RPG Witches: Gods Rising

[Darth Vectis]

[size=2]He sat there, quietly at first, seeing how still she was, he touched her hand then, her skin cold and almost clammy. She didn't react, didn't fluctuate even the smallest hint, nothing indicated she was aware of anything. He had looked to where Demetri had been, thinking about how much restraint the man had shown, even when he had decked Marcus in this very med ward, he could of broken Marcus neck. He chose to simply hit him, they did blame each other for this, but now, they accepted that the blame was everywhere around them. Her skin was paler then usual, his olive tan skin more contrasting then usual. The sight of him made to want to almost scream with out rage, this was not the place she belonged, she belonged with her kids, with someone supporting her, someone to give her all that she would need. He sighed as he looked down from her face now, seeing marks on her arms his eyes widened a bit, his hands tracing the marks as it took a few moments to dawn on him.

[b]"Finger nails."[/b] He heard a voice over his shoulder. Patch standing behind him now.

[b]"She tried to claw her own skin off earlier, she's gonna be scarred for a long time."[/b] Marcus gently rubbed her arm now.

[b]"I don't care whats on her skin." [/b]He whispered to himself, remembering what he said about her scar on her chest, he didn't care about any of them. The scars just showed him how strong should could be, and how she bore the weight of the world around him. He breathed heavily as he simply looked at her lifeless body, her breathing even more shallow then he recalled form earlier. He felt conflicted now, he had an idea of something he could do now, he had seen her there before and was thinking she might be back now, he could talk to her then. He looked to Patch, he was still standing over his shoulder, this was a good of time as any. He didn't bother closing his eyes, his body staying rigid as his mind pulled away, the darkness appearing in an instant, throwing up his hand, the shadow swirled and the mirror appeared, looking down on the bodies, he could see Ali laying still, her dull eyes looking up to the ceiling, his body was still there as well. Rubbing her arm gently as Patch talked quietly now, Marcus not hearing the words as he started walking, the mirror following him now as he trekked through the swirling shadow now. He needed to find her, to know she was still alive some how. She appeared quick enough, he could see her holding herself, standing alone, he rushed forward then, yelling to her. He didn't bother to pay attention to the small details then, not until he was on top of her and tried to grasp her, his body passing through her as if she wasn't there. His eyes were wide, the thought sent terror into his body, he tried to get a hold of her arm, get her to see him, he just passed through her. He growled then, his mind only assuming one thing.

[b]"Ammanas! I will kill you! This isn't fun old man!"

"This isn't a joke Marcus Demos."[/b] He whipped around then, the voice unfamiliar, he looked into a olive tan face, a dark beard on his face with his short military cut hair. He had a serious expression on his face, the man was massive compared to Marcus, he wore the military uniform of the HDF. Marcus stood as tall as he could, his muscle tightening as he ready to hold his ground. He looked to the mirror following him, the scene still the same now so he turned back to the man before him.

[b]"Who are you? You look somewhat familiar stranger."[/b] The face broke into a smile, the clash of white teeth against his dark complexion reminding Marcus of when he smiled.

[b]"I'm Exodus Talon, Marcus. I am Ali's father." [/b]Marcus simply stood in silence as he looked over the man, he would of said that it wasn't possible, that he couldn't be here. But, his own family resided in this very world, his father and grand father both lurking in this shadowed world.

[b]"Why are you here?"[/b] He simply said, he saw Exodus shake his head at Marcus as small laugh left his throat.

[b]"Just like your father. You are a little more straight forward then he was, but still did that same, remain silent thing." [/b]Marcus face was in a dark expression, he wasn't in the mood to deal with more madness.

[b]"You need to relax Marcus, just wanted to talk to you for a bit."[/b] Marcus gestured then to the shadow of Ali, it was moving and he could see tears on her face then.

[b]"What is this about? Why can't I talk to her? Touch her?"

"The shadow realm you walk often has many levels Mystic, my daughter is currently on another level then you. Her mind pushed her out of your reach, knowing you could come here, she needed time alone."[/b] Marcus shook his head then, looking to the mirror again, Patch adjusting things, the sleep deprivation obvious in his eyes, but he still trudged forward, for his friend. Marcus looked back then.

[b]"I would say I find that hard to believe, but, not much truly surprises me these days."[/b] He heard another laugh from Exodus.

[b]"My daughter does frequently, from what I've seen of her memories. You sure did a number on her heart Marcus."[/b] His eyes fell away then, his shoulder slumping a little as he felt the weight come down on him again.

[b]"I did too much, there was a reason I stayed in the shadows of the world for so long. I was taught it was a safer that way, 'stay away from people, don't get to close to anyone, protect your heart.' I threw all f those lessons out the window, and look at the damage I caused."[/b] He heard Exodus scoff then.

[b]"Good, you should have thrown those lessons out. Your own father didn't even listen to those lessons, you're proof of it right here. He gave his heart to your mother Marcus, it's not meant to be horded, it's meant to be shared."[/b] Marcus felt his breath shorten, he felt the heart break seep in, Exodus was right in his words, he had given his heart to Masan first, he had thought his apprentice had torn his heart form his chest and destroyed it. Years later, Ali came into the picture, and he gave it away again. It took longer, and he didn't do it until the connection had been made, but now, it rest in Ali's hands, to accept or reject him at her will. He took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly before speaking.

[b]"Is there nothing I can do Exodus?"[/b] The man just smiled at him.

[b]"You'll see Marcus, it'll take something extreme." [/b]Marcus perked up then, the words foreboding his the other mans voice.

[b]"What extreme? What will happen?"[/b] Exodus shook his head.

[b]"I can't say anything more, things must occur without interference. For now, go back and stay at her side, she needs that right now." [/b]Marcus felt himself pull back then, his vision clearing up as he came back to the real world. He blinked a few times as he rose from the chair, stretching a little as he stood beside her bed, her hands suddenly twitching, her fingers becoming claw like as she suddenly started squirming, her hands trying to dig into her skin again. Marcus felt his body react, putting his body over hers the finger nails dug into his skin then, feeling them peeling away the skin and warm blood flowing down his back. Sweat beading his head as he roared for Patch, he came rushing in, instantly reaching out and grabbing a syringe, quickly inserting it into her IV, he pushed the plunger, the sedative kicking in as her hands fell way, his blood on them now with his skin under her finger tips. He stood up then, feeling slightly dizzy but staying on his feet, he wanted to scream then. But, he held it in, he didn't need to make any noise, his face showing his pain clearly, Patch running over to begin the healing process. Marcus simply stared at Ali then, breathing heavily as Patch worked, once he had finished, Marcus started cleaning her hands then, removing the blood and flesh from her nails and slender hands. He wouldn't let her wake up with blood on her hands.[/size] Edited March 29, 2012 by Nergil Pendelton

[Akieen Cloud]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Tank sighed as he looked at his father, his hands clentching into fists before relaxing.
"I'm sorry Dad. I didn't mean to dissapoint you or anything... It was during the training mission I had with Coach Steel...we ran into a Fearful-"
"I thought those were extinct..."
"So did everyone else but I guess they weren't. I got caught by it...my worst fear came alive than..."
"And what is your worst fear son? What could you possibly have to fear here?"
"My real father...I know he's still alive. I didn't hurt him, or kill him when I left but...I know he's still out there some where. I'm terrified that he'll find me again and take me away from you and mom and torture me like he used to...worse yet what if he got to Lil or Neos?"
Demetri leaned forward and placed his hand on Tank's shoulder before pulling the boy to him in a tight embrace.
"I swear to you son, I won't let anything happen to you or your siblings. My self or your mother."
Tank nodded slowly and pulled away looking at his father.
"How is she?"
Demetri ran his hand over his face, his lack of sleep showing clearly on his face.
"She's...not so good. She slipped further away today. I'm sorry Ta-Dante. I'm sorry for everything. I know I've let work get to me and keep me from home...I've let what happened between your mother and Marcus get to me and I pushed her away because of it but I promise you. I'm going to fix it."
Dante nodded and gripped Demetri's wrist.
"Get some sleep my boy, we'll go and see her in the morning."
The teen nodded before going to his room and going to bed, there was a slight knock on the door, Demetri standing to answer it and finding his father on the other side, holding onto a sleeping Neos. Demetri smiled til he saw the boys face, the smile faltering slightly. The small runes that had begun to show on his skin faint, but noticable. Sheild saw the look on his son's face and shook his head.
"Just take it in stride Demetri, he's still your son, it just shows his power."
Demetri nodded slowly, taking his youngest from his father, the older man walking in slowly after his son.
"How is she son?"
Demetri felt his heart tug more.
"She's...she's not good. I wish I had seen it sooner Dad...I caused her so much grief..."
"Your stunt at the ball didn't help much my boy, I wish I had known what you were planning so I could have stopped you. Your wife might be a strong woman, but just like your mother she a woman none the less and a good woman needs a good man to stand behind her and protect her, just as a good man needs a good woman at his side to keep him balanced."
Demetri nodded, covering his face with his large hand as tears threatened to flow from his eyes.
"I'm such a fool...What was I thinking?"
"You weren't son. That's the problem. I showed that video to show more than what was happening between Demos and your beloved but the fact that you could trust her. She left him there and went home to you."
Demetri let out a shuddering breath, his hand resting on the cheek that Ali had struck him across during the ball. The pain in her eyes making the giant want to weep.
"I'm going to fix this Dad. One way or another. I swear it."
Pavlos nodded, clapping his hand on Demetri's shoulder before giving it a squeeze and leaving the room and leaving his son to his thoughts.

Patch sighed and rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he downed the last mouthful of his eighth cup of coffee, the night seeming to go on forever as he looked over at Marcus sitting next to Ali. He sighed and looked over her charts again, for the upteenth time and blinked as the paper's words in front of his face swam. He shook the wave of dizziness of before going back to his work, Marcus' voice finding it's way to him.
"Patch, get some sleep. I'll watch over her for the night."
Patch shook his head and injected a shot of adreniline into his system quickly, almost instantly feel awake again. He sighed and continued to look over Ali's charts and readings. He glances back over at her and stood up, walking over he sat on the other side of the bed and took her free hand rubbing the top of it gently.
"You know...you and Demetri aren't the only ones who love her."
Marcus' eyes turned wide as he looked up at Patch, the man looking older by far than Marcus could ever remember, the lines from lack of sleep showing on his face clearly, his skin pale and his eyes blood shot.
"I've loved her for the longest time. Long before she met Demetri, but she always held me at that friend level. I was content with that, just being able to be near her, being able to talk to her was enough for me. When Demetri came along I was esstatic for her, I had never seen her so happy, her eyes alway so bright when she talked about him, her cheeks getting that healthy rosy glow...than she met you, got close to you and I felt my self get jealous, of both of you. You two are luckier than any other man in this base, she's a gem, one that should be polished and shined day in and day out. Never dimming, never tarnishing. But the two of you...you held her up so high and than drug her through the mud, causing her so much pain and all I wanted to do was be there for her. I tried too, tried talking to her, tried comforting her but I could see deep down she wanted one of you two. I would have thought, after being with her on a level beyond any one else the two of you wouldn't care what happened, that you two would just be content with what you had, or have. But when you started to fight with each other, over her I could see it wear on her, each and every day she looked more haggard, more tired...more stressed. It killed me. You two have no idea how many men at this base would kill to be where you two have been. To get that close to her...it's what half this base dreams of."
Marcus had sat, listening to Patch as he spoke, understanding more and more, he saw the man in a new light. Realizing just how truthful Patch's words had been.

Ali walked for what felt like miles, her heart cold, her skin shivering as she continued on, tears falling from her eyes as she prayed for her father to return to her, as if on cue the man came from the shadows.
"My girl. How long have you been walking?"
He looked down at her bare feet to see them blistered and bloody.
"I've been trying to reach you."
"My dear, I'll alway be here when you need me, but right now, others need you."
She shook her head.
"I don't want to go back...I don't want to feel confused, or lost...or hurt anymore."
Exodus chuckled and closed the distance between him and his daughter hugging her tightly as he chuckled, his deep bass toned voice rumbling through her.
"Daddy...I just want things back to the way they were...I just want to be happy again."
"Alex, you have to find your true happiness, it will happen. Just wait for it."
"But Daddy I-"
He shook his head and tapped her shoulder, than shook it roughly, his grip tightening and making her wince.
"Wake up baby."
"Daddy?"
"Wake up now. I'm right here."
She tried to reach out to him as he got further and further away from her, a light growing brighter and brighter in front of her eyes.
"Alex? Come on...come on..."
She blinked several times, the light bright enough to make her blink more as her eyes adjusted.
"Daddy?"
A large warm hand grasped her's, holding it tightly, another voice filtering in and out of her senses.
"Is she coming around? Patch how are her charts? Any signs?"
"Marcus, Jason, back the hell off! I'm going as fast as I can dammit!"
The pressure on her hand tightened and she felt a similar pressure on her other hand, another hand on her forehead.
"Patch!"
"I said shut the hell up Jason! Gods alive I can't concentrate, I've been up for 5 days straight alright!"
The hand on her forehead began to rub it's thumb across her skin.
"Her skin is heating up...there's color coming back into her cheeks, that's a good thing right? Right? Patch?"
"Get the **** out! NOW!"
"I'm just worried about my sister guy! Jeez!"
Patch shouldered past the three men to shine a light into her eyes, her pupils dialating in and out, reacting to the light normally, he sighed and moved away before sinking in a chair.
"She's alright...she's reacting normally now. It's just a matter of how blocked off mentally she is."
Ali sat up slowly...her muscles sore, her stomach growling and her head swimming, she looked at Demetri, than Marcus, her face just as blank as ever no sign of emotions for caring on her face at all, she was just there. Jason sighed as he brought her in for a tight hug, one she did not return.
"At least your back from what ever god awful place you were in...Are you alright sis?"
She nodded, not speaking, Demetri looked down at her now.
"Alex, love...are you sure your alright?"
She nodded again, looking over as a small hand tugged on her shirt sleeve, Neos smiling up at her, he climbed up into her lap and put his hand on her cheek.
"Hi Mommy."
She hugged him tightly, her face still not showing any emotion.
"Mommy, are you still sad?"
She nodded again, turning her face into his hair, she looked down at him again, the faint runes showing more clearly than before against his pale skin. Darker than Marcus' but almost identical. She traced one gently and cupped his cheek, her face still stoic.
"I love you Mommy."
She hugged him and kissed his forehead lightly, he smiled up at her and looked back at the men in the room.
"Mommy doesn't want to talk right now. She's still upset."
Ali wrapped her arm around him and hugged him to her chest, her face still void of emotion but they could all tell that having the boy with her helped.[/color][/font]

[Shwa]

[size="2"]Ali's physical recovery too days, but her body seemed to heal slowly, yet worked wonders with the massive amounts of treatment given by Patch and Madam Touch, the small nail scars on her arm slowly vanished, leaving a slight pink outline left at the end of her healing sessions. Though her body healed from its wounds withing days, mentally, their beloved Ali was still silent and to herself, Neos seemed to human being that was able to express her inner thought to the rest of the group, Ali's hospital room now sprung to life with flowers and carnations from everyone who worked at the base. Even from her once former disrespectful subordinates, they contributed to giving her small favors such as bottles of wine, flowers, pieces of candy and balloon, soon there was barely any walking room inside of her hospital room, some of their favors of well wishes were sent to their living quarters. Marcus and Demitri continue their monitoring assignments like before, watching after her day and night during that week, it wasn't until Friday that Madam Touch cleared her daughter-in-law to go back to her own living quarters to rest in her own bed and be comfortable in a relaxed environment, rather than sleeping in the med ward all the time in a clear white room filled with favors. Demitri escorted his wife that evening, followed by Jason and Sasa, Marcus had already made arrangements for her personal belongings to return to their home, and it seemed the tension died between the mystic and the wind wizard some. Though there was still small arguments about who was really to blame, both men admitted their wrongs for leading Ali to do what she did that landed her in such a fragile state. Ali only spoke little sentences during the weekend, asking for small things and replying with quick answers to questions that were asked. Tank took off from school, with his fathers permission to take care of their mother and the rest of his siblings while the others went about thier jobs around HDF, Demitri was welcomed back to his office and praised for his loving support from his subordinates for caring for his wife in such a manor. There were still rumors about the fight that happened in the ball room that evening a week ago, but it was just minimal chatter that usually happened around the drinking fountain or break rooms. Things seemed to slowly come back to life around the base, Marcus was promoted by Demitri to be Team Leader for the time being while Ali continued to recover on her own, yet it brought a sense of happiness knowing she was better. The mystic would stay awake all night, meditating and making sure her IV's were filled and pumping correctly, shaking slightly when Ali shifted in her sleep, hoping she wouldn't try to harm herself any more, but his worries fled from his body when she simply tossed and turn with a slight fever here and there. It was a daily routine, Marcus would report her condition to either Tank or Demitri, leave for the day while the others watched over her. Demitri came often back to his quarters during his lunch breaks or whenever he felt needed by his wife, peeling apples and feeding Ali, she obliged after some refusal, but her body hungered for real food instead of IV food. Ali would give slight smiles, but they would fade quickly, she wanted her space a lot lately, Demitri felt rejected but knew it was the right thing. Earlier before she was moved back to their home, he had found the wedding bad and her diamond ring she had left, keeping them on his key chain that held his own master key card as a reminder to return it to her, that is, if she would choose to forgive him and accept them back. It plagued the giant if she would reject him, but he kept high hopes that she wouldn't, and always reminded himself about the changes he promised her, and Tank, he would make to make their family whole again. It was Saturday afternoon, around 2pm when Demitri came into his bedroom to see Lily and Neos playing on the floor while Tank folded the laundry he had done for his mother and father, all the kids looked up as they saw their father come into the room, a bushel of Red Tulips in his hand as Ali raised her head to meet his gaze, a mere smile was shown, but it looked weak and lazy. Demitri sighed, but knew it was better than nothing coming from his wife.

"Hello dad" Tank smiled as he continued to fold the clothing on the floor, the teen was taking up such a large responsibility to take care of the family, Demitri couldn't be any more proud of his son. Both had made a connection, a deeper one the night they talked about Dante's therapy and past mission with Steel. Demitri would wrestle and hang out with his son a little more during his off time, along with take the family out for dinner a couple times a week while Marcus watched Ali during the evening hours. Sly, Neos plushy fox, came back to life as it ran up to Demitri, swiftly climbing up the giants body until it rested on his broad shoulders. Demitri smiled as he made his way to Ali's side, sitting down on the bed next to his wife as he planted the tulips on her lap, she looked down and marveled in her mind the brightness of the red and white that showed on the flowers. Demitri plucked Sly from his shoulder and placed the tiny fox on the ground, a small "mew" sound came from the fox as Neos grabbed him and brought the animal back to the spot he and Lily were sitting at to continue playing.

"How are you feeling today love?" Demitri placed his fingers under Ali's chin, moving her face to meet his, her eyes seemed to gain a little life back, but she still remained silent, it was sad to the giant, he just wished his wife was back at her full potential, but he knew something like this would take time. To the commandant, he had all the time in the world to wait for his love, as he know she would have....or if she even wanted to. Still, Ali remained silent as she looked out the window to see the bright sun light up the woods outside of the base, Demitri copied her stair as he left his face blank, thinking back to the picnic they all had in the grass field when Ali was pregnant, Tank and Lily playing with one another as they ran through the corn fields trying to find one another in a game of tag. Demitri and Ali laying down on a picnic blanket as Demitri fed his wife grapes from the vine, she happily ate the fruit one by one until her mouth was full. Demitri chuckled at the thought before hearing his phone go off in his pocket. The giant reached into his jeans and scrambled to answer it on time, finally bringing out his mobile and raising it to his ear. "This is Commandant Athens..."

"Sir, this is Cloak" Demitri smiled as he heard his voice.

"Roger, how's it going my friend?"

"Well sir, thank you. I'm afraid we need you for the up most importance sir, please come to the War room immediately, this is an order from the High Counsel sir" Demitri's face straightened as he slowly rose to his feet and hung up the line. Nodding at Tank, giving him the signal that he had to leave right away. The giant leaned down and planted a kiss on top of Ali's head before heading out, once reaching the outside of his quarters, Demitri ran into Marcus and Luwein, the boy holding onto MArcus' shoulder for guidance.

"I'm heading out to the War room, you're pretty early Marcus" The mystic grunted a bit, though things were tense between the two, he still felt it important to show he was not an enemy or against Demitri in some form or fashion.

"We're making dinner tonight, Tank's been doing so much work lately, we thought to make up for his hard work feeding us" He smiled as he chuckled a bit, Demitri smiled at the gesture before excusing himself.

"Save me a plate" Demitri shouted as he dashed down the building and made his way back to the base, making his way to the War Room to find Cloak and another member of the High Counsel waiting for him, a file in the elderly mans hands as he handed it to the commandant as he entered.

"This is a serious matter we need you to investigate Athens, please be haste and return with any information you find." Counselor Thomas spoke quickly and to the point, almost like Marcus, Demitri looked at the file and gasped slightly as he read. It was a familiar file he researched over and over after the mission went bad, there was even a photo of the scene.

"Sir....this-this cant be" Demitri looked away from the papers, but the Counselor already was shaking his head slowly at the same thought.

"I know Athens, please, this is a matter for you to investigate, please, be careful with this one. Be on high alert, we'll be monitoring your progress via spy cameras hovering about you" Demitri nodded as he put on his ear piece communicator, soon, darkness surrounded him by Cloaks powers, only to reappear in the woods of a villa. Demitri turned on his communicator and began to walk about, still holding the file in his hand, but the scenery seemed familiar to the giant, he knew the path in front of him like it was the back of his hand. Something was wrong though when the giant finally came to a clearing, he saw a village in the distance, people looked at him with his uniform and weapons, but seemed to not mind that he was armed and came from the woods. The commandant made his way about town, it was thriving with life, but years ago, the village was burnt and destroyed by a raid made by some werewolves, and a woman he failed to protect from the rain.

