A/N: This is the 2nd story in my Serenai series. So if you haven't read the first one, I just suggest you read it here:
http://www.menewsha.com/forum/art/li...y-romance.html

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Ch. 1 Rebuilding and New Additions

War and battles always left their mark in places and in people. But even after times of destruction and fear, light always seemed to shine even at its darkest. Such a time had occurred on the planet Serenai. But peace was restored thanked to the efforts of all. However, the world was still scarred and the healing process took time. It has now been a year since the downfall of Zeather and rebuilding was still taking place. But the citizens didn’t mind for at least life and love flourished. Homes and buildings could been rebuilt. Even the rulers landed a hand, especially unicorns. Their leader, Queen Pristine, also known as the Child of Light, had been an inspiration to all, especially after all she’d been through. The people were especially thrilled when they learned that she and her mate, King Lance, were expecting their first child. Pristine was due any day now. Also, her good friend, Princess Ophealia of Grom, was also 6 months pregnant. Right now, they along with all of their friends, were finishing building a house in the Forest of Fotain. Well, Pristine and Ophealia were ‘forced’ to take it easy cause both of their husbands were on pins and needles with worry. They only complied cause in truth they were tired and they wanted to ease their husband’s nerves.

“Really Lance I am okay. I am sitting down in this lovely chair and taking it easy.” Pristine said, her clear blue eyes laughing, and grinned sweetly at Lance who’s shirtless cause it was a warm day and they were working outside.

“Okay honey. You sure you’re in no pain?” asked Lance looking unsatisfied, his blonde hair looking all wild.

“No Lance. Now get back to work. That’s a royal order. Slycer and the others can’t finish that house on their own.”

“Yes your majesty!” Lance winked with one of his gray-blue eyes and grinned before going back to work.

Pristine sighed and ran a hand through her platinum blonde hair before turning to Ophealia, who was looking bored and agitated. While Ophealia would had disagreed, Pristine had thought that being pregnant had enhanced her beauty. Mostly because Ophealia worked harder to make sure she looked ‘decent’. Well, while it was her fiery red hair and golden eyes that initially drew in her husband, Grayson, it’d been her heart and soul that captured him. Pristine saw it every time they looked at each other. At the moment, Grayson was panting the new home. While Grayson might not had been as physically built as his older brother Lance, the man was still quite handsome with the same eyes as Lance and brown hair with blonde highlights. Others were helping them, including Pristine’s court, several of Lance’s outlaw gang, who were now part of his own personal honor guards, some dragons, and elves. They were rebuilding a fellow friends’ house who was an elf named Pixie. Pixie had insisted that they build all the other elves’ houses first before coming to hers.

“My! I am impressed with all the work you’ve guys done.” replied Pixie as she came up.

Pixie had been off helping rebuilt elsewhere. Pixie wasn’t often amazed but she was now with her pink eyes opened wide and her green and pink hair pulled up in a messy bun. In the past year, Pixie had grown several inches as well so she was almost Pristine’s height.

“It’s been our pleasure Pixie. You’ve contributed a lot to your people. I am not surprised that they did make you their leader.” smiled Allora, Pixie’s best friend, who was also a water unicorn in Pristine’s court.

“Thanks Allora.” “I know I’ve told you this before Pixie, but I simply love this forest you live in. If I didn’t love my home so much I’d move here.” grinned Joyce who had paint all over her, but it seemed to suit her.

Pixie giggled, “That’s probably because you’re an earth unicorn Joyce.”

“All right now you girls. Get back over here and help.” ordered Slycer, a golden dragon who was Pristine’s personal guard and leader of the dragons.

“Yes Slycer.” sighed Joyce glumly.

In truth she loved to work, she just liked to give Slycer a hard time. When Joyce had seen the extent of the damage done by Zeather, she felt an anger inside of her as well as determination. Earth unicorns didn’t had tempers for they were a solid and dependable as earth itself. But once angered though, they were a force to be reckoned with and had a way to channel all that energy into something strong. Not to mention that they were very stubborn.

“Okay, I think we could take a break now guys.” replied Slycer.

“Thank goodness. My back was killing me.” complained Grayson.

“Quit you’re complaining Grayson. You’re wife there is carrying more than you were.” replied Fanesse, another one of Pristine’s court with scarlet red hair and green eyes.

Fanesse often teased Grayson for the two were always at odds. Normally Grayson was patient but Fanesse seemed to bring out his snappy side.

“Hey I did more work than you.”

“Cut it out the both of you.” ordered Grace, who made a habit of giving orders and speaking her mind.

Pristine giggled before saying, “Grace, they’re just tired and edgy.”

“True Pristine, but we all are and they both should know better.”

“I think we all just need something to eat now. It’s such a lovely day to eat outside.” sighed Joyce.

Joyce might had seemed content, but inside her heart, it was a different story. But she didn’t want to spoiled anything or worried her cousin Pristine, who was an excellent judge of sensing someone’s inner feelings. Joyce and Pristine were first cousins for their fathers were actually twins. Pristine’s father, King Elios was first before her own father, Duke Apollo was born. Joyce was just as close to her father as Pristine was to hers, but had suddenly vanished when Joyce was only 100 years or 8 in human years. No one had any idea where he was. Joyce was finishing cleaning up when she suddenly felt something. Like all unicorns, Joyce had psychic abilities, but her specialty was her hearing for it was highly sensitive so she heard things most people couldn’t. What Joyce heard this time was Pristine’s contractions. They had just started. She turned sharply at her cousin.

Pristine, knowing her cousin knew she was in labor, assured her telepathically, "I’ve only just started cousin. It’ll be hours before they enter this world."

Joyce, Pristine, and only a few others knew Pristine was expecting twins. Joyce had found out when she heard two heartbeats beat. She was actually the first to find out and told Pristine cause carrying twins was harder than one. Only Inion, Drackor, Slycer, and the rest of Pristine’s court knew for they wanted to surprise the others, especially Lance.

Joyce nodded at Pristine, "All right, but I still think we should tell Fanesse, Grace, Allora, and Drackor at least"

"I’ve already done that cousin. Now let’s see how long I can keep this from everyone else. These contractions are a little discomforting"

"They’ll only get worse Pristine. My sister said that the best thing to do was stay calm and focus", added in Allora, referring to her older sister who had two kids already.

"And you can leave Lance to us sugar", Fanesse grinned at her.

"You just concentrate on yourself and take it one step at a time", encouraged Grace, who grinned at her as well.

Pristine smiled at her court. Even if they all had their differences, they still were a team.


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After they ate lunch, they all traveled north to the Kingdom of Grom which wasn’t too far away from the Forest of Fotain. It only took them an hour of flying. Even though Pristine could fly, she didn’t for the past two months for flying became too arduous. So at the moment she was riding on Slycer. Pristine did her best to hide her contractions for over 3 hours. Pristine had thought it would took over 12 hours before her water broke, but to her surprise, the contractions were becoming more often. Pristine had heard that her birth wasn’t slow either so it looked like she was going to have a fast one too. Pristine was still trying to ignore the pain of a contraction when she felt her water breaking. Obviously, Slycer felt it too. They were going to land soon though. Slycer craned his head a bit and frowned at Pristine, who simply grinned.

"Why didn’t you tell me you were in labor, your majesty?", Slycer asked her telepathically.

"Cause I thought it be hours before I’d give birth. And I didn’t want to worry anyone. Drackor was meeting us at Grom Castle though as well as the doctor and midwife", Pristine replied.

"All right. I’ll land as gently as I can. You should tell King Lance soon as well as the others. Everyone will want to be here"

"I will Slycer."

Pristine finally opened herself up more before turning to Lance, who was flying right next to Slycer.

“Lance, sorry to tell you this now but, my water just broke.”

“I know Pristine.” replied Lance calmly.

“You did?”

“Yes love. Did you really think you could hide that from me? You might be able to hide your pain from others, but not from me. I will admit that I was about to loose it, but I didn’t want to act like a fussy colt. I am not upset with you either. Don’t forget we’re soul mates.”

Lance smiled at Pristine before Ophealia shouted, “Why didn’t you tell us your were in labor?!! Hurry! Let’s land!!”

“Calm down your highness.” replied Slycer’s cousin, Xack, who’s carrying her.

Pristine nodded before contacting Drackor to spread the word for she knew everyone would want to see this.

By the time Pristine was settled in a room, word has already spread and Drackor had opened up portals for all the citizens to arrive at Grom castle. And was there a crowd. The rest of Pristine’s friends had also arrived and were waiting outside the room. The only ones in the birthing room were Lance, Drackor, the doctor, and the midwife. Both the doctor and the midwife were unicorns. The doctor was the same person who brought Pristine out and the midwife was a distant cousin of Allora’s. Pristine was pushing now. The pain was phenomenal but she staid focused. She was awfully glad Lance was their who was holding her hand and one of her legs up. The midwife was holding her other leg up and rubbing her back. Drackor was standing next to the doctor.

“I can see the head your majesty. And it has a lot of silver hair.” grinned the doctor.

Pristine nodded when the next contraction hit. She screamed and pushed. It only took four more pushes before . . . .

“A boy. It’s a boy.” replied the doctor.

“A boy? Oh wow.” signed Pristine as the doctor separated them.

“A son? We have a son?” stared Lance in awe.

The babe wailed as he took his first breathes. Pristine couldn’t help but cry too, but didn’t had time to relax as she felt her contractions begin again. Everyone else was surprised, except for Pristine and Drackor. Without thinking, the midwife ran out of the room. Everyone else stood as she came into out.

“We need another pair of hands. Joyce can you come help please?” she asked.

“Yes ma’am.” replied Joyce as she hurried after her.

Joyce entered in time to hear Lance said, “Pristine? You knew you were having two didn’t you?”

Pristine laughed and nodded. Joyce laughed as well before finding herself holding Pristine’s cleaned newborn son while everyone else worked to get Pristine’s second child out. It wasn’t long before it came out for it practically shot out of her with one push.

“And it’s a girl. You have one of each Queen Pristine.” laughed the doctor before separating the two and giving it to the midwife to clean.

Pristine laughed, but barely for she was tired. Joyce brought her son over and handed it to Lance. Soon the midwife brought over their daughter, who had curly white and gold hair and placed her carefully in Pristine’s arms.

“They’re beautiful aren’t they Lance?” grinned Pristine, who’s still crying with joy.

“Just like their mother.” smiled Lance before leaning down and kissing her.

While they kissed, Drackor went over to Joyce and said, “Come Lady Joyce. Let’s tell the others.”

Joyce, who’s crying too, nodded and followed him. Everyone stood up again when the two came out.

“Well what is it?” asked Ophealia impatiently.

“A boy and a girl.” replied Joyce.

“Two? You mean twins?!” gasped Kyra, who was Pristine’s best human friend.

“Yes, we don’t know the names yet but we will soon enough.” replied Drackor.

They soon heard the crowd erupting outside. Lance had taken the twins out a set of double doors from the room onto a ledge and showed them to the onlookers before shouting their names. Joyce was able to hear him.

