Akieen Cloud

[color="#000080"][font="Comic Sans MS"]She sighed, she was comfortable and warm, for the first time in a long time that she could remember she was comfortable, she snuggled deeper into the warmth and cracked open her eyes just a fraction, blinking as the pale, dark, swirling world met her gaze. Confused and baffled she sat up and looked down seeing a faceless body laying next to her. Screaming she backpedaled off the bed and grunted as she fell off the edge. The haunting voice making her look all around. "Do not be afraid, it is just something your subconscious conjured to give you a sense of security." She looked back at the form on the bed, the large frame of the shadow reminding her of someone but she couldn't place her finger on it. "Where am I?" [i]"You are safe dear. Do not fret, but I must ask, are you willing to go back? Can you go back?"[/i] "Go back where?" She jumped, yelping slightly as a mirror popped up in front of her, she could see her self, pale and beaten, laying in a hospital bed, breathing heavily, the Commander sitting by her bed holding her hand, his thumb gliding gently over the back of her hand. The Commandant pacing the room looking like a caged animal. "How much longer Patch?" "I don't know, the damage is so sever I don't know that there is any way of reversing it." The Commander shook his head, the runes on his body glowing slightly. "There has to be a way Patch, hell use one of us if you have to!" "It's not that Marcus, her skin is so...fragile now...it's no wonder she was hurt so easily...it's paper thin." As if to prove his point he gently poked her forearm, Demetri and Marcus both gasped as the skin turned purple quickly showing a bruise where Patch had pressed down on. "You see? We can't just rush into this. What if we make it worse?" "How much worse can this get Patch?" Marcus indicated to her back as he yelled, Demetri placing a large hand on his shoulder to try and calm him, all three men more than stressed about the condition of the woman on the bed. Ali looked than and covered her mouth to keep from screaming. Her back and shoulders looked as if someone had tried to draw road maps on her skin with a knife, only the tattoo was safe from harm and she looked at her hand now, seeing scars that matched those on her back. She remembered it clearly, Raze summoning his whips and commanding her to submit, lashing her back, cutting into her skin, causing her to scream as she curled in on her self, her left hand covering the tattoo, like the bandanna she wore around her wrist it was one of the last things she had reminding her that she had once been human. She watched as the Commandant walked over and placed his large hand on the small of her back, where some of the worst scars were, she was shocked by the look of hurt on his face as his fingers ran along her skin softly, ghostly. A lover's touch, she shivered slightly and watched as her body mimicked the sensation, the Commander watching and bringing her knuckles to his lips for a soft kiss. Both men looking torn and haggard as she simply lay there. Demetri's deep baritone voice filling the void as he spoke. "I've already passed everything down to Circuit, I'm not leaving her. We'll stay here together til she comes around." Marcus nodded slowly, never taking his eyes off of her. "Demetri, what are we going to do? These scars...she was so insecure about them to begin with...what will she think now?" "We'll just have to make her see that she's still the same." "How are we supposed to do that? What about our deal?" Demetri pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "I-I don't know. What I do know is no matter what happens, we're never letting her go again. I don't care if the order comes from my own damned father, she's not leaving our sights again." "Is it because you want her safe, or her power safe?" "Both, I think. You saw what it could do down there Marcus. The power she holds, the control she has...it's dangerous and if it's connected to her emotions you and I both know she would never be able to live with her self if she were to accidentally use it on one of us or the team." Marcus nodded slightly as he ran his fingers across her shoulders, feeling the scars on her skin. "I just hope...we can find out a way to fix these before she comes to." Demetri nodded and sat on the other side of her. "You and me both Marcus. You and me both." The went back to paying attention to her, both of them never allowing their eyes to leave her for longer than a few seconds...Ali looked around the shadows and sat down breathing heavily now, the markings on her back having brought everything back. All the pain, suffering and loneliness she had felt while down in the dark. All the nights hoping, praying, that some one would find her and break her from that god awful place but nothing ever came. No salvation found her in that dismal place. Bringing her knees to her chest she began to weep silently, all the memories coming back to haunt her, only to play across the background of the area. Every painful memory, every moment that gave her nightmares...it all played like a home movie and she put her hands on either side of her face and screamed as she heard their cruel laughs echo around her. Clyde's voice ringing out through the strange world, calling to her. [i]'Come to me Pet, rub your Master's leg like a good beast. Obey!'[/i] She whimpered as the memories grew in strength and volume til she was overwhelmed, simply sitting in the middle of the empty space around her, rocking back and forth, the dull lifeless look back in her eyes as she listened to the voices echoing all around her, breaking her mind all over again. The phantom pains returning to her now as she cringed, feeling each strike of the whip, each beating with the police baton they had used, she could feel her mind slipping back into the feral state as she peeled her lips away from her teeth growling animalistically at the disembodied voices, she could feel the collar around her neck; she could remember the voltage that went through it, the burning sensation as they shocked her time and time again through the collar. Council Member Spark seeing to that as he passed current after current through the metal and bringing her to her knees. Everyone of them had a hand in her breaking, her torture, the pain that still racked her body now. The phantom pains and the residual shock still pulsing through her as she lay there. She brought her hand down, looking at them now, unaware that through all of this the tattoo on her shoulder had been pulsing with each and every emotion, every time she felt pain it would pulse and flare to life. Staring at her hands she put her finger tips to her forehead, feeling the scars on her finger tips against the still smooth skin of her forehead; she let the power build, let it waver beneath the surface til she could see it roll off of her in thick waves. She was unsure if it would work on her self, unsure if she could wipe her own mind but she was willing to try, willing to wipe her own exsistance away with out a single regret. Closing her eyes she readied herself as she exhaled and began to slowly bring the barriers away from the power, the pressure releasing bit by bit, coiling around her and ruffling her hair and clothes, she squeezed her eyes shut and reached for that final point, the point of no return, touching it with her mind, ready to break it down...when she felt hands on her wrists, yanking them away from her face, a soft, masculine voice filling her ears as the hands slowly began to glide over the skin of her arms. "Stop, you don't have to do this." She looked up, the dark brown eyes boring into her red ones, the pain and sorrow there making her heart break for some reason. "How? How are you here? Your mind...I-you..." "I can assure you. I'm fine. I don't know how, but I'm whole. I promise Alex." She felt the tears spill over her cheeks as she threw her arms around him and sobbed into his shoulder. "Thank the gods! So many...I hurt so many people! I'm just glad that you at least survived through it! At least I didn't become a complete monster!" She held onto him as she cried, the comfort of his embrace calming her as she let everything out, her screams of pain and broken sobs echoed through the dark world they were in. [/font][/color]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"][center][i]I love you Ali, I always will....[/i][/center] The words echoed through her mind, reaching down to her very soul as she watched the man before her kneel, his head turned down as he looked at the floor. "Master?" She felt her heart beat quicken, her chest heave as she tried to gather air into her lungs, her body beginning to shake as slight panic began to take hold of her, her mind snapped back to reality, the whip lash on her back stinging enough to bring tears springing to her eyes as she felt the blood run in rivulets down her back, she dropped to her knees in front of him and put her hands on his shoulders. "Commander Demos?" "Master?" "No...it's Talon, Captain Alex Talon...please no...don't tell me I did this to you, I don't want to be a monster..." She looked up as footsteps echoed to her. "Ali? Are you back?" She looked up into Demetri's hazel eyes and felt her body relax some, tears began to stream down her cheeks. "What have I done? What did I do to him?!" Demetri shook his head, his face pinched painfully as she began to sob openly in front of them, the wicked laugh that echoed around them made her stop and look over her shoulder as the old man walked from the shadows. "I see...he was hoping for this. To bring you back from whatever dismal abyss you fell into. It's useless though, I want let such a rarity such as you go." She growled low in her throat as she kept her hands on Marcus' shoulders, his skin was softer than she thought it would be, and warmer as well, she wrapped her arms around him as she heard the crack of the whip, protecting him, but she never felt the pain, the wind picking up in the room making her look over her shoulder and gasp as the Commandant stood in front of them, the whip caught in his large hand as he grit his teeth and pulled on it wrenching it from it's owners hands. "If you think that I'm just going to stand by and allow you to hurt her while I'm here, your wrong!" "Commandant Athens, do you honestly think you can stop all of us?" She watched as his eyes began to glow white, the wind howling in the room now as strings of electricity began to spark throughout the storm, that was until he screamed in pain and dropped to his knees, Madam Pain walking slowly forward, her cane tapping on the floor. "Commandant Athens, you are a valuable asset to this force, it is not within our desires to harm you. Please see the reason behind our choice. Ms. Talon is a powerful empath, able to tap into the power of a Confessor. She is a rarity that needs to be utilized. With her power we could control the world." Demetri frowned from the floor. "I won't let you have her again! I spent all those weeks dying inside cause I thought she was dead! I refuse to do that again!" Ali flinched as he writhed on the floor yelling out in pain as Madam Pain only shook her head. "I am sorry to hear that young man. I didn't wish to kill you, but if you intend to fight I have no choice." Ali felt her power boil, felt the pressure build as she watched him roll in pain, she clenched her fists tight as she stood, her leather gloves creaking with the force of it, squaring her shoulders she looked down at the man still kneeling behind her. "Stay behind me Commander." "Master." She closed her eyes as tears lined her eyes, the power pressing against her now, wanting to be released, begging for it as she strode forward. As soon as she passed Demetri the pain stopped, he lay on the floor breathing heavily as he looked up at her, his eyes wide as he saw her hair start to billow out around her as her power shifted around her. She looked over her shoulder at him and he let out a gasp, her eyes flashing back to the warm chocolate he remembered, her smile warm and loving as she looked down at him before it was gone, her eyes red once again and her pale face upturned into a sad expression. "Get him out of here. I'll handle them." He shook his head, unwilling to leave her with the super powers of the HDF alone. "Just go! I don't know how much longer I can hold it back and the last thing I want is for you to be caught in it like he was. I won't be remembered as a monster!" He stood and walked towards her, like Marcus he had stopped caring about the things he said when he saw her alive and standing in front of him. "Alex, you are far from a monster. You are a beautiful and loving woman and I would sooner give you my heart on a platter than to walk away and let you do this on your own." She shook her head, putting her hand on his chest she released a small, infinitesimal amount of her power, enough to keep the man away from him self for at least 15 minutes, he bowed his head as his warm hazel eyes went dull. "Master?" "Get the Commander and get out." "Master?" "Take the Commander and the two of you leave, get out of here and get somewhere safe. I'll find you when I'm done." "Master." The man did as he was told, standing up and putting the marked man's arm around his large shoulders he began to walk out, Ali felt her feet move before she could even think about the act as Raze summoned another whip and lashed out at the two men, she winced as it caught her across the face, digging into her skin and gashing her left cheek deeply, just another scar to add to her collection. She grabbed the whip as it came down again, much like the Commandant had and yanked on it, Raze coming with it this time and she covered his face with her hand releasing her power as soon as she got a grip on him. He went slack in her grip and fell to his knees. "Master?" "Help me kill the high council. Destroy them and protect the men escaping." He nodded numbly, standing up he summoned his whips in both hands and charged into the other members, screams and explosions echoed from the room as minutes drug by. After what felt like eons to the people out side listening to the chaos within the door slid open and Ali stumbled out, her clothes tattered and torn in spots, blood seeping from under the leather as the people could see multiple throwing knives embedded within her skin, one on the inside of her shoulder close to her neck, the blood oozing out in a swift stream as she braced herself on the wall and looked around at the people who had gathered, her eyes taking in Jason as he looked horrified at his sister as she stood there, looking barely alive, Demetri finally coming out of what ever spell she had put him under, his eyes going wide as he took her in and many others as well. She took a deep breath and coughed, blood filling her mouth as her ribs shifted painfully, she looked up at the others and gave them a small, sad smile, they watched as she tilted forward as her eyes slid shut. Demetri caught her before she could fall to the floor, rolling her in his arms, his clothes and limbs soaking with her blood in mere moments, looking over his shoulder he screamed down the hall for Patch as he stood and strode away, Jason helping Marcus to his feet as they followed. Gene's curiosity getting the better of him as he looked into the council room, covering his mouth before the bile could rise and eject from his stomach as he looked upon the blood and torn flesh strewn about the room. 3 heads, severed from their bodies rested on the podium in the center, all with the same terrified expression on their faces. High Council members Raze, Clyde and Madam Pain. He closed his eyes before walking out of the room and following the crowd towards the medical ward. News of Alex Talon's resurrection had spread like wild fire, he could only imagine how the news of her single handedly slaughtering the High Council would go over. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]She walked through the halls, her destination clear as she headed down the hall and towards the training room; entering it she looked around at the half fixed walls and floors, meeting the gazes of the people working within it, her voice snapping out in a cold tone. "Get out." The younger men and women scrambled to get out of her way and out the door as she locked it behind them. Walking up to the console she typed in a few codes and walked to the middle of the room shedding her trench coat, the skin of her back and shoulders exposed to any one looking at the screen in the other room, her skin littered with scars from her cruel treatment, the whip lashes seen clearly as they crisscrossed across her form. The light pink scars showing clearly on her pale skin. She rolled her shoulders as the simulation began, the room going dark as she stood in the middle of the room, a bright light blazing down on her as she was seemingly standing in the middle of the council room. "Confessor, what have you called us here for?" "I am no longer your Confessor. I am not a tool!" The room began to vibrate with her power as it built inside of her and came off of her in waves, she held back the scream as she felt Pain's power radiate through her and try to make her bend, she held her ground and when Raze's power shifted over her trying to cut off her senses she blocked it out. "I am not a monster! I am free of you!" Her power exploded within the room causing the lights in the base to flicker, the steel walls buckling from the force of it. Down the hall Marcus had caught up with Demetri who was leaning on the wall not wanting to move away from the scent she had left behind, both of them jumping as the base rocked with the force of her power, both of them looking at each other before regaining their balance, Demetri looked down at him. "Marcus, what the hell is going on around here?" "I don't know, but I need to tell you something, it's important." Demetri nodded and opened his mouth to answer when the base shook again, both looking towards the training room before sprinting in that direction, once there they pushed people aside from the screen looking in at the training room, both halting in their tracks as they took in the woman on the screen. She twisted and turned around the room fighting off what ever enemy she had selected, she dropped to her knees and bent backwards, her thin body bending in a way that should have broken her in half. Her right knee lashing upwards at her target, the rest of her body following as she flipped backwards, her black boots connecting with other targets around her. Within the room she spun around and swung her left foot around catching Raze in the chest and sending him backwards, her voice echoing through the room as she screamed to no one in particular. "I want my life back!" Her power burst from her body again, this time the lights in the room shorting out and shattering with the force of it, the back up lights shining down on her as she fought the council members, finally getting to Clyde, his wicked smile gleaming at her as she growled. "My little Confessor. My pet...settle down. I would not want to harm my most precious possession." She rushed forward and slammed her fist into the man's face, on the screen her fist embedding itself in the wall. "I am no one's possession. I will be free of you!" Wrenching her hand out of the wall her glove ripped off, the blue bandanna fluttering with her swift movements, the sight of it making Marcus' breath hitch as he saw it, she planted her hands on the floor and used her weight to swing her feet out, the move having been seen by both men time and time again as she let her power loose once again, the battered training room shutting down, unable to continue functioning after so much damage. She rested on one knee, her hand flat on the floor as she stared at the bandanna tied to her wrist, her eyes already so used to the dark she needed no light to see her surroundings as she stood and walked out of the destroyed room, her cold demeanor back in place. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira rushed over to him and put his arm over her slim shoulder, looking around she noticed that the rock face she had pointed out earlier wasn't to far away. "Hold on Coltaine, you'll be alright." He nodded slowly as she began to walk with him supported by her shoulders, she whirled around as the ground began to shake under their feet, she watched horrified as the large, red scaled head of the fire dragon began to rise from the sands. "Great fates!" She put her fingers to her lips and whistled thankful when after a few moments Max arrived. "Get him out of here!" The horse snorted and tried to get closer to her but she put her hand on his face and shoved him back, pushing Coltaine into the saddle. "Get him out of here!" Max stomped the ground before screaming and dashing back the way he came, she smiled and turned as the dragon lunged, rolling in the sand she came up on her knee and took a deep breath as she ran forward and drove her sword into the beasts clawed hand making it screech with pain and recoil throwing her away, she rolled in the sand and gasped as the clawed hand slammed down on top of her. "To the dark abyss with you! Let me go!" She brought her blade up into the fleshy underside of it's hand and gasped for breath as it only pressed her into the sand harder, she closed her eyes and waited for it to crush her but felt the weight lift from her as the beast screamed, opening her eyes she saw Senga driving her sword into the dragons foreleg, bringing it back and causing a large gash to appear in the scales. Ahara not far behind having both his katanas drawn and rushing the monster as well. Mira sat up slowly and jumped as she felt heavy breaths behind her, looking over her shoulder she gasped and wrapped her arms around Desturs large nose putting her forehead against his. "Thank the fates! Where's Coltaine? Is he alright? Did he make it to you safely?" The horse bumped his head to her's nickering softly as if to tell her to calm down, she looked up and sighed as she saw the man sitting atop his horse, his hand to his chest as he took deep breaths, she stood from the sand and reached over Desturs' head putting her hand on his knee and meeting his eyes as he looked down at her. "I'm glad your alright." He nodded slowly and watched as she turned away, grabbed her thin blade and charged back into the fray with the other two, screaming a battle cry as she lept into the air and slashed downward with her sword, the sharp blade connecting and slicing through one of it's giant digits, the claw rolling across the sand as she took a few steps back and charged again, this time aiming for one of the large horns atop it's head, screaming as the dragon tuned and slammed it's snout into her torso throwing her feet away. Rolling on the sand she stood up and winced, looking down she yanked the jagged stone from her side, the blood beginning to flow from the wound above her hip now. Taking a deep breath she charged back in and jumped up with Senga, both bringing their blades down on the monsters head as Ahara jumped across them gashing the beasts throat as Senga and Mira brought their swords down on it's head killing the beast. As she landed back on the sand she dropped to one knee and took a deep breath, gasping as pain lanced through her side. "I say we find some shade and take a breather, the evening will be here shortly any way." The all nodded and found a small plate of slate stone to pitch their tents on, Mira winced and gasped as she tried to stitch the wound on her side by her self yelping as she dug the needle in slightly to deep. "By the dark abyss...I'm going to end up sticking my self full of holes before I fix my self..." She winced again as she managed another stitch only to let out a curse as she missed and stabbed her self, the voice outside her tent making her jump and dig the needle into her skin once again. "Are you alright in there woman?" She growled under her breath. "I have a name Coltaine, use it. And I'm just fine. What about you? Is your back alright?" "Just fine. Nothing major. What are you howling about in there?" She smiled wickedly and poked her head out, holding the flaps of her tent around her, her bare shoulders showing as his eyes widened slightly. "Want to join me and find out?" "I-well that is to say..." "Relax Coltaine, I'm joking. I'm trying to stitch my self up. I got caught by a shard of slate stone during the fight." "Do you need assistance?" She raised her eye brows before looking down at the wound still oozing blood, sighing she poked her head back out and nodded slowly, her cheeks tinted red. "Just gimme a moment." He nodded and waited as he heard her rustling around inside til her voice filtered out from the tent. "It's okay, you can come in now." He swallowed before entering, her tent wasn't anything special, articles of clothing here and there, her sword and horse blanket, her bed roll and boots with her sitting in the middle on her knees. She looked up at him as he entered, her hair thrown over one shoulder which he could see was bare as well as the rest of her upper body, but she covered her self by holding a blanket tightly to her chest, it was than he saw the wound on her side. "Great fates Mira, what happened did you try to get healed by a porcupine?" "Your so funny Coltaine, just...will you help me?" He nodded slowly and sank to his knees next to her, his warm, rough hands moving swiftly and skillfully as he stitched her wound shut and cleaned it off, he wiped the blood from her skin and looked at his work nodding to him self, his finger tips still grazing her skin. The shiver was involuntary, as it rocked through her body, the warmth coming off of him seeped into her skin and made her lean towards him slightly, his voice falling on her ears now. "Mira, are you alright?" She straightened instantly and held the blanket to her tighter. "Yes. Thank you." He nodded and retreated from her tent as she exhaled the breath she had been holding as she heard the cricket and owls begin their nightly routine as the sun dipped below the horizon and night began. She shook her head as her skin grew cold, the warmth of his touch receeding. [i]'What is wrong with me? Already I'm trying to lean into him? I don't even know much about him...'[/i] She shook her head and pulled a shirt on carefully, emerging from her tent and blinking as she saw Coltaine's tent pitched a few yards away from the camp; raising her eye brow she shook her head and sat down by the fire. The flames warming her she let out a sigh and looked up as Coltaine sat down next to her, his green eyes seeming to glow with the fire and she felt lost in them for a moment before he looked at her. "Is your side alright?" She nodded slowly before shifting closer to him as Senga and Ahara sat down as well, she looked up at him smiling slightly, he arched a brow back at her making her shake her head and chuckle, glancing at their horses she turned her head to the side slightly. "What kind of horse is Desturs? Max is just a head shorter than him, but he seems more stocky..." She looked back up at him and sighed as she closed her eyes, the warmth from the fire making her exhaustion known. "You know...you never did tell me more about you. Your mother and father, if you have brothers or sisters...that kind of thing." She let out a yawn and felt her body grow heavy, attracted to the heat he seemed to be putting off as she leaned to the side and into him, her head resting on his shoulder comfortably, she listened to the crackling fire waiting for him answer her.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]A few days had passed their journey already a long one as they headed further East, each day getting hotter and hotter with the sun, Mira had stopped wearing her cloak, the fabric being to thick for her to keep it on comfortably. She sighed as the cool wide blew against her skin now, cooling it off. She glanced at Coltaine as she pulled her hair off the back of her neck and sighed as the wind rushed against her skin. "I can't believe how hot it turned out to be this way." "Yes...hot." She frowned as his words seemed stressed. "You think it's some anomaly?" "It's possible. Have you seen any clouds the last few days that we've traveled save for the first storm we encountered?" She thought for a few moments and shook her head. "But what could it be?" Ahara's smooth voice sounded behind them. "A creature of some sort?" Mira frowned more and shook her head slightly. "What kind of creature could create a heat wave? It doesn't make sense!" Senga spoke up next, the ring of her sword making them alert. "A salamander perhaps?" Mira spun around in her saddle as a screech sounded around them, leaping from Max's saddle she drew her thin blade and drove it into the sand as a fiery red lizard the size of her broke through the sand aiming for Max. "Max run!" The horse snorted and stomped his hoof down on the monsters skull cracking it, it's thick, green blood spouting from between it's eyes, rushing over she shoved again his large white frame trying to make him move as more of the giant lizards began to break through the sand at their feet, Destrus and Max screaming in terror as they only seemed to get bigger. She reached out and grasped Coltaine by the upper arm as she stumbled. "We have to find solid ground! The longer we stay out here in this sand the more danger we put our selves in." He growled as he cracked his spear against a lizards face cursing as his foot slipped into the soft sand more, the only thing keeping him from falling through was Mira's hand on his arm. "What do you suggest?" "I say we try to get to that rock formation over there! We get out feet on something solid we have a chance!" She locked eyes with him for a split second and smiled at him, the look broken as another salamander rushed them, this one was taller than Destrus and just as aggressive. Mira dropped to her knees and cut the tendons of the monsters legs watching as it went down in front of Coltaine who finished it off quickly. She whirled around and grabbed his hand rushing towards the rocks not far from them. Ahara and Senga already there, Max and Destrus following suite as they ran towards the small salvation. Mira felt Coltaine's hand close around her's and her heart skipped a beat. "We're almost there!" She stopped as the sand around them shifted, a small funnel appearing around them, she held up her hand yelling as Max pawed the ground debating on jumping in after her. "Don't think about it! We'll find a way back to the surface! Til than stay on that fates given rock! You hear me Max?!" He nickered as he watched her vanish from sight, her and Coltaine landed a few feet from the surface onto thick stone floors, her hand still clasped in his til she pulled away to take a closer look at their surroundings. "Charming, what do you think?" He shook his head and walked on. "I think we should get out of her." She heard him sigh and threw her hands up before running them through her hair. "Again? Is all you ever do sigh?" He looked back at her and saw her walking towards him, her hands on her hips and frowning slightly. "I'm serious. All you ever do is sigh and-" "Your injured." She looked down to where he was pointing see that she was indeed injured, the sleeve to her left shoulder blackened from one of the adult salamander's flame breath, blood seeped from the wound gently as she stared at it. "I don't remember being hit." She touched it and winced, her palm coming back red with blood, she gripped the ruined sleeve and ripped it from her shoulder to get a better look at the wound, the flesh charred and burnt it would bleed slowly, but nothing she would die from. "I say we get out of here. If I have a feeling I'm right, which I think I am. We're in the nest." He nodded and gripped his spear tighter as she did same to her sword, reaching back to grabbed his hand again and felt her cheeks heat. "Just so we don't lose one another, ya know?" He nodded silently as they began to run through the sand stone tunnels trying to find a way out, after what felt like forever of running the tunnel opened up and Mira gasped throwing her arms out to try and keep her self from falling over the edge, she twisted her body and grabbed the closest thing, which happened to be Coltaine, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his shoulder as her feet slipped some. "There's a ledge there..." He nodded, his hands braced on the sides of the tunnel to keep them from falling out, below them salamanders lumbered back and forth, but in the middle of them, one single large red lizard caught their attention, Mira gasped quietly as she chanced a glance over her arm at the bustle below them. "It's the fire dragon..." "How are you so sure?" She looked up at him, meeting his eyes, her face blushing as their noses almost touched. "Just look at it, we have to get out of here...and fast." He nodded as he stared at her for a few more moments, her voice jogging him. "Last thing we need is to be found out." She yelped as a jet of liquid fire hit the wall next to her and began to melt the sand stone, Coltaine looking down at her again. "You mean like that?" She smiled nervously before leaning forward and kissing his nose. "No fun when we're sneaking around is it?" She felt her feet hit solid ground as he shifted them away from the edge and ran through the tunnel, Coltaine right behind her as they searched for an exit. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Walking down the halls she felt her eyes burn, this much light made her want to wince, and hiss. She had grown to hate the light during her time down in the dark cell. She could hear her leather squeak as she moved but didn't mind, she crossed her hands over her chest briefly, feeling for the bandanna under her right glove, making sure it was still there. The only thing she had of when she was human. She dropped her hands to her sides as she passed a man in the hall, her masters had told her that this hallway would be empty today, yet here was a man who seemed vaguely familiar, his dark skin and strange markings setting something off inside her, she squashed it quickly. She was not allowed to feel emotions any longer, her masters had taught her that, told her that any such thing as that and she would be severely punished. The scars that littered her body were proof of their cruelty. She didn't bother locking eyes with the man though she could feel his on her, the feeling of it making her skin heat and her head pound, thankfully she was out of sight before it showed, on the outside she was calm, collective. Everything her masters had taught her to be, but on the inside she was screaming. Something about that man had seemed so known to her and she reached for the bandanna under her glove and stopped her self as she rounded the corner. Another person strode towards her, he was large in frame, massive in build but his hazel eyes drew her in and made her knees go weak for a moment. She kept her eyes forward as she passed him, his arm brushing against her's as she passed him, she continued on her way to meet with her masters, the man stopping and turning around as he caught the whiff of a soft scent he thought was gone forever. The faint scent of Oranges drifted around the large man as he stood alone in the hall. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira sighed as she saw her hands, the skin wrinkled and soggy, putting her palm on the rock face she pushed her self from the water, tying the cloth around so she could use both hands. Wringing out her hair she flipped it over her shoulder and bent her knees so she could look through her pack, pulling out a pair of trousers and a blue top she slipped the top over her head and pushed her arms through it the hem reaching her upper thighs as she pulled the went towel off her body and pulled the loose fitting trousers over her legs. Braiding her hair quickly she put her fingers to her lips and whistled, not long after Max trotted down the path towards her, patting his nose she looked over her shoulder at Coltaine and smiled. "It sounds as if you've had a hard life. I can't say that I have many tales of might battles and wars such as that...but a few things did happen around my home town that were somewhat exciting." He didn't respond as he simply stared at her, her cheeks turning red under his gaze she came out of it as Max stood between them blocking each other from view. "Max, don't be rude!" He snorted and turned his face to look at her, his ears pinned to the back of his head, she put her hands on her hips and scowled at the horse as he stared back at her, her whispers soft as she spoke to him. "Move your hide Max." He snorted and tossed his head from side to side. "I mean it. You can't stop me." The horse nickered dangerously before he lashed forward, grabbed the front of her shirt and tore it, she screamed and covered her self with her arms as Max whinnied and galloped away from her back towards camp, she cursed her self quietly as she realized she had thrown her pack over his back which was now gone with him. She spun around, her bare, pale skinned back exposed to Coltaine who could see a long scar that went from her right shoulder blade to her left hip, she shivered as the cool air around her settled in on her still damp skin, she jumped as she felt a blanket settle over her and the heavy breathing of Desturs, she looked over her shoulder to see the horse gently setting his blanket over her. She grabbed the edge and pulled it around her shoulders sighing as the warmth from his large frame still lingered in the cloth. "Thank you Destrus. Your such a good man aren't you?" He nickered happily as she rubbed her hand flat between his eyes, pressing her forehead to his as he sighed and leaned into her. "Wish Max was more like you. He's such a pain." Coltaine kept his comments to himself about his horse as he watched her lavish the animal in affection. She giggled as he put his head over her shoulder effectively hugging her in his own way, she opened the blanket to wrap her arms around his neck as she kept her grip on the cloth laughing gently as he nibbled on her hair gently. "You know, Coltaine always talks about how you nothing but a big bad war horse. I think your nothing but a big softie under all that fur and muscle." He nickered again and pulled her closer to him by pulling his head down on her shoulder making her giggle more, she pulled away and kissed him between the eyes gaining a happy squeal from him, the sound making her laugh out loud. "I have to go now, see you two back at camp." She pulled the blanket around her more and began to walk lightly back to camp with every intention of killing her horse. Destrus trotted over to Coltaine and snorted mockingly at him before turning and watching the girl vanish into the shadows of the trees. Mira got back to camp and stalked over to Max, he was throwing his head about this way and that with what was left of her shirt hanging from his teeth, yanking it away from him she threw it on the fire and dug out another shirt. This one was a pale blue and form fitting, the sleeve billowing out at the end to hide her hands. She sighed as she realized what shirt it was. "Mother's high priestess shirt...I told him not to pack this." She put her hands against her flat stomach feeling the soft material and spun around grabbing Max's nose as he moved closer to her his scream of panic filling the camp and making Segna and Ahara rise with weapons drawn. "I swear to the fates above and below, you so much as try to do any damage to this shirt I will kill you. Understand me horse?" He nickered nervously and she released him, pulling her boots back on she stretched her arms over her head and sighed, putting the saddle and bridal back on Max she put the fire out as Coltaine and Desturs reentered the camp. "I think the rain has let up enough for us to move on." They nodded and within minutes had the camp broken and were moving down their path again, Mira put her hand to her forehead to block out the sun as it broke through the clouds, her smile breaking her face happily. "About time, some sunlight." She stretched her arms again, this time the shirt folding in the back giving the other rider a small glimpse of the scar on her back, he nudged Destrus forward til he was next to her, looking over and down on her, taking her in, the pale, low cut shirt making her skin look even more pale and soft as the sun beamed down on it, her oddly colored hair glinting with the movements of her horse. She turned her head and looked up at him blushing slightly at seeing him stare. "Is there something wrong?" "I was curious, if I might be so bold. But, how did you acquire that scar on your back?" She looked at the white mane of her horse and ran her fingers through it feeling her brows knit together in the middle as she thought back on it. "It was a few years ago, my brother and I had just gotten the farm from our parents will after alot of fighting. We were raided that night, the mass of bandits was...horrific. Apparently the town had spread a rumor that we had treasures hidden within our farm, which we didn't of course, two orphans just trying to get by. But the town wanted our land, our parents had gotten a good deal on it when they bought it. It was the best plot of land for miles." "Was?" "I'm getting there Coltaine. Calm down, fates alive do you ever relax?" He frowned and she shook her head continueing. "My brother and I fought as best we could against the bandits, but we weren't strong enough; our father hadn't had a chance to show us how to truly fight. I got caught across the back and was left for dead, my brother had fled fearing his own life. They set fire to the farm once they found the rumors were lies. Burnt everything and than poisoned the land. It was never the same after that. The crops were never as plentiful, the animals never as fat and healthy, it took it's toll on all of us. I was left with that scar as a reminder of man's wickedness. Something I don't think I'll ever recover from." "Your lucky, most raids such as that leave woman raped and killed." She nodded slowly still studying the hairs of Max's mane carefully. "And now I'm left maimed and distorted in such a way that no man would want me. It's a fair trade I suppose. I keep my maidenhood, in exchange they take a piece of my flesh. At least I'm alive." She turned than and beamed at him, a wide, bright smile. "For that I'm glad. Being left alive gave me the opportunity to meet Max, and Senga, Ahara and...you." She locked eyes with him or a a few moments before yelping as Max suddenly galloped ahead of everyone, well out of ear shot before slowing back down. "You know...you really have to stop this jealous attitude." He snorted and looked back at her angry. "I mean it Max! It's not like anything is ever going to happen from my attraction to him, I mean look at him! He wouldn't know if a woman was flirting with him if a wild dog ran up and bit him on the arse." The horse nicked slightly and turned his gaze forward. "You really are jealous aren't you." He turned and nipped her leg softly making her chuckle and shake her head. "Your so hopeless. Your my number one man Max, you know that." He nicked happily and snorted as she scratched behind his ears, she turned in her saddle and looked back at the others, her eyes locked on Coltaine. "Is it so bad that I want some one to be attracted to me? That I want to hope for some sort of affection in my life other than that of my brother and a horse?" Max snorted and she shook her head leaning down and hugging his neck. "Your still my best man Maxi." He tossed his head and looked up at her as she closed her eyes and relaxed against him, the sun beating down on them now as they continued their walk down the path. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]She could feel her cheeks flaming, she knew her face was red with embarrassment; she watching him carefully as he kept his back to her, wading through the water which happened to only be waist deep and towards her pack, she rummaged through it til she found what she was looking for. An old blanket her brother had fashioned into a towel, wrapping it around her self she sat down covering her self in the water. "Y-your fine, I didn't really tell anyone where I was going, and I know I'm probably not the only one who enjoys a relaxing bath." He didn't answer her and she could see the tension in his shoulders, she tightened the towel around her more and took a deep breath before she spoke again. "You can turn and look at me while I talk to you." He moved, if only slightly, than sighed and turned slowly, his eyes locking onto her's and she felt a shiver run through her even though she was submerged in the warm water of the spring, she blinked a few times before shifting her gaze from his and looked at the steaming water around her. "My brother brought me here a long time ago when I was little. That's how I knew about it. It's really quite relaxing, there are a few smaller ones just up the ridge...if you want to uh...bathe yourself." She glanced up at him to see the tension enter his shoulders again, this time his eyes weren't locked with her's they were moving this way and that and she blushed more as she realized he was looking at her, taking a deep breath she dunked her head under the water scrubbing her hands against her face she burst back through the surface taking in a deep breath and running her hands across her face and through her hair slicking it back and away from her face, she looked up at him and blinked as she saw him sitting down on the edge of the spring, his boots off and his feet in the water as he leaned back and rested on his hands with his eyes closed. She moved silently towards him and folded her arms on the side of the rock face and watched him for a few moments. He opened his eyes and jumped slightly as he saw her so close, the heat from her skin and the spring water reaching his skin, she smiled as he pulled his hand away slightly, she frowned slightly as she saw the scars on his arm and reached out with out thinking tracing one with a heated finger that was still damp with spring water. He recoiled from her touch and blinked down at her, her cheeks turned pink as she realized what she had done. "I'm sorry...They're just interesting to me." "You find my scars interesting?" She nodded slowly as she held back the urge to gently lay a finger on another. "I've never seen many wars, I don't know how they're fought or what has to happen for one to win." He looked down at her frowning slightly. "I would not imagine one being interested in war stories." She giggled lightly not seeing the twitch in his eye brow. "Please Coltaine, I'm not some poor milk maid." He let his frown slip a little more at hearing his name from her. "But I would still imagine that war stories would be the furthest from your curiosity." She shook her head and rested her chin on her arms and sighed lightly. "I've never been away from home really, just to town. Farthest I've been was Coal Town." "That's just the next town over." She nodded and tilted her head looking up at him with a soft smile. "Yeah, so hearing stories of might wars and handsome war lords is interesting to me." "Handsome war lords?" She gasped and blushed as she tucked her face into her arms. "I didn't say that right. I meant...I don't know what I mean all I know is that stories like that are far from boring to me." She lifted her face from her arms and looked back up at him smiling still, her cheeks tinted pink from her blush. She locked eyes with him and felt her self shiver again. "So, do you have any interesting war stories? I'm sure you and Desturs have had a few good fights?" She watched him intently waiting for his reply as he simply stared at her a for a few moments.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira chuckled before she brushed some of her bangs from her face, looking up into his green eyes she felt her stomach flip slightly before she looked away and down the path they walked. "I had a pretty humble life. I lived with my brother and his wife on their farm. My mother and father passed a while back due to illness so my brother raised me and when he married I stayed to help them. As for if we can do this...I have my doubts but there's a slim chance I suppose." He nodded and she glanced out of the corner of her eye at him, studying him silently, his face was handsome, his frame was thick and muscled but not horribly so, just enough. She smiled to her self, just right for his size. Shaking her head slightly she took a deep breath and let it out. "How long have you had Desturs? He's a beautiful horse." Coltaine looked down at her and she felt her body shiver slightly as his eyes locked with her's again. "He's been at my side from the very start. What about you and Max?" "I found him. The breed of horse he is, is usually bigger than this, he was a runt. His mother abandoned him thinking he wouldn't survive. I found him in a ditch outside the farm and hid him in the barn, nursed him back to health and raised him. He's been with me ever since. I had tried to leave him at home but he followed me the first time and by the time I got back home it was dark so I just left the next morning and took him with me. That was yesterday." He nodded slowly, she sighed and leaned down laying her body on Max's neck, the horse nickered softly at her and she rubbed his neck fondly as she simply lay there, her cloak wrapped around her and her feet hanging comfortably out of the stirrups as she rode. She looked over at the man and smiled gaining her attention. "Yes?" "You should loosen up some. You keep sitting so straight your going to hurt your back." He frowned slightly at her and she shook her head. "I'm serious. Your so uptight. Slump a little would you?" She looked forward again and she heaved a sigh and sat back up in her saddle, looking around as the sky began to darken around them. "Really? We just left a few hours ago and the weather was fine!" She pulled her cloak around her tighter as rain began to pelt down on them hard soaking them within moments, the only one safe was Senga in her full armor. Mira muttered as she pulled Max's reins and led him to the edge of the woods before dropping from the saddle. "We'll have to rest for a bit til this clears. One wrong slip and one of the horses could get injured." They nodded and moved under the cover of the trees, Mira shed her cloak and rubbed it against her hair trying to dry it, once done she rummaged through her saddle bags trying to find a dry shirt, her cheeks heating as she noticed her white shirt was beginning to turn translucent with the rain, pulling out another shirt she walked around Max who wrapped his head around her shoulders shielding her from view as she pulled the soaked shirt from her skin and slipped the dry one on quickly. She sighed and looked around, the clouds were thick and moving slowly. "Looks like we're gonna be stuck here for a little while. Why don't we get a fire going and grab a bite to eat, Senga, Ahara would you two find something to eat? Coltaine and I will find fire wood." They all nodded, Coltaine following her as she walked deeper into the trees, she looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. "You know, I have a feeling this is going to be a rather lengthy trip, mostly cause of the fact that your really the only one I think I can talk to." He raised an eye brow at her. "What makes you say that?" "Well, lets think. Senga is covered in armor. I can't eve seen her face and Ahara's first impression was decapitating a man infront of us. Yeah...great conversation starter there. 'So, why'd you kill him again?' 'Oh, he pissed me off.' 'Oh? Remind me never to do that than.' Yeah...not my idea of witty banter." "And what makes you think I'm any better?" She stopped and turned around facing him. "I dunno, just something about you makes me feel like I can talk to you easily enough. I mean, it seems that way so far doesn't it?" She giggled lightly and turned continuing her search for firewood. "So...how exactly did you grow up?" "I doubt my youthful tales are very interesting." "Enlighten me." He simply stared at her not giving her an answer. "Come on Coltaine. Give me something here." He still didn't answer her and she threw her hands up scoffing. "Go figure the one person I chose to talk to has the emotional level of a silk worm. Great." "It's just something I'm used to sharing." "Well, get comfortable with it. I need someone to talk to. Fates alive, besides you there are just the two other weirdos back at camp." "You think I'm a weirdo?" She held up her hands and laughed nervously as a blush covered her cheeks. "Oh for the love of the fates that came out wrong. No, your far from a weirdo..." She blushed more and shook her head turning away from him and continuing through the dense forest finding timber here and there, bending her knees to retrieve it and wrapping them in her cloak so as not to splinter her arms. She sighed and wiped a small bit of sweat from her forehead, along with rain that had seeped through the boughs of the trees to mist down on them. "I think this should be enough shouldn't it?" He nodded slowly as she arched her back and sighed hearing it pop in several places, she walked past him heading back towards the camp, Senga and Ahara coming into sight she dropped the wood next to them and allowed them to start the fire as she walked away to tend to Max giggling as Desturs snorted at her as she walked past him, she turned towards him rubbing the spot between his eyes and giggling as he took a step forward and rubbed his large face against her again rubbing his forehead against her chest. She laughed and scratched behind his ear. "If you have a scratch that badly go and find a tree buddy." He snorted and tapped her stomach with his nose before continuing his rubbing. "As much as I would love to help I have to go groom my horse. But I'm sure Coltaine will be along any moment to brush you out as well." She gave him one last scratch with a wide smile and walked over to Max, taking off his bridal and saddle she picked up her brush and began to groom him, talking with him softly as he snorted seeing her eyes focus on Coltaine more than once. "Don't start Max. He seems like a good man, he's strong and noble. I'm sure he could take care of us as much as we could him. Besides...he seems lonely." Max stomped his hoof into the ground making her frown. "His age makes no difference to me. I've seen stranger and so have you, remember old man Perkins?" He shook her head shuddering. "Yeah I know it was kinda creepy, he was like 60 and she was 28...." He snorted again. "I know she was after his money, but that's not my point here. Look, I think he could use someone in his life to look after him Max..." He snorted and nipped her leg harder than usual making her yelp. "Great fates Max! I'm just talking to you!" He snorted louder and she threw the brush at him hitting him in the shoulder. "Your worse than my brother!" Stalking away she grabbed her pack and headed towards the small spring she knew was around here, naturally heated and relaxing. It sounded wonderful right now.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira leaned on Max as he huffed for air, she too breathing heavily, she glanced at the others, her gaze stopping at Coltaine as he whispered to his horse, she shook her hand smiling. Her and Max were just as bad, as if reading her thoughts the animal turned his head to look at her, his ears twitching this way and that. "I'm alright love. Don't worry." He nipped at her hair as it fluttered over her shoulder and into his face making her chuckle, she winced as her arm and leg throbbed with pain, Max nickering softly and nosing her chest gently as if to ask if she was alright. "I'm fine bud." He snorted and grabbed the hem of her skirt in his teeth, a loud ripping echoed around them as Mira shrieked. "Max!" Grabbing her cloak she yanked it from her shoulders and wrapped it around her legs to cover herself and Max nickered and began to toss his head, the fabric of what was once her skirt flapping gently against her arm. She sighed as she finished tying her cloak around her waist and yanked the fabric from his mouth understanding what he wanted. She wrapped it around the deep bite on her arm and tied it off tightly to stem the bleeding. She smacked Max across his ears as he tried to grab the cloak around her waist. "Do it and I will feed you to those goblins, you've made a big enough scene as it is. Pervert." He whinnied happily as she shoved against him, turning to walk away she gasped as the cloak around her waist tore in the back, she looked over her shoulder feeling the cool air on the backs of her legs, she glared towards her horse as he nickered in her direction and tossed his head, his eyes glinting with a playful light. "Maximillion!" The horse nickered again before he tossed his head violently to the side ripping the rest of the fabric away from her grasp and trotting away, she dropped to her knees to cover herself cursing as Max pranced around her til he stopped in front of her bending his head down to get eye level with her, he snorted as her fist hit him between the eyes and shook his head as he dropped the cloak and took a couple steps away from her as she snatched the fabric from the dirt and tied it around her again, the tears and rips in the cloth making it almost no point but she wrapped it and tied it expertly giving the others the impression this wasn't the first time her horse had done this. Once she was pleased with her make shift skirt she put her hands on her hips and looked at the horse as he stomped the ground nickering, almost sounding like a laugh. She looked at her self and sighed, the cloak tied around her almost made no point, it was shorter than her skirt had been but she threw her hands up and limped over to Max and clamored into the saddle. "We should move down the mountain, there's a small village down there where we can rest and get treated for injuries." She looked at them as they stared at her, Coltaine's face slightly red as he stared. "What?!" She nudged Max forward, as they passed Coltaine and Desturs he gave the man a soft nicker, as if taunting the man as Coltaine's eyes landed on the pale skin of her leg, blemished red with the blood from the wound on her thigh. She looked over her shoulder at the others and gave them an exasperated look. "Well? Let's go!" Coltaine climbed into his saddle as the others opted to walk, Mira relaxed in her saddle, closing her eyes as the rocking motion of Max's walk lulled her to a light sleep. She was exhausted, traveling all day, getting hit with that weird light, fighting goblins...and than her horse. She felt her body slip into an ease as she rode down the mountain, Max nipping her gently on her leg if she began to slip from the saddle. The ride was long and slow as they made their way down towards the small town, lamps burning softly in the windows as they entered, the sun having set almost an hour ago. Mira slid from her saddle and winced as pain lanced through her leg. "We should find a healer and than a tavern to sleep in." She staggered as her leg throbbed again, looking down at it she sighed, seeing the skin around it turning red with infection already she ran her fingers through her hair and scratched the back of her neck only to jump as an old woman bounced from her house towards them. "My dears! Did you just come from the mountain?!" Mira nodded slowly, the others tense and ready for anything she scoffed at them. "She's just an old woman, calm down." The elderly woman grabbed her wrist and pulled Mira towards her house with no warning, Mira winced and tried to keep up as best she could with her limp, the other following close behind, once inside the old woman shut her door and looked out her window before closing her shutters. "Would you four happen to be the Dragoons?" Mira frowned and crossed her arms. "Dragoons?" "Yes, yes my dear. The warriors who are fabled to hold the spirits of the dragons within them, would that be you?" She shook her head at the old woman, regretting it as her head swam. "I don't think so." The old man pointed to Coltaine's chest where she could see a slight brown glow under his shirt. "You bear the gems! I knew it was you! I've been waiting for you!" Mira sat down heavily on a chair as the woman began to speak to them. "Long ago there were many like you, fighters for our world. They died in a horrific battle but vowed to be reborn again. Those gems you carry are their mementos. Proof that they lived. Within them holds the spirit of the dragons they commanded. Long ago these gems lost their true power, the dragon spirits returning to the earth to be reborn again. You." She pointed to Mira. "The Ice Queen. You must fine Shock or Breath. The blue dragon and slay him. Only than will you have your full power." She turned to Ahara next. "You young man must fine the Bladed Husk dragon. Slay him and you will be the hurricane you once were." She moved on to Senga. "My dear, you must fight the powerful Obilisk Dawn dragon. Once she is no more, you will control the very shadows you are so at home with." She shifted her gaze at Coltaine, her pale grey eyes boring into his green ones. "You dear boy have the most troublesome travels ahead of you. Golem Break is who you must face. Fierce and temperamental he will push you to your limits, which you will never reach unless you let it all go." He frowned at her and crossed his arms. "Let what go old woman." Her gaze shifted to Mira who was leaning back in her chair, her breathing getting heavy as her eyes drifted shut only to snap back open. "You will no in due time warrior. But hear me, you will never be whole til you allow your self the luxury of it." He opened his mouth to answer when she waved him off and opened the door. "I have given you my message. Now go. Be on your way, get her to a good healer and a soft bed to rest in. She needs it. A goblins bite and blade can create an infection within hours." She closed the door on them as Mira huffed for air now. "Stupid crazy old bat." She winced and was thankful when Max put his head down allowing her to lean on his neck, he nickered worriedly to her, his deep brown eyes shifting to Coltaine as he tried to peer at her wound. Max lifted his head, her arm still wrapped around his neck and drapped her over his saddle and began to walk through the town til he stopped at the healers building letting out a loud, screaming whinny and watching as the healers looked out the window and rushed out to take her from the saddle and inside, one caught sight of the others. "Don't just stand there, get in here so you lot can be looked at as well." They nodded and moved inside, Mira already on a cot, the cloak had been removed from her waist so as to get a better view of the wound on her leg, she hissed as they worked, her words reaching the others as they too got healed. "I say we head East first, Ahara's power should be there, from there we go South, Senga's should be there, than North towards mine and West towards Coltaine's." They all nodded in agreement, once done they rested at the Inn til dawn and began moving out, Mira looked at her leg and arm, fully healed but slightly scarred, she shrugged it off and pushed Max forward til she was riding side by side with Coltaine, thankfully she had a spare skirt in her bag and was wearing it along with her spare cloak. "So, we're supposed to save the world by slaying dragons? Just the four of us? Is that even possible?" Max snorted making her lean over and flick one of his long white ears. "No one asked you ass." She threw his head back with a loud snort and she frowned down at him. "Oh yeah? Well I still haven't forgiven you for that stunt you pulled yesterday you big perv of a horse." He tossed his head as she shook her's and returned her attention to Coltaine waiting for his response.