"Who should go?"

Mildred had already fallen deep in thought as Brier asked the next question. She took a quick look at all the members of the council. The quietude in some, the curiosity in others, the hints of doubts... naturally, the one that unified them all was the wish to do something.

"Brier, Isaac and I should stay while the rest of the council goes to the Land of Chaos," Joha suggested firmly, though a kind look remained in her brown eyes.

"The three of us will take good care of everything, I promise. Go, and focus on the entity. You may face great trials."

Mildred was hesitant, concerned for her people. However, the aura that propagated from Joha was genuine and deeply reassuring backed by the trust that the leader had in her. Mildred sighed, nodding towards Joha with a smile, but didn't confirm the proposal yet.

"Is everyone present here fine with the decision? Raise your arm to disagree."

Only a few hands rose, perhaps twenty, but every person's opinion mattered to Mildred. She nodded to a middle-aged man, asking him to speak.

"I have faith in all of you and I know that our well-being will not be compromised in any way. The three are kind and powerful, and Joha was your mentor, was she not? I only worry for you and the others going to the Land of Chaos. I don't know if any Shadow-Trapper ever visited that land, and even if they did it hasn't happened for the last few centuries."

Mildred's fair face held a smile, consolation immediately settling in the Shadow's mind.

"You're absolutely right, we know nothing about our present situation. But one fact that is sure is that silence is a must when confronting such powerful beings, else our own existence can be our destruction. The fewer people that go, the fewer chances of entropy to exponentially increase. I have faith in all five of them as you do; they very well know how to control their consciousness. The six of us know each other very well and the entity is purely of the fifth dimension. A large amount of the dimension's knowledge has been lost, but the group going must have a strong bond.

"There have been... past experiences that enable us for this work. Besides, I can never endanger any one of you, especially in such delicate situations."

Something powerful hid in Mildred's expression; perhaps the Shadow's prime trait. A calming silence befell the room while the uncertain Shadow-Trappers eventually agreed with the decision. Their leader's gaze instilled confidence within them and that was what truly convinced them. Joha was relieved and satisfied, though immediately took upon her role as a sub-leader with Mildred's permission.

"This Gathering now comes to a halt. Do continue on with your everyday workings while remaining vigilant. I will always be here if anyone faces any problem; please do not hesitate to come to me. Also, leave the headquarters with a shadow-lifter, and keep your Zeal Lietaeru active at all times at the level that you will be notified of any information. At least we will be able to use Solis for communication.

"Lastly, tell the children as much as they may need to know and let them know that they are safe. No harm shall come to them.

"I swear on the hearthstone."

Joha's tone was now softer than a water droplet. Everyone remained still in stunned silence, although everyone in the council expected this from Joha.

Everyone other than Zoey.

"Joha-"

"If I did not do this then you would. I'm fully aware of that, Zoey.

"You have greater burdens to handle. Let me fulfil my duty."

Zoey did not know what to say. Her intuition often sparked the right words, those that were purely Zoey and that were always fit for the situation.

She remained silent.

"Thank you everyone," Joha said with a soft smile, dismissing the Gathering. All the Shadows faced considerable confusion that day, though an odd sense of comfort pervaded through their minds, one that stemmed from unity and trust.

The atmosphere lightened as the Trappers exited the hall, and so did the united aura of these Shadows. Although one shadow remained, a quiet smile on her soft face.

"Hello, Kaczie. What can I help you with?"

"Hello, Joha. I see you need rest."

The Shadow's tone remained plain with a hint of kindness. Joha was surprised by her lack of an aura, but something about Kaczie made her feel trustworthy. Something Joha couldn't begin to understand.

"Anyway, I remained to thank you all for what you have done. If you ever need my help with anything do not hesitate to ask. I do not want your tasks to become much of a burden for the three of you and so wanted to let you know that you can rely on me."

Ethelred raised a suspicious glance at the lack of her aura, but remained silent for the time being. Joha gave a grateful smile and the others of the council followed the gesture, though Zindel was particularly intrigued by the Shadow and didn't do much to hide his curiosity.

Kaczie's tone grew grimmer when she spoke again, though her softness remained.

"There's one last thing I want to say."

The pause built an odd anticipation within the shadows.

"Do not be afraid of the being. Do not be angry, do not dislike it and try not to show any surprise in front of it.

"It is more of a victim than we realise."

The last line was barely audible, enough to arouse confusion amongst all except Mildred.

"How do you know? Are you aware of what this being is?" Ethelred questioned, his tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

For the briefest moment the image of gentle, black pupils appeared, dangerously large wavelengths propagating around it. It was a black hole of rage and a powerful one. But it was a black hole of rage; forever sucking in the pains, the destruction, the everything that came from anger. Letting the others rest in peace.

Suddenly a red glow surrounded the pupils, tired eyes appearing in the void.

Where am I? A foreign dimension?

The eyes bled of energy.

I want to go home.

In an instant the sight vanished, saving itself in the subconscious of the shadows.

"I just do," Kaczie replied with a small smile. Only one with deep insights could feel her true empathy and perhaps one Shadow did. Kaczie gave the leader the longest look, her smile spreading before she left the hall.

Disappearing as silently as she appeared.

"You do know that you'll have to leave by tonight, right?" Isaac asked, his tone heavy with concern.

