[M][Namek] The Tempest

[Kaden]

With a small village saved and a group of Namekians led from safety, it only made sense that they set their sights on bigger, grander, and infinitely more suicidal things. If shooting themselves towards the largest ship the aliens had to offer wasn’t psychotic enough, then doing it an enemy vessel certainly would be. It seemed like their course was set and, even though Kaden had his doubts about it, they would just have to grin and bear it.

The cockpit of the little ship was small, definitely, but it seemed to be designed for beings who, for one reason or another, simply took up more space than the average human. Couple that with the fact that neither Sophia nor Loch required relatively little space, and it seemed like the ride wouldn’t be as uncomfortable as the courier initially feared. The newly arrived addition to their party was the first to climb into the ship, marveling at the wonders around her all the while.

Putting aside the fact that the girl had fallen from the sky notwithstanding, Kaden couldn’t help but be intrigued by the girl. When she had crashed upon him, the courier had been actively scanning their surroundings for any other alien threats that might be lurking nearby. That her presence had gone completely undetected by his sixth sense seemed, at first, nothing more than a fluke. When he then tried to scan the flow of her ki, he found himself completely caught off guard.

Only once did the courier recall running into someone with a similar ability. For one reason or another, the woman had been completely undetectable. Despite his efforts, Kaden couldn’t be sure whether they were actively preventing him from sensing or seeing their energy, or whether his senses were acting up on him. It wouldn’t be the first time that his sixth sense had acted of its own accord. He had tried to tame the ability and, though he had made some progress, he couldn’t claim a full mastery of it.

Jumping into the cockpit first, Loch shifted herself as far backwards as she could manage, trying to leave as much room as possible for her allies. Casting a quick glance at Sophia, Kaden waved her forward, politely saying that ladies go first. Taking the gesture at face value, Sophia hopped into the cockpit, positioning herself in as close to the driver’s seat as they were going to be able to get. Though he genuinely would have made the token display of chivalry, the courier was loathe to be in charge of flying the ship. The mere thought of flying, high above the ground, to the alien ship made him sick to his stomach. He was perfectly comfortable where he could feel the ground under his feet.

“Why do you delay?” Loch asked, noticing Kaden’s reticence to climb aboard.

“Just making sure we didn’t leave anyone behind,” the courier said quickly. The statement didn’t actually make any sense. It’s not like they would wait around for enemies if there were any left. “But you’re right,” he quickly continued. “Time to get this show on the road.”

“To adventure!” Loch declared boldly as Kaden finally pulled himself into the ship.

“So…” Sophia turned to the courier as he shoved himself into in the cockpit next to her. “Any idea how to fly this thing?”

“What? You mean you haven’t figured it out already?” the courier faked a teasing smile. He truly dreaded the thought of flying.

“Oh, well, sorry. I guess I should just leave the flying to you, then. I’m sure you’ll have us in the air in—“

“No no no,” Kaden interjected quickly. “All yours. I mean… how hard can it be? There are only a few different buttons.”

“So you want me to just start pressing buttons?” Sophia cast a skeptical glance at him.

“Should it prove too difficult a task, I’d be more than happy to lend a hand.” Loch said, a tone of excitement creeping into her words. “In fact, I should think a princess most qualified to press the first button.”

Before either Kaden or Sophia could even begin explaining how little sense that made, Loch leaned forward and thrust her finger towards a random button. Though there were, indeed, only a handful, as Kaden had said, they were all marked with indecipherable alien characters. A series of such characters suddenly illuminated, prompting the cockpit’s hatch to quickly shut. A mechanical hum filled the air as the ship came to life. Seconds later, all three could feel the vessel lift from the ground.

What happened next, Kaden couldn’t be too sure of. As he felt the ship begin to move, his hand instinctively grabbed at Sophia’s, clenching it tightly. Though he knew, somewhere in the back of his mind, that he was acting very much like a child about to ride his first roller coaster, he couldn’t help it. His eyes slammed shut as the ship began moving a weaving through the air. Though, in all reality, they were only airborne for a few moments, it felt to Kaden as though the trip had taken years, and that his lifespan had become that much shorter.

A dull metallic clang vibrated through the cockpit as their small ship touched down. The humming of the ship stopped and the hatch swung open and, almost immediately, Kaden burst forward. His breath was coming quickly and ragged, as though he had run all the way to the ship above Ja City, and he did absolutely everything in his power to forget that he was currently floating high above the planet. Quickly following her ally, Sophia placed a hand on the courier’s shoulder as she neared him, obviously concerned.


“You ok?” she asked quietly.

“What?” Kaden snapped his head towards her, all too preoccupied with handling his fear of heights. It was only when his eyes met hers that he realized exactly how he must have looked. He took a deep breath and, with as much of a smile as he could manage, placed his hand reassuringly atop hers. “Yeah, I’m ok. Just… ugh… well, I don’t handle heights as well as I’d like to.”

“To hold one ship so neatly within another,” Loch suddenly said, her eyes sweeping across the docking bay they were in. “Truly a marvel.”

“Well don’t get too attached,” Sophia replied, her eyes lingering on Kaden for a moment before turning to Loch. “It’s a marvel we’re going to be ripping apart. Right, Kaden?”

“That was pretty much my plan,” he confirmed. “Breaking into the ship, blow the ship up, narrowly escape the flaming wreckage… y’know… the usual.”

[Mal Nova]

A name for himself? While already known as The Predator in the underworld, he had to wonder how The Demon would sound. His enemies had dubbed him this, and he had to ponder if it might stick.

That single moment of thought cost them their advantage of suprise though. The Renegade looked up as a yellow clad warrior pressed a few buttons into the keypad His arm launched the scythe but it was to late. The doors opened and the Imperfect Namekian knew trouble would soon come. He looked back at his engaged comrades and couldn't offer an answer as to what had happened as they glancecd their way. Nova had to wonder if perhaps the alien was attempting to flee. Not long after though, an alarm went off. Red lights near the upper ceiling started flashing and an annoying resounding blare siren screamed on and off.

Maleficus wanted to cover his ears, but as he took the life of another he only wanted to kick himself in the ass for messing up. He could have killed the alien, but he hadn't watched him sneak by. Desoin and Tamsin quickly went to work, as did Vad, Trixie, Juno and Juliet. Nova however, stood there in shock for a moment. It wasn't long however before he had snapped out of it though. A fist to his fast was all that was needed. The Jade Fiend quickly reacted with a hand grabbing the wrist of the limb that had struck him, and loosed a kick, forcing his boot to arise to the head of the target.

It was another fodder, and the foe collapsed but the next foe to step up was obviously an actual warrior. This one was strong, and Mal knew it as he blocked a kick from the foe. Nova took a blow to the chest, and he heard the march of boots coming from the distance ever through the constant whaling of the alarm. The enemy was coming with reinforcements.. The Namekian wondered how many were actually coming but he couldn't pause to think. He slammed a fist into his foe over and over again, knowing time was of the essence.

The reinforcements showed up quicker then expected and the Renegade dug in. Maleficus had the reinforcements to his back, and his main target at his front. The immediate threat saw the Imperfect Namekian's predicament, and loosed a barrage of energy at the trapped one. Nova, didn't flinch as orb after consistent orb came his way. He did close his eyes however, and slowly inhaled a bit of oxygen. He altered his hearing, blocking the frequency that the alarm reverberated from in his ear canals.

Next, he heard the scream of his closest and most treasured comrade, as she called out his name. It wasn't one of trouble, but rather one of fear. Fear for his safety, as the image of him stoically excepting a huge barrage of ki from an enemy looked as if he had given up. The mercenary wished sometimes that Suzaku wouldn't worry and would just trust him. He knew she took her job as a Servus Maid with a heavy heart and believed she had to protect him at all times, but he knew it would be easier if she would relax.

His thoguhts of ease obviously flashed through her mind because she cut herself short. The situation the Jade Fiend was in was actually near serene to him. He felt at peace with himself, knowing the energy was getting closer to him. Had Vad been standing where he was, the hardened warrior would have either accepted the attack, launched one more powerful back at the enemy, or simply zanzokened out of the way. Nova wasn't Vad though and he had a bit more of a disturbing idea.

