The weather was changing.

Dark clouds were streaking across the sky, the wind whistling through the trees as it picked up. Squeegie could taste the coming rain in the could air as he moved silently through the forest. Most of the others had taken shelter, but a few were still out. And then there was Pan.

She had disappeared at the first sign of the storm. Squeegie sighed at the thought, but was distracted by two deer near the Playground. Calling a greeting, he trotted towards them.

It was Judegement, and a nameless stag. Both looked grave. Squeegie frowned and cokced his head as he reached them. "What's the matter?" The nameless stag shook himself to warm up and adressed the newcomer seriously. "The Hunter's gone from her cage. She disappeared as soon as the fog rolled in. And deer are going missing." Judgement snorted in barely-controlled rage at the words. Squeegie flattened his ears. "Are you sure it's-"

"Pretty sure." Loop trotted up to them, tiny drops of rain making her feathers glisten. "Look. I've had a talk with Walter and the others. We've gotta find Pan and deal with her. She's gone too far." Squeegie nodded somberly. Rain was coming down here now - shimmering, now, but soon to be pouring. "Who's going to go looking?" Judegement raised his head proudly, as did the nameless. Loop nodded. The zombie stag shrugged. "I'll come too. We're gonna have to get the Hunter too, you know."

Loop snorted derisively. "Before she sends anyone else to meet the Gods."

~

Aeros and Her stood together under the huge willow. The rain pounded their backs, but neither were paying it any heed. Rather, they were bellowing across the lake at a terrified fawn.

The huge, undead doe was towering over him, blood on her mask, bellowing in gleeful bloodlust. The little fawn took another step back, but he was running out of room - a steep bank and a watery grave awaited him with another few paces. Her tossed her head in fury, but Aeros restrained her, they couldn't go near the Hunter, or she would kill them too.



Hope!

Out of the pouring rain, a stag suddenly slammed into the doe's side, sending her tumbling into the river. Squeegie, Judgement and Loop were right behind him, following with another attack. The little fawn bleated in terror and pelted off towards the Old Oak. Her reared in triumph and looked to Aeros. "They got 'er, mate! We're in the clear!"

"Not quite!"

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Woohoo! Finally got this one finished! We're in the homestretch!