Chapter 35: Inland Alliance, Part 2
Celia couldn't believe she'd let them get into their predicament. What made her think running so far from the rest of the group was a good idea? Setting fire to the wall had distracted the Illager and his cronies, but what if they couldn't contain it? Would she have just doomed the entire mission- the entire town of her new allies?
"This is all my fault," she told Felix. "I'm going to go out there and extinguish the fire with my Genesis Core." At least, she was mostly confident she could do such a thing. She'd never tried to exert any more control over flames than just throwing them around.
The lack of a reply felt strange. Blake no doubt would have had something to say about her actions, and even Melissa might have chided her a bit for not thinking it through. But Felix didn't remark on her poorly-devised plan to chase down the enchanter. He just clutched his axe, an expression somewhere between determination and resignation etched onto his face.
"Felix, do you have another plan in mind? I'm open to… less impulsive ideas than my own," she finished, a little lamely.
He blinked. "I'm not sure how else can put out the fire if it's gotten too large. I'll just trust you and your Core on this."
Oddly, she didn't feel reassured. He was willing to go along with whatever she thought of now? Briefly putting her plan on hold, she asked, "Are you well? If you can think of anything else, please tell me. You've been so… rigid, lately. As if you fear you'll offend me if you're not catering to my every whim."
Felix gave her a strange look. "Is this the best time to talk about this, Lady Celia?" he asked. "I think-"
He was cut off by an explosion which shook the mansion, nearly knocking them both off their feet. It had come from nearby, close enough to draw the attention of all the zombies outside. The Illager snarled. "What now?! Who's there?"
Any hope Celia had of someone coming to their rescue was swiftly dashed by what the newcomers said. "We've got Inlanders and undead, Dame Petra."
"Stand clear, Emerald Squad. I'll handle this."
"You… you're those exiles from the Far Lands! Coming here was the last mistake you'll ever- GAAH!"
There was a crash outside, specifically that of stone breaking against something. The zombies and skeletons roared, adding to the confusion.
"Oh no… the Usurpation's here," Felix whispered. "Lady Celia, you need to escape. I'll break us out and keep them busy while you find the others."
"What? No!" she hissed. "You're going to face them alone, just so I can get away? Don't be ridiculous!"
Felix sighed. "You're the Countess. You're worth more to Luxmouth than I am- and you're the last noble left of the old kingdom. There's more riding on your survival than there is on mine."
Her eyes narrowed. "THAT'S what you think of me? Does your own life mean nothing?"
"Please, Lady Celia, now isn't a good time. They'll break through the barricade to kill us soon enough, and we need to get you to safety. House Lumis can't end here. Maybe you can break into the walls to find another way out
"ENOUGH!" Celia had no idea how she felt- utterly fed up, but not actually angry? Sad? Frustrated? "Enough, Felix. I know what kind of danger we're in. And I know it's my fault. That's why you are NOT going to cover for my escape, like it's your duty to die for me just because I was reckless!" Her eyes were practically blazing. "We're going to get out of this together."
He looked stunned, but didn't argue any further and held his axe close. Unfortunately there wasn't anything useful in the room, just a few potted flowers. They would just have to fight their way out. The sounds of battle were dying down- as were the last of the zombies, whose grunts and groans had abruptly stopped. A few skeletons remained, the twangs of their bows still audible, but it was clear which enemy force had the upper hand.
"Ready, Felix?"
"I'm with you, Lady Celia."
Making a quick mental note to speak with him again once it was over, she broke down the wooden barricade and leaped into the hall, with Felix right behind her. Sure enough, the undead minions had all been dealt with by the new arrivals, and even the enchanter's miserable body lay beneath a few cobblestone blocks at the end of the corridor. The fire also seemed to have been put out before it caused too much damage, though a few wooden planks in the wall had been burned away.
Two Usurpation soldiers were present, wearing disheveled, hooded cloaks and metal masks like Ray had. Why they concealed their armor was a mystery Celia didn't feel like pondering at the time, especially not when the pair drew curved diamond swords upon seeing her and Felix.
