"I am not a kid, Jack. I know what it means to be a soldier and put my life at risk. I lost the fight, but I can't hate someone because they are stronger than me, and I definitely can't hate Luna, who was put in this situation." Billy's tone was stern and echoed authority. Jack couldn't look past it so easily, especially when the bright white bandages covering his friend's chest and remainder of an arm won't let go of his sight.

"You all came here because something happened, didn't it. Billy's right, there is no point in having a hatred in someone who is suffering more than us. She is just a child and if your guilt is what is keeping you from entering this house, then cast it aside immediately. This is about her, not you or us." Monica's emeralds also stern and clear.

"Yea, you are right." Jack hung his head, but his shoulders relaxed as well. How much of their words matched how they actually felt?

"Luna, are you okay? Do you need anything?" Stella's voice strained. It sounded like tears were about to make their appearance. Luna was the complete opposite. Her face was blank as she continued to devour the porridge placed in front of her.

"So, she only really responds to Ace? I wonder why that is," Monica questioned while joining the sisters at the table. Her eyes melted when looking at the distant child.

"It could be cause he saved her the first time they met, or he did feed her when she was hungry," Billy chimed in.

"It also could be that she understands how strong he is due to her sharp instincts." Jack joined the train of thought.

"Yea, ya could be right. He must be strong to take on Eclipse." Billy's eyes looked off to the distance. "Mr. Quinn. It really was happening right here under our noses. A citizen of this town... He did this to her—" Jack could see subtle tears forming in his eyes. It caught everyone by surprise. "It is pretty frustrating right. The kid has dark wisps. She is a kid."

Jack glanced at Monica's stomach. His own stomach turns thinking that something like that could happen to their child. The looks on the couple's faces show the same sickening dread. Jack just wants everyone to be okay. "Ummm, I don't know much about dark wisps. Is it a bad thing? Tenny just says that it takes special conditions."

"I am not sure either. I have not seen any user personally, but I have heard there are users in my kingdom. I have only heard the rumours of dark mimics," Stella announced.

"Dark magic is said to be sad magic. People who can use it, have gone through a lot." Billy continued his point. Jack felt his mouth dry up as his eyes became moister. He stared at the killer who cleaned her bowl and sat there watching the ground. Jack's head pounded. He felt his chest get warmer. Eclipse deserved his wrath. They are the reason for all of this.

Stella noticed her friend's silence. His hands twitching and eyes focused on something clearly not in the room. "What are we going to do about Ace?"

"What is going on with that guy? Is he going to be all right?" the soldier questioned.

"I don't think we need to worry about him being hurt. He could have killed everyone in there. Right Tenny?" Stella's hands and feet restlessly tapped away at any wood surface they could find. Jack knew she disliked this situation. They could have stopped Eclipse and saved Luna, but Ace was being stubborn.

"I wouldn't say that. He definitely can get hurt, but he wouldn't let himself be killed." Tenny's consistent calm and playful voice brought a strange relief to the tension, but his words confused them more.

"What do you mean?" Jack sat down with them.

"Ace did it for some reason, and if they decide to hurt him, then I don't think he will run away or fight back. He would take whatever he has to, up until he is about to die. He can't let himself die. His life is way too important."

"So then why does he do stupid things like this?" Stella raised her voice drastically. Everyone panicked a bit and all eyes fell on Luna. Was she startled? Did she feel threatened? She sat there, still emotionless, still just staring at the floor. "Jack, what does the letter say."

Jack wanted to open the letter as soon as they arrived, but the words Ace tagged the note with, haunted him. What decision could he possibly make? He wants to save his mentor. That was the only option. Why did Ace leave the decision with him? Jack lifted the letter and combed through every word quickly. He sat down with his eyes a bit distant and a weird grin on his face.

"I'm not sure how he does it. He is crazy." Jack's mumblings caught the attention of his ashen haired friend. She snatched the letter and began to read it out loud.

"I probably could have told you all this in person, but I figured a letter would look super cool and dramatic. Things didn't really go as planned, but we have won. I did things this way because I figured it would be the most peaceful way. I also know that there are other feelings involved now so I wanted to lay the foundation. The choice is up to you:

1. If you don't want to fight and we should just escape the town with Luna, then send Tenny to tell me and I will break free, and we will be on our way.

2. If you want to fight and take down Eclipse, then send Tenny to get help from home. He should be able to make it just in time. It would be important that you keep up the charade and try and get everyone to safety before taking on Eclipse. I will stay and keep an eye on them if this route you are taking.

Good luck, don't overthink, just pick one and it will all work out."

"He would make a great tactician. Do ya guys have reinforcements?"

"Yea I think I know what he is talking about. It would be cutting it close for them to make it on time."

"Hon, it isn't decided yet. Jack, what do you want to do? You aren't obligated to fight for us. I kind of just want you all to look after Luna." Monica had a valid point.

"Ace already said I am too close to this, and I think I can see why. I believe the right thing to do is to crush Eclipse for all they have done, but I just want everything to be over. Now the Empire has information about Eclipse. I am sure they can be stopped now," Stella said.

"They are right Jack. I got a little too hasty. It is my job to stop them, and ya done enough, kid."

"Yea hon, we are all proud of you."

"We can just go get Ace."

