Olympus. Sister Sarini, the expert in crystal armaments garbed in a purple cloak with gold trim, set off southward to investigate if the two men and the boy had successfully teleported to the port city alongside Sister Akik¡¯ibe. Meanwhile, Sister Mas, the formidable and largest among the sisters, the master of defense, wearing a light gray cloak with gold trim, proceeded westward to survey the farmlands. Simultaneously, Sister Zoya, the master of beasts in a brown cloak with gold trim, and Sister Nisha, the burden master, draped in a white cloak with gold trim, soared into the skies to scout the desert terrain. Sister Idek and Sister Obella looked to one another and back to Molly who quietly kicked her legs sitting on the trunk of the dune buggy. ¡°She looks about your age,¡± Obella said teasingly, her wide gap prominent when she smiled. ¡°You should let her ride with you.¡± ¡°Absolutely not, she could have bugs or something. She¡¯s not even of this world,¡± Idek snapped, the small girl turned her face away in disgust. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be the smart one?¡± Obella laughed and brought her bird alongside the dune buggy and looked down at the small girl and offered her hand, ¡°Come little miss, I¡¯ll take you to our queen.¡± Molly pulled away from her and shook her head with her eyes tightly shut. Gunther freed himself from her grasp and raised a wooden sword and bradished it before Obella. ¡°Back ye mistress of death,¡± he barked at her. The bird reared startled by the plush beaver and Obella had to pull on it¡¯s reins to calm it down. As Idek approached Gunther whirled his wooden blade on her and raised it ready to defend Molly. ¡°O.M.F, you are so cute,¡± Idek said sweeping Gunther up and holding him in the air. ¡°What are you?¡± ¡°Adorable,¡± Gunther said. Idek swooned and started to laugh, ¡°yes, yes you are. Would you like to ride with me?¡± ¡°What about Molly?¡± Gunther asked gesturing to the girl on the dune buggy. Idek smiled down at her and asked, ¡°Would you like to come with me? We can get you something to eat, and a bath, and we can probably do something with that hair of yours. What do you think, Molly?¡± The girls tone was sweet and genuine and Molly looked up at her and then to Gunther. She nodded her head but reached for the plush. Idek gave Gunther back to her and scooped the small girl up and perched her on the saddle in front of her. ¡°Told ya,¡± Obella said as she brought her bird around and said, ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡± Idek cursed under her breath and Molly silent giggle made her laugh, ¡°You liked that huh?¡± She squeezed her knees and the bird followed its comrade and Sister Obella¡¯s dust trail as they skirted across the desert toward Olympus. *** Gilda emerged from her room wearing a metal bra and flowing pants. Her midsection was exposed and she wore a chain similar to her mother¡¯s that rested on her hips. She wore a beautiful nose ring that was connected to her earring with a chain that featured three tear drop shaped crystals that dangled beneath her eye. Her hair was pulled back into a single braid that fell to her waist with her cloak draped over her forearm. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Cloak on!¡± Doro snapped, ¡°You know better, a Sister of Olympus is nothing without her cloak.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Gilda grumbled, ¡°At least acknowledge this gorgeous and impeccable body of mine.¡± ¡°Ew,¡± Doro teased. ¡°You should be more modest.¡± ¡°I¡¯m literally twenty-two years old, you have to stop treating me like a little girl.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need you reminding me how old you are,¡± Doro said smiling fondly at the woman before her. She was right, Gilda was no longer the little girl she was charged with raising. ¡°You look stunning.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Gilda said embracing Doro suddenly, ¡°I¡¯m so excited.¡± Doro smiled nervously, ¡°Me too, I hope this works.¡± ¡°You know,¡± Gilda said pulling away from Doro, ¡°I was thinking about that. What if I told you I have a better idea?¡± ¡°Oh yeah, like what?¡± Gilda smiled deviously and said, ¡°Follow me!¡± She pulled Doro towards her room and said, ¡°I¡¯ve been training with my sway for as long as I can remember. I think I¡¯ve mastered it to be honest. There¡¯s something I¡¯ve always wanted to do.¡± ¡°Okay, and?¡± Doro said as Gilda pulled her into the room and closed the door behind her. Gilda locked the door and asked, ¡°You trust me don¡¯t you?¡± Doro narrowed her eyes and said, ¡°I do.¡± ¡°Good,¡± she started to run toward her open window and stepped on the ledge. She turned back to Doro and said, ¡°Follow me.¡± And she jumped out of the window. Doro didn¡¯t hesitate and leapt out of the window after her. She pulled a black crystal from within her cloak and squeezed it. It transformed into a broom, she straddled it in her freefall and dove toward Gilda. The falling princess laughed as she closed her eyes and allowed her body to be consumed by the turquoise fog that billowed from beneath her cloak. Once engulfed in the turquoise fog she swirled around Doro and said, ¡°Thank you for this!¡± ¡°Gilda! Are you crazy?¡± Doro shouted as she steadied her broom and match Gilda¡¯s speed.. ¡°No but sneaking out of the castle couldn¡¯t be more fun than this,¡± Gilda¡¯s voice surrounded her as she passed through the cloud and they continued their descent from the city that sits adove the clouds. After a few minutes Gilda sighed, ¡°Why is this taking so long?¡± ¡°Did you really think we were going to land in the quarry in a few seconds?¡± ¡°I was hoping we would have.¡± Doros scoffed, ¡°We reside on the tallest peak in all of Thessaldonia. If you wanted to get down faster you would have maintained your corporeal form until we were a few stories from the ground.¡± ¡°Oh, that makes sense,¡± Gilda said as her physical body slipped through the fading turquoise fog and plummeted towards the ground head first. Doro angled the nose of her broomstick downward, swiftly chasing after the fearless princess. As they darted through a wispy cloud, the landscape below expanded, the quarry growing larger as they descended. Gilda extended her arms, letting her cloak unfurl like a parachute. Twirling gracefully, a swirling vortex of turquoise fog announced her impending landing in the heart of the quarry. Pulling up alongside the girl on her broomstick, Doro released a relieved sigh. None of the men acknowledged Gilda or Doro despite their flashy display. They did get the attention of the quarry master and Sister NLO-8 sauntered toward them with her yellow cloak flowing behind her. Her hand immediately went to the red crystal katana she kept sheathed at her side. When she saw the cloaks of her fellow Sisters of Olympus she bowed her head in greeting. ¡°Beautiful day sister,¡± Gilda said, bowing her head. NLO-8 was a towering mechanical marvel, her metal legs were long and clearly built for speed with three exhaust pipes sticking out of her lower extremities. Her torso was compact compared to her legs which was covered by a short dress that stopped just below her pelvis. Where her mouth would be was a speaker and she had a single glowing eye in the middle of her head. She examined both Sister Gilda and Doro and in a surprisingly annoyed human voice she asked, ¡°Why have you come to the quarry, Sister Doro?¡± ¡°Doro wanted to talk to you,¡± Gilda interjected and said, ¡°Can I say that it is truly an honor to meet a Sister of Olympus of your calibur. I¡¯ve read more about you than just about any other sister of your time.¡± NLO-8 looked at the girl and her eye returned to Doro, ¡°Speak! I have work to do.¡± ¡°What kind of work?¡± Gilda asked looking around, ¡°It seems to me everything is going well. Is it true none of the men have freewill?¡± She approached one of the men and waved in his face. NLO-8¡¯s three fingered hand clasped around Gilda¡¯s wrist and she lifted her in the air, ¡°Leave them be.¡± Gilda¡¯s fog wrapped around NLO-8¡¯s hand and she managed to slip out of her grip and rubbed her wrist, ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so rough.¡± ¡°Sister Gilda,¡± Doro said, stepping between them. ¡°You should walk amongst those burdened to work here. Remember, this isn¡¯t a field trip. It¡¯s research for your assignment.¡± With her back to NLO-8 she made a face that suggested Gilda take a walk. ¡°Fret not Otto will walk with you.¡± Doro waved her hand in a circle and an emerald green smoke appeared beneath her and a black blood hound with emerald eyes like Doro¡¯s lumbered out of the smoke. ¡°Otto,¡± Gilda shouted and pet the hounds head, ¡°Come boy, help me do some research.¡± She walked away with the black dog at her side. Doro turned to NLO-8 and said, ¡°I came because I have a question.¡± ¡°Ask and be gone with you,¡± NLO-8 said. ¡°Before I became Sister Gilda¡¯s care taker, who wore my colors?¡± NLO-8 turned away from Doro without answering and said, ¡°There was a man in the quarry today.¡± Doro¡¯s eyes went wide, ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Fret not, I cut him down before he could ascend,¡± She reached in her cloak and removed the two halves of Mine¡¯s doll. She handed the pieces to Doro and said, ¡°This was all that remained. I cut the bastard clean in two.¡± She led Doro to small crystal like structure that acted as NLO-8¡¯s office. Once inside she gestured for Doro to sit down in front of a desk. NLO-8 sat in front of her and waved her hand and several floating screens appeared along the walls. ¡°This way you don¡¯t have to worry about Gilda getting into trouble.¡± she pointed at Gilda and Otto as they walked about the quarry on one of the screens, ¡°The sister that wore your clolors before you? Hm, that was Sister Emau¡¯Ti . She¡¯s long dead though, she died of Star Flu.¡± ¡°I¡¯m familiar with her, may she reside alongside the Goddess,¡± Doro said. ¡°Yes, yes, forever moving forward,¡± NLO-8 said, ¡°Ya not here for Emau-Ti, who¡¯re you here for?¡± Doro¡¯s brows knitted together, ¡°I saw a Sister today wearing a green and black cloak. It was old, she was-¡± NLO-8''s eye made a whirring sound as if she zoomed in on Doro, ¡°What did she look like?¡± ¡°She had crystals embedded in her eyes,¡± Doro whispered. ¡°Ah,¡± NLO-8 sighed and said, ¡°That was Sister Ogh, she was Queen Zeus and her sister Neblina¡¯s caretaker when they were young. When Neblina went missing her mind snapped. She was dismissed from her sisterly duties. She was supposed to go to the Island of Sisters. However, the last I heard of her, she beat up her escorts and escaped.¡± Doro shook her head, ¡°That makes no sense, this woman I¡¯m speaking of was called the crone by those who knew her. She always spouted nonsense in the square. She was the spark of most rumors in the city.¡± NLO-8 said with a fond chuckle, ¡°They could very much be one in the same and I wouldn¡¯t be surprised. Sister Ogh was far from stupid and would avoid being seen by any sisters who would know her. I was assigned this position twelve years after Gilda¡¯s birth. I¡¯m sure that¡¯s when rumors of the crone first began. I was the city sentinel for seventy-two years you know. I¡¯ve seen more than most have forgotten.¡± She sighed, ¡°I must see Sister Ogh, I¡¯m sure she¡¯s still just as feisty.¡± ¡°She¡¯s dead,¡± Doro whispered, breaking the perpetuals reverent thoughts, ¡°I was witness to the Fates execution of her.¡± NLO-8 stood up and walked to the door and locked it, ¡°The Fates appeared in broad daylight? They killed her in front of everyone?¡± Doro nodded her head, ¡°Yes, it was the first time I ever saw them. I¡¯ve heard rumor of them but they moved so quickly no one could have followed what transpired unless they were trained to do so.¡± ¡°What did Sister Ogh say?¡± NLO-8 stood by the door and peered out of the window. ¡°Nonsense,¡± Doro said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is Sister Gilda okay?¡± ¡°She¡¯s fine,¡± NLO-8 said waving her hand and a screen appeared in front of Doro featuring Gilda as she examined a pile of crystals. ¡°What nonsense was she talking?¡± Doro racked her brain and repeated what little she remembered of the woman¡¯s speech from earlier that day. ¡°She just kept saying a man was coming.¡± NLO-8 cursed quietly and turned to Doro, ¡°You must be quick and return with the girl to the castle immediately.¡± She unlocked her door and beckoned Doro to follow her. She stepped into the quarry and shouted, ¡°Before the Court of Sisters!¡± ¡±All men bow,¡± every man in the quarry chanted and fell to their knees and lowered their heads no matter what they had been doing moments prior. Silence filled the quarry and Gilda stared at Doro and NLO-8 baffled by the men. She couldn¡¯t believe her eyes when she heard a boisterous laugh echo from one of the caverns. Her head snapped in the general direction and her turquoise fog snaked toward the cave entrance rapidly. Otto¡¯s ears perked up and he chased after Gilda. Doro¡¯s eyes widened and she pursued the girl as she disappeared in the cavern. ¡°Zeus Titan,¡± NLO-8 said with a wave of her hand. ¡°For Zeus!¡± Every man in the quarry chanted, ¡°For Olympus! For Thessaldonia!¡± They all went back to work moments later as if nothing happened. *** Mine and Trey fell to their knees a fraction of a second after the other men in the quarry had. They were both thankful that no one noticed their delayed reaction to NLO-8¡¯s command. Gilda¡¯s fog moved past them with the hound on her heels and Doro pursuing them. When the men of the quarry resumed their work Mine stood up and brushed of his clothes. ¡°Those women had extremely interesting sway wouldn¡¯t you agree, dear?¡± ¡°Who do you think was laughing like that?¡± Trey asked. ¡°Most likely Ryder,¡± Mine said, ¡°He seems like the type to have a hearty laugh.¡± ¡°That definitely wasn¡¯t Ryder,¡± Trey said shaking his head, ¡°He¡¯d be too scared to laugh like that.¡± Mine chuckled and looked at his pocket watch, ¡°You really dont think very highly of him do you?¡± ¡°He¡¯s a scaredy cat,¡± Trey said simply. ¡°You think he¡¯s that much of a coward?¡± ¡±Absolutely,¡± Trey said without a moment''s hesitation. Mine couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the boy¡¯s adamant response, ¡°I¡¯ll just bring him back with a -¡° A menacing growl cut him off and they looked down to see Otto, the black hound a few feet away from them. It approached them slowly with its hackles up. Mine raised his eyebrow, he was ready to summon Mae. Trey fell to his knees in front of the hound and offered him some of the leftover bacon he had from Ryder¡¯s rations from Vicky V¡¯s. The dogs entire demeanor changed and its tongue fell from its mouth and its tail began to wag. ¡°Good boy dear,¡± Mine pet Trey¡¯s head. Trey looked up at Mine with narrowed eyes and then turned back to the dog as he nuzzled his head in the boy¡¯s hand, ¡°He really is a sweet guy.¡± Mine looked around and plucked two dolls from his pocket and tucked one in the hounds collar and the other in Trey¡¯s pocket. Mine offered him another treat and said, ¡°If you see us again I¡¯ll give you another treat but you gotta be a good boy and not bark.¡± ¡±Yeah, yeah whatever you say but I want four treats and I won¡¯t say nothing,¡± the dog said in a gruff voice. Mine smiled, ¡°I knew there was more to you. You¡¯re a manifestation of that girls sway aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°You can talk,¡± Trey whispered, still stuck on the obvious. ¡°Doro made a bunch of us when she was a kid. The older of us can speak and act independently of her,¡± the hound said. ¡°Interesting,¡± Mine swatted Trey¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I told you.¡± Trey waved him off and continued to pet the dog, ¡°Do you know how we can get to the top of the mountain?¡± The dog looked up at Trey and rolled onto his back so that he could have belly rubs. As Trey pet him the dog said, ¡°There¡¯s a bunch of ways to the top. There¡¯s a an old set of stairs that lead to the castle.¡± ¡°How do you know that?¡± Mine asked. ¡°I¡¯m an old dog. When Doro was younger I used to roam freely. Ever since she got assigned to Gilda I¡¯ve been cooped up in the castle. It¡¯s nice to be free to roam for a bit.¡± ¡°Hmph,¡± Mine said, ¡°Care to lead the way to the stairs, dear?¡± ¡°Got any more bacon?¡± Otto asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Trey said. He pulled out more rations. ¡°How much do you have, dear?¡± Trey shrugged as the dog stood up and shook his head and body. Otto took the food from the boys hand and said, ¡°I can lead ya ta where ya gonna wanna go. It¡¯s a long way up though.¡± ¡°Eh, we¡¯ll get there without much of a hassle,¡± Mine said as he followed the dog. As they walked through the cavern Mine asked Otto, ¡°You said you¡¯re an old dog. How old are you?¡± ¡°Doro made me when she was 10,¡± Otto said as if that answered his question. ¡°How old is Doro now, dear?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve spent twenty-four years watching out for her,¡± Otto said with a trot in his step and his head held high. ¡°Ah, that means she would have known Sister Neblina,¡± Mine said. Otto stopped and shook his head and his tail wagged excitedly, ¡°Sister Nebby? Yes, yes, yes. She always gave the best belly rubs.¡± He looked to Trey and said, ¡°No offense kid. You were a little rough on the nips.¡± Mine laughed, ¡°Ah, very good. Maybe this Doro could assist me.¡± A whistle echoed through the cavern and a green smoke appeared around Otto¡¯s paws, ¡°Just up ahead there¡¯s a false dead end and the stairs leading up to the castle.¡± ¡°Let Doro know, I¡¯d like to speak with her, dear,¡± Mine said as the the dog bowed his head and vanished in a wisp of green smoke. ¡°That was helpful,¡± Trey said, as he waved his hands through the smoke. ¡°Are we really going to walk all the way to the top?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll end up where we¡¯re supposed to, dear. I never fret when I find myself in unfamiliar places. I always tend to appear exactly when and where I need to be.¡± ¡°Me too,¡± Trey said, ¡°My mom says that I¡¯ve got a magnetism about me.¡± Mine nodded his head, ¡°The two of us together could change the world.¡± ¡°Why not the universe?¡± "I was thinking, one planet at a time, dear," Mine remarked, his voice echoing as he and Trey reached the end of the dead end, discovering the concealed hallway beyond. Just as Otto had informed them, a winding staircase led upward within the mountain. The crystal steps illuminated the stairwell, casting a radiant glow, while a melodic hum intertwined with the rush of water resonated from the direction above. ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Trey said, ¡°I just gotta check in with my mom every now and again.¡± He looked at his watch and shrugged, ¡°Can¡¯t at the moment though.¡± Mine smiled warmly at the boy, lifting his hand. With a subtle snap of his fingers, they both vanished into thin air. Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 10: Going Up In Chapter 10, "Going Up," two parallel journeys unfold within the mysterious hollows of Olympus. Kyan leads Ryder through an otherworldly environment, introducing him to a tribe thought to be myth, while Ryder struggles with his fear of the unknown. Meanwhile, Mine and Trey find themselves in a jungle, where they encounter a powerful figure guarding a hidden realm. Tensions rise as they confront obstacles that test both their courage and abilities. The chapter weaves adventure, humor, and magical elements, building suspense and exploring the deeper mysteries of Olympus. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Flower 11: A Night to Remember Flower 11: A Night to Remember In the heart of the Bodoluu cave, the vibrant beats of drums echoed, intertwining with boisterous laughter that reverberated through the halls. A sprawling fire danced, casting flickering light across the camp, where residents gathered in revelry, sharing food, drink, and joyous camaraderie. For Sister Aggel, the scene was a surprise. The Bodoluu were typically reserved, engaged in their daily tasks without much interaction. The last time Aggel remembered such a gathering was seven years ago when they welcomed her upon her assignment to watch over the prince, ensuring he never ascended into the city atop Olympus. Realization dawned on her, sending her heart racing. She glanced at the three cloaked women accompanying her, silently signaling for them to spread out. At the heart of the camp, a towering fire cast elongated shadows on the tent walls surrounding it. Amidst the lively scene, Kyan¡¯s laughter filled the air as he drummed in harmony with nine Bodoluu drummers. The giant chief nudged Ryder and offered him a crystal mug brimming with a fermented beverage. Ryder struggled to hold the oversized mug on his lap, accepting it with a grin. Introducing himself as Suzuko, son of Suzoouko, the chief clinked his mug against Ryder¡¯s with a thunderous roar. "To good company and dispelling rumors about our great lineage. We, the Bodoluu, traverse the planets of Tucy, enriched by our ancestors¡¯ celestial yearning. Our history runs deep, our story interwoven with the stars. Welcome, Ryder, ¡®The Ill-informed¡¯." The bodoluu tribesmen raised their crystal mugs and growled a guttural word that sounded like, ¡°Grace.