Disclaimer: If only.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Here's the next chapter, as promised. I hope it's alright, I seem to have more trouble with the Kari/Hiroki chapters than the TK/Katya ones. It usually shows in the length. Anyway, I hope this is suitable. Enjoy!

Oh, one last thing, the ?'s still won't work with either the -blah- or the /blah/ and the -'s won't appear if they're the first thing on a line, please try not to let it bug you, there's nothing I can do.

Kari and Hiroki anxiously scanned the ground below them as Whisper and Fury flew over the landscaping. They could feel that they were close to Pomarius, but they didn't know exactly where it was.

"Daddy, where're we going?" Miyo asked curiously.

"To a very special place," he replied, not looking up from the ground.

"Oh, okay," she replied innocently, trying to figure out what her Daddy found so interesting on the ground. Then her eyes widened and she pointed to something. "Ohhh, lookee. It's pretty."

Hiroki looked up at her and tried to see what she was pointing at. He inwardly gasped. It was a beautiful cluster of trees and flowering plants that seemed out of place among the other plants. It wasn't large, but Hiroki felt that there was more to it than there seemed. It was just a feeling he had. Like the feeling that they should check it out too.

"Hikari, look," he called, indicating the place.

Kari looked as well, and her eyes widened. "Do you think it could be…"

"One way to find out." ""Fury, take us down.""

Fury obeyed and Whisper followed. They landed about 50 yards away from the cluster in the nearest clearing. Then they began to make their way through the trees, birds having slight difficulty. Though they could see no danger, they stayed alert, knowing that anything could and, in all likelihood, would happen in Hiata.

They walked slowly, Miyo inbetween the two older humans, as they got closer. They couldn't keep relieved smiles off of their faces when the grove came into sight. It was still many yards away, but at least they could see their destination now.

It was so inviting that they had to fight with themselves internally to keep from being lulled into a false sense of security. After all, this was turning out to be a little too easy, it seemed.

Behind the three humans, Whisper and Fury had their wings folded closely to their bodies and were crouched down low in order to be able to walk through the trees. They were not very happy or comfortable, to say the least. Suddenly, Whisper thought she heard something from above. She craned her neck as best as she could, trying to get a glimpse, but she saw nothing. Nevertheless, she sounded a low, warning whistle to alert the others. Kari looked back curiously.

What is it-

I heard something…I think.-

I don't see anything.- Kari replied. –Maybe it was just your imagination.-

Maybe…- was the skeptical reply. –But we should still be watchful.-

Kari nodded. –Of course. Now, come on. We're nearly there.-

Whisper mentally returned the nod, though she still felt very wary. She sensed that Fury felt the same way. But, perhaps Hikari was right, maybe it was just her imagination. She did tend to get very protective and somewhat paranoid when it came to her Elemental's safety. Trying to shake off her worry, she continued ahead, keeping close to the humans.

Suddenly, she heard the sound again. Before she could turn around and look, however, something slammed into her back, sending her painfully to the ground. She let out a sharp shriek, causing the others to turn around immediately.

Fury let out his own war cry and tried to attack the thing that had hurt Whisper. It was moving so fast that he couldn't tell what it was yet, but he knew that he had to destroy it. However, the trees limited his movement and put him at a severe disadvantage. He shrieked a bit as the blur attacked him, leaving scratches as well as deep gashes.

A few feet away, both Elementals had gathered their powers, but couldn't use them for fear of hitting Whisper or Fury.

Hikari….- Whisper said quietly. –Get out of here, it's too dangerous.-

But…-

Go- Whisper insisted. –We'll be right behind you.-

Hesitantly, Kari nodded and started towards the grove again, Hiroki picking up Miyo and quickly following. They figured that if they could get to the grove, they would be safe…well, safer anyway.

They jogged through the trees as quickly as they could, ducking under low-hanging branches, jumping over fallen logs. Behind them, they could still hear the shrieks of their Animal Spirits, but they couldn't pause to look back and didn't want to call out to them for fear of fatally distracting them. Instead, they just kept going.

Suddenly, just as they were only a few yards away from the grove, the shrieks stopped abruptly and a rustling was heard. The three gasped in surprise and frantically tried to stop as a being blocked their way to the grove. A being known as Shaukaka.

