Times of Change 7

Chapter 7 Mind Over Matter

Yikes... just HOW long has it been? We are nearing the end people! I just can't be bothered prolonging this anymore. PLEASE READ: And YES, THIS CHAPTER IS Xas's!!! I'm gonna 1st person a guy!!! Bwhahahaha. Sorry Haydz, I dunno you that well, but your character is central to my now developing plot. Plus, I wanna see how doing a guy's pov would be like. Oh yes, forget Haydz, this is purely Xas. ALL OF IT. Nice turn of plot ne? Since I don't know this guy in person at all, there will be bastardization like never before. Sorry if it offends ya Haydz. Again, it's crucial to the plot... Well... Err... whatever plot comes by.

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Love is like a flower. In its prime it is beautiful, a glowing blossom that is unparalleled. But when the autumn comes, the beauty goes, and underneath lies only the truth. Love dies easily, wilted and shrivelled. But only to be reborn, once again beautiful. But fate is unrelenting. In a world of such darkness, a spark may shine brilliantly for but a moment, a happiness, a love that is eternal, always to be remembered, and killed in but a moment.

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I stared at her, so different to the Liathano I had known. It was as if everything had been forgiven between us. Everything that had happened forgotten in the best-case scenario that had I wanted back then.

Then again, things were never that simple.

I could never figure her out so simply. In a way, I hated her. I hated everything about her. Her quick temper, her foolish ideas, but most of all, how everything she did made me think that I was scum. I know I'm scum. I had hurt her. She had hurt me. But it was better now. Or worse. She acted like what happened didn't matter, that it was all water under the bridge, flirting and paying back my innuendoes like she did not hate me.

She once told me I would never be forgiven.

Through the years I had seen her since, it was all a calm exterior of detachment. Never an offering of friendship like she offered now. Offering something more even. It was... disconcerting how she was playing with me like this. I didn't know if she meant it or was she just playing with me, trying to hurt me even more for what I did. But I played along. I didn't want to waste this taste of friendship from her again, even if it was all an act. Though it hurt. This was revenge I guess.

"General Xas, can you search for my sister? I am worried," Catsyile, chick who was my boss and all-powerful Master, no, just kidding, she's okay. The job paid well anyway. Though the 'General Xas' thing got annoying, makes a guy get big headed. Just 'Xas' is fine.

I allowed a smile as I tore my eyes away from Liathano. My Fiery mistress who was shivering in this cold and barren place. This place that was Alita Battle Angel's birthplace.

Oh yes, I had been the dirty little sneaky thief I was, and hacked into the personal files of Catsyile's network. Battle Angel, come to think of it, was not what the file says. True I had never actually met her, but nowhere does it say she's as ditzy, clumsy or inexperienced in her magic as she is. Everywhere we've been was not new to her. Should not be new to her. Neither to my Liathano. We were Masters of our magic, and it was as if somehow they had reverberated back to their rookie levels, nowhere as strong as they should have been.

But I could feel something had changed in Battle Angel.

"General," Catsyile prompted.

I smiled at her sheepishly and concentrated, working past the shield that protected our small group from the conditions outside. I felt the comfortable warmth of my power, never quite defined as anything really, a wave like a humid breeze surge through my body, clouding around my mind. When my opened my eyes, I was far away from my body, seeing the overlay of snow and saw that we were very close to the top. I scanned further, noting the grooves made in the ice wall, the healed fixtures in the ice and the traces of footsteps in the snow.

A statue stood at the top, unmoving, staring down, her lips moving in speech. An aura came in a blast of coldness toward me when I sensed her. Whatever happened, this new form of Battle Angel was strong. And I admit, the serenity in that pure flawless solid form was beautiful.

I silently cried out as she suddenly leapt, plummeting from sight.

"AHH!"

"What is it!?" Both Catsyile and Liathano asked frantically.

I swallowed and started to run. "Battle Angel just threw herself off a cliff."

Everyone else followed. I glanced back and saw Catsyile bringing up the rear, walking slowly, and even smiling. I prodded a little into her thoughts.

*Welcome home Sister.*

I looked away. Whatever the hell that meant. Sure, Battle Angel was strong now, and this was her hometown, but of what I saw, she had become a statue, a marble figure of Ice, and falling from this height, she could only shatter.

They say that when your magic is at its peak, you become it. It was one of the reasons why Catsyile was so powerful, she was one of the few masters who can take on any form of her element at will. Kind of like those handy Light/Shadow puppets Opal and Harlequinn make of themselves, an advanced use of their power. It always made me think, what I would look like? A floating brain?

It wasn't the time to think of such things. Catsyile has been strangely reticent lately in not revealing just how bad the situation is. With all of the bases gone, this would be the only place of sanctuary left. If those two bitches attacked, this would be the last stand, the last battle against those two.

Hell, I'm tired of running. Let them come.

Arriving in a burst of speed at the rim, I glanced quickly at the empty spot where Eye had floated before in my vision and threw myself over into the abyss, glimpsing the fleck of crystal that was the solid plummeting form of Battle Angel near the bottom. There was no way I could reach her in time.

I realised my stupidity a little late. Damn my chivalrous nature!

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" The wind lashed at my cape as I neared the glowing evidence of a shield. The texture and thickness of it not to mention our current overall situation told me magic couldn't be done until I got inside that thing.

With increasing nervousness, I shot through the shield with a loud girlish scream.

My eyes widened as Battle Angel seemed to just dive straight into what was the solid ice of the ground as if it was water.

WHAT THE HELL AM I GONNA DO!? A power disc was impossible at this speed! A disc formed under my feet... or above it as it happens would be useless! Under my head would be even worse! It would be like hitting the ground but with the added element of air friction, and no doubt turning myself into a Xas-pancake.

Sometimes, I really hate having such a useless power.

"HURRICANE!" Kayashi's high-pitched scream shouted from somewhere above me.

A wall of buffeted wind slammed and circled around me, the white cloth of my cape swirling around and nearly choking me in the funnel tornado she had created beneath me and turning me upright.

My power poured to form a disc underneath my feet, catching my shaken form in the air just as I went past the turrets of the castle battlements.

"Phew... too close for comfort." Regaining somewhat in dignity and composure, I silently cursed myself for jumping into conclusions. This was Battle Angel's birthplace, she would know how to enter it accordingly. She wasn't some damsel in distress for me to rescue as I did my Liath a few weeks ago.

I nearly broke my back trying to jump from my disc to the ground when I was at reasonable height. That ice was slippery. There was no sign of Battle Angel anywhere.

"And here I thought you were a warrior," a flat voice mocked.

I glared at Kayashi who floated gently down under her own power, anger rising inside me. "You're one to talk woman, you just gave us away," I retorted. Something about Kayashi always bugged me. Probably because she was a bitch.

She rolled her eyes. "So you'd rather be dead?", and muttered, "If only."

I glared, but a rushing form suddenly collided into me, a fist driving the air from my lungs as it punched my stomach.

"You idiot! What kind of stupid idiot would throw himself off a cliff like that!?" Liath's hair swam into the dots of my vision as I gulped for air. Said air was cut off in the next moment as I was caught in a crushing hug. "Don't ever do that again."

I blink. She was... worried about me? She was HUGGING me? I felt a grin split my face for no reason at all.

"Eergh, should have just let him die," I heard Kayashi mutter as she walked away.

Liathano pulled back, her face adorably flushing red. The expression was endearing if not wholly confusing. Even though she may be only playing some kind of game with me, it was nice to feel this again with her. Friendship.

"Woo... I feel LUUUURVE in the air! I bet your using that powers of yours to look through her clothes aren't cha Xas? I can see the perverted thoughts in your eyes... " Leesha popped her head between us, instantly taking on my form, and dipping Liath's body to my annoyance. Liathano was laughing as Leesha started to spout poetry at her in MY voice.

Puh-lease, as if I could be that good at poetry.

"Come along idiot male, Temple of da Blue is waiting." Nando called as she passed while Ai stuck out her tongue at me. What was with these uptight females nowadays? They were nothing like my Liath, who was sweet to a fault.

Quami and his Mistress walked pass serenely, their steps seemly unaffected by the ice of the ground, despite their thin sandals. Quami smirked over his shoulder, watching me shiver at the cold before turning those adoring eyes back at Imrhien. I glared back sullenly.

A foot stomped on my heels, making me stumble on the ice, waving my arms about wildly. Liathano smirked at me as she walked past, "C'mon Xas!" I promptly fell on my arse as she punched my arm playfully. I take back what I said before about her.

Even Bibi giggled as she walked past. Catsyile only shook her head in pity as she carefully stepped over me. Forget what I said. I despise women.