“I heard him. The boy’s name is Orion and the girl’s name was Arysa.” replied Joyce.

“Man, I am an uncle.” replied Grayson before fainting.

“Oh dear! If he acts this way now, imagine how he’ll act when you have your babe, Ophealia.” giggled Pixie as she and others tried to revive him.

Soon the doctor and midwife came out.
“You may come in to see them now. Just not to many.” instructed the midwife.

They all nodded. Pristine’s court came in first.
“Oh look at them. They’re so cute.” smiled Allora. Pristine had Orion and Lance was holding Arysa when let Allora held her.

Joyce smiled. She hoped someday she had kids. She also knew who she wanted to be the father too, but he was missing as well. Pristine looked at her cousin and was able to sense her sadness this time.

“Cousin what troubles you?” she asked out loud.

The others turn toward Joyce. Joyce sighed.

“I’ll tell you later, I promise.” she said.

“All right. Girls, distract her until then okay?”

“You can count on it. Come on Joyce!” replied Fanesse before pushing Joyce out the door with Grace and Allora following.

Pristine smiled before telling Lance telepathically,"I wish Joyce wouldn’t hide her feelings so much."

"She didn’t want you to worry love. Don’t think about it just now okay? She said she’d tell you later and you need your strength for the rest of your visitors", Lance smiled at Pristine.

Pristine nodded. Today was a good day, but something told her that despite all these everyday miracles, something was going to happen and it involved her cousin. She just wondered if Joyce felt it too.

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A/N: You can tell who the story focuses on, but on this first chapter I did focus on Pristine more.

she had twins that is so amazing. i feel like crying. i see this is going to be a good story too.

A/N: Hehe yeah. Well from this point on I'll be focusing more on Joyce hehe. Here's the first part of Ch. 2.

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Ch.2 Joyce’s Broken Heart

“Really girls, there’s no need to distract me.” replied Joyce as the rest of Pristine’s court led her to the Macory Forest that was located in between the Unicorn Kingdom and the Mountains of Eternity. They had used a portal that was still open near Grom Castle.

“Oh there’s every need. Pristine is going to put you on the spot soon and you need to relax and have fun.” replied Fanesse.

Joyce sighed and gave up. In truth, she welcomed the distraction. She also knew why there were in this forest because Joyce loved to climb the trees here. They were still in the working clothes that had worn when they were working on earlier that day.

“Okay Joyce, start climbing and we’ll be right behind you.” ordered Grace.

“Yes mother.” laughed Joyce before levitating herself up to the first branch, which happened to be 15 feet about them.

As she and the others started to climb, Joyce looked around and talked to several of the animals living in the tree. There was a red squirrel that was gathering nuts for the winter. In fact, it was late fall, but it was unusually warm today. Since Joyce was the best climber, it only took her 40 minutes to reach the highest point she could make for it was still 10 more feet to the top. Any higher and the branches would broke. Joyce sat down and waited for her friends to make up it. While waiting, she looked around at her surroundings and sighed. She was high enough to where she could see the landscape. One reason why she and her friends climbed this particular tree was because it was the tallest in the forest. It was another 10 minutes before the rest got up there.

“Boy Joyce, you are fast.” sighed Allora, who’s out of breath.

“Well, you did insist we do this Allora.” laughed Joyce as Allora let down her blue hair from the bun it was in.

“Oh I am not complaining.”

“Yes you are. Just admit you’re tired.”

“All right, I admit it.” giggled Allora.

The wind gently blew and the unicorns sighed.

“I love this.” commented Grace.

“Yes. It has been a long and interesting day. We’ve really come full circle.” added Allora.

“It’s almost become too peaceful. I almost expect something to happen.” replied Joyce.

“Sheesh, Joyce, way to ruin the mood.” grumbled Fanesse.

“Well, I just get this feeling that something else is going to happen. I don’t know why but I can’t shake it.”

“We will just have to wait and see Joyce. There’s no use worrying over it if you can’t do anything about it.” replied Allora.

Allora was always the voice of reason in the group and the most maternal. Joyce thought she’d make a great mate and mother when her time came, if ever.

“You’re right Allora. I shall try.”

“The sun is setting. We should check on Pristine.” suggested Grace.

“Yes, and I am getting hungry again. I hope that portal is still open or we’ll have to spend the night somewhere.” agreed Fanesse.

“If that happens, we’ll check on Pristine telepathically.”

Unfortunately by the time they did get back to the castle, the portals were closed. And both Inion and Drackor were still in Grom. Drackor would had open up another one but since he opened so many in such a short time, he used a lot of power. Even great wizards like Drackor had his limits. The girls did manage to telepathically talk to him though. He assured them that Pristine and the twins were okay just resting for they just ate.

You girls can see her tomorrow okay? I am sorry about the portals. Drackor told them.

It’s all right Drackor. We’ll see you guys tomorrow. We’ll just stay here at the castle for the night. replied Grace before closing the link.

“Man! That stinks!” grumbled Fanesse.

“It can’t be helped Fanesse. The portals only stay open for a length of time and opening just one portal requires some energy. Besides, Drackor isn’t as young as he use to be.” commented Allora.

“True. Let’s get ready for girls.” suggested Grace.

They agreed and headed to their quarters that were not too far away from the rulers’ chamber. Joyce entered her room and ranged for her maid to prepare her bath. She was smelly and still covered with dried paint. Joyce’s room was a large space filled with earthly tones. What made Joyce’s room unique was the room looked like a forest and it was a circular room. Even her tub was made out of polished wood. Joyce’s maid had arrived a minute later to help get her tub ready as Joyce undressed. Joyce looked around her room. One of her shelves was a framed picture. Joyce couldn’t help but get a bit teary as she walked up to it. It was a picture of her when she was 15 in human years and several others. At the time she was on a Nukoball team. On Serenai, there grew a nut so big it was the size of a head and it was too hard to get into, so several people decided to create a game out of it. The object was to kick the nut around and into either one of two goals posted on two sides of the field. There was two teams competing. The first to score 15 points won. The game became so competitive that several games were all day events. And while the game was open to both genders, mostly males did it. In the picture, Joyce and her team were posing. She and Fanesse were the only girls on the team of 12. But what made Joyce cried was the man standing right behind her for she and Fanesse were kneeling down. The man was an earth unicorn like her and had dark brown hair with shades of dark green mixed in. His hair was long at the time and was even longer than Joyce’s so it was tied back. He looked serious, and always did in the portraits with him in it. He wasn’t want you would call hansom, but his angular features were striking and made him unique. The man had a muscular build but wasn’t as buff as Slycer and Lance. He was tall though, even for his age for at the time he was almost 6 feet. Last time Joyce saw him he was 6’4”. His eyes were dark brown, so dark that they were almost black. And his name was Darson. He was only 5 years older than Joyce in human years. Joyce was youngest of 3 and had two older brothers. Garret, the eldest, was Darson’s age as well as his best friend. Obsidian, her other brother, was a year younger than Garret. Garret was an earth stallion and Obsidian, a dark one. Dark unicorns were rare, but weren’t evil unless they were raised that way. But Obsidian did have a dark sense of humor though. Joyce often trailed after her brothers and Darson and after several years, they became used to her presence. Joyce had loved Darson since she could remember and actually told him when she was 5 in human years but Darson had only said he loved her like a sister. Little did she know she wasn’t thinking of him as a brother, never did. The last time Joyce saw him, she was 17 in human years. Darson had volunteered to find Duke Apollo and several others, he never returned for the next day, his companions had returned and said Darson vanished right before their eyes. This was a week before the Invasion. Joyce was now 19 in human years and even though her soul and body had been separated for 28 years, her soul was still aged. Joyce was still thinking about Darson when her maid told her that her bath was ready. Wiping her tears, Joyce straightens herself out and goes to clean herself off.

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A/N: As you can see this one has more of a mystery about it and there will be plenty of them in this story.

it is also sad.

A/N: Yeah it is. Hope you're ready to meet more characters.

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Joyce was still cleaning up when the rest of her friends came down into the pallor. Each of them were worried about Joyce. They all knew Joyce hadn’t been the same since Darson vanished. Almost everyone who knew the two personally knew that Joyce was in love with Darson. And even though most couldn’t tell, Joyce’s brothers and friend knew that Darson loved Joyce too. The two were just too stubborn to admit it to each other. Or at least Darson was.

“I really hope Joyce cheers up soon.” commented Allora.
“We all are Allora.” replied Grace.
“What should we do than?” asked Fanesse.
“Well, we could try to find out what happened to Darson.” Grace replied, coming right to the heart of the problem.
“But how can we? He vanished without a trace. Even with our powers, we couldn’t find him. I find it frustrating that we aren’t able to consult the gods on this matter.” “It wouldn’t hurt to try again though. If Pristine was strong enough, we could have asked for her help. But now that she’s a mother, she’ll have a ball just trying to juggle those twins.” commented Allora.
“What are you three talking about?” asked Joyce as she joined them.
“Tell her Allora. It was your idea.” pushed Fanesse.
“Well, we were thinking of trying to find Darson again.” replied Allora.

Joyce’s eyes widen and she didn’t know what to say at first. It wouldn’t hurt to try again, but she knew that she couldn’t bare anymore heartbreak if they failed again. Still, she didn’t have anything to loose either.

“But, what if we don’t find him?” asked Joyce.
“You keep talking like that and we won’t.” answered Grace.
“Come one Joyce. We have to try. I bet if we suggested the idea to Pristine and the others, than she’d agree. We have nothing to loose. Besides, we can’t stand to see you so sad all the time.” encouraged Fanesse.
“I was that obvious huh?” asked Joyce.
“Well, to us and several others. You’re brothers have been especially worried even though they don’t voice it.” “I am sorry. I’ve made other worried about me and it wasn’t my intention.” “We worry when you don’t confide in us about your feelings. We would never think you weak just because you cry.” added Allora.
“Allora’s right sweetheart. It breaks my heart to see you suffer in silence.” replied a maternal voice.

The girls turned to see that the voice came from Joyce’s mother, Mahogany. Along with her was Fanesse’s father, Lord Hector, Grace’s parents, Lord Elton and Lady Frieza, and Allora’s parents, Lord Thaddeus and Lady Nanae. Fanesse’s mother died giving birth to her and her two other sisters, and Lord Hector never loved another. Lady Mahogany had black-brown hair that was braided up. She also wore dark green garments on, and had hazel eyes. It was obvious that Joyce got her looks and coloring from her mother. Lord Hector had wild red hair that was party tide in the back at the nape of his neck. His dark red eyes lit up and he wore fiery garments and was the most muscular of the group of grownups. No one would had guessed, but he acted like a puppy around his daughters. He had shocked a lot of people when he married Fanesse’s mother, the late Lady Nissa. It wasn’t because he was a fire unicorn and she an earth one, but because of their complete opposite personalities. It was obvious that Fanesse and her sisters got their green eyes from their mother, who was a petit lady with dark pink hair and clear green eyes. It was a devastating loss for Lord Hector when his wife died giving birth, but the triplets were a soothing balm for his heart. Lord Elton was the tallest and had hair the same as Grace’s only it was straight as rain. He had the palest yellow eyes that if one was far enough, would think they were white. There was only one word to describe Lady Frieza, cool elegance. The thing was, Lady Frieza was an ice unicorn. She had curly, silvery blue hair and midnight blue eyes. The last couple probably looked the most compatible. Lord Thaddeus had shoulder-length cerulean blue hair and gentle royal blue eyes. Lady Nanae’s olive complexion was balanced out with her teal hair and dove-like brown eyes.

