episode 1: divide
The sky held a deep blue, orange in it. The wind blew through the rocky path of a dark path. Her golden-brown eyes shimmered in the evening sun. The woman was Only mintues away from where she stood was the place where her old friend's house stood. The woman flinched ever so imperceptibly as she continued walking towards the old house. Stopping slightly as one single thought came to mind.
This was needed.
Lujanne looked at the woman.
"Why…"
"This is needed to change the divide of this world. If one becomes like us it would help stop this….this is why you need to forget…." The spell she quickly cast as she ran into the circle and stabbed herself. The blood pooling into it.
Lujanne frowned going to try and save her. Bug This person had made a choice. And would give their life to finish it.
"The day and time you appear my magic will be yours but a lot will change as part of it. I apologize. Only when you meet will Lujanne remember."
The woman died at this moment turning to dust. The blood glowing.
Real-world.
A girl was looking at herself as she drew a pic of Rayla from the dragon prince as she drew she noticed the picture moved.
"Ok weird." The girl rubbed her head. But as it moved something happened and a hand popped out grabbing the girl's hand the orphanage caretaker not noticing the girl screaming as the girl was dragged through.
Dragon prince world.
Marissa rubbed her head pushing back her light strawberry blonde hair that went up to her thighs. She noticed a marking on the wrist of her fair skin. Her sapphire blue eyes stared for a long moment as she figured out where she was. She got up and brushed her blue dress off. The 11-year-old girl tried to think.
She wondered if the mark meant something like she could do something. Maybe she could save people like those heroes did in tv shows. "Runaan. I can save him. I think. I don't know what time it is in this world. But I can look!
The girl said running off to see if the castle she saw was the place that had Runaan in it. She looked around when she found a note. "If you're here it means I am dead. If you wish to perform magic, speak the words here."
"So, another one trying to get information?" A male elf asked. It was Runaan.
"I'm 11 do I look like I'm old enough to try to get info out of you?" Marissa remarked.
"I was imprisoned by a 16-year-old girl. And I went toe to toe with my own 15-year-old pupil," he said. "Nothing a child does could surprise me that much right now."
"Uh. Hold on this note says to do a spell….uh moon magic spell." She tried to speak it. It sounded rough but it merely made an illusion. "Well that was expected…I'll just unlock it." She picked the lock feeling the makeshift.
"Much appreciated," Runaan said as he stood up. "Though hardly necessary. I was ready to die."
"You're gonna leave your daughter behind? That seems selfish." Marissa remarked sadly. "Death is scary, you shouldn't accept it. Being in an orphanage all my life I would love to have someone you shouldn't leave others behind." The girl puffed her cheeks.
Runaan looked upset. "I didn't leave Rayla behind, she fought me and escaped with the human princes. As well as the egg of the Dragon Prince," he said.
"Maybe you weren't listening." Marissa said puffing her cheeks. "If parents don't listen, kids don't as well."
"Young lady, I don't think you understand the nature of my profession," said Runaan. "I'm an assassin. Assassin's go into a job prepared to die."
"Does it matter? You should value your own life. That's like saying it's ok to leave someone you love behind. That's mean." The little girl said bluntly.
"Like the dragon guard abandoned the egg?" Runaan asked.
"I don't know what that has to do with your kid but… you did what you were supposed to, didn't you? Is it ok to leave someone behind if you already did what you need to? Is it ok if you leave them when you could have survived?"
"You think I wouldn't rather go back?" Runaan asked. "I have a husband back in Xadia. Rayla's the closest thing I have to my own child."
"Then why are you arguing when I already freed you. I'm young but when a young girl is making sense you know something is wrong with the way you're thinking." Marissa remarked taking the chains off.
Runaan hesitated and then said, "Because I don't know if I can face them. I blamed Rayla for letting the soldier live. I fought her instead of helping her stop the attack on the king. I basically called her weak."
Marissa took his hand. "Then apologize. In life the best you can do when you mess up is learn from your mistakes. That's how you move on." She smiled at him.
Runaan smiled back and said, "You're pretty stubborn, you know that?"
"I've been told." Marissa said with a cute smile. She took his hand and walked him out of we'll she was when she noticed the other guy.
"Well, this is peachy," the guy said.