¡± Ryder couldn¡¯t lift the mug to his lips and huffed. He placed the mug between his legs and closed his eyes. He took four deep breaths with a pause after each exhale. His forehead started to glow and a loud ding filled the cavern. Everyone turned to Ryder as the glow faded and he opened his eyes. His gear shaped irises were still churning and turning as if they were inside a machine. He reached into his trench coat and plucked out a tiny glass vial and crushed it between his fingers. A metal straw appeared in his hand and he plunked it into the beverage. He took a sip of the mead and sighed with delight. ¡°That¡¯s delicious,¡± Ryder said with a delighted sigh. Chief Suzuko looked down at Ryder and squinted at the straw, ¡°What¡¯s the shiny thing ya got there?¡± Ryder raised his eyebrow as he slurped the mead and pointed at the straw, ¡°This?¡± ¡°Yes, what is that?¡± Suzuko said, nodding his large head causing the crystals knotted in his mane to clink gently. Ryder gulped, ¡°It¡¯s a straw.¡± Chief Suzuko lowered his massive head to be eye level with Ryder and said, ¡°I want one.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Ryder shrugged and placed his drink down. He repeated the same breathing process that created the glow and the chime that signaled his completion. He reached into his coat and pulled out a slightly bigger bottle and handed it to the chief. ¡°Just break the bottle and you¡¯ll have one for yourself. I made yours a little bigger than mine.¡± Chief Suzuko took the small vial and raised it up to the fire and peered into it. He was confused at first by Ryder¡¯s instructions but his incredible strength shattered the vial and the metal straw began to expand in his hand. He chuckled with delight and dropped it in his beverage. He raised the mug to his mouth and puckered his lips amusingly before taking a sip from the straw. He groaned and his shoulders slumped clearly delighted. ¡°This is sensational, it brings up the spice and pulp that settles on the bottom,¡± Chief Suzuko mumbled, he waved his hand over the mug as he inhaled the pungent scent. He took another sip and sighed again. Ryder finished his mead and agreed, the bottom is better than the top. He asked for another mug and Chief Suzuko clapped him on the back, forcing him on his feet and stumbling forward. He nervously chuckled and felt a bit unsteady, Ryder opened his arms to balance himself and it donned on him at that moment, he was completely inebriated. He started to laugh and said, ¡°Am I drunk?¡± ¡±If you have to ask, I think it''s pretty clear,¡± Kyan yelled as he slammed his palms on the drum finishing one song as another began. He handed his drum over to an eager adolescent bodoluu. He walked over to Ryder and Chief Suzuko and said, ¡°Pollu Po¡¯s mead is crazy powerful. I don¡¯t touch the stuff, I¡¯m surprised you finished the mug.¡± Ryder hiccuped and swayed side to side, ¡°I¡¯ve got a pretty high tolerance ya know?¡± Laughter erupted from Kyan, resonating alongside Chief Suzuko¡¯s booming chuckles as he gestured towards the swaying figure of Ryder. Suddenly, Kyan¡¯s expression shifted, his brow furrowing as he noticed the shadows stirring behind the tents. With swift instinct, he backed away, closing his eyes as he swiftly transformed into a spider monkey amidst a plume of turquoise smoke. As his eyes snapped open, glowing intensely, he darted off in the same direction, his movements swift and purposeful. Meanwhile, Ryder, overwhelmed by drink, swayed unsteadily and scanned his surroundings. Confused, he glanced from side to side, his words slightly slurred, ¡°Where¡¯d he go?¡± Kyan scaled the tent roofs, scanning the area for the source of the shadows he had noticed earlier. A sister in a white cloak with a light gray trim swung a crystal hammer down onto the spot where he''d been moments ago. Swiftly dodging the attack, Kyan landed deftly, only to be confronted by two other sisters in white cloaks¡ªone with a dark gray trim and the other with an off-white trim. Both brandished crystal sabers and moved in for an attack, but Kyan transformed into a pygmy marmoset and evaded their strikes. However, he was quickly captured by his tail. Sister Aggel lifted the tiny simian to eye level, licking her lips as she spoke, "Your evasive tactics left you vulnerable. You should prepare to counter next time." "I''ve always admired your skills," Kyan said with an impish grin. "And encountering Toll, Delia, and Sephima, I knew you''d be the final showdown. I never mind a close encounter with you." Blushing, Aggel tossed him to the ground and covered her face with her hood, "You''re impossible, Kyan!" In a burst of turquoise smoke, Kyan reappeared in human form, propped on his shoulder and addressing the four women with a smirk, "So, what''s the news from the tyrant?" Aggel replied, "Her Majesty continues her benevolent ways. She only wishes for your well-being and safety." Kyan rolled his eyes and waved her off, ¡°If you say so.¡± He stood up and stretched showing off his rippled core. The women swooned and Aggel resisted the urge to touch him. He turned back to the camp¡¯s center and said, ¡°Come, there¡¯s someone I want you to meet.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea,¡± Aggel said shaking her head, ¡°I honestly wish we didn¡¯t know he was here.¡± "He can''t remain," Toll said, revealing her tall gray and black bunny ears as she pulled back her hood with the dark gray trim. Sephima turned her back and a thick bushy red fox tail with a white tip emerged from beneath her cloak with the off-white trim, ¡°I suggest we kill him before he becomes any more of an issue.¡± "Reporting him would complicate matters," Delia stated bluntly. "Better to eliminate him outright." "I won''t let you harm my friend," Kyan intervened. Delia peeled back her cloak with the light gray trim and bared her tiger-like features, her lips curled to reveal sharp teeth. "Your interference won''t be tolerated." Kyan stepped to the woman who was nearly as tall as he was, he smirked and whispered, ¡°What¡¯re you gonna do about it?¡± Delia held her breath, she lowered her gaze to compose her resolve before looking back at him and said, ¡°Just because you¡¯ve grown up doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t and won¡¯t fulfill our duty as Sisters of Olympus.¡± Kyan placed his hand on the tent and leaned closer to Delia and asked, ¡°Are you sure?¡± She pushed him away and her hands moved to her face instantly, ¡°You¡¯re truly terrible Kyan!¡± Kyan started to laugh as he took a step back and moved out of her way, ¡°All of you know just as well as I do that none of you are going to raise a hand against me.¡± Aggel yanked Kyan¡¯s tail again causing him to stiffen and purred, ¡°As brave as ever and still leaving your tail unguarded.¡± Kyan recovered a moment later, he grabbed his tail from her and started to stroke it, ¡°I hate when you do that. It doesn¡¯t feel very nice you know?¡± Unexpectedly, Ryder stumbled upon the scene, Kyan appearing to converse with thin air. "What''s going on?" Turning abruptly, Kyan scanned the area nervously, then chuckled, "All is well, how ya holding up bro?¡± Ryder, clutching yet another mug of mead, hiccuped and inquired, ¡°I think this is my fourth cup, are you gonna have any?¡± Kyan looked around one more time before he turned to Ryder and said, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll join you.¡± *** The communal bath house nestled within the Sisters of Olympus dormitories featured a natural hot spring. The pool-like basin was filled with lush moss, its verdant tendrils creating a vibrant contrast against the surrounding smoothed crystal benches submerged beneath the clear water. A gentle cascade of steam rose from the surface, enveloping the space in a soft, comforting warmth. ¡°Aye, this be something I could get used ta,¡± Gunther said as he floated serenely on the pool''s surface with his belly stitched up and cucumber slices adorning his eyes. Meanwhile, Molly''s relaxation was less assured as three women pampered her. They sang as they tended to her, washing her hair, trimming her nails, and using a sponge for a thorough cleanse. A sudden splash had her raspberry curls cascading over her face, curling up instantly as she peeked through them to glance at the walls. They were adorned with moving images of Sisters of Olympus in varied colored cloaks, wielding an array of crystal weapons. She couldn''t help but admire their beauty and the strength they emanated. "They say the past Sisters of Olympus bless the present ones here," one of the women mentioned, noticing Molly''s captivation. "Perhaps you''ll watch over other lost ones, just as you were," another added, skillfully braiding Molly''s hair. "Enough fussing over the lostling," Lo''Ve interjected as she entered the bath house. "It''s almost dinner, and we must prepare her for her cloak fitting." "Yes, Sister Lo''Ve," the three women responded, bowing respectfully. They resumed their focus on Molly, finishing her bath. Meanwhile, Gunther was unexpectedly dunked underwater, his cucumber slices floating away as he kicked and cursed beneath the surface. When he was allowed to come to the surface he gasped for air and glared at the giggling sisters. Molly stood at the edge of the pool in a lush robe, matching slippers, and her hair wrapped in a towel. Gunther aimed a stream of water at the closest sister before swimming over to the pool''s edge. Waterlogged, he received a tap of apology on his arm before Molly twisted the plush beaver, wringing him out like a towel. He sighed and said, ¡°I needed that more than ya know. Thank ya Molly.¡± After a brief hug, she followed Lo¡¯Ve out of the bath house. The animated images of the Sisters seemed to take notice of the small voskia girl as they moved through the halls of the dormitories. She waved at them and most waved back, some bowed their heads. ¡°The Sisters of Olympus have protected the sovereign since the planet was united over a hundred years ago by the Titan Family,¡± Lo¡¯ve said. ¡°We serve the monarch, Queen Zeus, may she live long and her life be pleasant. She is our benevolent leader who has created a new regime in which we sisters enforce.¡± She led Molly out of the building through a courtyard that smelled like lavender and honeysuckle. ¡°You will soon learn to serve Queen Zeus the way all lostlings have. She takes in the girls, trains them, makes them self-sufficient, teaches them to love themselves, and capable of taking down any foe that appears before them.¡± Gunther yawned, ¡°That bath got me tired. Did I hear ya mention dinner before?¡± Lo¡¯Ve chuckled humorlessly and growled, ¡°Interupt me again and I¡¯ll see how far I can stretch you before you bust a seam.¡± She cleared her throat and continued, ¡°No man has set foot in the city we protect in the last twenty-five years. No man, since our former king, may he continue to rest with the Goddess in peace forever moving forward, has been allowed to gaze upon the city. Our monarch was betrayed by the man she loved and cast all men from the mountain. The crystal city is one of women, no man shall set foot upon its grass, and you will learn of our history. Tomorrow evening I will show you the crimson tower and you will be given a blank cloak. One you will have to earn your colors for and learn to weave your own patterns.¡± Lo¡¯Ve stopped in front of an open door and gestured for Molly to step inside. A large room and brightly lit room spread out in front of her with a large circle bed in the middle of the room. There was a tall window with a small reading nook at the base. On the bed was a fresh set of clothes for Molly, Gunther¡¯s hat and tie were hung on the bed post cleaned and ready to be worn. Molly beamed, she excitedly hugged Lo¡¯Ve and rushed in the room. ¡°Get dressed, I¡¯ll be back for you in fifteen minutes,¡± Lo¡¯Ve said tapping her wrist. ¡°We¡¯ll see Sister Balkinka about getting you fitted for your cloak.¡± Molly nodded her head as Lo¡¯Ve closed the door to provide her privacy. She picked up the clothes and found they were warm as if pulled from the dryer. She put on the clothes and couldn¡¯t help but swoon at the sweet scent that wafted off them. She freed her hair from the towel and one side of her hair was braided and the other was left out in thick coiling raspberry curls that fell to her lower back. She wore a loose fit maroon jumper with a fitted crop shirt beneath it. She looked at herself in the mirror and twirled her finger in her hair. ¡°You look really cute Moll,¡± Gunther said, ¡°But I gotta ask ya, are ya really thinking of joining the Sisters of Olympus?¡± Molly turned around and shook her head, she opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out and her hands went to her throat. She frowned and approached him on the edge of the bed. She straightened out his tied before she picked him up and hugged him. She tapped on his arm conveying her truth to him. ¡°That¡¯s good ta know,¡± Gunther said, ¡°Once Cap¡¯n Mine¡¯s business is done I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll show up.¡± There was a knock at the door and Sister Lo¡¯Ve stepped in. She was happy to see the girl dressed and said, ¡°You look beautiful! Are you going to put on your shoes?¡± Molly looked down at her feet, wiggled her toes, and shook her head. Lo¡¯ve nodded her head and said, ¡°Very well, follow me.¡± The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. When they stepped out of the room an odd thing had occurred, all the animated paintings of the sisters were gathered on the walls surrounding the door. Lo¡¯Ve jumped back caught off guard by their gathering and said, ¡°This is indeed an odd occurrence.¡± Molly felt a sense of unease as she walked behind Lo¡¯Ve. The voiceless Sisters of the past, like Molly herself, lacked the ability to speak, but their silent images seemed to convey anger and disapproval. They all appeared to be screaming, their forms glaring at Lo¡¯Ve who, to Molly''s surprise, seemed amused by their gathered disapproval. Molly giggled silently as Sister Balkinka, the master seamstress, fitted her for a cloak, tickled by the fizzy burden the woman used. Once the fitting was done, Sister Balkinka escorted Molly to a spacious dining hall, adorned with seven long tables. At the front, a table stretched across the room, and Sister Balkinka took her place among others in orange robes. Directed to a table with two cloakless girls, Molly waved and sat down. One of them had a bald head etched with an intricate tattoo, seeming disinterested in the newcomer. The other girl, with pointed ears and long silver hair fashioned into a massive bun, immediately started talking to Molly. Her words tumbled out so rapidly that even if Molly could respond, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to get a word in. The prayers concluded and the meal was served. A purple salad adorned with nuts, berries, and a glazed dressing intrigued Molly, but her attention was captured by a colossal steak placed on the table that stretched across the room. With Sus¡¯sa''s insistence, the girl with pointed ears, she took a bite of the glazed purple leaf. Unimpressed by the taste, Molly observed as the steak was sliced and shared among the sisters wearing gold-trimmed cloaks. Suddenly, she tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, noticing a purplish-blue plush paw that appeared over the steak, deftly wielding a knife to cut into the tender meat. ¡°No meat until we hunt for ourselves,¡± Jar¡¯sy, the bald girl said. She bit into a blue apple and tossed one to Molly. ¡°Goddess, I miss meat.¡± Molly caught the blue apple and examined it, she sniffed it and took a bite. She nodded her head in approval and gave her a thumbs up. ¡°I¡¯ve never had a taste for it,¡± Sus¡¯sa said, ¡°Most Sisters are vegetarian you know?¡± A loud crash erupted at the front table, drawing the attention of the three girls. Gunther emerged from the chaos, a plate perched on his head with a hefty cut of meat. Darting and dodging, he skillfully avoided the hurled utensils, eliciting laughter and cheers from the sisters at the long tables. He halted in front of Molly, bowing as he presented the plate to her. Just as she smiled down at him, a looming shadow fell over them. "You again?" Sister Idek snarled. Molly greeted her, and Gunther, perched on the table, expertly carved and served portions of the meat to Jar¡¯sy and Sus¡¯sa. Despite trying to stifle it, Idek couldn''t contain the sudden burst of laughter. She quickly covered her mouth, doubling over, setting off a ripple of amusement that spread throughout the entire dining hall. *** Silver threads formed an intricate web woven throughout the jungle. Mine lounged on a throne crafted from the same silvery material, his leg crossed as he swung the golden needle like a pendulum. The two golems, were bound to the trees with the thread they tried to avoid during their skirmish with Mine. The purple man, suspended upside down, glared at Mine with defiance. ¡°Whoa,¡± remarked Trey, sheltered within Nectar¡¯s protective shield. He scratched his head, intrigued by the unfolding events. ¡°I didn¡¯t know what to expect when you brought out the thread and needle.¡± Mine chuckled softly. ¡°I¡¯ll expunge your disbelief sooner or later. Rumple is a unique spool, dear. She¡¯s made from a¡ª¡± ¡°Release me immediately!¡± the upsidedown man interrupted, his voice demanding and furious. ¡°How impolite,¡± Mine replied, unperturbed. ¡°But worry not, this will be over soon.¡± Trey''s eyes widened in alarm. ¡°How?¡± ¡°By removing this man¡¯s head, of course,¡± Mine declared, much to Trey¡¯s shock. The man, hanging upside down, heard Mine¡¯s words and visibly struggled, his breaths coming steadier despite his predicament. Tor and Ruby, also restrained, struggled against their bindings, desperate to reach the man they were created to safeguard. The man managed to clear his throat once he gathered himself and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± Mine perked up at the question, a faint smile playing on his lips. ¡°I have several names and titles, but I''m not inclined to share them with you, dear. Unless, of course, you''re willing to introduce yourself.¡± The man flashed a confident smile despite his earlier predicament. The atmosphere shifted as he was suddenly released from his bindings, standing once more with Tor and Ruby by his side. With arms wide open, he proudly declared, ¡°I am Royal Montiroux, the covert advisor and personal conjurer to Thessaldonia¡¯s monarch, Zeus Titan.¡± Initially thrilled at the man¡¯s escape, Mine''s expression changed as the man spoke. He tilted his head, exhaling slowly as his excitement dissipated. Removing his glasses, he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. ¡°Did you just say Montiroux?¡± ¡°I know you,¡± Trey yelled and started jumping up and down. Nectar¡¯s barrier faded and he rushed over to Mine¡¯s side. ¡°He¡¯s one of the most powerful castors in Tucy. But he went missing twenty something years ago, or at least that¡¯s what my mom said.¡± Royal started to blush and a smile spread across his face. He squirmed and finally gushed, ¡°You¡¯ve heard of me? My name lives on?¡± Trey stepped behind Mine and watched the man nervously, ¡°I guess¡­¡± he looked up at the aggravation that plagued Mine¡¯s face and made eye contact with Royal. ¡°My mom said your disappearance was like losing an entire school of Burden.¡± ¡°She said that?¡± Royal asked, wiping a tear from his eye, ¡°Your mama sounds like a really smart lady.¡± ¡°She¡¯s amaz-¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Mine barked and took a deep breath as he put his glasses back on. He twisted his wrist and Nectar returned to his grasp. He twirled it and pointed the orb at Royal and asked, ¡°Can you prove your lineage dear?¡± Royal¡¯s head snapped to Mine and he growled, ¡°Who are you to question my roots?¡± ¡°Answer me child before I lose my composure and proceed with my original plan,¡± Mine spat. His anger radiated off of him like a pulsing wave of heat that made Trey step back cautiously. ¡°I owe you nothing,¡± Royal snarled. ¡°I guess there are other ways to find out,¡± Mine snapped and a giant ax wrapped in bandages slammed into the ground in front of him. He looked up at it and said, ¡°This is one of the few pieces in my collection that I die to use.¡± "Is that¡ª" Royal gasped, covering his mouth as Mine removed the bandage, unveiling the weapon. It was a stunning sight: a magnificent purple wood axe adorned with thorns, its pitch-black blade shimmering with blue flowers embellishing its head. Mine gripped the handle and the thorns pierced his skin, spilling his blood along the handle. His skin started to turn purple the same color as Royal, when he smiled his teeth had become light blue and his eyes became pitch black, ¡°Poinsettia, the crown jewel of the Montiroux family. Care to claim your roots or taste the curse of the family whose name you¡¯ve declared?¡± Trey jumped back from Mine as he emitted a sinister aura and scurried over to the bush he was hiding behind before. Royal took refuge behind his golems and tried his best to maintain a calm disposition before the terrifying man. He clenched his jaw and placed his hand on Ruby¡¯s shoulder. She started to glow and transformed into a smooth red circle shield. He took Tor¡¯s hand and she transformed into a trident. He masterfully brandished his armaments and took a stance prepared to fight. ¡°That¡¯s more like it,¡± Mine said seconds before he disappeared. He reappeared above Royal and brought Poinsettia down only to be met by the Ruby shield. A shockwave ensued and they were forced apart. Mine flipped and landed with a devious grin. ¡°All it takes is a nick of the blade, dear. There¡¯s no need to involve your beloved golems, they¡¯ll perish if you continue to use them.