Hey guys, I'm so sorry I have been updating a lot lately. I've been super busy with life and all. However, I'd like to apologize in advance that this chapter isn't the best as it is just really the explanation to everything before the war so it's kind of boring, but informational. I will say this though now that the next chapters now will start to get pretty intense and I really hope you guys will enjoy it. Everything is now coming to an end soon, so stick around for the finally chapters! Also guys please review, favorite, follow, and leave a message about a question or comment as it really helps me out a lot. So until next time guys! Enjoy!

Preparing For War

Alice's POV

2 months later . . .

"You're getting a lot better with your influence Alice." Travis complimented as I smiled to him.

"You're fighting skills aren't too bad either, but we need more work on using your shield gift." Alex explained as I nodded and then I watched him go toward Shun at lightning speed.

"You're assistance is required now Shun." Alex grinned as Shun looked at him suspiciously as Alex pushed him toward me.

Currently we were training at my court as I couldn't really leave with winter now upon us. My court as to fight the cold and balance it with Fabia's court. We work together kind of, but I need to be with my court in order to keep them warm and happy. Leo has been a great help to me as he's told me the past two months what we needed to do. He's been working a lot with the Summer Fay and there training for when War is upon us. I believe it's about to take place at any moment now. We just have to wait, until the time is right. For now I resumed my training with Travis and Alex who have been a great help as well. Shun and Mira mostly train with Solitary as I can't have any distractions, but Travis from time to time helps them as well too leaving Alex to train me. Alex pushes me hard sometimes, but he's very good with my training. Suddenly I watched as another Fay came in and greeted Alex as he turned toward me.

"This is my good friend Ethan. I asked him to come here today to help you practice." He explained as he and Ethan exchanged looks and looked back at me.

"Ok?" I questioned looking to Shun.

"It's nice to meet you," He replied with a deep husky British accent.

"Nice to meet you too," I replied.

Suddenly without warning I watched as Ethan moved toward Shun at lightning speed and grabbed his arm and I heard Shun yelp in pain. I saw electricity being produced from Ethan's hand to Shun's arm as Shun still groaned in pain as Ethan then released him.

"Shun!" I exclaimed walking toward him as he groaned a little in pain.

I watched as he looked back to a grinning Ethan and I saw Shun about to attack him, until Travis held him back and Alex put a hand up to stop him.

"As you can see Ethan as a certain power that allows him by one touch to send electricity into the person's body." Alex explained.

"I went easy on your boyfriend there, but the next time it will be a little more painful. So it's your job to stop me before you're boyfriend gets hurt." Ethan explained as I still looked worried and shocked.

"No!" I exclaimed, but Shun stopped me now looking calmed down more, but still a little on edge.

"It's fine Alice, you can do this." He replied.

"No I can't! I've barely even practiced with my shield!" I exclaimed as I looked to Shun who placed a hand on my shoulder and nodded to me with a reassuring smile.

"It's fine Alice, besides I trust you. You said it yourself you need the practice." He replied, but I looked at him worried as Alex clapped his hands together and smiled.

"Good, now Alice just concentrate and think of Shun. Think about how you want to protect him. Now let that power flow within your to him. Let it expand beyond you. Let's just practice first." Alex explained.

I nodded and took a deep breath. I tried to concentrate as hard as I could, but I didn't feel my shield really expanding toward Shun. I sighed and tried again, but nothing. I sighed and shrugged a little.

"Maybe she needs a little more motivation." Ethan explained as Shun stepped toward him slowly.

"Shun-!" I exclaimed, but he cut me off.

"You can do it, just trust yourself. Besides I can take it." He said as Ethan grinned.

"That's what you say now." Alex grinned.

"Focus Alice, or he's going to be hurting." Travis explained.

I watched as Ethan slowly moved his hand toward Shun. Panic, fear, and pressure rose in me as I couldn't think straight. I tried to concentrate, but I couldn't and I had to stop this!

"I'm not ready!" I exclaimed as I heard Shun scream a little from the pain as he fell to his knees as he looked to me.

"I'm sorry, but I said I wasn't ready!" I exclaimed as he slowly got back up brushing himself off.

"So much for trust . . ." He grunted as I felt a little bad.

