I got really busy, was in a musical. It's over. SO back to writing. I'm excited to write this. It seems important for some reason.

I don't own Final Fantasy XII. (Disclaimer)

Morning came fast for Vaan.

The Garif had an internal clock, consistently rising with the sun. Vaan was convinced it was some bestial instinct of the humanoids born from evolution. Regardless, the Hume had adjusted his schedule accordingly to match theirs while living in Jahara. Thanks to that, he was already awake, standing and watching the sun come up over the trees at the entrance of Golmore Jungle when Supinelu approached him. The large Garif handed Vaan a small red fruit, which the Hume ate eagerly. Supinelu looked up at the sky, "This sunrise suggests good luck today."

Vaan nodded, confidence bled through. "Well let's go get Danalu then."

Camp was quickly packed down. The group of six headed into Golmore immediately, Vaan and Supinelu in the front. Sugumu and the three younger Garif formed a row behind them. As they moved into the dark timber, the temperature dropped at least fifteen degrees. Vaan announced, "Damn, I forgot how cold it was in here."

Supinelu responded flatly. "Indeed, the lack of sun is enough bite, but winds from the Paramina Rift chill this forest in these latter months, summer is fading with haste."

Vaan stretched his arms then rubbed them for heating's sake, this new green armor and his shiny light greaves didn't provide much insulation. "I'm surprised the Viera live in a place this cold when they're half naked all the time."

Supinelu nodded. "A fickle race indeed…but extremely loyal. We've always remained friendly."

Vaan glanced over, shifting his crimson sword under his right hand as he returned, "I just hope they know which way Danalu went."

They had stepped up to a point where the marbled path split in two. The whole of the area was heavily covered in vines. Just enough room to walk was left open. As they stopped here at the first turn, walking behind them, Sugumu cut in. "We will find out momentarily, here comes our messengers."

Vaan looked in the direction that the Stoic Sugumu glanced. He spotted two Viera walking toward them with their typical sultry saunter. The one on the left wore black armor that covered the majority of her body. She also brandished a sword and a bow. Vaan could see piercing green eyes underneath her tall ears. The one on the right was dressed in revealing white clothes, nearly lingerie. A sheer white shawl was lightly draped in front of her breast. It didn't take long for the two to make it up to the group from Jahara. As they approached, both Viera eyed and sized up Vaan. The white clad one stared at Vaan with inquisitive eyes. The black clad one only stole a quick glance before speaking to Supinelu. Her face was fetching, but her tone was shrill. "Supinelu, why have you brought a Hume with you?"

At first, Vaan was just wondering why the girl in white stared at him so heavily, but the comment drew a slightly offended smirk from him. Supinelu's response was quick. "This Hume is to be trusted, he is here to help rescue our brother."

The uneasy Viera responded. "Nothing good comes of Hume's in the wood."

Vaan scoffed and spoke with sass. "As racist as always…I remember saving one of your sisters once, guess that doesn't count as…" He did parentheses with his fingers as he said, "Good."

The Viera gave him a dry look. She obviously either didn't recognize him after he'd grown, or she simply wasn't present the time that Vaan's group saved Fran's sister Mjrn, "Unlikely."

Vaan got defensive. "Hey lady! You shouldn't judge people based off of some stupid bias."

The Viera scoffed. "He's loud too."

Supinelu had just decided to step forward and speak in his friend's defense when the White Clad Viera went wide eyed and spoke excitedly. "Wait Gale, this man tells the truth!"

The taller Viera looked at her partner with skepticism. "Why do you say this sister?"

The White clad Viera returned with more desperation. "Because I have met this man!"

Vaan and the Viera called Gale stared at the one that claimed to know him. The Viera stayed quiet as Vaan asked, "We've met before?"

She asked, only a hint of sadness for being forgotten seeped through. "Yes! Do you not remember me?"

Vaan put a hand on his chin quizzically, gazing at her as Supinelu asked. "Master Vaan, do you know this girl?"

Both Viera watched his face for an answer, the white clad one was eager for his memory to be triggered. On a whim, Vaan took two steps toward the Viera, She receded slightly…a Viera's personal bubble was a bit wider than normal. She seemed to relax until Vaan leaned his head in within a few inches of her face. His height being just an inch or so shorter than hers allowed for decent eye contact. She blushed nervously then asked, "Umm, Remember yet?"

He listed off her features quietly, but out loud in a weird attempt to remember her. "Pretty Peach Skin, Scruffy white hair to your neck, a button Nose, a few freckles, and cute round cheeks…"

Vaan answered Supinelu's inquiry with a bit of whimsy. "Well Supinelu, she does seem familiar, but it could just be her cute face….then again, the angry one is pretty too. So that's probably not a fair way to remember someone."

The one called Gale scoffed dismissively at the comment while the white clad Viera's blush intensified slightly, from the small compliments, or his lingering gaze. She blinked twice before a lightbulb clicked in Vaan's head, He leaned back away from her face. The weird analysis actually triggered the memory. "I think I do remember you! Vorpal Bunny Girl?"

She lit up like a flickering candle. "Yes! That's me! It's been a long time! You grew a lot since then. You aren't with the same group of companions though?"

Vaan shook his head, "Nope, we all split up some time ago. I still work as a hunter. Lately, I've been living with the Garif."

She smiled. "That sounds fun!"

Vaan rubbed the back of his head, "It's different than what I was used to, but it is tons of fun…So, I'm sorry Vorpal Bunny Girl….but I can't remember your name, I feel bad."

She shook her head, "We only met for a brief time…many years removed now. Do not worry over it. My name is Nera."

Vaan extended a hand for introductions. "Well, I'm Vaan, Nice to officially meet you again Nera."

She glanced down at his extended hand. A small amount of excitement coursed through her. She had never touched a Hume before and had heard of the handshake. She slowly extended her hand towards his when her cohort Gale slapped it away. "Do not touch this Hume, he is not of the wood."

Vaan glared at her now. "Hey, she can do what she wants. And I'm not some monster."

Nera turned toward Gale. "I already told you Gale, He is to be trusted!"

Supinelu tapped Vaan on the Shoulder. The blond pulled his focus toward the Garif. Sugumu spoke up, "Master Vaan…Danalu."

Vaan felt immediately guilty. "Right, Sorry guys, no time for squabbling." The Hume turned his focus to Gale, he spoke with a hint of dismissive irritancy, hinting at her being useless to this point out of sarcastic defensiveness. "Do you at least know where our friend Danalu went into the forest?"

