Chapter 7: The Plan
The cave was dark, silent, and cold, but for the first time since entering the mirror world, all four of them slept deeply—except Lucas.
In his dream, he stood in the middle of a thick fog. The ground was damp, and the air was cold. Then, through the mist, came a soft voice—familiar and warm.
"Grandma?" Lucas whispered.
His grandmother appeared, glowing softly. Her eyes were kind, but her face serious.
"You went near the mirror," she said gently.
"I'm sorry," Lucas replied, tears forming in his eyes. "I didn't mean to… I didn't know this would happen."
"You must not dwell on that," she said. "You are the chosen one. You are meant to make the impossible… possible."
"I don't know how," Lucas replied, shaking his head. "I don't even know what that means."
"You will," she said, placing her hand over his heart. "When the time comes… you'll know."
Then everything faded.
Lucas gasped as he woke up, his body frozen for a second—something was wrong. He turned toward the entrance of the cave just in time to see Eric being dragged away by four orcs—the same ones they had seen near the river.
"ERIC!" Lucas shouted, jumping up. "They're taking Eric!"
Eline bolted awake first. "What?!"
She shook Leo furiously. "They've got Eric! Wake up!"
Leo sat up quickly, his eyes still half-shut. "Huh—what the hell—MY BACKPACK BOY?!" He stood up like lightning. "No way! I need him!"
Without another word, Leo darted out of the cave, blade in hand, running so fast that the ground beneath his feet kicked up dust. Eline and Lucas rushed behind him, but they could barely keep up.
The orcs, already far ahead, were hauling Eric like a sack of potatoes. One of them stuffed cloth in Eric's mouth to stop his screaming.
Leo's eyes burned with rage—and excitement. "Let's do this!" he shouted as he closed the distance.
The first orc didn't even see him coming. Leo slashed through it with ease.
"One down," he grinned.
The second orc turned, thrusting a long spear toward Leo. But Leo dodged, spinning low and driving his blade straight into the orc's chest. He yanked the weapon free and threw it with deadly aim—hitting the third orc carrying Eric.
"Three down," Leo smirked.
The last orc, now struggling to carry Eric alone, panicked and dropped him to flee. But Leo hurled a small knife—straight into the orc's neck. It collapsed without a sound.
Eric rolled on the ground, tied and terrified.
"I got you, supplier boy," Leo said with a grin as he untied him. "Can't lose my walking inventory, can I?"
Just then, Eline and Lucas arrived, out of breath. Lucas bent over, panting. Eline shook her head. "He acts like that was a game."
Leo pulled the knife out from the last orc's neck. "I like this one. I'm keeping it."
Eric stood up shakily. "That was… close. What now?"
"We go back to the cave," Lucas said firmly. "This place isn't safe. I can sense it—we're too close to the Guardian Beast."
They all nodded and returned to the cave, shaken but alive.
Back inside the cave, the four of them huddled together, their breathing still heavy from the chase.
Leo sat proudly sharpening the blade he used against the orcs. Eric sat farthest from the entrance, still shaken. Lucas, pacing the floor of the cave, finally stopped and turned toward the group.
"I've got it," he said. "I know how we'll fight the Guardian Beast."
Everyone looked up.
"We need to use each of our abilities," Lucas began. "Eric, it starts with you."
Eric blinked. "Wait—me again? Why me?"
Lucas stepped closer. "Because you can clone yourself. That's the key to distracting the beast."
"I don't like where this is going," Eric muttered.
"We need you to create five clones," Lucas explained. "You'll approach the Guardian Beast's territory and send your clones out in different directions. That'll confuse it. While it's distracted chasing the clones, Leo will strike."
"Hold on, hold on," Eric raised a hand. "You want me to go near the monster?"
"Yes," Lucas said. "But not alone. Before your clones go in, Eline will go first."
Eline tilted her head. "Me?"
Lucas nodded. "You'll use your vanish ability to get close enough to the beast. I think the beast can smell us—so even if you're invisible, your scent will lure it. That's the bait."
Eline nodded slowly, understanding.
Lucas continued, "Once the beast follows your scent and finds the clones, it'll try to attack one of them. The first clone will get hit. Then the second. By the third, Leo will strike from behind."
Leo stood up, energized. "Now we're talking. That cake and ice cream back home are calling my name. I'm ready!"
Lucas pointed to Leo. "You'll hide in a tree with Eric. Once the clones are running and the beast is busy, you jump down and finish it."
"Got it. But I'll need something big," Leo said, flexing. "Tell me what weapon."
Lucas turned to Eric. "Make sure the backpack gives him a long sword. One with reach. Leo, once you see the beast locked in on a clone, strike fast."
Eric hesitated. "Okay, but… what if I mess up?"
Leo walked over and placed a hand on Eric's shoulder. "Bro, I need you. We all do. You're the bait and the brains right now. You'll survive this—we all will. We've got to."
Eric nodded nervously. "Okay. I'll try."
Lucas smiled. "That's all we need."
They all stood. Lucas gave the final instructions.
"Eric and Leo will move toward the trees near the beast's lair. Eric, stay hidden. Let your clones do the distracting. Leo, stay quiet until the time is right."
"What about you?" Eline asked. "Where will you be?"
"I'll be with you," Lucas replied. "I can sense exactly where the beast is. I'll guide you close enough to leave your scent and disappear. That'll draw it toward Eric's clones."
They all exchanged looks. The fear was still there—but so was the fire.
They were ready.
As they stepped out of the cave into the night again, Lucas whispered to himself:
This time… we fight together.