Good afternoon, readers! It's a beautiful day today and a perfect day for fanfiction! Are you ready for the next update? Nothing too action packed, but there will be some sprinkles of intensity throughout. As always, please enjoy!


Pyramus' hands trembled as he slowly drew the blanket off his head, his long, messy locks of hair cascading about his face and draped off his shoulders. "... M- Mon amour?" His voice shook.

"Salut." She smiled, slowly approaching him. "It has been a long time."

Pyramus felt as if he was frozen for a moment. He then strode forward, embracing the young woman and planting dozens of kisses on her face. "I cannot believe it... how... when...?"

"Shh... my sweet, you will know everything you need. Follow me." She took his hands as he could not take his eyes off her, leaving the blanket behind. He was surprised to have been led to an old, worn door seeming to have appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the wood. "This is where I came from. It led me to you. It beckons you, my sweet." She went around him, resting her head against his back as he stared at it curiously, her arms coiling around his waist. "The door will open only for you."

"Why...? My darling, we can be together anywhere... we need no such-"

"Are you afraid?" She asked. He did not notice the hand caressing under his chin was now like ash and smoke. "You have strayed, my love... you need to remember what you were brought here for."

The door suddenly flew open, Pyramus caught off guard as he was shoved inside. He scrambled to his feet as the phantom entered, slamming the door shut. Pyramus widened his eyes as it disappeared, blending into the fading, peeling wallpaper. He whirled around as he found himself in what seemed like a house that had fallen into ruin. When he looked back, the phantom had disappeared. "Cherie? Mon amour? What did you do with her?!"

"She tricked you." Pyramus quickly turned at the sound of his voice, resting his gaze on a young girl, the first sacrifice. She approached, her messy, strawberry blonde hair swaying a bit. He noticed a large gash across her throat. "She's tricked all of us." She said. "She's angry."

"Amanda..." Another voice spoke then, an equally disheveled, but far more unstable woman spoke from an armchair as an old record played, slowly turning her head to look at her. "... why do you talk to people who never stick around for long?"

Pyramus looked around, trying to find a door or a window which to get out of. He quickly moved past Amanda, finding a door on the other end of the room. He was about to open it, when suddenly, a familiar voice came from the shadows.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." She slowly emerged as Pyramus widened his eyes. "She's not going to let you leave until she lectures you. Besides... there's a few questions that need be answered, don't you think?"


Within the Hulder keep, Wind hissed when Kapra and Ambrosia explained what happened when they had gone to the Valkyrie camp. "WHAT?! Give me one reason why I shouldn't go over there right now and skin every one of those maniacs!"

"Because that could break the already uneasy bonds I've been trying to build, and then we're right back to square one." Kapra said.

"So you're just going to let them get away with nearly draining Ambrosia dry?" Wind growled.

"We don't have a choice, Wind. The ones we're trying to fight will do a hell of a lot worse to Ambrosia if they aren't stopped." Kapra replied, Wind drawing back tensely, making Viktor jump when he struck the wall, making a sizeable dent.

"Imugi, will you please restrain from destroying my place of residence?" Arsenik asked flatly.

"That's not the worst thing though..." Chase said then. "Something happened to Kapra."

"Yes... there is something you still have not explained, Kapra." Arsenik said with worry as he took her hand gently, turning it over to reveal the insignia on her wrist, along with the darkness of the mark spreading through her veins.

Viktor put a hand to his mouth in shock, nearly shoving Arsenik out of the way as he took her wrist, his fingertips shakily touching her skin. "A- Arsenik, we need a physician right away-"

"This is not something can be cured by conventional methods... if at all." Ambrosia said. "Please, sir Arsenik, sir Viktor... allow me to take Kapra to my village, bring her to my people. She wishes to see them anyhow to speak her message... perhaps they can find some way to reverse this."

"I whole heartedly agree, miss Ambrosia... but we should first determine how she was afflicted in the first place, when she was afflicted. If we know the cause, perhaps a solution will be made clear." Arsenik said.

"I can tell you that." Kapra spoke up then, everyone glancing at her. "There should be no surprise that this is the work of the dark ones... the phantom in particular. I had a vision... I was here, but... it was like it was from a different time. I wanted to see if I could find anything, but then she came. She said to me: 'we are one. What is mine is yours, what is yours... is mine.' When I woke up... I had this." She held up her wrist for everyone to see.