“Mother? What are you doing here?” asked Joyce.
“Pristine contacted me saying she was worried about you and since I was these fine folk, I invited them with me.” answered Lady Mahogany.
“Oh.” “So let us go and eat some grub.” boomed Lord Hector.
“Really Hector, mind your manners.” replied Lady Frieza.

It was obvious where Grace got her personality from. Not to mention that Grace was the eldest and had 3 younger brothers and 2 younger sisters.

“Mother? Father? Where our the others?” asked Grace, referring to her siblings.
“Grace, I think your siblings are old enough to be left alone.” answered Lord Elton.

There was only a year separating Grace and each of her siblings with the youngest only being 15 in human years. They group headed into the dining room. The table was huge but everyone sat around one end of it. As the food was brought out, they talked about different things. Joyce did her best to listen and participate in the conversation, but her heart was distracted as well as her mind.

Earth to Joyce, you still with us?, asked Fanesse telepathically.

Joyce shook her head as if she was snapped out of a daydream. Everyone else noticed it too.

“Joyce, you’re starting to worry me. Care to tell us what’s wrong?” asked Lady Frieza, who showed some emotion, which was rare.
“Well uh . . . .” started Joyce.
“It’s Darson mother.” replied Grace.

Joyce sighed. Grace was very straightforward sometimes and it agitated her. Wind unicorns were known to be blunt and honest, too much at times. It was no wonder that wind and earth unicorns were at adds at times cause of their total opposite personalities.

“Joyce, we know you miss Darson, but moaning and groaning won’t get you anywhere.” answered Lady Frieza.
“Yes, Lady Frieza. I know.” replied Joyce, trying to keep her agitation out of her voice.

They finished up their meal went about their different routines. Joyce decided to take an early night and several hours later went to bed with many thoughts in her mind.

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A/N: Hehe so you got to meet the folks hehe. One last part after this.

the part about the parents was kind of confusing because it is all bunched up in one paragraph.

A/N: Oh sorry about that. This here is the last part of Ch. 2

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Joyce woke up before the sun rose. She was always any early riser cause she always did a daily gallop before doing anything else. She dressed in her ‘work out’ clothes before brushing her hair out. She went downstairs and outside before turning into a dark green unicorn. Her mane was forest green. She stretched a bit before going into a small trot. Soon, she picked it up and galloped. She loved doing this. As she galloped, she watched as the sun rose. It was a beautiful sight. She remember the time when she and Darson watched the sun rising. She smiled as she reminisced.

Joyce was seventeen in human years at the time and was galloping when she saw a figure laying on the ground. She slowed down and saw that it was Darson in human form. Worried that something happened, she became human and rushed over to him. She soon discovered that he was asleep.

“Darson?” Joyce asked as she looked at him.

Darson had never been surprised before, but that certainly did, and he sat up so quickly that his head connected with Joyce’s. They yelled as they both fell back.

“Joyce! Are you trying to kill me?” Darson demanded, anger in his voice.

“Ow! I am sorry, but I thought you were hurt.”

She couldn’t hide her giggle though. She opened her eyes to see Darson holding his head. She was doing the same. Then for some reason, they both started laughing.

“What are you laughing for you silly filly.” Darson said, trying to sound serious but failing miserably.

“You’re laughing too.”

They finally settled down. And Joyce realized how close they were. Their faces were only inches apart. Neither moved until Darson started leaning in, but at the last moment, he pulled away. Joyce stood up.

“I need to go.” Joyce said before running off.

That had been the closest they came to kissing. Joyce sighed. She should have taken that risk, but deep down she was afraid too. That time was one of the last times she saw him too.

"I should have told him how I felt." Joyce thought as she continued to gallop.

As she galloped, she soon heard hooves galloping from behind her. Glancing back, she saw two unicorns heading for her. One was a chestnut brown stallion and the other was a black and gray stallion. It was Joyce’s two brothers, Garret and Obsidian. Joyce stopped so they could catch up to her. When they did, they turned into their human forms, Joyce included. Garret stood at six feet and three inches while Obsidian was six feet. Garret had shoulder-length honey brown hair and light brown eyes. Obsidian’s hair was short, but wild and it was black with gray highlights. He also had the blackest eyes. Both brothers had a good build on them, but they weren’t very muscular. Joyce tried smiling at them both. They frowned at her.

“Did you two want something?” Joyce finally asked.

“We both wanted to talk to you and figured you be out here.” replied Garret.

Obsidian simply nodded in agreement. He rarely said anything.

“Hehe, you both know me so well.”

“Joyce, mother is worried sick about you. She tried hiding it but we can see it. You need to snap out of this.”

“Mopping around isn’t going to help the situation.” Obsidian added.

Joyce sighed. She loved her brothers, but they were awfully annoying.

“I can’t just ‘snap’ out of it you two. Tell me boys, if Dahlia and Mixxy were missing, how would you feel?” Joyce asked.

Dahlia was an earth unicorn as well as Garret’s new bride, and Mixxy was a lightning unicorn and was engaged to Obsidian. When Joyce asked about how they felt, both brothers didn’t say anything for awhile.

Finally, Garret sighed and said, “Point taken. We just hate seeing you so sad little sister.”

“I know, so I’ve decided to go looking for Darson.”

“Oh no you won’t. We won’t take the chance of loosing you too like Father and Darson.”

“Garret, you know you won’t stop her. Once Joyce makes up her mind, there’s no stopping her.” said Obsidian.

Joyce nodded. Obsidian was the mediator between them and often sided with Joyce. Even though he was a year younger than Garret, Obsidian was actually closer to Joyce than Garret.

“Well, I don’t like this idea.” replied Garret.

“I don’t blame you Garret, but I can’t sit around here and hope for Darson to come back. I have to find out if he’s okay or . . .” Joyce didn’t finish.

The thought of Darson hurt or worse did her in. Garret pulled her into his arms as she tried to hold back tears.

“Joyce, he’s alive. We all have to believe that.” he whispered to her.

“I hope so.” Joyce replied.

She waited a few more minutes before pulling out of his arms.

“I am going to finish my gallop now.”

“We’ll join than. Obsidian here needs to stay in shape so he can keep up with Mixxy.” joked Garret.

Obsidian glared at Garret. If looks could kill, Joyce would be one brother short. Joyce laughed. Her laugh made her brothers grin. The three of them changed into unicorns and galloped off.

The next several days seemed to drag on for Joyce. When she had free time, she started her search for Darson. She talked to the stallions that last saw him and tried searching in the woods where he last was. Nothing turned up, much to Joyce’s frustration. She didn’t have much time to grieve though for the castle was in a frenzy to get what Allora called ‘foal-proof’ for Pristine and Lance’s homecoming. Allora said that babies got in to all sort of trouble when they started walking and crawling. She got her research from her eldest sister, Penelope, who had a filly who was a toddler and an infant colt. Joyce and the rest of Pristine’s court were able to go back to Grom Castle so they could help move Pristine and the twins. Drackor had gained enough strength to open up a portal so they all could go to the Unicorn Kingdom in a flash. Pristine was exhausted, but still look radiant.

“I don’t know how you do it Pristine. It’s obvious you had little sleep this week, but you still look like you can conquer the world.” commented Joyce as she carried a sleeping baby Arysa in her arms.

Pristine was riding on Lance as they all headed towards the portal. Grace was holding Orion.

“Well, I have these two little ones and I am feeling stronger every day. I still wish that I could have opened a simple portal. I feel bad having to rely on Drackor.” Pristine commented.

“Pristine, Drackor wanted to help and you’re not strong enough to open a portal.” commented Grace.

“True . . .”

“Don’t worry about it Pristine. You just concentrate on getting better so I can stop worrying.” replied Lance.

“Hehe, yes sir.”

Soon they entered the portal that took them right to the castle courtyard.

“WELCOME HOME!!!” a crowd shouted.

Not only was the whole kingdom there to greet them, but Pristine’s friends were there as well. This included Pixie, Kyra, Ophealia, Grayson, and Sir Reginald of Cranston. Sir Reginald was a knight of Grom, but recently retired after the last war. He also helped Pristine on her quest. Others who helped on their quest were there as well. They were the water folk, Mallian, a human raised by dwarfs, Drock, and two dragons, Lola and Xack. Lola was a cousin of Xack and Slycer’s. Inion and Drackor were there as well. Pristine bursted into tears when she saw the crowd. She was helped down by Drock and Sir Reginald. Lance changed back into a human and turned to greet their friends. Joyce reluctantly let Mallian hold Arysa.

“She looks her father. Definitely has his nose. Her hair is so curly though. I have no idea where she got that from.” Mallian commented as she splayed a webbed hand through Arysa’s gold and white curly hair.

Mallian, like all water folk, had blue skin, gills on her back, fins on her legs and arms, and webbed hands and feet. They could breathe both water and air and could regulate their body temperature to adapt to both hot and cold weather. Mallian’s hair was turquoise and eyes were sea green. Three months ago, Mallian got married, so her husband, a water folk named Ceros, was there with her.

“Actually, my mother had really curly hair so she got her hair from her.” commented Lance as he came up.

“She’s precious. And your son looks like his mother, despite the silver hair.” giggled Mallian.

“Who has Orion?” asked Ceros.

“Aw, Sir Reginald does.” smiled Lance.

Joyce watched as they continued to talk and quietly slipped away. She made her way to the hedge maze near the garden and found the center. She sat down on a bench that hanged from the gazebo there.

“There you are.” said someone, causing Joyce to turn.

It was Pristine.

“I should have known I’d find you here. This is a good place to be by yourself.” Pristine said before sitting next to Joyce.

“Yes, this was your favorite hiding spot.” Joyce commented.

“I’ve been wanting to talk for you. It’s Darson isn’t it?”

“How did you know that?”

“You had the same look as I did when Lance had disappeared. And Joyce, I am a good reader. I don’t have to look into your soul to know that you’ve been lovesick.”

Joyce shook her head. She should had known she couldn’t hide anything from her cousin.

“I’ve started searching for him. My family is worried that I’ll vanish like Darson.”

“I’d do the same thing if I were in your situation. But I have to say that I can’t blame Aunt Mahogany and your brothers. Just promise me that you’ll be careful.”

“Aren’t I always? You’re the careless one.” laughed Joyce.

“I can’t anymore. But wherever you are Joyce and whatever you do, we’ll always be together. And I’ll try to help when I can. I will tell you that Darson is alive. I just don’t know where he is.”

