Previously on Warriors of Destiny: Aboard the offspring ship, the crew set off into hyper space in order to rendezvous with the Ettik. Getting accustomed to the smaller ship, the group had time to sit back and relax after their latest adventure.
Dealing with an unconscious Tewyn and a new group member, Ryu, their hyper space journey seemed to be going uneventfully. Arriving at the coordinates that Ettik provided for the rendezvous, Sikozu and the offspring noticed something was out of place.
Docking with the Ettik, the group discovered everything onboard the ship had been stopped in time. Shadow, sensing the origin of the temporal interference, led the group to the bridge. There waited Hephaestus, a member of the temporal cult, who had been instructed to bring Shadow and the others before the Elders.
Transporting everybody, save Sikozu and Alexei, to the citadel of Tempusalis the next step in the Warrior�s journey lay ahead of them...
*Time passed: None*
Hephaestus continues down the massive bridge towards the looming citadel. A large set of doors lay shut ahead, a pair of several story-tall stone statues flanking it. Though they are silent and unmoving, a studious glance can pick out the ever faint rising and falling of their stone chests in the cool evening air.
A figure robed in dark browns shuffles quietly past you on the bridge, shadowed head giving a short glance your direction before centering back on the distant end of the walkway.
�What the�?� Katie whispers.
�Impressive,� Shayne comments as he glances around.
Claron stares at the stone statues. �How can that be possible?�
�They�re breathing�I mean�it sure looks like they are,� Cara whispers.
�Honey, by now, I�d think you�d realize it�s all possible, no matter how impossible it seems,� Tabris replies to Claron with a shrug.
Claron slowly nods her head, �Yeah, you�d think I�d be used to the unexpected by now. I don�t know why, but it still surprises me.�
Shadow sighs and looks directly at the building and shakes his head. �I really don�t see why they had to take you all. But I�m sure they have their reasons.�
Luna crosses her arms and growls under her breath to Eclipse. �The bastard could have let us get our cloaks before he yanked us to the frozen zone.�
�Maybe it�s an illusion, or magic of some sort,� Arwyn states indifferently.
Hephaestus continues ahead, both the statues and doors looking even taller the closer you get. �I am not sure of their intentions, Shadow, but with allies as powerful as these I could understand the Elders cautions.�
Eclipse wraps an arm around Luna to help warm her up.
�Well, I feel right at home,� Clarice chuckles.
Kyra shivers and hugs herself.
Shadow walks with Hephaestus. �As powerful as they are, they might need more help to finish their time on these planes.�
�No doubt,� Stryder says as he stretches with care to avoid hitting anyone.
Tzaphiel follows the group quietly.
Hephaestus continues ahead, uncaring that the giant doors remain shut with no sign of opening. Reaching the large doors, he simply walks right through them as though they did not exist at all.
Shadow walks right through the doors, but he has a lot on his mind.
Ryu watches the first two enter the doorway and tries to walk through as well.
DracBlue follows Katie.
�Yet another impossible feat made possible,� Tabris says extending a hand toward the door. Watching his hand disappear, he nods, then again watching Ryu go straight through. �Looks safe enough.�
Katie stops and stares. �Holy shit!�
Luna walks through the doors with Eclipse and looks around.
�I hope so,� Claron whispers, then steps through.
Clarice and Cara walk through the doors together.
Arwyn shrugs, then follows the others in.
Kyra takes a breath and walks through the doors.
Katie stares at the door and shivers.
The inside of the citadel is just as looming as the exterior. Torches mounted on the walls cast their fiery light onto the smooth stone surfaces as their light is swallowed by the shadowy vaulted ceiling stories above your heads. A pair of robed figures, both in blue, have stopped Hephaestus ahead and are talking to him.
�It�s probably warmer inside, Katie,� Shayne says as he rests a hand on her shoulder.
Shadow is stopped behind Hephaestus, not listening in to his conversation.
Stryder follows Clarice and Cara, looking around with some marvel at the huge hall they are now in.
�I wonder what they�ll want from us?� Eclipse questions as he looks ahead at the blue robed figures.
Luna glances around the massive entrance hall. �Everyone wants something from us. But it�s rare that someone gives us anything.�
Hephaestus gives them a swift nod, �Very well,� he turns giving Shadow a look. �Your friends are free to look around, but the Elders want to speak to you as soon as you�re ready.�
Shadow says, �I�ll go and see them now. You might want to tell them that they can look around. Wish me luck, Hephaestus.�
Tzaphiel steps through the doors and looks up at the seemingly endless ceiling.
�Good luck, for what it�s worth,� Hephaestus shifts his gaze towards the others, as the two robed figures in blue glance at Shadow, then turn and head down the hallway.
