Previously on Warriors of Destiny: Able to travel through the unstable hyperspace currents to the Matano system, the crew began their search for information on the rogue fleet. Their first objective was to seek out an �associate� of Gabe�s who possessed information.
When they arrived, they discovered the remains of a space battle in orbit around a volcanic planet, on which the contact�s base was established. Once on the surface of the lava scarred world, they discovered the mining base had already been attacked, its attackers still somewhere in the facility.
Splitting into the three groups, each followed a different path. While one path trailed destruction, the others were met with combat against giant robots, believed to be those assaulting the base. As their paths continued deeper into complex, they eventually met at a large underground chamber.
What awaited in this chamber; however, was an unexpected scene. A cyborg and accompanying robot were fighting Stryder, with another sacred blade resting inside a giant crystal; exposed from its resting site within the hardened volcanic rock.
With ease, Stryder dealt with his enemy, then turned against the three groups. Transforming into the monstrous demon, Abraxas, after Zach confronted him; he revealed that he had been ordered into the Warrior�s company by Shaiya with orders to bide his time until he would destroy them.
*Time passed: None*
As Claron sees her son wreathed in black fiery tendrils, the pounding of her heart intensifies as her body begins to tremble. With a fury sparked by a mother�s love and protection, she begins to shout, �YOU WILL NOT HARM MY SON!!!� as Zach runs ahead of the group. Gripping Andrasil firmly in her hand, she starts to race ahead but stops suddenly as she hears the sound of Stryder�s laughter growing deeper.
Claron stands frozen in place, watching the transformation unfold � slow motion style � before her eyes. As the tears begin to pool in her eyes, gasping, �No�no�� whispers lowly at first, before turning into a heart wrenching scream. �NOOOO!!! STRRYYYYDER!!! WHAT DID YOU DO WITH MY SON?!?! GIVE HIM BACK TO ME!!!!� as the stark realization slaps her hard that she has lost the only child she had left. And he may be lost to her forever.
The black flames blocking the exit flare with unnatural power, even being close one can feel the heat starting to burn the flesh. Abraxas cackles with demonic bass tones that echo across the cave. Shifting into a stance with ease, despite his massive form, the demon smirks as black energy starts to ring his hands.
�Come, show me the fire of battle I have seen so many times before!� Abraxas howls as his gaze acknowledges each individual and the whole group in a single glance.
Kyra�s eyes snap open and she gasps a single word. �No!�
The lightning arcing between Zach�s arms shoots at the demon, and though swift it is blocked by a ribbon of dark energy hidden amongst the scales and claws of the beast. With a smirk, he throws a hand in Zach�s direction, sending the boy flying into Tewyn, knocking both out cold.
DracBlue looks at Cara, �What the hell is going on here?�
Tzaphiel�s hands are encompassed in energy spheres held at the ready. She watches the demon carefully.
�You�re hesitant, I can sense your FEAR!� With another howl, Abraxas hits Drac dead on with wave of black energy, slamming the winged hero against the cave wall.
Cara raises a brow, �Mother�s handiwork��
Tzaphiel sees his focus on Drac and sends her energy balls flying rapidly at the back of Abraxas� head.
Shaking off the shock of the transformation, Tabris begins summoning a thick layer of obsidian armor around his body; meanwhile, Eclipse grabs Morthoseth in his tail and begins scaling the cave wall on all fours.
Shadow sighs and pulls out his axes and begins to throw them at the daemon.
DracBlue pulls himself off the ground and his claws come out as he begins flying toward the demon to slash at him.
Abraxas turns his head at Tza as her energy orbs crash against the black ribbon shield. Thrusting his palm in her direction, a large black hand slaps her against the ground forcibly. With another turn, Abraxas catches Shadow�s axe, using it to deflect the others thrown.
Luna draws Luciendar and steps slowly toward Abraxas. Looking for a weakness.
Valrash smiles, realizing the demon has finally showed himself and he decides to begin throwing spears at him.
Seemingly ignoring the fray, Wraith moves towards the sword incased in the giant red crystal. With a slight shift right, he avoids the dodged spears of Valrash as they smash into the rocky wall.
Shadow summons his axes back to him and teleports behind the demon. Throws an axe, then teleports to another location, throwing another axe and repeating the process.
Tzaphiel bounces right up and she rapidly fires more energy into the shield, hoping to overload it.
�Fool�� Abraxas cackles as he dodges Valrash�s spears. Almost without thought, he brings his heavily scaled tail, seemingly hidden amongst the scales, and bats Drac out of the air.
Luna looks around at the others with swords. ~Luciendar, we can�t let him take the sword.~
~No, we can�t.~ Luciendar says in a sour tone.
Tzaphiel sees Drac falling and takes flight to catch him.
DracBlue gets hit by the tail; and his arms seem to flail into the tail, catching it with his claws before flying back into the wall.
Pausing a for a moment, Abraxas lets Shadow�s axes and Tza�s energy balls hit him without a shield. The black energy around him seems to flare with each hit until the dark torrent nearly obscures him from view. �You�ll have to do better�I know your powers, I know your weaknesses!�
Clarice checks on the unconsciousness duo, then turns to face Abraxas. Willing an icy shockwave at him, she pushes forth both hands in the air at him, speeding along the icy wave.
Tzaphiel grabs Drac as he hits the wall. �Hey! I said be careful.�
Now, it is Abraxas who teleports, in and out of view. With his first movement, he slams the armored Tab against the cave wall, cracking the obsidian shell guarding him. With his second move, he backhands Clarice and sends a black bolt knocking Eclipse from the ceiling.
Luna wants to look at Eclipse but doesn�t dare. She roars and runs directly at Abraxas, Luciendar held out in front of her. She aims for his gut.
Skirmir moves quickly along the ground, catching Clarice before she is knocked against the rock wall. Setting her down, he bounds after the demon.
DracBlue smiles at Tza, �Nothing a few meals won�t fix,� as he takes off again. Flying towards the demon, he grabs some mining equipment and throws it at Abraxas as he continues at high speeds, trying to aim for the demon�s upper body, trying to slash and bite at him.
Clarice rubs the side of her jaw as Skirmir sets her down. �So, this is how you get your jollies!�
Tzaphiel follows Drac around the room, circling above Abraxas.
Abraxas smirks at Luna, red eyes pulsing under the black torrent flooding around him. Knocking the mining equipment aside, he teleports behind Luna, knocking her up so that Drac ends up slashing her. Teleporting with another laugh, he stands for a moment in front of the shocked Claron.
Luna roars as she spins around; Drac�s slash, healing instantly as she chases after the teleporting demon.
Summoning a torrent of fire, Kabal sends it at the demon, knocking against the energy shielding his head and distracting him from Claron. Turning his gaze, he moves swiftly along the ground, a firm tail swipe knocking the red-orange skinned boy against the wall.
Tabris gives a glance to the sword in his hand, ~If you have any suggestions, I�m all ears.~
The stunned Claron watches Abraxas for a second, then concentrates her gravity manipulation into her sword as she sends Andy slicing into him.
