CHAPTER 28 ULTIMATUMS DO NOT COME WITH WARNINGS

Slowly, Naika and Kad hobbled down tot he cave. Kad could feel the presence of her grand-father and the fearful family, eager to escape the labyrinth they were bound to. Kad helped her down as she still cradled the wound where her right ear was. She placed a bony hand in his as he she dropped from the tunnel entrance onto the cavern floor. Immediately, he felt Bimi shuffling towards them.

“Muymumm!” He cried.

The two Consumers embraced, as Bimi held her tightly. Kad could feel grief and relief coursing through the old Consumer's body, a venom and an antidote mixing together harmoniously. He reached towards her head, and she flinched. He realised then that the smell of blood was her own, seeping through the make-shift bandage on her head.

“Was it her? Did she do this to you? Oh muymum...”

“It's okay, poppo, I'm okay.” Naika said reassuringly.

“Did she do this?” Bimi said, anger rising out through his voice and his fists that clenched at Naika's clothes.

He turned to Kad, saliva oozing from between his teeth.

“Did you kill her?” He asked venomously. “That witch, what she did to us...kidnapping us...maiming my muymum...”

Naika took Bimi's hands within her own, looking back to Kad.

“No.” He admitted. “She got away.”

The Silver-Dvergr cursed behind them.

“She didn't get away.” Naika said softly. “We let her go, like you would have wanted us to.”

“How could they?” He heard the Evean woman cry softly to her husband.

Bimi threatened to sink, but Naika held him strong. He opened his mouth and closed it several times, letting clarity reclaim itself.

“Come on.” Kad said sternly. “Cato, lead us out of here, will you?”

“Yes, Kad Ekisziku.” The robot said brightly, starting towards the exit tunnel.

The family followed behind the Consumers, and they behind the scouting robot, whose bright eyes lit up the dark, empty void. Kad heard the children whining; they were tired, hungry, sick of being in the dark.

Remember when it was just us? So peaceful, so quiet.

Bimi held onto Naika, threatening to never let her go again, but she stood tall. The wound had begun to cauterise, though it was clear she was still in pain. Kad led them, but slowed his steps so he stood just before her, slowly traversing the dark tunnel.

“How's your ear?” He asked in a low voice.

“I'll live.” She replied.

“You know...” He said, hushing his voice lower. “If you wanted to heal, you could always...”

His worlds lingered in the air, sour and rotting. Even in the darkness, he could tell the face she was making.

“Always what?” She asked sharply, her words slapping his cheek.

“Well, you saved their lives, the least they could do is...help out.”

He heard her hiss in the dark.

“As if they haven't been through enough?”

“Not all of it.” Kad said defensively, lowering his voice more still. “Just enough to stop the bleeding.”

“I would rather bleed.” She said with a quiet venom.

“Pushta, now is not the time for these selfish notions.” Bimi added.

“I only meant-” Kad tried to reason, feeling heat flush his cheeks.

“Just lead the way, Kad.” She said with an exhausted sigh.

Clack.

Embarrassed, Kad sped up his steps, following the trail of the robot, feeling his energy emanating from a mechanical heart. Cato climbed over a ridge of rocks, waiting patiently for the others to discover it, and the tunnel ascended into almost a rough staircase. The stone was cold but solid, carved through improbable means. The band of tired survivors followed the scout until it plateaued, and the smell of fresh, bright air waltzed towards them.

“The exit!” Kad heard one of the children exclaim.

“Indeed.” Cato said. “Looks like the tunnel leads out into the canyon.”

“At last.” Bimi said happily. “We will be out of these terrible tunnels!”

With a rejuvenated step, Cato led the party towards the bright opening. A white veil concealed the way, dazzling those who could see, and revealing a green trove that welcomed them. Mossy rocks gave way to tall trees that bristled against the canyon winds, dots of white and red flowers amidst tall green grasses that collapsed beneath a slope, towards a thick forest of oak and ash trees. The party stepped into the morning sun and laughed together.

“Oh, thank X for that.” The Silver-Dvergr said, stretching his back.

The children whooped as they felt the grass between their fingers, looking towards their parents expectedly. Cato looked curiously around at the alien world around him as insects buzzed and birds sand to one another.

“The tunnel ends here, my friends.” The robot said with finality.