"Kapra, if I may..." Arsenik withdrew a small pin from his lapel, taking her wrist to briefly prick her skin. Upon tasting her blood, his eyes widened as imagery flooded his mind.

"Uncle?" Viktor frowned worriedly. "Arsenik, what do you see-"

"It's worse than I thought." He said lowly, his hand shakily placing the pin back on his person. "She has had some form of... exchange with this 'phantom.' It has made some kind of connection that it will completely consume her." Arsenik said, appearing disturbed. "Slowly, but surely... Kapra will be lost as she becomes..." His voice faded.

"The third sacrifice." Kapra furrowed her brows. "By the will which is lost." They all looked at her as she stared at her wrist.

"I'm not going to let that happen!" Chase suddenly piped. "Kapra's not going anywhere without my say so!"

"But I don't understand... if this is what the phantom was planning, why would it not do so from the very start?" Ambrosia asked curiously.

"Because they were weaker then." Wind finally spoke. "None of you can't tell me you haven't noticed how many Islanders have been dropping. From all the clans. Even a few Vi and Phoenix have turned up dead. These things are feeding off of everyone and everything."

"I don't think they are the ones feeding from them... well, they are, but... they're like worker bees. They harvest the life force from someone or something, and then they filter it back to her somehow... the phantom." Kapra said. "Two things are for sure. She is the key to their forces. And the second thing is... we're running out of time. If she takes over my body... you're all on your own."

A silence fell over the group, Viktor slowly wandered over, trying to keep it together as he held Kapra close to him. Chase stared at his feet, his heart sinking. Without saying another word, he surprised everyone by dashing out of the Hulder keep, sprinting across the open field as he ran back to his home. The darkening veins under Kapra's skin burned in his mind as it began to rain. It reminded him of the flow of blood he came upon the night his mother was slain.

He had felt so helpless then. He would not be the same now.

As these thoughts ran through his mind, he barely noticed Foster calling his name until he felt a light shove.

"Hey, Chase! Wake up!" Foster shouted, raising a brow when Chase shrugged him off. "Hey, what's the matter with you?"

"My friend's going to die." Chase said as he glanced over his shoulder, his expression hardening for a moment. "That stupid phantom isn't letting up!" He shouted angrily as he yanked a rock out of the ground, hurling it. Foster frowned as Chase sunk to the ground, hanging his head. He glanced over at his own wrist, staring at the bracelet.

"Why is she going to die, Chase? I mean... can't we stop it?" Foster asked.

"The only way to stop it is to kill the phantom." Chase replied. "No one knows how to do that. How am I supposed to help her now?"

Foster squatted beside him, staring ahead as he thought. "She's trying to get the clans together, isn't she?"

"I think that the thing spreading on her arm is a little more important right now, but she is... why?" Chase asked.

"Well... she still hasn't spoken to our clan. I don't think you want her to become Grant's next meal, do you? If we could convince him somehow before she walks up here and ends up on the end of his spear, maybe we could... I don't know, smooth things over? The faster she gets the clans together, the faster she can find a way to kill the phantom." Foster scratched the back of his neck a bit as Chase's expression softened.

"You're right... but do you think Grant's going to listen to us knuckleheads?" Chase asked.

"It's worth trying, I guess... nothing else we can do." Foster shrugged before Chase pat his shoulder.

"You know, Foster... you're not so bad." Chase hopped to his feet, offering a hand to help Foster to his.

"I guess you're alright too, pal." Foster chuckled as he lightly nudged Chase's shoulder. "Come on. Let's have a nice afternoon with our wonderful brother."

"Don't make me gag." Chase rolled his eyes as they headed toward their camp.


Viktor watched somberly as Kapra joined Ambrosia and Wind, the three heading out of the keep. He felt Arsenik place a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"It's what she needs right now, Viktor." He said. "She can seek the healing she needs as well as deliver her message to them. She will be making progress on both fronts. In the meantime, we will also make progress." He said as he took a sword, placing it in Viktor's hand. "You need to train. It's been a few days, you cannot become lax. Work on your solitary technique while I fetch Ravyn. It will help you get your mind off your worries."