Shaukaka smiled an evil toothy grin as she looked down at the three humans. This journey of revenge was beginning to become deliciously fun. Now that she had put the Animal Spirits out of the picture for a little while, she was free to do what she wanted with these pathetic life forms. And what she wanted involved much pain. For the mortals, that is.

She chuckled slightly as they backed away and readied their energy. She knew what their attacks were, and could easily defend. After all, how much stronger could they possibly have gotten after just five or six months? Certainly they weren't strong enough to pose a threat. And if she had her way, they wouldn't survive long enough to reach that point.

As she watched them, she idly noticed their reluctance to fight; they were waiting for her to make the first move. Oh well, if that's what they wanted…

Baring her sharp fang-like teeth, she dove down towards them quickly, dodging some of the attacks, and putting up a shield to block the others. She filled with maniacle glee as she saw them become panicked. They didn't know what to do. She could just capture them now, but then she'd have no fun. No, she'd play with them here a bit.

Pulling up and flying just over their heads, she reached her claws down and raked them across the boy's arm, tearing deep. Then she went back to hovering a few yards away, watching as he gritted his teeth and tried not to cry out. Next to him, the girl looked angry.

Kari was seething as she watched Shaukaka hover there nonchalantly. That beast had hurt her friend, and she was going to pay! She called upon her wind energy, as much as she could, and hurled all of it at the Shadowlore.

Shaukaka's eyes widened slightly in surprise. The last time she had seen the girl, the young one had barely been able to make small gusts do her bidding. Now she was controlling gale-force winds.

Using witchcraft, Shaukaka put up a shield to block the attack. Her eyes widened more as the shield began to crack. Flapping her wings sharply, she was able to fly above the brunt of the attack just before the shield crumbled completely. She inwardly cursed as part of her was still hit and slightly injured. It was time to stop playing games now.

Letting out a high-pitched shriek, Shaukaka dived again, this time going straight for their greatest weakness. Again dodging the now-weak attacks, she swooped by the boy, snatching the girl in his arms in the process.

She smirked as the faces of the two older children went from surprise, to panic, to rage, to fear. The girl in her arms was definitely fearful. The child was fighting, squirming, trying to get away. Heeding her love's warning about what could happen if this girl got too scared, she quickly pushed a pressure point in the girl's neck, rendering her unconscious.

"Let her go!" Kari yelled, panic evident in her voice as she saw the younger girl fall limp.

"Or what?" Shaukaka asked with sweet venom. "You can't attack me because you might hurt her, so what are you going to do if I don't let her go, hmm?"

Kari and Hiroki scowled, but stayed silent. They all knew that Shaukaka was right. Unfortunately.

"I'll make you a deal," the Shadowlore continued. "Come willingly, and I won't hurt your precious darling. But, if you don't come…" she trailed off as she put a razor sharp claw against the girl's neck lightly.

Kari and Hiroki both let out low growls, but knew that they had no choice.

"Fine," Hiroki ground out. "We'll come."

Shaukaka smiled her devious smile wider. "Good, I knew you'd see it my way. All you needed was a little…motivation. Come now pets, we must be off."

Muttering curses under their breaths, the two stepped towards the Shadowlore, casting a look back to where their Animal Spirits had been.

"Oh, don't worry pets, they'll be fine. I didn't want to kill them off just yet, anyway. Now, come."

With this command, she waved her hand and two chains appeared, going from the collars to her hand. She turned and began to fly slowly through the forest, dragging the two children along. All the while, Hiroki and Kari kept their eyes locked on Miyo, making sure that she wasn't in any pain or serious discomfort. Shaukaka noticed their fixed looks and inwardly laughed. Their attatchment to this girl would be their downfall, their greatest weakness. However, she'd subtly encourage it, for now.

Looking back and changing her speed slightly, she dropped the girl into the open arms of Kari before speeding back up and pretending as though nothing had happened.

Behind her, both older children were confused. Why had Shaukaka given them back Miyo? Now that she had lost her advantage, the children could simply destroy the chains and run. Unless…maybe she was expecting them to run…wanting them to try to escape. But, why? It didn't make any sense. But, then again, this was Shaukaka. Deciding on caution, they continued to allow themselves to be led with little resistance.