(Somethings not right here, last i heard, this place was infested with wolves and other creatures of the night...) Demitri thought as he continued his walk, but the giant stopped suddenly as he saw a ghost from his past, but the ghost had a physical body that looked human once again as it walked on the opposite side of the dirt road from the giant. Her raven hair blowing slightly in the wind as paused for a moment to take in the runs rays hitting her, she sighed at the warmth as it kept her body warm, wiping the sweat that collected on her brow, her wet bangs moved aside from her hand pushing them behind her ear. She too took the time to look around at the scenery, but froze in shock as well when she met Demitri's gaze, both stood there for a moment as the other villagers went about their business, Demitri gulped as he felt his legs move on their own, finally standing over the lovely woman as he provided she from the sun when he stared down. She seemed confused, but smiled as she looked up into his familiar hazel eyes.

"Demitri....this is a surprise for sure" She smiled and placed her slender hand on his chest, the mans pecs rose and fell fast as he looked down, there was no doubt it was her, the scar on her throat showed clearly, it was at the same spot where Pocket shot a bullet into her throat when she was under the control of Sybille years ago, he had thought she died from the gunshot wound, or when they team finally disposed of Sybille. There were so many unanswered question rushing through the commandants mind, but he finally managed to speak.

"Anna...you're alive?" Her smile turned serious along with her blank stare, he was the only one so far that realized she had died and came back to life in a different, zombie like form, but now, she looked like a normal human.

"So, those weren't horrible dreams, I did die and attack you years ago. It doesn't make sense" She pondered, Demitri looked around quickly before grabbing her hand, leading them out of the town the way Demitri came, but suddenly, everything in the town went blank, the people vanished along with the houses and small shops, everything turned to ash as dust rose. Demitri stopped in his place, holding Anna tight to his body as a voice spoke in the air, making his way towards the two when more nightwalkers sprang from the ground. Demitri moved Anna behind his body, she held on tight to his shirt as the man stepped forward more until he could be seen in plain sight, Demitri's heart raced when he recognized the image, it was the same one who killed Fox Squads Captains, and possibly more to his knowledge. Demitri charged wind around him in the form of a protective bubble, adding his own electrical elements to aid his protection, there was no holding back with this man, the fight where he and Marcus gave their all to just stay alive was proof enough.

"So, I've found you...Anna, wasn't it? It's been some time, but you're alive....but not for long" The dark skinned man smiled, Demitri looked back at the woman, she was fearful of this man, reaching to his earpiece, Demitri tried calling for help, but no answer from the other end. "No worried brat, I have no quarrel with you, just hand the woman over and I'll forget the last fight and let you live" Anna gasped, looking up at Demitri, but only seeing his eyes whiter than light flash continuously, the giant extended his hand and shot several lightning wind blasts at his enemy, nothing seemed to work at they hit hit torso, but the impact simply did nothing, it was as if he was being hit by bubbles. The man frowned and walked closer to the two, Demitri thought quickly, still holding onto Anna's hand tight he dashed and began to run into the woods, the tanned man made a gesture with his hand, commanding the nightwalkers to pursue the two. "Fear not, for Phoenix had fight in her as well, but it mattered not, her blood spilled just as vividly and smoothly like her's will" The man shouted, Demitri's thoughts went away, had he went after another member of HDF? What was his intentions with Anna, did she have some history with this man as well? The only thought that came to mind was his statement he made in Russia, about 12 people or members that sealed him away. But what did Anna have to do with any of that? As far as Demitri knew, she only had the siren abilities when granted by Sybille's control, but maybe the giant was wrong, running past branches and twigs, the two made haste to get deeper and lose the nightwalkers as quickly as they could, Demitri still held on tight as he fired more volleys of blasts and electricity behind himself to provide cover and protection. Shards of tree parts along with dirt rose in the air over and over as Demitri fried his attacks at the approaching enemy, some he would hit as they vanished, the other creatures drew closer to the two. Anna screamed when they got closer and closer, Demitri stopped, having Anna's body harshly run into his, the Wind Wizard quickly summoned a hurricane force to flow from the skies and land directly on top of the two, making the creatures of the night withdraw their attack when lightning shot down repeatedly around the tornado, Demitri held on tight to Anna as she marveled at the mans strength, there was a shadowy figure that could be seen from outside of the funnel, Demitri concentrated all of his strength as shots of lightning fired down on the same spot over and over, soon the shadow vanished from sight.

"Demitri...I don't understand what he want...I'm sca-" Her voice cut off as a flesh ripping sound echoed inside the funnel, a dark claw reached inside of the wind funnel and pierced Anna through her heart, suddenly, several spiked extended from inside her body, one injecting into Demitri's shoulder as the man yelled, losing his focus as the wind funnel vanished, the tanned man's arm was the claw that attacked, he quickly retracted his hand back and laughed at his success.

"6 down....6 more to go" He smiled, licking his hand of Anna's blood, once again, Demitri failed the woman as he scooped her lifeless body into his free arm.

"No....not again, ANNA!!!" Demitri cried, but he got no response, turning around to face his foe, the tanned man was already in front of Demitri, gripping the giants face with a single palm as he smiled down.

"Don't worry, I wasn't going to let you live even if you did cooperate" The skies formed over the two again, this time a dark thunderstorm brewed, the tanned man gripped Demitri's head tighter as a single shot of black lightning hit the three directly, sending Demitri in the air, his body breaking through a couple of trees until his momentum stopped at a large, thick pine tree. The giant fell to the ground, his clothes burnt and tattered, he laid lifeless as the tanned man vanished from sight, rain started to pour down onto the forest, drenching the soldier as his body shook slightly, his communicator going off with a voice in his head, Demitri opened his eyes slightly, pain rushed from all over his body as he grunted and moaned.

"Commandant Athens, this is Cloak, where are you? We've lost signal an hour ago, let us know your status..." Cloak's voice repeated over and over, Demitri finally gave into his pain and fell unconscious as the rain continued to pout down heavy, lightning following soon after.

"Anna....Marcus.....someone..n-n-need hel-" The giant gasped before remaining silent, Anna, her body now a smoking single on the ground where Demitri once held her, no remains left of the woman who seemed to die over and over again. This time, it seemed unlikely she would return.
[/size]

[Darth Vectis]

[size=2][b]"Can you pass me that Luwien?" [/b]He blinked at Marcus, looking where the sound of his voice came from. Marcus sighed momentarily as he placed his face in his palm at his slight embarrassment.

[b]"That was my fault Luwien, reach to your left, there will be a container there."[/b] Luwien grabbed the contained and tossed it easily to Marcus, his aim dead on. Marcus giving out a small chuckle as started seasoning the meat sizzling in the pan now, he was trying to keep his mind occupied, Tank was taking up watch for now, Marcus was still unsure of whether it was safe enough to leave Ali alone, he was glad for Dante being near and able to help out so much. This dinner would be a proper thank you to him, he also felt he owed it to Demetri, with their arguments having died out for now, he understood they needed to maintain some civil behavior now. They understood now that a choice didn't needed to be reached immediately, Ali's life had become more important now, her mental and emotional health needed the most help now. Marcus still couldn't touch or talk to her in the shadow realm. He had been able to rage in the other world about it, nothing to destroy in that world, his magic ran wild, he had felt what it was like to release it to the point of passing out. Sometimes, the face of that obsidian black skinned creature came back, his name floating in his mind again as he tried to recall more about him, he knew hardly anything about him, when he actually thought about it. That was unsettling in itself for Marcus, he prided himself on knowing more then anyone else, on being well informed, and he still had no idea who the others were. He had to push it away often, couldn't allow it to chew away his mind, couldn't let it consume him.

[b]"Luwien, can you manage this for me for a little bit?"

"I'm not sure Marcus, I think I'll end spilling it all over the place. Since i'm blind and all."

"No need for the remark, Luwien, I get it. I'll be right back."[/b] Marcus setting the towel over his shoulder as he walked over and entered the bedroom, seeing Ali just laying there. Her skin wasn't as pale now, but still she looked sick, like she was lacking in her will to live on. He sighed to himself as he leaned into the door frame, his arms crossed as he watched her closely now. He remembered the night when he would see her emotions break through, see her true self break through for just a few moments, those times are the ones he held on to now. He recalled them vividly now, he was sure he would always recall them now. He had been sitting by her bed one night, his mind looking for answers to the problem at hand, on what he could possibly due to reach her level in the shadow realm. It seemed anything he did couldn't change the fact that she was beyond his reach, her father having been a shadow manipulator must of had some sort of effect on her. He hadn't paid too much attention to her inactivity, he suddenly saw it then, the glint off her face as her eyes were closed, her body resting finally. The sight making his heart leap as she would whisper, the whispers growing as a name slipped from her lips.

[b]"Marcus, where are you?"[/b] He heard from her, all he could do was hold her close a she whispered to her back, having crawled on to the bed with her to cradle her head to his chest as he wept that first time, whispering to her, hoping she would hear him and comeback to them. He tried so hard that night, he used everything he could think of to try and pull her free, to return her mind to her body, to bring her spirit back. It inevitable failed, she had slipped back into her world, the tears drying up, Marcus flowed longer then. Until he finally let her go, pulling away to let her rest more, he didn't mention it to Demetri initially, he didn't need to see the grief in the mans eyes. Several nights later she did the same, this time uttering Demetri's name, asking where he was, Marcus stayed close still, simply asking someone to retrieve Demetri. He had come quickly then, whispering to her over and over again as she cried. The results were the same, she slipped away and they were left with broken hearts, Demetri and reluctantly gone back to bed, Marcus remaining in his place. She did this for sometime, the name falling for her lips was one of the two, he did what he could when he heard his, called Demetri when she uttered his. Nothing worked, she finally came back around enough that they could let her back to her quarters. He looked at her now, his face blank, but his soul pleading for her to come back, for her to just return to them. Especially after Patch's words, those hung around his neck now, a noose that no one but himself could feel or see, the knot tightened all the time, his throat would constrict with its tension, and before he was sure the blackness would take him, the noose would loosen. Turning away he went back to cooking, finishing up the meal he cleaned off and served up dinner, with Luweins help.

[b]"Dante, will you help feed your mother?"[/b] He nodded instantly as they both walked into the room, sitting beside her Tank simply helped her to and up right position, her hands and arms still functioned, they moved with an almost robotic motion. Marcus having cut up her food enough to just eat it all in bite size bits, he gave her a plastic utensil, keeping a close eye on her as she ate slowly. Her movements were almost unnatural in the stiff way she acted, almost as if her body was dead and she was back to life in a dessicated form. When she finished Marcus took her plate, giving her a light kiss on her head, he left, Tank giving her a kiss as well as they let her lay back down. Marcus tossing the dishes into the sink, he started to clean, his mind still trying to run rampant. He had set aside enough food for the giant for when he returned, Marcus plate still sat on the table, hardly any of it eaten. His appetite was weak today, he would finish it when he could, but he just couldn't eat right now. When he finished with the dishes, he packed them into the dish washer finally and dried off his arms. He turned around to see Neos playing with his fox, he smiled at the boys innocence, the marks on his body having gotten dark now, the lines distinct now, obvious to any around. He had also noticed his eyes had darkened several shades. They looked like Marcus' now, his build was still consistent with his Mother and father, his hair matching Demetri's almost perfectly. Marcus had watched one night when Dante had given Neos a bath, he had seen the runes all over his body now, their presences was known now. Marcus was glad his son wasn't going to get tattooed like him, but he was also sad that he was now cursed with the same exterior. He had done this for his own reasons, and because of the charge of magic in his body, his hair didn't grow anymore, he found that he frequently touched and rubbed Neos head to make sure his hair wasn't falling out, or that it was still growing. He saw Lily playing with him then, seeing how excited he was that his big sister would play with him Neos let his energy loose, his runes glowed suddenly, Marcus eyes widened moments before he rushed forward and dove for Neos. His arm scooping him up as he skidded across the carpet on his back, he let out a sigh of relief as he saw Neos' runes stop glowing.

[b]"Oh thank the gods! Neos, what have I told you about using your powers?"

"Not to use them when I'm playing." [/b]He had a sad face on, his obvious means of getting out of trouble. Marcus smirking as he rubbed his head, checking one more time to make sure his hair was still there.

[b]"That's right, now, you can use them on Sly, but not on Lily ok?"[/b] Neos nodded, Marcus letting him go as the boy ran off, Marcus rising slowly, feeling the slight rug burn on his back he rolled his shoulders. He heard a knock on the door then, approaching it immediately he opened it to find and HDF messenger standing at the door, Marcus looked at him with an eyebrow raised.

[b]"The Commandant isn't here right now, someone already came to get him."

"I'm looking for you Colonel Demos, Councilor Shield has requested your presence. He says to meet him at his office."[/b] Marcus bowed his head then, turning his head he looked to Dante.

[b]"Can you take it from here for a few Tank?"[/b] He nodded, already starting to heard the other two to bed, Neos running around his legs as Tank tried to get a hold of him. Marcus shook his head with a small smile on his face, Demetri had a wonderful family here, he wished he could of had that. He stepped out the door, walking down the hall, hot on the messengers heels they took a few minutes until they came to Shields office. Walking through the door, he came to the rather large office room, he saw Shield standing beside the chair, his mother stood to the other side of the chair, surprised to see her he bowed to them both before he saw who was in the middle. The High councilor tossed a folder on to the desk, Marcus wasn't sure what was going on now.

[b]"Councilors, may I ask why I am here? I didn't get much out of the messenger."[/b] The old man in the chair spoke first, his voice gravely with age.

[b]"Read the file please, Colonel."[/b] Marcus reached out and pulled it off the desk, opening the manilla folder he started looking through it. His eyes growing wide instantly and his mouth gaping now, he had to reread the information three times before he believed it.

[b]"This can't be right, this is impossible. She can't be dead!"[/b] The councilors held straight faces, the news was devastating indeed.

[b]"Commander Phoenix is dead Colonel, murdered in her own office. From what we caw of the scene from these photos, there was a struggle."[/b] Marcus shook his head, throwing the folder back onto the desk.

[b]"I want to see this scene myself, I'll find something they won't." [/b]He saw a smile on Shields face then.

[b]"We hopped you would say that Marcus." [/b]The mystics eyes shifted to him then, suspicions growing now.

[b]"Why is that Shield?"[/b] His mother spoke now.

[b]"You have to understand, the investigation of the Commanders death is a public on, we have our own unit working on it."

"However."[/b] Marcus said, waiting for the rest.

[b]"However, we need you to go deeper. We think that your involvement should remain secret for now."[/b] Marcus silent now, his arms hanging at his sides as he looked to each face, each was closed of from him. Revealing nothing of their thoughts.

[b]"Fine, I'm going now then."[/b] Marcus was about to leave when he heard the gravely voice again.

[b]"You can only take three members of Alpha with you. We need to keep the numbers minimal."[/b] Marcus turned his head to look back at them.

[b]"Fine, I'm taking Pocket and Luwien. Any objections?"[/b] He heard nothing form them, he walked out then, he felt his chest tighten as he recalled the photos now. How her corpse had been riddled with holes, how she looked like she had been torn apart He shook it form his mind then, gathering the two he was taking with him, he headed for the departure point, finding Warp standing there now.

[b]"Lets go."[/b] Warp looked at the three, about to object when Marcus spoke.

[b]"We need to do this in one trip, you can take three of us. You have to build that power some how."[/b] She was hesitant at first, complying with his order as she placed two hands on Marcus, Pocket and Luwien putting a hand on her arms, they ripped through, finding themselves standing in the Easter base, Pocket leaning over as he vomited, Luwien breathing heavily, seemingly on the verge of it.

[b]"It's always hard on the first trip. Move."[/b] They moved through the base now, Marcus walking down the halls with ease as his body simply walked on. Coming to her office they passed through the yellow tape, Marcus standing at the front of them as he walked around the office now. He looked at the scene with as cold of a mind as he could manage, his words coming out harsh then.

[b]"Pocket, I need you to sense for any sort of disturbance, dimensional mainly. Luwien, I need your senses to find anything out of place, I don't care what it is, find something."[/b] They went about their tasks as Marcus approched the desk before him, blood still splattered all over paper work. The blood on the back wall and the ceiling, the chair was caked in it and Marcus looked at it carefully, the blood black now as he smelled something foul, tasting it on the air as he looked around. He came across the source when he found a severed Nightwalker arm under the desk. The darkness having protected it from vanishing, the thing was putrid and the blackened flesh had bubbled and festered. He didn't bother touching it, rising form looking under the desk he saw a look i Pockets face as if she was about to vomit.

[b]"This place is tainted with something dark, it's like being back in Russia." [/b]He looked to Luwien now, the young man feeling with his hands, he perceptiveness giving him an edge.

[b]"I feeling something wrong, this room feels as if it as tainted. I feel malice, it's unsettling." [/b] That was all Marcus needed as they walked out again, the culprit obvious in his own mind as they walked back to the departure point. Warp still standing there.

[b]"That was fast."

"Back to Northern base. We need to report now."[/b] Their bodies ripped form this dimension, passing through several more before finally landing back at Northern Base, Marcus instantly walking, the other two trying to keep up, looking better then before but still looked sick. Roger appearing then, his face seemed distressed, Marcus raised at and eyebrow at him.

[b]"Whats the matter with you Cloak?"

"Demetri, he hasn't responded to any calls, we lost his locator, we need you to go find him."[/b] Marcus crossed his arms then, dismissing Pocket and Luwien, his patience was thin right now. Seeing the place another friend died at tore at him, it was worse that all the clues pointed to Anomander. His black face grinning at him now.

[b]"Where was he last taken to?" [/b]A black smoke enveloping him now, suddenly standing in the woods Marcus looked around. Groaning at the suddenness of the move, he rest his hands on his hips, feeling the blades at his side, he had almost forgotten they were there. Walking through the forest, he began looking for Demetri, only seeing something had gone wrong when he walked deep enough in to see shattered trees, several trees look like they had been blown back by a destruct force enough to make them bow rather then break. He rushed forward then, feeling the urgency seep in now, drawing his blades, he held them ready, his instincts telling him they would be necessary.[/size] Edited March 29, 2012 by Nergil Pendelton

[Akieen Cloud]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Tank looked in on his mother, she was laying there, her eyes closed and her breathing even; asleep, nodding he turned the lights down low and walked towards his room to get a shower while she rested, his brother and sister already in bed. Stretching his arms above his head as he stepped into the bathroom and started the water, steam filling the small room in a few moments. He stepped in and let the hot water relax in muscles as the stress and worry about his mother.

Ali sat up slowling in the bed, her face still blank, she was stiff and tense and needed to move around, her body telling her that much, the room was dim and she felt alone, the comfroting touches of the two men weren't there like they usually were. Walking out of the room slowly she leaned on the walls and door frames to keep her self steady stretching her legs felt wonderful and a small, lazy smile spread on her face before it vanished again. She blinked slowly as she saw the dishes, unwashed in the sink, walking over she ran the tap, grabbed a sponge and began to wash them slowly, it had been a few minutes since she had started when Dante came from his bathroom, towel over his shoulders and dressed in his sweats when he saw her.
"Mom, what are you doing out of bed?"
He walked over to her and cursed silently seeing her hands, the water was steaming, blisters had appeared on her hands and burst as well mixing her blood with the soapy water.
"Dammit mom! I'm so sorry, I thought you were sleeping. Stop, stop! I can wash these!"
He pulled her hands from the water and looked down at them weeping quietly.
"Oh man...Dad's gonna kill me, come on we have to get you to Patch."
He scooped her up and walked down the hall quickly.
"Lil, mom's hurt I'm gonna take her to see Patch, you got Neos?"
She waved him off moodily and he chuckled before heading out the door, movement catching his eyes as he entered the med ward, seeing Marcus he walked up and stopped looking down at the man.
"What's going on?"
Marcus looked over at him, wide eyed as he saw Ali in his arms.
"Tank, boy what happened?"
Dante looked down at the woman in his arms, a shell of who his mother used to be and sighed.
"I messed up. I thought she was sleeping so I went to take a shower...when I got out she was doing the dishes but the water was so hot...she messed up her hands."
Marcus looked at her hands and sighed painfully.
"Patch is working on your father right now. I don't know what happened but I just got back from finding him, he was unconsious and a little worse for wear."
Demetri suddenly yelled out in pain, Ali twitched in Dante's arms.
"Mom?"
Patches voice echoing loudly through the room.
"Hold still Demetri! I can't set this and heal it with you moving around like that!"
Demetri suddenly yelled out again as a soft crack was heard from behind the curtain, Ali flinched visibly this time gaining Marcus' attention, the runed man's eyes came alive and he threw the curtain back, walking up to Demetri he looked down at the giant with a wicked look in his eyes.
"Demetri, do you trust me?"
The man in question looked up at him worriedly.
"In theory, why?"
Marcus brought his fist down on Demetri's broken leg violently, Demetri's pain fill scream filling the room, Dante looked down as Ali flinched again, this time her eyes flashing with a bright light, he looked up as Marcus repeated the process, Demetri finally striking him across the face.
"What the hell are you doing Marcus!? It's broken, obviously."
The soft voice that sounded next made the room go silent instantly, all within it listening closely for it again and almost bursting into tears as they heard it.
"D-Demetri?"
The giant thrashed on the bed as Patch tried is best to heal him quickly, finally releasing him he watched as Demetri and Marcus flew to her side, Dante looking down at her watery eyed as she held her hand up, as if searching.
"Demetri? Marcus?"
Her husband grasped one hand while Marcus took her free hand tightly but gently, both kissing her knukles, neither one caring about the other right now, her small breakthrough more than enough to end their rivalry for the time being.
"We're right here love...right here."
She shifted her blank gaze towards him and he let out a weak, tear filled gasp, her eyes which had been so lifeless before now had a soft glow of life to them. He leaned forward to kiss her and blinked, hurt as she turned away.
"I understand love. Your not ready for that but don't-"
He stopped as he looked down her at small hand in his.
"Great gods! Ali what happened?"
Dante hung his head in shame.
I"m sorry Dad. I thought she was sleeping."
Demetri listened as his son explianed everything to him, nodding as he finished, before he could open his mouth Patch was on him, the stress and lack of sleep having gotten to the man his fuse was short.
"How many times do I have to tell you people! Do NOT leave her alone! God dammit! Are you stupid kid?!"
Both Marcus and Demetri made a move to yell at the man, maybe even do bodily harm to him as they saw the guilty tears in Dante's eyes, but a slender hand beat them to it, striking the medic across the face hard enough to make him reel to the side, the faint, frail voice full of fury.
"Dont...Talk...To...Him...Like...That."
They all looked down at Ali, her face blank, but she was shaking and Demetri and Marcus could feel the rage boiling in her, Marcus feeling it through the rune as it pulsed faintly and Demetri through their link, he could hear her thoughts, if only whispers that filtered through his mind. Taking a heavy breath she slumped against her son's chest and instantly fell asleep, Patch healing her hands slowly before walking away and sitting down, watching as they crowded around her making sure she was alright and talking happily at the small breath through she had shown. Marcus and Demetri seeming the happiest.[/color][/font]

[Darth Vectis]

[size=2][i]There is finally a light at the end of this horrible tunnel, finally, some progress.[/i] Marcus thought to himself as he back off from Ali now, walking over to Patch he sat beside him now, seeing the worn and aged look on his face. He tried to keep his demeanor relaxed now, Ali having dulled out the punishment to him for speaking to Dante that way, they all knew about his anxiety, the tension on his shoulders now. Marcus let out a sighed as he rubbed his face, leaning forward in his chair now.

