Previously on Warriors of Destiny: Arriving in the Acheron system, the Ettik and its offspring began fighting their way through Acheron�s defense forces. Destroying or crippling the Bane defensive fleet, the Ettik was able to get close enough to transport its crew to the surface.
Once there, the group was engaged by a group of prison troopers. Defeating them in the ensuing firefight, they set out to find Stryder and Kyra. Elsewhere in the massive desert prison, Stryder was rescued from his cell by a large were-lion named Skirmir. Hearing word of the breakout, prisoners all over the complex began to rebel.
Meanwhile, back in Aventine Tewyn and Shinta were called before Selenia in order to be transported to the mortal realm to aid the others on Acheron. Though teleported to the outside of the prison, they were able to make their way inside, eventually running across Stryder and Skirmir.
The two groups of Warriors then began to slowly make their own ways to the main prison yard, where word of prisoner riot reached Kyra, Velyn and Skorn. As Bane soldiers began a firefight against the prisoners, the Warriors were able to intercede in the battle, reducing the number of prisoner causalities.
While a lone Kabal secured a cargo transport for the escaping prisoners, the others were able to meet up with the lost Stryder and Kyra, in a tearful reunion. The crew was then transported up to the Ettik and the two ships proceeded to hyper jump away. Their current destination is Port Aegis.
*Time passed: one day*
Alexei comes over the ship-wide com, �Approaching jump-gate, prepare for hyperspace exit. Port Aegis is only a few minutes away.� The com goes back to silence as Ettik�s jump-engines hum softly as the gate activates.
The rainbow bursting color of a hyper-gate tears open subspace ahead of the Ettik. Riding their inertia into normal space and firing retro-thrusters to slow. A bluish nebula rests in the space outside the viewports, colorful clouds sparkling with the stars shining through. Ahead is a space station with the appearance of a long metal cigar.
DracBlue wakes up screaming incoherent words.
Shadow sits in the galley drinking ale.
Valrash tosses and turns in his bed, unable to wake up.
Kyra lays on her bed, gazing out the window sadly.
Sitting on the edge of his bed, Kabal finishes burning a hole in the ceiling with his gaze and switches to the view outside as the ship exits hyperspace.
Cara sits cross-legged on her bed, wondering why Clarice never said a word to her Va after they were teleported back to the ship. �I just don�t understand�� she mutters.
Luna snuggles back into Eclipse, yawning quietly. �Already? It never seems long enough when I�m in your arms.�
Arms crossed, the bulky were-lion Skirmir watches the ship exit hyperspace, fascinated by the view. But a faint look of sorrow plays in his eyes.
Katie puts on her sundress and a pair of footless tights, brushes her hair, leaving tendrils curling around her here and there, then wanders out into the hall, exploring the changes to the ship.
�So it seems,� Eclipse yawns, still getting used to being tired. �Don�t suppose we�ll have to leave the ship if we don�t want to, unless it�s important.�
DracBlue gets up and heads to the shower to wash off the cold sweat he woke up in.
Tzaphiel brushes the dust off some leaves, having found the botanical bay as she wandered thru the ship.
Clarice sits in the galley drinking cappuccino and nibbling a croissant.
Luna purrs, �I�ll be happy to stay here with you as long as we can.�
Ettik�s corridors haven�t changed much, save the addition of names to quarters and the expansion of the medical and botanical bays. Bronze internal illumination still brightens the hallways, the occasional crab-bot skittering along the floor or ceiling dealing with routine maintenance.
A light-blue crab-bot, appearing designed for the botanical bay �blinks� at Tzaphiel as it passes her on its way to water a medium sized flowering tree.
DracBlue turns off the shower, leaning his hands against the sides of the shower letting himself drip dry.
Arwyn quietly leaves her quarters, deciding it is time she familiarized herself with the new surroundings.
Tzaphiel sniffs the multi-hued blooms on a vine climbing up the wall. She smiles at the little blue bot as it passes her. She chuckles as she playfully changes her hair and eyes to match the different flowers she sees.
Stryder, his face a mixture of worry and content, paces back and forth in front of his bed as he mutters incoherently under his breath, his mind aflutter with thoughts.
Katie hums softly to herself, her bare feet padding silently. She enters a cargo bay and climbs up on some boxes, scrabbling to the top of a tall pile, settling in and stretching out her legs. She looks at her toes and wonders if she should get a pedicure.
�Something I can do for you?� Katie hears after she settles on the cargo boxes. Syne turns from the makeshift punching bag and looks up at her.
Startled, Katie peers down. �Oh. Sorry. Didn�t mean to intrude. I was just communing with the crazy voices.� She points to her head with a wry smile.
Tabris blinks looking at himself in the mirror, �So, babe�what do you think I�d look like with a beard?� He looks at Claron�s reflection in the mirror as he poses the question.
Valrash wakes up slowly, his eyes not focusing on anything at all. He turns in the bed, unsure of what is going on.
�It�s a free ship...crazy voices, eh?� Syne turns and swings a few hooks at the punching bag, which sways lightly under the strikes.
The tail end of the station is alight with ships coming and going from the massive docking portal. On the bridge, Alexei listens to the com as a STC operator comes on the line, �Incoming vessel, please transmit ID codes.� Nodding, he punches in the codes to the operator�s reply. �Verified GQS Ettik and escort, proceed to docking bays 7 and 8.�
Claron lays in bed with her back turned to Tabris, still unable to shake the depressed state of mind. �Huh?�
DracBlue gets dressed and heads over to the botanical bay hoping to clear his mind.