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira giggled at the show Coltaine and his horse were putting on, the giggle attracting the attention of said rider and she hid her blushing face in her horses neck, Max looked at her and snorted. "Hush." He snorted again before moving away from her, she put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot, her skirt swishing with the action. "Max, get back here." He nickered and continued on til he found a lush patch of green grass and began to eat at it. "You lazy lump of horse flesh!" He flicked his tail at her, she turned as the light from the mural blazed brightly again as Senga and Ahara touched it, both of their gems fusing with their skin, it happened almost instantly. The ground shook violently and she stumbled as she began to lose her balance, Max there quickly as she grabbed hold of his saddle to steady her self. "What in the name of the fates was that?!" She looked over at Max as his ears twitched this way and that, his head whipping back and forth til she heard it as well, the screeches and whistles of something, or somethings under the ground with them. She yelped as Max screamed and reared up, a black arrow grazing her shoulder and hitting harmlessly on the stone behind her, she winced and picked it up letting a small growl erupt from her throat. "Goblins!" She drew the thin sword at her side, it was shaped much like a katana but it had no hilt, just a piece of leather wrapped around the handle, she spun it in her hand as Max stomped his hooves. She put her hand on his neck and felt it tremble. "Don't worry Max, I won't let them hurt you." She could see Coltaine's horse stomping the ground as well, she called out to him gaining his attention. "Get your horse behind us! Goblins in these parts have a taste for horse flesh!" "I do not have fear for Destrus." "Well if you think your horse can take on a horde of goblins him self than fine!" "He's a war horse! He can handle him self." She stalked forward and grabbed his arm tightly, marveling for a moment at the muscle she felt, she shook it off and frowned up at him. "That's not the point! Goblins are different than men. I don't know if you've fought them or not but trust me. Have you ever seen a hill of ants attack an intruder?" He nodded, his eyes flickering down to the slender hand that still gripped his arms tightly, with more power than he would have thought she had. "That's what they're like, they will swarm this place and kill him, and eat him before you can even try to save him. If we back against the wall than we have a chance. At least keeping them from getting behind us." He nodded slowly as she removed her hand and grabbed a hold of Desturs' reigns and led him to the back of the cavern shocking Coltaine yet again as she was even able to get close to his horse. The animal gave him a look that made him frown as it's bright eyes shifted to the girl and he nosed her arm. "Don't worry boy. Just like I told Max. They'll have to get through me first. Promise." Coltaine's mouth almost dropped open as he watched his horse act frightened and pushed his broad face into her chest, nuzzling her there and nickering happily, she smiled and left the large animal as she stepped forward, the first wave of goblins coming for them than, she swung around bringing her sword around in a wide arch and cleaved through the first goblin within her reach, gripping her sword tightly she fought on, pushing the goblins back as much as she could, the others fighting alongside her. The stone in her hand pulsed with power but she was unable to tap into it and access the power she knew was there. Spinning around she dashed across the area, leaping into the air she drove the sword through the chest of goblin sneaking up behind Coltaine, he looked back at her meeting her gaze as she looked up at him, her pale skin dotted with black blood and flesh of the weaselly creatures they fought. She spun and sliced another almost in half and pressed her back against the man's hearing his breathing stay even and calm, she took comfort in that and allowed her own breathing to slow to his pace as she synced her movement with his as Ahara and Senga did the same, watching each others backs and keeping the horses safe they were doing well against the seemingly never ending horde of goblins. Mira froze as a roar shook the cave, looking up she felt her stomach drop as the smaller creatures scattered, a large, greenish black goblin came into sight, Coltaine shouting above the screams of the running goblins. "What in the name of the fates is that?" "A Goblin King...I've only heard of them. I thought they were just fairy tales to scare little kids to stay out of old mines and what not..." "And now?" She glared at him and shoved her back against his again as some of the straggling goblins continued their assault, she hissed as a small dagger sliced her leg leaving a nasty gash in it's wake. "This is what I get for wearing a skirt!" Thrusting her sword forward she shoved through the creatures skull only to scream out as another bit down on her arm. "Dammit! We have to find a way to the surface, we're being over whelmed!" She kicked out and gasped as Coltaine grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down to the ground as the Goblin Kings massive club swung above them, the wind from it making her hair flutter around her face, she looked up into Coltaine's green eyes, her own blue ones wide with shock. "That was close, thank you." He nodded and righted himself as well as her as they continued to fight, looking for a way out. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]How much time had passed, she was really able to tell, hours? Days? Months? Within the dark cell it was impossible to tell, she cringed as the door to her cell opened again, the bright light blinding her momentarily and she growled at the figure that approached her. She was little more than an animal now, her mind digressed into a feral state that made Demetri's pale in comparison. She peeled her lips back from her teeth, her growling coming out louder as the person drew closer to her. She lunged forward as the person came within distance, her teeth snapping together as she tried to reach him, only to cough as the steel collar around her neck cut the air off from her lungs. She yelped as the man brought the whip down onto her hunched back, shaking it off she tried to reach him again, this time screaming in pain as he brought a police baton down across her shoulders. "You will break eventually woman, why not make it easy?" She growled more in answer and lashed out at him only to feel the pain of the baton on her shoulders again, yelping as light suddenly filled the room, the man before her felt guilt wallow in the pit of his stomach as he looked upon the once proud Commander and wife of the Commandant. She looked more like an animal than a human now, hunched over on her hands and knees, lips peeled back from her teeth in a snarl as she growled at him, blood matted her hair and clothes, her skin pale and her frame was thin, starved and malnourished. He turned away as she dropped to the floor writhing in pain as an older woman walked to stand beside him, her cane tapping on the stone floor as her voice echoed through out the room. "So, she still has fight in her than?" The man nodded. "Yes Madam Pain." The woman frowned down at Ali as the woman screamed and rolled on the floor trying to get away from the source of the pain, but unable to. Tears streamed from her eyes as she begged for the pain to stop, begged for death, anything to get her away from this place and these people. The pain lessened and she heaved her chest to breath, her ribs clearly showing through her skin now as she curled up on the floor trying to get away from the torture she was enduring. The older woman shook her head as she moved forward to place her hand on the younger woman's head only to hear her growl again. "Poor child still things she has a chance...Her spirit needs to be broken for this to work McGavly. Make it happen. I don't care how you do it. We need her emotionless and willing to obey us." The man nodded, his stomach turning at her words but his palms sweating at the thought of the pain the old woman represented. "Yes Ma'am." She nodded before walking out, her cane tapping down the hall as she left them, McGavly looked down at the woman and felt his own tears threaten to spill forth, he knew what the old woman meant, it was the only thing he hadn't done yet, trying to keep the woman's pride whole for as long as he could. "Forgive me..." He walked out leaving the feral woman alone for a few moments, she tried to retreat to that dark world where her pain vanished, where she could watch the faces of those two men. She didn't know who they were anymore but their smiles brought her comfort and warmth. A feeling she didn't want to lose. Just as she felt her body about to let her mind go the door opened, she looked up to see 4 men walk in. The last one shutting the door behind him, all of them wearing identical, twisted grins. Ali felt their intentions and backed against the far wall as much as she could, whines and whimpers floating from her throat as she began to shake. The largest man stepped forward and reached for her, grabbing her dull, filthy hair he lifted her up to look at her face. "She don't look like much does she? Hard to believe who she really is. I hear they had a funeral for her the other day. Can you believe that? They think she's dead." Chuckles came from behind him as he turned his face to look back at her. "Your still such a pretty little thing. I can't tell you how much I've wanted to do this." She whimpered as he grabbed her under the chin and tilted her head to the side, running his tongue across her skin, he spit in her face making her blink. "You taste filthy. Like blood and dirt." She whimpered as he slammed her head back against the wall, his hands now roaming where ever they pleased as the men behind him chuckled, she could feel what he was doing, feel what was about to happen but she didn't have the will to stop it. All the pain she had endured, all the regression she had gone through had all been for nothing as she retreated into her own mind, feeling her body go numb. She didn't go to that comforting world this time, she didn't get an escape as she heard him moan above her. "Your are so sweet. No wonder those two chumps fought over you. I think I would to if I could have this day in and day out." His hot breath washed over her face as she just stood there, hours passed and the older woman was led back in by McGlavy, he took one look at the woman on the floor, she was naked, bruised, raped and worst of all...broken. She looked up at the pair of them, the older woman bending down to put her hand on Ali's head and nodded sadly as she flinched from the touch. "Good, you know who your master is now don't you dear?" She nodded numbly as tears slipped from the corners of her eyes. "Clean her off, get her dressed. We have work to do." McGalvy nodded and did as he was told, he washed her, scrubbing the dirt and blood from her skin and hair, dressing her in black, leather boots, slack leather pants, a black leather tank top and trench coat made her look fearsome as he led her out of her cell. The steel collar still in place as she walked behind him, her hands squeaking as she balled them into fists around he leather gloves she wore. They reached the lower council room, the dark room the same as the one topside, the bright light shining in the middle, she stepped into it with no hesitation. "Confessor, are you willing to cooperate with us? Be our weapon against our enemies?" She nodded once, the council room erupting into whispers of excitement. "Than your first target is an enemy with in our own ranks. The man standing behind you, McGalvy. He has thoughts of turning us in, rescuing you. Wipe him away Confessor." She turned on him quickly, her speed almost inhuman, reaching out her eyes flashed bright red as she closed her hand around his throat and released his power. The room vibrated with the silent thunder of her power, the pressure releasing and sending a silent shock wave through the room making the excited whispers die away as they watched the man in her grasp go lax. "Master?" The voice chuckled. "Very good! Now, kill him." She caught the small throwing knife as it was thrown at her, spinning it around she handed it to him. "Slit your throat, and apologize to my masters as you do it." He nodded once, taking the blade in his hand he pressed it to the tender skin of his throat. "Masters of my Master...forgive me." He pulled the blade back hard, the gash going deep enough, clean enough to see his spine through the blood and torn flesh. Applause erupted all around her, she merely stood stoic and unmoving. "Very well done Confessor! That is all for tonight, you may go back to your room and rest." She nodded and was led away from the dark room and to another, it was larger than her small cell, with a cot for her to sleep on and a place to fold her clothes to keep them out of the dirt. The door closed behind her leaving her in the dark again as she lay on the cot, fully dressed and curling into the fetal position. She allowed the silent tears to fall from her eyes as she stared at the far wall mindlessly. She knew she was broken, broken and unwanted for no one had come to find her. She didn't bother trying to reach that other realm now, there was nothing for her there, the faces she saw so often meaning nothing to her. The comfort of their smiles were lost on her battered mind and soul. She was nothing but a weapon...a means for destruction. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira held her hand over her mouth, even if she did know how to fight, it didn't mean she enjoyed needless carnage. "I don't know. None of us really know to be honest..." Her skin had turned pale and she turned her back on the scene, the man's face frozen in a silent scream as his head rocked back and forth on the ground. "All I know is we're meant to meet each other here. Or at least that's the message I received." The others nodded and Mira sighed as she turned back around meeting the new man's gaze, it was cold and sent shivers down her spine uncomfortably, her brother had described these eyes to her before, a killers eyes. She shook the thought from her mind as she turned back to the door, the stones in the door glowing in correspondence with everyone's gems. Blue, Black, Brown, and now Green. Mira frowned as she looked at him. "Your the wind wielder aren't you?" Ahara frowned. "I do not believe I told you anything of myself. How do you know this?" She held out her blue gem for him to see, her pale skin glowing with it as it pulsed in the palm of her hand. "Because I can wield Ice." The all jumped and looked over as the door behind her shifted, opening. "But we are not all here?" She got no answer from the howling winds, looking back at the others she shrugged and took hold of Max's reigns and began to lead him through the door, his large frame just barely making it, she pat his nose gently as he snorted behind her. "It's okay boy...we'll be alright." He nickered and nudged her shoulder as if telling her he was there for her, smiling she nodded and continued walking looking back at the others from time to time til the small tunnel opened up into a magnificent stone hall, deep beneath the earth, torches glowed here and there illuminating the area for them to see and Mira smiled largely as she looked upon everything. "It's all so beautiful!" Coltaine arched an eye brow at her. "You think it's beautiful?" She looked back him and nodded happily. "Of course, don't you? I mean look at it, someone had to make it, and think of how they made it, to create something like this with ones bare hands is truly beautiful, and amazing. It proves just how much the human race can adapt." She gave him a large warm smile and chuckled as Max nudged her shoulder before shifting his wide amber eyes to the man as if telling him not to get any ideas. She wrapped her arms around the horses long face and hugged him tightly putting her forehead against his. "Max, don't be so impatient, we'll get back to the surface in time. Til than, come on lets look around." He snorted in distaste but followed her loyally none the less. Mira looked back at the others smiling as they followed her slowly, she looked around and gasped as she saw the wall in front of her, rushing forward she put her hands against it and traced the dull lines drawn onto the surface. "It's a mural of some kind...but I can't read it." She gasped more as the small colored line under her finger began to glow, the blue resonating with the stone around her neck, a bright light flooding the room as the stone burned into her skin and wound up on the back of her hand glowing gently. Breathing heavily she looked back at the others and held up her hand showing them the stone that was now lodged in the back of her hand, her legs gave out and she leaned on the wall as she slid down into a sitting position, Max taking a few steps towards her and nudging her gently with his nose. "I'm alright boy...just worn out. I don't know what happened..." He nickered softly as she grabbed his bridal and allowed him to pull her to her feet, looking at the others and than back to her hand as it pulsed, every pulse sending an icy wave of power through her arm. "I think that was supposed to happen..." She sighed as Max nickered again, his ears laying flat against the back of his head as Coltaine drew closer trying to inspect her hand.[/color][/font]

