They appeared with a flash and a loud bang in the large royal courtyard of Hav'al Castle. The once-pristine stone courtyard was now half-overtaken by wild greenery — thick vines crawled up marble pillars, colorful wildflowers pushed through cracks in the paving stones, and soft moss carpeted the edges. Only a few ancient statues stood out clean and untouched, gleaming under the bright midday sun.
Dan's eyes immediately landed on the grand statue perched above the massive castle entrance. It was an angel carved from pure white marble, wings spread wide and powerful, holding a spear in one hand and a shield in the other. She stood tall and vigilant, gazing into the distance at something only she could see. The sight made Dan uneasy for some reason — a strange chill ran down his spine. He quickly looked away.
The moment they landed, Lizzy let go of Arthur's arm and doubled over, puking violently onto the stone ground. During the teleport she had subconsciously clung to him, her face now deathly pale, blood-red hair even messier than usual. She wore the same dark shirt, white pants, and black knee-high boots from earlier, now looking slightly rumpled from the trip.
Dan quickly bent beside her, gently patting her back with his small hand. "Mum…"
The tall castle doors swung open with a heavy creak. Flynn stepped out, his silver armor gleaming in the sunlight, blond hair neat, blue eyes calm but sharp. He looked every bit the composed knight.
"My lord, greetings," Flynn said dryly, though his tone carried clear annoyance. "Even though you deserve no courtesy from me at this point. But because of Shula and your son, I'll let you off the hook this time."
He turned to Lizzy, voice softening with worry. "Poor Shula… did he force you into another teleportation spell again?" Flynn stared at her pale, sweaty face, his melodic voice sounding calm yet genuinely concerned.
Lizzy tried to answer but only puked again, knees wobbling.
"And your son, Prince Dan, I presume?" Flynn extended a gloved hand. Dan shook it firmly, looking straight into Flynn's blue eyes. There was something about the knight — tall, muscular, silver armor shining — that instantly made people feel at ease. Dan thought he seemed almost too perfect, like an angel who had mistakenly been made human.
Lizzy finally straightened up with great difficulty, stumbling a few times. Dan quickly supported her until she could stand on her own, still looking shaky in her white pants and dark shirt.
"Flynn, you gotta help me!" she wailed dramatically, sniffing. "Arthur and Dan are after my life! They bullied me into teleporting!"
Arthur bit his lip hard, barely holding back laughter. Dan looked away, pretending to study a nearby vine-covered statue.
"It is what it is," Flynn replied, giving Lizzy a pitiful look at her miserable pale face. "There's nothing I can do about Arthur, I'll admit."
Lizzy shot pure daggers at Arthur with her crimson eyes. He quickly looked away, suddenly very interested in a random plant growing between the courtyard stones.
"Well," Arthur said finally, moving toward the grand castle doors, "shall we head in?" He glanced at his son, trying to read the boy's expression. "Dan, I'm sure you've figured out by now who I am. So you're about to explore your new home… and my workplace."
They started walking toward the massive entrance. Lizzy stayed behind in the overgrown courtyard, arms crossed, still looking a bit pale from the teleport. Flynn took one step forward — the heavy doors swung open silently on their own. Dan and Arthur stepped through. Dan looked back one last time, catching a glimpse of his mum's messy red hair and dark shirt before the doors boomed shut behind them. He wondered what she would do now that she wasn't coming with them.
The inner halls of the castle were bright and spotless, nothing like the plant-infested courtyard outside. Sunlight poured through tall arched windows lined with heavy red curtains, making the polished marble floors gleam. Not a speck of dust anywhere. The ceilings soared high above, supported by enormous stone columns that made Dan feel like a tiny ant. Side passages branched off here and there, but Arthur kept them on the wide main hallway, their footsteps echoing softly.
"Arthur," Flynn began as they walked, "though I should have mentioned it earlier… it slipped my mind with your sudden arrival. It seems we've caught the infamous prodigy of Amag. They're booked in our finest dungeon for now, until you're ready to pass judgment or tell us what to do with them."
"They?" Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Did they catch more than one?"
"Yes. The guards caught them heading toward one of our ministers' domains. They put up quite a fight, but luckily Haki was among the guards, so casualties weren't severe."
"If anything, I pity the members of Amag," Arthur shrugged. "I'm even more surprised they didn't die after running into her."