"I'm confused," said Runaan. "Your armor looks like the soldiers here. Why are you locked up?"
"Well, not that it's any of your business, but Lord Viren did this to keep me from leading the rescue party."
"Don't be mean to daddy."
"Daddy?" The guy asked.
"I mean Mr. Elf. Sorry."
"Why? I kinda like it," said Runaan, smiling. He patted her head.
"Oh ok, I'll continue to call you daddy then." Marissa smiled.
"This is so weird," the human said.
"I'll help you Mr," Marissa said going over to free him. She unlocked the cuffs by picking the lock.
Runaan smiled at the young girl. When he took in Rayla she was much younger. but this human child was young, caring, and wise. It made him regret things he said about humans. She didn't understand the world. Rayla had never called him daddy and despite them being different races the girl accepted things so easily.
"I need to get to the breach, right away and inform General Amaya of what happened," said the guy. "I'm Gren, by the way."
"Runaan," said Runaan.
Marissa took a moment. "I'm Marissa."
"Nice to meet you guys," said Gren. "Yeah, sorry. This is still weird."
"Is it because I'm an elf?" Runaan asked.
"It's kinda that but more that someone like you kidnapped the princes," said Gren. "Some girl with white hair and twin swords. She had a ribbon like that one on your arm, only hers was on her wrist."
Runaan looked shocked. "Are you accusing Rayla of abduction?"
"Does it hurt?"
"I'm fine," said Runaan.
"That thing looks tight. So tight that your arm looks like it's changing colors," said Gren.
"Don't have a choice," said Runaan.
Marissa tugged at it. It came off. "There you go." Marissa looked proud of herself.
Runaan stared at his arm in shock. "How did you do that?! These bindings can only come off once the job is finished."
She shrugged. "The note said the magic could help." She said holding a paper out.
Runaan looked at it. "To the new owner of my magic, I give you this gift at a price. this magic of the elven kind is powerful and weak it will limit some while others will be strong these spells will help and the magic within like with me can break a vows binds."
"Viren's magic doesn't do anything like that. It's always so creepy," said Gren.
"We do not call that real magic," said Runaan.
"I got elven magic from someone as a gift that's really nice." Marissa smiled.
"I for some reason don't think they gave her that out of kindness." Gren remarked.
"I agree," Runaan said concerned Marissa just looked confused.
"Well anyway we should get going before the guards get here," Marissa said in a cheerful tone.
"Agreed. Let's go to the woods. We'll lose them in the trees," said Runaan.
Outside
As they managed to make it outside they all traveled into the forest.
"Is anyone thirsty?" Runaan asked as he pulled out a bottle full of red liquid. "Thank goodness this wasn't confiscated."
"I am," Marissa said happily.
Gren shivered and said, "Uh, Marissa, you shouldn't drink that."
Marissa looked confused. "But it's juice."
"It is?" Gren asked.
"Yes. It's moon berry juice," said Runaan as he took a sip and offered Marissa some. "What did you think it was, blood?"
Gren turned red and said, "I've heard things."
Runaan looked angry. "Do all humans think elves are bloodthirsty monsters?"
"In my defense, I've never spent time around any elves outside the battlefield or ones that didn't immediately wanna kill me. The last one I met took my general's nephews, the princes I might add."
"Rayla wouldn't do that!" Runaan barked. "Rayla's a good person! Probably not suited to be an assassin."
"I saw her," said Gren. "She had her swords at their necks."
Marissa looked very uncomfortable.
"I'll bet it was the humans' idea to get away because you wouldn't listen," said Runaan.
Marissa started to become even more concerned. She didn't like the fighting. The girl began to cry.
"Hey, hey what's wrong."
"You're fighting." Marissa rubbed her eyes. They both flinched.
"Hey it's ok, can you do me a favor and I promise we'll stop fighting." Runaan said Marissa nodded rubbing her face and walked over to the area where she couldn't hear.
Gren took a deep breath. "Look, you're not doing any better with how you act about humans. I mean I know elf's think we are not worth keeping alive but you have a human child with you now. You need to be careful with what you say with her around. Do you actually want her to be your daughter?"
Runaan looked angry at him for saying such a thing. "I do, she's a very kind young girl and you're acting as if I don't know how to act with her."
"I barely know you, how would I know how you are with kids?" Gren asked.
