Ch.49: Domain of the Dark Temple! A Heart-to-Heart Between Mentors!

The last couple of days of travel wore on the patience and integrity of the circus troupe. After crossing through the mountains, the journey became a straight shot to their targeted destination. Minds were focused on getting to the Mage of Darkness as fast as possible, not only to complete the arduous quest, but to seek immediate shelter from what lurked after them.

Their daring attack on Death was an admirable display of bravery despite their clear disadvantage against the unkillable monster, but it bought them enough time to pass the mountains. It was a matter of time before Death caught up with them, though. The inexhaustible stamina of a shadow shouldn't be underestimated, especially by one who controlled the concept of death itself.

With the mountains behind them, the caravan rode toward their new destination coming up ahead. Gone were the open plains and rocky terrain, replaced with the lush view of a wooded forest. Cone-shaped trees with prickly leaves and uniform stances, clustered together to make travel nearly impenetrable. Fortunately, a path was made to cut through the forest, enough room for their train of trailers to squeeze through.

However, what stood out about this forest was the mountain presiding behind it, and what a sight it was as the troupe stuck their heads out the window. A fitting setting for the mage who heralded darkness. Formations of collapsed earth in the mountain's surface shaped into a scary, demonic face that glared down at the forest. It was as if the forest was being watched over by a petrified giant.

Entering through the forest, the setting changed. The light of the afternoon sun diminished into darkness with rays of light piercing through the gaps in the leaves. It was simultaneously beautiful and eerie, enough to persuade the bravest souls to persist with newfound caution.

This was the domain of the Mage of Darkness, without question.

The first to acknowledge this was Ebony, who stuck her head out the window to get a better view of their surroundings. A cold wind passed through her fur, giving her a delightful chill that made her tingle all over. She snickered and said, "I like this guy's style. He knows how to add atmosphere."

She, joined by Ella, Cybil, Cheri, Abby, and Faye, were bunkered down in Young sisters' shared room. Ella lay on Abby's bed, attempting to rest, while Cheri continued working on removing the Reaper Seal from Ella's neck. The last two days have been exhausting for the Pikachu, but she persevered for the sake of her friends. She managed to remove Ava's mark the other day, so now she dedicated her time to removing Ella's.

"So…tired," Cheri mumbled.

Abby leaned over and patted Cheri's forehead with a cold rag. "Don't push yourself. Maybe you should take a break."

Cheri shook her head. "No. I…I can handle it a little longer."

Cybil, who sat by the bed, said, "If she had more training, she would've dispelled the marks sooner. Doesn't help this is taboo magic we're dealing with. It's a miracle she even dispelled the one on Ava."

Ebony turned around and leaned against the windowsill. "Props to you, kid. You're a natural talent." Cheri smiled a little at her praise before focusing back on Ella. Ebony sighed, then leaned her head out the window. "That emo centaur could show up any minute. Making me a little nervous."

Cybil scoffed. "You? Nervous?"

Ebony rolled her eyes. "Would you rather I concoct some crazy plan to get us into more danger?"

"Fair."

Faye fiddled with her hands, secluding herself to the far corner of the trailer. "Do you think this Seth guy can repel Death? I mean, if Ava and Ella couldn't, what chance do we have? I doubt a second ambush/avalanche will work."

"We have one advantage as a group," Ebony explained. "The Reaper Seal isn't suited for battle royale-style combat. It's designed to be personal and up close. Multiple targets, especially ones that know how the seal works, can get around it. Plus, there is a limited amount that can be placed at a time, though that depends on the strength of the caster."

"But…" Cybil said, prompting Ebony to continue.

Ebony sighed. "But we all saw the disadvantage to that. We can't kill or harm him beyond dismemberment, but he can certainly cause us harm even if it won't be fatal. We're dealing with a corpse, so the common law of battle isn't applicable beyond throwing him in an oversized woodchipper. Then again, it'd be like throwing titanium into a blender: wasted your time and now you have to buy a new blender."

Abby frowned. "In other words, one of us needs to deal with Death personally."

Cybil glared. "Ebony and I will volunteer ourselves. Ella's the one who needs to take on the mage's trial, not us."

Ebony smirked. "It won't be a fair fight for the bastard, but I've never been inclined to play nice."

"No."

Everyone turned their attention to Ella as she raised her head. She winced and touched her bandaged stomach. It's only been a couple days, yet Ella still felt as crappy when she took on the mad butcher of a centaur. She collapsed back on the bed and paused a moment to catch her breath.

"I have a score to settle with that freak of nature," Ella said.

Abby's eyes widened. "Are you nuts?! That thing nearly killed you and my mom!"

Ella shook her head, then glared at the wall. "He just got lucky. Next time I see him, he's dead."

Cybil glared. "Ella, from the state of your injuries and what I witnessed, you are in no condition to fight that monster. You've been healing for two days."

"I've recovered from worse injuries," Ella said. She pushed herself up, holding up against the pain, until she was seated on her haunches. "I know I can take him this time. Solid ground, no wonky terrain to fight on."

Ebony shook her head. "Sorry girl, but that ain't happening. Just leave it to Cybil and me. Besides, you're the one who needs to fight this Seth guy, not us. Better you sit tight and recover than risk death."

