Darth Vectis

[size=2]His eyes slowly started to open, unsure of where he was or what was going on. He felt different now, he felt warmer and lighter, he still felt the exhaustion seeping into his body but he felt comfortable now. He felt himself shift slightly as he felt something gliding across his skin, the familiar sensation making a small smile crease his face as his eyes opened wider. He heard his name spoke, the voice pushed its way past all of his grogginess and sore muscles, he finally opened them all the way, blinking to clear his vision he saw a face he wasn't sure could be really there. [b]"I'm dead aren't I?"[/b] He said with a small smile on his face, his comment suddenly meet with a punch to his chest, the hit more painful then expected with his sore muscles. His body reacting as he groaned briefly, rubbing the spot before talking again. [b]"I guess I can rule out dead and dreaming."[/b] Ali laughed as she shook her head at him, her hand going back to her routine of following the paths down his runes. The sensation was soothing as she kept her pace steady and even, Marcus started to let his mind drift, the realization of who was with him and what she was doing sparked a thought in his head. He searched his mind for the barrier, finding it not longer existed, every trace of the wall he put up for his feelings was just gone. He then tried to rise, moving only a quarter of an inch caused his muscle to spasm and grunt in pain, he felt Ali's hand on his forehead now, gently pushing him back down. [b]"Don't get up! I swear, sometimes you are so impatient."[/b] He let a soft laugh escape. [b]"Only on somethings. I guess I don't mind resting here."[/b] His eyes looked up at her now, keeping his gaze focused on her he had to hold back his grin to her. He knew she wasn't his, even thought he wanted her more then anything, he knew the choice she had made, the thought crossed his mind of them never leaving this place. He wanted to keep her here and stay here with her forever, bit this wasn't their world, this was a place merely for their minds to meet to escape from the worst of their bodily harm. He breathed slowly, his sides sore from every breath. He turned his head ever so slightly and saw his grandfather standing there, a knowing smile on his face. Marcus rolled his eyes. [b]"I'm in hell, I knew I was dead."[/b] Ali hitting him again, gentler this time with an opened hand, his body lurching and causing another muscle spasm. [b]"She's got quite the hit doesn't she my boy." [/b]Marcus coughed before clearing his through, the memories of her hitting him before he would wrestle with her, the memories still rolling through his head as they started to play across the darkness. He stopped them quickly, Ali seeing a few of them laughing together. He rose again, this time much slower, Ali's hands falling away from him, he immediately regretted sitting up now as he looked to his grandfather then to Ali as he spoke. [b]"Can someone explain to me why my face hurts, I feel like I hit a wall with it." "Well, your face must have hurt before, I mean someone hit you in the face right?"[/b] Marcus let out a sigh as he rubbed his tender face. [b]"Ammanas, you really push my buttons. Just answer me already."[/b] Ali spoke up after. [b]"You passed out when you found us, fell flat on your face. I thought you might have broken your nose."[/b] He reached up and touched his nose gently, not sure if it was broken, probing it softly before he was satisfied it wasn't broken at all. He sighed with relief before speaking again. [b]"It's not broken thankfully, now, why are you here Ali? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to see you alright, but how did you get here?" [/b]Shadowthrone cleared his throat then. [b]"I'll answer that my boy, she comes her instinctively when her body is in danger. Thanks you to and the boy, this world is imprinted on her mind, she's part of it now."[/b] Marcus looked at her with wide eyes, he hadn't expected this, he also had no experience in this area, never having brought anyone here who couldn't come here on their own. He stretched his muscles as best he could, finding his motion limited by the stiffness. He heard Shadowthrone giggle. [b]"Whats so funny old man?"[/b] He held his hands up innocently enough. Marcus taking the gesture and knowing he knew something more. [b]"Tell it Ammanas, I'll find out eventually."[/b] He stroked his beard, his face almost comical in its thinking process. [b]"Tell me Marcus, do you feel different? Did you see a white light while you slept?"[/b] Marcus let his thoughts flow back, seeing the white light he recalled the intensity of it. Suddenly hit with Ali's memories he felt his heart beat rabidly, the emotions fresh and intoxicating. His breathing started to quicken before he got i back under control, his hand wandering to his chest as he felt that warmth in his soul again, Ali's hands had made that clear at just her touch. [b]"I do, why is that relevant?" [/b]The smile on the old mans face starting to irritate Marcus. [b]"Because our dear Empath here gave you a very interesting mouth to mouth resuscitation. I must admit, it was very intense I had to fan myself off from the heat! Gave me a shivers after."[/b] Marcus felt his heart stop, his breath catching in his throat as he tried to make sense of it all. He could feel the emotions creeping in again, pushing them away made them fight him harder, a kiss was all that he had desired from her, to be able to show her his love again. He tried to stand but his legs gave out and he stumbled back until he was laying next to where Ali was sitting. He remained there, as he let his thoughts settle, he didn't think he could talk right now. He let his breathing even out as he just laid there, his gaze shifting to her slowly, a smile on his face as she looked to him now, her eyes averting as he turned his head back again, staring at the black sky. The thought suddenly struck him. [b]"How am I going to get out of here?"[/b] He let the words float around, he wasn't in any rush to leave, not until Ali was back in her own body. He just stay their on the ground, the memories breaking through as they played sporadically on the the world around them, he stopped caring if anyone saw, he wanted to feel there warm embrace. His smile still small, but it the thoughts kept it there.[/size]

[size=2]Marcus wasn't very sure about leaving her here, Pocket was vulnerable, he had his own difficulties get through this without collapsing from his exhaustion The fire and determination in her eyes had been enough to keep him going, his fathers presence also given him the strength to keep going, he was prepared to stay behind to help Calypso when he felt a hand on his shoulder, seeing Cotillion as the one touching him. [b]"Place the rune Marcus, I'll stay and keep her safe until we can close the breech. Don't worry, just go."[/b] Marcus nodded, sheathing his blades he placed his hands on the barrier around Calypso's sister. Letting what little power he had left to encase her mind, keeping her part of this world and rooting her into this tower, she would be safe as long as no one removed her from her sleep. He pulled away, his thoughts muddled as he focused on standing, he looked to Pocket now. [b]"She'll be safe for now, I'll help you with as much as I can."[/b] Pocket nodded as she stayed close to her sister, Marcus was walking away when he heard Calypso speak. [b]"You bring up so many questions Marcus, but I just wanted to say, thank you."[/b] Marcus stopped for a few seconds, silent before he resumed his journey down the tower and out into the open. Moving as fast as his body would allow he headed into the swirling shadow of what was his mind. He plunged into it, his body racked with sore muscles and pain still radiating through his body from every fight. His hands and arms felt heavy, his body was drenched in sweat, his muscle twitched with the exertion, he felt the fatigue settling in, building up the lactic acid building up in his muscles making it harder to move. He ignored it as best he could, he was sure his world had been the original source of the breech, the setting and the design over the world itself fit Anomander perfectly, Pocket would have just been the way to get to who he was after. His mind still was troubled by that, remembering very little about the actual sealing of Anomander. With their deaths, he recalled Diamond and Razor being there, and Anomander's face when Demetri had arrived burned into his mind now, he was going to need someone to search his mind for the answers. The shadows enclosed around him, the colorless ground meeting his sandal feet, the impact jarring his body in painful ways, but he couldn't stop, he didn't have that luxury if that monster was free. The shadow creatures were evident here, their numbers greater as they started to pursue, he couldn't fight them all. He probably couldn't fight even one of them right now, he kept running, leaving runes in his wake that would flare to life to deter them, the blinding light enough to keep them from him. Every rune he placed made him slow his pace just a little bit more as he used more energy more and more to keep them at bay, they finally all seemed to dissipate suddenly. Marcus relieved and unnerved at the same time, they gave up to easily even when they knew he was weak, that he was ready to fall over. He felt a reassuring wave hit him, the presence of his grandfather helping him to understand that anyone who crossed this threshold was safe in the power. Marcus sighed in relief as he kept trudging forward, a figure appearing beside him now, the old man barely visible to Marcus eyes. [b]"Stretching yourself a little thin aren't you?"[/b] Ammanas giggled as he simply floated with Marcus now. [b]"Look a little worn out my boy, you need to cut back on the snacks."[/b] Marcus barely heard his words, the sound muffled by his inability to keep going. [b]"Why are you following me old man, I need to find Anomander."[/b] Shadowthrones face went had then, his playful expression gone. [b]"He's no here, I would of known if he was here."[/b] Marcus stopped walking now, remaining stand as best he could he kept talking. [b]"He brought two worlds together, he was trying to get at people in HDF. I can't remember who the other people are grandpa, I don't know who to protect."[/b] Shadowthrone attempted to lay a hand on him, stopping before he touched him as he realized he wouldn't be able to proved any physical comfort in his current form. Pulling away he settled his hands on the cane, a smile on his face again. [b]"I don't have an answer for you Marcus, but their is someone else here who needs some guidance."[/b] Marcus didn't understand what he was talking about, the only other person he could imagine would be here was Neos, and he was sleeping right now. The black smoke appearing around Marcus and pulling away to where someone now rested, he tried to see who ti was through his blurry eyes, only able to tell when the person saw him and the rune came to life. [b]"Ali? What are you doing here? Did Neos do this to you again?"[/b] Ali rose and shook her head at him as she looked around, looking rather annoyed. [b]"I would of thought you knew I was here."[/b] Marcus shook his head weakly. [b]"I had no idea, I just came through with Calypso. Her world got invaded by Anomanders shadow creatures, ours worlds are connected for now."[/b] Ali looked at him with questions on her mind. [b]"You didn't meditate to get here?"[/b] Marcus shook his head. [b]"I'm here in every way that you can be. At least, I think I am."[/b] He stumbled then, the lack of movement and need to keep moving finally slamming into him as he fell forward. Everything catching up to him as his vision blurred more then finally darkened as his eyes closed, his world closing in on him as he finally passed out. Shadowthrone appearing again, using his cane to poke and prod at the marked man. [b]"Well, how about that for ya? He sees you again and he falls asleep, what a lazy boy." [/b]Ali snorted at him as she knelled beside Marcus, touching his neck to feel for a pulse. [b]"He passed out you old man. You definitely haven't helped much."[/b] The old man grinning as he shrugged his shoudlers. [b]"That's what grandfathers are for." [/b]Marcus heard none of this as his mind only having one thought, his body trying to rest and his mind trying to repair any damage, Marcus breathing ragged as he lay on the ground face forward. A small smile on his face as he saw her in his mind, laying together, he hoped he wouldn't wake up.[/size]

[size=2]Marcus had stayed with Ali a little bit longer, Demetri sitting at her side as he held her hand, sweat beading on her forehead and her body shaking lightly from some sort of chill that they couldn't explain. Marcus had never seen this sort of infection from Nightwalkers before, then again, Nightwalkers usually just ripped their victims apart. He would need to go over some other reports to see if anyone had ever experienced this before, but he got the feeling this was unique to their case. Before leaving the med ward he gave Demetri a pat on the shoulder, having done his best to motor up the barrier of his feelings he spoke as coldly as he could manage. [b]"I'm going to go see if I can find any information on her wounds, see if you can find some reports on her infection, after you're ready to leave."[/b] Demetri nodded to him without looking, still holding her hand gently. He looked down at her, his own barrier hardly able to contain his small emotions, it took sheer will alone for him not to reach down and give her one kiss, praying she would get better he turned away and was about to leave when he saw Pocket running to him, he remained still as she finally got to him her breathing heavy as she was almost doubled over, speaking when she had enough air to talk. [b]"Marcus, I need your help."[/b] He could see she was trembling lightly, he could also see something in her eyes that tipped off a warning in his mind. [b]"Whats going on Calypso? Why are you so shaken?"[/b] She managed to stand up straight before speaking. [b]"The shadows, from the base, they are in my world!"[/b] Marcus felt the ramifications of those words as she spoke them, Anomander having figured out how to break into someone else world, the mere thought made him want to scream. He capped his emotions, knowing they were running wild right now, he needed to remain calm if they were going to get out of this situation. He placed a calming hand on Pocket, hoping that it would be enough for her. [b]"We need to find Neos first, he's not safe in his room if those shadows are here."[/b] Pocket nodded as they both took off together now, racing through the hall as time became their enemy. They finally skidded to halt outside of the quarters for Demetri and Ali's family, they rushed through the door, Marcus looking around to make sure nothing had gotten here yet. [b]"Pocket, go grab Lily too, we need to make sure she is safe too."[/b] Pocket took off then, a weapon in hand as she moved to Lily's room, Marcus moving to Neos. He pushed through the door quietly, seeing the sleeping form still tucked tightly into bed as he had left him, he saw the flash of mirrors here and there and felt panic rise up into him. That was until he caught a glint of the mirrors that pulled his attention for a few moments, he approached the mirror closest to Neos, gently gliding his fingers across the surface he felt every scratch and etching from when he had done this years ago. He felt his heart take a leap, suppressing the feeling he set the mirror down and gently scooped Neos up in his arms, making sure to grab his toy Sly as well. This room as protected, but not enough for Marcus to feel secure about his sons safety, he left the room quickly, Pocket standing in the room with Lily in hand, rubbing at her eyes as she showed her grumpy teenager side. Marcus smiled briefly at her, before speaking quietly to her. [b]"Hey Lily, we need to move you out of her for a little bit, you're gonna have a sleep over in my room ok?"[/b] She gave him a look that showed her annoyance. [b]"Don't patronize me Uncle Marcus, I just want to go back to sleep."[/b] He chuckled lightly as he nodded her, they left eh quarters quickly, Marcus feeling a shadowy grip trying to get a hold of him, and by extension, the little boy in his arms. He did his best to keep Neos asleep, it took time but they made it to his room, walking through the door, Marcus felt the grip fall away from him, his room having been heavily warded from almost anything years ago. He set Neos down on the bed, Lily crawled in after him without any question. With Pockets help they tucked them back in, they elf this room shortly after, locking the door behind them. He let out a sigh of relief, rubbing his face before looking to Calypso. [b]"Lets go Pocket, I want them out of here."[/b] He saw the determination in Pockets face, he could see how she had changed, and in his opinion it was for the best. She was a much tougher woman then who he had met that first time, her looks had changed as well as she had matured more, not only in mind but in body. He was pretty sure he had seen Jeff sneak a peek at her every so often, the though slipped away as he found they were running, getting to Pockets quarters they stood a the door. Marcus letting the power start to slip through his veins, the runes glowing ever so gently as he prepared for what waited on the other side. Pocket punched in the code, the door sliding open slowly, the door was barely half way open the black mass lashed out, almost like a tentacle as it rushed past, clipping Marcus shoulder, the runes flaring to life in that area and a screech could be heard from the other side. His shoulder ached and burned from where the mass had hit him, the runes not being enough to protect him, he was going to have to come to peace with that now, not sure if he was going to survive this one. He let his mind slip to Ali then, thinking about how he didn't get to say goodbye, a sad grin on his face as he realized that sad truth that you don't get to say the things you always meant to say to people you cared about. Marcus drew his swords, the runes reacting to his touch, and idea suddenly occurring to him. The runes began to shift on his body now, the light growing as he concentrated energy into his blades, the edges taking on an opaque look, glowing lightly. [b]"Guess I can live through this."[/b] The door was fully open now, the shadows and darkness having spread through out Pockets entire room now, he spoke as his eyes remained lock on the bubbling darkness. [b]"You ready for this Pocket?"[/b] She nodded, his grip tightening on his blades. [b]"If things start to go south, don't be a hero Calypso, just run ok?"[/b] He looked at her now, seeing the dismay on her face as her words registered. He gave her one final smile, the wild and lost look in his eyes causing her to catch her breath before he suddenly charged in, leaping into dark mass, his own generated light giving him enough of barrier for Pocket to follow. Working their way deeper into the mass until they came across the portal, claws reaching out for fresh blood, their desire made clear as their claws we're raking out to grasp anything. Marcus blocked out the warning in his head, cutting off all of his needs so that he could keep moving forward, he was exerting his power now, already fatigued and worn out from the fight with Anomander and his Nightwalkers. It was taking a toll on him, most of his strength went to protecting Pocket enough so she wouldn't get ripped limb from limb, the shadows lessened as they moved through, breaking through the wall of claws and murderous intent they burst through the darkness into the lush world of Traumerei. Pocket had made it out safely as they both stood, their breathing heavy as the shadow wall dissipated and seemed to scatter into the world itself, the shapes taking bodily form here and there, Marcus had fallen to one knee, stabbing his swords into the ground he tried to catch his breath and regain some amount of strength as he knelled. Pocket coming to his side as he placed a hand on his shoulder. [b]"Marcus, are you ok? Can you stand?" [/b]He nodded breathlessly, finding he had just enough to stand up right, staggering slightly before planting his feet firmly. He noticed then that Pockets world was tainted. He could see it now, her lush multicolored world was being breached by a world of moving shadow, he could still make out features of places and buildings through the shadows, but the answer was obvious now to him. [b]"Calypso, our worlds are colliding into each other."[/b] Pocket stared at him, unsure of what he was talking about. He reached down and gripped his blades again. [b]"You see the swirling shadow there? That's my shadow realm, my world is touching yours. That's how the shadows are breaking through." "I don't understand Marcus." "My world is a place of shadows and darkness, you can still see everything clearly as if there is a light source, but their is no sun, everything is transparent. Your world is more solid, more lush, the collision of our two worlds has created a breech, anything with a mind to can come between your world and mine now."[/b] Pocket listened intently, Marcus doing his best to remain on his feet, he was feeling light headed and his hands we're barely holding on to his weapons. He could see the shadows forming up around them, he felt then that this was probably the end for him, he didn't have much left,the shadows would kill him here. He would do everything he could to protect Pocket, give her a chance to escape, if not further into her world, or into his own if necessary. He stood ready now, regret still scratching at his heart, nothing he could do about it now as he prepared to do what he could for his friend. The shadows becoming Nightwalkers all over again, their size towering over him and Pocket, their white eyes showing nothing of their thoughts. He felt his heart beat slow and then ache for her touch one last time, what he wouldn't do for one last kiss before he went. A black smoke appearing suddenly, another figure about Marcus' size appearing in his hooded visage, a length of rope in his hand, a noose in his hand as he lashed out instantly, the rope cutting through the shadow creatures as they turned on him. The hooded figure moving with speed and grave that mimicked Marcus at his full strength, the creatures trying to tear him apart only to find smoke in their hands before he tore into them again. The fight over as quickly as it began, the figure standing calmly before turning to the two, Marcus smiling as he sheathed his swords, walking over and embracing the figure, Cotillion doing the same. [b]"You have no idea how glad I am to see you." "Well, I couldn't let my only child die in this place now could I?"[/b] Marcus smiled as he pulled away from him, turning to see Pockets confused face, a strange weapon in her hand as she was ready for the fight. Marcus did his best to contain his smile. [b]"Pocket, it's ok. This is my father, Cotillion Demos." [/b]She looked at him curiously, seeing only his gaunt like face and his dark brown eyes. She tried to see the resemblance, Marcus speaking up quickly. [b]"He passed away over a decade ago, his appearance has changed, but trust me, he is my father."[/b] Pocket was at a loss for words, it was a lot to take in in a short amount of time. Marcus grabbed her arm as they started moving. [b]"We need to see what else we can find out, see why our worlds collided."[/b] Cotillion was with them, walking through a foreign world, a small smile on his face as he saw his son taking charge.[/size] OOC: Dive right on in Lilt, it'll be fun to explore Pockets world again.

