The needle mark was still bothering Hotaru as Titan licked the pinprick tenderly. Mortis was talking to Artha now and earned a scowl from one unhappy rider.

"He didn't have to be so aggressive. Sheesh." Hotaru grumbled as she and Titan walked down the ancient road to get away from the Dragon Priest. "I swear that he doesn't like me. What do you think?" Titan shrugged. "Gee, thanks, Titan. Your reassurances are ever so stalwart."

They continued to walk away farther and farther from Artha and Mortis. Hotaru had no idea where she was going but she wasn't really going anywhere so it didn't matter.

"Uh-oh…Titan, I think we're lost." The girl muttered to her Dragon as she looked around the unfamiliar area. Her dragon growled with a nod, totally agreeing. "Now what? Artha didn't see us leave; he was too busy with that Mortis guy." Hotaru sat on the ridge of the road with a sigh. "I'm beginning to think Rini's not the only one directionally challenged."

"Greetings to you, Ladies of the Ancient Roads." Hotaru stood up alarmed as a young man in black, gray and red clothes suddenly appeared. Surprise and delight changed his expression immediately. "By the Magna Draconus! You have returned from the shadows of the past! My lady, welcome back! Your ever loyal crew, the Mechanists, are ready to follow you again."

"Uh…Titan, mag blast him…please…" The young man knelt like he was a mere vassal and she was his queen. She tried to back up but she only bumped into her Dragon.

"I am Rivet, the rider of Librys. Please, My Lady, let me escort you to your temple, where you belong." He took Hotaru's hand and put his forehead against it. "Come with me, you'll see what I mean."

Hotaru looked at Titan who looked at her back. Something told her to go with Rivet but that same something told her that she'd also stepping into an unavoidable reaction.