They crossed into the red sand desert. Mounds of the sand were piled up as an occasional hot breeze whipped it across the ground. The group had to be careful here because sand storms and tornadoes were fairly common. They decided to construct a temporary shelter and wait till Anazerah had found them. The last thing they needed was to be lost.

"I thought we were supposed to search for him? Why are we setting up camp?" Mephiles asked aloud.

Iris answered. "The desert constantly morphs. The winds always change the landscape, making it near impossible to navigate. There aren't even any distinguishable land marks to help. It's a fool's wish to continue further."

"And also.." Zuxios chimed in, "Anazerah will come and investigate us soon enough. Were the only living things for miles around."

"Constantly changes..." Mephiles continued to himself quietly. He scooped up a handful of sand and let it run through his fingers. "Hmm."

They stayed at the camp and waited. Within an hour, a sand storm was upon them. But something was different about this one. A large, slender form could be seen riding it to where the group was. Anazerah had come.

An massive albino snake with gray eyes had come before them. A small bag that held finger bones was attached to his side.

Gently slithering off the sand storm he had rode on, it had dispersed.

"Well well Iris, what bring you and your friends here?" He asked in a cynical tone.

"I have come to ask you to join in our journey. Mephiles and I need to go back to the mortal realm and we have the best offer for you."

"Like what?"

"If you assist us in breaching the castle in order to go back, you will never be hungry again. Zuxios told me that you are having hard times, yes?"

"He speaks the truth. The river has but a trickle left. I haven't been feeling satisfied lately." Anazerah said as he dropped his huge tail around the group. "Tell me more."

"The reward for you will be all the souls you could ever devour. So many in fact, that you will forever be content and joyful."

"Ahh haha! I like this offer!" Anazerah exclaimed as he held his tail out for Iris to grab. "I will indeed help you and your friends."

Iris gave a slight smile and shook his tail.

"This definitely makes up for that time you stole from me." Anazerah said as he slithered sideways alongside the group. (He's a side winder btw.)

"I was only five. Give me a break." Iris said. "But it was worth it. It was the most beautfiul gold in all the Flame Core."

"Ah yes the red sands are very special." Anazerah said as they continued forward. "I'm glad they are my home."

"So where to next, Iris?" Mephiles asked as he took her hand in his.

"I think Mask Weaver is who we should visit."

Zuxios stopped.

"THE Mask Weaver? But, Iris he's...insane to put it lightly."

"So..?"

"Your serious?"

"Why wouldn't I be. That just means he won't think twice about any crazy actions that he may have to do. Besides, maybe he still has a thing for me."

"A thing?" Mephiles asked as he scrunched his muzzle up.

"Yeah he used to try and court me. I wasn't that interested but, I thought it was fun to mess with him. I remember whenever...mom...threw that Hallow's Eve ball. He made us our masks."

"He better have lost that "thing." Mephiles whispered to himself.

"It's okay Mephiles don't get too jealous. I can hold my own and you know it." Iris said as she smoothed his quills back and winked.

"I know, I know. I just hope he leaves you alone."

"He will. Okay so let's make a course for the jungle village. His hut is the last one on the square." Iris said as they trekked once again across the land.

"Oh and on the way we have to pass through a cave so be careful." Anazerah said as he fixed his bag.

"Why? Caves are our specialty!" Iris said referring to her and Mephiles.

"The cave we have to pass through is the Cave of Desires."