14 Chapter 14- Arrival (2/2)

Dubs walked down the stairs and bowed to thank Ivan. ”I'll do what I can to minimize the damage he causes, and I thank you for assisting me in this.”

”Raise your head, Dubs. Were resistance members. We may have a hierarchy, but we don't belittle our lower level members. Every one of us is willing to sacrifice for the sake of the resistance, and no member here holds any more worth than another.”, Ivan proudly proclaimed

Dubs raised his head and walked over to the table. Lilith, who was shaking from fear drew herself back. ”I.. I'm sorry Dubs. I don't know what I saw last night, but it was beyond my imagination. I can't bring myself to be comfortable around you...” Lilith shyly admitted.

Dubs nodded and spoke. ”I understand how you feel. I too was terrified when I first awoke to see that the entire lab had been destroyed, and I wondered what kind of monster could have done it. When I found out it was myself, I didn't even know what to think anymore. Eventually, I stopped concerning myself with him, but now that I have comrades lives on the line I will do everything I can to control him. Rest easy though for now, as my other self will only emerge when at night.”

Lilith, unconvincingly mumbled ”mhm” and Dubs began to eat his breakfast.

It looked like this was not something that could be solved so easily.

After the team had finished eating, Reagan came downstairs. ”Look at you, all nice and ready to set out, Dubs! I had a whole lot of fun gathering data on you last night. Do you really have to leave so soon? I wouldn't mind keeping you here for a little while longer.” Reagan eagerly offered.

Ivan stopped her before Dubs could respond. ”No, we have duties to attend to back in Lardis. As beneficial as it may be for him to stay here to gather data, I won't have time to travel back here when you've finished up your experiments. Since Dubs is not able to control any magic, he obviously cannot travel to Lardis alone, however when I have trained him sufficiently if he wishes I will send him here to try to deal with his other self in an environment that is sufficiently stable. Make preparations for that day, and try to build a lab that his other self wont destroy in the meantime, alright?”

Reagan put on a dissapointed expression at first, and agreed. ”Fiiiine. I'll make preparations in the meantime. Goodbye Dubs, I cant wait for you to come back!”

Reagan gave Dubs a hug and Dubs stayed perfectly still. He didn't trust this woman, but he agreed that she might be able to help him overcome this challenge.

Dubs slowly brought his arms to hug her and then let go, ready to depart.

Clark and Lilith stood up from their seats and headed towards the exit.

Ivan gave Reagan a stare and demanded ”Return the crows.”

Reagan let out an annoyed sigh, and with a wave of her hand a flock of the red eyed crows flew in through the windows, causing a ruckus withing the house. Each one had a different colored aura surrounding its feet, and as they came close to Reagan they merged into her body.

”You're no fun as always Ivan.”, Reagan complained

”Ivan turned towards Dubs and Lilith. ”Those crows are her surveillance crew, and they are the ones who planted the traps that surround the manor. We won't have to deal with those on the way out.”

Dubs took off the glasses that had allowed him to see the manor and gave them back to Ivan, who put them away within his jacket. The manor remained visible, as he was still within it.

The four of them exited the door and waved goodbye to Reagan. After exiting the gate, the manor vanished before Dubs eyes.

Ivan addressed Dubs once more. ”When you learn to control your magic you will be able to direct it to your eyes so that you can see through the barriers and stealth techniques that are typically used. I'll teach you these things in due time, but for now we head back to the base. Lets set out.”

Ivan took the lead once again and the three followed in suit. After a few hours of sledging through the swamp they came upon a forest region.

Oak trees spread across the horizon, and there seemed to be only a few gaps between them to walk.

”It will get a little bumpy from here, but we are soon to arrive at the entrance of Lardis.” Ivan claimed.

Mushrooms sprouted from the roots of the trees of all different colors. Dubs and the party climbed over the thick roots and marched their way through the forest slowly.

Brushing through a patch of bushes, a stone tower appeared in front of Dubs, with a metal door and a few guards standing by.

”Alright then. Now you two, stay quiet and play along with what I say. We can't afford to attract any attention here.” Ivan stated.

Dubs and Lilith nodded and Ivan began to lead the party towards the guards.