[size=2][b]"Marcus we have to find her!"[/b] Demetri shouted at him, Marcus see the panic starting to rise up in him. The mans wife and son were now missing, partially thanks to Marcus and 11 other people who had failed to kill this man. Marcus took howl of Demetri and shook him. [b]"I need you to remain calm Demetri, trust me, I want to get them both back but we need to remain as calm as possible."[/b] Marcus was barely keeping his own feelings in check, he was on verge as well, maintaining his composure purely for their sakes. They suddenly felt her pull, both Demetri and Marcus perked up at the same time when they felt the pull from somewhere below, they both recognized the pull and prepared to head out that way. Flares burning brightly as new ones were ignited, no one was sure how many more Pocket had hidden in her head. Marcus turning to her as clenched his hands into fists. [b]"Calypso, this is going to be dangerous, I need to ask you for your help in jumping closer to where we feel Ali is."[/b] Pocket didn't hesitate as she moved up to Marcus side and held on to his arm. [b]"I'm ready whenever you are Marcus." [/b]He kept his gaze on her. [b]"You have to be very careful Calypso, the shadow realm's are dangerous now that he is around."[/b] Demetri stepped up to them as his face showed his hard determination. [b]"I'm going with you both."[/b] Marcus nodded. [b]"I wouldn't expect anything less Commandant." [/b]Pocket readied herself, prepared to go on Marcus mark, they heard an inhuman screech coming from the room they were just in. Demetri rushed off to see what the commotion was about, Pocket about to run after him when Marcus snatched her arm. His gaze cold as he held on to her. [b]"They found another way, we need to go now. Ready Calypso?"[/b] Pocket nodded her head, Marcus could see the brave look in her eyes as she readied herself. Holding on to her, he let some of his power go, less then before as she took hold of all that she needed and the tear opened. They hesitated for a few moments, Marcus holding on to Pocket before they stepped through the tear. Feeling hands try to put at them, claws trying to tear into their flesh they moved quickly through the tear, Marcus runes flaring to life to give the light the needed before coming out the other end of the portal Pocket had created. The claws had racked across his skin, leaving marks where they had try to tear at him, Pocket showed similar marks, some of her clothing torn. A scream pierced the space around them, a clearly human scream, the room was dimly lit by the light from Marcus runes, a huddled form was in the corner, the being massive in size as they approached him. Tank looked at them, his face streaked with tears as Pocket raced to him and tried to calm him down. [b]"Tank, what happened to Ali?"[/b] He shook his head as he calmed a bit more. [b]"I don't know, the darkness too her again. Pulled her from my arms again, please Uncle Marcus, find my mom."[/b] Marcus felt his pleas, it tore at his heart to see Tank so subdued in this place, broken by an enemy Marcus hardly remembered, the faces of the other 9 people still blurry, Diamond and Razor clear in his thoughts as he remember their broken bodies. He remembered them being their now, the runes light growing as he looked a found a doorway, charging he smashed through the wooden door, chunks flying everywhere as he looked around, only to see dark forms. He charged into the fray, lashing out with his fists and feet, hitting anything he could as he roared with the adrenaline flowing through him, the magic riding with it. The forms screeching as he felt the pull again, much closer now and he felt the pain and suffering from the person broadcasting. He rushed off in that direction, his vision fading to red slowly as he made his way through, tearing through shadows before crashing through another door. The metal of this one pulling away like tissue paper, he looked around the dark room to see those evil eyes staring at him, his yellow teeth showing his merciless grin. [b]"Ah, Marcus Demos, it's so good to see you! I had hoped she would bring you here."[/b] Marcus heard hardly anything from the dark being as his eyes slid to where Ali lay, her breathing ragged as she tried to compress several different wounds, one arm not functioning to held stem the bleeding. His rage filled eyes focused his murderous intent on Anomander. [b]"I hardly remember you, I remember the fight, I remember you falling. You should be dead."[/b] Marcus said through gritted teeth, his rage becoming out of control with the glow of his runes, the movement of them becoming clear as the light moved around him too. A cruel laugh left his throat, the coldness of it seemed, planned. [b]"My, my, Demos, you sure are confident in your abilities. That's quite a light show, could you turn it down a bit, it seems dramatic and you look like a giant bug zapper. ZAP!"[/b] He said before letting out another laugh, the light intensified to a bright white, Anomander having to use one of his clawed hands to shield his eyes. [b]"You will die this time, I'll make sure of it."[/b] Marcus felt, rather then heard the presence of the others, the tension palpable as they all readied their assault, none were walking away without their team mates in hand.[/size]

[size=2]Marcus felt an iciness setting in his chest, he could no long maintain his cold exterior, his face clearly showing unmistakable horror of the situation. They sprinted through the halls now, the flares bright as they avoided and dodged the Nightwalkers, Marcus moving ahead of the group with his flare held up, a sword in one hand, a black hand suddenly taking a chance to last out at him, avoiding it he slashes a the limb, removing it and charging through the creature, his sword making one more trip, cutting through the beasts chest, blood erupting and splashing on to his skin as he kept running forward. The others following behind before he took a sharp turn, a puddle of inky blackness on the floor before them as they tried to steer clear. They made several turns away from that puddle that kept appearing, Marcus mind still racing as he slowly started to recognize it more and more, the chill still reaching deep into him as they made one final turn, heading into a room, Marcus slamming the door and pressing his body against it as the Nightwalkers tried to smash into it. Demetri running up to hold it with him, Marcus hand pressing into the door, a rune forming on the door, stepping back Marcus began running hands all over the walls all around the room, the walls quickly becoming decorated in symbols before he moved to the middle of the floor and set his hands on the ground. The runes starting where his hands were placed and spreading like wild fire to cover the ground entirely, Marcus feel back and sat down on the ground, his breath harsh as he heard everyone else breathing harshly now. Jason came and sat beside him, his tongue looking as if it was ready to lull out of his face. [b]"Why did we stop in this room? Those things are going to get us!"[/b] Marcus shook his head as he leaned back on his hands. [b]"My wards will hold for now, it'll give us a chance to rest." [/b]Jason's face showed his rage as his eyes went wild. [b]"You could of done this before?! We just had people disappear in some inky darkness and you could of set these up before!" [/b]Marcus shook his head again as he sat up straight now, rolling his shoulders. [b]"Room was far too big for me to put this detail in it, it sapped some of my strength just to do this place. It'll only hold for a time, we need to gather out strength by then." "You forgot the ceiling, those puddles could appear from there."[/b] He heard Demetri's voice now, looking at him with Ali sitting close to him. He did his best to keep his eyes on Demetri. [b]"We don't need to worry about that, it only strikes from the walls and the floor. He can't manifest it on the ceiling." [/b]Everyone froze them as they heard the clear words from Marcus. Ali rose from her place and looked at him with disbelief in her face. [b]"What do you mean He?"[/b] Marcus was silent for a bit, his sword resting on the ground as sheathed it, standing now, Ali following him with her eyes. [b]"Someone I thought dead six years ago."[/b] Demetri was up in a flash, rushing forward standing face to face with Marcus the rage on his face. [b]"You know who did this? You stole Tank and Jeff? And you haven't said a god damn word?!"[/b] Marcus kept his gaze locked with Demetri's. [b]"I didn't know it was him until the puddles, I didn't recognize it at first. I do now."[/b] He heard Ali then, her voice pleading now. [b]"Please Marcus, tell us."[/b] His eyes caught her's, the memory of the touch on his face coming back to him. He nodded before speaking. [b]"His name is Anomander Rakius, his power is darkness." "You mean he can control darkness, right?"[/b] Pocket spoke up now, he shook his head slowly. [b]"No, the darkness is part of him. Just like my family, he was born into his. He turned on the HDF six years ago, took 12 of us to bring him down, I thought he was dead."[/b] Marcus waved them away as he saw the questions starting to build in their minds. [b]"I have nothing else, I don't know why the Nightwalkers are working with him. I don't know anything more." [/b]He had only partially lied, he knew a little bit more, only enough about their new foes appearance. He recalled him clearly now, a tall figure who had all the features of a human did, save for his obsidian black skin and his snow white hair. He was sure the man had been a a creature he had summoned from the dark reaches of the abyss, Marcus moved away from them for the time being. Needing his space as he let his mind race, his tongue briefly touching the split on his lip, the wound healing up, the touch coming back to him as he saw that look in her eyes. He hadn't been sure if it was her feelings, or his own just reflecting in her eyes, when his arm had wrapped around her he felt his walls buckling, being so close to her again he had felt a spark of warmth in his heart. His barrier was still intact, but his mind still clawed at the partition, trying to rip the walls down that tried to keep the tide of his emotions inside. When she had turned to look at him, his thoughts had wandered from just a few moments, he had wanted nothing more then to take her away then. Vanish into the darkness and the snow, when she had touched his lips he had to fight the urge, the want to just lean in and press his with hers. He was only able to keep himself from doing it by remembering the thoughts that had bombarded him, the extreme of her choice in Demetri. He still wanted the choice to be him, he was still going to do whatever he could to protect her, it just couldn't be for the same reasons. He still loved her, more then he thought he ever would. He dared to even think, he loved her more then he had loved Masan, she had remained a subtle memory in his thoughts but was slowly fading as Ali had taken over. He wanted her to reach out with her powers again, wanted her to break his walls, to let the feelings wash over him and her again. But, he still wanted to be alone, wanted to just fall into the abyss of what was his desire for her. Craving her touch, he regretted the words he had spoken. [i]I'll stay away from you Ali.[/i] They echoed in his mind now, he had spoke to harshly and he was going to pay for it now. He wished there was a way he could tell her the truth, that he wanted to stay in her life, that he wanted to just be near her now. He couldn't tell her for everyone to hear, he knew his words would betray him and show his true intent, how he still wanted her for himself. The selfishness of that thought stung him more then he would of thought, he changed the thought then, he didn't just want her, he wanted her and the family they had. He wanted her as the wife she would of been, the one he had seen in the memory of another, the smiles always breaking his heart, he lived for that memory now. But, it all seemed like it wasn't enough, he would die for that memory now, die for someone who would never choose him like she did elsewhere. He sat on the ground and pressed his back to the wall, they needed to start thinking of ways out, of how to get the others back, but his thoughts kept drifting back to her. He smiled a private smile to himself. [b]"I'll still die for her."[/b] He whispered quietly to himself, Pocket coming over and sitting beside him. He smirked as she rest her head on his shoulder, her eyes closing as Marcus remained wide open.[/size]

[size=2]Marcus had watched her fall, had watched her make him drop her, he hadn't let go over her, she had let herself fall to save him. He felt the wall crack, even just a small amount, and he had just watched her fall. Marcus gripped his blades and swung them faster then he ever did, the blood running down his arms causing his runes to react, growing hotter and brighter with his charged blood dripping down his body now. He heard the screeches from the Nightwalkers, his blades finding their mark easily, black blood splashing with every stroke. Not all were death blows, but he intended to do as much damage as possible. A Nightwalker leaned forward to swipe at him, avoiding it he spun around it and slashed across its back, his legs giving out forcing it to its knees, his other sword coming around and ripping the head from its shoulders. He lunged forward, rolling before coming up right and slashing with precision, cutting the knees of two more Walkers, their screeches echoed in his mind, they tried to claw at him, bring the point of his swords up swiftly and smashing them through the chests of the two Walkers, twisting them as they died. He yanked the blades out, his breathing ragged as his mind raced now his mind coming back to that smile she gave him before letting go and falling away. He turned now and, seeing shapes appear in the dark, he could feel his strength starting to sap away from him, the swords feeling heavy in his hands now. [i]Why would you do that for me? I'm not worth it anymore.[/i] He growled as he whipped around and rushed the bank, jumping off the edge, smashing a blade into the wall to slow his decent until finally hitting the ground. He rushed over to where he could see her impact, his swords still drawn and looking around he came and stabbed his sword into the snow before reaching in and pulling her out, he held her in one arm, seeing she was half conscious he shook her a little. [b]"Ali, by all the gods names, wake up. You're not going to die here, not for me."[/b] She started to come around when the shapes started to come around them, his blood was seeping into her clothes, he held her close as he kept them at distance with one sword. The other still close by jammed into the snow, he was watching the shapes start to close in, the runes flaring as he felt the magic react to protect him and the woman in his arms. Her head moving around slowly, the magic lashing out now at its own will, sudden flashes sending the creatures screeching as the white hot magic tore into their flesh. His walls continuing to crack as the magic seemed to bash at the barriers he built up. He roared into the night. [b]"I studied the light! You will not touch her again!"[/b] Reaching out in multiple directions, as if trying to set up its own barrier around them, he felt it coursing through his veins, unabated by anything he tried to stop it, the barriers meaning nothing as it crashed through them making them worthless. The void being seared away by the intensity of the sun, He could feel her coming back now, her eyes opening as he held her steady on her feet. Reaching for his other sword, he held them firmly now, Ali seeing the white energy burning around them as the creatures dared not approach. He sheathed the swords for now, the barrier holding for now, the light showing them both clearly, the open wounds on both of them now. Marcus suddenly felt a punch to his chest, Ali's hand balled up into a fist as it made him stagger a bit, rubbing the spot he tried to keep his expression even. [b]"What the hell were you thinking?! You told everyone else not to separate and you did exactly that!"[/b] He silent at her screams, the wounds healing slowly on his body, the blood drying on his skin. He did his best to remain standing tall, even though he felt the fatigue setting in, the power more then he had been ready to use, all of it reacting to her. Seeing the way his magic worked all on its own, he knew that deep down he wouldn't let her go, even if he had too. He had to keep his face as straight as possible. Ali's rage rose at his silence. [b]"God dammit Marcus! Are you trying to get yourself killed?"[/b] His eyes twitched with that comment, she didn't miss a beat, seeing the twitch she suddenly smacked him across the face, the hit would of made average person snap their head to the side, his turned as a red mark spread on his face. Ali ready to cry as the rage got the better of her. [b]"You were trying to die weren't you? Why?" "Does it really matter, I failed at it. I won't die, not anytime soon. This is proof enough."[/b] He gestured at the barrier of light, she glanced briefly with water filled eyes. [b]"Do you know why this happened Ali? My powers reacted to save you, I did none of this on my own."[/b] Her eyes snapped back to him then, she saw it then, his eyes filled with a light again. She reached out again, doing a small probe, the coldness was gone, instead was an intense fire that she had to recoil from. He kept speaking. [b]"I studied light magic in my family, both my father and grandfather studied dark. You can see how we all manifested differently, my energy did this to protect us. To protect you."[/b] She stared as tears rolled down her face gently, he felt a slight twist in his chest, the void gone and the fire burning only intensify the twist. [b]"I still love you Ali, but I know you made a choice. Neos will be trained, and I will stay away from you. That is all I can promise, I will still dream of you, I will stay hope for you. I can do nothing else, the void would take me if i did anything less."[/b] She shook her head at Marcus. [b]"I know I chose, I chose the my family, Demetri is my family. But you are family too, we all need you there."[/b] Marcus would of felt his heart leap there, but it didn't, the emotions still tucked away by his last barrier. He drew his swords again, holding them loosely in his hands, finding yet again, he didn't know what to do about anything. [/size]

[size=2]He felt her eyes on him, caught her glancing at him every so often. His gaze remained forward as often as he could, his eyes only drifting to search the darkness of the area. Nightwalkers were nothing new to him, traveling around the world to all of the bases had made him more aware of the dark creatures still roaming the earth, it was time for him to do his job. He still felt the tug, that pull toward her, he felt the small spark of warmth that was squashed out by the void. Deep in his heart, he wanted her to touch him again, to feel her smooth hands on his skin, to be able to touch her again. The emptiness inside of him refused to bow down to her needs, she had made her bed, now she needed to lie in it. Having seen her shiver, he had broken for just a second, getting close to her to keep the cold from her bones as he did from his own, he couldn't watch her freeze. When she glanced over to him he finally locked gazes with her for only a few moments, feeling her touch in his mind he pushed it away, wanting her out of his head. The emptiness was eating away at him now, corroding every sense he had left, he was aware of his surroundings, his sense still sharp, he just seemed to be giving up on caring. Jason soon came up on his left side, the cold hardly affecting him. [b]"Whats wrong Marcus? I see that look in your eyes, well, the lack of one that is."[/b] Marcus remained silent as they trudged through the snow, speaking after a long while. [b]"Nothing you should worry about old friend. Be more worried about the Nightwalkers."[/b] Pocket suddenly appeared at his right side, walking with them both now. [b]"What are Nightwalkers Marcus? I've never heard of them before."[/b] His gaze shifted through the dark trees, the white snow would make it easier to spot them. [b]"They are massive beings, their bodies made of flesh like ours, but their skin is midnight black, they don't have mouths or visible ears. All they have for features is glowing white orbs for eyes. They appear out of the darkness without warning, they are relentless, once they have your scent they chase you until you die or they do." "So they have noses then?"[/b] Jason blurted out, Marcus shook his head, not feeling the need to comment about Jasons words. [b]"Its more of way they see you, they don't smell you out, they sense you out. Watch their hands though, they lash out with them like daggers, they are sharper then diamond, as many saw in the infirmary."[/b] Marcus said blatantly the words that wretched at a lot of people hearts, his coldness was becoming evident in him, everyone eying him warily. Marcus' suddenly halted, drawing the two swords at his side in a blur, everyone reacting around him and further, weapons being drawn, the sounds of guns being cocked and clips being loaded. His eyes shifted through the dark. [i]I know I saw you, move again.[/i] He heard the crunch of snow as a small figure now stood beside him, a larger on close to her. [b]"What's going on? Why did you draw your swords?" "Quiet, they're here now."[/b] Everyone's attention perking up, He spoke louder now. [b]"Look for blurs in the darkness, if you even think you see one kill it."[/b] An eerie noise followed, the team forming up to be in a more coherent unit. [b]"Don't split up, don't chase after them, they kill in groups."[/b] He yelled for all of them to hear, his hot breath showing. Marcus saw it appear at the last moment, his hands and magic reacting on their own. The earth suddenly erupting under the feet of Ali and Demetri, they spun away as the slab forced them to roll across the snow, Marcus leaping through the flung snow. sword drawn as it came down. The distinct sound of metal on metal, his blade clashing with nothing but darkness as his weapons and arms suddenly became a blur. Swinging with such precision and skill that came from only spending 18 hour days practicing with his tools of destruction. The darkness he swung at being forced to back up as he gave it no room to strike back, Marcus spun away with the blades still gripped in his hands, the runs on his body glowing lightly as the figure became clear. The creature looked humanoid, his featureless face seeming as if it could absorb the light all around, it easily towered over everyone in the team, he still stood tall with his swords ready. Forms appeared from the shadows now, more of the same, the uniform look almost terrifying. Marcus kept his mind clear, letting his body relax enough to be able to strike out at an instant. The Nightwalkers moving around, appearing and disappearing, the night lighting up with sound and flashes. He heard grunts and yelps as they tried to avoid and dodge the Nightwalkers strikes, knowing what would follow if they were hit. He could hear the gusts of wind from Demetri from one hand, the other firing off rounds and Ali shot into the darkness. Screeches and screams echoed in their minds, the Nightwalkers communicating with them their pain and their rage. Marcus thoughts slipped for just a second, the grip of concern suddenly hitting him for Ali, she being the most susceptible to the psychic link. The slip almost costing him as the Nightwalker lashed out, his hand lighting fast as Marcus narrowly avoided it, the hand mere inches from his face. The runes growing brightly as he slashes and smashed with the blunt side of his swords, his hands swinging in a blur, the Nightwalker backing up into the trees, away from the group. Marcus stopping at a point, only a few feet from the group, seeing the trap he remained still, his breathing trying to to remain even and controlled, he suddenly heard a scream, a voice form the group, unable to identify it, he looked briefly to see what it was, his eyes wide as he saw the reason for it. Tank had strayed to far, his steel skin showing the marks where three Nightwalkers now attempted to rip him apart, he landed a punch here and there, his speed not enough in his steel from to deter the Walkers. Marcus caught Ali trying to run to him, Demetri not far behind, Marcus could see they weren't going to make it, Tank on his knees now as he deflected the blows now. Marcus did the only thing he could think of to draw them off, releasing the energy pent up with in, the runes glowing white hot and the light seemed to waver and move as the runes moved now. The Nightwalkers responding to the sudden burst of energy, shifting into the darkness before moments later appearing around Marcus. Three now surrounded him, the one he had been fighting before adding itself to the group. He kept his body tall as he gripped the swords tightly, the leather creaking on the handles. [b]"I've never fought four at once before. Guess now is as good a time as any."[/b] The motions suddenly became blurred as the Walker struck out at him, his swords blocking and trying to cut back, the group slowly moving him closer to the forest as he swung away. Spinning his body this way and that, he felt one hand lightly graze him, his mind pushing the pain out as he kept fighting, he saw two more start to come to join, their trap coming to fruition. Marcus yelled as he managed to swing his blades around to make them back up a few paces from his location. [b]"Is that all you got! Bring your best, I don't have much to worry about anymore!"[/b] His blades lashing out again as the Walkers crowded closer to him, his swords getting them here and there, sending a screech through his mind that he pushed through. Their blows cutting across his skin, the light blooming from the blow stunning the creatures each hit, giving him the opportunity to cut into them. One blade finding its mark as he swung upwards, the blade cutting through its abdomen all the way up its chest. It screech and screamed in its death throes as Marcus fought on, letting the fighting take him, seeing nothing mattered even if he did survive. The only one he had left was Neos, and even then, when he was done with his training, he would leave him too. Marcus fought on, hope slipping away from him, his need to care slipping away with it.[/size]

[size=2]His eyes opened violently then, his eyes searching swiftly around the room, soon enough finding Neos still settled in his lap. The little boy looking up at him with sad eyes, Sly held close to him, Marcus patted the boy gently on the head. Neos rose from his lap and he smiled at the boy warmly. [b]"I'm going back Neos, don't leave ok?"[/b] Neos nodded as he hugged his fox tightly. Marcus closed his eyes again, the journey less violent this time as his eyes opened gently and he rose from where he was sitting, the world still dark and shadowed as before. He Looked around as he tried to find her, tried to sense her in anyway he could as he walked off into the darkness. He soon came across what he was looking for, only Noe he saw Shadowthrone standing with Cotillion, both facing him. Cotillions face was stoic as usual, Shadowthrones face, however, held a sad look that conveyed far more then Marcus liked. [b]"Where is she Ammanas?"[/b] Shadowthrone was uncharacteristically quiet, his hands settled on the top of his cane as he looked at Marcus and gave a slow shake of his head. [b]"It's over my boy."[/b] Marcus' face contorted into a scowl as eyes shifted between the two standing before him. Not understanding what Shadowthrone was trying to get across. [b]"What's over Shadowthrone?"[/b] Moments after the words left his lips did he start to understand, his eyes widening at the thought. Ammanas nodded then to him. [b]"She chose Marcus, and you weren't it."[/b] Marcus shook his head violently, his heart thumbing rapidly as he tried to grasp their words. His heart refusing to accept the idea, even the words seemed to bounce away at his walls. [b]"No, old man. I don't believe you, you spent most of my life just trying to get a rise out of me. You got it now, happy?"[/b] Shadowthrones face remained dark as a smile never touched his lips. [b]"I wish this was one of those times, but I assure you Marcus, this is no joke.You will see soon enough, I promise you that my protege"[/b] Marcus didn't know what to do with the information, doing his best to refuse the words, pushing them away only to have them crowd his mind again. His kneels buckled then, his body weak as he felt everything fall apart, his heart felt like it was dying in his chest. He roared in pain, his hands clenched into fists as he thrashed for several moments, Shadowthrone and Cotillion just being silent observers to his pain. Neither of them able to to do anything for him as he rose, his hands still clenched and as the runes on his body glowed and flowed around his body in a wild rage. The energy radiating off in waves as his face showed all the rage and grief his mind was feeling. Cotillion walked forward then, standing before his friend as he placed a calming hand on his friends shoulder. [b]"Don't let it consume you Marcus."[/b] Marcus spoke through the rage, his teeth clenched. [b]"What do you know? You're dead!"[/b] Cotillion kept his hand in placed as he didn't move or say a thing for several seconds. [b]"That's my point Marcus. You'll end up like us, we died for reasons that you understand. I know your pain Marcus, don't let this consume you. Son."[/b] Marcus felt his rage start to cool, looking into the hood he could see the only feature that hadn't changed on his fathers face, the dark eyes mimicking Marcus. Marcus bowed his head, his rage still churning in his soul as he closed his eyes. coming awake in his room, he found Neos gone, he shook his head for a moment as he rose, his heart still thumping as he thought of what he was going to have to do next. He needed to talk to Ali first, get everything straightened out, he would then start training Neos tomorrow, he would need to find Pocket today to get her involved. He walked out of his room, heading in a direction, not sure where he was going but letting his legs take him, he didn't reach out to Ali's rune, he did not dare breach that connection with her, not as he was. His legs had carried him through the base, he was nearing the training room, the moment he was in front of the door he was slammed with a wave. Collapsing to the floor with his hands around his ears he was bombarded with images, sights, sounds, smells and even tastes occasionally. Each sense pointing to the indisputable fact that Ali was in the room with Demetri, and his grandfather had been right. She had chosen who she wanted more, his heart felt the icy grip squeeze in his chest. His breath was ragged, he took a moment as he remained on the floor, getting his breathing under control he felt the barriers rise again, the walls appearing and the doors closing in his mind. He felt his emotions take refuge behind those walls, his face cold as he rose finally, his body standing firm as he turned and walked into the training room. He saw them now, on the mat in their work out gear, Ali on top of Demetri. They both looked up at him, Ali's smile falling away as she saw him, Demetri's hardening with his intrusion. Ali looked into his face, expecting to see hurt and deadly intent, instead, she saw nothing in his eyes, a cold exterior as she quietly attempted to probe only to be met with a cold wall. His eyes shifted slowly between them. [b]"I thought I would inform you that Neos' training will begin tomorrow. I will be having Calypso assist me, I will be the one to retrieve Neos, she will return him at the end of our sessions."[/b] He looked at Ali one more time, the barriers and the walls holding now. He turned away then, walking out the door once more as he walked down the hall again, his heart still thumping heavily. He had managed to hold his emotions in, he had managed to block out Ali, if she had tried to break in again, she might had succeeded. He turned a corner to find Neos standing there, Sly in his hands, Marcus smiling at him as he held out his hand. Neos gripping it as they walked together, Pocket finding them soon enough. After their conversation, he walked with both Neos and Pocket now. He kept his eyes forward as he spoke, keeping his tone steady as his body wanted to tremble. [b]"Calypso, I wanted to ask you something."[/b] Her face looking to him as her eyes glowed with an innocent smile on her face. [b]"Sure Marcus, anything." [/b]A humorless grin on his face now. [b]"I know your powers are developing, Neos needs training and I wanted to know if you would assist me." [/b]Pocket showed shock and then nodded furiously too him. [b]"Of course, I would love to help."[/b] Bowing his head slightly he continued. [b]"Thank you Pocket, we can also help train you at the same time."[/b] The conversation died after that, Marcus in no mood to carry on anything longer then that. He felt empty inside now, the pain raking his body as he kept upright. A void was in his chest now, and he wasn't sure if he could fill it again, his pain and his suffering feeding the void, the words his father had spoken whispers in his head.[/size]