Shadow follows the two robed figures.
Luna rushes towards Shadow, growling. �Wait!�
Katie finally steps through the doors, eyes closed.
One of the robed figures glances over their shoulder at Luna, though the face is hidden, a sense of impatience rises from it.
Shayne follows alongside Katie, glancing around with a whistle, �See, nothing happened, you�re in one piece and it is warmer.�
~Wonder why they don�t want to talk to all of us?~ Cara�s bewildered voice intrudes into Kyra�s thoughts.
Eclipse watches Luna rush ahead and perks a brow, wondering what she�s up to.
Katie opens her eyes, still shivering. She gives a short nod.
~Dunno.~ Kyra looks over at Cara.
Luna glares at them as she reaches Shadow. Laying her paw on his arm for a moment, she whispurrs, �May the Goddess go with you.�
Hephaestus shakes his head, then looks at the group, �You�re free to look around until you�re called for,� he motions at numerous doorways on either side of the hallway.
~Uh oh, think I spoke to soon.~ Cara returns Kyra�s look.
Tza looks from Hephaestus to the darkness above them and smiles as her wings form. �I prefer the bird�s eye view,� she chuckles as she rises gently off the floor.
Claron looks at Hephaestus, �Seems to me, it might be better if they talked to all of us at once.�
DracBlue looks up at Tza and smiles. �Well, at least I�m not the only one with some wings around here.�
Luna turns to Hephaestus with growl. �Yes, we can�t afford to be wasting time here. Anything he may have done wrong in their eyes was done for us. He shouldn�t be punished for it.�
�Perhaps, but I cannot control their actions. They will talk to whomever they please,� Hephaestus gives Claron a short glance, his expression showing slight curiosity as well.
Katie looks over at Drac. �You�re still waiting for an explanation, huh?�
�I don�t need wings to do that,� Claron chuckles.
The figure in blue turns again, leading Shadow down the hall and through a set of dark grey curtains at its end.
DracBlue looks over at Katie and smiles. �Yes, but I can wait for a better time.��
Katie sighs. �Might as well use the time we�ve got. There�s a few things I really need to tell you, lil one.�
�Anger will not help you here, Avatar Luna,� Hephaestus adds calmly, glancing at Luna.
Shadow nods to the robed figures and waits.
Luna continues to growl, �How about frustration and impatience?�
Arwyn watches Shadow disappear through the dark grey curtains.
Tza stretches her wings and circles above the group rising lazily.
The robed figures leave Shadow in the dimly lit circular chamber. As their footsteps disappear into the darkness, the chamber floor rises and eventually arrives in the center of a bright council chamber. An enormous crystal chandelier hangs from the framework of the glass dome above. Ornate thrones are evenly spaced around the center, totaling ten, though all but three are empty at present.
Katie takes Drac to a corner and gives him a short version of his �death�, his reappearance (courtesy of Cara), how she and Drac ended up distant due to her reaction to his return, and general things. Then she puts a hand on Drac�s arm. �And I need to tell you about someone special.�
Shadow falls to one knee.
�It won�t do us much good to get worked up, Luna,� Eclipse moves over to her and looks at her directly.
DracBlue listens intently and frowns, �Hmmm, someone special, huh?�
�Yes, darlin�.� Katie points upward. �You and Tza had the beginnings of a great relationship starting. I think you should get to know her, again. But this time, take it slowly. True love should never be hurried. It must always flow, or you end up with regrets. All I�m asking is that you spend the time to get to know her before you go dashing into anything serious.�
�Arise.� The soft bass voice echoes in the large council chamber as it comes from the Elder in red and gold armor, �Do you know the reason for your summons?�
Luna shakes her head. �I was worked up before he showed up,� turning her gaze to Eclipse as she clenches her fists again.
�I know, but that�s not going to solve anything here,� Eclipse reaches out and takes hold of her fists. �Calm yourself, Luna. Please, for me.�
�So, what do we think it�ll be this time?� Tabris gives a sarcastic look to Claron.
Tza wonders how far up she�ll go before finding the ceiling as she looks down and can barely see the group. The darkness seems to go forever above her.
Shadow rises. �Most likely for the breaking of the rules that were placed upon me.�
�She genuinely cares deeply for you, as you seemed to for her. That kind of love is the most precious thing two people can share. I know you are young and impatient. But promise me you�ll build a good foundation before you try to go building your castle with her. You�ll both be better beings for it in the long run. She loves and misses you. Time to go find out who she is.� Katie gives him a warm smile and a quick hug.
