Continuing with Zaylee's story line, because, as the main character, she should be the most important, right?
*~*#*~*
The air shifted around them as clans members appeared, including Mfalme.
My child. He greeted her. How have you faired?
It was nothing I couldn't handle. Zaylee responded.
Good, I suspected as much. Would you care to hear another story?
Gladly.
Do you recognize this? Mfalme asked, pulling out a Shadow Clan communicator head piece.
Zaylee shook her head in response.
It's called a Shadow Talker. It helps the wearer communicate with the Shadow Clan. Only the strongest can withstand it. Will Shane used one, and now Eli has it. However, as you are aware, you and your father never needed one. We still aren't exactly sure as to why. While eras of Shanes have used this piece of technology, barely surviving the force of its power, the two Foxxes I have met have communicated effortlessly with our kind without this aide. Mfalme tossed the piece aside. This device, Mfalme produced the Shadow Walker, allows the user to teleport in the same manner we do. Mfalme disappeared in a black swirling mist, only to appear next to Zaylee for extra effect. Before you are ready to take on the Night Clan, we want to see if you are capable of this feat as well.
Zaylee looked slack jaw down at the round device, then to Mfalme, back to the device, and back to Mfalme again. Seriously? She asked incredulously.
When do I ever joke? Mfalme asked.
Well, alright, I'll try. Zaylee replied, standing up. One question though, if I can talk to you, and you think I'm capable of teleporting… Zaylee gulped, nervous at all the ways that could go horribly wrong. Why can't I talk to slugs?
That is not completely known. You and your father are very special, and not knowing any other cases like you two, it is difficult to come to a full conclusion. But we are sure that you have a very special connection with your slugs. Perhaps if you worked on it, you could communicate with them.
Zaylee felt her mouth turn up at the thought. It was the one thing she had always wanted since her father had given her the remainders of his arsenal; to know what her little slugs were always chattering on about.
Transport from here to the top of that mushroom. Her old teachers commanded her.
That's kinda a tall order, isn't it? Zaylee shifted nervously.
Only because you have never tried it before. Razbo advised her. Focus your energy, visualize what you want to do. Transporting is a talent you have to be born with. The only reason you would have never done it before is if you had never tried.
Okay, I can do this. Zaylee psyched herself up. She closed her eyes tight in concentration. Visualize the mushroom. I want to go to the mushroom, I want to go to the mushroom. She repeated in her head. First nothing, just blackness. She kept visualizing the mushroom, but she still could sense the congregation of Shadow Clan members around her.
Suddenly she was weightless, as if shrouded in an airy mist. Then she felt her feet hit something solid again. Even before opening her eyes, she knew she had done it.
She looked back to where Mfalme and the others were standing, a beaming smile on her face.
Well done my child, well done.
She is ready. Belatra reminded him.
Yes, it is time to put the Night Clan in their place once more.