[size=2]Marcus held on to the boy as he wept, his words still in his head as Neos cried, his animated fox cuddling up to the boy as he wrapped his small hands around his neck. Marcus stood up, cradling the boy in his arms as he tried to get him to look at him. [b]"Neos, what did you mean mommy is stuck? Mommy is in the other room right now."[/b] Neos rubbed his face before shaking his head. [b]"That's only some of mommy, the rest is stuck in that dark place."[/b] Marcus face looked at him questioning. [b]"What dark place Neos? Did you do something to mommy?"[/b] He nodded as the tears started to roll down his face again. [b]"Mommy is with the man." "What man?" "The man with the cane. He tried to give me candy, I kicked him in the shin."[/b] Marcus would have laughed if the realization didn't hit him as hard as it did. His eyes lit up as he understood what Neos had been trying to say, his powers were more powerful then he had anticipated. He took a single step forward before he stopped, remembering clearly what he had said to Demetri about a truce, he need to let him know he might have a lead, it was the least he could do. He turned toward the room, stepping into the room with Neos still in his arm, Demetri turning his head to look at him. [b]"I thought you were gone by now."[/b] Marcus shook his head. [b]"I might have a lead on a way to heal Ali."[/b] He could see Demetri start to rise but he gestured for him to stop, settling back into his seat Marcus continued. [b]"It's not full proof, I might be wrong, I need to look into it first before we get our hopes up. Give me time." [/b]Demetri showed his skepticism before nodding his head, Marcus turned away with, Neos still in his arms as he headed to his quarters. He was feeling life surge through his limbs again, Neos nuzzling into him, he looked down to him and remembered he was covered in blood fro carrying Ali. He didn't have time to clean up, where he was going it didn't matter either, and he was gonna need Neos to help. Suddenly the boy looked up at him, a small smile on his face. [b]"Daddy's gonna save mommy."[/b] Marcus felt his heart beat rapidly, unsure if he was talking about him or Demetri. [b]"I'm going to try to save your mom ok?"[/b] He nodded fast. [b]"Daddy is gonna save mommy!"[/b] The boy was talking about him now, he didn't know how to feel about that. He tried to keep his mind calm as he spoke to Neos. "Can you take me to mommy?" Neos lowered his head and shook it as he heard him sniffle. [b]"No, I can't get to mommy. But, I knew daddy could, my other daddy could."[/b] It was gonna take a long time for him to get use to being called that. He quickened his pace, reaching his quarters he set Neos down and he instantly ran over to where Marcus usually sat. Just standing there as Marcus made his way to him and sitting down, Neos taking a seat in his lap after he had crossed his legs, Sly scampering over and cuddling up in Neos' lap. Marcus sighed before he let his hands go slack, closing his eyes he readied himself for the trip, he spoke quietly to Neos. [b]"Here we go, son."[/b] He whispered the last words as they were suddenly launched into the shadow realm. Feeling the pull Marcus eyes opened savagely, his breathing ragged as he found himself in the shadows again. Neos was already standing, with a gleeful look on his face. Marcus stagger until he was finally standing tall, catching his breath he looked around and saw nothing, just the shadow of everything. He looked around, not finding her anywhere. His breathing evened out and he started to relax. He looked down at the little boy. [b]"Neos, is this where you put mommy?"[/b] He nodded with a huge grin on his face as Sly ran around his legs. Marcus held out his hand and Neos gripped it as they started walking, another figure appearing and started walking beside them. Marcus looked over to see the gaunt form. [b]"Haven't seen you for awhile Rope, thought you left."[/b] Cotillion remained silent as they kept walking. [b]"Do you know why were here?"[/b] Marcus asked, Cotillion silent for several seconds. [b]"You're looking for her. I'm taking you there now, you usually get the location spot on Marcus. How did you batch this one up?"[/b] Marcus looked to Neos briefly before looking forward again. [b]"My son helped, too much power between us as we came here. Didn't anticipate it." [/b]Cotillion didn't even bother to look at the small boy. [b]"Son huh? Never took you for one to settle down." "I'm only a third of his parent actually. He inherited my families powers, still a bit of a shocker to me honestly."[/b] Cotillion nodded as he finally looked to the boy, briefly taking in his looks from under his hood. [b]"I see what you mean. Cute kid, too bad he has some of your features, could of been adorable."[/b] Marcus shook his head with a smile on his face and a small chuckle. They walked for what seemed like hours, time running differently here, he was sure it had only been seconds maybe even minutes for the rest of the world. Marcus sighed as he finally looked to Cotillion. [b]"Why are we walking all the way to her Cotillion? Just take us there."[/b] Cotillion shrugged at him. [b]"I was just waiting to see how long before you would ask, honestly it would take us days by foot."[/b] Marcus stopped and pinched the bridge of his nose. [b]"I hate you so much sometimes, you know that right?"[/b] Cotillion shrugged again, the shadow enveloping them and then suddenly they were standing else where. Marcus looked forward and could see her now, the old man standing beside her as they watched the mirrors. Marcus picked up Neos and started running, a smile on his face as saw her long brown hair. [b]"ALI!"[/b] He yelled at the top of his lungs, the woman turning around to see who it was, he was close enough to see her eyes suddenly brighten up. His heart swelled at seeing that look again, getting to her as fast as possible before he stopped a few feet from her. His breathing heavy as the smile never left this face, seeing that glitter in her eyes was all he needed, setting down Neos and walked closer to her gently taking her hands into his. [b]"Ali, do you remember me? Please say you do."[/b] She showed him, throwing her arms around his neck and locking her lips with his. His arms thrown around her as well and holding her close as they held the kiss, feelings her emotions running through him again. Feeling the white hot of her passion as he held onto her, pulling away they touched their foreheads together. [b]"I didn't know what happened to you, Neos told me he put you here."[/b] Ali nodded as he held on to his hands now. [b]"What happened Ali? How can we fix this?"[/b] She shook her head at him. [b]"I heard the voices from everyone around me, You and Demetri flooded me with your feelings, your thoughts and anything else going on in your heads. It was too much, especially when you two fought so much." [/b]Marcus face turned to a frown then. [b]"It was our fault, we did this too you."[/b] She didn't say anything as he just held her, Neos holding on to Sly now as he looked at his mom and his other dad. [b]"What can we do Ali? I don't think I can take you from him, but I can't let go. What are we going to do?"[/b] He hoped whatever she said would spur a thought in his mind, giving him a solution to this problem. He gave her a another kiss, letting his lips match hers, holding her close when the kiss ended, his mind still searching for an answer. [/size]

[size=2]"[b]I wish I had listened to my father told me all those years ago." [/b]Marcus said as both him and Demetri sat on benches opposite of each other, Marcus staring at the wall across from him as Demetri was leaned over rubbing his hands together before looking up at the mystic. Marcus just stared at the wall, his eyes blinking slowly as he recalled his father, the sorrow creeping in as he remembered seeing him crumple before him. His power leaving his body with his soul, seeing it be absorbed into Marcus as he put up the barrier that day to keep the power at bay. He shook his head lightly as he shifted his sore muscles. [b]"Don't we all. What did your father say to you?" [/b]Marcus looked to Demetri now, a sad smile on his face now. [b]"He told me that one lesson I should of learned, 'Love is a fickle creature, if not wild. Hold on to the leash to loose and it runs free, disregarding everything in its path. Hold the leash too tight, and it dies quickly. Try to always hold the leash just right, and don't blame yourself if it slips every so often."[/b] Marcus shook his head again as the smile grew a bit, his eyes watering a little as he closed them [b]"Always disregarded lessons of love, I wasn't interested then."[/b] Demetri let out a light chuckled then, leaning back now as he stretched his body as well. [b]"I know what you mean, when we were younger it was all about us." "Seems like it still is."[/b] Demetri couldn't help but nod with him, the tension still between them but lessened enough with Ali's sudden collapse. They had both seen the injuries on her body, seeing how her body had reacted to the damage they did to one another. Marcus' wounds already healing, the pain still remained but was much more subtle now then it had been when Demetri had delivered the blows. Demetri's notorious endurance to pain served him well as the burn marks still visible on his arm, his uniform still showing dabs of blood. Marcus rose from the bench then, standing up straight as he could with the strain of everything on his shoulders again. He looked to Demetri, the giant looking back at him, both of their stares were hard. [b]"I'm sorry about the comment about Neos. I didn't know."[/b] Demetri just nodded his head, his eyes having widened just a small amount, not sure what to say. He didn't have time as Marcus headed down the hall, his direction set as he walked through the hallways now. He needed to talk to someone he hadn't talked to for almost three years that he was gone for, he knew he needed to see her again or things were going to get hard for him. He could hear people as he walked through, people whispering, rumors were spreading like wildfire now and he was confident he was part of the secret words being spoken. He caught a few as he walked. [b]"..he's so pompus, look at how he struts around half naked, no wonder the Commandant fought him." "Colonel Demos is the man! I heard from Jacobs that he broke the Commandants spine and he's in the med ward for the next six months!" '... they both are just being strung along, Commander Athens i just pulling them along for the fun of it. Gods know how many men she's been with." "She is a whore isn't she?"[/b] These last two comments cause and immediate reaction from Marcus, swiftly turning on the two cadets speaking. His hands like lightning as he struck and lifted both by their throat, both of them trying to pull at his hands as his eyes burn intensely, his runes having a glow to them now, his hands glowing the most. They squirmed in his grasp as he just held them for several seconds before speaking. [b]"I know neither of your names. That means you haven't even become privates in our ranks. This mean neither of you have earned the respect to say ANYTHING about the Commander."[/b] The cadets still squirming as they tried to agree. His grip still steady, his arms unwavering as he held him high still. [b]"If I hear so much as a whisper about the Commander again from anyone's lips, they will not see tomorrow!"[/b] One of them mustered up a few words in his grip. [b]"You can't do that! You'll be killed yourself."[/b] Marcus showed a dark smile then. [b]"Not if I'm executing you for Treason, do I make myself clear?"[/b] Their faces went pale as they nodded as best they could. He released them as they crumpled to the ground, trying to catch their breath he stood over them looking down on them with dark eyes. [b]"Spread the news, and do it quickly." [/b]The two cadets stumbled as they tried to stand and run, Marcus watching them run off before resuming his trip. Several minutes later, he arrived at the path way, uniformed guards standing before it, Marcus halting as he spoke to the guards. [b]"I'm here to meet with Lady Dream Catcher."[/b] The guard turning to punch in his code, the door opening as Marcus made his way in. Knowing the direction by heart he simply traveled through the hall absent minded. He finally reached the doorway, knocking before he heard someone tell him to come in. The door opened for him and he stepped in, a smile on his face as he looked at the woman sitting elegantly at her desk. Her hair gray but her face still looked to be full of life, a warm smile on her face as her eyes widened and watered. She pulled off a pair of glasses that were framing her face and rose from her seat, gliding over to Marcus she embraced him, joy in her voice as she spoke. [b]"My boy! I can't believe you're here! I haven't seen you in so long!"[/b] Marcus hugged the woman back as he smiled, being taller then her he laid his head on top of hers. [b]"I missed you too mother." [/b]She let out a small laugh as she pulled away from her son, gesturing for him to sit he unstrapped his swords and set them down next to the chair as he sat down. His mother eying the blades he had set away. [b]"When did you start carrying those? Can you even use those properly?"[/b] Marcus shook his head at her, the smile only grew on his face. [b]"About three years ago mom, they are from an old friend. And yes I can use them, I've trained with them since I've been gone."[/b] His mothers smile becoming sad as her eyes caught the bandanna wrapped around his arm. He could see as the memories pushed their ways to the surface. Marcus placed his tattooed hand on his mothers, trying to provide some comfort to her. [b]"I miss him too mom."[/b] She nodded to him. [b]"I'm glad you finally got him Marcus. You're father and grandfather would be proud."[/b] He nodded solemnly, knowing the sacrifice they had made so he could wield the power to destroy Sybille once and forever. [b]"I hear your powers have changed son, that you can us them without runes. That must be tempting to use."[/b] Marcus nodded again, having that kind of strength was always tempting to over use. His father had taught him that just because he had the power, didn't mean he needed to use it all the time. His mother reached out and touched his smooth head, a motherly look in her eyes. [b]"I miss your hair! You had such hair when you were a child." "I know mom. It is a sacrifice I had to make. But, it seems to suit me now."[/b] His mother just laughed at the notion, she got his hidden meaning. He felt slightly embarrassed to tell his mother that. His mind coming back to the real reason he came here. [b]"I need to talk to you about something mom. Something important." [/b]Her face turned serious instantly, motherly worry in her eyes. [b]"You can tell me anything baby, take your time." [/b]He readied himself, ready to tell her about Neos and everything that had happened. The words suddenly escaped his mind as he felt a very special rune go off, the wave violent and desperate, as if it was screaming at him. Without a word he rose from his chair and bolted out the door, leaving his swords behind as he raced down the hall and through the High Council quarters. Leaving their section he sprinted toward the source, the signal getting weaker as the worry shot through his system. He tried to make a sharp turn only to crash into the wall before taking off again. His sandals long gone and his mind racing to find her, he came skidding to a halt when he finally reached the door, crashing through the door as he looked around, his breathing heavy and sweat dripping down his head. His heart froze as he saw her up against the wall, her arms cut open as her head was hung back. The blood polling around her legs, he reacted then, no longer controlling his body as he scooped her up, finding her body slick with blood and heading out the door. Sprinting again to the med ward, his lungs burning but his heart thumbing and tears down his face as he started to scream for anyone as he saw he was close to the med ward. Patch rushing out of the ward room to see her bleeding, Marcus running with her as he skidded into the room, putting her down on the table as Patch got to work. Marcus collapsed into a nearby chair as he saw Patch healing, his face raked with grief as he saw the gashes on her flesh. Seeing the angle they were at he could see that they had been self inflicted, cutting her own arms he couldn't help but feel responsible. The fighting between Demetri and him were the first and only thing that came to mind, their own injuries had inflicted themselves on her body. He could only imagine what was going on into her mind, her collapse wasn't coincidental, they were the cause of her problem, their tension was killing her. Marcus rose and looked out the med ward door, seeing a random recruit he yelled them over, relaying to them that he needed Lady Dream Catcher to the med ward. The recruit saluting and taking off, sprinting to deliver the message, Marcus going back into the room as Patch had finished his heal, hooking her up to IV and putting blood back into her system. [b]"Is she alright?"[/b] Marcus approached Patch aggressively, his worry getting the better of him. Patch keeping him calm as he held up his hands. [b]"She is alright now, you got her here fast enough. She will be out for a while until her blood flow is regular again. I need you to just remain calm."[/b] Marcus nodded absently as Patch settled him down again, Marcus taking the seat as he nervously waited for his mother and for Ali to wake. His mother arrived several minutes later, seeing her boy he rose and hugged her again. [b]"Mom, I need your help. I need you to help her."[/b] His mother nodded and moved to Ali, suddenly realizing who she was looking at she turned her head toward her son. [b]"This is the Commandants wife."[/b] Marcus nodded. [b]"Just look into her memories, you'll understand more. I need to know why she did this to herself."[/b] She turned back to Ali, her eyes closing as she let her mind slip away into Ali's, exploring her world inside of her head. Marcus had pulled a chair up closer to Ali's side, his hands held over his face as he waited impatiently. His mother's eyes fluttering open, she turned on him, noticing her looking at him she reached out and held her son close, hugging him tightly as she spoke to him. [b]"I'm so happy for you Marcus! I thought you might never find love again."[/b] He smiled with those words, until his mother pulled away and suddenly smacked him upside his head. His head rocking slightly as he rubbed the spot, before looking up at her. [b]"I also can't believe how you went about it. You're lucky you're my son, if I didn't already know what you went through I would tear you a new one right now." [/b]Marcus could only shrug at her as she went back to diving into her mind. Seeing her dreams and memories, after several moments she came out of it again, smacking him upside the head again. [b]"By all the names of the Gods mom, you can stop hitting me already!"[/b] Her face was hard then, her arms crossed as she tapped a foot at him. [b]"You two drover her to this, you and her husband. I raised you better then that Marcus."[/b] He nodded at her sadly. [b]"I know, I know. I let my heart get the better of me. I just feel....cheated, that's what tears at me most." [/b]His mother shook her head as she hugged him gently again. [b]"I know about your son now too, teach him well, and don't die early like your father did."[/b] He nodded, looking up at her. [b]"I can use their power now, my life has been extended by 400 more years mother. I'll be around when this building crumbs to dust." "I hope not son, for you sanity's sake."[/b] Marcus let those words sink in as she let go. [b]"Her powers are growing, be gentle with her."[/b] Marcus nodded as his mother departed. It made sense now, her powers taking a leap with the stress and her own body reacting to the two most prominent feelings. He sat their for an hour, watching her carefully as he let his thoughts wander. When her eyes fluttered away he rose swiftly, yelling for Patch who came running in. [b]"Ali, its me Patch. How are you doing?" [/b]She groaned as her eyes opened a little wider. [b]"My head is killing me. What happened Patch?" "We think your power has grown, you got overloaded and tried to take your own life."[/b] Her face was filled with shock at the statement, her eyes suddenly shifted to the tattooed face, almost looking confused now. [b]"Who are you?"[/b] She asked blatantly, Marcus felt his heart get torn out then. Unable to speak, Patch spoke up. [b]"This is Colonel Marcus Demos, he saved your life."[/b] She just stared at him for a few moments. [b]"Thank you Colonel, I'm glad you saved me." [/b]He didn't know what was happening, her expression was so cold, so formal. Even her eyes showed nothing of what he had seen before, only hours ago. He shook himself mentally before speaking. [b]"Ali, don't you remember me?"[/b] She shook her head. He kept talking anwyays. [b]"Ali, it's me. Marcus, you hurt yourself because of what Demetri and I did. You have to reme-" "Who's Demetri? I don't know who either of you are."[/b] Marcus didn't know what was happening, his mind blank for a moment before the marks on his face made him remember. He reached down and turned her wrist over, showing her the rune. [b]"Maybe this will help you remember me." [/b]He let the power surge through then, sending his feelings through his runes to hers. Her's didn't respond, the glow never coming. He didn't understand, she didn't fight his touch, all she did was raise an eyebrow to him. [b]"Was that suppose to do something?" [/b]Panic was on the border of his mind now, he took a deep breath as he tried to squash it. He removed his hand, only one thing passed through his mind now, his body acting on its own as he leaned in and matched his lips to her, kissing her as he tried to convey what she meant to him. She groaned for a second as she suddenly turned her head away lightly pushed him away. [b]"What was that for Colonel? It was interesting but, I don't understand the significance." [/b]His eyes the only thing betraying his true feelings, he stood straight up as steadied his breathing. He turned away then, a small table before him as he gripped the sides, trying to get a hold of himself. His vision was swimming now as he regained control, something catching his eye below him. Her things form her pockets rest on this table, not much more then her wallet and a few small objects. An idea struck him then, he reached down and picked up her wallet, remembering the fold marks on his photo, he opened her wallet and found the folded piece of paper. The black ink still legible on the back. He turned back to her, taking a step forward as he held out the folded piece of paper for her. She took it, unsure of what else he was going to do, she unfolded it seeing their faces together, obvious in the intent of what was happening in the pictures. Their smiles showing the caring between them, she looked at the picture then to him, seeing how his face had aged since the picture. [b]"Flip it over."[/b] She did as he asked, seeing the words written on the back. She began to read. [b]"In the short time I came to know you, Alex Talon, I came to love you. In the darkest times, I knew you would be there for me. In our greatest moments, I knew I would love you forever. Everyday I saw you, I felt a little more of myself change, I felt the weight lift off my shoulders since the day you became mine. Every morning I wake, I feel like I can breath again, feel like nothing can stop us, nothing can hurt us as long as we are together. I've changed for the better, and I hope that I changed you as much as I have. With every touch, with every kiss exchanged, I knew we were meant for one another. We had our challenges, we had our problems, you dealt with my paranoia and remained calm with me, always showing me a smile even at your most frustrated. We over came everything in our way, and we did it together. I will always be yours Alex, I will always love you, and I can only hope that you can always love me."[/b] She read the words carefully, the silence seeping into Marcus mind as he waited, the tension clawing at his chest. He could only hope that would be what would show her.[/size]

