Chapter Six

"Get..me...back to the cart." While they moved, Kamis took the opportunity to attack the nearest beast.

Taran watches as vines creep up to choke of a monster but then he noticed Turbo getting caught up. "TURBO!!!!" he yells as he runs to cut Turbo free. As he cut Turbo free, Taran noticed Tubo was really injured. " Get back on the other side of the cart!" he said to Turbo. "Protect Millie and Alouen!" He gestures to the back of the cart where there weren't many monsters. Then he turns, knife ready to protect Turbo's retreat.

"Alouen, Alouen, Stop!" Mille grabbed her sleeve and pulled her back. "Your powers are still wild, hold back."

The darkness had interceded in her power again. This was not making her a happy witch. Not at all. In her coldest voice, "Mille, point me at the biggest clump of enemies. Now."

"But, but..."

"Do It!"

Mille found the nearest group of monsters, and told Alouen their general area. She wanted to find this darkness and rip it apart. If it wanted to block her, then she'd make it work for it.

Even with the cart tilting, and the warks of the chocobo reaching her ears, she quickly grasped my power, and flung it at the enemies Mille pointed out.

The first monster goes for an attack on Blaize, angry as the group has killed its brethren, it attacks wildly, it's vicious mouth agape looking for food, looking for a kill.

Blaize: "Argh, can't let that slow me down!"

Slyde looks towards his monster. Sneering he could feel his sword blazing in his grip. The monster only growled seeming to pick up on the heat all around him. With a running start Slyde comes up for a hit and is able to cut off two of the tentacles belonging to the beast.

Los has tossed his weapon at the beast. The sparkling left behind it only worked to hide the weapon from sight. Almost magical, the blade flew through the air and hit true on its target.

Turbo runs around to protect Alouen and Millie but does not encounter any more resistence. There are some minor woulds that have turned the chocobo's beautiful feathers a slightly red tinge. Apparently the bird is bleeding from somewhere.

Serena has called out for everyone to come together. Realizing that the monsters are fighting off where they feel heat movement she did have an idea for an attack. With blade in hand she saw all the monsters otherwise engaged. Nothing had attacked her, but had everyone heard her?

Los' target growled in pain as it turned on Los and ran for a charge. With the dagger still sticking out of it's side smoke began to come out of the wound almost as if it had acid for blood. As it ran the blade fell out and had been melted to the hilt. Charging Los he had enough time to move out of the way from the wounded creature.

Kamis still facing his monster could feel death creeping up on it. This night, with the storm raging around them, would be a night of death, but not his. He went for his attack, running full charge towards the monster. Jumping in the air he drove his blade through the body of the monster. As it bucked and threw itself through the air he held on, as if riding a wild horse. As it moves from side to side he finally released blade in hand. As he landed with a loud thud he moved just in time as the body of the monster falls near him. He can hear a hissing sound above the falling rain. As he looked at his blade he realized that it is in no condition to fight with again, and needs some serious work done on it. As he sniffed his blade he recognized the acid smell and realized that the monsters have been forced to use the last attack in their arsenal. They are preparing for an acid spray.

The monster's death brought Kamis little satisfaction. The thrashing around had made his wounds cry out in pain and worse yet, his precious Soultear now lay covered in the putrid, foul-smelling substance the beast had left at its death. The experienced soldier looked the cursed blade quickly over and saw that he would be unable to wield it in battle anytime soon. He cursed. With the creature now dead, there were few monsters left in his general area. Weaponless, Kamis hobbled his way back to the cart, planning to hold his shield up in a defensive manuever while watching for any more acid.

Blaize goes for an attack on his monster. Breathing heavily from the toll of battle and feeling a little sore from the hit he had taken earlier, he tried to forget his soreness. In his pocket the parchment still shined brightly and that was the only light he could see around him, save for the light of dawn trying to break through the rain clouds. The lightning and thunder and seemed to pass, but the rain did not stop. Raising his blade he goes to drive it into the monster, but misses as the monster dives into the ground as if it were water, leaving behind a large crater. As he stopped to shout that another one has gone underground, the ground erupts as it comes out of the ground about 10 feet from where he stood.

Blaize: "&^%$!!! Where'd it go! There it is, the cowardly &^%$#*!! It'll pay for this humilation!"

Taran had just finished cutting Turbo loose from the vines when he too noticed that Turbo was bleeding. As it ran to protect Alouen and Millie he hoped his bird would be okay. Realizing that Kamis had finished one monster, Taran jumped down from the vines and ran back into the midst of battle.

