CF: #34 CF2: #4

"Double Trouble"

Led by Dylan Crossman

"And on that they there to this land the Crystal Fighters, protectors of all that is good. And there came evil and it took more to battle this, and the tides that are the universe parted."--ancient Crystalian prophet

CF1 UNIVERSE

Iam was flying through the void of interstellar space, wings spread and clearly at peace with himself. Despite his inability to defeat Donovan, things were going well. He'd yet to detect any major sources of evil within this universe with his cosmic knowledge. He was about to descend into a planet's atmosphere to stop a meteor shower, when a crimson power bolt slammed into his back. He howled in pain and turned to face his attacker. He gasped.

The woman was clearly evil. Purple, almost black skin, raven hair down to her ankles, horns and cloven hooves, and large bat-like wings. She wore only a metallic bikini and gold bracelets and anklets. What surprised Iam even more was that his cosmic awareness gave him nothing on her. She was from outside this world.

"Why did you attack me?" he demanded, "I have done nothing to you." Golden energy glowed in his hands as he prepared for what he assumed would only be battle.

"Because," she said, "you're too good. You're an angle and I command all powers dark. Now, DIE!" She fired twin bolts of energy, which he met with his own power. Another bolt got past his guard, burning his flesh. For only the second time in his brief existence, the angel knew fear. He knew he could not defeat her on his own, but he did have allies. The Crystal Fighters. Tapping into his energy reserves, he transformed light into a signal, sending the Destiny a view of his current position and battle. He just managed to set this relay up, when the demon woman called forth plasma from the near-by sun, seemingly burning him to nothingness. In truth, she had merely teleported him to a predetermined meeting place for her and her ally.

THE DESTINY, BRIDGE:

"You're positive, Tachyon, Pyro, that this is where Iam's transmission came from?"" Entropy asked.

"Yes," Tachyon said. He'd just recently redesigned his armor, somehow acquiring enough crystal material to increase the suit to six inches. He'd also painted the gloves, boots, and chest-piece white, the helmet red, and the arms and legs a blackish color. "We've also detected the last bits of an interdimensional portal..."

"And we think Laina can increase its power so we can take the Destiny through and follow," Pyro added.

"Iam's helped us out of several jams," Entropy said after several moments, "it's worth the risk, if we can finally help him." Kaliana, also on the bridge and using her power to keep the solar flares at bay, nodded.

"Iam helped protect Deyja and me back on Faia... He deserves whatever help we can give. But who was the woman?"

"We don't know," Pyro said, "but something about her seems...almost familiar...."

THE CF2 UNIVERSE:

"You don't know where Laguna went?" Breakor asked.

"No...," Nick admitted, "and with the scanners not working due to the storm, we won't be able to until it clears. Want me to send Will and Robby to scout?"

"No... he can take care of himself," Frankie interrupted, "Iris is still linked to him on some level, so she'll let us know if there's trouble." All three stopped talking as a scream split the air.

"That came...," Nick said.

"From...," Breakor prompted.

"Iris's room!” Iris of course, was screaming from the affects of a spell cast not by Solara, but by her extra-dimensional ally Donovan. Transforming her, at least for now, into a physical match for Solara's demon-like form.

CF2:

Iris took a look at her now darkish colored hand, and gasped. By now, the other three had gotten to her room. "Laguna's gone, Someone took him!! We have to find him!"

CF1:

Donovan had awaited the disappearance of Iam before he acted. With a call to a lesser demon, he told him to watch over the kingdom while he was away. And off, he went.. in search of Laguna. Tala blinked when she saw the image.

"A demon? Attacking Iam?"

Entropy turned to her.

"Do you.."

"Know her? No. But look at the wingspan, and the cloven feet. Obvious references to judo-Christian demons. Most of us look human, when we want. But a few retain their wings. My father is one of them. But he keeps them folded, so they look like a cape.”

CF2:

Laguna had responded to a mental cry for help. Iris had heard it as well, but knew Laguna could help himself. She had returned to practicing a freeze spell. A young man sat outside the castle, his leg broken. Beside him was a gold colored Crystal. As Laguna neared, he saw angry slash marks on the man's clothes.

"Something.. a creature.. attacked me.."

"A Vile, most likely. Because you're one of us."

"Can you.. can you heal me? I didn't think anyone would come out.."

"Yes, just let me get a bit closer.." He never got the chance. For once he was within striking range, green colored flames raced from the man's false Crystal. Laguna fell, and Iris stumbled, feeling his pain.

~Laguna?!?~ Before he could answer, another voice rang in her head. A dark, chilling voice.

*Sorry, but your mind partner must go now. But since you two are so close, I'll leave you a gift.* With that, she felt searing pain, and cried out.

Laguna lay beside Iam, wrapped in dark chains. Donovan was holding his usual wine goblet, and once again, offered a drink to Solara.

"Now.. I believe.. onto phase two?" He smiled, darkly.

CF1:

Kevin sat in his room in the castle, meditating, trying to feel around time and space, something didn't feel right. His experience in the "dream" with Trax. His sync with the timeline was all messed up and he couldn't be sure how long till Trax would have the power to enter this plane.

"I give it a month and a half, maybe less." Trax's voice rang through Kevin's mind. Kevin stood up and spun around, putting a energy bolt through an image of Trax and into a wall, blowing the wall to little bits.

"Please, don't over react, I decided to pop into your mind when you’re awake, so you know that I really AM coming, and your pathetic days are numbered."

"They’re ready and so am I Trax, you’re gonna find this a lot harder then you thought."

"I wouldn't bet on it, my Heji Warriors are much more powerful then you last saw them. And I am incredibly powerful compared to any of you. How else could I have killed 1000 of your kind?"

"Places to go, timelines to destroy?"

"Something like that, see you in 45 days, brother...."

CF1

"So, we're en route?" Kaliana asked, though it wasn't really a question. Of course they were, then again, they were always en route to danger. Still, this new trial made her nervous, enough to keep her pacing.

"Yeah, yeah, we'll be there soon."

Dianthe was elsewhere on the ship, just idly walking through it. Strangely enough, she did not feel nearly as confined here. Before, she was always edging away from the pressing traces of civilization on the outskirts of her natural home.

CF2

"Iris?" Dele exclaimed at the woman's next cry, she turned, eyes almost burning, to the others, "What's happening to her?" In that moment, she hated this place and its unpredictable magic, but the feeling passed. This was also the place of fresh light and air where people lived in happiness, not poverty. Because of them. She would do whatever she could to ensure their peace and innocence; the CFs always took the hurt and destruction upon themselves, as well as the solution. And they were always the ones to pay the dire price.

"Iris--" She stopped abruptly, staring hard at their companion and harder into herself. She couldn't allow this concern, especially in their line of work when one could loose so easily. For all she knew, they were loosing Iris right now. With determination, she fairly stormed out of the room to drag in the nearest doctor, healer whatever, willing or unwilling.

CF1

Lark watched as the mechanical monstrosity whined its gears, opening a large hatch at the bottom so that Destiny could lift out and over the Crystalia-like planet. Pyro and Tachyon couldn't be sure that the ship could fly safely while still holding the planet's gravitational pull. Even though she knew it wasn't her real home, just some kind of cloned planet or something, but it was all she had left of her homeworld. To leave it in this unguarded sense, she was afraid it would some how be gone when they returned. Lark watched from the window as the planet grew distant and Destiny headed for its destination.

CF1 Universe:

Tachyon watched the planet Crystalia below the Destiny. He read the sensors panel.

"This is definitely an interdimensional rift. We don't know where it'll lead... But, when did that ever stop us before." He was just glad they hadn't moved the Crystalians back to the planet, since they were leaving it undefended. Ganthet and Solara reviewed the tape of the message from Iam.

"There is something unmistakably familiar about that woman," he said. "But I cannot place it. We've encountered few demons in our time fighting evil." Solara shivered, or at least seemed to. She had no sense of temperature anymore, but something just felt evil.

"Yes...," she said. "Almost... you know, like we've met her before." At least, she thought, she was back with the CFs and even Crystalia was returned.

CF2 UNIVERSE:

Frankie suppressed the urge to choke. Iris... Who had done this to her? Breakor shot him what he interpreted to be a questioning look.

"I'm sorry... This is beyond my magic. I might be able to do something, given time. I can cast a few spells, try to track down the source." "Iris...," he continued, "are you alright? Not feeling nuts? Not in pain?"

ELSEWHERE:

Iam came to slowly, his cosmic senses coming up empty. His wings had large spikes of black energy pinning him to the wall, and he was chained. He turned his head slowly to face Laguna.

"I am Iam, protector of the universe from which I come. Who are you? Did the demon-woman attack you as well?" He tried to call upon his cosmic energies, and came up empty. "I fear we may have to wait for my allies, the Crystal Fighters, to rescue us."

Solara smiled evilly. "Yes," she said to Donovan. "The Crystal Fighters from your universe have just entered the portal I left open and should arrive in my universe shortly." She nodded, her forked tongue running over her fangs, "And with any luck, they will destroy each other."

CF2 UNIVERSE

SOLARA'S CASTLE:

The woman called Kyi, transformed into what Solara had looked like before being corrupted by dark powers, struggled against the energy barrier keeping her in the cell. She'd managed to gain some measure of free will, while Solara was not in this dimension.... And if she could just remember her white magiks...

CF2

"No... I'm not in pain. But I look like.. " She put a hand to her forehead, closing her eyes as a wave of dizziness washed over her. "Whoever did it.. is not of this world.. I sensed that much." She sat down, gingerly. "Ooo.. once I find him. I will kill him." Then, smiling slightly.. she looked up at those remaining. "I'll be alright guys, trust me."

ELSEWHERE

Laguna looked at Iam, then his eyes widened as he said the words. "You know the Crystal Fighters as well? Unless, there are two teams..." A pause. "My manners.." He smiled slightly. "I am Laguna.. Crystal mage. I was attacked, but not by a demon woman. Rather by a young man.."

"Donovan.." Iam muttered. "They have captured us for a reason... but why?"

Donovan smiled, taking a small sip from his red liquid. "Ah, it appears the two are awake. Strong spirits.." He could hardly wait to feast on them. Let the fighters take care of themselves. After he drank Laguna's and Iam's blood, he would be more powerful then ever. And ruler of both realms. However, he'd allow Solara to live, one never had enough servants.

CF1

Laina and Blade had finally joined them.

"Whoa.. who's that?" Before anyone could answer, Laina continued.

"Tala on a really bad hair day?"

Tala smirked, while Blade rolled his eyes.

"No, it's some demon that showed up outta nowhere.. she's not from this dimension. Her magics.. are different from any I've seen."

"Hmm, so we're off to go save someone else's world? Cool."

CF2 UNIVERSE:

Frankie managed a reassuring smile. He flicked his wrist, pulling a tube of children's bubble formula and blower. Breakor's beak clicked together in surprise. Frankie's magic was...unusual to say the least. But it was likely to be effective. Frankie blew a stream of bubbles of around Iris. His eyes went wide.

"It's not Solara.... It's not even of this dimension. And incredibly powerful.... equal to what we've seen Solara demonstrate." This was of course, based on the power levels they'd seen demonstrated by the evil woman's proxy Kyi. They'd yet to fight the real Solara.

The roof:

"What is it Robby? Why's the sky look so funny?" Will asked.

