The Shane Gang followed Zaylee cautiously aware of their darkening surroundings, down twisting pathways, treacherous jumps and tight turns. Zaylee seemed to know the way by heart and went through quickly with ease and speed, but her followers struggled to keep up, and were now acutely aware of the still darkening surroundings.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" Kord asked.

"Perhaps Pronto should take the lead," the Molenoid suggested.

"This is the quickest way." Zaylee assured them. "But more importantly, it's the safest."

"Are you sure about that?" Trixie asked, noticing Shadow Clan markings on the wall.

"This feels more like out of the frying pan and into the fire than safe to me." Kord gulped

"Hey, at least Blakk's men won't follow us through here." Eli tried to lighten the mood.

"That's not entirely true," Trixie reminded them, "Zaylee said the Shadow Clan picked the Hooligang to shreds before."

"I think Blakk has enough on his hands right now. And the Shadow Clan won't give us any trouble," Zaylee stated, "Trust me."

"How do you know? Do you even know how long that 'agreement' of yours is good for?" Kord challenged, beginning to freak out.

"Trust me." Zaylee repeated.

"They didn't seem to bother us earlier." Eli reminded them. "Besides, if worst comes to worst, we've still got Burpy."

Zaylee smiled, knowing their previous safety was partially thanks to her. With that, she led her mecha straight into a cave teeming with Shadow Clan.

The Shane Gang looked nervously around them, a plethora of black and green creatures prowling around them, and over their heads. Eli was the only one brave enough to push forward, attempting to keep up with Zaylee's confident riding. He wouldn't show it, but he was equally as nervous, the sheer number of Shadow Clan creatures a bit disturbing. The Shadow Clan had begun walking around them, making everyone but Zaylee quiver in fear. She however; looked at them as if understanding their strange language, an amiable look taking over her features. Eventually, Mfalme joined the group, taking a place right next to Zaylee's silver and blue mecha.

You are back quite soon my dear, with the other children and their Infurnus slug as well.

We needed sanctuary, Blakk and his people are after us.

We will protect you my child. Many times you have protected us.

"Uh, Zaylee, what are you doing?"

Zaylee froze, she hadn't realized she had been looking directly at Mfalme during exchange.

"Uh, it's a complicated story." She tried to defend. Mfalme sent a roar, sensing Zaylee's sudden discomfort, but she shot it down with a harsh look.

"Zaylee, would you care to explain?" Eli looked apprehensively at her and Mfalme. He was thoroughly confused and creeped out by this point.

"I remember my dad said your father needed a device to speak to the Shadow Clan," She began, taking her time to reach the truth, "I never needed such a device, it's always come to me naturally. It was natural for my dad as well."

Eli and the rest of the Shane gang just looked at her slack jawed.

"That's impossible…" Kord managed to sputter out, looking at Zaylee and the leader of the Shadow Clan, still calmly walking beside her.

"Nothing's impossible." Zaylee sighed, turning her head away suddenly feeling very uncomfortable and awkward again. "I'm living proof."

You are brave to tell them. Mfalme spoke to her.

Some people can handle the truth. I trust them. So should you.

The truth is light.

There is light that can only be seen in the shadows.

For shadows can only be seen with light.

Zaylee smiled at the saying before turning to the Shane Gang. "Follow me."

"Again?" Pronto asked incredulously, wanting nothing more than to run away as fast as possible.

"Have I led you into trouble yet?"

"We're not quite sure…" Trixie quaked.

"Just follow me." Zaylee called already pushing ahead, continuing her conversation with Mfalme about the Shane Gang and recent Blakk Industries activities.

He a brave, fearless human, Mfalme mused about Eli. A Shane no doubt, he has the potential to be a great Shane. Very few people have their destiny written out for them, but I can see his very clearly. He destined for greatness and no doubt will fulfill it. Make sure he achieves that destiny.

Are Foxxes to be nothing more than enablers? Zaylee sighed, still a bit envious of Eli's birth right.

My child, you have your own great destiny ahead of you. You know that. But you must also see your destinies are intertwined. Your auras are aligned, even if you cannot see that, we can.

Another Shadow Clan Member nodded in agreement.

Zaylee blushed, turning her head so Eli wouldn't be able to see the color in her cheeks.

We are almost to the entrance. Mfalme reminded Zaylee. Your friends have abounding questions. Stay safe and may we meet again. Mfalme said before disappearing with a small blip in a cloud of smoke.

"What were you guys talking about?" Eli asked quietly as soon as the leader disappeared.

"Lots of stuff, I'm actually pretty close with them. Meeting them was one of the first things I did when I came down here."

"And they didn't rip you to shreds?" Kord asked incredulously.

"No, like I said, I have a different connection with them than most people have. I don't know what it is, but I know I have it." Zaylee shrugged. She didn't tell most people about her ability to talk to the Shadow Clan so easily. It did tend to freak people out.

"Why didn't you tell us you could talk to them before?" Trixie asked.

"Some things have a specific time and place to be told." Zaylee said sagely, mimicking Mfalme's proverbs. "That was the right time for you to know. It's not something I like to show off."

"That's still a pretty cool thing that you can do." Eli murmured, still awestruck and a bit jealous at how calm the Shadow Clan had been around her.

Zaylee smiled, they were approaching the exit of the territory. That meant they would part ways soon. Some invisible string was holding her back though; her run-ins with the Shane Gang were becoming more frequent, and more fun. She sighed, they weren't her people, nor were the Shadow Clan. She was a lone wolf, not part of any team. She raised herself up, preparing for the most painful goodbye she thought she'd ever say to them.

"Well, this is where we part ways," she managed to get out without her voice hinting any sign of regret.

"You sure?" Eli asked, looking deep into her eyes. Zaylee looked away so Eli couldn't see her desire to stay with them dance across her face.

"You could always join us for dinner." Kord offered.

"Yes! I make the best casserole if I do say so myself!" Pronto bragged.

"As enticing as that sounds, I have other things to do." Zaylee said the idea of Pronto's cooking shocking her out of her stupid wants. She made her way to the turn towards her cavern. "Be safe!" She echoed Mfalme's words before she left them. They waved after her, all rather dejected at Zaylee's refusal, watching her leave before continuing on to their hideout.

I always thought that the Shadow Clan communicated on a more telepathic level, which is why Eli needs the head piece. He just doesn't know that he just has to project his thoughts. So yeah, Mfalme and Zaylee can communicate on a semi-telepathic level. Just go along with it for my sake. Hope you liked it~!