After a half-hour walk with Armin weighing him down, Dill came to the fringes of town. Here was where Chalcedony's more modern houses stood. Still invisible, he made his way to a little house sitting alone, one with ivy creeping up the walls and an overgrown front garden.
.
//27... Must be it.//
.
He knocked on the door and was greeted by a middle-aged couple. Violet was a thin woman with greasy black hair and haunted eyes. Trevor was a tall, grey-haired man who carried an air of quiet sorrow. It was painfully clear that they had never recovered from their daughter's murder.
.
(TBC)

Violet: 'What the...?'
.
Pressing a button on his arm, Dill made himself and Armin visible.
.
Dill: 'Ma'am. It's Dill Thompson. Remember, we talked recently and I told you that I was looking for your mark? I have him. May I come in?'
.
When Violet saw Armin over his shoulder, her face changed completely. She ushered Dill inside and quickly shut the door.
.
Violet: 'Put him in there for now.'
.
She showed Dill a trapdoor in the floor. Below it was a small, dingy basement. He put Armin inside, then climbed back up to talk to Violet.
.
Dill: 'Ma'am, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Nobody should have to lose their child. But, you now have the man who murdered her. What you do with the scum now is none of my business. Now, the payment...'

(I'm going to write more, but you can also write something with Dianne's group travelling, if you like.)

(Hmm. Ok.)

{After flying for a little, Jerry speaks up.}

Jerry: "Dianne...look, whatever happens...it's the Summers and Dill that are to blame. We need to keep the fight between us."

{Jerry was worried that this event might push her towards her more violent and unstable behaviors. He didn't want her to wipe out the entire town in rage.}

Dianne: "I know...But I don't intend to leave the Summers alive for this. The local authorities might take issue with that. If they do, I might not have a choice."

Jerry: "Not necessarily. If we get in and out quietly, no one more will need to die."

Dill and the Summers talked for a while. He offered condolences, and they asked questions about how he had found Armin. He expected them to be scared when he mentioned that Dianne might come looking for him, but they weren't.
.
'I stopped wanting to live the moment my daughter was killed,' said Violet. 'I just want to see her again, but not until I've gotten revenge. The fact that this man is being allowed to live a happy, normal life after what he did is unacceptable...'
.
Eventually, Dill left. His look of fake sympathy melted off as he walked away from the house, turning into a smug, pleased smile.
.
//Now to get out of here,// he thought. He shifted into a bird and took off, planning to spend the night in another town before returning to Shacklestone tomorrow to gather his belongings.

As the group flew, Jerry's phone rang. When he picked up, it would be Frederick.
.
'Hello, Jerry. We have arrived home, and I wanted to check in. Is everything well?'

Jerry: 'Yeah, we're still en route. How's your team doing?"

(Once Dill stops moving, Lucci wants to talk to him. Also, later, tell me when he goes to sleep next.)

(I'm going to place him in a random small town, which I'll think of a name for when he arrives. Lucci can bother him then. XD)
.
'Well enough. Ryder and I are just driving everyone to Pythia for healing. Of course, we'll have to tell her what happened. I'll also tell Rex afterwards, and I daresay he won't react well.'

Jerry: "Yeah...and for good reason...Maybe give Esme to Pythia? I don't think he'll be all too happy..."

{Dianne sighs, knowing exactly what they were talking about.}

'I will judge the situation. Rex is going to panic when I explain what happened. He's unlikely to harm Esme, but Pythia might be a more suitable guardian during this time. Jerry, how is Dianne?'
.
Fred was concerned about her mental state in this situation.

Jerry: "She's, uh....She's holding together alright. She's quiet, but there's not much to be said..."

{Outwardly, she seemed very worried. Internally, she was trying very hard to not panic. She couldn't bear the thought that Armin might die. That she failed to protect him.}

After Dill left, Violet went down to the basement. Armin was sitting in the corner, slumped down and very weak. But he was conscious. His tired crimson eyes followed her movements.
.
'You killed my baby,' Violet said.
.
He winced. 'Listen... I know why you're upset... But believe me, I never did it because I wanted to...'
.
She kicked him in the face, knocking his head to the side.
.
'I don't care WHY you did it! For money, for power, I don't care! She was an innocent 16-year-old girl who had her whole life ahead of her. And you took her away.'

'Well, I'm glad everything is going well so far. Do keep me updated.' Fred then hung up, needing to return to his tasks back home.

Jerry: "Yeah...so far..."

{Dianne continues on, hoping she can get there in time.}

Armin spat out some blood and tried, again, to explain. To placate her. But she wasn't going to care about anything he said. Like Phyllis, like Dianne, she had gone mad from grief.
.
Violet drew up a surge of power from underfoot. Clearly, she wasn't entirely human. She unleashed it upon Armin, casting a spell - the same pain-inflicting spell that Ana had loved so much. When it hit him, Armin screamed in agony, writhing helplessly. Violet held the curse for as long as she could. When it finally ended, Armin slumped back, unable to move as the woman slowly approached him.
.
'You're going to suffer before you die. After cutting our baby's life short, you don't deserve an easy death.'
.
(That's all I wanted to show. You can skip to Dianne arriving in Chalcedony if you like.)

(Actually, we could do Lucci first if you like.)

(Let's do Lucci first. Set the scene with Dill.)