"Alright, Arsenik." Viktor said quietly, taking the sword and heading out to the training fields. Meanwhile, Arsenik wandered the halls until he came upon Ravyn.

"You're handling things wonderfully, aren't you, Chief?" Ravyn said mockingly as he glared at him. "I suppose the human's affliction was rather convenient for your little scheme. It makes for a good excuse to send her away with the Phoenix girl so she doesn't continue to snoop, and then her pathetic excuse of a mate will be too worried about her to-"

Ravyn was cut off when Arsenik took hold of his collar. "Do not ever refer to her affliction as convenient again, or I swear to you I will-"

"What? Order another convenient affliction of your own against Lylith? I think she's suffered enough, don't you think? Although, she's already ruined... what's ruining her a little more to you, then?" Ravyn spat as Arsenik retracted his hand.

"I've already explained this to you... that was punishment for betrayal from BOTH of you." Arsenik responded.

"Don't play this game with me, Arsenik. This has nothing to do with turning our back on the Hulder for the king. This has to do with that human girl. You forced me to leave Lylith to rot for three days. Perhaps... watching the human girl's life drain slowly, agonizingly... her pretty face become reduced to hollow skin and bones will be just satisfaction for-"

In a flash of rage, Arsenik took hold of Ravyn's collar once again, his eyes igniting with the sharpest ice as he flung him across the room as if he were a rag doll. Even Ravyn was surprised by this sudden display of strength, Arsenik taking a moment to collect himself. "My nephew needs training. Go to the sparring field." He said as Ravyn got to his feet. "And Ravyn... speak such words against Kapra again... and I will without hesitation end your life where you stand." He said before whirling around, storming down the corridor.


As Kapra, Ambrosia and Wind made their way into the Phoenix village, Ambrosia paused for a moment. "I do beg your pardon, lady Kapra... but if it isn't too much trouble, might we first make a short visit to my aunt's? It has been some days since I have checked in on her last. I must not leave this to my cousins alone."

"Sure." Kapra smiled lightly before Ambrosia continued to lead the way, approaching a small cottage. She knocked lightly on the door before proceeding inside.

"Aunt?" She called out softly. "It's Ambrosia, I've brought some friends with me to visit you." She smiled, heading inside as she began to tend to some things. Kapra looked around, glancing back as she noticed Wind was hovering by the doorway.

"I'll just wait here." Was all he said before he looked out on the horizon.

Kapra shrugged. As she wandered inside, she noticed that some of the surfaces were a bit dusty, may things in the house seemed untouched. Curious, she followed to where Ambrosia went, stopping when she saw she was removing some dead flowers from a vase, taking some fresh ones she had picked to replace them. She glanced over, smiling lightly.

"Aunt, I have a dear friend with me today." She said as Kapra approached. "Her name is Kapra. She is from another world called Earth. Her clan is called Human." As she spoke, Kapra noticed that the woman seemed unresponsive, unfocused, simply staring at the wall ahead of her. "She has come to help us."

Kapra cleared her throat. "Ambrosia... is she...?" She frowned a bit, and Ambrosia took in a breath as she smiled sadly.

"She is in a deep sleep." She responded as she held the woman's hand. "Our cousin, her son... perished in the wars. Ever since that day, when his body was returned to us... her pain and agony has left her to slumber. I visit her often... hoping that someday, when I open the door, she will be awake."

Kapra sighed lightly, pulling up a chair to sit in. "Ambrosia... on Earth, sometimes... there are conditions that would be diagnosed for... for people who experienced something... very traumatic. Sometimes they can work through it, but... not always."

Ambrosia looked up at her. "You have experienced war among your clan as well... have you not?"

"Yeah. Humans... had a lot of wars. Over the centuries... countless people died. If we had come together... maybe we could have stopped the dark ones. But it was too late when we finally figured out they were more of a threat than we were to each other." Kapra said. She noticed some paper and a quill, taking some to draw on it. As she did this, Ambrosia frowned as she looked at Kapra's wrist.

"But hope is not lost, Kapra. Hope for this island... hope for my aunt. She is still here with us. She still has not given up." Ambrosia said. "The chance remains. Just as the chance for all of us remains with you. You are still here." She said hopefully.

