Wild Cards and Servants of Angels (Hyde)

Oki continued to hang upside down as it swung lightly to reach out for Hyde. It wore a smile, but inwardly it was seeing just how much the other truly trusted it or how daring this one was. He said he trusted it and had even let it make the jump, but would he…?

Oho!

When Oki saw Hyde leap, the small smile on its face became an impressed smirk. It had not fully thought he would actually take the challenge, but he did. Now, how wise that was questionable. Hyde had no idea how strong Oki was and he was relying on the rather fragile looking being to not drop his heavier frame. Indeed this could’ve ended in disaster had Oki been unable to perform such a job, but Oki was well conditioned for this, weight the least of issues especially when swinging.

It got them down to the ground safely and landed on the ground with a light thud as it looked up at Hyde who was looking at itself with an admiring eye. The look made the being a bit bashful as it looked away and shook its head.

“Nah. That was just me taking the quickest route down. I am just glad I got to share the moment with you,” it said humbly as it stood back to its full height and looked around the area. Heh. Just as it thought. It was going to be a bit trickier to navigate through this part of the area. The trees were thick and closely packed and the floor of the area had grown into quite the intricate carpet. Oki was so focused on this it hardly noticed the other watching it until he made a light sound and the rustling of paper was heard over the rustling of leaves.

Oki looked back at Hyde moving in to look at the map quite comfortable with invading this one’s space by now. Its green eyes glanced from the map to the forest ahead. Hmm…the paths were hidden, but Hyde seemed to think that veering to left was the right way to go about this.

“Okay,” Oki said and then began to walk alongside Hyde as they moved deeper into the forest. The thick flooring pulled at their boots and threatened to trip them up; however, Oki moved in a slow fashion trying to avoid the tripping hazards only to find a different sort of hazard unexpectedly.

It stepped forward, a branch snapped under its weight, and then the whole ground disappeared and the being was falling downward with a gasp. In a rain of dirt, leaves, and grasses, Oki fail to the bottom of a small hole landing on the floor of it in a crouch before letting itself fall to side to levitate the pressure build up in its legs when they took its weight. With a light “oof”, it fell to its bum and sat for a minute as it tried to realign its senses and check to see if anything was damaged.

Well, outside of soreness in the legs from the unexpected fall, nothing was broken so that was good and it appeared that it was in a relatively small yet deep hole. The walls were smooth so climbing out was a no a unless it found something to use and there didn’t seem to be any tunnels leading anywhere. Huh, an old trap or just an old hole in general? Curious little thing and Oki was just lucky enough to find it. Whoo…

Anyway, getting to its feet and dusting itself off with a light sigh, it would look up at the hole’s entrance a few feet out of its reach. Hmm….it wondered if it could find a way to get up there or if Hyde was nearby.

“Hyde! If you are nearby be careful, love there might be more of these holes around!” Oki called before looking back at its surroundings to see if there was something in here that could aid in getting out.

(It didn't go to Wonderland. I am so disappointed. >>)

I’m already looking forward to the next moments that we share together. Was this what Nagisa meant bout spending a future with someone? He kind of wondered about that as the couple continued to go on their way inside of the forest. However, Hyde would have had an immediate scare when he saw Oki fall into the hole “ Oki!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “ He would of very much jumped in after her if he didn’t stop himself midway, he needed to be smarter about this and find a way to get Oki out of there.

“Don’t worry, I’m going to get you out of there. “ Hyde would say as looked over to the tree and started to climb it. After reaching the top of the tree, Hyde would then cut the long vines that were used for swinging with his pocket knife and tied the vine over to the closest tree to the hole as soon as he got down. After that, checked the length of the vine and noticed it was just long enough for oki to reach. “ Since we were able to swing on the vines, I figured they were long and sturdy enough. Grab hold of the vines and uses it to climb up the wall. “ Hyde would say as he stood a few inches away from the hole, ready to act in case something happened.

Oki was quite content, its heart full of warmth as it walked through the forest with Hyde wondering how life would be if they could stay this way forever. It was an interesting thought, but one that was slowly causing the gender neutral being to settle as female, a sign that it was settling into the idea of staying at Hyde’s side for as long as possible. It would smile easily at his words before letting its mind sink into these warm thoughts as it moved along the tangled ground with caution; however, happy thoughts soon became the last thing on the being’s mind as the ground itself decided to swallow it!