"Looks like we're on the same page," said Runaan. "We don't know much about each other."
"We've got a long way to go, how about we learn?" Gren asked with a smile.
Runaan smiled back and said, "That sounds fitting. See, Marissa, we're not fighting anymore."
"And we're both sorry for acting that way," said Gren.
The young girl smiled. "Ok thank you." Marissa smiled. She started walking with the two.
As they traveled they watched the girl look around as she saw something cool and looked for it.
"So, this Rayla, is she your kid?" Gren asked.
"Sort of," said Runaan. "Her parents were old friends of me and my husband, Ethari. They were amazing warriors and were given the chance to join the dragon guard, an elite group of warriors sworn to protect the dragon royals."
"Oh. And they couldn't bring Rayla because she was too young," said Gren.
"That's sad." Marissa said.
"They wrote often and visited as well," said Runaan. "Rayla was very proud of them and hoped to someday be a guard as well. Ethari and I raised her in their stead and she became a surrogate daughter to us."
"That's sweet," said Gren with a smile.
"Daddy's so cool," Marissa said cheerfully.
"Wait till you meet your other daddy," said Runaan with a smile.
Marissa nodded. She held his hand. She looked happy rather it was because of the family she now had or because she was out of that orphanage.
"Why don't you tell Marissa about her other dad?" Gren suggested.
"Ethari is a kind person. He always liked to make everyone happy. He treated Rayla like his own daughter," said Runaan.
The girl looked intrigued. "He sounds nice." The young lady hung around playing with them.
"She kinda reminds me of Prince Ezran," Green said.
Marissa tilted her head confused.
"He's playful too," said Gren.
She nodded, smiling. "Thank you."
"No problem," said Gren. "So, where are you two headed?"
"To find Rayla and those boys. They're likely going East to Xadia," said Runaan.
"We're gonna go see them all, maybe we can all chat all day." Marissa smiled happily as she got excited about meeting new people...
"They should be upriver by now," said Gren.
Marissa smiled. They followed the area to find a good path.
- night time-
It was nighttime as Marissa stared at the moon thinking about the marks as she felt a sharp pain.
"Marissa? Are you alright?" Runaan asked in concern.
"I'm ok." She said the best she could through the pain in her body.
"You don't sound fine," said Gren.
"I am." She said dealing with the pain which slowly subsided. "I'm ok."
"Maybe you should stay close to me," Runaan suggested.
"Ok." Marissa rubbed her eyes. They noticed that some of her hair was turning pure white.
"How beautiful," said Runaan.
"This isn't normal." Gren remarked.
"What is these days?" Runaan asked.
"Fair." Gren remarked. "But this is extra weird."
"There's probably a reason," said Runaan. "Perhaps to do with her parents."
"Maybe for some reason, it feels more complex than that."
"Whatever the case, I will protect her," said Runaan.
They continued walking and Runaan held her protectively.
Hours later
The two stopped once they came to a mountain.
"Well, here goes nothing," said Gren.
Marissa looked up. "Well, it can't be that hard right?"
"I heard people call this place the Cursed Caldera," said Gren. "And I'm pretty sure it's not called that because it's named after a guy named Cursed."
"We'll just get up and deal with it." Marissa began to walk.
"Won't be a problem," said Runaan.
"Yeah. You're an elite assassin and I'm a soldier," said Gren.
Marissa thought he was making a point. They walked together.
They walked up trying their best to reach the top. The trail was a bit scary. They felt disgusted upon finding a dead giant bug, but ignored it.
As they ignored the area they walked faster taking different areas until reaching the top. Suddenly, the wind started picking up.
"Odd. There weren't any signs of storm clouds before," said Runaan.
"Even so. Everyone hit the deck!" Gren shouted as he pulled Runaan and Marissa down as the winds got stronger.
"This is strange!" Marissa said over the wind.
They waited for a little while, until it finally stopped. They continued upward until they reached the top. Their eyes lit up when they saw a baby dragon.
She looked amazed. "He's so cute."
"He's the Dragon Prince," said Runaan.
"Oh cool," Marissa said. "Still cute!" Marissa walked up to them with Runaan and Gren.
Everyone looked surprised.
"I remember you. You work with our Aunt Amaya," said the younger boy to Gren.
