A Secret and a spark:

Here's another chapter. Before you read, just want to let you know that there is another song. It doesn't belong to me. Credit goes to Princess and the Pauper. Also, I've added my own lyrics if that's okay.

Three of the cloaked mages were sitting around a small fire, warming their hands. Castor, the former star mage stared into the brewing flames, memories of the past igniting in his head. He recalled the purple eyes of the elf child who had scarred his face. He recalled two other mages of moon and sky battling him and his brothers. The past painted his face red with rage, a desire for revenge. Quiet but distinct steps disturbed his dark thoughts. He and his two youngest brothers turned around and saw their sun brother approaching them.

"What have you seen Larius?" Castor demanded softly.

"Two of them had started to head up the caldera. The other is heading east around it," The sun mage Lairus led them to his lookout spot and they saw the armoured man and the hook-lasso tracker heading upwards whilst the cloaked one was heading in a different direction on his horse.

Something doesn't seem right. There's something about that third guy I can't quite place,"

"Do we just follow them?" asked the earth one.

"Tellus, you and Delmar will follow the ones heading up. Lairus, you and I follow the lone horseman. When you see an opportunity, capture them, and find out what they're doing here. Then continue up to the top and get that girl,"

They nodded. Suddenly they heard a loud bird cry. "Hide," he hissed. Quickly they crouched between some boulders and pulled their cloaks over their heads and faces camouflaging them into the surroundings.

Lujanne peered down from Phoe-Phoe. She didn't see anyone. But something ticked her off. Just then she saw two men walking up towards the Caldera. She and Phoe-Phoe disappeared into the clouds.

They heard the bird's squawks disappear and they came out of hiding. "We must act fast," Castor said. "That was no ordinary bird. We must act first. Go now," They went off in different directions to follow the humans.

Corvus tracked the children upwards and upwards. Gren tired behind him, panting for dear life. "You think this will work?" the tracker listened to him.

"We must have faith in him," said Gren. "He saved my life. I owe him my full trust,"

Corvus nodded. Both were friends to Amaya, and she was a friend to Caldor. If she trusted him, so should they.

Hiding against the rocks with their black cloaks, the ocean and earth mage kept well hidden, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Raylan and Caroline re-joined the others. Zym leapt into her arms, licking her face much to her delight. Behind some rocks, Felix observed them, despondent, left out. The baby dragon licked Raylan glad he had decided to join in with the fun. He begged him to stop but he kept lapping on him like an eccentric puppy causing the others to laugh.

Lujanne's bird squeaked and they turned their heads to see the moon mage waving to them. They walked upwards and saw a table prepared for them. Phoe-Phoe stood nearby with some bowls. "Elves and humans at the table. Creatures with Phoe-Phoe,"

"Why do you call her Phoe-Phoe?" asked Ellis.

"She's a Moon Phoenix. Her name is short for Phoenix-Phoenix,"

They sat down and saw pie and cake and chicken.

"This is food fit for a king," complimented Willow. "I'm already digging in," she placed food on her plate.

"Thank you Lujanne," said Carol. She looked at Ava, Bait and Zym joining Phoe-Phoe and sighed; Felix still wasn't with them. "Where is he?"

Ezran started munching on the food, starting with a jelly tart. "This is so delicious. Thanks. What's your secret?"

"The secret is…" Lujanne paused. "..that it's all fake,"

Carol paused after taking a bite out of an apple. "What do you mean?"

"She means it's fake," said Raylan who sat next to her. "They're delicious illusions,"

"You're actually eating grubs,"

"You mean good grubs right?" asked Ezran.

"Nope. See what Phoe-Phoe is eating?" she pointed to the bowl her bird companion was eating out of.

"You mean those worms?" cringed Carol. Instantly she felt something slimy in her mouth. She barfed grubs right out of her mouth. "Yuck!" she gulped up gallons of water from her flash and spat it out again.

"I don't care this is the tastiest fake pie I've ever had," said Ellis, just before Ezran leaned over his seat and puked.

Willow burst out chuckling. Ezran sent a furious frown at her. 'You knew didn't you?"

"I knew you guys would be puking out grubs after thinking you were food," she smirked. "Thought I might see how funny it was,"

"Willow!" her siblings complained. She had foretold this moment and didn't warn them.

"You knew too, didn't you!" Carol pointed a finger at Raylan who chortled.

"It was funny," he sniggered.

"Oh, ha-ha," she deadpanned.

Gren and Corvus kept calm but heard growling sounds all around them. Corvus tried to pull his hook chain but Gren's shaking face kept him calm. They just walked on and on.

