“Are you sure these are the right co-ordinates?” A rather professional looking captain in a traditional Naval uniform said.

     “I mean, those are the co-ordinates she gave me,” Drake sighed. Looking once again at the map trying to fathom exactly why they were seemingly going to the middle of nowhere.

     Drake’s calls last night had been successful, managing to book a last minute host and even a place to film the challenge. The only problem was figuring out how to get them all there.

     Luckily, the person he had called was gracious enough to give him directions to the shortest way to get there, and even went so far as to get her father to charter a boat for them to get there. The only issue was, the directions she had given were to a spot in the middle of the ocean between Australia and New Zealand.

     “Is there going to be another vessel there to pick you up, by chance?” The captain asked.

     “As I said… I’m not really sure. This is going to my first time going there too-“ Drake’s thought was interrupted as the modestly sized vessel rumbled. “What was that?”

     “Probably just hit a wave rough,” the captain said.

     “…If you say so,” Drake shrugged, still clearly a little on edge.

     “And what’s got you all jumpy?” The captain asked, “Did you tell me this lass and yourself had a lot of history together?”

     “Yeah,” Drake sighed, “But… It’s complicated…”

     The boat shook again suddenly, as the skies outside rapidly shifted from bright blue to dark and cloudy in nearly an instant. “Woah!” The captain said, the wheel almost immediately spinning out of control before he grabbed on to it. “Where in the blazes did this storm come from?”

     The waves suddenly grew very rocky, as the captain instructed Drake to take all of the girls and production crew inside until they made it out of the storm.

     His task complete, Drake returned to the control room. “What’s going on?” He shouted over the tempest.

     “I don’t know!” The captain shouted back, wrestling with the wheel, “I’ve never seen these waters get this bad!”

     “Are we still on course?” Drake was gripping onto the doorframe, the ship shaking more erratically by the moment.

     “Is that really what you’re most concerned about right now?” The captain shouted back.

     It was hard to tell if the ship was even still moving forwards. As the waters worsened, the ship was tossed back and forth across every cardinal direction. The hull creaked, the vessel not designed to withstand this sort of punishment from the elements.

     Just as it looked as though the ship was about to capsize, a flash of lightening came from the sky, striking the water, a majestic beam of light exploding outwards, completely engulfing the ship.

~~~

???

     In an instant the storm had stopped, and the boat once again found itself on calm waters below clear skies.

     The captain and Drake slowly stood up in confusion, both of them very acutely aware that at some point, the engine had turned off, and that it was probably a miracle that they were even alive.

     “Ahoy!” A far away voice shouted, barely audible over the light waves that lapped at the boat.

     As the captain got to work trying to get the engine running, Drake stepped out from the control room out onto the bow of the bridge, looking out at where they handed landed.

     Spread out before him was a truly impressive island. The coastline had gorgeous white sand beaches that seemed to stretch on for miles, natural hills and luscious green landscape stretched beyond that. In the distance, a small town with old english inspired living arrangements, with some agricultural workers out in the field, and a truly impressive castle the likes of which he’d never seen before. Further beyond that, a gorgeous mountain range completing the picturesque view.

     “Ahoy!” Drake’s attention was pulled towards the noise once again. Stretching out from the Eastern shore of the beach, a large dock extended out into the ocean.

     Standing on the very tip of this dock, screaming her head off to get their attention, was a beautiful humantaur girl with four arms. She was wearing two pairs of black shorts over both pairs of legs (her front pair having been modified in order to expose her second midriff), a pink tank top, and basketball shoes. “Ahoy!” She screamed even louder, forming makeshift megaphone with all four of her hands, her extra lung capacity allowing her to shout much farther distances.

     Drake smiled, waving off the side of the boat and shouting back, “Ahoy!”

     After the boat’s engine was turned back on, it slowly puttered its way over to the dock, the humantaur girl grinning from ear to ear as the moorings were attached by several buff dockworkers.

     Drake was the first off the gangplank, eagerly running up to humantaur and giving her a hug, as the other contestants (most of whom seemed a little queasy from the encounter, save for Rachel and Dahlia) made their way onto the dock. As they lined up, on the dock, the two broke their hug, Drake turning to address the girls.

     “Contestants! I’d like you to meet famous Actress and star of the Realm Wars series of movies, Genie Schutter,” The girls applauded (Natalie squealing) as Genie lowered her front most legs, allowing her to take a deep bow.

     “It’s my pleasure to host this impromptu midweek challenge,” Genie smiled, “And girls, let me be the first to welcome you all to Mageria!”

