FOR SISTER, FOR FATHER

"Let's leave this place," Skyler said urgently, pulling Tony along as they slipped into the dim back alley.

"Who did you say captured her again?" Tony asked, his voice tense.

"It's Galley," Skyler replied bitterly. "She's awful. She's never liked Elsie—not even a little. She's harsh with her, always has been."

Tony's eyes burned with fury. His mind was focused—he was going to save Elsie, no matter what. Skyler, now a trusted companion, led the way.

"We have to move fast," she said. "Before anything happens to her."

When they reached the gates of the Council's protected grounds, two guards stepped in front of them.

"Halt," one of them barked. "Restricted area. Entry by invitation only."

"The Council has issued no such permission," the other added coldly.

Skyler stepped forward without hesitation. "He—" she pointed to Tony—"has a special relationship with Yamin. She trusts him."

The guards looked at each other, uncertainty flashing across their faces.

"How dare you question Yamin's will?" Skyler added sharply.

After a tense pause, one guard nodded. "Let them pass."

As they approached the entrance to the Judgment Hall, Skyler leaned in close and whispered, "I lied for you, Tony. About Yamin. I'm sorry… I just couldn't think of any other way." In the wind, Elsie was being dragged forward in chains. Her defiance of the Council's authority and her escape from their grasp had marked her for punishment before the mighty Judgment Council of the Bracadis.

As she was led into the Judgment Hall, the councilors noticed movement. Two unfamiliar faces had entered the chamber. One of the elders raised a hand, signaling the guards to halt.

Skyler stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "We're asking for a favor," she said clearly.

Elsie turned her head, her ears catching the familiar voice. Her eyes scanned the hall—then landed on him.

"Tony!" she called out, a spark of joy lighting up her face.

"Elsie!" Tony ran toward her without hesitation and pulled her into a tight embrace. She held him back, trembling with emotion.

"I can't believe you're here," she whispered, then leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek.

"At long last," she said with a soft smile. "You came."

Tony stepped back just slightly, looking into her eyes. "Don't worry," he said. "I'll get us out of here."

Before another word could be spoken, a sharp, commanding voice rang out through the chamber.

"What's happening here?"

It was Galley. Her tone cut through the air, heavy with scorn.

Tony turned from Elsie and stepped forward, approaching the Council with calm determination. As he stood before them, his gaze met with someone unexpected—Yamin.

She was young and elegant, graceful in posture, her beauty quiet but captivating. Her curious eyes met his, and for a brief moment, time felt like it paused.

Tony stood tall—handsome, noble, confident—and something in him caught Yamin's attention. Tony stepped forward, standing tall before the council.

"Hello… I'm Tony. From Abergdon .

No, wait—Oxford," he said, fumbling a little. "Actually… I time traveled."

Skyler looked stunned. "You what?"

"I time traveled," Tony repeated, more confidently this time. "Basically, I'm here to find my sister—" he pointed toward Elsie—"whom I've finally found."

He paused, then added, "I'm also in search of two girls… I think my destiny is tied to them somehow." He blinked, catching himself. "Okay, I'll save the rest of that story for later."

Skyler looked cheerful now, almost in awe. "It's true…" she whispered to herself. "Time travel is real."

Tony leaned toward her and whispered, "Please… do me a favor. Ask them if my sister can be released."

Skyler stepped forward. "They're siblings," she told the council gently. "He just wants his sister back."

A counselor looked at Tony. "What did you say your name was again?"

"Tony," he answered. "Just Tony."

The counselor nodded slowly. "Tony… your Elsie is an escapee. She must face punishment."

Tony stepped closer. "Please. Release her to me. I'll do anything you ask."

The chamber fell silent. After a moment of quiet discussion, Yamin stood gracefully. Her gaze lingered on Tony.

"Break her chains," she said. "Let her go to her brother."

She looked directly at him. "It's a deal."

Tony blinked. "What's the deal?"

Yamin took a few steps forward. "Help me find my father… as I have helped you find your sister. Would you do that for me?"

....