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[Lilt]

Thankfully, Pocket's wounds had been minor. Thanks to Marcus during their travel, she had only been slashed at as far as she knew. She refused any major medical treatment since she was more worried about Ali and Sasa. She had to see both of them. Pocket decided to check on Ali first. She watched as Marcus and Demetri held her down, unable to do anything but watch since the two men already took up a lot of space around Ali. As Demetri was called out of the room, Pocket knew that Ali was in good hands with Patch and Marcus. She was worried about what Patch had said though.

"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."

She would have to check on Ali later if Patch would let her, to see how the wound was doing. For now, Pocket had to see Sasa. Jeff was in there already, sitting by her bedside. He didn't say much, like usual, but this time the situation called for quiet. The look on his face though told Pocket what she needed to know. Sasa was hurt and probably exhausted but she was going to be okay. Pocket joined Jeff by Sasa's bedside and held her hand as she slept on the hospital style bed.

Pocket was prepared to stay there for as long as she could, besides a debriefing on their last mission, nothing could move her from her spot. However, she was wrong. Pocket felt a desire to get up and to visit Traumerei. She fought it at first, wanting to stay with Sasa, but then the desire came back stronger. Finally, she excused herself.

"Look after her Jeff. I need to go. I'll be back soon."

Jeff just nodded as Pocket left the room. She walked down the halls, wondering why she suddenly felt like going to Traumerei. Soon, the desire turned into a feeling of hope. She suddenly had the feeling that she could find her sister if she would just open up the gate to Traumerei. It almost seemed like her sister herself was speaking to her, telling her to come find her.

"Come to Traumerei. I'm here waiting for you."

Pocket opened the door to her quarters, not bothering to shut it. She was eager to go look for her sister. She quickly opened the gateway to the dimension and was horrified to see the same black shadows waiting for her that were in Traumerei when she and Marcus had traveled through it. Pocket tried to quickly close the gateway, but it was no use. The shadows were keeping it open. She summoned a weapon from Traumerei, one of the weapons from her dreams but the shadows were on the blade when she summoned it so she threw it at them. Pocket did the only thing she could do at the moment. She had to run and find Marcus.
Pocket ran as the shadows reached out at her, closing the door to her quarters behind her and quickly using an emergency code for a lockdown. She knew that wouldn't hold them for long but it was better than nothing. She ran to go find Marcus. He was the only one who could help her now. She didn't know how the shadows had stayed there. If she had brought them along with her on their return trip or if some greater force was at the base. Either way, she needed to let someone know what was going on. She finally made it to Ali's bed.

"Marcus, I need your help." Pocket said, out of breath from fear.

OOC: Okay, I hope this doesn't interrupt anything. Also, this could be a big problem or just one or two shadows. It's up to everyone else.
Marcus should be able to go find Ali and free her and deal with the shadows all at once though, if we connect the two problems together.

[Darth Vectis]

Marcus had stayed with Ali a little bit longer, Demetri sitting at her side as he held her hand, sweat beading on her forehead and her body shaking lightly from some sort of chill that they couldn't explain. Marcus had never seen this sort of infection from Nightwalkers before, then again, Nightwalkers usually just ripped their victims apart. He would need to go over some other reports to see if anyone had ever experienced this before, but he got the feeling this was unique to their case. Before leaving the med ward he gave Demetri a pat on the shoulder, having done his best to motor up the barrier of his feelings he spoke as coldly as he could manage.

"I'm going to go see if I can find any information on her wounds, see if you can find some reports on her infection, after you're ready to leave." Demetri nodded to him without looking, still holding her hand gently. He looked down at her, his own barrier hardly able to contain his small emotions, it took sheer will alone for him not to reach down and give her one kiss, praying she would get better he turned away and was about to leave when he saw Pocket running to him, he remained still as she finally got to him her breathing heavy as she was almost doubled over, speaking when she had enough air to talk.

"Marcus, I need your help." He could see she was trembling lightly, he could also see something in her eyes that tipped off a warning in his mind.

"Whats going on Calypso? Why are you so shaken?" She managed to stand up straight before speaking.

"The shadows, from the base, they are in my world!" Marcus felt the ramifications of those words as she spoke them, Anomander having figured out how to break into someone else world, the mere thought made him want to scream. He capped his emotions, knowing they were running wild right now, he needed to remain calm if they were going to get out of this situation. He placed a calming hand on Pocket, hoping that it would be enough for her.

"We need to find Neos first, he's not safe in his room if those shadows are here." Pocket nodded as they both took off together now, racing through the hall as time became their enemy. They finally skidded to halt outside of the quarters for Demetri and Ali's family, they rushed through the door, Marcus looking around to make sure nothing had gotten here yet.

"Pocket, go grab Lily too, we need to make sure she is safe too." Pocket took off then, a weapon in hand as she moved to Lily's room, Marcus moving to Neos. He pushed through the door quietly, seeing the sleeping form still tucked tightly into bed as he had left him, he saw the flash of mirrors here and there and felt panic rise up into him. That was until he caught a glint of the mirrors that pulled his attention for a few moments, he approached the mirror closest to Neos, gently gliding his fingers across the surface he felt every scratch and etching from when he had done this years ago. He felt his heart take a leap, suppressing the feeling he set the mirror down and gently scooped Neos up in his arms, making sure to grab his toy Sly as well. This room as protected, but not enough for Marcus to feel secure about his sons safety, he left the room quickly, Pocket standing in the room with Lily in hand, rubbing at her eyes as she showed her grumpy teenager side. Marcus smiled briefly at her, before speaking quietly to her.

"Hey Lily, we need to move you out of her for a little bit, you're gonna have a sleep over in my room ok?" She gave him a look that showed her annoyance.

"Don't patronize me Uncle Marcus, I just want to go back to sleep." He chuckled lightly as he nodded her, they left eh quarters quickly, Marcus feeling a shadowy grip trying to get a hold of him, and by extension, the little boy in his arms. He did his best to keep Neos asleep, it took time but they made it to his room, walking through the door, Marcus felt the grip fall away from him, his room having been heavily warded from almost anything years ago. He set Neos down on the bed, Lily crawled in after him without any question. With Pockets help they tucked them back in, they elf this room shortly after, locking the door behind them. He let out a sigh of relief, rubbing his face before looking to Calypso.

"Lets go Pocket, I want them out of here." He saw the determination in Pockets face, he could see how she had changed, and in his opinion it was for the best. She was a much tougher woman then who he had met that first time, her looks had changed as well as she had matured more, not only in mind but in body. He was pretty sure he had seen Jeff sneak a peek at her every so often, the though slipped away as he found they were running, getting to Pockets quarters they stood a the door. Marcus letting the power start to slip through his veins, the runes glowing ever so gently as he prepared for what waited on the other side. Pocket punched in the code, the door sliding open slowly, the door was barely half way open the black mass lashed out, almost like a tentacle as it rushed past, clipping Marcus shoulder, the runes flaring to life in that area and a screech could be heard from the other side. His shoulder ached and burned from where the mass had hit him, the runes not being enough to protect him, he was going to have to come to peace with that now, not sure if he was going to survive this one. He let his mind slip to Ali then, thinking about how he didn't get to say goodbye, a sad grin on his face as he realized that sad truth that you don't get to say the things you always meant to say to people you cared about. Marcus drew his swords, the runes reacting to his touch, and idea suddenly occurring to him. The runes began to shift on his body now, the light growing as he concentrated energy into his blades, the edges taking on an opaque look, glowing lightly.

"Guess I can live through this." The door was fully open now, the shadows and darkness having spread through out Pockets entire room now, he spoke as his eyes remained lock on the bubbling darkness.

"You ready for this Pocket?" She nodded, his grip tightening on his blades.

"If things start to go south, don't be a hero Calypso, just run ok?" He looked at her now, seeing the dismay on her face as her words registered. He gave her one final smile, the wild and lost look in his eyes causing her to catch her breath before he suddenly charged in, leaping into dark mass, his own generated light giving him enough of barrier for Pocket to follow. Working their way deeper into the mass until they came across the portal, claws reaching out for fresh blood, their desire made clear as their claws we're raking out to grasp anything. Marcus blocked out the warning in his head, cutting off all of his needs so that he could keep moving forward, he was exerting his power now, already fatigued and worn out from the fight with Anomander and his Nightwalkers. It was taking a toll on him, most of his strength went to protecting Pocket enough so she wouldn't get ripped limb from limb, the shadows lessened as they moved through, breaking through the wall of claws and murderous intent they burst through the darkness into the lush world of Traumerei. Pocket had made it out safely as they both stood, their breathing heavy as the shadow wall dissipated and seemed to scatter into the world itself, the shapes taking bodily form here and there, Marcus had fallen to one knee, stabbing his swords into the ground he tried to catch his breath and regain some amount of strength as he knelled. Pocket coming to his side as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Marcus, are you ok? Can you stand?" He nodded breathlessly, finding he had just enough to stand up right, staggering slightly before planting his feet firmly. He noticed then that Pockets world was tainted. He could see it now, her lush multicolored world was being breached by a world of moving shadow, he could still make out features of places and buildings through the shadows, but the answer was obvious now to him.

"Calypso, our worlds are colliding into each other." Pocket stared at him, unsure of what he was talking about. He reached down and gripped his blades again.

"You see the swirling shadow there? That's my shadow realm, my world is touching yours. That's how the shadows are breaking through."

"I don't understand Marcus."

"My world is a place of shadows and darkness, you can still see everything clearly as if there is a light source, but their is no sun, everything is transparent. Your world is more solid, more lush, the collision of our two worlds has created a breech, anything with a mind to can come between your world and mine now." Pocket listened intently, Marcus doing his best to remain on his feet, he was feeling light headed and his hands we're barely holding on to his weapons. He could see the shadows forming up around them, he felt then that this was probably the end for him, he didn't have much left,the shadows would kill him here. He would do everything he could to protect Pocket, give her a chance to escape, if not further into her world, or into his own if necessary. He stood ready now, regret still scratching at his heart, nothing he could do about it now as he prepared to do what he could for his friend. The shadows becoming Nightwalkers all over again, their size towering over him and Pocket, their white eyes showing nothing of their thoughts. He felt his heart beat slow and then ache for her touch one last time, what he wouldn't do for one last kiss before he went. A black smoke appearing suddenly, another figure about Marcus' size appearing in his hooded visage, a length of rope in his hand, a noose in his hand as he lashed out instantly, the rope cutting through the shadow creatures as they turned on him. The hooded figure moving with speed and grave that mimicked Marcus at his full strength, the creatures trying to tear him apart only to find smoke in their hands before he tore into them again. The fight over as quickly as it began, the figure standing calmly before turning to the two, Marcus smiling as he sheathed his swords, walking over and embracing the figure, Cotillion doing the same.

"You have no idea how glad I am to see you."

"Well, I couldn't let my only child die in this place now could I?" Marcus smiled as he pulled away from him, turning to see Pockets confused face, a strange weapon in her hand as she was ready for the fight. Marcus did his best to contain his smile.

"Pocket, it's ok. This is my father, Cotillion Demos." She looked at him curiously, seeing only his gaunt like face and his dark brown eyes. She tried to see the resemblance, Marcus speaking up quickly.

"He passed away over a decade ago, his appearance has changed, but trust me, he is my father." Pocket was at a loss for words, it was a lot to take in in a short amount of time. Marcus grabbed her arm as they started moving.

"We need to see what else we can find out, see why our worlds collided." Cotillion was with them, walking through a foreign world, a small smile on his face as he saw his son taking charge.

OOC: Dive right on in Lilt, it'll be fun to explore Pockets world again.

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

[Lilt]

"We need to see what else we can find out, see why our worlds collided."

Calypso nodded and followed Marcus. Her weapons now freed from the shadows, but somehow they still had a hold of her world. With Marcus around, she could handle anything though. She didn't say it out loud, but he was like a beacon one time. If she said it out loud though, he would think she was teasing him. But he really was, like a shining beacon pointing the way to hope or safety.

Calypso shook off her distractions and looked around for any sort of clue to why this had all happened. Then, she felt it. Calypso stopped and fell on her knees. A shocked expression coming over her face.

"What's wrong, Calypso?" Marcus asked, looking back at her.

"My...Sister. She's here. She's actually in Traumerei." Calypso said in disbelief.

