Ghost handed Brea some tea as Tavra handed her sister and mother some blankets. Mother Aughra was being attended by SkekTek and Frostcrystal. Everyone else eyed Lore as the giant stone creature sat in the corner of the kitchen with two small Starbirds chattering up a storm. Merlin was slightly bandaged but it didn't stop him from talking to Nova.

"What happened?" Tavra asked. "What in all of Thra forced you to leave the castle?"

Brea was silent at first. She looked at her mother who nodded her approval. She went back to the group. "The Chamberlain came to Ha'rar with a mysterious stranger. It tried to kill Mother Aughra and us! Then they're these things that came out of his robe. It was disgusting! We had no choice but to leave or risk dying."

Tavra put a firm grip on Brea's arms. "What about Seladon?"

Brea's mouth formed a tight line. Her eyes are trying to hold back tears.

Noticing this, Ghost glanced over to Lazul. "Lazul, can you help us with the Dreamfasting?" Upon Lazul's solemn nod, Ghost turned to the others. "Let's wait for SkekTek and Frostcrystal to come back. They'll need to see this."

Rian and SkekVar understood what Ghost meant. Gurjin and the others looked on with confusion. "What are you talking about?" Naia asked. "How is Lazul going to help with Dreamfasting?"

Ghost turned to Naia. "Lazul has the power to form links with other creatures and thus set them up in a manner similar to Gelfling Dreamfasting."

SkekOk leaned forward to face Ghost. "So…We can see your memories the same way you see ours?"

Ghost nodded. "In a manner of speaking."

The Scrollkeeper turned to SkekVar. The General nodded to him. "It's true. Don't ask me how. I don't think even Scientist could put it into words."

"Did someone call for me?" Skektek soon appeared in the room. Frostcrystal behind him. He looked tired, but relief seemed to cloud his eyes.

"How is she?" Deet asked.

"Will Mother Aughra live?" Kylan stared at the blue Skeksis with concerned eyes.

"She's taken a good stab in the abdomen. Frostcrystal and I had to use whatever herbs we can find to the wound to heal a little faster. She won't be up for a while, but she'll be cranky when she wakes. Best to keep a good distance."

"Then," Skekso began. "We can get started on this special 'Dreamfasting' that Lazul is going to perform."

SkekTek was silent. He looked at Ghost who simply nodded. He nervously put his claws together and allowed Ghost to give directions on where everyone will stand.

"Everyone be careful," Frostcrystal warned. "A Djin's power can be extremely unpredictable at times."

Lazul soon slithered out of the pot he was in and moved to the center of the table with Ghost's help. Once everyone extended their arms, Lazul reached out in each direction. The blue Djinn glowed light blue once more. A chain shot out in all directions, plunging everyone's mind into an unfamiliar sensation. Cries of surprise rang through the link.

"Wha-what's going on?" SkekOk gasped. His voice quivered in fear.

"Is that Ha'rar?" SkekLach asked.

Images of Brea's journey from the Sifa to Lore swirled in front of them. Each moment grew unsettling as all saw Chamberlain again. To make matters worse, the rat-like creatures slithered out of his robe and attacked the guards and Seladon.

"No!" Tavra yelled. "She can't be…"

The memories finally ended. Tavra burst into tears and hugged her mother and Brea. The Skeksis were grim and silent. Rain and Deet held on to each other while Hup shook violently. Drum soon cried followed by his fellow slaves. Ghost, filled with horror and pain, ran out of the house. Lazul saw this and slithered after her.

Ghost tripped over a rock. She crawled over to a nook and heaved. She coughed as vomit began to choke her slightly. Her hand gripped tightly on the hard surface, afraid the world would vanish before her eyes. She felt Lazul crawl onto her back. His arms wrapped around her like a firm blanket. Her heartbeats calmed a little, but an unsteady pulse vibrated through her. "Wha-what…are those things?"

"Taperats," Lazul answered. His voice held the same lack of emotion. However, a small glimmer in his eye showed something akin to concern. "They served the Bone Court for many centuries. Only those of strong will can control them, but you must desire destruction as much as they do."

Ghost groaned. Her face brushed against the stone wall. Her body trembled violently as realization hit her. "My vision…The Treasurer, The Satirist, The Mariner…" She got up from her spot and tried to move forward. "I need to go find them!" Her feet were able to get her only a few steps away from the house when Ghost felt claws on her shoulders. She looked up to see SkekMal looking down at her.

"You're a fool if you think of going after the other Skeksis by yourself."

"M-my vision said the Treasurer, Satirist and Mariner would escape with Onica. I have to find them before-" Her words were cut short as SkekMal grabbed her arm firmly, but took great care not to injure her.

"Your visions don't give a clear idea of when it'll happen. Plus, with your blubbering, it's clear that your mind is going to give you trouble with judgment."

"W-we just need to find a river!"

"What river! There's tons of them here in the Endless Forest."

