Twelve days from taking on a nest

Master Oscar looked over the map again, as if it would change. “They just keep popping back up!” He wandered the meeting room that was near his office in frustration, upstairs in the Adventure’s House. He rubbed his strong, copper hands over his aging, square face then through his short, thick silver hair. “Archduke Dristen piled this on me because he is helping the new Duke, his grandson Francis and his calm wife Duchess Sandra understand their duties… True the past Duke let everything slide for the last ten years so there is a lot but... I am not equipped to handle this kind of stress. I am a Guild Master of a small Adventure’s House not a large hall!”

Londra was sitting watching him move back and forth with Alden next to her. Across the table were Templar Captain Elizabeth and Templar Captain Rison, both fresh in from taking care of a camp. “I think he might explode soon. Should we move out of the blast range? I like the way green looks on you, don't want to get it dirty. Why are we here to listen to him complain? We just took out a level four camp two hours ago. The nap was lovely... but it is our down time, not watch the map time.” Alden said to her through their link. Londra did her best not to laugh or blush.

Templar Captain Rison cleared his throat, “I think it was a great help that Orchid Blossom, Triad, and Malcome made so many sound balls and monitoring spheres for us, so the map is always up to date. Then Twisting Vines and Dark brother added their ideas and what the parties from all over the continent did is amazing. Most of our teams do a lot even if they don’t want to fight the M-Ms. Plus there are now small parties around the continent that are helping to track them. But watching the magical map constantly isn’t healthy. So why did you call us here? We have been working in Duchess Elizabeth’s territory trying to help get trade routes open again. There is only so much that can be moved through the Demons. They are not equipped for constant teleportation every day.”

Master Oscar looked at the newest captain to join the M-M purification squads and sighed. Rison was an Energy Elemental with a lean, toned, seven feet tall body. He had red, yellow, and violet hair that was braided down his back behind his slightly pointed, ivory ears. His diamond face had a smile that lightened his unique violet eyes. “Yea, but… twelve days away! Your teams purify the nest in twelve days. This nest consists of two layers above the ground and four under. Six levels! According to the newest information, the numbers don’t dwindle for very long. Very active, horrible females using fear to create so many at a time…” He rubbed his square, copper face with his thick, large hands then messed up his short, thick hair in frustration again. His vivid green eyes showed his stress level.

“We have six teams…” Captain Elizabeth started trying to control the emotions on her golden, oval face and in her blue eyes. In a nervous motion she smoothed down her short, neat, light brown hair. “Horns from Lunshine, Scales from Verde, and Tails from Milton. They are all pulling their weight by taking out a camp every couple of days near the nest so we can work on the ones farther away to get trade routes moving again. Even Twilight Star is helping farther away because they are so competent.”

“Why did you sound hesitant?” Alden projected, using magic so they could all hear him. Londra sighed, since his magical voice was so irritating compared to the one she heard in their dreamscape and through their link.

A knock on the door saved Captain Elizabeth from voicing her fears. Rus and Zerina came in both looking annoyed… well Rus looked more annoyed than usual. His oval, dark silver eyes were darker and turbulent.

“Our timing is a little funny,” Rus started, rubbing his bald, brown head as his eyes connected with Londra who sighed, leaning back in her chair. He rubbed his large hands on his dark blue pants.

“We heard you through the door,” Zerina explained. It wasn’t her long, cinnamon colored face nor deep blue eyes outlined thinly with white, red, and silver that showed her concern. It was her fisted hands and short, messy turquoise hair. A true sign of frustration.

“According to Scales and Tails,” Rus started, moving to the nearest chair to sit, “they agreed to take on the camps near them and within Archduke Dristen's area, but did not say they would go into a nest or hive. They told us they won’t, plus they refuse to give back the Demon Spider Silk outfits because they are still doing their job. That is what their contract states and that is what they will do. They like keeping their villages safe so they can work.”