Ella frowned at the thieving Buneary. "And what about you girls? I don't want you getting involved in our mess."

Ebony smirked. "Honey, killing a four-legged, knockoff gladiator is a dream come true. We're out here to help people in need."

Cybil nodded. "She's right. You just hang tight and recover. When that creep shows up, we'll be the ones to take care of him."

Ella's frown dipped further as she stared worriedly at the two. "I don't know."

"Ella, it's better you get some rest than get yourself killed," Cybil said firmly. "Like it or not, we're just as involved with this as you are. That's what friends do for each other. We should know." She gestured to Ebony. "How do you think Krystal and the rest of us got involved with this lunatic?"

Ebony smirked. "Touché."

Ella wasn't convinced, but she clearly had no sway in their argument. Plus, even if she tried to be defiant, she was dealing with an energy-sapping Buneary and prolific and deadly Furret marksman. The advantage in her state was not to her favor.

"Fine." Ella lay down and closed her eyes. "Just…please don't get yourselves killed on my account."

Ebony saluted. "Relax, hon. We'll take care of everything."

Cheri pressed her hands into Ella's neck and held her breath. The magic built up in her palms, releasing sky blue sparks around her and Ella. The tattoo embedded into Ella's fur started disintegrating into particles until it was completely gone.

Cheri smiled, then threw her hands in the air. "I did it! I removed it!"

Ella touched her bare neck, then smiled at the Pikachu. "Nice work, Cheri."

Cheri did a little dance, praising herself. "I did it, I did it~! Woo, woo, woo—ooh, dizzy…" Cheri tripped over herself and fell into the awaiting arms of Abby, out like a light. She snored soundly and nestled into Abby's arms.

Abby smirked, then picked the Pikachu up. "Told you not to overwork yourself."

Faye chuckled, then slid past the girls. "I'll go give Ava the good news."

"Thanks. Oh, and make sure she's taking her medicine," Abby reminded. Faye flashed a thumbs-up, then exited the room.

Ella wasn't the only one aching from her injuries. Although she was able to walk about unlike the bedridden Espeon, Ava continued to reel with pain whenever her injuries came back to bite her. It was fortunate that her troupe hatched their wild scheme to disable their pursuer, if only for a short while. They were reaching the end of their long journey, and the woes of their adventure weighed on morale.

Ava leaned back in her seat and tried to find a comfortable position to rest. Vince reached over and patted her shoulder, keeping one hand on the reins. "You alright, dear?"

Ava sighed, then turned away from him. "Honestly, Vince? I don't know."

Vince hummed in disappointment, but tried to give her a comforting smile. "Chin up. At least we're alive, right? That's all that matters. We'll get some help from your mage friend, and we'll finally be able to put this nightmare journey behind us."

Ava closed her eyes. "Even then, how much farther can we go before we've reached the end of our luck? It's a miracle Ella and I weren't splattered over the road."

"You were caught off guard," Vince argued. "It's not your fault, nor was it Ella's. Just be grateful you both are still alive."

"I guess." Ava breathed in, then exhaled a long, miserable sigh. "I'm getting old."

Vince chuckled. "Don't be ridiculous. You're the picture of beauty and youth."

Ava responded with a dry laugh. "How flattering." She shook her head and nestled deeper into the driver's seat. "That's not what I mean. I'm…starting to think I've lost my touch. I'm not as spry or strong as I once was."

Vince shook his head. "Come now, you've handled your own in plenty of fights."

"Let's be honest with ourselves, Vince. I've successfully taken on bandits, grunts, thieves, and the common shadow. Compared to the rest of the menaces I've faced, I'm not the pillar of strength I thought I was. I prided myself on my battling strength, ever since Garret and I were kids."

Vince frowned at the mention of her deceased friend. He looked ahead at the road thoughtfully. "You two have known each other since you were children, right?"

Ava smiled fondly to herself. "Adventurers who wanted to explore the greater unknowns of the world. That's how we ended up with our team. It was just us until we brought along Clara, Morgan, Willow, and Alex. I was young and foolish then. I've taken on so many guys ten times my size that I thought I could win any battle." She frowned. "With threats like the Shadow King and that cursed centaur, though, what more can I offer?"

"Ava…"

Ava closed her eyes and sighed. "I've read stories about the wise old mentors who help the adventurers on their journey, giving them advice to help defeat the evil wizard or whatever. The mentor was said to be the strongest in the land, but they rarely ever make it to the end of the story. Even if they do, there's nothing left to teach once the student surpasses the master. I dare say Ella, maybe all of her friends, have outlived the need for a teacher. There's a reason the mentor always dies off in those stories. They outlive their narrative use."

Vince frowned worriedly at her. "Ava…"

"I still yearn for those days, fighting alongside my friends. I miss them dearly." She sighed. "Maybe I'm complaining over nothing. I'm happy Ella's progressing so much in her training. I just…I just want one last chance to prove I can still help. Not just with taking out grunts and extras. I want one last challenge. Even if it's my last battle, I want it to be my greatest battle."

