Previously on Warriors of Destiny: Spending more time in Aventine as the city continued being rebuilt, the Warriors had chances to share each others company and converse with one another. All the while events slowly leading them towards the unknown future.
Elsewhere: Stryder and Kyra continued their stay with Velyn, a wolf-like inhabitant of the planet they were on. Stryder continued to battle his madness, seeking to prevent himself from hurting anyone else, after believing Cara dead by his own hand.
Seeking some answers about where they were, Velyn was able to answer little, but Stryder and Kyra overheard that their presence was disturbing Velyn�s people. Hoping to learn more, the two were interrupted as a booming sound heralded something happening outside the small lakeside hut.
*Time passed: none*
Midday begins it�s decent into afternoon as city life continues. Reconstruction going as quickly as manpower and magic allow, and city life returning to it�s normal pace. On the main street of the city, a familiar blond haired man surveys the city with a steady gaze and a small frown. �War...always the same�� Purple and blue eyes shift to look at the castle.
Elsewhere: The atmospheric boom drifts away and is followed by a distant hum, muffled by the walls of the hut. Stryder raises a brow and looks at Kyra, �What is that...sounds like a spaceship?� Taking Kyra�s hand, he brushes aside the leather flap and exits the hut, eyes going wide as he watches the sky.
Tewyn continues walking along the battle torn landscape outside of the gates and disposes of any bodies he passes by. �From hero to worthless grave digger�.Come a long way, elf.�
Valrash puts another stone on the cart, helping with the rebuilding effort.
Eclipse pushes the plate back and looks at Luna, �Well, that was filling. Now what was next on our list?�
^Shinta walks along out past the gates his eyes heavy and red from lack of any sleep.
Luna looks around at the nearly deserted hall for a moment, �Why don�t we take a walk in the garden?� her gaze settling on Drac and his companion once more.
^Shinta looks around dazedly at the make shift graves, �Wow, seems someone is starting to change after all.�
Shadow thinks on what was said to him earlier. Thinking to himself, �I do seem to distance myself from my work. It all happened that night my wife died.�
Clarice sits cross-legged in the chair, rubbing her temples and wishing her head would quit hurting. �That�s what you get, Penance, for consuming mass quantities��
A large spaceship, a titan of smoothed hull plating, adorned with cannons, arrays and bays, hovers in the sky above the lake. Stryder tucks Kyra behind him instinctively as several of the ships bays open and small craft flit out like insects.
Eclipse nods to Luna and hops over the table to stand beside her. Offering her his hand, he glances towards the open garden door.
^Shinta sits and leans against a shattered tree, �Sometimes you need to turn that brain off, monk�.Can�t stay awake forever.�
DracBlue looks over at Tzaphiel and doesn�t say a word. But then he shifts his gaze back to the river, not wanting to intrude upon her personal life.
Wraith takes several long hops down the battlement stairs, landing on the stone road below with a final jump. Dusting his pants off as he watches the blonde man walk towards the castle.
Tzaphiel watches the current of the river in silence.
Luna takes Eclipse�s hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. �I wish we could stay here and never have to travel the distant worlds again.�
Blue and purple eyes survey the city, their gaze seeming to look beyond the buildings and faces passing the man, searching. Sighing, he nods, �All but the two...good. I didn�t want to have to hunt them all down.�
�You know as well as I, that�s unlikely,� Eclipse notices the squeeze and smiles softly. �Perhaps sometime in the future, but not now.�
�Claron?� Tabris raises a brow looking at her, hand reaching over to brush against her cheek lightly. �You�ve gone silent on me again.�
DracBlue looks across the river and folds his wings around him, watching his surroundings.
Luna sighs softly as she leads the way out the door to the garden. �I know, it�s just seems like that future is a long time coming.� Pulling a pair of shades out of a pocket to cover her eyes, she looks around the garden.
Stryder watches the small craft as they spread out, a large formation heading for the nearby village. Velyn dashes over to Stryder and Kyra, gathering their gazes with a motioning of his arm as he passes them, �Come into the forest, it will make it harder for these flying beasts to find us!�
Claron leans her cheek into Tabris� hand. �Sorry...I was silently praying for the well being of Stryder and Kyra, as well as peace of mind for Katie and us.�
�Go, Kyra.�� Stryder looks at her, urging her to follow Velyn. Noticing one of the small ships approaching their position, Stryder shakes his head, �Quickly, Kyra!�
Eclipse blinks as they enter the bright daylight of the garden, �We�ll reach it eventually. Are we looking for someone, Luna?�
Tzaphiel digs her toes into the soft grass and glances at Drac out the corner of her eye. �Who was the man you were trying to teach to fly? And why did he not learn from birth?�
DracBlue sighs, �His name is Valrash, and where he came from, he wasn�t allowed to learn how to fly. Or so he says.�
�First things first I guess,� the blond man says as he approaches the castle gates, peering through the ornate metalwork at the tall glistening white towers. Giving a nod to the blue armored dragon questioning him, he tucks his hands behind him, waiting as the gates open.
Luna turns her gaze to Eclipse and smiles, then runs her paw over his chest. �I think I want to know who Drac is sitting with for starters.� Pointing a finger in the direction I want to go, then reaching into the pocket on the front of his shirt I extract a pair of Ray Bans for Eclipse. �Here, try these on for size. I seem to have a collection of these in my closet from some previous incarnation.�
Cara moves away from Elexorian, promising herself that she will make Stryder pay somehow for what he did to her. �I�ll find a way!�
Wraith continues down the main street, in the wake of the blond figure he noticed heading for the castle. Tilting an ear to the invisible wind, he nods, �Yes, it seems he seeks them.� Wraith frowns as a distracted passerby brushes against him.
�A way for what?� Kabal questions his reflection in a mirror attached to the wall in the castle�s entry hall.
Eclipse raises a brow, �No need for them, really.� Slipping on the sunglasses, he glances around, noticing the darker hue of the world now, �But they won�t get in the way either.�
Tzaphiel thinks on that for a moment, �You would think their wings would have been bread out of the race by now then.�
DracBlue nods. �Well, he does come from Hell. You never know what you could find there.�
Tabris nods, �That�s all right. I�d probably be praying to, if that meant something to me, but for now, I�ll just have faith that they�ll be okay.�
Clarice closes her eyes as memories from her past concerning her father (ones she thought she had long since buried deeply) begin to resurface.
