Blast to the Past, Part 8

I Don't Suffer From my Delusions... I LIKE Them!

<RazorSK> ((RPGONRPGONHAHAHAHA!!!! I SAID IT THIS TIME!))
<T-BoneKnight> ::meets up with the army and calls them to order before beginning to lay out the battle plan::
<Sypher> ::looks up at Razor::  You're gonna fight?  ::eyes wide, this is exciting::
<RazorSK> I... I might.
<LadyJessie> ::is wherever Matrix is I guess::
<Sypher>  Might?
<RazorSK> We'll see what's the outcome, okay? ::smiles::
<Matrix> Have you seen Sypher?
<Sypher> Alright.  ::grins at him::
<LadyJessie> ::shakes her head:: negative...
<T-BoneKnight> ::is explaining:: Their forces are weak.  This should be an easy victory. Take prisoners and be sure to take the Queen... alive... and unharmed... or it will be on your head.
<Matrix> Where could he've gone?
<RazorSK> ::waits for T-Bone::
<LadyJessie> I don't know... ::issa worried about others as well::
<LadyJessie> ::and is still confused about everything::
<T-BoneKnight> ::finishes and orders them to head out before dropping back by Razor::
<Matrix> ::sighs:: I think... we better get the others... Kat already went for help... But still...
<RazorSK> Orders given?
<LadyJessie> ::Blinks:: Who's Kat?
<LadyJessie> and I don't think we should endanger anyone else...
<Matrix> Um.. ::smacks a hand against his head:: Right..
<T-BoneKnight> ::nods, notes Sypher:: This is no place for a child, Jacob...
<LadyJessie> what? ::blinks is still confused:: look.. uhm Mr... where would you think your friend would go?
<RazorSK> ::looks down at Sy::
<Matrix> Back to the woods... to get... um.. Lady Trina and the others...
<Sypher> I'm almost four. ::hopefully::
<LadyJessie> ::looks at him:: We can't let the Pastmaster get the Queen or endanger anyone else's life..
<T-BoneKnight> ((<Sage> ::gives Kris the loooook::))
<LadyJessie> ((<Sypher> ::stays three forever:: <Razor> oh man!! I gotta hire a babysitter!!!))
<Sypher> ::looks up at T-Bone then back at Razor, doesn't want to be sent back::
<LadyJessie> we gotta make sure Pastmaster won't get the Queen and the others...our army is weak enough as it is...
<RazorSK> I can't leave him here...
<Matrix>Which is why we need back up.
<LadyJessie> NO... we can't lead the Pastmaster there..
<Matrix> ::low voice:: You know where she is?
<T-BoneKnight> ::sighs and nods::  Make sure he stays at the back where he won't be hurt.
<LadyJessie> ::barely nods::
<Matrix> We have to warn her.
<RazorSK> ::looks down at Sy:: You heard that?
<LadyJessie> ::lowers her voice to a whisper:: I don't want the Pastmaster to find her...
<LadyJessie> I'd let him kill *me* before finding the queen...
<Sypher> ::nods::
<Matrix> ::siiiiighs::
<RazorSK> Let's get going.
<LadyJessie> what? ::as she checks her sword then puts it back in it's sheath:: what we have to do is find the Pastmaster.. and take him out...
<LadyJessie> *without* hurting anyone else
<Sypher>  Alright. ::twists around to hug Razor:: Don't get hurt, Father.  ::figures "Daddy" doesn't really work inna Dark Ages::
<T-BoneKnight> ::rides ahead as they're nearing the castle::
<RazorSK> ::smiles, puts his hand around Sypher to get him back:: I won't.
<T-BoneKnight> ((To GET him back?  For what? He didn't do nuthin'!))
<RazorSK> ((ARGH!!!!!! to HUG him back! ::is dead::))
<LadyJessie> ((ROFL!! DIES!!!))
<Sypher> ::gives him a long look, then lets himself be passed on to a camp follower/medic type to be taken to the rear::
<T-BoneKnight> ::gives the order to storm the gates::
<RazorSK> ::follows T-Bone inside::
<T-BoneKnight> ::searches for the Queen, knows she's not there, but hopes the attack will draw her out::
<RazorSK> ::slows his horse to a trot:: I don't see her.