~~~

Mageria (Morning)

     The procession of the Contestants, Drake, Genie, and the skeleton film crew made their way towards the peaceful village they had been able to see from the dock. It was strange trying to gauge a distance, as it almost seemed that the village was changing how far away it was, but that was fine, as it meant that Drake, Genie, and the contestants could catch up on questions and small talk.

     When they arrived in town, friendly faces grinned as they made their way towards the village center.

     There, a truly magnificent water fountain was set up directly in front of the closed drawbridge of the castle, it had multiple water spouts emanating from the tip of a large bronze magician wearing a crown.

     As the girls approached the castle, the drawbridge lowered, four people of seeming importance walking out.

     Among them were, a finely aged gentlemen who appeared to bear a striking resemblance to the statue in the fountain, wearing a tweed jacket and slacks; a woman of equal age and beauty holding onto his arm, wearing a black ball gown that made her look even younger; a young man who looked as though someone had taken the older fellow and aged him back thirty years wearing a polo and slacks; and a fellow who looked very similar to Genie, barring the fact that he had an extra upper torso where his head should of been, wearing a specially tailored button down shirt that went all the way down both torsos and slacks and standing much taller than the rest of his family.

     As they approached, it was this tall fellow who’s eyes lit up upon spotting one of the contestants, practically running over and swooping up Paxton in his four arms. “Paxton!” He shouted, “It’s so good to finally meet you!”

     Paxton was mortified, as this giant she hadn’t formally met (as far as she was aware) bent down and lifted her up, supporting her in a four armed hug by wrapping his upper pair underneath her own pair, and his lower pair around her hips.

     Sensing that she wasn’t reciprocating, the tall man very quickly leaned back down to let her free from his gasp. His own face was almost as beet red as Paxton’s, “Um… Ha… Sorry?” he grinned.

     Paxton didn’t say anything, being too embarrassed, she simply froze in place, her face still bright red.

     As the tall man walked back to where the young man and the older woman had ended up, Genie stuck out her tongue as he passed by, “Nice going, James.” He simply rolled his eyes.

     The aged fellow, who was standing next to Genie near the drawbridge, watched this for a moment, one of his eyebrows raised, before turning back to the contestants, “*Ahem* With that out of the way… Hello girls, I’m Jacob, but you may call me Jake. And let me just say, as Ki-“

     Genie lightly elbowed him in the stomach, whispering out of the corner of her mouth, “Mayor.”

     “Mayor of Mageria, it is my honor to welcome you to our humble, little island-”

 Natalie held up a hand, Jake smiled, saying, “Yes, Natalie?”

     “Um… How come I’ve never heard of any island called Mageria?”

     “Well,” Jake smiled, “We enjoy a certain amount of quiet around here. So, we use some temporal magic to hide our island from the public at large. You could almost say we’re on a whole other planet.”

     “Think of it a bit like a wellspring,” Genie added, giving her father a look.

     “Yes, a much better analogy!” Jake grinned, giving a look that he knew exactly what he was doing, “And while you’re here, I would just like to offer you all the grace that you will not be bound by the normal rules that accompany our small community.”

     “What Daddy means to say,” Genie gives him another look, “is that you’re our special guests on the island, so everyone already knows who you are and is willing to help you out with anything you might need. There’s no need to worry about paying for anything, as it’s all coming from our pocket.”

     “Precisely,” Jake kissed Genie on her cheek, “Thank you so much, dear. Whatever would I do without you?”

     “Daddy, stop,” Genie said blushing.

     “In any case, I have graciously offered to lend out our castle for the purpose of your midweek challenge. Take as much time as you all need to complete it in there, and then later in the evening, we will have a feast to celebrate!” Jake smiled.

     As the girls made their way towards the castle, Drake held back Genie so the two could talk. “I thought you said that you talked to your Dad!”

     “I did!” She whisper/shouted back.