Zerina had taken the seat across from him, “at this point, Horns is still willing but not if there are only three going. They will go if there are six, one for each floor like we discussed in the beginning. They are proud warriors but not stupid. The last Duke didn’t do much for them nor the Lord. They are only willing because of their pride as warriors.”

“So, we need two more teams, and they have to be ready to jump in immediately,” Master Oscar mumbled, pulling out his chair to sit as color drained from his face. “Lovely.”

“Marrow get any other intel,” Alden asked them through their link. “Since he is a sneaky Ninja Warrior now, I know he hears things we don’t. Horns won’t back out if we get the other two teams, right?”

“Ryan and Marrow just let us know this,” Zerina responded through the link. “As long as the two of us keep going back to remind them of their pride… the Samourai Priestess Rei won’t back down and will hold Captain Vitus to his promise. Actually, it is females of the team that will make the others go. But, if it is just the three of us… they are not coming. Can’t blame them. That is a lot and we would be taking on most of it. The Templars are alright but they are not crazy like us.”

“Well,” Londra said breaking the silence activating her Lacrama. “I will see if Archduke Dristen is available for a little chat. He is good at getting the other Archdukes and Archduchesses motivated. We have been sent to a few of their camps to help.” She waited a moment then read what her Lacrama told her. She nodded. “Lucky us, he is at the Manor with the Duke and Duchess and wants to meet. No doubt his shadows heard this news. I doubt Rus was quiet in his disappointment.”

"Ha, ha," Rus grumbled. "I wasn't the only one with a loud voice." Zerina chuckled.

“Twelve days isn’t long,” Rison mumbled, rubbing his legs nervously. “I mean we came together fast but we have been wanting to do this… here is hoping. I don’t want to do two floors each until we get to the hive. Two camps above and eight camps below,” he sighed.

“Have fun you two,” Rus smiled. “It is our time off now,” he added standing.

“Sorry, but I am not going either,” Zerina mumbled, standing with Rus. “There is a rumor of a sword that might just be what I am looking for. Yea…”

“We didn’t expect you to go,” Alden projected softly, his long Elven ears wiggled once. Now they were before the Manor.

“You love doing that,” Londra chuckled. His hand around her waist making sure she was steady since he had moved them from a sitting position to a standing. He held her for a moment more before releasing with a sigh. A nervous steward rushed out to lead them into the nearest drawing room where the three were waiting for them.

Duchess Sandra welcomed them, patting the nervous man on the arm. Her warm, heart-shaped, cognac face and deep brown eyes seemed to put him at ease. He nodded and left. She offered them a smile as well, taking her long, braided, blond hair off from her left shoulder, tossing it behind her. “Shadows talk; hence we are in here,” she explained motioning to the large Lacrama on a desk. Archduke Dristen was talking to groups shown in the two transparent projected squares while sitting at the desk, while Duke Francis was standing behind him adding things when needed.

“I take it you found two?” Londra asked softly. “Demon Spider Silk and Three Horn leather?”

“Well, it is true what Tails and Scales said, we never put the nest or hive in the contract,” Duchess Sandra said not answering the question but moving them closer to the desk. “We have two large teams more than willing. One is in Archduke Harold area while the other is in Archduchess Karran’s area. Karran and Harold are with the parties at their Adventurer’s Guild Halls. They moved quickly too. Shadows are very useful. Though we are overusing them a bit of late, ours are resting.”

“Good,” Londra mumbled her hazel eyes darting around. “What are we doing then?”

“Being you,” Duchess Sandra smiled pushing them towards the desk smiling at her husband. Duke Francis had a thick, stocky body with a warm, square, tan face, clear blue eyes, and short, barely there, blond hair. He smiled back with his whole body then took a step back so his grandfather could stand. Archduke Dristen didn’t look completely stressed but it was evident in his blue eyes and strong, square face his nerves were worn. Another hint was that his short, thick, fluffy, dirty blond hair had more noticeable strands of silver. He motioned Londra to the chair and Alden to stand with them before the two projections.