Valrash opens a magma jet below the demon, right out of his line of sight, squirting the magma onto him.
Tzaphiel watches that tail with interest. She begins to form energy daggers and throwing them at his tail as fast as she can. �Take that ya, dirty rat!� She weaves around the room erratically.
Abraxas continues to teleport, Tza�s energy daggers hitting air and Valrash�s magma jet starting to flood the room with lava.
Getting to his feet, Eclipse jumps onto the wall, watching the demon as he teleports around the chamber. �He�s moving too fast�got to slow him down somehow.�
Tzaphiel laughs wickedly and keeps firing at him. Hoping to distract him, even annoy him enough to give the others a chance.
Cara shoots streams of mage-fire, barreling out her fingertips at Abraxas.
DracBlue growls to himself as the demon makes him hit Luna and flies up above him and chops a part of the ceiling to fall down upon him
Disappearing from view entirely, Abraxas� voice chuckles in the room. �Oh, you lost him. How unfortunate�where�d he go? Is he over here? Maybe here?� The black firewall near Cara swirls, sending a short burst of flame at her.
With a crash, Skirmir is thrown to the ground, a demonic chuckle sounding near before it moves again. Tza feels a stinging pain as one of her arms is ripped off, falling to the floor as a puddle of colored metallic gel.
Cara ducks the burst of flame coming at her. ~Any ideas, Elexorian?~
~He�s invisible�there must be a way to see him.~ For once, Elexorian loses the childlike tone in its voice as it thinks.
Valrash concentrates on the demon. Concentrating on his fears to find him, and then sends balls of fire in that direction.
Tzaphiel shifts shape, mid air, looking more like a dragon herself now. �You bastard!� she roars, sending an energy blast from her mouth like a breath of fire.
Valrash feels a mental mirror flood out. His fear inducing power shooting back into Valrash�s own mind as his fireballs crash into the wall, bringing down rocks and dust.
DracBlue pounds the floor with all of his might, pushing the dust around him and half the room.
The dust hovers in the air, seems to move under a draft in the room. �Clever, pest�� Drac finds himself with quite a headache as a particularly large chunk of rock is bashed against his head. The floating rock then takes a trip towards Wraith, causing the silent man to jump back to avoid being hit.
Luna stops running around close to the crystal encased sword. ~This is insane. He�s absorbing and reflecting our own powers. What the hell do we do?~
~He says he knows you and your powers.~ Luciendar �hmm�s� then mentally looks around. ~We need to introduce something new...~
Luna smiles angelically. ~Go on.~
~The sword...free it.~ Tabris hears mentally from his sword, Luciendar echoing a similar suggestion to Luna.
Luna glances over at the sword. ~What does it take?~
Valrash smiles as he feels the wave of power hit him, but doesn�t flinch. He then watches the dust, and shoots flame balls at the parts where a figure could be.
DracBlue tries to get up, but can�t. Seems he is so dizzy. He then begins grabbing mining equipment and begins mowing down on it.
Elsewhere; Stryder glances over his shoulder at Katie in the chair and the black haired man pacing in the shuttles small passenger hold. Looking ahead, he watches as the slender ship exits hyperspace, debris from a space battle hovering above a volcano planet. �Looks like the shuttle took us to a rogue fleet beacon when I started it��
Luna looks over at Wraith with a barely perceptible nod.
The mining equipment is old and outdated. Though helping Drac recover, his stomach gurgles in objection. Valrash notices the dust move in front of him as an invisible fist plows into his chest, knocking several peoples worth of wind out of him.
Shadow teleports repeatedly across the room towards the now winded Valrash and pulls out his main double bladed axe. Slashes at the back of the figure in the dust.
Dusting himself off, Wraith moves in front of the red crystal. Looking at Valdris, he moves his hand. Noticing the blades hesitance, he nods, �She�s nearby then��
Arwyn begins to manipulate the light photons in the floating dust debris, trying to give a clear outline of the invisible one.
Luna moves closer to Wraith. �Good, do we need her to get this one?�
�Katie?� Shayne nudges her shoulder gently, trying to see if she was awake.
Valrash kneels down on the floor. Still out of breath, but manages to summon a spear where the next step of the demon will be, half in the ground, half out, sticking straight up.
Tzaphiel uses her wings to keep the dust stirred up.
DracBlue ignores his stomach�s objection to the free meal and stands up. Pounding the floor repeatedly to get more dust in the air so it will be easier to see the invisible one.
Valrash�s spear shoots up, black energy shield clashing against it. With a burst of force, the dust and everybody still standing is knocked off their feet. Abraxas, still hidden beneath the black torrent, teleports to in front of the giant crystal and begins ripping the entire thing out off the wall.
Katie�s eyelashes flutter as she whimpers in discomfort. �So tired,� she whispers.
Luna growls and throws Luciendar at Abraxas� throat in anger.
�I know�we�ve arrived somewhere.� Shayne looks over at Stryder who is adjusting the com system. A faint crackle sounds over the shuttle�s speakers, �Damn it...lost com with them...what the hell is going on down there?!� The familiar Russian voice speaks amongst the static.
�Alexei?� Katie�s feeble voice picks up a bit.
Luciendar strikes the demon�s shield, causing it to flare open at the impact sight as Luciendar glides back to Luna. The gap however is quickly refilled by energy surrounding it.
Luna jumps up and holds her paw out to call her sword back to her as she lunges at the shield again.
Claron manipulates her own gravity for a soft landing.
Shadow teleports again, now moving his axe through time itself, slashing at the demon.
Cara growls as she picks herself up off the ground.
Managing to free the massive red gemstone from the wall, Abraxas swings it with force, broad siding Luna and sending her flying to the floor several yards away, with unhealthy snapping sounds coming from her shoulder and hip.
Luna uses her good paw to throw Luciendar at Abraxas again. She growls as she focuses on healing her hip first.
Shadow�s axe catches Abraxas� in the leg, under his shield. The demon snarls, tossing the gemstone and nearly crushing Eclipse if he hadn�t dodged. Shifting his gaze to Shadow, he stabs with his tail, skewering the dwarf in the leg and using the stab to toss him aside.
Luna screams at Eclipse, �You�ve got Morthoseth! Use it!� Her hip popping as she stands up, calling her sword back to her paw.
Eclipse nods and jumps off the wall towards Abraxas. Landing on his shoulder, he sinks Morthoseth down into the demon shield. The blade itself seems to absorb the section it hits; but the shield repairing itself, knocks Eclipse off.
Shadow growls at the demon and teleports again into midair. He uses the same trick to slash at the neck, using his bodyweight to aid in the slashing.
Abraxas throws several black bolts at the gem, causing a crack to begin spreading along the giant crystal�s middle.
Tzaphiel flies over to Cara and points at the sword. �You have one of those, why aren�t you using it?�
Luna�s shoulder cracks into place as she runs to Eclipse. �Let�s try together.�
Cara shakes Elexorian at Tza, �Shall I start with you?�
Tzaphiel snorts a short blast of energy breath at Cara, �Tease me later. Get to work now.�
�Not this time�� Abraxas reaches up and grabs Shadow before his axe can do more than shave some scale off. Twirling the dwarf around, he tosses Shadow at Tabris, who had struck open a section of the demon�s leg shielding.