�Wouldn't go much farther if I was you,� an almost snake like voice says to Tza as a small humanoid-bat flies up next to her. �Still haven�t found a guest who flew up here a few centuries ago.�
DracBlue sighs and nods, then walks outside of the building to think about things.
Claron stands quietly next to Tabris, her eyes scanning the room until she sees Stryder. As she permits herself to study him from afar, she slips her hand in to Tabris� and squeezes it gently.
Luna looks down at her paws and forces her fingers open. She whispurrs, �For you, I�ll try.�
Katie feels a tear slide down her face as she draws in a shaky breath. �And don�t ever think I don�t care about ya too, lil man.� She calls out after him.
�We would hear your reasons for breaking those rules,� the soft and melodious voice of the woman with floor length blonde hair pierces the air. Folding her hands on her plain brown robes, she fixes Shadow with slate blue eyes.
Tza is startled by the voice and focuses her eyes on the being next to her. �Maybe he found a way out of here?�
�All grown up on us,� Tabris feels Claron�s hand squeeze and he follows her gaze, �you should talk to him.�
�Could have, but I wouldn�t go looking if I were you,� the bat hovers idly.
Katie leans against the wall, the tears coming faster. �Love is precious. In any form. Cherish it, lest you lose the chance.� Her whisper is soft.
Shayne glances over at Katie with Drac. Noticing the tears, he nods to himself.
Shadow sighs to himself and speaks plainly, �I was in a fight our group was unprepared for. The person we fought had the same abilities as I, but much more powerful, as he was not bound by our rules.�
Tza chuckles softly, �Why�s that?� She barely moves her wings to maintain her position.
Kyra sees Katie standing alone, tears streaming, and wonders if she should go to her. Then her gaze slides over Stryder, and she feels another punch to the gut.
Katie closes her eyes, sucking in a deep breath, and reaches up to wipe her cheeks.
�I-I�m not sure I�m ready for that.� Claron glances at Tabris briefly before returning her gaze back to their son.
�We know of whom you speak,� Garrus, the armored Elder, speaks again. �And you chose to cast aside the rules and use that which you were unprepared to use?�
Shayne moves towards Katie, concern on his face.
�You�re the lucky one, Kyn.� Kyra whispers fiercely. �You�ll never have to find out what a broken heart really feels like. Georgie Frelznin was your worst heartache, and even that you got over in a week. This pain goes on forever.�
Stryder leans against the nearby wall, glancing around at everyone as his hand idly plays around the hilt of the blade at his belt.
~This place is flowing with power, I can sense it all around us.~ Luciendar comments with some uncertainty in her voice.
Shadow turns to face Garrus, �I believed it was the only way to make him retreat. But even then, I was still highly inadequate to deal with the task. And they still lost a sword because of my inability to deal with the problem.�
Katie emits a hiccupping sob as she swipes her cheeks a final time, and nibbles her lip.
Luna�s ears twitch as her eyes rise up to look at Eclipse. She thinks to her sword, ~But is it good power or bad? Does the enemy have allies here? These are the things that worry me.~
�And they gained another, and a new ally as well,� the third Elder�s voice echoes from within the confines of his white robes. �Do you not think to study events before rushing heedlessly into battle against a powerful deviant?�
~It is�both, and neither. It is hard to read anything through it besides the others.~ Luciendar�s voice seems to concentrate, then sigh with frustration.
�Luna? What�s going on?� Eclipse raises a brow towards Luna, trying to read her expression.
Cara sits down on the floor next to Clarice, thinking about the question Kyra had proposed to her earlier concerning Stryder. ~Are you still a telepath, Stryder? Or was that just a power your imposter had? I never dreamed Mom would go through such lengths�~
�I understand, and he�ll wait as long as it takes,� Tabris replies to Claron, his hand gently squeezing hers this time.
Shadow sighs. �I believe that what I did was justified. I thought about it hard before I decided to use it. I understand that the rules were broken and I need to be punished. But here�s another serious question. If you had heard about how I had disobeyed the rules, don�t you think that someone may be working with the enemy to be notified of such things?�
DracBlue sits outside in deep contemplation.
�All of our disciples are kept under watch, Shadow,� Edan, the blonde Elder, lifts a hand to brush a stray hair from her face. �As such, we are notified of any actions made by them.�
Luna barely shakes her head as she hears the mutual frustration in her ears. �I wish I knew.� She squeezes Eclipse�s hand and steps closer to him to whispurr, �I�m not the only one frustrated.�
�How could I�we�have not known?� Claron whispers.
Tza stares at the bat man, waiting patiently for an answer.
