Wilder jolted with surprise at the voice that touched her mind. She remembered the words resonating from her magic and it made sense now. The crystal was the one talking.

She reached for it in a panic as it began to fade away so quickly, feeling that sorrow it left in its wake, but she was too late. The room was already returning to its previous appearance.

She whipped around just as Emuh landed before her and for a moment she was scared. Had she done something wrong? Had she failed? It hadn't felt like she had done anything very extraordinary, but perhaps she didn't need to. Because an instant later, his claws were reaching for her.

She squeaked with surprise and almost made to step back but forced herself to stay still just in time. He was surprisingly gentle, but it wasn't something she would remember, not when there was a sudden intense surge within her that made her gasp and her legs feel numb. When Emuh released her, she stumbled to the side, the feeling draining away along with all of her strength. She felt weak - incredibly so - but Emuh had said she was done...right?

He was already leaving and she supposed she should make her leave as well. How strange that had all been, but at least it was over now. Any anger she'd felt had drained away with the sensation that Emuh had imparted on her, leaving just a hollow confusion and a strong desire to take a nap.

Vaati bounded out from his hiding place to join her, his happiness gentle, of which Wilder was grateful and he joined her in silence. No words needed to pass as they walked away from Emuh's cave. It was big nap time.

*exit