Well, the reviews are broken...again. I get e-mail notifications for them, so I can still see them when they're posted. Most of them, anyway.

Also, I somehow forgot to thank you all for getting this fic up to 100 favorites on the chapter on Friday. Dang finals and movie...Anyway, thank you all for your continued interest. This thing is far from over.

Aaron couldn't help but stare at the back of his friend's head. The leader of the Varden? And he never said anything?

I'm sure he has his reasons, Nalia assured. Plus, he's Brom. He likes his secrets.

Yeah. I'm pretty sure Ruby would say I've picked up that trait from him. Aaron cast a sideways glance at Ruby. She'd been glaring at Brom since Yaela revealed the secret. Knowing her, Ruby was probably mad at Brom for not talking to Blake about what to do in Dras-Leona. To be fair, there was a lot of time where that could have happened. For someone who doesn't like to waste time, Brom used essentially the last week ineffectively. Hopefully Ruby wouldn't completely explode on him when they were alone.

The relatively short ride to the gate had an air of history to it. Three of the four main races in Alagaësia were present, with four members of an almost extinct species about to step foot in the stronghold of the dwarves. This hadn't happened since before the Fall. Hopefully this would be known as the point where the Traitor lost the upper hand.

Despite this, there was levity around the Remmartians. Yaela spoke with the Riders of Remnant, trying to know more about them. She even managed to get Ruby to come out of her angry state and smile. Lord Däthedr mainly spoke with Nalia, trying to be more practical about his information gathering. As far as Aaron knew, Nalia didn't overtly reveal that Remnant was another world, or its level of technology, but she did do into detail about the Grimm and the basic combat capabilities of Huntsmen. Somewhere in their conversation though, Nalia's stride became stiff, almost robotic. It didn't last long, but something in the conversation legitimately had Nalia concerned.

"We have arrived!" King Hrothgar called from the head of the procession. "The gates of Farthen Dûr."

Aaron looked up. Sure enough, two giant gate doors blocked the tunnel. On the other side, the pride of the dwarves lay, if only a few more miles away. If Ruby and Yang were impressed by Orthíad, they would lose their jaws when they see the inside of the mountain.

Brom turned back to the Remmartians. "I suggest the dragons hold back initially. The warriors on the other side will not attack us."

"But dragons mean an attack," Aaron finished. "I expected this. Better safe than sorry." That had been the theme of the entire mission so far. If things went well on the other side, they wouldn't have to hide anymore. Nalia hated hiding before when surrounded by enemies after Vroengard. Hiding from friends irked her even more. The other dragons had to be in the same boat. Being back among allies would help them all.

"What about Deynor?" Ruby asked. "Shouldn't he have calmed them?"

"Only the Varden's warriors," Hrothgar responded. "Mine kinsmen will only listen to their King."

The gate slowly opened outward, either from magic or by some mechanism inside the rock walls. The mountain city of Tronjheim appeared through the gap. People of Remnant once called Mantle a city of marble. Tronjheim literally was built out of a granite and marble mountain. If memory served, the mountain city could comfortably house the entire population of the city of Vale, and then some.

Aaron heard several gasps behind him as the other Remmartians saw the city. Hrothgar and Brom rode out of the tunnel and toward the large group of warriors in front of it. The King of the Dwarves spoke to his people, but he spoke in dwarvish, so Aaron barely understood a word he said. Instead, the Rider turned around to look at the others. Everyone not bound to a Bullhead stared out at the city with various states of awe.

"Ho-ly crap," Yang mumbled.

"Eat an N&n," Ruby said. She walked to the edge of the tunnel and looked up. "Oh. That's why the Bullheads might not be able to fly out of here."

"Is this a volcano?" Pyrrha asked, also looking around the hollow mountain.

Aaron looked out into Farthen Dûr. "Maybe. I've never thought of it before, and I don't believe most people here know what a volcano is. Anyway, if Farthen Dûr is a volcano, it's been extinct for as long as dwarves have lived in these mountains."

I believe Vroengard is a volcano, Nalia offered from the rear. The largest mountain there has an opening similar to this one, and there's occasionally molten rock on the floor.

