Storm was currently deeply conflicted.
On the one claw, he was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of his uncle and wanted to rush off to save him immediately.
But on the other claw, he would need to make preparations with his advisors for a potentially long departure.
And he would need to get information about the area as well as establish a cover for entering the nation.
Arcadia was an nation of humans that built their civilization on an artificial island just off from the main continent.
The legends stated that the island was built by the mysterious 'Fallen ones' and that it served as their capital until their empire fell to ruin.
The nation was ruled by wizards, sorcerers and mages.
The Arcanium was an elite organization of magical practitioners that ruled over the rest of Arcadia.
The only way to join the organization was to be invited by a high ranking Magistrate.
Members gained access to cutting edge technologies and the brightest minds to assist with their work.
As well as the organization's nearly bottomless coffers of gold.
Upon joining the organization, one is forced to swear off their allegiance to their former kingdom, and are expected to work for the betterment of the Arcanium.
Because magic played such a large roll in the everyday lives of the nation, almost every citizen practiced the art.
Everything from the guards, the nobility, even the servants. Had some training in magic.
This meant that Storm would need to be extra careful there.
Magic was something he was still struggling to combat against, and even though he had made some progress in studying the magical knowledge Mimereus had entrusted to him, he still had a lot to learn.
He would need a good cover story for traveling to the nation, and he would need information and contacts.
Especially if his investigation requires him to enter the Arcanium itself.
"I understand your concern, Aurora. But we can't just rush in blindly.
We need information first." Explained Storm.
"I kmow, I know! But we must do something quickly!!
He's kin! We can't just leave him to die!"
"If I'm not mistaken, the Kitsune liason is scheduled to arrive two days from now?"
Storm looked up at Augustus, who nodded his head in confirmation.
"I'll ask the Kitsune if they have any contacts we could use in the area."
"You'll need magical ability if you're going to be taken seriously in Arcadia, and although your magic has improved, you'll need more skill if you're going convince the Arcanium that you belong there. Explained Kalipso.
"I still have Mimereus inside my body. I'm sure he can help." Said Storm.
Kalipso shook her head.
"You can't rely on him all the time, and we still don't know if there is long term side effects to being possessed for an extended period of time.
I'd prefer that we don't gamble with your well being like that."
"I'm also unfamiliar with human society and customs.
Especially the more recent ones. People might notice if I tried infiltrating." Added Mimereus.
"What else can we do? We can't wait until I learn more!
Pyros might be dead by then!!" Said Storm.
"I might be able to help you 'cheat' your way in.
Make you seem more powerful than you are.
That, along with your draconic aptitude for magic should be enough to fool them.
Especially if you introduce yourself as an 'Electromancer'." Said Kalipso.
"How can you help? You don't have shapeshifting, do you?
And invisibility might be detected by mages." Asked Storm.
Kalipso shook her head in disapproval.
"So quick to forget what we fey truly are!
I may have a physical form, but this isn't my true being!"
Kalipso's body started glowing as it started to desolve, until only a featureless purple ball of light was left in her place.
It suddenly flew at Storm's chest at high speed, Storm tried to cover his chest, but it flew through his arms and dissappeared into his chest without resistance.
At the moment it dissappeared, Storm felt a vast source of magical energy that he could draw upon.
Kalipso's disembodied voice came out of his chest a moment later.
"With my power reserves adding to your own!
You'll seem much more powerful than you are in magic!"
"How is this any different to Mimereus aiding me?" Asked Storm.
"I'm not 'possessing' you, dear!!
Nor am I bounding myself to you in any way.
In a way, I'm just catching a ride in your body.
While I am inside, I can augment your reserves but I'm free the come and go as I please.
In response the magical light flew out of his chest and Storm felt his connection to her power reserves break.
The light flew up to his face and started glowing again.
A moment later, the light dissappeared and in it's place, the small purple fairy dragon appeared again.
"Is this something only you can do? Or can other fey do this as well?" Asked Aurora.
"A few of my people can do this, but no others wouldn't have as much magic as me, why?" Asked Kalipso.
"Can you convince one of your subordinates to do the same for me?
I'd like to accompany Storm?" Asked Aurora .
Kalipso thought about it for a moment.
"I'll do as you ask.
But I don't like this.
Infiltrating the Arcanium will be dangerous.
I'm willing to take the risk, but I don't like ordering one of my subordinates to take the same risk." Answered Kalipso.
"Thank you, Kalipso!!
I promise that I won't take unnecessary risks there." Answered Aurora.
"That takes care of the Arcanium infiltration.
Now you just need to get us a invitation.
I hope the Kitsune can help you because we'll never get in without one." Said Kalipso.
....
Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location.
A young wizard was walking towards a large study, he pushed open the doors and kneeled in front of a Lich in dark red robes.
"Grandfather!! I see you have reconstructed your form?
I take it that the Breeding laboratory has been lost to us?"
"Yes!! Which will make your work even more important now!
Give me a status report!"
The 2 wizards walked side by side out of the laboratory and down the hall.
"It's proceeding according to schedule!
Brother's work has been invaluable in discovering a weaknesses in a dragon's innate resistance to being controlled.
A pity that he's not here to see his life's work bear fruit!" Explained the young mage.
"And what of the 'security breach' you had last week?" Asked the Lich
"It has been resolved and the subject has been captured.
We're currently using him as our main test subject and we're making progress in indoctrinating him."
The young man grinned as he thought of the irony of their enemy now becoming their greatest asset.
They walked to the railings of a large platform, below it was a chamber where a large red scaled dragon was chained to the center of the room.
A large crystal was placed in front of him, that was glowing and filled the chamber with a low hum.
The red dragon was grimacing in pain and was desperately trying to block out the sound by placing his front paws over his ears.
But his efforts bore no fruit.
"Increase security!! I don't want anything happening to your research!!
We've never been this close to realizing our plans!!" Ordered the Lich.
His grandson nodded his head.
"It will be done."