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[Darth Vectis]

Marcus held on to the boy as he wept, his words still in his head as Neos cried, his animated fox cuddling up to the boy as he wrapped his small hands around his neck. Marcus stood up, cradling the boy in his arms as he tried to get him to look at him.

"Neos, what did you mean mommy is stuck? Mommy is in the other room right now." Neos rubbed his face before shaking his head.

"That's only some of mommy, the rest is stuck in that dark place." Marcus face looked at him questioning.

"What dark place Neos? Did you do something to mommy?" He nodded as the tears started to roll down his face again.

"Mommy is with the man."

"What man?"

"The man with the cane. He tried to give me candy, I kicked him in the shin." Marcus would have laughed if the realization didn't hit him as hard as it did. His eyes lit up as he understood what Neos had been trying to say, his powers were more powerful then he had anticipated. He took a single step forward before he stopped, remembering clearly what he had said to Demetri about a truce, he need to let him know he might have a lead, it was the least he could do. He turned toward the room, stepping into the room with Neos still in his arm, Demetri turning his head to look at him.

"I thought you were gone by now." Marcus shook his head.

"I might have a lead on a way to heal Ali." He could see Demetri start to rise but he gestured for him to stop, settling back into his seat Marcus continued.

"It's not full proof, I might be wrong, I need to look into it first before we get our hopes up. Give me time." Demetri showed his skepticism before nodding his head, Marcus turned away with, Neos still in his arms as he headed to his quarters. He was feeling life surge through his limbs again, Neos nuzzling into him, he looked down to him and remembered he was covered in blood fro carrying Ali. He didn't have time to clean up, where he was going it didn't matter either, and he was gonna need Neos to help. Suddenly the boy looked up at him, a small smile on his face.

"Daddy's gonna save mommy." Marcus felt his heart beat rapidly, unsure if he was talking about him or Demetri.

"I'm going to try to save your mom ok?" He nodded fast.

"Daddy is gonna save mommy!" The boy was talking about him now, he didn't know how to feel about that. He tried to keep his mind calm as he spoke to Neos.

"Can you take me to mommy?" Neos lowered his head and shook it as he heard him sniffle.

"No, I can't get to mommy. But, I knew daddy could, my other daddy could." It was gonna take a long time for him to get use to being called that. He quickened his pace, reaching his quarters he set Neos down and he instantly ran over to where Marcus usually sat. Just standing there as Marcus made his way to him and sitting down, Neos taking a seat in his lap after he had crossed his legs, Sly scampering over and cuddling up in Neos' lap. Marcus sighed before he let his hands go slack, closing his eyes he readied himself for the trip, he spoke quietly to Neos.

"Here we go, son." He whispered the last words as they were suddenly launched into the shadow realm. Feeling the pull Marcus eyes opened savagely, his breathing ragged as he found himself in the shadows again. Neos was already standing, with a gleeful look on his face. Marcus stagger until he was finally standing tall, catching his breath he looked around and saw nothing, just the shadow of everything. He looked around, not finding her anywhere. His breathing evened out and he started to relax. He looked down at the little boy.

"Neos, is this where you put mommy?" He nodded with a huge grin on his face as Sly ran around his legs. Marcus held out his hand and Neos gripped it as they started walking, another figure appearing and started walking beside them. Marcus looked over to see the gaunt form.

"Haven't seen you for awhile Rope, thought you left." Cotillion remained silent as they kept walking.

"Do you know why were here?" Marcus asked, Cotillion silent for several seconds.

"You're looking for her. I'm taking you there now, you usually get the location spot on Marcus. How did you batch this one up?" Marcus looked to Neos briefly before looking forward again.

"My son helped, too much power between us as we came here. Didn't anticipate it." Cotillion didn't even bother to look at the small boy.

"Son huh? Never took you for one to settle down."

"I'm only a third of his parent actually. He inherited my families powers, still a bit of a shocker to me honestly." Cotillion nodded as he finally looked to the boy, briefly taking in his looks from under his hood.

"I see what you mean. Cute kid, too bad he has some of your features, could of been adorable." Marcus shook his head with a smile on his face and a small chuckle. They walked for what seemed like hours, time running differently here, he was sure it had only been seconds maybe even minutes for the rest of the world. Marcus sighed as he finally looked to Cotillion.

"Why are we walking all the way to her Cotillion? Just take us there." Cotillion shrugged at him.

"I was just waiting to see how long before you would ask, honestly it would take us days by foot." Marcus stopped and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I hate you so much sometimes, you know that right?" Cotillion shrugged again, the shadow enveloping them and then suddenly they were standing else where. Marcus looked forward and could see her now, the old man standing beside her as they watched the mirrors. Marcus picked up Neos and started running, a smile on his face as saw her long brown hair.

"ALI!" He yelled at the top of his lungs, the woman turning around to see who it was, he was close enough to see her eyes suddenly brighten up. His heart swelled at seeing that look again, getting to her as fast as possible before he stopped a few feet from her. His breathing heavy as the smile never left this face, seeing that glitter in her eyes was all he needed, setting down Neos and walked closer to her gently taking her hands into his.

"Ali, do you remember me? Please say you do." She showed him, throwing her arms around his neck and locking her lips with his. His arms thrown around her as well and holding her close as they held the kiss, feelings her emotions running through him again. Feeling the white hot of her passion as he held onto her, pulling away they touched their foreheads together.

"I didn't know what happened to you, Neos told me he put you here." Ali nodded as he held on to his hands now.

"What happened Ali? How can we fix this?" She shook her head at him.

"I heard the voices from everyone around me, You and Demetri flooded me with your feelings, your thoughts and anything else going on in your heads. It was too much, especially when you two fought so much." Marcus face turned to a frown then.

"It was our fault, we did this too you." She didn't say anything as he just held her, Neos holding on to Sly now as he looked at his mom and his other dad.

"What can we do Ali? I don't think I can take you from him, but I can't let go. What are we going to do?" He hoped whatever she said would spur a thought in his mind, giving him a solution to this problem. He gave her a another kiss, letting his lips match hers, holding her close when the kiss ended, his mind still searching for an answer.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:36 PM.

[K.G]

Ali pulled away slowly, her face set into a frown as she shook her head.
"Marcus... I'm here because of my own uncertainty, because I can't make the right choice. Because of that, you two fought and now I'm here. I have things I have to think about."
"What do you mean Ali?"
She looked over his shoulder and nodded to Neos who looked at her sadly before pulling himself as well as Marcus from the shadowrealm, Ali could feel tears gather in her eyes as Marcus tried to reach out to her, she shook her head again and turned away from him before walking back to Shadowthrone.
"Before he showed up, you were trying to show me something...what was it?"
He smiled and nodded to her, holding out the mirror he allowed her to sit and watch as images began flooding the small portal. Ali looked down at it intensly and gasped as she saw a memory, one that made her smile and made her heart sore.

Demetri lay in bed next to her, his face peaceful as he slept with a small, content smile on his face. Ali traced his lips with her finger lightly as she watched him sleep. He turned towards her touch tucking his cheek into her palm making her smile more.
"I love you Demetri. With all my heart."
She could see the light coming in from the window, hear the water rush onto the shore as she lay there, her ear against his chest and listening to his heart beat. She was content and happy. The memory of his touches and him whispering her name making her blush but she was overjoyed to hear the desperate need in his voice. The beach was a peaceful visit this time, just Ali and the kids. She tucked into him more and sighed as his warm arm wrapped around her and she felt her self drift to sleep, Marcus not haunting her dreams this night.

Ali looked up at Shadowthrone with a frown.
"I don't understand. What was that supposed to signafy?"
He pointed down to the mirror again and she sighed, looking down she felt pain wrap around her heart as another memory swam into the mirror.

The passion was intense, so much so that Ali thought she was about to burn alive, Demetri's gentle, yet rough hands running along her body. Arching against him she felt him smile against her skin as he concentrated on her neck, she moaned his name as he skimmed his hand up her side feeling her soft skin and smiling triumphantly knowing tha he was the one to make her react in such a way. It was he who made her call out and gasp in pleasure. He raised himself on his hands and gazed down at her, his eyes holding so much love and warmth they made tears gather in the corners of her eyes.
"I love you Alex. Nothing will ever change that."
She nodded and wrapped her arms around him as he pressed his body flush against her's hearing his name fall from her lips as she moved together with him driving them both over the edge.

She could feel the tears start to fall as she watched the memories play, more and more they consisted of mostly her and Demetri, til she finally watched one of her and Marcus, the memory was sweet and it made her smile, but she felt differently this time around. The warmth didn't spread through her like it did when she watched the memories of her and Demetri, she didn't feel her heart swell each time she heard the words 'I love you.' She gasped as a memory flooded the mirror, making her actually cry this time. Demetri sat on the small hospital bed with her, his large arm wrapped around her shoulders and pulling the sweat soaked bangs from her face, her breathing having finally settled and the IVs still pumping a mild pain killer into her system. The sun glared brightly outside and she looked up at her husband with a large, tired smile.
"He's handsome, just like you."
Demetri shook his head as he laid a gentle hand on the baby boy's cheek in her arms, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears as he looked at her.
"He's beautiful. Like you."
She blushed slightly and put her head on his shoulder looking down at the miracle child that never should have been and gasped as he opened his eyes and looked at the both of them, his intellegent eyes roaming over both of their faces before his pulmp cheeks curled in and he gave them both a large, toothless grin making Demetri's tears actually fall, as well as Ali's.
"What should we name him?"
Demetri looked down at the boy in his wife's arms and smiled softly as he put his hand on her head and kissed her temple.
"Neos. Neos Sotiris Talon."
Ali shook her head and looked down at the infant than back to Demetri.
"Athens. Neos Sotiris Athens. He's your son and will have your name."
He smiled largely and hugged her as his parents walked in, both sets more than happy about the new life brought into this world.
Ali looked up at Shadowthrone.
"I don't understand, why are you showing me all this?"
"What have you learned?"
"That most of my memories are of Demetri and me...that no matter where I stray I always go back to him...that I love him."
"And what about Marcus?"
She shook her head.
"I love him as well, but...my heart belongs to Demetri...always has and always will."
Shadowthrone nodded slowly, sad for his friend but happy that he could help, he inclinded his head to her and almost instantly she woke up slowling in the medical warn, her small hand in a large grip, one full of warmth and comfort, she squeezed it weakly, but her eyes remained closed.

[Shwa]

"Commandant, there are still files you need to review for the latest mission Fox squad went on with the swamp monsters in Texas. They are of the upmost importance..."

"The upmost importance for me right now is my wife, who happens to be unconscious and possibly fighting for her life. Colonel Marcus is assisting in what way he can, but while he does his duties to help her..." Demitri stopped walking as his mind raced with bad thoughts, knowing Ali could still be tempted by his team mate, but if Marcus was the honorable man that Demitri respected him for, he would honor the truce they agreed to. "...I will do mine here, next to her and at her side. Collect all the reports you can and send them to the med ward when you're finished. You can contact me on my personal line in need be, is that understood Circuit?" Demitri looked over his shoulder and down at his assistant, her disappointment with the idea was not one to be hidden so well by the young woman, but she had been a faithful aid to Demitri ever since he was a commander. She was even courteous enough to send flowers and gifts to Demitri and Ali when Neos was born, Ali did warm up to her little by little, but she still kept it on a profession level with Circuit. The young girl saluted, accepting her orders as she about faced and began to power walk down the hall to get the last bits of information. demitri sighed as he continued his way towards the Med Ward to see his wife, the thought of the two returning over and over again made the man chuckle in his mind, he was also thankful for the insurance their organization paid for the soldiers who worked there. The doors opened quickly, it was fairly slow in the med ward, some soldiers going in for their check-up's while others rested due to exhaustion or healing wounds that havent been tended to yet by Patch or Madam touch, or any of the other doctors on shift. Patch looked over and smiled as Demitri walked up to the man, Demitri returned the gesture as Patch lead the commandant to a private room, the one that Ali rested in.

"I'm glad you came, we were able to heal her wounds the best we can, but the cuts on her wrist are still visible. Not by a lot, but still in plain sight if you look closely" The doctor stated as they both entered teh room, Demitri grabbed a fold out chair and placed it next to Ali's cot, looking down at his wife as he frowned. She seemed lifeless, still and unresponsive to anything, not even air itself.

"What can you tell me about her condition?"

