Darth Vectis

[size="1"]Coltaine had held back as long as he could, he didn't want to expose her to his more animal like ways. He didn't want to make her first time experience one of rough love making; he wanted it to be something simple before anything else came about this. With their foreheads pressed together, he could hear her breathing, hear how it would hitch slightly with every time he pressed into her more, feeling her hands on him. [b] "Please Coltaine....please lover." [/b]The words spilled from her lips, their eyes open now as they looked deep into each otherâ??s face. He could see it then, could see past all of his conceptions of her, and see past the age and the years between them. None of that really mattered anymore, when they were together like this, as they were sharing this moment all of the things he use to think. All of the times he thought he was too old for her, thought he would never catch her interest. He had never felt blinder in his life then he did now, he had missed all of the signs until she had kissed him. His own body had reacted to her then, thinking she might be gone if he didnâ??t take the chance. He crushed his lips to hers then, feeling all of his restraint fall apart as he pressed harder and faster into her. Feeling her hands suddenly grip him tighter, hearing her gasps as he did all he let it all go now. His mouth of hers again, feeling her gasps as his hands gripped her thighs, her nails digging into him as he made lover to her then. Finally feeling the freedom of it all as he let the beast take over, all of passion he felt, all of the longing finally breaking through and making a soft growl come from his throat. Feeling her hands thread through his hair and then suddenly gripping it, her head thrown back and Coltaine taking advantage by kissing her neck, grazing his teeth across her skin. Their skin heating up and sweat starting sprout from their brows as the intensity continued. He hadnâ??t felt this alive in a very long time, even in battle he was cold and kept everything calm, he never let go like he did now. Finding she was the only one who could make him act like this now. Bringing his head close to hear ear, breathing harshly now as he kept up his pace. [b] â??I love you Mira.â?[/b] The words spilling from his lips, all of the barriers gone so that everything that had been floating around in his mind, all of the words that he hadnâ??t expressed before spilling from his heart with no way to stop it. He felt her **** their bodies then, his momentary shock making him comply as he felt her on top of him now, rolling her hips and moving with rhythmic motion. Holding her hips he felt every last muscle twitching in him, stretching and contracting. He smiled as he moaned and felt his worries vanish, all of the things on his mind simply flitted on the wind as he only focused on what was going on with them. The pressure building more and more as the wave of ecstasy and pure pleasure carried them farther than either of them knew was possible. She leaned over then, Coltaine wrapping his arms over as their skin came together again, feeling her lips on his neck and chest as the motion continued. [b] â??I love you Coltaine.â?[/b] He heard the words from her and he lost all control then, his pace increasing dramatically and Miras screams grew instantly. His teeth found purchase on her skin and he bit deep, leaving marks where ever he could. He soon felt her teeth, first grazing his color bone and pulling the skin before moving further down. He could feel where she was leaving her mark on his body, and he moaned and gasped with every feel of her teeth and every wave hitting him. She stopped as they reached their peak of it all, hearing her screams made his heart hammer more until they both felt the pressure release then. She laid down on top of him again, both of them breathing harshly then as she laid her head on his chest, putting a hand on her back as he looked up at the ceiling of his tent, a smile on his face. [b] â??You make me feel alive again, Mira.â?[/b] He said with a huge smile on his face, the sweat still drenching their bodies as he felt one of her hands gliding across his chest gently, the other lacing together with his. He gripped her hand firmly in his own, not wanting to let go as he finally felt his breathing settle.[/size]

[size="1"][b]Name:[/b] Geralt â??Iron Barsâ?? Boles [b] Age: [/b]35 (Joined in the 16th Century) [b] Sex:[/b] Male [b] Family:[/b] Crimson Guard [b] Appearance:[/b] Geralt stands at a height of 6â??2â?, he has deep burnt red hair, a red beard that he tries to keep trimmed. He looks fairly youthful and has only a single scar on the left side of his face only about four inches long. He has deep blue eyes and is fairly well built considering his profession requires he stays in particular shape. When in his regular clothes he likes to wear something red, usually a motorcycle jacket that has his family emblem on the back. Any t-shirt he can find and dark jeans. His Guard uniform consists of a red leather jacket with white trim for the Guards colors, black pants and boots. He typically wears a button down shirt that he keeps tucked in. [b] Personality:[/b] Geralt has a very flamboyant personality, his voice is loud and his attitude could be considered immature with the way he acts around others, especially his brothers. He treats everything almost like a joke, never holding back his own thoughts from anyone around. He loves to tell stories; almost all of them consist of him and his brothers getting into some sort of trouble that usually starts with them getting drunk and then ends with them in some sort of trouble. He also had been described as needy and tends to annoy many people with the almost constant attention he needs. Only one person has ever has sat with and listen to his stories regularly, and that has affected him subtlety [b] Bio:[/b] Geralt is one of 10 boys, he is the oldest of the lot. Never having to set the example for them since every Boles brother developed their own personality. Geralt simply leads the pack, and they follow rather care freely, always raring for a fight and a good drink. Geralt was the first to take the vow, his marriage having fallen apart and his parents had been killed by unknown assailants. His father and given him his blade years before, passing it down to him so that he could become the head of the family. He had initially been content with his life, having given up the Boles traditional life of do what you want when you want to settle down with his wife and potential family on his mind. His wife left him shortly after their first years of marriage, being swooned away by another man. His parents dying shortly afterward had made him crave answers for that incident. He found them shortly after accidently stumbling upon the carrier, being pursued by a member of the other family Geralt had managed to knock him out in one clean hit. The spirit spoke to him about his family, telling him of something he had done to his particular bloodline centuries ago. Geralt taking an interest then, finding the Guards shortly after and making his vow, his brother followed shortly afterwards. [b] Abilities/Powers:[/b] Geralt has the power over metal;able to manipulate its shape and more specifically he has the control of the molecules in metal that allows him to adjust the metals state. Whether it means changing it from a solid to a liquid, rapidly aging it into rust or making it as if it is brand new. The limit comes from his temper, the more angered he becomes the harder it becomes to actually use his power. [b] Weakness:[/b] Geralt suffers from a serious anger management problem. His temper can get the better of him and when it does he loses focus and becomes like an animal. Functioning on instinct only, which usually makes him easy to take advantage of. [b] Weapons:[/b] Geralt carries a double edge broadsword, the metal inlaid with a rare meteorite material that made the blade itself red. A gold plated support is through the middle of the blade, giving Geralt something else to manipulate. [b] Profession:[/b] Geralt is both a famous MMA fighter and an underground bare knuckles boxer. Since he is prone to violence he has proven to be very successful in his endevours, known for his on hit K.O.'s and his ability to endure any punishment in any fight.[/size]

[size="1"][b]"You seriously need to just let go, your gonna get a hernia if you keep your face scrunched like that, are you sighing again? By the fates, I have never seen a man so wound up!" "Alright that's it, I've had enough of this. You nit pick at everything I do, it is driving me insane." [/b]Coltaine had felt something snap in his mind, a final line under tension give out and let everything out. He looked at her with such intensity that she was shying away. He rose then, still holding her wrist then and threw her over his shoulder then. She started to flail then as he started to walk while carrying her. [b] "Coltaine! What in the fates name are you doing?" "I am doing what we should have done weeks ago!"[/b] She flailed still, not as hard but still trying. [b] "Put me down Coltaine, unless you plan to have your way with me, then I guess were heading in the right direction." "Oh you have no idea woman. Stop flailing!"[/b] He wasn't very far when she started talking again. [b] "Your not gonna go all cave man and bash me over the head are you? I'm not really into that kind of thing." "I'm sure your horse is, he seems messed up enough."[/b] He retorted, feeling that her squirming at stopped then. [b] "Hey, leave Max out of you kinky little thoughts alright! I'm serious here! You just have a freaking out burst, throw me over your shoulder and just start stalking off to fates know where....where ARE you taking me anyway?" "My tent, where in the abyss else would we go? You've been pestering me long enough about it in your way. It's been driving me mad!" "What are you talking about?!" "Just the fact you aren't fighting it. Dammit Destrus, don't follow me!"[/b] He heard him following, swinging around to look at Destrus, huffing at him then before be kept walking then. He heard Mira snicker then. [b] "Your horse is such a perv....and what do you mean I've been pestering you! I have not ONCE mentioned anything about going to your damned tent! And why would I fight it? I finally got a reaction out of you other than a fates given sigh. That in it self is an accomplishment!"[/b] [b]"And speaking of which, now that you mention your tent, why is fates name do you pitch it so far from camp these days? Your like some hermit who never wants to be seen! Do you have some sort of pussing postule your trying to hide?"[/b] He growled then, feeling his blood heating up more as he quickened his stride. [b] "Do you ever shut up woman!" "You want me quiet so bad? Shut me up your self!" "I plan on it." "Please don't kill me...."[/b] Coltaine finally setting her down, feeling frustrated and annoyed, his blood boiling for so many reasons he couldn't decided which was more relevant. [b]"Fine, I'll go to my tent alone. I need some damn good rest of this ill fated night."[/b] He turned to go back to his tent when he suddenly felt a weight on his back, looking over his shoulder he could see Miras face then. [b]"Did I say put me down? Hurry up before the mood fades, since you've set it up so well."[/b] He felt something burn inside of him then, the memories of seeing her as she was dressed earlier, in the laced clothes, the time he had seen her at the spring and then the times when he had felt her lips pressed to his. It had all just shatter every defense he had, he jogged then to his tent, hearing her egging him on as they finally reached his tent, setting her down and ushering her in then. He felt his blood pumping then and his heart racing. [b] "Unless you really were planning on killing me....? You weren't were you? You have that look in your eyes that says your thinking about it....You know...you'd be really handsome if you would just crack a smile once in a while."[/b] He glared at her then. [b] "See! There you go again! All the frowning and grunting and growling. I swear your going to die of a stroke one of these days if you don't just loosen the hell up! Fates be damned, your so hopeless!" "I was originally just thinking about sex, but I'm contemplating murder now. I haven't decided yet." "Well, can you hurry up then. Your tent is far out here and I would rather know whats going on. I'm hoping for one over the other, care to guess?"[/b] Coltaine let out another heavy sigh then, partly regretting this but most of him anxious in anticipation. He felt her hand smack the back of his head then. [b] "Enough of the sighing! And here I thought I had made a breakthrough with you. Fates alive. Fine, have a nice RESTFUL sleep in your tent. Your cranky anyways. Would want to keep you up all night." "Oh no you don't! I will not leave someone as sexually frustrated as you alone tonight if I have my way. I'm carrying you all the way now, stop squirming already! No one is getting any fate damned sleep tonight!" "You were the only complaining! Not me! You were the one who said he could some good, restful sleep tonight! And I think YOUR the one whose sexually frustrated the most! Your not even trying to use any kind of tact at all! Your a beast right now, look at you! Throwing me over your shoulder and carrying me to your tent like some crazed wild animal!" "Fates save me...I swear by the end of this night, I will make sure you do not even have the energy to scream my name!" "Wanna make a bet?" "Fates be damned, what have I gotten my self into?" "You haven't gotten 'into' anything yet."[/b] He felt his frustration building and could only see one possible outlet for it now. [b] "Watch me woman! By all the Fates, Maximillion get the dark abyss away from me! If you bite me again I will tear out all your teeth. And you love the animal in me Mira!" "I don't plan on just 'watching', it's no fun if only one person participates, I'd love it a lot more if you would hurry the hell up!"[/b] Coltaine picked up the pace then, finally reaching the tent before he set Mira down in front of it. [b]"There, we're here now!" "What, are you just gonna stop th-"[/b] Kisses her then, pulls away he suddenly saw her face turn into sheer surprise, a grin on his face. [b] "Now that you've stopped talking, in we go!"[/b] He pulled her in after him, standing in his rather spacious tent, remembering that she had been there once before. [b] "Took you long enough. Fates be praised! The mighty Coltaine finally gets me to his tent! What now oh fearsome war monger? You gonna stab me with your sword?" "You could say that." "Wait...you were serious?!" "About what?!" "The sex part!" "What else did you think I was bringing you here for woman?! Tea and cookies?!" "Shut up!"[/b] Mira blushed then, Coltaine felt his heart drop then, sitting down in the tent he pinched the bridge of his nose then. [b] "T-this is your first time in a man's quarters isn't it?" "I said shut up!" "Oh great fates...."[/b] His eyes wide as he held back a laugh, trying not to make the situations any worse then it already was. [b] "I thought you were just trying to scare me off or something! I didn't think you were serious! I never even imagined you thought of me that way, you only showed any minute interest in me a few minutes ago when you freaked out on me!" "I did not freak out." "You started yelling and threw me over your shoulder. That's freaking out." "Your going to be the death of me woman!" "At least it'll be a woman who loves you and not a steel sword through your heart!"[/b] He was silent then, unsure of what to say next. He suddenly felt the heat of another body, her standing over him then leaning down to straddle him, looking into his green eyes. All he could do was stare into those depth-less blue ones of hers, she put her arms around his neck then and he felt the heat rise in his face as she leaned in and planted a firm kiss on his lips. Pulling way after a few moments with a bewildered look on his face. [b] "You're not old, trust me, I've seen old men before and you don't fit into that category."[/b] He felt a smile appear on his face, feeling the world shift around him and a weight lift off his shoulders then. [b] "Well, glad to know I'm not old. But, what is running through your mind right now?"[/b] He looked at her again, seeing a slight blush to her skin and his curiosity peaking up then, a sudden desire to know all of her thoughts hitting him hard then. It took her a few moments then but she finally came around to talking. [b] "I am nervous about this." "I can tell, you are trembling lightly. Whats the matter?"[/b] She blushed again then, turning slightly away. [b] "You know I'm still a virgin Coltaine, I'm not as experienced as you."[/b] He suddenly felt older then, realizing that he actually couldn't remember all of the women he had been with. He just smiled at her as he put his rough hand on her face, feeling her lean into his touch. [b] "That's the nice part about being with someone you trust and love, you can take all the time in the world."[/b] His words suddenly hitting him then, hoping he didn't ruin the moment with his slip of the tongue.[/size]