The whisper of the air allowed the Namekian to hear each one of the trajectory paths of the upcoming onslaught. Tapping into his inner powers even though, the force of the wind quickly altered their paths, forcing them to go around his green, pink and partially silver flesh. As the orbs passed him they were again altered and put back in the direction they were initially intended for. Some of the more volatile balls of energy imploded from the quick alterations creating a cloud of debris

It was the perfect mask and disguise for him. Behind there were screams of pain and anguish. The term of course was friendly fire, and the Jade Fiend had been the one to manipulate it. He was wicked and cruel and he felt satisfaction in his maniacal trick. His Foe let out a satisfied grin; Nova was able to catch it through the wisps of smoke. The eruption of the blasts teamed with the wailing sirens had masked the screams from the Invader's ear's so his thoughts of elation were under the false assumption that he had really stuck it to The Demon.

What ever dreams of glorious recognition he would get, quickly dissipated as the darkened shadow appeared amidst the grey clouds. A return of confused fire that for obvious reasons missed the find again, and the alien was stricken with anguish before the assault of rapid fire consumed him. Nova simply strode his way in a calm demeanor. His hand grasped the neck of his foe and closed tightly. Of all the words the alien had thought to say, to curse the Namekian, only one gurgled word actually slipped through. The mercenary didn't need translation to know that it meant 'Demon'.

The Renegade unleashed the foe and the Invader dropped, falling into eternal darkness. Nova turned to the remnants of the reinforcements and watched as their faces mixed with anger, fear and confusion. He heard the ally in the suit command Vad to come with him. He heard the saiyan say he was best suited here. He even heard the argument the mechanical warrior gave and listened as they left. Mal thought the armored warrior to be more of a coward and foolish.

It actually angered the Imperfect Namekian to no end. Last he checked taking command of the ship wasn't their prerogative, but they were to destroy it instead. Those standing in him didn't stand a chance really. As the renegade's forearms flared with his Fiend Wind and energy pulsated in his hands. He let out a growl and his anger showed as he launched the energy and cutting wind at those still standing in the metallic portal.

The result was messy, but the Jade Warrior didn't care. One still stood and he knew that this was the leader of the reinforcements. Desoin quickly moved to the keypad and entered a few buttons himself. The alarms got quiet but the white armored Mystic looked to Nova his eyes stating that This needed to end fast and a remedy needed to be sought before someone came to double check on things.

The Renegade reached in his pocket and pulled out the three devices that Desoin had given him that Enroshia had wanted him to have. Right now he needed some assistance. He pocketed the red and green device, and looked to the orange one. He looked to his foe and snarled and charged, his dash not allowing his feet to actually touch. The foe stood there, his mouth opened as he spoke the strange language, and it was most likely a taunt of arrogance. Maleficus only stopped mid-way, grinned and pressed the button on the round device. He flicked it at the foe and the target was spot on and landed itself deep in the mouth of the invader as the foe tried to go 'huh'.

The portal expanded and the body, was quick to envelope itself in a distorted fashion. The portal quickly fashioned itself and out came the ten stone Guardians along with five mystics.

Nova looked behind him to see the others had finished the rest off and were moving in. Before they could get to close Desoin was quick to speak, "I suggest we get into the gear these guys wear, leave the Guardians here in case someone gets suspicious, and we get the move on."

"The Green guy will stick out. And we can't speak the enemies language", came Juliet in a smart retort.

Desoin winked, "I've got enough of the language down and Maleficus Nova can make himself unseen, if you forgot. As a matter of a fact he can fix us up quickly with the outfit."

[Chubbs Story Account]

The world keeps spinning.

[Android-18]

Big lavender hues shifted slowly left, and then right, peering out the dusty window of the alien ship as it lifted into the sky. Not only was it a ship, flying, but it was flying into a bigger ship, which was also flying. She had been weary at first. This was beyond anything she had ever seen, ever dreamed of. Boats flying in the air...The most she had ever seen as such strange contraptions had been the devices created by the Myrn region. The country was filled with scholars and tinkerers who meddled with the metals and magics to create things that were beyond her understanding. It was an art that had barely been developed...the most being that of an item that could see across the distance via a tube and reflective surfaces. The princess found it all so astounding, but nothing as exciting as this!

“Amazing,” her voice was beneath her breath, and she snapped off the belt that she had secured over her torso. “To hold one ship so neatly within another,” she said a little louder, her curious gaze sweeping the confines of the docking bay from within their craft,“Truly a marvel.”

Loch had the hatch open with a hiss, all but ignoring her new found companions. She wouldn't grow 'attached', but she could enjoy the sights of this dream-world. During their short foray into the belly of the beast, the estranged would-be knight had been calculating the probability of this world even being real. This was not possible; ships were not meant to fly. It was deduced that, in the end, the wizard had undoubtedly placed her into an adventurous dream-state. Whether it was by an evil hand or not, she couldn't be sure. There were many magic's in the world that she had no grasp on. For now, the princess would have to continue on her path, and find her way out of this place alive. Her conjured comrades in arms were undoubtedly her aids on this spirit walk. That had to be why Kaden resembled her brother so, yes, it all made perfect sense in her mind.

“Shall we, comrades?” she said, standing at the bottom of the ramp. Her elegant sword was drawn and held tight within one hand. It appeared so heavy, and impossible for a youthful girl to hold so steady, but Lo'clia of Hal'lal managed just fine.

“Should we just do it here?” Kaden asked as he stepped down the ramp after the girl.

Sophia followed close behind, her gaze flicking around the hanger. “No, all we'd do is blast a hole through the side...it would barely damage this thing let alone bring it down. We should probably figure out a way to take this ship down in the best possibly way, engine room, maybe?”

They were right in the bowels of the ship, the space large enough to fit three of the pod-ships that they had happened upon. Their transport had allowed for easy access. Metal lined all the walls and the floor, strips of lighting snaked from floor to wall, along the ceiling, and down the other side. The massive alien ship hummed as if it had a life of its own, thrumming deeply, the lights a soft ambiance against each figure. There were three entrances, two to the right where they stood, and one to the left.

“Engine room?” Loch turned to her side, eying them with her head turned. “Shall we part ways and venture forth to find this room you speak of?”

“I don't think we should split up. It won't be hard to find, besides, it looks like they have no idea we're here, right?” Kaden glanced between the two females that made up his party.

“Right, stick together. There's no telling what we could end up going against and the more man-power we have the better.” Sophia nodded her head and began to walk along the wall of the hanger. She looked up and down along the dark metal, a hand grazing the cool material. Their entry had been from below, the floor opening like a mighty jaw, closing under the pod.

“What is she doing?” Lo'clia whispered softly, skeptical.

“I have no idea...” The male replied, equally bemused.

“Ah ha! I knew it!”

They rounded the ship to the right where Sophia had wandered, her finger dragging down along a glowing display embedded in the wall beside one of the doors. It was a myriad of lines and symbols that glowed a soft green upon the black. It would have been impossible to understand the words on the large screen, but it appeared that their fellow adventurer had it mostly figured out.

“This here is where we are,” she pointed at a large space with a red symbol similar to a swirled circle. She dragged her finger along one of the traced corridors which was just to the left of the display. “This way leads to a hall with a few side rooms,” she jabbed her finger against the smaller spaces. Sophia's hand hovered over the end of the hall, and then tapped the screen where a large square room was indicated. “This could be the engine room but it's hard to tell. There might be several floors to this ship.”

“It won't be that easy,” Loch said, sheathing her sword and crossing her arms. “Every journey is built upon a trial. We've only just arrived, and we'll have much more than a simple corridor to follow, to deal with. There will be hordes of demons, twists, and ultimately a grand ending. Alas, I concur, that route seems logical. The other two lead to dead ends.” The princess pointed to the two separate directions, the one to their right leading to a small room which had a purple triangle shape. The other one across the hanger led to a circular room with two yellow symbols that were mere dots. “While the room you indicated,” she tapped it as Sophia had, “shows a juncture that connects to here.” Loch's hand moved up and she made a small circle against a lit up character that matched the mark where the other map had been cut off. “Another level.”

“What are you, a cartographer?” Kaden remarked with a raised brow.

“Heavens, no! But Captain Barlette often let me study his maps. They weren't like these,” her pretty head shook from side to side causing her hair to dance about her shoulders. “These are much more advanced, but often when charting the caverns of Hyu, off the coast of Latlan, the Captain would place markers,” she pointed at the light blue squiggle where the large room was cut off by a small hall, “that would connect with another map upon a scroll.” Her finger slid up to the second squiggle.

