And why did you bring her along? Naji asked as she rolled her eyes. She wasn't a huge fan, but tolerated her.

Because she would come anyway. It was almost too dark to sign, but the light of a nearby fire was bright enough to see.

"Um, what are you two saying?" Ilie asked politely. "I want to try to learn sign language..." She continued to talk, but you turned your head and tuned out. There was no desire to see what she was saying, as you were actually feeling a bit huffy with her. You didn't want to take her and you had recently found out that she had a bouquet of 'happy nose flowers' that had been intended for you. It wasn't that you really were upset with her, but you were using your lack of hearing to your advantage.

You did notice, however, both women turning their head suddenly. Following their gaze, you saw Jason screaming, sobbing and stumbling toward you. Quickly, you caught him in a hug as he clutched a piece of fabric in his hands.

What is this?  You asked him, trying to read his lips at the same time.

"...He was stabbed... by a sword... Someone was murdered!"

"... my skirt?" Ilie inquired.

"I didn't 'bring this back', someone saved me... and he said... take this and go!"

Let's get out of here. Naji signed to you.

"That scary thing called the other person an exterminator! That person had a sword on his belt! They're probably fighting and we have to call for help!" Jason looked up at you with fear and you realized exactly who he had run into. Unfortunately, Ilie, who did not know this was Kidou's intention, also realized it.

"Ilie... Wait!" Naji tried to stop the young girl as she ran, "Where are you going, you idiot!! Come back! Ilie!"

She never listens, see?! And now Kidou is going to have to protect her. You shook your head, knowing it was best not to follow after her too closely. Stay with Jason, I'm going to follow in the shadows.

Walking in the direction that Ilie ran off into, you could almost feel the vibrations on the ground of all the action going on. In the din of the lanterns, you saw the girl's shape at the top of a bell tower, ringing the old bell for dear life. But you knew that no one would come. No one good, at least. Instead, a frightful sight of what seemed to be a half-human/half-cagaster swarmed at her. And as soon as it landed, it fell back to the ground and scuttered off.

Your eyes traced as you followed Ilie move from down the tower to a sitting form, you assumed was Kidou. And once you scanned the surrounding area and found it to be without dangerous movement, you too went to Kidou.

AN: I'm so sorry it's been so long. I started medical school a while back and I lost most of my inspiration to write. Now that I'm settling in a bit, I am trying to get back into it!