"We can report nothing, everything is normal on our end. All the blood work and scans show normal functions, even brain wave patters, its like she's just not here when she, in fact, is" Demitri nodded before taking a seat, he knew now that Marcus was the only man around that could bring Ali back to normal, if nothing was wrong medically with his wife, then it had to be something more than conventional means of healing. Marcus was a magic user, the similarities were uncanny to their son Neos, he would be a perfect teacher. Demitri couldn't deny that, but he hopped the mystic would be able to fix the problem with his wife soon. Demitri grabbed onto Ali's frail hand and squeezed tightly, holding onto her left hand and looking down at the wedding ring he gave her years ago, it still shinned and sparkled in the light. Patch heard some commotion coming from out of the room, soldiers from the latest mission came in one by one, others aided with some help by the med team who were on the field at the time.

"If you'll excuse me Commandant, I must attend to these men and women" Demitri nodded as patch left the room, Demitri's phone rang about the same time. Looking through his pockets, the giant found his phone as he flipped it opened and answered the call.

"This is Athens"

"Dad!" Tank and Lily spoke simultaneously, Demitri was a bit worried at their tone until he looked at the clock inside the room and sighed to himself, turning his voice from worried to fatherly stern.

"It's almost 11:30, what are you two still doing up? Especially you Lily..." Demitri smiled at the thought, he had to step things up while Ali was out of commission, there was somewrestling through the kids end before anyone spoke. Tanks deeps voice filtered through the other end.

"Dad, Uncle Marcus came and now he and Neos are gone! Have you seen them?" Demitri thought quickly in his mind, Marcus was a mystic and there's a possibility he needed Neos for someting important, especially to help out Ali. The giant smiled to himself and gave a small huff before speaking.

"You uncle is watching him tonight, don't be worried. But thank you for calling. Tank, make sure Lily has her clothes ready for school in the morning, and you still need to get some sleep my boy. Is that understood?"

"Yes Dad, goodnight and we'll see you later" The line went dead, Demiri closed his phone and tossed it to the table at the end of the room, watching it land on the counter top a little roughly before staying stationary. The door to their room busted open as Circuit rushed in with a stack of papers, Demitri groaned and shook his head.

"I'm guessing those are the files from the mission?"

"Yes sir, every report by all the team members and operatives, everyone gave a report of different accounts of what happened" The girl set the stack of papers on counter top, moving the commandants phone beofore she set down the papers.

"Different accounts? All reports are suppose to be made by the team leader or the highest ranking member beyond him or her. Why am I getting reports form every single team member, even from the new recruits?" Demitri raised an eyebrow as he reached over and grabbed a single manilla folder and began to read the documents.

"All that the team leader said in his last transmission was their sightings and intell was...how did he put it....fishy. it was the last we heard from him, that's why everyone gave their own report." Demitri didn't like the answer given to him as he closed the folder and looked over at Circuit.

"Where is Captain Razor and Captain Diamond of fox squad??" Demitri raised his voice a little, still holding his hand on Ali's, squeezing a little tighter as he spoke. Circute remained silent for a moment as she stood at attention, saluting in the air, Demitri raised an eyebrow as he looked over at the door to see Patch standing, a sad expression crossed his face as he looked down at the commandant. "Patch?...."

"Captain Razor was decapitated sir, a clean cut through and through." Demitri gasped at the information, Captain Razor was one of the most tactile operatives they've had in years, ever since his promotion after Commander Anthony was detailed for his betrayal to HDF 4 years ago. But there was something missing.

"Where...where is Captain Diamond?" Patch have a heavy sigh as he began to answer.

"She's hanging on for life right now sir, her armor was cut just like Captain Razor, one swipe through, it went through her body's diamond armor like it was water. I can't explain it. She's missing her left arm and we're treating her for puncture wounds to her chest sir. I...I don't have any high expectations she'll live through the night" Demitr's eyes widened to their maximum as Patch left the room, the commandant snapped his head towards his assistant who gazed down at him instantly.

"Assemble all the members of Alpha Squad immediately. Go to my quarters and wake my son Tank, I feel like he's ready for a mission by now. Contact Jeff and Pocket, grab Sasa from the Southern base as well. She should be done installing their new computer monitors by now. Oh...and untie Jason from the tree in the courtyard. We can use the mutt's strength for this one." Demitri laughed in his mind, his mother was pretty awesome at times, especially when Demitri himself wasn't in trouble. Circuit nodded and left the room in a rush, closing the door behind herself as she left, the commandant looked back down at his wife and smiled. "Come back to me love, I miss you, and I want you home" Demitri smiled as he squeezed tight on her frail hand, moments later, he felt her hand move slightly as her fingers curled slightly to give a weak squeeze back.

[K.G]

Ali's head pounded as she squeezed her hand tighter around the one that covered her's, she knew who it was just by the scent that floated through the room relaxing her and making her want nothing more than to go back to sleep.
"Ali?"
She cracked open her eyes and groaned as her arms lanced with pain, she froze as emotions of hope and shock filled her mind, as well as a gentle love that made her smile slowly.
"Ali, love are you awake?"
She nodded slowly and opened her eyes slowly, carefully to see her husband gazing down at her, she reached up and cupped his cheek lovingly.
"I'm glad your here. Marcus and Neos came to find me...but I couldn't come back with them, I had to figure things out for my self, I needed some time to think."
"About what Ali?"
"Things...things between you and me, and Marcus."
Demetri's face fell and she pressed her palm to his cheek more firmly.
"Just hear me out love..."
He nodded, although the hurt was still plain in his face and posture; she could also feel it flowing from him to her and it made her want nothing more than to cry.
"I came to a couple of choices, things I should have done a long tim ago."
Demetri looked down at their hands, she could tell he was dreading the words she was about to speak, she gave nothing away as she linked their fingers together, her pale skin seeming to glow slightly against his tan skin.
"I do love Marcus, probably more than I should-"
Demetri's eyes shifted from her's and he tried to pull his hand away but she held onto it tighter not letting his hand out of her own.
"But, I have my heart to someone long before I met him, and he never gave it back to me. Not that I'm complaining. Not in the least. I was confused about how I felt for the longest time but, the time I was out of it helped clear my mind. Demetri, I love you. With all my heart, I gave myself to you wanting only you. I can't fully explain the reasons for why I did what I did but we're stronger now. We're stronger together. And I don't ever want to have you doubt me again."
"Ali I-"
"I don't want to think about it anymore. I married you and you are the only one I want to be with. My husband and my partner in all I do."
He nodded, and kissed the top of her hand making her heart flutter happily. Sitting up she stretched and looked down at him, she could feel his worry and looked down at him.
"Is everything alright?"
He nodded before looking at the door, she heard his thoughts without even trying and frowned.
"That's not possible...How could that happen to the two of them? They were two of the best Leads in the system..."
Demetri looked shocked for a moment before nodding, he leaned back as she slipped from the bed and stretched.
"Come on, lets get our minds off of things for a bit, what do you say?"
He raised an eye brow at her and she blushed as his thoughts filtered into her mind.
"I wasn't thinking about that..."
She saw a small flush flood his cheeks and she shook her head and walked out, he followed her and was more than a little surprised as she led him to the training room, entering it she walked to her locker, took out her training gear and changed, looking over her shoulder at him as he watched her reveal bit by bit of her creamy skin only to cover it back up as she dressed in her sports bra and shorts, slipping on her gloves she spun and charged at her husband who took a step back, planting his left foot and used his height and weight to keep himself upright, though the blow she delivered stung his arm. He looked down at her and smirked as she let a smile fall into place on her lips. Shifting back she threw her foot forward, waiting for him to grab her ankle, which he did, jumping up from her planted foot she shocked him with her quick movements as her foot struck his shoulder breaking his stance and shifting him backwards a few inches. She chuckled and pulled her foot from his grasp and dropped back to her feet and Demetri slowly took his jacket off before dropping into his fighting stance, watching as she charged at him yet again. A half an hour later, sweat dripping from their bodies she swung out with her right leg and yelped as he grabbed it and pulled her down pinning her underneath his large frame, he stared down at her and smiled as she cupped his cheek.
"I love you Demetri, and I wanted to tell you that I'm changing my name. I'm getting rid of my maiden name and I'm taking on your name. Fully."
She watched as shock registered on his face.
"I thought you wanted to keep your name hyphenated."
She shook her head and brought him down for a sweet kiss.
"Not anymore. Never again, I want you and only you for the rest of our lives."
She let down every barrier she had and allowed her feelings to flow into him as he looked down at her.
"I still have paperwork-"
"Please...we can get back to that in a little bit, right now I just want to be with you...just with you."
She tucked her head down into his chest and inhaled his scent letting her lips graze his collar bone slightly.

[Lilt]

Pocket was still in Traumerei when she was contacted by someone. Her cell didn't work in this strange place and she wasn't surprised. But thanks to some help from Marcus, three years ago, she was able to set up a system that let her know if anyone was trying to contact her while she was away. She quickly opened up a way back into her quarters and answered her phone. It was Circuit. She wasn't clear on the details, but it seemed like she needed Pocket right away.

"Alright, I'll tell him." Pocket nodded before hanging up the phone.

She dialed a number and reached Jeff. She was one of the only people besides a higher ranking member of HDF that he would answer his phone for. He gave her the usual one worded replies as she gave him the message that Circuit had asked Pocket to relay. She said her goodbyes again and hung up, leaving her quarters.

Outside of her quarters, she surprisingly saw Neos walking around without Demetri or Ali. What surprised her even more though, was who's hand Neos was holding.

"Marcus?" Pocket asked in disbelief.

He turned around and now she was sure it was him. Not that there were any doubts with his back to her, since his tattoos made him pretty unique, back or front. But now she could believe her eyes. She knew he was there for sure when she ran up and hugged him.

"It's really you! What are you doing back at the base? And why are you with Neos?"

Pocket stopped and listened as Marcus gave her what she believed was the whole story. He might have left a couple of things out, but it didn't sound like it since some of the words didn't come out too easily. Pocket listened quietly until he was done.

"It sounds like you've been through a lot already. I had no idea you were even back though. I missed you so much. We all did." She said as she hugged him once more.

"I need to hurry though. Circuit just contacted me and asked me to get Jeff. Demetri wants the Alpha Team assembled." Pocket frowned.

Pocket kneeled down. "Come on, I'll hold your hand too, Neos." She said, smiling.

Neos grabbed her hand and Pocket walked side by side with Neos and Marcus to go see what was going on.

OOC: I hope you don't mind if Pocket asks Marcus to tag along, Dassem. If he has other places to be first though or wants to be with Neos alone a bit more, let Pocket know and she'll go find Jeff and meet up with Demitri.

[Darth Vectis]

His eyes opened violently then, his eyes searching swiftly around the room, soon enough finding Neos still settled in his lap. The little boy looking up at him with sad eyes, Sly held close to him, Marcus patted the boy gently on the head. Neos rose from his lap and he smiled at the boy warmly.

"I'm going back Neos, don't leave ok?" Neos nodded as he hugged his fox tightly. Marcus closed his eyes again, the journey less violent this time as his eyes opened gently and he rose from where he was sitting, the world still dark and shadowed as before. He Looked around as he tried to find her, tried to sense her in anyway he could as he walked off into the darkness. He soon came across what he was looking for, only Noe he saw Shadowthrone standing with Cotillion, both facing him. Cotillions face was stoic as usual, Shadowthrones face, however, held a sad look that conveyed far more then Marcus liked.

"Where is she Ammanas?" Shadowthrone was uncharacteristically quiet, his hands settled on the top of his cane as he looked at Marcus and gave a slow shake of his head.

"It's over my boy." Marcus' face contorted into a scowl as eyes shifted between the two standing before him. Not understanding what Shadowthrone was trying to get across.

"What's over Shadowthrone?" Moments after the words left his lips did he start to understand, his eyes widening at the thought. Ammanas nodded then to him.

"She chose Marcus, and you weren't it." Marcus shook his head violently, his heart thumbing rapidly as he tried to grasp their words. His heart refusing to accept the idea, even the words seemed to bounce away at his walls.

"No, old man. I don't believe you, you spent most of my life just trying to get a rise out of me. You got it now, happy?" Shadowthrones face remained dark as a smile never touched his lips.

