Destiny awoke from her deep slumber. She almost didn't recognise her own room. She frowned, her head pounding with memories had forgotten. Destiny vagary recalled a beautifully dark tanned woman with evergreen green eyes and flowing golden hair.
With a brown-haired girl similar to Destiny's age, about four or five. She sighed, frustrated because she couldn't remember their names, but remembered the two girls had a close emotional bond.

The house seemed silent in the morning light, like a dark atmosphere had lifted after years of being under the influence of Selina's magic. She heard light snoring, smelling the earthy scents of the forests. Taylor was sleeping on her floor on a fold out mattress. She crouched down, brushing her fingers against his feverish, sweaty skin, slightly confused.
"How did I get home last night?" She whispered. She shook him awake. He grumbled, slowly opening his violet eye. Bandages covered his right eye. He removed them, placing the eyepatch over the unseeing eye.

How did you get to my house last night?" Destiny questioned.
"I borrowed your key. You seemed to have a nightmare and I couldn't wake you." He got up, covering the scars across his back with his shirt
"Dose your eye hurt?"
Taylor screeched, his messy hair sticking out in all directions. The strands tangled together, obstructing his vision. "No, I cannot see anything out of it," he said, frustration clear in his voice. A side effect from the dark witches. The sensation of itching and burning persisted. A small snarl escaped his lips, his words laced with hatred, as if he was cursing the very witches who had caused his suffering.

Destiny, her curiosity piqued, wondered about Taylor's history. Clearly, he had been hurt before, scarred by his past. She couldn't help but empathise with his pain.

Feeling a mix of exhaustion and discomfort, Destiny hugged her knees tightly. Her legs burned with stiffness and pain, the result of hours of running and hiding. The physical discomfort brought her mind back to the harsh reality of their situation.

"I wasn't dreaming about what happened in the clearing in the forest last night," Destiny said, her voice trembling with fear. Selina's transformation into evil and her subsequent kidnapping of Destiny's father haunted her thoughts. The panic rose in the back of her throat, making her feel ill.

Taylor exhaled, trying to remain calm in the face of uncertainty. "She must need him for something, which means he is still alive for now," he said, his voice steady but tinged with worry.

"Maybe something about my father's journal you ordered Ash to steal, perhaps?" Destiny asked, taking a stab in the dark, hoping to uncover some answers. Taylor rolled his eyes, clearly frustrated by Destiny's lack of understanding. "Destiny, there are things you do not understand," he said, his tone filled with a mixture of frustration and protectiveness. "We needed the journal for our mission. I cannot explain further. But I know several ways into her fortress. I will do whatever I can to help you."

"I'm sorry, but you're now involved," Taylor said, giving her an apologetic look. Destiny's lack of reaction suggested she knew nothing about Andreal or the secret of her unawakened powers. The weight of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders. Taylor sighed, with a wave of fresh tiredness rubbing his face. It was too early to think about all this. Taylor opened Destiny's wardrobe, throwing some clothes at her, but she fumbled, dropping to the floor.
Weather Destiny understood the situation or not, she had become an essential part of their mission now, "Best we maintain a low profile for now," Taylor said, giving Destiny space to change. While waiting outside, Taylor called Ash, their voices carrying on the crisp morning breeze. Destiny, hidden nearby, strained to hear their conversation.
"Ash, can you gather the others and meet at the phoenix reborn bistro?" Taylor's voice carried a sense of urgency. "Please, I think we should inform Destiny about the situation. She has become an essential part of our mission..
The distance muffled Ash's response, but Taylor's expression changed, his features becoming devoid of emotion. He rubbed his weary face, exhaustion clear in every line.

Destiny, realizing she had been eavesdropping for too long, stepped away from the keyhole and quickly changed into more casual attire. Just as she finished, Taylor softly knocked on her door. She opened it, and Taylor greeted her with a secretive smile. There was something in his expression that piqued her curiosity.

"Shall we go get breakfast?" Taylor suggested, his voice warm and inviting. "Sure, do you want me to drive?" Destiny offered.

"I would rather keep the police off my radar, thank you." Taylor's reply was tinged with caution. They made their way downstairs, passing the sealed iron door of the basement. A low, inhuman growl emanated from behind it, sending shivers down Destiny's spine.

"What is the basement used for?" Taylor asked, Destiny's gaze instinctively drawn towards the noise.
"Oh, Selina makes candles down there, as far as I know," she replied casually, though his eyes betrayed a hint of unease.

As they got into Taylor's car, Destiny couldn't help but notice his tense posture. She mentioned a name Andreal, and his reaction was immediate. He shrugged his shoulders, maintaining his composure, but his eyes held a mysterious glint.