Naika stretched her arms towards her feet, letting a faint smile grasp at her face.

“Now we just need to find the way to Gentle Stream.” She said, releasing her pose and standing tall.

“Yeah, and how are we gonna do that?” The Dvergr asked suspiciously.

“I don't suppose you've seen it?” The Evean woman asked Cato.

“I have been deactivated for some time. It is highly unlikely I would have seen anywhere that could be construed as this settlement, but perhaps I may help you find it.”

Kad remained silent, tightening his scabbard, and adjusting the fine cloak around his shoulders.

Time for us to think about what our next move is, too.

Naika noticed his reluctance, and walked towards him, realisation setting in on her face.

“Don't tell me, after all of this, you still want to leave us?”

“You asked me to take you through the mountains.” He said tiredly. “I did. Time for me to move on.”

“Actually, we asked you to take us to the meeting point. We're not there yet.”

“That was back when I was promised payment.” Kad hissed. “I helped you out, now I need to think about reclaiming my supplies.”

“Kad.” She said quietly, moving towards him, trying to take his wrist, but he evaded her.

“You're through the hard part now.” He said stubbornly. “They need you more than they need me.”

“But what if I need you?” She asked sadly.

Clack.

Kad shivered at the thought, feeling her dependence twist through his body like a poison, sapping his strength and attacking his cells. He could feel Bimi watching the children with a warm smile, the parents holding one another. The mechanical creature who had lead them out of the deepening tunnels studied the world with wonder, holding out a metal hand to gently touch drooping leaves. Most of all though, he could feel something emanating from Naika. There was a sadness, but it was warm, concealing something else.

“You don't.” Kad said in a low voice. “I'll only bring you misfortune.”

“That's what you say.” She retorted. “I see a man who saved us from those cultists, whose strength lead my grandfather back to me. Please Kad, you don't have to be alone.”

Kad felt the warmth of the morning sun resting on his shoulders, the mouth of the tunnel suddenly feeling much, much colder.

We don't need her, don't listen to her.

He gritted his teeth.

“Fine. I'll come with you.”

Naika smiled.

“I knew you would.”

*****

Cato lead the party down the dry rocks. The canyon had been eclipsed by lush forest, alive with creeping, crawling and burrowing denizens. The life-forms here seemed small and shy, a welcome change to the horrors they underwent within the screaming caves. Behind the robot, the children chattered and escorted Bimi, who told them old stories and legends they dared not believe. Though the Consumers had hidden their second mouths with hoods, the parents watched closely, though Kad could feel their prejudices begin to fade. Naika followed, and Kad kept his distance at the rear, his scimitar always close by his fingers.

As soon as we find what they are looking for we leave, right?

His mind was a monsoon of suspicion and aggravated thought. He clamped his teeth together, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Why can't we give them a chance? What has this isolation brought us?

We don't need them, Kad. We never needed anyone.

Maybe we were brought to them for a reason, maybe it's time to stop running.

Bimi made a booming noise, and the children gave a startled laugh, and he smiled in delight.

They will hurt you Kad. They always do.

He could feel Naika slowing her steps, but he did not walk to her. She was sensing his frustration, feeling his reluctance. He knew there were thigns she wanted to say, but was unable to.

Do not think about the girl. She will use you, cast you aside.

Stop.

You're a killer, Kad. If not then, you are now. She will see it. You will think you are doing the right thing-

Shut up.

-And she will see you for what you are. It is inescapbale. You were not meant for companionship. Or love.

“I said shut up.” He hissed, grabbing at his scalp below his mouth, the teeth gnashing against one another.

Naika stopped and turned to him, but he turned away. There was another rburst of laughter before Bimi stop.

“You go on ahead, little ones. This old man needs to rest his knees.”

Patiently he waited for Naika as the family followed Cato. Kad remained still, waiting for them to leave. He could hear them whispering in hushed tones, feel the air move as Naika pointed to him. Bimi pattered her arm reassuringly and ushered her to join the others as he waited.

“Kad.” He called out. “Will you help an old man on his long journey?”

Leave him to it. Only the strong survive.

Kad twisted his head in pain.

“When you are ready, pushta. It is a long walk even for the young.”

