Back at the dome, the rest of the group continued waiting for the others to return. Bridget crossed her legs on the rug, trying to think happy thoughts. Akapin sat on Bridget’s lap to keep her company. Eris sat by the window to stare at the scenery outside. Midoricha tended to the kitchen, also cleaning up a mess he made earlier. Benjamin kept pacing around the house, having trouble staying still.

“Oh man, what’s taking them so long?” Benjamin asked, fidgeting.

“Calm down,” Midoricha assured him from a distance. “It may be a long way to get there, but given our abilities, it shouldn’t take too long.”

“But are you sure it’s safe to let his familiars go with that other pilkon?” Bridget asked, crossing her arms.

“Relax. She’s my familiar, and I trust her,” Eris told her. They should be fine.”

Even through words of encouragement, something still bothered Benjamin to no end. Should he continue waiting for the others to return or leave to find and catch up to his familiars? And if he did go, should he go by himself or convince the rest of the group to go with him?

The sounds of a siren screeched throughout the village. It was faint, but it still got everyone’s attention.

“Oh no, this is bad!” Akapin got up and frantically searched around the area.

“What’s that sound?” Bridget inquired, covering her ears.

“That’s our system sirens,” the pink pilkon explained. Something bad has happened at the castle grounds!”

“That’s where our familiars are heading towards!” Benjamin cried.

“Shoot, as soon as I open my mouth...” Eris muttered under her breath. “Looks like we’re heading out after all. Come on!”

Everyone made a beeline for the staircase. Bridget’s heart nearly dropped, staring at the gigantic line of stairs again. Knowing how long it took them last time, they had a low chance of making it to Perlington Castle in quick succession. With their abilities, the Pilkons could fly to their destination in no time. Bridget and Eris, on the other hand, were short out of luck.

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Eris snapped her fingers, and a lightbulb flickered in her head, having an idea of how to get there in seconds flat. She waved the rod back and forth; tiny stars grew from the wand as they scattered across her and Bridget’s feet. Their bodies lifted into the air, and visions shifted as they flipped upside down and stuck to the bottom of the stairs. Instead of climbing, the two slid upwards, the acceleration and inertia rushing through their bodies. The Pilkons followed them, not far behind. A powerful gust of wind blew in their faces, but they could keep their balance and stay on.

Once they reached the top, Eris cast another spell to reverse the magic as she and Bridget planted their feet on the ground. Bridget landed on her feet; her knees shook as she placed a hand on her chest to calm her pounding heart.

“Are you alright?” Eris walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Yeah, that was amazing,” Bridget replied with a smile as she stood up and brushed her clothes.

The Pilkons caught up afterward and continued their journey.

As the group approached the castle, a large gate stood at the front. Two Pilkons, one grey, and one black, floated around, patrolling the area from the outside. Midoricha, Akapin, and Bridget recognized them right away.

“Halt! Who goes there?” The grey pilkon barked, upon noticing the group. He toned down after getting a better view of the group. “Oh, it’s you guys again.”

“Hey, Gurenji, Aoguro, what gives?” Akapin asked.

“You guys can’t enter,” Gurenji told them.

“Yeah, but why not?”

“Rogue Pilkons have intruded on our homes. Everyone inside is investigating who and where they are. So, for the time being, you can’t enter.”

“But you gotta let us in!” Bridget insisted. “Those ‘rogues’ are our friends; we wanted to know if the Queen was available.”

“What? How do I know you guys aren’t rogues in disguise?” Gurenji inquired, his eyes narrowing.

“Are you serious?” She stormed toward the Pilkon until they met eye to eye. “How can you not recognize us?”

“Well, you still seem abrasive as before.”

“Excuse me?”

“What about you guys?”

“Don’t ignore me!”

“Aoguro?” Akapin floated over to her brother. “You know it’s the real me, right?” Aoguro didn’t respond. “Your favorite colors are pink and black, and your favorite drink is Kiwi Blitz.”

Aoguro’s eyes widened as he looked away from the rest of the group.

“So, it’s true then?” Gurenji murmured under his breath.

“Also, his—”

“We get it; we believe you.”

“Now, can we get a move on?” Benjamin asked.

“Gladly.” Gurenji and Aoguro opened the gates and guided the group inside the castle.