TOC4

Chapter 4 - Twin worlds, the Legacy begins

Wars have been fought over the wielding of power. This power may take on many forms. Just as well, evil takes on many forms. Trust is the firm reliance on the integrity, ability and the character of another person. Betrayal is the violation of this trust, deliverance into the hands of the enemy. Trust is a weakness. Betrayal is the hidden blade. Nothing is what it seems. When wars are based on the facts of long ago, the only freedom is on memories. But what if memories do not speak the truth? Memories dwell with a soul, but do they dwell with the body?

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"LIATHANO!!!" My voice went hoarse in a scream as I saw her, paralysed against the two painfully familiar forms smiling gleefully behind her. Adrenaline coursed through my body as her body slumped, half turned toward them.

"Come on..." I urged the icy disk of energy I flew on.

The white clad female, long cloak whispering menacingly in the wind, looked up at me, eyes glowing a frightening green, so unlike the serene blue I have seen. Then again, that wasn't really Harley then, was it?

Laughter sprang from her lips as a pale hand clenched around Liathano's throat, eerily matching the amused laughter of her partner.

Dammit! Too slow!!!

I watched in horror as an unholy glow surrounded my friend.

"ICE BEAM!!!" Clasping my hands together, the swirling beam of my element shot toward the figure bathed in white light. My movement never slowed. There was no way they were taking Jocelyn. Or killing her for that matter.

A shadowed form fazed, faster than possible in front of my blast, batting it casually away. A wicked smile lingered on her lips.

"Oh look Harley, Vengeance has come to play..." It was the face of a friend that laughed menacingly at me. But I had to remind myself, this was not Necie. No friend would do this.

A black whip materialized in her hands, crackling with dark power, as her eyes glowed a fearsome red over the once lazy black.

I fumbled to conjure a solid blade of ice in my hands, fuelled by sheer determination. People always said I was stubborn.

"And to think I almost missed this little escapade." Harlequinn narrowed her blazing green eyes at Liathano's body, the glow brightening around both their bodies. "Samiya did well."

I registered shock. Samiya? Jasmeen?

I knew it! There HAD to be something wrong if Jasmeen, no matter WHAT universe was so forward with a guy she liked.

That moment of weird contemplation was all it took for the snake-like whip to slice across my back making me arch in pain, numbness overcoming all feeling on my back. A gasp of pain escaped my lips, the hesitation being all it took for another string of pain to scorch my back as the whip landed again. My own blood landed on my arm. Cruel laughter sounded in front of me.

"Let her go..." I managed to gasp, eyes focusing only barely on Harlequinn.

"Why?" Tara's face asked in a mask of amusement as her hand tightened visibly on Liathano...or was it Jocelyn's throat. The white glow remained steady.

What is she doing?

"I don't like being ignored." A voice said almost poutingly.

This time, I brought my sword up just in time to stop the whip, only to have it thrown from my hands...straight into Opal's.

She smiled, gripping the hilt. "Handy." Face contorting into a sneer she sliced through the air with the sword.

"Shit!" Time seemed to slow as dark aura, enhanced by MY sword, sliced through the air with deadly accuracy. I could only scream as a long jagged cut appeared down my leg, blinding my vision in pain. Blood started to pour in red streams down my leg. Screams sounded behind me, no doubt the dark, and not to mention ever expendable minions being chopped in half.

Opal laughed branishing the sword with perverse glee. I narrowed my eyes at the weapon.

"Sword of Ice. Whom do I command!!!" The phrase jumped into my mind with easy remembrance. To my satisfaction, the sword exploded in Opal's hand, splattering blood into the sky with a piercing scream.

I staggered as another wave of pain and nausea hit me.

She looked at the stump that was once her hand. "Now I'm angry..."

I glanced worriedly at Liathano. //Wake up!!!// A roar of power came from behind me and the whip lashed around my neck so hard I could see stars. Or was it just blood. Seemed to be alot of that around.

The whip tightened around my neck, choking the breath out of me. Necie always favoured choking people when she was mad.

"Frightfully rude of you to take away my hand little girl. Now as they say, an eye for a eye...a hand...for a hand."

She was interrupted as Liathano screamed, the light around her body blinding in the sky, only to be cut off when Harlequinn punched her in the face.

//At least she's awake...// I thought. Though of course it didn't help any that we were both trapped and I'm about to lose a major limb. Where was my knight in shining armour or Tuxedo Mask to save me NOOOOOW!?!?!?!

My head started to feel numb from lack of both blood and air. Dying in battle. Yay.

"The liquid drips, ripples and pours. Element of my power...BOIL."

//YERS!!!// The chant drew Opal's attention, her eyes widening before her very veins started to ripple in her skin. Gross...

Catsyile's eyes deepened into glossy dark blue, her whole body liquefied and clear.

Harlequinn only looked at her. "Catsyile. So it's you who has been making this oh so entertaining rebellion against us. Still hurting from that 'gift' we gave you?"

Catsyile's eyes only darkened into black.

Not exactly my knight in shining armour but good enough. Would be nice if she would hurry...no air....

Opal was looking very...veiny at the moment.

"If you kill her, your friend here dies..." Harlequinn placed her hands on both sides of Liathano's neck, easily enough to snap it. I noticed through black spotted haze that the white glow had stopped.

"Not if I can help it Lady." That was...JOCELYN!!! Along with her extremely hard head as she just head butted Harley.

Catsyile smiled, and spread her hands. "Boil."

There was no fear on Opal's face. Just surprise. A light smile crossed the oh so veiny face.

"We got what we came for." Famous last words before exploding in a ball of blood. Splattering everywhere. I was thankfully released from the whip, gasping for air in choked, painful breaths, dripping ickyness. A harsh slap into reality came in a sharp stab of pain in my leg, making my whole body shudder in pain as I conjured a weak disk in the air.

Harlequinn growled, shaking Liathano from her grip. She plummeted. "This would just be about the time I reveal my tremendous plans. Yet, I do love surprises don't you? But let me tell you this, you can't trust everyone who works for you..." She looked at Catsyile. "Idiot. This is only the beginning. If you think that you and your pathetic excuse for a rebellion can overthrow us. You will be harshly corrected."