[size=2][i]This can't be right, she was already pregnant when we were together. [/i] His mind raced for a different answer, looking for a solution that didn't lead back to what he looked at now. The result were clear, the third DNA sample matching his by several markers, the thoughts still seemed impossible to him, but it had to of happen, Neos power too similar to his to be just coincidental. He leaned against the counter now, lowering the papers in his hand and simply staring at the wall with a shocked expression. [b]"He's my son...."[/b] He said the words, feeling them roll off his tongue. They tasted sweet, and bitter all at once, a child he never thought would ever be born was suddenly roaming the halls now. His blood coursing through Neos veins, he could see form the test that his wasn't dominate, but his powers were, in that end that is all that mattered to him. He needed a teacher, without one the energy would consume him, drive him insane when he reached his adolescent years with his imbalanced nature of teenagers. He had to slow down his thoughts, they rushed around him in such a storm that he was having problems seeing them clearly, one appearing and then vanishing as another replaced it. He turned and set the papers on the table, seeing Ali's face as she waited for something from him. He let out a chuckle as he slowly shook his head. [b]"I don't know what to say. I'm at a loss for words about this."[/b] He said blatantly, he felt the guilt run rampant through his body, his heart taking the worst beating of them all from the barrage of angry voices yelling at him. Ali had made her way to him, standing at his side as she looked up at him, he hadn't seen her move, his mind was just focused on the situations at hand. [b]"Just say whats on your mind Marcus."[/b] He nodded to her. [b]"First off, you're right, I do need to train him. That is plain and simple, second of all, I have no idea how to feel about this."[/b] She gentle touched his hand, his arms still crossed as his eyes looked down at her slender hands. [b]"What are you feeling right now?" [/b]He shook his head as if trying got shake them feelings lose. [b]"Foremost I feel guilt. I left my son behind, regardless of whether he is fully mine or not, I left him behind for three years." "You didn't know, none of us knew! How could we of until you came back? No one could have guessed at what he could do." [/b]Marcus just nodded as he remained silent, his tongue licking his lips to wet them for a brief relief. [b]"What else is going on Marcus? Just tell me please."[/b] He looked to her now, his hand slipping out to gently hold hers. He found this a comforting gesture by itself, calming him down enough to think clearer. [b]"I feel over joyed. I have a son, someone I share a connection with on a level that only you have seen. Neos and I can do things other fathers and son's can't."[/b] His face changed to a frown as he rubbed his face with his other hand now, groaning slightly at the thought. [b]"I owe your husband an apology."[/b] Ali couldn't help but nod at him, not trusting her voice right then. [b]"I hope you both can forgive me for that altercation."[/b] Ali smiled as she shook her head at him, giving him a gentle kiss on his marked hand. [b]"I already did Marcus, in the shadow realm."[/b] Marcus nodded, a small smile on his face. The guilt of it all was still heavy in his mind now, he needed to train Neos as soon as possible. And he was sure he knew who could help him with that kind of training. But for now, he was content with standing there as he let the feelings seep in. He had a son now, his mother would be excited beyond belief, until she heard about the circumstance that the child was conceived . He let that slip out his lips as he continued to hold Alis hand. [b]"I'm sure my mother will love and kill me all at once."[/b] Ali felt a jolt through her body from his words, his eyes looking away as he chuckled nervously. Not sure what he was going to do next until he started Neos' training.[/size]

[size=2]He stood at that door for a long time, staring at the cold metal, his body unable to move as hi mind didn't know what to do. He wanted to smash down that door, finish the fight him and Demetri started. He couldn't do it, Ali had been right, it had been wrong of them to bring their issues and their problems in front of the children. He felt like dying when Neos spoke, his words still ringing in his head, still rang true to how he felt he would of done if he had stayed. He did the only thing he could do then, he turned and walked away, just as he should of when Demetri walked into the training room, he should of let it die then. He should of kept his composure, the fight should of never happened in all logical reasoning, but love was never logical, it was always emotional and it took its own course. He road its power, let it carry him farther then he ever would, and he almost drowned in it. He lied to himself then, he was still drowning in it, the feeling consuming him as the tears started to roll down his face. Rage and sadness surging through his body, the power growing as it took a life of its own, his hand lurched out at a wall, the power shredding the wall apart as he roared in anger. The debris scattered everywhere, he hurried through the halls now, his power spurring him on as they wavered and shifted. He finally made it to his room, the damage caused on his way there, making it through the door he stumbled into the room and collapsed on the floor. The tears raging now as he felt like everything was lost now, he believed now it was a mistake to come back. There was nothing left for him to protect here, Demetri held it all in his hands now, Marcus was just another problem for that family. Maybe leaving was the best thing for them, maybe it had always been. He remained on his knees on the floor, his mind and soul screaming for his body to do something more, but his body refused to do anything but weep. He felt like screaming, tearing this room apart and then destroying anything else he could, but as the tears slowed, he shook himself mentally. He took a deep breath then, his body quaking with the effort, he remained on the floor for several hours, his soul still traveling the other worlds. He wanted to travel with it right now, pull away from it all, his body was sore and he need to find some sort of rest to recover, fractures and the split skin had healed, his spirit would take longer. He only realized that he had been there for hours when he saw the gray sky, the sun rising, he saw his moment then, moving as fast as his sore muscles would let him, he settled into the middle of his room, pulling of his robe and sitting down and crossing his legs he closed his eyes. Letting everything go he felt the pull, his eyes opened again and he stood there again, the shadow world he hadn't seen for sometime. He held out his arms as he stared up into the black sky, able to see clouds in the shadow world. [b]"What do I do now? I had plans, desires, dreams even, I even dared hope for love. I lost it all, what do I have left in my life?"[/b] A form materialized out of the shadows, his silver headed cane showing in the darkness and his old grin still there. [b]"Oh quit being so dramatic! I swear, you're worse then Cotillion sometimes!"[/b] Marcus growled as he faced the shadowed old man. [b]"Shut up Ammanas, you know nothing about what I'm going through! I walked away from the only thing because I needed to do the right thing! Everything gone and there is no one to blame but me!"[/b] Shadowthrone giggled at him then. [b]"My boy, you are quite delusional. You lost nothing, its just not as clear as it was. You are so dense sometimes, she spoke as true as she could."[/b] Marcus could feel the anger rising again, seeming like the lesson wasn't learned he was ready to unleash his power on the old man. Coming to his senses he quelled the anger, the sadness seeping back into his core. He was silent for awhile, Shadowthrone simply watching him as he giggled every so often, the conversation resumed, building into something greater. Elsewhere, a small boy rose from bed, eager to see his mother his eyes full of curiosity and knowing, his fox trailing behind him as he saw her laying in bed. His father gone for now, attending to something he didn't know about yet, rushing into the room he climbed up onto the bed and laid on his mother. The sudden weight shaking her from her light sleep, she smiled down at her baby boy, his face still bright and full of joy. Crawling up further, he tapped her on her cheek until she was paying full attention to him. [b]"What's wrong baby?"[/b] She said gently, his young face suddenly looking very serious. [b]"Mommy, your husband needs you."[/b] Her face suddenly changed to a confused look. [b]"Sweetie, daddy left for his work. He'll be ok."[/b] Neos shook his head then. [b]"No mommy, your husband shrouded in shadow. He needs you now."[/b] Before she could say anything, she blinked, suddenly finding herself standing in a world of darkness and moving shadow. Neos standing beside her with Sly nearby, a great big smile on his face as Ali stared in disbelief, she hadn't been here in three years. The only person to bring her here was, she saw him then, talking to someone shrouded in shadow, a silver handled cane shaped like a wolf speaking back. Neos stalked forward, both remaining out of his sight as they tried to get closer, Neos shushing his mother before giggling. They finally were within hearing distance when they heard the conversation. [b]"Just be clear about what you're saying Ammanas. I don't have the patience for your riddles right now, I've lost too much today to think to hard on them."[/b] She felt a sharp twist in her heart, she knew what he was talking about without any further context. Shadowthrone giggled again, tapping Marcus with his cane. [b]"Just think about, blood is always thickest, especially when powered is shared. You should really think about that heir of yours, a smart man would follow his instincts."[/b] Marcus was hit hard with that, thinking he was grasping the subject then, starting to come to a conclusion when he suddenly felt something touch him. Looking down, a small fox creature rubbing up against him, his eyes widened as he whipped around to see what was going. [b]"Who's out there?"[/b] [i]No one can be here. It's not possible.[/i] His thoughts raced, a foreign entity was now stalking his world. He hardened himself to it, the fox creature still against his leg, not registering with him who it belong to. Not until he saw her appear from the darkness, her and her small child. His heart shattered then, the coldness seeping back in as Shadowthrone peaked around him. [b]"Looks like the cats out of the bag huh?"[/b] Marcus waved him away with a quick motion, the figure giggling before moving away. Marcus only felt shame when he looked at her now, her words still cut deep. He couldn't look at her as he felt his shoulders slump, finding he couldn't stand taller. She came closer, standing almost within reach. [b]"How did you get here?"[/b] He said as his eyes remained on the ground, only seeing her slender feet and Neos face. [b]"I don't know, I think it was..."[/b] She trailed off as she looked to Neos, his smile broad on his face before looking to Ali. [b]"I'm gonna go play now. Uncle Marcus can bring you home, I love you mommy."[/b] Him and his fox vanished then, like sand on the wind, he looked around for him before turning back to Marcus. His eyes still lowered as he hung his head now. [b]"He's quite powerful. As long as you get the right teacher he'll grow into his powers smoothly." "I thought you wanted to train him?"[/b] Marcus nodded his head slightly. [b]"I did, but, I realize that I'm not the right person to do it anymore."[/b] Ali reached up then, getting her hand on his face, she tried to raise it so he would look at her, but he fought her keeping his head down. [b]"Why won't you look at him Marcus?"[/b] He spoke solemnly. [b][b]"I'm too ashamed. I brought your children into a fight between your husband and I. There is no place for me anymore."[/b][/b] Ali's tears slowly rolled down her face, her touching warming to him, but not enough to break the chains of ice around his heart. [b]"Don't say that Marcus." "You've made it obvious Ali, you told it to me straight to my face before you left me in that hallway alone. You've already chosen, you don't need to tell me again."[/b] He was ready to leave this world, leave it all behind. He had been gone for too long, and she had moved on, the kisses and the passion meant nothing now. All of it in vain, he readied to depart, until he suddenly felt the swift slap across his face, his cheek stinging as his eyes finally met her face. His expression shocked and then saddened when he saw her face now, her tears rolling down her face. [b]"Don't you dare leave me again! Don't you dare!"[/b] He didn't know what to do, his mind was telling to to leave, move on and do his job, his heart had broken some of those chains. Not all, his doubt still heavy in his mind, her face was a mixture of tears and anger, she somehow knew what he was doing. He felt the spark then, the hope in his chest dimly light. He needed to take this chance if he was to save himself, grabbing hold of her hands he pulled her into him, his lips matching her in his last desperate attempt, he left his doubt and his sadness flow into her along with everything else on his mind. He didn't hold back anything as he kept her tight in his arms, her arms loose at first, then suddenly tightening around him as well. Her feelings, her thoughts and everything in her mind flowed through him as well now, their connection reestablished as they stayed in their long kiss, Marcus scared to let her go for the same reasons she was, he didn't want her to leave, to change her mind. He would need her now, more then ever, to reassure him everything was alright. He only prayed as the kiss went on, prayed that everything would be alright.[/size]

[size=2]They both stood there momentarily unsure of what to do, he had seen how hurt she was at his words, still amazing him how easy it was to break someones heart with only a few words. Neos' statement had made the matter worse, Marcus had been hit in the heart with that one, he was sure Demetri had felt the same wave. He wasn't sure what Demetri was going to do, but he knew what was running through his mind, he was gonna do what he always did when this happened. He bowed his head to Demetri before turning away and heading to the door. [b]"Where are you going Marcus?"[/b] He kept walking before stopping to the door. [b]"Run after her of course. Its what I'm good at."[/b] He kept his face straight, his shoulders up right and his pace steady as he left the room. He had to keep himself under control, just long enough before he made his mad dash through the hall to catch up with her. The door slid open, the action seeming to take forever as the door finally opened enough for him to step out, he started walking, the people in the room still able to see him before the door slid closed. The moment he heard it shut he took off, throwing his sandals off his feet as he bolted through the halls. [i]How do I keep forgetting how fast that damn girl is?[/i] He thought to himself as he turned a corner, maintaining his balance as he made the sharp turn. He suddenly crashed into a group of people, sending them sprawling to the floor as he was sent for forward, curling up at the last moment and rolling back on to his feet as he kept running. The swords at his belt swaying back and forth before he finally came to the door he needed too, his breathing uneven as he was about to enter. He heard grunting and savaging hits, he opened the door and found Ali there, her ear buds in as he saw her punching viciously into a punching bag. The bag swinging violently as he brought up a kick before resuming her barrage, he stared at her as he stepped into the room, the door closing behind him as he couldn't help but look at how her figure had changed. Thoughts rising into his mind that would of made recruits blush as he unstrapped his swords and set them aside before finally walking to her, standing to her side before speaking, adding his magic with the memory of last time still fresh. [b]"You shouldn't extend yourself that far, you'll pull something."[/b] He suddenly saw a fist swing in his direction, narrowly dodging it as he leaned aside. He saw her breathing hard now, sweat dripping down her body, his eyes started to wander again but stopping himself as he shook his head. She pulled out her ear buds, setting them around her neck as she walked to the training room fridge, opening the door and pulling out a water bottle and taking a few short drinks. [b]"Why are you here Marcus?"[/b] He did his best to ignore her tone, clearly feeling the hurt behind her words. He crossed his arms and stared at him, she returning the stare, knowing exactly how to win these battles he let out a small chuckled before looking away. [b]"I always hated losing that game."[/b] [b]"You didn't answer my question Marcus, don't change the subject."[/b] Marcus kept his smile on his face, doing his best to defuse the situation. [b]"Just here to say that we all make mistakes."[/b] Her face contorted into a scowl as she rolled her shoulders. [b]"Whats that suppose to mean? You saying I made a mistake."[/b] [i]Now wouldn't I love to say that.[/i] He kept the thought to himself, hoping Ali hadn't heard that. [b]"No, I'm just saying Demetri did. We didn't exactly leave things on the best terms three years ago." "Oh I am very aware Marked Man."[/b] She retorted sourly. She knew how to press his buttons, knowing when she called him that in her current state always drove the point home for him. He felt his hurt rise to the surface. [b]"Well, I see that I should of let you hit that bag some more. Maybe I should of stayed in that room and let Demetri chase after you."[/b] The words that slipped from his mouth felt like he had just delivered a blow to his own stomach, he had let his emotions get the better of him. He placed his face in his hand as he felt her reaction through the rune now, rubbing it as he tried to think about how to salvage the situation. The words should never have been uttered, he looked up to apologize when he saw her suddenly standing within arms reach. The shock registering on his face, how had she closed that much distance between them so quietly? Things certainly had changed a lot with her, and he felt it raise the pressure in his chest, his heart thumbing with her proximity. She reached out and put a small hand on his face, cupping his cheek, her eyes seemed watery now, the look making him melt again. [b]"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you." [/b]He nodded as he felt the warmth of her hand on his face. [b]"Aren't I suppose to be the one cupping your face?"[/b] She shook her head as she smiled at him. [b]"Shut up."[/b] He let out a small laugh. Her hand fell away as they just stood there, a smile on both of their faces. [b]"You know he didn't mean it that way right?"[/b] She nodded her head, breathing deeply before letting out a heavy sigh. [b]"I know, it's just things are different with him then they were with you. I guess I never fully adjusted."[/b] He nodded his head slowly. [b]"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I haven't slept in a bed since that last time we were together."[/b] He felt the sudden jolt from her as she looked up at him, feeling a tug on his own heart. [b]"I'm sure you just went back to meditating."[/b] He shook his head. [b]"Don't even do that anymore." [/b]Taping his temple as he kept his gaze on her shocked face. [b]"I haven't felt the need."[/b] She put her hands on her hips as she gave him a unhappy look. [b]"You know, tapping your temple like a jackass doesn't tell me anything."[/b] He smiled broadly then. [b]"Got to keep the mystery, you always loved that part if I remember right."[/b] She shook her head as a smile showed on her face, he reached out again, placing his hand on her face as he started to drift closer. Feeling the sensation rush through his body as they drew closer, his lips craving hers. The door suddenly opened and they hastily pulled away as they look to the doorway. Demetri almost hunched over in the door way before entering the training room, Marcus stood tall as his face hardened, feeling slightly cheated of one more kiss. [b]"Seems I got here first."[/b] [b]"I didn't run like you did, found your sandals."[/b] Lifting them up into sight before dropping them on to the ground. Marcus didn't move and inch as Demetri approached, Marcus briefly looking out of the corner of his eyes to surprisingly see Ali still standing close. He turned his body to face Demetri fully, Demetri turning to Ali when he stood close enough. [b]"Ali, I'm sorry. Our wedding was wonderful, and amazing and-"[/b] His eyes drifted back to Marcus. [b]"Do you mind Colonel?" [/b]Marcus crossed his arms again. His feelings changing quickly to something more aggressive, spurring on his words now. [b]"Not at all Commandant, please continue. When you mess up again, I'll chase her down again."[/b] Demetri stood in front of him now, Marcus having to look up at a slight angle. [b]"I don't like your tone."[/b] Marcus shrugged at him. [b]"Not surprised, its pretty straight forward. Want to hear it again?"[/b] Marcus wasn't sure where these words were coming from, until his eyes caught Ali again. Understanding all to well now why his aggression was up. He brought his eyes back to Demetri, seeing his hands balled into fists. [b]"Care to spar Marked man?"[/b] He Demetri say in a surprisingly calm voice, Marcus kept his gaze steady. [b]"Interesting proposition, lets see how this works."[/b] Marcus stepped back, Demetri did the same as they began to stretch out. Marcus untying his sash, dropping his robe to show he was still wearing loos fitting pants. Both of them starting to fall into their own worlds, completely missing the sound of the door opening and the voices of recruits and other HDF members as they entered to suddenly go silent, seeing the two officers readying themselves. Ali seeing the people before he gaze went back to the two combatants. Marcus spread out his stance as he Demetri did the same, Marcus keeping his torso straight as Demetri lowered himself just a little bit. [b]"On her mark." [/b]Demetri said, Marcus nodded. Neither of them looking at Ali as she stepped forward, unsure if she should initiate this. Only after looking into their faces did she realize there was no turning back. [b]"Go."[/b] She simply said, both men lurching into motion. Marcus going for a rib hit as Demetri reached out with flat palm for his face, both dodging the others hits, passing each other. Marcus spun around, bring up his heel to smash it into Demetri's shoulder only to have it batted away before a fist swung backward, spinning Demetri to face Marcus, he dodge the hit as he brought his own forward from down low. His fist smashing into Demetri chest, the giant absorbing the blow before grabbing his arm and suddenly throwing Marcus away like a log, Marcus rolling on his side before jumping back on to his feet. Demetri giving him no time to moved before he was on top of him, a massive foot swinging up to take send him into the ceiling. Marcus shifted his body, turning away from it before rolling away and rising again to smash both of his fists into Demetri's ribs. The hit showed it made an impact, but not enough as an elbow came across Marcus face, sending him spinning through the air before landing on his feet, feeling the slight trickle from his nose he rubbed it to see blood, a smile on his face briefly. [b]"Still pack quite a hit huh?"[/b] Demetri snorted at him. [b]"More then I can say for you."[/b] Marcus let his words flow freely now. [b]"I saw Neos powers, I'm not so sure he's your son." [/b]Demetri's face hardened for a moment, a fire burning in his eyes. [b]"No more holding back then?"[/b] Demetri said as a grim smile spread on his face. [b]"Lets make it even then."[/b] Marcus let the energy flow now, the runes on his body suddenly wavering, looking like a heat wave across his entire body. Demetri lashing out instantly with wind slashes, showing his prowess with his power as the tattooed man twisted and turned as he redirected them. The runes changing shape on his hand as he released a pressure wave at the giant, the force pushing him back, having to throw up his arms to divert the majority of the blast. Marcus rushing forward then, raising his hands suddenly as a piece of the floor rose up, Marcus taking a step on it and leaping off toward Demetri, swinging at the giant as he enhanced the force, the fist making contact with Demetri's face, causing his head to snap to one side, his body twisting with his head before swiftly blasting Marcus square in the chest with a wind blase, sending the mystic tumbling through the air and smashing into the wall. Making an impression before Marcus stood on his feet, steady as ever, the crackle of lightning could be heard as Demetri charged it up and threw it at him. The runes changing again, Marcus holding out his palm as the bolt hit it, the runes redirecting it through his body, before bringing it to his other hand, holding to fingers out as the lighting lanced out toward Demetri. Pushing it aside as he moved to avoid it, Marcus rushing forward, Demetri doing the same as the two met in the middle, fists swinging and being redirected. Kicks and heels making contact and being pushed away, the fight becoming a blur as their movements became difficult to see for the crowd gathering. Ali able to see every movement as she couldn't figure out what to do. The spar seemed to be going on forever for them, both on the verge of losing themselves in the heat of it. They pulled away from each other, both standing on the opposite sides of where they started. Both were breathing heavily, their bodies bruised, the skin broken in several places and blood leaked freely. Both readied to go at each other again, their legs suddenly giving out as they both knelled on the ground, Marcus trying to support himself on one hand as he took ragged breaths. Both of them then thudded to the mat, sweat drenching their bodies, making the open wounds sting as they found their bodies took broken to move.[/size]