Alouen is directed towards two monsters, who are within line of sight for her attack. Using her magic again, she strikes out with her now tainted power and the ground erupts again with vines that grow wildly around her. The vines catch Blaize and begin to constrict around his body. The only person close enough to stop the attack is Bitey. She can hear Blaize calling for Bitey to help him as he's lifted into the air. The monsters are thrown off guard and both entangled in the vines. The vines become tighter and seem to restrict the movement of the great beasts.

Blaize: "What in the blaizes!!!" This day just can't get any worse Blaize thought to himself as he struggled, he sees Bitey nearby and yells towards him, "Bitey, see if you can cut a few of these vines off of me!!"

Viva sees that Kamis' monster is dead and turns around to see if Kobie is fine. Now that immediate danger for Kobie has passed he turns to see the vines grasp two of the others. The vines do not allow either of the monsters to move as they hang just above the ground, still alive. Now they will die, he thinks as he runs towards them.

Bitey hears the cries of Blaize, but is already in attack mode for Monster 1. With swords in hand he realizes that the monster is helpless and defenseless, but the monster must die. With a grunt he heaved his blades towards the beast's body and hit.

Seeing Taran running to Turbo's aid, Bitey rethought his action and turned only to find his original target had emerged from the ground within striking distance. Again the vines burst from the ground, this time tangling more of the beasts. 'This is getting too close.' Bitey wrinkled his nose at the acrid smell the creature released as he slashed it. Hearing Blaize's cry for help, he quickly whirled around and saw the man entangled. As he moved to rescue Blaize, he said, "Well, Taran saves a Chocobo, all I get is a Hobo. I guess they sound alike. Destiny must be confused." Thoughts of the injured and the missing monster dampened his rising spirits slightly.

Slyde's monster goes for an attack on him. As it stands, Slyde is curious as to why it's not charging. Just as the vines burst from the ground to capture the monster's brethren, it is thrown off balance and a huge ball of liquid squirts from the monster's mouth and lands about five feet from Slyde. What appears to be acid burns the grass and leaves a smokescreen as it burns. The smell is horrible, and causes him to gag.

Backing clear of the horrid smoke, Slyde makes another charge at the beast. This one must die soon before it tries to melt another of us again. Coming close to the beast, Slyde uses the wet grass to his advantage and slides under the beast, so as to get behind it and slashes it as hard as he can.

Kobie smiles at Viva. The danger for now is over, with only one monster free, and the other two caught up in vines, it would not be long before the death of these beasts came to pass.

Taran looked around at the Monsters, Great there were two of them, tied up over there by vines... and Blaize??? Obviously something was seriously up with Alouen's Earth magic... That Darkness she had mentioned?? Oh well, now he had monsters to defeat, They were attacking his friends! Oh... and Los. Taran saw one of the monsters was still free. That should be the first target. As he snuck up on it, he gagged on a horrible smell. "Ugggh..." He moaned, "What was that?" Before he launched his attack.

Darkness be . I will be useful. Holding on to Mille, Alouen starts to ask where more are.

"Alouen, there don't appear to be that many left. If you keep doing what you are doing there's a good chance you'll just hurt someone else. Let them take care of it."

"Do they have it well in hand Mille? Are you sure?"

"Yeah, they can handle them, I'm sure. You just stop using your powers, and take a rest."

"Ah, I suppose. But be careful Mille, until the others take care of the things, I will be ready to do whatever I have to do." I hope I didn't hurt anyone...

Viva looked at the current situation. Two monsters are held immobile, and there's only one free. Seeing that the others can finish the fight without him, Viva runs back towards Kobie and directs them towards the cart, watching if the one that buried will come back out.

Kobie saw Viva do a movement with his swords and ran to him. She looks around to see if any monsters are near them, and follows Viva. Boomerang ready.

HEAT!!! THAT'S IT!!! That gives me an idea!! Serena's mind snapped to attention. She ran over to Kamis and placed her dagger in his hand. "HERE!!!! STAY ALIVE!!!" She immediatly ran off in the opposite direction towards the free monster. "TARAN!!! SLYDE!!! GET READY TO ATTACK!!!" She screamed at the top of her lungs as she charged into battle. She began to pirouette and dance about wildly and energetically, all the while keeping her eye on the monster. She moved as quickly and forcefully as possible. She could feel her body temperature rising from all the rigorous work she was doing. "COME GET ME SHORT SQUAT AND UGLY!!!"