Luna giggles and reaches up to straighten the glasses on Eclipses nose. �They come in very handy in many ways. The sun doesn�t blind you as badly, and anyone looking at you can�t see where your gaze is directed.�
DracBlue continues, �AND the weirdest part is his wing muscles are developed enough to fly, I think he knows how, but chooses not to.�
Eclipse chuckles, �They already couldn�t see that.� He lowers the shades and smirks watching her with his solid sky-blue eyes. �But I�ll give you the sun part at least.�
Tzaphiel turns to look at Drac with her mouth half open in shock. �He is from Hell? And he is allowed to reside here?�
DracBlue nods, �I am not sure of that. It would also account for his abilities.�
�There are other people doing that, Warrior, you needn�t.� A voice sounds near Tewyn, Marglenn, the green armored lizardman looks up at him from a wagon of scrap armor and weapons.
�Yea�well, I�m bored and don�t want to be inside those gates�and if I�m not gonna eat them, might as well bury their ass.�
Tzaphiel shakes her head in confusion, �I�m not sure I want to know any more about him right now. I already have to convince myself that is what a devil looks like.�
Arwyn finally decides she has had enough of seclusion and heads out of her room.
Marglenn raises a scaled brow at Tewyn, �Having a spot of trouble are you?� He questions as he casually strips a demon carcass of a set of ruined shoulder pads and leggings.
Tewyn frowns, �No spot, more like a permanent stain that can never be removed.�
DracBlue nods again, �Anything else you want to know, let me know.�
�Never try to be something your not, lizard man. Leads to nothing but regret,� as Tewyn walks away, leaving the bodies where they lay now.
Watching Kyra and Velyn disappears between the blue-green leafed trees, Stryder pauses at the edge of the forest. Turning, he watches the ship examining the hut from the air, then turns back. Stryder narrows his gaze, �Don�t know who they are, but if they want to stay living, they better not follow us.�
DracBlue pulls out a gem and starts carving the river they are sitting next to.
Marglenn watches Tewyn leave, then mutters something to the pair of soldiers helping him load the wagon.
Luna stares up into Eclipse�s eyes and almost changes her mind about the walk. Clearing her throat as she finally looks away. �The foot bridge is gone, we�ll have to go the long way around to the stepping stones.�
�Lead the way then,� Eclipse slides the shades back over his eyes.
DracBlue carves a river on four sides of the gem, and in the middle, he starts carving a fish.
The blond man looks over at Kabal, an expression of curiosity playing on his face for a moment. �The Warrior�s company has changed since last I knew.� He speaks softly, waiting for Kabal to respond to him.
Kabal turns and gives a studious glance, �And you would be?�
Tzaphiel�s breath catches as she watches him carving the gem. She notices a couple walking into the garden and tenses. As they turn along a path leading thru the trees, she relaxes again. �That�s lovely,� looking down at the carving once more.
DracBlue finishes the carving and offers it to Tzaphiel, �Not near as lovely as some of the things around here.�
The blond man smiles gently, �An old friend...but you can call me Finn. I�ve come across some interesting information everyone may want to hear.��
Kabal raises a brow as best as his facial features allow, �Just what sort of information, Finn?�
Finn watches him, a nod of trust preceding his words, �I believe a certain pair of individuals are missing, I know where to find them.�
Arwyn walks quietly down the stairs, then towards the dining hall.
Tzaphiel takes the gem and turns it over in her hand, �You are too kind.�
DracBlue just smiles.
Taking a side entrance into the castle, Wraith shakes his head, apparently disagreeing with something unheard. Walking quietly down the hallway, he looks ahead, noticing a high light elf making her way to the feast hall. �The princess�.�
Luna leads Eclipse around the garden and across the river, then cuts across the grassy landscape towards Drac and his friend from behind them. Catching the scent of cinnamon on the breeze, she pauses and looks at Eclipse, �Well, I know the source now.�
�You know where Stryder and Kyra are?� Kabal questions, his voice giving away his disbelief. ~Cara...someone�s here saying he knows where Stryder is.~
Finn watches Kabal, giving no sign of his having overheard the message to the man�s sister. Shifting his gaze around the hall, Finn studies the golden tapestries and silver etched columns.
Claron sighs. �It�s just�� looks up at Tabris, ��that...well, I remember what it was like when��
Tzaphiel holds the gem out for Drac, �What do you know about the other one like me?�
�Hmm, interesting smell to come from something living,� Eclipse says in a quiet commentary as he and Luna approach Drac and his mysterious guest.
Luna overhears the girl�s question as they get nearer and calls out, �Why do you want to know?�
DracBlue says, �Not much�just that he is very wise and his name is Syne. I have gone to him for advice in the past and he always seems to have an answer.�
�When?� Tabris wraps an arm around Claron, holding her gently against him.
Tzaphiel jumps up at the sudden voice behind them. �I was just curious,� she stammers out quickly.
Cara�s eyes widen as she hears her brother�s voice in her mind. Without hesitation, she runs quickly out of her room, down the hallway, down the stairs and out of the castle, ~I�m on my way! Where are you?~
DracBlue jumps up and looks in the direction the voice came from.
Luna moves closer to them, �Drac, who is your new friend?�
Syne shifts and relaxes against the store front, watching a variety of townsfolk as they walk past. A pair of children run up to the black dog, petting him with two handed strokes. Wagging his tail, he watches as their parent gathers them up, his gaze shifting to the store window, wondering just what Katie was looking for in there.
DracBlue looks at Luna and says, �Better yet, why were you spying on me?�
Cara realizes she ran right past Kabal, turns quickly and races back towards him.
Luna sniffs the breeze slowly, �I was following my nose. Do you have something to hide? I smell fear.�
Kabal shakes his head, �Little eager there, Cara?� He motions towards Finn, �This guy here, Finn, says he knows where they are.�
�Spying on you? Taking a walk through the gardens and wanting a chat with a friend has becoming spying now,� Eclipse looks at Luna with a small grin.
