Two days passed in a blur of training and preparation.
The summoned doctors remained in the Sanctuary Spa and Healing area, their focus entirely on Carol Danvers. Despite the curiosity surrounding their sudden appearance in Avalon, they had yet to properly introduce themselves or speak beyond what was necessary to tend to their patient. Carol's condition demanded constant vigilance, her recovery slow but steady under their care.
During those two days, Arthur kept busy. He spent his mornings training with Guan Yu in the Martial Hall, the commander's lessons instilling both strength and discipline. In the afternoons, Arthur worked with Taliesin, learning to refine his connection to magic through signing. The graceful, deliberate gestures of the magical signs reminded Arthur of a silent, rhythmic dance, each movement precise and meaningful.
On the third day, the mood in Avalon shifted.
Arthur stood in the lobby, watching as Newt Scamander readied himself to leave. Frank, the majestic Thunderbird, had fully recovered, his feathers crackling faintly with renewed vitality. Newt was gathering his belongings with meticulous efficiency, pausing only to exchange quiet words with Frank, who stood nearby, his size dwarfing most of the lobby's features.
Arthur approached, his curiosity burning. "Newt," he began, "before you go, do you have any idea who or what could have injured Frank so badly?"
Newt glanced at him, his expression thoughtful. "Frank told me," he said softly, his tone serious. "But it's more than just a single incident. It's bigger than it seems."
Arthur frowned. "How so?"
Newt adjusted his scarf, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. "I believe there's a global poaching ring operating in secret, targeting magical creatures like Frank. They're organized, resourceful, and dangerous. If we don't act quickly, they could cause irreparable harm to the magical ecosystem."
Arthur's expression hardened, a sense of purpose welling up within him. "Then let us help. Avalon exists to aid those in need, and this affects more than just one world—it's a threat to the balance of magic itself."
Newt hesitated, his hands fidgeting with the strap of his case. "That's… kind of you, Arthur, but this isn't just about bravery. The poachers are well-hidden and ruthless. It could be dangerous."
Arthur smiled faintly, his resolve unwavering. "Danger is part of the job. Besides, I've been wanting to explore the connected worlds. This is the perfect reason to start."
Arthur called the others, gathering them in the lobby. The three warriors stood tall, their expressions curious but composed, while Hecate and Taliesin joined with quiet interest.
Arthur explained the situation, his words calm yet firm. When he finished, Taliesin was the first to react.
"Lad, this sounds like quite the adventure!" he said, grinning. "You're not leaving without me. I've been itching to stretch my legs outside Avalon."
Arthur chuckled softly. "I figured you'd say that."
Mulan, standing beside Guan Yu and Musashi, stepped forward. "If we are to send someone, it should be me," she said, her tone steady. "I am skilled in navigating unfamiliar territory and reading the actions of adversaries. Let me join this expedition."
Guan Yu nodded in agreement. "You have my blessing, Sister. Represent the Martial Hall well."
Musashi, ever the observer, added quietly, "Adaptability will serve you well in this endeavor, Mulan. Trust in what you've learned."
Hecate raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed. "Three of you leaving Avalon at once? Don't get in over your heads."
Arthur smiled faintly. "We'll be careful. But we can't ignore this."
Newt, who had been silent during the discussion, finally spoke. "If you're all certain about this… then thank you. Truly."
Arthur nodded, his expression serious. "It's settled then. Mulan, Taliesin, and I will go with Newt to the wizarding world. Let's find out what's going on with these poachers."
As preparations began, the air in Avalon buzzed with quiet anticipation. For the first time, Arthur and his companions were stepping beyond the sanctuary's walls not just to observe but to act. The weight of their decision was matched only by their determination to protect what mattered—be it a Thunderbird, a world, or the balance of magic itself.
...
The shimmering light of the door faded behind them, leaving Arthur, Mulan, Taliesin, and Newt standing amidst the barren landscape where Frank had first encountered Avalon. The sand was still scattered with traces of the Thunderbird's storm—burn marks on the ground and faint wisps of energy in the air.
Frank ruffled his wings, letting out a low, rumbling call as he prepared to take flight. Newt stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Frank's neck.
"Back to the basement, old friend," Newt said softly, his tone warm yet firm. "I need you safe while we handle this."