She got back up quickly and looked around, trying to find out where this feeling of presence was coming from. Soon, she spotted it. Near the portal to Marcus' shadow world.

"Marcus, look!" She said, pointing near the portal.

There was nothing there at all, just the usual scenery and the entrance to Marcus' shadow world. Calypso hoped he could see it too.

"I had to blink at first to see it, but you can see it completely, right?" Calypso asked, hopefully.

"Yes, I see it. It's a tower covered in shadow, but it's like the one that I fought in to rescue you. Only shorter." Marcus said, nodding.

With his description of the tower, the illusion was broken and Calypso was able to see it as well as Marcus could. She turned to Marcus' father.

"I'm sorry, Cotillion. But I need all of the help I can get."

Cotillion just smiled. "I understand, girl. My son will aid you, as long as you don't mind me coming along as well."

Calypso nodded and headed off for the tower, Marcus and Cotillion behind her. She was glad to have such great allies and friends. She was curious about Marcus and his father, but she would have to save those questions for later. Right now, her sister needed her.

Calypso pulled her blade out of a Nightwalker as Marcus pushed the other back with his magic. They had taken care of all of the guards at the door and up the stairs. Now they had finally reached the top of the tower. Floating in the middle of the tower, was Calypso's sister. She was in some sort of magical orb with more Nightwalkers all around her.

"Sister!" Calypso yelled.

However, this did nothing to get her sister's attention. She seemed to be under a heavy sleep. The Nightwalker's empty eyes turned to Calypso and Marcus as Calypso shivered. She fought the fear though and looked over at Marcus to see if he was ready. She had no need to check though, for Marcus was already readying a spell. Calyspo released her blade, bringing back a shorter one so she could hold two at the same time. It was risky, but she wanted to fight quickly and get in close. Letting out a yell, not holding back her tears either, she charged towards the Nightwalkers who were guarding her sister.

Calypso slashed at the first Nightwalker who came towards her, surprise and speed on her side as she slashed it down. However, another tried to attack her from behind but Marcus saved her with one of his prepared spells, his runes glowing brightly. She would have to thank him later, when all of the Nightwalkers were dead. Calypso charged at the next one, ready for a long battle.

Thanks to Marcus, they had both survived the fight with the Nightwalkers. If it wasn't for him, she would have been dead by now. They had used her sister to lure her here alone. She wasn't sure why. All she did know, from what Marcus and Cotillion told her, her sister was being used to keep the portal between the two worlds open. Calypso reached through the orb and hugged her sister, but she was still asleep. Probably because of the spell of the orb that still held her. Marcus prepared to dispel the orb, but Calypso stopped him.

"Marcus, wait!" She yelled.

He looked confused, so she quickly explained.

"This is only part of my sister." She said, holding up her sister's transparent hand.
"Also, if we remove her right now, then the portal will disappear. I have a bad feeling though, that that's your only chance to get into your shadow world. If it is, I don't want to rob you of it. Please, just leave a delayed rune here or something that will get rid of the orb and go into the portal. I'll stay here with my sister. She's safe now, but I want to see her when she wakes up. Maybe I can find out where the rest of her is."

Marcus seemed hesitant, but Calypso was insistent. Tears streaming her cheeks as she hugged her sister tight.
"Marcus, please."

[Darth Vectis]

Marcus wasn't very sure about leaving her here, Pocket was vulnerable, he had his own difficulties get through this without collapsing from his exhaustion The fire and determination in her eyes had been enough to keep him going, his fathers presence also given him the strength to keep going, he was prepared to stay behind to help Calypso when he felt a hand on his shoulder, seeing Cotillion as the one touching him.

"Place the rune Marcus, I'll stay and keep her safe until we can close the breech. Don't worry, just go." Marcus nodded, sheathing his blades he placed his hands on the barrier around Calypso's sister. Letting what little power he had left to encase her mind, keeping her part of this world and rooting her into this tower, she would be safe as long as no one removed her from her sleep. He pulled away, his thoughts muddled as he focused on standing, he looked to Pocket now.

"She'll be safe for now, I'll help you with as much as I can." Pocket nodded as she stayed close to her sister, Marcus was walking away when he heard Calypso speak.

"You bring up so many questions Marcus, but I just wanted to say, thank you." Marcus stopped for a few seconds, silent before he resumed his journey down the tower and out into the open. Moving as fast as his body would allow he headed into the swirling shadow of what was his mind. He plunged into it, his body racked with sore muscles and pain still radiating through his body from every fight. His hands and arms felt heavy, his body was drenched in sweat, his muscle twitched with the exertion, he felt the fatigue settling in, building up the lactic acid building up in his muscles making it harder to move. He ignored it as best he could, he was sure his world had been the original source of the breech, the setting and the design over the world itself fit Anomander perfectly, Pocket would have just been the way to get to who he was after. His mind still was troubled by that, remembering very little about the actual sealing of Anomander. With their deaths, he recalled Diamond and Razor being there, and Anomander's face when Demetri had arrived burned into his mind now, he was going to need someone to search his mind for the answers. The shadows enclosed around him, the colorless ground meeting his sandal feet, the impact jarring his body in painful ways, but he couldn't stop, he didn't have that luxury if that monster was free.

The shadow creatures were evident here, their numbers greater as they started to pursue, he couldn't fight them all. He probably couldn't fight even one of them right now, he kept running, leaving runes in his wake that would flare to life to deter them, the blinding light enough to keep them from him. Every rune he placed made him slow his pace just a little bit more as he used more energy more and more to keep them at bay, they finally all seemed to dissipate suddenly. Marcus relieved and unnerved at the same time, they gave up to easily even when they knew he was weak, that he was ready to fall over. He felt a reassuring wave hit him, the presence of his grandfather helping him to understand that anyone who crossed this threshold was safe in the power. Marcus sighed in relief as he kept trudging forward, a figure appearing beside him now, the old man barely visible to Marcus eyes.

"Stretching yourself a little thin aren't you?" Ammanas giggled as he simply floated with Marcus now.

"Look a little worn out my boy, you need to cut back on the snacks." Marcus barely heard his words, the sound muffled by his inability to keep going.

"Why are you following me old man, I need to find Anomander." Shadowthrones face went had then, his playful expression gone.

"He's no here, I would of known if he was here." Marcus stopped walking now, remaining stand as best he could he kept talking.

"He brought two worlds together, he was trying to get at people in HDF. I can't remember who the other people are grandpa, I don't know who to protect." Shadowthrone attempted to lay a hand on him, stopping before he touched him as he realized he wouldn't be able to proved any physical comfort in his current form. Pulling away he settled his hands on the cane, a smile on his face again.

"I don't have an answer for you Marcus, but their is someone else here who needs some guidance." Marcus didn't understand what he was talking about, the only other person he could imagine would be here was Neos, and he was sleeping right now. The black smoke appearing around Marcus and pulling away to where someone now rested, he tried to see who ti was through his blurry eyes, only able to tell when the person saw him and the rune came to life.

"Ali? What are you doing here? Did Neos do this to you again?" Ali rose and shook her head at him as she looked around, looking rather annoyed.

"I would of thought you knew I was here." Marcus shook his head weakly.

"I had no idea, I just came through with Calypso. Her world got invaded by Anomanders shadow creatures, ours worlds are connected for now." Ali looked at him with questions on her mind.

"You didn't meditate to get here?" Marcus shook his head.

"I'm here in every way that you can be. At least, I think I am." He stumbled then, the lack of movement and need to keep moving finally slamming into him as he fell forward. Everything catching up to him as his vision blurred more then finally darkened as his eyes closed, his world closing in on him as he finally passed out. Shadowthrone appearing again, using his cane to poke and prod at the marked man.

"Well, how about that for ya? He sees you again and he falls asleep, what a lazy boy." Ali snorted at him as she knelled beside Marcus, touching his neck to feel for a pulse.

"He passed out you old man. You definitely haven't helped much." The old man grinning as he shrugged his shoudlers.

"That's what grandfathers are for." Marcus heard none of this as his mind only having one thought, his body trying to rest and his mind trying to repair any damage, Marcus breathing ragged as he lay on the ground face forward. A small smile on his face as he saw her in his mind, laying together, he hoped he wouldn't wake up.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:39 PM.

[K.G]

Ali sighed, shifting closer to Marcus she lifted his shoulders off the ground and put his head on her knees as she watched him rest. Her hands moving on their own as she traced the rune's on his face.
"They changed."
Shadowthrone huffed slightly.
"He is ever changing my dear. He never stays the same for long."
She nodded slowly and grazed her finger tips over the rune that stretched across his forehead gasping as she saw into his mind, closing her eyes the image became more clear to her and she felt her heart freeze for a moment before it began to beat rapidly. She opened her eyes to see Shadowthrone smiling down at her.
"I have never seen him love another as he does you."
She felt her breath hitch and shook her head.
"What am I supposed to do? I-I made a choice..."
"You did. But did you follow your heart or your loyalty?"
"I followed my heart you old fool! I love my husband and I chose him a long time ago!"
"You did. But do you feel the same way about him as you do my grandson?"
"Just shut up! I made my choice and I'm going to stick by it dammit!"
He nodded slowly before he knelt down and caught her attention, looking her in the eye.
"I see, well now that is an interesting turn of events."
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing my dear, you shall see. You'll find the truth in time."
She felt her eye twitch in agravation, her fingers still gliding across the mystic's skin as she tried to keep in calm, her fingers memorizing the runes on his body all on their own.
"You seem very comfortable in posistion Commander Athens."
"I'm concerned for him. That's all."
"But why?"
"Because...because I still care for him. I may have chosen Demetri but I still care for Marcus deeply. I've never been with another person like I was him...not really. Demetri and I had the beach but that was a vacation...not a home. Not really. Marcus and I...we actually LIVED together for that week...I would walk in the door and his scent would be lingering in the rooms, he would have dinner on the table waiting for me. He would massage my feet at the end of the day to take the stress off of me. He would sit behind me in the bath and wash my back, rubbing the knots from my shoulders...he was always there for me, not matter how hard his day was..."
"And your husband?"
"I love him deeply, more than I believe I have ever loved another person, he's my first true love and I would do anything for him. But...there are times when our relationship feels so...professional. I have to stay a certain distance from him during the day, while we're in uniform cause he doesn't want to set a bad example to the new operatives...which I understand...but there are times, when I go to him during the day, when all I want is a hug from him. Just to be held by him for a few minutes to let some form of relaxation seep into me. Being the Commander...I never wanted the job but when he got promoted to Commandant I didn't have much of a choice...Some things with Marcus were so much easier than they are with Demetri...the joking, the play fighting, Marcus would always smile at me."
She snorted softly as a memory swam forward to the front of her mind.

Ali stood behind the kitchen sink, her hands slick with soapy water as she did the dishes humming softly to the song floating from her radio, not hearing the door sliding open as Marcus walked in. It had been her day off and he had been the one to have to work, she had wanted to have the room clean, dinner on the table and having nothing for him to worry about when he got home, just as he had done for her so many times. The song shifted and she smiled slightly, her hips swaying as she hummed slightly louder til she finally began to sing along, her soft, sweet voice matching the pitch of the singers perfectly. Marcus shook his head as he watched her silently, his eyes taking her in, the slight widening of her hips, the little extra weight she had put on due to the baby, the vitamins Patch had given her giving her pale skin a slight glow, he used to always roll his eyes when people said that pregnant women glowed but standing there, watching her, he believed them now. He shook his head as her hips began to sway a little more and her voice grew in vloume as she began to get into the song before he cleared his throat causing her to spin around.
"Marcus! How long have you been there?!"
She frowned at him, a soapy sponge in one hand, a wet pot in the other.
"Long enough to see some of your dance moves, very interesting."
"You haven't seen anything Mr. Mystic. I can dance very well thank you."
"I would like to see that one day."
She shook her head snorting lightly before putting the sponge and pot back in the sink, turning fully she leaned on the sink and crossed her arms.
"I don't think so. I would rather bury my head in sand than let you watch me dance."
"Why is that? Afraid your not as good as you say?"
She frowned more, but a smile remained on her lips letting him know that one of the many playful fights they had perticapated in was about to begin.
"Oh, I can dance just fine, your the one I'd be worried about. You in those sandals of yours, I doubt you could keep up with me."
He raised an eye brow than before moving forward, his posture letting her know what was coming before he was even a foot from her.
"Marcus, I swear to the great gods above and below, if you try to tickle me again I'll kill you myself and than bring you back to life so I don't have to live without you."
The words warmed his heart, in her own words she had just told him she couldn't live without him, he stalked forward and grunted, his eyes shutting as a jet of water hit him in the face. He blinked his eyes open to see her holding one hand over her mouth to cover her smile as the other held the hose to the kitchen sink, water dripping from it.
"I didn't think it would reach that far..."
He growled playfully and leaped over the kitchen island, her squeal echoing throughout the room as she ran, her barefeet slapping against the tile before going silent on the carpet, she skidded and slammed into the wall laughing breathlessly as she felt his strong arm wrap around her waist and pull her back. He pulled her to the floor and pinned her beneath him, his face still dripping slightly.
"You'll pay for that Talon."
"Oooo...I'm SO scared. DEMOS."
He frowned before bending forward and planting a kiss to her neck, behing the lobe of her ear and smiled as she melted in his arms, a sigh escapeing her instantly at the feel of his lips.
"SO not far Marcus, you know my weakness."
Her fingers slipped into the band of his pants, brushing his stomach and she smiled as he growled in her ear but shivered, the vibration and noise causing her blood to begin to boil pleasantly. Without warning he scooped her from the floor and took her into the bedroom shutting the door behind them, dinner forgotten.