Tellus pulled out his stone. "Creatura Lenta," the ground suddenly swallowed Corvus and Gren who grunted as they felt their arms wedged in the dirt against their bodies. They stared wide-eyed at the menacing mages who approached them.

"Sorry gentleman, but you are officially our prisoners,"

"What do you want from us?" Corvus demanded.

"What we want to know is what you're doing here," Delmar crossed his arms.

The men kept their mouths shut. "I suppose you leave me no choice," he pulled out his ocean-blue primal stone and looked dangerous at Gren.

"Faucem Sicco," the ocean mage cast. Gren suddenly felt his entire body crumbling up to a crisp; he felt weak.

"What are you doing to him?!" Corvus demanded.

"Tell us what we want to know…or I dry him up completely,"

Corvus couldn't answer but he saw that Gren's life was draining away quickly. "All right I'll tell you,"

The ocean mage smirked behind his mask and stopped the spell. Gren breathed in and out. He knelt before the tracker. "Well…"

"What do you want with Princess Caroline?" he demanded.

"Of course," the earth one said, kneeling in front of him too. "That's why you're here. You'll have your answer soon enough once we capture her,"

"I don't think so!" It was Corvus's voice that spoke but his lips weren't moving. They turned around and saw him and another Gren leaping on them with a giant net. Before they could react, it landed on them and they were knocked to the ground. Gren kicked their primal stones away before Corvus tied them up with his chains and hook. They grunted and growled. They saw Corvus and Gren trapped in the ground disappear. It was an illusion.

Proud of their achievement, Gren and Corvus high-fived. "Looks like his plan worked," said Corvus.

"Whose plan?" demanded Tellus.

"Shut up," Corvus pulled their mask faces down, revealing two bristled men with bold chins, twins. He then gagged them before tying them to a tree.

Carol sat at a clifftop, Zym lying next to her bundled in her cloak. She pulled out a diary from her bag. She opened it, revealing blank empty pages. A message on the cover. Make memories with adventures. She smiled.

She pulled out a quill and bottled ink and began to write.

Dear Diary,

It hasn't been a week and yet I have had the most amazing time of my life.

She wrote about her encounter with the Moonshadow elves, discovering the dragon egg, befriending Raylan, the mountain adventure, the near kidnapping experience, the hike up the caldera full of illusions…the hatching of Zym.

She drew a large picture of him hatching from his egg.

It feels strange that I am now connected to this baby dragon. But he is the cutest thing I have ever seen. He is the Dragon Prince and it is now my duty and my friends and family to bring him back to where he belongs.

"That's a beautiful drawing," Raylan approached her from behind and sat beside her. "It's amazing,"

"Thanks," she said. "Wanna see everything I've done so far,"

He nodded. He looked through her first few pages and he saw she had recorded all their adventures so far and he was surprised to see a picture and page all about him. She had written.

Raylan is nothing like what people say about elves. He's kind and caring and determined. He's the most selfless, capable warrior I have met. He's never afraid to do what's right. He spared my life when he could have killed me. He has saved me and Ezran and Willow countless times on this adventure. I don't know where we'd be without him. He has become a dear friend to us all. And without him, the Dragon Prince wouldn't be alive. I know he will have a big part to play in the adventures that are to come.

"You mean all of that?" he asked, handing her book back.

"I do. You're a hero Raylan. Both to me and Zym," she stroked Zym who perched.

"Thanks," he said. "I love everything you've written and drawn,"

"It's been my dream to have an adventure for as long as I can remember. Being stuck in Katolis all my life being constantly watched over made me feel so desperate to escape and see whatever else is out there. And now that we're delivering Zym to his mother, this is my chance to fill all those pages,"

"Maybe once we complete our quest, you can turn this diary of yours into an adventure story for everyone to read,"

"I don't know. Maybe," Carol closed her journal and pulled out a parchment.

"What are you doing?"

"Writing a letter to my dad. To let him know that we're safe,"

Raylan felt his insides tingle in guilt. "Why?"

"Well, I have to let him know that we're safe.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea. Someone could intercept it and use it to find us,"

"He'll be worried about us,"

"I would listen to Raylan if I were you," It was Lujanne's voice. They turned around and saw her approaching. "Until you all deliver the dragon prince to its home, you should have no contact with any of your loved ones. It could put them and you all in danger,"

Carol was reluctant.

"Don't worry Carol," Raylan consoled. "I promised him I'd keep you and the others safe. He'll know that you guys are all right,"

"Okay," she accepted. "But straight away after delivering Zym home, we contact him,"

He nodded.