Frank blinked, his glowing eyes meeting Newt's for a long moment before the Thunderbird let out another call and spread his massive wings. With a powerful leap, he ascended into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.
Arthur watched in awe, marveling at the majestic creature. "That's… incredible," he murmured.
Newt adjusted his coat, his expression turning serious. "He deserves better than to live in fear of poachers. That's why we have to stop this."
Mulan stepped forward, scanning the area with practiced eyes. "You said Frank told you where the poachers were active?"
Newt nodded, pointing toward a cluster of trees in the distance. "He described a place in the forest—Germany's Black Forest, to be specific. It's where he escaped from, and it's likely where the poachers have a base."
Taliesin tilted his head, strumming a quiet note on his harp. "The Black Forest, eh? I've heard stories. Dangerous place even without poachers lurking about."
Arthur frowned. "And how do we get there?"
Newt turned to him, adjusting the strap of his case. "Apparition. It's the fastest way."
Mulan raised an eyebrow. "Apparition?"
"Magical transportation," Newt explained. "You focus on a location and essentially teleport there."
Arthur crossed his arms. "I'm guessing we can't all do that?"
Taliesin grinned. "Afraid not, lad. Only those with the right kind of magic can apparate. But no worries—I'll take you along."
Newt nodded. "And I'll take Mulan. You'll need to hold onto us tightly during the process—it can be… disorienting."
Mulan glanced at Arthur, her expression steady. "I'll manage."
Arthur smirked. "You're always calm under pressure, aren't you?"
She gave a faint smile. "It's necessary."
The group moved to a clearer area, preparing for the journey. Newt held out his arm to Mulan, who took it without hesitation. Taliesin turned to Arthur, offering his hand.
"Ready, lad?" Taliesin asked, his grin mischievous.
Arthur hesitated for only a moment before gripping Taliesin's arm firmly. "Let's do this."
Newt turned to the others. "Hold on tight, and don't let go until we arrive."
With a faint pop, Newt and Mulan vanished. A second later, Taliesin strummed a brief, resonant chord on his harp, and he and Arthur disappeared as well.
The sensation of apparition was unlike anything Arthur had experienced. It felt as though the world folded in on itself, the air pressing against him from all sides before suddenly releasing. When he opened his eyes, he stumbled slightly, catching himself just as Taliesin steadied him with a laugh.
"Not bad for your first time, eh?" Taliesin teased.
Arthur groaned. "Not exactly my favorite mode of travel."
Mulan, standing nearby with Newt, was already surveying the surroundings. The forest was dense and dark, the towering trees blotting out much of the sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of earth and moss, and faint sounds of wildlife echoed in the distance.
"This is the place," Newt said quietly, his voice low as he crouched to inspect the ground. "Frank described it perfectly. The poachers are here, somewhere."
Mulan knelt beside him, studying the faint tracks in the dirt. "Multiple people," she said, her tone analytical. "They're moving supplies—likely cages or crates. They'll have guards posted, maybe traps."
Taliesin strummed a soft, searching chord, the sound rippling faintly through the air. "The magic here… it's tainted. Feels like wards or enchantments have been placed to conceal something."
Arthur stepped forward, his gaze scanning the forest. "Then we need to move carefully. If they're this well-hidden, they won't take kindly to intruders."
Newt nodded, standing. "Stay close. I'll lead the way."
The group moved silently through the forest, their senses heightened as they followed the faint traces of the poachers' presence. The deeper they went, the darker the forest became, the air growing colder and heavier with the weight of concealed magic.
Arthur gripped the hilt of his training blade, his pulse quickening. This was no longer just a mission—it was their first test beyond Avalon, a chance to prove that the sanctuary's reach extended to protecting the worlds it connected.
And he was determined to succeed.
As the group ventured deeper into the Black Forest, the air grew heavier with an unmistakable magical presence. It was Mulan who first noticed the faint shimmer ahead, the telltale sign of a concealment spell. She raised her hand, signaling for the group to halt.
"There," she said quietly, pointing toward the barely visible distortion in the air.
Taliesin stepped forward, his harp resting against his side. He peered at the spell, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "A concealment spell? Hmm. Using wards would've been a smarter choice. But then again," he added with a chuckle, "the wizarding world hasn't been desperate enough to innovate proper wards, have they?"
