Flying past the castle's "teeth," Luz and the others landed inside the structure that mysteriously appeared. It was dark inside, aside from the faint blue light illuminating the walls. "What is this place?" Luz asked.
"I've researched Boiling Isles architecture, but I've never seen anything like this," Amity admitted. She held onto Ghost in her staff form tighter.
"Neither have I." Eda also admitted, Owlbert kept in his staff form. "And I thought I had seen everything."
"Luz, do you think someone might be here?" King asked the one person he considers an older sister.
"Honestly, I don't know," Luz answered. "But castles don't just appear out of nowhere on their own. Someone had to have brought it here."
"It could be a living castle?" Amity suggested, which got her a look from her girlfriend. "It's not out of the realm of possibility."
"We should look around just in case." Luz took out one of her Light Glyphs and tapped it. The paper balled up into a luminescent ball and floated an inch above her hand.
"And if there isn't anyone here, I'm sure they wouldn't mind if we helped "relocate" some things in the treasury." Eda slyly said.
"Eda." Luz presented the witch with a disappointed look.
"What? Castles have treasuries."
"That's not what I'm getting at." The girl tucked her arms.
"Ugh… fine." The Owl Lady rolled her eyes and held a hand up, uttering an oath. "I won't steal anything while we're here."
"Gracias," Luz said as she walked ahead, followed by Amity and King behind the witchling. Eda, who crossed her fingers behind her back when making the oath, followed the kids.
The deeper into the castle they traversed, the less dark it became, continuing until they spotted a shimmering wall of blue energy before them. "Looks like the end of the road," King said.
"I've put up my fair share of magical barriers, but I've never seen anything like this," Eda admitted. She then noticed Luz taking steps closer to it. "Luz, what are you doing?"
"I just wanna try something," Luz said as she stuck her hand out to touch the wall. She did so; her hand went through it. She pulled it back and found it was unharmed. "I think we can cross through."
"Let's be sure first," Amity said as she traced a spell circle on the ground a foot from her. "Abomination, rise!" One of her mushy golems rose with a moan. "Abomination, walk through that wall, then come back." The abomination moaned, lurching to and through the barrier; a few seconds later, it returned as intact as before. "Okay, now we know it's safe."
"Nos vemos en la otra lada." Luz told the others as she stepped through, followed by Amity, then by Eda and King. The light impeded their vision at first. It eventually returned to normal as they found themselves somewhere they could not describe. "Oh, mía..."
From their point of view, Luz, Amity, Eda, and King were standing inside a completely different location. It was like they wandered off the Isles and into a completely different realm. "Is anyone else seeing this?" The Owl Lady asked, questioning her sanity and sobriety.
"Hey!" Luz and her friends heard a voice shout at them and turned to it.
They spotted the owner of the voice: A slim figure wearing a red vest with black stripes, along with similarly designed bracers, brown pants, and red boots. The figure ran up to them, and Luz and her friends got ready for a potential fight.
However, they all saw he was just a teen around the same age as Amity's brother and sister and the Golden Guard. He looked — and even sounded — like him. The only difference was his eyes were blue instead of red, and his face was scarless, and... Luz gasped, realizing his ears were round. "Another human?"
"Who are you? How did you get in here?" The teen interrogated them as he reached for something behind his back. It looked like the grip of a giant sword.
"You don't wanna mess with us, kid," Eda said menacingly, pointing Owlbert at him. Amity did the same with Ghost and cast a spell to make her abomination bigger and more menacing. King got on all four of his paws, like a dog ready to guard his owners.
"Are you working for Skeletor?" He pulled out the sword, holding it with both hands, leveling the blade at the group. It was unique from any sword Luz had seen. It had the identifiable shape and features of the staple medieval fantasy weapon. However, this one looked more rooted in technology than anything magical.
"Who?" Eda, King, and Amity all asked at the same time.
"We have no idea who that is," Luz said, stepping forward holding her hands out to both sides. "And we're not here to fight." She looked at the "human" with a placid expression. "My name is Luz Noceda." She looked at her friends. "And these are my friends: Amity Blight, Eda, and King." She turned to the teen. "And what's your name."
The "human" remained silent for a moment, passing glances over at the four of them. "My name is Adam." He introduced, re-sheathing his weapon, unable to explain how he felt that Luz was telling the truth and they were not here to fight.