"According to the report, the prodigy went toe-to-toe with Haki for a while before finally being subdued," Flynn continued.
"The prodigy must be something special to fend off Haki's attacks," Arthur said, patting Dan's shoulder. "Well, change of plans, Dan. Looks like you'll get to witness the court side of my work first." Dan's reddish-orange eyes lit up with pure excitement. Everything he knew about the human castle came from books or stories from Lizzy and Arthur. Now he was actually here, about to see a real court proceeding — he could barely contain himself.
"Well then, Flynn, bring the prisoners to the courtroom. I'll get things ready and join you." Arthur turned to his son. "Dan, come with me. I'll show you our living quarters real quick." He gave the order and set off immediately down the hallway.
Flynn headed off to fetch the prisoners while Arthur and Dan continued marching along. Dan was grinning nonstop, lost in excitement like any other eight-year-old kid, completely oblivious to his own wide smile.
In the courtroom, Arthur placed Dan in a chair right beside him. They both faced the main door, waiting. The room was neat and orderly, with only six people total including them. Dan kept staring around wildly — at the tall tapestries on the walls, the polished wooden benches, the high ceiling carved with intricate patterns. At one point Arthur thought the boy might actually jump up and run around the room.
The courtroom doors suddenly swung open with a loud bang. The sound of heavy chains clanking filled the air. A man shuffled in, looking like he had been dipped in hot oil — his back bent in an almost impossible crooked position, only a few thin strands of hair left on his head. His face matched his ruined body: wrinkled, scarred, with a long white beard so tangled it looked like a bird's nest. Heavy chains bound him from neck to ankles. Flynn led him to the center of the room.
Beside the man walked a small figure also in chains, though hers were lighter and less restrictive. She had long, flowing white hair that reached almost to her knees, completely covering her eyes. From what Dan could see, she looked about his age, maybe a little older. She wore simple, dirty traveler's clothes — a faded gray tunic and worn brown pants — that hung loosely on her small frame.
"Dad… Dad…" Dan whispered urgently, tugging Arthur's sleeve. Arthur turned. "Can I go play with her? I've never seen a kid my age before, and this is gonna be really boring for me."
Arthur looked at his son like he was crazy for a second. Then he thought the little girl probably wasn't dangerous — she must have just gotten caught up in the mess by accident. "Flynn," Arthur called. "Take Dan and that girl to the royal chambers. Show Dan his room and watch over them. I'll join you once we're done here."
Flynn looked like he was about to protest, but he got distracted when Dan suddenly appeared right in front of the girl. The knight blinked in surprise — he hadn't even seen the boy move.
Flynn looked at Arthur one more time and understood immediately, he's being sent with them and if the girl is dangerous he'd be able to handle her, so he's some sort of guard and guide, he nodded to the kind an proceeded to take the kids out, the old man stared at them as they left the hall as a group. As soon as the courtroom door was shut they were about to set out when Dan called Flynn's attention.
Umm..Me Flynn? He turned around to face Dan.
What's the matter, he asked.
She's still in chains Dan pointed out. Flynn stood for a while then decided to remove it... with movement that was too fast for Dan's eyes to follow the chains and cuffs around her arms and legs were split in two and fell cleanly off her arms. The girl didn't move and just stood as if frozen in place. Dan looked at her but before he could say something Flynn interrupted.
Well now that that's settled we should be on our way, as he said this he started walking taking the lead leaving the kids to trail behind him. He was carful to walk in a controlled speed to enable them keep up. After walking for about ten minutes and twisting and curving around the castle, Flynn showed them some shortcuts by the way. They finally arrived at an almost isolated place that seems in a different but same place as the castle.
Oh cause of the urgency I forgot to send people to bring your things,Flynn said holding his head, damn. Well I can do that later they're clothes here anyways. Well let's go Flynn said and started walking, Dan followed him without thinking and felt something cold past him, he turned back and it suddenly seemed the castle was far away he stepped back and realized they crossed a barrier of some sort. During his time reading he had managed to get hold of some magic books and studied up on some spells but have never tried any. He knew by instinct that his mother would know Instantly
If he tried or used magic.
You're curious about the barrier right, Flynn asked looking at the excited look on Dan's face. Only under my permission and that of the kind and queen can anyone pass through this barrier and now that you two have passed through you've been registered as occupients and can pass anytime, it's a handy little barrier your dad set up and I must say it's pretty useful.
