 
"You destroyed our clothes! Those were the only thing we had that kept us connected to our home!" Ashley exploded.

"That's nonsense, you are home."

"Our home is on Earth! Wherever we are now, it is not our home!" Angie yelled.

"This is Eupai, where you belong," Pearl explained calmly.

"Your guardians should have equipped you for this day," Mina muttered bitterly.

"What do you know about our parents?" I said, standing up off the bed.

"I know your guardians failed in their responsibilities.

Copyright © 2014 Shaudreakia Gibbs

Cover and back design © Images courtesy of Pixabay.com

Typography © Shaudreakia Gibbs

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems – except in the case of brief quotations in articles or reviews – without the permission in writing from its publisher, Shaudreakia Gibbs

Text copyright © Shaudreakia Gibbs 2014

The right of Shaudreakia Gibbs to be identified as the author of this work is asserted by her.

ISBN-13: 978-1515216360

(createspaced-assigned)

ISBN-10: 1515216365

All rights reserved. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade of otherwise, be lent, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author, Shaudreakia Gibbs.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

The Inner Kingdom

Quest 1

### Of the

Dragon Quest Series

Written By: S. R. Gibbs

To a God

That gave me a mother and grandmother, who never gave up on me.

Also

To my beloved siblings and reluctant editors; Jamarol, Yaleesa, Yamond and Char'lissa.

Thank You.

# Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - The Humiliation – April

Chapter 2 - The Manifestation – April

Chapter 3 - The Teleportation – Angie

Chapter 4- The Confrontation – Ashley

Chapter 5 - The Preparation – April

Chapter 6 - The Celebration – April

Chapter 7 - The Exhaustion – Angie

Chapter 8 - The Aggravation – Ashley

Chapter 9 - The Complication – April

Chapter 10 - The Information – Angie

Chapter 11 - The Retaliation – Angie

Chapter 12 - The Recognition – April

Chapter 13 - The Evaluation – Ashley

Chapter 14 - The Action – Angie

Chapter 15 - The Destination – April

The Humiliation

Location: Unknown

◑ April ◐

The lightning was deafening overhead as it crackled and lit up the night sky, highlighting the features of the trees around me. This place was unfamiliar, and I had no idea how I came to be in this predicament.

As I stumbled through the wooded area, running to escape whatever it was chasing me, I tried to remember my name and how I got into this situation.

Too terrified to look back, I continued to run blindly through the prickly bushes and clingy branches.

Curiosity almost got the best of me, but the pounding sound of the predatory footsteps stalking me kept my adrenaline and my legs going.

With each step I took, I pictured the creature behind me in my mind; built like a mountain lion with sharp teeth, waiting for me to slip so it could take me down.

As if it were playing with its food, every time I slowed down, it would let out a soul-shaking roar causing me to speed back up. My fears fueled me to keep going as I ran further, hoping to find shelter somewhere.

I did not have enough time to stop as I broke through the woods into an enormous clearing encased by trees; in the center of this picturesque view was a large lake. The sight was so breathtaking and beautiful I almost forgot about the monster hunting me.

As I contemplated jumping into the water, I realized that I no longer heard the monster's fierce steps shadowing me.

It was very difficult to find the exact location of where I came into the clearing when I turned around to look back at the woods. I couldn't recall the trees being so close together; it was as if they made a doorway just for me, which disappeared once I entered.

Something shifted in the left corner of my vision, which caused my eyes to quickly latch onto a pair of glowing big green orbs that were staring out of the dark at me. They held me captive for a few heart-wrenching moments. Backing away little by little, it finally vanished into the woods.

My body alerted me to the fact that the air I did not realize I was holding had run out; I began to gasp for it so desperately, my lungs ached.

The adrenaline that was powering my every move gradually started to drain away, causing my knees to buckle. I sat there in the short grass for a while, taking in my surroundings. Unlike when I was running through the woods, there was neither lightning nor clouds in the sky, but up above there were two giant moons. They were so big it looked as if the Earth was going to crash into them.

The moons lit up the surface of the lake, giving it an unearthly celestial glow. Using the remaining energy left in my body, I crawled toward its edge to wet my dry, cracked lips.

Mesmerized by how clear the water was upon closer inspection, I soon noticed my reflection as clear as if I was looking in a mirror; my face covered with long puffy welts, is what I saw staring back at me.

Touching a long wound near my eyebrows, brought out a long hiss from between my clenched teeth.

Bringing my hands down from my face, I saw that they were littered with many open cuts, which I must have sustained when I was running through the woods.

Regarding my surroundings, I noted the entire area was silent. The only sound I could hear was the beating of my own heart.

Almost instantly, my oasis turned into something sinister, making me wonder if I was safer running through the woods with the creature.

A spreading gleaming light, glowing underneath the surface of the lake about three feet away from me, caught my attention; and as every cell in my body screamed for me to run away, I became paralyzed as I watched the head of a beautiful young woman appear. She had hair so blonde that it was almost white with sharp gray eyes that more aged than her appearance.

She was clearly more dangerous than the previous monster I was running from. I finally understood why the monster would not enter this area as I saw a menacing smile appear on her face. Her eyes quickly locked onto mine as she gradually glided towards me.

I struggled to overcome my paralysis as she swiftly floated closer. Never emerging any further out of the water. To my horror, she was now about a foot away from the edge.

Though my body was unresponsive to my desire to move, I discovered that I still had the ability to talk.

"What do you want?" I asked, as my speech quivered with fear.

"Soon," she whispered in a voice that could quiet an infant and start a war at the same time.

There was now nothing separating us when she grabbed both of my wrists, pulling me closer to the water. My body slowly awakened as I felt myself falling forward. I screamed and struggled as hard as I could to stop her from pulling me in, but the harder I fought the tighter her hands became.

I could sense myself losing in this twisted display of tug-of-war. With my strength almost completely drained, I started to fall in the water. I felt a silent scream build up inside of me, as I finally lost my balance.

Surprisingly, my surroundings changed, and I discovered myself panting and clutching armrests that were similar to the ones on my school bus. Observing my surroundings, I found myself in a nightmare that was all too real. I was on my school bus, enclosed by my peers who were now staring at me; judging the expressions on the faces of everyone around, I came to the realization that everything I had just experienced was a dream, and the silent scream in my nightmare, was not so silent in reality.

"Are you okay?" The bus driver Mrs. Ember embarrassingly asked through the intercom.

I awkwardly nodded my head, as I tried to hide the blush that was overtaking my entire face, concealing my freckles.

While looking out the window, I realized that we had already arrived at school. There was still no sound out of any of the students as they continued to look at me like a bad smell.

This was not good; I have never had a nightmare this intense.

I'm no stranger to dreadful dreams that leave me shaken in fear, but this was the first time that it has happened during the day.

When the students began to speak, it started out as whispers, growing in volume; until it was as if they did not care that I could hear them.

"Is she mental?" Brandon Churchill, the captain of the football team, asked loud enough for everyone to hear causing an uproar of laughter at my expense. Brandon and his twin sister Miranda have made torturing me their personal mission. They are the children of ex-supermodels and are very popular.

"I heard that last year at the school annual lock-in she had one of her episodes and destroyed almost $100 worth of equipment in the computer room." Brandon laughed at his retelling of one of the most embarrassing nights of my life.

"They need to go ahead and commit her to an insane asylum," Miranda commented.

As I stared out the window pane at the snow-covered school ground, I caught my two sisters gazing sympathetically at me; neither of them spoke up as the people around continued with their insensitive jokes. My sister Ashley's blue-eyed gaze left mine as she looked up at her boyfriend, Brandon Churchill.

While watching her, I saw a small frown appear on her face, which she covered up fast with a smile when her boyfriend looked down at her.

Meanwhile, Angie, my other sister, broke eye contact with me to look at Ashley with disgust noticeably present in her brown eyes; even though her eyes showed how angry she was, in the end, she just pulled the hood of her coat over her ponytail, slumping further down in her seat.

I was used to this type of treatment from my sisters. There are four rules that must not be broken while in school. We do not tell anyone that we are adopted sisters, sit at the same lunch table, speak more than necessary to one another during school hours, and the most important one. NEVER get involved in the problems of others.

No one would believe that at home Ashley is caring, and Angie is very comforting to me; they would even go as far as to sleep in my room to console me after I have had a bad dream.

Amongst the indifferent and laughing faces, there was one that remained blank as he sat back and observed the situation.

No one looked his way, and I know it sounds senseless, but only I could see him. I first saw him three days ago standing in front of the school looking out of place and lost, but no one stopped to tease him or help. In my mind, I have named him Ghost Boy.

Since that first day, I have seen him everywhere. He shows up in my classes and also on the bus, never speaking, only watching. His blue-tinted dark hair made his smooth skin look even lighter in comparison. Everything about him screamed out of date; from his long hair to the Ancient Greek clothing with the leather sandals.

A few times I have tried to gather my courage to talk to him, but in the end, I decided against it for several reasons, actually. The main reason was that I did not want to make matters worse by validating my own insanity, and also as crazy as it sounds, I didn't want him to disappear, which makes my second reason sadder than crazy.

Sometimes I just sit and watch him as he silently watches people pass by as if he was looking for something or someone. Yesterday, I got close enough to him that I saw a dragon tattoo on his right ankle as he stepped off the bus. I was almost caught several times by him while staring, but I would just pretend that I was as oblivious as everyone else.

That is when you know you have reached the point of no return when you begin to stalk a ghost.

After what felt like an eternity of torture, I heard Mrs. Ember announce that it was time to line up to get off the bus. As everyone hastily exited, I remained in my seat, staring blankly out of my window.

Angie looked torn as she paused for a moment beside my seat; only to just walk away without saying anything, leaving only myself, the ghost boy, and Mrs. Ember, who appeared to be debating on whether I really needed professional psychological help.

I wondered if I was really going crazy as I reached for my backpack. In doing so, I noticed that my wrist was red.

Since drawing more undesirable attention was not what I wanted, I grabbed my backpack, pulling my jacket sleeve down as I left.

I ignored the ghost boy and made my way down the sidewalk to my first period class of the day...Phys. Ed I.

This day just keeps getting better. At least I have my eighteenth birthday to look forward to in two days.
The Manifestation

Location: School Gym

◑ April ◐

After hearing the first-period warning bell, I realized I would be late if I did not hurry.

I entered the girl's locker room in record time, making sure that I was alone before I changed into my winter gym uniform; an orange sweatpants set with white stripes.

The uniform made me feel as if I was in prison instead of an educational facility. I thought as I tied my unruly red hair quickly in a bun.

Catching my reflection in the locker room's mirror, I could see that the red mark was no longer around my wrist.

Keep it together, April. Now is not a good time to lose your sanity.

I tried silently to find a seat in the back of gym class without anyone noticing.

With my eyes focused on my coveted place in the right corner beside the bleachers, I did not notice the dainty brunette who suddenly appeared in my way until I crashed into her, sending both of us to the ground.

"Hey! You need to watch where you are going!" Miranda hissed as her airhead followers were already helping her to her feet. "That's why I can't stand losers; they are always trying to pull others down with them."

Standing on opposite sides of the gym, my two sisters watched this display with a neutral expression on their faces.

Thinking about the treatment I have received from her since we moved to this town our freshman year, I found myself boiling over inside with anger.

"With your grades, the least of your problems is a loser like me pulling you down," I muttered loud enough for everyone to hear, feeling a little reckless as I helped myself up.

The gym became instantly silent as tension filled the air. Miranda's face turned violent as she spun around and stalked toward me. I was calm and confident on the outside as I faced the angry storm coming my way, but inside I was a nervous wreck. I am not sure what I would have done if Coach had not interrupted her with a blow from his whistle.

"Anderson! Churchill! Save your drama for after school and off campus." Coach Morrison shouted as he blew his whistle two more times, which was a sign for everyone to line up.

I knew it was not over as I received strange looks from Miranda, her followers, and her brother Brandon. Lining up as Coach directed, my day became even worse as he announced that we were to be playing dodgeball.

I could see my doom in the Churchill twin's eyes as they nodded at each other. Slowly, I raised my hand to ask if I could sit out of the game.

"No one will be exempt from this game," Coach announced, causing me to lower my hand back toward my sides. "If you are breathing, I will be grading you on participation."

Coach made sure that he caught everyone's eyes to make sure that we understood his meaning loud and clear.

I'm missing summer already.

During the days before summer break, we were free to do whatever we wanted for the rest of class after running, or walking a mile, which I mostly did the later. Unfortunately, today was a snow day, and we were all stuck in the gym, forced to take part in games Coach likes to call, "Fun and energizing."

"Okay, now, I am going to be separating everyone into two teams today. First, I will need two volunteers to be captains."

"I'll do it," Miranda volunteered using her sickening sweet voice as she went to stand next to the coach.

"Thank you, Miss Churchill," Coach responded, just as surprised as everyone else in the gym since Miranda has had every sickness in medical history every time an activity in a class called her to be physically active. "Anyone else would like to lead?"

"I don't mind," my heart fell as I realized Brandon was the one who had spoken up.

"It looks as if the Churchill twins woke up on the right side of the bed this morning," Coach laughed as he placed Brandon and Miranda on opposite sides of a dodge ball in the center of the gym.

No longer feeling the confidence I felt earlier, I stood with my head down while coach named off everyone in the gym to stand by Brandon or Miranda's side.

It didn't matter which team I would be placed on; I knew I was in trouble.

"April Anderson. I am placing you on team one," Coach called out right before he located Angie and Ashley on team one as well.

While he continued to check names off of his list, the coach did not notice the sweat running down the side of my face.

Moving toward my team, my eyes met Angie's, and instead of turning away she gave me a small smile. Her smile helped me feel a little bit better since I was afraid I wouldn't have anyone on my side during the game.

Avoiding my direction, Ashley continued ignoring me, choosing to focus all of her attention on her boyfriend as if noticing my existence in school would put her popularity in danger.

I tried not to let Ashley bother me as much as the troubling grins and stares coming from Brandon and Miranda did. At the sound of Coach's whistle, team one started the game.

The game was intense with the removal of two team members from each team within the first sixty seconds. We started out with 18 people. After five minutes, there were eight remaining, four of them belonging to team two. Unfortunately, that also included Brandon. The remaining people on team one consisted of; Miranda, Angie, Ashley, and myself.

Everyone was beyond relieved when coach appeared, sounding his whistle for the remaining players to take a water break.

"Nice dodges out there," Angie whispered as she walked up to me, offering me a towel and a bottle of water.

"Thanks," I replied a little surprised that she would acknowledge me openly in school.

"What do you two think you are doing?" Ashley whispered pretending she was tying her shoes. "Are you trying to break our agreement?"

Even though I could barely see her face behind her thick curtain of hair, her tone told me all I needed to know.

"Sorry, Ash-" I began until Angie interrupted me.

"Do not apologize to her. I think we need to consider revising our deal," Angie said while scowling down at Ashley with her hands on her hips.

This made Ashley drop her charade of tying her shoes as she challenged Angie's glare.

"Hey! Watch out!" Brandon shouted, pulling our attention toward him.

There was hardly any time to react as I saw a big dodge ball heading straight toward me.

Angie and Ashley both reached out to me, but I knew their aid would be too late. With nowhere to go, I closed my eyes hoping the ball would pass me by.

Almost immediately after closing my eyes, I realized that I could no longer hear anything. Terrified of what I might find when I opened my eyes once again, I gradually pried them open only to come face-to-face with the dodge ball suspended in midair about an inch away from my nose.

Slowly backing away from the floating ball, I was trembling all over.

This cannot be happening.

The only ones unaffected were my sisters and me.

It is going to be hard to forget the motionless frightened faces of the coach and most of the students in the gym. The grins on Miranda's and Brandon's faces were the only things that seemed out of place as they watched the now unmoving levitating ball move toward me.

"What just happened?" Ashley asked in a trembling voice

Her words barely registered in my head, when I caught movement in my peripheral view. Turning around, I saw the ghost boy standing against the bleachers, and for the first time ever I saw him smile as his form became transparent and he disappeared.

That was the last thing I saw before my world went black.
The Teleportation

Location: School

◑ Angie ◐

"We need to talk," was all I said, as I grabbed Ashley by the shoulders and steered her into the girl's bathroom.

"What is your problem?" Ashley asked pulling away from me, still in her last period uniform since we did not have time to change before taking April to the infirmary.

"That's what I want to ask you. Our sister is now in the nurse's office because your boyfriend is such a jerk."

Ashley just shrugged her shoulders, peering inside the stalls to make sure no one was listening in on our conversation.

"How can you be so nonchalant about this?" I asked, trying not to let Ashley get to me.

Oddly enough, we shared the same zodiac sign, despite our different personalities, and that is because we also share the same birthday.

The Anderson's brought us together as sisters after adopting us into their family when we were two.

"Fine, be that way. I did not drag you in here to fight," I finally stated after a few minutes of silence. "We need to figure out what happened back there with the dodge ball."

This comment made Ashley turn around with a puzzled expression on her face. "You saw that, too? I thought I was going crazy since it happened so fast."

"Well, you are crazy, but unless your craziness it contagious. It really did happen." I answered Ashley teasingly. "What I really want to know is how come no one remembers being frozen?"

"I don't know. This is just too weird," Ashley replied, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

Our differences are why we thought the agreement would be easy to pull off; with my mocha dark complexion and brown eyes, Ashley's platinum blonde hair and blue eyes, and April's freckled face and dark red hair, no one would expect a thing.

We were right. I mean, three new kids transferring at the same time with the same last name, and not one person has figured out that we live in the same house.

Even though we have our differences, they have never stopped us from standing up for one another... until now.

"I believe we need to rethink our agreement," I blurted out.

"Are you insane?" Ashley asked with a look of betrayal. "You know, I'm beginning to think you were the one who was hit with the ball."

"Just listen, you don't have to tell everyone if you don't want to. It wouldn't hurt if April and I were around each other more."

"How long do you think it will take until someone figures it out?"

"Your genius boyfriend hasn't figured it out yet. I would give it at least, until his sophomore year in college until he does."

"You know this is not all about Brandon. You have to remember the nasty comments the kids would say about us because we were adopted," Ashley exclaimed as if that justified her choosing popularity over her sisters.

"Just to give you a heads up, I don't care what you do. I am going to be there for April, no matter what. If Brandon finds out, who cares!" I yelled, feeling my anger rise. "This agreement was a terrible idea; the decision we made was supposed to make our lives better."

"You wouldn't feel that way if you were the one that became popular. I believe that you are just jealous, and are trying to ruin what I have," Ashley accused smugly as if she had figured everything out.

"Jealous? Of what! I do not want your phony friends or corny boyfriend. I am content being who I am, without constant approval from others," I shouted before leaving Ashley behind in the restroom. Soon after, I heard the bell ring, signaling the end of our first period.

As I tried to lose Ashley in the crowd, I remembered that we also had second-period together, but she would not dare talk to me if anyone else was around.

Rushing into my second-period math class, I went straight to my seat in the back of the room where I found an out of breath Ashley waiting beside my desk. Her appearance would have been funny if I wasn't so mad at her.

"You can't just say what you want and then leave," Ashley stated, trying to smooth her hair back into place.

"Well, I was done talking."

"I wasn't," Ashley said right before Miranda sauntered into the room interrupting us.

"There you are, Ashley. Brandon was searching all over for you." Miranda's smile disappeared as soon as she saw me. "You weren't just talking to her were you?"

"No, we were just having a lip moving contest," I said sarcastically.

"I don't have time for you today," Miranda commented, looking me up and down, seemingly not satisfied with my appearance. "Eww. Why do you still have on that tacky gym uniform?"

"I didn't have time to change back into my clothes," Ashley responded quickly.

I was getting more and more upset as Ashley tried to explain herself to Miranda as if she was her parole officer.

"What took you so long that you didn't have time to change?"

"We were just discussing what happened in the gym after we took April to the nurse's office," Ashley said while avoiding my eyes, continuing her charade.

"So, why do you care?" Miranda questioned with a smirk on her face. "It serves that crazy girl right for not knowing her place."

"What did you just say?" I asked, stepping toward Miranda, making her take a step back.

"Excuse me, ladies, class is now in session." Our math teacher, Mr. Stuart, announced "If you want to continue chatting, you can do it on your way to the principal's office.

"You are so lucky. I am going to let this go...for now," I muttered so low that only Ashley and Miranda could hear.

Classes seemed to take forever to end as I sat in my science class, watching the arms of the clock slowly tick. April and I both have this class scheduled as our last class of the day, but today April's desk was empty, making me wonder if she was seriously injured.