Eda, King, and Amity all relaxed, the latter's giant abomination melting into a pile of sludge. "Well, Adam." Eda began. "Would you mind telling us where the heck we are?"
"Well, to put it plainly, you're all inside Castle Grayskull."
"This is all inside the castle?" Amity asked, astonished.
"And more importantly, why did you park it out in the middle of the Boiling Sea?" Eda questioned, pointing at him. "You now owe me some apple blood, kid."
"The Boiling what?" Adam asked, looking at the Owl Lady like she had an extra head.
"Uh, the Boiling Sea?" King answered, presenting the "human" with a similar look. "As in the body of water surrounding the Boiling Isles?"
"I never heard of the Boiling Isles. Where's that on Eternia?"
"Eternia?" Luz questioned. "This the Demon Realm. Well, not this here." She pointed at the ground. "But there." Then at the blue barrier. "Outside, I mean."
"No, that can't be right." Adam backed away from the others. "We can't be off Eternia. Oh, no… Teela, Ork-0, Father…"
"Okay, how about we start with you explaining what this "Eternia" is."
"Adam?" A deep voice made itself known. Adam turned to it, with Luz and the others following his gaze. Out from behind what looked like the remains of a statue, a green tiger with golden stripes appeared. On the tiger's forepaws were a pair of sharp, metallic claws. "Who are these people?" It was a talking tiger, and it was more defensive sounding now.
"What is it, Cringer?" A feminine voice asked, not far behind the tiger, and revealed herself. She looked to be Adam's age and wore similarly designed clothes. However, hers were overtly more feminine and looked more like a grudgeby uniform than casual wear. She even had a build like one. Her skin was a rosy pink, along with her eyes, and she had short teal hair with lavender highlights.
"Are they bad guys? Please tell me they're not bad guys." A third, geekier-sounding voice asked as its owner joined in. Another "human" around Adam's age, except he had tan skin, gray-green eyes, and blue hair — a deeper shade than the girl's hair. He wore green and gray clothes that looked like they belonged to a mechanic and a pair of goggles on his forehead. He was holding a long and bulky wrench-like tool with both hands as if it were a club.
"No, Duncan. They're not bad guys." Adam assured his friend.
"Are you sure?" Duncan pointed at Eda. "Because I'm not getting "good guy" vibes from her?"
"Okay, rude." The Owl Lady replied, more than tempted to reveal her "bad guy" — "bad girl" would be more appropriate — side right about now.
"So, what are they doing here then?" The tough-looking girl asked, her body language communicating she was ready to confront them.
"Hold on, Krass," Adam told the girl, holding his hand out. "Just let me explain."
He informed his friends how he came across Luz and her friends. And how Castle Grayskull is currently located in the Boiling Isles and inside the Demon Realm. They all had the same look and feelings Adam felt when told all this.
"Okay, so WHY are we no longer in Eternia?" Krass asked, wanting clarification on that matter. "Why this… Boiling Isles of all places?"
"To get us as far away from Skeletor as possible." Cringer guessed.
"But we are going back, right?" Duncan asked. "We can't just leave Teela and Ork-0 there."
"Excuse me!" King shouted. "But would you mind filling us all in about what you're talking about?"
"It's none of your business, Rat," Krass answered harshly.
King gasped. "I am not a rat, you… you… mean person! Ha!" He acted way too proud of that insult.
"I think they have a right to know," Cringer said. "I imagine they have just as many questions, if not more."
"We do, actually," Amity answered.
"Like, what is this "Eternia" you keep mentioning?" Luz asked. "Is it your home?"
"It's our home planet, yes," Adam answered.
"¿Qué? Home planet?" That answer surprised Luz. "So, you aren't human?"
"No, I am human. So are Krass and Duncan. Why?"
"Well, I'm from Earth. In the Human Realm."
"Never heard of it," Duncan said.
"So, if you're not from this Demon Realm or Eternia, how did you get here?" Adam asked.
"It's a long story involving a stolen book and a prison break," Luz answered.
"We don't have time for long stories." Krass interrupted.
"Let's get back to the topic at hand." Amity reminded them and looked at Adam. "Eternia is your home? What's it like?"
"Well, it's… wonderful, from what I've seen," Adam answered. "Honestly, I haven't gotten around to seeing all of it."
"But it's a place of many wonders," Cringer added. "Like magic."
"Magic?" Luz, Amity, Eda, and King all spoke simultaneously.
