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The male asked to see the talisman I pulled off the thing's that attacked us. "Hmm, an here I thought our elders were making up stories about creating these things. Apparently we were attacked by spirit sentries the elders made to keep outsiders away. It's also a good thing that this one wasn't damaged when you removed it." He said. Now I'm looking at him like he's either gone off the deep end or something.

"Would either of you mind explaining to me, what in the world you're talking about?" I asked. His sister was more than happy to explain her brother's rambling about the talisman. Seeing as it was removed intact the sentry could be re-summoned at anytime. Naturally I asked her if anyone could use it or only members of their clan. She was quick to tell me that anyone with the proper knowledge could use it.

"Sister, please reconfigure the sentry so that Orion can use it in the near future." He replied. With a nod she took the talisman from him then began reconfiguring the sentry. Luckily the break was doing me plenty of good after the butting kicking I received. Once she was finished with it she handed it over then told me how to summon it. Next I rose to my feet then packed the talisman away then continued our trek.

After about three hours we finally exited the forest and came upon an open field. Though as I went to step out onto the prairie both grabbed my arms stopping me. "Orion, as much as we admire you're courage this isn't the best time for blind heroics. Granted crossing this prairie will take you right to the base of the Hydra Mountains. Though don't be foolish this place is home to spirits that haven't earned a place in heaven." He replied.

"It is also said that the very last battle of the Valurean War was fought here. Sadly there's really no evidence to states that a battle even occurred in this place. I'd advise that we go around this prairie and avoid walking through this unholy field." She informed. Taking a moment to gather my thoughts I decided that time wasn't a luxury I had. I thanked both twins for all their help then pressed through the prairie at full speed.

Naturally they chased after me then gave up when I really poured on the speed. When they could no longer track me they decided it was time to report back. Granted Nubai was going to be furious when told what happened between us. I took all they had told me into account and decided to travel through non-stop. Sadly my plan didn't count on one thing this strange thick blanket of fog appearing.

Suddenly my clan mark on my left arm began glowing brightly through my sleeve. Placing my hand on it I sensed that I wasn't alone when my ears picked up on whispers. Not wanting to find out who the owner's were I resumed my forward pace. Though at a much slower pace as not to trip over anything along the way to the mountains. When from out of nowhere something reaches out and grabs the collar of my shirt.

Who ever grabbed me was strong enough to jerk me backwards onto the ground. Whirling back up onto my feet only to learn that I was alone where I stood. Instead of running flat out along the ground I decided to bound across the prairie. Before I could launch myself into the air I felt something present itself to me. "A new one, we have a new one to our place of perpetual limbo." The voice sneered.

From their tone of voice they were rather happy that I stumbled into their midst. Though before they go could gather their thoughts I high tailed it out of there. As I launched high into the air well above the blanket of fog I gauged my bearings. Once I knew how much further I had left and the instant I landed on the ground. Using all my strength I sped off towards the clearing like lightning only to be cut off again.

"You're not going anywhere boy, so stick around and chat a spell won't you." A second voice said. Not wanting to see what these spirits actually had in mind for I took off again. Despite all their best efforts the spirits trying to keep me here were brushed aside. I kept my gaze focused on the Hydra Mountains which continued growing. The closer I ran towards them while dodging and ignoring the attacks by the spirits.

Until they got smart then forged an energy barrier that I ended up tackling into. I bounced off it then dropped to the ground like a rock but, before I could recover. The spirits were on me faster than flies to a dung pile larger than any vast canyon. Sadly my clan mark shined even brighter than it had been when it first reacted to this place. Instead of ignoring it like I did previously this time around I tore off my sleeve.

With my opposite hand I bit my thumb hard enough that it began bleeding. As if I was on auto-pilot I drew a special symbol across my mother's clan mark. The spirits that had surrounded me looked at me then began laughing evilly. Until from out of nowhere my clan's ancestors exploded onto the scene. Granted I was expecting my mother but, I got so much more than I had bargained for.

"Well now, here I thought Ashandria was kidding when she said she adopted an heir. Seeing that you've given your name by blood pact you've truly earned your place. By doing so you've gained the protection and access to our vast collection of knowledge. Seeing as I've been called here what exactly do you/ Oh never mind I can see why I was called to this place, please excuse me." He said jumping into action.

The spirits didn't stand a chance as he hacked and slashed his way through them. As they fell the barrier's strength began to weaken the more spirits he defeated. Once the barrier shattered my guardian looked at me then told me to get moving. Not wasting a second I took off running like a shot, luckily he wasn't to far behind me. "Sorry, to spring this on you at a time like this but, how much further until we're clear?" I asked.

"I'm not gonna lie to you son but, we've got at least a few more miles left to go. Though at this rate of speed only another twenty minutes if nothing else blocks us. Please also keep this in mind I'm only here for another ten minutes then I'm gone. At least until you're forced to offer your blood to summon another ancestor." He replied. Naturally I was grateful for all his assistance but, what he said definitely bothered me.

Sure enough after ten minutes he bid me farewell and that's when they returned. This time around they were less than pleased with what happened to those terminated. Not wanting to be caught by these ghouls I unlocked whatever reserves remaining. Like a flash of light I vanished moving twice the speed of the fastest jet fighter. Sadly at such an intense rate of speed I failed to notice my current surroundings.

Luckily at the last second I noticed something unusual just ahead so I stopped. Though it took a great deal of effort to actually come to a complete stand still. Seeing as I had built up a lot of momentum to escape the Prairie of Lost Voices. What I didn't count on was the canyon near the end of the prairie and I couldn't jump across. Cursing myself I took a moment to rest seeing as I nearly drained all of my energy escaping.

