Here's the final book and continuation of Number 100 Red Nova Sorcerer! :3 I already finished writing and typing this up, so there will be one chapter a day while I write Honey Baby. ^^ Enjoy!

~.Astral/Nova.~

My niece and nephew grab my hands and drag me to their room as usual while my puppet, who I've named Dark because of the dark magic I've placed in him, takes my travel cloak and bag to the chamber Blackie and I share. Once we get to the room, the children excitedly ask me to tell them about my travels as their small hands squeeze the new toys I bought for them: two white dragons with baby blue eyes and an innocent face looking up. I smile and begin telling them about everything.

My first stop was a new territory I had no idea existed! It was all plains as far as I could see with nothing but grass and flowers dominating. No trees seemed to exist; just grass and small flowers. The more I explored, the more I realized that small insects buzzed lowly near the blooming blossoms. It made sense that insects would inhabit the Territory; how else would the flowers bloom if no pollinators were doing their job? To be frank, it was rather plain, so I wasted no time in finding the Border to go somewhere else. The only truly notable feature was the constant wind. It was always either a mild breeze or a powerful gale.

The next stop was all too familiar to me, but I never set foot in this part of the Territory. It was the Ice Territory, made obvious by the fact that everything was made of ice and snow. Truly, it was impressive how they used the ice. Compacted ice served as roads and sidewalks while snow helped seal the buildings together. I walked down the chilly streets in hopes of finding a certain area I was told about by a certain someone, and find it I did. It was an alleyway that was broken and destroyed. Workmen were already almost finished putting it together, but I could tell someone fought here long ago.

"Who fought there, Uncle?" my niece Melody asks with wide and sparkling eyes.

I smile slightly. "Some familiar people who live near here."

"But who!?"

"Crimson and Free battled someone very bad when Blackie and I were children. I will not be going into specifics because it really is not my place to tell you anything."

The children pout, but they don't push the subject further. I continue to tell them where I went, the different scenes I saw, everything. They listen attentively, fidgeting every so often into a more comfortable position. My stories are only interrupted by Dark coming in and sitting behind the children to listen. He doesn't talk very much, but a smile lights up his face and those empty eyes sparkle with excitement. He loves reliving our adventures through my retellings. The telling goes on for about ten more minutes before we're called down to dinner. Melody and Malcolm, my nephew, rush past me, nearly knocking me off my feet! Chuckling with a shake of my head, I go to my chamber to get cleaned up. 

After washing, I put on my cape, which has been laid out for me, on and make my way to the dining hall. The whole family is now reunited when I take my seat beside Nue. Once the food is served, Blackie gets right down to business with me.

"What do we need to do?" he asks, looking straight at me. 

"For what?"

"To prevent the borders from crumbling."

I think for a moment because I honestly don't know. "To be honest, I am not completely sure myself. I would have to gather other travelers and find out what we do, but that may take too long."

"Could your magic help?"

"Maybe?"

Blackie seems deep in thought as we finish our meal, probably wondering how we're going to fix this. I have a couple of ideas, but I'm not sure they'll even work. That's when Nue interjects.

"How about the items?" she suggests. "You haven't used the rest of them, and they could be key for the Borders."

"That is actually a good idea, Nue," I whisper. 

"What are you talking about?" Melody pipes up through her food. 

"What are the items?" Malcolm adds.

The three of us exchange glances; we probably shouldn't be talking about this in front of the children. "Nothing," Blackie says patiently. "It is not important."

Melody pouts. "But it sounds important!"

"Sweetie, this is only important for adults," Nue says sweetly. "What's important for you is to finish eating and to get ready for bed."

"Yes, Mommy," both children sigh, and for the rest of the time, we talk of trivial things.

~.~.~

That night, as I get ready for bed, Blackie comes into my chamber silently. "I thought now would be a good time to talk," he whispers, settling himself on my bed.

"Yes," I reply. "What about?"

"About Nue's idea. Do you think this will work?"

I purse my lips uncertainly. "Honestly? I do not know, but it is a better idea than what I could come up with."

"It could be dangerous."

I chuckle. "I know that very well, Blackie, but I'm willing to go all the same. I cannot just let people die, not after all that I've seen. Besides, I know how to handle myself out there."

"I know you do, but I still worry."

I smile at my brother and sit beside him on the bed, wrapping my arms around him and nuzzling his neck. "Don't worry. You focus on our family and kingdom. I will try to keep in touch the way you contacted me when we were children."

I feel Blackie grin, amused. "Okay. Now, get some rest. We will get you the necessary things tomorrow." He presses his lips to my temple, pries my arms off, and walks out.

~.~.~

After breakfast, I make my way through the town to find Crimson and Free. They, aside from Coal, Ichigo, and Crystal, are probably the most knowledgeable in the Territories and Borders. Crimson may not be able to come along, but his and Free's advice will be very helpful.

The small house soon comes into view, now with a garden of various plants from different Territories decorating the grass around the door. Crimson and Free are tending the garden together, their laughter at each other's jokes clear in the calm air.  I smile; they really seem to be at peace now. I really hate to ruin this, but I need their input.

"Crimson! Free!" I call, flying the remaining distance to their house.

"Hi, Nova!" he exclaims when we hug in greeting. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

I nod. "Too long." I hug Crimson when he gets here and then get down to business. "I need your help."

"Oh?" Crimson tucks his hands into the pockets of his black loose pants. "With what?"

"The Borders. They are crumbling, and I want to know if you two know how to fix them."

Crimson and Free share a glance, unsure of the situation, apparently. "Nova, nothing like this has ever happened when Sei and I traveled," Free explains.

"But if you want advice," Crimson adds, "I would say to ask the Guardian at our Border. He's been here for longer than any of us. He should give you answers."

I nod. "Thank you two!" I wave as I fly off in search of the Guardian. 

I find him, clad in his black and white armor, at the Border with his sword planted firmly in front of him. Those sharp, pale golden eyes scan the area in front of him as usual. I approach him slowly.

"Good morning, Guardian," I greet with my hands behind my back. 

He glances at me before resuming his scanning at seemingly nothing. "Good morning, child of the red hands." he has been calling me that ever since I crossed the border as a child. "If you wish to cross, you are welcome to, but I must warn you that something is amiss."

"I am well aware of that. I intend to stop it; do you have any idea how?"

His mouth twitches a little, almost as if he's smiling. "Do you, now? That would come to a great relief to all of us." His eyes momentarily stop in thought. "Millions of years ago, this exact situation happened. If my memory serves me true, you must gather the special items from each Territory and apply it to the same Border."

"That's all?"

"Yes, but you must work quickly. I recommend bringing along other Numbers who are well acquainted with traveling the Borders."

"Thank you." I turn to leave and hear one last warning.

"Remember, child of the red hands, time is your enemy. Work quickly but precisely."