"My scanners indicate a gathering of energies not-unlike those that bring the Crystal Fighters here... Similar, but not quite. Stronger. Something big is coming," the robot replied.

Inside:

Raven was alone in her room, meditating. She had to learn to master her precognitive abilities. Suddenly, she got a flash of the future. Strange beings, as varied as they were, and a massive, deadly looking ship. She rose. She needed to tell somebody.... Those people would be here soon!

CF1 UNIVERSE, BRIDGE OF THE DESTINY:

The CFs were all on the bridge now, watching the interdimensional void swirl about them.

"I don't like this...," Entropy said. "We don't know what we're getting into....or what we'll be facing. I've always had the feeling that Iam could mop the floor with us if we ever had to fight him. Anything strong enough to beat him has to be bad."

"I agree," Doc Tachyon said, "but we've beaten other powerful foes... We can do it again. ....ETA to the end of this warp is thirty minutes."

Grey sat in a corner, absently chewing on a bone. He hated being on the Destiny. There were few smells here, everything was so cold and sterile... He felt half blind.

Ganthet and Solara simply watched the multi-colored void swirl about the ship. It was quite the sight to see after all. Zealen focused on the task at hand. He'd battled many foes alongside the Crystal Fighters, but none that looked that powerful. What if...what if his suit was damaged during battle? He could die! But...he couldn't allow himself to think like that.

ELSEWHERE:

"I do not know," Iam replied, "but it cannot be for anything good. But I must trust in my allies. They are quite experienced at this sort of thing, and have beaten back many a deadly foe." The look of Laguna's face was one of surprise.

"Those cannot be the Crystal Fighters I've been watching over... They are new to this, inexperienced."

"Other Crystal Fighters? Not impossible. Mine have met at least one other set, but those were doubles..." Solara took a drink of a green liquid she'd magiked-up. Donovan was such a fool. She definitely knew the Crystal Fighters would decimate each other... And then she could best Donovan. She'd sacrifice him, and gain even greater power.

Laguna nodded, then frowned. "I think it would be prudent for us to try and escape." Iam might have been pinned, but he was only in bonds. He tried a simple spell, and as he cast it....

Iris let out a muffled yelp of pain.

"Are you alright?"

Her eyes were burning, but she refused to cry. To cry was to give into weakness, and she knew right now she had to be strong. "Ma..maybe it's an after effect of that spell..."

Donovan smiled at Solara, bowed his head, then appeared before the two captives.

"Trying to escape Laguna? I should warn you.. every spell you cast will slowly kill Iris. Until the spell I put upon her wears off. Which won't be oh... say for a another month or so." He had a feeling..most of the times, these feelings turned out to be right. What if the fighters were not able to destroy each other, and these two escaped? This would at least still give him a chance at of these two.. it didn't matter which.

CF1

"Tala?"

She glanced over her shoulder, expecting to see Entropy there.. instead it was Blade. She smiled slightly. She still had to get used to how alike they looked.

"I know, it the same when I see you and Laina together. Physically the same, yet inside.. two very different shades. I came.. because it seems something is brothering you."

"Yea.. actually.. something is."

"Oh? Perhaps I can help...?" Tala chuckled, and shook her head. "It's just.. we're going against a demon. They're basically ageless, have weaknesses against only a few metals or magics, and are really evil to boot. Most have bad tempers as well."

Blade smiled at the last part.

"..But.." He added. "I'm certain she's not of this world, so I don't know if the rules will hold true to her. I just hope..." "...Hope what?" He asked.

"That we can beat her. I just have a bad feeling about this."

Lark grabbed Entropy by the shoulder.

"We have to talk," she waved him into a room.

"What?" Entropy asked.

"Aren’t you going to do anything about these new members, Solara and Blade, I mean they just came back from the dead out of nowhere and no one seems the least bit curious. They're just accepting that the aliens could some how pluck their dead friends out of the universe and bring them back. And yes I know, I’ve been with the CF almost a year now and at least around them on Crystalia almost two, weirder things have happened, but am I the only one that realizes there is something wrong here!!!!" Lark stopped to catch her breath and then look Entropy deep in his eyes, "I'm just really concerned that the others judgment is being clouded by the joy of having lost friends back, and I that their guard might be dropped when the sneak attack hits.”

CF1

Dianthe felt, more than heard, the vibrations of passionate words in the air. She continued towards them, curiously and caught part of Lark's strong speech. She stopped her forward motion when she reached the CF's side then nodded her affirmation of the argument.

"Durv does not easily give up his gifts," she did not comprehend why anyone would want to leave the bounty of the afterlife anyway. "Technology cannot bring back the spirit," The scientists were exactly that, they worked in the realms of the physical and the surface of the mind.

"Even the highest, most skilled of our holy family does not have such lore, and even if they did, they would not use it." Her position on the subject was clear, such an act was a weak smite against the whims of Immortals, to dispute them is the direst sacrilege.

Kaliana frowned like vengeance at the controls, a demon? That just figured. The CFs seemed to attract all manner of evil; she should have known it would be a short time before they met up with such a creature. A creature that radiated evil and power to such a degree that even she, with no trace of psi abilities, could pick it up and shudder. Perhaps that was part of the scheme of things for the demon, to make anyone who didn't cringe at the sight, cower at the overbearing puissance.

Lark looked at Dianthe as if she were ridicules, "You shouldn't be talking preacher girl, I'm concerned about your presence even more, I mean you took Zelda's crystal and she suddenly disappeared and we’re just suppose to accept you like your not a threat!!!!"

"A threat?!" Dianthe exclaimed, scandalized, "I am a servant of Isalla! And I did not *steal* anyone's Crystal, it came to me."

"Oh *really*? You grabbed it right off the floor, fresh out of Zelda's hands, what kind of CF *are* you?"

The alien woman glared at Lark and held out the Crystal, "Then take it."

Lark reached out to claim what had been her friend's, but she found that she couldn't. Literally couldn't. It didn't hurt her, a Crystal with that type of spirit could never injure an innocent touch. Dianthe, point proven, turned and stalked away, letting her Crystal reform into her Kiav.

Lark was hot now; she turned to Entropy. "Well, what are you going to do about all this!!!!"

Entropy growled low in his throat, looking at Lark as she continued to rant. He shut his eyes, trying to calm down...and failing.

The backhanded slap caught Lark on the cheek, sending her to the floor. She looked a bit shocked; she'd never seen him angry like this before.

"What am I going to do? That, for one. Your yelling isn't getting anything done. I'm the leader here and I do NOT APPRECIATE BEING ORDERED AROUND!!"

Lark shuddered slightly, the fear of god successfully put into her.

"Secondly, I'm going to watch these newer arrivals. That includes you, Dianthe. I'm not going to do anything to anybody, on the condition that they don't give me a reason to do something against them. However, if you or Solara, or Blade, give any indication whatsoever that you're going to be of harm to ANY CF, I WILL take you out quickly and without question. Understood?" He turned back to Lark, helping her to her feet. "That work for you?"

A muttered "Yes." was her only response.

"Now, get back to the bridge. Everyone should be waiting, we'll deal with any problem as it comes."

BRIDGE

"We just going to attack?" she half-growled in frustration, these beings were supposed to be unbelievably powerful, "Or does Pyro have some demon-killing weapon in storage?"

CF2

Dele's face set into hard lines of severity against herself as Iris came back to them. She glowered at a wall behind Iris, a court mage trailing warily behind her. She crossed her arms and took a step back to let magic deal with magic.

CF1

"Kid come to the control center," Pyro said into his Wristcom. A moment later Kevin appeared through a portal.

"What’s up?" Kevin said, staring at the view screen.

"That's not a dimensional warp is it?"

"No, its not. Were crossing over timelines, not dimensions. But timeline warps aren’t just random things. They’re created by force, not by nature."

"That’s bad right?"

"Very, someone is leading us somewhere. And that means we probably got some fighting ahead of us."

"Good, it’s been a while since I bashed a few heads."

"Well, you did bash your head pretty good on that tube."

"Shut up."

CF2 UNIVERSE:

The Destiny appeared as a new star, high in the sky above Crystalia.

Using its comlink, Robby alerted Breakor.

Breakor flicked a switch on the wall, activated the newly installed PA system.

"We've got a ship of some kind above the castle... I want everyone outside in five minutes. If needed, we'll be taking Robby up to investigate."

"I'm coming too," Iris insisted.

"No way babe," Frankie said, "you can't. You're still kinda weak..."

"I told you I'm FINE, Frankie. And I know I told you to stop calling me "babe.""

"No, you told me to stop calling you "Xena"," Frankie shot back.

"People!" Nick interrupted, "Can we control the flirting?"

Five minutes later, the CFs of this universe were gathered in front of the castle as a portal-disk, (UA's, obviously) opened before them.

****

Ten minutes previous, on the Destiny:

"Um...," Eme said.

"This... this looks just like," Lark started to say.

"Crystalia!" Solara finished. "But...we left that back there...didn't we?"

Lark looked across the land, it was Crystalia as she remembered, before it's destruction, not like the fake one with no life. On this one the people still ran happy and free and the peaceful lands and children's laughter still caught the wind.

Her eyes teared deeply and she could feel Eme and Solara as if they were all one link of emotion.

"Yes," Tachyon said, curious. "But this is exactly like the one we left... Even the castle is there. But we didn't cross-time, merely penetrated the void that keeps the aspects of the multiverse apart.

"Right," Entropy said, clearly wishing the tiny doc would use slightly less complicated speech. "I want everyone down there in a few minutes. We'll ask whoever's in the castle about what's going on. I'd not normally suggest taking Deyja and Rupay along... But brining children should be a sign of our good intentions."

"And besides," Deyja piped up, "We can take care of ourselves!"

"Stick close to them Grey, in case it gets ugly," Entropy ordered.

"I understand," the Tyger replied.

"One portal, coming up...," UA said.

Now:

The two teams stood before each other, clearly surprised and stunned.

"That's her!" Kalina said, pointing at Iris, "the one who attacked Iam!"

"That's... That cannot be Eme," Moon said. "It must be an imposter."

Clearly, there was going to be a great misunderstanding. As such, a battle broke out.

"Bloody Hell." Entropy said, pulling out the Griever as the discussion developed into a fight. Squaring off against the centaur, their apparent leader, he took up a defensive stance. The centaur's four-legged stature and height, as well as his spear, gave him a distinct range advantage, but still, what's a range advantage against the Griever? Entropy grumbled, fending off blows from the spear as he thought up a plan of attack...or disablement, at least.

"But I did't... I mean, you guys..."

Iris sputtered as Tala was the first to attack her. But she easily dodged the blast. She couldn't believe it. They.. the actual CF's that she had watched on t.v. .. were here! And this meant, this wasn't some funky dream or a bad trip. This was real. Really real.

Blade held back from the fight. His first duty was to protect Laina, the CFs came second. But something.. was not quite right here. About that girl..

ELSEWHERE

"Wonderful. They are together."

Donovan's black sphere expanded, turning into a large square. He then made two thrones appeared, and bowed to Solara.

"Shall we watch?"

CF2

Ashe called up a gust of wind, which knocked Tala over.

"Frankie!!" He yelled above the wind. "Get her out of her! They think she's Solara, and will try to kill her!"

Frankie, acting quickly, pulled a protesting Iris out of the fight.. trying to get her away from harm.

Laina was the first to retaliate on Ashe.

"Aiding one of evil? You'll pay for that!"

