A/N: Whee! Next chapter done! I'll try to do these faster. Anyway... Dave, Tabby, Red, and Purple make appearances in this chapter, as does Tif. YAY!

---

Black magic? Dib said nervously. That's bad, right? Orcs don't use magic, do they? This means there's something else out there, doesn't it? Like that dark force I'm supposed to stop!

I think we should send a message back west to the palace, Aubri said, as they were searching through the broken and scattered wagons for replacement supplies. That dress that Ivy's wearing looks like it's in the royal style. They might be missing her.

Do you think she's a princess or something? Dib said, moving aside a broken piece of cart wheel.

No way to tell, Aubri replied.

Dib glanced over at the girl. She was sitting on KidK's horse, and KidK was saying something to Zim as she was re-tying her supplies to the animal. The minstrel was glaring but didn't seem to be saying much back. Dib couldn't hear them from this distance.

We don't have anyone to send though, do we? Dib asked Aubri. I mean, we kind of need the whole group, don't we? Wait, we could send Zim why don't we send Zim?

We need him just as much, Aubri said calmly. He has skills we can use, and powerful magic.

Dib muttered under his breath, and crouched down to peer underneath a heavy wagon that had remained more or less intact. He really wanted that annoying being gone. On second thought, he sure didn't want to be searching around a battle site for supplies

Oh, gross, Dib moaned, covering his mouth with one hand. Another corpse.

That one's alive, Aubri said without looking over.

Dib stared at the motionless figure half under the wheels. It was a man, fairly large in build, with a crusting of dried blood along his temple. He doesn't look alive hello? Dib poked the guy in the head, and was stunned when he moaned and actually started to move. He looked up groggily, and blinked at Dib.

Hi, are you the messiah? the man said.

Dib stared.

Aubri said, coming over and looking the man over. You can walk need help out of there?

No, I'm good, the man said dazedly, and slowly crawled out. He looked like he'd just been unconscious probably a blessing for him. He straightened up as soon as he was out and brushed himself off. Aubri watched. The man stuck a hand out towards him. Hello, I am Dave. It's nice to meet you, wizard-guy.

Aubri stared at his hand for a moment. I'm not a wizard, he said, lifting an eyebrow as he looked up at Dave, who Dib noticed was a few inches taller than him.

Dave said. I am. I specialize in rainclouds and fire trucks.

What's a fire truck? said Dib, confused.

I'm not sure. But it's probably yummy, Dave said. He raised his hands and wiggled his fingers, making a cart several feet away blow up into splinters. Aubri's head snapped around to observe this, then looked back at Dave, the hint of a glare in his gaze. Zim, KidK, and Ivy turned to stare at the exploded cart, wide-eyed.

So.. um how can I help you nice folks? Dave said. Aubri closed his eyes, as if in strained patience, then opened them again.

Do you know where the palace is? he asked.

Oh, sure, Dave said. Who doesn't?

Can you take a message there?

I guess so, said Dave thoughtfully. Will the kings pay me?

Okay. What's the message?

You see her? Aubri pointed over towards Ivy.

Dave turned around. Hey, she's cute.

Not the gypsy, Aubri said, patience visibly strained now. The green child.

Oh. Yeah, I see her.

We have reason to believe that she's from the royal court. If she's missing, they're probably looking for her. Inform them we might need imperial assistance along the East Road. We'll be staying on it for some time. Okay?

Dave said. Is that it?

Yes. How soon can you leave?

Right now. Dave waved to Dib, and started off down the road the way they'd come, turning to smile at KidK as he passed.

Who was that? the gypsy said, looking disturbed.

Some filthy huuuuuman, Zim said darkly. filthy. He shuddered. He will face much DOOM for what he has done!! The minstrel shook his fist after the man's back and growled.

---

A message from who? a whispered voice said in the alleyway of a street.

Some wizard traveling to fulfill a prophecy, another voice answered.