Vince narrowed his eyes. "I see." He focused back on the road, leaning forward a bit in his seat. "I'm not passionate about battle like you are. I'm an entertainer by heart. That's why I started this troupe in the first place. I wanted to give us colorful band of weirdos something to look forward to with each passing village. Smiles and glamor as far as the sun shines. If there's one thing I know, it's bringing joy to sad faces."

He scooted over to Ava and draped his winged arm over her back. He pushed her chin up so she was facing him. Vince gave her a big smile. "I may not have the words you need to hear, but…that doesn't change the fact you're an amazing woman, Ava. You've done so much for those kids, and for this family. Whatever you've been doing, I'd say it's working."

Ava blinked, then smiled back at him. "You think so?"

"I'd never say anything I didn't mean to you, dear." He leaned forward and nuzzled her cheek. "What fool wouldn't travel through this perilous mess for the sake of his beautiful wife?"

Ava snorted into her hand. "Vince!" She laughed, then wrapped her arms around him. "Oh Vince…"

"You've done those kids justice, Ava. I mean it." Vince pulled back a bit and chuckled. "If anything, you and Ella are more alike than you think. Looks like you're both struggling to find yourselves. She's still trying to figure out what to do with her future, and you're trying to rekindle your past with jeopardizing your future. I'd say the both of you still have some growing to do."

Ava sighed, then wrapped her arms around his neck. "Maybe so." She smiled lovingly. "I love you, Vince."

"I love you too, Ava."

Vince touched the back of her head and drew her into a kiss, which she gratefully reciprocated. The reins slipped from Vince's hand, but he paid them no mind and wrapped his other arm around Ava's waist, careful not to aggravate her injuries.

"Eep!"

Their eyes widened. They pulled away and turned to the back of wagon's backdoor, where they saw a red-faced Faye staring back at them.

"Uhh…" Faye shied away behind the door, peeking one eye through. "D-Don't mind me. Carry on with whatever you're doing."

Ava sighed, smiling exasperatedly. "It's fine, Faye. We…weren't exactly alone to begin with." She shot a look at the Tauros herd, who were all innocently whistling and looking away from her.

Vince reached down and picked the reins back up and cleared his throat. "S-So, Faye? Did you need something?"

After cooling her face down, the Sliggoo reemerged from behind the door. "Right. Just wanted to tell you that Cheri finally removed Ella's seal."

Ava nodded. "Good. Though, that freak of nature will still have a general idea of where we're going, so we're not out of the woods yet."

"And speaking of woods, how much farther until we reach the temple?" Faye asked.

"About forty-five seconds." Vince pointed ahead. "Look."

Faye joined their side and spotted the clearing at the end of the path, where the bottom of the scary mountain was in sight. "Whoa." She felt a chill run up her spine. "I'm getting creepy vibes off this place."

Ava smirked. "Seth Highwind. Third strongest of the Ten Mages, and the only person in Mysto currently who is simultaneously an ally and enemy of the shadows."

Faye gulped. "Are you sure we can trust this guy?"

"His magic's not quite what the shadows use. Besides, he's too lazy to be a world conquering dictator." Ava touched her bandaged stomach and glared worriedly as the end of the path drew closer. "That said, Ella's in for the fight of her life."

The caravan rolled off the path and onto the open grounds surrounded by a ring of trees and with the foreboding mountain staring down at everything. Vince drove the Tauros toward the mountain by Ava's instruction where they came upon a passageway carved through the mountain itself, almost like a doorway.

Faye poked her head over the coach bench, then frowned at the intimidating stare of the mountain. "Oh yeah, this is comforting."

Ava chuckled. "Relax, Faye. Seth's harmless. We have nothing to worry about—" The caravan jostled to a stop, nearly throwing the women out of the driver's coach. "What the—"

The Tauros stamped and mooed in a panic as shapes shifted through the ground and slithered beneath their hooves. Vince and Faye's eyes widened as specters of darkness rose from the ground, taking on humanoid shapes, and glared down at the cowering pair.

Vince and Faye embraced each other and screamed. "Shadows! AAAAHHHH!"

Ava, however, narrowed her eyes. "Calm down, you two. They're just—"

"Ava, get inside!" Vince yelled as he stood up and pulled out an emergency pistol. "I'll hold them off for as long as I can!" He aimed the gun at the specters. "Stay back, you horrible apparitions! I'm warning—" He froze as Ava placed a hand on the gun and gently lowered it. "Eh?"

Ava sighed, then glared at the twin shadows. "Honestly, Seth. Are you trying to give my husband a heart attack?"

"Seth?!" Vince and Faye gasped.

The humanoid shadows moved away from the coach, then bowed to them. From the passageway in the mountain, a Zoroark sauntered out dressed in black robes and holding a bag of potato chips. Floating parallel to his side was a flat magic construct composed of a dark gray aura. It looked like a panel covered in square buttons.

Seth popped a few chips into his mouth, then smirked at the trio. "Sorry. My Guardians were automatically set to ward off intruders. I've been dealing with nothing by abominations and shadows for months now."

"That's no excuse to throw together this horror show of an invitation," Ava said.

Seth shrugged. "Must've slipped my mind. Do you know how mind numbing it is sitting around and guarding a key?" He popped another chip into his mouth, then approached the caravan. "But it's good to know you all made it here in one piece."