DracBlue says, �I have nothing to hide. I just found someone to talk with.� He briefly turns his head to Tza, smiling. But when he turns his head back, he has a more serious look on his face. �Is that a crime here?�
Tzaphiel glances at Drac, then her eyes settle on the dark figure behind the cat girl.
DracBlue looks at Eclipse. �No, it�s only spying when you sneak up behind a person.�
�When the psychotic side had it�s hold on you.� Claron leans her head on Tabris� shoulder.
�Sneak up.�� Eclipse frowns at Luna, shaking his head. �So I make little sound when I walk, it�s an inherent trait.�
Luna pushes her shades up onto the top of her head and looks the pair over. �I don�t think it was sneaking. I just don�t enjoy wading thru cold river water to reach the grass knoll.� Smiles over at Eclipse. �You have many inherent traits, darling.�
Cara looks at Kabal, �Of course I am�.� then looks at the man, Finn. �Where are they? Have you seen them? Are they alright?�
�Ahh...I didn�t know you prayed for me then,� Tabris looks down at Claron. �With my state of mind at the time, it�s probably better I didn�t.�
Tzaphiel catches the intimate looks between the pair and relaxes a little. �I didn�t think it was that cold.�
DracBlue looks at Luna skeptically, but takes her word for it and kind of relaxes, �Her name is Tzaphiel Labyrs.�
�In the other realm, no, and last I knew they were, but given the state of things that may not last,� Finn looks at Cara, giving some effort into blocking the thoughts carelessly drifting out of her head.
Cara�s voice sounds clearly in Tabris and Claron�s mind, ~Someone named Finn says he knows where Stryder is.~
�Interesting name,� Eclipse studies Tzaphiel for a moment, then lifts his sun glasses so they rest against the beginning of his dredlock-ish head tentacles. Tzaphiel bows her head, �Eclipse, a pleasure to meet you.�
Luna nods at the girl, �And I�m Luna Faline. Tzaphiel, doesn�t that mean angel of the moon?�
Tzaphiel nods at Eclipse, then looks back at Luna, blushing. �I�m no angel, I just look like one sometimes.�
Claron starts to say something back to Tabris, then hears Cara�s voice, �Oh my god! Finn....he�s here!�
�Told you he�d show up eventually.� Tabris shakes his head, muttering to himself, �Same old Finn.�
�You needn�t announce me, I�m fully capable of doing it myself,� Finn gives a glance to Cara again, curious about the masked telepathic connection in her mind.
Luna studies Tzaphiel, �What does that mean, you look like one sometimes?�
Claron smiles, �Good thing he is�� as she moves quickly towards the door.
Tabris follows after Claron, wondering what news about Stryder Finn has for them.
Cara stares at Finn, realizing that he is a telepath also. �Oh.��
Tzaphiel shrugs, �It�s easier to show you than explain. I hope I don�t shock you too much.� She turns around slowly as she transforms into the winged shape before them. Looking over her shoulder, she sees Luna nodding at her but not looking surprised.
�You should keep better hold of your thoughts, Cara,� Finn looks into her eyes, his purple iris flashing for a moment. ~Anyone with some skill could pluck them right out of your head.~
�Changeling, and they�re beginning to be less rare than I thought,� Eclipse comments to Luna, watching Tzaphiel transform.
Luna looks back at Eclipse, �That explains my nose being confused last night. They seem to smell alike, but she smells nicer in a feminine sort of way.�
�Smells nicer? I don�t recall Syne smelling like much of anything,� Eclipse raises a brow, but does notice the cinnamon scent in the air.
Luna chuckles at Eclipse, �Everyone has their own unique scent, even you, dear.�
Cara nervously looks at Kabal, then back at Finn. The look on her face clearly showing that she realizes Finn is more advanced telepathically then herself. �I shall considered myself warned,� as she tries to silence her own thoughts.
Having lost it�s potential prisoners to the heavy tree-laden forest, the ship lands. Circular hatch spiraling open to allow nearly a dozen dark grey armored aliens out. A pair of lighter armored aliens take the front, and lead their squad into the forest following the trails of the 2 terrans and the native.
Finn nods with some approval at Cara, glancing over at Kabal. �You�re twins, aren�t you? I noticed a strong link between you two.�
Kabal returns Cara�s previous glance before eyeing Finn with a nod, �Yes, we are.�
Tzaphiel returns to her human shape and her hair is no longer rose colored. �Most people seem shocked, even afraid of me when they see me change.�
DracBlue turns to Tza, �I wasn�t.�
Claron�s heart begins to race as she spots Finn standing with Cara and Kabal in the grand hall. Glancing quickly over her shoulder at Tabris, �I see him!�
Tabris nods as he looks ahead, noticing the familiar blond man next to Cara and Kabal.
�Right on time, and in a mad dash as expected,� Finn smiles commenting to Claron as he sees her approach.
Luna smiles, �We�re used to it. Well, anyway, we can�t have you sleeping out here in the gardens now, can we?� glancing at Drac. �There are plenty of empty rooms in the castle, I�m sure you would be more comfortable with a soft bed and a warm bath. Drac can help you with that.�
�Finn!� Claron calls out as she moves quickly towards him, her arms stretch out in front of her for the embrace Finn knows he will surely receive.
�Wonder what I smell like,� Eclipse mutters to himself, then looks up to listen to Luna.
Tabris walks calmly up to the gathered group, giving a nod to Cara and Kabal as he watches Claron hug Finn.
Finn hugs Claron softly, �It�s been a while, old friend. I trust you got the girl�s message.� He motions towards Cara with a tilt of his head.
Luna�s ears twitch and she bats at Eclipse playfully with her tail. �We have to get back to work now. You two enjoy the day.�
Tzaphiel smiles at Drac, �I know you weren�t.� Nods at Luna, �That would be nice, thank you.�
Claron stands back, �It most certainly has been, my dear Finn. Wouldn�t be here if I hadn�t,� she smiles.
�Good day,� Eclipse nods his head to Drac and Tzaphiel, then turns to continue on with Luna to their next destination.
