27. A Place for the Lost and Found

Newt Scamander stumbled as he was unceremoniously deposited into Avalon's grand lobby. He barely had time to steady himself, leaving him in a place he had never seen before. The lobby was elegant and modern, yet carried an ancient aura, as though it had stood for centuries.

"Where… where on Earth am I?" Newt murmured, his voice tinged with confusion but still soft and unassuming. He straightened his coat, brushing dust off it with nervous hands, his wide eyes scanning the space.

What struck him first were the three figures standing defensively near the far side of the room. One of them—a tall, composed man in a flowing blue kimono—looked eerily familiar. The design reminded Newt of the attire he'd seen during his visit to Mahoutokoro, the wizarding school in Japan.

But his attention quickly shifted to the scene near the center of the lobby. A bird—his bird—was sprawled on the ground, its breathing shallow and irregular. Frank. Relief flooded Newt as he recognized his beloved Thunderbird, but his relief was short-lived. The creature's lightning-charged body was surrounded by a group of strangers.

Three figures stood around Frank. The first, a young man in a sleek black uniform, was crouched beside a woman whose hands glowed with an ethereal light as she worked intently over Frank's chest. The third, a man strumming a harp, emanated a strange, unfamiliar magic that caused the very air to ripple like water.

Newt's heart clenched at the sight of Frank's irregular breathing. The crackling energy around the Thunderbird, usually a sign of his immense vitality, now seemed unstable.

"Oh dear," Newt whispered, moving closer with urgent yet careful steps. "Frank… Frank, it's alright, I'm here…" His voice was gentle, filled with a mix of worry and determination as he reached for his wand.

Arthur was just handing Hecate another bowl of herbal paste when he noticed the new arrival. "Who's this?" he asked, his brow furrowing as the man stepped into the room.

Musashi and the others turned to face Newt, their defensive stances still firm. Musashi's katana gleamed faintly, though he did not yet draw it. Guan Yu and Mulan remained motionless but vigilant, their hands resting lightly near their weapons.

Newt hardly noticed the warriors; his focus was entirely on Frank. He raised his wand, his voice calm but firm as he prepared to cast. "Alright, old friend, let's see if we can—"

"Expelliarmus."

Hecate's voice cut through the air, her tone commanding. A flash of light erupted from her glowing hand, and Newt's wand flew from his grasp, landing with a clatter nearby.

Newt blinked in surprise, his hands instinctively raising in surrender. "Wait, wait! I—I mean no harm!" he stammered, his tone rushed but polite. His wide-eyed gaze darted from Hecate to Taliesin, who had suddenly plucked a sharp note on his harp. A shimmering barrier appeared between Newt and the group around Frank, its edges humming with vibrant energy.

Arthur stepped forward, his voice steady but cautious. "Who are you? And how did you get here?"

Newt took a breath, his natural awkwardness evident even in this tense moment. "Yes, right, um… terribly sorry for intruding, really. I didn't mean to… well, to appear uninvited. My name is Newt Scamander, and I—" He stopped, his eyes locking onto Frank, and his voice softened with worry. "That's Frank. My Thunderbird. Please, I only want to help him. He's very ill, and I'm rather good at handling creatures, if I do say so myself…"

The room fell silent for a moment as the group absorbed Newt's words. Hecate glanced at Taliesin, whose harp strings hummed with a low note as he lowered the barrier. She turned her sharp gaze back to Newt.

"Newt Scamander, you said?" she asked, her tone still guarded but less confrontational.

"Yes," Newt replied, his voice calming as he realized they might listen to reason. "Newton Artemis Fido Scamander. Magizoologist. And that's Frank—my Thunderbird."

Arthur blinked, recognition sparking in his eyes. "Thunderbird… from the wizarding world. You're a wizard?"

"Indeed," Newt said with a small nod, his hands still slightly raised in a gesture of peace. "Though, uh… not a particularly imposing one, I suppose." He smiled awkwardly before quickly turning serious again. "Please, if you'll allow me to help—Frank trusts me, and I know his physiology well enough to assist."