The Viera called Gale glared back. "Indeed I do. He was in the southern most part, just outside of the Feywood. That's where the hellhound was last seen…Seems he wasn't as talented as promised."

The entire group of Garif plus Vaan took offense to the comment when Nera snapped at her partner. "Do not speak so rudely of him Sister, even we could not slay that hellhound."

Supinelu spoke up. "Danalu is one of our best…there is a real problem down there if he is wounded."

Vaan crossed his arms and turned his nose up, he called out Gale, letting cutting words mock the salty Viera. "Let's see YOU do any better than Danalu, what was your name…oh yeah, GALE."

Nera looked concerned at the tension when the whole group of people got quiet. Vaan's last phrase hung in the air a full minute until Gale responded, some weird stubbornness stirred in her. "Very Well, on my honor as a Wood Warder, I shall assist you."

Vaan laughed. "You better not slow me down after talking so big."

She shook her head when Nera gave Gale an odd look, "I am surprised you would help."

Gale simply handed her bow and quiver over to Nera, "You stay in the back if we encounter enemies, only fight if you must Nera."

Gale finished, then drew a sword from her hip. She nodded to Nera, who spoke up, "I can guide you through the Vision dust. There is a shortcut to where your friend was last seen."

Vaan had another lightbulb. "Vision dust, that's the stuff you use for the barrier, right?"

Nera felt the dead gaze of her friend Gale locked on her in suspicion. Nera leaned in even closer to Vaan than he did to her earlier. She whispered. "Remember, it was supposed to be a secret that I told you about that."

Vaan quickly whispered a sorry, then redirected through a laugh. "Anyhow, can we head out?"

…

North of Archades was less sunny than where Vaan awoke. A vast grove of two hundred foot tall trees towered over a small group of adventurers. Larsa and Basch had lead Penelo, Fran, and Balthier down the road to Tall Fellow Keep earlier that morning.

As she stood there, the normal sounds of the forest were vacant to Penelo's ears as she observed what lay before her. She turned to look at the Viera that stood next to her. "The mist is visible like it was in King Raminas' Tomb."

Fran stood next to her friend and responded. "It's thicker still than the tomb. There are sure to be many foul creatures awaiting us."

Penelo still stared at the tall trees. "We will have to be careful while casting magick's, the mist may be too strong of a catalyst here, wouldn't want to blow up this staff you gave me."

Fran was impressed. "You have learned much."

Penelo nodded. "Traveling does that."

Next to them, Balthier was heard letting out an excited whistle. "This place is as imposing as ever, suppose we should go over battle formations Basch?"

Basch was standing several paces behind the group, light steel armor clung to him and a black Greatsword hung across his back. He glanced at everyone before him. Today, everyone bore weapons. Larsa wore a rapier on his side, a small dagger on his leg, and a Chestplate across his shoulders. Fran carried a well carved brown longbow and a quiver of red feathered arrows. Balthier had a short sword on his hip and a crossbow clipped across his back. Penelo had dawned thin leather armor and a staff that was adorned with several metal loops at its head. After sizing up everyone, Basch began to address the sky pirate's question. "Indeed, first of all, Penelo, how does the gear feel?"

Penelo twirled, the armor hugged her frame quite attractively. On top, only a small line of cleavage showed and short armguards protected her forearms. On the bottom, leather plating covered pieces of the dancer's thighs and calves. "Quite nice, fits like a glove, thanks again for getting these for me Larsa."

The tall teen nodded. "It was no problem, I'm friends with that armorer, he works fast…I'm curious, where did you get that staff from on such short notice?"

Penelo lifted it up. "Fran gave it to me."

Basch took back over conversation. "Excellent. We will want you in top shape Penelo, should we encounter a battle…Well, Lord Larsa and I will lead the way if something attacks, Penelo shall be center, and Balthier…You and Fran cover us from the rear."

Larsa nodded in agreement. "Works for me, be sure to watch my back then everyone, we shall clear a path."

Penelo laughed. "Confident are we?"

The dark haired teen made a cocky face. "I did promise to keep you safe, did I not?"

"Well we'll just see who helps who."

Larsa laughed, "Smells like a challenge."

Penelo stretched her arms and threw a few punches in the air. "Fine, whoever does better wins, loser buys dinner."

Larsa nodded with a broad grin across his cheeks. "That's a deal…will you be our judge Basch?"

The knight smiled, "Why not…but if I do better, you both have to buy my dinner."

A few feet removed from their conversation, Balthier walked up to a tree and extended a hand towards a seemingly invisible spot in the air in front of him. A loud whoosh rang out as a vast shimmering wall appeared in front of him. The Pirate turned and called to Larsa, "Care to do the honors?"

The young emperor felt the lightbulb go off in his head. He walked to join Balthier. "Sure, step aside."

Balthier did as he was bade. The whole of the group watched as Larsa pulled his dagger from his hip and pricked a tiny needle sized hole on his left pointer finger. He then focused an obviously decent amount of mist in his bloodied hand. He gently lay his hand on the floating barrier in front of him. He pushed the magick into the barrier wall and gently spoke, "Open."

A few seconds of a flash later, a small door sized path opened in the barrier, Larsa glanced to the group, "Shall we?"

One by one, they all stepped through the archway. Once through, the magick door closed itself. Penelo enjoyed its wonder. "Pretty amazing barrier Larsa."

Larsa nodded. "Indeed, be careful though. Anyone may exit through the barrier at any time and won't be able to return without my assistance, these woods are lonely when alone."

She nodded. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

As the two of them talked, the other three had already made their way a few feet in. Balthier glanced and saw Fran react as if she'd come down with a headache. Basch saw this too and asked, "Alright Fran?"

She rubbed her temples. "I'll be fine."

Balthier asked of his partner. "Mist too dense?"

Fran shook her head slowly. "I just need time to adjust."

Balthier grinned. "Just stay behind me until you do."

The Viera nodded to him and took a small step closer to her partner. By this point, the two stragglers caught up and the whole group slowly proceeded down a grass covered trail. The forest was so dense in this area that the trail was the only visible lane through the dark timber. Penelo was a bit unsettled by its menace, she nervously asked, "So Larsa, what can you tell me about this place?"

The tall teen answered smoothly. "You know, I don't have that much information. The forest is over three thousand acres in size. No one has explored its deepest depths in over fifty years. I've been here three times. One time to escort a group through on the trail…twice to train with my brother."

Penelo unintentionally lightened the mood caused by the mention of Vayne, "How the heck did you train in all these trees?"

