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“The Celestial Realm is not a fixed place or location. It changes according to the will of the magical beings that reside there, in particular the Jade Emperor himself. I recall when the forcefield first gave way to a disturbance, but like a living thing, it regenerates. And when it does, it’s harder than ever to break through.”
“As for the portal Brigid and I can create,” Sai said, “it is more difficult each time to open a path to that realm. Isuspect that is because, as you described, Wolfe, the location and makeup of the realm keep changing. Moreover, when we do manage to establish a portal, it takes all of our power to keep it open while preventing others from getting through, and to prevent realms from crossing. It gets harder every time.”
“All of this only underlines my original point,” Aella said.
“We can’t risk sending in a fleet of dragons only to risk having you all trapped in the Celestial Realm. Which, as far as I can tell, is what the Jade Emperor wants.”
Rui, Wolfe and Merlin looked at each other, nonplussed and frustrated.
“That goes for you too, babe,” Aella murmured to Cloud, who clenched his jaw, though he didn’t argue with her assessment.
“But the foes we’ll likely be up against are dragons themselves,” Annie pointed out. “Only dragons can match dragons in battle.”
“What if…” Sophia started, then paused.
“Go on,” Dalair encouraged.
“What if the reason these missions have met with enemy dragons is because we have dragons involved on our side? What if we send in a small stealth search team without any dragons in the mix? Maybe then, it won’t trigger a similar response.”
“The idea has merit,” Cloud said.
“The Celestial Realm reacts to threats with proportional defenses. If there are no dragons involved, perhaps it will not be as quick to meet force with force.”
“Or,” Annie said, “we go in with a stealth team and get crushed by the giant shadow lizards the moment we step into the realm.”
“It might be a risk we need to take if we want to win the long game,” Aella concluded.
“If this mysterious Jade Emperor wants dragons, we can’t let him have them.”
“I don’t care what it takes,” Arthur cut in, both hands fisted on top of the table in determination.
“If I have to go alone I will. I just need to borrow Excalibur to guide me.”
“And I don’t care what anyone else says,” Tristan declared, “I’m coming with you.”
“My advice is for dragons to stay behind,” Aella said, “not everyone else. I propose myself and Dalair come as well. With my speed and Dalair’s hyper senses, we’re your best bet at getting in and out quickly and stealthily.”
“I will call little cousin to await you on the other side,” Cloud added.
“White Dragon is only a carrier dragon. He is no warrior, and therefore no threat. But you will need a ride to get around the vast realm. There is no telling where Lancelot might be hidden.”
Everyone was silent for a few beats, considering the plan.
“It is a sound approach,” Sophia said at last.
She turned to Sai and Brigid.
“Do you think you can establish the portal and reopen it when needed?”
The pair exchanged a look.
“This might be the last time,” Brigid said. “But, yes, I believe we can.”
Thus, they all gathered on the rooftop terrace of the Shield to execute their rescue plan. Annie and the rest of Arthur’s family stayed back, watching with bated breath as Sai and Brigid concentrated all of their energy and opened a small portal for the four warriors to step through.
The moment they did, the doorway snapped closed, leaving the magical pair shaken and covered in cold sweat from the effort.
“The Jade Emperor is too powerful,” Brigid gasped. “The Celestial Realm will soon become impenetrable. If anyonemanages to get in, they will never get out. Unless it is the Jade Emperor’s will for them to do so.”
