CF#38: “Darkest Days”

Led by Beth McEwen

It had been a week or two since everyone had returned. Well, everyone minus Isaku who had decided to stay on Faia for reasons of his own. They were back on Destiny's Child, and life was slowly reverting back to normal. Of course, the elder CF's were dealing with the loss of UA.

Laina had spent most of the week trying to forget what she had seen with the whole Soulkeeper fiasco.. and just who had it been after? The answer still ate at her, but she thought it best to ignore it.

Blade came to sit down beside her.

"You are here, again?"

"I am worried, Blade. Something's going to happen."

"Something always happens with this group..."

"No, this is worse Blade.."

Tala was waiting for Entropy to return, he said that he needed to talk to her. She was staring at the ring placed on her finger, curious as to what was going through his head. He had seemed so distant again...

"So, everything is back up and running?"

Tachyon nodded. "Yes, we were able to repair most of the main computers. Hopefully Pyro..."

They all winced at the sound of a blast.

"Just what *did* he bring back with him?!"

Zelia raised an eyebrow at the noise, "Uh..exactly how long have you guys survived with *him* around?"

Kaliana shrugged carelessly, "He normally manages not to injure any of us, and doesn't seem to mind charring him*self* from time to time."

"Great." Zelia responded half-seriously. "How long's Tala gonna be?" she asked next. She had been keeping tabs on the CF, of course, but it wasn't the easiest thing to do--especially on a ship as large as Destiny. Kali rolled her eyes in a gesture that told Zelia to think up better questions if she wanted to get any answers. Zelia gave her a glare and speculatively rotated the glass of liquid in her hand--she could be antisocial as well.

Dr. Tachyon was adjusting some last things in the Science lab, he stepped back. Everything seemed to be in order the repairs had gone well. Tachyon's first priority was to get the scanning equipment going so he could search for any real anomalies in the Faian-Destiny sun.

Lark got up, her body was still stiff and she groaned. It seemed she had been in bed nearly all the time the last two weeks, the others wouldn't let her help with the repairs. She was fully recovered though except for some stiffness.

She pulled her door open and saw someone escape down the hall around the corner, "Necile?" she jogged and looked around the corner.

Necile was moving away quickly. "Necile." the other girl looked up in a bit of shame, Lark grimaced. "Necile we need to talk."

Eme had been acting distant lately. She seemed to approach different CFs, but then backed away and went off by herself. She didn't feel like she could talk to anyone. All of the people she had been really close to were gone.

"I should find Tala..." Eme said to herself and went off in search of her.

Tala decided not to wait any longer. If whatever he needed to say had been important, he would have been there by now. Scowling, she rose and left the room, deciding to go seek out Zelia. However, she wasn't looking where she was going, so she nearly ran right in Eme.

"Oh.. jeez, Eme.. I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention.... Are you okay?"

She looked as if something was bothering her, deeply.

"Do you.. wanna go somewhere and talk...?"

Laina and Blade sat together in front a fire. They were both staring intently into it, mumbling something. The fire wasn't the usual orange red hues; it was a deep blue color, with flecks of white.

"This isn't good."

Laina finally spoke.

"We'll have to warn the others."

"And just how are we supposed to tell them..."

"We'll figure out a way, don't worry."

"There goes another." Kaliana noted as Eme left, "Now, will I be lucky enough to be 'deprived' of yet one more?"

"I'm not a CF."

"..."

"You were counting off CFs." Zelia explained with irritation. She had just about had her heart set on leaving, but now she wasn't going to give up to Kaliana.

"How would *you* know, you're not mind-leech." She stood abruptly, Zelda might have been her one worry--this *Zelia*..wasn't supposed to be a threat, though her presence set Kali on edge.

"I could be." Zelia gave her an intense look, "It's not the body that carries the powers, most of the time."

Kaliana lounged back in her chair, "You'd never match Eme."

"Maybe. You going to give me a reason to try?" Kali brushed back a few strands of blue hair, "Waste of energy." she said lightly as Zelia scowled at her.

LAB

The last of the scan commenced and Tachyon pulled out the readings, everything seemed to be normal about the sun. Tachyon studied the print out then entered it into the computer to do a check analysis.

The info read through quickly. About half way through, there was a blip and the computer skipped over several data transfers.

"Hmmm," A glitch, he thought and reset the computer page to start the analysis over. Again it skipped several pieces of data about half way through the scan.

"Argh," Tachyon groaned, he would have to download the file and use another computer.

Tachyon went to the main counsel room where the HQ's main computer was located. The main room had been converted into Dianthe's room. She was still unconscious and showing no brain activity. They had her hooked up to the main computer to search for any activity internally. They had no such luck yet.

Tachyon flew by and looked sadly at the young Be'jinian girl. Most of the CFs had not accepted her and even accused her for the loss of Zelda, he could tell that had hurt her and now this.

Tachyon went to the computer and inserted the disk, suddenly strange writing spread across the screen and it began fiercely blinking in different colors.

"What?" Tachyon asked himself backing up in surprise. He caught movement in the corner of his eye.

Dinathe was trembling in her bed and suddenly he realized she was mumbling, Tachyon moved closer and flew up to her mouth.

"Crystalia, Nity, Dakey, Sentinei, Zealen, Kisutsu," she mumbled fiercely then repeated herself over and over again.

Tachyon hit his wristcom and called to the others "Guys get into the main consol room quick!"

As soon as the intercom blared, the two women tensed and stared each other down. Finally, Zelia made a sound of disgust and pushed herself from her chair, making it screech across the floor resoundingly.

"Where're *you* going?" Kaliana prodded as if wielding a spear.

"Where the h*ll do you *think* half-wit?" Zelia returned abruptly, spinning around to face her aggressor.

"You *know* he wasn't including *you* in that. This is a *CF* matter." Kali spoke languidly as she leaned back precariously in her chair, balancing it carefully.

"Not that *you* make much of one." Zelia's glare shifted into a wicked grin and she raised one eyebrow. Suddenly, the Kaliana's chair was flung out from under her and went clattering unceremoniously across the floor--Kaliana ungracefully joined it a moment later. Zelia smirked as she left, "Never said I needed *much* of a reason."

Grey watched Rupay, playing with a simple rubber ball, with a smile of satisfaction. They had her back, and he'd resumed his role of guardian. He didn't feel like quite so much of a failure anymore.

Deyja smiled too, catching the ball and bouncing it back to Rupay. But worry pulled across his lean features. That there was a spatial warp within his world's sun...it could spell doom for Faia. It was not a thought he liked to consider.

Wraith watched Rupay alongside Grey. Such a remarkable girl, clearly intelligent and already powerful, she would have quite a future. Perhaps that was why he'd been sent here, to watch over and guide the little Dreamian.

They all heard the signal that meant a meeting had been called. "Let's go...," Grey growled.

"Yeah...I mean if you have a minute." Eme said. It was obvious she needed to talk but she didn't want to bother Tala.

"Of course, Eme."

That was when the warning came up, and she frowned thoughtfully.

"Well, the others can handle that, whatever you need to tell me is more important."

Tala led the way back to her room, wondering what was on Eme's mind.

Zelia arrived a few minutes after the others, considering she had had some business to take care of. Dianthe was still reciting the names like a dirge that might save lives. She caught one through the background noise, ~Why is this alien with no brain activity what-so-ever mumbling about a *dead* guy?~ Then she calmed down about the reappearance of old uninteresting news, realizing that (in this universe) Razis might not have killed Nity. When she was quite finished commenting to herself, she listened to the rest of the names, some familiar, some foreign.

"Tachyon?" she turned questioningly for his theories on the matter.

"I...I am not positive," Tachyon said, landing on the table. "Kisutsu and Zealen were both killed, or so we believed with Zealen since he comes and goes, when a geyser of Core energy erupted. Nity and Striker were killed as Crystalia was consumed by its own energy. Dakey was shot into the Faian sun. As for Sentinei...that I do not know. I'd like to check with Wraith. He might be able to penetrate what's left of Dianthe's mind."

ELSEWHERE

The man cupped the small black orb carefully. It had taken him years to find this one. He had two others, but this was the only capable of doing what needed to be done.

He walked over to a stone altar, the ends of his cape barely touching the ground as he moved. With a simple gesture, the pentacle etched within the stone blazed. He held the orb over it, beginning the spell.

"Bring to me a warrior.. of the night. Of black blood and soul of ice. Of steel and of fright..."

He dropped the orb onto the stone, but it didn't shatter. Instead, it rather resembled oil as it covered the flames. Parts of it began to bubble. The man continued to speak.

"Bring to me, one with a heart of evil...

The puddle widened, a head starting to form. As though someone was trying to keep themselves from drowning in water. He continued to chant, as more of the person appeared until finally, a female torso was clearly seen. He smiled, taking a step back. The rest of the woman appeared and he once again gestured, the black oily substance melting from her body.

"Why have you called me here?"

"I shall explain as the process finishes. Welcome home, Phyllite...."

"Small welcome." Phyllite commented, lashing her tail experimentally as it breeched the liquid surface. "Who are you? And what do you mean.. 'home'?"

"So ungrateful," Her mysterious benefactor mused, "as yet."

"Give me a reason and I might consider it." she returned, casting her dark eyes about the room.

"It's quite simple.. Home. The Crystal Fighters?"

At her soft growl, the man laughed. "Good. So you remember. I have a very good reason as to why you should be grateful. I am giving you the chance to help destroy the Fighters."

A pause. His gaze met hers, as black as the liquid she had just risen from.

"And also, a chance to have more power then you could have ever dreamed."

He waited then, for her answer.

"Really." Phyllite answered noncommittally, waiting for more information. She wasn't about to bind herself to one who might make her his slave or some other silly nothing. "Why would you want to do that?" She asked in a not-quite-so-subtle version of 'What's in it for you'?

He laughed, as if he had read her thoughts.

"What's in it for me.. Power and control. Control over this universe. Of course, I could make the fighters my slaves, but slaves are hard to keep an eye upon. And of course, are the ones to rebel against their master."

"It's quite a simple task I ask of you. I need you to collect two of the Fighters for me. A shifter and her mage. They are ones that harness the power I need. In return, I am willing to grant you the power that you want, and a place in my kingdom. You can have your own world, and whatever fighters you wish.. should it come to that."

"What makes you think you are going to defeat them? Others have tried."

He smiled, showing the tips of his two. His canines were a tad longer then the rest, and pointed.

"I have a secret up my sleeve. As all good villains should. Now, shall you help me? I can return your weapons to you. And access to whatever magic you shall need for this task."

"All this power...what are you, a god?" Phyllite questioned dubiously raising an eyebrow. Yes, he had brought her here but that didn't necessarily mean he had all the power he spoke of, or could use it. "And if you're so almighty, why do you need *me*?" Why didn't he just do it himself?

DESTINY

Grey bounded into the counsel room, Entropy had just arrived.

"What's wrong is Dianthe....?" Grey didn't want to ask it, he felt responsible she had been under his command at the time of the accident. Though they had no clue when and it had happened.

Tachyon was still shaking his head, "I...I don't know."

"When did this start?" Entropy questioned.

"I just put in the disk with the scanning readouts..." Tachyon was trying to explain.

Entropy looked up at the flashing screen that was scrolling out some kind of weird symbols or language.

"Should I take it out?" Tachyon asked desperately.

Entropy pondered, "No we don't have any idea what that'll do to her, wait until Wraith can review her."

Kaliana had finally joined the crew and was staring hard at Dianthe. "Still no brain activity, is something speaking *through* her?" she asked, peering intently at the readouts.

Wraith placed a glove on Dianthe's forehead. There was a crackle of energy, like a tiny spark of static electricity. The spirit made a small sound, a groan of pain.

"Her mind is very distorted...and shielded. Something is blocking my probes. Rupay...might be able to penetrate it, but I would not want to endanger her like that. My own abilities are primarily empathic. I can create illusions, fog minds, but true telepathy is not one of my skills."

"So what can we do?" Tachyon asked.

Wraith floated over to Rupay. "I could use the Crystal of Balance to engage a temporary transfer of powers, give Rupay's abilities to someone else, and they would be able to use them to scan Dianthe's mind."

"I thought you said you couldn't use your Crystal," Entropy asked.

"A half-truth. Most of its abilities require time to prepare, intricate manipulations of energy and thought. Therefore, during the Dream World situations, I had neither the time, nor access to the natural energies I needed. The truth, from a certain point of view."

"Thank you Ben Kenobi," Pyro quipped.

"?"

"Don't worry about it, Sheet."

"Someone get Tala or Eme.” Entropy ordered.

ELSEWHERE

"A god.. no..."

He turned away from her, staring down at a goblet of liquid that had appeared for him.

"The reason why I can't, is because my powers would be sensed long before I was able to get to them. I can cloak you."

"And also, I can't reveal myself to them just yet. They need not know who I am just yet. But as for I am, I'll tell you..."

He turned back around, and murmured something in a language they could both understand. Phyllite frowned, but said nothing.

"Keep this mind, though.. before you decide to refuse my offer. I can send you back to the nothingness from whence you came. Now, are you going to help me, or not? Time grows short..."

Phyllite remained silent while he prepared to cast another spell. Finally, she nodded.

"I'll help you."

"Wonderful. I'm glad you saw the light."