When I went to visit her during lunch, after changing back into my regular clothes, the nurse, claiming that April needed to rest a little more, sent me away.

Immediately, following the bell I was already out the door heading toward the nurse's office; almost crashing into the nurse as she was leaving her station.

"Is April Anderson still here?" I asked glancing behind her, only to find the office empty.

"Oh, I'm sorry she was released to go to her last period. She said she was feeling a lot better."

"Thank you," I replied, turning around before the nurse could say anything else.

Checking April's favorite places to hide at school, I found out no one had seen her; it was as if she had vanished. I began to worry a little as I retraced my steps, which led me right into Ashley and Brandon. I pretended I did not see them as I walked by, determined to find April.

"Excuse Me?" Asked a tall, gangly girl with thick glasses and pigtails, I instantly recognized the chess club president from the flyers posted all around the school.

"I'm sorry; I can't talk right now. Actually, I am trying to find April Anderson. Have you seen her by any chance?"

"Yes, I heard you were. I saw her heading towards the woods in the back of the school, about five minutes ago."

"Thank you," I replied already heading toward the exit down the hall. Before I could get to it, Ashley moved in front of the door blocking my way.

"Did you find April?" Ashley whispered with what sounded like concern in her voice.

"Why would you care about that dork?" Brandon asked as he walked toward us.

"I don't have time for this," I exclaimed as I looked directly at Ashley. "I am going to find my sister; if you want to join me, I will be in the back of the school by the woods."

As I was leaving, I could hear Ashley trying to explain herself to her dumb boyfriend.

The winter air hit me hard as I opened the door leading to the back of the school grounds. April, you better have an awesome explanation for going out in this weather, I thought as I begin to pull my heavy coat out my book bag.

Pulling the hood up on my fur-lined winter coat, and tightening the straps on my backpack, I mentally prepared myself for the cold snow as I headed toward the trees.

"April! Where are you?" I screamed as the snowstorm appeared to have increased since I stepped into the woods.

The howling of the wind was all I heard in reply as I stood listening to anything that might sound like April.

In hearing something coming up behind me, I turned to find Ashley slowly trailing after me with her jacket zipped up so far, it looked impossible for her to see where she was going.

"What are you doing?" I asked as I went to help her as she stumbled through the snow.

"I am here to find our sister," Ashley replied as she righted herself.

"Oh, so what happened with your boyfriend? Are you ready to tell everyone the truth?" I questioned her as she looked anywhere but at me.

"I thought we came out here to find April," Ashley pointed out dodging my questions.

"You win this time, but after we find April, there will be a discussion."

After walking in about two feet of snow for ten minutes, I was beginning to fear the worst, until I saw something twinkling off in the distance.

"Do you see that light up ahead?" I asked.

"Yes, April may be up there."

We started running as fast as we could through the snow until I finally saw April standing in front of a tree.

"April!" We called out in unison once we became closer to where she was. She was standing silently still in one spot, focusing on something I could not see underneath a tree ahead of her.

Concentrating on the spot April was fixated with, my jaw dropped when I saw the most beautiful bird I had ever seen. It looked similar to a peacock, but it was gold and silver with outstretched wings like an eagle.

Out of nowhere, it began to squawk loudly as we got closer. It was so loud, I had to cover my ears as it flew off.

"It wants us to follow it," April muttered as she ran in the direction of the bird.

"April, where are you going? We have to return to the school!" Ashley yelled after her, as we struggled to catch up to her.

"It's nice you want to be bird whisperer and all, but we need to go back! We have already gone too far!" I explained as we finally caught up to April, who was now gawking at something I do not think science could even explain.

Not that far off in the distance, there was a tall wall of swirling liquid casting off a silvery light upon the snowy scenery as if it was made of mercury.

"We need to go back now!" Ashley shouted snapping me out of my trance.

"Let's get out of here before something bad happens!" I yelled to April as she kept walking closer to the strange moving wall.

Before we could turn around, the swirling liquid started to spin faster, transforming into a vacuum. The snow did not make it is easy for us to run, which no longer mattered, as the pull became stronger, dragging us all in.

The Confrontation

Location: Inner Kingdom

◑ Ashley ◐

I felt nothing but fear, as I passed through the liquid wall; it coursed through my entire body making me unable to scream.

I was traveling so fast I couldn't open my eyes because of the force pressing down on my closed lids,

Just when I was beginning to go into a full blown anxiety attack, it suddenly ended as I hit something hard.

The rich smell of grass and dirt wafted up my nose as I laid face down while wondering if I was still alive.

Pushing up slowly off what felt like grass, I pried my eyes open. To my relief, I saw April and Angie struggling to get up not too far away from me.

Viewing my surroundings, I noticed that we were underneath a stunning giant weeping willow tree. The leaves of the tree filtered the light between small openings, creating beautiful patterns all around.

"Where are we?" Angie asked bringing to my attention there was no snow anywhere, and it felt more like spring than winter.

"I'm not sure, but I know we are no longer in North Carolina," I replied as I pulled back a few hanging leaves to see what was outside.

"I think it's safe to say that we are no longer on Earth either," Angie said, pointing up at something in the sky.

Following Angie's gaze, I was mesmerized by what I saw. There were two suns blazing in the sky above.

"This is impossible. This can't be real," I murmured shaking my head.

"I know, like something out of the twilight zone."

"Ouch!" I yelled. "Why did you pinch me?"

"I had to make sure I wasn't dreaming."

If I weren't so shocked by reality, I would have been upset, but my stinging arm from Angie's pinch confirmed that this was all too real.

A little off in the distance, I noticed that behind us was a high wall made of stone, like the ones shown in history textbooks of Ancient Roman fortresses; it was so high that I had to squint to see the top. Following the wall's path with my eyes, I could not believe what I was seeing; not too far behind us was a castle.

Suspiciously, the gravel path at the foot of the tree appeared to lead straight to it; Angie pointed out, after walking around, not straying far from the tree.

I turned to look at Angie as she began to make frustrated noises at her cellphone as she tried to get a signal.

"I'm dreaming again," A hysterical April said through laughing fits.

Angie and I just looked at each other at a loss for words as April continued.

"April, you are not dreaming," I assured her going to where she was standing.

"Whatever is going on, at least you are not alone this time," Angie said, grabbing April's hand.

"So I am not dreaming? This is all, actually happening?" April asked, trying to regain her composure.

"Unfortunately, yes," I replied. "We need to look and see if there is anyone here. If there is a castle, there is bound to be..."

"A benevolent, kind, and gracious king who will take us in and tell us how to get home," Angie interrupted me sarcastically.

"Do you want us to just wait here for the vortex to suck us back in?" I retorted unable to think of anything else to do. "How long do you consider that is going to take? What are we supposed to survive on?"

"Ashley is right; maybe whoever lives there may help us," April said with a hopeful expression on her face.

"Whatever. Have it your way," Angie muttered after about a minute of silence. "Let's hope that the person who lives in that castle is not a tyrannical dictator like Vlad the Impaler."

"Thanks, Angie. That makes me feel a whole lot better," April said with a hint of a smile.

"I guess that settles it. Let's go exploring," Angie instructed, taking off her long snow coat. "What? I am not going anywhere with that heavy hot thing on my back."

She did have a point, I thought as I began to remove my own scarf and coat.

"You're not going to take off your coat?" I asked April when I saw she still had hers on.

"I think I am good. I want to keep anything that ties me closer to Earth, and my sanity."

Understanding exactly what she meant, we soon all agreed to stay on the path so we didn't get lost.

For thirty minutes, all I could see was grass and many flowers. It was like a sea of many colors. The flowers varied from roses to daisies; some of them were in colors I had never seen before. It was breathtaking.

The sudden sound of footsteps alerted us to the fact, that we were no longer alone. Before we could react, a group of heavily armored people began to ambush us.

The glare coming off their shiny armor nearly blinded me as they surrounded us. My eyes quickly adjusted, allowing me to see that the men were carrying giant bows and arrows, which they were pointing directly at us.

"I hate being right," Angie whispered shakily

"How did you get into the royal gardens?" said a deep booming voice coming from the tallest person in the group with the biggest bow.

These were telltale signs to me that this person had to be the one in charge.

I turned toward Angie and April, not sure what to do. Almost simultaneously, we slowly backed away from the armed people closest to us.

"Do not move, or we will be forced to harm you!" The one in charge announced aloud, signaling something to the others with him.

"We don't want trouble; we just want to know how to get back home," April explained, taking a step toward him with her hands up.

I was soon taken back to this morning's dodge ball incident; I could hear the release of the arrow that was pointed at April, but unlike earlier, time did not stop.

April's screaming awakened me from my déjà vu moment. Angie hurriedly removed April's jacket to try to see the wound; the arrow had deeply grazed her side, staining red the lower right side of her Tweety bird shirt she was wearing. I attempted to slow down the bleeding by using the belt to April's coat as a bandage.

"That was a warning shot," the tall man said, putting another arrow in his bow. "Next time, I will not miss."

"Are you all out of your minds?" Angie yelled at the steel-clad people, but her eyes were only on the one guy that had shot at April. "We only want to know how to get out of here, and you shoot at us!"

"Unless you want to meet the same fate as your friend, I suggest you stay where you are," the man warned, aiming his bow and arrow at Angie.

"Oh, are you going to shoot me, too?" Angie asked, walking forward with her hands out on either side of her as if asking him to shoot her.

She really needs to work on her anger issues.

"Angie! Get back here!" I yelled, trying to stop her before it was too late.

Once again, I heard the release of the arrow before I saw it. There was no time to blink since it happened so fast.

As soon as the arrow became free from the bow, the air around Angie heated up, and the arrow instantly caught on fire moments away from piercing Angie's heart.

Everyone stared in amazement at the flaming arrow now lying on the ground at Angie's feet. The once silent group surrounding us began to stir as they shouted words such as beasts, minions, and vixens.

Before long, they all started to release their arrows at all of us. The air around Angie became stifling once again as every arrow that came toward us burst into flames. Angie did not move or say a word, but we all knew that she was somehow responsible for what was happening.

The men finally stopped their firing as a giant shadow passed overhead. Seconds later, a giant bird swiftly landed in front of Angie, as if signaling them to stop their attack on us, and it wasn't just any bird; it was the strange peacock that led us to this place.

"We need that bird to be able to go back home," April exclaimed.

A commotion coming from the group of people surrounding us pulled my attention away from the creature that led us here.

I became a little confused when I saw a tiny old man wearing a long ragged robe with a black sash around his waist, swinging a crooked gold cane that was taller than him while pushing his way through the group toward us.

As the elderly man came closer, his face contorted with anger when he saw the makeshift binding I had made for April's wound.

"What have you brutes done?" the elderly man exclaimed, hitting the tall guy in charge in the back of the head with his cane, surprising everyone, including the other armored men.

"Elder Nolin, you don't understand. These females are intruders and could be in an alliance with the Queen," the tall man replied.

"I'm sorry, but we do not know anything about what's going on here. We came here to find someone to help us return home," I told the old man.

"Do not act innocent now. You should have told your friend there to control herself if you wanted us to believe that you have come here in peace," the man accused, pointing his finger at Angie.

"You started it first. You tried to kill us. Did you forget about that?" Angie shouted, apparently ready for round two.

"Leo, you need to learn how to control that attitude of yours," Nolin muttered hitting him again so hard that his helmet flew off of his head.

Being able to see Leo without the helmet made it clear that he could not be much older than I was. Standing over six feet tall, with thick eyebrows, long dark hair tied into a high ponytail, and intense almond-shaped brown eyes that hinted at an Asian descent, he looked every bit the part of a fierce warrior.

His one redeeming factor was the youthfulness in his eyes, which not even the scowl on his tan face could hide.

Leo's abuse caused a few people in his group to laugh, which he quickly quieted with one paralyzing glance their way.

"I do apologize for the treatment you have received," Nolin said before using his cane to get down on his knees to bow before us. "Please accept this old man's apology."

"What are you doing Nolin?" Leo asked, trying to lift the old man up. "Have you finally gone completely mad?"

"You should be showing your respects and also apologizing, Leo, or should I say, Captain? Don't you realize that you are in the presence of the Dragon Warriors?" he replied, still on his knees bowed forward.

This announcement caused everyone around us to drop down to their knees, except for Leo, who just stared at us with suspicion... well, mostly Angie.

"What have you done to bewitch our elder?" Leo asked, glaring at Angie as if he wanted to attack her... again.

"Why do you blame me? I didn't do anything! We only want to go home!" Angie countered loudly. "That bird over there led us here!"

A look of guilt quickly replaced the mask of anger on Leo's face as we were witnesses to a red dragon shape tattoo appearing around Angie's neck like a necklace for a moment, only to disappear again.

"Please forgive me," Leo pleaded as he dropped down to his knees. "We were not expecting the dragon warriors to be...females."

"Dragon Warriors?" I asked, causing Leo to look up at us curiously.

"Everything will be explained at your celebration tonight," Nolin replied walking toward the castle while motioning for us to follow him.

The group that was once attacking us was now scurrying to make a way for us to get through. Without any other plan, we huddled together and followed Nolin. Only Leo and two other guards began to walk behind us as we headed closer to the castle.

"I don't trust him," Angie whispered nodding her head back in Leo's direction.

"Me neither," April agreed holding her side as she walked.

"I don't trust anyone here," I confided low enough so only they could hear. "I just want to find a way for us to return home."

Angie and April both grabbed my hand, squeezing it gently, just to let me know that we had each other

"Are you in a lot of pain?" I asked April after noticing the amount of blood on her shirt.

"That's odd," April replied, stopping in mid-stride. "Actually, it doesn't hurt at all anymore."

April began to undo the blood-soaked belt from around her waist hurriedly, only to reveal a green dragon shaped tattoo underneath, but unlike the one that appeared on Angie, April's did not disappear immediately.

Angie and I were both amazed as we stood as witnesses as the wound on April's side slowly closed up and then vanished altogether, taking the strange tattoo with it.

"Please tell me I didn't see what I think I've seen," April said in a small unsteady voice.

"I could say you were just hallucinating from the pain, but that wouldn't explain what I just saw," Angie replied with her eyes still fixated on April's unmarred side.

"It was exactly what we saw appear on your neck when you were arguing with that Leo guy," I told Angie.

"This is excellent. No incredible!" Nolin bellowed beside April. "That, my dears, is the power of the Dragon Warriors; it is still weak compared to what it will be."

We were so engrossed in what was happening that we didn't notice that everyone had stopped and was watching us.

Before we could ask any more questions, Nolin just waved excitedly like a little kid for us to continue behind him, leaving us no choice but to follow.

"We have arrived," Nolin announced after about five more minutes of walking. "From here on, you shall follow my wife and daughter whom will help you prepare for tonight's celebration.

Following his gaze, I couldn't believe what I saw, as I took in the view of the huge castle that was even more massive than it appeared from afar.

As we got closer, I could see there were two women standing on the bottom steps of the castle, smiling as if they were expecting us.

One of the women was a short, elderly, plump woman with kind green eyes and snow-white hair in a neatly tucked bun. The woman next to her looked a little younger, with bright gray eyes and long brown hair that ran down her back in one thick braid.

The odd thing about them was that they were both wearing white and blue dresses exactly like the ones worn by women in Ancient Greece. If it were not for the two suns, I would have sworn we had traveled back in time.

"It is a pleasure to finally get to meet you. My name is Pearl," the elderly woman said, speaking up first.

Dumbfounded by the sudden change in attitude of everyone around us, we just nodded our heads in acknowledgment, slowly trying to understand what was going on.

"We will be aiding you with your baths, gowns, and hair for your celebration," Pearl continued, unfazed by our silence.

"I'm sorry to sound rude, but we do not want to be a part of anything that is taking place here. The only thing we want is to go home," Angie said, clenching her fists at her sides.

"So you have arrived," a voice exclaimed from the top of the steps, causing everyone around us to drop down to one knee. "You have done well, Nolin. My father will be very proud upon the arrival of this extraordinary news."

"Thank you, Prince Leev," he replied, still down on one knee.

Prince Leev reeked of arrogance as he looked us over like we did not meet his expectations.

Even though his attitude needed adjusting, he had the looks of a movie star with wavy shoulder length sun-streaked hair, standing almost as tall as Leo, with light gray eyes and the body of Adonis, encased in a gold and silver long toga.

"Are those girls them?" Prince Leev asked, motioning his hand our way as if he was motioning toward stray animals.

"Yes, Your Highness. I know they are not what you expected, but they carry the marks."

"Is this true, Leo?"

"Yes, I witnessed the power of the dragons myself," Leo confirmed.

"Nolin, have your wife and daughter prepare them for tonight," Prince Leev ordered before turning to go back inside of the castle.

"Excuse me? Can someone please tell us what's going on?" I finally asked, unable to stay quiet any longer. "Did you have something to do with us being here?"

"Leo, please explain to them that all of their questions will be answered soon," The prince replied without turning around.

As the prince continued to walk away, it took both April and me to restrain Angie as she started to attack him.

"No matter who you may be, I cannot overlook it if you were to harm the prince," Leo threatened Angie before following the prince inside.

"Don't worry dearies, all will be clarified in due time," Pearl assured us before a group of women came out of nowhere, ushering us into the castle.

The Preparation

Location: Inner Kingdom

◑ April ◐

Mina and Pearl quickly guided us through the castle, giving us no time to admire the interior as they separated us into different rooms.

I could still hear the complaints coming from the directions of my sisters, as the door was closed behind me.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked, starting to panic when suddenly the two women who shepherded me away stopped.

I could see we were in front of a huge ornate wall with a large picture of a weeping willow tree. It strangely resembled the place where we entered this world.

When I turned toward them, I caught them frowning down at my blood soaked shirt.

"Oh my, you cannot attend the celebration like this," the tallest of the ladies said, shaking her head full of long black curls. "You have nothing to be afraid of. My name is Anna, and we are going to get you cleaned up.

"Yes, just relax your companions are also being prepped," the shorter one said with what appeared to be a smile on her chubby face. I really wasn't sure if that was actually a smile as her annoyed expression remained the same.

They were both dressed in similar clothes as Mina and pearl; the only difference was that their dresses were shorter and were a pale shade of green.

Taking a deep breath, I gently nodded my head, letting them know that I wasn't going to struggle.

Anna then knocked on the wall three times, which after a second began to open up like a door.

Pulling me into the room, Nera motioned for the door to be closed behind us. The room I was brought into looked like a giant swimming pool area out of a five-star resort.

"Do you need help disrobing?" the shorter one asked, motioning to three women who had closed the door behind us.

"What do you mean?" I asked a little confused, wrapping my arms around my chest.

"You can't take a bath fully clothed, love," Anna said jokingly motioning to what I thought was a swimming pool.

"I would rather undress myself," I said, feeling myself blush."

Anna and the short woman with her exchanged strange glances before Anna turned around, motioning for everyone to do the same.

"Nera, come on give her some privacy," Anna insisted, motioning to the short woman beside her, who looked as if she did not want to be here.

Before Nera completely turned around. I could have sworn I saw a brief look of disgust on her face.

A few more blushes later, my skin felt as if it had been scrubbed raw. I was then powdered down and dressed in a long white robe.

Tired of protesting, I allowed Anna and Nera to usher me out of what I now call the giant washroom into another room where they left me alone.

I was happy to find Ashley waiting in a similar snowy robe inside the room.

"April!" Ashley shouted as she ran toward me. "Are you okay?"

The intensity of her concern made me want to cry. It's funny how being transferred to another world, and being struck by an arrow, can do for a person.

"Where's Angie?" I asked, carefully scanning the well-decorated gold and silver room.

"I haven't seen her since we were separated."

"Do you think she's okay?"

"My concern is for the people who tried to get her to undress," Ashley said, causing us to laugh out loud.

As if the mention of her name summoned her, the doors opened and in came a furious Angie.

"How many times do I have to tell you to give me back my clothes?" Angie screamed as she kicked the door that was quickly shut behind her after she was pushed in.

"Nothing can put a damper on your spirit," Ashley muttered sarcastically as she walked toward Angie.

"Ashley, do you know what those crazy people did?"

"Yes, I do," Ashley said, motioning to the giant robe she was wearing.

"I'm just glad everyone is okay," I said, causing Angie to calm down a little.

The room was like a presidential suite, complete with a gold and silver king size canopy bed, a long dresser, which was odd without a mirror, that took up an entire wall, the giant fireplace in the room also took up an entire wall that was directly in front of the bed.

Strangely, the metallic silver floor was warm to my feet, as if there was a heater underneath.

