Lying unconscious in a flower bed, Barry continued to rest undisturbed in his dream while Thalia and Claude exercised doing some mock battles. They went on until the morning in real time when they decided to check on Barry’s condition. During his episode of having a raging headache, the two knights tried communicating but to no avail were blocked out due to some unknown cause. Light breathing was heard from the sleeping squire, nothing concerning alarmed them and so Claude did the liberty of waking him up by plunging his spear into his gentle beating heart.

  Barry’s eyes shot open in the instant he felt his life being taken away, only to blur out for a moment and wake up a second time upon his dream world restoring his body once more. “What the- Claude!” His voice shouting back at the spear knight, seeming a bit irritated but otherwise fine again. He had just now noticed that his massive migraine was gone, letting out a sigh of relief.

  “Hehe, gotcha. That’s the sorta wake up call I’ve been wanting to treat ya.” Claude responded humorously, Thalia scoffed at her brother, finding his way being childish. “What? Pssh, our trainee is back to tip-top form, a little heart attack was never going to do anything to him…at least not in here.”

  Ignoring his sarcasm, Thalia greeted Barry properly. “Are you still feeling under the weather? Sorry, neither of us could reach out to you at the time of your agonizing experience. Do you know what was the cause of your happening?” She assisted him back on his feet.

  “...maybe…” Thinking back on it, Barry remembered the sense of peace and possible enjoyment he was getting out of participating in the town party. The lone swordsman, the 'True Barry', was there in sight as a phantom per usual; except when he thought about embracing these emotions, the phantom became censored by a bunch of black lines and that was when his mind became a raging havoc. “I…I’m not quite sure what the reason could have been myself. My entire mental fortitude went to shit at the time, it’s…hard to describe.”

  “Tell us anyway.” Thalia urged, Claude standing next to her; the two desired to help him truly. “And let’s be honest, we’ve noticed you experience something similar in the past but have yet to say anything more on those matters. You may not understand what you are going through, however, us, along with your allies, can perhaps provide more insight to your internal-conflict from our perspective. What no one wants is for you to encounter the same incident in the midst of something dire and have it hold you back. At least trust me and Claude, for watching you struggle on your own is the same as us failing on you as mentors, and I would never let a squire succumb to self-degradation without offering any sort of aid.”

  Her encouragement for him to confide in them resonated in Barry; what she said made him really question if telling them the entire story of his goal and broken past would be the right thing to do. Thalia and Claude awaited his response in silence. “...fine. I guess telling you what I know can’t hurt, but even if I told you everything, I doubt you guys would still make sense of it all.”

  Now willing to impart a bit of what he knew about his dilemma, Barry told them about his encounters with the lone swordsman, who he revealed to them as being the person he borrowed his name from. How the 'True Barry' would show up occasionally during times when someone needed help or there was an opportunity for him to do what seemed to be the right thing. Information about his supposed reincarnation and memories being erased likely due to the gods were spoken about as well, intriguing Thalia and Claude even more. “So yeah, I basically got amnesia since I came back from the dead. My memories are fucked beyond recollection but I keep seeing that lone swordsman at times, and it’s even weirder when I see visions of him and Puck on adventures.”

  “The 'True Barry' as you say…” Thalia pondered on why or how this swordsman was connected to Barry aside from him borrowing his name. “And you say Puck is shown with him as well…that is very mysterious indeed…”

  “This swordsman you speak of, he definitely sounds like some sort of heroic apparition. How he appears to guide you towards heroism.” Claude gathered. “Just like how we’re shaping you into becoming a proficient knight, he’s there to mold you into being the best person you can be. And compared to how you were since we first met up to now, I’d say his influence has had a positive impact on your growth. You’re more inclined to help others than you were in the past when you wanted to ignore their pleas.”

  Shaking his head, Barry still denied that outlook. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. I helped because it was the only way for those irritating sensations to go away, I kind of had no choice. So can you really say I aided those in the past out of the supposed goodness of my heart? Or was it because I felt forced to aid the people in need? That’s why I disapprove of others telling me that I’m a good person, because it didn’t seem natural. No one can say for sure if who I was before would actually assist those in peril. Especially when I had that headache, for some reason I kept hearing my own voice tell me that I didn’t deserve to partake in the party…”

  As self-depreciating as Barry sounded, both knights already had their answers in mind but kept it to themselves for now. Thalia chose to end their discussion but on a lighter note. “Well, whatever the case maybe, you are surely experiencing a change in character as you continue to encounter these tests of morality. We appreciate you opening up to us and we’re proud of how far you’ve come. So don’t hesitate to share with us any problems you continue to discover. Remember that.”