�Endless darkness, time energy floating every which way, gods know where you�d end up,� the bat replies. �Just don�t do it. I have enough matters to deal with without having to find you as well.�
�Everyone was fooled,� Tabris sighs, �able to convince us that it was real, never thinking that our real boy was out there somewhere��
Shadow nods. �I understand. I am sorry for speaking out of turn.�
Tza sighs, �You�d be the only one looking for me, I�m afraid to tell ya.� She subtlety changes the angle of her wings and begins her downward spiral.
�Katie? Is everything okay?� Shayne questions her as he studies her expression.
Katie�s eyes fly open. They are still moist, and a little red-rimmed. �Yeah. I�m fine.�
�As for the matter of your punishment,� Garrus shifts in his throne, �I am curious as to what you expect it to be.�
�Those tears say otherwise,� Shayne replies, reaching up to wipe a stray tear off her cheek.
Katie gives him a small smile. �It�s been a hell of a week?� She gives a half-shrug.
Shadow sighs as he tries to think of a punishment, but cannot succeed. �I have no clue what the punishment would be; and I choose to face whatever it may be.�
Claron feels the tears pooling in her eyes as she turns to face Tabris. �Don�t you see? I can�t allow myself to let him in. I�m afraid of losing him all over again�just like I lost our other two children. I can�t�I won�t go through that again.�
�Most brave of you, Shadow,� the white robed Elder says calmly. �You have served us well in the past. Perhaps a different sort of punishment should be chosen.� Glancing at the other two, there is silence for a moment before he nods, �We shall see what your allies have to say before we chose your fate.�
�But by keeping him at a distance, you lose him in a different way,� Tabris brings Claron in for a hug.
Shadow nods. �I bask in your wisdom. And await your decision.�
Luna looks at one of the doors leading off the entrance hall, then back to Eclipse. �Let�s get away from here for a bit.�
Eclipse looks at the doors and nods, �If you want to.�
Katie reaches out and brushes her fingertips over Shayne�s arm. �Colonel, I�m grateful for your continued support right now. It�s been really hard to try to keep it together. I lost my best friend. And another one is missing. I�m�lost right now.�
DracBlue watches the people and wonders if anything like this has ever happened to anyone else.
�Go, return when we call for you again.� Edan dismisses Shadow with a wave of her hand. The floor shifts and begins to descend again.
�Maybe together we can help you find your way again,� Shayne touches her cheek gently. �And along the way, we may just find that missing friend of yours.�
Luna leads Eclipse to the door away from Hephaestus. �Let�s see what�s behind door number one.�
The platform settles into its place and a blue robed figure arrives to escort Shadow back to the entry hall.
�I hope so. I�m so worried about him.� Katie sighs and leans into Shayne�s hand for a moment. �And I�ve already lost so much��
Hephaestus sighs softly and crosses his arms, waiting idly.
Shadow awaits in contemplation, following the robed men.
Tza picks up speed as she heads down. The ground approaches quickly, and she pulls out of the dive at the last minute. She flies out the door they entered through at a great speed, as her momentum carries her with little effort. She zooms past Drac leaving a loud laugh trailing behind her.
Claron sighs. �I know you are right�but it doesn�t make it any easier. Oh, Tab�I never want to feel that kind of hurt again. And the only way I know how to prevent it is to not allow myself to get close.�
Luna opens the door and steps through, pausing to look around.
Opening the door, Luna and Eclipse find a large circular library beyond. Bookshelves line the walls as they spiral downward several stories. Quite a few robed figures of various colors are moving about, taking books from their shelves, talking with one another, or reading at the row of desk lining in the inside of the spiraled ramp.
DracBlue glances up and watches her until she is out of sight and thinks even harder.
As soon as Tza gets a good distance between herself and the citadel, she finds herself instantly moved back to flying in front of the large set of doors and their guardian statues again.
�What should I tell him then?� Tabris sighs heavily.
Luna gasps as she sees all the books below them. �This is impressive.� She runs a finger over a row of nearby books looking at the titles, most of which she can�t read.
�This is largest collection of books I�ve ever seen,� Eclipse says with wonder as he moves to the edge of the spiral and looks down.
Tza shakes her head as the sudden repositioning confuses her. Losing her concentration and momentum at the same time, she falls to the ground with a loud thud. �Ooowwww.� She folds her wings back and rubs her hip.
The blue robed figure pauses letting Shadow past, then looks around the chamber. �The Warrior Cara is summoned,� he says in a flat and emotionless voice.
Luna takes one gently off the shelf and flips through the pages carefully.
DracBlue gets up, walks towards Tza and helps her up. He asks, �Are you alright?�
As Luna flips through the pages of illegible text, images flash through her mind of a quiet golden planet and its inhabitants. As the pages continue, its history is played out before her eyes.