She attacked, making him cut of the wind, so he could block. Tala once again went after Iris and Frankie this time, shadows racing after them.

"Not good!" Nick said as his armor appeared around him, he lit his thrusters and launched into the air.

"Flying, that’s not very FAIR!" Pyro said as he charged a shot.

Kevin was standing there quietly, something just wasn't right about this whole thing.

"KRIMSON BLAST" Pyro fired at Nick, hitting Nick's left thruster and sending him slamming into the ground.

"PYRO, NO!" Kevin grabbed his arm before he could fire again, "DOESN'T ANYONE ELSE NOTICE SOMETHING WEIRD ABOUT THIS?"

"The Queen..?" Dele stared at the fighters as they began to attack and she heard the cry. These people were trying to play dirty with them, that was obvious. The nearest Target was Tala. She brought forth an outburst of red light, one of the least powerful and least solid colors, but it swirled disorienting around the other woman.

Kaliana was furious at how easily the CFs were provoked into an attack, especially when she saw that a few of their opponents had Crystals very much like their own. She did not fully attack, however she sent out a few warning shots which exploded at various intervals a few feet away from anyone living. Maybe it would get their attention and they could all figure out *what* was going on.

Dianthe's face darkened as she saw her comrades attacked, she didn't yet feel accepted or welcomed but she knew that would take time, still..to be insulted like that earlier! Did these people not have manners? She loosened her grip of her Kiav and let it drop through her hands until they reached the right point. With a sharp twist, two blades slid out of the ends of the wooden staff. Now battle-ready, she headed into the fray.

As the red surrounded Tala, she dropped the shadows that she had been attacking with. They were fighting against fellow Crystals, she just realized that now. But they were protecting the woman who had taken Iam. Why? Unless it was another clan of Dark Crystal warriors.. which had been before she joined.. but had heard about.

Ashe and Laina dueled, till finally he had enough. His blade took on a familiar icy sheen, and as the blades met.. hers froze. He shattered it with another blow from his sword, then her and Blade were sent tumbling backwards.

However, when he heard Kevin shouting, he paused. There was something odd about this..

Iris stopped Frankie short.

"We can't leave! I have to help them!"

"They are trying to kill you. Won't help anyone if you end up dying."

"I have to go back! Those are Crystal Fighters! The real ones! They aren't just a t.v. show!"

He just shook his head, and started to pull her away once again.

ELSEWHERE

"Hmmm..." Donovan stroked his chin in thought.

"We must keep them busy before they try and work out a truce."

With a wave of his hand, dozens of dark bats appeared.

"Take human forms, and attack. Kill as many as you can."

They flew off, and Donovan turned to Solara.

"Any ideas?"

CF2

Lark and Solara moved to take a defensive stance around Eme, although they knew she truly possessed more power then they ever could, they still felt it necessary. Eme pointed to the sky, several humanoid bat creatures were coming down seemingly out of nowhere to attack.

Dele hesitated infinitesimally as Tala dropped the shadows she had been attacking with. She frowned slightly, what had she stopped..? A tentative sparkle of stronger blue light, tinged with hints of red, neared Tala, poised, but did not advance farther.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

Kaliana continued her warnings shots, blowing up one of Nick's weapons in the process.

Dianthe twinned her way through the gathering, twirling her Kiav with tense skill as she searched for an unoccupied fighter of the other side. She hoped she could use this battle to prove herself to the CFs. She was not going to betray them, she could never do that and intend to live the rest of her live.

"We are the Crystal Fighters..."

Tala waited a few moments, as she didn't receive an instant reply. If these people were Dark Crystal holders, wouldn't she have attacked once she heard that?

"Why are you helping the one that attacked our ally?"

ELSEWHERE

Donovan frowned thoughtfully as he watched the current events. He then saw the black cloud, heading for where the two groups were.

"Ahh... there they are."

Laguna turned to study Iam, who had become silent.. most likely in thought. He couldn't use his magic, and the bonds he was in dampened his other abilities. Unless they were able to get out, and soon.. he had a feeling everyone's goose would be cooked.

CF2

Laina turned, as did Blade. Even Grey cocked his head at the noise they could hear. Wings? And over the sound of battle... perhaps it was flying Vile? That was when the bats attacked, randomly picking fighters from both sides.

Breakor landed a solid kick, sending Entropy reeling, while Frankie's shotgun blew a hole through Ganthet's stomach. XPR79, who formed into Magna Sentinel around Will, tried tagging the diminutive Doctor Tachyon, whose pulse bolts splattered against the android's shield.

~Why?~ thought the doctor. ~is the robot protecting a child?~

~Why?~ computed the robot, ~are these beings protecting children, if they are evil?~

Solara's light bolt and Lark's sword lightning kept Raven at bay.

It was then, that Breakor and Entropy noticed the bats.

"I believe," the centaur said, "that this is a threat to us both. It would be wiser for us to join forces, than to add to the problem."

Entropy swatted at the bats with his sword, reluctantly nodded his agreement.

ELSEWHERE

"A pity," the evil Solara said, "that they were coming to realize they were on the same side all too soon. Perhaps we should have done something about the children.... But, as the humans says, 'live and learn.'"

Iam spoke again, after considering something. "Donovan said any use of your magics or power would harm someone.... Iris?"

Laguna nodded.

"What if you had outside energy? Like my wings? They are ethereal energy, and will regenerate. But, as they are damaged now, I have no use for them."

"The children..."

Donovan mused thoughtfully.

"There might still be a way to get them to attack each other. Would you like to control Iris?"

Solara looked at him, one eyebrow arching.

"Laguna can't use his magics, or she'll die. However, for as long as she remains in that state, I have slight mental control over her. Here."

A glob of black oily substance grew from his palm, slowly becoming a linked band of little beads.

"Wear this, it should work for a few hours."

She put it on, and he answered her question before she could ask.

"Only a few hours, because too much control, and she'll snap. And I don't know what will happen.. she could very well find her way here and kill us. Laguna and I know why he picked her. Perhaps I'll tell you... After this is all over and done with."

As Solara put on the bracelt, Iris put a hand to her forehead.

"Frankie."

"What now?" He sighed.

"Go back to the to the others."

"But."

"Do it! Just go. Please. They're going to need your help in a few minutes..."

He was about to protest, when she looked at him. But instead of the usual ice blue color her eyes were, they were now solid orbs of black.

---------

"You are able to see through her eyes?"

"Yes."

"Very well, the bond is complete. Do as you wish."

-------

Laguna mused thoughtfully. Then shook his head.

"I possibly could, but I don't know how well it would work. Unless..

They are energy, right? If you could reshape them, and free me, I know I can get us out of here."

"What of.. the link?"

"She'll be alright.. if I only have to do it once. She's a Fighter.. she just doesn't know it yet."

CF2

Dele stared hard at Tala, "What the h*ll are you talking about?? *We're* the CFs!" she pronounced warily, with a hint of anger. These people were impersonating them?? And not very well.. Then she almost got knocked into Tala as she was attacked from behind with bats. She wasn't quite sure how to deal with the miniature living projectiles, but she did the best that she could, still watching Tala out of the corner of her eye. But, the other woman was also being attacked. They had a common enemy?

Kaliana shrouded herself in a pulsating ball of translucent gold that fried any bats which touched it.

Dianthe, however, was having a bit more trouble. She hadn't quite figured out how to access the Crystal's power, all she could do was skewer the creatures which was a bit awkward to do.

Lark evaded a bat talon, spinning beneath it and hacking off one of it's legs. She stood erect and her sword pierced one bat creature through the chest, quickly freeing the sword she spun slice a bat man in half.

Solara (the evil one) used the baubles provided by Donovan to good effect, seizing control of Iris. The transformed Crystal Fighter was forced to strike out with her elemental power, hurling fireballs at the CFs who had come from another universe.

One splattered into Entropy, who went tumbling. Breakor offered him a hand up, but he batted it aside.

"Save the false kindness, horse," Entropy snarled, "You're winged friend there is attacking us, unprovoked. We know what you're up to!"

Frankie's eyes went wide. "Iris.... What are you doing?!" This was going from bad to worse. He'd tried using his knife on wolf-thing, which bore a suspicious resemblance to the one they'd just fought a few days ago, but the blade had passed through it. That should mean they weren't evil... But he couldn't be sure. And the light-girl, protecting the Eme imposter, looked somehow familiar.

Will looked out at the battle-site, nicely shielded inside his robot friend. "Hey!" the boy said, "they got kids over there. Maybe I should try to talk to 'em!"

XPR79 would have smiled, if his configuration allowed. Will, the ten year old boy, was perhaps wiser than any of them.

"Be careful," the android said, opening up his front panel to allow the boy out. Will began to carefully make his way over to Rupay and Deyja.

ELSEWHERE

It was then that evil Solara noticed something. "The light-girl....," she said, barely able to believe it, "She's ME! So innocent...so sweet. …I've never killed a version of myself. That could be fun."

****

"My wings," Iam said, "are the only constant cosmic energy I can manifest right now. But I cannot channel it back into my body, nor reshape them. They were given to me as wings, and wings they shall be."

The angel seemed resigned to their fate for just a second, then thought of something. "I cannot access my powers, but I recall now that I am able to pass small portions of it on to other people in time of need. I believe I still can. I shall pass a measure of my holy power unto you."

"...." Laguna was silent for a moment, then nodded.

"Okay. With that, I should be able to free us, and get us back to wherever the fighters are. I just hope.. we aren't too late.."

CF2

Blade knocked Laina and another aside, saving them from an attack by the bats and the fireballs.

"We need to get her out of this fight. Not kill her, just knock her out."

"But she.."

"Is under a spell, can't you see it? The man beside her most likely knows by now. Something.. or someone is controlling her. And through that, us as well."

"Well.. go over and figure out how to break it! We'll handle the rest..."

She skewered a bat, motioning for him to go. As he began to head for Frankie, the bats disappeared. With Solara in control of Iris, the bats were no longer needed.

ELSEWHERE

"Get rid of the dark haired women, and the one in red."

Solara looked at him, as if to say "You dare to command me?"..

Donovan continued, ignoring the look.

"The two women are quite powerful.. the one next to the light casting woman is half demon. The one in red a full mage, and the woman he was just with could kill everyone there if she wished. She just doesn't know how to access her powers."

CF2

Tala turned to Dele.

"You..are Fighters as well? We have met others before.. but they were either Dark Crystal holders, or doubles of ourselves. There is something going on here..."

With a snarl, Solara (the evil one) did as asked, forcing her pawn to turn her elemental powers on Tala and Laina. Frankie was forcing himself to think, trying to remember any spell that would get them out of this. Deciding on what he hoped was the right one, he wove quick, sketchy mystic signs in the air and a bubble of energy surrounded Iris.

"Don't hurt her!" he said, keeping everyone a few paces away by pointing his shotgun at them. "She's under a spell... She can't help what she's doing!" He looked back at her, and his normally hard eyes seemed so sad, as if he actually cared about something.

"Ok...," Entropy said after a minute. "I think mistakes have been made."

"I agree," Breakor said, "and I apologize for our actions. We had just battled a group of Crystal holders who were quite evil. We suspected you to be the same, and with a duplicate of the late Queen Emerald..."

At that, Eme, Solara, and Lark all did a sharp intake of breath. It was also then that Eme noticed that Moon was staring at her.