"And technology!" Duncan added. "So that you know."
"But it's in danger," Adam said. "And we have to go back and fight for it."
"In time, but not now." A voice spoke in a beautiful tone.
"What was that?" Eda asked, holding Owlbert tightly.
"Is someone else here?" Amity questioned the group, doing the same with Ghost.
"Eldress, are you there?" Adam asked, looking up at the sky-ceiling.
"Eldress?" Luz questioned.
A blue light began flourishing into existence in the corner of their eyes as the two groups turned to it. Luz and her friends were surprised by it, while Adam and his friends were not. It took the form of sparkles that sprinkled around aimlessly, then began to take shape. It was a ghostly woman with a triangular head of hair, garbed in a dress that was a mix between futuristic technology and — in Luz's case, at least — an Ancient Egyptian queen.
"Hello, nurse," Eda said under her breath, with a smile.
"Nope. Blocking that out." Said King, who managed to overhear what his mother murmured while shutting his eyes and covering his ears.
"Greetings, Masters." The spirit addressed Adam, Cringer, Krass, and Duncan in that same spellbinding voice — the Eldress. "I am pleased to see you are all well."
"Eldress, why did you teleport the castle off Eternia?" Adam asked; he and his friends were all waiting for the answer.
"Forgive me, Prince Adam." The Eldress lowered her head, then raised it. "But I could not risk the Red Legion destroying Castle Grayskull and the power that lies within it. So, I brought it to a realm where the corrupting force of Havoc could not reach it."
"Hold up," Luz said, fastening her gaze on Adam. "You're a prince?"
"Wait, we didn't mention that?" Duncan asked, then rubbed the back of his head. "Huh, I thought we mentioned that."
"Not important, right now," Krass told her friend before glaring at the apparition.
"I understand why this troubles you all." The Eldress continued. "But the power had to be protected at all costs. Without it, we have no chance of defeating Skeletor."
"You keep mentioning this "Skeletor" person." Amity reminded them. "Who is he?"
"He is my uncle," Adam answered his tone a mix of melancholy and shame. "He tried stealing the castle's power for himself, only to become cursed, becoming as much of a monster on the outside as he is inside. Now, he has taken over Eternia, and we have to stop him."
"Therein lies my reason for bringing the castle to the Demon Realm," Eldress said. "The four of you may have access to Grayskull's power, but it will not be enough."
"She does have a point," Cringer admitted. "For as powerful as we are, we'll need allies if we are to stand a chance and take back our home."
"Then we better find 'em quickly," Duncan said. "Think about it: If Grayskull is here." He pointed at the ground. "Doesn't that mean Teela can't call upon its powers?"
That realization only now dawned on the others. "Powers or not, there's no way she's gonna let herself get captured by Skele-chump or his boneheads," Krass stated, trying to ease her friend.
Adam returned his attention to Luz and her friends. He opened his mouth just as Eda got between him and the human girl she had come to see as a daughter. "No, absolutely not." She hissed.
"But Eda…" Luz began.
"No, Luz! We already have one mad tyrant breathing down our necks; we don't need the attention of another."
"I agree," King said, standing beside her.
"She does have a point," Amity admitted, walking over to join them.
"You too?" Luz asked her girlfriend, surprised.
Amity sighed. "Look, I understand you want to help them. And you know I would stand with you, but we can't get ourselves involved in every single fight that has nothing to do with us."
"We understand," Cringer spoke. Eda, King, and Amity turned to face the tiger. "And we don't have the right to ask those we just met to put our lives on the line."
"Especially since it sounds like you have the same problem we do," Adam added. "But do you know something that could help us?"
"Like manpower?" Asked Krass.
"Or some form of knowledge?" Asked Cringer.
"Maybe some cool tech?" Asked Duncan.
"Sorry, but we got nothing," Eda said, sitting down on her staff and levitating a foot off the ground. She reached for King and lugged him up.
"I think there's a way we can help," Luz said. "If you're all gonna be stuck here for a while, I think you should at least get to know the place."
"Like a tour?" Krass asked with her hands on her hips.
"Yeah. I mean, it can't hurt, can it?"
"That may very well be beneficial," Cringer said. "The more we know about this place, the easier it will be to make a plan for what to do next."
"Luz…" The Owl Lady began, about to reiterate what she had already decided.
"I know what you said, Eda, but I can't just turn them, especially when they need help. And I don't think this necessarily counts as getting involved; we're just helping them find help."