"I'll explain when we arrive," Taylor said cryptically, his voice laced with a mix of anticipation and caution.
Destiny fastened her seatbelt, anticipation building as they drove. The café, with its cozy atmosphere and the scent of burning firewood, came into view. Christos and Opal stood outside, engaged in animated conversation with Esmeralda. Excitement filled the air as Christos's mother opened the doors to the bistro. Taylor and Destiny stepped out of the car and entered the warm and welcoming café, the crackling of flames adding to the cozy ambiance of the chilly morning.
They sat down, the five of them. Anette smiled, taking their orders of fresh pastries and hot drinks.
Christos revealed he was wearing the water rune around his neck, attached to a turquoise beaded necklace. The rune glowed a bright blue. While opal excitedly showed off her keyring hanging off her phone. A golden topaz caught the flickering flames' light, glowing with golden symbols.
"Congratulations, Opal and Christos, for figuring out how to activate your runes." Esmeralda said quietly, she inhaled the scent of coffee, Annette served the drinks, the pastries will be ready in a few minutes."
"Opal, I owe you an apology. I said some rather harsh things and I shouldn't have insulted you like that. You're a powerful witch and I find your magic useful."
"I forgive you, Taylor, but next time you doubt my powers, I'll give you a demonstration." Opal warned, grinning wickedly.
Taylor nodded with understanding, grabbing his steaming coffee.
Christos drank his latte amused by their moment, "Opal faced her fears with giant spiders even taking on a devourer, Christos boasted. Opal elbowed him, embarrassed. "We promised to never talk about that." She scolded.
"But it was outstanding." Christos remarked.
"We found the entrance underneath the statues guarding the restriction section in Winter Hall," Opal explained.

Ash lazily sank into the plush couch, the soft fabric enveloping him. Beside him, Esmeralda's presence brought a sense of warmth and comfort. As they spoke, their words painted a vivid picture of their world, Andreal, a realm where technology seamlessly blended with the untamed magic of enchanted forests and bustling cities.

"I belong to the enforcers," Ash revealed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, revealing his sharp fangs. The glint of his teeth caught Destiny's attention, causing her to draw closer instinctively to Taylor, seeking a sense of security.

Taylor, in response, let out a hearty chuckle. "I am a member of the shifter clan," he divulged, his voice rich with confidence. "In fact, I will be the future king. We can transform into magnificent panthers.

Destiny's brow furrowed as she tried to envision Taylor as a feline creature. The idea seemed foreign and somewhat amusing to her. "I must admit," she admitted, her words slow and cautious, "I'm having difficulty picturing you as a big cat." She took a sip of her drink. The cool liquid soothed her nerves.

Meanwhile, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked chocolate croissants wafted through the air, diverting the group's attention from their conversation. Each of them reached for a delectable pastry, savouring the rich flavours that filled their mouths. Ash, however, politely declined Esmeralda's offer, perhaps uninterested or simply stated by the previous indulgence.
She shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips, filling the silence with the rhythmic sound of her chewing. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on her face as she sipped on an ice-cold chocolate drink. It was an odd choice for such a chilly day, but she seemed to enjoy it.

"I am the shaman of the wolf shifters," she began, her voice carrying a hint of reverence, "a spiritual leader tasked with guiding my pack. However, the curse that has plagued Andreal for two generations has affected us differently. We cannot take human form..

As she spoke, Destiny couldn't help but notice the sparkle in her eyes, a reflection of her deep connection to her pack. Her words painted a vivid picture of her time in Celestial City, where she had encountered both the enigmatic dark stone and the prince who had visited their camp.

Seated beside her, Opal revealed she was an apprentice to the leader of the dark witches, a group of powerful women who had taught her to harness wild magic and other spells. Taylor wore a guilty expression and remained silent.

She observed Taylor's hands trembling underneath his hoodie, a telltale sign of his inner turmoil. Destiny, always attuned to the needs of others, reached out and gently touched his shaking fists, offering him solace. A faint smile appeared on his face, a silent gratitude for her concern.

Interrupting their moment, Christos cleared his throat, drawing our attention. "Mist fairies," he began, his voice commanding, "live in the enchanted forests and untouched places where nature thrives. Andreal serves as a gateway to their realm, a place they call home. We possess a unique ability to create portals and travel between different realms. Unlike humans, each clan is born with a spark to control an element. Though their names have been lost to history, we all share a common ancestor."

Destiny, her curiosity piqued, asked that was on all our minds. "So, all of you come from different clans, and you have come together to restore your home world to normal?"

"Yes," Esmeralda replied, her voice filled with determination. "We have already found three of the six elemental runes we need. But in order to return home, we invite you to join us on this quest."