Joyce felt like a heavy burden was lifted from her heart. He was alive. All she had to do was find him. Pristine saw the reaction and smiled on the inside. She could smell the rain coming. A storm would be coming before the night was done. She remembered that it was storming when both Darson and her Uncle Apollo vanished. Something was coming, but she felt it wasn’t her job to tell Joyce that. She had received a visit from her mother, the goddess Corlana, the other day when it was just Pristine and her twins. Pristine remembered it clearly in her mind.

Pristine was breast feeding Arysa when she saw Corlana appeared. Pristine was at a loss for words. The goddess of light and the creator of Serenai walked over to where a sleeping Orion was. The babe was laying on his back in a large crib that was his and his twin’s bed.

“Hello daughter.” smiled Corlana as she smiled at Pristine.

“Mother, what a surprise.”

Pristine was known as the Child of Light cause she was Corlana’s daughter. In her first life she saved Serenai but died in the process. It was her second life that she was reborn as a unicorn. Corlana walked up to Pristine before placing a kiss on her head.

“I wanted to see my grandchildren, but I also wanted to warn you about something.”

“I had a feeling. I’ve felt the changes of this world and something is going to happen.”

“You would be correct. I can’t tell you exactly what is going to happen, but I spoken with my brother, the god of Earth, Gyrian. It’s going to involve his daughter, Joyce.”

Joyce, as well as the rest of Pristine’s court, had been the Child of Light’s protectors. Joyce was the Child of Earth as well as Gyrian’s daughter.

“It’s her time to be tested isn’t it?” Pristine asked.

Corlana nodded. She had appeared at Pristine’s wedding and had warn her court that each of them would be tested. It looked like Joyce would go first.

“I believe in her. Joyce was always the most stubborn and determined of us.” replied Pristine.

And she still did, Pristine thought as she looked at Joyce.

“Come on, a storm will be here soon.” Pristine insisted as she stood up.

Joyce looked up. There were only a few clouds in the sky. Pristine laughed at Joyce’s look.

“It’ll come, believe me.” laughed Pristine before grabbing Joyce’s hand and they headed back toward the palace.

Pristine was never wrong. The storm came in quickly that afternoon. Joyce sat in the family room with Fanesse, Grace, and Allora.

“Man, listen to that thunder. I am sure glad the Pristine and the twins took an early night.” commented Fanesse.

“They’ll probably wake up soon for an evening meal though.” added Grace.

“I just hope that it stops soon.” added Joyce.

She never liked storms.

“It probably will.” smiled Allora as she placed a hand on Joyce’s.

“Well, I think we all need some rest just in case Pristine needs help tomorrow.” suggested Grace as she stood up.

Everyone else agreed and headed to bed.

Joyce kept tossing and turning in her sleep. She finally woke up. It was still storming. She walked to a window and looked outside. She blinked and shook her head. Someone was out there. Worried that the person was lost, she quickly put on a random outfit, which happened to be her outfit that she sword trained in. She grabbed her dark green cloak and sword too before running to her book cabinet and pulled on a book that said Botany on it. It was a switch the opened a secret passageway that led to outside. She rushed into the storm to see someone walk into the woods. She tried yelling out but her words with silenced by the wind. She ran after the person and didn’t pay attention to where she was. She kept calling out to the person though, but stopped right in her tracks when she saw the figure vanish. It was only than that she looked around. The woods that she always loved looked frightening and different at night and in a storm. It took a minute to figure out that she was lost. Now she was in for it. She was about to turn into a unicorn when lightning strike right next to her. She screamed as the force of the strike knocked her back. Instead of hitting a tree, she went right through it and fell down through a hole. She kept on falling before hitting her head on something hard. As she began to loose consciousness, she couldn’t help but think that she wasn’t home anymore. Then her world went black.

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A/N: Yeah it's the return of the cliffies! Bwahaha! hehe. Bet you weren't expecting that huh? hehe. Don't worry you'll find out what happened to Joyce soon hehe.

no not more cliffies. :) hehe. i was expecting something just not that.

A/N: Hehe sorry I love cliffies too much to get rid of them hehe. The first person to read The Lost One read it while I was still working on it and she hated the cliffies haha. Anyway, here's the first part of Ch. 3.

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Ch. 3- Who Am I?

The sun was shining through the thick foliage of the trees as a young teenage boy picked up firewood. He was bored out of his mind. He’d rather be practicing sword play or something more exciting than picking up woods. But no, his master told him to pick up wood as an errand. At least he was almost done. The lad’s name was Paul and he was an apprentice to a knight. He was thirteen years old and a human. He had messy black hair that was hard to groom and royal blue eyes. Paul was about to turn around when he saw something, or someone for that matter. And several woodland animals were sniffing the person out.

“Shoo! Get out of here!” Paul ordered as he dropped the firewood he was carrying and ran over, causing the animals to scattered.

As he approached, he saw that it was a lady. A good-looking one at that too. She had shoulder-length brown hair and a peachy complexion. Paul checked her pulse to see that she was alive. He sighed in relief. It was apparent she was unconscious. He wanted to pick her up but that wasn’t possible. She needed help though cause she had a good head injury for her forehead. There was a cut there with purple bruises. She hit it on the boulder near her. Paul didn’t want to leave her alone, but he needed to get help. Soon he remembered his horn. His master gave it to him if he ever needed help. At the time he scoffed at the idea, but right now he was grateful. Taking the horn he blew as hard as he could. His master said he would hear the horn no matter where it was cause it was a magical horn. Obviously, he was right cause he heard galloping. It was a good thing his master was a unicorn. While they were rare in this world, they weren’t unheard of. Soon a dark brown stallion comes into view. He finally came to a halt in front of Paul. Now, his master was a hard person to read, especially when he was in his unicorn form. But it was evident that he looked shocked.

“Master Darson, I found this lady lying here. She’s still alive but is hurt. Sir, you okay?”

“Yes, Paul I am.” Darson replied.

But he was astonished. He never been so surprised in his life. It was Joyce, his best friend’s little sister. He hadn’t seen her in years. It was obvious she grown a bit too. Even with her injury, she still looked more beautiful than the last time he saw her. Darson set his thoughts aside so he could help her. He could carry her on his back but that be too much for her to handle. So he changed into his human form. Kneeling beside his apprentice, he checked Joyce to make sure she didn’t brake any bones. Seeing that her head injury was the only problem, he carefully turned her on her back. He tore part of his cloak off and wrapped it around her head. Carefully, he picked her up. He started heading back to his home.

“Oh, Paul, don’t forget the firewood.” Darson said without looking back.

This time Paul didn’t complain as he picked up the wood and followed his master.

It took them fifteen minutes to get back to Darson’s place. It was a manor house given to him by the ruler of this land for his services in the last war. As he and Paul walked up, he noticed that several of his servants came outside to greet him. This included the house caretaker, a heavy set woman called Nessy.

“Nessy, Paul found this woman in the forest. Her head needs tending.” Darson instructed the reddish brown-haired woman who had streaks of gray in her hair.

“Oh my!! The poor dearie. We’ll get her a nice bed and room ready right away sir. This way.” Nessy insisted.

“Paul? Get my healing supplies okay?”

Being a unicorn had its benefits and all unicorns were healers. Some were more than others to an extent. Darson might not have been as great as healer as others, but he could certainly handle the injury on Joyce’s head. They entered the manor. The stairs to the second floor were past the main entryway. Darson followed Nessy to a room not too far away from his chambers. The room had a good size fire place at one end of it. At the other end was king size bed that was made out of a tree called Ikorias. It was a dark wood that was pretty common in this world. The sheets and comforter had colors of pale green and dull rose. In fact, the room had a garden feel to it cause of the colors. That was why it was called the Garden Room. Nessy pulled back the blankets before Darson placed Joyce on the bed. Soon, Paul came in with Darson’s supplies. By then, Joyce was settled. Darson carefully unwrapped the bandage around Joyce’s head. At least the wound stopped bleeding. Darson worked quickly and soon, Joyce’s injury was healed. But that didn’t mean she didn’t suffer any internal injuries. She seemed okay though. Darson just hoped she staid okay.

“I wonder who this girl is. How in the world did she get this far out into the country? The nearest town is miles from here.” Paul commented.

Darson wondered what Paul would say if he found out that Joyce wasn’t even from this world. Darson thought it best to tell him the truth, but not all of it.

“Actually Paul, she’s from where I am originally from.”

“Aw so you do know her. I had a feeling you did when I saw your surprised face.” grinned Paul.

“Hehe, well, you’ll like her. Her name is Joyce.”

“I hope she wakes up soon. So is she a unicorn like you?”

“Yes she is. You go onto doing your chores. You’ve done well.”

Paul beamed. He didn’t always get a compliment so he was thrilled and proud. He rushed out of the room. Darson sighed.

“That boy needs to learn some manners.” Nessy commented.

Darson looked up. He totally forgot about Nessy. The woman had been talking to some maids to see who would be Joyce’s.

“Nessy, you don’t have to stay here. I’ll watch over her. I’ll sent for you when I have to go.”

“All right sir. And don’t you worry. I can tell that this girl will be fine.” Nessy smiled before leaving.

Darson really hoped so. He’d never seen Joyce this vulnerable. She was always one of the most determined and strongest unicorns he ever met. Darson placed a hand on Joyce’s.

“I’ll make sure you’ll be all right.” he promised.

The next week was a hard one. Joyce had developed a fever and was even delirious for a few days. Even Darson had a hard time healing her. Fevers weren’t his forte. But finally, Joyce’s fever broke. It was two more days ‘til she finally opened her eyes. She felt so weak. As she opened her eyes, the first person she saw was a middle-aged lady who was knitting something.

“Um . .” Joyce started to say.

The lady looked up and smiled maternally.

“Aw! You’re finally awake! How are you feeling dearie?”

“Weak and like I got hit in the head by a boulder.”

“You had a head injury dear. And you’ve been in this bed for awhile. You just sit tight. Master Darson wanted him notified the instant you woke up.” Nessy replied before leaving the room.

It was not long before Darson came into the room. He’d been training his men, but when Nessy came to get him, he told his second-in-command, a shape shifter named Harrison to take charge. He almost ran up to the room, but didn’t. He couldn’t hide his smile as he walked into Joyce’s room though. He’d never been so worried in his life, and to see that Joyce was going to be okay, he felt as if the weight of the world was off of his shoulders. But when he entered the room, his expression changed when he saw the look Joyce gave him. It wasn’t a look of recognition.

“Hello.” she said.

“Hello.” Darson simply said, at a loss for words.

“Um, I hear you were the one who rescued me. I am grateful. I have a question though.”

“Sure.”

“Who am I?”

Those words effectively broke Darson’s heart. It never occurred to him that Joyce would suffer from amnesia. It was apparent that it caused by her hitting her head on the boulder.

“You’re name is Joyce. You see we grew up together. My name is Darson.”

“Am I from here?”

