Destiny of Light

Once the three were ready, Jargos lead the way. After a few hours of walking, Jargos decided now was a good time to shift and get them there quickly. He stopped and went behind a tree to take his clothes off

Layla glanced over the horizon, imagining the mountains in the north. "I can almost smell the scents of home again."

Kreig picked up Jargos' clothes once he finished shifting, then helped Layla up. Jargos' back was big enough for both Layla and Kreig

"If everyone's ready to go, then let's go onward. Lead on, Jargos."

Jargos roared out and made haste up the mountain. In less than five minutes, they had arrived. Kreig gave Jargos his clothes and Jargos found a place to shift and dress himself before rejoining the two. While Jargos was gone, Kreig caught a whiff of a wonderful scent. It was the same as the scent that was on Layla from before, but it was stronger this time, and suddenly, he couldn't wait to investigate

Layla put her hand to the locket around her neck. Quietly, she said, "This place still brings memories back. Before I left for Nicca, that is."

Kreig bit his tongue to fight the urge to find the source of the scent. Jargos came back and lead Layla and Kreig to Lunalia's house. Kreig was dumbfounded that Jargos was going exactly where he wanted to go

Layla led the way inside as Lunalia was sitting in a chair while drinking tea with a book.

"Grandmother, are things well in the Darkwoods?" She put her items down and stood up. Lunalia noted the two partners with Layla.

"For now, they are." Layla nodded to Jargos and Kreig to introduce themselves. "Kreig, this is Lunalia. She's my grand-daughter."

Kreig was blushing and couldn't find words. Jargos looked at him puzzled, then put two and two together in his head

"You'll have to excuse him, he had a very long evening" Jargos spoke, but Layla would need to translate for him

"Jargos doesn't speak our language anymore, but he says to excuse Kreig due to the long evening from yesterday."

Lunalia laughed a bit. "Come and sit down, all of you."

Jargos guided both Layla, and the fumbling Kreig to chairs before sitting on the ground, the same spot where he sat when he was first here so long ago

"So, what happened in the Darkwoods? Is everything well in the southern region?" Lunalia asked.

"The Shadows have definitely reached the Darkwoods. Late last night, I ran into contact with one myself. It promises to return, which does have me a bit worried."

This was news to Jargos, as he looked at Layla, concern on his face. Kreig snapped out of it for just long enough to speak


"For several months now, Shadow magic has been infecting Darkwoods, slaughtering life at what seems to be random. The people of Darkwoods, though stronger, even weakened, than the average human ever dreams to be, are no match for shadow magic"

Lunalia starting thinking a bit. "I've always known that the people of the Darkwoods were more powerful in strength than most. But, hearing that something has managed to match them has me concerned. We had an attack on the village last night, though luckily no one was injured. The vile things just appeared from the ground."

"That's how I pictured what happened last night. I just randomly started sensing something and followed it. One of those... those shadows attacked me. And when he got me cornered, his touch to my skin just froze me completely. It's terrifying if you think about it. If they have the power of possession, things could get a lot rougher around here."

"The spikes could stop me in a charge while ascended, this magic is not to be trifled with. We need your help, Lunalia" Jargos said


Kreig was frozen in place

Layla translated. "Jargos was able to be halted by the spikes of these shadows, meaning this isn't something to toy around with. He's requesting for you to help us, Lunalia."

Lunalia nodded. "I aim to protect Zeiza, and taking this evil down is the only way to do it. I'll join you." She walked over to a large chest nearby the fireplace and pulled a sheathe from it. A blade was inside. "My magic is still growing, but I do know how to use a sword well."

Kreig gulped, then got up and left the hut in a hurry


Jargos cocked an eyebrow at him, then shruged

Lunalia put the sword on her back and looked outside. "Is he alright?" she asked. Layla only shrugged. "By the way," Lunalia said to Jargos. "Just call me Luna from here on out. No need for formalities."

Jargos nodded to her before he went to check on Kreig. Kreig was breathing heavily outside the hut, blushing like mad. Jargos patted him on the back, he knew what was going on. Kreig couldn't speak anymore, she was coming with them. Even if he could find his voice, he didn't know what to think. It was too good to be true, and yet it was terrifying. He didn't even know what he was thinking about Lunalia. It was so bizarre to him

Layla took a moment to talk to Luna in private.

"Grandmother, are you sure you want to join in the fight? I'm sure the three of us could handle it. I just don't want you hurt."

"Lunalia, I'm trained to fight like this. And the only way I'll get my vision back is if the spell that was cast is reversed, Gaea forbid it. The Angel of Death is still after me, but I won't let him have his wish."

"If you say so. Come, let's go."

"Very well. We have investigating to do."

Kreig composed himself as best he could when Luna and Layla came out of the hut. Jargos nodded to them both

"Where to now?" Jargos asked

Kreig looked at Luna, then away quickly

"Well, the only next place I can think of would be Garlan," Layla stated. "The Royal Family hasn't forgotten about us, I'm sure." She laughed.

Luna walked over to Kreig. She spoke quietly while Jargos and Layla were talking. "Hey, I just wanted to ask if you were alright. You kinda dashed out in a hurry a bit ago."

"Oh, I'm sure they haven't. It would be a good idea to ask if they knew anything: Jargos agreed


"Oh, uh-me? Y-yeah, I'm fine, just n-needed a little fresh air, t-that's all" He was trying to play off the fact that he had no idea what was going on. He wanted to hit himself for sounding like and idiot, but kept his hands by his sides, trying to hide his claws

"Then let us set that as our next destination." Layla smiled.

"If you need anything, just ask." She giggled a bit. Luna had taken a bit of liking to Kreig.

"Agreed, to Garlan" Jargos said

"Y-yeah, totally" Kreig was about to pas out from all the blood in his head from blushing