With a sigh and forced smile Londra took the chair to see two large rooms full of furniture and people of all races. The one on the left contained Archduchess Karran and three of her guards. Two were Demons, the other was eight feet tall and made of muscle. Archduchess Karran was a human with flawless ivory skin, piercing green eyes, a diamond face, and long, wavy red hair. Both of the female Demons with her had thin horns and wings… she was searching her mind for their names just in case she needed them. She found it a little strange that Archduchess Karran was in that room with thirty others that looked like seasoned warriors, even if they were on the thin side. It was hard to tell who was what race since they were all crammed into the room… there were a few Orks in that group.

The right one contained Archduke Harold, sitting in the back but still within the main section of the projection. His lean figure was trying to appear calm but his silver eyes and thin, long, face told a different story. He was dealing with practically the same thing Archduke Dristen was but not as hurried. Yet, his long, brown hair was perfectly braided. Leaning on the wall behind him were his three guards; two Demons and one Elf. This room contained many still on the thin side but with defiance in their eyes.

“Hello?” Londra started blinking her hazel eyes, “not sure what you need of me.” She continued to look over the groups wondering why they looked so… sickly?

Archduke Harold nodded, and the projection zoomed in a bit on him. “We do just toss Twilight Star and their Captain around quite a bit. Well, before me is the Adventuring Party, Purgatory which contains mostly Challenge survivors. With Karran is the party Darkest Knight, also survivors. They would like to help you with the nest and hive. Yet we don’t have the Demon Spider Silk for that, so I introduce Silk, as ironic as it is. She is one of the four Demon Spiders that made it through the Challenge here and has contacts with the Queen Mother.”

A thin female waved gently, and the projection focused in on her. She wanted to focus on the woman but just the word spider had her eyes traveling away from the projection. Londra forced herself to quickly look at Silk. She was tall and dark complected with dark pink-violet Demon eyes and short violet hair but didn’t look anything like a spider, so Londra relaxed a bit. What also helped was Alden’s reassuring hand on her left shoulder. “I heard about your… horrible experiences with our kind. I understand the fear in your hazel eyes, but the request is simple. The three Spider Caves will push out groups of Demons Spider Silk in exchange for you, and three female companions, visiting the Queen Mother after the hive is purified,” Silk explained with a smooth feminine voice. "That is it, just a friendly visit."

Londra leaned back in the chair, closing her eyes and summoning her courage. “Okay, but be warned I might scream, cry, pass out, pee myself, or just shake in fear… but I will try. It is more the spider form... the bigger the worse it is. We have been all over this section of the continent and have battled several different insects so my fear has waned a bit, but spiders… well anyway, if that will do, we welcome the silk.”

Silk closed her eyes for a moment, and everyone knew she was having a private conversation with the Queen Mother. “She thanks you for your honesty and guarantees you and your companions’ safety. She will try to help everyone that will be seen by you change into their human forms but for some it has been too long so she will move them away from the doorways. They are in a Challenge of their own and fading. That is why she wants you to visit. Your way of thinking is… different. The silk will be set out in the next ten minutes if the shadows want to collect it and take it to the marvelous crafters of Three C’s. She is amazed by their creations and hopes one day to meet them. Queen Mother knows quite a bit.” With that she nodded and the projection widened again.

“Well, that helped with one part,” Londra started softly, rubbing her moist hands on her brown pants. She cleared her throat, “anybody see a tainted Three-Horn that can be purified? We don’t have enough left to make shoes for everyone or to reinforce the collars of your familiars. Even magical birds need the collars to help protect their minds.”

Now both rooms began to chatter about rumors, but Londra watched Silk, whose eyes were closed again. When she cleared her throat, the talking stopped. “If you travel to the south of Nakat, the village that straddles the division lines between Archduke Dristen and Archduchess Karran there is a dense forest in which two can be found. They are extreme… yet hide easily? I have never seen one, but from what I am being told they are quite interesting creatures. Both can still be purified but it would need to be today. The largest will be completely tainted tomorrow.”

