The roar sounded closer.  The unicorns horn glimmered once more, and Merrill looked down to see his outline begin to fade along with the nine year old Callie’s.

[b]”Thank you,”[/b] he said, then looked at Callie.  [b]”No time,”[/b] he said, grabbing her hand and running.

And run they did.  Across fields and open grasslands.  Behind them, the roar sounded once more as the creature came closer.  Overhead the moon shone bright and there was nary a cloud in the sky.  

It was the perfect conditions for hunting.

Behind them, a second explosion of light could be seen echoing faintly against the night sky, and the creature roared again, although this time there was a tinge of pain to its voice.  Merrill shook his head, hoping that the unicorn had managed to escape the grasp of the enraged demon.

[b]”We need to get out of the open,”[/b] Merrill gasped, his lungs burning from the running.

Dark eyes scanned around desperately, looking for something.....anything that would allow them some sort of cover from the marauding creature.  And then he saw it.

[b]”There,”[/b] he pointed to the side.

In the distance, very faint but there nonetheless were the shadowy outlines of what looked like they were trees.  Lots of trees.

[b]”We can seek cover under the trees,”[/b] he panted, breathing heavily.  [b]”Hopefully there we can find a hiding place.”[/b]

And then she exploded into bright white light.  A white light that started out as a spark from Callie but grew larger and larger, first encompassing her body and then expanding to consume him.  Shielding his eyes from the light, Merrill cursed.

[b]”Callie..we really, [i]really[/i] need to find a way of controlling your magic.  If I didn’t know any better I’d swear that it was deliberately trying to get us caught.”[/b]

As they continued to race towards the shadows of the forest, outlines that although close seemed so desperately desperately far away, he continued.

[b]”Callie, if it catches us, you are to run and you don’t look back,”[/b] he breathed heavily.  [b]”You are of the most importance.  You have to survive no matter what.  I’ll do what I can to give you that chance, do you understand me?”[/b]

His face was flushed red from the exertion.