[size="1"]His mind reeling then, his body still fighting the grubby hands as he could still feel her touch on his lips then. The last hour they had spent walking had given him plenty of time to think, to get a plan ready and to have a coherent idea of how everything was going to work. He wouldn't have much time to enact his plan, and he had to hope that Destrus was still alive, and not on some spit being roasted. He had to adjust every so often, the hands still on him and the manacles on his wrists squeezing slightly. He had been put back with the Ahara and Senga then, both just looking at him as they were both in their own manacles. [b] "You two ready to get out of here now?"[/b] Senga nodded at him, Ahara not moving but his eyes giving away his desire to leave. Coltaine looking to see who was near by then, wiggling his body around as he tried to slither his chains under his legs, cursing when he was getting close and found his legs just a little too long. He sighed then. [b] "Oh this is going to hurt."[/b] He twisted his body then, a loud pop follwoing as his whole arm went slack, his shoulder hanging down as he slipped the chains around his legs. Holding on to his dislocated arm, quickly pushing it back in as he grunted with the sudden burst of pain through his body. [b] "Oh by the dark abyss I forgot how that feels." [/b]He said quietly through a grunt. Working his fingers he slowly got feeling back into them along with the rest of his arm. He looked around then, peaking around to see their tented area was rather devoid of movement, coming to be no surprise when there was a sacrifice waiting. He could make out the guards then, squat with their crude weapons in their hands. He looked to the other town, nodding at them as he spoke then. [b] "Guards, I need help, I dislocated my arm!"[/b] Trying to act panicked as he pleaded to them, the grumbled then, slowly coming into the tent then with very little care on their face. Coltaine reacting quickly, throwing the chain around the throat of the guard, the other turning toward the grunting noise, Ahara coming up and smashing the other guard in his spine. He toppled over then, about the scream when Senga appeared, her leg lashing out and the sickening snap of his neck and his body crumpled to the ground. Coltaine still holding the chain before speaking quietly. [b] "You have twelve seconds to tell me where my horse is, otherwise you will be like your friend."[/b] He could feel the guard struggle, speaking as best he could. [b] "Alright, your horse.... he is in a cage. We were going to eat him!"[/b] Coltaine keeping his composure. [b] "You wouldn't like his meat, he's too bitter. Now, you are going to lead us there, keep it steady and don't warn a soul. If you do, I'll kill you where you stand and we'll find out own way."[/b] The guard nodding to his terms, Ahara keeping and eye on the guard as Coltaine removed the chain, pulling a dagger from the guards corpse he pressed it to the mans back. [b] "Start moving."[/b] it didn't take them long to find Destrus, a few of the villagers trying to poke and prod at the beast. A few of them had hoof shaped bruises, broken limbs and one was missing several fingers. Coltaine gave a small grin then, letting his face settle before getting closer, the others noticing them now. Counting a total of seven people he acted quickly, the dagger in his hand lashing out, finding a target, Coltaine pushing the guard away and falling into the raging fire then. The others finally reacting then, Ahara and Senga already on top of them, the sound of broken bones and smashed bodies. He heard very little noise then, groans and gurgles from the people laying about, Ahara snatching the keys from the roasted guard then, undoing all of their shackles. Coltaine picked up a dented helm from one of the bodies, smashing at the lock before Destrus pushed through, rubbing his face then, Destrus suddenly taking off, its movements swift before he heard him neigh then. Rushing over he found Max then, slightly frightened but still looking fierce, Coltaine smashed the lock on his cage and pulled him out gently. Senga appearing then with weapons in hand, her own sword strapped to her side again, Ahara taking his blades and Coltaine his staff. Miras sword still tucked into his saddle goods. Mounting Destrus he twsited the staff, the spear head appearing as he readied himself, remembering the direction they had taken Mira in. [b] "I'll go in first, Take Max with me, I want you two to bring up our flanks. I need chaos caused, once the village is in disorder, come find us, knowing there is a dragon here means we will all need to fight. Lets go!"[/b] He moved Destrus into motion, Max following as Coltaine leaned over Destrus neck, his spear held to once side, catching random armed villagers, tearing into their bodies as he rushed through the narrow passages and finally into the cave of the black abyss. [b] "I'm coming Mira, I won't let you die."[/b] He said to himself as the darkness enveloped them.[/size]

[size=2]The energy swirled and tore through the emptiness, fighting to cling to something to tear apart anything. The powers only finding one another as they crashed and slammed into one another, the powers trying to assert their dominance between the two. But for Marcus, everything was silent, the world devoid of sound and life to him. The tendrils of his power reaching out then, trying to find anything to squeeze. [b]"This will be for all who have passed."[/b] Marcus drawing his swords then, holding firmly the two blades in his hands, feeling their weight difference, how they each were crafted by a different hand. Marcus felt the men's soul reverberate through his body, the white hot light slowly slithering down his arms towards the blades. [b]"For Iron Bars." "For Anna."[/b] Marcus heard those words only, their powers coming together to make their minds one on this one task alone. [b]"For Diamond."[/b] Both mean still walking forward, their hearts no longer heavy as they spoke their names. [b]"For Razor."[/b] Their powers slowly starting to becoming cohesive, the wild nature slowly becoming tamed, the white energy still moving ever closer to the tips of Marcus blades. [b]"For Felix." "For Mist."[/b] The tendrils no longer searching for a target on their own, no longer feeling to snatch anything and destroy it without mercy. The power folding around Marcus, Demetris follwoing suit, both energies becoming more compact, the deadly intent seeping into the very air now. [b]"For Claire." "For Pavlos."[/b]He could hear the pain in uttering his name, the word fueling Demetris power further. The light finally coming ot the tips of his blades, the light moving around the weapons, the metal looking almost liquid now. [b]"For Exodus."[/b] They stood only a measly foot from the dark skinned being, the Hounds having pulled away since, their muzzles bloodied and their bodies tensed. The black blood dripping from their teeth, their muzzles still pulled back, Gear still holding a slab of flesh in his teeth before dropping it, growling lightly at the bloodied form, still standing now. his white teeth tarnished by the black liquid oozing from him. [b]"You can't kill me! I will never die!"[/b] Their faces were cold then, nothing would touch them now, not as long as they were in this state. Marcus pointing at Anomander with the blade in his right hand, the one Iron Bars carried. Demetri mimicked the motion without looking, pointing with his left hand instead. [b]"For Ali."[/b] They said in a single voice, the black skinned man gritting his teeth, eyes eyes bulging then as he growled. [b]"Never!"[/b] He roared at him, summoning what power he had left lashing out with it with a wild sense, no feasible direction, just reckless ambition. The power turned away then, neither feeling its corrupting touch then. They kept their eyes on him, never blinking as they continued to point. [b]"This is where it ends. Die."[/b] Anomander roared then as the power form the both lashed out in one massive assault. The black skinned man reaming standing even as the pressure built on him, peeling his skin away, his muscles tearing from his bones as he defied the attack as long as he could, his eyes still looking forward, until he suddenly saw a small figure standing between the two men, the runes visage of the large boy showing all of his sadness in his eyes. [b]"This is for my mommy!"[/b] Neos struck with his power then, adding his strength then, a blinding flash following as Anomander screamed in defiance as the light consumed the world. None of the three blinking as the light burned bright, then vanished, leaving the world dark again, nothing left in front of them save for the hounds. Marcus lowering his swords then, the light snaking away and finally evaporating, the wind dying down and everything becoming calm again. Both men standing with their heads hanging low then, the feelings returning then.[/size]

[size="1"]Coltaine had felt the tension between them now, he couldn't blame her either. He had only become aware of what he was doing after she had woke him from his sleep, his mind had acted out to her warmth then, something he hadn't meant to do. But, was that really true? He didn't fully believe that his intentions weren't what he had showed her, that he had desired her deeply, wanted to take her in his tent that night. He didn't want it to turn into anything less, not into a one time fling with her, he didn't think his heart could take it at this point. He found his heart would beat a little faster, and a little louder when she would look at him, even for the briefest of moments and called for her in his mind, wanting her to look back at him again. His focus trailing off with thoughts of her, and how mortified she must have been, an old man trying to take advantage of her. He had hardly noticed anything amiss, seeing her jump of her horse as she was speaking to him, then he heard the words that jumped started his heart. [b] "Coltai[b]ne!"[/b] He had charged Destrus forward then, seeing her suddenly vanishing into the tree. Coltaine leaping off Destrus as he stood where she was only a moment ago. "Mira!" [/b]Ahara was already beside him, swords drawn, Senga was standing a few feet from them with her sword drawn. Coltaine retrieved her weapon then, placing it on Destrus before remounting. His eyes canning around as he looked into the trees, growling then and moving Destrus into motion. His chest burned slightly, feeling where the stone had fused with his flesh he felt a pull then, moving him one direction, then another way as he directed Destrus to follow. He stopped at on point, dismounting now as he look around the ground, seeing the ground marred with footprints and drag marks, he growled as he held on to his staff firmly. He heard rustling then, standing firm, he saw figures moving then, counting the number quickly as he remained standing firm. He saw them appear then, the small figures holding weapons then, Coltaine throwing down his weapon then, feeling the weapon poke and prod at him then, DEstrus being ushered as well. The walk seeming to take hours as his anticipation was growing to finding her, the stone burning more as it came closer until it finally stopped burning all together. Ahara and Senga had been pulled along as well, both of them fairly calm. Coltaine could see that Senga was showing a sign of something. He then felt a object hit the back of his knees, making them all collapse to their knees then. He growled again but kept his eyes open, looking around, hearing the figures whispering until one of the screech out. [b] "The queen is coming!"[/b] Coltaine finally seeing his opportunity to get answers, all he would need to do was take the queen hostage then he could find Mira and be out of here. He heard the procession then, blaring horns and rhythmic chanting. He readied himself then, muscles coiling with his hands balled into fists, his cold rage boiling to the top. He saw a figure above them all, ready to leap out he stopped dead as he saw the face of their queen, Mira draped in laced and see through material, he stared for several moments, his mind flashing back to the hot spring. He looked away for a moment, only to realize it was foolish to look away, he look instead at her face, seeing the red of it. [b] "Mira!"[/b] He called out, standing from his place, feeling the sharp edges of weapons against his body. He saw her look at him, seeing his rough features. [b] "Coltaine! The dragon is here! They are going to give me to it!"[/b] He felt his rage come again, looking at his odds then, trying to figure out the best move for him next. He needed to save her, and they needed to kill that dragon, he couldn't think about anything more then trying to save her then. His mind only focused on on her now, his thoughts on on her. [/size]

[size=2]Marcus' muscles were tense at the thought that Neos was gone, that Anomander had finally gotten a hold of him now. A low growl had come from him as his mind swam with so many thoughts, trying to find any of them that would help him find Neos. Hearing about Shields death was demoralizing, especially when they saw that it was Copy Cat, he was tempted to reach out and throttle that woman, but he accepted her role for the time being. He looked to the giant fox now, seeing that he was only a matter of a thought to turn into the giant hound that he was. He could see which one he was, being called Sly was just the name the fox went by, he knew this ones name. [b]"Gear, come here boy."[/b] The fox looking at him then, trotting over as he rubbed his head gently. [b]"Gear? Thought that was Sly."[/b] He heard from someone in the room, Marcus just looking at the giant fox now. [b]"Sly is the toys name, Gear is the hound inside."[/b] Marcus pushed his chair aside then, rubbing down the fox as he looked into its eyes. [b]"Can you show us where he is boy?" [/b]The fox lowering its head in a whimper, knowing he couldn't find him now. He patted the creature on the side of its head. [b]"It's ok boy, the are six are with him. Blind will keep them safe."[/b] The hound nuzzled up to him then. He heard a voice clear and looked up briefly to see Demetri now. [b]"Gear? Blind? They have names?"[/b] Marcus nodded as the fox laid on the ground at his feet now. [b]"Neos hounds are all named. The powers that run in my family are all different, we all have different spirit animals, we all have different symbols to represent us. Neos, however, was chosen by his spirit animals. The Seven hounds of Shadow, my grandfather talked about them often enough." "What are the Hounds of Shadow?" "They are the guardians of the Shadow realm, they have many myths about them. Most common one is they guard some sort of throne, a throne of the all of the Shadow realms. Anyone can take it for themselves, person who sits in it takes control of Shadow."[/b] Marcus eyes wide then. [b]"By the gods, that's what he wants now."[/b] He saw the look in Demetri's face too, both of them seeing the reality of the situation. Marcus finding it hard to understand. [b]"Anomander knows the Throne is only a myth, I've spent a lot of time looking for it. I found a multitude of other things, but never the throne."[/b] He heard Demetri snap his fingers then. [b]"What if only Neos can find it, if the hounds chose him, they know where it is. They will lead their chosen person to the place, He wants the hounds to show him."[/b] Marcus saw it all connect then, knelling to Gear again, he rubbed his head, focusing his energy then. And ethereal crow pulling itself from his chest, the bird settling on the large foxes shoulders, holding on tightly with its talons. [b]"Gear, can you find him, if you leave the fox?"[/b] He could see the fox head look back at the crow, the talons holding on firmly to the hound underneath. He saw the answer in the hounds eyes, Marcus looking to the crow then, the bird flapping its enlarged wings, ripping the hound from the body and both vanished then. The stuffed animal falling to the ground now limp, Marcus rising. [b]"Gear will find him, we won't have much time to act once he finds his location. Anomander will recognize the tag I put on him, we will need to move fast."[/b] Marcus felt his heart pounding then, his eyes shifting to Ali then, seeing her frail form and her red eyes. His heart longed for her, but he knew he needed to focus on getting Neos back, and finally killing Anomander.[/size]