“I heard about that, briefly,” Archduchess Karran sighed, rubbing her green eyes. “They are beating on the barrier at night, as if the Gr… M-Ms weren’t bad enough. Nakat has some talented alchemist… as you know, since that is where the Adventuring Party Malcome lives. They have been able to keep their crops growing… feel free to cross at any time. You might find something rare within, like only your group can.”

“Okay, give me a minute…” Londra started with a little bow, “it is our day off…” She pushed the chair away quietly and closed her hazel eyes to start her negotiations.

“I will take the males while you talk to the females,” Alden offered. “That way we can get the true answer. If they are extreme, we might need everyone, including us.”

“That is a good idea,” Londra said through their link before starting on her task. “Mara and Iris are on their way to investigate with their partners.”

“Who were not very happy, yet they did not hesitate to go,” Alden added with a bit of humor in his projected voice.

“Anna can’t wait,” Londra laughed through their link since Anna was still talking with Katie who was wondering what was going on.

“Trenton and Fern are there as well, while Robbie is gathering everyone else for a teleport,” Alden projected to her. “They are moving quite fast for people complaining about having a day off and doing nothing. They were complaining so about you being summoned after our nap.”

“Yes, they all agree that we will be needed,” Londra confirmed. “Extreme is one way to say it. Julius is so happy! While Momo is just laughing. Yea, they look to be double the size of the ones we took on before. It is interesting how the land moves to conceal them. I was watching through Theda’s eyes. Now they look like hills in the middle of the forest. Guess we need some manly men to parade around before them showing their muscles.”

“Then we should make this quick, since everyone seems excited with the challenge,” Alden finished with a smile. “We have such an interesting party.”

“Found them,” Londra explained. “The team is getting together. When you said extreme, you weren’t kidding. Anyway, they are going to survey for a while before working on teleporting everyone to the area. Robbie stated that we will be needed in the battle.”

“Thanks?” Archduchess Karran chuckled trying to keep a straight face. “Good thing we showed you around a bit. Okay, what do we need to know. Take the lead.”

Londra sighed, changing into her M-M outfit that was a lovely turquoise. Self-conscious of her extra curves she straightened her spine to smooth out some. “You need to be able to fight in this, knowing blood and gore will slowly run down your bare skin until it reaches the ground to be purified. It is not a pleasant feeling nor is it the battle itself. Yes, we have done plenty but there is still danger and what you see… it is a lot to take in.” She looked at both projections then conferred with Alden for a moment. “May I ask for your Captains’ names.”

An Ork female raised her thick, four fingered, pink hand motioning to Londra, “I am Captain Rozile of Purgatory.” She paused to make sure she had everyone’s attention. She was just over five feet with a stocky, curvy body and long snow-white hair. Her eyes were a deep golden brown and full of conviction, while her short snout twitched nervously for a second. A short, human-like male placed his hand on her shoulder giving her a bit of strength. “I may not be much to look at but I assure you that my magic is strong and vast. We are technically two parties, since there is a limit of twenty here. Archduke Harold allowed us to all stay together. Since that is how we made it through the Challenge.”

Londra nodded then felt a little shame for not seeing the three Orks in Purgatory since they were on the smaller side. The four in Darkest Knight were quite large and muscular. “I understand that and it is how we made it through as well. That is a great starting point for all of this. It is nice to meet you. I see conviction in your eyes, and that of your party.”

A thin, lean male that was maybe a bit taller than five feet, with black and green hair, slightly pointed ears, a diamond, black face and the most unique indigo-green Demon eyes she could imagine raised his hand on the other side. “I am Richard, Captain of Blackest Knight,” he started. “We too were given special permission to stay together. Our… horror was a bit shorter, but it was enough where we didn’t want to part. Many who didn’t form groups to help get them through… passed away one way or another.”

“I agree with that,” Londra said with a shaky smile. “After that I am ashamed to do this but… I have learned that contracts keep people honest. I am sending one to each captain, Archduke Harold and Archduchess Karran. Please read them, I will sum it up.”