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I have to say one thing for Catsyile's Temple of Blue, it lived up to its word. Everything in the castle was blue. Everywhere I looked was every shade or colorization of blue you could ever imagine. But that wasn't really the problem as the only reason I was looking at the bloody furnishings was the fact that the 'normal' humans here didn't seem to like us. I couldn't blame them, though the stares and various versions of a death glare sent our way got a tad intimidating. The two hell bitches had enslaved most of the world's population, making the people wary of magic users. In fact, magic users were not really that common, the normals still out numbered us 20 to 1 but the sheer power in one magic user could kill up to 10,000 normals in one blast. That fact was proven by the hell bitches a few years back.

As it was, only a few temples, or schools were left from the original 10, most of them already destroyed by the two war mongering female fiends or recruited.

But I digress.

Basically, normal people don't like weird people, like us.

They stared distrustfully at us, huddled around small fires and clad in warm looking thick coats of fur.

But on the upside, Liath didn't seem comfortable with the attention and clung close to me. I would've thought she was used to it by now, but I wasn't going to complain if she would keep this up.

A blue form shot toward us from the open doors of what I saw, through my mental seeing powers, was the main hall.

"Xanatos?" Catsyile stopped, watching as the blur came in front of her in less time than it takes a man to blink, and unceremoniously threw his arms around her.

"YOU'RE ALIVE!"

I watched in amusement as the worn young man stepped back immediately and cleared his throat, greeting me with a nod. "Xas. Haven't kicked the bucket yet I see," he said to me.

I shrugged, "Yeah. You neither."

See, there are good things to being a guy. When another guy asks you a question that usually has a female telling the exact details of where they went, what they did, what they ate, what they bought, and so on, guys really don't care.

Kayashi and Nando rolled their eyes.

"Moving on from that display, what of the task I set you Xanatos?" Catsyile inquired as she walked towards the open doorway to the main hall.

"I rounded as many as I could before your capture but... " Xanatos drifted off as Catsyile winced, "They're all inside waiting. The others... they were either killed, captured or recruited by Opal... including Donna, who has replaced Jinga as the Destroyer."

"That little parasite", I growled in anger, partly at her and partly at myself. I was head of communications, I should KNOW these things. Why didn't I see it sooner!? It wasn't very surprising either.

Though the powers of Mimic and Change were similar, Donna was the other one you had to worry about. She basically sucked the power out of the magic user, and used it for her own until it ran out. She was the only one who could stand against the hell bitches as she absorbed any attack they could throw. That woman always lived on a high. Power was like a drug for her, making her slightly unstable, but still a good weapon. But if the parasite had turned...

I frowned, "Are you certain?"

Xanatos gave me a narrowed glare. "It's kinda noticeable when a woman sucks the life out of you, kicks you in the balls, yells, 'HA! Screw you guys,' and runs off on YOUR power in the other direction, right in the middle of a raid!"

"I was just asking a simple question you little midget," I mutter.

The next thing I knew I was being shoved against the wall, a very pissed looking Xanatos glaring at me, "If you weren't stupid enough to believe everything you see you dumb fuck and get fucking captured, perhaps we won't BE in this situation now would we?"

I narrowed my eyes at the presumptuous little brat who was obviously throwing a hissy fit to compliment his size. He had no right to accuse me like that, and there was no way I was going to just stand there and take it, especially from the little shrimp.

I didn't know why I was angry. I just was. I hate annoying people.

Grabbing his shirt, I pulled him off the ground with an angry jerk. "How the hell is this my fault?! There are plenty of other sorcerers to defend against those bitches, including you Mr-imbecile-who-isn't-around-half-the-bloody-time. If you can't defend yourself against two bloody women instead of going after that half-wit Bui in your little lover's spat, maybe this won't be the last base that's standing. Correct me if I'm wrong you little twerp, but isn't it YOUR job to warn them?!"

I could see Xanatos' visor glow faintly red to match the rest of his face at the insult to both his dubious sexuality and his equally dubious Power.

"So where were you, you prick?! Stuck in a little cell, playing Opal's sick games?! Or maybe you were Bui's plaything. I bet you'd enjoy that wouldn't you?" A knowing smirk lit his lips.

Why that little...

"Boys." A downpour of icy cold water fell on us, making me loose my grip on the little piece of shit. Immediately the water evaporated again as Catsyile stepped between us, her face cold and unforgiving. She took the time to glare at both of us, her lips pursed thin.

I looked away quickly, knowing my place.

"We are all very tired and quick to blame right now. However, I will have no bickering among us, especially now when working together may be the only way to win. Neither of you were to blame for past events that were totally out of our control. Stop acting like children and WALK!"

"Yes Boss." I murmured to Xanatos's, "Yes m'm."

He glared at me as he blurred past, shoving an elbow into my side. Vindictive little bastard.

Have I mentioned I hate annoying people? Liathano giggled behind me. I shot her a glare too. She smiled toothily back. Damn her and her damned endearing ways too.

Without further adieu, we walked into the 'throne room' so to speak. Battle Angel it seemed had claimed the throne for herself, though she was now happily diving in and out of the pure ice chair like a demented fish. Liath and I both rolled our eyes and moved on.

The group gathered were mostly women, with only a few, and I mean only 3, male. One side of the throne were the magic users of The Temple, all clad in robes that were very impractical and very colourful, nothing really unusual with women. There was only about eight of them. On the other side were four obviously freelance fighters, three men and one female, wearing mellow colours that still managed to blend into the surrounding sheer ice walls, and clothes that looked well worn and loose. I don't want to elaborate, the small number of the new people was disheartening enough.

Seemed Catsyile thought so too. Her eyes lighted up at the females though, obviously familiar with them. Our little group stood near the door and stared blatantly, including me, especially on the scantily clad female on the magic side with very impressive breasts.

Liathano hit me.

Catsyile cleared her throat, her features looking surprised as she gestured to the female on the far left of the group. "This is Ryka Blue, her Power is-"

The woman I had been staring at gave me a rude gesture behind her back before cutting Catsyile off. "Ryka Blue is my full name, nothing else. Not Ryka, not Blue, not Ry, not Ryue. Full name." As she spoke, I kept staring, strangely drawn to her, even though I could feel Liath form a fireball behind me. She looked directly at me, and I was struck with violet eyes that could definitely not be human. Liath's eyes were also violet, but this woman's were iridescent, darkened only by a slit pupil of yellow. Battle Angel's eyes were wide as if she were confused and surprised, but not surprised all at once. The end result was an entirely odd look on her face.

I could hear the screaming of words coming repeatedly from her mind 'Ester! Ester! Ester! Ester! Ester!' Whatever that meant.

Catsyile smiled, "Yes, and her Power is-"

"Nothing," Ryka Blue interrupted, "Catsyile, I came here as you bid, but I'm no longer a magic user. The dead cannot use magic. Neither can the undead." Catsyile's smile fell. We all noticed as Ryka (really, I can shorten her damn uptight name in my mind despite what she says) talked, that her teeth were elongated, a line of sharp fangs replacing the canine teeth and the two behind it.

One word ran through all our minds: Vampyre.

Instantly I recoiled, stepping back so Liath was nice and close, and her heat was comforting.

Ryka smiled, the fangs glinting. "No need to be afraid, I won't eat YOU." I noticed now why she was wearing so little clothing (one of those little black, sleeveless shirts with the straps that women wear to look as if the straps are falling over their shoulders [and I have a feeling the whole top will come off any moment], and a skirt that fell in foggy grey/silver curtain, pretty much transparent, down to her ankles). Her skin however was pale, and didn't even register the biting cold which surrounded us. But of course, vampyres only get heat from blood, the elements never affected them much, not dirt either. It explained that strange attraction I felt. But even a guy like me needs his women hot blooded, and not... dead.

Catsyile blinked, "Oh." I could practically see her mind try and cope with not only the proverbial death of a 'sister' but also another big loss to our side power-wise.

"Don't worry Catsyile, I've come to help, and I'll help. I've found being what I am is far superior to being a weak little magic welding mortal. I will not fall as easily, and," I suddenly felt a presence probing at my mind, before she continued, "I have many talents I didn't have before."

Catsyile glanced at me then at Ryka, and nodded in understanding. "I trust none of you are undead as well?" she directed at the others.

They laughed at shook their heads with a few 'heck' or '*curse word*' no's, and one plain no. I detected relief flowing off Catsyile's mind. In fact, I could detect relief coming from everyone's minds, no one wanted another dead girl, even if she was really hot. Liath punched me again as my eyes remained on those flesh toned orbs a little too long once again.

"I can't help it! They're just THERE," I hissed, rubbing my sore arm. "Would you like me to stare at yours then?"

Kayashi sniggered as I was kicked sharply in the shin. Damned women.

A presence suddenly took thought in my mind, just as I spun, facing the glowing orb that floated in the air, shrinking upon itself to have the voluminous robes inside drop gently to the ground in several layers of cloth. I blinked, struck with the utter control that this woman had inserted in my mind. This must be Eye...