“Alright, we'll take this corridor. There might be more maps along the way.” Sophia nodded firmly and looked to Kaden.

“Wait, you want me to lead the cavalry?”

“You're a guy, of course,” Sophia's reply was simple, but she turned and rolled her eyes. Before the decision could be argued their ever-courageous princess was marching down the hallway with her sword at the ready. “Never mind, let's go.”

It was quiet here, as far as alien spaceships went. For the dimensional traveler it was a distraction that pounded in at her from all sides. Why must it hum so insistently, she wondered? It was a heartbeat so foreign to her ears. This was not the sound of a steam engine, so new and so grand that only the royal ships held them in their bowels. This noise was soft, a hum from a monster that they traversed within. She shifted her pretty violet eyes to watch the shadows cast off by the eerie lights. Bands of the illuminating technology spanned along either side of the hall. These demons were humanoid as most demons were known to be. Once she had seen a werewolf, such a nasty creature! Never a demon.

“There's a group in the room there,” Kaden murmured quietly, pointing several feet ahead to one of the rooms they had seen on the map.

“If there's one thing I've learned in my trials as a Knight, it was that whilst in the battlefield, none survive. These creatures are our enemies, we shall smite them.” Lo'clia said simply, softly, bravery in her voice. She turned to the two other blond haired warriors and eyed them carefully. “Assuming your lack of courage, one can assume that you are a magic user?” she said, indicating the male with a nod of her head. “And your female companion lacks a weapon, so I am the logical choice to lead the attack.”

“You just got served.” Sophia held a hand over her mouth to suppress a laugh as she looked toward Kaden.

The room was filled with four alien invaders, their forms leaning over a table. Several leaflets of paper were lying upon a short table. There were no chairs, and the room was empty aside from the table they stood over. Along with the papers, which were being pushed around, swapped, and flipped over, were a number of medallions piled in the center. An alien tossed one onto the pile and let out a gurgled noise before slapping the one beside him over the head.

Lo'clia nodded firmly to Kaden and Sophia, their plan now in action. She walked over to the door and brandished her sword. “Demons, prepare for death, prey the Underlord has mercy!” she said with her strong accented voice and let the horde come at her. Their game was forgotten, their mangled faces turned to the new objective. Loch sliced her sword forward in defense, meanwhile, her supposed mages came from behind with their attacks at the ready. One demon was already writhing at their feet, blood pooling against the metal as it wailed piteously. Her weapon was gripped with both hands and driven into the creatures heart, if such a thing existed. It was silenced, the blade withdrawn causing a ribbon of the life-essence to sling up against the wall of the room. The blond knight advanced and continued to defend the two behind her. Battle was always so glorious!

[Chubbs Story Account]

"Juno. A second Militia team has landed on the Myreen. Their location has been marked on your communicator. It is advised that you contact them as soon as possible; they will be of great service in the assault. The man named Kaden has a deciphered communicator, which offers a glimpse into the enemy's communications."

========================

"Kaden. We've finally put together a program that deciphers the Invader's language. Roughly. It's hardly perfect, but it will give the general thrust of their communications. It is already synced up to the communicator you found on the planet.

I have also updated your personal communicator with the location of the primary assault team. It is advised that you contact them as soon as possible."

[Mal Nova]

"We need to split up!"

Maleficus Nova looked at the leader with confusion. He wanted to speak, but he haulted himself. He knew little about the couple and they knew little about him. Perhaps splitting up was a good thing. THey all had communicators if they needed and he had other means of communication as well.

"Fine. The Guardians will remain to cover our tracks and fight as they can." Lets split up and hope we can destroy this airship before it is too late. We'll plant the bombs where we can and we will detonate them sm hour after after the first is placed. I Hope you guys can do whatever it is you are suppose to do." Nova handed Juno a timer and Juno nodded and turned away.

The Namekian was quick to vanish and the group parted ways. Juno and Juliet were left to do their own thing, while the Mystics marched on. Among the Mystic group though was the explosion expert, Talysyn. She was younger then Talysyn and had signed a contract under The Horsemen. She was younger then Tamsin by a few years but the red haired specialists seemed to make the Servus warrior jealous. THe simple fact though was Suzaku, Nova, and the other mystics needed to assist the lass in planting the bombs.

The Demon was now with his own people alone and he knew of their complications. It was obvious to everyone else that if it came down to the two girls, that Nova would choose Tamsin over Talysyn but the silver haired girl was blind to it all. Desoin had read the minds of his foes and the Invader group moved through the hallways for a while without interaction. They all bore the colors of the Invaders and would pass for them unless spoken to. Desoin, who was attempting to crack the entire languuage seemed frustrated at it all, but had seemed to decipher enough to speak if he needed to.


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


The crimson wearing Mystic appeared in front of the dark tunnel. He shook his head, always baffled by how this one could live so easliy alone, no other forms of light, and purely in the dark. Enroshia knew that it all was pretty much symbolic of the many aspects that made this one in to the single entity that he was.

The solitude, by its self, represented his interpretation of his hinships heritage for findings oneself by meditation. It allowed him the peace and serenity needed to concetration as he searched deep within. The darkness represented his soul. He was said to have a dark heart, with a lust for killing, but that was never the case. If they knew him they'd know that he had a lust for intrigue and a challenge. Killing was just a deeper part of him that was a release from the pain and anguish he had endured.

The lack of life around him, was symbolic to what he was considered to be; The Reaper, the Harbringer of Death. He had traversed the path as a life taker for many years before he had taken on the egyptian gods and had been bestowed the powers as such, though long before he had taken on similar appearances. It all started shen he became a Horsemen after being brought back to life, his purpose was to save lives, while taking lives in attempts to keep Heaven and Hell, both happy. It was a charge he had been given by the Arbitrator and he had carried it out well enough.

As well though, the lack of life surrounding him was also out of fear and respect. Sure many years had passed since his name was spread far and wide, and only a few tales got brought up about him every once in a while either in a tavern or someone telling a scary ghost story.

The white haired Mystic could only smirk at the similarities of this mature warrior and his off spring, but he also knew well of theis differences, "I'm not coming in, so you may as well come out. Last time I tried I tripped over a stalacite, or stalagmite, what ever the other is called!"

Enro listened though he knew that this one was as quiet at a hunting cat, if not quieter. It was what made him so well in the dark, not to mention his keen sense of hearing. Out from the mouth of the cave, soon emerged the Emerald Fiend. His cowl wasn't pulled over his head because he didn't need to hide anything from the Mystic. The Namekian wasn't an elder, but the signs of a hardened warrior were etched upon his face. He looked up to the skies, not needing to meet the eyes of his comrade and watched at the stars.

It wasn't just stars that Retane saw, but rather it was lights from airships. Invaders had come to Mercy, and from his understanding, Namek as well. He had been asked if he'd assist and though he gave thoguht about it, he had decided agaisnt it. Enroshia had told him that Respawne had come out of his own hole and was attempting to make a name for himself. It was not only a name for his son, but an attempt to surpass his own. Retane knew that that wasnt the route to take, but some people had to learn the hard way. The hard way would get him killed.

"So many have crossed over since this started." Retane had the Mark of the Reaper and he could discern when people crossed over and even track them in the afterlife. It was a gift bestowed upon him with his Mark,

"You know tyou want to join in and assist." Enro teased.

"I do but they call themselves mercenaries and assassins, They should be able to handle themselves if they are qualified. If not then perhaps they should be removed from their class." Retane was blatant and to the point, though he knew he would never just let his home go.

"And what of your son?" Enroshia had to ask.

"He's going to get himself killed. Just like the rest of them." The answer was honest and pure.

Enroshia only shook his head, "Maybe, but I'm here to try and stop that."

Retane looked back to the skies, " Well, lets hope your plan is good."

Enroshia shrugged,"It's not as if it is good or not, but the question is what the hell is going to happen?"

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

[Chubbs Story Account]

The world keeps spinning.

Mal
*BUFF* Resolve - Determination in the face of uncertainty. Mal's CA is increased by 30% for the duration of the saga.

