It was the twilight hour in Skylands. Or simply midnight for those unknowing of witch terminology. The stars shining bright, the black sky turned blue by the starlight... what couldn't be more normal?

But a darkness was roaming... an incarnation of Darkness for that matter... And she had her reasons.

Sirin and her Quilin Saitama both felt a disturbance in the night and were forcwd from slumber to investigate it. It wasn't long before they found that disturbance.

A few days prior Sirin's friend Eteru had said that a crystal he had for some time now had gone missing. Sirin didn't trust the crystal(part of the reason she wasn't living on the Academy grounds you see), especially after Eteru received that prophecy of his. According to this prophecy, three powerful individuals will come to Skylands and, in rage against their targets, will destroy everything. But now the crystal that gave such a prophecy was missing. At least, until Sirin felt this disturbance. And given the victim, the disappearance of the crystal had made all too much sense.

The disturbance? Crocavile. He was trying to sneak into Muerte's room and steal lord knows what. Why would Sirin care?

Because Crocavile himself wasn't doing it. For once.

Sirin felt it. Someone of the dark arts had possessed Crocavile's skeleton body and was using it as a cover to steal whatever Muerte had. Sirin managed to prevent the success of such a plan and was currently giving chase to the enemy. Who or whatever it was that was in Crocavile's body was too busy taunting Sirin about catching them to notice Saitama charging at them and slashing them to a nearby wall. Before the being could get up, Sirin pointed her luxgladius to Crocavile's neck to keep them in place.

Sirin: I know you have taken this creature's body fiend. Release him and let him his body again!
"Crocavile": Or what? You'll KILL me? Ha! This body is that of the Undead! You can't kill what's already dead!
Sirin: There are ways... I've seen them. Now come, and fight me like a warrior!
"Crocavile": Ha! You're more gut then I imagined you'd be... You'd actually make a fine bodyguard for my brothers and I... Very well! About time I made an appearance anyway!

The being then left Crocavile's body in a puff a black smoke, leaving the bones to drop to the ground. The smoke left to the side and, as Sirin and Saitama watched, grew to their size before finally revealing a physical form of a female.

This female looked like a dog of some sort. She wore geisha like cloths and her face showed practical insanity and malice. Around this female dog appeared 12 individual tessens that floated around this girl. When the female spoke, she showed she was young and perhaps somewhat immature.

???: But I do want to clarify that I'm more of a sorceress then a warrior, but I'll do my best to compensate. (Giggles)
Sirin: Who are you? Answer me!
???: Oh? Didn't Eddy tell ya? I'm Reba, master of all things dark magic and morbid! Don't suppose you'd like a wish or two granted?
Sirin: *gasp* You... You're a part of this "prophecy" aren't you?!
Reba: Ding ding ding! We have a winner! Yes, I'm a part of it. But as much as I hate to say it, someone else in the showing is the main act. But! I am the one that'll bring the two stars here for their performance! I call it... Hmm... "Dog-strophe"? "Out of Magic, out of mind"? Oh! How about "The End of Skylands"!? Yeah! That'll work! (Cackles) And you'll be DYING to see it I'm sure!😆
Sirin: Not on my watch Reba! Eteru would never fall to you, and neither will Skylands! I've seen how determined the Skylanders are.
Reba: Hmm, yes, they are a persistent lot aren't they? Even those "bad guys" like Scorpy and Kaos and this Malefor... Sounds like a bunch of freaks if you ask me.😒
Sirin: Hmph. Speak for yourself.
Reba: 😲 How DARE you! I'm no freak! I'm an absolute psycho! There is a difference you know!
Sirin: I don't care. I don't care any more then you care for anyone's life! I'll put a stop to you before any part of this prophecy comes true!
Reba: (Cackles maniacally) Oh my! What determination! I'm SSSSOOOO scared! NOT! Silly pest. Don't you know prophecies always come true? And FYI, the first part of this prophecy has already come to pass. You wouldn't be hearing me monolog like this if it didn't! Wait a minute... Ooooooo, you sneaky little devil you! You're trying distracting me aren't ya!?
Sirin: Um... If I was, it wasn't intentional. I think you burned that bridge all by yourself.😒
Reba: SILENCE! Enough stalling! Your end comes now Incarnation of Darkness! 😠

Reba began levitating above the ground as all 12 of her tessens pointed at Sirin and Saitama. Sirin immediately took a battle stance, ready to counter at a moments notice.