     “Really? Because that seemed to me like he was about to-“ The camera lost focus a bit, muting the dialogue from Drake and Genie as it focused on Jake in the background.

     What seemed to be a rather shady looking PA that was covering his face with his ball cap was talking to him. It wasn’t clear what was being said, but he held up one of the magic cameras used on ANGA and pointing at the Castle. Jake seemed apprehensive, but then the PA pointed at Genie. Jake nodded, and the camera followed them as they made their own way into the castle.

     “Okay! Look! It’s not a big deal!” Genie whisper/shouted at him, as the camera focused back in on their conversation, “What’s been said has been said! Now, are we going to do this or what?”

     Drake sighed, holding the bridge of his nose, “Fine… I’m sorry for getting on your case.”

     “Good,” Genie poked him on the nose, galloping into the castle. Drake rolled his eyes, grinning as he went in after them.

~~~

The Castle (Morning)

     “Alright girls,” Genie grinned at the line-up of contestants, “Today’s midweek challenge is based on a game that my dad played a very long time ago. The rules are really simple. You’ll each get five minutes to go and hide,” From behind her back, Genie produced a large battle ax, holding it impressively as though it weighed nothing, “and then I’ll come and find you and try to chop your heads off. And don’t worry, it’s a magical ax,”

     She demonstrated by cleaving Drake’s head off in a single swipe. Drake, mostly expecting it, managed to catch his head easily, holding it in his hands. “The last person in the castle who hasn’t had their head caught off is the winner! And their team doesn’t have to be transformed this week,” Genie smiled.

     “Your time starts now!” She shouted excitedly, the girls quickly scampering to find somewhere to hide.

     Natalie (ever the scholar), had the brilliant idea to hide in the castle’s library, theorizing that old buildings like this love to hide secret passageways there. And, if worse comes to worse, at least she’ll be able to do some reading if she gets knocked out.

     Rachel had the brilliant idea to stand right by one of the branching hallways of the foyer, intending to sneak back and hide there, as soon as the coast is clear.

     Kacie and Olive decided it best to work as a team, heading towards the kitchen, hoping they could use their number advantage in order to potentially overpower Genie.

     Paxton went to find the nearest bedroom, crawling under the bed.

     And finally, Dahlia just sort of started randomly wandering the halls. It was unclear what exactly her plan was, if she had one, but she was being lackadaisical in her approach, looking at paintings and smelling flowers in the various hallways.

     Five short minutes later, and Genie was on the prowl.

~~~

The Castle (Genie’s Body Cam)

     The camera following Genie’s perspective seemed to be set squarely in her forehead, showing off exactly what she could see in the room around her. Genie’s excited giggling, causing the camera to bounce up and down very slightly.

     She slowly began to walk down one of the first neighboring hallways, the sound of her alternating footsteps being picked up by the microphone.

     And just as immediately as she started prowling, who should she happen to run into but Rachel, who had unwisely chosen the very same hallway as her hiding spot. The two girls stared at each other for a moment. “Um…” Genie said, “you did understand the rules right?”

     Rachel didn’t say anything for a bit, before sighing and saying, “yeah.”

     “Well… Thanks for the honesty!” Genie said, slicing Rachel’s head clean off, handing it back to her before continuing down the hallway.

~~~

The Library

     Natalie was taking her time browsing the library for secret entrances, pulling on any inconspicuous books that caught her eye, and pulling out others that caught her fancy.

     Like one book, ‘A history of stage illusions’. Inside, it had large pictures and diagrams, describing strange constructions that would allow people to make it appear as if they were pulling off magical effects.

     “But why would you want to design tricks that way when magic exists?” Natalie though aloud, flipping through the pages and seeing how two people could be used to make it appear as though a single person was cut in half.

     Natalie shook her head, closing the book and going back to her search for hidden doorways, completely unaware of the dark presence that was watching over her.

     The shad made a move, blurring as Natalie’s head suddenly fell off her body in alarm.

~~~

The Kitchen (Genie’s Body Cam)

     At the same time, Genie walked into the kitchen, vaguely sensing two magic users in the vicinity. She began walking down the cabinets opening them one by one.

     Just as she reached the one on the very end, she heard the sound of a pantry door clicking open.

     With impressive speed beyond what one could have expected with someone of her gait, Genie turned around, cutting off Olive’s head, the defenseless older woman yelping and dropping the frying pan she was carrying in surprise.

