Chapter Eight
New Life
Back at the camp, the group discussed what should be done about Kesenian. "She can't be up to any good," Fiore said, putting some dirt on the fire, for it was morning. "Fiore, you probably know her better than anyone else," Rhoda said, "What would she be planning?"
"Well, her aim is to gather all the positive energy from every star and planet," Fiore said, "She may be planning to steal the energy from Vandaxa. What else would those flowers be for?"
"But almost everyone in the Emerald City is either dead or dying," Rhoda said. "Rhoda, there are other kingdoms on Vandaxa," replied Fiore. "Oh, yes," said Rhoda, "like the Water Tribes and the Fire Nation."
Zoë looked up at the mention of the Fire Nation. She squawked and pointed to the amulet with her beak. "Yes, Zoë," Rhoda said, "It's the amulet of your species."
Zoë hissed in frustration and flew into the branches of a nearby tree. "What's her problem?" Fiore asked. Rhoda shrugged. "Well, if we're going to stop Kesenian, we'll have to get into her lair. I figured out how to use the amulet."
"Are you sure you know how to use that thing?" Fiore asked. Rhoda nodded. "You have any weapons?"
Fiore smiled and held out his hand. His sword materialized. Rhoda smiled. She stood up. "Rontu, are you ready for battle?" she asked her pet wolf. He nodded. Bianca nodded, too.
Suddenly, Bianca whined as if she was in pain. "Fiore, it's her due date," Rhoda gasped. Rhoda took Bianca into some bushes and gestured for Zoë to come too. But Zoë wouldn't let Fiore or Rontu come. Rontu growled and lay beside Fiore.
About an hour later, Zoë sang a song that meant that they could come back. Rhoda came out from the bushes, followed by Bianca. Behind Bianca, following their mommy, were two fuzzy little gray pups.
"It's strange," Rhoda said to Fiore, "I know that Vandaxian wolves grow quickly, but it's rare for a female wolf to have a litter of three or less."
The pups yipped and played with each other. Rontu nuzzled Bianca affectionately. Bianca barked happily at Rhoda. "She says her and her pups are ready to face Kesenian," Fiore explained. Bianca picked a flower that looked like one of Kesenian's flowers. She threw it amongst her pups. They stopped playing and pounced on the flower, ripping it to shreds.
"I would assume she was telling the truth," Rhoda said, "Alright. Let's go."
Awww! Bianca had two fluffy puppies. Isn't that cute?