"Well, what do you guys think?" Adam asked his friends.
"I already see the benefits of this idea," Cringer said.
"On one hand, we are stepping into unknown territory and may possibly die." Duncan weighed. "On the other hand, if we don't do anything, then that gives Skeletor more time to tighten his grip on Eternia."
"So, I take it that's a "yes" then?" Adam asked.
"Oh, yeah, it's a "yes." I thought I was clear on that."
"If we wanna see how tough everyone here is, then we gotta see it for ourselves," Krass said. "I'm in." She playfully punched Adam's arm.
"Alright." He said, rubbing the hit spot. "And Eldress?" Adam looked to the spirit, along with the others. "What do you think?"
"This is a decision I cannot partake in, as I cannot leave the castle." The Eldress answered. "Whatever decision you make; I trust you all."
"Okay, then." Adam nodded and turned back to Luz and her friends. "Then I guess all that's left is for you to lead the way."
"¡Asombrasa!" Luz shouted, pumping her fists into the air.
"Uh… yeah, what you said."
"Okay, but how are we gonna carry him out?" King asked, pointing at Cringer. "I don't think he'll fit on Owlbert or Ghost."
"We could take the Wind Raider," Adam suggested.
"About that." Duncan began. "Having the castle moved kinda damaged the Wind Raider. I can get to work on repairing it, but there's no telling how long that will take."
"I think I have an idea that can help," Amity said. "My dad's an inventor, so he should have some stuff to help repair… whatever a Wind Raider is."
"Do you think he'll give it to you?" Luz asked.
"Don't know. But it wouldn't hurt to ask."
"It could work," Duncan said. "I'll stay here and work on the repairs."
"And I'll keep him company." Added Cringer, then turned to Adam and Krass. "You two can still go with them if you wish."
"Actually, I might need a helping hand on repairs." Duncan briskly said. "Not that I don't think you can help, Cringer. But I would feel more comfortable if my helping hand had, you know, hands."
"Fine, I'll stay." Krass groaned.
"What?" Adam asked. "Are you sure you…"
"I'm just gonna make sure he doesn't pull a muscle. Or accidentally blow up the castle."
"So, Adam, you can ride with Amity and me on Ghost." Luz offered.
"And while you're off doing that." Eda began, looking at Luz and Amity. "We'll be cleaning up the Owl House." King clenched onto her hair, ready to go. "Stay safe out there! Byeee!" With that, she and King flew out the way they came in.
Amity hopped on Ghost, in control of the staff's flight. Luz sat behind her, of course. And Adam was positioned behind her, both nervous and excited at the same time.
"May the power protect you, Adam." The Eldress wished the boy well.
"I'll be back SOOOOOOoooo—" Adam screamed as the piloting witchling flew her staff at superfast speeds, past the barrier and out of the castle.
Hunter lied in his bed, out of uniform, staring at the ceiling. The Golden Guard was unsure how he was feeling right now or how he was supposed to feel. He brought Belos the key and Titan's Blood needed for the Day of Unity, having to fight the Owl Lady, her pet rat, and the Blight's heiress to succeed. His uncle was satisfied and praised Hunter for his success.
"You found the key." Emperor Belos told him, without his iconic, fear-inducing mask. Within his cornflower-blue eyes, pride for his nephew shimmered as his wrinkly lips formed into a kindly smile. "Well done. The Day of Unity will go on without a hitch." Hunter handed over the key, careful not to spill any of the valuable blood. "All thanks to you, Hunter."
However, Hunter also received punishment; he disobeyed his emperor when ordered to stay in the castle despite his noble intentions. As his uncle claims, he is essential to the Titan's plan but is unsure how. As a result, Hunter was "grounded" and forbidden to leave the castle until further notice in his uncle's exact words.
He heard a conversation going down the hall and getting closer on his way back to his room. Recognizing Kikimora and Guard Captain Wolff — Hunter personally found "lapdog" a more appropriate title — he decided to hide behind the wall leading down the eastern corridor and eavesdrop.
"How will we explain this to the emperor, Ma'am?" The guard captain asked. "He'll simply not overlook our failure at Eclipse Lake."
"Well, it's quite simple." Kikimora replied nonchalantly. "We'll pin the blame on someone else."
"Are you referring to the Golden Guard?
"As much as I would relish in that brat getting what he deserves, he's untouchable… for now."