Kad inhaled deeply, pushing the darkness out of his lungs. Bimi waited by a large tree, the grass sweeping at his ankles. Poles of golden light shot down around him as the leaves danced leisurely in the air.

Clack.

With the urgency and reluctance of a teenager called to see their family, Kad slowly strode to the old man. He looked ahead, silently, as Kad touched his arm lightly. He held it, and pushed himself away from the tree.

“Oh Mother-in-the-sky, what I wouldn't give for a cane about now.” The elder wheezed.

Silently, the pair slowly walked together. Kad kept his arms tucked against his body, but the bony fingers of the old man gripped them firmly. Ahead, he heard Cato call, and an air of excitement among the family poured out of them.

“I am glad you decided to stay with us, Kad. Even if only for a while.”

Clack.

“It is good for Naika to talk to another of our kind. Outside of our usual circle, I mean. When the news of this new world broke, there were few of us who wished to venture out here.”

Kad snorted.

“Better to die out here than to be a slave in the city.”

Bimi shook his head sadly.

“You misunderstand, pushta.”

Great, another sermon from a boring old man who thinks he knows the world. See what you've gotten us into now?

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“It is a trap, yes, but not enslavement.” Bimi said with a quiet dignity. “In New Peridios, we were treated poorly, yes? Seen as the enemy, forced to live in tunnels with the Black-Rats, begging for scraps. The trap, is that within the confines, it becomes a home. Home is not Spi'Ra, or the Lynchlands, it is in the people you surround yourself with, pushta. For us, unable to afford basic medicines and groceries, we must fend to survive for our children and the people we care about. To leave that to an uncertain freedom, though freedom it may be, takes a tremendous amount of courage.”

Kad laughed bitterly.

“So I am to think of you as courageous?”

Bimi sighed.

“Not me, pushta but her.”

The party had found a small plateau, where the trees receded. The sun shone gallant golden streaks through the clouds as the mountains reappeared. There were half a dozen, some no more than hills from where they stood, others rising like giants fingers towards the houses of gods. Within the golden light, he saw her.

I can see her. The light dancing around her body, her smile.

She turned to the two Consumers, a bright beacon for them to follow.

“I know you are angry, puhsta. With the world, and yourself, more than anything, but I know you have good in you. I think you would be good to my beloved muymum.”

Kad felt his feet slow to a halt.

“What are you saying?”

“I will not be around for long, Kad. My body is failing. The only hope I have is for my last years to be in keeping with my legacy, a legacy I wish to pass to you and my granddaughter.”

“Is this about finding the Mother-in-the-sky?”

“No, pushta. That is a quest for another day. All I wish, is to bring people together, happily, and in harmony, as much as I can.”

Kad looked to where Naika was, laughing with the children, a beautiful song that would rival the music of any bird.

“That being said.” Bimi continued, his voice taking a darker turn. “This world is frightful, pushta. There are terrors here we could never predict, I see that now.”

Kad listened earnestly, feeling something peel off of the old man and reveal a new layer of skin.

“The life of a Consumer has always been one of struggle. It was worse when our people first appeared, though it may not feel like it. Consumers were wild threats, born to fight, and feed and do whatever to survive. Thus, the dawn of the many prejudices against us, pushta. Still, there are arts that were lost in favour of the most peaceful life me and my peers tried to install into the next generations. Techniques, lost to our pacifistic natures.”

“What kind of techniques?” Kad asked, intrigued.

“Lost arts of fighting.” Bimi said gravely. “Techniques that align with our needs to feed. If we are to find ourselves in more dire situations, Kad, then perhaps it is time I showed you them.”

“You?” Kad asked in disbelief. “You know how to fight?”

Bimi chuckled.

“I was not always so old, pushta.” He said with a weary smile. “In my youth, I was much like you. A fighter, angry and hungry. It was not just the great losses I have felt that made me who I am. It was a willingness to learn.”

Kad chewed on this, his second-mouth grinding its teeth.

“There were many who called me lost.” Bimi said. “That I was too far gone, never to be free of hatred and rage.”

Bimi smiled, looking at his granddaughter, the warmth radiating off of his withered face.

“What did it, then?” Kad asked.

“It was those same people who I wanted to change for. To protect and nurture, not to fight and wound.”

Naika called out for her poppo. Kad shared his smile.

“It is never too late to change one's ways, pushta.”

