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While Eresin was doing his browsing, Kian was doing some searching of his own. The bags had hidden some things - but not what he was looking for. Frowning, the mage continued searching until his gaze landed on a locked chest. So this was it then? Reaching out a hand he could feel the vibrations. Time to unlock a chest. Taking a pin from his bag the hybrid crouched down - all the while glancing over towards Eresin on occasion to make sure the boy was doing alright.

Eventually a small click told him that it was done and after reaching in for a bag Kian smirked. Finally they were his again. He'd love to have given the mage who stole these from him a good taste of retribution, but with those children and Eresin nearby...it made him hesitate. He just wished that he hadn't because the next second Kian felt the ground shift. Damn! Cursing some more, Kian tumbled away from the chest before waving towards Eresin. "Get them out of here!" He hissed as he tried to start running towards his companion.

They would have to run now. It wasn't the grunts who were back, but their master who had far more experience with magic than either of the boys. Even worse was that he had cheated by taking on other sources of magical energy - runes that were channeling a mix of magic and not normal. As Kian tried to move after the children who had dispersed into the woods he had to kick off the mage who no longer sleeping reached out with a hand towards the hybrid.

"Intruders!" He bellowed loudly while Kian cursed and kicked at him.

"Let go of my leg." Kian's gaze almost glowed as he raised his fist -with a rune held tightly in hand- and punched the man with extra - earth induced- strength.

As the grunt groaned so did Kian - they were no longer alone and the big guy was getting closer. "I hope you've studied hard." He yelled to Eresin before taking a step towards the side, "Run if you can." He mouthed with a wave towards the trees. It would be best if the kid didn't get caught up in this mess as well...

Elemental bursts of magic erupted on the field around him. But this was a dance which Kian secretly had missed. Flirting with dance while doing these dangerous charades had always managed to give him great amusement. It was something interesting and far from the boring meditation that their mentor constantly pushed onto them! His gaze dancing with power the mage continued to toss out counterattacks and even dove close to others with a knife in hand. What they never expected was for the metal to slice into their skin since they were also so caught up in the concept of spells.

Fools. Still, fire rushed past him and Kian had to wince. That would leave a nasty burn on his arm. But who? Ooooh. It was teh woman from before as well. Before Kian had a chance to react Eresin was already on it. Surprise flickered across the hybrid's face, but honestly he was glad for the company. Even he felt that the five remaining mages circling them would be a problem...well four technically as he threw a dagger in the direction of the woman that Eresin had pinned to a tree. Sorry that you have to see this, kid. He thought with pursed lips before going back into the fray.

What felt like hours later the battlefield was empty - however, the problem that made Kian freeze to the spot was when a heavy feeling crossed over. He was here. The one who led the whole group who were scattered across Tendaji. I suppose he won't be happy that I took his belongings. Quipped Kian before twisting on his heels, "A bit late to the party." He called out while preparing his stance.

His whole body was exhausted, but he had to stand firm. This was a life or death matter and as he glanced towards Eresin who had fought with him for the past hour Kian gave a small smile. He had someone to fight with now as well. "Don't get so distracted." Replied the man as a woman also stepped out of his shadow, "Seems you've cleaned up our ragtags quite nicely."

The woman, an Oban with perhaps some ice heritage, smirked. "Seems like you boys are asking for trouble. Shame - I'd rather play slowly,but since you've taken something of ours I'm in a hurry to get it back."

Her presence was what surprised Kian who was already rushing forward with magic in hand, "Seems like we disagree on something - my belongings stay with me." He quipped with a grin before tumbling forward. But could he handle both of them? Before in their last encounter he had found himself running, but he wasn't about to let them harm his companion. It made him curse as a heavy hit sent him flying, "Eresin. Get out of here!" He managed to speak the words though his ribs were aching and blood was running down his arm, "Just run and go."

"Why leave?" The woman moved forward as more flames danced along her arms, "We're only beginning dear."

"I have what you want. Not him." Hissed Kian through clenched teeth, "So back off."

"Not so simple. Look at you being heroic when last time you were all sneaky like." She smirked, "We'll work on that and break this new spirit of yours, mister."

"I said. Leave him alone." Kian raised his arms despite the pain and prepared to bring out all the power he held in these runes....Let's see what I can do, now... Of course in his desire to fight, Kian almost forgot about the man who was also with the woman. It was his attack that caught Kian by surprise as it rushed towards Eresin and him both...

Eresin... Kian watched as the mage actually managed to surprise him. However, it wasn't enough. She ripped the ice from her stomach before using fire to burn her own flesh closed. And they called me a monster. He quipped though his thoughts were bitter. What could he do to help them out of this? As much as he was loathe to admit it he didn't want the other mage to die because of him.

But it was like a miracle and Kian braced himself to fend off an attack Nerio intervened. "Nerio!" The hybrid called out, but there was no time for anything. The sorcerer stood tall before offering a small smile. Take care of him. It seemed to say before he stepped forward to take on the bigger mages.

Kian winced, but pain shot up through his leg. All he could do was muster the strength to summon one last spell that took place the same time that Nerio was engulfed in that light. And that was the last thing he would remember until waking up hours later covered in muck and blood...