[b]"You need rest Patch." [/b]The medical examiner looked at him, his eyes were blood shot and bags showed clearly now.

[b]"i need Ali to get better first."[/b] Marcus shook his at Patch, his face looking dark now.

[b]"I know how you feel Patch, you need to rest or you'll end up dead."[/b] He heard him scoff then.

[b]"Sorry we can't all be like you mystic, all powerful and omnipotent! Sorry us lowly mortals are so frail."[/b] Marcus stared at him then, his feelings cold now as he could see the damage the healer was doing to himself.

[b]"I'm going to let that slide for now healer. I'll attribute your attitude to your lack of sleep."[/b] Marcus rose then, his body taking on a commanding stance then.

[b]"Get some sleep, or I'll have you removed from your duties and suspended from the Med ward until you are at full capacity. I need you better to make her better Patch."[/b] Marcus could see a bitterness in his eyes, the lack of sleep and proper nourishment was putting him on edge. Marcus couldn't relate much to that feeling anymore, he imagined Demetri would be more sympathetic to his plight. He turned away then walking back to where Ali had fallen into a sleep, a smile creased his face now, they had to taken one victory at a time, anything that made them understand on how to bring her back was more then enough. Marcus placed a hand on Tanks shoulder, the young man looking up at, a great smile on his face with tears gently rolling down his face. An imagine hit Marcus suddenly, Tanks face changing to see the grizzled look over an old veteran he knew, a red beard on his face as the same smile. The imagine vanished as quickly as it came, Marcus blinking rapidly before straightening out, his smile fading then. He cleared his throat before speaking.

[b]"You two take care of her right now, I need to check in on a few things. I won't be gone long." [/b]They nodded to him before he walked out the door, his memory suddenly remembering words spoken to him three years ago.

[b][i]"He died in the field, reports fuzzy. You should look at it sometime, you might glean more from it then I did."[/i][/b] He felt a twinge of sadness seep in, and then a feeling of dread creeping in. He walked through the corridor now, his pace urgent as he made it to the record room. Going through the clerk, he was able to find the records he was looking for, paper files still holding the most amount of information, considering the operative he was looking for was around while paper was the main record holder then. He searched the files until he found the one he wanted, opening the folder he scanned the contents until he came across the last bit.

[b]'Operative: Iron Bars, Status: Deceased. Items found: Crimson Guard Uniform, communicator, empty scabbard, pendent. Corners Report: Deceased was found with multiple stab wounds to his upper torso, two puncture wounds in his neck. Heart was destroyed, black substance all that was left. Victim showed signs of a struggle.'[/b] Marcus reread the material two more times, his means of death was disturbing and was far to well connected with the others deaths. What disturbed Marcus the most, was that Iron Bars' sword was missing, everyone in the Crimson Guard kept their swords close, only Blues had given his away weapons away, other members of the Crimson Guard had been buried with their weapons, Iron Bars shoulder have been the same. Marcus closed the folder then, setting it back into the box with the other files, he closed it up and set it aside, leaving the archives with more on his mind now. He didn't remember Iron Bars being at the sealing, but, he didn't remember much, he still felt it was wrong for him to have died like that. He would need to find out why he was chosen, and why he had to fall.[/size] Edited March 29, 2012 by Nergil Pendelton

[Akieen Cloud]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]The sun had set and so had the time, Marcus, Demetri, and Dante had brought Ali home, she sat on the couch now, helping Dante with the laundry now as Neos sat beside her brushing Sly's fur. The little fox nuzzling him each time the brush would stroke down his fur. Ali looked down at the boy smiling slightly and gaining his attention.
"I love you Mommy."
She reached over and put her hand on his head and looked up as Demetri entered the room giving him a small smile that remained, the smile making his heart leap in his chest.
"Good evening love."
He walked over to her and sat down next to her, cupping her cheek in his large hand, she leaned into his touch, if only a little, her eye shifting to look back at the door as Marcus stepped through, the man seeming to live with the Commandant and his wife more than in his own room lately the smile on her face making his body heat. The thoughts of his earlier thoughts pushed to the back of his mind at just the sight of it. It mirrored the sweet smile she used to give both men. Marcus took a deep breath before stepping fully in and catching Neos as he rushed at him.
"How's she been since we brought her back?"
Demetri leaned back on the couch smiling happily and nodding to Marcus.
"She actually ate with no fuss."
Marcus' eyes went wide for a moment before he mimicked the giant's smile.
"That's great news! How much did she eat?"
Demetri's smile turned wider.
"A full meal. All of it."
Marcus sank into a chair by him, his smile growing as well as he looked over at the woman in question, she had lost so much weight with being picky about eatting or not the last few weeks, her arms thinner and frail looking, her skin pale, but not as much as it used to be. Her eyes had bags under them and her cheeks were sunken in. He rubbed his hand over his face and looked back at Demetri.
"Has she said anything else?"
Demetri frowned slightly and shook his head.
"Nothing you should worry about Marcus."
The man frowned, the tension apparent in the giants voice.
"I'm not starting this right now Demetri, I haven't held anything back from you since she reverted like this. We've agreed to work together to bring her back."
Demetri growled low in his throat before sighing, jumping slightly as Ali turned to him, laying a chilled hand on his arm he looked up to see the hurt in her eyes.
"Don't"
Demetri melted and sighed, looking back at Marcus he stood up and indicated for him to follow him, once in the kitchen Demetri sat at the island and sighed.
"You know I have to work tonight, the events that have come up lately I just can't let slid...Between Pheniox...and... The point is I can't be here to help her with what she wants, and Tank can't do it either."
"Demetri, just tell me."
He sighed and ran his hand across his face and along the back of his neck, Marcus could tell that what ever it was bothered the man.
"I'm trusting you Mystic."
The words struck him as odd and he frowned, his question dieing in his throat as Demetri pinned him with a stern look.
"She wants a bath."
Marcus blinked, his heart stopping and his hands going clammy.
"She still needs help with that, her body is still to weak. Now do you understand why I'm saying I'm trusting you?"
Marcus nodded, unable to do much else. He jumped slightly as Demetri's phone sounded off in his pocket, he reached in and pulled it out flipping it open.
"Athens. Yes, I'm leaving now. I know I was supposed to be there half an hour ago but my wife comes first. I'll be there soon."
He hung up the phone and put his large hand on Marcus' shoulder giving it a tight squeeze.
"Again, I'm trust you."
He walked out of the kitched and Marcus following behind him as he walked to the couch and leaned down kissing Alli on the forehead, her eyes closing lazily and a small smile gracing her lips at the feel. She watched him go before she looked up at Marcus, her face showing a lazy, sweet smile to him as well, his breath catching in his throat as the kids filed off one by one towards their bed. She lifted her thin arm up, reaching for him and he moved instantly to her side, taking her hand, she simply held onto it lightly as she closed her eyes seeming to relax. [/color][/font]

[Darth Vectis]

[size=2]Marcus chest was tight now, he felt almost as if anxiety was taking over now, the thought almost made him laugh. In the time he had returned to the Northern base, he had faced down Nightwalkers, an almost god like monster man, soul crushing rejection, a vampire coven and gods know what else, and he was feeling anxiety from just thinking about giving Ali a bath. He steadied his breathing as he simply took it one step at a time, guiding her slowly through the room.

[b]"One step at a time Ali, we have all the time we need ok?"[/b] He wasn't sure if the words were comforting at all, he didn't even know if they were the right words, all he knew was that he needed to keep talking. She seemed to react slightly, her head simply laying on him now as he walked her slowly to the bathroom. He delayed the trip as much as possible, letting her walk as slow as she wanted before taking her all the way to the master bathroom. He wasn't sure how he should feel about this, he was with her alone in a long time, she was what he wanted. But, in her current state, he couldn't help but the sadness and depression threaten his heart, her sunken cheeks and frail form was almost too much for him to bear, she hardly weight anything anymore. He felt he could just scoop her up in one arm, like he did to Neos many times, he felt concerned as well at the feeling that he could break her with just the wrong movement, the wrong twist of his hand.

They finally entered the bathroom after what seemed like an eternity, he never fully got over the luxurious feel of the entire place, the bathroom itself easily could have been someones quarters in the base. Half of the floor was carpeted, starting from the door way and ending in the middle of the room, the rest was tile and ended where the bathtub sat. The counters were white marble, the faucets were sterling silver, Marcus almost expected them to be gold plated that poured out diamonds and rubies. Hew saw that the shower was separate form the bath tub, the shower having a single door that opened up to reveal a large tile floor inside. The bath tub was rather large with what looked like water jets, Marcus could only feel more uncomfortable by the second, he was sure he was gonna become agoraphobic because of this place. He settled Ali down around the edge of the bath tub, Marcus trying to set her up so she wouldn't fall back and hurt herself. When he was satisfied he turned the knob, the metal of the handle cold against his hand, turning it as far to the hot side as possible, holding his other hand under the water, he turned the heart down until he found the right temperature. Plugging up the drain he let it start to fill slowly, constantly making sure the water was the heated perfectly for her. He saw out the corner of his eye of her wavering, he was about to turn and grab her when he saw that she simply folded to her side and laid her head and hands on his bare back.

He shivered slightly at how litter her weight actually affected him, he also realized that the shiver was from her being this close again, with her just laying on him now. He closed his eyes for just a moment, letting his mind wonder, his eyes snapping open at the whisper he heard.

[b]"Thank you."[/b] The words so weak and frail he was almost sure he was losing his mind, the voice he had heard in other worlds having followed him now. But, when he turned, Ali sitting up right he saw that smile on her face, the moment of clarity there, then gone as quickly as her smile became lazy again. He let a smile crease his face, trying to keep as much warmth in it and push away any sadness that hid in his eyes. The water had reached its peak, turning it off, he pulled his attention back to Ali, a sudden hesitation flooding him as he knew what he needed to do next. He slowly reached forward, gently taking hold over her loose fitting shirt he began to pull it over her head, her arms complying as it slipped easily off. He set it aside before looking back, realizing then that the shirt was the only thing she had been wearing to cover her breasts, he saw the scar then, he also saw where her skin had become drawn. He hoped she would continue to cooperate with them when it came to food, they needed her to be strong, if not for her sake, for the sake of both men's hearts. He had her stand as he removed the rest of her clothes. Guiding her into the water then, sitting her down as he began to bath her, his hands gliding over her skin with water to start, he felt her bones then, feeling her spine as he took his time, talking at the same time.

[b]"I wish you cold just tell me what to do Ali, I'll do it. I would do anything."[/b] Adding the soap then, he carefully rubbed her down, trying to get her as clean as possible, Demetri's words hanging in the air now. He felt her a few times follow his hands, her body moving with him every so often, he held on to those moments as long as he could. When he finally finished, he had to walk over quickly to get a towel, he unplugged the drain as helped Ali to her feet. Drying her off carefully, but as quickly as possible, he wrapped her in the towel then, guiding her int he bedroom before setting her down on the bed, quickly going through her drawers before he found clothes he could get on her easily. Pulling the towel off, he dressed her quick enough before he dried her hair as best he could, she smiled at him still. He leaned forward once he was done and kissed her on the top of her head, pulling back the covers he helped her into her bed, tucking her in as she saw her settle in comfortably. Grabbing a chair he settled it close to the bed, seating himself he leaned back in it as he rubbed his face now.

[i]Gods I hope things keep going well.[/i] He thought to himself as he kept his eyes on her, his heart still not trusting she would be ok alone. He would make sure she never was again.[/size] Edited March 29, 2012 by Nergil Pendelton

[Shwa]

"The initial report was false, it was a trap set up by this person" Demitri flipped the drawing of the tanned man onto the table, the image showed on the several big screen televisions that hovered about the commandants head, small whispers and small talk echoed through the cambers of the High Counsel, all the men and women that held their rank seemed worried, and they had a right to be.

"[color="#FF00FF"][i][b]Are you telling us Commandant Athens that not even your wind powers, nor newly developing electrical attacks were effective in subduing this enemy of yours?[/b][/i][/color]" A stern voice from the shadows, the high counsel always met with their summoned soldiers in the light that sinned in the middle of the room, but the counselors would remain in the shadows.

"Unfortunately not ma'am, nor do I suspect that my fellow operative, Colonel Demos' magical abilities would effect this man either"

"[i][b][color="#800080"]What do you mean[/color][/b][/i]" Another voice rose up from the shadows.

"We've combated this man almost a month ago, after Fox Squads Captains were injured, and died later, Alpha team was sent to investigate and find out what went array. We...we encountered nightwalkers, but there was something amiss about them, their power seemed to be magnified and strengthened by more than what our records have told us previously. It seemed as if they had no limitations, when we got further involved, this man seemed to be commanding the creatures to do his bidding. He also spouted a couple of odd phrases towards myself and my team members. Everything is in the file I sent before the funeral processions occured" Demitri stood at attention as he finished, more chatter could be heard throughout the chambers, some angry and unimpressed by the lack of detailed information, others worried about the powers this man had. Demitri also reported about his solo mission and seeing the woman from many years ago, only to have her slained in front of him once again for his weakness.

"[color="#006400"][i][b]This woman from your current mission, she was also mentioned in a report you made before your encounter with the Southern Military base, is this correct Commandant?[/b][/i][/color]"

"Yes sir, it is. Her name was...Anna..." Demitri closed his eyes, shameful that she couldn't be alive to explain how she lived through so many years, and how she got her normal body back from its once corpse like shell when they fought her at the southern military base.

"[color="#8B0000"][i][b]It seems to me Commandant, your lack of field work has left you a bit soft these past couple of years..."[/b][/i][/color] The comment made Demitri open his eyes in anger, he remained cool and collective to his superiors, but it took all his strength not to last out"

"With all due respect sir, I go out on missions with my team on a regular basis and make sure all the new recruits are properly trained by me and the fellow commanders of the base. " Demitri's tone was brash and to the point, still, speculations arose here and there about his encounter with this being.

"[color="#008080"][i][b]Now now, the commandant is under no investigation. We need to locate information on this man.[/b][/i][/color]" A familiar voice came from the shadows, it was his father, though the echo made it hard to pinpoint his location, he knew his father's deep voice off the bat. "[color="#008080"][b][i]Commandant, we are more than joyous to have you alive and well after colonel Demon retrieved you from your last mission. But there was something else you mentioned in that report[/i][/b][/color]" Rustling of papers could be heard, but once again, hard to see where the noise was coming from in the hollow shell of a room. "[b][i][color="#008080"]You mentioned this man spoke of slaining 6 members, 3 who happen to be our operatives that were active duty and high ranked. I see no other mention of anyone else in our force that came across an end so tragically and violently as they have, along with the young woman. At first, we speculated a type of "calling card[/color][/i][/b]" [color="#008080"][i][b]to someone who knows about our organization and what we really do, but this recent murder and attempted murder on a Commandant and commoner, its seems out of place[/b][/i][/color]".

"I understand the circumstances Councelor, believe me when I say that. But something seems amiss, this man has crossed my path, along with my team members more than once. After hearing about Commander Phoenix's murder, I must say we be careful about sending our teams out on solo missions. Its a precaution, but in case this man is after HDF members, he would have taken out more soldiers when he killed Phoenix" Demitri's heart fell, Phoenix was a friend of his ever since the giant became captain many years ago, she was also the one who taught him how to fight so well with hand-to-hand and grapples. She was a force to be reckoned with, the crime scene photos proved that to the giant, and he knew Aliki wouldn't give up without a strong fight. Demitri didn't have time to mourn her passing, having only discovered about her death a couple of days ago. Voices caught the giants attention, snapping him out of his mental daze as the man shook his head slightly, he kept his hair in a pony tail to look presentable to the rest of the counsel. There was a long hush before a single voice spoke.

"[b][i][color="#800080"]We will investigate on our end, and permit you to cancel any single operative missions for the time being. Also, the counsel will grant Alpha team members with access to the archives, a man of this power and magnitude might have had a history, he could be an evolved creature taking the form of a human, using the skin and body as a mask. Whatever the reason, your team is now permitted to research through the archives[/color][/i][/b]."

"Thank you madam, I'll inform them at once, we shall begin our investigation as soon as the sun rises" Demitri stood and saluted for a moment, turning on his heels, the giant walked out of the chambers down the well lit passageway that lead to his office. The giant made it to the elevator, going inside as the doors closed behind the commandant. The man sighed heavily, feeling cornered and useless with the lack of information he presented, it was like being unprepared for a public speech on a presentation. The giant unbuttoned the collar of his shirt as the elevator sprang into motion, the heavy gravity hitting the giant as his body felt heavy for a second before returning to normal. The steel doors opened as the giant strode outside of the elevator to his office, his subordinates working on their assignments as the giant made his way to his office, closing the door behind himself, making sure it was locked. The crisp coolness of his office always relaxed the giant, but he wished nothing more than to sleep next to his wife in their own bed, but with Ali's condition, he slept on the couch to make her feel comfortable and free to have her own space while she healed slowly. The commandant sat down at his desk, his computer monitor coming to life as he typed his password, the home screen popped up, the giant continued to type and message the other bases about the orders from the High Counsel. The giant continued his thoughts on Ali, bags of exhaustion formed under his eyes as he worked through most of the night, it was hard for the giant to get any sleep since his last encounter with the dark skinned man...the feeling of death creeping slowly every time he closed his eyes, it was unnerving to the man. Shaking his head to keep awake, the commandant poured himself his 7th cup of coffee as he began to look through the archives on his computer, nothing appeared out of the ordinary and there was no mention of anyone able to control other creatures besides Sybille. Slowly, the giants head bobbed in the air, his exhaustion catching up with him as the light from the sun peeked through his window shades slowly, by the rime it had fully risen, the commandant laid his arms to hold his head on his desk as he slumbered, thinking of Ali and her scent.

