Author's Note: Ooh, good guesses! Shishio, you are right in thinking that Lynea wouldn't have let such a thing slip her mind. Plus, I think everyone knows who sent that plague, even the Bretheren (though they might not consciously think it). I'm glad I could make your blood brother happy. And Lori, that was very clever thinking on your part, and you were in a way close, but still not right on target. Here's another hint: Look at Lynea's exact wording from the Black Mage Spirit. The truth will be revealed in 6 chapters. Keep trying until then:3 Oh, and here's the answer to your previous question about the giggling, Shishio!

Chapter 12: …. Again

Heading back towards the arena, the Bretheren and Lynea first ran into Evarion and Iriador at the fountain, contentedly nibbling on a wedge of cheese each and some crackers.

“Ev! I’m surprised!” exclaimed Dregan teasingly. “You’re actually smiling!”

“I’ve decided,” the Sylvani replied smoothly, “that the Sir’Kai aren’t all that bad after all. At least they treat me with the proper respect, unlike some elves I can think of.” Then he tipped his head at Vivi, who was happily fidgeting.. “What got into you?”

“I’ll tell everyone once we’re together,” he promised, then looked around. “Where is everyone, anyhow?”

“Got us,” Iriador replied. “We left them soon after you did.”

“Brother!” came Quatrill’s cheerful call as the girls (and Steiner) rounded a corner with small bags in hand like they’d been shopping.

“Having fun?” Dregan asked, getting a nod.

“You look happy, Vivi,” Garnet commented. Vivi just chuckled, almost trembling from his excitement.

“My secret, for now. Where’s my sons?”

“With Freya, Syn’Rae, and Alaya,” answered Zatana, “in the park, playing games.”

“Lets go.” They all together headed back towards the coliseum and the park beyond. At the arena, they were joined by the guys, Zentor, Rycharde, the two First Shields, Ora, and Daeranin. Then all went to the park.

“Lots of kids,” laughed Zidane wryly at they stood at their destination, near a stage where Gelendra was playing on a flute that none of the guests had ever seen before, which had a mouthpiece shaped like a tube attached to a standard flute to accommodate a muzzle, while some festival goers danced to her song. There were kids running around everywhere!

“I don’t see any one of them,” Teela said. Kest grinned, and cupped his hands around his mouth.

“Attention all kids! Will the sons of Vivi Orunitia and the Syndisian Sword Munchkins all please assemble at the stage!” All laughed at the Kheledi’s announcer-like tone, as it seemed the kids materialized from every which way and darted over. Each girl held a few stuffed toy, each boy some sort of play weapon or other such fitting item (Ollan a wooden flute, for example), and all had bags of candy… huge bags…. full of candy.

“This festival is great!” Sovyss exclaimed as they all gathered around the adults.

“Glad you’re having fun,” Quatrill replied to her son. Dregan was skimming his eyes over the kids as they clustered around, showing off their new prizes, and as Syn’Rae, Alaya, and Freya joined them, following the last two stragglers Zyton and Adrea.

“I hope they weren’t too much trouble,” Zatana said.

“Not at all,” answered Freya. Dregan suddenly frowned.

“All Syndisian Sword kids, to the left.” The kids obeyed… all seven of them.

“Uh oh!” chirped Ialee. “He did it again!”

Savander was nowhere in sight.