The messenger didn't make it to the palace, did he.

Was the message delivered?

It was mentioned. There are more and more bandit hordes accumulating around here. They're getting people like this all the time.

They're not under the guild's surveillance.

Which means we have to find a way to stop them.

Can the message be sent through to the palace?

I don't think it needs to be. Let the kings occupy themselves as they will. We'll assign a spy to monitor them.

That's a lowly job.

We have a few lowlies in the guild. We usually have someone in the palace in times of crisis.

Is this really a crisis?

Yes. There's something dark in the land, and they say it has the potential to destroy this world.

Assign Tabby to it.

Consider it done.

The two dark figures nodded to each other, and went their separate ways from the alley.

---

the frustrated wail carried through the luxurious hallways, reaching the tall, gangly Irken who was draped over an elaborate throne in a far-too-large audience room with an extremely tall ceiling. Red robes in the royal style adorned the tall, thin figure, and a jeweled, decorated crown was perched haphazardly on his hairless green head.

Red said to himself in reply, and obliviously munched a nacho. It was only Purple, his co-ruler, who fretted too much. Yeah, way too much. So they'd lost the heir to their throne she'd come back. She was going to be tall someday. Really tall. Tall enough to make the entire world bow, not just this kingdom. Yeah, that was his little Vee.

Purple appeared in the doorway now, his arms full of records and maps. He was dressed in royal robes as well, only they were in shades of purple instead of glorious, glorious red. He too had a crown.. he didn't deserve a crown. I really need some help going over these! I can't even find out who kidnapped her!! It must've been done through magic, and maybe a couple of hired hands in just the right place—

Pur, chill out, would you? Red said, munching another nacho. The good cheese just got imported! I'm.. I'm eating here.

How can you be worried about your stupid cheese when Ivy is missing!? Purple was nearly hysterical.

Hey, you! Courtier-drone Ted! Red pointed at an approaching scribe, who looked up in startlement. Yeah, he was human, but he'd do. Humans were more numerous than Irkens, even though Irkens were better. But that was just more people to order around to Red. It was all good. Go help Purple, Red demanded, pointing at his distraught co-ruler.

I will, my Tallest, the scribe said quickly. I have first a message to deliver to you

From a secret admirer, no doubt, Red said, adjusting his crown and looking haughty.

Actually, my Tallest I believe you are right?

Red stared.

Her name is Tabatha she is an Avitor and wishes royal appointment as a concubine. The scribe gestured, and an attractive young lady stepped out of the hall into the audience room. The sheer size of it positively dwarfed her. She was wearing a barely knee-length red dress, with a leather belt, a gold collar and no sleeves. At least it was red, Red noted approvingly. Her arms were loosely wrapped in leather straps, and she wore knee-high leather boots. But most intriguing were her large, feathered wings ranging through the colors of fire to brilliant, beautiful red, tipped at the primaries with dark purple. She had tailfeathers too, along the same pattern.

Yeah sure, Red said as he absently munched another handful of nachos. Royal appointment. She can stay.

I can't believe you're entertaining concubines when our heir could possibly be hurt or dying! yelped Purple.

Go with scribey, Pur Red said dismissively. He pointed to Tabby.

---

The darkness was spreading. Anyone could see that. Such terrible darkness it was, too and he was going to stop it. Mike slammed down a large tome on his desk.

he said decisively to the furry little animal next to him, which looked up curiously. I don't know what was running through these mapmakers' heads but we're going to find the source of this evil and stop it! The little creature, something called a koala (it was distinctly magical) blinked up at him, and a dash of bright-colored sparkles sprinkled up into the air from it.

How? Well, by finding the source and using our special magic powers, of course, Mike said. It's a noble quest and you can help me! Sparkles scare demons, you know! He picked the koala up, and another dusting of sparkles fell to the floor, disappearing almost immediately.

