Shifters

Patricia

Several passers-by shuffled past Josh carrying semi-transparent bags laden with fresh produce. Sitting patiently in the outdoor seating area, his eyes roved too and fro as another small group of well dressed shoppers rounded the street corner. As opposed to his previous visit to the city of Lele, no one paid him any attention. Or rather, they were deliberately ignoring his existence. Although unsure of his theory at first, it was soon put to rest by the still blatantly curious looks that were thrown his way by the younger population. Leaning back in the small armless chair, his mind thought back to villagers' children, who'd displayed equal levels of curiosity on his preliminary entrance. As memories began flooding in like the unstoppable surge of a tidal wave, Josh bit down hard on his lower lip as images of their small corpses slid itself through his mind. 

'Did I really do that,' he wondered, eyes misty as the disturbing visions became clearer. 

Just as tears began to form in his eyes, Josh's ring hummed to life, dispelling the feeling before returning to its dormant state. Staring down at the ring spiraling around his middle finger, a mixed bag of emotions tugged at his heart. Although the memories still poured into his head at a constant rate, the immense feeling of guilt he'd felt just mere moments ago had already disappeared. Desperately trying to focus on something else, his thoughts switched to their journey back from the primitive lands. 

The army, after experiencing the stealthy tactics of the skeletal assassins, had been extremely on edge as they crossed once more into their heavily wooded territory. However, unlike their previous march under the towering trees, no such happenings occurred. Whilst the soldiers chalked it all up to luck, Josh and his companions knew better. During their entire return trip, Joana had incessantly released waves of her aura, blanketing the entire army in a protective cocoon. Although it did little to hide their boisterous presence, her immense display of power had served its purpose as an adequate deterrent. Upon their arrival in the spacious ravine, Joana, who was clearly fatigued, immediately tore an unstable portal open to Herman's hilltop home. Cassandra, who had opted to stay behind in order to recuperate a bit more had watched as Joana, Josh and Herman hopped through the temporary gateway. 

On reaching their destination, the trio hand instantly beelined for the boulder that was situated behind the stately abode. However, after several hours of poking and prodding, no entrance nor any signs that one was ever there to begin with could be found. After a full night's rest at Herman's Joana had ushered Josh through another portal, leaving Herman to his own task as they stepped out into the streets of Lele. Before he could ask any questions, she'd seated him at his current position, instructing him not to move until she returned. Without waiting for any confirmation of his understanding, Joana had already disappeared behind a small dark oak door that barred access to a tiny building opposite to him. Compared to its neighbours, the petite home felt out of place in the large city and more at home in a wooded or open country setting. Staring intently at the chocolatey door, Josh silently wondered how much longer he'd have to wait until Joana made good on her promise to come back. 

As if coaxed by his inner thoughts, the dark brown door creaked open, revealing Joana's slender form as she stepped through. Following behind her, a girl no older than Elle, slowly made her way forward, stopping abruptly as she stood firmly in the wooden doorway. Glancing cautiously up and down the street, her tense attitude relaxed a tad, however, she made no attempt to exit the cabin sized building. Tracing her gaze with his own, Josh raised an eyebrow as the once lively road had completely morphed into a breathless ghost town. Refocusing his attention on the girl once more, Josh tensed reflexively as she now fixed a cold, mournful look on him. Regardless of his desire to avert his gaze, her eyes held his attention captive as they rapidly switched from blue to green, sometimes momentarily settling on cyan before returning to the everchanging duo.