Tza blushes as Drac helps her up, �Yeah, I guess I got a little carried away. We can�t go too far, it throws ya back to here.�
�I dunno�that I need more time. Or the truth�that I am too much of a coward. And I can tell, you think it�s wrong of me, don�t you?� Claron raises her head up to look in Tab�s eyes.
Cara stands up and moves over to the blue robed figure. �I don�t see what I could possibly have to say that would be of any interest.�
�I think that you need to approach it in your own way, but to keep him away forever�yes, I do,� Tabris reaches up and touches her cheek. �He�s spent most of his life without you, how much longer should he have to wait?�
Luna puts the book back with a troubled expression. �I don�t know if I want to look at anymore of these books.� Turning, she steps over to Eclipse, �Luciendar can�t read past the extreme energy levels. She can only hear the other swords.�
Stryder glances over at the blue figure, then at Cara.
�I know, Morthoseth is very distracted by it all,� Eclipse replies, giving the books a glance. �What�s in them?�
DracBlue smiles at her. �Thanks, that�s good to know.�
The robed figure leads Cara beyond the curtains to the circular platform, disappearing before it begins its rise into the council room again.
Luna closes her eyes for a moment, �History of a world. I couldn�t read it, but it put pictures in my mind like I was watching it happen.� She shudders, �I�m not sure I want to delve into anymore books. I might not like what I see.�
Aurora, having silently followed Stryder to this point looks up at him, �It is interesting that they called her first��
�Ahh, records, I wondered if that�s what they were,� Eclipse turns and looks down the spiral again. �There must be a great many histories in here, the rise and fall of civilizations.�
Tza smiles at him, �I haven�t gotten to enjoy a free flight lately. There�s not much room on a space ship.�
�And how many of those have they interfered with? How many have we affected for that matter?� Luna sighs as she thinks about how much time she can�t even remember.
�I�m sure your friend is fine, in fact he�s probably looking for you at this very moment,� Shayne says to Katie, unsure how much he can say without giving anything away.
�All of them, I would venture to say have seen their touch at one time or another,� Eclipse comments, the sheer amount of books making his head spin with memories of the world�s he�d visited.
Katie nods. �Poor Rogue. Doesn�t even know I�m back.�
Thorn makes a coughing sound.
�Dammit, Tab! You always seem to know just the right thing to say. I�m such a damn selfish fool! I haven�t allowed myself to think of what it would have been like for him.� Claron sniffles.
Katie looks down at him. �Hairball?�
Thorn composes himself. �Um. Kinda.�
Cara stands quietly as the circular platform begins to rise.
Katie raises an eyebrow. �Then stop licking yourself there.�
Thorn sniffs. �I do NOT lick my�� At Katie�s bark of laughter, he sighs. �Never mind. You have a very filthy thought process. Some things have to be cleaned.�
�Repeatedly, apparently.� Katie steps to the side as Thorn swipes a paw at her.
The platform ends its ascent, leaving Cara in the middle of the council chamber. �Welcome, Cara, daughter of Shaiya and Tewyn. You caused a good many problems that we had to correct. Tell us about Shadow and his recent actions.�
�Pervert.� Thorn sniffs disdainfully and shoots Shayne a long-suffering look.
Shayne smirks lightly at Katie, then gives Thorn a nod, �Good to see you in better spirits, Katie.�
Cara�s eyes widen. �Whaddaya mean you had to correct my problems?�
Luna leans her head against Eclipse�s back and sighs, �I hope I haven�t done too much damage to the places I�ve been sent.�
Katie grins at Thorn. �Sorry. Couldn�t resist.�
�You�re not a fool, you�ve just had to deal with a lot,� Tabris gives her another hug.
Thorn grumbles. �Just because YOU have masturbation on the brain�� He trails off as he pads across the room to sniff one of the doors.
Katie gasps, and her face turns red. �I guess I had THAT one coming.� She laughs despite her blush.
�To the question at hand, Cara,� Garrus says firmly.
Kyra stands anxiously wringing her hands, waiting for Cara�s return.
Ryu smiles as he hears the entire conversation of Katie and Thorn. He shakes his head.
�I would assume that is part of their job.� Eclipse looks over his shoulder at Luna, �Fixing damages, so that time flows as it should.�
�Well, jeesum. I don�t really know Shadow all that well. Can�t say I have ever seen him do anything that wasn�t in the best interest of the Warriors.� Cara looks directly at Garrus.
�And how has he used his powers?� The white robed figure questions Cara.
Luna looks at the books, �Do you remember when we first met Valrash? He said something about us in a book, didn�t he?�
�So have you, my love. And I suppose, I failed to see how much all we have been through has hurt you as well. For that, I�m truly sorry. I will make a conscious effort to do better�and try talking to him.� Claron turns her gaze towards Stryder.