[size="1"]Coltaine enjoyed the sound of the rain, no matter how hard it came down he like hearing it beat against his tent, hearing the trees sway and move with the harsh wind. And when it would calm down long enough he could hear the leaves rustle then, Destrus snorting in the rain as he had him under a tree, putting some sort of shelter for him that Max could settle under as well. Coltaine thought about all the times he had to do this with Destrus before, keeping him out of storms so that he wouldn't try to bite him the next day, he had a few sets up out in the rain that would catch the rain for them and then they could refill their water supply for the them being before they moved on. He got the distinct feeling, they weren't going to move until the storm passed, the intensity of it and the hazards of the plains could kill them if they weren't careful. He had heard the thunder, the lighting striking outside, he didn't much like lighting, but he didn't mind it as much as long as he wasn't caught out in the open. Years of war had made him a light sleeper, assassins made life difficult and getting a real nights sleep proved to be impossible for him, even more so away form his home and his people He had heard someone coming in, his knife drawn so that any one coming into the get him wouldn't last long. [b] "Coltaine, it's me. Calm down...I just wanted to ask you something."[/b] He had moved close enough to her now that she could make out his face in the dark, he put the knife away and looked down at her. [b] "What do you think your doing woman?"[/b] She shivered as water dripped from her hair and onto her cloak, she opened her mouth to answer but screamed as a particularly loud boom of thunder sounded over head followed by a blinding flash of lightning which crackled and sizzled where it hit the ground. Coltaine found his arms full as she had jumped and latched onto him, her face in his chest as she shuddered and shivered in his arms. [b] "M-mira?" "It's stupid, and childish and irrational and every other insulting thing you can think of, I know. But please, don't make me go back to my tent!"[/b] He simply looked down at her as she trembled in his arms. [b] "I'm terrified of thunder storms...I don't know why, so don't ask."[/b] He remained silent before he sighed and ran his hand over his face. [b] "Fine. I'll make another bed roll for you out of the spare blankets I have."[/b] She nodded and pulled away from him, her heart slowing and her cheeks heating slightly. It didn't take him long to do as he said, folding the blankets so she could lay down with out harming her back, he turned around and she felt his eyes on her, having hung her cloak up to dry she stood before him in the satin camisole, the thin fabric still clinging to her and flaunting every curve she had, she turned towards him and looked at the bed roll with a small smile. [b] "Thank you."[/b] All he could manage was to nod at her as he went about his task, his heart racing and his mind barreling out of control. He stayed in contrl as he set up her place on the ground, using his spare blankets to set up her bed before laying back down. His mind seeing her in her shirt, only coming down to mid thigh. [i]Fates above, I think I might just lose it![/i] He tried to keep his thoughts at bay by turning his back to her, hoping that if he couldn't see her he would be able to relax. Sleep was tentative that night, his heart beating in excitement, he got a few hours of sleep before he ended up on his back, looking up at the ceiling with just his thoughts and a young woman close by. When she had rustled awake, he half closed his eyes, seeing her move until she was over him now, her fingers gliding over his face then, wanting to fidget and move and he was ready to snatch her hand and pull her close. When he felt her fingers draw close to his lips, he pushed away all thoughts of moving, keeping his body relaxed when she prodded him gently. He then felt his heart about to explode, the gentle feeling of her lips against his his left hand flinched just enough to touch her as he kept his body still. She curled up close to him then, feeling her warmth against his body as she could feel the even breathing now, opening his eyes finally, his breathing losing control as he was looking around the tent almost frantically. [i]What do I do? Do I stay still, or do I follow these feelings?[/i] He turned his head ever slightly to look down to her, seeing her eyes closed as she rest her head on his shoulder. He couldn't fight the urge anymore, his hand coming up and wrapping around her now, pulling his cape over and laying over both of them now as he shifted his position. Laying on his side now as he nestled closer to her, his face pressing down into the top of her head as he breathed deeply, taking in her sweet scent then, giving her a gentle kiss on her head then, knowing she would never know. [b] "May the fates take us both right now, so neither of us have to wake up alone."[/b] He whispered quietly to himself, not sure if she heard it in her dreams, half hoping that she did.[/size]

[size=2]Marcus held on to her tight, setting her weep and scream into his shoulder as he felt ever shudder and convulsion of her sobs, knowing he couldn't do much else for her except hold on to her now. He let her words play through his mind, focusing the most on when she called herself a complete monster, and he could almost understand where she was coming from. Ten years of his life was spent hunting Sybille, but that same ten years was spent doing other less scrupulous acts, Anomander was on of them. [b]"Ali, you are not a monster. It's all ok." [/b]He felt her head shake into his shoulder as she spoke through the tears. [b]"I am Marcus! You don't understand, I've done terrible things! So many people dead."[/b] He could start to feel her pull away, he held her closer then, his grip tightening she started to weakly pound on his chest. [b]"Let me go! Let me die, I hurt so many."[/b] Marcus shook her then, getting her attention finally when she looked into his dark eyes. [b]"Don't you ever say that. Don't ever say that Ali." "It's true! I've done so much wrong, I can't do it." "We all have Ali, I am no exception. You can't think like that."[/b] The shadows swirled and changed, making a form of large man, a black beard on his face and his olive tan skin showing. [b]"He's right dove."[/b] They both turned to look at him, Marcus reluctant to let her go as she pulled away and ran to Exodus, falling into his embrace, Marcus moving up and standing close to them with his arms crossed. [b]"I need answers Exodus, she needs them too."[/b] He held on to his daughter, looking into the Mystics face with knowing eyes, his smug smile not on his face now. [b]"You always did have a way with words, Marcus."[/b] His face was still stern, but his hand reached out and touched her gently then. [b]"Why am I alive Shadow Master, her power is absolute."[/b] That grin spread on his face then, Marcus not feeling amused then. Ali was looking up at him then as well. [b]"You are correct Marcus, it is absolute. But, it's only absolute in an unsure mind."[/b] Marcus raised a brow at him then. [b]"Yet again, you explained everything and nothing at the same time. Elaborate." "Well, remember how I told you that her power was based on love?"[/b] Marcus nodded. [b]"I recall clearly." "Well, that is how she takes over a mind. She takes their love and makes it everything, consuming their mind and making them her tools. However, when the love is already unconditional and, absolute, her power doesn't work."[/b] Marcus frowned then. [b]"Her powers worked on Demetri, explain that Shadow man." "Gladly. You said it yourself Mystic, you have nothing left but my daughter. Demetri still has a family to think about, still has a life left even if she is gone. His love is whole, but it is shared now. Yours is only focused on her, as long as you are alive, she can never touch you with that power." [/b]Marcus arms hung at his sides now, Ali had stopped weeping as she listened to his words. The mystic taking in all of the mans words, he didn't know what to think anymore, just tried to get a hold of everything in his mind now. [b]"That is, probably the saddest explanation why I survived this ordeal."[/b] Exodus shrugged at him, Ali standing on her own now. [b]"The truth isn't always heart warming Marcus, you know that."[/b] He nodded then, rubbing his face with one tattooed hand. [b]"I'm still just trying to wrap my brain around that, my single means for existing now saved my mind? That will take a lot of time to get use to."[/b] He felt her standing next to him then, looking down at her he saw her red eyes, the pain in them and her white hair. It fit the name he had given her well, he heard Exodus clear his throat. [b]"You know she heard it here Marcus, your mind was not shielded from her."[/b] He nodded as he felt the title fit her better then ever now. [b]"What is the White Queen?" "When I was born, I was given a symbol that represented my soul. I am the Red King, my opposite and my equal is the White Queen. Your father has made it very clear to me, no matter what happens, you are my White Queen."[/b] He could see the emotions twisting and battling behind her eyes, all he could think to do was simply lean down and kiss her gently on her head. [b]"You may be my White Queen, that doesn't mean I have to be your Red King."[/b] She nodded then, seeing the uncertainty in her eyes he fel the world closing in on him again, pushing it away he relaxed as best he could. He heard her speak then. [b]"How did you find me?"[/b] Looking down at her, he touched his fingers to his chest. [b]"Your tattoo. Yours is linked with mine now, it came to life when you were on the bed, I simply took hold of that line and pulled myself in here. I can come and go as I please now." [/b]She started at him for several moment, before finally slowly putting her arms around his body, pressing her head to his chest. [b]"Thank you, thank you so much for coming for me."[/b] He put his arms around her then, glad to be in her embrace again as he placed his face on the top of her head, breathing slowly before whispering to her. [b]"You ready to go home?"[/b] He simply held her then, waiting for when she was ready to leave the shadows and comeback to the rest of the world.[/size]

[size="1"]Coltaine didn't want to move, his body stiff with her arms wrapped around him. He felt his heart beating, the heat rising to his face as he controlled a shuttering breath. He didn't want her to let go, he didn't want the moment to end, he wanted nothing more then to just sweep her off her feet now. He had to really try to push the feeling away, to keep his body still, he felt something on his skin then, his heart jumping as he registered the lightest touch of her lips to his skin. He shook then, no longer able to hold back the urge to let it tremble through his body. She looked up at him then, catching him looking down at her, his eyes seeing that depth in her eyes again. Seeing that something had changed, seeing resolve in her eyes now. [b] "What's wrong Coltaine?" He [/b]shook his head then. [b] "It's nothing, we should get back to the camp now." [/b]She nodded as she let go, the embrace ending and Coltaine feeling a little colder because of it. She stalked off ahead of him and he just sighed, Destrus coming up and rubbing his head against Coltaine. [b] "I know boy, I know."[/b] He rubbed the horses head with an almost sad look on his face. [b] "We came close to losing her tonight, shouldn't care this much but I do. Come on, lets go boy." [/b]Destrus nuzzling close to him the whole way as he put on some wood for the fire he picked up on the walk back before retrieving his cape and walking back to his tent, catching the faint scent, the smell making him close his eyes with a slight smile. He slept peacefully that night, his cape over him as he held on to her scent, feeling calm through the night. After that night, Coltaine didn't sleep as well, he kept up first watch, but after he would retired for the night, he stayed awake, hiding in the surrounding areas when they camped in the foliage. When they made it out on to the plains he had felt more comfortable about letting Mira have a watch alone, he wasn't sure if she had been aware of his presence, but he knew he wasn't going to let that night repeat itself. A week had passed by then, time seeming to have passed slowly as they all trotted out into the world, heading in a direction they could feel was another dragon that awaited them. Coltaine and Mira had conversations often, she liked sneaking up on him and scaring him, sometimes it worked other times it failed. That night, she had changed enough for him to notice, she was on him more often, she would get close to him at night and she would ride next to him everyday. He half expected her to be standing over him when he woke, and he half hoped she would be cuddled up next to him. [b] "By the fates, I'm fantasizing about her now. She is literally twenty bloody feet away, may they take me in my sleep."[/b] He rose then from his bed, the dawn not able to break through the thick clouds, he could see the dark clouds gathering, knowing they were in for another rain storm. Throwing on his cape, he undid his tent and packed it away, walking to the camp he help put away the supplies, looking to Mira often. She caught him just as often as he looked, the look burning in her eyes, making him long to discover that feeling for himself now. When they had everything packed away he saddled Destrus and they began their walk again, the rain catching them then, the obvious sound of water bouncing against Senga's armor. Mira was huddling under her cloak the whole ride, their conversation had died as the wind had picked up, carrying away their words. He had contemplated telling her then, when the winds muffled his words, letting her know everything he had been thinking the whole time they had traveled together. He didn't though, confident she would simply read his lips then, they set up camp earlier then usual due to the harsh rain. He was chilled by the water, but his cape kept most of it off of his body, the natural oils of the feathers keeping the water at bay. He looked to Mira one more time, she had stayed with him out in the rain, the rain wasn't coming down hard, but it was wet enough to drench everything they had. She sat beside him as they had put up a over hang, shielding themselves from the rain and covering the fire enough to warm up under it, the rain still found its way under the shelter. Without thinking, he undid his cloak and covered Mira in it, covering as much of her as possible, he looked into the fire, not seeing the stunned look in her eyes. She spoke then. [b] "Thank you Coltaine."[/b] He almost lost it hearing his name. [b] "You're welcome, you need it more then me."[/b] She touched the feathers with her hands. [b] "What's with the feathers, is it some sort of weird clan thing?" [/b]He sighed again. Holding out his hand to her. [b] "If you don't want it, all you had to do was say so."[/b] She held on to his cape tightly then. [b] "I was just asking, touchy are we."[/b] He let out a small laugh as he set his hand down, suddenly feeling her cold hand on his, wanting to take hold of it, he just stared into the fire more. Resisting the urge, even thought he could feel his walls falling more and more everyday.[/size]