Ali came back from the memory, tears slowly slipping from her eyes, Shadowthrone speechless since the memory had played against the background of the shadow realm allowing the old man to see everything she was remembering. He cleared his throat before speaking, his voice craking slightly with emotion.
"I-I don't believe I have ever seen that side of him before....even with his first he was never that open..."
Ali nodded, her heart begining to break again. This was not what she wanted happening, she wanted to be with Demetri, whole heartedly. But being in this place, where she could filter through her memories with no worry of her husband reading her thoughts, or seeing the looks on her face...she could admit to her self that deep down she was still torn. A piece of her heart still belonging to the man she was looking down at now.
"This isn't fair! I was so sure! I had made my choice...I want to be with Demetri...I'm Demetri's wife and I love him."
Shadowthrone nodding slowly.
"I understand dear. But...your heart can not fully let go of my grandson yet can it?"
"I gave my heart to Demetri, a long time ago. I won't take it back from him....but...Marcus will always hold a special place in this world to me. I may not be able to be with him...but I don't think I could deal with losing him again. Not like before, I don't think I could live if he did that to me again."
Shadowthrone nodded, a slight smile on his lips, he was satisfied with that answer, he spoke up after a few more moments.
"He needs to wake up soon...you both need to get out of here. Only problem, he's the only one able to break you from what ever holds you."
"What exactly is keeping me from waking up?"
"A deadly power my dear. One I didn't think still roamed this earth. You could actually break that hold now if you wish."
Ali's head snapped up to the old man, fury in her eyes.
"What?! Why didn't you tell me this sooner?!"
"The key had not yet arrived, but now that you hold the key, it will be easy. That I think it will unlock the both of you from whatever shadows have crawled into your hearts."
"What the HELL are you talking about you old fraude!?"
Shadowthrone perked his lips up as if to kiss the air and Ali felt her eyes go wide.
"I can't do that! I let him go, if I did that I would-"
"Break the walls around his heart agian? Allow him to feel your warmth? Activate the runes on his body expelling the darkness that is trying to consume you? Oh, that certainly is a deal breaker. I wouldn't go through with it either."
She growled at the old man before looking down at Marcus, his face now peaceful as her continued to trace the runes on his chest now, her hands having moved on their own, as if they had missed this path, this passtime having been one of their favorites at night while the rest of her body lay still next to the man. Taking a deep breath she bent over him, nervous, for so many reasons but she closed her eyes and brushed her lips against his slowly, feeling a small spark from his skin to her's. Shadowthrone nodded.
"It's working. Good."
She swallowed thickly before pressing her lips to his fully, his runes coming to life and clearing the area around them completely, Shadowthrone waving as the swirling shadows shifted and a bright world of light suddenly surrounded them, Ali closed her eyes as her heart jumped, his thoughts of her flowing freely into her mind as her own thoughts flowed into his, the memory she had recalled being thrown at him with every emotion behind it was well as she recalled what she had felt for the man that night. She could feel his skin began to take on more heat as the runes on his skin began to burn brighter and brighter before they suddenly went silent and died down. Shadowthrone now back beside them as the shadows began to swirl around again. Ali released his lips, she was panting and her hands shook.
"He took an amazing amount of energy from you my dear. I would stay here for a while, allow your self to rest while your actual body fights the infection. You'll heal nicly now that his powers have purified the would."
She nodded, not taking her eyes off of Marcus, concern clear on her face, his thoughts had been so dark and she felt her heart break anew for the man, a small smile gracing her lips as she saw his eyes begin to flutter open.
"Marcus?"
Her fingers slowly began to continue the comforting trail along his skin on their own, not quite ready to be seperated from the marks that graced his deep olive tanned skin.

[Shwa]

Demitri stepped out into teh hallway for a fresh of air, there were signs of Ali's fever slowly decending as time passed, already the time on the clock showed 5am in the morning, the giant was more than exhausted from their mission in Russia. His father deserved a lot of praise for sending the rescue extraction team while Demitri and Marcus fought off that twisted man they had met, but the way he talked and mentioned a couple of spoken phrases to the commandant sent shivers down his spine now that Demitri remembered.

(Son of the healer...what did he mean by that? Could he have been talking about momma?) The soldier stood in front of a instant coffee machine, waiting for his hot brew to some out as he pondered more and more about that man. There was another item bothering the commandant, the fact of that man keeping his attention on Mist and Marcus the whole time before the big fight, it was eerie. Demitri was snapped back to reality as he heard the small plastic cup dispense from the machine, the dark liquid poured quickly as the man looked down, it was his usual ritual before going tot he office and leaving the family. Make breakfast and pack the kids their lunch, have a nice hot pot ready for his wife to have when she awoke, and make sure all his personal belongings were gathered before heading down to the office. How he missed the times he would come home early to play with the kids before Ali got off of work, surprised to see her husband wresting with the kids while Neos slept in his cradle, the momentary thought brought a smile to Demitri's lips as he grabbed for his coffee and began to head back to the Med Ward. When Demitri had left the room earlier to talk with his father, he could offer little information about their somewhat failed mission and the man they encountered. It didn't please his father one bit, but a full report was made so it could be sent to the high commanders as soon as possible. Shield brought in Break to scan Demitri's memories, finally getting a clear face image of their enemy, Break drew a very detailed and accurate sketch to pass around to all the bases. Demitri too his copy and handed it to Circuit to fins some kind of information on the man, there was a possibility he made an encounter with some agents years ago, but Demitri thought that would be unlikely. Still...he was weary enough to send his assistant on the research assignment none the less.

"Commandant Athens!" A voice rang from behind the giant, catching his attention as he turned and looked down at Mist, the man had bags under his eyes and looked like he was contemplating a lot.

"You can be calm around me Mist, we've known each other far too long for formalities. What's wrong?" Demitri too a sip of his coffee, enjoying the hot liquid sting burn his tongue slightly as the rest traveled down his throat. Mist was hesitant before speaking, curling his hand into a fist as he looked directly in his superiors eyes.

"That man we saw in Russia...I dunno, something seems off, yet familiar about him"

"I got the same feeling as well, I can't personally say I know him or of him, but I'm doing some digging around myself for some information. He seemed intent on you and Colonel Demons though..." Demitri swirled his half cup of coffee in his hand, taking a deep breath as he thought.

"That's just it Sir, I can't say I know or seen him before either. But it's just a funny feeling I get, well, more threatening than funny." Mist forced a smile and small chuckle, but they both know they all could have been taken down in an instant if they were alone with that monster. His powers seems demonic and dangerous to anyone, someone who can control the nightwalkers must be one badass man. Demitri nodded at the statement, finishing up his beverage before turning around and walking away from his friend.

"We're protected here, and as long as all the agents are on high alert, I doubt someone like him would dare to come and challenge us" The commandant smiled as he vanished from sight, Mist simply stood firm and saluted his commander before vanishing in his own vapor mist to another location. Demitri turned the corner and went back into the Med ward, it was empty this time of the morning, Sasa still laid on her cot with Jason sleeping next to her, his light grunts in his sleep made the giant smile a little, slowly making his way back towards Ali's personal room. Slowly entering and closing the door behind himself, the man sat on the small chair next to her bed, Patch working on the IV lines attached to her arms as he looked over at the commandant.

"Good morning Sir,"

"Morning to you Patch, starting you're shift now?" Demitri smiled.

"Nope, still on, when there's a Commander or any other officer injured to this caliber, one medical lead is suppose to stay until they're good to go back to work or to their own personal quarters. A pain at times, but my powers have grown from a few years back." The man smiled as he looked over Ali's chart once again, the electronic computer screen flashed as Patch swiped his finger across the tablet, viewing her documentation. "The infection is at 5% now, she should be coming around anytime soon sir."

"That's great, outstanding work my friend. Tell me, have you seen my mother lately?" Demitri cracked his neck when he turned his head, he was feeling tired now too, the adrenaline in his system slowly fading away.

"Madam touch? She's not due to report in until later this evening sir. Shall I call her for you?" Patch handed the computer chart over to Demitri, the giant scanned his work before signing the release forms they would need when they were ready to leave.

"No, I don't want to bother her, especially at this time of day" Demitri laughed a little, signing the documents as he handed the computer back to Patch. "Tell me, are all the members of Alpha Team at maximum?"

"Sasa will need some rest, but the others are just fine, but I must report about your son Dante..." Demitri looked up at Patches sad expression when he mentioned Tank's real name. "We're going to start psychological therapy on the boy sir, I'm sorry but it's by order of the High Counsel, also by Dante's training coach Steel. He was easy to heal when you all returned, but the boy showed signs of mental stress. It's nothing to be too worried about, I'm sure he was just shaken up badly" Demitri frowned at the news, but after hearing what Ali had to say back in Russia, he knew it would probably be best for now.

"On my verbal order, I'll allow this, but next time, I would like to be informed about my childs medical care, regardless of what the counsel orders. Is that understood Patch?" The medic nodded his head as he left the room quietly. Almost 6 in the morning, the base began to show life of soldiers and personnel going about their daily activities. Demitri held onto Ali's hand, hoping she would be alright, but he knew they needed to talk about their son sooner than later. The giant closed his eyes for some rest, the vision of that man's face appeared more than he would have like, even in his own thoughts.

[Darth Vectis]

His eyes slowly started to open, unsure of where he was or what was going on. He felt different now, he felt warmer and lighter, he still felt the exhaustion seeping into his body but he felt comfortable now. He felt himself shift slightly as he felt something gliding across his skin, the familiar sensation making a small smile crease his face as his eyes opened wider. He heard his name spoke, the voice pushed its way past all of his grogginess and sore muscles, he finally opened them all the way, blinking to clear his vision he saw a face he wasn't sure could be really there.

"I'm dead aren't I?" He said with a small smile on his face, his comment suddenly meet with a punch to his chest, the hit more painful then expected with his sore muscles. His body reacting as he groaned briefly, rubbing the spot before talking again.

"I guess I can rule out dead and dreaming." Ali laughed as she shook her head at him, her hand going back to her routine of following the paths down his runes. The sensation was soothing as she kept her pace steady and even, Marcus started to let his mind drift, the realization of who was with him and what she was doing sparked a thought in his head. He searched his mind for the barrier, finding it not longer existed, every trace of the wall he put up for his feelings was just gone. He then tried to rise, moving only a quarter of an inch caused his muscle to spasm and grunt in pain, he felt Ali's hand on his forehead now, gently pushing him back down.

"Don't get up! I swear, sometimes you are so impatient." He let a soft laugh escape.

"Only on somethings. I guess I don't mind resting here." His eyes looked up at her now, keeping his gaze focused on her he had to hold back his grin to her. He knew she wasn't his, even thought he wanted her more then anything, he knew the choice she had made, the thought crossed his mind of them never leaving this place. He wanted to keep her here and stay here with her forever, bit this wasn't their world, this was a place merely for their minds to meet to escape from the worst of their bodily harm. He breathed slowly, his sides sore from every breath. He turned his head ever so slightly and saw his grandfather standing there, a knowing smile on his face. Marcus rolled his eyes.

