Layla emerged from the trees first, her sword and bow out in front of her cautiously. Marie exploded out next, then Carlos,Layfette, Lief, and Bruno. Dasmon was helping Starkin cross over the difficult terrain.

"Starkin? Bruno?" Kayalie asked in disbelief.

Everyone nodded.

"Why?"

"Because!" Bruno bellowed, marching up to the surprised viera and snatching the bow straight out of her hands, ignoring her protest.

Kayi sighed. This would be a long story.

----------------------

Two hours later, everyone was enraptured in the story, which they took turns telling. Kayi finally ended it with...

"Yeah. And now we're here."

Kayalie was staring hard at first Kayi and Carlos, then the aged members, and the newer members.

"Bruno, Starkin, I didn't have any idea that you were part of a clan once!" she exclaimed. "You never told me?"

Starkin snorted, a hint of flame flickering and dying. "Well, there wasss no point in doing ssso."

Kayi nodded. "Anyways, how are you doing?"

Lizzo punched the air. "Woot! We're on our way to the secret place!"

"That's great!" Kayi exclaimed, hugging her sister.

Kayalie grinned. "Why don't you come to cheer us on? No one minds, right?"

Kain suddenly perked up. "You knew my grandfather?"

Starkin snorted. "You mean old Zhiraz the idiot flirt? Sure, we knew the guy, more well that we would have liked to." But he seemed to have a fondness for his old friend.

"So, Clan Crystal Bane, we finally meet," Benecie commented, grinning.

"Okay, so where are you headed?" Layla asked.

Kayalie shrugged. "We're just using the map. The cards'll guide us."

It turned out that the cards, when all put together, formed a magical compass. They had been following that compass, and the pull was getting weaker, meaning that they were almost there.

"We're coming too, right?" Kayi asked. "I mean, we can just sit back and cheer..."

Kayalie looked thoughtful under the hat and the veil. "I suppose... Benecie, will you be there for backup, just in case my sister can't get in?"

TheFencer smiled. "No problem, hon. I'll make sure, but only if they're boys."

Kayi shivered but said nothing.

"Let's get on our way, then. Everyone! Move out!" Kayalie yelled and punched the air. The clan cheered and followed her.