"Ahh... so many things to say... but how to tell, I know not." The voice resounded through the minds around me, making all conversation stop, and all eyes turn on the woman standing there. Even Battle Angel stilled, looking like a statue beside the ice of the throne. I really don't know why we were so enthralled. What she just said was the stupidest thing I have ever heard.

Eye folded her sleeves together, setting those amber eyes on us. "Welcome to the Temple of the Blue. I am Eye, Seer of Prophesy, and half sister to Skye, the Seer of a Premonition. For those that do not know the difference between us, it is quite simple... after all, what is the difference between a duck?" She giggled. Those around me laughed awkwardly.

I drew my brows together in thought, knowing that was the most inane thing I have ever heard but somehow, how she said it made it vitally important for me to know.

"So... what you're saying is that one leg's both the same?" Leesha chirped, transforming into the very image of Eye and trying to capture the mystique of her voice. I was even more baffled than before. Was this some sort of secret women language I didn't know?

I looked at Quami, the little midget and the other three men who were looking equally confused. But so was everyone else. Must be just Leesha and her own queer, little mind.

Eye nodded sagely. "Catsyile, sisters, it is good to see you."

"I can't say the same Eye, what the heck happened to you?! Brain damage?!" Nando sprung up, and tapped the immovable woman on the forehead.

"And how come you're all mystical and stuff? I thought you liked that shirt I sent you... " Ai began tearfully. Bibi nodded and smiled for lack of anything to say. I have to say I like Bibi. She's one of those girls that can't get on your bad side. She cute, and most of all, silent.

Catsyile frowned, "I agree, you shouldn't confuse the guests-"

"YES! Show us your true self!" I winced inwardly as Liathano interrupted Catsyile. The boss shot my Liath a glare to freeze hell. She hated being interrupted.

Kayashi rubbed the bridge of her nose, looking tired, "Why must we keep going through all this idiocy? I think we all bloody know who Eye is, most of us are related to her by the Temple. Everyone else can find out later. I have questions. For one thing, who the fuck are they?" She gestured at the unfamiliar people, one of which was a vampyre.

One of the men, clad in thick worked leather, his tousled and shaggy corn coloured hair tucked under a furry lined hood, his whole body still shivering in the cold. The man bowed stiffly, "L, from the lands of the North. Little man came and got me while I was pillaging villages after one of Opal's raids and brought me here for no reason." He gestured at Xanatos with a ruffled glare, his accent rough and in broken syllables as if he either didn't talk much normally or he had been screaming himself hoarse. Then again, considering how fast that little twerp Xanatos was, it's pretty likely that's what happened. The man, L, I snorted at the fact he had a letter for a name, shifted and pulled a huge bow from behind his back, hands blurring as he drew and pulled back the arrow on the string, the point no less than a foot away from the other male. "I also know that this guy is no friend."

There was a strange sticky sound as everyone in the room blinked at the same time.

The other male already had two knives out, smirking, his fair (and I mean light skinned, and not in any way that suggests I like other men, as I do not. I like the ladies, the ladies like me) complexion and thick glasses glinting within the oval frames as he glared back at the other man.

"Dotto," He smirked, and winked at the girls, "Knife master of the Quadrant of the North, and incidentally was in the middle of getting robbed by THIS guy when I was recruited by the midget." He straightened from the stance, which I realised was a lame pose as soon as he did, and wiggled his eyebrows at Imrhien, "I am very good with my hands, so much that the ladies develop," he paused, "The Dot Fetish," and winked.

Quami looked like he was about to explode, eyes roaring with hate as he glared at the man who currently had his Mistress stunned. I rolled my eyes, but kept a closer watch on Liath anyway, just in case.

L looked like he wanted to shoot the man more than ever. I couldn't disagree. However, the Dotto guy turned, breaking contact with Imrhien, the smirk dying from his lips, his knives rising again. "Go ahead, shoot me. I didn't get a chance to whoop your arse back in the North, I won't pass up the chance to whoop your arse now little Bowman, especially since we both know that long bows are useless close up."

L sneered, "But it will also have the satisfaction of going straight through your worthless hide."

"Silence. Put away your weapons." Eye's words whispered into our minds. Immediately, L and Dotto's weapons dropped to the ground from limp hands. Impressive. So that's why they weren't attacking each other before we arrived. They weren't allowed to move.

I stared expectantly at the others, quickly taking in the cherubic look of the other man - his hair a frightening platinum blonde, the indifferent look of the tan and tough looking woman beside him, obviously a mercenary if the way she was fingering her scimitar were any indication.

Catsyile waved her hand (omnipotently) before any of the others could announce themselves. "Leave them be sister, introductions can be made later. The purpose of us meeting here must be discussed."

"It's kinda obvious isn't it? As obvious as the fact that Llamas were created by God on the third day." Another one of those demented giggles. My respect for this woman was plummeting.

"Since none of you mortals want to let it, out," Ryka Blue snapped, looking annoyed, which I guessed was her default expression. "Let me sum up. Since your capture, all your other peace-loving friends are dead, captured or recruited, such as Donna dear. This is the last place where we can stay and defend like stupid little gnats against the well-numbered forces of Opal and Harlequinn, and generally fight for your cause of peace, at any cost. Isn't that right sister dear?" Ryka direct at Catsyile unkindly.

Catsyile frowned, "Sister, I would've thought you would share my views on this. After all--"

"Sister, do not forget, you left me for dead after the Temple was in ruins. You haven't tried making contact with any of us other than to add us to your cause. They killed me, granted, but I no longer wish for a mortal life or believe in anything as stupid as overthrowing them and reinstating yourself in their place. Frankly, I don't even know why I'm here, and you're an idiot to think you can win."

Well, can't beat that logic can we? Boss looked royally pissed off.

Leesha raised her hand, "She's right y'know, why don't we just leave them to it? I mean, I've infiltrated them once... and it didn't seem too bad. People are dying because of the battles, not because of Opal and Harley, they just wanna have some fun that's all." Bibi nodded, but remained silent.

Liathano nodded in agreement, and I could see in her mind the tortures we endured in that brief period we all wanted to forget. She didn't want to go back. Fight for something she really didn't have any business getting into.

"Me and Liathano are mercenaries, we'll the job as long as we get paid," Battle Angel spoke up, deciding before Liath could speak.

Catsyile I noted, looked tense at the sudden accusations. It was something that had been discussed at length on the motives of Catsyile's plan for Legacy. For myself, I truly believed that she wouldn't take over if we won. Her thoughts were only righteous, deluded perhaps, but she didn't want to rule. I think. Doubt was a dangerous thing at this point.

"I believe in your cause!" Xanatos cried.

Kayashi crossed her arms, "Well I for one, am with you all the way Catsyile," she glared at Liathano. "People who don't believe in our cause are less than worthless on the battlefield if they don't believe in what they're fighting for."

Liathano shot a glare back, "Like Alita said. We get paid, we'll do what you ask. At least we'll get something out of it if we survive and not just the 'satisfaction'," she did a funny little gesture with her fingers, "Of having succeeded at your little quest."

"Hmph, I don't have to listen to you at all you stupid bitch, you weren't even one of this temple. Xas has proven his worth at least, you haven't done anything for me to trust you. In fact, all you've done is fall and waste your powers in a move that only an amateur would try against shadow puppets," Kayashi said coldly.

I could see Liath was about to attack her, her hands already glowing with her power, and deftly stepped between them. "Stop provoking her Kayashi. We know you're a bitch. You don't have to-"

Liathano pushed me aside, "I can take care of myself!" Kayashi glared, the currents in the air subtly changing as her hands moved to her side.

BOOM!

A deafening sound made everyone in the room jump and clap their hands to their ringing ears. Nando smirked, crossing to the centre of the room, facing Catsyile.

"Sister, I will fight, because I won't let those hell bitches win. However, if I fight, you will promise me you will not become the next Overlord. I see it in your eyes. I don't have Xas's power, but if you try and rule us, I will kill you."

Catsyile nodded, "Trust me, I have no intention of doing that. I seek only justice."

Ai shrugged, "Yeah, whatever."

Eye smiled, "I see agreement in your minds. You will fight, and that is all I need." She gestured to the new comers, and suddenly her mind barraged us with names for each face. Sinking them in our minds forcibly. I gritted my teeth, my instincts telling me to attack in return at the forced entry into my mind.

"Now," Eye continued mistily, "We will train. For that is why we are here at the Temple. Blue will always be a place of learning and honing of the skills. We have scant time. No one will ever understand the urgency that is needed because no one has seen what I have seen and no one will." 'Except for a vague few who THINK they can... but they can't!' I heard her continue in her mind. I am now truly thinking this woman is slightly insane.

The cherubic looking blond man, L and Dotto, freed from non-movement immediately travelled to my side, and I couldn't help but agree. Safety in numbers from all these women were a good idea.