DESTINY

"Eme..?"

Tala studied the Queen, who had become slightly withdrawn after they entered the room.

"If you want to wait.. to tell me ... It's okay. I can wait."

She was worried about her, ever since they had come back without UA, and what ever had happened with his evil clone... She wasn't the same, something *bad* must have happened.

Eme nodded to Tala, "I can feel we are needed with the others"

When Eme and Tala arrived they explained the situation.

"Has she come out of it?" Tala asked.

Entropy shook his head, "Something is happening, she is moving and speaking but her mental activity still reads as a flatbrain."

Wraith came up, "We need to transfer the power of Rupay into one of you so you can pierce her mind through a barrier that has been somehow erected." Eme and Tala looked at each other. "Who will it be?"

"Me." Rupay said sternly.

"But..."

"No. I want to do it. I don't care if it is dangerous. It is even more dangerous if someone else tries to handle my power. They would die."

Kaliana frowned darkly, "She's just a kid, she can't--"

But, Zelia interrupted her, "She knows her own power." the woman who looked so slightly like Zelda turned to Rupay as Kaliana protested again.

ELSEWHERE

"Or the dark." Phyllite smirked back. She was not the type of villain who saw what she was doing from a logical perspective. She hurt people, it was evil. She wanted to be evil. "Now, exactly *how* is this going to work? You give me the powers and cloak my movements...where exactly *are* the CFs?" She had *so* hoped that they had gone down with Crystalia, but she knew there was no luck in *that*.

"They are a ship called, Destiny. The two I want are together. As for the powers..."

He reached into a red velvet pouch, pulling out two small orbs. One was a deep blue, the other a blood red. He handed the blue one to her.

"Use this to create any weapon you may need. It's quite simple. Think of a weapon, and it shall turn into that. When the weapon is no longer needed.. it will return to being an orb. Also, it shall work only for you, now. Now, to cloak you."

He tossed the red orb up into the air, saying something as it started to fall back down. It started spinning, then hazed out into a smoky web-like pattern. It draped over her body, then sunk into her skin. She scowled at him.

"Next time, Warn me."

"So sorry. You can now teleport in and out of the shadows, and use any type of dark magic. However, that orb will only work for the next hour. That should be enough time?"

She just lifted one shoulder in a half shrug.

"One more thing." He pressed two fingers against her forehead, showing her who she needed to look for.

"Now. You're all set. Have fun, cause some mayhem."

DESTINY

Laina and Blade had finally agreed on how they were going to tell the others what they saw.

"They're prolly mad at us as it is.. considering we are late and all..."

"I'm pretty sure it was nothing serious.."

Neither of them noticed the shadows following them.

-----

"I agree, Zelia. Rupay knows her powers best. We should allow her to do what she wishes."

Before Kali could say something, Tala frowned thoughtfully.

"Has anyone seen Laina or Blade? Shouldn't they have been here by now?"

-----

Neither of them sensed anything was wrong, until a tendril had gripped Laina's leg, jerking her off her feet roughly.

"Blade! Look Out!"

However, before he had time to draw his sword, a blast propelled him backwards. He landed against the wall with a thud, sinking down to the floor. Laina struggled against the shadows, which were slowly forming a husk against her legs. She heard a low laugh, and tried to get a glimpse of her attacker.

-----

"I thought they had come by already."

Tachyon frowned thoughtfully, then shook his head.

"No.. they haven't come by.. at all. You and Eme were the last to arrive, Tala."

----

Blade struggled to his feet, lobbing a low level light spell at the source of the blackness.

"You think that will stop me? Fool."

Laina by now was half covered in shadow webbing, and decided to try something.

~Eme! Tala..! Someone, Help! We're being attacked!~

However, before she could try again, she saw Blade go flying past her again. But this time, he went into a portal of black.

"Your turn now..."

Laina felt herself sinking into the floor.

~HELP! Someone! Pl...~

The person at the heart of the shadows turned slightly, hearing his voice.

"Good job. Destroy what you wish. Just return within the hour. And if you get caught, don't worry. Nothing they have there can hold you."

Tala looked at the other,s "I think Laina was calling to me she sounded like she was in trouble."

Entropy came forward, "We'll go find her and Blade, all of you come along except Wraith. Stay here and help Rupay." Entropy looked around, "You stay too Tachyon, if this mental probe doesn't work, risk taking that disk out of there."

They three staying behind nodded to their assignments and the rest left following Tala's lead.

"Okay," Wraith said placing a hand to Rupay's shoulder, "you’re a brave little soul."

The little dream girl smiled at him and giggled, "Thank you sir, I want to help my friends."

He nodded, this would be dangerous but he would help her through it and keep her mental link stable while she entered Dianthe's fluctuating mind. Wraith brought a stool over so Rupay could stand and see her patient. He let his mind cradle both of theirs as Rupay began.

The first thing Rupay saw was the incredible light, her eye's would have been forced closed to shut it out if it had been a physical image. For several minutes, she pushed past the strain to go beyond the bright light. Finally she broke through and the light seemed to move closer somehow with a swirling point of darkness at the middle which she rapidly moved towards. As she neared she could hear whispering voices, they became louder as the point of darkness became closer and bigger. Finally, the dark ring flooded all her senses and the whispers became shouts of incoherent words. Rupay nearly pulled away but they stopped and the beautiful planet stood before her.

She felt a familiar presence come to greet her and she turned to see it but the whole universe of the mind exploded in a fiery rage and dark fears engulfed her heart and soul, forcing her from Dianthe's mind. Rupay came out screaming and Wraith desperately tried to calm her.

"Get that out of there, it could be killing what’s left of her!" Wraith shouted to Tachyon.

The doctor did as ordered and the disk of scanning readouts was ejected, the screen went blank. Dianthe became motionless and mute once more, and Rupay was washed free of the dark fears. Rupay calmed as she was cradled in Wraith's arms, he looked sadly at Tachyon. They only had more questions now.

HALLWAY

Kaliana cast a look behind her shoulder before following the others. ~She can't possibly find anything. But..those names.. it shouldn't be possible, something else is at work. I *will* know what it is.~

They had been carefully walking down the hallways, physically looking and listening for any signs of Laina and Blade and...whoever it what.. The ships scans were no longer picking them up…which of course could just be a glitch... But, after the cries Tala and Eme had heard, they were certain it was no glitch. Something was deadly wrong, as usual.

Kaliana whirled around suddenly, her eyes flicking nervously across every detail of the shadowed wall behind her.

"Find something?" Tala asked, realizing one of their members had stayed behind.

"N.." Kali began, then stopped herself, eyes narrowing. Whatever it had been, it was gone now. She shrugged, "A bug or something. Just being paranoid."

"Sure?"

"YES!" Kaliana half-barked out the word in annoyance.

"Geeez, I was just asking."

Meanwhile, Phyllite smirked to herself as she tauntingly traveled invisibly around the CFs. However, she didn't waste time for long. This ship was large and not one that she was familiar with, but from the open readouts she found, it seemed the main controls were in a logical place...and logically she would go there to disrupt them. She kept a careful watch on the time, deciding to leave the final blow until later, but not *too* much later.

LARK’S ROOM

Deyja came through the door to Lark's room where she was sitting and talking to Necile. "Everything okay?" Lark asked.

"There may be some trouble," Deyja answered. "I was just coming to make sure you two were ok, you two stay here we can't have you going out there not one-hundred percent"

"But..." Lark protested getting off the bed.

"No, Entropy had strict orders." Deyja looked at Necile, "Make sure she stays here so she won’t kill herself. Necile nodded and Deyja left quickly to get back to the others.

HALLWAY

"Hmmm.."

Tala paused again, going towards the wall.

"I already told you! There was nothing..."

Her words trailed off as two hands reached from the wall. Tala shoved her out of the way, getting slashed by the claws in the process. She blinked. She hadn't been able to phase through them...

That was when alarms started to blare.

"Guys! There's someone..."

Tachyon's voice started to fuzz in and out.

"Control room..."

Tala scowled.

"Kali, take three of the others and make sure Tachyon and Dia are okay. Entropy, the rest of you.. come with me."

Phyllite scowled slightly as the alarms went off. Oh, well. No matter, she had half of the panels in total disarray. She had used the sphere to create a various assortment of weapons she was familiar with. After slashing at the last panel, she just turned slightly as four of the Fighters burst in.

"Phyllite!"

Entropy yelled, and she smiled sweetly at him.

"Why, hello lover. See you have your new... pet with you."

He growled, his hand going to the hilt of Griever.

"Tsk. Tsk. We were friends, Entropy. Is that how you treat an old friend?"

"You *are* no friend of mine."

"You're right about that."

Before any of them could react, Entropy had a arrow half embedded in his stomach. He gasped, his hand going to the entry wound. Tala growled, preparing a spell.. when Phyllite suddenly vanished.

"What the hell..."

She muttered, then was flung across the room. The others that had joined were dealt with in the same manner. Then Phyllite appeared again.

"Wish I could stay.. But, Someone's calling me. Enjoy."

However, she used the shadows to create three clones of herself before fading from view.

"Yeah, whatever." Kaliana returned in a mumble as she headed back, not bothering to see if the three others in her group were even following.

"Hey, Doc." she called as she entered the room, "What's with the sirens, or don't we know that either?"

CONTROL ROOM

The foremost clone smirked with typical small-time villain arrogance, "You may not be up to a duel," she said, singling out Entropy, "but the Vile were never much for honor." she finished and raised one hand. In the midst of darkness a weapon near-identical to Griever materialized.

Tala's eyes locked on P1, but, before she could take more than one tense step forward, a wall of emptiness shot up in front of her, barring her way with nonexistence.

"Ah, ah, ah." P2 warned, then clenched a fist and reality returned so she could walk the distance between them. "I don't think 'Sister wants *you* interfering, care to dance?"

P3 watched the other two CFs, evaluating their position to determine their first move and her own counter.

Tala's gaze settled on the shadow before her. And, for some odd reason, she smiled.

"Only if..."

A small orb of white began to grow in her palm.

"I can lead."

She flung the orb at the clone, watching as it exploded against her chest. However, she wasn't sucked into nothingness, as Tala had expected.

"What..."

She wasn't able to finish, as the clone attacked.

Entropy scowled at P1. "Who said anything about honor?"

He rose in a single, smooth movement, drawing Griever at the same time. Before P1 could react, her copy weapon had been knocked from her hands.

"Never assume."

And with that, he attacked.

ELSEWHERE

"I assume you left some toys behind."

Phyllite nodded.

"Wonderful."

He smiled, pointing over to where Laina and Blade were chained. Laina was encased within a black spider web. Blade had a collar around his neck, and his hands were bound behind his back.

"She will need some.. persuading to do what I want. You'll get to the torture the mage. Pretend he's Entropy."

He had moved before he could note any reaction to his words.

"Wake up... Laina.."

Her eyelids fluttered open. ~Where...~

She found herself looking into a pair of deep black eyes, swirled with red specks. ~Who.. Wait.. those eyes...~

"Ah, you've joined the living. As you can see... I have you, and ..."

He glanced towards his left, and she followed his gaze. Blade was kneeling before Phyllite, and she had a sword out and ready.

"You... You bastard! Let me go... Or..."

"Or what? You can't save Blade this time, should he die. All you need to do is a favor for me.. and you both are free to go."

She glared at him, wondering why she could access her powers.

"If you refuse, he dies. Simple as that. Then, I will take what I want from you.. and kill you as well. Make your choice."

Silence reigned.

"Phyllite, if you please..."

DESTINY

"The benefits of an inexhaustible supply.." P1 mused as another version of Griever appeared, this time in her opposing hand. In her right she twirled a sickle of raging energy. She crossed the two, simply and a burst-flare of dark light was shot, writhing, into the true Griever.

P2 materialized a fairly ordinary-looking sword as she lunged toward Tala, bringing her arms down in a circular swipe of metal. She had initially thought of using a simple blaster, it would be sure to finish the job without any complications--like someone escaping alive. However, the 'real' Phyllite had 'heard' the idea and commanded against it.

ELSEWHERE

Phyllite sneered, "*Do* be sure to realize that he's of no use to *me*." she warned Laina with a death-threat in her eyes. It *was* after all, in her best interests that her power-endower get what he wanted.

Phyllite took a step forward and lifted the sword, trailing it lightly up Blade's arm to leave a seeping trail of blood. He tensed, but made no sound at the slit of pain. Phyllite frowned slightly. When she reached his shoulder, she stopped and abruptly jerked the blade up then down again.

Blade dropped to his stomach to cushion himself against the attack.

The sword 'bounced' off of bone with an eerie -click- accompanied by Laina's sharp gasp. Her superior raised an eyebrow. Others might have taken the attack for an attempt at a straight kill, but even if Blade hadn't moved, the blow had been balanced so it would only have scarred the bone.

Phyllite then slid the sword in a cutting arc from his shoulder up to his chin, not cutting deeply enough to leave any serious wounds *just* yet. By tilting the sword slightly, she raised his head. "Well?"

"Interesting."

He then turned to look at Laina, who was shaking in a mixture of rage and fear. Blade.. The others... She had to decide. Who was more important to her. Wait, maybe she could help him, and do something to mess it up...

"Well, Laina, what shall it be? Are you going to help me, or are you going to watch his life blood drain from him?"

