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Instead of staying at the castle-like Kamilos had intended, Hurricane asked for one of the bigger unoccupied huts near the castle grounds as a place she and her cousins to stay in while they are still seeking answers and finding a possible solution to their problem.

Luckily, the hut—only a tree away from Kamilos’ home, was unoccupied now. And since it was already night, Kamilos decided they settle in their chambers. The younger kids were complaining about being filthy as a reason they cannot sleep, so Kamilos led all of them towards the river near their new temporary home to wash the grime off their bodies, and with the garbs sent in by the princess, they were all clean and fresh by the time they were tucked to bed. Also, they look more like a local now, though slightly, since they are still without an animal half that differs them from the others.
Fortunately for them, the house was made for many occupants! There were five bunk beds all made of wood but was still comfortable because of the presence of cushions and pillows. It was also a functional house with complete amenities, there was a living room, dining room, a shared bedroom, and a small kitchen. Everything in the hut was eco-friendly, from the designs to the furniture.
Each had their own bed except for Jethro who looked comical cuddling with Grub in one bunk. When they argued about Grub sleeping on the bed, Jethro, the conniving jerk that he is grabbed the golem and taught him to pout. Though mouthless, Grub complied and they both did it in front of Hurricane, the decision-maker. Safe to say Hurricane gave in after slapping Jethro’s face away from her.
While the others instantly fell in deep slumber the moment, they reached the bed—Jade, Hurricane, Mint, and Jullian on the other hand were still awake. They were talking about what happened-making jokes out of the situation here and there.
“So, who won the first to fall asleep contest?” Jade started while throwing a glance at her sleeping cousins.
“There is such contest? Had I known I would’ve been the first one to dive in.” Mint joked in reply. The others chuckled at her reply.

“I second that!” Jullian joined in.
“The fatigue really got them good huh?” Hurricane softly said.
The others nodded in approval.
“It sure did. With all those crazy we encountered from grandma’s house up till now—I would opt to sleep for a month just to get some of those energies back!” Jullian said.
“Amen to that! I would give anything just to have fries, burgers, and an energy drink right now…” Mint said in which everyone groaned at the mention of the food.
Jade was about to comment on Mint’s obsession with food when a series of knocks were heard rapping at the door. Jullian went to open the door and they followed closely behind her, curious as to who would visit them at this time of the night. But when Jullian opened the door, it was the stuck-up princess’ presence that greeted them.
“Good evening.” The princess said in a clipped tone. Mint raised her hand for a mock salute while Jade returned the greeting. Hurricane muttered “Oh my nightmare!” In a mock surprised manner.
“So…what’s up? You seemed polite.” Jullian said with a smirk.
The princess frowned at the blatant disrespect thrown at her.
“Shut. It. Human!” the princess hissed.
“Okay chill… jeez what crawled up your ass?” Jullian replied. The princess only replied with a glare.
“Zipped,” Jullian said and proceeded to do the mouth zip act simultaneously with her cousins who caught the gist. Then they all laughed at the hilarity of the situation. This caused the princess to only raise her brow in an irate manner. As the laughter died down, the princess spoke.

“The tribe leader requests your presence at the castle at pre-noon tomorrow. Also, the tribe council will be in attendance so your presence is necessary, and your behavior must be in check.” The princess informed them.
“Is that all?” Hurricane asked.
“Yes. Now I’m off.” The princess said before jumping from their small patio down to the ground which was 30 feet above the ground.
The girls were left dumbfounded at the scene that just happened before them.

“Wow, that was quite a height!” Jullian, uttered while Mint whistled. The bratty princess sure did surprise them at that one.
After closing the door and locking it securely, they all went back inside their shared room and jumped towards their beds which was the lower deck of the bunk beds.
“Hurricane? Do you have any idea what the Tribe Leader and their council talk with us about tomorrow?” Jade asked aloud.