Mike carried the koala through his house, pausing only briefly to get his staff—adorned with many colored ribbons and a large blue stone at its tip that matched the one on his forehead. Another complex spray of sparkles coursed from the animal.

Yes, I know there's a prophecy about that Mike said thoughtfully. But we'll find out what it is later. No evil can stand in the way of Mike-the-Awesome! Mike struck a dramatic pose, although no obligatory flashes of light or sparkles lit up, much to his disappointment. The little koala in his arms looked up at him sympathetically.

---

Do you think that.. um.. Dave wizard guy made it to the Palace? Dib asked, nudging his mule to a faster pace to keep up with Aubri's quickly trotting mount.

Aubri replied. But I doubt it. It was only worth a try

What are we going to do about Ivy, then? Dib persisted. I mean, we can't take a kid on a quest to save the world, can we!?

Aubri looked at him appraisingly. You're only 11.

She's younger than that!

A member of the mighty Irken race is adept at everything from the moment of birth!! insisted Zim, riding behind them. Although no child or adult can match the amazingness of ZIM. And they are certainly all superior to a large-headed human WORM like yourself.

Dib growled. He was really sick of this minstrel traveling with him all day had been wearing his patience very thin. And there was nothing he could do about him.. he was just there! Getting in the way! Being obnoxious!

Aubri do we have to keep him WITH us? Dib said hotly, looking up at his mentor. He's going to give us away to the Dark Lord! No one's supposed to know about our quest they could have spies everywhere!!

Aubri gave him a look.

Um.. Dib, wouldn't that mean it'd be a good idea not to talk about it? KidK said from behind, riding beside Zim. Ivy, in front of her on the saddle, nodded, wide-eyed.

Yeah, Dib said, grimacing. The minstrel snickered.

There it is, Aubri said, stopping Dib from snapping back at the green being. He turned his horse off the road to a small house. There was a garden, and a large open shed that looked like it housed smithing equipment. A long silence followed Aubri glanced at Dib, who looked back up at him, then at JC, who was snapping pictures of the house. He sighed and swung off his horse.

He saw the blade coming before it ever reached his throat. It was something about the vibrations of an action having its start on higher levels than the physical. The echo of the blade was there on a mental and spiritual level before it was even close to Aubri's actual throat. He moved swiftly to avoid it, even as the steel blade followed him a few inches behind. It scared everyone else half to death, though.

yelled Dib, and half-fell, half-jumped off of his mule, only to stop and stare up at JC, who was taking a picture of the incident. KidK's eyes were wide open, and Zim, seeing this, immediately started yelling about adverse treatment of his stink-slaves'.

Aubri took a moment to look at his assailant. She was a young woman, dressed in black. A soft hide sleeveless tunic and leggings, a leather cape, and boots with steel accents all over them. Her hair was cut short, brown with purple streaks in the front. She was holding the sword up to where Aubri had been, and looked mildly surprised. The sword had a black blade, and was slightly curved evidently a rarity. Perhaps it came from those weird places out east. But the presence of such a weapon drew an idea in Aubri's mind who this was.

he said, smiling a bit cynically. Dib shot a glance at him, confused, and the minstrel finally fell silent as well, watching. Aubri winced as another flash of light from JC's camera blinded him momentarily.

the young woman said, and stood up, sheathing her sword. How did you know I was going to do that? Are you a wizard, or something?

I'm not a wizard, Aubri said with a sigh.

He's an experiencialist, Dib said matter-of-factly, glaring up at the leather-clad woman.

Tif looked at him. Who are you? And what's wrong with your head?

I'm Dib, and I'm on a quest to save the world! And there's nothing wrong with my head!!

Save the world, huh? Tif rolled her eyes. There's an impossibility. I assume you're heading for the..—she put her fingers up in air quotes—'dark force'. Not much chance of that. Anyway who are you people and what do you want from me?