"I wish this was one of those times, but I assure you Marcus, this is no joke.You will see soon enough, I promise you that my protege" Marcus didn't know what to do with the information, doing his best to refuse the words, pushing them away only to have them crowd his mind again. His kneels buckled then, his body weak as he felt everything fall apart, his heart felt like it was dying in his chest. He roared in pain, his hands clenched into fists as he thrashed for several moments, Shadowthrone and Cotillion just being silent observers to his pain. Neither of them able to to do anything for him as he rose, his hands still clenched and as the runes on his body glowed and flowed around his body in a wild rage. The energy radiating off in waves as his face showed all the rage and grief his mind was feeling. Cotillion walked forward then, standing before his friend as he placed a calming hand on his friends shoulder.

"Don't let it consume you Marcus." Marcus spoke through the rage, his teeth clenched.

"What do you know? You're dead!" Cotillion kept his hand in placed as he didn't move or say a thing for several seconds.

"That's my point Marcus. You'll end up like us, we died for reasons that you understand. I know your pain Marcus, don't let this consume you. Son." Marcus felt his rage start to cool, looking into the hood he could see the only feature that hadn't changed on his fathers face, the dark eyes mimicking Marcus. Marcus bowed his head, his rage still churning in his soul as he closed his eyes. coming awake in his room, he found Neos gone, he shook his head for a moment as he rose, his heart still thumping as he thought of what he was going to have to do next. He needed to talk to Ali first, get everything straightened out, he would then start training Neos tomorrow, he would need to find Pocket today to get her involved. He walked out of his room, heading in a direction, not sure where he was going but letting his legs take him, he didn't reach out to Ali's rune, he did not dare breach that connection with her, not as he was. His legs had carried him through the base, he was nearing the training room, the moment he was in front of the door he was slammed with a wave. Collapsing to the floor with his hands around his ears he was bombarded with images, sights, sounds, smells and even tastes occasionally. Each sense pointing to the indisputable fact that Ali was in the room with Demetri, and his grandfather had been right.

She had chosen who she wanted more, his heart felt the icy grip squeeze in his chest. His breath was ragged, he took a moment as he remained on the floor, getting his breathing under control he felt the barriers rise again, the walls appearing and the doors closing in his mind. He felt his emotions take refuge behind those walls, his face cold as he rose finally, his body standing firm as he turned and walked into the training room. He saw them now, on the mat in their work out gear, Ali on top of Demetri. They both looked up at him, Ali's smile falling away as she saw him, Demetri's hardening with his intrusion. Ali looked into his face, expecting to see hurt and deadly intent, instead, she saw nothing in his eyes, a cold exterior as she quietly attempted to probe only to be met with a cold wall. His eyes shifted slowly between them.

"I thought I would inform you that Neos' training will begin tomorrow. I will be having Calypso assist me, I will be the one to retrieve Neos, she will return him at the end of our sessions." He looked at Ali one more time, the barriers and the walls holding now. He turned away then, walking out the door once more as he walked down the hall again, his heart still thumping heavily. He had managed to hold his emotions in, he had managed to block out Ali, if she had tried to break in again, she might had succeeded. He turned a corner to find Neos standing there, Sly in his hands, Marcus smiling at him as he held out his hand. Neos gripping it as they walked together, Pocket finding them soon enough.

After their conversation, he walked with both Neos and Pocket now. He kept his eyes forward as he spoke, keeping his tone steady as his body wanted to tremble.

"Calypso, I wanted to ask you something." Her face looking to him as her eyes glowed with an innocent smile on her face.

"Sure Marcus, anything." A humorless grin on his face now.

"I know your powers are developing, Neos needs training and I wanted to know if you would assist me." Pocket showed shock and then nodded furiously too him.

"Of course, I would love to help." Bowing his head slightly he continued.

"Thank you Pocket, we can also help train you at the same time." The conversation died after that, Marcus in no mood to carry on anything longer then that. He felt empty inside now, the pain raking his body as he kept upright. A void was in his chest now, and he wasn't sure if he could fill it again, his pain and his suffering feeding the void, the words his father had spoken whispers in his head.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:36 PM.

[Shwa]

Ali remained on top of her husband, both still a little shocked at the intrusion Marcus caused moments ago, but the tension seemed to die slowly when both Ali and Demitri just stayed in their original spots, even when the mystic left them alone. Ali felt somewhat ashamed at the way he saw the two, but she was determined to go on the choice she decided upon when leaving the shadow realm, that was for certain. Demitri felt a wave of pleasure and excitement rush through his veins, he had somewhat won the battle, he had his wife back with him and couldn't be any more happier about that single fact. Ali had chosen him, her words still rang through his ears, her sweet voice and lovely eyes assured him of that realization, the giant pulled his wife down to him as he kissed her deeply, growling in his throat for her need. Her smell, her touch, her very essence excited the giant as he rolled the two on the mat floor, now looking down at his lover, hair falling from his shoulders as Ali's scattered on the mat below her head. Demitri leaned down as he kissed his woman more passionately, hearing her groans as she gasped for air through his kissed, arching her back, trying to get closer and closer to her husband as he placed his hand on her back, bringing her closer to his sweaty body. They broke their kiss, Demitri closing his eyes as Ali looked up, her heart raced in a flutter as she panted for air.

"Demitri, whats with this all of the sudden?" Ali gasped, brushing some strands of her own hear off from her forehead, feeling the sleek moisture from her body as she took a deep breath.

"I just...you're...gods I love you Alex" Demitri kissed her more, placing his other hand behind her head to give it support, there was a noise that came from Demitri's pocket, he ignored the rings over and over until it went silent. But moments later, the noise continued, catching Ali's attention as she paused their steamy make-out session.

"Lover, your phone is ringing" Demitri was too occupied to hear her, licking and nipping at her neck line slowly as he unstrapped one of her sports bra straps, sliding the fabric more towards the edge of her shoulder, until it hund loose on her arm. Demitri kissed more and more, Ali only groaned in delight, but was still concerned about the phone call coming through his pants. "Demitri..." The giant groaned as he obliged by his womans request, lifting himself up by his arms, he reached in his pocket and fumbled to find his mobile device. Never taking his gaze of his woman, Demitri found his phone and flipped it open.

"This is Athens.....yes....yes, as I told you I would like to be-" Demitri stopped talking as the news came from the other end of his phone, his eyes widened slowly as he raised himself onto his knees and continued to listen on his phone. Ali looked worried as she got up from her spot to stand close to her husband, Demitri remained silent as his eyes dropped, Ali moved her head over to the earpiece to listen on what was happening, but what she heard shook the woman as well.

"...Captain Diamond just passed away...." It was enough for Ali to gasp as she covered her mouth with one hand, standing up fully as she looked down at her husband. Demitri met her gaze and stood himself, looking down at his wife now as she walked and wrapped her arms around the mans waist. Losing two captains in the matter of hours, they both knew what needed to happen next, Alpha team would have to be called in to research the situation that took place on the last mission Fox squad went on.

"I understand, send out the alert and by my order, issue a cod red for alpha team members to meet in the war room immediately. Also, have all the files ready in the war room, we're not going in blind, we'll research the different pieces of information from their squad before moving out onto the field. That will be all Circuit" Demitri closed his phone as he grabbed his jacket, Ali grabbed her items as well, both soldiers exiting at the same time, they both stopped in the darkness, knowing the signal would go off soon.

"How soon can you be ready my love?" Demitri asked as he cracked his neck, turning his head slightly to feel the pressure release on his joints.

"5 minutes tops, less than even. I'll make sure Lily and Neos are in bed before coming down to the war room." Ali replied as she rolled her foot on the ground.

"Grab Tank too, I don't care if he's sleeping, she should already be on alert" Ali gasped as she looked up at her husband.

"Are you sure he's ready? This seems like a dangerous mission babe...I don't want him to ..." Demitri placed his hand on her shoulder, looking down at Ali with a smile.

"I would never let that happen. But we need him tonight" Before Demitri could finish, the red lights began to flare throughout the base, the alarm sounded calling for all Alpha Team members to meet in the War room, the two said nothing else as they both sprinted towards their destination. Ali went to their living quarters to make sure the family was safe and secured, she was sure to run into Marcus and someone else on the way. Running out into the courtyard, Jason laid against the tree his collar was tied to, the woman stopped and looked for a moment.

"What in the world?? What did you get yourself into Jason Talon?" Ali put her hands on her hips, he looked at her blankly and replied without pause.

"Long story short, dont piss off Madam Touch. She's stronger and smarter than she looks, end of discussion" Ali sighed as she shook he head.

"I'll be back, just gonna tuck the kids in quickly" She dashed off, Jason gave a lazy wave as she vanished out of sigh.

"Oh sure, leave me here like EVERYONE ELSE HAS!!!! This is so not my day". Demitri ran down the halls once more until he made it to the Med ward, the doors opens quickly, seeing all the wounded soldiers along with Patch and Madam touch standing around a body covered in white sheets. The soldiers lost themselves as the wept and mourned for their fallen captain, Demitri finally made it close enough to see the figure of the body, the left arm completely gone and blood splotches around different areas of the chest that leaked through the white sheet. Patch looked over at the commandant before speaking, reviewing the notes of the patient.

"Sir. Alicia Lockheart. Codename: Diamond. Time of Death: 12:00 am this Sunday morning. I'm sorry to report sir, the loss of blood from her missing appendage mixed with the puncture wounds to her chest and lung was the main cause of her demise. Even Madam Touch couldn't perform any healing measure at this state and with not enough time on our hands." Demitri nodded as he placed his hand on Alicia's corpse, the other soldiers sniffed and wiped their eyes from oncoming tears that escaped freely from their bodies. Patch passed the clipboard over to the commandant who reviewed the medical notes, both signatures from Patch and Madam Touch confirmed the final overview. Demitri nodded.

"I'll be taking this document to the briefing with Alpha team immediately, contact Diamonds next of kin and inform them of her passing and out deepest sympathies to a fine soldier. Explain they will be put onto our payroll for the year to help with finances. That is all" Demitri turned and began to make his way out of the med ward, seeing salutes and weak smiles as he left, he knew his team out need to act now. Exiting to the hallway, the red lights flashed more as Demitri began his jog once again to the War Room, Gene and Sasa came from around the corner and joined the Commandant as he jogged.

"Must be important to have us called at midnight" Gene joked, but Demitri wasn't in the mood as they entered the war room, as requested, Circuit filled the round table with all the paperwork from Fox Squads latest mission. Gene and Sasa took a seat as Demitri passed out some folders to them.

"We're not going in blind, we have 12 reports to review before we head out, lets try to find some connection as to why we now have two deceased captains and dead soldiers. We're pressed for time and we should head out as soon as the others get here and review the information as well." Sasa and Gene nodded as they opened their folders and began to scan through the information, Demitri picked up a manilla folder and did the same, waiting on the others to arrive.

