The guards led them through the grand corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished floors.

  As they turned a corner, a familiar voice called out, breaking the silence. “Oh my goodness, Robert!”

  They turned to see a woman in a crisp, elegant uniform hurrying toward them. Her face lit up with a warm smile as she approached. “Look at you! You’ve grown so much since the last time I saw you!” She pulled Robert into a tight hug, her enthusiasm infectious.

  Robert chuckled, returning the hug. “Hey, Harriet. It’s been a while.”

  Harriet Wright, one of the palace maids who had looked after Robert when he was a child, stepped back to get a better look at him. Her eyes sparkled with affection. “And Freddie! My, you’ve grown too. Has your hair gotten darker, dear?”

  Freddie ran a hand through his messy hair, grinning. “I don’t know. Has it? I don’t really pay that much attention to it.”

  Harriet laughed, a light, musical sound that filled the hallway. “Well, you look dashing as ever.” Her gaze shifted to Darian, and she tilted her head curiously. “And who’s this?”

  Robert gestured to Darian. “This is Darian. He’s a friend of ours.”

  Harriet stepped forward, extending her hand. “Hello, Darian. I’m Harriet. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Darian shook her hand, his grip tentative. “Uh, hi. Nice to meet you too.”

  Harriet’s smile softened, her eyes kind. “Well, I won’t hold you three up any longer. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know.” She gave Robert one last fond look before excusing herself and walking down the hallway with another member of the housekeeping staff.

  As they continued toward Princess Kara’s quarters, Darian leaned closer to Robert, his voice a hushed whisper. “She seems nice. How does she know you so well?”

  Robert shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “She used to take care of me when I was a kid. My dad is the King’s brother, so I spent a lot of time here.”

  Darian’s eyes widened. “Wait, so you grew up in the palace?” “Not exactly,” Robert said. “But I was here often enough that it felt like a second home.”

  Freddie smirked, nudging Darian. “Yeah, Robbie here was practically royalty. Well, almost.”

  Robert rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. They reached a set of ornate double doors, the royal insignia carved into the wood. The guard nodded to them. “Princess Kara is inside. You may enter.”

  Robert pushed the doors open, revealing a cozy, yet elegant, living room. Princess Kara sat on a plush sofa, a delicate teacup in her hands. She wore an elegant dress of pink and purple, the fabric shimmering in the soft light. Her tiara, adorned with a gleaming emerald, caught the light as she turned to face them.

  “Hey, Kara,” Robert said, his tone warm but respectful. “How are you doing?”

  Kara set her teacup down on the saucer, her lips curving into a smile. “I’m doing well, thank you. Your call surprised me. I suppose you need something, right?”

  Robert nodded, stepping further into the room. “Yes, you’re correct, cousin.”

  Darian’s jaw dropped, and he turned to Robert, his voice a hissed whisper. “She’s your cousin?”

  “Crazy isn’t it?” Freddie said with a playful smile.

  Kara leaned forward, her emerald tiara catching the light as she fixed Robert with a curious gaze. “Alright, Robert. What’s this about? You rarely show up unannounced unless it’s something important.”

  Robert took a deep breath, his expression serious. “It is important. Kara, this is Darian. He’s… not from here. He’s from Earth.”

  Kara’s eyes widened, her teacup freezing halfway to her lips. She set it down carefully, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Earth? As in… Human Earth? The one we’re not supposed to have any contact with?”

  Robert nodded, his tone steady. “Yes. Him and his family. An accident transported them here, and they have been hiding ever since. We need your help to get them back.”

  Kara stared at Darian, her shock clear. “How… how is this even possible? The Dominion cut ties with Earth decades ago. They strictly forbid inter-dimensional travel. How have you stayed hidden all this time?”

  Darian shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, his voice hesitant. “It hasn’t been easy. My dad has been trying to figure out a way to go back.”