As dusk fell, Dill found himself flying over a lakeside village somewhere between Chalcedony and Alexandria. It was called Mudraker, which he didn't think was a very elegant name for a settlement. Heading down, he found an inn, paid to stay the night, and went up to his room.
.
//Bet Dianne's running around trying to find her murderer boyfriend... Heheh... She'll probably kill the Summers when she finds them. Dragons are all the same, solving every problem with violence.//

{When Dill closes the door behind him, Lucci was sitting in the chair across the room.}

Lucci: "Dill. I hope you're proud of yourself. You may well have just destroyed a few centuries of my hard work."

Dill stopped dead. Then he just raised his eyebrows.
.
'You're like a nasty rash that comes back when I least expect it. What are you talking about this time?'

{Lucci does not look pleased.}

Lucci: "I have spent an unfathomable amount of time trying to cushion the long, miserable life of Dianne. In a short ten years, the idea of wiping out an entire city would be unthinkable to her. Now, she is going to grow more cold hearted and ruthless. She and a lot of other people are going to needlessly suffer, all because of you."

'Look, 'Oracle', or whatever you are... I don't need a lecture. What Dianne does, what the Summers do... it doesn't matter to me. Not my problem, you know? This was just a job.'

{Lucci shakes his head.}

Lucci: "You're not out of the woods, good sir. You've garnered more than her attention. After the Summers meet their untimely demise, they're coming for you. You might think this was just a job, but others will not see things that way. You've meddled with something more dangerous than you know."

'Whatever. Just go away, I'm starving and I heard this inn has good food,' Dill replied, clearly thinking that Lucci was just trying to scare him.

Lucci: "Fine, go. And by the way...Sweet dreams...'

{Lucci then disappears.}

Dill glanced at where he had been, then shrugged and went downstairs. A twinge of concern hit him as he wondered if it really had been empty threats. //You're just being paranoid. Once you're on the move again, everything will be fine.//

---------------------------------------------------

{After a few hours of restless flight, Chalcedony comes into view. Dianne immediately heads for the fringes. Night was falling quickly.}

Dianne: "Barnabas, go ahead of us, find him. If he's still alive, keep him that way. If he's not..."

{Dianne starts to cry again. She can't bear the thought of losing him. She's been too miserable for too long, losing the one man who made her so happy...she couldn't do it.}

Jerry: "Dianne, we're going to get him. Don't worry, just focus on getting us there."

27 Wayfarer Avenue was quiet. Everything seemed peaceful. Inside the house, it was less so.
.
If Barnabas went into the basement, he would find Armin slumped in the corner, alive... but in a bad state. Violet had been torturing him on and off for hours, only stopping to give herself breaks. His armour was gone and he had knife wounds on his face, neck and torso. His back wound was still bleeding because his healing abilities were so compromised. He seemed unconscious and was trembling feverishly. Upstairs, Violet was talking to Trevor.
.
'...I think he's not going to last much longer anyway. The next time I go down there, I'm finishing him off.'
.
'OK. This is where it all ends, then. Once he's taken care of... No need for us to stick around, is there?'

{Barnabas appears to Armin down in the basement.}

Barnabas: "Oh best buddy, you're alive! Don't worry! Dianne's on her way!"

{He whispers. Dianne doesn't care about keeping a low profile. She flies low over the houses, following Barnabas' direction.}

Armin didn't respond. Even unconscious, his face was twisted into a look of pained discomfort.
.
Trevor lifted his head. 'Did you hear that?'
.
'What?'
.
'Sounded like huge wings...'

{Dianne lands heavilly at the end of the street. as soon as Aava and Jerry got off, she deploys the draugr and headlong sprints for the house, hammer in hand.}

As she landed, one or two neighbours watched curiously and a bit fearfully out of their windows. However, none tried to interfere. Trevor and Violet stood up.
.
'It's Dianne. I have to go and make sure he's dead before she gets us,' Violet said in a strangely mechanical voice, and started to walk to the basement.

{As soon as she reached the basement, Barnabas appeared behind her, wrapping her neck with his chains and violently dragging her to the floor.}

Barnabas: "You tortured my best friend, you /b!tch/!!!"

{Dianne barreled through the door next, looking around with a glowing hammer.}

Dianne: "Armin! Where!?"

Barnabas: "Basement, hurry!"

{Dianne goes straight for the basement. Jerry and Aava come in next.}

Jerry: "Nobody move!"

'My task is not complete, ghost!' said Violet, although it came out very strangled because of the chains tightening around her throat. Trevor had not made any move since standing up. He looked at his wife, then at Dianne, then Aava and Jerry. He did not look surprised, or afraid. His expression was empty.
.
Armin would soon become visible to Dianne. Bloody, battered and shaking, he barely stirred at all the noise.

Dianne: "F&$k...Aava, come down here!"

{Aava runs down while Jerry holds the couple at gun point.}

Aava: "Oh no..."

{Aava begins to look him over.}

Aava: "Armin, can you hear me? He's bleeding. Put pressure on that..."

Armin twitched. Then he became aware that other people were in the room with him. Eyes snapping open, lip drawing back, he snarled weakly but viciously at Aava. In his fear and confusion, there was no immediate recognition on his face.

{Aava leans back.}

Aava: "Hey, hey! It's me!"

Dianne: "Armin! Armin it's me! Hold still!"

{Dianne keeps pressure on the wound.}

Aava: "Jerry has a medkit. I'll be right back."

{Aava goes and takes Jerry's medkit right off of him and heads back.}

Barnabas: "You'll regret this, witch..."