"You can understand why," Noran finished. During most of the fight, his music had successfully kept Zealen at bay.

"And... Your friend there has been made to look like someone who attacked an ally of ours. We acted hastily," Entropy said. He held out his hand to Breakor. "I am Entropy, leader of these Crystals Fighters. Obviously, Doctor Tachyon was right when he said we'd entered another universe."

"And I am Breakor. I lead these Crystal Fighters." Introductions were hastily made, as they began to discuss what had led each to the other...and how to help Iris.

Will, meanwhile, had struck up a conversation with Deyja and Rupay. "I'm Will," he said.

"Rupay."

"Deyja. Whatta you do?"

"Nothin'. Robby does all the work, it's just my Crystal."

"Robby?" Rupay asked.

"The robot guy."

****

Solara, the evil one, screamed at Dovoan. "You're worthless! That pathetic HUMAN's bubble is blocking these baubles."

She quickly regained her composure. "Now listen and listen well. We are going back our mutual meeting place, and we are going to combine our powers and unleash the greatest wave of evil creatures this world has ever seen. While they deal with that, we shall work on turning the angel and mage against them."

***

Iam nodded, and focused all his will on giving a portion of his incredible might to Laguna. He seemed to glow less brightly, get a little weaker. But the transfer had worked. The Crystal mage now had at his disposal approximately a tenth of the angel's power.

***

Donovan sighed.

"So limited in your view. Watch."

The bracelet resumed it's oily state, then returns to Donovan's hand. He murmured something, then blew on the glob, which turned into black sand. It fell to the ground, and while he did that, the bubble surrounding Iris shattered, and she fell to the ground.

"What... did you just do?"

"She should be dead in a few hours. With her out of the way, the others will be easier to attack. Shall we go?"

He waits, his portal already opened.

------

Laguna closed his eyes, seeing Iam's power better that way. It was sure a pure, white light. Such that he had never seen, except in one other. Best to forget about that, and concentrate on the task at hand.

The pins in Iam's wings suddenly shattered, falling to the ground in smoking shards.

Laguna heaved a sigh of relief. Okay, it had worked.

"If they come back, I can create an illusion that you are still in place."

--------

Blade knelt down beside Iris, running his fingers deftly over her forehead. Frankie, Laina, and Tala are all crowded around him.

"Well?" Laina was the one to ask.

"It's not good.. some sort of link was shattered, and someone else took control of her, internally."

He sighed, leaning back, then looked at Frankie as he spole.

"She's going to die."

Kaliana threw up her hands in exasperation, but gathered back her powers, "Would you people make up your minds!" No wonder everything had happened in such a way, the CFs.. She shook her head, it had almost happened a second time and she had almost *helped* them. She was determined to be more careful along the way.

"She's not dead yet." She said of Iris. There was still time. Innocents should never die or be exposed to death, but that's just not how the world worked. Besides, who was to say this demon-woman was an innocent? How did they know it was really truth that she wasn't who they had thought she was? Revealed by a spell, a spell that could also be deceived most likely. Either way, she wasn't prepared to trust just yet, however she decided that she would wait to see what developed. Perhaps in helping this one, whether friend or foe, they would learn about her; strengths and weaknesses.

Dele reluctantly loosened her tie to the light, but she was not ready to apologize. She gave Tala a slight glare and stalked off toward her comrades.

"A link, huh?" she asked, catching the end of the conversation, "Didn't she have some connection with Laguna?" If only they could *find* the mysterious mage, perhaps they would be able to get some answers. "Why, exactly, is she doomed? And I don't need a bunch of magi-babble, understandable terms'd be nice."

Dianthe shook a bat from the end of her Kiav, "By Isalla's light!" she exclaimed, "What a mix-up." She shook her head and stepped towards one of the more familiar CFs, "Aside from this..complication... what about those bats? They attacked us all. It seems that someone is toying with us." She was frowning, apparently no one was allowed to do that by the Immortals.

ELSEWHERE

The evil Solara nodded once.

Still he tried to make a fool out of her! Just because he walled himself off from emotion, he thought that made him so much better. She was looking foreword to when she finally got to kill him.

****

Frankie's mouth opened and closed for a few moments before he regained his composure. "Is there anything...anything you can do?" he asked. "My magics...aren't the strongest."

"So," Raven was saying to the light-girl, "Who're you? Why do you and the other girl seemed so shocked?"

"Our Crystalia...," Lark said slowly, not fully trusting this bunch, "was destroyed a little more than a year ago. We...found a way to restore a ....a something very like it, but it is not the same."

Solara, ever the shy and overwhelmed teen, spoke up, "I'm Solara."

Raven's eyes went wide. "Ummmmm....," she stammered, "SOLARA!" she yelled, pointing.

The other CFs, both sets whipped around to see what the problem was. "Yes...," Tachyon said, "that's Solara. She's one of us. Why'd you scream?"

"Ah...," Ashe said, "we normally fight a very evil person by that name. She killed Eme and has access to all kinds of dark powers."

"She is not the same as your's," Ganthet rumbled, "so do not treat her so. Anyone who has a problem with her, goes through me."

****

Iam stood weakly for a moment, as his power slowly came back to him. A small burst of power shattered Laguna's chains. "Come," the angel said, "we must find a way out of here, before they return."

****

Solara's sky castle:

The woman called Kyi, who'd been changed to look like Solara had before her dark powers had changed her into something not unlike a demon and acted as her proxy, was finally able to recall something of her own magics. A simple spell, calling upon holy energies brought the barrier keeping her prisoner down. Now if only...if only she could find Laguna and Iris. Solara and that other man had talked long about them....

***

"Then," Ashe countered, "You would understand why we fight for our friend so, even though she looks like the one that attacked your ally."

Blade looked at Frankie, then to the other that had spoke about Laguna.

"If he is the one.. he can save her. All I can do is try and a place a ward about her. That will buy us a little time, but not much. We have to find him, or the one who cast the spell."

---------

"I agree."

Laguna said, grinning slightly.

"Want me to direct, and you take us there?"

Iam nodded. "An excellent idea. My powers are rapidly recovering... I shall soon have enough strength for battle."

-------

Donovan just shook his head slightly. Women, such temperamental creatures. Lovely yes, but never cut out for evil. Their moods made them most mercurial.

"I believe we should hurry.." He said, frowning. "Something doesn't feel right..."

"Yes...," Solara agreed. "The bonds I placed about the angel are gone.... They may have managed to free themselves."

***

Frankie said, very quietly, "Do what you can. I'm trusting you."

"I would suggest," Breakor said, "that we move inside. we can compare notes and figure out what course of action is best to take."

****

"LUNA! Oh my god!" The two embraced. Moon glared at Solara behind Eme.

"She betrayed us and killed you on our world.." Moon informed

"You disappeared just when my Crystal Fighters arrived." Eme explained. "I looked for you but you weren't found."

Nick limped over to Pyro and Kevin, "Nice shot, Never had anyone put a hole in my armor like that.

"Nice armor, anyone else would be missing an arm." Pyro said with a grin, "You’re gonna have to show me more about that thing."

Pyro and Nick walked towards Pyro's lab talking. Kevin just stood there, "Damn Tech geeks."

Kaliana sighed with an exasperated look heavenwards while they headed inside, "*More* of them? I dunno if we should leave them alone together."

Dele nodded at her comment, "In agreement there." ~If no where else.~ she silently added.

Dianthe sat down at the table with the rest of the CFs, feeling a bit out of place. She hadn't yet gotten used to her own group, but now all these people? She hadn't even begun to keep track of any names, especially since there seemed to be two of some. Like Solara, and apparently not very much alike.

"Chances are, this mess is due to your..evil version of Solara? Where can we find her?" she asked directly.

Entropy walked in, suddenly hearing a faint beeping from his Wristcom. Checking it, he looked confused. "What the..."

"What is it?" Tala asked, walking over to him.

"That's my client monitor. I don't understand how, but one of my clients is here."

"Why's that a surprise?"

"Most of my clients are dead, missing, or on a forbidden world." He looked back to the comp. "Holy...Gabriel? That sneaky little shit's here?"

"Salander, how...good to hear you remember me."

Anton walked out slowly from the adjacent hallway, a light scowl upon his face. "Did I miss anything, or did our little group just get bigger?"

"Get lost Anton, we don't need you as per usual." Frankie grumbled.

"Quit your chattering, smokestack, and perhaps I might acknowledge your existence one of these days." He looked to Entropy. "Hm. Well then, I'm certain there's no need for my skills here, you have enough of a contract killer for your needs. Good day." Without another word, he vanished into the dimensional theory.

Dele arched an eyebrow at the interchange, but said nothing. They knew little of Anton and less of these people.

SOLARA'S PALACE

Dolomite was upon the girl before she could leave the room.

"Hold."

Kyi stopped short as he stepped out of the shadows in the hallway, his green-bladed sword pointed to her.

"I'm very sorry, young one. But I can't let you leave."

"Why?" Kyi demanded, summoning the little strength she had. "Why do you serve her so? You are Crystallian, as am I. Why betray your people?"

"Hm. You truly are just like her."

"What?"

"My Queen and Lady, Solara."

"No! I'm not like her. I don't want anything to do with that demon!"

"You're exactly as she was. You see...I knew Solara long before she gained her appearance as you know her. And, unfortunately for you, your form is the only way she could possibly regain her humanity. As such, I can not and never will let you pass."

"But why?" she said, backing up as he entered the room. "I just want to go home. Is that so much to ask?"

"Believe me, if you were any other person I would consider letting you go. But I cannot. Without you there is no hope for her."

"You...You love her, don't you."

"Silence!" he hissed. "As I was saying, Solara requires a human host, as most demons do when in this world. If you were lost, she would be forced from this dimension...and I will never stand for that. Return to your position at once."

"That," Kyi snarled, "is a load of bull and you know it, Domolite." She called upon a spell, and fired a cross-shaped power bolt into him, sending him smashing into a wall.

"You think she wants her humanity back, you think that is why she keeps me prisoner, has warped my body and my soul? You know nothing! She enjoys her power, humanity can go jump in a boiling vat, for all she cares. She has done this to me, to torture Laguna... My sweet Laguna. And now, she was done the same to Iris.

And, if you did not know... Solara has been in and out of this dimension in person for sometime."

She managed a vindictive smile, "You, have been used."

****

Breakor touched a button on the control panel. A small hologram generator flared to life, creating a picture of Solara's sky castle. "This is where she normally resides, hovering over a town whose allegiance is still unknown to us."

"Your tech is pretty low," Tachyon said. "When this is over, why don't you let us help set you up with some of our surplus."

"Thanks," Nick said, "Robby and I had to build most of this from scratch. We'd appreciate the help."

"Huh," UA said, "I just brought most of our stuff from a nice storage dimension I kept."

"I say," Frankie said, "that we go there now, and get the crap out of everything there, and make Solara... Um, our version, change Iris back."

