Finally, they could see the spectacular city below, surrounded by an iridescent bubble, and supported by a colossal coral structure. The only entrance, a circular platinum gate with an intricate design.

“It’s amazing!” Gasped Ang.

“Yeah, it’s pretty great.”

“You don’t seem too enthusiastic about going back home.”

“I’ve lived here my whole life. I know it looks pretty to you but I was all too eager to leave. That’s why I joined the scouting and diversion team. I wanted to get out and see the world.”

“What was so bad about being here?”

“Nothing, everyone just smothered me with attention. They all thought because of my ‘condition’, that like those before me I would just drop dead at any moment, but I’ve survived longer than any Elucidator.”

Before Ang could speak, they noticed the platinum gate beginning to turn, and an elaborate lock unbraid itself from the rest of the metal, moving in a spiral outward. Someone shot through the small opening screaming.

“Vluxcerin, you’re back!”

“Is that your mother?” asked Ang.

“No, my sister.”

Vlux’s sister dashed into her. She looked almost exactly like Vlux with slightly longer hair and fewer markings.

“I thought you were gone forever. I am so happy you are back. I have to check your markings. No ones looked at them in a while have they.”

“Bassinee, it’s good to see you. I’ve had no need for new markings. I stopped growing a while ago.”

“But you never stop changing. Who are your companions? That girl does not look well, and what is this creature?”

“I’ll explain everything later. This girl has been poisoned we need an antivenom,” said Vlux.

“Maybe this will work.” Bassinee pulls out a small vial.

“You carry antivenom around?” blurted Ang.

“Some sea flower jellyfish have a nasty sting, especially the rose kind. The poison can kill very quickly. Be mindful of them young dwarf. The prettier the more dangerous, like my little sister.” Vlux rolls her eyes. “Stings are common, so I keep some antivenom on hand, now let me see the wound.”

Ang untied the blue cloth around the casters leg. The wound looked the same, but once he removed the cloth it started to swell. Bassinee applied the ointment to the bite.

“Young dwarf, what is your name?”

“My name is Angdraoni, but I go by Ang.”

“You must be of the Usgrat. And is that you Kiliyi?”

“Yes, you know, Kiliyi?”

“Her and her companion Sprinli. They used to visit from time to time.”

“So you know my mom Lysyntri?”

“You are the son of The Spider! I did not know she had a child. I must tell everyone of your arrival. I knew your mother, but I had a closer relationship with your aunt Myorni. She and I developed the markings on Vluxcerin.”

“I’m going on ahead into town. I’m sure everyone is eager to see me. Bassinee, can I leave them in your care?” said Vlux.

“It is what I do, we shall come find you later.” said Bassinee

Vlux swam through the small opening in the gate.

“I have not properly introduced myself. My name is Bassinee, I am a healer and Vluxcerin’s older sister. It is very nice to meet you Angdraoni, and may I ask who these two are?”

“This is Dungii, and I’m not sure who she is, we sort of found her along the way here. This thing that was protecting her attacked us.”

“Dungii is very interesting. I sense something familiar about him, and what is this thing that attacked you?”

“Actually, it’s just up here.” Ang swam to the top of the mushroom. “Ahh Where’d it go?”

“Here maybe I can help.” Bassinee closed her eyes and began feeling the space. Then she reached out an arm, turquoise light pulsed through her markings as she closed her fist trapping the invisible creature in a bubble. The once again defeated slug revealed itself. Ang noted its elegant form of its movements, how the edges of its manta wings gracefully fluttered with a cyan glow.

“How’d you do that?”

“I used my magic sense. Not everyone has it, but if you are Lysyntri’s son, then there is a good chance you have an aptitude for it.”

“How did you know I’m an Usgrat dwarf?”

“Broad frame, covered in hair, almost a full beard, skin like clay, it is very obvious. Now what have we caught? It looks like a Chimera worm. Rare creatures mostly found in the Land Behind the Sea. Which is where I would guess your captive caster is from. It may take a couple hours for her to regain movement and we can ask her.”

“You know about a lot of things miss Bassinee. What was my aunt like? The only thing I know is that she was a very skilled healer and made a great sacrifice so we could be safe.”

“I see, yes your aunt was a great healer, and an even greater friend. She and I were once close. Together, we created many cures and treatments, including the markings that can keep Elucidators alive. You must be exhausted, you are welcome to come to my home and get some food and rest. Tell me everything that happened and I will tell you all I know about your family.” They gradually made their way through the platinum gate and into the majestic city of Brexcen. Eyes stared and mouths flapped as they made the awkward stroll through the glittering town. They arrived at a large thick spire, with many branching protrusions.