The door leading to their new home was massive but not out of the ordinary, Dan knew his parents don't like overly flashy things and didn't expect such. Flynn opened the door and the smell of a newly built home welcomed them, it was identical in a way to their house in the woods just bigger way bigger and the wood seems high quality Dan noted. They took a spiral staircase that led to different part of the house, Dan wondered how it was built then they came across a door it strangely resembles Dan's room door back at the cab. Without waiting for Flynn he opened the door and dashed in, it was just like his old room but like the house it was significantly bigger with a four-poster bed in the far corner of the room.
This would be your sleeping quarters young master, Flynn said I'm sure they layout is familiar and you'd be able to find your way around. They're clothes in the cupboard but I doubt they'll be your size well anyways that's it for now. I'd leave you guys be I've got to bring you guys belongings after all. You guys stay here for the time being as he left the room he tapped the girl on the shoulder she didn't react. He left and closed the door behind him.
Dan jumped on the bed then lay down registering the silence that met him after Flynn left. He looked at the girl and called
Hey! Why don't you speak, he approached her and lifter her hair of her face there beneath there hair where eyes of deep purple, she was human as far as Dan could tell.
And here I was thinking you were blind or something, also why is your hair so long, he said suddenly shifting his attention from her face to her hair, it pretty tho, you've got a long white hair and purple eyes to match. I know you're supposed to be some kind of girl caught up in political mess but I still don't understand why you were in chains you don't seem that dangerous.
What's your name? Dan asked how may I address you.
I go by number 1, she responded. Dan was shocked and took steps back. Her sudden reply has caught him of guard, he hadn't expected her to reply at all, also her voice were that of a kid but it had the edginess of a grown woman. Then again Dan couldn't tell cause she's the second girl he's seen apart from his mother so far.
Your voice is wierd, Dan stated, also who names their kids numbers, I've read books and I've seen really good names but not numbers before. Well I guess everyone is different. Since Mr Flynn isn't here why don't we explore the castle together? I learnt the layout to find our way back here Incase need be also your clothes don't look so good you can't bathe yet cause my mum isn't back yet but you can at least change your clothes. What are you putting on anyways is this sack Dan touched the fabric to confirm, oh it is sack. I didn't know people wear that he said deep in thought . Well over there is the cupboard for my clothes but since mine is somewhere else you'll just have to wear the once Flynn said is in there, don't worry I'll be outside the door waiting once you're done changing clothes we can go on. As he said this he went out the door and closed it.
At first Dan sat outside the door then the house seem to pick his Interest as he suddenly stood up and started looking around. He thought he shouldn't leave the girl alone but curiosity got the better of him. They were so many more rooms than they were in their previous house and he wanted to see what's In them all. He ran to the next door near his room and opened it, it was normal as far as his eyes could tell, he closed it and proceeded to the next one he had finished exploring all the rooms in sight when he heard a door close apart from the one he just came out from. He looked down the hall way and there the girl was in a white shirt and black short that look like it would fit a sixteen year old boy perfectly. Whoa your hair make it difficult to tell where the shirt begins yelled Dan from the other end of the hallway. Come on, I found something Interesting in the last room, hurry up or I'm leaving without you Dan yelled as he dashed back into the room, Dan was thrilled when he found out she was behind him just seconds after he had called and dashed in the room.
Wow you're fast it'll take me about twenty five seconds to get here if I start running from the other end of the hall but you covered it In no time, If I were as fast as you I'm sure I'd be able to beat mum in a race, Dan said smiling, well that saves more time come here he said as he bent down near one of the walls put his hands under and pulled, he tried pulling but it just wouldn't budge, what ever he was trying to do wasn't working.
Hey help me, there's a hidden door here he called out to the girl who crouched besides him but hadn't tried offering any assistance. She put her hands under the wall dan was trying to pull and gave it a pull, it gave almost instantly and opened, Dan was thrilled.
Thanks I didn't know how I would have been able to opened that had I been here by myself he said wiping sweat beads from his forehead with his shirt sleve. Dan looked in and noticed the small passage sloped down in a slide like manner. I wonder it leads? Since since it's in our house I doubt it's a trap, and why would a trap be in a wall and so hard to open. It gotta be so a secret room of some sort ,Dan said deep in thought.