Feeling the pressure against his back wound, Armin grunted with pain. He looked around weakly, taking in everyone, catching their scents.
.
'Dianne?' he croaked, voice rough from screaming.
.
Violet and Trevor said nothing.

{Dianne takes her helmet off, nuzzling his head.}

Dianne: "Yeah, I'm here sweetheart."

{Aava starts to clean his wounds, binding them, and trying to keep him comfortable.}

Aava: "Jeeze...he's in rough shape...He needs blood..."

Dianne: "Help me get him upstairs."

Armin winced as she cleaned out his wounds. He swayed slightly, barely having the energy to stay conscious. 'Can we get out of here?'

{Dianne picks him up, carrying him upstairs and setting him on the couch. She then turns to Violet and Trevor.}

Dianne: "You two. We're going to have ourselves a little chat."

'Nothing matters anymore,' said Violet.
.
'We knew you would come,' added Trevor.
.
Armin tried to get comfortable on the couch, rubbing his eyes wearily. He was in a lot of pain. After being hit by the pain spell several times, its effects continued to linger, not completely going away when the spell was lifted.

{Dianne looked them over, immediately recognizing their empty stares. She knew grieving parents when she saw them. As angry as she was for doing this to Armin, she couldn't help but feel some pity.}

Dianne: "You put this bounty out, because you wanted justice for your daughter, correct? This would not have been justice. He's not the one to blame for any of this."

'He chose to kill her,' said Violet. 'It's as simple as that. I understand he was doing it on someone else's orders. But he chose to follow them.'

Dianne: "If he did not, he would have died, and it would have been someone else. I am truly sorry, I know how it feels to lose one...but killing this man, who didn't even want to carry out the order will bring you nothing."

'Maybe not. But there was nothing we could do to make everything better, and hunting down her killer felt like the only thing that would bring us even a little bit of fulfilment. We have nothing else to live for, so you may kill us.'

{Dianne closes her eyes and shakes her head.}

Dianne: "I know it's hard...I know you feel like there's nothing left for you here. Like it would all be simpler if...you just fell on your sword, but do you honestly think that's what she'd want for you? You think she'd want you to just give up and die?"

'I don't know what she would want, because she's gone,' said Violet, irritation creeping into her voice. 'She might not want us to die, but if we do... Maybe we'll get to be with her again. There's just nothing for us here anymore.'

Dianne: "I get that. Wanting nothing more than to be with them again. I thought the same thing for a good while, but then I found a new purpose. Maybe you're right. Maybe death is the only way you can be at peace, and if you truly want that, I will lay you to rest, but first...I think she should have her say."

{Dianne begins to look around for any personal items of the girl.}

The parents looked on uncomprehendingly, until Armin croaked a few words from the couch.
.
'Give her something that used to belong to your daughter...'
.
Trevor slowly opened a drawer. As it turned out, the drawer was stuffed with small toy cars and trains. Collecting them must have been a hobby of Rachel's. He handed Dianne a little yellow sports car.

{Dianne wordlessly takes the car, then goes into the kitchen to retrieve a candle. Coming back with a green flame, she lights the car, causing it to evaporate.}

Dianne: "Come forth, Rachel. Your parents need you."

As everyone watched, the image of a teenage girl appeared. She had shoulder-length black hair, and wore a shirt with a cartoony sports car on it. She looked a little disorientated, being dragged back from wherever she'd been.
.
'What... Why are you here?' she said, staring at her parents. She looked around at the unfamiliar house, the people, and spotted Armin. 'Wait, that's the guy who killed me! Why are you with him, he might kill you too!'

Dianne: "Rachel, calm down. He may have killed you but only because he had a knife pressed to his throat on the matter. He never wanted to kill anybody...Your parents are grieving you and wanted nothing more than to see you again. So much so that they want to die. Discuss."

'Uhh...' Rachel looked at her parents. 'Well, I don't want them to die... But if they're totally unhappy, then I don't want that either.'
.
'You were taken away from us in such a horrible way, one we never expected,' said Trevor. 'It's been impossible to feel happy about anything since.'
.
'Yeah, I get that... But what if I said it's OK? I didn't want to die, and I really missed everyone, but I accept it now. It happened, there's no point in being angry. I think you two should really think hard before you decide to kill yourselves. It's only been like two years. If you give it time, you might start feeling better. And if you don't, there's nothing stopping you from joining me.'
.
Violet gazed at her daughter, and Trevor closed his eyes momentarily.
.
'Maybe you're right...' he said. 'Maybe we've been too hasty. And in our grief, we've become the bad ones, hunting down this man...'

Dianne: "He's not a bad man at heart. What he did haunts him. He lives in constant regret of what he was forced to do."

{Dianne looks about the room. Aava was watching everything sadly. Jerry had lowered his weapon, listening. The only one who wasn't calm was Barnabas, who was silently mad dogging Violet.}

'Rachel, are you sure you don't want us to join you?' said Violet.
.
'Yeah, someday. But not just yet,' said her daughter.
.
'OK. Someday... But let's live a little longer first...'
.
On the couch, Armin watched through half-closed eyes. Seeing Rachel brought a throb of guilt. However, he was glad to see she seemed content with her situation. He could barely stay awake any longer, but he continued watching.

Dianne: "Also, when you die, there's a chance you might not end up in the same place. You know, if you're really bad..."

Barnabas: "Yeah, especially now, since you tortured my best friend for hours...b!tch..."