Arwyn pushes the plate of food in front of her away. �No sense just sitting here. Might as well enjoy some fresh air,� as she stands up and moves out of the dining hall.
DracBlue nods to Luna and Eclipse, then says to Tza, �Well then, shall I show you to a room?�
�The others may want to know about Stryder and Kyra as well,� Finn looks at Claron and Tabris. �In fact, if you�re going to look for them, you�ll need everybody. Even some unexpected company.�
Wraith tilts his head again, listening to the invisible winds around him, �So, the invitation has been given�.�
Arwyn notices several of the Warriors ahead of her, and nods her head as she nears them.
Luna follows Eclipse away from the younger couple. �She�s cute, this may be just what he needs to calm his erratic behavior.� Moves up to his side, �Let�s go find Selenia now. I have a feeling there is some news in the air.�
Tzaphiel realizes she�s still holding the river carving as she looks at Drac. �Sure, lead the way.�
�Isn�t there always?� Eclipse says to Luna, taking her paw in his hand again.
DracBlue leads Tza to the castle garden entrance, his wings fluttering every so often.
Claron looks at Tabris, then back at Finn, �I haven�t any idea where the others are.�
Luna purrumbles, �Yes, and by the way, you smell like cocoa.� Reaching the entrance to the throne room, �I suppose we can�t put this off any longer, can we?�
�Cocoa, eh?� Eclipse raises a brow, then shakes his head smiling, �Suppose not.�
Tabris notices Arwyn and nods, �Going somewhere, Arwyn?�
DracBlue flies up to his room, motioning Tza to follow.
�They�re around...I just didn�t want to intrude on their activities,� Finn looks at Claron giving an understanding nod, his expression telling her he probably knew exact locations for everyone.
Luna grins at Eclipse as she leans up for a quick kiss. �Cocoa is your base scent, you have a slightly different mix when you change bodies.�
�Thought I would get a breath of fresh air,� Arwyn�s gaze shifts from Tabris to the blonde haired man.
Tzaphiel sprouts her wings and follows Drac into the air, looking at all the windows, �Which one is yours?�
�Well that isn�t going to happen again, I don�t think,� Eclipse smiles at the kiss, then looks ahead.
Finn bows his head to Arwyn in greetings, his eyes studying her momentarily as he does.
DracBlue points to the window he is flying towards, �That one. I left the balcony open for easy access. So much easier than walking through the front doors, going upstairs and then wandering till you find it.�
Luna lays a paw on the door and gives it a soft push as the massive door opens easily. She steps in and glances around.
Wraith looks down the hallway through the archway leading into the entryway - he�d always found it too ostentatious - and to the group gathering there. �The partying is starting,� he whispers to the air around him.
One of the Selenia�s bodyguards lounges idly on the floor in front of the throne. Turning it�s head, it glances at Luna and Eclipse sideways, then growls greetings.
Shadow walks out of the dining room and notices the group gathering. With a nod, he joins to see what the fuss is all about.
Claron smiles back at Finn, �I have no doubt that Katie wouldn�t have minded the intrusion and would want to hear the news. She has been quite worried as well.�
Luna purrs a response to the guard, �Where is Misstress?�
DracBlue lands on the balcony to his room and walks through it, opening the door to the room.
Rolling over, the large white tiger glances towards the white veils that hide the entrance into Selenia�s private quarters. Looking back at Luna, he purrs, then stretches massive front paws on the tile floor.
Tzaphiel lands softly on the balcony and follows him into his room. �Wow, this is your room?�
�She seems to be distracting herself in shopping,� Finn says after giving a moments pause to glance at nothing in particular.
DracBlue smiles, �They�re all the same, I think. But, yes, this is my room.� He nods after he opens the door to the hallway and walks through it and waits for Tza.
Stryder stumbles over a log, his tumble to the forest floor causing him to lose sight of Kyra and Velyn as they continue ahead. Grumbling, he pushes himself off the ground, noticing the grunting sounds behind him growing closer.
Luna bows her head to the tiger briefly, then walks towards Selenia�s rooms. Pausing at the entrance, she calls out softly, �Misstress?�
The lighter armored alien scout notices the terran ahead and motions to those behind him. A rough growl follows as he draws his curved gun and fires, the laser bolt boring a baseball sized hole into a tree near Stryder.
Tzaphiel walks closely behind Drac. �What are you going to do with me?� she whispers softly in his ear.
Claron nods her head, �Really? I�m glad to hear that. I have been worried that she was going to lock herself away in her room again.� Glances over at Tabris.
Stryder curses, that shot was closer than he�d liked. Narrowing his gaze, he reached down and grabbed a rock. Turning and tossing it quickly, he waved his hand at it, causing it explode a few feet from the alien scout. Using the distraction, Stryder turns and continues after Kyra.
DracBlue thinks of things he could do to Tza, but stops shortly after he starts. �For now, I am finding you a room,� trying not to think more of what she meant. He stops a little ways down the hall and opens the door. �As far as I am aware�this room is empty.�
Tzaphiel giggles, �That is what I meant.�
A large white tiger head peers through the carved archway to look at Luna. Giving a purr, the tiger turns and pads back into the large sitting room, the first room in Selenia�s private section of the castle.
Tabris gives a nod to Claron, �Good to hear she�s enjoying herself.�
Tzaphiel enters the room and looks around. �I don�t think I�ve ever seen anything quite like this before.� She runs a hand across the soft bed linens, then turns to face Drac. �Thank you.�
�Well, I suppose there�s enough to explain most it,� Finn nods, glancing around the gathered group. His gaze changing to Wraith as the silent silver-haired young man approaches the edge of group.
Arwyn nods her head back at Finn and doesn�t miss the fact that he was studying her.
Luna follows the tiger into the sitting room quietly.
DracBlue smiles. �You�re quite welcome.�
�Stryder and Kyra appear to have been teleported to a developing planet, Crimea, in the outer rim of the Milky Way.� Finn pauses to take a breath, �Unfortunately, it is near the borders of the Bane Empire. And because of it�s lack of technology, a likely target for conquering.�
Stryder ducks behind a tree, noticing Kyra and Velyn ahead again, as another laser bolt hits a nearby tree. This time crackling an electrical jolt across it�s bark, instead of burning it.