"We should be alright. The portals do not exert much on us, do they?" Mildred asked gently.

"The effect of the portals depends on the land's present situation and the Shadow Dimension. I do not think it will give any trouble right now, though upon reaching your destination your energy might be subject to change. Be very careful." 

Isaac wore a small smile and Mildred returned it gratefully with a nod strong enough to dispel his worries, at least for the time being.

"Take a little break, all of you. A little walk around Sylva Vita, or you could come spend some time with me in the music room!"

"Don't worry, child. We shall come," Zoey replied in an overly-caring tone, playing with his uneven hair.

"He always wants an excuse to go in there," Brier said in an amused fashion, shaking her head.

"You are one to talk. I have seen you arranging some sort of orchestra with the birds and nature."

"That was for the children," Brier suddenly blushed, moving closer to Joha.

"Oh silence, Isaac. Always trying to tease Brier," Mildred said with a gentle chuckle.

"I do not, little sister. She picks on me."

"Look at all you innocent children, getting involved in a couple's fight."

Zindel's voice came suddenly and he took advantage of the hesitation by grabbing Zoey's and Brier's hand, dragging them outside.

"We don't have much time. And Red! Come with us!"

Ethelred scoffed, paying Zindel no more attention.

"Please?"

Ethelred could never say no to those innocent words and sighed, looking absolutely annoyed as he followed the shadows.

"I've been wanting to discuss a little something with the two of you," Kasia nodded towards Thet and Joha. Soon the three of them left the room too, leaving the two siblings together.

"Bring your violin, Isaac. At least I can handle your enthusiasm."

Isaac's brown gaze gleamed with delight.

---

A large smile immediately came upon every Shadow's face as soon as they heard that first spiccato. Isaac was already immersed in the notes as he improvised upon a simple melody line, able to forget about their words momentarily.

The life around continued though everything was now more lively, especially with the children's energy now bubbling with enthusiasm. The sound of the trills cheered in wonder and practically lost all calmness at the playful and fast-paced notes.

The tunes continued for a while before Isaac gradually came to a stop. An assuaging darkness surrounded the man before he Shadow-lifted himself out of his position, the vibrations of his strings echoing everywhere.

He then appeared in the middle of the children with a huge grin, now looking towards Mildred. The two shared a knowing look with Isaac smiling in gratitude and Mildred humbly closing her eyes. The man turned his attention to the children and that sight spread deep warmth and respect in the leader.

Mildred could not afford to lose even one Shadow.

The Shadow walked silently on the gravel, closing her eyes. As always she walked with no footwear, the ground's cool touch tingling her senses. A sense of serenity surrounded her each time the breeze ruffled through her long hair, letting her feel free despite the abundant burden on her head.

Mildred opened her eyes towards the clouded sun, just the right warmth touching her skin. Her eyes lowered towards Kaczie who now leaned on a tree, her skinny figure matching that of the light tree's branches.

Mildred approached the smiling woman and she stood attentively with respect. Normally the leader would ask the woman to relax but she understood how Kaczie was, simply nodding in appreciation.

"It's good to see you again, Mildred. Usually no one ever meets me twice in a day."

Mildred gently supported Kaczie's head, closing her own eyes in deep concentration. Under the will of a powerful being Kaczie did the same, her mind suddenly feeling rested and cared for.

Mildred let her head rest on the tree's trunk, nature's grace aiding the sole Shadow. Personal warmth was reflected on Kaczie's expression of only for a moment before she opened her eyes.

"You are not alone, Kaczie," Mildred spoke with utmost care, receiving an oddly consoling bittersweet smile from Kaczie.

"Everyone is alone, Mildred."

Kaczie's voice was distant as she stared into the sky, turning her gays towards the horizon. She then chuckled as she looked at the many gleeful shadows surrounding Isaac, feeling a tinge of pride.

"Although right now, we are all here together."

Mildred couldn't agree more.

---

"I'm going to miss this place," Zoey said with a sigh, an odd nostalgia in her mind.

"Keep an open mind. None of you knows what is going to happen. Do not act as if you won't return." Joha said sternly, earning an inanimate nod from Zoey and Zindel, though the two quickly turned serious.

"Worry about the headquarters, I cannot stop you from that. But do not fret because they are all now our responsibility."

Joha and Isaac nodded with confidence and a happy smile came on Brier's small face. The six shared that smile, though a solemnly sombre aura was maintained around Mildred.

"Do not let any of this burden you. If a catastrophe occurs from nature's hand, then we can only do our best to protect everyone. You know that the best, Brier."

The girl in mention nodded, a distant red glinting in her eyes for a brief moment. She nodded in understanding, and the three bid the the six goodbye.

Mildred waited for the others to go before her, letting Ethelred be the first. As she waited the presence of the portal's fabric grew heavy in her mind, curling around all lies to present all truths. There was a flash of despair that was quickly replaced by acceptance and understanding, though the realisation hadn't got her yet.

She pronounced the thought of going to the Land of Chaos when she entered the portal room. Darkness took away her particles, freeing her consciousness from the vessel. In the warped space her senses didn't work but she had anticipated that. After all, a greater telepathic understanding was now more evident. It picked up on the sympathising aura, though hurdles of duty and rage prevented its smooth flow.

With that unnerving flash of red Mildred became composed and confident of the truth.

The red brought her to the Land of Chaos.