**Chapter 1: Rebuilding and Racking Up the Blues**

Bobby Pendragon trudged through the sand, his boots sinking into the scorching hot grains with each step. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, gazing out at the beach that was supposed to be rebuilt and thriving. It was a daunting task, but someone had to do it. Saint Dane's destruction had left the Travelers with a lot of work to undo. As he worked, Bobby couldn't shake the feeling of homesickness that had been plaguing him for days. He missed the mountains of Stony Plain, the cool breeze that whipped through his hair, and the sound of Kankakee River flowing through the valley. But he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. The sun beat down on him, relentless in its ferocity. Bobby felt his throat begin to tickle, and he stifled a sneeze, not wanting to stop working. He wasn't going to let a little thing like a cold slow him down. Not when there was so much to be done. Nevva Winters, the Traveler from the land of Velos, approached him, concern etched on her face. "Bobby, you look like you're struggling. Maybe you should take a break and get out of this heat?" she suggested, her voice gentle. Bobby shook his head, stifling another sneeze. "I'm fine, Nevva. I just need to get this done." Just then, Saint Dane appeared, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, Bobby Pendragon, the great Traveler, brought low by a little heat and sand," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Bobby bristled, but Saint Dane's words struck a chord. He didn't want to be seen as weak, not in front of Nevva or Saint Dane. He forced himself to smile, trying to appear nonchalant. "I'm just getting started, Saint Dane. You can't expect me to let you win, can you?" Saint Dane chuckled. "Oh, I'm not trying to win, Bobby. I'm just trying to help. You see, I think you might be...under the weather." Bobby's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?" Saint Dane took a step closer, his eyes glinting with concern. "You look like you're fighting a losing battle, Bobby. You're sneezing, you're stifling, and you're...well, you look a bit green around the gills." Nevva placed a hand on Bobby's arm. "Bobby, maybe Saint Dane is right. You do look a bit off. Why don't you take a break and let us help you?" Bobby shook his head, still in denial. "I'm fine. I just...I just need to get this done." But as he looked at Nevva and Saint Dane, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was fighting a losing battle. Not just against the heat and the sand, but against his own body. And he wasn't sure if he was going to come out on top.