[Android-18]

The trio stood within the remains of the invader's game, now forgotten in pools of their thick blood. Loch plucked a medallion from the blood-splattered table and flipped it around between her fingers curiously. “They have strange currency, this isn't gold,” she murmured to herself. The princess slipped the small coin into a pouch residing at her hip, spoils of war.

“Hey, I just got a message,” Kaden pointed to a communication device located against his ear. “There's more people on this ship.”

“Great, who is it?” Sophia wiped a stray spot of blood that had, unfortunately, managed to taint her outfit. Try as she might it only became smeared into the fabric.

“No clue, all I know is there's an assault team. Oh, yeah, and supposedly we can use that alien thing now,” the blonde male pointed at the device Sophia had procured earlier. She now withdrew it from the small bag tied to her waist.

“What are you two discussing?” Lo'clia leaned close to the pair, her eyes wide, peering at the technology grasped within the youth's hands. “What magic is this?” she murmured softly.

The two ignored their would-be companion, and Sophia fiddled with a few buttons, before a crackling voice sounded on the item. A small screen flickered to life and jumbled letters formed words, deciphered text from the speech communicated over the speakers. “You're right, they've managed to import the program into the device. It's translating...although it doesn't make a lot of sense, I think I understand what's going on.”

“It's better than nothing, hold on,” Kaden turned only to find Loch staring straight at him with hands on her hips.

“Stop ignoring me, what is that thing?” she pointed at the item in Sophia's hands.”

“We don't have all day, it's...it's like a communicator. I'll explain later.”

Kaden stepped out of the room and looked down the hallway, the two girls followed behind him. “I'm going to try and contact the other team. If they're in here, they need to know our plan.”

“Right, I'll see if I can get any information out of this thing,” Sophia waved the alien device a little for emphasis and looked down at it as she turned a small dial on the side.

“What do I do?” the third blond asked, beginning to find herself hopelessly lost in their conversation.

“Stand guard.”

Kaden and Sophia said this in sync, looking up, and then turning to do their own thing. Loch shrugged lightly and shook her head. With her sword sheathed and dripping blood, she walked ahead of them in the corridor and kept herself on guard. This was something she could do.

- -

Their male comrade finished communicating with the other team. It had been with mild surprise in his voice, too. Now the other team knew the plan. The ship needed to be moved from it's position over Ja city otherwise it wouldn't end well. Either they would have to take it over, or they would have to find another way to destroy it without making it fall.

“This doesn't look good,” Sophia muttered and looked up at them. “If I'm reading this right, Namek was attacked. Someone, or something, hurled an asteroid at the planet and wiped out a mass of invaders on the other side. They're freaking out,” she pointed at the communicator. “Their starting up their weapons to fire on the people who attacked them.”

“The way I see it, is that we have two options,” Loch chipped in, although she continued to face away. Sophia and Kaden both glanced up, wondering why she didn't continue. “Do you want to know?” she asked over her shoulder.

“Yeah, come on,” Kaden sighed and rolled his eyes. “We're kind of running out of time.”

“In one of the great wars of our time, there were voyages upon the sea. Pirates roamed the oceans and attacked the royal war vessels, hindering their victory against the opposing kingdoms. In the end, it was those sea-dogs that were winning. There was no greater reward than to plunder the provisions and sell off hardy men as slaves,” Loch stood erect, speaking with crisp authority as she recalled the histories.

“What's your point? Should we find some eye patches?” Sophia chided.

“No, you silly girl,” Loch turned with a soft giggle and her eyes bright. “I know how they overcame the ships. We have to assault the captain, once we do, we'll claim the ship. The matter of their firepower is easy. We should also go for their weapons. I would suggest coordinating our attack plan with the other team. While one group heads off the captain and takes control of the vessel, the other team takes care of the weapons and stalls the engines. This boat will be dead in the water,” her knuckles rapped on the side of the corridor as she finished.

“If we take over the ship it won't be a threat anymore,” Kaden looked from Loch to Sophia as he spoke. “That might work. Although, I'd rather blow it up.”

“You'd rather blow anything up,” Sophia waved a hand and slid the communicator away.

“We have to decide who will go to the forward bow, and who will take to the weaponry hold. Assuming their team is comprised of as many hands, three of us, and three of them, we should be able to manage. This ship may be big, and these demons strong, but together we'll bring them to a stop,” the girl grasped her sword hilt and looked firmly at her companions. “I say we go for our original plan, altered of course. This corridor led to the engine room, we concluded. This is where we may be able to stall their engines, and possibly have access to their weapons cache.”

“Let me talk to the other team and see where they are, and if they might be close to the deck of the ship,” Kaden said.

Lo'clia nodded and turned to look down the hall. If the other team was ready, they would be too. She could feel it in her body to press forward without fear. This dream-world, whatever it might be, needed her. The princess needed to succeed in order to return home.

[Vad]

"NOW!"

Both Trixie and Prototype extended their palms forward unleashing twin beams of energy aimed straight for the generals' feet. Leaping forward Vad threw his arm over his head not unlike a baseball pitch and whirled his sharpened shield directly at Fums' chest. Wrapping an arm around his wife's waist Zulenka dragged her towards the nearest pod.

"Prototype! Let's go!" He shouted to his partner.

The General had been sufficiently distracted. Vad's shield had embedded itself into his armor coated forearm as he had attempted to block it. Robert quickly retreated upon hearing Vad's voice and entered the nearest unoccupied teleportation tube. With another cluster fuck of blue, red, and black particles the group was teleported to another part of the ship.

***

Vad was seriously getting tired of the alien horde he had been tasked with defending against. As he was thrown from the teleportation pod he soon realized he was no longer on the alien cruiser when the urge to remove dirt from his mouth arose. Prototype had landed inside a broom closet without his allies, but for now he was safe. Vad and Trixie on the other hand had landed in Rural Prospect A of Trixie's home realm. The Demon Realm.

" We're in the realm again? Won't that set-!?" Vad directed toward his wife.

"Yes...it will. The Realm Militarized Police Force is on the way. I needed to get us out." Beatrix explained.

Trixie moved to her husband and extended her hand. With a frown he took it and hoisted himself onto his feet. His wife was wearing considerably different clothing. A black form fitting tank top covered the upper portion of her torso cutting off just before her navel. Covering her gorgeous legs was a pair of black formfitting jeans and instead of her signature black stilettos a pair of running shoes were instead adorned on her feet. Moving his eyes from his wife's chest to her face he met the frightened gaze of her beautiful pink eyes. Trixie's hair was tied into a fluffy pony tail that flowed halfway down her back. She had reverted to her long hair appearance; Vad could only assume to confuse the realm officials as to who she was.

"What's with the look? Did I miss something?" The saiyan grew concerned. Trixie rarely ever showed true fear.

[Mal Nova]

She was tiring quicker and more esier then she should have. Her banged were matted down on her forehead from perspiration, and had her skin not been light in color, she'd have looked a bit pale. Her breathing was heavy, and she couldn't seem to get it under control. It was the poisoned curse, she knew. She had been doing her best to hide it from Maleficus by giving her all in battle. She was determined to do her job, and no risk to her own life would stop her from assisting and protecting her Master. It was her job and it was what she lived, and would die for.

Maleficus appeared down the hallway motioning for the Horsmen Unit to hurry their way. Through it all, her own weariness and worry, she had to smile as her device worked and fit the Imperfect Namekian with pure profection. Most would think that he looked vile and wicked, but to the Servus Maid, he was beautiful in a sense that it was almost a work of art. The scythe straped to his wrist looked as if it might intimidate another and possibly even distract them and assist the Jade Fiend in handling a foe with more ease.

Killing wasn't her first option in battle, but it was at times the easiest way for the Renegade to complete a goal. She had tried to attempt to adapt his manner, but it wasn't always easy. As she had took the lives of the invaders she kept reminding herself that they were after her Master and meant to harm the innocent. It was kill or be killed, and dying while not defending Maleficus Nova was not in her job description. She had to wonder though, what exactly was the reason behind it all, why did the Yellow Clad Invaders come?
-
As the group reached the Renegade warrior, they peered into a room in which he had found. It was rather large with Machines with an array of colorful tubes protruding from many machines. The machines of course hardly made much more then a low quiet hum. Had you been use to it, you probably wouldn't even notice it. The Namekian who took the lead deeper in the room, while Talysyn, Tamsin, Desoin, and three others followed as well. The remainder stood outside doing their best to mimic the post stance from which they had noted of others they had passed them.

