The group finally made it to the Forbidden Hills.  Kasai entered with no fear, but the others were hesitant again.  Cory was the first to follow Kasai after a few seconds, not wanting to be too far from her.  The others slowly went after them.

"A-are you sure you know where we're going...?" Cory stuttered nervously.

Kasai just nodded.  "Of course I'm sure.  I've been there before."

She was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Kasai?"

She hesitated and looked over as her Uncle Hitze peeked over the hill.  She smiled brightly.

"Uncle Hitze!"  She raced over and hugged him.

Hitze laughed and returned the hug.  "Vhat are you doing back here again?"

"It's a long story-"

"Why didn't you tell us you had an uncle???" Katie barked, her tails wagging excitedly.  Kasai looked over at her.

"Because I didn't know at first, duh."

Hitze looked up at the others.  "Who are zey, zen?"

"Oh, right... these are my friends!" Kasai said.  "They and I were chosen to rescue Snow.  I saw him in Nuclear's lair while I was going to rescue Fuego."

"Really now?"

She nodded excitedly. 

"Well zen, you should get to it!  I'll have some backup prepared for you just in case."

She smiled again.  "Thanks Uncle Hitze!" she said happily.  Hitze nodded and went to get the backup.

"That was...unexpected." Cory muttered.

"Hah...sorry, forgot to mention that I met my uncle here." Kasai said awkwardly.

"Don't worry about it.  We gotta get SNOWing." Zakk said, snickering.  Everyone groaned.

"..okay, I'll admit, that WAS clever though." Flash muttered, hiding a blush.

Zakk smiled proudly.  "Well, firey leader?  Lead the way." he said, looking at Kasai again.  Cory hid a jealous blush.

Kasai just nodded and raced off towards the lair again.