“This is my home, welcome.” said Bassinee.

“Wow, you have a beautiful house,” said Ang.

“Thank you.”

“I felt like everyone was staring at us on our way here.”

“We do not get many visitors. Without magic sense or previous knowledge of its location. This city is difficult to find. We can also change which lake the entrance to the city is in.”

“How do you do that?”

“This space exists at the source of all eight of the grand lakes. But Brexcen can only be reached through one at any time. At this time it is Lake Vondtross, but every eight years we can change the entrance to somewhere in one of the other seven. There is also an incantation that must be spoken, which we can change at anytime.”

“Vlux didn’t know the new incantation, we got in when I played this.” Ang took out the whale song.

“Of course, I should have realized. I was so excited to see Vluxcerin again; I didn’t consider how you all got in. That shell, may I see it.”

“Sure” He hands the shell over to Bassinee as they passed through the grand entrance of her home.

“This shell is an Ardin that contains a whale’s song. A whale would have to give up their voice and Imdrina willingly to craft this. This looks like Clo-Whu’s craftsmanship. You are very fortunate to have this.”

“So, a whale had to sacrifice itself to make this?”

“That is normally how Ardin’s are made. The whale was most likely old or sick, and on the verge of death. They figure having their power preserved and used for the good of others is better than simply dying of disease or old age.”

“I also have this.” Ang takes out his father’s axe and removes its clay sheath. “Is this an Ardin, did someone have to die to make this?”

Bassinee carefully scrutinized the axe. “Yes, this is definitely an Ardin, but it is different from your shell. I know the Usgrat had some unique crafting techniques, but as you have told me, they may have gone deeper into hiding. I don’t know how this axe was crafted, but I can sense exceptional power from it.”

“Well, now I feel weird having these items knowing that someone died to make them.”

“Not using an Ardin is a great disservice to those who sacrificed themselves to craft it. Use the tools your given.”

“But I don’t know how to use this axe; I’m not even sure how this whale song works.”

“Every Ardin is different, and they are somewhat sentient. You will just have to experiment with it, first let us get them accommodated. If you could follow me into this room, you can set her down there and I will put the chimera worm in this sphere.”

Ang undid the ropes of the caster, as he did, she began to mumble.

“Bassinee looks like she’s starting to regain some movement.”

“Well, that is sooner than expected.”

Ang, Bassinee, and Dungii moved the caster onto the sea foam bed.

“She is trying to talk, perhaps an Elucidator could translate for us.”

“Vlux already tried to communicate with her, plus she’s still somewhere in the city.”

“We have another Elucidator. Brekion!” She called out. “Would you please come here, I could use your assistance”

“Coming Bassinee.” echoed a voice from afar.

“This is perfect, Brekion is about your age. It would be good for both of you to interact with someone your own age. Maybe you two can be friends.” The thought of meeting someone his own age made his heart race. He anxiously awaited Brekion’s arrival. After a few moments, the young pixie swam through the doorway. He had short platinum blonde hair, thin marking all over his body, gentle eyes, and wore flowing sleeveless robes.

“How can I help?” He said with a divine smile.

“First, I would like you to meet Angdraoni. Angdraoni this is Brekion.”

“Is that Kiliyi on your shoulder?” Asked Brekion. Kiliyi swam from Ang’s shoulder to his.

“It is you. I’ve not seen you in a long time.” He swims over to Ang. “It’s nice to meet you Angdraoni.” He lifted his palm and presented it to Ang, who was unsure what to do. Ang tried to speak but only managed a few mumbles.

“So you go by Ang, sorry she just told me. It’s very nice to meet you. I’m Brekion, but I go by Brek. Here, this is our greeting.” He took Ang’s right arm, pressed their palms together and intertwined their fingers. Where their hands touched, Ang felt a surge rush through his body. His blood quickened, and he couldn’t form coherent thoughts. In that moment all his senses directed to Brek. Brek released his hand and turned. “And you must be Dungii.”

“Meep meep.”

“Alright Kiliyi told me everything I need to know, let’s take a look.” Brek placed a hand on the casters head. “I would just like to know your name?” he asked.

“Bassinee, Ang, Dungii, Kiliyi, where are you guys?” Yelled Vlux from down the hall.

“We are in here Vluxcerin,” replied Bassinee.

In a second Vlux appeared in the doorway. “Thank goodness I found you. I couldn’t take it anymore. Everyone asking where and how I’ve been. Wait, who is he? Is he also…?”

“Yes, Elucidators are now living longer than ever thanks to the marking Myorni and I developed. I meant to tell you about him sooner, but you were always away on missions. Vluxcerin, meet Brekion. You should remember his parents; they were part of the diversionary team with you. I took him in when they… left.”