Syne sighs, and lies down on the payment. It was warmer than he thought, but that still didn�t answer just what was so fascinating in the store. �I�ll never understand women and shopping. Must be instinctual.�
Velyn glances back, noticing Kyra behind him and Stryder further back. �We must find somewhere to hide, this forest does not go on forever.�� He says as climbs over a long-since-fallen nurse log.
Kyra nods, her face tight with worry. She scans the surroundings, looking for a likely place to hole up.
Through the numerous thick trunked trees, Kyra can see fallen logs and some saplings. Underbrush continues on ahead till it�s out of sight and the forest appears to go uphill in the east.
Tzaphiel moves towards another door in the room and opens it, finding a bathroom. She backs away and smiles, �I don�t have to share?�
�Not at all.� DracBlue smiles back from the doorway to Tza�s room.
Katie glances at the increasing pile of purchases and grimaces, thinking it�s going to take a wagon to carry it all back to the castle.
Teleporting ahead over several climbing spots, Stryder appears next to Kyra. �Not sure what they�re shooting at us, but I don�t think we wanna get hit by it.�
Kyra looks up at him, trying to appear more brave than she feels. �I think you�re right.�
Clarice mumbles to herself, �This is ridiculous, Penance. Your father can�t hurt you anymore. And it�s your own damn fault for allowing hurt from Tewyn, too. Pull yourself together. Don�t isolate yourself!� She forces herself up from the chair and heads out of the room. �Besides, maybe getting some food into your stomach might help.�
Katie sighs. �For fuck�s sake, McKinnon. When the hell did you turn into a mallrat?�
Tzaphiel tilts her head as her hair turns purple, �Why are you standing over there?� she asks Drac curiously.
DracBlue laughs, �It is your room. I have to be invited in.�
Claron groans, �It�s bad enough Stryder is suffering from the Duvallis curse, and that I fear what he will do to Kyra.�Now you are telling me they are somewhere that�s likely to be conquered!�
Eclipse follows Luna into the sitting room and glances around, �I�ve never been back here before.�
The tiger makes a soft growl outside of a nearby doorway in the sitting room. The door opens and Selenia strides out, glancing up from spell - weaving a scroll with her free hand. �Luna, Eclipse. What brings you here this fine day?�
Tzaphiel walks slowly towards the door. �Are you a vampire or something?� Stands in front of him and holds out her hand.
�Very likely.�� Finn nods to Claron, looking at Tabris and Tab�s sighing expression, �So for the quickest possible rescue, I suggest leaving soon. It will take a good deal of power to do this, so transporting everyone at once is best.�
Katie gathers up a few of her purchases, arranging to have the rest delivered, and exits the store with an apologetic look at her friend. �My bad. It�s just that I found so much that I wanted to get.� She gives him a weak grin.
Velyn zig-zags between several trees before disappearing behind a large fallen tree stump. With massive roots reaching randomly into the sky, the stump appears to have been an old tree before it fell and was subsequently cut by axes.
Luna bows to Selenia for a moment. �Misstress, I felt I had put off seeking your instructions for my next assignment long enough.� Stands up and steps closer to Selenia and purrs softly, �Are we to stay here for a while longer?�
Syne chuckles, �I say, it�s been a couple hours. By now I�d think you�d bought the entire block.� Taking a few steps forward, he transforms back into human form.
DracBlue shakes his head, �No, I�m not a vampire. I just have some manners,� as he takes Tza�s hand.
Katie juggles her items with another apologetic smile. �Thank you for your patience. Ready to go back?�
Tzaphiel�s fingers close over his hand and she tugs him forward, �Then you can come in, I don�t bite,� she giggles, �at least not too hard.�
Selenia gently touches Luna�s cheek, �If you so desire, but there is a visitor here. I believe he is in the entry hall right now, talking with the others about Stryder and Kyra.�
DracBlue walks forward as she tugs on him, �But I like hard bites.�
Cara remains quiet, her face expressionless as well. Her mental guard slips for a moment, allowing the fear of Stryder being harmed by someone other than herself to slide through.
Luna rubs her cheek against Selenia�s palm lovingly. �Do you want me to bring them to you?�
Stryder looks at Kyra, �Should probably follow him,� he says motioning towards the large stump Velyn disappeared behind.
Tzaphiel just smiles. �Maybe we�ll try that some day.�
Kyra nods and goes after Velyn.
�Sure.� Syne says glancing at Katie�s array of items, �Need some help with those?�
�Yes, please.� Katie looks gratefully at him and passes some of the parcels.
DracBlue blushes, �Maybe.�
Watching Kyra go, Stryder turns, hand drifting to the hilt of his dirk. Scanning the tree-line, he notes the approaching aliens, a wild look playing into his eyes, �Closer...I dare you.�
Syne takes them with care, �Nothing fragile I hope...not sure what it is, but breakables tend to find the quickest way to the ground after I touch them.� He chuckles lightly, he wouldn�t normally call himself klutzy, but his past history with vases and glassware spoke for itself.
Katie shakes her head. �Nope. The breakables are going to be delivered in a little bit.�
Tzaphiel sits on the foot of the bed and looks up at Drac, �So what do you all do around here, when your not throwing a big party?�
As Kyra rounds the tree stump, Velyn motions at her from a large hollow carved into the root-end of the stump.
Kyra looks suitably impressed. �This should work nicely,� she whispers.