"Shut up." Catsyile's eyes started to glow again.

Steam started to hiss off Harlequinn's body.

"Opal may thrive on the pleasure of pain. But me...?" In turn, a blinding aura of white surrounded Harlequinn's form. "I just get PISSED OFF!!!" Her eyes burned a radiant green, conjoined with the heated flare of pure energy surrounding her.

Catsyile's lips thinned in grim determination, body starting to liquidate in mid air.

Harlequinn flung out an arm toward her. "You are far weaker than me Catsyile. It's about time you understood that." White lightning crackled around her body.

Catsyile's body suddenly exploded into mist, surrounding Harley's body in an instant.

A bright globe of light surrounded them, blinding everything else into darkness. I could just see the outline of two bodies fighting. A blue blade of what looked to be a light saber, except made of water parried against the spinning arc of a thermal green-bladed scythe. Energy crackled in their meeting. The light surrounding them was blinding, hurting my dilated eyes, though I couldn't take them out of my sight.

Of course, this made it perfect for a surprise attack.

Startling pain sliced across my already raw back as electricity lashed across it. A luminous shadow surrounded me. I could only catch the glimpse of a cold, amused stare as it passed my face each time.

It was....kinda familiar. I couldn't tell who it was through my hazy pain filled eyesight, and there wasn't much chance of me fighting back. The disc that was keeping me afloat was all I could do at the moment.

The feel of cold steel lifted my chin.

"Not much to look at are you?"

Lightning crackled around his form. I couldn't stop the sharp flare of anger from that comment. So I'm not the prettiest girl around but NO ONE had any right to say that except me! His smirk infuriated me more.

"Who are you little girl? " His eyes wandered over me. "Ah, so you are injured. How pathetic. I suppose you are part of that ridiculous rebellion. So sad."

I looked up at his lighted face angrily. A spark of recognition struck me.

//Oh HELLLLLL NO!!! Not him! ANYTHING BUT HIM!!! //

White armor lay beneath a long coat of blood red, clipped at the neck and covering his shoulders to the gold plated tekkou that covered his left arm to his elbow. The arm that was currently lifting my chin with the pressure of icy steel.

A face partly covered with a red headband glowed from brilliant gold coloured eyes. Eyes that shone in cold amusement at my blood streaked body. Lightning flashed around his body

"I think it would be in the best interests of my mistress for me to kill you." The gold plated fist rose into the air above my face. My eyes squeezed shut unconsciously.

How demeaning. Killed by Bui. THERE IS NO JUSTICE!!!

"Bui. It's time to go. We got what we came for." That voice...

I opened my eyes to see Samiya standing behind him. Gone was the cheeriness I witnessed before, and replaced by the soft monotone she now spoke in. Soft? Jasmeen? Whoa...Something is definitely out of whack...

Bui, the only person in this weird universe actually NAMED the same as the real Bui, lowered his fist with an unsatisfied grunt.

With difficulty, I calmed my racing heart, trying to ignore the stunning pain all over my body. The sound of battle had diminished in the air. I noticed the absence of evil minions, and the cascading powers of sorcerers. Twisting my head slightly, the sight of Catsyile trapped within a barricade of light, a pure globe that stopped even her mists of evaporation.

"What about her?" Bui gestured to me with a sneer.

Samiya looked over me with cold eyes, so out of character for the cheerful Jasmeen I knew. "Leave her. Battle Angel here has gotten weak. So much that she can't even defeat our mistresses's projection together with her worthless friend. She poses no threat." The dark skinned girl smiled at me. "You people are too trusting." She said simply before turning away to Bui. "Did you capture Xas?"

Bui rolled his eyes. "Don't try to order me around woman. That coward flew away to save his woman in the middle of our fight. Which makes an excellent excuse for me to offer this prize for a consolation gift."

I guessed he was referring to me. The worry in the depths of my mind at the fate of my friend who has long since plummeted to probable death, ceased. At least SOMEONE bothered to catch her. Then again...what about me?

Samiya looked at me again in what could only be disdain. "Do you like her or something?"

I spluttered.

Bui however flashed angry sparks of lightning. "You are only a newcomer to our cause. Don't assume you are indispensable. No one would miss you if I choose to kill you." A deadly glow started to glow around his golden tekkou.

Samiya flashed a smile. "Whatever Bui." She turned away from us.

One thing was nagging at my mind. Why was Samiya fighting off those minions if she was on the same side?

A scream rose from her throat. A very PAINFUL scream. To me that is. It vibrated throughout the skies like a mighty clap of thunder might in stormy skies. Samiya closed her mouth ending the scream as abruptantly as she had begun.

"Let's go." She said normally over her shoulder. I could see a vacuum forming in the sky, a mass of swirling light and shadow.

Bui only grunted in reply, watching as she flew off. Suddenly he smirked. I didn't like that look on his face.

"Just one more thing..."

A vicious blow came to my face, finally knocking me to unconsciousness.

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ Meanwhile...in the real world... ~

A loud and ANNOYING sound played repeatedly beside me. I slowly got out of warm covers to glare at the object.

I can't believe it. I, Alita Battle Angel, feared assassin of Team Vengeance reduced to waking at the ungodly hour of six-thirty so she gets an 'education.'

I growl in annoyance at the small parasite of a machine, took the clock in my hands and threw it out the nearby window.

Only to have it bounce back at my head because the stupid window was 'fly shielded' or something. One thing I found out about Anita's life was that it was incredibly BORING. All the machines here I couldn't work, only getting that wide picture box working because I pressed the most obvious button. Of course the thing was like that girl Samiya, or 'Jasmeen' never stopped talking... I shut that option against boredom quickly.

And all those colourful THINGS on her walls! They were blinding my eyes so I tore them down. I'm sure Anita would thank me for taking those ghastly things off her walls.