"And I definitely remember you," the older one said to Runaan nervously.
"Runaan?" Rayla said. She saw Marissa. "And who's this young one?"
"I'm Marissa pleasure to meet you." Marissa said with a huge smile.
Lujanne looked at her and like that she gained memories.
"I'm Rayla. This is Callum and his younger brother, Ezran," said Rayla. "The girl is Ellis and the wolf is Ava. The toad is Bait and the dragon here…… Azymondias. Ez calls him Zym. And the woman is Lujanne."
Lujanne walked up. Noticing the hair. "Oh, Aminna."
"Who?" Everyone looked at Lujanne confused.
"She was a very powerful moonshadow elf. She wanted to change the world so she summoned a human and used a forbidden spell which transferred her magic over to the human and slowly changed them into well…but the cost is the user's life."
"So she's a halfling?" Callum asked.
"No, she's becoming a full moon elf."
"A full moonshadow elf?" Runaan asked.
"Yes," Lujanne said Marissa looked very surprised.
"It's okay, sweety," said Runaan. "You're still the same girl, elf, or human."
"I know I'm just surprised." Marissa rubbed her neck.
Lujanne frowned. She tapped the Runaan's and Rayla's. The two walked over with her.
"You should know any memories of being human will be replaced or removed."
"But….. won't that be harmful to her mind?" Rayla asked.
"It will be like a fading memory my friend told me about the process she saw years ago. She described it as a slow, painful process but it always worked the same. Which is why it was forbidden to do."
"She won't be able to handle this alone," said Runaan. "Rayla, if you're willing to accept her, I'm going to take care of it."
Lujanna smiled. "I'm sure my friend would be proud though her name now a shame."
"I would be happy to call this girl my sister, Runaan," said Rayla.
Runaan smiled. "Thank you, Rayla."
"Now with that chat out of the way I'm sure you all need some food."
"No arguments here," said Runaan.
"I agree," said Rayla.
They left and went back over to the group. Gren looking at the two curiously. "I see you three had a nice chat."
"Yes," said Rayla. "I was telling Runaan that I'd love to have Marissa in our family."
Marissa smiled. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," said Rayla with a smile.
Marissa walked with Runaan and Rayla over.
"Tonights gonna be painful." Lujanne remarked.
"Rayla can hold her hand through it," said Ezran.
Lujanne smiled. "Yes, that is true." Lujanne know every night would be painful so at least the young lady had had others with her.
Rayla lifted up the dragon and said, "Zym, meet Marissa. Marissa, Zym."
"Hi, Zym." Marissa said with a smile.
The dragon smiled and squeaked. "I think he's saying hi too."
"That's cute." She rubbed his head. He licked her hand. "Well, I'll make sure to protect you."
"I guess that means you two aren't coming back home yet," said Gren to the boys.
"Not yet," said Callum. "Rayla said that it has to be us making the gesture with the elves. It shows that we want peace as much as the Dragon Queen."
"You could come with you'll get to the fortress eventually." Marissa suggested.
"I was tasked with finding them. And get them back safely," said Gren. He smiled. "So if I join you on your mission, I'll be doing exactly that."
"That's good thinking," said Callum.
Marissa smiled and gave him an area of where to go.
"Let's go get some rest," said Lujanne.
Everyone went to sleep. Runaan went over to Marissa to help her with this painful night. As the darkness fell, Rayla could hear the screaming from Marissa's room and Rayla went to check the area.
"Marissa!" She screamed as she ran to her. "I'm here, sister!"
Runaan frowned as he held Marissa's hand her hair strands was turning white more and more. Marissa panted as she took the painful transformation.
"I've got you, sister," said Rayla as she hugged her.
"It's hard to watch her go through this." Runaan said as the transformation calmed down. "I wonder how many times she'll go through this at night."
"I'll be here every step of the way," said Rayla.
"As will I," Runaan said with a smile. "Let's let her rest and look around the area."
"Okay," said Rayla as she tucked her sister in.
After that, the two went off to scout the area. As they looked around they heard some music near the roses.
They both drowsily walked to the flowers and picked one each.
They fell asleep and a girl came over with a guy.
"I have no idea how this guy got out, but he's going down," said the girl.
