Gloin was all alone in the vast forest, not knowing that Timothy and Rosa were close to him, but he could not locate the others yet. He’s the one carrying most of the weapons, but he, for once, didn't really know how to use them in this situation.  So all he could do is to wander aimlessly, hoping that someone would find him. Gloin heard cricketing sounds and whispers around him, so he grabbed the first thing he could and threatened the unknown person, “Who’s out there? I’m armed to the teeth, so don’t you dare!” He heard whispers and laughter, but he is not able to pinpoint where the sounds are coming from. As his eyes trailed down the trees, he saw an inhumane and enormous figure lurking and making its way to him. The forest was getting darker, and the only thing visible for Gloin is that wide and creepy smile along with those two white tusks on the side of its mouth. The creature was still laughing as it walked closer. Gloin could barely move

Timothy knew it too well that he couldn't let his emotions reign over him because the forest is tricky, and you will end up playing in the forest’s hands in no time- he just saw Arwin, the most logical among them, almost kill Mark but he couldn't control it. He is so mad furious at Sinas for doing such a thing to an old comrade- sure, they betrayed him, but Sinas had it coming. Still, seeing the doctor's horrible state right now just broke Timothy’s spirit. He could imagine just how much pain he went through in Sinas hands, and going back to his crew will even break him more. Mark’s state will break doc’s heart. Timothy could feel his heart pounding out of his chest as darkness started to consume him. He heard whispers all over, just like Arwin. He heard Sinas as he said, “You can die here and now for all I care.” The whispers are getting intense- so much so that Timothy started to draw out his arrow, and just before he released it, aiming straight at Sinas,

Rosa hurried to Arwin’s side as she was blasted through the trees. Rosa inspected Arwin’s body for any damages, but there were surprisingly none. Arwin coughed and said, “Well, would you look at that? This bloody armor Gloin made works!” Rosa protested, “What the hell were you thinking? You could have died- you should have! Wait, no scratch that- I could have died!”  “What were you even doing shooting your gun at me like that!” She added as she smacked Arwin Arwin groaned and laughed playfully, “Hey now, we’re alive, aren’t we? Shouldn’t I at least get a ‘Thank you for saving my life?”  “No.” Arwin said, “Ouch. That’s straight-up cold.” Arwin Then stood up with wobbling knees as she saw all the trees cleared out by the explosion. The trees started to decompose and grew just as easily. She remarked sarcastically, “And here I thought that would help clear our path a little.” “Crap! Mark!” Arwin forgot about Mark as she got too

Arwin’s world stopped for a moment, and she stopped thinking logically as well. Her mind became fixated on what Mark had said earlier. Death follows Raven wherever they go. Death follows her.  First, it was Timothy who almost died, and then it’s Mark- who, if it weren’t for Rosa’s magic, would have died already. Now, it’s Rosa. Just how many more lives will it take until Arwin realized that she truly is a Raven?  Death. There is death everywhere. She can’t take any more of these deaths. It is painful, and she felt guilty knowing that everything- all of it is on her. Timothy rushed to his dear Rosa’s side, who was struck by a needle straight to her heart or wherever she drew out her power- in her heart. Arwin saw the scenery once again. It was exactly like from before. Exactly like what happened to Night Rose. It was messy and chaotic, and it smelled of despair, of loss, and pain.  She has lived long enough to see this scenery tw

From a distance, Timothy caught a glimpse of a creature that looked like a half-horse and half-human with an extraordinary physique. It is a creature they call tikbalang. It is exceedingly fast with its horse legs, and the human upper body allows it to think critically when it moves. Timothy smirked, “Now, now, isn’t it our lucky day?” “Well, the tikbalangs rarely show themselves, but they’re worth a fortune in the marketplace,” Atlas added. Timothy brushed his now long hair in a bun as he remarked, “Oh, your sentence structure sure did improve, Atlas.” Atlas smiled with his enormous teeth and tusks showing, “I have a great teacher.” Timothy smiled just before he ran towards the tikbalang like the bull he is. The tikbalang was sensing what he was aiming for, and it started to run in a circle trying to deceive Timothy’s senses of sight and hearing.  This is typically what tikbalang does; they try to trick and outsmart their opponen