     Not even stopping her slice, Genie’s axe expertly cleaved through the cabinet, hitting Kacie’s neckline behind the door.

     “It was a good plan girls,” Genie beamed, “Unfortunately, you’d have to be pretty quick to catch me off guard.” Genie laughed, as the sound of something slicing through the air was heard.

     “Wha-?” Genie managed to say, as the footage from her head came began plummeting towards the Earth.

~~~

A bedroom

     Paxton was silently cursing herself for hiding under a bed. Every single noise she heard nearly sent her jumping. She briefly considered whether it would be better to just move out of her hiding spot to somewhere else, when suddenly, she heard the distinctive sound of feet approaching.

     Paxton held breath, as the door to the bedroom opened, a pair of black boots stomping around, the sound of items being overturned only causing Paxton further anxiety and a need to take a breath.

     The feet stopped right in front of Paxton, and she did her best to silently wiggle backwards. Unfortunately, she must not have done it good enough, as the figure bent down…

     “Paxton?” Jake smiled at her, “An excellent hiding spot, my dear.”

     “Jake?” Paxton exhaled, “Why are you here?”

     “Me? Oh! Yes… Everyone’s looking for you!” Jake looked to the left, “You won!”

     “Really?” Paxton asked, blushing because she clearly didn’t believe it. She climbed out from under the bed.

     “Mhm!” Jake smiled, “You just need to head to the foyer.”

     “Okay,” Paxton certainly didn’t feel like a winner, but she believed him heading towards the foyer.

     Just as Jake left the bedroom, the sound of rushing wind was heard again, followed by the sound of clanging metal. “This ends here,” Jake said, disappearing into thin air.

~~~

A random hallway

     Meanwhile, Dahlia was appreciating a drawn family photo of Jake’s family, James barely managing to fit in the frame, and Genie’s second torso sliding out past the other end.

     “…I wonder what genetics Jake and Jenny have ... to have kids like that?…” She wonders aloud.