Dianne: "We're leaving. I don't appreciate what you did to Armin, but I understand why, and I do feel sympathy for you. I hope you can find renewed purpose now..."

'Whatever happens, we'll accept it as our fate,' said Trevor. 'And I'm sorry for what Violet did. I had to let let her. Nothing else felt important to her anymore.'
.
'OK, it's settled then,' said Rachel. 'Thanks, whoever you are, for letting me see them again...'
.
Armin's eyes drifted shut and he slid a bit further down the couch.

{Aava quickly turns to Armin, gently slapping his face to wake him up.}

Aava: "Hey, hey, hey, don't go dying on us now!"

{Dianne picks up Armin and stops by the door.}

Dianne: "I'm Dianne. I'm an acolyte of Death. We're going to go, but she will fade back to the afterlife in twenty or so minutes."

Armin opened his eyes, wincing uncomfortably as he was picked up. He leaned his head against Dianne, shivering slightly.
.
'OK. Thank you,' said Trevor uncertainly.
.
As everyone left, the Summers family all started to talk to each other.

{Barnabas gathered Armin's things and followed them out. Once they were outside, fatigue began to show on Dianne's face. It had been a long, rough day and she wanted nothing more than to take Armin straight to Pythia and collapse in a heap. Wasting no time, she puts Armin down, shifts, and as soon as everyone was securely on, she begins the long flight home. Armin was placed between Jerry and Aava, as to not let him fall off. As soon as they were away, Jerry speaks up.}

Jerry: "Dianne, that was big of you, sparing them and helping them, despite everything. You've come a long way from the Dianne I knew. I'm proud of you."

Armin could do little but sink forward against Jerry's back. The residue pain of Violet's repeated spells pulsed through his body, and being stabbed with a stake had crippled his healing abilities. The cold air as they flew wasn't improving his condition.
.
//...Proud of you, too...// he murmured telepathically to Dianne. He was still wearing his Thoughtstone ring.

{Aava takes off her coat and puts it on Armin.}

Aava: "Here. Returning the favor..."

Dianne: "Thanks...I'd discuss it but I'm so tired, I just want to go home now."

Jerry: "Wait a minute, we're going all the way home? We won't get there until tomorrow morning. You're liable to fall right out of the sky before then."

Dianne: "Then where do we stop?"

It might have been a better idea for them to stay at an inn back in Chalcedony. Within minutes of taking off, Armin was feeling dizzy and sick, and was shivering feverishly even with Aava's coat. If they flew all night, without stopping for warmth or blood, his condition was likely to deteriorate, perhaps fatally.
.
//Are there... Any other towns..?// he asked.

Aava: "Dianne, he's not looking great. Let's just turn around and stay at the inn for tonight. I don't think he'll even make it to Shacklestone."

Jerry: "I agree. Let's get him to shelter and hunker down for the night."

{With a worried look, Dianne turns around, headed back for the city.}

Dianne: "Barnabas, get him something he can feed off of."

{As they came in for landing, Jerry calls Frederick.}

Fred picked up on the first ring. His voice was a little more noticeably tired than he would normally let on.
.
'Jerry. What's going on?'

Jerry: "Hey, Fred. We got there in time, Armin's alive. We need to tend to him here so we're staying the night. How are things back home?"

'Well enough. Ryder has flown back to spend more time with his tribe. Everyone has been healed. Rex is still watching Esme, though I had to ask Owel to stay with him. He had a panic attack when I told him Armin was taken by a bounty hunter.'
.
Armin shifted slightly when he heard this.

Jerry: "Well, tell him and Owel that Armin's going to be just fine. Out of curiosity, Luxia is still out of town, right?"

Aava: "Owel? That cute lady with the glasses?"

Fred paused for a second, possibly to digest Aava's comment.
.
'...Yes, her. And yes, unfortunately I can't contact Luxia or Gail at all, but I can try again tomorrow, if you want to portal back.'

Jerry: "I think that would be the best course of action. Hold on..."

{Dianne lands. Everyone disembarks, and Dianne immediately scoops up Armin and heads right for the inn. The draugr scatter upon being released. Jerry goes up to the front desk, pays for a room for the night, then puts the phone back to his ear. It was the same inn Armin and Dianne stayed in on their trip.}

Jerry: "Ok, I'm back. Yeah, if you could portal us back, straight to Pythia, that'd be great."

'I will try my best to get in touch with her. If not, perhaps I can hire someone else to warp you. Anyway, take care of Armin, and yourselves. And I'm pleased to hear that Dianne did not burn Chalcedony down.'
.
Armin tucked his head against Dianne as she carried him, his tremors easing slightly now they were inside. Vaguely, he recognised the look and smell of the tavern.

Jerry: "Yeah, she made a really responsible and mature decision. Surprised the hell out of all of us. But, I'll have to tell you about that later. For now, just assure Rex that everything is going to be ok."

{Dianne lays Armin on the bed, replacing his jacket with blankets. Barnabas appears with a rabbit.}

Dianne: "Armin, are you strong enough to bite this, or do you want it in a cup?"

'I will. I'll go and do that now, before he worries any more. Do call me again if anything changes or you have any questions.'
.
Armin shook his head slightly. 'Cup, please,' he said hoarsely. He closed his eyes for a moment, while trying not to fall asleep.