I'm going in. Afterwards you can come after me, without waiting for her reply Dan scurried In the hole and slid down.
Dan didn't know how long he slid for but it was an awfully long time at the exit of the supposed tunnel he was greeted with a blinding light and a really big grass field. He got up from the place he landed and walked around apart from the hole he came from everything was normal and the hole looked like it floated of the group by a few feet, then it strucked him she has not come down, he looked in the hole only to be greeted by a blow to the face, it was a foolish thing to do Dan rolled in the ground In pain as no 1 stood up.
Why did I have to look in the hole, also couldn't you have told me you were coming down, said Dan admist groans. Apparently No 1 had collided with Dan's face while sliding down into the room Dan found.
Dan stood up looked at her and said.
What do you think we've found a really nice secret room don't you think. Wanna check how far it goes Dan said dashing immediately no 1 followed him it was obvious to anyone that's if anyone was with them that she was trying no not overtake him and keep him in the lead. They ran for a while and Dan exhausted collapsed in the field no 1 came up beside him but didn't lie down on the grass like him, she just stood over him looking at him with her cold purple eyes .
I think I'm too weak for this, Dan said gasping for air. I think we should go back he suggested as he got up and started making his way back the hole.
From the look of things it's just a vast green land once we have enough free time again we can always come back, let's go. When they got to the hole it finally dawned on Dan. How do you climb a Slide?he thought. Are we trapped?
Um sorry, no 1 I think I might have gotten us trapped here, Dan said nervously scratching his head. Now how do we he'd back. And I don't know anyway of communication with Dad or Flynn and mum isn't even here.
Maybe if we wait long enough they'll find us, Dan suggested to himself. Then thought what if this place is really secluded and we can't be found?. He said pacing around in a somewhat controlled panic.
Any ideas no 1, Dan said looking at her.
Take of your jacket she said Indifferently. Dan was confused at first but obeyed. She took the jacket and tied a part of it around her waist she then proceeded to tie the other part on Dan's waist.
I'll climb up the hole and you'll follow from behind she said. It's gonna be slippery so I'll go as slow as possible you on the other hand should try to keep up... I'll try pulling you when possible. With that she climbed in the hole with Dan on her heels, she felt the Internal surface and started crawling slowly through the hole, she was careful not to move too fast so as not to cause Dan to slip. The slide was slippery but you couldn't really call it the best slide in the world since it's mostly likely built for an escape rather than fun seeing as it's made from concrete. They had been crawling for about a minute the slope became harder to climb, there was a bang Dan had slipped and almost dragged no 1 with him back down the slope, she quickly placed her hands and feet on the end of each walls and held them in place long enough for Dan to get back on all fours.
Thanks he, muttered nervously. I'd have dragged up back down if not for you. No 1 didn't respond she carefully placed her feet back on the slope, Dan noted that her feet and movements make little or no sound at all. They started crawling again No 1 was half pulling Dan at this point without him realizing it took about another two minutes before they could spot ten end of the tunnel. No 1 crossed it first and proceeded to pull Dan out of it. Dan clambered out of the hold with sweat beads visible all over his face. Dan law down on the wooden floor trying to catch his breath.
Come.. on! He said admist deep breath how come you're not tired? It's unfair. I should get you to race mum sometime. He loosened the jacket fastened on his waist and from no 1 too.
Let's go back to the room before Flynn comes back immediately Dan opened the door he was taken aback, he had never seen his mother look like that. Her eyes had a glow that suggest she had been using magic, she looked exhausted and somehow worried, Dan noted it had something to do with him and his adventure. Before he could speak she started.
Do you know how I felt when you disappeared? She asked. Dan looked down unable to look at her in the face. I almost died of an heart attack when I couldn't sense you anymore. I had to make a trip back to check if you were ok and when I got to the castle I still couldn't sense you, do you know you've been gone for six hours it's almost nighttime.
No we've only been gone for about thirty minutes, Dan tried to defend themselves.
Lizzy looked as though she had just seen the girl for the first time.
She sighed,' well next time you're going on an adventure would you be kind enough to take me with you, she smiled sweetly. You can't have all the fun without your mum you know. So what was in that hole she continued crouching down the entrance of the slide.