The only decorative art piece was a giant picture, hanging above the bed, of four men riding on dragons; the tails of the dragons intertwined with one another. Examining the picture gave me a feeling that I had seen it somewhere before, but I couldn't really recall when or where.

"Has anybody figured out a way to return home?" I asked, breaking the silence. "I don't think everyone wants us here."

"What do you mean?" Angie asked, crossing the room to sit down on the bed.

Before I could tell them about Nera, and the way she looked at me, Mina and Pearl entered, along with six women, three carrying dresses and three carrying chairs, placing them in a row beside the bed. The women were beginning to creep me out as they stood behind the chairs as if awaiting orders.

Mina and Pearl were both dressed differently, in beautiful silver dresses that pooled at their feet and accented the new hairstyle they wore. Both of them wore their hair loosely, wavy, and decorated with hair ornaments that made them look magical.

"Where are our clothes we had on before?" Angie asked directing the question at Mina.

"Your prior attire was not fit for your celebration," Mina answered as if we should have known that.

"Then, what did you do with our clothes?" I inquired, which caused Mina to look at her mother briefly.

"The garments you previously were wearing are properly being taken care of," Pearl replied.

"Meaning?" Angie probed.

"They were incinerated."

"You destroyed our clothes! Those were the only thing we had that kept us connected to our home!" Ashley exploded.

"That's nonsense; you are home."

"Our home is on Earth! Wherever we are now, it is not our home!" Angie yelled.

"This is Eupai, where you belong," Pearl explained calmly.

"Your guardians should have equipped you for this day," Mina muttered bitterly.

"What do you know about our parents?" I said, standing up off the bed.

"I know your guardians failed in their responsibilities." The room instantly became quiet as she turned around to compose herself.

"We are already behind schedule, and we need to get all of you ready," Pearl explained as if nothing was wrong.

"Not until someone properly explains to us what is going on," Angie insisted, crossing her arms.

Exhaling loudly, while pinching the bridge of her nose, Pearl walked slowly toward us until she was directly in front of us. "I am not angry with you girls. I can't imagine how you must feel being put into this situation, suddenly, without proper education. You were supposed to be prepared ahead of time."

"I know you must be boiling over with questions," Mina interjected now back to her normal collected self. "Don't worry, my father will explain everything to you at the celebration."

Exchanging glances, we realized that we were not going to get any more information out of them.

"So, what do you want us to do?" Angie asked with a forced smile.

"Come and sit down. We will have you ready in no time." Pearl smiled, motioning to the chairs.

We decided it would be best to just go along with them if we wanted to get some answers anytime soon.

As soon as we sat down, the women behind us begin to work on our hair. I wondered what they were using on our hair since I did not see any combs or brushes when we sat down.

It did not take long before the women were helping us up and assisting us with dressing in our gowns.

We were dressed quickly, and afterward, we were left standing like mannequins, facing the long dresser.

Mina and Pearl began circling us like sharks inspecting us for any flaws.

"Now, you are properly dressed," Pearl finally exclaimed, apparently very pleased with what she was seeing.

"I agree," Mina approved, nodding her head.

"It's not that I don't believe you, but I would like to see for myself how I look," Ashley said after viewing Angie's dress and mine.

From what I could see, Ashley and Angie looked like movie stars with their hair made up in French rolls, with a few strands of hair left loose to frame their faces. They both wore mermaid style dresses that accented their best assets.

Ashley's dress was an ocean blue with light teal gems decorating the bodice and the lower bottom of the dress making her appear like a mythical nymph.

Angie's dress was a fiery red with orange sequences snaking up the length of the dress from the bottom, giving the illusion that she was on fire.

After seeing them, I would not be truthful in saying that I wasn't curious about how I looked.

"I thought you would feel that way," Mina answered Ashley, stepping toward the long dresser, pressing a button on it, causing the entire wall to move and shift like a rubric's cube until I was brought face-to-face with my own reflection.

Even more shocking than the moving wall was the young lady with the light green eyes staring back at me. My unmanageable hair was styled the same way as my sisters. The only difference was the emerald flower ornament placed perfectly in my hair.

My dress wasn't very flashy compared to Ashley's and Angie's dresses, but it was just right for me. The forest green dress was absolutely beautiful with thin, light green stripes traveling from the bodice to the end of the dress.

Mina cleared her throat, interrupting the silence that had filled the room while we admired ourselves in the mirror.

"You can't blame them for appreciating themselves. When I was younger, I was quite a distraction," Pearl said, giggling like a little schoolgirl, with her gaze on me.

"Actually, I looked a lot like you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you can't tell now, but this snowy mountain on my head used to be..."

"I dislike to interfere, but it's time to escort them to the main hall, mother," Mina interrupted motioning us toward the door.

The Celebration

Location: The Castle

◑ April ◐

Once outside we were in what I assumed was the main hall since it was as wide as a freeway. The walk down the hall felt like we were heading to our own execution, not a celebration; no one talked, smiled, or even looked excited.

"Should we be scared?" Angie whispered as we continued down the long corridor that seemed to have no end.

"I'm thinking the same thing," Ashley chipped in. "Why can't don't I hear anything? We should at least be able to hear music."

"You hear nothing because everyone is waiting for the guests of honor," Mina stated, obviously eavesdropping on our conversation.

The hall was dimly lit by small globes filled with a swirling white light, which was the same as the giant one I saw in the ceiling of the room with the silver floor.

I wonder what is inside them. Before I could ask anyone, Mina, and Pearl stopped, all of a sudden, in front of a giant gold door with a picture of a dragon intricately carved in it.

"We have finally arrived," Mina announced as she turned to us with a serious expression on her face. "No matter what happens, never let your guard down, and most importantly, let no one see your weak side."

We heard her message loud and clear, as I resisted the urge to go back and lock myself in the room with the giant bed.

Pearl gently knocked on the door once, causing it to open up to show a long staircase.

"I give you the dragon warriors!" a giant man announced from inside the room. He was twice the size of me and looked like a wrestler.

The applause following the announcement was deafening and made me forget all about the intimidating announcer.

Peering down from the top of the staircase, I saw what had to be thousands of people, crowding around the bottom step.

The hordes of people weren't the reason why my sisters and I couldn't move from the threshold; down below us, the entire room floor was completely made out of glass, offering us a beautiful, yet frightening, view of the valley and hillside below. It was as if everyone was standing in midair.

"It's okay, remember what I said," Mina encouraged as she motioned for us to descend the stairs. "No fear."

"What is the weight limit for that floor?" Ashley asked, her voice trembling a little.

"I'm sure it will not crack under our added weight," Angie whispered, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, I pray I'm not wrong."

Grasping my sisters' hands in mine, we braced ourselves for what was to come, as we moved forward together.

After reaching the bottom steps, I could see everything clearer, causing me to look up at the light source. Above us was a giant chandelier that took up most of the ceiling, and instead of light bulbs, I saw the same swirling balls of light I saw before; they were burning brighter than the ones that were in the hallway.

Some of the same royal guard members who threatened our lives earlier were now making a path for us through the massive crowds.

Life can be very funny sometimes.

All around, people whispered and pointed at us. Many faces in the crowd showed doubt and condescension, but we did not falter from what Mina told us and kept a calm mask on.

Our destination became clear, as I saw Nolin up ahead, standing on an enormous four-step circular podium, which appeared to be made out of diamonds; he was dressed in a long white and gold tunic with a matching round hat. He stood with a serious expression on his wrinkled face.

Standing behind Nolin, I could see Prince Leev and Leo posed like two British foot guards; with their faces void of any emotion, they greeted us with a simple nod of their head as we made our way toward them.

Still dressed in the same clothes as earlier, they gave off the impression they did not want to be here.

That makes five of us.

By the time we made it to the bottom of the podium, I nervously looked up and saw Prince Leev sitting on a gold and silver throne with Leo right beside him.

Mina and Pearl both bowed at the waist at the bottom of the steps, and with a single wave of Prince Leev's hand, they both moved to the side, and from the look, she shot our way, we knew we had to do the same.

Please don't rip, please don't rip, I silently chanted, knowing they were expecting me to bend in this tight dress.

Copying the way Mina and Pearl bowed at their waist, we waited for Prince Leev to tell us when to stop. With a twist of his wrist, he released us from the torture of the curtsy. The dresses by themselves left our bodies starved for air, without making any unnecessary movements.

Nolin slightly nodded his head in approval as he called us up to the podium to stand beside him.

"These young ladies are the Dragon Warriors we have been waiting so long for," Nolin bellowed. With no assistance from a mic, his voice carried throughout the entire room. "They have been away for most of their lives, and now it is time to welcome them back home."

Many applauded, but there were a few I could see that looked as doubtful as we were.

"Let's welcome them with open arms. Tonight is a night for celebrating the present and the future to come."

"You want us to trust our lives, and the lives of our families, to these girls?" a man blurted out from the crowd.

Nolin's face became tense as the crowd parted to show a man in his mid-thirties with a full goatee. He looked like a villain out of a Saturday morning cartoon.

I knew he must be a part of the royal family since he was wearing the same outfit as the Prince; the only difference was that this guy's outfit was a lot flashier.

"How do we know that they are the chosen ones?" the man said, moving closer to where we were. "Throughout history, there has never been a female rider. You want us to accept these little girls?"

"That is enough, Zarf," Prince Leev said without raising his voice, but it was already too late.

Many people started to complain and demand proof that we were the dragon warriors.

"That is Uncle Zarf to you."

Uncle! They looked nothing alike. In comparison, his uncle was a little on the plump side, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. I was not seeing the family resemblance.

"If they are who you say they are, they should easily be able to prove it," said a woman beside Zarf.

The woman had milky white skin, with long, straight, jet-black hair; her light blue eyes were accentuated by her heavy dark eyeliner; her lips were painted a deep red, which was a major contrast to her skin tone. The long red toga she was wearing was also a deep red that hung on her slender frame. It was like watching a TV soap opera star on the red carpet.

A few people began chanting, "Prove it!" as an uncomfortable feeling started in my lower stomach. The crowds were relentless with their demand, for us to prove who we really were. At this point, I wasn't sure if I really knew myself.

"Silence!" Nolin thundered quieting the entire room. "Raven is right, it will be best to test them now."

My heartbeat began to beat faster as I looked out into the hordes of people; my eyes locked onto Mina, and it was as if I could hear her in my head, saying to stay calm and don't let them intimidate me.

I tried to loosen up and not let my appearance reflect how I felt inside. I wanted to look toward Angie and Ashley, but I did not want to show any weakness to them, especially that Zarf guy.

"If we test them now in front of everyone, will that please you, Duchess?" Nolin asked, speaking to the woman with the milky-white skin.

With a nod of her head, she agreed to put us through a test. I finally ignored my fear and looked at Angie and Ashley. Angie's hands were clutching the side of her dress so hard that I was afraid that she might tear it, and Ashley's face was so ashen it was like she had just seen a ghost.

The air around Ashley was making me nervous because I can only recall one time that I have seen this pale blank look on her face; it was about seven years ago when Angie fell out of a tree, and we thought she wasn't going to make it.

"Yes, do as my wife says. Let's test them now," Zarf demanded.

Nolin looked at us then back at Prince Leev, who was now standing tensely beside Leo.

"How would you suggest we test them Raven? I mean, Duchess of the Inner Kingdom," Prince Leev asked reluctantly.

"Why nephew, I seemed to have misplaced my brooch. The value of it is quite high in monetary and sentimental aspects. The last time I had it on was earlier today when I was getting things ready for the celebration" Raven dramatically spoke while eyeing Prince Leev with a poisonous smile.

"Get to the point." The prince hissed through clenched teeth.

"My looks like someone needs to relax," she commented playfully. "It is well known in the text that dragon warriors can manipulate time." Looking at us briefly, she finally focused her attention on Nolin. "Elder Nolin can confirm the truth of what I am saying."

"Is that correct, Nolin?"

"Yes, it is something only the most skillful dragon warriors can pull off," Nolin answered, avoiding direct eye contact with us as he locked eyes with Prince Leev. "It can be done with the combined forces of two or more warriors."

"I don't see the problem; we have three healthy and fully-trained dragon warriors standing right before us," Raven stated with an uneasy light shining in her eyes. "Unless they are not fully-trained, or you have brought us the wrong people. Which one is it, Elder?"

"What does it look like?" Angie spoke up shocking everyone. "Your brooch?"

"Like I said, it is very dear to me. It is a gold encrusted ruby of the sun. If you can find it and bring it back in five minutes, you can prove to everyone here that you are not imposters."

"And what if we refuse?" Angie questioned, causing a collective gasp from the crowds.

"Then you will sentence yourself to banishment into the ravenous snakes' pin."

"Then we will do it," Angie agreed, after a brief moment of silence.

"Angie," Ashley hissed as she grabbed her and me to huddle in a circle, "why would you accept? We don't know how to go back in time?"

"I'd rather try than die. What about you?" Ashley did not respond because she was at a bigger loss for words than I was.

"We have no other choice," I said, feeling deflated.

"Time is ticking ladies," Raven taunted with that annoying smile still plastered on her face.

"She is really getting on my nerves," Angie whispered. "How are we supposed to find out where she lost a brooch from earlier today?"

"Don't let her get to you," Nolin whispered from beside us. "I did not make a mistake; you girls are the Dragon Warriors."

"I just wished someone would have told me this before I was transported to your crazy world."

"Even without training, you should have experienced something.

"Dodgeball," I blurted out a lot louder than I wanted to. "You remember this morning when the ball was heading toward me?"

"You think we did that?" Ashley skeptically questioned.

"The only ones that were affected were us."

"We need to find a way to recreate it, if that was really us," Angie stated with her eyes on Zarf, who looked as if he had won a million dollars. "There's not much time left."

The crowd was beginning to get anxious and started whispering things like, "They are imposters," and placing bets on whether or not we could do it.

"Nolin, what's going on? Why are they still here?" Leo asked joining our circle. "If they are not imposters, this should be a simple task. They have been training since birth, right?"

Nolin's silence was answer enough for him.

"Nolin, explain yourself!" Prince Leev ordered, apparently overhearing Leo's question.

"Your Highness, things did not go as we had planned. They were not properly prepared as they should have been."

"What do you mean, 'not properly prepared?'"

"They were raised hidden from the truth; their guardians abandoned the original plan."

"What do they know?" Leo asked, sighing as if he really did not want to know the answer.

"That we are supposed to be the dragon warriors. That pretty much sums up everything we know," Angie whispered, trying to keep her voice low. "What were we thinking before, when we stopped the ball in P.E?"

"Ball? P.E? This is not the time for games, if you can't do it, just prepare to die," Prince Leev said, walking off, taking Leo and Nolin with him.

"Why is it taking them so long?" Raven criticized. "We can cut this short now and just sentence them."

I could hear Nolin trying to silence the noise from the crowds that was steadily growing in volume.

"Come on! We need to think and think fast," I announced feeling a little panicky.

"I'm trying. I really wasn't thinking of anything," Angie said frantically. "I was just trying to save you."

"Same here," Angie agreed. "Maybe, that is it."

"What do you mean?" Ashley asked with a puzzled look.

"We wanted to protect April. Let's pretend I believe what they say. It only takes two or more, and we were both wanting to save April."

"Now, let's try to save one another," I remarked, holding my hands out for Angie and Ashley to take.

As they took my hands, my fingers tingled, but nothing happened.

"Are you trying?"

"Yes, I'm trying. Nothing is happening," I muttered in a disgruntled voice.

"Maybe we need to think about the same thing. It's worth a try," Ashley suggested.

"Okay, let's focus on the brooch and since it was earlier, this place should have been near empty." I tried to remain calm while attempting to picture the brooch in my mind.

"They are out of time. Leo, this is the moment you do your job as captain of the royal guard and arrests them," Zarf yelled from the crowd.

From the darkness behind my eyelids, a glowing light started to spread. "I think it is working."

Instantly, all sounds disappeared. I opened my eyes to see if we had done it. The scene was similar to the one in gym class. Everyone was frozen in place, but we were still in the present.

"It worked, sort of," Angie said, gazing around at the immobile figures all around us.

"He is a lot cuter like this," Ashley mentioned staring at Prince Leev, who had an immobile scowl on his face while facing his Uncle and Aunt.

"Come on, there is no time for you to admire the eye candy," Angie muttered as she pulled her away from the prince.

"Okay, so we have stopped time. Now how do we go back?" I asked, walking around a frozen guard that was making his way to the podium.

"Well, maybe we don't have to," Angie said mostly to herself as she headed toward Raven. "Now I see why I don't like her. She reminds me of Miranda."

"You can't do that," I yelled as Angie took Raven's clutch out of her hands."

"Why not? If she is anything like Miranda, she will send us on a wild-goose chase over something she would already know the exact location of." Angie explained, opening the huge seashell clutch. "Besides, I know I am not the only one wondering what women keep in their purses on this medieval planet."

"Do you see it?" Ashley asked, peeking into the bag.

"No, I have a comb, brush, mirror, and I guess this is lipstick," Angie muttered waving a tiny tube of red goo. "It's not here. So much for that idea."

Taking the clutch from Angie, I put it back, noticing something glimmering from the edges of her toga.

"That little snake," I shouted, as I pulled a little on the top part of her toga, revealing a brooch clamped backward, and it was the same one as she described. "I found it, but we have a problem."

"What now?"

"The brooch is inside her toga, in the top part."

"That is not a problem."

"What if it is holding her dress together?

"She wanted to kill us, and you want to protect her modesty?" Angie exclaimed heading toward the top of Raven's dress.

"Angie stop. April is right. I have an idea." Ashley stated, standing in between Angie and the Duchess. "April, let me see the brooch out of your hair."

"Great idea, a swip-swap," Angie said, standing out of Ashley's way. "When did you get so smart?"

"I am going to ignore that," Ashley muttered with April's hair brooch in her mouth while she undid the one on Raven's dress. "I am done."

Holding the ruby encrusted sun brooch, Ashley smiled like she was holding a key to a brand new sports car.

"Awesome, now how do we undo this?" I questioned motioning to the frozen people around us. Nolin's outraged face was motionless, and it contrasted Zarf's as he was standing with a smile going from ear to ear.

"I'm not sure; we didn't have to do anything last time in coach's class," Ashley indicated "When you fainted everything returned to normal."

"So you want me to pass out?"

"No, I don't think that will be necessary. I think it was the noise you made when you fell," Ashley deduced. "What if we make a loud noise?"

"Let's go back to where we were standing; it would be very awkward if we did it here," I pointed out.

"I want to see the shocked look on her face when she awakes," Angie laughed while sitting on the top step facing Raven.

"I'm with Angie, mostly because my feet are hurting me, from all that standing. We might as well sit," Ashley agreed with Angie while covering the brooch in her lap with her hands.

"Fine, this will be fun to watch," I murmured sitting on the other side of Angie.

"Let's count down," Angie suggested putting her fingers in her mouth to whistle.

At the count of three, we all whistled as loud as we could, and in a matter of seconds, everyone began to move again; it was like hitting the play button in the middle of a paused scene on TV.

The Exhaustion

Location: Celebration Room

◑ Angie ◐

"What are you all still standing around for? Their time is up," Raven shouted at the royal guards who were scratching their heads in confusion.

The entire room became quiet as they noticed that my sisters and I were no longer standing in the same spot as we were what seemed like a second ago to them.

Turning to look our way, the expression on Raven's face was priceless

For once, even Leo and Leev's faces held a look of astonishment.

"So, you know little tricks. Your task was to find my brooch," Raven reminded everyone subtly patting the top of her dress. "And I have a feeling, you did not fulfill it."

Raven's face became more confident as she felt April's brooch, thinking it was hers. My sisters and I shared a smile after seeing her take the bait.

"Why are you smiling? You didn't pass the test," Raven exclaimed, coming toward us.

Standing up on the steps, we prepared to face Raven. I chanced a glance at Ashley to make sure that she was still clutching the brooch in her hands.

"Arrest them. They have failed their test," she screamed at the guard members who stepped in-between us.

"Not exactly," Ashley spoke up uncovering the brooch. "Is this what you lost?"

"That is impossible," Raven bellowed patting the top of her dress again, not so discreetly this time.

"Bring me the brooch," Prince Leev commanded Leo.

Ashley handed over the brooch which was taken to the Prince. As he examined it, he handed it over to Nolin, who was now wearing a look of triumph on his face.

"I declare that they have passed the test, and from this moment forward, they will be recognized as the dragon warriors," Nolin announced, causing the entire crowd to burst into applause.

The only ones who weren't happy were Raven and Zarf, and while I basked in my satisfaction, I noticed that Zarf had disappeared.