Balthier agreed, "A fair question, I feel like a flower in a weed choked garden."

Larsa laughed, "There are a few open parks ahead. We battled mist laden beasts here. I also have a hunch it made a good location for mist research during the Nethicite studies."

The sky pirate smirked. "It follows…I first heard of this place spoken about out of my father's mouth."

Basch asked, "Ulterior motive today?"

Balthier smirked. "Perhaps a secondary motive. I assure you, my father never mentioned the orb…and it is the peak of curiosity for a man such as me, so the orb is my primary focus."

As they moved through the trees, the sun slowly crept above the trees. They had spent roughly forty-five minutes carrying on until they hit one of the open parks that Larsa had mentioned. They stepped in and the air felt heavy. It was beset with darkened blue, knee high grass and a large stream that bore an old wooden bridge to cross it nearly right in the middle of the opening. Penelo looked up at the hazy trees and yawned as the group neared the bridge to cross it. Suddenly she sensed a serious shift in the mood of the group when Balthier called to the blonde. "No time for daydreaming, we have company."

Larsa recognized the monster from his youth. "These things are nasty, be careful."

Penelo lowered her head and watched as a creature slowly raised up out of the water before them. As it came into their sight line, she was sickened. It had blackened blueish skin, the shape of a mermaid up to its chest, but with strange spider like legs. It stood nearly ten feet tall. It hissed, and when doing so, black water poured through the cracks of its sharpened teeth. Its eyes glowed red and lacked any definition. Penelo asked as she pulled her staff in front of her body, "What the hell is that thing!?"

Basch answered, "I've never seen one, but I suspect it's a spider folk, they were rumored to live in elemental forests of Nabudis."

Larsa nodded as it fully crested the water, "That's exactly what it is…this one is fast, air with caution. When they go dark, they are unquenchably evil."

Balthier drew a bolt back on his crossbow. "Vile, she dares impersonate a young maiden. Well since she seems so adept to waltz, let's start with the first step of three."

He lifted the crossbow, drew aim on the monster's head and fired. The bolt hit its mark, but the monsters head only snapped back. When it returned, only the fletching was visible as the bolt was housed in its left eye with a small trickle of black blood pouring from it. All of them were shook by the sight. It let out a blood curdling scream and extended one of its arms towards the group.

This garnered a shout from Fran. "Everyone, jump back!"

They all heeded the warning. Basch, Larsa, Balthier and Fran all moved adeptly. Penelo was the slowest to move, but she still moved quick enough to dodge the large blast of lighting magic that exploded right where they were standing. Larsa called to Penelo when the light faded, "Are you okay!?"

She called back. "Yeah!"

Basch shouted another warning. "Look out!"

When the monster realized that the attack didn't land, it sprung forward to attack whoever was closest. That was Penelo. It was already towering over her and swiping one of its eight legs to attack. Penelo reacted fast enough to raise her staff to block. However, her stance wasn't set, so the monster managed to knock her staff out of her hands and flying into the ground. Penelo also fell off balance and landed on her butt. As the monster swung down to attack again, both Basch and Larsa yelled and charged in unison. "PENELO!"

Penelo looked up and was trying to gather her footing. She knew she wouldn't fully dodge the attack, but she was also aware she had to move to reduce the damage. Suddenly a bolt and an arrow flew over her head and stuck the monster in the bulk of its body. Fran and Balthier had both fired quickly, the monsters front foot missed Penelo and landed next to her as a result of their swift aim. Within the next second, Penelo leapt to her feet and planted a strong kick into the leg of the beast. She didn't break the leg, but she certainly weakened it. It let out another yell when Larsa appeared in Front of Penelo and jabbed his sword into the belly of the beast. At the same time, Basch slashed his sword through the leg of the spider right where Penelo had kicked it. He cut it clean in half. Larsa pulled out his sword as the monster reeled back, its body slightly leaning toward the missing leg.

Penelo reached down and grabbed her staff, the monster was distracted by pain when she sighed and called out. "Thanks everyone!"

Larsa turned toward her. "Are you alright?"

She nodded. "Yeah, it just caught me off guard."

Basch raised his Greatsword as he yelled. "Penelo! Step back, get into formation."

Penelo did so, she moved back in the middle of the party. Fran and Balthier behind her, Larsa and Basch in front to hold the line.

Balthier called out. "I never did like spiders; how do we kill this bloated arachnid?"

Larsa spoke back. "We have to take out its legs to slow it, a sword to the head or heart is the best way to finish it. We have to ground it first."

Fran cut in as she knocked an arrow laden with fire runes, "Penelo, It's a water elemental, it should be weak to fire or lightning."

Basch looked to Larsa, "Fan out, cut off its legs…Let's Go!"

Both of them charged to a different side of the creature. When they did so, it noticed and was pulled from its pain trance. It looked back and forth frantically between the two of them when an arrow hit its body. Fire seeped from the arrow and created an intense black burn. Fran had just shot It as a test, "It's definitely fire weak!"

Penelo channeled a spell through her staff, then threw it forward. A large blast of fire hit the creature in the face. It closed its eyes, then simultaneously, Larsa and Basch both cut off a leg and kept running. It fell to its chest, bringing its head close to the ground. It only had five legs left and it wasn't happy.

Balthier hit it with another pin point shot, he pierced its other eye with a bolt. Larsa took this as a cue, the teen yelled boldly. "I'm finishing this!"

He charged in at full speed. Penelo cast a haste spell on him, the increased speed added to the lunge when he drove his rapier straight into its chest. The sword only went in a few inches and got stuck, it had thick, armor like shells around its midsection. Larsa was taken by surprise when the spider stood up on its back feet. His hand and sleeve caught in the guard of his rapier, so he was literally lifted in the air with his feet dangling. It swung back and forth, jostling him like a ragdoll. It hurt like hell, but Larsa stayed composed, he got his opposite hand up to hold onto the sword in an attempt to release his wrist.

Basch called out. "Lord Larsa!"

Larsa's voice called back, it rose and fell in pitch as he swung, "I'm fine, just shoot this thing before it breaks my wrist, if I let go, my arms done for!"

The monster started an upswing when another volley of Bolt and Arrow stuck the monster. Larsa managed to free his sleeve at this moment, but the upward momentum sent him flying twenty feet in the air above the Spiderfolk. He bellowed like he was on a rollercoaster when Penelo and Basch yelled, "LARSA!"

Penelo pointed her staff toward him. "Please Work, Float!"