"Don't..."

He chuckled slightly. Ah, the foolish noble hearts.. Well, not matter. He'd get what he wanted either way.

"I... I'll help you..."

"Wonderful...."

He smiled darkly, and motioned to Phyllite.

"Please raise him. He needs to be healed. Oh, and to make sure you don't do anything unwise.."

He eyes narrowed, while he spoke to Laina.

"I am giving Blade to her."

DESTINY

Only shortly after Deyja had left they heard the first sounds of battle.

Lark and Necile both sat sternly staring at the door, both desperately wanting to be there at their friends’ sides. Lark knew she couldn't go out there, not in her condition and Necile knew she wouldn't let her go.

"I have to...." Lark began but Necile shook her head and placed a steadying hand to Lark's shoulder.

They sat for several more minutes hearing the bangs and crashes not to far off. They both itched to move, to do something other than just sit there. Then there was a scream of pain and Lark bolted up without even thinking and raced for the door.

"Stop!" Necile grabbed Lark sharply by the wrist snapping back her retreat.

"Agh!" Lark pulled away, "I have to!" She was going to pull her sword out and reach for the door and Necile grabbed her again.

"Lark, I said stop!"

Lark tried squirming free again, "I can't just..."

Necile struck her back-handed across the face. The force physically brought Lark to the ground but her emotions suddenly fell much deeper at her friend's attack.

"I said stop." Necile said sternly breathing heavily as she bent towards Lark. Her eyes were distant and lost just like before. Lark moved to get up but unbalanced she was shoved hard into the wall.

Necile was moving fast and Lark couldn't recover before her head was slammed back hard into the wall, her sight phased in and out dizzily for a second or two until the cold sting of the fingers around her neck brought her back out of it.

Lark was suddenly aware she was back on the ground with Necile straddled atop her tightly clenching her throat in fatal choke-hold. Lark tried to scream to her but all that came out was a hoarse whispery sound.

For Lark the world began to fade away.

ELSEWHERE

Phyllite's grimace tightened and she brought the sword up and away sharply, leaving a dripping gash along the bottom of his chin. She shot Laina a look, daring her to so much as move a finger contrary to his orders. She then grabbed his uninjured arm in a sinuously reptilian vise-grip.

"Now?" she asked in a imitation-whine, "He can bleed a bit first..it won't kill him.."

"She agreed."

"Fine, fine." Phyllite conceded grudgingly, she had known she would get that answer. Laina wouldn't make a deal if they weren't going to keep their half.

She wasn't well-versed in healing magic, however the power he had bequeathed gave her the rudimentary ability. She waved a wind of white magic around Blade, sealing up the wounds she had created seconds ago. The blood was still there of course, but no more leaked from his body.

DESTINY

The Griever handled the added darkness rather well, in fact, the sword seemed to feed upon the energy it was given. Tala had barely avoided the blow from P2 but had lashed out with a kick of her own. She wasn't too well versed in hand to hand, having relied on her phasing ability for too long.

Entropy smiled darkly as P1 frowned.

"Wrong move..."

He swung the Griever in a simple arc, lopping off P1's head. The other clone whirled around at the sight, knocking Tala over with her tail.

"YOU...!"

P2 screamed, blasting at Entropy. He sailed through the air, knocking into the others. They fell in a tumbled heap, and the two Phyllite's advanced, livid at the kill of their "sister".

ELSEWHERE

He waved a hand simply, and the webbing around Laina vanished. She fell to the ground, and was roughly jerked up by a shadow creature.

"A question.."

"Yes." He said simply, having expected this.

"Who ... Who are you?"

"My name... is Donovan. As for what I am, I'm sure you've guessed."

"Evil?"

He laughed softly, and started walking from the room.

"Follow us when it pleases you, Phyllite. You and your new pet.."

Laina struggled against the shadow's grip, but she was dragged along.

They entered a darker cavern, and Donovan whispered a word. Suddenly, several large braziers were lit.

Phyllite wiped a drop of blood from Blade's cheek and held her stained finger up towards the faint lights in the darkness. Watching Laina stare at her, she pressed her thumb and finger together and the blood spurted out from between them with a sharp squelch. "Yes, little cat, watch your back, do." Laina tore her eyes from the ever-present Vile hovering over Blade, and focused on Donovan.

Laina just arched a brow as she saw what sat across the room, behind him.

It was a simple stone chair, upon which runes and hieroglyphics had been carved.

"That.. is what you..."

She was trying not to laugh. Suddenly, her breath was choked off, and Donovan was smiling thinly.

"You know not upon which you look. You are dealing with powers out of your league.. it would be best if you did not laugh."

Laina would have sunk to her knees, except the shadow was holding her up. Her ability to breathe was returned to her, and she took in several gulps of air while the shadow led her to the throne.

"That which you mock.. holds the power to unleash all the evil within every person. Or, you can target it to a specific group..."

The shadow dumped her within the chair, clamping her wrists and ankles.

"I plan on exploiting the evil within the Fighters, and using them.. and Destiny, to take over several planets. From there, I will use this to corrupt everyone.. making this universe one of darkness."

"You.. You're mad... It will never work."

"Oh no? The hearts and wills of people are weak. So many of them give into the darkness anyway.. I won't have many to use the machine on. It will be simple. And once the Fighters have outlived their usefulness. I shall kill them. But you.. you and your mage.. shall have life eternal."

That was when Phyllite came in, Blade crawling behind her. He was in a lot of pain, and blood still dripped from his closed wounds.

"I will... *destroy* you for this..."

"If you ever regain your strength..."

Donovan smiled, unclasping what they had thought of as his cape. His wings unfurled, and Laina's eyes went wide.

"You're a demon..."

"Perceptive, aren't you." Donovan sneered, conjuring up two small blue orbs. He directed them over to Laina, and they hovered over her for a moment, then sent two bolts of lightning into her. She screamed, once.. then fell silent. Blade jerked at the sound, but was unable to do anything. Donovan then started the spell...

"Usi la magia all'interno di questo vaso per rompere aperto il sigillo della battaglia di nerezza A delle volontà e le anime erupt ma alla fine, la malvagità allineare thee dell'obiettivo del corupt I, combattenti di cristallo. Protecter del tutto che sia buono... Sarete i primi da cadere... "

The fires turned from their hazy orange to a lime green, with black tint. Donovan laughed, a rich dark sound.

"It Begins!"

He yelled, throwing his hands up into the air.

(*Translation: “Use the magic within this vessel. To break open the seal of darkness.

A battle of wills and souls shall erupt. But in the end, true evil shall corrupt. I target thee, Crystal Fighters..Protecter of all that is good...You shall be the first to fall...” )

DESTINY'S CHILD

P2 rushed forward after the blast and hooked a sickle around Entropy's waist to yank him back up to a standing position. She cursed when the metal slid through his liquid form without leaving a mark.

P3 had also drawn off her attack to focus on Entropy. She followed up behind her surviving sister, a new weapon appearing in her hands. By this time, Entropy was already standing again, wielding Griever with serene skill.

Clashes upon clashes slashed from each weapon, but it was Entropy who was winning, already having scored a second blood on P2. But, as their weapon's hit again, crackling, P3 dove into the battle with a small thin dagger. She slammed the weapon into Entropy's ankle, all the while infusing it with all the power Phyllite had given her.

LARK’S ROOM

Lark pushed eagerly at Necile's wrists, trying to force them away but the exertion made her recently healed wounds flare in her midsection and a wave of weakness coursed through her body. Lark still held on to Necile but only limply as she was lastly fading away.

Lark began to let her eyes close to Necile's who were still physically open but closed to the world. A scream erupted from Necile's throat and in an instant it was as if the true Necile was breaking through the mechanical brainwashed shell. When she became aware of her actions, she bolted away from Lark, screaming.

It took a second for Lark to realize her airways had become clear and still it seemed as if it had been dormant so long it took her a couple more seconds to learn the action of breathing again. Over Lark's choking gasps and coughs Necile was still screaming.

"I...I did it again didn't I!!!!"

Lark moved, choking, to her knees. Necile was shaking her head when she spied Lark's sword discarded near her feet, jaunted loose in the struggle. Lark started to raise her self up and through her blood shot eyes found Necile with the sword place precariously at her throat, the tip threatening it's way through.

"I have to end this before I hurt you." Necile cried. Lark felt a desperate surge of energy come over her. The second Necile's muscles clenched to apply the force that would embed her head on the tip of Lark's sword, Lark had already pulled her sword of Ganthet's crystalline matter free and swung it. The other sword was shattered before Necile could do much damage to herself.

Lark dropped the crystal sword and Necile fell to her knees, Lark fell with her and pulled Necile's head to her breast.

"No no no no," Necile muttered.

They both cried together, Lark rocked her like a small child, "I want to help you Necile, I just don't know how."

CONTROL ROOM

Entropy's body shuddered at the sudden surge of dark energy. He fell onto P2's waiting blade, but swung Griever as he did so. One of her arms was removed from her body. She growled, sending sparks of black at him. Combined with the power the other was forcing into him, he was unable to morph any type of armor around him.

P2 swung around at a tap upon her shoulder.

Tala stood behind her, her eyes as dark as the shadow from which they had been created.

"Never. Ever. Mess with my boyfriend."

She never knew what hit her. She was slammed into a wall, then the other shadows in the room beginning creeping upon her, slowly tearing her apart. Tala grabbed the other one by her tail. Phyllite resorted to using the same dagger she had used on Entropy, but all it did was seem to enrage Tala even more.

ELSEWHERE

Donovan started. Pyllite looked at him, worried.

"What is it?"

"Your clones.. They were shadows, correct?"

"Yes... What happened?"

"They were absorbed... one of the Fighters must have the same powers as I.. but that can't be. Unless..."

His brows furrowed, then he glanced at Laina.

"I must go, and make sure nothing foils my plan."

"But.. how..."

She didn't get to finish, for when Donovan turned to face, he was Laina. She blinked.

"They won't be able to tell it's not her. Just keep an eye on the mage. His powers are suppressed, so he shouldn't be able to do anything. If I need you, I will let you know."

He vanished in a haze of black. Phyllite just stared.

DESTINY

When the others reached the control room, they stared in shock. There was burn marks, and black matter spattered over all the walls. There was also the faint smell of burned wires.

"Tala.. what..."

Kali stared to asked, but paused. Tala was kneeling beside Entropy.

"We need to get him to the med lab."

Her voice was dead, flat. Kali frowned. This was bad, wasn't it?

"What happened?"

"Apparently, there is a new type of Vile running around. I killed two of them."

"They're the ones that destroyed the control room?"

"No, the one that created them did. Look, I'll tell you all what happened, but after we get him to the med lab."

ELSEWHERE

Phyllite turned to Blade as Donovan left them, "*Do* try an escape." she suggested, leveling her sword with his eyes in an invitation to near-deadly harm. She realized that they still needed Blade and she, of course, wouldn't kill him...however..if he *did* try anything, it would give her reign to..educate him on more correct behavior. Still, this was but practice. The person she *truely* wanted to suffer was still Entropy.

His gaze met hers for a mere moment, light fighting against dark. Then it slowly went back. For he was already a beaten man, unable to help the one he was sworn to protect.

"You would dare an already dead man to kill himself... For your pleasure, but I won't do it."

"Already dead? You bleed well enough for a *dead* man."

But Blade had lapsed into silence, his head bowed as he stared at the ground. Phyllite snorted with disgust. What a weak, pathetic fool this one was.

DESTINY

"Oh, wonderful." Kaliana commented, shaking her head at the mess, "Not that there's much we can do. You know, we really need to hire a doctor."

"Just help me carry him!" Tala snapped, hovering over Entropy.

"And I always thought you *weren't* supposed to move an injured person." Kaliana added, though already helping Tala as Entropy continued his involuntary shuddering.

They settled him down on a table, and Tachyon hovered over Entropy, affixing various i.v.'s and other things.

"What exactly did happen?"

"Phyllite."

Blank looks from most, except Pyro and Eme.

"I thought she was dead."

"It appears not. But there's something else. Those clones.. were shadow matter. I don't know of anyone that can control shadows except for I. And Phyllite was a Vile. Incapable of doing that. So.."

"She has outside help."

"Yes..." Tala turned away, to look at Tachyon.

"Will he be alright?"

"Well. I was able to stabilize him.. but.. Other then that, I don't know. What sort of power went into him? I've never seen anything.."

Tala sighed.

"It wasn't power. It was shadow. I've heard tales of people becoming them after being injected with it. But.. they slowly go insane. Normal people can't handle it."

"Entropy is anything *but* normal..."

Tala chuckled slightly at Kali's comment.

"Ok then.. Anyone that does not have demon blood, or demon powers."

DESTINY'S CHILD

"So," Kaliana raised an eyebrow, "You mean to say there's no way he can make it? Being that he's not a demon like *some* people I could name."

Tala's smile grew slightly more dangerous. Only Kali really noticed it, seeing how she was on the receiving end of it.

"Not all of us that are demons are truly worthy of the name. In fact I know one..."

She never got to finish, as Laina suddenly appeared in the room.

"What the hell.."

Laina grabbed a hold of Kali. She looked as if she had been in a horrible fight. Her clothes were ripped, as though they had been shredded by claws. Blood dripped from several small gashes along her arms and neck.