[size="1"]Coltaine had gone deep into the forest, hardly feeling the chill of night as he was picking up pieces of fire wood. He hoped Mira wouldn't wake while he was gone, he could see how tired she had been and thought that she would be out cold for awhile. He slowly found viable pieces, piling them onto his arm, he heard a soft clumping noise behind him and shook his head as he spoke, still picking up pieces of wood. [b] "Destrus, you really don't need to follow me everywhere." [/b]The horse nickered at him as it still trudged through the underbrush, coming up to his side as he kept picking up pieces. When he had been sitting at the dying fire, watching the embers pop slowly and die out. He had rose slowly, setting her down gently on the ground, leaving her with his cape before going out to get wood to keep it burning. That had only been a few minutes ago, he was coming to the end of his collecting, his thoughts still swam with what he was going to do. She had curled up to him intentionally, well, at least he hoped she had done it on purpose, if she hadn't he was in for a world of trouble with the way she played with his mind. His thoughts had calmed down though, he didn't think about her legs this time around. He did recall her bare shoulders, the look in her eyes as he could only stare with uncertainty and almost a longing. He had pushed that thought away quickly, knowing he was being foolish by thinking that, he wasn't young anymore, he really couldn't afford to follow a feeling that ended up with him and her under a blanket and an awkward journey afterwards. He felt wrong thinking that then, something he hadn't felt before when he was a youth. This was genuine, an understanding seeping into his mind that he kept at bay for the moment as he picked up the last piece, he was ready to turn back then, suddenly hearing a scream come from the forest, not far from himself. He instantly dropped the wood as he heard the fading sounds of a horses screech as well. He moved through the forest swiftly then, feeling a need to keep running, his mind shot into a panic before it came back together with a cold rage set in, the intent to kill surfacing up quickly in his mind. [b] "By the fates, I'm ready to kill for her. And I don't even care."[/b] He whispered to himself, approaching now where he heard voices that he didn't know. He growled low as he was crouching now, hiding in the underbrush as he saw her then, Max not far off as he saw that a grizzly looking man held a cleaver to her, digging it into her arm, the weapon pulled out and up against her throat again. He could see now that there were at least five men, including the one holding Mira, seeing how they were positioned he calculated his chances, determining that he would be successful if he took his chance soon. Not having his spear near by, he drew his knife, knowing its original purpose, but he didn't win battles by traditional means, he won them with whatever means he could use. Without hesitation he adjusted the knife so that he was holding a tip and instantly charged out then, flinging the blade a sit struck home, digging into the mans eye that was holding Mira before Coltaines fist came barreling down with such force the mans neck snapped. He reacted quickly by grabbing the body before it feel, flinging the limp body at two others, he whistled then, the sound of thunder came around as Destrus charged through the trees, smashing into a man and knocked him form his feet, Destrus giving him no time as he stomped down on him, crushing him beneath his weight. The other two getting up, weapons drawn as they charged Coltaine now, he readied himself when he saw the flash of metal then. Miras sword blocking a sword, twisting and moving to avoid the other weapon. She parried and dodge the man, Destrus running up beside Coltaine as he pulled his staff free, releasing the spear head as Mira pushed the man away, they stood before them now as Coltaine placed the but of his spear on the ground. [b] "I would surrender now. Unless you want to join your friends here."[/b] He didn't gesture, he didn't need to as he saw their eyes glance to the bodies on the ground. They dropped their weapons on the ground then, Coltaine giving them both cold looks then. [b] "Run, I see you again you'll both be killed, no mater if you are armed or not. Go, before I change my mind."[/b] The two left over instantly turned and ran, Coltaine watching them until the vanished into the trees. He twisted the spear, the head disappearing before he walked over to the man, pulling out his knife before rubbing the blood on corpses clothes. [b] "Are you alright?"[/b] He said as he sheathed the knife, standing before her now with that same look of authority.[/size]

[size="1"]Coltaine felt a heat in his body with Mira leaning up against him, forgetting almost entirely what her question was as he tried to clear his thoughts. He was silent as he tried to get himself together, suddenly feeling something small poke him in the ribs then, twitching lightly. He looked down at her, seeing her blue eyes only half open then. [b] "Hey, I'm talking to you..." [/b]He lifted a brow at her as he let out a small growl. [b] "Patience is a virtue woman."[/b] She rolled her eyes at him then. [b] "And I'm about to fall over dead from boredom cause you want to stay all mysterious and silent. Just answer the questions." "If I do, will you go to sleep?" "Possibly. Depends on how interesting your stories are." [/b]He put his face in his palm as he spoke. [b] "Oh great fates...why are you so interested?" "Cause maybe I just am."[/b] He let out a groan this time, shaking his head as he let out a soft laugh. [b] "Alright, alright. I have four brothers, well, I have one brother left and my uncle. I already told you about my brother Tareks demise. Sarin and Leonis are the other two who passed."[/b] He saw Mira's eyes open then, coming awake long enough to hear his stories. [b] "What happened to them?" "Sarin was killed while on patrol one night, they were ambushed by Barghast. Nasty people, this particular tribe of Bargahst takes scalps, wasn't a pleasant funeral." "That's disturbing. What about Leonis?"[/b] Coltaine shrugged. [b] "Not sure what killed him, left the clan to pursue a life on the sea. The crew returned his body to us, he was still whole but looked sickly even with preservation." "That's just depressing." "Shouldn't have asked then." [/b]She shook her head, still leaning into him, he could feel her get slightly heavier and heavier as she was falling asleep. She surprised him then as she spoke. [b] "What do you think about this, Dragoon stuff? The dragons and all?"[/b] Coltaine stared into the fire then, watching the embers burn. [b] "I'm not sure, everything seems vague and uncertain. I don't like it, besides, I don't know how they categorized us like that." "Well, its obvious, you for example, your so calm and collective on the outside, but I bet on the inside you war with your self and your feelings all the time. Just like the earth does. You never really know what's going on beneath the surface til it breaks through."[/b] Coltaine's eyes shifted to her then, feeling his heart beat a little faster, not sure how this woman he hardly knew was able to peg him so clearly, he could see her look to Senga, the armored figure quiet. [b] "Senga is always so quiet and alone, never really saying anything to the rest of us and just staying by herself. Much like shadows do."[/b] Her gaze shifting to the dual wielding fighter [b] Ahara is just...unpredictable, just like the wind, one minute a gentle breeze, the next a howling tornado."[/b] He hard her laugh then, Coltaine still looking down at her. [b] "What about you? You are Ice and water."[/b] She shrugged as she looked up at him now. [b] "Not really sure how Ice fits me though, suppose they had to screw up on one of us, right?" "It's because, like Ice, you can be cold and unforgiving. But, much like water, you have depths that not many people see and give life to anyone willing to accept your gift. I can see it in your eyes as well, same color of deep rivers."[/b] His last words striking him then as he looked back to the fire. He felt her nestle into him then, suddenly feeling her breathing even out as she feel asleep. He didn't dare move then, just reaching up and undoing his cape, he gently settled it over her as he watched the darkness, Senga and Ahara retiring as well, leaving Coltaine with first watch again.[/size]

[size=2]He had been ready for it, he had given it all up, feeling no remorse, no shame in finally letting it all go and letting her take his mind as well. He had felt the pressure, felt the power wash over him with every intention of taking his mind for her to bend to her will. But, as quickly as the power had appeared, it was gone, the power had faded and Marcus found himself on his knee. His mind, however, was still intact, he was still thinking still seeing everything clearly as it hadn't changed. He almost grinned then, his attempt at simply bringing Ali out of her broken mind, had turned out to be something more, he spoke quickly not daring to remain silent for fear they might see her failure. [b]"Master?"[/b] Keeping his face pointed to the floor, his eyes taking a few moment to find a more relaxed position. His face relaxed as well when she finally knelled beside him. She spoke to him then, his heart beating rapidly in his chest as he knew he had to keep up the charade, needing time to think he kept his answer the same. He could see in her eyes that she believed, with all of her heart that she had destroyed his mind, had obliterated the man beneath the marks. He fought every urge to reach out and hold her, telling her that he was still here, that he was still very much alive. When Demetri had pulled him away he had tried to fight, struggling in the giants grip, but was not able to get free, pulled from the room he was still in Demetris grasp the entire time he had been under Ali's power, grunting as he struggled, trying to maintain the roll of the mind raped servant. Time passed and Demetri came out of it, blinking awake and dropping Marcus, he didn't fight now as he just watched the doors. He knew he was too late to do anything, the events already taking place without him, she stumbled out of the chambers, falling forward as Demetri caught her. Marcus heart was thumping, seeing the blood and the torn flesh from her body and his heart broken knowing he could of helped her fight. Patch arrived moments later, his face red and sweating as he instantly started looking at her body, touching where the most blood was seeping out, trying to stem enough blood flow before they carried her off. Demetri rushing down the halls with her in his arms, Marcus following, seeming mindless as he followed after his master. His thoughts still racing as they finally made it into the med ward, laying her down face down, her hair tossed about as Patch looked at the wound initially, Marcus was standing close to her side, placing his hand on her left hand now. He could see the blue bandanna, it was so clear to him now, the once vibrant blue had faded after years of sun exposure and battles fought. He stared absently at her form, Patch looking up, seeing the way his face was he looked to Demetri then. [b]"Whats wrong with him?"[/b] Concern and confusion clear in his voice, Demetri looked to the Mystic before speaking. [b]"He gave up his life, Ali touched him with her power. He's gone now, he's just a shell of what he was."[/b] Marcus didn't say anything as he kept looking at the bloody mess before him, Patch finally having to cut open her shirt to get to the damage better. What they saw made Marcus shiver on the inside, his gut going cold as they all looked on her back now, seeing the multitude of scars piled on top of one another. Her back looked as if it was chewed up by a bear, torn apart before being discarded, and then someone had put her back together for the sick joke of it. Marcus hand reach then, gently touching the marks now, feeling the horror build in his heart, Patch didn't bother stopping him thinking it wasn't going to help. He avoided the one that Patch was working on, his eyes found the one place where he skin had been ripped to shreds, the crow tattoo on her back was still in perfect condition, the skin around it still smooth and alive. Seeing this, his hand traveled to where he left hand was now, gently pulling off the glove he saw it then. Her hand covered in scars as well, he saw it then in his mind, her on her knees as Raze tore into her, covering the tattoo with her hand to protect it, saving something of herself. He gripped her hand tightly then, feeling helpless he didn't know what to do except try to give her some sort of contact. [b]"Demetri, can you pull him away? I fear he will do more damage then good if we leave him to his own devices."[/b] Demetri started to reach for him. [b]"There is no need Demetri. I know what I'm doing."[/b] He didn't see the expressions on both of their faces, Demetri was of half shock half relief. [b]"Marcus, are you really still there?[/b]" Marcus nodded softly. [b]"How is that possible? We saw what she could do, it worked on me!"[/b] Marcus nodded again. [b]"I don't have an answer, but it didn't effect me. I felt the power, but it didn't do anything to me. I played along to protect her, that is an obvious failure."[/b] He held on to her hand tightly then, still looking at the damage as Patch continued with his work. Demetri settling a hand on his shoulder then. [b]"We need to get you looked at, make sure you are ok."[/b] He shook his head then. [b]"I'm not leaving. She didn't leave when I was laying on this same bed." "Marcus, you can't stay here." "Yes, I can. I told you Demetri."[/b] He looked to the giant then, his eyes sad but a small smile on his face. [b]"I gave it all up, she is all I have left Commandant. There is nothing else for me to do anymore." [/b]His eyes turned back and focused in on her scars then, his mind going over anything he could do. He had more time now, could experiment on himself for this kind of procedure, he would find away to make her scars disappear. He hoped he could find a means by the time she woke up, and maybe before she did, he didn't want to see that look in her face. [b]"We'll take shifts Marcus." "You can join me any time Demetri, but until i know everything will be ok, that I can do something for her, I'm not leaving her side."[/b] Demetir could only nod at hearing the words come from the marked man, the meaning of them ringing with sadness and lonliness. [i]I'll find away Ali, and I'll do it all just for you. My White Queen.[/i][/size]