As it fell into this odd pocket in the ground, it heard Hyde call its name and saw him approaching the hole, thanking the heavens he didn’t jump in after itself. While Hyde was strong and tall, unless he packed some sort of hook and rope both of them down in the hole would do no good. They might be stuck there forever if that happened…and that was in no way a happy ending in Oki’s book.

As it looked up, it saw his concerned face and tried to give him a reassuring smile as he told it he would get it out of the hole.

“Alright then,” Oki responded back calmly trusting Hyde to find a solution to the problem on his end while it searched for a solution on its end. Green eyes scanned the area once more, but outside of some really frail looking things, there was truly nothing here to help it out. Hmmm….

Looking up, Oki would wait a few moments for Hyde to come back listening to the sounds in the area that let it know he was near by.

After a few moments had passed, Hyde would reappear tossing down one of the long vines from before. As the vine came down, it stopped just in the right spot that Oki could reach it with a light hop. Oki approached the vine and heard what Hyde said.

Well that was logical enough. Time to test the vine then. Making a small leap, Oki would grab onto the vine hearing it creak under its weight, but hold as it let itself hang for a second just in case it slipped or the thing broke.

Good. With no fear, Oki would begin to climb up the wall using the vine until finally it was back at the surface. Getting back to its feet the being would dust itself off as it looked over at the hole behind it.

“Well, now we know to watch for those,” it said and then looking over at Hyde with a grin. “Thank you for the help. We were beginning to think that we were stuck. We are glad we did not attempt this alone.”
It said the words cheerfully enough before its face became serious as it tilted its head at Hyde.

“Are you okay. We didn’t mean to scare you with our klutziness.”

The being took a step closer to the young man truly concerned. It did not want him worried or saddened during this trip and while accidents would probably happen, it still wanted this adventure to be full of joy and fun.

Hyde leaned in and kissed Oki on the lips. It was out of pure instinct, but it was very passionate. It was a reflection of his love, his worries, the simple fact that a scenario played over his mind that he could have lost her. There was a moment when he lost all of his friends in the other world, as well as a potential of losing his own life. It was in a forest, just like this. Seeing Oki fall into that hole broke his hear, and seeing her emerging from the hole with no harm done to her only overwhelms him with emotion “He held her close and whispered in her ear.” I …thought I lost you.”

This was different; the occasional shuddering of his body was an example of his fear. The past still haunted Hyde in a way, but he would never admit it. His happy exterior only safeguarded what truly lied inside, a sense of regret. It was the first time he kissed her, and Oki officially claimed the first kiss of Hyde’s life. At this moment, Hyde could relate to sentinel as much as some would think, his deep desire to protect someone was important to him. However, Hyde caught on quick and rubbed his eyes before he started to tear up. “I’m sorry Oki…*ahem* let’s keep going.”
His cheerfulness returned once more.

Oki watched Hyde for a moment and then found itself in his arms and his lips upon its own. The sensation was an odd one, but not unwelcoming as Oki stiffness from being slightly startled by the sudden action began to fade away as it relaxed in his embrace, taking in the moment. It was strange, but it was something about this action that was different from the light kiss on the cheek from before. There seemed to be so much more emotion behind this one. He was trembling as he held the being close. He had been scared for it. Thought he was going to lose Oki….

Oki closed its eyes and leaned into Hyde’s chest as the kiss pass. It had not meant to worry him so much…meant not to harm him like this. The being's reaction was a mixture of joy and sadness that Oki did not know how to deal with as it simply stayed close to the other for the moment.

“Don’t worry Hyde. Oki will stay by you no matter what,” it whispered back to him as it rubbed his back trying to comfort and reassure him. The words were no lie. It would stay at his side no matter what chaos came its way. This one being…one person was a reminder of why life was so valuable and why even if others disagreed, Oki had to stay on its own path to achieving Deva’s dream. One day Hyde would not have to worry or suffer anymore. Everything would be placed on level ground and paradise would bloom for all. They just had to hang on until then.

They stayed like that for a moment longer before Hyde pulled away wiping his eyes. He apologized to the being, but Oki found itself shaking its head as it gave him a light smile.

“No. It is fine. All is well now,” the being said gently and then nodding as Hyde resumed being happy and said they should move forward, Oki fell in step with the other. Together, they continued across the tricky ground slowly coming to what sound like a river in the distance.