<T-BoneKnight> No... She's not here now...  Perhaps the attack on her people will attract her... ::says this with a sigh, does not like that his soldiers are fighting the last rebels and some farmers::
<RazorSK> You think it's worth it?
<T-BoneKnight> It's not fair....  But, our liege demands Callista.
<RazorSK> I don't think it's fair either... We can't do this...
<T-BoneKnight> ::blinks at him:
<RazorSK> We can't risk the lives of innocents, Chancellor...
<T-BoneKnight> We must...  Perhaps... if we found where she is hiding?
<RazorSK> Who would know, tho'?
<T-BoneKnight> The rebels... ::spies one being attacked by one of his kats... interferes and knocks the rebel's sword from his hand with his own before grabbing him by the collar::
<Rebel> Wh..wha'?!
<T-BoneKnight> Where is the Queen?
<T-BoneKnight> ::right in his face, not cruelly, but T-Bone tough style::
<Rebel> :gasps, then growls:: I know nothing!
<T-BoneKnight> ::gives him a shake.. then thinks better of the tough guy routine::  Look... ::earnestly:: Your men are falling - you can't hope to win.  Surrender the Queen and I give my word you are all free kats.
<Rebel> I'll never tell!
<T-BoneKnight> There is nothing to gain!  She'll be a Queen with no kingdom and her subjects dead!  My liege will not rest 'til he has her and there is no limit to what he might do. For the sake of your families, give me one she-kat who will only be made the bride of the new ruler of the land in return for all your lives!
<Rebel> Our Queen would never fall like that! I won't talk!
<T-BoneKnight> You disillusion yourself.  Talk to him, Jacob! ::of course, doesn't know that Jacob was ever on their side as Pastie changed both their memories... but I doubt he altered them for all the rebels or Callista... Ie: Razor now looks like worst traitor of them all I'd think::
<Rebel> Sir Jacob?! ::eyes are huge:: Sir Jacob! You can't...!
<RazorSK> Tell us where she is, *now*.
<Rebel> No! I won't!
<T-BoneKnight> ::blinks at the steel in Razor's voice... can't see it in his pocket,but the mirror is glowing again::
<Rebel> ::fights out of T-Bone's grip::
<T-BoneKnight> ::trips him with his sword::
<Rebel> You might as well kill me now! I won't talk!
<RazorSK> ::blinks:: Chancellor...
<T-BoneKnight> I'm not killing you.  You have courage, I don't doubt that... But, it will get you all killed...
<Rebel> The Pastmaster will fall!
<T-BoneKnight> ::sighs...  then is again compelled to take out the mirror...  holds it in front of the guy::
<Rebel> What?!
<Mirror> ::glows::
<Rebel> No! No...! ::shakes his head::
<Mirror> ::glows more brightly:
<Rebel> ::is taken by it's spell, and stops stuggling::
<RazorSK> ::gasps::
<T-BoneKnight> ::puts it away... and forgets again that he ever had it::  Will you not talk?
<T-BoneKnight> ::to the guy::
<Rebel> In the woods... near the neighboring kingdom...
<T-BoneKnight> ::nods:: Can you take us there?
<Rebel> Yes, I can...
<RazorSK> ::blinks at that::
<T-BoneKnight> Good.  Take us there.
<Rebel> ::nods, and leads them out::
<T-BoneKnight> ::follows::
<RazorSK> ::ditto, looking back at the other nights::
<Sypher> ::has apparently escaped whoever had him and zips up to cling to Razor's leg::
<Others> ::are following::
<RazorSK> ::blinks down at Sypher:: My son? What're you doing here? ::picks him up::
<Sypher>  Wanted to be with you...
<RazorSK> We're on the eve of the battle...
<Sypher> ::feels reprimanded::  I know...
<RazorSK> ::hugs him::
<Sypher> ::purrs and wriggles with delight::
<T-BoneKnight> ::chuckles at them, shaking his head...  as the mirror starts to glow again::
<Sypher> What's that? ::pointing to the glow::
<RazorSK> What is what? ::then looks:: Chancellor?
<T-BoneKnight> I don't know...  ::pulls it out and shows it to Sy::
<Sypher> ::stares at it, running a finger along it::
<RazorSK> What is that?