Larsa's whole body felt light all of a sudden. A Float spell normally was able to levitate someone a few inches from the ground, but somehow Penelo managed to hold him elevated in the air above the monster. The initial shock of flight wore off for Larsa as everyone else's worry dissipated and was replaced by awe at the spell she had just cast. Larsa was lying horizontal. A whole twenty feet high in the air when he glanced down and saw the back of the monster's head. He called down to Penelo as he pulled his dagger from his hip. "Penelo, release the spell!"

Penelo argued. "What!? No way, you'll fall!"

The teen called back. "I know, just aim it right!"

Penelo realized his plan. "I see, don't miss!"

She floated him across the air about a foot the yelled, "Here Goes!"

The spell released with Larsa falling face first, dagger in front of his body. It only took a second, but he plunged the dagger into the top of the Spiderfolk's head, sinking it all the way to the hilt. His body unfortunately kept going and he crashed onto its back, which felt like iron to Larsa.

The Monster stood on its back one final time when Basch sank his Greatsword deep into its chest right next to Larsa's rapier. He wedged it in deeper than Larsa's blade, but it still didn't fully pierce. Basch was about to shove harder when Penelo yelled for him to duck. The girl charged in and threw a flying kick into the rear of the Greatsword, plunging it fully into its chest. As she fell back from the Kick, Basch caught her and spoke excitedly. "Nice!"

As the sword sank, the monster's legs started to crumble in like a normal spider upon its deathbed. During this, Larsa leapt off of its back. Its human head made a final desperate bite to attack the teen. But its face was met with a finishing arrow from Fran's bow. The arrow went straight through its mouth and out the back of its head. Larsa called out to Fran, "Excellent Shot."

Balthier and Fran walked up to join them, the sky pirate spoke. "That was one hell of a kick Penelo."

She smiled a thanks as she brushed off her clothes. "It kinda made me mad."

Basch laughed, "I'd best suffer the pains of being on your good side then."

She scoffed at the knight playfully when Larsa spoke up. "Seriously, I thought your elbows were made of steel, turns out it's your legs. Quite lethal."

Penelo blushed slightly. "Thanks, it's all just training."

Balthier nodded. "Indeed, the two of you make one fearsome pair."

They both glanced at each other and smiled at the compliment. Fran, stepped forward to ask a question. "Penelo, that spell, how did you hold Larsa in the air like that?"

They all chimed in, Larsa especially, "I felt as though I was flying, how DID you manage that?"

"I'm not really sure, I was scared Larsa was going to fall…I just channeled all of my will and energy into a float spell…Maybe all the mist here boosted the spell."

Fan put a hand to her chin as she thought out loud. "Perhaps…but maybe not. Throughout time people have made magick breakthroughs in times of crisis. It could just be that you had a boosted spell, but it's not impossible that you created an all new spell allowing some form of flight."

Basch placed a hand on the smaller girl's shoulder, "Either way, it was most impressive, thank you, for saving Larsa."

His seriousness added to her embarrassment, "It's no problem, looks like he owes me dinner now."

Larsa held his back gently. "Perhaps, this trip is yet young, and nothing good comes of acting hastily.

Penelo was going to be witty in return but noticed Larsa wince, "Your back okay?"

He winced again as he shifted. "It will be fine, that Spider seemed to be made of iron when I fell upon it."

Penelo gave him a sour look. "Are you sure?"

He nodded. "Yeah, hold on a moment, I want to fetch my sword and dagger out of this creature's body."

She grabbed his arm as he turned to walk. "Not so fast mister, show me your back."

He smiled and waved her off. "I'm fine, I assure you."

She poked the part of his back he was favoring and he let out a loud yelp. This garnered a concerned snap from Penelo, "You are not fine, sit down right now."

Her tone plus the pain made him comply. Basch laughed and said. "Best to listen when a lady is worried."

Larsa nodded. "Yes sir."

After he sat down, Penelo pulled up the shirt that covered his back to reveal his bare skin. He had about a twelve inch long and three inch wide bruise forming over his lower left side on his back. Penelo spoke feistily again. "See, not injured my foot! Don't act so tough. Say something when you're hurt or else my presence today is wasted."

"Alright, Alright."

She gave him another sour look as she placed her hand an inch away from his back while crouching behind him. She began casting healing magic when she leaned her head around him enough that he could see her in his peripheral vision. "Promise me, don't walk around hurt, you're too smart for that."

He glanced and made eye contact, she was so close he felt awkward. Pretty faces that close were relatively new to him. When he noticed the seriousness in her eyes he got serious too. "Very Well, I promise."

She leaned back and laughed sarcastically. "What a shock. If I told Vaan that, he would laugh and say its fine. I'm glad your brain is as big as your bravado, it's a nice balance. Quite refreshing."

He laughed, "Well thanks, I appreciate the compliment."

Basch let the exchange finish when he walked up, he whistled when he saw the bruise, "Yeah, that's a nasty one. Stay here sir, I'll fetch our weapons from the beast."

A few paces away, Balthier had just noticed the uneasy look on Fran's face, it wasn't just mist sensitivity affecting her. "What's got you shook up Fran?"

The Viera glanced at her partner, "I feel…there is something evil in this forest, something big."

The sky pirate glanced back at the rest of the party. "Splendid."

…

Back in Golmore, Vaan and company had made their way on a hidden path in the jungle. He was thinking hard about his battles with hell hounds in the past. Contemplating their strengths and weaknesses while seemingly spacing out. The two Viera that he'd just met had walked a few paces in front of him and the Garif. At some point in his spacey contemplation, He got lost watching the sway of their hips, he used their curvaceous assets as a beacon to follow in line. He might have garnered a slap if Penelo had been present.

He was pulled out of the trance when he noticed both Viera had stopped. He heard Nera, "We're here."

Vaan's brain snapped back to full reality, "That didn't take too long."

Nera nodded, excitement bled through her voice. "Yeah, see this vine wall in front of me, it opens up to a large clearing outside of the path to the Feywood. It's where the Hellhound has been prowling. These roads sure are a handy trick, right?"

Vaan nodded back. "Yeah, it's awesome! I appreciate the help."

She nodded again as Vaan glanced around to Supinelu, "Can I set the Marching order?"

Supinelu grunted. "Please do, I trust your battle instincts…also, the hell hound is here somewhere, I can smell it…but I don't smell Danalu."

Vaan asked of Nera next. "So Nera, what are you good at in a battle?"

She thought a moment, then hung her head a tad and spoke with a tiny bit of shame. "Well I'm honestly not that great in a fight…I can shoot straight and I have some support magic…I can do this though."