[Akieen Cloud]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]A few weeks had passed by and Ali had been putting weight back on, looking less frail and more of the woman she used to be, having more breakthroughs each day at a time. One night in particular shocked both men, Demetri taking a night off from work to spend it with his family, he lay on the couch sleeping somewhat peacefully, the lush cushions comfortable to sit on, but not so much to sleep on. Marcus sat by Ali's bed, meditating and keeping an eye on her through the mirror, looking away for just a moment to look around his surrounding he looked back through the mirror and panicked as he saw the bed empty, the sheet thrown back and Ali gone. He came from his meditation instantly and looked around the room frantically.
"Demetri!"
"Shh! Stop yelling."
Marcus walked out of the bedroom silently to see Ali sitting on the floor, her head resting on the couch next to Demetri's shoulder, her hand linked with his. Even though the sight brought a twist to Marcus' heart he smiled none the less.
"I guess she's getting tired of sleeping in that big bed alone."
Demetri nodded slowly as he brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it gently.
"Can you help me get her back in bed? I don't want her sleeping on the floor."
Marcus nodded and walked over scooping her off the floor, her light weight still made the man wince inwardly but at least she wasn't as light as she had been a few weeks before. He carried her to the bed room, Demetri not far behind.
"I'll take over tonight, you go take a break."
Marcus nodded slowly, feeling his heart sink as Demetri lay Ali down on the bed and settled next to her, watching as she rolled over and curled up to his large frame, Marcus walked out and sat on the couch going back to his own little world. Demetri smiled as she sighed, her head resting on his chest, burying his nose in her hair he took a long deep breath of her scent and felt him self relax, blinking as she slowly came around and sat up slowly.
"Demetri?"
"Yes love?"
She said nothing else as she gave him a sweet smile and settled back down, sliding as close to the giant as possible before she slipped back into sleep, Demetri wrapping his arm around her to hold her close, his body relaxing more than he had in a long time allowing sleep to take him. He slept deep and slept well.
Ali woke up that morning feeling warm and refreshed, she was comfortable and felt safe, rolling to her side she froze as a strong arm, wrapped around her waist, pulled her closer to the large, muscular body behind her. She slipped from the hold and out of the bed slowly, silently and stood, looking down at Demetri she vaugely remembered the events of the night and shook her head. She wasn't ready for this...not yet. Her heart still twisted painfully at the memory of the ball, the malace in Demetri's actions. She wrapped her arms around her self and walked through the house, her bare feet cold as she walked to the kitchen and took out a glass from the cabinet, turning on the tap she poured her self a glass of water, turned off the tap, leaned against the counter and drank it slowly. She tried recalling everything that had happened, she didn't remember much other than the ball and going to the training room, she sighed and looked at her feet, something catching her attention out of the corner of her eye. She felt her pulse quicken, felt her heart race. Her hands grew clammy and she felt a cold sweat break out all over her body as she stared down at her arm; small pink scars littering the skin of her arm, one in particular gaining more attention than the others. The circular scar wrapping around her arm completely, a memory swimming forth to the front of her mind, the sight of her arm coming loose from her body and vanishing down the throat of a large beast, her blood splattering across the room walls and floor. The glass fell from her hand to shatter on the floor, Marcus instantly coming from his meditation in the living room upon hearing the sound.
"Demetri?"
Ali wrapped her hand around her arm, covering her scar, her nails digging into her skin as a low whine escaped her throat til it grew in volume to become a scream, arms wrapping around her and holding her tightly.
"Ali, Ali! Your alright!"
She shook her head roughly as she tried to break through.
"Demetri!"
The giant rushed from the room, his hair messed about from his sleep, his eyes glazed since he had just woken up, seeing his wife held in Marcus' arm, struggling to get loose as she screamed he rushed over and placed his hands on her shoulders only to have her pull away savagly.
"Don't touch me!"
"...Ali...it's me love...."
She shook her head again and shuffled away from the giant as far as she could winding up more in Marcus' arms the further she got from the man.
"Alex...please."
"No! Don't touch me!"
They could see tears begin to gather in her eyes.
"I don't see why you even care...."
"Ali of course I care...your my wife, I love you."
She closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against Marcus' collar bone as she sobbed out loud.
"Your not my husband...my husband wouldn't have been so callouse..."
"Ali I'm-"
She brought her hands up covering her ears as he continued to speak, giving him the message that she wasn't wanting to listen.
"Ali I'm sorry...."
He got no other reaction from her, hanging his head he nodded slowly and looked back up at Marcus, a defeated look crossing the giant's face.
"Whatch over her for me today will you? It's obvious she dosen't want me around."
Marcus nodded, feeling somewhat victorious, but at the same time he felt his heart go out to the other man as he watched Ali reject him, the door shut behind Demetri and Marcus looked down at Ali.
"Alex, he's trying."
She shook her head slowly, feeling dizzy as tears continued to leak from the corners of her eyes.
"He can try all he wants...That's not the man I married..."
"He wants to fix it..."
"You can't fix what's broken this badly Marcus...."
The man felt his heart leap, the reality of the situation finally sinking in. She was talking to them, emotionally reacting to her surroundings, she had even called him by his name, her sweet voice broken by tears.
"Ali, your not even going to give him the chance?"
"I don't want to talk about it...I just want to move on with my life and try to find some kind of happiness in my life again."
"Ali..."
She shook her head again, this time swaying slightly to the side, Marcus caught her, holding her to him tightly. He could feel the tempature rise in her skin, her supple body filling back out, becoming healthy again, the rosy color returning to her cheeks. He led her back to the couch and set her down allowing her to sit, looking down at her he saw her face flushed with emotion, tears still seeping from her eyes. She put her face in her hands and sobbed.
"It still hurts Marcus! Even now I can feel my heart breaking!"
He frowned slightly, watching as her hand wrapped around her scarred arm.
"And what happened to me? Why...why do I have so many scars?"
She bit her lip and Marcus' eyes widened as he saw the blood seep from the corner of her mouth, he grazed his fingers along her cheek and felt his heart twist as her teeth only sunk deeper into her lips.
"Alex, stop it. Your hurting yourself."
She didn't seem to hear him as more blood came from her lip and he acted instictivly as he bent down and pressed his lips to her's, tasting the blood he felt her stiffen, her teeth dislodgeing from her lip, he pulled away, his heart beating frantically.
"Why am I so ugly now."
His eyes widened at her statement.
"You not."
She squeezed her scarred arm and whined.
"Don't...don't try to tell me I'm not...I'm covered in scars now Marcus! I'm so broken..."
She pulled her knees to her chest, putting her face in her knees as she sobbed openly infront of him.[/color][/font]

[Darth Vectis]

[size=2]The past few weeks had proven to be easier as the days trailed on, watching Ali became less and less taxing. It soon came to the point where Marcus could meditate almost the entire time of his shift. He had done everything he could to reach her these days, her form no longer appeared to him, she had just vanished in front of him one day, he had searched out for her and found nothing. It felt like watching her die, seeing her vanish from his eyes, he couldn't do anything else. Finding the Shadow realm lonely now he would simply stand quietly in the world, letting his thoughts wonder until he couldn't wander anymore, the suns rays always interrupting him as it forced him to pull away. Demetri taking control when the time had changed, he visited Patch more now, knowing what the man himself had gone through for several years now. How he had been rejected by her in the most innocent way, she never meant harm and he never believed she did, that was a strength Marcus respected. He kept Patch up-to-date about her health, how she was managing, she hadn't had a relapse, hadn't tried to claw her skin off like before. Marcus could still feel the phantom pains of where her nails had tore a this flesh, where she had peeled his skin from his back, he was going to keep that from her as long as he could, if he could, he would never tell her about that.

The passage of days had become nothing to him now, he spent all of his time with Neos and Pocket now, Jason would come and go as he pleased to see Ali. Luwien had made his present known often enough that Mist brought him around more, Sasa had returned to the Southern Base for now, not sure when he would come back. Jeff was so quiet that he was sure he was just a mute now. Neos kept up with Marcus training, he challenged the boys powers, also challenging his ability to adapt to different situations. Marcus may life for a long time now, but he wanted Neos to know everything he had ever learned, the need to pass on his family knowledge. He taught him the small family secrets they had developed, techniques and runes he hardly used himself, Neos just absorbed it all up like sponge. Pocket was more then accommodating to the ritual they had now, she didn't understand anything he talked about, but it gave her a chance to test out her abilities, to grow stronger, she was getting better at walking different dimensions now. Marcus and Neos often traversed them with Pocket now, they also spent a lot of time figuring out the mystery on Pocket's sister. The different perspectives always produced new theories on what had happened and what they could do. All of the suggestions were just that though, suggestions that had no weight or merit.

Now, Marcus didn't think about any of that, seeing Ali come awake had shocked and awed him in such a way he wasn't sure he would ever experience it again. Seeing how she reacted to Demetri, how she had pulled away so violently and in such ferocity, he almost couldn't believe what he was seeing. Blind panic in her eyes as he settled her down on the couch then, seeing her tears falling form her face as he knelled before her he tried to connect with her again. Her emotions flooding out now with such strength that it almost hurt, almost knocked him down, he steeled himself enough that he hoped it would be enough for him to get through this. He tears making it all the more difficult, her face in her hands as she continued to sob.

[b]"It still hurts Marcus! Even now I can feel my heart breaking!"[/b] He frowned slightly, watching as her hand wrapped around her scarred arm he saw the implication then making his body tense.

[b]"And what happened to me? Why...why do I have so many scars?"[/b]She bit her lip and Marcus' eyes widened as he saw the blood seep from the corner of her mouth, he grazed his fingers along her cheek and felt his heart twist as her teeth only sunk deeper into her lips.

[b]"Alex, stop it. Your hurting yourself."[/b]She didn't seem to hear him as more blood came from her lip and he acted instinctively as he bent down and pressed his lips to her's, tasting the blood he felt her stiffen, her teeth dislodging from her lip, he pulled away, his heart beating frantically.

[b]"Why am I so ugly now."[/b] His eyes widened at her statement. He felt almost on the verge of breaking down then, her skin had always been beautiful to him. Every scar was something he treasured in his own way, her scars defined her, made her who he knew she was. He never cared about them, it didn't matter what size they were, he would never care.

[b]"You not."[/b] She squeezed her scarred arm and whined, the whine tearing at his heart as he saw the pain on her face, the metallic taste of blood still on his tongue, his heart beating so fast now that it was getting harder to breath. He kept his breathing even as long as he could mange it now.

[b]"Don't...don't try to tell me I'm not...I'm covered in scars now Marcus! I'm so broken..."[/b] She pulled her knees to her chest, putting her face in her knees as she sobbed openly infront of him, he reached out then, his hand touching her's as it wrapped around her legs. He dug his fingers in around her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze when he knew he had it firmly in his hand.

[b]"Stop it Alex, you are not broken. You are more...... defined now."[/b] He heard her sob softly.

[b]"Don't lie to me, I'm like an old doll now. Sewn back together, just to make someone happy."[/b] His face darkened then, holding her hand firmly now he let it all out then.

[b]"I told you Alex, years ago when we were alone. The first time we made love, do you remember it?"[/b] She nodded softly, he would have missed it if he hadn't be hoping for it. He continued to speak then.

[b]"I told you then, 'I love your skin, no matter what is on it,' and that has not changed."[/b] He didn't see a change in her then, just her tears growing. His body reacted then, his mind simply letting his feelings roam free now. His hand pulled hers away from her grasp around her legs and placed it on his face, holding it there as he spoke.

[b]"If your scars make you broken, what does that make me? What does that make each and every tattoo on my face, my arms, legs, my entire body, what does that make me?"[/b] She shook her head now, looking at the marks on his face, the intricate design that crossed his entire body.

[b]"That's different Marcus, these are so beautiful. I love these marks."[/b] He let her words sink in before speaking.

[b]"It's not different Ali, your scars, those are your marks too. And to me, to Demetri, they are beautiful. I hate remembering how you got them, what drove you there, but I value those marks. It shows that you have the uncanny ability to survive, against all odds, you survive."[/b] He kept her hand to his face, feeling then her slender thumb gliding across his skin then, lightly tracing a rune on his face. She finally managed to pull her hand away, holding her legs close again he felt his heart break again. Thinking he was getting close, only to find her pull away, he finally just leaned forward and kissed her gently on her forehead. He was rose form his position, ready to turn away and sit in far chair when her hand lanced out, grabbing his arm he looked to her face.

[b]"Sit next to me..... please Marcus."[/b] He obliged her request, the tears still flowing but having slowed, he sat beside her then, she didn't cuddle up to him, she didn't wrap her arms around his waist. All she did was rock slightly as she cried, whispering about her scars. He did what he could, wrapping his own arms around her to try and provided some sort of comfort. He didn't know what to do for her, all he could think of seemed to be the one thing he felt would be the wrong thing to say. He pushed it away, coming back with force every time he kept pushing it away and until it only crowded his thoughts now. He didn't dare speak the words, he simply let them runes express it, letting the words float gently into her, he hoped it would be enough. He wasn't sure what he was going to do when he needed to start with Neos, all he knew was he needed to be here right now, he needed to be in this very spot.

[i]I love you[/i]He mouthed the words now, hoping he could give them strength.[/size] Edited March 29, 2012 by Nergil Pendelton

[Akieen Cloud]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Days had passed since Ali had 'woken up' in a sense, Patch confirmed her ready to go back to work, and she did, throwing herself into with a passion. Marcus and Demetri watched from a distance as she began to go about her routine as she had before her breakdown happened. Neither man pressed them selves on her, they only kept a distant eye on her. Marcus sighed one day as they watched her begin to train her body again, her muscles becoming redefined and her body growing strong again. It was the closest either man had been to her since the morning she had come around. She had moved her things back into the Commanders quarters, she wanted her space, needing time to think and be on her own. It was a hard process for her, she could feel her resolve slip each and every night she slept alone in that quiet room, she wanted nothing more than to have one of the men next to her, keeping her company, or even in the other room making sure nothing reached out of the darkness and took her.
Marcus leaned back against the lockers as they watched her train, his eyes watching her body as she threw her self against the sand bag, taking in how much her body had grown back to the way it had been, her gaining back the lusterious shine it used to have, the bags no longer under her eyes. She was looking more like Ali. He sighed again realizing they neither of them still felt safe with her being alone.
"She's been having trouble sleeping off and on lately."
Demetri frowned and looked over at him.
"How could you possibly know that?"
"Same way I kept an eye on her while I was mediatating."
Demetri nodded and looked back at her.
"I just want to see her smile again. I know I messed up...alot. I should have been there for her more, should have listened to what she was saying, I should...I should have been a better husband to her."
"She still loves you."
"But can she forgive me?"
Marcus rubbed a hand over his head and eyes.
"I don't know."
"Was the ball the final straw for her?"
Marcus closed his eyes, the silent answer being enough for the giant, he sighed and put his hand on Marcus' shoulder gripping it tightly.
"Take care of her."
Marcus' eyes went wide as he looked up at Demetri.
"What do you mean?"
"I told her that all I wanted was her happy....even if that means her being with another, I won't go back on that."
Marcus watched him go til the door slid shut behind him, his eyes than shifting back to Ali as she hit her knees on the mat, he had moved before he even realized it.
"Ali, are you alright?"
She nodded, not answering him, he could see tears gathering in her eyes.
"Come on, you need rest."
She had nodded and complied with no fight.

Now she walked the halls, a long sleeve shirt covered her arms hiding the scars from the others around her, the whispers were no more, no more rumors floated around the base and she went about her work days as normal as possible. She walked into her office today and stopped as she saw a small bundle of tulips on her desk, feeling her heart twist and her throat tighten she walked over and plucked the note from the flowers and read it.
Alex,
I'm glad to see you back to work, I wish that I could have made things better between us but I promise this I will do what ever it takes to see you smile again. I'll always be here for you whether we're together or not. If you ever need me don't be afraid to ask. I'll always love you, please don't forget that.

She felt the tears roll down her face and looked up as her door opened, Jason stepping in slowly.
"Hey sis I was wanting to know- What's wrong?"
She shook her head and put the note down on her desk, picking up the flowers and putting them in a vase, setting them on her desk she sighed as she sat down and folded her hands under her chin.
"What were you wanting to ask me Jason?"
"Um...yeah, I was wanting to know if you think your up for a mission? We're supposed to be going to Transivlania."
"More god forsaken vampires?"
"No, humans who want to be vampires. There's a village that has been taking in travlers...only the travlers never come back. Whole families have gone missing."
She sighed and looked at the small stack of papers on her desk and nodded.
"Yeah, I'll be there in a bit."
"Cool, oh one more thing. How are things with Demetri?"
She closed her eyes and shook her head.
"I don't want to talk about it Jason."
He nodded slowly and took a deep breath.
"He's changing sis."
She shook her head and looked up at him.
"That's all fine and dandy, but you have no idea how MUCH that hurt...I thought...I thought he was better than to stoop to such a low thing like that."
"Alex, he was jealous, he saw how you looked at Marcus, how you two talked...it was enough to drive any man with good sense crazy, mostly if they were trying to hold on to a woman like you."
She stood up, shoving her chair backwards making it flip a coulple of time before it came to a stop, Jason blinked as it became apparent her strength was returning.
"A woman like me?! What the hell would you know?!"
She tore the sleeve of her shirt off of her scarred arm and held it out for him to see.
"You see this?! A woman like me huh?! A weak, broke, little no body like me is worth fighting for?!"
Jason growled low in his throat as her words poured out, he strode across her office and wrapped his arms around her tightly, almost bone crushingly.
"Your scars prove how strong you are Alex, I don't know how many people, or many times we have to say this. They do not make you less beautiful. Look at Demetri, he's covered in scars and he's still one of the most respected members of the HDF."
She nodded slowly, remembering all to well the scars that graced the man's body, mostly likely still able to trace every last one of them by sheer memorization, she shook the thought from her mind and pushed Jason away.
"You can say that! So can he, your both men, it's different for a woman. I mean look at me Jason! I look like a god damn frankistine experiment!"
"I am looking at you Ali, and I think your just as beautiful as the day you were born."
"I wasn't pretty when I was born, I an ugly little chubby thing."
"No, you were gorgeous, and I knew that when you grew up to be a woman I would have to beat the men away with sticks."
"Now all you have to do breath on them, your dog breath is bad enough."
He frowned but blinked as she chuckled slightly.
"Lets go."
They began to walk the halls slowly talking about this or that, Jason noticed that she had linked her scarred arm around his to hide the blemishes that covered her pale arm, they stopped as Steel hailed them.
"Hey, Delta and Tango are taking over the tranilvainian mission for you guys. Seems something has come up."
Ali nodded and her and Jason went to the war room to see most of the team there, including Tank.
"What's going on?"
Demetri looked up at the sound of her voice, his handsome face making her stomach twist, but the memory of his harsh words and judgeing glances came back stronger than ever and she looked away. He cleared his throat.
"I needed to talk to you all about something. Marcus and I have been looking into a few things about that guy we fought in russia."
This got her attention.
"What's going on?"
"Seems he's targeting HDF members, we just haven't figured out who yet."
She listened as Demetri and Marcus explained everything they had found, once done they all filed out to ponder the information them selves, she reached out and grabbed Marcus' arm as he passed, her strength surprising him for a moment as he looked down at her.
"Is there something I can help you with Ali?"
"How's Neos' training coming? I haven't heard you talk about it and I was just wondering."
"I'm actually on my way to train him now, would you like to come along and watch?"
She looked up at him, a ghost of a smile on her face making his blood suddenly boil, but he kept him self in check knowing that not only was Demetri was still in the room, she hadn't given either of them any indication that she was ready to work on a relationship, let alone any one else for that matter.
"Could I? I haven't really seen him in the last few days. It would be great to see how much he's progressed."
Marcus nodded and led her from the room noticeing as she grabbed her uniform jacket and pulled it on, even though it was close to 80 degress in the building, the cooling uinit having gone on strike for the time being. He looked over at her and sighed quietly.
"Are you still trying to cover your arm?"
She glared at him, his words dieing as he walked to Pocket's room first.
"It's time Calypso."
She came out and Ali was shocked as they retrieved Luwien next.
"Would you like to join us today Luwien?"
"I would be an opprotunity to see how the boys power is growing."
Ali followed along with them til they reached the small room Marcus had taken over as Neos' training room, the boy already there waiting for him, his bright, darkly runed face breaking into a wide grin as he saw his mother.
"Mommy!"
She plucked him up as he ran to her and looked down at his youthful face, he looked so much like the two men, his skin the same shade as Marcus', same as his eyes, but he was already begining to fill out like his father, broad and muscular, his dirty blond hair the exact same shade as Demetri's. He had the best of both men in him and the thought made her happy and sad at the same time. Every thing the boy had in him is what drove her to the both of them. Pushing that thought from her mind she ran her finger along one of the dark runes on his cheek gasping as it came to life glowing brightly, the color and shade a darker blue than Marcus', the boys thougths and feeling pouring into her through the rune Marcus had drawn on her wrist, silently giving her a movie of everything she had missed. She saw her self as well, how defeated she had looked after the ball, during her mental breakdown. Once it was done she hugged her son to her tightly.
"Oh baby, I'm so proud of you."
He smiled and climbed from her arms running over to Marcus who picked him up, the boy putting his hand on the man's cheek.
"Is it time to start Daddy? Are we gonna go? Are we gonna go see Grampa?"
"You have NOT been letting him spend time with that old bat have you?"
Marcus looked up to see her standing with her hands on her hips, looking just as firey and beautiful as she had a month or so ago, his body reacting and coming alive by just the sight of it.
"He's good help."
She shook her head and say down in a chair silently telling Marcus she was ready to watch, and watch she did as they man began his training session with their son. [/color][/font]

[Darth Vectis]

[size=2]Marcus could see Ali out of the corner of his eye, sitting with her arms crossed now, he let his heart settle, this was the first time she would actually sit on a training session with them and he knew it wasn't going to be anything special, no one beside himself, Neos and Pocket would actually experience anything. Luwien was a nice addition to their party now, he relied on the young man more now as the protector of their physical forms, Marcus was able to see into the normal world, but there was still always that slight delay when he returned to his body. And now that Ali was there, it made it all the more comforting and made him feel that Neos was very safe now. He placed a hand on Neos face, seeing a smile glow on his face, the runes coming to life with just a simple touch now.

[b]"Ok Neos, are you ready to start?"[/b] He nodded furiously, getting ready to settle in and let Marcus do the work when he caught his attention. Neos speaking up.

[b]"Daddy, Can I take us there today?"[/b] Marcus felt a little surprise hit him, and pride as well, smiling at him he nodded.

[b]"Go ahead Neos, we're ready."[/b] Neos squeaked with excitement before settling into his comfortable position, Marcus and Pocket ready as well as they waited. Marcus blinking only to suddenly find himself in the shadow realm, standing around he let out a laugh at how quick the transition was, the feeling smooth and down right effortless for Neos now. He felt the small hand take his, looking down he saw Neos smiling up at him, he could feel the proud feeling trying to overwhelm him.

[b]"I did good daddy?"[/b] Marcus nodded, his throat tightening up and making him unable to speak. Swallowing he opened his throat so he could talk to Neos, Pocket standing near by with a look of surprise.

[b]"You have come a long way Neos, lets try to do some other things ok?"[/b] He nodded as they turned to Pocket now, Pocket coming over and holding Neos other hand as they began to explore, this shadow realm was slightly different then the one Marcus seemed to bring them to often. He could see structures now, the buildings ethereal in look, passing through them as if they were nothing, they explored the world more carefully now, seeing shapes and things moving in the darkness of the world made Marcus realize that this area of shadow was more wild then ones he been to before. Beings of an unknown origin prowled this world, they seemed to keep their distance but Marcus felt unease still. He had put up his own barrier now, keeping anything at a further distance now, Neos glowed with an eerie dark blue now, his happy face still smiling. They continued about unimpeded, performing complicate runes and techniques along their path, all of the runes causing different effects, some were minor while others caused the world itself to brighten up before it darkened again. This seemed to be going on for hours to them, Pocket walking with them as content as possible. Marcus let his mind float back to the training room, remembering how clear the look was in his eyes, he had seen the look of surrender in his face. The look would of brought joy to his heart normally, the path clear to him now, but all he could feel was sadness and grief for the mans loss. They may have fought, hard tried to harm one another, but it was all for the wrong reasons, they fought for jealous possession of Ali, instead of fighting for what would make her happy. He would accept the 'victory' when he could, but right now, he just needed Ali to be happy, and her happiness was with her children, not either one of them right now. They stopped for a little bit, getting some rest finally, Marcus leaning down to talk to Neos.

[b]"Can you bring up the mirror so we can see mommy and Luwien?"[/b] Neos did it instantly, his hands not even moving as the mirror appeared, the size of it showing the whole room. They cold see Ali still sitting patiently in the chair, Luwien near by with his staff in hand. They could see Neos runes glowing faintly now, Marcus responded with every glow.

