Welcome to Oak

It wasn’t long before they were at the gate being met by a tall Elf with long, golden hair containing dark yellow and green highlights, flowing behind his long ears, far from his head. His sky-blue eyes focused on the carts that had appeared only moments ago. He had been watching since ten-thirty, it was now almost eleven. “Welcome to Oak, I am Magnate Leim. We thank you for the supplies. Please, could you park them under the awning. Those heading this way will pass them out.”

“Thank you for the welcome, I am Julianna the Vice-Captain of Twilight Star. Could I have a moment of your time Magnate Leim,” Anna started, stepping off the cart with a warm smile on her heart-shaped, light tan face. She knew Robbie would park it where it belonged.

With a nod he moved to the side watching the five carts parking. “What can I do for you? I will take you to meet Marrow and finalize the contracts but is there more?”

“That is wonderful,” Anna started watching Trenton and Peter begin to instruct those gathering how to release the preservation spell. Nobody even noticed what race they were, or hesitated. Hunger did that to most. “But first, some other things. The carts are yours. Four of them will carry eight hundred pounds while the last will carry a thousand pounds. They are a gift from the Archduke for being blind to the problems. Also, he had us set up barriers around the forest and the workshop building with the two herb beds near the village. The sigils need to be recharged every other day, thus if you can get around some adventurers and maybe some that worked there will show you how.”

“I am shocked,” Magnate Leim started with it showing in his light beige, diamond face and long ears. “The supplies are… but… how much of the forest, may I ask. You are talking about the herb beds half a mile out and the building just under two miles out?”

“Correct,” Anna nodded. “How long has the building been… unused?”

Magnate Leim sighed, “it looks that bad? Less than a year. Green… no, I am sorry, M-Ms have been circling the town and keeping the people safe is a full-time job…”

“Oh, one more thing,” Anna interrupted handing him a soul crystal and the map of what area of the forest was protected with the location of the sigils. Now the male looked like he was going to cry. “If you need some time, we can look around the village?”

“Yes, that is a wonderful idea. I have told all the venders that you would be here,” he touched his Lacrama but said nothing. “I will take you to meet Marrow then show you to our largest dining area. After lunch I am sure we will be ready. That is what the carts are for… so thoughtful. So, how many are going to meet Marrow to begin with?” he asked noticing most of them were instructing on how to remove the preservative spell and answering questions about it. A few were helping to unload and reload smaller carts. But they all paused looking at Anna with smiles and nods as if approving of her decision.

“Myself, Helen, Robbie and this little guy,” Anna said holding her hands out for Beta to land in her arms. “Don’t worry about him, he is more than friendly. Even helps with the M-M battles. You don’t look worried but relieved,” she added stroking Beta.

Magnate Leim nodded, “there is a Feline Drake that Marrow rescued but we just can’t protect. We have been able to keep her safe, but she is so weak… if you could take her…”

“That isn’t a problem,” Beta assured his blue eyes focusing on the Elf. Then he relaxed in Anna’s arms, his grey tail circling her arm. “Londra’s special vault is large enough for twenty of us. We will keep her safe. May I ask where the hunters hail from?”

“An adventuring party from Continent 30 by the name of Rosebud. They are looking for lost cargo from Continent 1,” Magnate Leim informed noticing the Elf with them only had one long ear that was far from her head.

“That isn’t good,” Beta sighed, snuggling into Anna’s arms. “That is Londra’s home… no matter how many times we have told her she just can’t remember. They are the ones that left us here and sent us towards the Challenge…”

Robbie sighed. “A problem for later and hopefully not today. Please lead the way.”

“Sure, it is only a five-minute walk. The village isn’t that large,” he stated, walking northeast. “If I may, not to sound rude, but… Helen was it? What happened to your ear?”

“It was and it is a short answer for a short walk,” she stated. “I like conversations while walking. I confess I haven’t slept in two days for very long. I was in a different party ten years ago. We needed to flee but running or flying was out of the question. Our captain teleported us when he wasn’t strong enough to do so. A few lost their lives but at least it was not to the brutality that had surrounded us. Those that didn’t travel far wouldn’t lose much but those who were pushed far away… well my husband lost his whole arm.”