Luckily I went into her memory so I wasn't as clueless to her life as other people would think. Still, I couldn't figure out how she spent her time. The room was obviously used constantly with the mess around. Which I cleaned up for sanitary's sake. Still, I couldn't figure out what this 'internet' thing was. And those shiny discs on her bookshelf were completely useless. So I made better use of them as coasters for drinks. They look nice on the table anyway.

In short, I majorly redecorated her room. Now those swords that she made out of wood hung on the walls instead of those atrocities to the eyes. The one labelled Darkness is surprisingly well made at least.

Slipping without my usual grace since Anita had the most out of shape body ever, I started the menial task of finding the constricting uniform her memories told me were clothes.

Something nagged in my mind. Oh yes. I was facing that HSC monster that Anita feared. No problem. I could take whatever horror they could throw at me. Me who had slayed many monsters in my world will have no problem facing this fiend in this peaceful world. Right?

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I think it was a while before I awoke.

The sun shone into my eyes. But...something wasn't...right. I opened my eyes slowly, placing that feeling of wrongness. I felt no pain. And with what I just went through, that either meant I was dead or I was REALLY numb. And to be THAT numb I had to be dead.

"Are you okay Sister?" Catherine's voice. Catsyile.

I blinked slowly at the lush foliage of the tree above me, flashes of sunlight filtering across my eyes. I contemplated getting up considering my injuries.

Catsyile's voice sounded beside me. "Don't worry, our healer took care of your wounds."

In that case...I sat up with care and looked around. People...some I knew from my world, some I didn't were spread around the grass, a clear stream of water nearby. I turned to look at Catsyile.

In a word, she looked like shit.

"You look like shit."

She frowned. "So do you." Point taken. The nice leather get up I was wearing was in shreds. Dried blood was on my leg though the wound was healed. Dirt from being on the ground stuck to my back. My hair was clotted up with stuff I didn't want to know about.

But most of all, I was angry. "What happened?"

Catsyile's eyes narrowed, fury evident on her face. "We lost our main base is what." So the serene Catsyile in this world could get angry. Correction. REALLY angry. Her whole body liquefied for a second before reforming, tattered clothing reforming as whole on her body. Must be handy to have that kind of power. My eyes wandered again, spotting two figures sitting against a tree near the stream. Well, one figure actually sitting. Another on HIS lap. Well, well...

My mind replayed the horrific events in my mind too easily for my comfort. "What 'bout Samiya? I thought she was on our side." It was the thought foremost on my mind.

Catsyile stood, eyes narrowed. "She is. But I can't trust her anymore. She was supposed to be our spy in their network. But now I'm not too sure. " A sigh heaved in her throat. "We lost again." She looked at the clear stream, a sudden look of determination on her face to replace the forlorn sadness. "Most of our people have moved on to other bases already at Xas's warning. I don't know how many have been killed or captured yet. Leesha is working on that. There is not much we can do after this loss. Nothing much at all..." Her voice turned cold. " I will take some men and travel to..."

"Wait...let me guess you're gonna go on a quest to find the only object capable of defeating them that is located beyond the caves of terror and guarded by a monster of some terrible sort." I butted in, wanting to break the iciness in her voice, a voice that was full of pain and hatred, so unlike the usually cheery Catherine I knew. Then again, my group was pretty cheery anyway. Plus the scenario was possible...it WAS what usually happened in fantasy stories.

Catsyile gave me a weird look. "What? No! If there was such an object, my people would have found it long ago. Do not jest in this situation sister. I'm going to gather the rest of our sisters to help us." A look of sadness crossed her face. "Those that are left of course."

I let that settle in. Did she say MORE sisters??? But that meant...we were not related in blood. A surge of relief entered my mind.

"Why didn't you do this before?" I checked myself over more carefully just in case.

"You should know Alita. It's only been 5 years since...since the Order of the Blue were destroyed. Those that escaped are hidden. And hidden well, all masters of their magic. But we need everyone we can gather if we want to beat them." She looked at me. "I wouldn't put them in danger when it is not necessary. But something is happening. All these attacks are getting more frequent. We're losing more people than we can afford. Opal and Harlequinn isn't playing anymore. They're building up to destroy us." Catsyile was suddenly interrupted by a loud scream that was unfortunately too close to us.

"BIBI!! WHERE IS SHE!?! OMG!!!" A blue streak flew past. Stopping momentarily in the middle of the field to look around in fear. Blue hair for fear. Leesha had a worried expression on her face.

//Bibi...BIBI WAS HERE!?!// I looked around curiously for any signs of my quiet friend.

Catsyile looked around as well. "Bibi was too powerful to be killed this easily." An almost murmur of worry. She nodded in gesture and relaxed as a lithe figure of another woman walked behind the panicked Leesha. A slitted blue Chinese dress, equally ragged as the rest of us though I could still make out the outlines of a silver phoenix along one long, hanging sleeve. Two cute braided buns sat atop her head though now a little lopsided and messy. Bibi, as the optimum of cuteness personified.

Leesha's face looked crestfallen, still not noticing her friend behind her.

"How come she doesn't realise she's there?" I asked...then thought better since Bibi always seemed to sneak up on me back home and freak the daylights out of me.

"Because her power is of Silence. She was recruited recently to counteract Samiya's if she should betray us. She is also our sister." Catsyile explained.

"WHHHHHHHHHHHHHAT!?!?!"

Catsyile only smiled and nodded slightly.

Bibi tapped her crying friend on the shoulder. Instantly, Leesha spun a cry on her lips.

"YOU'RE ALIVE!!!" And promptly glomped her friend. Bibi's eyes widened but then changed into a small smile. "Why'd you make me worry!?" Leesha playfully punched Bibi's shoulder making the other girl wince. "Oh sorry! Were you wounded? Huh? Did I hurt you? OMG sorry!!!"

I saw Bibi roll her eyes a little before I realised Catsyile had started talking again.

"...every one of us use the counter powers of those of the Twilight Temple. They dwell mostly with fire while we are experts in water."

"Huh? Twilight Temple? Sorry, wasn't listening." I said almost sheepishly.