"That cannot be my brooch," The irate Duchess screamed silencing everyone. "Let me see it."

"It has your royal seal on the back," Nolin stated, handing the brooch out toward her.

As she climbed the podium to retrieve it, her face became even more drained of blood, which I thought was impossible.

"This can't be," Raven murmured to herself, feeling where the brooch should have been.

"Why are you so sure that that brooch is not yours?" Angie taunted her by patting the top of her dress. "As you can see, my sister is also missing a brooch. Have you seen it?"

I could see it appear on her face, the moment she realized she had been tricked. Peering down in the top of her dress, her face turned a violent shade of red.

"Do you have any more interjections, Duchess?" Nolin questioned her, already knowing the answer.

Raven turned to leave, stopping beside me with eyes full of malice. "You have no idea who you are messing with...little girl."

"I'm just playing the game you put into motion," I countered, looking her straight in the eyes.

She broke eye-contact and stormed down the podium, pushing several people in the crowd as she exited the room.

"Tonight is for celebrating," Prince Leev announced. "We have the best food here from around Eupai. Eat and enjoy."

The prince's words prompted several people to unveil long tables stretching around three of the five walls. From my current position in the room, I could see that the walls formed a pentagon.

I am currently standing on a podium, in another world, in a room with a glass floor. When my horoscope this morning said today would be an adventure, I doubt this is what it meant.

"We did it," Ashley cheered as many people headed toward the food table.

"I wouldn't get too excited just yet. We still need to find a way back home," I reminded her searching in the crowds for Nolin.

Spotting Nolin just below the podium talking to the Prince and Leo, I figured the sooner I asked him to send us back home, the better.

As I approached Nolin, the conversation ended. Acknowledging my presence, a little better than our first encounter, the prince gave me a short nod of his head and then headed back to his royal throne to sit on his royal behind.

"You surprised me back there," Leo admitted giving me the same nod the prince did. He then walked away, disappearing into the crowds.

The scents from the food were very distracting, as the smell of the roasted meat wafted up my nose. Is that gravy? Focus, Angie. Think about home. I had to stay on course and not let the food sidetrack me as I stepped toward Nolin.

"You have done well. Take some time to enjoy yourselves before your training begins," Nolin advised shifting his attention to something else.

"Training?" I questioned stepping in front of him. "How do we get back home?"

"You are home; I think my wife and daughter have already explained that to you."

"I don't believe you. We were born and raised on Earth."

Rubbing his thinning white hair on the top of his head, Nolin sighed like he was talking to an annoying child. "Let's not discuss this right now; you will be educated, after the celebration, about your true origins."

Nolin continued to walk away from me despite my protests for him to send us home. Realizing that my rants were drawing unwanted attention, I turned to find my sisters. I spotted Ashley and April walking toward the tables lined with food.

Even though I was hungry, I discovered that I could not eat and that I needed to get away from all the people. The smell of the food, perfume, and smoke coming from the some of the men and women puffing on strange pipes, was nauseating.

My heart began to beat so loud it was pounding in my ears and felt like it was going to burst out of my chest; but all around me, the laughter and conversations continued.

I can't breathe. I have to get out of here.

Pushing past the people who wanted to talk to me, and the women walking around offering drinks off of platters, I reached a corner of the room that was not swarming with people; as I got closer to the wall, I could see a small exit leading out of the room.

Wanting to get as far away as possible, I exited through the door; which led me onto a large semi-circle balcony that was illuminated by two full moons in the sky, which was so close it felt like I could reach up and pluck them.

While eyeing the moons, in the back of my mind, I knew I forgot something very important, but as I tried to remember, a throbbing pain developed in the front of my head causing my vision to become spotty.

Turning away from the moons, I could feel my heart beat slowing as the wind brought clean, fresh air to me. I didn't notice it before, but the air here was much better than the air on Earth.

It would be a shame if this planet ever experienced an industrial revolution.

Sensing a change in the atmosphere, I knew I was no longer by myself. I tried to ignore whoever it was, hoping that they would go away; but after a while, I could no longer pretend that I was alone. Not being able to kick in this dress was a real disadvantage as I braced myself to fight. I turned around putting all my strength in my right hand, aiming to take out my intruder.

Before my hand could make contact, the intruder blocked my punch and held firmly onto my fist. Right, when I was beginning to panic, candles I did not notice, lined along the rail of the balcony, began to light one by one, revealing the identity of my follower.

"Leo! What is wrong with you? First, you try to kill me, and now you are stalking me," I accused pulling my fist out of his tight grip.

"It is good you could sense me, but your reaction time and precision needs work," Leo said as if he was grading me on a test.

"Did you come out here just to try me? I would rather be alone right now."

"And I would rather enjoy the festivities tonight than be here," Leo countered not moving one inch.

"Then why are you here?"

"As you must already know, there are people who do not like the prince."

"Really?" I questioned feigning ignorance. "I don't understand why anyone would not like that arrogant, chauvinistic prince."

"If that was you attempting to be witty, save it for someone else," Leo instructed his face void of any humor. "The situation you have found yourself in is no laughing matter.

"You mean the situation your people have put me in. I did not ask to be here. I'd rather be taking my final exam in probability statistics than be here."

"You and your two companions-"

"Sisters," I corrected.

"Very well...sisters were marked from birth to be dragon warriors. You may have your own opinions of him, but the prince and his father's protection is the only thing keeping you safe."

"What do you mean by marked?"

"The dragon warriors have distinctive tattoos that appear only in times of extreme emotions, such as anger or fear."

He motioned around us toward the lit candles. In the glass floor below us, due to the lighting, I could see my faint reflection and a red mark around my neck. As I touched it, the mark began to fade.

Feeling as if all the energy was drained out of me, I crumbled on the glass floor not caring about the sturdiness of it.

"As a dragon warrior, you have to be properly trained in order not to overexert yourself," Leo lectured as he reached down to help me up.

Slapping his hand away from me, I backed up toward the railing to lay my head back.

"Angie."

"Excuse me?"

"My name is Angie. I am tired of everyone calling my sisters and me, dragon warriors. No one here has taken the time to ask for our real names," I vented feeling exhausted and frustrated at the same time.

"It's not safe for you to be out here alone. There are dangers within the castle as well as outside," Leo chided me like I was a toddler.

"I can protect myself." This statement caused the emotionless captain to chuckle. "What's so funny?"

"I was able to block your feeble attempt of a blow with one hand. You need proper training. At the moment you are weak."

"I am not weak." I could feel and see the light of the candles around us glowing brighter as his words sunk in. No one has ever called me weak before, I am the one person people call when they need help. With my black belt in Judo and a red belt in Taekwondo, no one would dare call me frail back home. "I will show you that I am not weak."

"You will have to get up off your butt, and out of your puddle of self-pity, to do that."

"I am going to make you regret saying that."

As I tried to stand and knock that twisted grin off of his face, my body protested by shutting down all at once. My vision, hearing, and sense of balance faded altogether, causing me to fall forward, preparing myself mentally to kiss the glass floor. A pair of arms pulled me up into an armored chest.

I stayed like that until my senses began to return to me. Gazing upward, the first thing I saw was Leo's cocky face.

"You were saying?" he teased, while still holding me up.

"If I weren't so tired, and didn't have on this dress, I would kick that smile right off your face."

"I have no doubts that you would try."

"Are you making fun of me?"

"I wouldn't dare. You have exhausted yourself. An untrained dragon warrior like yourself, with a quick-temper, this was bound to happen.

Trying to hold in my anger, my hand itched with the need to slap him; as I considered that option, I noticed that his face was mere inches away from mine.

I don't know if it was just my imagination, but I thought I heard music playing as I looked into his eyes.

Okay, that is enough fresh air.

"You can put me down now. I am not a child."

"As you wish," he muttered before letting go of me so quickly I had to grasp onto the railing of the balcony to keep from hitting the floor.

Turning to give him a piece of my mind, I became confused when I saw that he was just staring at me dumbfounded. "What?"

"You can't feel that? Can you?" He asked, pointing to my right hand that was holding onto the rail.

As I glanced down at my hand, it was sitting on top of one of the lit candles. The crazy thing was, the candle was still burning with my hand on it. The fire seemed to be going through it. As I examined my hand, there was no scarring at all on it from the fire. Actually, the fatigue I felt earlier had disappeared as if the fire was giving me energy.

"Wow," I whispered, pulling my hand away from the fire.

Somehow, in removing my hand from the candle, my hand contained part of the flame in the middle of my palm. It did not burn me, nor die out.

Bringing my hand in front of my face, I was mesmerized by the burning light, while Leo silently watched.

"What is happening to me?" I questioned him, bouncing the flame from one hand to the next as if he had the answer to my problem.

"Until you learn how to control it, your power will control you." Closing my hand into a fist around the flame, he tried dragging me back toward the room where my sisters were.

"Let go of me," I yelled, breaking free from him. "You can't just boss people around."

"Lucky for you, I am here by a direct order from the King. I have been given the pleasure of protecting the dragon warriors until they have been properly trained. I have no time for games. You are just another assignment to me."

"Angie! My name is Angie!" I informed him once again, "and if your protective skills are as good as your memory, then my sisters and I stand a better chance by ourselves."

"Where are you going?"

"To find a way off of this wretched planet," I responded, ignoring the footsteps behind me as I left the balcony in search of my sisters.
The Aggravation

Location: Celebration Room

◑ Ashley ◐

"Did you see where Angie went?" I asked April after we lost her in the crowds.

"No, I thought she was speaking with Nolin," April answered.

Straining my eyes to locate Angie, I spotted Mina heading toward us.

"You girls were brilliant earlier," Mina congratulated us.

"We have names," Ashley informed Mina, causing her to actually blush with shame.

"I am awfully sorry. My mother and I were so caught up in the fact that you were actually here, we left our manners behind; for this, I will extend apologies for the both of us."

"Don't worry about it," April quickly forgave them.

"What are your names?" Pearl appeared out of nowhere to stand beside her daughter.

"My name is Ashley. Angie is around here somewhere, and-"

"What about you dearie?" Pearl interrupted me to ask April.

"My name is April."

"That is such a pretty name, isn't it Mina?" Pearl praised looking at April like one would a cute lost puppy.

Feeling a little awkward, I excused myself from the bunch to look for Angie.

While walking around, it was very strange having people bow and even trip over themselves to make way for me to pass by.

A band soon arrived playing soulful music on weird instruments that were actually one instrument that took three men to play. The instrument was long, and one man picked at strings on the front while another pressed down keys that were similar to a piano, and the third man blew on a swirly tube coming out at the end.

The music being played did not sound like any music I had ever heard before, but it drew me in, despite that fact; I begin to sway to the music with my eyes closed as it washed over me like sprays from the ocean on a hot day.

I lost all sense of time as I was caught up in the soulful sounds.

"I hate to interrupt, but may I have this dance," a voice asked from close by. When I opened my eyes, I realized that I was alone in a wide circle with Prince Leev kneeling down before me. After rubbing my eyes to make sure this was actually happening, the view in front of me did not change.

"Are you going to accept my humble invitation?" The prince asked, his voice sounding a little impatient.

I bowed like I saw some of the women do when they were asked to dance. The prince got up and began to lead.

"I am going to apologize ahead of time, since I don't know the steps to this dance," I blushed, not believing my luck. The prince's long hair was now bound by a leather tie, giving me an even better view of his muscular features.

"Keep your apologies. I have been told that I am a very good dancer and teacher. Just follow my lead," The Prince said arrogantly.

He did not lie about being an excellent dancer, and I only stumbled once under his guidance; but the entire time we danced, he seemed distracted, peering out into the crowd with his fierce gray eyes as if he was looking for something or someone.

"My name is Ashley; some of my very good friends call me Ash," I was mumbling whatever came to mind to break the awkwardness between us.

"Before you continue, I would like to inform you that I do not intend to be a friend. Just think of me as a political ally," The prince whispered, not sparing me a single glance.

As the tempo of the music changed so did my attitude. "Then why did you ask me to dance?"

"Look all around you. There are plants, and then there are insects. Sometimes mutual agreements are formed, and both parties benefit from it, and then there are some plants that turn on the insects and vice versa." The prince stated spinning me around to bring me back into the dance. "What I am trying to say is, it is better to form a mutual arrangement than to blindly get eaten."

"Why should I trust you?" I asked, wanting to break away from my insane dance partner.

"That is quite simple, I need you to get the people on my side, and you will need me to assist you on your journey to come."

"Journey? All I want is a one-way trip back home."

The prince actually stopped watching the crowds around us and looked at me for a moment.

"You really are ignorant of what is going on? Our world is on the brink of a massive war."

"I am sorry to hear that, but this is your world, not mine."

"After everything you have witnessed, you are still in denial," The prince muttered ending the dance.

Applause followed the end of our dance as the prince dragged me off to one of the long food tables full of desserts where the smell of hot buttery sweet rolls made my stomach growl.

"If you are hungry, just eat," The prince insisted with what sounded like concern in his voice. "I don't think anyone heard you that time, so if you choose not to eat, please have the decency to control the noises coming from your body."

The hunger pains in my belly disappeared as they were replaced by the burning anger I was feeling toward the prince.

"You are the rudest person I have ever met," I accused walking away only to have him block my way. "I have no desire to be allied with someone like you."

"You should mind your manners in front of everyone," The Prince warned, smiling to several people who turned to gawk at us after my outburst. "Do you understand the position that you are in? You and your companions would not last one minute without my protection."

"I don't believe you understand the position that you are in. One scream or loud insult from me and how long do you think you will have the people's support?" I threatened even though I had no intention of doing either. I just wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine.

"What would it take for you to see my point of view? Do you want money? Land? Or would you rather I formally court you?"

The more he talked, the madder I became. I physically began to shake out of aggravation as he continued to spout nonsense.

"I have been known to be very desirable."

"I am going to walk away now because to me, you are the ugliest person I have ever had the displeasure to meet." Upon trying to dodge the prince, he blocked my way once again, this time, his face burning with embarrassment.

"No one walks away from me while I am speaking," he exclaimed, grabbing my hand.

Blue spots clouded my vision as I begin to sweat. I could hazily see liquids from the punch bowls, fountains, and everyone's glasses levitate, gathering over the prince's head.

It was like nothing I had ever experienced before as I watched everything unfold before my eyes. I knew I was the one doing it, but I did not know how to stop it.

"Ashley!"

I turned to see April through my blurry vision coming toward me. "I think I am doing this."

"Just calm down. Remember what mom said to do when we are upset," April calmly said, trying to get me to relax. "Close your eyes and count to ten."

"Okay, I'm doing it, but it is not working." Opening my eyes, I began to panic as the collective liquids had now expanded even more.

"Try again."

"What's going on?" Angie asked sprinting toward us, oddly with Leo right behind her.

"Ashley somehow lost control after dancing with the prince," April tried to explain to Angie while still trying to calm me down.

"What did you do?" Angie accused the prince.

"No time, Angie. Let's deal with Ashley first," April instructed hesitantly reaching out for my hand.

"You're right. Ashley grabs our hands," Angie insisted, reaching toward my hand as well.

"It took all my strength to gain control of my own body, but once I touched my sisters' hands, the big blob of floating liquids begin to go back to whatever bowl, glass, or fountain it came out of.

"Let's give a round of applause for the entertainment for tonight provided by the Dragon Warrior's," Nolin fabricated to cover up what had really happened.

The room vibrated with applause as everyone believed the story Nolin made up, never knowing the truth that I had somehow lost control of myself.

"Are you girls okay?" Mina sprinted over to evaluate the situation.

"We are okay now, no thanks to him," Angie accused, pointing at the prince.

"Like I've told your sister, if you don't learn how to properly control your powers, it will control you," Leo explained with his eyes on Angie.

The blue spots began to clear from my vision as my heart rate slowed. "It's okay, I'm fine now."

I've never felt like this before. It was amazing, and yet frightening, to have that much power coursing throughout my body. Most of the rush was gone now, but my fingertips tingled from the memory.

The longer we stood around glaring at one another, the more the guests became suspicious of what really happened.

"We have also brought even more entertainment for you tonight, all the way from the Ruby Kingdom. Let's welcome the fire dancers." Nolin introduced a group of men and women carrying unlit torches.

As the dancers lit the first torch, the lighting in the room dimmed until it seemed as if the burning torches were the only source of light. We took advantage of the dimness to move toward the stairs where we had entered.

"What happened back there?" Nolin question in a tone that demanded an answer.

"Your beloved untrained dragon warrior lost control," the prince accused with a hint of fear in his eyes.

"It's Ashley, and yes, I did lose it back there, but it was because of his egotistical comments about political agreements, and thinking that he is a gift to women everywhere."

"You hit on my sister?" Angie yelled, but luckily the noise from the performers overpowered her voice.

"I would never harm a lady," the prince responded, looking disgusted.

"That's not what I meant. Never mind, just stay away from us."

"Don't forget that you are in my kingdom."

I began to try to calm Angie down, but the more the prince opened his mouth to speak, the closer I became to needing someone to calm me.

"We never asked to be." Feeling myself getting upset again I closed my eyes and counted to ten.

"Just tell us how to get back home," April demanded, strangely the calmest one out of all of us, besides Pearl and Mina. "Nolin, it was you who brought us here, wasn't it?

Looking a little uncomfortable, he started to rub the back of his neck, prolonging his answer to her question, which we all took as a yes.

"It was time for all of you to come home," Nolin explained.

"Then you know how to send us back?" Hope gleamed in April's eyes.

"We cannot continue this conversation here," Leo interjected pointing to a few people who were no longer distracted by the entertainment. "It is dangerous to carry on this discussion here."

"Then when can we continue? I am ready to leave this place." Angie crossed her arms, glaring at Leo.

"I'm afraid we are going to have to prolong this till the morrow," Nolin answered.

"Till the morrow?" my sisters and I cried out at the same time.

"Morrow? As in we can't go home tonight?" Angie questioned, "As in we have to stay the night here?"

"I'm glad you understand the definition," Leo taunted, causing the dragon tattoo to flare for a moment on Angie's neck.

"This is getting us nowhere," Prince Leev muttered before walking away toward the podium.

"I will escort them to their room for tonight," Mina volunteered. "Mom, you can stay with Dad."

"Leo, I will need you to guard them as they are ushered to their room," Nolin commanded. "There is no end to Zarf and Raven's madness."

"So, you expect us to just go along with this?" Ashley questioned, clutching the side of her waist.

"At this point, you have no choice," Leo answered, holding out his arm toward the stairs. "After you."

The Complication

Location: The Bedroom

◑ April ◐

On the long walk back to the room with the silver floor, better known as our bedroom for tonight, no one was more disappointed as I was, knowing that I couldn't return home to my mom and dad, also famous for being the guardians who failed their mission.

Leo bowed in front of the room door as we walked in, as the reality of the situation finally hit us.

"You may retire from your duties now, Leo," I could hear Mina whisper at the doorway.

"Rest easy. I will be on guard only until I am replaced by two of my most trusted men."

"It's just that you seem to agitate one of the young ones."

I already knew who she was referring to, as I glanced back into the room to see Angie pacing beside the huge canopy bed.

"I have noticed." Chuckling, Leo closed the door behind Mina.

The sound of the door closing must have alerted Ashley and Angie to the fact that we were no longer alone as they turned to glare at Mina.

"Before you begin to vent your gall, let me explain," Mina nervously said.

"Vent what?" I asked

"Meaning to display your anger at me. Just listen to what I have to say." Brushing back her hair with a shaking hand, she continued. "I am not at liberty to tell you many things yet, but what I can tell you is that you are very important to this kingdom and all of Eupai. You are much needed here."

"That does not change the fact that you lied to us," Angie interjected marching closer to Mina from across the room.

Surprising everyone in the room, including myself, I rushed in between Mina and Angie.

"What are you doing? Why are you protecting someone who lied to us?" Ashley probed sounding confused.

"This is not the answer. Yelling at Mina is not going to get us home any sooner," I said, trying to reason with my sisters.

"This makes twice today that you have been the cool one," Angie teased, as she smiled.

I moved to the side to let Mina finish speaking, after making sure that Angie wouldn't try to attack her again.

"You didn't have to do that. I wasn't going to maul her," Angie muttered with her hands on her hips.

"It's not you that I am afraid of; it's the new abilities that we have developed. Earlier I don't think Ashley really wanted to harm Prince Leev, or anyone else for that matter," I responded, reminding them about how dangerous things have become.