She closed her eyes a moment, then cast a large protect spell over the entire party. The light glow faded from all of the targets. Vaan spoke happily. "Don't sell yourself short, that's great!"

Supinelu spoke for all the Garif. "Indeed, we greatly admire your talents."

Nera put her hands together and looked away in an attempt to hide her smile. Vaan shook his head at her coyness then glanced to the sour one. Gale just stared at him blankly and asked flatly, "Yes?"

Vaan pointed at her. "What are you good at?"

She held her sword up. "I fell foes."

Vaan laughed, she drew out his need to mess with her. "Geez, you sure are cute for a tank, and helpful too."

Her flat face dropped into an irritated one, the steely glare was his targeted reaction anyway. "I take that back, you certainly look pissy enough to be a tank….in that case, you're up front with me and Supinelu. Sugumu, you and the others will flank us with Nera in the middle of your formation. Keep her safe."

He waited a second. "Everyone got it?"

He got a nod from all involved. So he turned and glanced at the wall of magic and vines before him. "Supinelu, Let's go get our friend!"

Supinelu showed more volume than normal, "Right!"

Vaan ran the twenty feet up to the wall, then turned toward Gale. "Well, you coming slowpoke? Shoulda figured you'd be a slug, with all that heavy armor on."

He laughed as he opened the vines and surged through. Nera laughed under her breath at the look on Gale's face. She could tell Vaan managed to push a pride button. The serious Viera side eyed her friend who was laughing at her.

Nera stopped laughing immediately.

After that, Gale ran to follow Vaan as she chirped, "Don't just run out there on your own fool."

Supinelu jogged to follow. This left Sugumu and the other three young Garif with Nera, Sugumu calmly asked Nera. "Shall we?"

She pulled her bow out. "Yeah."

When Gale entered the large clearing, a quick observation told her that the normal monsters were gone, it gave her an uneasy feeling. She saw Vaan standing alone in the clearing. She walked up next to him and spoke, "The usual beasts are Vacant."

Vaan nodded, Gale was surprised to see the serious look on his face. This seemingly loose cannon of a Hume suddenly gave off the vibe of a hardened warrior. As a fighter herself, she was actually impressed at his countenance. Fair, since Vaan was definitely in fight mode as he responded, "Yeah, something is definitely off, I can feel it in the air. This isn't a simple hunt…You know the area better, why would the beasts just vanish?"

The Viera thought a moment before answering. "I've never seen them all gone…but normally a disturbance in the forest, whether Magical or physical, will make the forest dwellers flee."

The blond Hume glanced at her. "We best be careful, something is coming."

Supinelu joined them, he immediately spoke. "I smell blood…and bloodlust hangs in the air. It stinks with it."

The other group of fighters slowly took position in the clearing quite a ways behind the lead group. Nera spoke to the Garif Sugumu. "Something is scary here. Some strange mist…I don't like it."

They all could feel something watching them for a short time…but nothing happened. Vaan became impatient, he stepped forward a step, then yelled, "Come out here and fight coward!"

The air suddenly got heavier. It gave the whole party a sick feeling in their stomach. Gale spoke to Vaan, agreeing with Nera. "I don't like this either, the wood feels angry."

She leered at Vaan, who now stood with his eyes closed and his sword held in his right hand, shield lifted on his left. Vaan wasn't sure why, but even though the situation was ominous, he felt more in tune with his surroundings than he had been in a long time. He could sense where the feeling of foreboding came from. He opened his eyes and pointed his sword up towards the trees to the left of them. "Found you!"

No one else could see what he saw, Gale and Supinelu glanced at each other to see if the other could tell, then Gale spoke. "What do you see Hume?"

The sudden twang of a bow releasing wrung out in the trees. Gale looked to the sound and saw Vaan jumping to extend his shield near her face. In the split second this happened, she watched an arrow deflect off of his shield and graze her cheek, leaving a small line of blood. The arrow carried past her and stuck in a tree. The shock of the speed in which it happened instilled a tiny bit of fear in her. Gale quickly regained focus when she heard Nera yell from behind her. "Are you okay Gale!?"

Gale lifted her sword up in a defensive stance. She was slightly Shook that she could have just lost her life. The hardened Viera pushed the feeling down, then she yelled back to Nera, "Yes, I'm fine!"

Supinelu boomed, "Arms up!" All the Garif followed the command, taking previously coordinated battle positions.

Gale glanced back at Vaan in an attempt to check which way he was expecting the next attack from. He looked deadly serious as he yelled again. "Only a coward would take a cheap shot like that, especially at a girl!"

A sudden, weasely, and ominous laugh carried out of the trees and seemed to fill the area. No one could see the source, but when it spoke, it was obviously vicious and male, "I'm surprised a lowly Hume was able to sense that attack!"

The voice seemed to teleport to another hidden part of the trees on the other side of the clearing. "Would you care to try another!?"

Vaan yelled back. "Sure, why don't you come out here and face me!?"

The voice laughed, then moved again. Another shot wrung out. This one was also aimed at Gale. Vaan growled then blocked it with his shield again. It was fortunate for Gale that he did, she didn't see this one coming either.

Before Vaan could react again, another shot speared Supinelu in the arm. The Garif had seen its flight and managed to lessen the damage by avoiding a vital hit. Still, Vaan yelled, "Are you okay Supinelu!?"

Supinelu angrily ripped the arrow out of his arm and smelled it. "I'm fine, but it's tipped with a poison, my body should be able to repel it. You must be careful Vaan, I fear your Hume blood may have a hard time with this particular poison."

Vaan nodded. "Right."

The voice laughed disgustingly again, almost aimlessly into the air. Vaan whispered to Gale, "If you can't sense the attacks, you need to stay behind me or fall back, I'm going to charge him if he appears."

Gale didn't normally take well to commands from Non Viera, but she nodded, "Well I'm not falling back, I'm fighting."

Vaan gave her a side grin. His habit for lightening a scary situation kicked in. "Tougher than I thought, I'll trust you to cover my back then."

She gave him a small nod then moved into position behind Vaan. This garnered a call from the mystery man. "Hiding behind a Hume and a Garif, pathetic!"

Both Nera and Gale had the same thought out loud at the same time. "It can't be."

Suddenly, about halfway across the large opening in the Jungle, a tall black figure appeared. Vaan was shocked at its appearance. Supinelu said a simple word. "Viera."

