Calill burst out, "You look amazing! That's the best work I've drawn so far."
"You think so?" Emory blushed, "I like it too. Now for the final touch." In an instant, a long, flowing cloak of Arcane magik appeared over Emory's body, causing the dress to shimmer like a radiant gemstone. With the cloak over the top, scales popped and even gave her cloak a similar texture. In this form from certain angles, Emory looked like a spiritual dragon minus the head and claws. She bowed to the two other ladies, "Thank you for this. I very much like how I look with it on."
"You are indeed stunning," Elimine smiled, "Now, let's find your friend."
Emory furrowed her brow, "Who are you talking about?"
"Soren, silly," Elimine giggled.
"Are you trying to play matchmaker?" Emory stuck out her tongue, "Have I mentioned that we're in a war and I don't have time right now?"
Elimine chuckled, "Several times. And on the other hand, why do you think he's going back with you to deal with the scout ship? Any of us would have gone, but he volunteered as soon as Athos asked us. Just think about it, okay?" Emory rolled her eyes playfully but didn't reply one way or the other. The three ladies walked out of the room and back to the foyer before finally leaving through the front door.
Shadows of the city stretched far and wide as the star hung in line with the horizon. The streets were bustling, but the traffic was all headed in one direction. However, Emory didn't particularly like walking in crowds, so she extended a pair of wings from her cloak. After thanking Calill and Elimine again and saying her goodbyes, she shot off into the air. She floated along above the back of the crowd for a little while until another person appeared in the sky on the other side of the crowd. Quickly she flew towards the other figure and recognized Soren as the person in the sky. He was wearing a shiny black suit like a proper gentleman and stared sweetly at Emory as she approached.
"You look simply stunning this evening, Emory," Soren praised her, "I knew I'd find you in the skies instead of in the crowd. Are you ready to go? I can go get Athos."
Emory cleared her throat awkwardly, "I just we could see the light show first. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."
"Are you sure?" Soren wrinkled his face in confusion, "You were pretty adamant that you wanted to get back as soon as possible."
"I'm sure. Let's enjoy this moment," Emory blushed a little as she grabbed his hand.
"Okay then," Soren's face got red as well, "I hope you like it. Have you seen Illusion magik before?"
Emory shook her head, "No, but I heard a story that my father used it as well."
"Then prepare for a show like you've never seen before! Come on, let's go," Soren grinned as he tugged on Emory's arm. The pair shot across the sky like comets, leaving sparkling debris behind them as they flew. Since it was relatively close for them, they soared higher into the air. From the ground, it looked like an intricate dance between beings of pure magik. They spun around each other and created iridescent columns above the people that even caused some to stop and watch. Finally, the sky became truly dark, and they flew over to a tall building near the arena.
A few elderly couples greeted Emory and Soren as they landed. Once they found an open space, Emory waved her hand to create a small couch out of magik without hesitation. Just as they sat down, a flare exploded over the arena, signifying the beginning of the show. Shadowy, dark clouds appeared out of nowhere before a giant Mantoan and Elandrian stood before the clouds, engaging in combat between them. Emory was very confused for a moment until what she saw clicked. The illusions looked like holograms or projections in the sky; in a way it was both a movie and a fireworks show combined. As the figures continued to fight, bodies began to pile up around the sides.
Then an Uthid and another Elandrian appeared and began fighting next to the other two. More bodies piled up on the sides, but at least the piles looked about the same size. Finally, a Laxtros and a third Elandrian showed up; however, this is where things started to go wrong. The Elandrian pile began to grow faster while the Laxtros pile grew slower than all the rest. This continued until the heap of Elandrian bodies completely covered the three still fighting. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning crashed between the three sets of combatants and blinded the crowd. When the light dimmed, a dragon stood where the bolt had landed.
All the Apleem trembled as the dragon roared, sending a chill through the entire audience. With a swipe of its massive claw, it skewered the Mantoan and held it above its head before dropping the mantis into its mouth. Reinvigorated by the dragon's help, the three Elandrian hopped over the great beast to push back the Uthid and Laxtros. The dragon stomped one of its feet, which made the Elandrian jump back, and released a cone of flames from its mouth. The Uthid was completely consumed by the fire, and even the Laxtros was burned on its side. Now four against one, the spider was pushed back even further. Finally, the dragon spun around and cut through the Laxtros with its long tail like a hot knife through butter.
Emory stuttered, "Did they do that whole light show for me? Am I meant to save everyone?"
"No, not at all, though knowing you, you might end up doing just that," Soren chuckled, "No, what you've done is brought these people hope. That alone is the most precious gift we've received in a thousand years."
"Good. Your people deserve it. Anyway, it was a wonderful show; it reminds me of a fancy fireworks show back home," Emory smiled.
"I'm glad you liked it," Soren happily replied, "But it's getting quite late, we should head out for your outpost soon. Thank you for another wonderful evening."
Emory shook her head, "No, it's I who should be thanking you for another wonderful evening. Thank you for helping me relax and feel truly happy again. No matter what the future holds, I'll treasure these memories we made these last few days. But you're right; let's get Athos and go."
She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the sky again before he even had a chance to create his own wings. Once he did, they rocketed over to the Grand Hall and landed in front of the main doors after just a few minutes. But when she went to walk towards the entrance, he remained frozen.
