"At least another day... And when she comes out, Arakaali is going to be in her Ultimate Form. Let's go back to Teemo's place for now and come up with what strategy we can muster up..." instructed the Ankou as he teleported the group back to Teemo's kitchen.
"At least I've landed right side up this time..." said the cat as he was staring at the kitchen stove.
"Good, now get off of me!" yelled the Loplin as he found himself becoming the Felidae's cushion.
And once again, Layla and Sander were the only ones who landed safely and normally. The Grim Reaper went towards the table while the cat and rabbit started insulting each other.
"As for the giant problem we have on our hands, we don't have another day. By that time, Arakaali would've made sure to come with reinforcements and fully transformed," stated Teemo, as he finally stopped arguing with Matt.
"I thought we couldn't attack the spider if she was in the process of transformation?" asked the rabbit.
"He's right..." said the Ankou.
"Yes but by the time she surfaces, she would be more ready to kill us than if we took the fight straight to her. Of course, there's the problem of her being stronger since she would be on her home turf but I'd rather catch her at her transformation's end."
"Since we've got a good window, just right before that cloud disperses... Null Tock is what they used to call it..." said the Felidae, glancing at the Grim Reaper.
The Ankou folded his arms across his chest and closed his eyes, deep in thought about what Teemo had mentioned.
"Null Tock does apply but if you miss... She fully heals and goes into her Ultimate form, making your progress a waste of time. Are you sure you want to try that?"
"Especially since it would be only Layla and me going after her at her home?" questioned Sander, with a raised eyebrow.
"But then... We can't allow that giant spider to fight in the middle of town! What else can we do..."
"I understand that but the point still stands. We have to wait unless you can magically come up with an armada of sea-dwelling people and we might consider knocking on Arakaali's door."
The Felidae fell silent while Matt wanted to suggest something but said no words. The Grim Reaper sighed and arched his back before glancing at the two males.
"I get that you want to kill that monster as fast as possible but we've got no choice now but to wait patiently until we can harm her... Not to mention that a Tenguis has shown up to the fight at the very last point," explained the Ankou.
"Tengui are a rare commodity nowadays, I don't remember the last time I've seen one alive. Plus, their kingdom is nearly in ruins because of how much they waged war with Halcade. But they've got the best healers, experts in medicine, and great at doing so during battle."
"The last I heard from their kingdom; Lusmium, was that they've been quadrant off," added the Loplin, trying to recall the race of Tenguis.
"That's not true..." mumbled Layla, shocking the group.
"We forgot that you were here..." mumbled Teemo, looking away from the Dragoon.
"Well, I am and I'm telling you the Tengui didn't get quadrant off. They chose to keep to themselves for fear of an entity or monster. Years ago, their populous was sliced in half as something attacked them. But until now, we have no clue who or what did so..."
"Are you suggesting that it would be Arakaali who was responsible for doing so? But she wasn't summoned until of late... Hell, it could be anyone at this rate!" asked a confused Teemo.
"It may not be her but she's not exempted from the realm of possibilities. Additionally, just because a monster shows up on your radar would mean they were summoned in this realm at that specific time. Monsters like the Shadow Trio love to hide and wait for their prey..."
The Felidae widened his eyes as he rushed out of the kitchen, confusing the group. Sander went over to Layla and gently tilted her head up by using a finger under her chin.
"What are you-"
"Are you still the Brine King or are you Layla?" asked the Ankou, with his voice darkened.
"I am Layla... And you are getting too close to comfort..."
"Are you sure? Because there's no way Layla would've known about the Tengui's situation. Tell me the truth, old pal... Are you still active in her? Shouldn't you be dormant?" quizzed the Grim Reaper as his Elemental Aura appeared behind him.
It was then that Matt regretted his choice of not chasing after the Felidae and leaving the place...