"Alita, you and Catsyile can work together for you both share the water elements," Eye decreed. "Ai Senshi, you shall train with Ryka Blue as both of you have immeasurable strength I take it?"

Ai displayed a victory sign with her fingers and moved toward Ryka with a skip in her steps, and looking extremely cute as she was doing so. Ryka Blue nodded curtly. I had to tear my eyes away again from her pearly breasts.

"Liathano, you will be working with Kayashi as both of you lack the control over your powers," I had to step quickly away from where I was standing before two glares could skewer me with animosity, unfairly, against the nearest common male target.

One by one, Eye paired us off, warrior to warrior, sorcerer to sorcerer until I was the only one left. I met her eyes, already having an inkling of what she wanted me to do.

'Xas, your power is not physical, and we will need warning of when to expect the attack. I trust you can use your abilities to spy on them?' Eye's thoughts directed at me.

'Why can't you do it yourself?' I shot back, crossing my arms.

That demented giggle echoed through my mind. 'Alas, I see the future, the past and through the physical plane. I cannot have my mind wander through the present. That is your speciality. I will also be strategising. Does that answer your question Xas?'

I mentally snorted. Trust the upper command to do nothing but delegate.

'You will also train with the Warriors and the Sorcerer of your choice to hone your skills. Is that understood?'

I nodded.

From the way Kayashi was glaring at Liathano and how Dotto was glaring at L, I could already predict a long and straining training period. For once in my life, I'm glad I have a half-arsed power.

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After getting some much needed supplies and scrounging a room for myself (that wasn't completely made of ice), it was a relief to take some rest. Eye's image appeared constantly in my mind, haunting me. Somehow, I think that woman is spying on me.

Gnashing my teeth, I laid down on the comfort of a soft but cold bed, and damned the GENIUS who decided to make a whole damned castle out of ice. It was impressive, but hardly practical. With a resigned sigh, I closed my eyes, letting myself drift into meditation and rest.

I felt the familiar sensation of my psyche leave my body, my mind purely expanding and contracting in a manifestation of my spiritual being. I could remember when I was a kid, before I was adopted by the Temple, and how I was constantly afraid of being dead when my Magic took leave and did this in my sleep. It was relief when I found out I could control this, though the lingering fear of going too far into the realm and accidentally crossing the boundaries of death still remained.

Slowly I travelled through the training areas, seeing Kayashi and Liath fight in their own insulated room as I passed, and feeling extremely thankful I wasn't there physically as the flames and wind were making short work of the ice walls. Outside that room, Catsyile and Battle Angel were training by repairing the damage as fast as it was being destroyed, twisting the ice in a variety of shapes with their attacks. I watched the others train, powers and weapons shooting through me as I passed though the levels.

Finally I breached the magic barrier over the crater, and went faster, locking onto Samiya's mind as a centre. A moment later I was there, all seeing. The feeling always gave me a power rush.

~Xas?~ Samiya's thoughts briefly touched on mine. I left her consciousness with no answer, choosing to hover over the scene. For such a loud girl, I had to admit her acting skills were on par, her expression hardly changing except for a curious swivel of the pupils of her eyes as if she was expecting to see me.

It would be a sad day if I could be detected that easily.

The surroundings were not familiar, which was good. I didn't want any rooms that reminded me of our imprisonment. Anything that happened I wanted solidly behind me, especially any memories of Opal and her scary, scary harem, the memories of which I have put behind several mental walls in the recesses of my mind.

A scream broke my thoughts, one that was quickly cut off in a strange crackle.

"Support the Liberation of the llama nation." The man spoke righteously, his effeminate hair swinging perfectly like a curtain. A bright smile lit his face as full lips curved, the sparkle reaching all the way to his thickly lashed eyes. For all the mental and physical signs it was a woman, there was the strange disturbance in the air that signalled it was a man, something that was purely spiritual, manifesting itself in a dark cloud that signified unnatural change. His very graceful hands arched again, golden power pouring from the perfectly manicured nails to scorch another victim. Another quelled scream.

I watch morbidly as the human victim's skin dried, cracking, the eyes dulling as the skin burned and became solid, the agony on the man's expression captured forever as he was turned to stone. It didn't end there, the crunching began again as the figure shrunk before my 'eyes' folding in on itself into a small pebble floating in the air, changing a myriad of colours before settling on a dull red. Kimbo's lips twitched and his hand dropped. The small pebble fell to the ground with a solid thunk.

"Looks like your powers work too. Excellent, excellent." Harlequinn's eyes shone brightly, blinding with happiness. "I have done it, I have finally done it... "

I realised we were in a lab, or the side room of a lab used for testing.

Harley waved a dismissive hand at Samiya, "It's okay, I have no need for a second tester now. Kimbo, do you feel anything out of place, any drainage on your powers? Anything at all?"

Kimbo. Mistress of Rock. Or was. I had only heard of her existence. She had been expelled from Twilight long ago, choosing to fuel her obsession with llamas (honestly, the only thing that link these people together is their lack of sanity), and had moved to the plains of the North to chase her furry obsession. Obviously she was back. And decidedly male.

I felt Samiya leave.

Harlequinn lifted what looked like a clear vial, filled with a bubbling sickly looking liquid. "HAHA! AT LAST! I'VE FINALLY COMPLETED MY SEX CHANGING POTION! FEAR MY MASCULINITY!!!" Without hesitation, the woman poured the vile looking substance down her throat.

I watched with apt horror as her breasts actually deflated, smoothing out into a broad chest, her shoulders filling out, the feminine chin becoming more angular, her cheeks chiselling and bones visibly rising a few degrees beneath smooth skin. I won't even think about what happens underneath her... now his skirt. Harlequinn's face was one of apt joy, even though the process looked painful, her smile carrying through even when her skin bubbled, filling out into muscles before my (spiritual) eyes.

The transformation settled. "Muahahahahahaha!!! Damn I look good!"

Grudgingly I had to agree. If my mind wasn't recoiling from the unnaturalness of it all. I followed morbidly as Harlequinn swept through the walls in a blaze of Light, Kimbo following after through the stone walls.

I passed easily through the walls of the stone castle, not a piece of marble in sight, the place was carved from pure rock. I watched Kimbo brush the walls as he passed, and could sense the energy binding the two of them together. This person was strong. Insane and strong. Like the rest of those bastards. This didn't bode well.

Harlequinn stepped into the throne room, powers of Light and Shadow naturally clashing together before merging in harmony. "Would everyone stop throwing themselves at me?! I know I'm unbelievably good looking but please, stop!"

Opal's eyes widened, before blooming into a full unnerving smile. "Sexy."

"Aren't I?"

"You don't look too bad as a man." A face I recognised as the parasite's winked.

Harlequinn held out a hand in a stop motion. "Oh no. I am officially queer. I like 'em male." The blond looked pointedly at Vincenzo, who looked faintly disgusted in return. I couldn't blame him.

"Let's get on with this." Bui directed with a spark of lightning encasing his body menacingly. "We have them cornered Opal, they don't have any more resources. I say we go for the kill."

"They'll expect that." Samiya announced as she calmly walked in, her voice a gyrating screech as usual.

"Which is why you must move as soon as possible. They will be recovering, weak." I recognised the same mystical content as Eye's as Skye dropped from the ceiling in her globe. "They must be defeated, and Vengeance, captured."

"What about the two little girls?" Opal said lightly, carving designs into her palm with a small knife nonchalantly.

I admit I was curious too. Skye's eyes were clear, and I had a feeling that Opal and Harley got the better Seer. At least theirs actually gave good information.

"They play a great part in your plan, the other world waits through their link." Opal and Harley didn't looked moved by this at all.

Oh? I puzzled over this for a moment, but still couldn't make heads or tails of the statement no matter how I thought about it.

"Hello, you're all ignoring my sexiness."

Opal immediately swerved her attention to Harlequinn, "Of course we're not darling, we're all basking in your magnificence."

"You better." Suddenly, he tensed, blue eyes turning green as a maniacal grin lit the thin masculine lips. "The corn, it watches me." His eyes darted about.

"What is it?" Bui looked around in paranoia, obviously distrustful.

Suddenly, Harlequinn pointed her finger straight at me. "EVIL HOARDER OF TIME! I SHALL REGURGITATE NO PEAS!!!"

Fear lapsed over my judgement, making me hesitate before I ran for it. Already I could feel Viv's pull on my mind, and suddenly I was doing mental battle in the sky for my freedom. The short black haired woman whispered across the air in front of me, attacks lancing across my mind, her spirit like a demented ghost, flitting about while I forced my own will against her, sending her away so I could move. But I was tired, and she wasn't. It wasn't long before pain was all I knew.