"I made it.. oh thank the gods..."

Tala frowned heavily. What was *this*? Something wasn't right..

"Where's Blade?"

"They.. they still have him.. he was the true target.. not I..."

ELSEWHERE

"Aww, poor Bladie, spirit broken *already*?" Phyllite prodded with a degrading tone. "I'm *disappointed*. Laina *dear*, did you *know* just how fragile he was when you teamed up with him? Pathetic." She shook her head making a 'tsk, tsk, tsk' sound through her teeth.

Laina couldn't reply to Phyllite's taunt. It seemed as though her vocal cords had stopped working, after that scream. Yet her soul, her body was on fire. And she could feel every nuance of the spell that was coursing through her veins. A spell that was going to destroy her friends...

~Blade.. please be strong for me now..~ She begged, a tear slipping down her cheek.

Phyllite glanced over at her, as though she had heard the silent plea.

Phyllite lashed her tail and crossed between them, silently testing the extent of her new powers, though not in any way that Donovan would destroy her for. She left Laina and Blade alone.

DESTINY

Everyone was shooting questions at Laina, everyone but Tala. She was just studying her, when her eyes widened. Why couldn't anyone else sense that something was off? When Laina glanced at her again, she did not see the usual green orbs.. instead she found herself looking into a pair as black as the shadows she had just fought. Tala rose, grabbing Laina's arm, much to everyone's shock.

"Who are you? Answer me?!"

Laina blinked, while everyone else tried to calm Tala down.

"Hey, calm down."

"It's Laina, can't you tell? She's right before you!"

Tala snarled slightly. "Laina would *never* leave Blade behind. This is a fake.."

"Tala.. Tala.. it's me.. C'mon.." Laina spoke smoothly, as though she was speaking to a child. Tala just calmly threw her aside, sending Laina flying into an extra bed.

"Okay. Now've you gone to far!"

Kaliana pointed a finger at her, and Tala sighed heavily.

"What don't you understand? That's not Laina! It's a..."

Suddenly, she felt rather drowsy, and began to sway. What had they..

"It's a fake, it's not Laina.. Don't you see?"

Colors swam before her, and she finally crashed to the ground.

Kali and Zelia looked down at her.

"Odd..."

"They both are. Heck, everyone here is."

"Are you alright, Laina?"

"Yes, Queen Emerald... I'm just a little.. shocked.."

DESTINY'S CHILD

Zelia moved Tala into a more comfortable position near Entropy she explained her theory aloud, "Shock probably..." something she had seen fairly often in Faians who had gotten a bit too close to her and Razis, "Not many can take a battle like that, and those two *did* seem fairly close..." ~Yet..~ she thought to herself, ~She's an experienced CF... surely she's been in a similar situation...~

Kaliana wasn't the least bit disturbed by Tala's reaction, though with a smirk she was reminded of some of her own outbursts. The CFs had made such things commonplace, of little mention.

"So where *is* Blade?" Kali asked, Tala's exclamation piquing her curiosity. A couple of the others gave her a glare, Laina had just declared she wasn't exactly up to standard, but Kaliana was not about to give her a break. *No* one received pleasant breaks.

~Damn her.~ He seethed inwardly, though his outward appearence of Laina just seemed to shake a little. Nerves, they would all think. Nerves, not the red hot anger that was washing though him.

"They.. they hooked him up..."

She took a deep breath, calming herself.

"He is encased within a black web.. something I could not break though. The woman.. that took us.."

~Don’t worry, Phyllite.. They won't catch you nor me. By the time they figured out they've been fooled...~

"She had some sort of means.. to use his magic to power up a machine.. We need to go save him!"

"Not all of us can go. Necile is still injured, and someone needs to remain."

Laina nodded, studying Tachyon.

"I agree. Why don't you and Grey stay here then? The rest of us can go.. I believe I can get everyone there.."

"Well, our other teleporter is out cold. Just why did she think you were someone else?"

"It's a long story.. Kaliana... I'll have to tell it to you in full someday."

"Well, let's go to the control room and survey the damage. I'll have to see what I can fix.. again.. On the way, you can tell us your plan."

~Ahh.. perfect.~ Donovan smiled inwardly.

"Alright. Doc. Will they.. be alright on their own?"

"The systems will watch over the two of them. Tala's just asleep.. she should wake up within the hour."

Laina nodded, and they slowly filed out of the room.

LARK’S ROOM

Lark helped Necile up to sit back on the bed. She couldn't look back at Lark as she held her face in her hands.

"I don't know how I could do this, Tala helped me...I...I"

Lark pulled her hands away and looked in her eyes, "Trax put you through several years of psychological conditioning and torment, we can't expect to beat this in one session."

"I just want it to be over."

Lark sat down beside her, she need her own rest, "You’re going to take regular treatment for sometime I suppose."

They sat silently for a while thinking of their predicament.

Necile couldn't take her eyes off the broken sword, she was remembering her past when she was still a happy free-willed girl running about the prairies along side Lark in their beautiful Crystalian kingdom.

"Your sword," Necile talked with anguish "It's broken because of me."

"It's ok..."

"No it isn't." Necile cut Lark off. "I remember, it was your sister's sword. She gave it to you after she died, saving your life."

Lark smiled, she didn't remember her sister much anymore but she still felt that love in her heart. "And it was destroyed in the pursuit of saving your life, a fitting end for such a worthy weapon wouldn't you say?"

Necile shook her head, "No you can't make this right Lark, you can't make this into a good experience. I broke something that meant so much to you and I can never repay such a debt."

Lark looked sadly, why was Necile so hard on herself, why couldn't she understand this wasn't her fault, "Well, when everything calms down maybe we can get Pyro to weld it back together or something."

Necile didn't say anything they just sat quietly thinking for a while more. Lark suddenly realized that the sounds of battle had ceased at some point while they were wrapped up in their own commotion.

"The fighting stopped, we should go check on the others." Lark looked at Necile she didn't say anything. "We can get Tala to treat you before you have another breakdown."

Necile reluctantly got up and followed lark to find the others.

LAB

Despite his assurances to the others, Tachyon was not so sure. He was a scientist. Magic, especially the shadow magic used by people like Tala and others, was beyond him. For all he knew, Entropy could be dying...

"Not sure how long it will take to fix the teleporter.... Depends on which circuits were damaged and how bad... Just hope that the dimensional folding circuits weren't hurt... I barely understand how those work, let alone how to fix them."

RUPAY'S ROOM

"She'll be alright?" Grey asked.

Wraith put a glove on the sleeping girl's forehead.

"I think so. She experienced a tremendous psionic shock, but the scope of her own powers shielded most of her mind from it. If she'd been badly injured... I think she would have retreated to Dreamworld."

"Good," Deyja said. "If the others end up going on a mission, I'll stay behind with her."

Grey looked at him.

"They need you more than me Grey, I toss around flames. You can track just about anything, and you're a good fighter. That's more than useful."

Grey nodded then turned back to Wraith "What did she see?"

"She said it started off going into a bright light." Wraith said.

"The sun?" Deyja asked.

"It would seem so." Wraith continued. "Then in the middle there was a black hole she fell into."

"Sounds like our portal" Grey this time, Wraith nodded.

"Especially considering when she came out of the hole, she says she saw a planet-she says it was Crystalia." They nodded. They had never been to the place but apparently this planet within Destiny was an exact duplicate. Actually by the last crop of rumors it was actually a reflected image from the other side of the portal-sun.

"So there is truth to Zelia's story?"

Wraith nodded, "Certainly seems like it, something’s is going on up there." he pondered "The only thing that worries me is that when Rupay got to Crystalia she was filled with incredible fear, she sensed a deep and evil darkness."

Grey nodded, "We will have to inform Entropy when he is well"

LAB

Donovan glanced around, pleased. She had done a fine job. And for some reason, even if his plan.. didn't work.. he'd have to reward her.

"Laina...?"

"Huh?" She glanced up. Kaliana frowned at her.

"I had to call your name, like five times."

"So.. sorry.."

"Well, explain to us whatever is needed."

~Ah, time for me to slip away.~

Laina's form remained, with the information Donovan had wanted to tell everyone. It was like the clones that Phyllite had created earlier, but this was one nearly perfect. She would reply to questions, and keep them busy while Donovan did his other *dirty* work.

SOMEWHERE

Tala sat upright, placing a hand to her forehead. "Oiii.."

"Headache?"

"Who?" Tala whirled around, nearly falling off the bed as she did so. Donovan couldn't help but snicker. He sat down in a chair next to the bed, and she scowled at him.

"You."

"Yes, I. I need to speak with you..."

"I have nothing to say to you." Tala fumed, then wondered where exactly. Where all this anger coming from? She was usually able to control it.

ELSEWHERE

Laina suddenly slumped in her seat. The magic was still coursing through her, but the main work from the spell had been done. Phyllite could sense the shift in energies...

Perhaps she wouldn't request a world from Donovan, but a person.

"It would seem Laina has finished." Phyllite transmitted to Donovan, keeping the awe out of her voice while she conjured up a shadow-Entropy. She looked at the inanimate creature with disgust and sliced it in half with a negligent sweep of her sword. She frowned, it may have *looked* like Entropy...but the essence could not be re-created. She willed what was left of the shadow away.

DESTINY

Zelia had been frowning ever since Laina's reappearance, but been silent while the others asked the questions.

Finally, she spoke up, "How *did* you escape from..Phyllite anyway? And when did she grow so strong?" From what Tachyon had pulled up for them in the database (the old CFs had logged some of their history), Phyllite had been a minor villain who eventually came under the control of EUA before Entropy had taken care of her.

"I... used a light based attack on her. As for stronger.. I don't know how that happened. I need your help in getting Blade.. I couldn't it own my own.. I can't believe I left him behind."

Laina nearly started to cry.

SOMEWHERE

"Oh ma voi deve comunicare con me, dopo tutti... "

He paused. Tala’s eyes widened. He was speaking in a language she knew, but hadn't heard in years.

"Sono che cosa siete."

" ho conosciuto quello. Ho saputo una volta che esaminassi voi gli occhi. Siete un demon, appena come sono."

"Amperora, ma voi sia più allora soltanto mezzo, caro Ora siete un demon pieno. Una volta che prendeste le potenzi del Nokomis nel vostro corpo."

"Come avete saputo circa Nokomis?!"
"Semplice. I Am.. il vostro fratello... "
"Siete trovandosi iete trovandosi!"

Tala rose, and Donovan just smirked.

"Il vostro fratello del bambino, nella carne Penso che Laina potrebbe avere un'idea che siamo relativi. Il resto comunque. Nessuno sa. Così, come ritiene per avere un fratello piegato sul distrugg del tutto giudicate caro?"

"Nessun differente da che cosa Nokomis ha provato a fare parecchie volte sopra. La ho arrestata, io li arresterò.".

She took a step forward, and two shadows pinned her arms. She growled. Donovan's smirk grew even wider.

"L'amperora, ma vede Nokomis era una parte di voi, in modo da potreste. I tuttavia, ha abbinato uniformemente con voi. Sono venuto qui, offrirvi una scelta."

"Che è.?" "Semplice. Uniscalo e viva. lotta con loro e muoia.".

He paused, studying her.

"Vi dirò che cosa sto facendo Sto liberando una magia antica, per corrompere tutto il CFs. È lavorato voi. ma allora. già siete alterati ancora. Se lo unite. Permetterò che voi ed il vostro lover viviate. Decida negarlo me. e muore. lentamente. alle mani di vecchia fiamma."

Tala growled. Join him.. or... She glanced down at Entropy. His breathing was better.. but not much.

"Posso guarirlo, sapete È qualcosa che potrte fare, ma non siete esperti nella portata completa delle vostre potenzi."

"Ma ho pensato."

"I healers dell'ombra su Jihan.. È niente più allora pochi demons. Ora. se lo guar. voi lo unirò?".

Tala debated, while Donovan sat there patiently. Entropy.. or.. her friends. Wait a second. If she was just like him, then she could be as devious. She decided she would help, then... then what? Well, she'd get to that point when the time came.

"Io aiuto di volontà voi.".

He smiled, and rose, nodding.

"Very well.. now for my part.."

He moved to stand over Entropy, placing one hand on his forehead.

"Darkness within you, created by my hand. Return to your proper home, the shadow's land."

Entropy started writing, black mist condensing about his body. Tala just watched, hands clenched. If something went wrong, she'd kill Donovan. The mist continued to escape from his boy, till finally a murky fog had settled on the ground below there feet. Donovan leaned down, stroking it.

"Return home, dears.. I shall need you later."

He rose, turning to Tala.

"If you wish to await my return, you may go here."

He sent her a mental image of the place. Omitting the fact that Phyllite was there. Should she try anything.. Phyllite would stop her.

Donovan had slipped back into the fake body. Zelia was just studying her thoughtfully, and Donovan frowned inwardly. She looked like the other telepath, but she wasn’t the same. Tha aura and attitude where different.

"You guys.. are Blade's only hope..."

"Just what were Laina's powers again?"

Kali whispered to the doctor.

"The ability to charge a person's powers, make them at least ten times as strong. She was also able to shift into type of living shadow creature."

"And she couldn't.."

She stopped, when she felt Laina's heavy gaze on her.

"Do you think I'm *lying*?!?!"