"Then who?"
"We'll say it's the youngest Blight's doing." Hunter nearly gasped at Kikimora's mere mention of Amity but covered his mouth in time. "I would love seeing her petrified for getting in our way." The imp darkly chuckled, probably imagining what the girl would look like in her last moments before being turned into a statue.
Hunter waited for Kikimora and Wolff to walk past before coming out of hiding. Part of him wanted to follow them, but—
"It's... none of my business," Hunter mumbled to himself, walking away. He then heard chirping under his cloak. His palisman, Lil' Rascal, flew out. The cardinal flapped in front of Hunter's face, tweeting repeatedly. "Hey, be quiet." Hunter snatched him. "No one can see you, remember?"
Lil' Rascal chirped more. "What do you mean "stop them?" It's none of my business." Hunter repeated, reaffirming his stance. "Whatever happens to the Blight girl is her fault."
Lil' Rascal chirped even more, faster and harsher. Explicitly reminding Hunter of what happened when he was digging his own grave and what Amity Blight had told him: "You were right, we do have a lot in common..."
Hunter closed his eyes and grimaced. He did not want to admit it, but she was right. And so was his palisman. "Fine." Hunter hissed. After Lil Rascal had hidden under his cloak, he turned around and pursued Kikimora and Wolff. "Kiki!"
The imp and her lapdog turned around. "Golden Guard?" Kikimora asked, looking surprised, and Hunter guessed Wolff was too. "What do you want?"
"I wouldn't mention Amity Blight's name if I were you." Hunter carried some menace in his tone.
The imp did not know what to make of this. "Are… are you threatening me, boy?"
"Yes." Hunter pointed his mechanical staff at her, and the crimson aura surrounded and elevated her off the ground.
"Woah!" She screamed. Wolff looked like she was about to reach for her sword and attack, but Hunter glared at her, a reminder that he outranks her. She backed off.
"Let me make this clear, Kiki." Hunter levitated her closer to his face, getting a prime view of the murderous intent in his eyes. "If I so much as learn something bad has happened to her. Then something bad happens to you. Understand?" Kikimora nodded, sweat raining from her hand-shaped hair. "Appreciate it." Hunter released her, letting her fall flat onto the ground. "I mean that, too." The Golden Guard walked past her and Wolff, with the imp glaring at him from behind.
That was weeks ago, and Hunter had expected the Day of Unity to have commenced by now. However, nothing has happened. Now, the Emperor's Coven's castle is home to supposed "messengers" sent by the Titan to guide his uncle on the right path. Whatever that means. He and other guards were the first to arrive upon hearing Emperor Belos' pain-filled cries and the maniacal laughter of this Skeletor.
Hunter charged in, expecting to find the only family he had left in the whole realm assassinated. Instead, his uncle was well. More than well. He looked more youthful, claimed to feel livelier, and the hideous cursed mark across his face — the one given to him by Wild Magic and caused him to turn into that thing — was gone. Hunter should be happy, shouldn't he?
Lil' Rascal chirped and flew from his hiding spot, a shelf with stuffed toys Hunter had collected for himself. Surprisingly, it has been the most effective hiding spot for a palisman in the castle. Then again, not everyone in the coven was the brightest; many of them were as dumb as a pile of bricks. He landed on Hunter's stomach, sensing his owner's distress.
"What do you want?" Hunter asked the bird, not in the mood to talk. Lil' Rascal chirped his question, which got Hunter to look at him, at least. "Why wouldn't I be all right? I mean, Uncle's cured." Hunter motioned to sit up, with the cardinal palisman flying off his stomach and onto his shoulder.
"He's healthier than I've ever seen." Honestly, Hunter could not remember seeing his uncle so spry. "We no longer have to bring him… sources of Wild Magic to feed on to keep him from transforming." Hunter did not want to remind his feathery friend where Belos gathered the Wild Magic. "And it's all because of that Havoc stuff. But… it's just—" Lil' Rascal chirped gently into his ear. "I don't know how to describe it. After Skeletor gave him that power, there's something about him about all of this. It feels wrong. Uncle believes the Titan sent Skeletor and his Dark Masters to help him. But… I'm not sure what to believe."
Lil' Rascal chirped, understanding Hunter's feeling, which made him smile just a little bit. There was a knock on the door, and Hunter quickly looked at the cardinal, placing his fingers to his lips. Lil' Rascal nodded and flew back to the shelf. "What is it?" The Golden Guard asked whoever was at the door.
