Dusk had fallen, the last of the groups gathered to the main area, even the one which had been composed halfway of statues. The afternoon had been spent hunting rabbits and otherwise gathering enough food to feed everyone. Luckily, the lake was full of fish, and they looked to be fast breeders. Everyone had gotten at least one bowl of the resulting stew.
Everyone now was around their own campfire, having split off into small groups in a thick ring around the large fire in the middle. Some were discussing what had happened, some gently playing instruments, dancing, or just sitting, while yet others were fast asleep.
The sweet sound of a flute rose over the soft murmur of conversation, concentration obvious upon Amiboshi's face as he produced the gentle notes from his flute. His tune faltered briefly when Chiriko's own flute rose in crystalline counterpart to the music.
Slowly, one by one, more instruments joined in, or others lifted their voices in wordless song. The gentle pings and hums of Ranka's instrument blended smoothly with the chords of Zel's guitar. Leona's voice with Mai's and Lina's rising crystal-clear and true over Filicia, Terry, Kodachi, and Aoi. Iori, Andy, Mousse, and Rezo providing a deep bass counterpart to the other, higher voices.
It was at the height of this wordless hymn to life that the demons attacked.