“That is why teleportation spells must only be used by skilled mages,” Robbie continued, looking directly at the Magnate with stern green eyes. “As an Elf, I am sure you understand. Most Elves can teleport two to five people up to thirty miles but taking more would mean losing parts.”

“That was a strange way to say that, Robbie,” Anna said looking over to see the confusion in Magnate Liem’s eyes. “If the spell isn’t perfect it takes. That is why only skilled Elves and Demons use the spell. For example, our Trenton is half Demon. He can teleport twenty-five people for twenty miles at a time. He usually only goes fifteen then uses another teleport because the numbers are set. Meaning, if he only has two with himself, he can’t go any farther than twenty miles.”

“Correct,” Helen continued. “That is why clearing a Trial would be so beneficial to the Continent as a whole. According to history, at one time there were teleportation circles that connected towns and villages to transport goods… not people that is important to note. A fluctuation in energy would destroy some food but what it could do to a living being... But all of that has been lost.”

“I have heard of this but never really gave it much thought,” Magnate Liem nodded. His light beige, diamond face and long ears showed that he was seriously thinking about their words. “The body part is equivalent to the extra energy the spell needed. Marrow lost his two middle fingers on both hands. It upsets him more than hinders him. An odd choice for the spell… then again, magic is alive after all.”

“Will we be taking a warrior away that will make a big impact?” Anna wondered, her pale, heart-shaped face full of concern since the thought had only just occurred to her. “Master Yevhen didn’t say anything about leaving you shorthanded.”

“Oh, you are kind but no. This crystal is more than a far trade with the coins, not to sound greedy but we are proud people too,” he said walking around a brown, house-like building. “This is the Adventure’s House and Slave Trader. We don’t really need separate buildings.”

“I understand that,” Anna nodded, slowing with him. Before them was a training area with practice weapons, weights, and other equipment with a male that was just over seven feet tall. He was muscular but nothing like Zeke or Rus, with a wide, dark yellow horn in the middle of his dark brown forehead. He turned to look at the group with piercing silver eyes pushing his sweaty, short, pale-yellow hair behind his large, oval, Kaijin ears. As they moved closer Anna could see undertones of yellow in his dark brown skin. His Kaijin marking looked like a mask, a thick green line above and below his eyes, then medium brown lines, with a center line of gold. “Hello,” Anna started with a smile, petting Beta slowly.

“Go away,” Marrow sneered after looking over the two with his current master and former teammate. “I am not joining some fluffy Adventuring Party to be its muscles. I don’t care if she is with you, I am not interested in the weak.”

“Wow,” Helen commented, rocking on her feet wishing she could slap him silly. Then again, Rus and Marrow had similar personalities. Yet, she hadn’t expected that reaction especially since she was with them. Annoyance could be seen in her sharp, oval, light beige face while her green eyes were studying her former teammate. “Figuring you were weak, and I had to save you, when I found you the first time. I also had to help you evolve the first time. That was pretty rude.”

Anna’s smile didn’t fade, “I am Julianna, the Vice-Captain of Twilight Star. We would love you to join us in our battle against M-Ms if nothing else. We have successfully purified two camps so far…”

“Lies,” he spat moving closer, flexing his muscles and hands accenting the fact that his middle and ring finger were gone. “There is no way! You are both fluff, not even fit to breath the same air…”

“I heard he would like to challenge you to a duel, Vice-Captain,” Robbie said sharply bringing Anna’s attention back to him. Just because he knew it would infuriate the male and give Anna strength with his enjoyment. He lifted her chin to kiss her deeply. He gently took the tense Beta, stroking him with a smile before telling her, “Don’t kill him.”

“I wouldn’t…” Magnate Liem started but Helen shook her head no. She was a bit disappointed, but somebody needed to put him in his place.

Blinking her deep green eyes, she bounced forward while pushing a few loose locks of deep red hair behind her ears. “I do look fluffy,” she started, “but I am far from weak. Pick up a weapon.” She dodged his hand four times, scooping up a pole training weapon. “I am going to teach you some things. Come now, pick up a weapon.”