Kad and Bimi walked to where the group stood, soaking in the beauty of the canyon, lush and green. Blue veins ran through the verdant skin. Cato stood on a rock and scanned the area, finally raising his hand and pointed to an area.

“There. I believe that to be the area which you described.”

Naika smelled the air, as the mother of the family looked at where he pointed.

“It seems like a long walk.” She said sadly. “How far is it?”

“Not in Astral-miles this time, please Cato.” Kad said with a small smile.

“Estimation is at thirteen kilometres away from current position. Or two-point-three-four legua.”

“A two hour walk then.” Kad said, bracing himself as the others groaned.

*****

The descent went quicker than expected, down moss-covered rocks, with the group only slowing for the sake of Bimi. They passed running streams where they could drink and wash their faces, but the family were tiring fast, with no hope of food nearby. Kad had offered to hunt a rabbit, but the young daughter yelped at idea of hurting a poor creature. Even he had begun to feel the fatigue. Cato lead them over small, rocky hills, always flanked by the ever growing trees. After an hour, it had become clear they had encircled the mountain they had been pulled into.

“The pass between the mountains is around this turning.” Cato announced. “Approximately one hour and sixteen minutes left of walking based on our current speed.”

The Silver-Dvergr groaned at the thought, but held himself strong for his children. As they walked, the chatter and laughed faded into silence. As they crested the northern side of the mountain, they heard the searing sounds of the waterfall, its ghostly whimper sending chills down each of their spines. The Dvergr took the time to tell Cato of their ordeal within the cave, which was interrupted up by constant, confused questions. Soon, they saw the chasm between two mountains, the pass they had been searching for.

“There it is!” The Eve woman cried, cradling her husband.

“A stream, two pillars and a willow tree, just as you described.” Cato said, almost proudly.

“I smell smoke. There was a fire here.” Kad said, focusing up.

They stood upon the ridge, the two thin columns of rock leading to a small pathway through the mountains. A thin stream trickled through it, the young willow tree lazily swaying in the afternoon sun.

“I do not detect anything.” Cato said. “Perhaps you are having a stroke, should I examine you?”

Cato reached for Kad with his robotic, bony hands, and Kad battered them away.

“Get off.” He growled. “By the tree. A campfire, possibly.”

“Then there must be someone waiting for us.” The Dvergr said hopefully.

Cato lead the group who followed with renewed exuberance. As they reached the entrance marked by the two stone wall, they realised there was no-one there. Dismay began to set into the family, but the three Consumers knew otherwise.

“Wait.” Kad said, reaching for his weapon.

He felt five energies, all waiting for them, the smell of smoke clinging to their clothes. From behind one of the pillars, a large Gorillon emerged, holding a long, crude spear. He was shirtless, with a broad chest and stomach, a blue bandana tied over his head revealing a young and focused face. His fur was grey and indigo, and he held the spear with devious purpose.

“Halt!” The Gorillon shouted.

From within the trees, two men and a woman pointed with bows at them. One was a Satyr with a braided goatee, one was of Evean descent, and the woman was a Lupine with wolf-like features and dark fur. The family huddled closer, with Bimi and Naika covering them with their arms. Kad drew his scimitar, as the robot stood looking among them,

“Greetings.” Cato said amicably.

Kad pointed his sword at the Gorillon, his teeth beginning to gnash harder, hungrier.

Feed me Kad.

“Wait.” Called out a light voice, filled with authority.

The grip on the Gorillons spear loosened as he looked back to had called out. Kad felt the energy of fox-like Vulpine walking among his group, pushing past ferns and branches. Kad's nose began to twitch. There was a familiar smell to whomever was approaching them, one he could not quite discern. He waited, the point of his sword not faltering, his reflexes ready.

What are you waiting for? Feed me!

The Vulpine exited the mass of vegetation and stood on a ridge of rocks, in front of the Evean bowman, and dropped lightly onto the path.

“These must be who we are expecting.” He said, and the bowmen lowered their weapons slightly.

He was a young fox, with orange and brown fur along a sleek skull. His golden eyes were careful but warm. He dressed well, in a green velvet jacket, with a white shirt tucked into black trousers. He wore leather sandals under his feet, and his bushy tail bounced behind him. A red neckerchief was tucked into the collar of his shirt, and a long silver sword was draped to his side.