¡± ¡°Hahaha, you¡¯re an odd man,¡± Royal said as he wiped his mouth he could feel the violent poison that was housed in his opponent''s weapon. He tried to sustain his excitement but there was something about it that made him salivate. ¡°You should be more worried about yourself. You don¡¯t look so good.¡± Mine shrugged as his body progressively became a deeper purple. He looked at his hands and sighed, ¡°She¡¯s like a fine wine and has gotten more potent with age. Come dear,¡± He pointed over his shoulder at Trey and the staircase in the distance. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this so I can continue our ascension.¡± "You''re going nowhere," Royal bellowed as he charged toward Mine, launching a flurry of jabs with his trident. Mine skillfully parried each strike, dropping to a knee and rolling backward to evade the final thrust. Seizing an opportunity, Royal hurled his shield at Mine and lunged with his trident, expecting to catch him off guard. However, Mine didn''t evade the shield; he caught it, trapping Royal''s trident in the process. Now face to face, eye to eye, Mine swiftly inflicted a small cut, searing pain that tore through Royal''s arm, causing his muscles to spasm and contort unnaturally, silencing any attempt at a scream. ¡°Hmph,¡± Mine stood up and tilted his head as he looked down at the writhing man. He snapped his fingers and reappeared beside Trey wearing a gray suit with a royal blue tie and accents. He brushed himself off and leaned on Nectar, ¡°You really are a Montiroux.¡± ¡°What did¡­¡± Royal hissed between clenched teeth, pulsing veins and muscle spasms, ¡°You do to me?¡± ¡°Is he dying?¡± Trey asked as Royal¡¯s body jerked violently. ¡°No, he¡¯ll be fine dear,¡± Mine said, smiling down at Trey. ¡°Poinsettia takes less than three seconds to kill anyone.¡± ¡°Then why does he look like that?¡± Trey asked, pointing at the convulsing man on the floor. As Mine looked back at Royal, a concerned crease formed on his brow. "Why haven''t you commanded the poison yet?" Royal''s struggles continued, his body reacting violently to the poison coursing through him. He attempted to speak, but only foam emerged from his mouth. His eyes, bloodshot and desperate, sought answers. Closing his eyes and crossing his arms, Mine sighed deeply. "My promise was to return Poinsettia to your family, not instruct you on how to wield it, dear." Trey, moved by Royal''s condition, retrieved a vial from his pocket. "He''s truly dying," Trey said, his voice heavy with despair. "Please, there must be something we can do." But Mine cautioned against it. "Using that will only magnify Poinsettia''s effect," he warned, his expression reflecting a sense of resigned determination. Trey glanced at Mine, tears welling up in his eyes, then back at Royal, who continued to convulse involuntarily. "He might help us with Molly''s burden," Trey pleaded. Reluctantly, Mine conceded. "For the girl, then." He moved toward Trey and Royal, crouching down beside them. With a firm grip on Royal''s arm, Mine growled, "Home is where the legacy resides. You''re free from my grasp now, finally home." Slowly, Royal''s contorted body began to relax. As he sat up, a wave of relief washed over him. He glanced at his hands, now adorned with blood-red markings tracing up his arm. He ripped open his shirt, revealing the intricate Montiroux Family crest forming on his skin. Touching the crest, he looked up at Mine, a mix of awe and gratitude in his gaze. ¡°Urgh,¡± Mine said as he noticed Royal¡¯s eyes welling up with tears, ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡± Mine stood up and walked away, ¡°I¡¯ve had enough exercise for today, I¡¯m going home.¡± ¡°Mr. Heart doesn¡¯t like being touched,¡± Trey said as he offered Royal his hand. ¡°Thank you,¡± Royal was pulled to his feet by the small boy surprised by his strength. He started to mumble and Tor and Ruby returned to their hominid forms and impeded Mine¡¯s progress. ¡°I appreciate all you¡¯ve done for me.¡± He clenched his chest and said, ¡°You have no idea how much this means to me but I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t let you enter the city.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve spared your life, saved your life and you¡¯re still getting in my way from moving forward. My patience is growing thinner by the moment dear,¡± Mine hissed without turning around. ¡°If you insist,¡± Royal said with a defeated sigh, ¡°Please, allow me to escort you directly to Zeus.¡± Mine turned to Royal and smiled, ¡°You had a direct route to the monarch? Why didn¡¯t you say so sooner dear. I told you Trey, wherever we end up it¡¯s where we¡¯re meant to be.¡± ¡±Can you really take us to see Queen Zeus?¡± The bright eyed boy asked as he looked up at Royal. He nodded, ¡°Of course I can, I¡¯m the secret advisor and personal caster.¡± ¡±You said that before,¡± Mine said, he approached and looked down at Royal¡¯s shadow, ¡°Oh and before I forget¡­¡± he extended his open palm, "I''ll take what¡¯s Mine.¡± Royal frowned, confused by Mine¡¯s demand, ¡°What do you want from me?¡± Mine smiled up at him and said, ¡°This might hurt a bit, dear.¡± ¡°What are-¡° Royal collapsed as Mine reached down into his shadow and pulled one of his dolls out of it. Trey was wide eyed as he watched Mine examine the doll in his hands. ¡°Don¡¯t worry dear, he¡¯s just in shadow shock. He¡¯ll be up in a few minutes.¡± Mine tossed the doll over his shoulder and it landed behind him and sank into his shadow. ¡°How¡¯d he get one of your dolls, Mr. Heart?¡± ¡°I gave it to the Montiroux¡¯s before I was imprisoned in El Dorado. It¡¯s actually quite nice to know they¡¯ve kept it in the family after all these centuries.¡± ¡°What made you doubt him?¡± Trey asked curiously, ¡°Did you have to fight him?¡± "Never had any doubts," Mine said, flashing Trey a mischievous grin. "A bit of exercise keeps the spirits up, doesn''t it?" He winked at the boy and strolled off. "Mr. Heart," Trey chuckled, shaking his head. "My mom would adore you. She''s big on training and workouts." He checked Royal''s pulse, breathing a sigh of relief. "I''m sure she would," Mine replied, gesturing for the golems to clear a path. "Wher¡¯re you going?" Trey asked turning away from Royal as he watched Mine depart. "Home, dear," Mine answered, already ascending the stairs. "I believe these steps lead to what''s next for me." *** Queen Zeus sat atop her magnificent throne, her presence radiating authority and power. Her personal guard, the Trifects, stood nearby, their expressions solemn and watchful. Doro stood before them, her head slightly bowed, a mixture of guilt and apprehension etched on her face. The Queen''s voice echoed through the grand hall, commanding attention. " Sister Doro, explain to me why Sister Gilda, my daughter, was allowed to leave the castle grounds without my consent." Doro straightened her posture, her voice trembling slightly as she responded, "Your Majesty, I beg your pardon. I pursued Gilda as she leapt from her window. I knew descending with her would prove to be easier than trying to bring her back.¡± ¡°Are you not capable of flight?¡± Queen Zeus bellowed. ¡°I thought it best to grant her request under the guise of a brief outing." The Trifects exchanged concerned glances, understanding the gravity of the situation. Queen Zeus''s gaze bore into Doro, her tone unwavering. "You acted recklessly. Gilda''s safety is paramount. Your negligence in ensuring her security is unacceptable." Doro swallowed hard, her eyes averted. "I deeply regret my oversight, Your Majesty. I vow to rectify this mistake and keep Sister Gilda bound to the castle moving forward." The Queen''s expression softened slightly, though her sternness remained. "Ensure her this to be so. The Trifects will accompany you both throughout your daily routines. I expect this to be a bitter pill for my daughter, nonetheless this will be so.¡± The Trifects nodded in unison, their commitment to the Queen''s command evident in their resolute demeanor. Doro bowed deeply before the Queen, acknowledging her order. "It will be done, Your Majesty." As Doro turned to leave, the weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders, the Trifects followed suit. ¡°Our daily deeds are done,¡± Doro said sharply. ¡°Sister¡¯s Verda, Astra, and Ember will watch over you for the night,¡± Queen Zeus said with a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. She watched Doro leave and pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. *** Before presenting herself in Queen Zeus''s throne room, Doro called upon Otto to guard the princess in her quarters. The black hound acknowledged with a nod and positioned himself, obeying his master''s orders. Gilda, discontent with staying behind, vehemently protested until the Sisters, tasked with watching over her room, reluctantly stepped away from her door. ¡°Behave yourself Sister Gilda,¡± Doro quipped, ¡°If you get in trouble on your own I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she assigned every Sister of Olympus to your personal detail.¡± ¡°Fair enough, I¡¯ll be taking a shower,¡± Gilda said as she dropped her cloak on the floor and pulled her cowl from her head. She shook her long red hair free and pulled it back from her face. ¡°You lack respect,¡± Doro huffed as she snatched Gilda¡¯s cloak from the ground. ¡°You¡¯re safest and at your best when your cloak covers your chest.¡± Gilda mocked her and disappeared behind a folding screen, ¡°You always say that.¡± There was a knock at the door and Doro called out, ¡°I¡¯ll return shortly.¡± ¡°Buh-bye,¡± Gilda shouted. She wasn¡¯t surprised to find her shower room filled with steam and the fragrant scent of lavender permeating it. She sighed and stepped into the pool sized tub and submerged herself. She pushed off from the wall and started to swim. As she bathed Otto lumbered into the room and curled into his usual corner. After her swim she bathed, she washed her hair, and dexterously detangled her braids. She reached up and touched the shaved side of her head and smacked the water in frustration. Gilda started to scream and cried out. ¡°What must I do to please you mother?¡± "Just stop trying, dear," Mine said, perched at the pool''s edge, his pant legs rolled up to his knees, shoes placed neatly beside him, and socks tucked inside. He pet Otto, fed him treats, and kicked his feet in the water a bit. ¡°From what I can tell she¡¯s very hard to make happy.¡± Gilda submerged beneath the water, grateful for the steam veiling her from the man''s view. She surfaced slightly, asking, ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°A dear friend of Sister Neblina,¡± Mine replied, smiling. ¡°Care to show me where I can return this?¡± With a flick of his wrist, a midnight blue cloak with silver trim materialized around him, briefly resembling Sister Neblina''s visage embracing him. He smiled fondly and nuzzled his cheek against the cloak. ¡°You have no idea how much I miss her.¡± Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 12: Trouble on the Mountain Flower 12: Trouble on the Mountain The aura emanating from Neblina¡¯s cloak created a subtle, rippling effect within the room, casting faint pulses of light. Gilda found herself entranced by the rhythmic aura, her eyes mirroring its pulsating energy. Gradually, she slipped into a trance-like state, her form melding into a dense turquoise mist that gently enveloped the water. Mine tilted his head, ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting that.¡± Otto lifted his head, ¡°Neither was I.¡± He petted his head and asked, ¡°Should I leave?¡± ¡°What if she drowns?¡± ¡°She¡¯s not even¡­¡± he waved his hands at the water and found the word he was looking for, ¡°Whole¡­ neither am I for that matter. I haven¡¯t done this in a while.¡± ¡°What d¡¯ya think is happening to her?¡± ¡°No telling, dear,¡± Mine said as Gilda¡¯s gaseous form reached his leg. He was suddenly sucked into the pool and vanished from the room. Neblina¡¯s cloak floated down over Otto as he huffed and peered into the pulsing pool. Mine reappeared on a crystal ship that had just been tagged by a meteorite and sent spiraling off course. The single occupant of the ship reigned in the ship despite losing several engines in the meteor strike. She cursed as she shifted all the power to the remaining engine. Mine was a witness to the situation and knew what he was watching. Gilda appeared beside him, taking on a ghostly turquoise form, and attempted to yell, but only a muffled gurgling sound escaped her mouth. She reached out to touch Neblina, and the scene accelerated. When it returned to normal speed, Mine felt a pang of sadness seeing Neblina still adrift in space. At that point, she was already ill, yet steadfastly crafting an emerald blade. Mine recognized the genesis of what would eventually become Mae and smiled warmly at the memory. Neblina tirelessly worked on the blade until she eventually fell asleep. In that moment, the object of her creation became lost, destined to find its way to El Dorado. The scene sped up again and the crystal ship plummeted from the sky and plunged through the dome ceiling of Kingston¡¯s guard post. The suit of armor caught the ship and stopped it from destroying the structure any further. Neblina emerged from the ship and was too weak to fight. Luckily Gunther was there and he brought her to Mine. Gilda watched the scene silently, Mine¡¯s heart raced as he watched. They sped forward again and it was a scene that brought Mine to his knees. He observed as Neblina removed her cloak and tenderly draped it over Gunther, pressing a kiss to his forehead. Mine knew this scene all too well, familiar with what would follow, and he wept, shielding his eyes to avoid witnessing the end of her tale. The scene suddenly twisted, hurling him out of the pool. Hastily, he grabbed Neblina¡¯s cloak, embracing it tightly, and whispered heartfelt words to the fabric. Gilda emerged from the water, gasping for air, and swiftly cleared the water from her face. After wrapping herself in a towel, she approached Mine. Though she had been taught never to trust a man, she couldn''t resist the impulse, and she hugged both Mine and the cloak. "We have to bring her home," Gilda said, pulling away from the embrace and wiping tears from her eyes. "That¡¯s what she wanted. She trusted you." "I loved her," Mine admitted. "Then let me help you fulfill her final wish," Gilda said, looking up at him with determination. Mine nodded. "I think we both need an outfit change." Gilda blushed slightly. "Agreed. Where''d you come from?" "Otto smuggled me in," Mine replied, gently patting the sleeping dog''s head. With a snap of his fingers, Mine''s clothes were completely dry, and he wore a sharp gray suit with black accents. He adjusted his collar and fixed his cufflinks, his bright yellow eyes shining behind circle-framed shades. He turned to Gilda. "Go get dressed so we can be on our way, dear." "What''s your name?" Gilda asked. "I''m Mine," he said. "You may have it." "I''m Gilda," she introduced herself, offering her hand. "Such a pleasure to meet you, dear," Mine said, shaking her hand with a kind smile. Mine sat on Gilda¡¯s chaise and with his legs up as she got dressed behind her folding screen. ¡°So, where¡¯d you come from really?¡± Gilda asked as she moisturized behind the screen. ¡°I was where Neblina got lost, recently set free but two filthy beasts got me caught up, I was honestly on my way home.¡± Gilda stepped around the screen wearing a short dress with her cloak draped over her shoulders and matching heels. She smiled at Mine and asked, ¡°How do I look?¡± ¡°Perfect,¡± Mine said as he jumped up, not really looking at her. ¡°Shall we?¡± Gilda frowned as she led him to her door and stopped in front of it. ¡°You have subverted everything I¡¯ve ever been told about men and you caught in the middle of my bath. Why is it that I am so at ease and feel such peace while in your presence?¡± ¡°There¡¯s only half of me here, which makes my presence softer,¡± Mine smiled and tapped a golden brooch of two flowers on his lapel with pearls embedded in the middle of each. ¡°This brooch is called, Apfora. I nicked her from a fairy possessed by Lust. She tends to make me more appealing to others.¡± ¡°So I might not really like you?¡± Gilda asked as she looked up at the man. ¡°It¡¯s possible, but I doubt it,¡± Mine said as he took her hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s see where we¡¯ll go.¡± She took his hand, he snapped his fingers, and they vanished with Gilda¡¯s giggle whisper in the wind. As Doro approached Gilda¡¯s room she paused before opening the door. The Trifects looked to one another and back to Doro, however, before any could ask a question she stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She pressed her back against the door with wide eyes and a curse on the tip of her tongue, ¡°Where the Hades did you just go?¡± *** After dinner, Sister Lo¡¯Ve escorted Molly to her room, still amused by Gunther¡¯s antics during the meal. He had sung and eaten until he fell into a deep sleep, softly snoring as Molly carefully placed him on the bed. Lo¡¯Ve lingered at the door, observing the small voskia girl. "If you need anything during the night, you can seek assistance from our former sisters," she mentioned, motioning toward the walls adorned with depictions of past Sisters of Olympus gathered around, seemingly peering into the room. "They seem quite intrigued by you." Molly smiled awkwardly and waved at the Sister¡¯s depicted on the wall despite their scowls and disapproving glares. She was grateful when Lo¡¯Ve closed the door and left her alone. She sighed and threw herself on the bed, waking Gunther in the process. He groaned as he sat up on the bed and looked around groggily, ¡°Dinners over already?¡± Molly started to nod her head when something caught her attention, she inclined her ear and walked over to the door. She opened the door and poked her head out and peered up and down the hallway. She heard a whispering lullaby that would have been barely audible to most. Gunther¡¯s ears perked up and he said, ¡°I know that song. Neblina used to sing it.¡± He leaped off the bed and darted out of the room, with Molly hot on his heels. Gunther maneuvered through the halls as if he knew every nook and cranny by heart, deftly evading the patrolling Sisters of Olympus without a hint of detection. Molly trailed behind, her movements silent thanks to her bare feet, attuned to the faint peaceful vibrations of the crystal beneath her. The depictions of the Sisters of Olympus seemed to follow their every step along the walls as they traversed the dormitory. Their pursuit ceased when Gunther halted just before the threshold of a crimson crystal corridor, distinct from the stone passageways the Sisters traversed. He brought Molly to a stop before she crossed into the realm of the red crystal corridor. ¡°You''re rather far from your room aren¡¯t you?¡± Lo¡¯Ve asked. Molly and Gunther whipped around to find Sister Lo¡¯Ve leaning against the wall and the depictions of the former Sisters lingering behind her like an army. ¡°Where does that hallway go?¡± Gunther asked, ¡°And who¡¯s singing that song?¡± ¡°Song?¡± Lo¡¯Ve asked, clearly surprised he could hear it. She moved toward them and said, ¡°The Crimson Tower is home to the treasures of Olympus. Only a select few are allowed to venture up the stairs. We will meet Sister Balkinka here tomorrow evening in order to receive your cloak.¡± ¡°Ya still didn¡¯t answer my question, who was that voice? I know that song,¡± Gunther growled. Lo¡¯Ve closed her eyes, ¡°No one is singing, the voice you hear is that of a Sister long gone. Her name was-¡± ¡°Neblina,¡± Gunther finished her statement. ¡°How do you know that name?¡± Lo¡¯Ve snapped. ¡°Who are you?¡± He wiggled out of Molly¡¯s arms and landed on his feet and said, ¡°Gunther, be my name and I met Neblina amongst the stars. She was lost and I found ¡®er. She sang ta me.¡± Lo¡¯Ve¡¯s four eyes welled up with tears as she approached, picked Gunther up and asked, ¡°Are you telling the truth?¡± ¡°I never been one ta tell a lie,¡± the purplish-blue plush beaver said as he made an x over the yellow upside down on his butt. ¡°Cross out my creed and call me Chuck if I do.¡± Molly smiled at him and Lo¡¯Ve picked her up as well and carried them both over the threshold. A crystal droe dropped from the ceiling and scanned Lo¡¯Ve¡¯s retina before she was allowed to proceed. ¡°Luckily you two didn¡¯t step into this hall alone. The lasers produced by the crimson corridor are meant to maim anyone not permitted.