“Magnate Liem, I am not responsible for hurting this fat female,” Marrow grumbled picking up a two handed sword.

“Oh, you are like Rus but a bit meaner. He wasn’t mean in the beginning, just so annoying. Answering questions with questions on different topics with an irritating voice. Maybe more than annoying,” Anna smiled. “This should be easy then. Okay first lesson, never assume you are better than anyone. I don’t assume that but by the way you are moving…” She moved quickly and was before him, with a smooth swing she hit both his left thigh and left shoulder causing him to move back. “Oh, nothing to say. Two, never assume a female can’t compete with you. We may be physically weaker, but we make up with it in other ways.” This time he swung but missed completely, practically falling forward. With a growl he planted his feet and swung again. This time it connected but she just let it slide off with grace. She then landed two hits to his stomach. “I was going easy on you, by the way. Also, I am not using any magic. Think I am still weak… last, never call anybody fat!” With that she was a frenzy of attacks that he just couldn’t predict or guard against. He was sure at least three of his ribs were broken as he lay on the ground.

Anna looked down, “I don’t care if you join or not. We were just looking for those we didn’t have to train for M-M battles. We already have a broody male, and I don’t really want another, but Helen searched so hard to find you after we found her. By the way, her husband, Alex, is with us too. Alex told me you weren’t broody but the observative type, was he wrong? He also told me that you were a fine warrior with the pride and honor of a Kaijin.”

“I don’t think so,” Magnate Liem said, trying to hide his surprise that Anna had taken down this warrior who had been training others in the village. “I have never seen him so… mean.”

“He probably doesn’t want to get attached again,” Helen offered, moving closer to see that Anna had already applied the healing spell Victim’s Revenge. “In case you forgot, those with extraordinary mana capacity have more curves. You need to apologize. I was going to fight you, because I assumed you would want a test of some kind but… you just had to mess with our Vice-Captain. Silly Kaijin,” she finished with an ear wiggle. “Just be lucky it wasn’t our Captain. She is just as fluffy but even more scary when she gets angry. Oh, did she show me not to be judgy. So, what will it be… oh, you are missing some fingers. I hope that wasn’t why you were cross. I am missing a lovely ear, and my poor Alex is missing an arm. His whole arm from fingers to shoulder, it practically broke my heart to see. But they found artisans and the products to make him a new one. Gave him back so much.”

“I don’t think I have ever heard you speak so much,” Marrow started slowly rubbing his ribs while still laying on the ground. “What spell is this? It looked like the curse Victim’s Revenge, but I am not asleep or sleepy.”

“Oh, Anna is a spell crafter. One of the best I have ever seen,” Helen answered proudly. “She has been teaching me things. Anyways, they changed it, so you have about three hours before you need to sleep. Plus, it is more of a spell now than a curse.”

Robbie and Anna expected him to sit up but instead he rolled and bowed to them. “Please forgive my ignorance and arrogance. Helen was right… losing everyone was hard and starting again… having to wear a slave crest just to keep me safe…”

“I understand,” Anna smiled, bending down to touch his shoulder. “But please stand. Let’s go finalize the contract then I get to meet a new Feline Drake,” she said happily moving to stroke Beta looking up into Robbie’s clear, green eyes. “Kiss me anytime,” she added.

Magnate Liem nodded, “let’s. If we go in the back way it will lead to the Slave Trader’s office.” He motioned to the door as Marrow stood. Their gaze met causing them both to nod. Helen entered first with them behind. “Thankfully, the room is spacious,” he said opening the simple door for Helen.

The room was large with white walls, two large pale green couches with a large coffee table between them. There was also a large desk in the back. A thin man moved forward to welcome them. “I am Grant, welcome Vice-Captain and friends… oh, what a lovely Feline Drake. A grey male, how exciting. Oh, what blue eyes! May I pet him?”

Beta grew his grey wings out floating before the man with brown hair and eyes. “Perhaps later,” he said. “Who is on the blanket. She appears to be very sickly. Anna she will need the spell too. Did Londra tell you how to modify it for us?” he asked with his even toned male voice.