"We've got someone else here, Emerald Squad!" one of them shouted.
More Usurpers came around the corner, weapons in hand. The only unarmed one was a woman whose mask was more of a helmet covering her entire face. Her eyes were hidden behind an opaque green visor, not unlike the Commandant they'd met under Tenebyss. Another cobblestone block hovered over her, and Celia had a feeling she knew how.
"Is that a havenite chestplate you're wearing? Where did you get that?" the woman asked, looking right at Celia.
She didn't answer. One of the soldiers inspected a map- likely a tracker- and pointed their way. "Dame Petra, I'm detecting a Genesis Core near them. The dark Diamond Core, specifically in the boy."
So her enchanted didn't just hide the Fire Core, it also concealed the Lightning Core in her inventory. Petra crossed her arms, while her eight underlings looked ready to attack.
"I'd bet they have more than just that. The girl's wearing one of our old chestplates, so she must have a Core bound. Well then, I suppose we'll leave this forest with the haul of a lifetime. Kill them both, agents."
"Felix," Celia whispered as six of them advanced, "their weapons."
"Oh! Right…"
There was a pause, then the blue blades of the two closest foes were yanked out of their hands by an unseen force. Their bewildered owners reached out as if to will the weapons back, but Felix's control over the diamonds had disarmed both.
Petra clicked her tongue, unamused. "So be it. Cover me while I handle this."
Her agents fell back to guard the other side of the corridor. The cobblestone block flung toward Celia, who hit it with a fireball but did little to stop its momentum. She had to hop back, just before it smashed into the floor where her feet had been. Felix responded by hurling one of the stolen diamond swords back at Petra, but she picked up the pile of stones she'd buried the enchanter with and formed a barrier in front of herself. The blade lodged in one of the rocks, which she tossed aside out of Felix's range to manipulate.
"This isn't looking good. Her Core gives her too many defensive possibilities, and we don't have many diamonds for Felix to use. If I risk more fireballs, I could set the mansion ablaze…"
Had her impassioned speech about fighting their way out together been for nothing? There had to be some way they could prevail, or at least hold out until the Terasi caught up.
Petra chuckled. "So it's a Fire Core you have. We tracked the dark one here, but it seems to be upstairs. You must have the light one bound... wasn't that in our possession? Who did you kill to get that?"
It wasn't worth answering her question. That did, however, give Celia an idea- a very dangerous idea, but an idea. "She doesn't know what else I have… I just need time. And a good shot…"
"More Inlanders incoming!" one of the agents shouted.
"Usurpation troops! Wipe them out!" a nasal voice yelled from around the corner.
Never did she think Illagers would come to her rescue, but the small squad of them suddenly arriving to engage Petra's team gave her just the diversion she needed to fumble for the shulker box in her inventory.
"Felix! Cover me for… a few seconds!"
But Petra wasn't so easily distracted. Felix stood between her and Celia, rapidly building a wall of wood logs to stop another incoming stone. His barrier splintered apart from the impact, and the next block she launched smashed right through it. Felix was struck by the rock, stumbling and falling onto his rear. He was open to another attack.
But by then, Celia was ready. The stones Petra had thrown came from her own makeshift barrier, leaving a very noticeable gap in her defense. Celia recalled what Cupa had said earlier about using the Dirt Core, and decided to take a gamble. Withdrawing the Lightning Core from the box, she pointed it at Petra and shouted "Get clear!"
Felix took her meaning and rolled aside, covering his head. A thunderbolt blasted from the Core and struck the gap between Petra's remaining stone blocks, blowing her off her feet. Sparks began to race across Celia as well, and she dropped the Lightning Core not a second later. At least she knew Genesis Cores could be used to some capacity without being bound- though the poorer control over the item left her entire body tingling uncomfortably.
"I-I-I d-did it!" she stuttered out.