[K.G]

Ali dashed through the halls, her chest still heaving from the affection Demetri had shown her just moments before, he had been passionate and she wanted nothing more than to rewind time and finish what he hand started, the heat still coiling in the pit of her stomach. She ran her hand through her bangs and groaned as she mentally shook her self. The image of Marcus walking in on the end of their spar flashing through her mind and she felt her heart twinge faintly. But she had made the choice, she had chosen Demetri, it was a choice she was going to have to make sooner or later and she felt like she chose correctly. She tapped her foot waiting for the door to open once it did she stepped through and stopped dead in her tracks as Marcus came for Neos' room, Pocket not far behind him.
"Hey, did-did you two get the message?"
Marcus gave her a hard look, she pried slightly, trying to get a small feeling from him but sighed silently as she felt nothing. To say that she didn't feel guilty would be lieing. She knew that there had to have been a better way for the man to have learned of her choice, there must have been an easier way and she was sorry that it had to have happened the way it did and she found her self reaching for him but pulled back as his skin semed to spark burning her finger tips slightly. She pulled her hand back to her chest and nodded slowly getting the silent message from the mystic loud and clear. She looked over at Pocket.
"Have you seen Neos?"
She nodded.
"Marcus just put him down to bed. Tank is doing the dishes and Lily is finishing her home work."
Ali felt a slight anger spark at the mention that her children were still not in bed. She nodded and moved through the apartment, not bothering a second look at Marcus. Even if she had chosen Demetri, the feelings that she had given to Marcus had been real and she had meant the things she had said while with him, but she had a family and she was Demetri's wife. More determined to prove that to her husband now more than anything. Shaking the thoughts from her head she walked through the area and found Tank by the sink.
"Dante, get ready, your father wants you with us this time around."
Lily jumped up from the couch, a excited look on her face, Ali shook her head.
"I'm sorry Lily, your still to young. And I know for a fact that your father would kill me if I let you come along."
"But mom-"
"No buts young lady, get to bed, now."
Lily huffed but walked away none the less, Tank coming out of his room to meet her, he was dressed in tenneis shoes and board shorts not needing much else due to his steel skin. Ali nodded and walked to her room and dressed, slipping on a pair of blue jeans, a black tank top, her boots and stopped as she reached for the old robe that Marcus had left her. Staring at it she shook her head and instead grabbed her trench coat. Slipping it on she grabbed her holster and steel knuckled gloves and strode from the room, Tank waiting for her, Marcus and Pocket having already left. She nodded to the teenager and together they went to untie Jason. Tank looked down at her and frowned.
"Uncle Marcus was acting different tonight mom, did something happen?"
"A lot has happened baby. But you don't need to worry about it alright?"
"Mom, he's family too. I love you both so please, don't leave me out. I'm old enough to understand."
Ali took a deep breath as they walked through the moonlight towards the large willow tree, explaining everything that had happned, between her and Marcus, between the three of them and how everything had led to this moment.
"Do you think you made the right choice?"
"Tank, you, Lily, Neos and your father are my life. Your my family. I can't give that up for anything."
"But mom, I'm sure that if you truly chose with your heart, and chose what would make you happy that Dad would be fine with what ever you chose. He loves you that much."
"I'm sure he'd be just like your uncle right now. But we have to go and get the dog in from the rain."
She smiled and looked down as she heard Jason yell.
"I heard that dammit! Why does everyone crack on the canine?"
"Cause you are one."
They set Jason loose and quickly made their way to the war room to see everyone there, Ali instantly taking her place beisde her husband, the close proximity, the heat from his skin making it hard for her to concentrate and with out even meaning to her thoughts flared to life in Demetri's head as he took a sip from his water, making him choke. He looked down at her, a lusting glint in his eyes making Ali blush, she leaned over to him whispering.
"I'm sorry...this new leap in my powers is still hard to control."
He nodded slowly as he took a slow drink of his water, Ali watching as he did, the muscles in his neck and throat working to send the drink into his stomach and again Ali found her thoughts running away with her, this time Demertri ready for the onslaught of images and emotions but it did nothing to stop the giant from growling and putting his glass down and gripping the side of the table. He leaned over and whispered in her ear as she looked down at the files.
"If you keep this up, I'll drag you into the bathroom so help me Alex."
She blushed brightly as she continued to look at the files, her own whispers flitting between them, he was so close she could feel his hot breath on her neck.
"I'm sorry...I'm not trying to."
He closed his eyes and moved away from her as the door opened and Warp walked in.
"Are you ready?"
Ali put her file down and nodded as did the others, Warp nodded and looked at them all in turn.
"I can only take two of you at a time. Where are we going?"
Ali looked back at the paper and than back at Warp.
"It seems as if we're going to Russia."
Warp nodded, holding her hand out Jason and Pocket went first, than Tank and Sasa, Jeff looked at Demetri as the rest of them walked closer, Ali put her hand on Demeti's arm, the heat of his skin sending fire through her blood, she shuddered almost instantly and closed her eyes, her thoughts running away from her again. This time Demetri spun on her and pulled her close, his large hands covering her hips as he pulled her firmly against him, his lips clashing againt her's almost violently as his passion overwhelmed her. He pulled away from her, both gasping for breath as he moved away from her and towards Warp, she rolled her eyes and took Demetri's hand than Jeffs and vanished with them instantly, Ali looked over at Marcus. Now that they were alone she felt the guilt wash over her. She didn't regret her choice but she hadn't wanted him to find out that way, she had wanted to tell him her self, to break it to him gently if at all possible.
"Marcus...I-I'm sorry...I didn't want you to find out that way. I had wanted to talk to you about it."
He remained silent and she felt the loss of him, the loss of a personal connection that might hurt not only her, but her family. She reached for him again, this time the spark being worse, her fingernails turning with the soarch marks. Choking back the tears she looked at the floor.
"I'm truly sorry Marcus. I hope you can forgive me."
She looked up as Warp entered the room again, looking at the two of them closely before they put their hands in her's and within moments found them selves in Russia, the icy cold wind blowing Ali's hair to and fro and she shivered violently only to feel the wind halt instantly, she looked over to see Marcus standing by her, his runes glowing ever so faintly as he held the elements from the team. She looked at the paper in her hands.
"Apparently, by a few of the reports...these are....Nightwalkers?"
She looked up as the rest of the team, all but Marcus gave her the same baffeled look.
"Seems like somthing we haven't dealt with before. Be on guard and watch each other's backs."
She pulled the trench coat tighter to her body and began to trudge through the snow as best as she could, even if she was strong, and tougher than most...she was one of the shortest girls in the team and she squeaked and felt her self blush as Demetri plucked her from the snow and began to carry her on his back, she smiled slowly and rested her head on his shoulder taking in his warmth, every now and than looking at Marcus, trying to figure out a way to at least salvage a friendship from the man if anything.

[Darth Vectis]

He felt her eyes on him, caught her glancing at him every so often. His gaze remained forward as often as he could, his eyes only drifting to search the darkness of the area. Nightwalkers were nothing new to him, traveling around the world to all of the bases had made him more aware of the dark creatures still roaming the earth, it was time for him to do his job. He still felt the tug, that pull toward her, he felt the small spark of warmth that was squashed out by the void. Deep in his heart, he wanted her to touch him again, to feel her smooth hands on his skin, to be able to touch her again. The emptiness inside of him refused to bow down to her needs, she had made her bed, now she needed to lie in it. Having seen her shiver, he had broken for just a second, getting close to her to keep the cold from her bones as he did from his own, he couldn't watch her freeze. When she glanced over to him he finally locked gazes with her for only a few moments, feeling her touch in his mind he pushed it away, wanting her out of his head. The emptiness was eating away at him now, corroding every sense he had left, he was aware of his surroundings, his sense still sharp, he just seemed to be giving up on caring. Jason soon came up on his left side, the cold hardly affecting him.

"Whats wrong Marcus? I see that look in your eyes, well, the lack of one that is." Marcus remained silent as they trudged through the snow, speaking after a long while.

"Nothing you should worry about old friend. Be more worried about the Nightwalkers." Pocket suddenly appeared at his right side, walking with them both now.

"What are Nightwalkers Marcus? I've never heard of them before." His gaze shifted through the dark trees, the white snow would make it easier to spot them.

"They are massive beings, their bodies made of flesh like ours, but their skin is midnight black, they don't have mouths or visible ears. All they have for features is glowing white orbs for eyes. They appear out of the darkness without warning, they are relentless, once they have your scent they chase you until you die or they do."

"So they have noses then?" Jason blurted out, Marcus shook his head, not feeling the need to comment about Jasons words.

"Its more of way they see you, they don't smell you out, they sense you out. Watch their hands though, they lash out with them like daggers, they are sharper then diamond, as many saw in the infirmary." Marcus said blatantly the words that wretched at a lot of people hearts, his coldness was becoming evident in him, everyone eying him warily. Marcus' suddenly halted, drawing the two swords at his side in a blur, everyone reacting around him and further, weapons being drawn, the sounds of guns being cocked and clips being loaded. His eyes shifted through the dark.

I know I saw you, move again. He heard the crunch of snow as a small figure now stood beside him, a larger on close to her.

"What's going on? Why did you draw your swords?"

"Quiet, they're here now." Everyone's attention perking up, He spoke louder now.

"Look for blurs in the darkness, if you even think you see one kill it." An eerie noise followed, the team forming up to be in a more coherent unit.

"Don't split up, don't chase after them, they kill in groups." He yelled for all of them to hear, his hot breath showing. Marcus saw it appear at the last moment, his hands and magic reacting on their own. The earth suddenly erupting under the feet of Ali and Demetri, they spun away as the slab forced them to roll across the snow, Marcus leaping through the flung snow. sword drawn as it came down. The distinct sound of metal on metal, his blade clashing with nothing but darkness as his weapons and arms suddenly became a blur. Swinging with such precision and skill that came from only spending 18 hour days practicing with his tools of destruction. The darkness he swung at being forced to back up as he gave it no room to strike back, Marcus spun away with the blades still gripped in his hands, the runs on his body glowing lightly as the figure became clear. The creature looked humanoid, his featureless face seeming as if it could absorb the light all around, it easily towered over everyone in the team, he still stood tall with his swords ready. Forms appeared from the shadows now, more of the same, the uniform look almost terrifying. Marcus kept his mind clear, letting his body relax enough to be able to strike out at an instant. The Nightwalkers moving around, appearing and disappearing, the night lighting up with sound and flashes. He heard grunts and yelps as they tried to avoid and dodge the Nightwalkers strikes, knowing what would follow if they were hit.

He could hear the gusts of wind from Demetri from one hand, the other firing off rounds and Ali shot into the darkness. Screeches and screams echoed in their minds, the Nightwalkers communicating with them their pain and their rage. Marcus thoughts slipped for just a second, the grip of concern suddenly hitting him for Ali, she being the most susceptible to the psychic link. The slip almost costing him as the Nightwalker lashed out, his hand lighting fast as Marcus narrowly avoided it, the hand mere inches from his face. The runes growing brightly as he slashes and smashed with the blunt side of his swords, his hands swinging in a blur, the Nightwalker backing up into the trees, away from the group. Marcus stopping at a point, only a few feet from the group, seeing the trap he remained still, his breathing trying to to remain even and controlled, he suddenly heard a scream, a voice form the group, unable to identify it, he looked briefly to see what it was, his eyes wide as he saw the reason for it. Tank had strayed to far, his steel skin showing the marks where three Nightwalkers now attempted to rip him apart, he landed a punch here and there, his speed not enough in his steel from to deter the Walkers. Marcus caught Ali trying to run to him, Demetri not far behind, Marcus could see they weren't going to make it, Tank on his knees now as he deflected the blows now. Marcus did the only thing he could think of to draw them off, releasing the energy pent up with in, the runes glowing white hot and the light seemed to waver and move as the runes moved now. The Nightwalkers responding to the sudden burst of energy, shifting into the darkness before moments later appearing around Marcus. Three now surrounded him, the one he had been fighting before adding itself to the group. He kept his body tall as he gripped the swords tightly, the leather creaking on the handles.

"I've never fought four at once before. Guess now is as good a time as any." The motions suddenly became blurred as the Walker struck out at him, his swords blocking and trying to cut back, the group slowly moving him closer to the forest as he swung away. Spinning his body this way and that, he felt one hand lightly graze him, his mind pushing the pain out as he kept fighting, he saw two more start to come to join, their trap coming to fruition. Marcus yelled as he managed to swing his blades around to make them back up a few paces from his location.

"Is that all you got! Bring your best, I don't have much to worry about anymore!" His blades lashing out again as the Walkers crowded closer to him, his swords getting them here and there, sending a screech through his mind that he pushed through. Their blows cutting across his skin, the light blooming from the blow stunning the creatures each hit, giving him the opportunity to cut into them. One blade finding its mark as he swung upwards, the blade cutting through its abdomen all the way up its chest. It screech and screamed in its death throes as Marcus fought on, letting the fighting take him, seeing nothing mattered even if he did survive. The only one he had left was Neos, and even then, when he was done with his training, he would leave him too. Marcus fought on, hope slipping away from him, his need to care slipping away with it.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:37 PM.

[Takuuya]

"What about T.bomb?"

Luwein twitched slightly."....T. bomb?"

"Yes, Time Bomb it's the perfect code name... It explains your powers, easily.... You can manipulate the very fabric of time and that fire thing you can do." Mist seemed too pleased with himself, Luwein was grateful he was blind so he didn't have to see his uncles foolish grin.

"That is such a violent name" Luwein frowned, pulling his white bear cloak tighter around him and putting the hood which had a nose and ears on it... "I would much rather be called by my name Uncle." Luwein said grumpy , kicking at the snow with his white boots.

"Do you know how long it took me to earn my codename? and how happy and respected I felt when I received it?.... it means a lot... I hope one day you'll understand, Lu"

Luwein sighed, it had been a month and a haft since he joined the HDF, Mist with his favor and rank had gotten Luwein to be assigned directly to him... Luwein had mix feelings about this. All his uncle did was talk about how much he would love it here and all the great experiences he could gain and all the good he would do, but the most excitement Luwein had was fighting.... well subduing a wild bear that was ravishing a nearby small town.

"Who are we waiting for again?" Luwein cut in, not wanting to hear this same story again.