<T-BoneKnight> I don't know.  ::mirror stops glowing::
<Sypher> It's pretty.
<T-BoneKnight> ::to Sypher::  Look, it's likely to get broken with me... ::sees a ploy to keep the kid safe here::  How's about you guard it for me? ::handing it to him::
<RazorSK> ::smiles:: You take good care of it, okay?
<Sypher>  ::nods::  Cross my heart.
<PastMaster> ::smiles... now has the most important of all the mirrors right where he wants it::
<RazorSK> ::ruffles his headfur::
<Sypher> ::giggles::
<T-BoneKnight> ::smiles as he leads them on after the rebel... uhm.. time passes and they reach the outskirts of camp?::
<Rebel> We should get there shortly...
<T-BoneKnight> Good.
<Sypher> ::again at the rear of the line, hears something off in the woods...  ears prick... curious, follows the sound::
<Trina> ::comes galloping back out:: Jake? Chance?  What're you doing back here? ::as she slows her horse to a halt::
<T-BoneKnight> ::blinks at her... she's familiar::
<Rebel> She's their leader... ::whispered::
<RazorSK> ::blinks himself::
<T-BoneKnight> We've come for the Queen...  ::has an army at his back::
<Trina> ::blinks many times:: Run that by me again?
<Matrix> Now where is that... ::pauses at the kitt he sees::
<T-BoneKnight> The PastMaster requires the Queen's presence.
<Sypher> ::looooooooks up at the big kat... has orange fur now an dark brown hair... but still has his blue eyes::
<Trina> ::just blinks, then half-laughs:: Your telling me that you're taking her to him?  ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR MINDS?!
<Matrix> ::blinks:: Sy!?
<Sypher> ::stumbles back::
<Sypher> H...  How...  My name is Silas....
<T-BoneKnight> I assure you, Fair Lady, I am in my right mind.  I am trying to settle this peacably. Please do not force me to have you restained.
<RazorSK> It is imperative that we take her back, M'lady.
<Trina> Oh, don't tell me you're back in his spell.
<Matrix> What happened to you!?
<T-BoneKnight> Spell?
<Sypher>  I don't know what you... ::turns to run::
<Matrix> Hey, hey! ::picks him up::
<Sypher> ::yells for help and struggles::
<Trina> ::sighs:: I don't believe this. Sorry, no can do. Can't tell you where she is.
<T-BoneKnight> ::sighs heavily, nods to somma the knights to grab Trina::
<Sypher> Father!  ::yelling at the top of his little lungs::
<Matrix> Sy... erm.. Silas. It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you.
<Sypher> ::trembles, but quietens... something about the sudden tone to his voice::
<Trina> You can't be serious, Chance... ::backs the horse up::
<Sypher> ::is sniffling::  D.... don't hurt me...  I...  Iiiiiii...  want my Father!
<Matrix> It's okay, li'l buddy. We'll find your father...
<T-BoneKnight> I'll not hurt you, Fair Lady...
<Sypher> ::wiping his face::  You will?
<Matrix> I promise.
<Sypher> Th... thank you...
<Trina> Har, har. Don't give me that.
<RazorSK> Restrain her, now.
<Knights> ::to do so::
<Trina> Ha ha ha hee... Catch me if you can. ::turns her horse around and gallops off::
<T-BoneKnight> Curses...  Come. ::to the army and spurs his horse to follow her::
<RazorSK> ::follows::
<Matrix> ::smiles, huggles::
<Trina> <Can't lead them to Callista. Therefore, Trina, take another route...>
<Sypher> ::is hugged... and finds something... odd about it...  familiar, but different.... isn't used to physical hugs from Trix... or many period::
<RazorSK> ::sends his horse at a faster pace::
<Sypher> ::looks up at him::  I've met you before, haven't I?
<T-BoneKnight> ::is spurring his horse on too::
<Matrix> Oh, yes, you have.
<Sypher> Who are you?
<Matrix> I'm... :pauses:: Keanu.
<Sypher>  Keanu?  ::cocks his head... the name isn't ringing true... prolly as it isn't Trix' real name::
<Trina> ::ducks at a low branch, pauses to grab it and lets it go as Razor comes close:: Sorry, Jake...
