192 Trio... now Duo

"No, she is not. I… it's complicated when it comes to her. I have been teaching her. She's the daughter of Clovis, the prince you met earlier." Kyera explained honestly not wanting to lie. It seemed fate had wrapped her and Raina tightly around one another and she had nothing to hide.

"I see… is she the Princess you rescued from the Jackal boys?" Daxin asked remembering the day she had stood up to Bina. It was one of the last times she had made a stand before she was taken.

"Yes. Raina is the little girl I rescued then." Kyera confirmed as they reached the climbing tree. She leaned against the trunk and watched him silently for a long moment. "This was all out if my control. I am simply trying to make the best of it." Daxin chuckled at her.

"Kyera, no it wasn't. You made the choice to save that little girl from being killed or worse. You made the choice to take Talis' place in that net. You are choosing to make the best of this situation." Daxin pointed out, his eyes holding hers. He could see the surprise on her face. A thin layer of tears welled in her eyes again. The elder couldn't help but pull his student into his arms.

"I want to go home…" Kyera whispered softly as she struggled against the tears. Her arms wrapped around his waist, her face hidden in his chest.

Daxin sighed, holding the girl and petting her hair. At Twenty Two years old, Kyera had been through quite a bit. Most of it neverending pressure and pain. He had no idea what to say or how to help her. Today was just another blow at her sanity.

"When you were little and she left you, my wife and I use to wonder what you kids would turn out like. Then the tragedy hit. I was sure you would crumble under the weight of being the only survivor." Daxin mused aloud as he looked up into the trees. "My wife laughed and said that little love is a fighter. You know what Kyera? She was right." he whispered reassuringly. Kyera looked up at him to see a smile on his lips.

They broke apart and stood in companionable silence for several long moments.

"I am proud of you Kyera." he added and she took a deep breath. Not knowing what to say, she turned to the tree.

"This climb isn't easy, think you can do it?" she asked teasingly before turning to the tree.

"Bring it on Tiger Cub." he laughed as they both changed forms and raced up the tree.

Inside, Mally was still laid out on the bed, her wounds undressed and airing out in the evening air. The majority of the healing had fixed the deeper issues and mended the muscles, but the flesh couldn't be sealed yet, not without leaving room for infection. She was obviously worried, having not turned when they entered the room. Her face was ill at ease as she stared at the wall. Her breathing and heart rate were quicked as if she was stressed. Kyera felt tears in her eyes again, but forced them back.

"Ky what's going on? I heard you screaming but i couldn't get up. Are you okay? Wow Daxin!" she exclaimed seeing the old wolf here shocked her. She had not expected to see him again in this lifetime.

"Yea, its me alright." Daxin replied shocked to see her as well. "It seems my Beautiful Duo are back together." he teased sweetly, but rubbed his temple as if to relieve a non existent headache. She chuckled.

"All we need is Verone and we can be the Mischievous Trio again." Mally chuckled, but Daxin's attention instantly jumped to Kyera. He half expected her to break into tears again. Once again she was emotionless. Mally sensed the subtle change and her grin turned to a soft frown. Her eyes were lost as they darted between the two.

Daxin stepped forward and opened his mouth to speak but he felt a hand on his arm. Kyera shook her head, walking forward to sit by her dear friend. Mally looked at her, searching for any hint at what was wrong.

"Mally, I am sorry. We will never be a trio again. Verone was murdered." Kyera told her softly. The room went cold as shock settled on Mally's features. She searched Kyera's face. The signs were there.