     Suddenly a wild rush of wind sweeps through the hallway, blowing Dahlia’s hair around wildly, who remains unfazed through it all. As the wind subsides, her head, like everyone else’s falls off, thankfully right into her hands.

~~~

The foyer

     Paxton reaches the foyer, slightly confused, as there doesn’t appear to be anyone waiting there. “Um… Hello?”

     Paxton waits there a good five minutes, even checking the front door, finding it’s locked. She sits down on the steps, just waiting.

     Eventually, after another five minutes have passed, Jake comes walking down the hallway. “Ah! Paxton! Sorry about that! I had to take care of some business.”

     Paxton stood up quickly, blushing, “It’s no problem, sir.”

     Jake laughed, “Please, sir’s entirely too formal, call me Jake,” Jake patted Paxton on the back muttering something under his breath.

     Suddenly, Paxton found her head pitching forwards, a brief wave of nausea overtaking her mind, which would have caused her to fall over if Jake hadn’t caught her. “Whoops. Sorry about that.”

     The instant that Paxton’s head had left her body, the doors suddenly burst open, a look of alarm on Drake’s face, “Where’s-“

     “Everything’s under control, Drake,” Jake smiled. “I was just congratulating Paxton here on winning. You’ll have to excuse me for interrupting the game, but I had wanted to grab something during it. If you’d like to take over from here, I can go quickly get everyone else.”

     “U-um… Yeah sure…” Drake regained his composure, nodding at Jake, “T-thanks Jake. For doing that…”

     “No problem. I’m sure we can discuss it all during dinner,” Jake smiled leaving Drake and Paxton alone in the foyer.

     “Well… Uh,” Drake went back into full host mode, “Congratulations, Paxton! On winning this week’s midweek challenge! As a reward, you and Dahlia will not have to take part in this week’s transformation!”

     Drake turns towards the camera, “Speaking of which, now’s the time for all of you watching at home, to go and vote on what transformation they must endure! Thanks for watching, and Goodnight Everybody!

Sorry, Voting is Closed

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

& Question Corner &

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

To David: “Hi David. Do you mind doing me a solid and let me help out in AGNA? Either as a substitute host or for the mini challenge thing? Pretty please? My life depends on it. I'm not joking. I could die any minute because I'm dealing with morons who could kill me! Being in AGNA could save me! Not even the police will help out! (Lots of desperate Emojis)” -Rei (@@quad2)

 David: “Rei, I’m sorry to hear that. If need be, I could send over some of my security team if you truly feel you life is in danger.

 I’m afraid though, that I cannot extend you another offer this season to appear on ANGA. I always run my potential candidates by my wife and… well… I’m afraid the Mrs. did not react kindly to the idea.

 Again, though, if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know privately.”

To the Contestants: “Um... sorry if I offended you if you don't want to reply.” -Jeanne (@@quad2)

 Drake: Hey there Jeanne, clerical error there on the production team’s part, the contestants have been filled in on your last comment.

 Olive: “Oh! You poor thing! I wish I could just give you a hug through the screen and tell you that everything was going to be alright!”

 Rachel: “Don’t worry, you didn’t offend. It just seems like someone messed up big time.”

 Paxton: Paxton gives a weak smile, “I’m sure that you’re doing fine out there Jeanne. You’ve got this.”

 Dahlia: “…No offense taken…”

 Kacie: “Hang in there Jeanne. I know it can be hard sometimes to be a musician, but I’m sure you’ll make it far.”

 Natalie: “Everything’s going to be okay, Jeanne.”

To the Girls:

“You all ended up in quite the unique groups, reminds me a lot of last year. Anyway, to be honest you balance each other out and I'm sure you will come up with impressive acts and ideas! Again I'm looking forward to see you all in Europe. Also you might have noticed who I also invited for it. You will be so in for a treat.” -Andrea (@@Jeaune)

 Natalie: “Are you kidding me? The thought of getting to go to the ANGA afterparty was already exciting enough! But now I get to go to two magic parties with a ton of famous magicians?! Eeeeeeeee!!!!”

 Olive: “Oh and I’m very much looking forward to it, dear. Hopefully you won’t find me too much trouble when I go off on stories about Rachel and Mason.”

 Dahlia: “…A meeting of giants…”

 Rachel: “Hopefully I’ll be able to convince Natalie to maybe branch out a little bit from just doing a standard big-box trick again.”

 Paxton: Paxton blushes. “I’m just worried about holding Dahlia back… She was so good on Saturday…”

 Kacie: “It’ll be great to finally meet you Andrea! And no worries, I remembered what you asked, and won’t be bringing Tetra along to the party.”

To David and Howard:

“I'm glad you both can come too, and yes I'm aware that more invitations will lead to Drake short circuiting and corrupting his current willing state of mind. So no more after you. Though speaking of corrupted mind, lil sneak peak what I am doing, my solo Magicienne Shows also include Hypnosis, I'm really fond of that skill.” -Andrea (@@Jeaune)

 Howard: Howard grins, “Very interesting… Hypnosis is a very impressive skill to have for a Magicienne with so little experience.”

 David: David tuts, “Howard, be nice.”

 Howard: “What! I was being nice! That was a compliment!”

 David: “But you know as well as I that there were better ways to phrase it.”

 Howard: Howard grins, “Alright. Fair enough. Andrea, that’s a very impressive skill to have picked up.”

 David: “And thank you for understanding about Drake. He’s an excellent host and very efficient in what he does… But there are limits.”

To Howard:

“Of course I would love to, though just a disclaimer, I only have national licenses for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, even though thanks to EU regulations and me being member in the EMU (European Magician Union) it get extended to the whole Schengen Area. I'm pretty sure Drake gave you already my E-mail address.” -Andrea (@@Jeaune)

 Howard: “Well, not to worry! I’ll just have to make sure we include one of those places as a stop on our tour then so we can maximize your profits!

 And not to worry! Drake did indeed give me your E-mail address. You see, in my old age, sometimes I forget these things. But, all is well with the world! And I am excited to see what you can do!”

To Drake:

“You still stick to your rules and contracts, seriously you need to relax and take things not as absolutes, you have living people around you not any kind of lifestock or furniture! And Drake, is that a request to be "ripped apart" because I could swear you are really asking for it. Also that will be published on my own video blog! And again there is no ban in my contract.