  Kara’s brow furrowed, her mind racing. “But you’ve been going to school? Same school as them? How did they not catch you? Someone should’ve noticed by now.”

  Darian glanced at Robert and Freddie, then back at Kara. “There were… close calls. A lot of them. But every time it seemed like someone was about to figure it out, something would happen. A distraction, a sudden change in schedule, even a power outage once. It’s like… like someone was watching over me, making sure I didn’t get caught.”

  Kara’s eyes narrowed, her curiosity piqued. “Someone? Who?”

  Darian shook his head, his expression a mix of confusion and frustration. “I don’t know. My dad says it’s luck, but it’s happened too many times to be a coincidence. It’s like I’ve been… protected.”

  Kara leaned back in her seat, her fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of the sofa. “This is… unprecedented. If the Council finds out, they’ll—”

  “They can’t find out,” Robert interrupted, his voice firm. “That’s why we came to you. We need your help to get Darian and his family back to Earth before anyone discovers the truth.”

  Kara sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Robert, you know how dangerous this is. If we’re caught helping them, it won’t just be Darian and his family in trouble. It’ll be all of us.”

  Freddie stepped forward, his usual grin replaced by a rare seriousness. “We know it’s risky, Princess. But we can’t just leave them like this. They don’t belong here.”

  Kara looked at each of them, her gaze lingering on Darian. “You’ve been living like this for how long?”

  “Almost a 4 weeks.” Darian said quietly. “It’s… been hard. But we’ve managed.”

  Kara’s expression softened, a flicker of sympathy in her eyes. “I can’t imagine what that must’ve been like. But helping you… it’s not just about breaking the law. It’s about unraveling everything the Dominion has built. If we’re caught, it could mean treason.”

  Robert stepped closer, his voice low but urgent. “Kara, you’re the only one who can help us. You have access to resources, information—things we don’t. Please. We’re not asking for the Dominion. We’re asking for you.”

  Kara was silent for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the floor as she weighed her options. Finally, she looked up, her expression resolute. “Alright. I’ll help you. But we need to be careful. One wrong move, and this could blow up in all our faces.”

  Darian let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, his shoulders sagging with relief. “Thank you. You have no idea what this means to us.”

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  Kara stood, her tiara glinting as she moved. “Don’t thank me yet. This is going to be complicated. But if what you’re saying is true—if someone’s been protecting you all this time—then maybe we’re not as alone in this as we think.”

  Kara folded her arms, her expression thoughtful as she paced the room. “Have you talked to Markus about this? He’s a member of the High Council, and he’s close with both of us. He might help.”

  Robert shook his head. “Not yet. He’s been busy with the Guardians Festival. I didn’t want to bother him until we had a solid plan.”

  Kara nodded, her lips pursed. “Fair enough. I’ll talk to him. He owes me a favor, anyway.” She paused, turning to face Robert with a calculating look. “But if I’m going to help you with this—this incredibly risky request—I need something in return.”

  Robert raised an eyebrow, his tone cautious. “What do you need?”

  Kara’s eyes gleamed with determination. “I’ve been trying to build a new Junior Guardian team. It’s been in the works for a month now, but I’m short on members. I need you to join.”

  Robert’s face went blank, and he took a step back. “What? No. Absolutely not.”

  Freddie, on the other hand, lit up like a supernova. “Wait, what? A Junior Guardian team? Like an actual team? With uniforms and missions and stuff? Sign me up!”

  Kara smiled at Freddie’s enthusiasm. “Yes, Freddie. You can join too. It’s a chance to prove yourself, to show what you’re capable of.”

  Freddie pumped his fist in the air, his grin stretching from ear to ear. “This is everything I’ve ever wanted! I’m in. I’m so in.”

  Robert shot Freddie a look, his voice sharp. “Freddie, this isn’t a game. Being a Guardian—even a Junior Guardian—is serious. It’s dangerous.”

  Freddie shrugged, still grinning. “Yeah, but it’s also awesome. Come on, Rob. This is our chance to be heroes!”