...

Reba: (chuckles darkly) And so I strike, like an unseen dodgeball echoing in a gymnasium! HAHAHAHAHA!

Reba swung her hand across and one of her tessens shot forward towards Sirin! Sirin powered her luxgladius and deflected the incoming sword. Easy enough? You'd wish. Reba sent all of her tessens at Sirin and Saitama! And no matter how many times Sirin and Saitama deflected and dodged the cursed swords, they kept floating around again and tried striking once more. Saitama was honestly barely able to keep up with all the tessens and mostly dodged, but Sirin was more rhen capable with keeping up the pace of battle. The only thing she was having problems with was catching up to Reba herself, since Reba was still levitating and floated away each time Sirin got close to her. It was real agitating. Especially since Reba was still laughing her head off the whole time.

Several minutes of this passed before Reba stopped and halted the battle to a stand-still. She suddenly appeared frustrated herself.

Reba: Gah, what am I doing? This is a waste of precious time. I need to gather the things needed to bring the other two parts of the prophecy into place. Fighting you so soon is getting in my way!

Reba swung both of her arms downward, and her tessens went point first into the ground in hopes of at least injuring her foes. Sirin was able to dodge them, and though Saitama wasn't hit with any of them, he was surrounded and essentially trapped between the blades. Reba didn't mind that so much, though she would've prefered bloodshed over that.

Reba: *growls* You are persistent. Both of you. But, that will make your suffering more enjoyable for me and my next of kin. I'll be sure to think of the funniest way to kill ya when I have the time!😂
Sirin: I suppose that is funny, considering you'll never get that chance!

Sirin charged towards Reba ready to strike, but Reba didn't flinch. Not at all. She didn't even move as one of her tessens floated into the air again and flown right for Sirin. It flew much with such speed that Sirin didn't have time to react, and she felt like every nerve in her body burned when the tessen sliced Sirin's side. The strike was harsh enough to send Sirin back to the ground harshly, ending with her skidding across the stone walkway as the tessen that stuck her floated around Reba.

And the Quilin was trapped, forced to watch it.

Reba: Hahaha! That's more like it!
Sirin: (groaning)...
Reba: And so here I leave my mark, like news of a fingersnap wiping out half of Marvel upon an unsuspecting Internet. (Giggles) God I love it when someone gets scarred for life!
Sirin: *cough* (groan) Wh-what is... this pain...? (Groan)
Reba: Oh that. Yeah you're going to be feeling that for the next... oooohhhh, 10 minutes? Idk that cut looks real deep. Maybe an hour. And eek, your blood's dark cyan. That's new for me. Well, whatevs! The more gore the better! Hahaha! Now, where was I? Oh yes. "He is the warrior of the highest honor, yet he is the twin sibling minor." Have to bring him here first. He'll be easiest.
Sirin: *cough* (gags slightly)
Reba: As much as I'd love more then anything to see you drown in your own blood, I have more important things to do on the list. Now remember; reality is an illusion, the universe is a hologram, buy gold! Bye-anera! (Cackles maniacally)

Reba suddenly disappeared into thin air, her tessens following seconds after her. Reba had left as quickly as she came.

The Quilin Saitama immediately went to Sirin and nudged her enough to lay her on her back. His face showed deep concern, and when he looked upon Sirin's wound he whined like a scared dog and backed away slightly. Sirin managed to move enough to get a look at her injury, and she could see why Saitama was scared and worried.

Her cyan colored blood was getting everywhere, much faster then Sirin had expected it to. Not only that, but the flesh around around the injury caused by the tessen was turning pitch black and hideous looking, and it was spreading slowly but surely. That must be why there's so much pain. Sirin was coughing badly too, with her warm blood spilling out from her lips with each cough. Likely due to her injury, though it could've been from this... infection that the tessen caused. Or both, whichever seemed more logical.