“I really have no idea Jade… but one thing for sure—we’ll hound them with the answers we need,” Hurricane answered.
“Jade? I miss our parents. I miss everyone… and granny too.” Mint whispered but was still heard amidst the silence of the night.
“We all do kid. We all do.” Jade said before closing her eyes and submitting into a deep slumber.
__________________________
The very next day, the older girls woke everyone up then proceeded to usher them towards the river to freshen up. Some of them—like Jethro, Cyclone, and Aquamarine grumbled for being woken up at such an early hour but Hurricane insisted they had to make an impression and since this was not home, the need is necessary.
But to others, waking up early was not a problem—Emman and Lucy were already bouncing down the stairs causing Jade to almost have a heart attack with all the screeching she made every time one of the two almost lost a footing, missed a step, or almost stumbled down the stairs. Yellow was laughing at her sister the entire time—but that was before Mint whacked her behind the head for making fun of their eldest. Jullian sniggered at the scene.
When they were at the river, Jethro engaged the little ones in a game of tag along with Grub. Instead of cleaning up like Hurricane asked them to, they were splashing water at each other while giggling uncontrollably. Some nearby pixies went laughing along with them sharing their early morning happiness.

Fortunately for them, Kamilos arrived the moment they were finished fussing with themselves to announce that breakfast was ready. Mint and Jethro almost shouted in glee at the mention of food. The others either laughed or made fun of the two for being food-slaves as they followed behind Kamilos.
On their way to where breakfast was served, Lucy and Emman noticed the variety of townspeople they meet. There were centaurs, wolves, pixies, unicorns, and other half-human half-animal creatures like the princess and her soldiers. The town was bustling with activity. Lucy trailed behind Kamilos and took hold of the sleeves of his tunic-catching his attention. Kamilos on the other hand looked down on the girl and gave her a questioning look.
“What is it, child?” Kamilos asked Lucy kindly. Lucy pointed at the mutated human-animal creatures.
“What is their kind called? My brother was teaching me the names of the others, but he doesn’t recognize them.” Lucy said in a small voice.
“Ah, they are druid child… they are children of our mother nature. They keep the earth safe from harm.” Kamilos replied.
“AHHHHH” All of the Blacksmith children answered as if they were all wondering about the same thing.
It was then that Mint noticed Lucy was carrying a pack with her. She frowned and nudged her sister Jade-subtly gesturing for the backpack Lucy was carrying on her back.
“Lucy,” Jade called out. The little girl turned to face Jade.
“You had that all along?” Jade asked gesturing the pack with her. Lucy nodded.
“Why didn’t I notice that earlier? And to think that Hurricane was having trouble the other day on where to put that book.” Jade commented but immediately covered her mouth the moment Hurricane, Jullian, and Mint glared at her. Last night, before they hit the sack, they decided that they should keep the book secret from these people since they are still figuring both out.
“What’s in it anyway?” Mint asked and was about to touch the pack when Lucy slapped her hands-her expression not giving anything away.
“Don’t touch this. This is for emergency only.” Lucy muttered with the same expression—nothing.
“Jeez what a stingy kid.” Mint hissed out while rubbing her slightly hurt hand.
“I tried that. I got slapped too.” Emman muttered quietly.
“Say what?” Aqua muttered in surprise.

Instead of pushing the matter further, they all decided to let it be. With the kid still sauntering away from them with a grumpy expression, sniggers and chuckles were heard from Jethro, Cyclone, Grub, and Jullian. They were making fun of Emman who got b-slapped by his own sister.

Breakfast was normal. And by normal—it meant circus. The moment Aquamarine knew that ‘edible worms’ were included on the menu, she went bat-shit crazy—shrieking like a madwoman on fire. The others who were happily munching fruits at that time suddenly lost their appetite at her untimely announcement. Kamilos, as the gracious host that he is—apologized profusely for the lack of human food offered at the table.
Later, when everybody has calmed down from the latter commotion, Kamilos decided it was time to head for the castle for the council meeting to which they were invited. On their way to the castle, Yellow and Emman kept asking dear old Kamilos about the earth tribe’s way of living and what they eat.
“What about those other creatures? What do they eat?” Yellow asked Kamilos. The old tree-man gave a knowing smile before answering, “The others of course!” Yellow and Emman gasped at that.
“What?” Emman asked. He was still dubious at the old man’s answer. After all, it was not normal to eat co-citizens for breakfast in his world. The others chuckled at his and Yellow’s reaction. It seems that these two were up for big surprises with the adventure they were about to embark on.
________________________

