Shadow took a deep breath as the house came into sight, the small pegusi herd that Shadow had nurtured grazing around the cottage. She knew the names and parents of every single one of the equines standing there, as well as who rode them. She couldn't help but smile slightly behind her mask as she watched Cika and Shiraku walking out towards the herd.

Bart kept his calm, his confidence having grown in Shadow. But, even then, he didn't want to become too calm, to let his guard off, remembering what had happened at the lake, one year ago. And he didn't want to become too unsure, thus taking a risk of going demonic when something happens. His tail tightened around his leg, squeezing it in a manner a snake would catch its prey.