Petra wasn't getting up. Her squad closed ranks around her while the Illagers continued their attack, leaving Celia and Felix safe for the moment. With her limbs abruptly feeling numb but trembling just as much, Celia quickly stowed the Lightning Core back in the box. It had done more than just jolt her: the well-worn Usurpation chestplate and her Netherite leggings had both broken apart from the outburst of lightning. Even her new iron helmet and boots showed considerable damage.
Felix was at her side again in a flash, inspecting her for injuries. "Are you okay?! We can't stay here!"
"R-right… w-where can we r-retreat t-t-t-to?"
"Hey! There you are!"
Someone emerged from one of the adjoining doors. Thankfully, this time it was someone she recognized: Maxil, one of Cupa's band. More of the fighters from her team were right behind her, as well as a small crowd of dirty and scared-looking Turned wielding stolen Illager weapons. They must have been the prisoners. Conspicuously absent was Cupa herself, as were Melissa and Blake.
"What's going on down here? Where are the chiefs?" Maxil asked.
Felix pointed the way they'd came. "We split up, they might still be fighting down there. What happened to Cupa and the others?"
Maxil nodded toward the doorway she'd come through. "They're trying to get those magic things you're after. There's a stairway over here, and the upper floors are empty. You both look like you're in bad shape, so get upstairs and join your friends. We can handle it down here."
The slime woman who'd accompanied her looked at the skirmish occurring down the hall. "What's that?"
"T-t-the Usurp-p-pation is here," Celia told her. "Be careful, t-t-they'll try to k-kill you…"
"More enemies. Got it," Maxil replied. "Come on, everyone, we're going to be free once we take the Illagers down!"
The fight had become something of a mess, but at least they were still alive. Felix helped her walk to the stairs, away from the main struggle and toward their friends who (hopefully) were having better luck.
Melissa gasped when the person(?) in the vat punched through the glass, and screamed when he grabbed Cupa by the throat. He lifted her clear off the floor by a few inches with one hand, his face a completely unreadable mask. Her legs kicked, and she desperately clawed at his arm. Blake was quick to react, dashing toward the vat with his sword raised. Melissa shakily clutched a splash potion of healing in case either of them needed it, but otherwise felt totally helpless.
The man saw Blake coming and, casually as could be, tossed Cupa at him with just one hand. They collided and fell over, while he burst through the rest of the glass panes with a growl. But just being free wasn't enough to calm him down; if anything, he only seemed more determined to kill. He started toward Melissa's two fallen allies with heavy footsteps.
"S-stop!" she yelled, trying and failing to sound commanding. "We're not your enemies, but I won't let you hurt them!" To prove her point, she switched to a splash potion of harming and waved it threateningly.
Their assailant didn't even seem to notice her and continued to march toward them. He was already too close for her to throw any potions without affecting Blake and Cupa, leaving her sword as the only other option. But Melissa barely knew how to use it, and charging at him wasn't a promising idea.
That was when the sound of more breaking glass came from behind her. She looked back at one of the opposing vats, which no longer held the gaseous matter. There was now a different person standing amidst the broken glass, one more disheveled in appearance than the man in blue. This person, a bald man looking around her father's age, wore a tattered brown shirt and had a bushy black beard. His expression settled into a scowl when his eyes landed on the other stranger.
In fact, his appearance might have saved her friends' lives. Within seconds, Blue Shirt seemed to have completely forgotten about them and extended a hand toward the newcomer. A stream of flames jetted from his palm, scorching the air but not actually hitting anything: Brown Shirt vanished on the spot, and the fire petered out in midair. He reappeared next to Blue Shirt and punched him squarely in the jaw with enough force to knock him back against his broken tank.
"Thank you," Melissa said to Brown Shirt, no less confused but at least relieved he was on their side. Or so she thought, because there was no better word for the look he gave her than murderous. He teleported right in front of her in an instant, drawing back a fist. She flinched. "Don't-"
Blue Shirt was on his feet again and (likely unintentionally) came to her rescue by throwing himself at Brown Shirt and tackling him to the floor. The pair snarled like wild beasts, thrashing and clawing and punching as each struggled to pummel the other into submission. Neither seemed interested in using their abilities so close together.