[size=2]Marcus found that yet again, he could not move, he dared not move now. What Neos had said to him cause more pain and more happiness then he thought possible in one sentence, no one had ever been able to get under his skin so effectively. The main thing that threw him for a curve, was that the way he did things, the way he used his powers and the way he spoke of things he should never have known, it all brought back his own childhood. He had been just like him, he knew too much, sometimes it got him in trouble and sometimes he stunned people enough that they would just send him away. He had seen in the boys features both Demetri and Ali, that was plainly obvious to him, but he couldn't help but wonder at the child's origins. He looked to Ali, thinking she might have an answer for him, her face clearly showing that she as shocked as he was, showing Marcus that she knew nothing of this gift. She quickly came out of it, she was still visible shaken but now she had some control back. [b]"Marcus, what are you doing here?" [/b]He didn't answer for a few moments, just watching her as he didn't know how long he would have. [b]"I came to talk Ali."[/b] She shook her head at him. [b]"There is nothing to talk about."[/b] Marcus undid his swords and laid them on near by chair. [b]"There is plenty to talk about. Your son just revealed it all."[/b] He could see now she was fighting something inside, holding her hands close to her body as he saw her eyes water. [b]"Don't cry Ali, you know what that does to me."[/b] He almost pleaded to her, he stepped toward her trying to keep the tears at bay when she held up a hand at him. Stopping him in her tracks as she turned away for a moment, pulling herself together before speaking again. [b]"Please, I just need to be alone right now."[/b] Marcus didn't move, he knew what happened last time he had left, leaving her alone three years ago. He hated himself then, he hated that he had killed a dream, a possible future because of his need to maintain order. Three years, searching for information on the gods had taught him one thing, people cannot bring order to the world around them if their own worlds are lacking the same. His world hadn't been in order in years, and now, he was risking a lot coming back here and talking to her now. He risked a confrontation with Demetri, he risked the bases security, he risked her marriage. And while these things ate into his mind, pulling at him to just leave now and drop the entire subject and just be her friend, he couldn't do that anymore. The time away from her had shown him that he could never let her go, he had shown her more of himself then even Masan had seen, he had remained true to his vow to her, his love never died, and from what he heard from Neos, neither had Ali's love for him. [b]"I'm not leaving again. Not ever again Ali."[/b] He could see her barrier break as she walked up and wrapped her arms around his waist, his settling on her as he felt the tears now, the feeling making him want to weep. [b]"You left me all alone Marcus! You left me and Neos behind for what?"[/b] She almost screamed at him. Marcus couldn't tell her everything now, in time they could understand everything he knew. But it was just too much right now. [b]"I left to protect my family." "Protect what family? You could have done that here."[/b] Marcus brought his hands to her face and lifted it up so she could look at him. [b]"I left to protect you and Neos. You're my family no matter what happens." [/b]She shook her head again. [b]"We're Demetri's family Marcus, he's my husband." "I know, but somewhere else out there this is different. I am your husband, I know its not here and now. But, I still feel what that Marcus felt, I still love you. As far as i'm concerned, that makes you my family." "That's another time, another place Marcus."[/b] He wasn't going to accept that, never again. [b]"Neos said it clear enough, you still love me as much as you love me. He can see your dreams, he says you hurt. What do you dream about?"[/b] She pressed the side of her face to his chest again as her breathing evened out. [b]"I dream of when we were together. Those three months we had, that last week hits the hardest. When we lived together, I've never been that comfortable with someone." [/b]Marcus remembered clearly, her throwing the water bottle because he hid chocolate from her. That week had been one of the best times of his life, with so much death and so much pain happening around them, it had been the perfect escape for both of them. He gave her a gentle kiss on the top of her head. [b]"I dream of those times too. I'm sorry I came back now."[/b] He said with sorrow in his heart, seeing how this might turn out he could see why he left the first time. He tried to pull away when he felt her grip tighten, he had forgotten how strong she really was. [b]"I'm not."[/b] She whispered to him. He felt his heart leap then, he shook the doubt from his mind then. He wasn't sure what he was going to do, or what he was willing to do when it came to her marriage, but he knew he wasn't leaving again, wasn't going to give up. His mind shifted subjects then, remembering everything Neos said to him. [b]"Ali, we need to talk about Neos."[/b] Her arms released as she looked at him, she guided him to the small couch as they seated themselves. [b]"We're gonna talk about what just happen right?"[/b] Marcus nodded to her. [b]"He said more things to me before I brought him over. You were right, his powers are like me. He even knows too much for his age."[/b] She nodded as she looked at the door, seeing Neos tell Marcus those words all over again. [b]"I think I need he needs a teacher." "What do you mean Marcus, he's only three." "Exactly Ali, he can already speak better then most kids can at age seven. He can get into your dreams Ali, gods only know what he can really do. I want to start teaching him."[/b] Ali seemed unsure, he cupped her face in his hands as he looked into her light eyes. [b]"I'll keep it simple, and I'll only tutor him with you or Demetri present."[/b] Ali was still unsure, but then nodded her agreement. Marcus smile, seeing her face and her being this close he leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss. Holding it for several seconds before gently pulling away. He could hear a light moan from her as he saw her bite her lower lip just a little bit, the reaction getting a smile out of him. [b]"I still got it don't I?"[/b] She punched him in the chest then, rubbing the spot as he laughed, a smile crossing her face, even thought she felt the guilt start to creep in. [b]"Don't get cocky marked man. I still need to run this by Demetri, and you should probably see him before anything else happens."[/b] He nodded to her, standing up as he went for his swords. Gripping them in one hand he was heading out to leave when he stopped, suddenly remembering part of the reason he came her. Reaching into his arm band, he pulled out a folded piece of paper with black markings on the back. He held it out to her. [b]"You dropped this, thought you might want it back."[/b] She reached out for it, unfolding the picture she stared at it for a few moments. [b]"This isn't my picture."[/b] Marcus shook his head with a smile on his face. [b]"Its not, its my copy. I'm trading you photos." [/b]She looked on the back and saw almost a whole paragraph on the back of it. [b]"Whats written on the back?" "I watched the memory again, I watched the entire memory. Those are my vows." [/b]He turned away then, swords in his hand as he walked out the door, preparing himself for the meeting he was about to have with the Commandant, re-securing his swords he readied himself as best he could for the coming battle of wills.[/size]

[size=2]Marcus simply stood there for a long time, the rune on her wrists had showed him far more then he had expected to see, and expected to feel. Her emotions were just as strong as his, the power behind them had jump started his heart. The pressure building in his body, all he could do was breath slowly to calm himself, he had to remember the ring on her hand and who she was married too. [i]But it should have been me![/i] His thoughts screamed at him, he had to focus hard on making that thought pass, he couldn't let this escalate. He had just arrived only minutes ago and already his world was being tossed about without his say. He had to tread more carefully now, he wanted Ali more then anything now the need sure to overwhelm him if he allowed it. He touched his waist, trying to grip a handle of one of his blades only to find nothing there, he looked around to see them sitting up near the doorway, he didn't recall taking them off. He started to walk toward them when caught something on the floor, a folded piece of paper that he opened up and the moment he did, he was sure his heart had stopped. Staring into the smiling faces, the duplicate of the one he had tucked away, he saw the wear marks, the places it had been folded and the slight chafing of the image of where it had been constantly unfolded and refolded. His smile was a sad on as he touched her face, he folded the picture back up and tucked it away in his robe. He needed some time to think, a few moments before he did the unthinkable. He walked to the door and re-secured his swords to his waist, ready to leave the room again he stopped for just a second, his fingers touching his lips gently as he tried to hold on to the feeling. A thought struck him then, turning from the door he quickly started to go through drawers in his quarters, knowing he had to leave at least one behind. He soon found what he was looking for, and old pen resting in the drawer, pulling it out he then reached into his Bandanna, pulling out his picture, unfolding it he wrote something on the back, taking a few moments to write the right words before tossing the pen away and folding it back up. He walked out of his room then, still needing to take sometime to relax and get a grip on his thoughts. He navigated the hallways, catching moments of surprised faces he disregarded them until he arrived at the mess hall. Going in, he grabbed and apple and a pear, speaking quickly with one of the women serving the food, she smiled at him and nodded. He returned the smile before moving away, finding a place to sit alone, he took a deep breath and finally let his nerves settle. He took a slow bite out of his apple, chewing on it as if chewing on the images and rouge emotions floating around. He came out of his thoughts as he saw the woman set down a tray before him, a slender pitcher, half the size of a normal one and a few small cups. He thanked her as she departed, pouring himself a glass and taking a sip, tasting the flavors of his tea, he let the warm liquid relax his body, the apple in his hand half eaten at this point. He could hear whispers, see eyes looking at him, others pointed discreetly, others more blatantly. Soon enough, someone he wasn't familiar with came and sat down across from him, Marcus initially didn't bother looking at him as he sipped his tea. The HDF member stared it him fro a long while, Marcus finally glancing at him before setting down his glass. [b]"Is their something you need..." "Terry."[/b] Marcus nodded to him. [b]"Terry, what do you need?" [/b]He looked like a kid in a candy store, the excitement on his face as clear as day. [b]"Are you, Marcus Demos? The Warded Man?"[/b] Marcus looked around as he noticed more faces staring at him expectantly. He simply nodded as Terry roared in excitement. Marcus held a confused look on his face as he could see the young man bouncing before him. [b]"I can't believe its you! I told them you were him, they didn't believe me."[/b] Marcus remained silent as he simply stared at the young man. The stare only seemed to excite him more as he squealed. [b]"Oh my god he's doing it guys!"[/b] He heard other voices speaking now, Marcus didn't like this much attention, he had tried to stay out of sight most of his life. Until she came into his life, bring more of him out then he thought. He stopped the feelings before they could cause any more damage. [b]"Can you show us your powers Colonel Demos? Please show us?" [/b]He looked around and saw the eyes looking at him, he took a sip of his tea before standing from his seat. He then started to walk away, hearing them groan unhappily. He grinned for a second before waving a hand secretly, the liquid of the tea bursting out, moving in a long form like a snake, sliding on to the table as it coiled up the liquid creature suddenly striking out, Terry gasping before the shaped disintegrated and harmlessly splashed him with the warm tea. Marcus heard silence, before a roar echoed through the mess hall, him already walking away from the ruckus as he felt prepared for this confrontation now. On his walk, he suddenly saw three people he hadn't expected to see but felt a smile hold on his face as they spotted him. Tank was massive now, easily taller then Marcus, maybe even taller then Demetri now, Lily had grown taller, still stick thin as she ran up to Marcus, he was leaning down as she launched herself into his arms. [b]"Uncle Marcus!" [/b]She laughed as he held on to her tight before swinging her around, a giggle escaping her as he set her back down. Tank was holding on to the hand of a smaller child, Marcus looked at the toddler and could see curiosity in his eyes that was common in children. But, his curiosity was more focused on Marcus, rather then his complexion. Marcus gave Tank a hug, moments before the giant of a boy lifting him up off the ground with a one armed hug, squeezing him enough that Marcus thought he would crack. Tank set him down as Marcus caught his breath again. [b]"Great gods Tank, you have an amazing grip. You play football don't you."[/b] He nodded with a bashful look on his face. Marcus looked crouched down to get at eye level with the toddler. [b]"You must be Neos. Do you know who I am?"[/b] He shook his head instantly. Marcus felt an unexpected pain at that. [b]"Well that's unfortunate, I would of thought your mother would of said something about me."[/b] Neos suddenly had recognition in his eyes, as if something new came to his mind, Marcus held in his curiosity as Neos spoke. [b]"You're the man mama thinks about sometimes. You kept and eye on her when I was in her tummy."[/b] Marcus was silent then, no words seemed possible to speak. If Ali hadn't said anything about him, Neos shouldn't have known any of this let alone be able to speak in such complete sentences. Neos then walked to Marcus and held his arms out to him, Marcus not sure what to do except to open his own arms. Neos charged in and wrapped his arms around his neck, snuggling his face into his chest with a content sigh. Marcus rose, Neos in his arms now as he looked to Tanks surprised face. [b]"From looking at your face, I take it he doesn't do this often." [/b]Tank shook his head. [b]"I've only ever seen him do that with Mom and Dad, Uncle Marcus. I don't know why he did it to you."[/b] Marcus looked down at the little boy ion his arms now, feeling a connection with him that he probably shouldn't have, but there it was none the less. [b]"Hey Neos."[/b] The little boy looking up at him with his brown eyes. [b]"I heard you have cool powers, can you show me?"[/b] Neos nodded as Marcus set him down, his hands reached down and touched the ground, a brilliant light before appeared a small ball. Marcus picked it up and bounced it a few times, feeling how real it was, making sure his powers weren't just illusions. He understood what Ali meant now, his powers were just like his, he handed the ball back to Neos and leaned down to speak to him again. [b]"That's very impressive Neos. Want to see something cool?"[/b] He nodded his head vigorously, Marcus holding out one hand then placing his palm on the ground, sliding it across the ground he made the floor suddenly shift form, moving with his gestures, he raised his hand off the floor and the material followed, giving it a shape, it looked just like Neos. Making it moved side to side, lean forward and then poke the real Neos in his tummy, making a giggle out of the small boy. Marcus set his hand back down on the ground and the material reintegrated itself with the floor. Neos ball vanished in an instant, He ran back to Marcus and cuddled back up to him as he stood again. He looked to Lily and rubbed her head. [b]"How has school been going for you both?"[/b] Tank beamed proudly as Lily seemed to shy away from the subject. Marcus smiled at them. [b]"Tank, your grades must be good, or else you wouldn't be on the team."[/b] He nodded, Marcus gaze shifting to Lily. [b]"Whats wrong Lily?" [/b]She didn't speak for a few moments, then finally let it out. [b]"There is a boy at school."[/b] Marcus chuckled as he gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head and spoke to her. [b]"We'll just keep that a secret form your mom alright?" [/b]Her eyes glittered at his words. [b]"You promise?"[/b] He nodded, holding out his pinky finger as she locked hers with his, she giggled as he laughed. He attempted to pull Neos off when he squirmed and groaned and held on tighter. [b]"Neos, we have to go."[/b] Tank said, Neos shook his head. [b]"He's gonna go see mommy, I wanna see mommy too."[/b] Marcus held onto the boy, feeling slightly disturbed the boy knew what he was doing. He looked to Tank and lilly and nodded his head. [b]"I am heading over to see your mom for a bit. I'll take care of him, alright?"[/b] They nodded before he gave them both as good a hug he could. They turned away as he walked through the hall, Neos nestled in his arms, Marcus still trying to understand the boy as he headed to Ali's direction, the rune confirming her place, the comfortable wave of energy reassuring him.[/size]

[size=2]"[b]How much longer before we leave sir?"[/b] He heard the question asked to him yet again, he had been procrastinating with doing small things. Noe he was just sitting, he had found a bench and decided he needed to take a moment before they went ahead with his transport. He was hunched over as he stared at his marked hands, the runes were still now, stuck to his skin like the tattoos they had been before. He recalled now, the night he had killed Sybille, the runes had moved with his power, taking on a new life as he destroyed his former student, his power had kept growing since. Now, he could make them move at will, change their design, their function, could make them whatever he wanted, but he never changed a single thing, always making them go back to the way they looked three years ago. He always kept them the same, he wanted to look just like he did for her three years ago, he had seen the subtle changes in her, and in his eyes it was making her more beautiful everyday. He looked up now, staring into the eyes of the only person who knew every location he had ever been to since his leave from the Northern base. He chuckled as he remembered the same face in the ruins, her body shaking as the fear registered on her face. [b]"Whats so funny sir?"[/b] He kept his eyes on her face before turning away again. [b]"You know how long it's been Warp?"[/b] She eyed him coldly as she thought about it. [b]"Three years sir?" "Yes, and three years ago I saw your fear stricken little face in those ruins."[/b] She just shrugged at him. [b]"I'm a different person now. Everyone changes sir, I'm sure you did."[/b] He stayed silent then, Warp use to this as she had served with him this entire time. Marcus thought on her words for a few moments, he knew she was right, change happened often. For him, however, it only happened when he had meet her, when they had connected in so many ways. She had changed him forever, his heart still lied with her only, his immeasurably long life should have made him more adaptable to these kinds of things. But even to this day, he had refused any woman who had approached him flat out, never seeing in them what he saw in her. He was sure Warp here had made her advance at least once or twice, he just couldn't recall if it actually happen or if he had just seen the intent in her eyes. It didn't matter to him, she was her and Warp could never be that one he loved. His right hand drifted to the bandanna tied to his arm, reaching with in it, he pulled out a folded paper. Opening it up, it showed it was a picture, the smiles clear on their face as they were looking up into the camera, the bed in the background bringing back memories of the nights they had. The softness of her eyes and the sweet smile she reserved only for him, he saw how happy he was then, he looked younger and less worn down. He knew he had changed a bit in appearance, but he felt it now, the knowledge he knew weighed down on him sometimes, having no one to share it with anymore. He folded the picture back up and securely tucked it back in the bandanna before standing from the bench, he looked to Warp, she nodded to him as he walked forward. He walked through the halls, making his way until he found the open area that had warning signs painted everywhere. This was the area this HDF base had kept as the area they returned troops from the field, today no one was authorized to use this area until his departure. They stood in the middle of it now, Marcus steeling his mind and his heart as he felt Warps touch. [b]"You remember the first time we did this Krystal?" [/b]He said, her real name catching her off guard a bit since he never really used it, mainly calling her Warp. She let a smile creased her lips lightly. [b]"I do, you almost vomited all over the place. You did better then me my first time."[/b] Marcus chuckled again, a smile never touching his face. [b]"Lets go." [/b]With those simple words they were gone, twisting through the spaces in between space and time itself. Seconds later they stood on familiar ground, Marcus standing tall as he looked around. No one was around, he wasn't so surprised, Commander Phoenix had been told that his location could not be disclosed, no one would know where he was or where he was going. They only received messages about rumors of him showing up at particular bases, three or more bases received the same info before he moved. But now, he was home for good, or at least he hoped so. He took a deep breath, letting the memories wash over him as he simply stood there collecting his wits, he started walking Warp following him before he spoke as they kept walking. [b]"Go to the Commandants office, inform him of our arrival. I need to be alone for now, come back after you have rested and eaten, you've earned it."[/b] She saluted him before heading off her own direction, he kept walking straight, his memory coming back clearly of the whole base. His mind wandered again as his feet took him where he was going, he drifted to thoughts of what if. He still clearly remembered the time him and Ali had shared in their shadow realm, he recalled all to clearly the memory from another version of him, how he was the one to marry Ali. He still desired that above all else, he still craved to have that dream become true, he had thought that after he had left the base he would think of her less often. He was wrong, he thought of her more when he left, he even found that his thoughts persisted heavily even to this day, after being gone for three years, looking in on her from time to time with that mirror he had obtained from that old perv. Marcus smiled for the first time that day as he thought about what it would have been like. He turned the corner and finally came to his old room, he punched in the key code as a thought crossed his mind. [i]Honey, I'm home.[/i] He was about to step through the door when stopped dead in his tracks, his heart beating rapidly, all of the walls he had put up crumbled as he saw her standing there. Her back turned to him as she was going about her own thing, dusting and cleaning everything in sight. He didn't know what to do, all he could do was lean against the door frame as he watched her, his eyes taking in every detail. His mirror had showed him true, the curves of her body and the way she moved still made his heart jump into his throat. He noticed something as he looked over her body, seeing something black on her shoulder, the rest covered up, he felt a small glint of pride in the hope she got the tattoo because of his. He cleared his throat then, unable to think of what else to do, she didn't hear him, he realized then that she had headphones in, her body moving to the rhythm that would of made him blush, thankfully his skin was dark enough. He tried again, this time putting his hands near his lips before sending out the noise with a wave of power behind it. She jumped suddenly, turning around instantly with a scowl before it dropped away here eyes wide as she just saw him standing there. She pulled out her ear buds and pocketed her iPod, they looked at each other now. Ali's eyes began to wander his body, seeing how he had changed if at all. She saw the robe he wore now, cinched at the waist with his old sash, the two swords on either side of him, she caught sight of the blue bandanna around his left arm, the only color on his being. She saw how his face hadn't changed, his kin still as dark as before, but not she could see the results of his rigorous training for the past three years. Able to see the lines and the definition of his muscles now. Marcus wanted nothing more then to feel her hands on his skin again, her gentle fingers gliding across his chest and tracing his markings. Neither spoke for a long moment before she whispered the words that almost made him fall to his knees. [b]"Marcus, you're back." [/b]All he could do was nod, his throat tightening as he found he didn't trust himself to speak. He stepped into the room, the door sliding closed behind him, the room suddenly felt small, as if it was closing in on him trying to bring him closer to her. He no longer held back, holding out his arms he threw them around her, her arms followed as he hugged her tightly. [b]"Its good to see you Ali."[/b] He whispered to her, he felt her nod. The embrace ended and she had a smile on her face, Marcus couldn't help but show her one back. His heart was beating faster every second, he was sure she could see it right before it would leap out of his chest. They stood in silence for a few more seconds before Marcus spoke. [b]"I'm surprised to find you in here. I didn't think anyone knew I was coming."[/b] Her eyes turned away before she spoke. [b]"Demetri received a message, it said you were rumored to be coming back this way." "Yes, three of those are always sent out before I arrive at a base. No would know if I would come or not then, how did you know I would be here?"[/b] She was silent now, the answer not coming to her. It had only been a rumor, she hadn't been sure he would come back to their base, but she knew somehow. [b]"I just did. I don't know how, but I did."[/b] He felt a warmth seep into his body then, understanding the significance of her words. His smile grew as he gesture for her to take a seat, they both sat down on the couch, having been freshly cleaned by Ali minutes ago. [b]"Like I said, it's good to see you again Ali. I'm glad to be back."[/b] She smiled as well. [b]"I'm glad you came back, no one knew when you would ever comeback." "How's the old team doing? Still strong I hope."[/b] Ali nodded to him. [b]"Jason is just as, frustrating as ever. Pocket has gotten better with her powers, Gene and the others have trained enough to earn the open positions."[/b] Marcus leaned forward a he let out a small laugh. [b]"I hope a spot is still open for me."[/b] Ali reached out without thinking touching his hand. [b]"There is always a place for you."[/b] Marcus felt the warmth of her touch, her soft skin on his, he never wanted it to end. She suddenly pulled back, her warm touching leaving him. [b]"Thank you Ali. Hows the baby doing? He's a toddler now right?"[/b] Ali nodded as a motherly smile crossed her face, he could see the memories having their effect on her. [b]"Yeah, he's been a challenge, we named him-" "Neos."[/b] Ali was thrown off for a second, nodding as she got back on track. [b]"Yes, how did you hear about that?"[/b] Marcus shrugged then. [b]"Other bases talk, I also heard something else while I was around."[/b] Ali raised an eyebrow at him. [b]"I heard someone named Demos was named Godfather, is this true?"[/b] Ali felt her heart race, nodding her head at him. [b]"Yes, Demetri and I decided that while you were gone." "You mean, just you."[/b] She didn't have a response to that. Marcus eyes drifted to her hands, her left hand catching his attention the most. A silver ring adorning her small hands, engravings on the band made it seem like wind. His heart still raced, he was so close to her now, only a foot away from her and all he wanted to do was embrace her and lie with her again. He changed the subject then, feeling her unease. [b]"I saw something on your shoulder while you were cleaning. What is it?"[/b] He had expected her to tell him what it was, instead, she rose from the couch, turning her back to him and then pulling her tank top over her head, his breath caught in his throat. He saw seven shapes on her back, standing up he stepped closer to look at the shapes, his eyes widened as he saw the crows on her back. Touching his chest briefly before reaching out and touching her shoulder, his finger slowly tracing the crows on her back, he felt her shiver at his touch. He couldn't resist anymore, he came up flush behind her now, his arms wrapping around her body, she didn't fight him, making him hold on to her tighter. He didn't know what to do now, his mind racing, feeling that his life wasn't over yet, that there was still a light at the end of the tunnel, he kept her in his grasp, never wanting the moment to end.[/size]