"What is this place", Tamsin asked. It was mesmerizing to her and she felt as if she couldn't take her eyes from it.

"Paradise." Talysyn answered. "Think of how pretty it will look when it blows up. It could be my best work!" The comment drew a look from Tamsin, but the explosive expert didn't even notice. Tamsin couldn't understand the girl her self. She knew she had been molded for this type of thing, almost like Maleficus Nova had been molded to be, what he had been to be. She wanted to snap at the bomber girl but she knew it would just create hosility and animosity, and that was something they didn't need on this mission.

"This is an engine room", Desoin answered the original question as he tinkered with a nearby panel, mashing buttons around on a touch screen monitor. The raven haired Mystic seemed to be getting a handle on thier technology and their language, and she knew that it had to be tough for anyone to do such a thing while interacting in their conditions and only do it in their head. The Mystic's, were a very peculiar and unique race though, and she could honestly understand why their remnants of their race hid themselves from time.

"An engine room?" Mal Nova had to question. "Not the engine room?" The White armored warrior nodded without looking towards him. Desoin knew the transmission the Mercenary had gotten, by linking up telepathically with him. He knew that the second groups plans had been to locate and destroy the engine. It was the only transmission they had received, but now there seemed to be a glitch in their plan. There was more then just a single engine room.

"Seems there is a main one located near the front of the ship, as well as four others that are actually in the area." Desoin was actually happy with him self as he gave the answer because he thought he hadn't come close to understanding their communications at all. Thw Mystic didn't stop working at all, how ever, he kept looking through things trying to get an even better handle on it all.

Mal Nova only watched him for a moment, before he turned and started investigating. Each neon colored tube lead to the ceiling and seemed to find its other counterparts of the same and trail in a single direction. into a wall. The Renegade moved through the room, having never seen such technology before and had to wonder what would happen if one of the tubes were broken. He shook his head quietly as he resisted, but could only ponder. He would find out some how.

"The Main Engine is that way, I'll assume?" Mal looked to the Mystic, who met his eyes then followed his gaze to the ceiling. Desoin could only nod as he turned back to observe the schematics. The Jade Fiend had to wonder exactly how far the main engine was from there current location. He asked and Desoin explained that they were just past midway of the ship. In the Mystics words, they were just above the gut, but below the breast.

Nova nodded and turned his head towards Talysyn, who had just approached him. She unzipped a pouch and removed one of the many capsules and fingered it for a moment before pressing the button that would unlock its true form. She held her palm out, as it made a popping sound and decompressed. When it was done, in her hand was a hand held putty explosive with a small bit of circuitry encompassing the top with an antennae protruding outward.

"Are you sure this will work?" Maleficus had to ask as he looked down skeptically at the small device.

The fiery bomb expert furrowed her brow at the comment,"It will work. I made the compound mixture myself and have tested a few dozen of them while we waited for you to open the portal and summon us."

A few of the Mystics that had heard her comments glanced at each other and shuddered. They had witnessed her testing out first hand, and one of them wanted to shout that it was true and that they would have come with more guardians had she not tested her exploding devices on half of them. The elvish warrior only bit his tongue though, because just before their summoning, she had began joking about how she could strap the bombs on the remaining warriors and guardians, and let them run to important areas of the ship in a kamikaze type ordeal. And there was part of him that really believed she would.

Maleficus knew his words had hurt the lass, but he wasn't much on apologies and instead, took the device and examined it, or pretended to. On the bottom he noticed a small tab mike deive and him fingered it for a moment, noticing that it could slide out. It looked similar to C-4, but the color was red instead of the normal grayish-green type he had seen before. He knew that if he asked if it was actually C-$, that he would only further insult the young comrade. He noted as well that the bottom also seemed to have a unique adhesive to it as well, and only looked up when she began to speak again.

"It's concentrated and the hundred I have are more then enough to create a pretty explosion. Once the tab is pulled the adhesive will activate, along with the count down. All bombs need to be placed by then and off your possession, because it only takes one tab pulled to activate them all, even in their capsules. Same with the adhesive." She smiled at her explanation, but her eyes lit up as she remembered something else. "Oh and there are no timers on the bombs, just in case the enemy finds them, like on television, but a timer will appear on everyone's communicator bands."

She looked eagerly up into his eyes with a smile of satisfaction. The Rogue saw the twinkle in her and curuiousity made him look down to his own band communicator and realized that the small timer was ticking down. They now had under fifty eight minutes to do what had to be done and get off of the ship. He let out a low growl and turned his head to those behind him, "We have to get a move on it! Now!"

[Mal Nova]

Talysyn jumped back from the hollering command to the others. She watched Maleficus Nova slap the bomb in his hand near the bottom of the closest machine and turned back to him. The partial tribal art on him face only added to the fierce look on his face. She knew she had done wrong and her hyperness and eagerness had caused her to error. This always seemed to happen when she had accompanied the Horsemen Unit in a mission. She shook her head as she remembered Gelidus trying to explain that she needed to think things out before she did and she realized that she should have waited for an okay before slapping on the first explosive.

Her lip began to tremble as she wanted to apologize, but the look Nova was giving her was intimidating. She opened her lips and began to speak, but she paused as his green arm stretched out in her direction and his palm opened up. He didn't say a word and after a few seconds, she realized he had wanted some of her explosives. She gave him a handful without a word and turned to those that had approached him. He handed the two mystics a couple and explained that he wanted them dispersed on the machines throughout the room. He wanted at least fifteen spread out in each engine room. He wanted another twenty set in various areas as thy moved ahead, and when they got there, if the other team couldn't take out the engine by then, then they would disperse the remaining amounts there.

The two nodded, and went to work while the Mercenary moved towards Desoin, who was still looking through the touch pad. Tamsin, however, moved to stand infront of the youngest comrade.Talysyn knew she was going to tear a new one and only averted her eyes.to the ground. Talysyn looked up to Tamsin, even envied her at times; She was like the big sister she had never had. In fact, the Horsemen unit as a whole were more like a family that she had never had. The Fiery red-head opened her lips once again and in a near whisper mumbled, "I'm sorry. I didn't think."

Tamsin Suzaku, tired as she was let loose, "You should have waited! Desoin isn't done and no one knew exactly how your explosives worked! You should have actually told someone before you started the count down! And what of the others? They could have more time to do what they were trying to do! Now thanks to you we have less time!" If there had ever been color in Tamsin's face aside from when she blushed after Maleficus made a comment on how well she had done, it was now. Her face burned near red, in a hot pink fashion and it was obvious she was flustered.

The Jade Fiend pressed a button on his communicator band and let the others know what was going on, "We've set the first explosive and the timer is set. We have less then an hour to finish things. There are five engine rooms, a main and four smaller back ups. We are currently in the area where the four back up engines are, and are setting the charges in the first one. As soon as we complete the task we will head towawards the head of the ship. If the Engine room hasn't been taken, we will assist you there, if it has then we will avert to the upper level and do our best to move the ship. The Main Engine Room is under and just south of the main operating room."

Two communications came back, one from the second team, stating they understood, and the other came from Vad. This one explained that he believed he had found the head of the ship and that he seemed unbeatable. He explained that his comrade seemed to have the ability to move the ship through his hacking system and that that was where they would be heading, but they were using a blue portal system and hadn't actually been able to understand how to coordinate it. Nova took a breath for a moment and shook his head. If Vad thought the captain to be so strong and they were playing a guess and check method, then this may be harder then he believed.

"If they can't get to it, then we will. And I'll steer us off course. Or we will try at least." The Raven haired mystic stated as he removed himself. Desoin looked back noticing that the two had finished the room and that Tamsin and Talysyn were still having it out, or rather the Servus Maid hadn't stopped chewing out the youngest of the group. Nova followed his gaze after a few moments and it was then, he realized something was up. He turned to ask Desoin what it was, but thats when he heard footsteps. He realized that they must have had made to much noise and spoke to loudly in the wrong language. Nova looked back to Desoin who had read his mind and Desoin shook his head indicating no alarm was set off.