----------

Tala gently stroked Entropy's cheek, as she pondered over what to do next. He should be awake soon, but hopefully not too soon.

"I wish you were awake.. to tell me what to do.. where to go.."

A pause. "I wish I could look into your eyes one more time, before I go do what I need to do.."

She then slid her fingers through the silky softness of his hair, once, before drawing back. With a heavy heart, she pulled off the engagement ring that he had placed on her finger not too long ago. She wove a thin ribbon of shadow, and slid the ring onto it. While placing it around his neck, she dropped a small kiss on his forehead. Before rising, she whispered into his ear.

"In voi, ho trovato un amore per sostenere per sempre il mio cuore Qualunque cosa la nerezza lo accada, sarete la luce che cerco. Lo avete completato, la mia anima. Non li dimenticherò mai."

She then kissed him, and spoke once again before fading into the shadows.

"I love you... now and forever..."

(*Translation: "In you, I have a found a love to sustain my heart forever. No matter what darkness befalls me, you will be the light I seek. You have completed me, my soul. I shall never forget you." )

Kaliana turned around to face Laina, not the least disturbed that she had been overheard and her suspicions brought out into the opened.

"Yeah, in fact I *do*. So what's the deal here, Laina, with their powers...your story doesn't match up." Kaliana advanced direly as she spoke, not caring whether she had the support of the other CFs or not. Zelia watched the exchange carefully.

Zelia had thought there was something strange about Laina..but the others hadn't noticed it. She refused to probe even surface thoughts with her telepathy though, so she couldn't know for sure. She had forced the decision upon herself long ago and was an expert at suppressing the temptation.

"You can't just put it all off as negligence, didn't they want *you*, wouldn't *you* have been under tighter security than Blade?" Kaliana pressed further, but still Zelia did not interrupt. She had been waiting for one of the CFs to step forward and she would support them, however...she was wary of supporting Kaliana. Something was strange about the aura she picked up, a different strangeness than from Laina, but still, she'd rather someone *else* had spoken up. If worse came to worse though, she would support Kaliana. If she still believed Kali deserved support.

ELSEWHERE

Phyllite nodded absently at Donovan's warning that Tala might soon appear. Then suddenly a ferocious grin spread across her reptilian features. She might not get Entropy...but Tala was near as good...perhaps better. Entropy didn't always give in to physical pain, *but* if she was attacking his *dear* Tala on the other hand.... Already her mind worked, plotting away as she stared hungrily at her sword. However, she admitted, it would be *much* more fun if he was there to watch.

DESTINY

Laina just smiled. But not sweetly. In fact, though little bothered Kaliana, she was suddenly struck by the how this smile echo's Tala from earlier. However Laina just might actually attack her...

That was when the walls around the room began to ripple. Everyone just froze, not sure what was going on.

"Distrustful by nature."

Kali stared in shock at Laina, as she rose. Her voice had changed, deepened... Laina's form then began to melt away, the body shape changing to that of a man.

"Well, you have forced me to tip my hand a little early.. but no worry here. You are where I want you."

"Who the hell are you?!"

Kali stated, beginning to stalk forward. Donovan smirked, and raised a hand. Shadows wrapped themselves around her ankles, tipping her. She fell to the floor, and another gagged her mouth.

"Speak with spoken to." His gaze moved to Zelia, the to Eme.

"I am surprised you didn't find me out sooner, but oh well. Anyway. I suppose this is where I tell you all of my master plan?"

He laughed. "It can wait."

When Pyro and Tachyon moved to attack him, he seemed to start fading.

"Oh, by the way.. there is no escape from here. You are in my world now.. and my rules, are the law. I will return, later to check on you..."

And with that, he faded from view. As he did, so did the shadows around Kalina. That's when they noticed something. There were no shadows, -none- in the room. But how was that possible? There was light.. and air. But that was it.

"Well, that sucks." Pyro said with a quick punch at a wall, "The one time I decide to relax and blow some stuff up for no apparent reason, I get locked in another magic trap.... god I hate magic, gimme a gun and a pound of C4 any day. You know he’s gonna play around with us before he decides to ace us. I don't like being some corny excuse for David Copperfield's toy."

Kaliana frowned very slightly as she was released and cast her eyes about their surroundings curiously.

"All right...who the h*ll was *that*?" The CFs seemed to attract enemies...one's who never died and were always reappearing.

"Does it *matter*? We need a way out of here." Zelia fumed, her nemesis' jailer somewhere beyond her control. "Or do you want to *stay* here the rest of your pathetic life??"

"Oh shut up, you're not even a *real* CF. You came to us *begging* for help, who's *pathetic*?"

ELSEWHERE

Tala was used to the nothingness as it washed over her. She had used the shadows so many times, it often seemed though as though she was one of them. But now she knew what she was, and it hurt a bit more then she had expected.

-----

Donovan eyed the semi - comatose Laina. And Blade sat on the floor, not speaking.. not moving. A living statue.

"Force some water on him, and give her something as well. I can't afford either of them... Well, Blade could die, it doesn't matter. However, let's allow him to live for now.

That was when he frowned, and looked towards the far wall. More torches had been lit, so the room was pretty well lighted now. Perhaps it helped that the firelight was being reflected on the walls. They were in a room made completely of obsidian.

"What's wrong?"

"Hmm.. she should be here soon. Prepare yourself. Oh.. and by the way.."

Donovan smiled lazily. She wouldn't be able to stop anything; the spell was already starting to take effect on the Fighters.

"You beat her... and I'll give you Entropy."

Phyllite tilted her mottled sinuous head-neck, "Really? Now *there* is a bargain."

"Just don't play *too* much with your food. These..Fighters make a habit of escaping within such distraction."

"Yes, daddy." Phyllite returned sardonically in a mockery of obedience as she bowed with a flourish.

"Phyllite? The water?" Donovan reminded idly.
Phyllite grunted a dying laugh and send shadows skittering silently away into the crevices. Moments later they returned, each void of shadow now saturated with dewy water. Icy clear liquid swirled up into a globe above Blade's head, then splattered down across it, slapping the stone beneath him with a crack as he was soaked.

"How was that?" she asked, fairly entertained and holding a now smaller globe of water. "*Must* they have food as well?" she asked, shadow-propelling the water into each of their mouths, nearly choking Blade, though being a bit more careful with Laina.

VOID

"Give her a break Kaliana, she--"

"She, what? Helped us? *Saaaaaved* us from near certain doom? We *live* doom and bring it on others, WHY? Because we're d*mned fate-following CRYSTAL FIGHTERS!" By now she was stomping her way, weaving between the slightly nervous CFs. "And you guys just keep it up, you don't even *care* that the..'cure is worse than the disease' as it goes. D*mn you ALL!" She finished in an abrupt shout.

Maybe they'd never get out of here, at the moment that's how it seemed. It didn't matter. They could all die here, as long as they all *did* die. Suddenly, there whirled up a gigantic tornado of ice-shot water, spiraling around the CFs in the exact pattern Kaliana had just traveled. But now, she was in the center of it, the calm, safe eye of the storm as it burst outward in a point-blank thunder force which could have easily flung brick buildings across the area. But, it wasn't aimed at any buildings. It was aimed at the CFs.

ELSEWHERE

Donovan laughed slightly.

"No.. I don't think he would eat.. As for her, she's still too out of it to think about food. Perhaps tomorrow."

The water seemed to awaken Blade, for he now glared at both of them. While his magics might be bound, he still had other senses they did not know about.

"You will be the one fearing..."

He didn't get to finish, as another wave of water went down his throat. Donovan just arched a brow.

"Hmm. Seems we have a seer on our hands."

With a motion, the water was cut off, and Phyllite blinked.

"Now tell me, Blade. Just what do you see?"

"One of your kind.. she comes.. And she seeks you.."

Donovan smiled. Blade seemed to shrink, even Phyllite seemed to move back at the suddenly dark aura that had surrounded Donovan.

"Good. And once she arrives.. everyone shall know of my plan. And the Fighters..."

Donovan's head suddenly snapped back, as if he had received a blow.

"Damn that fighter... she can't kill them, not yet!"

He vanished. Phyllite smirked slightly.

"I told you.." She spoke to the air. "I told you so..."

VOID

A sudden barrier of darkness came up between the CFs, and Kali's storm.

Underneath her feet, a pool of black appeared. She didn't notice however, until there was an arm around her neck, a talon resting against her vein.

"I suggest you kill it, now. For if you don't, you shall be the one to die."

The water slammed into the barrier, becoming absorbed by it.

"I did not expect the spell to work so quickly.. but I should have known. The Fighters are easily fooled, and a viper needs a breast to warm itself from, before it strikes. Now tell me, Kali.. Are they worth dying for...?"

The water still raged around them, as the talon began to softly slip into her skin.

Kaliana froze and so did the storm, "Why?" she hissed, "What's your stake? They should DIE.."

"Ah, you want me to explain my plan to you? Very well then. I called upon an ancient magic.. known only by a select few who study the arts. It can alight upon any evil a person has in them, taking the person over. Also, as a bonus.. you can turn them into your slaves."

He paused, deciding to retract his talon. However, any sudden movement she made.. he'd still kill her. Pity, she would have been a great warrior, but he needed them all.

"I decided upon targeting a select group, known as the Crystal Fighters. Imagine, those who once saved planets, were now the ones destroying them. That is my stake. I need them alive. And perhaps I should warn you, Kaliana..." leaned in, so only she could catch his last words.

"You are in a void of my making.. I can crush you and your storm with but a thought."

Kaliana gave him a carefully disgusted look, not exactly *wanting* to get herself killed, "Why waste your time? The already destroy worlds by their very *existence*!" she hissed with loathing.

"Hmmm. But this time, they.. and you, dear one.. Shall destroy worlds - for me."

He laughed softly, releasing her.

ELSEWHERE

Phyllite turned slightly, as though she had heard something. Perhaps it was Donovan returning? No... The magic of this one's approach was different. Not as dark. Phyllite smiled. Tala.

She melted into the shadows, waiting.

When Tala appeared in the room, she frowned. Blade was sitting in the middle of emptiness. He glanced up at her, then towards Laina. Tala followed his gaze. She was half-asleep, the two blue orbs still floating over her. Flashes of lightning could be seen within them.

"I don't believe it..."

Tala murmured, beginning to walk to Blade. First things first. She'd free him, then Laina, out of that machine without killing it. She had just reached Blade, when she felt something prick the side of her neck. She tensed.

"I don't think *you're* supposed to be here..."

"So it's true." Tala observed of Phyllite's reappearance, subtly moving into a defensive position, her muscles taut.

"Perhaps. Or am I an illusion?" She returned, lightly taunting as she literally *slithered* up confidently between the captives and Tala.

"Inhuman as ever." Tala spoke through clenched teeth as Phyllite elegantly raised her hands, one by one, through the air. She narrowed her eyes slightly and a weapon appeared in each; a nondescript energy blaster in one, a ferociously curved sickle in the other.

Phyllite sighed tragically, "You know, it *just* won't be the same without your *dear* lover here to watch you be torn to pieces..one slice at a time.."

"Those inane lines are incredibly cliché."

Phyllite gave her an irked look, "Shut up and fight me." Though she asked outright for a battle, Phyllite had no intention of making it a fair one...in fact...she’d rather it be a new torture session peppered nicely with a bit of a struggle.

Tala just arched a brow at Phyllite's weapons.

"You think you can truly stop me? Your powers were granted to you by another.."

Phyllite just smirked.

"Perhaps, but I can use them better then you can. I am not afraid to embrace the darkness they were born from."

Tala sighed inwardly. She really did *not* want to fight Phyllite, odd as that would sound. Donovan was the true enemy here, she was just his help. But, she supposed she didn't have too much of a choice.

"Well.. you want a fight.. I *will* be leaving with my friends. Either through you or over you, I care not."

"Brave words, but can you back them up?"

As Phyllite said this, she swung the sickle at her. Tala caught the blade of it, watching as sparks of black flew from her hand and the sickle.

"I believe... I can."

VOID

"I'd die first. There's been enough damage." Kaliana hissed emphatically with clenched fists.

"What's your game?" Zelia demanded, of the both of them, wiping blood from her forehead and struggling over to the two through the remnants of the storm.

"Stay out of this new girl."

"Not on my life (yours isn't worth an oath on)."

Kaliana rolled her eyes, "Now *that* was impressive..I'm so completely in awe of your magnificent wit.."

"Children, children. Fighting amongst thyselves. Not good."

Donovan smirked slightly, leaning over to hold a hand out to Zelia. She refused to take it, and he straightened again.

"What is my game, you ask? Perhaps you ask the one that joined your ranks. It appears she has some.. issues.. that need to be resolved."

ELSEWHERE

"Interesting." Phyllite remarked, not in the least surprised. She had been lightly testing Tala. She swung again, this time the blade was reinforced with shadow energy which held sharp bits of rock as it had previously held water. However, the sickle-attack wasn't her true one.. The moment before it struck Tala, she pulled the trigger of the blaster, launching a web of sparking energy twisting through the air into a rope..no...pincers ready to snap her opponent in two with sheer force and electricity for added dramatic effect--and pain, of course.

Tala managed to dodge the pincer attack for the most part. One of them scraped along her side, but she wasn't cut in half as Phyllite had wanted.