Katie goes back to perusing her toes. �Yep.�
�Thank you, tower,� Alexei switches off the com and leads the ship into the docking portal. Glancing over his shoulder, he watches the offspring ship glide after them. He nods to himself, then flips on the ship-wide as Ettik slides up to the docking bay, �Docking complete. Welcome to Port Aegis, everyone. If you�re wanting fresh food, supplies and equipment�it�s available. Also, scuttlebutt says there�s some good entertainment as well.�
Kyra sighs and rolls over, facing the wall. �I�m not feeling much like being entertained,� she whispers.
Katie cocks her head, listening. �Hmm. Maybe there�s strip shows.� She picks at the leg of her footless tights, frowning at the snag she got from some unknown box.
Tzaphiel looks up over the plants separating her from the door as Drac enters the room. �Where you been hiding?�
Turning from the view of the docking bay, Skirmir perks a brow, then brushes some stray red-hairs behind his cat ears. �Perhaps this is worth having a look.�
DracBlue looks over at Tza. �I have been in my room, sleeping and thinking about things.�
Syne glances over at Katie, �Strip shows? Desiring some bare flesh now, are we?�
�Oh nothing, just wondering. People say a beard makes a man look distinguished.� Tabris turns from the mirror and stands in the doorframe of the bathroom. �I just don�t seem to grow a beard at all.�
Tzaphiel flips her wildly colored hair over her shoulder as she asks, �Care to share what you�ve been thinking about?�
�Oh Kyn�� Kyra�s voice sounds younger than her years. �What the hell do I do? How long is it gonna hurt this bad?�
�Unless you want to go shopping, I don�t really need anything,� Eclipse looks over at Luna with a soft smile.
DracBlue looks at Tza�s changing eyes. �Been thinking about what my parents would do if they were in my situation.�
Katie�s melodious laugh echoes in the cargo bay. �I wouldn�t remember what to do with one, if it bit me on the shoulder.�
Valrash hears the com, and just rolls over to go back to sleep.
Elsewhere on the ship, Wraith, having stayed in his room during the previous adventure, stirs from a deep almost trance-like state. He blinks, then looks around, �A port...yes, we should have a look around, see what we can learn to further our quest.�
Tzaphiel meets Drac�s eyes boldly, �Just remember, you�re not your parents. You have to find your own way.�
Alexei and Sikozu meet one another outside in the docking hub, comparing lists of equipment they both need. �Missiles, energy cells and some spare parts for repairs. Shouldn�t be hard to find,� Sikozu says as she glances at her datapad. �I�ll get the ammunition, the rest is yours.�
Luna rolls over and hugs Eclipse tightly. �Well, you know how much I love to shop.� She kisses him softly. �But I just can�t think of a thing we need.�
�Don�t think there are any of those type of strip shows in this sector, Kat. But they do exist,� Syne smirks as he punches the bag again.
�Seems to me beards are overrated. Itchy growing it, home for god-knows-what, too.� Claron utters quietly. �Besides, who�d want a hairy kiss.�
Tabris chuckles as he walks over and scoops his shirt off the desk, �Then I�ll stay as is. So, how about a walk around this place?�
DracBlue walks up to Tza and determines that her advice is very good. Looking at her, he sighs and gently reaches for Tza�s hand.
�I thought ladies did shopping just for the sake of doing it?� Eclipse questions Luna, �Otherwise, there wouldn�t be as many shops as there are.�
Tzaphiel looks down at their joined hands, then slowly lifts her stormy eyes to Drac�s face questioningly.
Claron forces herself to roll over and look at Tab. �Maybe later. I don�t much feel like getting out of bed, let alone walking...anywhere.�
�Oh, okay. I think I�ll take a walk, though�get some fresh air, so to speak,� Tabris moves to the door, then turns to look at her. �You gonna be okay here by yourself?�
DracBlue just smiles at Tza, �Then I�ll do what they wouldn�t.�
Luna giggles. �You�re right, of course. But I wouldn�t want to drag you out of this cozy little bed to go shopping.�
Tzaphiel tilts her head, �What are you going to do?�
Claron nods her head, �Yes...of course. I�ll be fine.�
Entering the station proper, Wraith glances around, seemingly viewing the bright expansive interior and artificially generated sky in a different manner than other passersby.
Skirmir goes wide eyed as he walks to the edge of a platform, gazing out at the lakes, grass, trees and sky with awe.
DracBlue looks at the botanical bay, �For now, just hold your hand. If that�s fine with you.�
Katie grins and wiggles her toes. �Hmm. Maybe a coral��
�Huh?� Syne raises a brow, stealing a glance at Katie between short kicks.
�Love ya,� Tabris opens the door and blows a kiss to Claron before disappearing into the hallway.
Katie purses her lips, wiggling her toes again. ��or Fuck-Me Red. But me Mam would turn over in her grave��
Tzaphiel blinks several times as she stares at Drac, thinking there is more to it than that. �Ok, I guess.� She shrugs as she turns to sniff another bloom.
�Must be those crazy voices of yours, cause I have no idea what your talkin� about,� Syne says as he roundhouses the bag, sending it rocking on its short chain.
�Love you, too�� Claron whispers as she pretends to catch Tabris� kiss before he disappears from her view.
�But probably will stick with coral. Or perhaps, I�ll do a French�� Katie looks up. �What in the world are you going on about, Rogue?�
�Well, you were chatterin� on about coral, red and something �French��whatever that is,� Syne turns to face her, looking puzzled.
DracBlue just watches Tza, thinking to himself, �Now, if only I could get Cara to release me. But that�s about as likely as hell freezing over.�
Clarice leaves the galley, having finished her breakfast. Deciding as she walks down the hallway to explore Port Aegis.