[size=2]Marcus hands had been pressed against the glass as they both watched her, he watched her move, how she twisted and turned her body. He could see every movement and the memories of the time in the training room came back to him, seeing how flexible she was and how she contorted her body. He could see elements of her, but he could also see how broken it had become, how her body had taken a punishment that she didn't deserve. Seeing her fight, her words were muffled and he couldn't make out what she was saying, but that all faded away when he saw the flash of blue, the material flapping around as she struck out. His heart beating rapidly when he saw the tattered edges, the holes through the material. [b]"Ali...."[/b] He whispered, the only thing he could manage as he saw her come to the end of the simulation. His body wanted to jump through the glass, to go to her, take a hold of her and never let go of her ever again. The room went dark then, another pulse that knocked out the power in the simulation, he couldn't see in the dark room. The light flickered here and there and then she was gone, leaving the room in the cover of the darkness he looked around quickly, trying to see where she could have possibly gone. His breathing was heavy and his mind was racing, she was there, she had only been a dozen feet away and he let her go. He felt his heart sink for just a moment, until he pushed it aside and let the thought that she was still alive seep in, take over his feelings as he held on to that feeling now. He looked to Demetri now, seeing the look on his face as well, his mouth open slightly, Marcus placing his hand on his shoulder. The giant looked at him now, looking down at the tattooed face, seeing a brightness in them that he hadn't seen in a long while. [b]"Demetri, we have a lot of things to talk about. But we need to make it quick."[/b] Demetri nodded, they left the training room then, the ethereal crows still following Demetri and Marcus as they got out of earshot of anyone around. Marcus looking around until he felt comfortable enough to start speaking. [b]"Alright, first off our fight should of never happened. I was there at her funeral, I couldn't be there with those people. I, I just couldn't."[/b] Demetri crossed his arms at him then, his face not showing much of anything. [b]"It's done with Marcus, we need to move forward." [/b]Marcus nodded to him and began talking to him, telling him of everything he had seen, all of the things about what Exodus had told him. How Ali was a Confessor and what her power was based on, how she would be deemed worthy as a weapon for anyone who could harness that power. He told him about his suspicion from the beginning, how he had the thought that it was something to do with the high council but had no way of proving it. Demetri listened intently, absorbing every detail that Marcus talked about, when the mystic had finished, Demetri had stood silent for several moments. [b]"Well, that is all interesting. What I found, should be enough to confirm your suspicion."[/b] The giant told his side of it all, filling in Marcus on all of the files he had seen of all the past executions. How Raze and Madam Pain had been on the council far longer then they should have been allowed too. He also spoke of what him and Jason had done around Ali's execution spot, how he had smelled the oranges. When he was done Marcus nodded to him, only one thought coming to mind to put the final nail in the coffin. [b]"We only have once choice left, we need to find the last shred of evidence."[/b] Demetri raised and eyebrow at Marcus, starting to get an idea of what he was planning. [b]"What is that Marcus?" "We need to dig up her grave, we need to see her body."[/b] Demetri wasn't as shocked as he had expected, it was the next rational thought to prove that she was truly gone. Demetri nodded his agreement before pinching his nose. [b]"Lets do this quickly."[/b] They took of then, rushing through the hallway to get to their destination. Marcus feeling more alive now then he had for the past few months, his heart beating now as he stretched his muscles, feeling the tension release and his anxiousness rise up in his mind. The pushed past people easy enough, Marcus being limber enough to maneuver around enough people, Demetri's sheer size making enough sounds for people to clear out of his way. After only a few minutes they made it to the exit and ran outside, clouds hung in the sky as they kept running, making it to the graveyard they ran through until they found the one they were looking for, her grave still fairly fresh, her tombstone showing a rare picture of her smiling, holding Neos in her arms. They both took a moment, simply staring at the stone before Marcus took a few steps back, holding his palms out as he slowly began to raise them, the earth trembled and began to split as Marcus pulled on and invisible force now. His muscled coiled now as his hands slowly started to clench, the dirt shifted and was rising as Marcus kept pulling, the ethereal crows lending their air, their talons digging into the soil as he pulled his catch t the surface. The casket finally braking the surface, he let go and it settled in the upturned earth, Demetri approached it then, his hand shaking as he finally touched the lid, both of them nervous and anxious to open the coffin. Demetri threw the lid of then, they looked into the casket and felt the tension as they saw the final piece to it all. The casket before them was empty, no body was present, no trace of anyone having ever been in the coffin. Marcus felt his heart jump in his throat then, he felt a sense of relief then, the joy of knowing she was still alive. The feeling passed when he remembered the scars, the damage done to her body. His rage shooting through his body as his face contorted into an expression of pure hatred, the energy coursing through his body until he was sure the energy was going to tear him apart. The crows landing on his shoulders one at a time, one landing and seeming to pull the energy from him, as another did the same, each one following the example until all seven had done the act. The energy swirled around him now, the parts that had pulled away acting like tendrils as they swayed and moved about him now. Demetri's eyes had gone pure white, the hurricane force wind gathering around him as well, the same thoughts that had passed through Marcus' mind had made it to Demetri's. Their powers crashed against one another multiple times, Marcus runes glowing with white hot intensity, they both had their minds set to the task. They left the graveyard behind their powers tearing up the land as they went back into the base, the tendrils of energy clinging to the walls and tearing sections away, Demetri's winds throwing the debris around. They didn't care for the damage they caused now, all that mattered was the fight that waited for them, the guards around the council meeting room. Marcus' tendrils slamming into a guard as Demetri blasted another away with a charge wind ball. No one was a challenge for them now, their rage a never ending fire that pushed their powers to the limit. They entered the council chambers with now issues, their powers still crashing into one another as they looked around the dimly lit room, a single white light in the middle and the shadowed faces of the council around them. They stood side by side now as they stared into the faces that were all to clear to them now. [b]"You will all die today, in this very chamber. Your execution will not be public."[/b] He heard a laugh then, Marcus facing looking toward the sound, seeing the Illusionist sitting high in his place. Marcus had dreamed of this moment, and now he was going to take it. [b]"I'll take a lot of pleasure in your death, Clyde."[/b] The old face held a smile on it, the laugh escaping his throat again. [b]"On the contrary, I don't think you will get that far. Bring my pet in."[/b] A door opened then, the light coming in as a figure walked in to the room. The slight noise of something metal could be heard, the figure became clearer until she stood before them now, the wind died down then. The tendrils vanished into oblivion as they felt their blood cool, their eyes wide as they focused on the figure before them. The runes stopped glowing, his body feeling tight as he held his gaze on the woman before him, her white hair bring momentary flashes of Anomander before he came across her face, seeing the marks he had left on her cheek so long ago. [b]"What did you do to her?"[/b] Demetri yelled, Clyde keeping his smile on his face. [b]"Do you like my new pet, she was particularly difficult to break, but she eventually did."[/b] Marcus growled then. [b]"You'll die slowly for this." "Oh really? Could you reach me though? If that meant killing her? Would you be so willing to avenge her if it meant you would have to spill her blood to spill mine."[/b] Marcus felt his plans, the idea of seeing this man die fall away as he saw Ali then. He conceded his defeat by reaming silent, his face plain but his eyes showing the pain. Neither man made a move at all. [b]"You see? Your to worried about saving a woman who's not even there any more. Killing her now would be a blessing to her, a parting gift as it were, but her physical appearance hinders you so much that you would welcome death if by her hands. What foolish men."[/b] Marcus didn't say anything, instead his mind was going through every spell he knew, every incantation he could utter. Every rune he had ever learned, his mind however, could find nothing to change the situation they were in. [b]"As a demonstration of how loyal she really is, should I give you a show?"[/b] The door opened again and another person was pushed in, a young woman, her hair tossed as both Marcus and Demetri saw the tears that lined her face. [b]"Confessor, take her. Kill her."[/b] Without hesitation Ali reached out and touched the girl, the pressure pressing outward as the girls eyes became dull, knelling before her they could hear her rasp of a voice. [b]"Master."[/b] Ali simply looked down at her, both men unsure of what was to come next when they heard the words pass her lips. [b]"Die."[/b] The girl collapsed then, her body limp as she simply died before them. Marcus felt his heart jump, the horror of it shocking him, what he saw next even more shocking. Her eyes flicked to them, he saw it then, the remorse, the sadness hear posture changing ever so slightly, showing the burden on her. What followed was the crack of a whip, the end digging into Ali's back as she simply flinched form the hit, no scream, the fact of that terrifying on its own. [b]"Who said you could feel remorse Confessor. Stand tall, be proud. You are a mighty weapon!"[/b] Ali obeyed, her body straight and tall again as she disappeared from sight again. Marcus felt a shiver pass through his body then, seeing what kind of punishment she was forced to endure. [b]"It seems my pet has done well so far, care for another one."[/b] Both men flinched then. [b]"No!"[/b] They said as one, not wanting to see another person die, or see Ali be forced to kill another person. Clyde let out a laugh then as he leaned forward in his chair. [b]"Interesting, well, I have a better idea. To show you how truly loyal she is, she will choose one of you to be taken. Who will it be?" "I'll do it."[/b] Marcus said as he stepped forward, heard the giants take one step before he whirled around and held up his hands to him. [b]"No Demetri. You can't do this."[/b] His face stern as he looked down at the marked man. [b]"Yes I can, I'm the Commandant." "What about Lily? Tank? They both need you. You have a family to take care of."[/b] Demetri gave him a hard look then. [b]"Neos is still your son Marcus."[/b] The Marked man shook his head then, his eyes locking with Demetris. [b]"Neos is your son, he only inherited my powers. I've already taught him so much, he doesn't need me for much longer."[/b] The giant was about to speak again when Marcus stopped him. [b]"Most of my family is dead, I spent a decade of my life dedicated to killing one person. I should of died the night I killed Sybille. I have nothing left Demetri." [/b]Marcus turned away then and took a step toward Ali. [b]"Marcus, you can't do this."[/b] The mystic smiled to himself then, speaking without looking t the giant. [b]"I already have. I gave up my long life, I let Anomander take it from me, she is all I have left. And now, I'm going to give her the rest."[/b] He stepped forward then, standing before her, she lifted her right hand, he reached down and took her left, the blue bandanna showing now as he calmly set her hand on his chest. He looked into her red eyes now, remembering everything they had before she wiped her mind, what life was like with he during their short time together. He let go of all his barriers now, not caring what slipped from his lips now. [b]"I love you Ali, I always will." [/b]He felt the pressure then, the thunder without noise, and he simply accepted it.[/size]

[size="1"]They twisted and turned through the tunnels, Coltaine having to hunch at some tunnels as they kept moving forward, he still held on to Miras hand at this point. Not willing to let go, still feeling the light kiss she had given him on his nose, it was a cute gesture. Not enough for him to really do anything with but get flustered by it. He remained behind with his spear at the ready; she was in front since she could maneuver her weapon easier in the confined spaces. Tactically it made sense for them to run in this formation, his reach was greater than hers and he could get go over her head or over her shoulder depending on the tunnel. [b] "I hate tunnels, I hate sand more now!"[/b] Coltaine yelled as they made another turn, he heard a laugh from in front of him. [b] "Well, we're going to be stuck here if we don't find a way out." "I know, these damn tunnels are like a maze though."[/b] Mira nodded as she kept looking forward, her head turning occasionally to peak around a tunnel before moving forward. [b] "Any ideas?"[/b] He said as he glanced behind them occasionally, not sure when the next attack would come. They had been ambushed a few times a this point and had barely avoided being burned alive the last attack, Mira had been able to gut the creature before it had expanded the blaze. The flames had licked his arm, it burned now, but Mira hadn't seen the damage and he wasn't about to let her know now, not until they made it out. Fortunately it had been his left arm that got burned, being stronger with his right he carried the spear, letting his left grasp her small hand. That was his only reassurance in this situation, having her still in front of him as he did his best to protect their backs. [b] "Do you have an idea where we are going?"[/b] She stopped as he kept his eyes open, she released his hand, feeling somewhat colder for it as he watched her touch the sides of the walls. He was doing his best to watch the tunnels but only could see so far before a bend or darkness covered it. He could hear fain scraping ,the occasional hiss or screech that mainly alerted him to their lurking presence. When the scraps sounded like they were getting closer he tightened his grip, his arm burning slightly as he kept looking from side to side, without warning she suddenly grabbed his hand and started pulling him down another passage way. He followed with no words, just holding on to her hand as best he could, the scraps fading as they turned this way and that until Mira slowed the pace and started to creep forward silently, she let go of his hand again and he followed her, she peaked around the corner and saw the collection of salamanders. Their tongues flicking out as they tasted the air, looking for their prey, she pulled away from the corner and looked back at him, taking cover again. [b] "That way down there is the way out." "But."[/b] Coltaine said as he waited for her to finish. [b] "But there are salamanders down there, looks like at least three or four of them."[/b] Coltaine held on to his spear tight now, and idea popping into his head as he looked to Mira now. [b] "Do you trust me?"[/b] She looked at him oddly, trying to see where he was getting at. She nodded at him. [b] "Alright, lets do this then."[/b] He snatched her and lifted her off the ground and he charged around the other, his spear held out. [b] "What are you doing?"[/b] She eclaimed as he kept running forward. [b] "Getting us out of here!" "You are insane!"[/b] He grinned then. [b] "Not the first time I've heard that. Hold on!"[/b] He crashed into the salamanders then, his momentum and weight being enough to tear through the first salamander and batter away the others as he kept his head low and his spear out. He could feel Mira curling up against him as he held on to her tightly, after pushing his way through the last salamander he kept going forward until he saw the light then, running harder until they finally made it out. He let Mira go as he caught his breath, she did the same. [b] "I can't believe that worked!"[/b] He let out a small laugh. [b] "Yeah, me either. Works great on a horse."[/b] Her eyes shot up at him in surprise. [b] "You didn't know if it was gonna work? You gambled with out lives!"[/b] He grinned at her then. [b] "Not much of a gamble now."[/b] She stared at him for a few moments before shaking her head. [b] "Like I said, you are insane!"[/b] She suddenly wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close. He felt his heart jumpy slightly, a smile on his face now. [b] "But thank the Fates you were there."[/b] She said with her face in his chest, he put his left arm around her then. [i]I could get use to this.[/i] He thought to himself as they stood their for several moments. The moment suddenly ended when he felt a white hot pain rake across his back, roaring with pain he yanked Mira away as the salamander tried to tear into them again. He came around with his spear, jabbing it forward, he was able to skewer through the salamander, it thrashed as Mira broke form his grasp and quickly came around with her blade, cutting through its neck, tearing through the muscle as its head rolled off. Coltaine pulling back his spear and using it for balance now as his back burned now. [b] "Oh by the fates, I knew this was too easy."[/b] He said as he twisted the shaft, the spear head disappearing as he supported himself as best he could, feeling the warm blood oozing down his back now.[/size]

