Trixie stood in full tactical gear, something that Sam was impressed by. She stood on the steps to her home, speaking to the men and offering some guidance on what they were about to face. She raised her hand and covered everyone with a low-level protection spell, her body losing some of its just-gotten power, but there was nothing to be done about that now. After she was done, Bradley and James stepped forward, addressing the men and a few women before them. "I know that this is not our usual fight, but that is what makes it even more important that we win. We have no idea about our enemy, but anyone who tries to hurt the Luna and could stoop so low as to take an innocent child does not deserve mercy." A roar of agreement rose from the crowd, the faces of the warriors holding the same determination. There were the sounds of tires, and soon Aunt Cynthia stepped out, accompanied by two more Council members. She walked over to Bradley and hugged him, then James. At his shocked look, she just shrugged one shoulder. "You didn't think that I would sit back and let someone take my very first grandson, did you? Besides, who's to say that he won't come for the other pups, and that will not happen when I'm around". Bradley just nodded, his heart filled with gratitude. He fought alongside his aunt once, and boy, was he glad that she was not his enemy. He turned back and with a few final words, he indicated that Trixie should take the lead, as they head out.
Trixie was not sure that she could do this. Lead two pissed off Alphas, sure, a piece of cake, but lead two packs? That was new, and she wondered if she would fail, yet Sam's reassuring hand on her shoulder helped push those doubts away. She took a deep breath and, with a wave of her hand, she made the trace of the black magic visible for all to see, thanks to the earlier spell. There were gasps as people saw it, their instincts telling them to be on high alert. It looked even more grotesque than the one from the night when Chip was born, but it was the same. It felt like it was attached to someone's emotions, and their emotions were degrading by the day. If they don't move soon, they will lose the trail, so with a command, she ordered everyone to move out.
Thankfully, it was only a trace, and accidentally touching it did not harm anyone. They moved swiftly, the trail sometimes doubling back on itself as if trying to ensure that any scent would be lost, but Chip's fear was still there, mingling with the thread of magic remnants, probably causing it to linger for longer. James was in his human form, while Bradley had shifted. He still checked in on Trishanna, and Lorenzo ensured that she, the nanny and the two guards were doing well, although the Luna's heart rate went up just a bit. The doctor speculated that it was because even in her state, her motherly instincts told her her child was not okay. Bradley mulled that over after he disconnected. It was a reminder that he and James also need to be safe, as their wounds can hurt her. He wanted to ask Trixie about the protection spell she placed on her friend, but did not want to distract her as she was the only one who knew where to go. He was thankful that she was here, for if everything had played out the same way without her, he would have gone crashing through the forest, just tiring himself out.
Trixie paused, and everyone halted as one. The thread was more like a rope in this area, meaning something. Her powers began to glow, causing gasps and shocked expressions rippling through the crowd. It was the first time that they all saw her powers, so they were a bit hesitant, but the calmness of the Alphas and the Councilwoman allowed them to quickly refocus on their goal. She looked at her brother, and with a nod, Bruno sprinted forward, his skills activating. Soon he was jumping from tree to tree, yet despite his large frame, not a leaf stirred. The men were amazed, many having questions, and they hoped that his skills were teachable. Bruno scouted ahead, his powers activating. Soon he found what he hoped he would not, for what it meant was not going to be good.
He returned, the slight shake of his head telling Trixie all she needed to know. At her expression, Sam pressed her. She bit her lip, but knew she could not hold back this crucial information. "Alphas, my brother just found the entrance to the other realm. Our realm." At her words, James stepped back while Bradley growled. This was not good, but it would explain a lot. Why the enemy's scent was undetectable, the magic, everything. Cynthia stepped forward, placing a hand on Trixie. "What should we do?" She looked up at the older woman, her eyes gentle even as a fire burned in their depths. "We should move forward before the entryway is completely closed, but we need to move fast. The only thing is I'm not sure if we get in, if we would be able to get out." James stepped forward.
"Trixie, we trust that no matter what, we will find a way back." His hand on her shoulder was reassuring, and with Sam's quick kiss on her temple, she nodded, her back straight. She pulled a book out of her bag. "I thought this might come in handy. Brother," she called, and they both got into position. Bruno stood behind her, hugging her, while she held the book in one hand, the other gesturing in the space before her. Her powers grew, the force rippling through the forest. Soon, a portal, clear as day, opened before them, gasps filling the air. "Okay, we need to move now", was her instruction. James and Bradley looked at each other with a nod. There was no need for words as both of their aim were the same. Take out the threat. James gave the order that at least twenty men should remain outside the border, just in case anyone tried to escape. If so, they should be captured alive if possible.
With that done, the rest of them entered in, the portal seeming to close behind them.
The world they entered in at first appeared like just another forest, except that it was shrouded by a dark sky. It was hard to tell if it was dawn or dusk, no sun visible to give them any time of day or direction. There were traces of magic all over, and a few of the men shivering. The trees looked like they were in pain, and all the shrubs and ferns were dried beneath their feet. Trixie concentrated and soon found the thread she was following. She had Bruno and Sam step forward to relay any command she may give using their hand signals, as she could communicate with the Goldmoon members, but not those from Bloodmoon. Maybe they should have done something about that, but now they all had to make the best of it. They made their way through the trees, carefully observing their surroundings. It felt like they walked for miles, their steps slow and cautious, but it was better than rushing into a fight they had no information on anything. However, their patience paid off, as soon, the smells of a camp or small village were detected.