"Wait, wait, wait." Yang waved her arms in from of herself as she turned to Nalia. "Are you saying the Rider's base of operations is an active volcano?"

"I believe it would be called dormant, actually, but don't hold me to that." Aaron looked back toward the crowd. He spotted Brom waving those by the tunnel forward. "Well, that's our cue. Everyone, move forward."

Those on two legs left the tunnel and entered the hollow mountain. The crowd of warriors stared at the tunnel exit with confusion. Hrothgar probably said something about those in the tunnel being incredibly powerful allies here to help take down Galbatorix. How could these strangely dressed people be that powerful, especially with most of them being women?

Then the floor shook. Aaron had to hide a smirk as the warriors collectively took a step back. A few seconds later, shouts rang out and the sound of swords being drawn filled the air. Aaron turned around and saw Nalia step into the light in Farthen Dûr. She stood proud and looked around the warriors in front of her. The chains hooked to her armor pulled out Weiss' Bullhead. The full metal 'siege weapon' probably attracted as much attention from the dwarves as Nalia did.

Next Halcyon stepped out of the tunnel. He wasn't as composed as Nalia. His jaw dropped as he looked around the volcano. He shook his head, then pulled Blake's Bullhead out of the tunnel. Lastly, Vert and Cerise walked out side by side. Cerise almost immediately spread her wings to their full extent. She raised her head and took a deep breath. Vert snorted and gently shouldered her. Cerise whipped her head down and lightly growled.

Aaron turned back to the crowd. Most of the warriors had their weapons sheathed. The others looked ready to charge. Two figures stood apart from the rest. It took Aaron longer than it should have to recognize them as elves. Pointed ears aside, the one covered in nothing but fur and a loincloth should have given it away.

The elves approached, the furred one in front. If his memory served him and Yaela was to be believed, that elf was Blödhgarm. As the two neared, Aaron mentally prepared himself for the elven greeting. It would not do to insult them right away.

As they entered speaking range, Aaron brought two fingers to his lips. Blödhgarm did the same. "Atra esterní ono thelduin," the elf said, signaling the Rider's greater status.

"Atra du evarínya ono varda," Aaron replied.

"Un atra mor'ranr lífa unim hjarta onr." Blödhgarm lowered his fingers but Aaron kept his in place. The Rider and the other elf went through the same process. When that was done, Blödhgarm took a step forward. "Forgive me, Argetlam, but have we met before?"

Aaron nodded. "Yes we have, though I must confess Nalia remembers the encounter better than I do."

Blödhgarm blinked and looked past Aaron, presumably at the dragon in question. "Nalia Skóttvængr." His eyes drifted down. "Aaron Benson, where have you been these past thirteen years?"

"Long story short, I was looking for them." Aaron nodded at the Remmartian Riders. "They needed training before they were ready to come here. Actually, we all did. We would not be here if we didn't feel like we had an advantage."

The elf's eyes narrowed. "That is a very vague answer."

"I'd rather not say in front of such a large crowd. There are many things I would prefer not get to the Traitor's ears. Right now, secrecy is our largest advantage."

"I can respect that." Blödhgarm looked toward the crowd. "Have you been to Tronjheim before?"

"Once. Why do you ask?"

"King Hrothgar introduced you all as guests. Most dwarves will respect that, but there are some that remember the loss of an entire clan vividly, and have not forgiven the Riders for letting it happen. Those may not abide by dwarf law. Some humans here may also hate your presence here and try for your lives as well. I suggest you all move to the Dragonhold. It's much safer up there."

"I will take your word for it." Aaron walked back to the Remmartians. They all stood looking at the crowd, the city mountain, or Farthen Dûr itself. With all of their barely concealed expressions, they did not look like a group that could tear down the Empire's strongest warriors.

Nalia's visible eye turned to Aaron. Blödhgarm has a peculiar scent to him.

Like, he needs a shower? Aaron cocked his head slightly as he walked back to his dragon. I noticed that a lot in Feinster and Cithrí.

No. I believe you two legs would say it's attractive.

Aaron half closed an eye in confusion. What?

You heard me.