Darson didn’t know what to say about that. Should he tell her everything? Normally, Darson trusted his head over his instincts, but this time around, he want with his instincts.

“No, you’re not Joyce. Both of us came from another world. Now, nobody here knows that okay? Can you promise me you won’t tell anyone else that?”

Joyce looked at him. Even though Joyce couldn’t remember anything and knew she should be careful with who she trusted, she felt a warmth inside her heart when she saw this man. She also figured she had to trust someone. And by the way Darson spoke and the way he looked at her, Joyce felt she could trust him. So she nodded at him.

“Alright, but why don’t you tell them where you’re from?”

“Because I don’t know how they would react if I told them the whole truth.” Darson said truthfully.

“Um, so where are we from?”

“We’re from another world called Serenai. This world here is called Alderan. Joyce, I don’t know how either of us got here, but my guess is there was a portal connecting both worlds. There’s another thing you should know. I’ve been here for twenty-eight years. So I’ve established myself here, at least for the time being.”

“Time being? You mean you’ve been trying to find your way back to our world?”

“Yes, and if I do, I do plan to tell the others here everything cause I don’t know if I can come back here. Joyce, there’s one more thing you should know. Both of us are unicorns. Everyone here at the estate knows what I am, including several others. But not everyone I’ve met here doesn’t know that, okay? I’ll make sure that the household here doesn’t tell strangers what you are okay?”

“Okay. Um, what’s your name again?”

“It’s Darson. Joyce, try not rush yourself in anyway. You’ve been pretty sick for a week.”

“As you wish sir. What if I don’t ever remember?”

“You will. I have faith that you will. Just don’t try to remember. You don’t want to get a headache or anything.”

Joyce smiled and nodded. She suddenly was hungry. And before she could say so, her tummy growled. Darson chuckled when he saw Joyce blushed.

“I’ll go and get you something to eat. Oh Joyce, I am going to go back and train my men again, so if you need anything just tell the house keeper Nessy, your new maid, Diedra, or anyone else, and I’ll be there okay?”

“All right. Thank you Darson.”

Darson grinned before taking Joyce’s hand and kissing it. Joyce felt a tingle went down her spine. They just looked at each other for a moment, green meeting brown, before Darson reluctantly let go of her hand and headed out of the room. A minute after he left, Nessy returned with a tray in her hands, and she was followed by a maid with light brown hair that was in a simple bun at the knap of her neck. She had what people would call doe-like eyes cause of their softness. She was a regular human though.

“I heard you were hungry Miss Joyce so it’s a good thing I had the cook make you some potato soup ahead of time.” Nessy said before placing the tray on a table near the bed.

“Oh thank you very much. It feels like I haven’t ate in ages.” Joyce smiled.

“I don’t blame you. Now, how’s about we help you sit up.”

Joyce nodded. She felt weak so with the help of Nessy and the maid, Joyce was able to sit up. In fact, she was still so weak that she had to be fed. Joyce ate all of it and was feeling tired when she finished. Nessy noticed this.

“We’ll let you get some rest now. Oh, Diedra here will be your own handmaid. And my name is Nessy. I am the house keeper here.” Nessy replied.

Both her and the maid helped Joyce lay back down before going out of the room. Soon, Joyce found herself fast asleep and dreaming of a land filled with forests and unicorns.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: Hehe yeah we're in another world this time hehe. So you can see what happened with Darson. Poor Joyce now has amnesia. But you probably figured that out by reading the chapter title hehe. This world does have similarities to Serenai. I actually wanted to create this world more like Earth during the midieval ages.

poor joyce. at least she found darson. thats cool about making the new world like this one.

A/N: Hehe well, I am still deciding on when I am going to have Joyce remember who she is and all that. We'll see though hehe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soon, Joyce found herself fast asleep and dreaming of a land filled with forests and unicorns. She was a child who looked to be about six years of age. Joyce ran through a tall forest with trees that reached the sky.

“Joyce!” she heard a masculine voice call out.

She giggled and hid behind one of the trees before trying her new levitation technique to land on one of the branches. She tried to hide from the man as he came into view. He had golden brown hair that looked gilded in the sun. He had a semi-muscular build and wore tan and brown clothing. Even though Joyce was too high up to see his eyes, she knew they were forest green. When the man came to the tree she hid in, he looked up and she held her breath. The man smiled.

“I know you’re up there Joyce. Come on down.” he said.

Joyce laughed and jumped down suddenly. The man wasn’t expect this but managed to catch her. He hugged her to him as she wrapped her arms around his neck and clamped her small legs around his waist.

“You’re going to be the death of me one day sweetie.” man said to her trying to frown, but not totally succeeding.

“Oh Daddy!! You’re silly! I knew you would catch me.” Joyce giggled.

Her father giggled.

“Look at you, all dirty from climbing trees. What are you doing way out here? You’re suppose to be studying with Drackor.”

“Cause the trees asked me to come see them.”

“Ha ha, you little scamp. You’re lucky Drackor is a patient man. Come on, you can visit the trees later.” her father replied as they headed back to the castle.

“Aw, all right Daddy.”

The dream ended there and Joyce woke up crying. Was that dream real or was it just a figment of her imagination. The place felt familiar as was as the man who was her father. Joyce groaned in frustration. She didn’t know what to think or to believe. She glanced out the window near her bed. The sun was setting. Joyce wanted to badly to get up. Feeling determined she struggled to sit up. She was still trying to do just that when her maid came in.

“Oh miss, let me help you!” Diedra said as she came up to help her.

“No, I am okay.” Joyce tried shoo her away, but it didn’t work.

“No you are not okay miss.”

Diedra got her way and soon Joyce was sitting up. Joyce finally took a good look at the maid. She was stronger than she looked for she was petite and a small.

“You’re name is Diedra right?”

“Yes miss.”

“How old are you?”

“17 miss.”

“Um, can you just call me Joyce please?”

“Oh, okay mi- Joyce.”

“Much better. Now that wasn’t so hard was it?”

Diedra giggled.

“So are you really a unicorn like Master Darson says?”

“Yes, it seem so. How long have you been here?”

“Well, since I was 10. I am an orphan and was raised at a monastery. But one day Master Darson came by looking for new maids. He was very nice and I agreed to become one.”

“He is very nice isn’t he?” Joyce couldn’t help but blush when she thought of him.

Diedra smiled knowingly.

“What’s that mean?” Joyce frowned at her.

“You like him don’t you?”

“Of course, he did help me. Um, do you enjoy what you do?”

“Yes Joyce. I love helping people.”

“You’re doing a fine job of it. I can’t wait to get out of this bed. I hate feeling weak.”

Diedra smiled.

“What? You like me being in this bed?” Joyce asked her sarcastically.

Apparently, Diedra didn’t get the joke for she blushed to a deep red.

“I am sorry Diedra. I was only teasing you.”

Diedra relaxed a bit.

“Oh okay. I was only smiling cause it appears you remembered something. You said you ‘hate feeling weak.’ So that means you’ve like being active and strong.”

“I guess Darson was right. If I don’t try, my memory will come to me naturally. Actually I had a dream. I was a kid and there was a man. I think he was my father.”

“See! You are remembering! If you don’t mind, I am going to tell Nessy this so she can make sure Master Darson know this. Is there anything else you need?”

“Yes, you can help me stand.” said Joyce as she threw a few covers back.

“But Jo-” started Diedra before Joyce interrupted her.

“No buts, I want to try to stand please?”

Diedra sighed before taking Joyce’s hand and placing Joyce’s arm over her shoulder. Joyce took a deep breath before Diedra helped her on her feet. Joyce felt her knees buckling, but her stubborn will kept her from falling down as well as Diedra’s strong arms.

“There that wasn’t so hard.” Joyce grinned.

Diedra busted out laughing.

“You have a strong will Joyce. But that alone did help you stand.”

“I know. Thanks Diedra. Shall we try to get me to that chair near the window? I think that’ll do for now. Standing up nearly took all my strength.”

Diedra nodded and started helping her to the chair near the window. Joyce groaned as she staggered to the chair. They were half way there when the door opened up and it turned out to be Darson. Normally Darson was a cool-headed person, but when he saw Joyce struggling, he exploded.

“DIEDRA! Just what do you think you’re doing?!”

Diedra turned white at his voice, but Joyce yelled back, “Don’t you dare yell at her Darson. I wanted to move about at least! I was going to sit near the window! So if you’re going to yell at someone, yell at me!”

Darson calmed down instantly. He than did something he never did before, he blushed from embarrassment. Even when one of his men made a big mistake, he never lost his cool. He realized he lost it cause the idea of Joyce falling down and hurting herself terrified him.

“I am sorry Diedra. Let me take it from here.” Darson replied before picking up Joyce.

Diedra nodded and managed a small grin before curtseying and leaving the room.

“I don’t need to be carried around like a helpless child.” Joyce replied still frowning.

She wouldn’t admit that it felt good to get off her feet though. Bust soon she lost her breath for she noticed how close they were. Green eyes peered into brown eyes. They were both silent for a few minutes. Joyce felt a fluttering in her heart. She didn’t know why she felt this way though. Darson thought he could drown in her eyes for they were as green as the forests of Fotain. Needing to put some distance between them, Darson placed Joyce in the chair near the window. Joyce didn’t realize she was holding her breath ‘til she breathed out. Finally Darson’s voice broke the silence.

“I am sorry for yelling. It was uncalled for.”

“Why did you yell? You don’t strike me as someone who looses their temper.”

Darson blushed again. He didn’t want to tell her he was scared for her, but awhile back, even before Joyce dropped back into his life, he had vowed to himself that if he ever saw Joyce again, he would never hide anything from her again.

“I yelled cause I was scared that you would hurt yourself more if you fell down.”

Joyce blushed herself, but asked, “Well I am fine. Do you think me weak?”

“No, I don’t, and never have.”

“Oh, thank-you.”

They remained silent for a bit before Darson said, “The reason why I came in here was because I wanted to ask if you wanted to start coming outside tomorrow. I understand that staying indoors would drive anyone crazy and you never were an indoor type of person.”

“I wasn’t? I would love to go outside though. Why can’t I now?”

“Cause I said so. Now don’t argue with me. I can have Nessy bring you up some embroidery or books if you like?”

Joyce thought about that. She suddenly knew what embroidery was but it didn’t sound fun.

“A few books would be fine.”

Darson grinned. He saw her grimace when he mentioned embroidery. In the past Joyce was never good at it and rather been outside than doing needlepoint.

“I'll have Nessy bring several up immediately. I’ll see you later Joyce.” Darson bowed before leaving.

Joyce placed a hand to her heart as she felt it settled down. She really didn’t have time to think of Darson, even though her body and heart betrayed her. Sighing, she looked outside while her mind was in a quandary.

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A/N: So how'd you like Diedra? And I love Darson's reaction too hehe.

i loved darsons reaction. diedra sounds like great person and very nice.

