Messenger

Matty asks Kira what she sees, but she doesn't reply. He lies down and pulls Frolic close, feeling immensely sad that Frolic, a young puppy, will die so soon. He realizes he's sad for Village, Kira, and Leader, all of whom are suffering. Kira whispers that Leader is close.

Leader stands still as the vine wraps around his ankle and looks beyond to Kira. He finds her in "the place called Beyond," and his consciousness meets hers. They both explain that they're hurt and lost, and then Leader is pulled back to the clearing. He reaches out for Kira again and tells her to ask Matty for help and to use his gift. Matty feels Kira move and leans close to hear her speak. He hears her say that they need his gift, and he falls backwards. He thinks it's too late to use his gift and that there's too much that needs help. He rolls off the blanket into the mud and waits to die. His fingers begin to vibrate.