They continued to walk for many hours, and soon it was getting very dark. They had taken turns holding the still-unconscious Miyo, but were both exhausted now. They prayed that they would get wherever they were going quickly.

Suddenly, Shaukaka stopped her flight and hovered. The two stopped as well and looked ahead. At first, thay saw nothing, but then they made out the outline of a door in a rock face. It was very closely cut, and wouldn't be noticed unless you were looking for it. The perfect hideout.

Flying up to the door at a casual pace, Shaukaka placed her hand in the middle and muttered something unintelligible. The space around her hand began to glow and the door slowly slid to the side.

"Get inside," Shaukaka ordered, tugging on the chains a little.

Hiroki and Kari glared at her, but did as they were told. They found themselves in an open stone room lit by torches. Several corridors broke off from the main room, leading into pitch blackness. They jumped a bit as the door suddenly slid shut. Shaukaka hovered over them menacingly. Hiroki pushed Kari, who was holding Miyo, behind him.

"What are you going to do with us?" he asked boldly.

Shaukaka smirked. "You'll find out soon enough. Come now," she tugged Hiroki's chain after securing Kari's to a hook in the wall. "I'll deal with your lover and child next."

"You leave them be!" Hiroki yelled angrily.

Shaukaka's smirk faded as she slapped the boy, claws digging into his cheek deeply, sending him to the ground. He bit his lip so hard trying not to cry out that he drew blood.

"Hiroki!" Kari cried in alarm.

"I'm okay Hikari," he replied softly.

He winced as Shaukaka pulled on the chain attached to his neck rougly. Slowly, he got up, ignoring his bleeding cheek and still-throbbing arm. He cast a concerned glance back at the two girls before following Shaukaka into one of the dark tunnels.

Kari stared after him worriedly. Then she looked down at the girl in her arms. Sitting on her knees and placing the girl in her lap, she brushed some stray hair away and tried to rouse the younger girl.

"Miyo? Miyo, wake up kiddo. You need to wake up, okay?"

"Mommy?" Miyo mumbled, stirring and opening her eyes a little.

"Yeah, kid. It's me," she replied, hugging her closely. "Are you alright?"

Miyo nodded as she looked around slowly. Then, she noticed something. "Where's Daddy?"

Kari sighed. "I'm not sure Miyo. Shaukaka took him to another place in here."

"Shaukaka?" Miyo tried out the new name. "Is that the scary lady?"

Kari nodded.

"Well, what's gonna happen to us now Mommy?"

Kari sighed again. "I don't know. But don't you worry, I'll protect you, no matter what. You just be brave okay?"

"Okay Mommy. I know you'll protect me," Miyo replied trustingly, laying her head down on Kari's shoulder. "I'm tired Mommy," she said, yawning.

Kari smoothed Miyo's hair a bit. "Go on to sleep then," she said, surprised that Miyo could still be tired. "I'll be here."

Miyo gave a barely detectable nod, already mostly asleep. Kari shifted her hold so that they could both be fairly comfortable and kept her eyes on the passage that Shaukaka had taken Hiroki down. She prayed that they would both emerge from there soon. She couldn't stand not knowing what was happening to Hiroki. She pulled Miyo closer as horrible thoughts of torture entered her mind. For Hiroki's sake, she hoped that her intuition was wrong this time.

Hiroki looked around curiously at the room that Shaukaka had taken him to. It wasn't much different from the main room, save that there were whips and knives hanging from the walls. He shuddered as he saw them.

He was jerked out of his thoughts by Shaukaka pulling him to the middle of the room and forcing him onto his knees. She fastened his chain to a ring in the ground.

"Now, my pet, we will talk."

"Why would I want to talk to you, you old hag?" he shot back.

Shaukaka growled and grabbed one of the whips from the walls, striking his back with it. He hissed slightly as he felt a line of blood crawl down his back.

"Tell me what you know of the rebel races of Hiata," Shaukaka demanded.

"Rebel races?" Hiroki asked, geniunely confused.

"You know," Shaukaka continued unpatiently. "The Caelon, the Fairies, the Nymphs! Those disobedient races."

Hiroki blinked. He knew of the Caelon, but Fairies and Nymphs? He had never seen those before. But, why did Shaukaka care? The Caelon weren't strong enough to have any hope of winning a battle, and how much more powerful could these Fairies and Nymphs be?