Destiny blinked in surprise, nearly dropping her chocolate onto her good jacket. From the warm pastry in her hand, a comforting aroma wafted up, filling the air. "I want to rescue my father," she confessed, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I am only human. I'm not sure how I can be of any help..

Taylor spoke up, offering a solution. "We can give you a few days to decide. In the meantime, Opal and I can stay with you, if you don't mind."

With a mix of emotions, anticipation hanging in the air. Destiny was left to ponder her choices, surrounded by a group of extraordinary individuals who sought to restore their home world. "I don't mind. I could use the company. She felt dizzy being around Taylor caused her healing tattoo to ache. She rubbed the bandage over her tattoo. The phoenix seemed to burn underneath her skin.
Ash glanced at her. "You aren't much. If a seer is you, miss Morgan?" Ash questioned, folding his arms against his chest.

Esmeralda elbowed him. "Don't be rude."
"I'm sorry a what?" Destiny asked

"Are you supposed to see things from the past, present, and future? If so, how do your visions manifest themselves?"
Destiny frowned, unsure what the topic had shifted to. A growl escaped Taylor's lips. "Ash, did you leave your brain in ?" He shook his head. Ash rubbed his hair in embarrassment. "Your highness, it is uncalled for. You know I am banished from Lycardia," Ash said.
Destiny smiled, finding it amusing that Ash could sometimes brilliantly accomplish things, but she couldn't help but wonder where Lycardia was. Taylor glanced at Destiny. "A seer can have visions in both the past, present and future. Seers can use different tools, such as your drawings, but your powers are still dreaming.
"They haven't woken up yet?"
"Nope, you've gone into a few trances such as the painting, but some dark aura is blocking your sight. "Opal said.
She stood, bringing out photos showing Destiny painting in art class and the finished painting. Taylor paled. Nearly losing his breakfast, he coughed, choking on the warm pastries.

Ash patted his back. "Geez, dude, you need to chew your food. Taylor took a drink. "What is the primary job of a seer?" Destiny asked.
Their role is to help guide the actions and choices of their king, though their visions. Your mother is a seer, and she passed her gifts to you,' Taylor explained.
Sometimes the father passes on the seer genes. So, one of your parents was a child of a seer, or they have the oracle blood." Christos said, standing as he walked around the bistro, his body restless.
Taylor, I'm heading back to the forest. The mist fairies are calling, Christos said, bowing. He left the café. His watery tattoos flared against his tanned skin. "Ash said that you're a shifter prince. Does that mean I have to help guide you?' Destiny asked slowly. Even thinking about that amount of responsibility gave her a headache.

It'll be alright. For now, try to focus on school." 'That's easy for you to say,' Destiny thought.

Destiny stood, her head spinning. Her brain had absorbed enough information about these strange teenagers. She needed time to think. She hardly believed in her father's work, but her father wasn't a lair.
Esmeralda touched her arm. "Take sometime, seers can always tell the truth." She touched the beeping device on her wrist. A holographic screen appeared, with a wolf and mist fairy assisting them.
Destiny touched the screen. Her hand went through the screen like water, leaving ripples.
Esmeralda giggled before gracefully walking off, addressing the wolf with a respectful bow.

Destiny walked outside. Hearing her alarm on her phone, Taylor joined her. Despite the light drizzle of rain, he pulled a pen from his backpack, adding a needle at the end, dealing up the amount he needed. Before Taylor injected himself,
"I have high sauger levels, "
"How many times do you need to inject yourself?" Destiny frowned.
"Four times a day, "Taylor sighed, "I hate it, but it; is genetic in my family. The healers diagnosed me last year."
"I guess having sweets is bad for you." Taylor grinned, everything in moderation." Destiny,
"Are you alright? You look worried.
Destiny bit her nail, hearing the second alarm. "I hate to be a bother, but could you take me to the local swimming pool? I have a hydrotherapy session with my physio,
"Sure, let's go," Taylor said, unlocking his car. Opal got in the backseat.

*****

They drove to the north side of Violet Springs, their car gliding smoothly into the parking lot of the local therapy centre. Stepping out, the faint sound of sliding doors greeted them opening. As they entered, the rich and humid smell of chlorine filled their nostrils, instantly transporting them to the world of the pool. Destiny cautiously made her way towards the pool area, skilfully avoiding the wet puddles of water left behind by previous clients.

Once there, she changed into a vibrant red bathing suit; the colour contrasted with the blue water. With anticipation, she immersed herself in the heated water, feeling a weight lifting off her muscles, granting them newfound freedom of movement. Taylor, intrigued, slipped his shoes off and dipped his feet into the soothing warmth. Meanwhile, Opal retrieved a vial filled with shimmering silver blood.

