The Enchanted Realm: At Journey's End

Blood-Stained Fields

According to what S. F. told me, Redfield is basically a war-torn village. At least, the northern part of it is. People still live there, using the red grain around their village as a defense mechanism, and as a good economic starting point. Orion wrote in the few final pages left in the tome. Orion looked onward, barely picking out bits and pieces of homes between the tall grain.

"Hey, Loose-Cannon!" The Commander called. That was Orion's new nickname now. Loose-Cannon. It wasn't the most positive one, but it was better than the more recent ones he had earned in his dimension. Orion got up from his spot near the fields, walking towards the campsite the group had made. Ducking into the tent, Orion found the others gathered around a table. "Here's the scoop. Intel says that the outpost is a Base of Operations. And by the looks of it, it's part of The Star. Shapeshifter, I'll have you scout it out."

"Roger." The wolf's shape twisted into one resembling a hawk.

"Phantom, you're in charge of stealth ops. Make sure Shapeshifter doesn't get the heat." The ghostly humanoid replied with a subtle nod. "Moon, Loose, you two hold down the fort."

"I get why Loose stays back, but why me, Commander? You've seen my skill."

"Someone has to make sure he doesn't destroy everything." The Commander replied. "And besides, I'll be up north, getting anything I can about The Star." Moonlight sighed with a nod. "Alright people, you know your task. Get moving." With a nod from everyone, they all left, except Moonlight and Orion.

"We really need a name." Moonlight sighed, sitting on the table. "Not you and me, just the team itself."

"I'm good at power couple names, but not full-on team names." Orion chuckled. "How about the Dying Star?"

"Nah, too bland."

"Helluva Team?"

"Too stupid."

"Hmm. I'm all out of ideas." The two were left thinking in silence. Finally, Moonlight spoke up.

"I got it. Protectors of the Realm." Orion seemed awestruck at the name.

"Perfect." He complimented. Suddenly he began to feel hot beneath his helmet. "Gotta take this off." He grunted, untying the helmet from his chin and setting it on the table. Moonlight seemed to notice his wounded cheek.

"Oh, hell." She muttered, getting off the table and rummaging through a large box. Taking out a first aid kit, she swabbed a small rag with rubbing alcohol, slowly applying it to Orion's cheek. He winced at first, the alcohol stinging his blood and sending his neck hair up again. A shock slid up his spine, alerting his brain. "Hold still." Moonlight suggested, pressing the rag against his cheek.

"Here's my question." Orion winced again. "Where'd you get that?"

"S. F. 's kind enough to send me gifts." Moonlight replied.

"I'm guessing he's been spying on me for the past two years?" Moonlight replied with a chuckle and the nod of her head. She took the rag away from Orion's cheek, grabbing a small Band-Aid and carefully setting it over his cheek. "All that for a Band-Aid?"

"Well, you've gotta make sure it doesn't get infected." Moonlight remarked, her gaze falling upon Orion's purple eyes. Orion returned the gaze, his eyes unable to escape her emerald green eyes. Before she realized, her hand was against Orion's unwounded cheek. "I haven't seen eyes like those in a long time." Orion's hand clasped around hers.

"Neither have I." He whispered in return. The two could feel themselves getting closer and closer, their foreheads touching, just as they did two years ago. "Remember what I said then?"