¡± As she ventured through the corridor, Molly could almost sense the sinewy muscles and finely honed physique of Sister Lo¡¯Ve, carrying them effortlessly as she ascended the numerous staircases toward the tower''s summit. The windows along the way overlooked the entrance and the line of monuments they''d seen earlier. The dizzying ascent continued up the spiraling stairs, offering fleeting glimpses of the courtyard with each bend. Just before reaching the apex, Molly caught what seemed like Mine''s silhouette stretching along the path that led to the dormitory. Lo¡¯Ve pressed her palm against the wall, causing it to twist and reveal a dimly lit room beyond. Stepping through the warped crystal wall, she carried Molly and Gunther with her. As the wall closed behind them, a drone descended from the ceiling, scanning Lo¡¯Ve''s eye before zooming away and illuminating the room in its path. Rather than an organized space, it resembled more of a cluttered room, filled with an assortment of treasures haphazardly strewn about. The song filled the space and Gunther jumped out of Lo¡¯Ves arm and disappeared amongst the mess. ¡°This place really reminds me of Nowhere. I¡¯m surprised nothing here is lost.¡± ¡°Everything is automatically added to the inventory,¡± Lo¡¯Ve stated as understanding dawned on her and she waved her hand. On the crystal wall a list of items began to scroll, she sighed with relief when Gunther wasn¡¯t added to the list. Then her eyebrow shot up when she noticed a new addition and asked. ¡°What¡¯s a Mine Doll?¡± Molly shrugged and slipped out of Lo¡¯ve¡¯s grip, she meandered away from the Sister as she tapped on the item and tried to pull up its information but nothing was available to her. Without looking away from the screen she called over her shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t wander too far.¡± Molly swiftly located Gunther, and together, they traced the source of the mesmerizing song that had beckoned them. At the center of the room, amidst various potted plants, rested a small circular table holding a golden orb intricately carved on its surface. As they attempted to touch it, a violent tremor surged, throwing them off their feet and shaking the entire mountain. Their gazes met, and they scrambled upright, only to find Lo¡¯Ve pinned beneath a giant grandfather clock amid the shifting treasures, unconscious. They both rushed toward the door and stopped instinctively as they recalled Lo¡¯Ve¡¯s warning about the crimson towers'' defenses. They looked back to the unconscious Siter of Olympus and sighed in sync. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Ya think ya can lift it?¡± Gunther asked. Molly shot a furious glare but refrained from raising her fingers in defiance. Instead, she and Gunther began maneuvering the treasure around the clock. With a rod wedged beneath, they worked together to lift and free Lo¡¯Ve. As the clock shifted, a rumble shook Lo¡¯Ve awake, and her cloak¡¯s trim began to emit a healing glow. Despite her discomfort, she managed a smile, which was cut short by a loud crack as she adjusted her jaw back into place. Wincing, she swiftly scooped up Molly and Gunther, whisking them out of the room just as the crimson tower shuddered violently once more. There was a deafening snap, and in an instant, Molly and Gunther vanished. Lo¡¯Ve, caught off balance by the sudden shift, tumbled down the stairs amid the quake''s start. *** Before Olympus shook, Ryder and Kyan surveyed the endless silvery desert under the full moon''s glint that extended from the mountain like an endless ocean. They relieved themselves, streams cascading down the mountainside. ¡°Water for the mountain lilies!¡± Kyan yelled, letting out a belch as he finished. Ryder laughed loudly, yelled an unintelligible slur, and nearly stumbled forward. Kyan caught him and shook his head. Ryder clumsily adjusted his pants, almost toppling over again. Kyan chuckled and turned away from the view, dipping his hands into the spring flowing along the crystal wall. As Ryder struggled to pull up his pants, he fell to his knees, heaving. The sourness filled his mouth, his head pounded with pain. He glanced up at Kyan, trying to speak but unable to stop purging. After a few minutes, Kyan offered Ryder a towel and a crystal mug of water. ¡°You did this to me,¡± Ryder said, trembling with sweat on his forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t put the blame on me,¡± Kyan chuckled. ¡°I warned you not to drink with Suzuko.¡± ¡°He dared me,¡± Ryder muttered before rinsing his mouth with water. ¡°And you lost,¡± Kyan teased. Ryder spat out the water and retorted, ¡°He had home field advantage.¡± ¡°You knew that! You''re out of your mind, bro,¡± Kyan laughed. ¡°At least I''m not in debt,¡± Ryder shot back. ¡°You''re lucky he accepted your ''sippers'' as payment,¡± Kyan said, shaking his head. Suddenly, he clutched his ears and screamed in agony. ¡°What''s that sound?¡± Ryder laughed at him and asked, ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Kyan dropped to his knees, his bloodshot eyes wide as he screamed, hands clamped tightly over his ears. Foam formed at the corners of his mouth and his eyes rolled backward. Just as he seemed about to collapse, the Sisters of Olympus assigned to him materialized. Aggel swiftly caught him by the tail and flicked his ears. A sigh of relief escaped Kyan as a turquoise smoke billowed from his ears. Meanwhile, Ryder, sobered up instantly attempting to disguise himself, he popped his collar and froze in place, resembling a statue. His mind spun with various potential outcomes, yet none of them foresaw what was about to unfold. Aggel turned to Ryder slowly and said, ¡°Come with us if you want to live.¡± Ryder wasn¡¯t falling for the woman¡¯s trick and remained completely still. Suddenly a cacophony of roars ripped through the caverns surrounding them. Ryder whipped his head from side to side in search of the source, and as he noticed the crystals shaking, he involuntarily did the same. Then the first tremor ripped through the mountain and Ryder squealed like a piglet. Sister Toll grabbed Ryder by the face and slammed him to the ground, ¡°Shut your damn mouth.¡± Ryder started to cry as a deep guttural growl ripped through the cave closer than ever. He stared up at the Sisters of Olympus as they all brandished crystal weapons and surrounded Kyan defensively, ¡°Wh-wha-what¡¯s going on?¡± Toll held him down with one hand and a purple crystal battle axe in the other. She grit her teeth and whispered, ¡°Something enraged the Bodoluu. Now they¡¯re hunting.¡± ¡°Hunting what?¡± Ryder asked nervously. ¡°All of us,¡± Sister Delia said. ¡°And the source.¡± A large fur covered hand gripped the wall and one of the bodoluu appeared from behind it. Its face was covered in shadow as its eyes glowed and it flashed a monstrously fanged grin. ¡°I found you,¡± it growled. ¡°Bro,¡± Kyan shouted as he stepped forward, the effects of the mead still apparent in his teetering steps. ¡°What¡¯s with all the hostility?¡± The bodoluu threw a punch and Sister Sephima blocked it with a purple crystal shield. She produced a purple crystal sword and said, ¡°Evacuate the prince.¡± ¡°Prince?¡± Ryder blurted out when Toll released him from her grasp. He jumped to his feet and turned to Kyan, ¡°You¡¯re a prince?¡± ¡°Yup,¡± Kyan hiccuped and threw his arms over Ryder, ¡°No worries, bro. These are my homies.¡± He gestured to the Sisters Aggel, Delia, and Toll. ¡°They''re strong too.¡± The Bodoluu continued its assault but Sister Sephima managed to deflect all of its blows with ease. She dexterously moved around it clearly not wanting to cause any significant damage. Several more Bodoluu appeared and joined the attack. Sister Aggel had already grabbed Kyan and headed down a corridor. Sister Toll shoved Ryder behind them, Sister Delia took up the rear guard as they made their escape. The mountain shook violently, sending everyone tumbling except for Kyan, who skillfully rode the quaking ground. "What''s happening?" Ryder cried out. "Suzuko," Toll managed as she flipped overhead, slicing a crystal that fell from the ceiling. She landed as it crashed beside them, "He''s trying to destroy the source of their aggravation." Sister Aggel raised her fist, signaling a halt to their advance as she peeked around the corner. "We can''t descend." The ground continued to tremble beneath them, prompting Kyan''s laughter. "I wish I had a drum right now." "Go up then," Delia suggested. "We''ll head to the library if anything." "That''s too close to the city," Toll snapped. "Where else do we go?" Delia countered. "We''ll be overrun if we stay down here." "We fight," Toll asserted. "To what end?" The two Sisters locked gazes, their stares intense. Aggel hissed, "As long as Kyan is in danger, we''re all failing at our duties." "I''m not in any danger," Kyan retorted, transforming into a pygmy marmoset and darting toward the wrestling Bodoluu. Despite their efforts, the Sisters and Ryder failed to stop him as he slipped away with ease. After a few minutes, he reappeared, dragging a studded black crystal bat. The Bodoluu noticed him and lunged. Kyan swiftly reverted to his normal form, wielding the kanabo. With a single swing, he knocked out both Bodoluu, flashing a smile at Aggel, Toll, Delia, and Ryder before swaying unsteadily. "Which way do we go?" The Sisters all pointed upwards, their mouths agape in astonishment. They exchanged questioning looks, but before they could ask, Toll beat them to it. "When did you get a black crystal armament?" she inquired. Kyan scratched the back of his head. "See, what had happened was..." Before he could finish, a group of Bodoluu, with their glowing eyes and sharp-toothed grins, interrupted the conversation. Sister Delia took a deep breath and twirled her purple crystal spear masterfully. She carved a line in the ground and turned to the others, ¡°Go!¡± None of them hesitated and sprinted toward the exit. Ryder looked back to see Sister Delia fending off the Bodoluu with ease. As he turned the corner, he witnessed her being set upon by even more of the beasts and vanished completely. He whispered a prayer for her as he was pushed up the stairs by Sister Toll. As they ascended, Kyan swiftly dealt with each Bodoluu that appeared in front of them, wielding his kanabo with precision. However, in the enclosed space, every swing of the mighty weapon struck the walls, causing a small tremor. "Enough!" Toll growled, pushing past Ryder and Aggel. She stood toe-to-toe with Kyan and said, "Let me take it from here." Kyan bowed and shrunk the kanabo down to a smooth palm-sized black crystal. He tucked it into his pants'' waistband and put his hands in his pockets as Sister Toll stepped in front of him. A few stairs above them, four Bodoluu blocked their path. She gritted her teeth and charged all four of them with her crystal battleax, managing to dispatch each one and forge ahead. "Why didn''t you tell me you were the prince?" Ryder ducked behind Kyan as a Bodoluu flew over their heads. "You didn''t ask," Kyan shrugged. "If you want to know stuff, you gotta ask.¡± "Urgh, whatever." Ryder shook his head and winced as he heard a loud crunch, stepping over an unconscious Bodoluu. He took a steadying breath and asked, "Where are they all coming from?" "The Bodoluu live on just about every level of the mountain," Aggel said. "If we can make it to the library, we should be safe. I doubt they''ll climb any higher than that." "They''ve crowded the hall!" Toll shouted. "We''ll have to fight our way through." Kyan started to laugh, plucking the black crystal from his waist and shouting, "Glorious battle!" He charged into the wider hallway with his kanabo raised, and both Sister Aggel and Toll beside him. Ryder ducked, slipped beneath, and avoided the flying Bodoluu as he followed them through the hall. All he could manage to say repeatedly was, "I don''t wanna die." They finally reached the library and both Sister Aggel and Toll stared up at the gaping hole that used to be the door to the library. Kyan defeated the remaining bodoluu and laughed triumphantly despite the Sisters of Olympus clear shock. Smaller adolescent bodoluu were in the process of tearing the underground library apart. ¡°What do we do?¡± Toll asked quietly. Aggel solemnly looked up at Kyan, ¡°We¡¯ll have to go to the dormitory.¡± Toll shook her head, ¡°We can¡¯t. Queen Ze-¡± ¡°She¡¯ll understand,¡± Aggel interrupted and said, ¡°We can¡¯t stay here. We¡¯ll eventually be mauled and we can¡¯t let that be the fate of the prince.¡± Toll sighed, ¡°At least go through the library.¡± ¡°You know what happens when the cubs are attacked,¡± Aggel said. ¡°I do,¡± Toll turned to Kyan and said, ¡°It has always been an honor being your guardian. I love you.¡± She grabbed the back of his neck and squeezed as she pressed her forehead to his. She pushed him away and started to whisper. Glowing runes appeared on Toll¡¯s exposed skin and she vanished in a blur. The adolescent bodoluu in the library dropped one after another as Toll knocked them unconscious creating a path for Kyan and the others. Kyan didn¡¯t have a chance to respond, Aggel yanked his tail and chopped him in the back of the neck knocking him unconscious. He turned into a pygmy marmoset again and she held him against her chest. She turned to Ryder and said, ¡°Keep up or die.¡± She had already taken off before Ryder could acknowledge her. He was nowhere near as fast as she was but was grateful for Toll¡¯s trail of defeated youngsters. He started to wonder why Toll spoke as if she¡¯d never see Kyan again when the shriek of the female bodoluu echoed through the library. He pushed himself even harder and ran as fast as he could through the library until he dashed past Toll. She smiled and slammed the door shut behind her. Aggel tossed Kyan¡¯s sleeping form to Ryder as she jumped in the air and brought down two giant crystals that barricaded the door. Ryder turned around to find himself in a cavern of singing crystals, ¡°Where are we?¡± ¡°Never mind,¡± Aggel said as she approached. Kyan shifted in Ryder¡¯s arms without opening his eyes and began to feel his chest. He opened one of his eyes and noticed he was in Ryder¡¯s arms and scurried away from him. He jumped into Aggel¡¯s arms and nuzzled into her bosom, saying, ¡°No offense bro, but there¡¯s nothing like the touch of a lady.¡± Aggel smiled and said, ¡°Come, let¡¯s get to the castle. It¡¯s late enough in the night that the castle should be vacant.¡± She pushed open a door at the other end of the room when the door behind them exploded, and a giant bloodied bodoluu appeared. It was larger than every other bodoluu they had encountered, and Ryder¡¯s eyes widened with recognition. Chief Suzuko¡¯s former bulkiness was replaced with an intricately toned and powerfully muscular body. Jagged crystals jutted from beneath his fur, and he dragged a crystal club behind him. Chief Suzuko lowered its head and exhaled a frosty breath that froze the room instantly. Aggel tossed Kyan through the opened door and yanked Ryder by his collar. She pushed him over the threshold and smiled, ¡°Take care of my prince.¡± Before Ryder could protest the door was closed and Kyan placed his hand on his shoulder, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°What abou-¡± Kyan fought back his tears and simply shook his head, ¡°Come, they¡¯re doing their duty.¡± The mountain shook again and Ryder held onto the wall when he heard a familiar voice from behind them. When the rumbling began Mine skipped a few stairs and said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you glad you followed me, dear?¡± ¡°What about Royal?¡± Trey asked, ¡°You think he¡¯ll be okay?¡± ¡°Better than ever,¡± Mine said, waving him off, ¡°Once he gets over the shadow shock and figures out how to wield Poinsettia I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be one to be reckoned with.¡± ¡°That¡¯s cool,¡± Trey said, ¡°Where do you think we¡¯ll end up?¡± ¡°Exactly where, we¡¯re meant to be dear.¡± ¡°I¡¯m actually starting to believe you,¡± Ryder said leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest. Kyan stood a few steps above him, scratched the back of his head and shrugged. Mine and Trey looked at one another and then back to Ryder striking a pose and started to laugh hysterically. ¡°You¡¯re a total dork for posing in the stairwell,¡± Trey managed to say as they continued past them. ¡°Is that what he¡¯s doing?¡± Kyan asked, ¡°I thought he was out of breath again.¡± Mine and Trey laughed even harder as Kyan joined them. Ryder grumbled and pushed past all of them while mumbling under his breath. Kyan introduced himself to Trey as they continued their ascent and gave him a high five. Mine examined Kyan¡¯s features and narrowed his eyes at the man and said, ¡°I feel like I know you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never been off the planet before,¡± Kyan said with a shrug. ¡°Hmph, interesting, dear.¡± At the top of the stairs, they found themselves facing a swirling archway. Before anyone could ask a question or protest, Mine sauntered over the threshold and was immediately transported to the entrance of the Sisters of Olympus dormitory. His shadow stretched far in front of him as the others stepped through the archway behind him. Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 13: Cloaks and Crystals Flower 13: Cloaks and Crystals The moon cast its gaze upon the courtyard, an eye of the gods observing their realm with wonder and awe. As Mine traversed the archway leading to the Sisters of Olympus dormitory, an alarm resonated, signaling the intrusion of a man. However, when Trey, Ryder, and Kyan followed suit, the alarm remained unchanged, failing to amplify in response. Nevertheless, the mere presence of a single man triggered the full might of the Sisters of Olympus, prompting them to descend upon the courtyard. Hundreds of cloaks billowed like thunder as the Sisters materialized one after another, their figures etched in silhouette against the canvas of the night sky. Gilda stood amongst the towering statues that overlooked the walkway with her hood raised. ¡°Is that me?¡± Mine asked across the courtyard with Neblina¡¯s cloak draped over his shoulders. He tossed back the hood of the cloak and waved stupidly. Gilda and the other Mine palmed their faces and shook their heads. Several crystal weapons were raised to his throat and he raised his hands in surrender. He gulped and his adams apple was grazed by the tip of a spear and blood was drawn. ¡°Can¡¯t you tell I¡¯m one of you?¡± Mine pointing at the cloak over his shoulders with his thumbs. The oldest of the Sisters hesitated for a moment as recognition dawned on them, the younger sisters tightened their grips on their weapons. ¡°That cloak belongs to Sister Neblina,¡± the other Mine announced as he stepped forward and was immediately surrounded. More crystal weapons were raised to his throat, he rolled his eyes and said, ¡°This is a bit redundant don¡¯t you think, dear?¡± ¡°I knew that was me,¡± the cloaked Mine said with a smile. ¡°You are truly handsome.¡± The seriousness of the situation didn¡¯t seem to weigh on the two men at blade point. ¡°I can say the same about you, dear.¡± ¡°We sound like Sir -,¡± ¡°Spoilers, dear.¡± ¡°You¡¯re quite right,¡± the cloaked Mine noticed Trey and the others behind him and asked, ¡°Is Molly with you?¡± ¡°No, is Gunther with you, dear?¡± The cloaked Mine started to shake his head but a blade pressed against his throat gave him pause and he said, ¡°No, dear.¡± ¡°Hmph, should I or would you like the honors, dear?¡± ¡°Together?¡± the cloaked Mine suggested. "That works for me," The two versions of Mine snapped their fingers simultaneously, setting off a chain of events. The ground started to shake as they vanished amidst the crystal armaments and reappeared in the courtyard just as Molly and Gunther fell into Mine''s arms. He was clad in a midnight blue suit adorned with sil mknnn,;,,hybewsver trim. In a deliberate descent, Neblina''s matching cloak draped over his shoulders. Smiling at the girl in his arms, he inquired, "What have you two been up to?" A dense green smoke suddenly billowed from above as Doro materialized with the Trifects. Mine casually waved Neblina''s cloak, dispelling the emerald haze that had shrouded the courtyard. His gaze fixed on Doro, who hovered on her broom above the Sisters she had brought with her. ¡°You¡¯ve stepped onto sacred grounds and your punishment is death,¡± Doro stated. ¡°I don¡¯t plan on dying here, dear,¡± Mine said simply. ¡°I¡¯m on my way home and I figured I¡¯d do a favor for someone I loved.¡± He put Molly down as he draped Neblina¡¯s cloak over his shoulders. ¡°This was left to me to return home. I¡¯m only here to do my duty and be on my way.¡± ¡°Molly!¡± Trey shouted and dashed over to the small voskia girl and embraced her. Gunther groaned between the two and pushed Trey away, ¡°Ya be too dirty to hug us ya ruffian.¡± Trey started to laugh, ¡°You guys smell really good.¡± ¡°We took a bath,¡± Gunther said righteously. The gathered Sisters of Olympus were struck with disbelief. Mine''s unexpected presence alone was enough to leave them stunned, but the revelation that Trey had also ventured onto Olympus intensified their amazement. It didn''t take long for their attention to shift to Ryder, who was making a less-than-subtle attempt to blend in. However, when their eyes fell on Kyan, the majority¡ªif not all¡ªfroze in place. Kyan, noticing their reaction, sheepishly scratched the back of his head and blushed under their intense gazes. Gilda, too, recognized the tallest man among them and felt an eerie connection. Pulling her hood back, she approached in a trance-like state. As Kyan turned toward her, their eyes met, and a strange glow emanated from their gaze. Doro could no longer focus on Mine as her eyes widened when she saw Kyan and Gilda come in contact. She darted between them and said, ¡°What are you doing down here?¡± ¡°You know him?