"I didn't see anyone on my flight on Phoe-Phoe," Lujanne informed. "But I have a feeling, forces are approaching quickly,"

"I'll do some scouting," said Raylan.

"You shouldn't," argued Carol.

"Don't worry about me. My hands are in good shape," he assured. "I'll just do a sweep of the grounds," he walked off.

"Lujanne, did he tell you to do a scout?" she asked.

"He did. He was rather concerned about a group of cloaked men who tried to kidnap you. It seems that he has committed his responsibility to protect you,"

"And my siblings too. He promised my dad he'd take care of us,"

"So long as you take care of him because…"

"I know. He told me the story of those guys trying to kidnap him. I won't let anything happen to him. There's something I'd like to ask you Lujanne,"

"Speak,"

"Because I'm connected to Zym… who's a sky dragon, would it be possible for me to do magic again?"

"I'm afraid not," answered Lujanne. "You need to be born with a connection called…"

"An arcanum. A spark of a Primal source,"

"Wow," she blinked. "You're a human and yet you seem to know about magic,"

"It's because of this," Carol pulled out her Xadian book and handed it to her. Lujanne looked at its slightly dirty covers.

"I'll make it clean," she waved her hand and an illusion over it made it clean. "There," she handed it back.

"Thanks,"

The moon mage went through the pages looking at every primal source's spells. "Where did you get this book?" she was amazed.

"My friend Caldor gave it to me," she explained. "He's the bookseller in our kingdom,"

"This book was an ancient relic written hundreds of years ago," she stroked the covers. Her words brought wonder to Carol's surprised face. "How did he come into possession of it?"

"I don't know," she shrugged. "Am I really not magic without a primal stone?"

"I'm sorry but that's not your destiny, Caroline. Your destiny is to deliver the dragon prince to his home. Would you like some cake?" she offered a cake out of nowhere.

Carol crossed her arms. "I'm not falling for that trick again," the thought of grubs in her mouth again made her want to puke.

"Ice cream?" Lujanne offered.

"Also grubs,"

She giggled. "Getting too smart for my illusionist tricks again. I see,"

The day passed by very quickly and the kids and the animals were still walking around the grounds searching for Felix. Still nothing.

"I think he's avoiding her because he's jealous of Zym," said Ezran.

"He is," Willow said. "I saw him talking to you," She noticed a strange look on his face. "What?"

"You say you wish to forget your ability to see potential futures and yet you're using it now,"

"Oh, because I feel like I need to,"

"Guys! Look!" Ellis pointed her finger and they saw Felix, curled up near a tree. Bait croaked and after Ezran placed him down, bounded over to him.

Hey, it's okay.

Carol's got her new best friend. Groaned the fox.

Don't say that. She loves you. She's been concerned about your behaviour.

"There you are Felix," Ezran knelt in front of him. "We've been looking everywhere for you,"

He hung his ears. "It's okay to be jealous but don't hurt Carol by acting like this,"

She didn't come to look for me last night. And she's kept her distance. I thought I kept my distance; she would try and reach out to me. But instead, she spends all her time with that baby dragon. He's replaced me in her heart. Felix turned his back and curled up again.

"No Felix, she would never do that," Ezran's efforts were useless.

"Let's go and get her," Willow said. "He'll feel better if she talks to him,"

Carol sat on a rock, staring out into the distance. Zym was on her shoulders, purring, trying to make her feel better. Hearing her siblings calling for her, she turned around. "Hey guys," she said, approaching them.

"Are you okay?" asked Ezran.

She sighed. "I just feel so useless,"

"You were already cool without the primal stone," said Ezran. "We've never told you this but it's true. You're amazing at art,"

"You ice-skate so well," added Willow. "We all saw how you did that cool trick back at the mountain,"

"And we both know you're good at using a spear to fight,"

"I haven't used one in months not since mum's spear vanished. I miss it so much that I don't feel like using another one," she lamented. "Did you guys find Felix?"

"Yes. He thinks you've replaced him," said Ezran sadly.

Carol was shocked at such a statement. "Why would he feel like that?"

"He says you didn't look for him last night,"

"I thought he just wanted space. I didn't mean to make him feel left out,"

I'm sorry. Said Zym telepathically. I'm sorry I stole your attention away from him.

"It's not your fault," she stroked his head. "Where is he?"

They took her to the spot where Felix was, giving everyone the cold shoulder. She gently placed Zym. I need to approach him alone. She spoke in her thoughts. He means so much to me.

I know he does. Which is why I'll never get between you or him again.

You didn't do anything Zym. I should have realised it sooner. She gently placed him on the grass, leaving him with her siblings and their friends and approached Felix slowly.