Hyde and Oki walked hand in hand, walking in a bit of silence. There was a light blush on Hyde’s face that didn’t go away, mostly because he shared that steamy kiss with her. However, Hyde wasn’t too sure how she felt about it; did he invade her persona space when he did that? Was it her first kiss too?” Well, I won’t know if I don’t ask.” Hyde would say in his head as he decided to ask Oki about it while they walked careful to void any holes or more traps. “Hey oki, how did that kiss fee to you? Was I any good? You see, that was my first kiss I ever…shared with anyone..and I shared it with you. So… yea…..hehe” LAgi would say with a bright smile as he continued walking and making their way to the river.

“ I hear water, are we getting close?”

It was nice walking hand-in-hand with Hyde through the tricky pathways of the heavily covered forest floor. The birds sung above and warmth hung in the air. They continued to walk with the trees whispering above and the occasional hole trying to open up under them, but thankfully remained covered and sturdy until they had passed. They continued to walk in this silent bliss until Hyde asked about the kiss and explained that was the first kiss he had shared with anyone.

To this, Oki looked over at Hyde with a grin.

“Oki is the first? Well, Hyde is the first for us too, so we have nothing to compare the kiss too. This be good since we enjoyed the surprise and pleasant feeling that came with it. We will have to do that again sometime,” Oki said to the other in happy, yet honest tones. It honestly didn’t mind the action occurring again. As long as it wasn’t used too much Oki could get use to the kisses and perhaps learn the cues when to give kisses to the other along the way. It was a set of thoughts that only kept Oki grinning as it leaned easily against Hyde’s arm. Hyde meant so much to it now and was connected to it in such a way that maybe if all went well the bond would never be broken.

In any case, the moment would last for a few moments longer before the sounds of water reached their ears. As Hyde spoke of it, Oki nodded lightly.

“The River of Spirits must be crossed to find the pathway to the Queen that sleeps,” it said repeating a line that its grandmother had told it when it came to finding Andromeda. Then blinking it looked up at Hyde. “I think it means when you find the river, you are very close to Andromeda.”

The being finished the sentence as they broke the tree line and stepped out onto soft grass and into blinding light. Blinking in the light to let its eyes adjust, Oki would look around the area before taking in a breath at what it saw. This place…it was beautiful.

“Wow,” Oki whispered and then moving from Hyde’s side it would easily go further out into the opening its boots lightly shuffling through the grass until the ground turned to light colored river stones that rustled lightly under its shoes as it made its way to the edge of the river where it stopped and looked down at the clear water and the fish that swam about. The sight made the being smile in the sunlight until it was distracted by a large white crane that was resting on a rock. With a strange sound, the elegant bird took to the air and flew off, leaving Oki to watch it in awe until the blue above swallowed the whiteness whole. Leveling its eyes with the area once more, Oki would stay quiet as it scanned the other side of the wide river. It mimicked this side: rocks that blended into grass and then the dark tree line ahead. The only problem was the river looked like it got pretty deep near the center where light, but strong currents rolled by.

As green eyes looked around, it spotted the remains of a bridge further up river, but other than that there were no other crossings insight….and yet they were on the right path. To cross would save them time, but would also be a dangerous event. They could find a way around, but who knew how long the detour would take them to get back on track…besides there was another problem….

If Hyde had come to Oki’s side at any point during that time, then he would’ve heard these words.

“The quickest way is across, but the bridge is down and the current is strong. Oki is not a strong swimmer and becomes heavier in water. A side effect of what we are. We can go back into the woods to find a detour to get to the other side, but the time this will take is unknown. We are searching for other solutions, but current finding none that are better. What to do?” Oki would tell him in soft tones devoid of emotion as it gave the other a small and vague piece of its past along with revealing exactly what sort of creature it was. This being that appeared human was by no means normal, but it wondered as it continued to analyze the problem at hand if this would phase Hyde’s feelings towards it….

Do it again sometime, well that goes without saying. Though Hyde felt that making out with Oki in the tropical forest like this wasn’t as romantic as it seems. That one didn’t count, there is time and place for everything, and it definitely wasn’t then. “ I probably could of made it better for her if this was her first experience too.’ No use mulling over it now, Hyde would get another chance one day. However, seeing the beautiful river made Hyde think otherwise. “This place is really beautiful…..wow….amazing… though, dangerous to swim in.

