The group was hard at work trying to figure out what was going on. Rian, Deet, Ghost and SkekTek all passed around ideas and speculations of what all of this could mean. They thought the rocks held some magical properties. Maybe an agent secreted on the rocks surface that somehow messes with the capacity to feel emotion. SkekMal merely watched with annoyance like a Fizzgig forced to sit in a meeting with its master. SkekEkt sat at the far corner of the room, eyeing the Djinn nervously.

"Well…" Rian sighed. "I'm out of ideas."

"Me too." Deet said.

"Same." Hup agreed.

"Are you done now?" SkekMal said, in a tone that came off as a bit impolite. "Because I have news to share with Ghost and what her latest plan would be to catch some thieves."

Ghost solemnly turned her attention. It seemed that her mixed feelings for all the Skeksis faded slightly as she looked upon those handsome green eyes. "Apologies, Hunter." Something about saying those words made her hearts feel kicked by a Landstrider. "The sudden events swept us up. Proceed."

"Apparently, these 'creatures' are new to this land. I came across some scattered footprints and dried mud. A few chainlinks." SkekMal let out a low growl of fury. "Despite being newcomers, they somehow hid themselves from me." He gripped the window frame firmly. "I shall hunt them down until they all become my death charms."

"What?!" Ghost sat up but grunted in pain. She clutched her chest. She took a few deep breaths before she regained her composure. "You can't do that SkekMal. We need answers and they might be the ones to give it to us."

SkekMal growled again. This white Gelfling will be the death of me, he thought. As much as he hated it, he knew she was right. They need as much information as possible or the bigger hunt will never come to be. "Leave us.." He said. "Now."

Rian glared. He was about to raise a weapon when he felt Ghost's hand on his shoulder. "Ghost?" His blue eyes were filled with concern.

"It's ok, Rian." Ghost said. "Hunter won't hurt me. He knows as well as the other Skeksis not to mess with Mother Aughra." She calmly looked at him. Her mixed emotions swirled and bubbled.

Rian was silent for a moment. Then, he nodded. "Come on. Let's give Ghost a moment." He turned to Hunter with a warning glare. "You better not try anything." With that, he walked away. Hup and Deet only looked at each other in a concerned and confused state. Razz and Orchid, who were stunned by the entire exchange, left as well. Then followed him out with SkekEkt and a hesitant SkekTek in tow. In a matter of minutes, there was silence in the room.

"Do you really think you can control me, Gelfling?" SkekMal growled. "You may have power over the Scientist and the Ornamentalist, but not me or the Emperor."

Ghost frowned deeply. "You still believed what Chamberlain said about me? I have no intention of controlling anyone. Yes, I played with my words only because you wouldn't help the Stonewood unless you had a reason. Yes, I hid my friendship with the Arathim but only because I wanted to find the right time to see if we could work together. Yes, I broke the Emperor's staff and defied him but you already saw what the Darkening had done to him and to me." Ghost pointed at her bald head. "Maybe I mean nothing to you or the other Skeksis from the very beginning. I'm putting those petty feelings aside because we need to find out what King Neco is planning. You know as well as I do that we're both in the dark and need to find a way out of this mess."

SkekMal was silent. Something about how she said those words bothered him. Then, he remembered what that strange bird with the crystal had shown them. He wasn't sure about that. When SkekTek saw what happened, he flew into a rage and practically knocked SkekSo down. It was bad up to the point where SkekAyuk, SkekVar, SkekLach and SkekMal had to seperate them to prevent further harm. Ghost must have seen it but why does she think she's not worth something to them. "Do...you have something to say?" He could care less about anyone sharing their bellyaches with him, but he felt like he'd burst if he didn't have answers from a skulking white Gelfling.

Ghost took a deep breath. Her hands clenched together. "I...don't know how I should feel about all of you. Angry. Sad. Happy that I'm back with SkekEkt and SkekTek...Maybe for the last time...The Emperor told me about the Darkening and how he looked down on all the other Gelflings." She swallowed hard. Her orange eye burned with a hidden fire. "Tell me...Did you kill a group of people called the Grunak?"