Awed. That is how the Blacksmith kids feel while touring the Earth Tribe’s main palace. With its lush greenery and intricate architectural and interior designs, it could only be described with a bunch of expletives. Jade gasped as she felt a feeling of dejavu passed her. It feels like she’s been at this place before. The garden was eerily familiar, it’s like she’s been here a lot in the past. They were about to enter the west side of the palace when Jade felt a snippet of memory passed her. It was like she was viewing the scene from another person’s eyes. And in it, was a girl with long pastel green tresses with ears, feet, and tail like that of a deer. And she was laughing at her… Princess Ellia…
“Come on Jade! You can shoot better than that! You were taught by one of Earth tribe’s best bow masters!!” The little version of Princess Ellia huffed in faux frustration.
“And who’s that supposed to be, pray tell?” the answer seems to have come from her. The princess playfully glared in her direction and let out an exaggerated harrumph before answering sassily…
“Why, it’s me of course! Who else would it be?”
And that was the last scene she saw before the memory faded and went back to her present surroundings. It happened here, in this same place…She thought upon looking at her surroundings. The memory she saw confused her. A younger version of princess Ellia called the one she was speaking to, by the name Jade—so this means the princess meant her? Or another person of the same name? Because she was sure she hasn’t met the princess before in her entire life. But what if…
“Yellow!! Emman!! Come back here!” Jullian shrieked so loud that it called Jade’s attention back to the present. That is when Mint grabbed her arm and dragged her.
“What happened?” Jade asked her sister. Everyone seems to be running around while calling for Emman and their youngest sister.
“Argh! That is what you get for spacing out! Yellow and Emman went missing after Kamilos got called by a centaur guard for some important matter. Jade, Kamilos told us to stay put and now they’re gone!” Mint ranted in frustration.
Jade could see Hurricane with Emman’s little sister, Lucy while calling out for the latter. The moment Jade made her presence known; Hurricane immediately called for everyone’s attention. Then she laid out her game plan for the others to follow.
“Since spreading out is not an option—God knows this is not some silly horror movie where everyone is suddenly stupid, we’ll do it by the buddy system. You should all be here in five or I will call for authorities—which would only be our last resort since I still do not trust this place. I hope one of you will act with common sense okay. This could be a trap which I really hope not.” Jade said albeit nervously.
The others nodded their heads and started to group themselves by two. Since Hurricane was already with Lucy, Jade decided to team up with Cyclone. The other teams were Mint and Aquamarine and the twins with Grub.

Then the search started.
_______________________
Lucy held Hurricane’s hand as they entered their way inside the corridors of the castle. Since they were both too cool for shouting, they decided it best to search in silence. It was so silent and there was no other presence besides their own—which was too odd for a well-functioning castle of a whole continent, not to mention- the security details which for a castle such as this, they seriously lack.
‘This is way too suspicious…” Hurricane uttered before the sound of glass breaking was heard in one of the rooms. Both bolted to where the broken glass was heard, they were about to knock on the closed door and ask if whoever broke the glass was okay when they heard shouting… and what they heard shocked them.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to go back to the infinite forest Ellia!!!?” A deep male voice bellowed in anger.

“But father I already told you I got a lead!” The princess replied with the same intensity. So, it seems the tribe leader and his daughter were fighting over her visit to the infinite forest.
“What nonsense are you spouting again child? I already told you—"

