Destiny of Light

Jargos' fire raged as he struck down more of the shadow creatures

The shadows briefly halted nearby her. Layla could sense that they stopped. "Something isn't right. Something really isn't right."

Jargos was ignorant of their halt and continued attacking

The shadows around her disappeared. "Jargos, something is wrong. Really wrong." This had Layla on edge. The markings faded from view and her staff lit up once more. "Can you sense it?"

Jargos' fur stood on end and a growl escaped his chest

In the earth, Layla could feel a deep rumble somewhere below the surface. "I have a feeling we should get out of here. We're right nearby Garlan, and whatever it is that's out here has a chance of heading that way."

Jargos nodded and stood close to Layla, helping guide her back

Layla was on edge, knowing danger was coming. "Something is coming, Jargos. And I can't put my finger on it."

"I know" He was almost as on edge as she was

Layla had an immediate sense of danger coming. She saw a flash of something in her mind; a figure she couldn't describe. "Jargos, run back to the cabin and wake up the other two. We've got something serious coming." Her tone was serious, as if she somehow expected what was about to happen. "Don't drag them into this. Get them to the docks and meet me back here."

"What makes you think I would just let you let him guide me to the docks?!" Kreig called out from above. He was high above them in the trees where he had been since the fight ended. Jargos' roar woke him


Jargos looked up and nodded to him, sending him Luna


Kreig nodded and darted to the inn for Luna

Layla focused her powers once more to form the white markings. "We have something headed for Garlan. I don't know why, I don't know how, but there's a large threat coming this way. I don't have time to explain. Go to the docks and ask for a man named Raiden. Give him this and tell him we need him to ready his men. We're setting sail. I can't explain. Just take this and hurry." Layla handed Jargos a long, thin, but folded cloth. "He'll know what this means."

Layla ran out into the darkness. Master, you were right. I'm sorry for not believing you, she thought silently.

Jargos nodded, then ran to Garlan with unmatchable speed. He was at the inn in moments

Luna was up and ready to move. "Where has Layla gone to?" she asked. She glanced at the cloth in her hand. "Why do I get the feeling something bad is about to happen?"

Layla slashed at shadows that attempted to ambush her. "Stay away from Garlan! These people have done nothing to you!" Before she knew it, she was taking on countless enemies. Layla chose to hold them off while the group prepared to set sail. Leading the creatures into Garlan was the last thing she wanted to do. With moon-light shining high, her powers over the water would be at their peak. She hoped the team would leave with Raiden without her so she could catch up when she got an opening.

Jargos told Kreig to tell Luna what had happened and that Layla wanted then to go to the docks and quickly

Luna nodded as they all headed to the docks. A dwarven man, not much shorter than Luna, was tossing some bags up onto a boat. The flag of the ship waved under the moon, the crest being a lunar crescent.

"Greetings, folks of Garlan! What may I do for you on this lovely evening? I was just about to set sail, but I'm willing to sit ant chat with ye all."

Without a word, Jargos showed the man the cloth that Layla gave him


Kreig stayed close to Luna

Raiden examined the cloth. "You're in relation with the maiden Layliana, aren't you?" He knew trouble had to be afoot. He yelled out to the crew, "Get ready to set sail for Nicca! Trouble is heading our way!"

Layla continued on fighting with the shadows until the remainder merged together. She cursed under her breath. Immediately caught off guard, a hit to her side knocked her to the ground. "And I thought Dark Magic was bad... That actually hurts."

Jargos wouldn't board without Layla, but Kreig went on without argument, he knew that Layla would be okay. A low growl escaped Jargos' chest

Luna followed behind Raiden as he boarded and prepared to head off.

"Listen, friend. The lass will be well. Of course, I won't stop you if you choose to stay. If she gave you this to bring to me, then there's a good reason why she wanted all of you to come with me. Raven trained her, and this item you gave to me was a blindfold she used since she had become blind. This is pretty important to her, even if she doesn't wear it." Raiden tossed the cloth to him. "Hang on to it. Your eyes tell me that you're more close to her than these other two are."

Jargos didn't bother speaking, he caught the cloth and disappeared in a burst of flame and speed

Raiden gave no expression, accepting Jargos' choice. "Very well, then. You two, there's an available cabin below the decks unless you want to sleep up here. We won't reach land until dawn. Nicca is a long trip from here." Raiden turned to face their direction. We head south to refuge."

Meanwhile, Layla had already joined back in the fight. "State what you're after. Fight sensibly, now!" she called.

"My purpose be not important to you, child. Begone!"

Layla jumped to force the light into the creature, but was quickly tossed down right before impact. She felt claws run across her arm and upper back as she was taken down. A memory from before came back to her. From all the things Jargos had done for her before he left.

"I-I won't give up," she said, struggling to stand from the sudden blow. Layla removed her cloak to take some weight off her shoulders. The claw marks were visible and glowed with her rune. "Not... this time." As her hands turned more to claws and her teeth slightly sharper, she lunged with her might to land a hefty blow on the creature. Little damage was done, but it was enough to have the creature back off. He laughed.

"I'm done pestering with you and your friends for now. I will take my leave, but mark my words that I will return."

Though Layla was wounded, she still stood tall. "I won't lose. Not after last time." She carried the cloak across her shoulder and made her way in the opposite direction she came.

Jargos caught up to Layla quickly, stopping in front of her. He panicked when he saw her wound

"Layla! What happened?" He held her close to him before letting her go to examine her wound

"The shadows. They're getting stronger. I didn't have enough power in one blow to finish it off, but it wouldn't have mattered. I caught a few wounds along the way, but it's nothing that can't be dealt with. I expected you to have left for Nicca by now, but I also respect your choice for wanting to stay behind." Layla cringed slightly and turned her thoughts back to the task at hand. "We need to get to the docks. I'll get us to the island without Raiden's aid."

Jargos picked Layla up, she was in no shape to walk and he wouldn't take no for an answer. He was seething mad at the shadows for ganging up, it showed no honor, and dishonorable fighters were considered scum to him. He didn't want to run for fear of hurting her


Kreig was quiet as the grave