�I�d bet we�re in here somewhere. Filed neatly away on a shelf,� Eclipse sighs giving a glance around the shelves, trying to look for any way of finding specific books.
�But as I was saying�I hope he finds out soon that I�m okay. I hate thinking of him out there, searching�� Katie nibbles her lip again.
�That�s all he wants, I�m sure,� Tabris answers Claron, watching her watch Stryder.
�I wonder if they would even let us see it?� Luna looks down at the robed figures below.
�Who knows, maybe we�ll run into him one of these days,� Shayne tries to sound comforting.
�I�d say he has used his powers to help save our collective asses, which is more than what I had done in the beginning.� Cara shrugs, �But then, what do I know. I�m just a kid.�
DracBlue nods, �Yes, there isn�t much room on the ship at all.� He looks down at his hand and notes how tightly she is holding it.
Edan nods assuredly, �Your words are truthful. You may go.�
�And it�s what you want too, isn�t it?� Claron looks back at Tabris.
�You know that answer,� Tabris gives Claron a short smile.
The platform reaches the bottom, the blue robed figure leading Cara back to the entry hall.
Claron nods her head, �Yes, I do.� She smiles weakly back at Tab before hugging him.
Cara reenters the room with the others. She glances at Shadow, gives him a thumbs up and a smile.
Shadow looks at Cara confused and shrugs, but nods back to Cara.
�Stryder is summoned,� the blue robed figure states.
With a curious look exchanged, Aurora and Stryder follow him. Stryder glances over his shoulder looking at Claron and Tabris.
Claron looks back at Stryder, gives him a smile and a reassuring nod.
Tza blushes again as she releases his hand. Clearing her throat, she says, �I�m Tzaphiel Labrys, by the way.�
DracBlue nods. �From the way described to me, you already know my name.� He looks down. �I�m sorry that I do not remember.�
Stryder nods, and in a few moments finds himself in front of the three Elders. �Stryder, son of Tabris and Claron. We know you have been aged rapidly in order to alter events. Tell us who aided you, which deviant assisted you?� Garrus questions sternly.
�And what will happen if I tell you? Will you question them and people they know as well?� Stryder narrows his gaze at everyone. �Maybe I didn�t know a name, maybe all I cared about was a friendly face offering to help me go home?�
Tza sighs, �It�s ok. I understand what happened. I think.�
�Garrus, we must deal with Shadow first. Discovering the identity of deviants is not our primary concern at the moment!� The white robed figure raises his voice to Garrus, obviously annoyed by his tone.
�I agree,� Edan comments softly, �Stryder�your ally, Shadow. Tell us what you know of him.�
Stryder looks at Aurora. ~Closer than I wanted to get�~ Clearing his throat, Stryder nods to the three, �The dwarf? I know he�s one of you, beyond that I have seen nothing worth all this attention. I know about your internal politics, Shadow will not go rogue unless you drive him to it. You�re looking for fault where there isn�t any. If he�s done anything wrong, he did so for a good reason.� Stryder crosses his arms, Aurora giving an agreeing nod.
�That is enough, Stryder. You have given us the answer we sought,� the white figure nods, then motions to dismiss him.
As the platform descends, Stryder hears faint argument from above.
Leaving the curtain area, Stryder gives a heavy sigh as he moves back into the entry corridor.
Aurora pads behind him with a sigh as well.
The robed figure surveys the group, �The Warrior Katerina is summoned.�
Katie looks up. �Oh goody.� Her sarcasm is obvious as she sighs. �C�mon, Thorn. Time to play �Name That Tune�.�
Once again the platform rises once Katie is on it, depositing her into the council chamber.
�Katerina, daughter of Finlay and Iona. You are an interesting case, resurrected after your death by the Gul-Qian. One of the more interesting timeline shifts we had to arrange. Tell us about your ally, Shadow.�
Claron watches as Stryder returns. She takes a deep breath, then releases it as she steps back from Tabris� embrace. �What if it�s already too late?� Not waiting for Tab�s reply, she moves over next to Stryder.
Katie looks at them, stunned. �Uh. Yeah, I was. And as far as Shadow goes, I really don�t know a lot. He�s been right there, through thick and thin. Using the gifts bestowed on him by you to keep my crew safe and sound. He�s been a real asset to the team, and I don�t think he�s ever abused the powers he�s been granted.� She bows her head respectfully at the council.
Luna watches the robed figures below, lost in her own thoughts.
�Good, you speak the truth,� Edan says with a short nod to Katie. �You may go,� she motions for the platform to descend again.