Destiny, now in the water, began lifting herself out, her limbs trembling as she struggled to hold the position. Each time she raised her whitening knuckles, a small wave formed, the water reacting to her efforts. Using the silver bar as a brace, she listened to the physio counting to ten before releasing herself back into the water. As she walked the length of the pool, Opal smiled, adding a small amount of the silver blood into the water.

Confused, Taylor hissed, "What are you doing?"

Destiny continued swimming, other people in the pool creating a gentle resistance for her. Opal calmly replied, "I'm giving her a helping hand. The nineties in the dragon's blood will provide longer relief from her symptoms and enhance her muscles. Andreal is dangerous for humans, after all."

Taylor scolded, "Opal, we're not supposed to expose our technology to humans. It could have unforeseen effects on everyone, lasting for forty-eight hours or even more."

"Most people won't even notice the effects, Taylor. Just watch as the swarm enters the water," Opal assured.

Indeed, a cloud of robotic dragons crawled along the bottom of the pool, their mechanical movements mesmerizing. Transforming into a liquid, they seamlessly absorbed into Destiny's skin. Almost instantly, her muscles relaxed, allowing her a greater range of movement. Her legs grew gradually faster as she continued swimming. However, she paused, feeling a strange sensation crawling beneath her skin. To soothe the discomfort, she scratched at the source, her legs twitching uncontrollably.

As she made her way back to the change room, she lost her balance, the effects of the dragon's blood taking their toll.
Finding herself not in control of her joints, she struggled to remove her damp bathers with great difficulty. The fabric clung to her skin, causing a shiver to run down her spine. Her wet hair, heavy and damp, curtained her furious face, strands sticking to her cheeks. She gasped for air, the scent of chlorine and dampness filling her nostrils.

Struggling to regain her composure, she fought to get her clothes on. Her trembling fingers fumbled with the buttons, her body still trembling from the exertion of the season. Opal's laughter filled the air, a soft, apologetic sound. "Sorry, I shouldn't laugh," she giggled.

Taylor, ever the steady presence, caught her, guiding her to sit on the nearby bench. As he lowered her down, a jolt of green sparks shot through her spine, causing her to jump in unimaginable pain. The sensation was electric, like a thousand tiny needles prickling her skin. She squeezed her eyes shut, holding her head in her hands, trying to find solace from the overwhelming assault on her senses.

"Just breathe." Taylor's soothing voice reached her ears, his hand stroking her shoulder in a comforting gesture. Another spark danced between their touch, the static electricity crackling in the air. When he inadvertently brushed against her healing tattoo, a sharp sting shot through his hand, causing him to pull away, rubbing the affected hand.

"What on earth did you do? Opal? I warned you the healing properties dragon's blood can have unforeseen side effects on humans," Taylor snapped.
"She shall be fine, her body and the nineties dragons that need to adjust to each other, but they're still in the experimental phase." Opal admitted.
Destiny stood, furious. Despite her shaking legs, she stormed over, standing in front of Opal,
"You used some experiential technology on me without my knowledge. Are you insane? This is driving my joints haywire; you better have a way to fix this Opal, there is no cure for my condition,"

Destiny grabbed her bag, feeling her legs spasm of their own accord. Taylor followed, "I'm sorry I didn't realise until too late what Opal placed in the water," Taylor said, apologetic, Opal slid in the backseat, remaining silent.
Destiny leaned her damp hair against the leather, feeling water soak the back of her top. She closed her eyes, her body swaying between tiredness and hyperaware of her surrounds. The crawling underneath her skin stopped, she signed, she felt them latch onto her bones sucking the pain out of her joins.

"Destiny, I honestly meant no harm. Humans don't survive long in Andreal. I thought giving you an edge was a kindness, but I should have made you aware of the dragon's blood.
"Next time, Opal, just give me a heads up before you add something to a swimming pool. What if it's hurting other people?"
Opal chuckled. Opal chuckled as she explained, "Think of it like medicine. It takes away the painful symptoms and gives the body freedom to move, like the heated water. After a month, the body expels the dragons, and another dose creates new dragons. The older nineties will stay with the host in another form. An unusual sight awaited them as they arrived in Destiny's driveway.

The lizard fixatedits gleaming crimson eyes on them. Its lengthy tail vanished beyond the curveof the roof, while its forked tongue darted out, sampling the air. With anaggressive hiss, it poised itself on the roof, its obsidian form fully alert,almost straining the structure beneath it.
"What on earth is that?" Opal questioned; her voice laced withastonishment.
"Selina's familiar," Taylor replied, a sense of urgency in theirvoice, hurrying towards the front door with Destiny's keys.
"Opal, you must know how to banish this creature," they continued,their words quick and determined. "We need to eliminate the shapeshifterbefore we depart from Violet Springs."