Hecate hesitated, glancing at the others. Taliesin gave a slight shrug, his harp resting silently on his knee. Arthur, sensing no malice from Newt, nodded. "Alright. Let him through."

Newt retrieved his wand with a relieved sigh and knelt by Frank's side. His demeanor immediately shifted as he entered a state of calm focus. "Easy there, old boy," he murmured, placing a gentle hand on Frank's neck. "Let's see what's troubling you."

He began casting a series of diagnostic spells, the tip of his wand glowing faintly as he worked. His movements were methodical, almost like a surgeon's, as he checked Frank's energy flow and magical core.

"Poor thing," Newt muttered to himself, his brow furrowed. "Severe magical exhaustion, likely from a fight… and this… this isn't natural—there's interference here…" He glanced up at Hecate, his tone inquisitive but polite. "You've been stabilizing him, yes? Quite skillfully, I might add. But his core is unstable—he needs a deeper restorative."

Hecate raised an eyebrow, her respect for Newt growing slightly. "I see. What do you suggest?"

Newt paused, considering. "Well, a Thunderclap Elixir would work wonders, though I imagine you wouldn't have the ingredients here. But… perhaps a combination of your herbs and a spell I know could suffice…"

Arthur handed over the herbs, watching as Newt expertly ground them into a fine paste while murmuring an incantation. The room grew quiet, the air heavy with anticipation, as Newt worked in tandem with Hecate to create a potion-like mixture.

As the concoction was applied to Frank, the Thunderbird let out a low, rumbling call. The storm around him began to stabilize, the crackling energy dimming to a gentle hum. His breathing evened out, and his glowing eyes opened halfway, meeting Newt's with a flicker of recognition.

Newt exhaled a deep sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing for the first time since arriving. "There we are. Much better." He patted Frank gently, his voice soft. "Rest now, old friend. You'll be soaring again soon."

Arthur, watching the scene, exchanged a glance with Hecate. "Who is this guy?" he murmured.

Hecate crossed her arms, her gaze never leaving Newt. "Whoever he is, he's a rare sort. We may have just gained an unexpected ally."

Taliesin smirked, strumming a single bright note on his harp. "And what an entrance, wouldn't you say?"

Arthur took a steadying breath as he watched Newt fuss over Frank, murmuring soothing words to the massive Thunderbird as Hecate and Taliesin exchanged a glance. It struck Arthur then—he hadn't properly greeted their newest guest. Straightening his uniform, he stepped forward.

"Mr. Scamander," Arthur began, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of warmth. "Allow me to officially welcome you to Avalon. My name is Arthur Pendragon. That's the name you'll find connected to me in the wizarding world."

Newt turned his head, adjusting his bow tie absentmindedly as he gave Arthur a curious look. "Pendragon, you said?"

Arthur smiled faintly, inclining his head. "I'm the steward of this place—a sanctuary for travelers from many worlds."

Before Newt could reply, Taliesin stepped forward, strumming his harp lightly, the note warm and inviting. "And I'm Taliesin, assistant to Hecate over there," he said with a playful grin.

Hecate nodded respectfully, her glowing hands now dim as she wiped them clean. "Hecate. Manager of the Arcane Training Room. If you need help with anything magical—well, other than your creature—I'm the one you'll come to."

Newt's eyes flicked between the two, his curiosity evident. "I see. Quite the impressive group you've got here."

At that, the tall figure of Guan Yu stepped forward, his jade armor catching the faint light. He bowed slightly, his deep voice resonating with respect. "I am Guan Yu, commander of the Martial Hall. My brother Musashi and sister Mulan serve alongside me." He gestured to the two warriors, who nodded in acknowledgment.

Newt blinked, his wide-eyed gaze sweeping over the group. "Right, well… this is all rather extraordinary," he said, a bit awkwardly. "Not exactly what I expected when I followed Frank here. Though I suppose very little in my life has been ordinary."

Arthur stepped forward again, his tone gentle. "We understand this is a lot to take in. You're welcome to rest here in Avalon, and Frank can recover fully without worry. We'll make sure you both have everything you need."