  Robert turned back to Kara, his jaw tight. “I’m not doing it. I don’t want to be a Guardian. I never have.”

  Kara stepped closer, her tone softening but still firm. “Robert, I know how you feel about this. But joining the Junior Guardians could change everything—not just for you, but for people like you. People treat power replicators like outcasts, but if you step up and show what you’re capable of, you could change how everyone sees you. It could change how they see all of you.”

  Robert crossed his arms, his expression stubborn. “I don’t care how people see me. I’m not doing this.”

  Kara sighed, her frustration clear. “Robert, this isn’t just about you. It’s about setting an example. It’s about showing the Dominion that power replicators are just as valuable as anyone else. You have a chance to make a real difference here.” Robert shook his head, his voice firm. “I’m not interested in being a symbol, Kara. I just want to help Darian and his family. That’s it.”

  Kara studied him for a long moment, her gaze piercing. “And what if helping them means joining the team? What if this is the only way I can justify the risk?”

  Robert’s eyes narrowed. “Are you saying you won’t help unless I join?”

  Kara held up her hands, her tone placating. “I’m saying this could be a win-win. You help me build the team, and I help you get Darian and his family home. It’s not a threat, Robert. It’s an opportunity.”

  Freddie stepped between them, his hands raised. “Whoa, whoa, let’s not turn this into a fight. Look, Rob, I get it. You don’t want to be a Guardian. But this could be good for you. For all of us. And hey, if I’m on the team, you know I’ll have your back.”

  Robert glared at Freddie, but there was no genuine anger behind it. “You’re not helping.”

  Freddie grinned. “Sure I am. I’m helping you see reason.” Kara stepped forward, her voice gentle but insistent.

  “Robert, think about it. You don’t have to decide right now. But this could be bigger than just you. It could change everything.” Robert shook his head, his voice rising. “I don’t want to change everything! I just want to live my life without being treated like some kind of ticking bomb, Kara. I’m not a poster child for your cause.”

  Without another word, Robert stormed out of the room, the doors closing shut behind him. The sound echoed through the palace, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

  Freddie sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll go after him. He’s not thinking straight.”

  Kara nodded, her expression a mix of frustration and concern. “Be careful, Freddie. He will not listen to reason right now.”

  Freddie gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

  Darian watched Freddie leave, his heart heavy with guilt. “This is my fault. If I hadn’t come here, none of this would’ve happened.”

  Kara placed a hand on his shoulder, her tone gentle. “This isn’t your fault, Darian. Robert’s been carrying this weight for a long time. He just… needs to figure things out on his own.” Daniel turned to Kara, his brow furrowed with confusion.

  “Could I ask you something, Your Highness?”

  Kara nodded, gesturing for him to sit on the plush sofa across from her. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

  Daniel hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “What’s wrong with power replicators? Why does everyone treat Robert like he’s some kind of threat?”

  Kara sighed, her expression somber as she leaned back in her seat. “It’s… a long story. And it’s not just about Robert. It’s about history—a history that fear and misunderstanding have twisted.”

  Daniel leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”

  Kara took a deep breath, her gaze distant, as if recalling a memory. “A long time ago, there was a race called the Gold Ones. They were… extraordinary. As they had god-like powers, and among them were power replicators—beings who could mimic and even amplify the abilities of others. They inspired reverence, admiration, and fear simultaneously.

  Daniel’s eyes widened. “What happened to them?”

  Kara’s expression darkened. “One day, the entire race was wiped out. The shock rippled through the galaxy. No one knew how or why it happened, but rumors spread. Some said the Gold Ones’ power replicators had gone mad with their abilities, that they’d turned on their own kind and caused the massacre. The Dominion government used those rumors to fuel fear and hatred against all power replicators, even those who weren’t Gold Ones.”

  Daniel frowned, his voice quiet. “That’s horrible.”