With that the Lacramas of the four glowed. “For the reginal leaders it just states that your Adventuring Parties are allowed to leave your area to help us with the nest and hive. The attack on the nest is in twelve days, so we need to streamline this. Sorry about that. It also asks for them to let us enter and exit their regions at will to help train you. Plus, you will be practicing on your own camps. The last thing it asks is to help get our crafters to you.”

She paused to see the only words that had them conversing were the twelve days. She had an excited Anna telling her to hurry in her head that she was trying to block out. “For the captains it says that you agree to learn from us and help us with the nest and hive in our region. It also states that you will enter the Learning Room to ask about the spells I tell you, with the knowledge that I will give you. We will provide a potion for all in your party, including familiars, that will lessen the headache. It also breaks down how quickly we will be training. If you agree then I will begin. But take some time to think…”

Both Richard and Rozile looked around then accepted immediately. Rozile then looked at Londra, “I have been in a Learning Room and was sick for a week. That was three years ago, and I haven’t been in one since, neither has anyone in my team. This states we will only have headaches for a day. I find that reason enough to listen. Like you said, contracts keep one honest. We are ready to listen.”

Richard nodded, motioning to Londra. The two leaders also accepted the terms. “Hey, Devona, you can make a draw point right? Not exactly sure where in the northwest section of the continent you are,” she asked the Demon with Archduchess Karran. “If I come there the other team can still see and hear me correct.”

“Yes…” Devona answered looking at her lady who just shrugged.

“Oh, that is nice and strong,” Londra smiled, squeezing Alden’s hand before disappearing. “The advantages of having such a strong minded Elf,” she lied. She had done the teleporting, but he could have easily done it as well. But right now, he was her way back, which was better. “Wow, this room looked so much bigger.” She reached out her hand to Richard who shook it slowly. “I have an excited party that wants me back so we can go Three Horn hunting… we are a bit eccentric and excitable,” she smiled. “Could everyone stand please?” Everyone who was sitting shrugged and stood only to have the furniture disappear. “Great,” she smiled as the floor began to glow with intricate circle of runic spells of every color and variation. “Make sure everyone is inside the middle circle. I will get out of the way. That includes your Familiars so squeeze in. It won’t be for long.” Two Coeuris and three Elemental Eagles moved in both eyeing the magic and relaying the amazement to their partners. “Almost done,” she said standing next to Devona, concentrating. “If you get dizzy easy, don’t look down. It is about to get real… fast,” she chuckled watching a few look to the ceiling quickly as the spell came alive twirling on the floor then moving up and down each individual three time before it slowly faded.

“I recognized some of that,” Archduchess Karran mumbled. “It was the healing curse, Victim’s Revenge but modified in so many unique ways… more a spell now but not completely. It looks to be sentient... so very interesting.”

“That is correct,” Londra nodded as if it wasn’t important. “Now I am going to tell you about this spell and those in Purgatory pay attention as well. Then after I do the spell for them, I will tell you about the spells you need to ask about in the Learning Room.”

“Archduchess Karran warned us you were… powerful,” Richard mumbled flexing his hands that stopped aching. “Please, we are ready.”

“We as well,” Rozile added clearly. Londra turned towards the Lacrama to smile at her noticing her pale pink pig ears were starting to darken in excitement so they could be seen in her white hair.

“Okay, this is modified to help you achieve what the Challenge took away. What you are going to do after I finish all my yapping is get a snack and sleep for four hours. Set an alarm so you only sleep for four hours. During that time, you will hear a voice, it will be your own mixed with the spell. It will ask what you looked like before, what you want to look like, and if you want to evolve. Special note: only humans, Elves, and Dwarves don’t evolve. Sub-divisions do, like Guardians, but it isn’t usually noticeable. Some don’t realize that races like Demons and Fairies evolve also. Theirs isn’t too noticeable but it has to do with time. For example, those with Demon eyes can only use them for so many hours a day. Now include every feature of that Demon and it becomes a lot of time planning. Once the Demon evolves completely there is no need to keep track of time. They are free to use their wings, horns, eyes, etcetera however long they want. The only thing they must do is use them at least an hour every week. If not, it becomes hard to change instantly. But, you will always have that ability. The same with Orks. If you evolve to the human-like version… you can use skills or magic to turn into your best Ork version at any time. The more you use the skill the better it will be.”