"I request you stop this…'fight'," Lazul said. His eye moved upward. "You're disturbing my mistress further."

At the sight of her tears, SkekMal lifted her up and held her close. A gesture he'd seen before with SkekTek and SkekEkt. His breathing eased, almost matching in rhythm with hers. "If you wish to look for them, think like a hunter." He held her up to his face. His heart thundered hard as he caught sight of the achromatic eyes staring at him. The light that shined through them. A pain of guilt crawled along his spine at the mere thought of stealing the light from those eyes.

Ghost took a deep breath. The sensation easing her hearts and the pain began to subside. "Y-you would start by sniffing them out. However…I don't have anything of…wait! SkekMal put me down." Once the Hunter did what she asked, Ghost ran back to the house. She came across SkekLach who waddled into the hallway. "Lach! Lach! Do you have anything that belongs to Mariner or Treasurer?"

SkekLach rolled his eyes in annoyance as he was met by several angry glares by The Emperor, Scrollkeeper and General. "Why must you say things out loud?" He turned to Frostcrystal. "Where's my bag?"

"I have it stashed in the library," Frostcrystal answered. Suddenly, the bag dropped out of the ceiling. She glared at her Djinn. "Amein. How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?"

Amein soon slithered on to Frostcrystal's back. "Well, if there are more Skeksis out there, then we need to hurry before they cause any more trouble."

SkekLach groaned. He took his bag and began his search. "Let's see…" Items began to fly out as he dug out an item. One of them being the conch shell that Ghost gave him. He tucked it away into his robe, his eyes betraying guilt. " …nah uh…" He flinched at a ruined cloth. "NO! Aha!" He soon pulled out what looked like a pearl studded hood. "I-uh…borrowed this from the Treasurer. I hope he thanks me later." He handed it to SkekMal.

"We need to find him first," Ghost pointed out. "Then, you have to apologize for stealing it!"

"But-"

"Did you ask him to borrow it? Does he know you took one of his favorite hoods?" Ghost's questions were met only with silence."

SkekMal held the hood. He sniffed, taking in the mineral scent of gold and jewels. SkekMal picked Ghost up and set her on his back. Then tossed the hood to Frostcrystal. He turned to everyone else. "Stay here. All of you."

Frostcrystal looked at her Djinn. Then, she walked over to Ghost and SkekMal. "You're going to need my assistance I'm afraid."

SkekMal gave a low growl. "I don't need help from a mere outsider." He felt Ghost's hand lightly touch his shoulder.

"Mal…We don't know what's out there. Plus, you were…" Ghost didn't have the heart to say those words. The image of Ordon falling into the gobbles pit, made everything twist inside her. She wiped her eyes. "Frostcrystal. Show us how to use magic and tell us what we could be in for."

Gurjin leaned in. "Uh. Here's one creature we'd like to know. What were those disgusting things?! They're almost as ugly as Gourmand's eating habits!" He ignored SkekAyuk's indignant growl.

"Taperats," Frostcrystal said. "You don't want them near you or get under your skin. Literally." With that, she left the others and joined Ghost and SkekMal. They went further into the forest until they reached a fork in the road.

SkekMal sniffed it. He growled. "The scent is far too weak for me to find it clearly. I can smell a nearby river in three directions."

"Then we split up." Frostcrystal turned to Ghost. "Use the Spirit of Fire to help you."

"Uh…"Ghost slid off of SkekMal's back. "How exactly do I do that? I don't even know where to start."

Frostcrystal knelt down in front of Ghost. "You have the power of Fire in you. Felidawn has an equally sharp smell to that of my clan. However, they're more sensitive to heat. You might use it to locate them. Transform."

"I can only do that when I'm upset."

Frostcrystal gave a solemn nod. "That's normal. When the magic of our youth comes in, they're prone to being linked to emotion. In this case, your fire magic is tied to anger over what happened." She straightened her back. "There's normally an exercise for this. But for now, I want you to think of the one thing that makes you feel warm. That brings a fire inside when you're not afraid."

Ghost took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind. The anxiety clung over her. Her hands began to shake. Sweat began to bead. Too many worst outcomes plagued her head. Then, she heard SkekMal growl. It wasn't one of anger but concern. For some reason, it allowed her to focus more. She began to think of SkekMal's warm presence. His hand holding hers. The strange honor he had. Even the chase gave her a thrill that she never dreamed of. Suddenly, she felt her limbs begin to grow. Her spine elongated. Before long, she found herself being bigger than SkekMal and Frostcrystal.

"Nicely done," Frostcrystal said. A smile formed on her lips. "I can't wait to teach you more magic." She soon began to transform herself. Her limbs and body stretched as it grew. The blindfold fell off, but Amein took the liberty to wrap his arms around her body. In her place was a big wolf-like creature just like King Neco's form. Purple armor covering her entire body. One violet eye staring down at them.