SKY CASTLE

"You lie." Dolomite said simply, picking himself up and pointing the blade at her. "Ghiriel, Burning plague." Instantly, the black mists surrounded her, inhaling themselves into her mouth and nose. Heat. Burning heat filled her entire body, sickening heat, fever, she could hardly breath it was so hot. "I give you pain. Lingering pain. Speak ill of her again...and it will stay longer and with more intensity. I can't kill you. Not yet. But I can most certainly put you in everlasting agony. You've already had your soul taken away, am I correct?" he didn't wait for an answer. "You wouldn't believe how well some of my diseases affect the soulless. I'll make sure that if it does kill you, it will take 20 years...and you'll be screaming for relief in the first seconds. Ghiriel, frosting plague." Cold and heat, stifling, flooded Kye's system, unbearable, burning and freezing in one. Her joints stiffening, she twitched slightly, her voice silenced. "You were a fool to think you could escape Solara's grasp. Even if you had your precious Laguna, she could kill him with a gesture. And you would follow, if she so desired. It's not my place to question why she holds you here, even if my assumptions were false I follow my lady's orders. Now, suffer for a while, Ghiriel will hold you in its power for as long as it takes." Two Vile soon arrived, hoisting Kye up by her arms and dragging her back into the field. Dolomite reactivated it quickly, leaving Kye in the clutches of pestilence as he kept watch over her.

***

"Kyi?"

Laguna looked around, as if hearing her scream for help. He shook his head slightly, nodding at Iam's words.

"Great, then we'll be able to go help the others.. I hope it isn't too late."

------

Blade remained with Iris, watching over her carefully. It had taken both him and Laina to stave off the death spell. But even then, it wouldn't last forever. It gave her, at the most, and extra three hours.

Tala frowned thoughtfully, eyeing the space where Anton had been.

"How odd."

"What?" Entropy glanced at her.

"He had the same air about him, that you do."

"Meaning?" She could be so vague sometimes.

"Death. Remember what Nokomis had said? But it's Griever that gives you that power.." She then shakes her head slightly.

--------

Solara and Donovan returned to find them gone. He scowled, saying a few choice demon words. Solara smiled, smugly.

"Is there anyplace they would go, other then to your world? Where the teams are?"

"Well, I have something dear to Laguna in my castle, but I don't think he knows."

Donovan mused thoughtfully, then shrugged.

"Very well. If they do return, we can just kill them along with the others. What are we going to attack them with?"

"Weaknesses?" Kaliana asked, tapping her fingers impatiently on the table. In return, Dele shrugged with a glare at the clacking noise the other woman was making, "Look, we haven't been around as long as you guys so *obviously* have."

"Most of what we know is from scans." Breakor added, slightly frustrated at their inadequacy. Nick brought up a scanty list of what they knew of Solara's castle. Dele was still withholding information, she didn't want to give these people something that could be used against her and the others.

Will continued excitedly, "Yeah, but we got this neat thing, it.." he looked to Robby for a second then continued, "nullifies Crystal power."

A frown creased Dele's face, "Yeah, but by now they've probably figured out a way to nullify our nullifier..or use it against us."

" 'nother problem with that is our Crystal's aren't immune." Nick had been working on a shield for their Crystals, but so far he hadn't come up with anything safe to organic life.

***

"No...," Iam said, "I felt something too. A power in the eddies from which all things magic draw. Solara's castle. ...I do not know where it is... But if you do, my power can take us there. Who...who is Kyi?"

****

Solara resisted the urge to rant megalomaniacly. Things were going from bad to worse. On the ground, however, she noticed something. Feathers....energy feathers.

"These," she said, "we can use. I'm quite good at using various items to call up nasty things."

****

Kyi called upon her knowledge of white magics, and purged the plague. With her strength starting to come back.... Domolite would pay. It was high time to make that... that.... that rather unpleasant fellow pay. And...somehow...something told her Laguna was coming.

***

"Kyi is... a fellow mage. Of sorts."

Drawing upon Iam's magic, he could tap into it one that it had been shared, he teleported them to the castle. They arrived to see Dolomite watching over Kyi's fallen form. Laguna eyes went wide, then narrowed into thin slits.

He walked, silently, and tapped Dolomite's shoulder. The man turned, not having heard him.. at all.

"Surprise."

Laguna decked him, hard enough to send him stumbling backwards, and for his lip to start bleeding.

Dolomite snarled.

"You'll regret that.. Mage..."

~Iam, free Kyi if you can. I will keep Dolomite busy.~

"I am waiting..."

---------

"Everyone."

Tala finally spoke up, waiting a few moments before continuing.

"We have to trust each other here. We are all Crystal Fighters, though we are from different worlds. Someone brought us here, attacking one of our own. And you mistook our Queen for an imposter. An evil force is at work here, and we will not defeat it, unless we work together!"

------------

Donovan nodded. Then scooped up a few of the feathers.

"He attacked me with these..They are quite powerful. Some sort of holy magic is within them, I suppose."

He then handed them to her.

---------

Laina and Blade weren't with the others, who were discussing how to handle the problem.

"So, do you think..."

"She'll die? Most likely, unless they are able to find that Laguna fellow."

Laina glanced over, seeing Frankie standing in the doorway.

"Do you mind.. watching over her for a while? We need to go do something."

Laina spoke, dragging Blade along as she did so.

"Thanks so much!"

Even though he hadn't said anything. Blade followed along meekly behind Laina as they left.

Dolomite growled, then looked to Iam. This wasn't good odds...if they freed the girl it would be worse. But still, he had to stand and fight. Had to defend the honor and home of his lady.

"In the name of Solara, I will flay you alive and feed your carcass to the hounds of hell, mage." he said, falling into a proper stance. A moment later, he leapt up, getting between the girl's prison and the two of them. "You'll wait your turn like everyone else, angel." He said, pointing his sword to Iam's throat. "Now, if you please, the arrogant cur behind you has some business with me." Iam grudgingly moved aside, as Laguna approached with sword drawn. "You continually amaze me with your persistence, mage. But be assured, if you do walk out of here with the girl, it'll be over my ashes."

"I'm so glad you volunteered." Laguna retorted, and in a flash the duel was on. Dolomite began with a powerful slash, barely missing Laguna's midsection as he returned with a thrust that passed under Dolomite's arm, the blade impacting against the force field holding Kyi. Instantly, power ripped through it, the girl screaming as pain coursed through her.

"Did I forget to mention, Laguna?" Dolomite smiled, returning the stab with equal force in an overhead slash, which Laguna quickly sidestepped. "You'd best have good aim with your sword...and so had I. The slightest force, physical or otherwise, causes the occupant of that field pain. And I'm sure she's very happy with you now."

"So then, I must go through you to get the barrier down? And your little troops? Very well."

He already knew Dolomite's trick, let the Vile crowd in, then fade to black. Not this time. And even if Solara showed up, he kill her too. He was in that time of rage of now. And thanks to that, Donovan's spell didn't mean a thing. This magic was different then his regular offense and defense. This was the type that'd kill.

Laguna growled, the battle continuing as he slashed at Dolomite, the green-bladed sword easily deflecting the blow. In his thoughts, he signaled the vile troops, who surrounded the room, not moving in unless either of them made a move for the force field. Dolomite quickly reached for his talisman, a gem containing Solara's sigil. It was given to him should he ever need contact her, and only in the direst emergency. Through his eyes, Dolomite knew this particular situation was one.

~My Lady, the mage Laguna and some kind of angelic creature have arrived, they are attempting to free the girl Kyi. I am preventing them to the best of my ability, however I have no idea how long my skill will last.~

-------

"Tala is right. There are some of us who obviously don't want to work with this other group of Crystal Fighters. But it is our only chance to defeat Solara." Moon said looking at each of her teammates.

"And you all know how much I want her killed."

Eme watched the discussion. She was sitting with Rupay on her lap. She was stroking Rupay's hair, something that soothed the child who was still getting over her loss of Dakey.

Frankie stood over Iris's body, a sort of sad-look on his face. "Don't worry kid... We'll get you outta this. I know we will." he said quietly as a single tear rolled down his cheek. He cast a simple aura reading spell and found that her life-force was diminishing rapidly.

Breakor nodded to Moon. "Agreed...," he said. "We are the only chance Iris has now. We have to find Laguna... and your ally, Iam. I suggest we split into two teams. One to stay here and guard the castle, while the other checks out her castle."

"I'll agree to that. The Destiny should prove useful, if this castle needs defending," Entropy said. "But who'll go where?"

After brief deliberations, plans were drawn up. Breakor, Entropy, XPR79 and Will, Pyro, Nick, Solara, Eme, Kaliana, Lark, Ashe, Tala, and Dele would head to Solara's sky castle.

UA, Tala, Laina, Blade, Frankie, Grey, Tachyon, Zealen, Kevin, Moon, Noran, Dianthe, Raven, Rupay and Deyja would stay behind to defend the castle in case something attacked the castle.

****

Solara snarled, "They're in my castle! The angel and Laguna! And there's nothing....nothing that will keep Laguna from freeing Kyi, unless we go to stop them. Pity....Laguna and Iam may actually kill Domolite. He was such a good pawn. Let us go."

But first, she cast a simple spell. Using the angel feathers for power. It would send, essentially, bat-wing dark creatures to attack the castle. Each would likely have only a fifteenth of Iam’s power, but the dozen of them should deal with whatever defenses they put up.

Donovan just nodded, then remained silent as she prepared to take them to her castle. He wasn't about to get involved in this fight, between Laguna and Dolomite. He just wanted Iam. Because now, it was more then revenge.

*****

Iam started to channel cosmic energies. "While there are many matters to be settled with honor and by personal combat... Fighting evil is never one of them, Domolite. Face my wrath as well, evil one, and prepare for judgment!" He fired bolts of cosmic energy at his foe, careful to aim away from the prisoner.

---------

Laina had returned, sans Blade, to where Iris remained. She saw Frankie there, and went over to him.

"I guess she's more then a team mate to you?"

He just looked at her, then away.

"A friend? Is what I'm getting at. And that's good, because she's going to need one after she gets out of this."

"I notice you didn't say if."

"No.. I have faith in Iam, and this Laguna.. whoever he may be. Blade is a mage, powerful in his own right. But spells, even those of death, can be broken with faith. I should know. Oh. I had come to tell you something. You got stuck here with us."

----------

As Laguna finished, Dolomite slashed at him again, Laguna blocked, but his coat sleeve was cut down the middle. Scowling, he shrugged out of it, defending another attack from Dolomite. With the weight of the leather off his arms, he was a bit quicker, and slashed at Dolomite, who barely blocked in time. Also, since Iam was firing at him, he had two attacks to defend against.

"Iam.. get rid of the Vile for me, will you? Just real quick.."

"Now, I tire of this. You are in my damned way."

He attacked again, and as Dolomite blocked, Laguna created another blade, which he plunged into Dolomites mid section. Even if he was wearing armor, it was a strictly magical blade. It attacked his nerves, making him immobile.

As he slid to the floor, Laguna helped Iam rid the last of the Vile.

"Let's hurry on out of here."

They figured out the controls to the barrier, Laguna keeping a wary eye on Dolomite. He didn't know when the spell would wear off.

-----------

Tala shook her head as the castle came into view.

"I hope they're all here. I'd like to get this over with, and get us back home."

Ashe agreed.

"I hope.. that for us, we'll at least get a break from constant fighting. It gets so tiring.."

"You haven't been able to kill her yet?"

"No, she normally attacks from a distance. Even those we are able to get, have a way of escaping."

"Well, maybe this time, she'll have to replenish her forces. And it'll give y'all a break."

"Maybe."

----------

As soon as Laguna touched Kyi, he felt a chill permeate the room. Sighing, he turned.. to see Solara and Donovan standing there.

"You two are so dead."

Donovan and Laguna both smirked, but Laguna replied to her comment.