"I'm in hell, I knew I was dead." Ali hitting him again, gentler this time with an opened hand, his body lurching and causing another muscle spasm.

"She's got quite the hit doesn't she my boy." Marcus coughed before clearing his through, the memories of her hitting him before he would wrestle with her, the memories still rolling through his head as they started to play across the darkness. He stopped them quickly, Ali seeing a few of them laughing together. He rose again, this time much slower, Ali's hands falling away from him, he immediately regretted sitting up now as he looked to his grandfather then to Ali as he spoke.

"Can someone explain to me why my face hurts, I feel like I hit a wall with it."

"Well, your face must have hurt before, I mean someone hit you in the face right?" Marcus let out a sigh as he rubbed his tender face.

"Ammanas, you really push my buttons. Just answer me already." Ali spoke up after.

"You passed out when you found us, fell flat on your face. I thought you might have broken your nose." He reached up and touched his nose gently, not sure if it was broken, probing it softly before he was satisfied it wasn't broken at all. He sighed with relief before speaking again.

"It's not broken thankfully, now, why are you here Ali? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to see you alright, but how did you get here?" Shadowthrone cleared his throat then.

"I'll answer that my boy, she comes her instinctively when her body is in danger. Thanks you to and the boy, this world is imprinted on her mind, she's part of it now." Marcus looked at her with wide eyes, he hadn't expected this, he also had no experience in this area, never having brought anyone here who couldn't come here on their own. He stretched his muscles as best he could, finding his motion limited by the stiffness. He heard Shadowthrone giggle.

"Whats so funny old man?" He held his hands up innocently enough. Marcus taking the gesture and knowing he knew something more.

"Tell it Ammanas, I'll find out eventually." He stroked his beard, his face almost comical in its thinking process.

"Tell me Marcus, do you feel different? Did you see a white light while you slept?" Marcus let his thoughts flow back, seeing the white light he recalled the intensity of it. Suddenly hit with Ali's memories he felt his heart beat rabidly, the emotions fresh and intoxicating. His breathing started to quicken before he got i back under control, his hand wandering to his chest as he felt that warmth in his soul again, Ali's hands had made that clear at just her touch.

"I do, why is that relevant?" The smile on the old mans face starting to irritate Marcus.

"Because our dear Empath here gave you a very interesting mouth to mouth resuscitation. I must admit, it was very intense I had to fan myself off from the heat! Gave me a shivers after." Marcus felt his heart stop, his breath catching in his throat as he tried to make sense of it all. He could feel the emotions creeping in again, pushing them away made them fight him harder, a kiss was all that he had desired from her, to be able to show her his love again. He tried to stand but his legs gave out and he stumbled back until he was laying next to where Ali was sitting. He remained there, as he let his thoughts settle, he didn't think he could talk right now. He let his breathing even out as he just laid there, his gaze shifting to her slowly, a smile on his face as she looked to him now, her eyes averting as he turned his head back again, staring at the black sky. The thought suddenly struck him.

"How am I going to get out of here?" He let the words float around, he wasn't in any rush to leave, not until Ali was back in her own body. He just stay their on the ground, the memories breaking through as they played sporadically on the the world around them, he stopped caring if anyone saw, he wanted to feel there warm embrace. His smile still small, but it the thoughts kept it there.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:39 PM.

[K.G]

Ali rolled her eyes, shifting on her knees she put her hands under his head and lifted it up onto her lap, looking down at his shocked expression.
"I couldn't just let your lay on the ground now could I?"
"It's not uncomfortable. Besides, there's no 'ground' here."
She flicked him between the eyes making his small smile return as he looked up at her.
"You know what I mean...ass."
He snorted slightly making her blush, she shifted her eyes away from him for a moment before looking back down at him, her hand automatically began to trace the runes on his chest again, she paushed, her fingers a hair breath from his skin as she heard him gasp.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize I started do that..."
She felt her breath catch as he grabbed her hand and lay her hand on his chest.
"I've missed that."
She closed her eyes but didn't move her hand.
"Marcus...I can't do this, I chose...I chose Demetri-"
He nodded slowly but noticed she still didn't move her hand.
-but...I want you to stay a part of my life. I don't think I can have a full life...unless your part of it."
"Ali..."
"I know I shouldn't even want that, I know that Demetri should be enough but...I don't think I could live through it if you were to leave me like you did before again...I don't think I could stand losing you again. Your important to my family...your important to me."
She didn't meet his gaze, only looked at her hand as it lay on his chest, her pale skin standing out on his olive skin, her thumb rubbing a small spot on his skin, it was still softer than she would have thought, she could see faint scars on his skin and instantly her fingers began to find them and run over them gently, his breath caught and she stopped.
"I'm sorry."
He closed his eyes, shaking his head; he opened his eyes looking back up at her and Ali looked up as an image flashed across the background making her blush, the image being him and her, right where they were; only his hand was buried in her hair and she was bent over him, her lips pressed firmly to his.
"Marcus..."
He looked up and closed his eyes seeming to try and will the thought away but unable to.
"Forgive me."
She shook her head and frowned as she heard a giggle to her left, glaring up at the old man she felt a growl bubble from her throat, Marcus copieing the noise.
"Old man, what do you know that we don't?"
He pointed his cane at Ali making her frown deepen as Marcus tried to sit up and let a small smile spread on his face as Ali instantly, automatically pushed him back down to rest in her lap.
"Shadowthrone right?"
He nodded to her, his giggle still escaping from him.
"Your wondering how to get out, yet both of you are fully capable of returning to your bodies at any time. The problem is, you don't want to."
Marcus frowned, but than blinked and looked up at Ali, her face flushed and her frown deep as she stared at his grandfather.
"I do want to get out of here. My family needs me!"
He shook his head and gave Marcus a sly look.
"Try not to have to much fun boy, I do live here."
With that he was gone, a swirl of shadow in his wake, Ali scoffed before looking down at Marcus with a frown.
"Your grandfather is a bastard you know that?"
"I can't remember how many times I've told him that to his face."
Ali covered her mouth and giggled lightly, his eyes locked onto her as she looked down at him, her eyes sparkling with her laughter.
"Your family, is amazing."
He scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"Insane is more like it."
"Amazing, I said what I mean. Your all amazing. Your father and grandfather are here for you when ever you need them, they help you and guide you. Even if they do get on your nerves they never stop believeing in you and being here to support you, and then there's you..."
His eyes locked with her's, she didn't look away from him only met his gaze.
"Your an amazing person Marcus, your strong, kind, caring...you took care of me, loved me and was willing to support me and my unborn child even if at the time we didn't know he was yours...you were loving towards me and you never let me sit and wallow in my pain back than...you put me back together again. I never really thanked you for that...I never got the chance."
He was staring at her hard now, hoping she would continue but felt his hope fade as she shook her head.
"I know things are messed up, but I just wanted to ask you for something...a couple of somethings actually."
He raised an eyebrow at her waiting for her to continue, taking a deep breath she bent forward, her heart pounding in her ears as she closed her eyes slowly, hearing his breath catch she didn't let him say anything as she pressed her lips to his gently. His body froze instantly and she felt it, but she didn't bother going back on this now, after a few moments she heard him sigh and his lips relaxed under hers. She held the kiss for a few moments before pulling away and looking back down at him, he was breathing heavier than he had been before she had kissed him and as he opened his eyes she felt her heart tighten as she saw the lust in his eyes.
"That was my first something, the last kiss I never got before you left last time, which brings me to my next something."
He only nodded at her.
"You stay with me...I don't ever want you to leave again...I may not be with you Marcus...but I need you with me...I've felt empty for the past 3 years, but now that your back it feels as if I'm whole again, and I don't want to lose that feeling agian. So promise me. Stay here, with me. Train your son and help me raise him. I know for a fact that he'll be a good man when he grows up, he'll have the best of Demetri, the best of me and...the best of you. If anything. Stay for him...I know I'm being selfish, but I can't watch you walk away again and stay the same...."
He did nothing by stare up at her, she felt her breathing getting rapid as he simply lay there, his eyes softened and he closed them.
"I'll do my best Ali."
"That's not what I want to hear Marcus."
"I can't promise that."
Without warning she stood, his head falling back making him grunt, he looked up at her to see her looking back down at him, she blinked and he saw the tears fall from the reddish brown orbs, his heart breaking.
"Ali..."
She shook her head and turned her back on him, she began to walk away and slowly vanished, he could only sit and watch her go back to reality.


The hospital bed was lumpy, unlike her and Demetri's bed that was soft and warm. She groaned and tried to sit up feeling a large, warm hand on her shoulder.
"Take it easy love. You've been out for almost 24 hours now."
She nodded slowly, her eyes opening to look up at her husbad, giving him a loving smile she cupped his cheek as he bent down and kissed her softly.
"I'm glad to have you back."
She nodded and wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders hugging him tight.
"It's good to be back."
Demetri looked up at Patch.
"Chip, she's awake. I'm taking her home, is that acceptable?"
Patch looked at her charts and nodded.
"Go ahead, get plenty of rest Alex."
She nodded and leaned into Demetri as he picked her up, his nose going to her hair, she sighed as the warmth from his body seeped into her skin relaxing her.
"I love you Demetri."
He chuckled and she felt him smile into the top of her hair.
"I love you too Alex."
She tucked her chin down, closing her eyes allowing her self to relax as he carried her back to thier room.

[Darth Vectis]

Marcus had listened closely to her words, seeing the emotions flaring in her eyes as she spoke, he could see how intense her feelings had been fro him. How strong they still were and how he wanted to share those with her, he had gotten the meaning from his grandfather. Still shaking himself internally for the old mans attempts at rekindling their love, he had wanted to bring it back up as well. He had melted in her embrace, even if it was just her letting him rest his head on her lap, being this close to her made his blood pump faster, he couldn't help but feel his love for her start to burn through him again. When she talked about him leaving here all that time ago he had felt his heart sink, it had been a choice of keeping her safe, of keeping her sane. He could never fully explain that to her, explain that to anyone except maybe his mother now. He regretted that choice, what he had learned seemed like it wasn't anywhere worth what he had left behind.

When she had pressed her lips to his, he got lost in the feeling, letting it course through him again. His mind going back to all those times they laid in bed together, times when they would be resting on the couch as he set aside a book just to spend those few moments with her as he wrapped his arms around her, she nuzzling up to him that made him quiver with delight. Her hands tracing his runes, that was the motion he missed the most, she always glided her hands across the shapes on his body, and now that he could change them it provided a new challenge for her. As her hands had traced his runes he had felt as if she was memorizing them all over again, her eyes hardly ever looking to where she was tracing, her body just followed the lines as if she had done this a million times. When she touched a ticklish spot she would smile and keep moving, he hadn't wanted it to stop, he had wanted to remain there with her. But, speak got him into trouble, it had taken from him what he had wanted most, the tears in her eyes as she walked away from him had torn into his soul, he hated the pain but he welcomed it over the void. He simply sat their in the shadow world, legs pulled up as he had his arms resting on his knees. His eyes staring at the dark floor, he felt alone again, and this time he blamed himself for putting himself in that position. The figure appearing again, a firm smack to the back of Marcus head followed, he looked up at the old man his face dark.

"My boy, you are so smart. Yet you are incredibly stupid!" Marcus growled at him.

"I don't need you to remind me grandfather. I understand clearly where I ruined it. I regret those words." Ammanas smacked him again, Marcus rising sharply, feeling slightly dizzy but hold himself up.

"I was hoping to see something good and actually have front row seats! I mean, that move you did a few years back requires serious examination for future reproduction of that, if you can even bend that way anymore!" Marcus lashed out then, his hand passing through smoke before he whirled around and backed Shadowthrone square in the face, Marcus chest heaving as he stared down at the old man who just smiled with his hands up.

"I swear to all the gods alive grandpa, if you only did this to watch us have sex in your bubble, I will send you so far into the abyss you won't know where your mouth begins and your ass ends!" Shadowthrone giggled.

"That made no sense my boy."

"It didn't need to you voyeuristic old perv! You think you can screw with my heart like that? I would die for that woman, I would walk the entire earth a thousand times to be with her." Shadowthrone nodded to him as he gripped his cane.

"I am well aware Marcus, I may be dead, I may give you a hard time. But, all I did was try to help, I want you to be happy my boy, as does your father." On queue, Cotillion appeared, his face still straight as he stood with the other too.