[size="1"]Ali's emotion coursed through his body now, the sheer ecstasy of it robbing him of all logical thought, he felt her need, he felt the raw energy she put out with the rune. The glow intensifying with the passion on the kiss, Marcus encircled her tightly in his arms, pulling away only to breath as they kissed deeply again. Marcus could feel his passion rising to the top, his runes began to glow, the first time since Masan gave her soul for his new development he felt them glow with the intensity of his feelings. Marcus felt Ali's hands pass under his robe, touching his flesh as her nails scrapped against his skin with her need. He groaned in pleasure as his hands grabbed her shirt and pulled ti from her body, Ali pushing his robe off his shoulders as she grazed her teeth across his collar bone, Marcus undoing her bra and tossing it aside before lifting her up and setting her on the bed, her hair falling to frame her face. Marcus stood quickly, his robe falling away as he got on top of Ali and started to kiss down her neck, her hands holding on to his arms and squeezing as he worked his way down, kissing and licking any skin he could. She didn't flinch when he touched her scar between her breasts, before moving down to her stomach, Ali's fingers digging into his body again as he fumbled for the button on her pants before accidentally break it off and unzipping her pants and pulling them off, leaving her in nothing but her panties now. He hands traveling down his body and removing his last article of clothing as he did the same, his passion escalated at seeing her undressed form and he embraced her, her moans and screams spurring on his body as they rotated and turned. His mind losing all track of time, only focusing on her body, seeing her back arching and how her hair fell around her shoulders. Time slowed to a crawl to them, everything else in the world didn't matter to the two lovers, everything was perfect as it was, their hand entwined as Ali took control, Marcus on his back. His heart soared as he could feel Ali's do the same. When it all came to and end, they both simply laid there, their bodies drenched in sweat and their muscles sore, Marcus kissed her gently before pulling back again catching his breath. He looked into her light brown eyes, seeing how her need for him didn't fade from those portals. His would never fade for her either, he glided his hand up and down her arm, happy to feel her skin again. [b] "I didn't know you could do that Alex."[/b] She smiled at him with that private smile, a small giggle escaping. [b] "I had to have some secrets." "You were late."[/b] She looked at him, questioning what he meant. [b] "I had hoped you would of stopped me in the hall."[/b] She gave him a wake on his chest. [b] "You should of just come back, shouldn't make the lady run after you."[/b] He smiled at her again, she cuddled up to him now, her eyes gently closing as he held her. His mind working to much for him to rest now, he felt invigorated again, as if he still had a chance. When Ali had finally fallen asleep, he rose from the bed silently, dressing in only his lion cloth and shorts again he had managed to cram into a box. He was leaning to pick the box up, ready to bring it back to their room when he suddenly heard something from Ali, a small noise that drew his attention. He pulled the sheet back just enough to see her face, he could see tears streaming down her face in her sleep. The sight broke him all over again, he could only think of one thing that would make her weep like that, she was thinking of Demetri, and how what they just did betrayed all of his trust yet again. He sat down on the couch as quietly as possible, his face in his hand as he felt his life slipping away again. He had let his passion get the better of him, and wouldn't lie, it had felt right and felt like he was flying. He wanted to keep it, he was ready to do whatever it took. He stopped his thoughts right then and there. He couldn't start this war with Demetri, this would tear the base apart, and tear the team apart. Worst of all, it would destroy Ali. He couldn't let that happen. He searched through a few boxes, finding a pair of pants and a random jacket he had, changing into cleaner clothes, he searched through the boxes at quietly as possible. Ali's tears had stopped now, her body still shivered even with the blanket on her. He couldn't take it any longer, sneaking over to her, he placed his first two fingers on her forehead, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he plunged into her dreams. He saw a world covered in darkness, two forms of life before her, one in the hulking shape of Demetri, the other in the shape of Marcus. Their faces on the shapes, both held their hands out to her, when she couldn't choose immediately, they turned and walked away. He saw her stand from her place in the darkness, first, following Demetri, her path changing quickly as she suddenly was running down Marcus' path. He saw her stop then, ending up in the middle again, she wept as she looked between the paths, seeing how close she was to reaching the end of either path. Marcus pulled away then, he went back to the box then, pulling out a small piece of paper and finding an old pen he began writing. It didn't take him long, the letter short but expressing everything he needed it too. He folded it up and wrote the words, 'My Alex' was about to place it beside Alex when he caught the sight of his robe, he remembered the days she wore it, it was her favorite. He tucked the letter into the robe pocket, he gently pulled the blanket back and laid the robe on her naked body, putting the blanket back over her. He couldn't stop looking at her face, his fingers touching her face, the energy flaring to life in him as he left light blue marks on her face. Giving her one final kiss he whispered to her one last time. [b] "I love you Alex, I only wish that memory could have been our memory."[/b] He turned away then, leaving the room and the boxes of stuff, he only grabbed three things, first was Blues bandanna, the next was his swords he left Marcus. The last thing he took was the picture of him and Alex, he would keep that always. He would get someone else to transport them to where ever he went. He knew it needed to be away from here, for her sake. He walked through the halls now, quickly making his way through as his sandals clicked with his speed. He reached the office the Commandant was residing in while he stayed here, he pushed through the people, before finally reaching the door to the Commandants office, knocking loud enough he heard someone call back. He opened the door to see Shield sitting in his chair looking over reports. His eyes focusing in on Marcus. [b] "Captain Demos, what can I do for you." "I need transport Commandant."[/b] Shield raised an eyebrow at him. [b] "Why is that?"[/b] Marcus kept his face calm, even though a storm of sorrow raged in his chest. [b] "I need to find more information on the gods."[/b] Shield leaned back in his chair, looking over Marcus. [b] "Where would you go?" "Where ever I needed to Shield. I'm the only one who has significant knowledge of the gods, I'll find what we need to bring them down. I need to leave this base though."[/b] Shield simply stared for a few moments. He then nodded to him. [b] "Fair enough Marcus, when do you wish to leave?" "Immediately."[/b] Shield's eyes grew wide, then his eyes glided over the swords in his grip. He nodded to Marcus then. [b] "Very well, Mist will take you where ever you need to go. Your things will be there shortly after." [/b]Shield held out his hand to Marcus, Marcus leaned forward and shook his hand with his one free hand. [b] "Good luck Marcus."[/b] He nodded as he left the Commandants office, the swords still tightly in his hands as he prepared mentally for this journey. He wasn't sure he would come back the same way he left.[/size]

[size="1"]Marcus stood their just holding her, feeling the tears touch his skin, the cool touch made him shiver slightly. He hated seeing her cry, that was the one and only thing that tore at him the most of anything that happened between them. He felt himself melting in her embrace, he wished it was under better circumstances but he wasn't about to be picky now of all times. Marcus hadn't thought this far ahead when it came to his relationship with Ali, with Demetri's mind as warped as it was, and him unable to find a means to break his bonds, it seemed like he would never be the same man. Marcus couldn't lie about how he would have loved to have Ali to himself, to be the only one loved by her, but he knew that wasn't going to happen. He knew he had arrived too late, her connection with Demetri was greater then theirs and Marcus felt like dying then. With all of the pain being caused around them Marcus had to cause one more hurt before things could come close to mending. [b] "I think I should move my things out Ali." [/b]He felt her grip tighten, his throat tightened as well, wishing he could take the words as soon as he said them. He he refrained, as he felt the tears increase. He tightened his arms around her. [b] "I don't want you to go."[/b] She whispered to him, he felt the truth of the words, his own mind agreed with what she said, wanting to just end it there. He couldn't do that, he knew he needed to do this now, at least do one thing right. [b] "Do you still love Demetri?"[/b] His mind knew the answer, but his heart hoped that she would say no. She nodded her head to his question, feeling his hear shatter with that simple nod. [b] "Then I need to my love."[/b] He felt her breath catch at the last words, he let go of her, starting to pick up things nearby he grabbed several books, tossing them into a box nearby. He didn't even care about whether he damaged them or not, they weren't his world anymore the woman who was left crying, her hands held to her face as she watched him packing things up and toss into a box, was the only thing that matter to him anymore. She was his everything now, and now he had to hand his entire world to someone else, had to be witness to someone else's love. Once the box was full, he lifted it up, the weight feeling greater then what it really was, the weight of the world on his shoulders again. He set the box aside as he started to load up more, only having about half a dozen boxes on hand, he packed as much as he could. Holding his tears back as Ali just watched, unable to do anything as the conflicting feelings tugging and pulling her in every direction. When he filled as much as he could, he prepared to take the first trip of many to his old quarters. The walls were bare now, his scrolls and trinkets gone as he had packed things indiscriminately, he stood at the door now, finding it difficult to take the step out. Marcus could still hear her gentle weeping, the soft sound was all it took for him to look back at her. She walked to him now, standing at his side as he held a box in his arms, unable to move as she gently reach out and touch his face, her hand on his face he couldn't hold back the single tear that rolled down his face when he closed his eyes for just a moment. He turned away then, walking out the door and heading down the hall, Ali's sobs resumed, Marcus felt the wave of grief and sadness smash into him like a wave. Causing him to falter for just a second before continuing his walk. When he was about half way there he looked turned to look back from where had come from. He had prayed she would come from him, stop from getting this far. He could imagine it now, he could feel his heart calling out to her, the rune reacting to it and she making the final choice. Ali racing out of the room, running to catch up with him, yelling his name as she saw his marked body causing him to turn, dropping the box as she throws herself at him, their lips locking in a passionate kiss. The memory of the other Marcus came to mind for him, seeing the wedding, Ali in her beautiful dress as she held his hands. Those final words of I do crossing his lips before meeting her for one last kiss before the rest of their lives went on, Marcus had been ready to be a father, he didn't care who's it was, all that matter is that it was with Ali. He turned away again, letting his hopes get up like that was damaging to his soul. He finally made it to his old room, walking through the door he placed the box down, needing a few moments before he went to collect more. He started to unpack the things he had, books and scrolls he had he just tossed aside, until he found something that caught his eye. Slowly reaching in he withdrew a small trinket, covered in markings, it was a small stone used for complicated rituals. Ali had gotten him a set of these, telling him that she had just found them one day while she was out, she bought them not knowing anything about them except that Marcus might like them. He had been speechless when she gave them too him, unable to thank her any other way he gave her a passionate kiss. The tears erupted from him then, sliding down his face as they landed on the stone itself gripped tightly in his hand, he left himself fall to the ground as he wept for his lost love. He wept for the loss of that wedding, of never getting that chance with her. He kept trying to tell himself it was the right thing to do, but no matter how many times he said it, the words simply were worthless.[/size]

[size="1"]Marcus' mind fluttered all over as the last words escaped his lips, his heart trying not to hammer out of his chest as the seconds passed. He let himself dive into the memories, his mind leaving everything behind as he it let itself be consumed by the feelings and the memories of his time with Ali, Looking upon her face now could only make them more powerful and more potent. He recalled it clearly as it was only a few days ago now, one of the many times they just sat on the cough as he was reading another book, the words in a long dead language that almost no one knew anymore. Marcus childhood had been spent learning these words, understanding their meaning and what knowledge these old books brought, the only other people who could read these words were his family, and most of them were gone now, his mother was all that was left and she was with the High council now. He let the thought pass as he went back to his book, Ali had been finishing up cleaning when she had walked over to him, wearing only a tank top and shorts as she sat beside him. He only wore his shorts when in the room with Ali, every time he tried to put a shirt on it just ended up getting tossed somewhere so he gave up on trying to wear anything more when they were alone. She tucked her in her legs and she cuddled into him, lifting one of his arms up so she could tuck herself into him as he put the arm around her and she laid against his shoulder. She looked at the book he was reading, the words clearly unreadable to her. [b] "What are you reading Marcus?"[/b] He glanced down at her as he chuckled before speaking. [b] "It's the Dirad Jeonla."[/b] She gave him an annoyed look as he laughed again. [b] "It's a book on shadow realms, what effect they have on the world and which ones are dangerous and which are harmless." [/b]She rolled her eyes as she snuggled up closer to him, a smile on her face as she listened to beat of his heart, the beats rapid as he held her close. She had her arms on his chest, her fingers delicately rubbing his skin, he saw the rune on her wrist. When he had changed the rune to suppress Masan, he had unintentionally changed the function of the rune, giving Ali the ability to communicate with him with just the rune, convey feelings and thoughts without having to touch him. It had been jarring initially, but that changed when Marcus understood it was Ali's mind. A thought struck him then, closing the book in one hand he set it aside, she looked up at him and lifted herself up to looked at him. [b] "You can't be done already."[/b] He shook his head as a smile showed on his face. [b] "No, I had a better idea actually. Take my hand my love."[/b] She took his hand with a unsure look on her face, not knowing what he was planning. [b] "Close your eyes, and empty your mind. Don't think of anything right now."[/b] She rolled her eyes as she closed them, holding his hands as she emptied her mind, finding it difficult at first. She then felt a rush of energy shoot up her arms, sending a tingle through out her body. [b] "Open your eyes Alex."[/b] She opened them as the tingling faded, she found herself standing in a world covered in shadows, everything moving and swirling around her. She didn't know what to feel, confusion threatening to take over her senses as Marcus put his hands on her. His touching soothing her fear, she turned to look at him as he put an arm around her shoulder. Her hand on his chest as she tried to grasp the world around her. [b] "Where are we?" "We are in a shadow realm, this is actually one of our minds. This is what everyone's mind looks like, blank, empty of everything until you call upon it."[/b] More questions showed on her face. [b] "Call upon them?"[/b] Marcus nodded as she gestured to the empty world. [b] "For us, this is where our memories live, everything you ever experienced, everything you every thought of, ever feeling you ever had lives in this space. These worlds are even shared with alternate versions of yourself, their memories gather here as well." "Alternate self?"[/b] Marcus nodded again. [b]"Its complicated, but trust me, I've seen a few a few of them."[/b]Ali smiled as she gave him a playful hit. [b]"How many girls have you brought here before me?" "None actually. This is my first time with someone else."[/b] Ali blushed slightly. [b]"Come on, you must have brought Masan here once or twice."[/b] Marcus shook his head. [b]"Never did, never felt the need to bring her here."[/b] Ali's heart beat was rapid, Marcus then pointed out into the darkness, her eyes focusing in on nothing before he whispered to her. [b]"Watch." [/b]With just a though, the beach was suddenly before them. The memory playing from Marcus perspective, the feelings and thoughts he had were all felt by Ali as she saw the vacation happen all over again. Everything felt so real and as if she was there again, the memory faded and she stood away from Marcus now as she started to experiment. Simply thinking about something imagines appeared in the empty blackness, her childhood, her parents faces, Jason when he was younger, times with the team. He saw Demetri more then once, the embraces they shared he tried his best not to look, but they still struck hard as his own mind began to wonder, losing control his mind went through the moments with Ali. She turned when she noticed the images changing, feelings the waves of emotions as Marcus started to lay out their entire relationship in his memories. The kiss on the beach, the nights they spent together, the thoughts of how they started with happiness in their hearts. They turned sour when he remembered telling her they shouldn't see each other for a time, the hurt in his mind rushed into Ali, she saw the memory of how he looked as it tor him apart. The memories lead into the talk they had, when Masan had appeared, the feelings they both had influencing the memory as Marcus came up behind Ali and wrapped his arms around her as they watched the memory together, finding themselves standing the same way they did that night. A smile held on her face as she watched it, suddenly the memory turned, as she saw Marcus in a tuxedo. Her eyes wide as she saw Lily in a dress, holding a basket of flowers. Marcus felt panic rush in as he willed the memory away, she turned on him. [b] "What was that Marcus?" [/b]He remained silent as the image burned into his mind, it wasn't his memory, just a thought he had some time that brought to life the memory of another Marcus somewhere in the unlimited worlds out there. [b] "Bring it back."[/b] He looked down at her, surprise on his face as she pleaded with her eyes. He nodded as the thought crossed his mind again, the memory appearing once more. Ali was transfixed on the image as it played like a home movie. Marcus stood beneath and archway, his hands at his sides with a huge smile on his face. He was dressed in a tuxedo, his tuxedo a mix of black and red, Ali was surprised to see him wearing shoes. His tattooed face seemed like it would break from all of the smiling, Jason stood beside him with Jeff behind him and Gene behind him, Pocket and Sasa stood on the other side now, holding bouquets in their hands as they all smiled. The sounds of gentle music played as the image shifted, seeing someone walking down the isle, a flowing white dress covered her body, the veil over her face as she held her own bouquet, Tank holding her arm as he walked her down the isle. When she finally reached Marcus he drew the veil over her head, Ali smiled at him with glee in her eyes. Passing her flowers to Pocket, she held Marcus hands as the ceremony went on. Words spoken between them of their love, of everything they did to get there and finally saying I do to each other. They kisses as the crowd clapped, rushing down the isle as husband and wife now. The memory broken up into flashes now, scenes form the wedding and reception, everyone touching Ali's stomach as Marcus drank and talked to with Jason and Gene. The images appeared more, a family walking together, Tank and Lily there with Marcus and Ali as she carried the new born in her arms. Ali didn't move for several moments, unsure of what she had just seen as the images faded and left them in the shadows. [b] "Was that what you imagined Marcus?"[/b] He shook his head. [b] "That's the memory of another Marcus. All I did was have the thought."[/b] She didn't know what to do, she simply pulled herself into him and let him wrap his arms around her. His focus was on Ali when he saw the smoke start to swirl and formed a body. The old man now stood there, a finger pressed to his lips as he smiled at the man. Marcus using his head to gesture for him to leave, Shadowthrone using his hands to make faces at him as if he were a little kid. Ali felt the movement and looked up at him, he smiled at her as he stopped for a moment, Shadowthrone silently giggling at him. [b] "Get out of here old man!"[/b] He finally said aloud, Ali looking up at him confused. [b] "Who are you talking too?" "No one."[/b] She raised and eyebrow at him and then turned to look at behind her, Shadowthrone vanishing before she saw him. She shook her head at him as her thoughts went back to the wedding she saw. Marcus spoke again. [b] "Its time to go now."[/b] She nodded as she closed her eyes again, opening them to find herself still on the couch, the clock not having moved at all. Her face showed surprise at the concept. [b] "It happened to me the first time too." "What did?" "The confusion. Time means nothing in those realms, we could have been there for years and then comeback here and no time would have passed."[/b] She tried to grasp the concept, but let it slip away as she had other things on her mind. She rose from the couch while still holding his hand, guiding him to the bed, the wedding still on her mind as they made love that night. Marcus came back then, feeling the nudge of Demetri as he signaled for them to start walking. The time was coming, he hoped he could control himself.[/size]

[size="1"][b]"Its been a long time since I've seen them all."[/b] He said as he sat in the office of commander of one of the far east branches of the HDF. This one was more specifically placed in Japan, this was only one of many he had visited in the past three years, having been almost all over the world in his efforts to find the information he needed. And for another reason, one that took precedence no matter what he did she always came back to his mind, she followed him always, and he couldn't and wouldn't let that go anymore. [b] "Mr. Demos, you seem to be drifting. Something on your mind?"[/b] Marcus looked to the voice, seeing the Commander of the base. Marcus had taken upon himself to provided a security measure for Commander Phoenix. She was a hard woman, very out spoken and always against him hanging around, telling him constantly that he should be working on finding ways to stop the gods. As his power developed the past three years, he could he could be in two places at once. Still part of the real world, interacting and working at full capacity, but he could let his ethereal self float on the infinite path ways of the mind. He simply stared at Commander Phoenix, common for him to remain silent during most conversations. [b] "Colonel Demos, Your silence-" "Oh now were using rank? Last time I checked, I was still just a Captain because I turned down promotions."[/b] Phoenix focused on him intently as she laced her fingers together still sitting at her desk. [b] "You no longer have a choice Colonel. You are being given a choice here, I advise you to think about it." [/b]Marcus watched her as she watched him, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Time seemed to pass slowly as they just stared at one another, Marcus will won out with Phoenix turning away. Still, he rose and bowed his head to the Commander, making his way out of her office to his temporary quarters. His things were still packed from when he arrived almost 6 months ago, he didn't bother pulling anything out since he moved so often now. He did however, had one object out, a mirror that looked pitch black, as if you could plunge you hand into it and find no end. The edges looked like twisted black metal, foreign to the touch, the mirror had origins he didn't like to think about. Holding the mirror in his hand now he looked into the dark abyss. [b] "Show me her, one more time." [/b]The image took form, at first it was blurry, everything unclear, moments later it cleared. He saw her face then, sitting alone in an office as he had seen so many times before. Her hands cupping her face as she saw her shudder, seeing the clear signs of her tears. His heart started to crack and break, melting the walls he tried to put up all to easily. He was almost glad that he couldn't hear anything she said, the sound of her weeping always broke him, made him buckle under the pressure. Her face became clear now, the mark he had left on her face no visible with the tears trailing down her face. His breath suddenly caught when he saw a single word escape her lips that he knew. [b][i]Marcus[/i][/b] It was all he needed now, she was weeping for him, his mind focused now. His decision clear now with as he pocketed the mirror into his new robe. He finally knew what he had to do, he had gathered as much information he could in three years, he had done as much work as he possibly could to keep his family safe. Now, there was only one things left for him to do, and a smile creased his tattooed face. He was going home.[/size] [size="1"][b]Name:[/b] Marcus Demos [b]Age:[/b] 35 [b]Appearance: [/b]Marcus is well known for his complexion, his entire body is covered in tattoos, each one a rune that he sanctified and gave life to through his powers. Seven crows are on his chest, each crow made up of smaller symbols, his body devoid of body hair due to his runes creating a charge through his body that prevents his hair from growing anymore. He stands at a normal height of 5'10" but his build has changed in his three year travels, becoming more muscular with the constant training he does. His eyes a dark brown that adds to his dark visage that has terrified more then one recruit or by standards. His clothing choices have grown since his early days, originally only wearing a robe and sandals as his primary attire. Now it can vary depending on the situation and what he has on hand. These days, however, he has taken to wearing wearing a feudal era Japanese robe that he typically keeps the top off hanging down, he also wears a blue bandanna tied around his left bicep from a deceased friend. Also carrying the swords the same friend left behind. [b]Personality[/b]: Marcus is the same when it comes to his secrets, he doesn't explain much when he feels it'll take to much time, choosing to keep people in the dark as long as he can before revealing any information. Only a few people have gotten him to give up his secrets before, other then that he tries to be as helpful as possible and always tries to have a plan. He is no exception when it comes to his emotions, feeling as much as the next person, just keeping them contained better and trying to keep everything logical if he can. Behind closed doors and with close friends, he actually exhibits a rather playful personality, able to have as much fun as the next person with the right company. [b]Power:[/b] Marcus power revolves around the power of runes and symbols, everything have a unique function and ability, many can be used together to create massive forces. His power use to require that he either draw the rune or speak the runes name to use its power. But that has changed, he can now control the power at will, no longer needing to speak the words or even make a rune anymore to use his power effectively. [b]Weapon: [/b]Marcus body is one of his weapons, the runes providing his primary source of fighting strength. He also carries to single edge swords at his waist on both the left and right side. He has placed runes on the blades, that keep them from becoming dull and giving them extra protection to make them nearly unbreakable.[/size]