�That is not necessary,� Selenia regards Eclipse with a glance, �I believe you should join them in locating the children.�
DracBlue looks over at Tza, �My job is to protect one of the Warriors. Her name is Cara, and we usually fight the good fight.�
Tzaphiel�s brow creases, �Warriors? And you have to protect a warrior? That doesn�t really make much sense you know.�
�Phew...good,� Syne sighs with some relief. �Saw some interesting people while I was waiting. Some blonde guy with two different eye colors stood out the most, though.�
�Finn!?!� Katie�s eyes light up. �I�d wondered where he�d been.�
DracBlue sighs. �I don�t know what they�re called, but everyone calls them the Warriors. I just follow and protect one. That usually means I have to fight to do so.�
�You know him?� Syne shoots Katie a questioning glance, �He was headed for the castle, far as I could tell.�
Clarice notices Claron, Tabris, Cara, Kabal and Arwyn all together with a blonde haired man. �Wonder what that�s all about? He looks awfully famili... Finnikins! Is that really you?�
Luna looks over at Eclipse, then whispurrs to Selenia, �I�m sure you know what has happened to Eclipse. I�m worried about his safety now.�
Katie nods thoughtfully. �Yeah, I know him a bit. If he�s here, usually there�s something major happening.� She picks up her pace. �Better find out what it is. Could be that �saving the world� thing cropping up, again. That should put a spring in your step.� Tosses a grin over her shoulder at him.
Climbing on top of a log, Stryder looks at the aliens, a wild look playing in his eyes. He teleports with a slash of his blade, then teleports again, before his first target noticed it�s neck draining black blood all over a nearby fern.
Tzaphiel sighs and pats the bed next to her. �Why would a warrior need protection? I mean, aren�t warriors great fighters?�
With a gurgle the first alien falls, it�s gun firing off two shots into the air. The rest of the squad turns towards the noise, the closest to the fallen scout, catching a momentary glimpse of Stryder before the dirk was buried into it�s scanner-covered eye. Crouching down, Stryder tosses another exploding stone, sending another alien back a few feet from the blast.
DracBlue sits down next to Tza. �It� more complicated than that. She saved my soul, and now I�m indebted to her. So I protect her, until she releases me, or she dies.� He then adds, �Or until I die.�
Velyn perks his ears at the two shots, followed by several more.
Kyra whimpers, her imagination working overtime. ~Be careful, dammit!~
Selenia nods to Luna, �Yes, but you needn�t worry. He is strong.�
Eclipse adds in as he glances between Luna and Selenia, �I�ll be all right, don�t worry. Together, we�ll always be safe.�
Tzaphiel falls silent for a moment, thinking. �That sounds a bit old fashioned.�
DracBlue nods and falls silent for a minute. �But her race doesn�t live near as long as ours�so I�ll be fine.�
~Busy...death dealing is quite involving.~ Stryder whispers with a hint of enjoyment. Ducking out of the way of an armored fist, he sinks his dirk into an exposed chest area on his newest target. As the blade withdraws, it brings forth a spray of black. Teleporting away, he appears closer to the large stump, glancing over his shoulder.
Kyra shudders. �Barbarian.� But she smiles and says a silent prayer.
Luna blushes as Eclipse hears her speak her fear. �I know he�s strong. But he�s mortal now, and it frightens me that I could lose him.� She looks away from Eclipse so he can�t see her trying not to cry.
Finn glances over his shoulder, then looks at Claron, �Looks like she�s done shopping. She�s got someone hard to read with her as well.�
Finn smiles at Clarice, �Yes, it�s really me...as much of me as is real.�
Valrash decides to take a break from lifting stones onto carts and walks back to the castle for lunch.
Tzaphiel shakes her head, �Death is faster than release?�
DracBlue frowns, �I�m not sure she would release me. I think she still wants or needs my help, in some way.�
Clarice makes her way through the gathered Warriors and hugs Finn, �It is good to see you.� She quickly pulls away as her cheeks on her face start to feel warm.
Selenia comforts Luna gently, �You needn�t be frightened, Luna. As long as you believe in each other, and trust in that strength, you will not lose him.�
�That it is...but unfortunately, good news didn�t bring me, Clarice.� Finn looks around, �The group seems larger than it was the last time.�
Valrash notices the group gathering and stops to find out what is going on.
Syne looks at Katie, then ahead at the castle, �Almost back.�
Tzaphiel looks around the room as she asks, �If your supposed to be watching her�then why aren�t you? Not that I mind your company.�
Katie begins to feel cold. �Yeah,� she says, feeling suddenly glum.
DracBlue sighs, �Not much to guard in a safe castle.�
�What did bring you, Finn?� Clarice nods her head, �Yes, the group has grown larger since you were last with us.�
Tabris looks over at Clarice, �He told us that Stryder and Kyra are on some backwater planet, which is prime real-estate for the planet-conquering neighbors.�
DracBlue smirks, �Until we go somewhere�I have nothing on my hands but time.�
Luna takes a deep breath, �I believe in him, and I know he�s stronger than me. I don�t trust myself.�
�Well I trust you,� Eclipse takes a few steps towards Luna and places his hand on her shoulder.
Tzaphiel stands and moves to the window. �It doesn�t look that safe to me. It looks quite destroyed.�
Kyra wiggles to a sitting position in the hollowed-out log and listens intently to the sounds of slaughter, hoping he is safe.
DracBlue looks over to Tza, �Because we just fought a war here. But it�s safe here now.�
Stryder rounds the stump to look in at Velyn and Kyra, some black stains splotted on his clothing. �You guys oka�.� His sentence is interrupted as a stun bolt hits his shoulder, slumping him to ground with an electrical jolt.
�Stryderrrrrrrrrrr!� Kyra dives toward him.
Clarice turns to look at Tabris, �And why aren�t the others here? Shouldn�t all the Warriors be here? If Finn knows where they are, and they are in danger, we are wasting valuable time. Are we not?�
Cara watches Clarice, �Va isn�t with you? Why not?�
Katie walks up the steps of the castle, each step bringing an increase to the cold inside her.
Kyra is hit in the back by a stun bolt, causing her to land on Stryder. Half a dozen aliens stroll into view, pointing their weapons on the two terrans and native. The lead lowers his stun gun and grunts something unintelligible into a com unit.
Luna lays a paw on top of Eclipse�s hand, but can�t seem to speak over the sudden lump in her throat. She draws another shaky breath and clears her throat. �I love you, and it would just about kill me if I lost you.�
�You won�t lose me, Luna,� Eclipse reassures her with a kiss to her paw.
Claron notices the package ridden Katie enter, �Finn knows where the kids are!�
Katie�s purchases tumble from her arms. �You do!?� She looks to Finn.