"Alpha Team, We're to relay what we know about the area and assist in anyway we can...It has been a long time since I've seen them" Mist said . " They are a group every team aspires to be like, I wonder how much they've changed..." With Mist being a field agent and emergency only transport agent he unfortunately was out of the loop when it came to anything other than his tasks and training his Nephew Private Ouranos.

Mist Turned to Luwein, "And I'm excited to introduce you to them" He beamed and Luwein winced ...

"Uncle, strangers make me uneasy"

"They are not strangers they're family" Luwein's heart skipped a beat..... Family... Didn't he abandon his to be hear he wondered how they were fairing where ever they were.

"Speaking of family, Uncle.... Have you any word from the tribe?"

"Shhh..... I think I hear something, in the distance" Mist squinted his eyes through the heavy downpour of snow and Luwein expanded his senses to the area around them. He felt something.. things and large group of people fighting far ahead. Whatever or whoever this was Luwein was upset they had interrupted at the wrong time.

"This way" Luwein was about to brake out in a run until Mist grab him.

"I'll get us there quickly"

Luwein felt the world around him vanish and suddenly he was in midair.

"Bring us down easy, Lu" Mist yelled over the sonic booms he guessed where the Commanders.

The group along with their predictors halted for a second staring up as Luwein and Mist gracefully landed on the snow.

"MIST!!" rang a few voices. Luwein felt they seemed happy and even sounded as if they were familiar with his uncle.

"Hello Alpha Team!"

"You sure picked a good time to show up" came a low husky, but kind voice.... whoever this man was, he was a large sturdy man.

Suddenly Luwein grabbed his rod, "Extend!" he yelled, it grew heavy and longer and in one motion he knocked one of the Nightwalkers a foot or so away from the man that had just spoken.

"I don't mean to be rude, but I believe now's not the time for pleasantries, the Nightwalkers hate to be so blatantly ignored it seems." Luwein said then violently gesturing with his hand at the Nightwalker he had hit, before it could recover a small burst of fire erupted in front of it's face.

Edited by Takuuya, 04 May 2011 - 02:18 AM.

[K.G]

Ali tried her best to keep her mind clear, tried to keep the scream and screechs from echoing through her head but she still wasn't able to control her new found level and as she reached Tank she felt something else, pain and a dread that sent her falling to her knees in the snow. Looking over her shoulder she shook her head and looked up at Demetri.
"Help him, I have to go and help Marcus!"
Demetri nodded and helped Tank to his feet as the others protected them as they moved back into a small patch of light created by a flare Pocket had thrown down from her mind, running past it Ali pushed her self through the snow til she saw him, blood already gracing his skin and she felt her heart falter. Even if she had chosen Demetri, it didn't mean she wanted to lose him completely from her life, to never see his face again, to never see the smile that he reserved just for her, or see Neos run to him and embrace him. She didn't want to live with out those things, even if she couldn't be with him he was still importatnt in her life. Tucking her shoulder down she threw her weight forward and slammed her shoulder into the toso of one of the beasts sending it sideways into another and causing them to tumble to the side. She stood and righted herself putting her back to Marcus'. He stiffened instantly and she felt the cold void of his mind.
"I don't care what you think Marcus Demos, I'm not letting you die!"
She kicked upwards, sending snow into the air as one of the Nightwalkers charged at her, her toe connecting with what she would guess to be the chin, the steel toe of her boot keeping the shock from travling up her leg and shifting her balance, she reached up and wrapped her hands around the back of the monsters head and pulled downward violently striking the creatur in the face with her knee. She screamed out as one of the bests claws caught her on the arm, she checked just to be sure it was still there, the blood pouring down her arm, it dripped from her fingers to blend with the red snow but she could see the black spots of blood on the snow knowing that they were making some damage to the beasts. Standing up she planted her back firmly against Marcus' and pulled out her pistol firing off a few shots before she brought her fist up and caught one across the face, it growled, whirled around and bit down savagly into her forearm.
"Dammit!"
Bringing her pistol down inbetween it's eyes and pulled her arm back, seeing her blood run from the deep wound she shook her head and planted her feet, her powers stretching out around her, feeling everything, everyone...everyone but Marcus, his emotions noting but an empty void. She could almost see small sparks of light from each and every one of the members, all but him. She pushed her back against him, his feet shifting forward, they were shifting further and further from the group and Ali keeping the small bubble of her powers out around her when she felt Marcus slip behing her, she spun around quickly and grabbed his hand as the darkness enable him to misstep and plant his foot on a weak snow bank that gave out underneath him. Looking over her shoulder she pulled her fist back and slammed it into the face of another Nightstalker before trying to find the others, the flare from Pocket flickered in the distance, she hadn't realized they had gotten that far away. She felt his weight lighten as he was able to get a foot hold and begin to climb back up, her chest lightened some as he was out of danger of falling but she stood up and crossed her arms over her face blocking a solid hit from one of the Nightwalkers, the blow so powerful it knocked her backwards and over the edge that Marcus had just fallen over, her arms flailing as she tried to get a hold of something til she felt a hand tighten around her wrist, she didn't need to look up to know who it was. She looked up to see Marcus leaning over, holding onto a tree root and trying to pull her back up as the Nightwalkers drew closer.
"Let me go Marcus! If you don't you'll be killed!"
He didn't answer her only tried to pull her up more the monsters getting closer and closer, she spread her fingers out, releasing her grip on Marcus' wrist and feeling her hand slipping from his grip.
"Just let me go! God dammit Marcus please!"
He said nothing, but still tried to hold her wrist tight, Ali closed her eyes and shifted her weight allowing for it to settle mostly from her wrist, she could feel the sweat on his hands taking it's tole and looked up at him, his eyes met her's and she gave him a small smile, the same smile that she had always saved just for him and twisted her wrist one last time feeling his grip slip. She felt the wind rushing past her as she fell, the snow at the bottom cushioning her blow as her head whipped back, her neck cracking painfully as stars erupted behind her eyes.

[Darth Vectis]

Marcus had watched her fall, had watched her make him drop her, he hadn't let go over her, she had let herself fall to save him. He felt the wall crack, even just a small amount, and he had just watched her fall. Marcus gripped his blades and swung them faster then he ever did, the blood running down his arms causing his runes to react, growing hotter and brighter with his charged blood dripping down his body now. He heard the screeches from the Nightwalkers, his blades finding their mark easily, black blood splashing with every stroke. Not all were death blows, but he intended to do as much damage as possible. A Nightwalker leaned forward to swipe at him, avoiding it he spun around it and slashed across its back, his legs giving out forcing it to its knees, his other sword coming around and ripping the head from its shoulders. He lunged forward, rolling before coming up right and slashing with precision, cutting the knees of two more Walkers, their screeches echoed in his mind, they tried to claw at him, bring the point of his swords up swiftly and smashing them through the chests of the two Walkers, twisting them as they died. He yanked the blades out, his breathing ragged as his mind raced now his mind coming back to that smile she gave him before letting go and falling away. He turned now and, seeing shapes appear in the dark, he could feel his strength starting to sap away from him, the swords feeling heavy in his hands now.

Why would you do that for me? I'm not worth it anymore. He growled as he whipped around and rushed the bank, jumping off the edge, smashing a blade into the wall to slow his decent until finally hitting the ground. He rushed over to where he could see her impact, his swords still drawn and looking around he came and stabbed his sword into the snow before reaching in and pulling her out, he held her in one arm, seeing she was half conscious he shook her a little.

"Ali, by all the gods names, wake up. You're not going to die here, not for me." She started to come around when the shapes started to come around them, his blood was seeping into her clothes, he held her close as he kept them at distance with one sword. The other still close by jammed into the snow, he was watching the shapes start to close in, the runes flaring as he felt the magic react to protect him and the woman in his arms. Her head moving around slowly, the magic lashing out now at its own will, sudden flashes sending the creatures screeching as the white hot magic tore into their flesh. His walls continuing to crack as the magic seemed to bash at the barriers he built up. He roared into the night.

"I studied the light! You will not touch her again!" Reaching out in multiple directions, as if trying to set up its own barrier around them, he felt it coursing through his veins, unabated by anything he tried to stop it, the barriers meaning nothing as it crashed through them making them worthless. The void being seared away by the intensity of the sun, He could feel her coming back now, her eyes opening as he held her steady on her feet. Reaching for his other sword, he held them firmly now, Ali seeing the white energy burning around them as the creatures dared not approach. He sheathed the swords for now, the barrier holding for now, the light showing them both clearly, the open wounds on both of them now. Marcus suddenly felt a punch to his chest, Ali's hand balled up into a fist as it made him stagger a bit, rubbing the spot he tried to keep his expression even.

"What the hell were you thinking?! You told everyone else not to separate and you did exactly that!" He silent at her screams, the wounds healing slowly on his body, the blood drying on his skin. He did his best to remain standing tall, even though he felt the fatigue setting in, the power more then he had been ready to use, all of it reacting to her. Seeing the way his magic worked all on its own, he knew that deep down he wouldn't let her go, even if he had too. He had to keep his face as straight as possible. Ali's rage rose at his silence.

"God dammit Marcus! Are you trying to get yourself killed?" His eyes twitched with that comment, she didn't miss a beat, seeing the twitch she suddenly smacked him across the face, the hit would of made average person snap their head to the side, his turned as a red mark spread on his face. Ali ready to cry as the rage got the better of her.

"You were trying to die weren't you? Why?"

"Does it really matter, I failed at it. I won't die, not anytime soon. This is proof enough." He gestured at the barrier of light, she glanced briefly with water filled eyes.

"Do you know why this happened Ali? My powers reacted to save you, I did none of this on my own." Her eyes snapped back to him then, she saw it then, his eyes filled with a light again. She reached out again, doing a small probe, the coldness was gone, instead was an intense fire that she had to recoil from. He kept speaking.

"I studied light magic in my family, both my father and grandfather studied dark. You can see how we all manifested differently, my energy did this to protect us. To protect you." She stared as tears rolled down her face gently, he felt a slight twist in his chest, the void gone and the fire burning only intensify the twist.

"I still love you Ali, but I know you made a choice. Neos will be trained, and I will stay away from you. That is all I can promise, I will still dream of you, I will stay hope for you. I can do nothing else, the void would take me if i did anything less." She shook her head at Marcus.

"I know I chose, I chose the my family, Demetri is my family. But you are family too, we all need you there." Marcus would of felt his heart leap there, but it didn't, the emotions still tucked away by his last barrier. He drew his swords again, holding them loosely in his hands, finding yet again, he didn't know what to do about anything.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:37 PM.

