Mira was sitting at the kitchen table with Baron, Runo, Julie, and Mrs. Kuso eating breakfast with Wilda perched on her shoulder. Dan hadn't come down yet, and none of them had wanted to wake him figuring he needed rest after the battle the day before. Though now that the scent of food had had time to spread, he'd probably be coming down soon. Sure enough, Mira could here movement upstairs and a few moments later Dan cam down, looking a little tired but happy, Drago on one shoulder, Apollonir on the other. Mira shook her head and smiled to herself.
"Morning everybody." Dan said cheerfully, siting down and starting to fill his plate.
"You're in a good mood today." Mrs. Kuso said, holding her coffee up and smiling.
"Never better." he said, grinning, before digging into his food.
"Drago, are you feeling okay?" Julie asked.
"I'm alright, thanks. Just a little...shaky is all."
They all resumed eating. Mira was thrilled to see Dan back to his old self again, and was glad to have Drago back too. It had scared her to see Dan like that,. so beaten down and hopeless. She didn't ever want to see him like that again.
After they had finished eating, Mrs. Kuso started to clear away the dishes, Julie and Runo helping her. Mira moved to get up too, but Apollonir spoke: "Wait, Mira. There's something we need to discuss."
Mira nodded and settled back down. Apollonir jumped off Dan's shoulder onto the table, turning to face Dan, Mira, and Baron.
"While it is true I cam here to save Drago," he began "I also came for another urgent reason. Even though you have destroyed one of the dimension controllers, the remaining two have begun to grow stronger, spreading to the area the destroyed controller affected."
"What?" Mira gasped.
"That's crazy! How is that even possible?" Dan said.
"Drago is connected to the Perfect Core. Without him, it grows weaker from the constant barrage from the controllers. You all must return to New Vestroya or all your hard work will be for nothing!"
"But how will we get back? Dr. Michael said he would contact us then he fixed his transporter, but we haven't heard anything from him yet." Drago said.
"I can take you all back." said Apollonir.
"Really?" Mira asked.
"Yes. However, I will need time to recover from the fight." he warned. "The earliest time will be tomorrow, which should give you enough time to say good-bye and get your affairs in order."
"Tomorrow?" Dan said, his voice a little strange. Mira looked at him carefully.
Suddenly Julie slammed her hands down on the table, still holding a dishtowel. "If you're going back to New Vestroya, then me and Runo are coming back too!" Behind her, Runo nodded, looking determined.
"W-what?" sputtered Dan.
"It's not fair that you guys get to have all the fun! Remember, the Vexos took Tigrerra and Gorum too. It's only fair that we help get them back."
"She does have a point Master Dan." said Baron.
Dan ground his teeth as Apollonir turned towards the girls. "If you are certain, then you may come, but be warned. There is much at stake here. If you come there will be much hardship along the way."
"We don't care. We want to come anyway."
They all looked at Dan, waiting to see what he would say. He threw up his hands and sighed. "Fine."
"Then it's settled." said Apollonir. "Tomorrow we will all go to New Vestroya, but for now rest up."
"Uh...Master Dan?" Baron asked. "Are we going to exercise today?"
"No Apollonir's right. Just...chill today, okay Baron?" Dan said, getting up with Drago and walking to the living room, a strange look on his face.
Apollonir moved closes to Mira. "Is something wrong Mira? You looked worried."
"I'm fine, it's just...Dan looks a little...off."
The ancient warrior sighed. "I fear his battle with Spectra has shaken his confidence. Losing Drago has made him doubt himself. No doubt Drago feels the same."
"Is there anything we can do to help them?" Nemus asked from across the table.
"I fear not. Only time and our support can heal these wounds."
Mira thought about it and saw the truth in Apollonir's words. I still wish I could help in some way... Suddenly, Mira got an idea. She got up and went to the living room where Dan was slouched on the couch, aimlessly flipping through channels on the T.V. He looked up when she entered. "Hey Mira. What's up?"
"We're going out." she said. "And make sure you have your gauntlet."
"Uh...alright." he said getting up slowly. "Just let me run upstairs and get it."
When he cam back down, Mira was standing by the front door, waiting for him.
"So, uh, where are we going exactly?" he asked.
"You'll see." Mira smiled and went out the door, Dan behind her. For a second, she heard a faint buzzing noise, like an insect. Then it was gone and she thought she had imagined it.
Hmmm, what're you up to Mira?
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Hopefully I'll have the next out to you all this week!