"I am leaving Solara. With Kyi. Any magics you or others cast upon her will be removed, once we return home."

"And just how do you plan to stop us? You can't use your magic, and the angel is a weakling. I can see it."

"Then I would take a look on your screens, to see what's heading this way."

ABOARD XPR79

"Well, that could've been worse." Kaliana commented, still thinking it a little bit strange that they were literally riding one of their new companions to the castle. She peered at a convenient readout and nodded, "We've got a 'welcome' up ahead." Surely enough, someone at the castle had realized what was coming towards them and had sent out more than a few escort of Vile as well as two Dark Crystal wielders.

Dele nodded as she watched Nick calibrate their Crystal nullifier, "Did you figure out a way to protect our own Crystals yet?" she asked. Not that they needed it, with their own intrinsic powers as well as the additional strength of an entire other team of CFs. Still, she would feel more comfortable in battle with all her strength. Without her Crystal, light was merely a show, at most, a distraction.

THE CASTLE

Dianthe had perched herself atop one of the battlements in a state that resembled mediation. She found it hard to relax in this atmosphere of tension, not just outside but inside herself as well. She was determined to prove that she was an ally to her own CFs, though she couldn't believe they actually doubted the word of a High Priestess, let alone the Goddess! She shook her head, these people were from far off places, perhaps uneducated in the ways of Life. She whirled at a sound, relieved that she was now in her 'summer' robes which were shorter, lighter, and much easier to move it.

"I'm..sorry." Raven said, apologizing for disturbing the woman. Dianthe shrugged, her reaction time was slightly better in the quieted state and she was glad that her reflexes hadn't rusted during the years she had spent alone.

"Forgiven." she nodded back, "What brings you here?" she asked, almost warily.

Raven shrugged, reluctant to admit the real reason, and simply said, "I just thought you might want company..up here.." she gestured the expanse of sky that poured out from the high point, though her voice indicated something different.

"Raven?" Dianthe asked, to confirm the name. Raven nodded slightly.

"What's it like here?" Her tone asked of dangers and surprises, but Raven first spoke of the scenery, the joy of the castle, the people. She was trying to lighten the mood that swelled in the castle. It unnerved her. The others were all busying themselves, but they all wanted to be where the action was, not sitting around for a defense that might not even be needed.

***

The evil Solara said something very nasty and unprintable. "We must make take action...decisive action," she said. "I have always preferred direct confrontation." She turned as Iam blasted Vile to bits, while Domolite struggled to take action against Laguna again. "Oh...Domolite? You're fired. You've outlived your usefulness... be thankful I don't kill you." With a wave, she teleported him halfway to the other side of Crystalia.

Dark power coursed in her veins, "Prepare, Domomlite... Prepare for the best they can offer."

****

"Explain to me," Pyro said, "why their kid gets to come?"

"Because," Breakor said, "Will is the source of Robby's powers. He is the Crystal-holder and his powers manifest through his robot friend."

With that comment, XPR79 landed on top of the castle.

"If you will all disembark," the android said, "I will assume a more battle ready form and we can free our friends."

*****

Tachyon had linked his suit computer with that of the castle. It wasn't much.... Radio-controlled crossbow cannons and catapults, with a few gunpowder cannons as well. It would serve...for the moment.

Franke stood guard over Iris. He'd protect her to the end. But...what if they needn't him out there? Where should he go? To his friends and allies, or stay by the woman...by the woman he...cared very deeply for.

A few moments later, the dark-Iam-imps dropped into the sky above the castle. Bodies of dark energy, with bat-like wings, eyes glowing red.

"We've got a problem!" Raven yelled to those still inside.

-------

Blade reached Laina, and noting that Frankie remained by Iris, nodded.

"I assume you're staying here."

Without waiting for an answer he already knew, he grabbed Laina.

"They're magic... we are needed. Summoned creatures.."

Frankie caught that comment as Blade pulled Laina out of the room.

------

"Finally, we can kick her butt."

Ashe's grip had tightened on the hilt of his sword as they landed.

Tala just shook her head slightly, and as they disembarked.. spoke to Breakor.

"You have been here before?"

He nodded.

"Alright.. We should split into two teams. One to go after Solara, the other to find Laguna. We'll have to make an even match of both of our groups though. You decide the parties."

-------

"They seem rather weak to me.. I don't think we'll have to expect much."

However, Donovan as well.. prepared just in case. As his wings unfolded, he once again turned into the creature Iam had fought, and had nearly been killed by. A black claw tapped against a red chin in thought.

"Remember this, angel? Nearly killed you once, I will do so this time..."

-------

"Not necessary," Robby said, having formed into Magna Sentinel around Will. "My scanners detect all of them just down that corridor."

"There's too many of us," Entropy said, "Fighting down there would be impossible."

That turned out to not be a problem, as Donovan went sailing through the air, followed by Iam. Donovan had been blasted by Iam; Iam had been blasted by Solara. A weakened Laguna, carrying Kyi, brought up the rear.

The demon-man and angel recovered quickly, turning power beams on each other.

Solara, the evil one, looked at the assembled Crystal Fighters. "C'm on," she said, "I can take anything you can give."

"She's the one that attacked Iam!" Kevin shouted.

"But that's not..." Ashe said. "Laguna's carrying her?!"

"Fools," the evil Solara said, "That's was merely my proxy, so I could make Laguna suffer. See me now, as I truly am."

Ganthet bristled. Literally: crystal spikes began to grow all along his form. To see such a ....a perversion of his dear friend, almost made him sick.

Solara felt sick. But she summoned up her will and fired a bolt of concentrated photons at her evil counter-part. The evil version deflected it with her wings, and snarled.

"Aw... Does the little light girl not like what she sees? Jealous?"

****

Back at the castle:

Tachyon fired a pair of pulse bolts into one of the creatures, while Lark sliced one across the chest. They were loosing ground. The things would swarm the castle and get in.

Trinity, along with Moon, Rupay, and Deyja had retreated back inside, protecting Iris along with Frankie.

"I don't like this..," Deyja said, "I wanna fight!"

Moon seemed to regard him with curiosity for a moment, then nodded. The lad was a fountain of temporal energy. He'd been regressed, his body and mind thrown back in time.

-----

Ice began to form beneath Solara's feet, then a gust of wind slammed into her, knocking her over. Ashe smirked slightly.

Tala saw what was going on with Iam and Donovan and used a mental push to shove him away. Donovan snarled, pointed, and green flames raced to engulf her. She hastily phased through the fire, which ending up scorching part of the wall. Donovan's attention was back on Iam.

Laguna blinked as he saw all the Fighters there, some he knew.. some he didn't. But they were working, as a team. What Solara had not wanted. Which meant, he was quite sure... that they would win.

--------

Blade and Laina used a combo of magic and sword to kill several of the dark-Iam creatures.

"Isn't there..."

Laina tried to continue as she sliced a creature's arm off, "...A way to get rid of them all?"

--------

Donovan finally got the upper hand, and he traced a rune into the air. Two creatures materialized from the shadows, fellow demons.

One had a serpentine lower half, six arms, and a head full of snakes. The other looked like Donovan, but from the waist down.. goat legs, and a spiked tail.

"Kill them."

Suddenly Eme flew up, from behind her team, in front of the evil Solara. She was obviously shocked to see the queen she had killed.

"I see you recognize me Solara. This time I will not be so easily killed."

-------------

Moon nodded at the small one. She knew what it was liked to have been regressed. But she would not look upon that part of her past now. She had a job to do.

"My queen?" It was Trinity.

"Yes, Trinity?"

"I was wondering if, after we complete this mission, if you could possible train me in combat. I know Breakor feels as if he should protect me, and that is fine but I don't want to be a liability."

"But, Trinity. You are a great fighter."

"Aye, when I am in animal form and instincts take over. But I know nothing of fighting in this form."

Moon smiled, glad that Trinity was eager to learn.

"Alright, as you wish."

------

Solara and Solara were fighting, trading bolts of crimson lightning and focused light blasts. Neither was making much headway, but the good Solara was clearly starting to loose. She seemed to be shining less brightly than usual.

But now... Eme was back, and the evil one was distracted. This was the last thing she needed. She'd never actually fought the queen before, only directing the action of Kyi. But she was confident. She fired a bolt of crimson energy and started creating shields about herself.

Ganthet wrestled with the snake creature, while Breakor held off the goat-thing. Both warriors were loosing ground.

Kaliana and Tala attacked Donovan, tossing shadow-spikes and star-bolts at him. The others dealt with the Vile that seemed to come out of the very walls.

****

A dark-Iam fell back, as a bolt of unfocused magic energy slammed into it. Frankie fired his gun again, sending it sprawling to the ground.

"Thought you were protecting Iris," Lark said. She ducked an energy bolt, which Dianthe deflected it with a swing from her staff, sending it back to the source.

"More needed out here," the ex-hitman said. He drew quick, sketchy signs in the air. ..."Angel feathers," he said at last. "They're made from angel feathers, corrupted holy-power."

"Corrupted holy magic.. would she be able to do that?"

Laina asked Frankie, who nodded.

"Hmm, metal works against them well enough. I know. Frankie. Can you figure out a way around that spell? If you can cast it as well.. I can boost you so you can kill all of them."

-----

"Foolsssss." Donovan hissed, throwing sparks of black lighting at the two women. Both of them went down. Tala was unable to phase through the bolt, although she didn't know why.

The snake-like demon tossed Ganthet aside, as though he were no more then a rag doll, and headed for the good Solara. The other, used his claws to rake deep gashes in Breakor's side.

Ashe tried another wind attack, this time in Donovan's direction. He just merely folded his wings about himself, not budging. Inside, the wind rebounded, knocking Ashe over.

Laguna struggled to break loose of his bonds, and Donovan walked over to him, smirking.

"Laguna? Your little prodigy? She's dead."

"You. Bastard."

Laguna snarled, the shadow bonds that that held him melting from his body. Donovan smiled, smugly. If Iris wasn't dead, she would be after Laguna cast his spell. Tala seeing that he was free, turned her attention to Solara as well.

"You will pay for her death, Donovan. With your life."

"Really? I've seen your little white sphere before, you can't harm me. Even the angel couldn't now, no mater how much he tried."

Laguna said nothing. The usual green swirl that signified he was about to cast a spell was absent. Instead, a red/black mist surrounded him, the white sphere Donovan talked about had appeared.

"Seen it before, ain't scared of it now... Mage."

Laguna was still silent, all his anger and sadness poured into this final spell.

~I am so sorry Iris.. So sorry. Please, forgive me for all the wrong I did you.. and for never having the chance to make it up.~

It slammed into Donovan, after Laguna's thoughts, who went flying through the wall. Where he had had been, was nothing but black stone, and half the wall of had been taken out. Everyone could hear a shriek of utter agony, then the two demons faded simply away. Donovan was either dead, or had left. Laguna sank to his knees afterwards, mute.

Ashe had recovered, and now looked at Solara.

"Ready to take us all on? Miss Batgirl, as Iris would say?"

Solara said something very nasty and also unprintable. She fired bolts of magic at the assembled Crystal Fighters, but her power levels were ebbing. She'd used up a lot of energy today.

Eme easily dodged the crimson attack and laughed.

"Oh this fits. Big bad Solara has to put up shields to protect herself." Eme said sending a streak of lightning upon her.