Katie cocks her head to the side. �Oh. Sorry. Girl talking amongst my selves.�
�Okay, about anything in particular? Or just trying to confuse a poor alien?� Syne smirks a bit as he glances up at her.
�Poor my ass.� Katie grumbles, looking again at her toes. �I have funny looking feet,� she frowns.
�They look like normal human feet to me, what�s funny about them?� Syne climbs up on the box to get a better look at her feet.
Katie cocks her head the other way without looking up. �My middle toes are too long.�
�Ahh, you, traveling companion,� Skirmir notices Clarice and walks over to her, �This place is amazing. Nothing like my home world.�
Tzaphiel finally tires of waiting for Drac to do something and turns back to him. �Are you going into the station?�
�Really?� Syne glances at her feet from different angles, �If you say so.�
DracBlue kisses Tza as she turns to him.
Tabris passes Clarice and Skirmir with a nod, taking in the sights of the station�s interior, �Very nice�� he comments about the view along the walkway.
Tzaphiel stands there in shock as she gets kissed. Her eyes drift shut as she leans into him. She slowly warms up and returns his kiss.
Katie shrugs. �I should stop interrupting your workout. You were doing fine, till I bumbled in.�
DracBlue finally releases the kiss. �Only if you are.�
�Not much of a workout, mainly do it to pass the time, no muscles n� all,� Syne jumps off the boxes, landing with a thud on the floor.
Claron sits up in bed, wrapping the sheet around her as she does. Sighing, she slips out of bed and goes over to the dresser, opening the top drawer. She begins rifling through her undergarments. Her eyes well up as she spots one of the embroidered baby gowns.
�Wonder what everyone else is up to?� Eclipse questions the ceiling as he gazes up at it, his arm folded around Luna�s shoulder.
Tzaphiel steps back, bumping into the table behind her. Her fingers moving over her lips lightly. �Just to pass the time,� she says breathlessly.
Pausing at an upper tier, Wraith makes his way to the edge of the walkway and leans against the railing. Looking down at the tiered buildings leading to the lake below, he nods to the air around him. �Yes, you may go, return when you have something.�
DracBlue nods. �Passing time could be a good thing.�
Luna chuckles. �I can imagine what a few are doing.� She traces the muscles in his back with her paw softly. �Some are sleeping, some are probably going into the station to explore or shop. A few are getting to know each other again. And I can imagine that a few are either fighting or making love.�
Katie nods. �Still, I feel like an ass, barging in on your quiet time.�
Claron gently lifts it out of the drawer, then cradles the fabric against her cheek, the burning ache to hold a newborn overwhelming her.
�Don�t, I don�t mind the company,� Syne glances up at her again with a shrug. �Besides, it was your quiet time too before I said anything.�
Kyra buries her face in her pillow and sobs loudly.
Stryder stops mid-step and turns to look at the wall, Kyra�s sadness drifting on the edge of his telepathy. �Is she...crying?� He questions the wall as he tries to narrow in on her thoughts.
Tzaphiel clears her throat as she lowers her hand. �You could join me, that is if your not busy playing bodyguard.�
DracBlue�s eyes go dull at the prospect of having to protect Cara, and he shakes his head. �Nothing bad is going to happen while were in port.�
�Why the fuck am I so goddamned noble all of a sudden?� Kyra chokes out. �Used to be, I took what I wanted, when I wanted. When the fuck did I develop this rotten conscience?�
Clarice nods to Tabris as he passes. �How odd...Tab without Claron,� she whispers softly to herself.
�Sounds about right...we�ve got quite the group, a variety of skills and personality,� Eclipse says with a thoughtful expression. �I don�t know most of them that well.�
Skirmir watches Tabris pass the two of them, then looks back to Clarice, �Are you exploring this vast place, as well?� He glances over his shoulder, cat ears perking forward, �Such a wonder merely floating in space.�
Kyra sits up and hurls her pillow at the wall in frustration, tears pouring down her cheeks, unchecked. �I love him.� She whispers forlornly between hiccups. �And I won�t cause either of them any more pain. They need each other. Get a grip and act like a big kid, Darnier.�
Tzaphiel runs her hand across Drac�s cheek, wishing she hadn�t caused the light to leave his eyes. �She�s got her brother and her father to take care of her. She doesn�t need you, forget her for today.�
�I love her, too...do I?� Stryder is confused as he questions himself. Sighing, he falls backward onto the bed, �Cara is alive...this...this is troubling.�
Out of the corner of her eye, Claron catches a glimpse of two bags. One yellow, the other green. �Oh, I�d forgotten about these.� She lays the baby gown down on the top of the dresser before reaching in to grab them. �Oh damn! I have forgotten which is which.�
Katie leans back against the wall, her fingers toying idly with the hem on the skirt of her sundress as she stares at the ceiling. �I never have quiet time, no matter where I am,� she whispers low. �Someone�s always got something to say, even when no one else is near me.�
DracBlue nods, �Yes, I think I�ll do that today.� He pauses as Tza runs her hand across his cheek, then continues, �So do you want to go now?�
Luna nods against Eclipse�s chest, �Yes, everyone has a strength and a weakness. I don�t think we ever know someone completely.�
�Really? So who says things, then?� Syne�s expression changes to puzzlement again. Katie was acting unusual and he wanted to figure out why.
Clarice smiles at Skirmir, �I thought I might.�
�Even each other?� Eclipse replies, his gaze drifting to Luna�s soft features.
Kyra�s abdomen seizes painfully, and she doubles over. �Oh God, nooooooooooooo. Not again.� Her moans are nearly as loud as her earlier sobs. �They said it wouldn�t happen again.�
Luna blushes under Eclipse�s gaze. �I�m sure there are a million things I still don�t know about you, darling. I seem to be an open book though.�
�May I accompany you, then? If I am to travel on your ship, I should get to know my fellows,� Skirmir does a polite gesture of his hand as he questions her, though the gesture looks out of place with his stocky build.
