Kituo rubbed his head after his collision with the bell. His brain was ringing and his vision blurred for a few seconds before returning to normal. He heard a voice shush him and was surprised to see an elderly gentleman emerge from the undergrowth. Kituo's eyes spread at his mentioning of "monkeybats" - the only reasonable description he could conjure for the creatures that attacked him. He examined the man closely and took note that he was wearing armor. Although it certainly did not look like it would be formidable against a well crafted sword, he was definitely prepared to do battle.

"I know where some 'monkeybats' were," Kituo said, taking a pause to reconsider what he was planning to say. His conscious wanted him to tell the man about the peril he and his former companions had faced just moments ago. However, being realistic and true to himself, Kituo was in no way ready to relive the predicament. For the sake of remaining well, he elected to reveal no more knowledge. "Never mind. I'll be on my way."

He tried to tuck the lantern under his shirt to prevent the man from seeing it as he walked to move past him. What lay beyond the boy was unknown and he didn't doubt that there were worse dangers awaiting him. But, there was nothing that made him feel more invincible than the lantern. Anyone that tried to come between him and  his beloved source of illumination was an enemy. Kituo had yet to become aware of it, but his possession of the lantern was making him have some unusual thoughts. He did have to admit that he felt like a slightly different person since the whole ordeal began. Getting a chuck of his ear ripped off - the most traumatic experience of his short life - played a huge role in his alteration. Now less trusting of others, it seemed as if he was developing some faith. Hopefully it wouldn't get effortlessly squashed again.