¡± Gidla blinked when their eye contact was broken, her eyebrows knit together angrily and she glared at Doro, ¡°Who is he?¡± Doro didn¡¯t respond she grabbed Gilda¡¯s arm and attempted to lead her away. Everyone watched the scene unfold as Gilda snatched away from her and shoved Doro. She swayed on her broom but refused to move and growled, ¡°We¡¯re returning to the castle this instant.¡± Kyan stepped from behind Doro and smiled, ¡°You must be Gilda.¡± He scratched the back of his head and said, ¡°Sister Aggel told me all about you.¡± Gilda, still in shock, stared up at the man a foot taller than her and questioned, "Who are you?" "I''m Kyan," he replied. "Your twin brother, seven minutes younger. Don''t let it get to your head, though." Gilda took a step back, falling hard, and stammered, "What?" Doro turned sharply to Kyan and demanded, "What are you doing here? Where are the sisters assigned to you?" A high-pitched frequency pierced the air, causing the crystal armaments of the Sisters of Olympus to crack and crumble. The sisters were suddenly disarmed. A round device shot into the air, scanning the courtyard, and descended rapidly, transforming into Ryder''s helmet as it slammed into his face. "Ryder! You''re alive," Violet''s panicked voice came through the helmet. "I thought you got eaten by one of those damn apes in the caves." Ryder, touching the helmet, exclaimed, "Oh my Flow, where have you been, Vi?" "Looking for you, stupid. You didn''t hear my signal?" Violet snapped. "What signal?" Ryder asked, clearly confused. "You can''t hear this?" Violet cranked up a frequency that echoed throughout the mountain. Ryder shook his head, "I really can''t." "Oh," Violet said, "Wrong frequency," and there was a loud click inside the helmet. She asked, "How about now?" An ear-splitting ringing sound brought almost everyone in the courtyard to their knees. Ryder pressed the mute button on the outside of the helmet and asked, "Is that the sound you were making as you searched for me?" "Yeah, and then all those apes started attacking me," Violet stated with an annoyed tone. The ground continued to quake and suddenly, thousands of Bodoluu emerged from the archway, attacking the Sisters of Olympus surrounding the courtyard on sight. Kyan took Gilda''s hand and raced over to Ryder, offering his hand to help him off the ground. Meanwhile, Mine turned and shrouded Molly, Trey, and Gunther from the beasts storming the dormitory. The Sisters of Olympus were a coordinated and powerful unit as they began to dispatch the overwhelming number of bodoluu despite being stripped of their weapons. Their martial prowess was evident as the hundred sisters defeated the bodoluu as quickly as they arrived. Mine swept his youngest companions off the battlefield and with Molly¡¯s guidance they made their way to the cemetery. Kyan and Gilda joined the fray as the bodoluu attacked them blindly. At first, Kyan tried to protect his sister but quickly learned she was more than capable of caring for herself as she unleashed a barrage of punches that laid a full grown bodoluu low. Ryder screamed as a bodoluu lunged at him and Kyan saved him with his black crystal kanabo. ¡°You¡¯ve got a black crystal armament?¡± Gilda asked as she wrapped her legs arond a bodoluu¡¯s neck and slammed it on the ground. She reached in her cloak and removed a smooth black crystal of her own and squeezed it, ¡°Me too¡­ I thought I was the only one.¡± She rolled to her feet and stood back to back with her brother brandishing her black crystal dagger reversed grip. ¡°Great minds act accordingly,¡± Kyan said as he started to laugh and launched himself into battle, Ryder, still pinned against the wall, muttered his mantra, "I don''t wanna die," Thankful for having muted the helmet. *** In the jungle of Olympus, Royal started to stir in the midst of a quake caused by the rampaging bodoluu. He sat bolt upright and grabbed his head as it throbbed. He looked around for Mine and the boy. ¡°Where¡¯d they go?¡± Tor, the black, green, and pink crystal golem pointed toward the ceiling. ¡°How long was I out?¡± Ruby, the smooth red crystal golem raised her five fingers. ¡°Minutes?¡± Ruby shook her head. ¡°Hours,¡± Royal said with a sigh as he pushed himself from the ground. He rubbed his jaw and could feel the raised design that decorated his jawline and cheek. The ground started to quake again and he looked up. ¡°What kind of trouble has he caused?¡± He huffed and walked through the jungle and made his way to his quarters. He pressed a series of crystal buttons on the wall and hundreds of screens appeared on the wall depicting what was happening all over the mountain. He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes as the bodoluu appeared to be going berserk throughout the mountain. They were even in the quarry but Sister NLO-8 proved to be one of the most formidable sisters as she protected the men who worked there and handled each of the assailants with ease. He turned to look at the other monitors and watched in horror as the bodoluu ran roughshod through the mountain and attacked anyone and everyone they came across. He searched through the crystal drone feeds that fed his network of screens. Two screens in particular caught his attention and he enlarged both of them "We need to reach Zeus," Royal emphasized, his eyes fixed on a group of Bodoluu displaying unusual composure. Equipped with crude jagged crystal armaments, these creatures appeared more controlled, distinguished by chiseled physiques, longer arms, and rippling muscles in their cores. "She''s in danger. This particular group," he pointed at the screen, "is known as the Shoko Bodoluu. They represent the potential successors for the chief position. Living in isolation, they engage in internal battles to determine the strongest and most fit to lead. Due to their aggressiveness and volatility, they''re segregated from the main population and aren''t allowed to integrate like the others."You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. He placed his hand on the wall and the crystals on the walls began to hum. He turned to the screens and the enlarged the second screen. It depicted Zeus standing on her balcony overlooking the city. He was sure she could feel the tremors that tore through the mountain at the behest of the bodoluu¡¯s rage. He wondered what her thoughts were, when Tor appeared with Poinsettia wrapped in bandages. Royal faced the golem, hesitating to take the weapon from her. The sinister aura pulsating from it caused the new burden marks on his skin to glow faintly. "Take me," a sinister whisper emanated from the axe. Royal glared at the axe and looked to Tor, "Did you hear that?" She shook her head. "I am yours, your bloodline made manifest to cut a path and stain the universe with our poison. Wield me!" The axe hissed. Royal''s brow furrowed as he growled, "Don''t tell me what to do." "Your will means nothing," Poinsettia became animated and coiled around Tor''s arm. From beneath the bandages, a bright-eyed purple snake emerged. It had horns along its body in the same pattern as the thorns. Its tail raised, and a black rattle gleamed at the tip. "I am Poinsettia, you belong to me. Fulfill my desire and accept the purpose bestowed upon you by those who came before." Royal tilted his head, "I''ve pledged my life. As an armament, you will serve as I do." "Insolent boy," Poinsettia lunged at Royal, her fangs dripping indigo fluid. He caught the snake by its throat, squeezed, and raised it to his gaze, "My life belongs to me. Your gift is being wielded by me. You''re more talkative than you were with Mine." "Mr. Heart experienced every day for the last six years in total isolation from the rest of the universe," Poinsettia hissed, "And I still poisoned that man without hesitation just for touching me." Royal choked the snake into submission and demanded it return to its natural form. It complied with his command and transformed into an axe again. He twirled the axe, feeling the power it exuded. Palpable, he could taste the power; it coursed through his veins as if it were his blood. His mouth pooled, and his tongue traced his sharp fangs, groaning as his mind fogged with delight and power. He slammed the blade into the ground and released a yell, "No! I will not obey your whim. Zeus is my love." Poinsettia''s forked tongue poked through her lips, tasted the air, and whipped her snake head away in disgust. "Your love and loyalty are misplaced. This one hides you, keeps you from pursuing what rightfully belongs to you." The snake snapped, "We are royalty. Your name coincides with the originators of power in the universe. The great Montiroux Family of the Girighets hailed over Leivviel and the galaxy that housed it. How far have we fallen? You grovel for the love of one monarch when the universe bowed before your forebears with gifts just to breathe the same air." Royal growled, "Speak not for the destiny of the Montiroux. You abandoned us, and what was once ours now belongs to the House of Monroe. Hiss, spit, and snap as you please. Our fate is now in the hands of Zeus. I¡¯ve pledged my loyalty to her and her throne, her planet, and its people. This is what we do now. Royal is no more than the name my mother graced me with." Poinsettia spat on the ground, "I was not forged to be wielded by a peasant. Return me to the Masterpiece; I shall see him home." Royal bowed, "Very well." He wrapped the axe snugly in its bandage and plucked it from the ground with ease. "To serve Zeus, your presence is unnecessary." He tossed the covered axe to Tor and growled, ¡°Mind it, do not wield it. I fear access to your grip would prove you lost to my command.¡± He marched toward the stairs leading to the upper levels of the mountain. Ruby followed moments later with a clinking bag. Royal raised his eyebrow questioningly. She opened it to reveal an assortment of crystal shards. She plucked one out and gave it a squeeze, and it formed into a sword. ¡°For the Sisters'' broken armaments?¡± Royal asked. Ruby nodded, and they began their quick-paced ascent to the city to provide assistance to the Sisters of Olympus. Unbeknownst to Royal, Queen Zeus was on the move and would soon appear with all her ferocity on full display. *** Before Thessaldonia fell under the rule of Queen Zeus Titan, the planet was governed by the first king of a united world, King Jupiter Titan. Regarded as one of the most influential rulers in Thessaldonia''s extensive history of conflict and turmoil, King Jupiter harnessed his unique abilities to manipulate mass and single-handedly quell the Galva invasion. His elegance and grace were instrumental in uniting the warring nations on the planet, establishing a benevolent rule after the decisive battle, and making a solemn promise to protect the planet indefinitely. King Jupiter''s reign received widespread acceptance, and various planets expressed their support to Thessaldonia¡¯s independence by presenting gifts, and offerings. Among the vast amounts of treasure was a living offering of allegiance ¨C Royal Montiroux, a child of a deposed family enslaved but set free upon entering King Jupiter''s court. Grateful for his newfound freedom and the chance to right the wrongs against his family, Royal pledged unwavering loyalty to the throne of Thessaldonia. He served King Jupiter with dedication, advising him to the best of his abilities. Under the leadership of King Jupiter Titan and the advisement of Royal Montiroux, Thessaldonia was unified under the banner of Olympus, the pinnacle of the planet. When King Jupiter was propositioned by the Universal Tribunal Union to join their ranks, the hand of his daughter was requested as the terms of agreement. He agreed to participate and unite the powers of Thessaldonia with that of those who rule majority of the universe. However, before King Jupiter could oversee the union of the stars he fell ill and became sick. When his daughter Princess Zeus rose to royalty she was expected to uphold her father¡¯s commitments. She was introduced to a young noble of Saritocious, a planet with a violent history centered around the planets arena. Without her sister''s guidance and a reluctance to heed Royal''s advice, Zeus succumbed to the charms of the prince of Saritocious. She was captivated by the charismatic and optimistic man whose customs were unfamiliar but seemed perfect to her. He embodied everything she envisioned in a prince¡ªsaying, doing, and behaving exactly as she believed a royal should. He fulfilled her dreams, and the promises he made resonated with her hopes. Zeus was enchanted, convinced that this man would stand by her as king and become the father of her children, a new protector of Thessaldonia. The people would rejoice, and she eagerly anticipated welcoming her sister back to a vastly improved Thessaldonia. However, as Zeus''s belly began to swell, and her pregnancy was joyously announced to her citizens, the man she loved abruptly fled and married another. Devastated by this betrayal, a dark cloud formed over the planet, unleashing a lightning vengeance that struck down men with furious wrath. The men of Thessaldonia were forced to flee from the mountain to the countries that beyond the sands of the desert. The birth of the twins heralded a tempest matching the unyielding fury of the queen. Gilda''s arrival brought joy to the Sisters of Olympus, but that jubilation was abruptly quelled seven minutes later with the birth of the boy¡ªa perceived blemish, a burden, incompatible with the magical realm Zeus sought to build. The twins, connected in the womb, shared a palpable bond at birth. The girl instinctively reached for her brother. In a cruel twist, Zeus cast the boy into the tunnels beneath the castle, destined to be handed over to the Bodoluu and raised among them. Meanwhile, the girl would remain in the castle, destined to join the Sisters of Olympus on her tenth birthday. Zeus''s plan involved keeping them apart for as long as possible, eventually disposing of the boy when she could no longer maintain the separation, thereby elevating her daughter to the intended position. Zeus harbored no hatred for the boy; in fact, she loved him. However, the world she had constructed would not allow his existence without dire consequences. Her harsh stance extended to all the men who once inhabited Olympus, banishing them to the desert without consideration for relation or status. Creating a prince in a realm where all other men were denied existence seemed incompatible with her vision. Reflecting on her past and the decisions that led to the present moment, Zeus stood on her balcony and raised her hand to the sky. Turquoise eyes glowing, she commanded the clouds above the castle, orchestrating them with the subtle gestures of her hand. Spreading her arms wide, lightning danced around her, forming into an orb that lifted her from the ground, with her two blue aides enclosed within. As she traversed the city, the citizens below called out to her, expressing cheers and wishes for her continued existence. However, Zeus remained silent, and as a warning, lightning chased them from the streets. Her intent was clear¡ªto eradicate all who defied her, to strike down any who dared violate her laws. She adamantly refused to allow any man to set foot in her world without paying the ultimate price. *** Mine approached the bust without a cloak and Molly stepped in front of him with glowing eyes. She waved her hand and the archway behind it flickered for a moment. They stepped through and reappeared in a valley of blue and purple crystal walls that seemed to reach the night sky with all of its brilliant emerald stars offering a gentle glow. The valley sung as the wind moved through the holes in the crystals above. Trey was already ahead of the others and his scream caused Mine to snap to his side twirling the gold needle between his fingers. At the end of the valley was an expanding plain of midnight blue sunflowers with alternating silver and gold disc florets in the middle. Graves protruded between the flowers as the blew in the wind. Mine flicked a gold needle from into the valley to see if there were any traps. ¡°Ah, there¡¯s no place like home,¡± Mine said as the cloak hugged him. He held it as the wind caused it to flutter. ¡°I wanna go home,¡± Trey said wiping his eyes. They found a path of crystal that weaved through the flowers that led to each of the individual graves. From the ground they could see a trio of floating crystals and Mine made his way toward them. When they arrived three sisters in black cloaks with white trim appeared before them. The Fates moved as if they were ghosts and all of their faces were covered with crystal veils. Mine sighed and said, ¡°I gotta be honest, it took you all much longer to catch up than I anticipated.¡± ¡°Your knowledge of our ways and possession of that cloak provides you admissions we are not granted,¡± one of the women said. ¡°Refrain from speaking,¡± the middle one stated. ¡°Kill the men, retrieve the cloak, save the girl,¡± the last one said before they all moved. ¡°Eh,¡± Mine said and plucked an invisible thread that created a reverberating twang. The Fates were suddenly seized in midair as if ensnared by an invisible spider''s web. ¡°I¡¯ve exercised enough today and I only came here to return something that was entrusted to me. Let me do my work and I¡¯ll be on my way.¡± Trey and Molly clung to the back of Mine¡¯s legs not wanting to be killed or rescued by the Fates. The cloak hid them as if it was aware of what was going on. Gunther on the otherhand was standing on Mine¡¯s shoulder with his wooden sword raised. ¡°I seen ye before,¡± Gunther accused, ¡°Ya three appeared with the green smoke girl. Careful Cap¡¯n I can see them fer what they are and all of¡¯em are on par with Neblina.¡± ¡°And here we thought our identities were unknown,¡± one of the sisters said as she removed the crystal veil. Her cloak became a light blue and she freed herself from the web with ease and kicked her legs as if on a swing. ¡°I¡¯m Sister Verda, Fate of Dawn.¡± ¡° Sister Ember,¡± the one in the middle said as she removed her veil. Her cloak became a vibrant blue that matched the daytime sky. She hung upside in the web as if she were performing with aerial silks. ¡°Fate of Noon.¡± The third sister sighed and removed her veil and freed herself from the web. She landed on the ground and her darker blue cloak spread around her. When she stood up she introduced herself, ¡°Astra, Sister of Dusk.¡± ¡°Mine Heart, a pleasure to meet you all,¡± he said as he bowed his head. Gunther tugged his ear and the man chuckled, ¡°This is Gunther, my creed.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for you,¡± Verda said with a smile. ¡°You have?¡± Trey asked suddenly peeking from behind the cloak. ¡°Mr. Heart¡¯s appearance has been foretold,¡± Ember stated. ¡°His presence is one we¡¯ve been dreading but has always been known and passed down since the inception of the Sisters of Olympus. You are the reason for our formation and the demise of Olympus.¡± Mine waved his hand as he blushed, ¡°Oh, stop the flattery dear, I¡¯m old but not the creator of everything you know. Just because troubles coming doesn¡¯t mean its my fault. I just happen to be there before things go down.¡± ¡°What¡¯re they talking about Mr. Heart?¡± Trey asked curiously. ¡°Nothin kid,¡± Mine shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s an old trope with the people¡¯s of Tucy. Everyone needs someone to blame so why not make the Nowhere-man the fall guy.¡± He shrugged and turned back to the sisters. ¡°Are we going to chat or can I do what I came to do.¡± They looked to one another curiously and turned back to Mine. Sister Verda was the one to speak up, ¡°You¡¯re here to return Neblina¡¯s cloak.¡± ¡°Indeed, dear. I knew you¡¯d all understand.¡± Mine stepped forward and the sisters produced black crystal armaments and blocked his path. ¡°We were formed to end your story and prevent the fall of Olympus,¡± Sister Ember said as she took her stance with her halbred and raised it in front of Mine to keep him at a distance. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll bite,¡± Mine said with his hands raised. He rolled his eyes and waved his hand. His shadow transformed into a throne-like couch and he sat down with Trey and Molly beside him. Gunther sat in his lap as he he crossed his leg. ¡°Go on, tell your story. Why d¡¯you want to kill me and why should I give up on going home when I¡¯m just trying to return my love to hers?¡± The Fates exchanged bewildered glances as Mine''s nonchalant demeanor caught them off guard. Ember lowered her weapon, Verda cleared her throat, and Astra awkwardly adjusted her collar, averting her eyes. The two children, seemingly innocent, sat beside the one destined to bring about the end of their world. Verda hesitated, uncertain about how to proceed or where to begin. Meanwhile, Molly, attempting to get Mine''s attention by tapping on his leg, found herself ignored or unnoticed. With Gunther too far away to convey her message, Molly resorted to pouting and played along with the unfolding events. Even though she already knew the prophecy, the subsequent events, and what lay ahead, she adopted Trey''s expression of wonder. Astra, observing Molly''s feigned intrigue, decided to address the situation. "Um, there''s a prophecy," Astra began, brushing off the intense stares of her sisters. She waved them off and sighed, ¡°Might as well tell¡¯em everything, Zeus isn¡¯t here to silence us.