"Melissa, are you okay?" Blake had gotten up, as had Cupa. The two were a little battered but didn't look seriously hurt, yet both seemed awed and horrified at the sight before them.
"I'm fine… what are these?!"
Blake picked his sword up again. "No idea. But I don't think they're on our side, and they've got the Genesis Cores… we'll have to take them down too."
"I-I don't know what's going on," said Cupa, rubbing her neck and clutching her bow. "Is this normal with these magic orbs?"
"I've never seen them get turned into people before," Blake replied. "For now… they're distracted with each other, so let's hit them while we have the chance."
Melissa might have worried their plan would be overheard, except the two strangers didn't even appear capable of noticing anything else. She wondered if attacking was necessary at all; they were doing a number on each other already with their close-quarters brawl. More concerning was the other tanks, inside each of which the gases were starting to condense into yet more humanoid shapes.
"We can't let any more of these be made!" said Blake.
Cupa drew back an arrow. "Go stop the vats from letting out more of them. Melissa, can you help me deal with these two?"
"I can. Go on, Blake." She sorted through the remaining potions she'd acquired from the witch, trying to find one which would be useful. "Harming, weakness, fire r- aha! These'll do the trick."
Blake ran for the tanks, going unnoticed by the two combatants. Brown Shirt had wound up on top of Blue Shirt, but was kicked off and hit the floor with a thud.
"S-so, got any ideas? I don't want 'em getting too close again," Cupa said, with a bit of a hollow laugh. A bruise was already forming on her neck.
"I'll soften them up, you finish them off. Here goes…"
Melissa tossed a splash potion of weakness their way. It hit the floor between the two, the cool purple fumes swirling around them and seeping into their bodies. Unfortunately, this managed to divert their attention from one another, and Brown Shirt teleported right in front of her again. She didn't have a chance to get back before his fist collided with her stomach.
Her legs buckled and nearly gave way under her. Even under the potion's effects, the force behind his punch was inhuman. Melissa gasped for breath, hunching over as he drew back to strike again. In his haste, however, Brown Shirt had neglected Cupa, who loosed an arrow almost point-blank into his chest.
"Ghh-!"
Melissa, given an opening, switched to her sword and cut across his torso before he could stumble away. Brown Shirt collapsed again, thrashing on the floor while his wounds emitted black vapor. She paused; hadn't she seen something like that in the caves?
Blue Shirt was up, and aimed his palm at them with a feral growl. In a panic, Melissa reached for another potion which she dropped at her feet. The fumes surrounded her and Cupa right as a second burst of fire engulfed the pair. She cringed, waiting for the pain to come, but she didn't feel anything. Flames lingered around Melissa's body as if stubbornly trying to cling to her, yet not even her clothing ignited. Cupa looked at herself uneasily and clutched her bow, which was also immune. Snarling, Blue Shirt ran toward them.
"We're okay, the potion's protecting us," Melissa told her. "Quick, he's coming!"
She shot at Blue Shirt, hitting him in the thigh. He staggered and roared at them, but didn't stop moving. Cupa was still reaching for another arrow. Melissa switched back to her sword and stabbed at him when he drew near, but he batted the blade out of her hand like a toy. With his flames of no use, Blue Shirt reached for her throat, but Cupa had been given just enough time to shoot him again and struck him right in the palm. Though he clutched his injured hand with a yell, he still wasn't done.
There was only one other thing to do. Melissa raised her last potion above her head and shouted, "G-get away, Cupa!" before smashing it on the ground.
