Instead of using the stone bed for laying, Yuko was in a handstand on it. Veyric watched her with a slight tilt of his head. Her elbows contracted, inching herself down, and she slightly swayed before finding the right balance. Then, up she came, extending her elbows.

  “... Not once did I ever think to do that while I was in there,” Veyric said.

  “While you were in here? Mean to tell me you were being held here before?” Yuko said before contracting her elbows again.

  “Yeah. I tried to break into King Alan’s vault.” Veyric said.

  Yuko laughed, falling forward and landing on her back with a thud.

  “Oh, you’re brave, that’s for sure. But how the hell did you end up on their side?” Yuko asked.

  “We made a compromise. Long story short, I’m free, but Xena has to be around, or I have to be back at the manor. I think he’s starting to trust me more. Although I don’t know how much that really matters when I still feel so lost.” Veyric said.

  “Hey, quit blabbering in my ear, I don’t care if you’re lost,” Yuko sat up.

  “You are too, aren’t you?” Veyric asked.

  “Ha, me? Nope. Not even one bit. Getting rid of this curse is all I’ve ever wanted. Living a life without voices in my head would be a dream come true. But I should be thankful. This is the longest I’ve gone without hearing them. After I get rid of this curse, I’m going to find that old man and put him in the ground.” Yuko said.

  “So you want revenge, too?” Veyric said.

  “I want revenge on my entire clan. Not in a hundred years have they realized the consequences of their actions, because no one has bothered themselves to try.” Yuko said.

  “I don’t think everyone’s cut out for that. I bet they wish they could, but they’re afraid of dying in vain. But no one really dies in vain.” Veyric traced his hands along the book.

  “People die in vain all the time. One voice doesn’t change a thing.” She said.

  “From what I’ve seen, voices that are together can make a change,” He said.

  “Ugh, your optimism might kill me.” Yuko groaned.

  “Sorry.” Veyric scratches the back of his head.

  “Save your sorries, they don’t mean much in this situation.” She shrugged.

  “As for you, what’s your problem? What’s there to feel lost about when you’re a dragon?” Yuko asked.

  “Being a dragon doesn’t equal my belonging. I’m lucky it was King Alan. Sure, he might have put me in a cell for a bit, but I think it’s because he didn’t know what to do with me at the time. I did try to break into his vault after all. Had it been King Dareth, I’m sure the cards would be stacked against me, right now.” Veyric said.

  “Well, at least you're self-aware. King Dareth would’ve chopped your head off, skinned your scales, and turned you into a relic weapon by now.” Yuko shrugs.

  “Wait, you can do that?” Veyric asks.

  “When I get my sword back, I’ll show you something.” She said.

  “What are you going to show me?” He asked.

  “It’s a surprise.” Yuko grins.

  The doors to the dungeon creaked open, Xena and Alan walking back inside. King Alan looked into Yuko’s cell, crossing his arms behind his back.

  “Well?” Yuko’s brow arched up.

  “We’ve agreed on something, but you must prove that you’re worthy of it. Xena, I’ll leave this to you, as last time. I must find Avery, now.” He left the dungeon.

  “Are you up for a task, Yuko?” Xena asks.

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  “I got any other choice?” Yuko said.

  “Yes, actually. You can stay here until the prince is found, or… You can make yourself useful. Capture Merle and Morris. Veyric, you’ll go with her.” Xena said.

  “Capture Merle and Morris? No problem, easy as pie for me. But you’re telling me I’ve got to do this with dragon boy, too? No way, I work better alone.” Yuko said.

  “Seems like you don’t want a cure for that curse,” Xena said.

  “Fuck you.” She grumbled.

  “And Veyric, if you can do this, King Alan will contact the adventurers' guild and arrange for you to visit the Wyvernlands,” Xena said.

  Veyric tightened his hands on the book, his horns flaring with gold.

  “... You’re not joking, right?” Veyric closed the book and stood up.

  “I’m being very serious, the king said it himself. As for you, Yuko. If you’re lying about everything you said, the moment you’re cured, you will be imprisoned for the rest of your life.” Xena explains.

  “Good to know I’ll just be cured,” Yuko said.

  “How’d you get him to agree with this, Xena?” Veyric asked.

  “Not even I know how I managed to get him to agree. Don’t waste this chance, do you understand? This is pivotal for both of you.” Xena said.

  “What will you do, Xena?” Veyric asks.

  “Once we get word from Avery, I’ll be going after him. But there aren’t a lot of answers to where he is.” She answers.

  “But Leviara needs you. Without you, it’s vulnerable,” He said.

  “We’re at a point in time where playing it safe will get us nowhere. Besides, Leviara won’t be unprotected. The Vanguard division will aid in my place. Yes, they may be inexperienced, but they must gain it somehow. This is a risk we’re going to have to take. In addition to the Vanguard division and the warding runes, Leviara should be mostly fine. Most threats aren’t even in the kingdom, right now.” She said.

  “Whatever, your call. Where’s my sword?” Yuko walked closer to the cell bars.

  “I’ll give it to you once you tell me what it is and what it does,” Xena said.

  Yuko’s sword was leaning against a wall outside the cell. She let out a long sigh, looking at Xena.

  “It’s a relic weapon,” Yuko said.

  Xena’s eyes widened, her brows arching up before she looked at the katana. Veyric tilted his head, putting away his book into the bag.

  “If it’s a relic weapon, then I should know what it is. We record every single one, and where it’s being held. Don’t lie to me.” Xena narrowed her eyes again.

  “I’m not lying. Just because this sword is undocumented means nothing,” Yuko said.

  “What’s its name? I have to document this later.” Xena asked.

  “Crow’s Knell. Now, you could take it away from me, but it’ll be an ordinary blade unless I’m holding it.” Yuko said.

  “And why’s that?” Xena said.

  “I don’t have to tell you anything. It’s my weapon.” Yuko said.

  Xena looked Yuko in the eyes before opening her cell.

  “Fine. You two best get to it, then.” Xena exited the dungeon.

  Yuko walked out, her gaze briefly flicking over Veyric. She walked over to her sword, taking it.

  “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m not curious about what you can do. Let’s get this over with, so I can hear their plan on getting me cured.” Yuko headed for the door, and Veyric silently followed behind her.