SkekMal was silent for a moment. Then, he nodded. "We wanted to rule over them, but they refused our conditions. For a while we thought nothing of them. Later on they became a problem. As a result, we decided that eradication was the best way to go." He heard a gasp from Ghost. His eyes saw the pain and despair in hers. Sniffles soon became quite sobs. His heart sank at the sight. Without even thinking, he gently rubbed her bald head before Ghost pushed it away.

The white Gelfling expected him to snarl. Yell at her for that rejection. Instead there was just silence. She looked to see him act like a hurt and confused animal. She rubbed her tears away. Slowly, she felt her emotions start to feel calm. As if all her negative feelings are absorbed into something else. Ghost soon noticed the pulsing blue light that surrounded the arm of the Djinn. The glow soon faded and everyone was back into a silence. Ghost sighed. "All my life I looked up to all of you. You raised me, but now...I feel like everything is nothing more than a sad lie."

-(A few hours later…)-

Stonewood forest was soon wrapped in the blanket of twilight. Castle soldiers who were well enough to move went to their respective clan to spread the news of what had happened in Stonewood and relay Maudra Fara's message. All the traps and weapons were put into place. All the villagers set up the food as bait to make sure that the visitors would be willing to come on their own.

Ordon gave a few firm commands to the Gelflings about what they should do next. "Be on your guard. We still don't know much about these strangers and we could find ourselves in more danger if we attack too soon. Simply observe and take them down on my command."

"Yes, Ordon." Said one of the guards.

As they scattered, Rian walked up to his father. Gurjin was behind him, Razz perched on his shoulder. "Father, we did everything you asked. All the traps are set up and ready to go."

"Well…" Gurjin said. "We still need to get Ghost ready for…" He pointed to the large white bird that held the crystal in its chest. It chirped a small tune as little childlings gather around it. "That…"

"Ghost is still recovering." Ordon tilted his head in confusion. "How will that creature fit through the door?"

"Actually…" Gurjin spoke.

Deet held Ghost while one arm was draped over her shoulder. Ghost was now dressed in a regular Stonewood garment. The young Grotten was giving instruction to Ghost as she took a few small steps. Hup and SkekMal were behind her. Both warriors made sure to be there to catch Ghost when she was about to fall. They wobbled for a bit until it was Hup's turn to support Ghost.

Ordon walked over to Ghost. "Ghost! You shouldn't be up and walking. Especially now."

Ghost looked at him. "It's ok. I had the healers look over me. They said I should be strong enough to at least walk around. I thought to at least have a look outside to see how everyone is doing and check on the crystal." To Ghost's surprise, the large white bird walked over to Ghost and nuzzled her. She giggled. Her hands gripped the bird just as she was about to lose her balance.

"I appreciate the concern." Ordon said. "But you really need to-"

"Captain! Captain!"

Ordon turned around to see a guard running towards him. "What is it?"

"It's time! Maudra Fara, The General and some of the warriors just spotted movement a few feet from where we are."

Ordon turned back to the others. "Alright. Just like we've discussed earlier. Ghost, I want you back at the hut. The Ornamentalist will be joining you since he's still in no condition to fight. Rian, Gurjin…" He looked at SkekMal. "Hunter….You three are with me." With that, he turned and walked away.

Rian looked at Ghost. "Glad to see you up. Just be careful." He looked at Deet. "Please take care of her." He walked away with Gurjin close behind him.

SkekMal walked. Then, he turned around. He wanted to say something. His mouth was opened. No sound came out. He closed it and continued walking.

Ghost sighed. So much muddled. Even when the Djinn managed to get her anger and sorrow settled, it still boiled up inside her. She felt something tickle her brain. Her ears filled with warbles. She turned to look at the bird. Her image reflected in the steel gray eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you." Her eyes widened in shock. "Did...did I just understand you?"

Deet gaped. "How's that possible?"