[K.G]

Ali huffed through her mouth, her lungs burning as she tried to catche her breath; these beasts were fast, faster than she had given them credit for and she was paying the price for underesimating them. She blocked a blow and winced as the claws caught her skin, tearing it and dotting the snow with her blood even more, she could see their black blood on the snow as well telling her that they had indeed made a few wounds on the creatures but it seemed that no matter how hard they fought, the Nightwalkers kept coming back for more, almost as if multiplying. She looked over her shoulder as she felt Marcus stumble.
"Stay on your feel Marcus, if you go down so do I and to be honest, I really do not feel like dieing here tonight! It's to damn cold!"
"If you had worn warmer clothes besides a tank top and a trench coat it wouldn't be so bad."
"I didn't know we were coming to Russia! For the love of the gods, this is no time to be bickering. What the hell are we supposed to do anyway? How many of these things are there?"
"It's hard to tell. They move to quickly to count them."
"Really? I hadn't noticed!"
She could feel her aggravation begin to build, it was as if she had just met the man, his words void of emotion really, and his voice sounded cold, and lost; she was tempted to reach back and take his hand to reassure him that she was still there for him. She yelped as she was hit, hard, from the left, the blow sending her sprawling into the snow.
"Alex!"
"I'm fine, concentrate on staying alive, we need to get back to the others! I need to check on Tank!"
Marcus nodded and stood over her as she tried to get back on her feet, standing she reached back and grabbed him by the sash of his robe and drug him away from the nightwalkers. She ran as hard as she could and tripped, falling forward she winced as her hands hit the rocky side of the cliff, stiffening as she felt Marcus slam in to her from behind, she felt her heart leap as his strong arm wrapped around her waist to keep them both upright, his breath washing across the skin of her neck, the feeling of it making her shiver and her breath catch in her throat.
"M-Marcus...are you alright?"
He nodded, his nose brushing against her neck slowly, pushing away from the cliff she turned slowly in his arms and stared up at him, seeing the blood seep from his lip she reached up and wiped it from the corner of his lip slowly, leaning in closer to inspect the wound.
"Looks like you split it pretty well...We have to get out of here."
He nodded again, his eyes never leaving her's, she looked away from him and walked past him, watching her sides as they walked slowly, finding a winding way back up to the top of the cliff. She caught sight of the others fighting off the last few Nightwalkers, Demetri strode towards her and wrapped his arms around her tightly, she sighed and leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist. She inhaled his scent and felt her body relax. He looked over her head at the others and nodded.
"Mist, see if you can find us some shelter for the night, we're blind out here."
The young man next to Mist, the man's nephew spoke up, his blind eyes seemingly to look over the group.
"There is an abandoned base not far from here. I've heard about it a few times."
The all nodded and began to make their way in the direction Luwien told them about, Ali's mind filtering through her reaction to Marcus down in the gorge. She made sure to keep her thoughts gaurded and to herself as she rested on Demetri's back again as he carried her through the snow, she could feel his ease and contentment to have her close to him again seeping through her. Closing her eyes she let her mind wander, unknowingly allowing her thoughts to drift to the very man she was thinking about. The way his arm had felt around her waist, the heat of his breath on her skin, the leap of her heart and hitch in her breathing...the warmth of his skin under her hand and the look of fire igniting in his eyes as she had slowly wiped the blood from his lip. She squeezed her eyes shut more as she his words cut through her mind like a blade.
'...I will stay away from you....'
She knew the pain those words caused her shouldn't be there...but it was, even if she had chosen Demetri, she still wanted to be near the mystic...to hear his voice and see his smile that was just for her, the one that made her heart race. Taking a deep breath she released it as they found the base, heading inside out of the cold. Sasa looked at the power grid and shook her head.
"We have only a few hours of power. After that we're in the dark."
Demetri nodded as he sat Ali down, she listened carefully as she feigned sleep, still sifting through her thoughts, still trying to make the sharp pain in her heart lessen with no sucsess.

[Shwa]

The lights in the facility glimmered on and off like a strobe light would inside a night club, Alpha team had already spent an hour looking about for medical supplies, small bandaged and what not to stop cuts and cover bruises. Demitri walked back down the corridor from whence he came from with Jeff and Jason by his side, the wolf man was on high alert, sniffing all over the place for any sign of the enemy creatures. Jeff had managed to find a couple of first aid kits on his end of the search, along with a vending machine, Jason and Demitri held out the snacks as they came closer to the small glares Pocket laid on the ground, the group looked at the trio as they came from the shadows, overjoyed to see their friends safe and back with the rest of the groups. Ali smiled as she saw her husband come back to her side, the giant smiled down as he sat next to his beloved wife, handing her a bag of chips and some rubbing alcohol.

"Quite the party huh?" Demitri smiled, trying to lighten the situation, Ali smiled as she shook her head. Opening her bag, she noticed Pocket handing Marcus a bottled water, he took it without feeling and simple sipped on his chilled beverage. She frowned slightly, turning away from Demitri, not noticing her husband already moved form his spot to plant himself right next to Tank, who was wincing at the pain of his bandage wrapping tight around his upper arm by Sasa. The cut he got from the nightwalkers had stopped bleeding, but now the boy dealt with the stinging pain alcohol cleaning his wound in the worst way possible. Demitri took a knee next to his son and gave the boy gentle pats on his back, smiling as Tank looked up at his father.

"Thanks dad..." Tank grunted, feeling a bit helpless as he felt more stinging pain.

"They will heal in time, you're not a real soldier until you earn your first battle scar" Demitri laughed a bit, Sasa smiled and rolled her eyes as she finished wrapping up the bandage.

"So, were you able to find another route outside Jason" Sasa asked as she stood from her spot, stretching in the air, the wolf man tossed her a drink before he replied.

"Several, but some are blocked off by snow that's higher than the door itself, we came across others that were wide open, but those....things, were just standing outside waiting for us. Thanks to the light inside, they wont dare to come in" The wolf man growled at the thought, he hated knowing there was something stronger, faster, and more vicious that he was. The group remained silent for a little bit, all members trying to think of a way to get out of their current situation, Demitri was on pins and needles to say the least, he was more than happy to have added assistance to their team, but with Mists untrained nephew with their team, he wasn't sure if they would be able to keep him protected and safe. If this were an easy mission from the start, the giant would have had no problem with the boy being here, but things were different. Demitri remembered back to the med ward, seeing the body of Captain Diamond covered in a thin white bed sheet, the giant shivered at the thought, imagining the bodies and faces of his own team members under that same sheet due to these creatures. He could feel the pain coming from the wounded soldiers that surrounded her body as they mourned, it was gut wrenching. The lights in their secluded hallway began to dim and flicker wildly now, almost two hours of running smoothly, now it seemed as if the power generator was on its last limbs. Sasa gasped as she dashed for the control room to adjust and compensate to give the group more time to rest, everyone stood from their spots and gathered their things together. Ali made her way towards Demitri and Tank, both parents helped their son to his feet before he was able to stand on his own. Everyone froze when they all heard Jason growl and snap his fangs in the air wildly, Marcus slowly approached his friend as he placed his hand on the wolf mans shoulder, seeing Jason snap his head towards the mystics direction.

"What's wrong?" Marcus asked plainly as Jason growls became louder and more threatening, almost frightening.

"Can't you hear it?? The noise!!!" Jason growled more as he freed himself from Marcus' grasp and stalked around their room, pacing and looking at all their exits., it was that same moment Luwein lifted his head up as he looked around as well, trying to find the source of the sound Jason was talking about.

"I hear it as well, its kind of like a low, humming sound. Powerful vibrations through the earth and walls" The boy placed his hand on the closest wall, feeling the strong waves of sound bounce off and soak into his fingers and palms, something was happening alright, the nighwalkers were up to something that only members with heightened senses could detect. The group froze as they heard an ear piercing scream coming from the hall Sasa ran down, towards the main control room. Everyone was on their feet as they made their way, Pocket picked up a few of the flares before joining the rest of the group, half way down the hall, all the lights turned off in the facility. Everyone stopped in their place, the only light now came from the flares pocket held onto. Jeff and Tank grabbed a flare to expand their light, once again, Jason began to lose his mind.

"They're coming to our spot quickly, get moving!!" Everyone was hot on their heels once again, the sound gunfire echoed in the halls, everyone sped up as fast as they could until they came upon the door to the control room, several bullet holes came through the door as Ali kicked the steel entrance, seeing nothing but darkness.

"SASA?!?!" She yelled, the echo of her voice filled the room and hallway, more noises came from behind the group, everyone made it inside the room as Pocket closed and locked the door, when she looked up, she could see the white eyes of the nightwalkers staring through the bullet hole. The young girl screamed as she dropped her flare on the floor below, the door was torn open, but the light from the flare kept the beasts at the doorway. Tank grabbed onto Pocket, bringing her back to the group as they all looked at the doorway, more and more showed up, daring not to come withing touching distance of the flare. Ali noticed another door that lead towards a different hallway. "We-we have to keep moving and find Sasa, those things don't go near anything that's a bright light source, but that flare will burn out sometimes soon. Pocket, do you have any more with you?"

"Y...yeah, here they are" Pocket manifested two more flares from her mind, Marcus and Ali grabbed one at the same time, their fingers nearly touching one another as they both stopped and looked at one another, but Marcus averted his gaze and took his before lighting it. Ali sighed as did the same, Mist opening the new entrance as he held onto his nephews hand, leading the way for the boy. Everyone began to make haste, but there was a large thump sound that filled the room right as Demitri and Ali were about to leave, looking back, they saw Tank on the ground, reaching for help as a black claw covered his mouth, the boy tried to grip whatever he could as the black shaded being sucked his body into a dark puddle on the ground.

"TANK!!" Both parent screamed as they rushed over to their child, Demitri was able to grab his arm as Ali held onto Demitri

"Let my son go" Demtiri yelled, extending his hand, sending several wind blast towards the black puddle, Jeff used his powers to concentrate on Tank's body and pull him from the grasp, but another black puddle manifested behind the man as it grabbed him and sucked Jeff inside without warning. Vanishing once the task was completed, Pocket screamed as she saw her friend vanish before her eyes. Jason now held onto Ali's body, trying to tug the trio away from the creature, without warning, a large claw extended, cutting all three who stood on their shoulder or chest area, everyone let go as they fell back onto the floor. Ali looked up quickly to see Tank slowly vanish.

"MO-..... The voice went silent, the boy was gone, so was the puddle. Ali shook where she sat, tears falling from her eyes and down her cheek.

"My...my baby...."Ali was scooped into Demitri's arms, he dared not show hi watery eyes, looking over to see Pocket cry in Marcus' arms, the two men exchanged looks, both were dumbfounded about what happened.

"We gotta move quickly" Everyone nodded as they began to exit the room, Demitri and A;li both looked back, looking at the doorway as the nightwalkers still stood behind teh flare, their white eyes sent shivers through their bodies. Demitri heard sniffled coming from his wife, he held her tight before kissing her on the head. "We'll get him back baby, he wont go down without a fight. I taught him better than to do that" Demitri closed the door and followed the others with his wife holding his hand, running behind her husband as they caught up to the group.

[Darth Vectis]

Marcus felt an iciness setting in his chest, he could no long maintain his cold exterior, his face clearly showing unmistakable horror of the situation. They sprinted through the halls now, the flares bright as they avoided and dodged the Nightwalkers, Marcus moving ahead of the group with his flare held up, a sword in one hand, a black hand suddenly taking a chance to last out at him, avoiding it he slashes a the limb, removing it and charging through the creature, his sword making one more trip, cutting through the beasts chest, blood erupting and splashing on to his skin as he kept running forward. The others following behind before he took a sharp turn, a puddle of inky blackness on the floor before them as they tried to steer clear. They made several turns away from that puddle that kept appearing, Marcus mind still racing as he slowly started to recognize it more and more, the chill still reaching deep into him as they made one final turn, heading into a room, Marcus slamming the door and pressing his body against it as the Nightwalkers tried to smash into it. Demetri running up to hold it with him, Marcus hand pressing into the door, a rune forming on the door, stepping back Marcus began running hands all over the walls all around the room, the walls quickly becoming decorated in symbols before he moved to the middle of the floor and set his hands on the ground. The runes starting where his hands were placed and spreading like wild fire to cover the ground entirely, Marcus feel back and sat down on the ground, his breath harsh as he heard everyone else breathing harshly now. Jason came and sat beside him, his tongue looking as if it was ready to lull out of his face.

"Why did we stop in this room? Those things are going to get us!" Marcus shook his head as he leaned back on his hands.

"My wards will hold for now, it'll give us a chance to rest." Jason's face showed his rage as his eyes went wild.

"You could of done this before?! We just had people disappear in some inky darkness and you could of set these up before!" Marcus shook his head again as he sat up straight now, rolling his shoulders.

"Room was far too big for me to put this detail in it, it sapped some of my strength just to do this place. It'll only hold for a time, we need to gather out strength by then."

"You forgot the ceiling, those puddles could appear from there." He heard Demetri's voice now, looking at him with Ali sitting close to him. He did his best to keep his eyes on Demetri.

"We don't need to worry about that, it only strikes from the walls and the floor. He can't manifest it on the ceiling." Everyone froze them as they heard the clear words from Marcus. Ali rose from her place and looked at him with disbelief in her face.

"What do you mean He?" Marcus was silent for a bit, his sword resting on the ground as sheathed it, standing now, Ali following him with her eyes.

"Someone I thought dead six years ago." Demetri was up in a flash, rushing forward standing face to face with Marcus the rage on his face.

"You know who did this? You stole Tank and Jeff? And you haven't said a god damn word?!" Marcus kept his gaze locked with Demetri's.

"I didn't know it was him until the puddles, I didn't recognize it at first. I do now." He heard Ali then, her voice pleading now.

"Please Marcus, tell us." His eyes caught her's, the memory of the touch on his face coming back to him. He nodded before speaking.

"His name is Anomander Rakius, his power is darkness."

"You mean he can control darkness, right?" Pocket spoke up now, he shook his head slowly.

"No, the darkness is part of him. Just like my family, he was born into his. He turned on the HDF six years ago, took 12 of us to bring him down, I thought he was dead." Marcus waved them away as he saw the questions starting to build in their minds.

