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Thekherham was relieved to find that Lady Arya accepted his explanation which was more than could be said for the Alharhanians who had to be told over and over again that instinct was the factor when Tereskàdians used their claws. Ever since he had been sexually abused at the age of four by an impostor who called herself Queen Anhaverha and had torn her apart with his claws (at that age he did not have the poison in his claws yet; it would not appear until he was sexually mature), his mother had told him that those who were not Tereskàdian would never understand.

But here was one who seemed to understand. And he thanked her for her understanding, and her kindness. “Everything should be fine now,” he said. He held up his right paw. “As you can see, my claws can be sheathed, so there is no need to worry.” He looked at the elves, who were rather quiet and withdrawn, keeping back, as if they were facing some strange monster who might attack them at any moment. “Tell them not to fear me. It’s only those who wish to attack me that have something to fear, because they’ve seen what I can do.”

He could smell the food. He felt Kykherhenha’s eagerness to get something into her belly. He walked up to the tables, generously laden with all kinds of food. He wondered if there was any raw meat here, but he doubted it. He couldn’t see these elves eating as he did.

I’m not too picky, Kykherhenha sent. Raw meat, cooked meat, as long as its meat. And when are you going to drink? I’m so full I don’t think I could fly.

As soon as I get a bit to eat, he returned. Hmm, I wonder what they’ll think of that. I’ll probably have some more explaining to do.

His paw reached for a chunk of dark meat. He didn’t know what animal it came from, but it smelled delicious.

And his thoughts gradually shifted to the Light stone.

Rose and Thorn had remained quiet during the conversation; however, that was all broken when Thorn suddenly let out a snicker which soon turned into laughter. Rose looked a bit surprised at his outburst but when it came down to it, she never did get surprised at things he happened to do. She sighed heavily at him, a look of embarrassment on her face. Thorn's laughter seemed to be directed at Thekherham, judging by the direction he was looking in "Hahah! Fearing you would be like fearing a kitten!" he chuckled before giving a brief snort, "Unlike you simple beings, natural substances like poison and the elements don't harm me at all! The advantages of being a fire demon, if I must brag!"

Rose let out an awkward groan, rubbing her face with her hand. It seemed that Thorn was back to his old self again, "Please excuse him, if you will", she spoke with a sigh, removing her hand from her face "He just got over depression".

Thekherham wasn’t surprised by Thorn’s bragging. He wasn’t going to get into a war of words with him because the demon was right. While Thekherham could kill living beings, flesh and blood beings, his poison had no effect on beings like vampires and ghosts, who were already dead, and certain other beings who were not made of flesh and blood.

“That’s one difference between you and me, Thorn,” he said. “I don’t have to brag, I just state facts. And no, my poison would have no effect on you, but that doesn’t bother me.”

Is he going to protest when you drink from me? Kykherhenha sent.

Thekherham chewed thoughtfully on a piece of meat. I don’t want to go through that again. He sighed. But what am I supposed to do? Ask his permission? He dismissed the thought. Of course he wasn’t going to do that. He was a Tereskàdian; he couldn’t change that even if he wanted to.

He might be waiting for the reply from Ayra but he couldn't let Thorn's little remark slip any longer.
"Just cause Thek doesn't attack first, doesn't mean I wont for him." Tyro said, giving the diminutive demon a glare from his lofty standing. Being tall rocks.

Thorn snorted a laugh, grinning, "Ohhh yeah sure! That's amusing!" he said, snickering, "That wouldn't be very nice, would it? Aren't you two already in enough trouble with these flappies?"

"Oi! All of you, stop being so childish!" Rose spoke up, looking rather annoyed already; from the looks of Thorn's face, it wasn't all that uncommon.

Andé emerged from the outside and walked into the Eating Hall. He saw the table his companions were sitting in and sat down, he entered the conversation where Thorn was boasting about how Thek's poison didn't affect demons. An Elf waitress had served him a plate of fine meats and green vegetables. The dish looked amazing to him. He said a quick prayer and immediately began eating.

"Finally, after a long trip, some great food! This is awesome!"

He then stopped and looked around. Where was Zola? She should be eating along with them. Not straying too far from his appetite, he continued eating and didn't say too much to anyone. He ate his fill, wiped his mouth, then got up from the table. He had some thinking to do, after all, he knew everything about the approaching enemy. Andé addressed his companions.