The pains steal Kyra�s breath, and she pants shallowly, waiting for them to pass.
Stryder bolts to his feet, sensing something wrong with Kyra�s thoughts. Teleporting, he appears in the corridor outside her door and knocks on it, �Kyra?! Are you okay?�
Katie closes her eyes and doesn�t answer.
Kyra�s breath continues in shallow gasps. ~Stryder? Please. Don�t see me like this.~ She tries to keep the pain from her voice, but fails.
�Not as open as you think.� Eclipse sighs softly, �I know only bits and pieces about your former lives. I spent much of my time in this realm, traveling here and there, for the �greater good� usually.�
Tzaphiel nods. �Let�s go, before they think of something for you to do.� She pulls him towards the door easily.
Claron moves over to the desk carrying the two colored bags with her. Opening the bottom desk drawer, she pulls out a little tray with rolling papers and a lighter on it. �Damn! I don�t remember�� as she grabs the yellow bag and opens it.
DracBlue follows Tza, liking being pulled along, he follows her.
�Smells pretty good,� as Claron gets a whiff of the purple looking plant with reddish leaves.
Syne watches Katie, then nods to himself. Okay, he wasn�t going to get an answer just now. Moving toward the exit, he watches the double doors heave their way into the wall, taking another glance up at Katie.
~But something is off, Kyra...are you okay? What is wrong?~ Stryder�s mental voice is soft and inquisitive, but full of concern.
Luna places a soft kiss over Eclipse�s heart. �See, we never completely know anyone. There is always another layer to peel away.�
�Sure...why not,� Clarice nods her head at Skirmir. �I�m Clarice��
~No. Please just�~ another wave of pain hits and Kyra topples off the bed, hitting the floor hard. ~Oh God, it�s killing me�~ she doesn�t even realize she�s still sending her thoughts.
Tzaphiel steps out the door and pauses to look up and down hallway. She sighs and turns to look at Drac. �I guess, you�ll have to get us out of here first.�
�I am Skirmir,� Skirmir bows his head to her, red hair sliding around his shoulders in untamed disorder.
Claron settles herself in the chair at the desk and proceeds to tear little pieces of leaves off the plant, then rolls herself a doobie.
Two tears trickle out of Katie�s closed lids, sliding down her face. She catches her breath in a silent hitch.
�I guess, it�s just figuring out how many layers we feel need peeling,� Eclipse caresses Luna�s cheek with his hand.
DracBlue pulls on Tza�s hand as they make their way off the ship. He smiles at Tza, the light slowly returning to his eyes.
As the pain begins to fade, Kyra whimpers, clutching her middle. �They said it was gone, and wouldn�t come back,� she wheezes.
Luna nuzzles into Eclipse�s hand purring loudly. �Do we need to peel a layer today?�
Stryder teleports beyond her door, kneeling down next to Kyra, �What�s wrong, Kyra...tell me. We need to get you help.�
Tzaphiel giggles at Drac�s eagerness to get off the ship.
Arwyn wanders through the different sections of the ship, rather amazed by all she sees.
�Not if you don�t feel like it.� Eclipse lays his head against the pillow, �We�ll have time for that.�
Kyra shakes her head, wiping a trickle of blood from her nose. �I�m fine,� she says tiredly. �It�s just a slight stomach ache.�
Shadow gets up from his seat to grab a stronger drink. Deciding against it, he grabs another ale and keeps drinking.
DracBlue walks off the ship. Now stopping, �Where to first?� he looks at her.
Luna smiles at him and snuggles closer into his warmth. �I�m content with the layer I have now.�
�Careful, lady, watch the cart.� A green jump-suited tech calls out to Arwyn as he pushes a hover cart with missiles on it up into the ramp room.
Tzaphiel looks around the station and shrugs. �I guess we could go this way and see where we end up,� as she motions to the right.
�I�ve seen stomach aches, this is more than that, Kyra.� Stryder notices the blood under her nose, �Come on, we should go to the med bay.�
DracBlue nods and lets Tza take the lead. Following her, he watches his surroundings. �I wonder if the merchants will trade items for gems.�
Kyra crawls onto her bed. �I�m fine,� she tells him stubbornly, laying back against the remaining pillow.
Claron holds the joint in her fingers for a brief moment, then reaches for the lighter as she brings it up to her lips. Lighting it, she inhales the smoke deeply, holding it in her lungs before exhaling. She takes a second hit off it, but finds it difficult to hold the smoke in as she begins to cough. Chuckling softly, �What�s that they used to say about coughing and getting off��
Tzaphiel glances into a shop window as she tells Drac, �You never know until you ask.�
The path to the right is a wide walkway that slowly ramps down into a tree-speckled plaza. Over the railing, the expansive white interior of the station can be seen. Tiered buildings lead up to the high rises that run all the way to the artificial cloudy sky above. A variety of races are strolling about.
Arwyn dodges the cart just in time.
A soft whisper echoes in the air around Claron, just out of hearing, but clearly something that wasn�t there before.
Katie climbs down the stack of boxes, but misses a step, pitching to the floor forcefully. �OwFuckDamnShit!� she yells.
Climbing unsteadily to her feet, Katie limps out the door, pondering going back to her room to lay down.
Claron turns her head and looks around the room. �Who said that?� She takes another hit off the joint.
The green suited tech blinks with double eyelids at Arwyn, he pulls out a datapad and looks down at it, �Okay delivered, I�ll just need your fingerprint and they�re all yours.� With a grey three-fingered hand, he extends the datapad at her.