When experimenting with potions in the past, she'd fallen victim to her own brews more than a few times. She'd gotten sick and fatigued, but never had she hit herself with a potion of harming. The instant damage lived up to its name: her whole body was wracked with pain, nearly making her convulse in agony. But Blue Shirt was close enough to feel the effects too, and the damage was finally too much for him. With a raspy groan, he went down and didn't move again. Black gas seeped from his wounds like with Brown Shirt, who also lay still at last. Their bodies shone yellow and purple, then vanished into thin air and only left behind two Genesis Cores.
"N-no, damn it!" yelled Blake.
It seemed he'd managed to halt the transformations within three of the other vats by destroying their control systems, but the last one had gotten too far along in the process and a person identical to Blue Shirt had taken form. Blake didn't give him the chance to break free and jabbed his sword right through the glass, into his chest. Another spray of vapor later, the man disappeared and a purple Genesis Core clunked to the tank's floor. The flames around Melissa and Cupa finally snuffed out, just in time for all three of them to collapse to their knees, gasping for breath.
"What… the hell… was that?" Melissa panted.
"There you are, we… a-are you okay?!"
Felix was by the doorway, helping Celia stand. The two of them looked worse for wear, but were clearly more concerned by the state of Melissa and company.
"All g-good in here…" said Cupa. "Just… fine. Did we win downstairs?"
"The rest of your team freed the prisoners and joined the battle. Usurpation soldiers arrived, but I think we… handled their leader," said Celia. There was a distinct shakiness to her voice. "What happened in here?"
Nobody answered. Nobody knew what to say.
"Felix. A moment, please?" Celia was beside him, hands clasped and looking a little sheepish.
He was crouched by the wall they'd set fire to earlier, patching up the holes with fresh wooden planks. The four of them and Cupa hadn't left that room on the top floor after the fight ended, but the reinforcements freed from the prison had been enough. The Illagers, and even the Usurpation soldiers, were routed. None surrendered or ran- they all fought to the bitter end. Teras might have been celebrating the victory, but Felix just felt exhausted, and busied himself by assisting in reparations to the mansion.
He put the last block in place and stood to address her. "What can I do for you, Lady Celia?"
She flinched. "I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have lost my temper with you earlier. Even if the situation was stressful, that was no excuse for me to lash out."
"Tensions were high. It's perfectly reasonable to react like that."
"But you didn't! You were… perhaps I should say, you have been keeping something bottled up. Blake and Melissa are willing to speak to me as equals, most of the time anyway, but you? It's as if anything other than obedience is uncomfortable."
Felix didn't know what to say. He fidgeted where he stood, which only seemed to make her more upset until he managed to pry words from his lips. "You're the Countess. Shouldn't you be in charge? I'm here as your protection."
Her eyes narrowed. "As far as official business goes, if that's truly the role you wish to fill then I suppose that's your choice to make. But if I offered you the chance not to follow me any further- again, I might add- you would decline, wouldn't you?"
He didn't answer.
"I'm a fool for not realizing sooner," she groaned. "When Tara captured you, it dawned on me I'd dragged you along to find a Genesis Core without consideration. But when we left Luxmouth with Blake, I thought you were coming with me for the sake of the journey, not just to help the war effort. And I fear I was projecting at the time."
Felix didn't know what to say, but he had a feeling he knew what she was talking about.
"…I need to confess something. I've been selfish, this whole time." She looked at her feet. "One day, when I am Duchess, there will be too many responsibilities to attend to. I won't be able to travel, to explore and make discoveries like I've wanted to since I was a little girl. And… and when I volunteered to meet with TOEC, part of my decision was based on that old wish to see the world. The more I listen to Blake describe his past adventures, the fun he had with his old friends, the more I envy him."
"I'm sorry for that."
Both he and Celia jumped, looking down the hallway to where Blake stood. Felix didn't know how long he'd been listening in, but he'd heard enough. Melissa was at his side, holding the shulker box which now held nine Genesis Cores (their Lightning Core, Petra's Stone Core, the Dirt Core provided by Teras, and the six miscellaneous Cores they'd taken from the Illagers).