Newt blinked, staring blankly at Taliesin as if the bard had just spoken in riddles. "What on earth are you talking about?" he asked, his tone cautious but curious.
Taliesin waved him off. "Never mind, my good wizard. Focus on what's ahead."
Newt frowned but shifted his attention back to the camp as Mulan crouched low, Mulan narrowed her eyes, studying the movements. "Their posture suggests they're not all trained in magic. Some carry weapons rather than wands."
Arthur frowned. "Do you think they're all wizards?"
Newt, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward, his voice low. "Not all of them. Some of the ones without magical energy… they're likely squibs."
Arthur tilted his head. "Squibs?"
Newt nodded, adjusting his scarf as he explained. "Squibs are people born to magical families but without magical abilities. They're rare, but in operations like this, they're invaluable. Poachers use squibs to navigate the non-magical world and handle creatures in ways most wizards don't think to."
Taliesin gave a low hum, his harp resting against his hip. "Interesting. A bridge between two worlds. No wonder they're involved."
Mulan's expression sharpened. "They still pose a threat, magical or not. We'll need to account for all of them."
Arthur frowned. "Makes sense. But how do we get closer without being seen?"
Taliesin grinned, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Leave that to me."
Newt folded his arms skeptically. "What are you planning?"
Taliesin only smiled. "Oh, my dear Newt. Stick around Avalon long enough, and you'll see a great many things."
Without further explanation, Taliesin plucked a soft, resonant note on his harp, the sound rippling through the air like a whisper of wind. He raised his free hand, his fingers weaving through the magic, and in an instant, a shroud of invisibility enveloped the group.
Arthur felt the spell settle over him like a second skin. It wasn't just a trick of the eye—he felt his presence vanish entirely, as though the very air around him refused to acknowledge his existence. Even his breathing seemed muted, absorbed by the magic.
Newt's eyes widened, his skepticism evaporating as he looked around, unable to see the others. He touched his chest instinctively, sensing the magic's effect. "This… this is unlike anything I've ever encountered. Even magical beasts wouldn't be able to sense us…"
"Don't be too surprised, Newt," Arthur said with a faint chuckle, his voice a mere whisper. "This is just the beginning. There's a lot more where this came from."
Newt gave a faint nod, though his thoughts raced. He had always believed himself well-versed in the magical arts, but the beings from Avalon constantly challenged his understanding.
"Shall we?" Taliesin said, his grin audible in his voice.
Mulan adjusted her stance, her expression focused. "Let's move. Stay close and silent."
The group approached the camp cautiously, slipping through the concealment spell with ease under Taliesin's magic. The camp itself was a crude but functional setup—a cluster of tents and makeshift pens containing magical creatures in varying states of distress. Cages lined the edges, some reinforced with glowing runes, while others relied on mundane locks.
Arthur's gaze hardened as he took in the sight of the creatures. Griffins, bowtruckles, and even a shimmering occamy were crammed into small enclosures, their movements restricted and their cries muted by silencing charms.
Newt's hands clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening. "This is worse than I imagined," he whispered.
Mulan moved to the edge of a tent, peering inside. "There are more supplies here," she murmured. "Rope, tranquilizer darts, and enchanted restraints. They're preparing for something big."
Arthur glanced at the guards, who were talking casually near a fire pit. Their demeanor was relaxed, their wands tucked away as they leaned on their weapons. "They don't seem concerned about being found," he said quietly.
"They've likely been operating in secrecy for years," Newt replied, his voice low but angry. "Poachers like these thrive on remaining hidden. Frank must've escaped during transport—that's how I found him."
Taliesin's voice came softly. "Their arrogance is our advantage, for now. But we'll need to act quickly once we're ready. The longer we linger, the greater the risk of detection."
Mulan nodded. "First, we need to assess their numbers and capabilities. If some of them aren't magical, they'll be easier to neutralize. The rest…" She glanced at Newt. "We'll need to counter their magic before they can use it."
Arthur looked at Newt. "Do you think you can identify the leader?"
Newt frowned, his eyes scanning the camp. "It's possible. Leaders of these operations are often the ones giving orders, but they stay in the shadows. We'll need to get closer to figure it out."
