Chapter 9 Further Developments

Shifting his eyes from left to right Eric scanned the forest land below him. "Drop me." he commanded. Glancing down at her companion Samantha bird face sort of twisted, but she did not argue. Loosening the grips of her talons around him she let him go. Woosh, pahweesh! Falling to the ground Eric drew his sword slashing through a boulder during the descent.

Swooping down to grab her comrade out of the air, Samantha spiraled pass a boulder sliding her fingers along its surface when it passed. Going into deep dive another boulder hurled pass her causing her stretch, her arms out and use her wings like parachutes. Rising back into the air the boulders stopped once she reached a certain aptitude.

Slowly turning around Eric scanned the forest in search of their attacker. "Do you see anything?"

"No but I can draw them out." She answered the voice in her head. Smiling she zipped into the air with two mighty strokes of her arms. Catching glimpse of something homing in or her through the peripheral Samantha tilted her body slightly to avoid the projectile before diving under a second. Rising then dipping like a wave Samantha confirmed the location their hidden assailant. '

"Got it." Said Eric receiving a mental map of the location. Turning to face the direction of their target he bolted off.

"Something's off." Samantha thought circling the area from above like a hawk. "Eric, stay on your toes something doesn't sit right with me."

Sliding in his tracks Eric reached for the hilt of his sword. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." A voice rang out from his side. Facing the sound of the voice a four-armed sloth looking creature popped into view following by eight others. Realizing that her associate was surrounded Samantha swooped down to his side. Stepping back-to-back with him. "Great." Said the Sleuth raising its arm, purposely showing off the long, curved claws that sat on its fingers. "I was just about to tell your friend here to summon you." Shifting his eyes from one person to the next the creature leaned its head over with a smirk. "Now the two of you can come with us willingly or we can result to violence. Pick your choice."

Glancing over his shoulder Eric caught eyes with Samantha. "What you want to do?" he asked through their mind link.

"I say we go with the flow for now." She replied. "It's no telling how many of them there is no since of a pointless battle. Plus, I need my sleep tonight I have business to handle in the morning."

~Ace and Mariah~

Sinking his teeth into a piece of fish Ace tore it away from the stick that was lodged inside. "What's the plan?" He asked looking over a dancing fire at his associate.

Turning her head to face him, Mariah rested her head in her palm. "I don't know what to tell you." She remarked. "We been walking along the coastline for…what…seven days. If we don't come…" Ears perking up at the sound of a twig snapping she jumped to her feet.

"I see you don't play any games." Ace commented turning his attention towards the sound.

Stepping into view a blue furred Chisapho with emerald spots threw up his arms. "I knew it" he shouted, snake tail rattling with excitement. Walking up to Mariah it extended its arm. Ability Unlocked G-Force Manipulation said Mariah's screen upon grasping the glowing hand of her their guests. "I thought I was the only one left."

"Are you from the village?" asked Mariah.

Shaking his head, the Chisapho answered. "I'm not even from this island. My ship got destroyed when the humans attacked. I lost my whole crew in the bombing."

"Sorry for your loss."

Acknowledging Ace for the first time the Chisapho face twisted in disgust. "I don't want your sympathy human."

"I'm not human." Replied Ace. "I'm a…"

"I know what you are." Remarked the Chisapho reading Ace's G-Force. "Your aura tells me all I need to know human." Mugging him the man shook his head. "I don't even know why the spirits granted you humans the ability to evolve. Seems like a waste of energy to me."

"What do you mean?"

"Do I look like your teacher? Learn your own history." The Chisapho spat out turning his shark finned back against Ace. Smiling at Mariah he said. "When I find my Filigio, I will be setting sail back to my island. Would you like to accompany me?"

"Sure, if you allow my human friend here to join us on your voyage. We are trying to reach Roarke Isle and a ride would be appreciated."

Glancing over at Ace with malice the Chisapho said. "I guess he can join us but…" Stepping up to Ace a blue light burst out of his body. "If I get a whiff of you plotting on us, I will end your life myself human."

"Well then I best cover my scent." Ace joked.

Ignoring him the Chisapho gazed at Mariah with soft light brown eyes. "Do you think it would be possible for you to help me find my Filigio. The quicker we find it, the quicker we can set sail."

"Where is it?"

Facing the ocean, the Chisapho casted his eyes upon the silver bars of moonlight floating on the water. "Somewhere out there. It can't be far for I was less than a mile away from the coast when my ship sunk."

Nodding her head Mariah asked. "What it look like?"

"Close your eyes and I will show you." Placing his forehead on Mariah's the Chisapho sent the image of the Filigio through his mind.