"You have to make the decision now, Jack, otherwise I won't make it in time."

All the voices felt like they were merging. They weren't pressuring him, but he felt his chest contract and his hearing muzzled. The decision is in his hands, and everyone had a point. They are adventurers. They just wanted to save Luna. That was done. Billy and his friends can catch them. Billy...they would be okay. He deserves justice and he will get it using his own power. He should be home resting though. He should be waiting for his child. His child...how could they feel safe until Eclipse is caught. What if this happens again? Jack's eyes focus on Luna. His vision becomes a little hazy. His fist clenched and his teeth mimicked the behaviour. Even if they never kidnap anyone again, the fact is that they have already done it once. They have caused pain and suffering, and they should be stopped. They carry the potential to do it all again. Billy might stop them, but he deserves his justice as well. This might be the best plan. This should be the best...

"Jack, breathe." Billy had his hand on Jack's shoulder. All eyes were on him. All eyes including the dim violet eyes of the quiet girl in the chair.

"Tenny, go get help. We are going to take down Eclipse." The confidence in Jack's voice forced a grin on the faces of everyone who shared a different opinion a moment ago. The air in the room felt crisp. Tenny was gone before anyone could blink.

***

"Are you sure you want to fight too?" Jack questioned his friend on the walk to the tavern.

"I already said yes, three times now. We all know you get stuck in your head often, but I'm pretty sure you heard me all...three...times."

"Yea, but you still haven't given a valid reason at all. We have Luna now. It is more important to keep her safe and out of battle."

"I agree with you in keeping her out, but I really want to crush those guys for taking her in the first place. She can stay safe with Billy and Monica. I don't think they will be in the battle."

"That's true, even though I am sure Billy wants to be. It is great that he will get his friends to help. Having this town's military as support is great, but back to the plan. I am not sure it is ideal. I mean, Luna still chopped off Billy's arm. I know they forgive her and look out for her, but wouldn't it still be sort of awkward?"

"I thought so at first, but Monica isn't letting Luna out of her sight."

"I figured you would have been the same way."

"I want to be, but there is so much that happened. I don't know if to address it, move pass it, I can't even say I know how to get her to talk. It's awkward and difficult, so I am taking my time. I kind of want Ace around. Speaking of the cheeky monster. He makes me feel frustratingly indebted to him. Like he takes everything to extremes. Ugh, but he did make it clear that you are in charge. I already owe you for helping, and I want to crush Eclipse, so it works out for me."

"I understand, but how sure are you? These guys are on another level. I am pretty scared."

"For the last time, and I mean last time. I am completely sure. Plus, I am stronger than you. It would look bad if I let you get beat up without even trying."

"Yea yea, you are right. You deserve to get your ass kicked just as much as me. Let's hope everything goes according to plan then."

The pair finished the conversation in perfect coordination with their arrival at the tavern. The mission was to get everyone to avoid coming out in three days, and to help sell the arrival of a convoy. The tavern seemed like the best place for starting a rumour.

"Jack! Help!" The toothless tavern owner launched at the pair. "We have run out of apples!"

Jack's face contorted into discontent. "Why are you so concerned about apples? Can't you get more tomorrow?"

"Jack! It's worse than that. I have to get enough apples for the royalty passing through the town. I hear they love apples! What if they take all the apples and there isn't any for Ace and Tenny. I have to make sure there is enough Jack! What if there isn't enough?"

"Wait how do you know there is a royal coming? How do you know they like apples? Should Ace and Tenny really be your concern?" Jack placed his hands on Mr. Lundred's shoulders. Jack couldn't focus on the fast-moving irises plopped in the old man's head.

"Tenny stopped by not too long ago and took all the apples. He said to stock up a lot, because royals are coming through the town, and they love apples. Jack, should I hide all the apples tomorrow and tell the royal's we didn't get any?"

"Oh, I see. It was Tenny that did this." Jack returned to disappointment. "I think we will be okay. No need to hide the apples."

"Why would you even believe Tenny? That pair looks like they are always up to something." Stella tapped her foot on the ground quite aggressively. The vein on her forehead made an appearance.

"Oh, by the way, before I forget. There was a gentleman asking about Eclipse. I know you guys were looking for the same thing. I told him about you guys, and he said he would wait. He is sitting over there."

"Why wouldn't you start with that? You have to get your priorities straight old man." Stella's voice made the old man step back.

"You obviously haven't had any of our apples," Lundred chimed back.

"You really should have just started with that. It feels like this entire thing is padding." Jack sighed.

"You should pad your face," The inn keeper snapped back.

"Wait, why did he wait here. Why didn't you send for us? Why did you think we would pass by here today?" Jack was confused about the entire exchange to be honest.

"Cause we have the best apples."

Jack felt the wisps shift in the room. Stella's hand was glowing, and her forehead vein began to look like a horn.

"I hope all your apples have worms in them!" Stella yelled back.

The old man stumbled backwards. His heart was shattered. The curse placed on him would haunt him for the rest of his life. He would never wish that on anyone. Stella has a dark side. Jack's face had visible horror spread on it. He couldn't believe this woman was his friend.

"Don't give me that look, or I'll kill you," Stella mumbled before dragging her friend from the scene they spent too long in.