DracBlue keeps following Tza, smiling at her periodically, watching the shops pass by, but not seeing anything that he wants.
The whispers begin to multiply around Claron after her second hit. Still faint, but definitely present now.
DracBlue stops at a gem shop now, pulling Tza inside with him. �Let�s see if they�ll buy some gems from me.�
Arwyn looks at the green suited man, puzzled. �Fingerprint? My fingerprint? Well...I never!...What do you mean?�
�Then that makes two of us,� Eclipse says as he enjoys Luna�s snuggle.
Tzaphiel follows Drac into the shop with a smile. �You�d sell your gems?�
DracBlue nods, �Sure, I�ll sell the ones in here. I haven�t carved them yet.� He points to the bag at his side.
Reaching her room, Katie changes her mind and slips on some sandals, heading off the ship to the port. �May as well see if I can find something to break this mood.� She ponders checking on Shinta, then shakes her head. When he�d gone to his room, she�d started to knock, but didn�t know what to say. She still didn�t.
Claron�s eyes dart from side to side as she hears more whispers. �Okay Remy, you best not be messing with me.�
�Just press one of those pretty little pink digits of yours against my datapad, and all this ship-to-ship destruction in a tube is yours. They were ordered for your ship.� The tech rubs the left most of the three tendrils that top his thin grey form with his free hand, �Come on, don�t got all day here.�
DracBlue asks the merchant, �Do you buy gems?�
Arwyn reaches her hand out and presses her index finger across the strange looking thing in his hand. �Like this?�
The gem merchant peers up at Drac from behind his low-built console, a short stocky figure in a bio-suit of some sort nods, lights flashing on his breathing unit to indicate his speaking, �Among other things, yes.�
DracBlue puts a diamond and a few sapphires on the counter for the person to inspect.
Claron shrugs her shoulder, then takes another hit. �Oh, you are just letting your imagination play tricks on you...that�s all.�
The datapad beeps in delight and the tech nods, blinking with his double eyelids again, �That�ll do boss, enjoy �em.� He gives her a three-fingered wave and heads down the ramp leaving the hover-cart of missiles sitting in front of Arwyn.
�Clarrrrron,� One of the whispers plays next to Claron's ear. A male�s voice, familiar, but Claron can�t seem to place it.
Tzaphiel looks at the uncut gems in awe. �Wow, you�re going to sell those?�
DracBlue nods at Tza and points to his bulging bag. He opens it for her to see inside. �I�m only selling a few.�
The merchant picks up the gems and looks at each in turn, �Good quality and coloring. I can give you 2,000 for the blues, the white one is slightly flawed�so about 1,500 for it.�
Tzaphiel looks down at the open bag and whispers, �Where did you get all those?�
Claron jumps up from the chair, grabbing the bed sheet tightly around her in the process. �Okay! This is not funny!� as she hears the voice that sounds somewhat familiar to her.
DracBlue nods to the merchant, then says to Tza, �I�ll tell you sometime when were alone.�
�Life in space has always interested me, but my people are the rural type. We prefer good earth and farmland over empty space and metal ships,� Skirmir talks with Clarice as he walks beside her along the walkway.
�Kyra...I saw blood, that�s not fine,� Stryder crosses his arms and stands next to her bed. �What is wrong? Please, tell me.�
Tzaphiel looks up into Drac�s eyes, then over at the merchant and nods. �Ok�later,� she whispers.
Arwyn watches as the man leaves. �Now what?� she looks at the hovering cart.
The merchant takes the stones and gives a dull-red chip the size of a credit-card to Drac. The merchant surveys Tzaphiel for a moment, before looking back at Drac, �Wanting to sell anything else?�
Tzaphiel draws back and looks at the merchant like he�s lost his mind.
A small group of Ettik�s crab-bots swarm the cart, taking a few of the missiles off, two crab-bots to one missile as they skitter down the hallway.
Kyra closes her eyes, tears squeezing out around them. For a long time, Stryder thinks maybe she�s not going to answer. Then her lips part, and in a whisper so soft he almost doesn�t hear it, she speaks. �Canc-� she wets her lips and starts again. �When I was thirteen, I was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. The radiation was supposed to have gotten rid of it.�
DracBlue looks at the merchant and glowers, �No way in hell�would I ever consider that. I think were done here.� He pulls Tza out of the shop, handing her the credit card looking money.
Clarice listens to Skirmir. �Couldn�t imagine life in a rural place. Spent most my life in the slums of big cities, military bases, and the last few years onboard ships, I�m afraid.�
�Cancer...why didn�t you say anything? We�ve got to get you to a doctor!� Stryder looks down at her, then over at the com unit on the wall. Wanting to call Luna on it immediately.
Kyra continues. �And I haven�t had a lick of trouble since then. I�m sure it�s nothing. If it gets bad, I�ll see about it.� She rolls away, turning her back on him. �I�m tired. I think I�ll take a nap.�
Tzaphiel allows Drac to pull her out of the shop and takes the card in her glowing fingers. �It�s probably not a good thing to cause a scene, huh?�
�It is a different world, this spaceship. But something I must get used to before I see my home again,� the large were-lion sighs, glancing up at the artificial sky. �And to think I ended up in space because of a misunderstanding.�
DracBlue shakes his head. �Not a good idea, at all.� Still not believing what the man just basically asked him.
�Bleeding is bad, Kyra...I�m going to get Luna, so she can help,� Stryder turns and heads into the hallway.