¡± Verda¡¯s shock was evident and Ember giggled defiantly. Mine couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°Do tell, dear.¡± Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 14: All Together Now Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 14: All Together Now The bodoluu of Olympus were countless, a number overlooked by those in the past and present. On this day, the Sisters of Olympus would have benefited from such information if it were available. The horde of bodoluu poured through the archway, seemingly endless. Despite not having crystal weapons at their disposal, the Sisters of Olympus valiantly defended their home. The gold-trimmed sisters demonstrated impeccable command as they organized their units to protect the dormitories. Sister Lo¡¯Ve took the youngest sisters to procure replacement weapons. Sisters Mas and Zoya directed the larger sisters into a defensive position, allowing Sister Nisha to issue orders to her burden-wielding comrades. Elemental attacks were unleashed in coordination with the sisters'' defenses, taking down bodoluu, but their relentless onslaught continued. Sisters Obella, Sarini, and Nozu efficiently handled the stronger bodoluu that managed to push past the defense. On the side of the archway, Kyan and Gilda engaged in genuine competition, creating piles of unconscious bodoluu. All the while Ryder crouched behind them with his head between his knees still muttering his mantra. ¡°That¡¯s fifty for me,¡± Gilda shouted to Kyan as she knocked another out with the butt of her dagger. ¡°Fifty-one.¡± ¡°I¡¯m already at sixty, sis,¡± Kyan said, breathing heavily and sitting on top of the pile he had created. Gilda narrowed her eyes, ¡°Cheater.¡± Kyan laughed, ¡°Don¡¯t be a sore loser, just switch up your weapon.¡± He punched another bodoluu in the face as it lunged at him and growled, ¡°You¡¯re delivering non-lethal blows with a lethal weapon. Go with something blunt.¡± ¡°How?¡± she asked, as she leapt up and slammed the butt of her blade into another bodoluu''s temple, knocking it unconscious as another tripped over it. She countered by flipping and stomped on the back of its head. She twirled the dagger to no avail and whined, ¡°I don¡¯t get it.¡± ¡°Adju-¡± Kyan started to say but was tackled by another bodoluu. ¡°Adjust your grip,¡± Doro said, making her way to Gilda, sweeping the legs of the bodoluu beneath them and knocking them out effortlessly with the handle of her broom. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me,¡± Gilda snapped, flipping over Doro¡¯s head and doing as she was told. The black crystal dagger transformed into a hammer, propelling her forward as she brought it down with devastating force. The ground beneath her cracked and split, and the bodoluu halted. ¡°Gil, don¡¯t be that way,¡± Doro said in the momentary stillness. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was only following ord¡ª¡± An ear-splitting roar echoed through Olympus as the Shoko bodoluu emerged from the archway, and the smaller raging bodoluu began to cheer. The Shoko wielded crude and basic crystal armaments with jagged edges, and their longer manes were neatly braided, unlike the messy locks of the older bodoluu. Sister Lo¡¯Ve¡¯s return coincided with the arrival of the Shoko bodoluu. The gold trims ordered the Sisters of Olympus to retreat to the city as each of them brandished their chosen crystal armaments and faced down the behemoths before them. Sister Akik¡¯ibe stepped forward and dragged her red crystal sword across the ground and glared up at the Shoko bodoluu. Doro¡¯s eyes started to glow and three swirling pools appeared behind the gold trims. A gangly scarecrow with emerald crystals shards jutting out of its body appeared wielding a crystal scythe. Beside him emerged a man made of metal with crystal spikes lining the helmet and wielding a crystal axe. From the last pool emerged a small boy wearing a lion onesie with crystal shards weaved into the crochet mane and a crystal crown tilted on his head. She commanded them to assist the gold trims while she took Gilda back to the city. The Sisters of Olympus with gold trims and Doro¡¯s summons faced the Shoko Bodoluu and proved to be on equal footing. From the archway an enormous hand reached through and grabbed Ryder. Violet popped off his head and flew away as Ryder started to scream, cry, reach, and claw for any hold that could prevent him from being taken by the monster. ¡°I don''t wanna die! Somebody help me! Please!¡± Ryder cried out, ¡°Please! I don¡¯t wanna die!¡± ¡°I got you bro!¡± Kyan called out and grabbed Ryder''s flailing hand. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna die,¡± Ryder said with tears streaming down his cheeks and snot spilling from his nose, ¡°Save me.¡± Kyan couldn¡¯t help but laugh as his grip slipped and a turquoise fog coiled around their hands up Ryder¡¯s arm. The fog consumed all of Ryder and Kyan felt him vanish. The giant hand thrashed about and shattered the archway severing the giant arm in the process. ¡°What the?¡± Kyan said as he looked at his hand then the giant hand as it fell motionless. ¡°So heavy,¡± Gilda groaned behind him, ¡°Why¡¯re you so heavy?¡± Kyan whipped around to see Ryder and Gilda struggling with her cloak to get off the ground. He started to laugh and said, ¡°That¡¯s cute.¡± ¡°Urgh,¡± Gilda groaned and she pushed Ryder, ¡°Get off me dude.¡± ¡°Oh my Flow, you saved my life. I''m so happy. Thank you so much, you have no idea how much it means to me,¡± Ryder blubbered as she tried to get off of the girl but was caught under her cloak. Kyan helped pull them apart and laughed, ¡°Ryder this is my sister Gilda. Gilda, this is Ryder. He¡¯s getting me off this planet.¡± ¡°Can I come?¡± Gilda asked immediately. ¡°I ummm¡­¡± Ryder began. ¡°Absolutely,¡± Kyan said, cutting Ryder off, ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d want to leave home.¡± ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± Gilda scoffed, ¡°I¡¯d do anything to get away from Zeus.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you mean Mom?¡± Gilda rolled her eyes, ¡°If that¡¯s what you call her.¡± Kyan laughed, ¡°I freakin love you. Ryder isn¡¯t my sister the best.¡± ¡°She saved my life, of course she is,¡± Ryder said as he nervously looked around at the piles of unconscious bodoluu that the twins had managed to stack up. Doro appeared and looked at Ryder then to Kyan and Gilda and sighed. ¡°Come with me,¡± she said. ¡°No,¡± Gilda snapped, ¡°You lied to me.¡± ¡°I was doing my duty,¡± Doro hissed and grabbed her arm. ¡°We have to get back to the castle. I¡¯m sure your mother won¡¯t leave this intrusion unanswered. We need to leave before she does.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going back to the castle and you can¡¯t make me. Neither can she,¡± Gilda growled, ¡°She lied to me.¡± Doro sighed and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I wanted to tell you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not even mad about Kyan,¡± Gilda said, waving him off. ¡°I¡¯ve always known about him. My fog enhances my taste, touch, feel, and hearing. I just can¡¯t smell or see anything.¡± Doro scowled, ¡°You think I¡¯ve always underestimated you. I didn¡¯t think you knew about Kyan. I didn¡¯t want to keep it from you.¡± ¡°Our heartbeats are synced,¡± Kyan said, ¡°Always have been. I¡¯ve felt Gilda everyday since we were apart.¡± Gilda smiled up at her brother and said, ¡°Don¡¯t get mushy on me.¡± Doro looked at the twins and her eyes started to well up. She sighed and said, ¡°I need you two to come with me.¡± ¡°What about me?¡± Ryder asked raising his hand, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna die.¡± Doro took a deep breath and nodded her head, ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll help you.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Gilda asked, clearly surprised. ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do.¡± Doro waved them toward the dormitory. Suddenly the sky darkened and thick clouds crackling with lightning covered the sky like a blanket. A blue orb appeared over the dormitory and descended rapidly with tendrils of lightning dancing all around it. The bolts gouged out the ground as they struck all over the courtyard. The lightning struck both friend and foe alike. The sisters did their best to protect one another to avoid their monarch''s haphazard and undirected attack. ¡°All who dare enter my city with violence will be met with the same multiplied by ten!¡± Queen Zeus¡¯s voice boomed like thunder. ¡°Foolish lightning bitch,¡± Suzuko¡¯s gnashing voice growled as the giant chief bodoluu¡¯s head emerged from the side of the mountain. ¡°Your rule is propped up by the support of what dwells beneath you.¡± Suzuko was a hundred times larger than he had been and climbed Olympus as if it were a tree. Zeus directed her attacks toward the giant bodoluu''s head, but they were absorbed by a crystal. Suzuko retaliated by hurling a crystal boulder at Queen Zeus, who effortlessly maneuvered the orb to avoid it. Suzuko pulled himself up and stepped into the courtyard, causing the gold trims and Shoko bodoluu to scatter. The two rulers of Olympus confronted each other, and their auras clashed violently. A red crystal pillar burst through the ground, capturing everyone''s attention. As it opened up, purple smoke slowly rolled out. Royal emerged with Poinsettia perched on his shoulder, gazing up at the giant bodoluu and Zeus encased in the orb of lightning. He glared up at Chief Suzuko and raised his axe, ¡°Know your place beast.¡± ¡°Know yours,¡± Zeus hissed. She threw her hand down and a torrent of lightning bolts rained down and struck Royal where he stood. When the bolts faded Royal collapsed to his knees in a smoking heap. ¡°Men, have no place here.¡± A collective freeze settled over everyone as Zeus'' brutal attack struck Royal point-blank. The gold-trimmed sisters stared at their monarch in awe, while the Shoko bodoluu glared up at their chief and his new opponent. Doro and Ryder were horror-stricken by the scene. However, Kyan and Gilda were engulfed in rage. ¡°Hey ma,¡± Kyan yelled, ¡°Long time no see.¡± ¡°Insolent boy,¡± Zeus hissed and dropped a lightning bolt where he was standing. A swirl of turquoise smoke surrounded Kyan and he was moved out of the bolt''s trajectory. Gilda emerged from the fog, her middle fingers raised defiantly. "Fuck off, Zeus!" she shouted. The monarch''s eyes flashed as bright as the lightning that cascaded around her. She looked down at her daughter and smirked, "Ungrateful brat." Doro grabbed Gilda''s cloak, and Ryder snagged Kyan''s tail, pulling the twins out of the monarch''s line of sight. As they started to fight, Ruby appeared behind Doro. The smooth red crystal golem bowed her head to them and jerked her head toward the dormitory archway that led to the city. *** Mine dabbed his cheeks with his handkerchief and offered one to Molly and another to Trey. Gunther used Mine¡¯s tie as a tissue and blew his nose. All of them sobbed as the Fate¡¯s shared the prophecy of Olympus. ¡°That¡¯s so sad,¡± Trey said, ¡°My mom would rescue you guys if she were here.¡± Despite knowing the prophecy, Molly was still brought to tears and accepted the handkerchief. She dabbed her cheeks and looked up at Mine and noticed he was smiling despite the tear that fell from his eye. Trey was upset and soiled and defiled his handkerchief with his snot and tears. Gunther was much the same but he used Mine¡¯s tie which made her smile despite the sadness she felt. The Fates told their story in the form of a song and by the time they were done performing Mine had heard all that he was going to listen to. He stood up and cracked his neck, ¡°Well now, that¡¯s all said and what¡¯s to be done will be. Excuse me while I fulfill my part of the prophecy.¡± The Fates sighed collectively. Verda pulled back her hood and asked, ¡°Not even the prophecy can deter you from your goal?¡± ¡°I made a promise and I intend to come through,¡± Mine said. ¡°Let him,¡± Ember said. ¡°He¡¯s made up his mind. The prophecy wouldn¡¯t be changed on the whim of a man who¡¯s goal has transcended time and space.¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°What comes next will be for us,¡± Astra stated. The Fates stepped aside as Mine proceeded toward Neblina¡¯s grave. ¡°Wait,¡± Trey called out and ran after Mine, ¡°Do you have to return it. Wasn¡¯t bring the cloak here enough?¡± ¡°I want to go home,¡± Mine said, ¡°To visit would only be a tease of what I have longed for. Neblina deserves to rest and taking the cloak would do nothing but disturb her peace.¡± Trey was stifled, ¡°She should be at peace.¡± "Precisely, dear," Mine continued up the path to Neblina''s grave. Upon reaching the grounded royal crystal, it glowed dimly, and he extended his hand toward it. Closing his eyes, he fell silent for a moment, took the cloak from around his neck, and waved it in front of him effortlessly. Draping the cloak over the crystal, it was as if a light switch had been flipped. The crystal started to glow so brightly that everyone present was blinded momentarily. When the light faded, the crystal was floating beside the other two, with the cloak draped over it, fluttering in the wind. The wind swirled around Mine as if in gratitude for his actions. Everyone stared at him as his clothes changed; he now wore a pristine midnight blue suit with a silver trim that matched the intricate design adorning Neblina¡¯s cloak. Adjusting his sleeves, he turned to the others. "How do I look?" Trey¡¯s eyes were wide, ¡°You look awesome, Mr. Heart.¡± Molly rushed over to Mine, and he noticed she too was wearing a midnight blue jumper with intricate white trim around her ankles and collar, similar to his. She leapt into his arms with a big smile and hugged his neck tightly. He raised his eyebrow and asked her, ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°I been askin, the same thing,¡± Gunther stated as he appeared on Mine¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Ya should have seen what she did earlier.¡± ¡°Hmph,¡± Mine noted. He tapped Molly¡¯s nose and said, ¡°There¡¯s more to you than what meets the eye, isn¡¯t there?¡± Molly giggled silently and nodded her head as if she¡¯s been trying to tell him that. However, before they could engage two powerful auras clashed and caused a chill to fill the valley. ¡°We must return to the Queen,¡± Verda said. ¡°Go to the city,¡± Ember said, pointing to another archway behind the royal graves. ¡°You can depart from the castle.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± Trey asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t there supposed to-¡± Astra covered his mouth, ¡°You remind me of my brother before he was sent away. Worry not for the Sisters of Olympus are strong. Go forward with the journey you began. Your mother will be proud.¡± Trey¡¯s bottom lip quivered as he nodded his head and hugged Astra. He squeezed tightly before he turned away and followed Mine and the others toward the archway. When he caught up he looked back to see the Fates vanish almost instantly. ¡°I don''t think this is fair,¡± Trey said. ¡°Life isn¡¯t fair, that¡¯s why it¡¯s meant to be a surprise. No good ever comes from knowing the future. In an effort to avoid the unavoidable we bring upon that which is destined for us regardless,¡± Mine said as he placed his hand on Trey¡¯s head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dear.¡± They stepped through the archway and left the valley behind, only to find themselves in the city engulfed in chaos. The Bodoluu infested the streets, terrorizing the citizens. The Sisters of Olympus, who had arrived to defend the city, were overpowered. The stronger sisters were engaged with another group of Shoko Bodoluu that had infiltrated the city and were directing the smaller Bodoluu. Mine, Molly, Gunther, and Trey arrived at the wall overlooking the city, intended to protect them from external threats. However, the Bodoluu were already there, residing just beneath the city, waiting. ¡°What do we do cap¡¯n?¡± Gunther asked. ¡°Find Ryder,¡± Mine said, ¡°He¡¯s our only way off this rock.¡± ¡°He¡¯s probably hiding under a rock,¡± Trey said as he pulled himself onto the walls edge. He whistled and said, ¡°Whoa, this is crazy.¡± A large Shoko bodoluu with a crimson and purple mane spotted Mine and the others overlooking the city. It growled and hurled a chrysler boulder at them. In a flash Mine switched Molly from one hip to the other twirled Nectar and summoned Mae. With a single downward stroke he cleaved the boulder into a million pieces and glared at the bodoluu. He put Mae away and wagged his finger at the awestruck behemoth below. It swallowed visibly and turned away from Mine and charged off in the opposite direction. Trey started to laugh, ¡°You sure we can¡¯t change anything with you around.¡± ¡°According to the prophecy, me being here is the reason everything is going the way it is. Best we can do is retreat, dear.¡± *** Ruby did as she had been directed by Royal. She collected a sack and covered Kyan so she could smuggle him into the city without setting off any of the citizens and garnering unwanted attention. Kyan couldn¡¯t help but peek at the crystal city as they emerged from the archway. The bodoluu had been busy and their conquest of Olympus had begun. ¡°Where are they all coming from?¡± Doro asked. ¡°The tunnels reach the city,¡± Gilda said. ¡°The Bodoluu have been raising their numbers,¡± Kyan said, ¡°They¡¯ve waited for this.¡± ¡°For what?¡± Ryder asked, ¡°What¡¯s happening? Why now?¡± ¡°The prophecy,¡± Doro whispered. ¡°This can¡¯t be that.¡± Ruby led them through the back alleys of the city toward the castle making sure to avoid the Sisters of Olympus and the bodoluu. She held up her fist to stop them as a bodoluu over twelve feet tall casually strolled by. Everyone watched as the bodoluu walked by dragging a blood stained crystal club behind him. When she waved them forward the bodoluu crouched down to peer beneath the curtained alley. As Ryder crossed the alley he and the bodoluu made eye contact and Ryder immediately started to weep. The bodoluu¡¯s hand grabbed Ryder and dragged him out of the alley and raised him up to his face. The bodoluu huffed and Ryder¡¯s beard and hair was blown back. Ryder wept and only managed to say, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna die.¡± ¡°Put him down,¡± Kyan yelled up at the bodoluu. ¡°That¡¯s my bro and my ticket off this planet.¡± The crimson and purple maned bodoluu glared down at Kyan and recognized the beaded necklace he wore around his neck. He growled as he tossed Ryder on the ground and beat his chest. It raised its weapon and brandished it in a challenge to Kyan. Kyan cracked his neck and brought out his black crystal kanabo. He raised it threateningly and nodded his head. ¡°Your start.¡± The Bodoluu dug his feet into the ground and launched himself at Kyan with surprising speed. Kyan swung his kanabo and met the creature¡¯s charge. He was pushed back but managed to keep both feet planted. The bodoluu chortled delighted in its opponents worthiness and braced itself. Gilda and Doro watched the exchange, neither of them were familiar with the bodoluu traditions and their expectations were thwarted. Kyan dug his feet into the ground and took a runner''s stance before launching himself at the bodoluu. The bodoluu swung its club but was lifted off his feet and launched into a building. Kyan climbed out from beneath the unconscious bodoluu and rolled his bruised shoulder. He groaned as he stretched his neck, ¡°That¡¯s gonna be sore tomorrow.¡± Doro exhaled her green smoke and healed Kyan¡¯s arm. ¡°How¡¯s that?¡± She asked. Kyan grimaced and said, ¡°That''s disgusting.¡± ¡°I told you,¡± Gilda said with pursed lips. ¡°Where¡¯s Ryder?¡± Kyan asked as he looked around. Gilda and Doro did the same and realized he was missing, they shrugged in unison. ¡°No idea,¡± Gilda said, ¡°Come on we gotta get to the castle before Zeus decides we¡¯re more important than keeping the bodoluu out.¡± ¡°Where¡¯re we going? Ryder¡¯s got our only way off the planet,¡± Kyan said. ¡°No he isn¡¯t,¡± Gilda said clearly appalled, ¡°We¡¯ve got crystal star vessels in the castle hangar.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Kyan asked. ¡°Of course,¡± Gilda said, ¡°How do you think¨C...¡± She shook her head and decided not to get into it with him. ¡°Nevermind.¡± ¡°How do we get to the castle from here?¡± Gilda asked Ruby. The crimson golem shrugged and threw the sack over Kyan¡¯s head again. ¡°We gotta find Ryder,¡± Kyan said, ¡°We built a whole ship. We got this.¡± "Fine," Gilda replied, her voice laced with frustration. ¡°Thanks sis,¡± Kyan said with a smile. ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Gilda said as her eyes started to glow and fog billowed from under her cloak. ¡°Let me see if I can find him.¡± *** When Ryder was thrown down he never slammed into the ground instead he was transported to the wall and crashed at Mine¡¯s feet. He was curled up in the fetal position and whispered his mantra. Trey crouched beside him and poked him and Molly tapped his cheek. His eyes fluttered open and hope flooded him as he recognized Mine¡¯s face. He hopped off the ground and wiped the tears from his blood shot eyes and the snot from his beard. He brushed off his clothes and nodded his head. ¡°Oh, there you are boss,¡± Ryder managed to say. ¡°I was worried about ya.¡± ¡°What about us?