  It was late morning in real time based on what Claude told Barry, he wanted to know what occurred after he left for the night so Barry said his goodbyes and woke up from his deep sleep. His condition was much better than before, no longer dizzy or in agonizing pain. Kat was not in the room anymore, assuming she had left once he was sound asleep; he was grateful for her offer to carry him to his comfortable bed. ‘I should get some fresh air now that I’m awake. Get out of this silly costume and get cleaned up…’

  Kicking the sheets off, Barry got himself fixed up before heading outside where he leaned against a tree by the lake. “This is good…” He calmed himself, taking in the peace and quiet, basking in the light of the sun on a still day. About a half-hour later, he spotted Puck approaching him, yawning, possibly awakening just recently. “Sup, Puck. How was everything last night? Sorry I bailed, I had a massive headache."

  “It’s okay, Puck saw Kat helping you last night. But Puck is glad that you’re fine…” The Kobold sat in front of him, easing his mind as well. “Puck and friends had a blast, Shaco looked like he was having the time of his life too, he even used his magic to make a bunch of toys put on a dance performance! It was wicked! But other than that, everyone had lots of fun...hmm…” Puck pondered on something else that came to mind just then.

  “What are you thinking about now? Did something bad actually happen?” Barry asked in case there was.

  “Well…not really…” Puck tettered on what was on his mind, yet gave in soon. “...when Puck went to bed, Puck had another wild dream about the big glowing dragon, Valkeynox!”

  This was news to Barry, it had been a while since he heard another one of Puck’s vivid encounters with the mysterious dragon. “Interesting, so what did Valkeynox show you this time? Did it seem like a message or warning of any kind?”

  Hesitantly nodding his head, Puck did his best to explain what was exchanged. “The big dragon showed Puck a strange underground place with lots and lots of books! One of the books had the same title as the ones you’ve seen before. Like..um…Magic…Pike? No, no, uh…Magic-”

  “Magic Mike!?” Barry corrected, Puck nodded in confirmation. “You’re telling me that your dream dragon showed you a place that contains more of these ‘Magic Mike’ books?” If this was the case, it could mean to Barry that Valkeynox must be trying to tell them to locate the place and head there now. “What else did it show you? Or did it tell you anything important?”

  Thinking back on his interaction, Puck did happen to recall something extraordinary that the dragon did. “Yeah…big dragon gave Puck a bit of its power…hmm…maybe not power? Puck doesn’t know for sure because Puck no feel any different. But it definitely gave Puck a glowing orb that went into Puck’s body. Hmmm…” Barry then watched Puck stand up and try to bring forth whatever it was that the dragon bestowed upon him; whether it was chanting a couple of random words like casting a spell, or even doing jumping-jacks. Yet, to no avail, neither of those methods brought out a miracle. “Awww…Puck don’t know what else there is to do. Maybe big dragon really didn’t give Puck anything special.”

  Barry remembered finding one book written by the so-called ‘Magic Mike’. “Wait a sec, Puck…” And pulled it out of his inventory, handing it to him. “Here, try thinking about that gift while holding onto that. It’s worth a shot.”

  Taking his advice, Puck held the book with both hands as he thought about the underground library. Suddenly, one of Puck’s index-fingers began to emit an intense radiant glow. “Wha- Look, Barry!” The Kobold waved it around, both amazed by the strange phenomenon. However, the glow diminished in different directions that Puck pointed at. “Weird…why’s Puck’s finger doing that? It no make sense…”

  It shined the brightest at one specific direction but dissipated when it deviated away. “Slow down, Puck, watch me and aim your finger in the direction I’m pointing mine. Just copy me and you’ll see why.” Puck followed Barry’s instructions, realizing now what the gift that Valkeynox gave him really was. “It’s telling you exactly where this library is. The dragon’s gift was essentially a compass handed to you; your finger acting as your guide to be exact.”

  Just then, a message notification appeared in front of Barry, coming from Calista in regards to a planned meeting at the pavilion so they could use the final potion of future sight and discuss their next move. “Looks like we’ll be needed at the pavilion soon, Puck.” Barry informed, placing the book back in his storage. “But I like the idea of finding this place your dream dragon wishes us to go to. We’ll lay out our options some more once we have insight on what the future holds after we’re done with this meeting.”