<RazorSK> *Smack*
<T-BoneKnight> ::pulls his horse up and to the side before he runs over Razor::
<RazorSK> ::falls off his horse:
<RazorSK> Owie...
<T-BoneKnight> ::dives off the horse to shove Razor clear of the rest of the army::
<RazorSK> ::stands up:: Thank you.
<Trina> ::looks behind her:: Sorry, guys...
<T-BoneKnight> No problem. ::as the others thunder past::  ::whistles for his horse:: Besides, I think she's distracting us...  ::lets the rest of the army chase her tho'::
<T-BoneKnight> ((<Army> ::is 10,000 strong:: <Trina> ::sighs:: Gonna need a lotta branches...))
<RazorSK> ((::Dies!::))
<RazorSK> She knows the way to the Queen. They have to capture her.
<T-BoneKnight> I say we find the Queen ourselves...
<T-BoneKnight> This way... ::heads off down a narrow track into the woods::
<RazorSK> ::follows::
<Sypher>  Can we find my Father now?  ::quietly::
<Matrix> Um... sure. ::goes, concentrates a tad...and zaps out::
<Sypher> ::CLINGS to Trix acoherently:: <What did you do?!  What's happening?!>
<Matrix> <Relax. It's a faster way to travel.>
<Sypher>  <NOOOOO!  ::understands it a bit... and it scares him, doesn't want to understand it.. and doesn't know why... but it means something::
<Matrix> <What is it?!>
<Sypher>  <No...  NO!  This is bad!  I can't do this!  Let me out!  Let me out! ::is crying and sobbing::>
<Matrix> ::finally stops at an area, and solidifies:: I never thought it would scare you... ::hugs him:: I'm sorry.
<Sypher> ::struggles to get away from him::
<Matrix> Silas, I can't let you go off alone. Trust me.
<Sypher> ::doesn't half understand what he's talking about, but knows what he's sensing::  No! That... You...  It'll.... change me... Make me...  Take me away from Father!
<Sypher>  I don't want to!  I don't want to!
<Matrix> ::finally sets him down, looks into his eyes:: What is this you're telling me about?
<Sypher>  ::backs away, acting like a cornered animal::  You'll take me away... You'll make me go back.. ::crying::  I don't want to!
<Sypher> ::sits down, crying away::
<Matrix> ::shoots his hands up:: I don't know what you're talking about...
<Sypher> I.... ::sees it inna flash::  You'll make me be whatever you are... and I DON'T WANT TO!!!!!
<Matrix> ::finally sits and looks at him:: You... want to be a normal kat... ::finally sees it::
<Sypher> ::sniffling:: I AM a normal kat...
<Matrix> ::decides he better not say he isn't:: Alright... you are.. ::sighs:: <This is gonna be tough> ::perks his ears to a sudden sound of hoofs heading in their direction::
<Sypher> ::can't stop crying, has a mental impression of a home - was given a false past like everyone -- sees his home, his father, his mother... and wants that badly::
<Sypher> ::and, is a normal kat for the moment::
<Trina> ::blinks:: Matrix!! ::as she comes charging out of the woods, and pulls to a stop::
<Sypher> ::is curling himself into a ball::
<Matrix> ::blinks:: What're...
<Trina> I've got an entire army after me. I've gotta lead them out of the route where we've hidden Callista.
<Sypher> ::hears that and looks up hopefully:: Father!
<Trina> ::blinks at the kitt:: Matrix? Who is...?
<Matrix> It's a loooooong story. ::perks his ears anew::
<Trina> Oh great. Hop on.
<Matrix> Are those things comfortable? ::small whiny voice::
<Trina> MATRIX!
<Sypher> ::hopes his father's with the army, he'll make it okay::
<Matrix> Alright, alright! But... ::looks at Sypher::  Is... Jake with them?
<T-BoneKnight> ((He knows?  He guessed?))
<RazorSK> ((He took a wild guess... seeing as Jake "raised" Sy..))
<Trina> Are you kidding me? He and Chance were the first ready to arrest me...
<Matrix> And?
<Trina> ::rolls her eyes: I knocked him off with a low branch...
<Matrix> ::smacks a hand against his head::
<Sypher> ::head comes up:: Father's hurt?!
<Trina> ::blinks:: <Father?> No, he's okay. Trust me.