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I woke gasping for air, struggling against the force that held me down, feeling the ache in my mind thrashing unrelentingly against a consuming darkness that shot bolts of despair in my mind. The mother of all migraines.

Cool fingertips touched my forehead, and slowly, I could see light again, the pain receding back and finally disappearing.

I felt the cool air against the sweat that coated my body, chilling my skin and bringing me back to reality. I grabbed the hand that was touching my forehead, opening my eyes. I half expected to see Eye there, the only other person who had mental capacity for telepathy. Imagine my surprise to see the a complete stranger looming over me.

I stared at the blonde woman, my mind attempting to connect the dots. Oh yes, the woman mercenary. The one that was supposed to not have any magical abilities and had the cold, hard look on her face. The same indifferent look she was currently looking at me with.

"I'm taken," I said at last.

"I'm not interested," she said without missing a beat. "Heard you screaming, thought I could shut you up." She stepped away from the bed and watched me with calculating eyes. "Serilia."

"Xas." I took a few experimenting breaths. No physical damage. That's always good. A little confused, that wasn't particularly new. I looked back at the woman. "I thought you people couldn't do magic."

"I can't. I have a little psychic talent. Works wonders in my field of work." The woman's skin sparkled as she moved, shapes and figures briefly appearing on her skin as she moved. Camouflaged tattoos. Impressive.

I processed this strange encounter. "Thank you." I left the comparable warmth of the bed to attempt standing. My body felt refreshed but my mind was tired. An odd mix that had me stumbling for lack of control. I gave up and sat back down again. "Listen, Serilia, can you pass on a message to Catsyile?"

She raised an eyebrow at me. I ran a hand through my sweat soaked hair. "Opal and now a male Harlequinn will be attacking soon. That gives us a chance to train. Kimbo, former Mistress of Rock, now also male, has joined them. They want Battle Angel and Liathano alive."

"Sex change potion. That's new," Serilia commented dryly.

"Can I trust you to pass it on?" Her facial features remained indifferent.

"If you want to. Consider it done." She moved for the door. "Oh, Xas, last I heard, Liathano had no interest in you. Stay away from her, or I may come to regret easing your pain this way and ease you into the next life."

What?

I blinked, and she was gone. Strange woman.

We only had a handful of people on our side now and innocent villagers. I didn't dare suggest surrender to Catsyile. She'll probably bite my head off. But right now, we stood no chance at all. At most we had a few days to prepare. We were doomed.

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was vaguely impressed with L's, Dotto's skills, the two seemingly progressing better when faced with competition. L would shoot at rapidly at Dotto while the other would cut the arrows into pieces before it reached him. As that wore out quickly, L would then take his arrows and physically tackle and try stabbing Dotto. They were ruled by anger and frustration. Crude tactics but still effective.

I would take on the other man. Sir Benjamin. I have no idea what idiot would think to knight such a person but he was admittedly pretty handy with a sword. Physically, he was a few years younger, and slighter of build meaning he was just a tad more speed on me. However, he lacked experience with the sword and dealing with Sorcerers.

I must say that the training was getting to me. There was dread in the air, looming over us, coupled with a frantic sort of urgency. I could barely find any time to spend with Liath. Either I'm too exhausted, she was training or Battle Angel and surprisingly Serilia were taking her company away from me. I don't like being ignored much.

You can't just ditch a man after raising his hopes like that.

So I take my frustration out in gruelling battle, making me even more exhausted. I battle most of my non-magical opponents to the ground with my advantage in experience and magical abilities, and test my mental capabilities against the rest, creating a mental picture of the environment in their mind to get them to adapt. Sometimes I forget I'm suppose to be Commander of Training since most of us learn from actual experience in the field anyway. Ryka Blue, the dead woman comes and goes, I haven't even tried battling her. Vampyres are innately stronger than any human, and plus, it was doubtful I could keep my eyes off her chest long enough to actually fight her.

I have quickly found out that Eye is nothing more than an image. The woman gets weirder everyday, and the formal robes and accompanying floating globe seems to be only for special occasions. More often than not, I see her flouncing around in a large white shirt and dark red trousers, just standing in the room where we train.

Quami, who still has the most ridiculous power I have ever seen, sometimes joins us, facing against L in archery skills in a simple contest or with Dotto in knife skills. His grace with a knife is infinitely better than Dotto. The enhanced Elven reflexes making the contest very competitive. Most of the time he trails after Imrhien like a stray dog. They disappear for a while to God knows where, returning mostly to refresh or heal our warriors.

You could feel the anticipation, the nervousness, the fear... or perhaps that was just me. The emotions kept barraging into my mind, making me lose sense of what was my feelings and the feelings of the whole. Sometimes I hated my power.

I wanted to lash out, hit something for that satisfactory crunch of bone, SOMETHING to stop me feeling so goddamn useless. I'm not sure how much of this was me and how much of this was Nando, Mistress of Thunder. The bloody woman went up, just inside the barrier to make ungodly noise every hour, and I hope for her sake, gaining enough strength to go against her pansy arsed counterpart Bui.

I didn't see much of the others. Let's face it, it's not like I went around saying "Hi" to every person, everyday. They had their thing I had mine. And before I knew it, three days had passed.

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We crowded around the huge circular slab of ice.

"Sister, if you please," Catsyile looked politely at Battle Angel. The woman looked confused for a second, shrugged and then proceeded to make wide motions of her hands, as if she was conducting an band.

I quirked an eyebrow as a replica of the mountain and this hidden base shot up out of the table, growing until it was a large enough to encompass the whole slab, and every miniature house of the surrounding village was present.

The non-magicians were looking impressed, except for Ryka. All of our remaining forces were here in the main hall, freezing our buttocks off in the blasted cold. There were only about a hundred of us, and less than a quarter of that able to use magic. Considering that the hell bitches used puppets instead of people, our side was almost laughably under staffed.

"This fortress is well protected. The height, the cold, the hidden position of this base will make it very difficult for any enemy to attack." Oh, Catsyile was talking. Better pay attention.

"But now the parasite has told them about this place... " Xanatos trailed off.

"Yes, our location is given away," Catsyile stated. She looked at Battle Angel, "The only way up is by flight. Slayer, Master of Blood has a medium that allows teleportation. Opal and Harlequinn also have the ability to transport their shadow puppets where ever they wish."

"Wouldn't the shield hold against them? Do you not have wards?" Imrhien spoke up.

I shook my head. "I don't know how it works, but when I went down, I smashed right through it."

"Well you do have a hard head," Liath commented. I shot her a disapproving glare. She was cute, but this wasn't a time to joke.

"Regardless of that," I continued, "The shield broke when we went through. That means that the hell bitches' forces will do that same, especially with the amount of power they hold."

"The shield protects us from attack. They will not break through unless I command it." Eye floated down in her giant globe, all dressed up in her robes. I rolled my eyes. "The spells on the shield were opened to let your group through. Opal and Harlequinn will not pass through it. It will be like smashing their heads repeatedly into a rock wall."

"Have you foreseen that? Or is that another of your optimistic little pep talks?" Surprisingly that wasn't me. I smirked as Serilia stepped forward, arms crossed.

Eye pointedly ignored that comment, and carried on serenely. "In addition to this, of course we will have a second layer of defence."

"But what stops them from blowing this whole mountain to bits?"

We stared at the owner of the sarcastic voice. Ryka Blue of course. She stared unblinking back at all of us.

Catsyile and Eye were at a seeming loss.

"That would certainly be the smart thing to do," Imrhien murmured delicately, "However, Opal and Harlequinn are arrogant. Will they come to that conclusion? And-" A thoughtful look marred her features.

"Master?" Quami prompted.

"Do they have the power to do so? To destroy this mountain?" Imrhien continued.

"Why don't we extend the shield then? Make it a giant floating globe? The old Temple had a similar ward," Ai said cheerfully.

"Let's not forget how easily that was broken Sister," Nando glared at Catsyile, "We should make sure that this time we do not have any traitors in our midst."

"I assure we don't," Catsyile said icily, and then looked at each of us individually. "I won't allow this base to fall. The Legacy will not lose."

"That's all good and well boss, but I think Ai's idea's a good one," Xanatos gestured at the model of the base.

Battle Angel interrupted before the little twerp could continue. "Then it's settled! We'll have Eye make this place into a globe since she's so good at that, have Nando and Ai Senshi guide her since they know how to make good shields, and have Leesha add her power and make the shield stronger... since she can copy their powers and stuff."

I blinked. That made too much sense for Battle Angel. How scary.

I gasped as a sudden thought struck me. "Hold a moment." All of them looked expectantly at me. "There's no need for any of that," I started with a grimace, suddenly hating the logic that has sprung into my mind all of a sudden. "They have Kimbo Master of Rock on their side. They don't NEED to blow up this mountain and waste all of their energy making sure we're dead. Kimbo's power enables them to bring this mountain about our feet, they won't even need to fly to get at us then. All they need is him to pull this place ground level and then hunt us down." 'and take joy in torturing us till we're dead,' I added mentally.

