The tent was filled with smoke, which was not harmful but quite the opposite. The smoke played a role in the spiritual healing that the chieftain was praying for Asukem, Grant, and Gimp. Gimp coughed, expelling the toxins from his lungs, while Grant perspired, getting rid of the toxins as well. However, Asukem, in his weakened state, groaned and began to sweat out the toxins. Still, the fever was also starting to take control.

The chieftain's face shows worry as he speaks, "It's worse than I expected. We need more supplies and herbs; his fever is getting worse. Let's hope your friend is strong enough to fight this." Grant proposes that they assist in gathering the materials, stating, "We can't just stand by and watch you do everything, sir. Please allow us to help." Leo expresses his frustration with an angry grunt, remarking, "This is pointless and risky, chieftain. Look at him. He's practically gone."

Leo is met with a fierce glare of frustration and disappointment from the chieftain. With a demanding tone, the chieftain declares, "Because of that comment, you'll accompany this human to fetch what I require!" Leo responds with a low growl, refusing to comply. However, the chieftain interrupts Leo angrily, snapping, "Maybe next time you'll set aside your pride and insecurities about others! Now, get going!" Leo grumbles and storms out of the tent, followed by Grant, who accompanies him to the canyons in search of the herbs the chieftain needs to continue treating Asukem.

Leo and Grant exit the tent, and a Girl comes in accompanied by a black panther. Her curiosity takes hold of her, and the chieftain glances at her with a smile, glad to see her. Gimp's eyes widen at the sight of the panther, longing to pet the untamed creature. However, he restrains his excitement as his concern for Asukem still lingers.

The young girl was around 16 years old, with a short coat of tan fur covering her entire body. Her ears resembled those of a puma, and her eyes had a feline-like quality with a yellow hue. Her mouth curved upwards towards her human-like nose. While her hands resembled a human's, she had claws instead of regular fingernails. Similarly, her feet were human-like but covered in fur. A long puma-like tail extended from her back, and she had short tan hair that reached her neck. To complete her look, she wore a headband adorned with feathers. Her attire was minimal, consisting of a native mini shirt that exposed her belly and leather wraps embellished with native designs on her arms and legs. She wore a loincloth that allowed her to move freely, and she appeared to be barefoot.

The chieftain greets the girl and her companion warmly, saying with a smile, "Well, well, Kittienia Coveringrock and her friend K'witkwaka, could you lend me a hand?" Gimp's eyes widen as he mutters to himself, "K'wit what? Nope, I won't even attempt to say that and mess it up." The girl timidly asks her chieftain, "Of course, chieftain, what do you need?" The chieftain pets the panther, smiles, looks up with a kind expression, and says, "I'm trying to save this young man here, but I've run out of honey, mushrooms, and mold." He asks her, "Would you mind getting some for me?"

Gimp quickly speaks up, "I can't just stand here and watch my friend like this. Can I join you and your awesome companion?" Kittienia looks worried and asks questions, "I'm not sure. Can we trust him, chieftain?" The chieftain nods gently and smiles, "he seems alright, Kittienia, it's all good." Still unsure about traveling with a stranger, Kittienia reluctantly says, "I suppose you can come." The panther approaches Gimp and sniffs him, and that's when the panther lets out a gentle roar and licks him, causing Gimp to giggle and exclaim, "That tickles."

Kittienia's eyes widened as she had never seen K'witkwaka act like this with anyone. She says, trusting her panther, "If K'witkwaka trusts you, then I will trust you too." Gimp looks at Kittienia with enjoyment as he asks, "You trust this wild cat that much?" Kittienia nods as she says, "I do; her name means Protector of the Night?" Gimp's eyes widen as he turns towards the panther as asks as he pets her, "May I call you Nightclaw? I know it's not your name, but I can't say it correctly." K'witkwaka, or Nightclaw, gently roars, answering him as if she likes the name.

Kittiena and Gimp eventually head out from the campsite to collect the supplies required by the chieftain. Meanwhile, Nightclaw, the panther, remains behind with the chieftain, lending a paw to safeguard Asukem.

The chieftain enlisted Nightclaw, the panther, to assist. She made her way to each tent in the camp or village of the Tribal people, collecting bags filled with materials such as mint, cattails, cabbage, and even small animal bones. While everyone else was busy with the chieftain's tasks, the chieftain tirelessly worked to reduce Asukem's fever. He applied fresh bandages and replaced the old ones, which had become soaked in toxic sweat. Fortunately, the fever gradually subsided, and Asukem's breathing became more manageable. However, this didn't mean the chieftain could take a break. Asukem was still in trouble, and the chieftain wouldn't rest until Asukem recovered fully.

Nightclaw, the panther, returned to the chieftain's tent and placed the items next to the chieftain. However, she gazed at Asukem with tears in her eyes. Nightclaw cried out in pain upon seeing Asukem despite her worry for him. She lay beside Asukem, continuing to cry out in pain, praying for his well-being. The chieftain's eyes widened in shock as he exclaimed, "By the spirits, this boy is truly extraordinary. Even K'witkwaka is worried about his safety."

Nightclaw watched Asukem, worried about his well-being, while the chieftain ground up the ingredients Nightclaw had collected. Mixing them together, the chieftain created a greenish-brown paste infused with the scent of mint. He carefully applied the paste to bandages and placed them on Asukem's wounds. But when he attempted to treat Asukem's demonic arm, the bandages and paste suddenly caught fire, emitting an eerie glow of fire.

The chieftain recoils in fear, causing Nightclaw to startle. "What in Rikros are you, boy!?" he asks with concern. Their eyes meet, almost as if they were communicating silently. "Should I heed the spirits and aid this boy, K'witkwaka?" the chieftain wonders aloud. Nightclaw responds with a pained cry, collapsing by Asukem's side. Amid the healing smoke, a figure materializes and pleads, "Please help him; even though he's a jackass, he is a good boy." The figure transforms into Asukem's foster father, Bob, before vanishing in a blink. The chieftain shakes his head, perplexed by Asukem's true nature, yet he persists in helping him despite his doubts and fears.