{Barnabas proceeds to bleed the rabbit into a cup, giving the drink to Dianne. Dianne helps Armin sit up and puts the cup to his lips.}

Dianne: "Drink this, slowly."

Jerry: "Will do. You have yourself a good night now. "

Despite his nausea, Armin found himself drinking ravenously and had to make a conscious effort to slow down. Within a short time, the cup was empty, and he settled his gaze on the rabbit. 'Can you get a bit more?'
.
'All of you, rest and stay safe, please,' said Fred. He then hung up.

Dianne: "Yes. Barnabas."

{Barnabas disappears to retrieve more rabbits. After Jerry put his phone away, he turns to the group.}

Jerry: "I'm going out to get us some food. I'll be back."

Dianne: "Alright. Be careful."

{As Jerry left, Dianne turns back to Armin.}

Dianne: "How are you feeling?"

'I've been better... She knew that pain curse that Ana loved. Once you get hit by it a few times, the effects linger and build up more with each consecutive hit. In other words... Everything hurts. And I feel as weak as you look when you're hit by light magic.'

Dianne: "Well, at least you're talking more steadily now."

{Dianne strokes his hair, kissing his forehead. Once Barnabas returned with three more rabbits, Dianne quickly gets him more blood in a cup.}

Dianne: "Here..."

Armin drank everything that was offered. By the time he was on the last rabbit, the ravenous thirst had dissipated. Halfway through the last cup, he drew back.
.
'That's enough...'

{Dianne places it down, getting off the bed. Jerry comes in just then.}

Jerry: "I got us all burgers."

Aava: "Awesome!"

Dianne: "I need to get out of this armor..."

{After taking off the armor, Dianne settles at the foot of Armin's bed, eating her food.}

Jerry: "Hmm. Not bad."

Armin leaned back as they ate, closing his eyes and trying to remain comfortable. The blood had stabilised him, but he was still far from recovering.

{Dianne continued to glance worriedly at Armin as she ate. Once she finished, she stands up.}

Dianne: "I'm going to go shower. I'll be back."

{Once Dianne leaves, Aava takes her place, carefully watching Armin.}

After a short while, Armin opened one eye to glance at her.
.
'You two came? I figured Dianne would fly straight here... But I wasn't expecting anyone to come with her...'

Jerry: "Are you kidding? Like I was just going to wait at home while Dill did gods know what with you. We don't leave friends behind."

Aava: "You're all so important to me. How could I possibly stay at home at a time like this? I had to come help rescue you."

Jerry: "What can we say? You're loved here."

Armin looked mildly surprised to hear all of this. He looked at them both, then closed his eyes, wincing as he shifted position.
.
'Well... thanks. I appreciate you all coming...'

Jerry: "Armin, we took down Sargon together. You are one of my closest friends. I would never just let you be kidnapped."

Barnabas: "You're my bestest buddy in the whole world. I had to come save you too."

{The ghoul says, suddenly appearing.}

Armin turned his head in the direction of Barnabas's voice. 'Uh... Are you sure about that?' he said doubtfully.
.
He then turned back towards Jerry.
.
'And this is the first time I'm hearing anything like this from you. I didn't think you liked me that much. Yes... we fought Sargon's lot together... but that was only because we both wanted him gone.'

Jerry: "Yeah, so we don't hang out that much. Doesn't mean I don't see you as a good friend."

Barnabas: "Sure we are. I stopped pranking you, didn't I? And I saved you from Violet."

'Well, it is nice that you stopped terrorising me...' Armin muttered. 'But, thanks for coming. All of you.'

Jerry: "Don't mentioned it. I was happy to come."

Aava: "Hey, you helped save my a$$, I help save yours."

{Just then, Dianne walks out of the bath in her under armor garments.}

Dianne: "Jeeze, I'm tired. I'm going to lie down now..."

Jerry: "Alright, we'll keep it down. Get some rest."

{Dianne lies on the bed , settling next to Armin, facing him, but not touching him. Her face bears an expression of slight worry.}

Armin shifted slightly and addressed her with weak telepathy. //What're you doing all the way over there...?//
.
He started trying to push himself up so he could get on top of her, letting out a quiet hiss of pain when he moved.

{Upon seeing this, Dianne immediately gets to her knees.}

Dianne: "Woah, hey, stop! You're still too hurt to be moving. If you want to be close to me, I'll come to you."

{Lying him down on his back, she lies down snuggled against him.}

Dianne: "You said everything hurt, so I was afraid touching you would make it worse."

'It might actually take my mind off the pain. And I want to be close. I spent a while thinking that I might actually die in someone's basement without ever seeing you again.'
.
He spoke in a quiet rasp.

{Dianne gently drapes her arm over him, snuggling into his side. Tears start to run down her cheeks }

Dianne: "I'm sorry this happened...I'm sorry I failed to stop it..."

'Hey...' he said gently. 'You couldn't have done anything. You got hit by two light attacks. There's nothing to apologise for. You got me out, and you didn't even kill anyone doing it...'

Dianne: "I wasn't good enough...He never should've captured you in the first place..."

Aava: "Hey, you're not being fair to yourself. We got ambushed by invisible poachers who were incredibly well equipped, and we still almost won. Anybody else wouldn't have done nearly as well as you."

'Stop it,' said Armin, a little more forcefully. 'None of us knew what Dill actually wanted. Hell, even Fred... with all his planning and research... had no idea that there was more to it than poaching dragons. I don't blame you... so stop blaming yourself...'