The guy nodded, pulling up his sword, and was ready to swing his sword down but stopped. "Hm….this doesn't feel right."
"What doesn't feel right?" The girl asked.
"I've never attacked someone while they were sleeping," the guy said. "It doesn't feel sporting."
The girl groaned and said, "You want to wake them up?"
"Maybe one at a time," said the guy. "Wake up the guy."
"Alright and how long does he have to be awake to be sporting? A second-" The girl asked was stopped.
"Seconds enough."
"Okay," said the girl.
She went to wake Runaan up, only for both him and Rayla to open their eyes and jump into action.
"How did you resist the sleep spell?!" The girl asked.
"We used these pretty flowers to stay awake," said Rayla while she and Runaan held them up and revealed that their fingers were deep in the thorns.
"Hard to sleep with a thorn pricking at your finger," said Runaan. And then he threw the flower away and took out his sword. "Rayla, go get the others."
Rayla nodded. "I'll go you better come back." She ran off to get the others.
"Soren, take care of the guy. I got the girl," said the girl. And then she chanted something and made her eyes dark as she shot fire at Rayla.
"How dare you!" Runaan yelled as he attacked the guy, Soren.
Rayla avoided the flames and got further away. Getting away quickly.
"Looks like you failed," Runaan said with a smirk.
Claudia glared looking ready to attack him. "Maybe but I can still hurt you."
"I'd love to see you try," said Runaan. He avoided the weapon of Soren and the spells of Claudia.
He was doing better than rayla might have but honestly, he was worried about both her and Marissa and returning so he had a reason to keep them back.
Then Rayla returned with Marissa Callum Ezran and Lujanne.
"What's going on!"
"Callum? Ez?" Claudia said in surprise.
"I think there's been a misunderstanding here," said Callum.
Marissa took a moment before speaking. "So I don't understand what's happening but you're hurting daddy?" Marissa said in a cold tone. She made energy in her hand.
"Your daddy?" Soren asked. He looked at Runaan. "I didn't know you had kids."
"I have two. Rayla is just as much my daughter as Marissa," said Runaan.
"Obviously not biological," Soron remarked.
"What's your point?" Runaan asked with his arms crossed.
"Just an observation," said Soren. And then he realized what he was doing. "You're still paying for what you did in Katolis. But I guess I can look the other way as long as my sister and I can leave with the princes your daughter kidnapped."
"Soren we can't leave an elf to raise a human girl."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Marissa remarked.
"Elves shouldn't raise humans," said Claudia.
"Okay, that's offensive," said Rayla.
"And, to be clear, Ez and I have been traveling with Rayla willingly," said Callum.
"Also does it matter I'm human I won't be for long," Marissa remarked.
"What?" Claudia asked confused.
Marissa wondered if she should tell her.
"Look, all you need to know is that she's going to be okay with us," said Rayla.
"You know they may hear me scream," Marissa said in a calm tone to Rayla. "If it's that painful like last time."
Rayla sighed. "Fine. We'll tell them the whole thing."
"So you two. See I'm turning into a moon shadow elf." Marissa explained in a calm tone.
"What?!" They both asked.
"Is that even possible?!" Claudia asked.
"I mean considering my hair wasn't white and the pain I've been experiencing and Miss Lujanne's friend told her she saw it happen before I'd say yes." Marissa rubbed her head.
"Oh no. No, no, no," said Claudia. "This is wrong. I'm gonna research whatever I can to change you back."
Marissa looked very unconcerned and uncomfortable. "I just accepted it so it's really fine besides I doubt you'll be able to fix it nor do I want you to."
"Seriously?! You're okay with losing your humanity?!" Claudia asked.
"Take it easy, Claudia," said Soren.
"Look, I have a family who accepts me as I am. I'm not losing anything, I'm still me." Marissa glared and walked over to Runaan and took his hand to leave.
"See? How can you doubt that?" Callum asked his old friends.
They both looked at him sadly. Claudia took a breath. "She's losing her form she shouldn't just accept that."
"Her new dad and sister are treating her like she belongs so she's not afraid," said Callum.
"If you say so." Claudia sighed.
"She'll be fine," said Callum.
As they walked around. The two walked off.
The next night
Another night, another time of pain. Her hair was fully white as their skin started to change color.