Los stayed where he was just observing. These people are nuts He confirmed in his own mind. The blind witch was killing random people, the other woman was dancing. The creatures were trapped under vines... or were they.

Serena begins to dance around gyrating her body through motions that would make most people feels ashamed to see. With her thrusts and grunts, her body moves and bounces in ways unimaginable. For a moment the free monster picks up the intense heat. Serena dances, face sweaty, breathing heavily, she knows her body has to be radiating like a furnace, and surely the monster would be preoccupied. While dancing she noticed that it was trying to keep up with her movements. While dancing she yells out for her comrades to attack the monster.

Turbo is still beside Millie and Alouen, breathing heavily and its feathered body even more so covered with blood. The chocobo seems weak and stumbles when attempting to walk.

A tied monster can sense the heat and starts to struggle against the vines, only making them constrict harder around its body. Getting ready to use its final attack it has the acid ready to erupt when is suddenly it chokes and the acid is spewed all over its body. It screams in pain as his outside begins to melt and fume. The smell is nauseating. While inside it is protected by the acid, its outside is not.

Viva is with Kobie and they both run to see the fight between the last of the monsters and their comrades.

The last monster struggles, but stops when the vines constrict it's movement to much. It just sits in the air, trapped in vines still breathing, but not able to move.

Slyde is aware of everything that is happening around him and decides he better take Serena's advice and attack while the monster is otherwise occupied on trying to find the heat source. With a running start he lifted his sword up and slashed at the vile monster.

Taran stands still as Slyde's target is now dead.

Bitey has climbed the vines and is next to Blaize cutting through the vines which Alouen had called onto her friends. While cursing and struggling to cut the vines. He managed to cut enough out of the way for Blaize to breathe.

Blaize hefts his sword and hacks the last vine holding him to the rest and as he cuts it, he realizes that it was the only thing holding him up. With the last slash, he falls about four feet to the ground with a loud thud, which takes the wind out of him.

"OH !!!" Blaize fell to the ground and began to cough frantically, searching for air. Well this has been a great battle so far. he told himself sarcastically, I miss the things twice and get caught in some &^%$#*% vines. Well I'm sure as hell gonna try to make up for it. He lays there for a few minutes to catch his breath, then stands a little shakily and raises his sword, Well at least I didn't fall on it and kill myself. Now wouldn't that be the perfect ending to a perfect fight. Thank God that thing got caught in the vines too, or I'd probably be dead anyway.

Los stands to watch his comrades.

Kamis has carried himself to the wagon with sword at his side and shield in hand.

Alouen is standing by Turbo until suddenly Millie notices the collapsed bird covered in blood.

Having been sucessful, Serena drops to her knees and pants. The only monster left was now entangles in the vines and not cuasing much of a threat. The others could handle it from here.

"*huff puff huff puff* Good...shot.. Slyde..."

"Thanks..." Slyde lets out with as he gets back up. He pulls his sword free and waits for soon death of the last beast.

Serena slowly stands and fans herself some.

"Pardon the rather rude motions but it was the only thing I could think of at the moment. There's no time.. WHEW!!! to talk now.. Go get rid of the last one, I'll make sure the others are ok. Agreed?"

She places one hand on Slyde's shoulder and leans on him for a moment before she stands up and heads over to Allouen and Mille. Upon reaching them she gathers herself a bit.

"Are you two alright?"

An entire string of responses ran through Alouen's mind. Everything from a disheartened 'fine' to an energetic 'darn diddly we are'. A more sarcastic one came to mind.

"Well, I'm blind, there's monsters everywhere, last I heard I was hurting our own people, I'm wet, cold, and generally water logged. However, despite all that, I'm still kicking butt, feeling fine, and looking good doing it." I grin at my little joke. I hoped she didn't take it as a serious jab, just a friendly poke at fun. Of course, one never knew what she would think.

"We're alright," Mille pipes up from next to Alouen. "The chocobo doesn't look like its fine feathered self though. Maybe someone should help it?"

Serena giggles out loud at Alouen's jest. She smiles and looks at Mille.

"A fine idea Mille, as usual. On that note, how are you doing Serena? I'd take a look for myself, but, you know...um, are all the things dead? I don't want to risk any more of 'you know what' if there isn't. I'm kind of having troubles with it lately."