[color="#000080"]The first thing she noticed when she opened her eyes was darkness, cold, sufficating and pressing darkness. She could barely tell if she had opened her eyes or not but as a door opened not far from her, her eyes burned with the light and she got a slight look at her surroundings. The room was small, concreat and steel enforced, no windows no bed, nothing but a room the size of a closet. She groaned as rough hands grabbed her and hauled her to her feet, her hands pulled tightly behind her back by the hand cuffs still, she could feel blood trailing down her arms as they cut into her skin. Drug from the cell and into the hall she hissed as the light burned her eyes more and tried to turn her head away only to have her arms shaken harshly. "Open your eyes woman. They want you to see where your going." She didn't answer or comment only blinked rapidly as her eyes tried to adjust, they were walking down stone steps, the air around her getting colder and colder the deeper they went, far under the HDF building. She was thrown into another dimly lit room where her arms were unbound, as soon as she was free she lashed out, her right leg coming around only to stop in mid air, pain erupting behind her eyes as her body began to spasm and twitch, trying to scream it died in her throat as the pain became more than she could take and she crumpled to the floor. A voice echoing in the room. "Now, I take it that didn't feel good, did it Alex Talon. My name is Raze. I shall be your master from now on." "Up yours! I'm no ones pet!" She screamed again, this time the crack of a whip echoed and she could feel it tear into her skin, gashing her back over and over as she hunched on her knees. "This is only the begining my dear. You will break, and you will listen." "I refuse!" Again the whip cracked and again she screamed, her scream intensifiying as the pain tore through her eyes again, she could already feel her throat growing raw form the effort of it. "There is something I want you to do for me Talon." She looked up panting as a door on the other side of the room opened, a young, frightened looking man stumbling through it, a blind fold over his eyes and his hands bound behind his back. "What is the meaning of this?! What does he have to do with any of this?" "Touch him." She frowned not sure where this was going. "Use that remarkable power on him. I want to see how much control you have over it." "I won't!" "You used it on the deserter so readily. Why not now?" "That was different! That bastard got what he deserved!" The whip cracked again and again, each time her screams and yelps became more broken as her throat grew more worn out, she could smell her own blood as it poured across the skin of her back, her shirt in shreds due to the damage. "That was not your choice to make girl. Now, use your power!" "No!" She screamed, blood filling her throat as the tender skin inside her tracea tore and ripped, the feeling of the sharp, wicked dagger dragging it's serated edge aross her skin making her vision turn blurry. She shook her head. "I don't care what you do to me! I won't do it!" She choked as the whipe wrapped around her neck and tightened cutting off her air supply, she struggled against it, trying her hardest to get free trying to breath, the lack of oxygen making her panic, her eyes glowing in correspondece to her emotions. The man infront of her was shoved roughly til he came in contact with her skin, the silent thunder filled the room making it tremble as the pressure released from her body. The man went lax, his eyes now lifeless as he stared at her adoringly. "Master?" "Tell him to stand." She shook her head and than bit her lip, her teeth clamping straight through the flesh as she bit down hard to keep from screaming more as the whip now began to lash out on the skin of her arms. "S-stand..." The man stood, smiling numbly. "Good good, tell him to take two steps back." She huffed on her air as she tried to slip into oblivion. "T-take...take two steps back..." Without warning, as the man's foot hit it's last mark the floor opened out from under him and he dropped, Ali cringed as she heard his body hit whatever was under him, the sound of blood dripping onto stone and flesh tearing told her all she needed to know...he was dead. "Marvolous. It goes without saying you'll need more training, but any animal can be broken with the proper amount of force. Take her back to her cell." She was pulled to her feet roughly and drug on her wounded back to her tiny, dark room. She whimpered as she was thrown to the hard floor, the wet sound of her back hitting the wall as she slid. finally alone, she let her mind leave her body, finally free of her pain she retreated to the only place her mind knew salvation. As soon as her eyes closed she found herself in the swirling world she had visited before, only this time she was alone. Sitting down she tucked her knees to her chest, thankful that here she had the use of her hands, wrapped her arms around them and sobbed uncontrolably. Looking up as a small mirror floated around her, blood caked her clothes and skin, her back was in pieces and so were her arms. Her red eyes were blood shot with tears and her lip bled profusely due to her biting through it. She kept an eye on it as it swung behind her to show her back, the lacerations were to many to count, covering her entire back in blood and gashes, looking at her hands she saw the raw cuts of the steel handcuffs. "Someone....anyone...help me..." She looked up as the shadows began to swirl around her, gathering infront of her in the shape of a tall, muscular man, the same man she had seen before, only this time his face was revealed and her eyes went wide. "Dad?" "Oh my dove...what have they done to you?" She tucked her face into her knees and began to sob again. "Alex...it's alright. It's alright." He walked over to her and put his large hand on her cheek. "Dad, am I dead?" "No my dove. Your not dead. Just...escapeing." "I don't know where I am." He chuckled, sitting down next to her. "Neither do I, but there is one, maybe he can help you?" She looked up at him hopefully. "The only problem, he has convinced himself he has nothing to live for." She frowned and put her chin on her knees. "How is that supposed to help me?" "Convince him otherwise my dear! It will be quite simple really. All you need to do and call out to someone you wish to save you." Ali frowned, closing her eyes, Exodus smiled as he saw Demetri flashing across her mind through the background, hoping that the one other person who could truly help her would show him self in her mind, he nearly jumped for joy as Marcus flashed before him now. "Good, good!" "I don't see how he is supposed to help me Dad." She looked around as she got no answer. "Dad?" Still nothing, she stood holding back the scream as her back seared with pain, looking up as her thoughts began to flash around her again, the Commander's face filtering through her mind, her father's words echoing around her. "How are you supposed to help me..." Call out to him dear! You never know, the fool might just listen! She looked around looking for the source of the new voice but found nothing, she reached out, trying to touch the image of the man only to slip right through it. "Commander...Marcus. I wish you could hear me..." Exodus looked down at Cotillion and Ammanas. "You think it'll work?" Cotillion shrugged. "It depends on if she's on the same level he is when he gets here. I don't know that she will be, I can't reache her physically as you can, neither can Ammanas...which means, they might hear one another...but won't be able to see reach each other." Exodus nodded sadly, remembering the past and her mental break down. "It will be much like that won't it Cotillion?" The man nodded slowly. "I'm afraid he might not even respond, thinking this is just a trick his mind is playing on him." Exodus looked at Ammanas. "What are your thoughts old man?" "He's to stupid to listen. He's to far gone is his own self indulgance of misery to listen to us. What makes you think he will listen to her call?" "He loves my daughter to much not to." Ammanas shook his head as he gripped his cane tight, watching as Ali stubmled and fell to her knees sobbing. "We shall see old friend, we shall see." Else where, in the HDF base, a small mirror began to glow on a night stand, the lonesome woman flashing within it repeatedly as she sat and rocked her bloodied form back and forth sobbing as she pleaded for slavation.[/color][font="Comic Sans MS"][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]"Alex...Alex...ALEX!" She jumped, her head spinning as the voice bellowed her name, sitting up she looked over her shoulder and frowned. "Where the hell am I?" The man smiled at her, his white teeth gleaming under the black hood he wore as he strode towards her and knelt down putting his hand on the top of her head. "Glad to see your memory stunt didn't harm your ability to come to me. I'm thankful for that." She shook her head, his hand lifting and a chuckle coming from his chest. "I forgot how much you hated that." She let out a growl as she felt the pressure build with in her chest, coiling and rolling about through her body; begging to be released. The man held up his hands. "Whoa, easy my dear. I meant no harm, but I did come to warn you Ali." She frowned as she stood. "Who are you?" He smiled again, the white teeth and olive skin of his face the only things she could see. "I am a stranger to you now, but I am no less a friend." "What did you mean you came to warn me?" "This new power you have developed, it is alot to handle, people have lost them selves to it, your great grandfather did." Ali stood up quickly, her hair fanning around her as she spun around to face him as he walked a circle around her. "My great grandfather?!" "Calm your self Alex, the danger in your power, is your emotions. If you let them get out of control, your power becomes unstable and any one person touching you during that time is in harms way." Ali put a hand over her mouth, the back ground flooding with images of the Commandant, Commander and her brother. "I know that you do not want anything to happen to them." She nodded slowly, her blood feeling as if it had turned to ice. "I-I really don't..." The background stopped on an image of Demetri, looking down at her with a soft smile gracing his handsome face, the man let out a whistle. "So this is him huh? This is the man who has gained the fancy of your heart?" She blushed, and seemed to blush more as the image fasded to one of Marcus, his smile glowing in her direction making her stomach twist pleasantly at the sight of it, the same feeling she had at seeing Demetri's smile as well. She shook her head to clear the thoughts of the two men from her mind only to have them come back even stronger than before. She looked up at the man, frowning deeply. "Why can't I get these two out of my head? I just met the both of them." "They are noble men my dear. Solid soldiers and loyal to friends, loved ones, and family. They would not hesitate to lay down thier lives for you in an instant." "Why? I'm nothing special." "Oh but you are my little dove. You are." The nick name made her eyes widen, but before she could ask, the world around her began to shift, he looked around and growled. "No, I'm not done! Alex! You must listen to me carefully! You have become what others call Confessors, you must keep this to your self, people fear them more than any other one of us! You must not let it take control of you dove! You can not allow it to!" She reached out for him and felt a sharp pain in her chest, the sharpness of it making her wince, her body shiver and her hand tighten around the appendage in her grasp. "Ali?" She groaned and cracked open her eyes, the worried, tattooed face staring down at her shocking her for a moment before she put her hand on his face and shoved him back. "Your crowding me Commander." He chuckled lightly, clearly happy that she was alright, he let her hand go for a moment before stepping out of the small room, she heard his voice and heavy foot steps follow. "She's alright." Demetri's face came into veiw, his large hand wrapping around her's and feeling her pulse. "She's stable. We should get out of here while we have the chance." Marcus nodded as Demetri flipped his phone open and called Cloak, once done he looked over at Leech. "I'm afraid we're going to have to ask you to come with us. We've been looking for you." She nodded sadly. "I know, and I also know it's no good. But I will accompany you regaurdless." They didn't have time to question what she meant as the dark clouds of Cloak surrounded them, what met them at the base was, to say the least, surprising. Ali held her hands up, wincing at the pain in her chest as rifles were pointed at her making her back up til her shoulders hit the wall behind them. Marcus' and Demetri's voices echoing through the noise. "What the hell is going on here!" "Drop your god damn weapons! This is an order from the Commandant!" One of the men looked over at him frowning. "This is an order from up higher than you you Sir. The high council has ordered us to seize Captian Alex Talon." Marcus shoved through them to stand next to the giant. "Under what grounds?!" "Murder." Both men felt their stomachs drop as they thought of the soldier she had killed in the village. Eli... The thought of what she had done to him, what had made him do still made the men want to vomit, shiver and possibly vomit some more. But they both agreed in some dark part of their minds he had deserved the punishment she had given him. Demetri took a step forward, seeing the hidden fear in her eyes as she looked at the two men. "She is under my jurisdiction, it is my job to punish her as I see fit. Now, I would like to speak to my father about this." The soldier shook his head. "Sorry Sir, Sheild and DreamCatcher have been sent on a peace negotiation in the East. They won't be back for a few more weeks." Demetri paled than, seeing he was backed against the wall. "I refuse to let one of my top opteratives been taken under wrongful means like this!" The soldier growled. "Sir! With all due respect. She murdered a human, we were brought together to protect humans and she's murdered one, in cold blood. The high council has spoken. cuff her!" Ali yelped as two men came forward and put the steel handcuffs around her wrists tightly Marcus' rune glowing as he heard the sound of it, Demetir's eyes slowly turning white, both men watching as she was drug off down the hall, surrounded by soldiers. She looked over her shoulder at them, her eyes glowing slightly red in her panic and fear, Marcus taking a step forward only to feel Demetir's large hand clamp on his shoulder. "Don't we make a scene it'll make it worse for her. Let's wait it out til we know what the high council is going to do." Marcus nodded, his runes still glowing as gusts of wind blasted through the halls as the two watched her go. Ali gasped as she was thrown into a dark room, a cicular light in the middle, once she had stumbled into the middle of it voices echoed around her. "Alex Talon, you are here on the charges of murder, how do you plea?" "Not guilty! You don't know what that sick-" A elderly female voice echoed now. "It does not matter his actions Talon, we were set in place to protect the human race, not pass out own judgement! You murdered a man for a crime you don't even know he commited!" "Who else could have done it?!" "Enough! You have been tried." "What?! What the hell kind of trial was that?! This is bull-" "You are sentenced to a private exicution, which is to be held immediatly!" Ali felt her stomach drop out, her skin turned to ice as it broke out in goose bumps, tears gathering in her eyes. "No! I didn't do anything wrong! I was right in what I did!" She felt the handle of the pistol slam into the back of her neck at the base of her skull, after that, her world was black. A shadow detatched it self from the wall and stepped forward towards the light. "Take her to the hidden cell, below the brig. I want her on lock down, no one in, no one out. I shall handle the excicution and funeral." The soldier nodded as he picked up the limp form of Ali. "Yes Master Illusionist." The old man nodded as the doors opened, his power of tricking anyones mind into seeing what he wanted them to see keeping Demetri and Marcus from seeing Ali thrown over the soldiers shoulder as he passed them. With Illusionists power all they saw was the man walking out alone. They rushed in together looking around for the woman and locking their eyes on Clyde as they found her no where. Demetri clentched his fists. "Where is she? What have you done to her?!" "She is in the excicution yard. Her crime was a large one my boy, to large to look over. Not only that her power has become to strong to even try to control. It is a danger to her self as well as others and can not be allowed to remain amoung us." Marcus' eyes grew wide as the two men heard rifle shots ring through out the room. "No...Nononononono!" He shoved Demetri aside who only took a moment to follow as they ran through the room to look out the tinted window that over looked the excicution yard, there at the end was the lean form of a woman, brown hair and pale skinned they knew her instantly as they slowly began to break down. Illusionist behind them smirking, in truth the yard was empty, no one was down there, no body, no firing squad. But the two men saw their beloved, dead on the grass, they saw what he wanted them to see. Marcus hit his knees as he fell to the floor, tears welling up in his eyes as they already began to fall from Demetri's silently trailng down his cheeks. Illusionist sighed and put his pinched his nose. "It is with a heavy heart that I carry out that punishment. But it was the only choice we had. I shall leave the funeral arrangments to the two of you." They nodded, not really hearing what the old man had said, but both of them turned and grabbed onto Jason came through the door and crumpled to the floor infront of the window. "No...no no. How could this be happening? She didn't do anything wrong!" He began to shake, his body slowly transforming into the massive wolf shape as Marcus and Demetri tried to comfort the wolf man as well as deal with their own pain. "ALEX!!!: His howl echoed throughout the entire base.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Ali watched the scene play out, the man pointing at Beserk as he smiled wickedly, talking about taking something from the Commander; the thought of him harming the Mystic sent a fire of rage through her being and she strode forward, Demetri and Marcus both trying to stop her but unable to with her quick movements, Jason finally wrapping his long arm around her shoulders to keep her back. "Who are you and what do you want with us?" "There are six left, six that I have yet to take. And I will take them. Two of them happen to be with you right now." "Stop playing with us!" She balled her slender hands into fists, her eyes gaining an evil red glow to them as she began to shake, the signs of her new power wanting to emerge and the threw her brother off of her, not willing to risk him being in danger as she took a few more steps forward putting herself between the man and her team. "You will answer me, or I will make you answer me." He sneered at her as he began to slowly move forward, closing the distance between him self and her, he stopped within an arms length of her and she prayed that he would only come that much closer. "I know what you wish woman, and it won't happen. Before you would even touch me to release this new found power of yours, I'll have killed you." She grit her teeth in irratation, his eyes suddenly shifting to Marcus. "I see you have something of mine. I would like it back." She saw his eyes shift to the sword on the Commander's hip, a sudden protective need rising in her and she shifted to the side to block Marcus from his veiw. "You have to go through me before you get any where near them." He chuckled, showing his gleaming, fanged teeth. "That is not a problem little one." He reached for her than and she quickly side stepped and reached out to grab his wrist only to blink as her hand wrapped around air, spinning around she swung her leg around as well and smiled as she heard the grunt as her leg connected. "Got you, you smug bastard." Looking up she frowned as he smiled down at her, her ankle in his hands. "Your fast, but not fast enough." She felt her world shift as he swung his body around, taking her with him, the momentum making her body shift more as her grounding foot left the dirt, bringing her body up she wrapped her hands around his neck and used the momentum of his swing and her body weight to throw her self forward and flip him backwards, the move happening in such a blur that the others were having a hard time keeping up. Twisting her body around she linked her arms through his and held them behind his back, her eyes now glowing a constant red as she felt the pressure build inside of her til it was ready to burst free, and just as she was about to let it loose he shifted, rolling onto his back the man was heavier than she would have imagined. She let out a scream as his body weight crushed her ribs, tasting the blood pool in her mouth as she felt close to half her ribs break. Getting one of her arms loose she brought it up and slammed her elbow into the joint of his shoulder and neck gritting her teeth as it seemd to