SkekMal turned to Ghost. He briefly held up SkekShod's hood to Ghost to take in the smell. "Remember, scent is the only thing you have right now. Find the right moment to strike, but use your claws and teeth if you have to." A nervous gaze landed on Ghost as he was eyeing her Fire Spirit form. He vanished before Ghost could say anything else.

Ghost took a deep breath. She could detect it, but it was faint. She walked down the central path. Her sharp ears took in every sound that echoed in the woods. Birds chirping. Whoops of an unknown frog. Even the rolling of Fizzgigs heading her direction. Wait, What?! She turned to see two familiar fur balls heading her way. Fearless and Grumble ran circles, barking mercilessly. The more noses, the better. She laughed and tilted her head toward the direction of where she was heading.

The day wore on as Ghost couldn't pick up anything. She even tried to activate her visions but couldn't find any clue that would lead her to her missing friends. Frustrated, she swatted her paw against a nearby tree. It leaned forward, creaking under the weight. She gasped. Her claws were extended to allow her to pull the tree back into its roots. Ghost sat down and growled. Her mind went back to what SkekMal said in regards to senses. Scent was what they could only use, but sound might increase her chances. She closed her eyes and sighed.

More sounds entered her ears. Tree branches rustled in the wind. A few Landstriders making their way down a path. Then, she heard it. A river. Water rushing and churning against the rocks. She ran toward it with a burst of speed. Her muscles rippled with each step, Lazul's grip became tighter on Ghost. Her paws soon crunched as pebbles were trampled underneath her. Behind her Grumble and Fearless panted heavily, they rolled off somewhere as they made their way down the bank.

Ghost gazed along the bank. There were no Skeksis nearby. She shut her eyes, fighting back the tears that threatened to consume her. She struck the water with her paw. A loud hiss sounded the moment it hit the water. Ghost leaped back, her fur standing on end. "Best not do that again." She lowered her head and began to drink.

Suddenly, Grumble's frantic barking caught her attention. Ghost lifted her head to see Grumble dragging something over to her. His growls of effort loud and clear. She lowered herself to see it was a hood. Not just any hood. "Treasurer…" Her eyes pinned Grumble in place. "Show me."

Ghost trotted as best as she could to make sure she didn't lose sight of her rolling friend. She was only a few feet away until she heard a soft groan. Before long, she came across three Skeksis and a Sifa. All four lay on the ground, wet and unconscious. Their damp clothes clung to them. Their skin was cold against her touch. "Echo…Echo! SkekSa! Onica! Wake up!"

Her heart hammered. She let out a roar. Her fur glowed bright. She paced by the shore being careful not to step on them. Suddenly, she heard soft groans. SkekShod twitched his talons. He gave a few muttering curses. His eyes were barely open as they landed on Ghost's paws. He reached for them. Ghost gave a soft purr.

Rustling soon heard and Frostcrystal soon appeared. SkekMal arrived only a few minutes later. "Ghost!" SkekMal gave Ghost a scolding look. "What were you thinking?! You can't just-" His eyes soon landed on the Skeksis and Onica. He knelt down to touch SkekLi's neck. "Alive…"

Frostcrystal moved her head to the river. She gave a low growl. She slowly lowered her head and spoke in a hushed voice. "Move…slowly…We're not alone."

Both SkekMal and Ghost followed her gaze. There in the water, were a pair of dark eyes staring at them. A needle-like head barely poked out of the surface. It didn't make any move toward them. However, Ghost and SkekMal couldn't shake the foreboding feeling that came with this bizarre creature. They soon did as Frostcrystal instructed.

Ghost knelt down. Her body flat against the earth. Ears pinned back. Her fur was raised slightly. She tried not to look at their spectator but worry gnawed at her heart. She felt SkekMal drape the damp bodies over her. She bit back the shiver of their cold. Ghost silently prayed to Thra that they hadn't been in the water long. Once Onica was the last to be brought up, Ghost could feel Lazul wrap his arms around them as SkekMal clambered onto her back. Fearless and Grumble perched on the Hunter's back.

The group silently made their way back to the house. Treesong gave a soft squeak at the sight of the group. Her neck extended to give greetings to Frostcrystal as she went back to her smaller form. SkekMal got off and helped Ghost set the others down on the ground.

Ghost turned to Frostcrystal. "Frostcrystal? Who was that in the water?" As she said those words, Ghost reverted back to her normal form.

Frostcrystal looked at Ghost. "One of the Shadow Titans, Torpedeous. He's been known to swim in the waterways of our old home. Sometimes taking a bride."

Ghost gulped. There was only one person who would fit that description well. She turned to SkekMal. Ghost took the cap from Grumble's mouth and, very carefully, put it back on SkekShod's head. "Let's bring them inside and figure out what to do next." She couldn't shake the feeling that the worst is yet to come, but her hearts didn't thunder as much knowing that she at least saved four lives today.