[size="1"]After Mira had run off for Max, Coltaine stared down Destrus for a long while, the horse trying to play cute as he came up and nuzzled him softly. [b] "You know, I really hate you right now. You make me look really bad in front of her." [/b]He heard the mocking sound come from the horse again as he smacked him upside the ears again. [b] "It's not that blood easy alright? You know if I go up and tear a woman's clothes off I'll either get yelled at or she is far to eager."[/b] He snorted and shook his head. [b] "Ok, you beat me to the punch on that one ok? You could try ot help me out instead of trying to sucker all the attention for yourself!"[/b] He nipped at Coltaine lightly before nudging him with his head, putting his boots on and rising to his feet he stood just looking at the came as he felt Destrus nudge him from behind, pushing toward the camp. He looked back at him and saw the horse gesture toward the camp, seeing how the rain was letting up he mopped at his wet hair, feeling it already starting to dry out. He patted Destrus on the neck then. [b] "Fine, I get it, I'll try harder or something. I still think i'm too old for her."[/b] With that said they walked through the forest, re-securing Destrus to his saddle and his bridal, leading them out the broke camp and kept going. He had been curious about the scar, the size of it was shocking to see, he had felt an urge to go up and touch it, just to see the extent of the damage. He had a small laugh at that thought then, seeing how she could of just reached out and touched the ones all over him. [i]If only should touch EVERY scar. There you go again old man![/i] He sighed to himself again as he pushed away the thoughts, only finding that the brief imagine of her nude appeared in his mind and stood there. Every thought he tried to come up with could not beat that one, having seen a number of naked bodies before, he couldn't shake hers form from his mind. He caught a slight hint to that, seeing that his own mind was telling him that she was indeed something special. When he had asked about the scar, she told him the story, speaking of jealous neighbors, murderous raiders and how they had destroyed her home for a lie. He had felt his blood boil unexpectedly, felt his cold anger rise up in him as he could see that raider cutting her across her back, he felt a need then. He had an idea what he was doing when he got home, maybe showing a whole village what it felt like to have everything taken from you because of a lie. He shook himself then, his mind wandering to dark places that he didn't know he had, places that echoed with words and feelings he was use to. When she had locked with eyes with him, the look she gave him made him want to reach out and hold her hand then, her words about being distorted had brought a sadness to his thoughts he wasn't ready for either. If she was distorted, he was a mutant barely roaming around the world with one foot dragging behind him. He had been ready to say something more to her when she was suddenly lunged forward, his hand about you lunge out and grab her when he stopped himself. [b] "By all the fates Destrus, I finally feel the need to reach out to her and her damn horse takes her away! I swear you both are conspiring against me!"[/b] Destrus nipped at him and gave him a mean snort. [b] "Don't pull that with me, you've been playing the coward so you can snuggle up closer to her chest. The Fates know I wish I were born a horse at this point, I wouldn't have to try to figure out how to talk to a woman properly!"[/b] He let out a heavy sigh as he rubbed his face now, feeling the sun beat down on him they kept going until it started to dip below the horizon, setting up camp again as they got ready to settle in for the night. He didn't bother picketing Destrus since he always got out of it anyways, he set up his tent, taking only a few minutes before he went into the trees to start finding some wood, coming back with a decent enough pile as they started up a fire. He constantly found himself looking at Mira now, his mind racing with thoughts as he tried to figure out what he was going to do next about any of this. He had set his tent up next to hers, not sure what good it would do but hoped he could be that close for now, if her damn horse didn't tear down his tent in the night. [b] "I'll take first watch tonight, the rest of you get some sleep."[/b] He didn't receive any argument, each one retiring to their tents on their own as the night started to carry on, Coltaine simply stared into the fire for a long time. Tossing wood in as it was need and poking and moving wood around to make sure the fire still burned. Destrus had been keeping him company as moon slowly move din the sky. [b] "What do I do Destrus? I mean, being a war leader doesn't mean much out here. That is all i have known for a very long time. Any battle we fight we can win, that won't be an issue, but, emotions are starting to creep int my mind I'm not familiar with."[/b] He looked to Destrus now, seeing a big brown eye staring at him. [b] "The one time I actually need an answer from you and you are silent, I swear the fates Destrus, I'm going to butcher you in your....."[/b] He stopped when he suddenly hear rustling and then Mira popped out of her tent, hair tossed as she had a blanket wrapped round her. Walking over to the food pack she started to rummage through, his back was still turned when he spoke up. [b] "Mira? What are you doing up so........half dressed?"[/b] He said after he turned his head to look at her, he could see her legs from under the blanket and the thought of them around him made him shake himself. [b] "I'm not half dressed, just the blanket."[/b] His eyes were wide then before he spoke again. [b] "Well, what are you doing up?" "I'm hungry, I'm looking for something to eat now." "With only a blanket on?"[/b] She looked at him with her hair tossed to one said, the image before him inspiring worse thoughts in his brain. [b] "Yeah, don't complain I'm sure you are enjoying the view!"[/b] He had no argument then, the words he tried to say only coming out in a stammer. [b] "I-I uh, well, I uh can see. Well, that is........."[/b] He gave up then and reluctantly turned away, looking back at the fire. [i]If this was a time for your tricks Destrus, now would be the time.[/i] He prayed quietly in his head, hoping to end the night on a pleasant note for himself, he didn't even see the devilish smile on her face as she finally found something, sauntering back to her tent as he tried to relax again.[/size]

[size=2]The day of the funeral had been one of the hardest, the planning had taken weeks, the arrangements had been challenging as everything around the base tried to keep moving forward with their lives. Marcus was one of the only people who had stopped moving forward, he had done nothing with himself when it came to her funeral, he had stayed away from the team since then, seeing the occasional visit but never actively looking for anyone. Most of his movements were concealed, going from place to place with minimal contact, touching only what he needed and not caring for anyone he pushed into. Fortunately, he hardly saw another soul since he spent most of his time in his room, or Alis old room, no one dared try to move in to the quarters. It had become a routine at this point, go from one room to the next regularly. The funeral, however, had been enough to pull him out of his own self propelled misery, he had been the last one to arrive then, the rain cold on his flesh but it hardly mattered anymore, he was cold long before the rain. Standing as far back as he could manage, he stayed hidden from the rest of the eyes who simply stared at the casket, his eyes shifting to the people around. He could see the hulking form of Jason in his wolf form, laying on the ground and pocket did her best to comfort him. Seeing people he knew he didn't care as much as expected, he saw Gene and Sasa closer to the front, a little more difficult to make out but able to see that they were getting rather cozy with one another. He recalled the discussion he had with Pocket a month and half ago, he expected that had gone well enough, unable to feel hope for her as his own was dead and cold now. He listened intently to the eulogies, taking in the ones that were whole-hearted and then ones that were made last minute, hearing every stutter and every cry from the people. He held in his hand a simple piece of paper now, words written into the small scrap of all of his thoughts, all of the things that were swirling into him now that he was unable to express. The barrier and walls were fortified now, all of them only having a single crack so the feelings and emotions could only trickle out in sporadic moments that were almost crippling to him now. He held that paper firmly, wanting nothing more then to walk out there, stand on that podium and tell everyone what he was doing, let them all know how is suffering only grew daily. The need passed quickly then, seeing her casket lower into the ground, he saw the opportunity gone, ready to let the paper go. Holding out his hand he opened it wide, letting the wind carry it off as he turned away then. Walking away from it all as he made his way back into the compound, away from the people as quickly as possible he made his way into the training room then. Feeling the need to be somewhere other then his normal routine, all he did was stand there for a time, not sure how much time had passed, he was only vaguely aware when Demetri came in. His words muffled in his mind until he felt the hit, his body reacting out of reflex then, the runes glowing to protect his body when his mind no longer cared. The fight had been violent, from what he recalled, the room had been destroyed in the process, he remembered walking away from that fight barely alive and still his heart did not care. Now, he walked the halls of the HDF, heading to Ali's old room, taking detours here and there to extend his trip before he settled in again. He hardly saw anyone these days, people didn't venture out as far as he did for his absurd route now. His mind tried to wander, finding nothing to wander do that was interesting enough for him to worry about. His eyes, however, suddenly caught the sight of someone he hadn't seen before. Her hair was snow white, the look making his heart thump until he saw the brownish black tips, he relaxed a bit until he actually started to look the woman over more. He eyes were a deep red, almost blood red that shined dully in the light, her entire outfit consisted of black leather, he could hear her creak as she walked toward him now. He felt confused looking at her, her pale skin and her thin frame made him unsure about her, but the way she walked and moved made him think about someone he knew. Ali had walked the same way, the way her hips swayed ever so lightly brought that thought to his mind repeatedly as he tried to push it away. He kept walking until she was on his right, looking at her face closer now his eyes widened as he felt his heart thump to life now, feeling a sensation in his body as he saw the distinct marking son her face, looking like tear drops rolling down her face. He felt his chest burn again as he watched her walk away, his face showing the obvious shock as his mouth gaped open now. [b]"Ali?"[/b] He said to himself, seeing the woman disappear he went after her quickly, only to find she had disappeared from his sight, his chest still burning as he rubbed it gingerly now. His mind being flung into a whirlwind now, he felt like his footing was unsure as if the ground was trembling below him and about to open up and would finding himself falling into a dark abyss. He walked to his room then, forgetting all about his routine as his heart beat rapidly now, his mind racing now as he could feel everything trying to smash the barriers, he could almost hear the walls crumbling now as his body shook. He found himself running soon enough, not sure when he picked up his pace, his breathing heavy as he punched in his code to his room and entered before falling to the floor as he was looking around, breathing rapidly. He pulled his mind away then, needing answers as he felt his whole body coming to life again, the coldness leaving his body now and the grief hitting him like a hammer as he came into the shadow realm. Screaming as he felt his heart beating in his chest hard, he was on the ground in the swirling shadow as he gripped his chest now, groaning with the pain as he felt his powers course through his veins again. His cold behavior, his lack of caring and emotional break, had stunted his powers, had made him weaker then before. With everything coming back, his powers flooded him again. [b]"By all the gods this hurts!"[/b] He yelled as Shadowthrone and Exodus appeared, Shadowthrone poking him with the cane. [b]"Is he still alive, I know he is squirming, but could be just delayed reactions. His body is just catching up with his mind." "I'm not dead old man!"[/b] He grunted through clenched teeth, the pain lasting several minutes before subsiding enough for his body to relax, catching his breath again as the sweat clung to him now. He sat up now, looking down for a few moments before looking up at the two faces. [b]"That was very unpleasant."[/b] He rubbed his face as he let out a deep breath, feeling for the first time awake now. Feeling as if he was one with his own body again, as if everything was back to normal then. [b]"Well, he seems better now. I think we can actually talk to him now."[/b] His eyes were bright now, seeing them both with clarity he hadn't had for awhile. Standing shakily he rolled his shoulders. [b]"Please, someone explain to me how there is another woman walking around with the same mark as Ali did? I have never put that more on anyone else." [/b]Shadowthrone whacked him with the cane then. [b]"There is your answer my boy!"[/b] Marcus shook his head then. [b]"She's dead Grandfather, I saw it with my own eyes."[/b] He shrugged at him, Exodus speaking up then. [b]"Marcus, you need to know something. Ali, she is a Confessor."[/b] Marcus gave him a curious look. [b]"I've heard that word before, what are Confessors?" "They are people, very few people, who can take someone with their power. They can wipe away their humanity with a touch, they become their slaves."[/b] Marcus listened intently. [b]"It won't effect me, most powers don't."[/b] Exodus shook his head at him. [b]"You don't understand. It doesn't take take over your mind, it over rides it. With love." "Wait, what? With love? You can't be serious."[/b] Exodus' face showed how serious he truly was, no smile on hi face, Shadowthrone sharing the expression. [b]"Love is a powerful thing Marcus, look what it did to you. Her power, turns even the most infinitesimal spark of love, and wipes your mind away with it. You become hers forever if she touches you."[/b] Marcus could see it now, all the time she had used it and how the men had acted when they had been touched. He was shaken then, feeling it rush him now, the feeling of knowing it was her. [b]"She is alive! But, it's not possible, Clyde...."[/b] His words stopped then, a growl erupting from his throat then. [b]"I knew it! I knew that bastard did something!" "You didn't know anything boy! You need to make sure for yourself, but, don't do this alone. You will need help."[/b] Marcus understood then, knowing he would need to talk to someone in particular, he was about to pull himself free when he felt his chest burn again. The crows on his chest flaring to life, roaring in pain he clenched his fists as he felt them appear. The winged forms coming to life around him, seven in total flying around him now, their black feathers glinting in the unknown light. They didn't make a single sound, quiet until they finished their circling then, coming down and landing on translucent branches that appeared at their command. He could hear them now, speaking as one to him. [i][b]"Find her Marked one. We will help you."[/b][/i] His eyes snapped open then in his room as he looked around now, seeing the ethereal forms of the crows crowding his room now, all looking at him from varying distances with their beady eyes. They spoke again now, the voice echoing in his head. [i][b]"Find the Wind Wizard. You are both needed for this task."[/b][/i] He rose from his place on the ground, leaving his quarters with the crows in tow, amazed to seem them having manifested themselves, still not sure if his mind had truly broken, he did the only thing he could think. He went looking for Demetri.[/size]