"I don't know Deet." Ghost answered. She began to notice the movement of the Gelflings. "But right now we need to hide before they arrive." With the help of Hup, Ghost hubbled to the house that she was staying at. It was a little far from the outskirts of Stone-In-Wood. This allowed Ghost to see what was happening but also kept her away from any dangers. When she arrived, Deet and Hup sat her down on a chair. She looked out a window that gave the view of the village.

Orchid soon joined her on the table. She huffed with great annoyance. I better stick with you and Deet. Every time Shield and I walk around here, I nearly get squashed! She crawled onto Ghost's shoulder. A sigh of relief escaped her. It's so nice to be on a shoulder that won't smack me.

"Where's Shield?" Ghost asked.

He's hiding out in the secret house.

Ghost sighed. She needed to talk to him. She looked at a thin, tall figure standing next to them. The hood tried it's best to cover the face. However, Ghost knew that dainty beak anywhere. "Ekty?"

The Ornamentalist slowly pulled back his hood. His eyes held a sad light. The same scars he had from his captivity. His hair was painfully short. He looked away from Ghost. Around his neck was the pearl necklace that Deet had to give him on Ghost's behalf.

"Ekty! How-" Ghost turned to Deet. "I thought he was permanently turned into a Podling."

"Not permanent." Hup said. "Only change back at night."

"We had to get a different set of clothes for him everytime he showed signs of changing." Deet handed Ghost a bowl of soup.

Ghost absent-mindedly went for her own necklace. The cool, colorful crystals gracing her neck once more. She took her soup one spoonful at a time. How was I able to do this sort of magic, Ghost thought. I don't remember anything during the time I was trying to return amongst the living. She closed her eyes. Trying to remember what she said or the gestures she made while she tried to save SkekEkt. The only thing that she could draw out was the voice. The dark, sinister voice that mocked her efforts. Something about it...felt way too familiar. She shivered as she began to recall slithering noises in the darkness. Then, the light. Nothing…

Suddenly, distant voices were heard. Ghost got up and nearly fell over. Hup helped her get closer to the window. The sky was a shade of dark blue now. Barely anything could be seen even with the light of the brightest moon. Deet and SkekEkt joined the group. They narrowed their eyes to see several lumbering shapes move in the undergrowth of the woods. Faint rattling of chains breaking the silence. Heavy breathing reached the household. As if it would shake the very frame of the foundation.

"What are they?" Deet asked.

"Slaves." Hup said. "Seen them before."

"How did they get all the way here?" Ghost said. "I didn't even think any of them could swim in the Silver Sea."

"Not quite."

Everyone glanced at the Djinn slithering his way up to the window. SkekEkt made a soundless scream. Doing everything in his power to keep the distance between him and the creature. Hup waved his spoon cautiously in front of it. Deet looking on in concern. Ghost only stood while Orchid simply hissed a warning.

The Djinn looked out the window. It's lower arms supporting his weight. "There is a clan that can take on a swimming form. Though I suspect that the Star birds are responsible for most of the slaves reaching the mainland."

"Star birds?" Ghost's question was halted when a loud roar was heard. She turned her attention back to the window. A wild blaze appeared. Figures being shown against the fire. A blazing figure running in the other direction with SkekVar chasing it. The other figures were being herded by SkekTek and SkekMal. The other Skeksis and Gelfling bordering along the town. Suddenly, a strange bird, just like the white one that Ghost had seen earlier, flew down at them. "Ordon! Gurjin! Rian!" Ghost ran out the door, unaware that SkekEkt had already done just that.

The Djinn slithered after her at lightning speed. He wrapped around her back. His weight barely slowed her down. Ghost's footsteps were barely heard over the loud voices of Stonewood Gelfling. Ghost almost reached the village when the white bird from early landed right in front of her. She nearly fell backward. The Djinn holding on to her tighter.

Wings extended, the creature screeched at her. It arched its head. The crystal held a dark violet light against the fire. When Ghost tried to run around it, but was stopped by a wall of feathers. It simply tilted the round head. The eyes turned silver in the light.