Shadow teleports a few feet away from Tabris, landing on the ground instead of hitting him.
Shaking the pain off, Kabal gets to his feet again, sending a few more streams of fire at Abraxas. Though, from the corner of his sight, he notices Cara standing there.
Luna helps Eclipse up off the floor, sending her healing into him. �We both seem to have an effect on that shield. If we hit it together it might work.�
Valrash summons a spear barrage beneath the demon�s feet, trying to knock him off balance.
�Then go do it, fly-girl.� Cara retorts before catching sight of Kabal out of the corner of her eye.
Meanwhile: �It�s coming from a building at the surface,� Stryder says from his control console as he guides the ship past the space debris.
�Take us there!� Shayne orders him as he looks back at Katie.
Tzaphiel growls at Cara, �If I had a sword I would.� She flies away, roaring and shooting energy flames at Abraxas.
Eclipse nods, �Worth a try!� Drawing his sword back, he eyes the demon�s tail and motions Luna at it.
Tza�s energy, Kabal�s fire and Valrash�s spears clash against the demon�s shielding as he continues to throw bolts at the red gem, cracking it even further.
Luna nods and holds Luciendar ready. �Yeah.� She lunges at the tail section with Eclipse, plunging it into the shield.
Eclipse attacks alongside Luna, but spacing his attack to be just moments after hers. As Luciendar repulses the shield, Morthoseth cuts into the tail. With a shrill demon cry, the flailing appendage severs from its owner and thrashes against the floor before dissolving into a black mist.
Shadow teleports to the opposite side of the demon as his tail falls off. And tries slashing into his side while he pulls out a second axe and slashes it with his other hand.
Abraxas bellows out a ferocious roar, the black flame wall blocking off the exits grows to touch the ceiling and begins shrinking in size, incinerating everything in it�s path as it shrinks and stops, the room now several feet smaller in every direction.
Luna growls and slashes at the shield again. Opening a space on his side.
With a swift spin sideways, Abraxas knocks Shadow to the floor, nails Luna in the chest with a fist and opens a sizeable gash in Eclipse�s side before he stands between your group and the cracked crystal.
DracBlue takes flight and grabs a hand full of dust. Flying up to the demon, he sprays the dust in his eyes as he passes by. He then slices at the skull and tries to take a bite out of it.
~Come on, Andy�together we can do this.~ Claron concentrates her control of gravity as she swings Andy at Abraxas� hindquarters.
Luna screeches as the wind is knocked from her. She falls across Eclipse, covering his chest with her own, she focuses on healing him as she catches her breath. ~What are they waiting for, an invitation to the dance?~
Abraxas glares at Drac with blazing red eyes. Growling, he swats Drac away, but not as forcefully as the last time, causing Drac to spin backwards in the air.
Tzaphiel circles above Abraxas, she swoops down and grabs Drac�s arm. Pulling him up to fly with her. �Are you trying to get yourself killed?�
Wraith looks at the demon and the crystal, �You are not fated for the blade, devil, you cannot tame it.�
Abraxas chuckles, �I need not use the blade�simply devour its power!� He pounds a fist into the gem, the crack starting to cause pieces of the crystal to break off.
Elsewhere: �We�ve got an incoming vessel�� Alexei glances at his consoles, �It can�t be��
From the shuttle, Stryder looks down at the volcanic landscape, and the red and black hull of the ship parked on top of a battered mining complex.
Luna looks at Eclipse, �He�s breaking through the crystal. We�ve got to stop him.�
�Striking his shield worked...but it�ll mean we�re in melee range with him,� Eclipse coughs, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
Luna shakes her head as she stands up, �I can take that risk, but can you?�
DracBlue frowns at this comment made at him. �I�m doing what I can to stop him.� He gets an angry look on his face. �If I can only piss him off, then so be it. At least I can slow him down so the others can kill him.� Removing his arm from her grip, DracBlue flies back down in a dive as fast as he can. Straight at the back of his head, making little to no noise as he brings his hands in an x to slice into the back of the demon�s head with his full strength.
�Assuming he doesn�t cut deeper next time�� Eclipse gives a nod and raises Morthoseth again.
Tzaphiel follows him down with a growl. She flies directly in Abraxas� face, beating around him with her wings.
Abraxas� shield absorbs Drac�s attack as expected. Abraxas growls as he swats at Tzaphiel, �Fools!� With his other hand, he �pulls� a portion of the shield off and throws it at Drac and Tza. The black essence wraps around the both and restricts movement as it moves them towards the blazing inferno surrounding the chamber.
Luna aims for Abraxas again and lunges at him with her sword raised.
Cara swings Elexorian at Abraxas.
Tzaphiel feels the heat on her scales as she grapples with the blackness enveloping her. She pulses her energy out, surrounding herself and pushing the blackness away.
Claron concentrates her gravity through Andy as she swings him at Abraxas, twirling and slicing again with the other side of the blade.
Shadow spots Drac and Tza�s predicament and teleports to them. He then teleports them to the center of the room without the engulfing darkness.
The combination of the three attacking swords cuts into the demon�s side, a torrent of blood dripping from the cut. The black shield dissipates from his body as he clutches the wound with a claw, he manages another chuckle, �Fools...you will not beat me.�
Shadow is able to free Tza and Drac from their shields, but with a great deal of pain as the shield lashes out at him during his moment of transit.
Tzaphiel�s energy pulse dissipates as Shadow puts her down. �Thanks, old man.�
Shadow now seems to be unable to move from the wound in his leg and pure exhaustion. �No problem, young one,� as he falls to his ass and remains there.
Luna lunges at him further with Luciendar. �You wanna bet?� Driving her sword through his claw into his bleeding side.
Abraxas pounds the crystal again, a large chuck breaks off in front of the sword encased within. A soft red glow begins pouring of the hole made.
�Claron�s in trouble?� Katie stirs a bit, still so weak. �Stryder�I think your mother needs us.� Her voice is still laced with the fog of pain.
Valrash pulls summoned spears from the ground and begins pushing them towards the demon in a jet of flame.
�I know,� Stryder calls out as he sets the shuttle down.
A confused Alexei approaches the vessel, a large cannon accompanying him as it aims it at the shuttle�s open hatch.
Luna screams, �Tabris? Help us!� as she slashes at Abraxas.
DracBlue gets up. �Thanks, old-timer,� as he runs up to the demon, shooting his feathers at him, trying to make him a pincushion. He then takes off, flying beside the feathers as slashes at the demon at the exact same time.
Tabris runs in and stabs with his sword as well.
Abraxas� laughing is drowned out as he begins choking on blood, the oozing black blood from his body now floods onto the ground. Abraxas collapses to his knees, an expression of pleasure on his features.
Blinking, Alexei looks inside the shuttle. Noticing the two men and a familiar third, �Katie? Is that you?�
Katie coughs. �Alexei? What the fuck is going on?� Her elegant eyebrow arches above fatigued, pain-filled eyes.