Something clicked in Aaron's head, remembering Rafye's former mate. You don't think he's one of those do you? Aaron fought the urge to look back.

Considering even Pyrrha is looking at him like that, it's likely.

Aaron slowly looked around the Remmartian women. Those not on the Bullheads occasionally cast glances past Aaron. Velvet's cheeks were even flushed. You may be onto something there. If not, well, another ward couldn't hurt.

"Who killed the Shade?" someone in the crowd yelled.

All Remmartian eyes now turned to Ruby. She stood frozen for a second, then she shook it off. Ruby stood at her full height, then took several steps forward and raised a hand. "That would be me. I'm Ruby Rose."

Silence reigned for a few seconds, then someone cheered, and the roar grew from there. Soon after, most of the crowd was yelling praises, some of them chanting 'Shadeslayer.' Ruby blinked rapidly and lowered her arm. Her cheeks turned red and she turned away.

Aaron walked the rest of the way to the group while the crowd still cheered. "Despite all this racket," he started, "we aren't in the safest position here. We're guests of the King, but that won't stop those who seek revenge from trying to harm us. We need to get to the Dragonhold as quickly as possible."

"Where is that, exactly?" Yang asked.

"At the top of Tronjheim." Aaron pointed at the city's peak. "The roof is open, and there are plenty of caves and such for dragons and the Bullheads. No one will bother us up there."

"Will the Bullheads be flying up there by themselves?" Jaune asked.

Aaron bit his lip then looked up at Nalia. "Think you can carry them both up there?"

Nalia narrowed her eyes. More pack mule duty?

"Hey, Cerise had to be in that tunnel for several days. You can bite the bullet and carry these things for a few minutes." Cerise hummed her thanks.

Nalia snorted smoke. That was just us, not with an audience. Despite her protests, she walked behind the Bullhead.

Aaron entered Weiss' transport and walked into the cockpit. Weiss turned around in her pilot's seat. "Uh, what's Nalia doing?"

"She's going to fly this thing up to the Dragonhold. We need to keep up appearances. The longer that we can hide that these things can fly on their own the better. You have any objections?"

Weiss bit her lip. "There shouldn't be any turbulence in here so that's not a problem. As long as she doesn't dig her claws in anywhere, and she flies level, this thing should hold up."

"I'll pass it on." Aaron left the cockpit and transport. "Nalia, you hear that?"

I did. Nalia jumped off the ground and hovered in the air slightly above the Bullhead, though the chains didn't allow her to fly far.

Aaron turned to those who would take the Bullhead. "Jaune, Pyrrha, load up and head up top." The partners did as told and entered the transport. The doors closed automatically. Nalia gently grabbed onto the Bullhead's wings and took flight. Her flight was much more labored, but she still made progress to her destination. Cerise and Vert flew right on her tail.

Halcyon though was still chained to Blake's Bullhead. Yang and Ren were already working on taking the chains off. Aaron moved to assist Yang. The blonde turned to Aaron when he got to her side. "You going to introduce me to that elf?"

"I'm sure you'll meet Blödhgarm in time."

"Not like that. I mean…you know…"

Aaron faced Yang, though she didn't face him. Her cheeks were burning red. If anything, that proved Nalia right. "I thought you valued personality over looks."

"Yeah, but looks play a part in this too. And there's just something about him. I don't really know what."

"His scent?" Aaron said that in a joking manner, but being completely serious.

"Not to sound like a creep, I think that's it. And as the only truly single girl from Remnant on this mission, I'd say I only have to compete with the locals."

"Uh, Ruby's single." Aaron took removed an end of a chain from its hook.

"Oh, ho, ho. Aaron." Yang threw an arm across Aaron's shoulders and forcefully pulled him close. "She better not be for long."

Aaron looked at his teammate. Yang was smiling, but it wasn't out of happiness. She blinked, and red replaced the normal lilac. Another blink and her eyes returned to normal.

Before Aaron could say anything, Yang hopped onto Halcyon's saddle and waved at someone on the other side. She leaned forward in the saddle and Halcyon raised his wings. The dragon jumped off the ground and circled toward the peak of Tronjheim.