"Its true son, we're still trying to help. We know you need to do it alone, but we can give you the nudge in the right direction. All we want to do is give you the love you've earned." Marcus shook his head at them, his hands trembling as he felt his heart being pulled in multiple directions.

"She chose Demetri, I'll always be second in her heart."

"But two is bigger then one!" Shadowthrone blurted out, Marcus smiled briefly. He turned his head to look where Ali had vanished.

"Ali, I take it back. I won't leave again, never again." The world around him vanishing as he suddenly found himself in Pockets room, Pocket nowhere to be found he left her quarters. Returned to the real world he noticed the base coming to life, he made his way to his own room, opening the door he found Neos sitting on the floor as he played with his animated fox. Marcus gave a small smile as he stepped in, Neos looking up, a great big smile on his face as he suddenly ran over and gave Marcus a great big hug, kissing him on his cheek Marcus scrunched his face as he started to tickle. The little boy laughing as he fell to the floor and Marcus kept tickling.

"Daddy stop it!" He squealed before Marcus let up, Neos still laughing a little as Marcus was knelling next to him.

"Neos, we're gonna start teaching you today. That sound like fun?" Neos nodded as Sly came up and nuzzled up to him, Marcus rubbing the toy fox.

"What am I going to learn?" He asked innocently, Marcus still smiling gently at him.

"Everything I can teach you Neos, you're gonna learn everything you grandpa and great grandpa taught me. Lets find Aunt Pocket ok?" Neos nodded furiously and they went hand in hand to find Pocket, finding her quick enough they began his training. The process was simple at first, Marcus showing him how to manipulate simple runes, runes that his family could use and Neos picked them up quickly, putting them together quicker then Marcus had been ready for, Pocket had remained through out the training, at one point Neos and Marcus traveling to the shadow realm together, Pocket having made her own path teaching two people at once made Marcus feel more useful. Taking his mind off of Ali for now, the time flew past them quick enough that it soon came time to bring Neos home, Pocket walking with them until the reached her quarters, she said her goodbye and Marcus and Neos continued on, reaching the Commandants quarters Marcus knocked, waiting patiently until Demetri answer the door, his eyes slightly wide at seeing Marcus.

"Marcus, I didn't expect to see you here." Marcus gave a small smile and bowed his head.

"I decided I would drop of Neos as well as pick him up for training. May I come in?" Demetri stepped aside and let him in, Neos rushing in as Sly followed. Marcus looked around more closely at the quarters, seeing how detailed it was and how luxurious it was. It made him somewhat uncomfortable. He looked to Demetri as he held his hands behind his back.

"Is Ali here?" Demetri eyes him skeptically then nodded.

"May I see her? I need to check her mind, make sure it wasn't infected." Demetri hesitantly lead him to their bedroom, she was sound asleep, he walked to her side, seeing the rune exposed he reached out and gently touched it. He let his power trickle out, only enough to get a simple message across to her in her dreams.

I'm sorry Ali, I'll be here. He pulled away, nodding to Demetri.

"She seems fine now, sleep will do her good. I will return for Neos tomorrow, keep him away from mirrors for now please." Demetri stared at him for a little bit before answering.

"Alright, we'll do our best." Marcus bowed his head again. Walking out of their bedroom he walked out the room, letting his arms go slack as he let out a sigh. Rolling his shoulders he felt the need to work out, the training room his next destination.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:39 PM.

[K.G]

I'm sorry Ali, I'll be here

She woke with a start, her heart beating against her ribs almost painfully, she looked up as her door opened and Demetri stepped in.
"You alright love? Your pale."
"Just a nightmare I think...I'll be alright. Did Patch say I was good for work?"
"Yeah, he said your good to move at anytime, why?"
"I was thinking of going down to the training room for a bit, my arms and legs are tight, and I need to stretch them out so I don't get cramps."
Demetri nodded and helped her from the bed leaning down to give her a deep kiss which she returned.
"You want me to come along?"
"No, that's alright. It's almost time for Noes' bed time. Not only that Dante and Lily have a lot of homework they might need help with."
Demetri nodded, than grabbed her wrist lightly.
"When you get back, we need to talk about Tank. Did you know he's going to therapy?"
Ali looked back at him before nodding slowly.
"Yes I did."
"Why didn't you tell me Alex?!"
"Stop yelling you scare Neos. I didn't say anything because your son asked me not to."
"But why? He knows he can tell me anything."
"Yes, he knows that. But how is he supposed to feel like that when all you ever call him any more is 'your football player'? Demetri, Dante just wants to have a normal life."
"But he's not normal."
"That's not the point Demetri. He didn't want to go on that last mission with us. He told me he didn't think he was ready for it. I knew for a fact he wasn't. But you wanted him to go anyway."
"If you had told me even a small piece of any of this I wouldn't have made him come along with us."
"I tried Demetri. Every time I tried I would get the same answer from you. 'He's 16, he's my son. He'll get through it just fine.' Or my all time favorite. 'I taught him better than that.' Fact is Demetri, we really didn't teach him anything. He was 14 when we adopted him, he might have considered us his parents before that but still. Truth is Demetri we're away from them for so many hours during the day any more...we don't even know who our kids are anymore."
Demetri looked away from her, knowing she was right but not willing to admit it.
"He is my son, and I will find out everything as to why he's in therapy and as to why he hasn't been putting out his full potential."
Ali shook her head as he walked out the room and down the hall, no doubt to tuck Neos into bed, sighing she gathered her things and walked out the door, after the talk she had just had with her husband she didn't bother to tell him she would be back. She walked to the training room, her thoughts flitting here and there til she opened the door, hitting the security lock so it would lock after closing allowing her to have the room to her self for a while and have it quiet. Her thoughts froze as she stopped dead in her tracks. Marcus was there, on his hands on the mat, his feet held straight into the air and he did vertical push ups. Ali felt her mouth go dry, she had only seen him work out once, and that was in his own dimly lit room, in the training room it was different. She could see very well. She shook her head slightly to clear it before walking silently towards him, reaching out she sread her fingers and quickly scratched at a place below his ribs causing his body to spasm. He grunted and fell on his back, the mat slapping underneath him and he frowned searching for the culprit. He wasn't expecting to see Ali, his eyes going wide as she stared down at him.
"You've gotten complacent Colonel, used to you could hear me coming no matter what."
"I haven't gotten complacent, you've gotten better."
She tucked her hair behind her ear and held out a hand for him, as soon as his skin touched her's the rune came to life on her wrist, the feelings making her blush. Letting go of him as he was back on his feet she walked over to her locker and quickly changed, not really caring about being modest in front of the mystic, he had already seen everything she had to offer.
"So Warded Man. Lets see HOW complacnet you've gotten over 3 years."
"I told you I haven't-"
He grunted as she suddenly swiped his feet out from under him, his back hitting the mat again.
"That was low, I was talking."
"Aw...poor Marcus. You gonna cry now?"
She felt her heart lighten as he smiled wickedly before flipping back to his feet and reaching to grab her wrist blinking as she was no longer there but a few feet away. Her large smile still in place.
"What the matter, can't catch one little woman?"
"YOU are NOT a regular woman! Your a beast in disguise."
"You insult me? I think I might just die?"
"You've been visiting my grandfather way to much Alex."
She snorted in laughter, the noise making Marcus smile, til she rushed him. He barely had the time to block before he watched her front flip over him, before he could turn around she had her arms around his waist, her forehead pressed to his back.
"I got you message...thank you."
She pressed her lips to the skin of his back, allowing them to linger there for a moment, she smiled slightly as she felt him shiver.
"You have no idea how much it means to me....knowing that you'll be here for me when ever I need you."
She tightened her arms around him just for a second, trying to convey everything she was feeling to him at the moment through that one simple hold. To others it would look as is she were just giving the man a hug, but in her heart, she knew that a part of her still wanted it to be so much more. She tried to squash that feeling before he could feel it through her. Sighing as no matter what she did it continued to rear it's head in her mind til she didn't bother closing it off.

[Darth Vectis]

He held a small smile on his face now, feeling the sensation her touch inspired in him he knew he had finally made the right decision. For once he was sure he had done everything right now, he had no sense of anything being wrong, he enjoyed the touch around his waist now. He gentle kiss she had placed square on his back as invoked a shiver and he craved another, but he knew he could wait for another, as long as he was near her now, that's all that mattered, her and Neos. He placed his hand gently on hers wrapped around him, feeling her soft skin under his hand made him close his eyes for just a moment, a long enough moment for him to feel a spark, it vanished as quickly, but soon came again, lasting longer and longer every time it appeared. It finally became clear when he realized that it was from Ali, he felt her letting go of something and felt an energy passing through him. The flow was gentle and relaxing, he felt it find its way into his chest and wrapped itself gently around his heart, he understood what it was. His breathing slowly starting to grow more rapid as the feeling took a deeper hold on him, his smile growing softly he glanced over his shoulder before speaking.

"I see that no matter how much things change, they stay the same." He felt he grip tighten again, the embrace intoxicating. He let out a soft groan, turning in her grasp he smiled down at her, a mischievous look on his face as she looked up at him.

"Think it's time we finished what we started Alex, think you can beat me?" She let go and back up a few steps, he did the same, seeing an almost predator look on her face as she readied her body.

"Lets see if you can actually fight mystic." He let out a small chuckle, she suddenly rushed him, her speed her strongest asset as she used it to her full advantage. Marcus doing his best to track her as she lashed out, her legs proving to be as flexible as he remembered he saw her make a hit for his face, His body moving out of the way, with almost no time to dodge her back swing he fell backwards, catching himself on his hands and landing on his feet before running at her. Letting his body fall into the routine he struck out with as his hands balled into fists, almost pretending that his swords were in his hands, letting the motion come naturally as he kept up the hit, she avoiding and tried to take out his legs again, he body reacting as he twisted in the air and landed on his feet. Her right foot was suddenly barreling towards his chest and he caught it before making contact, the force pushing him back as he held on to her foot. Landing on her hands she looked at him before he twisted her foot away and lunged forward, an open palm cam smashing down she had been only moments ago. She use her shoulder to barrel into him, being smaller then Demetri made him easier to push over, he took the opportunity to wrap her in his arms and use his legs to hold hers. She squirmed for a bit before getting loose, he rolled away as a knee came down, he was on his feet instantly and brought his foot up in a powerful kick, she used her hands to catch it but the momentum sending her up as she held on. Holding his leg in the air she balanced on it before flipping over him and wrapping an arm around his neck, pushing her hand into his spine before whispering into his ear.

"Almost, but not quite." He grinned as he pulled her arm away from hiss throat, twisting it around and snatching the other one before he flipped her over, causing her to land on her back on the mat, pinning her down he smile a she breathed heavily.

"You got a lot faster, but not fast enough." She was breathing hard too, her eyes glancing down, his followed to see her knee right in between his legs. He looked up as he saw that triumphant look on her face, he shook his head as he laughed, letting her go as he stood up, holding out his hand to her she gripped it, pulling her up innocent enough, until suddenly he leaned forward and pulled her over his shoulder, holding on to her he started to spin her around. He could hear her squealing at him.

"Stop Marcus!" He heard between her laugh before finally slowing down and then setting her back down they both fell on their bottoms and laughed for a little bit. Sweat still coating both of their bodies as they tried to catch their breath. This made the memories come back in several flashes, all the times they would find themselves somewhere laughing because of a play fight they just had, most of the time it became more, but this wasn't one of those times. He looked at Ali, seeing her scantly clad figure, when she had been changing he had tried to avert his eyes, failing in that he tried not to look directly at her, he had blushed at seeing her like that, thankfully his skin was as dark as it was. He let his eyes wander before looking her in the eyes again.

"I see why Demetri has problems fighting you. Much faster then you use to be." She smiled and get a small laugh.

"You've toughened up some, didn't think you could keep up."

"Hardly, lucky you didn't break me!" He said as he climbed to his feet, helping her back on to her feet he suddenly embraced her, giving her a light kiss on her head before letting go. She looked up at him.

"What was that for?"