"Thanks, Ambrosia. I hope you're right." Kapra replied as Ambrosia stood to tidy up a few other things. "Um... you need help with anything?"

"No, thank you. I promise I won't be very long." She replied.

As Ambrosia did some small chores, Kapra continued to doodle on the piece of paper. She thought it had been forever since she drew anything. She glanced over at Ambrosia's aunt, reaching over to touch her arm. "Huh, she's feeling a little chilly. Hey, Ambrosia? Do you have any blankets around?" Kapra asked as she got up. When she did, the breeze of her movement whisked the stationary off the table, floating down to the floor in front of where Ambrosia's aunt sat.

"Ah, yes, here..." Ambrosia said, handing Kapra a blanket from one of the small linen closets. "You're very kind, Kapra." She smiled before going back to taking care of some things. Kapra came back into the first room, placing the blanket around the woman's shoulders. She did not notice that she was no longer staring at the wall, her gaze having slowly lowered to the floor. Kapra went back to the table, hesitating when she noticed her stationary wasn't there. When she looked over and saw it was on the floor, she went over, about to pick it up when she saw something out of the corner of her eyes. She looked up, noticing the woman had raised her hand to point at her. Kapra tilted her head warily.

"Hi... um... did you need something?" Kapra asked. "Is the blanket okay?" She frowned when the woman said nothing, continuing to point. Kapra stood up, putting the drawing on the table. "Ambrosia? Ambrosia, um... I think your aunt needs something."

Ambrosia soon came back into the room. "Is everything alright? I-" Ambrosia stopped when she saw her aunt turn her head towards the table, pointing as she began to try to mutter something. When she found the will to move again, she hurried over to the woman, taking her hands. "Aunt? Aunt, look at me." She beamed as her eyes began to well up with tears. "Aunt, can you hear me?"

"T-... T-..." The woman tried to speak, Kapra watching curiously.

"Ambrosia, I think she's-" Kapra went over to the table, putting two and two together as she brought over her doodle. "Are you trying to look at this?" She asked, holding it up for the woman to see. "Have you seen this before?"

"T-... To-..."

"Kapra... what is this symbol?" Ambrosia asked, still in disbelief that her aunt was moving, speaking.

"It's what I saw in my vision... the one I had before I woke up with this." Kapra held up her wrist. "It was on this tree..."

"Tor- Torch... Torch..." The woman spoke barely above a whisper. "L- Light..."

"Ambrosia?" Wind came in then, sensing some commotion from inside. "You okay?"

"Yes!" Ambrosia exclaimed, tears rolling down her face. "Wind, look... she is speaking!"

"T- Torch... l- light..." The woman continued to mutter.

"It is a sign, Wind... she is awakening from her sleep." Ambrosia hugged the woman, closing her eyes for a moment. Wind glanced at Kapra, having a feeling she had something to do with it. If Ambrosia was happy, he was fine with what was happening.

"I'll get your cousins. They'll want to see this." Wind said before departing.

"Kapra... I can't believe this... the light is returning to her eyes." Ambrosia said.

"Ambrosia... do you have any idea what this is?" Kapra asked as she held up the doodle.

"I can't say I know for sure... as soon as my cousins arrive, we must bring it to the elders straight away. Maybe this is meant to help us somehow... if my aunt's response is any indication... it must represent something very encouraging." Ambrosia smiled before hugging her. "I cannot tell you what happiness this has brought me."

Kapra simply smiled, returning the hug as she sighed lightly. Was this truly a sign of better things to come?


Viktor focused as he sparred with Ravyn, biting his lip. He could tell something was amiss, Ravyn's eyes seeming to be sharper than usual, his muscles tense, every move fueled by something akin to hatred. When Viktor dodged the swing of Ravyn's sword, he curled his lip, adjusting his cloak. "I've had enough." He said as he sheathed his sword.

"Is something wrong, Ravyn?" Viktor asked.

"Do not speak to me." He shot Viktor a look. "You're nothing but a coward." He turned to storm off. Viktor tightened his lips a bit at that, standing up straighter.

