Page 63 of The Misplaced Warrior

Instead, the pixies descended upon the tower like a plague. Their tiny bodies pulsed with a power that didn’t seem possible based on their size. They tore through the metal and the circuitry of the tower like paper. Their magic short-circuited the very essence of the structure until it began to crumble and collapse in upon itself.

It was an incredible and impressive display. Gen and Emperor watched as they retreated. It was an amazing show to witness as the tower fell. The transmitter’s destruction was a thing of terrible beauty that felt strangely raw. It was as if nature had taken down the artificial structure, returning its elements to the earth.

The soldiers on the ground below scattered at once, not wanting to get caught in the avalanche as the tower crumbled. It all happened so fast that they were obviously confused by the strange sight. Their weapons were forgotten as they fled, probably fearing that the cyber-pixies might make them their next target. However, Bermuda Laurens had said that she’d call the magitech creatures back to her once they were done, ensuring they didn’t cause unnecessary problems. Apparently, they were very helpful creatures and were happy to assist.

All at once the tower that had been standing strong moments before was gone. It had been reduced to a pile of smoking rubble and its height and solidness were nothing more than a memory. Gen let out a whoop of joy, her chest expanding with the thrill of victory as she and Emperor sailed off into the blue skies.

They had done it. Another tower down and another blow struck against the Commissioner’s reign of lies. There was still one more tower to destroy and one more battle to be fought before the city could be truly free.

The mountains stretched out before them, an array of wonder and mystery that called to Gen’s very soul. And as they flew, she and Emperor lost themselves in the beauty of the moment, the magic of the land and the unbreakable bond that would carry them through to the very end.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

THE PORTAL GAMBIT

Downtown Los Angeles, California, United States

Gen knew that the worst thing a warrior can do in battle is convince themselves they’ve won before the fight was done. Arrogance was the downfall of a soldier. It was how strong competitors were caught by a sword. That was why Gen couldn’t celebrate yet. There was much left to be done and many dangers ahead to face—the worst hiding somewhere ahead.

As Emperor soared through the skies of downtown Los Angeles, Gen searched for the fifth and final tower. Thankfully, it wasn’t hard to spot, standing amongst buildings and surrounded by crowded streets. Unfortunately, it was also easy to notice because it was heavily guarded.

Gen realized that she should have expected no less. However, the sheer number of obstacles that stood between them and their goal was simply astounding. The tower was surrounded by an army of police on the ground and barricaded behind vehicles, their weapons trained on the approaching rider atop her dragon. Swarming in the air around the transmitter were several helicopters, their blades whipping the air as they circled, not leaving a single opening.

Even more concerning for Gen was the realization that taking down the tower would be a delicate balancing act. This would be a high-stakes game of precision and control. She and Emperor couldn’t risk harming any innocent bystanders or destroying private property. They didn’t want to be seen as villains to the city. The dragon and rider wanted to maintain the fragile trust they had worked so hard to build with the people of the city. They couldn’t be the threats that the Commissioner was making them out to be.

“What are we going to do?” Gen said, mostly to herself but also aloud to her dragon.

He had halted, hovering a good distance from the tower. The forces guarding the structure seemed to be frozen too, watching to see what the dragon and rider would do next. The helicopters circled the transmitter, but didn’t break formation.

This time Gen and Emperor couldn’t get close. They’d already played that trick. That meant they’d have to do something new that the police forces wouldn’t expect.

An idea hit Gen hard, something new that they hadn’t considered. “Portals,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the roar of the wind. “We can use portals to get past the defenses and reach the tower undetected.”

“It will drain your magic,” he replied, skepticism strong in his voice.

“But it would confuse them,” Gen urged. “Then when they are discombobulated, we can strike. We just need to get in close.”

“Your energy though,” he warned severely.

Gen patted her jacket. “I have another candy bar. And what does it matter if we don’t finish what we started? I think this could work. Also, we don’t have to take down the tower. Remember, we have more helpers. Really eager ones.”

Emperor seemed to consider this for a moment. “Okay, I’ll follow your lead. Open the portals and I’ll go through and stay alert. When the forces are really turned around, then take us on to the highest point of the transmitter. We must start at the top for our helpers to work.”

She nodded, her eagerness making her giddy suddenly. Gen liked the idea of using strategy over brute force. But she couldn’t deny that she also liked breaking noses and she looked forward to cracking Charlie Sloane’s when the time came.

Lifting her hand, Gen closed her eyes. She reached deep within herself to tap into the wellspring of power that flowed through her veins. It shot out of her as naturally and instinctively as walking.

With a flick of her wrist, she tore open a shimmering portal in the air before them. Its edges crackled with energy as it grew and expanded—a brightness like looking into the sun. But then it dimmed and that’s when one knew it was safe to enter. And as luck would have it, Gen had made it perfectly and it was large enough for her dragon to dart through.

She quickly caught the shock on the faces of the soldiers below. The helicopters also seemed to pause in midair, as if wondering if the dragon and his rider were abandoning the fight they’d started. They must not have noticed the other side of the portal that materialized on the opposite end of the tower.

Emperor beat his wings, propelling them forward and through the swirling vortex. The world around them dissolved into a medley of colors and sensations. They progressed through instantly and passed back to a world much like the one they’d left, just on the other side of it.

The pair emerged on the other end, high above the city and far from the prying eyes of the police. Emperor continued to beat his wings, always keeping them flying gracefully. Gen didn’t pause her efforts either.

Neither one of them stopped, keeping with the momentum carrying them forward. Gen opened another portal and Emperor flew them through it, disappearing again. As they fled, Gen caught sight of the forces on the ground taking notice. They simply had a moment to turn in their direction before that portal closed and the dragon and rider vanished.

Again, they emerged on the other side of the tower, this time a little lower. This caught many more people’s attention. But before anyone could react, Gen had already created another portal. She did this over and over, doing her best to keep everyone guessing and growing more confused and on edge. That would work in her and Emperor’s favor.

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