"Felix…I never meant to make you feel replaced. I love you. You're still my best friend. Nothing could ever change that," she sighed despondently at his turned back.

I can understand you're feeling low
You can't hide that from me
But there's no need to be sad, so buddy let it go
Cause you're more than that
You're my bestest friend
I wish you could see the you I see

Felix turned around touched by her gentle words.

Really? He purred.

"Zym in my life doesn't mean less for you. It means that our family has grown,"

I say
If you bark, celebrate it
Make your mark, serenade it
Noah's ark should've had a fox like you

She gently touched his nose and he blushed. At this moment, he recognised that he had given her joy and happiness whenever she felt alone; it hadn't changed one bit.

And if you feel like you're being replaced
Doesn't mean I don't love you
Only means there is much more love for you

She tossed a stick and he caught it like a dog. To her, she was an amazing companion.

Hey, Felix, you fetch just fine
To thine own self be true
You're the friend a girl should have
That's why you're my best friend

He picked him up and twirled around holding him in the air.

You don't need the bows or tiara
Bid your woessayonara

She placed him down and he chased his tail around like a dog making everyone laugh. Even Zym and Ava started copying him.

Trust your nose 'cause it knows the way to go
When you chase your tail, you're enchanting
Spirits sail when you're panting
When you wail, you're a rover, Romeo

As she described how amazing he was with all his cool talents, Felix finally recognised how truly important he was to him. She knelt before him and looked into his soft wet eyes with her green ones.

There is not one hair of you
That I would rearrange
I love you, my dear Felix
And that will never change

She leaned forward and cupped his furry cheek.

That will never change

She kissed his nose and he licked her face with delight; he hadn't been replaced one bit. She hugged him tight as he realised Zym in Carol's life never meant less for him. It meant more for her and him. She placed him down and Zym approached him softly. He felt a little scared but with encouraging eyes given by Ezran and Willow, he approached the dragon. Zym nuzzled his face and licked him. Felix didn't do anything.

Wanna play? Zym played around like a puppy and kept the list of what he was trying to do, Felix joined in with the fun.

They jumped around, playing around, becoming friends at once.

Carol smiled, finally seeing the two becoming friends, her best animal friends. Raylan approached the ground, looking cheery. "Wow," she remarked. "You're looking cheery,"

"It feels so great having hands again. Look what I can do again," Raylan pulled out his swords slicing and slashing. He did a handstand then flips and then a stance of expressing a gleeful smile whilst shaking his hands. They clapped.

"Spot anything?" she asked.

"Nope. But I'm gonna keep patrolling," he said.

Carol looked at the setting sun. "Raylan, it's getting dark,"

"I'm at Moonshadow elf. I'm used to late nights. Don't worry. I'll be fine,"

"Okay. But please call for us if you need any help,"

"Nothing's gonna happen. Remember we're leaving at first light,"

"Noted!" the royals said together.

"I'd love to come with you guys but I need to go home to my parents," Ellis said apologetically.

"You do," agreed Ezran. "Thank you so much for your help,"

"We couldn't have done it without you," said Willow hugging her.

The group went over to their huts and bid goodnight.

"You wanna sleep in the tree?" asked Carol.

Absolutely. Zym approved.

Does that include me? Felix dropped his ears.

"Of course, buddy," Carol stroked his head. Zym nuzzled Felix, assuring him that he would be spending the night safe and warm in their person's arms just like him. "Come on. Let's get some rest. We've got a big day tomorrow,"

Castor and Lairus had followed Caldor's retreating figures for a long while, watching him taking breaks between his walks, doing sketches. Lairus wanted to trap him but Castor stopped him. There was something about this human which he didn't understand.

They sat behind a tree. When Castor looked again down the slope, he saw Caldor and his horse with a hooded figure with a plait dangling out over their chest. They mounted his steed and galloped off into the distance. He narrowed his eyes. "Get the others. I'm going to catch up with them,"

Raylan patrolled the grounds when his ears started humming to the sound of a strange melody that made his muscles wight down like a stone, his eyelids dropping over his eyes. He struggled to stay away. Before succumbing to the enchanting melody, he grabbed a rose and fell fast asleep against a slap of stone, hearing pairs of feet approaching him closely. He heard felt a heartbeat under his chest, trying to keep him awake.

That's another chapter done. I hope you all enjoyed it. Once again, I do not own the song in this chapter. Credit goes to Princess and the Pauper. Have added my own lyrics or changed some to fit in with the story. Hope you all enjoyed it. Thank you for your support and reviews.