The Forgotten Zodiac

Bird seemed to be okay. He held the little rock carefully for awhile before putting it back in his pocket. The magic he had cast on L'arc had faded by now, and he could no longer hear the song.

"So...what about the Mother Tree's sapling?" Sylas asked quietly. "When you said they took something, I assumed they took that."

"No, absolutely not." Bird said, quite serious.

"And why not?"

"Because those humans would not be alive now if they had taken that. I left the sapling with Versha for safekeeping."

"Good choice," L'arc said, nodding.

((why can't i think of more words))

((No surprise at Bird's seriousness over the matters of killing someone else? xD That also means if someone took it by mistake, without meaning too, Bird would literally hunt them down and kill them to get it back, without remorse. That's pretty intense for someone with a mind much like a child's.))

They shuffled back to camp quietly after that. Bershee was near her pool, which was close enough to the forest's edge to greet the group as they approached. "I'm glad to see you are unharmed, Bird. And the same with you, L'arc. Byrne is in my tent, gathering the other supplies you all brought me. It's been a huge help to me, thank you."

((Actually, no. I expect that from you by now, haha. XD))

"No problem at all," L'arc said with a smile. "Sorry it took so long. We had a bit of a run in with some humans. Peaceful, I'm pretty certain," he said.

((Pffffffft

yeahokay

I'M PREDICTABLE NOW, AM I? This won't do, not at all.))

"Ah, I see. I'm glad more peaceful humans are making their way out here." Bershee smiled. "In the meantime, you lot should be getting ready to go, no? The human cities await. The Scyre isn't a problem that's going to fix itself, I'm sure you're aware."

((ohdear))

"...come again?" L'arc asked, blinking confusedly at this piece of information. "It's not going to be insurmountably hard like everything else is, is it?" he asked.

((Youcausedthis))

Bershee tutted. "Nothing else has been insurmountably hard, L'arc. Because you passed it. I don't see why this is any different. You've just got one more adventure before you can settle down in your reign. Try not to worry about it too much." She smiled brightly, patting his shoulder.

But Bird had flinched at nearly the name of the dreaded weapon they were soon to face.

((ohdear))

L'arc nodded slightly. "I'll try not to," he said, not saying anything of Bird's sharp movement. He could always ask later. For now, he just wanted to get back to camp.

"Go on, then. I can manage here. Thanks for all your help, L'arc." Bershee smiled. "I'd say, if the fate of the world rested on those shoulders of yours and your friends, I've got nothing to worry about."

"Thanks, Bershee. See you around," Sylas waved as they turned towards town and set off. "I like that lady. Definitely one of the kinder Oceanids I've met."

"Of course," L'arc said. "Bermuda tells me that the Octi were mainly that way. Stubborn to the bone, but generally kind. At least, that's my impression."

Sylas started laughing at that. "L'arc," He spluttered. "Octopi don't have bones!" He patted his friend's shoulder, grinning away.

"...totally knew that," L'arc said, though he grinned. "Goodness, Sy, just a saying," he huffed, but it was clear that he was joking.

"It was still funny!" Sylas insisted, but he quickly calmed himself as they approached town, and Verolen met them as they entered.

"Hey, you two. Everything go well? I see you found Bird. That's good." Verolen nodded. "We're almost done packing up."

"Excellent," L'arc said, smiling and nodding his approval. "Is everyone around and ready to go?" he asked, looking around the immediate area.

"Not here. Eve and Kendra are clearing things up with Tobias and making sure we have everything. We've gathered on the other side of town, where we'll be leaving from."

"Sounds good," L'arc said. "I'll join you in a minute. Just a couple things I need to grab," he said, then headed off for his tent.

Byrne, who had waited until the conversation was over before moving, came over to check on Bird. "I'm, um, sorry I opened that door," he said.

"It's okay." Bird shook his head. "You did not open a door with an X on it, so we're both alive. I should have mentioned the gas. It's my fault. But we're both okay, so there is nothing to worry about." He hesitantly reached out and gave the human an awkward pat on the shoulder, like he had seen Sylas do.

Byrne's expression brightened at the gesture. "Yeah, well, I'm glad we're both all right," he said. "What happened to you? Those other humans carried me back."

"I woke up in the tunnels alone. I found that they had taken you, and the chunk of Liquid Crystal I showed you. I had to go after them, but the door was still open and leaking gas everywhere. I accidentally breathed some in again. I managed to make it outside and follow their tracks a little while before I found the human camp. I couldn't even do anything before the gas got to me and I passed out." Bird tilted his head to the side a bit. "I think they thought I was a threat. When I woke up, they talked like they were peaceful, but one drew a sword before long, and...I got scared. So I asked the trees for help...none of them were hurt, and look," He held out the chunk of Liquid Crystal. "I got her back. Everything's okay."

"Oh, thank goodness," Byrne said. "I'm glad you're all right," he added with a nod.