do more damage to her arm than the man him self. "Dammit." Reaching around she pulled out one of her throwing knives and brought it down on the man's shoulder only to hear him laugh. "You are a fiesty one aren't you woman?" She growled and yelped as he managed to flip their posistions, pinning her to the dirt, she could hear the others begin to move in and shouted from the ground. "Stay back!" The shuffleing stopped. "Get Beserk out of here, if he's the one he's after, get him out!" No one moved, no one dared move as her orders rang through the dense trees. "That's an order! Get the hell out of here!" Anomander frowned as he tried to stand, finding it difficult, nearly impossible; unable to understand why til he felt her legs tighten around him painfully, cutting his breath short as she constricted around his ribs. "You stupid wench." She growled low in her throat as he twisted her wrist, wrenching the blade from her hand. "I will either have his life, or yours, you make that choice now woman." "I won't let you take a life! Not one I was put in charge to protect!" "Very well than, your life it is." He spun the small blade in his hand, the point of it aiming directly for her heart, she frowned up at him before a wicked smile graced her beautiful face making him frown. It was than that he noticed it, her hand slayed delicatly on his chest. "Got you." Thunder without sound filled the area, the internal rumble of it shaking the group harshly from being so close to it this time, the faint after shock making the rest of the team go blank for a few seconds before they were able to shake it off. Ali lay there, under the man as his eyes widened only to slid shut. "Get off of me." Her voice was devoid of all emotion, the sound of it making Demetri and Marcus shiver, until they heard the chuckle. It started softly, than grew in volume as Anomander's shoulders began to shake. "I see, so that is what you are. I can not say I am surprised, the daughter of the late Exodus Talon, the Grim Reaper himself not being able to bend this ability to his will, but you, you in just a few short hours of achiveing it have already begun to master it. How interesting." She felt her body turn cold as he rose slightly above her, the gleaming knife held high as he smiled wickedly down at her. "I think I should rid my self of you before you become a major problem to me woman." She closed her eyes, ready for the killing blow that never came, a blast sounded than, sounding like a gun shot as she felt a rush of wind move above her. The Commandant striding forward, another wind blast charging in his palm as Marcus's runes began to shift and glow. "Touch her again, you will die." "You are such a pathetic man. I should have known you would be weak to such an emotion." "Shut up!" Demetri's booming voice echoed through the trees as he charged yet another wind blast in his free palm, he stood in from of her protectivly now, his large frame blocking her from veiw. "I won't let you touch her." The man chuckled before flicking his wirst, Ali grunted behind Demetri as she felt the sting in her chest, looking down she blinked as she saw the blade handle protruding from her chest, directly under her heart; the pain sinking in than as she fell backwards. The man was gone within the shadows again. "I will break you, one by one, taking what you most hold dear to you; allowing you to watch as it slips beyond your reach." His cackle echoing all around them as Demetri knelt by her side, Jason and Marcus not far behind as the others began to scan the area, waiting for him to return, one small voice lost on them as Luwien leaned agsint a tree. "Grim Reaper...Exodus. My uncle talked about him...he was...he was my father..." Ali coughed, her airway begining to flood with the blood from her chest to eject from her mouth and splatter against the pale skin of her cheeks, Demetri acting purly on instinct to save the woman as he bent forward, pressing his lips to her's and began to suck the blood from her mouth clearing her throat and enabling her to breath. "Jason, get Patch here now." Marcus shook his head. "No! Call Stitch. I don't was Patch anywhere near her!" Demetri looked at him frowning, Marcus giving him a pointed look saying he would explain later, they tensed as a shadow passed over them before landing in the middle. It was a woman, wild looking with yellow hair and green eyes. She was slender, feminen and beautiful, she put her hands on her hips gesturing with a nod of her head. "Follow me. My name is Coli, call me Leech, we have to get her somewhere where we can stablize her." They nodded and Demetri wasted no time in scooping Ali up gently. "Hand on Alex, we'll get you fixed up. I promise." She nodded, her head lolling to the side as she rested it against the broad chest of the Commandant, pain taking over as she blacked out, a slight pressure on her hand; unaware of Marcus squeezing it lightly and running his thumb across the top as he tried to keep him self calm, the others following closly behind.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Ali walked back to her room, silent, her thoughts centered around to many things to even try to sort them out. Shaking the thoughts away for the time being she made it to her room and frowned slightly at the figure leaning on her door. "Patch, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in the med ward?" "Got off shift a little while ago, thought I would swing by and see how the arm is holding up." She slammed her fist into the wall, creating a small dent and smiled as she flexed her fingers. "Holding up just great apparently." Patch strode over to her and frowned down at her, grabbing her hand he inspected it, the green glow from his hand as he ran it across her skin a few times til he was comfortable there was no damage. "You have to find better means of proving things like that." She scoffed up at him and took her hand back. "Please, that's like asking a dog not to beg for meat." "Tell me something I don't know. But look, the other reason I came by was I never got to finish asking you a question at the med ward earlier." "What's that?" "I'm getting the night off tomorrow, and I was wondering if maybe you might want to, I dunno go for a drink or something? With me?" She raised an eye brow at him as she dug her card key from her pocket. "What like a date?" "If you wanna call it that, yeah. A date." She swiped her card through the reader and stepped into the door way turning to look at him as she leaned on the door frame. "I dunno Patch, I don't want you getting the wrong idea." "I won't just a couple of old friends going out for a drink. That's harmless right?" She thought for a few more moments before rolling her eyes at his hopeful look. "Fine, but just friends. Nothing more than that got it?" "Why have eyes for someone else?" He chuckled as she growled. "No I do not. And even if I did, it's none of your business, is it?" He held up his hands smiling. "No, not at all. But come on, we've known each other since we were kids. I know you Alex." She blushed slightly before closing her eyes and gritting her teeth. "I do NOT have eyes for anyone else at this base." "Else? Does that mean you have eyes for me?" She growled again before hitting the button to close the door, her cheeks heating even more as he laughed at her. "Good night Patch." Leaning agains the door she listend as he walked away, sighing she made her way through the room and flopped down on her bed, the cool sheets making her sigh comfortably. Only to let out a string of curses that would have made a full grown man blush. Getting back up she changes clothes, swapping out her black jeans for a pair of dark blue ones, her red shirt for a black tank top, her trench coat, boots and gloves stayed the same. She looked in the mirror and frowned as she caught sight of a small trail on her cheek, the design looking much like the runes that the Commander had eteched all over his body, tracing it with her finger tip she stood straight and looked at her self completely. The scars on her arm and chest making her somewhat self consious but at the same time giving her character, as well as the one on her neck and shoulder. Shrugging into her jacket she grabbed her extra knives and headed out the door as the announcement repeated itself. "Alpha team, assemble in the war room asap." Stepping out her door she locked it and looked up as voices filtered down the hall. "-You don't have to do this son." "I know Dad, but...I don't want to be afraid anymore." The Commandant and another man came around the corner, or at least that's what she thought til she caught sight of Dante, forgetting for a moment just how large the boy was. "Commandant, Tank. Good to see you two." Demetri looked down at her and instantly Ali felt her feet drop out from under her as his hazel gaze locked with her's, feeling a blush start to color her cheeks she looked away. "Any idea about what's going on?" Demetri shook his head as the continued to walk towards their desination. "None." They reached the room after a few more minutes, Ali heart leaping into her throat as Demerti's arm brushed agaist her's, a small spark making her jump; shaking it off she entered the room and blinked as Marcus stood at the front of the table as well with Shield and a woman she had never seen before. The Commader spoke as soon as everyone was accounted for. "This is my mother, she is here because she has something to tell us." The woman took a step forward and sighed. "I have seen a dream, of a young woman not far from here. She's one of us and in danger. Your objective is to find her, and bring her here." Ali nodded as well as the others as they all began to gear up, the door sliding open, only to slid shut behind none other than Beserk, Dante almost instantly hiding behind Demetri whose face had gone red with rage. "What is the meaning of this?!" Shield held up his hand and shook his head. "There is nothing I can do my boy. Since he is under your protection, he goes where you go." The Commandant sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, something Ali smirked at since it was something she did regularly as well. In all actuality it was something Demetri had picked up from the woman while they had been married over the last 3 years. He released his fingers and nodded. "Fine, but you listen to me, go off on your own, your on your own." The man smirked, the smirk turning into a wicked frown as Demetri continued. "And another thing, touch any member on this team innapproriatly, I'll have you thrown in the brig before you can blink. Do you understand me soldier?" The man nodded as he growled low in his throat, Sheild sighed and cleared his throat to get the team's attention. "Alright that's enough. Time to leave." With that statement made, Cloak appeared and covered them in the dark cloak, within moments they stood outside a small clearing, the village that was centered in it would have looked peaceful and quaint, had it not been for the smoke rising from the houses and charred feilds. They began to walk slowly towards the village, all of them silent and alert including Beserk. Reaching the outskirts of the village Jason stopped and covered his nose as his eyes began to water, Pocket stopped and looked at him worridly. "What's the matter?" "So much blood..." It was than that Ali smelt it as well, she didn't beed Jason's sensitive nose to smell the decaying bodies, the copper scent of blood that stained the ground. Demetri released the saftey on his pistols as Sasa did the same, Ali had her hands on her knives as Marcus' runes began to glow, red mist seeped from Beserk's pores as Tank went full steel. She could hear the steam coming from Gene in the back and the concentration flowing from Jeff as they stayed at the entrance to the town with Jason who refused to go further. The rest of the team ventured forth catiously and Ali noticed that she was between the Commander and the Commandant, which usually would have made her uneasy but instead she felt safe, secure. Reaching out with her powers she shook her head as she got nothing from surviving villagers, but what she did get shocked her. "There is a camp of deserters just to the east of us." Demetri nodded and motioned for the team to head in that direction, Ali stopped breifly as her foot struck something soft in the dirt, looking down she caught sight of a small ragdoll, covered in mud and stains that made her shiver slightly. Blood. Shaking it off she contined up the hill following the others til they reached the peak, looking down on the camp that the rowdy men had made. A large fire blazed in the middle of the camp as they seemed to be feasting on the last of the town's cattle. Ali curled her lip in disgust. Before she caught sight of a large man who was striding around the camp proudly. A short sword at his side which was half hidded by the large stomach the man had. He was ugly, his facial hair matted with gods only knew what, his hair was greasy and his clothes were filthy. Ali could see that the other men in the camp were just as soiled but he took the prize. Demetri frowned as he caught sight of the man as well. "That's Eli Ratcliff... I was told he died." Ali shook her head as the name rang a bell. "Ratcliff? You mean Encyclopidia? The memory freak?" Demetri nodded. "He went AWOL years ago and the entire base was told he died. I guess he just deserted." Ali nodded as he looked down at her, his gaze making her breath hitch as she held it as long as possible before a sound drew everyone's attention. A high pitched scream that made their blood curdle. Eli looked up as one of his men drug a woman in front of him. "Found her hiding in the loft of the town barn Capin', wot you want me to do with er'?" Eli gave the poor woman a wicked grin as he leaned down and cupped her chin turning her face with way and than as he inspected her. "Give her to the men. She's to old for me." Demetri lept from his spot and charged down the hill, the others not far behind him as they rushed the deserters. The fight was easy, the team easily over powering the humans that Eli had surrounded him self with. They tied the men's hands behind their backs and began to look through thier belongings, finding that most of the men there were deserters from the military. Demetri scowled at them and began to speak with Marcus about what actions they should take, being the higest ranking officers amoungst them, it was their descision. Ali explored the camp sight, trying to find leads on whether or not these people were connected to their objective. She filtered in and out of tents til she came to the largest one, most likely Eli's, she covered her nose, the gut wrenching odor making her want to vomit, or pass out...or both. Moving the flap of the tent her eyes watered as the smell intensified, entering she began to look through the man's personal items, finding maps and other things that might have been clues but those thoughts left her as she caught sight of a small pink ribbon that was resting on the ground by a couple of dirty blankets. Walking over she picked it up getly, feeling her throat tigthen and her mind go blank as a thin patch of golden hair came off the ground with it, following it with her eyes she saw it led to whatever was resting under the blankets. Something in her mind told her not to look, to just turn around and leave but she didn't listen to it and as she lifted the corner of the blanket up she wished she had. Dropping the the material she felt the scream bubbling in her throat when all of a sudden it died as cold rage took over her. Bending down she scooped up the budle of blankets and walked from the tent, her pace slow and full of purpose. As she entered the area where Demetri and Marcus were still discussing their options all noise stopped as they noticed her, tears trailing silently down her flushed cheeks, her red eyes glowing with unretrained rage. They watched as she put the pile of blankets down and stood, slowly making her way to where Eli stood, he watched her move towards him and the others could see fear build up in him as she stood an arms length from him. She didn't look at him as she reached out, her palm out towards his chest, but the man began to panic as he tried to back away from her, unrational fear grasping him as her palm touched his chest. It happened than, the small clearing rolled with silent thunder, the pressure in the air releasing around them making the ground shudder and everything to turn silent around them. The sky began to darked as clouds closed in around them and the team watched as the man's panic striken face went lax. His gaze going lazy and empty as he stared down at her. She took one of her knives and cut the ropes off his wrist and stood before him with the knife outstreched, his next words chilled everyone to the bone. "Master?" "Take this knife, and cut those off." She indicated to his pants, the dirty fabric hanging loosely on him; he grasped the knife and complied instantly, a sickening smile spreading on his face as he thought he was making her happy. What happened next would haunt the rest of them for the rest of their lives. Ali pointed to the appendage between the man's legs before looking back up at him, her eyes still glowing red as her voice echoed hurt and rage. "Cut it off." Demetri took a step forward and started to say something when she looked him, the look on her face making him stop, his voice dying in his throat, they watched horrified as with a painful scream the man held the thing in his blood soaked hand, the blank look still on his face. Ali merely looked at him unforgivingly. "Eat it." The group of people around her stared at her crulety and malace, most of them holding back the urge to vomit as the man did as he was instructed, blood covering his face as he did so greedily ready to appease the woman who stood in front of him. Ali pointed to the large tent she had come from, the man's gaze followed her finger and he looked back down at her. "Go stand in there." The man nearly tripped over his feet as he tried to hurry as she commanded, wanting nothing more than to do so quickly and please her, blood soaking the ground as it ran down his legs. Ali walked to the fire and picked up a small log, the end in the fire burning brightly as she walked back to the tent, she looked at the man again. "Don't move. Don't scream. In fact I want you to smile." The man's face split into a sick, mindless grin as she threw the burning piece of wood on the top of the tent and walked away, flames comsuming it with in seconds...the man never screamed once as he burned alive. Walking through the camp she didn't speak to anyone, walking up the hill she walked under the cover of a large willow and hid her self from view. Demetri watched appaled as the woman left only speaking when she was out of ear shot. "What the hell was that all about?!" Marcus' voice drew his attention. "The bastard deserved everything she gave him, and worse." Demetri strode over to where Marcus was looking at the pile of blankets, under it was the corpse of a young girl, no older than possibly 10, her golden colored hair matted with blood and gods only knew what else, her right leg bent at an unnatural angel, the skin discolored black, purple, green and blue. Clearly broken. Her small ribcage was dented in and covered with blood from the cruel treatment the man had given her, but what made the two men looking at her broken body angry beyond anything was the mess between the young girls legs. Blood and dirt covered her bare thighs, the stench of bodily fluids made them want to retch. Demetri closed his eyes as his mind wandered to his daughter safe at home, covering the small girl back up with the blanket he watched as Marcus blasted a hole in the ground and their buried her, Ali's actions no longer questioned. Once done they turned on the other men who began to beg for death before the monster of a woman came back down the hill to finish them all off. The two men looked over the bound captives, both frowning; disturbed by what they had just seen Ali do, and by the fact of what pushed her to that choice. Demetri looked down at Marcus. "I think we should call their commanding officers and return them." Marcus nodded silently as he glanced over his shoulder towards where Ali had gone. Demetri did the same, both still concerned for the woman. Shaking his head Marcus approached the men and knelt down face to face with a thin man. "We came here looking for someone. A woman who is rumored to have powers, like the one you just saw." The man was sweating as he took Marcus in, the runes glowing slightly as the Mystic stared down at the man. He made a nervous sound from within his throat before he nodded. "T-there was a woman who was here when we infiltrated this village a few days ago...S-she wiped out almost all of our company...we're all that's left." "How did she do it?" "I-I don't know! She just touched the men and they fell to the ground dead!" Marcus stood and looked back at Demetri who had a frown on his face, both men looking over the nervous team, the only one who didn't seem bothered in the least was Felix. He leaned a tree nearby looking towards where Ali had vanished to. The large man caught Marcus' gaze and smiled wickedly. "Quite the firecracker she's turned out to be. I think I could get into a woman like that." Demetri whirled around on the man, his body sparking with electricity. "You go near her I'll make sure you never see the light of day." Beserk chuckled. "I don't think she's the same woman you fell in love with 'Commandant', seems she grew an evil bone when she warped her own pathetic mind. I think it made her more sexy than when I first saw her." Marcus clentched his fists, closing his eyes he took a deep breath trying to keep his own anger held back. "Right now, we have to focus on our objective. Find this woman and get back to base. Demetri, agreed?" The giant nodded fiercly, Marcus looked back to the man he had spoken to before. "What did she look like?" The man swallowed thickly before he answered. "She was tall, pale skined and yellow hair. She had bright green eyes and was wearing an old uniform like the one that man has on." He inclined his head in Demetri's direction, Marcus and Demetri glanced at one another before looking back at the men, Demetri's heavy voice calling out to him now. "Where did she go?" "N-north." Demetri looked back at the others. "Marcus, go get Ali back here. Everyone else, look around and see what we can find as far as clues go. As for you men; your commanding officers will be contacted and you'll face the consequences." Everyone nodded and did as they were told. The dark room was silent until a deep elderly voice echoed as they watched the small screen glowing in the middle of the room. "She is developing well. It won't be much longer til she can be of use to us." Another voice echoed out in response. "The relationship errors between her and Commander Demos and Commandant Athens have worked in our favor. It drove her to go to Break. He must have broken down the mental wall on this level of her power." Agreements sounded around the room. "The only problem I can see is if she manages to reconnect with one of them." The first voice echoed out commandingly. "Than we keep it from happening. As soon as they return we will call her to be detained to the brig for murder of a civillian. This will keep her under our watch until she is stable and has the ability to control this new power. She will be of use to us, and our mission to cleanse this world." The room fell silent as the screen showed Marcus approaching the willow tree that Ali sat under, her face blank as tears rolled down her face.