"Ravyn, I don't know what exactly it is you have against me, but I will not tolerate any further insults from you."

A laugh. "O, great war Chief, such fear you evoke in me!" Ravyn shouted mockingly.

"Says the one walking away from a spar." Viktor surprisingly snapped back. Ravyn slowly approached him.

"Do not provoke me, Viktor. I could kill you in an instant."

"Is that a threat?" Viktor narrowed his eyes. "I thought we were past this pettiness... but apparently we are not. You confided in me your feelings, and I told you mine. There are greater things to be focusing on."

"You're referring to Lylith, correct? I'm referring to her also... but not in the same context. Oh, if you had any idea how much I despised you, and why... perhaps you would understand my hostility." Ravyn pursed his lip. "No... I won't kill you. That would be far too easy. Ending you so quickly, it's just not right. I would rather watch you suffer. Suffer, like I have."

"How exactly have you suffered, Ravyn? How am I the cause of such suffering? I've done nothing to you."

"Exactly, you bloody fool, you do nothing! You do not fight, or advance! You run, you hide, you cry upon the breast of your uncle like an infant!" His hand tensed as he stopped himself from grabbing Viktor's throat, withdrawing his hand. "No. You will suffer. You will watch your little human whore waste away until she is nothing."

Viktor felt a tightness in his chest, his brows furrowed deeply. He clenched his teeth as something seemed to snap inside him. He grabbed his sword, his voice cracking as he cried out. Swords clashed, his eyes narrowing as he did not cease his pursuit. He finally managed to knock Ravyn to his feet, raising his sword in the air.

"Nothing, nor no one, will ever take her from me, you-"

"Viktor." Arsenik was suddenly there, approaching as he stood over them. Viktor snapped out of it, glancing up at his uncle as he silently gestured for him to stand. Before Viktor could get to his feet, still trying to wrap his mind around what happened, Ravyn shoved him away, getting to his feet first as he stormed off without a word. Arsenik took another step forward, extending his hand. Viktor bit his lip, taking the hand as he was helped to his feet. "What have I told you about how a warrior fights, Viktor?" He sighed when his nephew bowed his head. "We do not wrestle our enemies like savages. We see the battle as a dance. Remain graceful, poised, light like air. Too much is weighing upon your mind. You must clear it." He handed Viktor his sword before unsheathing his own. "Breathe, and then we shall begin."

Viktor rose his brows as high as they could go. "W- Wait, you and I are sparring? But Arsenik, there is no way I could ever-"

"Take up your sword, Viktor." Arsenik cut him off, turning to take his stance. "I will move first. You must anticipate the enemy's first move- even if their first move is to not make one." Viktor exhaled sharply, trying to remain calm. However, he could not shake Kapra from his mind. The distraction cost him as in a flash, Arsenik was there, knocking Viktor off his feet. "You're still distracted, Viktor." He said as he helped his nephew up. "The enemy does not care about your emotions. In fact, they will take advantage of them." He said as he once again readied his stance. Viktor cleared his throat, gripping his sword. Barely a moment later, swords clashed, trying to keep up with Arsenik before he was knocked down again, his sword swiftly snatched from his hands, nearly crossing his eyes as the point of his sword was inches from his face. "You are following the enemy. You must make the enemy follow you." He extended his hand. Viktor felt more and more defeated, taking it as he got to his feet. "If you are to be in my place someday, Viktor... you must be ready to protect the Hulder. You are unfocused and distracted. You are allowing so much to sway you that you've been reduced to something as wavering as parchment. This is what I fear. You must let go of what causes this."

"Arsenik... how can I let go of something I can't even control?" Viktor asked.

"That makes it even easier. Either seek a way to control it... or leave it behind." Arsenik responded, handing Viktor his sword. "Continue training." Was all he said before he headed back towards the keep. Viktor sighed as he tucked a strand of his long hair behind his ear, resuming his solitary techniques.


Pyramus frowned, taking a step closer. "... Maranda?"

"Surprised to see me? I got dragged here after what happened at your place..." She said as she lifted her hoodie over her head, bullet wounds having left dried blood stains on her shirt.

"We're a matching pair..." Mary leaned back in the armchair as she smirked, giggling. "Don't think she likes me though. I don't give a shit." She licked her lip, laughing as she let her head fall back.