Catsyile gave me a look of annoyance, a look I was VERY familiar with. "You should know all of this already Sister, it was one of the reasons that you were kicked out. I supposed you didn't get around to telling Liathano, your friend over there am I correct?"

Back up..."Wha?"

"Liathano is fire, one of the Twilight Temple. You two joined together for revenge against Opal and Harlequinn or the destruction of the temples. Our temple was massacred out of spite. Theirs were destroyed and recruited for the fun of it." Catsyile looked away from me suddenly. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories." She must've took my confusion for something else.

Something happened to Alita when this...Temple of Blue was destroyed. Maybe a tragic death? It seemed likely. But Catsyile said Alita was kicked out because she banded with Liathano. Rival schools. No wonder Liathano didn't know I...um...Alita was sorta related to Catsyile...we didn't look anything alike apart from being Asian. That was about it for resemblance.

"Catsyile! Reports have come in! " Every turned to look at Catsyile at my side, whose face suddenly went blank. The messenger, a short man about my height bowed slightly, his clothing as tattered as anyone elses, but it was. He looked familiar somewhat... the height was what gave him away, though his eyes were hidden beneath streaked grey/black hair and a dark blue reflective visor covered his eyes. A grey sleeveless shirt lay beneath a high-tech looking dark blue, satin singlet. Functionally loose pants with zipper things along it...I had no idea what they were...pockets?, lifted a little to see menacing looking boots, steel toed but comfortable looking. Still, the height of the man could not be mistaken for anyone else. Not much people were shorter than me. It was Andrew Leung.

I had an urge to burst out laughing despite the seriousness of the expressions around us.

Catsyile nodded. "Xanatos, how does things look?"

Leung...er...Xanatos grimaced. "Not good. 30 dead. Over 60 missing. 15 of that able to use magic. more than 130 injured. the rest has left for 2nd or surrounding bases. This group is the last. We gotta do something soon Catsyile. The shit is hitting the fan pretty soon." The visor glinted impossibly with worry.

Catsyile's face remained blank, a role model of strength for her people. "Inform the family or friends of those that died. Ceremonies will be performed if the families wish it. If there are bodies, bury them. Alita, Xas, Liathano, Bibi, Leesha...where is Kayashi?"

"One of the injured." Was the quick reply.

Catsyile clenched her fist. "Find her." Leesha and Bibi's eyes widened, and the two moved through the spread crowd. A cry of discovery was soon heard in Leesha's voice. Those that parted revealed the battered and heavily bleeding form of Kayashi on the grass. It was not a pretty sight. I wondered briefly if I had looked just as bad before I was healed.

"Fetch Imrhien!" Catsyile rushed to her friend's side and I followed after her with wide eyes. Everything was happening too fast. I saw Leung flash in front of Kayashi with impossible speed. His power no doubt. I looked down at Kayashi and couldn't suppress a shudder as the face of Cathy, my friend, contorted in pain. A red pool of blood darkening beneath her.

Bibi and Leesha ran in with a woman guided between them. The newcomer was glowing a mystic silver, her dress one of the most peticular ones I've seen in this crazy world so far. But the kindness in her face was unmistakable. Angelina was always too kind for her own good. Apparently she was known as Imrhien here. A healer. And an elf if those were indeed pointy ears I saw. Silver short bobbed hair framed over a heart shaped face, the tips of pointy ears poking through the curtain of hair. Eyes flashed in determination as she leaned over Kayashi, the almost translucent strands of her silver spider web dress simmering, clear yet still managing to conceal most of her body for decency.

"What happened?!" Catsyile asked urgently around us.

Xanatos, though he would always be little Leung in my mind, stepped forward.

"Stabbed by Bui's tekkou. She was managed to stop most of the closest of our people being sucked into the wormhole with her cyclone attack. Bui stabbed her as he past, and was the last to leave in the wormhole." Leung scowled. I could've sworn he had muttered "Mutherfucker..." under his breath.

The mention of that twerp that said I was ugly made anger boil in my blood. And now this? Oooh...Vengeance was MINE.

Imrhien's hand dropped onto the ground, the glow around her body diminishing with a tired breath. "Are you well Kayashi?" Her voice was very mystical. Lucky girl. Kayashi's eyes snapped open, and she sat up suddenly.

"WHERE IS THAT SON OF A BITCH!?! HE STABBED ME IN THE BACK THAT..."

Catsyile, Bibi and Imrhien blinked, the most serene of the group. Leung...er...Xanatos and Leesha just nodded in agreement as Kayashi spouted out a string of curse words that involved what she would do to Bui and what he could do to himself and a few well chosen objects. I just laughed. Bui was gonna get bitch slapped...

"Kayashi." Everyone quietened to Catsyile's stern voice. I could see Xas leaning on the tree, his eyes looking questioning at his no doubt superior officer. "I will be leading a group to try and persuade my sisters to join us. The losses we gained are tragic, and those that died will be mourned. However, those that were taken need to be replaced and saved from Opal and Harlequinn. I will not leave them to their fate."

"I'm with ya." Leesha said immediately, a weird glint in her eyes. Bibi tilted her head slightly in hesitation then nodded. She looked at me, and her eyes widened, a small sound of surprise escaped her lips.

Catsyile smiled, and continued. "Thank you for trusting me, but this is far more complicated. Those that are captured, as you know will be turned against us. We must get as much people as we can before that happens. You are all battle weary and my plan of systematically attacking Opal and Harlequinn's bases..."

"Attacking their base?! Hell no, I'm out. No way I risk my life like that to get those idiots that got themselves captured. I'm just a messenger..." Xanatos butted in.

"Let me finish." Catsyile corrected. "We will attack their bases. But the people I want to recruit has an advantage. Most of their powers cancel out, or do the most damage against those working under the enemy. "

"Who are these people?" Kayashi leaned on her leg. "I trust you and all Catsyile, but I would like to know if these people we�re going to risk our lives for are worth it."

To my surprise, it was Bibi that softly answered. "Our sisters." Silence.