Mille steps over to Turbo, and tries to help the bird as best she can. She let's Alouen know about the remaining creature that's caught up in her work.

"In that case, one of the brave souls with a pointy piece of metal should take care of it."

Serena: "Glad to hear you're ok. It looks as if we might be able to get along after all. You did fine anyways. Don't fret it." She placed one hand on Alouen's shoulder and squeezed gently.

Alouen: "That's good to hear. You probably didn't do too bad yourself."

Los just stands there, thinking about everything thats happened. He begins cleaning his tanto, if he didn't the creature's blood may damage their blades. He takes special care with the ornate one before sliding them both away into their invisible sheaths. The battle frenzy had washed away with the rain and now he was cold. He stood tall like any normal man. Not hunched like the monster you are. A voice in his head said. Los just stands there calmly as the creatures die, or maybe they were already dead... and it was just their corpses settling onto the surface of the planet. Gradually to be savaged by predators and rot away. Dont let the days get away. The voice said again. Always the tone was different but always it was his own voice. Los walks to the cart and gathers the things he left there, his garb and bag. The armored man was awake now. Los had questions, but the armored man may answer him with the sword. Los felt turned in both his mind and out of it. He couldn't feel home anymore. The chicken looked dead.

Seeing as they were not needed, the two children just picked a defensive position, and sees if anything appears.

The moment Bitey finished cutting Blaize down, he ran over to where he left the medical kit. The humans were already losing the little cohesion they had had when defending their lives. I think I should like to interrogate the prisoner, he thinks to himself, watching the last monster dangle. "There is still at least one more out there, humans!" he yells, breaking out medical supplies. "Mercenary Serena, you look relatively unharmed. Start tending wounds. You must be useful." He throws her some of the supplies he thinks will be of use to her. He sees the injured man by the cart, his wounds bleeding again. "Tend to that man and Sir Slyde at the cart. Sir Slyde, go to the cart." He strides through the camp, busily taking in the situation. "You kids, see if the lads are all right," he says, waving at Viva and Kobie. "Blaize, to the cart." Los was standing there, which seemed to be one of his talents. "If you can tear yourself away, Los, you may wish to determine where the last of the creatures went." He turned, taking in Alouen, Mille, and Turbo. With a gasp, he rushed to the stricken bird. He immediately began to tend the animal's injuries, trying to stop the flow of blood. "C'mon, if you die, no carrots for you. Don't you die on me, soldier." He warks softly to the bird, desperate.

Hearing Bitey shout commands she caught the bandages in the air. Something in her was a little annoyed by the imp.

"YES SIR!!! You weren't the one acting as a decoy for one of those things AND you have a weapon!! BE useful my .... DOES WRAPPING YOUR MOUTH SHUT COUNT?!??!?!" She grumbled as she walked over to Kamis.

Alouen quickly claps her hands to her ears as the now booming voice of Serena fills her head. She had been relying on her hearing more now since her extra sight was lost, and having someone suddenly scream right next to her wasn't good for the ever sensitive ears.

When the ringing stops, Alouen makes her way to the fallen bird. An idea had occurred to her. It was a long shot, but the only person it could hurt was her, and it was worth it if the chocobo was hurt as bad as it sounded. Placing her hands on Turbo, Alouen slowly moves her fingers through it feathers trying to find the wounds. She thought that maybe she could do something for the bird that conventional things couldn't. After all, she was one with the Planet, and therefore a part of all it's creatures. Why wouldn't this work? All she had to do was open herself ever so slightly to the Planet, and try siphoning life energies from the surrounding area, and directing it into the chocobo. Maybe the darkness wouldn't notice or care about such a slight manifestation.

Readying herself, Alouen leans over, and sets her scheme into motion, ready to stop at any sign of complications.

Kneeling down Serena began to tend to his wounds.

"Easy big fella. I'm not going to hurt you. Just take it easy for now." She began to wrap his wounded leg with the bandage trying to keep it clean and covered.

Looking into his eyes, she smiled.

"My name is Serena. Who are you good sir?"