Sirin herself was chilled by this development and looked away. She layed down on the ground and closed her eyes, planning on just waiting out the worse of the pain for now. She couldn't stand the pain at all, and she was trained in pain management! Saitama was frightened and shocked to the bone, but he didn't leave Sirin's side. Saitama rubbed his snout against Sirin's cheek, showing her he was still there for her.

For what seemed like ages Sirin laid there. The only thing she could hear to be honest was her deep but slow breathing and her own heart beating. The pain wasn't increasing, but it wasn't really leaving either. Sirin kept her eyes closed to give herself what little closure and comfort she could get right now.

God this hurts. It really does. What magic was Reba using to cause this!?

Sirin felt Saitama's snout leave her cheek. She figured Saitama went to go get someone to help, but Sirin soon felt what must've been someone ckecking her heart rate and holding her hands and trying to wake her up from this painful trance she was in. At first she still didn't hear anything other then her breathing and heart, then she heard something of a mumbling, then finally she got her hearing back and was able to make out some familiar voices. She slowly opened her eyes as the voices were getting louder.

???: ...-Sirin! Sirin please say something greeko!😦
???: Dang girl, that crazy doggo lady packed a mean punchline! And punch too! I don't think that Ajey girl or even that crazy Furori freak could handle her!
Sirin: *cough* S-sailiga? Crocavile? (Groan) What-?
Sailiga: Ssshhh. Please, don't move child. That'll make matters worse. I-I saw the whole thing Sirin.
Crocavile: Yo, I owe ya one Sirri! That crazy chick's been in my body these last few days and boi am I mad! Stupid crystal thing! Why does Eddy have that thing anyway?!
Sirin: S-so you did st-steal Eteru's crystal... Figured as much. *cough*
Sailiga: Listen Sirin, try and endure this for a little longer okay? I'm going to try healing this wound and the infection, but it's not going to be pretty for you. You should feel some vines holding you down, but that's only to help you stay still during the healing process. Do you understand?
Sirin: (groan) Y-yeah... I can do that. It's not going to hurt anymore then it already does. *cough*
Crocavile: (face palm) Man, you got to jinx yourself like that don't ya? Welp, I'm not gonna look. It'll hurt me if I do look, and that's saying something believe me.
Sailiga: That's probably for the best actually meke. Now please Sirin, endure this the best you can. Just... Try thinking of something else besides this!😅

Sirin rolled her eyes at the idiotic idea. She was in pain and this guy was suggesting NOT thinking about the hurt and agony she was in?

Sirin nodded anyway and closed her eyes again as she laid her head back, showing she was ready to get this over with. She soon felt the vines that Sailiga mentioned earlier starting to wrap themselves around her arms and torso, but they didn't press too hard for her to be bothered by them. Sailiga cracked his knuckles and placed his bird-like hands onto Sirin's wound. All the while Crocavile's teeth chattered as he snuck a peek or two between his boney fingers.

How Sirin managed NOT to scream through the process Crocavile would never know. Sailiga saw that Sirin was biting her lip hard enough for some slight blood to be, well, bled. Sailiga could tell Sirin was in pain though, considering she was thrashing her legs constantly and she let out a few groans. But fortunately enough, all the pain was gone as quickly as it came. Sirin saw that the healing was so profound that it looked like there never was an infection or bleeding to begin with.

Sirin: (groan) H-how do you-
Sailiga: Us Questing Beasts have magic powers just as anyone in Skylands does greeko! Now please don't do anything hastily Sirin. Your body probably feels drained of its energy meke.
Crocavile: Wow! Where can I learn magic like that!?
Sirin: Haven't you caused enough trouble already you little (foreign language)!?😡
Sailiga: Sirin please calm down! Remember what I said! Halt! Heel! Madaka! Please!?

Sirin so desperately wanted to let her anger out on something, and Crocavile seemed like a viable choice. Sailiga grabbed and held Sirin's waist tightly to prevent her from getting any closer to Croc. Sirin then felt a shakiness in her legs, if not her whole body, that eventually convinced her to halt her pointless rage towards Crocavile. She fell to her knees and panted, just wanting to forget all of this.

Reba was on the loose now...

And the prophecy was in motion...