Luna drives her sword into Abraxas along with Tabris, she looks around at Eclipse, Claron and Cara. �Come on!�
�I don�t know�coms went dead after they descended into the�what in the gods?� Alexei aims his gun at Stryder, �Stryder? What�s going on here!?�
Katie winces. �Long story, and we don�t have time. But this is the REAL one.� She struggles to rise. �Where are they?�
Abraxas collapses to the ground, a heavy breath, the last noise to come from him.
Claron and Cara join their swords with the others.
�Down there,� Alexei lowers his gun and motions to the hole ripped into the top of the mining station.
Luna looks around for Wraith as she reaches for the gem encased sword.
Looking at Stryder, Katie nods grimly. �Then that�s where we must go, also.� She holds out her hand. �Anthony? Help me.�
Shayne nods and takes Katie�s hand helping her out of the seat, �Sounds like another battle awaits us.
Kyra�s body arches and shudders. ~All is lost.~ Her heart breaks a little more with the realization.
Wraith lifts his head as Valdris pulls away from him. Shooting through the firewall unscathed, the sword plows through layer after layer of metal and bulkhead. A glow like that of a sunset shines along the blade as it soars out of the hole in the station and all but screeches to a stop in front of Katie.
A ghost of a smile hovers at Katie�s lips. �I�ve never fought beside you, Colonel. This will be a first.�
Tzaphiel moves towards the downed demon. Watching the seasoned Warriors taking care of him.
~Well hello. Long time, no see.~ Katie blinks at the sword.
Luna�s eyes light up as Katie�s sword zooms off. �I think Katie�s close!�
Oddly, Abraxas� blood collects itself and shoots along the edges of the crystal, knocking Luna away. The collected ooze begins flowing into each crack and cranny as it reaches for the sword inside.
Luna reaches out with her tail, grabbing the sword and throwing it away from the pool of blood.
Luna�s tail is burned by intense heat as it nears the sword, and remains unmoved. The demon�s blood begins boiling as it closes in on the blade, but the sheer amount of it manages to reach its hilt.
Valrash turns his fire onto the goo that is Abraxas� blood and tries to cook it away.
Tzaphiel runs in and reaches for the sword with her dragon skinned hands, grasping the hilt and tugging on it.
Wraith stumbles back as the blood touches the sword, a grunt of pain coming from him as he clutches his side. �Agh...stop it!�
Katie reaches for Valdris.
Clarice concentrates on freezing the boiling blood on the blade.
Luna runs to Wraith and grabs him. �What can we do?�
Valdris settles into Katie�s grip, giving her a new vigor as though part of herself was missing without it. ~We�ve a demon to slay, m�lady.~
~With pleasure.~ Katie�s mental voice growls and she stands straighter, looking at Stryder and Shayne. �C�mon, boys. I�m feelin� kinda restless for the blood of an enemy.�
Though parts of it are boiling and freezing, the black ooze incases the blade. Wraith cries out again, Luna notices black sores beginning to spread over his skin, �Stop.�it�ll destroy it��
Valrash runs up to the sword and tries to free the sword from its prison.
Luna screams, �DO SOMETHING!� at the gathered group of sword bearers.
Tzaphiel ignores the heat scorching her as she maintains her grasp on the hilt.
Luna concentrates on healing Wraith. �Come on, we need you.�
The blood covered blaze quickly shoots from the gem prison, hovering in the center of the room. The blood begins to flow down it, forming a hand, then an arm and eventually a blood textured body. The figures head shakes, �Fools, you cannot destroy me��
Stryder looks at Shayne, Katie and Alexei, �It�ll take us a while to get down there on foot�I have a faster way.� He draws the sword from his belt and aims it ahead of them, a black portal swirls into existence.
Luna grabs Luciendar and lunges at the forming body with a growl. �OH GODDESS, NO!!!!�
Luciendar clashes with the sword held by the figure, its fiery red glow growing dimmer.
�That works.� Katie grins
Claron clashes Andy against the sword.
Luna roars as she locks blades with the enemy.
Stryder takes a jogging step into the portal, motioning the other three to follow him.
Cara follows suit with Elexorian.
Gun forward, Alexei follows him, unsure of what to expect as he does.
Following Stryder, Katie takes a deep breath.
Luna stares into the face of evil and swears she�s not backing down. She hits the sword again.
Shayne goes with Katie into the portal. A swift swirling darkness blows by and deposits the four in a large underground chamber. The first notable thing is the large burning wall of black fire in front of them and the sounds of conflict behind it.
DracBlue turns to the bloodlike figure and bears his claws, �Here we go again�.�
�Hmm. This could be a problem.� Katie cocks her head and looks at the wall of fire.
The blood figure, sword in hand, moves with great agility as it manages to fight Cara, Luna and Claron at the same time.
Luna growls at Eclipse and Tabris.
Valrash concentrates on the figure and tries again to manipulate his fears against him as he summons a spear and runs in towards him, slashing.
Shadow can�t seem to get up, the blood draining from his leg. He begins to rip his shirt apart to tie across his leg in order to stop the bleeding.
DracBlue charges the figure, slashing and trying to disarm it.
Eclipse and Tabris soon join the fray, only to have the blood figure encase the sword and again move, to the far side of the chamber. Reforming, it chuckles, �Such power�and I�ve only sampled its power,� it holds the blade forward, mocking the group.
Alexei unloads a round into the firewall, the bullet burning up as soon as it hits.
�That�s not going to work�� Shayne says, glancing around to look for something.
Luna turns on Abraxas again with a roar. She charges at him, swinging Luciendar at him.
Abraxas brings the sword down in an arc, sending a slicing wave of fire at Luna that burns her fur and cuts into her chest.
�Someone order barbeque?� Katie yells, wondering if they can even hear her over the din.
Luna falls back as the flame cuts her. She stares at him as she runs her paw over the cut, healing it. �Ouch?� she smirks at him.
Watching the fray, Kabal makes his way toward the backside of Abraxas, building up a large blaze of flame in his hands as he does. ~Cara? Did you say something?~
Luna�s ears twitch as she catches the hint of Katie�s voice. She moves towards the wall of fire, her eyes never leaving the demon�s face.
Luna speaks to Luciendar as she moves towards the sound, ~Any more ideas?~
~I dunno, did I?~ Cara�s mental voice sounds in Kabal�s mind.
~He�s�consuming its power.~ Luciendar sounds disgusted in her tone. ~If we can get the sword from him, we may be able to stop it.~
Wraith groans in pain on the floor, eyes blazing as he watches Abraxas with the sword.
Tzaphiel moves back towards Shadow and kneels next to him to help stop the bleeding, she presses down on his leg firmly.
Luna glances at Wraith as he groans. ~How do we get it from him? Who is the sword destined for?~
DracBlue growls and flies towards the monster, slashing and trying to take a chunk out of the arm holding the sword.
Valrash stops dead in his tracks and looks around, then looks at the monster. He gives a questioning look around him as he glances at each of the members of the party.
Kabal nods silently to himself as his flames go full body in blazing.