"That is what I have to talk to you about." Mina walked to the bed, motioning for us to sit. "Always remember that the powers you have been experiencing are normal. You just need proper training; also, we have already figured out where you come from based on your abilities. Soon, you will be able to meet your parents."

"Our real parents?" I asked, dumbfounded at the idea of getting to meet my biological mom and dad since our adopted parents told us when we were older that our parents were no longer alive.

"You are lying again. That's impossible. The orphanage told our adopted parents that all of our real parents are gone."

"I thought this would make you happy, but I underestimated the devastation that your guardians have caused."

"They wouldn't do that to us," Ashley murmured, her voice cracking from the overwhelming emotions.

Ashley has always been very close to our adopted parents. They always pushed us to make more friends and to be normal; and Ashley would do anything to make them proud, even turn her back on her sisters.

"Hypothetically speaking, let's just say I believe what you are telling us," Angie said while rubbing Ashley's back. "Where do we come from?"

This question caused Mina to smile as she stopped pacing the length of the bed, to stand in front of us.

"Currently, you are in the Inner Kingdom. It is a realm created as a safe haven for individuals who no longer wants to be under the leadership of their own Kingdom. There are four original kingdoms; Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond." The conversation was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door.

I wondered who was wanting to talk to us this late at night. I didn't have a watch, but I knew it had to be well past ten o'clock.

A little hopeful that Nolin had changed his mind about sending us back home, I watched Mina open the door to four women standing in the hall carrying platters full of food, teapots, plates, and glasses

"What is this all for?" Mina stared at the food, removing all doubt in my mind that she was responsible for them being here.

"Captain Leo asked us to prepare some of the food from the celebration for the dragon warriors since they were unable to eat earlier," a young woman a little older than me, with long brown hair and freckles answered.

"I would have the food tested to make sure he didn't poison it," Angie muttered glaring at the platters of food suspiciously.

The ladies gasped loudly. "No Ma'am, the captain is a good man and wouldn't harm a fly, let alone harm the dragon warriors," the girl adamantly protested, as well as the other young ladies with her.

"Captain Leo is very popular with the females here; he has a knack for always appearing out of nowhere when one is in need" Mina explained as she let the now blushing ladies into the room.

"Where are they going to put all that food?" Clutching her stomach, Ashley tried to hide the fact that she was hungry.

Smiling that smile, I have learned to mean she knew something we didn't; Mina went to the big empty corner beside the bed and pressed her hand against a tiny drawing of a tree, I never realized was engraved on the wall.

While removing her hand, I noticed that the drawing was no longer on the wall. As she walked back toward us, I was a little disappointed, since I have been surprised over and over with the architecture and with the mirror trick from earlier. I guess I was expecting a little bit more than a disappearing act.

Before any of us could voice what we were thinking, the ground where she was just standing, begin to twirl and stretch upward until the silver floor began to mold itself into the shape of a large circular table, complete with four chairs.

"That was amazing. Do you have special abilities, too?" Stepping up to the table, I rubbed the cool silver surface.

Looking shocked, "Good heavens, no. Your rooms are equipped with all the amenities that you may need. I will show you how everything works later," Mina stated already sitting at the table with a teacup in her hand. "But first, let's enjoy this feast."

"Has anyone on this planet ever heard of the saying, 'never put off till tomorrow what you can do today'?" Angie asked, not budging from where she was sitting.

"No, I had never heard that before," Mina replied as she picked her tea up to drink, only to put it back down. "We do believe there is a right time for everything, and now is the time to feast."

"Wait a minute; you were in the middle of telling us about where we come from," Angie reminded everyone, snapping our attention away from the food.

"Hypothetically speaking, correct?" Mina countered sarcastically.

"Of course."

Mina sat down her cup of tea and motioned for us to take a seat at the empty chairs surrounding the table.

"I think we'd rather stay right here and listen to what you have to say, without the distraction of the food," I explained.

"If you insist. After observing the powers that each of you has begun to manifest, we know that you, Angie, are a member of the Ruby Kingdom. Ashley, you belong to the Sapphire Kingdom, and you, April, are part of the Emerald Kingdom."

"What about our parents?" I found myself greedy for information like, "Do they ever think about me? And are they alive and well?"

A flicker of an emotion I couldn't decipher passed over Mina's face as she looked up from her cup of tea at me; it instantly disappeared when our eyes met, making me wonder if I had imagined it.

"That part, I do not know," she stated sadly, picking up her cup of tea, only to put it down for a third time without taking a single sip. "I only know where you come from, not who your parents are."

"I believe that we are not going to get much else out of her. Isn't that right?" Angie inquired with her arms crossed.

"Quite so. Come eat and you can discuss the rest with my father."

"I've heard that before," Ashley muttered as we made our way toward the table.

I could not deny the fact that I was starving since I was too nervous to eat while some of the guests followed and stared at me. Judging by the way Ashley and Angie gazed at the table of food, I am sure that they felt the same way.

In sitting down at the table, I noticed that the four women were still in the room, standing so silent against the wall it was as if they were trying to become one with it.

"I hate to eat in front of people who are not doing the same," I muttered, looking back at the four women.

Catching the meaning of my comment, Mina offered food to the women who all turned it down.

"Do not let them bother you. All of the helpers of the castle will aid you without complaint. Just let them know what you want."

"Helpers?" Ashley questioned, trying to refrain from stuffing her face, unlike Angie, who was already starting on her second sandwich.

"Yes, the castle doesn't usually have this many guests. Many volunteered to come to help prepare the castle for your arrival." Pausing for a moment, she took a sip from her cup while shifting in her seat. "The Inner Kingdom does not condone the use of the word servant. All helpers in the castle are volunteers. The people outside the castle are not taxed, and everyone has their own land filled with gardens and livestock."

"Then how do you make money?" Angie asked, pushing herself away from the table to lie back in her chair.

Mina chuckled softly. "Most of the Inner Kingdom's businesses run off of the barter system, but each kingdom has their own set of customs and currencies. We accept payments from all of the kingdoms." Trying to hide a yawn by sipping from her first cup of tea, she said, "I'm sorry girls; I believe it is about time for me to retire."

Angie cleared her throat loudly. "Are we expected to sleep in these dresses?"

"Thanks for reminding me. Let me show you how to enter your wash area." Standing up, Mina led us to the space between the bed and the wall that turns into a mirror. "There are markings all around the room. We call them celtas, and we use them to conceal things that would normally take up a great amount of space."

As she pressed the drawing of the tree, I watched a section of the wall lift up, revealing a huge walk-in bathroom with a gold toilet, sink, and the most gorgeous garden tub I had ever seen.

Ashley looked truly happy for the first time since we were brought here. "I call dibs first. I am dying to have a bath. Where I can relax and wash myself."

"We need some boundary rules because the next person who tries to bathe me, will be needing someone to help them wash for the rest of their lives," Angie warned, her face given away no sign that she was joking.

"I will inform all of the helpers that you value your privacy. If it pleases you more, I will also have them leave the room while you are changing."

Looking pleased with Mina's words, Angie actually said something I wasn't expecting. "Thank you."

"It is my pleasure; I have been waiting for the dragon warriors' return for a long time."

After leaving the hidden bathroom, we returned to a room that was empty. The four women had left, taking the leftovers, and the space where the table was standing was now back to a smooth silver floor.

Mina then showed us that there was a celta that operated almost everything in the room, the lights, fireplace, and hidden windows but using them required energy, which she was rapidly draining.

Opening the door to leave, Mina turned around, and while trying to open her mouth to say something, another yawn escaped. "This is where we part till the morrow. Your sleeping gowns will be found on your bed. Sleep well, dragon warriors."

"Wait, how do you know I am comfortable with sharing a bed?" Angie called after Mina.

"Would you rather have separate rooms after coming to a new world where you know no one?"

"This is great. Good night, Mina," Ashley and I spoke out in unison before closing the door behind her.

"This is not good. We are now stuck here until tomorrow." An exasperated Ashley flopped on the bed on top of the long sleeping gowns.

"It could be worst," I muttered releasing my curls from their restraints.

"Do not say that. I've seen the movies, and in in all the ones I have watched, when someone says 'it can't get worse,' guess what? It got worse."

Getting off of the bed, Ashley began to undue her hair as well. "I am too tired to discuss this right now, I feel like all my energy has been sucked out of me."

"You have changed since coming here," Angie said, walking toward me. "Ever since we arrived, you have been slowly changing. You haven't been as adamant about returning home as you were before."

Knowing she was right, I turned my back to her so I wouldn't have to look at her accusing eyes. "I know this may sound crazy, but ever since we were brought here, I have felt a connection to different things. It's like I have memories that have been locked away and I can't reach them. I just want to know the truth."

"Me, too. It's very strange. Like there is something I should remember," Ashley agreed looking at the picture above the bed. "I must admit, I am a little curious. Let's just hear them out tomorrow. Maybe not everything they say is a lie."

After a long pause, "Fine, let's just hope that saying isn't true," Angie replied.

"What saying?" Ashley and I inquired at the same time.

"Curiosity killed the cat."

The Information

Location: The Path

◑ Angie ◐

I was awakened by the sound of someone knocking on the door. Pretending to be asleep, I ignored the noise, hoping that it would end.

To my relief, the knocking ceased as I snuggled deeper into the pillow under my head. My seconds of bliss were abruptly ended by the sound of pounding on the room door.

Reality hit me when I opened my eyes. I begin to recall that I was no longer home or on Earth for that matter.

As I glanced at the lit fireplace, which took the remainder of our strength to activate its celta last night, I caught myself becoming confused about what was true and what was not.

The noise had returned, and this time, it didn't sound like it was going away as I sat up in bed and stared at the door. The soft satin covers and the smell of burning firewood were almost enough to lull me back to sleep, despite the loud knocking.

Dragging my achy body out of the tangled limbs that belonged to my sisters, I didn't bother to straighten my wild hair as I opened the door to find Leo with his hand raised in the air to bang again. He was still sporting his armored clothes except today his armor plated chest, boots, and cuffs were gold and the clothes beneath were silver.

"What?" I growled, looking up at the one person I wasn't expecting to find at the door. "Why are you here?" I was never much of a morning person, so my voice held an extra edge to it.

He stared at me with one eyebrow lifted, not letting his face betray what he was actually thinking. "I take it you slept well since you did not hear the helpers' attempts to wake you."

Opening the door wider to glance around the corner, I found three ladies standing against the wall whispering to one another, which turned into giggles as they saw me. "What's wrong with them?"

Clearing his throat, he said, "It is very improper for a lady to open the door to a person of the opposite sex in her... sleeping attire."

"Improper? I look like I am wearing a rug," I exclaimed as I motioned at the calf-length thick red fabric with wide shoulder straps. "Secondly, I don't see you as human, let alone a man. You are more like a homicidal invention, of my hormonal teenage nightmare, which I can't seem to awake from."

"I assure you that this is not a dream, and I have no time to confirm or deny your sanity."

"Never mind that. Why are you here?"

"To hurry along the process of getting you ready since Mina will not let anyone break the agreement that was made."

"What agreement?"

Sighing heavily, he said, "The one she made with you and your sisters, about boundaries."

"Then that must mean you came here to escort us home."

"I am here to make sure that you are properly escorted to Nolin, whom in return will answer any questions that you may have."

Crossing my arms over my chest, I stared up at him defiantly "Is that a yes or a no?"

I could tell he was beginning to lose his composure as he rubbed his temple with his right hand. "Why can't you just do what you are told?"

"Do I look like a pet you can boss around?" I countered.

"A poisonous snake would make a better pet!" Leo shouted, putting his foot in the room before I could slam the door.

"You are now seriously violating the agreement." I accused, putting all my weight against the door, which did no good as he slid the door open with ease.

"I have had enough," he muttered, closing his eyes while cupping his hands out in front of him.

"Angie, what's going on?" I heard Ashley's voice call out.

Peering back at the bed, I could see that both of my sisters were now wide awake.

Ignoring her question, I glanced back at Leo to find that there was now a small white orb in his hands. Without opening his eyes, he threw the orb hitting the wall above the dresser, causing it to move and morph into a window that let in a blinding white light.

"A warning would have been nice," I muttered while my eyes adjusted to the bright light that now filled the room.

"You left me with no other options,"

I swore I saw a grin on his face as he took in my apparent discomfort.

Paying no attention to the questions my sisters directed my way, I grabbed Leo's arm before he could fully leave the room.

I let go of his arm only when I felt him turn around. "How did you do that?"

He leaned down about an inch away from my face. "If you are really curious, be a good girl, and let the helpers do their work.

After he exited the room, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I found April and Ashley standing behind me with their arms crossed.

"What was that all about?" Ashley questioned at the same time April gave the okay to the three women peeking in the room to enter.

"How long were you awake?"

"I wasn't sleeping when you got out of bed," Ashley admitted smoothing down her long hair.

"If you weren't asleep, why didn't you say anything?"

Before Ashley could answer me, April interrupted us. "We are going to have to continue this conversation later. Since the helpers are now behind schedule, they want to assist us quickly."

"Alright, but there will be a part two to this discussion," I muttered as the women were already coming toward us.

A short time later, we stood dressed in plain single strap, light fabric gowns, which were the same color of our dresses the previous night. Our hair, this time, was brushed and left to hang loose.

We were given gold sandals that tied up our calves to wear, which were very comfortable despite the fact that I never liked sandals with strings that went between my toes.

"If you do not mind following us, we will lead you to Grand Elder Nolin," the tallest one of the helpers announced, shepherding us out of the room.

Once we were down the hall, I could not stand the silence any longer. "Now can you tell me why you kept quiet this morning?"

"You are questioning the wrong person. I was going to let you know I was no longer sleeping, but April covered my mouth.

I turned to see a red-faced April pretending to be very fascinated with the architecture as she listened to our conversation.

"Don't look at her like that; she probably did it because she did not want to interrupt your flirting."

"I was not flirting," I denied.

"Just promise you will control your temper around him since he seems to be the only one that sets you off," April said, finally looking at me for a response.

"Fine, I will try to become less upset when he is around."

"No matter whom you flirt with, or not flirt with, we must not get attached to anyone here. We will get the opportunity to leave one day, and it would be better if there were nothing here to miss," Ashley murmured low enough that only we could hear.

"Ditto," I whispered back.

Meeting eyes with April, she hesitantly agreed as Ashley, and I suspiciously looked at her.

"It is easier this way. We must not allow ourselves to feel anything toward anyone here," Ashley declared, stopping us as the helpers continued to walk, oblivious to our argument.

April turned toward us looking more determined than I have ever seen her. "It's just that, I can't stop wondering if everything is true. What if we are obligated to help the people here?"

"We are not obligated to anyone here. We do not belong here," I replied.

"Well, according to everyone here, this is our home," April countered, not backing down. "I just want to know the truth. What else can explain the strange abilities we have developed?"

"Maybe it is a side effect of being here. These powers cannot be limited to us; you saw what Leo did back there."

The sound of someone clearing their throat caught our attention. As we stopped to see who made the sound, the four helpers were beginning to look impatient as they motioned for us to keep up with them.

We continued walking in silence until the ladies stopped suddenly in the middle of the hallway. The tallest one rubbed her hand across a celta in the shape of a peacock creature like the one that led us here. Shortly after touching it, the symbol disappeared, causing a section of the wall to lift up, forming a doorway that led out into a sidewalk made out of shiny white rocks.

The rocks were very smooth and did not hurt when I stood on them, which was very surprising because I was wearing thin sandals. The sun felt wonderful against my skin, energizing me in a way. The smell of flowers was overwhelming as I inhaled deeply, feeling better after just a minute outside.

"This is where we part," said the one who activated the celta as we looked back at her for further instructions. "The path will lead you to your destination. Just activate the celta.

Before we could ask where the celta was located, she had already closed the doorway.

"Great! Now, what are we supposed to do?" I yelled, looking around for anything that resembled a celta. "Have any ideas, April?"

"I don't know. Mina said that celtas are made and activated by energy. Maybe we can locate it with the same method."

"I say we just follow the path, and just see where it goes. We already know that Nolin is our destination," Ashley strategized out loud.

Checking around the area, I could only see flowers everywhere I looked. It reminded me of the field we traveled by when coming to the castle. The path ran through the gardens and disappeared around the outside of the castle, which was so high I couldn't see the top. "It's better than standing here wasting more time."

Ashley gave me a strange look. "Coming from the person who spent most of the morning arguing with Leo."

"He started it with that, 'I man, you woman, obey me attitude.'" I explained, getting annoyed at the way Ashley stared down at me.

Standing a little over five-foot-five, mostly anyone would have to tilt their head downward to look at me, but Ashley's stance exaggerated my short stature and gnawed at my patience.

April continued as if she did not see or hear anything. "While we're walking, let's try to activate the path ourselves. I'm not sure how these rocks are supposed to lead us to Nolin, but I am guessing it would be much faster than wandering around."

Ashley shrugged her shoulders. "It wouldn't hurt to try."

"Whatever," I sighed, walking beside April

"I believe this will work better if we hold hands," April said, grabbing my hand. "Remember what Mina said? Let's try pulling on our energy and focusing it toward the path."

As soon as our hands touched, I could feel the tingling sensation coming back to my hands as I tried to focus my energy into my hands exactly like the time when we were trying to travel back in time. In the darkness behind my eyelids, I could see a light, and I tried to make it flow into my hands. As my hands began to get warmer, I pulled them away from April and opened my eyes to find a red orb similar to the one Leo had made earlier.

"Wow, this is weird and cool all at the same time," Ashley murmured, holding a blue- tinted orb that was twice the size of Leo's. "That was easier than I thought.

"I know," April agreed holding a green orb. "What do we do now?"

"Why are you asking us? This was your idea," I reminded her.

"More like a hypothesis of mine."

"You mean, you really don't know what we are supposed to do next?" Ashley asked, playing with the orb in her hands.

"Was I the only one listening to Mina yesterday?"

"I believe so. After she had shown us the hidden bathroom, my mind was on a hot bath and sleep."

"Same here," I said, agreeing with Ashley for the first time today.

"Okay, she said something about commanding the energy to do what you want, and then transfer it to the celta but in our case the path since we can't find the celta."

"Alright, let's command our energy to take us to Nolin," I suggested.

On the count of three, we decided to concentrate on our energy to lead us to Nolin and then transfer it to the path.

When we released the orbs of energy into the rocks, we were surprised to feel them move underneath our feet along the path.

"We did it!" April cheered as we began to pick up speed.

"Am I the only one that feels like we are going to fast?" Ashley inquired as the rocks began to rush us through the field of flowers and onto a network of paths.

There were a lot of people using the path as a method of transportation, and it appeared as if we found the heart of the Inner Kingdom as we passed houses and stables.

I know there are many people regretting taking the paths today, I thought, as I almost collided into a little girl with pigtails. "Sorry!"

"How do we make it stop?" Ashley screamed as we began to pick up, even more, speed. The scenery around me was blurred as we continued down the path like we were qualifying for the Daytona 500.

Abruptly, the rocks stopped moving, causing us to be thrown forward. Expecting to be seriously injured, I braced myself for impact; when I didn't feel any pain I opened my eyes that had involuntarily closed to find myself and my sisters floating a foot above the ground.

"Nice of you to join us," I heard Nolin say as he came into view. "I see you attempted to navigate the path without using a celta."

"You know, there needs to be a sign pointing to the locations of these celtas," I remarked straining to keep Nolin in my line of sight.

In trying to move my body, I found myself unable to do so. "Why can't I move?"

"You have spent too much energy already," said the one voice that instantly made my situation worse.

Leo stooped down in front of us, shaking his head with a very smug look on his face. "We have no more time to throw away with your silly games." Waving his hands over us seemed to break the hold we were in, causing us to fall the rest of the way to the ground.

"Welcome dragon warriors. You are indeed late, but at least you are here in one piece. Follow me," Nolin instructed walking away down a slope.

Using one another as a crutch, we finally were able to stand on wobbly legs. "Next time, let's just find the celta," I suggested trying to find my balance.

Trying to completely concentrate on standing without shaking, April and Ashley just nodded their heads.

Following the narrow path behind Nolin, the further down we traveled, the higher the walls became. At the end of the path, there was a beautiful field of grass everywhere I looked, and in the middle was a huge round table made of gold. There was one connecting circular seat that went around the entire table.

Prince Leev and Pearl were waiting, already seated at the table when we approached it.

Prince Leev did not look up from his glass as we stood beside the table. "Word has already traveled, about your chaotic trip through my kingdom."

"If someone would have shown us how to work the path, it wouldn't have happened," I countered, in what I must admit wasn't my nicest voice.