"Alita, Leesha, Bibi, Kayashi, Xas, Liathano and...Imrhien, we shall need you too, will you be my team?" Catsyile looked around.

Xas nodded from beneath his tree. I narrowed my eyes at him and wiggled my eyebrows in gesture of my friend on his lap. I think he blushed before he looked away.

Xanatos gave an audible sigh of relief. "Phew, right, Catsyile, you want me to round everyone up here and get them to bases? I'll deliver your plan to Eye." Catsyile nodded.

Eye? Who could Eye be? Or was it Ai?

Since no one was paying attention to me, I took the time to walk over to my unconscious friend and rescue her from evil and no doubt perverted clutches....and cause her endless embarrassment of course. What would be the point other wise?

"Oi Xas! I hope you're not doing anything lecherous with my friend are you!?!" I screamed loud enough for the whole camp to hear. Xas looked at me and shhhed me with his hands loudly, a panicked expression on his face. I smirk evilly.

My scream of course, had woken Liathano/Jocelyn to find herself in not the best position in Xas's lap.

An eyebrow twitched.

"Now, now Liathano...you wouldn't harm your hero who happened to save your life right?"

The next thing Xas's face knew was the bark of the tree he was leaning on. A measured kick to his side followed for good measure. Catsyile who had noticed the commotion, like everyone else in a 500m radius, hid a snigger behind a cough.

"Grrr..." Liathano/Jocelyn cursed at him in Arabic, standing angrily then delivering another kick to his side, before finally tearing her eyes away from her, so called ex. They looked around with puzzlement at the green surroundings, quite different from the battlefield she last witnessed. Shaking her head, she looked at me with worry. "Ani...Alita, you okay Lady?" Definitely Jocelyn.

"No, I'm dead. Take a guess." I quipped lightly, the close encounter with death easily forgotten in my mind. That's how my mind works. If it's important, there is a 100% chance I would forget it within a day. Not exactly the best mind frame when taking your HSC...

"Oh shit." I swore, realising something.

"What?" Jocelyn dusted herself off, as much as she could anyway. The meter long hair was looking like a giant version of a bird's nest with pin needles embedded in it.

"Alita and Liathano are taking our HSC...Right. Now." My statement caused Jocelyn's face to pale considerably and a look of puzzlement to appear on Catsyile's face. There would be one on Xas's face if he didn't have his face in bark that is.

Here we enter the "I'm going to die" chant from Jocelyn.

"Enough." Catsyile waved a hand. "I don't know what is going on with this..." She frowned, "HSC thing, but it is imperative we move immediately while there is still a chance of saving those that were captured. Move out." A blue disc lifted her off the ground. "Xanatos, carry the message to Eye as planned. Tell her not to worry. We can communicate through General Xas should need be." She flew off into the air.

Xanatos finger saluted, "Whatever you say Catsyile." With that, his form fazed from view...as if he disappeared.

I struggled a little but managed to conjure the same flying disc under my feet, lifting slightly in the air. I saw Leesha transforming into a red dragon, as Imrhien and Bibi flipped gracefully onto her back. They took off into the air with a roar and flame from Dragon Leesha.

"Er...Alita...what's going on???" Jocelyn lifted her eyebrows, a disc of fire under her feet glowing brightly.

I looked at Catsyile's now distant form. "Um...I'll explain on the way...hey...just what is going on between you and Xas huh? You do realise he thinks you're Liathano right? And if you keep flirting with him....I would worry for your virtue..." I trailed off slyly.

"I WAS NOT FLIRTING WITH HIM!!!"

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"JOCELEEEN!" The sound of an older woman's voice filled with fury, shouted behind me. Then a string of dialogue in an unknown language could be heard. Loudly. I turned around to see a familiar mass of chestnut hair coming out of a car. Her eyes looked at me and widened a little. The woman's voice was heard again. I saw her scowl in a way that was too dark to be Anita's Jocelyn and slam the door of the car. She walked to me ignoring the angry yells from the car.

"Lia..thano?" I said tentatively, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.

She smiled. "Alita. What say you and me cause a little havoc?"

I grin. "Been there done that. Who's the pissed old lady?" I ask, swinging the bag over a shoulder. Liathano snorted.

"That's Jocelyn's mother. That woman is the most possessive thing I've ever seen. I don't know how Jocelyn could stand her. I ignored her for most of the time. Though I think she's pissed."

"No kidding." I stopped. "Hey, Liathano, any idea what this HSC thing is?"

My long partner in crime shrugged. "No idea. Couldn't get it from Jocelyn's memories. Screw it. The girl has so little of this world's currency at hand it amazes me."

I nod in understanding. "Time to correct that."

"Morning people."

Both of us froze to see who called us. I forced a semblance of a smile on my face. "Hi...Necie." Liathano looked at me with shock.

"Yo dudes. What's wrong with Jocelyn?" The girl named Tara in this world tilted her head toward Liathano. I shrugged. There was nothing wrong with Jocelyn. It was just that it wasn't Jocelyn. Liathano had her hands clenched, eyes turning hard and cold in fury.

"There is nothing wrong with me Harlequinn. Nothing at all." Raised eyebrows from the two. I glanced at her and tugged at her arm, it won't do for our cover to be blown. Plus, I don't want to ruin Anita's life now do I?

"Come with me to the food...buying...place." I said quickly. Liathano walked briskly behind me, obviously angry. "They are not Opal and Harlequinn here, Liathano."

"I know that Alita! I'm not stupid! But how can you just stand there and act like they are worthy of friendship knowing what Opal and Harlequinn have done!? If not for Jocelyn's memories, I would have killed them right then and there. Tell me why I shouldn't to stop it happening here." Liathano hissed at me in the corridor, though passers by only gave curious looks at us.

I growled. "Because this world is peaceful, there is no war against the powers of magic where men and women are slain each day. They're only normal girls with normal families. They are innocent here. Not matter what the other two have done, it has nothing to do with the two here. Plus, if anything like what happened to us happens, we will be on equal ground. There is no magic in this realm." I said confidently.

Liathano snorted. "Maybe, but I don't want anything to do with those bitches."