Ren was left standing on the ground on the other side of where Halcyon laid. He locked eyes with Aaron. "Did I hear what I think I heard?"

Aaron sighed. "I believe so."

"I'll tell you this, you do not want to be in the same situation Jaune and Pyrrha were in before they got together officially."

"Nalia's been telling me the same thing." Aaron rolled his eyes. "That's a few people forcing the topic. Am I just blind when it comes to this?"

Ren blinked. "Nora says you're as bad as Jaune was."

"Not someone anyone wants to be compared to." Aaron shook his head. This wasn't something to be thinking about at the moment. He walked over to the remaining Bullhead and told Blake the same thing he told Weiss. She had similar concerns, but relented as well.

After several minutes, Nalia returned and landed behind the Bullhead. Aaron dragged two of the chains over and started hooking up his dragon. So what did Lord Däthedr say in the tunnel that surprised you.

Nalia's eyes narrowed and a low growl escaped her throat. I told him about the Grimm, and he said my stories about them sounded…familiar.

Aaron froze after he hooked one of the chains through a loop on Nalia's armor. Familiar? How? There aren't Grimm in Alagaësia.

I'm just repeating what he said. He agrees that there are no Grimm here, but he remembers something about black creatures with red eyes causing havoc among the elves, dwarves, and dragons. I'm hoping he's remembering a legend of some kind. There have to be several like that.

I'm with you on this one. Aaron sighed as he hooked the second chain on. "You're all set. After this, no more 'pack mule' duty for a while." Aaron climbed onto his dragon's back and strapped his legs into the saddle.

Nalia snorted smoke. If these things can fly out the top of Farthen Dûr on their own, I won't have to do this again.

On the ground, Ren stepped onto the Bullhead. The doors closed behind him. Nalia gently jumped into the air and grabbed onto the transport's wings. With strain Aaron didn't notice before, Nalia lifted the Bullhead off the ground and angled toward the Dragonhold.

For the first time in years, Aaron felt the tension in Nalia's sides. She breathed hard, like she'd already flown for the better part of a day. Still, she didn't complain. If anything, she took it as a challenge.

While Nalia focused on flying, Aaron worked on figuring out a ward against whatever Blödhgarm used. It was probably 'naturally caused' from some change he made to himself and not a magical change in the air around him. Otherwise, Nalia's wards would have stopped it from altering her perception. Compared to some of the things they needed to defend against, this was fairly simple.

Nalia flew over the Dragonhold and slowly lost altitude. The red crystal floor of the Star Sapphire glowed in the little sunlight that found its way into the mountain. The other dragons stood around the edges, but the second Bullhead was nowhere to be seen. Weiss probably backed it into one of the caves around the center.

As soon as the wheels on Blake's Bullhead hit the floor, Nalia released the transport and flew in front of it. She touched down and Aaron slid out of the saddle. He set to work on removing the chains on that side of his dragon. Ruby quickly joined him. "I'm sorry if you've already said this, but what exactly are we standing on?"

"Isidar Mithrim. That literally means Star Rose, but it's also known as the Star Sapphire."

"Wait, sapphire?" Ruby removed the second chain from Nalia's armor and looked at the floor. "This matches my hood, and why would they name the floor of something that they don't even use?"

Aaron smirked. "This is just the top side. On the other side, it's a massive sculpture of a rose."

"Sapphires can be red too," Weiss called. Aaron looked to the source and saw Weiss walking out of one of the lower caves. "Blues are just the most common."

"Oh. So I take it this is the largest gem in existence?"

"Nah." Yang rolled over from where Halcyon lay, now in her wheelchair. "Mistral scientists found a planet made entirely out of diamond." She looked down. "Still, this one is pretty darn big. I wonder how much energy this thing could store."

"Probably enough to level Vale with a single spell." Aaron looked around the center of the Dragonhold. Everyone was up and around. Even Nora had left Blake's Bullhead. If he was going to cast the ward around the whole group, there wouldn't be a better time. He quietly chanted in the Ancient Language and cast the spell over everyone.

"You smell something you don't like, Aaron?" Yang asked with a smirk.