Hyde would then follow behind Oki and take notice of the bridge. Hyde also heard Oki’s response to it, she sounded a bit robotic like. He wondered if this should be considered as normal? However, should he care if she could be a little weird at times? Hyde is the super duper high school weird guy after all. “ I value your safety, and we already saved a bunch of time with the rock climbing and our vine moment. If this doesn’t necessarily play into your strengths, I wouldn’t want to risk it. We go around, ok?” It was a smart choice, and hyde was all smiles right now. ”Besides, I figure that we can find a safer route by going around; because that’s the same route we would have to take back to get home I think. I mean, just In case that it turns out to be that way, at least we would know the way.

Hyde didn’t seem to have anything to say regarding the kiss, the air around him suggesting he went into his own thought, making Oki curious as it looked over him with a smirk on its face, as to what the other was thinking; however, the being was wise enough not to pry as they kept walking until they reached the river that needed to be cross or worked around to get to the path Andromeda.

Hyde seemed to agree that the place was beautiful and yet dangerous as he followed the being out into the open where they paused at the river's shore line and Oki made its analysis. After it finished, it wondered just what Hyde thought of itself. Did he find it too weird to be around? Would his next words be a hint that they should probably not see each other after this? Would this phase their relationship that much?

Oki’s mind pondered the bad scenarios before dismissing them as Hyde spoke. When he suggested they go around, Oki blinked and looked over at the other with eyes narrowed slightly thanks to the sun’s glare off the water and surrounding area. What he was saying made logical sense and he still seemed to care about Oki, so perhaps this was a good sign.

“Around…” Oki repeated as it folded its arm and placed one finger upon its temple in thought. “Around…around…” it would mutter thinking for a moment as its mental eye scanned the map it had memorized in its mind.

“There are a few options to go around, but I am not sure if the ones nearest to the river or the one back in the forest are the right ones or which ones are faster,” Oki said before it blinked and looked around the area for a moment.

“There is a cave upstream that way,” it pointed to the left past the bridge. “A thin upward path this way,” it pointed in the opposite direction and down stream. “And finally, the hidden path somewhere back the way we came. Each one has its own risks, but logic dictates the open paths down stream or through the forest might be safer. At least we have light and you wouldn’t have to use your light source so soon,” Oki said before green eyes settled on Hyde as it grinned.

“On top of that, I won’t have to worry about you getting hurt in the darkness,” Oki said with a light chuckle before it tilted its head and waited to see what Hyde had to say on their options.

Hyde would rub his eyes twice and smile. “Well that’s true, I wouldn’t like to be blind at all, not if it means I can’t see any more of you. Your smiling face kind of makes me want to be braver at times Oki.”  Hyde finally made up his mind as to what path they can take. “Aright! I know what we could do; I think the cave is the best bet Oki. We can stick together, and I brought two flashlights just in case. One is mine and one is yours.  “  Hyde would say with a bright smile. ” Maybe  should of asked you first if you wanted one, but I couldn’t really stop thinking about you from when I was inside of the hardware store and other spots. I took the initiative, and I’m not really sorry for it.”  Hyde would then turn to face oki.

“You are strong enough to protect yourself, but I want to protect you too.” Hyde would then take Oki’s hand and walk towards the cave, stopping in front. “ Aright…. One second..”  Hyde would say as he took out his flashlight from his backpack and  held it in one hand after putting his bag back on. ”  See how big it is? I wasn’t taking any chances with you, If I could fit the store in here, I would. “  Hyde was pretty silly with his remarks, but he meant well.” Ready to go? Adventure awaits! ”


Flashlight

Spoiler:

Oki couldn’t help, but blush a bit at what was heard. Hyde while silly sounding to some had a way with words that simply pleased and made the being feel shy. Maybe it was because the attention was directed fully towards it and while it was indeed happy with Hyde and comfortable around him, the idea of someone being this kind to it still took it by surprise sometimes. The small surprises were nice, even if it took a moment for the being to compose itself from them.

Recovering from the light surprise, Oki would grin at Hyde as it rubbed the back of its head.

“I didn’t think we’d have such an effect on another,” it said with a light chuckle and then hearing Hyde’s second set of words, It blinked twice.