You wouldn't believe it Dan said, filled with excitement it was like a whole new world made of grass with no end in sight. We tried looking of an end but I got tired then decided to go back only to realize we could climb a slope, sorry I meant I couldn't really climb a slope but no 1 here did. She's the only reason I could have gone out.
That's nice, Lizzy said smiling thanks no 1 for putting up with my son's silliness how about we go there again tomorrow, Lizzy suggest I'm sure it'll be fun. Also where's Flynn I thought Arthur said he'll be with you guys.
I don't know, replied Dan he said he was gonna get our stuff but we haven't heard from him since.
I'm sure it's alright if anything I'm sure he left you guys alone to have fun. Come let's get you to your room, Lizzy suggested getting up. Go take your bath I'm sure the bath it's still In the same place like your old room, I'll freshen this little girl up and we can go explore the market place together ok.
Kk, Dan responded and excitedly burst out the room and ran back to him room, Lizzy could hear him crash with one of the vase in the hallway, she smiled and took no 1 hand well let's go to my room now shall we I need to get you freshened up.
Damn.. your hair is one piece of work, Lizzy said trying to was no 1 hair with great difficulty, you've got moulds in your scalp and it's gonna take a while to get them all off, why would you leave your hair to get this dirty, also you've got a smooth skin but what's with the scar on your back it's massive and it's taking up the most portions of your back, Lizzy continued as she scrubbed the girl all over. I'd assume it's an injury cause I know it's one but how can someone so young survive something so massive. Lizzy felt the girls back and felt her twitch.
Oh sorry, Lizzy withdrew her hand immediately, I didn't know it still hurts. Also I know I've said it before but thanks again for helping my son get out of the hole. No 1 nodded slightly but it didn't escape Lizzy's eyes.
I'm just gonna go straight to the point, I know who you are and your organization, Lizzy said finally getting rid of the mould she has been struggling to remove. At this words the girl twitched noticably, don't worry, Lizzy said parting the hair that had fallen on the girl's face and with the little wooden bowl beside her drenched her hair with warm water.
I'm sure you think the masters in your organization would come get you, now the girls vibrations were unable to be hidden.
Don't worry Lizzy said, patting her on the head, and smiling as if the situation wasn't dangerous. I'll assure you as long as your in this castle or with me you can consider yourself free for what's it's worth for you. I'm not gonna cut your hair from what I could tell Dan seems to like your hair of course I do to..but you'll have lots of maintaining to do got it.
Lizzy dried the girl up with a towel and they both got of the bathroom together.
Which do you prefer pants or skirts, Lizzy suggested as she went to her cupboard, nevermind you seem like someone who values pants or maybe I'm wrong tho.
Before long Lizzy tied the girls hair in a neat pony tail and parted the once that fell on her face to the side. She stepped back to look at the girl dresses in long black pants a boots that swallowed her feet's and an equally black top that complimented her hair perfectly.
You really are a doll aren't you, Lizzy said smiling to herself in satisfaction. And Arthur said I didn't have any taste in fashion. If only he could see you right now. Also let me tell you something so you don't ruin our night out with this silent treatment you've been doing all this time. Even if the whole of Amag were to try getting you if even me, Flynn or Arthur is there it's a sound promise they wouldn't even be able to get within ten feet of us, so don't worry and just have fun tonight ok ...
At these words the girl looked up at lizzy's face, Lizzy smiled brightly flashing her set of sharp teeths.
She's not lying no 1 thought, I can tell she's strong immensely strong, I don't even know why such a strong entity is with the humans. But she's too trusting would she be able to protect me and Dan in a crowed street was No 1 thought. Other than that no 1 was sure that if this dragon had known where the organization hideout was she could by herself wipe them out including all the masters. She one of the only people the organization couldn't keep tabs on and avoided any missions where she would be around now she knows why.
Also Dan's a bit of a silly kid so when or if I'm not around you'll have to put up with his silliness for me ok. Lizzy continued. Well let's go I'm sure Dan's getting inpatient waiting for us and surely no sooner had they come out of the room Dan came running towards them he jumped on Lizzy and she grabbed him.
What's wrong with you? she asked laughing.
No 1 you're so pretty, Dan called out from his mother's arm. No 1 nodded im acknowledgement.
Well enough let's head out, there's supposed to be some kind of festival in the streets today it's gonna be really busy so you guys should better stick close to me ok.
Dan confirmed with an energetic nod. As they set of.