Runaan and Rayla hugged her in hopes to make the pain more bearable. Her skin shifted more to their skin tone and they took a few deep breaths. The markings appeared on her face and arms.
"I guess we're nearly there," said Rayla.
"Could be a few more nights but yes," Runaan said, rubbing the girl's head as her pain ebbed away. "The memory issue will be a whole other problem."
"I don't care how hard it is. I'm helping her," said Rayla.
"Being there for her is the best we can do for that but your right. Well both be helping her the whole way."
The next day
Marissa awoke to her sister and adoptive father with a nagging feeling she was forgetting something. She shrugged.
"Good morning, Marissa," said Runaan with a smile.
"Morning, papa." Marissa smiled.
"I'm going to make breakfast for everyone," said Runaan. "Rayla wants to get the boys to get ready to leave."
"Alright." Marissa smiled. "Oh cool." Marissa smiled. As she walked over outside Claudia came over.
"Hey, Marissa, mind if I ask you about how long this takes to change from human to elf."
"Hum? What do you mean? I was born a moon shadow elf?" Marissa asked, confused. Runaan looked surprised by her statement. He decided to quickly move her away from the girl.
"What did she just say?" Claudia asked.
Runaan looked at Claudia. "We're leaving soon so there's no reason to chat."
"What did you do to her?" Claudia asked.
"We did nothing to her," Runaan said in a calm tone.
"Then why does she think she was always an elf?" Claudia asked. "Will this happen to Ezran? Callum?"
"No, the elf who did this is dead." Runaan rubbed his eyes. "You don't understand nor do you need to."
Marissa looked confused. "Um, shouldn't we be getting ready to go?"
"Of course, dear," said Runaan with a smile as they walked away.
Claudia looked both concerned and annoyed.
With the boys
Once she looked around. She noticed Callum was crying. "Callum, is something wrong?"
"My dad," he said.
Marissa blinked. "Oh.." Marissa did her best to console him and hug him. "I know it's painful but at least you have Rayla and me Runaan will help you through this. Even if everything is hard. I mean if I didn't meet dad-"
She paused for a moment. "Sorry I can't remember something he said. I'm…anyway if you hadn't met him I wouldn't have met you and my sister so I'm happy I didn't have a family because I have one now."
Callum smiled at her and said, "Thanks."
She smiled widely. "No problem, I hope you feel better."
"I'm sure I will. In time," said Callum.
Marissa nodded and walked over to Runaan preparing to get going.
"I've got everything prepared," said Runaan.
"That's good. Callum may need a moment but we should get going soon after that moment." Marissa said with her prepared stuff.
"I completely understand," said Runaan.
Marissa nodded with a smile. As she packed some more for the trip. She noticed something. a man who wasn't far off from her. She decided to ignore him for the time being.
Runaan arrived soon after. "Marissa, Claudia, and Soren intend on joining us. But Rayla decided to use this as an opportunity to see for sure whether or not they are sincere."
"Huh ok, I hope they are." Marissa frowned. "Callum doesn't need to be hurt more."
"She's going to have Callum and Ezran ride on the phoenix, Phi phi, and have illusions walk with us," said Runaan. "If the two are sincere in wanting to help, then they will be swapped out."
"Alright."
"Don't worry. No matter what happens, Callum will have us," said Runaan.
Marissa nodded. "She might wanna do me too. I have this nagging feeling she isn't letting something go." Marissa suggested.
Runaan glared at that. "I'm not going to let her take you from me."
"Nor would I let that happen either but better safe than sorry right?" Marissa suggested with a smile.
"Of course," said Runaan. "You'll go with the boys and we'll take an illusion of you. Once we see their true colors, we'll reunite."
"Understood. Stay safe." Marissa smiled as she ran off to the boys.
"I will," said Runaan. He walked off with Rayla. Once they were ready they walked with the two.
"Callum, Ezran, and Marissa will be here in a bit," Runaan said, looking at the two.
"Great! We're just about ready to go!" Soren said while stretching.
"Where's that little cutie dragon?" Claudia asked cutely while looking around.
"He's coming too," said Rayla.
The three came with the dragon. Marissa smiled, chatting with the two before waving to Claudia.
"You ready to go?" Rayla asked. Marissa nodded. "Great! Let's go!"