“You told me what exactly!? That Jade is somewhere safe where no harm can get to her?”
“Exactly!!! When the time is right you will come and see her again!” The big muscled centaur who turns out to be Ellia's father, reasoned out. This seems to anger the princess more because her voice rose higher if possible.
“LIES!!! Oh please, you and I both know the Blood Queen abducted her! We don’t even know if she’s still alive or if she killed them like she did her own family!!!” She all but hissed out in distaste and fury. At the mention of the name Blood Queen, Hurricane felt a sudden ache in the deepest crevices of her heart as if the name were meant for her…
“I already told you not to call her that Ellia!!! The princess was not the murderer of her own family! She was but a child when it all happened! I think it would be best if you stay away from everyone for the time being and reflect on your actions. What you did was wrong! You even put the lives of your people in the line. You may be the princess of this country, but you do not get to act like they are just privileges! They have a family too Ellia, they have lives of their own. And it would be better if you start acting like your title—bless the Deities! But it’s not there for decoration!!!”
Instead of barging inside the room unannounced, Hurricane and Lucy decided it would be best if they leave first before they got found out listening in to a private conversation. A private royal argument.
Thoughts about how they knew Jade or if the Jade they knew was the same person as their cousin—flooded their minds but they both decided to let it be for the moment. It was not time to let everything out in the open yet, there are other pressing matters they have to attend to first.
By the time they were back, the others were already huddling at one corner of the garden—this time including Yellow and Emman who were both fidgeting as if worrying about something. Jade was glaring daggers at her sister and cousin for causing havoc amongst them by suddenly disappearing at such an unfamiliar place where they are considered aliens.
“Where did you both disappear to? Explain yourselves.” Hurricane said in a stern voice.
“It’s my fault. I saw a pair of beautiful wings and decided to follow it.” Yellow, admitted in a small voice.
“You’ll never believe what we saw! Those beautiful wings we followed turns out to be a fairy! She’s really beautiful!” Emman happily added.
“Yeah! And she’s human-sized and not those little ones! But she’s really—I mean really, really rude! And I’m like am I punked or something? Looks could really be deceiving. Like really…” Yellow supplied ecstatically as if forgetting momentarily that they were about to be scolded for worrying everyone.
“Enough. What you both did was not entirely wrong. Yes, but the manner in how you did it, however, was pretty much unacceptable. You had all of us worried sick as to where you guys are, or whether you’re still breathing or not. Remember, this place is not our own. Therefore, it is very dangerous to wander—period.” Hurricane said in a forbidding tone.
“I’m sorry everyone.” They both said in unison.
“You should be! I thought one of those lizard-looking people I saw in one of the rooms ate both of you already!” Jade hissed in anger.
“As punishment, both of you will not be allowed to converse with any of us unless necessary. Talking with each other is also not allowed. You will remain within the group and are not allowed to stray on your own. This punishment will last for three days. Enjoy your silence, I hope you will reflect from it.” Hurricane calmly said before walking towards Kamilos who just arrived from his summons.
The others were frowning at the punishment. It seemed to be too light for someone who put all of their lives in danger just to search for them. They stared at Hurricane who seemed to be explaining to Kamilos about something.
“What in hell? Did she just barred them from talking?” Jethro said with a dubious expression.
“Yeah. Isn’t it just too light?” Aquamarine added. Both Emman and Yellow threw her a glare as if not agreeing with her.
“I agree. That was a very light punishment. You two are lucky she’s very forgiving today.” Jade added.
“Actually, it’s not. My sister rarely gives light punishments, and this is not one of it.” Cyclone said cryptically.
Emman felt irritated from the way they seem to be talking about them as if they weren’t there, so he decided to distance himself from them. Yellow followed him while stomping her feet in frustration.
“Elaborate?” Jullian asked. Cyclone gave all of them a bored expression as if saying “Isn’t it obvious? Both of them love talking. Most of the time they both talk too much that it gets too annoying… so, not talking for three days will give us peace at last. It will feel like hell to both of them.”
Upon hearing that, they stared at Hurricane's back and at the two punished kids with mouths agape.
_____________________
It was already time for the council meeting where they were invited. They were all ushered inside the courtroom where rows of chairs sat affront of an elevated platform.
On the platform, were five big elegantly designed wooden chairs where the middle one sat as the most prized one for it was bigger than the others. It was obviously the chair of the tribe leader.
All the Blacksmith children were given their own seats. Soon a variety of creatures flooded the room as they all took their own seats.
It wasn’t even starting, yet Lucy already felt bored out of her mind. It wasn’t like she was even needed in the meeting. So, she decided to excuse herself by partially lying to Hurricane that she needed to pee, but when Hurricane presented to come with, Lucy refused saying she will just find a spot at the garden and will be back in a jiffy. Hurricane was about to argue when Lucy already made a dash for the door—and since the Tribe Leader called for everyone’s attention at that same moment, Hurricane was left with no choice but to let the little kid go-silently praying she won’t get in trouble.
_____________________
As if already memorizing the way towards the room where they heard Princess Ellia arguing with her father, Lucy treaded the silent hallways towards the room where the princess was. By the time she arrived, sobbing could be heard from the door, so instead of announcing her presence—she opened the door and went inside to see a miserable princess crying her heart out. Lucy coughed to announce her presence.
“I’m sorry I was on my way to find a comfort room when I heard you. So, I came in… how are you?” Lucy said.
“Not fine, obviously.” The princess quipped sarcastically.
“It will pass,” Lucy said before reaching out inside her bag to get something. It went on for a while before she pulled out a chocolate bar and opened it—handing it towards the princess who in return stared at it oddly as if it’s something new to her.
“What is that?” She asked. It was the first time she encountered such a thing.
“Eat it. I was told chocolates have a way with broken hearts. Don’t include the wrapper—only stupid people do that.” Lucy told the princess in a bored tone before getting out of the room to go back to the courtroom where her cousins are.