�Oh? What kind of misunderstanding?� Clarice asks while silently thinking, �And I ended up on a ship in search of a sister I never knew.�
�NO!� Kyra sits up. �Leave well enough alone, DuVallis! I said I�m fine, and I meant it. Go�� she breaks off, looking pained. �Go spend time with your girlfriend.�
Tzaphiel looks down at the card, �Now what?�
DracBlue smiles, �Now you have some spending money.�
Claron moves over to the bed, glancing around the room as she does.
Tzaphiel smiles at him and leads him further along the walkway. Stopping outside a window with books displayed in it. �This could fun.�
Stryder pauses and spins around to look at Kyra, �You�re not fine! And I�m going to get Luna, so that I�ll still have a girlfriend to spend time with!� Huffing, he teleports to just outside Luna�s quarters, leaving Kyra to stare at air.
Kyra�s eyes well up again. �Damn you. Leave me alone,� she whispers. �I�m not the one you�re supposed to be with.�
�Well...it�s a long story, are you sure you wish to hear it?� Skirmir looks down at Clarice, dwarfing her by at least a foot and a half.
DracBlue looks at Tza, �Fun is always good.� He follows her.
Stryder knocks on Luna�s door, cringing slightly and holding his underarm after he knocks.
Eclipse tilts his head towards the door, �Seems we have company,� he looks over at Luna.
Tzaphiel leads Drac into the store and pulls him down a few aisles as she looks over the titles. �Ohhh, this one looks good,� as she reaches for a book of poetry.
Skirmir notices Clarice seems distracted and distant. �Another time perhaps,� he murmurs.
Luna sighs. �Never fails, does it?� she turns and sits up on the side of the bed.
�So, Claron...how�s he treating you?� The whisper is now a full blown voice, a transparent figure draped in blue cloth gazing out from behind a long curtain of black hair, looking at Claron on her bed.
Luna reaches for a robe and pulls it on, tying the belt as she opens the door. �Yes?�
Cara paces back and forth in her room, angrily. �So he does love Kyra��
DracBlue watches her look over the titles, he doesn�t seem to be too impressed by any of them, �Poetry, huh?�
Kyra gets up on shaky legs and locks the door. �Let me go, Stryder. Please. Just�let me go.�
Stryder covers his cringing with a look of concern, �There�s something wrong with Kyra, she was having some pain and a nosebleed.�
�Kyra?� Eclipse sits up on the edge of the bed looking past Luna at Stryder.
Luna looks back at Eclipse, �I�ll be back soon.� She steps out into the hallway with Stryder. �Where is she?�
�In her quarters,� Stryder points with his good arm, trying to hide his discomfort in the other.
Kyra stumbles to the bathroom and throws up, cringing at the red stain. Then she staggers back to her bed, laying down and closing her eyes. In moments, she is sleeping uneasily.
�Uh-oh!� as Claron looks at the transparent figure draped in blue, then down at the joint in her fingers. �You should have gone for Katie�s favorite color in the bag choices��
Luna catches the hint of pain cross Stryder�s face. �What about you? You don�t seem well, yourself.�
�Still smoking on the side I see.� The black haired figure chuckles, �So all the heroics didn�t change you completely.�
In a corner of the room, unseen, Kyndra watches her younger twin, and you would swear she was weeping.
Tzaphiel flips thru the pages of the book and reads a line, �Do more bewitch me than when art is too precise in every part.�
�I�m fine, Kyra needs to be looked at, I think it�s serious,� Stryder�s look of concern stays as he looks at Luna.
Claron looks back at the figure, feeling the full effects of the reefer. �Just who the hell are you?� the feeling she knows him nagging at her.
DracBlue thinks deeply on what it means. Not quite grasping it, he shrugs and reads another title, �Reading isn�t my forte.�
Luna shakes her head. �I doubt you�re fine, but have it your way. I�ll look at Kyra first.� She motions him to lead the way, then falls into step with him. �You�ll do her no good, if your not fit yourself.�
Standing, the figure brushes the hair aside, letting it drape next to his face and falling nearly to his knees. �Forgotten me already?� He shakes his head and looks at Claron with maroon eyes.
Tzaphiel thumbs thru the rest of the book, then slides it back into place on the shelf. �Robert Herrick, not that great a read anyway.�
DracBlue looks at a book. �Shakespeare, huh? Seems like a decent book. Hamlet.� He sighs as he puts it back.
�We�ll just see about that!� Cara�s mind becomes a jumble of mixed thoughts. �If you try to extract revenge, you will alienate him from you for sure...and if you do nothing, what will you stand to gain?�
Stryder leads, careful to avoid showing a second cringe to Luna. He could feel the blood trying to makes it way from underneath the torn cloth and bandage wrapped around his arm, hidden carefully under his shirt.
Claron looks into the kneeling figure�s maroon eyes, �I haven�t forgotten, Vincalis...or should I call you father now?�
Tzaphiel smiles at Drac. �Hamlet was alright, but I prefer Macbeth.� She leans closer to him and quotes, �Excite the mortified man!�
�Please...save the formalities. Now, seeing as you�ve smoked me into your company, you must have something on your mind?� Vin�s spirit says to Claron, taking a seat on the edge of her bed, his blue cloak and black hair sprawling out on the sheets.
�As for how your son treats me, one couldn�t ask for a more loving, considerate, understanding man. And where the so called heroics are concerned, I wouldn�t call searching for our children....heroic at all.� Claron sits down on the bed next to Vin. �Something that we seem to do on a regular basis. I keep losing our children...in one way or another,� she whispers softly.
DracBlue looks at Tza, �The way you whisper could get someone more excited.�
Tzaphiel just watches Drac and smiles slyly.
