Thomas frowned doubtfully. “Do you really think that we humans would survive against Osay here?”
The Scavenger shook his head. “No.”
Everyone looked at him.
The Scavenger smiled and took out a bracelet. “Use this. Before the war, press this, and an army of the Greenies will be there with you.”
Hope was visible on everyone’s face. They had completely forgotten about the Greenies.
There was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Thomas said.
A group of scientists came in, carrying five sets of FLICKs.
The Scavenger grinned. “Great job! The FLICK armours for the children and Pyros.”
The children jumped, yelling in excitement. They had always wanted to wear the FLICK after seeing it. As soon as they touched the FLICK, it wrapped around them. The scientists left after checking the settings of the FLICKs.
The Scavenger proposed to Thomas, “Let’s finalize the plan. We both require help from the Greenies. They can’t be at two different places at the same time. I propose that while I, the children and Pyros move to attack Cotton Village, you hold the Island here. We have two bracelets to call the Greenies. Whoever feels the need to call them, just use the bracelet without thinking about the other party. That would make things much easier to handle.”
The Scavenger continued, “In case we win at Cotton Village, Osay’s forces would lose here as well as he would be finished once we combine the Pages of Destiny.”
James said, “The Scavenger is right. The ‘Book of the Universe’ is too important for Osay and he will never leave the Library location. That’s an advantage for Thomas here. If Thomas and his men win here, they should immediately proceed to Cotton Village to augment our fight.”
Thomas and the Scavenger agreed on the plan.
Pyros raised his hand. “I propose to stay here on the Island with Thomas. With you and the children already possessing special powers and the FLICKs as well, I think my services would be utilized much better here.”
The Scavenger thought for a while and nodded. “We have many lives to be protected here. Pyros and Thomas together can lead the warriors well. I agree.”
With that, everyone left the room.
Next morning, the Chariot of Destruction was waiting for them in the outskirts of the Island. Thomas and Pyros bid goodbye to the Scavenger and the children as they got ready to depart for Cotton Village.
As they journeyed along, James said, “A stray thought crossed my mind. Can we take the help of the Unicorn King?”
The Scavenger said, “I don’t think that would help. The Unicorn King is loyal to the Kingdom. We would be evil for him by now.”
James clicked his fingers. “That’s where Cayden comes in.”
James elaborated his plan and everyone seem to agree that it could work. The Scavenger decided to take a detour to meet the Unicorn King. He directed the chariot towards a vast meadow and stopped at a specified location. Wearing his FLICK, he jumped off the chariot. “I’ll be back in a jiffy. Wish me luck.”
The Scavenger looked around. There were no animals or birds or any other form of life in the meadows. It looked frightening and eerie.
The Scavenger knelt and traced a line on the ground. He placed his hands on the line.
Blue mist shot out from his hands. A doorway appeared in the air, and the Scavenger stepped into it.
He emerged onto the green grass. This place too was deserted with no form of life.
The Scavenger waited. There was no one around. The previous few times he had come here, he had seen hundreds of creatures running around happily, but now...
He was alerted by a whoosh in the air. His FLICK rang with a metallic sound. The Scavenger was propelled backwards, but he firmly placed his foot on the ground to prevent losing his balance.
The Scavenger still could not see anyone.
Another flash, and again his armour was hit. The Scavenger flew back but quickly regained his posture.
More attacks came from all sides, but the FLICK did well to repel them.
The Scavenger cast his eyes around. “Oh, come on!”
There was no reply.
“You know it’s futile! I am not that stupid!”
Still, no one appeared.
The Scavenger continued, “Wait, I get it. It’s not your fault. You are following the Good Kingdom’s orders. You don’t know the truth.”
The Scavenger took a breath. “Just give me a chance to clear your doubts. Meet me. You know I will never harm you.”
He waited for another minute.
A figure appeared in front of him.
The Scavenger bowed. “The Unicorn King. How are you?”
The Unicorn King had hatred in his eyes. “You traitor! What are you doing here?!”
The Scavenger sighed. “I am not a traitor. Do you not remember the wars we fought together? How can I ever forget your immense help when we fought the Death Lord?”
“That was before we got the order from the Good Kingdom! We all now know that you have betrayed the Kingdom and escaped. You are a fugitive now, and it would be my duty and responsibility to capture and hand you over to the Good Kingdom.”
The Scavenger said, “You have all been brainwashed. A brainiac has captured the Good Kingdom. His name is Osay, and he is issuing all such orders in the name of the Kings of Necron who are currently hiding in the protective chambers at the Castle of Fate.”
The Unicorn King was visibly shocked.
“What? Unbelievable!” he remarked.
The Scavenger fumbled in his pocket and brought out a pencil-like device. “I know, it is difficult to believe. Here, take this.”
The Unicorn King hesitated and took a few steps back.
The Scavenger pressed a button. A light came out and started projecting a video on the ground.
The video showed a warrior standing in front of a rocky wall, breathing heavily and looking terrified.
The warrior spoke. “Listen very carefully. My name is Cayden. I am in great danger.”
The Unicorn King watched the entire