Pyramus went to take a step towards her, but she moved back. "Maranda, love... I didn't mean-"

"Don't... call me love. What didn't you mean, exactly? Lying to me? Luring me into your sick, twisted web and then shoot me five times?! I wanted to be free. I ended up going from one trap to another. You BOTH lied. You, and her." She looked behind her. "Speaking of which, she's coming. I hope all your little games were worth it."

Pyramus shook his head. "W- Wait, Maranda... if you're here, wouldn't that make you-"

"This third sacrifice I keep hearing about? No. I got dragged here because when I was killed, these two were sent back here to be trapped. I got dragged along with them, so here I am. Have fun dealing with the queen bitch." She said before walking away from him. Pyramus' heart sank before he heard a whoosh sound, turning to see someone sitting in the love seat. Amanda moved over by Mary, seeming uneasy.

"Bonjour, Pyramus." The Phantom smirked, her crimson eyes burning into his. Her long, smoky black hair draped over her shoulders, essence rising from her and dissipating into the air. She was translucent, a black gown cascading down into airy nothingness. "It's been some time since we had a chat. I'm pleased you could join us. Come, sit next to me." When Pyramus hesitated, she rose a finger, making the "come hither" gesture. Pyramus felt as if he were being tugged by an invisible string, dragging on until he sat beside her. "You're not acting like yourself..." The Phantom pouted mockingly. "Your... performance has been rather disappointing." She looked up at Amanda then. "Sweetheart, pour me a drink."

Amanda shakily nodded as Mary glared at her, the strawberry blonde carefully pouring a glass of wine. She brought it back to the Phantom, who waved a hand at her to shoo her away. "Why did you bring me here? I can't be doing much work if I'm all snuggled on this loveseat."

"This place has some charm to it, but it's still... quite decrepit, is it not? Much like yourself." The Phantom shot a look at him. "You have a job to do, and I'm stuck doing all the work. If you wish to get what you want, you'll do your part. Sabotage what you need to sabotage. Ruin what you must ruin. If you want me, 'love...'" She chuckled. "You'll do what I ask. Don't forget who... what... you really are." As she turned his face to look at him, she smirked as a pair of horns sprouted from his head, appearing demon-like. "There is a price to be paid for what you have done, incubus. But once you do my bidding, you can have your reward." She glanced over. "See these three? They've done their work."

"Is this what you call paradise?" Pyramus asked.

"Would you like to see the alternative?" The Phantom smirked. "Now. I'm going to send the naughty boy back to class... and when I do... he will have a better understanding of his assignment. You've lost your way, Pyramus... that girl has gotten under your skin. But I've gotten under her skin..." She smirked, and Pyramus' expression changed when he looked up at her.

"What do you mean by that?" He asked.

"You will see when you return... but just remember, 'love...' the clock is ticking. Decide which side you're going to be on when time comes... or I will." She scowled before rising, a door reappearing as it flew open. Strong winds took hold of Pyramus as the Phantom laughed, the last thing he saw before being blown like straw through the door was Maranda's face, framed by shadow.

As he was cast into the dark void beyond, feeling like he may very well have fallen forever, he realized something in that moment.

He had done this. He had done all of this. In his pursuit to find love, he had done just the opposite.

The thought of just ending it all crossed his mind again... but then he remembered that this was how all of this started. Not with just himself, but ending something. He was tired of things just... coming to an end. It was a never ending cycle that drove him to the brink of madness like a skipping record. When his mind withdrew from its momentary blank, he wondered what the Phantom had meant. What had she done to Kapra? Why couldn't he be there when she needed him most? When he needed her the most?

He felt himself cross through what felt like a thin barrier, light returning to his senses before it was stolen away just as quickly. He felt himself collide into something, swearing when he felt himself come into contact with a solid surface. He groaned, sitting up and rubbing his head as he shielded his eyes. When he looked at the light flooding in, he tilted his head when he realized he was inside a large tree. How did he get here? Had he returned to Virgo Island?

The tree he found himself in was obviously dead, hollowed out. He dusted the broken bark on him, grunting as he hoisted himself up to peer through the hole he made. He froze when he noticed something not far away then, resting on the grass.

