Caster led Awkright and the pony girls through the chasms of the island, "If I'm right I bet I know where Gidgets at. I know she isn't dead," he said. Twilight and Sunset both looked at each other and to the men ahead frowning. Caster was absolutely furious and everyone could tell. The Phoenix warriors flames kept flashing on and off.
Coming around the bend they found Slate's cave. Gidget was lying on the ground unconscious and a grey blade that had a great crack down by the hilt lay next to her. Caster's eyes widened, "Slate..." he said as he ran forward picking the girl up.
Gidget was asleep and breathing lightly with a light fever brewing, "Twilight I need you to start making some broth. I'm pretty sure you've studied a bit with that zebra in equestria right?" he asked.
Twilight blinked in surprise at his knowledge of Zecora and nodded, "I know a little but yes. I'll get on it right away," she said. Sunset smiled and dug through the trunk at the side of Gidgets bed and brought out some bowls and pots. Soon the two had a steady cooking broth going.
Awkright sat outside keeping an eye out for any exion. The feeling seemed quite unnatural to the lord and he shuddered at the thought of his fellow brethren hunting him down and devouring what was left of his hollowed body.
Caster had taken Slate and began examining his details. Gidget began to stir at the sound of their company, "Hey..." she rasped. Immediately Twilight and Caster were at her side with worried looks.
Gidget blinked, "I'm alright! Geez!" she said. Twilight and Caster sighed, "Well you fell and when we got to the spot we thought you fell you we're gone. We only found you because I was able to remember the way through the chasm. It's been so long since I've been in this place... But the way never changed. It seems Slate was able to rescue you," he said.
Gidget nodded sitting up. Sunset brought a small sup to the young girl, "Here drink this broth. It should make you feel better after a little while. Twilight made it with her knowledge of herbs from Zecora," she said.
Gidget smiled taking the cup gratefully, "Thank you," she said taking a sip of the broth. A cold feeling washed through Gidget. She could feel the bones in her body slowly molding together from the broth's effects, but the after effect left great amounts of pain. Gidgets face twisted as the effects continued and tears streamed down her face.
The others frowned watching, "I'm sorry... I forgot about that little detail," she said. The young girl smiled weakly, "Don't worry I'll be fine," she chirped. The others nodded slowly and continued with what they were planning. Caster set down Slate and began going through the other trunks and closets set up within the cave.
"It doesn't seem like Nightshade left anything here after all," Caster said.
Gidget rolled her eyes, "Sparky! He left the sword!" she called irritably.
Caster looked from Gidget to the sword and groaned, "I'm an idiot..." he said. Awkright snickered at the front of the cave. Caster growled, "I heard that you walking talking mannequin!" he yelled.
Awkright rolled his eyes, "Whatever. Just hurry up and finish. We need to hurry. I have a feeling more Exion will be looking for us since they can smell my presence," he said. Caster nodded, "We're not leaving for another day unfortunately. Gidgets injuries are a bit to serious for her to moved right now," he said. Awkright growled, "Alright fine... Pony girls!" he growled.
Twilight and Sunset scowled and walked out to Awkright, "Please address us by our real names...." Twilight said. Sunset sighed, "Well if we're not moving I suppose we can practice molding the energy here into magic," she said.
Awkright nodded, "Precisely why I called you. You're going to tap into the negative energy here and put up some illusions and some wards to keep our scents clear of any Exion hunting us. The beasts that reside here will leave us be yes, but I believe other Exion are hunting us because of me. I in technicalities have betrayed my kind," he explained.
Twilight frowned, "The negative energy? Are you serious?!" she shouted. Awkright glared at her, "Keep your voice down!" he growled.
Twilight flinched at the tone in his voice. For a second Twilight could've sworn she saw some of Arkwright's power fluctuate. Twilight sighed, "What if we tried funneling our magic through you. We may be able to heal you enough to cast the spells for a short amount of time," she said. Awkright looked down at his body and at the girls frowning, "Unfortunately you can't physically touch me. My body will immediately try and eat all of your magic and energy all at once," he said.
Sunset smiled, "Ok then why don't you hold a bar or club and we can channel our energy into that then you can absorb it all without having to touch us," she said.
Awkright looked up in deep thought, "It could work. I'm sure with the supplies we have here Caster can form a staff for that exact purpose. What say you Sparky?" he called.
Caster hit his head on a trunk he was going through and growled, "Yea sure whatever, I'll get right on it!" he said. Awkright nodded and chuckled softly. Sunset eyed the Exion and waved a hand behind her scanning the man's body.
Very little dark magic seemed to reside within his body now, but instead she noticed very heavy magic... Sunset looked to Twilight as they went back to the stove, "Hey Twilight," she said. Twilight looked at her, "Yes?" she asked.
Sunset frowned rubbing her chin, "Something's off about Awkright... His... His body is coursing with heavy raw magic... When we first met he had plenty of Dark matter but now barely any exists. It's as if his dark matter is molding into magic ever since he entered the palace without hindrance," she said.
Twilight looked to Awkright and Gidget, "I think there's more to Gidget's plan than she's letting on," she said. Sunset frowned looking at the young girl and to the Exion lord, "What do you think she's planning?" she asked.
Twilight took a deep breath and walked over to Gidget. The young girl smiled, "Yes Twilight?" she asked. Twilight closed her eyes and opened them again giving the young girl a serious look, "What are your real plans Gidget. Something's different about Awkright, and I think you know what I mean," she said.
Gidget frowned sadly. From the girl's expression Twilight knew she had given the right tone to get the right answer. Gidget sighed and looked at Awkright, "I didn't know that his energy would change to magic. What I am trying to do.... Is bring back someone who shouldn't have died," she whispered. Twilight's eyes widened realizing why Gidget had come for Nightshade's belongings. Things were starting to come together, and the final event was nearing soon.