~Damn.. I forgot her energy is from Donovan. She *can* hurt me if I'm not careful. I have to get her out of this fight.. and soon.~

However, while thinking, Phyllite had once swung the sickle, the end of the curved blade sinking into her left leg- just above her knee. Phyllite smirked, and with a twisting motion, dug the end of it in deeper, ten yanked it. Tala fell with a muffled yelp of pain.

"Weakling." Phyllite sneered. "Not good enough to be what you are. I'm surprised you haven't been killed yet. Oh wait, perhaps it's because your lover is not here?"

Phyllite laughed, a low inhuman sound. She turned quickly, using the end of her tail to send Tala flying across the room, and into a wall.

VOID

"All got issues." Zelia stated, turning back to Kaliana and nearly ignoring Donovan (at least, that's how it appeared). "You're an enemy now."

Kaliana returned a disgusted look, "You're not even a CF, you can't speak for them."

"One, they're not stupid enough to trust you again, just because you have a Crystal doesn't mean you have ANY right to turn around and attack them as if they were VILE. And two..I was speaking for ME. You've made an enemy today Kali *dear*."

"Well isn't that just too bad."

"For one of us anyway."

"Aren't *we* miss humility."

"Not that you should be talking Kali-high-and-mighty-got-a-Crystal." By this point Donovan had begun to look bored, wondering if he should just leave these two to a duel considering it might just take long enough. Perhaps *too* long...with all the shouting they might not even *start* physical attacks until weeks later.

"Ya know," Pyro observed from a few feet away where he and the others had gathered. He being none the worse for wear, used to explosions and all. "Last time I checked Kali had #$@# explosions..what the %@#$ is this #$@$@ *water*??"

"True.." Grey answered, still shaking stones and water from his coat of fur. "Like..Zelda.."

It took him a few moments of thought before he added, "More currently, Dianthe. Kali kept insisting that she had been killed...but..." The hackles on his back had already risen..to be so betrayed...realize the betrayal... He gave an uncomfortable, involuntary shiver. But he had heard her, she was rational..in a strange sort of way, and speaking in a voice that cracked with anguish.

Grey hadn't been with the CFs as long as the others..but he had to admit, occasionally she was right...about them bringing down harm upon others by their very existence; past enemies returning to destroy what they loved, to make a innocent planet a new battleground for their eternal war. Maybe the truth was...that they should disband...that they did more harm than good, no matter how hard they tried...

Kaliana caught the name "Dianthe" and turned slowly to the other CFs, who still were unsure of their position. She cursed under her breath, the energy of her intended explosion returning to her Crystal like an involuntary swallow of air. She couldn't use her power directly on the CFs, *that* she should have realized. They were protected fairly well from each other's power by their own Crystals. And because her power was so direct, more often than not, and aimed from the inside of the CFs it did not even execute.

Donovan gave her a sharp look, sensing the buildup of power and faintly confused when nothing happened and the power shriveled back to the Crystal. Part of the attack *had* been directly at him, he knew, but the shadows within his heart swallowed the power before he felt more than a strange inward tickle.

"Dare you to try again?"

Kaliana tensed, reminded again of his presence. Such an interference and even more cause for worry than the CFs. But it was too late to turn back now, Zelia had searingly reminded her of that. Perhaps...

ELSEWHERE

Moments later, Phyllite had slithered her way to a foot from Tala and used the sickle to lever her up as she had done with Blade.

"Men are *so* fickle, aren't they?" Her leathery mouth formed a severe line as she concentrated on her weapons. It was too bad that she couldn't use a simple sword, as on Blade. It would have been much more unpleasant for Tala...however, her power was near full and, as had already been demonstrated, an ordinary weapon would be unlikely to pierce her skin. Her clone had interested her with the dagger and influx of power...but again, it wouldn't work on Tala.

"Are you *even* his most recent interest? They're distracted so easily..." Throwing Tala against the wall had given her time; time to think up both verbal and physical attacks. She clutched the still-slightly-dazed woman by the neck with a sinuous clawed hand that reached fully around, but didn't tighten her grasp just yet. "Surely you've noticed, or were you blinded with the arrogance that you were his only? That he'd simply forgotten others, that he could actually focus on *one*, on *you*?" She spoke in disgust at such blindness but shook her head as if sad, as if they had something in common. Not that she ever could. The Vile couldn't love. They were created of hate and wrath; there was no place within them for soft emotions.

Tala's eyes grew more clear, she was too strong to have been knocked unconscious by the earlier attack, but it had shaken her, knocked the focus from her eyes and mind. However, as she recovered focus but before she could begin to struggle, attack, Phyllite brought up the energy-infused sickle and brought the sharp edge along Tala's skin, just below the mortal veins of her neck.

"Yes, men," she continued with disgust, "They'll take all the love you give them, treat it like some precious gold when it's new and worthwhile, but then handling becomes negligent, it never really *means* anything to them. You think Entropy is any different?" She snorted derisively, "Far from it, he's surely thrown out your 'measly' token by *this* point." She continued to cross her sickle over Tala, drawing a long red line of disillusionment, martyrdom.

"You don't mean *anything* to him." Phyllite stated harshly, "What makes you think you're *any* different, in his eyes, than any *other* woman?" Her eyes narrowed as Tala tensed, ready again to attack. In a split second she swooped down the sickle in a large cross, infusing both scores with Vile poison which she had pumped from herself through the energy of the sickle as she made each searing gash. Then she pounced backwards before Tala could attack at close quarters, something she didn't dare risk when Tala was fully conscious.

DESTINY

Neither Lark nor Necile were in the best of physical condition of late and with there little scrap and scrambled it took them some time moving through the halls.

Necile pointed, "That’s where they have been keeping Dianthe, maybe Tala is in there."

Lark looked and nodded at the control room. As they walked in they were greeted by darkness, the lights were off, they squinted through the noticed movement.

"Guys?" Lark asked.

Necile reached in and found the switch, a broken light sputtered desperately to life. "Woah," the whole room was floating about with a black mist. "What is it?"

Lark shrugged and moved in. No CFs were in sight but Dianthe's body was still laying lifeless on the table.

"Where are the rest of them?" Necile moaned.

Lark shook her head, "I knew we shouldn't have left them to fight for themselves." Lark sloshed back out of the mist filled room back into the hallways. Even though it hurt, she began to jog. She called out the names of various CFs as she moved along.

"Lark!" Necile called after her she fell to her knees and clutched her stomach. Lark stopped and ran back to her, "I need Tala, it's coming back, I need her to help me!"

Lark nodded, "Ok just stay still, I'll find help." she began running faster.

VOID

Donovan placed a hand on Kali's shoulder, turning her to face him.

"Most interesting. Just what are you hiding in that heart of yours, hmm? I'd love to find out."

With that, his hand reached through her chest, and pulled out a small, twisted lump. The others watched, in shock... while Kaliana placed her hands over her chest, fighting the urge to black out.

He then ripped it open, yet nothing happened.

"Hmm, as I thought. Well."

That was when Kali's eyes widened in anger, it had all been...

"A falsehood? Indeed. Just what you seem to be..."

He smirked. He wanted her to dare and try to attack him again. He'd have her under his control in but a few moments time.

ELSEWHERE

Tala reached up with a trembling hand, touching the gashes. Blood was trickling from a few, and she smiled slightly.

~Bleeding. I'm actually sitting here, bleeding.~

Phyllite watched, unsure of what she was about to do.

"Always want to hit someone when they are down, eh.. Phyllite. I guess you couldn't fight any other way.."

Phyllite laughed. "I'm not the one, bleeding.. now am I?"

Tala's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh, you're not bleeding.. yet.."

Her smile faded, yet grew. There was an air of darkness to this smile, an evil... Phyllite frowned. However, she wasn't expecting the attack. She flew backwards, landing against the wall. Tala struggled to her feet, eyes flashing with anger.

"I refuse to be beaten by some lower class waste as yourself."

Phyllite just stared as Tala walked towards her. Something was different.. something was off about this whole thing. She had been sitting there, in a daze - bleeding! The fight was hers!

She rose, preparing to go on the defensive.

"So easy to fight against one that had no weapon, wasn't it? But you made one mistake, Phyllite."

In a blur of movement, the edge of a sword was against Phyllite's throat.

"You mistook me as a weak Crystal Fighter. But now, I shall show you.. that I am so much more..."

"All talk, and no action."

Phyllite lifted her sickle, using the curved end to move the sword away from her throat. Tala just watched. Phyllite decided that she had been right, Tala couldn't do a thing to her.

"I am giving you once last chance to walk away from this, Phyllite."

Phyllite just smirked, swinging the sickle. When the blades met, little blue sparks flew from both. Phyllite frowned. The blade, it had been created the same as her own weapons?

"Seems we all have surprises up our sleeves..."

Tala remarked, then her blade flared to life. The sickle started to melt. Phyllite blinked. This.. was.. impossible. How could she do that?

VOID

"ugh, killing don't phase me much but dismemberment makes me urpy." Pyro said with a grunt. He was hoping for a opening to try and take on Donovan, cause frankly he'd rather die in a fight then just wait for it to come, "Thank god I haven't eaten anything today."

Kaliana frowned darkly at Donovan. "Why're you sticking around here, I said I won't kill them. Yet."

ELSEWHERE

Phyllite cursed, stepping back and off-balancing Tala who had been pressing her blade against Phyllite's. But, in truth she had only leaned and now she sprung forward with force and their weapons struck again--to the same result.

The Vile grimaced in annoyance at Tala, slightly consoled that she still bled. The blaster in her other hand shifted into a small needle at the tip of her finger. She filled it with poison mixed in shadow and as she brought her sickle down for another attack, she thrust the hand forward and the needle shot outwards, growing until it was a few feet beyond and through Tala. But, Tala had seen the glint of the needle and phased through it.

"Not so easy."

"Gloat later." Phyllite grunted back, thinking through types and styles of weaponry and finally settling on one of her favorites--Griever and in her other hand...Anton's sword of the plagues.

VOID

Grey gave Pyro an odd look, but asked beneath his breath, "Ideas for taking on this guy? Somehow I don't think normal attacks'll work on him... as usual with our villains..."

Donovan laughed. "You may not kill them, but they might kill you."

"They.. they wouldn't!"

"Oh come now, if they are as bad as you think... I would not hesitate to kill you where you stand. But anyway."

Donovan glanced over at Pyro and Grey.

"Your powers won't work against me. I am master and creator of this domain. As for why you are here... I'll let Kaliana explain. After all, she knows."

Kaliana just growled at him, and he smiled, darkly.

"You have tried my patience.. twice. Once more, and your heart will be truly ripped out. I need not your attitude."

ELSEWHERE

Tala had been ignoring the anger that was coursing through her. But at seeing Griever in Phyllite's hand.. she snapped. Before Phyllite could try and attack again, Tala swung her sword, knocking the copy Griever from Phyllite's hands.

Phyllite blinked, she hadn't seen the attack coming. She frowned, bringing up the sword to block another quick attack. There was an odd haze about Tala... a sort of controlled rage? This should make the fight interesting.

Phyllite blocked yet once again, letting the edge of her blade slide down Tala's, she then let it slip, and used a quick motion to try and gut Tala. However, her sword instead met another.

"Nice trick."

Tala remarked, flinging the dagger at her. It didn't embed in her skin, as Phyllite expected - it instead became webbing.

She was wrapped up in a net of black. She scowled at Tala, trying to slice through with claws that she made.

"Your powers were granted by another.. but they shall be drained.. by me."

Phyllite continued to hack at the webbing, sure that she could get loose before Tala was able to take away her enhanced powers.

"Shadows created by another hand..."

She began speaking, and Phyllite paused for a moment. What could she do? This sword was getting her nowhere. Tala's words were just a drone in the background, as she came up with an idea. She created another blaster, waiting for the right moment...

Tala didn't sense anything, till she felt something strike her in the stomach. And then a searing pain, followed by warmth. As she started to sink to her knees, the webbing around Phyllite faded into nothingness. Tala placed a hand over her wound, blinking at the large amount of red that had stained her fingers.

"So much more? You are *nothing*."

Phyllite smirked, raising her scythe to end the fight - for good.

As it started it's slow, arcing descent to Tala's neck, the girl on the floor seemed to come to a deathly still. Phyllite smirked.

There was no way she could stop this blow, and now.. Entropy was hers. However, Tala had other plans. Just as the blade was about to cut into her neck, something jerked Phyllite back. She dropped the scythe, wondering what had grabbed hold of her. Blade was still chained, and Laina was still out it. Her gaze went around the room wildly, till they rested on Tala again. She had risen, and was smiling at Phyllite. Phyllite quickly formed another blade, as Tala stalked forwards, a sword in her hands again as well.

She slashed at Phyllite, who rose her sword to block.. but their blade's never met. Instead, Tala lashed out at Phyllite with a booted foot, sending her backwards into the wall.

"And now.. to end this silly game..."

Tala motioned, and shadows wrapped themselves around Phyllite. She struggled against her bonds, to no avail.

"Don't bother fighting it, in a few minutes.. those extra powers will gone, and you'll be nothing. Once again. Now.. to destroy this machine..."

She walked over to Laina, ignoring Phyllite and Blade.

VOID

"I know nothing."

Kaliana remarked, in murderous tones. Donovan smirked. He did that quite often, and she was itching to remove it from his face, forever.