Luna moves back to Wraith hurriedly. Kneeling next to him, �We have to get that sword from him. Who is it destined for? I have an idea.�
Luna growls in frustration. ~Luciendar, can I call it like I call you?~
�Shaiya may have created you, demon�� Kabal�s blaze begins to extend beyond him now, burning the very ground at his feet, �But I know something of demonic pacts, with blood created, by blood broken!� Kabal begins chanting in demonic as he stares at Abraxas.
�No! Impossible!!!� Abraxas howls as his body begins to twist and ripple. Kabal shoots forward, tackling Abraxas to the ground. As the blood begins to flow over Kabal turning his orange skin to black, Kabal�s blaze strengthens, blocking all view to what�s inside.
With a twirling torrent, it explodes in a black-tainted nova. As the smoke and dust clears, all that remains is a glowing red blade in the middle of a large black scorch mark on the ground.
The black firewall fades out almost instantly, a soft breeze rushing into the cavern from the blocked openings.
Valrash walks up to the blade and takes it in his hand. �You will be honored for your sacrifice, my friend. And I will look over your sister as you ask.� He says barely above a whisper.
Katie rushes forward. �Are you guys okay?�
Luna closes her eyes and drops her head to Wraith�s chest. She tries to heal him again as she cries for the losses.
The black sores on Wraith�s body fade, returning his skin to its normal pale coloring. Wraith takes a gasping breath, �It�it�s done,� he glances around with a forlorn look. �I�m sorry��
Shadow stares at where Kabal was and sighs. �The loss is never easy.�
�KABALLL!!! NOOOO!!!� Cara�s blood-curdling shriek is heard as she falls to her knees.
Luna lifts her head and looks around the room with teary eyes, taking in the losses. She gasps as her gaze comes to Katie�s group. �Stryder?�
Katie steps close to Stryder, afraid of what will happen when Claron sees him.
DracBlue walks over to Cara and kneels next to her, unsure of what to say.
Stryder looks at the group, his gaze settling on Claron and Tabris. He looks over at Katie as if for a cue on what to do.
Katie reaches for Stryder�s hand. �Hang on to yer underoos, lad,� she says quietly.
Luna looks down at Wraith. Seeing his wounds healed, she stands. She moves to Eclipse and wraps her arms around him, �You alright?�
Valrash looks at sword in his hand, surprised.
Eclipse nods to Luna, �I�ll liv�what the?� Eclipse glances over at Katie�s group and the red haired man with them.
Luna shakes her head as she checks him over anyway. �I believe that is Stryder.�
Katie raises her head. �Now is obviously not the best time for it, but�you guys need to know the truth of what just happened with the man you thought was Stryder.�
Valrash jaw drops as he continues looking at the sword.
~It is liable to fall off if you keep it that open.~ Cinthoric jokes to Valrash.
Valrash closes his jaw and then thinks, ~Very well, Cin. I hope that we will work well together.~
Kyra slumps in her gel, drifting off in a sea of mental anguish.
~Well, arm moves, sword swings, if you mess that up then we�ll have problems.~ the sarcasm flows out of Cinthoric�s comment.
Valrash smiles evilly. ~Yes, I think we will get along wonderfully.~
Shayne looks around, �Seems we arrived just as the party ended��
Tzaphiel murmurs at Luna, �We could use some help over here.� Looking down at the blood seeping between her fingers from Shadow�s leg wound.
A few rocks stir in the corner of the chamber, a large boulder is pushed aside by a slender black mechanical hand underneath it.
Shadow seems to lose his vision as he slumps over onto his armor.
Katie links her other arm through Shayne�s. �So it would seem.�
Luna�s ears twitch and she looks around, her gaze settling on Shadow laying on the ground with Tzaphiel. �Oh no!� she moves quickly over to them. �Let me see,� as she kneels down and unties the bandage.
Tabris moves over to Claron, resting a hand on her shoulder, �Babe?�
DracBlue puts a hand on Cara�s shoulder as he has a solemn look on his face.
Stryder watches Tabris with Claron, a bit unsure as he slowly steps towards the couple.
Katie steps forward as well. �Claron?�
Valrash points his newly acquired sword towards the robot that is emerging from the rubble.
Tzaphiel slowly moves her hands out of the way for Luna. Seeing the dwarf attended to, she stands and moves toward Drac. She stands just behind him, waiting for him quietly.
Luna runs her paws over Shadow�s cut, healing it quickly. �There ya go, almost good as new.�
Claron remains quietly numb, not acknowledging the sound of Tabris� voice, or his touch.
Shadow says, �Thank ye, lass.�
�Go to her. Get where she can see you.� Katie tells Stryder quietly. �She�s removing herself again.�
Pale white hair and skin accompany the rest of the black cyborg as he stands from the rubble. Dusting himself off, he looks at Valrash with solid orange iris, �You are either a second wave of intruders, or the strangest group of mercenaries I�ve seen.�
Clarice moves over towards Cara, reaching an arm around her, �Cara, oh�I�m so sorry��
Skirmir gets to all fours from his spot on the floor, �Oof�that was a painful nap.�
�Claron? Claron?� Tabris looks at Claron as he stands a few feet in front of her.
Luna nods, �Thank you for helping in the fight.� She stands and moves towards the cyborg. �Who are you?�
Valrash sighs happily, not having to go into battle so soon. �We are here to help, I believe. You would have to talk with her for more details, though.� He points to Luna.
�Go on, lad. She needs to know she hasn�t lost everything.� Katie pats Stryder�s back.
Shadow stands up, still kind of wobbly. So he uses his axe to hold himself up.
�I would ask the same of you, my defense platforms take a beating from some rogue fleet assault force, a particularly annoying intruder kills most of my workers and reprograms my robots. And to top it all off, a bunch of rag-tags show up when some powerful creature attacks me.� The cyborg climbs over the rocks and looks around the cavern.
Luna places her sword in its scabbard across her back as she studies him.
Tabris looks over at Stryder with a look of amazement, �What the��
Stryder reaches over and touches Claron on the cheek, �Mom? It�s me...it�s your son.�
Luna sighs as she looks over at Eclipse briefly. �We were told to seek you out. For information, by Gabriel Saturnes.�
Clenching her fist, Katie realizes she�s still clutching the item Shayne placed in her hand. �What the hell?� She cocks her head with a puzzled frown.
Claron turns towards Stryder. As her eyes register the sight of her son, �STAY away from me�I�don�t know you�� moves past Stryder.
�Ahh, Gabe. That would explain your group, he told me about the wandering band of adventurers.� The cyborg moves forward, offering his hand, �Ciborious Secundus. Cibo for short.�
Stryder watches Claron walk past him and frowns.
Luna places her paw in his hand, �Luna Faline. We are the Warriors.�
Valrash walks over to Shadow and looks at him. �You have seen better days, dwarf.�
Shadow smiles. �Aye, but I have seen worse.�
Katie steps over to Stryder. �Well. That went well, I think.� She puts a concerned hand on his arm. �It will take time, my boy. She�s really been through hell, lately.�
Tzaphiel steps closer to Drac and lays a hand on his shoulder, leaning her forehead against his back, silently.