Everyone in the room looked crestfallen.

Catsyile took a shaky breath. "We will have to think of a new strategy then. Kimbo's change from neutrality has simply given their side an advantage." As if they didn't have enough advantages. "That does not mean we can lose hope. We can win."

They all made a visible effort to concentrate.

"We can still proceed with the shield, if Xas's words are true... " Eye's voice drifted off musically as her eyes closed, and then opened slowly, "Yes, I have foreseen this outcome."

"We can still do the shield," Nando said with more confidence. "If the mountain comes down, the shield will sink into the ground. If they don't, it'll still hold in the air. It'll just take more concentration isn't that right Budi?"

Battle Angel's eyebrow twitched at the strange nickname, but she nodded, "Plus, I can ward off Kimbo and throw projectiles at them using the ice from the castle. And Nando, Ai, Kayashi and Liathano will have more power on the ground since there is more air down there to work with, to create storms, wind, fire etc."

Again, scary logic that woman gives. I noticed her gripping that rock dangling around her neck tightly. Wonder what that thing is... it's the first time I've actually seen her with it. It looked oddly familiar.

"And probably after this mountain comes down, those ghost things will come," Liath said.

"I can protect the people," Bibi said quietly. I love that girl, she's just so perfect... it's sickening at times, but you have to appreciate silence, from a woman it�s like gold. From experience as well, everything she says is important otherwise she wouldn't say it.

Serilia gave her a questioning look. "Your power is Silence am I correct? How does that protect those people?"

"Oh! I know that one," L answered. "Anyone who makes noise in a certain vicinity she can send away to where ever she wants... is that right? I can't even count the number of times I find myself outside the castle anymore-"

"You were noisy," Bibi said softly.

I chuckled.

"Anyway, since those wailing ghost bastards and them magic users made a helluva lot of noise when attacking, Lady Bibi can keep anyone who attacks away from those village people." L finished, glaring at me.

"Master and I will stay near them if they need healing," Quami offered.

Catsyile nodded, pleased. "Good. We'll put in an extra shield, keyed for our people around the main village houses."

"Don't we outnumber them... magic wise at least? I don't really see what's the problem." We all looked incredulously at Battle Angel.

"The problem is, " I said slowly, as if to a child, "Opal and Harlequinn don't need many sorcerers. They are a force in, and of, themselves. Three to five of us equals one of them." I'm astounded to think she has been operating under such a deluded assumption until now.

"But why haven't any of you risen to that kinda power level yet? Catsyile looked like she was on par with Harlequinn."

"As flattered as I am by that kind of power comparison, those bitches have an advantage that their power does not have a finite substance to work with. Water is everywhere yes, but there is a limited amount of water. Light is infinite, and can only be cancelled by shadow. Shadow can only be cancelled by light. They do not have a limit. And as they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely." Catsyile smiled tightly at her 'sister'.

Battle Angel shook her head, her brows creased in thought. "That isn't true. The human body has limits. They can only go so far before their body can't handle it."

I sighed. I really never thought the infamous other half of Team Vengeance was this stupid. "Look, even if their bodies can't handle a lot, what they CAN access is a freaking lot more us. The only way is to kill those around to them to even the odds, which brings us back to square one!"

She narrowed her eyes momentarily at me, before shrugging. "Whatever, just putting my two cents in."

What on Blackstar was a cents? I watched as Battle Angel frowned again, her thumb and finger coming up to cup her chin in a 'v', something that I've deemed as her 'thinking' stance. The something that was bothering her was practically radiating off her thought waves. I didn't even try to delve in deeper into her mind seeing as the first layer of thoughts was confusing enough. All I could find out was that somehow she had linked human weakness to philosophy on the creation of the universe. I quickly retreated.

"Putting that idiocy aside," Kayashi stepped in, and gestured at the ice model of the castle. "I propose we have several layers of defence. Everyone against their counterparts since that would even things out more. Slayer doesn't really do much, and for all his teleportation power he doesn't have much in the sense of fighting skills. The normals can take care of him first to get rid of their escape guy." She narrowed her eyes at them, daring them to argue. Wisely they didn't. "Leesha, you must-"

"Take out the parasite? You betcha, I'll get her good," Leesha's hair changed to a dull maroon, somewhere between anger and determination. Of course, that's what I'm assuming.

"Sister, your task is to stop Kimbo no matter what happens. Your control of this mountain is something you can use to your advantage." Catsyile tilted her head slightly as Battle Angel was still obviously in her own world. "Sister?"

"Huh? Sorry, I just thought of something..." she smiled, "Never mind, it's probably not something that's actually true, my over active imagination at it again."

Yes, and we were all so not confused by that statement at all.

"Yes, indeed." I'm actually quite impressed with Catsyile's ability to keep calm like that. "Kimbo is Mistress... well, Master of Rock. He has the ability to summon golems, or to make them from the rock of this mountain-"

"So you want me to create ice creatures to fight them?" Battle Angel looked sceptical. "Doesn't that just make things more confusing?" Before Catsyile could answer, Battle Angel answered her own question. "Wait, there isn't enough ice to rock to make a proper army so forget I said that."

She was really getting on my nerves.

Catsyile continued on as if she had not spoken. "He also has the ability to turn any living organism into rock, and of course controls the element itself. I want you to take him out before he can reach any of us in any way possible. His mental instability makes him too unpredictable for any of us. I am counting on you to eliminate him." And I'm thinking she's expecting too much of a person who obviously did not know how to use their power.

Battle Angel looked hesitant herself, "Kill Kimbo... okay."

"Kayashi, you and Liathano will be the main force to get rid of the ghost armies. Your powers feed off each other, and will be more effective working together than alone." Neither of them looked too happy at that. Kayashi glared at me as if it was my fault.

"Nando-"

The dark skinned woman interrupted Catsyile before she could spout another order. "I'll handle Bui and help out those two," she stated, tilting her head towards Liath and Kayashi. Catsyile visibly gritted her teeth but nodded. Authority problems, right there.

"We must work together towards a better future. There is no hope in adversity... " Eye's musical voice started.

"If you say we must love each other, I will bite you right now," Ryka Blue snapped. She turned those mesmerising eyes on us. "And don't let the mortals fight Slayer. I want him. It makes more sense for the Vampyre to fight a Slayer, the mortals will be more use going after the sex-obsessed guy. They'll enjoy it more at least." She turned a half smirk, half leer at L, Dotto and Sir Benjamin.

Well, I couldn't argue with that.

"What art thou implying about us?!" Funny how that knight switches into a completely different dialect when he's angry.

Ryka Blue leered some more before shrugging.

"You fools, Vincenzo's powers are based on Love and Lust. She means it's less likely for him to do anything to you since last I heard he was more interested in Battle Angel," Serilia said in annoyance. Liathano cast a sheepish glance at Battle Angel who was doing strange twitchy movements with her hands. I was more annoyed by the fact that Serilia has been spending more time with Liath than I had previously thought.

I'm being beaten by a woman. I can practically hear my masculinity going down the proverbial whirlpool.

Yes, I admit it, I am jealous.

"But what if he DOES?" Dotto asked.

"We are not altogether sure what Vincenzo's abilities in battle are. I'm assuming that with your skills in weaponry, three to one odds are more than you can ask for," Catsyile informed them haughtily, ignoring Dotto's question.

Imrhien waved a hand, "We must expect that they have more people on their sides than what we expect. What about Samiya?"

"She is not to be trusted," Catsyile answered without emotion.

I blinked, faintly surprised.

"We shall see what she does when the time comes. I'll not be surprised to see her hold back until the winner is declared," Catsyile said in the same tone of voice.

I looked at her carefully, not needing to read her mind to see the resentment in her eyes. She's my boss, and she's right, at least on one level. Samiya can't be trusted since we had no idea what side she was on, but I got the feeling Catsyile was holding onto a grudge more than anything. It did take an awfully long time for Samiya to decide to free us back there... I cut off my thoughts before they could take off down that depressing path. Whatever happened, I still trusted Catsyile's judgement, it was my job after all.

"Xas, you will verse Viv, And I... I will deal with Harlequinn," Catsyile stated after a pause.

"Hm... My half-sister will be a problem, Skye is all seeing," Eye mused. We waited for elaboration. Eye stared at us as if she expected us to understand.

"She's Seer of Premonition right?" Quami inputted. He always struck me as the kind of guy that sunk into the background in any given situation.

"Oh, I know, premonition and prophesy, like how one's legs both the same," Leesha repeated. We stared at her blankly. She gestured with her hands, "Y'know," her hair turned black, "Premonition is only telling stuff that definitely will happen, or already happened, prophesy is like, telling stuff that may or may not happen but has a fair chance of happening from what you know of the pattern of events. Same thing with minor differences that have the same function... like your legs!"