Stubborn as always. "Just TRY to be nice for Jocelyn's sake. Okay?" She 'hmphed'. I suddenly noticed the extra amount of attention from the word 'bitch'. This school had a serious thing about gossip. I glare at them. The group of shorter students...several years younger looked away. Weak.

Liathano's silence made me look back at her as we started walking again. Her eyes stared pointedly at me.

"Hey...Al...Anita, I just noticed this. You, are really flat chested."

I shot her a narrowed glare on behalf of my counterpart's honor, then resigned to reality, cupping them through the uniform.
"Tell me about it."

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Okay...let's get things straight here. I'm Alita and you're Liathano. The planet is named Blackstar..." I paused, "Which just happens to be your last name...go figure on that."

Jocelyn nodded, and I saw her hitching glances at Xas who was on the other side of the fire. She frowned, having recently been told by me what was happening, and her own memories having kicked in conveniently to fill the gaps. "So we're trying to find your...sisters. Wait...If all your temple were related by oath...did my temple do that, and am I..." Her eyes widened. "Oh dear god, am I related to Bui???" A visible shudder shook her.

I hid laughter and patted her on the back. "I feel so sorry for you. Hey, at least it isn't in blood. Plus, I don't think your Temple worked liked that. You have memories. I don't. Use them."

"Cruel woman." I heard her say, mid glance at Xas once again.

I sigh. "Okay, spill it. What happened between you two? If you don't tell me I shall be forced to put you two through annoying teasing and constant sexual innuendoes until one of you breaks and have hot, steamy...mmmft...mmft!!!" Jocelyn had clamped a hand over my mouth a look of horror on her face.

"You wouldn't!" I gave her a look. "Who am I kidding, this is YOU we're talking about.� She growled. �I swear, I don't know! Liathano didn't give any info on that..."

"What are you two ladies talking about?" It was devil himself behind us, instantly making Jocelyn shut up and take her hand away to let me breathe.

I smirk evilly. "Oh nothing, Liathano was just sighing dreamily about your 11 inch..."

"DIE!!!" She made a grab for me with clawed hands while I ran for my life, laughing hard.

I heard Xas step in front of Jocelyn as I did. "You where talking about my eleven inch...what?" I could just HEAR the smirk in that one. Jocelyn stuttered behind me as I ran.

"WATCH OUT!!!"

The sudden cry from the bushes startled me from my good humor into diving to the side. Moments later, an arrow spiked through the air, followed by the anguished cry of an animal. I poked my head from the bushes to stare at the offered hand infront of me.

"I'm so sorry. You should watch where you're going Miss Battle Angel. Or you could've been like the deer." The thin spider-web clothing sparkled in the moonlight. Imrhien's face smiled at me.

I turned to look at the very DEAD looking deer not far from me and gulped. "Er...yeah. Call me Alita." I stand with as much dignity as I could. "By any chance is that our dinner?" I realised I haven't eaten since...well, since Rat-on-a-stick. My stomach clenched in a slight rumble in response.

Imrhien laughed slightly. "So I heard Xas and your friend used to date? Any gossip for a curious elf?"

I blinked away the sudden weird thought that Angelina was an ELF. I mean the kind found in Lord of the Rings, fully customed with pointy ears and magical bow and arrow. I stare at her pointy ears none to conspiciously, my mind completely forgetting the question. "Er....pardon?" I jumped when the DEAD deer floated into the air.

"Oh nevermind, with the way Xas keeps going on about it, I'll find out eventually."

When we got back around the fire place, Jocelyn shot me a narrowed death glare, the sort that turned her eyes to eye lashed prisons. Xas was smirking like any infuriating male would after a slight victory.

"It shouldn't be too far now. The original place of the temple was destroyed years ago, but some of our sisters should still dwell nearby. We should reach the lake by noon." Catsyile instructed as she condensed out of nowhere, then growing annoyed as none of us paid attention since we were stuffing our faces. "OI! Fine ignore me people!"

I glanced up with full cheeks. "Urfft winfft!" Blank stare in response. I swallowed. "Sure thing." I repeated, before adding, "Then I can at least take a decent bath or shower." Jocelyn nodded in agreement. Usually I have this thing about being clean that is nowhere near obsessive compulsive, but I need the guarantee of a boiling hot shower before I feel comfortable at the end of a day.

Jocelyn shot Xas a peeved look. "Of course I would have to take care of a possible perv before THAT happens."

"Ooh...bondage...OW! Whatcha do that for!?" I rubbed the back of my head in annoyance. "Why do you care? One guy. We out number him six to one. If he tries anything, an unfortunate accident shall happen to his balls." I blinked and smiled at him for emphasis.

"Er...right." I think he just realised it now that he WAS the only guy in our group.

I thought it over. Hentai mind taking over. "Though I don't think Jocelyn would mind...I mean you two would have slept together already so you've probably seen everything...maybe you should bathe toget..." I started choking as Jocelyn's arm cut off my air circulation. Xas roared with laughter.

Catsyile shook her head. "When will you learn to keep that mouth of yours shut sister?" Kayashi rolled her eyes in agreement.

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The sound of animals and the rustle of the leaves surrounded us. Extremely dark and creepy, and no doubt crawling with disgusting bugs. I breathed a sigh of relief as the forest cleared to reveal a crystal clear lake only found in fairy tales and exuberant clich�s. In the middle, of course, stood an island as big as the equivalent of 10 football fields or so, complete with marble ruins, training grounds and the single structure left standing, that of a intimidating looking stone mansion, gleaming slightly in the sunlight. Strangely, there was no sound in the area. At all.

"OOOH PWEEEEEETY." Leesha shifted from the bird shape she had adopted for the forest and changed back into her cheery self her hair was a curious shade of orange. What the? That can�t be right... Bibi blinked at the view, sighing slightly in sadness.

"Interesting." Kayashi landed on the soft sand, having flown most of the way above the bug infested forest.

They all looked expectantly at me.

"Huh?" I looked at the water. Oh right. Ice. Hehehe. I raised a hand at the water. "ICE BEAM!!!" Instant walkway.