Dianne: "...Ok..."

Aava: "It's been a hard day for you two. Get some sleep, Dianne, you'll feel better in the morning."

{Aava proceeds to get on the bed and rub Dianne's back, trying to comfort her.}

Armin lightly nuzzled Dianne's head. He was already starting to drift off. He might not be dying any more, but his body desperately needed sleep.
.
//Go to sleep... I love you...// he whispered telepathically, grateful for Aava rubbing her back when he couldn't do it himself.

Dianne: "...Love you too..."

{Dianne quickly drifts off, feeling more at ease now that Armin was safe.}

(Hey, let's cut to Dill. I got somebody who wants to say hi to him.)

(OK, here.)
.
Dill stayed up late. An evening of drinking and socialising in Mudraker's best tavern was followed by him dragging himself upstairs at 1AM, feeling pleased with himself. It had been hours since he'd dropped off Armin off at the Summers house, and despite Lucci's threats, nothing bad had happened to him. Being 50,000 squalls richer only improved his mood.
.
He eventually went to bed, rather drunk.

{As Dill slept, he was visited by something in his dreams. Dill would find himself seemingly awake suddenly, but unable to move. In the dark corner, a shape appeared as Dill was overcome with a heavy sense of dread. The Aspect of Death was standing in the corner, staring at him and breathing raggedly. It seemed to hold him there for ages, just staring at him, until it slowly stumbled forward on its boney feet. In his nightmare, Dill could smell its putrid air as it leaned over him.}

Death: "So cLeVer, aRe yOu?...YoU wIlL rEgrEt tHis...AlL yoU've kNoWn anD lOved wIll sUfFer....ThErE's a PrIce tO bE pAiD..."

Dill had no idea what he was experiencing; he couldn't tell if it was a nightmare, some kind of terrible sleep paralysis, or if there really was a monster in the room with him. He stared at it with wide eyes, trying desperately to move, even just to twitch. //What the f**k is this? What was I drinking?// he found himself thinking before every coherent thought was swept aside by heavy, clinging dread.

{Stepping away, the Aspect starts to claw something into the far wall, obscured by darkness. Turning back, it approaches and stops at the foot of his bed.}

Aspect: "I wIll aLwAys bE wATcHinG..."

{Abruptly, his dream ends. He would wake with the morning and his hangover. However, if he dared to look were the Aspect was standing, he would see the mark of the cult, scratched into the wall. That was more than a dream.}

When he did wake, the first thing Dill actually did was stumble to the bathroom to throw up bile and get a drink of water. But even then, the memory of the dream didn't quite fade. When he returned to his room, he stopped for a long moment and just stared at the carvings on the wall while his blood ran cold. Abruptly, he gathered his things and left.
.
He didn't know what was going on, and for the first time, he was truly worried.

(Do we skip back to the others now?)

(Yee. Should I start?)

(Yeah, go for it.)

{Late the next morning, Dianne awakens. The first thing she does is lift her head to assess Armin's condition. She was still next to him, and Aava was resting peacefully, tucked against her back. Jerry was awake at this point, sipping coffee in the corner and texting Fred, asking for updates about their potential exfiltration.}

Armin was sleeping peacefully. After his ordeal yesterday, it might have been expected for him to have nightmares or be restless, but he had been content with Dianne beside him and his friends nearby.
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<I did manage to get hold of Luxia. She's doing something in another town, but she says she'll come back in about an hour and she'll make a portal for you immediately then,> Fred wrote back.

{Seeing that everyone seemed ok, she lays her head back down, closing her eyes.}

<Alright. Everyone here is still asleep. Let me know when you're ready to come get us, I'll have them up and ready by the hour.>

<I will inform you when Luxia comes back.>
.
After about ten minutes, Armin stirred and opened his eyes. The first thing he did, once he remembered where they were and why they were there, was look down at Dianne.

{Dianne opens her eyes and meets his gaze.}

Dianne: "Good morning...How do you feel?"

'Weak and sore, but a bit better than last night...'
.
His voice had lost its raspy edge and was smooth again. The knife cuts and stab wound were beginning to heal. However, he was still very weak as a result of being staked. He remained lying back, just looking at her with drowsy fondness.

{Dianne simply hugs him a little tighter, closing her eyes. She still felt horrible that this had happened at all. She also felt angry at Dill and wanted him dead more than anything right now. }

Dianne: //I need to get those automatons up and running already...we would have won handily if we had them and this never would have happened...//

Moving slowly, he brushed her neck with his fangs in a weak imitation of his usual love bite.
.
'I can feel you thinking...' he murmured. 'I hope you're not still blaming yourself for what happened.'

{Dianne sighs, seemingly too upset to react to his affections.}

Dianne: "I'm just really upset that this happened at all. That you had to endure such terrible torture. You were dying when we found you. I just....It was really frightening..."

'I know. If our positions were reversed, I would have been terrified, so I know how you feel. But it's over, everything's alright, and soon we can go home and rest. I didn't die. I'm far too awesome to die like that.'

Dianne: "I'll feel a lot better when you don't have a gaping hole in your back. When we get back, it's straight to Pythia with you. "

{Aava stirs, picking her head up sleepily.}

Aava: "...Dianne, stop worrying so much...Armin's right, we're good....Now lie on your front..."

