[b]Adila![/b]

You crash down onto the roots, clinging Hornet tightly to your chest. Your ears are ringing, full of destruction and the not-sound of that terrible explosion, and there's for a moment nothing to [i]see[/i] when you turn back and look at the sea, just inky shadows covering up the collapse, blotting out everything. No, wait, you do see something, as your eyes start to cut through even that magical night: the ink-black shells of the Garthim sliding into the water. If anyone else survived... they'll soon be in Oberon's hands. But you haven't been noticed.

Or at least you haven't yet. That'll change if Hornet starts crying, which she is threatening to do, sniffling and gasping with a hoarse throat, tucking her knees up to her chest and slowly rocking back and forth. "I didn't mean to do it," she whimpers.

Oh. [i]Hornet.[/i]

***

[b]Kazelia![/b]

The ruin of the ship's fall is choked with darkness. Only Adila could have a chance of seeing what's going on. You were lucky to get out when you did; if you dived back in now, you'd end up running into a bulkhead or a splintered crate face-first.

You turn back, and see Kyouko pressed up against the overhang of the stairs, giving you a Look. A very intense Look. And you see why: because the Garthim haven't noticed her yet. These things... the only weapon you had that could have pierced their awful shells was broken by Eska. Fighting them is useless; if they get their claws on you, you're as good as a prisoner.

You have Shiva, you have a hidden fox, and you know that these things are being directed by someone. Maybe, just maybe, if you can find their controller... you can save your friends. Or at least stop your Father from ordering them to drown your friends. Which he has almost certainly done.

[hider=Garthim][b]Claws That Catch.[/b] Anyone damaged by the Garthim becomes grabbed. They can grab up to four at a time, and only let go if this stat is damaged.

Foul, nasty black pincers that smell like rotting seaweed and stale sushi, waving at the ends of four different forelimbs. Amazingly, the muscles of the arm are similar to a crocodile’s jaw: incredible closing force, but very weak trying to open again.

[b]Armored Shell.[/b] The Garthim can only take damage from attacks with the Piercing tag.

The natural predator of the Garthim is probably the kraken. Or something with a great big beak, anyway. Even Adila’s fire would roll right off their backs.

[b]Controlled.[/b] Damage this stat by claiming the Amulet of Sarcosis; while damaged, you can pay a price to command the Garthim.

[b]Gang.[/b] The Garthim can act against everyone at once; when this stat is damaged by a Ranged or Area attack, this enemy is destroyed, or it's the only stat left, replace them with two Groups.

The sea is boiling with black shells.[/hider]

***

[b]Alina![/b]

The Garthim are drawn to you. Perhaps they see your light? The debris falls on you; an entire couch, the ship's wheel, Azora's luggage. But you burn golden.

Rita is gone. Everyone is gone. Adila is gone. Kazelia is gone. You are alone.

Oberon has taken everything from you.

But you burn golden.

Do you let that fire die, drowned in despair? Or do you embrace it and fan it into an inferno of fury?