"You're not motivating her." Travis explained as Shun looked at him.

"You wanna try!" Shun shouted as Travis put his hands in defense.

I took a deep breath and tried to focus more. I watched as Shun recollected himself and stood up. Soon I contracted more and felt my shield expanding, but then suddenly come back to me and before I knew it Shun was groaning in pain again as he fell to the floor and I glared at Ethan.

"Stop! You're hurting him!" I exclaimed as he looked at me with a serious expression.

"That's the point. If I was her, she wouldn't be holding back like I am now and your boyfriend here would have been already dead. Now focus, this next one will be on full power." He explained.

I looked to Shun who looked at me with wide eyes as he recollected himself and stood up now. I couldn't fail this time. I needed to focus! Focus on Shun and protect him from getting hurt. I closed my eyes and breathed and then concentrated on Shun and I felt my shield expanding more and more than before. Soon I opened my eyes and saw that Ethan was touching Shun, but Shun wasn't screaming in pain. Everyone looked at me surprised as we saw the electricity from Ethan's hand to Shun's wrist, but no pain came from him. I did it . . . Soon Ethan let go as Shun looked to me with a smile.

"It was a little painful, but bearable." He smiled as I smiled in happiness and got excited.

"Ok we should go again!" I exclaimed as Shun then looked toward Travis.

"Travis?" Shun grinned to him as Travis's eyes widen as he slowly backed away with his hands up in defense.

"I think we've had enough practice for one day." Came Travis's reply as we all laughed.

. . . . .

"You sure you'll be alright by yourself tonight? I could stay you know." Shun smiled as he had his arm around my waist as I giggled and shook my head as we were at the front door of the court.

"I'll be fine, besides the Solitary Fay need you. War's coming Shun, and they need all the training they can get. Besides Leo and I have to go over some Summer Court affairs anyways." I replied, but then he lifted an eyebrow to me.

"I'm not sure I'm too comfortable with you being with him all the time." He replied smiling as I rolled my eyes.

"You know he's my advisor and besides he already has someone . . . One of the Summer girls . . . Lilly, I think that was her name." I replied as he grinned and leaned closer to me with our lips only an inch apart.

"Then I have nothing to worry about." He said as he leaned forward and kissed me good-night tenderly before leaving.

As we I watched him leave, I felt a strange presence nearby me. I almost flinched out of shock as I knew this presence was all too familiar. I looked around however, and no one was nearby. I felt panic and fear rise in me. I quickly went back inside the door and closed it fast. I made sure that it was all locked before I stepped back and stared at the door. I didn't feel anything strange anymore as the presence was now gone. I sighed and only hoped it was my imagination . . .

"Alice, is everything alright?" A voice said behind me.

I flinched a little at the sound of the voice, but then I turned and saw that it was just Leo. I sighed in relief a little as I gave him a smile.

"Yeah, I'm fine I was just seeing Shun off." I replied as he nodded to me and spoke.

"Well if you're ready we can go and start discussing some things for Summer Court. There's a lot to discuss." Leo suggested as I nodded.

I followed him upstairs, but I slowly stopped walking and turned one last time to the front door. Soon though I shook off whatever feeling I felt before away, before proceeding to fall Leo.

. . . . .

"Wake up," A voice spoke to me as I heard them groan.

"Don't make me have to wake you up again Alice. Just wake up!" She shouted.

I opened my eyes widely as I quickly sat up. I looked around and saw Beria standing next to my bed making me flinch a little as she rolled her eyes at me and walked to a cushion chair that was in front of my bed and sat down groaning and avoiding eye contact with me. Fear and panic rose in me, but I had to be brave now. This was only a dream after all . . . She can't hurt me here. She sighed and then spoke to me.

"Finally! I've been trying to get into your dreams for quiet sometime now . . . I can see that it was your shield blocking me from your dreams and even mind. You're getting stronger, but of course not as strong as me." She grinned as I frowned at her.

"You came by Summer Court today didn't you?" I questioned as she nodded.

"That six sense of yours is really sharp . . . I can't wait until it becomes my power. All in good time though."

"What do you want Beria?" I demanded as she looked at me seriously and spoke.