Kamis lowered his shield. This strange group was very efficient in battle. Only one of the creatures remained, and it was bound inside the magical tendrils summoned by that woman. The soldier had to give them credit for their swift victory. Even if the monster somehow broke loose from its constraints it would be quickly met with the tips of their blades. Kamis looked at the dark-haired woman tending to his re-opened wounds. She was beautiful, there was no doubt of that, and quick thinking under stress by the looks of it. He couldn't help himself from staring. The way she turned her head...and that slight smile that never left the corner of her mouth...It felt as if he knew her from long ago. She was speaking; he could hear her words muffled by a buzzing in his ear. The pain from his injuries threatened to knock him out again, but he struggled to stay awake. At last he prevailed in time to hear her speak her name. Serena... "I am Kamis." Kamis was amazed to find that he knew this language from somewhere. He didn't KNOW he knew it, he just spoke without thinking. But I've never studied nor spoken Maralian before, have I? He was suddenly struck with a stinging headache and he laid down on his back inside the cart.

"Kamis huh? Where are you from? Kamis? KAMIS?"

She panicked a bit but saw that he was only laying down. Chuckling a bit she climbed in the wagon and tried to bring him in more to be a little more comfortable. Grabbing a sack, she brought it over and rested his head on it.

"Here, rest. We'll take care of the last one."

Kamis nodded to Serena and immediately regretted it as a needle of pain lodged itself into his forehead. He grimaced and and waved an acknowledging hand weakly at the woman. As she turned to speak to one of her companions, Kamis caught a glimpse of her back through her skimpy armor. It afforded her little real protection, he wagered, and the slit in back ran all the way down to.....

The soldier closed his eyes and laid his head back down. but his leg hurt! What in the nine had possessed him to fight in this poor condition? It was not even his battle to begin with. Not only had he re-opened old wounds but the creatures had inflicted all new ones on him. Would these people express their gratitude or leave him for dead? You never could tell in this day and age. He felt a little better with his sword at his side, battered now as it was. He would have to remember to examine the person who took it for signs of permanent mental scarring.

Taking his sword and shield, she laid them by his side out of the way.

"If you want these, they're right there. I'll just stay here and get you anything if you need it, ok? I'll be right back"

She popped her head out and looked over at Alouen and Mille.

"Hey Alouen, is there anything you need from me? Otherwise I'll stay in here and make sure our new companion isn't in danger of bleeding to death. I have some leftover bandages if you need them."

Los wandered over to the hole where the one had burrowed, keeping well back from the edge and taking slow light steps. He had one hand under his shirt clutching one of Killjoy's darts. How sad that the same darts that killed Killjoy now protected Killjoy's associates.

Alouen turns her head ever so slightly. "If this doesn't work, we are going to need them, yes. Just let me find out if this will happen though..." Alouen visibly starts to concentrate on the chocobo, deftly trying to set her plan in motion without it being interfered with, and hoping that it will also work.

"Alright dear. I'll be in here if you need me."

She returned her attention to the inside of the wagon. Grabbing a nearby piece of cloth, she folded it several times. Using one of teh nearby discarded water skins, (I'm assuming there's one for RP purposes only) she poured some of the water on the cloth. Wringing out the excess water, she placed it gently on Kamis's forehead.

"There. Thank you for your help, but you should rest now." She gently scolded.

"You're not in any shape to be fighting anything. Don't worry, I'll take care of you. Just lie back and relax."

The rain had subsided to a light drizzle, hardly anything to worry about. The clouds had seemed to pass overhead, and a few rays of light were coming through. It was just a little after dawn, the sky was a reddish purple, but quickly gaining color. It seemed as if the dreary day was about to be over.

Thunder lolled off in the distance as the freak storm seemed to be dying. A new day was coming. The only other sound from the camp besides theirs talking was the sound of the beast that was caught up in the vines. The monster was growling, but not moving for fear that it would die.

Blaize walked up to it with sword it hand and drove the blade home right into the monster's body. For extra measure he twisted the blade to make sure it had been cut throughly. Pulling out his sword green blood splashed down to the ground as the monster expelled it's last breath.

Everything had gone wrong. There was still a monster on the lose, the battle had gone chaotic and there were seriously wonded people all over the campsite.

Los was out and about, with all his gear on hand. He walked through the remnants of the camp like a ghost in a battlefield. He paid little attention to the movement around him and seemed to look off to the horizon as if he could see something others could not. His sense of home was there, he could feel it. He did not tell anyone, but it seemed as if few cared, but that did not bother him, he only wanted to go home. This entire trip had taken him farther away then he expected. First trying to make money as a thief had gotten him trapped in sewers, shot at by evil archers, fighting direwolves in the woods and now this. He suddenly heard a voice in the air. The sound was just out of range of hearing, but his sensitive hearing could pick up the sounds...