  The duo walked over and waited under the pavilion for everyone else to join, being the first ones to arrive. Everyone else came a couple of minutes after in different mixed pairs of groups; though, Shaco, Sherry, Oswald, and Fae did not show up for different reasons. Barry received a couple comments of concern given how he acted last night, leaving in a haste from what was described as a massive migraine. Kat had explained to Puck and Anna about her taking him to bed and even conversing with him for a bit, but didn’t tell anyone else; she glanced at Barry to see that he appeared to be feeling much better and was pleased.

  Everyone took a seat at the roundtable, it was finally time for them to get on with their order of business. Calista took out the last potion of future sight, setting it on the table. “So, who plans on drinking this next?” The witch inquired.

  “Hold on.” Barry paused, raising his hand to get the crowd’s attention. “Before anyone dares to take a sip of that. I have something to share that me and Puck discovered recently. It might be important information to look into for whoever does see into the future.”

  Puck and Barry then showed everyone about Puck’s new ability that supposedly pinpointed where this hidden library was located in the world. It sounded bizarre at first how this dream dragon, known as Valkeynox, suddenly emerged during Puck’s sleep to tell him to find something that was hidden. But when Puck showed everyone about his glowing finger acting as a compass, it seemed plausible. Especially when they mentioned the place being a library containing books written by a person named ‘Magic Mike’. Ron supported the theory by producing the very same books they had collected throughout their journey. He had been reading them on his downtime as per Barry’s request and was able to make some sense out of them. Whoever wrote these books wanted to educate their readers about the use of various types of magic, whether it was how they work, what one isn’t supposed to do, etc. Ron refrained from saying anything more for now, so as to not hold up their discussion.

  “The prisms…” Arcades spoke up, his presence being acknowledged after being silent for so long. “Collectively as a whole, you all have at least three out of the eight known; aside from one being handed off to a kingdom. I would like to see them on display, if you will…”

  Suspicion about who Arcades really was remained in everyone’s minds, his cosmic appearance and face mask not helping him in giving off a friendly vibe. Though Barry was about to interject and say something that would question Arcades purpose, Calista halted him, he trusted her judgement and they all brought out the prisms. The prisms could not be stored in one’s system inventory, presumingly intentional by the moderators. Because of this, Abe had been storing the blue and green prisms they had taken inside his spectral carriage for safe keeping rather than Barry’s group holding on to them. Edward and Sylvia had secured the cyan prism, presenting it on the table just as Abe did with the other two.

  Arcades studied each of the three prisms in interest, he did not feel the need to handle them in his hands to know that they were genuine. Despite not being able to get a true-read on him, Barry had always speculated that he seemed to be hiding something important from them. All listened to Arcades resuming his speech. “Ron has already informed me that he was the one to drink the previous serum, so that he could provide visual aid using his illusions. That said…I can offer the same aid if you’d allow me.” He then demonstrated the same sort of abilities Ron had.

  “As convenient as it is for you to do that for us. I still don’t trust you to take even lick of that potion.” Barry refused, making Arcades leer at him across the table. “I don’t doubt that we’re on the same side trying to bust the villains entirely, but we still don’t even know who you are exactly. You appear to know more about what these prisms are yet you’re not willing to trust us with that type of information. Either spill the beans or don’t bother volunteering. Is it really that dangerous for us to know?”

  “Yes.” Surprise washed over the audience when they heard Arcades admit to Barry’s pressing questions. “What I know, is what can’t be said. Knowing the truth puts the entire world in jeopardy if these villains are able to probe it from either of you. Now I say again, I have no intention of parting what I know to this table, but I offer my services for the sake of ending this damnable quest the moderators trapped us in.”

  For almost a minute, no one responded after what Arcades said. Though Arcades was being vague about whatever it was he was trying to hide, they believed him a bit more now that he gave a reason for keeping his secrets. “So these prisms must be related to something that could end the world…” Breaking the cold tension was Barry, his eyes trained on the cosmic-looking mage. “...thanks for sharing that.” No comment was given on Arcades part, however, his annoyance towards Barry rose. “What do you all say? Think he should be the one to down the bottle?”