“Where are you heading, travellers?” He asked.

“We have reached our destination, thank you.” Cato said.

“A robot?” The Fox said with surprise. “A robot, three Consumers and a family. Quite a mixture here.”

“We seek Gentle Stream.” Bimi said, stepping away from Naika.

“Do you?” The Vulpine said, smiling. “Well, you've come to the right place.”

Joy filled the hearts of the huddled group as they smiled amongst each-other. Kad, however, snorted.

“This is Gentle Stream?” He said mockingly, hearing the small trickle of water beside him.

The group with weapons laughed.

“No, my friend. We are waiting here for new arrivals. If that is you, we expected you two days ago.”

“Our journey was fraught with peril.” Bimi said wearily.

“I can imagine.” The Fox said, understandingly. “It was not free of loss for us who first came here, either.”

The Vulpine looked among each of the new arrivals, and back to Kad.

“Lower your sword, please, friend. You are safe now.”

“I don't think I will, thank you.”

The Gorillon squirmed, still facing the point of the Consumer's sword. Slowly, the Vulpine walked towards Kad and extended an arm, slowing touching him on the shoulder. As he did, his nose wrinkled, but he apparently shrugged it off.

“Please, we do not want any trouble with you.” He said softly. “And by the looks of your group, I do not think you do either. Come, we have some spare food and water. Rest with us while we wait.”

Reluctantly, Kad lowered his arm, and the Fox released his touch with a smooth smile.

“My name is Luisante Argento.” The Fox said, bowing his head slightly. “But please, call me Luis. All are welcome at Gentle Stream.”

The family slowly released their embrace and began walking to the entrance of the path as Luisante extended his arm. Naika waited for Kad, who slowly went to follow. As he did, he heard the Satyr archer pull Luisante in closer.

“Luis, are you sure?” He whispered. “We haven't got that much left, if they eat most of it, we won't have a lot for the return journey.”

“Don't worry about it.” Luis said easily. “The others will be back soon, with a good amount of food and supplies, I'm sure of it.”

The Satyr slumped his shoulders, the anxiety hanging heavily on them. The family were given bread and dried Ox, and Naika partook, but Bimi and Kad declined.

“What should I do now, Bimi Enkovu?” Cato asked.

“I believe you wished to follow us, did you not, pushta?”

“But where is our next destination?”

“We may not always have one.” Bimi said happily. “It matters not where the journey ends, but who you made it with.”

Cato pondered this for a second, before sitting heavily on the ground.

“Perhaps I will go offline for a while. My charge is at thirty-nine percent.”

“Very well, Cato. We shall wake you when we are next on the move.”

Cato's red eyes began to dull, until he reached his sleeping position, just as he was when they found him. Kad remained distant from both groups, as Bimi began to regail Luisante with their perilous tale. He reclined onto a rock, listening to the sound of the stream, waiting for a suspected threat to become real.

We should go, now, before anything begins.

As he stood in the shade, he could feel the gaze of Luisante constantly on him, even as he listened. After a few minutes, Luisante stood up and walked over to Kad, his sword rattling against his leg. In his hand was a stale bread roll, which he offered to the Consumer.

“You're not hungry?” Luis asked.

Kad only shook his head.

“Sounds like you had quite a journey.” Luis said, leaning on the rock beside him. “We had to fend off against Terror-tusks and illness, but not crazy cultists.”

Luis laughed lightly, and began to study the clothes on Kad's body.

“Nice cloak.” He said, impressed. “Where did you get it?”

“Killed a cat in the savannah.” Kad said absently. “Had someone turn its fur into this.”

Luis whistled.

“That's nice. I've never seen anything like it before. Maybe I should think about getting one myself.”

Kad forced a small smile, waiting for this moment to end, yet the Vulpine wrinkled his nose again, this time allowing himself to sniff Kad. Kad turned, irritated.

“What?” He asked.

“I don't know.” Luis said, confused. “I just smell something...Something I can't quite...”

Suddenly, Luisante's eyes widened as they zeroed in on Kad's chest. Kad didn't need to look to see that he was looking at the pendant he had taken from the Vulpine in the savannah, the metal laying coolly on his skin. Suddenly, he knew where the sense of familiarity came from.