Also Drake, if I can help to make the show more successful, let me know. Since I have now a full week off and cleaned my place twice already. I really could need something to do.” -Andrea (@@Jeaune)

 Drake: Drake stares at the camera, one of his eyebrows raised, “… Okay… I’m just going to ignore the fact that you just threatened me, because our scheduling’s is already enough of a mess, and I can’t be looking to schedule more people so close to arriving in Europe.”

 Drake sighs, ”Andrea, I understand your passionate for the show, and I really appreciate that. I am too! That’s why I have to stick to the rules and contracts so much. Because somebody has to be the one to say ‘Okay, yes, we can do this,’ or ‘No. We absolutely cannot do this’. Does that mean I’m the bad guy sometimes? I’d be lying if I didn’t say yes. Have I made poor judgement calls? Also yes.

 But, I’m equally as responsible for the parts I’m sure you’ve loved in the past. I was the one who initially pitched the idea of brining the eliminated contestants back to celebrate the finalists accomplishments. Not to mention basically working out the schedules of so many different people to try and get them all into the same place. And who do you think sold ANGA to all those sponsors so we could actually afford to do this World Tour in the first place?

 I know you want to help make the show more successful, I do to! We’re on the same team here! So please, cut me some slack.

 Oh, and we’d love to have you on the show some more. I’m sure the assistants would love to hear any advice you could give them.”

To Drake: “I just saw what sort of fix you're all in and Genie contacted me. I will be happy to host the midweek challenge. And don't worry about the cost, I'll bankroll the the trips to my home. The encrypted transmission included will be instructions for your trip here. Genie is in your control room now putting in the cypher key. (Don't ask how she got in.) I know you think this all a little paranoid, but you'll understand my precautions when you arrive.

This will be an ANGA exclusive!” -Jacob Schutter. (@@James-MacCloude)

 Drake: Drake smiled nervously, “Thanks so much Ja- I mean Mr. Schutter.” Drake scratches the back of his neck, “Apologies again for springing this on you so last minute. And thanks for being so prompt in responding! But hey? Maybe it means we’ll get to go to another wild afterparty?”

To Howard: “It was good to see you again Howard, how's your daughter Nora doing? Also how is your assistant Annette and her Familiar Rocky doing?

Anyway the reason I'm messaging you is I'd like to extend the invitation to you and your assistants, to join me at my home. You can enjoy our hospitality and watch the midweek challenge.

If you accept then just touch your mirror.” -Jacob Schutter. (@@James-MacCloude)

 Howard: “Jake! Long time no see!

 Nora is doing absolutely wonderful. As I mentioned yesterday, she’s finally managed to get rid of me and replaced me with a much younger and handsomer model. I kid, of course, he’s a wonderful magician, and I’m unbelievably proud of her.

 Annette and Rocky have been doing amazing. I never thought I’d see the day where I could say I enjoyed working with animals, but Rocky is certainly a whole other story.

 And I know you didn’t ask about her, but my other assistant, Sable, has been doing just fine as well. The terms of her ANGA contract finally ran out, and so I was able to hire her on as a full-time assistant. I’m sure I drive the three of them up the wall, but we’ve had an absolutely wonderful time so far.

 I’m afraid that due to the nature of these questions, I may have received the invitation a little too late. However, I’m certain that we’ll see each other once again at the end of season wrap-up party. After all, I’m pretty sure I still owe you a drink!” Howard gives a deep, hearty chuckle.

 “Until next time, Jake!"

To David Angel: “Greetings. I am extending to you and your assistant Jill the invitation, to join me at my home to watch live the ANGA's midweek challenge. I'm sorry we never got to meet, as I was very busy during season 1, However I would like to correct that oversight now. I've extended a similar invitation to Howard Weiss. If you accept just touch you mirror.” -Jacob Schutter. (@@James-MacCloude)

 David: “It’s no worries at all Jake. Season one was back when ANGA was still in its infancy, so I wouldn’t expect many people to jump on the bandwagon so quickly.

 My apologies for missing this message before the challenge happened, I believe we’ll need to schedule a get together again at some point. Perhaps at the wrap-up party.”

To Drake: “You owe me BIG for this one Drakie, but dad's a real brick as you know, I'll see you really soon.” -Genie Schutter (@@James-MacCloude)

 Drake: Drake blushes, “I know Genie. Sorry to drag your family into this whole mess. Thank you so much for helping us out, and if there’s anything I can do to make it up to you, let me know.”

To Contestants: “I told you we were going to meet and my friend who predicted this is seldom wrong.” -Genie Schutter. (@@James-MacCloude)

 Dahlia: “…So it is written in the tales of our lives… That we did indeed meet… upon an island in the sea…” Dahlia stares off into the distance.

 Paxton: Paxton smiles, “It was nice to finally meet you, Genie.”

 Olive: “That must be a pretty good friend to be around then! I betcha they’d be great to have around when you’re worried about something.”

 Rachel: “It was great meeting you. Although I still feel robbed.”

 Kacie: “It was great to meet you, Genie!”

 Natale: “Oh my God! It was so great meeting you too Genie! Your family seems super cool too!”

To Paxton: “I'm glad to see you're in a better mood, and heard you guys are coming here. If its alright with you I'd like to give you a big four armed hug. Let me know via the private message channel. Thanks!” -James Schutter. (@@James-MacCloude)

 Paxton: Paxton blushes. “Oh! N-now I see what that was about earlier…”

To Olive and Kacie: “Seems like we have a very good team picked here. You two get along perfectly. Can’t wait to see your performance!” -Shannon (@@FlagsOtherSide)

 Olive: “Oh you betcha! Kacie and I have already started planning out exactly what we want to do.”

 Kacie: Kacie blushes, “Well… it’s still in the early planning phases anyways…”

 Olive: “Oh don’t be so modest. You’re work’s brilliant!”

 Kacie: Kacie’s blush only worsens, “Olive! You don’t always have to upsell me.”

 Olive: “I’m sorry dear,” Olive hugs Kacie, “But a Mama Bear is always proud of her cubs!”

To Drake: “I have a strong feeling about who you’re going to call upon for that midweek challenge. Just wanted to say good luck.” -Shannon (@@FlagsOtherSide)

 Drake: “Thanks! After last year, I’m rather shocked with how this year’s challenge seemed to go off without a hitch,” Drake looks fishily around, a little bit of sweat forming on his forehead.