"Los....Sol....Los....Sol...home, come home.....!" The voice was comforting, warm, but mysterious. He was sure he had heard that voice before, but his mind did not want to remember. Looking around to see if anyone had called him, he realized he was alone on the outskirts of the camp. He could probably leave now, and no one would miss him, or he could stay and provide the assistance needed so that these people would not become drifters looking for a home like him.

Alouen stood next to Millie watching the chocobo as it bled. Serena was down by it's side as well. Bitey had barked orders yet again for everyone to do something, like some kind of general, but Alouen was too weak to argue with anyone. Serena's little outburst had also left her ears ringing. For now, she was focused on healing, or trying to somehow ease the pain of the bird. Taran ran up to see his bird, but Serena held him back to allow Alouen to do what she could. Standing up she threw her hands into the dirt looking for a direct source of mana power. Her power searched the ground, the dirt, trees, grass, attempting to draw mana into her so that she could guide it to the bird. She found the source of mana she wanted, and began to direct it to Turbo. Like a channel of energy, the power flowed into the bird, and as quick as it started she sensed the darkness riding the flow of mana. Just before it reached Turbo, she let go screaming. Now she realized what the darkness was doing. What ever it was that had brought the darkness, it was trying to find a way into someone, through magic. That is why it was always around her when she used it, it was trying to take over anyone that it could. Turbo turned a little and warked.

While not fully healed it seemed as if the gash right under it's wing had closed up, and Turbo would need more attention, but magic was not going to work. Taran ran from Serena's grasp and hugged his friend. The chocobo warked and seemed to smile at Alouen.

Kamis was still on his side, he did not know what to do. The battle had taken a lot out of him and he needed some more attention. Not only him, but his sword too. He needed a good blade stone to put some sharpness and shape back into the blade. His body also ached from the hits of those tentacles. Still he appreciated Serena's help.

Serena watched as Taran ran for his bird, but she was not wholy concerned about that. She saw a mark on Kamis while she was tending to him that she knew all to well. She was careful not to show her concern, for she kept what she knew to herself, and no one else noticed. She had the same mark on her, but had hidden it well. Was this him? Was this the one she was told would come. She had to speak to Kamis alone, but little chance of that now. Not even Kamis knew she had seen it, and would keep as such until she could get him alone.

I knew it.... Serena thought quietly to herself as she watched the scene unfold with Taran, Allouen and Turbo. He's part of Aiore's gang. That !! But when did he start recruiting swordsmen? His style was always those who could not be seen or remembered...

She rushed over to help Allouen up after she nearly fell over.

"Take it easy dear, you've had another long day. At this pace you're going to kill yourself. Why don't you take some time to rest? I'm sure Mille can help you out if you need it. We've got a long day ahead of us."

Witch.... What the are you doing? Darkness... It seems your powers are working fine to me. But... Still... That dream.... Aiore isn't capable of such forces, the clod can't tie his own shoes.

She snickered a bit to herself. Allouen was back on her feet and Taran was busy wrapping his arms around Turbo. She reached out and hugged both of them.

"Glad to see you're both ok."

Bitey had just given orders to the humans who now seemed to fall apart from the somewhat "organized" group they were while fighting. He too was making sure the missing monster did not suddenly pop up. He saw both Viva and Kobie had not let their guard down. This sight caused him to think, maybe those two would like to learn how to handle a sword. He smiled at this. The two seemed ever alert for anything that might come into the camp.

Slyde waited and watched as Blaize ran the sword through the monster. The monster spasmed a little and then finally died. He was happy it was all over. The drizzle was welcomed, it was cool and refreshing, and the light provided them enough to see what was going on. If the clouds broke up anymore they would have some good light to travel, but were they in the shape. He believed they had to move from here. If anyone came across them, they would surely question them. And since they were headed away from Camea towards the City of Inventions, he figured they'd best get moving. Turning it was not until everything was over that Slyde noticed the still glowing pocket of Blaize. The apparent scroll was still glowing as it suddenly had before the attack.

While everyone was involved with their own business, it was Bitey, Viva, and Kobie that first heard the sounds of horses. Not sure if they were riders, the three were the first to alert the group that something, or someone was approaching.

Viva and Kobie's ears picked up on the sound of horses in the distance. They looked at each other to confirm the sound of horses. An unspoken word passed between them before they took off towards one side, hiding to see what the horses would bring.