Standing before them was a tall Viera. Black hair, blackened spotted ears, and piercing black eyes that sat several inches higher than Vaan's.

Vaan was thrown off by three things while glaring at it. This Viera bore no breasts, it was broad and full of muscles, and it had overwhelming murderous intent oozing from it. The blond spoke aloud. "A male…Viera?"

The Viera before him laughed with a chaotically light tone, "Pretty crazy right, Look at this body. I was shocked when it approached me too."

Vaan angled his head. "You're not making any sense."

It continued to speak in riddles. "Am I not? Perhaps it's you who makes no sense."

Supinelu snapped. "Are you the one who is responsible for our brother's disappearance?"

Suddenly the Viera's voice deepened, almost as if a different person took over its mind. "Another Garif eh, seems slaying one of you wasn't enough to send the message. My sisters, I'm surprised you would side with a filthy goat."

Supinelu and Vaan both snarled at the Viera after the news of Danalu's fate, Supinelu over-gripped his sword in anger until his nails bled.

Gale snapped from behind Vaan. "Who are you!?"

Nera hollered from her positon, "Yeah, you aren't supposed to be here! No one here is a threat to the wood!"

The voice boomed back. "I will not suffer the words of two traitors who would let a Hume into my wood," he spit in disgust, "Even worse, you would establish a friendly relationship with one."

Nera winced at the comment, but Gale whispered to Vaan. "He may think so…but no single Viera owns the wood, something is amiss here, we need to retreat if possible. Our male counterparts are alarmingly merciless once they name a foe. They're trained to kill…and this man seems twisted by great evil."

Vaan spoke back, deadly serious. "He's not planning to let us leave."

Gale nearly gulped, the situation was dire. She was no weakling, but she knew well what she had just witnessed and the power of the men of her race. She couldn't even see this man shoot…she was shocked Vaan even managed to react in the first place.

Vaan continued, "I'll create an opening by attacking him, Supinelu…Gale, you two take the opportunity to get the others out of here, I'll catch up when I can."

Gale snapped back, she showed more emotion than she had the entire time since they'd met that morning. "That's suicide, we should fight together, it's our only chance for survival!"

Vaan ignored her and glanced to Supinelu who gave him a nod. Vaan knew the Garif warrior would have realized by now that he and Vaan would be the only ones here with a chance to slow the Viera in front of them down. He also knew the heartache of hearing Danalu had been cut down would blur his mind in the fight, this battle was up to Vaan. As Supinelu glanced back at the Viera in front of him, the tall bunny eared psycho drew a sword from his side and started to walk toward Vaan. Vaan sprinted to charge the mysterious Viera with his Flametongue drawn as he yelled to the others. "GET OUT OF HERE!"

Nera witnessed this and internal strife at the power of her male counterparts fueled her reaction. "Vaan, no!"

Gale followed suit, desperation in her voice. "A Hume will be no match for him in solo combat!"

Vaan locked eyes with the enemy as the Viera chimed with the same deep voice as before. "You should listen to their warning Hume, lest you be crushed."

Vaan yelled cockily as he ran. "I'm getting real sick of you Viera and Your blind sense of superiority, underestimating me is a mistake, Guess I'll just have to show ya what I got!"

Right before the two of them clashed, Supinelu lifted Gale at her waist and started running full speed toward the others. She was too preoccupied watching the fight to argue his manhandling. Supinelu called to Sugumu. "Fall back, we have to get the young ones out of here now!"

Sugumu looked to Nera. "Quickest way out of here!?"

Nera was hesitant to leave her new Hume friend behind, but she knew something of orders, and her fear actualized her inferiority in this kind of fight. She answered. "Straight down the trail to the North, we should get back to Eruyt as quickly as possible."

At this point, Vaan made his first attempt at slashing, the sky pirate was caught off guard when the Viera disappeared and reappeared next to Vaan and whispered, "Too slow, Hume."

The Viera's sword came down toward Vaan and met with the Hume's shield as Vaan yelled, "You shouldn't announce your positon if you get the drop on someone ya idiot."

The Viera glared, he didn't like the insult. The tall bunny man slashed at Vaan again, which the Hume deflected with his flaming sword, but right as Vaan went to counter, he caught a nearly invisibly fast clawed kick to the gut, which sent him sliding backwards a few feet. He managed to stay on his feet but it hurt like hell. He thought to himself. "My gosh, crazy power, it's as if he has super strength…Guess I'll just have to move faster so he can't hit me again."

As they clashed, Gale watched heavily from Supinelu's back. All of the Garif and the two Viera had just made it to the exit of the clearing when the entire group crashed into an invisible wall. Sugumu fell, the others caught their footing after seeing what happened. Nera put her hand up and touched the wall. "Gale, the wood isn't allowing us to pass…it's not just the Garif."

Gale pulled her eyes from the fight, then asked Supinelu to sit her down. She touched the wall as well and a small amount of mist swelled around her. "I can't hear the wood, it's as if she's muffled."

Nera was slightly panicked, her youth was showing. "How did that happen? What's going on Gale?"

Gale's face hardened as she glared back at the mysterious Viera engaged in battle with Vaan, "It must be his doing. Seem's the Hume was right…he DOESN'T intend to let us leave."

Gale stuck her armor plated hand out toward Nera, Nera grabbed it, "My sister, relax, let's help this Hume man repel this threat and kick him out of the wood. It will be okay."

Supinelu grunted angrily. "Looks like we don't have a choice…and after Vaan took the trouble to sacrifice himself for us."

At this point Vaan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel the enemy approach. He opened his eyes just in time to repel a jab that was intended for his chest. He hit the sword away and spun on the ball of his feet, successfully landing a strike to the Viera's stomach. Unfortunately, Vaan could tell some force didn't let his sword sink as deep as he wanted, it only penetrated about two inches. Still, it did some damage. The Viera jumped back and slashed with lightning speed down at Vaan, this time, it sliced Vaan's left forearm to what felt clean to the bone. Vaan winced at the pain but didn't lose focus. Luckily the wound was so thin that it didn't bleed profusely. Vaan called out, "Looks like we're one for one, guess this Hume isn't so weak."

The blond charged again, but the Viera extended its hand and shot a thin magic shot of lighting at Vaan. Vaan's reflexes reacted before his brain did as he dove forward in a dodge roll right below the blast. He finished the roll and leapt from a crouched position into the Viera's legs. He drove his shield into its right knee. With the power it created, Vaan knocked the Viera prone and rolled up on it, putting his knees to its sides, sitting directly on its chest. Vaan kicked the Viera's sword from its hands and He stuck his Flametongue to its throat as he yelled. "Whose slow now!?"