Next Day

Muerte: Okay ladies and gents! Hope all of you are feeling splendid!😆
Cosmic: I'm feeling pretty good.
Obleak: Rested and well prepared Mistress Muerte!
Voltair: So what's this special mission you set up for us!?
Muerte: Now hold on kiddies! Before we get to the more serious stuff, I want ya'll to know that Bazookanine here will be joining you on the mission. His sly behavior should prove vital for this mission!
Bazookanine: Ma'am just because I'm a fox doesn't mean I'm sly. That's just a steroty-
Muerte: Not to mention Bazookanine is a bounty hunter, so he should be the best at stealth missions!
Bazookanine: Ma'am I WAS a bounty hunter, and I think you played too much Metal Gear Solid because bounty hunters aren't always-
Muerte: This mission is top priority ladies and gentlemen! And - Wait, where's the little rainbow fellow? Eteru?
Lassea: He's not here yet ma'am.
Muerte: Oh, well, that's alright. We can wait until he arrives. So, how are you feeling Ms.Phobia? After what happened on the last mission I sent you all on I was so ever worried about you.
Phobia: Oh I'm fine now Ms.Muerte. Eteru healed the worse of it, and Lassea here nursed me back to full health.
Lassea: Well why wouldn't I? After all, it could've been me that was hurt as much as you were. I had to make sure you were all right.😊
Muerte: Well, all's well that ends well! Glad to here you're much better Ms.Phobia. What happened on that last mission has given us some valuable information on what Develon is capable of. Hopefully the special mission I'm senting you on will lead to a solution to this threat to Skylands. That nasty Scorpius is enough to handle as it is!😓
Terra: Ah, here comes Eteru now!

Eteru walked to the docks towards where Lassea's team was gathered. He seemed worried and distressed about something...

Cosmic: You okay Eteru? You seem down.
Eteru: I-it's nothing. Sirin got into a-a fight, so Sailiga and I convinced her to stay over in our room. I'm just w-worried about her. Y-you know, since she's n-not from around here and all.
Bazookanine: Eteru? No offense but you're starting to sound like Shield. Are you sure you're okay?
Eteru: O-of course! Sirin got hurt some, but she'll be fine! Her Quilin's fine! Everyone's fine! So I'm fine! Why wouldn't I be!?😅
Phobia: Uh... Oook?
Muerte: Good to hear your girlfriend's okay Eteru boy!
Eteru: She's not my-
Muerte: Ok, so now that Eddy's here, we can get to the special mission I have for ya'll. Has anyone here ever heard of the Triumvirate Temple?
Bazookanine: 😨 You're joking right?
Cosmic: Ok you're scaring me Bazooka. What's this "Triumvirate Temple" place?😟
Terra: It's an ancient pyramid structure that's supposedly home to three very powerful spirits.
Obleak: It's one of those "no one ever returns from there alive" type places.
Cosmic: *gulp* A-and you're sending us there!? Why!?
Muerte: Calm down everyone. I've done the research, and I realize how terrifying this place sounds, but believe me we must do this! It's essential to rid Skylands of evil!
Bazookanine: That's a bunch of bull-
Muerte: Besides, you have Eteru! What can go wrong!? All you have to do is to capture one of the three spirits inside, and boom you're done!
Eteru: Wh-what are these spirits like?
Bazookanine: Nobody knows for certain Eteru. The locals say that one spirit drains all energy, including your life force. Another is all strength and competition. Another is pure and keeps the other spirits in check. They also assume that no one returns from inside because the spirits use the bodies of trespassers as new hosts.
Phobia: Not going to lie, I've been in heads of people who've had nightmares about this place. It's like those Creepypasta things I swear. *shivers* It even scares me a little, and I survived the Lion's Pride, Furori's torture, AND a demon dragon's attack! Believe me, none of those are fun.
Bazookanine: They will when you arrive at the temple.
Lassea: You're asking us to "capture" one of these spirits Muerte? How exactly do we do that?
Muerte: Oh about that. Well, it's a complicated process, so my lovely assistant will be accompanying you.
Eteru: Um... Does your assistant always look and move that... creepily?
Muerte: What? Oh oh, um, yeah. Oh I know it can be bothersome but she's kinda into that kinda thing. I-I can talk to her about changing themes if it bothers you sonny boy.😅
Eteru: Um, well, there's no rush or anything. I-I'm just saying what most people are probably thinking is all.
Muerte: Oh don't worry about it doll! Anyway, um, if there's no other questions you can go on your way to the temple!