Ava groaned and touched her stomach. "More or less."

Seth frowned at the state of her injuries. "Something happened."

Ava sighed. "Perceptive, you are."

Seth nodded, then gestured them down. "Call everyone off your caravan. I'll have my Guardians place it somewhere safe. There's plenty of room in the mountain for everyone."

Vince gulped. "R-Right. Faye, unhook the herd while I call the others." He pulled himself over the driver's bench, then raced back inside the caravan.

Seth laughed. "You sure know how to pick them, Ava."

Ava pouted with her arms crossed. "Don't insult my husband."

"Wasn't an insult." Seth munched on some more chips, then asked, "So, care to explain what brought on…all of this?" He gestured to her injuries and sour mood.

As Faye got to work unhooking the Tauros from their harnesses, Ava slid off the driver's bench and stretched her legs. "Would you believe me when I say there's an immortal centaur chasing us?"

"Wouldn't be the weirdest thing I've seen this week," Seth said. He rummaged his hand through his chip bag, but got nothing but air. "Seriously, I saw an abomination that looked just like a Guzzlord. Crazy stuff. Fat bastard nearly took a bite out of the mountain."

"Where is it now?"

Seth peeked inside his chip bag. "Eh, twenty feet underground." He leaned his head back and dumped the leftover crumbs into his mouth. He swallowed, balled up the bag, and stuffed it inside his sleeve. "Rest of the mages are having a wild time corralling those freaks of nature. Me? I'm just chilling since I still need to guard the key. You sure you couldn't have come a few days later? I was hoping to have a nice soak in my underground hot springs."

Ava glared. "Seth…"

Seth raised his hands. "Hey, hey, I'm joking. Come on, I'm out here in the middle of nowhere with magically created humanoids formed from shadow to talk to. If I don't crack jokes, I'd go nuts."

"Uh huh."

Ava and Seth turned to the caravans as doors started to open. Word spread fast, and everyone exited to get a good view of the imposing mountain staring down at them.

Nebula slid over to Ava's side and whistled. "This is sure some creepy place. You sure we weren't supposed to meet up in the mountain filled with razor sharp rocks?" she joked.

Ava rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Haha."

Angel walked over with Charlie cradled in her arms. The toddler kicked and squirmed in her arms. "Someone's being fussy again."

Ava smiled, then scooped her son into her arms. "Nebula, Angel, can you two help organize the troupe and lead them into the mountain? We'll be staying here for the time being, and it should be safer than the caravan."

Nebula nodded. "Sure. We'll get right on that. Uh, but where do we actually go?"

Seth snapped his claws and called over one of his Guardians, much to the horror of Nebula and Angel. "My Guardian will show you the way inside. Don't fret, they're docile compared to your other phantoms."

Angel gulped. "What a chilling reception. Thanks for not keeping us in the dark about it." She shared a nod with Nebula, then they went to get everyone organized.

Seth crossed his arms and smirked at Ava. "Speaking of receptions, which of Team Ravenfield will I be dealing with?"

"Well…" Before Ava could answer, she looked over to the troupe and spotted Ella limping out. She had Abby and Cheri helping her along. "Ah, there she is now. Ella, over here!"

The Espeon raised her head and spotted her mentor alongside the Zoroark. Ella glared at him, sensing a pressure from his lax posture. Despite her lack of a magical aura sense, she had faced enough magical beings to know when someone had overwhelming power. She could tell from the confidence brimming from Seth that he lived up to his status as the third strongest of the Ten Mages.

Cheri and Abby escorted Ella over to Seth, who watched the limping Eeveelution with an amused grin. "My, my. I see Ava wasn't the only one to have a brush with death. I dare hope I'm not fighting one of the children, otherwise I'll be stuck with the mummified Espeon."

Ella huffed through her nose. "Ha. Very funny."

"I try to be."

Ella smirked. "Don't let appearances fool you. Once I fully recover, I'm kicking your ass."

Seth returned her smugness with a chill, yet equally smug grin. "A magicless Espeon facing their natural counter, the Dark-Type. Kicking my ass wouldbe your only option for battle."

"Ooh, you're cheeky, Magic Man," Ella teased.

Seth laughed, then bowed to her. "Regardless of circumstances, I am glad your journey to my humble domain was met with minimal resistance."

"Nothing about the last several weeks was minimal, to put it lightly." Ella winced and touched her aching stomach. "That said, it may be a while before I'm up and ready."

Seth shrugged. "Take your time. Not like the world's on fire or something," he joked.

"Ha. Ha." Ella shook her head, then stumbled along, once again aided by Cheri and Abby's assistance.

Seth and Ava hung back and watched them, along with the rest of the troupe, march into the mountain passage. Seth crossed his arms and glared. "So, about your immortal centaur…"

Ava cradled Charlie in her arms, but glared at the mountain as well. "A monster, in the most literal sense of the word. He was tracking Ella and me when we got here. We only just removed the seal that was tracking Ella, but…"

Seth nodded in understanding. "Better you came here than wait to remove it. You're safe here."

"Seth, this thing isn't like whatever you've been fighting for the last several months."