  No objections were given, granting Arcades permission to consume the potion that would provide them insight into where the next locations for the prisms would be. Everyone watched intently at Arcades, keeping quiet so he could focus on imagining what it was he wanted to see. Arcades was informed that the duration of the potion’s effect did not last very long, so any unnecessary thoughts were wasteful, he had to focus on the prisms locations and nothing else. Without removing his mask, Arcades popped the potion’s seal open and drank every drop of the serum, waiting for it to take effect.

  Shutting his eyes, Arcades imagined where the rest of the prisms were in the world right as he felt his mind undergoing a change. “It’s starting…” He mentioned before going silent once more. Once there was darkness, then came forth a vast change of scenery.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  The first vision Arcades observed was an odd environment where chunks of earth and various debris floated as if defying gravity. Upon closer inspection, a lot of these pieces of land seemed to have once been a whole city before its divide; and it became even clearer that it was a heavily fortified city. Nevertheless, it was still inhabited by light-pink skin humanoids, similar in form to an elf but more feral and wore enchanted armor, wielding magical weaponry. An amethyst prism was seen guarded by these residents. And a few seconds after, Arcades saw a glimpse of automatons entering the scene.

  Arcades thereupon perceived his next clue, now finding himself in a mystical forest that was home to faeries, nymphs, and other magical beings that appeared to be docile. A honey topaz prism panned into view, showing it being kept treasured within an abundance of other trinkets and things alike. But moments after, the scene shifted, now showing Arcades the residents coming into conflict against plant based monsters and rampaging flora swallowing them whole. It was clear to Arcades that the only one capable of orchestrating such an invasion was Lady Iris.

  His next vision transpired to be a scene high above the clouds where floating islands resided, all of which were connected via a radiant rainbow of light in the form of bridges. At the center amongst these suspended portions of land, was a prized city to avian humanoids. There were no signs of any villains invading the place, but Arcades did see a crystal clear prism being contained inside the earth beneath the main floating city.

  Lastly, no matter how much Arcades desired to find the last eighth prism, the scene changed to something dramatically different from what he was expecting to see. Thick black miasma clouded his environment, making him wonder what the vision started to show him now. Suddenly, the miasma cleared out, revealing the fallen bodies of all those gathered at the roundtable in a defeated state. Anxious of what this could be entailing, he then spotted the one person he’d least expect to still be standing. It was Barry, except, he was struggling to hold himself together, appearing to be grievously wounded. Arcades became too invested in the vision, oughting to know more about this sudden predicament. Then a pair of intense deep blue-violet eyes pierced through a pitch black veil of miasma, staring down at Barry menacingly. Barry, having lost all his strength to oppose this unforeseen foe, crumbled and collapsed. ‘What…what did I just see?’ Arcades contemplated.

  The effects of the future sight potion wore off, expiring his temporary usage returning his vision back to reality with some slight dizziness. Arcades paused in his chair without saying anything, given that his mask concealed his expression, everyone still thought he was under the potion’s influence. Arcades felt ready to speak about ten seconds after. “I’m…I’m finished.” Everyone honed in on him, anticipating what he had to share. “I shall show you all what I’ve seen…”

  Conjuring his own illusions, Arcades presented to them in detail everything that his visions showed him…aside from the last part; it was so daunting that he wished to keep it to himself. The roundtable provided their input on the matter, now that they knew who and what they had to be prepared for. The automatons invading the ruined city influenced by anti-gravity was obviously McGuinness doing; the same could be said for the mystical forest being terrorized by Lady Iris once more. But it was weird how none of the villains appeared to have invaded the floating city in the sky, but they didn’t rule out the chance that they could have still showed up.

  “Hmm…” As everyone was still talking about the visions, Barry wondered if that really was everything Arcades had experienced. “...so you didn’t see the eighth prism? Were you just not able to?” He questioned Arcades just in case.

  “Precisley.” Answering back to Barry almost immediately, Arcades dared not to hesitate speaking, or else Barry might catch him lying. “I remained fixated on the whereabouts of all the remaining prisms, however, the last one did not present itself to me no matter how strongly I desired to locate it. The only possible reason for the cause that I can think of can be due to the moderators intervention. They might want to keep things interesting for the sake of the gods.”

  Locking eyes with Arcades, Barry studied him intensely; he was not completely sold that it was all Arcades had to share. Arcades remained unreactive to his critical analysis, withholding Barry’s future defeat close to himself alone. “Alright…” Barry sighed, letting go of his concentration on Arcades. “In that case…everyone here can work on seeking out the rest of the prisms while me and Puck go on a trip to find this underground library.”