“What an interesting voice,” Grant sighed. “She doesn’t talk much… her name is Katie.”

Beta dismissed the others in a glance causing Anna to chuckle. He landed on the desk, bringing his wings inside and gently stroked the thin, sleeping cat with a paw. She had long green fur with indigo tipped ears. When she blinked awake it was to show her amber eyes. There was a bit of surprise in them, but she looked around to see the people who had protected her for the last two years and a fellow Feline Drake. “Hello?” she said with a smooth, female voice.

“My name is Beta, how would you like to join us. Anna will heal you and then we can free the souls trapped in the M-Ms together. It is a rewarding thing,” he said nodding before sitting. His blue eyes connected with hers, “oh, they are also called Green Goblins.”

“Oh, I have seen all those poor souls,” Katie said while stretching to sit up. “I want to free them… it is just a feeling deep within but have no idea how.”

“Well, we are good at that,” Beta explained with pride. “My master is the captain, Londra. She is strong enough she has a separate vault just for animals that she rescues. I am becoming a good friend of Sasha… she is a Snake Beastwoman who is so kind.”

“So, your owner loves all kinds,” Katie asked looking at Anna, Robbie, and Helen. “He isn’t human… he has feathered wings inside,” she finished with a little laugh. “I wish I could chase him as he flies. They are large white wings… he must be beautiful to watch.”

“I wouldn’t mind. Actually, Beta helped me regain my strength to fly that way,” Robbie nodded letting his short, auburn hair swirl around his head. His oval, pale buttercream face and dull green eyes showed joy with his exhaustion. “Will you let Anna heal you? Then we can fly together.”

“I would like that very much,” Katie said smoothly blinking her amber eyes. “Oh, that is warm and nice. It is a very interesting spell. Nothing average about it… so many layers.”

“Don’t move around too much,” Anna started coming closer. She reached out and was happy when Katie relaxed. She stroked the unique cat while looking around. “You should be able to fly in three hours but be careful.” She turned to face Grant, “We can save the middle step and you just free him into our custody.”

“Yes, Master Yevhen walked me through it,” Grant started. “Once Marrow accepts your proposal, I will free him. I have already been paid, so has Magnate Liem. You don’t have to stay sir, if you don’t want to.”

“Great, Marrow take them to Rubies for lunch. She is expecting a large group… in twenty minutes. Please don’t get there early,” Magnate Liem said. “I am going to get a group around to leave at twelve-thirty. That gives you all a bit over thirty minutes to eat, is that enough time?”

“Sure is,” Robbie said looking at the couch with longing. “We usually have a million things to do so eating is not a slow task.” He looked over at Marrow who was still reading the contract with furrowed brows. “Sorry about the pay, but that is how this Continent works.”

“It isn’t that… I understand that and am grateful that it is set up that way,” Marrow responded. “You plan on doing three camps a week? Are you crazy?”

“There is a hive that needs to be taken care of by the end of the month or…” Helen explained with a shaky sigh, her left, Elven ear drooping.

“Understood, can we do that?” Marrow asked genuinely. “I heard… sorry what was your name strong, grey Feline Drake?”

“I am Beta, that is Robbie or Robert if you want to make him annoyed,” Beta answered, watching Katie stretching, listening to Robbie chuckle. She was moving better but still shaky. His head turned to face Marrow with piercing blue eyes and a little twitch of his grey cat ears. “We can. The original party consist of sixteen members plus four Feline Drakes and our happy couple that helped educate us. We are practical but yet driven. Here is an example of our resolve. We finished a level one camp, the first we had done, then was goaded into taking on another one by a Death Seed inside of Rus. Londra saved Rus once she figured it out. That camp we purified was a level five.”

Marrow laughed as he accepted the contract. “I can see in Helen’s eyes that it is all true. Wow... Guess I have to get into shape… a level five with so few. I know that Feline Drakes are exceptional creatures but to fight beside your humans… very honorable.”

Beta laid down on the desk, still watching Katie who was actively listening. “If I am being honest… it was terribly frightening and just strange. Yet, there is something inside… we all feel it. We can see the pour souls and even the parts trapped… there is a strong need to free them. Even our fear didn’t dull the need… that last battle was…icky.”