"I didn't smell it, but a lot of you might have. From most of your reactions, Blödhgarm has a sort of musk that attracts females." Several of the women blinked and blushed. "The problem is the way it's done. It's not just the smell. It changes people's perception, almost like a drug. Long story short, people like him use it to manipulate women in order to attract mates."

"WHAT?" Ruby shrieked. Aaron instantly faced her. Ruby's eyes were wide, but her pupils were nothing more than pinpricks. Her breath became short and shallow. She hunched over, with her arms wrapped tightly around her torso. Her whole body shook something fierce. Gone was the unflappable leader of team RWBAY. In her place stood a girl scared for her life.

Cerise yelped and took two giant leaps forward. Yang reached back and turned her exoskeleton on. She jumped out of her wheelchair and grabbed both of her sister's shoulders. Cerise wrapped her neck around them both.

"Ruby, listen to me." Yang spoke calmly, yet forcefully. "Whatever you're seeing in your head isn't real. You're safe, among family and friends. No one here will hurt you." Ruby's eyes locked on Yang's, but nothing else changed. "Hey, I'm here. Cerise is here. Just look at me, listen to our voices and breathe. In…hold…out…hold." That last bit repeated several times. It took Ruby a few times through until she managed to keep pace.

Aaron took his eyes off the sisters and looked at the others in the Dragonhold. Nalia and Vert looked on in horror. Halcyon blocked the only entrance into the Dragonhold from the rest of Tronjheim. Weiss covered her mouth with a hand, and Blake rested a hand on her teammate's shoulder. The Heiress had tears forming in her eyes. Team JNPR stood huddled together. If memory served, this was the first time they'd seen Ruby break down to this extent.

The breathing exercise Yang took Ruby through lasted several minutes. Slowly but surely, Ruby's shoulders lost their tension and her body stopped shaking. Her pupils returned to their normal size. Her arms stayed wrapped around her though. That is until Ruby gently grabbed one of Yang's arms. "Thanks Yang." Her voice shook, even with those two words.

Yang didn't let go. "Ruby, what happened? I haven't seen you like that since the Battle of Beacon."

"I…I don't know." Ruby pulled her arm back. "That was…different. Ever since I killed that Shade…" She started shaking again, but not nearly as bad.

Yang whipped her head around to look at Aaron. "Does that have something to do with this?"

Aaron shrugged. "I don't see what else could cause this."

Ruby lifted her sister's arms off her shoulders. "Yang, could you give us a minute?" Yang immediately backed off. Cerise then covered her own head and Ruby with a wing, sealing them off from the world.

The rest of RWBAY formed a circle. "This isn't good." Blake shook her head.

"Ya think?" Yang turned on her partner. "It looked like Ruby was back in Mountain Glen! What if she's relapsing? She's been on her medication but it didn't do a thing! If what we're hearing about Dras-Leona is true, what will she do when we get there? Heck, what will happen if she sees that elf again?"

"While this may not be the most important thing at the moment, we have to worry about her image too," Weiss said. "If the people here are anything like our ancestors were, they'll see this as a sign of weakness. Any respect Ruby may have gained for killing a Shade would disappear."

"Let's be honest here," Aaron crossed his arms, "they see Ruby as a fearless and invincible hero. She never really fit that. Still, we don't want this getting out, for several reasons."

"Ruby not wanting it out being one of them." Yang looked back to where her sister was still hidden away. "I thought we were done with this. I thought I'd never have to see her that scared again."

"It never goes away, Yang," Blake said. "I know a few people back on Menagerie who fought in the Faunus War. I've seen them break down over seeing a plastic bag blow across the street. From what I've heard, it was even worse for Great War veterans."

"Ruby's not a soldier, Blake," Yang bit out. "She's my little sister, who hates the idea of war. She's only here because she wants to improve other people's lives." She shook her head. "The next time I see Blödhgarm, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind."

"A word of advice," Aaron started, "leave that to the dragons. As long as they don't kill him, there won't be any long term repercussions."

Yang scowled. "If he gets close to Ruby before that happens, I can't guarantee I'll Halcyon do the talking."