“Where did you get that?” Luisante asked, his eyes becoming full of desire and fear.

Kad bristled, pulling his arms closer to his body.

“Why?” He rasped. “What's it to you?”

“It was my brother's.” Luisante said hollowly.

My brother...please...can you...?

The smell of blood filled the air between him and Luisante as a desperate hunger overtook his eyes.

“Where did you find this?”

“I found it.” Kad lied, instinctively pulling away.

The fox lifted his hand towards Kad's chest. The Consumer's fingers began to itch, craving the feeling of his sword.

“I can smell blood.” Luis said, his eyes filling with hate.

The fox reached out nimbly, grabbing at the pendant with furred fingers that ended in stubby black claws, but Kad stepped back, darting away. The rest of the group had begun to watch them nervously as a tense silence was draped upon them.

“What did you do?” Luis said, his teeth grinding together.

Clack.

“What did you do with Len?” Luisante growled. “Where is he?”

Kad tensed his knees, bracing himself, his teeth bared like a cornered animal. The Gorillon guard hesitantly grabbed his spear as the others watched.

“I told you I found it.” Kad said defensively. “He told me to give it to his brother.”

“Liar!” Luisante shouted, ripping his silver sword from the sheath.

Quick as a flash, Kad unleashed his blade, holding it close, the tip aimed at Luisante's eyes.

“Kad!” Naika shouted, running towards the two of them.

“I should have known...” Luis hissed. “Never trust a Consumey.”

“Stop!” Naika shouted, standing between the two of them. “Don't do this, please!”

“Was it you as well?” Luis roared. “You Consumey's ganged up on him and killed him, stole his belongings!?”

“No.” Kad said hoarsely, letting his guard drop. “She and Bimi had no part in this.”

Kad relaxed his arm, letting the point of the scimitar drop to the ground.

“The Vukpine who wore this pendant attacked me with his friends. They saw I was carrying the animal this fur belonged to and try to take it from me.”

As the words left his lungs they took his breath with them, leaving him empty. He could feel a mix of emotions rising in Naika, a mixture of pain and confusion swelling in her chest.

“You...you killed them?” The Gorillon asked sadly.

“Not all of them.” Kad said, slowly shaking his head. “The Goblin and Duck were spared.”

“But...” Luisante tried to say, tears spawning in his eyes. “...but Len...”

“They outnumbered me five to one...what was I supposed to do? Let them kill me?”

“He wouldn't...” Luisante tried to speak again, his sword shaking between his fingers.

“He tried.” Kad said, feeling old anger resurface at the thought. “He did tell me to give you this.”

Slowly, Kad reached for the pendant and unburdened his neck with it. It hung in the afternoon light, glinting softly. Luis tried to look at it, but began to choke with emotion. He let out a thick sob, before suddenly, a golden eye burst free from its prison, affixing Kad with a pure, primal hate. Luisante roared with pained emotion as he swung the sword over his head. With a single-minded fury, it heavily cleaved through the air. Kad stepped back, easily dodging it, but the pendant slipped through his fingers and landed in the dirt below them.

“No!” Naika shouted. “Please, don't-”

She stepped forwards, blocking Kad with her body. Luisante went to push her aside, but the Satyr and Lupine associates of Luis grabbed onto him from behind. Kad watched as the Vulpine twisted and cried, as his friends tried to soothe him, and as Cato watched, confused as to what was happening.

“Kad...are you-?” Naika tried to say, but Kad was not present.

You should send him to his brother. Feed off of him while you can, no use leaving an enemy behind.

A brief moment of clarity took over Luisante's eyes again as he sobbed and snivelled, watching Kad with a furious righteousness. He shrugged out of the grip of his comrades, and struggled to his feet.

“Leave.” He rasped. “All you Consumeys. Go, now!”

Bimi and Naika made confused noises, looking to each-other, as Kad snorted.

“Wait-” Naika said, turning to Luis.

“Leave!” He shouted.

“They weren't with me.” Kad said.

“Shut up!” Luis shouted. “Self-defence or no, you murdered my brother. Leave now before I kill you.”

Kad gritted his teeth, watching the snivelling Fox pull the pendant out from the mud.

“I was just their guide.” Kad said, pleading. “They had nothing to do with me or your brother. Let them stay with you, please.”