The group walked together through the woods. The walk was silent for most of the way and then Rayla found the perfect spot to put their plan into action.
"Hey, Runaan, do you think we could stop here and pick some berries?" Rayla asked.
"Good idea. You all stay here. We'll be right back," said Runaan as they left.
"Okay, go!" Claudia said.
Soren scared Ava the wolf so much that Ellis couldn't control her. He then attacked Runaan and Rayla. Claudia then chanted a spell that chained Callum, Ezran, and Marissa. Zym flew until Claudia blocked him.
"I'm sorry, little guy. But you have to come with me," she said as she bagged him. "I'm sorry I had to do this, guys."
Everyone was silent. Well, all but the elves fighting Soren.
"Why are you trying to do this? She is my daughter now and I doubt your father's gonna be kind to her." Runaan remarked coldly.
"Claudia said she wants to turn her back to her natural form," said Soren. "And our main mission is the princes. We're taking them back to Katolis. And you won't stop us."
"Kinda predictable," Rayla remarked, avoiding his swings. "Honestly you're both pretty smart for coming up with this." Rayla sarcastically said.
"Thanks. You're kinda hot," said Soren.
Rayla slapped herself. "Do you understand sarcasm?"
"Yeah. Ugh. Shut up!" Soren retorted.
"Soren! Something's wrong!" Claudia called.
Soren seemed to realize something. "You're distracting me, why?"
"So you don't find out about this!" Ellis said as she took off Ava's collar, revealing the illusions.
"These are illusions!" Claudia said.
"And they served their purpose well, right, Marissa?" Runaan asked.
"Yeah sorry but I don't want to be kidnapped." Marissa smiled happily. As she flew on the Phoenix with the boys. "Let's get going dad sister."
"Coming!" said Rayla as she and Runaan jumped on board. "I love you."
"Love you too. See you two." Marissa waved as Phi phi flew off.
"I didn't wanna believe you," Callum sadly said. He looked back and saw Claudia. "What the heck?!"
Claudia chanted something and made a big tentacle that snagged Phi phi. She then started pulling them towards her.
"That witch!" Runaan angrily said.
"That guy I saw," Marissa remarked as she saw the guy and said the guy came out and tackled Claudia.
Phi phi flew off further and got away as the tentacle disappeared.
"I fought him," said Rayla. "He's tough."
"I'm glad he's on our side," said Callum.
"Yeah," Marissa said in a calm tone.
"You were right, Rayla," Callum sadly said.
Rayla looked at Callum with a frown and said, "I wish I wasn't."
"I'm sorry, Callum." Marissa said with a sad look.
"We cannot focus on them. Zym must see his mother," said Runaan.
Marissa turned to him. "Yes, I get it. But let Callum at least vent it's gonna take a bit to even get there.." Marissa said with a gentle smile.
"Okay," said Runaan. He looked at Callum. "If you need to, let it out."
Callum sighed before shaking his head. "Just give me a second I'll be fine."
"Okay," said Rayla.
Phiphi landed onto the ground after a while looking fazed by the experience.
"Thanks for the ride, Phiphi," said Ezran while patting the bird.
Marissa smiled. The Phoenix seemed happy and flew back as they began to walk.
Runaan spoke. "Well need shelter before night. Mainly for Marissa sake."
"We can make camp for the night," said Callum.
Runaan took a moment as they went to find a good place to camp.
As the night came and the boys slept
Runaan sat next to Marissa who was having a painfully experience again.
The young girl gained a moon marking on her forehead, horns that were slightly curved came out of her head. And her five fingers became 4 her ears became pointed before her body seemed to stop transforming.
"My little one," Runaan said sadly.
"So this is the last of it. She's no longer human?" Rayla asked, already knowing the answer.
"That's correct," said Runaan smiling for a moment before frowning. "I'm happy that the pain is over. But I'm also a bit sad that she won't remember being human."
"She's our family now," said Rayla it didn't matter she wouldn't remember she was there family no matter what.
"She is." Runaan sighed. "Let's get some rest."
"Goodnight," said Rayla.
The next day
Marissa awoke walking over to get some food for everyone. Rayla woke up after her and saw her.
"Good morning," she said.
"Morning, sis." She tossed her some fruit. "here."