<Sypher> ::eyes are huge::
<Trina> ::hears horses:: Matrix...
<Matrix> ::has no choice, grabs Sypher and gets on behind Trina::
<Sypher> ::screams anew::
<Trina> ::blinks at Sypher::
<Matrix> Trina... ::pleadingly::
<Sypher> ::mentally, has a lot more knowledge than most three year olds.. tho' not nearly all that his CyberKat brain could hold... but it explains his somewhat advanced speech... but emotionally he's three::
<Trina> ::looks around, heads the horse towards a lower dried out river, and hides below the bridge, calming the horse down::
<Sypher> ::still shrieking for all he's worth... and then some::
<T-BoneKnight> ((<Matrix> With all this screaming, he's worth a couple mil!  Uhm...Sy...  Bro... Uh... I'll give you a cookie!))
<Matrix> Calm down...
<RazorSK> ((DEAD))
<Sypher> I want my father!
<Trina> Hey... ::turns to take Sy from Matrix' arms:: Calm down... we'll get you to your father. ::pauses:: I know where he is.
<Sypher> ::quietens a bit::  You do?  ::large eyes at her::
<Trina> Yes, I do. <I have a gut feeling where they're headed>  But, I need you to calm down...
<Sypher> I... I can.
<Sypher> ::then points to Trix:: But, don't let him turn me into anything!
<Trina> Matrix! How could you!? ::mock nag::
<Sypher> ::says it rather accusatorily as though Trix is out to get him... and feels guilty for it::
<Matrix> Why am I always gettin' blamed for everything!?
<TrinaSK> ::smacks a hand against his mouth:: Shh!!! ::as the army goes over head::
<SypherSK> ::looks up at the thunder of hooves::
<TrinaSK> ::holds Sy close, holds her breath::
<TrinaSK> ::and keeps the horse calm::
<Sypher> ::senses the need for quiet and stays quiet... does feel he knows them... doesn't want them hurt::
<Matrix> ::looks up::
<Army> ::passes::
<TrinaSK> ::horses are gone, everything is quiet::
<TrinaSK> They're gone. ::lets out a deep breath::
<Matrix> ::murmurs something about being lucky::
<Sypher> ::just stares with wide eyes::
<SypherSK> ::quietly::  I want to go home...
<TrinaSK> ::looks at him:: Home?
<SypherSK> ::nods:: Home.
<TrinaSK> ::softly:: Where's home?
<SypherSK> Back in the village.
<TrinaSK> ::looks at Matrix::
<Matrix> He wants to be back with Jake...
<TrinaSK> ::whispered to Matrix:: You think you can look for them... the fast way?
<T-Bone> ::is actually leading Razor along toward them now... took a very winding path::
<Matrix> ::pauses, perks his ears:: I hear more horses::
<TrinaSK> ::sighs, and motions the horse:: Might as well...
<T-Bone>  ::sighs:: This is leading us in circles, I fear....
<Razor> ::sighs himself:: We could go back..
<Sypher> ::hears Razor:; Father!
<Matrix> Not the ones we had in mind, huh? ::small grin::
<TrinaSK> Oy...
<Razor> ::perks his ears at the call::
<SypherSK> ::calls again:: Father!
<TrinaSK> I don't have a choice... ::finally moves the horse towards them::
<Razor> ::hears that voice, and trots the horse towards them::
<Sypher> Father!
<SypherSK> ::spies him::
<Razor> Silas?
<TrinaSK> ::trots the horse to him, hands Sypher to him::
<SypherSK> Father!  ::clings to him::
<T-Bone> ::blinks at seeing Trina again::
<TrinaSK> Well, fancy meeting you two again...
<Razor> ::hugs him tight::
<SypherSK> ::is crying all over Razor::
<Razor> Shh... it's okay.
<Matrix> I better go check if you know who's safe... ::zaps out of there::
<SypherSK> ::cries more at that::  I hurt his feelings... ::whimpered::
<T-Bone> I...  What is going on here?!
<Trina> That's what I'd like to know...
<Razor> No, you didn't... ::huggles Sy closer::
<SypherSK> Yes, I did... But...  I couldn't....  ::tries not to think of it and pulls out the mirror::  I took good care of it.
