And soon, the whole world seemed to be fading in the intensifying light. The whispering too suddenly ceased, and as they opened their eyes, the world was dim again, and they found themselves returned, to the same place, but this time no more cries, anger sadness, or pain could be heard, and no more trees, blood, corpses, soldiers, or burning houses could be seen. 

All they could see for the first time, in this normal world was Vesemir checking them one by one, faint hazes of mysterious smoke emanated from their bodies, and they felt rather lightheaded. 

To their surprise, they were still in the same position as before, as if the whole experience were happening outside their physical body. But the mark from that battle seemed to be carried over. Roxas could still feel and see a trace of pain and blood on her arm, and those who clashed their weapons with the enemy could still feel the fatigue. 

[b]"Sir, Vesemir, are they all right? We must move now. The tranquility wont last for too long."[/b] someone said, and it was Gray Flame, with Carnathia standing between them and the lantern.  A white, refined blaze danced on his palm, providing additional light that also seemed to be keeping the curious shadows and malicious darkness at bay. 

[b]"You heard our Ranger."[/b] said the monocled elf, patting Tillius's shoulder and subtly indicating the ever-present shadows surrounding their illuminated path, like they were on a small island surrounded by an abyssal sea. 

[b]"I bet you all have plenty of questions as big as a pyramid in Abydos, but it is ill-advised to discuss it hither--- [/b]

As he said that, howling winds, sounded more like a horrifying moan blew from one of the nearby ramshackle houses. 

[b]"Let's go for now, until we find a safer place. I will take the rear guard this time, Mr. Gray Flame and Sir Engelbert, you two take points."[/b]