Eme and the good Solara exchanged a quick glance. Both unleashed an enormous amount of power, sending the evil Solara flying through the castle wall and several miles away.

Iam leaned heavily against the wall. With both villains gone, the Vile had vanished as well.

"My powers," he said, "are quite drained. I do not know how much help I can be. But...I will try to help this Iris of yours."

Suddenly, Entropy's com-unit crackled to life. "Entropy.... <Kesch> Tachyon... under ..tack .eed he..!"

It was also at this point that the castle began to fall towards the town below.

****

Frankie searched his mind for the right spell. He'd learned several ways to convert good energy into bad, and how to counter either affect, but nothing on the power levels Solara commanded.

"We'd need a lot of power to back it up, but if we could focus our magic through some kind of amplifier, a dose of white magic might work."

"The Destiny," Tachyon said.

"....," Lark was about to say something, but decided against it. She'd wanted to voice an opinion about not trusting these other Crystal Fighters on their ship... But, since Raven saved her life with those weird psi bolts of hers, she'd changed her mind.

Noran played his flute like he had never played before, calling upon the power of nature to slow the dark things down, while Grey took the fight directly to them tearing dark flesh with his claws and fangs.

"UA!" Tachyon said, "Get me, Frankie, and Laguna up to the Destiny...now!"

*****

Moon had started teaching Trinity how to fight, but then everything went bad. A dark-Iam had gotten through the defenses and phased through the wall. She reached out with her temporal power, trying to slow it down to the point of time-freeze, but nothing happened.

She had but one choice. Reaching out with her power, she sped up time on Deyja, making him grow older not as old as he had once been, but in the prime of his life. This also, somehow, restored his memory. But seeing the danger first, he said something in Faian and launched a glowing fire ball at the creature.

----

"I can boost you, have no fear."

Laina smiled, then nudged Blade.

"Go sit with Iris, the rest of us can handle the remaining darklings."

-----

Tala frowned as she felt something shift, then gasped.

"We're.. falling?"

"I guess Solara's power is what kept the castle afloat. She either cut it off,or if it was running on a machine, something broke. I can try to slow the castle's descent, but someone has to go down and warn everyone below us."

"Hmm.. Ashe, if you can slow the castle, I might know a way to get it land away from the town below us."

"You took a rather bad hit though, Tala.. are you sure?"

"Quite sure. Trust me. Besides, I can help you also slow the castle."

Ashe shrugged, they didn't have much time.

"Well, whoever's going to go warn everyone, should go.. and it sounded like Doc needed some help."

She then left Entropy and Breakor to discuss what needed to be done, while she and Ashe joined their respective powers in trying to keep the castle aloft.

Dele stood apart from the conversation being held, but she grasped its import--as well as felt it. Their descent was slowing marginally, she noted with approval. She'd learned with her fellow aurora-casters that you left the work to someone who could do it, then did your own. She edged toward a window which looked crookedly outside.

Dele pursed her lips, feeling strange about her chosen course. She had always looked out for herself, and only herself..well..Carice.. but, the point was that if one took on more than their own duty, they'd probably end up dead. Something about these people was changing her attitude a little, she was actually going to participate in the endeavor to warn those below. But, that was where she would end her job. If they didn't take, or understand, her warning that was their problem.

Through her underlying thoughts came an invisible hand which reached to grasp shafts of light which poured down from the sun. She twisted them with the oblivion of shadows to create an eerie, almost dangerous, display of intertwining sunlight fireworks of all the dark colors, and a few vague shapes, associated with evil and apocalypse to direct their attention above and encourage them to flee.

"Well?" Kaliana pressured Ashe, "Is it working?" she hadn't yet set to pacing, her energy was too coiled for that. For once, she was frustrated about having only destructive power. ~One h*lluva stupid way to die.~ she grumbled to herself at the waste of it, there was still so much.. She grated her teeth, they were *not* going to die.

"Kaliana, right? Help'd be nice." Dele said from her position at the window. For a moment, Kalaina was indignant at the underlying order, then she shrugged as she realized what Dele was doing. In the midst of the light, things started to explode. Leaves, seeds, whatever was in the air. Birds. She didn't really discriminate. It definitely added horror to Dele's 'art.'

****

"With the light of the Goddess to guide us, we cannot fail!" Dianthe proclaimed against the torrent of evil. She stood in front of the door of the tower, skewering what she could with her Kiav. Perhaps it was time to test out her Crystal...

"Azure Melody." she whispered the words of Zelda's second level power access and was suddenly swirled in an impenetrable shield of purple radiance. The creatures bounced off the translucent, but apparently solid swirling, into unconsciousness at most. Moments later her doubled braids were streaked black and she was ready.

"Maelstrom ARISE!" she exulted in the strength she could easily access. Zelda had taken years to reach that level and still had trouble with this, one of the strongest of this level's spells. A liquid dance captured a slew of the creatures, whirling them in a tide pool of blues that matched Dianthe's summer robes. They were being held off for the moment, but there seemed so many.. She glared at them, furious.

-----

Ashe nodded, his jaw set. He could feel the strain now, hitting him. Although he was better able to control and use his powers.. this castle was pretty damn heavy.

Tala glanced around at the others, then walked over to Ashe. Her shadows worked how she willed them, she needed to keep a constant leash on them to do what she wanted.

"Ashe."

He looked at her.

"Our powers combined will keep it aloft, don't strain yourself too much. I'm going to try to move the castle .. so it won't land on the village. Hopefully, they've heeded the warning that something is coming."

At her command, another wave of shadows came forth, pushing the castle. It rocked, enough so that the CFs felt the movement. But it wasn't hard enough to knock any of them over.

"We can do this, Ashe.. don't give up, ok?"

-----------

"Laina."

He took her sword, muttering something, and it glowed with a white light.

"I'm not one of the clerics, my magics aren't holy by nature. This should work on at least one of them. If so, give it to Frankie.. so he can expand it.. or whatever he does. We won't have time to try and blast them all. The castle is falling. They need our help, so we need to get rid of these things.. now."

SOLARA'S CASTLE:

Breakor and Entropy said at practically the same time, "Anybody who can fly, grab someone who can't. Robby/Solara, get as many as you can."

XPR79 transformed into a cannon first, disintegrating a wall, then transformed into an aircraft, getting Will and some of the othets. Solara constructed a platform of solid light, while some of the others stepped onto it.

***

"Then we're off," UA said, opening a tele-portal. He, Tachyon, Frankie, and Liana appeared on the bridge of the Destiny. Moving quickly, UA opened another portal, straight to the weapon banks of the Destiny. Tachyon activated a few of the numerous cannons that dotted the ship's surface. Laina gave Frankie her sword, and he drew the power out of it, weaving an exorcism, which was in turn boosted by Laina. He let it fly into the portal, which was sent out of the Destiny's cannons and fired out at the darklings. It eradicated them completely.

****

ELSEWHERE:

Solara staggered, as she got up from the beach she'd landed on. She had one last chance. Iris. The girl might be dying, but was still useful. She still had a pair of angel feathers she could corrupt. She sent this power to Iris, hoping the evil energy would corrupt her, send her into a frenzy that would destroy her friends and allies.

SOLARA'S CASTLE

"You *trying* to knock us out?" Dele grated, grabbing onto the uneven stone, as the castle rocked. "It'd be nice to all get out of here *alive.*" Kaliana grumbled, annoyed that Dele had spoken first.

CASTLE

Dianthe raised surprised brows at the sudden destruction of her enemies. She bowed with a humble flourish toward the sky, "Thanks be.." the murdered, then entered the castle to meet with the others.

SKY

The instructions to flee passed down through the CFs.

"Typical." Kaliana muttered under her breath, while Dele turned to ask Tala if she and Ashe could continue their work while on Robby, or being flown.

Dele boarded the robot, perhaps one day she would be able to use her hardened light to lift her, but at the moment she wasn't quite sure it would be safe, and it still wasn't all *that* solid.

Kaliana stamped behind her, still muttering under her breath.

"Geez." Dele commented sarcastically, "Can you walk any *louder*?"

"Shut up sunshine."

Eme morphed into a dragon and got as many people as she could that couldn't fly on her back.

"They'll prolly work best if we stay here.. but you guys go on. Worse comes to worse, I can phase us if it falls."

Ashe nodded.

"It's better for us to remain. Laguna will stay with us, we'll watch him."

-------

Blade had begun to walk back towards the room where Iris was, when she suddenly stepped out into the hallway. He blinked, taken about. There was a blackness around her. But not the darkness of death. What had happened?!?

She turned to look at him, and raised a hand. Bonds wrapped around Blade, freezing him in place. Another one clamped around his mouth.

"Can't have you warning everyone that I'm awake."

She walked over him, smiling darkly.

"I'll let you live, since you saved me. The others.. however, are all dead."

He struggled to free himself, as she walked on.

-----

Laguna watched the two that had remained behind. He listened to them, idly. Was Iris really dead, or had Donovan been taunting him. She could be.. but then again; she might not be. He closed his eyes, searching for her. When he found her, and the black thing that she had become, he frowned in anger. Not again. Solara was not going to corrupt another ... So long as he was breathing.

He faded from view, and Ashe's wind slipped. The castle began to fall again, at a more rapid rate, till he regained his wits.

"Ashe! Jeez. Don't do that!"

"Sorry." Sheepishly.

"Hey.. where'd he go?"

"Laguna?"

"Yeah."

"Dunno. Maybe Iris is still alive."

Kevin was supporting himself and Pyro, and Nick was flying along side, trying to fly and program a few new tricks at the same time. He wasn't doing very well, waving from side to side every few minuets.

Then again, Kevin was acting a bit preoccupied, and he wasn't doing much better.

Since the battle appeared over, Moon, Rupay, Trinity, and the now twenty-something Deyja came out to join the others on the castle roof.

"Deyja?" Noran asked, "the child? What happened?"

"A darkling found its way inside," the Faian explained. "Moon had no choice but to use her powers to reverse what was done to me... And in the process, restored my memory."

"Amazing...," Grey Wolfe replied. To think, moments ago, this had been one of the children he'd become so protective of. He wasn't able to save Dakey, Zelda was gone, and now Dakey didn't need him. He felt so useless. But there was still Rupay, still someone to watch over.

Dianthe said another prayer to her gods and goddesses, and smiled. They appeared to have won this day.

Lark wore her now usual scowl. Yet another oddity to account for.

Raven looked rather perplexed. This had been a child?

UA, along with Frankie and the others reappeared. "WE DID IT!" UA shouted.

"Yes...," Tachyon said, "But what of the others? How did they fare this day?"

"They'll be back," Laina said, "They have to come back."

"Wish I was as certain, babe," Frankie replied. His thoughts turned back to Iris.

At that point, the away team (Breakor, Entropy, XPR79 and Will, Dele, Kaliana, Eme, Zealen, Ganthet, Solara, Nick, Kevin, and Pyro) came upon Crystal Palace in their various modes of transportation. Iam followed hot on their heels, carrying what appeared to be the evil Solara in his arms.

They landed. "You brought her back here?!" Moon snapped.

"No," the angel said, "This isn't Solara. The real evil Solara is much more demon-like in appearance."

"Just like Iris...," Frankie gasped.

"Yes," Iam continued. "This is Kyi. She appears to be a close friend of Laguna's, who was manipulated and transformed by Solara's power."

"Where's Ashe?" Raven asked.