Cerise hummed and pulled back her head and wing. Ruby still looked like she'd seen a ghost, but she wasn't nearly as shaky. "I…I'm going for a walk."

"I'm going with you." Yang quickly joined her sister by Cerise.

"Yang, I…" Cerise growled lightly, and Ruby sighed. "Thanks." Yang laid an arm across Ruby's shoulders and they walked toward the exit together.

"Don't get lost," Aaron called. "It's a maze down there." Yang lifted a hand in acknowledgement. The sisters walked past Halcyon and into the tunnel beyond. Cerise whimpered lightly. Aaron turned his attention to the dragon. "You keeping an eye on her?"

Cerise blinked. I'm not leaving her mind any time soon.

Ruby stared down the curved staircase in front of her. As far as she could tell without using her bionic eye, each step was exactly the same size. How could the dwarves do that without any modern technology? Then again, it's what they did. If they were there for fun, Weiss probably would have loved exploring the city. Did they have museums here? They certainly wouldn't be history related if there were. Mainly art and things like that. What did Isidar Mithrim look like from the bottom? It sure was nice of the dwarves to name a massive sculpture after her.

Yang squeezed Ruby's right shoulder. "You okay, Ruby?"

"Just thinking about literally anything but...that." Ruby leaned into Yang more.

"I'm all ears when you're ready to talk about it."

Ruby dipped her head. "You wouldn't understand."

"Some, probably not, but here's what I do: you were more terrified up there than I've seen you in years. Either what Blödhgarm does or what Aaron said he does made some sort of terrible connection in your head."

"Yeah…" Ruby sniffed. "That was bad. It had no reason being that bad."

"It's not your fault. No one can control that."

"That's not what I mean. Cerise said that was the worst off she ever felt my mind. Worse than…worse than the night after." Cerise hummed in Ruby's head. "My heart rate monitor confirmed it. Ten beats higher than that night."

Yang stopped in her tracks, forcing Ruby to stop as well. "That…doesn't make sense."

"Maybe that Shade hurt me more than I thought." Ruby looked at her feet. That lasted a second before she was forced forward. Yang led her down the stairs and into a hallway. "Where are we going?"

"To find someplace quiet. I'd take a broom closet at this point." Apparently Yang found a spot she liked. She opened a door and pushed Ruby into the room ahead of her. It wasn't a large room, but it was full of boxes and other assorted items. Yang grabbed Ruby's arm and led her to a chair near the wall.

Yang knelt down in front of her sister. "Listen, whatever caused that attack is going on in your head. I'm no expert on this, but if there's anything I can do to suppress this, I'll do it. Didn't you say mom was looking into something after what happened right after you killed that Shade."

"Yeah." Ruby nodded. "I don't know if she's found anything. She's been busy since then."

"I think she has time to fit us in. Something had to have just come up."

"Okay…" Ruby leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Going that deep inside herself was easier when she was asleep, but Yang didn't seem to want to wait that long. It took longer than usual to get to that point because of all the negative emotions she had to sift through. Cerise had to block all that out herself.

Eventually, Ruby stood in the familiar clearing on Patch. She looked skyward and tried to find Yang's and Cerise' minds. Both of them were already trying to get in. Ruby led them in, and a red dot flew out of the pure white sky. Yang most likely was on Cerise' back.

Bushes rustled behind Ruby. She faced it and reached for Crescent Rose. At least in her head, her weapon was intact. Just as she was about to extend the scythe, her mom burst out of the tree line. "Ruby!" She almost tackled Ruby to the ground with the force of her hug. "I'm so sorry I couldn't prevent this."

"No one could." Ruby returned the hug, still holding her folded up weapon. "You have something on that?"

"Maybe." Summer pulled away. Her eyes were filled with sadness and anger. "But you're not going to like it."

Cerise landed nearby and Yang slid off her back. "'I need to crack some skulls' not gonna like it, or 'Ruby needs years of counseling' not gonna like it?"

"A mixture of both." Summer shook her head. "I honestly don't understand it."

Cerise walked to her Rider's side and nuzzled her. You still okay?

We're in my head and alone. There isn't much that can really hurt me right now.