No one seemed to have any more questions. Plenty of concerns though. Three spirits that take people as hosts in some pyramid temple? If there were any questions left, it wasn't about the temple or spirits themselves...

It would likely be about their likelihood of completing the mission in one piece.

But Muerte was a trusted ally to Master Eon. Otherwise she wouldn't be the headmaster while Eon was gone. She knows what's best for them surely...

So they headed for the Triumvirate Temple. On the way there, Muerte's "lovely assistant" wouldn't say exactly how to capture these spirits they were after. She just coldly explained that she knew what her mistress wanted and that it must be kept very hush-hush. The objects needed for it were very top secret apparently and only a professional should handle them, and Muerte's assistant was as much a pro as her mistress Muerte. Bazookanine didn't like the sound of any of that AT ALL.

They arrived to the island that the temple resided on. The locals seemed distressed that they were going into the temple, and some of them cried for them as they approached the entrance to the temple. Eteru, along with many of the others, grew concerned and worried about the growingly tense atmosphere.

The place looked like a maze, and was about as dark as one. The walls all looked the same. No sounds. Eerie looks. Feeling of being watched. Yep, this was the Triumvirate Temple all right. The team eventually found their way into a large empty room that looked surprisingly neat considering the rest of the pyramid they've seen. Though there were bones and weapons and abandoned loot along the sides of the room.

Mystic: Hello!? (Sound echoes)
Phobia: Everyone stay close. This place could have some traps in it.
Terra: Like the one Voltair nearly fell victim to a moment ago?
Voltair: Hey! I didn't see anything suggesting a trap of any kind Terra! That's kinda the whole point of traps!
Eteru: D-does anyone else have any bad feelings about this? Anyone?

Everyone silently agreed with Eteru as they stood in the center of the room, waiting for someone to come or something to happen. Minutes passed before Bazookanine finally shook his head in annoyance and stepped forward.

Bazookanine: Hear me spirits! We wish to speak to you! Come out from your hiding places! Stop being fools and show yourselves!
Cosmic: Bazooka I don't think that's how you speak to a spir-
???: A FOOL, huh!?

Suddenly a shadow figure phased through the ceiling, spun around the team, and finally hovered still some distance ahead of the cadets. The figure soon removed the dark magic around him and showed his features. He was a robed and hooded figure with disembodied gloves where he would normally have hands and wore what looked like a plague doctor's mask. Out of thin air a long sword with a thin red line going down the blade appeared and started slowly levitating around the figure.

???: How bold of you to enter my domain and seek me out, let alone call me such a thing. It is I that should be referring you all as the fools! Let me guess... You're here for some treasure? Our power? Some glory to make your names known? Be gone from here now while you have the chance, because none of that of which I aforementioned is obtainable here... GO!
Bazookanine: No! We came for YOU spirit! Don't you know what outsiders seek after so many trespassers and seekers have been taken by you and the other spirits here!?
???: ...For me? You mean you want me to go out in broad daylight on your command? No boy, I must stay along with the other spirits. I am Esurio the Power Draining. All I will do to you and your world is drain it slowly of its energy from merely being there. This is your second chance to leave children...
Eteru: Please, consider the reasons for our disturbing you! We want your help in battling our foes!
Esurio: ...Didn't you hear me boy? I will bring only pain to you from the draining in energy I cause. Turn back now!
Eteru: Please Esurio! We don't ask much of you. We need help dealing with malicious dragons and violent demons! Drain their energy for the cause of freedom across Skylands!
Esurio: ...That... isn't a half bad ideal. Perhaps... But I'm afraid I must insist a test of your resolve before me. If you win this battle, you may take me as you wish. If I win, I must choose one among you as my new host. Forgive me for such, but it is the law here. I cannot break this oath and vow that binds me to this place. Do you accept these requirements?  If not, then go away, for this is your last chance...

Esurio's voice was raspy but calm. He knew well what he spoke of. Everyone looked at each other before drawing their weapons and getting into battle stance.