Finn nods, �Yes. And the sooner we can get everyone here, the sooner we can rescue them.� Closing his eyes, he concentrates on the mental air, recalling everyone in his mind, ~Warriors, assemble in the castle. We�re mounting a rescue for Stryder and Kyra.~
^Shinta doesn�t move from the tree. �Oh, blow it out your ass.�
Luna wraps her arm around Eclipse�s waist and holds him close. Looking back at Selenia, attempting to regain her composure by changing the subject. �We have a new guest in the castle. Our Lightling has a friend. Is she a chosen one? And do you know anything about her?�
�Ha, beckoned like the dog you are drow,� grumbles Tewyn.
Kabal reaches down and grabs the packages Katie lost, �Seems you bought more than you can carry.�
Katie looks over at the packages, then back to Finn. �We have to rescue the bairns with all possible haste.�
Selenia shakes her head, �Very little. She is also recently arrived in Aventine, but I believe she has good intentions.�
Tzaphiel turns and leans against the wall. �How often does that happen?�
Cara watches Finn and hears the call he puts out to the other Warriors.
�I can get you as close as I can to their location. The rest will go from there, but I may not be able to join you. Transporting all of you will take considerable power.� Finn glances to Katie and the others, with a long sigh.
DracBlue sighs, �From what I heard Eclipse say, a very, very long time.�
Three aliens each take hold of one of their prisoners. A dull orange light signaling the transporter system taking them aboard a larger ship. A half-asleep Stryder and Kyra are dragged into a nearby cell, with Velyn being forced in at gun point. One of the aliens chortles, a dull orange glow sealing the cell with a force shield.
Tzaphiel pushes away from the wall and walks back towards the bed, �That�s good to know. Can you show me around the rest of the castle? I�m curious about the place I�ve been staring at from out there.�
Claron shakes her head, �You have to go with us, Finn.� Panic can be heard in her voice.
Eclipse turns his head, �Luna, did you hear that?�
DracBlue gets up. �Sure,� and heads for the door.
Luna smiles, �Purrhaps we should include her in our rescue mission and see how she does then?" Ears twitch at Eclipse "Hmm? I would almost think that was Finn in my head.�
Velyn crouches next to Stryder and Kyra and examines them for injuries, he speaks softly, �Stryder? Kyra?�
�I believe it was,� Eclipse nods giving a curious look. �Why not, another shape-shifter couldn�t hurt.�
Kyra moans and tries to roll to her side.
Katie looks around at the Warriors, and counts the missing with dread.
Kyra is able to roll to her side, barely, her body feeling numb as if all her limbs were asleep. Stryder groans and stares blankly at the ceiling.
Kyra�s arm reaches out blindly, weakly. �Stry�� she slurs.
Luna nods at Eclipse, �I have a feeling there is more to her than that.� Releases Eclipse and wraps her arms around Selenia and purrs, �I�ll be back,� before stepping back from her.
The numbing starts to wear off slowly for Kyra and Stryder. Velyn stands and reaches out towards the force shield, drawing his paw back after it shocks him, �What magic is this?�
Tzaphiel follows Drac thru the castle with her mouth open in awe.
Selenia nods, �I know you will,� her glances shifts between the two of them, �Good luck, my children.�
DracBlue points some things out giving what little description he can until he comes down the stairs and sees the group.
Clarice�s eyes make contact with Katie, a confused doubting look.
DracBlue stops. �That�s the group I am with. I wonder why their gathering.�
Katie gives Clarice the barest of nods, her own eyes bewildered.
Luna bows, then takes Eclipse�s hand as she turns to leave. �Let�s go find the gang then.�
�So, we know where they are and are going to go save them,� Syne says, recalling the apparent objectives. �And we�re getting there how, exactly? I�m not exactly up to date on inter-dimensional travel.�
Tzaphiel sees Syne and ducks behind Drac, �He�s in your group?� She whispers.
DracBlue turns and looks at Tza, �Yes, he is. Is that a problem?�
Tzaphiel shivers slightly, �I hope not.�
Finn smirks and shakes his head, �Far too complicated to explain, but it works.� He glances around at the group, not quite expecting so many people. �I hope��
Katie grabs Clarice�s hand and gives it a comforting squeeze.
As Luna and Eclipse leave Selenia�s quarters, the lounging white tiger purrrowls at them, motioning lazily towards the entry hall at the far end of the throne room.
Clarice gently squeezes Katie�s hand back.
Kyra sits up and looks over at Stryder. Crawling toward him, she looks him over for injuries.
Stryder blinks, his eyes focusing on Kyra, �Kyra...oh...someone got the registry of the spaceship that plowed me over?� He reaches a hand to his forehead.
Luna leads Eclipse back thru the throne room, past the lazy tiger, and out into the entry hall. �Well, look who�s here.� Moving over to Finn, �It�s good to see you again.� She looks around at the group, �If we�re going to get the kids I think you might want to gather your weapons before we go.�
Kyra runs the backs of her fingers over his cheek. �Yeah. It said 1-800-FUCKWADS.�
Cara whispers to Kabal, �I can�t believe Va hasn�t shown up, yet.�
Katie nods and darts for her room.
Finn nods to Luna, �And you as well. Yes, I agree. If you have any armaments that you wish to bring, now is your chance. I will begin channeling my power for the transport.� Finn takes several paces from the group, settling into a meditative position in the middle of the entry hall.
DracBlue says to Tza, �I think we�re leaving. I should go talk to Luna.�
Wraith, continuing to be silent, takes several steps towards Finn. Silent eyes watching the group while the invisible winds stir in a silent dance around his shoulders.
Luna watches Katie run up the stairs and her eyes land on Drac and Tzaphiel. She motions them to join the group.
Cara nods and dashes away to her room to get Elexorian.
Once in her room, Katie pulls on her holsters, checks her pistols, straps on Kyra�s sword, and pulls on her thigh-high boots. She checks herself in the mirror, nods in satisfaction, stuffs her belongings in her pack, shoulders it, and heads back downstairs.
Clarice takes off after Cara.