"What are you doing?!" Ghost shouted through the roar. "I need to be down there!" She gasped as the crystal glowed a violet light. There she saw an image. It was SkekEkt. The ornamentalist was running in the forest alone and bleeding. Ghost gripped her chest. Tears in her eyes. "Why show this to me?! He doesn't need me! He used my fellow Gelflings! Mira! Me! He never cared for me to begin with! Why should I go after him?!"

"Why did you save him?" The Djinn asked. He shifted slightly. "If he was as terrible as you say he is, why do you risk your life for him?"

Ghost stood there in silence. Her mind racing. Her mouth went dry. She tried to remember her response to the mysterious voice from early. However, it couldn't be heard. Ghost looked at the image in the crystal. She began to feel Orchid hold onto her shoulder for dear life. Her feet began to move once she saw SkekEkt tumble down. She vanished in the darkness. Her breathing broke through the night. Her ears faintly hearing Deet and Hup running after her. "Ekty! Ekty!"

The brightness of the fire faded to a whitish glow of the moon. Ghost could faintly see the outline of SkekEkt now. She kept calling his name despite her raw voice. Her steps thundered underneath her. She couldn't use her wings just yet, but Ghost no longer felt any weakness in her limbs. In fact, her body became stronger. Stronger than she could possibly remember. The strength of the wolf creature melding into her own. "Ekty! Ekty stop!" There was no response. She could only hear the Ornamentalist breathing hard. Somehow...Ghost just couldn't afford to lose him. Not again. "MAMA!" Her foot hit a branch and she crashed with a thud. She slowly got up. Her sniffles echoed in the forest.

Ghost suddenly felt the arms of the Djinn grow longer, wrapping around her abdomen and arms. They began to produce a light blue glow. Suddenly, Ghost was brought back to a different time. It was her at a younger age. All the castle guards that were with her, including Ordon, had started cheering her on as she began to walk. They already knew that Ghost was starting to talk after hearing her calling SkekTek "Tek", "Blue" and "Papa."

"Come here Ghost." Ordon called. His arms were outstretched. A smile on his face. On a bent knee.

Ghost giggled. Her legs wobbled as she tried walking. She was only a few steps toward him when she heard voices. The white Gelfling turned her head, ears twitched, to the source. Further down the hallway was SkekEkt. The Ornamentalist was accompanied by the Gourmand and Scrollkeeper. Her eyes brightened with glee. "Mama!" She wobbled over to him as fast as she could. Despite the calls from the guards, she kept going. It was almost a run when she finally tripped and fell. She let out an ear-piercing wail. Tears streamed down her face.

"Oh dear me." SkekEkt loomed over her. His face filled with genuine concern. He picked her up with ease. He gently lifted her up and down while softly cooing. When she finally stopped crying, SkekEkt held her close to his face. "There now, Jewel. Don't cry." He smiled. "You're a pretty lady. You need to work on your walk, but pretty ladies don't cry. Ok?"

Ghost sniffled for a little while. Then she cooed and placed her small hands on his elegant face. "Mama!" She was only met by a soft purr and coos.

Ghost… A small voice erupted the moment. It was Orchid.

"Ghost!" The next voice was Deet. "Ghost! Can you hear us?!"

Ghost blinked her eyes. The warm memory of SkekEkt holding her faded. A cold glow of the moon turned everything around to a bluish-green hue. Her breathing evened. She slowly got up from her spot. Her cheeks wet from crying. She slowly looked up to see Deet and Hup by her side. Deet reached out her hand. Ghost took it. As she did, a shadow loomed over her. She glanced in the direction to see SkekEkt. Ghost swallowed hard. "Ekty...What happened? Why did you run away?"

Silence was her only answer. As the Djinn moved along her back to adjust, a suddenly thought came to him. "What...did you do to him?"

"What are you talking about, Ghost?" Deet asked.