  Shock and confusion spread across the room, the people around him were baffled by his decision. “What!?” Arcades shouted, being the first to question why he’d make that a priority over searching for the rest of the prisms. “How is that anymore important than what we should be doing? The Kobold could have just been having a very vivid dream that in reality holds no truth. And I don’t care if that dream dragon’s intuition even does turn out to be true; what do you expect to find that will aid us in achieving victory?”

  “I don’t know, space man. It’s a library so maybe it contains powerful knowledge that can be used against the villains.” Barry sat up, palms on the table. “We have a strong lead against our enemies already by securing the first four prisms, but I’d like to take a gamble by doing a bit of side questing if it does turn out to be useful in our fight against them. The villains have rules just like us that they must abide by, the moderators limit them to an extent depending on the situation so they are never actually going full throttle every time we engage them. So just imagine how deadly they can be once the moderators take their leashes off. That’s why I’m willing to bet there’s something in this library we can employ to give us an edge.”

  Acknowledging his given reason, everyone imagined the possibility of the moderators allowing the villains to unleash their total power. Barry’s words made sense to Arcades, but he still wasn’t fully convinced about it being the right thing to do. “You’re unbearably stubborn, I see that nothing will change your mind and it makes me exasperated. I thought you were just as dedicated to finding the prism like I am, but I suppose I was wrong to assume you even had an inkling of profundity.”

  “Sure, whatever you say pal, you’re right, I am that fucking stubborn. But it’s the same stubbornness that’s brought me this far and I’m taking this gamble that can prove to be advantageous.” All eyes were on Barry, listening intently to what he had to say next. “Arcades, you may not see it like I do, but as I’m standing here with you guys, I see that I’m not the only one capable of kicking ass and giving the villains a run for their money. No. What I recognize while looking around are people that are just as hard-focused as we are to win this main quest.”

  Barry spanned his attention across everyone at the table, gesturing to them all. “For fucks sake, we’re allied with supernatural vampires, voracious werewolves, formidable witches, a veteran spirit mage, a renowned spectral ranger, and a promising group of people that I began my journey with. Hell, I haven’t even mentioned people like Sherry or Oswald who built the damn walls fortifying this town from on coming danger or even Shaco who can capture people's souls. I have faith that everyone here is able to perform at their best without me being present.” Inspiration and confidence instilled inside them all, appreciating what Barry was trying to say. Glancing back at Arcades, Barry scoffed. “Arcades, I don’t understand why you’re so bothered by me going off to do my own thing when I don’t even have the most unique talents or skills compared to everyone else here. It’s just as you said before, I'm just a boring guy that swings around a couple of weapons at my enemies. Besides, it’ll be only me and Puck leaving the group, there won’t be any difference when we’re gone.”

  Suddenly, people looked upon one particular individual rising from his chair, now brimming with pure motivation after Barry’s spectacular speech. “Barry, you still fail to realize how much of an impact you have on those you encounter. That said, allow this old veteran to tag along on your mysterious quest, for I too wish to know what lies at the end.” It was Ned, surprising everyone that another person will be excused from looking for the prisms.

  Anna, Kat, and Luna were hesitant about volunteering themselves to accompany Barry on his side quest, wanting too yet were unsure of how the others would feel, but then they saw Ron rise from his chair. “Well…I think it’d only make sense for me to join you as well. After all, you did ask for me to understand what was written in these ‘Magic Mike’ books. So if it’s okay-”

  “No!” Arcades rejected the idea, catching the table’s attention. “Ron, you will not be partaking on that fool’s frivolous trip. You are to be by my side at all times, it is a waste of time I assure you all. Let them be-”

  “Stop trying to control me!” Ron talked back in a hateful tone. “I told you before, I’m not letting you make decisions for me. You can rant and argue all you want, but I’m still going with them. I honestly believe there can be some good out like Barry assumes. If it bothers you so much, you’re more than happy to accompany us on this fruitless quest of ours.”

  Frustrated at Ron’s rebellious attitude, Arcades kept to himself, hoping to convince him to reconsider his decision but would later see that it’d be pointless. Barry was expecting for his next journey to just be him and Puck but the inclusion of Ned and Ron was fine with him. There would still be enough strong capable people remaining to uphold the task of retrieving the rest of the prisms so he felt there wasn’t anything to worry about. Thus, Barry informed that he’d be leaving first thing tomorrow morning, desiring to head out as soon as possible. Calista assured she hadn’t forgotten about the dryad arm, Lady Iris’s, that was given to her in order to craft an equipment out of it; so the witch promised she’d hand him her creation before he left. The location of the other prisms would be scanned afterwards using Calista’s skillset and the others would then hunt them down. Their tasks were assigned, ending the gathering.