"True, but I'm also awesome," he said proudly. "Unkillable or not, there's a wait to stop any monster." He stretched his arms, then led her along. "We better get inside. I'll need to set up the security system in preparation for our guest. Worse comes to worst, I may need to raze the entire forest just to get rid of one monster."

Ava glared worriedly, then followed behind the Zoroark. "For our sake, let's hope it doesn't come down to that."

She stopped a moment to look over her shoulder. A faint chill ran up her spine. Without the seal blocking her sensory abilities, she felt the distinct feeling that dread was steadily encroaching on their safe haven. Time was limited. When would the mad centaur make his next move? And will any of them be prepared for his arrival?

One thing stood clear to her: her fighting spirit grew stronger in spite of her injured state. She had a score to settle with Death.

The inside of the mountain was remarkably spacious, with passageways and numerous levels on the bottom half alone. Yellow crystal decorated the walls and illuminated the cave with a soft, radiant glow. As the troupe piled into the main space, Guardians would appear and guide groups off to separate passages leading to their rooms.

Garland gazed at the various passages and whistled his intrigue. "Swanky digs. This place has most mansions beat out in presentation."

Wallace skuttled behind the Simipour daredevil. "Just what we needed. The comforts of a wagon to the fine interior of a creepy mountain. Paradise inbound."

"Hey, if it means I can take a break from all the crazy, then so be it."

As everyone branched off, very few waited out in the main space to fully take in their new arrangements. Angel crossed her arms as she gazed up at the high ceiling. "You know, no matter where I end up staying, it'll be a vast improvement over my last home."

Nebula shrugged. "I suppose anything's an improvement over a rickety shack tarnished by weather classified as a health code violation."

They turned to the main passage as the last of their group entered. Ella continued to be escorted by Abby and Cheri. Ava and Seth were deep in conversation while Faye followed behind, curiously intrigued by the crystal lining the walls. Taking up the rear were Vince, Ebony, and Cybil with the girls gripping their weapons out of precaution.

"You seriously live here?" Cybil asked.

Seth pulled from his conversation and grinned at her. "It doesn't look like much, but my magic compensates for the extra space." He traced a circle in the air and conjured his mystic tablet grid. "I use a new age form of magic called Data magic. I can directly link with the magic in the air and perform a variety of tricks. I can form furniture out of nothing or use any sort of spell on the fly."

Ebony smirked. "That so? Seems OP."

Seth chuckled. "You'd think so, but there's a few activation requirements needed to properly utilize it. It's not suited for traveling or surprises. I'd be happy to explain more about it, but why not save the surprise for when my match with Ms. Cipher comes up?"

Ella threw a smirk over her shoulder. "Best to just hand the key over, fox."

"Too lazy to fulfil your request, madame." Seth waved his hand over the tablet and dispelled it. "If any of you need anything specific for your rooms, just ask and it shall be granted."

Ebony rubbed her hands together mischievously. "I'll get started on a list." Cybil rolled her eyes at her friend's devilish behavior.

Ella waved off Cheri and Abby, then sat on the ground to take a breather. "Well, as nice as it would be to rest, we still have current matters to worry about."

Seth frowned and stroked his chin. "Right. Your mysterious, apocalyptic centaur. Troubling situation for all of us."

"Will you be able to defend against this monster?" Cybil asked.

"Hard to say. I've never seen him before, and I don't have a reliable source of data to map out a flawless victory." Seth traced the air and formed screens of magic with data running across them. "Best I can do is send a squadron of Guardians to hold it off. If I'm given enough time, I can concoct a plan for guaranteed victory. Though, hastily-made calculations don't bode the best results, and I prefer to be thorough in my research."

Ebony grinned. "I have no idea what that has to do with anything, but if you need someone to break a few necks, I'm your girl." She hooked her arm around Cybil. "Or rather, we're your girls. You worry about sending your army. We'll do the dirty work and crush that bastard's nonexistence spirit."

Ava frowned. "I don't know, girls. Death is a tenacious opponent. You can't go in with the same tricks as you used in previous altercations."

Cybil brushed off Ebony's arm, then glared at the fortune teller. "Listen, lady, we have a limited amount of time before that thing finds us. That avalanche we left him in can only hold up for so long. Who knows how much distance we put between ourselves and him before he busted out? It's either strategizing with a short time frame or reckless abandonment."

"And nobody knows recklessness better than Team Shatter Star!" Ebony cheered.

Ella groaned. "Shame. What I wouldn't give to get some payback with that rotten freak." She touched her injuries and glared at the ground. "I'm sick and tired of the shadows as is, but they've really pissed me off calling me the weak link for so long."

Ava frowned at Ella's admission. Though she didn't know that feeling personally, she heard plenty of times from Willow when they were starting out as friends. There was always a sense of superiority when it came to those born with magic, but most were levelheaded not to let it go to their heads. There were exceptions, of course, no matter the group one finds. Peace was a foreign concept, especially in recent times.

Ava adjusted Charlie in her arms, then bent down to pat Ella's head. "You are strong, Ella. You always have been. This isn't a fight to get yourself mixed up in, though. Not while you still need to heal."