Aubri said, quirking an eyebrow at her. You're a weaponsmaster, or I assume so, considering the rare quality of that sword you have. What we're searching for is a sword, although we're not sure of its name

The one in the songs? she said, folding her arms and looking at him without expression.

They don't give it a name. Although I've heard legends from many different sources in that case the sword you're looking for is an ornate weapon, barrocco' you could almost call it. I'm not sure exactly what it looks like, but it's colored with green and orange most likely set with emeralds or something like that. You know the continent to the north, don't you? Where all the odd groups of magic users live? It's said that the sword resides there somewhere, although there's a system of old runes that

Her quick speech blurred in Dib's ears, after a few moments, though he could tell Aubri was listening intently. Why was this Tif' so eager to help them when she'd tried to run Aubri through the neck with her sword a few moments ago? She didn't even know who they were or where they'd come from she couldn't've known they were coming could she have?

Behind him, Zim sneered. This foolish huuuuman thinks she has important information!? ZIM knows all! Away from her, you disgusting wizard! We have WORK to do! He glared haughtily.

Tif's explanation to Aubri paused, and she turned a cold glare on Zim. He returned it, although after a moment Dib noticed him start fidgeting. Aubri also turned a light glare on the minstrel, and Zim muttered under his breath angrily.

At any rate, Tif said sweetly, turning to Aubri with a smile that was incredibly cold. It's a dangerous road, as I'm sure you've found out. You'll probably need assistance on your way to the next town, by the look of your rag-tag little bunch here

We can do fine on our own, Dib said, crossing his arms confidently.

Aubri was studying Tif intently. There was something in his expression that Dib couldn't quite read, and he wondered if the wizar—experiancialist was as mistrustful of the weaponsmaster as he himself was.

Hey, you know, guys JC spoke up nervously. She's pretty good with a sword and all that, I mean, we could use someone like that, I mean, in case we get attacked again

You certainly could, Tif said dryly.

the minstrel yelped. We have no need of such inferior protection! Do you think we are smeets!?

Well, you certainly are, Tif said, smiling.

I AM NOT A SMEET!! Zim ranted.

Scaredy smeet! giggled GIR, popping up behind Zim's saddle and startling his horse.

GIR!! BE SILENT!!! Zim glared heftily.

GIR said, ignoring its master. Leaping down to the ground, it ran over to Tif's boots and starting poking them. Lookit them shiiiiiiine! Tif's unnerving smile remained across her face as she looked down at the dog.

Who's this? she said, her voice expressionless.

The minstrel's dog, Aubri said.

GIR SERVES ZIM!!! the minstrel hollered. DO NOT CORRUPT MY ROBOT SLAVE!!

What's a robot? Dib said, looking up at the minstrel. Is that some stupid plan of yours to rule the world?

Eh.. er.. um NO!!

Tif said, pushing the dog away from her with a boot. We should get going. She spun around and walked swiftly back into the house. Aubri watched her go, that curious expression still on his face.

Why is she going with us? Dib demanded.

She's kind of creepy.. agreed KidK.

SHE IS A FOOL!! insisted Zim.

She's not going with us, Aubri said, swinging up on his horse. Come on. He kicked his mount in the flanks, and it took off down the road, its hooves kicking up dirt.

Dib stared, then quickly climbed back up onto the mule and headed after the others. JC lagged behind a bit, her camera at ready. Aubri had managed to get maybe twenty feet away when a dark shape sailed over the fence at the back of the house. A flash of light illuminated the figure for a bare moment.

Oh, that was great! JC said. I don't remember what my shutter speed is, I hope it comes out She headed after the group thoughtfully.

Aubri reined his horse in as the figure pulled up alongside of him.

Leaving so soon? Tif said, astride a massive black horse. That unnerving smile still graced her face. Aubri stared at her. Without a word, he started moving again, back rigid, his gaze straight ahead. Dib watched him. There was something wrong, definitely else, it would be a good idea to take on a trained weaponsmaster. Bandits were a lot thicker than they had been because of this dark force