Barnaby Lee x Reader - Year 6

The Sunken Vault

Merula and Lana spent a while deciding on who to bring with them to the final vault. They chose Ben to join them, of course, and he suggested bringing Barnaby along with them to act as a lookout. Lana was thrilled with the idea, as she always felt safe with him behind her.

Ben and Lana were in the courtyard discussing people to bring, when they saw Barnaby and walked over to him. Lana grinned at him and threw her arms around him, hearing him laugh and hug her back tightly.

"Hey, Barny!" she said happily, pulling away with a smile, "I've got a small but critical favour to ask you about the Circle of Khanna." She kept her hands on his chest while he held onto her, eager to hear about what she had to say.

"Alright! What kind of adventure are we heading off to now?" he asked her, "Don't tell me! Something to do with magical creatures, isn't it! Maybe we're breaking a curse? A duel with 'R'? Never mind, just tell me what what we're doing."

"We were hoping that you'd be able to watch over the lakeshore when we return to see the merpeople." Ben told the taller boy.

"Watch over the shore while you go underwater?" he clarified.

"If we can have your eyes on the shore, you'll be doing us a huge favour." Lana smiled at him, her fingers messing with a small loose thread on his tie.

"I was hoping that I would go with you into the lake." Barnaby said, a hint of sadness in his voice, "Honestly, it doesn't sound like any fun. At least, not compared to what you'll be up to."

"Hmm..." Lana muttered, but then shot him a grin when she had an idea, "How about we discuss this over a game of gobstones? I'm sure Ben and I can convince you of how important this is."

"Good idea!" Barnaby smiled. They played a game of gobstones, Lana slipping in important reasons as to why he should stay on the lakeshore and keep watch for her whilst she explored the lake.

"You've convinced me, Lana. I'll guard the lakeshore while the rest of you search for the final vault!" he smiled.

"That's my big, strong, protector man." Lana joked, kissing his cheek, "Thank you so much, love. I knew you'd be the perfect person to round out this team."

"Tell me when and I'll have my eyes on the shore. You can rely on me." Barnaby smiled.

"Good. We're ready for the final Cursed Vault." Ben said

"There's someone else I need to talk to, first..." Lana told him.

"Who?"

"Jacob. The last time we spoke, he said that he was hot on Rakepick's heels. I'll ask him to join us to search for the final vault."

"Great! Your brother's cool!" Barnaby smiled.

"He's just as annoying, too." Lana chuckled, "Anyway, I better go - thank you, Barny, and I'll see you both later!" she said, kissing Barnaby's cheek before dashing to the lakeshore to talk to her brother.

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Lana found Jacob and spoke to him, asking him to join them in the search for the vault. He agreed to help, and then Ben, Merula, and Barnaby approached them.

"Guys? What is everyone doing here?" Lana asked.

"It's time to find the final vault." Merula informed her.

"The lyre is fixed. We have everything we need for the mer-Queen." Ben added.

"Where are they?" Lana questioned.