[b]"I guess we're putting on a light show for your mom huh?"[/b] Neos nodded, suddenly skipping off then, Marcus standing to follow after him, a figure appearing to his side, Marcus striking out instantly by reflex. The figure vanishing and appearing only inches from the place it stood.

[b]"You are quicker then I give you credit for Demos."[/b] Marcus eyes focused in on Exodus now, shaking his head as he straightened out his body now.

[b]"You shouldn't sneak up on me like that, this isn't a level of shadow I am familiar with."[/b] Exodus showed his smile to him.

[b]"It's alright, I'm sure Neos can teach you how to get here more. You can make this your own private Shadow realm, maybe where your grandfather can't look in on you while you do...."

"Why does everybody know about that? All you dead people do is watch what I do now!"[/b] Exodus shrugged at him.

[b]"Well, when you are doing things like that, with my daughter, I take an interest."[/b] Marcus would of blushed in embarrassment as hearing the tone in the mans voice, his skin tone the same as the shadow user. Any blushing simply was lost in his dark skin, he did feel his chest tighten at the memory, then it further tightened at remembering he hadn't been anywhere close to her fora while.

[b]"Doesn't really mater now. She hasn't shown any interest yet, I'm not sure she wants anything to do with me anymore."[/b] A knowing smile on Exodus face, Marcus catching that instantly.

[b]"That will change soon enough, but I have to warn you, this is gonna hurt."[/b] Marcus face showed questions gathering, Exodus disappearing now, he heard a scream and whipped around, Pocket stood in horror as she held on to Neos now. The obsidian skinned man standing their now, his snow white hair contrasted horribly with the world around them, his eyes looked weak now, his skin less taut then it had been before. Marcus was there in only a few steps, standing in front of the two, his heart was beating furiously now, the cold chill reaching in and trying to take his heart and crush it. His face was cold as he looked at the form of Anomander, seeing how weak his body looked now, he didn't understand but he grinned none the less.

[b]"Look a little weak Anomander." [/b]The yellow teeth showed in his gruesome way.

[b]"I feel great actually, thank you for your concern."

"What are you doing here?"[/b] Marcus having no intention of being pulled into any battle of wills. The yellow smile still on his face. His clawed hand pointing to the boy behind him, Marcus glancing back momentarily before looking forward again.

[b]"I originally came only for him, but now that you are here, I can kill two birds with one stone."[/b] Marcus drew his swords then, holding them firmly as he readied himself.

[b]"You won't have my son, you'll have to kill me first."

"I intend too."[/b] Marcus heard a distinct ring as Anomander drew a sword, the weapon a double edged sword, the tip was different in the fact it was squared off instead of pointed. Darkness wormed its way across the blade now, Marcus recognizing the weapon instantly.

[b]"Remember the sword Marcus? Iron Bars was very fond of it."[/b] Marcus felt his rage grow as the runes burned to life, lunging forward now with a roar he struck at the man. The sound of metal on metal as their swords began to sing with each hit, the movement becoming blurred as Marcus' runes grew in intensity and his speed and strength growing. Anomander block, parrying, and dodging easily, Marcus rolling, spinning out of the way of each move he couldn't block. Marcus knew he should of had the advantage, his twos words could get more hits in, but Anomander seemed almost god like with his one sword. His speed and finesse with it was unprecedented in Marcus mind, He spun in mid air to avoid a low cut to his legs, the sword suddenly coming down on him and he blocked by crossing his tow swords. His eyes focused forward as he yelled to the two behind him.

[b]"Run! Get Neos out of here!"[/b] He didn't know if they actually run, all he knew was that he was fighting for his life now, and this was a fight he wasn't sure he would win. He felt the get around his defenses as it cut across his leg, the edge pitting deep as Marcus grunted withe the pain, trying to removed and arm he missed his target but was able to bring his other blade around to skim it across Anomanders own leg, the damage hardly worth the opening he left then. Anomander sword coming across Marcus right arm, cutting deep and he felt the tendons snap, his fingers loosing the ability to grip as the sword fell from his grip he roared in pain as he fought on with his other sword, one arm hanging useless now. He did his best to back up a few steps, his left leg bleeding freely, pain radiating up his entire body now. The warm blood flowing down his arms, the swords still singing as he did his best to block, unable to get a hit in now. Anomander struck out with his foot now, the boots he wore and his combined strength enough to break Marcus leg as he kicked his thigh. The shatter leg giving out as Marcus screamed in pain with the impact of falling, He held up the other sword now, trying to hold off the attacks, his bod getting tired and trying to fight off the pain. He tried to block a downward swing, succeeding this time he prepared to counter attack when he felt a flash of white how pain in his left arm now. Anomander had been hiding his speed, after his hit he had managed to draw back the sword then drove it forward, the square edge went into his left forearm horizontally, the blade passed with ease now, shattering both bones in his arm as it cut through the tendons, his hand loosing grip of his other blade. Marcus was on his knees now, blood flowing form his body now, he was feeling light headed now, confident he was bleeding to death. Anomander sheathed his own blade now, casually picking up one sword, then the other off the ground. Looking at the blades as if admiring them, a sick grin on his face as he held them firmly know.

[b]"These are very nice, I see why Blues liked them so much. Too bad they didn't do you any good."[/b] Marcus breathing was heavy, his eyes focused on Anomander still, the bleeding was stopping, Marcus already concerned about that since he should of started healing already.

[b]"You won't be closing up your wounds anytime soon, thanks to Iron Bars' weapon." [/b]Anomander speaking as if reading Marcus' thoughts. He swallowed back the dryness in his throat, speaking in hoarse voice.

[b]"Kill me already, you still won't get Neos."[/b] Anomander letting out a twisted laugh from behind his smile.

[b]"Not just yet Marcus."[/b] The next move was almost lightening fast, Anomander thrusting forward then, the two swords passing through Marcus' body then, the sword penetrating his lungs and pushing out the back. He gasped then, the pain so much that his body went numb, he trembled lightly as he tried to breath, the air feeling thinner now. His eyes were wide as he stared at the black skinned man.

[b]"You still ave longer to live, I need something from you Mystic. Now, I will take it."[/b] His clawed hands reached out, gripping Marcus head as he began to whisper something. Marcus suddenly felt a pull then, something inside of him being torn from his own soul. The energy leaving him through the runes, he tried to scream as it felt like someone had set his skin on fire, his body unable to do anything but tremble as his eyes were wide, staring at the black sky. Anomanders skin becoming taut again, his eyes taking on a more youthful look as his muscles regained shape, his body taking on a more powerful stance as he ripped the life from Marcus. The spell only lasted moments, but felt like an eternity to Marcus until the hands released his head, he slumped as best he could ,the swords still in his chest. He felt the blood in his throat now, the swords keeping the blood flow slow, but steady he coughed blood splattering out, strings of red saliva hanging from his lips then. He lifted his head as best he could, his red teeth showing to Anomander.

[b]"You'll never have my son."[/b] He said weakly, feeling the life pulling away form him now, he breathe harshly, the pain holding on to his body now. Anomander drew his blade again, his yellow teeth no more, but they still held their sharp points.

[b]"You will be number 7 Marcus. Pity, I had hoped you would be last." [/b]Marcus growled lightly, the blood frothing at the corners of hsi lips.

[b]"Better hope you..... finish me now...."[/b] He stared with defiance in his eyes, Anomander holding the blade to the side of his neck, his dark grin showing his intent as he blade back. A small shape appearing before Marcus now, the dirty blond hair looking up at the dark skinned man, his runes burning harshly now as he stood before the man.

[b]"LEAVE MY DADDY ALONE!"[/b] Marcus heard the boy scream at Anomander, his wicked grin on his face, until he saw the small stuffed fox beside Neos, the creature looking at Anomander with what looked like a murderous intent. The fox's body shredding to bits as the creature grew, a massive hound appearing where the fox had been, his body easily as thick as a barrel, it would have been easily up to Marcus waist standing on all fours, the boy was dwarfed by the sheer mass of the creature, the hounds black fur sleek and had a slight shine to it, the creatures muzzle pulling back showing off its gleaming white teeth. Anomander prepared to strike the hound, when he suddenly heard the growls around him, six more appeared now, walking from the shadows, each one different, one was gray with milky whie eyes, another had a scar cross its face, each one varied in look, each was a different size, none were smaller then half of Marcus height. Each had a look of murderous intent ion their eyes. Marcus eyes were wider now as he saw the number.

[i]Seven hounds, he has seven hounds![/i] He thought to himself, Anomander's face was one of worry now. Neos stood at the for front, his hands balled in fists.

[b]"LEAVE!"[/b] He screamed at the demon of a man, the world shifted then, Marcus coming awake then as he felt on his back, he couldn't catch his breath, breathing harshly as he was staring up at the ceiling. He felt hands on him now, he could hear faint words as he tried to look around, his body feeling warm pool around him, the feeling was leaving him cold. He tried to talk, only managing a few words.

[b]"Neos...Neos..."[/b] He coughed then, the violent nature of it making him spit up more blood, a fine mist sprayed from the holes in his chest coating anyone above him in blood. He felt his body being moved then, his vision blurring and going dark momentarily as he found himself on gurney looking around. The other around him now where blurs of faces, he tried to understand what was going, his breath not catching as he felt like he was suffocating now. Patch was over him now, seeing the blood and the holes in Marcus he went to work instantly, his face showed his terror and shock he suddenly yelled for tools, his hands still on Marcus as he a green glow touched his flesh.

[b]"He's not healing! Oh gods, we need to do surgery now!" [/b]They brought over the instruments now, another medical assistant bringing him anesthesia when Patch stopped her abruptly.

[b]"He'll die if we knock him out, he's got to be awake for this."[/b] The face sin the room we're all horror stricken as he started his work, Marcus unable to scream as he felt the tools digging into his body, his body twitching and moving until he felt hands holding him down. Blood lining the corners of his mouth as he coughed again, the blood splattering then, he tried to look at faces, tried t see who was around, but all he could do now was hear someones screams of distress, feeling the sadness in the screams he held on to that with what little consciousness he had. The pain becoming so overwhelming that Marcus felt his vision begin to fade, his mind slipping away then as he left this body trying to escape the pain. [/size] Edited March 29, 2012 by Nergil Pendelton

[Shwa]

Still weary about the space Ali has given herself, the giant obliged without question, he was true to his promise to his wife while she was unconscious and to his son about always being there, even if their family wasn't whole again. It pained the giant to know Ali wasn't in the same quarters as they were, demitri didn't mind sleeping on the couch all those nights while she slept in the extra large sized bed inside their bedroom, he had hoped by not sleeping next to her would allow her time to think and heal, and maybe even want to be with Demitri again. Alas, the thought and hopes of his family coming together seemed to fade away as the days past, more reports came through from the High Counsel, Demitri spent most of his hours of work in the archives section of the library, warded off by both magical and spiritual powers thanks to the elders, Demitri had no problem accessing the information due to his rank, but it would ward off wondering cadets who thought they could break through. Usually, that resulted in the recruits spending a week in the med ward, the thought brought a smile to the giants face as he walked back into his quarters for a break. Looking through all the old files, even written files took a told on the giant, going to the kitchen he began to make a fresh pot of coffee, hearing faint talking coming from their room. One deep and the other he could tel was his son's voice, flashes of light glared from underneath the doorway, laughter followed soon after from his son.

([color="#0000FF"][i][b]Guess they must be training now, Ali's probably in there as well[/b][/i][/color]) Demitri frowned at the thought of his wife's emotional state, still angry with her husband after the scene they all made in the ball. The coffee pot began to heat up while the brew was forming into the glass container, Tank had walked into their quarters, taking off his backpack and stretching his arms in the air. Lily followed close after her brother, except she was running to her room smiling like she always does.

"Hi dad, bye dad" She was nothing but a blur of light as she sped to her room, almost slamming the door as she began to laugh and scream with excitement in her voice, Demitri raised an eyebrow as he poured himself a fresh cup of coffee, Tank coming into the kitchen with his bag and sitting at the dining table, grabbing an apple from the bowl as the teen began to eat.

"Whats with Lily all of the sudden? She's so...bouncy" Demitri smiled as he took a sip from his mug, Dante smiled while he chewed his food, pushing the processed food to his cheeks so he could speak clearly.

"Oh, she's excited cause a boy asked her if she wanted to go to the gardens this weekend and hang out with their friends. Apparently she really likes the boy too..." The comment shook the giant as he spat up the drink he just swallowed, making a small mess on the white counter top, Dante was a bit shocked as he swallowed his food before standing. "Dad?! You ok??" Demitri caught his breathing as he placed his mug on the counter.

"Yeah...but that's something for your mother to handle, I'm so not ready for that" Demitri wiped his mouth and found a washcloth to clean his mess, Dante snickered as he continued to eat his fruit at the table. Once Demitri finished, he looked at the clock that hung on the kitchen wall, it was about to turn 3 in the afternoon, Demitri groaned at the research he would still have to do before the day was done, but with this man going about hunting HDF members, it was his job to find the relationship between those who were struck down and the others who might have been killed before. Demitri made a mental list in his head: Commander Phoenix, Captains Razor and Diamond, along with the female Anna. That was four so far, the giant had a feeling that Marcus' life was in danger in some way, along with Mist after what was said in Russia. But with their interrogations on the man, they too gave little information about knowing who he was or his relationship with him, past or present besides his threats. Then there was something else on his mind, the number he mentioned to Demitri in the forest before he fell unconscious....12. Were there 12 specific people or just random that this man was hunting for? He could understand the relationship with the known HDF operatives, but Anna was the only mystery that needed to be solved, the giant wondered what she did to deserve such a fate as the others Demitri picked up his mug and finished the rest of his coffee, stretching his neck when he took the final gulp from his mug, the giant relaxed a little as he saw Dante start on his homework. An idea popped into the giants head, he wanted to spend the rest of the day hanging with his son and do some training.

"Dante, wanna go to the training simulator? I heard they fixed the bugs on the computer now, especially after your mothers..." Demitri caught himself, remembering about her lack of life moment where she battled the monster at level 10 almost had her killed and put her into this state. Dante thought for a moment before closing his books and standing, going to his room to change into his gym shorts before coming out, wearing his work out gloves and sneakers, his father smiled as his son took the hint. "Atta boy, let's get moving" Demitri smiled as he placed his arm around Tank's shoulder, the two walked out of their home and made their way to wards the lower levels. The scenery of a rain soaked forest came to view, the damp leaves on the ground along with the dark colored wet wood matched the darkened skies flawlessly, the grey clouds blocked the sunlight as the forest grew silent then, almost an eerie unsettling came across the land until a distant noise broke the silence. On the ground, the noise rose more and more as Dante and Demitri sprinted to find some shelter, a rumbling vibration could be heard behind the two, almost like a stampede as a pack of large werewolves followed close behind the two. Shots of wind fired back at the pack, his aim was off as the giant only took time to fire at his enemies once he saw his path was clear in front of him, Dante was fully transformed into his steel body, running a little slower than his father, but he was able to keep up with his father as the two tried to escape.

"Tell me again why we're fighting werewolves this time?? We could have just sparred with Uncle Jason dad" Tank barrel rolled underneath the gap of a fallen tree, his steel shoulder grazing the bark as the teen made it to his feet once again. Demitri dove over the dead wood and flipped before landing on his own feet, looking back as he fired rounds of electricity and wind from both of his hands, knocking down a giant wolf, but only one of many as the two turned again and continued their sprint.

"Jason is predictable when you fight him over and over again" Demitri huffed as the two jumped over a large stream of water, splashing on the muddy ground before continuing. "He is good to train with, but he's somewhat docile now than he was before, these simulations are to train you to fight a group and try to do your best to survive. Wolves in general are group fighters, rarely you'll see one fight on its own.." Demitri heard paw steps behind the two, turning around he tried to blast the creature, but it lunged for the giant before a shot could be fired. Demitri and the werewolf rolled on the ground, skidding on the wet earth before they both stopped moving, Demitri quickly hurried to his feet as well as the wold, rolling from his back to stand, but the creature was knocked to the side when Tank shoulder checked the beast, the sounds of bone cracking made the teen smile knowing he got a direct hit. Demitri covered his sons back with a volley of wind blasts, saving him from being tackled by two wolves. The two muscular men stood back to back against one another, seeing the pack surround them with their mighty stances and white eyes, the artificial lighting dimmed until the skies were dark blue and black, Dante shook a little as his steel body felt the coldness of the woods hit him, Demitri's eyes flashed white, enabling the giant to clearly see his enemies. "Also...sometimes when I'm pissed off at the mutt, I come here to get some stress of my mind" The giant smiled, suddenly, the wolves backed off into the shadows of the woods, confusing both of the men as they relaxed for a moment, Dante turned back to his human flesh as he scratched the top of his head, combing his fingers in his hair.

"Dad I thought you said this was a level 7 simulation..." Demitri was without words, he had made sure to set it to the level appropriate for his son, but something was off. A soft rustling of the wet leaves forced the two men to get into fighting position, the figure came in sight now as they both stared at the small child, sickly looking as he weakly approached the two men. He was harless, and his eyes were black, staring lazily as he approached slowly. "whoa, he's like Neos' size.." Dante whispered, the boy suddenly opened his mouth wide, a sudden shockwave hit the two men, sending them back as they both laded on their backs onto the wet earth, an ear piercing scream followed, stunning the men as they covered their ears.

"Well this is new..." Demitri yelled over the sonic booms as he looked at the boy, more blasts left his mouth, Demitri shielding both of the men with a wind shield, stronger than before with his fight with Anna he thought. Then, it hit him, the giant was surprised to have missed the very important clue about the connection with Anna and the dark skinned man. Demitri shouted loud enough for his voice to echo in the woods "COMPUTER, END SIMULATION!!!" The sonic boom stopped as the child slowly vanished, the trees almost disappeared into the ground with the rest of the scenery, Tank and Demitri stood and walked towards the steel doorway as they walked down the hall., Dante confused as he removed his steel skin back underneath his real flesh.

"Whats the matter dad?" Demitri said nothing until he stopped and looked at his son.

"It was so simple i missed it all, go to the med ward and get some healing, your mother would have a fit knowing you were in the training simulator when you should have been doing your homework" Demitri smiled as he dashed off to the archives once more, Dante felt shivers down his spine at the realization he forgot to finish his assignments, quickly making his way to the med war, it was already busy as Patch and a couple other nurses crowded around a single body. Ali held onto Neos who wept into his mother's shirt uncontrollably, something had scared the boy deeply as his mother rocked him and kissed him on the forehead, the woman looked over to the door to see her son, covered in mud and some scratches on his arm and legs. She raised an eyebrow, standing as she held onto Neos, making her way to her teen son she handed over the crying child as he clinged onto his oldest brother, still crying. Ali said nothing as she looked over her son, his fingers were red and muddy, his gym shorts somewhat dirty and torn, her rage built as she stared him in the eye.

"So, where have you been young man?" Dante froze in his place, his mind went blank when he got the "death glare" from his mother. The teen looked over and above past the nurses to see Marcus on the table, blood covered his body, the boy gasped before looking down at his mom.

"What happened??"....

Down in the archives, Demitri looked past a couple of files, specifically on personnel who had vocal powers. One by one he narrowed the list until he saw the actual photo, it was Anna. She was a HDF member seven years prior to Demitri showing up, but the reports only mentioned after a mission, which wasn't detailed and lost from the records, she had a mental breakdown. She was escorted to her old home, but had no memory of HDF past events, she was titled as recovering, but after 7 years they finally discharged her medical reasons, destroying viable documents of her history with HDF. Demitri raised an eyebrow at the notes, he wondered why they would destroy her personnel file while other members who were discharged or passed away were kept in the archive. The giant finally found the missing piece of the puzzle, piling all the papers into a manilla folder, the commandant rose from his chair and left the archives, tucking the information under his shirt as he went to check on Tank in the med ward.