"Everyone, please rest well, tomorrow we need to train. Thanos may be your toughest adversary, then again maybe he wont. Goodnight to you all, I have some planning to do..."

It was just a simple address, he didn't want to say too much, everyone seemed to not worry and was basically enjoying each others' company.

He walked out of the Eating Hall and gaited slowly through the village under the twilight sky. He was heading back to the Forest of Silence. There he could collect his thoughts and maybe hone a few skills.

Thekherham was in no mood to argue anymore. He walked away from the others in order to give Kykherhenha room to take flight. He had no intention of hearing what Thorn had to say about the way the drank because he had already shut off his hearing. That was one ability he had come to appreciate because it had come in handy on so many occasions. When you come from a planet, from an island that was basically silent, except for the sounds of birds and other animals, and the wind, and you were thrust into a neighboring world of large cities, with its hovercars and machines and other noise-producing devices, the ability to completely shut off your hearing was something that might have been sent by the Creator.

Kykherhenha was in the air now, and she was gradually descending until her now exposed teats were in plain view, and were level with his snout. He chose the right one this time, realized it had been a long time since he had sucked. It wasn’t just that he wanted to do it; nature had decreed that he must.

Thorn is looking your way, Kykherhenha sent, her wings beating steadily.

I don’t care. His back was turned to the demon. Thorn no doubt had something derogatory to say, but he hoped at least Rose would understand. He wasn’t sure about Lady Arya and the elves. He couldn’t do anything right now, but if they wanted an explanation, he would give it to them.

Andé is making a speech, Kykherhenha sent. You know I feel a lot lighter now. I keep telling you to suck more often, and never mind what others think. You know how close-minded some beings can be.

What did Andé say?

Something about training tomorrow, and we’re supposed to rest. Thanos may be our toughest adversary, then again maybe he won’t.

Uh huh. Thekherham had his eyes closed, which is what he always did when he drank. He wasn’t worried; Kykherhenha was making sure no one disturbed him.

Andé walked back into the Forest of Silence, he stopped at a very isolated area where he thought no one would bother him. The Newborn sighed.

"This is a great place to spar.", Andé thought.

The Trickster began to concentrate his energy around himself, forming what seemed to be spring green apparitions of his own frame. With a single flash the apparitions became what seemed to be 3 exact clones of himself.

"Your greatest enemy is yourself...", he whispered in the now darkened night air.

With lightning-fast movements the clones attacked him, using his sharpened reflexes, Andé dodged them all and counter-attacked with a swift kick in the face to one of them. Pivoting on one leg he then brought the extended limb around and brought it across another's face. Quickly planting the used heel back onto the earth, he crouched on both knees and threw his fist to his side, getting ready to gut-wrench the third clone. As soon as he brought the freshly made, tightened fist upward, the clone had evaded with a backspring. They were as fast as him, no, they were him. The other two that got kicked out leapt upward from the ground and quickly got back into their stance. The clones surrounded him, readying for another attack. Andé, being patient and cool waited for any of them to make a move. He kept his determination.

"An hour passes..."

Andé, now somewhat battered and ready to retire, sat down and laid his back against an old tree. He gazed at the 3 spent clones lying unconscious on the ground. "What a rush...", he thought wiping blood away from his lip. The 3 clones began to glow brightly with Andé's own green aura, they then became small orbs and was absorbed back into Andé's body. His wounds healed quickly but not completely.

Sitting under a small tree in the moonlight, the Newborn gazed at the only source of light in the sky. He tinkered with a small charm bracelet on his left wrist and pondered

"Vika...I wonder how you're doing without me...I hope your being you're own cheery self", with a bit of sadness he smiled and shed a single tear from his open left eye, "I hate missing..."

The night remained still.

"Arya, there was a machine earlier with a white, talking mask and a butler outfit earlier." Arya turned to see Tyro gesturing to his own face out of habit, "Has anyone seen a guy, exactly the same but with a blue, see-through mask instead?"

Arya thought for a moment then shook her head. "No I don't think so. But I may be mistaken of course. I've had a lot on my mind at these times, I could have missed something."

She smiled as Thekherham looked relieved. He seemed to have experienced much, or perhaps felt much sorrow from others for being who he was- different and unique. She nodded as he spoke then watched as he and the others began to eat.

Arya frowned slightly as Thorn made the rough comment towards Thekherham, wondering if the two were rivals or friends. She couldn't be sure at all...