He was pulled out of his thoughts yet again by Shaukaka sending the whip across his back.

"Well!" she demanded.

Hiroki looked up at her defiantly. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't lie to me boy!" she yelled, sending the whip across his back a few more times. "I know you must know something about one of the races, at least!"

Hiroki spat at her. "Even if I did, there's no way in hell that I'd tell the likes of you!"

Shaukaka let out a scream of rage and let the whip fly. Over and over again she hit him, drawing more and more blood. For his credit, Hiroki never once made more than a hiss, he wouldn't give her the pleasure of hearing him cry out in pain. However, this seemed to infuriate her more as she threw the whip aside and grabbed a sharp switchblade-type knife off the wall. She crept behind him, pulled up his shirt, and carved into him deeply, adding even more gashes on his back.

"Well?" she hissed in a blood-lust. "Have you changed you mind? Do you wish to talk now, my pet?"

"Go to hell Shaukaka," he hissed back, ignoring the light-headed feeling from loss of blood.

Shaukaka pulled back, rage hidden. This boy would take longer to break than she had first anticipated. No problem. She would work on breaking the girl for now. She left Hiroki without a word, not even looking back at his wounded form.

Hiroki was glad she had left so that he could show weakness now. He hadn't dared show it when she was in there. Now, however, he slumped to the side, not bothering to fight the tears of pain that ran down his face. It just hurt so much. He wanted the pain to go away.

In his pained existence, he swore that he saw a figure or two, possibly three, above him. He debated forcing himself to look through the pain-filled haze to see who these strangers were, but decided that it wasn't worth the effort. If they were going to kill him, so be it. He only hoped that he would die quickly. He vaguely noticed one of them lean down and touch the stone on his arm. Then, a painful jolt. Then, sweet darkness.

Kari's head shot up as she heard rustling coming from the corridor that Shaukaka had gone down. She instinctively pulled Miyo closer and scowled as she saw the Shadowlore.

"Where's Hiroki?" she demanded as she saw that the boy was not there.

Shaukaka backhanded her. "Don't speak unless commanded to, you worthless human!"

Kari glowered, but said nothing. She felt Miyo squirm in her arms. The girl had woken up just in time to see Kari get hit. Kari gently stroked Miyo's hair in an attempt to calm her. She watched as Shuakaka unlocked her chain and pulled it towards another passage. Kari stumbled at first as she was forced to follow. Then she steadied her step and looked around.

They were in a simple stone hallway lit by torches that burned when they were needed and not for a second longer. After a minute or two, they emerged in a dungeon-type room with a few stone cells on either side. The chain connected to the collar around Kari's neck was removed and she was forced into one of the cells. Right before the cell door was closed, however, Shaukaka reached down and snatched Miyo away. Before Kari could move, she was locked in. She clutched the bars tightly, anxiously watching Miyo.

Across the room, Miyo was struggling in Shaukaka's grasp. She clawed at the hand holding her to no avail.

"Let her go Shaukaka," Kari pleaded. "She's done nothing to you. I'm the one you want, remember?"

Shaukaka smirked, running a claw along the younger girl's neck. "I remember perfectly well, and I plan to get my revenge using this girl. You see, it would seem that causing her pain causes you more pain than I could ever hope to inflict physically." As she finished, she cut into Miyo's neck just enough to make her cry out in surprise and pain.

Kari growled, inwardly wincing. "She's just a child," she protested.

Surprisingly, Shaukaka simply laughed. "Is that what you think? Do you really believe that she is just a child? Oh, my dear, she is much more than that. Much more, indeed."

"What do you mean?" Kari asked, not knowing exactly what had happened at the last town. "Tell me!"

"I shall tell you what I wish to tell you. Nothing more. Do not forget who is Mistress here, and who is simply a pet," to emphasize her point, she made another shallow cut on Miyo's neck, eliciting a small whimper of fear and pain.

Kari's emotions were running wild. She needed to get Miyo out of Shaukaka's hands, out of harms way, but she had no energy left. She was completely drained. Wincing as she heard Miyo yelp again, she closed her eyes, desperately searching for an answer to this dilemma. She dug deep down within herself, searching for energy she could use. However, as she had known it would be, her life energy was as low as it could safely go. But, she had to find the energy somewhere.