"For everything Alex, wouldn't still be here without you." He saw he blush then, the words may have seemed extreme, but in all honestly they were true. The spell used on Sybille, had originally needed his own soul to complete the ritual, finding the power came from Masan and his love for Ali. His strength to keep on going the past three years had come from the memories of them together, and always the ever present thought of going back to her kept him going. He felt that now, more so then ever, he showed her that special smile before he walked over a took a seat on the bench, pulling out a bottled water from under and taking a deep drink. His eyes never leaving Ali.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:40 PM.

[K.G]

Ali felt her heart leap as he showed her his smile, shaking her head she let a small smile slip onto her own face and stretched her arms above her head not failing to notice how his eyes followed her.
"I'm shocked though Marcus."
He raised his eyes brows as he took another drink, his own silent way of asking why.
"I never pegged you for a close combat person. I suppose you have changed alot these last three years. Last time we sparred I kicked your ass."
He grunted as she sat down next to him and bumped her shoulder to his.
"If I recall correctly Ali you were also pregnant and I didn't want to hurt you."
She scoffed and plucked the bottle from his hand taking a deep drink, his eyes widening slightly as he saw her lick a small droplet off the rim of the bottle before handing it back to him, wiping the cool condisation from her hand onto her forehead and looked up at him smiling happily.
"Thank you Marcus."
"For what? You have nothing to thank me for anything."
She leaned over and put her head on his shoulder, the touch making his breath catch although she didn't hear it.
"For everything."
"Everything like what Ali? I've done nothing-"
"You've done alot. You gave me Neos, you came back. Your still here."
"I didn't give you Neos Ali, Demetri did."
She shook her head and sighed.
"It's hard to explain. I know Demetri got me pregnant but, Neos wouldn't be who he is without you."
She didn't see his face, but she could hear his heart beat speed up, reaching out she took his hand and traced the runes on his hand.
"They changed. When did they do that?"
He smiled and she pulled her hands back as the runes began to glow and move, she gasped as the glow decreased and she could see the pattern change yet again.
"That's....wow. Marcus that's beautiful."
She traced the new pattern gently now, her fingers running from the top of his hand towards his wrist where she flipped his hand over and ran her fingers along the inside of his arm, up towards his shoulder where she turned his back to her and continued to his shoulder blades. Her hands splaying over his skin as she continued to search his back.
"This...this is amazing."
She fianlly noticed him breathing heavily and stopped her exploration to study him.
"Marcus, are you alright?"
He nodded slowly, his eyes shut and not looking at her.
"Marcus I mean it, what's wrong."
"Nothing Ali. I'm fine. I promise."
She nodded before she looked back at his skin, one finger slowly running along a rune that ran along his spine, this time she felt him shiver, his skin slowly getting hot under her hands.
"Marucs, your burning up. Please, what's wrong?"
He spun around on her and she gasped, his eyes gleaming down at her and she felt the emotions rolling off of him and stood quickly.
"I'm sorry, I should. I should leave."
He grabbed her wrist before she had a chance to even take a single step and pulled her back, his arms going around her waist as he rest his chin on the time of her head.
"I'm sorry. I can't help it sometimes Ali, especailly around you."
She closed her eyes and sighed, pulling away from him she looked up at him and smiled, shaking her head she put her hands on his chest and smiled, walking her fingers down his chest, his eye brows getting higher and higher the lower she got til she stopped, below his ribs.
"Whoa, wait a minute Alex don't you-"
She clawed at his skin, his chuckles starting soft before growing in volume, his laughter echoed through the training room now as Ali followed him on her knees as he tried to roll away from her. The whole time she tickled him mercilessly, finally grabbing her wrist he pulled her down, pinned her to the mat and growled down at her while trying to catch his breath.
"That was low, even for you."
She frowned though he could still hear the laughter in her voice.
"You saying I'm low? How long have you thought that?"
He smirked making her frown more.
"Your such an ass."
He chuckled and jumped as she pulled her knee between them, pressing it against his chest and shoving him back startling him, see the look on her face she burst into laughter, the sound of it bouncing off the walls and echoing for minutes before it fianlly died down.
"I don't think I've ever seen you make a face like that!"
He blinked a few times before frowning.
"I don't remember you being able to do THAT!"
"Oh come on Marcus, I've gotten more flexible, I've had to with my fighting style. Watch."
Standing she moved away from him, flipping onto her hands she allowed her weight to settle before doing a split, Marcus gaping at her as she slowly moved her body forward til her feet rested on the floor again and brought her hands off slowly. She smiled down at him, his eyes wide.
"That's nothing. Trust me, once I limber up, I can manage some wicked moves!"
She continued to talk, showing him move after move, her eyes bright with excitment as he watched her.

[Darth Vectis]

The thoughts passing through his mind were ones he wanted to share with Ali, even if they were a bit on the wild side. Seeing how she had honed her body more, showing him every flexible move she could do made his blood boil, he was doing his est now to keep his mind as focused as possible and his body under control. He felt himself want to quiver, feeling his will getting weaker to not just tackle her now as make love to her in this very room. He took a deep breath, his eyes staying on her as he calmed himself, finding he wasn't doing a very good job, he watched as she did the splits on the ground, leaning forward and touching her head to her knee he let the shiver take his body before she looked back up at him. He saw then the sweet smile she reserved for him, his breath catching again as he rose form the bench and cleared his throat.

"That is very impressive, you've definitely limbered up more since our time together, and we did some..... interesting things. Remember?" He said slyly to her, he saw her face blush as the memories surfaced. He walked to her and helped her up, feeling the sudden need show her a little more ten just his ability to change the runes. He rolled his shoulders as stretched for a bit.

"Well, only seems fair I show you a little bit as well." He saw her cross her arms and watched him with a small smile on her face. He pointed a finger at her before he started.

"No tickling me this time. I mean it!" She held up her hands in a disarming way as he heard a soft giggle from her. Rolling his shoulders one more time before he bent over, placing his hands on the mat, lifting his legs into the air he held it for a moment, Ali speaking up quickly.

"I saw you doing this when I came in." He ignored her comment as he held himself for a few moments, lifting one arm from the ground and balancing himself on one hand. He held it for a few seconds as he looked at Ali, seeing her eyes wide before he bent his arm, lowering his body to the ground almost touching the floor with his chin and pushing himself back up. He did this a few times, a grin on his face as he saw Ali's expression before he had to look back down, stopping for a second he switched hands, placing his other hand on the ground before pulling his other up, doing another set of push ups before he set his feet back down gently as he held his hands out in ta da moment. She nodded her head in approval.

"I didn't expect that from you." He gave her an exaggerated bow before walking back to her, grabbing the water as he took another drink. His thoughts traveling again as his eyes stayed on her and he recalled every move she had shown him, his mind telling him the logic of it all, just two very well acquainted friends that happened to know every inch of each others bodies. He heard a laugh in his head as he felt his heart speak, she still felt the same for him, she was showing off because she still wanted him as much he wanted her. He would never take her against her will, he understood a man probably couldn't with the way she had trained herself, the thought never crossed his mind, only thought was to be gentle with her and just accept her gentle touch when she gave it. He took another drink as he stretched his neck, feeling the distinct noises of the CO2 releasing from his bones.

"I'm glad you found me in here Ali. I was worried about you." She heard the hidden meaning in his words, how he was talking about their time together in the shadow realm. She nodded at him as she tucked a loose strand behind her ear.

"I was very surprised to see you in here, I'm glad I found you too." His heart felt like it was about to jump out of his chest. His breath speeding up, he held the bottle out to her, she reached for it and pulled it out of his hand, he grabbed her suddenly and spun her into his arms, her back pressed to him as he held her tight, feeling her squirm now as she tried to get loose.

"You are so going to regret this Marcus!" He laughed as he started spinning her around again, her feet lifting off the ground as she squealed again as he kept the pace up.

"I hate when you do this!" She yelled as he kept going, he slowed down then and let her go just long enough to get at her sensitive spots on her ribs. Feeling her twitch at his touch he held out his hands as she pointed a finger at him.

"Don't you dare! I swear I'll get you back." A wicked smile on his face as he started to inch closer.

"You got me, it's only fair I get you back Alex." He nipped at her sides again with her hands, a yelp coming out of her lips before he began his assault. She squirmed out of his grasp long enough to pour the entire bottle of water on his head, the water not stopping him as he renewed his attack, chasing her around as she used exercise equipment to block his path. Finally getting her cornered he pinned her against the corner and shook his water drenched head, spraying her, she tried to cover her self as he heard a half laugh half yell. He grinned at her as he saw she was just as wet as he was now, her hair sticking to her skin now as she looked up at him with an annoyed look, the smile on her face ruining any chance of her being serious.

"You always seem to get me cornered or pin me in some way."

"Well, I remember that you always enjoyed getting pinned." His eyes suddenly widened at his words, knowing that they both understood the hidden meaning in those words, he pulled away as he rubbed his face quickly.

"I'm sorry Ali, I didn't mean for that to come out. Gods, only you can make me say whats on my mind." He shook his head at himself, feeling slightly embarrassed at himself, his heart beating fast as he felt the impact of those words now. He only hoped this wasn't about to turn into an awkward moment for them.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:40 PM.

[K.G]

Ali giggled lightly, his words making her heart leap, taking a step forward she reached out and took his hand lightly.
"I'm glad that your that way with me. I wouldn't have it any other way."
She traced her finger along the rune on the back of his hand and smiled, he looked down at her and frowned slightly as he saw the look in her eye.
"Ali?"
She closed her eyes, trying to get her pulse and her thoughts under control before she shook her head.
"Why is it so easy with you?"
He blinked slightly as he looked down at her.
"I don't understand what you mean."
"Why is this is easy with you. Just sitting here, playing around and having fun."
"Don't you and Demetri do this kind of thing?"
She shook her head slowly.
"W-we used to...but once he became the Commandant he just sort of stopped. I remember I would come home from the office to find him wrestling with Lily and Tank while Neos slept...but now...he just comes home and...that's it really. We have dinner, bathe Neos, help Lil and Dante with their homework. I do the dishes while he takes a shower and than we go to bed. He wakes up before me, goes to work, I wake up, get a shower-"
She caught his eyes travling and smacked him lightly.
"-go to work and we do our day all over again."
He studied her for a few minutes unsure of what to say when his eyes widened.
"Wait, how long has it been since you two have-"
"A few days...but before that....a month, maybe longer. He's always at the office and when he's not we're on a mission, or we're dealing with something going on in the base or something like that...I mean you saw our home."
He nodded remembering the luxurious their home was.
"I did see it. Aren't you happy with Demetri?"
She nodded slowly, but Marcus could feel a slight dobt roll off of her.
"Alex?"
"I just...I wish that him and I could be more like you and I were. I was so carefree with you, I just don't seem to have the ability to be that way with him."
She sighed and walked past him, knowing he was following her, sitting down on the bench she put her face in her hands and shook her head.
"He shouldn't have married me...he should have gone and found someone more like his mother..."
"Alex, why are you saying that? He loves you."
"But I'm not good enough for him Marcus. I'm not a gold plated woman...I don't know how to act around his parents, mostly his mother. She's so...regal. And his father-"
She growled slightly.
"He just wants to make my life a living hell. And than there's Demetri, he's a wonderful husband, gentle and kind. Loving to both me and the kids, but ever since he moved up to Commandant he's the 'king' of the base and than in his wonderful family you have...me."
"Ali-"
"I'm nothing but a foul mouthed, pushy...I was raised by my older brother who turned out to be a werewolf, and ontop of all that, I'm not even worth being with him."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
She could hear the edge in his voice.
"You've heard the rumors, I don't even have the respect of the base...Why should I even be married to someone like Demetri? I don't deserve him."
Marcus stared at her, her words shocking him, her self esteem couldn't be that low...could it?
"I just...I look in the mirror and wish I knew what he saw...what you see."
She took a deep, shuddering breath, her hands still covering her face.

[Darth Vectis]

Marcus felt his heart breaking for her, he had always seen her so strong, even with the connection they had with the runes he had seen her inner most thoughts, her doubts had always been pushed to the back when he dived that deep in. He couldn't understand why she would feel that way, he saw in her everything he had ever wanted from a woman, strength, independent but still warm, someone he was able to relax around. He didn't have to put a wall with her, he didn't have to keep up the pretense of the Mystic, the Warded man, or any of those other names he had been given, he was able to let everything out. Marcus stood before her as he pulled her hands away, cupping her face as he bent down to look her in the eyes.