[Akieen Cloud]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Ali caught a glimps of her self in one of the mirrors, she looked down right gruesome, Marcus' blood covering her face and clothes, her tears leaving clean trails on her cheeks. She looked back at Dante and sighed, her shoulders slumping heavily.
"I don't know...he was trainging Neos and the next thing I knew he just started bleeding, Gene was able to get him here but...we still have no idea what happened..."
"You alright mom?"
She shook her head before turning and walking back to the table Marcus was laying on, he was stable for the time being, his heart beating weakly as Patch ran transfusion after transfusion to replace the blood he had lost. Dante standing behind his mother as he looked down at the man, he was a mess, covered in stictches and bandages. Ali reached forward and took Marcus' hand gently, putting his cold knuckles against her forehead, she turned as the door slid open and Demetri stepped through the door stopping instantly as he caught sight of the room, Marcus laying on the bed covered in blood, Ali sitting next to him covered in blood as well.
"W-what happened?"
Ali shook her head and stood, walking over to the giant she put her face in his chest and wept, the strong arms wrapping around her instantly to comfort her, she stiffened before relaxing into his embrace. She brought her hands up and gripped his shirt tightly as her sobs grew in volume.
"I don't know what happened! He-he was so close to dying Demetri...."
Patch sighed as he came around the corner washing his hands and than wiping them on a towel.
"He's gonna be here for a while, he has severed tendons, his left arm is completely broken, he has broken ribs, punctured lungs, his left leg is broken...and that's not the worst of it."
Ali held her breath as she pulled away from Demetri.
"What is it Patch?"
"What ever the hell happened, his spine was injured...he's paralyzed from the wait down as of right now...if he heals properly he'll need physical therapy."
Ali covered her mouth, walking away from the giant and back to Marcus, Demetri watched as she sank into the chair next to Marcus weeping openly, taking the man's hand again he felt his heart twist as she placed a gentle kiss on his knuckles. It hit Demetri than, looking at her as she sat next to Marcus. He walked over to her and put his large hand on her shoulder.
"He'll be alright Alex. I promise. I'll do anything in my power to make sure he lives."
She looked up at him, her face shocked but she nodded and turned slightly hugging him tightly.
"Thank you."
He nodded and put his hand on the top of her head smiling slightly even though his heart was twisting painfully.
"I told you, I'd do anything to make sure your happy, him living would make you happy right?"
She nodded slowly as she looked up at him.
"Than I'll put every resource we can spare into making sure he heals properly. I'll also make sure Dante and I move his things into your room so can keep an eye on him once he's able to be moved."
Ali's eyes widened as his words seeped in, she felt her heart twist painfully as she realized he was letting her go and the tears sprang forth fresh, she watched him leave and gasped, looking up at Dante she stood up quickly.
"Watch over him, let me know if ANYTHING changes you understand me?!"
Dante nodded slowly and watched as she dashed from the room, she ran through the halls til she reached her old home, punching in her code the door slid open and she cold smell the apple air freshener that Demetri liked, the man him self came from the bed room blinking as he saw her standing in the door way breathing heavily.
"Alex, what's wrong?"
She walked forward and stood on her toes pressing her lips to his, his body going stiff instatly before relaxing, his arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her close as his body ached with need for the woman. Her sigh driving him on as he turned them around and pinned her to the wall behind her, his large hand resting on her hip, he released her lips and looked down at her, his chest heaving.
"Ali I don't-"
"Thank you. For everything. I don't want you bitter at me Demetri and I wanted to show you that no matter what...I'll always love you."
He nodded knowing she wasn't done.
"The ball...it hurt, it was crossing the line for me. I had gone there hoping beyond everything that we could have fixed all our problems by having a relaxing night together..."
"Ali I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you so badly. I know you can never forgive me."
She shook her head and cupped his cheek to make him look at her.
"In time, maybe I will. Just right now...I don't think I can."
He nodded.
"I understand."
She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his again drawing a quiet moan from him as he acted automatically and pressed his body into her's her gasp making him back up and take a shuddering breath.
"Ali, go. Just get out of here before I do something I can't take back."
"Demetri, if this is my last few moments as your wife, I don't want them to be bitter and full of pain."
He looked down at her, his eyes glazed with lust as her words sunk in.
"Alex..."
"I know it might make it harder for you to let me go...but I want to remember our love...I don't want our last time together in this room to be so painful. I want to remember it as we used to be. So full of love."
He took a deep breath finally surrendering and pressing into her harshly making her moan, the sound of it spurring him on as he wrapped his arms back around her waist and lifting her feet off the floor, her legs going around his waist, he carried her to the bed room and lay her gently down, looking down at her, tears flowling from her eyes, he swooped down and kissed them away.
"Are you sure? Alex I don't want this to be hard on you."
"Saying goodbye to you is going to be hard Demetri. You were my first real love. My first lover, I love you more than I have ever loved another person."
He nodded slowly, his hand cupping her cheek, his tumb rubbing across her cheek softly.
"I don't want to lose you...but I can't stand to see you unhappy."
She nodded and pulled him down kissing him deeply, his hands gliding along her skin. They took thier time, moving with each other, their whispers of love echoing in the room as they made love for the last time.
Demetri rolled over, seeing her resting in the bed like he had so many times before, the sheet resting low on her chest to show the scar that rested between her breasts, his hand reached out and he slid his fingers along the puckered flesh gently, still feeling the twist in his heart knowing that he was the one who gave her this scar, the feeling of his fingers on her skin made her stir and she blinked open her eyes slowly, Demetri looking down on her sadly.
"I guess this is it than?"
She sat up slowly, taking a deep breath as he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the skin of her shoulder.
"I never meant to hurt you Ali...I wish I could have seen what I was doing to you earlier."
"It's not only your fault...I should have done more as well. And I know with him coming back it didn't help matters either."
"Can't say that it did, but I understand now. You may have always had feelings for him, but you never stayed away from your family and I should have seen that sooner instead of relying on the means I went to. Can you ever forgive me Alex?"
She had stood and was dressing while he spoke, not fully dressed, and his heart thumped painfully seeing her in one of his over large dress shirts, just as usual, she pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss.
"I'm sure in time I can Demetri. I'm not going to fight you, for anything. They kids can stay with you if they want. I'm not making the choose, hell we live in the same building."
He chuckled and took her hand tightly.
"If you ever need anything. It doesn't matter, call me?"
She nodded squeezing his hand.
"Always. Who knows, maybe you'll find that trophy wife you need to make you look good."
She gave him a large, sad smile and gasped as he brought her down for a final kiss.
"You were that trophy wife Alex. I'm sorry I never made you feel that way."
She nodded slowly biting the inside of her cheek as tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, pressing her forehead to his she kissed him and left, her scent wafting around the giant as he sat alone in the room, hearing the door slide shut behind her he let his tears flow freely now.

Ali sat in the chair next to the hospital bed, her butt going numb for the upteenth time, she looked towards the door and smiled as Dante and Demetri walked through, over the last few days things had gotten less awkward and more smoothly between her and her former lover. He smiled down at her, even though there was still a saddness behind his gaze.
"Brought you some lunch and fresh clothes. Heard he's been getting better?"
She took the styrofoam plate from the giant and opened it curling her lip in disgust.
"Green peas?"
Demetri blinked and looked at the food inside the container.
"I swear I told Rosy no peas. Didn't I son?"
"Yeah, you said no peas in one and extra in the other."
Demetri opened the other in his hand and smiled handing it to her.
"Here, got them mixed up."
Looking into it she smiled and blushed as her stomach growled, the smell of freshly steamed salmon and broccoli wafting up to meet her nose, the lemon butter and garlic rice making her mouth water.
"Thank you, smells amazing."
She sat down and broke the chopsticks her son had grabbed for her aprart and began to eat with a gusto, Demetri smiled as he sat down next to her, Dante sitting on the other side of him.
"Good to see you eatting again."
She looked up and blushed, a small trail of butter glistening on her chin, Demetri chuckled and whipped it off for her.
"I guess so. I feel like such a pig sometimes though.
Dante snorted in laughter.
"Come on mom, you could always out eat dad and I."
She glared around Demetri at her son who chuckled, so much like the man between them and continued to eat his own lunch, Demetri sighed as he took a drink from his chilled green tea and set it on the floor by his feet, his attention shifting to the man on the bed.
"How's he been doing? Any changes?"
"He's healing, finally. The wounds are starting to close on thier own so it's going to be a long process, he's more stable than before but the major concern is his spine. It's healed enough that Patch says he'll have feeling in his legs...he just won't be able to use them right away, he guess months of physical therapy."
Demetri nodded as he listened, he sighed and looked over at her.
"I'll bring in the best doctors I can in for him."
Ali smiled and shook her head looking up at Patched changed the bangages on the man.
"We already have the best one here."
Patch smiled and looked back down at Marcus, his hands stopping as dark brown eyes blinked open.
"My god...he's awake!"
Ali was on her feet in an instant, putting her food on her chair she rushed over and grabbed Marcus' hand kissing it gently.
"Marcus, can you hear me?"
He nodded slowly as Patch checked his charts and vitals.
"I think he's gonna be alright, lots of rest for now. If he stays awake and stays stable he'll be able to leave tomorrow."
Ali smiled down at him and helped him sit up some, Marcus froze and looked down at his legs.
"Why can't I move my legs?"
Ali gasped, her hand resting on his chest as she felt it begin to heave.
"Calm down...whatever happened while you were training Neos-"
"Gods, Neos! Is he alright?!"
She nodded, her hand still on his chest.
"He's just fine Marcus, but your spine was injured Patch says your going to need alot of therapy."
His eyes went wide and he suddenly tried to leap from the bed.
"Your lying!"
"Why would I lie to you? Please stop, your going to reopen your stictches!"
She yelped as he toppled from the bed and landed havily on the floor, Demetri and Dante instantly picking him up off the floor and putting him back in his hospital bed, Ali took his hand and blinked, hurt as he pulled it away from her.
"Just go away."
Her frown deeped and the other three men backed up alittle knowing what was coming, Ali's hand reached back before propelling forward and catching the injured man upside the back of his head.
"OW What the hell? Do you go around smacking every injured person you know?!"
"No you stubbron ass! Just you, and that's cause I'm trying to be here for you and your pushing me away!"
"Why would you even want to be here?!"
"Because I love you!"
His retort died in his throat as he smilply stared at her, the other three chuckling behind them, Patche stepped forward and looked over Marcus' charts and vitial once again.
"Now that he's awake, he seems to be doing much better, I'm gonna clear him tonight. Take him home and make sure he rests."
Ali nodded and sat back down waiting as Patch discharged the man, Demetri standing next to her.
"You think you can handle him like this? He seems awfully bitter."
"Oh, he'll listen alright, one way or another he'll listen. And if I need help, your just a phone call away, right?"
He smiled down at her nodding, kissing the top of her head he looked at his watch.
"I have to go, work beckons. Give me a ring if you need me Ali. I love you."
She smiled as she waved.
"Love you too."
The words never faded between the two and never would but the endearment felt more sibling like between the two which made her sad and pleased all at the same time. She jumped as something bumped into her and a curse filtered from around her waist, looking down she saw Marcus in a wheel chair trying his best to manuver around with is broken arm.
"I got you gimpy, just sit still and enoy the ride."
"Do NOT call me that."
"What gimpy? But that's what you are right now. I mean look at you, half your body is in a cast and your covered in stictches. You look like a frankinstien monster."
He sighed and closed his eyes as she guided him through the halls, hearing a door slid open he cracked open his eyes and blinked as a familiar room came into sight.
"This isn't my room Ali."
"I know, it's OUR room. Besides, you think you could do much without me right now? You probably can't even take a leak with out help."
"That is not an image I want to imagine. I'll send for someone to gather a few...Alex, why are my scrolls here?"
"I told you mud for brains, its OUR room. Now, what do you want for dinner speed racer?"
He glowerd up at her but than stopped as he took her in, her eyes were bright, her face split into a bright, sweet smile. She seemed to have gained more weight which made him believe that he had been uncounsious longer than thought, the rosy pink color back in her cheeks, making her look healthy and beautiful but he could tell she still had a ways to go before she was fully back to health. It was than that her words fully sank in, his heart begining to beat uncontrolably as his breathing became erratic, she walked over to him and put her hand on his cheek, the touch feather light but it sent a wonderful shiver through him as the warmth of her skin burned against him.
"Alex?"
She bent down and kissed him, her feelings and emotions pouring into him making him melt and sigh, she pulled away and smiled sweetly down at him.
"Welcome home Marcus. Now about that dinner."
He watched her walk away, his heart still pounding in his ears as she looked back at him smiling and than turned back to the stove, soon the aroma of shirmp, green beans pan seared cherry tomatos filtered through the kitchen, Ali taking a break to move Marcus into the family room and turning on the TV for him handing him the remote as she went back to cook dinner. [/color][/font]

[Takuuya]

"Mist, you look hilarious" Dante chuckled, He was helping Mist with training Luwein. Mist frowned walking out of of the changing room squeaking from the heat resistant suit he had on, it was made of rubber in most places and bulky guards in other.

"Hey! not everyone can turn their skin into steal, and I refuse to be burnt to a crisp by Lu's time blast" Mist said crossly. Mist had asked Tank to help him train Luwein, to add more difficulty to his training. Luwein had begun to get too used to Mist and would strike out in the air right after Mist teleported catching him as he reappeared.

"Time blast ...?" Tank asked puzzled. "I've never seen Luwein use his powers, but I know that it's over time yet I don't see what that has to do with .... you wearing a fire resistant suit" Tank laughed again.

Luwein was still getting ready, pulling his hair back into a messy ponytail and taking off his loose fitting white cotton shirt, he folded it neatly sitting it in the corner, Luwein then took his shoes off sighing as he could let his feet breathed and as he stood it became easier to 'feel' the area around him. He began walking to where Tank and Mist were.

"....-So by rapidly speeding up molecules he can make the very air combustible, hence Time bursts... or thats what I've decided to call them until i think of a better name." Mist was saying.

"Ohh wow, so thats why you asked me to help."

"Can we start now?" Luwein asked flatly.

"Are you in a rush?" Mist asked noticing Luwein's tone.

"Well, yes I would like to go outside before the sun sets....I have not been outside all day, being in this metal confinement makes me feel suffocated..."

"Oh yeah speaking of your outdoor activities, Please don't go out naked Lu...."

"Why not!?" Luwein frowned. "I'm not harming anyone."

Mist sighed pinching the bridge of his nose..., "It's just not appropriate , Lu." Mist said calmly, this was delicate.. Luwein was sensitive to anything and everything involving his personal time with nature which was frequent unless Mist dragged him inside or the others did by favor of Mist if he was back at the Northern base. He was too isolated as it were.

Luwein felt his face getting hot, his temper flaring up. "You said when inside this horrible building I had to abide but the rules, and wear these ridiculous clothes but on my own free time outside I can do as I please" Luwein Had missed his uncle when he was gone but now he wish he had stayed wherever his duties left him and his ridiculous rules.

"Lu... please settle down, and try to understand. Even outside you're still on HDF property and even if you were not, this is the real world and you cant just walk around stark naked like you've been raised in the wild... like like, a wild animal."

"But thats is where I was raised in the wild!!" Luwein now shouting. Tank looked nervously at the young man, the time spent with Luwein had been short but during that time he was fairly quiet Tank never would have guess the smaller guy could be so Fiery. Mist looked at Tank for help who shook his head, he was not getting in the middle of this.

"Listen.." Mist started sternly.

"No! You Listen! I am so sick of this.... all this time I've been trying to please you and all you do is fault me and try to keep me locked up in this place and tame me. But like you said I'm an animal and I will not be tamed." Luwein turned to Tank and bowed. "I apologize, Dante.... It seems you have wasted your time coming here today." and with that Luwein turned away and started for the door.

"You get back here now Luwein! That's an order." Mist yelled after him and stopped dead in the middle of his outburst as Luwein shot him a piercing look.

"I'd like to see you try and stop me." he said coldly. "Luckily that won't happen since I'm blind and all." with that Luwien walked and turned into the hall, feeling a breeze come in from a nearby window he ran too it and jumped out landing gracefully on the ground.

The blades of grass beneath his feet felt welcoming and soothing. Luwein then climbed the nearest tree and sat on the branch bathing in the sun, he decided to keep his clothing on just to appease his uncle who surly will be furious with him. Edited May 12, 2011 by Takuuya

[Darth Vectis]

[size=2]Marcus sat in the chair, the remote still in his hands, the tv was still off as he let the scene he was seeing settle in his mind. While he slept, while his body had healed, he had been thrown into the shadow realm, feeling every moment of pain and every touch that occurred. He wasn't sure how long he had been asleep in the world, but he knew he had spent what felt like years in the shadow realm, the pain never ceasing, abating slowly but too much for him to move, to rise from where he laid. His mind should have broken, he should have lost to the will to live after being there so long, the only thing that kept him sane was his memories, seeing them play before him he managed to keep his mind off the madness that threatened to take him. His grandfather visited often, talking to him even though marcus hardly heard any of it, his father didn't say much when he appeared, he always knelled and would place his hand on Marcus, letting him know that someone was there. Exodus had come and gone as well, typically showing up alone, as he talked, telling him it was going to be alright, that he needed to hold out for just a little longer. The pain had abated enough one day for him to rise enough to be sitting up, his arms were weak then and his body was stiff, he had barely managed to sit up, Ammanas had summoned something for him to lean on, resting his back against it, his voice coming out in a rasp.

[b]"Am I dying?"

"Fortunately my boy, you aren't anymore. That was a close one." [/b]Marcus' breath was somewhat labored, having only known pain for so long now. He knew this would affect him somehow, he wasn't sure what it would do to him yet. He didn't dwell on it as his head began to swim, he kept his eyes close as he tried to breath, pain shooting through his chest as he grunted, his hand touching his chest as he felt the scars now, the obvious effect of the swords being jammed into his body. He let his hand fall away as he kept his breaths shallow now.

[b]"Why was Iron Bars killed? He wasn't anywhere around when Anomander was sealed."[/b] He heard a sigh then, Shadowthrone seeming hesitant to talk.

[b]"Speak up old man, usually you drop and answer for me, along with a riddle or two."

"Iron Bars was killed, because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time."[/b] Marcus eyes opened then, looking forward to Ammanas now, his head feeling heavy.

[b]"That can't be right, he didn't know anything. He was an expert with that sword, all of the Crimson Guard were."[/b] Shadowthrone nodded at his words.

[b]"He was indeed, but he wasn't enough. He saw Anomander, knew he was free, he was killed so he couldn't talk."[/b] Marcus' mind couldn't process this, he couldn't believe that was the reason. It had to be more, he had to have something Anomander wanted that he took from him.

[b]"He had his sword, that's what he was after, it had to be."[/b] Shadowthrone shook his head sadly at him.

[b]"That is the only reason Marcus, his sword was just a trophy. I'm sorry my boy."[/b] Marcus could feel the tears slowly running down his face, a veteran killed for nothing but being in the wrong place. He had to keep his breathing under control or feel the sharp pains shoot through his body again. He suppressed the tears then, taking the time to breath again he let his muscles relax, the tension squeezing on his broken body. He closed his eyes again, feeling his breathing evening out before his eyes suddenly opened to blinding light, waking up in the med ward he didn't know what to expect, his mind coming out of a fog. He heard Ali's voice then, listening to her carefully, when he had the lack of feeling in his legs he got his answer from her. He panicked then, trying to stand and finding he couldn't support himself, collapsing on the floor it had jarred everything in his body. He felt a depression settle in then as he was helped back into his bed, when Ali tried to hold his hand he just wanted to be alone then, knowing he was in for a long recovery he didn't need anyone to see him suffer or sulk. When she had admitted her love to him, it struck him hard, especially seeing Demetri in the room and not saying anything about it. He didn't fight her then, just let her take him until they reached the quarters, the shock and surprise had wormed its way deep into him. His heart beat rapidly as he tried to control his breathing, he was still having a hard time believing it was true, that everything was actually happening like this. Ali looked back at him now, doing some final touches as she stared at him with his bewildered look.

[b]"You going to watch tv or no?" [/b]Marcus came out of his wandering, still holding the remote in his hand.

[b]"You know the last time I actually watched tv?"

"Let me guess, 1950?"[/b] He gave her an unamused look.

[b]"You know I'm not that old right?"[/b] She shrugged at him.

[b]"Could have fooled me."[/b] Her smile spreading across her face as he shook his head, the same smile on his face now. Turning the tv on finally, he felt awkward holding it in his right hand, his fingers were still somewhat numb from the fight. He struggled initially until getting his fingers to obey.

[b]"this is going to be really difficult to do."[/b] Ali had finished up plating the food as she set it on the table, coming over and wheeling him to the table she sat down beside him now, he set the remote aside as he tried to eat, feeling awkward still, Ali noticed his struggles.

[b]"You only have one broken arm Marcus, you should be able to eat."

"I'm left handed."[/b] Her eyebrows lifted in mock surprise.

[b]"Really? I didn't know that."[/b] He let out a soft laugh as he gave her a gently nudge, finding that he was all he could manage as his body was weak. He was only able to eat a little bit of the food, his stomach having shrunken during his time unconscious. Ali taking his plate away then as he simply sat there at the table. All of it finally sinking in as he saw her finishing putting everything away.

[b]"This is seriously OUR room Ali?" [/b]She put her hands on her hips as she looked at him.

[b]"Of course it is, did your time away make you deaf or we're you just ignoring me?"

"Well I.... I mean I just...."[/b] She shook her head at his stammering and walked over to him, giving him a kiss on his lips, letting her feeling rush into him as she cupped his face with both of her hands, he melted as the warmth and happiness settled in finally.