"Forgive me." Declared a voice belonging to a soldier, which soldier it was, Hunter could not say. "Our emperor wanted me to inform you that your presence in the throne room is required."
The teen blinked, surprised; he regained his composure. "I'm on my way." Hunter put on his cloak and mask and grabbed his staff. Not everyone in the Emperor's Coven knows he is just a boy, and considering his treatment in Latissa and being unrecognized, he wanted to keep it that way. He gave Lil' Rascal one last look. "Stay put. I'll be back." Hunter exited his room.
Hunter walked down the halls, carrying the swagger of someone in charge — which he technically is — and made sure everyone else recognized it. Fellow coven soldiers salute the Golden Guard. "Woo! Go Golden Guard!" Shouted one of the more enthusiastic soldiers, whom Hunter knew plainly as Steve. He merely ignored him.
However, what Hunter could not ignore was the lumbering mass of flesh and metal that was making his way down opposite him. Every step he took sounded like swords clashing against shields and old machinery working as hard as it ever has. Hunter continued down the hall, keeping his eyes forward and off the Dark Master known as Trap Jaw. That is until their shoulders bumped against each other, nearly knocking the youngest of the two on the floor.
Hunter was not going to take that lying down. "Hey, watch where you're going, Metal Brain!" He shouted.
Trap Jaw stopped, turned around, and glared at the Golden Guard. "What was that punk?" He asked.
"You heard what I said, or is all that metal clogging your ears, too."
"Looks like someone's got a big mouth."
"I guess it takes one to know one. The emperor may let you and the other freaks stay here, but don't think for a moment you own the place."
Trap Jaw gave Hunter a twisted smile, baring his metallic fangs. "We already own the place. You just don't know it yet."
"What's that supposed to mean?" The hostility in Hunter's tone increased.
"You'll figure it out."
"No, I am the Golden Guard." Hunter pulled out his staff. "I command the respect of every soldier, scout, and guard in this castle and across the Isles. You will answer me."
"Oh?" Trap Jaw snickered, unintimidated as he walked closer to Hunter; the drastic differences in height and body mass were made known. "And are you gonna make me, kid?"
"Golden Guard!" Hunter and Trap Jaw turned to the voice, revealed to be Kikimora. Neither of them detected her coming. "The emperor does not like to be kept waiting."
Hunter looked back at Trap Jaw, scowling under his mask, then lowered his weapon. "I'm coming," Hunter said and followed behind her, hearing Trap Jaw chuckle before going their separate ways.
"You would be wise not to antagonize them." Kikimora side-eyed him while walking. "What would our emperor say if he learned you were causing grief for the Titan's messengers?"
"Please, don't tell me you believe any of that garbage. I know you're not that gullible."
"It doesn't matter if I believe it or not. My loyalty is to Emperor Belos and him alone. And I shall support his decision. Here we are, Golden Brat." They stopped at the sealed entrance to the throne room. "Do be on your best behavior." Thereupon, Kikimora left.
Hunter let out a breath and pushed open the doors, greeted by the sounds of the Titan's heartbeat before they closed behind him. "Ah, there you are, Hunter." Said Emperor Belos, sitting and waiting on his throne. He was still without his mask, his face youthful and the cursed mark nowhere to be seen. However, something was unusual about his eyes. While they were still the same blue color that managed to instill fear — and on rare occasions, warmth — into his subjects, they had a greenish tint that was not present before.
The Golden Guard approached the emperor and knelt. "You wished to see me?" He began formally.
"Take off your mask, nephew." Hunter did so, placing it flat on the ground. Belos rose. "Come with me, Hunter." Hunter stood and followed his uncle to the far-left corner of the room, where a door no one except the emperor's most trusted knew. Belos flicked his gauntleted fingers, and the door opened on its own, revealing the stairs leading down, with the uncle and nephew entering. They descended, footsteps echoing alongside the creaking pipes. "Something troubles you?"
"No, I'm fine." Hunter quickly answered.
"I am sure this must all be very strange for you. To see me like this."
"Well… yes. It all seems too good to be true." They found themselves in the room where the portal to bring about the Day of Unity lay waiting to be activated as they reached the last step. However, they were not the only ones in this room; someone else was here before them, the one person who prayed would not be here. "Skeletor?"
The living-undead turned to the emperor and his nephew. "You have quite the impressive machine." Skeletor praised.