Going even more deeply within herself, she suddenly hit a slight mental barrier. Nothing strong, just a barrier to warn her that she had found…something Figuring she had nothing to lose by quickly exploring further, she went through the mental shield, careful not to shatter it completely as she did so.

She inwardly, and outwardly, gasped as her mind was almost immediately engulfed in a tumult of winds. Strong gales blowing from every-which way, trying to surround her mind, destroy it, even. The gusts pounded her mind mercilessly and she found herself falling more and more into the void of winds.

Panicked, she fought against the horrible winds, struggling back towards the barrier. She mentally sighed in relief as she reached it. Going through to the other side again, she began a rapid ascent back to the present. Her eyes shot open and she found herself breathing heavily.

She noticed that both Miyo and Shaukaka were looking at her; Miyo in confusion, Shaukaka in mild interest and slight curiousity. Forcing her body and mind to calm down, she steadied her breathing and stared Shaukaka in the eyes, trying to get her to back down and go away.

Surprisingly, she did. Moving so quickly that Kari barely had time to register the movement, Shaukaka opened the cell containing Kari, tossed Miyo inside roughly, and closed it again.

Hovering just outside, she looked down at Kari, same look on her face. "I do believe you and I shall be talking again very soon, pet," was all she said before disappearing.

Brushing off that last comment, Kari rushed over to Miyo and cradled the girl, gently examining the several shallow cuts she had. Nothing too bad, thankfully.

"What happened to you Mommy?" Miyo asked quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"You got scared. I saw it in your eyes," Miyo replied in a voice filled with wisdom beyond her short five years.

Kari smiled slightly, showing Miyo that her assumptions had been correct. "I can't explain it," she told the younger one. "I can't even begin to understand it myself."

Miyo looked up at her silently for a few seconds before nodding, accepting the answer. "Don't worry Mommy, I bet you'll understand soon. And Daddy will too. Everybody will understand everything when the time is right."

Kari blinked in surprise at the girl's words. Miyo had seemed much older just then, though everything about her stayed the same. Before Kari could question it, the younger had fallen into a deep sleep, tired from the trauma.

Kari sighed as she moved to sit against the wall, Miyo in her lap. She looked in the direction that Shuakaka had gone. What was it that both Shuakaka and Miyo seemed to notice about her that she herself could not see? She sighed again as she thought over Miyo's words. Not only had they brought up the question of what the two others knew, they had brought up the subject of Hiroki.

Was he okay? Was he being hurt as well? Kari hoped not. She hoped that he would be alright. She hoped that he would come save them. However, selfish as it might be, she did not hope these things for Hiroki himself, she hoped them for herself, because she needed him. She realized in that single moment, just how much she really needed him.

"Hello? Hello? Come out, wherever you are? Come on, I'm not gonna hurt you!"

Hiroki sighed and stopped yelling. He had woken up in this weird place not too long ago, perfectly fit and healthy. Pushing that fact aside, he had searched for help, to find a way out. But, no one seemed to be in the brimstone land.

As he looked around, he could guess why. After all, who would want to live in what looked like the inside of a volcano? Everything was made of brimstone, and through the cracks in the stone, fire could be seen. That fire was really the only light source. Not a hospitable place at all.

But, Hiroki had still hoped that somebody lived here, somebody friendly, that is. So he had searched, and he had searched, and he had searched some more. Nada. These place was as barren as it first appeared.

There had to be some way out, though, he kept telling himself as he continued walking. He jumped to the side in surprise as a burst of fire erupted from one of the cracks in the brimstone. He sighed. This place was too inhospitable even for him, the Fire Elemental. He really hoped that he would find the way out soon.

As soon as he thought that, a door seemed to appear out of nowhere in front of him.

"Woah," he said softly, reaching out to touch the door lightly.

Surprisingly, it opened with just that gentle touch, though nothing could be seen beyond it. Cautiously, he stepped a bit closer, unsure whether or not to continue.

"It is alright my Lord, it is safe to come through."

Hiroki jumped back, startled. 'Okay,' he thought, 'The door is talking to me. I've officially lost it.'

"Please my Lord, come through. No harm will befall you here."