“While I thank you for thinking of me, perhaps you should hold onto both in case the light dies. We are not too sure how far that cave goes, but it should let out close Andromeda, if my mental map is right,” Oki said tapping the side of its head before it let its hand fall to its side as it looked up at Hyde as he turned to it.

“Hyde…” Oki whispered unsure how to react to such words as it bowed its lightly as a mixture of sadness and happiness filled it. He wanted to protect it, but did he know what that would require? Did he care about such a high price? Oki looked back at the other with curious eyes. He…was a pure soul wasn’t he? So sweet and kind…no Oki could not let him pay the cost. It would keep itself between him and that mess.

Giving Hyde a small smile, it would nod lightly at him and finish its sentence. “Thank you.”

That was all it said. All it could say to sum up all the emotions and appreciation those simple words had sparked within it. In any case, the moment ended as Hyde grabbed Oki’s hand and they headed towards the cave. They would pause outside of it as Hyde got out a rather large flashlight and turned it on. When he made his comment Oki couldn’t help, but smirk as it responded back.

“I see. Glad you thought ahead for this,” Oki said back playfully and then tilting its head said “But a store would break Hyde. I am glad you could not put it in the bag.”

It was true Hyde’s words were a figure of speech, but for Oki the scene in its mind was quite real. Well, with that business aside, Oki would move into the cave with Hyde taking note how the temperature began to drop as soon as they were in the dark, earth smelling void. The sounds of dripping water could be heard and from what the light illuminated slick rocks lined the ground and walls, old roots hung above and the occasional squeak in the distance signaled there may be bats or rats in the area.

As they moved further end, the light at the end would slowly get swallowed up until it was only themselves and the light from the flashlight. Their footsteps would echo in the hollow area and the occasional clatter of rocks could be heard. Oki kept walking with Hyde until they were midway through the cave where the sounds of something shifting in the darkness beyond caused Oki to hesitate.

It held on a little tighter onto Hyde’s arm, not because it was scared, but rather it was trying holding him back in a way from going forward and into whatever that sound was. Staying still, the shifting would continue until it became light footsteps that got closer and closer until it the walker stopped just outside of the light and looked at them while tilting a strange masked face.

??? (Threat Level: Caution):

After a few tense seconds, the person would mutter something about gods, angels, and blessings’ before it moved to the side and began to shuffle past them at a slow pace.

We do complete each other after all. It’s like I’m a piece of cake, and you are the fork that eats me.  “  Hyde would give off a lighthearted response to  lighten up the mood. It was a pretty strange comparison to think of food when it came  an example of what completes  another. “A car to the engine? IS that better?” Even in a cave, Hyde was trying to be an alternate light hope and stood as a brightness of fun, However, It was as dark as heck down in this cave, where are they anyway?” Hm…” his flashlight that Hyde had was pretty powerful,  but nothing could compare him to the eerie presence.

He could feel Oki’s grip as if she was cautious of something. Hyde stepped in front of Oki in order  to protect her,  he didn’t  mind using this flashlight as a hammer or something if It meant keeping oki out of danger. “Don’t worry…I’m not going anywhere…” Hyde  would say to oki  when the hooded person showed up. However, all that person did was mumble and went away.  Hyde was puzzled, but he was still   holding Oki’s waist, keeping her behind him. “ Well…. I couldn’t make out anything that person said….but I’m glad  you are ok……”  Hyde looked back, noticing that the person basically disappeared into the darkness. ”What was that?

Oki heard Hyde’s words and chuckled lightly at the food reference. It understood what he meant, but couldn’t help but to find the strange reference comical. Even when he tried to fix the odd saying, the words still remained funny to the being as they traveled further into the cave, the articles hanging off of Oki’s clothes jingling lightly as they moved.

“Yes. We do complete each other. Like two halves of a circle. Together we are one,” Oki said to the other, its voice echoing lightly in the darkness they traveled through. However, after the short exchange, silence fell between them. It was a tense sort of silence that only came when one was walking into the unknown. And an unknown this cave was to the being.

It had heard tales about the pathways between Andromeda and the main world. Pathways that were said to be crowded with spirits. The open paths were the more safer routes because the spirits could not surprise you, but within the cave, the field was to the dead’s advantage. Sure the tales told were just that, old tales, but remembering them now of all times only made the tension in Oki’s body grow as they continued forward.