¡± Trey asked. ¡°I believe you, dear. You look like you¡¯ve seen better days.¡± Ryder scoffed, ¡°You¡¯ve got no idea boss. I don¡¯t think it can get any worse.¡± Mine¡¯s eyebrow raised slightly and he asked, ¡°You really love tempting Flow don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°What?¡± Ryder asked. ¡°Nothing, did you develop a means of escape for us, dear?¡± ¡°Yup,¡± Ryder said as he reached in his coat and pulled out a glass bottle with a star vessel inside. Mine snatched the bottle and examined its contents, ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like my blueprints.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because it¡¯s not,¡± Ryder said as he plucked it from Mine¡¯s grasp, ¡°I made this last night with my buddy Kyan.¡± ¡°The brute from the stairwell?¡± Mine snapped. ¡°Yeah,¡± Ryder said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯ll get us off world and I''ll be able to prep the one you gave me while we make our way back to El Dorado.¡± ¡°Hmph,¡± Mine folded his arms and said, ¡°I guess that works for me.¡± A turquoise fog crept up the wall and spilled onto the platform they were standing on and Mine felt a familiar sway. He smiled as Gida¡¯s fog filled the area around them. Molly and Trey grabbed onto Mine as they felt the world shift beneath them subtly. When the fog cleared they were in the same alley as Doro, Kyan, Ruby, and Gilda. ¡°Together at last,¡± Kyan said with his arms spread. ¡°Let¡¯s go people,¡± Doro snapped, ¡°We don¡¯t have all day. If Zeus catches onto what we¡¯re up to she¡¯ll seal off the planet.¡± ¡°Where do we need to go?¡± Mine asked. Doro glared at him and hesitated to respond, but ultimately said, ¡°We¡¯ve got to get to the castle hanger. I can disarm the security burden from there and provide you a way off world.¡± ¡°Lead the way,¡± Mine said. ¡°Ruby,¡± Trey announced, recognizing the crimson crystal golem. ¡°Where¡¯s Royal. He should come with us.¡± Ruby shook her head and crouched in front of Trey offering him a piggyback ride. He jumped on and she looked to Doro to lead. Mine shook his head at Molly and said, ¡°I don¡¯t do those.¡± ¡°I got ya kid,¡± Kyan said as he placed her on his shoulders. She wrapped her hands around his head as she was now taller than everyone else. Doro led the party through the city fully aware that she was participating in the greatest act of treason possible on Thessaldonia. *** The monarchs of Thessaldonia were destined to clash in a battle of titans, hence the namesake of the royal family. Queen Zeus Titan''s ancestors were once at war with the native Bodoluu, and upon the prophecy of the planet''s fate being spoken, they forged a treaty to quell the fire that burned between the factions. In harmony, the Bodoluu lived beneath the city of Olympus in the tunnels. For centuries, they lived in peace, knowing that they would only come to blows when the end of what they knew was nigh. The only indicator of the end was the appearance of the Nowhere-man, but he had not revealed himself to either of the monarchs. In their growing sovereign unease and the siren that provoked the Bodoluu into action, they lost sight of their mutual enemy and instead fought amongst themselves. Zeus hurled lightning bolts at the massive to no avail and his crystal armaments were stolen by an unknown interceder. Neither of their attacks worked on one another and near exhaustion they took a moment to speak. ¡°This battle is futile,¡± Zeus said sitting on Anella¡¯s head while Drizstasia fanned her. ¡°You''re exhausting,¡± Suzuko growled, leaning against the building. ¡°The bodoluu invaded my territory,¡± Zeus snapped. ¡°You allowed my son to ascend to Olympus.¡± ¡°Your crystals started ringing and caused a ruckus,¡± Suzuko stated. ¡°Your son was bound to come up here. You know that just as well as I do. It¡¯s been twenty-two years in the making.¡± Zeus took a deep breath and sighed, ¡°I suppose, Gilda went to the quarry today. It was only a matter of time. However, the crystals ringing had nothing to do with me. That wasn¡¯t my fault.¡± ¡°Nor was the invasion¡­,¡± Suzuko paused and sat up, his eyes brimming with revelation and said, ¡°Mine.¡± Zeus shot up with understanding, ¡°Did you see him? The Nowhere-Man.¡± ¡°No, I thought he would reveal himself to the throne,¡± Suzuko growled, ¡°If this is occurring that means he¡¯s here.¡± ¡°The aggression of the monarchs should be channeled toward the one who brings about the destruction of our home,¡± Anella stated. ¡°Mine should be the target of your majesty¡¯s rage,¡± Drizstasia said. ¡°His presence is but a trigger,¡± Anella chimed, ¡°All of this is a consequence of his presence.¡± ¡°Eliminate the cause,¡± Drizstasia sang. ¡°Change the result,¡± Anella asserted. Queen Zeus and Chief Suzuko looked at each other at the behest of her blues. Anella and Drizstasia knew they had sown the seeds of chaos and smirked at each other. The auras exploded angrily, and the sky responded. The clouds parted and the full moon glared down on Olympus. Suzuko craned his neck to the moon and unleashed a guttural roar that caused the crystals throughout Olympus to vibrate, sending a message to all Bodoluu. "What was that?" Zeus asked. "I told the Bodoluu to find the source of our anguish." "The Sisters of Olympus will do the same," Zeus said as she moved her finger in the air as if scribbling on a piece of paper. In the clear sky, a message appeared written in lightning, issuing her command. ¡°Find Mine.¡± Flower 15: Wine and Resolve Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds By: T. M. Ashley Flower 15: Wine and Resolve The message in the sky was clear to all the Sisters of Olympus, and the roar of Suzuko was felt and grasped by the bodoluu. The war in the city ceased as both parties understood the commands of their leaders. They immediately formed up and began to search the city. Queen Zeus appeared in the city perched on Chief Suzuko¡¯s shoulder, creating a symbol of their union. The bodoluu and Sisters of Olympus acknowledged their monarchs, and a rallying cry echoed through the city. Everyone in the city was privy to Zeus¡¯s message and the outcry of support and Mine couldn¡¯t help but laugh as his party moved through the forest that bordered the moat. ¡°They figured it out already, dear.¡± Mine said. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kyan asked as he leapt from one tree branch to another with Molly clinging to his head with her eyes tightly shut. ¡°What did they figure out?¡± ¡°When the alarm went off and announced the arrival of a man. Your mother must have assumed it was you,¡± Doro said riding her broom, weaving in and out of trees. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have anticipated three other men appearing at the same time.¡± ¡°Meaning my presence was masked by her guilt,¡± Mine said, ¡°Hiding your existence made your mother paranoid and dismissed the idea that I could be here. Everything falls into place as it should, dear.¡± ¡°The prophecy is about you?¡± Gilda asked as everything started to make sense. She used her fog to fly through the forest and to keep Ryder on his feet. He tripped constantly and lagged behind everyone as they made their way through the forest. He was out of breath but grateful for Gilda¡¯s aid. Trey rode on Ruby¡¯s back and laughed at Ryder¡¯s struggle, ¡°You okay there dude? You look a little shot.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine kid,¡± Ryder managed, ¡°Your just talking cause you got a ride.¡± ¡°Nah, I¡¯d still out pace you any day of the week,¡± Trey said. When they stepped through the trees they all stopped and stared out at the the calm glistening waters that sparkled under the moons gaze. ¡°How are we supposed to get across?¡± Ryder asked as the forest behind them was suddenly filled with the sounds of trees breaking, the grunts and growls of the bodoluu and the war cries of the Sisters of Olympus. A dust cloud was kicked up behind them and Ryder started to scream. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna die.¡± ¡°We know,¡± everyone except for Molly and Ruby said in unison. "They keep doubting me and chasing after something beyond their grasp," Mine shook his head and started to laugh. "Haven''t they grasped the essence of who and what I am? The masterpiece of presence. The king of chaos. The provocateur of fate. The instigator of fires. I am the Nowhere-Man, Mine Heart." He snapped his fingers, and everyone else vanished from the shore. Tossing Nectar in the air, as it descended, it transformed into Mae. Catching the cleaver sword handle, Mine executed a clean horizontal swing. An emerald blade surged forward, expanding as it moved through the forest, cleanly cutting down the trees in front of him. The dust cloud was blown back by the sheer force of Mine''s swing, and the emerald blade fizzled out before reaching the army. Those closest were forced to defend against the aftershock of the flying blade. The Sisters of Olympus and the Bodoluu outnumbered Mine a thousand to one, but none of them dared to move or encroach upon the man wearing the midnight blue suit wielding the giant emerald-encrusted cleaver. From behind the army, a shadow rushed toward Mine as Suzuko and Zeus appeared behind their united front. The two monarchs looked down at the man on the shore and immediately understood that he was probably the most dangerous entity either of them had ever encountered. When a turquoise fog settled around Mine he raised his eyebrow, ¡°I thought I sent you two ahead.¡± ¡°You did,¡± Kyan said as he kicked his kanabo up onto his shoulder. ¡°However, we got somethings to settle.¡± ¡°We?¡± Mine asked. ¡°Yeah, Zeus owes us an apology,¡± Gilda hissed as she twirled her dagger masterfully between her fingers. ¡°I came to make sure no one interferes,¡± Doro said as she hovered overhead on her broom. Mine smiled and said, ¡°Well then, maybe there¡¯s no need to lift a finger.¡± Zeus pointed at Mine and a beam of concentrated light burst from the tip of her finger and pierced his chest. Or so she thought. Gilda¡¯s turquoise fog dispersed the light and protected him from her mothers attack. ¡°Gilda and Doro¡± Zeus said simply, ¡°Are you choosing this man over your sister hood?¡± ¡°I was charged with Gilda¡¯s protection and I¡¯m only here to clear her way,¡± Doro said as she made a beeline for Suzuko. ¡°So mote it be,¡± Gilda growled. ¡°Tsk, foolish girl,¡± Zeus quipped before she launched another assault this time aiming for Kyan. ¡°Your brother will be the first I smite.¡± ¡°He¡¯s your son and I won¡¯t let you hurt him,¡± Gilda shouted as she rushed toward her mother and used her powers to help her brother avoid her attacks. ¡°Aw¡­¡± Kyan said, appearing beside his sister and rubbing her head roughly before he used his kanabo to deflect his mothers attack. ¡°You¡¯re such a great big sister.¡± Gilda moved Kyan out of the way of a stray attack with her fog and growled, ¡°Don¡¯t get mushy on me.¡± ¡°My bad sis,¡± Kyan laughed as he pulled her out of the way of Zeus¡¯s continuous attack. She snatched away from her brother and said, ¡°Let¡¯s finish this.¡± Gilda skillfully used her fog to conceal their movements as they danced between their mother''s flurry of bolts. The Sisters of Olympus and the bodoluu were forced to retreat and seek shelter. Amidst the chaotic Titan family feud, Zeus became increasingly frustrated. As the Titan family engaged in their internal struggles, they remained oblivious to Doro''s heroic stand against the monstrous Chief Suzuko. She skillfully forced him to stumble backward, targeting his eyes. In a desperate move, Suzuko managed to grasp her arm, initiating a rapid crystallization process. To prevent the spread, Doro made a swift decision, cutting off her own arm. Rolling across the ground, she slowed her momentum with a flip and the forceful impact of her broomstick. Upon coming to a stop, she examined the crystal stump that remained, took a deep breath, and exhaled emerald smoke. ¡°Never anticipated calling her for something like this,¡± Doro said, her eyes turned pitch black and her body became rigid. The smoke exploded from her mouth and created an emerald mushroom cloud. A cackle that rivaled the crackle of Zeus¡¯s bolts echoed throughout the city. The silhouette of a woman riding a broom with a pointed hat appeared in the emerald gloom. ¡°My pretty Dorothy Zo,¡± a scratchy voice echoed, ¡°To summon me you must be in a pickle as green as my skin.¡± The smoke poured into Doro''s mouth, and she gulped. Adorned in a black crystal pointed hat with a wide brim and a matching black crystal cape, her cloak wrapped around her waist, and her crystal broom flew to her hand. Chief Suzuko beat his chest and roared at his new green-skinned opponent. Doro gracefully jumped onto her broom, maneuvering around the massive beast. While surfing on her broom, she performed an intricate dance, seemingly vanishing and then delivering thirteen blows that repeated thirteen times, shattering the behemoth''s armor. Returning to her broom, she completed another dance and placed her palm on Chief Suzuko''s chest. An enormous explosion occurred, blasting Chief Suzuko into the air. Doro agilely jumped back on her broom, chasing the falling behemoth, unleashing a barrage of attacks that caused blood to erupt from his mouth. He flew off the edge of the mountain, his cry turning into an echo. Doro dismounted her broom, landing on her feet. Her skin started to return to normal, and her black armaments faded. She fell to her knees, holding her head. Glancing over her shoulder, she sighed with relief. Completely drained of energy, she fainted where she knelt. Zeus, growing increasingly frustrated, found herself unable to strike down either of her children. As her bolts failed to hit their mark, she descended to the ground. Gilda''s fog rushed beneath her cloak, and Kyan, in his spider monkey form, perched on her shoulder. Flipping off and returning to his hominid form, Kyan smiled at his mother. "Hey, ma," Kyan waved at Zeus with a blissful smile. "Getting tired?" Zeus moved so fast that Kyan couldn''t evade her attack. She placed her palm on his chest and tapped her fingers, causing the buildings behind Kyan to crack and crumble from Zeus''s formidable power. Kyan, looking down at her hand, made eye contact with her just as she smiled. The resulting shock wave caused blood to spring from Kyan¡¯s mouth, his eyes turning white as he was sent flying through the city, crashing through several buildings that collapsed beneath him. "Ky¡ª" Gilda started, producing her fog, but a white-hot crackle filled the air and crept up her arm. Zeus had grabbed her shoulder and unleashed fifty-five volts of electricity. Gilda howled in pain and collapsed to the ground in a smoking pile. Royal had recovered from Zeus¡¯s shock and was helped to his feet by Tor. He made it to the scene just in time to intercede. When Zeus completed the same dance that Doro used on Suzuko and touched Kyan, he had Tor shatter and transform into a breastplate to absorb the initial shock. When Zeus grabbed Gilda, he used the remaining bits of Tor to line the inside of her cloak, dampening and spreading the shock. Zeus looked to the heavens, and two clouds formed over Kyan and Gilda. She raised her hand, and the clouds crackled with lightning. She was ready to bring her hand down and strike them with the full brunt of her power. ¡°No more!¡± Royal roared. ¡°Enough! You¡¯ve proved your point!¡± Zeus tilted her head surprised to see Royal partially recovered despite his singed clothes. She took a deep breath and directed her attack at Royal instead. The sound of crystals clashing filled the city as Zeus'' attack struck true and created a cloud of debris from the strike. As it cleared crystal hominid golems surrounded him and protected him. Zeus¡¯s eyes lowered and she watched Royal emerge, ¡°I don¡¯t want to fight you.¡± ¡°Ha, you¡¯ve built an army to face me,¡± Zeus spat, ¡°As if you could match me.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve recovered my family treasure,¡± Royal said, he extended his arm and Poinsettia materialized in his hand, ¡°I have access to my full capabilities. I can resurrect your fallen army with crystal golems.¡± ¡°They were weak,¡± Zeus quipped, ¡°Your power isn¡¯t necessary.¡± ¡°But I¡¯ve lent it to you several times,¡± Royal noted, ¡°In the garden, on the battlefield¡­¡± he grit his teeth and growled, ¡°In your royal chambers.¡± Zeus''s face became flushed at his comment, and her aura exploded. She vanished from where she was standing and reappeared in front of Royal. She blasted the golems that tried to intercede, sending them flying in every direction. She palmed his face and slammed him to the ground. Zeus''s irises flashed like lightning bolts as she looked down on him. Their eyes met, and tears started to well up in hers.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°Why¡¯d you expose yourself?¡± She managed to ask through quivering lips. ¡°You were my greatest secret.¡± ¡°I just wanted to serve you,¡± Royal said as tears spilled from his eyes as well. ¡°My power, my person, my being is for Zeus. To serv-¡° Zeus looked away and unleashed her power through her hand, causing Royal''s body to spasm and then become still. She let go, wiped her tears, and stood back up, surveying the devastation around her. The sky still crackled as her clouds danced with her white lightning. SNAP! *** A huge shadow appeared over Zeus, forcing her to use her power to dash out of the way of Chief Suzuko''s falling body. It crashed into the ground, leaving a hole in the shape of his body. Zeus huffed and brushed off her clothes as she looked around. ¡°I didn¡¯t you to move, dear,¡± a voice echoed. Zeus whipped around, searching for the source of the voice. ¡°You''re still here?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Mine said, sitting on his shadow throne on the other side of the hole Chief Suzuko¡¯s body made. He brushed himself off and smiled at Zeus. ¡°Hello, dear.¡± Zeus grimaced and asked, ¡°Where¡¯d you come from?¡± ¡°El Dorado,¡± Mine said simply, ¡°I was there for far too long.¡± The only reason Zeus listened to Mine was the fact that he continued to exude the same force that stifled her before. She couldn¡¯t help but feel unease in his presence. She recovered moments later and didn¡¯t waste her breath. She just directed her attack at him. The white lighting struck Mine square in his chest and his body began to spasm as the voltage moved through him. Zeus clenched her jaw, despite her irrefutable strike the man¡¯s aura didn¡¯t waver and in fact seemed to bloom. She tripled the output of her attack and Mine¡¯s body burst into flames. As she continued her onslaught he managed to raise his hand. His snap was muffled by the crackling lightning and while his doll received the full force of Zeus¡¯s attack he reappeared behind her. He cleared his throat, ¡°Excuse me dear, if you¡¯re done with me over there let¡¯s have a conversation over here¡­¡± he adjusted the cuffs on his midnight blue suit and sat down. His shadow transformed into a throne again and he crossed his leg. ¡°I just got this suit, so please.¡± Zeus whipped around at the sound of Mine¡¯s cool voice and was startled by his presence, ¡°How?¡± ¡°Sway provides incredible abilities. Your lightning for instance, the Bodoluu¡¯s crystallizing touch, my ability to be anywhere I choose. It¡¯s amazing how it manifests in those who are blessed enough to have access to their sway, dear.¡± Zeus¡¯s lip quivered, she wanted to attack but Mine¡¯s demeanor and demonstration of power informed her that it was unwise. Instead she took a deep breath, ¡°Sway is truly wasted on men. Their inability to harness what they possess infuriates me.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve clearly mastered some aspect of myself, dear.¡± ¡°A rarity,¡± Zeus snapped. Mine cocked his eyebrow, ¡°You really aren¡¯t a fan of men are you?¡± ¡°Fan? I detest men and all they represent,¡± Zeus said. ¡°I met a woman like that once,¡± Mine said, ¡°but then she fell in love with me.¡± Zeus scoffed, ¡°She must¡¯ve been desperate.¡± Mine failed to hide his amusement, ¡°Ha, I¡¯m better looking than Royal.¡± ¡°Especially after I maimed him,¡± Zeus noted. Mine smiled, ¡°You do have a sense of humor.¡± ¡±It¡¯s reserved for the darkest jokes.¡± Zeus looked down at Mine and asked, ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°Honestly, I was simply passing through, dear. I made a promise and fulfilled it. Now, I¡¯m on my way home.¡± Zeus scoffed, ¡°What promise did you fulfill?¡± Mine shrugged, ¡°Prophecy apparently, dear.¡± Zeus looked around and couldn¡¯t protest Mine¡¯s statement. ¡°It would seem so¡­¡± she paused for a moment and looked into the distance before she said, ¡°Why is it that I can have a cordial conversation with you?¡± ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s the fact that I¡¯m just an old man, and you¡¯re trying to figure out what my presence really means to you. Or you''re stalling while you charge some kind of maser cannon to blast through me. I¡¯ve got no idea why you¡¯ve chosen to entertain me. To be honest, I was tired of exercising. I¡¯m glad to have a conversation, though. I can tell you¡¯re far from spent, but it¡¯s nice to converse with someone with a sway as deep as yours, dear.