"Hold on..." Zayzu interjected. "You're Nala!?!.. I thought Nala had like.. White angel wings or something..?" Nala froze at his statement and glanced at her paws. "........ My wings were taken from me.... recently.." Leo's eyes widened for a moment. He stepped closer, then narrowed them, lifting Nala's head up to face him. She flinched.. but allowed him. Leo was a creature who believed logic and finding truth in one's heart. Naturally he was inclined not to believe such a claim without proof, but one look into her eyes told him all he needed to know. "Well, in that case we're coming with you." Nala, Zayzu, and Suziet's responded in sync. "What?!?" "Look.." Leo continued sternly, "Spirit or not, I'm not allowing you to get yourself killed. We may not understand what has happened or why, but it's obvious you are not in any state to continue this way on your own." "Leo's right..." added Suziet. "Look at yourself sweetheart, you're hurt. You can't fight anyway in your current condition. It's best if you come with us for now. As least until you've regained your strength." She smiled softly. Nala sighed and reluctantly nodded her head in agreement. As much as she hated to involve mortals in the matters of spirits, it couldn't be helped that Leo and Suziet had a point. Nala would certainly perish if she faced Rau the way she was now. For the meantime she needed to lay low and figure out a plan. So the three non spirit foxes joined Nala on her upcoming journey, and continued to stay by her side for the troublesome years to come.

Four years passed since that dreadful day. Four years since anyone had last seen the sun, but for Nala it felt a lot longer. The four foxes traveled across the land in search of the spirit responsible. Even though she had lost her powers, Nala was still able to sense Rau's presence. She used it as a method of tracking him, guiding their journey. Over the years Nala allowed herself to become decently close with the three foxes. Something she never thought could possibly happen again. Together they shared hardships and small victories. Even laughing together some nights. Along the way, they helped out anyone they met, trying to spread some much needed kindness and light during these dark times. Overtime Nala began to notice that for every person they helped she became a little bit stronger, not enough to regain control of her powers but just enough to reassure that she was on the right track. Alas, she failed to recognize the growing darkness within her. Hatred took hold of her heart and violent tendencies began to emerge at just the mere thought of Rau. While her friends grew concerned at these tendencies they did not dare question her... They respected her greatly and trusted her judgment. Which only furthered the strong sense of vengeance masquerading as justice deep inside her mind. This sense consumed her wandering thoughts and could not be satisfied. Until the day when the group finally found the heart of the darkness.

There they stood on a stone ledge overhanging the barren landscape. In front of them was the lair of the beast. It was an immense crag field. Sharp towering ridges jutted out in every direction, as if attempting to impale the sky itself. Two guards stood sentry at the torch-lit entrance. Leo and Suziet scouted the area, attempting to locate another possible way in. Then returned to Zayzu and Nala with their findings. "What did you see?" asked Nala. "Nothing good." Leo answered. "There's only one way in this place and two guards are stationed there." Zayzu glowered, "Well that's just great. What are we supposed to do?!? Walk through the front door!" He remarked sarcastically. "That's exactly what we're going to do." Nala stated, dead serious in her tone.

Zayzu's jaw dropped slightly as he stared at her. "What?! Are you insane?!?! That is the most ridiculous plan I've ever heard of, and that's coming from me!" He gestured to himself while making the comment. Nala sighed, "I'm aware it's unorthodox but you're going to have to trust me. Rau may be arrogant but but he's not an idiot. He knows we're coming and he's going to want to fight me himself. Those guards won't touch us without a direct order. So just stay behind me, don't say anything, and don't make eye contact. We'll be fine."

Leo walked up to her, "If I didn't trust you completely then I wouldn't be here right now. Whatever plan you have. I'll go along with it." "Same here." added Suziet with a smile. "Fine.... I'm in too. Just standing around here is starting to bore me." Zayzu joked while cracking his neck and stretching. "Let's go kick some tail!" They walked down the hillside towards the entrance. The two guards growled and snickered as they walked past. Calling insults and profanities, but never laying a claw on them non the less.