{Not giving her a moment to react, Aava shifts Dianne, then starts slowly massaging her back.}

Armin smirked faintly at this, and nuzzled into Dianne while Aava rubbed her back.
.
'I don't want you to go to work for a little bit. It's going to take me a few days to fully recover, and I'd like you to be home with me... You probably need a break anyway...'

{Dianne sighs, nuzzling him back.}

Dianne: "...I took the whole week off in advance...I'll be at home with you..."

Aava: "Yeah....You do need a break..."

'Yeah, and it's my birthday in a week... We're going to have a party and offer everyone Akhetian Ale... You think we can get Pythia drunk?' he said with mirth in his voice.

Aava: "Probably be easier to score with her if we can..."

Jerry: "Sounds like fun, I'm in. "

{Dianne couldn't help but chuckle at this, starting to drift off a little.}

Dianne: "I'm sure it'll be fun...Something to look forward to..."

Armin smiled, closing his eyes to relax with them.
.
'She's going to fall back asleep if you keep that up...' he pointed out to Aava.

Aava: "I know..."

{However, she stops, laying down on Dianne's back.}

Jerry: "Rest up now, but when Fred says it's exit time in an hour, y'all are going to have to get up. Keep it in mind. Also, I got us breakfast sandwiches."

At that, Armin nudged Dianne's foot with his, under the blankets. 'You wanna go eat something?...' he said drowsily.

{Dianne opens her eyes, looking at him.}

Dianne: "I'd like to, but Aava's on me..."

Aava: "Armin is right, you are comfy."

'She is comfortable. She's a big warm comfy dragon. Still, you need to get off of her...' Armin let out a massive yawn at the end of this.

Aava: "Aaawww, fiiiine..."

{Aava rolls off of Dianne, sitting up. Now free, Dianne gets up and retrieves a sandwich, snacking on it at the edge of the bed.}

Dianne: "Hrm...Not bad..."

Armin remained lying down, watching everyone. His gaze landed on Jerry for a moment.
.
'Were you sleeping on the floor?' He remembered how, on his last trip to Chalcedony, he'd slept on the table in dog form because he thought the floor looked dirty.

Jerry: "No. The couch folds out into a bed. I just folded it out and in while you were asleep."

Dianne: "This is a better room than the one we stayed in."

'Well, damn... You could have gotten us a better one last time...'
.
With nothing else to do until Fred texted, and unable to get up and walk, he remained lying down, conserving his strength.

Dianne: "I asked last time if you wanted your own bed. You said to save the money and refused. You then proceeded to sleep on a table."

Aava: "Yeesh. Were you two fighting at the time or something?"

Dianne: "No. That was before we were a couple."

'Yeah. She vehemently reminded me that she was not going to share a bed when we were discussing the room setup.' He smirked. 'Oh, if Lucci had told you back then, how in just a few months, you'd be willingly sharing a bed with me... Not to mention other things...'

{Dianne chuckles, eyeing him with amusement.}

Dianne: "There were a lot of things that happened on that trip I didn't expect. Falling in love with you was one of them. But, I am glad that I did. I have never been happier than I am now, with you."

Jerry: "...Never let her go, Armin."

'Never. You changed my life for the better, and I'm glad that I could do the same for you. Whatever adventures stand before us, we'll fight together. Love you, little dragon,' Armin said, too tired and weak to care that he was being mushy in front of everyone.

Dianne: "Love you, little vampire."

Jerry: "Little dragon? Don't get me wrong, it's a cute pet name, but she is not little."

Armin slid his gaze over to Jerry for a brief moment before closing his eyes.
.
'Well, what else would I say? 'Tall, intimidating dragon' doesn't sound as endearing.'

{Jerry chuckles at this.}

Jerry: "Point taken. I think it's nice, that you have such endearing names for one another."

{Having eaten her fill, Dianne stands and starts putting on her armor.}

Dianne: "Alright, let's get ready to move. Armin, do you want your shoes? It's awfully cold outside."

'Yes, please. Aava can have her coat back, though. I won't need it if we're portalling straight to Pythia's.'
.
Armin started to sit up, but quickly halted when a splitting pain went down his back. He lay back down, rather gingerly.
.
'Oww. I thought that would feel better than it did yesterday...'

Dianne: "Armin, you took a stake in the back. Your healing is inhibited. You just need to take it easy and not move."

{With her armor on, Dianne helps Armin with his shoes. Once everyone was dressed, they just sat around, waiting for the word from Frederick.}

Aava: "...So, what do we do once we get back?"

Dianne: "Actually, I need to ask Luxia if she can portal me to and back from Shacklestone. Dill's dragon product is likely still there, and he'll likely be back for it. If I can catch him, I can kill him there."

Armin looked slightly uneasy. 'Do you need to do it now? Dill nearly defeated all of us yesterday. He caught us all unawares. I don't like the idea of you confronting him by yourself.'
.
As he spoke, Jerry's phone buzzed. <Luxia is back. Can you give me your location, if you're ready for her to portal over?>

Dianne: "We need to stop him. Ryder's tribe isn't safe as long as he's alive. This is our chance."

Aava: "Um, Dianne, he can literally go /invisible./ How were you planning on beating that?"

Dianne: "I don't need to see him to incinerate him. His men learned that the hard way."

Jerry: "Dianne, while I agree that we should go scuttle that contraband, I think you should stay with Armin and not go try to fight him alone. I'll ask Frederick to put together a task force and we'll go take care of it. It's not good to be fighting someone this well equipped while tilted. Also, Fred and Luxia are ready for us. Let's go check out and go home."