"Leave me and Tamsin behind. I want you others to head to the next room and start setting the charges. We will catch up when we are done." Desoin nodded and sent out a Telepathic message to the group. obviously the arguing between the nineteen and sixteen year old ended and the two looked back to Mal Nova and Desoin for a moment before Talysyn took her chance to free herself from the berating and took off out the room with the other two Elvish ones. Tamsin realized the enemy was coming then and turned to face the danger.

The Jade Fiend left Desoin and moved himself in front of the his silver haired comrade. She started to argue but didn't as he kept moving forward. The room was armed with explosives,. and causing these one to prematurely to explode would create problems and they would have hell on their hands. If the Golem Guardians were still alive, that would distract quite a bit of the enemy. He knew they had quite the strength and wouldn't be surprised if the bay they were in hadn't have been destroyed.

The leader of the group had disappeared in possible attempts to do things their way, and Vad and Robert Falcon, in his contraption, had moved to take over the ship, but had found the captain of the ship in their escapade. Then there was the second recon team that had boarded the Myreen. From what Nova understood, no one actually knew about the group he lead and he planned on keeping that way. So premature detonation wasn't an option.

He had plans of stopping them as soon as they entered from the upper floor.

[Kaden]

Of all the other people to be on the Myreen, it would be people Kaden knew. Someday he would stop being surprised at the twists the universe had to throw his way. That day, however, didn’t look like it was coming any time soon. Leading the assault on the Myreen had been none other than Juno and Vad. While Kaden couldn’t quite put his relationship with Juno into appropriate terms, Vad definitely seemed like the right person for the job. If anything was going to take down the ship, it was going to be a psychotic, murderous, bloodthirsty saiyan.

The plan Loch suggested definitely seemed like a solid one. Though Kaden probably wouldn’t say it out loud, he didn’t see a problem with bringing the ship down over Ja City. The spaceport had been held, not only to keep reinforcements coming in, but also to evacuate the civilians. The destruction of an empty city seemed like a relatively small price to pay for stopping an invasion. He didn’t condone the destruction of a city as an individual act, but comparing that to the damage further alien assault would cause… an easy choice which he would take.

According to their self-appointed guide, the engine room shouldn’t have been too far off. The courier, preferring to err on the side caution while aboard an alien vessel, advised that they not move at full-tilt so he might be able to spot any attackers or ambushes before they occurred. To his great discomfort, there were no such things laying in wait for them. In fact, they only had the one encounter. Every step they took without someone threatening their life made Kaden more suspicious of their surroundings.

“Any idea why we haven’t seen anyone?” the courier asked Sophia, motioning to the device in her ear.

“Not really. They’ve been talking about dealing with other people on the ship and someone’s making some noise on the ground, but other than that…” her voice trailed off, a shrug of her shoulders ending the statement for her.

Before he had the chance to get lost in his thoughts once more, Loch announced that they had arrived at their destination. The proclamation was made with a sweeping gesture towards a set of large, metal, double doors. Set in the wall above the doors was a sign in the alien language, unreadable by any present, but it was blinking red, a clear enough warning regardless what language it was in.

“A moment of truth,” Loch said as she moved towards the door. A hand on her shoulder stopped her in her tracks.

Kaden’s glowing eyes swept across the door. A mixture of concentration and annoyance was written across his face as his eyes darted about, looking in vain for something. When a frustrated growl escaped his throat, Sophia spoke up.

“What’s the matter?”

“I… can’t see anything.”

“It… it’s a door,” Loch reminded him, eyeing the courier as she might any other idiot.

“Uhhh…” Kaden ran his hands through his hair as he searched for an explanation. She had referred to him as a wizard once already; it made sense to simply roll with it. “I can see people through doors and walls and stuff. It’s like… an enchantment… on my eyes.”

“Ahh. A useful spell for endeavors such as these.” Loch’s eyes darted to his own, not to meet his gaze, but to inspect the light that illuminated from them. “And you say your spell fails you?”

“Basically.”

“I don’t like the sound of that,” Sophia commented, her eyes darting from the door to Kaden and back.

“If that’s the case, then I see only one option,” Loch said, nodding to her comrades and approaching the door once more.

It was as Kaden watched her open the door that something clicked in his mind. As the girl stepped past him, he noticed that her body obscured his vision of the ki flowing through the walls and floor of the ship around her. He knew that her own ki was invisible to his sixth sense, but never noticed that he could no more see ki through her than he would be able to see anything else through a living being. His eyes darted back to the door as Loch approached, and fear struck him as he considered what was most likely laying in wait behind it.

As the door slid open, the courier’s fears were realized. A line of alien soldiers were prepared to greet them. Kaden winced as they came into view, his Sight suddenly overwhelmed as though the door had opened to reveal the sun itself. Loch, Sophia, and Kaden all turned to run as the aliens, in unison, raised their arms and unleashed a barrage of explosive energy.

[Kaden]

Light and heat washed through the hallway as the combined blasts of a dozen alien soldiers erupted from the main engine room. The forms of the aliens inside the engine room faded from sight, both natural and supernatural, as their blasts neared. It was a formidable offense accompanied by an equally formidable display. To a normal person, it would have been a once-in-a-lifetime scene. That, sadly, was not the case for anyone present.

Both Loch and Sophia leapt backwards, darting around the hallway’s nearest corner. Kaden steeled himself, fighting every natural urge in his body to do exactly the same. Instead he braced himself, the soles of his sneakers squealing against the polished metal floor. Throwing both hands in front of him, the courier conjured forth a shimmering barrier of ki. The barrier was, initially, roughly the size of the courier himself, large enough to shelter a single person comfortably. Spreading his arms wide, Kaden drew forth his energy, commanding it outward. In an instant, the barrier expanded to cover the hallway in its entirety.

As the alien’s assault crashed against the courier’s defense a deafening explosion echoed through the confined space. While the sound itself would have been enough to cause Kaden to wince, his body was suddenly wracked with pain; having drawn so much energy so quickly was not something he had been physically prepared for. His hand clenched at the scar on his chest, an intense pain radiating from it.

Kaden did all he could to push the pain from his mind as he turned his focus back to the engine room. With the courier’s curtain of ki blocking off the hallway, the explosions had nowhere to go but back into the engine room itself, turning on the soldiers who had created it in the first place. While turning the attack around hadn’t been Kaden’s intent, it certainly worked out well.

“Sophia! Loch! Your turn!”

Casting a glance over his shoulder, he saw both women step back into the hallway, each one bracing themselves for combat. With a wave of his hand, Kaden dismissed the wall of energy he had created, allowing his allies to shoot forward at startling speeds. As he watched them lead a counter-offensive, Kaden suddenly found himself dropping to one knee, his legs suddenly not supporting his body.

Initially the courier thought he was just too tired to properly support himself. When he realized he was neither short of breath nor in an unprecedented amount of physical pain, he realized the ship itself seemed to be shaking. It felt as though there were explosions rocking the ship. Though that wasn’t particularly surprising, the effect it seemed to be having on the ship itself was troubling to the courier. Certainly, if they had a chance to avoid crushing the city, and anyone still within its limits, Kaden would prefer to exercise that option.

Within the engine room proper, Loch and Sophia took the aliens by surprise. Leaping from the settling smoke of the alien’s own attack, both females came barreling forward with lethal strikes to the nearest soldiers. Most of the aliens, like those in the Namekian village were loosely robed. The robed aliens created a front-line of sorts. Behind them were a couple aliens who actually looked to be equipped for combat, wearing heavier armor and the alien’s take on scouters.

The first blow came from Sophia, the faster of the two females. Sailing through the air, she drove both feet into the face of the closest robed alien. Kicking off the soldier’s head, the ex-priestess flipped backwards in a high arc, extended both of her hands as she did. Before she had even hit the ground, Sophia unleashed a concentrated volley of energy at her target, knocking him to the ground and quickly ending his life.

The acrobatics of King Kai’s pupil served as a perfect distraction for Loch to close the distance to her first target. The steel of her sword flashed as the blade cut towards its first victim. The point of the blade was driven deep into the abdomen of the nearest soldier, rending its robe as easily as it did its flesh. As she turned towards the next alien, Loch gripped the hilt with both hands, pulling the blade free through the dying alien’s side instead of back out the way it came.

