"Who?" Kaari and Wren both said in unison. They both glanced at each other but didn't smile. Kia flapped her wings, steadying herself like she was going to fall. "The--the..." The owl never finished her sentence as she toppled over in a shaking fit. 

"Kia!" Kaari fell to her knees beside the bird. She hovered over the owl, unsure of what to do. Wren stood as still as a statue. "What do we do?" Kaari asked, worry etched into every syllable. She glanced over her shoulder at Wren.

"Wren!" she shouted and he snapped out of his daze. "What?" he asked, his eyes landing anywhere but Kia. 

"What do we do?"

Kaari's friend dropped beside her and studied the owl who had finally stopped shaking. Kia lay limp and her eyes were glazed over in terror. "Uh..." 

Worry creased his forehead and uncertainty flashed in his eyes. "I should take her to my father. He'll know what to do," he decided, meeting her blue eyes. 

Kaari nodded, breaking eye contact to stand. Wren scooped up the owl, her wings flopping over his arm. He nodded in farewell and pulled the hood over his head, veiling his features in shadow. He stepped into the stirrup of the saddle on his horse and heaved himself into the seat with one hand, the other positioned securely around Kia. 

He gathered the reins into his hand and snapped them, making a whipping sound. His horse reared, making the hood fall away. He stared right at her as his horse screamed while it reared. His green eyes glistened with fear. 

Kaari swallowed the lump ion her throat and turned away as his black mount galloped away. She ran to Cirrus and threw open his saddle bags. She, Wren, and Asha all had a black robe with hoods. They kept it with them at all times. 

She dug through the contents of the leather bag until she found the silky black clothing. she pulled it out and unfolded it. It billowed slightly in the breeze as she held it out, examining it. Satisfied, she threw it around her shoulders and clasped it around her neck, pulling the hood over her head and hid her face in its depths. She was going to find Quill's captors. 

Kaari leaned over Cirrus's neck as he galloped in the prairie, his hooves pounding the ground methodically. Her hair streamed out behind her, the hood of her robe falling away from her face. Kaari had summoned Akira to help hunt down the owl-nappers. 

The white wolf bounded ahead of her with surprising agility and speed. Occasionally she would change course or stop to sniff the ground but they had been able to pick up Quill's scent and...unfortunately her brothers' too.

As mischievous as it was, Kaari was still surprised her brothers had been involved. Normally they wouldn't try to harm her animal friends.

Kaari's sapphire eyes scanned the terrain, Cirrus and Kia abruptly stopped, the force throwing Kaari forward. She slammed into Cirrus' spine that ran up his neck. Her head throbbed as she sat up correctly in the saddle. She rubbed her head, sure there would be a bruise. 

Looking up, she realized that they had stopped near the entrance to a cave. Kaari opened her mouth to speak but the words fell silent in her throat as she heard words. The noise was coming from the cave. 

Kaari shut her mouth and pulled the hood up, sliding off of Cirrus. She unsheathed her dagger from its leather scabbard, preparing herself for a fight. 

She tightened her grip on the weapon and tucked it in the folds of her cloak as she heard her brothers' voices. They sounded panicked and curiosity pricked at Kaari. She motioned for Cirrus and Akira to hide. Akira growled quietly and stepped closer to her side. Cirrus wandered back a bit and munched nonchalantly on some bushes.  

Akira stared up at her silently, her eyes spilling out stubbornness. Kaari glared down at her friend fondly, knowing that she wouldn't leave her side in the midst of danger.

"No!" 

The sudden yelp of pain made Kaari's head snap up. It was James. Kaari glared, her ice blue ice cold enough that if someone made eye contact they would end up with frostbite. Even if they did hate her and pick on her, Kaari knew they were family and she felt protective of them.

On silent feet, Kaari and Akira approached the entrance of the cave from the side where they arrived. 

"Stop!"

Kaari shared a glance with Akira as James shouted again. She picked up her pace, her throat working to control herself from shouting. 

Soon, Kaari was close enough to peek inside. James and William were facing the entrance, their hands and feet were tied. They were both looking up at their captors with hatred and terror. 

The man who loomed over them had a long silver sword that he played with, switching it to his other hand as he screamed at the twins on the ground. Quill was off to the side in a cage too small for him. 

Anger wound around Kaari like an aurora. She clenched her dagger, wishing it was longer and sharper.

A strong wind picked up and it tossed her robe around her, making it harder to move unseen. Finally, Akira and Kaari got frustrated and they decided it was time to ambush.

Kaari took a deep breath and pulled the hood tighter around her face, stepping into the open where everyone could see her.