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Ooc:// Yeah, I've heard of the legend...I kinda want one now.

But I'm still stuck on what to post...>.<

"And though this place may be untouchable so long as one survives, the rest of the world is not," Ayumu continued. "Lately, there has been some type of terrors in certain worlds. Dreamcatchers are being obliterated. Whether this is accidental or purposeful, it's wreaking havoc on this world. It is the cause of the plague." Ayumu paused painfully at the direction his thought were headed. He shakily continued.

"Whenever a dreamcatcher is destroyed, all the negative dreams are released. With nowhere else to go, the come here, but do not fall into the Caverns. Instead, they are let loose to destroy everything, as you have been witnessing."

Suddenly, Ayumu's expression became lighter, less burdened. "A dreamcatcher has been crafted," he murmured, almost to himself. The to Jaci, he added, "The rocks have been lifted. Go, find Setsuko and her family. Something tells me they will need you."

Jaci spent no time complying, rushing out as fast as his strong, sturdy legs could take him.

Rue raised her head as a blue-grey blur shot past. "Jaci?" she asked, almost in disbelief. The rocks...they weren't blocking the way anymore. "Jaci!" she called out, suddenly glad to see the Blue Lion.

Surprised to see a friend so close by, Jaci leaped onto Rue, licking her all over. It was so relieving to be out of the captivity of the tunnels, even if he had witnessed the Realm of Sleep.

"It's nice to see you Jaci, and I probably do need a bath, but please stop licking me," Rue sputtered, trying to push the Blue Lion off and pet him at the same time.

Jaci moved off of Rue, kneading his huge paws against the sandy rock. He glanced out across the dried lake, then back to his winged friend, wondering if she may know where Setsuko was.

Rue stood up, brushing off her grimy jeans. She noticed Jaci's glance out towards where the lake used to be, and could guess what the Blue Lion was thinking. "I'll take you to Setsuko," she affirmed, starting to walk in the direction.

Hearing the name "Setsuko", Jaci followed briskly, even anxiously. He could not waste any more time...

Ooc:// Alright, skipping the walking part....

The red tinge just now fading out of her eyes, they gazed at the small camp. Rue hurried towards it, eager to bring some good news. "Jaci's back!" she called out, increasing her pace. Tariq embraced her as she neared him, and she gave her husband a soft smile.

Jaci bolted up to Setsuko, who still laid unconscious on the floor. Jaci recognized the posture. What had happened while he was gone?

Jaci pressed himself tightly against his owner's body. And then...something wonderful happened.

Setsuko moved. "Hey, Jaci," she mumbled in a slurred voice, as though she were just waking up in a normal place on a normal morning.

"Setsuko!" Rue called out. Despite the sadness lingering inside, a small spark of happiness ignited within her upon her friend's awakening. She broke away from Tariq's embrace and hurried to Setsuko's side. Her small smile faded; how would she take Li's death? Did she already know?

"Hey, Rue," Setsuko mumbled in the same smooth, slurred voice. Her face scrunched up a bit, as if vague memories of the argument were beginning to piece together.

They didn't all connect, though.

"Where's Li?" She mumbled.

Kuilak didn't know if he'd be able to say the words.

Rue froze, tears beginning to leak out of her brown eyes once more. "Setsuko..." she began, trailing off somewhat, "Li, he's....he's dead." Gentle sobs followed the words, and Rue didn't bother to wipe her eyes.

Setsuko laughed, but it was soft and nervous. "Ahaha, good one, Rue. But really, where is he?" She turned to Kuilak this time. "Where is he?" she repeated, her face painted with motherly worry. Kuilak scrunched up his eyes, willing the tears not to fall. They didn't comply. He squeezed Yuumi a bit tighter.

"Y...Y...Yuumi's our...our yo...younge...gest s...son n...n...now," He stuttered through sobs. "R...Rue's r...r...ri...right."

Rue's sobs increased in volume and strength slightly, and Tariq embraced his distraught wife once again, rocking her comfortingly. She pressed her face into his shoulder, tears dampening his shirt.