�For the moment, you�ve got your child back, he�s a troubled young man,� Vin shakes his head and sighs, �He�ll need your strength to get help him through it.�
Stryder stops outside Kyra�s quarters and glances at Luna, �She�s inside��
DracBlue brings up the hand he is holding and kisses it. He smiles back slyly.
Tzaphiel shivers at the feelings that kiss stirs. She clears her throat and looks around the store. �Maybe we should get out of here?�
Luna nods to Stryder, then knocks on Kyra�s door. �Kyra, it�s Luna.� She leans closer to the door to listen for an answer.
Tabris watches the steam rise from the metal cup in his hand. Blowing it away with a careful breath, he takes a sip as he looks out across the grass at the station�s lake stretching before him. �Could almost believe it was the real thing.�
DracBlue questions as he walks outside of the store, �Where to?�
Luna doesn�t hear anything so she attempts to open the door.
The door obliges Luna�s attempt to open it, without any effort on her part. Luna notices Kyra unconscious.
Kyra shifts restlessly on the bed.
�Kyra!� Stryder calls out, noticing her on the bed.
Luna moves over to the bed quickly and sits on the edge stroking Kyra�s hair back from her face gently. �Kyra? Wake up, baby.� She purrs as she sends her healing thru her paws.
Kyra is clammy, and unresponsive, but her breathing is deep and even.
Tzaphiel looks around the station. �I don�t know.�
Eclipse sits on the edge of Luna�s bed, wondering if everything was alright with Kyra.
�And you think I don�t know that. I know quite well, and first hand as a matter of fact...how troubled the DuVallis men can be.� Claron says with an underlining tone of hurt and dismay.
�If I could have prevented it, I would have. Genetics was the only foe I could not fight,� Vin sighs again, ghostly figure shifting restlessly where he�s sitting.
The wisp that is Kyndra smiles at the love and concern in Stryder�s eyes. Her mouth forms words unheard. �I�m here, baby sister. I love you.�
Luna looks up at Stryder�s worried face. �She seems to be asleep right now. What happened?�
DracBlue looks around, �How about somewhere more secluded?�
�I came by because I sensed something was wrong. I found her doubled over in pain and she had bled from her nose,� Stryder looks down at Kyra with worry, too distracted to notice his own injury starting to stain his shirt�s underarm red.
Tzaphiel nods to Drac as she chews her lower lip.
In Kyra�s dream, she sees the doctor shake his head. �I don�t know, Mrs. Darnier. She responded well to the radiation, but it�s taken a toll. The scar tissue could cause problems down the road. For now, however, we�ve given her a fighting chance.�
DracBlue walks down the aisle of shops, looking for some place more secluded.
Luna sees the stain growing on Stryder�s shirt and stands up. �You can no longer hide your injury from me, your body gives you away. Now will you allow me to help you?�
�Help Kyra first...I�ll be fine. Please,� Stryder kneels next to Kyra�s bed, giving Luna a pleading look.
Katie limps her way down the line of shops, looking for a cafe. She spots a ring in a jeweler�s window that makes her stop. It�s a luminous shell band that looks a lot like the clip in her hair. �Wow,� she whistles appreciatively.
Luna sighs heavily and turns back to Kyra�s still form. She places her paws on Kyra�s belly and attempts to heal her. �You know I am not all powerful. There are some things I can not help.�
Claron nods, �I know you would have...and I think I know what you are trying to say to me, Father DuVallis�Tab and I have endured many hardships already...I suppose my grieving over what�s lost and not meant to be�is futile. That I should concentrate on what is in the here and now��
�Then we�ll find a doctor or something...there has to be something we can do!� Stryder pounds a fist into the mattress of the bed.
DracBlue sighs at Tza, �The closest thing to secluded here is that alley, and it has people in it.� He continues looking.
�Time is precious, Claron...before you know it, it ends. I missed much, but I did the right thing,� Vin reaches out and places his ethereal hand over Claron�s. �Help your son, before it�s too late.�
Luna lays a paw on Stryder�s shoulder to comfort him, sending her healing thru his body at the same time. �Stryder, it will work itself out.�
Tzaphiel looks down the alley and shakes her head. �Why don�t we just go back to the ship?�
Kyra�s dream continues. Her mother is sobbing on her father�s shirtfront. �Oh Miles. I�m scared. What if it comes back? What if something else happens?� The man puts a loving hand on the back of his wife�s head. �Trust and pray, Glenda. Our girls are strong. Kyra will fight this. She�ll mend.�
DracBlue nods in agreement and heads towards the ship. �It seems that�s the only place that is quiet around here.�
Stryder looks at Luna with dismay and shakes his head, �Will it really? What if it doesn�t, huh? What if she dies?� He wrenches free of Luna�s paw and stands, �What then!�
Katie presses her nose to the window like a puppy. Then she sighs. �What the hell do I need a band for? I�ve got enough jewelry.� She walks away, turning now and then to look at the window.
Tzaphiel follows Drac back to the ship breathlessly.
Kyra�s eyes drift open, and she peers through her lashes with a glazed look. �Stryder�you found me.� She smiles in her delirium. �You came back for me. Why? No. Please don�t look at me like that. What are you doing?� she croaks feebly, her body shuddering. She reaches a hand out to him.
Luna gazes calmly at Stryder. �If she dies from this, than it was her time to die. If I could heal her, I would. But there are certain things that are natural and therefore not in my control.�
Stryder reaches down and takes Kyra�s hand in his, �I�m here, Kyra��
DracBlue enters the ship, pulling Tza with him. �Where to?� he asks.