"Enough squabble. We have many things to discuss," Nolin announced activating a celta that slid back a small portion of the round seat, making a way for us all to enter and sit.

There were already three bowls of what appeared to be oatmeal placed beside one another on the table, along with a glass of water and spoon in front of each bowl.

"Eat up; I am sure you used much energy in coming here," Pearl encouraged sitting beside Nolin.

After we had been seated, Nolin gestured for us to eat.

"It's cold," Ashley muttered after tasting the food.

"I'm afraid, Princess, that you will have to eat it that way," Prince Leev taunted looking up from his glass. "If you were here on time, your food would be warm."

Grabbing April's hand, I nudged her to do the same with Ashley. As I focused on the flow of energy, I directed it toward the bowls reheating what I could now see was a thick stew.

"Or I can just do that," I retorted feeling a little self-satisfied by the look on Leo's and Prince Leev's faces.

"While you are eating, I am going to educate you on the present situation you find yourselves in," Nolin announced before taking a long sip from his glass. "The best place to start is always the beginning."

"Please try to remember that everything that we've done has always been with you girls in mind," Pearl commented before Nolin could continue.

I wanted to question her more about the statement, but the look from everyone around me suggested that I should wait.

"It all started with the Princess of the Diamond Kingdom, better known as the kingdom of the wind. She started this war over a hundred years ago. I was the king's advisor back then in my hometown, located in Emerald Kingdom."

"How old are you?" I unconsciously asked out loud, meaning to keep that in my head. "Sorry, continue."

Nolin began to chuckle, which seemed to lighten up his mood. "It's perfectly acceptable, I am rather old. I was personally in charge of locating Emerald's previous dragon warrior."

Pearl continued talking for her husband, who appeared to be lost in thought. "Princess Jewel is what she was known as before she overthrew her brother and took the crown for herself. Everywhere she went, death and despair soon followed. At that time, the last dragon warriors were not much older than you girls when they were called."

"What happened to the last dragon warriors?" April curiously interrupted, this time, forgetting all about the food in front of her.

"Their lives were tragically shortened when they used too much energy to trap Jewel."

"The previous dragon warriors knew that they were no match for her. They did not have time to refine their skills, but my dear friend Bain, who was the dragon warrior of the Earth, had a vision of the future and knew that the next set of dragon warriors will be able to prevail where they had failed," Nolin continued. "They gave their lives to imprison Jewel, until the day that the future dragon warriors will destroy her for good."

"Something is not right. Mina told us that there were four outer kingdoms, and the painting in our room shows four men riding dragons," April reasoned. "We are missing a person."

"You are quite right; it is not uncommon for one of the dragon warriors to not make it during the birthing process. What happens, then, is that the power of four divides itself by the remaining ones," Pearl explained. "We did what was best, and your parents agreed to send you to the Earth world for training with two people we thought we could trust.

"Yes, Nanina and Machen betrayed us all. They knew you were to return to this world. Instead of training you, they filled your heads with delusions."

"Let's just say I believe you. Why would our parents send us far away when we were babies? Why didn't they come with us?" Ashley's voice trembled with emotions.

"It's not that simple, dearies. The earthly world is polluted with toxins, a normal person like myself, and your parents, would have never survived for long," Pearl answered, grabbing Nolin's hand.

"So, are you saying that our parents, or rather, our guardians are not normal?"

"Your guardians are from the fox clan. They stood on the front line during the battle against Jewel," Leo responded, talking for the first time since we sat at the table. "I believe on Earth many will call them 'kitsunes' or 'nine-tail foxes.'"

"Like in Japanese mythology? That stuff is not real," April said in disbelief.

"So, you are telling me that we were raised by foxes?" I exclaimed, chuckling a little to the craziness of the words that just came out of my mouth.

"Okay, this is what I have so far. We are the foretold dragon warriors, and as babies, we were sent to Earth to be raised by foxes, which, if I remember correctly, looked normal to me on Earth," Ashley recounted.

"That is because they have one human form they can transform into at will," Leo interrupted.

"Oh, that was the piece of information I was missing. Now everything makes so much sense," I sarcastically proclaimed. "On top of all of that, what I really don't understand is, if Jewel is somehow trapped, why are we needed?"

"She is awakening, and if Bain's vision is correct, you three are needed to defeat her for good this time," Prince Leev stated, sounding irritated. "The reason you were sent to Earth was because Jewel began to awaken the day before you were born. She must have felt the gathering of strong energy. Your parents loved you enough to send you far away to keep you safe."

"That is right. Nolin and other powerful celta users came together to lengthen the time of her imprisonment inside of her castle in the Diamond Kingdom. No one knew if they were going to be successful, and by the time they were able to stop her awakening, your parents had already sent you all away," Pearl added, making me waiver in what I have believed in all of my life.

Feeling a little overwhelmed, I stood up to leave only to sit back down when something came to my mind. "I have been wondering about one thing. How are we supposed to defeat this queen, when the previous warriors did not?"

"I think that is the most sensible thing to come out of your mouth all day," Leo teased. Nolin ignored Leo's response. "Once the dragon warriors, before you died, their dragons' essence went back to the proper kingdoms."

"To defeat Jewel, you will need to travel to the Outer Kingdoms to obtain your dragons to have enough power," Nolin clarified as he began to stand.

"Wait, can I ask one more thing?" Not waiting for Nolin to respond, I continued to ask. "How do we return home?"

"Are you still wanting to return to that polluted planet, after knowing that is not your home?" Leo exclaimed furiously.

"Calm yourself, Captain. You must see things from their point of view," Pearl instructed Leo, turning to face her husband. "I believe you should tell them what they need to know."

"Once you entered, the door to your world closed."

"So, how do we open it?"

"The door will not resurface for another hundred years," he replied, making my heart sink. "The good news is that with the combined powers of the dragons, a doorway can be created to return you to Earth."

That was the best news I have received since we arrived, except for the fact we would still be expected to track down the dragons in the other kingdoms.

"I believe we have sat around for long enough. Now, we must focus on strengthening your talents," Nolin interrupted my thoughts to say.
The Retaliation

Location: Training Grounds

◑ Angie ◐

After we left the table in the clearing. I was not surprised when Prince Leev activated a celta, which made the entire table and seat vanish underneath the ground.

"I must be going now; Mina really drained herself yesterday with all the preparations we had to make."

"She'll be okay, right?" April questioned with guilt written all over her face.

"Do not worry. She is a very tough woman and very stubborn, like her father," Pearl joked before she kissed her husband on the cheek and began to head back toward the castle.

Turning to look at Prince Leev and Leo, I saw them huddled together and surrounded by members of the royal guard. "What's going on over there?"

Nolin followed my gaze and smiled. "The royal guards are undergoing their own form of training. Now, let's begin ours. Today, you will learn how to draw your energy."

"We already know how to do that," I interrupted, reaching for my sisters' hands.

"No, what you know how to do is to draw off one another. Each of you, step away from one another," He instructed walking in front of us, pushing us farther apart, appearing more like a drill sergeant than a sweet old man. "Try to draw upon your own energy."

Closing my eyes, I tried to focus, but every time I caught a glimmer in the darkness behind my lids I couldn't pull and expand it; The sensation in my hands never came, no matter how hard I tried to draw on my energy.

I was trying so hard, I began to shiver from the wind blowing against the moisture collecting on my arm and face. "I give up."

"Me, too. There is something wrong. I don't feel anything," Ashley agreed, throwing her hands up in the air.

"Not as simple, as you once thought, is it?" Nolin chuckled.

"I don't understand. We weren't close by when Ashley almost attacked Prince Leev," April reasoned.

"Arrogance, fear, jealousy, and anger," Nolin named out one by one, looking at each of us as he spoke. "These things can give one immeasurable strength, and if you are not careful, these emotions can take over your energy and taint your heart."

As he was talking, I began to remember the times when I felt the most powerful were when I was angry or...

"I am curious about something, besides the time when I was mad, since arriving here, every time I am around fire I feel stronger."

"That is because each dragon warrior has an element that they become one with, and in return, it gives them strength. You, my dear Angie, are from the Ruby Kingdom, which is also known as the kingdom of fire."

"Let me guess, and Sapphire Kingdom is better known as the Kingdom of water?" Ashley deduced.

"That is correct. Not only water but healing. Many of our healers come from Sapphire Kingdom."

"Are you sure? April healed almost immediately after being shot with the arrow," I reminded him, looking in the direction of the person who was responsible for the entire incident.

"That was because Ashley was near."

"If I had to guess, I would say Emerald Kingdom, is also known as the kingdom of Nature," April figured. "That would be the only thing that makes since my energy orb was green.

"You prove the saying true that the wisest people come from Emerald."

"Since we are from the same kingdom, do you know my parents?"

The smile that had been on his face just moments ago vanished, replaced by an unemotional mask. "My apologies. Due to the agreement and treaty, I am not allowed to disclose that information."

"You don't have to tell me their names, but can you at least nod if they are alive?" April pleaded.

Nolin slowly nodded his head and I could hear April release the air she was holding in. I also wanted to know about my real parents, but asking would be the same thing as admitting that I believed everything they had told us so far, and I wanted to hold on to my sanity a little bit longer. Catching Ashley's eyes, I could tell the same thing was going through her mind.

"We have strayed from the schedule. The task at hand is to bring out your energy without relying on one another," Nolin coached going back to his drill sergeant personality. "Let's try it again from the top. Visualize the energy within."

Not really sure what he was talking about, I closed my eyes and tried to focus.

"If you are trying, you are doing it wrong." I opened my eyes to find Nolin standing directly in front of me; it was as if he read my mind. "Just relax, let down your guard, and it will come."

Closing my eyes once again, I tried to relax while picturing myself in my dojo back home, warming up before any other students arrived with my bare feet against the cool interlocking foam mat.

Quickly, the light began to appear, and instead of forcing it forward, I let it spread slowly until I could feel my hands warming.

The sound of someone clapping made me open my eyes to find Prince Leev standing beside Nolin. "Excellent, I see you are making progress. My father will love to hear about this."

A small glow in the palm of my hands caught my eyes, making me almost scream with joy, "I did it," and catching the smiles on my sisters' faces they had, too.

Nolin seemed engrossed in a conversation with the prince. Straining to hear what they were saying, I didn't see or hear Leo coming up behind me until he knocked my feet from under me.

Determined to not fall for the second time in front of him, I relaxed and let the energy spread. Holding the side of my dress, I went into a one handed back flip to catch myself. Once I landed on my feet, popping the straps on my right sandal. I came back at him with everything I had.

The energy in my hands grew so fast that it took all of my strength to stay upright. My palms heated up as the energy moved toward Leo like fiery lightning bolts. Apparently caught off guard by my counter attack, he quickly retaliated with his own gray tinted energy in the form of a large orb.

Right before the two energies met, a bright white light flashed, engulfing both of our attacks. "That is enough!" Nolin thundered coming between us.

Still, tense from the experience, I stood in a fighting stance. I know I was a sight to see, with my thick hair wild and loose, my long dress bunched in one hand, with one sandal on.

I stood with my eyes never wavering from Leo's, while panting as if I had just run a marathon.

"Captain! Explain yourself!" Prince Leev then stepped in.

"I was testing the dragon warrior. I wanted to see how close I could get without her knowing, but she was too busy trying to listen in on what you were conversing about that she did not sense me," Leo accused glancing my way.

I tried to not let the truth about my eavesdropping show on my face as my sisters came to my side.

"I decided then to teach her a lesson about letting down her guard. I see she has learned quickly under your tutelage and teachings," Leo explained bowing down in front of the prince and Nolin.

"Your intentions are noble captain, but the next time you test them, let it be with my knowledge and permission first," Nolin warned.

"Yes, Elder," Walking back into the fields, he started commanding his men who were standing around staring in a daze at the whole spectacle.

Feeling dissatisfied while watching him walk away, I could not stay quiet. "That's it? He attacks me, and he gets a pat on the back."

I could feel Ashley's nails digging into my arms, silently telling me to shut my mouth.

"What the captain was trying to teach you is a very important lesson," Prince Leev said, turning toward me. "Never let your guard down."

"I will remember that from now on," I responded loosening my hold on my dress. "What was that anyway? Can everyone here on this planet do that?"

"Everything has energy, or life force, as some may call, but sometimes there are some who are born with more energy than others. We call them celta masters."

"If you have celta masters, why do you need dragon warriors?"

"A dragon warrior's energy is immensely more powerful than a celta master could ever dream their energy could be.

"His energy literally ate mine with no problem," I stated nodding my head in Nolin's direction.

Nolin began to laugh. "That is because you still have much to learn, and you haven't gained the full powers of dragon warrior.

Pulling me to the side with April, Ashley began to vent her frustrations on me. "I thought you agreed you were going to hold your temper."

"Are you okay sister?" I sarcastically mimicked Ashley's voice. "Yes, I am fine, thanks for asking."

"I know you are okay because if you weren't, you would not fail in letting us know since you can't seem to control that mouth of yours."

April stepped In between us. "We are not here to fight each other. We are here to learn more about this place and ourselves until we can find a way home and confront Mom and Dad about everything."

"You are right, but I wasn't planning on attacking him. It just came naturally after he tripped me," I confessed.

"Even though that was kind of cool, do not do that every time you are startled," Ashley joked.

"I'll try not, but no promises."

"If you ladies are done chattering, my father has summoned everyone to his quarters for a meeting. Due to the fact that he is ill, he was not able to meet you at your ceremony," The prince announced, standing beside Nolin, Leo, and several other guards.

"Before we go, I believe we need to know about the dangers other than Jewel." April's demand must have shocked them because they stood quietly for a while looking at each other.

"Please do not tell us we need to wait to find out," I chimed in to take away the usual response we'd received since arriving here.

"Truthfully, there are dangers everywhere. All that you have seen here was built and maintained without the assistance of money. We have built a bartering system to make this kingdom free of greed," Nolin confessed. "I have seen the devastation and chaos the love of money brings, but there was one thing we did not foresee, and that was the love of power."

"What does any of that has to do with us?"

"Bain predicted that the next dragon warriors will bring peace for many years and will unite the kingdoms as one."

"And with the kingdoms united, no one will be able to profit from the division any longer," the prince spoke up. "There is a rumor that my Aunt Raven has allied herself with other kingdoms, bartering off military secrets to obtain a seat on the council.

I was beginning to feel confused. "What council?"

"There is an unofficial and fragile alliance at the moment between us and three of the Outer Kingdoms."

"Let me guess, it is because of the children they entrusted to you," I figured staring at Nolin.

"Precisely, if something were to happen to any of you girls, whatever alliance that has been formed in these past years would go away in an instant," Nolin acknowledged as he seemed to age even more, as he told us just how dangerous our situation is. "Three members of each kingdom have been chosen to speak and convene each year with the other members. The council was created after the demise of the last dragon warriors."

"The council has never met officially; most of the other kingdoms do not like outsiders inside the activities of their own," Leo admitted furiously. "We keep electing council members for appearance sake. It doesn't mean anything, and it is just a show for the people so that they may sleep well at night with their delusion of peace."

"Then that means Raven is the least of our concerns. There could be more than one ruler of the outer kingdoms secretly not wanting peace to stay in control of their own kingdom," April concluded. "They just want us alive long enough to destroy their most imminent threat."

"That doesn't sound good for the people who are supposed to bring peace," I dryly joked.

Nolin looked more proud than surprised at April's assessment. "You now know why it is important at all times to be on alert; everyone you meet will not be trustworthy."

"My father is not one to wait; we need to be on our way." The Prince walked away with everyone left to follow.

"Why is everyone here always in a rush to do something?" I complained following after them. "Okay, this is my last question. What role does that Zarf guy play in all of this?"

"I wouldn't worry about him if I were you; he is a coward and one of Raven's many puppets," Leo answered me as he appointed guards to follow behind us.

On the way back to the castle, we were shown the correct way to locate and find a celta to activate a path.

Beside every path, there is a plant with a celta inside. Once someone touches it, the flower turns to gold. The way back was a lot smoother than our ride from the castle. It was particularly odd having people pointing and waving as we passed by houses and stores that were built mostly of the same decorative stone that made up most of the castle walls. So far, from what I could see, this kingdom appeared to be very prosperous.

Once we entered the castle, I wiped my sweaty hands on my dress. The Inner Kingdom clothes are hardcore. After all, I have put my dress through, it is still in one piece.

"I can't believe we are going to meet the king," I whispered to my sisters as we started walking down a long corridor.

The orbs of energy illuminating the hall glowed brighter than the ones that led to our room. Even the walls were more decorative with stones that changed colors from gold to silver, reminding me of the wings of that bird.

"Hey, whatever happened to that bird?" April broke the silence, voicing what I was actually thinking.

"Inda is a rare phoenix bird. There's not many like her. Her gold and silver feathers turn orange and red whenever there is an evil threat approaching," Nolin answered as he continued to walk.

"How old is she? I've read that phoenixes can live for a long time."

Leo stopped walking to turn around and face April. "How do you know about the sacred bird?"

"There are many books about mythical creatures on Earth. I found them fascinating for some strange reason."

"Interesting," Nolin muttered, as he continued to walk down the hall. "To answer your query, she is an ancient bird that is rumored to date back as far as the first records of the dragon warriors. For each set of dragon warriors, she chooses a watcher to locate them and teach them how to control their powers. She only communicates with that chosen watcher.

"That's you, isn't it?" Ashley stated.

"Yes, I was chosen a long time ago to be the watcher of the previous warriors."

"And now you are ours," I stated wondering exactly how old he really was. "Has that ever happened before, one person being the watcher for two sets of dragon warriors?"

"No, it has not," he admitted. "But my duties are not yet complete."

The air around us was charged with unanswered questions as we made our way toward the king's chamber. I was lost in thought as I stared down at my makeshift sandal that I tied in a knot around my calf since I broke the strap that was holding it in place.

"What an honor it is to see the legendary dragon warriors gracing me with their presence," a smooth, melodic voice called out snapping my attention toward the sound, which led me to see Raven.

"The honor is not intended for you," the prince stated rudely. "My father has requested an audience with the dragon warriors."

Raven stood between two women who had skin as dark as mine. One was tall with long curly hair, and the other was rather short and plump.

April pulled me and Ashley closer when she saw the two women with Raven. "That's Anna and Nera; they are the ones who helped me when we first arrived."

"You are always so cruel to your only aunt. I am hurt."

"Don't be. I am actually quite hospitable at the moment. If you don't mind, we have a meeting to get to."

April waved at the two women standing beside Raven. The tall one was the only one who smiled and waved back as the other one just glared at everyone.

"Try to stay far away from those two," Leo spoke in a low tone, stepping up from behind us. "They are Raven's personal helpers. When she volunteered them to help with your ceremony, we knew she was up to something.

"It is very rude to whisper about someone behind their back," Raven accused, stepping closer to us. It was at that moment I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that brought me to my knees.

Ashley and April soon followed, as I begin to feel a wave of anger, jealousy, sadness, and loneliness wash over me at the same time. It ended as soon as it began, leaving my sisters and me a shaken up mess, curled in a fetal position on the floor.

Raven backed away as if we were contagious. "What is wrong with them? Are they rabid?"

"You didn't feel that?" Leo questioned, looking at her strangely as he visibly shivered. "Nolin what was that?"

"Nothing good," Nolin responded, leaning on his gold cane.

Leo helped me to my feet, and for once I did not protest.

"I feel sick," April murmured holding her stomach.

"Calm down, April. It's okay. Just take deep breaths," I instructed, rubbing her back while Ashley fanned April's face with her hand.

"What is going on?" I demanded.

"I have my thoughts, and I see I am about to have them confirmed," Nolin replied, looking over our shoulders.

Turning around to see what had his attention, I saw four heavily armed guards coming our way. They spread apart to let through a man wearing an outfit similar to the prince with a hood that covered his face.

The person fell down to one knee in front of Nolin. "Elder, I come with urgent news."

"Stand up and introduce yourself," Nolin ordered motioning toward the hooded guy.

The young man looked to be in his late teens, if not early twenties. I was not surprised by his devious classic bad boy look; the long dark hair framing a pale face, with trouble written in his deep blue eyes. No, what shocked everyone was what April said next.

"Ghost boy?"
The Recognition

Location: Royal Hall

◑ April ◐

The guy just stood there staring at me unblinking. As if he hadn't been following me when I was back on Earth. The more he stood there unmoving, I was beginning to think I was going crazy, but the way everyone else was staring at us, I knew he wasn't just a figment of my imagination.

"Do you know him?" Angie asked, looking at the boy, I had come to believe was a ghost.

"Yes, I thought he was a ghost, but now I see he isn't."