"Is something wrong?" Emory asked, still holding his hand.
"Emory, I have to say something before we go," Soren paused while she turned back to face him, "I'm not very good with these sorts of things. But I'd regret it if something happens tomorrow and I didn't say this. You're a truly good and kind person, beautiful beyond compare, and a fierce friend. Spending time with you has opened my heart and made me believe in a real future once again. Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is." Then a soft finger pressed against his lips.
Emory leaned in and whispered, "I feel the same way." When her finger dropped, she pressed her lips against his, holding them there for what felt like an eternity to both of them. When she pulled away, Soren was frozen with his mouth ajar. "Let's go get Athos," she breathed to which he nodded as if he was in a daze.
Luckily, Athos was already waiting for them in the foyer. He narrowed his eyes at them and noticed that both of their cheeks were red. Still, he said nothing as they walked over to him. "Are we ready to get going?" he questioned, "We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
Emory gave a thumbs up and cheered, "Let's go. Time to meet Selena." The three locked hands, forming a little circle, before disappearing in a puff of smoke. When Emory's eyes adjusted, she no longer saw the Grand Hall or heard the crowd just outside its wall. These were replaced by solid stone structures and a few people patrolling the shelter. One of the guards immediately ran over to the trio.
"Lady Supreme!" the guard saluted, "We've been awaiting your return. Please make your way to the Command Center; I'll radio Lady Clarine and your commanders to let them know you're coming."
Emory nodded and led the two men through the outpost to the largest stone building. After making their way to the second floor and to a room filled with screens, they found Clarine, Innes, and Nephenee already there waiting for them. Emory quickly hugged the three before motioning to Sorem. "This is Soren, another member of the Five who will be helping us instead of Bramimond," she introduced him, "Soren, this is Clarine, Innes, and Nephenee, the leaders of this outpost."
Soren bowed slightly, "It's good to meet you all. I'm excited for the opportunity to fight alongside you."
"Before we get started on a battle plan, I have gifts and supplies to sort out," Emory said as she set her bag on the ground and pulled out everything, "Help me get this all split up and then we'll talk." Athos unpacked the armor Emory had gotten as well.
Emory passed the lance to Nephenee and the spiked fingerless gloves to Innes before returning the crate to its original size and unloading the jars and boxes. Without checking, Innes put on the gloves and started shadow boxing to feel their weight. However, once he charged them with magik, he started to grow bigger. Within a few moments, his back was pressed against the ceiling as he had to crouch to avoid punching through with his head. Everyone had a good laugh, even Innes, as he pulled back his magik and returned to normal size. After everything was on the table, Emory explained what all the supplies were. Clarine thought it would be a good idea to make battlefield kits, so while she left to get syringes and medical boxes, Athos showed Innes and Nephenee their new armor.
"Level five protection enchantment: Arcane. Active Skill: Redistribution."
"Level five protection enchantment: Arcane. Active Skill: Haste."
Athos elaborated, "The first armor is for you, Innes. Redistribution will allow you to move the impact of a heavy blow from one area to another. Basically, if you collide with another, you can add their power to your own. Nephenee, Haste will allow you to convert magik into a speed boost. You can use it to get out of a tricky situation or charge forward to another battlefield for reinforcement. Innes, let's check your purification."
Innes nodded, formed a bolt of magik, and fired it at Athos who caught and crushed it instantly. "Have I made good progress, Lord Athos?" Innes asked respectfully.
"Remarkable progress actually," Athos's eyes lit up, "You're already sixty percent pure! That's wonderful news."
Nephenee coughed, "Would you check mine as well please? I've already mastered level one and two." He nodded as she fired a bolt at him. When he crushed it, he was once again surprised by her progress.
"I wonder why you both have made such impressive strides forward. Nephenee, your purity is at thirty-one percent," Athos remarked, "I can also tell you've mastered true form. Congratulations!"
"Thank you, sir. We've been working very hard," Nephenee bowed slightly.
After Clarine came back with the supplies, they made emergency kits for the upcoming fight: a couple of each kind of small pills, three syringes of red liquid, one of blue, and one of yellow. Finally, they all sat down, so Emory could explain the attack plan. Innes and Nephenee, since they had the lowest effective levels, would fight the two Mantoan Emory had seen in her vision. Then she hesitated before informing Athos, Clarine, and Soren that they would each fight one of the Uthid while Emory alone would hold off Selena until the others finished their fights. Soren slammed his hands on the table, but Athos and Clarine simply smirked.
"You can't be serious, Emory!" Soren yelled, "You know how powerful she is. You can't do this alone!"
Emory crossed her arms, "This plan gives us the best chance of success. I've been tempering my body constantly for a week. I'm confident I can hold her off; you all just need to finish your fights quickly."
"I have faith in Emory," Athos beamed, "She grows unlike anyone I've ever come across. Spending time with her makes me believe in miracles."
"Just to be safe, we should meet them farther away from the shelter. I'll draw them in, and once they separate, we'll take out our targets," Emory directed the others.
With the gist of the plan established and the night getting late, they all decided to turn in for the night. Emory found her way to bed in the barracks with Athos, Clarine, and Soren. Surprisingly, she fell asleep quickly, exhausted and anxious for the Laxtros. But as she drifted off to sleep, the anxiety faded away as she finally found peace in her decision.