ina gazed up at the gates, they looked even taller than when she was here last time. She felt Saken snuggle into her back, asking why she stopped.

“We’re here.” She replied simply. She bent over to allow him to stand himself. He took her hand to help him steady himself, which made Mina flush terribly.

“Lead the way.” Saken said. Mina took a deep breath to compose herself, then pushed open the gates to the City of Tears. The first thing Mina noticed was they added more hives. A lot more hives. Bug-like monster flew overhead carrying some spider eggs to the hatchery. The giant cave never ceased to make her shiver, and the constant rain from the lake above the roof didn’t help. The ground shook quietly and when Mina looked up she saw Arachnophobia fixing a silk building that looked like a boulder had fallen on it. She looked even bigger than Mina remembered her, last time she was only as big as a blue whale. Now Mina had no idea what to compare her too. Mina shook her head to focus on the location of the curse-eater Saken needs. Saken noticed the ground tremble underneath his feet and gently grabbed hold of Mina’s wrist.

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“What’s happening?” He whispered to her.

“It’s a giant spider on the ceiling, but we don’t have to worry about that right now.”

To his credit, Saken just nodded and looked ready to go wherever. She would have to be extremely careful to keep him safe. Mina took his hand and began to lead him to the curse-eater’s abode. They passed bugs big and small, a couple tried to take Saken but they ended up with limbs being eaten by Mina. When they finally reached their destination however, the shack the curse-eater lived in was gone.