"To give you a fair warning. Three days from now, I will be arriving with my army to High Court. I'll be taking what is rightfully mine in Faery." She explained as I looked at her curiously.

"Why tell me this? No surprise attack? Nothing?" I questioned as she grinned in her seat.

"Oh there will be a surprise attack my dear, I promise you that. You don't have a chance against me Alice, none of you do. The moment you step foot into battle, it will be your last . . . There will be blood and I can guarantee half of you will die by my mercy, or give up and surrender to me. I gave you a chance to prevent all this, but you left me with no choice." She spoke and suddenly I watched as she moved from her chair in lightning speed toward my bed side again, where I moved from on top of the bed to the other end of bed as she grinned to me.

"You can't win," She spoke as I gave a small grin.

"We'll die trying, Beria." I replied determine and unafraid as she grinned.

"And so you shall, Alice. So you shall, but remember with the powers you have now there is no way you can defeat me. Draining Fays powers and life from them can be so rewarding when you get a few tricks up your sleeves." She replied.

I watched as the water in the vase on the night stand suddenly floated into the air as Beria stared at it, as if concentrating with her mind on the water. I watched as it became droplets and then turn into ice shards all pointing toward me. I quickly moved out of the way as she attacked me. Only a few grazed me, but the pain was just my imagination. Now of this was real after all . . . I watched as she laughed as I stood up and spoke.

"I've got a few tricks up my sleeves too." I replied.

I concentrated hard and tried to push her out of my mind now with my shield powers. I heard her laugh a little and speak as I kept trying.

"That's cute you think you can push me out of your dreams, but-." She spoke, but suddenly the dream landscape began to shake.

It was like an earthquake as we stood in the room trying to keep our balance from falling as the dream landscape was collapsing. My shield was working! Suddenly she looked to me with anger in her eyes as she tried to reach me, but it was too late as Beria and the dream landscape began to disappear from my sight.

. . . . .

I gasped for air as I woke up from my dream and sighed in relief. I looked at my clock and it was 8 AM now. I placed my hand on where my heart was and felt it beating rapidly, but slowly slowing down as I took deep breathes. I brushed my hand through my hair and sighed once more before getting up suddenly. I moved passed the couch and looked at my reflection of the full body mirror. I looked like I just saw a ghost or something. I grabbed some clothes from my closet and headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower and catch my breath. As I felt the warm clean water on my skin I sighed in relief and felt my body relaxing. After I got out of the shower I noticed from the mirror I didn't have any injures like I did in my dream. Good . . .

As I walked out of the showers, I went downstairs and waved and to the Summer girls as they saw me and smiled joyfully. I felt some of them as they pass by me touch me a little, but it didn't bother me. I was used to this by now as they required touch even if they didn't need it. Summer is all about passion and pleasure. Soon I started to look around for Leo, I needed to consult him in private and away from the Summer Fay. Soon I found him speaking with some Fay, but when he noticed me he left them to talk to me. I looked at him trying to not look so worried, but then he lifted an eyebrow to me.

"Is something wrong?" He asked me, but I looked around and saw some wondering eyes.

He caught my drift and extended his arm to me like a gentlemen and led me to the gardens. It was the only place he knew I'd feel more comfortable and . . . distant. As we came clear view to the rose maze and to the garden. I saw Leo nod to them and they got the message to leave. As we sat down I sighed deeply as I watched the Summer Fay leave. Soon Leo sat down and to my surprise had a tea tray in his hands as he poured some tea for me and then poured some for himself. He must have left without me even noticing with his speed. Once he sat down and I took a sip of my tea he spoke.

"So what exactly is wrong? You seem tense and also . . . nervous." He replied and I nodded setting the tea down as I sighed and spoke.

"Three days . . . That's all we have now . . . Three days before war starts. She came into my dreams last night to warn me. She's coming to High Court in three days." I answered him as his eyes widen.

"She could be lying to you." He stated as I shook my head.

"Whether she is or not, I don't want to be unprepared. We have to warn the court regents as fast as we can. They need to be ready." I replied as he nodded to me and stood up.

