Time seems to drag on as the small group awaits the return of the attacking party. Still, they keep themselves entertained by running around, talking about some adventures of the past, and even having racing and building contests. Even Duncan begins to feel himself cheering up, the influence of his friends too great to ignore. However, as the next night approaches the group, which was having running running around together outside, finds themselves drifting back towards their shelter.

"Has anyone contacted you guys?" Duncan asks as he walks through the door.

"No." Simon shakes his head.

"Not me." Zoey states.

"Me either." Martyn and Sips echo.

"It's been too long." Duncan opens his chat window, but hesitates. "Lalnable will hear if I try to talk with them. One of you guys should do it."

"Right." Simon opens his screen and clicks on Lewis' name. "Lewis? You hear me buddy?" The other four watch Simon, hoping for good news. "Why haven't you come back yet?" They all sigh with relief. Lewis is still there, still alive. "Right. We'll let us know if you need us." He clicks on Lewis' name again, then looks at the others. "He said that they're investigating the area. Lalnable isn't around, but he might have a secret base since he spent so much time there. They just lost track of time."

"Thank goodness." Duncan wipes the sweat off his forehead. "I was really worried there."

"Nothing to worry about!" Martyn smiles. "They'll be fine, we told you that."

"I know." Duncan yawns. "Well, we should get some sleep then. Whose gonna take watch?" Duncan asks, but he quickly regrets it as the memories of last night fill his mind. "I..." He starts to speak, but he doesn't know what he wants to say. The others watch him, their own worries becoming apparent.

"Duncan, you go to sleep." Simon says. "We'll figure out who else will sleep later, but its best if you're in bed. Even if Lalnable shows up we'll be sure he isn't you."

"Okay..." Duncan nods as he sits on his bed. The others look at each other, then they suddenly begin playing rock, paper, scissors, making him laugh. "You guys..." Duncan finally lies down, feeling more at ease. The play today has finally calmed his mind, and he's more grateful now for his friends than he ever has been. His eyes slowly close as the excited sounds of rock, paper, scissors ring through Hat Corp.

"Hello?" Duncan opens his eyes a bit. The laughter and teasing has stopped, leaving only Simon's voice. He looks over to see Simon's screen opened, Lewis' name highlighted. "Lewis? Hello?" Duncan sits up, the tension in the room suddenly unbearable. "Lewis! Thank goodness! You had me..." Simon starts with a smile, but it's instantly wiped away. "Lewis!"

"Simon! What's going on?" Duncan asks.

"L-Lewis?" Dread fills everyone. They know, things have gone wrong. Suddenly Simon is clicking on every name, trying to find someone who'll respond. "Guys! Hello? Answer me! Please!"

"He can't have caught them all!" Martyn shouts. "That's... That has to be impossible!"

"Not if they split up." Duncan stands. What he feels now is different from the gloom that's been haunting him. He clenches his fists. "If they had split into groups then Lalnable could have picked off each group before finally getting to Lewis. That call... He was warning us." All the despair filled eyes are trained on Duncan. His aren't filled with despair though. "Lalnable is coming."

"Wha..." Zoey tries to speak, but her voice catches in her throat.

"He got everyone else, that's how it looks anyways." Simon quietly says. Duncan looks at Simon, and the two men hold each others gaze for a few moments. Finally Simon's fear melts away, and he shares the same look as Duncan. "Thanks man." Duncan nods.

"Guys, we've just been sitting here this whole time." Duncan says as he looks to the other three. "I... I've been moping around, blaming myself. But I know that won't fix anything. Moping and crying will just get us killed." The others look surprised as Duncan's change in demeanor. "We can't stop Lalnable from coming, but we can prepare." He looks to Simon again. "Simon, did Lewis give you any details? Where he was, what happened? Anything that could help?"

"No." Simon shakes his head. "But they weren't far from the Magic Police headquarters."

"I don't remember those coordinates." Duncan sighs. "I think it's miles away though."

"But I think Sjin left his portal key." Martyn says.

"I'm wondering why we can't TP over there." Sips says as he pulls up a type box. "I mean, if we TP to someone we'll either get their body or soul. Either way we'll be closer to Lalnable."

"It doesn't work." Duncan says. "I tried that before when Kim disappeared, and so did Lewis. We couldn't get to her. It might be because the soul and body are separated that it won't work. You can't TP to someone who isn't spawned in after all."

"Then..." Martyn starts to say something, but he shakes his head. "Never mind. We should get to work."

"Right." Duncan looks to Simon again. "We'll want to gear up, and we shouldn't split up either. Lalnable is getting brave, so he'll probably attack the whole group anyways. But we'll still outnumber him, so we'll stand the best chance if we're all together."

"If we can capture him that'd be best." Simon says. "We can find out where our friends are."

"They're probably in his lair. I'm willing to bed one of the groups got close at least." Duncan says. "Simon, I know you said Lewis didn't tell you much, but what did he say when he called you just now?"

"He called in shouting 'Simon! I'm here!'" The light goes on for Simon. "He must have found the lab!"

"Yeah, he probably did. That might be why he was last. Lalnable knew he could get Lewis any time because Lewis was right where he wanted him to be. But the others were spread out further, so he had to chase them down." Duncan opens his chest and pulls out his wand and some of his other items. He then looks up and shoots a lightning bolt up at the ceiling before looking back at the others. "Guys, I know I've been really depressed, but you all cheered me up and made me realize I can't just sit here like I have been. He has our friends, and I don't want to lose anyone else. So I'm prepared to fight back."

"Me too!" Simon raises a diamond sword into the air. "Lets go get him!"

"Yeah!"

"Alright!"

"Sure, why not?" Sips' response makes everyone laugh. Finally, the fear and despair filled atmosphere has changed. The room is now filled with hope and determination. However, as Duncan and begins searching through other's chests for helpful items he feels a third emotion holding onto his heart.

"I'll kill you Lalnable." He whispers to himself. "I'll save them, and I'll make you pay."