"Apologies, I have not had the pleasures of meeting you before," the guy stated, removing the hood from his head. "My name is Rṓgaire, and you are?"

"These young ladies are the dragon warriors, and he is my assistant," Nolin explained.

"And my son," Raven added, reminding everyone that she was still there. "What news do you bring?"

"From this point on, this matter is an official royal guard matter. I'm afraid you will have to bid your goodbyes," Leo said, glaring at her.

"Very well. We will talk later, son." With a smile on her face, she touched her son's face and then continued walking down the hall.

"I am very interested in hearing what you have to say, but I am afraid I already know what it is," Nolin stated, leaning more and more on his cane.

"Elder, Inda's wings have turned red."

"Then it is what I have feared. This doesn't give us much time to prepare."

Leo stepped in front of Nolin, his presence demanding attention. "As captain of the guard, I need to know what's happening."

"Jewel has awakened, and what we just felt was pure evil."

"That can't be. I thought we had more time."

"As did I. It will take some time for her to regain her strength, but with the upcoming enchanted moon, it may be enough to speed up her recovery process and cut our time in half."

"What is an enchanted moon?" Angie asked, interrupting their conversation.

"As you have witnessed Eupai has two moons and two suns," Rṓgaire clarified. "Once every century, the two moons will unite, causing the moons to become one. When this occurs, it is said to become a power source, which Jewels can use to her advantage."

"This world just keeps getting better the more I get to know it," Angie sarcastically said.

I heard everything they were saying, but I could not take my eyes off of the boy who I had believed was a ghost. Unable to just let it go, I said, "I know I have seen you before."

"Maybe you saw him at the ceremony," Ashley reasoned.

"That cannot be. I have just returned from official royal duties not too long ago," the guy in question explained.

"We have more important problems to worry about than where you have seen him," Prince Leev motioned toward Rṓgaire.

"No, I have seen him on Earth at the school, and also on the bus."

That statement grabbed everyone's attention, causing all eyes to be on me.

"I don't remember ever seeing anyone like him at our school. Have you?" Ashley admitted, turning to Angie.

"Me neither." The look Angie was giving me reminded me of how I felt for the past three days we were on Earth.

"It was like I was the only one that could see him. I know I sound insane, but I know what I saw."

Ashley continued to study Rṓgaire. "I know I would remember seeing someone who looks like him at school, or on the bus."

"Wait a minute, I can prove it. I saw it the other day, there is a dragon tattoo on his ankle."

"How does she know about your apprentice mark?" Nolin turned toward his assistant requiring an immediate answer.

"Okay, something isn't right here. I believe my sister," Angie spoke up before Rṓgaire could respond. "Someone needs to tell us the truth. We deserve it."

I did not want to believe that Nolin had lied to us. For some reason, the thought alone was enough to make me upset.

After what felt like an eternity of silence, Nolin's long sigh was all I needed to know that he was hiding something from us. "You are correct in your assumptions; there is something I did not attend for you to find out."

"Elder you must not," Rṓgaire protested standing in front of him. "At least wait until tomorrow's eve."

I was unable to stand it anymore. They owed us an explanation. "What happens tomorrow?"

"Is there something you need to tell me as well?" Leo questioned, looking almost as confused as my sisters and me.

"I've always wanted this to be their decision. This was meant to happen," Nolin muttered. "Tomorrow's eve is when the door to Earth closes, and will remain so for another hundred years."

"You mean we could have been home by now?" Ashley whispered angrily.

"That was not your home. This is where you belong," Prince Leev tried to persuade us, but I don't think any one of us was willing to listen to anything they had to say anymore.

"On Earth, there is a saying, 'Home is where your heart is.'" I said while choking down tears. "My heart isn't here."

"We are leaving now. You have lied to us, and you even had someone stalking us back home."

"I was there to find you; I didn't know you were the ones until I felt the power surge during one of your games," Rṓgaire tried to clarify.

"You sent him to the Earth world? Why wasn't my father consulted before you executed your plan?" The prince complained. "I know he would have chosen someone else to perform that task."

"It was your father's idea."

The prince looked confused and hurt at the same time. "Why didn't he tell me about this?"

"Or me?" Leo interjected. "I am the captain of the guards and that was a very important matter."

"I only have one question. Why was I the only one that could see you? You had me thinking I had lost my mind," I accused.

"I am not sure; I was given a celta to give me the ability of invisibility, to make it easier for me to look for you. The portal just led me to the place filled with people with no direction as to which ones were the dragon warriors," Rṓgaire looked exhausted.

"I believe I know the reason you could see him at times. The dragon warrior of nature also possesses the power to see through celtas. It is very rare," Nolin speculated, looking a little sad, while he regarded me.

"But I also had witnessed him disappear at times," I recalled the moment right before I fainted.

"In times where you have used much energy, for instance, the power surge he felt, that would have been enough to cause your powers to weaken. This could be the reason he appeared to be a ghost."

"So you were on Earth? Is that where you were just coming from?"

"Yes, before I was to leave, I had to speak with Nanina and Machen, and give them a chance to turn themselves in." Rṓgaire rubbed his hands through his hair, making him appear even more rugged.

"So they know we are here? Where are they?"

"I searched all over, but wherever they were was highly shielded. I wasn't able to locate them."

"I believe we need to move this conversation to the King's chamber," Leo whispered as two helpers walked by watching us curiously.

As soon as the women were out of sight, Angie began to speak her mind, and neither Ashley nor I tried to stop her. "We are going home now! I can't believe I was beginning to consider the things you were telling us!"

"You can't go back now." Leo stopped Angie from turning around by grabbing her hand.

"Why not?" Angie countered, snatching her arm away.

"Because the doorway is closed for today. It will return for the last time on the morrow with the rising of the suns," Rṓgaire answered.

"How can we believe you? You lied to us the moment we met you."

"You had witnessed yourself when you were first brought here. The portal was just beginning to close. Once you arrived here, the door did not open again until today."

Judging by the expressions on my sisters' faces I could tell none of us wanted to believe him, but for now, we had no other choice.

"Then we will be in our room waiting because the moment I see a hint of light in the sky, we will be leaving," Ashley said in a tone that made it clear to everyone that there was no point in arguing.

Ignoring the complaints and mad faces, I followed my sisters who had already started moving away from the king's chamber and the people responsible for bringing us here.

After walking around for about an hour, we finally found the room. Once inside, we found that we had someone waiting for us.

"Welcome, I had the helpers prepare food," Mina smiled, gesturing to the table in the corner, covered with food and tea cups. "You must be very tired after training today."

I wanted to ask her how she was doing, but there was a more pressing matter to address. "Did you know about the portal?"

The sudden disappearance of Mina's smile from her face was answer enough.

"I trusted you. I thought at least you would tell us the truth."

"I have just found out about this myself today from my father."

"Then why didn't you tell us the minute you knew?"

"I know it was selfish of me, but I wanted you to find out more about yourselves and this world. Your world."

"If we leave or stay is our decision to make!" Ashley exclaimed. "If it weren't for April recognizing that Rṓgaire guy, we would've never known the truth."

The color seemed to drain from her face at the mention of Nolin's assistant's name. "All of you have met him? He is dangerous, and worst of all, he's Raven's son. I don't know why my father made him his assistant."

"That is not our problem."

Mina began to step closer to us. "Do not trust him, or anything he says. Nothing good can come from Raven's offspring."

"And why should we listen to you now? I believe you should just go," Angie pointed towards the door.

Looking dejected, Mina slowly made her way toward the door. "Just remember that everything I have done was to help you."

"I guess this is goodbye since we are leaving first thing tomorrow morning," I informed her as we parted for her to leave.

Mina opened her mouth to say something and then closed it again, deciding against it.

It may have been my imagination, but I could have sworn I saw tears coming down her face as she left the room, closing the door behind her.

"Now what do we do?" I asked to no one in particular.

"We wait," Angie answered.
The Evaluation

Location: The Castle

◑ Ashley ◐

After sending Mina away, there was nothing left to say, not even to one another. We were finally going to be able to leave and return home. I just wondered why I wasn't as happy as I thought I would be.

Since we did not have anything to pack, we picked at the food Mina had prepared and waited.

I must have gone to sleep while waiting, judging by the lack of light shining through the window Leo created.

Lifting my head up off the bed, I could see that April was asleep beside me on the bed, and Angie must have dozed off as she sat on top of the dresser as she wanted to be the first one to see the sunrise.

Unable to lie still, I decided to take a short walk so I could think.

Carefully putting my sandals on, I tiptoed out of the room, gently closing the door behind me. I knew it had to be really late. Due to the darkness of the sky outside the room window, there was one thing that confused me, I don't remember climbing any stairs the entire time I've been here, and yet the view from the room window suggests that it is high up. When I looked from the window earlier, all the people below looked like ants.

I guess it doesn't matter since I won't be coming back here ever again.

I continued walking down the halls, and since I had nothing better to do, I tried to use my energy to find the celtas drawn into the walls. I was surprised by how many there were. After getting bored with finding celtas, I started seeing what each one did.

I saw the one shaped like a tree hid things such as doorways, and the ones shaped like a bird hid windows and mirrors. There was another one I did not recognize, and this one was shaped like a crown.

As I transferred energy into the celta to activate it, nothing happened. I thought maybe whoever designed it did not finish it yet. Then the hall I was in flickered as if someone was changing the channels on my surroundings. The stones went from gray to gold and silver, and the lights grew brighter, as well as the floor seemed to be covered with gold carpet instead of the silver colored one I was just standing on.

When the scene completely changed, my stomach dropped as if I was on an elevator. Clinging onto the now gold and silver wall, I tried to regain my balance.

"How are we going to convince the girls to stay?" I heard a voice sounding like the prince coming from a room up ahead.

Letting my curiosity get the best of me, I strode quietly, closer to the doorway, trying my best to stay hidden while I peeked inside.

"Let's not focus on them; there will be a war very soon that we need to prepare for," a huge burly man said with a long flowing gold robe and a heavily jeweled crown on his head. The entire air around this guy screamed royalty. No doubt about it, he must be the king.

"Father, without them, we might as well hand over Eupai to Jewel. Bain's last word says that the dragon warriors will unite the land."

"Then, if you believe so much in the foretelling of the future of the previous warrior, my uncle, spoke about long ago, why are you so worried?" the king spoke in a deep voice.

Uncle? Nolin never said that the prince was related to one of the previous dragon warriors. I would think that would be something the prince would be bragging about to everyone.

"It's just so hard to sit back and do nothing. Maybe we can call a council meeting."

I could see the prince pacing the floor while his father sat down in a large gold chair with a heavy thud. I thought the King would be a frail little guy, but he appeared to be quite healthy.

My opinion changed rather quickly when I heard the string of coughs coming from the king. When it finally ended, the king was left gripping the edge of his chair.

From the angle the king was sitting at, he could easily see me, so I moved a little away from the doorway, but I was still close enough to hear.

"What do you expect will happen once the other kingdoms find out that the daughters that we were responsible for returning home have chosen to stay on Earth? " The king asked in a raspy voice due to his recent coughing fit.

"There must be something we can do?"

All of a sudden, the room became quiet. Wondering if they had gone deeper into the room, I moved closer to the door only to see the prince staring at me.

"This is not what it looks like. Well, maybe it is what it looks like, but I didn't mean to listen in on your conversation at first," I continued to mumble, not knowing how to react as the prince stood silent.

"Escort the shadow in, son," The king bellowed from inside the room.

I couldn't be that thoughtless, but the shadow cutting through the light in the hall proved to me that I was.

"Actually, we have more than just a shadow," the prince finally spoke guiding me in the room. "Let me introduce to you the dragon warrior of the Sapphire Kingdom.

The room was much bigger than the one we were sleeping in. On one side was a complete bedroom, and on the other side, was what looked to be an office.

A little confused on how to greet the king, I just bowed the way we did at the ceremony. "Nice to meet you. My name is Ashley."

It must have been the right thing to do since the king's eyes lit up with a smile. "So this is what the entire buzz in the castle is about?"

"Where are your companions?" The prince asked, looking back out in the hallway.

"They are back in the room ready to leave at the first sight of dawn," I answered truthfully.

Even though what I had just said was true, it felt wrong saying it in front of a sick king that looked at me with such a hopeful expression.

"So, you didn't come here because you have changed your mind?"

"Actually, I got bored just sitting in the room and decided to walk around some, and I saw a celta I hadn't seen before, so I activated it, and it led me here."

"This was meant to be. I hate to think that you would have gone back without me being able to meet you," the king laughed hoarsely. "I would greet you properly, but as you can witness for yourself, I have been a little down lately."

"That's not a problem. I was wondering if you have been to a doctor about that cough if you do not mind me asking."

"We have had the best healers in the Inner Kingdom come and prescribe medicine for his coughs and fatigue."

"Those are symptoms. Has anyone found the cause for them?"

Before the prince could respond, the king started to spasm with the ferocity of his coughs.

"We need to get him to his bed," the prince instructed without giving me a choice. "Help me get him to his bed; he has exhausted his self today while preparing to meet you and your companions."

Feeling lower than what I was when I walked into the room, I helped him move the king to his bed. The room was nice and warm, but the king was burning up.

"You need to undress him," I ordered the prince.

His response to my demand was a "she's insane" look.

"I know it may sound weird, but your father has a fever, and we need to get his temperature down."

The king tried to tell us something, but all that came out of his mouth was a few incoherent words.

"He needs water."

"There is a glass on the table; usually, the helpers will leave a pitcher of water."

"I will look for the water. You just undress him."

Looking around the massive room, I didn't see any pitcher. I looked at his desk and also the tables beside his bed. Nothing.

Remembering the incident at the ceremony, I wondered if I could find the water that way. Relaxing my mind, I stood in the middle of the room and let the energy spread. On the shelf of one of the king's bookshelves, I saw a small stream of water coming toward me. I then saw the pitcher sitting on the shelf with a cloth draped over it.

"I've found the water," I cheered. I was so excited I just pulled more water to me, until I was cupping enough water in the palm of my hands to form an orb the size of a tennis ball.

Carefully taking the water to the king's glass beside his bed, I could see that the prince had finished undressing the king, and was pulling the covers up to his chest.

"Do you mind handing me the glass?" I urgently asked, not sure on how long I could hold the water together.

"You really are the Sapphire dragon warrior," the prince said while holding out the glass. "You can heal him."

"I'm sorry, but I don't know how. When I supposedly healed my sister, I wasn't even aware that I had done it."

"My father believes in you," he muttered, looking at me for once not as a spoiled rich boy, but as a son seeking help for his father.

"I will try."

Focusing on the sphere of water in my hands I closed my eyes and did the one thing I could think of to do. Pray.

"What are you doing?"

"I really don't know," I admitted with my eyes still closed.

The prince's voice sounded a little odd. "That's strange because something is happening to the water."

That caused me to open my eyes just in time for me to see the last section of clear water turn dark blue

Slowly moving the water out of my hands into the glass, I watched the water remain dark blue after entering the glass.

"Will this heal him?"

"I don't know, but I believe it will help."

With trembling hands, he lifted his father's head up, and with one glance my way, he began to drizzle some of the water into his mouth. Soon, the king was able to grab ahold of the glass and began to drink the remaining water in the glass.

The king tried to talk again, but the prince just quieted him and ordered him to rest. Closing his eyes, the king seemed to quickly drift off to sleep.

"Does he usually go to sleep that fast after one of his coughing fits?" I questioned a little concerned that I might have poisoned him.

"Even though he has been weak for almost two weeks, he has found it very difficult to sleep, due to all of the pain he has been suffering from."

Moving closer to the bed, I leaned over and put my finger underneath his nose to make sure he was still breathing. Yep, I could feel the slow stream of air exiting from his nostrils.

"What is the reason for that?" The prince asked, watching me with fascination. "Is that another part of your healing process?"

"Yeah, it's called make sure the patient is still alive," I laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

"That's not funny."

"I know. He seems to be breathing steadily. I think he needs to rest. Just in case, I would send for a professional healer to check him out," I suggested right before the prince engulfed me in a big hug.

The hug was very brief and not completely what I expected from the guy who came on to me during the ceremony. I didn't notice it earlier, but the prince appeared drained as I could make out the beginning of dark circles forming around his gray eyes.

"No problem, by the way, you never told me that you are related to the previous dragon warrior," I blurted out, feeling a little self-conscious after the hug.

I was surprised to see that the prince actually looked embarrassed by that fact. "Yes, it's not something I convey to strangers."

"I'm not a stranger now."

The Prince then moved so close to my face that our noses were almost touching. "I suppose."

The prince moved away to go stand beside his father's desk, leaving me to catch the breath I had lost as soon as he came near.

Keep it together, Ashley. Remember, you are leaving tomorrow. Do not get attached!

Even though I knew I needed to return to my sisters, I just could not help myself from following the prince to the desk.

"The dragon warrior of earth was my father's, father's brother. This makes him my great-uncle. My grandfather founded the Inner Kingdom because of my great-uncle's dream of unity."

"He sounds amazing," I said before a yawn escaped my mouth. "Sorry, I guess I am a little sleepy.

"It must be pretty late at the moment. Let me walk you back to your room," The prince offered.

"If you don't mind, I would like to make it back to the room before Angie discovers I'm gone."

"It would be my pleasure, Ashley," The Prince playfully bowed, startling me with the way his behavior now contrasted with my first impression of him.

"Thank you, Prince."

"Leev."

"What?"

"You can call me Leev from now on, or at least until morning," he joked without smiling, holding his hands out to me.

"Prince, we come with critical news," a man announced, causing me to snatch my outreached hand away from Leev's as Rṓgaire and Nolin entered the king's chamber.

As soon as Nolin saw me, a light lit in his eyes, as he quickly scanned the room for my sisters.

"It's just me. They are still back in the room," I explained as his face scrunched in confusion.

"There's no time for pleasantries," Rṓgaire apologized to me as he turned to Leev. "The palace is under attack."

"Get me Leo, and sound the alarm to prepare the guards. Now!" Leev instructed, his demeanor changing from a charming young man to an intimidating future ruler.
The Action

Location: The Castle

◑ Angie ◐

Every time I wake up, it seems to be at the sound of someone knocking. I realized that this time I was not in a warm bed, and my face was pressed against a cool surface.

When I opened my eyes, all I could see was two giant moons illuminating the night sky, and tiny lights below that startled me so bad, I hurriedly scooted away from the glass so fast that I fell backward onto my head off of the dresser.

Pulling myself up from the floor, the pain I felt on my neck made me feel sorry for the person knocking on the other side of the door.

Stumbling through the darkness in the room, I finally made it to the source of the noise.

Putting on my most irritated face, I opened the door to find Leo on the other side...again.

"Why does it always have to be you?" He sighed heavily backing away from the door.

"My sentiments exactly. Why are you here?" I questioned, feeling like I was having a déjà vu moment.

"I don't know what possessed me to come here," he muttered, starting to turn around and then changed his mind. "I am here to try to talk some sense into you and your sisters."

"Okay, talk." I gestured for him to continue while leaning against the door of the room after closing it softly behind me.

My response must have shocked him since he just stared at me speechless. "You're not going to dispute me?"

"I am too tired to argue with you right now. I will give you five minutes to talk."

"All right, I am going to get straight to the point. I want you to reconsider returning to Earth."

"That was very precise, and it deserves a clear-cut answer. No," I responded, turning my back to him to go back into the room.

"How can you just ignore your sense of duty to your world? What about the family you will be leaving behind? They are expecting to see you again one day. If you leave, you will never see your real parents."

No matter how hard I told myself not to listen to him, and to just walk away and close the door, I could not make my hand turn the doorknob. "What do you expect from us? We were taken away from the only home we have ever known and brought into this world where we are told that this entire world is depending on us to bring peace. In less than twenty-four hours I will be eighteen, and back on Earth, I will just be another girl trying to get into a good college. Not a girl literally carrying the weight of a world on her shoulders."

"I understand that this must be difficult."

"No, you don't understand. In two days, you expect us to turn our backs on everything we have been raised to believe is true, and then trust in a destiny that was told to us by someone who tried to trap us here."

"You must understand why he did it. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and listen to reason. Your world is no longer about you or your sisters." Leo stepped closer to me, forcing me to look up into his face. "How do you think Nolin feels knowing that your parents entrusted their babies to him to keep safe, and he in return handed the dragon warriors over to people, who would soon come to betray their own world?"

"What would you do if you were in my situation?" I asked deflated and confused by the many emotions going through me.

