"I beg your pardon, madam?" the figure said with a heavy British accent.

"You're some type of Genie, right?"

"Emmy, there are no such things as Genies," Miku says.

"But he came in a bottle for Omnis's sake."

"I beg your pardon, madam but that isn't a bottle; it's a Phin," he informs me.

"A Phin is a vehicle that houses Shadow Servants," Rio explains.

"Humans have a myth about beings that come out of bottles and grant wishes," Miku explains to the figure.

"I am aware of the human's offensive portrayals of Shadow Servants," he says, sounding less than happy with us.

"I've met Shadow Servants before but they were wrapped around a tree, greeting guests for a party. I didn't know they also delivered messages. So I thought maybe you were a...sorry," I replied.

The Shadow Servant looks down at me.

"Yes, well, my name is Lakom. I am a Shadow Servant from The House of Three. I am not a Genie. I do not grant wishes and you will not rub me."

It was all the Guardians could do not to laugh. I would have thought it funny too, if Lakom didn't look like he wanted to strangle me for offending him.

"What is your message?" the Twins ask.

"My message is for Marcus Cane. The First Guardian of the current Cycle."

"I'm Marcus."

"My Maker wishes to speak with you and your team."

"Who is your Maker?"

"The head of The House of Three."

Marcus looks around and, like him, the team has no idea what Lakom is talking about.

"Sage, do you know The House of Three?" Marcus asks.

"No."

"Nevertheless, she wishes to meet with you."

"Why should we go see her?"

"Because she is the answer."

"The answer to what?"

"Everything."

Lakom dissolves into a shadow again, leaps out and up into the light fixtures, and disappears.

That is so cool...

Marcus takes the Phin and reads a message engraved on the side: "Terra Oblivioni.

First light.

Seek: Lakom"

"Judging from the reaction of the team, I'm guessing Terra Oblivioni isn't a place for fun and laughs," I say to Miku.

"It's 'The Land of the Forgotten,'" she explains.

Rio, reading my Waves, knows I'm still confused. He tries to explain further.

"Terra is home to most if not all Tics."

"You mean it's filled with bugs?" I ask.

"No, Tic is another word for an Angel who's addicted to drugs."

"Drugs?"

"There's two major drugs that plague the Angel world: Peeks and CP. Peeks are black market Snaps that last for hours instead of a few minutes. Angels get a high from the new power they have. Unfortunately no matter how strong the Peek is, the high is temporary. So they have to buy more. Peek Snaps are expensive; they come from the third layer of our wings."

"That's the layer that can't grow back."

"Yes."

"So the Angels get hooked on Peeks and end up depleting their entire third coat?"

"Eventually."

"And without their third coats-"

"They can't fly. They're Grounded; earth bound forever."

"What's CP?" I ask.

"Coy Paste," Miku says.

"You guys drink Coy though, right?"

"Yes, but the liquid form is fine. It is exceedingly more potent in paste form. Angels smear it on their wings. It gives them a blissful, all-consuming surge. Like Peeks, the rush from CP is also temporary and depletes the third coat."

"Why do Angels risk their wings just for a rush?" I ask.

"Same reasons humans risk their lives," Marcus says, bitterly reflecting on his mom.

"Once an Angel is Grounded, he'll do anything to get his hands on more Peek or CP. The Council found addicted Angels were dangerous. So they banished them to Terra. It's a small strip of land near New Jersey."

"Can we skip the Q&A and focus? We can't just accept the invitation," Ameana says "She's right. We can't just go to Terra to see some girl. What if it's a trap set by the Akons or Lucy?" I reply.

"Lucy can't enter Terra. She's banned. She doesn't really care anyway. She knows eventually Tics will overdose and end up in Difi."

Just then Jay Glides into the room with Julian. Thankfully, his wings have been repaired. And Julian doesn't have a scratch on him. Julian doesn't say anything but he looks me over carefully. There is a small breath of relief once he realizes that I'm in one piece. We catch Jay up on what he's missed.

"So, are we going to Terra?" he asks.

"Julian, have you ever heard of The House of Three?" Marcus asks.

"No, but if it's located in Terra, it can't be good. It's a wasteland of addicts and degenerates."

Marcus confers with the Sage.

"It is not for me to say. I can only point out that time is not your friend," The Sage says softly.

"He's right Marcus. I broke a Splash when we were in Daraquin; the Akons, Runners, Demons and Lucy are all hunting for Emmy. Lucy has vowed to reward whoever finds her."

"What's the reward?" Rio asks.

"I don't know, a lifetime supply of evil in a can."

"Evil in a can?" Miku mocks.

"Yo, whatever. All I know is they are coming for her hard."

"So, are we going?" I ask nervously.

"Yeah," Marcus says, without missing a beat.

"Are you sure this is a good move?" Ameana asks.

"It may not be a good

move, but it's our only one."

Marcus instructs the team to go recharge and be ready to move out in a few hours. As they head off to find a place to rest, I hear Jay address Ameana.

"I saw your man," Jay teases.

"Excuse me?" Ameana says.

"Please, like you don't know who I mean."

"I don't."

"Well, Wolf

said he's been calling you, but you don't pick up."

"We've been a little busy here. You know, saving the world?"

"Whatever man, just call that dude back."

"So what, you two are best friends now?"

"If we were cool like that, I'd tell him to stay away from you. I have met girls that require a few hours of work, but you are trouble 3-6-5."

"So you told him how awful I am and he still wanted you to get a message to me?"

"All I can do I warn a guy, ya know?"

"I didn't call him because I'm on a mission. I don't have time to socialize."

"Too bad your ex does."

Flashes of anger flood Ameana's face. She raises her hand and sends Jay flying through the window and across the street. We turn around in time to hear Jay shout.

"I'm good. The kid is always good," Jay shouts from across the street. I can hear the smile in his words. He's having a good time teasing Ameana.

Marcus shakes his head impatiently and the Twins head out to get Jay.

"Has Wolf been calling you?"

"Who's asking? The First Guardian or my ex?"

"Your friend."

"Are we friends?" she laughs joylessly.