  Barry was planning on searching for Sherry so he can put in an order for potions when he suddenly heard Kat, Anna, and Luna call out to him. “Hmm? What’s up? Don’t tell me that you guys think it’s a bad idea for me to go off on this side quest…”

  “No, not at all.” Luna denied. “We think that Puck’s dream with his dragon might be true and…we sort of were hoping you’d let us stick around.”

  As helpful as their abilities would be, Barry sighed and shook his head. “Sorry, the only exceptions I’d be willing to make are for Ron and Ned to tag along. I mean, Arcades is welcome too since he’s so keen on having an eye on Ron, but no one else. I’m entrusting the collection of the prisms to you and everyone staying behind. Thanks for thinking about it though, I only ask that you all try your hardest like you’ve always done.”

  It was disappointing but understandable for Barry to turn down their assistance, their journey together starting from the beginning until now was memorable; they had faced perilous odds but did not waver while in his presence despite his rough personality. When things got rough, Barry still remained sturdy, inspiring them to be the best they could be. “Well…” Anna broke the silence. “You won’t miss us, will you? Hell, you probably won't, given how cold and distant you appear to be…”

  Reminiscing about the times he had in the company of these three, Barry did not answer immediately to her question, actually giving it some thought which astonished them a bit. He soon gave his response, though a part of his face looked away for a moment when speaking. “Miss you, guys? Hehe, we’re just comrades…” His face slowly moved away a bit from the group, as he thought more…

  “Barry?” Puck said, as he jabbed a finger at his face. “Why you looking away from them? Are you acting shy or…”

  The idea of Barry refusing to admit that they were friends made them form a slight smile, believing that was probably what was going through his head. Suddenly, Barry spun back around, this time his attitude shifting dramatically. “Gah! Fuck! I know what you all are thinking so quit it! We’re just working together for now so we can all move the fuck on with our lives! This ain't gonna be the last time we see each other so don’t get sobby on me! So while we’re out there going on this wild goose chase of a quest, I want you all to shred these villains to ribbons! Don’t worry about the type of shit I’ll be going through and just focus on your end! Get stronger, curb stomp our enemies, and steal the prisms! Got it!”

  Yet, even after showing them his aggressive side and denying their friendship, the people around him continued to smile; they were even trying to contain themselves from laughing. “Sure, whatever you say, Barry.” Anna replied mockingly, even going as far as to elbow him. Barry was irked but did nothing in response.

  Luna then extended a fist, gesturing for them all to fist-bump as a way for them to end their time together at least for now. Anna, Puck, and Kat agreed to the gesture, all eyes were on Barry who they waited on. At first, Barry wondered how cheesy it was for them to do such a thing, but the more he thought about how stupid and silly it seemed, the more he felt a burning sensation riling up within that soon became unbearable.

  “Gah, fuck it, whatever.” His fist connected with everyone else's, resulting in the others sounding off an applause. “Great. I’m going to see Sherry for supplies. See you all tomorrow…” Anna, Luna, and Kat then watched Barry power walk away, Puck running to his side, Barry’s demeanor seeming a bit embarrassed by what he had just done.

  “He’s breaking out of his shell. I can see it.” Anna commented, Luna and Kat agreeing to her statement. “He pissed me off in the beginning when he acted like a total hardass, and he still shows his cold attitude, but underneath it all, we know that he’s a genuine good person no matter how much he denies it. Isn’t that right…Kat?”

  “Yeah…w-wait, h-huh?” Kat was caught off guard by why Anna was specifically referring to her and not just Luna. “W-What do you mean? W-Well, yeah, I agree with everything you said but-”

  Luna laughed it off, understanding why Anna said it that way. Anna simply chuckled and patted Kat on the back, before waving them to leave. “Don’t think about it too much, I was just messing with you. Now let’s prepare ourselves for when the time comes for us to do our part and head out for the prisms. We wouldn’t want to disappoint the trust Barry put in us now would we?”

