((Well...there's a twist! *singing* "How d'ya solve a problem like Cass-aaaan-dra?" 
Cass...does your character have a death wish or something...?))
Zakiyah's heart sank at the thought of headstrong Cass facing Venger alone, and what he'd do to her once she mouthed off at HIM. She'd seen what he was capable of....and from the looks on the white faces of Hank and the others, THEY knew as well.
"We've GOT to stop her before she even gets there," Zak says softly. "It's not even a matter of rescuing her later...Stupid girl, what does she think she can DO against him alone? He's NOT like his cartoon counterpart....he's so much worse...She doesn't even know what the orb looks like...." Zak ground her palm into her forehead, debating....her god dictated that she do nothing. Interfering now would only add yet more years to her pennance. But...damnit, she was only a kid! She looked to the others to see what they thought- leave her to her folly, or try to save her?
"She can't have gotten far- can we try to send the palace guards after her?"
As she speaks, she sketches another messenger bird quickly. Her note reads, "Cass, you have to stop this. He'll kill you. He'll do worse than kill you. He's so much more powerful than the demon we fought- don't you see you can't do it alone? Even Hank and the others wouldn't think of going it alone. Come back!"
"Fly swiftly," she whispers to the bird, and it flies out the window. With a heavy heart, she turns back to the others.
"Zanthia, Bubbles, EO, and Night Steel....anyone else want to volunteer for the mission to Venger's Castle....?"
Hank, a grim expression on his face, raises his hand, as does Sheila. Bobby, noting Sheila's preference, also raises his hand.
Eric, looking both furious and guilty, also volunteers, muttering something about rescuing ungrateful damsels. "You can't go, Eric," Hank says firmly. "It'd look too suspicious. Stay and help Kryschenn- and Tommy- solve this murder."
Diana, Presto, and Terry decide to remain behind, Presto murmuring that Varla will probably also want to stay, having had enough of Venger's fortresses to last her a lifetime...
((This was kind of an arbitrary grouping, but at least the V's castle group will have some backup. *grin* Varla may also decide to join them too, more concerned about getting kids out of Venger's castle than she is about her own experience there...))