The Viera just gave him a nasty glare then reached up, putting both of its hands directly on Vaan's sword. Vaan began to drive the sword downward with both hands. The Viera resisted and spoke. "How unfortunate for you, fire doesn't work on me."

Suddenly the Viera closed his clawed hands onto Vaan's sword and with one quick flash, the Flametongue shattered into dust. Vaan went wide eyed at the sight and fell off balance. The opening allowed the Viera to gets its legs around the front of Vaan and he planted two kicks to the Hume's body. Sending Vaan rolling backward, bloodied by the ground. The Viera leapt to its feet. Vaan spit out a bit of blood and stood up as he thought to himself. "Damn, I can't get a leg up on this guy! How did he blow up my sword?"

The Viera laughed again as it pulled its bow out, knocked an arrow and drew it, "Uh oh, did you lose your weapon, my apologies. A riddle for you…What is a Hume without a weapon of power? Don't ask, I'll answer…Nothing but leaves in the wind."

Vaan glared at him and braced for the shot, but then suddenly Gale and Supinelu both appeared, each slashing at the Viera in a pincer formation. The Vieran man jumped back a whole ten feet and easily dodged them. The villain quickly switched back to its sword as a primary weapon.

The Viera spoke nastily, as if it was some god, "Looks like I will have to kill you my sister…and another sad Garif to send to the grave."

Vaan yelled. "I told you to get out of here!"

Supinelu didn't look away from the enemy. "He's trapped us in here."

Gale answered much the same, "He's somehow turned the wood against us…he's twisted her green word into a weapon."

Vaan nodded, then chirped at the enemy. "I see, Looks like I have to take you out if we wanna live, eh big guy?"

It laughed as it reached down and picked up the sword Vaan had kicked away, it seemed to ignore the presence of the other two and spoke directly to the blonde. "What are you going to do without your sword?"

Vaan charged in again. "Guess I'll have to use my fists! Supinelu, Gale, force him in a corner!"

The two of them followed the command and started to run in at the Viera as well. They exchanged sword slashes and blows with him, which he blocked bare handed with crazy speed. He couldn't however, push Gale or Supinelu back at this point. Vaan kept his distance and looked for an opening. They slowly worked him toward a backed up area in the clearing. The Viera sensed trees behind himself and saw his pinned position, it drew a bit of desperation out of him. He blocked one of Gale's swings with her longsword then spun and kicked her in the stomach. She was sent reeling backwards a few feet where Vaan stopped her by sliding to catch her. Gale's face was covered in dirt and she was coughing violently. She opened her eyes slightly and saw Vaan holding her shoulders up from behind her. She went to speak when Vaan interrupted, "Nice work, you stay down and rest, Can I borrow your sword?"

She held her rib, which felt broken as she handed her sword to the bizarre Hume who protected her again. She spoke through a wince. "Good Luck."

Vaan took the basic blade then looked over toward the battle. Supinelu engaged the Viera with his katana. Now alone, Supinelu lost his edge, the Viera pushed him back, small cuts caught Supinelu's arms as he barely evaded vital blows until Vaan yelled for The Garif to duck. Supinelu did this instantly. A large chunk of dirt Vaan threw went over The Garif's head and hit the Large Viera in the eyes. It stepped back, vision damaged, "Cheap Tricks!"

Vaan yelled in return. "Not as cheap as trapping people and killing good men!"

Vaan locked swords with him again, then suddenly, Supinelu managed to cut a large slash into the Viera's thigh. It screamed and put its free hand on Supinelu's chest. Some sort of magical burst blew through The Garif, garnering a yell from Supinelu. The Garif nearly passed out as he fell to the ground clearly unable to move.

Vaan yelled with worry. "Supinelu!"

The Hume glared at the Viera that towered over him and snapped. "You Bastard."

It glared back, then spoke with menace. "I'm done here."

Slowly, a small blue light of flame started to envelop the Viera's body. As it did so, the Viera's strength increased. Vaan struggled to hold his ground as the Viera's sword slowly pushed his own blade down toward him. Vaan fell to one knee. In this position, he was actually able to stop the sword from descending any further. This angered the Viera, who was now fully enveloped in the blue flames, "How can you hold me back, filthy Hume!?"

Vaan was too focused to answer, the cut on his arm was starting to burn and blood seeped from it as he flexed the muscles around it. The Viera took Vaan's silence as another insult. "Fine, have this!"

The blue flame started to envelop Vaan's sword. It grew unbearably hot. Vaan was just about to let go when an arrow stuck into the Viera's side. It let out a guttural oof and broke the dark warriors focus. The Viera looked across the clearing at Nera, who stood with her bow drawn and surrounded by Garif, the girl yelled at the evil Viera in defense of Vaan. "Get away from him!"

The man screeched at Nera in a creepy, two toned voice, "You'll die for that!"

Vaan noticed the break in the Viera's focus. He couldn't hold the blazing sword anymore, so he dropped it as he lunged up and hit the Viera in the chin with a right uppercut. "You won't be killing anyone today!"

The strike crashed the Viera's teeth together. Vaan then unleashed a flurry of strikes. Another punch squared the Viera in the bicep of its sword arm, causing it to lose grip and drop its blade. Then another step and another punch to its face, then another to the ribs. He had the Viera falling backward and off balance when he dropped the meanest kick he could into its leg where Supinelu had just cut it. The Viera let out a violent scream as it fell, then the flames that engulfed it intensified and the creature disappeared in a flash.

Vaan yelled as he looked around frantically. "Running away!?"

The weasely voice returned in the trees as the deep voice left. "I must say, that's the most surprising thing I've seen in a century. You actually managed to beat this man. I guess I'm not used to this body yet, we can't move at full speed."

Vaan could tell the full scope now, something was in this Viera's mind. "Why don't you leave that Viera alone and come out? Fight me yourself, sick bastard!"

It laughed. "Leave him alone!? He let me in fool, hungry for power this one is!"

Vaan taunted again. "Well fine then, come out here so I can beat both your asses!"

At this point, Nera and the rest of the Garif had run up to join them. Nera went to help Gale, Sugumu and the younger Garif were checking on Supinelu. Vaan glanced back, several were injured and his own body felt taxed. He looked down and Gale's sword now seemed to fray and crack as the blue flames died out on it. No weapons meant a tough fight, he decided letting the evil Viera leave wasn't such a bad idea. Live to fight another day. The Sky Pirate yelled again. "Fine, leave then!"