"Oi! All of you, stop being so childish!" It was the girl, Rose. And Arya looked at her curiously for the first time. She had been so silent until now... And she seemed to have some kind of mystical power of the one called Thorn. What a strange group of travellers, Arya pondered...

"Everyone, please rest well, tomorrow we need to train. Thanos may be your toughest adversary, then again maybe he wont. Goodnight to you all, I have some planning to do..."

Arya sent a nod towards Ande after he made his speech and watched as he walked out of the hall into the Forest. She wondered where he was going. If he even knew where he was going. But then, it was none of her business.
As long as he did not harm her people.

She looked around and smiled around at the elves and the visitors, but her heart felt heavy. With the coming of these strangers, things were going to change, she could just tell...

***
Zola sat there on the ground in the middle of the Forest on her knees, tears streaming down her face. Then gradually, she calmed down and stood up, eyes hardened once more. Why had she let it get into her like that?
She had to be strong to live in this world. She was only human and to survive, she needed power. That was something she learnt a long time ago.

She straightened up and began to walk again, back to the village. That was when she heard someone approaching. Drawing her sword, she crept forwards, readying to attack if need be. But when looked out from behind a tree, she saw it was Ande. What was he doing here again? she wondered.

But she did not call out. Instead, she put her sword back in her scabbard and watched.

She saw Ande beginning to concentrate his energy around himself, forming what seemed to be spring green apparitions of his own frame. With a single flash the apparitions became what seemed to be 3 exact clones of himself.

Zola just barely held in a gasp of surprise. Were they illusions? or what?
She saw him whisper something to the air, but she did not hear what he said.

Zola just watched frozen as he began his training with his clones. He was definitely a skilled warrior. His speed was just amazing to watch and Zola felt slightly envious although she quickly swallowed down the feeling.

He seemed to be wounded, but most of it seemed to heal quickly. Did he have healing magic, Zola wondered.

She watched him go and sit under a small tree in the moonlight, gazing at the moon in the sky. He seemed deep in thought about something.

She was just about to reveal herself to him when she saw with astonishment that a single tear escaped from his eye.

She froze for a moment. Why was he crying?

Zola quietly stepped out from behind the tree, and moved silently towards the tree Ande was sitting under.

"Hey, there were some good moves there," Zola said quietly. She gazed at him questioningly, wondering what was the matter.

"Ta!" Tyro said as he made his way past Arya. Fine, so she was busy, it doesn't mean that the git won't still be here...

Now armed with a wooden plateful of Rabbit, deer and carrots, he set off into the forest. He awkwardly held the plate in his hand while clamping his weapon under his arm. His intention would have been explained to any of his new companions in the same way: Butterfly Hunting.

So now down to the carrots and back where he started, the huge, arcing Sacred Tree. He stared up at its majestic canopy in a tourist sort of way. Everything was calm and tranquil. He didn't keep his distance long however. In the couple of steps he took, his ears picked up...something. The sound was small and muffled. It had to travel through the pollution; cynicism, disbelief and R&B that had collected around his spirituality....

Ironic considering his abilities. Annoying considering that you would think that all that Rock would purge himself of R&B...

The carrot crunched loudly as he threw the tops to the side. Something fell onto his hand with a feather like weight. The creatures wings had a ghostly shimmer to them that make every little glitter the movement of jewels. Underneath, the pattern had definite lines, dark blue tracks that travelled with sharp angular turnings. It was like little blue circuitry.

The ground next to him exploded upwards from the loud gunshot.

When Thekherham was done, he opened his eyes and looked around. He was glad no one had made any comments, yet, although he wasn’t so sure about the demon. He could see Rose and Thorn standing not too far away, but there was no sign of Zola/Kara, or Andé, or Tyro. And where was Nyoko? Had they all eaten? Were they now resting, as Andé had suggested?

He licked his muzzle as Kykherhenha took to the sky. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. He didn’t know when, or even if, they would be able to get this Light stone. He wished this wouldn’t take so long, but he supposed that Zola… Kara had her reasons.

Having the ability to show her Tereskàdian what she was seeing, Kykherhenha showed Thekherham the forest from her height. While the myriad trees obscured his view, Thekherham saw that there were pockets of clearings where he could view what was on the ground below. Kykherhenha was flying slowly over each area, but he could see nothing but light-green grass of various heights.

Zola and Andé just ahead, she announced. Something seemed to be wrong with Andé; it seemed as if he had been wrestling with a khobharet, and come out the loser. Zola was with him, and he was tempted to ask Kykherhenha to listen in on their conversation, but decided not to.