Luisante snorted incredulously.

“Listen to you.” He spat. “You haven't even apologised and now you're begging me for favours!”

“Luisante, please.” A gentle, old voice said from behind.

Bimi shuffled over to them, placing a gentle hand on Luisante's arm.

“We have travelled far and endured many hardships to find you and Gentle Stream. Please, do not send me and my muymum away.”

Luisante twisted away from Bimi's grasp.

“Gentle Stream is a place for peace, so the people can feel safe. How can we feel safe with you people around?”

“Please, Luisante,” Naika pleaded. “I'm sorry about your brother, I know that pain, too, but Kad isn't a murderer, he was just protecting himself.”

“We can work this out, pushta.” Bimi said soothingly. “Kad may have a debt to pay you by helping your community. There is no need for such ultimatums.”

“Ultimatums do not come with a warning, old man.” Luis said with malice. “That's what this is. You are not welcome here, not this killer least of all.”

Kad felt a sudden rush of panic and sorrow coarse through his body, his head began to throb.

“I made sure he was buried, along with the other two. He didn't suffer.” Kad said in a low voice.

“Shut up.” Luis hissed. “Just stop talking about him!”

Kad rolled his head on his neck but did not reply.

Clack.

Luis was breathing hard as he looked into Kad's soul and through it. He shook his head lightly, and some sense regained ground in his eyes. He sighed heavily, slowly retracting his silver blade into its sheath.

“You and your granddaughter are welcome at Gentle Stream.” Luisante said with finality. “He is not.”

Naika and Bimi looked to Kad with shock, but Kad revealed nothing. He wiped at his lip, his teeth grinding behind his cheeks.

“Fine.” He said heavily.

“Wait, pushta.” Bimi said, but Kad had already begun to move.

With his possessions gathered, he turned to leave.

I told you, Kad, how many times must I tell you?

“Kad, wait-please!” He heard Naika shouting, running up to him, though he did not stop.

Leave her, there are plenty more like her in the world.

“Please Kad, you can't just go.” She said in between breaths.

“You heard the Fox.” Kad said bitterly, passing the pillars, back towards the canyon. “I'm a killer. I don't belong at places called Gentle Stream.”

“I know you're not that person.” She said, grabbing his arm. “You can't be alone forever. Wouldn't you rather be with us, your people?”

Kad slowed his steps.

“He's right.” Kad said, emotion flooding through his throat and past his teeth. “Even if I was protecting myself, I still killed his younger brother. I can still feel the last of his breath on my cheek, smell his blood in the dirt. No matter what I say, or what I do, he will never be able to see past that. I'll always be the guy who killed his family.”

Naika released his arm gently, and he swayed in the wind.

“Where will you go?” She asked softly.

“Back to Journey's End, find another job. It's not like I got paid for this one, anyway.”

He tried to chuckle as if it were a joke, but it fell on solemn ears.

“I'll see you again, I'm sure of it.” Kad said, forcing a reassuring smile.

Naika didn't reply as she backed away slowly. Kad turned and marched towards the mountains. If he followed the curve he intended to follow, he would not have to go through the mountains again, and the more he thought about what it was he had to do, the less he would think about her watching him leave.

*****

Kad trudged to where he could not hear their voices or feel their shimmers when he stopped by the stream, muttering as he splashed the crystal waters over his face and drank from his hand.

She never cared about you Kad. You were ust useful to her. Suck it up and move on.

Move on? After losing all of our gold and supplies, we won't even get paid for all that nonsense.

There are always other obs. Just have to keep moving. Always.

The water trickled down his neck and past his shirt.

We don't need anyone. Never have, never will.

He pooled the water in his grey hands and lifted it to his face when he felt the tremor on the ground. Then, he could feel them.

No, not out here, please Mother-In-the-sky, not here!

The strange purple energies began to pool again, distantly, from where the group had been camping. Another tremor rocked the earth, and the winds carried a scream.

Naika, Bimi!

Kad broke into a sprint, his sword clattering by his side as he sprinted.

What are you doing? What are you doing? What are you doing, Kad?