  Kara nodded, her tone heavy with regret. “It was. The Dominion began prosecuting power replicators, treating them like criminals. But the power replicators fought back. They weren’t alone—elves and dwarves, who had also faced discrimination in the Dominion, joined their cause. Together, they started a rebellion.”

  Daniel’s eyes widened. “A rebellion? What happened?”

  Kara’s gaze grew distant again, her voice soft. “The battle was brutal. Both sides suffered heavy losses. But it didn’t last forever. The fighting was stopped by two people—Thomas, a Gold One who had survived the massacre, and Lyra, an elven warrior. They were believed to be the last of the Gold Ones, and they couldn’t bear to see the galaxy tear itself apart.”

  Daniel leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. “What did they do?”

  Kara’s lips curved into a faint smile. “They made a choice. Thomas and Lyra gathered the remaining power replicators, elves, and dwarves and led them away from the Dominion. They created a new faction—a place where they could live freely, without fear of persecution, although some stayed. They called it the Eldara Enclave.”

  Daniel sat back, his mind racing. “So… Robert’s ancestors were part of that? The Gold Ones?”

  Kara shook her head. “Not directly. The Gold Ones are gone, but their legacy lives on in power replicators like Robert. The Dominion’s fear of them stems from that history—from the belief that power replicators are inherently dangerous, that they could ‘snap’ at any moment, just like the rumors said.”

  Daniel frowned, his voice firm. “But that’s not fair. Robert’s not dangerous. He’s just… Kid like me.”

  Kara smiled, her expression softening. “I know. And so do Freddie and I. But changing centuries of fear and prejudice isn’t easy. That’s why I wanted Robert to join the Junior Guardians. It’s a chance to show the Dominion that power replicators aren’t what they think. That they can be heroes, just like anyone else.”

  Daniel nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. “I get it. But Robert… he’s scared. He doesn’t want to be a symbol. He just wants to be himself.”

  Kara sighed, her tone gentle. “I know. And I don’t blame him. But sometimes, being yourself is the most powerful statement of all.”.

  Freddie found Robert standing on the palace steps, his back turned as he stared out at the city. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the skyline. Freddie approached cautiously, his hands in his pockets.

  “Hey,” Freddie said, his voice soft. “You okay?” Robert didn’t turn around. “I’m fine.”

  Freddie sighed, stepping closer. “You’re not fine, Rob. And that’s okay. But you can’t just shut everyone out.”

  Robert’s shoulders tensed, his voice bitter. “What do you want me to say, Freddie? That I’m going to join the Junior Guardians and pretend everything’s fine? That I’m going to smile and wave while everyone whispers behind my back about how dangerous I am?”

  Freddie frowned, his tone firm. “No one’s saying that. And if they do, they’re idiots. You’re not dangerous, Rob. You’re one of the strongest people I know.”

  Robert finally turned to face him, his eyes filled with frustration. “You don’t get it. They’ll never see me as anything but a freak who can’t be trusted. Joining the Junior Guardians won’t change that. It’ll just give them more reasons to watch me, to wait for me to mess up.”

  Freddie crossed his arms, his gaze steady. “I thought you didn’t care what people thought about you.”

  Robert’s voice cracked, the weight of his emotions breaking through. “I don’t. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t mean I don’t see the way they look at me, like I’m some kind of monster.”

  Freddie stepped closer, his voice gentle but insistent. “Then prove them wrong. Show them you’re more than what they think. You have a chance to change things, Rob. Not just for you, but for everyone like you.”

  Robert shook his head, his expression resolute. “I can’t, Freddie. I just… I can’t.”

  Freddie sighed, his shoulders slumping. “Alright. I get it. But you don’t have to do this alone, you know. We’re a team. Always have been.”

  Robert didn’t respond. Instead, he turned and launched himself into the air, his figure quickly disappearing into the twilight sky. Freddie watched him go, his heart heavy but his resolve unshaken.