"Wait." We all stopped just before stepping on the walkway. Catsyile and Bibi stood on the shore, frowning.

"I can't believe you forgot so easily." Catsyile liquidated for a moment, her eyes opening to a soft blue. "Sources of magic. I, Catsyile, command you to reveal thy true form."

It was like a red shield evaporated over the serene scene, revealing a swirling pit of darkness where the lake once stood. My walkway looked like an inch in a chasm the size of the earth. The walkway shattered loudly, sucked into the gaping wormhole. I heard Jocelyn gulp. A second later, the image distilled, returning to an even more picturesque scene, this time, with the normal sound, such as the lapping of water upon sand.

"Spread." At Catsyile's command, a walkway was revealed as the water parted, like Moses and the Red Sea. Black marble shone beneath.

"And just what happens when normal people come to swim?" Leesha asked, looking freaked out by the purple streaks in her hair. Purple????

"They don't." Was Bibi's quiet reply.

"Well? What are we waiting for? Let's go before I grow old." Xas strode as he talked, already crossing to half way before the rest of us had even moved.

Was that a smile I saw on Catsyile's face?

I followed her gaze to Xas. Whoa...is this a sign that Jocelyn has competition?

A loud shrill battle cry sounded in the air.

"DIE EVIL MAN WHO DARES TO TRESPASS ON THE SACRED GROUND OF BLUE!!! IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE, AI SENSHI WILL VANQUISH YOU!!!" A blue streak came out of nowhere, fist sinking into marble where Xas was a moment ago.

Ah...nope, a smile of impending male torture. Understandable.

"What the hell?!" The poor guy�s cry was cut off as the petite woman's fists blurred in the air, the sound of bone on flesh apparent. Pretty funny to see a tall guy like Xas getting beat up by the petite looking female.

"HIYA!!!" A kick spun through the air, smashing in the side of Xas's side, sending the poor guy tumbling back, and falling into the wall of upraised water. The woman rebounded off the marble to charge after him.

By then I was running out of breath from laughing.

Xas's body shot from the water, soaked, and annoyed. "That's it! Who ever you are, why the fuck are you attacking me?!" He stood in a battle stance on a silver disc of power.

The water lay still. A moment later, what looked like a torpedo shot from it's surface, triple flipping before slamming both feet on Xas's shoulders, knocking him back into watery depths from surprise. The woman plummeted, flipping through the air before landing on the black marble hard, her fist steadying her whole body dark, wispy hair bound in complicated Chinese loops atop and down her head accompanied by cute wisps of hair shadowed her face. A traditional Chinese fighting outfit adorned her body, a blue, silk short-sleeved shirt with rich gold embroidery and cute knee length pants that matched. Tough looking royal blue slippers and fingerless gloves covered her hands and feet.

Bibi's laughter broke through the sudden silence.

The woman's face was revealed when she looked up. Her eyes looked confused. Then brightened into a glad smile. "OMG!!! BIBI!!! CATSYILE!! ALITA!!! GUYS!!!"

Yes, it was Jennifer. The little one. You know, the one that wears the head bands and looks so adorably small and cute with her short bobbed hair and...you get the idea.

I stepped back a little as she ran at us. Considering what she just did to Xas, as funny as that was, I wouldn't want it to happen to me. Jennifer caught Bibi in a bone crunching hug. Literally. Bibi's eyes bugged out.

Catsyile held off the woman before receiving the same treatment. "This is Ai Senshi, master of Fight and Power. Sister, this is General Xas, who you just disposed of, Kayashi, Master of the Winds, Liathano Blackstar, Master of Fire, Imrhien, Elven healer and..."

"Little Lost Leesha! Pleased to meet you! I am the undisputed Master of Change." Leesha shifted amazingly into the exact replica of Jennifer or Ai Senshi, to the other's surprise. Wait, doesn't Ai Senshi mean..."love warrior"? Of all the corny, sailormoon type names...

WHAT was I thinking when I wrote THIS?

Xas spluttered from the wall of water and jumped back seeing TWO of the same person who had just beat him up.

One smiled. The other growled, and raised her fists.

"NO MALES ALLOWED!!!" Ai started running toward the slowly backing away Xas.

"Enough." A new voice interrupted. Well, not really. I know that voice anywhere. A pretty dark skinned woman stepped from the water behind Xas, glaring at Ai. She wore a simple leather pants and boob tube, her hair tied in a high pony tail with just one bang hanging over an eye. Her eyes looked at me with the smirk I knew too well. "BUDIMAN!!!"

Why, OH WHY does she still have to call me that?! EVEN HERE!?!

I groan, slumping on my knees, as Jocelyn sniggered somewhere behind me.

"Nando! It's great to see you!" Catsyile exclaimed.

"DUH." Nando's statement echoed with a loud rumble from the sky and a series of horhorhors. If our temple counteracted the Twilight one...then...

"Meet Nando, Master of Thunder." Catsyile introduced, pointing us out once again. Her face turned serious. "Sisters. I have come to ask your help." Her eyes shifted around. "Where are the others?"

Ai, well, I assumed it was, as Leesha was still in her form, glanced at Nando.

Nando looked at us. She shook her head. The light mood left her features. "I know why you came Catsyile. The others have left, and you know very well that if they have not joined either you or Opal and Harley, they cannot be found. Me and Ai are all that is left here, and we will remain here. Your wars don't involve us. When we split up, we agreed on this. It's great that you came, but our job is to protect this temple. You know that."

�So we came for nothing?� Jocelyn asked, always voicing the silent question. Catsyile's face frowned.

�If you knew why we came, why did you let us in? Your answer would have been obvious if you had not let us in.�

The Master of Thunder sighed. �Can�t I just enjoy the visit of an old friend without her asking for something? You already know how I feel about this Catsyile.�

"I won't accept that as an answer Nando. You are my friend and my sister, but are these ruins more precious than life? Opal and Harlequinn destroyed this place, it is nothing more than RUINS!" I could see Catsyile getting angry. It was unnerving

"More reason to PRESERVE it Catsyile." Nando said clearly.