Taliesin strummed a faint note, the invisibility spell holding strong. "Then let's make haste, my friends. The night won't last forever."
With that, the group moved deeper into the camp, their goal clear: identify the poachers, gather information, and prepare to dismantle the operation. For Arthur, it was a test of his resolve and his role as Avalon's steward. For Newt, it was a fight to protect the creatures he loved. And for all of them, it was the first step toward unraveling a much larger threat.
Newt's sharp eyes scanned the scene, focusing on a man near the largest tent in the center of the camp. His robes were finer than the others, though still practical, and his demeanor was one of command.
"That's him," Newt whispered, nodding toward the man. "He's the one giving orders. Likely the leader."
Arthur crouched beside Newt, his gaze following the man's movements. "What's he doing?"
The leader was gesturing toward a group of crates near the edge of the camp. Several workers—both wizards and squibs—were preparing the cages and containers, reinforcing them with charms and physical restraints. The faint sounds of magical creatures echoed through the air, muffled by silencing spells.
Newt's jaw tightened. "They're preparing for a shipment."
Mulan, her expression sharp, observed the guards and workers. "Their numbers are significant. Too many to confront directly without a solid plan."
The leader began speaking, his voice carrying an air of authority despite being muffled by the concealment spell.
"Move quickly," he barked. "The shipment must be ready within the week. We'll rendezvous at the shores of Kvitsøy—don't forget. The buyer's expecting everything intact, no mistakes this time."
Arthur's fists clenched at his sides, but he remained silent as they watched the workers nod in acknowledgment and return to their tasks.
Taliesin's voice was a low whisper, barely audible. "Looks like we've got our next lead. Kvitsøy. It sounds like they've chosen somewhere remote."
Newt frowned, his gaze fixed on the leader. "Kvitsøy… it's an island off the coast of Norway. Remote, as you said, and rarely patrolled by magical authorities. That's why they chose it."
Arthur frowned. "Is there anything significant about that area? It seems odd to pick a specific location unless they know they'll be safe there."
Newt froze, his expression darkening as realization dawned. "Kvitsøy…" he murmured. "It's near the territory of the Malmorin family. They're an old wizarding family, heavily associated with the Durmstrang Institute. Influential, secretive, and rumored to dabble in the Dark Arts. If the poachers are working near their lands, it's no coincidence."
Arthur exchanged a glance with Mulan, whose brow furrowed in thought. "This complicates things," she said quietly. "If they're tied to Durmstrang's network, they'll have resources and protection we can't underestimate."
Taliesin let out a low whistle. "Well, this just got a lot more interesting, didn't it?"
Newt's voice was grim. "Durmstrang values power and strength above all else. If the Malmorins are involved, it's not just about profit—it's about influence. They could be using the poachers to acquire dangerous creatures for their own ends."
Arthur's expression hardened. "Then we have even more reason to act. Let's regroup and make a plan—there's no time to waste."
The group slipped out of the camp as silently as they had entered, retracing their steps through the forest. Once they were a safe distance away, Taliesin dispelled the invisibility spell with a light strum of his harp. The sudden return of their presence was almost jarring, the faint sounds of the forest rushing back to greet them.
Newt leaned against a tree, his expression serious. "The shipment is the key. If we can intercept it at Kvitsøy, we can stop whatever they're planning—and save those creatures."
Arthur nodded, his mind already racing. "We'll need to act quickly. Do you know anything more about the Malmorins? Anything that might help us?"
Newt adjusted his scarf, his voice thoughtful. "They keep to themselves, but their reputation is enough to make most wizards wary. If they're truly involved, we'll need to tread carefully. Crossing them could mean making enemies with powerful allies of Durmstrang."
Mulan folded her arms, her gaze focused. "Their guards are well-organized. Even if we intercept them at the shore, we'll need a strategy to deal with their defenses—and likely more wizards than we've seen here."
Taliesin strummed a contemplative chord, his grin faint. "Seems like a bit of a challenge, doesn't it? Makes things interesting."
Arthur exhaled, his determination solidifying. "Then we don't have time to waste. Let's head back to Avalon, regroup, and prepare. If we're going to Kvitsøy, we'll need to be ready for anything."
Newt nodded, his expression resolute. "Agreed. If we're going to stop this, we'll need every advantage we can get."