The Travelers

The Second Key

"I misjudged you. You're quite powerful," the angel commented.

"But we can't leave just yet, we still have to find the key inside this castle," Kai told us.

"You mean a literal key?" Akana asked.

"Well yes but it's a key that can open another dimension and far away places."

"Just like the key you gave me earlier."

"Exactly."

"I think I have an idea where your key is."

She walks towards the vanity mirror that's never been used.

"Years ago I discovered a key in a hidden compartment in the maid's quarter. I thought it's the key to my sister's room but it wasn't. I still kept it though because why go all the trouble of hiding something if it's not important."

She brought out a heart shaped musical box inside the hidden compartment at the back of the vanity mirror.

She winds up the music box but instead of music the heart opens up and reveals a key.

She gave the key to Kai. The key suddenly burst into flame and a new key was uncovered.

"I think we got the key we need," said Kai while smiling. "We can now leave."

"Wait, let me get my things. And I still have to change clothes. Since we barely have an hour, I need to prepare now, " Akana declared

"Wait what are you saying? Why do you need to prepare?" the queen asked.

"I'm going with them," Akana informed her.

"No you're not going with them." The queen protested. "You should be going with us."

"Mother, I have to. I still have half of Niccolo's power. And since I don't have a seal that could protect me I'm basically a sitting duck to all creatures out there."

"Well if they're smart enough they will choose to get out of your way. But many of them are not. But they still posed danger to anyone near Princess Akana." Kai forewarned them.

"I don't care you're not leaving. Your sister just woke up. Please Akana, " her mother begged.

"I'm sorry because for years I was angry at you when you're also a victim of circumstances. But this is something I need to do, mother. I need to break the chain of our family's curse. I don't want to go to sleep every night afraid that anytime the boogeyman will come for me or my future children. I'm going to destroy that boogeyman so that i don't have to live in fear."

"We can do that here. Your father is doing everything in his power. We are strengthening our military might. We can fight them."

"You've seen how father reacted towards Niccolo. And I already asked my grandfather and grandmother about our cursed fate. And they already told me everything they know. And after seeing what I saw earlier I don't think we will have a chance. So whether you like it or not i'm coming with them." Princess Akana declared.

"You're going to a very dangerous place. The chance of you coming back is slim to none. I wont allow it."

"I'm sorry mother but I'm not asking for your permission. I am just informing you of my decision."

"Don't worry your highness, we will do our best to protect Princess Akana," I assured her.

"So you're coming with us now? What changed your mind?" The angel asked.

"Kai was right. I want answers. And besides since I already got half of my power I don't think I could go back to living a normal life. I don't want to put my adoptive parents in danger."

"Good that you made up your mind." The devil was pleased with my decision.

"I guess I have no choice but to allow my daughter to come with you. She already made up her mind. And it's not like I can stop her. So please take care of her." the queen begged.

"Who is leaving?" The king asked as he entered the room.

"All of us need to leave as soon as possible. But Akana will go with them instead."

The king was silent, obviously thinking. I thought he would protest but... "I already prepared for this. We already have a place to go and the royal guards are already informed."

A nurse entered the room with a wheelchair for princess Ara.

"You have to leave now." the king said after Ara was transferred to the wheelchair.

"Just us? What about you?" the queen asked.

"I need to stay here. And defend the palace. We also need to at least slow down those who are after our daughters."

"How dangerous are those men you're talking about?" The queen asked us, visibly nervous.

But before any of us were able to answer, the king stopped us. "I already made my decision. I was a coward back then and that almost cost our daughters life. I'm the king and it's my duty to do this. Don't worry, I will follow suit once everything is okay."

The queen hugged her husband. "Be very careful."

Before princess Ara was wheeled out of the room she mouthed. "Thank you so much for saving me."

"I'm the one who owes you princess. You lost years of your life because of me. So you don't need to thank me at all." I told her.

"Still you returned."

"Not without us dragging him here." The angel butted in. She smiled.

"You need to go."

The king is already in a hurry. But before he left the room he turned to Akana and gave her a tablet and a book.

""What's this father?"

"It contains everything you need to know about our familys secret. He also handed her a pistol and a sword. I dont know if these will help but atleast you trained for this.

That's supposed to be a secret.

"You think I don't know what you're up to all these years?"

"What about you? Do you want some weapons?" He asked the five of us.

I looked at my four companions. "No need. We already have our own." the devil said.

"I don't even know how to use any weapon." I admitted.

"I already prepared some of your belongings." Again the royal guard approached her with a backpack and body armor.

"This is too much." She's talking about the armor.

"You know it's not. It's lightweight and will protect you."

"Thank you father."

"I'm sorry for what I did to you and your sister."

"You have no choice. They would have found us anyway even if we tried to escape our fate. I've seen what they can do. And I fully understand now."

"Promise me you'll return."

"Ofcourse I will, father." And for the first time in a long time she hugged him. "I have to get change.'' She went to the bathroom.

The five of us just waited for her to come out.