“Where is the furniture,” a large male Ork started, “I think I need to sit down. Is that possible? The voice will let us know if it is doable? Is that what you are saying?”

“It is,” Londra nodded, bringing back the furniture and setting it around the outside of the room since they were all still grouped in the center. “So, be open to the voice and completely honest. If you are a mage and hate using magic tell the voice that. Oh, to the non-evolvable, you might be asked if you want more mana lines in your body or to strengthen your muscles. Those will be your choices, but if you are unsure, I would just say yes. The spell will not make you into something you don’t want to be. It is a little alive, I learned it in the Learning Room. Learned a lot since somebody locked me in for an extra two hours. I showed them! Look at all I learned… anyway. Questions before Alden moves me over there?”

“That answers that,” a female Kaijin mumbled. “So, I am a fifth tier Oger or first tier Kaijin,” she continued. “If I can only go up another level, will it tell me how to safely evolve without the spell for future evolutions?”

“No, but you can ask that in the Learning Room,” Londra answered. “There is a Goblin Warrior in our group. This spell was done on us by the spell in the Learning Room. He evolved and was told how to safely go farther if that is what he wanted. He is a Goblin Hero now, which means his skin is no longer green, but his body control and magic control is twice if not three times better and he can revert to his green form with a low level spell.”

Richard just nodded at her. “This is how we will be ready?”

“Oh,” Londra said letting a box appear next to Richard’s feet. “The headache potion. Also, after you wake from the spell move, even if it is nothing but walking for around two hours. Then you will feel sleepy again. Once again, eat and sleep but this time set an alarm so you can enter the Learning Room as early as possible.”

“Ours opens at eight,” Richard mumbled. “Why not,” he laughed nervously. “I assume the spells you will tell us about after you perform this on the other party?”

“Yep,” Londra smiled. “Cinder, you got a draw point for Alden?”

The Demon next to Archduke Harold laughed. But Londra was there a few seconds after she made the draw point. The members of Purgatory were all standing so Londra got rid of the furniture for a moment so they could move to the center. This group had three Elemental Wolves, a Phoenix, and an Elemental Falcon. How interesting but she couldn’t get distracted, the others were waiting. She started the spell, since they were ready and after they all faced her while she returned the furniture to the outside of the room.

“Okay, it is like this. The Learning Room contains a sentient spell. Be respectful and nice. If the version is androgynous the name is Castaspella, female is Spella, and male is Cas,” Londra started with a smile. Those words alone had everyone focused on her. “Yep, that easy. When she is teaching you about a fire ball, and you have a funny story share it. Talk to her like she is a friend that knows everything. Simple conversation isn't counted towards your time limit because she controls time while you are in there. That is the simple way to not get sick.”

“I would have never thought of that,” a male Elf with black skin mumbled. “We were always taught you just go in, tell it the spells you want to learn then get out.”

“Oh, she can teach you so much more than spells!” Londra said surveying the room to make sure the spell was completely attached to everyone. “First, even if you don’t have any magic ask anyway. Alex is completely human and has so little magical energy he doesn’t have any vault. But he learned a skill to purify the tents… you must purify everything in a camp. I will send your Captains written lists too with a few copies of diaries we found in a trade shop from a past Adventuring Party called Green Cleanse.” She paused watching a few whisper about that while most nodded that they were ready to listen. “Also, feel free to start your conversation with ‘Castaspella, Londra sent me in here.’ She will think it is funny. Anyway, ask if there is any way you can learn the following: Holy Barrier, Impenetrable Skin Area, Impenetrable Skin Personal, Demon Hunt… that would be for the Demons in the party or any that has Demon blood, Purifying Flame, Purify Area, Magic Reflect, Projectile Detection, Cleansing Rain, Poison Absorption, Land Purification, and Air Purification,” Londra finished hoping she said them slow enough.