"Ali, everything you just mentioned about yourself, everything you see as a flaw, a defect, is what drew me to you. I'm sure the same can be said for Demetri." Ali shook her head as he could start to see tears welling up in her eyes.

"I just want it all to be easier! I want things to be how they were, I wish my relationship with Demetri was like the one we had." Marcus smiled softly as one hand fell away to hold her hand, his other rubbing his thumb gently on her cheek.

"All relationships can't be the same. I didn't act this way with Masan, I loved her dearly, she was everything to me as you know." Ali nodded, the tears slowly sliding down her face. Marcus continued.

"But, I was still guarded from her. She couldn't know the things I know, she couldn't feel the things I felt. I never took her to the shadow realm. I never did a lot of things with her that I do with you now. It's always different." She still wept now, her face showing her distraught mind. He tried to calm her, hearing her speak again.

"i know his family hates me, I just know it. Our attitudes are so different, they'll never accept me."

"Everyone's family is different, you've seen them all except my mother. My family is insane! Most of my life was spent in training, which consisted of being teased, poked, prodded and joked at. I'm only good at the witty banter because of them, humor was what kept us all from falling into a depression. We all knew too much for a healthy human mind. Demetri's family had it differently, they had high society, he was taught to be more proper, he was a marine if I remember right." Ali nodded to him again, finding herself unable to speak, just listening to the soothing words from Marcus.

"Everyone is different, we all have our flaws, our strengths. For me, I don't see flaws in you, everything you seem to hate and feel pulls you down, in my mind, makes you who you are, and seeing you do it everyday makes me love you that much more." He had stopped caring what slipped from his lips, when it came to her pain he knew he needed to tell her the truth of what was going on, to pull her from her sadness, her feeling of inadequacy, just as she had done for him. She had pulled those thoughts from his mind, she had brought him back from the brink as only she was able too. He had given up in his mind, feeling that his body was already dead, he simply had to finish the process, make it official. She stopped him, she saved him from an end that would of only hurt her more. He needed to do the same for her, he leaned in and pressed his lips to her forehead for a moment before pulling back, locking his gaze on hers.

"You said to me before that I was an 'amazing' person. You only knew that because of this, because of our connection Alex. Three years ago we found that peace in each other, three years ago I fell in love with a woman who didn't mind throwing orders at me, who put other safety before her own, someone who would jump in front of a bullet for anyone on her team." She tried to look away, he forced her eyes back to his.

"I still see that woman now, only she has gotten stronger, she has honed her mind and her body, a very fine body if I might say, and has never tried to do anything less then her best." He heard a soft laugh from her at his comment, her watery eyes had widened as he spoke, hearing everything he was saying was something new for her. He usually kept his words short, kept things tucked in, she had yo pry it from him before, had to reach deep into his mind and heart to get out what she needed. It seemed to just flow naturally from him now, as if it was all of his pent of words he hadn't used coming together to tell her everything finally. She spoke quietly now, her voice slightly hoarse.

"The base still has no respect for me. I've heard the rumors."

"No sure you'll have to worry about those anymore." Her face showed surprise before she asked.

"What do you mean Marcus?" He gave a grin, the look in his eyes giving impact to his words.

"I straightened a few attitudes, the rumors should die down for now. If they come back I'll see to it again." He felt her arms around him now, he held her close then, sitting on the bench next to her, he stayed silent then, letting her nuzzle into him softly as he felt the light sprinkle of her tears. He could only think one thing to himself as he held her, the words still in his head fro the first time he said them three years ago.

I love you Ali[

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:40 PM.

[K.G]

Ali tightened her hold on him, not willing to leave the comfort of his embrace just yet, feeling a gnaw in the back of her mind that she was sure she would never feel again, a small spark she tought she had buried, but there it was, surfacing and making her shiver slightly. She sighed and leaned away from him slightly, looking up at him, her cheeks flushed and her tears clinging to her eye lashes.
"Thank you Marcus. You always did know what to say."
He chuckled and kissed the top of her head, making the shiver return.
"Like I said, I still have it, don't I?"
She shook her head tucking her head down and unable to stop herself as she placed a gentle kiss on his collar bone, his body going stiff almost instantly.
"Ali..."
She shook her head slightly before looking back up at him, her heart fluttering as he looked down at her, her pulse quickening as he leaned towards her but both jumping as the alarm blared through out the base. Ali frowned and scoffed.
"God dammit, its a good thing I had Sasa come and disconnect the alarm wireing from Neos room...they always used to wake him up."
She stood as the announcement called for Alpha Team, stretching her arms over her head she looked back at Marcus giving him a sweet smile.
"Thanks again Marcus. I feel like I should be giving you more than just a worthless 'thank you' though."
"Don't be ridiculous Ali, seeing you smile is enough for me."
She felt her smile grow and walked over to him swiftly, tipping her upper body forward and pressing her lips to his quickly, pulling away she looked up at him and chuckled.
"Thank you Marcus. And before we go to meet everyone, I have one last confession."
He eyed her carefully as his chest heaved.
"I still love you. I don't think I could ever stop loving you."
She turned and walked to the door opening it and slipping through it, she took off sprinting towards the war room, getting there she took a deep breath and stepped through to see the rest of the team, frowning as she saw Dante, she shook her head.
"I don't think so. Go home, go to bed. You have school tomorrow anyway."
"Dad told me-"
"I don't care. Go home Dante. I'M telling you to go home and go back to bed."
He nodded giving her a small smile.
"Thanks mom."
She nodded patting him on the arm since she couldn't reach his shoulder and watched him go, Demetri coming from the samll office in the room, he looked around clearly upset.
"Where's Tank?"
"I sent him home. After the last mission I won't let him go on another til I think he's ready."
He showed his distaste for what she had done but let it go for now.
"We have a mission, as much as that bothers me considering I was planning a funeral in the morning for Diamond and Razor, it'll have to be pushed back til later tomorrow."
Ali stepped forward.
"What kind of mission?"
"There's a coven that has gotten out of hand. They've began to target humans regularly. We're to go and find thier trap and shut it down."
Ali nodded and looked back as Cloak walked in.
"Cloak will be taking us to the nearest know spot. We leave now."
Ali readied her self with the others, catching the jeans that Demetri tossed to her, slipping them on over her shorts and grabbing a small zip up hoodie from the coat closet.
"Well, lets get this over with."
Cloak nodded and transported them out, they wound up in a small part out side of what looked like New York city, Ali looked around and sighed.
"Okay, so we look for a trap right? Something that attracts the younger crowd since that's what the papers say. Teens and younger adults have been the ones disappearing more than anything."
The team nodded and Ali began to walk slowly through the park, her bare feet slightly cold and she realized she hadn't been able to get a pair of boots on when she left the training room. She sighed as they slowly began to walk through the bright city, Pocket finally asking for a small break, sitting down on the curb she put her chin in her hands and blinked as she felt a viberation coming through her skin and looked across the street, seeing the neon sign she smiled largely.
"I think I may have just found a tip."
Marcus looked down at her, his eyebrow raised.
"Dare I ask?"
She pointed across the street towards the small club where they could hear techno music filtering out the doors.
"Your not serious Ali."
She looked up at him smirking.
"What the matter Marcus, worried that a little dance club is going to blow the cover of you inability to dance?"
He frowned down at her and she chuckled before standing and making her way across the street, as soon as she opened the door she gasped and covered her nose, Jason growling behind her.
"We're in the right place. Smell that?"
The team nodded, each of them able to smell the sweet, sick scent of none other than a room full of vampires.
"Be on gaurd, stay under the radar. Jason, you stay out of here, they'll smell you in a minute."
"Gladly."
She walked deeper into the club, but stayed close to the others before she caught sight of what they were looking for on the dance floor, vampire. Smiling she pulled her hair out from the pony tail she had it in allowing it to fan around her shoulders, unzipping the hoodie she dropped it to the floor and smiled, looking over her shoulder she could see both Marcus and Demetri looking her over with their eyes, the looks making her blush lightly.
"Well, this is a dance club."
She made her way onto the floor in the middle, the stobe lights flashing and the bass of the music thumping throughout the club, the rest of the team watching as Ali swayed to the music, her heair moving with her body as she kept an eye out on the people around her. She felt an arm wrap around her waist, she sweet smell getting stronger as she felt a small nip on the skin of her neck, reaching up she pulled her hair aside giving the man better acsess to her neck and heard him chuckle lightly.
"You smell delectible my dear."
"I bet, but before we do anything, why not sling me around the dance floor?"
He nuzzled her neck as he inhaled her scent, Ali's eyes shifting to the side to see Demetri looking around, but her eyes locked with Marcus', his fists balled into fists as he watched the male vampire hold onto her.

[Darth Vectis]

Marcus' mind had been reeling since the moment they had been forced to leave the training room, everything that had told him to keep his distance had washed away with those few moments with Ali again. An opportunity gone when the alarms came on, feeling robbed of something important he was bitter until she had kissed him quickly, that alone had thrown him for a curve, he couldn't focus for a moment as he held on to the sensation as long as possible. What happened next had caused it all to sink deeper yet.

"I still love you. I don't think I could ever stop loving you." She had taken off after that, leaving him standing there for a few moments, he didn't know what to do as his body didn't want to move. He took off after her then, the few moment head start all she needed to beat him to the war room, he observed Tank leaving the room, walking into the room he listened to the mission before they were all taken by Cloak. Pocket had walked with him, Leuwin talking to Mist who had decided to attend as well, Jeff silent as usual and Sasa keeping her vigilance. Marcus couldn't help but watch Ali now, seeing her body move, he noticed her feet bare and contemplated offering his sandals to her, when he had finally determined he would they had take a break, Pocket requesting it as Ali sat on the bench. The vibrations could be felt by all, Marcus had ignored it since he was never very much interested in that scene, clubs, loud music and crowds of people made him uncomfortable, especially after he had lived alone for so many years. He heard Ali speak then.

"I think I may have just found a tip." Marcus looked down at her, his eyebrow raised, hoping in his mind that she was not talking about what he was thinking.

"Dare I ask?" She then pointed across the street towards the small club where they could hear techno music filtering out the doors. He sighed in his mind, feeling the dread of having to go into that place, he could feel the night starting to draw out now.

"Your not serious Ali." She looked up at him smirking. He felt what was coming to next, suddenly realizing the trap he just walked into with his words.

"What's the matter Marcus, worried that a little dance club is going to blow the cover of you inability to dance?" He had frowned at her, she rose form the bench then and the group followed, he grinned behind her back as he shook his head. His expression going flat again, keeping his features straight as they prepared to enter the club, the rank smell of sweat catching them all, the wind carrying with it the sickly scent of vampires as well. He hardly heard the exchange between Ali and Jason as he started to move forward, the group catching up as they passed into the club, Ali was getting ahead of them Marcus doing his best to keep up along with Demetri. He realized how out of place he looked right now, he hadn't had time to change like Ali, he only had his robe on him, his tattooed features drew looks from other people. Unable to cover up he could only push forward, keeping track of Ali as best he could, when she had finally stopped he had halted a fair enough distance away, the other filtering into the club scene as best they could, looking for their targets. When he saw Ali pull off her jacket, seeing her creamy skin exposed as it was, the smile on her face as the words escaped her lips made his heart beat so fast he thought he would pass out.

"Well, this is a dance club." It was all she said to them as she went out into the dance floor, he saw the way she moved, the way she swayed her hips. He was pulled in instantly, unable to focus on anything going on other then her, trying to understand what she was doing, why dance here, or all times. He had his arms crossed as he tried to keep his eyes vigil, being her silent protector, her reasons didn't become clear until he saw someone approach her, he saw how he went for her neck first, nibbling on it without a care, Marcus blood rose, his anger starting to creep in as he understood who this was, a vampire trying to move in Ali. He unfolded his arms, they exchanged words, Ali having pulled her hair aside, Marcus watched as he felt the rage coursing through him. She saw him then, locking eyes with him as she saw the heat in his stance. He felt a presence beside him, the sweet scent following, he unclenched one hand and gripped the handle of a blade, a voice in his ear now.

"Couldn't help but notice you, stranger." He growled at the woman beside him, his eyes focused forward.

"Care for a dance." He remained silent as he glanced to his side briefly, before looking forward.

"No, get away from me." He felt a hand on his shoulder, he jerk it away from the soft hands. Turning his head to look at her, showing her the fire burning in his heart now.