"When this thing attached to me," Ghost pointed to the Djinn. "He showed a brief glimpse of a memory. SkekEkt's memory. He was screeching and clawing. SkekEkt would always do that when he's angry." She turned to the starfish. "I know you had something to do with it the moment I saw the fear in his eyes." Ghost grabbed his arms roughly. Her eyes glared at his eye. "What...happened?"

The Djinn expressionlessly gazed at her. "His outspoken nature and his emotions had been problematic to King Neco and the court. He ordered me to take his heart." He didn't flinch at the gasps. "It failed. Something...wasn't whole. Thus, his voice was taken as punishment."

Ghost looked up. The moment SkekEkt nodded, her hearts shattered. Tears sprang out of her eyes. She wiped away the tears before continuing. "Come on. I know a place where you can write on paper." With that, she walked to an unknown location.

"Ghost," Hup spoke. "Where going?"

Ghost looked at the Podling. "A special place I used to go when I was little." She continued walking. Her hands tight around the Djinn's arm. Blood leaked out of her hand.

-(Stone-In-Wood, earlier)-

The moon was high. Slivers of white leaking through the trees. All the childlings and mothers were hidden away from the fight. Warriors crouched in place. A hushed silence filled the air. The Skeksis tried their best not to snap at each other or the Gelfling. Rian, Ordon and Gurjin were stationed at Maudra Fara's palace. SkekMal to the south of the village. At the center, almost close to the hearth, was a pile of food.

"Think they'll take the bait?" Gurjin whispered. He grunted as he felt sharp talons on his shoulder. "Careful Razz."

"Razz sorry." The Bladewing mumbled. "Just nervous. Some prisoners get very desperate here. Some unable to feel."

Rian raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

"Shhh!" Ordon hissed. "They're here."

Faint rustles were heard in the distance. A few lumbering shapes stepped out into the faint light. At least three shapes appeared before them. Chains rattled slightly. Heavy breathing was heard. Suddenly, the air began to stink of rot and mud. Some Gelflings and Skeksis covered their mouths in pure disgust.

"Guh!" Gurjin coughed. "What a stench! Just when I finally washed it out of my clothes."

"Might've found a boat or something to float on." Rian focused his blue eyes on them.

The dark figures moved closer to the food. Noses in the air, followed by heavy sniffing. Heads turned constantly. The slaves were looking for anyone that was hiding in the dark. A thin monster that vaguely resembled a cat walked over to it. By the look of it, it might've been a female. In one, swift movement it snatched a peachberry. Loud sounds of smacking lips echoed in the silence. Before it could grab another one, a shout erupted.

"Now!" Maudra Fara cried. She sprang from her spot, sword in hand. The Stonewood warriors rallied behind her. They closed in on the creatures.

The cat jumped. It gave off a muted hiss. Back arched. Tail flicked to and fro. Teeth bared in the light of the fire. It back away, the body close to the hearth. It cried out as a claws grabbed a scruff of the neck.

"So, you think you can come here and take over Thra?" SkekVar snarled. His face close to the creature's. "Think again!" With all his might he tossed her in fire. He ignored the screams of the other two creatures.

SkekSo growled. He marched over to the General with great annoyance. "SkekVar! That wasn't the plan! We need them for answers!"

"We still have two others! Besides, they're the reason we're in this mess in the first place!" Crack! The General turned. He gasped as the cat creature crawled out of the hearth. It leaped only a few before it landed on the ground. A few Gelfling backed away. SkekVar was frozen in place. He'd never seen anything like it. Molten eyes staring at his soul. His breath hitched. His whole body was shaking. "W-what are you?"

The cat only stared at him for a moment longer. Then, it bounded away. Leaving a blazing trail behind. Soundlessly, SkekVar chased after it. The other two mud covered creatures tried to follow, but were stopped by the Gelfling and the Hunter blocking their way.

Rian, his father and Gurjin came out of their hiding place. Rian held his weapon against the roundest of the creatures. He shuffled his feet everytime the creature moved. He swung his blade. Then, he saw the fear in the creature's eyes. Or what he could see as eyes in the dark. He was solemn for a moment. He turned to see SkekTek move up to the two.