Kyra tugs Stryder down to her, wrapping her arms around him. �I�ll love you until I draw my last breath. You know that, don�t you? I understand that she came first. I�ll be brave and not cause any more problems. Carry my love with you always. Promise me?�
Tzaphiel looks at him and smiles, �My room?�
Luna watches the kids for a moment, then quietly backs out of the room and moves away.
DracBlue pauses and then asks for the map, not knowing where her room is located. Then after seeing the map, he walks with her to her room.
�You�ve never caused any problems, Kyra�� Stryder fights to hold back his tears, �I...I promise.�
Kyra falls asleep again. �Love you forever,� she murmurs, �never wanted anything more.�
�I will try. Hell, we both will. I couldn�t bear it if I lost Stryder, too. He�s all we have left. I know all this, but my heart still grieves just the same for his sister, and the child I recently miscarried,� a tear rolls down Claron�s cheek. �But I will try��
Luna makes her way back to her room and enters, closing the door behind her. She looks at Eclipse waiting for her. �Where were we?� as her robe slips to the floor.
Stryder blinks, looking over Kyra to make sure the worst hadn�t happened. With a sniffled sigh of relief, he places Kyra�s hand gently across her chest.
Kyra drifts off, dreaming of Stryder pushing her on a vine swing. She�s laughing, and he kisses her cheek every time she comes close.
Tzaphiel opens her door and pulls Drac into her room with her. She turns on the lights as the door closes behind them.
�That�s all that matters, Claron,� Vin nods to her, then stands. �Keep an eye on my son for me, Claron, keep him out of trouble.� The spirit smiles at his old friend as he fades away.
Katie hobbles over and sits on a bench, looking at a fountain. The water rushes down steps and into a pool. Gems gleam below the pool�s surface, sparkling in the artificial light. �Fountain�� she frowns, trying to remember a dream.
Standing, Stryder looks around the room, �Ettik...I know you can hear me. Watch her, let me know the instant she wakes up or if something happens.�
In Kyra�s dream, Cara walks up behind them. Stryder�s sweet smile turns deadly. He gives Kyra a shove, sending her tumbling out of the swing and down the hill to land in a lifeless heap at the bottom. �Now, my love�she�s no longer in our way.� He smiles, wrapping his arms around Cara, who smiles and presses herself to him, leaning up for a kiss.
Katie shrugs. �So what the hell do I do about you now? We�re gonna have to talk, sooner or later��
�Well, I believe we were enjoying our current layers, before they get peeled,� Eclipse smirks at Luna and tugs her down to his lap.
DracBlue smiles and turns off the lights reaching for her. He sighs her name, �Tzaphiel.�
Claron wipes the tear from her cheek. �I will,� as Vin fades from her view. She looks back down at the joint that has gone out in her fingers. �Don�t think I wanna smoke anymore of this shit�� getting up from the bed, laying it on the dresser, grabbing the favorite blue undergarments Tab enjoys seeing her in, along with her blue sleeveless vest and pants. Heads toward the bathroom with a renewed outlook.
From the corner of Claron�s bedroom, a twisted grey spirit steals a glance at her retreating form and the spot where the other spirit was seated before it fades. For a split second, Claron feels an invisible wind blow past her.
Kyra�s mind instinctively reaches for Stryder�s. Unconsciously, she sends a wave of love mixed with confusion. Then her mind releases the bond, and she slides into another dream. Kyndra and she are chasing butterflies. The sun kisses their hair, and brings out the freckles across their noses.
Luna sits on Eclipse�s lap and kisses him. �I love this layer.�
Tzaphiel pulls Drac further into the now darkened room as she hears her name play across his lips.
Kyndra opens her eyes, smiling as her sister�s mind moves on to something more pleasant. Having helped get the ugly images out of her sister�s dream, and replacing them with a happy memory, she blows a kiss and fades away.
Shadow heads to his room and sleeps off all the ale he has drunk.
Claron shivers as she quickly turns to glance back behind her as she feels a distinct breeze brush past her, feeling a disturbing creepy sensation.
�You�re my best friend, Kyndra.� The six year-old Kyra giggles. �We�ll always be bestest friends, huh? And we�ll get married and live next door to each other and have picnics and spend every day together, huh? Kyndra nods. �Uh huh. And our kids will be bestest friends, too. We�ll always be together, Kyra. Forever and ever.� They link hands and head off to pick wildflowers.
Katie leans her head back and closes her eyes. �You�ll screw it up, Katerina. Just like you do everything else.� She scowls and gets up, limping further along the line of shops, still looking for that cafe.
Katie catches a glimpse in the window of her black eye. �Oh hells bells, dumb-shit. You fell and gave yourself a shiner.� She shakes her head and sighs.
Tabris finishes off his drink, handing the empty cup to a wandering robo-vendor. Beginning to walk again, he nods, �Guess that�s enough fresh air, should go back and see how Claron�s doing.�
Claron smiles as she runs water into the bathtub, then reaches for the bottle of her favorite bath oil, pouring a little of it in the warm water. As she steps in and slides down into the warm fragrant water, the determination to have Tab see a changed woman when he returns and help their son, grows stronger.
As the day wears on, the Ettik and her crew remain at Port Aegis, a safe harbor in a sea of adventure. New bonds have been formed and love strained. New additions to the team bring new questions, and mysteries...
On the station�s upper walkway, a silver haired boy stares out into the artificial sky. Lowering his gaze from the sky, Wraith listens to the air, �You are certain? So it tried to reach her...then it will be the next,� he pauses, then speaks as if quoting. �And upon the path to heavens does it lay, a waiting sleeper to awaken��
Elsewhere on the station, along the main shopping district, a dark haired man in a uniform slides a credit chip across a counter. Giving the merchant a nod and thanks as he steals a last glance at the shell ring before he snaps the case closed and pockets it.