Damon gazed at Phoenix. "It's his job to keep us alive, so leave him alone. We all have powers, and we all can use them. I'm pretty sure you're the only one against the cat."

Vapor nudged Damon's knee. He needed to calm down. Damon, this is not your battle to fight.

Taylor stood silently as she stretched her mind to hear Shadowfax. The conversation replayed in her head and she closed her eyes while letting out a small sigh. She opened her eyes and transferred soothing thoughts to Shadowfax. He grumbled incoherently in her mind before she withdrew the connection. She gave one small glance at the black dagger she had put on her desk before grabbing it and putting it in its sheath. She walked out onto the wooden pathway and navigated through the labyrinth of treetop walkways. Eventually she saw a few kids on the path, Shadowfax, and a few kids on the ground. She turned left onto a path directly opposite of the path that Shadowfax was on.

"Stop." She said, letting her voice ring out throughout the clearing. She held her hands up to the others in what they would think was a gesture of peace, but she wanted her hands ready if fighting would occur. Shadowfax glanced up at her and his eyes flickered before he glanced back down at the girl, Pheonix.

((Vapor is a dog, and only Damon can hear her. ))

"No, it isn't my fight, it's all of our's." Damon growled back. He looked up at the girl, hearing her ask them to stop. Or maybe it was a command. Either way, it was a slim chance Damon would listen.

Taylor's face remained impa.ssive as she watched the going-ons. "Please stop fighting. There is no need for it. If you want to leave, then we can change plans and get this over with. I was hoping to meet my guests on friendly terms, but seeing the turn of events, it looks like a change of plans is needed. Shadowfax, you may return home. I'll be okay." She said and Shadowfax sent her sympathetic thoughts as he met her saddened eyes. Hey, I know things didn't work out as we planned. When have they ever. Once they're gone, things will be back to normal again. He said to her, but she gave no sign that she heard him. He withdrew with a small sigh and unfurled his velvety wings. He took off through the dark forest and headed to where Taylor had come from.

"Now we settle this. Shadowfax is gone so there is no need for meaningless quarrels. Would you like me to take you to my home or would you like to see the city?" She asked.

Taylor put one hand on the rail and pushed herself off of the walkway, her legs clearing the height with ease. She landed on the ground as gracefully as Shadowfax had and absorbed the impact with the balls of her feet. "I think it would be best if I showed you the city. A walk may calm you guys down. Thank you, Hailie, for helping with that." She said with sincerity.

"Those that climbed already, please come down. It's only about a mile's walk from here." She said softly though knew her voice would carry. She clenched her hands for a moment as thoughts of her city flitted through her mind, but she pushed them away. Shadowfax pushed his mind on hers and tried to send her comforting thoughts. This time, she accepted them. Be back soon. He said softly to her. You can count on it. She replied.

"Come on." She said to everyone and began a brisk walk to the west.

"I love you too, Damon!" Hailie responded, smiling widely. 

((Kind of a fail.)) 

"I'll be counting the moments until you do," Hailie replied, then followed Taylor.

"Just so you know, I can make you fall in love with me if I wanted. Hating Hailie Sorren is not exatly the smartest thing to attempt," She said to Damon, walking right behind him.

"Is that a threat?" Hailie asked, returning his grin. "Because if it is, then you're on."