< I can, uh, > Hawk hesitated. < Let you go, if you are ready. >

< O-oh. > Suyan seemed a little taken aback. < ...Just like that? >

< It can be later! > Hawk said hastily. < I can come back later-- >

< No! > Her response came more forcefully and fearfully than she'd maybe meant it to, because she then stammered, < I...I mean... >

She glanced away from Hawk, though her big dark eyes didn't seem to rest any place in particular. < Please, don't leave me here alone, > she said softly. < Even if it is a dream, it's still very creepy. I can't even tell what color the sky is. >

Hawk looked up. The sky was still a dry blue, with thin clouds drifting across it.

Someone from behind him spoke up then. "Excuse me..."