Newt hesitated, his hand brushing along Frank's side as he considered. "I—well, that's very kind of you, but I've always preferred to be near my creatures when they're recovering. Frank's condition is delicate, and I'd feel much better if I could stay close."

Arthur nodded immediately. "Of course. We'll prepare a room for both of you. Frank can rest there, and so can you. Avalon's accommodations are designed to adapt to any guest's needs."

Before Newt could protest further, Guan Yu stepped forward again. "Frank cannot walk yet," he said simply, stepping closer to the Thunderbird. "Allow me to carry him."

Newt's eyes widened slightly, his natural protective instinct flaring for a moment, but when Guan Yu gently placed a hand beneath Frank's massive body, the ease with which the warrior lifted the creature silenced Newt's concerns. Frank's weight, crackling with residual energy, seemed as light as a feather in Guan Yu's strong arms.

"My word," Newt murmured, adjusting his scarf nervously. "That's… quite remarkable."

Guan Yu gave a faint smile, his steps steady as he cradled the Thunderbird with care. "Strength is meant to serve, not to dominate. It is my honor to assist."

Arthur led the group to the elevator, its gleaming doors reflecting the scene. As Guan Yu stepped forward with Frank, the doors shimmered and began to shift, their frame expanding to accommodate the Thunderbird's large size. Inside, the elevator's walls stretched, the ceiling rising until the space comfortably fit the massive bird.

"Impressive," Newt muttered, running a hand through his hair as he stepped inside alongside Arthur.

Arthur smiled. "Avalon adapts to its guests. It's one of the things that makes this place special."

The elevator ascended smoothly, the hum of magic filling the air. The group rode in silence for a moment before the doors opened onto a floor familiar to Arthur. The architecture here echoed the aesthetics of the wizarding world, from the softly glowing sconces along the walls to the carved archways that seemed to hum with latent magic.

"This is the same floor where another guest of ours from your world stayed," Arthur explained, glancing at Newt as he led the way. "We try to keep things… familiar for everyone."

Newt nodded appreciatively, his hands folded behind his back as he followed. "Quite thoughtful, really. It's… well, it's comforting, in a way."

Arthur stopped in front of a large door, its frame inscribed with elegant runes. He opened it with a light touch, revealing a spacious room designed with both Newt and Frank in mind. The walls shimmered faintly with the color of storm clouds, echoing Frank's elemental nature. A large, cushioned platform near the far corner of the room was clearly meant for the Thunderbird, and near it, a cozy bed was set for Newt.

Newt stepped inside, his eyes scanning the space. "This is… perfect," he said softly, a rare warmth in his tone. "Frank will be comfortable here. Thank you."

Arthur gestured for Guan Yu to enter, and the warrior carefully placed Frank on the cushioned platform. The Thunderbird let out a faint, low rumble, settling as its breathing began to steady.

Guan Yu stood back, nodding respectfully to Newt. "He will heal well in Avalon."

Newt smiled faintly, running a hand along Frank's feathers. "Yes… I believe he will."

Arthur stepped forward. "Take your time to settle in, Newt. If you need anything, don't hesitate to let us know."

Newt adjusted his coat, his smile growing a bit more relaxed. "Thank you, Mr. Pendragon. Truly. For everything."

As Arthur and Guan Yu stepped back toward the elevator, Arthur cast one last glance at Newt and Frank. Something about the sight—the bond between wizard and creature—reminded him of Avalon itself: a place where all beings, no matter their origin, could find refuge.

...

Newt sat quietly in his room, his hands resting on his lap as he observed Frank's steady breathing. The Thunderbird, though still weak, was far more stable than when they had first arrived. The room's tranquil energy seemed to work wonders, and Newt allowed himself a rare moment of peace.

Still, his mind raced with thoughts of Avalon. In his long life, he had seen countless wonders—creatures both majestic and terrifying, ancient magic buried in forgotten corners of the world—but nothing had prepared him for this place. In a single day, the sheer breadth of new things he had encountered surpassed the discoveries of his last several years combined.

"Avalon…" he murmured, glancing at the room's shimmering walls. "A sanctuary indeed. But for purpose, I wonder?"