Bazookanine: We won't back down spirit. Not after coming this far.
Esurio: ...Then... You've been warned, and you chose your path. You are prepared for better or worse.

Esurio waved his disembodied hand across and the entrance and exit to the room was sealed off. Of course. Esurio than threw some kind of medallion to Eteru. The medallion was gold and had many runes and symbols craved into it. The sword that was levitating around Esurio slowed and came to a halt as Esurio grabbed it and pointed it at the cadets.

Esurio: May the odds be ever in your favor young ones...

Esurio suddenly charged forward with his sword in hand. The duel had begun!

Esurio was a brilliant swordsmen. Even Lassea and Phobia had a hard time keeping up, and that was two against one odds! Terra would try to wrap his vines around Esurio, but the spirit would evade the attack and slice the vines. Both Voltair and Mystic would try grabbing Esurio's robe to halt him, but again he would evade them. Bazookanine took out his daggers and tried to parry through Esurio's sword swings, but Esurio wouldn't allow it and backed away from Bazookanine every time. Cosmic tried to launch her star blasts at Esurio hoping the attack would connect, but Esurio slashed every star that was directed at him. Eteru was laying back from the fight to try and decipher the reasoning for being given a medallion and what the runes must be for.

Eventually the tides turned for the cadets' favor when Mystic launched her slow down rune at Esurio, successfully slowing his movements. This allowed Voltair to stun Esurio with a lightning bolt and stun the spirit. Terra then wrapped Esurio and his sword tightly in vines.

Esurio: Grr... Very clever young ones...
Obleak: Well? Do you yield?
Esurio: No... Never! You seem to forget my title of the Power Draining.

Almost immediately the vines that wrapped Esurio started to wither and crumble to nothing but dust. Mystic tried using another of her magic rune attacks, but Esurio caught it with his hand and absorbed the magic that made it effective. Esurio grabbed his sword and continued his assault onto the surprised cadets.

At one point Obleak used his heatwave powers to turn the temperature up in the room, hopefully making Esurio become fatigued from the intense heat. Unfortunately, heat apparently counted as an absorbent energy for Esurio, which made the spirit more powerful! But Obleak didn't see that at all.

Eteru, trying to endure the heat, kept trying to decipher the medallion. He thought long and hard before he finally remembered how to read runes similar to the ines on the medallion. He was able to figure out why Esurio gave this to him... and why Esurio wasn't affected by the heat.

Eteru: Obleak stop! Esurio's using the heat to empower himself! He's not just draining our energy and powers! He's strengthening himself for his most powerful attack!
Esurio: *gasp* So someone finally figured that out! Not that it bothers me... For I have more tricks up my sleeve then that!

As the room was finally starting to cool, Esurio suddenly grabbed Bazookanine and held the fox by his neck in front of the other cadets, shocking them.

Bazookanine: *groan* This isn't fair of you! Grr!
Esurio: Cease and yield to me children. Or else I drain your ally's life force!
Terra: That's black mail fiend!
Esurio: I suppose it would be, wouldn't it?
Eteru: Stop it! Please, let Bazookanine go!
Esurio: Do you yield dragon?
Eteru: No, but I'm not losing my blood brother to a monster like you!
Esurio: (!) ...Br...brother? You two?
Bazookanine: *groan* B-by oath... Please... No one wants to die... Can't you leave us be and consider yourself the winner?
Esurio: ....
Eteru: Well!?
Esurio: ...Heh... Bazookanine, was it? Look at us... I suppose it is like what they used to say. "Like father, like son"...
Bazookanine: Wh-what? You don't know a-anything about me! I'm n-nothing like my father!
Esurio: No.... But Colt... Look what I have become... Power hungry...
Bazookanine: *groan* Wh-what are you- 😨N-no... No way! Don't!
Esurio: "Like father, like son"....

Before Bazookanine, or anyone for that matter, could respond to whatever Esurio was saying, the spirit threw Bazookanine to the side and began charging for an attack. His most powerful attack at that! And he was aiming right for Eteru!

Esurio: ANNIHILATE!

Esurio suddenly launched a mass of pure energy right at Eteru. Eteru instinctively put his claws in front of his face to brace for the incoming attack. But just when the attack would have normally connected, the energy of the attack suddenly went into the medallion and shot back out right back at Esurio! The spirit screamed as he was launched right into the back wall, making a large cracked dent in the stones, and he fell to the floor.