“That is a lot,” a female Demon near her mumbled.

“Oh, you can activate your Lacrama in there so feel free to keep the list inside,” Londra smiled. “Also, if you want, heighten your telepathic contention for your parties. After asking about all those spells, she will take it from there. Never ask to practice… if she said you learned it go on. That is why you need sleep afterwards to help your mind process all you have learned. What else… oh, after you will have some time left. Try blanket questions like… what is the strongest spell I can learn easily with any others that might improve the spell, or what techniques would aid in battle. Ask about evolving… probably after the list of spells. Time is different in there… what else? Just remember to be nice.” Londra looked around to see everyone processing her information.

“After you come out, once again eat and sleep. Set an alarm for four hours then get up and try something out. Don’t concentrate on the techniques you learned but just let it flow freely. I will reach out at the end of the day, or you can contact me towards seven… we like to stay busy. Okay, Alden.” This time she did let him move her only so he could have the point of reference too. She leaned against him for her enjoyment, not because the teleportation affected her. She also used that moment to change back into her normal clothing with magic. Happy to be in her simple shirt and pants with little skin visible.

“Thank you, Londra,” Archduke Dristen started. “Are you okay, that was a lot…”

“Yes,” Londra smiled, reluctantly turning back towards him. “Anna is in my head talking about these two Three-Horns and I better get there before she drives everyone crazy. I assume you will contact Three C’s and our lovely leather makers?”

“Already on it,” Duke Francis smiled. With that the two disappeared. He wanted to laugh but at the same time heard all the questions coming from the others.

“Took you long enough!” Anna chastised, her deep green eyes filled with excitement with a smile on her heart-shaped light tan face. Katie was on the ground next to her just watching, like the other Feline Drakes. “You give us a challenge like this then make us wait. Robbie has everyone divided and we are ready when you are.”

Londra wrapped her arms around Anna, “breathe. We got this.”

“How do the other teams look?” Rus wondered, moving closer. He bent down to rub Alpha’s head, since he was still cat sized. Alpha stood and wound himself around Zerina’s legs as if he hadn’t enjoyed the head rub.

“Thirty strong with five Familiars each,” Alden answered through their link. “Most are survivors of the horrible Challenges while the others are those who cared for them. I had a better feeling from them than I did Tails and Scales. So, where am I at?”

“Just a question,” Fern started with a kind smile on her soft fawn, oval face moving towards Londra. Then the look changed since her vivid blue eyes intensified as she tossed her long, braided, violet hair over her right shoulder. Londra heard Trenton snicker and Jackie purring before Fern started, “You interrupted our free day… but what were your plans? Did you have any that we might crash afterwards? Do you even know how to take a break?”

Londra laughed, “Actually, I do have plans that you were all more than welcome join in. Yet everyone groaned when I told you about the meeting, so I never got to say… Lord Oberon has cleared out Whitesands Beach for just us, for the whole day. Plus, when we let him know, we have arrived, there will be snacks and lunch brought to us.”

“Well,” Marrow said, standing tall. A large smile appeared on his dark brown, long face that brought out the undertones of yellow. While his silver eyes, outlined in green, gold, and yellow danced in excitement looking at Ryan. “That sounds like fun. We can use our new butchering skills. We being; myself, Zerina, Zeke, Rus, and Mara. Then we can just leave the items for the Archduke and be on our way. Only should take an hour… I like beaches.”

“You don’t seem too worried about this battle,” Ryan stated trying not to look at him directly. Now that he was happy in his skin… his damn eyes sparkled. As if knowing what she was thinking he laughed while her silver and dark grey striped tiger ears moved around in her short black hair and her long tiger tail curled. A smile appeared on her dark honey, diamond face that made her silver-violet Demon eyes glow. “I do like the beach…”

“No reason to worry, it will just be a little challenge with some annoyance,” Fenten added with a smile lightening his accented, oval, caramel face and light blue eyes. “Shall we go lure them out… not that I am too masculine but why not? I think Beta has more muscles than I.”

