As Lilac follows Milla to the top deck, Neera heads back to the bridge. "Status report."

"Spade has tracked the Sigwada to the Southern Islands," the radio operator reports. "As per your orders, he's maintaining a safe distance."

"Excellent," Neera acknowledges. "Anything else?"

"There's something approaching the ship, ma'am," the radar operator warns.

"All hands to battle stations!" Neera commands. "Identify and neutralise!"

"I advise against that, ma'am," the radio operator interrupts. "It's King Dail, and he's hailing us."

"Ah… All hands, stand down," Neera orders. "Tell him I'll meet him on the top deck."


On the top deck, despite the light rain, Lilac and Milla are duelling to get used to how their new outfits behave in a combat situation. To an outsider, it looks like a fierce battle, but in truth, it's friendly sparring between friends; a keen observer would notice that both girls are enjoying themselves as they spar, their attacks deliberately aimed to miss.

After ten minutes, the girls decide they've sparred enough for now, and elect to rest for a while.

"That was fun!" Milla beams as she and Lilac find a spot to sit and rest.

"How's the new kit?" Lilac asks.

"The fabric pulls at my fur oddly, but other than that, it's pretty good," Milla answers.

"Yeah, I have that issue too," Lilac replies. "It's something we'll have to get used to, I guess."

"To be honest, it doesn't really bother‑" Milla pauses, her ears twitching. "Something's coming," she informs, lifting an ear to hear better.

Lilac's mood switches instantly to guarded. "Any idea what?"

Milla doesn't reply; instead, she dashes from their resting place to the rear deck. "Lilac!"

The dragoness sprints up to join Milla, spotting the approaching threat almost instantly. "Not again!"

Milla draws her sword and energises the blade. "And we'll send it packing, just like last time!"

Lilac prepares to charge a Dragon Boost, but then notices something that gives her pause. "Wait… Is that…? It is! It's King Dail!"

Milla de‑energises her blade. "Has he come to help?"

"Hopefully, but I don't want to be caught off‑guard, just in case he's succumbed to the Shade Virus again," Lilac answers. "We'll let him land but be ready to kick him off if he tries anything."

The girls remain guarded as King Dail lands his mount on the rear deck, dismounts, and bows respectfully. "Pardon my intrusions ladies, but Neera is expecting my presence."

Lilac and Milla exchange curious looks. "So, you're here to help?" the dragoness asks as Milla sheathes her sword.

"Of course," Dail confirms. "I've been following the reports ever since Corazon revealed herself at the museum opening, and when Neera contacted me yesterday to request reinforcements, I mobilised the Sky Battalion without delay."

"I probably should have warned you," Neera admits, joining Dail and the girls on the rear deck. "My apologies." She then turns to Dail and bows. "Welcome aboard, Your Majesty."

"And apologies for our wariness," Lilac adds, bowing with Milla. "It's just, with everything that's happened these last few days, it pays to be cautious."

"Understandable," Dail accepts. "The situation with Corazon is not to be underestimated. And please, don't worry about titles or formality: until this situation is resolved, I am simply a humble citizen looking to help."

"Help we are all very grateful for," Lilac smiles.

"If I may, where is the Sky Battalion?" Neera asks.

"An hour behind us and catching," Dail answers. "I flew ahead on Kujacker so we could have as much time as possible to organise the assault," he explains, referring to the robotic peacock that serves as his mount. "Speaking of Kujacker, I'd like to offer his services."

"With all due respect, I'm not sure you should join the assault," Lilac opines.

"I won't be joining the assault," Dail assures. "I'd be a hindrance more than a help, but that doesn't mean Kujacker must be side‑lined. In fact, if Milla's willing, she can take him as her mount."

Milla's eyes widen in surprise. "You mean...?"

"It will be my honour to have you ride Kujacker into battle," Dail bows.

Unable to contain her excitement, Milla throws herself at Dail and hugs him tightly. Dail is taken by surprise, but quickly recovers his composure and accepts the hound's warm hug.

A few moments later, the hug breaks. "Sorry," Milla blushes.

"Don't worry about it," Dail smiles. "Do you want a guide to how he works?"

"If you don't mind," Milla replies.

As Dail briefs Milla on how Kujacker works, Lilac comments to Neera, "Carol's going to be so jealous."

"That depends on if Mayor Zao has sent something special," Neera replies.

"Is he sending reinforcements too?" Lilac asks.

"No idea," Neera shrugs. "He sounded supportive, but I can never be certain with him."

"Tell me about it," Lilac sighs.

A few moments later, Dail finishes briefing Milla, and leaves her to study the controls while he talks to Neera and Lilac. "I'm curious: where's Carol?"

"That's… a long story," Lilac admits. "The short version is she's on the Sigwada, seemingly working for Corazon, but actually trying to undermine her from the inside."

"I sense there's a lot more to this story than I feel comfortable knowing," Dail replies. "Therefore, I shan't pry further. Shall we go inside to discuss the assault?"

"Of course," Neera agrees. "Lilac, it's up to you, but I think it's a good idea for you and Milla to take part in the planning."

"We'll be there," Lilac decides.


Five minutes later, Neera, Dail, Lilac, and Milla are in the galley, there being no other place on the ship suitable for holding a strategy meeting. They are joined by Danny and Sally, who had woken only ten minutes earlier. On meeting, Sally had kept her promise to apologise to Lilac for being a bitch the previous night, which confused everyone else. Lilac then stated it was a private matter, which everyone accepted without commenting further. All except Milla, who started telling Sally off before being assured by Lilac no offense was taken.

In the galley, Danny and Sally volunteer to make breakfast while the others sit around the table to begin planning the assault.

Little do they know they're being spied on.


On the bridge of the Sigwada, Corazon is listening intently to the conversation. So, the Sky Battalion has been mobilised, the puppy has a brand‑new toy, and the corrupt dragon has her own superweapon. And she has the gall to label me a threat to this world. Still, respect where it's due: it's fucking difficult to kill that bitch. Next time, I won't leave it to chance or Merga: I will kill her myself. I will not rest until I see every ounce of blood drain from that‑

"Morning!" Carol chimes as she emerges from her quarters, interrupting Corazon's train of thought.

Corazon hastily mutes the radio. "Good morning," she replies, perfectly masking her frustration at being interrupted. "Sleep well?"

"Very well, thanks," Carol yawns as she stretches. "What were you listening to?"

"An audiobook," Corazon lies convincingly. "We'll be at the compound in half an hour. Up to you if you grab breakfast first."

"I am a little peckish," Carol admits. "You want me to bring you anything?"

"I've already eaten."

"Cool. Let me know when we've landed."

Corazon waits until Carol has left the bridge before resuming her spying. Good thing I'm recording this whole thing.


Once safely off the bridge and away from her sister, Carol breathes a sigh of relief. The plan worked: I interrupted her spying. Hopefully, she missed something important… unless she was recording the whole thing. And now I've thought that, I'm sure she was. Damn. And this is my problem: I'm trying to outthink the most conniving and manipulative of all the Teas. Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Am I out of my depth? I've criticised Lilac so many times for getting in over her head… Have I done the same here?

Carol takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. No. I've thought this through properly: I know this is the right thing to do. Even if it's tearing my heart apart in the process.