[size="1"]Coltaine tried to relax then, letting his feet rest in the warm water, he hadn't been ready for when Mira had touched a scar on his arm. He wasn't about to lie then, he didn't mind it he was just surprised, his body reacting when he pulled away from her touch. Not many people showed interest in scars, he had heard the old line of 'woman like scars', but that was only half true, the real appeal came from when they heard the story. Most men who had scars obtained them through mundane tasks, when they were on their farms, or just roaming around their won home. Coltaine had very few scars that actually came from that life style, most were from his childhood of playing with his brothers, the rest, the ones that crowded his body were from every battle he had to face. He didn't think about them anymore, they were part him now and each one had it's own story, he would be able to keep her entertained, at least he hoped so. [b] "Well, I'll start with the scar you just touched then. I remember that story clear enough." [/b]She looked up at him, slight wonder in her eyes. [b] "You actually remember where this scar came from?"[/b] He nodded then. [b] "I remember every scar, memory is key when winning battles." [/b]She looked up at him intently now, her attention focused on him fully, he could see the wonder in her eyes and longed for those days again. [b] "It was winter, I remember frigid winds that season. We had been marching for days at this point, six out of ten clans were with me then. We had been marching to go and negotiate with the seventh, casualties had made it impractical to fight them anymore. My people are all horse warriors, but we all had out places in that system. The clan we were meeting bread exceptional cattle dogs, they had a dual purpose of war dogs as well, they were valuable in that respect."[/b] He paused then, letting the memory take over then. [b] "What happened? That sounds pretty uneventful."[/b] He nodded at her as he looked into her eyes now, her blue ones making him want to shiver as the memory was pushed to the way side briefly. [b] "It was, unfortunately that ended abruptly. We had to take refuge in the near by wilderness, we were about to set up camp when we heard them."[/b] Coltaine felt his anger start to rise then. [b] "Heard who Coltaine?[/b]" Her speaking his name made him shiver then, hoping she would take it for the cold weather. [b] "It was an empire battalion, they had apparently made a bargain with one of the other clans. Determined to wipe me out, they made a deal with Empress Lassen. She wants our lands, they are rich for plowing and planting and could feed a lot of people." "That doesn't sound like a terrible idea, people need food." "They do, but without those open plains the horses can't roam free. If she plows our fields, my people die, no more horses means no more trade for us. Our cattle dogs become useless and my people die out, I believe we have the right to keep living."[/b] He saw Mira try to look away then, his eyes trying to stay focused on her face as he felt a heat rise in his face, remembering that she was still naked before him as she listened to him talk. He cleared his throat then, she looked back at him. [b] "I'm sorry, I didn't think about that."[/b] He gave her a small smile. [b] "It's alright, not many people do. You only have to when you are in my position. Anyways, we were ambushed in the wilderness, they went fro our pride that day. They had crossbows, using them to either target officers or our horses themselves. Almost lost Destrus to that fight, thankfully he was a quick one then, they skimmed me with a bolt or two, the scar you touched was actually one that almost killed me. I had deflected it enough to throw it off its trajectory, but it still cut into me. One of my brothers though, Tarek, he hadn't be so lucky, he took three to the chest before we even knew what happened that day. After that, I had my light cavarly mow through the trees, we pincered them."[/b] She looked at him momentarily confused. [b] "Pincered them?" "Forgive me, think of it as a crabs claw. How it is open end then suddenly snaps shut from both sides, we did that to them, my light cavalry coming around from their flank, pushing them in one direction we brought them into another direction, crushing them in mere moments."[/b] He felt her soft hand on his now, feeling his eyes widened slightly at her touch. [b] "I'm sorry you lost a brother, I can only imagine what that was like." [/b]He half shrugged, remembering the pain of it. [b] "It's the life we lead, death just follows."[/b] She had a sad loon on her face now, Coltaine felt uneasy as he tried to think of something to lift the expression. [b] "Sorry to break your relaxing bath, war has never been something I talk about with people, its far less romantic then it seems."[/b] He heard hoof beats then and turned to see Destrus looking at him. [b] "Oh by all the fates, you followed me all the way out here?"[/b] He heard a giggle then from Mira, she was subconsciously touching a scar on his hand now as he looked at his mount. Not sure what to do next he stared at his horse, glad that Destrus had happen to break the sullen feeling of his story.[/size]

[size="1"]Coltaine had a small laugh when he saw Mira stalk off into the woods, he watched her then, seeing how her hips swayed and how her body moved. He physically smacked himself this time, trying to divert his eyes but finding he was failing yet again. [b] "I swear to the Fates I'm going to lose my mind. All I'm doing now is looking at her, its been one bloody day!"[/b] He saw her walk to the horses, seeing immediately that Destrus was moving forward, coming up and nuzzling Miras chest again, playing the coward of it all. He waited for her to move away, going to deal with her mount and groom him down, Coltaine moving quick enough as he snatched up Destrus' reigns and pulled him away then. [b] "Seriously Destrus? By all the Fates, I don't understand why you have decided now to do this."[/b] His horse nickered and bumped in with his head now. Coltaine pushed it away then. [b] "Relax, there is nothing I can do about her at this point. I'm too old Destrus, she needs someone a lot younger then myself."[/b] Destrus shook his head then, letting out a snort at the same time. [b]"Don't give me that, i'm not to serious. Besides, it's kept you alive hasn't it?[/b]" He nickered at him as Destrus turned hi head away then, Coltaine shaking his head as he removed the bridal and saddle, pulling out his brush from the side saddle he had and started working on Destus, taking his time as he groomed the horse down, giving him a treat to keep him relaxed as he would pat him down to get the dust off. His eyes wandered to Mira several times, seeing her groom Max as well, Destus pushing into him with his body. [b] "Destus, cut it out. I swear to the fates I will eat you first on this trip!"[/b] He nipped at him then, he smacked him upside the ear then as scowl on his face. [b] "I can look wherever I want alright? Can you really blame me for looking at her? I think i've earned that right after so many years."[/b] He could see Destus concede defeat at that point, agreeing with a shake of his head. Coltaine kept grooming, thinking about her question, unsure of what he would say to her for stories, most of them were about some conquest or another. He watched as she threw her brush at Max then, laughing softly as he saw her storm off and grabbed her back, watching her disappear into the woods then. [b] "Could I tell her about the woman? No that is just stupid, you don't tell another woman about women you've taken. And I can't tell her about all the battles, by all the fates, my life is about war and sex!"[/b] He heard Destus nicker at him, as if laughing, he smacked the horse again. [b] "You shut you Destus, I swear I am going to kill you. If not out of rage, out of jealously. Did I just say that out loud?"[/b] Destus bobbed his head up and down with a nickering laugh, Coltaine tossed the brush back into the saddle bag as he started walking away. [b] "You are insufferable right now Destus, I'm going for a walk."[/b] He walked slowly now into the forest, feeling the light sprinkle of the last bit of ain on his skin. The feeling was familiar and reminded him so much of his childhood, when the rain would come to the plains and he and his brothers would wrestle in the mud, coming home grimy and soaked. He was usually the last to get a bath, since he was the hardest to get a hold of, he liked the feeling of mud on him then. He had different tastes now, mud was still part of his life but now it ended up caking his boots, he had left his cape in his tent, not feeling the need to wear it now. He wondered for only a little bit, letting his mind just skip from memory to memory until he heard water then, he could feel the heat that radiated off the water and walked towards it, he didn't expect anything, just a place to relax, his eyes were suddenly met with a naked form and he swiftly turned away as he heard a splash then. [b] "By all the fates, forgive me Mira, I didn't know you were out here!"[/b] He waited as thought circulated through his mind now, trying to keep his composure as he half hoped she would tell him to leave and half hoped she would ask him to stay.[/size]

[size="1"]Coltaine held his reigns loosely in his hands, hardly even using them to direct Destrus as he barely used hi feet to keep him going forward. The cut on his arm had been taken care of, only a slight pink mark was left behind, every other wound had been superficial, his skin seeming to be harder then it was before. He didn't know what that meant, and that old woman's words were circling in his head now, how she spoke of how he had to let go. He didn't understand, everything he was came from his calm and collected mind, he couldn't really afford to let go, to let everything run free. He let his thoughts run free when he wasn't in battle, as he had noticed with Mira now. He tried his best to reign in his thoughts, but he wasn't use to having to censor his mind, being a war leader gave him the privilege of being however he wanted. He always chose to go down the route of calm and relaxed, of calculating every move before it was made. He let his mind calm before speaking, relaxing again in his saddle. [b] "I think we can do it, as long as we fight one dragon at a time. We just need to keep our heads level." "Are a very serious person aren't you?"[/b] He looked over at her now, his thoughts going wild again as he recalled very clearly what her own horse had done to her up in the mountains. He didn't blush, all he felt a was a heat rise up, would of made him shiver if he didn't have better control. Seeing her legs that exposed made him remember many nights of his youth, rolling in the blankets with some young girl at the time. He hadn't done much of that in his later years, not many worth the effort and some were far to eager for him at this point, most expected a man of his age to be overly experienced. The thought crossed his mind again, her legs popping up in his brain again as the image of them wrapped around him, he had to physically shake himself, trying to under stand what was wrong with his head. Bringing himself back to the conversation. [b] "I suppose I am, haven't had much choice through out my life." [/b]He heard her snicker a bit. [b] "Hard to believe, you seem pretty well off." "I've had to fight for my way for my place in the world, fought more wars then I care to and have had to kill more people then I've liked."[/b] He saw her eyes widened slightly. [b] "What wars? There haven't been that many." "Clan wars, takes time to bring them all together. They all cooperate now, but we are still threatened by outside forces, defend ourselves constantly, been too many wars for my appreciation." [/b]He looked to her then, seeing her rather surprised face, his all to serious. [b] "How about you? What was your life like? and do you think we can do this?"[/b] He said with a single brow raised, his eyes focused on her as his his mind tried to wander again. Squashing the thought before it went any further.[/size]

[size="1"]Battle was where he excelled, staying calm and collected had won him every battle he had ever fought, ever war waged had been victorious just because he stayed relaxed. He was like Mira here, or Ahara, he wasn't over flexible, wasn't extremely dexterous to be able to dodge and avoid every move. He was,however, almost immovable, his endurance was what kept him alive the most, on his horse he could bob and weave through any predicament and make it out of the fray with minimal issues. He couldn't mount his horse here, not in this confined cave, he could see the blood on her arm, he had taken a few scratches here and there and didn't feel the pain anymore. He had brought out the spear head on his staff, the weight of the staff had been enough to crush skulls and break rib cages. He was able to swing his staff easily and able to take out several creatures at once, he disliked Goblins greatly, having only seen small forces out on the plains they had killed them by just running them over, never having seen them in this great of numbers before. He lashed out with his spear head, having strength on his side he was able to hit his targets with such force that it shatters their bones even as the tip sliced through their frail bodies. He stayed even then, his breathing calm, his hands calm as every move was sure. He had used the split head to twist weapons from grubby, clawed hands. He heard the screeches and the growls from their faces, he felt claws scrap his flesh, teeth trying to tear chunks out of his body before he killed the creatures. The Goblin King was the biggest challenge, his size and demeanor was enough to make the small creatures fight harder, they did what they could to bring him down. His skin was like boiled leather, tough to penetrate and most hits skipped off, a few bounced send reverberations through their bodies. Coltaine was able to get a few hits in, small punctures here and there, his strength enough to cause some damage but not enough to make the creature yield to them. They started to get backed up now, being pushed back as Mira killed a creature on his flank, her swift movements making up for his slower more deliberate hits. His mind was only focused on staying alive, he heard the horses neigh before briefly glancing over to see Destrus crushing the skull of a goblin as he reared up and kicked out with his forelegs. Coming down with a bone shattering force, he kicked and bucked furiously, biting any who got too close, he could see they would be overwhelmed soon. He had felt the power in his chest then, a steady energy pushing into his system, he tried to touch it by force, but found it only fled from him when he tried to force it. He soon gave up trying to grab hold of it as he felt a blade cut across his skin then, grabbing the goblin then as he swung him around and letting him go to smash into his brothers. His berthing was getting heavier, doing his best to remain calm he looked for a way out, only to see that their real means of escape was blocked by the horde of them. He let his instincts take over then, knowing that he could rely on them in his hour of need, he turned swiftly then, looking at the wall they were coming up to he let his spear lunge out then. He felt it then, the power coursing through him as it used him as conduit, his thrust at the solid wall suddenly causing it to part, creating a passage for them to escape through. He felt the shock and awe in his own mind, shaking himself he knew they had their means of getting out and very little time left. [b] "We need to leave now!"[/b] Wading through the goblins he grabbed Destrus by his reigns then, pulling the more then willing horse, Mira followed easily as Ahara and Senga pulled up the rear. [b] "Come on you perv, we need to run to win this fight."[/b] The horse snorted at him as it picked up the pace, his spear still firmly in his hand as he kept running forward. The opening twisted and turned unexpectedly several times, he grunted with having to make those turns, his horse neighing at him angrily as they turned. [b] "Shut up, I know alright!" "How much farther? They are catching up!" "I don't know, just keep moving!"[/b] He shouted back to them as they turned once more. He was amazed at how long this passage way was, he didn't think he had been that strong, but then again, he did have a lot of help. He almost felt like the passage way was opening up as he needed it, he didn't understand but he wasn't about to question it if they got out of this alive. After yet another twist he saw a light, picking up the pace finally as they emerged from the passage way into the blinding sun, Coltaine rushing out as far as he could to give the other room. He found the cool air refreshing, Destrus snorting as it regained its own breath, its flanks lathered in sweat. The others breathing hard as well, the passage way closing suddenly behind them, making a couple of them jump with weapons ready. Coltaine rolled his shoulders as he twisted his staff, the head disappearing again, he finally relaxed enough now. [b] "That was close."[/b] Mira spoke up then. [b] "Yeah it was, I pray to the Fates that they don't find us again."[/b] Coltaine patted Destrus on the neck as he nodded his agreement. [b] "I'm not to worried about that, more creatures to kill."[/b] He heard Senga say, Ahara didn't say much as he simply sheathed his blades, taking a seat on a near by rock and crossing his arms. Coltaine turned back to his horse then, seeing Mira before looking at his mount, whispering into one of his long ears. [b] "I swear to the fates, you pull something like that again Destrus I'll put the spurs back on."[/b] The horses shook its head at him, trying to nip at him. He held up one hand at him, pointing at the horse. [b] "Don't try that with me, I saw what you did."[/b] [i] Fates only know I wish I could do that. Wait, what am I thinking?[/i] He put his face in his palm again, groaning to himself. [b] "The fates really are testing me on this one. This is gonna be a long trip." [/b]He said quietly to himself, hoping nothing carried his words.[/size]