Ella huffed, then crossed her forelegs. "I know, I know. I'm just venting."

Ava smirked. "Best you find somewhere to bunker down. We'll worry about Death. If anything does come up, though, I can count on you to push against those injuries to help us."

Ella sighed, then smiled up at her. "Yeah. Yeah, I know."

Ava nodded, then stood up. "Girls, help Ella to her quarters," she said to Cheri and Abby. They saluted, then helped the Espeon along.

Seth flashed a knowing smile at Ava as they watched the trio followed a Guardian down a passage. "Funny. I remember stories of you being the mediator of your team. How things haven't changed in so long."

Ava sighed. "I'm a mother of tree. Mediation is a necessary skill."

"Hmph." Seth sighed, then glared at Ava, Ebony, and Cybil. "Well, now that we've gotten this mess situated, let's get down to business."

After handing Charlie off to Vince, Ava followed Seth to a separate room with Cybil and Ebony. A large stone table sat in the middle of an open room with a pillar of light casting from a hole in the ceiling. Seth traced a circle on the table, then expanded a grid across the surface. Three-dimensional shapes rose from the table, resembling a map of the forest and mountain.

"Okay, you said you came from the mountain range on your way here, and that our shady killer had tracers on you that have just been removed." Seth traced his claw across the grid, marking a line with it. "That means he'll be coming through this direction, same path you took. He's virtually unkillable, so he won't be going for the stealth approach."

Ebony nodded. "The only way to put him out of commission is to play his game. Once a Reaper Seal is planted on a victim, only they can kill the beast, and vice versa."

Seth nodded. "Would it work on a Guardian?"

"Hard to say. I only know as much as I've read, though I doubt it'll help much."

''True. I guess sending a Guardian out like a sacrificial pawn would be pointless." Seth tapped the grid, summoning tiny constructs resembling chess pieces. "Since we're dealing with something conditionally unkillable, we'll need to set up an ambush to slow it down. After that, we'll take out his limbs, either by dismemberment or restraint. Someone will need to bite the bullet and take on the effects of the Reaper Seal—"

"I certainly don't mind," Ebony said with a vicious smile. "It'd be an honor to break his neck."

Seth smirked at her. "You are a violent one." He sighed, shook his head, and summoned two more pieces representing Cybil and Ebony. "Alright, so Ms. The Traitor will handle the dirty deed. Ms. Hawkeye, you will be responsible for long-distance support. Shoot to kill or neutralize with your trick rounds. I recommend using your ensnarement rounds."

Cybil looked up from the grid and glared at him. "Wait, how did you know I have those?"

"I was there watching you at the Gelid Peak Tournament. I was a guest." He gestured to the girls. "Remarkable talent from the both of you. That's why I'm our best case for apprehending the beast. Once I've seen him in action and have enough time, I can calculate a flawless strategy to rend him to shreds."

Ava glared at the grid. "One problem: he wants Ella and me dead most of all. How are you going to trick him into using the Reaper Seal on Ebony?"

Seth rubbed his temple. "I haven't had a thorough examination of his psychology to determine a proper course of action. At best, dumb luck and coaxing. I know a spell that can forcibly activate his spells, but that requires me to see it at least once, among other evaluations."

Ebony winced. "Yeesh, Data magic sounds super boring and tedious."

Seth smirked. "It's all in the applications. It's time consuming, but worth the research." He frowned and focused back on the grid. "Anyway, we have homefield advantage, but we're dealing with an unstoppable monster. The only advantage we have is that he can't kill multiple groups of us without applying a mark."

"And even those are limited," Ebony added.

Cybil sighed. "I wish Hugo were here. He could easily wipe that monster off the earth."

Ava raised her brow. "Hugo? Your priest friend?"

Cybil nodded. "He may not look it, what with him being a born pacifist, but Hugo's the strongest member of our team. Strongest guy I've met, too."

Ebony shrugged. "I wouldn't say he's the strongest, but—" She saw Cybil giving her the stink eye, then pouted off to the side. "Fine, he's strongest."

Cybil rolled her eyes and continued, "Point is, Hugo's holy magic can clear hoards of these monsters, and that's just from basic application." She reached inside her vest pocket and pulled out a small case. "That's why I asked for his help crafting some bullets. I have six bullets infused with holy magic. Anyone not trained to embrace its unstable magic will be burned. Not even I'm immune despite being a part of the church. That's why I have to keep them in this case."

To demonstrate, Cybil clicked the box open and revealed a golden glow from inside. Six radiant bullets shined in their case, illuminating the dreary war room. Ava and Seth recoiled as their skin smoked from contact with the light.

Cybil had a mild steam coming off her body. "Its power increases depending on the sinful nature of a person in its range." Her ears perked up to a flaming sound on her left. She turned and saw Ebony completely engulfed in golden flames.

Ebony blinked slowly, then glanced back at her. "What?"

"Nothing." Cybil closed the box, causing the flames to extinguish off of Ebony.

Seth, after patting the smoke from his robe, glared at the Furret marksman. "One of those could do crippling damage to Death."

Cybil nodded. "Exactly. I'm not sure they'll bypass the effects of the Reaper Seal, but I guarantee one bullet is enough to cripple that monster."