The Scientist narrowed his eyes on them. He sniffed them. He covered his nose. "Ack! By the looks of them, they've been dirty their whole life. Even if they went in the ocean, it may not be enough to wash it off." He brushed his claws against them. They flinched in his touch. The dried muck crumpled in his clutch. SkekTek felt the chains along the body. "They might be listening to us or understand our language by now based on what Razz said." He leaned in closer. "CAN YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M SAYING?!" He sighed as the creature cried out. SkekTek patted the muck away, unaware of the sound of flapping above them. Gelfling guards backing away. The Hunter growling fiercely. "Perhaps we should try a different approoooooooooooooach!" SkekTek screamed as he was whisked away by the talons of the same owl-like creature that he managed to set free.

"What in Thra is that?" Ordon yelled.

"S-S-Starbird!" Razz stuttered. "That a Starbird. Very powerful creature…"

"If it's so powerful," Gurjin said over the maddened din. He punched one of the creatures out, allowing the guards to take it. "Why did it end up as a prisoner?"

"Better question." Rian shouted. "Where's it going?" To his surprise, SkekMal jumped over him and began to run. Ordon by his son's side.

"Welp!" The older warrior sighed. "Best follow him." He began to run after him. Rian and Gurjin ran after him. Razz flapping behind. Unaware that a shadow ducked behind several houses.

-(Dark Wood, Ghost's secret place)-

The moon was high in the sky. The trees gave way to a small clearing. Ghost managed to guide Hup, Deet and SkekEkt through parts of the forest that not many Stonewood would travel. The white light gives an otherworldly appearance as her name implies. "I used to come here every now and then when I needed to be alone. After I turned 16, I didn't visit it as much." She gestured to the house that stood in the middle of the clearing. It appeared to be an average Stonewood home, but the flowers and dangling jewels contradict it. Even the size was much larger, enough to fit a few Threaders and Skeksis a like.

"You were able to build this?" Deet gasped. Her eyes wide with excitement. "That's amazing!"

Ghost blushed. "Not really. I think it was an abandoned house from the Arathim war." Her mouth tightened at those words. She wished they were near a stream so she could wash out the disgust. "Found it one day and decided to spruce it up. It's been my sanctuary since." She waved them over. "I have a few items that should help."

SkekEkt hunched over. He felt smaller than he ever felt before. He briefly looked over his shoulder as Deet and Hup entered through the door. His eyes darted around the dark. He couldn't understand why, but he didn't like the crawling feeling on his back. He quickly entered the moment he saw the light in the doorway. The Oranmentalist stared in pure awe.

The room had a heavy smell of herbs. Flowers lined against the wall. A few tapestries and rugs showed brightly colored images of Thra and its magnificent creatures. One corner held a small bed and a nightstand. One table resided close to a nearby hearth. Shield was curled up against one corner of the small room. A soft grunting similar to snoring. Further in was a small workshop with several figurines positioned at the table.

Deet moved to that workshop. She went over to one figurine that resembled a miniature Shield. "This looks so real! How were you able to pull this off?"

Ghost went over to Deet. She tried not to laugh as SkekEkt bumped his head on the ceiling. She smiled as she gazed at her craftsmanship. Her finger gently ran over the thin legs. The eyes glowed softly from the pink stones wedged on the head. "I used some honey resin, thread, broken plates and paper."

Hup tilted his head. "Broken plates?"

"Gourmand always had a temper when it came to cooking things. He even gets worse when he drinks too much. When one of the other Podlings puts an ingredient in that he doesn't like, he'll fly in a rage. He had a tendency to throw a few dishes around. Some nearly hit me!"

SkekEkt hissed at that. He crossed his arms. His lips curled in a snarl.

"That's awful!" Deet gasped.

"Don't worry. The Emperor threw a fit and made him stop throwing dishes when one of them smashed into his head."

"Ow!" Hup said. He rubbed his own head as if he was hit by one.

