"Yes, Commander? ..Got it. I'll let him know."

Goyusha approached Wingal. "I've just received some good news. Your friends have been found. They're being taken care of by one of our retired agents."

The High Dog's ears perked up at the information, but he kept his head bent low, inspecting the ground with his olfactory faculties.

Sniffing furiously, his eyes darted up and down the road ahead as if he could see an invisible trail that no one else could. "The scent is getting stronger."

Goyusha said nothing but inched closer to the dog and raised his armaments slightly.

Without warning, an orb of black lightning materialized in the air before them and out leaped a mechanical fox. Its body was silver with black, traced with ominous red lines of laser. In place of eyes, a scarlet visor was mounted on its head.

A cold sensation of dread washed over Wingal. The smell was strong enough for him to recognize now. No wonder it had seemed so familiar.

It was the smell of the Invader.

The creature rushed at Wingal, striking with a quartet of psychedelic fanged tails that could stretch.

Charging forward courageously, the High Dog hopped between the flying knives and grabbed the dagger that usually rested in the scabbard on his left thigh between his jaws. Twisting his head at a variety of angles, he attacked.

The Invader evaded with unnatural agility.

As Goyusha tried to lend a helping hand, the obsidian portal released yet another alien being.

Wingal couldn't believe his eyes.

It was Krypton.

Dashing through the air, the humanoid slashed.

And steel met steel in an explosive clash.

…

Dressed in a singlet and shorts, Salome twisted her blade through the air. Turning slightly, she swung up the shield on her left elbow to deflect an imaginary blow, then pivoted and cleaved emptiness.

"Well, you seem to be doing well."

Turning in the direction of the voice, she found Alfred striding through the courtyard of the Knight's castle towards her.

"Alfred!" she called, then flustered. "I mean, your Highness!"

"Dispense with the formalities," the king smiled. "How's your wound?"

Salome softly massaged the point through which she had been stabbed. "It still feels a bit uncomfortable but it should be fine. Look."

Taking in a deep breath, she demonstrated a series of acrobatic manoeuvres that were far beyond the reach of any injured person.

Alfred nodded. "Indeed."

"My liege."

Ashlei, accompanied by Tabitha, stepped forward.

"Ashlei," greeted Alfred. "What brings you to the castle today?"

"Business, your highness," the girl replied. "The Jewel Knights have decided to go after Sanctuary Guard Dragon."

The king's expression turned grim. "I thought I told you to leave him alone."

"With all due respect, your Highness, he remains a threat to the kingdom and all who dwell in the Sanctuary. Putting him under control is of paramount importance."

"But-"

"With all due RESPECT, your Highness," Tabitha cut in. "I believe you are aware that we Jewel Knights have the authority to operate outside of your jurisdiction. What you say will change nothing. Informing you of our activities is merely an act of formality. Lady Ashlei would have gladly embarked on this mission without informing you if it had only been polite to do so."

"Enough, Tabitha," Ashlei muttered sternly. "Your Highness, our will is set."

Alfred shook his head gravely. "Very well, then. Do what you must. But do not lose lives unnecessarily."

"Can I come along?"

The others turned to Salome.

"I want to help," she explained. "I was suffering from the same wounds as Sanctuary Guard Dragon. It's my responsibility to help him."

Tabitha raised a brow. "So you are the other? The one who didn't go berserk?"

Salome nodded.

"What are you thinking?" Alfred groaned. "You haven't even fully recovered yet."

"I'm fine," she insisted.

"Well.." Tabitha bit her lip thoughtfully. "If she comes along, we can put her under close observation in case she goes berserk as well.."

"She would never," hissed the king.

Ignoring him, Tabitha asked. "What do you think, milady?"

"I have no objections," Ashlei replied. "The more the merrier. If only my sister possessed the same sense of responsibility as this girl shows."

Tabitha nodded slightly. "I shall make the arrangements at once."

As the pair started to leave, Ashlei spoke. "We leave at dawn tomorrow. Be at the city gates by then."

"Yes, um.. milady!" Salome answered.

Ashlei giggled, then granted her one backward wave as she left.

After the Jewel Knights had departed, Alfred sighed. "Women.. Are you sure you're alright, Salome?"

"Of course," was her firm reply. "After all, Llew's out there doing his best too, right?"

Alfred couldn't help but chuckle at her words. Perhaps the Jewel Knights going after Sanctuary Guard Dragon wasn't such a bad idea after all.