Bitey had an uneasy feeling. He calmed himself and attempted to take his bearings. Los and the children had all disappeared; that was definitely a bad sign with this group. The Prophetess had worked her healing powers on Turbo, and with some rest he was sure the bird would recover. But Blaize and Sir Slyde were still on their feet, looking like death warmed over. If you want something done right... He grabbed up the remnants of the medical supplies. They wouldn't last long at this rate. "Blaize, Sir Slyde, I will tend to your injuries. Come along now. Prophetess, were you also injured? First come, first bandaged."

Slyde let his tension drop as the last beast gave a its death growl. The rain had cleaned him up pretty good actually. The mud and the blood of his own and his enemies where washed clean of his armor. The water beaded down the reflective surface as the polishes waxy coating kept its luster. Slyde walked over to his horse. The beast was terrified due the intensity of the battle fought just a few feet away from it. Not only was it terrified that it was in the heat of battle, but also due to the fact that it had no place to run, due to its reins being tightly tied to the cart and the vines had pulled the reins even tighter. Slyde neared the beast and calmed its spirit with soothing words and a gentle brushing to his mane. Slowly the horse stopped its constant movement and nervousness.

Heading to the back of the cart, Slyde peered in and saw the big wounded warrior. Fought on that deep of a gash on his leg. That's remarkable. He either has an incredible amount of willpower or he is a complete idiot. Reaching in Slyde pulled a nearby blanket closer to himself and wiped his blade of the excess blood and water still clinging to its shiny surface. Putting the blanket back, Slyde sheathed his sword and made his way towards Bitey. The Imp was currently heading towards him with the medical kit. Slyde felt his rib cage and knew that he had some bruised ribs. He felt his armor with his fingertips, the cold surface was almost as normal as clothing to him.

"Bitey I need to talk to you. Perhaps in private while you work you 'magic' on me? Hmmm?" Slyde replied as he gestured to an area some feet away from prying ears of the camp.

Magic, thought Bitey. This Slyde has a very high opinion of me. Humans... He shrugged. He began working to bandage Slyde's numerous wounds. How a being survives this... Must have incredible fortitude when it comes to receiving beatings. I will keep that in mind.

Leading Bitey over to the area, Slyde kneeled down so that the Imp would have an easier time working on Slyde's wounds. Taking his chest plate off, Slyde began. "Bitey, I'm afraid it was I who sicked those beasts on us. It was my fault, I went on patrol after you to make sure you would be safe and I went further out to make sure that our fire was not visible when I awakened the mother of these beasts. If I hadn't done that, none of us would be hurt like this. I feel that I should leave the group, I have jeopardized all of us by doing so. I felt that you seem to have the most insight right now and you think things out rationally as well. What do you think?"

Listening to Slyde's confession, Bitey pulls one of the bandages a little tight. "Hm, sorry Sir Slyde, I bet that hurt." He gives Slyde a hard look. "Well, Sir Slyde, it is to your credit that you admit your mistake. Your heart was in the right place, even if your head was not. This is why armies have commanding officers and kingdoms have queens. Keeps these things in balance." He examines Slyde's bruised ribs, grimacing. "I would say you owe the party a debt, although you seem to have paid a great deal in blood. It may have been a costly mistake, but it is not my place to forgive it. I found the battle invigorating, and I didn't suffer like the others did." He looks at his handiwork. "I think that is all I can do for you. Rest will do you good. The Prophetess seems to be afflicted and it would cause her undue suffering to mend you." Bitey ducks his head apologetically. He raised a fist in salute, then made his way over towards Blaize.

Serena stood up and walked back to the cart and climbed inside. Taking a seat near Kamis, she watched over him for a bit.

I think a tete a tete is in order with you, but not now, too many prying ears. I can't allow the others to know about him or me. Aiore, you may have found me but I'm still not yours....

She continued to watch him, her mind wandered.

Los didn't think twice, he thought more than that about walking. Or more correctly each of him thought once. Putting his garb around his shoulders and the bag over that he began to walk. The dawn was around him now stealing away the hidden peace of the night. He walked not on the lines of the earth but where his heart told him too and there was only one force in existance that could move all five of him better than his heart... other than his stomach. That was a stranger. There was a stranger before him now. Los stopped immediately and looked at the pale man and the single tree he was next to. Los reached to his belt. "Who are you..." The voice had no hint of a threat but wasn't inviting or friendly. More of Los wanted to continue walking.