Everyone was stunned, especially Eteru. He must've looked over or mis-translated something on the medallion because he had no idea hat would happen. No one did.

At least, none of the cadets knew...

Soon the door to the room opened again, signaling the victory! Everyone welcomed the cool air that rushed in and panted for the sudden feeling of being slightly drained. But then that's Esurio for you.

Well, almost everyone.

Voltair: Whoo! We kicked spirit hide! Yeah!
Lassea: (hugs Phobia tightly) Oh I'm so glad we won Phobia! 😚
Phobia: Mm! Lassea! Not in front of everyone please!😖
Eteru: Bazookanine! Are you okay!?
Bazookanine: Yeah... Yeah, I'm fine. I guess. You?
Eteru: As long as you're fine, I am.
Esurio: *groan* ...You... have defeated me... Take me... as you will...
Voltair: Whoo- Hey. Wait a minute. Has anyone seen Ms.Muerte's weird assistant lady?
Terra: Now that you mention it, it appears she isn't with us! She must back at the ship. But why didn't-

Suddenly there was a chilling breeze before a random baton was thrown right at Esurio, hitting him and knocking off his mask! As Esurio immediately covered his face before anyone could see him, but then a small crystal stone was thrown at him. And then...

Esurio just... vanished. The stone dropped to the floor, shining slightly. All that was left of Esurio was his sword and his mask. And then- speak of the devil- Muerte's assistant went forward and took the stone. She then approached Eteru with no hesitation.

???: Here, cadet Eteru. Hold this while I retrieve my mistress' baton. (Drops stone into Eteru's hand)
Eteru:Uuuhh... okay?
Bazookanine: What was that for!?
Voltair: And where were you!?
???: I do not understand your frustration. The mission was to capture the spirit, and so I used the necessary equipment to do so. As for my location, I had been following behind you up until we arrived to this room. I stayed outside due to my lack of fighting capability. When the door reopened and I saw you had defeated the spirit Esurio, I immediately prepared my mistress' equipment and captured him as the mission requires of us. If I have angered you in some way, then forgive mefor my lack of deeper consideration-
Bazookanine: *sigh* No no, you didn't do anything wrong. We were just taken by surprise by you is all.
Mystic: Perhaps warn us next time you plan on doing something like that again miss?
???: I will do my best cadet Mystic. Now you may return that stone to me cadet Eteru. I will deliver it to my mistress personally.
Eteru: Um, ok? Wh-what exactly happened to Esurio?
???: He is contained in the crystal. Consider him unconscious cadet Eteru. Does that settle your inquiry?
Eteru: Um... Yeah, I guess.
???: Now that the mission is complete, we must return to the Academy and inform my mistress of our success. I shall be waiting for you back at the ship.

Muerte's assistant then left the room with the baton, stone, and Esurio's mask. Many were still stunned from the sudden incident, but at least the mission was done.

Bazookanine went over to where Esurio's sword lay and picked it up. He observed every inch of the blade and the handle. The color and its balance. Bazookanine had a melancholy look to him.

Eteru: Bazookanine? A-are you okay?
Bazookanine: Yeah. Just... trying to decide whether to keep this or not...
Eteru: Oh. Um... What was all that about father and son?
Bazookanine: ....Nothing Eteru...
Eteru: Um... Did Esurio call you "Colt"? Does that mean something or is that someone he knew or what?
Bazookanine: ...No one Eteru... Colt is no one.

Bazookanine carried the sword by his side as he walked out of the room. Today wasn't necessarily a "good day" for him...

Meanwhile

Ihala: (knocks on door) Eteru? Sailiga? I want to talk to you for a mome-

Suddenly the door opened, but only enough for the person inside to look out at whoever was knocking. Ihala was surprised at the face inside.