A/N: Glad you're enjoying it. Here you'll meet a new character. The characters from this chapter, I am still deciding which ones will play supporting roles like Ophealia, Kyra, Grayson, and others did in the previous story. Unlike the other where there was one main group, I am thinking of switching it up a bit.

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Darson was heading down back outside when he heard footsteps. He saw his apprentice standing at the bottom of the stairs. Darson walked down to meet him.

“Did you send my request to the sorceress, Morganna?”

“Yes sir, but can I ask something?”

“Sure as long as I can tell you that it’s none of your affair.”

Paul nodded. Normally he protested, but sometimes if he remained silent, he got told everything.

“Why are you sending for Morganna?”

“I need her help concerning Joyce. And that’s all I am going to tell you. Come, it’s time to train.”

“All right! Thank you master!”

Paul loved it when Darson allowed him to train with the other contingent of his men. As the two headed outside, Harrison was there waiting for them. Looking at the second-in-command, you’d never think he was a shape-shifter. The man was the same height as Darson, but a bit more muscled than his commander. He was a bald-headed man with strong features. He had a cleft in his chin and his skin was darkly tanned. The only giveaway of his species was his eyes. All shape-shifters had different colored eyes. One was silver and the other was gold. Paul was always intimidated by Harrison but did his best not to show it. Did the man ever smile? He certainly looked older than his twenty-two years cause of his stoic expression. Even when he fought, he fought with a calmness about him that was just plain eerie.

“Sir, you need to stay focus on your men. Nessy will make sure that your charge is fine.” Harrison replied.

No one ever spoke to Darson that way. No one except Harrison. Darson didn’t mind though.

“Harrison, I know you’re concerned, but there’s no need to be. I think the men can survive a few minutes without me.”

Harrison’s frown only deepened, but he didn’t respond, only followed his commander’s lead.

“How is Miss Joyce?” asked Paul, breaking the silence.

“She’s recovering. She’s already trying to walk, not on her own of course.” Darson replied.

“All ready?”

“Paul, remember she’s a unicorn like me so we recover quicker.”

“I knew that. It’s just . .”

“She’s female right? Trust me Paul, Joyce isn’t like many women. She’s very strong-willed and always disliked feeling weak.”

“We do need to get her home soon. I imagine her family is awfully worried about her.” mentioned Harrison.

From the tone of his voice, Darson could tell he wanted Joyce out of Darson's hair cause she was distracting Darson from his duties. When Darson arrived in this world, people had asked about where his home was and if they could help him go back. Darson didn’t tell them everything, but he did tell them that he didn’t have any family to go back to. That was true as far as any blood relations went. He didn’t remember his parents cause they had died when he was an infant colt. His grandsire ended up raising him but had died when he was eighteen in human years. He lived on his own since then. Joyce would be another matter though for she did have family. He knew that her mother and brothers and other family members would be devastated.

“We’ll worry about Joyce another time. Let’s go.” Darson said before they headed out.

Darson didn’t know how closely he hit the mark concerning Joyce’s family. It had been a week since Joyce’s disappearance and everyone was franticly searching for her. Even Pristine lost her cool a few times, but she only revealed that around her family and close friends. At the moment, Pristine, Lance, the rest of her court, her court’s families, Joyce’s family, Drackor, Inion, and Slycer were in the main dining room eating supper. Pristine had finished eating and was breastfeeding Orion. Arysa had already been fed and was currently in the arms of Pristine’s maid.

“There must be portal here. That’s the only explanation for how Joyce vanished.” replied Pristine, breaking the gloomy silence.

“Yes but where could it be? We’ve searched all over. Even all of the animals couldn’t find anything.” said Obsidian, groaning in frustration, showing some emotion for once.

Lady Mahogany bursted into tears. Dahlia hugged her mother-in-law. Mixxy wacked Obsidian over the head.

“Way to go you dummy.” she snapped, her bright yellow eyes lighting up.

“What did I say?” Obsidian snapped back.

“You’re mother is grieving cause of loosing Joyce and you say that nothing can be done.”

“Oh, sorry mother.”

“No, it’s okay Obsidian. I am sorry. I just can’t help but think the worse.”

“Joyce is alive Aunt Mahogany. I would have known if she was gone, even if she’s not in the world.” Pristine said, her voice strong.

Mahogany nodded.

“All right let’s think. When was the last time we saw Joyce?” asked Lance.

“Last time I saw her was that night when it stormed so bad.” said Allora.

“Do you think she went into the forest that night?” mentioned Allora’s sister, Penelope, who was rocking her son, Niron, to sleep.

“If she did, we could not find any evidence of it for the rain washed all her scent away.” commented Grace.

“But Joyce doesn’t like the rain so why would she go out in it anyway?” pointed out Garret.

“That’s a good point, but remember, Lord Darson as well as Joyce’s father vanished on rainy nights and in the forest near here.” mentioned Drackor.

“Yes they did. Could the storm have something to do with Joyce’s disappearance?” asked Mahogany, light shining in her eyes for once.

“While I’ve heard of portals opening at certain times, I’ve never heard of one opening during a thunderstorm. Still, we should try searching for one the next time it storms and it has to be at night too.”

“Than that’s what we’ll do. But we’ll be lucky if that happens for awhile. Last week’s storm was a rare one for it barely rains during this time of year.” replied Lord Elton.

“We’ll just hope it happens soon than. But for now let’s just eat. We can’t do anything if we’re not at our best.” said Lance.

Everyone nodded and continued to eat.

Darson had been true to his word and helped Joyce outside everyday. In several more days, Joyce was starting to walk on her own again. But she still couldn’t walk or run for long periods of time. She was certainly eating a lot too. It had been a week since she woke up when Darson decided to try and help transform back into a unicorn again. Both Paul and Diedra wanted to watch her transform, but Darson put his foot down cause Joyce didn’t want like the idea of people watching her. She didn’t even tell Darson that the idea of him watching her made her nervous as well.

“Where are we going Darson?” asked Joyce.

She was riding atop of Darson, who was a unicorn. He taken her into the same forest where she’d been found.

“Here I am going to teach how to transform into a unicorn. Think you can dismount okay or do I need to kneel down.”

“I can get down just fine.”

Joyce carefully brought her leg over to one side and slide down. Darson remained a unicorn as she approached Joyce and touched his horn to her forehead. Joyce felt a tingling go down her spine as she heard Darson’s voice in her head.

Don’t be afraid. I want you to take deep breaths. Close your eyes and trust me.

Joyce obeyed.

Now, relax and clear any thoughts from your mind. Good. You’re doing great. Now keep breathing. Do you feel something within yourself? A feeling?

Yes I do. It feels . . . Peaceful. Like a light.

That’s your soul Joyce. Keep breathing. Do you see your soul Joyce? Does it produce an image in your head?

A unicorn. I see a unicorn and it’s dark green. Is that my true form?

Indeed it is. Now open up Joyce and spread the light throughout you.

Joyce thought that was going to be easier said than done, but found the words inside her head and felt herself lit up as she transformed into a unicorn. When she opened her eyes she felt different. She felt more at peace. She found Darson smiling in front of her. Joyce smiled back.

“Look into the pond.” Darson gestured to the side.

Joyce turned and peered into the water before seeing her image.

“I did it!”

“I knew you could. And you did it on your own. I didn’t do anything.”

“Yes you did. I could feel your encouragement. I felt you . . . Inside of me.” Joyce said, blushing, the red showing brightly on her green cheeks.

“Well, shall we head back and show off in front of the others?”

Joyce nodded.

“Let’s go than.”

Joyce started to follow when she smirked.

“Race you!” Joyce suddenly said and took off galloping.

Darson sighed and took off after her. His stronger and longer legs helped him catch up to her in no time. Joyce stopped galloping though for she wore herself out. She had to lay down for a second. Darson, concerned, went back to her.

“Are you okay?”

“I am fine. Just tuckered out. I guess I am not a full strength yet.”

“You shouldn’t push yourself so much.”

“Darson, I am fine. And I felt like galloping.”

“Hehe you always loved to gallop every morning. You’re just not good sprinting.”

“Oh I know that. Grace was always the fastest sprinter.” Joyce said so plainly that she didn’t realize what she said.

“Grace? You remember Grace?” Darson asked, hope in his eyes.

“Uh, I don’t know. Do I know Grace? I just suddenly remembered her being the fastest.”

Joyce’s eyes lower and her eyes drooped down.

“You remembered something at least. Grace was one of your closest friends. And she was the fastest unicorn I ever new. She’s a wind unicorn and that kind was always known for being fast.”

“Okay. I think I can stand back up again.”

Joyce started to get up when Darson came up beside her to help her up. She leaned on him as she regained her balance.

“I think I’ll just walk back now. We can finish this race another time.” grinned Joyce.

“That’s a promise.”

As the two made it back to the manor, those who were outside stopped what they were doing to watch them approach. They really did make a nice sight, even the most cynic would admit that. Paul was amongst those outside and when he saw his master and Joyce, he ran toward them.

“Wow, Miss Joyce, is that you?” he asked in total awe.

“Yes Paul it’s me. Do I have something on my face?” giggled Joyce, causing Darson to burst out in laughter.

Paul looked at him in surprise for he rarely heard Darson laugh like that, if at all.

“Joyce is playing with you Paul.” Darson explained.

“Ah, okay. Well, I better go back to work. See you later Miss Joyce.” bowed Paul before going back to his duties.

“The boy is finally remembering his manners.” sighed Darson.

“That ‘boy’ is not a boy anymore Darson. And it’s apparent he likes pleasing you.” commented Joyce.

“Don’t I know it. He will become a fine knight one day.”

Joyce could tell Darson was proud of his pupil. As they make it into the courtyard, Nessy and Diedra come up to greet them.

“Well looks like the little missy managed to become a unicorn. And aren’t you the prettiest little thing.” winked Nessy causing Joyce to blush.

“Thank you Nessy.” she said.

“Wow! You can defiantly tell you’re a unicorn mare too. I thought it be hard to tell the difference but it isn’t. I think I like you better with longer hair.”

“It’s called a mane Diedra.” pointed out Darson.

“Oh that’s right!”

“Say Darson, when I can start training with you and your men?” Joyce suddenly asked causing both Nessy and Diedra to blanch.

“Miss Joyce, a lady should never train with soldiers.” protested Nessy.

“Nessy, Joyce isn’t like most ladies and back home she was trained. Joyce, I can’t allow you to train with my men, but I shall help you train. You’re thinking of training with magic aren’t you?” asked Darson.

“Yes I am. How is it that I knew that I trained with magic?”

“It’s cause you’re slowly remembering Joyce. Why don’t you rest for the rest of the day and we’ll start tomorrow okay?”

“Really? Thanks! Uh, how do I transform back into a human?”

Darson showed her and she founded it just as easy to transform back. Diedra gazed in admiration while Nessy smiled.

“Miss Joyce, there’s a tub ready for you to wash.” replied Diedra.

“Thank-you Diedra.” smiled Joyce.

“Since you’re in capable hands Joyce, I’ll see you later for supper. Right now, I’ve got things to see to.” Darson bowed before leaving them.