Ah... ha. I unravelled that piece of information as best as I could. "So we must take out Skye since she can coordinate their attack since she knows what's happening?"

"That's what I said!" Leesha said indignantly.

"I can do my usual gig, same as usual. I'm not a fighting man and I don't pretend to be," Xanatos said carelessly. "Plus, since Eye can't do my job as she needs her power for the shield, it all works out fine."

"And since I'm the only one left without a job, I'll take care of Skye then!" Ai announced.

"We have our attack plan then. You all have your priorities." Catsyile waved her hands at the model, and we saw our replicas hover into position at various points around the castle. A thin dome sprang up around the main village houses. Ah, some of the ice must have melted enough for Catsyile to have control over its movement. We all looked and noted where we're suppose to be.

"Once your task is done, help out in any way to can, and adapt to the situation. Get as much rest as possible in the next few hours. You'll need it. We move out in 3 to 5 hours. Meeting adjourned." Catsyile clapped her hands.

Immediately people began moving out of the room.

I turned and met Serilia's gaze. She was the only person who didn't volunteer for anything. I prodded her mind, but came up against a blank wall. She was obviously hiding something.

She smiled at me before turning to Liath, touching her arm lightly. I narrowed my eyes. "Liathano, would you do me the honour of having the last meal with me? I'm sure Alita's hungry too." Now I'm pretty damn sure she added the last just to make that suggestion more innocent than it seemed.

Liath laughed, "When is she not hungry? Sure." She grabbed Serilia's hand, and waved to Battle Angel. "C'mon lady, we're gonna eat!" They strolled out holding hands. Damn Liath and her tactile personality. Didn't she realise that...

Battle Angel passed me, and patted me on the shoulder condescendingly. "Looks like you have competition."

"That's none of your business Battle Angel. Stay out of it." There was no way I was going to reveal the blooming of doubt in my mind. My Liath loved me once, I was pretty sure she still liked me as she was now. However, this Liathano could be egging me on for all I knew, just to spite me. Then my foolish hope and feelings would get crushed just like she had wanted, no matter how much I deserve it.

Battle Angel looked at me with a cold smile. It was strange how flighty this woman was. Even as I searched her mind, her thoughts and feelings were never centred, brief and non-involved. It was worse than someone being outright cold.
"She does like you." She gave me a thoughtful look. "But that won't amount to anything if you don't do anything about it." Before I could summon up a retort for that stating the obvious, she changed her tone yet again. "Would be easier if you tell me how come you two broke up. She won't tell me," the woman paused and went off on a different tract. "If you haven't noticed, she's kinda blocking whatever happened out of her mind. I suggest you confront her, otherwise this could go on and on."

I glared at her, slightly disbelieving at the sheer selfishness of her offer. "Battle Angel, if this is your ploy to know what happened, I commend you on your utter lack of subtlety and consideration for others."

She shrugged, "Still, I suggest you do something before this all goes to hell. I have a super bad feeling about this." She walked off with that glazed thoughtful look on her face, which seemed to be the only serious expression she could manage. I fought the urge to ask her 'Does it hurt?' and instead turned to the model where our ice figurines had long frozen into place.

On a whim, I broke off the figurine of my Liath, staring at the finely moulded ice.

I frowned, alone in the room, staring at the little figurine melting in my hand, the water dripping and freezing on the cold floor.
How poetic.

I had an urge to smash the model, wondering if this is what it would look like when Opal and Harlequinn finally came. Would this whole place turn into a large ice field, smattered with little frozen bodies? I had the urge to plan until I was exhausted, the same urge I got before every expected battle. Plan until I could find a way that no matter what we could at least get out of this alive.

I sighed, flinging the remaining water from my cold palm. No matter how much we plan, there was no predicting what could happen, even with magic. It was neither my job or station to do that anyway. I had faith in Catsyile. Even if it turned bad, her undying belief in her ideals would lead her to fight out of it, even at the cost of her life.

What I'm worried about is if this is the only thing we could do. Fight until we die. Fight until we win, but what would that entail really? That we would become the new rulers of Blackstar? That we could bring peace after so many years of war? So we could rule a world that hardly had anything to rule over?

It's come to the point that we only expect for an end. Well I do. The only triumph and happiness being what we have taken for ourselves and the only reason we are fighting is for self-preservation. This would be the last time we would have a fighting chance of winning. Desperate people go for desperate measures, no matter the cost. Fitting since we were extremely desperate.

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"You are troubled Xas."

I was tired.

I acknowledged Eye's presence with a nod, watching as her brow creased in a slight frown, the air shimmering above and around us as we stood at the pinnacle of the tower. A visible globe of power glowed around us, joining together from different centres where Nando, Leesha and basically everyone channelled their power into Eye as the focus point. It was awing to see so much power materialise in one place. At the same time, I knew this attempt wasn't going to hold very long when it came time.

"You... have not talked to the heretic."

I frowned. "Heretic?"

"Those not of the Blue. She is Mistress of Fire am I correct? She is a heretic." Eye's voice was still annoyingly serene, the globe surrounding her nearly opaque as tendrils of power waved off it.

I sneered, "So what does that make me?"

"Someone who has proved their worth." The hum of magic was nearly musical as it built in layers. I closed my eyes and leant my power into the fray, providing my own strengths into the shield. "You loved her did you not? Or perhaps you love her still. You should forget such feelings. She's long since forgotten her own. It will come to no good for you to dwell on a heretic."

My lips pressed together in a tight line. "Isn't it counter productive to hold onto such prejudices?"

"No, not when what I see will hold true."

Now I was angry. My hands clenching, "Are you suggesting that Liathano will betray us? Or are you suggesting I will?"

Her strange melodic laugh grated on my ears. "No. She will not betray us." Her eyes glowed perceptibly behind the wall of her globe. "What I am saying is she will fail us."

A cold feeling that had nothing to do with the weather settled in my stomach. "What are you saying?"

"You heard."

Did I mention I really hated this woman?

There were too many things that could mean. All of them weren't pleasant to think of. All of them meant I had to talk to Liath. But that was something I wasn't ready to do. Something that I was too much of a coward to do. Is it possible to regret something that you haven't done before you haven't done it?

There was no time and too much of it.

"Go and talk to her while you still can."

I looked away from Eye, drawing my eyes to the beckoning skies. There was nothing to stop me going to Liath except my own cowardice. My own fear of goodbyes. Especially with Liath. Our last was painful enough for both of us.

Even with Eye's ominous prediction looming over my head I was reluctant to bring back old memories, old feelings that I had no idea were wanted or not. In my mind's eye I could see exactly where she was. I could see exactly what she was doing.
But I couldn't see, or predict what her reaction to me would be. I was afraid of that.

So like the coward I was, I did nothing. It was probably for the best.

Out of the corner of my eyes I saw Eye roll her eyes.

The next few minutes was a blur. One moment I was staring dejectedly at the sky, the next I was pounding down the stairs, running with almost no control over my body. Desperation, and urgency fuelling my adrenaline. I blinked as my hand latched around warm skin, Liath's eyes questioning up at me, while I could do nothing but gape and pant.

A million curses directed at Eye flew through my mind as I opened and closed my mouth awkwardly, having no idea what to say.

"Xas?" She looked at me askance. "Um... is there something you need?"

I felt like an idiot standing there.

Out of the corner of my eyes I could see Kayashi quirking her eyebrows at me in amusement. Laugh it up bitch.

"I need to... I... " I looked at her meaningfully, trying to make her see my meaning. This was ridiculous.

In my lack of words, I tried the only substitute by linking mentally with her. It should have been fairly easy since I would latch on their memory of me, seeking approval into their minds to convey my message. Everyone I come across who had a memory of me would then be accessible, their minds unable to reject me since I would take up that space, however small, and be a part of their minds. Only people with similar mental powers or enough training could drive me out.

Liath's mind had never been a problem for me since I take up such a large and resented space in it. It was a little piece of myself that I loved and hated to think was still inside her.

I frowned when I couldn't find it. Instead of the large bleeding wound of memories that I had expected, I came up with hollow emptiness.

"What..."

"Xas?"

She was staring at me. I stared back, taking a small step back.

There was absolutely nothing in that place where the broken link should be, ready to be joined. Absolute void in that area of her mind I had gotten so used to. She couldn't have gotten rid of it. Human memory was too complicated to erase something without damage, especially if the memories was interconnected with so much of their life. It was impossible for so much of her mind to just disappear without her losing all sense of herself. But I could see everything else. Has she buried me so deep that she has forgotten me completely?

"Are you going to tell me what you wanted to tell me?" Liath asked me, flashing those violet eyes. I stared at this woman. She didn't even know I had probed her mind. Liath had always known when I was trying to reach out to her.