"I think, somehow, I figured out you wanted something different for your life a while ago," Blake said. "But I knew you'd never say so if I asked directly. I guess I shouldn't have told you so much about what I used to do, if it was just going to make you upset. Sorry."
Celia shook her head. "N-no, do not apologize for me. It was always a selfish dream of mine. I will not run from my responsibilities as the Duchess, whenever that day comes. Before then, however… ugh, it sounds ridiculous to say, but I wanted to have an adventure. And morbid as it may be, the invasion gave me that chance."
Somewhere inside Felix, a warm feeling had taken hold. He said, "I think I understand, Lady Celia. I could go without the constant life-or-death battles, but this is war. And if fighting is how I can do my part, then I'll fight. Even if I don't like doing it. For what it's worth, it hasn't been all bad traveling with you."
Blake grinned at him. "My life's been way more interesting since I met you guys. If you're still willing to put up with me, then I'll stick around."
"Only if you share more stories every now and then," Celia replied with a light giggle.
Felix turned to her again, finding himself smiling despite all that had happened. "You were right, Lady Celia. I wouldn't leave now, not if I can lend you a hand."
He could see the wheels turning in her head, but what she was thinking caught him by surprise. "In that case, I have a request. We're far from home, far from the policies and procedures which led us apart as we grew up. And as long as we're out here, I'd like to forget the social differences." She gave him a warm look. "I want us to be close again, Felix. You were my best friend for years… can we return to that time?"
Something deep within was stirring to life. Some dormant longing he'd repressed for so long as to nearly forget altogether was dragging itself back to the surface, and he made no effort to hide how happy he suddenly felt. "I think I'd like that, Lady Celia. But if that's how it'll be, can… can I just call you Celia again?"
Her eyes practically sparkled. "I'd like nothing more."
"You're all too sweet, you know that?" Cupa stepped out from behind a doorway, arms folded and chuckling to herself.
Felix moved out of the way for Melissa, who'd approached Celia and- apparently fulfilling her earlier promise- planted a kiss on her mouth. "The sweetest," she quipped, sounding very pleased with herself. Celia, for her part, flushed redder than Felix thought possible and stammered incoherently.
"My dads have sent some people back to gather everyone who couldn't fight. We've decided to move Teras into this place. It'll be better than living in dirt tunnels, right?"
"Enough evil has been done here," Blake remarked. "I'm glad it's being used for something good now."
"Exactly," Cupa said. "By the way, we salvaged some things you might be interested in."
She showed them a few items which Felix found very familiar: a Genesis Core tracker, an extracting device, and a black leather notebook, all Usurpation in make. Where she'd gotten them, everyone seemed to silently agree, didn't need to be said.
"This tool removes Cores," Felix explained to Melissa, showing her the extractor. "I bet if we learn how to use it, we could switch them out for different abilities whenever necessary. We'll have to test the new ones we've got another time."
None of them had laid a hand on the Genesis Cores they'd gotten from the Illagers, instead scooping them into the shulker box without physical contact. Whatever had happened to the three who'd found them, they were still too confused and shaken up to talk about it. That discussion could come later on.
"So… what's the plan now?" asked Blake. "TOEC won't be able to spare reinforcements while they're hunting the Ender Forge, and Teras has its own town to worry about. We aren't any closer to building an army."
"But this meeting was hardly a waste," said Celia, managing to compose herself after Melissa's surprise kiss. "We eliminated the Illagers' presence in this region in one swift blow, and we now have eight new Genesis Cores in our possession. We will bring them to Gwendolyn; surely she can use them in the attack."
Cupa pouted with a furrowed brow, clearly having no idea what she'd just said.
"More importantly, we've made new allies," Celia continued. "When the war is over, Luxmouth will help Teras however we can."
Melissa beamed. "Same with TOEC, of course. I have to thank you for trusting Galen when you met him, otherwise we might've never come here. I hope we can meet again, once this all blows over."