"I have nothing else, I don't know why the Nightwalkers are working with him. I don't know anything more." He had only partially lied, he knew a little bit more, only enough about their new foes appearance. He recalled him clearly now, a tall figure who had all the features of a human did, save for his obsidian black skin and his snow white hair. He was sure the man had been a a creature he had summoned from the dark reaches of the abyss, Marcus moved away from them for the time being. Needing his space as he let his mind race, his tongue briefly touching the split on his lip, the wound healing up, the touch coming back to him as he saw that look in her eyes. He hadn't been sure if it was her feelings, or his own just reflecting in her eyes, when his arm had wrapped around her he felt his walls buckling, being so close to her again he had felt a spark of warmth in his heart. His barrier was still intact, but his mind still clawed at the partition, trying to rip the walls down that tried to keep the tide of his emotions inside. When she had turned to look at him, his thoughts had wandered from just a few moments, he had wanted nothing more then to take her away then. Vanish into the darkness and the snow, when she had touched his lips he had to fight the urge, the want to just lean in and press his with hers. He was only able to keep himself from doing it by remembering the thoughts that had bombarded him, the extreme of her choice in Demetri.

He still wanted the choice to be him, he was still going to do whatever he could to protect her, it just couldn't be for the same reasons. He still loved her, more then he thought he ever would. He dared to even think, he loved her more then he had loved Masan, she had remained a subtle memory in his thoughts but was slowly fading as Ali had taken over. He wanted her to reach out with her powers again, wanted her to break his walls, to let the feelings wash over him and her again. But, he still wanted to be alone, wanted to just fall into the abyss of what was his desire for her. Craving her touch, he regretted the words he had spoken.

I'll stay away from you Ali. They echoed in his mind now, he had spoke to harshly and he was going to pay for it now. He wished there was a way he could tell her the truth, that he wanted to stay in her life, that he wanted to just be near her now. He couldn't tell her for everyone to hear, he knew his words would betray him and show his true intent, how he still wanted her for himself. The selfishness of that thought stung him more then he would of thought, he changed the thought then, he didn't just want her, he wanted her and the family they had. He wanted her as the wife she would of been, the one he had seen in the memory of another, the smiles always breaking his heart, he lived for that memory now. But, it all seemed like it wasn't enough, he would die for that memory now, die for someone who would never choose him like she did elsewhere. He sat on the ground and pressed his back to the wall, they needed to start thinking of ways out, of how to get the others back, but his thoughts kept drifting back to her. He smiled a private smile to himself.

"I'll still die for her." He whispered quietly to himself, Pocket coming over and sitting beside him. He smirked as she rest her head on his shoulder, her eyes closing as Marcus remained wide open.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:37 PM.

[K.G]

Ali sat down, leaning on Demetri as she took deep breaths trying to get her thoughts together.
"We have to get out of here and find the others...I have to find Dante..."
Demetri wrapped his arm around her as she tucked her knees to her chest and felt the tears roll down her cheeks.
"I told you Ali, he won't-"
"No, I told him that I would never let anything happen to him. I told him that I would protect him from anything that would hurt him."
Demetri looked down at her with a slight frown.
"When did you do that?"
"About a year ago...when he got back from the training mission with Steel."
Demetri's eyes truned wide.
"That was the training mission that he had the break down."
She nodded, her tears coming faster now when suddenly Jason stood up growling loudly, Luwien looking around as well.
"They're gonna break through soon."
Ali stood up and looked around, Marcus and Pocket standing as well as the few that were still left. Ali looked up at Demetri, his eyes met her's before going wide, frowning she tried to look around, but felt as if she were sinking.
"What's going-"
Her voice died in her throat as she felt the ground giving out beneath her.
"D-Demetri? Marcus? What's going on?"
Her vision began to turn black and gasped as she felt hands grab her ankles as she sank lower and lower into the floor, Marcus' runes flickering before dieing out.
"Help me!"
She winced as a staff smacked her knuckles breaking the skin, but she didn't mind, she had a salvation. Grabbing the staff she heard the low grunting and realized it was Mist and Luwien.
"Hold on Alex! We'll get you out of there!"
She nodded to Mist but felt panic rise in her chest as Demetri, Marcus, Pocket and Jason all grabbed the staff as well, their feet slipping on the concreate floor as she was pulled down into the darkness. Seeing that simple fact she shook her head and smiled up at them, her smile wicked and remorseful at the same time.
"Find us. Get us out of here or I'll swear to the gods I'll kick each and every one of you back to training."
Her eyes met Demetri's before they met Marcus', her smile turning sad for a flash of a moment before she vanished into the floor. She gasped as she landed on the basement floor, her ankle cracking under the pressure and buckleing under her weight; she grit her teeth to keep from screaming in pain and looked around with tears in her eyes.
"Mom?!"
She raised herself on her hands and knees and crawled towards the voice.
"Dante? Baby is that you?!"
She felt his large, warm hand wrap around her wrist, the room to dark to see anything, he pulled her close and she wrapped her arms around him as he burined his face in her shoulder and shook.
"Mom, what's going on?"
"I don't know sweetheart. Your father and Uncles will get us out of here. I know it."
She could feel him shivering, his large frame shaking with his fear.
"I knew I shouldn't have let you come on this mission...I knew your father was being to hasty."
"I-I'm fine mom..."
"No, your not. Your not fine, you never should have come here. Are any of the others here?"
"I-I don't know. It's so quiet, so dark..."
"It'll be alright honey. We'll get out of here."
She put her hand on his shoulder and tried to stand but yelped and dropped to her knees as her ankle gave out on her.
"Dammit!"
"Mom, are you alright?!"
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me."
She instantly began to reach out with her powers, she could see in her mind the small dots of light from the others, two in particular being very bright and she knew automatically that they were Demetri and Marcus. She reached out with her powers to the both of them and smiled as they seemed to reach them, all of the lights shifting here and there as she cried out to them silently. Keeping her powers stretched out towards them she put her hand on Tank's back trying to keep him calm, that was until she screamed, a black calw puncturing through the back of her right shoulder blade. Not bothering to bite the scream short she let go of Tank as the claw pulled her away from her son.
"Mom!"
She was pulled through yet another black puddle and landed in another room, dim lights glowing here and there as she looked around gasping as she caught sight of a tall man. His skin was black as night, but his hair was whiter than snow, his eyes void of all emotion and the only thing she could feel was revenge. He bent down to look at her, his yellow pointed teeth gleaming in the dim light.
"So, you are the one he craves? I can see why."
She shivered, his voice was deep, gravely and no louder than a whisper.
"W-what do you want?"
"I have eleminated 4 of the 12 that subdued me, and now I have caught yet another with the very weakness he tried to cut him self away from, but let us see if he can find you before I kill you."
She shuddered and bit back a scream as his claw like nail slipped down her arm, leaving a gash in it's wake, he smiled a wicked, emotionless smile down at her and than shaped his hand into a claw and drove it into her leg, this time she did scream, tears erupting in her eyes and her scream echoing through out the small, dark room.

[Takuuya]

"We are unprepared and playing into this person's trap." Luwein said wiggling his hand free from Mist and stopped running.

"What are you doing!?"

"Shhh," Luwein stood perfectly still then jumped up as the ground beneath him twisted into a murky shadow, he thrust his staff down connecting with the would be abductor. "Not this time" the beast roared and emerged fully from the shadow, Luwein kicked off the ceiling lunching himself downwards as the Nightwalker jumped up to meet him in the air, the moment his outstretched palm connected with the nightwalkers face he speed time up at an alarming rate aging the monster until it turned to dust.

"That was too much..." Mist said concern as Luwein wiped blood from his face.

"I'm fine, but here's our opening" Luwein said sticking his staff in the closing hole, he channeled his time halting wave through the pole.

"Teleport us through this" Luwein said breathing heavy

[Darth Vectis]

"Marcus we have to find her!" Demetri shouted at him, Marcus see the panic starting to rise up in him. The mans wife and son were now missing, partially thanks to Marcus and 11 other people who had failed to kill this man. Marcus took howl of Demetri and shook him.

"I need you to remain calm Demetri, trust me, I want to get them both back but we need to remain as calm as possible." Marcus was barely keeping his own feelings in check, he was on verge as well, maintaining his composure purely for their sakes. They suddenly felt her pull, both Demetri and Marcus perked up at the same time when they felt the pull from somewhere below, they both recognized the pull and prepared to head out that way. Flares burning brightly as new ones were ignited, no one was sure how many more Pocket had hidden in her head. Marcus turning to her as clenched his hands into fists.

"Calypso, this is going to be dangerous, I need to ask you for your help in jumping closer to where we feel Ali is." Pocket didn't hesitate as she moved up to Marcus side and held on to his arm.

"I'm ready whenever you are Marcus." He kept his gaze on her.

"You have to be very careful Calypso, the shadow realm's are dangerous now that he is around." Demetri stepped up to them as his face showed his hard determination.

"I'm going with you both." Marcus nodded.

"I wouldn't expect anything less Commandant." Pocket readied herself, prepared to go on Marcus mark, they heard an inhuman screech coming from the room they were just in. Demetri rushed off to see what the commotion was about, Pocket about to run after him when Marcus snatched her arm. His gaze cold as he held on to her.

"They found another way, we need to go now. Ready Calypso?" Pocket nodded her head, Marcus could see the brave look in her eyes as she readied herself. Holding on to her, he let some of his power go, less then before as she took hold of all that she needed and the tear opened. They hesitated for a few moments, Marcus holding on to Pocket before they stepped through the tear. Feeling hands try to put at them, claws trying to tear into their flesh they moved quickly through the tear, Marcus runes flaring to life to give the light the needed before coming out the other end of the portal Pocket had created. The claws had racked across his skin, leaving marks where they had try to tear at him, Pocket showed similar marks, some of her clothing torn. A scream pierced the space around them, a clearly human scream, the room was dimly lit by the light from Marcus runes, a huddled form was in the corner, the being massive in size as they approached him. Tank looked at them, his face streaked with tears as Pocket raced to him and tried to calm him down.

"Tank, what happened to Ali?" He shook his head as he calmed a bit more.

"I don't know, the darkness too her again. Pulled her from my arms again, please Uncle Marcus, find my mom." Marcus felt his pleas, it tore at his heart to see Tank so subdued in this place, broken by an enemy Marcus hardly remembered, the faces of the other 9 people still blurry, Diamond and Razor clear in his thoughts as he remember their broken bodies. He remembered them being their now, the runes light growing as he looked a found a doorway, charging he smashed through the wooden door, chunks flying everywhere as he looked around, only to see dark forms. He charged into the fray, lashing out with his fists and feet, hitting anything he could as he roared with the adrenaline flowing through him, the magic riding with it. The forms screeching as he felt the pull again, much closer now and he felt the pain and suffering from the person broadcasting. He rushed off in that direction, his vision fading to red slowly as he made his way through, tearing through shadows before crashing through another door. The metal of this one pulling away like tissue paper, he looked around the dark room to see those evil eyes staring at him, his yellow teeth showing his merciless grin.

"Ah, Marcus Demos, it's so good to see you! I had hoped she would bring you here." Marcus heard hardly anything from the dark being as his eyes slid to where Ali lay, her breathing ragged as she tried to compress several different wounds, one arm not functioning to held stem the bleeding. His rage filled eyes focused his murderous intent on Anomander.

"I hardly remember you, I remember the fight, I remember you falling. You should be dead." Marcus said through gritted teeth, his rage becoming out of control with the glow of his runes, the movement of them becoming clear as the light moved around him too. A cruel laugh left his throat, the coldness of it seemed, planned.

"My, my, Demos, you sure are confident in your abilities. That's quite a light show, could you turn it down a bit, it seems dramatic and you look like a giant bug zapper. ZAP!" He said before letting out another laugh, the light intensified to a bright white, Anomander having to use one of his clawed hands to shield his eyes.

"You will die this time, I'll make sure of it." Marcus felt, rather then heard the presence of the others, the tension palpable as they all readied their assault, none were walking away without their team mates in hand.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:38 PM.

[Shwa]

Demitri could hear more yelling coming from down the hall, though not wanting to leave his team mates go venture into the shadow realm alone, he knew Marcus could protect Pocket without any aid. The giant raced until he turned a corner, a small gust of wind blew in the giants face with dust coming into his eyes, stopping for a moment, the commandant rubbed his face to clear his vision. Opening his eyes, the soldier could see Luwein on the ceiling, using his powers to keep the black puddle portal open as long as he could, Mist looked up to see the commandant stare questionably at the pair. Demitri slowly made his way to his allies as he stepped towards Mists side, Luwein expertly landed on his feet, keeping his hand extended too the black puddle portal.