While the light illuminated quite a bit of the cave, there were still shadows that could not be dispelled by the light. Shadows that hid strange things that made even stranger sounds. When Oki froze up to stop Hyde from moving forward, he automatically moved before Oki pushing it back behind him with one hand as he did his best to play defender.

Oki appreciated the action, but if there was trouble it would not let him fight alone. The being remained behind Hyde, a hand on his arm as it peeked around his frame with analytical eyes as the strange person shuffled forward and then past them muttering.

As the strange masked being slid by, Oki could smell a strong scent of flowers upon the person who murmured about something that almost sound like gods. Staying close to Hyde, Oki watched the stranger pass, green eyes narrowing lightly as the figure melted into the darkness that it had come from.

When Hyde spoke, Oki nodded lightly as it looked back at him.

“I am just glad you didn’t have to fight,” Oki said giving the other an appreciative and relieved smile. When it was asked what that was all about, the smile faded and turned into a light frown.

“That man wore a plague mask and smelt of flowers, so I am not sure…” Oki said as it looked back the way the guy had vanished for a second before it moved to Hyde’s side once more. It had just about had enough of this little find already.

“I think we should keep our eye open just in case any more like that guy are around. I’d hate to be walking into ambush or cult, so I suggest either turning back or getting out of here fast. I don’t think we’ll be lucky if we run into another like him. That flower scent is highly unnerving,” Oki said its voice calm and devoid of fear even though the frown on its face spoke volumes about just how unpleased it would be to have another run in with mysterious masked people.

A…. a cult? Well…. I hope that’s not true, I never knew that there were strange people coming from around here. I would rather not of exposed you t such a thing Oki. If I knew before hand, I would of went around the path instead. I guess it was foolish of me to think that the cave was simply abandoned with no one living in it at all. But it’s lunapa island, I don’t think we should be too surprised.” Hyde would reinforce the hold on Oki’s hand as they pressed on forward. I’ll be sure to keep my eyes open oki, I won’t let anything happened to you, and if something does, I’ll come running. “

Hyde continued to walk, but a bit slower now. He was using his almost animal like instincts in order to fee if anything more dangerous was going to show up. “To be honest, there is something else I’m good at. I have a knack for feeling danger…if that makes any sense.

Strength

Spoiler:

Oki was quiet as it felt the grip on its hand tightened a bit more. The firm yet gentle gesture calming it a bit more as it listened to Hyde speak. To his words, Oki shook its head.

“I don’t think it would’ve mattered which way we went. Any of the paths open could’ve led us into trouble. If it is a cult, then they might have ways of staying out of the spot light and hiding their trails. I am thinking that we may have just gotten a surprise is all. What are the chances of that happening again, right?” Oki said as it looked up at the other and gave him a smile.

The being was trying to comfort the guy. It really wasn’t his fault that this had happened. Who knew, maybe that weird guy had simply come in the cave after doing drugs or something. The clothing were werid and his mumbling suggested some form instability, but whether that was natural or not for the guy was questionable. In any case, he was gone now so maybe…maybe they would be alright.

They moved on. Hyde was saying he would protect Oki if things turned out sour. To his words, Oki only let out a soft “Okay” as they inched forward in the semi-silence of the cave. When they were almost out, Hyde had mentioned having a sixth sense for danger.

“That is a good skill to have. Perhaps it can help us not be surprised by anything else,” Oki said not sure whether to feel glad or corncerned at the moment. It wasn’t that it doubted Hyde or his words….no…it was just something about that encounter had rattled it. As long as they were in the cave, the tension remained in Oki as it followed Hyde through the twists and turns of the cavern. When they finally exit, Oki could not help, but let out a light sigh of relief before perking up with a smile as it looked around the shady area of open forest.

“Phew. No more cave,” Oki said with a chuckle and then hopping forward looked around the area with narrowed eyes. Mhmm. They were close.

Looking back at Hyde, Oki pointed in what seemed like a random direction as it spoke.

“You see that tree up ahead? The large one with the white papers on it? That is a spirit tree. If we follow them, we should be able to find the old stairs and from there approach Andromeda and finally tackle our mystery,” Oki said with a grin as it moved back towards Hyde and grabbed his hand.

“Come. Come,” it said moving forward a bit to begin the hunt for the rest of the spirit trees.

All the while this happened hidden eyes watched the pair work.

(Shall approach Andromeda in the next post)