When the news had arrived from his master’s mouth, Maalik had found himself strangely curious about the ordeal before them. While it was true that the situation, in general, was not very favorable, it would serve him well to learn more about these little insects and why the current state of the moons has taken place. Perhaps the reason why Vada was the first to hit was perhaps that’s where the “original sin” took place with that cult. Needless to say, he had requested permission to investigate himself, which Nemesis swiftly allowed.

The raven soared through the sky, its eyes ever watchful to locate the settlement that had suffered through the first attack. The air was certainly more dry than what he was used to, but he would suffice as he made his descent. So far, he was fortunate enough not to run into those accursed bugs on his route, but who's to say that he was out of the woods just yet. Hell, who was to say that once he landed, there wouldn’t be a swarm lying in wait? No, he shook that thought off and shifted in mid-landing.

The village seemed a tad quiet for his taste. Too quiet. Maalik had expected for there to be others seeking out answers themselves as well, so either they were going about it alone or perhaps some would try and take advantage of the situation. There was no doubt that there could be thieves or other unsavory personal as he marched through the small town. He wouldn’t be seen as much of a threat himself; a man of normal appearance aside from his dark eyes, bearing no weapon nor a powerful aura.

Foraging through the area for a few moments, he spotted not another living soul thus far. It was as if this place was a wasteland, a discomforting thought indeed. One of the relics from this place he spotted was a ragged doll. With care, he picked up the tattered thing. No doubt it had belonged to some young girl that may or may not have made the escape before the swarm attacked. A thought then alarmed him; if deaths had truly occurred here…then where were the bodies? He had yet to see a single deceased member of this town; it would be hard to miss it between the smell decomposed bodies gave off as well as other insects using it as food or a host for their eggs. Something didn't feel right in these parts, and with that, Maalik continued onward into one of the houses to renew his investigation.

With as many safe zones as she could handle created and most, if not all, of her clergy in Vada working in those zones the Goddess has decided she wanted to scout out around the rest of the area. Her people could call her through magical means any time if they needed her to heal someone if the bug sickness. But it seemed that things were getting contained around the locations of safety she had set up, as few new people had arrived. Sirona had had some bugs following her but had obliterated them with a blast of Light magic.

In the air Sirona was a beacon, she was allowing the radiance of the Light shine through her and from below she looked akin to a shooting star as she flew. She wasn’t hiding her presence from anyone, she was broadcasting it for any who might need help to call to her. Below her Sirona spotted the same small village that the raven had landed in, though she was unaware of it, or rather he, being down there already.

Wheeling around in the air Sirona did two circles of the village from the air as she descended from the sky. Her Light shone bright around her as Sirona landed on the ground and looked around, her skin crawled, no, this was wrong, very wrong. She, like the shifter before her, realized that there was no one around, she had seen no movement from the air(Maalik having already gone into the house by then), and yet there were no bodies, no smell of death.

Frowning Sirona lowered the hood on her armour and spoke in a loud and clear voice. ”Hello!? Is there anyone here that needs assistance?” She called out, anyone that looked outside would easily see the light coming from her, her blue eyes brilliantly shining. As she walked as she looked around the sword and shield on her left hip rattled in the silence.

His beloved had gone missing; naturally Raith had assumed the worst, given the hells Xyaban had put them through it really wasn't a surprise, she had tricked both of them into believing she was their respective lover… and it had ultimately been their downfall. Adraejen was working with him to read auras, in order to prevent such a travesty happening again, however the process was slow (as learning any new skill was) and Raith, while confident he could read them to an extent, still did not quite have the knowledge or ability to rely on his own ability yet. So finding Alairia missing, and Silence no where to be found, had been somewhat distressing. 

The Dragon within him had begun to rage, the flames roared to life inside his heart and threatened to burn him from within. It was only when Silence connected his mind to his own, that the man began to calm the fury and extinguish the fire. It seemed that Alairia had been kidnapped, but by a friendly party, the little Dragon relayed the conversation between the two women, staying out of sight but close by so that his Master did not have to fear any harm befalling his lover, while he was absent from her side. Whoever the Angel was that spoke with Alairia, she offered aid, and he felt relieved in that. 
As they travelled to Vada, Raith knew where to go, he would not disturb the women - he had no right to interfere, Alairia was safe and seemed happier than she had in weeks, but he still wanted to be close to her, wanted to be nearby lest any trouble should arise. 

Michael had been visiting the shop, dropping off supplies from the Jiyu Clan, and chatting with Teu (he might have moved out but clearly they were not free of the man just yet), so Raith had taken the opportunity to ask him to open a Gate to Vada, so that he too might join the fray… and ultimately be on hand should Ria need him, though he doubted she would. As soon as he stepped into the Valley he had heard the incessant buzzing of the insects, he did not have to physically see them to know they were not kind - he could all but smell the sickness seeping from them. Immediately he partially transformed, covering his body in hardened, black scales - let the little buggers get at him now, it wasn't like they could aim for his eyes, not with the ornate metal blindfold covering them as usual. 

He wandered, following his nose and his instincts, until he entered the deathly quiet village. He stopped, hand reaching out to touch the cold stone of the nearest building, tilting his head as he felt for vibrations - seeking any living soul. There was one, moving through the village, he could feel the slight vibrations of their footsteps on the ground, reverberating throughout the village. But that was one person… while the insects had not followed him, it begged the question where everyone else was, not only that but if they had been affected by the insects, and potentially died, why could he not smell rotting corpses or the blood of the dead? The village was oddly devoid of life… or had been. 

A woman's voice called out and he turned in her direction, head tilting on one side. "If there was I doubt they would be so silent, as it is I believe the village is empty. Well, except for myself, you and the other that lingers here somewhere, unseen."