"I shall send some Fay to go and spread the word about the war. I can go and talk to the Solitary and may be even Winter while you talk with the Dark Court and High Court about this." He offered and I nodded to him.

"Tell Shun and the others to meet me at High Court. It will be my last stop before I warn Fang. We'll have a meeting there and go from there." I instructed as he nodded.

He bowed to me, before taking off to do his task. I quickly made my way back to my room to grab my cell phone and purse before heading out. War was coming and I just had a bad feeling about all of this. I have no idea if we're prepared, but I guess now we really don't have much of a choice.

Shun's POV

I watched from against the tree how Travis, Alex, and Mira were instructing the Solitary to fight. I was currently on break as I observed everyone. We were getting better with teaching the Fay fighting techniques, but I don't know if we're near ready for battle just yet. It was good to know that we had some Fay with certain gifts among us. However, that could also lead to a problem if She discovers them. We told them personally not to use their gifts unless they had to. With each passing day we've improved more than I could have hoped for, but that doesn't exactly mean we're quite ready for a fight. Suddenly out of the corner of my eye I saw someone coming toward the trees.

"Travis!" I shouted and he stopped along with many others and stared at me and glanced in my direction.

As the figure approach I felt my body tense as we got ready to fight. Suddenly though as the figure emerged I relaxed and I could here without the crowd some people sigh. Leo had arrived and slowly walked to Travis as I walked toward him to, to hear why he was here.

"I am here to send a message from my queen and her discoveries." Leo breathed.

"What's the message?" Travis asked before I could.

"Apparently my queen had spoken to her last night in her dreams. She warned my queen that she only had three days, until she would arrive. I don't know all the details, but she wants you and her friends to meet her at High Court to talk further more about this subject. I must still warn Winter I'm afraid." Leo explained and my gaze turned to Alex and Mira who stared at me as we exchanged looks.

"We'll accompany you to Winter and then head to High Court, it would be easier that way." I said as Leo nodded.

I looked to Travis who nodded as well. I watched as Alex then talked to Ethan about staying here and watching over the Solitary and to continue their training now. Once we were ready, we took off and headed right for Winter Court. I felt an uneasy feeling about all this in my stomach. Three days . . . Why tell us this information? Why was there no surprise attack, like we expected? As I felt the wind rushing through my hair and body as I run, I felt very confused and worried for our situation. I felt the wind become colder and the temperature dropping rapidly as we ran and I knew we were close. As soon as we arrived we stopped right at the entrance. To my surprise though, I watched as Fabia and Luke walk out from their home giving small smiles to each other as they gazed at each other.

As I looked at them with my eyes a little widen, I felt a strange feeling inside me as I looked at them. Although it's undetermined whether they are a couple now, I saw the look in their eyes. Fabia once used to give me that look when she had eyes only for me, just like she had now for Luke. I felt my heart slightly ache, but in my heart I truly was happy to see her this way. When their gaze shifted to us, I saw the surprise look on their face. Fabia stared directly at me now and she could tell something was wrong.

. . . . .

"Oh my god three days!" Fabia exclaimed as she turned to Luke, who looked as shocked as she did as Leo nodded.

"She's requested that all of you meet her at High Court as soon as possible. I believe she will explain more in detail when you see her." Leo explained as Fabia nodded as she turned to Luke.

"I can stay or go with you Fabia, but I'd rather go with you. I want to know as much as I can to help your court. I owe that much for you letting me stay here." Luke said as she slowly nodded and gave a small smile to him.

"Ok, then let's all go." She said as she looked to us, but then her eyes landed on me.

I had a feeling she wanted to speak to me about something though before we left. I whispered to Travis saying to give us a minute as Fabia did the same to Luke. Luke glanced at me, but then slowly nodded. I watched as they all slowly left leaving us alone. I glanced at Luke as he walked away and continued to stare at him, until he disappeared.

"I know what you're thinking Shun, about Luke . . . Our situations complicated." She spoke as I gave a small laugh.

"So you and Luke . . . I can't say I didn't see that coming after . . . well everything." I replied with a small grin as she smiled a little.

"Don't go reading too much into it Shun. Luke and I are just . . . testing the water right now." She explained with a sad smile as she looked to me and my expression changed as she continued.