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Ali was still panting as she answered him, her eyes still on the little boy who had shown up. "I'm fine, who the hell is that guy?" Marcus helped her to her feet and frowned as she wavered slightly, his hands grabbing her shoulders instantly to keep her upright. "His name is Beserk. And he's lower than dirt." "I can see this." She looked down at the little boy again, her eyes took him in, he had the same markings that the commander hand, only darker; but the more she looked at him the more she saw the Commandant. Marcus was almost thankful that the boy had grown so much in the last few months to resemble his fathers rather than his mother. He was now easily tall enough to reach Marcus' hip, broad and muscular like Demetri, but his skin had taken on a lighter olice tone than the mystic's, somewhat in between Demetri's skin tone and his own. The sandy colored hair the boy had was a clear give away of his blood relation to Demetri, only the boy and the Commandant had that shade of hair. Neos' eyes had gotten darker, the same color as Marcus' but there were days, and both men had noticed, when they would show a red tint to them, like Ali's. She shook her head as she heard her brother coming, she turned around and looked at him as him and Demetri, as well as Gene and Jeff came into sight, her eyes instantly locking onto the Commandant, his own warm hazle eyes locking onto her's and holding her gaze. She felt heat burst to life under her skin, her face heating from the blush that seeped into her face. She looked away and listened as the Commander beagn to fill the Commandant in on what had happened, she looked back up at the giant, her eyes taking the rest of him in. He was large, but muscled, handsome and rugged. The way he held him self almost seemed like nobility and prideful. She watched as the little boy ran to him, the giant's arms extending out and scooping the boy into a tight embrace as Marcus filled him on the panting giant on the floor. "Neos did this?" Marcus nodded. "I've been wondering how his training is going. Seems as if he's getting stronger." The sound of that made Ali nervous, though she couldn't understand why, her heart skipped a beat as the boy's eyes locked with her's, she waved nervously and stiffened as the boy leaned from the Commandant's arms and reached out to her, both men watched intently as she took a step forward and brought him to her with her good arm, feeling her chest tighten and get warm as he wrapped his arms around her neck and hugged her, his face tucking into her neck as his head rested on her shoulder. She held him somewhat tighter, not even sure why, closing her eyes she leaned her head on top of his as her body realxed. The boy looked up at her with a large grin. "Are you alright Lady?" She smiled softly and nodded. "I'm alright kiddo. What's your name?" "Neos." "That's a very unique name." "My Mommy wanted it to be. She said that I was special so my name had to be special." She nodded and felt her body stiffen as shuffleing could be heard behind her, a faint glow glinting off the floor, she turned slowly holding the boy tighter to her as the giant of a man stood slowly. His body emitting red steam, the runes on his body glowing, than flickering, and then going dark as something over rid them. He stood his full height and looked down on the woman and child she held, Ali put Neos down and stood in front him of protectively. "Didn't we put you on the floor?" He didn't listen only reached forward and grabbed her broken arm, she grit her teeth and winced, planting her feet she tried her best to keep her place where she was standing in front of Neos, but found it harder to do as his body seemed to double in size and his hand tightened on her wrist, she screamed as it snapped in half within his grasp, a loud growl echoing through the hall as the large pale grey werewolf launched at the man, sinking it's teeth in to the man's arm and calwing at his skin trying to get his sister loos, the man chuckled, grabbed Jason by the scruff of his neck and threw him harshly against the wall. "Jason!" She glared back at the man, she could hear what sounded like gun shots, wiring coming loose to spark and shoot electricity around them, the hall lights flickering and a bright glow shining from behind her, she felt her chest heave, felt a coil begin in the pit of her stomach til it reached throghout her entire body, it set her skin on fire, made her eyes glow slightly red and her face grew dark. She wrapped her good hand around his wrist and closed her eyes, his face suddenly going blank as she began to mutter. "Let me go." He did, and she landed on her feet, she stood tall, her fists clentched tightly as she walked with him towards a lone conferance room, she instructed him to enter and both Marcus and Demetri watched horrified as he obeyed, she followed and took out a knife, striding over to him she pressed it in to his palm. "I want you to cut your self, not enough to kill you, but enough to make you pass out with pain." He nodded dumbly and just as he rose the blade to his skin she looked over her shoulder before closing the door. "Don't scream" He nodded again and the door closed on him as he made the first gash was made on his skin. She looked at the two men and the little boy shaking her head slightly before she rushed over to her brother. "Jason! Are you alright?" He nodded slowly and eyed the arm that hung useless at her side, winceing as he stood. "Let's get you to Patch." She nodded slowly before looking over her shoulder meeting the dark gaze of the Commander first, than the warm gaze of the Commandant, both sent a wave of fire through her system but she ignored it for now and helped her brother down the hall towards the med ward.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Ali rushed through the halls, her chest heaving slightly her body somewhat weaker than she thought it would be, she stopped for a minute to catch her breah and wave of emotion sending her to her knees, the fear and panic swallowing her whole. She stood and spun on her heel heading back down the hall, turning the corner she saw the door to a living quarter in shambles. She pulled a knife from her case slowly as she approached the door, looking around the corner she looked inside and saw the large man from before standing over a teenager, her eyes widened. "Dante..." Her own panic began to rise, she knew the boy, and her panic doubled as another young boy came from another room rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Daddy?" The large man's gaze turned towards the small child and Ali ran forward, scooping the child into her arms she threw her knife and pushed against the steel clad teen making him move to the side as a large fist came down, dust and debris spreading into the air. "Mom?" Ali looked at the teen and put her hands on his chest pushing him towards the door as the young child climbed from her arms and onto his shoulders. "Get out of here Dante!" She watched him go and cought the large man in the back of the knee with a powerful kick making him fall to one knee and look over his shoulder at her. "You think you can beat me with out that Commandant fellow helping you out this time?" "This time? I've never fought you before you son fo a-" Her words were cut off as he planted his hands on the floor and swung both legs around knocking her feet out from under her, she hit the floor with a grunt and flipped her self back onto her feet facing the man with a frown. "I have no idea who you are, but I won't let you hurt these children." He chuckled low in his throat and charged her, his shoulder going into her stomach as he plowed her through the far wall and into the hall, she scrambled to her feet and held her stance as he came at her again, she was ready this time and dropped low only to growl as his thick hand wrapped around her throat and pulled her up off the floor. "I don't think so vixen. Not this time. I know better now." She struggled against his grip finding it stronger but the minute, reaching to her leg she grabbed one of her knives and brought it up driving it into his hand, he roared in pain and threw her down the hall, her scream echoing as she hit the steel door of another room, the rune on the door glowing slightly as she stood back up, her wrist burning for a moment before she threw her self at the man, he was easily three times her size, but she was less concerned with that and more concerned with beating the life from him. Something about him setting her off in all the wrong ways. Leaping high into the air she used her weight and spun around brining her left foot across his his chin knocking him to his back, landing deftly she brought her right leg down and growled as he caught it wiping blood from his lip. He stood, still holding onto her ankle as he lifted her into the air upside down. She threw her fist out and caught him in the groin he grunted and fell to his knees again dropping her heavily. He roared and brought his arm around, his fist hitting her across the face and sending her sprawling onto the floor, blood seeping from her lip as a bruise formed on her right cheek. He stalked towards her as she tried to sit up finding it harder than she thought it would be, her arms shaking and her body not wanting to obey her. "It seems your still not fully healed woman." She frowned up at him and grit her teeth as he knelt down over her, his breath smelling of whiskey and smoke, his skin looking like the color of sour milk. He wrapped his hand around her throat again and picked her up off the floor chuckling as she tried to pry his hand away from her air way. "No one to save you this time little dear." She kicked him in the stomach repeatedly, her attacks doing little more than making the man laugh, she squeezed her eyes shut. [i]'Someone...help me...'[/i] Jason stopped out side of the training room as a faint echo filtered through is mind, the voice sounding more like his sister than he would of liked. "Demetri! Get the hell out of there, we have a problem!" He turned as Marcus ran up to him, Jason's eyes going wide as he saw only Marcus and Pocket. "Where's Ali?! I thought she was with you!" Marcus frowned and turned looking around cursing as he saw that Jason was indeed correct, she was no where to be seen. Jason whirled around and began to bang more onthe steel door to the training room. "Demetri!" No answer and as Jason turned to ask Marcus what to do next, he found the hall way missing the Mystic as Pocket bit her lower lip nervously. Jason slammed his fist into the wall creating a dent. "What the **** is going on around here?!"[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Pain, unberable pain was all she felt as she blinked open her eyes, groaning she sat up slowly, a grunt coming from the end of her bed. "Your awake, how do you feel?" "Patch? What the hell happened? Last thing I remember...I remember...not much." Patch nodded and stood, bending down he flashed a small light in her eyes making her wince and blink. "Cut it out. That burns." "Well looks like everything is working fine. How do you feel?" "Like I've been run over. Is there a point to all this?" "Yes. You were in an accident. Been out for a few days. But seems like your on the mend. Which is good. I have a message from Jason." "Spit it out." "The new Commander would like to see you and introduce him self." She nodded and stood, rocking slightly before getting her footing. Stretching her arms above her head she glared at Patch. "What?" "Get the hell out so I can change ass hole." He frowned but stood up and left none the less. Ali walked to her dresser and pulled out a pair of black hip hugger jeans and a blood red tank top, looking in her mirror she was pleased with how well the shirt brought out the red color of her eyes. Grabbing her trench coat she strapped her knives to her thigh and put her gloves on. Grabbing her key card she walked out the door and grunted as she walked into a mass of person. Looking up she frowned and took a step back putting her hands on her hips. "Watch it muscle head. People are walking here." He looked down at her and she felt her heart skip a beat, the warm hazel eyes boring into her, the soft color of them drawing her in. She blinked a couple of times before finding her voice. "Do you mind? I'm trying to get some where." "I'm not so sure I appreciate the tone." "I don't really care. I'm on my way to meet the new Commander, do you mind?" "As the Commandant, I do. Your tone is disrespectful." Ali paled. "Oh gods, I apologize. I had no idea...my minds a little fuzzy. I don't think we've ever met. Alex Talon." The man held his hand out grasping her's, his large hand warm on her skin sending shivers through her body, he pulled her hand away slowly, not really wanting to retreat from the heat of his skin. She took a deep breath as she felt heat pool in her cheeks. "Do you know the way Talon?" She shook her head. "No sir, I don't" "Demmy." She frowned. "I'm sorry sir?" "My name, it's Demmy." She frowned more as she began to follow him through the halls. "Is that short for something Sir?" "Demetri." She nodded. "Thank for Commandant Demetri." "Demmy." "I like your real name better." She didn't see the look on his face as he looked down at her, she was trying her best to keep her eyes forward. The man was handsome, devilishly so in her eyes. His sholder length sandy colored hair pulled back into a pony tail at the base of his neck, his well built form filling out the uniform well and she blushed as she realized she had been checking him out. They stopped at a steel door and the man looked down at her, his warm eyes seeming to swallow her whole. "This is it. Would you like me to escort you inside?" She nodded numbly, not even aware she had done so, a few seconds later she shook her head. "No. No Sir, that's fine. Thank you for showing me the way." He nodded and put his large hand on the top of her head, the sensation sending chills down her spine, she watched him go, the warmth that had spread through her body going with him. Stepping through the door she stopped short as Jason leaned against the wall, Pocket sat in a chair and as her eyes travled the room she caught sight of another man. His body was covered in beautiful markings, his skin dark olive. He turned to her than, his dark eyes taking her in. "Ms. Talon I presume?" She nodded and stepped forward, he looked fierce, like a wild animal; but his eyes were soft and she could see the flicker of something smoldering behid them as he took her in. "Sir, I was told you wanted to meet with me?" He nodded and crossed his arms over a defined chest. "I did indeed. I wanted to introduce my self. I am Marcus Demos, the new Commander." She nodded slowly and took his hand as he reached out, a slight burn on her wrist making her pull back, his heated skin making her flush. "Please, take a seat. I wanted to talk to you about a few things while I have you here." She nodded and crossed her legs waiting for him to continue as her own thoughts fluttered around in her head, she looked over her shoulder as the door slid open, her heart leaping into her throat as the Commandant stepped through, almost having to duck his head as he came into the room. "I have a new line up for the Alpha Team...Commander. I wanted to give it to you before you became to busy." Even with not knowing the two men, she could feel the tension between them, Jason's quiet growl only making her that much more confidant that something was wrong between the two of them. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Weeks had passed since the battle between the three powers, Ali and Demetri hadn't talked since than, he had sent her emails about Mist's funeral which was this evening. Ali had responded to each and every one of them, always remembering to add her love at the bottom before her name. Her heart had been acheing more and more as the weeks passed each day getting more and more difficult as she went about her daily routine. Lily and Dante were never seperated now, and when the boy wasn't with Demetri he was with Alli and Marcus. That was another subject that made her heart twist painfully. It was the same as when he had come back, she was happy with the man, play fighting and joking as they had always done, but she missed the slow pace and relaxing moments she used to have with Demetri. She sat at her desk now, typing away at her computer, looking up at the pressed dress uniform hanging from her door. Sighing she stood and dresses in it making sure her ribbons and patches were on correctly she checked her watch and felt her stomach twist. This would be the first time she would see Demetri since that day, she felt inside her pocket and wrapped her fingers around the bands on the key chain he had left her. Feeling the tears sting her eyes she didn't bother holding them in, she could blame it on the funeral. Walkin gout towards the grounds she could see many of soldiers had already gathered, Warp and Cloak being the most noticable as they were dressed in civilian clothes. Ali approached them slowly, catching sight of Marcus and Demetri, the men standing a good ways away from each other and looking tense as she drew closer. A part of her wanted nothing more than to turn and walk to Demetri, feel his large, warm arms wrap around her, but she broke eye contact with him and walked to Marcus who took her hand squeezing it gently. The proscession started normalluy, half way through rain began to pour over them, many black umberellas going up to sheild them all from the falling water, Ali didn't bother. Marcus being one of the paul bearers, wasn't there to scold her and she turned her face up letting the cold water fall into her eyes, it masked her own tears knowing that her own time was coming soon as well. Each member of the Alpha team saying their respects to the man, Luwien still to emotionally troubled to do much else other than lay a singal black feather on the coffin, Demetri said his peace as Commandant. Once the casket was in the ground Lily covered it with flowers and greenery. Marcus stayed behind as he looked at the grave with Luwien, the death hitting both men harder than others, she left them and walked silently back to her office. Once there she locked her door and leaned on it looking at her watch, almost time. She let out a shuddering breath and walked to her desk and began to empty it, shredding papers and pictures and anything else she could find. Flipping open her lap top she checked over the confirmation file before deletring and wipeing her computer clean of every file on it, knowing the Demetri had copies of everything she did nothing was lost in any way. She sat down heavily and looked at the pictures on her desk, a new, fresh copy of the picture that held her and Marcus, a wedding picture of Ali and Demetri, a picture of Ali when she had Neos and more family photos lined her desk. Taking them from the frames she felt hot tears slide down her cheeks as she put them through the shredder, each one breaking her heart more and more. She ignored her phone as it rang, continueing on with what she was doing, there was a quiet knock on her door. "Who is it?" "It's me sis, can I come in?" "Yeah, code is dad's birthday." Jason entered the code, stepping through and locking the door behind him. "You sure about this? I mean...what are we all gonna do?" "You'll go on as if nothing ever happened. I need to do this Jason. I can't keep going on like I am. It's to much for me. I can't take it, the pain...hurts to much." "I understand but...are you sure this is the only way?" She nodded as the last picture slipped through the shredder and her watched beeped at her, she looked up at Jason with sad eyes. "Guess this is it huh? Meet me there?" He nodded and left as she gathered her things putting them all into a small bag she left her key card and badge on the desk before turning off the light and walking away from the office, she turned off all the lights as she left. Looking back at the dark room she sighed and felt tears sting her eyes again. Closing them she walked away, the small bag slung over her shoulder as she walked through the building, she finally made it to the elevator and pressed the button to call the machine to her, the ding of the bell reached her ears and she stepped through the door, turning she caught sight of Marcus who was obivously looking for her, giving him a sad smile and a small wave the doors began to close. "ALEX!!" She jumped, her eyes going wide as Demetri ran around the corner and began to sprint towards her, she pressed the button and closed her eyes as the door shut on the man, his fists slamming into the metal. "Dammit!" Marcus jogged up to him curious. "What's going on?" The giant didn't bother to answer him as he shoved a piece of paper into Marcus' stomach and took off sprinting down the stairs trying to make it before the elevator, Marcus read the paper over and over, each time his heart beat getting faster and faster. "WHAT?!" He threw the paper to the side and began to sprint after Demetri, thankful that his therapy had been going well and he was able to run fully now. He caught up with Demetri as they both entered the halls. "She can't do this, can she?!" "She only need confirmation from three other officers. Jason signed it, being promoted thanks to all the deaths in our ranks, Cloak signed it as well, not to mention Patch and my god damn father!" "What?! Why would he do that?!" "I have no idea!" They slid around the corner as the plexi glass door slid shut behind her, they could see Patch, Jason and Shield stood waiting for her. Demetri ran forward and slammed his hands against the glass. "ALEX! Don't do this!" She turned and looked back at them, tears slipped from her eyes and ran down her cheeks to soak the front of her uniform jacket as she looked at them through the glass, her voice muffled. "I have to! I can't keep this doing this! To you two or my self! My heart can't take it anymore! It hurts to much!" Both men took a deep breath unsure of what to do or say until Marcus' throat untightened. "We can do something Ali! Anything, just don't do this!" "What are you gonna do Marcus! Share me? You can have me on weekends and Demetri can have me during the week?! I can't do that! You can't do that either! This is the only way I know how to fix it...just to start over." She backed away from them slowly, the whole time walking towards Break, she closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. "I love you two so very much...and that's why I have to do this. I can't choose...if I choose one my heart still aches for the other and I just wind up hurting the both of you...Please forgive me...for everything." She sat down in the small chair and leaned back as Break set his hands on either side of her head, his finger tips touching her temples, she looked at Demetri and Marcus one last time before her mind went blank and she slummped forward in the chair being caught by Jason, he growled as the door released and marcus and Demetri rushed in. "Alex!" Jason pulled her away from them. "This was her choice, she's starting over, from the very beginning taking every memory she has of you two out of her mind. When she wakes up, you two will be complete strangers to her." Jason stood with his sister in his arms and walked away from the two men, taking her to her old captians quarters. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Ali rushed down the halls, she had left Marcus in the room telling him she had to go and figure out what was going on. She pushed past the crowd of people to see Demetri and Felix rolling on the ground exchanging blows, wind and lightning echoing through out the room. "Demetri!" She could tell the man was so far gone he couldn't hear her, the man's voice echoing throughout the room. "I'll kill you for hurting him!" Ali's brain shut down as she came to the only possible conclusion, she whirled on Gene as he finally caught up. "Get back to the room and find Dante, NOW!" He gave her a concerned look but as she shoved him he complied and rushed away from the scene. Ali's rage built as Demetri's words echoed in her mind over and over, her blood boiling til she dropped her knives and stalked through the room, the other members getting out of her way expecting her to put an end to the fight, what they weren't expecting was her to leap into the fray. Jumping over Demetri's low kick she put her hand on his shoulder and launched off of his large build and brought her foot across the large man's face, hearing a crack as his jaw came out of place. "Oh, what's this? A little ***** trying to help?" She growled and flipped off of Demetri's shoulders as Felix swung, Demetri catching his arm and ducking his head down as Ali jumped over him and brought her foot down on the beserker's shoulder. The man grunted in pain from the blow, he swung his other arm around catching Ali in the stomach and sending her across the room. She yelped as she hit a nearby table, Demetri's rage growing as he saw the blow land, knowing she was still trying to heal completely her self. He shoved his palm upwards on Felix's elbow causing it to snap in the wrong direction, the man roared in pain but his build only grew as his rage doubled. Ali stood and rushed forwards again, her hands planted on Demetri's shoulders yet again as she flipped her body over both men, dropping low she kicked the man's knee forward causing him to crumple to the floor, Demetri connecting a powerful punch to his face before following through with a wind shot to the mans' chest, he flew back towards Ali. Dropping to her elbows she planted her feet against the man's back and kicked upward sending him into the air, she flipped her body onto her hands and pushed off the floor connecting her feet with his lower back once again. A sickening crack was heard as his spine fractured from the force of her blow. Demetri rushing forward and catching the man as he fell with another powerful shot of wind sending him through the far wall and back outside to he grounds. People had begun to crowd around the three combatants, muttering about how well the Commander and Commandant worked together, in sync without words as they moved as a singal powerful force, and one to be reckoned with. Ali and Demetri rushed forward as one, both throwing out their oppisite limbs as they slid on the ground, both catching the man in the chest making him slid further across the ground, the wind and rain whipping across the grounds, soaking them to the bone as they fought. Ali lept high into the air, landing deftly on Demetri's leg, he swung around launching her forwards, she tucked and rolled across the ground as the man stood back up, she slid onto her back at the last moment before bringing her legs up and slamming them upwards into the man's chin, he grunted and flipped onto his back. Ali leaping ontop of him and grabbing his collar. "I warned you! I warned you that if you touched him I'd kill you!" She threw her fist forward screaming as he grabbed it and threw her into the air, swinging his arm around and slamming it into her torso launching her across the grounds and into a tree. She could hear the thundering across the ground as Demetri rushed the beserker. She winced as she heard the two men collide. Standing up she took a deep breath and yelped as she felt her ribs twinge painfully. Broken. Growling she pushed through the pain and ran forward, dropping to the ground and slideing through Demetri's legs she brought her knee up and into the man's groin, he dropped to the ground grunting, his hand going around Ali's throat as he fell. She growled and brought her knee up again and again hearing his ribs crack and break but he still continued to squeeze til her air was cut off. She wrapped her hands around his thick wrist coughing as Demetri wrapped his own arms around Felix's neck and pulling backwards prying the man off of her. "Get your hands off of my wife!" As the pressure lessened Ali back flipped out of the way, she brought her legs up at the same time connecting both her feet into the man's chin, he threw Demetri forward and Ali planted her feet into the wet ground as Demetri slid towards her, putting her hands on his back she put her foot against a tree trunk and stopped them before they collided with it, she looked down at him and smiled wickedly. "I think it's time to stop playing love." He nodded, neither one paying much attention to her words, he grabbed her hand and together they rushed for the man, at the last second Demetri swung Ali around, his strength and her lean form adding to the speed of their attack, her knee connected with his temple and he fell, Demetri swinging her around yet again, this time lower, her steel toed boot connecting this time and he grunted as he fell to the ground. Demetri and Ali stood side by side over the man, both bringing up their feet, ready to deal the final blow when they froze, a loud commanding voice echoing throughout the area. "THAT IS ENOUGH!" Shield stalked forward, holding Ali and Demetri still so they couldn't move, thier rage dieing down. "Get this piece of trash out of my sight! Find my grandson immediatly! Athens, Talon, my office NOW!" The two looked at each other guilty as the wind and rain died down, Demetri giving her a small smile that retruned, she sighed and winced as her ribs throbbed. "I don't care how much trouble we get in...he deserved worse than that." Demetri nodded as they followed Shield his voice echoing once again. "GET THIS MESS CLEANED UP AT ONCE!" The lower officers obeyed instantly as the Commander and Commandant walked through the building following high council member Shield, Ali met Marcus' eyes as he leaned on the wall looking worried, she winked at him giving him a defiant smile. As they rounded the corner and out of sight she reached down and took Demetri's hand causing him to look down at her. "What ever happens, we'll face it together since we did the damage as one." He nodded and looked at his father's broad back. "It's good to know we still work so well togther." She nodded and gave his hand a squeeze as they continued towards Shields office.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]After that night things got better each night, Marcus' wounds healed over time, his bones mending and giving him proper use of his arms but there was still the problem of his legs. His physical therapy had been rough and long but things were getting better over time and this day, a month and 3 pain stakeing weeks later Patch deemed Marcus able to move around with out the chair. Ali leaned against the wall smiling sweetly at him as he walked stiffly towards her, trying his hardest not to use the small cane the Patch had given him. "Come on Hop-Along, time for lunch, healing bones need nurishment." "Please don't call me that." "Oh come on, I've called you worse." "Yes, I remember. But why must you call me these ridiculous names?" "It's my way of showing you I love you." "Isn't a kiss, or a hug just as sugnifficant?" "Well yeah, but not nearly as much fun as getting a rise out of you." He rolled his eyes as he slowly made it out the door, Ali sighed and took his hand shoving it down onto the cane. "Would you use the damn thing? He gave it to you for a reason. Sheesh." He glared at her as she moved a head of him. "Let's go Stumbles." "Gods alive Alex, enough of the names!" She turned and crossed her arm giving him an amused look. "What are you gonna do about it Old Man." He growled at her as he shuffled forwards. "Your the devil." She waited til he was beside her before she put her hands behind her back and answered him in a sing song voice. "That's not what you called me last night." He stuttered before she saw a dark tint to his cheeks, she stopped and leaned forward, her nose almost touching his. "Oh my god, your blushing!" "No I am not!" "Yes you are! Your cheeks just got really dark, your blushing!" "Would you stop that!?" She giggled and leaned in kissing him gently. "You love me and you know it." He didn't answer her only looked away, they walked slowly to the lunch hall, Marcus taking a seat as Ali got the food, he was shocked yet again as she placed a plate of his favorite foods in front of him. "Chicken?" "Yeah, you like it right?" He nodded and watched as she began to eat a plate of fish, sniffing indignatly before taking a bite of his own food. "You know, I understand your not a fan of seafood, but you don't have to turn your nose up at it while I eat it." "I'm sorry, it's just...it stinks for one and it has less than no flavor." "Yet you eat chicken?" "I happen to love chicken thank you very much Alex. And it's very flavorful." She snorted in laughter as she took a drink of her water. "Yeah...okay. It only tastes like what you either cook it in, or with." "Alright, we can't all be carnivores Mrs. Steakfeind." She pointed her fork at him, glaring slightly. "Don't go there Mystic, this conversation will get ugly." "Ooo, I'm so scared what are you gonna do- GET THAT AWAY FROM ME!" She held her fork towards him, a large piece of cod on the end as he tried his best to slide away from her. "Oh Marcus, Mr. Cod wants to be your friend...he just wants to say hello." "GET IT AWAY FROM ME DAMMIT!" She laughed and popped the fish into her mouth before pulling him back to his own plate. "Your such a baby." "I am not." "Than why are you pouting?" He glared slightly before he resumed his own eatting, once they were done Ali helped him back to thier room, she helped him settle on the couch before she walked away towards the kitchen to get him a drink stopping as a knock sounded at the door. She smiled at Marcus as she passed heading towards the door, opening it she blinked up at Demetri. "Demetri, what's the matter?" "Came to see how he's doing." She smiled up at him, feeling her chest warm as he smiled back, his hazel eyes still making her weak at the knees. "Um, he's doing good, would you like to come in?" "Do you mind if I do?" She shook her head smiling wider. "Not at all. Please, it's good to see you. How are the kids?" "Good, Lily misses you." "She can come and see me any time she wants. But I'll take her to lunch tomorrow. How's her boy trouble going?" Demetri paled alittle bit before clearing his throat. "I have no idea how to handle it. She comes home gushing about this boy and I have no idea how to react to it. All I want to do is find this kid and...strangle him." Ali laughed as they entered the living room, Marcus trying to stand; Demetri held his hand up. "Relax Marcus, I just came by to see how you are. You look good." Marcus nodded, wincing as he settled back on the couch. "Thanks, how are things around the base?" "Good, busy with Anomander and everything else." "How's Mist's funeral coming along?" "It's going good, that's actually one of the things I was gonna talk to Ali about. Has Luwien said anything to you?" She shook her head and looked towards the spare bedroom where Luwien had been hiding in since his uncles death. "He's so alone. I've tried to help him...but he won't let anyone in." Demetri gave her a large smile, it made her heart flutter and her breath catch, she looked away as he continued speaking. "I'm sure you'll get through to him. You have one of the biggest hearts I know Ali." She nodded, not truly sure how to respond to that, her gaze shifting back to him as he stood from sitting next to Marcus. "I have to head back to the office, stop by so we can talk about the funeral arrangments." She nodded and watched as he left, her heart constricing painfully as the door slid shut behind him, leaving her feeling cold, she jumped slightly as Marcus spoke up behind her. "Are you alright Ali?" She nodded and moved to sit next to him, her body instantly settling into the large area of warmth Demetri had left, sighing as it seeped into her skin, her head resting on Marcus' shoulders as he flipped through a few channels on the TV, he sighed and looked down at her. "You still love him don't you?" She looked back at him, her cheeks flushed in shame as she nodded slowly. "I do...but I want to be with you." "Ali I-" His words were cut off she she pressed against him, kissing him deeply, taking his hand and placing it over her racing heart. "My heart only beats like this when I'm with you. YOU make me this way Marcus. You make me want to scream and cry with happiness and joy all at once. I don't want to lose that." He nodded, not really sure what to say and his eyes closed as she pressed her lips to his again, his now healed arms wrapping around her and pulling her closer as she sighed into the kiss. She broke it and stood, walking to the kitchen she picked up the small container she had brought back from the lunch room and went into Luwien's room slowly. "Lu, honey it's me." He said nothing. "I brought you some lunch, stir fry chicken with veggies. Is that alright?" Still no response though she could see him sitting on the bed motionless. "Alright, well it's right here on the desk, I'll take your empty one with me okay?" She walked in more, placing the full, hot container down she picked up the empty one from breakfast, walking over to him she placed her hand on his head and kissed his hair softly. "It'll be alright Lu. I promise. Like I said, I'll watch over you now. I swear it." Getting nothing back, and not really expecting to she walked out shutting the door behind her, walking back to the kitchen she threw the container away, put his fork in the dishwasher and walked back to Marcus, only to find him gone. "Love?" "In here." She walked towards their bedroom where his voice had come from and snorted with laughter as she found him laying in their bed, the sheets resting low on his hips and his hands folded behind his head. She covered her mouth, holding her giggles in as he beckoned her towards him. She moved slowly as she tried to gain control over her self and sat down next to him. "Are you try to seduce me Mr. Demos?" "Depends, can you be seduced?" "Well, I think I might, but you have to promise to tell me how you got in here so fast, got it Magoo?" He growled before pulling her onto the bed fully underneath him and leaning down to kiss her.[/color][/font]