�Well, no need to sit around in this cave. I trust you have a ship, get me back to Gabe�s station; and in exchange, I�ll give you all the information I�ve gathered about this rogue fleet.� Cibo says.
Luna nods. �That we can do.�
�I don�t doubt that�she needs time, that�s okay.� Stryder gives a nod to Katie, then looks at Tabris.
Tabris looks Stryder over, then gives a questioning glance to Katie, �That�s really you, son?�
Throwing a tired smile over her shoulder at Shayne, Katie sighs. �Not quite the welcoming committee I�d hoped for. You ready to blow this crap-hole, Anthony?�
DracBlue looks behind him, then nods at Tza. But then, he turns his attention back to Cara, still trying to be there for his friend.
Katie looks at one of her oldest friends again. �Yes, Tab. It�s the real him. We�ve had an imposter in our midst for some time now.�
Shayne nods to Katie, then watches her talk with Tabris.
Tabris nods, giving Stryder a smile, then a rub on the head to rustle up his hair, �You�re a bit older than I expected�but I suppose that�s a long story.�
Katie steps quietly away from father and son, staring after Claron sadly. �It never ends for you, does it, Nuffing?�
Luna looks around at the group, �No point staying down here. Let�s get moving.� She glances at Cibo, �Care to lead the way out of here?�
Stryder nods, �Very, when we get time I�ll tell you about it,� losing his momentary cheer, he watches Claron. �Mom�s taking it hard�the impostor.�
Cibo nods and heads down one of the side passage ways, �Assuming it�s still intact, my private elevator should take us to the top floor.�
Valrash walks away to where the demon died. �You should have stayed hidden, you pathetic imitation,� barely above a whisper.
�HE�S gone�he�s really gone�� Cara groans as Clarice helps her rise to her feet.
DracBlue rises with Cara, removing his hand from her shoulder and letting Clarice help her up.
Katie thinks of Kyra, and what all this will do to her. �My wee girl. Just when you thought your heart couldn�t break any further.� Her eyes pool with tears at the emotional overload everyone is currently suffering. �Just once, couldn�t the fates allow us to be happy for a while before ripping our dreams apart?�
�War�s a dirty business, Katie, always has been,� Shayne places his hand on her shoulder. �We just have to make the best of the in between times.�
Luna reaches for Eclipse�s hand and follows Cibo out of the cavern.
Katie reaches up and brushes her fingers over his. �We do. And it just kicks us in the teeth again for our trouble. I�m so tired of feeling like I�m cracking.� Her soft sigh is barely heard as she turns to leave the cavern with the others. �C�mon, Anthony. I think I could use a nap right about now.�
Skirmir moves over to check on Tewyn and Zach, transforming into his normal form. Checking them for consciousness, he sighs, �Looks like I�ll be carrying you two out of here.�
Arwyn stands looking down at Tewyn, �Only good drow is a dead one,� she says in her native tongue.
Hoisting Zach and Tewyn, one over each shoulder, Skirmir looks at Arwyn, �Whatever that was, didn�t sound friendly.�
Valrash loosens his grip on his sword, putting it in the belt, holding his triple layered kilt up, he walks to the elevator.
�Did you see any sign of my workers on your way down?� Cibo questions as he heads down the mined out tunnel.
Katie looks over her shoulder again. �Welcome to my living hell, Colonel.�
Tzaphiel moves slowly through the tunnel behind Skirmir. She reaches out and moves Zach�s hair out of his face. �Do you need help with them?� she asks softly.
Arwyn raises a brow, �As friendly as it gets for the dark one.�
Shayne nods to Katie, �It�ll be good to spend time in someone else�s for a change.�
Snorting, Katie laughs softly, despite the pain.
DracBlue follows Cara out with Clarice, just walking with her.
�Whatever quarrel you have is yours, I�m not in the mood for some pointy ear�d alien feud,� Skirmir sighs as he follows the others, adjusting the two on his shoulders for easier carrying. �Almost as heavy as the late season harvest.�
Shadow hobbles behind everyone, just not able to keep up because of the blood loss.
Tzaphiel sighs as Skirmir doesn�t answer her. She falls back and ends up next to Shadow. �You ok?� she asks him with concern.
Shadow smiles at her and keeps hobbling along with his axe in hand. �I�ll be fine. Nothing a few pints won�t fix. Just can�t seem to keep up with everyone is all.�
Tzaphiel moves closer to Shadow and slips an arm around his waist, �Let me help you.� Offering him some support.
Tabris follows the others with Stryder, glancing ahead at Claron, �It�ll take your a mom a bit to deal with it all�hopefully, she�ll join in me in getting to you know all over again.�
Shadow seems surprised and jumps away from the hand, but then realizes he probably will need the help, and slowly walks with Tza.
Tzaphiel smiles softly at him. �Did I shock you? I�m sorry, I tend to contain residual energy.�
�I think they�re all dead,� Eclipse replies to Cibo as they near an elevator set into the tunnel wall.
Cibo lifts his hand, extending a finger into a electrical slot on the elevator panel. After a few seconds it opens, a large enough elevator for your group and more.
Alexei glances around the chamber before taking up the tail end of the group.
Katie hangs back a bit. �We really are going to have to catch up on where you�ve been, Colonel. I�ve thought you died trying to save me all these years.�
Valrash peers into the new Stryder�s soul to see if there is multiples of this one as well.
�I�ve been here and there�it�s a big universe,� Shayne looks at Katie with a soft smirk.
�Smartass. You remind me of someone�� Katie cocks her head and gives Shayne the strangest look.
^Shinta sits quietly in a gray void, watching his binding stream slowly fade with each pulse. Looking up after hearing a voice, �You took quite a risk.�
Luna steps into the elevator with Eclipse. �Sorry about your station getting destroyed. As soon as you found that crystal, you were doomed.�
^Shinta looks up to the small window of light up in front of him. �Wouldn�t of you done the same? I didn�t know what to do.�
�I figured as much, it being a large gem with a sword inside,� Cibo says as everybody loads onto the elevator.
Skirmir steps to the side with his two passengers, to avoid hitting anyone with a stray leg or arm.
Shadow sighs. �No, it�s just�I�m not used to a woman helping me. No offence, but the last one that did�died in my arms.�
�This isn�t about me. It�s about you. Who are you, Shinta?� The voice, echoing from the light.
Tzaphiel sighs softly, �I�m not going to die anytime soon. And I promise, I won�t die in your arms.�
Shadow chuckles. �Aye, that be true. You would probably be with another.�
As she realizes someone is missing, Katie frowns. �Where the hell is Rogue, anyway?� she questions in a soft voice rhetorically.
Tzaphiel nods sadly, �Or alone, is more often the case with my race.� She helps him into the elevator.
^Shinta looks at his feet, then back up. �I�m�I�m Shinta. I�m�.I don�t think I even know anymore�.�
Shadow smiles to himself. �Some races live as long as yours, little miss. You will just have to find one.�
�Rogue?� Stryder questions Katie as Cibo closes the elevator and it begins to head upward.