"I still can't forgive him for what he's done to me. He left me alone and with Winter's Touch. He was the first person who I had fallen completely in love with and broke my now cold bitter heart . . . I can't just forgive and forget like he'd like me to. He may have given up his court and queen for me, but he was to late . . . I had already given up on waiting for him a long time ago." Fabia said with a sad look on her face as she turned her gaze away from me.

"I don't exactly like Luke, but he is the reason I'm able to be with Alice. He spent all his time trying to find his Summer Queen who happened to be Alice and now has all of a sudden let her go. He's spent decades trying to find this girl and right when he found her, he gave her and his court up. Why do you think that is?" I asked of her as she didn't answer, but gave a small smile.

"He's a fool isn't he . . . A fool that is in love with a girl whose heart he's broken. In any case, I'm happy to hear that you and Alice have resolved your problems at least. She talks to me from time to time. She's very kind, sweet, and caring . . . It really makes it hard to hate her sometimes." She laughed as I laughed as well.

"Yeah she's something alright, but that's why I love her." I replied as she gave a small smile and nodded to me.

"I'm happy for you Shun . . . both of you." She replied as I smiled to her.

Alice's POV

"Three days . . . I knew war was coming, but it's just sooner than I expected." Fang spoke and I nodded to him as Raye spoke.

"It's on the night of a full moon." Raye stated to Fang who looked at her now concerned as I was confused.

"I don't get it? What does a full moon have to do with this?" I asked.

"On the day of full moons Fay become more powerful than normal. In fact sometimes their powers can go out of control if used too much. She probably wants that to happen, so she'll have the better advantage." Fang explained.

"Well she won't get one as long as I face her. I was able to stop her in my dreams after all." I said.

"In reality though, you know it will take a lot more than your shield." Fang stated and I nodded.

"In any case, we need to go to High Court. I pretty sure everyone is there by now." I told him and he nodded.

I watched as he turned to Raye who mouthed the words "go" to him as he gave a small smile to her. He then turned to me and I knew he was ready to go. As we left the Dark Court, we quickly hurried to High Court. I was still a new Fay and my speed as a little faster than Fang's so I had to match his speed so he would keep up. So much was going through my head, but I had to stay focus and hurry to High Court. War was coming and I just had a bad feeling we might not be ready just yet. As Fang and I finally arrived now at High Court I could already see Leo speaking with the High Queen along with everyone else. As soon as her gaze lifted to me, everyone then turned to see me. Before I could say anything, or even move I felt a hand around my waist and another in my own hand. It was Shun as he used his lightning speed to be near me.

"Are you alright?" He asked my seriously as I gave a small smile and nodded.

Even in the most dramatic and intense times he always is concerned for me. As we walked toward everyone, I watched as the High Queen began to speak.

"Now that we're all here, let's start discussing battle plans now." She suggested.

"Three days . . . I mean are we even ready?" Alex spoke up.

"Even if it was tomorrow or any other day, I don't even think we'd be ready." Luke replied.

"Even so Kingly, at least she gave us warning before her next attack on us. At least we now know when to expect her." Fang said.

"How can we be so sure, that we can trust her words? For all we know she could be lying." Fabia pointed out.

"What exactly did she tell you in your dreams Alice?" Travis asked as all eyes were on me and I felt a little tense and nervous.

"All she really told me as that in three days her and her army will be coming here on the night of the full moon. She definitely has gotten stronger as she did a number on me within my dreams as she made water into ice shards and threw them at me. However, I've noticed too that I've gotten better at my "gifts" and at my new summer power as I was able to push her out of my dreams." I explained as I glanced at Luke who had a warm smile on his face as I looked at everyone now.

"I might have a chance to stop her, but not alone." I replied as Shun nodded to me as I looked to him as he held me supportively.

"Then we really don't have any option then, but to prepare ourselves now for the war within three days." Mira stated.

"I think we can do it." I said as all eyes were on me as I said this determined.

"With all the courts combines, I think we can do it. Beria may be strong, but so are we." I continued as everyone nodded and all eyes were now on the High Queen as she smiled and nodded.

"Three days . . . I suggest we get ready then." She spoke.

"Let the battles begin." Fang grinned.