[b]"Yes, this is our room my love. I'm going to take care of you until you get better, like you did me."[/b] His smile grew then, a genuine warmth radiating from him now as he reached up and held her hand now, closing his eyes gently as he let her touching take him away now. [/size] Edited March 29, 2012 by Nergil Pendelton

[Akieen Cloud]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]A few days had passed since Marcus had come around, Ali had been taking care of him as promised and things had been going smoothly...til now.
"It's just a bath Marcus!"
"It hurts!"
"It's going to! Your riddled with stitches!"
"I'll be fine, just wipe me down and let me go!"
Ali tapped her foot on the floor while she had her hands on her hips, looking down at the man in the wheel chair who was looking up at her with an equally heated look.
"You pass on a full bath to time Mystic, you are not getting in that bed tonight!"
"I already told you, it hurts!"
"And your stitches, along with your self need cleaned! Get your ass in that water!"
"No!"
Her face shifted and Marcus felt his blood turn cold.
"Fine."
He watched horrorfied as she stalked towards him, grabbing the handles of his wheel chair and began to wheel him towards the water, he knew instantly what she was up to.
"Stop stop stop! Alright fine!"
She stopped, a hairs breath from the bathtub ready to dump in.
"That's more like it."
She helped him from the chair and lowered him into the water slowly, his hisses of pain echoing in the room, once he was in she sat on the edge and slowly began to run water down his back.
"There, it's not so bad is it?"
"It burns."
She shook her head, smiling slightly.
"It's going to love, like I said, those stitches need cleaned."
He nodded, his eyes squeezed shut, both looking over their shoulders as a knock sounded on the door.
"I'll be right back. Do NOT move."
He gave her an unamused look, frowning.
"Where the hell am I gonna go Ali?"
"Hey, you still have your arms...or...arm. You never know. Just sit tight will you?"
He waved her off only to smile as she bent forward and planted a sweet kiss to his lips, getting up she walked through the home and opened the door, seeing Sheild standing there breathing heavily.
"Pavlos, what's wrong?"
"Alex, I need your help, it's urgent."
Ali moved aside and let him in waiting for him to begin.
"You heard about the team getting a lead on this Anamander fellow I assume."
She nodded and sat at the table across from him.
"I have."
"They left last night to find a retired operative that we believe might be his next target, his name is Felix Bran also known as Beserker."
Ali nodded and listened as Shield continued.
"They left around 6 last night-"
Ali frowned as she looked at her watch and than back to the man across from her.
"That was almost 24 hours ago."
He nodded.
"We've lost contact with them."
"Who all went?"
"Frost, Calypso, Jeff, Sasa, Jason...Demetri and Dante."
Ali felt her stomach drop to her feet, her eyes growing wide as she looked up at the man.
"He took Dante!? Did he know they were going on a hint about that monster?!"
Sheild nodded, his face grim.
"The boy wanted to go, fought with his father tooth and nail saying he was ready. Demetri took him along. I'm fearing the worst. We sent Mist and Luwien some time ago but have heard nothing back from them either."
"You want me to go and see if I can find them?"
Sheild nodded solemly.
"Or what's left of them."
She stood slamming her hands down on the table.
"Don't you dare talk like that! Demetri is a good man and would never let something that horrible happen to the team, or our son!"
Sheild nodded and slid a file across the tabel to her.
"This is their last known location. Your cleared to leave as soon as your able."
She nodded and watched him go, locking the door behind him she walked back to the bathroom to see Marcus frowning up at her.
"What was that all about?"
"I have to get you out of here, I'm calling Patch to come keep an eye on you, I have a mission."
"What kind of mission?"
"The team went last night on lead for one of Anomander's next targets, they never reported back."
"Wait, your going...No! I won't let you go knowing that beast might be out there! I refuse!"
"I don't have a choice Marcus! Dante went with them..."
Marcus' face fell, his words died in his throat.
"I understand, becareful Alex, please?"
She nodded as she helped him from the water, drying him off and dressing him she called Patch, waiting for the man she got her self ready as Marcus watched her worriedly.
"Are you sure your up for this Ali? Your still not at your full either..."
"I don't care, if he's laid one hand on Dante...one finger...even looked at him the wrong way, I'll kill him!"
She strapped a case of her throwing knives to her thigh for empasis before looking back at the man.
"I swear to you, I'll come back, and I'll bring them back with me."
He nodded and reached his uninjured hand towards her, she took it giving it a reassuring squeeze, closing the distance between them she bent down and pressed her lips to his softly.
"I love you."
"Please becareful."
She nodded and answered the door as Patch knocked, letting him in she went over her routine for Marcus who frowned at her.
"I'm not a child who is getting babysat!"
"You might as well be! You complain like one!"
He clamped his mouth shut and grunted, letting her remark slide as she kissed him one more time before leaving, her old brown duster fluttering behind her to give the two men a good look at a pair of curved daggers clipped to her back. She was dressed in dark colors, a pair of black jeans, a dark grey tank top and black boots, her black duster jacket hiding her weapons and her dark brown hair pulled back into a braid that lay over her shoulder. She walked into the transport hanger just as she was finishing slipping on her gloves, catching sight of Cloak she nodded to him.
"Let's go."
He nodded and shroded her in his dark cloak and only minutes later she found her self in a dark forest, the ground below her feet shrivled and dead from lack of sunlight and water which was blocked out but the thick canopies above her head. Looking around she reached out with her powers and buried the panic that started to rise when she felt nothing, from any where. Unclipping a holster of daggers she moved slowly through the thick, dead underbrush, the snapping of twigs and branches under her feet making it hard for her to hear much but she kept her powers clear and open, feeling around for anything. She spun around pulling a dagger from it holder quickly and frowned as a malnutritioned rabbit hobbled back under the decaying growth, taking a deep breath Ali pushed forward. After almost twenty minutes of searching she looked up, not even sure of what time it was since she couldn't see the sky she ran a hand across her forehead to rid it of the sweat that had gathered there.
"Where are you?"
A voice sounded behind her, crule and cold, it made her blood turn to ice and her heart miss several beats.
"Looking for them are you? You are the empath, daughter of the lovers?"
She turned slowly, the man's black skin shadowed him in this place, his white hair and crule smile the only things she could honestly make out as she planted her feet and readied her self, putting the throwing knife back in it's case she reached behind her and pulled the curved daggers from behind her back and held them in front of her, his cruel cold chuckle making her shiver.
"You think you could defeat me? After what I've taken from that man? Knowladge and wisdome beyone his years, life that will last me until this planet is cleaned of you foul creatures. There is nothing you can do. Accept your fate."
Ali bravely held her ground as she heard the ring of a sword unsheath, watched as he licked it wickedly.
"This blade loved the taste of your loved one's flesh. Let us see if it enjoys yours just as much."
"You...your the one who almost killed him!"
"The Mystic? Oh yes, what a pitaful attempt he made to fight. Does he live? Did I finish the job?"
She growled and tightened her grip on the daggers in her hand, blocking out his words now knowing he was only trying to get a rise out of her.
"I'll kill you where you stand woman, and send your corpse back to him...in pieces!"
She brought up her right dagger, the ringing of the two blades clashing made her grit her teeth, she pushed back against him with all the strength she could muster unable to stay on her feet as she fell to one knee.
"I wonder how they will take your passing? How many tears will be shed for you, the sobs of innocent children."
Ali roared as she pushed her self to her feet, throwing the man off she lunged forward and gripped the two daggers in one hand, swiftly grabbing a throwing knife she threw it roughly and felt herself smirk as it landed deep within his arm. She charged at him, a dagger in each hand, and screamed as he was suddenly behind her, her hair gripped in his hand tightly.
"I can see why the men fight for you. Your lovely, yet so ugly at the same time."
She growled as his figers traced the scars on her arm through her jacket, struggling againt him she froze as she felt his sword press against her throat.
"Now now my dear. Your going to help me, I am looking for someone, a man. You might have heard of him?"
"Go to hell!"
He shook his head, his pointed teeth gleaming as he smiled.
"You first."
Ali gasped as she felt the sword begin to slowly crawl along the skin of her throat, slicing deep into the tender flesh but it suddenly stopped, he hissed in pain and Ali felt her shoulder sear in pain. groaning she pulled the jacket off and he screamed as the tattoo on her shoulder came to life, glowing brightly as well as the small trail Marcus had left on her cheek years ago. Alli hissed as the tattoo burned and seemed to be moving, the feeling of her skin crawling made her scream and just like that, he was gone. She blinked open her eyes and looked around, her neck burned from the small cut Anomander had made and her shoulder throbbed; standing on weak legs she pulled her jacket back on and pressed her hand to her throat. Looking her hand she cursed as it was covered in her lifes blood.
"Dammit. I have to find them and fast."
Taking a step forward she stopped as her foot struck something, she bent forward and picked it up recognizing it as the sword Anomander had been using moments ago, clipping it to her side and trecked forwards, her powers still open as she searched for the team. After what felt like an eternity she felt a spark from in front of her.
"Hello?!"
At first there was nothing, her voice echoing through the tress and just as she was about to call out again she heard the faint reply.
"Whose there?!"
The voice made tears spring to her eyes and she threw her self forward running through the trees til they came into sight.
"Guys! Oh thank gods! Are you guys all alright? Where's Dante?!"
The teen strode forward and knelt down as Ali threw her self at him hugging him tightly.
"Dante, your alright! What were you thinking coming on a mission like this?!"
"I'm sorry Mom, I just wanted to prove I could do it."
She stood up and smacked him lightly on the arm frowning.
"No one doubts you Dante! Don't you EVER do this again! Never again! I was worried sick, where's your father?"
Tank pointed to the back of the group where Demetri sat on a stump, deep in thought, she walked past the others giving them smiles at seeing they were all alive and well, reaching the giant she lay a light gently hand on his shoulder, her heart doing a small flip as he reached over and grabbed it with in his own large one on instinct.
"Demetri?"
He blinked and looked up at her, not releasing her hand.
"What are you doing here?"
"It's been almost 24 hours since you reported in, your father got worried and sent me."
He pulled his hand away from her's and rubbed his face, the shadow of facial hair making him look more like his own father, it made her smile and she leaned into him, her hip resting on his shoulder as she crossed her arms.
"Is your equipment not working?"
The gaint shook his head.
"No, there was an EMP blast someone and it knocked everything out of commison, glad my father caught on though and sent you. It's good to see-"
He was staring at her now, his eyes honed in on her neck.
"Alex, what happened?"
She put her hand to the wound on her neck and sighed.
'Another scar to add to my collection.'
"It's nothing, I ran into that Anomander guy, did you happen to find your lead?"
Demetri nodded and looked over at a man who was without a douby the burliest man Ali had ever seen in her life, he was massive in the shoulders and chest, his face dark and squared, his eyes were red and the facail hair that bristled about on his face gave him a fearsome look, his hands were easily the size of dinner plates and the rest of him matched.
"He looks like Paul Bunion..."
Demetri nodded, but his frown deeped as the man stood, towering over Ali as he bent him self almost in half to look down at her.
"My my, what a pretty little lady friend you have here Commandant. Mind if I introduce my self?"
Ali reeled back from the man, his breath reeking of cheap alchohol and smoke, his clothes premeated body odor and the look in his eyes was anything but friendly, but what shocked her the most was when Dante suddenly appeared between the two, Demetri stiffened and Ali could see a small wind ball charge in his palm.
"Stay away from her."
The man straightened out, looking down on the boy and Ali felt light headed at the sudden resemblance between the two.
"Ho now boy, you trying to tell me what to do? I think your a few years to young to be telling me what to do brat!"
Ali felt her blood boil as the man raised a large fist to smack the boy out of the way, Dante instantly turning his body to steel.
"How dare you disrepect me boy! Your just like that worthless woman who you called mother!"
Dante cletched his fists and stood his ground.
"Shut up!"
The man's fist came down with the force of a battering ram, but stopped in mid air as a blast of wind held it in the air, a loud growl sounding from in front of Ali as well as Jason stood his full height in wolf form in front of Dante.
"You touch this boy, your head will roll."
They all spun around as a crule, high pitched laugh echoed behind them.
"His head is already going to roll. And look, Mist is here as well."
The man in question frowned as he put his nephew behind him.
"Who the hell are you?!"
"Now, we'll have time for pleasantries later."
With that he was gone, a scream echoed around them and Ali felt her stomach drop for the second time that day as Mist was help above the ground, the dark man's hand through his chest. Mist's eyes were wide with shock, his mouth hanging open in a silent scream as his body twitched.
"MIST!"
Ali could see Luwien behind the man reaching forward, his hands only finding air.
"Uncle? Uncle?!"
Anomander threw Mist to the ground and turned slowly on Luwien.
"You boy, you can become a very large hazard to me."
Ali moved before she could think twice about her actions, sliding underneath Anomander she hugged Luwien to her and threw him to the ground covering him with her own body.
"If you want him, you'll have to kill me first!"
The boy under her blinked rapidly though he could not see, her words obviously striking him as odd.
"Mrs. Talon?"
She looked down at him and covered his eyes, as she would have done her own son to keep him from seeing something truamatizing.
"Shh, you'll be alright. I won't let anything happen to you I promise."
She smiled down at him and screamed as she felt Anomanders hand pierce her shoulder, the sounds of wind blasts and gun shots could be heard above her as she panted heavily. The world growing silent around her as her ears began to ring. She moved her hand and looked down at Luwien, cupping his cheek sadly as she looked to her right and saw the body of Mist tangled on the ground.
"I'm so sorry Luwien...I'll make sure he has a beautiful funeral."
The boy didn't answer her or even move but Ali felt her heart break as silent tears began to seep from his eyes, she groaned as she pushed her self up, her arms shaking weakly due to the pain that radiated from her shoulder. Once on her knees she helped Luwien sit up and looked around, the others were fighting off Anomander as best the could, reaching for her belt she pressed her locator beacon down and smiled as it began to flash and beep, within seconds a black shroud surround them, a protective bubble encaseing the team as Anomander hissed and vanished. Sheild looked down at Ali and shook his head, his gaze shifting to Mist who lay lifeless on the ground.
"Get them home Cloak. Let the base know...Commander Mist has passed."
Luwien jerked in Ali's arms and she felt her heart twist as his pain from the loss of his uncle poured into her, she took it, and reversed it sending waves of comfort, as much as she could back into the you man.
"It'll be alright Luwien, I'll take care of you. I promise."
She looked up as Demetri knelt beside her, leaning into his broad chest she felt his breath hitch, but at this moment, she needed his strength, his comfort, and as he wrapped his strong arm around her and buried his nose in her hair she let silent tears slip down her cheeks as she turned her face into his chest.
It took the team almost an hour before they were allowed out of the briefing room, Luwien held the longest to be more informed on his uncles death; Ali paced the hall out side waiting for him to get out now, looking like a caged animal. Demetri approached her and put his large hand on her thin shoulder, still so small compared to what he was used to.
"Alex? Are you alright?"
She paused and looked up at him, turning her body to face him she wrapped her arms around his waist and took comfort from his as he pulled her in close.
"I don't understand, why is he doing this?"
Demetri shook his head, taking in her scent as he held her allowing his own body to relax.
"We'll find him Ali, we'll get him."
She nodded and slipped from his grasp as Luwien came from the room, his movement stiff and his face still one of shock, she reached forward and linked her arm through his.
"Come on, you'll stay with me tonight. I don't think it's a good idea for you to be on your own."
He pulled away and looked at her frowning.
"I'm capable of taking care of my self."
"I don't doubt that Luwien, but...after loseing someone so close to you...I don't think you really want to be alone."
He frowned more before shaking his head.
"You are right."
She nodded and took his arm again leading him down the hall towards her and Marcus' room when yelling caught her attention, one voice she didn't know but the other made her freeze.
"Shut up! You don't own me!"
"Your my god damned son! I can do with you as I please you worthless piece of-"
Ali stepped in between them and looked up at the man from before.
"HEY! You do NOT talk to my son that way! I don't know who the hell you think you are but back off!"
The man guffawed in her face making her blush in her rage.
"You think he's YOUR son? that worthless pile of crap ain't worth lookin' at let alone being any ones son."
Ali felt her rage build as she listened to him talk, the way he put Dante down, the way he yelled at him made her blood boil and her fists clentch tightly, pulling back she threw her fist forward screaming as she felt three of her fingers break upon impact, the man laughing down at her before he reached down and picked her up effortlessly.
"You have some fire in you woman! I like that!"
He laughed more and Ali threw her left knee forward into the man's groin, he grunted and doubled over, his eyes suddenly glowing red as he looked at her, red steam seeming to rise from his body. Dante pulled her behind him and looked down the hall.
"Dad!"
Demetri rushed towards them and shot a wind blast at the man knocking him away from Ali and his son, reaching them he looked the two over and noticed Ali's broken hand.
"You alright?"
"Who the hell is he?!"
"His name is Felix, he retired years ago. He's Dante's biological father."
Ali looked back at her son who frowned at the lump of a man on the floor now, the boy shook his head defiantly.
"He's no father of mine, as far as I'm concerned he's dead. You two are my parents. Blood makes no differance."
Ali felt her heart swell with pride for that boy and she hugged him tightly before taking Luwien's hand again.
"I have to go see Patch...Demetri, come and talk to me when your getting ready to make the funeral arrangments please? I'd like to help you with them, he was a good friend to the both of us."
The giant man nodded and they went their seperate ways, Ali looking over her shoulder breifly, her heart acheing dully as she watched him go. Luwien was quiet that night, through dinner and everything else, he rested peacefully in the small spare bedroom on the other side of the apartment style home her and Marcus shared, Ali washed the blood from her skin as she looked at the light pink scar that now ran along one side of her neck, sighing she turned and looked at her shoulder the flesh and skin marred with yet another scar from Patche's healing.
"Just a few more to add to the collection, I keep this up I'll end up looking like Demetri."
Shaking her head she walked out from the bathroom to see Marcus, still in his wheel chair as he held the sword of Iron bars in his lap, his fingers running along the blade slowly.
"Ali, how did you manage to get this from Anomander?"
She shook her head, not really ready to tell him everything about the tattoo she had gotten.
"It's no big deal Marcus, I just thought out of everyone, you should have it."
"Ali, I wasn't even able to put a worth scratch on Anomander, HOW did you manage to get this sword?"
she sighed and sat down infront of him still wiping blood from her skin with a towel, fixing her gaze on his she took a deep breath.
"My tattoo. When I got it I went and saw someone who specalizes in rune tattoos, like yours."
"You mean-"
"I had mine charged with the same...stuff, as yours. I dunno what happened really. He was about to kill me off, in the process of sliting my throat when they just began to burn and come to life. Whatever happened, he didn't like it. He let me go and dropped the sword before he just...vanished."
Marcus looked at her amazed, beweildered and worried.
"Alex..."
She shook her head as his fingers grazed the scar on her neck.
"I was so close to loseing you and I would have never known it."
"You won't lose me. I'll fight, no matter what happens. I'll fight."
He nodded and looked towards the room where Luwien rested.
"He's not taking it well is he?"
"No, he tries to hide it, but I can feel his pain, it's so sharp and twisted...he already misses him dearly."
"We all do, and this other man you told me about, I don't like the sounds of him either."
"Dante's father? Yeah me either. But if he lays a single finger on my son...I'll kill him. But right now...Demetri and I have to worry about the funeral. I rufuse to have such a short service like we were forced to with Razor and Diamond. It wasn't fair to them and I won't let it go on like that...from here on the funerals that we hold for our fallen will be much more respectable. I'm the Commander...I should be able to do something like that right?"
Marcus could hear the tears choking her as she spoke.
"I should be able to give them the funeral they deserve...right? I-I should...be able to make a differance..."
Marcus nodded and winced slightly as Ali sat in his lap til she got comfortable, and not hurting him either, her face hidden in his shoulder, it wasn't long til he felt the dampness of her tears against his skin as she wept silently for the loss of their commerade; his good arm wrapped tightly around her.[/color][/font]

[Darth Vectis]

[size=2][b]"It's ok Alex, you did everything that you could my love."[/b] She still wept then, he felt more helpless then before, having one crippled arm and his body in ruins had made him feel weak and vulnerable. He had never felt this way before, with every injury and every time he had needed to visit the med ward he had never felt this battered and broken. Ali was the only thing that made him feel useful now, even though she had to cater to his every need, he hated having her to take care of him, this wasn't how he wanted their life to start together. He held her as tight as he could manage, his own body having atrophied with his sleep and the time he was spending in the chair, his right arm was strong enough but he would do all he could to make her feel better.

[b]"It's not ok, he died while we all stood there. He killed him! He tore right through his chest it was...."[/b] She trailed off then, the tears taking her again as he felt them flow down his body. He kept her close, letting her cry as he whispered to her, letting her know that every was going to be fine, that she was doing everything that she could. He knew his own torn body wasn't helping his argument, he was crippled and hardly able to take care of himself at this point. He wouldn't let his weakness break her, like it almost broke him, he whispered words of love then, letting her know what she meant to him. She nodded with his words into his shoulder, kissing her gently on her cheek as he used his good arm to wipe away the tears as best he could. He kissed her gently on her lips, pressing his forehead to hers.

[b]"Let's get some rest, my butt his starting to get numb again."[/b] She shook her head as she laughed through the tears, they faded slowly as she rose from his lap, pushing him over to the bed she helped him up, his legs only slightly obeying him as she had to help him under the sheets. He felt worse by the second, his lack of movement made him feel old, and that Ali was just his nurse. She changed quick enough out of her gear and came back to the bed, getting under the blankets she gently snuggled up to him, he had been forced to sit upright since she had brought him home, he didn't mind so much since that was how he meditated, but it still felt like it ruined the time they got together. She was careful about his ribs, the slight twitches from her would make him grunt slightly but he did his best to suppress the pain, he needed to be close to her to feel better. His rest had been fitful the last few nights, he found it more and more difficult to connect with his own world, finding it almost painful. This night would only prove to be worse, when the lights were off, Ali having gone to sleep now, he slowly tried to meditate into his own world, tried to pull away so he could keep healing and finally rest. He found that he felt like he was being suffocated then, his mind trying to reach out and go into his world but the way was closed off now, his heart pumping fast as his body fell into a real sleep, his attempts at a cognitive time was replaced with fitful dreams. The dreams twisted and changed, the dreams becoming nightmares, and it was the same for him now, that laughing face, the white, sharp teeth.

He felt the blades in his chest again, the life draining from his body as he was trying to move, trying to think. The same laugh echoing in his mind, he could feel the cold blade on his neck again ,the edge touching his flesh. He felt the blood in his lungs again, he felt like he was dying again. He was breathing heavily in his sleep, his body sweating as his muscles tensed, Ali was awake now, her hands on his face as she tried to wake him.

[b]"Marcus! Wake up please! It's ok, wake up!"[/b] She didn't want to hit him, she was scarred of the damage she might do. She could hear his grunts, his whispers as if he was talking to someone. The sword res ton his shoulder for just a few seconds longer, before the black skinned man pulled it back, the swinging coming down instantly. Marcus eyes snapped open as he suddenly lurched forward, a panicked a yelp leaving his throat as he felt the pain shoot through his chest. He looked around, his eyes full of fear as he tried to get a grip, Ali pulling his face to look at her.

[b]"Relax baby, relax. It's ok, I'm here."[/b] His breathing slowed then, his body feeling cold as his sweating stopped. He felt his heart start to slow down, the panic subsiding as she puled him in, his head resting on her shoulder, putting his arm around her she wrapped his arms around her now.

[b]"What happened?"[/b] She whispered to him, he was silent for now, letting his mind clam down finally.

[b]"I-I tried to connect, with the shadow realm. I ca-can't do it, I'm cut off."

"It'll be ok, I'm sure it'll just take time. You just need to heal."[/b] He shook his head at her grasp.

[b]"I had a nightmare, I-I was back on my knees. I was dying all over again, he killed me. He killed me with his sword. Neos wasn't here, the seven weren't there. He killed me."[/b] She kissed his forehead, rubbing his back gently as she kept his head pressed against his shoulder.

[b]"He didn't kill you Marcus, you're still here. What seven Marcus? What did Neos do?"[/b] He talked then, feeling breathless then.

[b]"Neos is the one who stopped Anomander. Sly isn't just an animated toy, he's part of Neos. One of the seven pieces of his soul, mine are the crows."[/b] He touched his chest with his broken arm, using his exposed fingers to touch them.

[b]"Neos, he has hounds. He brought them to life, they saved me."[/b] He kept close to her, letting her scent linger as he got a firm grip then.

[b]"I'm sorry, I'm sorry Ali, I'm so sorry." [/b]She pulled away then, looking him in his dark brown eyes.

[b]"Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything."[/b] He nodded then, his eyes looking away.

