Shift trudged along for what felt like hours, his body begging him to rest. But every time he looked at the blood trail, he gathered the strength to keep pushing forward. It may have just belonged to some animal, yet that theory was quickly falling from favor. Between the crater, trail of blood, and his own injuries, it seemed there was something wreaking havoc on what should've been a peaceful night. Whatever it was though, it was unlikely that any creature would escape, or make it so far away. And since the blood wasn't his own, the only remaining fighter, at least from his own telling, was Lucas.<br/><br/>Pressing on, he peered through the darkness with what little aid the moon offered, searching for any sign of his host. Within moments, he began muttering, assuring himself that Lucas wouldn't die now. He hadn't gotten the chance to ask much about him, or the number of things their meeting brought to mind...to propose his grand plans in the morning...to pay him back in the slightest. All these thoughts and desires had filled Shift with panic only hours ago, but somehow, in this harrowing silence, he was learning what it meant to regret.<br/><br/>For the next few minutes, the world was painfully quiet. Being left alone with his thoughts often proved useful for Shift, even therapeutic; but on this night that connection seemed a lifetime away. It was only after catching the faintest hints of movement that Shift found relief, and moments later, Lucas.<br/><br/>Not wishing to startle him, and unable to limp quietly, Shift took slow and deliberate steps - the pain now fading, if only briefly.