"This looks good," said Rayla as she accepted it and took a bite. "Yummy."
She smiled happily. "Happy your enjoying it." Marissa smiled.
Rayla took a moment. "Hay how's your memory? Anything from your past your thinking about."
Marissa thought about it but looked confused. "Honestly I can't remember much other than meeting Runaan and how he decided to take me. I can't even remember how my other parents died." Marissa scratched her cheek. Smiling sadly.
Rayla looked sad, and then smiled. "Maybe it's better to not remember."
"Maybe." Marissa smiled.
"Well, we're your family now," said Rayla.
"I know." Marissa smiled.
"Now we just need to get to the Xadian border," said Rayla.
"Yeah, that shouldn't be hard, we just gotta walk to it." She walked as they looked at the place waiting for the others to wake. "Through if we wanna get there we may need a ship."
"That's where the issue is," said Runaan. "We have to go to a town to get a ship. And most humans are afraid of elves."
"No problem! I can disguise myself as a human again! And you can too, Runaan!" Rayla happily said. She put on her cloak and spoke in a different voice. "Hello again, my fine human fellas."
"You have got to be kidding," said Gren.
"Oh, oh! You're gonna love this, Zym! I'm a huge fan of human Rayla!" Ezran said.
"Let's go judge and criticize things other humans do, and then do the exact same thing ourselves!" Rayla said.
"I feel offended oddly. I don't know why?" Marissa remarked confused.
Ezran laughed at that and said, "Do another!"
"Please don't," said Gren, fighting the urge to punch Rayla.
"Sure thing, old buddy old pal," said Rayla. "I'm excited to rapidly eat a plate of unwholesome food in an excessive portion size!"
Gren looked really angry at that while Ezran laughed at it.
"She's right! I'd eat a jelly tart the size of a dog!" He said.
"I don't eat like that!" Gren said. "I don't judge people and then do the same thing."
"Hey, it's alright."
"See? She don't mind," said Rayla. "I sure hope we run into other humans so we can talk about what roads and pathways can take someplace slightly faster than other roads and pathways."
Ezran laughed and said, "it's true! We do like going places slightly faster."
"So do plenty of other people," said Gren.
"And sometimes getting places faster is important. Like right now," said Callum.
"How about we just talk normally Rayla? It's easier." Runaan remarked.
"Don't be a party pooper, pops," Rayla said in her fake accent while punching him in the arm. "If you frown too much, you might get wrinkles, a thing that humans get repelled by because we're shallow about looks."
"Now, you're just being rude," said Runaan, embarrassed. Ezran started laughing again. "And please stop laughing. You're only encouraging her."
"Hey, Rayla, Ezran I get you like this but it's kinda insulting for other people." Marissa remarked looking at how uncomfortable Gren and Callum looked.
"Oh. Sorry," said Rayla. "I guess elves are just as bad with our thoughts on humans."
"Ya think?" Callum said. "I'm pretty ashamed that we viewed you guys as bloodthirsty monsters, but I had no idea you all thought we were stupid gluttons."
"And now I feel bad for thinking you were just being a jerk face," said Ezran.
"That, I'm used to," said Callum. "We'll find a ship captain that won't freak out at you and you guys try to figure out your fifth finger issue."
"Could keep your hands in your pockets or wear mittens," said Gren.
"Oh, maybe an illusion like Lujanne can work. i remember what she did, maybe I can make it seem like we have fifth fingers." Marissa said in excitement.
"Okay. Start there and then see what you can do about our horns," said Rayla.
Marissa nodded she took a moment remembering what Lujanne said and all three glowed until they had no horns and a fith finger.
"You know I I've never asked how old are you marissa?" Rayla asked Marissa tried to think for a moment.
"Oh, im 11….my….parents…..abandoned me….they didn't die….why would they… they didn't want me they…." She sat on the ground crying into her legs.
"You know all this time we worried about everything but we never asked anything about her." Gren remarked looking at the sobbing girl.
Rayla and Runaan went over and hugged her. "Let's start…. I'm sorry your parents abandoned you. You're such a sweet girl you didn't deserve that."
"It's ok. I have you two now and Callum and Ezran."
"And we will always be here for you," said Rayla.
Marissa smiled. She got to work and went over to the side. Then callum came over again.
"We found someone." callum said.