The next few aliens fell in similar fashion: Loch displaying her skill with a sword and Sophia proving too agile for the aliens to land a hit on. Between the princess’ blade and the ex-priestess’ blasts, the robed aliens fell quickly enough. With them out of the way, the women turned to the armored aliens. The as they had in the village, the stronger aliens had simply been using their underlings to observe their opponents.

Loch made the first move, swinging her sword in a downward arc as she stepped forward. The two armored aliens split in different directions to avoid the blow. Following the strike, Loch turned to her left, picking the alien as her target. As the intended target landed from dodging Loch’s first attack, it stumbled backwards as a blast of ki crashed into its chest. Sophia dashed forward in a commendable display of coordination.

With a quick nod to her ally, Sophia lobbed another orb of ki at the alien. Prepared to meet the second assault, the alien batted away the blast, but was left defenseless as Loch followed up. The pommel of the princess’ sword crashed into the alien’s face. The disoriented alien swung an arm in futile retaliation, but quickly regretted the action as the offending arm was cleaved clean from its body.

Before the armored alien even had time to cry out in pain, Sophia crashed into him with the weight of her body once again behind her heels. Driving the alien to the ground, Sophia glared down at her opponent from atop its chest. Placing an open palm in front of the alien’s face, there was only a moment’s pause before the girl’s hand erupted in energy. Looking up from the now-lifeless body of the alien, Sophia realized she had lost track of the other armored soldier. She wouldn’t need to look for long, though.

A surprisingly potent torrent of energy erupted from the depths of the engine room, cascading down upon both Loch and Sophia. Cries of pain echoed off the metal walls as both females were thrown to the ground. While the humans had been busy taking down the pen-ultimate alien, his ally had used the time to take a more tactically-sound position from which launch a counter-attack.

Most of the engine room was filled with a variety of computer-like consoles. The walls of the engine room were made of modular panels of metal, designed to be easily pulled apart to allow access to the machinery beneath should repairs be necessary. Most of the engine room space was filled with large pieces of machinery, half of which didn’t appear to be functioning at all. Whatever the machinery was for, the remaining alien didn’t seem concerned with its operation as he darted between them, lobbing energy attacks at every available interval.

Under sustained pressure, Sophia and Loch suddenly found themselves very much on the defensive. The alien was versed in ranged combat, able to keep his opponents off-balance with quick strikes. Obviously he was attempting to set the two up for something, but what it was never actually came.

From the door of the engine room, a powerful wave of energy surged through the room. The cerulean blast washed over the machinery in its path unhindered; a cry came from the alien hiding in the depths of the room as the blast reached him as well. There was no explosion or eruption as the energy subsided. In the aftermath, the beam had corroded away the metal and machinery that had been in its path, terminating at the largely melted remains of the armored alien.

“Nice of you to join us,” Sophia said in between breaths. Both she and Loch took a moment to collect themselves.

“Is it commonplace for the men of this land to leave the work to the women?” Loch turned to Sophia.

“Depends on the man,” the ex-priestess replied, casting a wary eye at Kaden.

“Sorry, sorry,” the courier apologized, though his tone sounded significantly less than sincere. “I would have been here sooner, but I got in touch with one of the teams on the ship. Well… they got in touch with me, I suppose. Regardless, we gotta get a move on.”

“Get a move on with what?” Soph asked.

“So we’re in the main engine room right now. That other team said there are four smaller ones, each one controlling… uh… what are they called? It starts with an ‘a’… it means, like, ‘extra’.”

“Are you kidding?”

“Auxiliary!” Kaden snapped his fingers in triumph. “There are four auxiliary engine rooms. Apparently a ship this big needs a lot of engines. Go figure.” Meeting Sophia’s glare, Kaden cleared his throat and moved on to the parts that actually mattered. “So the other teams wants to bring down the ship and are planting a bunch of explosives. We’ve got about an hour.”

“Sounds as though we should use the time to secure an escape,” Loch mused.

“That was my first thought, too, but here’s the problem. Down on the ground, in the city that’s, like, directly below us, there’s some serious shit going on. Someone’s fighting down there. Someone strong enough for me to be able to sense from all the way up here. I can’t say I know who it is, but it feels familiar. It’s not an alien, I know that much.”

“And you don’t want to drop a giant alien ship on an ally,” Sophia finished the thought with a nod. “Hard to disagree with that. How are we supposed to help, then?”

“Well this is the main engine room, right? I thought there might be something we could do here to… I dunno… move the ship?”

“We’ve the time to at least look,” Loch replied. “Though I cannot imagine how we’re to use technology such as this…”

Kaden and Sophia exchanged a troubled glance at Loch’s words. She was definitely right. The aliens no doubt had trained engineers to attend to the ship’s engines. What were they supposed to do in an hour? Less than an hour if they wanted to be off the ship as it crashed into whatever happened to be below. Lost in his thoughts, Kaden found himself pacing the perimeter of the engine room.

Though not situated on the exterior of the ship, the main engine room was as close as it could safely be. It made sense that monitoring the main engine would require being as close to it as possible. Had it not been for that, the courier may never have felt a familiar sensation tugging at the back of his mind. As he neared the far-end of the engine room and, by association, the exterior of the ship, the courier could feel an odd flow of energy. Willing energy into his eyes, he cast a curious glance around him and gasped at what he found.

“This is crazy…” he found himself talking to himself. “It… huh… a machine…”

“What are you mumbling about?” Sophia asked.

Hearing Kaden’s surprised words, the girl had come to investigate. She found her ally staring at the wall of the engine room, clearing gazing at something either within, or beyond, in a way only he could. When there was no response from the courier, she reached out a waved a hand in front of his face.

“Earth… well… Namek to Kaden?”

“Gah!” Kaden recoiled as Sophia’s hand passed centimeters from his face. “You surprised me.”

“Apparently. Care to fill me in? You seem pretty interested in something over there.”

“You won’t believe this, Soph. This engine is crazy. I didn’t realize what this thing was doing until I got close enough to feel the energy outside the ship. It has this huge… uh… energy vacuum thing. It’s sucking in the ambient energy around it and using that to power the engine. When the energy from the engine is expelled to keep the ship in the air, some of it gets sucked back in and it just makes this loop. I can actually see it.”

With an outstretched arm, Kaden pointed to a flow of energy outside the ship and traced the path that it followed as it was sucked into the ship, processed through the engine, and then expelled back out once again. To Sophia, of course, it just looked like Kaden was tracing meaningless patterns in the air. While not all the energy got recycled back into the engine, Kaden imagined it was an amazingly efficient system for keeping the ship idling.

“Ok. Well, I guess that is kind of interesting, that doesn’t actually help our current situation.”

“I think it might, actually.” Kaden flashed a quick smile at the girl. “Since it uses energy, more energy might mean more power. Enough power and we might actually be able to move the ship. We wouldn’t be able to steer it, but we might be able to keep it from falling onto the city and whoever’s in it.”

“That’s a lot of mights,” Sophia said with an understandable tone of concern in her voice.

“Yeah. It is. But this is a plan based on about two minutes of looking at the engine. The other two possibilities I see are the engine just not absorbing more energy than it needs or the engine overloading and… exploding. Probably.”

“Yeah, that sounds like a plan you would come up with. How are you going to give the engine more energy?”

“About that. You might want to find something to hold onto.”

Thrusting both hands towards the wall, Kaden loosed a torrent of bright blue energy. The ship’s wall began to bow under the force of the blast, but was slow to give way. The groan of metal reverberated through the room as the courier funneled more and more energy outward. A nearly thunderous rending of metal followed shortly thereafter as Kaden let out a roar of effort.

Had it not been for Sophia grabbing hold of both him and nearby piece of machinery, the courier would have been pulled through the hole he had just created. The din of a recorded alien message sounded through the engine room, originating from a speaker system unseen. Seconds later the vacuum created by the differing pressures subsided. The alien’s vessels had apparently been equipped to handle such an event.

Stepping towards the opening he had created, Kaden felt a knot form in his throat. Being as high up as they were, it didn’t seem likely that he would be able to stomach the view. Fortunately, he wouldn’t need to be that close to the opening in order to facilitate his plan. From where he stood, he actually see the device that was pulling energy in from the world around it. It wasn’t a huge amount of energy, though that didn’t surprise the courier. Though there was energy in virtually everything, that didn’t mean it was a meaningful amount.