Darson headed to his private quarters to find a tub filled with hot water. He bathed before putting on a light brown jerkin and dark brown trousers and black boots. He always wore his light sword with him no matter where he went in Alderan. He was working on taxes when he heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.” he said.

He looked up as Paul came in.

“A messenger from King Wallace has arrived with a message for you sir.” Paul said.

“Really? I wonder what the king wants.” Darson commented as he stood up.

“I don’t know. The messenger looked out of breath though.”

“Let’s go see what he has to say than.”

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A/N: Hehe, I like Harrison hehe. And you got a glimse of Pristine and the others. I'll be showing them a bit from time to time. Next part I have the first of my newly created creatures or species. The next part is the last part of Ch. 3.

harrison seems ok. it is a good thing to show what the other group is doing..

A/N: Not into the stoic kind huh? hehe. I love to put chars like that into a story. Believe it or not, it can add humor to a story because how they interact with the others hehe.

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Ch. 4- New Missions

Meanwhile, Joyce was getting ready for supper. She was dressed in forest green with crème accents. Diedra was trying to do her hair, but it was hard cause she wasn’t used to doing short hair.

“I do wish you would let your hair grow out.” Diedra commented.

The two had become so close that Diedra started to complain about Joyce at times. Normally she wouldn’t dare voice her opinion, but it was easy for her to open up with Joyce.

“I like it short.” Joyce said simply.

“At least it looks good on you.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“And you should. Okay we’re all done.”

Joyce got up and looked herself in the mirror. She looked nice. It also looked like she gain a little weight, which was good cause for awhile she looked like a waif. It felt good to know she was almost better. At least she could walk without needing assistance.

“I guess I should go down now. Thank you Diedra. You may leave now.”

“Hehe thank you Joyce.” smiled Diedra before leaving.

Soon Joyce came downstairs before hearing voices coming from drawing room. When Joyce got a tour of the place, she was told that’s usually where Darson greeted any guests. Wondering who had arrived, Joyce opened the door. She first spotted Darson, who had a serious expression on his face. He was listening to another man who had his back to her. The person had wings on his back. Paul was standing next to Darson when he spotted Joyce. He made a gesture for her to be quiet. Joyce nodded.

“So what shall I tell his majesty when I return?” the messenger asked.

While Joyce couldn’t see his face, she saw that had a hat on and underneath it was sandy blonde hair.

“Tell his majesty that I’ll come as soon as I can.” Darson replied.

“Good, but don’t worry there is no rush Sir Darson. You still three weeks to arrive.”

“I know. Thank you. Paul, show this man where he may rest.”

“Oh, no thank you. King Wallace wanted me to return as soon as I delivered the message. Thank you for your hospitality.” said the messenger before turning and seeing Joyce.

She saw he had a strange face for he had had a beak where his nose and mouth should be. And his eyes were slanted and light brown. Upon seeing Joyce he bowed to her.

“Good evening miss.” he said before leaving.

Joyce couldn’t take her eyes off the creature as he left. Once out of sight, she turned to Darson, questions in her eyes.

“That Joyce, is a creature called an Avi. They are part bird and part human. That one is a messenger of the king. The Avi are all messengers in Alderan.” Darson explained.

“Are you going somewhere Darson?” Joyce asked.

“Yes, the king has asked for my attendance at the capital. I plan to leave in several days for the journey takes several weeks, and that’s if I don’t have any delays.”

“It sounds important. Do you know why the king wants to see you?”

“Yes.”

“Why than?”

“I can’t tell you Joyce. It’s confidential.”

Joyce frowned. She knew it was none of her business about why he was summoned, but him not telling her hurt her inside.

“Than I am coming with you. Besides, you promised to train me.”

“Joyce, this isn’t the time. You should stay here.”

“Why? There’s no reason for me to stay here. And don’t give me that ‘I am not strong enough’ line.”

“It’s not entirely safe out there and I need to get to the king as soon as possible.”

“Are you saying I would be a burden?”

“Joyce-”

“FINE! Go and leave for all I care!” Joyce hollered before running out of the room.

Darson groaned and sat down in a nearby chair. Paul shook his head.

“Has quite a temper doesn’t she?” asked Paul.

“Be quiet Paul. I really hurt her this time. I didn’t mean to. Maybe it’s better this way though for at least she’ll stay here. I’ll make it up to her one day though.”

“Maybe you should take her along though sir. At least that way you can keep an eye on her.”

“Looks like I arrived at a bad time.” said an elderly woman’s voice.

Darson and Paul looked up to see an elderly woman. She was hunched over wearing deep purple and yellow robes. Her hair was pure white. Half was in a bun and the rest hanged down. She also had long bangs on each side of her face. While her skin was wrinkled and pale, her eyes were different color: one violet and the other yellow. She held a staff in her hand that second as a cane. She wasn’t very tall, only stood at four foot and twelve inches. Standing next to her carrying a large book and knapsack was a young man that looked to be only ten when in fact he was one hundred and fifty years of age. He was also tall for his age since was the same height as the elderly woman next to him. The only thing that gave away his age was his youthful face. It was olive completed with pale green eyes and he had curly grass green hair. Her wore a tunic with long sleeves of burnt orange and tan trousers. When Darson and Paul saw the two, they both bowed.

“Sorceress Morganna, I wasn’t aware that you were here.” replied Darson after he stood up.

“I just let myself in Darson. I would have been here sooner, but I had other plans.” replied Morganna.

“I see. Paul, can you leave us please and close the door. Better yet, can you go get Joyce?”

Paul sighed for he wanted to stay, but did what his master told him to.

“Would you like to sit down?” Darson offered Morganna.

“Yes I would. It seems that age is finally catching up with me.” grinned Morganna as the boy with her helps her sit down.

“But mistress, you never strike me as weak.” replied the lad.

“Aw dear Tidus, even great sorcerers grow old.”

“Oh, are you cold mistress? I can warm up the room for you.”

Titus was always eager to impress his mistress. After all he had great hopes to be a sorcerer himself.

“The room is warm enough dear and you’ve not totally mastered fire yet.”

“I didn’t know you took up an apprentice Morganna.” replied Darson.

“Well, I needed someone to carry on my work and Children of Magic are hard to come by these days.” replied Morganna, a little sadness in her eyes.

In Alderan, those born with magic were known as Children of Magic. The planet use to have many children who could control magic and became sorcerers and mages. But something had happened to the planet’s magic source and now fewer were being born.

“So where’s this Lady Joyce you’ve wrote to Mistress Morganna?” asked Titus bluntly.

“Titus, you only speak when asked okay?” Morganna replied sternly causing Titus to blush.

“Sorry mistress. I just couldn’t hide it inside of me much longer.”

“It’s okay Morganna. Well, I don’t know where Joyce is. She’s upset with me and stormed out of this room minutes before.”

“Care to tell me what’s happened?”

Darson looked at Tidus. Morganna recognized that look.

“Tidus can be trusted Darson. As my apprentice I’ve told him everything. He’s even promised on Gyrian’s name.”

Darson nodded. Morganna had been the one to find him when he first arrived on Alderan. So she knew he was from another world as well as Joyce. Darson trusted her completely.

While Darson was telling Morganna and Titus about his mission, Joyce had stormed off to the garden. It filled her with a sense of peace being there. Even as her temper wore off, she began to feel ashamed for loosing it in the first place. Even though she couldn’t remember, she ‘knew’ that it was rare for her to loose her control.

“I am such a dummy.” she murmured.

“Aw, there you are.” said a voice.

Joyce looked up to see Paul.

“How’d you find me?”

“Hehe I asked about and one of the servants saw you come out here.” grinned Paul as he sat down on the bench next to her.

“Is Darson mad at me?”

“Not really. Frustrated, but not mad.”

“That’s good. I feel bad. I shouldn’t have said that. Pristine always said that it’s okay to get mad as long as you don’t let it control you. One should learn to control it.”

“Who’s Pristine?”

“My cousin. I think.”

“Sounds like a wise person.”

“She is. Hey I remembered more.”

“Feels good huh?” smiled Paul.

“It does.”

“Since you’re in a good mood again, can you come back please? Darson told me to find you and bring you back.”

“Oh? Why? Is he going to tell me what I want now?”

“Sorry Joyce. I think he wants you to meet Sorceress Morganna. She just arrived.”

“Who’s she?”

“Who’s she? Everyone on Alderan knows her, even the servants.”

Joyce held her breath. She remembered that Darson told her no one knew she and him were from another planet. She had to respond carefully.

“Well, I don’t remember Paul.”

Paul felt bad for he forgot about her amnesia.

“Sorceress Morganna is the wisest and one of the most powerful sorcerers in the world. Rumor has it that she’s even has direct contact with the god, Gyrian. Do you remember who He is?”

Joyce held her breath and everything got blurry. The next thing she knew, she found herself standing on a balcony of a castle made of wood. Forests of every kind surrounded the place and spread out as far as she could see.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” replied a masculine voice.

Joyce turned to see a man where a simple green tunic and dark green trousers. He was barefooted and had olive completed skin. His eyes looked ancient for the swirled in between brown and green. His hair was long and dark brown. While he was simply dressed, powered cling to him like a second skin. Joyce was nonplussed.

“You looked surprise to see me my daughter.” said the man as he approached her.

“You’re . . .”

“I am Gyrian, the God of Earth and creator of Alderan.” the man smiled.

“Where am I?”

“This is my secret realm. I can see your memories are starting to return to you.”

“It’s hard, not remembering. Why did you bring me here?”

“I didn’t bring you here. Your soul came here.”

“How’d I do that?”

“That you must discover on your own.”

“I was here before.”

“Indeed. But since you’re here, I should tell you that you must be ready. Danger surrounds you and you must be careful.”

“I don’t sense any.”

“You will soon.”

Suddenly everything vanished before Joyce and she once again found herself being pulled back. Gyrian watched as Joyce vanished before going back to his quarters. He pulled out a portrait and gazed into it with sadness in his eyes. It was a portrait of him, Joyce as a little girl, only she had pale green hair and had flowers in her hair, and a woman with elfin features.

“Dearest love, our daughter will pull through. I just hope she’ll be able to smile after all this is through.”

Gyrian looked outside to see the sky turn red and hoped it wasn’t a bad omen.

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A/N: Hehe, so tell me what you think of Sorceress Morganna and Titus? I thought also would be a good time to bring in Gyrian. He's one of those chars where even though you don't see much of, they play a pivotal role in the story. Also, from now on, don't be expecting daily updates. I have been working on the next section but I am a little rusky cause I haven't worked on this one for awhile.

i like witches and warlocks. it is a good time to bring him in with danger coming and she is his daughter. thats fine take your time with the story.

A/N: Well, I was able to work on it in the past and finished this next part. I was trying to figure out what to do next. I know all the major parts. It's just connecting them where I can get stuck hehe. Here's the first part.