Tzaphiel sees Luna motioning to them, �I think she wants us both,� as she follows Drac down the stairs.
Kabal crosses his arms, fingers idly tracing along his sand-brown skin. �Quite the small army we�ve got going on.�
DracBlue stops at Luna, �Yes? Are we leaving?�
Syne notices Tzaphiel following behind Drac, �Tza, long time no see you,� He whispers softly to himself.
Cara takes the stairs two at a time, then runs down the hallway to her room. She quickly gathers her belongings, then reaches for Elexorian on her way back out of the room.
~Hey! Where�s the fire, chief?~ Elexorian says, it�s child-like voice roused as if from napping.
Luna nods to Drac, �Yes, our friend Finn knows their location. And is going to send us to them.� Glances at Tzaphiel, �I want you to join our group. I sense a purpose in your being here.�
Clarice passes Katie in the hallway, dashes into Katie�s room and grabs her bag, then heads back down to the others.
Cara laughs, ~No fire, we are going after Stryder and Kyra...finally!~
Velyn looks back at Stryder and Kyra, giving a reassuring growl at their being all right, �What sort of magical place have these creatures put us in? The magical light and this wall��
Tzaphiel appears stunned as she looks from Luna to Drac, her eyes drifting to Syne. She almost chokes on her response to Luna. �I guess I can. Sure.�
DracBlue whispers to Tza, �Well, I guess we will see a lot of each other.�
Claron smiles as Tabris volunteers to go back to their room to gather their belongings.
Tzaphiel quickly pulls her gaze back to Drac. �Seems so.�
Trudging up the stairs, Tabris opens the door to their bedroom and looks around, �Get the stuff she says...guess the necessities will do. She doesn�t need twenty pounds of clothing to rescue someone.�
Luna looks around making note who has joined the group, �Eclipse, we are missing two warriors. I hope that doesn�t hinder our mission.�
Tabris shrugs. Creating a soft-obsidian duffel, he starts shoving clothing in it. Sealing it, he tosses Claron�s dagger belt over his shoulder and looks around. �Okay...looks to be everything. Next time, she gets to be the porter.� Tabris says to the room as he leaves and heads for the staircase.
Cara returns back to the group, notices Drac whispering to some girl, �Hm, so this is what you needed to take care of, Drac?� asks indignantly.
Stryder leans up. Blinking, he looks at the force shield and around the cell. �Looks like a holding cell��
DracBlue pulls the figurines out of his bag. �Yep, I finished my business and I found a new friend, is that a bad thing?�
Cara shrugs her shoulder, �That remains to be seen.�
As Finn opens his eyes, he begins to become a translucent blue. He glances around, the faint coloring of his eyes barely visible. �Is everyone prepared?�
Tabris slings the duffel over his back after handing Claron her dagger belt.
DracBlue puts the statues back in his bag and stands there.
Valrash nods.
Katie looks around with a worried frown, and reluctantly nods.
Shadow stands there. �This will be fun.�
Luna nods to Finn, �I believe all that are going are ready. Those that are not here will not be going.�
Cara reaches for Kabal�s hand.
Luna�s gaze lands on Clarice sadly shaking her head.
�Very well...please form a circle around me.� Finn says calmly, looking around at everyone.
Katie stares at her hands, then slowly shuffles into place, still looking around sadly, now and then.
Clarice positions herself across from Finn in the circle.
Valrash walks to his place.
Luna moves into the circle with Eclipse.
Cara and Kabal take their places.
Shadow stands next to Valrash.
Tzaphiel stands next to Drac and watches the others forming up.
DracBlue gets to his place next to Cara and smiles at no one in particular at the new experience.
Claron and Tabris follow suit.
Arwyn stands next to Clarice. �You should have known your drow would not show. The only good drow is a dead drow, you know.�
DracBlue nods at Arwyn�s comment, agreeing.
Arwyn smirks, then continues, �You can�t trust them to keep their word.�
Syne looks around at the circle, �If we all hold hands and start singing, I may just stay behind,� he chuckles sarcastically.
Katie�s eyes are moist as she turns to look at Clarice, giving her an understanding glance full of meaning.
Luna takes Eclipse�s hand as she listens to the sentiments being expressed in the circle. �I thought fatherhood would be a good thing for him. But I suppose I was wrong,� she whispurrs to Eclipse.
Clarice glares coldly at Arwyn, �Watch it, Lightwalker...you�re treading on thin ice.�
Tabris holds Claron�s hand gently, �We�ll find him, hun...we�ll find him.�
Arwyn�s smile increases, �How well I know.�
�Maybe.�� Eclipse replies, looking around at everyone in the circle, never truly realizing how many of them there really were, yet noticing the absences as well.
Claron gently squeezes Tabris� hand, �I believe we will.��
Tzaphiel stares across the circle at Syne wondering what is going thru his mind now that she has joined the group.
Syne notices Tza�s gaze on him. What was she looking at? When he had a free chance he�d talk to her, catch up on old times, not to mention ask her if she enjoyed spending his half of the heist money from that Shadow Vault.
Finn�s form expands into a transparent blue energy sphere that surrounds everyone. A soft warmth plays across skin, fur, hide and biomass as the world lazily drifts away like a fading dream. After a momentary blaze of white, the first thing to appear is a blue sky.
Gray storm clouds drift quietly over the distant grasslands. A rolling green hill with waist-high grass surrounds you, and ahead on a flat plain rests a red and black spaceship. As the hull design seems to crawl along the ship on it�s own, you notice a smaller red and black ship next to it.
A black haired man in a worn golden pilot suit and an orange-red haired woman in black are talking to each other as they examine some hull damage on the smaller ship. The larger ship lets out a deep pitched whale-like call, apparently having noticed your arrival.
Elsewhere: A heavy machine-laden thrum of engines sounds in the prison cell. A burly guard in dark-grey armor approaches the force-shield. Watching Stryder, Kyra and Velyn like plundered treasure, he chortles, �You�ll make good slaves...the girl will have other uses,� the alien gives a disgusting slobber-accompanied laugh. �Consider yourselves property of the Bane Empire.� He chuckles as he disappears down a hall.