The group finally reached the edge of the Forbidden Hills.  The three strangers stopped at the border.

"This is the exit.  It's as far as we can take you." the masked girl muttered.

Kasai hesitated for a moment.  "Can't you come with me?"

"No.  We can't leave."

"Why..?"

"That's classified."

The younger girl blinked for a moment.  She clearly didn't understand what that word meant, but didn't question.

Kasai sighed.  "Can you at least tell me your names?"

She immediately sprung forward for a moment.  "I thought you'd never ask!"

"Well, I just did." Kasai pointed out, giggling at the girl's enthusiasm.

"True.  But I'm Trisha!"

"Ray." the masked girl answered.

The boy hesitated for a moment, apparently a little shy.

"... I'm Billy."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ • ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The group was back in the forest again.  Sasha was finally free and Cory had slightly recovered, so they were both able to come.

"Now can we worry about Kasai?  It's been almost a month!" Cory complained.

"Calm." Doug reminded.  Cory may have slightly regained his sanity, but he still has a tendency to go crazy whenever he worries too much.

"He has a point, though.  Who knows where she could be?" Sasha pointed out.

"Do you think she got trapped in ice?  Like you and your family did?" Katie asked with a gasp.

"No, no.  That's very unlikely.  I'm sure she'd stay away from water.  Most phoenixes hate it, remember?"

"Oh yeah."

"Y'all worry too much.  I'm sure Kasai's fine...wherever she is." Streak muttered, flicking his tail.  "I bet she'll be here soon."

"But can we ppplleeeaaaseeee go in?  It's way too cold to be out here." Zakk complained, shivering.  Flash hugged him to warm him up.  She may not be a phoenix, but she was still warm.

"I never thought I'd live to see the day that YOU complain."

"Oh, be quiet."

"You guys can go if you want.  I'm staying and waiting for Kasai!" Cory snapped, turning away from the group.

Practically everyone stared in amazement.

"YOU'RE willing to stay in the cold!?" Katie barked, surprised.  "You HATE it!"

"I don't care!  I'm not leaving this spot until Kasai comes back!"

"Well, suit yourself.  I'm going home.  My parents may be harsh, but at least my room is warm." Flash said harshly, turning away and heading home.

"... I'd better get home too." Zakk muttered, running off.

One by one, the group left to return to their homes, while Cory waited in the snow, shivering.

It may have been cold and painful, but it was worth it.

The bushes rustled, causing Cory to jump and look over.  "Who's there!?"

"Cory?"

Kasai emerged on the other side before collapsing weakly.  Cory froze and rushed to her side.

"Kasai!"