They paused, hunching down. Sam and Bruno moved forward to get a better look. They reported that it was a small village, mainly women and children, a few men, either injured or old. They decided to go around, not wanting to waste any manpower or risk their presence being known too early. They made their way around, and soon Trixie picked up the thread again. It followed a well-worn path, but they divided themselves into two parts and moved through the trees on either side. Something about the direction they were heading made her and her brother share glances. It was beginning to look familiar: the placement of some of the trees, the bend in the path. Their hunch was confirmed when they came across a particular tree. It was an oak tree that was struck by lightning many years ago, before they were even born, yet despite being split in two, the tree persevered, both sides of the trunk healing and growing, as if nothing had happened. The twins paused, as the truth dawned on them. They know who was behind it, and that was not good news.
Malik gently placed the sack on the desk before his Commander and stepped back, his face neutral. The man leaned forward, bringing the squirming bag closer. He untied the string, and his eyebrows raised in surprise at what he saw. Charles shook his head, getting his bearings before looking up at him and growling. The man laughed, picking Chip up by his scruff, keeping his little paws away from his face, although he doubted that the little one could do anything. "Well, well, well. It seems that my niece's powers are even stronger than I realised. For if her son could shift so young, that shows he has great potential." He studied the pup, his mind racing. He originally thought of killing the child, denying any other bloodline, but now this might actually work in his favour. He thought of how glorious it would be to raise the child himself, poison his mind against his parents and the realm of his birth and when he was big enough, the two ot them could launch an attack, thus expanding their rule. Malik's spine shivered as he saw the schemes taking place in the man's mind as he examined the child as if it were an experiment or just another tool for his twisted use. He clenched his fist behind his back, urging himself to stay strong.
The man looked up a Malik. "You did well, my Second. Gather the troops in front. I'm gonna address them." He dropped Chip back into the bag and tied it. Malik bowed and left, needing to find the witch and update her on this new development, for if the pup was with him, then a direct attack may not work, but he couldn't find her, and he knew that he couldn't wait, so he gave the order for everyone to gather.
The man stepped onto the balcony on the second floor, looking down at his loyal subjects. It didn't matter that they weren't happy to see him. All he cared about was obedience, and fear was a great way to guarantee that. He stood for a moment, letting the tension build. When there were a few shuffles and even more curiosity, he lifted a hand. "Friends," he always started his speeches like this. "Today is going to be a great day. One that we soon won't forget. I have managed to find a weakness in our enemies and hold it in my hand." With that, he took out Chip. There were gasps in the crowd below him, and he just smiled deeper. "Thanks to your Second in Command, we were able to not only acquire this little one, but now their worry and fear and anger will make them reckless, thus ensuring us an easy victory." There were looks of horror and disgust, but Malik stepped forward and barked a command, making everyone regain their composure, but he knew that showing off and braging about capturing a child, a pup, ripping them away from their home and parents just to shift the balance was a low move, and even those who hesitated before in joining his cause, would realise that they had no choice for this madman will stop at nothing to gain the upper hand.
"Now, I want you to get ready, for we will be moving out within the hour, and when we return, those of you who did well will have the opportunity to help me transform the outside world." There was a shout from the men, making the Commander smile, but what he didn't know was that it was a shout stating that everyone was now in agreement with Malik, that this man needed to be eliminated. Before they could even leave, they saw how he tossed the child back into the sack, tied it, before throwing it to someone, barking orders for them to ensure that it could not escape. Chip's whine of pain and fear made many of the men wince, thoughts of just how cruel the man had become filling them with the determination that Malik's plan must succeed.
What they didn't know was that Trixie and her group had surrounded the house, hiding in the woods, just as he did all those years ago, planning their attack while everyone was gathered and distracted. Bradley shifted, so he could go over a plan with James, Sam, Bruno and Trixie. They talked in hushed tones, and soon a plan was formed. Rush them while they were distracted. It was clear that the leader had no idea that his land had been infiltrated, so using the gift of surprise, they could take them. A quick scout showed that they were outnumbered two to one, but seeing Chip, smelling his fear and hearing the cruel laugh made the members of both Bloodmoon and Goldmon burn with the desire for revenge and getting back their little one. With a plan formed, there was no time for a backup plan. With a nod, everyone got into position, waiting five minutes.
The men who were gathered in the dead grass beneath the balcony were still there, their faces shocked and disgusted. There was no real zeal to fight on that madman's behalf, and they all wondered if they could really do this, for who's to say what he was going to do with the other pups in the pack when they attack. Kill them? Sell them as slaves? Many of them thought about the senseless killing, and now the speech of glory doesn't shine so bright anymore.
Trixie and the others could see the hesitation, and the order was given that if anyone surrendered, they should not be killed. With a deep breath, Trixie cast a cloaking spell that would give them fifteen minutes before they were detected. Hopefully, that would be enough time to get into the house and find Chip. Yet as they were about to step out of the woods, the man who was referred to as the Second came out, his face serious, his anger palpable even from where they were hiding. A signal was given, and with a roar, the men stormed the house.