�A friend. And for that matter, where is my cranky shaman?� Katie�s frown deepens. �That man is always somewhere else.�
The voice continues, �So it seems. She isn�t the only one who is lost, is she, shaman?�
�Went gallivanting off to find you,� Tabris answers Katie, giving a glance at the black haired man next to her. �Who�s your new friend?�
Valrash thinks to himself, ~Well, at least this one has only one soul to his body.~
Katie looks up absently. �Oh. Where are my manners? Tabris DuVallis, I�d like to introduce a dear friend of old. Lt. Colonel Anthony Shayne. Colonel, this is Tabris. He and his wife were my very first friends when I joined the military. Tab, Col. Shayne once tried to help me escape those nasty hunters. I�d thought he died in the attempt.�
�Apparently not,� Tabris gives a suspicious look at this Anthony Shayne.
�Went to find me? Bless him. Wonder how long he�ll be gone looking for someone who isn�t missing.� Katie gives a small smile.
^Shinta frowns, �Lost? Me? Now why would I be lost. I�m right here in this shade of gray. I know exactly where I am.� Trying to convince himself.
Luna looks at Katie and sees her poor condition. Moving a little closer, she reaches a paw out and lays it on her shoulder, �Katie, are you alright?�
Katie feels Luna�s healing energy flow through her, dispelling the last of the physical pain. �Thank you, Luna. I�m better now. Where�s Shinta?�
The voice echoes again, accusingly, �Yes, gray�.You always walk in shades of gray, don�t you?�
The elevator slows and eventually stops. With a silent slide of the doors, it opens into a spacious office. Cibo moves to a door and opens it, a staircase goes up to a hatchway that is in the process of opening up to the ashen sky outside.
Luna shrugs, �I had a fight with him, over going after you. I pretty well told him to get out. I haven�t seen him since.�
�Oh dear.� Katie sighs. �Things just don�t seem to get any better.�
�I have to�I can�t�I can�t�.� ^Shinta lowers his head.
Luna shakes her head and moves back to Eclipse.
Exiting the elevator, Skirmir avoids hitting his passengers against the wall, he huffs a deep breath, �I�d prefer carrying the harvest��
^Shinta hears the voice get stern, �You can�t what? Be clear on what you want? Walk your way out of the shadows. Or is that just your way out?�
�A nice ship,� Cibo comments as he heads out onto the roof of the complex.
DracBlue offers to take Tewyn off of Skirmir�s shoulder.
Tewyn rubs his head tenderly. �Ummm, why am I riding a damn kitty?�
Katie hangs her head quietly, lost in thought. The events of the past few days causing her untold emotional weariness. Her eyes well up again and she sniffles.
Skirmir notices Tewyn speak and sets him down next to Drac, �He�s all yours.�
Tzaphiel helps Shadow out of the lift and walks with him toward the Ettik. �You want to go to your room? Or into the galley?�
�No, take me back! Take me back!� Tewyn rubs the lump on his head.
DracBlue helps steady Tewyn, so he can walk on his own.
Shadow smiles. �The galley�please, miss.�
Eclipse looks up at the ship with a sigh, �Another battle behind us.� He covers a short yawn with his hand, �I could use a rest��
�I�.I�� ^Shinta sighs. �Suppose that is what I have been doing, isn�t it?�
Tewyn snarls. �Watch where you grab me, buddy...or I will tell my daughter.�
The voice is relentless. �So, shaman. What is it you want? What are you doing here?�
DracBlue growls. �I�m sorry, I didn�t realize your species� genitals were on their shoulders.�
Alexei slides the cannon�s strap over his shoulder as he looks up at Ettik, �Time to get out of here.�
Tzaphiel chuckles, �Then I shall leave you there to refill your reservoirs.� She takes him into the ship and helps him into a seat in the galley. She moves to the replicator and orders him several mugs, taking them to his table. �There ya go, enjoy yourself.�
Tewyn smirks. �Well, I have to tuck it somewhere. Geesh!�
Shadow smiles at Tza. �Thank ye again, miss.�
Tzaphiel smiles back, then leaves the galley and goes to her room. �Been a long time since I lost a chunk,� she thinks to herself as she enters her room.
DracBlue shrugs and makes sure that Tewyn doesn�t fall down. By walking close to him, but not touching him. �Wow, I�ll have to read up on the anatomy of your race. It seems weird.�
Climbing up the ship�s ramp, Skirmir takes Zach to the med bay and lays him on one of the exam tables to rest. Giving him a look over, he nods, �Should be fine here.�
�I want to bring her back. Not the shell of her, they are out looking for. The complete her. I want�.I want�I want to be the one to show her that love isn�t death. I want HER.� ^Shinta says quietly.
�Nothing to read, kid�I�m just spec-ial like that,� Tewyn tries not to laugh too hard.
Luna follows Eclipse into the ship. �I�ll meet you in our room. I need to check on Zach.� She looks over at Cibo, �Make yourself at home. There are many empty quarters, you can take your pick.� She heads down the hall after Skirmir.
Cibo nods, then looks around, deciding to head to the bridge first.
Claron heads straight for her quarters upon returning back to the ship.
Katie hiccups softly on a sniffle.
Tabris watches Claron head for their quarters, then glances at Stryder following behind him, �Let�s get something to drink, son; and you can get a start on that long story of yours.�
Tzaphiel looks down at her blood stained hands and decides to take a hot bath.
The voice softens and a figure starts to appear from the light. �You finally get it, huh?� it questions Shinta.
Clarice helps guide Cara to her own room.
Tewyn starts heading toward his room, leaning on the wall for support.
Luna steps into the med bay as Skirmir leaves and pauses, shocked to see Shinta laying there. �What the hell happened to him?� She asks no one.
Shayne looks around as he enters the Ettik, giving a nod of approval. He looks over at Katie, noticing her lost in thought.
�I should check on Kyra.� Katie says dully to no one in particular. She walks slowly to med bay.
A small holographic bio-readout appears above Shinta�s exam table giving readouts and status.
DracBlue follows Cara to her room, but then stops at her door. Turns around and then walks to Tza�s room. Knocks on the door, the worry showing on his face.
The figure steps closer, his ice blue eyes now clear to Shinta. �Your not in my shadow anymore. It�s time for you to cast your own.�
Luna moves over to Zach and runs her paws over him, healing his injuries quickly. She moves over to Shinta and stares down at him. She sighs in disgust as she runs her paws over his body looking for injuries. �What�s wrong with you? You weren�t in the fight.�
Valrash says, �Very interesting. Very interesting. I think, it�s time to start trusting these travelers.�
Tzaphiel calls out from the bathroom, �Who is it?�
DracBlue says, �It�s Drac.�
Katie stands in the doorway. �No,� she whispers to what meets her eyes, �no. It can�t be happening, again.� She backs away, bumping into someone right behind her.
�But how do I? I don�t know if I can�.� ^Shinta gestures helplessly.
~That�s a good place to start.~ Cinthoric says to Valrash.
Luna looks up at the bio-readout and shakes her head, �Self induced coma? What in the name of the Goddess did he do?� Not finding any injuries, she moves toward Kyra.
