CHAPTER 10: HUNTERS OF THE MOON


Swirling in her purple cloak, Kendra appeared in the Union Headquarters with the astrids. The Fairy Queen smiled, and took her hand. "We have the Knights of the Dawn back, all thanks to you, Kendra. We couldn't have done it without you. Just then, in the midst of all the celebration, Kendra got an urgent call from Shiara. She looked panicked and was flying out of a dark room, with Raxtus and Seth at her heels.

"Sis," Seth gasped breathlessly, "we're trying to escape from a fire-breathing Dragon over here, and I have no idea how to outrun it." Kendra's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the magnificent dragon blowing fire all over the ground. "Don't you have the Unforgiving Blade, or Vasilis with you, Seth?" she yelled in shock. He shook his head sadly. "No, I don't have it right now, can you do something about it?" "Let me see," she responded quickly. "Lily," she asked, leaning towards her, "if I sent a sword to Seth, would it really count as magic? She frowned thoughtfully. "No, I don't think it would count as magic. Methods of teleportation or transfer are usually not monitorable."

She turned to Seth quickly. "Seth, I'm sending you 2 astrids, the Unforgiving Blade, and Vasilis in a portal. Use the blades wisely. They nodded. "Raxtus, you can also use an ice barrier against the dragon in your dragon form." He slapped his forehead in regret. "How could I forget?" He immediately turned into a dragon, and set ice all around them, further irritating the dragon. The portal appeared next to them. "Thanks, Kendra!" Seth said. "Bye!" She smiled. "Good luck. Hurry and come, time is running out."

She returned to the people cheering. She waved her hands to signal quiet.

"My people, as you know, I have freed the Knights of the Dawn from the imprisonment of Ronodin. But still-, more allies are needed. I am proud to introduce you to the Hunters of the Moon and Artemis, goddess of the Moon. They have power over Lightning and Wind, and can use weather in any way to inflict punishment upon enemies without affecting allies. Whether hail, or lightning, or rain, they can irritate and punish enemies as needed. With a quick whistle, clouds they had believed to be took on the form of deer and raising their antlers, teleported to the ground gracefully using wind.

"I think it would be best to communicate with you this way, your Majesty," said Artemis, morphing herself and her hunters into humans and bowing quickly to her. She was encircled in a silver circlet, and looked magnificent in her hunting clothes. Her strikingly silver eyes shone like the moon, and every bit of her signaled power and majesty. The other hunters were all gorgeous, similar to her and they all held themselves proudly, their bows and arrows glinting in the sun. Turning to the Fairy Queen, she nodded to her. "I and the Fairy Queen have been the best of friends for a long time. When I heard her realm and her were in trouble, I couldn't hesitate to help, especially with you calling me, Kendra. I am willing to help in any way possible. My hunters are skilled and immortal unless killed in battle." Kendra smiled softly. "Thank you so much Artemis for coming. We have a secret battle plan which I sent to you telepathically before. How do you think you can help." Oliver interrupted them smoothly. "I think Artemis would be great at leading the fairies. Her hunters could also be the first ambush, and while the enemies think we're a small gathering and that they're winning, the rest could appear and stir shock and fear. Artemis nodded musingly. "That could turn out well. We're in."

They cheered silently. Venice joined in. "We have two more allies to gather. According to Kendra, Andromadus and Risenmay could be willing to help. We could send scouts to retrieve them, if that is okay?" The Fairy Queen nodded. "Kendra, can you send me to Risenmay, and can you go to Andromadus? They can prove to be useful allies." "Of course," Kendra said, "I'll even send astrids to go along with you. Astirior and Peredore can accompany you." A pair of stern-looking warrior astrids stepped forward and bowed towards the Fairy Queen. "We'll protect you with our lives, my queen," they pledged.

They disappeared in a cloud of sparkles. Before Kendra could go, Bracken grabbed her gently and pulled her to a private spot. His silver blue eyes shone with concern. He cupped her cheek gently. "Kens, you alright? What happened there?" he asked. Her eyes softened. "Yeah, Bracken. I'm good. I saw Malderoat and he threatened me. More of warned me. But still, he creeped me out. He just looked plain evil." Bracken's hand formed into fists. "I don't like anyone messing with you Kendra. I'll help you and do whatever it takes to get rid of Malderoat." She smiled, hugging him tightly. "Wish me good luck, Bracken." Bracken's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Like this.?"

He leaned in, fingers entwined in her hair as his lips brushed hers. Kendra focused on his soft lips on hers and the scent of rainwater that he brought. Her cool fingers found his cheeks and gently brushed them. The kiss was sweet and quick, emphasizing their love and affection for each other. They gently parted, smiling at each other. "Yes, thanks," she whispered lovingly. "No problem," he replied, happily walking back to his family. There was a new spring in his step. She saw Lizelle wink teasingly at her before turning back to the conversation. Her cheeks flushed as she teleported to Andromadus.

Andromadus practically jumped in shock as she appeared next to him. She didn't blame him. She would have had the same reaction if someone appeared out of thin air next to her. His eyes widened. "Kendra! You're alright! I'm so sorry I couldn't get in touch with you earlier. Someone's been blocking my ability to teleport to you." Kendra clapped her hand to her mouth guiltily. "OH! I'm so sorry! I'll explain. Please sit down. I have a ton of information to tell you. And one request to make."

A/N: Special thanks to Papadan120 for being my first follower! You made my day! This chapter is dedicated to you.