[@Rekaigan][@rush99999]
The spirits scattered and fled from the dark one in every direction. The stronger ones retreated closer to Zenovia. Several of her party members were attacking the figure, a [i]very bad idea[/i] if the spirits were to be believed. Vert charged at him, while the Storyteller began an incantation. Could she stop them both?

[@ineffable]
Vert and Kaite were in pain, and the former was about to see more of it. The latter was covered in small (but bloody) wounds. In a moment, Laina would have to choose which one to help, if help was even possible. Perhaps there was another individual present who needed her healing most of all, someone whose heart had grown so hard and black that only the tenderest hand could touch it. It was the heart of their greatest enemy, and he now stood before them, closer than ever.

Could she help him too?
----------
Gorman released the carrier pigeon with his report to the Captain. "Well, that's that," he said to himself. "Hang in there, Cap. I'll be there as soon as I can."

With that, he took off down the road in the direction he last saw the party of Champions.