"Oh?" One eyebrow was raised.

"But you know everything, after all.. I told you.."

"Really." Kaliana grumbled.

"But of course."

~You're really annoying, you know that, right?~ she thought at him angrily. After all this time...to be stopped HERE when everything had been so perfect.. But it wasn't a perfect world, the CFs proved that.

"He'll kill you all!" Phyllite screamed desperately, writhing in the cold bonds of oblivion, of shadow. She wouldn't, couldn't ask, or demand, Tala to let her go. It would be beneath her dignity..yet.. even for one of the Vile, the urge to live, to stay alive was very, very strong. And Tala hadn't made it any easier on her, the shadows surrounding her were a void pressing closer and closer, stealing away everything, even the scant warmth of her cold-blooded body.

"D*mn you, and your precious lover." Phyllite growled, struggling to lash her heavily muscled tail against the strangely strong yet nearly nonexistent pressure of the diaphanous shadows. She screeched impotently, a last assault against Tala's ears, if nothing else. The blood in her veins slowed, curdled into a slowly moving sheet of ice like the inexorable movement of a glacier on a path to swallow a world.

"STOP." Phyllite commanded as the dark shadows of Donovan shivered and flowed away from her. No matter how hard she grasped after them, they continued to slip away from her reach forever.

~DONOVAN!~ she finally resorted to calling on her benefactor through what power she had left, not even sure if the name could break through the webbing of shadow that entrapped her and sealed her shadow power as it was dragged out of her.

Phyllite let out an angry, unintelligible cry of a cornered, dying animal as she shuddered through the draining, nearly rattling as an almost empty shell.

VOID

"Nice way of saying shut up and die..." Pyro mused, "but he’s probably right, its just not our day."

"Hmm," Grey returned, "Perhaps not, but when does that stop us?"

"Point taken, think you can slip away if I create a diversion?" Pyro asked quietly. Worse case scenario, Grey would get caught in the attempt, giving Pyro the diversion instead, either way, someone gets away.

"Possibly," Grey pondered the idea, a little wary of what Pyro's 'diversion' might consist of, "However, where is there to slip away to?"

Donovan heard Phyllite's cry for help, and mentally frowned. He had no time to waste.

"And no.. for the final act..."

The black fog from the control room suddenly appeared.

A small bit wrapped around the mind of each Fighter that was in with Donovan.

"There is no use fighting, this is just a small creation from each of your souls. The darker, the easier you'll turn."

"And since she couldn't tell you, I will. After the shadows are absorbed into your mind, you will obey only me, and do as I wish. No magic, no weapons, no faith nor prayer.. can save you from this. From yourselves."

ELSEWHERE

"Calling for Donovan? He won't help you. and Besides..."

Tala waved a hand. The bonds around Phyllite faded, dropping her to the ground.

"I only wanted what he gave you. Not what you naturally are. Now, do you plan on attacking me again, or are you going to leave?"

"I won't let *you* win. Ever."

Phyllite charged, her weapons glowing with the last remnants of energy.

DESTINY

Lark stopped running when she heard the faint call, she turned back, Necile hadn't followed. She came back to the nearest door and peeked inside to the darkness, the lights had gone off or maybe had never been on in the first place.

"Hello?"

“Lark?" a little voice came from inside.

"Shield your eyes I'm turning on the light!" Lark warned before reaching for the light pad.

There was a giggle, "Silly I can't see." When the light came on Rupay was smiling and sitting up in the bed, rested and apparently over the troubles of her surf through Dinathe's mind. Wraith was slouched in a chair conked out with his head flopped over backwards, his mouth hanging open and releasing a loud snore. Rupay giggled again.

Lark smiled and frizzled the young girl's hair. "Wraith?" he snorted in reply, "Wraith" this time a sleepy groan, "Wraith!!!!"

Another snort and groan as he sprung to life, "Yeah hunh?" he looked about half dreamily.

"Something is up."

"Oh...uh yeah" he started to drift back into the dreamworld.

"Wraith!!!!!!"

"Up...up up" he stumbled to his feet.

Rupay giggled.

VOID

"Well, if this diversion works, you'll have a way out," Pyro said with a grin as he pulled a small device out of his pocket, "If this works, it'll expel a big enough blast of energy to vaporize this room."

Pyro started concentrating, putting energy into the device's battery, "With any luck, my force field will hold and we'll be safe, if not, it was nice knowing you"

Pyro figured it'd take a few minutes to charge the battery, he kinda hoped that Grey could figure out something better by then.

Grey eyed Pyro warily, "Uh...and what's the percentage of it holding and us surviving?" he asked, wondering if he *could* get Pyro to reconsider. As his preoccupied mind worked on other *less* life-threatening escape plans, a dark tendril slowed seeped it's way into his mind. At first it was just an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach, then it set his fur on end and before he realized it he was snapping at Pyro, "What're you trying to do?! Kill us before *he* does?!"

Meanwhile, the fight between Zelia and Kaliana had escalated into a physical brawl, each using any tactic they could to hurt the other before they crashed to the ground with a thump. They attempted to kick each other away, Kaliana holding a tight grip of Zelia's hair while Zelia was neared ripping away Kaliana's Crystal earring from her ear. As they grew angrier and angrier, the darkness swelled within them, clasping their minds in an iron grip.

ELSEWHERE

Inwardly, Phyllite sang a string of curses to herself, prepping her mind for the battle to make up for her physical losses. She was lucky she still had the weapons, very lucky. Tala had drained the power within her, but not that which she had already used. Phyllite finished her lunge toward Tala with uncharacteristic recklessness.

"DIE!" she commanded vehemently, putting all her weight and the force of her movement into the weapon's blow. Tala staggered backward in a light spray of blood, wincing in pain and anger at not being able to fully defend herself against the attack. Phyllite pressed forward, trying to back Tala up against the nearest wall and hoping that her weapon wouldn't be the first to give in.

VOID

"Might as well save him the trouble," Pyro said with that grin he gets just before something goes "boom". He placed the device on a wall, summoned his armor and force field and got ready, "Bout 15 seconds and we either have a way out, or we're on our way out. Either way, were outta here."

"PYRO!" Grey growled, nearly ready to pounce either the device or the CF who had planted it.

Pyro waited a few seconds for the device to go off, "Aw dang, I set the timer too long... oh well, give it a little bit and it'll blow."

He just leaned back and held the shield.

ELSEWHERE

"I am not .. dying... today!"

Tala grabbed one of Phyllite's wrists, glaring at her.

"I should kill you, but I won't..."

She easily flung her across the room. After Phyllite managed to right herself, she stared at her in shock. Tala was one of the weak ones...

"That would make me like you. And that is the last thing I want to be.."

Tala flexed her fingers, a globe of blackness starting to form.

"However, I can't have you interrupt again. So..."

She idly tossed the globe at Phyllite, who was preparing to bat it aside like a ball.

"Good-bye, Phyllite."

The globe expanded, swallowing her. She disappeared into the blackness, much in the way she had been born into this world.

"Now..."

Tala turned around, wondering how to get Laina out of the machine.

VOID

Before the device could go off, Donovan had ripped it from the wall.

"I thought I told you? You can't do anything to escape. This is my creation. And..."

Before he could, finish- Grey attacked him. Donovan scowled, grabbing Grey in mid-leap by the throat. He slashed at him with his paws, Donovan smirked.

"Valiant. But in vain, I'm afraid."

He threw Grey into Pyro- who just stumbled back because of the shields and armor Pyro was wearing. Grey landed in a heap upon the floor, while Pyro glared at Donovan.

"So sorry I ruined your mass destruction. But I can't allow you to have any false hopes. And before you do anything else that's rash..."

Donovan idly waved a hand, freezing Pryo in place before he could raise a weapon.

"My void, my rules." He said to the statue.

ELSEWHERE

Tala walked up the chair, receiving a nasty shock when she touched Laina's wrist shackles. She watched the smoke curl from the metal and from her hand, frowning.

"The.. globes..."

She turned around, having forgotten about Blade.

"The globes? They're controlling the spell?"

He nodded.

"Damn."

Tala scowled. She wasn't sure how she was going to destroy them. Well. If Donovan made them, maybe she could.. nah. Too much time.

"Sorry, Pyro. I guess I'll have to use your usual way of solving things."

She focused her energy on the globes, green flames starting to dance around her fingertips. She then directed the flames at the globes, watching as two magics mixed. Suddenly, her eyes widened.

"Oh.. shi..."

There were three quick popping sounds, then one huge explosion.

VOID

Donovan smiled as he watched the going on's. Kaliana was getting whupped on. By Grey and Zelia. The others were fighting as well.

Everything was going perfectly. Nothing could stop him now.

"Lesson number one."

Donovan whipped around, meeting the gaze of two ice blue eyes.

"I heal fast."

Entropy pulled back, smashing his fist across the man's jaw. As Donovan crumpled, caught off-guard, Entropy slowly walked towards him, the Griever flying into his hands. "Lesson number two." He charged up and fired, a blast of energy from the sword knocking Donovan back again. "I don't like people who mess with Tala, or my team." Donovan growled, ready to counterattack when Entropy rushed forward, appearing inches from him before Donovan could react.

"Lesson number three." The Griever hummed softly in his hand. "I am NOT a nice person when I'm angry." Immediately, he hit Donovan with a knee bash to the gut, backhanding him with the handle of the Griever, then pulling back and upwards, readying to decapitate him, just as he had Phyllite so long ago.

"My sword. Your death."

"Perhaps.. you should be more worried... About the one that is actually killing..."

"You are the cause of this, once you're gone.. it ends."

Kaliana crouched, breathing hard a few paces from Grey.

"You're not gonna last Kali." Zelia said with a wave in the direction of E. However, the return of their leader...fighting Donovan...for the moment solved Kaliana's main problem.

"Never intended to." Kaliana responded with the cold voice of the undead. To her, her own life had only one value--the end of the CFs. She didn't bother to turn as Zelia rushed her. "Remember," Kaliana reminded her, Crystal glowing a fiery red, "You're not a CF."

"So I don't have a Crystal--" Zelia began in a retort, carefully aiming her energy blaster as she neared her target.

Abruptly, the air shattered with a liquid explosion. But not Pyro's. Grey looked on in horror, shocked into immobility. Bits of red highlighted the duel between Donovan and Entropy, not for a moment distracting either one. A spray of blue changed its hue to red as it hit the oxygen of the open air. It streaked Kaliana with tears of death.

"K-kali.." Grey choked out and took a limping step towards her; his right paw had been broken earlier. He winced back as Zelia's blaster clattered to the ground. He ought to destroy it. He couldn't use it, it was built for someone more humanoid..if Kaliana took it up, she'd only have additional power.

A realization hit him as his unseeing eyes of shock began to clear and he caught sight of Kaliana's face. Soulkeeper. He saw the darkness within her eyes, but hadn't understood it. They hadn't killed Soulkeeper and she was still under his control. Rupay...they had to get her back to Rupay, the child of the Dreamworld. He shuddered at the thought of allowing, of *asking* the poor child to enter the mind of one so disturbed, but what choice did they have? They had to save their comrade..if she didn't kill them before Donovan did...

~At least, at least this time no one else is getting hurt...~ Grey thought to himself. Then his stomach wrenched and he felt his fur turn to fire, red bloody fire, as a flashback shot across his widened eyes. Zelia...they'd barely known her..

~

"I've been gone what, a month at most and he's already nearly gotten himself killed."

"Well, theoretically you’re still gone."

"Gimme a sec to get my body back together and it won't matter now will it?"

"Then how will you get to Pyro? I'm pretty sure he’s got the area blocked from teleporting."

"Oh shut up and stop being annoying."

"It's my job to be annoying, remember?"

"Just go away"

Kevin was simply floating in a void, a step out of reality. One step that he could easily cross... though he was beginning to think abandoning his physical body was a dumb idea, but so was getting vaporized.

As it was, he could probably get his body back together and get to safety. However, that would require a lot of energy that would leave barely able to get to Destiny for safety, much less cross dimensions to get to Pyro.

"Decisions, Decisions."

~

ELSEWHERE

Blade came to, groaning as he pushed himself up from the floor. He didn't even notice that his chains were gone at the moment. Laina.. Tala! He hoped they were alright, considering he couldn't see more then a foot in front of him. Whatever Tala had done it had been pretty huge.

"Laina? (cough, cough) ... Tala? You alright? (cough)"

"Blade.. You're alive."

"I.. think so. No, I hope so. Where are you?"

"Sorry about bringing the place down on your head..."

He felt something brush over him, then two torches sputtered to life. Tala was leaning against a wall, covered in black. Laina was next to her, slowly coming to.

"Jeezus, Blade. You look horrible."

"Yea.. well. You're a vision yourself."

Tala smirked, trying not to wince.

"Well, let's get back. Since the machine was destroyed.. The spell should have started to wear off."

"Let's hope we're not too late..."

VOID

While Kali went on her rampage, the room about them started to waver and fade away. The control room could be seen- they had never actually left it.

Laina was the first to reappear, as she did so, her eyes widened in shock. Kaliana was attacking Grey?!

Using what little power she could conjure, a blast of something blew Kali back, as she rushed over to Grey.

Blade followed suit, when he popped up from the shadows, trying to heal him before Kali was back up on her feet.