  Still confused by what she really meant, Kat strolled alongside them but then recalled Calista promising to make something for Barry out of Lady Iris’s arm. She told the two about seeking out Calista, hoping to provide assistance and possibly learn more about her own powers while under the experienced witch.

  Barry and Puck later found Sherry’s home, knocking on her door and waiting for an answer that soon came a few moments after. But who he meant when the door opened was not what he was expecting to see again. “Hi, who may- Oh! Puck! Barry!” It was Fae greeting him at the door, appearing a bit anxious in front of him but quickly showing concern for him. “I-I take it that you and the others are finished with your discussion? If so…how are you feeling today? Come in, come in, have a seat you two.”

  Fae invited them inside, hearing Sherry’s voice call out from another room about who was at the door. Puck answered for Fae, leaving Barry and Fae alone while he informed Sherry about their reason for visiting. Barry was then led into the living room, taking a seat while Fae fixed some tea for a bit, returning minutes after.

  His visit was originally going to be short, but Barry felt obligated to give an explanation for ditching the party last night due to his unfortunate migraine, especially when he knew Fae wanted to dance with him.

  It was hush between the two for a bit, however it ended when Barry made an attempt to pour his own tea. “N-No, allow me. You’re a guest…” Fae suggested to which Barry accepted as he watched her be a good host. “...Anna told me about your…incident. How you rushed to bed because you were feeling horrid at the time…I hope you’re doing much better today than you were yesterday because it worried me…”

  Barry assumed that Kat must have told Anna about what had happened but found it odd how Fae didn’t know it was Kat who carried him off to bed. “I am doing better today, honestly. But, I’m sorry for abandoning you at an unfortunate time, I know you really wanted to dance with me but I-”

  To his astonishment, Fae rested a hand on his subconsciously. Barry flinched a bit but did not act rash by swiping his hand away out of respect for Fae’s attempt at comforting him. “Don’t be sorry, you have nothing to apologize for-” Realizing what she had just done a few seconds after, Fae recoiled her hand back and nervously waved her hands apologetically. “U-Uh, I-I d-didn’t mean to- I-I was just-”

  “It’s alright, the same goes for you as well. No need to apologize when you were simply trying to offer support.” Fae calmed down when he heard his understanding voice. Barry sighed, not wanting to think about his headaching episode last night. “But I do hope you had a great time during the rest of the night. I’m sure it was the most fun you’ve had in a long time since you’ve obtained freedom once more…” Barry picked up his tea, taking a gentle sip but pulled it back when he felt it burn his tongue slightly. A bit of it spilled on his clothes. “Fuck that’s still hot, where’s the-”

  Before he could reach for a napkin, Fae was already cleaning him using one herself. “I did enjoy myself the entire night, our friends kept me company and it will forever be a memorable moment for me…” She treated him with care, speaking in a soft and sincere tone as he listened. “...but the one memory I’ll always cherish is the day that you saved me from my dark fate. The reason I’m still alive today and able to experience these fond moments is because of you. And I don’t believe I can ever repay you for giving me a second chance…”

  The two locked eyes, Fae had finished cleaning his spill, yet her hand was placed on one of his. Fae felt a strong pull towards Barry, as though she desired to express her thanks in another way but was afraid of how he would react if she did. Barry on the other hand sensed a disturbance within himself…at first he sensed a slight warmth resonating inside but the more he fixated on it…the tender feeling began to warp…and that was when he felt a familiar sharp pain in his psyche. ‘Revolting…absolutely fucking vile…I don’t deserve to feel this way…’

  “Barry! How’s it goi- Oh!” Sherry had walked in view from another room beside Puck; her sudden appearance quickly caused Fae to spin her embarrassed face away from Barry, who was also trying to relieve the raging headache he was having. “Sorry, was I interrupting something between the two of you? If so I can-”

  “Supplies.” Barry randomly spat out so he could get on out there and be alone to remedy his current condition. “I’m sure Puck already told you but if you can, could you also provide me some medicine for agonizing migraines? I’m starting to get a lot of them recently…”

  “Of course, would you like some now as well? I can…” Sherry talked and walked with Barry out of the room towards her workshop, Puck following along.

  Meanwhile, Fae’s heart was racing due to breaking out of the flustering moment she was having with Barry. Now that she knew what Barry was here for, Fae presumed he was going to be leaving on another quest soon. Meaning that as Sherry’s assistant, Fae was going to do her utmost to ensure that Barry was stocked up with what he needed.