[size="1"]Marcus finally rose from where he knelled, the pain no longer an issue for him, when he had seen Sybille hold her yet again, the blade in his hands as he demanded her to speak. It boiled his blood, the runes refused to glow, he felt lost momentarily as he didn't understand why they didn't responded the same way. It became clear when the moved instead, as if his skin was heating up and the runes wavered on the heat wave. When he had heard the words to Demetri, he felt the pain of loss, he felt the world pulled out from under him with her words to him. [i]And there it is, everything we had just to keep her from being lonely.[/i] The words stung his mind, he felt the power coil like a snake, ready to strike at anything that drew too close. He could feel his heart closing up, the bleeding wound to be sealed with his power to make him immune to the damage it would cause him. He was preparing his body for the end, to unleash everything in one final move to wipe out Sybille and Cloak, he could cover Demetri and Ali with protection, but that would be it for him. Before he could put his heart in a box, she smiled at him with the special smile, seeing in her eyes that everything they had, was real. And then she spoke to him and his breath caught. [color="#4169E1"] "Thank you. You healed the tears in my heart. You kept me whole while I was torn in half. You saved me from my dispair and, no matter what happens. A piece of my heart will always belong to you. A part of me will always love you."[/color] Marcus body stiffened, he felt her love through the rune, he kept hold of that as the power no longer coiled, but feeling smooth, almost as if it was ready for him to command it, give it a purpose. [i]I was wrong, it's not goodbye, it's find me another day.[/i] A smile did not touch his lips, his thoughts were free as words passed before his mind. The ritual he had prepared for Sybille need only two more things, and Blues had delivered them to him. Marcus' mind struck as he realized it then, everything, even his own death, had been part of a plan to come here, to bring this to an end. Marcus saw the flash, Ali laying on the ground, he wanted to go to her, to hold her once more before the night ended. But, that was not going to happen, not anymore, he would have to find another way, another time. The words, the symbols, the runes all were part of a greater chain in his power, leading to where he stood now, it simply waited for him to let it go. Seeing them both approach her gave him the sign for him to finally bring it all to and end, he lashed out then, the runes no longer needed to be created, the complicated chains not drawn, he simply willed it now. The force erupting was like a sonic boom, Cloak blind sided by the impact, causing him to tumble and twist, his progress halted. Sybille turned to Marcus at that point, a new dagger in his hand ready to become a god. Marcus twisted a hand, the metal bending in the blade before a solid slab of earth came down on him, smashing into his back before retracting again, another smashed into his knee, sending him down to kneel. He tried to throw a wind blast at Marcus, the wind turning and twisting before striking Marcus, a smile on Sybille's face before he saw Marcus unharmed. [b] "You die tonight Sybille, no more games, no more plots, it all ends tonight."[/b] Sybille roared in fury as he charged Marcus. [b] "I will not die! I will be a god!"[/b] His hands lanced out, the power of his god pact still in his blood as he tried to kill his mentor. Marcus grabbed his arm, twisting it bringing it around his back and then forcing him to the ground. Marcus bringing down a foot on Sybille's knee, a crack could be heard as his leg was now limp as he tried to rise. Marcus hitting him in the back of the neck with one forceful punch, backed up with the energy of his new strength. Sybille cried out as a rock slab erupted behind him, trying to take out Marcus, he took a step back to avoid it then charged through it, the runes changing in an instant, giving him the protective shell to tear through the rock with ease. Sybille called out to his servant, Cloak vanishing then appearing beside Marcus with a knife in his hand, Marcus eyes remained cold. Cloak suddenly thrown aside with a blast from Demetri, Marcus looked over and saw the two now staring at him Ali giving him a nod. [b] "Do it Marcus."[/b] He heard Demetri faintly, Sybille on his hands and knees, Marcus giving him a sharp kick, the sound of ribs breaking on the impact echoed slightly, Sybille laid on his back now, Marcus hand flew in a flurry as multiple rock projectiles smashed down on Sybille, each on hitting a different spot at a different time. The damage quickly became too much for Sybille's body to heal quickly enough, the blows breaking bones, creating bruises and leaving Sybille motionless. He breathed harshly as Marcus started to calm down again, standing over Sybille's bruised body he raised his hands against, a stone X rose from the ground. Marcus lifting Sybille up and pressing him against the X, the rock reaching out and grabbing his arms and legs pulling him securely on the X. Marcus face cold as he remembered the night Coltaine hung from the wooden X, his destroyed body, Fiddlers corpse riddles with bolts, Yan choking on her own blood, and Yedan died before he even had a chance. Masan, and their baby, both had died in a blink of an eye, and she scarified the last part of her, for him. He could take his time liek Sybille did, but he refused to go as low as he did. [b] "Now, its over."[/b] Marcus lifted his hands, a massive rune appearing below them, the intricacy of the symbol putting previous work to shame. Sybille seeing the rune tried to struggle. [b] "That's impossible, you have to draw your stupid runes! You couldn't have known this where we would bring you, no matter what you couldn't have known." "Powers evolve Sybille, yours stopped when you chose a God. Mine never stopped."[/b] Marcus reached out and securely gripped Sybille's head, Sybille trying to fight it but Marcus kept his hands on him. [b] "I made this ritual just for you, I spent years perfecting it, and now you'll see what will happen."[/b] Marcus graced Sybille with the words he had prepared, the ancient language slipping from his lips as a hum started up as the words grew more intense, the speeding picking up as the rune on the ground started to glow, creating an eerie blue light, the blue quickly turning into a purple light, Sybille's body beginning to convulse, blood starting to trail down from his nose and ears. He started to scream before it suddenly caught in his throat, his face in silent terror as his body shook more violently as every words passed on. Marcus face grew darker as the words grew louder and more passionate, Sybille finally released the scream, its sound earth shattering as a purple mist started to float up from the rune, traveling slowly until it started to slide over Sybille, tendrils of the smoke struck into his body, Sybille arching his back as the pain flooded his body. He tried to fight the tendrils, Marcus still speaking the words, feeling the climax coming Demetri cradled Ali as the open room started to shake, a violent wind rushing through the room as the words neared the end the tendrils started to pull something from Sybille, he tried to fight it, his body struggling to break lose and hold it in, but nothing would stop the mist now. The tendrils fully removing the struggling form, an exact copy of Sybille himself except the body was blood red, fouled by all of his evil and darkness. His soul was lifted high into the air, still struggling, still fighting, trying to scream but not having a voice of its own, with Marcus' final words the mist plunged his soul into the rune, a roar erupting from the earth as the mist seeped into the ground again, the rune fading into nothingness. Sybille's body hanging limp and lifeless on the stone X, Marcus lowered his hands, bowing his head as he took a deep breath. [b] "Its over. Finally, you can all rest in peace now."[/b] He heard someone coming through the passage behind him, turning he saw Pocket standing in the opening. Her face harder then it use to be, her eyes still showed her inner joy but had reserves. [b] "Calypso, I'm glad you found us. Ali is hurt, we need to go now." [/b]His voice cold as he did his best to keep his composure, so many feelings raged through him now, the runes on his body were still now. His mind remained in motion, he didn't know what to do, he didn't even want to move. He knew, after that ritual, he was going to need rest, he was going to need his hourglass again with a bed no longer an option in his mind. Demetri rose with Ali in his arms, he could see Demetri was just as exhausted as he was, both were barely standing, it was a miracle when they started walking Marcus was dragging an unconscious Cloak, finding him heavier then expected. . Pocket close at hand as she did her best to tend to Ali's wound, the bleeding had slowed but not enough. They picked up their pace as they came to the stairwell, the moon still shining down. Marcus looked to Demetri, his facing looking years older. [b] "Use your powers, get her up quickly. They need healing now."[/b] Demetri complied swiftly, the wind raging around him as is propelled him upward, Marcus watched them go, speaking to Pocket without looking at her. [b] "Calypso, I have an idea. Take my hand will you?"[/b] She held her hand out unsure what was to come, he gripped hers gently and smiled before looking at her. [b] "Now, imagine a doorway, one that leads us from here to up there. Give it a try."[/b] Pocket was not sure, but she tried anyways, her minding focusing on creating one doorway to the area with everyone. Marcus let some of his power flow through her, the desire effect appearing instantly as a tear appeared, then stretching open to reveal and empty blackness. Marcus kept hold of Cloak as they stepped through together, the darkness enveloping them before they suddenly stood out in the moon light again. Marcus grinned to Pocket as she showed a great smile at him. [b] "Great job Calypso, we need to see if we can teach how to do it on your own."[/b] Marcus walked over to the Commandant, who was standing by his son, his wife bent over as she healed Ali. Marcus felt relief flood him, knowing she would be safe now as he tossed Cloak at Shields feet. Shield looked down at Cloak, then looking to Marcus face, seeing relief in his eyes when his face tried to remain cold. [b] "What do you have to report Marcus Demos?" "Sybille is dead Commandant, The Book of Set is with Demetri now."[/b] Demetri looked up at him, confused before touching a pocket on his pants to find the book. His eyes widened momentarily before going back to Ali, Marcus' power had worked as he had hoped. It was a risky move, but he had to try. [b] "We are clearing out now, Mist, get yourself and the new recruit to start pulling everyone out. Alpha Team, you've earned to honor to go first."[/b] Marcus bowed his head as Alpha Team walked to mist, gathering together, Jason having reverted to his human form. Gene ice free, Tank and Lily stood by Ali and Demetri, Ali now standing up again with Demetri's support. Marcus craved to be the one holding her, almost tempted to walk over and try to help, but he couldn't do it, the least he could do was stand near her now. Mist enveloped them all, bring them back to the head quarters, Marcus sighed as he knew what this meant, a conversation he wasn't ready for on the horizon. He waited as the other dispersed, Demetri and Ali the only ones left, he crossed his arms as he looked at the two now. [b] "So what now?"[/b] He said plainly, his mind far to wracked with emotions and his body worn out to play games now. [/size]

[size="1"]Marcus had seen things go differently in his mind, he had hoped he could remain calm and collected when they had finally found them. He had hoped he could keep it together long enough to put an end to Sybille and this mad dash for power, he knew the ritual Sybille was attempting. He had almost tried it himself once, but once he had discovered the secret to making it work, he had destroyed anything he could find for the ritual. The only thing he couldn't have destroyed was the Book of Set, the tomb itself had been marked and enchanted against age and against deliberate damage, giving it toe HDF was all he could do with it. The only other source of detailed knowledge for the ritual was Marcus himself, and Sybille had wanted to know it from him. At first, Marcus had flat out rejected him, telling him to leave the subject alone and to not bring up the ritual. Time had passed then, Sybille had waited months before broaching the subject, Marcus rejecting him again this time a little more hesitantly. Sybille took it a step further then, asking Marcus if he could teach him runes, how to draw them and how to make them work. Marcus didn't mind this so much, originally he only taught him simple runes. Ones that effect things to a very minor degree, things that wouldn't mean much to other people. After months more, Marcus got more complicated with the runes, showing him ones that not only affected objects and the elements, but ones that could affect people as well. Sybille seemed intent on those lessons, Marcus had hardly noticed as he taught him the runes. He kept going with the lessons, knowing Sybille wouldn't be able to use most of the symbols without access to his magically infused blood or another magic user to control them. Masan had come into his life at that time, his time with Sybille had lessened significantly, so he fit as much as he could into those short lessons. The runes became more complicated, the specific order they needed to be in added a level of complexity that few understood. Sybille learned them all quickly, much to Marcus' surprise, he thought of Sybille as his apprentice at this time, friends in the fact he could share knowledge with him that he couldn't even properly describe to Masan without having to explain everything from the beginning. Marcus taught him everything he felt comfortable teaching him, most things he kept to himself due to it being family secrets, runes and techniques his family had developed along with objects that helped their powers. After Marcus had finished the lesson one night, Sybille had asked again, asking about the Ritual of Set. Marcus had hesitated when he asked about it, thinking no harm would come of it at this point. All of the knowledge he had was practically useless to him, the right energy was out of his grasp. He explained to him the ritual then, telling him all of the painstaking details it took to perform it correctly, explain how he first need the assistance of a god, giving the blood sacrifice to Set before moving on to the ritual itself. Every nuance that went into the actual ritual, save for one last part he had refused anyone to know, and that small detail would come back to haunt him. After Ghost Echo had been together for little over a year, Sybille struck, he had tried to skip the god, drawing out the runes needed for the ritual and he knew what he needed then without the gods intervention. Marcus recalled that night all to clearly, the distress call that they had all received, they had arrive to their destination, the place no longer matter to Marcus, it was only what had happened that day that he cared about anymore. They had received a message telling them Sybille had disappeared, his last known location was the ancient ruins. He didn't remember where, he remembered Cloak taking them, the black mist enveloping them and dropping them off instantly, Coltaine and Yedan had been the first to move, they were the most battle ready of them all, Fiddler had pulled up the rear as he carried his signature crossbow he had built himself. Yan Tovis had her MP5 on her, she had moved ahead of Marcus and Masan at that time, They pulled up the rear of the group, Marcus' tattooed hands were exposed to the world, his chest showed under his robe but his face was unmarked, his arms and legs as well. He had only needed his feet, hands and chest covered to do what he needed. Masan was holding long knives in her hands, her face cold as they all moved quietly through the ruins. They had come across and intersection, Yan and Yedan went one way, Coltaine and Fiddler another. Masan and Marcus had taken the last way, treading carefully they suddenly started when they heard a scream, clearly feminine, meaning something was happening with Yan and Yedan. They turn and ran back the way they came to where they had taken their turn, coming across a pool of blood that trailed off in a direction, Marcus wondered where Coltaine and Fiddler had gone off to. Marcus and Masan followed the blood, they soon found Yedan's body, the sword he carried had been driven through his chest up to the hilt. This had baffled them at the time, Yedan never gave up his sword to anyone. The fact someone had killed him with it was practically impossible in his mind. They kept moving, Yan was nowhere near by and they needed to find her. They no longer walked, running through the stone structure at full speed before they came across another body, Fiddler was high of the ground, pinned to the wall with bolts through his chest and limbs, Masan was horrified at seeing the bodies. Marcus had initially been disgusted with the brutality of it, but his mind started to see a pattern now. Yedan was the weapons master of their group, his name The Watch was not just his call name, but his title given to him at birth, it symbolized his role in the group, ever vigilant. Fiddler had been the musician and the sapper, his father had been a mason, their positions had been precise in this maze. Marcus anger was growing with every new piece of this twisted puzzle, they found Yan barely alive, three knives had been rammed into her chest, two through her lungs and the last in her stomach. She had tried to talk, blood had filled her throat as she laid on the ground dying, Masan had embraed her until she passed on, weeping for the youngest member of their team. When she lifted her body Marcus saw it, a rune engraved into the stone that was freshly made. He touched it, feeling a surge or life coming from it as Yan's blood touched it. He rose, he felt betrayal in his heart, rage coursing through his veins as he and Masan ran on. The finally came to a clearing, pillars stood tall in a circle where an X shaped structure was raised, Coltaine was strapped to it. His chest was carved up, his arms and legs sliced and chunks of flesh were missing from his limbs, all while he was still alive, that hard loon still in his eyes even when he was dying slowly. [b] "Marcus...Masan... run."[/b] He gruffly spoke to them, his head hanging as his body tried to go slack, his body getting heavy but secured tightly to his dead bed. His blood pooled all around the foundation his the X, Masan approached him, Marcus trying to understand why he would do this. Why he was killing everyone he had come to know as his family. His question was answered when he saw Sybille appear, a gleaming knife in his hand that Masan hadn't seen until he was already on her. Marcus watched in horror as the knife passed through her tender flesh, into her stomach, a sadistic smile on Sybille's face as he pulled away. Marcus rushing forward to her, lifting her back up on to his lap, his mind no longer caring about Sybille and his sick ambition. His thoughts only of her, seeing where the blade had entered broke his heart even more, he started to tremble as he realized his family was going to die here. He looked up at Sybille with hatred in his eyes. [b] "Why do this? Why us Sybille?! We were your family, we would have died for you!"[/b] He just smiled at him as he gripped the knife in his hand. [b] "Why do I need family, when I can be a god?" "Why bring us here then? You could have done this ritual anywhere!"[/b] Sybille shook his head. [b] "No, it needed to be here. I needed to draw you all out, and now I need your blood to finish it!" [/b]Sybille lashed out with the blade, Marcus ready to welcome the death when they heard a noise from above. Sybille looked up and his eyes opened wide, a flock of crows had gathered over the ruins, a group so massive that it was impossible to count how many were there. Marcus stared at the crows as well, remembering something Cotlaine had said to him once while they were on reconnaissance. He had told him about an 'enchantment' a town seer had put on him for saving their village from an attack. They had been some backwater place that almost know knew of, the seer had said she would protect his soul by giving him the chance to be reborn again. He had scoffed at it then, but after that day, he noticed crows followed him everywhere from that day on. Today was the final day they would follow him, the flock of crows suddenly swooped down, their cries echoed in the ruins as the horde slammed right into Coltaine, the crows passing by him and in second the X that held Coltaine was empty, his body completely gone. Sybille stared in disbelief and twisted anger as he prepared to turn and end Marcus life. By then, it was too late for Sybille, Marcus already risen and stealing the blade away before lashing out with it, cutting Sybille across his chest. He vanished into the ruins, Marcus ready to pursue when he heard Masan coughing. He had dropped the knife, knelling at her side as he held her in his arms. [b] "Marcus.....please don't let this ruin who you are....... remember my love."[/b] Marcus cried that night, whispering to her of everything that she meant to him. Staying with her until she finally faded into the abyss, into a darkness Marcus couldn't follow until he finished what was started here tonight. He made a promise to himself then, a promise to end Sybille's life, and every ambition he ever had. That memory burned brightly for Marcus now, his whole body glowing with the intensity of all the rage and anger he could muster. The thoughts of anything else but killing Sybille were far from his mind, Ali being the only thing to break that idea, until her current condition kept his rage at peak. They came to the stairs Sybille had descended, seeing how it spiraled into the earth, leaving a large O in the middle. Marcus looked to Demetri momentarily, their eyes meeting. He could see the cold rage in his for Sybille, he could also see a hint of hurt in those eyes. He could only imagine what he was going through, being the mad mans puppet for months, all while his love had been falling into the arms of the marked man. If he only knew about what they had done while together, while he was gone form their worlds when they embraced. The thought pleasing to Marcus about how they held each other, but encroached upon his own sanity, Sybille's words echoing in his mind momentarily. [i]"You would know mystic. I followed in your footsteps. After all I did look up to you all those years ago. Now, watch as your world falls apart yet again."[/i] Marcus turned back to the stairs and stepped off the edge, plummeting down the middle until the ground met him. He slammed into it with such force as to create and impression in the ground. Demetri followed, able to slow his decent as he landed beside Marcus. He looked to Demetri again, gesturing with his head the direction they need to go. They stood shoulder to shoulder as they walked onward. Hunting Sybille now with an prejudice in their hearts. [b] "Lets make this quick Marcus."[/b] He remained silent as he walked, his thoughts far from showing that kind of mercy to Sybille, he didn't show it to any of them. They came into a room where the light from the moon showed in, a massive opening the source of the light as they stood looking around for him. He was on top of them in moments, both of his feet in mid air as he crashed into Marcus chest. The runes saving him from sever damage, but not from the force of the push, sending him back until he smashed into a wall. Demetri lashing out with violent wind blasts that spun Sybille around but didn't cause any visible damage. He was on Demetri in moments, two kurki blades in his hands as he lashed out at the giant with inhuman speed. Demetri dodging as best he could, one blade catching him on his shoulder on his return trip, Demetri reacting with a wind shield to separate them momentarily. Marcus charge him then, whispering words of old as his hands lashing out, Sybille suddenly being hit by invisible forces that stunned him for only a few seconds, giving Demetri the time to throw a charge wind blast at him, the force devastating as it launched Sybille through the air, Marcus rushing to where he was going to land to deal more damage. Sybille's landing was more graceful then he expected, a fist sped toward Sybille who managed to dodge it. Sybille took advantage of the dodge, Marcus started to whisper words of power when he was struck in the face. The impact causing his head to whip back before a fist hit him in his stomach, doubling him over before another hit smashed into his back, sending him to the ground with another kick to his chest, sliding him across the ground. Marcus coughed, tasting a metallic flavor on his tongue he spit out the blood filling his mouth as he was on his hands an knees. He heard Demetri grunting as he fought Sybille alone, doing his best to blast the man away but finding the results less the desirable. Marcus mind started to fill with panic, Sybille was too fast, he could stop Marcus words before spoken, Demetri's power had little effect since Sybille controlled it. He saw now, that neither of them were fast enough or strong enough for this. He tried to rise, finding he could only get on his knees before falling back on to his hands. His runes started to fade with his lack of concentration, until he heard a whisper in his mind, one he thought was impossible to hear. [i]Marcus, you can do it. He can't win this fight.[/i] Marcus shook himself as he tried to suppress the words, he failed as the words entered his mind again. [i]Just listen to me, listen to these final words and know what you can do Marcus.[/i] The words began to filter into his mind, his mouth whispering them as they came, vanishing once he spoke the words. He could feel something, something deep inside of him began to change, he suddenly heard thoughts and feelings he hadn't heard or felt before. He felt another person's mind in his own, the recognition of who it was startled him as he inhaled sharply. He looked up momentarily to see Sybille use a Kiurki knife to cut it across Demetri's chest. He roared in pain before both of the giants massive fists plunged towards Sybilles body, the force of a hurricane behind them as the smashed into Sybille and sent him bouncing across the ground, Demetri breathing heavily as he stumbled slightly trying to remain standing. Marcus heard her voice now, Masan speaking into his mind. [i] Marcus, I give up my last ounce of life for you, as I always would. Please find peace after this, my love. My Koibito.[/i] [b] "No Masan!"[/b] Marcus yelled out loud, his body suddenly tingled, the tingle quickly becoming a sensation as if lighting was now coursing through his body. His body twitched and ached now, he grunted as the pain became great and then he could feel his body become lighter. The blood in his mouth gone as it healed, looking at the runes on his body, he could see them waver, as if starting to move. He rose from his place on the ground, feeling alive, feeling as if his body and mind were free now. The words for a rune appeared in his mind as he readied to speak it, just holding out his hands the power struck Sybille making him lose his breath. Demetri taking the Que to strike Sybille as hard as possible, Sybille tumbled away, coughing as he stood shaken. Marcus felt his energy course through his body, the rage never coming close to this level. He understood now, Masan giving up her soul for him to grow. She died for him again, this time, her sacrifice would not be lost.[/size]