[b]"I tried to protect Neos, he was after him, I should of taken him and ran. Left the world, I fought him instead. And now, you have to take care of me like this. I never wanted us to be together like this, with me so broken and useless, I nev-"[/b]His sentence cut short a she brought his face up and pressed her lips to his, his eyes closing as he felt the emotions running off of her, pushing into him now making him relax and melt again. She pulled away, the sweet smile on her face, so clear to him even in the dark.

[b]"Just stop, don't question it. Just remember that I love you.[/b]" He nodded then, feeling more relaxed now.

[b]"I love you too."[/b] He felt the warmth take hold, his problems seeming to vanish then, all that mattered was that she was there.[/size] Edited March 29, 2012 by Nergil Pendelton

[Akieen Cloud]

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

[Takuuya]

Luwein sat in the large window sill hugging his legs to his chest he had thought maybe sitting in the sun would warm him up... why did he feel so cold inside.
Was this guilt for the recent argument he had with his uncle.... which he never apologized for or was it loneliness complete and utter loneliness.
It was both, Luwein felt the sob fight for release and Luwein willed it away. He got up and stomped his foot on the floor he felt something through the resounding vibrations... there was something in the corner of the room near the bed. Luwein walked over to it and felt a chair smooth yet dusty ... he felt around some more and there was a desk of some short ... this was a vanity he figured that out when his hands found a brush. Sitting down he started to brush his hair, taking the random braids out and some knots.

The door creaked open, Luwein felt Ali's gaze on him and something else ... a presence floating around his head then going through him, he let his guard down letting her in.

"When I started growing my hair out, Missael said I looked more like my mother rather than my father." Ali shut the door quietly and walked in the room sitting on the bed softly as Luwein continued. "For some reason that made me really....happy, and I never cut my hair again."

She felt his walls come down and she sent out waved of comfort to him and Luwein shuddered slightly at the foreign but welcomed feelings.

"It's days like this I curse my eyes for not working.... I wish I could see myself.... just knowing that I resemble ether of my parents makes me feel good." Ali put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed it lightly.

Luwein stopped brushing his hair as tears welled up in his eyes he blinked and looked dazed, "I wonder if my Uncle resembled my Mother...." Edited May 13, 2011 by Takuuya

[Shwa]

The doors closed behind the commandant as he stared into the cold hallways, leaving Ali and Marcus was the right thing to do, but he still yearned for his beloved wife....that is, the woman he cared for after so many years. It was a hard transition for Demitri, knowing after a long day of work and dealing with the kids, she wouldn't be there to make her favorite meal or have his clothes all washed and ready, or even see her sleeping in the bed they shared, knowing her scent would linger even after she got up in the morning or moved about in her sleep. The giant took a deep sigh before walking down the halls, if this was something she wanted, the soldier would only comply with her wishes, it was for her happiness after all, something even Demitri couldn't offer anymore. It tore the giant apart, but he had his duties as a Commandant and father to stay strong for his base, his team, and his family all together. Demitri hasn't mentioned anything to his parents about the transition, knowing they would either smother him with their wishes of sympathy or go balistic towards Ali for her, what they would consider "shameful" actions of leaving their son after so many years to rekindle a relationship with another man. The giant shook his head, trying to rid himself of the thoughts as he made his way towards the elevator. Waiting for his transport, the giant received an incoming call on his mobile phone, reaching into his pocket the giant answered the call immediately, thinking it would be someone from his office calling for further information on the funeral for the deceased Commander Mist.

"This is Athens..."

"Dad?" Demitri heard his sons voice, but was shocked when it sounded scared and alert, the elevator opened on his floor as the giant entered inside, pressing the button for his destination, the doors closed before the man answered back.

"Dante? Whats the matter my boy?" Crying and sniffling could be heard from the other end, it tore at the giants heart to know his son was in such a condition, at his age, it should be happening. He was acting more like himself these days, keeping strong even thought he was hurting on the inside, but Dante was still a teenager and he wasn't as strong mentally to deal with a lot off stress. The elevator continued its way down, Demitri took a deep swallow before he heard an answer on the other line.

"Dad...he hit me...Berserk caught me in the hallway and was throwing me against the wall, angry and drunk...it was happening all again" Dante's breathing got erratic, the teenage remained in his room, door locked as he sat in the corner, fetal position as he talked to his father, repressed memories flooding back into his mind of the times he would be abused before he ran away. Demitri's heart seemed to stop, he was speechless at the information, the giant pressed the stop button on the elevators control panel , the slight shifting of gravity threw the man off until he found his ground once again.

"HE DID WHAT???" Demitri shouted, he was furious, but more crying could be hurt over the phone, he lack of control scared the teen. "I'm-I'm sorry Dante, I need to know what happened, please son. I'll take care of this, just tell me what happened"

"I'm so sorry dad...." The teenager continued to sob....

[color="#008080"][i][b]Dante was thrown against the wall of the hallway, the steel shell forming to his back as the teenager tried to catch his breath. It wa short lived as a larger hand caught around the boys throat, blocking his airway as the boy grasped onto the muscled arm holding him, suddenly, his body was lifted into the air as he looked down onto his attacker. The rage in his biological father's eyes was deadly, glowing red as the wicked man smiled, licking his lips as he chuckled openly, the hallway was clear and dark, the cameras in the area had been disabled and the doors locked from the inside. Dante gasped and hissed for air, only to feel his airway contracting more and more as the grip tightened.

"So, this is where you've been hiding you worthless piece of ****" Felix dealt a hard blow to the teens stomach before turning his body and tossing the boy to the floor hard, making another dent upon impact as Dante yelped and squirmed in pain. Caughing to get air into his lungs, but once again, the assault continued as a swift kick to his ribs sent the boy to the opposite wall, the man was ruthless, just as Dante remembered him to always be. "You think you can just leave me, leave the work you were suppose to do to come and find a new family? What's the matter boy? I didn't take care of you enough? Sold you out enough to those who wanted you? Too many MARKS??" Felix picked up his son by his hair, dealing a swift back hand as Dante hit the ground once again, feeling blood fill his mouth and leak onto the steel floor. The boy was paralized, he wanted to fight, wanted to run, but his body wouldn't let him do anything, he was truly alone when he needed help the most.

"I...I'm not your son, y-y-youre a monster" The boys shoulder was grabbed as Dante was brought to his feet, another punch to the same side of his face before a strong knee came to his ribcage. Dante screamed as the attacks continued, his mouth was finally covered by his fathers meaty hands as his head was slammed into the same wall he bounced off from.

"There there boy...you may have vanished, but now I've found you." Felix smiled as his fangs showed, tearing off Dante's shirt with his free hand, grabbing tightly onto the boys shoulder, leaving an obvious bruise as his grip got tighter and tighter. The boy yelped through his muzzle as he felt the pain shoot through his body and to his head, Felix licked his lips as he got closer. "I know those buyers who had you had their fun, but you always returned for the main fun" Felix laughed, a gunshot fired through the hallways, the stray bullet hitting the beastly man in his muscled shoulder, causing him to release his son, backing into the shadows as he yelled in pain. Looking over to the now open doorway, Sasa stood with her gun aimed at the mad man. "YOU *****!!!" He roared, Sasa fired another warning shot at Felix's feet, making the man back up a bit. Sasa slowly made her way to Dante, helping the boy up until he got to his feet. '

"I remember you Felix, a dishonorable soldier dismissed from your duties by Captain Shield. I don't know what your issues are with this boy, but I wont see a member of my team and family be bullied by a low rate soldier" She fired another shot when the burly man tried to rush at her, but Sasa was well prepared for his actions. Dante leaned on the steel wall, tears fell down his face, he couldn't stand to look at the crazed man. Sasa stood in front on the teen and pushed her body back slowly, escorting both of them out of the entrance. Felix laughed madly as the two vanished.

"DON'T WORRY YOU *****,M YOU CAN'T BE AT HIS SIDE ALL THE TIME" His laugh echoed as he retreated to his own way out of the hallway, ripping the locked steel doors open, bending the metal as he roared at the pain from his gunshot wound. [/b][/i]

[color="#000000"]Demitri's elevator stopped on the 13th floor, when the doors opened, his eyes glowed fiercely white, sparks of lightning coursed on the outside of his body as the soldier began to run down the hallway. His mind was set, rage rose beyond anything the giant has ever felt before. He pumped his legs as his footsteps echoed, traveling on his weight and build as he finally made it to his destination. The giant panted for a moment before drawing his hand back into a fist and bringing it forward, knowing down the steel door as it bounced and collided with the wall inside the small living quarters. Demitri's knuckles bled as he slowly made his way inside, Felix coming out from his room and looking at the commandant, only with a smile as the smaller, but well build leader stood a couple of feet away.

"Well that's rude of you, there's a doorbell on the-" His words were cut off as Demitri charged and tackled the massive man, sending both soldiers out the window as they fell from the building. A large crash could be hard from inside, the wind and thunder outside grew wild, blowing and shooting off everywhere without mercy. It only took minutes for both soldiers to stand again and throw down, punching and attacking one another at their peak, Demitri's rage showed in the weather while Berserk's body grew with his blind rage abilities. Felix landed a powerful punch to the commandant, sending the man through a tree until his body rolled on the ground, with one leap, the massive man jumped into the air, soaring through the sky as he landed directly in front of the commandant. "Maybe I'll take your place as Mr. High and Mighty now that you're defeated..." Felix was then shot with a powerful lightning blast, sending the man back to the HDF building walls on the other side of where Demitri was. Slowly the commandant got up from his spot and rushed the building once again, tossing a variety of wind and lightning attacks at the spot Felix remained, hearing his yells of pain excited the giant as he grew closer and closer, finally tackling the massive man through the steel barriers of the wall, they were inside once again. This time, the two collapsed some of the floor as the two man fell from the room of the cafeteria, landing on a table as the soldiers and recruits scattered from the spot they were at. Once again, both men continued to fight one another.

"YOU WILL NEVER HARM MY SON AGAIN!!!" Demitri shouted as he shot double wind blasts from his palms, hitting the raged giant square in the chest. Felix laughed, enjoying the pain he was enduring as his eyes glowed bright red.

"He'll always be mine, you may take care of him, but you can never have him like I have" Felix licked his lips, Demitri's blood boiled as the two fought one another once again, Demitri blocking and defending against the massive mans powerful blows, countering with his own attacks and powers as they slowly destroyed the cafeteria. Some of the soldiers began to run from their battle, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire. A female soldier, the one Demitri had trained a couple months back went into the hallways and entered a 4 digit code on the computers alarm system. The sirens went off in the facility as the whole base was alerted of the issue, a small speaker shot out from the alarm panel, the girl spoke quickly into the mic:

"[color="#FF00FF"][i][b]MEDA-HUMAN FIGHT IN EASTERN CAFETERIA. LEVEL 10 COMBATANTS, 2 MALES, COMMANDERS ASSISTANCE NEEDED[/b][/i][/color]" She pressed another command combination for the message to play over and over again. All the commanders in the base acted quickly, making their way to the scene. Shield and Touch ran down from their living area to meet anyone else who came, Jason, now in full transformation ran from across the courtyard and bursted through the doors. Sasa grabbed Jeff and Pocket, the two not too far from the scene took the emergency stairs. Gene was inside the commandants quarters, watching over Lily and Neos as they stayed in their room. Lily held onto Neos as they looked around confused, the message blared inside their own home, Gene transformed his skin into a sleek ice armor as he stood and went into the living room.

"Tank? Where are ya buddy?" Gene looked around before leaving the quarters, looking outside to see soldiers and commanders scramble through the halls, Ali rushed to the door and stopped when she saw Frost. "What's going on?"

"I dunno, are the kids inside?" Ali asked, grabbing onto her throwing knives.

"Yeah, Lily and Neos are, I can't find Tank" Ali cursed as she locked the door with her own personal code, Frost raised an eyebrow at the motion. "You still know the security lock here..." Ali shot the man a death glare before the two ran to wards their location.

"That's not your concern, let's get going and deal with this now. two level 10 combatants, there's only 5 in the base as far as I know of" Ali grunted as the two made their way, they could feel rumbling and yells coming through the base, the fight had moved from one room to the other as the two fought. Tank stared blankly as he still remained cornered against the wall, tucking his knees into his chest, looking down as his arms covered his head, there was a lifeless stare the teenager showed to the carpet of the floor. The boy didn't react to the alarms or commotion coming out from his own room, he had slipped back into his room without Gene noticing as he was watching over Lily and Neos. Dante just hugged his body more, sighing as he tried to block everything out of his mind, all the painful memories of his old life with his father.
[/color][/color]

[Akieen Cloud]

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

[Shwa]

Both Ali and Demitri stood in the center of the High Counsel's light, the room a hush as the Shield addressed the two in the shadows of his throne, nothing was said as both Ali and Demitri stood side by side one another, both still huffing and heaving for air after their battle with Felix. The high counselor Shield waited impatiently as his men went to fetch his grandson, Demitri thought it would be Dante due to his tie with all this mess. The giant gave a low growl as he remembered the hurt and fear in his sons voice, he knows if Ali would have been called things could have gotten a lot worse for her if she confronted the massive man on her own, Demitri was thinking on pure rage and revenge when he combated the fiend. He should have saw the warning signs when they rescued the man from his home town and brought them to the woods, but now that he was in the same base as Dante, thing would be a little more complicated. They had to protect Berserk, in fear that he was on the list as well as the other mystery members of the illusive 12 he was hunting, now his death count was getting higher and higher to the final 12th member he sought after for so long. Demitri shook a little, along with his wife as the doors could be heard opening in the distance, Madam touch walked slowly as she held onto Dante's large hand, the boy was bruised and battered as he walked slowly still trailing behind his grandmother. Finally making their way to the light, both Demitri and Ali gasped as they saw their son, he only wore his sweat pants now, Madam touch changed his clothing so the counsel could see the extent of his defeated body. Dante showed only a distant gaze as he looked at the ground, trying to hide behind his grandmother's own body even though the boy towered her height more than he realized. Ali's eyes filled with tears as she tried to step forward, but was halted by a stern voice.

"STAY WHERE YOU ARE COMMANDER TALON!!" Shield was stern and demanding, Ali scowled at the command as she looked up into the shadows.

"Are you out of your mind? That's my son....how can you expect me to just stand here when he's injured?" Her voice echoed withing the chambers, but none of the other members spoke as they saw her reactions. Though nobel for her motherly instincts, foolish in the chambers of the High Counsel members. Demitri gritted his teeth together, feeling the same worry for their son, but he knew better than to express such emotion and rage to those who were more powerful than any of his team members, even his own self. Pavlos looked down at the group, squinting his eyes in anger before he continued to speak.

"Boy!" His voice echoed, Dante shook as he squeezed his hand tighter on his grandmother, Touch placed her other hand on his back trying to calm the boy, both Ali and Demitri said nothing as he was addressed by the counsel member. "How did you receive those wounds?" Dante didn't look up as he felt more memories flood his mind about the fight, and about his past, silent tears fell from his face and onto the floor, Ali grew furious by the minute. Dante finally found the courage to speak up, softly, yet his voice was amplified by the chamber walls.

"I was attacked.....by a man..." Demitri raised an eyebrow at the statement.

[color="#0000FF"][i][b](Dante, you know who did this to you...why wont you speak up? This is your chance![/b][/i][/color]) Demitri grew angry at the boy, knowing the counsel couldn't offer any extra protection against Felix unless the boy confessed to their ears. There was some slight chit chat amongst the rest of the counsel, Sheild began to lose himself as well, all they needed was a confession and they would have Felix confined to the brig. Even if he was under their protection, the boy grew on Pavlos as a family member, he wanted nothing but the best protection for them in any circumstance. Again, Pavlos continued his interrogation with Dante.

"Do you know the name of you attacker?" The change in his tone was not something that wouldn't have been noticed, more stern and direct. Still, Dante hesitated with his thought, tired and weak from his sores. Broken ribs and fractured cheek bone from his strike to the face, hish shoulder badly bruised from where Felix picked him up and applied pressure when holding the boy against the steel wall before he was rescued by Sasa, Ali grew impatient now. Slowly, she moved one of her hands from behind her back and let it rest at her side, moving her fingers ever so slightly the woman tried to calm her son down with her powers, but just as quickly as she tried, a small throwing knife crossed the top of her palm, making the woman wince in pain. The knife came from the shadows of the room, Demitri tried to pinpoint the exact location, but it was too fast for his eyes. Ali hissed at the new pain as she cupped her bleeding hand to her chest.

"[color="#006400"][i][b]Commander Talon, no powers are to be used during the meeting with the High Counsel, we know this is your first time in such an interrogation, but your recklessness is not something we will tolerate here. Is that understood?[/b][/i][/color]" The distant voice was stern just as Pavlos was, Ali gritted her teeth in anger, but only gave the slightest of nods. Demitri clenched his fists together, this was a serious incident, he felt the same way Ali felt for their son, all he wanted to do was take them home and make sure they were alright. The giant could see his wife was in pain, her body not fully healed and the fight with Felix took a lot out of her. "[i][b][color="#006400"]Demitri Athens..[/color][/b][/i]" The voice caught the mans attention as he stared forward once again. "[color="#006400"][i][b]Your conduct with rules and regulations for your position can not be excused. You shall be excused from you duties and be restricted to the base for a period of 48 hours. Is that understood?[/b][/i][/color]" Demitri closed his eyes and tried his best to calm himself, but he had to obey the orders that were given. "[color="#006400"][i][b]Alex Talon, you will be under the same restrictions as well, let this be a lesson that rank doesn't make you the person you are today.[/b][/i][/color]" Ali grunted at the momment, feeling like she was being treated by a child to these elderly soldiers. Pavlos spoke once again to Dante, hoping to get the boy some signs of relief.

"Dante, this is your last chance for protection, will you give the name of the man who did this to you?" Dante still stared blankly to the floor, he didn't answer, even when Touch tried to calm the boy with a small back rub, he was unresponsive. Demitri looked at his son, feeling guilty and hurt to see him in that condition, suddenly, a voice echoed into his head.

([color="#48D1CC"][i][b]Demitri, whats wrong with him? The counsel can't do much and we're limited ourselves on watching our son.[/b][/i][/color]) Ali sent a mental message, Demitri felt relaxed, its been too long since he's communicated with her in such a way, feeling it was the one of few links he still had with his wife.

([color="#0000FF"][i][b]He's probably too shaken up, the poor boy is probably drained physically and mentally. I mean come on Ali...look at our son![/b][/i][/color]) Demitri grew a frown, frustrated and tired of worrying about everything, he too was beginging to burn out.

([color="#48D1CC"][b][i]I know that, but...I-I feel so helpless. I just want to comfort our baby[/i][/b][/color])

[color="#0000FF"][i][b](I know, so do I[/b][/i][/color]).

Still time passed as they talked, nothing came from Dante's lips as he held onto his grandmother. The small chatter had stopped moment ago, waiting for a response from the boy, but they finally knew nothing would come from him.

"[color="#FF8C00"][i][b]It is with a sad heart to dismiss the case, Felix shall be free to roam the halls of the base without any restrictions. He will be guarded at all times by two assigned commanders, and will not be permitted to come near the eastern living quarters of the base[/b][/i][/color]" The voice spoke, Ali snapped her head back to the shadows and spoke herself.

"That's it?!?! Those are you only restrictions to this mad man who's harmed my son?" She was hurt and angry, feeling like she could shed more tears until she was stopped, Demitri had grabbed her hand tight, he said nothing, but held onto her hand, finally Ali squeezed back and looked down. They were defeated for now.

"[color="#FF8C00"][i][b]Unlike Commandant Athens and yourself, this man was attacked in his own chambers by a higher ranking officer, then you joined in the assault Commander. Though the boy shows obvious signs of abuse and assault, there are not camera footage or eye witnesses that approached any other higher ranking officer about the matter. No documents filed, nothing. As I said before, it is with a heavy heart, but do not take my kindness for weakness Commander. This meeting is finished[/b][/i][/color]" Madam touch quickly stood underneath Tank, carrying his weight as she made her way to the med war, the counsel members could be heard leaving their seats and making their way out of the chambers, still in the darkness of the shadows. Ali and Demitri both turned and went after Touch to be at their sons side. Back in the Med Ward, Madam Touch and Patch both worked on Dante, able to heal some of his wounds, but not everything as the bruises still showed on his ribs and shoulder. He was mentally blocking everyone out of his mind, Ali held onto the teens hand the whole time, Demitri sitting by his bed as he rested.

"I'll take him back to my quarters, at least I'll be off from work to watch over him while you're looking out after Marcus" Demitri sighed as he stood up from his chair and grabbed a cup of coffee to ease his mind. Ali rubbed the back of her neck softly, her healing went smoothly as well, but still needed rest from her other wounds.

"Don't you mean "our" quarters?" She tried to give him a friendly smile, but she only saw a frown on his face. "I'm sorry"

"You don't need to be, can you at least tell me this. What you two mated?" Ali held her breath in for a moment, looking into his tired hazel eyes, she sighed and answered.

"Yes...yes we have Demitri..." The giant nodded as he tossed his empty cup into the trash, going over to Dante's side as he carefully picked up the teen in his arms, slightly heavier than he would have expected, he began to walk the two back to his quarters. "Where are you going?" Demitri stopped before turning back to his wife, his own eyes watery as he spoke.

"I'm going home, to the family I have left, who I know won't leave" Ali stood from her chair, walking closer as she placed a hand on Dante's sleeping chest, feeling the rise and fall from his breathing.

"You don't mean that, do you Demitri?" The giant's tears dripped down his face, Ali cupped the side of his cheek softly as he gave a low growl, missing her touch and scent after all these weeks.

"I think I do...I'm sorry love B-but this is too much for me to handle right now..." Ali took her hand back slowly, his words hitting her harder than she expected, Demitri walked out of the room and towards the hallway to his own quarters. Ali found her seat once again, noticing something shinny on the counter top, getting up again she drew closer until she saw what was sitting there. Both Demitri and Ali's wedding bands, and Ali's diamond ring on a single key chain, she couldn't help but cry knowing he had left them there for her.

[Akieen Cloud]

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