"Thank you." Emperor Belos bobbed his head. "But I doubt it even compares to the technology at your disposal."
"True, but it will serve our needs perfectly."
"You mean the Titan's needs?"
"Yes, sure. Let's go with that?" The dots in Skeletor's sockets rolled.
"Uncle, what is he talking about?" Hunter asked Belos.
"Skeletor has a vision for the future." The emperor began. "I've seen it. When Skeletor blessed me with his power, I witnessed a glorious vision. Through it, I see just how grand the Titan's plan truly is; greater than anything I could comprehend."
"I… I don't understand."
"Don't you see, Hunter? Our goals lie beyond liberating the Isles from Wild Magic; every world is suffering from their equivalent of the Savage Ages." Belos looks at Skeletor. "And we must bring an end to them. The only way to bring true order is through Havoc!"
"Uncle, this is—" Hunter wanted to tell him how insane this was all sounding. However, with everything he has undertaken as the Golden Guard, is it his place to say? "How would you even accomplish this?"
"I've seen it for myself. Havoc has allowed Skeletor and his companions to travel from their world to ours."
"Oh?" Hunter then looked at Skeletor. "Well, you have all this power; why do you need our help?"
"Hunter!" Belos said sternly, his eyes glowing. Hunter cowered.
"The magic and technology of Eternia enhanced Havoc just enough to open a portal for only a few to travel through," Skeletor said, walking away from the others to stand before the portal. "But if we add the magic and technology of the Demon Realm, I can open a stronger portal. One that can move an entire army!" Skeletor looked back at Belos and Hunter. "And on a certain day, the magic here will reach powers beyond its peak."
"The Day of Unity, yes." Emperor Belos confirmed.
"And when that day comes, we shall use that power to begin the invasion."
"The invasion of what?" Hunter asked, dreading the answer.
"Of everything!" Skeletor raised his staff, green energy crackling as he laughed. Hunter stepped back while Belos basked in its light. "We'll begin by bringing part of my legion here. The rest will remain to continue to enforce my will on Eternia. And I can expect you, my new friend, to ensure your people are on board."
"Of course." Emperor Belos answered, shocking Hunter. "You will have the support of all the covens."
"Excellent." Skeletor formed something vaguely resembling a smile. He then looked at Hunter. "And what about you?"
"Me?" Hunter asked.
"Yes, you. Should I expect your assistance in this matter?"
"You need not worry, Skeletor," Belos spoke for him. "Hunter is the most loyal within the Emperor's Coven. You will have his support." He looked at his nephew. "Right?"
Hunter swallowed. "Yes, Uncle."
"Good answer," Skeletor said.
"You may leave us," Belos told his nephew. "I'll call for you later."
"Yes, my emperor." Hunter bowed then quickly left.
He walked up the stairs, out of the throne room, and down the hall to return to his quarters. Hunter's mind raced, and all he could think about was how mad this was. The point of the Day of Unity was to free witches and demons from Wild Magic; there was never supposed to be anything about conquering the Human Realm. Much less conquering every realm that exists. Hunter could never have imagined Skeletor would have this much of a grip on his uncle; he never would agree to something like this. Right?
Lil' Rascal came to life and landed on Hunter's shoulder, recognizing his distress. "Something bad is about to happen, and Uncle is involving everyone in it." He explained. "I have to stop him."
The palisman chirped a suggestion, and Hunter began to think the bird was just as crazy. "Go to the human? I can't. I mean, why would she even believe me, much less trust me? Blight has probably told her how I threatened her just to get the key. How would I even get her to listen to me?"
Lil' Rascal chirped some more. "Yeah, I know about the BATTs. Everyone on the Isles knows about them." The cardinal told him the rest of his plan, and Hunter began piecing it together. "Yeah, I did hear that Raine Whispers involved the Owl Lady in their raids. So, you're suggesting we break out Whispers and the others as a sign of goodwill?"
Lil' Rascal chirped in a way as if saying, "Yep."
"That's gonna be easier said than done." Hunter walked over to his window and gazed at the gorgeous view of the Isles. "But… it may be our best shot at getting their trust." The palisman transformed into a staff. "All right, let's do a prison break."
One of MoringMark's comic strips inspired the flashback scene between Hunter and Kikimora. And the Guard Captain's name, Wolff, is a reference to her voice actress from "Eclipse Lake."
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