Ghost gave a bitter smile at the memories. "One day, I saw how the pieces of the plates formed certain shapes." She gently picked up a LandStrider figure. "...SkekEkt...You once told me to bring out the beauty in everything I see and touch. That's what I did….I took your words to heart and made these." She set them down. "Not that you cared. You never did."

SkekEkt looked at her. He wobbled back injured. He soon bumped into a now awake Shield. The Ornamentalist jumped back slightly. He looked around for some paper. Then, his heart nearly jumped in pure fear. In the darkest corner of the room was another figure. However, it was more sinister than the rest of them. The long, thin body curled up tightly. He shivered at the pure sight of it. He's seen it before, but where?

Shield let of a startled hiss. Why do you still keep that thing?!

Hup moved closer to it. He looked at it up and down. Then, he pulled a raspberry. "Why so afraid? Just a statue."

Ghost stiffened. Her mouth tightened harder. Her feet dragged across the floor. The Djinn felt heavier on her back. She shivered as she saw those multiple eyes looking at her. "I had forgotten about that one. I don't know why I made it. However, I once had this image crawl into my mind. I felt that if I didn't do it, that thing would haunt my mind." Suddenly, her eyes narrowed. "Deet...Do you see what I see?"

"Yeah…" Deet knelt down. With her Grotten eyes adjusting to the dark, Deet began to notice several claw marks on the floor and against the wall. She traced her fingers against the wood. It was deep. A strange powder mixed with the wood. "It looks like someone got here before we did."

Suddenly, a faint noise was heard from above. Everyone looked up and strained their hearing. It sounded like flapping wings. They ran outside just to see a sparkling blue shape in the sky. Then, something began to fall. A faint scream soon got louder as it fell to the earth. "aaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! Omph!" The large figure landed with a thud on a soft pile of leaves. It abruptly stood up. It was none other than SkekTek.

Deet and Ghost ran over to him. "Oh my goodness!" Deet yelled. "Are you alright?"

SkekTek sputtered leaves out of his mouth. He got up quickly the moment he heard the large bird land behind him. "Help! That bird is trying to kill me!" The scientist went behind Ghost, using her as a shield.

The bird gave a few soft warbles. It's head lowered down to everyone's level. The beak was big enough to eat one herd of Landstrider in one gulp. Talons that could be made into a cage of blue stone. The eyes held no pupils but there were a lot of expressions in them.

"What a ludicrous explanation!" SkekTek roared. "Bringing me here won't-" He stopped. Stunned by the words he spoke. He shook his head. "Did….I just understand you?" His jaw dropped when the bird nodded. "But that's impossible! You're a large bird that glows in the dark! How could you possibly-"

"I heard it too, SkekTek," Ghost said. She turned to face him. "She brought you here in order to make things right with me. Plus to meet with the others."

SkekTek stood there silent. Words jumbled in his mind. Trying to find the right response to what Ghost had said.

Wait. Shield tilted his head as he walked toward the group. Ghost, how do you know it's a she? What is-Ack! Shield was soon knocked over by two brown shapes. He struggled for a moment until he was back on his feet. He let out a fierce hiss.

The creatures squealed in fright. They turned the other direction only to be stopped by Rian, Gurjin, Razz and Ordon. Again, they went another direction but were tackled to the ground by SkekMal. They whimpered under the Skeksis.

"Pathetic whelps!" SkekMal growled. "Just be glad we need you alive otherwise-" He grunted as air had been knocked out of him. He gripped his ribs. His green eyes glared at an angry Starbird. The feathers glowed brightly as if the night sky was draped over. Wings covering the slaves. "How dare-" Before he could answer, his tail was suddenly snatched up by long claws. He glared at the face of his captor.

"Oh my…" The Necromancer spoke. His mask was cracked in a few places. His empty eyes turned to the frightened group. "What do we have here?"

I will leave the chapter here. The more I write about the dynamics between Ghost, SkekEkt and SkekTek, the more I fall in love with it. Ghost is struggling with how she's feeling for SkekEkt and SkekTek because of the parental work. Review please!