<Razor> ::chuckles:: Good boy. ::takes the mirror:
<TrinaSK> ::blinks at the mirror:: What in the world is that?
<T-Bone> ::shrugs::
<Razor> No idea...
<TrinaSK> Lemme see that thing. ::takes it, looks at this mirror::
<Mirror> ::glows, but she has it upside-down::
<Trina> ::blinks at this:: What is this thing doing?
<T-Bone> I...  don't know... It... ::finds this familiar::
<Razor> ::shakes his head, seems confused::
<T-Bone> ::seems to be remembering... then...:: Trina!  Smash that thing now!
<Trina> ::blinks, takes out her bow and arrow and hands it to T-Bone:; Toss it into the air.
<SypherSK> No!  ::lunges over and grabs it::
<Razor> ::blinks: Silas! What're you doing?
<TrinaSK> ::blinks::
<SypherSK> No, no, no...  ::hugging the mirror:
<Razor> ::softly:: What is it?
<SypherSK> ::looks down at it and whispers:: If you smash it...  it's all over....
 <Razor> What's all over?
<SypherSK> ::eyes are huge and tearful::  Me...  You....
<SypherSK> I'll be..... that... other... thing again....
<Razor> What other thing?
<SypherSK> That.... it...  Not a kat.....
<SypherSK> ::is crying onto the mirror now::
<TrinaSK> ::exchanges a look with T-Bone::
<T-Bone> ::is fighting to maintain his hold on reality::
<SypherSK> ::whispers::  No family....  No mother..  No father....  No past....  No home....
<Razor> ::sighs, hugs him tight::
<SypherSK> No games with the other kittens...  No childhood....
<TrinaSK> ::feels her heart melt:
<SypherSK> ::sobbing into Razor::
<Razor> You'll always be my son...
<SypherSK> ::looks up at him with huge eyes::
<T-Bone> ::is finding that his mind is clearing, tho' he doesn't know why::
<Razor> ::smiles::
<SypherSK> ::gives him a watery smile back... isn't sure he'll mean that when he's himself again::
<SypherSK> ::doesn't know that the spell is already wearing off... doesn't see that where his tears have streaked the mirror it's glowing::
<Razor> ::just holds him, feels like crying himself::
<T-Bone> ::gruffly:: Sypher....  You have a home...  You're welcome with us anytime...
<T-Bone> ::glances at Trina:: Probably more than one home...
<TrinaSK> ::smiles:: He's right on that one. You have a home with all of us.
<SypherSK> ::looks up and around... but doesn't see the other face he's looking for... the one he turned his back on::
<Razor> What is it?
<SypherSK> ::crying::  M... my brother...
<Trina> Matrix? He'll be back. He went to check on something...
<SypherSK> N... no...  I called us both unnatural and said I didn't want to be like him....
<SypherSK> I... ::then feels Trix again, via their link... hadn't realized the spell was dying::
<Matrix> <You awake, Li'l Buddy?>
<SypherSK> <Y..... y.... You're not mad at me?>
<Matrix> <When was I ever mad?>
<SypherSK> <Shouldn't you be?>
<Matrix> <Not that I know of..>
<SypherSK> <I... I called us both freaks and chose being kat over.. what we are...>
<Matrix> <::hug feeling:: Don't worry about it..>
<SypherSK> <I.... love you, Trix...>
<Matrix> <Love ya' too, Bro'. ::grin::>
<SypherSK> ::feels the mirror dissolve in his hands::
<SypherSK> Huh?  ::looks down at the glow as it fades away:: What....?
<Razor> ::blinks::
<TrinaSK> :ditto::
<SypherSK> how?
<TrinaSK> What say we figure this out as we head the army off at the pass?
<SypherSK> ((<Narrator>  The mirror sustains PastMaster's dream of the Dark Ages... in the same way, he used it to tie into sustaining Sy's dream of a normal life...  When confronted with the reality that Sy had what he was looking for all along... and.... oooo... maybe Pastie could too, no? .... it faded away, unneeded.))
<TrinaSK> ((::chuckles:: Oooooooo...))
<SypherSK> ((::thinks she's deep at 5:00 am::))
<T-Bone> ::nods:: Roger that.
<Razor> ::nods, and goes::
<TrinaSK> ::follows::