Feeling the butterflies in her stomach, Claron finds herself unable to speak at first. Wringing her hands, she looks at Stryder, nervously. �I have been most unfair to you. I hope with time you will find it in your heart to forgive me for�for the way I've reacted and�and�responded to you.�
Tza turns away from Drac and looks out at the snow surrounding them, uncertain what to say to him.
The platform stops, letting Katie off to be escorted out by the blue robed figure.
Stryder looks at Claron with a smile, �There was nothing to forgive, I gave you the time you needed�Mom.� Stryder reaches over to hug her.
Thorn looks up at Katie. �You doin� alright, perv?�
Katie laughs softly. �Yeah. I think so.�
�If there is a book on me in here somewhere, it�s probably a big one,� Eclipse comments idly as he leans against the railing next to Luna.
Luna chuckles, �Any book on either of us separately would be volumes, I would guess.�
�The Avatar Luna is summoned,� the blue robed figure says, though not shouted, his voice carries in the air so that Luna hears it.
New tears roll down Claron�s cheeks as she slowly wraps her arms around Stryder. �Afraid I haven�t been much of a mom to you. And I can�t promise you I�ll be any better at it now. But I�m willing to try.�
Luna�s ears twitch as she hears her name called. �Only me?� She looks at Eclipse curiously as she moves away from the rail. �I suppose I should grace them with my presence.�
�After twenty years without you, just being able to be here with you now is good enough for me,� Stryder says with a faint tear in his eye.
�Suppose so,� Eclipse replies as he follows her into the entry hall.
Luna walks slowly towards the blue robed figure. ~I may need your help with this, lord only knows what they want~
~A swift kick in the rear, though I wouldn�t advise it.~ Luciendar chuckles lightly as the robed figure leads Luna back behind the curtain to the platform.
Luna mentally chuckles as she steps onto the platform.
Claron can�t hide the shocked look on her face. �Oh my god�you mean�from the very beginning we had the imposter!?!� Then a puzzled look takes its place. �If�what about your sister? Did we have the real her for a time? Or was she also an imposter?�
The platform rises once more into the council chambers. Garrus� voice greets Luna, �Luna, Avatar of the goddess Selenia. You are the not the first Avatar to grace these chambers. We would know what you do of Shadow.�
Kyra turns away, shoving her fist to her mouth to hide her sobs as she listens unintentionally to the conversation. She runs through a random door and leans against the wall, sobbing into her hands.
�I don�t know, all I remember is being told that I had been �rescued� from Shaiya,� Stryder sighs with some disappointment, �I tried to find out about her over the years, but only heard tales of one Clarissa�and they did not end well��
Luna crosses her arms and looks at Garrus. �What exactly do you think to gain from me that you don�t already know?�
Claron�s tears slide down her cheek, �No, things ended badly for her. You�I mean, the other Stryder killed her.�
Ryu listens in amusement to all around him, shaking his head at this other Stryder.
A robed Satyr turns away from a desk covered in crystal globes to give a glance at Kyra. Perking ears toward her, he tilts his head, �Is something the matter, child?�
�Perspective,� Edan replies to Luna�s question to Garrus.
�Oh!� Kyra looks up, startled. �I-I�m so sorry�I didn�t�mean to interrupt you.� She turns to leave.
Stryder holds Claron close, �It�s possible that she was also a doppelganger, but there�s no way of telling��
DracBlue sighs as Tza turns from him. He shakes his head, not sure of what to do. He walks next to her and says, �Care to join me for a walk?�
�You look like you have much to say, but no ears to listen,� the satyr says to Kyra as she turns. �What brings you into this study in tears?�
Luna turns her attention to Edan, �What I know of Shadow? I know he has been an asset to the Warriors. I know that whatever wrong he may have done was for the greater good.� Her gaze slides to the third figure slowly, �And I know that we are being delayed in our mission. So kindly let us get back to our task.�
Kyra pauses, her shoulders shaking and a strangled hiccupping sob coming out. �Love. Love found, then ripped to pieces by lies and evil.�
Tza nods and falls in step with Drac, �I�d love to. Let�s see how far we can get on foot.� She says as her wings melt away.