"Why didn't you use them back in the mountains?" Ava asked.

Cybil stashed the case back in her vest pocket. "I didn't know the full scope of what we were fighting until I faced it myself. Besides, I have a limited number of these, and I rather save as many as I can unless absolutely necessary. Now that I know what we're dealing with, I'm cool parting with one or two."

Seth nodded, then tapped the grid a couple times. "Okay, we have a basic plan in motion. Only kink is getting the Reaper Seal onto our executioner, but that's a road we'll have to cross when we get to it. Is everyone set on the plan?"

Ebony and Cybil nodded.

"Good. You girls head out into the forest and get into position. I'll have Shade Guardians set up in optimal points to draw the monster's attention. Second you see our guy, rip him to shreds."

"Aye!" After giving him a salute, Ebony and Cybil bounded for the exit.

Seth reached under the war table and pulled out a bag of sour cream and onion chips. He pulled the bag open and popped a few chips into his mouth. "Once that thing enters my range, he's done for."

"Don't be so sure," Ava mumbled, planting herself into a stone chair. "This one's different to the other abominations they've been unleashing."

Seth chewed on his chips and sat down on the war table. "That so?" He swallowed, then pointed at her with a chip. "You sound like you have a lot on your mind, Ava. Care to share?"

"Not really."

"Hmm." Seth slid another chip into his mouth, then started chewing. With his mouth open.

Ava cringed at the disgusting sound of his chewing. She averted her eyes, lest she be forced to stare at particles of food fleeing from the destructive crunch of his teeth. "Do you have any manners?"

Seth smirked. "Does it bug you?"

"A little, yes."

Seth shrugged. "So, what's with the passive-aggressive attitude? Tell me to stop. You're a mother. Surely you've had to lay down the law on your children. A grown adult's no different."

"You're more of a man-child than an adult," Ava said.

Seth snickered. "Harsh, but fair. You've got more of a backbone than I do, Ava. I prefer to stay in relative comfort than give it my all. That's why I focused on this style of magic. My own specialty."

Ava shook her head. "I can't deny your talent, though your mannerisms aren't out of reach for criticism."

"Shame we live in such a world where I must conform to standards of etiquette, but then we would be stuck as savages who communicated through a drum solo on the skulls of our enemy tribes. Not my place to judge, same as how no one has much right to judge me. I live alone for a reason."

"Even with our lives on the cusps of danger—" Ava started, only to stop and cringe as Seth took another bite of his chips.

"Then it shall be. It's not my fault I play this like a game." Seth snapped his claws. "You know, I've always wanted to implement my Data magic into something a bit more…widespread. I'm still committing to the research, but it's mostly theoretical. Still running tests."

"For…?"

"Games!" Seth cheered, throwing his hands up. "Games to be played through crystals, where anyone can play across the region. There's a real business to it, but I'm still working out what little I've yet to master from my magic. If I get it right, I can see a whole new market opening up to the next generation."

Ava narrowed her eyes suspiciously. What was this sudden talk about games and crystals? Why bring this up to begin with? Seth didn't climb the ranks as the third strongest for nothing. What he lacked in social graces and a serious work attitude, he made up for with a mind that constantly moved like the gears of a clock.

"So, evolving your research, huh?" Ava asked to keep the conversation going.

Seth nodded. "Of course, so much can be done in a single lifetime. I might reach out to prospecting magic users who want to learn my secrets. Maybe they can bring forth ideas this fossilized brain can't accomplish."

"You're in your late twenties—"

"So much potential in each person. A spring of ideas waiting to burst to the surface like a geyser!" Seth jumped onto his war table and raised his hands high. "Can you picture it, Ava?"

Ava looked away awkwardly. "Well…"

"I mean, you should know. You're in the same boat as I am."

Her eyes widened. She shot him a confused look. "I beg your pardon?"

Seth skipped around on his war table, throwing chips in his mouth between sentences. "Think about it. We'll have our pupils, then they'll learn so much that they will surpass our own genius. After that, you feel obsolete in the practice you once felt empowered by, but a tear of pride will still shed knowing you brought out a better person in your efforts." He smirked over his shoulder. "That's, of course, what you've been feeling about Ella."

Ava gasped. "How did—"

"It was written all over your face." Seth leapt across the table and landed on the edge into a sitting position. He set his chip bag aside and folded his arms into his lap. "The journey's been wearying on you, I imagine. A young warrior with a heart of gold, traveling with her best friend to discover new and exciting parts of Mysto, eventually growing up to join the circus to start a family. You've matured from what I've heard about you, Ms. Young, but you haven't completely moved away from those old tendencies of yours. As I've alluded to, I take into account every bit of data I can get."

Ava frowned, then sunk into her chair. "You're really something, Seth."

"Am I wrong?"

Ava closed her eyes, then huffed. "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy I did everything I could for Ella. I've had to deal with the same issues Willow went through, and I helped her show she's amazing without magic." She sighed. "I wanted to help Ella reach her full potential and…it was nice finding an excuse to get back into the action. Don't get me wrong, I love the circus dearly and wouldn't trade it away for anything, but one can't help a twinge of nostalgia from time to time. I suppose I've been feeling…"

"Insignificant in the grand scheme known as destiny?" Seth guessed.

