"I don't understand," said Libra.

"It's the Bloodlust," explained Juan. "I didn't notice it coming on, probably because you were balancing me out when I was using the Hellfire against the Witchkillers. When I was fighting in the Underworld, it took over ... it's like a drug. Look, it's hard to explain. If I stay, I'm going to end up killing all of you and be a worse monster than Malachus. Let me go. It's the only way."

Scorpio put her hands over her mouth and stepped back, tears welling up in her fierce eyes. "I knew it was too good to be true. You were always going to leave me alone and run away."

"It's not like that!" Exclaimed Juan. "I don't mean I can never see you all again, just that I can't rule Cuahalan, be part of the government or anything like that. Please," he said, holding his hands up, "I know what's coming if you let me stay."

Oberon took Juan's hand. "I believe you, my friend. If you say you need to leave, we won't stop you." Juan hugged him in gratitude.

As they separated, Oberon said, "there is ... another mission we need you for. Not a violent or combat operation at all. You'd be out on your own, like before you joined the Guild."

Scorpio had calmed herself, and leaned in with interest. "There has to be a way you can stil stay connected with us and be safe, Gemini."

"OK," said Juan, "Tell me what needs to be done."

Oberon brightened. He led them up a staircase to the command room where they'd planned the attack on the Witchkillers. Juan unstrapped the pistol and holster from his thigh and returned it to the cabinet at the room's center, relieved to have the gun's weight off him.

Oberon addressed the group. "Gemini will travel alone on this mission; it's safest that way, for reasons you'll soon see."

They nodded, and Oberon continued. "Our spiritual leader, Dantalion, has been in seclusion since the beginning of this conflict. She is at the center of the Crystal Forest, a days walk from this volcano. No psychic messages can enter or leave the Crystal Forest, which made it ideal for her safety."

Opening a cabinet built into the wall, Oberon drew out a handful of gems: diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. The wizard's eyes widened in surprise. "Gemini, you will need to pack your pockets with gems, as they will keep you safe in the Crystal Forest. If you stop moving, and once the gems you carry are exhausted, the crystals will form upon your skin and trap you there, soon becoming your tomb."

"Like an ice storm?" Asked Juan.

"Yes, precisely," Oberon answered. "The entire Crystal Forest is under an enchantment. Dantalion is immune because ... well, in order to be trapped, one must exist in time, like the monkeys and birds who are now splendid ornamental sculptures. Dantalion exists in all times at once, and thus cannot be trapped."