Kyra turns around slowly. �I fell in love. I fell in love with a wonderful, caring man. Who, as it turns out, was a demon sent to kill us all.�
�Your mission has not been delayed, Avatar,� the white robed figure speaks. �Time does not pass here.� Garrus interrupts with his stern tone, �All of your allies say the same. Are you defending him? Or do you truly hold him in such regard?�
�Oh no! If that is true�Oh no!� Claron shouts, then quickly lowers her tone. �Did you not have any time at all with your twin? Is there a way we can find out? There has to be a way to find out. There just has to be!�
�Time does not pass here for us. But you have others out there playing with time as well. How far ahead are they moving our opponents?� Luna growls, �I can�t speak for the rest of my group. Only myself. He has done nothing wrong in my sight.�
�Evil often wears a pretty face,� the satyr turns and grabs one of the crystal globes from the desk. �And now the real man has appeared, and your heart is troubled.�
Kyra nods miserably. �And every time I see him, I think about what I almost had�and what could have happened if the imposter�s duplicity hadn�t been brought to light.�
�Your word is good enough for us, Avatar. We will return you all to your time when this tribunal has finished.� The white robed figure nods, dismissing the platform with a hand motion.
�How your love could have continued on, unblemished by the stain of evil beneath its surface?� The satyr holds the globe in an open palm and looks in it. �Eventually the evil would have risen to the surface.�
Luna growls to Luciendar as the platform lowers. ~Well, that got us no where.~
Kyra shakes her head. �No. How he could have smiled so sweetly to me, then killed me in a heartbeat.� Tears stream down her cheeks.
~There was an interesting power balance in that chamber. Good, evil and neutrality, all keeping each other in check.~ Luciendar comments.
Luna sighs. ~Which was which?~
~I cannot say�I can only detect the power, not the individuals.~ Luciendar sighs, ~Sorry, it is quite taxing trying to sort through this.~
�What is past troubles you greatly.� The satyr sighs gently and moves closer to Kyra. �But do not let it consume the present and cloud your future. Great men have fallen because the past consumes them.�
Kyra sniffles. �And the greatest woman I know lives in hers. She�s trapped in a loop of misery that she can�t seem to get past. Love eludes her because she won�t let it go and believe in the possibility of it coming again without disaster.� She sighs.
Luna silently waits for the platform to return her to the entrance hall, thinking about the tribunal�s questions.
�Then perhaps this woman needs help to see such. And by helping her, you may help yourself,� the satyr gives Kyra a bow of his head.
Clarice smiles inwardly as she watches Claron and Stryder together. �Good, Sis�it�s about time,� she whispers lowly.
The blue robed figure motions Luna to follow as he leads her back to the entry chamber.
�She�ll never see it. And I hope I never fall in love again, either. It sucks ass.� Kyra shrugs. �Maybe we should both just check into a mental retreat and end our days there. An all-girl retreat. So that neither of us ever have to deal with the sticky emotion from here on out.�
�There may be a way�� Stryder looks up at the ceiling to think, �If we can find the one who helped me�they may know if she was helped as well.�
�Do not give up before you even begin the task.� The satyr adds to Kyra, �I have seen much of the universe, love is a greater power than most believe it to be. It should not be given up so easily��
Tza feels a barrier in front of her, she looks over at Drac. �I think we�ve gone as far as they will let us. Let�s go back inside now.�
Luna returns to the group and looks at Eclipse, relieved to be done.
DracBlue nods, turns around and begins walking, feeling a little out of place.
Claron�s pulse quickens. �Do you remember who helped you? You do know their name? Please tell me you do. Do I dare even get my hopes up.�
�Not here�� Stryder looks around, gaze settling on Hephaestus nearby while telepathically sending to Claron, ~I will tell you once we�re back on the ship.~
Tza can�t seem to help herself, she slips her hand into his and holds it as they walk back to the citadel in silence.
Claron nods her head, then gives Tab a stunned look. �Your father, have you said any of this to him?�
Katie sits on the floor next to Thorn and looks up at Shayne thoughtfully, as if puzzling something out.
DracBlue just looks down at their joined hands, blinks and continues walking.
Kyra nods and sighs.
�Not yet, but I�m sure he�d be interested to hear it as well,� Stryder glances over at Tabris.
In the council room, the three Elders converse before summoning another. Garrus pounds a fist on his throne, �Further questioning is useless, they will all claim his innocence. He has disobeyed us and gone beyond his station. What�s to stop him from joining the deviants?�
�We do not know that, Garrus,� Edan replies. �We must pass judgment upon his past actions, not those he has yet to commit.�
The white robed figure leans back in the throne, �Once we have decided and returned them, we should watch them all. If they are as powerful as the timeline tells, the deviants will cross paths with them again.�
Meanwhile: Out in the snowy wastes surrounding the citadel, a brown robed figure enters an ice cave in the mountains. Tossing a small device onto the ground, a staticy image of Quantus appears in the air above it. �They�re here, sir. The Elders are no doubt questioning them now. Yes�I�ll make certain Lord Garrus is informed of this latest transgression�an entire planet, how unfortunate��