Why not? Kykherhenha asked. We might learn something.

Not now, he sent. We’ll keep our hearing to maximum, and our muzzles shut.

I see Tyro, Kykherhenha sent. He’s standing by that tree, you know… the Sacred Tree, but I don’t know what he’s doing. There was a moment’s hesitation, then, I just heard something like a gunshot.

He heard it as well. And Tyro was holding something. His body was at such an angle that Kykherhenha could not show Thekherham. What was it? Some sort of artifact, something alive?

Whoa! Kykherhenha exclaimed. What is that?

He could see the ground receding as she flew further up. And below, something had exploded upward… out of the ground.

"Arya! Arya can you please do something about that Djinni?!" a shout rang out as an elf came running up, her long hair pulled straight up into a four foot tall iridescent purple mohawk and definitely not looking pleased as she tried vainly to pull her hair down. "She did this to my hair, Elvira's harp is singing dirty lirricks, Glanlas won't even talk about what she did to him, he just wanders around glaring at anyone who comes close!" With every word the unknown elf got louder until she was practically shouting, "She's driving us crazy!"

Zola quietly stepped out from behind the tree, and moved silently towards the tree Ande was sitting under.

"Hey, there were some good moves there," Zola said quietly. She gazed at him questioningly, wondering what was the matter.

Andé, startled, hopped up from the tree and cleared his throat. He quickly wiped away the tear and addressed Zola.

"Uh, thanks, hehehe......I had no one to spar with", he said slightly embarrassed, "I'm sorry you have to see me this way, I was only reminiscing..."

The Newborn couldn't hide his sorrow, it was indented in his face. He looked at his bracelet.

"This charm was given to me by a...well...good friend of mine before she died. Her name was Vika, Vika Feodora. It's what keeps me strong during dark times, a lot like she did. Um, do you have something like this?"

He thought it funny. This was the only time where he wasn't enticed to look at her with his right eye which was a good thing considering that it make appear as a sign of disrespect toward her.

Arya watched as Tyro left as well, wondering where he was going... The silver haired woman was no where to be seen.. Ande had just left and so had Tyro. She sighed. She had planned to keep an eye on these newcomers but that was going to be difficult when everyone was so spread out...

"Arya! Arya can you please do something about that Djinni?!" a shout rang out as an elf came running up, her long hair pulled straight up into a four foot tall iridescent purple mohawk and definitely not looking pleased as she tried vainly to pull her hair down. "She did this to my hair, Elvira's harp is singing dirty lirricks, Glanlas won't even talk about what she did to him, he just wanders around glaring at anyone who comes close!" With every word the unknown elf got louder until she was practically shouting, "She's driving us crazy!"

Arya frowned and tried to console the elf, looking around to glare at Nyoko. She scowled at her, thinking about the time she did that to her hair. Damn it, she thought. She's not going to make this any easier for us...

"Cut it out, Djinn.." Arya said softly, but her tone had an edge to it. Her eyes narrowed arrogantly.

"We all have to work together to face this new enemy... And I doubt it's a wise move to make enemies with the elves by playing hairdressers."

*****
Zola watched with half-amusement as Ande started, hopped up from the tree and cleared his throat.
He quickly wiped away the tear and addressed her.

"Uh, thanks, hehehe......I had no one to spar with", he looked embarrased, "I'm sorry you have to see me this way, I was only reminiscing..."

Zola watched him intently. Sorrow was clearly written on his face... And she found her curiousity building up inside her. Then she noticed him looking at his bracelet.
But before she could ask anything, he began to speak.

"This charm was given to me by a...well...good friend of mine before she died. Her name was Vika, Vika Feodora. It's what keeps me strong during dark times, a lot like she did. Um, do you have something like this?"

He seemed to find something amusing, but Zola couldn't see what was so funny. She merely shrugged.

"I hardly ever had friends," she said shortly.
Then after a momentary pause she added softly, "I did make a few friends during my travels though..."

Then her silver eyes turned bitter and hardened again, "But I no longer have friends. Most of them are dead anyway." Her lips trembled slightly and she looked away. She was not going to cry again, she promised herself.

Then after a moment, she turned back to him, eyes shining. It may have been the moonlight reflecting in her silver orbs, or it may have been something else. Her face wore a bitter smile.