"I said get away from me." The vampiress took the hint, slinking away from him with a dark look on her face. Marcus brought his gaze back to Ali and the vampire, he had began to dance with her, having pulled her farther away in the span of a few seconds, Marcus began to push through the crowd now. Watching as the vampire whispered to her, pulling her aside he suddenly, out of Marcus sight he pushed harder now, the runes glowing ever so lightly as he used more strength to get through. He saw her briefly, being pulled deeper into the club he followed, he pace as fast as it could be in the mass of people. He came across and area separated by guards, the guards clearly part of the coven, he growled as he saw him pull her that way. Crossing the last stretch he approached the guards, his eyes cold now as they tried t bar his path.

"Whoa there freak, no entry unless you're invited." The guard looking over Marcus tattooed body, seeing the swords at his side he let out a throaty laugh, his partner did as well.

"Nice toothpicks, do you even know how to use those?" Marcus ignored their words as he started walking forward again, the guard barring his path with his full body.

"Hey, **** face, I just told you no entry unless invited. And you look like you wouldn't get the time of day fro-" His words cut off as Marcus lashed out then, his swords sliding back into its sheath as he kicked the form, the head rolling off as the other guard attempted to subdue Marcus. His runes flared to laugh as he smashed them into the guards chest, reaching in an crushing his heart, letting the fire of the rune burn through until their was only ash left. He kept going then, his rage and Ali's words mixing together to give him the drive to tear through anyone who threatened his life, or hers.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:41 PM.

[Takuuya]

"Luwein can you freeze this whole room except for us?" Demetri said.

"...I'm sorry commandant, I don't have that much control over my power to be selective like that."

"Well, you can still freeze the whole room right? for how long?"

"Considering the mast amount of people here... a few minutes" Luwein said, "But I'm going to have to be above them to cast the time stasis so it affects the whole room."

"Ok...Well get to it Private, I need you to get ahead of this crowd and follow Ali, stay hidden.... do not engage unless necessary " Demetri said, A second later Luwein ran at him then jumped off his shoulders into the air, tucking his legs in and hugging them as he flipped in the air like a cannon ball. When he was high enough he opened up like a star emitting a time stopping wave that covered the room.

Luwein landed lightly on someone head, running on top of the crown until he got to where Marcus was. He patted Marcus until he came upon an empty sheath. Luwein had no weapons expect his staff... which he couldn't bring because it would stand out too much. "Thank you kindly, Sir" Luwein Ran past the oncoming guards who were stuck in the time stasis. He stopped once he saw the shadows of the Vampire and Ali. Time should start up any second now, Luwein stuck to the shadows, and waited.

Edited by Takuuya, 07 May 2011 - 12:22 PM.

[K.G]

Ali allowed her self to be hauled to the back room, waiting for the moment she wanted to strike out and kill him when she suddenly heard something outside the door, the screams of the two burly vampires they had passed a few seconds ago crieing out in agony. The vampire holding onto her glared back at the door before pulling her roughly further towards the back, she winced as she felt his claw like nails dig into her arm and break the skin of her arm.
"Hey, your being a little rough friend."
He gave her a growl and she planted her feet when she heard the commotion behind her all of a sudden go silent, the music, the voices...there was nothing.
What the hell is going on out there?
She listened more intently but still nothing, she felt a slight panice well up into her chest, had the others been discovered? She began to pull away from the vampire.
"Let me go, lemme go!"
He whipped her around and back handed her hard across the face, his nails scratching her cheek and the force of the blow bruiseing her cheek, she let out a growl and brought her left leg upward, doing a vertical split she brought her leg down on top of the vampires head with such force she saw his eyes bug for a moment before he crumpled to the floor groaning. Standing tall she smirked down at him for a moment before the dull throb began to spread through her barefoot and she winced, lifting her foot off the floor and rubbing it on the back of her leg.
"Damn...I have got to stop doing that." She put her foot back on the floor and hopped up and down a few times getting the feeling back into her leg when all of a sudden she heard the music begin outside once again, confused she began to head for the door when an anger filled roar erupted behind the door before it died off.
"What the hell?!"
Ali threw open the door and took the steps two at a time before she reached the bottom seeing Marcus' panice filled eyes as he searched around the area looking for something.
"Marcus!"
His head snapped up towards her and she saw the reliefe flow through his eyes but he didn't do anything other than that, his panice taking over. She landed on the floor where Marcus was searching, she tried to get a hold of his shoulders to stop him and ask him what was wrong, but every time she did he would evade her until she finally grabbed a hold of his wirst.
"Marcus!"
He looked back over at her, his eyes straining to hear her next words but hearing them none the less, his eyes going wide.
"Love please. Tell me what's wrong."
He blinked at her before he spoke.
"Blues' sword...it's gone."
Ali looked at his waist and noticed that indeed one of the man's swords were gone.
"We'll find it, alright?"
He nodded slowly and she pulled him but his wrist towards the office that held the unconsious vampire, sending out a mental image and message to her husband, showing him where they were and that it was the target they needed.
"I think the head of this club, that vampire I was with is the master mind behind this club trap. I knocked him out up here but than when I heard the music stop I got worried."
He nodded and slammed into her as she stopped suddenly, he looked over her shoulder and she felt his body stiffen, his hands on her hips from where he had just slammed into her squeezing tightly. She found her voice before Marcus, speaking gently to the young man infront of them.
"Luwien... Can you please give me that sword?"
"All I have is my staff. I need asistance."
"That's fine. You can ask Pocket for a sword. That's Marcus', and it's very speacial to him."
Luwien looked at the sword in his hand and than to Marcus before nodding and tossing it to her, she caught it expertly but frowned at the boy, Marcus' growling behind her.
"Luwien, did you not just hear me say that this is speacial to Marcus?! A friend of his that passed away three years ago left these swords to him and I expect everyone on this team to treat them with the respect they would have shown Colonel Blues."
Luwien blinked before he bowed his head slightly.
"Forgive me. I didn't know."
She nodded before putting a hand on a shouldner.
"It's alright, we all make mistakes, just don't expect Marcus to talk to you for a bit. He's alot angier than you think."
"Than why does he remain silent?"
"Because I took care of it. Now come on. We have a job to do."
He gave her a small smile and nodded, she walked over to Marcus and put her hand on his shoulder.
"Hey Warded Man, you alright?"
He glanced sideways at her, holding the sword gently about to say something when his eyes took in the scratches on her face and the bruise that had blossomed across her skin.
"How did that happen Ali?"
"It's nothing."
She played the event over in her head, her new level of power still not stable completely she projected it to him with out even meaning to, he growled and shoved past her, cursing she went after him trying to calm him down before he killed their only lead to the situation.

[Darth Vectis]

The marks on her face had been the final straw for Marcus, seeing that vampire nibble on her and hold her like that had started a fire in him, he had been on the war path, then the unthinkable happened to him. He had felt his weight become unbalanced then, as if he was missing something and saw then what was missing, one of his blades gone and his mind had instantly fled into a panic then. He hadn't been separated from those blades, like this, the entire time he had carried them, the day he left the Northern Base of the HDF they had stayed with him and he had guarded them almost jealously. With one gone, he felt incomplete, he felt broken and unable to control the panic and rage. Ali had come across him at that point, he would of normally felt pathetic, on his hands and knees looking for something that should have been obvious, but right now he couldn't think past that point. He had sen Ali, feeling better about her being safe but he still couldn't stop searching, he needed to find it, the compulsion driving deep into his mind now. He had shouldered her aside as he kept looking, her words falling on deaf ears until she finally snatched his wrist, her words finally breaking through.

"Love please. Tell me what's wrong." Thee words crashed into the wall of panic and fear in his mind, bringing him back from his lost world. He let his breathing even out as he spoke, his words coming off softly.

"Blues' sword... it's gone." She comforted him there, bringing him back to his feet as he calmed down now, the panic still gnawing at him but it was controllable now.

"We'll find it alright?" He nodded then, follwoing her into the room the vampire had taken her, his breathing trying to remain even as she spoke to him.

"I think the head of this club, that vampire I was with is the master mind behind this club trap. I knocked him out up here but than when I heard the music stop I got worried." He nodded and slammed into her as she stopped suddenly, he was looking over her shoulder now, seeing the distinct runes on a blade Luwien was holding. His body tensing up as he felt the panic replaced with anger, his hands squeezing on Ali's hips as he tried to control himself. She spoke before he could even move, no words had come to mind except to walk forward and snatched the weapon from his hands, other thoughts crossed his mind. He missed the exchange between the two of them, only feeling the whisper of Ali's words in his mind, soothing him as loosened his grip.

It's ok Marcus, he didn't know. The thoughts keeping him calm, until he watched in almost horror as Luwien tossed the blade to them. Marcus knew that the sword was protected, the blade's would be able to handle a fall without a problem, it was the lack of respect for it that almost made him rip past Ali and smash into Luwien. Ali had caught it then, handing it to Marcus as she approached him, he held the blade in his hand for a few moments, feeling whole again, Ali exchanged words with Luwien again, Marcus ignore the words. Ali returning to him now, seeing if he was ok. He was about to answer when he saw the marks on her face. His words falling away as he saw the damage.

"How did this happen Ali?"

It's nothing." She responded quick enough that Marcus almost let it go, until he suddenly saw what happened play through his mind, Ali being struck across the face by the vampire, the force causing her head to snap painfully to one side. His mind returning to normal, his body registering what he had planned to do, he pushed past her now, Luwien was an after thought now, the blade in his hand would find another body to bite into. He moved into the room now, hearing a groan coming from a figured on the ground and he moved slightly. He moved then, his steps taking him until he was standing over the vampire now, the fire in his eyes mixing with his hard expression would have made someone freeze up. He reached down with his free hand, picking up the vampire as he dragged him and slammed him into a bookcase in the office. The vampire grunting as lay amongst the derbies, Marcus not relenting as he dragged the vampire out by his leg, the creature more conscious now struggled to get out of his grasp. Marcus swinging him across the ground to smash into a corner of the office desk, the vampire roaring out in pain as he thrashed. He pressed his sword to the vampires throat now.

"Stop squirming." He said plainly, the vampire feeling the blade on his throat his movement stopped, Marcus reaching down and grabbing him by the front of his shirt and lifting him off the ground then smashing him into a wall, he heard the creature cough weakly. Marcus had his sword to his face now, the tip digging into his cheek, the tip resting on the bone now.

"Let's see how your face fairs against metal." Marcus slowly started to drag the blade across his face, the vampire screaming as the blade cut deep. He pulled it back as he placed it on his throat again.

"Anything you want to say before it ends for you?" The vampire laughed as he tried to get out of Marcus grip, the nails digging into his skin, the pain hardly anything to him. He saw a smile on his face that Marcus would of liked to tear off.

"I don't, but I think, they do." Marcus turned his head just enough to see Ali running at him now, Demetri and the others close behind her. He heard them now, all of them telling him to hold back, he heard the hesitation in Demetri's voice. He had seen the marks as well, his heart battling with his duty. Ali had come the closes then, laying a hand on his shoulder, he glanced at it before putting his eyes back on the vampire.

"Marcus, he is our only lead right now. Please calm down." He felt the fire still burning, but the flames were burning out, he now felt that his breath had become heavy with his anger. He slowed it as he came back to them all, Pocket was beside him now as well, hoping she could help some how. He lowered the blade now, sliding it silently back into place as he lowered the vampire next, his hand still on his throat, squeezing on more time, his eye bulging briefly before letting go. The creature falling to his knees as he gripped his throat, Marcus stepping away as he knew he needed to be far enough from the vampire. He stopped when he stood beside Demetri, speaking to him quietly.

"You've earned the honor to kill him, make sure it's slow." Demetri just looked at him for a few moments before continuing to his wife and their new captive. Marcus placing his back up against the wall, crossing his arms, letting his mind relax, he caught Luwien in his sight. The memory of his sword in his hand made him unhappy, he couldn't blame him though, he didn't know. Marcus did his best to stay under control then, letting the anger, frustration and rage seep out of his muscles, the tension loosened now, he felt better, and at the same time horrible. His face stayed straight, but his mind and heart coursed with the thoughts of how he had probably just presented himself to everyone, especially Ali. He deemed he would stay quiet for now, only speaking if someone talked to him.

Edited by Nergil Pendelton, 29 March 2012 - 03:41 PM.