~Well, one should trust them�now that the one with two souls has vanished.~ Valrash thinks back.
�Katie? What�s wrong?� Shayne looks down at Katie, wondering what caused her to bump into him.
Tzaphiel calls out, �Come in,� then ducks under the water, quickly coming back up.
~Only one real soul, and it was rotten. That second was an illusion, a farce.~ Cinthoric sighs, shaking off the whole experience with its tone.
Kyo looks down at Shinta. �You know�You already started. The rest is up to her. And to answer your earlier question. Yes, I would do the same. In fact. I already did. I just made the mistake of not letting her know.�
Katie�s answer is to collapse into sobs and unintelligible babbling, ��killed�.can�t trust me�..love me�.end up dead�.�
Luna hears Katie, then her company at the door, and smiles. Stepping into the separate room that houses the bio tank to check on Kyra.
Shayne puts his hands on Katie�s shoulders, �I think, we need get to your quarters so you can lie down.�
DracBlue walks in and sees she is in the bathroom. He shyly sits on the bed, trying not to look.
�My life is in her hands now. I just don�t think she knows it. Or doesn�t want to face it.� ^Shinta watches his bindings fade even more.
Tewyn gets to his room and falls onto the bed. �Ouch!�
Luna lays a paw on the clear tank and bends down to look at Kyra. �How are you doing in there, baby?� She looks up at the bio readings.
Kyo nods. �Is a big risk to just want to be loved. That seems so unlike you. But I do understand.�
Kyra�s mental anguish flares once, then she retreats inside herself and shuts down.
Tzaphiel chuckles as she sees Drac hesitating outside the bathroom. �Don�t be shy, join me�� she sighs as she lays her head back against the tub.
Katie looks up at Shayne with her tear-stained face. �You should leave me alone. Get away as fast as you can. I�m poison.�
DracBlue walks into the bathroom and strips down. Steps into the bathtub. �Are you okay? I saw the demon hurt you.�
Eclipse sets Morthoseth down and sits on the bed. Yawning, he falls back and stares at the ceiling, �Quite the path you�ve sent me on, Selenia�never an easy one.�
Luna senses a slight change and looks at Kyra closely, purring softly, �Katie is back. She�s alright, he found her.�
Valrash smiles. ~Well, Cin, our lives will get a lot more interesting. Especially with all of these people around.~
^Shinta sighs. �Let�s just hope she makes a choice in time. Or I will be joining you on this side�long before I ever thought.�
Tzaphiel smiles softly at him, �I�m alright, I needed to lose a few pounds anyway.�
DracBlue frowns. �I thought that you were fine the way you were�but if you think that you needed to, then I�ll be happy if you are.�
Shayne wipes the tears from her cheeks, �I don�t believe that and neither should you.�
Luna closes her eyes and sends her own special healing into the tank to Kyra. �I�ll check on you later.� She turns and moves to leave, pats Katie�s shoulder, and winks at Shayne as she passes them.
Katie blinks.
Sitting on the bare floor of his room, Wraith looks out the window at the ash-filled sky, �Do they know? I am not sure�there may be questions.� He nods to the invisible wind again, �I suppose it is time for the truth.�
Shadow smiles to himself, �Well now, everything seems to be going, swimmingly.�
Luna chuckles at Katie�s look, and whispers, �This one is cute.� She moves quickly down the hall to her room. Upon entering, she takes Luciendar off and lays it across the altar. Looking down at her singed fur, she sighs, �Well, Tewyn should be pleased, he�s threatened to shave me for years.�
Tzaphiel moves around in the tub until she nestled between Drac�s legs. She leans back and rests against his chest. �I can look like anything, size doesn�t really matter. I was just trying to make light of my loss.� She turns her head and looks up at him, �What about you?�
�You should get some rest, Katie.� Shayne suggests again, trying to steer her away from the med bay.
DracBlue smiles as she gets closer to him. �I�ll live. Probably need to eat some, but then I�ll be fine.�
Tzaphiel nods and kisses him lightly. �This is a nice way to end a fight.�
Katie looks in the med bay again. �What could have happened?�
�It�ll grow back, then he�ll be back to being unpleasant about it,� Eclipse smirks at Luna.
�I don�t know,� Shayne says, following her glance.
Katie takes a halting step toward the body.
Luna smiles down at Eclipse as she climbs onto the bed with him. �Your right, of course.� Snuggling down next to him, �I found Shinta laid out in the med bay, in a self induced coma. So much for him leaving the ship after our fight.�
�Self-induced? That�s strange�� Eclipse raises a brow, then sighs.
DracBlue smiles as he kisses her back. �A wonderful way to end a fight.�
Luna nods, �I agree, I don�t know why he did it. Purrhaps, it was his easy way out?�
Tzaphiel shivers as his lips touch her mark, �Careful, babe.�
Katie sways, her body beginning to droop with the weight of everything. �I don�t feel well,� she whispers.
�Katie, you need some rest, we can check on him after you�re feeling better,� Shayne steps over next to her and hoists her into his arms.
DracBlue smiles as his lips continue to kiss her mark.
Tzaphiel groans, �I know you need to eat, but am I going to be the main course?�
DracBlue smiles. �Oh, you�re definitely on the menu, hon.�
Taking Katie to her room, Shayne opens the door. Laying her on the bed, he nods, �Now you can get some sleep, that should help you feel better.�
Katie looks up at him dazedly. �I never told you where my room was.�
Tzaphiel moans, �Mmmmmmm,� the mark on her back, glowing lightly from his touch.
DracBlue sucks lightly on the glowing mark. �Maybe it will be a beacon in the dark by the time I�m done.�
�Your name is on the door, Katie,� Shayne smiles gently as he helps pull the sheets over her.
�Oh.� Nodding, satisfied with his answer, Katie snuggles down in her bed, her lashes fanning her cheek as exhaustion takes over.
Luna lays her head on Eclipse�s shoulder, as her tail entwines with his lovingly.
Shayne leans over, noticing Katie is holding something in her hand, he places it on the bed-side stand. Brushing some hairs aside, he kisses her on the forehead gently, �Sweet dreams, angel.� Standing, he smiles gently and leaves her quarters quietly.
Katie drifts off into a dreamless sleep.
Kyra cries quietly. ~Stryder.~
Staring over the rim of his drink at Tabris, Stryder blinks. Looking around momentarily, as if hearing something.
Arriving in Ettik�s bridge after system checks, the ship�s engines thrum to life. Alexei nods at the control console, a habit when �talking� with Ettik. �Yes, we�re getting off this hot rock.� Alexei chuckles, �You�re a ship, you can�t get a tan.�
Ettik soars off into the ash filled sky, clearing several thick layers before emerging into space again. The starship debris still hangs peacefully silent, though the drift indicates the planet and its moon are playing tug of war for them.
Cibo stands next to Alexei on the bridge and inputs a control code into the pad that is part of his forearm. �There, the hyperspace stabilizer is online, that should allow us to leave without waiting for the currents to shift.� He nods and turns to leave the bridge, �My information should prove most revealing, seems our rogue fleet friends are up to some interesting business��