His blanket.

He bit his lip in concentration, grunting as he tried to pull himself up. He had nearly made it out when something shifted underneath his foot, causing him to slip. The prior solid surface he first landed on gave way this time when he fell, the dirt and clay crumbling as he fell even further. Before Pyramus could even get a handle of himself, his head hit the new surface, hard like stone, and he became still as he was knocked unconscious.

Above the ground, the blanket remained on the grass where it had been dropped, no one having any idea that its owner was now lying underground. Nearby was the tree which Pyramus had fallen into- it seemed to have been a very strong, magnificent tree at one time, very long ago. It had been greater in size than all the others, but time had reduced it to ruin.


Jasmine looked at Ambrosia in shock. "I don't believe this... it's a miracle."

"THAT'S all it took for her to wake up? A drawing?!" Rosemary threw her arms up.

"There is no need to fret, Rosemary... this is a cause for celebration." Ambrosia beamed. "Aunt has returned to us."

"Well, saying that much is still to be debated... so there will be no celebrations for the time being." Jasmine said.

"Hm... perhaps you are right, Jasmine... there are still things lady Kapra and I must do." Ambrosia replied. "Jasmine, perhaps you could help me with something."

"Oh dear... each time you say that we end up getting into some kind of trouble." Jasmine put her hands on her hips.

"It's about lady Kapra... she has... received a disturbing physical mark of some kind... I am not sure if there is a way we can reverse it." Ambrosia said.

"Everything seems to be about her lately. I'll go out to her and take a look. Rosemary, stay here with aunt." Jasmine said before heading out the door. She spotted Kapra standing by Wind, approaching her. "Human- Kapra." She cleared her throat. "Ambrosia has requested I inspect your injury."

Kapra nodded, rolling up her sleeve. "Jasmine, right? It's not exactly an injury... I woke up with it this morning."

The moment she graced her fingertips over it, she gasped lightly, taking a step back. "This is... this is beyond my cousins and I." She said bluntly. "I don't think a cleansing spell will reverse this. It's too strong, too deeply rooted."

"So... does that mean I'm screwed?" Kapra winced.

"There is a chance the elders may be able to assist you. They possess the scriptures and recordings of ancient magic and healing which may prove to be more effective than anything I would attempt." Jasmine said.

"I figured this is how it would turn out... I appreciate you taking a look anyway." Kapra said, about to turn when Jasmine took her shoulder gently.

"Kapra... I do not know you well, and... I can only imagine the sort of trouble Ambrosia has been getting herself into. But I can sense you are looking out for her. She means very much to Rosemary and I. Please... protect her."

She smiled. "Between Wind, Chase and I... nothing is going to happen to her."

"Damn straight." Wind finally spoke, smirking a bit as Jasmine rolled her eyes. Ambrosia approached then, frowning when Jasmine told her what she concluded.

"I was hoping there was at least something we could do..." She said.

"Give her this herbal remedy for now. It certainly won't hurt." Jasmine said, handing it to Ambrosia. "Wait until she is in a calm setting."

"Thank you, Jasmine... Kapra and I should go to the temple straight away."

"Very well. But Ambrosia, the Imugi- Wind... should stay here. It's bad enough he's been seen roaming about the village, the elders will not appreciate his presence in the temple." She glanced at Wind. "No offense."

"Like you care if I'm offended." Wind scoffed.

"I'm offended that no one has suggested anything for lunch yet! I'm starving." Rosemary pouted as she crossed her arms.

"Oh, will you hush, Rosemary? If you're so hungry than go harvest something. Take a basket with you." Jasmine sighed. "You should move quickly, Ambrosia. I have a feeling the human's ailment is doing just that."

"I agree..." Ambrosia said as they shared a brief hug before the pair bid their farewell, heading into the heart of the village as they made their way towards the caverns where the temple rested. Ambrosia glanced over at her friend, hoping more than anything that the elders could figure out a way to help Kapra.


Alright! So a lot of back and forth once again, and this will continue for another several chapters as things begin to build up. Will the Phoenix elders be able to help Kapra? Will Chase and Foster be able to convince Grant to give her a chance? More to be revealed in the next update! Until then, thank you again for reading and see you next time!