A flaming warrior

Chapter 61 Pixie

"Whatever," Chris mumbled, sprawled out on the ground, dazed. "You guys were incredible. And I totally adore Leona's crows; they're so adorable!" Parella chimed in, gently petting one as it nuzzled against her chin. "I'm still getting used to my crows. I remember having some in the past," Leona said, sounding a bit exhausted. "How much of your memory have you regained?" Chloe inquired. "Some bits are still a blur, but I believe I remember the important stuff... I think," Leona replied, making all but one of her crows vanish. "While everyone was busy battling, I made a plushie for Eva, with each of us telling her how much we care," Jacqueline announced, handing it to Eva, who looked puzzled. "How did you manage that?" Tyler asked, taken aback. "Oh, I wasn't in the fight; that was a decoy I made just for this," Jacqueline laughed. "You have too much time on your hands," Leona teased. "We all have no time, so I find ways to keep busy before we kick the bucket, even in this fake world," Jacqueline shot back. We turned to Eva, who had started crying while hugging the plushie. "Thank you," she said, her smile lighting up her face. The plushie resembled her as a child.

"How's everyone holding up?" Ophelia's voice crackled through the comms. "I need you all to meet Irene in her garden; she has a hunt for you to embark on. She'll fill you in when you arrive," Ophelia instructed before the call dropped. "Hunts?" Tyler echoed, curiosity evident in his voice. "Hunts were these wild quests different places would throw at us. Ranging from exterminating five slimes to taking down a massive mountain-sized turtle armed with 999 million HP. Good times, honestly. I'm surprised the prince and his crew managed that one," Chloe reminisced. "I really hope we're not facing anything like that," I said, anxiety creeping in. "Fingers crossed, or we might end up stuck for ages," Chloe replied as we prepared to take off. 

Just as we were leaving, I felt an energy surge from Eva. Almost instinctually, I ducked just in time to feel the whoosh of her scythe slicing through the air above me. I dodged and shot three fireballs at her, but she skillfully sliced each one apart and charged my way. She started playfully swinging at me, and noticing her lighthearted mood, I did the same back. "You two can continue your game later. It's nice to see the cheerfulness, but I really need you all here," Ophelia interjected, giggling. "Yeah, you little troublemaker, she needs us," I laughed, nudging her. "She always does," Eva chimed in, returning the laughter as we took to the skies.

"Welcome! It's really important that we tackle this hunt," Ophelia said, swinging open the door and holding something in her hands. "Wait..." I was baffled by what I saw. "Bella dropped by with little Samantha to lend a hand with the cleanup and to clean up your place," Ophelia explained as you giggled in delight. "Alright, it's good to see you all! I have two hunts for you, and deliver the results to this location. Since it's a big country, just ask around for a Meustel and a Palen. It'll be a bit odd at first since it's a pixie domain," Irene clarified. "But don't the pixies despise us?" Chris questioned her. "Not quite; it's...natural. They didn't see a use for anyone who wasn't a pixie, but they've been in need lately. Just check what hunts they want tackled. If we complete enough, we can establish a base there," Irene encouraged, coaxing her plants to dance around her. "I'll join you all. Just form a group and meet me back here," Stella chimed in over the comms. "I'll go with Samantha, Chris, and Tyler for this round," I said. "We'll be on standby, just in case—basically lurking around while you all are busy," Eva added, prepping herself. "Alright, let's head out! It'll take about 20 minutes to get there," Chris mentioned as we soared into the sky.

When we arrived, we spotted a giant tree surrounded by what appeared to be pixies, but they looked sinister, unlike the colorful ones we were used to. "Are those pixies? But why do they look so menacing, and where are their vibrant colors?" Eva questioned, baffled. "Let's find out what's happening; this definitely feels off," Chris said, leading us to the base of the towering tree where a regal figure stood. "You actually came? Good, now step back," the king declared as a massive beam shot towards the tree, but he drove his spear into the ground, manifesting a barrier that enveloped the tree, shielding it from danger.

After the attack wrapped up, the dark pixies swiftly dispersed into the night. "That was impressive, but I can't shield it anymore beyond this point. This was the last line of defense I could muster, but you all can buy us some time," the king remarked as he guided us into the depths of the massive tree.

"Wow, this place is enchanting!" Stella exclaimed in awe. Inside the trunk, we discovered spiral neighborhoods, floating pollen platforms to zip around on, dew lanterns that lit up on their own, and a vibrant marketplace strung high in the sky, held aloft by twisting vines. "I'm leading you all to the crown bloom—it's where the queen and I connect with nature directly," the king shared as we ascended to the very summit.

When we finally reached the top, the royal chamber sprawled before us, immense and breathtaking. Numerous pixie members, each symbolizing growth, light, memory, and balance, filled the room. At the forefront, the queen stood, her expression steeped in discomfort at our presence. However, behind her was a magnificent seed that anchored everything in place. "I'm assuming that seed is what they were after," Chris commented. "You're right," the queen affirmed. "The noxbrairs have recently been trying to destroy this seed, which would lead to the downfall of our entire nation. We need you to confront them—the noxbrairs weren't always like this. As much as I'd prefer to avoid conflict, my husband believes it's necessary, and I'm starting to agree. If you succeed, the entire pixie community will bless you." 

"Um, guys, the ground is turning black!" Tyler alerted, glancing outside. The once-lush green grass and bright skies were darkening, creeping ominously toward the tree. "I hoped they'd retreat for a bit. Everyone, gear up for battle!" the king ordered as the troops prepared to fight. "Do you want to take the lead, or hang back?" the queen queried. "I say we go upfront," Chris declared, drawing his sword and summoning power. "Then let's charge!" I replied as we all powered up and stepped outside alongside the pixie army.

"Are you sure it's just us who can handle this? We should rally the others..." I cut off Stella.  "We don't have time for that—we need to act now!" I insisted as we spotted the noxbrairs' army marching toward us. "Okay... let's give it a shot," Stella said, her voice shaky. "Nervous or scared?" Chris probed. "Worried is a more accurate way to put it," Stella answered. "Too bad," Chris said just before a loud bark resonated behind us, drawing our attention to a big golden puppy charging towards us. "Is that our little guy?" Chris asked, surprised. "We've been training him to assist in battles. We even outfitted him with some adorable armor," Cubie explained as the dog's armor activated, flames flickering to life. The pup even summoned a sword, deftly grabbing the hilt with his mouth. "You may be strong, but please stay safe, alright?" Eva urged him while stroking his fur.