"In a matter of speaking."

Seth closed his eyes. "Ava, that prophecy about Team Ravenfield. Let me tell you a little secret."

"Hmm?"

"Prophecies aren't set in stone, and they never will be." Seth shook his head. "All we know for sure is that, if the Shadow King wins, we lose. Neither side is destined to win. Something will always throw a wrench into the wheel of time, and only by the actions of the most tenacious. Outside of Time magic shenanigans, I find the concept of an unalterable future quite amusing. Numbers don't lie, for probability is my only ally."

"What are you saying?"

Seth smirked. "There were six of you, right? And, if I recall, Team Shatter Star is also a team of six. Same as our current placeholders for destiny's orchestra. What I'm saying is, if destiny played its fiddle louder, what would've stopped it from guiding Team Shatter Star to uncover Garret Ravenfield's secret? Not plausible by any means, but not impossible. It's the same idea with a chosen one. Technically, there's multiple chosen ones, but it's those with the drive to challenge the future that are immortalized as the chosen one. Destiny is a force, but it's also randomly generated numbers."

Ava frowned. "What does this have to do with me?"

Seth grinned. "What doesn't it have to do with you? What fool said this was the end of your journey? Who said the mentor in the old tales had to die to let the protagonist rise? Team Ravenfield have taken on a powerful responsibility ever since they found that map, but that doesn't mean they have to stand alone on a pedestal."

Ava narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "You mean…"

"Why else would you come upon a destiny with multiple players? Everyone has their part to play." Seth laughed. "Dear Ava, if you wish to fulfil your desires, then aim for them. Do not let this invisible current of fate guide you because the universe said so. We are creature meant to challenge fate, not blindly accept it. Everyone from those pirates to Team Shatter Star, they've played an important role in the grand scheme of destiny. And look at the latter now. Even now, they're still fighting. Where are our heroes? One is temporarily bedridden, the other is enjoying life in an academy, three more enjoy a tropical paradise from last I heard. I can't make heads or tails of the last two, but that's beside the point.

"Behind every great hero is an even greater friend. As much as this will sound sappy, there's a magic to friendship. Heroes will never die because they will have friends to carry out their legacy. Take out the hydra's head, two more will grow back. Even if Team Ravenfield are tragically slain, destiny does not close on them. They will still need your wisdom, but they will always need your strength."

Ava's eyes slowly widened in awe, shimmering with tears that flowed down her cheeks. "I…"

Seth snickered openly. "You're not deadweight, Ava. Even if Ella surpasses you, even if they all do, everyone has potential to keep going. Some may fail, and some may succeed. Whatever the cost, what's wrong with living and enjoying the journey? Destiny is bogus. If I have to deal with it, I want to enjoy the adventure it gave me first."

"I…" Ava looked down, crossing her arms over her lap. "I…I've never given up on fighting. It's still there inside me."

Seth grinned. "Quit. Don't quit. It doesn't matter. Just do something. What's the point of doubt? It gets in the way. Ella didn't get this far because of doubt, right?"

Ava smirked to herself. "No. Of course not."

"So, should you?"

Ava closed her eyes, let out a deep breath, and stood up. "No. I guess I shouldn't."

"That's what I mean. Have one last hoorah before the journey's over. I say go out there and show the shadows that you will never stop fighting."

Ava smiled at him. "Heh. You're a strange on, Seth."

"Thank you kindly." He tossed a chip into his mouth and munched on it, mouth closed this time. "That being said, I wouldn't recommend going out there with those injuries. If you want to take on Death by yourself, you need to heal first."

Ava frowned. "How do I do that in such a short time?"

Seth smirked. "I have one method, but it's a bit risky. It's up to you if you want to take the offer or not. Though, I say it's worth it. After all, those shadows need to learn it's not just Team Ravenfield they need to watch out for. The shadows aren't the only one with an army behind them."

Ava smirked back. "Well…" She flexed and cracked her knuckles excitedly. "We still have time. What do you have in mind?"

Seth set his chips aside and slid off the war table. "Two words: Data magic."

Miles from the forest, a force trembled the earth with each heavy step. A slow, methodical walk as the creature of mortality continued his slow hunt after his prey. The signal from his seals vanished some time ago, dispelled into the aether. He couldn't pinpoint their locations anymore.

That would've been a problem had it not been for the path ahead. Just over the hillside, Death spotted a thick forest with a macabre mountain looming over in the dead center. From the distance, Death estimated a two hour trek before he reached the entrance into the forest. A brisk gallop would cut that time in half, but he decided on conserving his strength. His prey was weak from their last encounter. Retaliation was simply illogical.

Death gazed down at the road and noted the tracks in the dirt. Any old wagon could've passed through, but the heavy impression in the dirt indicated something larger, as well as their uneven patterns as if multiple wagons drove through at once. Conclusion: an entire caravan.

The armored nuckelavee nodded to himself, then continued marching down the path. His horse snorted black flames from its snout, echoing a grim neigh through the air. Death could feel its excitement for bloodshed, but he himself kept a cool exterior, settling his mind on his singular goal.

This time, no one will escape Death.