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IV.
New
Missions


As Joyce woke up, everything seemed blurry at first. After blinking several times, Joyce finally was able to see clearly. Several faces were looking at her. First one she saw was Darson. Next to him was Paul, who looked stricken. Not wanting to worry them any further, she raised her hand on Darson’s cheek. Instinctively he placed his hand on top of it.
“I am okay. What happened?” she asked.
“You just fainted dead away Miss Joyce. I had one of the servants get Master Darson. You’re in the drawing room now. Are you okay?” Paul asked, wringing his hands.
“Yes, I feel fine now. I had a vision. I saw Gyrian.”
Both Darson and Paul looked at each other.
“You believe me don’t you?”
“We believe you Joyce. Can you sit up? There‘s someone I want you to meet.” Darson said right away.
He didn’t trust himself to speak until he got his composure back. Joyce fainting knocked a good ten years off of him. And Joyce seeing Gyrian didn’t surprise him too much. All the unicorns knew that Joyce, her cousin Pristine, and the rest of Pristine’s court had previous lives before being reborn as unicorns.
“Yes I can.” Joyce replied before carefully sitting up.
After sitting up, Joyce saw two other people in the room.
“Joyce this is the sorceress, Morganna, and her pupil, Titus.” introduced Darson.
“Oh hello.” Joyce said.
“Good day child. Heard you’ve had a rough time.” smiled Morganna.
“Paul, can you leave us now please?” Darson asked.
Paul sighed but left the room.
“Joyce, Morganna knows we’re from Serenai. She’s the one who found me when I first came here. I trust her completely so you can do the same. Titus can be trusted cause Morganna trusts him.”
Joyce nodded as Morganna came forward. The sorceress looked her over before stepping back.
“Your head certainly took a good knocking dear. But other than that you are just fine. Darson summoned me here to see what I can do to help you get home.”
Joyce looked at the sorceress. Something about this woman seemed strangely familiar. Suddenly, an image appeared in her mind. Joyce was a young teenager with green hair standing next to Gyrian along with several others. Standing in front of her was five people. While she couldn’t see three of the faces, she saw two others. One was male, the other was female. The male was young and tall with different colored eyes; one blue and one green. He had long blonde hair and wore red and gold robes. The woman next to him had one yellow eye and one violet eye and wore deep purple garments and had long light golden hair. Suddenly the image was gone.
“You, I’ve seen you before. You were a lot younger though.” Joyce said.
Morganna grinned. Seemed that the girl was remembering her past life as well.
“Indeed child. I was appointed as your assistant. Wasn’t as powerful as I was than.” giggled Morganna.
Darson looked surprised, “You mean you were alive during the first age of Serenai before that first big war?”
“Ha ha, indeed I was Darson. Now, Joyce, I am going to search your mind to see how you came to be here.”
Joyce nodded and Morganna placed a hand on her forehead before searching her mind. Not only did she see how Joyce came to be on Alderan but also the Invasion and the great battle with Zeather. Morganna gasped and pulled her hand back.
“My dear child, you’ve been through so much haven’t you? Unfortunately, something is blocking you from remembering all.” she said in a shaky voice.
“What’s happened mistress?” asked Titus, who had never seen the sorceress shaken up.
“Seems that the Prophecy of Life came to pass Titus. You remember me instructing you about Serenai?”
“Yes, but you mean . . .”
“Yes, so that’s the shift in power I felt over a year ago. The Prophecy of Life is the start of events that’ll change everything.”
“Um, excuse me, but what are you talking about?” asked Darson.
“Oh forgive me Darson, I was getting ahead of myself. Don’t you worry about what I just said. You’ll find out eventually.” assured Morganna.
“So will you be able to help Joyce get home?”
“I shall try, but I can’t give any guarantees. I’ll stay here until I figure it out. I’ll let you know what happens. I can tell you that she did come through a portal, but this portal will be hard to find.”
“All right. Joyce are you hungry?” Darson asked Joyce.
Joyce had been thinking about a lot of things. Hearing Darson, she looked at him.
“Yes, I am.”
“All right. Morganna do you and your pupil care to join us?” asked Darson.
“Thank you my boy. We shall love to join you.” smiled Morganna.
“Yes thank you sir. I am famished!” exclaimed Titus.
“Titus, don’t raise your voice.”
“Oh, sorry mistress.”
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Lunch was an interesting experience for Joyce. She really liked Morganna and Titus, but Darson barely said a word. He just kept looking at her. She wished she could read his mind for his eyes did not reveal anything. So Joyce paid more attention to the sorceress and her apprentice. It was obvious Titus went by Morganna’s example. Although he still had his own personality. She also learned about the Children of Magic and their shortage.
“How can a world’s magic source suddenly start deteriorating?” Joyce asked.
“I am trying to figure it out. But don’t you worry about that honey. Everything will be fine.” Morganna replied.
Joyce nodded but this bad feeling she was having would not go away. It was then another thought occurred to her.
“Darson, if Morganna finds a way back, are you coming with me?” she asked.
This made the room silent.
“I will when I finish my business here.” he said honestly.
Morganna looked at the two unicorns. She knew very well that even if she found the portal, that Darson wouldn’t go through it when Joyce did. Something told her though that there was a reason why Joyce was here. Morganna had been sent here after the first war on Serenai. She wondered why she was seeing how the Child of Light and all her guardians were going to be reborn on Serenai. Now she knew. The Prophecy of Life had been foretold after the war and after the five were reborn. She could remember that day as if it was yesterday.
Morganna had been young all those ages ago. The war had just ended and the Child of Light and her Guardians had just used up all their energy reviving the world. Their souls had just been preserved in the Heavens. Morganna stood next to her siblings and was looking at the gods. All were putting on brave faces but it was obvious the loss of their daughters took their toll.
“Everything is ready my sister.” Gyrian told Serenai, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Thank you my brother.” Corlana replied.
“Why . . .why did this have to happen?” asked a young lady with sea green hair and with eyes where one was clear and one was gold.
“Calm down my apprentice.” Oconis said, looking back at the sorceress.
“Aphina, everything will be fine. Your ward Allora will rise again.” said her eldest sibling who was Pristine’s teacher.
“Yes you’re right Drackor.” Aphina replied, trying to calm down again.
“What now?” asked a sorcerer with black hair and red streaking through it and had eyes where one was orange and the other was deep yellow.
“We sent them to be reborn on Serenai, Donovan. Or at least we sent them one at a time.” said Roweena.
“Who goes first?” asked a dark gray-haired sorcerer with a dark purple eye and one black.
“Your ward Icarus.” said Zephelle.
“Cannot say I am surprised. She was always the most . .um . . .” commented Aphina.
“Mature?” suggested Morganna.
“Yes, that’s it.”
“What are they going to be reborn as?” asked Drackor.
“In memory of my late husband, I am going to have them be reborn as unicorns.” Corlana replied.
“That is perfect my lady.” Morganna said.
Corlana’s husband had been a unicorn and was from another galaxy. He’d been killed in the war. Several of the other gods lost their mates too. Roweena’s husband had been a dragon and was killed. Oconis’s wife of another ancient race known as the luponos which are wolves with wings. Oconis said he was going to place a new race of them on another planet other than Serenai. The other’s mates had lived though and were right now gathering the survivors which were few. Morganna remembered the five souls being reborn one by one way into the future as lifetimes past. It was during that time, she and her siblings were separated. It had tested Morganna’s endurance to be separated from her siblings for so many centuries but she survived. She was jolted out of her memories when Darson spoke.
“It’s been lovely, but unfortunately, I have to make preparations.”
“For what?” asked Joyce.
“My mission.”
Joyce frowned, remembering she could not go with him.
“I will stay here with Joyce in the meantime. Don’t you worry.” Morganna replied.
“Thank you.” Darson said before standing up, bowing, and leaving.
“We’ll see him off when he’s ready.” Morganna replied.
Joyce nodded and finished her meal.
Later outside, Joyce stood with Morganna and Titus and the rest of the household as Darson and his troop saddled up. Even though Torrence was a unicorn, he still rode a horse to carry his weapons on. Another thing about Alderan was that all the horses talked too. Darson’s ride was named Cornwall.
“You ready Cornwall?” Darson asked the black stallion.
“Always sir!” said the horse.
Leavelle, 68
Grinning, Darson turned back to Joyce.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can. I promise.” he said frankly.
“Please be safe. I have a bad feeling.” Joyce said.
So did Darson, but he did not was to worry Joyce even more. Stepping up towards her, he placed a hand on her shoulder and kissed her on the cheek.
“You be safe too.” he said.
Joyce nodded. They looked at each other one more time before Darson turned around and got on Cornwall.
“Wait!” shouted a voice.
Everyone turned to see Diedra run up and to Harrison who was already mounted on his dark brown stallion. Joyce raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Here’s something that’ll bring you luck Harrison. The cook showed me how to make them. They’re cookies.” Diedra said.
Harrison nodded and took them.
“Thank you.” he said, his eyes softening for a split second.
Joyce grinned. Looked like Diedra liked Harrison. It reminded her of Garret and Dahlia when they first met. Wait, did she just remember again? Looked like she did. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Darson.
“Let’s go.” Darson said, stealing one more look at Joyce before leading his men off.
He had assigned some men to guard the keep. The message the king had sent him sent shivers up his spine. All of his men saw his somber mood and knew things were serious. The only one with a grin on his face was Paul. This was the first time his master was letting him go along to see the king. While Alderan had been without war for several years, there were still tensions in the air. The problem was find the source of them. Rumor had been going around that there was a group of people who were attacking places and one or more two people went missing. The thing was no one could even see these attacks. They always happened in a fog and were silent. They were always at night too. They seemed pretty random too. Master Darson did not believe that. Darson had said that these places had another thing in common. They were where unicorns lived. Darson had a feeling that this request the king sent him was connected to this. This was another reason why he wanted Joyce to get back to Serenai as soon as possible. Forcing himself to think about the mission at hand, Darson had his horse go into a gallop.
Joyce watched until she couldn’t see Darson anymore. Sighing, she saw that everyone else, except Diedra, Morganna, and Titus had gone back to what they were doing.
“He’ll be fine Miss Joyce.” said Titus.
“I know. I just wished he would tell me everything. There was a look in his eye when he last looked at me, it was fear.”
Morganna agreed with Joyce. Even though she could not remember everything, at least she still trust her instincts.
“For now, we shall wait. Joyce, how about tomorrow we go to the place where you were found.” she replied.
“I don’t know where I was found.” Joyce said, turning to the elderly sorceress.
“I do. Darson let me access his memory. His recent memory I should say. Boy has great shields. I could have pushed passed them but that would have been rude and he would have known. Shall we go inside for now?” suggested Morganna.
With one last look to the horizon, Joyce nodded and followed the sorceress with Titus and Diedra following.

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A/N: It just dawned on me to show glimpses of the first life Pristine and the other gods had. It was never my intention to hide for long that Morganna and Drackor were siblings. I am also giving you hints on future characters in other books. The next part is when things get active.

cool. so other unicorns lived on the plant that they are on now?