"Some man came up and killed Dillon!" she sobbed. Rochelle stood there uncomfortably. She'd never liked Neriah, or Dillon for that matter, but she was so upset it was hard not to comfort her.

Thankfully, Matt and Jimmy heard the commotion and rushed to her rescue.

"What's wrong?" Jimmy asked.

"Someone killed Dillon." Rochelle noticed Matt putting an arm around Neriah to lead her into the living room, and felt a pang of jealousy. But really…Come on. He didn't like her like that; she was just hurting that was all.

Jimmy's eyes were dark as he followed them in. "Does this change the new prophecy?" he wondered aloud. Neriah was quick to inquire about what he meant. Rochelle shivered; just thinking about the experience made her quiver. Jimmy explained, fortunately.

"But why did they kill him?" Matt asked.

"No, the question is, why would they kill Dillon and not Neriah?" Jimmy turned on his heel, pacing. "We don't even have a suspect."

"Except the Enemy…" Rochelle muttered.

"Well, how did he die?" asked Matt, rather unfeelingly, Rochelle thought.

Neriah dragged everyone outside, and showed them Dillon, who was sitting where Neriah left him, on the porch. This slightly freaked Rochelle and Matt out, but were quick to hide it.

"A man came up to us, he had been driving a black car. I was talking to him…and then…. someone shot Dilly!" Neriah sniffled. Rochelle had to stifle a snort.

Jimmy rolled Dillon over to look at his neck, where a little dart was submerged in his skin. There was no blood, just a little dot when Jimmy pulled it out.

Matt gasped and took it from Jimmy, looking it over.

"You know it?" Neriah asked.

"Yes. These darts were on Mr. Carter's gauntlets."

Arkarian stood on the hill with Isabel and Ethan, panting heavily.

That was the fastest he'd ever opened a portal.

Isabel was still in tears, so Arkarian scooped Ethan into his arms and then grabbed Isabel's hand. He really hoped there was a hospital nearby.

After a few minutes of walking, Isabel stopped him.

She wiped away a tear and then looked up into Arkarian's violet eyes.

"Your uncle took our gifts away," she said, lip quivering.

Arkarian nodded. "We'll talk to him a soon as we get Ethan fixed up." Ethan was still bleeding from the head, so Arkarian ripped off a piece of his shirt and pressed hard on the wound.

Ethan moaned as Arkarian tied the fabric in place, nice and snug.

"Do you know where the hospital is, then? It's been a while…" Arkarian looked around at the woods and sunshine. It made him want to cry. But that would be a severe mistake. He had to be strong for Isabel.

"Yeah…I do. But I don't think I could carry him…"

Arkarian shook his head and took Isabel's hand. "I'll carry him."

And before she could protest, they were off down the hill.

Each was soon deep into their own thoughts, Isabel filled with anxiety and worry, and Arkarian wondering about the Tribunal and Dartemis.

The hospital stood near the outskirts of town, since it wanted to be placed strategically close to the city and country at the same time. That way, it was easily accessible to everyone.

That was convenient for Arkarian and Isabel. The hills were pretty much all country.

They reached the dark building at sundown, and walked straight into emergency. Angel Falls didn't have too many people in it, so there wasn't that long of a line.

Strangely enough, no one gave a third glance to Arkarian's hair, and he made a point to keep his eyes down.

"Concussion, I would say," the doctor said, about a half an hour later. He was looking at x-rays clipped on the wall.

Arkarian, being the eldest, had to answer. "Oh…Any advice, then?"

"Well, the usual. Don't let him go to sleep for the first day, no major exercise…I'll give you a list. I was just wondering…What was he doing?"

"Um, when he got hit? Er…"

"Pole vaulting," Isabel said. Arkarian looked at her, deeply relieved.

"They were using really heavy poles, and one swung and hit his head." Isabel sighed. She knew nothing at all about pole vaulting, but hopefully it made sense.

"Oh…Certainly looks it!" said the doctor. "He won't be able to do that for at least a month!"

"Well, I won't want to be the one to break it to him," Isabel laughed. "Come on…er…Rian."

Arkarian gave her a decisive stare, then smiled and took her hand.

Ethan was propped up in bed, and sipping some water-looking stuff.

"Oh, hey guys." He winced. "Ow."

"Take it easy, Ethan. We're going to take you home, and then tell the others what happened."

Ethan looked around. "I have to tell you something first."

"What?" Isabel leaned closer.

He looked down at the sheets. "The dude injected me with some kind of poison inside the rod. The whole time, I thought I was going to die. But there was this voice that said 'Faith, Faith, 'and that kept me going…" He looked up into Isabel's eyes.

"I think there's more going on than we think."