Jerry: <Ok, we'll go check out. Open the portal in front of the inn.>

Armin gave Jerry and Aava a brief, subtle look of gratitude. He didn't want Dianne leaving to fight Dill, so soon after the last catastrophic battle. //Although, I don't want Jerry to do it either... At least most of Dill's people are dead...//
.
<Confirmed,> Fred sent back.
.
Armin looked up at Dianne, waiting for her to pick him up.

{Because of her helmet, Dianne's expression was unreadable. Remaining silent, she picks Armin up gently. However, she wasn't happy. She did not want to just let Dill get away with this. He needed to pay. The group then went down to the lobby, checked out, and went outside.}

They had to stand outside for about two minutes before, suddenly, a portal appeared nearby. Out stepped Fred, dressed in his usual white jacket, no longer bruised and limping. He was followed by Luxia, who looked cheery but slightly absent.
.
'It's good to see you're all doing well,' said Fred. His gaze ran over Armin. 'Well enough,' he amended. 'Would you like to step through?'

Aava: "Yeah, let's get the hell out of here."

{Eager to be home, Aava steps through. Dianne follows, still deathly silent. Jerry then approaches Frederick.}

Jerry: "He, Fred, are we going to go back to Shacklestone to scuttle that dragon product? Doesn't seem like a good idea to just leave it there."

'Yes, we should,' said Frederick. 'That is, of course, assuming Dill didn't fly straight back to Shacklestone last night to retrieve it.'
.
Armin leaned into Dianne as she carried him, sensing that she was less than happy. He said nothing, but a hint of worry flitted through their ring connection. He was afraid that she might slip off to find Dill anyway. It wasn't like he could stop her in his condition.

{Once Dianne makes it through the portal, she looks around at where they were, then down at Armin.}

Dianne: "...Me going off to fight Dill really worries you that much? If we let him get away, who's to say he won't come back again later? Maybe next time, he really will kill those baby dragons. I don't think letting him go is a good idea."

Jerry: "There was a lot. It would have taken all of them to move it all."

'I want him killed too, but we already underestimated that guy once. Last time, he was after me. What if he decides he wants a shot at you next time? He's a poacher, and you're a rare species of dragon. Isn't there anyone else who could get rid of him? Why do you have to do everything?'
.
Fred made a noise of agreement. 'And from what I saw, only a handful of his subordinates actually survived yesterday's battle. So, yes, there is likely still contraband in the warehouse.'

Aava: "Yeah, let it be someone else's problem for a while. You've already done more than enough. You got those babies back and you killed a bunch of his men. I think it's high time the government starts pulling its weight."

Dianne: "Can I even afford to do that? What if I'm the only one who can stop him? What if anyone else who tries just dies? Wouldn't that be my fault?"

Jerry: "Guess we better hustle on that. get a task force together and let's go burn some contraband."

{Patting Fred on the shoulder, Jerry steps through the portal.}

'It's not your sole purpose in life to go around fighting people,' said Armin. 'You've got a family to look after, too. What happens to me, Esme and Aava if you die? I know that if our positions were reversed, you'd be telling me to stay away from Dill.'
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Fred nodded shortly. 'I'll contact everyone. Luxia can portal us to Shacklestone.'
.
The portal had taken them close to Pythia's house.

{Dianne begins to carry Armin to Pythia's place.}

Dianne: "Yes, but it is my job to protect you. How am I doing that if I let him go?"

Aava: "He doesn't even want us anymore. He got paid already for kidnapping Armin. You have nothing to protect us from. Also, you have a duty to protect yourself, for all our sakes. None of us want you to get needlessly hurt."

Fred took Luxia aside and asked if she could make a few more portals, to which the old woman agreed. He then turned to Jerry. 'You'll probably want to gather fresh ammunition and supplies. She can warp you to your house, if you wish.'
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Armin tiredly leaned his head into Dianne's shoulder. Arguing with her seemed to have drained him.

Jerry: "Yeah, let's do that."

Dianne: "I get it...I won't go after Dill. Your all too important to me..."

Aava: "Yeah, just take a break. Relax. If Dill comes back himself, then murder him."

{Dianne then begins to walk up to Pythia's door}

On Fred's instruction, Luxia opened a portal to Jerry's house, closing the other one in the process.
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'I will gather a team and meet you outside your house,' said Frederick. 'It won't take long.'
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Armin said nothing as she carried up to the door, though he noticeably eased a little.

{Jerry nods and goes to get ready. Pythia greets them at the door.}

Pythia: "Inside, the room on the right. Put him on the table."

{Dianne does as she's instructed. Pythia immediately begins to inspect him, removing his bandages.}

Pythia: "Armin, how do you feel? Any trouble breathing?"

Armin winced slightly, but kept himself still. 'No... It's just painful... And I feel like death warmed over, but that's because I got hit with a stake.'
.
His wounds were no longer bleeding but, due to his inhibited healing, were still raw and had barely started to heal. The stake wound looked the worst.

{Pythia frowns at the state of him, then, closing her eyes, begins to heal him. In seconds, his wounds were gone.}

Pythia: "There. Dianne, when you take him home, put him right to bed. He needs to rest to regain his strength. And from the looks of it, all three of you do."

Dianne: "Ok. That's what we'll do."

Armin relaxed as the pain disappeared along with the cuts. 'Yeah, we're going home to rest... Actually, how are we going to get there? No car...'

(posted new room)