"Come with us sir, we have a way to get through to the other side of this puddle" Mist began to charge his powers, the door at the end of the hall flew open suddenly, more nightwalkers rushed through and caught the trip in their gaze, Luwein was brought to Demitri's side by the commandants muscular arm that brought him closer to the pair.

"Do it now!" Demitri shouted, before the nightwalkers came within striking distance, Mist had already begun the transport method of his training, enshrouding all the members in a clear, smoke like fog as it slowly seeped down into the black puddle. The feeling was sickening, going through such darkness and despair, it was not something that normally happened when traveling with Mist, but this was a special occasion. Though the boy was now in a vapor form and going through the black portal, he was still enable to use his powers to keep their passage open safely, the clear smog finally made it to the otherside, the portal closing quickly as they fell from the ceiling one by one. Everyone landed on their feet roughly, but safely as they peered around the new room they were in. Darkness betrayed their eyesight, nothing was visible as all the members extended their hands, feeling around for the closest solid object. Demitri walked forward a little until his hands reached the stone wall, Luwein and Mist were able to find steady ground as well, there was some shuffling in the room that caught the trios attention.

"We're not alone" Luwein stated, Demitri chargef a wind blast in his hand quickly, only to feel a familiar grasp hold onto his forearm, the giant could make out by the low breathing who it was.

"Jeff!? Is that you" Jeff grunted in acknowledgement, Demitri brought the man in for a brief hug before placing his large hands on his team mates shoulders. "Stick with us, when we find the others, we're getting out of this palce..." More noises could be heard, the room slowly filled with nightwalkers left and right, Demitri thought quickly as he shot several wind blasts randomly until he heard the first groans from the creature of darkness. "THERE!!!" Jeff turned towards the direction of the moan, using his powers to grasp hold of the creature, he pushed it back towards the wall. Another after another came into the room, Mist fending them off with his own hand to hand skills, keeping close to his nephew, who in turn, defended the two his best with his staff.

"We're sitting ducks in here without any light!" Mist gasped, rolling on the ground as he held onto his nephew to avoid a claw attack coming their way, the creature scrapped its claw on the wall, leaving a deep gash on the concrete before it looked around. Demitri finally realized what they needed, concentrating his powers, the man closed his eyes for a moment. Feeling new life course through his veins, the giant opened his eyes as they shinned white, with sparks flying from his eyes as well. The giant extended his palm facing up, as small sparks and flashed lit the room until it became a single ball of light, formed by his wind powers. The monsters shreeked in pain as the light flashed over and over, revealing them in the light, they backed away slowly to escape, only to press their massive bodies against the wall. Luwein used his abilities to age them fast, leaving them as dust as the one before, Jeff slammed some of the nightwalkers on the ceiling and back down onto the ground over and over until they stopped moving. Demitri joined in the fight, launching his electric wind ball at a couple of the targets, exploding with a large flash of light as the nightwalkers bodies vanished in thin air from impact. There was only a momentary darkness before the commandant charged another after another, until no more dared to enter the room, Jeff saw the door that lead to their exit path, all four men took hint and dashed out and to the hallway, hearing some growls and slashes coming from down the hall. Once they were close enough, Demitri fired more of his attacks down the hall to air and get a better view of what was happening. Once the balls of lightning exploded on its targets, the group could see Jason fending off the creatures with Sasa unconscious on his back. They all regrouped, Demitri charging another source of light, keeping the monsters at bay.

"I found her when I sniffed her out, but she's pretty roughed up" Jason growled in anger, Jeff could see the bruises and cuts on her body, she put up a fight before she was taken earlier on the upper levels. Demitri cursed under his breath, his team was hurt and exhausted, no wonder Fox Squad was taken down so easily, now his wife and son were missing and probably in the same condition as Sasa was in, at that moment, Demitri's heart stopped beating. He could feel wave upon wave of pain and torment in his very soul, he knew it was a sign that his beloved was injured, or hurting....or worse. The giant looked around frantically before seeing a path that made his heart beat rapidly.

"Come on, down this way, there isn't much time!" The giant sprinted down the hall with his team members following close behind, Demitri felt like he was running a marathon, but only this time, there was a time limit. After a couple of twists and turns, along with a few flight of descending stair cases, the group finally got to a level where the feeling was stronger now, there was a room at the end of the hall that shinned light brightly under the doors opening crack.

"What is that??" Mist questioned.

"Great power coming from a single being, but there is also another in there with something else...something darker" Luwein spoke, that was enough for Demitri as he ran down the hall, once close enough, the commandant launched the lightning ball as hard as he could until it connected with the door. In a loud band, the door flew open, revealing the light show to be Marcus, facing off against a tall, dark shaded man with snow white hair. The sudden intrusion didn't seem to bother the dark man as he saw past the rising dust as the group game in, Demitri saw Marcus charge his powers, his own personal light show was enough for the commandant to see Ali curled against the wall, her blood soaked her uniform as she gasped and coughed for air. Jason handed sasa over to Mist, who merely kept his eyes on the dark man, feeling his gaze look over the transporter as his smile grew wider as the seconds past. Not even paying attention to the wold man as he rushed past everyone and lifted Ali into his arms, she cried at the pain she felt, Demitri's heart raced, his eyes still white but now electricity sparked all over his body in rage. Conjuring up another electric wind ball, Demitri added to the light in the room, making out his enemy clearly as the man looked over at Demitri. He had a shocked expression for a moment as he looked over the commandant from head to toe.

"Could this be....the spawn of the healer?? HAHAHA!!! My my, two down and I have a clue where to find the healer who sealed me away as well. After getting rid of the first two, this is becoming more easier by the second" Demitri was confused with the mans words, but Marcus was not effected, the man was in deep thinking and still raged over the pain Ali had to suffer by the hands of his mad man. Suddenly, the wall behind the dark man collapsed down as Tank appeared, but in his human form, the boy had gotten stronger, even without the aid of his steel powers. The child was still shaken, but Pocket held him up from underneath his shoulder, the two made their way towards Jason as he held Ali. Tears clouded tank's eyes as he placed his hand on his mother, she screamed in pain as more blood flowed out from her wounds.

"This ends now" Demitri made a solid stance as Marcus mentally agreed, charging more of his rune powers.

"Oh yes...yes it does" The dark skinned man laughed as he stood his ground as well.

[K.G]

Ali winced as Jason shifted her, she elbowed him making him grunt.
"Stop moving me dog brain."
She looked past his arm to watch her husband and ex lover face off agains the man, he scared her, his thoughts were dark and worse Ali could see his intentions of not letting them live through this fight.
"Jason, you have to help them, something is seriously off about this man."
"Other than the fact he looks like an uru-kai from Lord of the Rings?"
"I'm serious Jason!"
He nodded, setting her down gently, but she still yelped as her broken ankel shifted, closing her eyes in pain; the noise seemed to spur Demetri and Marcus' anger. She reached out with her powers, trying to calm them, trying to keep the rage from hazing their vision, trying to keep their minds free of the rage clouding their judgment but her influance seemed to have little to no succsess. She winced more as suddenly the three powers clashed, sending a shockwave through the room, Ali being thrown back and slamming against the wall. She screamed as her already bruised back radiating with pain. It was than that she felt the rush of wind, heard the sparks of lightning; looking up she could see the small cyclone begin to surround Demetri.
"No! Stop Demetri! You'll kill us all!"
Her husband didn't seem to hear her as her screams of pain spurring on his anger, she closed her eyes as the wind began to pick up and tried to reach him with her powers, nothing reached the giant, or Marcus. Ali tried harder, her powers reaching their limits as she pushed against thier rage barriers, blood begining to seep from her nose as she stessed her self harder and harder. She pulled her powers back, the feeling of it snapping back like a stretched rubber band and she flinched at the whiplash. Looking up she saw Tank watching his father, trying to find a way to settle the giant man but nothing coming to his mind.
"Mom, what do we do?"
"I-I don't know!"
The room suddenly went silent, a swirl of black filling the room, Ali gasped as she recgonized the sight of it, 3 large forms coming from the mist along with another that she knew instantly.
"Cloak?!"
The forms begining to take shape, Commander Pheniox, Cloak, Shield and Steel all standin around the room, Sheild instantly putting a barrier around Demetri and Marcus.
"Cloak, get them out now!"
Cloak nodded silently and surrounded the Alpha Team with his cloak, taking them almost instantly back to the base, Demetri and Marcus blinking as the rage vanished from their minds, both looking at each other and than back at Ali as she finally collapsed to the floor, breathing heavily, her blood seeping from her skin to pool on the floor. Both men were at her side quickly, Marcus giving way as Demetri lifted her off the floor, Ali yelping as the movement jarred her injuries. Demetri hurriedly carried her to the med ward, Marcus carrieing Sasa not far behind as the rest of the team shuffled behind them. Patche looked up as he finished getting a bed ready, almost as if expecting them.
"I thought you guys would show up here. Steel said they were going for you. I think Shield found something out about the enemy."
Demetri nodded as he lay Ali down on the bed, her blood almost instantly soaking the white sheets, Patch's eyes turned wide as he saw the extent of her injuries.
"Holy gods. Broken ankle, fractured wrist, lacerations all over her body, and a clean hole through her shoulder...it's a miracle she's even still breathing! Marcus, Touch can get Sasa, she's not in that much danger but I need you and Demetri to hold down Ali, she has something inbedded in her shoulder."
The men nodded and held the woman as Patch grabbed a small pair of clamps and dug into her shoulder, she screamed and threw her upper body forward, shocking both men with her strength as she jarred the both of them. Demetri grunted and held her down more firmly, taking over for Marcus' side as well.
"Get her legs, if she kicks Patch he'll be down for the count. Trust me on this, she's kicked me plenty of time during sparring, her punches are nothing compared to her kicks."
Marcus nodded before moving to the foot of the bed and grabbing hold of her shins to hold her still, he grunted as she pulled her right leg forward, his feet sliding on the floor as she pulled him forward with the motion.
"You weren't kidding!"
Demetri nodded and smirked as Marcus was lifted slightly off the floor as she brought her leg off the table, Demetri put his forehead against Ali's.
"Love, you have to stop, Patch is trying to help you."
Ali thrashed as Patch tried he best to retrieve the small shard of the Nightwalkers claw from her flesh, after several pain staking minutes he fianlly pulled the shard from her shoulder, the sound of tearing flesh, and the smell of blood making the three men wince slightly as she settled down slightly, her breathing evening out but Patch frowned as he looked at the wound.
"I don't like the looks of that..."
Demetri and Marcus looked at the wound on her shoulder, seeing small vines of black spreading from it, Patch held his hand over the wound and pulled back at black sparks flashed from her skin, Demetri looked up at him.
"What's going on?"
Patch shook his head.
"I don't know. She'll have to stay here for the night so I can keep an eye on her. Something isn't right with this wound."
Demetri looked at his wife, his face contorted in pain, he looked over his shoulder as the med ward door opened and Sheild walked in.
"Demetri, I need to see you in my office. Now."
The giant nodded and squeezed Ali's hand before leaving and following his father, Ali's forehead breaking out in a sweat as she began to have an internal battle within her own mind.


Ali looked around, the area familiar and she cursed.
"What the hell am I doing back here again?"
The shadowrealm shifted with her emotions and she crossed her arms looking to her right as Shadowthrone appeared.
"Came back for more did you?"
She flipped him off quickly.
"Why am I back here?"
"I have no earthly clue my dear, why are you here? Are you really even here?"
She frowned and sat down heavily.
"What's going on?"
Shadowthrone shook his head and tapped his cane on the floor of the realm a few times as he seemed to be thinking.
"Oh! You must be dead! Welcome to the club! Now us old me won't be so lonely!"
Ali frowned more as she growled at the old man.
"I'm serious, what am I doing here?"
"Your son and Marcus have left an impression on you my dear, it seems that whenever your mind is in danger, it retreats here, where it's safe."
She threw her hands up and huffed.
"Just great! How the hell am I getting out this time?!"
Shadowthrone shrugged.
"You can't your stuck with us. I'm sure we can find someway of passin the time?"
"Forget it perv!"
She closed her eyes as she relaxed, waiting for something to allow her to get out and go back to her real life.