Beta jumped out of Sasha’s arms, growing to his panther size, “I do. They seemed to like us last time. If Delta was manly enough the rest of us should be.”

“I am smooth, and sleek,” Delta defended. “Not all manly males have muscles. Look at the way Robbie attracts attention without trying.”

“Go,” Anna laughed, pushing Robbie forward with a deep smile. The rest of the males headed towards the two hills within the forest while the females lined up to watch. The Feline Drakes grew to their new larger size. “I can’t believe you were holding out on us…”

“Wasn’t,” Londra laughed watching the men debate if they were manly enough or had to take off some clothing. Alpha just pranced towards the two hills while Theda rolled on the ground looking adorable. The hills started to move. “Figured I would reach out once we got situated. Alden was the only other one that knew…”

“You make each other happy,” Belle started with her voice full of emotion while it was also crisp. Her Elven ears wiggled slightly, yet her sharp, oval, light beige face was neutral. Her deep blue eyes watched them all but came back to Peter. She reached out to pet Trinity’s large, soft orange head, then touched her green then white ear. “I don’t remember when either of us got to feel nice emotions like we do daily now. Wow, look at that. Nature is amazing, they barely fit.”

“They are huge,” Zerina sighed yet her deep blue eyes, outlined with white, red, and silver showed excitement. As did her fisting cinnamon-colored hands. She smoothed back her turquoise hair behind her slightly pointed ears. “Oh, well, we got this Belle. We will take the one on the right… it is about ten feet shorter. Looks like it has two lines… challenge accepted. Watch out for the tail, Ryan. Have you battled these before?”

“Can’t say as we have,” Iris answered since Ryan was gawking at the beasts. She fluttered her eight, wide, sword-shaped wings nervously creating a whirl of green, indigo and black behind her while her short green hair with black highlights waved. Her blue-indigo Demon eyes were focused on the moving hills turning into beasts, while her nervous almond-colored hands rubbed her thighs. With confusion on her diamond face, she looked around to see the others weren’t nervous at all. Which shouldn’t surprise her by now. They jumped into battle with gusto. She was happy to be with them, but a little more information occasionally would be nice. They had only hinted that there would be flying, hence she took her Sprite form.

“We were told females enraged them,” Helen remembered. She looked at Iris and gave a little shrug with her left ear. Iris just smiled, which was what Helen was hoping for. Her long, platinum hair was loosely braided, so it framed her sharp, oval, light beige face. Her green eyes focused on Fern and Sasha who were just casually talking about the beach. “Yet, you are all ready to go.”

“Don’t question it,” Ryan nodded, steeling her resolve. Her silver-violet Demon eyes were focused on Marrow, Alex, and Momo who looked so shocked by how relaxed the other males were. She fisted her dark honey hands, careful not to go too tight because of her sharp fingernails. With a deep breath she smoothed down her short black hair around her silver and dark grey, tiger-striped ears so it wasn’t in her view. Her long tail curled around her. She was more physically fit than ever before since this group never truly took time off. Since she was fully Enhanced now her spar partner had been Sasha who kept her guessing. “That is what I have learned in the days we have been together. You just go with the flow and think outside the box.”

“Yes!” Fern giggled, twirling around showing off her butterfly-shaped pink wings, and long violet hair before going small. She didn’t want everyone to see the gleam in her vivid blue eyes or the smile on her soft fawn, oval face since the males had switched to their M-M clothing to get the creatures attention. They were about ready to switch back so the show was over but after this battle it was beach time. “You have it now. We are not in a box and never will be again!”

This caused the females to laugh. “Ours is zig-zagged?” Londra sighed while Anna laughed, petting the nervous looking Katie. “Yea, we got this!”

“Then it is beach time!” Sasha exclaimed while they broke up into teams.