"And Iris?" UA demanded.

"They... both chose to stay behind with Laguna," Entropy explained.

"Solara's castle was falling," Breakor added, "They were using their power to prevent it and find a safe place to allow it to drop."

"But the angel here can help Iris, right?" Frankie inquired, his voice tight and desperate.

Iam nodded. "I believe so. My cosmic knowledge does not extend to this universe, but dark power is dark power. I think I can counter it."

"You better be able to do more than just think it, Wings!"

"Frankie, calm down!" Moon ordered. "He'll do this best he can. That's all anyone can ask!"

A chuckle alerted to them to the fact that they weren’t alone. Iris then stepped out of the shadows she had been hiding in.

"Can you really counter this, Angel?"

She smiled, darkly. It would have made Solara proud. She hadn't gone into the madness that she had hoped for, but Iris' far darker side was now being shown.

"I don't think you can. I've already taken care of the other. And now, you're all here."

"Blade? What the hell did you do to Blade!"

Laina began to walk towards her, and Entropy tugged her back. She struggled, but he retained a tight grip on her shirt.

Iris smirked, then shook her head.

"Nothing. He's alive, and shall remain that way. The rest of you.. however, have to die. So sorry."

As she began to cast the spell that would basically kill everyone, Laguna appeared before them all. In his hand is a sword of solid white. It glowsedwith a power so intense, even those not magically attuned could sense it.

"You aren't killing anyone, Iris. I will not let you give into what Solara plans. You are going to be stopped."

"And you're going to do that?" She said scornfully. "You can't stop me, Laguna. But I am glad you are here. Saved me the trouble of trying to track you down."

She paused, about to continue. "And now..."

Before she can finish her sentence, Laguna moved. No one expected it, least of all Iris, who gasped as he steps back; then places her hands on the hilt of the sword.

"And now.. it's over, Iris. She will not have you."

--------

"You holding up okay, Ashe?"

"Uh.. yea... but not.. for much longer."

He was breaking under the strain, Tala could tell. Forget, everyone was gone now.. so this shouldn't be too bad.

"Drop your wind."

"WHAT?"

"Just do it. Sheesh."

Ashe scowled, but does as asked. The moment he does, he is enveloped in darkness. The castle is entwined in shadows, then fades from the sky.

-----

The CFs all heard a loud boom, and the ground shook. Laina was the first one to look away from the spectacle that just happened, and glances out a window.

"It's.. another.. castle?!"

Ashe and Tala emerge from the front doors, Tala laughing, while Ashe is an odd shade of green.

"Wrong again, Wizard."

A collective ~Him again?~ went through the thoughts of everyone as Dolomite materialized behind Laguna, their thoughts changing to shock as a dagger slid between the mage's shoulders. Laguna staggered, the pain lancing through his spine, but not falling as poisons slowly seeped into his bloodstream. Iris chuckled lightly, then looked to Dolomite, glaring slightly. "You...why are you helping me?"

"Solara has her reasons." he said simply. "I wouldn't be here if she didn't. Now, I'm certain even you realize the merit in retreating against superior odds. Shall we?"

Iris turned, looking to the other CFs. True, they were miniscule against her new powers, and Laguna was obviously wounded badly, but who knew....it was rather unpredictable what these people could do with their anger.

"Well, are you coming or no? I'm not sticking around regardless, so make your decision quickly." Dolomite scowled. He didn't like this, he needed to be by Solara's side now, while she recuperated. That was what was important now, not this...girl.

"Wonderful. Power plays on the dark side." Kaliana grumbled, taking a step forward, toward Laguna and Dolomite. Dele mistook her intention and moved towards Iris in a protective gesture. Whatever was possessing her fellow Fighter..it was *not* the Iris they knew. Her body would have to be kept in tact for when they got Iris back. They *would* get her back.

Dianthe divided her glare in threes for each of the apparent villains. "Why don't you take your little intrigue *out* of this light blessed castle? The Goddess of--"

"Shut *up*!" Kaliana half-shouted, not taking her eyes off their enemies, who pretty much were ignoring the CFs.

By this point, Dele had a tight hold on all surrounding light, she even found that she could take power from Laguna's weapon--not that she would, unless he ended up being no longer fit to wield it..which seemed likely in a short span of time to happen... There really wasn't much she could do, not to these people. Even a blinding spectacle might not phase them. Still, she was surrounded by CFs and she knew what she could do.

Plus, in Dele's other hand..there was always stark metal which seemed to work well enough, even on these insane fantasy creatures straight out of a holo-horror set.

"What'd you do to Iris?" she questioned in a dangerously low voice directed at both Dolomite and Iris herself, or not herself as the case was.

Frankie said something in a language long forgotten by all but a few wizards. His hands drew symbols in the air and blue-white energy swirled around Domolite and cut into him. The evil soldier collapsed to the ground, his sword clattering a few feet away.

"As I recall," Entropy spat, "Solara fired you. After all, in any universe, you're a foul-up."

The ex-hitman turned a nasty glare to Laguna. "WHY?! There had to be something else... There had to be... WHY DID YOU DO IT?!"

The others exchanged worried glances, looking between Frankie and Laguna, and back to Iris. That she was still standing was amazing. Frankie recovered his wits enough to focus on her.

"Iris... babe. Whatever she did to you....you have to fight it. You have to. I know you're stronger than this. You're not evil. You can beat this. You're one of the purest spirits I know. You have to fight it, come back to us. Because...because... I love you."

Iam scowled. As much as he hated to admit it, Laguna may have been right. Iris had been subjected to so much dark power this day, reversing it might be impossible. But...he'd been created from the evils of man, violence and hate given form. Now he was a creature of light. There had to be hope for her too.

Laguna turned to Frankie, sighing heavily.

"There was no other choice. Not to me, because... I love her too, Frankie. What I used, was everything I had to give, to return her to us. Some essence of myself, if you will. Because she is the same as I, and Kyi. Kyi is my wife.. transformed by Solara into what you see now. Iris is.. our child."

Tala and Ashe had by now made into the castle, and Ashe seeing that Dolomite was about to move, quickly created a wind to lift him into the air.

"Tala.. if you will."

She smiled, the shadows weaving around Dolomite and his weapon, taking him to where Solara remained on the beach. Then, Ashe went to stand beside his friends, while Tala went beside Entropy, silently.

"She will return to normal, I hope. For she can fight what has been done to her."

By this time, since everyone's focus on been on Frankie and Laguna, no one really noticed when Iris spoke.

"Okay. Who died? Everyone's so damned glum. Don't tell me Anton spoiled the party mood."

"Iris?"

Frankie and Laguna turned as one, and she grinned, nodding.

"Yes, the ever so wonderful me is back. Laguna, I think you need this?"

He moved forward to grab the sword, but then fell to his knees.. the effect of the spell and the poison having taken it's toll on him.

Frankie reached out and grabbed the Crystal Mage before he could hit the ground.

"He's weak," Zealen said. "But in body only. My psionics tell me his will is strong."

"Good," Ashe said. "He's got to pull through. He's been what's held us together. We just haven't had the unity you guys have."

"Let's get him inside," Breakor suggested.

Tachyon floated by Deyja's head. "Amazing... Hard to believe you were the little kid from Faia."

"I always knew in my heart I wasn't really a kid, Doc," Deyja said. "And now I'm not. I'm not as old as I was either. I'm in the prime of my life."

"Amazing... Just amazing. You'll be a great help to us now."

"About that... Now that my memory's back... I can't stay. I have business on Faia to take care of. When we get back to our universe, I want you guys to take me home."

****

Solara (the evil one) had now recovered. "You're useless, Domolite. That was the most pathetic strike against the Crystal Fighters I've ever seen. What chance did you think you'd have against them, alone?"

"My queen... My love, I..." the dark one stuttered.

"And don't call me that. I told you already: I was u s i n g you. Get going. I am." With that, she took off into the air, for parts unknown.

Laguna was set down in the room where Iris had lay. All of the CFs silently filed out, except for Iris- who still held the sword, and Frankie.

She sat on the edge of the bed, laying the sword down next to Laguna. She placed his hand around the hilt of the blade, murmuring something to low for Frankie to hear. Then, she glanced up at him, grinning.

"So.."

"What?"

"Did you mean what you said, out there?"

Silence. "You know, about me being a pure spirit an' all."

She waited, then before he could answer, she rose, and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Her head rested just below his shoulder, and when she spoke this time.. it wasn’t with the sarcasm she had before.

"I was so.. so worried. Worried that I was going to die, not being to see anyone ever again. Worried that I'd be purple forever. It's a nice color yes, but only for hair. And then.. then I thought I was going to kill everyone.. but I was going to enjoy doing it."

It sounded as though she is trying to hold back tears.

"Most of all.. I was worried...."

"Yes?" He prompts.

"About you. After all, might never get another starbucks moment, ya know?"

"Yes," Frankie said. "I meant every word. Ever since I first got here... I think I've been in love with you. And seeing what almost happened... It was the only thing I could think of to give you the strength to fight it."

She looked up, into his eyes; he'd taken off his glasses. He smiled. She smiled. There was a silence so filled with emotions, that nothing need be spoken. They kissed. A kiss that spoke volumes, everything they'd wanted to say to each other but hadn't had to courage, will, or chance to.

After they pulled away, almost reluctantly, Iris said with a twinkle in her eye, "You know, if this is to become anything, if that's to happen again... You've gotta stop smoking."

"For you, anything."

****

The CFs spent the next two days hanging together. UA, Pyro, Nick, and Tachyon spent most of the time in the lab, talking shop and upgrading the castle-bound CFs stuff. Ganthet and Breakor engaged in contests of skill and jousts, matching their skills to each other. Grey and Robb watched over the children, with Deyja. They and the others mingled, just having fun.

But it came time for the Crystal Fighters of the universe where Crystalia had been destroyed to leave. They had a planet to get back to, and a universe to protect. It took a little doing, to get Eme, Solara, and Lark to leave, but they were reminded that they had Crystalia in their universe now too, and that they would bring the people back soon.

*****

*CLICK*

Entropy's log: Another universe....amazing. A twisted Solara and that ....Anton. But we, together with our counterparts, one a decisive victory today. Their evil Solara will be some time in recovering, thought I doubt we've seen the last of Donovan.

We've returned Deyja to Faia. His presence will be missed, but that is the path he's chosen to walk. We wish him well. Iam returned to patrolling the space ways, though I offered him a place on the team.

Now, the search for Zelda continues, and soon, we must bring the Crystalian's home, from medieval earth. End log.

*Click*

*****

From Frankling Denver's Chronicle of the Crystal Fighters: We met another universe's Crystal Fighters. And won our first real victory. Evil has been cut off at the source. Solara will be a long time in recovering. We won't see her for sometime. I can only pray that the others won't see that Donovan for a long time.

Iris and Laguna still haven't talked. Now that he's told her, there's a rift between them. That worries me. If we can't trust Laguna... Things could get bad. But on the plus side, with the angel Iam's help, Laguna was able to begin returning Kyi to normal. It's progressing well. She should even be awake in a few days.

And now Iris... I love her. But I almost worry. We're a team, protectors of this realm. A relationship could make things...weird. Might damage our ability to work together, if things ever went sour.

But I don't think they will. There's strong bond between us already. The only Earthers in this world, we've been drawn together amongst strange beings. But such is the diversity that is the Crystal Fighters.

THE END

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