“I’ve told you, call me Vlux.”

“I’ve always wanted to meet the captain of the diversionary team. It’s an honor. I go by Brek. I would greet you properly, but I just need a few moments.”

“I already tried that she doesn’t want to talk,” said Vlux.

“I don’t think that’s correct, she’s trying to communicate, but something is blocking our connection.” said Brek.

“Let me see” Vlux swam over and inspected the caster, she closely looked at each braid of hair until she found one with a particular rune carved into the bead.

“I knew it! This is an Imdrina blocking rune, and I would bet it can also track her movements. I told you we shouldn’t have brought her here.” Kiliyi swam on to the bead and bit it, dissolving it with her venom.

“They would still need to know the right incantation to get in. But you found what was blocking the connection,” said Brek.

The caster shot up, her long braids stood on end as she yelled “THRAMUNY!”

Everyone gasped and jumped back a few centimeters. Brek remained calm. “Is that your name?” he asked with a smile. The tips of his fingers still on her forehead.

“Yes, my apologies for shrieking. My name is Thramuny.” Her hair fell limp. “I also apologize for attacking. Eio thought he saw a threat.”

“Eio, your Chimera Worm friend is Eio?” asked Brek.

“Yes, he is my soulmate, could you please set him free?”

“Yes, Bassinee can you release Eio.” She swam over to Eio and released him from the sphere barrier. Eio swiftly, yet gracefully swam to Thramuny, and floated over her, his four eye stalks extended, body surging with power.

“It is adequate Eio, If they wanted to harm us, they would have done so by now,” said Thramuny.

“Yes, we would love to help you.” said Brek.

“I am most despondent, I have put all of you in peril. We showed the Koru-Ation where the portal is.” said Thramuny.

“It’s alright they don’t know the incantation to get into this space.”

“They know about the whales. I heard a pixie they caught tell them. They have been trying to make a key to get in,” said Thramuny.

“Wait, I just thought of something,” said Ang. “Before we got here, we saw some men hunting whales, but they were using a strange weapon.”

“Kiliyi, is telling me that what you’re talking about had engravings on it similar to the Imdrina blocking rune she just destroyed,” said Brek. “She has also seen similar markings on the white swords the Koru use, and we know those are designed to dispel magic effects.” For the first time, Brek’s serene smile broke as a revelation dawned on him. “Ang, may I see the shell you have?”

“Yeah sure.”

“Of course! The only way to get into this space is with the proper incantation or whale intonation. Only a few of us understand how this magic works. I happen to be part of the family that maintains the song. They don’t know what the right intonation is, so they’re capturing and harvesting as many whale voices as possible.”

“Wait, but miss Bassinee you said you can’t make a whale song unless they willingly give their voice,” said Ang.

“With enough cruelty, any creature will beg for release.” replied Bassinee.

“How did you find the correct entrance?” asked Brek. “You must have incredible magic sense.”

“It’s he who has incredible senses.” Thramuny pointed to Eio. “Once he found the location, the Koru left us to die. When I witnessed Eio strike, I thought they had come back to kill me and I fought.”

“Any of use would have done the same,” said Ang.

“This is bad, most pixie’s aren’t fighters, were better at illusions and diversions then combat. If they invade Brexcen directly, most won’t be able to fight them off,” said Vlux.

“It will be a first but we have to try.” said Bassinee.

“Vlux, please make an announcement to warn everyone and gather anyone who has combat experience. A few of your old team members may still be in the city. Bassinee, please guide the non-combatants somewhere safe. Ang, Dungii, Kiliyi, the three of you will come with me.” Delegated Brek. “Thramuny, Eio, what would you like to do? I would recommend rest and recovery, but we can’t be sure anywhere is safe.”

“I acknowledge, and I wish to brawl,” said Thramuny.

“Then I’ll have someone bring you what provisions we have, please remain here in the meantime and recover strength will you can.”

“You are a charismatic leader. Let us hurry Vlux,” said Bassinee. She and Vlux swam out of the room.

“We should go too Ang, you all can be my escort. Kiliyi told me you’re an excellent study.” Brek said with a smile that could cause a heart to skip.

“Y-yes.” mumbled Ang.

“Murp Murp.”

“Oh, you got bigger so all of us can ride on your back, that’s very helpful.” Brek swam through the veil and took hold of the mushroom. “Ang, we must hurry.”

Ang snapped out of his trance, he swam through the veil and gripped the mushroom next to Brek.

“We all set, Dungii let’s go,” said Brek.

“Murp.”

They swam to protect the home of the pixie’s.