"Life is hard enough caring about yourself," Zola said harshly. "I figured it's better if you're not too close to someone. It makes you weak, and just that much harder to survive in this crazy world."

She looked him in the eyes, and something like pity shone her face.

"See what I mean? You're suffering yourself." She said softly.

Zola suddenly smiled, eyes challenging him.

"Why don't we train together until the enemy comes, eh? Maybe we can teach each other a few things. Who knows, they might come handy."

A gunshot went straight through his leg in a spray of crimson. In a heavy flop, Tyro collapsed to the ground as a result of the invisible snipers. Another made its impact on his shoulder. He stopped moving.

"Life is hard enough caring about yourself," Zola said harshly. "I figured it's better if you're not too close to someone. It makes you weak, and just that much harder to survive in this crazy world."

She looked him in the eyes, and something like pity shone her face.

"See what I mean? You're suffering yourself." She said softly.

Andé looked down at the ground next to him. He thought to himself.

"She can't be serious, its good to have people you are close to around you. Yeah life is hard caring about just yourself, but without people having your back life would be an impossible obstacle. Having people you love can strengthen your resolve and without them I wouldn't be standing before her today."

The silver-haired woman spoke again with a sudden smile.

"Why don't we train together until the enemy comes, eh? Maybe we can teach each other a few things. Who knows, they might come handy."

The Trickster accepted her challenge with a quick nod and a smirk.

"Hehehe, that doesn't sound too bad, although I will be honest, the flame skills I gained from the Seraphim Newborns on my world isn't exactly up to par!"

Andé stopped smirking as he heard several loud bangs from behind him in the distance. They sounded awfully like the cracks of a rifle. He suddenly felt a strange gut sensation that something was undeniably wrong. As he turned to face the direction of the sound his face twisted into a mask of half anger and half uncertainty.

"Kara, we have to follow those sounds, I think something bad has happened..."

The stillness of the night was sorely interrupted...

So did the soft flutter of wings. Tiny disturbances in the air became audible as they grouped. The little blue butterflies travelled as a flock, much like birds, shimmering through the trees. It was like watching salmon rush towards you. The large swarm began to break up when it reached the village under the canopies. The butterflies landed on...well, whatever. Houses, trees, people. Each one with the beautiful blue shine. They glimmered to give the place the impression that it was covered in mirrors.

Zola stared at Ande with hard eyes as he looked down, deep in thought. She wondered what he was thinking about, and wished she could read his mind. Did he disagree with her? Or was he in agreement? She couldn't be sure...

Zola watched with a slight smile as Ande accepted her challenge with a quick nod and a smirk. She raised her eyebrows. He was sure confident.

"Hehehe, that doesn't sound too bad, although I will be honest, the flame skills I gained from the Seraphim Newborns on my world isn't exactly up to par!"

Zola grinned. "Well then, let's test it out, shall we?"

Andé stopped smirking as he heard several loud bangs from behind him in the distance. They sounded awfully like the cracks of a rifle. As he turned to face the direction of the sound his face twisted into a mask of half anger and half uncertainty. Zola looked at him strangely and wondered what the noise was.

"Kara, we have to follow those sounds, I think something bad has happened..."

Zola stared at him momentarily then nodded.

"Alright, we'll train a little later then." Her eyes gleamed slightly, "But no withdrawing next time," she said teasingly, "I won't forget."

Her face turned serious as she looked around for the source of the noise. She pointed to some distance ahead.

"I think it came from that direction."

Smirking, Nyoko gave a slight nod, "I will... restrain myself a little...for now." she said in amusement as she looked at the elf who was glaring at her and began to laugh, "The look on your face... and that hair... really don't go together." she said as she waved her hand and let the elf's hair drop down into natural patterns and change back to its normal color. "I have to admit that seeing that made it worth the trouble of figuring out how to do that to your hair though..." Nyoko said with a slight smirk as she faded from view, aparently going invisible... and earning a frown from the unknown elf as the elf began to mutter about needing a spell to banish a Djinni.

Tyro could hear...something coming his way. Great! He had to walk straight into a trap...Although, he could be captured without too much fuss...No, that just made the fact that he was pinned down worse. Weird that he could escape if he died...The forms of Zola and Ande emerged from the trees.
"Guys?!" They weren't going to stop...ah..."Guys! Stop! Snipers!" He held a palm out to them. One of the snipers shot straight through it. In the following cry, a heat glare could be seen for a few seconds.
"FECKING fehrfrf" the rest was mumbled.