After three hours rest I woke then started poking around for a safe way down. Sadly the more I searched the less a suitable path appeared so I had to improvise. Granted that was the last thing I wanted to do but, there wasn't much of a choice. Before I started to climb down the cliff side a sudden spark of inspiration hit me. Now if I descend a short distance at an angle and create a good impact crater.

I can then launch back up at a different upward angle then rebound from there. That should give me all the momentum needed to vault safely to the other side. Granted this plan of attack sounded great in theory but, to actually perform it. Well that took a lot more nerve than I was actually willing to give myself credit for. Of course there was one thing I could always count on in this kind of situation, being crazy.

Taking a moment to gather my wits then I bolted for the cliff face and jumped off. My launch angle was spot on but, the other side of the canyon was still the unknown. Luckily I didn't have to wonder for very long as it came up rather unexpectingly. Instinctively flipping in midair I slammed hard into the cliff side creating a crater. Before launching for a second time I wisely calculated the distance I traveled.

Now that I had all the information with all my strength I launched back upwards. Sadly what I didn't count on was something to be waiting for me on my return trip. Though before the creature could react I bounded off towards the other side. When it came to land that proved a lot harder than I originally had planned on. As I went to cushion myself then I slipped on a plant root or something and crashed.

Fortunately I didn't break any bones but, my arms and legs were chewed up. Taking a moment to remove my pack then I fished around for some healing paste. Once applied my wounds began to burn like fire then I took some spare cloth. Carefully wrapping the cloth tightly around each of my forearms then my lower legs. Next I decided to rest a bit to allow the paste more time to heal my wounds.

As I rested the sound of voices drew ever closer to my current location. Unfortunately I was too tired to even bother to put up much of a fight against them. This time I kept my fingers crossed that who ever they were didn't notice me. Luckily they kept on going and once I knew the group was gone I resumed my journey. What little I did know that I was far from out of the Prairie of Lost Voices I was.

Cursing my dumb luck so I took off running before any local spirits noticed me. Moving at full speed I bounded like a rabbit trying to out maneuver a predator. Though after a while I didn't traverse completely unnoticed by the locals. They allowed me to pass without so much as a word or violent outburst from anyone. I took my free pass and went full tilt towards the mountains in the distance.

Naturally what I didn't count on was a spirit to catch up and ask me to stop. Doing as the young maiden asked I cautiously slowed to a stop then listened to her. "Thank you, I know some spirits have been attacking you but, it's only out of spite. Considering all this time we are starting to believe that we'll never enter heaven." She informed. Granted not the kind of news I was expecting but, it did answer quite a few things.

"Alright, I understand my question is why attack an innocent like me then?" I asked. She explained that spirits they usually show discretion but, something has changed. Though even she couldn't put her finger on the sudden change in the others. Luckily the trail I was running towards wasn't too far away from my present location. According to her I still had ten miles or so left to travel but, the others won't bother me.

Considering where we stood the barrier of where life and death mingle ends here. Thanking her for all the help she gave me I took off running for the last time. As she faded away I picked up the pace towards the mountain road she mentioned. Ten miles came and went over the course of an hour and once there I wasn't alone. "What kept you Orion I'm guessing the spirits kept you from getting here a lot sooner." A voice said.

When I looked at the source of the male voice it was the twins waiting patiently. "Didn't I tell you both to return to the mountain village, I must travel from here alone." I replied. "We know Orion we only caught up to give you some last minute information. Granted this mountain path is a straight shot to the Hydra Mountains but, you need to know. That if you travel this path be aware of primal kitsune that live there." She said.

"Before you ask they are kitsune that were pushed past all limits of reason. Causing them to regress back to a more animalistic state of mind so be extremely cautious. They don't take to kindly to anyone invading their territory and will react accordingly. Orion please give me your word that you'll avoid unnecessary confrontations. They're not the sort to hold back if they deem you as a threat to them or their broods." He added.

"I'll do my best in the meantime could you deliver a message to Mickale. That ingot we found in the Valley of Flaming Ice see if he can make something with it. As for my future wives tell them I'll be home and in their arms soon once my task is done. Thank you for helping me get this far now I must go alone be safe on your way back." I stated. With that the twins vanished as did I a second later up the mountain road.

After a while I decided to call it a night then bunked down until the morning. Wisely I didn't build a fire as to broadcast my presense to anything or anyone nearby. First I hung my pack up high to avoid it being detected by predators or thieves. Next I unfurled my sleeping bag then secured it against the tree trunk out of reach also. Before climbing up I took one last good look around to make sure that I was hidden.

Once I knew for certain that nobody would stumble upon me I climbed in. While I slept soundly, back in the Snowing Bark Cedar village thing were lively. Everyone greeted my friends and family warmly as they walked past the village atrium. My mother felt a tad over whelmed though enjoyed the vast amount of hospitality. Mickale introduce himself to my mother and helped them get settled into their new home.

Sadly my mother wasted little time making herself busy and helped Arreincia. Having another experienced mother on hand proved invaluable to both tired parents. My mom had no trouble getting those three hyper kits under control in minutes. Even to Jayla's surprise at how fast my mother was able to reign all three children in. While Kyuri couldn't settle down she kept a watchful eye on the village atrium.

As the sun had set behind the house two white hooded figures appeared. "Nubai, hurry the twins have returned but, Orion doesn't seem to be with them." She shouted. The metallic colored grey fox flew into the room then rushed out to meet the twins. Kyuri and Renka weren't too far behind their friend as she questioned them. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE ORDERED YOU TWO TO RETURN?!" She demanded.

To be continued.