The dragon growled. I wish I could be so certain. You're in a storage room in a populated city with no physical defenses at the moment. She lay down and extended a leg. Ruby sat down on it with Yang right beside her.

Summer sighed and locked eyes with Ruby. "I know this has to be hard for you right now, but try to think positively. Any bit of negativity could set off another attack." Ruby nodded slowly. "I don't think I'm alone in here."

Ruby fought down the panic that suddenly raised inside her. "Like, more than just those two Grimm?"

"I've fought Grimm in here every night, all of them Nevermores and King Taijitu. But that's not what I'm talking about. Something from out there is in your head."

Cerise growled and looked around. Is it a danger to us right now?

"I don't know." Summer shook her head. "I only caught a glimpse of it right before Ruby's panic intensified. It was like a large, black sphere that took up a good portion of the sky here."

Yang straightened up. "Like those things that shot out of that Shade?"

Summer narrowed her eyes. "I think so, though I can't be certain."

Yang ran her hands through her hair. "Are you saying one of those spirits could have latched onto Ruby?"

Ruby covered her eyes with her hands. "Puppy Zwei, puppy Zwei, puppy Zwei." Cerise took the hint. A translucent memory of a game of fetch with a cute corgi puppy appeared in front of her hands, along with the emotions Ruby had at the time. She sighed and lowered her hands. Ruby half glared at Yang and elbowed her.

"Sorry." Yang winced.

"But, yes, that's what I'm thinking." Summer held both hands out in front of her. "It was only a split second sighting, so it could be anything." She paused and sighed. "But I can't think of any other reason for that to happen."

Ruby looked at her feet. "So, I need an exorcism or something like that?"

That got a light chuckle from Yang. "Well, you've got three exorcists here right now, and I'm sure you have a few more upstairs."

"Thanks, but I'd like this to stay between us. I don't even want Halcyon in on this. If people hear that part of a Shade latched onto me…I don't want to think about that."

"I'd think the elves would be able to help more than anyone here," Summer suggested.

Ruby shook her head. "I don't want people I don't know poking around in here. What if they find you and think you're the problem?"

"And an elf caused this thing," Yang growled. "I think I can trust Yaela from the little bit I've talked to her, but I don't know any of the others. Especially that one."

Summer knelt down and lay a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Ruby, I'll do what I can from in here. I'm no mental combatant like the rest of you, but I've been here long enough to know when something's wrong. I'll tell Cerise and Yang as soon as I find something."

"Thanks mom." Ruby pulled her mom into a hug.

"Anything for you, Gem." Summer pulled back and turned her attention to Yang. "Good to see you again, Pheonix."

"Right back at ya." The two hugged, and let go after a few seconds. Yang turned to Ruby. "We should probably get going. The storage room looked freshly used. Don't want to be caught trespassing."

"Probably a good idea." Ruby turned to her mom. "See you soon."

"Be safe." Summer smiled and took a few steps backward.

Ruby looked skyward and started to pull out of her own mind. She opened her eyes and once again was in the storage room. Yang sat on the ground beside the chair Ruby sat in. She stirred opened her own eyes. "Coming out of your head is always disorienting."

"Good thing you're not in there too often, then."

"Yeah, for more reasons than that." Yang stood up and offered a hand to Ruby. "I take it you want to keep walking?"

"For a little bit." Ruby took the offered hand and her sister hauled her to her feet. "I…I don't want to go back there for a while."

You know, Cerise cut in, you could have flown with me. There's plenty of space around here.

Yeah, but I don't think people here would like a dragon flying around here just yet.

Cerise lightly growled in Ruby's head. Fine, but there's a lot of rock in this place. If too much gets in the way, you are coming back here immediately.

Fine with me.

The handle on the door to the storage room jiggled. Ruby froze in place. What did the dwarves do to trespassers? The door opened and a short woman with brown hair stopped in the doorway. A fairly large cat stood by her side. She cocked her head. "Well, this is unexpected."

Hmm, who could those two be?

Well, my college's football team finally isn't going to the national championship...no regrets over the past five years. Let's get it again next year. GO BI5ON!