“Don’t worry about jumping in immediately,” Anna smiled. “We are going to work on a few weaker ones… at least that was the plan, to draw out some from the nest and hive.”

“That is a good plan and usually works,” Marrow nodded. “Other teams?”

“None that want to do this but will help support us so we can,” Robbie explained rocking on his feet. “Londra has something in the works and there is a Templar Platoon that wants to fight. Maybe two. Don’t worry, we checked them all out. So, Master Grant, are we done? Not to be rude but I am exhausted and hungry.”

Anna nodded while explaining, “we were so busy trying to stay alive in the level five camp we didn’t realize that there was a curse in the air to keep us from sleeping by plaguing us with nightmares. Not that our life before didn’t supply its fair share, but we have been sleeping since we are together… anyways, everyone evolved or was immune from the curse but myself, Robbie, Helen, Alex, Julius, and Londra. Luckily, Alden and his sister Belle have a specialist that they are going to contact and so does Zerina.”

“Well then, let’s eat,” Marrow said looking for a clock. “We should be there at the right time. Wait, don’t I have to finish my registration since we are here?”

“Yes!” Anna said loud enough that Helen chuckled. “Let us go do that!”

At twelve thirty five the five carts with three extras were leaving the village of Oak on their way to visit the crafting building. It was decided that it would be easier just to show them all there. Anna and Robbie had used a spell so their party’s body weight wouldn’t be registered by the carts, thus they wouldn’t need to take more just sit on each other’s laps with lots of nervous laughter. They could have shrunk, but what fun would that be? Magnate Liem had gathered an adventuring party with a few adventurers that lived in Oak, with a variety of artisans that had used the building, and a few mages. It was a larger party than she expected but was happy that so many came. She had told them to stop just outside the barrier to which all the drivers wondered how they would see a barrier. Everyone was now studying the dome around the building.

“Should have seen that coming,” Magnate Liem mumbled since he was driving the first cart. Before him there was a very visible dome that was larger than he expected. He stopped as the others stopped around him.

“Okay, this is important,” Anna yelled so all could hear her. “Nobody can enter here with negative energy in their hearts. Being seriously angry with somebody to being tainted, so happy thoughts which it looks like you all have. The herb beds and forest area are the same way. The barrier will push you out if there is too much negativity. Those of you with magic are asked to stay once we go through so we can show you how to refill the sigils. Then we will leave you to it… last thing, make sure you are back before dusk. If not, stay until the sun is out. M-Ms or Green Goblins don’t like heat, but it won’t stop them if they are awake and feel something. If that happens, stay inside until they leave then wait a bit longer. Always have someone here with you that can use sensing magic to make sure the ride back is safe. Okay, let’s go in!”

With that the carts entered the barrier and Anna let out the breath she was holding since nobody was forced out. She let Magnate Liem divide people up since they were going to take them around to different sigils. The four teams going to the other points were then whisked away on the carts because the team didn’t want everyone to know just how good they were at teleportation magic. Anna stood right before the two sigils smiling at Magnate Liem and the six mages while Beta was sitting next to her feet with Katie. “Okay, there are two circles before my feet, both happily glowing. I created these so I can take magic out so you can all experience it. The yellowish one is for the barrier while the blue one is for the purification clouds. You don’t see them now because they have already drenched the ground, which soaked it up fast. They reappear every five to eight hours depending on the dryness of the ground and the negativity in the air.”

“Amazing,” one of the mages whispered. “So, the circle around it is how much energy it has? Truly a complex but so useful spell.”

“You are right,” Anna bent down touching them both taking out half for each then smiled wickedly. Something else was stirring but she would just wait for them to come knocking. “See, now it is down to half. I suggest refilling them every other day, even if they aren’t down by much. See how the semi-circle isn’t glowing as brightly? When it is full the circle radiates. Okay, here is the easy part. All you need to do is place your hand on the sigil and think about how much energy you want to give it. Now your twenty percent will probably not be the same as twenty percent of the energy it needs. So, who wants to go first?”