Cupa was looking at the ground, rocking on her heels. "Yeah… I hope so too." Then, perking up in a flash, she pointed to the staircase. "Well! It's been… uh… probably the longest day in my life, and I bet it was pretty busy for all of you as well. I'm sure you need to get going soon, but why don't you spend the night here? It gets dark early in these woods, so you probably don't want to be out there once the mobs start coming out to play."
Felix couldn't say she was wrong, he was utterly wiped out. Had they really just found Teras that morning?
"As much as I'd like to meet Gwendolyn as soon as possible, it's for the best that we take you up on that offer," replied Celia. "And… if I could ask one other thing of you?"
Cupa nodded eagerly. "Anything. What can I do?"
"Could you spare someone to escort Melissa-"
"Don't even try it, Cece." She'd folded her arms and was giving the Countess a half-smirk. "You all just had that big, gooey talk about friendship and adventure. Do you really think I'll accept sitting at home while you're out here risking everything? I want to help you out the whole way, and I'm not taking no for an answer. Not from you, at least. Felix, Blake, do you mind having me?"
"You'll need to get some practice with a weapon," said Blake, "but we could use a potions expert- and someone has to keep a certain noble in line. As long as you're okay with the risks, I say you can stick around too."
"I have to agree. You'd be a big help to us," Felix added.
Outvoted, Celia didn't bother arguing the point (though she also didn't seem too broken up about having Melissa stay with them). Cupa giggled. "I guess we won't have to bring you back. You guys take it easy, and I'll see if I can find a good room for you to sleep in."
As she turned and walked away, however, Felix wondered if her smile looked a bit forced.
The mansion's storehouses had been ransacked as soon as cleanup from the fight was over (the bodies of Illagers, Terasi, and Usurpers alike were buried outside, owed at least that much courtesy). Blake went about collecting new supplies for the journey, leaving most of the foodstuffs and spare weapons behind for Teras. The town needed them more, and he knew he could find the basics for his group himself in a pinch.
Their share of the loot included a single golden apple, enough iron ingots to build each of them a pickaxe and a new weapon, and various crafting materials like redstone dust, gunpowder, and string. There was also an out-of-place looking box containing a brewing stand and some assorted potion ingredients, perhaps brought there by a visiting witch.
But the mansion hid more than just storage chests. Blake found a room completely blocked off from the surrounding hallways while inspecting a damaged bit of wall. It housed a bizarre centerpiece: a set of cobblestone stairs leading to a ring of dark green wool, hovering over orange wool blocks on the floor. While he couldn't begin to fathom what the decoration meant, he was more interested in the items on top of the green wool. A chest was nestled between two blocks of TNT, both of which he carefully removed and put in his inventory.
That turned out to have been a good idea, because when he opened the chest it emitted a strange click which sounded suspiciously like a redstone pulse. He knew nothing about redstone, but the trap he'd narrowly avoided was apparent. The only contents were a pair of glassy spheres bearing a striking resemblance to Genesis Cores. He'd seen these before from wandering traders: they were Ender Pearls, supposedly able to teleport anyone who threw them. Blake took them with him, as well as the strange chest for good measure- maybe Felix could inspect it.
When he was done, and the shulker box was full of his haul (in addition to the anvil, emerald blocks, nine Genesis Cores, and assorted enchanting books), he returned to his friends. They were staying in one of the smaller bedrooms for the night, at Celia's request, and had gathered around a map on the floor.
"They had some good stuff hidden away after all. Here you go, everybody."
He gave Melissa the brewing stand and ingredients, which she took eagerly. To Felix, he handed the chest and crafting supplies, and some spare wood he'd collected. Celia was content not taking anything more than the golden apple and carrying the shulker box again, while Blake held onto the TNT and Ender Pearls.
"The Scorched Sands are to the northeast," Celia was saying. "There's still a ways to go, but if we leave first thing in the morning we can make good time. We have about a week and a half to arrive before Gwendolyn's attack begins."
"It looks like there aren't many settlements on the way. Maybe a few small villages, but nothing the Usurpation would be interested in," Melissa remarked. "I hope, anyway. We might be able to stop in and restock if we need to."