"And then what? Just let the rest of the world suffer under their rule while you rest with these ruins!?! So you can just forget WHY this place is IN ruins in the first place?"

Nando's eyes flashed. "Just because you hold a little vendetta against them doesn't mean that the rest of us don't have choices. The Order of the Blue's way is not of violence! We protect! You charge into battle, kill your people without thought, without CARE, just so you can satisfy your need for revenge!"

"That is NOT TRUE!!! I battle to save the innocent, to PROTECT them! And I need your help to save those that were captured!!!" Catsyile bit back.

"Bullshit! Who was it that let them get captured Catsyile?! I bet you were battling with Harlequinn weren't you when you could have helped them! Any other magician could have dealt with it but you had to do it personally!"

"Ladies...I think we should calm down don't you?" Xas said, acting as peacemaker.

"SHUT UP!!!" Two angry faces directed at him putting him in his place. The rest of us watched the exchange uneasily.

"How would you know..." Catsyile began in a colder voice. "You have not seen the battlefields, you haven't done one thing to help any side. You say our way is to protect, but I don't see you protecting ANYTHING OTHER THAN WORTHLESS RUINS!!!"

An angry gasp left Nando's lips, thunder rumbled in the darkening skies.

"GUYS!!! STOP IT!!!" Two syncronised voices cut in, both identical. Ai and Leesha eyed each other before nodding.

Jocelyn strode forward and grabbed Nando's shoulders. "Lady, calm down." She said sternly. Nando's eyes swivelled at her. Jocelyn shook her again. "Calm. Down."

"I hold no grudge against those of the untainted Twilight, but if you don't let go of me this instant..." She threatened.

I pulled Jocelyn away. I knew from experience how Jocelyn dealt with situations can be very annoying at times. I looked at the darkened, rumbling skies with a growing sense of premonition.

Catsyile liquidated for a second before taking a deep exhale of breath. "Will you help me or not? I want a straight out answer from both of you. If it is no, we'll leave. I hope you will see your mistake later."

Ai looked at Nando before directing her gaze at the water sorceress. "I'm in." Catsyile gave her a brief nod, her eyes still clashing with Nando's.

The dark skinned woman frowned. "You have my answer already. Ai, you may go if you wish." She took and deep breath and I could see her anger leave in that breath.

Kayashi looked up, taking her eyes off the exchange. "If the sky is because of her, then why is it still dark?" We all looked up and saw lightning flash across the dark skies.

Imrhien's face was grim. "The magic in the air is dark. The only other holder of similar powers to Miss Nando's is..."

Kayashi finished her sentence with an expectant smirk. "Bui." Probably thinking how to get back at the bastard. I had a score to settle with the annoyance of a living parasite too. Noone calls me ugly without my permission.

Nando looked at Catsyile in utter seriousness. "The defenses are weakened. It will not stand much. But they can't open it from the outside without a lot of force. I guess I will have to fight after all. I suppose this Bui is Lightning, my counter?"

Catsyile nodded, looking momentarily stunned. "They are attacking too soon. What have they to gain from this? "

"Plenty." We all turned with sudden apprehension at the change in tone. It was a familiar voice. But...

Jocelyn's eyes widened.

"Naive fools." It was Leesha, but the voice was not hers. I turned as the pieces clicked in my mind. Of course! When Leesha was afraid, her hair was suppose to turn blue, not purple! The hair colours! They weren�t right!

"Leesha...what is the meaning of this?" Kayashi asked cautiously. Bibi frowned, her hands folding behind her back, staring at her...friend?

Leesha shifted from Ai's form into the body of a much larger woman. "I think you would know by now, I am not Leesha. She is already captured...or dead, what ever my Mistress wants. And soon you will join her." A smile passed ruby lips. "The good, so easily deceived." Long black hair spilled over her shoulders, the contours of black bat like wings came into shape behind her.

I recognised her immediately. "Jinga." I whispered.

She smiled eerily at me. Before shaping into Catsyile's form. "Sources of magic. I, Catsyile, command you to reveal thy true form." She said in an exact replica of the spell. The dome shivered red in the air above us and shattered, revealing the two forms silhouetted in the growing bouts of lightning. One male and one female.

"No..." We all watched in horror as they descended, stung by betrayal.

"I'm surprised you know my name Battle Angel, but now you will remember it forever as your deliverer. After all, it's always easiest to crush anything at it's source." Said the eerily familiar voice of the other Jennifer.

Moments after, the sky erupted with the clash of thunder and lightning.

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And in another world, another clash rang, just as omniscient. The clash of a school bell, signifying the beginning of the HSC exams that decided a person's fate in that world, and the dooming sound of two completely clueless people who had no idea what was going on.

In that world, another girl watched vacantly, blindly almost, as the people ran by, her mind elsewhere, in the world of fantasy, in a world of death, in a world where pain meant power. Undeniable, delicious power.

End Chapter 4

A/N: Self proclaimed queen of evil cliffhangers. Everyone happy? I got four character's introduced, and the chapter is especially long and worth the wait! I've set a deadline for TOC5 in the August week of 5th-11th. Bug me hard if it ain't out by then. Next chapter will be in Opal's point of view. Gawd, does anyone have a scanner cos I've done wicked art for this story! Images of EVERY character mentioned, created especially, costumes and all....

Anyone?

C'mon! I even have a picture of Tara...or Harley AS A GUY!!! THAT is WORTH a look!!! Anyone? *voice echoes off*

Remember, if you wanna be in it, supply Name, Power and Appearance cos I'm getting lazy. I need for guys to even out the over whelming amount of gals. Or I'm gonna be forced with creating my own guys...and possible love interests... though you dun have to have one if you dun wanna. Except Bui and Necie that is...hehehehe

I promise fun raunchy scenes between Bui and Opal next chapt cos I'm evil. Anyone wanna volunteer for her line up of guys?

EMAIL ME!!!

Alita B. Angel signing out to get some decent sleep and some good bumming around.

Keep reading...no promises though...