Spectrum seemed to freeze at the word "scavenger." Jackal didn't blame her; if she lived closer to the Scorching, then they would've been feared.

"Is there a way around it?" Caldera asked.

"We can go closer to the sea on either side, but I think that it's a commonly used battleground." Jackal replied. "It's a large area, but the scavenger den isn't that large. The only problem is the part where the Bay of a Thousand Scales and the Mud Kingdom connect. Since technically the Bay of a Thousand Scales is SeaWing territory, there's also a good battleground there and guards. It depends on how far we need to go."

"Would it be any better if we flew around or over it?" Mallow suggested. "Caldera won't be able to come, and from the looks of it neither can Spectrum, but we can at least scope out the area."

"I've never had much practice flying though." Jackal said. "You know, trying to keep the fact that I can see a little bit a secret? I was either followed by my parents or you, so there wasn't much chances to fly."

"What if miss hybrid goes and acts as bait?" Spectrum said. "Lure away the scavengers. Can't guarantee or safety or life, though."

"Scavengers aren't deadly creatures anymore." Caldera pointed out. "They might be able to kill a dragon or two, but not a whole tribe of them."

"And to you, I'm not a hybrid." Mallow growled.

"We need to get going." Jackal said. "Maybe we can sneak past the scavenger den at night? Or try the battlegrounds? Either way, we'll have a better chance at getting by without injury at night."

"I agree," Spectrum said. "Although all of you are crazy in your own way, I need to find my sister. She should be on the closest island to the mainland. Will that be a problem?"

"A little late to be asking that question." Jackal muttered. No one seemed to hear him, which was fine by him.

"Come on, we're wasting time." Mallow said. "Spectrum, if you want to eat, catch something on the way. Caldera, Jackal, stay close. Just in case."

Caldera nodded, and Jackal silently followed Mallow. They started walking in silence.

…

Jackal realized that it was easier to get past the scavenger den then what he thought it would. It was late into the night, and although poor Caldera could hardly stay awake, the group continued. As they got closer to wherever Spectrum wanted to be, she started walking faster. Soon they would get to the biggest and closest island, then Jackal can finally go home back to his worried mother and continue on with his life. While he was a little disappointed that this seemed to be closing to an end, he hoped that after a while there'd be more adventures. Maybe he was just thinking positively; like he had said earlier, there was a low chance that he would live for another two years if the war continued.

At least he could spend that time having the best time of his life, though. Even if it did come with a pesky Spectrum to ruin everything.