Blake thought it over. "We've got about a dozen Genesis Cores on us right now. I don't think we should go near any civilization, in case they've got scouts there. We just have to hope they don't send anyone else after them, and to be ready for a fight if they do."
"The long way around it is," replied Celia.
There was a knock on the door. Blake opened it to reveal Rot, standing there with Cupa behind him.
"I hope we're not interrupting you," Rot said. "May we come in?"
He let them inside. The two carried themselves with their usual levity, but Blake didn't think they had come by just to say hello.
"We can't thank you enough, or ever repay you for your help today. On behalf of Teras, we're in your debt," Rot said.
Celia put up a hand. "Don't concern yourselves with that, we were glad to aid you. Your people will always be welcome in Luxmouth, if you'd ever like to visit in less troubled times."
Rot laughed. "That sounds a little too high-society for creatures like us! But, we'll keep your kindness in mind. The same goes to you; feel free to come back whenever you like. We can't join your army now, but we'll see if we can train up some stronger warriors and pull our weight in the future."
"We'd be glad to fight alongside you," Melissa said. "The more of the Overworld that comes together, the harder of a time the Usurpation's going to have."
Blake looked at Celia. "What'd you call it? The Inland Alliance?"
"Well, we stand together in opposition to the Usurpers. If they want to conquer the 'Inlands,' the 'Inlanders' are going to fight back together," she said.
"Delightfully corny, my dear," Melissa snickered.
Rot spoke again. "If you don't mind… we do have one other way we can help you. Cupa?"
She stepped forward and took a deep breath, only to let it out with a bashful laugh. "I learned so much just by getting to meet you all today, but I feel like I've only taken a step into the wider world."
Everyone's eyes were on her. Blake knew where this was going.
"So, uh, if you've got room for one more… could I come with you?" asked Cupa. "I want to see everything I can. I want to learn more about people- about being a person. And I want to fight with you again, and help you beat the invaders."
"She spoke to me and Dusk about this earlier," Rot explained. "If it's no trouble for you, I think getting out of the forest is good for her. It'll be good for all of us, but this is her chance to leave the nest. Seems she's taken a liking to you four."
"Daaad," Cupa groaned, her face reddening.
Blake looked to his friends. They each nodded in turn, as if silently voting, until Celia finalized the decision for them. "If you're really willing to face the dangers of the war, we'd be honored to have you accompany us."
"We made a good team earlier. It'll be nice to spend some more time with you," said Melissa.
"Everybody's in this together," Felix added.
"This group's got people from all over already," said Blake. "What's one more? Welcome aboard."
For a moment, Cupa almost seemed to be tearing up. But it quickly gave way to her carefree smile from earlier. "Thank you. I won't let you down!"
Blake saw Rot step out with a proud grin, leaving them to welcome her to the group in private. It had been a long, tense day, but things were looking up for them one way or another. They all sat around the map, to continue planning for the journey.
A noble, impulsive but determined.
A craftsman, finally coming out of his shell.
A nobody, finding new friends in this wide world.
A businesswoman, lending support with magical brews.
And now a former creeper, getting to see the outside.
It was an odd group to be sure, from vastly different walks of life, yet Blake quite liked the assortment. He probably wouldn't ever see his old friends again, but he'd made peace with that. Now, he was in a new team and on a new adventure. It was everything he'd wanted from leaving home.
The five of them would do their part in the war however they could, as their own little Inland Alliance.
End of Part Five
Note from the author:
With that, one of our two central teams has been fully assembled at last. There are still two parts left in Book Two, but there's going to be a bit more of a break until they come out. Hopefully it'll be worth the wait. In the meantime, consider leaving a comment and letting me know what's working in the story, or what isn't. Is there something I could improve on, or something you'd like to see more of?
As always, thank you for reading so far. I hope to see you here again in Part Six: A Worthy Cause, where after some time away from them we'll mainly be focusing on the Usurpation protagonists.