“It is that easy?” Magnate Liem whispered after reading the spell for the third time. “You are a marvelous spell crafter. I understand your team helped but to do this… may I go first? I am thinking ten percent…” he said reaching down to touch the cloud sigil. Then sighed, “my ten is only two. Oh, well every bit helps.” He stood and motioned to the others to do the same.

“They are both full now,” a male sage stated. “I see the difference. We were only two percent away and the line was a glow but nothing like this. I wish more things were this easy. There are five, double sigils here and six, double sigils in the forest?”

“That is correct,” Anna answered. “There is one set in each herb bed.” Her smile never faltered as she heard a battle cry. She turned to see a variety of short M-Ms trying to get in. They were banging and screaming. Those with her looked down to see the barrier wasn’t weakening, it actually was still at full strength.

“You are happy,” Katie noticed, twitching her fuzzy green ears with indigo tips. “You hoped they would come so they don’t have to worry about them when you leave. That is nice,” she said smoothly. "I sensed them too! I am feeling better by the minute. This spell is great."

“There are only forty of them,” Beta sighed. “If you do a level eight holy spell against the barrier it will take out ten… maybe twelve but definitely ten. Are you going to do that?”

“So, the barrier can be used to reflect holy magic at them, that is nice to know,” Magnate Liem stated. “Cast it from inside or out?”

“Either, here,” Anna stated before tossing her hands up with light erupting from her palms. It went straight up then was absorbed by the barrier which pulsated. Ten M-Ms disappeared. “It will take up to a level twelve… which would have purified them all. But, I want to test a new spell! Dear Trenton, could you bring the team to me, please?” she asked through her link. She could hear him grumbling but there was also a bit of humor before he appeared.

Trenton appeared before her with a stern look on his long, golden pecan face, “you are not going out. You are going to stay inside with Robbie and purify. Your coordination is lacking.”

Zerina chuckled, letting magic take her clothing off to store in her vault. “I am ready to try out your new spell. I like the new color, what do you think of the dark silver?” Rus did his best not to comment and not to ogle… but she looked so beautiful.

“I like it,” Anna smiled deeply, while looking around to see everyone was ready. Robbie gathered the remaining M-Ms to the side not far from where they were standing behind the safety barrier. “There are only thirty, but it will be a perfect test. If it isn’t working I will use the area wide one.”

Marrow looked around at his new teammates who were changing into the special clothing to fight M-Ms as if it was nothing. Ignoring the comments made by the on lookers while those farthest away were driving the carts back to watch, as if it was a show. But they didn’t seem to be worried. “Are you going too, Marrow?” Belle asked simply.

“No pressure,” Peter added, wiggling his tail at Belle. The serious Elf laughed while blushing a bit. “The strap matches my ivory skin while the bottoms match my eyes.”

“You look…,” Belle started, pushing her laughter away, “cute.”

“That is what I was going for,” he smiled. “Yours is a lovely pale pink.” He took her hand as they gathered right outside the barrier watching the M-Ms pound on their prison.

“At least they are all short and not eating each other yet,” Fern started, shrinking to her Fairy size to sit on Trenton’s shoulder. “I think we enter from the back.”

“Yes, that is my plan to move us all there,” Trenton agreed. “So, Marrow, coming?”

He fisted his hands and couldn’t believe he was hesitant. He had fought these creatures for over twenty years. Closing his silver eyes he changed, complete with the amulet around his neck. He nodded and joined the group.

“Okay, I am placing the spell on your back, Marrow,” Anna stated. “I already placed the others, including Beta and Alpha. I am trying to find out if it makes a difference. Thus, Belle’s is on her back while Zerina and Fern’s are on their fronts. Rus and Peter have it on their front… sorry, just go. Ready to purify!” With that she and Robbie stepped out of the barrier around the building and closer to the one holding the M-Ms. Trenton moved them instantly and Robbie opened the back to let them in.

Katie sat next to Anna’s feet watching Beta and Alpha grow while a sword swirled above their bodies. “I haven’t been able to grow that big in a long time,” she said smoothly with a bit of longing.

“You will,” Robbie encouraged, casting the first Purifying Flame. Then three more quickly.