~~~

Mageria (Sunset)

     The sun was finally setting over Mageria. The contestants had enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by the Schutter family, and were currently just exploring around the island, meeting new people and having a great time.

     In a particularly plush part of the royal garden, underneath an apple tree, Drake and Genie were watching the sunset. Genie was laying on her side, allowing her upper torso with four arms to wrap around Drake.

     They sat there a while, in a calm serenity. Until Drake broke the silence, “You know… I still think we could have made it work.”

     Genie laughed, shaking her head, “Really now?”

     Drake joined in her chuckling, “Oh sure. Give me a couple of years… Maybe a few more back and forths… A few more heartbreaks… I imagine I would have been worn out by you eventually.”

     Genie smiled, “Because you’re such the great catch?”

     “I mean,” Drake grinned at her in return, “Granted, I’ve only seen a small sample of your ‘Magic Isles’, but from what I’ve seen… Frankly, I don’t see anyone here worthy enough to marry you.”

     Genie laughed, “Well, I’m glad to know you have my back.” Genie rested her head against Drakes shoulder.

     The two watched the sunset in silence this way for a bit longer. As the edges of it were just disappearing across the horizon, Drake asked, “If I asked you to come back with me, Would you?”

     “Drake,” Genie closed her eyes, her voice sounding slightly strained, “You know I can’t do that now…”

     “But if I asked, would you?” Drake’s voice, normally so filled with bravado and arrogance, was stripped back, almost sounding on the verge of begging.

     Genie didn’t respond for a while, the two just sitting there with Drake’s question hanging over their head. As the sun finally completes its journey over the hillside, stars began to take over the night sky.

     Eventually though, Genie lifted her head upwards, giving Drake a small kiss on the cheek, parting with Drake by saying, “Have a great life, Drake,” She tilted herself up onto her four legs and began walking back to the castle.

     As she left, Drake reached into his pocket, pulling out a small black leather box. Looking at it intently, he gave the box a little squeeze, taking a deep breath before putting it back into his pocket.

     “Goodbye, Genie,” Drake whispered into the night, looking up at the constellations with a forlorn smile on his face.