He pushed past ferns and branches, ascending up the ground, the sound of the stream falling by the wayside as women and men screamed. The smell of campfire had been obfuscated by the musk of caves, and the five, mysterious cloaked figures were there. Kad withdrew his sword, gaining on them, fury propelling him past rational and tactile thought and scratching branch alike. As he got closer, he could feel the cloaked figures had surrounded the group, who were placed in the middle, by the pillars, but there was something else. A strange smell, an odd feeling.

What have they done?

Before Kad could finish detecting, he had burst through the branches towards the nearest purple shimmer. The Consumer's and their new allies had been trapped inside a mass of plant growth. Large green vines had been rapidly grown from the earth with supernatural cultivation, entangling each of them and entwining itself around their bodies. Huge thorns jutted out of the plant's flesh.

Who are these people?

Without time to think, Kad roared as he brought his scimitar up over his head. The cloaked figure turned quickly. Their cloaks were roughly made, with exaggerated stitching blending the thick fibrous mounds of material that were stitched together in dark colours. They were brown with patches of green and black in curious patterns and styles. What was beneath their cloaks, was unknown.

“Kad!” Someone screamed.

Before his metal could reach the strange magic user, blades had been quickly drawn. There was a sword in each of the cloaked figure's hands, but they were not similar. One was long and dark, the other was short and shining. The figure blocked the strike with both, pushing back at Kad. He twirled on his feet, ready to strike again, when the purple mass of energy began to pulsate in someone else's hands.

Kad, watch out!

The energy surged into the ground beneath Kad's feet, and suddenly he fell through earth. In a matter of instances, the ground had changed from solid to liquid, and his body sunk into a soup made of dirt and rock. He called out as the ground rose up to his chest. He felt the air squeeze itself out of his mouth, holding onto a patch of grass to stop himself from sinking any further. The quick-mud had reached his armpits, and he gasped as he struggled not to sink further.

“Thou art foolish.” Said a low voice with a strange accent.

Shock and awe fell upon the captives as the cloaked figure with swords drawn turned to see Kad. Kad could feel the red and blue energies throbbing in the speaker's veins. Beneath the cloak, Kad could smell rough animal leather fashioned into light armour, though the symbol of two swirling patterns was lost to him. The swordsman peered through his hood.

“Who art thou, wandering through our tunnels?” He called out.

The captive audience could not speak, staring upon the strange alien speaking to them.

“Perhaps they do not speak'th our tongue, Capitan.” One of the cloaked figures called.

With nimble fingers, the Capitan pulled at his hood, revealing a face almost familiar, but distinctly otherworldly. Many of the group gasped at the mere sight of them, but he did not take his gaze from the Consumer. His face was structured like that of an Eve, with pointed ears and nose, large eyes and a dignified gait, but it was of no Eve ever seen before. One half of his skin was a startling scarlet, and the other, a vibrant blue. His large irises were yellow, with pointed white eyebrows above them. Whatever hair he had once had been shaven, leaving a dark patch of fledgling growth on his scalp. Beneath his chin was a dark woollen cover.

“I heard'th they speak. It did sound like our tongue. Perhaps it is fear that governs them.”

The Capitan walked purposefully towards Kad, who still struggled to hand on, let alone comprehend what was happening. The figure watche dhim carefully, before sheathing both blades. Deftly, he reached for Kad's cloak, pulling at him by the shoulders and onto dry land. Kad spluttered, stained with mud.

“You are a curious creature. Tell me, what manner of beast are you?”

Kad continued to wheeze, unable to come up with an answer.

“Don't answer them, pushta!” Bimi called out.

The Capitan turned quickly to the old man.

“So you doth speak'th our tongue? Tell me then first, what business have you in our mountain? Where did ye appear from? And what monstrosity did you curse upon our kingdom?”

“That had nothing to do with us.” Naika said defensively. “We were trying to escape.”

The still offline Cato had been lumbered among the group, and was picked up and thrown aside by Luisante.

“Who are you people? What do you want from us?”

The Capitan stood tall and proud.

“We are the Calistan, rulers of these mountains, as it has been and so it shall be, for millennia.”

Kad tried to pull himself up. The energy among their new captors was matching and sinister.

“It has been beyond ages since outsiders have trespassed our mountains. We will take you to our outpost to meet our Judicator. He will decide what fates would best please the Duatrime.”

“The what?” Luisante asked.

“As it has been, so it shall be.” The Capitan said with a sinister smile.