...

Meanwhile, Arthur and Guan Yu entered the lobby, the gleaming space now quiet except for Taliesin's soft strumming of his harp. Hecate sat beside him, her sharp eyes observing the room while the notes carried an easy rhythm.

Taliesin greeted them with a playful grin. "Ah, back so soon? You've been busy, haven't you?"

Guan Yu inclined his head. "The Thunderbird is settled. It will recover."

Taliesin gestured to the empty space nearby. "Your brother and sister have already returned to the Martial Hall. No doubt Musashi is sharpening his philosophy alongside his blade, and Mulan is preparing the next lesson."

Guan Yu nodded, his expression calm. "Then I shall join them. Discipline must not waver." He turned to Arthur. "If you need me, do not hesitate to call."

Arthur nodded, offering a respectful bow. "Thank you, Guan Yu. For everything."

With that, Guan Yu strode toward the elevator, his imposing figure disappearing as the doors slid shut.

Arthur let out a quiet breath, moving to sit beside Hecate and Taliesin. The waiting room felt oddly still after the morning's chaos, and for the first time that day, Arthur allowed himself to relax.

Hecate glanced at him, her tone light but probing. "Collecting yourself after all the excitement?"

Arthur smirked faintly. "Something like that. It's been… a lot." He looked at her, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "By the way, when you disarmed Newt earlier, you used a spell from the wizarding world. Why?"

Hecate leaned back slightly, folding her arms. "To avoid overwhelming him. He had already stepped into a completely foreign place, seen things he couldn't explain. Throwing magic at him he'd never encountered before would have made it harder for him to trust us."

Taliesin plucked a few light notes, his grin mischievous. "Clever, isn't she? Always thinking three steps ahead."

Arthur chuckled, his tension easing as the conversation flowed naturally. It was moments like these that reminded him how much he had come to rely on and care for his companions. The bonds they had forged weren't just functional—they were genuine.

As they talked, the morning's events replayed in Arthur's mind, and a particular thought surfaced. "The Thunderbird," he said suddenly, sitting up straighter. "We could've helped it more if we had better facilities. What about the Sanctuary Spa and Healing? That's one of the locked areas, isn't it?"

Hecate raised an eyebrow. "That's right. It's listed, but we don't have access to it yet."

Arthur turned his gaze upward, addressing Avalon itself. "Avalon, when can we unlock the Sanctuary Spa and Healing area?"

The familiar hum of Avalon's voice resonated gently through the air. "New areas can be unlocked when additional worlds are connected to Avalon. Each connection brings new opportunities and expands Avalon's capabilities."

Arthur nodded thoughtfully. "So, connecting new worlds isn't just about bringing in new guests—it's about improving Avalon itself."

"Precisely," Avalon replied, its tone warm.

Taliesin, ever the opportunist, chimed in with a sly grin. "Well, Arthur, you've got one marked world practically waiting to be connected. Why not take the plunge?"

Arthur frowned slightly, leaning forward. "The Marvel world…"

Hecate's expression turned thoughtful. "It would bring a whole new set of challenges. That world is vast and unpredictable, full of powerful beings and forces we may not fully understand."

Taliesin strummed a deep, resonant chord, his gaze twinkling with mischief. "But it's also full of potential. Heroes, technology, and who knows what else. Imagine what Avalon could become with that connection."

Arthur rested his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor as he weighed their words. Connecting the Marvel world wasn't just a matter of exploration—it was a leap into the unknown, a decision that could reshape Avalon forever.

"Arthur," Hecate said softly, drawing his attention. "This isn't a decision you have to make now. But when you do, know that we'll be here, whatever path you choose."

Arthur looked up at her, then at Taliesin, his expression resolute. "Thanks. I'll think about it. For now, we focus on what's in front of us."

Taliesin plucked a hopeful, rising melody on his harp. "That's the spirit, lad. The path ahead may be winding, but it's yours to walk."

Arthur smiled faintly, the weight of the morning easing as he leaned back in his chair. Avalon's journey was far from over, and with every challenge, he grew more certain of one thing: whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.