Ihala: Sirin?
Sirin: What do you want with Eteru and Sailiga?😡
Ihala: Um, perhaps it's none of your business-
Sirin: And perhaps it's none of yours. What do you want?
Ihala: Um... Wow, this is awkward... Why are you in there?
Sirin: I... Me and Saitama got into a fight last night, and Sailiga insisted I stay here with him and Eteru to recover.
Ihala: Oh, I see. Was it with that kitsune Shin again?
Sirin: No no. Nobody you know I'm sure. Now what do you want already?
Ihala: Well... I was really hoping to talk to Eteru or Sailiga. Where are they right now, do you know?
Sirin: Eteru's out on some special assignment for Muerte, and Sailiga went out for a walk, or something. I can't make heads or tails out of him.
Ihala: Oh... well... Maybe you can help me?
Sirin: *scoff* Really? How?
Ihala: Well... (looks around) My sister has the ability to go into the future, and some time ago she went some ways ahead. She saw Eteru, Sailiga, and you in some kind of trouble. A battle specifically.
Sirin: Oh? Don't tell me we were fighting each other.
Ihala: No no! Nothing like that. At least, from what she knows. She saw you three fighting a trio of dogs that looked similar to Furori, and I thought that maybe-

Sirin suddenly swung open the door and grabbed Ihala by her shoulders. Ihala honestly couldn't tell if Sirin was mad or upset or both, but she managed to keep her cool despite.

Sirin: Tell me! Were we winning or losing!?
Ihala: Kamua couldn't tell! She didn't want to disrupt the time flow and she was upset as it was at the sight. She returned and told me about it. She wasn't around long enough to see who was winning, if anyone was. Please, calm down.
Sirin: ...*sigh* S-sorry... So you know...
Ihala: Know what?
Sirin: ...I don't want to endanger you any more then you or anyone else is, but the three of us, along with this realm, are being threatened by the individuals you described. One of them was the one I fought last night. You must ensure to me that no one else hears of this until the three of us are rrady and prepared to fight this enemy. Please.
Ihala: ...I won't say anything. Is... Is there any way me and my sister can help? We can't change what's already happened, but we may be able to change what will.
Sirin: ...Maybe there is something you could do...

Sirin went back inside the room, leaving the door open for Ihala, and started searching through some of Eteru's things. Ihala walked inside and looked around. She could tell that the room was split between Eteru's side and Sailiga's side. The colors of what she assumed was Sailiga's side was enough to show that. Ihala saw Saitama laying on Eteru's small couch, and the Quilin looked up at Ihala slightly confused. Ihala petted Saitama lightly to make friendly with him, and he didn't mind her doing so. Sirin must've been sleeping on the couch considering there was a blanket or two there.

Finally Sirin found whatever she was looking for. It was an old and somewhat worn book written in human English. It was about the Powers of Amber, the unique power that Eteru had.

Sirin: Look at this.
Ihala: ...What exactly about Amber am I looking for?
Sirin: Not that. Look for the author's name. It should be on the side of the book.
Ihala: ..."Azur"? Who's that?
Sirin: I'm not sure exactly, but I knew they came from a place Eteru visited that knew not only about Amber, but also about Worldenders and Aether. A place called Azeroth. Ever heard of it?
Ihala: Only in rumors. It's supposed to be an Utopia of knowledge, wisdom, teaching, and overall pacifism.
Sirin: I figure that if Eteru was able to learn his heritage and power there, maybe we can find something that can help stop this trio. But...
Ihala: But what?
Sirin: I heard whispers of Azeroth being destroyed, but I'm unsure. That's where you come in. You can go back to somewhere around or before Eteru visited and learn what you can. Can it be done?
Ihala: Hmm... I believe so, but I'll have to take Kamua with me to return here in this time.
Sirin: Whatever it takes. She knows as well, so there's really no point hiding any of this from her. Just don't tell anyone else. Not even Eteru and Sailiga. We're supposed to not tell anyone until we're ready, so...😳
Ihala: I understand perfectly Sirin. I'll see what we can do about Azeroth. Thank you.
Sirin: For what?
Ihala: For letting me and Kamua help Sirin. I would've done so behind your backs otherwise and lord knows what that might do.
Sirin: Don't mention it. Now go on before Sailiga or Eteru come back.

Ihala nodded, left the room, and closed the door on her way out.

Her and Kamua had a little mission of their own to accomplish.

---

Yes! Done!

Reba and Esurio belong to SpyroAndToothless. Check him out if you haven't already.

Cheers!🐉