The voice laughed loudly, it almost seemed pleased. "A strategist now? I leave and the others live, right? What a clever fellow you are. I like you! I like you so much, here…a parting gift!"

Vaan felt the Viera's presence lessen but before he could relax, several loud howls filled the air. The entire group's hairs stood up. Supinelu still couldn't move but he spoke up to Sugumu who stood over him. "Be ready, Hell Hounds."

Gale was sitting up at this point, Nera knelt crouched over her sister then complained through a worried tinge of fear. "There's more!?"

Gale climbed to her feet, her armor felt heavy for the first time in a long time. "We must stay focused Nera."

Nera nodded as she glanced around the clearing. She could see the Garif preparing themselves and moving toward them. Vaan was a ways away from them, fists up and watching his surroundings as he approached the group. Sugumu was the first to reach the two Vieran girls. He had his own sword brandished and passed a silver dagger to Gale. "Sorry, it's all I have."

Gale took it gladly. "It's better than just my claws."

A hellhound standing nearly ten feet tall came through the trees with a slow and ominous trot. It's eyes glowed red. Its body was engulfed in an endless blue flame. It was by far the biggest one any of them had ever seen. It crouched into a deep pouncing position and froze. Seemingly out of nowhere, another smaller hellhound descended from the air. Vaan yelled look out but before anyone could react it landed on one of the young Garif warriors and bit deep into the neck of the Garif. It pinned him to the ground with a loud crunch. The other two young warriors reacted to their brother getting attacked. They each stabbed a long blade into the beast. It released its grip and died instantly. The damage to the young Garif was deep. He was unlikely to be saved. The other young Garif were distraught at the sight of their seemingly slain kinsman. Supinelu screamed an order to the young ones from his prone position, "Focus on killing the other one. We can't' help our brother till it's downed!"

Nera took a shot at the giant beast with her bow. The arrow landed in one of its legs, which garnered nothing but a loud howl. Gale spoke to her sister after seeing this. "Nera, leave this one to us, go try and heal the Garif."

Nera nodded and ran across the clearing to assist.

Vaan's body was still fighting every step as he watched Sugumu lift his sword and begin a slow march toward the giant hound. Vaan saw two more small hounds appear. One charged Sugumu, the other tried to flank Gale. Sugumu began to fight off his when Vaan called to Gale. "Gale, behind you!"

The Viera turned and side stepped a swipe from the hound. It roared and stood on its back legs, then pulled both of its paws down to attack. She stepped forward and drove the dagger she was given into its chest. That killed it, but the weight of the beast knocked her to her knees. Vaan watched in relief as both she and Sugumu felled the two new wolves. His relief ended when he saw the now Charging giant hound make its way to Gale, who was attempting to stand back up to face it. She was nearly up when a random arrow flew through the trees and hit Gale in her right knee, then another hit her left shoulder. The same laugh carried through the trees as Gale fell on her back.

Vaan felt the Male Viera's presence disappear after the shots, but Vaan's panic at the sight garnered a burst of adrenaline when he saw her crash down under the arrows. He ran at full speed to interject the attack from the massive hell hound. As he ran, Vaan could hear Nera shout in fear for her friend as the Hume tried to muster a lighting spell. He was too worn, he couldn't get it to focus. The hell hound reached Gale just before Vaan did. The giant beast planted its front right paw on her torso with pain inflicting vigor, there would be no squirming out of this one. Gale's body was too tattered to fight so she looked up at the massive teeth as the Hellhound reared its head to kill her. After seeing this terrifying sight, She shut her eyes in fear as its teeth descended.

She was surprised when no pain came to her. Instead, her ears picked up a loud grunt and a snarl.

So Gale opened her eyes and was met with pure shock. The Hume had dove in between her and the Hell hound in order to protect her. Vaan's face was cheek to cheek with hers. His body on all fours, draped over her, almost as if he was hugging the girl. She could see the massive hound's mouth clomping down on the whole of his torso. He slowly pushed his head up a few inches then he let out a small yelp when it bit down harder. Gale couldn't reach her dagger to help, she tried to stretch her ridiculously pain filled and languid body far enough to grab it but stopped when Sugumu and the other two Garif appeared over them, all three stabbed the large beast.

It let go of Vaan, who grunted hard when its teeth were pulled from his body.

The hell hound backed up and took a step to flee when it fell to its chest. Sugumu chanted some spell to reinforce his blade and straight decapitated the hound. Its body slumped over and the flames that consumed it dissipated. Sugumu turned to observe Vaan and Gale after he sent the other Garif to immediately spread out to clear the area.

Vaan was sitting higher now, cleanly on all fours, he could feel blood running down his side and he let out one large cough. Gale still lye prone underneath him, she yelled at him, a mix of bewilderment and surprise in her voice. No Hume had ever done something like this for her before, in fact, she'd never seen someone this nuts, regardless of race. He sacrificed himself to save a stranger. She couldn't sit up but started in on a mini lecture. "Are you mad!?"

That quote reminded him of Fran. Vaan let out as much of a laugh as he could muster, his right eye was closed as he processed the pain. He looked directly into her wild green eyes, she saw genuine concern in Vaan's features as he spoke. The blond asked softly. "Are you okay?"

She went wide eyed, he'd just been shredded, and here he was worried about her, "What? You should be worried about yourself Hume!"

Vaan spoke in a tone that was so demanding, it would be weird for anyone who knew him if they heard it escape his mouth, "Damn it Gale! Are you okay!?"

She got extremely quiet. His previous actions and his adamant concern broke her stubborn shell. Her tambour dropped. She probably spoke softer than she ever had before in her life, propriety faded in the moment, "I'm quite injured…but I should be fine."

Vaan smiled warmly at her, "Thank goodness, that's a relief." He let out another cough, "I told you I could beat that mean bastard…I didn't let him kill anyon-"

Whether it was the exhaustion, or the confirmation that she was safe was what did, it didn't matter. Vaan's brain finally un-tensed and he fainted mid-sentence. Gale went white with concern as she watched the light leave his eyes and His body fell onto hers. She didn't even wince from the pain when his body put pressure on the arrow in her shoulder. She frantically rolled him over with her right arm and pushed herself up enough to see the wound pouring out blood from his side below his armor. A hole from the teeth of the hound. She placed her right hand on it to slow the bleeding and yelled desperately to her sister, "Nera! Get over here quick, He needs healing!"

Hope you like Gale, she's an original character ya know.

Thanks for reading.

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