I suddenly grabbed her shoulders, her startled yelp drowned out in the fearful pounding of my blood, my eyes closing as I searched...

I ignored her gasp as my mental abilities made itself known in her mind, as I forcibly probed through her memories, uncaring if I caused her pain. Wanting, needing, to find any trace of myself in that mind.

"Xas, what are you doing?! You're... "

I snapped my eyes opened and let her go abruptly. There was nothing. Everything in the past was gone. Not even the usual mental prisons other sorcerers kept to bury memories. There was nothing there at all.

This woman was a stranger to me. She was a stranger with Liathano's face.

A lump lodged in my throat, preventing me from speaking, fear unlike anything I had known before springing in my mind. The human mind's greatest fear is to be forgotten. And Liath had forgotten me.

"You... "

The look she gave me was one that was slightly panicked but at the same time confused. "What did you see?"

I didn't see anything. That was the problem.

I took a long choked breath. I hadn't known what to say to the woman I had loved. But to this woman who I didn't know, I had nothing to say at all. Everything told me this was Liath. Her mannerisms, her characteristics, even her speech patterns.

This was her.

If it was an enemy she would not let me roam in her mind. If it was an enemy she would not let me see and recognise things I remember from Liath's life. Memories that couldn't be replicated by magic or known by another, with the exception of Battle Angel. But this woman may as well be an enemy for all she knew of me, which was exactly nothing.

But she was Liath. Everything besides the obvious absence of me told me it was so. Perhaps that was why it hurt so much.

I swallowed almost painfully, my throat dry. I was a guy, I wouldn't cry over something so pitiful. She had every right to forget me.

"Liath... " I searched her eyes for a response, but only got a inquisitive stare. No, it was hopeless. I forced my face into a smile, though it must've looked especially painful from the worried look she was giving me. I ploughed on. "Liath, whatever happens today, I just want to tell you... " Tell her what? My thoughts rang with possibilities, from telling her my deluded and undeserving feelings of love to my hatred of this physical *imposter*. I gave a frustrated sigh.

"Tell me what?"

I settled on the most vague answer. "I just want to tell you that I never regretted what happened between us in the past. I regret how we ended but... never what happened." I trailed off into silence.

Liathano looked at me blankly for a second, confirming my worst fears. She had no idea what I was talking about. Good.

I watched her nod at me, then smile. "I feel the same way."

A perfectly agreeable answer that revealed nothing and everything. I gave her a tight nod in return, the smile still plastered in place as I turned around and walked away, falling into a blank mask when she could no longer see my face.

I felt numb.

I wished desperately she'd just stabbed me repeatedly in the heart and stepped on my balls when she had the chance. At least then I know I meant enough to her for her to deliver such pain. Better than meaning nothing. Anything would be better than being forgotten.

"Yo, Xas, Boss told me to give the message for everyone to get into position."

I nodded absentmindedly as Xanatos flitted away. I told my limbs to move.

It was stupid to get worked up over something so trivial when the fate of the world was about to be decided.

The biting cold seeped through my clothes as I strode through the castle, a welcome revival of feeling that replaced the numbness of my body and heart. My blood started to drum a sullen rhythm, pounding in my head.

The first thunderclap made me realise I was angry. The second made me realise it wasn't me that was feeling this anger.

The third shattered the ice, both literally and figuratively.

I felt the brief moment of panic as the world crumbled around me, deafening my ears, overlapping over the far off screams.

Pain lanced over my skin as tiny shards of ice sliced it open, my arms automatically shielding my eyes in an effort to get away. I summoned a shield, magic surging under me, lifting me into the open air, even as the very walls of the castle came down around me, seeking to trap me in their icy prison.

This wasn't suppose to happen! What happened to Eye's shield?!

Then I realised that the ice wasn't merely breaking, it was melting.

The only Sorceress with that power was Liathano.

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It must have been a twist of fate to see the glint of metal flying through the air, and for me to catch it so luckily. Even more surprising it was my own broadsword.

Taking it in stride, I escaped the melting wreck of the castle, hurling myself through a window, and quickly conjured a power disc taking in the bleak skies impassively. Contrasts of light and dark swirled together, moving like a wave at the pinnacle of the shield, where I saw the small hole that was steadily enlarging. Not my problem.

What was a problem were the two people duelling a rather one-sided fight below the hole. As I drew nearer, the heat and my own eyes would easily make out Liath, as well as the rapturous face of the parasite as she sucked off Liath's power and sent it careening at the castle.

I swore mentally. We hadn't factored in the parasite's skills. She would've had no problem getting past the shield at all since she could just suck the power out of it to make a hole in the defence. And now she had Liath in her grabby little hands, sucking the life out of her. I will not have it.

I sent my mental powers ahead of me, slamming my consciousness into Donna's like a metaphysical battering ram.

I saw her physically recoil, but didn't relent, lashing at her mental links, memory, sensation, function, maliciously until she had no choice but to let go of Liathano. The heat around us stopped immediately as both women plummeted.

I gave a quick acknowledging glance at Kayashi as I flew after Liath. The woman's face had a faint sheen of sweat as she single-handedly held the Ghosts back, wind lashing about her, lifting her clothes and hair like crazy. I must say I was impressed, even though my mind was far more occupied in rescuing Liathano.

I was surprised once again as Liath managed to create a power disk of her own, saving herself and just as quickly blasting back toward the hole. I caught a glimpse of too pale skin and tired eyes as she flew past, looking much to drained to be flying much less battle.

But before I could drag her to the ground, an almighty, and familiar shriek ripped though my senses, and in the next moment, both the rock beneath my feet and the shield collapsed together.

So much for Eye's power.

The rock was worrying of itself since the mountain underneath was falling away much faster than the shield could dissolve, meaning rock holding the castle will fall quite a bit before hitting the rest of the mountain. The shield itself was shrinking, reforming thickly and solidly around the main houses of the village, reinforcing the shield that was already there. Even some of those had already been crushed by ice.

It was a disaster.

I gritted my teeth, and raised my weapon, reinforcing it with my mind to make it stronger before I slashed quite viciously at the incoming wave of ghosts. The horrid little beasts exploded on contact with my body, the power behind them comparable to that of a scorching burn.

I spun switching styles mid move, cleaving harshly in circular forms through the air, though the feeling was unsatisfactory as the physical effect was basically nothing. My sword would pass through, no impact for my efforts. The ghosts faded into nothing as soon as my sword cut them in half. The effort of swinging however, was quickly wearing me out.

I dived, dodging the swarm as I tried to get to more air and less altitude. Behind me, I could faintly hear Leesha in Dragon form roar, the audible sound of crunching mixed in the sound. I viciously hoped that was the parasite's body.

Others flew past me, the glowing trails given off by their power disks giving me a sense of relief and hope. At least I wasn't the sole person alive.

I felt the sear of fire following after me, the Ghosts screaming was they were vaporised in the blast, the magical signature of Leesha, Liathano and Kayashi mixed together in a raging whirlwind of flame.

I stopped a near enough distance from the ground, taking great gulping breaths of air before I readied myself and twisted to deal a Power charged slash through the air at the Ghosts still tailing me. They were vanquished with another horrid echoing squeal.

All around me, the Ghosts were disappearing either in a wave of fire or some other power. Soon, none of them remained.

Panting for breath, I stared at the sky, seeing Liath wave at me as she circled down behind Leesha and Kayashi. My look turned to one of horror as the skies opened behind them, a figure of glowing light appearing with impossible speed in its wake.

Liath's wave cut off as a blazing neon scythe impaled itself in her back.

"LIATH!!!" I was screaming, and screaming, frozen in place as Liath stared at me, her lips tainted with blood.

She smiled weakly before spinning around, her hand shooting out to grasp at her attacker's head, the male voice laughing even as steam started to form from his face, over his left eye. He was still laughing as Liathano fell, a limp dead doll alone in the sky, the scythe pulled from her back neatly to swoop back into Harlequinn's hands.

Harlequin, now male, was laughing as if this was the funniest thing he had ever seen. His face was still steaming, now marred with a burned socket for an eye as if the heel of Liath's palm had dug in there specifically. The single remaining green eye was filled with mirth, blazing green and demonic with malicious intent.

I watched with my heart in my throat as Harlequinn lifted his hand, and the ensuring blast of Light incinerated Liath's falling body. What remained was a void of space where she should have been.

Somewhere I heard a scream echo my own, Battle Angel's aura spiking with her own emotional pain.

I clenched my hands around my sword, forcing tears back. Now was not the time to mourn for her. You can do that at the end or join her in the afterlife.

I saw the anger and grimness reflected in the faces I could see of my comrades. I pushed my own sorrow back. Mourn her when this is over, not now.

Now when it had only begun.

End Chapter 7.

A/N: Man I'm evil.