[size="1"]Marcus stood in their room, his feet firmly planted where Sybille and Ali had been but moments ago, his hands clenched into fists as his runes raged with a white hot fury he only showed a few times. His anger, hatred, and sadness washed of him as he let it all soak in, letting the feelings take over his body as he couldn't think of what to do next. His feet carried him from the room, his mind no longer in control of his actions as he moved through the halls now, a glowing pillar of pure energy. The alarms no longer even reaching him as he walked through the halls with a purpose, that was achieved when he came across the scene of Alpha team surrounding a single figure who appeared to be holding his own against the mass. Marcus whispered the words of a long extinct time, his magic coursing through his body as suddenly the crowd dispersed, all of them being pushed in all sorts of directions away from the feral Demetri. Marcus stood before whispering again as he lifted Demetri into the air with a single hand raised, he struggled, managing to lash out with his wind powers, the power glancing off of Marcus. [b] "Where is she? Where is Sybille?"[/b] Demetri saw a grin filled with insanity, a madness that seemed far to advance for anyone to break. He couldn't understand how Ali broke through his mind, how she had managed to get him to speak beyond the growls he howled now. [b] "This one will never betray his Master. He is out of your grasp fool!"[/b] Marcus looked into the rune visage of Demetri's face, seeing how easily that could have became him. He thought about crushing him then, ending it all for Demetri with just a single word and a simple gesture. That was, until Demetri suddenly dropped to the ground, he had managed to break free from Marcus grasp and stood staring at him, the mad grin all over his face. He stood hunched over, Marcus pushing aside any notions of mercy now, in this fight, he would win and he would finish this. Before he could even strike, a black mist swirling from nowhere, enshrouding Demetri before he just vanished all together. Marcus felt his heart sink, the grief snuffing out all of his anger as he fell to his knees, the Alpha team finally released from his grasp as they all rushed toward where Demetri use and where Marcus knelled. Jason stood before them as himself, the other crowded around trying to figure out what was going on. Marcus felt hands on him, his eyes closed to the world as his hands hung limp in his lap and hung his head as he ignored everything around him. His mind flitted back to the week he had shared with Ali in real, and complete happiness. He had was recalling when he had been talking to her about him moving into her quarters. It was only the night after their conversation, they had been laying in bed together as they held hands. His thoughts were so open now, floating on a whim as something he hadn't done since he took up the mantle of the Mystic. Letting his life be consumed by the dark thoughts of so many nights gone, it had taken years off of his face to just lay here with her. To feel her warm touch on his skin as they just laid in silence, the lights of except for a lonely one on Ali's night stand. [b] "So what do you think?"[/b] He remained silent for the time, content with just caressing the skin on her arm as he thought of what to say. He wanted to just say yes to her idea, to rush over to his room and start bringing in things to make this their room. He was sure the secret was out about them at this point, no one had said anything or even made comments about it. Maybe it was the rumor that he knew everything that happened in the compound that kept them to a minimal, maybe it was the looks Ali gave people when they even had the thought of snickering or whispering about her. No matter what it was, it made life easier with small things like that. He looked into her eyes, trying not to get lost in them and actually answer her question. [b] "I don't know how much you would like that, I have so many artifacts, scrolls, books and other paraphernalia that would just clutter-" "Just shut up Marcus." "Ok."[/b] He said simply as she smiled at him and shook her head, giving him a kiss before giving him a whack on his chest. [b] "Go get your stuff, your moving in." [/b]Marcus nodded as he started to rise when she grabbed him and pulled him back down to her, gracing his lips with another kiss. [b] "Not just yet marked man, we have something to finish up."[/b] Making love that night, Marcus had been hard pressed to bring enough stuff back. Ali had tried to rise to help him be he had turned her down, talking about the baby and how a lot of things were going to change for her daily regiment. She had sighed at him, he was surprised when she had just put her arms around him and said ok as she kissed him more. She didn't fight him on it, she wasn't afraid to give him a good hit every now and then and she definitely showed her frustration with everything he did, but he did it for her. Every night, when they would lay there for that time they stayed together the words she whispered to him made it all the more important he protect them. Every night she whispered to him the same words that always lead to the passion they shared in their bed. [b] "I love you Marcus."[/b] The words echoed in his mind regularly, feeling the truth behind the words, Masan no longer influencing her thoughts or decisions. He felt a twang of guilt for putting Masan to sleep, just because of their history, but that always changed while he was with Ali. Even when she would leave him three times a day, he still just waited for her to return, he could only imagine how she was handling the situation with her former lover, and the father of her baby, only to return the the mystic to be embraced by him. He always did his best to ease her distress, and it seemed to work every time she came back. His thoughts and his grief still hung out there for Demetri, but he still held a selfish desire for Ali, even if Demetri were to get better, he didn't want to give up everything they had now. He was sure that will all the things he had moved into their quarters now made it more, official in his mind, he hoped she had felt the same when she asked him. The thought of marriage had crossed his mind a few times, appearing because of her growing condition, he was starting to see a bulge appear on her stomach, the baby growing bigger everyday and he found his hands constantly touching it when they laid together at night. He snapped out of his thoughts when his face suddenly stung, he saw Jason standing before him as he was yelling at Marcus. Marcus looked around almost in a haze, seeing the faces crowding around. He even saw Tempest face, his youthful eyes showing his concern and how his progression had come along. It seemed, that whatever god had tried to use him and withdrawn its hold shortly after their vacation. Since then, he had been in training to control himself, the other helped him along when they could. He slowly rose as he started to push hands away, bodies next as he finally stood and tried to get his barrings. When he did he set off, his new destination in mind as the black mists started to gnaw at his thoughts. The team followed in his wake, he looked back only momentarily, seeing Pocket brought another memory to mind. Only happening a few days ago, he had been sitting at the table as usual, a dinner was cooking for Ali, he had done his best to prepare a meal should would enjoy the most. He had to keep her away from green beans, one of his favorite foods, and other items that incited retching from Ali. He had hoped to finish it before she got back from he time with Demetri, she said she had a few other things to do after so he took the advantage. Hearing the timer, he quickly rose from his seat and went to finishing the meal, slicing and dicing fresh vegetable and plating them, putting a side of sliced meat for her. He had finished setting up the table, a kitchen towel tossed over a bare shoulder as he was walking around only in his gym shorts again. A light glean of sweat on his brow, he was about to turn to get dressed when he heard the door slide open. His head turning to the noise to see Ali come in, she looked at the table, seeing the set up, a single white candle on the table with the plates set up. She looked up at him as she smiled at him, he let out a sigh as he showed her an innocent grin. [b] "I thought I had more time. I would have been better dressed but-"[/b]He had no time to finish when she launched herself at him, her arms around him as the kidding became passionate and wild. They kept backing up until finally Marcus touched the bed, she pulled away to give him a push on to the bed, straddling him she gave him her sweet smile, the special one she gave only him. As his hands reached out to starting undressing her, they heard a knock at the door, Ali turning while Marcus stretched his neck to look. He nudged him to the side as she sat on the bed, he rose, walking to the door he hit a button on the card panel to open the door, his eyes widened as he say Pocket standing there. [b] "Calypso, its good to see you. Whats going on?"[/b] She had her usual smile on her face, looking into the room for Ali. [b] "I just wanted to talk to Ali, I haven't gotten a chance to talk to her."[/b] Marcus moved aside as Pocket entered the room, her multicolored hair still a constant reminder of her change. Ali jumped up from the bed and gave Pocket a great hug, Marcus had a small smile on his face as he watched the two talk. He saw Pocket touching Ali's stomach, he could hear the congratulations and Pocket jumping about excitedly about the whole thing. Marcus took a seat at their dinner table as they talked for a bit, he nibbled on the food until he saw a finger from Ali pointing at him. [b] "Not yet Marcus."[/b] He held up his hands as he chuckled softly, deciding to take the opportunity to get dressed the way he wanted to. The memory faded away as he reached the door to the Commandants office, he slid his key card as he walked into the office, seeing the Commandant standing around his desk going over papers. Marcus approached, his bodyguards trying to bar his path before Marcus pushed them aside. [b] "Where is he Shield?"[/b] The Commandant looked at him with red rimmed eyes, his expression blank and hard. [b] "We don't know. The book of Set is missing as well."[/b] Marcus let a growl escape his lips. [b] "Your son was the distraction, Sybille was here! He took Ali, he probably took your book too. We need to find them."[/b] Shield went back to looking over papers, before speaknig. [b] "We're doing everything can. We have limited resources right now, we can't pull everyone from the field in a reasonable amount of time. We need to be patient."[/b] Marcus paced for a second before he roared and flipped a table in his office, the sheer rage caused his runes to flare for a second, giving him the strength to send the table into the wall, smashing it apart and sending papers all over the room. [b] "That's not good enough Shield! We don't have time for any of this, we need to find her now."[/b] Shield kept his composure as he spoke. [b] "Let me know how to find them then, and we'll go after them right now." [/b]Marcus was struck silent then, he turned away from the Commandant, heading back to His and Ali's quarters, searching through his books and his scrolls to find anything to help him find them, anything to find her and bring her home.[/size]

[size="1"]His thoughts swam, his heart drowned in her words, could she be right? Could he have only been with her just because she looked like Masan? That thought alone tore at him, his emotions flooding through his mind. He couldn't control it, he tried to block himself off from her, he had tried to do the conversation logically. He had hopped he could do it, she had slammed that wall in front of him the moment he told her the truth. He didn't know what to do, he grabbed the frame of the picture she had only just pointed out to him. He looked at it carefully, the carefree smiles on their face, the looks they had for each other. He remembered the kiss on the beach vacation, how it had influenced his very being, not having felt like that in a long time. Were those feelings just for Masan? Were they really all just for a woman who had died 10 years ago. He shook himself as he touched the picture, his marked face showing a smile he didn't share with anyone, he had only shared it with Ali. He lowered the picture as his head feel back on the couch, his eyes became blurry as he thought about how his old love was doing to her. What would he do? Did he really love Ali, like he had said before. The thought suddenly struck him like lighting, making his heart jump, his eyes widened with the thought and he rose swiftly from the couch. Setting the picture down again, he quickly dressed, throwing on his sandals and stuffing his key card into his shorts pocket. He opened the door and stepped out quickly, looking around he didn't see Ali right away. She was fast, forgetting that detail, especially when her feelings were on the rise. He rune showing the direction she was in. He instantly head that way, some HDF recruits were exploring the halls, they approached him with a giddy look on their face, seeing the Marked man with just gym shorts and his sandals on showed most of his tattoos was as close as anyone got to seeing them all. Seeing the extent he went to use his powers, he ignored them all, his actions becoming frantic as he wadded through the recruits as he felt the rune call to him. He understood what she meant now, he could feel two emotions touching his mind, both he was intimately familiar with and he could now distinguish. He continued forward, the recruits clamoring quieted down as they saw him on the war path.He ran through the hall now, loosing both of his sandals and not caring at all. He finally reached his destination, the Commanders office, sliding the key card he heard a rejection beep. He slid it one more time, the beep happening again, placing a hand on her door he whispered in a language fueled by his raw emotions now. The door slid open and he quickly stepped in, looking over he saw Ali holding a picture frame in her hand, she turned at the sound of his foot steps, he saw she was holding the same picture he had been but minutes ago. He was breathing slightly heavier then normal, her face etched with anger as she tossed the picture on the bed. She stormed forward, both of her hands hitting him square in the chest, his whole body shifted six inches from where he previously stood. [b] "Get out Marcus! I said I didn't want to see you again and I meant it! Just get out of here."[/b] He stood firm as she came at him again, this time he grabbed both of her arms. She struggled against his grip, finding himself at a disadvantage as he was trying to hold her but avoid from hurting her. His patience was wearing thin now, he could feel his own emotions breaking through, he then let down the walls. His feelings taking over him as he released her arms and instantly leaned down, lifting her off the ground and putting her down on the bed. Pinning her arms as she tried to fight him, avoiding her kicks he let his feelings take over, holding nothing back as he pressed his lips to hers in a desperate, passionate way. Marcus pulling away to stand up over her, she sat up from her place on the bed, ready to speak before he cut her off. [b] "No Ali, you are gonna hear what I have to say even the god damn mambo jumbo and you will listen even if I have to pin you on this bed again!"[/b] She stopped as she could now read his emotions now, the clear view of everything he was feeling could be seen in his eyes. She didn't know what to say as her own mind was filled with conflict. [b] "You were right about how you look. You do look like Masan, it's what drew me to you in the first place."[/b] Her face grew angry, her eyes held the hurt as she prepared to scream at him. He stopped it by cupping her face in his hands, bringing their faces close together. [b] "But that is all you share. And even in that, you both look different, I see it in your face, in your eyes. The way you act is never what Masan would do." "That just mea-" "Masan is dead Ali, I watched her die 10 years ago. Her mind is in her, but I lost my Masan years ago."[/b] Ali stopped fighting as he stood straight up again. [b] "I didn't know she was in there, I didn't keep this relationship going because I thought I could bring her back. I didn't mark you with that rune as a clever trap, I did it all because of what beats in my chest, because my heart lead me here."[/b] His eyes blurred again as he saw hers welling up too. [b] "Every word I ever said, every time we kissed, every touch we shared I shared with you and only you Alex Talon!"[/b] She rose slowly from the bed as he saw the tears flowing down her face, his hands coming up the rub the tears away. [b] "I love you Ali, I told you that only knowing your touch. I only love you Ali, and I do this for us."[/b] He reached out and touched her palm, the rune flared to life as he entwined his fingers with hers. Letting his feelings filter into her, letting her see everything he really felt, what he really wanted this to go. Even letting her know what his heart felt when she said she had loved him with her own words. The rune on her hand changing, new lines appearing as it crossed with the old one, she pulled her hand away to look at the runes infused on her hand. She didn't comprehend what he did as his face remained open to her now, his eyes and body showing his inner most thoughts. [b] "Now we'll see if you really do feel the same Ali."[/b] He came forward, wrapping his arms around her as he touched his lips to hers, Ali returning the gesture with her arms thrown around him as they fell further into the passion of the kiss. She didn't feel another presence, no other thoughts crowding her mind that weren't hers. [b] "What did you do Marcus?"[/b] a single tear slid down his face as he straightened out his posture. [b] "I suppressed her thoughts and feelings. Its just you now Ali, she's still in there, but there is nothing she can do in her sleep."[/b] She held her runed hand to her chest as he saw her smile, her eyes however still wept freely. [b] "But why Marcus?" "Because Masan and I were together once, 10 years ago. This is now, Alex, and I'm not going to ruin another chance at happiness, for either of us."[/b] Their hands intertwined, their foreheads pressing together as they simply stood there. [b] "Why me?" "Because I've said it before, I would only fight for you. I will not die as long as I have you Alex."[/b] Ali's hand drifting down to her stomach, Marcus hand followed as he slowly spun her around. Her arm across her middle now holding his hand still as he kept his hand on top of hers, both feeling for the baby growing inside of her. Marcus gave her a kiss on her cheek, whispering into her ear. [b] "I'll be here for you, and the baby Ali. No matter what."[/b] He saw the small smile on her face, he also felt the slight shudder from her. His own mind interpreting the shudder as her sadness for Demetri. He could only hope he would prove to be as good a father as Demetri would of been.[/size]

[size="1"]Marcus's mind raced as his face simply stared, he couldn't understand what was happening. He couldn't make sense of the scene at all, Masan was dead, he had seen the life leave her eyes. This was impossible, she couldn't be here in any form, he hadn't known any runes then to save her, to move her soul to another body. She stared at him with her brown eyes, her look innocent as he gently touched her face, the runes reacting to her as he searched her mind. The memories flooding into him, hers matching his for every word and image. The emotions merging together to form perfectly, he gasped as he pulled his hands away, throwing the sheet off himself, and got off the bed. Standing as he walked over and snatched a towel and wrapped it around his waist, Masan rising as she supported herself on one hand. Marcus took a seat on the couch, words unable to form as he looked at the woman before him. [b] "What's wrong Koibito?" [/b]Marcus stared at her a little longer before leaning forward. [b] "You can't be here."[/b] He said bluntly, her face suddenly took on a hurt look. She looked away from him as she covered herself with the sheet. He sighed and rubbed his face before speaking again. [b] "Ali..Masan, I didn't mean it like that. I mean, you literally can't be here. I watched you die, 10 years ago."[/b] She looked at him now, her eyes held a sort of knowing that didn't sit well with him. His heart still beat furiously, his blood heated at the thought, even the possibility that she some how lived on. He couldn't get his hopes up, Ali had been in his mind before, seeing and pulling memories out as he did to her. But still, this was not something he could pass up. [b] "Tell me whats going on, how did you end up in Ali's body?" "Do you remember what my power was Marcus?"[/b] He nodded to her. [b] "You were able to take control of other beings by transferring a part of your soul into their body. I watched you do it, you had me guard your body often enough."[/b] She nodded to him. [b] "That's what happened Marcus."[/b] He shook his head as he sat up straight now. [b] "That's not possible, your powers didn't work like that. You couldn't transfer your whole soul to another, especially with your memories intact." "That's night I could Koibito. My powers evolved to save my life in a way, at least that is what I think happened."[/b] Marcus kept staring, everything about this was wrong. He ran through it in his mind, feeling the storm rising in his mind. This conflicted with everything he thought he knew about their relationship, Him and Ali never existed. Maybe at first it was really Ali, but now, it seemed Masan had been the one you take over. He felt both unbearable amount of joy and sheer horror at what he was seeing, the woman he had loved so deeply had taken refuge in another who he met by chance. He held his hand out to her, she rose still holding on to the sheet as she took his hand with her free one. He pulled her close, her sitting on his lap as he tried to enjoy the moment while he could, resting his head on her chest as she put an arm around his head, holding him close. [b] "You know Ali is pregnant Masan."[/b] Marcus said, looking up at her face as she nodded. He spoke again, this time looking down. [b] "That means your pregnant again." "I know. Its another chance, even if the baby isn't yours."[/b] Marcus laid a hand on her back, rubbing it gently before gliding it up her spine, his hand resting on her neck as he closed her eyes. [b] "I'm sorry Masan, I need to see you as you were." [/b]He whispered as the magic flared to life, both minds being torn away from their bodies. Ali's body slumping as it rest against Marcus now, his body still with his head laying back. His eyes opened again, looking around and down at himself as he saw he was clothes this time. He looked over and saw her with her back facing him. She was wearing black skin tight pants and a black tank top, her skin burnished with a light brown color, her eyes bright as she turned to look at him. The light brown making his breath catch, the shadow world they were in was silent. They walked toward each other, instantly embracing, their lips locking together with her arms thrown around his neck, his around her middle. They pulled away, their foreheads touching as they held on to each other, his right hand sliding down to her stomach, feeling the slight bulge of the baby. The memory of their child mixing with the reality of Ali's situation. [b] "I missed you so much Koibito."[/b] Marcus nodded. [b] "I missed you too. Why did it take you so long Masan?"[/b] Her face became sad, her hand sliding down to entwine with his. [b] "I wasn't strong enough, the rune you put on Ali helped, but after she connected with you, it gave me the strength." [/b]Marcus' face held a sad look for a moment, Masan used her free hand to cup his cheek, their eyes meeting. [b] "Whats wrong Marcus? I've waited for this for so long."[/b] He nodded. [b] "I understand, I just don't understand how to feel. You're using her body Masan, I don't even know who I made love to when Ali and I came together." [/b]Masan's hand dropped away as a tear slid down her cheek, her face showing her pain. [b] "It was Ali, her feelings are real enough, but I gave her the rest. After that, I came more forward, until finally tonight happened."[/b] Marcus kept her from turning away, clearing the tears from her face as he kissed her gently, holding her tightly. [b] "Masan, I still love you. I just need time to think, this is so much for me to take in. My heart is over joyed you are alive some how, I thought I would have to die to see you again."[/b] A sweet smile crossing her face, the one Ali had been giving him. He kissed her forehead, both of their hands traveled to her stomach again, remembering what they had before it all came crashing down. [b] "Will you meet me here again? Come to my room tomorrow, we'll come together here alright?"[/b] Masan nodded to his request, the world suddenly faded as they stayed close together. Then, his eyes opened wide, Ali still slumped on him. He shifted her body and then set her down on the bed, setting her clothes into one pile neatly before putting on a pair of gym shorts he had. Taking his seat back on the couch, he waited for her to rise again, still unsure on how much she already knew and what he would tell her.[/size]