Shrugging, Hiroki stepped towards the door. This seemed to be the only exit, so he really had no choice. Besides, what could possibly be beyond this door in this barren land that would pose a threat? After all, when he had woken up, all of his energy had been revitalized. Reassuring himself with that thought, he stepped through.

"Let me go, Shaukaka," Kari demanded as she was led away from the dungeon. She could still hear Miyo calling out for her desperately.

"I don't think so, pet," Shaukaka replied, tugging on the chain. "I have big plans for you. Or, for your power, anyway."

"I won't let you use my power!"

Shaukaka frowned and slapped the girl, claws leaving deep scratches. "You won't have much of a choice. Now, hurry up!"

Kari grudgingly did as she was told, seeing as how she did indeed have no choice. She was dragged down many corridors with closed doors on either side. Then she noticed that one of the doors was open. Upon looking within, she felt her insides twist.

"Hiroki!" she called out, voice cracking.

The boy was lying there, curled up in a small pool of blood, not moving. He didn't appear to hear Kari's cries.

"Come on, pet!" Shaukaka snapped, pulling her away from the door.

She was led to a room not far away. The room had several long tables lining the walls, all holding many viles and bubbing potions. In the center of the room was a smooth, stone circle, slightly raised. In the center of this circle, there were four manacles spaced in order to hold a person who was lying down.

Kari was forced to lie down in this circle on her back, and her wrists and ankles were secured with the manacles. She twisted her head around as Shaukaka glided to one of the side tables. The Shadowlore picked up a vile and looked at it thoughtfully before pouring in a bit of powder and disolving it. She said a low chant and the liquid in the vile began to glow.

Smirking, the Shadowlore turned back around and headed slowly over to Kari. Kari gulped and unconsciously tried to move as far away as she could. She didn't like that look that Shaukaka had. As Shaukaka unscrewed the top of the vile and leaned down towards Kari, the girl closed her eyes and desperately wished for a way out of this.

As Shaukaka brought the vile closer to her mouth, Kari went deeper within herself, searching for an answer. Suddenly, she hit that barrier again. She shied back, remembering what had happened with the immense power last time. But...perhaps she could use that power to her advantage.

Gathering her courage, she created a small hole in the shield and let the power flow out. It took all of her strength to get some control over it, but it was a weak, loose hold at best. Her eyes shot open and her mouth opened slightly in a silent gasp as the power burst from her and rushed around the room.

"And you're absolutely sure about this?" Hiroki asked skeptically, looking at the red/orange aura surrounding the fire-red stone in his hands.

"It is just as I said," the Angel of Death assured. "It has worked for the other three, and it will work for you."

Hiroki frowned. He wasn't sure whether or not to believe this person, but it didn't seem as though he had much choice.

Placing the glowing aura above his heart, he gently pressed inward, absorbing it. At first, it seemed like no big deal, but then, when the stone reached his skin…he let out a sharp cry and fell to his knees. He felt the Angel of Death's hands gently massage his temples, trying to soothe him. However, he was in too much pain to enjoy the comfort right now.

With the Angel of Death's soothing words still flowing through his mind, he blacked out.

He started to wake up just a few minutes later with a pounding headache. As he was coming to consciousness, he heard some distinct voices above him, but he only recognized one. Meersa.

Groaning, he began to open his eyes. The voices stopped immediately, and there was a hurried rustling sound. Opening his eyes fully, he looked up, wincing at the pain any movement caused. He was surprised to see that Meersa was the only person in the room. But, he could have sworn…

"Meersa, where did the others go?" he asked quietly. "The ones that were in here with you."

If Meersa had been surprised by the question, she didn't let it show. She simply looked at him indifferently. "There wasn't anyone else, stupid boy. You're hearing things."

"But-"

"No time," she interrupted. "Hold still."

Heading the tone in her voice, he did as he was told. As he held absolutely still, she said the same chant that she had used to heal Miyo and Kari before. He felt his wounds healing, and it was the most wonderful sensation. It felt almost euphoric as the pain dissipated. He closed his eyes and reveled in how good it felt.

He opened his eyes again as Meersa pulled him up. Somehow, she had been able to disconnect the chain from the collar without him noticing.

"Come on, Miyo is this way," she said, pulling him out the door and down the hall.