“Yes, you will be able to fight too,” Anna started, “if you want to.” She began to cast Purifying Flame. “These are young ones, but they still are tossing blood and poison. It looks like it is working. I am so… excited! But they are going to be done soon. Marrow looked so unsure but now… It looks like he and Rus are having a contest, which sounds right.”

“At this rate, they will be waiting on us,” Robbie chuckled. “No, they are. I can take the last five if you want to move them to the back to start the shower.”

Anna bent down to pet Katie before skipping around the barrier motioning to the back. The team was talking amongst themselves, not that she was paying attention. She was looking at how the blood moved off from their bodies, with how it was being purified as it fell to the ground. Their slight wounds healed quickly. There wasn’t any way to tell if the spells had reflected the magic since Zerina was there. She just automatically absorbed the fire balls while destroying the water. One had used lightning, but it was on Belle who also dispelled it automatically. “Well, looks like the test was a success. We just have to test if it reflects magic and projectiles.”

“Sorry,” Zerina and Belle said with hints of laughter.

“I am amazed,” Marrow started as Anna watched the brown-green blood slide off his dark yellow horn not collecting too much in his short pale-yellow hair. “I did not know that the small spell was Impenetrable Skin. But it was different, in the best ways. I seen the souls clearly and it made it easy. I know these were young but without the spell it would be difficult. I apologize again, Anna.” There was sincerity in his silver eyes which his Kaijin mask amplified. Somehow his eyes were darker and brighter within the thick green line above and below his eyes, medium brown lines, and the center line of gold.

“Don’t think anything of it!” Anna said happily. “Oh, it worked. Now if one of you can copy it then we can have Spella take a look. If she approves… yes!” she finished with a happy dance while the barrier was being brought down, and the land purified again.

“It didn’t need much,” Rus stated, watching Zerina while trying not to let her notice. Their short conversation had been enlightening and now they had decided to take time every day to just talk. “The land nor the air?” He just shrugged doing the land since Peter had started on the air.

“Oh,” Peter twitched his ears. “Sorry, just started purifying without thinking. I don’t think it mattered if it was on the back or front, did it?”

“Ours worked quite satisfactory as well,” Alpha said enjoying the attention of Zerina while watching the long hair, green female that Beta was watching as well, since Anna was analyzing everything while dancing around.

“Yes, it didn’t matter the size either,” Beta added with a purr as Fern finished drying him off.

“Not for the guys,” Anna and Robbie said in unison. “The front seemed to work better on the ladies,” they continued in union causing everyone to laugh, while they smiled at each other.

“True, mine worked, it was just slower than Zerina’s,” Belle stated. “Fern was just flying around changing sizes, so I couldn’t tell. But that is what you wanted to test as well. I notice that Trenton changed sizes, and Peter pulled his ears in and out.”

“That was so helpful!” Anna yelled. “Opps, sorry, filtering excitement.”

“Are we saying anything or just heading back?” Rus asked. “It was a short work out.”

“Oh,” Anna said scooping up Katie to hand her to Robbie before jogging towards the group watching. “Magnate Liem, we are heading back. Do you need anything?”

“I was told you were exceptional, now I see it,” Magnate Liem stated. “We are fine. I don’t sense anything, and we have many that have keen senses. We will only stay an hour and pay more attention to the habits of the M-Ms around us.”

“Great! That was just a young bunch trying to show off,” Anna smiled. “Great for our test. If you need anything reach out to Master Oscar,” she added moving back towards the group that was bunching together. “Bye!” With that they were back in their room.

“I am going to speak with my mother,” Belle announced moving towards the large couch. “Marrow, the others will be back in probably fifteen minutes. From my brother's thoughts they had an emotional journey and are running later than expected. They are bringing back another from your group. Then there are two more that will be added before the end of the hour.”

“Yes,” Anna smiled. “The beds made perfectly are free to grab. I believe when we are all done there will be one for everyone since there is also a Fairy house with four beds.”

Zerina walked by, rubbing Anna’s back, “I am going to speak with my family as well. We will figure this out, believe in us like we believe in you.”