¡± Zeus was intrigued by Mine and willfully entertained him, especially since the area was vacant of potential witnesses to their conversation. She unleashed the charged attack she had been brewing into the sky, parting the clouds and revealing the full moon, with dawn peeking over the eastern horizon. She summoned her throne made of lightning and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°I fear my name doesn¡¯t bode well so I¡¯d rather not share it at the moment. You may call me Mr. Nowhere for now, dear.¡± Zeus chuckled at his comment and nodded her head, ¡°That¡¯s fine. You know, I¡¯ve worked tirelessly to prevent your arrival.¡± ¡°I believe you,¡± Mine said, ¡°However, when you fight against a prophecy it tends to unfold as if assisted and willed into reality.¡± ¡°Is that what happened?¡± ¡°It would seem so dear,¡± Mine said, ¡°I just want you to know that what follows really has nothing to do with me.¡± Zeus nodded, ¡°The Titan family was tasked with the guardianship of Thessaldonia. In the last two centuries my family has united the planet, thwarted the Galva incursion, overcame two plagues, and averted a cosmic disaster.¡± Mine took a deep breath, ¡°I believe you and as I¡¯ve stated what brought me here was a promise. I had no desire to fulfill prophecy or put anyone in jeopardy.¡± ¡°You seem well versed in the mythology of Thessaldona¡¯s prophecy. You would think it would make you want to stay away,¡± Zeus said with the threat of a smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t find out about it until I got here,¡± Mine said in his defense, ¡°I was on my way home. I really ended up here by Flow¡¯s design.¡± ¡°There¡¯ no place like home,¡± Zeus said with a sigh looking up at the brightening sky. ¡°Here¡¯s to home,¡± Mine raised a glass and Zeus looked down at the one that appeared in her hand. ¡°Cheers dear.¡± Zeus raised her glass and took a whiff. Her eyes shot up to meet Mine¡¯s, ¡°Is this Afterberry Wine?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got an excellent nose, dear,¡± Mine said as she swished his glass and took a sip. His cheeks puckered and he refrained from spitting. ¡°So, tell me more about your hate for men. When did it begin?¡± ¡°Mmm mmm¡­¡± Zeus took a big gulp of her wine and wagged her finger, ¡°We aren¡¯t doing this. How about you give me a reason not to kill you instead?¡± ¡°Come now,¡± Mine smiled, ¡°You¡¯re far too invested in this conversation at this point dear.¡± Zeus¡¯s cheeks reddened as she took another sip and started to laugh. When she snorted she clapped her hand over her mouth wide eyed. ¡°You didn¡¯t hear that,¡± she started to laugh and did it again. ¡°Oh my Flow! What have you done to me?¡° ¡°Just shared a bottle from my private collection, I got it from my reaper. She¡¯s quite the fan.¡± ¡°¡®Tis be a good vintage right?¡± Gunther asked. Zeus looked down and was surprised to find the purplish-blue plush beaver sitting in her lap with a glass of his own. He raised his and she tapped it with hers. ¡°You are adorable.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a boy,¡± Mine pointed out. ¡°Careful she doesn¡¯t send you to the quarry Gunther, dear.¡± Zeus rolled her eyes at him and sighed, ¡°Not every boy incurs my wrath.¡± ¡°Then why hide your son and treat the men who come to your planet like criminals?¡± ¡°Because those who came from the stars all came for a reason. I will never allow another man to tarnish the women of Thessaldonia,¡± Zeus clapped back before finishing her glass, it immediately refilled. ¡°Kyan needed to be hidden.¡± ¡°What if you were making assumptions and imprisoned or executed innocent men?¡± Zeus scoffed, ¡°I¡¯ve seen enough to know what comes across the minds of men. They paint flowers and tell tales of grandeur only to leave a woman¡¯s belly swollen, her innocence shattered and wanting what she thinks is love.¡± ¡°What she thinks is love, dear?¡± Zeus continued to drink as she spoke, ¡°You know¡­ men¡­ they create abstract masterpieces and call it love. They make these¡­¡± she waved her hand in the air and continued, ¡°False promises, tell you they want to show you the universe. They make us believe in these grand adventures and epic episodes of leisure living¡­¡± she spit and her face turned redder revealing the freckles that decorated her face¡­ ¡°They¡¯re all liars!¡± Mine licked his lips and continued to swirl his drink but hadn¡¯t raised it since their initial toast. He sighed, ¡°What about your son?¡± ¡°My son will not be one of those men,¡± Zeus snapped, ¡°His needs will be kept by those I appoint. When the time is right a child will be born of his seed and he will care for what¡¯s his. ¡°It sounds like you know from personal experience,¡± Mine said, he looked narrowed his eyes and asked, ¡°Did someone not take responsibility for what they left behind?¡± ¡°Mmmm,¡± Zeus held up a finger as she took a long drink and finished her second glass. It refilled again but not completely as it had previously. ¡°The man who lied to you and hurt you isn¡¯t a representative of all of men, dear.¡± Zeus looked at Mine angrily and growled, ¡°All of you are the same.¡± ¡°Do you honestly believe that?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Zeus said. She turned away from Mine and continued to drink. ¡°What about Royal? He was the only man other than your son I met with his mind intact. What was different about him that made you not follow through?¡± ¡°He was a gift,¡± Zeus said, ¡°His home was ransacked and he was offered as a gift to my father. When he passed away I was entrusted with his safety.¡± Mine tilted his head and raised his eyebrow questioningly, ¡°Right. The bit about him being your secret was part of that I¡¯m assuming?¡± Zeus whipped to Mine clearly flustered, ¡°What are you implying?¡± ¡°That you fell in love with someone you were charged with protecting. Royal may have been a gift to your father but he became more.¡± Zeus¡¯s nostrils flared, ¡°Why do you care?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Mine said immediately, ¡°Just an observation dear. You don¡¯t hate men, you hate the man who hurt you. Maybe it started off that way, you hating men and wanting to punish them for what he did. Your Sisters of Olympus bought into the rhetoric you were spewing and became a man hating army. You, as their leader, could carry no favor for men so you hid the men you loved. ¡°Shut Up!¡± Zeus roared and unleashed a torrent of lightning in Mine¡¯s direction. She gasped when she realized she attacked him again. Her hand flew to her mouth and she muttered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°You''re not, but that¡¯s okay,¡± Mine said standing beside his throne while the doll that sat on his seat still smoldered from Zeus¡¯s strike. ¡°As I was saying¡­¡± ¡°Your right,¡± Zeus cried out, the alcohol spurred her emotions to the forefront, ¡°I hate the man who impregnated me and left me¡­¡± she wept, ¡°He promised to love me. To care for and raise our children as a unit, but he left me. He called off our wedding and denied the children he left me with. He lied to me. He used me. He took my virtue. He took my innocence from me. Things I can never reclaim. For that all men deserve to pay. No other man will leave the women of this planet to suffer alone, to wish and wait for a dream to become a nightmare. I refuse!¡± ¡°What if you¡¯ve taken men away from families they intended on returning to?¡± ¡°What?¡± Zeus asked sniffling. She picked Gunther up and began to dab her face with his soft fur. Gunther¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Never thought I¡¯d be used to swab a face.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Zeus said, wiping Gunther¡¯s back, ¡°I really didn¡¯t mean to do that to you.¡± ¡°¡®Tis be fine yer majesty,¡± he said as he hopped off her lap and walked over to Mine with crossed eyes, his tongue sticking out and twirling his paw in circles around his ear. Mine shook his head and looked at Zeus, ¡°Are you going to answer my question dear?¡± ¡°No,¡± Zeus quipped and closed her eyes, she pursed her lips and asked, ¡°Why are you still here?¡± ¡°Waiting for my ride, dear.¡± ¡°My head is starting to hurt and I don¡¯t know if I want to entertain you for hours on end,¡± Zeus said as she pinched the bridge of her nose and waved him off, ¡°You should leave now.¡± Mine raised his eyebrow, ¡°Is Zeus letting a man leave with his head on his shoulders?¡± Zeus cut her eye at Mine and clenched her jaw, ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me old man.¡± Mine started to laugh, he raised his hands and stood up. He dropped his glass and Gunther dove beneath it to consume the contents. Mine brushed off his clothes and stepped in front of his throne which melted into his shadow. He scooped Gunther up and asked, ¡°Can you check on the children and Mr. Gear dear.¡± Gunther hiccuped and stumbled, ¡°Sure thing Cap¡¯n.¡± He saluted and disappeared behind his leg. Mine took a deep breath and straightened out his coat. He walked over to Zeus on her throne and said, ¡°You are truly a magnificent being. Your power. Your desire to stay true to who you used to be is applauable. However, dear it is crucial that you be who you are, not wear the mask that everyone expects you to.¡± Zeus looked up at Mine with wonder that replaced her unease. She threw her arms around his neck and embraced him, her physical strength proved to be just as mighty as her sway. He tapped on her arm and she freed him. Anella and Drizstasia couldn¡¯t believe the conversation they had been privy to and remained silent not wanting to incur Zeus¡¯s wrath. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± she said with a smile looking down, ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°For what dear?¡± ¡°For the time and effort you put into having this conversation with me.¡± ¡°No worries dear,¡± Mine said as she slumped back into her throne. He smiled at her and said, ¡°Before I go¡­¡± he twisted his wrist and a cloak fell over her. It was a tattered and worn Sisters of Olympus cloak. ¡°This belonged to the woman I love. I returned the last one she created to her grave. I intended to leave with the original but this is a true return home I guess. I hope her essence lingers and she guides you in the best of ways.¡± Zeus¡¯s eyes welled up with tears as she embraced the cloak. She started to weep as Mine walked away. When he passed Royal, she noticed that his face was healed, and his burns were reduced to minor blemishes on his skin. She stood up and slowly made her way over to him, with hot tears stinging her cheeks. She looked up in time to see Mine vanish with a snap of his fingers. Flower 16: Hurried Ascension Flower 16: Hurried Ascension Violet bobbed in the sky, the last member of Mine¡¯s party, making her way to the castle at the peak of Olympus. In front of the full moon, she appeared as a tiny speck, unnoticed from the ground. She had zoomed into the sky to avoid being struck by Zeus or crushed by a Bodoluu. Humming to herself, Violet had already locked onto Ryder¡¯s location. As she approached the castle, she picked up an odd signal from above. ¡°Zzzz¡­. Is¡­ she¡­ present¡­zzz,¡± A female voice buzzed in and out. ¡°This¡­ is¡­ last known¡­ location¡­zzz¡­. How to¡­ pro¡­¡± the transmission cut out. ¡°Zzz¡­ destruction¡­ eman¡­.¡± the females voice was cut off again and the signal was lost. If Violet had shoulders she would have shrugged as she finally made it to the castle and made her way into the enormous crystal structure. *** Snap! Mine¡¯s arrival echoed through the empty halls of the castle and he was greeted by Sister Verda in the foyer, ¡°Your here.¡± ¡°That I am,¡± Mine said with a smile, ¡°Were you worried, dear?¡± ¡°Queen Zeus can be quite fearsome,¡± Verda said with a blush on her cheeks. ¡°Tell me about it,¡± he snapped again, and both Gilda and Kyan¡¯s unconscious bodies hit the ground beside him. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Royal, I fear these two would have been cooked. Not sure what you''re gonna do with them, but I figured it would be safer for them to be here than to wake up out there.¡± Verda¡¯s lips pressed into a hard line, and she reached into her cloak and moved over to the twins. She administered a glowing potion to both of them, and after a few seconds, they started to stir. She looked up at Mine and said, ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°No worries, dear,¡± Mine replied. ¡°Do you know where I can find the children and Mr. Gear?¡± Sister Verda nodded, ¡°They¡¯re in the hangar. Sister Ember and Astra are assisting with takeoff preparations.¡± Mine clapped his hands, ¡°Ah, delightful. Thank you, dear.¡± When he snapped and vanished, the Titan siblings started to stir. Gilda rubbed her head and looked around. When she saw Sister Verda, she scrambled away from her. ¡°What happened? Where am I?¡± ¡°Your safe,¡± Verda said with her hands up. ¡°Gil?¡± Kyan muttered as he groaned and held his chest. When Gilda saw her brother she remembered the last thing she saw and crawled over to him. She hugged him tightly and said, ¡°I thought Mom killed you.¡± ¡°Not this time,¡± Kyan chuckled weakly, ¡°You called her mom,¡± he teased. She punched him and he groaned, ¡°Shut up.¡± ¡°I¡¯m still sore,¡± Kyan managed, ¡°Where¡¯s Ryder?¡± ¡°He¡¯s preparing to leave with Mr. Heart,¡± Verda said with her hands clasped in front of her. ¡°I¡¯m happy to see the two of you reunited.¡± ¡°You knew about Kyan,¡± Gilda growled accusingly. ¡°Of course,¡± Verda said, ¡°All of us knew.¡± Gilda¡¯s eyes started to glow and she lunged at Verda without a moments hesitation. She reached for her throat but Kyan pulled her back, ¡°I hate you!¡± She roared. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Verda sighed and closed her eyes, ¡°We were forbade from ever mentioning Kyan¡¯s name.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not her fault,¡± Kyan said as he pulled his sister into a tight embrace. She kicked and fought angrily until she started to cry and yelled, ¡°You all lied to me. You kept me from my brother. You hid him from me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Verda said simply. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize now!¡± Gilda howled, ¡°All of you were supposed to be my sisters and you kept my brothers existence from me.¡± Verda opened her mouth to respond but stopped. She closed her eyes and said, ¡°I only wish to right my wrongs. Our time is short as is. Can I take you to Mr. Heart and the others?¡± Gilda finally used her sway to free herself from Kyan¡¯s grip. Her turquoise fog filled the room and she hissed, ¡°I don¡¯t need you.¡± Her fog vacated the room rapidly. Kyan and Verda stood across from one another and she bowed her head, ¡°I truly am sorry Prince Kyan.¡± ¡°Nah,¡± he shook his head, ¡°Don¡¯t call me that. Just show me my way off this rock.¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Very well,¡± Verda bowed her head and waved for him to follow her. *** The hangar of the castle, located in the highest tower, was adorned with dust, as the use of any spacefaring vessels had long been prohibited by the monarch. The equipment needed to warm up, and despite having other duties to fulfill, the Fates did as they were always meant to¡ªsee to the fruition of the prophecy with the least amount of destruction. Ember directed Ryder to the only operational platform and he tossed the glass bottle in the middle of it. The glass bottle shattered and the ship her and Kyan built in the bowels of the mountain started to take shape and grow. Trey and Molly stood back and watched as the ship fleshed out in front of them. ¡°Are you sure this thing can fly?¡± Trey asked as he tilted his head. To him the ship appeared off balance and awkward. ¡°Of course,¡± Ryder said, he did well to hide his own skepticism. ¡°I¡¯m opening the bay doors,¡± Astra yelled from above. As she did Violet zipped inside and made a beeline for Ryder¡¯s head and slammed into him. ¡°Ryder! Your still alive!¡± ¡°No thanks to you,¡± Ryder grumbled as he pushed himself off the ground, ¡°Where have you been?¡± ¡°You know, surviving,¡± Violet said. Molly winced when Ryder was knocked across the floor by his clunky helmet. Gunther stepped from behind her and asked, ¡°Is everything ready?¡± ¡°Almost,¡± Trey said, his eyes narrowed as he noticed Gunther was staggering, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Gunther waved him off, ¡°Mind yer business.¡± Molly smiled and pulled Gunther into her lap and watched everyone work while she sat on the bench. She rested her chin on the purplish-blue plush beaver¡¯s bicorne hat and kicked her feet patiently. She looked up at the brightening sky and sighed. Mine appeared beside her with his arms spread on the back of the bench. He smiled down at her and asked, ¡°What did I miss dear?¡± Molly smiled up at him and shook her head. He stood up and walked to the edge of the dock and titled his head as he examined the shape of the ship, ¡°Are we sure this thing can fly?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I asked,¡± Trey announced from the platform. ¡°Ryder claims its ready but he won¡¯t let me get on.¡± Ryder appeared in one of the the windows with his finger raised to Mine and his voice echoed from the ship, ¡°Just fine tuning some last minute details. It¡¯ll get us out of here for sure boss.¡± ¡°If you say so,¡± Mine said as he turned back to Molly and Gunther clearly unimpressed. He walked over to Ember as she moved around a giant computer. ¡°Do any of your star vessels work?¡± ¡°Not really,¡± Ember said, ¡°Queen Zeus had the last engineers rip out the hyper drives. They¡¯ll get you off planet but not much further.¡± ¡°Hmph, very well.¡± A thick turquoise fog filled the room and moved towards the ship that Ryer occupied. Gilda took her solid form again and Ryder¡¯s terrified scream was audible to everyone. ¡°Don¡¯t do that,¡± Ryder barked, ¡°You scared me.¡± ¡°What ever,¡± Gilda said as she plopped down in one of the eight chairs and started to strap herself in. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me,¡± Ryder mimicked her and said, ¡°Whatever you say Princess.¡± Gilda narrowed a steady gaze at Ryder and asked, ¡°What did you call me?¡± Ryder started to stutter, ¡°Uh, uh, ummm.. Nothing.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± Gilda said as she folded her arms and looked out the window. ¡°Well I guess she¡¯s coming with us,¡± Mine said and turned to Molly and Gunther. ¡°We can all start to board, dear.¡± She approached him with Gunther tucked under her arm and reached for his hand. Ember saw the exchange and smiled, ¡°You¡¯re good with kids.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just old and have a lot of patience,¡± Mine said, ¡°Thank you for your assistance, dear.¡± ¡°As the Fates, it has always been our duty to see that this day comes and goes with the least amount of damage done to the planet. There¡¯s no need to thank me.¡± ¡°What was all that hubbub in the cemetery?¡± ¡°We would have killed anyone who didn¡¯t have what it took to fulfill the prophecy,¡± Ember said without so much as a thought. ¡°Your death would have been swift and we would have continued.¡± ¡°Good to know,¡± Mine said with a nervous chuckle. ¡°Wait for me!¡± Kyan shouted as he scurried into the room in his pygmy marmoset form, ¡°Don¡¯t leave me!¡± He blitzed past Mine and dove off the dock and scurried up the ship¡¯s hatch. Trey and Gilda were already strapped in and he gave them two eager thumbs up. Ryder was pressing buttons on the ships console and it choked before it came to life with a low but constant hum. Ryder clapped his hands triumphantly and shouted, ¡°That¡¯s it. Look at me!¡± Mine couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, ¡°This journey home keeps getting more and more crowded.¡± he looked down at Molly and Gunther and asked, ¡°Shall we?¡± Molly nodded her head excitedly and Gunther gave Mine a weak thumbs up. He smiled at Ember and bowed his head before he took Molly¡¯s and snapped. They appeared on the ship and Mine looked around. The inside was a lot more appeasing than the exterior of the ship. The control panel was elaborate and windows opened up giving them a full three sixty view of their surroundings. ¡°What d¡¯you think boss?¡± Ryder asked. ¡°Not bad,¡± Mine said as he nodded his head, ¡°How she moves in the void is everything.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± Kyan shouted. ¡°Woooooooooooooo!¡± Trey clapped his hands over his ears, ¡°There¡¯s no need to yell. We¡¯re all right here.¡± ¡°Sorry little bro,¡± Kyan said in a quieter tone. Trey smiled and said, ¡°First time off world?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyan said, ¡°Can you tell?¡± ¡°Kinda,¡± Trey said. He looked to Gilda and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you excited?¡± ¡°I just want to leave,¡± Gilda said. ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more,¡± Mine said, ¡°Whenever your ready Ryder, dear.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, yeah, I hear all of ya,¡± Ryder said as he strapped into his chair. He turned back, ¡°Anyone care for a countdown?¡± ¡°No,¡± Mine, Trey, and Gilda said in unison. ¡°Absolutely,¡± Kyan shouted in defiance. He noticed everyone looking at him and said, ¡°Nah, I¡¯m good bro.¡± Ryder started to laugh and said, ¡°Here we go!¡± He hit the button in front of him and the ship started to rumble. The hangar''s platform ascended, and as the ship sprung to life, the platform descended swiftly. The vessel embarked on its rapid ascent, leaving Olympus and all of Thessaldonia shrinking in its wake.