"I'm not going to say I wouldn't be angry. You have every right to be upset, and I know Nolin regrets ever lying to all of you," he stated backing away with his eyes still on me. "I believe you already know what to do, and in the end, you will do what's right. At least that is what I would do."

Before Leo could completely turn around, a loud shrill filled the air.

"What is that?"

"It's the emergency alarm. Something is wrong. I must go at once."

"Wait a minute. I am going, too." I yelled back.

Before I could open the door to get my sisters, I found April already in the doorway. "What's going on?"

"I don't know. Leo says there is an emergency. Where is Ashley?" I screamed above the loud noise as I looked into an empty room.

"I thought she was out here with you."

"There is no time to explain anything at the moment. We need to go now!" Leo commanded, already sprinting down the hall.

Exchanging short glances, we quickly took off behind him as he activated a celta that opened a portion of the wall leading to a long spiral staircase.

"Where are we going?" I yelled as the siren continued to wail.

"The guard's station," Leo responded without looking back as we descended down the stairs. The door closed behind us, shutting out the sounds of the alarm.

Peeking over the side of the stairs, it appeared to be a long way down, but as soon as I had taken about ten steps, I was already putting my foot down on the bottom floor.

Looking behind me, I realized what seemed like a long way down now appeared to be a lengthy journey back up. The room we had entered was filled with heavily armed men who parted for Leo as he plodded his way through the sea of armor. Up ahead, I could see the prince, and as I got closer, I could see Ashley standing beside him.

It did not take long for Ashley to spot us coming towards her. She met us halfway, giving both of us a big hug, as we examined one another.

"I was afraid something had happened to you when you weren't in the room," I confessed.

"I am fine. I was with Leev and his father, and then all of a sudden he was told the castle was under attack."

"Hold on, Leev? Are you calling him by just his name now? How long was I asleep?"

I did not like the blush that was beginning to spread across Ashley's face. "That is not important right now. The castle is under attack."

At that moment, a loud whistle filled the air, quieting the guards around us.

"As you all must know by now, Queen Jewel has awakened, and it hasn't taken her very long to strike," Leo's voice roared through the quiet room. "I want several men to go ahead and help the guards stationed in the towns to help evacuate the remaining people into the castle."

Without questions, a third of the men in the room disappeared up the stairs.

"Now, I will need the rest of you to suit up and prepare for battle, Jewel is too weak to attack us directly, so we know she must have sent some of her underlings to fight for her. There is no longer time for training. It is time for action. Will you fight for the kingdom?"

The battle cry coming from the guards was even more deafening than the alarm in the hall.

The men begin to grab weapons off of the walls behind the Prince that I did not recall seeing when I first came in.

"What should we do?" April asked, stepping toward Nolin.

"It would be best if you stayed hidden until the battle is over," Rṓgaire answered for Nolin appearing out of nowhere.

"As much as it pains me to admit it, he is right. Jewel knows you are here, and she can feel that your powers are weak, that is the only reason why Jewel would react so quickly," Leo added unsheathing a sword at his side to inspect the blade. "Nolin, I will need you to go to the king and take the dragon warriors with you."

"I don't like this. Are you sure you don't need our help?" I asked, stepping closer to Leo. "It looks as if you could use us."

"If you want to return back to the Earth world alive, I suggest you go with Nolin."

"No."

"Why don't you ever do what you are told?"

"Because I am stubborn, and also you told me that I should do what's right, so I am."

"Count us in, too." Ashley insisted stepping beside me, along with April. "We can't let you be the only one doing the right thing. Are you trying to make us look bad?"

Rubbing his hands over his face, Leo finally relented as he saw that we were not going to run and hide. "Rṓgaire bring me some armor for them."

Rṓgaire quickly left and returned with three gold belts. As we each took one from him, I was wondering what we were supposed to do with these shiny over-sized belts.

"Just put the belts on."

Still maintaining our doubts, we did as we were instructed. Needless to say, they were about three sizes too big. All of a sudden, the belts began to tighten and spread rapidly up and down the length of our bodies. When the belt stopped growing, I turned to my sisters to see that the belt had transformed into a full-body armor suit, which molded to our figures.

"There are so many things I want to ask. Number one being, what happened to our dresses? But I have a feeling you are just going to tell me that there is no time for questions."

"I'm glad you understand the situation we are in," Leo countered with a hint of a smile on his face. "Rṓgaire, escort them to the castle's wall."

"I thought you said we would be able to help."

"You will be able to help from afar. From the castle's wall, you will be able to see the battle and provide moral support to the men fighting for you until you are strong enough to fight for them."

I wanted to argue with him, but I knew it was pointless. Looking at my sisters, I could tell that they were not happy with his decision either.

"I have made sure that all of the men are suited up and ready," the prince interjected now suited in full-body armor himself. "Word has spread that we are under attack by three unicus, and they are quickly approaching the castle's wall."

"Unicus?" April looked just as curious as I was.

"There is no time to explain. Rṓgaire, go ahead and escort them out, and let no harm come to them," Leo ordered, making it clear that there was a hidden threat in his statement."

Rṓgaire gestured for us to follow him as he went toward the stairs and activated a celta that was well blended into the railing. After the celta had disappeared, we continued to follow him up. Once we reached the top of the stairs, I was stunned yet again when I stepped right into the fresh night air.

Stepping through the door, I realized that we were high up on the castle's wall, and could see the people below rushing into the castle.

"Follow me," Rṓgaire ordered steadily walking down the length of the wall, unfazed by the chaos below.

After walking for about five minutes, I finally saw what we were up against. Standing not too far away from the wall was three giant black horses with wings and a long sharp pointy white horn. The mane around their head and legs were wild and long, as they struck the ground with their front hooves. Even from where I was high up on the wall, I could see the gleaming light coming from their red eyes.

"Is that a unicus?" April muttered backing away from the wall with fear in her eyes.

"Yes, usually they are peaceful, solitary creatures. We have never had a problem with them before, but somehow Jewel must have made them an offer they could not refuse," Rṓgaire explained, looking down at them with disgust.

"And to think I wanted one of those when I was a little girl," I joked.

"Bring out the dragon warriors!" A loud voice roared cutting through the night like thunder.

Trying to see who made the sound, I realized it was coming from the lead unicus that stood higher than the other two behind it. I could barely make out the guards below as they surrounded the creatures.

"You can make this easier for yourselves if you just hand over the dragon warriors!" The creature continued to demand.

"I couldn't hear the answer that they received, but judging by the sudden ear-splitting battle cry coming from the guards, I knew what the response was.

The battle had begun. I don't believe that I will ever be able to forget the sounds of that were rising up from below.

No matter how many guards attacked the beasts, they never showed any signs of being injured. The clash of swords against what sounded like metal was actually the sides of the unicus and their horns. It was like they were mechanical, super-steel robots; then came the screaming as the creatures trampled over guards and pierced them with their horns.

A glowing sword stood out amongst the shiny armor as I made out Leo's solid figure lunging at the creatures, using his energy to make his blows even more powerful.

I couldn't watch the scene any longer. "They need our help down there. How do I get down?"

"Leo will have me killed if I let you on the battlefield," Rṓgaire protested.

"Not if he dies first. How can I get down?"

"I can't voluntarily let you down."

"Then how about involuntary?"

"I guess there is nothing I can do if you knocked me out, and discovered how to use the transport celta," he stated pointing toward a giant drawing of two moons about a foot away from us on the floor.

As soon as he turned back around from showing us the celta, I put everything I got into my right fist, laying him down hard on the floor. "I'm glad you see things my way."

"What did you do that for?" Ashley exclaimed, running to Rṓgaire to see if he was still breathing.

"I had to make it believable. Now, let's go."

Standing on the celta, I held my hands out to my sisters. Ashley quickly grabbed my hand, but April hesitated as the battle sounds seemed to grow louder.

"Come on, we need to hurry."

Slowly she began to walk toward the celta. "I'm scared."

"Me, too," I admitted as I activated the celta that swiftly led us in the middle of the battlefield.

All sounds ceased as everyone realized our presence.

I instantly spotted Leo, the angry guy with a flaming sword coming our way. Before he could make it to us, we were confronted by the creatures.

"You have finally decided to come out of hiding," the largest of the creatures bellowed, stepping closer to us making the ground tremble underneath my feet. "I will make your death as painless as can be." Without any warning, the unicus opened its mouth, spewing fire out at us.

Instead of feeling afraid, the warmth coming from the fire seemed to give me strength as my energy began to merge with it, giving me complete control.

With the wave of my hand, the fire changed directions, surrounding the creatures in a wall of fire.

"I can't hold them forever! Someone needs to think of a way to destroy them!"

"April, you can control the earth. Try making a hole in the ground or something."

"I can't," April murmured backing away shaking her head.

"Yes, you can," Ashley assured her, drawing water from the grass around, leaving an entire area barren, but the liquid weapon she created worked perfectly as she threw it at the trapped creatures in my firewall.

"I can't! I just can't! April continued to chant as she stooped down on the ground hugging her knees.

Slowly I saw the ground moving around her, encasing her in a cocoon of hardened dirt.
The Destination

Location: The Battle Ground

◑ April ◐

My world became silent and gloomy as I found myself lost in my fear-filled thoughts. I just wanted to return to Earth, I missed the safety of my home, and even though I wasn't popular in school, I even missed my teachers and the sense of normalcy.

I began to drift deeper and deeper into the memories I had on Earth, with my sisters and parents. Then my memories started to change.

Pictures of Mina, Pearl, Nolin, and everyone else I had met since arriving, swirled around in my head. Causing me to debate with my inner self.

"I need to get up. I need to help everyone who is depending on me."

"Why should you help them? They are the ones who lied to you," a dark voice whispered in my ears.

"No, my sisters need me. I have to get up."

"You mean the sisters, who turned their backs on you when you needed them most?"

"We made an agreement, one that I agreed to."

"Did that agreement include isolating you, and laughing along with others at your expense?" the voice drawled as images of Ashley's smiling face, while the other students made fun of me, flashed through my mind.

"My sisters love me; they'll give their all to protect me," I said fiercely remembering the way Angie stepped toward the fire that was coming at them. "They have even helped me when I was injured."

The memories of Ashley healing my wound began to resurface. "It is my turn to help them."

Then I remembered what Nolin had taught us.

Arrogance, fear, jealousy, and anger... these emotions can take over your energy and taint your heart.

"I will not let that happen to me."

Allowing my energy to flow, I could see the unicus breaking through Angie's firewall and moving closer toward Ashley as she pierced their sides with her water spears.

As I looked closer at the creatures, I could see something glowing inside their neck, I couldn't believe what I was seeing; I had to let Angie and Ashley know. Opening my eyes, I was met with more darkness. Feeling the energy flow through me, I broke free from the dark bubble I was in.

"Stop throwing the spears! I know how to stop them!" I yelled out loud at Ashley.

"Welcome back. Just in case you have missed what's going on. These beasts are trying to kill us," Angie stated manipulating the fire to keep the unicus away from them and the guards.

I saw Leo out of the corner of my eye sneaking up to stab one of the creatures in the legs with his sword. Manipulating the ground under his feet, I moved him far away from them.

"Have you lost it? What part of they are trying to kill us do you not understand?" Angie yelled, still concentrating on controlling the fire, keeping the unicus from attacking.

"It's not them, Rṓgaire was right. This is not like them, they are being controlled."

"What are you talking about?" Ashley asked, straining to stay in control of the spears.

Everyone else on the battlefield was now mostly just watching as Angie and Ashley did most of the work. Looking around, I could see that Leo and the prince were keeping everyone back. Nodding my head at them, I let them know that we had everything under control... well, sort of.

"There are celtas embedded in their necks. I saw them."

"I don't see anything," Angie yelled, her energy depleting fast.

"Just trust me. Remember when we overloaded the path? Let's put our energy into breaking Jewel's hold over them. I know it's her."

Angie and Ashley shared a brief look at each other before they finally nodded their heads in agreement.

As Angie let go her control over the fire and Ashley dropped the water spears, I used my newfound abilities to encase the unicus legs into the hardened earth, as we all pulled our energy into our hands and forced it toward the creatures, putting more and more energy toward their necks.

Just when I thought I wouldn't be able to give any more energy, I heard three loud explosions before the skin on all three of the creatures began to crack and fall away, revealing a pure white horse with giant white wings, and a golden horn.

That was the last thing I saw before the little energy I had left began to leave me, and I fell into a deep sleep.

I awoke to the feeling of a wet sensation on my fingers. As I tried to wipe it, something grabbed ahold of my hand.

"She's awake!" I heard Mina shout, calming down the fear I was beginning to feel. "Go get the king! They are all awake!"

Struggling to sit up, my joints felt like I had just run a marathon, and my throat was so dry, it pained me to swallow.

In opening my eyes, I found that I was back in the castle in our room. Turning my head to the side, I could see that Angie and Ashley were already sitting up in the bed.

"Good morning, sleepy head," Ashley joked, looking exactly the way I felt.

In trying to respond, I found that I could not speak.

"Here is some water," Mina offered, holding a glass in front of me to drink.

After drinking the water, she helped me sit up in bed alongside my sisters.

My vision began to become clearer the more I focused on my surroundings and with it, my memories.

"Did it work? Are the unicus okay?" I asked, trying to sit up a little more.

"It's okay. They are fine. Actually, they are waiting for you outside," Mina explained.

"Really?" Angie moaned as she tried to get out of the bed.

"You just had to have things your way," I could hear Leo's voice enter the room.

Moving my head away from Angie and toward the door, I could see Leo, the prince; Nolin, Rṓgaire, and the king enter the room.

"Yeah, like your way was any better," Angie joked wincing when she tried to move toward the edge of the bed.

"You are looking better," Ashley spoke up, as she saw the king stride into the room.

"It is all thanks to you. The Inner Kingdom is forever in the dragon warriors' debt," the king bowed.

"Wait a minute, what time of day is it?" Angie asked, causing the smiles on everyone faces around to disappear.

"You were unconscious for almost a half day."

"Is the portal still open?" Ashley questioned, causing the king and Nolin to look at each other before Nolin, finally answered. "For now, it is, but it won't be there for much longer."

"You said that the unicus are waiting for us?" I changed the subject, putting off the issue of returning home.

"Yes, but you can't meet them like this. You still need assistance just to sit up. Walking is out of the question," Mina fussed.

"We don't have to walk if someone would volunteer to carry us," Angie suggested looking at the young men in the room. I saw her wince a little when her eyes fell on the dark bruise peeking from behind Rṓgaire's long hair.

"That is a great idea. We have three strong and capable young men here," The king agreed, gesturing for the prince, Leo, and Rṓgaire to assist us."

As Rṓgaire stooped down in front of me to pick me up, I was afraid he would struggle a little, but he made it seem so effortless like I weighed nothing at all.

The prince was then able to help Ashley after I was moved. That just left Leo and Angie.

Angie was not one to just go quietly. "Don't get too happy because I let you hold me."

"I will try to contain my joy," I could hear Leo's response to her teasing.

It did not take long for us to reach the outside of the castle and spot the three unicus who were now snow white in color, with golden hooves and horn.

Galloping closer to us, the creatures bowed down on their front legs, lowering their horns to the ground in front of us.

"Thank you, if it weren't for you, we would have remained slaves to Queen Jewel."

"I'm just glad that you are okay."

The main unicus took his horn and rammed it into the ground, breaking it off. "I want to offer you this, as a token of our gratitude," the creature offered pushing it near us.

"I don't know if I can take your horn. It's so beautiful. Won't you miss it?"

"I insist," the unicus said, nudging the horn closer. "This will be a way for you to communicate with us whenever you may need us."

"There's something inside," I said aloud to no one in particular.

"Many have tried to kill for the medical miracles our horns can bring about. If you drink from the horn, it will heal your wounds and replenish your energy."

"Let me see that," Ashley demanded extending her hand out. "It doesn't look poisonous. I believe it is safe."

"To be given the horn of a unicus is a high honor indeed, and it is very rude to call their gift poison," Rṓgaire whispered to us.

"I'm sorry; we didn't mean to offend you," I apologized.

"Given your circumstances, your suspicion is warranted," the creature answered in a thunderous voice, which could have been mistaken for a laugh.

"There is only one way to find out," Angie stated taking the horn, and drinking a little from it.

"How is it?" Ashley wondered out loud.

"If you are looking for it to taste exceptionally well, you are going to be very disappointed. It tastes like plain water."

"I don't care about the taste. How do you feel?"

Stepping away from Leo, who silently watched everything along with everyone else. Angie's smile told me all I needed to know.

After Ashley, I drank from the horn as well. I also noticed that it seemed to shorten in length. "Is it just me or did this horn just shrink?"

"The horn can be filled to heal only four times, gradually decreasing in length as it is used. You have a choice, though; the horn can also be used to call us, whenever you find yourselves needing our assistance. No matter how small the horn maybe, as long as there is something left, we will hear your call."

"I'm sorry, but we find ourselves needing your help now. Do you mind taking us down to the weeping willow tree near the castle's wall?"

"That would not be a problem," the main unicus said, bowing even lower to the ground to allow us to get on their backs.

Leo, the prince, and Rṓgaire ran with the creatures until we finally came to a stop nearby the tree.

"Apologies warriors. This is as far as we can take you. The ground around that tree is very sacred, not even we can touch it."

"This is close enough, thank you." Grateful to the unicus, I hugged their necks.

"Don't forget to use the powers of the horn wisely," the main unicus warned, spreading its wings to fly off.

"Wait, what is your name?" I remembered to ask at the last minute.

"You can call me Vale." The giant unicus took off with the smaller ones trailing behind him.

"That can't be," I heard Rṓgaire and the others with us mutter in disbelief.

"What? Have you heard that name before?"

"Yes, it is the name of the most infamous fighter in all of Eupai that fought alongside the previous dragon warriors, after they died. He just seemed to vanish."

"Legends have it that he was blessed with the ability to assume human form," the prince continued. "There was also, a rumor that he was quite the womanizer."

"Wow, if Jewel can trick a mighty warrior like Vale in her weakened state, I hate to think what she will be capable of once her strength is fully restored," Leo added, looking toward us. "Are you sure you want to leave?"

There were no words to express how torn I was at the moment. So, I didn't answer him as I grabbed my sisters' hands and began to run toward the tree where the vortex was beginning to shrink.

"If we are going to leave, we have to do it now," Angie muttered tightening her grip on my hand.

As we ran toward the opening of the portal, it was like we hit a rubber wall, which bounced us back a good four feet through the air.

"What just happened? "Ashley voiced what the rest of us were thinking.

I walked slowly to the portal again and tried to put my hand through, but it just bounced back. "Maybe it won't let us go through."

"Having problems ladies?" I heard Rṓgaire behind me standing alongside Leo and the prince.

"Why can't we leave?"

"It is because you secretly want to stay," Rṓgaire said nonchalantly. "This tree is also called the Tree of Truth. That is why we use its image on the celtas that hide things because it is known to reveal the truth to others.

At that moment, I realized that I was not the only one, not wanting to go back. "So, are we just going to stand here and watch it close?"

"If what he says is true, I don't feel like being turned into a human ping-pong ball again," Angie laughed as we stood and watched the portal vanish before our eyes.

"Does this mean you are going to stay on this wretched planet?" Leo teased.

"Well, with us here, it will make this place a lot cooler," Angie replied.

From where I was standing, I saw something reflecting the rays of the suns inside the tree. "Angie, Ashley your things are still here!" I exclaimed excitedly, happy that not everything was gone that linked us to our home.

Angie and Ashley rushed underneath the tree, pulling out their long forgotten backpacks and coats.

"What is that?" Leo asked, coming closer to inspect the small black flip-phone Angie held in her hands.

"I never thought I would be so happy to see this ancient thing," Ashley smiled while kissing the phone.

Our parents were very cheap; the only phone they would consider forking up any money for was one that we could only use to text and make calls with.

"April, Ashley you will not believe this," Angie murmured now staring at the illuminated screen of her phone.

"What is it? Do you have a bar? Ashley joked walking toward Angie.

"No, but I do have a message."

"From who?"

"Mom and Dad."

"That can't be. Let me see," Ashley demanded, trying to snatch the phone away.

"I'll just read it," Angie announced, with a quiver in her voice. "Dear, my precious girls. If you are currently still in Eupai and are reading this message, then I see that you have made your decision. I know you have already been informed about our true identities, but please consider that all we have done, was to protect you because we love you. I know you have many questions for Machen and myself, but right now we are wanted for treason, and it is not safe for us to explain to you our reasons. Be safe, and we will meet again real soon. Yours Truly, Nanina and Machen. P.S. Happy Birthday."