[size="1"]He saw the light appear when she touched the wall, the glow giving him a slight chill as he watched the gem suddenly fuse with her. Seeing how it had just took over and became part of her disturbed him slightly, almost as much as seeing the man just decapitate another in cold blood. He wasn't fond of the the formalization going on with an empire no rising, his people were safe so far, being the most skilled Horse warriors gave them the advantage they needed out on the plains. He drew closer to Mira then, trying to see the extent of the fusion to her skin. He reached out casually, pulling back suddenly when he saw her mount snap at him, trying to take his hand off, he growled lightly at the horse, knowing well how some horses got when it came to their riders. [b] "Try to take my hand off, you'll have to do better then that. Destrus, get him!" [/b]His mount blinking lazily at him, giving him a look before going back to what he was doing. Coltaine sighed then, reaching out again as he watched the Mira's horse starting to lean in and get him again, he held up his other hand now. [b] "Don't try it again, I mean it."[/b] Max still creeping closer until Mira put her hand on his face, Coltaine finally getting the chance to inspect her now attachment, looking at how it didn't just fuse with her skin, it had become part of her now. He touched the edges gently, seeing if there was any sort of scarring or burns that came with it, finding that it was perfectly fine, no damage to her skin at all. And now, he could feel the smoothness of it, being this close he could see suppleness. He shook himself mentally as he let her hand go. The thoughts trying to break through his barriers. [b] "Your hand is fine, I'm surprised to see no damage."[/b] She smiled up at him, the thoughts trying to creep in again. [i] Oh, the fates are pulling at me now. Good thing I'm too old.[/i] He rose from where he knelled beside her now, standing before the wall as well he felt hesitant to touch it, not sure what was going to happen. He reached out as he steeled himself, touching his hand against the wall he saw a light come to life, the earth tone light shooting through the wall, ready to feel the burn of the stone on him, noting came. The gem glowed as he touched the wall, the light getting brighter and brighter, Coltaine had to shield his eyes before he felt an intense burn in his chest, then suddenly fading. He gripped the knife before yanking it out, finding the gem gone, he touched his chest and felt the stone now, the smooth surface followed his skin perfectly. He felt weak now, his strength almost gone as he remained standing. [b] "By the fates, that hurt more then I ever expected!"[/b] He heard nicker from Max then, giving the horse a glare before looking to his own mount. [b] "Are you just gonna let him laugh at me Destrus?"[/b] The horse acknowledged his words, looking at him again with a lack of an expression in his eyes. Coltaine placed his face in his palm. [b] "I should of left you out side, you barely fit through the damn door!"[/b] Destrus snorted at him then, Coltaine looking up as he caught the eyes of the wind user. The coldness of them showing his lack of interest, he could also see the thoughts of him maybe traveling with an insane man as he talked to his horse like another human. Coltaine moved to his mount then, whispering in his ear now. [b] "You know, you make me look insane alright? Yelling at my horse, the Fates take me now." [/b]The horse drew back its lips in a smile, Marcus gave him a smack against his head, Destrus shaking his head at him, hitting him with his head now. Coltaine grumbled to himself as he patted his mount now. [b] "You're lucky I still need you, or so help me!"[/b] Destrus giving him another hit with his head.[/size]

[size=2]He wasn't sure how long he sat in the darkness, his mind having wondered as he thought about what he was going to do, what his next move was. It all came to the same thing, his untimely death before he got anywhere, he knew he would be struck down before he could even get close to Clyde. After sitting here for a long while, he was slowly coming around, his heart was still numb, cold and indifferent, but he was starting to see that his rage was unjust. But, there wasn't much else he could do except see that man as his enemy now, he could see his face now as it tried to tear everything away from him. It took on an almost cartoonish feel, the old man cackling as he rubbed his hands together in a maniacal fashion. It was almost ridiculous now to him, but he couldn't stop feeling the burn deep down towards him. [b]"Someone will pay, someone has to pay." [/b]He said to himself, the darkness slowly fading as the sun was penetrating the windows. He wasn't sure how long he had been simply sitting on the couch, he hadn't moved once from his place. He didn't care to at this point, his mind to racked with phantom pain that radiated from his chest. He would occasionally rub it softly, simply dismissing the pain as nothing more then his own imagination. He heard a sound at the door now, someone knocking, he didn't say anything as he simply waved a hand and the door slid open. His lack of concern was seen now in his use of his powers, before he was more cautious, always worried about the corruption his power could caused if used so nonchalantly. The power had nothing to corrupt anymore, anything that he had worth taking was already gone, there was nothing left anymore he valued. The person who stepped through the door surprised Marcus a little bit, but then again, he had been seeing her more often then most people. Pocket walked through, seeming rather timid when she saw the look in Marcus eyes, how dull they were now, much life he had lost. [b]"Calypso, interesting to see you here."[/b] She nodded at him. [b]"I know, but I need to talk to someone."[/b] Marcus gestured for her to sit across from him now, she took her seat and seemed to be wringing her fingers together nervously. He hardly acknowledge the nervous look, simply waiting for her to speak. She did after a few moments, if rather hesitantly. [b]"First off Marcus, I just wanted you to know that I am sorry." "For what?"[/b] She seemed to choke on the words as she tried to speak again, eventually finding her voice. [b]"For what the council did, to Ali."[/b] Marcus felt his heart then, an iciness piercing it now. He kept his face blank as he spoke again. [b]"Nothing can be done now. What is it you needed Calypso?"[/b] He said coldly, not really caring how he came off at this point. She cleared her throat again as she began. [b]"I wanted to talk to you.... about Jason."[/b] Marcus raised and eyebrow then, almost curious to where this was going and then losing interest. [b]"What about him?"[/b] He saw her fidget then, seeing the nervous twitch kicking in. [b]"Well, I uh, want to tell him.... about something important."[/b] He could see it now, her nervousness, but he also saw as her cheeks reddened then, blushing at her own private thoughts. He felt the ice start to melt slightly, the blushing face reminding him of the times he had seen Ali blush before. He learned forward now, trying to show interest even when he didn't feel it. [b]"Ah, I see. You want to tell him about, what you're feeling." [/b]She nodded then, seeing that he clearly understood what she was trying to say. [b]"I don't know if it is the right time, he is so distraught and I feel like it's too soon." "Trust me on this Calypso, its never too soon. This will be the most opportune moment to tell him, he needs someone, especially since his sister is gone."[/b] She rose and walked over to sit beside Marcus, he looked at her calmly as she suddenly lunged out and wrapped her arms around his middle, hugging him tightly now. [b]"Thank you Marcus, I'm glad you were here to help."[/b] Marcus remained still for a few moments before he put an around her, simply putting around her as a reflex rather then a genuine show of affection. She quickly rose and skipped off happily, he saw the joy of her budding affection for the werewolf, Marcus was sure he was wallowing in his own sadness now. His heart still cold, Pocket's few moments with him had been eye opening, only enough for him to see how far he was falling, and to show how little he cared about it. He heard something then, something faint echo in his mind. [i][b]'Commander......Marcus.'[/b][/i] He thought he knew the voice, his eyes widening slightly as he registered the words. His feelings trying to rise as he pushed them away, his mind was trying to trick him. Trying to bring him out of his downward spiral, he ignored the whispers, just as he ignored the ghosts that tried to swarm him now, the faces that haunted him now. He tried to push it all away, he rubbed his chest again, feeling the pain again, the crows glowed for just a second before fading, he never noticed.[/size]

[size=2]They held on to Jason as long as they could, their own bodies hardly having the will to hold him up. Marcus barely had any strength at this point, his heart was destroyed and his mind was trying to pull away as he felt his body going numb. Jason soon lost the strength as he slumped down, Pocket was there then, cradling his head as the wolf howled and wept. Marcus didn't know what to do as he slumped heavily and hit his back against the wall, hanging his head as he felt the tears rolling down his face, his arms and legs felt heavy, his mind screaming at him, her lifeless body laying on the ground. He didn't want to move, didn't want to rise ever again, everything that he had ambitions for, every plan he had ever created and laid out didn't matter anymore. [b]"Marcus, we need to go."[/b] He felt a hand on his arm then, he pushed it away then. The motion almost lazy as he stay sitting, he didn't care what they wanted, he didn't care about anything, he just wanted to stay there now. He barely heard the patter of feet as Neos appeared, he came running up as he wrapped his arms around the mystic, Marcus didn't even acknowledge his existence, even when he was crying and talking to him a mile a minute. [b]"Daddy, don't go, don't go! Please, mommy wouldn't want that!"[/b] Marcus didn't move, just sitting there still, Demetri pulling Neos away as he still cried, reaching out the mystic briefly before wrapping his arms around Demetri now, crying into his shoulder, his word muffled a she spoke. [b]"Don't let him go daddy!"[/b] Demetri thought he understood as he saw a look on Marcus face as the mystic lifted his head now, the back of his resting on the wall. The look he had seen before when they first met him, seeing how closed off he was, how every door that happened been opened was now just gone. His eyes almost lifeless as they showed a dull sheen now, his whole body seemed slack. He started to rise slowly, Demetri reaching out to help him, he batted the hand away as he found his footing. [b]"Don't touch me, just stay away from me."[/b] He said harshly, his voice sounding gravelly now as he supported himself on the wall with one hand. Demetri tried to keep his composure then, speaking sternly now. [b]"We need to start planning her funeral.[/b]" Marcus looked at him with his dead eyes. [b]"You do it, I want no part of it."[/b] Demetri growled then. [b]"God dammit Marcus, you can't just walk away."[/b] Marcus' body tensed with his rage breaking through, his mind no longer able to control his outburst. [b]"Yes I can. When the high council decided they could execute her for committing a just act. When they could let that pompous fool decided that she can be killed just like that, without a proper trial, no witnesses, no evidence of past crimes!"[/b] Demetri reached forward and tried to calm him, Marcus taking a step back out of his reach. [b]"I said don't touch me."[/b] He turned away then, walking down the hallway then, his mind didn't function now, he just walked until he came to his room. Walking through the doorway he felt numb still, his mind blank as he just stood their in the dark now, all of his happiness, fear, joy, love and sadness were gone. He didn't care anymore, everything that he wanted was dead now, thinking back on his life now, he could see it now. His whole family, save for his mother, was dead, he had spent ten years of his life looking for vengeance against his apprentice, he had secluded himself from the world and fought it every step of the way. His mind clicked then, seeing what he needed to hold on, seeing that with this one thing he could find what he desired most and still meet his end. He wanted vengeance now, and the source had a face now, a silent smugness that mad Marcus want to rage, wanted to make his anger rise to the surface. Nothing came now, it was just cold indifference to the face, to what he wanted. That face was clear to him now, it was like he could reach out and strangle him. He was suddenly ripped from his body, the world swirling into darkness and shadow as he just stood there now, not feeling anything as the shapes formed before him, three of them, something he had never seen before. [b]"What do you want?"[/b] He said in a dead tone, his voice having lost any sort of inflection now, his arms hanging limply at his sides as he simply stared at the three. [b]"Marcus my boy, you need to come out of this. This isn't the end." "Yes it is."[/b] He retorted immediately. [b]"Son, you can't let this take you. Anomander is still out there, he's still looking for you all." "He's right there Marcus, you can't just give up, you have to keep moving forward." "No, I don't. There is no reason to anymore."[/b] His tone still flat, he could see the pain in the eyes before him, seeing him having given up so utterly. He heard Shadowthrone screech at him then. [b]"Don't be an idiot! She would have never wanted this! You can't blame yourself for this!"[/b] Marcus looked directly at Ammanas then. [b]"I don't blame myself, I blame the council. I blame Clyde for her death."[/b] Cotillion moved forward then, standing only a foot away. [b]"Marcus, you can't be serious." "I am, he'll die like she did. He'll meet his end swiftly, even if it is the end of me."[/b] Exodus spoke up then. [b]"You don't have a cause Marcus, this is senseless. You have nothing to support your need for revenge!"[/b] He stared off then, his memories playing now, every one of her face, the smiles and the laughter he kept in his mind. Every time they had made love and every time they would just lay there as she traced his runes on his body, the sweet smile she gave him. In his mind, his heart was dead, there were no more tears ready to shed for her passing, she had earned the right to his rage, to his unforgiving wrath. [b]"I have all the support I need. Stay out of my way, I'll be joining you soon enough."[/b] He pulled himself back to his body, still standing in the darkness as he looked around. He soon went and sat down on the couch, leaning back as he simply stared into the darkness, his mind only focused on one thing now, the council mans face burned into his thoughts now.[/size]