Meanwhile the other hermits awoke and got to searching once more, moving towards a different district.

They searched all morning only stopping to eat for a moment. Joe and Zedaph decided to try searching from above and had left when they started.

Mumbo was convinced by the others to rest today and just supervise and give direction. He reluctantly agreed as everyone broke into groups and searched for the rest of the day but still to no success. They did however discover that both Biffa and Python had gone missing as well, worrying the others even more. 

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The next morning, Grian woke up with a careful stretch and yawn. He spotted the chicken talking with the man by the stove.

The chicken looked over and smiled. "Good morning, Grian!"

He smiled. "Good morning."

The man chuckled. "Sleep well?"

Grian nodded. "Yes. Thank you. I'm already feeling better than I was yesterday."

"Good."

"But,"

"But?"

"I still don't have your name."

The chicken looked at the man. "You still haven't told him?"

The man sighed. "I'll tell you soon." and with that, he left the room.

Grian turned to the chicken. "Um, I have a question."

"Of course hun."

"How can I understand you?"

"Hm?"

"I mean I was a human before I got turned into a cat. I couldn't understand chickens then." Grian explained.

"Hm. My guess is it's cause you're a cat right now."

Grian nodded. "Maybe... But how can he understand us? Or at least you?"

She smiled. "Practice, I suppose. Maybe he's always known. I'm not sure but I do know, it's not my story to tell ya."

Grian sighed. "Alright. Thanks... What about your name?"

"I'm afraid he's asked me to conceal that for now."

Grian tilted his head. "What? Why?"

She just smiled as the man walked back in. "Hungry?"

Grian glanced between the two before nodding.

The three ate in silence before the man spoke up. "You wanted to know what to call me?"

Grian stopped and looked up. "Yes."

He didn't respond.

"You know you can trust him." The chicken spoke quietly.

He sighed. "You swear not to tell a soul what you're about to learn?"

Grian glanced between them before nodding. "I promise."

He was silent. "You may call me Xelqua. Or Xel for short." He sighed and turned to the chicken. "And this is my dear friend, Sally."