Tala meanwhile, had gone over to where Entropy was just preparing to remove Donovan's head from his shoulders. However, Griever went through his skin as thought it wasn't even there.

"Entropy.. I can't let you kill him."

"What?! Why?"

"He's... He's my brother..."

RUPAY’S ROOM

"Everyone is gone except for the three of us and Necile." Lark said desperately.

"Maybe they just left…" Wraith thought coming out of the sleepiness finally.

"No," Rupay shook her head. "I don't feel them around here at all."

Wraith frowned, "Where could they have gone?"

Lark shook her head "Necile needs help too, she needs some more psi therapy from Tala but..."

Wraith nodded but all he could think to do was wait.

Then there was a crash in the distance, "Someone’s home."

Rupay nodded, "They just came back somehow." Lark and Wraith raced out towards the control room to the ensuing fights.

Blade had healed Grey's broken paw. Wraith and Lark came through as Kaliana blasted Laina with a stream of searing water. Lark pulled out Ganthet’s sword and raced at Kali. Kaliana avoided a swipe from the sword and brushed it aside, causing ice to slide quickly up it's surface then catching Lark and encompassing her.

Wraith moved at her, Kaliana blasted some searing water at him but he caught it in his cloak and recycled to his own use, spraying it on Lark unfreezing her.

"Hey!" Kaliana yelled.

In her moment of distraction Grey had advanced and pounced, Kali turned just as the collision occurred.

"Kali calm down we'll help get that thing out of you just fight it!!!!"

Kaliana, held fast to the ground under Grey's weight, grimaced, "Don't you see you stupid mutt, I thought you would be the first to know, to smell it." she looked him sharply "I wasn't overtaken by the Soulkeeper, I accepted him so he could help me destroy you."

"Kali you don't know what..." Grey started.

"I can't stand you freaks, you’re just as bad as those you fight. You destroy worlds, kill others, and decimate the decent people around you." Grey could only sense these were truly Kaliana's own words, "The worst part is you don't even know you’re just as evil as the rest and that makes you even worse, your sick and I'm going to kill you!"

Entropy froze, nearly dropping the Griever. Relaxing, the Griever snapping back into place at his side, he let out a deep sigh.

"Somehow, I knew somebody in your family was gonna want me dead." He shoved Donovan down, looking to Tala. "I guess you'd like to be the one dealing with him then." He retrieved the sword, keeping it on Donovan as he looked to Tala. "It's up to you. Do what you'd like." He felt the ring around his neck....still seeming to burn his flesh. Why did she.....why leave it, why give it back...unless....

"He didn't want you dead.. He wanted.. to..."

She sighed.

"Look. I have to explain everything.. to everyone.. but first..."

How did everything turn out so wrong. She glanced down at Donovan, helping him up.

"Stop her."

"Excuse me?"

Tala growled, grabbing a hold of his shirt, and pulled his face to hers.

"Stop. Kali. Now. You put the bindings on her once, do it again. Or else I will let him kill you. Understand?"

Donovan scowled, but did as she ordered. He used the last remnants of the magic that he had cast, shadows wrapping Kali tightly as a mummy's bindings.

"You do know that she has something else within her. I don't know how long it will hold her."

Kaliana exploded Zelia. There was nothing left that resembled anything that had once lived.

Kaliana shrieked with rage as she felt Donovan's bindings seal over her again. Then she took a few deep, calming breaths to clear her mind. She now had full access to Soulkeeper's power...which meant she *could* break these bindings while part of his attention was focused on the little family meeting.

Abruptly, she broke through the bindings like rusted chains with a mental lunge at Grey. His eyes widened unnaturally and he slumped to the ground. Kaliana turned toward Laina and let loose a Howling Blaster combined with the familiar waters Zelda had used.

"Kaliana, STOP!" Laina cried out, barely dodging the attack. She only earned a singe on her arm.

Suddenly Wraith sat upright, staring at Rupay, "Rupay..are you all right?" he asked the little girl with tears in her eyes. She blinked once at him and then returned only the blank stare of a blind girl.

On a medical bed, Dianthe shivered.

Kaliana again took up her speech about the wrong and the harm that the CFs had done, that she would end, as she poured her entire self into sending out blasts of energy from the power of Grey, Dianthe, and her own power of soul and Crystal.

Eyes burning with fanaticism, Kaliana cried with her recklessly large bursts of power, "Skarm..In All Depths of All Time none of you *cared* none of you *asked* what happened to my people. Now, before we die I'll *tell* you!" With renewed fervor, she hurled blasts of light, water, and pure energy at them, still trying with all her might to use her Crystal to tear them all to shreds. But, that venture was of no avail. Her Crystal couldn't be used directly against them, no matter how hard she tried to break through the rules the Mage had created around it.

~Kaliana..~ a soft voice called, but Kali slapped it away, out of her mind and shut her thoughts against the intrusion.

~Rupay..she's too far gone to listen, it has become her life. You can't do this alone.~ Wraith offered his assistance and after a moments hesitation, Rupay accepted.

Together, Rupay and Wraith formed a tight shield around their inmost spirits to protect themselves as they entered the strange grouping of souls fused together with Soulkeeper's dark power.

Kaliana fought against the new, more powerful intrusion, throwing outward all that she had in order to push them away. But sooner or later, the expenditure would catch up with her and together Wraith and Rupay waited out the blasts for that time as they cringed within the battered shield.

Rupay shivered internally, trying to keep her mind from breaking into a sob.

~Rupay, be strong.~ Wraith encouraged her and she tried to let herself be comforted, but she knew, *knew* that some things could not be saved.

For a moment, Kaliana stopped, panting hard in the physical world while mentally she strove to take a hold of more power to throw out at the CFs.

"My entire world.....DESTROYED by the Vile in a complete apocalypse..but did the CFs come to help? Oh, we heard promises, yes, empty promises, there was NO help, there was NO SALVATION! I...I am the –ONLY- ONE LEFT!!!!"

Rupay shuddered again, trying to fortify herself against it and block out all thoughts of sympathy for the poor, long disturbed woman.

"DIE!!!!!!" Kaliana mandated again with all the force of the super-nova which her homeworld had resulted in after being completely overrun by the darkness and horror of a swarm of the Vile. With that last scream of despair coupled with vengeance, she set off all the burning powers within her in another nova, exploding outward on both the physical and mental level.

The first shockwave rocked the bubble of Wraith and Rupay, nearly knocking them completely back into their bodies. At the lull between the first and next wave, they rushed back into the center of Kaliana's mind.

Rupay opened herself up and reached into Kaliana's heart, grasping the dark corruption of Soulkeeper and bringing it into herself for a purification that nearly corrupted herself in the process. Wraith held tightly to her, comforting and assisting as she finished the process.

~Rupay...don't try to do this alone.~ Wraith beseeched her, surrounding the child's mind with a secure presence. Together, they broke through and destroyed the darkness within Kaliana, freeing the sparkling lights of Dianthe and Grey. Rupay winced inwardly in anguish as she ripped away the two pieces of spirits which had, for a time, become part of Kaliana.

Abruptly, both Dianthe and Grey took a deep breath as their spirits settled back into their bodies. Then, in unison, they blinked back to consciousness.

There was a heart-shattering scream from the depths of what was left of Kaliana and Rupay burst into mental tears, hating what she had done, necessary though it was. A creaking crack slid through Kaliana's Crystal, dying for energy as all three sources had been torn away to leave a searing void.

Kaliana collapsed with a soundless gasp and hit the ground with a thump, a snow of Crystal shards floating after her.

~I'm sorry.~ Rupay thought tremulously, Wraith adding power and energy to her nimble 'fingers' as she fully returned Dianthe and Wraith's complete souls to the lodging place within their bodies. Without the support Kaliana had come to rely on...and after throwing out so much energy at the CFs...she had nothing left.

Rupay retreated back to her own body, without the strength to stay so close to Kaliana's death. Wraith followed quickly after her, after assuring himself that Rupay had completed the task.

"She wasn't supposed to die, I couldn't save her!" Rupay cried rivers of salt once she re-entered her body.

Wraith hugged her closely, "I'm sorry you had to do that Rupay, I'm sorry." he said softly, knowing there was little he could do to comfort her. "She left herself no choice, it's not your fault." He finished firmly before she could begin to blame herself.

Laina looked over at Kali, shaking her head.

"So.. it was she he wanted..."

"And got."

Blade rose from his kneeling position, seeing the Grey had been returned to his body, and was now healed as well.

"Hm, well. No big loss."

They all turned to look at Tala.

"How can you.. YOU! Say that?!"

"Simple. She wasn't herself. So, no big loss. Her mind was gone long before she received help. If she had truly been one of us, I would be sorry. But I'm not."

Donovan laughed slightly. "Spoken like a true..."

"Demon?" Tala turned to glance at him.

"Anyway. You get to go.. somewhere. Hell, is there anyplace to put him?"

She looked over at Entropy, seeing the flare of pain in his eyes. She knew that giving the ring back had hurt him, but she’d have to explain it later.

"Tala?" Grey made his way over to them and again he was limping.

"Dianthe how you feeling?" Tachyon buzzed over to her side, she looked quite dazed. "Do you remember anything?" Dianthe shook her head diligently

Wraith had Rupay in his arms she had passed out from over exertion "I'm so sorry," Wraith whispered "A youth such as you should not be put through so much but you may have saved our lives, we thank you young one." he carried Rupay off to catch her rest.

Lark kneeled down to the ground looking at the gory mess that was once a friend named Zelia, they hadn't known her long and she had sacrificed herself for their cause. The greatest thing she had given them in the short a lot of time was the hope, a hope they would find their way home and the truth of how to find it. She closed her eyes and gave a silent prayer as the fragments of the lost soul began to melt away into the light, her hard light reflection dissipated in a beautiful array of sparkling rainbow colors.

Zelia slowly faded out of existence with a hushed goodbye.

Dianthe sat up, rubbing her eyes with a confused look on her face, "We were...in the Dreamworld... um, by Isalla.." she spoke vaguely, still trying to clear her mind. She guessed Ariah was elsewhere or beaten or whatever-it-was was solved considering they were back on the ship, at least it *looked* like the ship. She hadn't been around long enough to ingrain the settings in her memory, "How long was I...uh..not awake? What happened?"

"Well, at least everyone is alright..."

A pause. "Hopefully."

She had glanced towards Rupay and Wraith as she said this. She then smiled at Grey, before turning to look at Donovan again.

"Now. What to do with you."

She wasn't too sure what she could do about Donovan. They didn't have any place to hold him..at least, no place that he could break out of. And she was really the only one that could stop him. Oh, true.. Entropy could kill him, but this was her brother, evil though he might be.

What was she going to do?

"Tala."

She knelt down, beside Grey. "You alright?"

He nodded. "You're not sure what to do..."

"You're a mind reader now?"

"No. One can see the confusion you are feeling. Before you *do* anything, though.. I suggest talking to Entropy."

"...Thank you, Grey."

An Hour later...

Most of the CFs were resting, mostly because of Kaliana's attacks. Tachyon however, had ordered Blade and Laina to remain in the med lab, to see if there were any after-effects of Donovan's spell.

Tala and Entropy were talking, but not alone. Donovan was with them, but he was staring at a corner- angry mostly. His spell hadn't worked, and some half-wit had tried to destroy all of them. His pride wouldn't stand for it. He now had this soultaker.. whomever.. to kill. Then he'd go after the Fighters again.

"*What* are you saying?"

Tala sighed, glancing at Donovan, then back to Entropy.

"I have to help him. Don't you see? He's my brother. I want to save him.. if I can. And I won't be gone long..."

She placed her hand on his arm, but he looked down at it icily, and she withdrew it.

"He, nearly killed everyone."

"Look."

Entropy's eyes narrowed slightly at the tone which had crept into her voice.

"He is my brother. My family. All that I have left. I wasn't planning on staying forever, but if the person that I had left to come back to.. I will be back Entropy. And I'm going. To save him. I have to do this. Even if I don't have your blessing to do..."

"Tala..."

"I gave the ring back because I wasn't sure if I was going to live when I went to go destroy his machine. After all, if I had you in my heart, then I didn't need that. That's just physical proof of love, of a promise. One that I've made to you several times over, in my soul. I have always loved you Entropy, and always will."

Before he could reply though, she and Donovan were gone.

"Tala, I-" She was gone. Entropy's fist shook slightly, taking a deep breath through clenched teeth he grabbed the nearest thing he could find...a metal cup, flinging it across the room to smash against the wall, dented in about 2 inches.

"DAMMIT!"

Lord, why did everything have to be so damned difficult?! He stormed out of the room, headed back towards his own quarters. Ripping the ring off from around his neck with a snap of the shadow cord, he put it down on the nightstand, then dropped down on the side of his bed, burying his face in his hands. Angry...he was so angry about all this....Why? Why of all times did this have to happen now? He looked over at the wall, then....sighed, lying back on his bed to look up at the ceiling.

".....Tala, I'm sorry about all this..." he said to no one in particular. "I should've been there more often...even with all this." He rolled over onto his side, wincing suddenly. "What the...." he looked to his arm, thinking maybe he had gotten too zealous in the fighting. "No...no goddamn way..."

The brand on his arm glowed softly, as if smiling at him.

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