Hiroki followed anxiously, wanting to see if Miyo was okay. He looked around curiously as they entered a dungeon. He sighed in relief as he saw Miyo in one of the cells, seemingly unharmed save for a few scratches.

"Miyo!" he exclaimed softly.

The girl's head shot up and she raced to the bars. "Daddy!"

"Are you alright?" Hiroki asked as he carefully began melting the lock on the cell.

Miyo nodded. "But, the big scary lady took Mommy away!" she said fearfully.

"Don't worry, she'll be alright," he promised, trying to assure himself as much as Miyo.

He finished melting the lock and pulled the door open, scooping Miyo into his arms. He turned around and saw Meersa heading for the door.

"Come on!" she urged.

Hiroki nodded and followed. Not two seconds after they had gone into the hallway, an enormous energy wave rushed through the corridor, focing them to their knees.

"What was that?" Hiroki asked Meersa in a hushed tone.

Meersa didn't answer, but she took off down the hallway towards the room that the energy had originated in. Hiroki quickly rose and followed. As they got closer, more and more waves of energy gusts rushed down the corridors. However, while they destroyed most everything else, they simply went around the three humans. It was all very perplexing.

After just minute or two, they reached the central room. Hiroki looked in and gasped. The energy was coming from Hikari. It was swirling around her. It reminded him of what had happened with Miyo, to a somewhat lesser extent.

Amidst the chaos of broken glass, wood, and pottery, it took him a second to realize that Shaukaka was in the room as well. She had been forced into a corner and was shielding herself with both her arms and wings.

Pushing her to the side of his mind, Hiroki focused on Hikari again. From what he could tell, Hikari was scared. It didn't seem as though she could control it. Handing Miyo to Meersa, he began to make his way over, hoping that he could help.

Though she was still chained down, Kari could tell that other people had entered the room. She heard their footsteps and thought she could hear them speaking as well. Lifting her head, she could just make out a figure coming towards her. After a second or two, she recognized it as Hiroki.

'He's alright!' she thought, overjoyed. 'But, he'll never be able to reach me with all of this energy forcing him back. I have to stop the flow, or he might get hurt.'

Thinking of Hiroki being hurt gave her more than enough motivation and courage to descend within herself again. She inwardly winced as she went down. Her mind was a chaotic mess, energy gusts were flying everywhere, trying to destroy everything that they could not control, including her.

Bracing herself against the strong gusts, she forced her way down, determination fueling her. After what seemed like hours of fighting the gusts trying to engulf her mind, she was able to see the hole that she had made in the shield. A few moments later, she was close enough to touch it.

She knew she would have to work fast, though, as all of this internal fighting was draining her. Focusing completely on the task at hand, she tried to undo the damage she had let loose. Though she really had no idea what to do, it almost came naturally. With some effort, she was able to patch up the hole, trapping the energy inside.

Sighing in relief, she began her descent upwards, fainting as soon as she reached reality.

Kari groaned slightly as she woke. Opening her eyes, she was greeted with Hiroki's concerned face. Relief was visible in his features.

"Good," he said, "You're awake. I mean, Meersa said you'd be fine, but still…"

"Wh-where are we?" she asked, confused, as she sat up slowly. She looked around and saw that they were outside, by some trees.

"Your little 'energy fit' as Meersa called it, knocked out Shaukaka and pretty much all of the guards, so we were able to get away fairly easily. We found Fury and Whisper, and Meersa healed them and you. We decided to camp here until you woke up, and then we'd go into that grove together." He looked behind them as he said 'that grove.'

Kari turned around and smiled slightly as she saw the same beautiful grove that they had been trying to get to before. The grove that they thought led to Pomarius.

Standing up slowly, and using Hiroki for slight support, she looked at their three other companions. Wait…three? Where had Meersa gone?

"She left," Hiroki answered the unasked question. "Right after she healed you."

"Oh," Kari replied before turning back to the grove. She was silent for a moment before speaking again. "Well, we won't find out anything just standing here. Let's go." With that, she started towards the grove.

Those behind her nodded and followed.

As she neared the grove, Kari felt the pull within her become stronger, more insistent. She only hoped it meant what she thought it meant. When she was close enough, she reached out and touched the first tree lightly. She gasped in surprise as the small grove glowed, and the trees began to move.

A/N: I need reviews if you want me to continue. The next chap will be better...hopefully.