“Sophia,” the courier said over his shoulder. “I’ll need you and Loch to watch out, make sure no one, like, attacks me or anything. I’ll need to focus for a bit.”

There was a response from the ex-priestess, as well as an annoyed inquiry from Loch about what was going on, but the courier didn’t respond. Closing his eyes, the ki specialist turned his attention inward as he focused on loosing the energies stored within him. He could feel the ki swirling within the seal on his chest, almost aching to be released as he worked.

A warming sensation began to spread through his body as Kaden pried at the seal. Where normally only small flows of energy were allowed out he created wider portals from which to draw his power. There were times when Kaden cursed the seal, enduring the pain it caused him, feeling the limitations it placed on his powers. There were, however, times when he was thankful for it. He knew he could command formidable power and cause considerable destruction; he had no clue what kind of strength would be unleashed should he ever be free of the seal in its entirety. The power to end lives on a massive scale was something that weighed heavily upon him.

As he slowly opened his eyes, Kaden could see the tell-tale signs of his Unsealed powers. From his body drifted wisps of energy, leaking out as though the courier’s physical form was not enough to properly contain them. At his feet, Kaden saw a swirling stream of cerulean ki, licking at the air around him almost as though they were flames themselves. Behind him, both Loch and Sophia were feeling the effects of his power as an almost oppressive weight permeated the air, forcing both girl to one knee as it radiated outward from the courier.

There were warriors whose power created flashy auras and shocking displays of lights and other fireworks. Kaden was not one of those warriors. He couldn’t conjure an aura of flames as most could. He couldn’t command the sky to split and the ground to shake with his mere presence. Though he was capable of such outward displays, his powers did not do so on their own. That did not mean, however, that his strength went unnoticed.

With a wave of his hand, Kaden began to Disperse his energy into the air. He watched as his own ki was swept outward through the hole in ship’s wall. A smile crept across his face as the ki was pulled into the ship’s engines. What effect it would end up having he couldn’t tell, but that was a good sign in his eyes. Taking in a deep breath, he allowed his energy to flow freely from his body, Dispersing his ki en masse.

When he Dispersed his energy, Kaden had been told, correctly, that it looked as those he had wings for but a second before his ki faded into the air. Perpetually unleashing his energy created a similar set of cerulean wings that looked as though they were continuously melting into the air around him.

The ki that was being pulled from the Namekian sky was, like all the ki flows Kaden saw, a white haze of energy. As his own ki began to fill the air, he could visibly see the engine overtaken by the bright blue energy he was supplying. If anyone was going to act as a living ki battery, Kaden could think of no person better suited than himself.

“Oh my god…” Sophia’s voice broke through the courier’s concentration. “Kaden. The ship is actually moving!”

Beneath his feet, Kaden was vaguely aware of movement. That, however, took a backseat to keeping a mental eye trained on his reserves of ki. He had seen what happened to the people who expended more energy than they should, and he wasn’t looking to do that if he could help it. He was willing to do a great deal if it meant preventing destruction and avoiding the loss of his own life, but even he was unsure whether or not he would be able to move an entire ship far enough to make a difference.

“C’mon, Kaden.” He murmured to himself and shook his head free of unnecessary thoughts. “Focus. You can do this… probably.”



He may end up going down with the ship, but he'd be damned if anyone else did.

[Mal Nova]

Down they came. To look at the readiness of the Imperfect Namekian was near priceless. His arms lit up with his favored Fiend Wind. He watched and waited on them all to get to the level and he had to smrik. There were two Warriors in the bunch, one was clad in silver blue, the other in black. Maleficus could only do a simple thing as they created a formation. He opened his arms in a eagle spread fashion, his palms facing the enemy. Orbs appeared in his hands and as they did, the enemy looked back for orders. as the orders came, The Renegade had unleashed his assault.

Nova didn't hesitate after letting the waves of energy go. He strode forward , towards the dust, and at him came the surviving members. The two came at him with their fists, but Maleficus only batted them away. They didn't relent and on came more physical attempts to attack the Imperfect Namekian. The Rogue didn't seem bothered by it all, and seemed more pleased then anything. Tamsin watched on as he toyed with hispreay for a few moments, and watched the duo become more agitated with every blocked assault.

She looked sternly at the empty slots on his back that once held the twin serrated crescent blades that he had once given her.She smiled as she let her abilities grab the blades along with her others, and moved forward. She knew Mal Nova must have been toying with the two and knew that he didn't want to make a scene and cause more of the invaders to come. As her blades danced behind the group, the Invaders were quick to catch notice, and backed off. Nova didn't look behind him but he knew what she was doing.

The Namek curled his lip in a snarl and the one in the black that stood to his right caught the blade of the scythe in the side of his neck. Before the the other could make a noise, the Renegade grabbed him by the throat, and the aura actually began to show. Nova glowed in a smokey orange and his muscles seemed to bulge as the Invader in blue tried to struggle for life. The Namek removed the scythe with a yank and the warrior in black only did the one thing he could do; Fall to his death.

The final invader attempted to beat on the forearm of The Demon, and when that didn't work, he tried to pry his hands free from his neck. When a finger seemed to almost give, the Namek's aura grew, as well did his muscles. And with it all came a tighter grip. Nova lifted the warrior off of his feet then and began to dig his nails into the flesh of his foe. Blood trickled down his arm but before the Jade Fiend could enjoy it, it was over. The green and bloody hand released and to the ground went the corpse.

"Now, tell me what is going on?" Nova looked straight ahead, he didn't care about the corpses that laid at his feet or those he had annihilated at the steps. His comment was made to the Servus Maid and she got caught off guard. As she was done so, she lost concentration and her blades fell to the floor. Nova didn't move, nor did she. Tamsin knew she had been busted but she didn't know what to say. She couldn't tell her master what was truly wrong nor could she actually lie to him.

Maleficus turned and faced her, "You breath heavy when you shouldn't be tired. You are tired after simple things. You are sweating when no one else is. You just went off on Talysyn harder then you ever have. So I have to ask you what is going on? Did you go get pregnant, or are you having one of those hormonal human female periods, or what?"

Nova was never good at these things and he was confused at it all but to ever see Tamsin drop her jaw like she did was even more epic. And the Raven haired Mystic saw it all. He had never moved from where he had been , while the other team had marched on because he was curious as to what would happen between the two. He almost gagged at what the Namekian had managed to say, but he held it in and felt obligated that now was a time to intervene.

"Maleficus. I -"

"I'm dying!" Tamsin screamed the truth and dropped to her knees in tears. "I was hunting down Pyresein and the lost target and I got caught up with a gypsy and I fell for their trap. They forced a poison down my throat and cast a spell and now I'm dying!" Her tears spilled onto the metal floor as she answered the question.

Nova looked at her with confusion as he listened to the words over and over again in his head, then turned to Desoin finally who would only give him a nod. The Renegade knew well enough that the Mystic's knew it all along but he knew that while it wasn't their business to interfere, that they could have told him. He looked down at his own feet, and he couldn't bare to think about what was going on. His mind raced and was nearly a blur. He didn't know what to say.

He was quick to calm himself for the sake of his closest companion, though his anger was off the charts. "Can it be fixed?"

Desoin nodded because Tamsin was unable to actually answer, "It can, you just have to find the trio that beget the illness in the first place."

Nova moved, an in under a second he was at the white armored warriors throat, " If you know their names then how about telling me?"

The elvish warrior took a deep breath, he had seen Nova in combat and had once been scared of the Namekian. Now he respected him, and understood his pain and anguish of not knowing while others did. But Desoin couldn't give the answer that no one really knew. Some things were clouded from the Mystics sight, just as Tamsin was able to cloud her mind from the Namek on that single subject. It was dark magic and treachery that even their King couldn't foresee, but in the end, that's why Enroshia was sent to try and steer him on the path needed, and to watch over him.

But right now Desoin didn't flinch. He had no doubt that Male Nova wanted to hit him and he felt he should be struck, but he was a Mystic and it wasn't their duties to disclose certain knowledge, even if they knew it or not. " I can't tell you that information, because I really don't know."

The clouded link that was in Tamsin's mind opened up, and for those few moments Maleficus, Desoin, and anyone mentally linked with the Mystic got to see the dark horror she had to go through. It was a moment of weakness, and it was in that moment that Nova furrowed his brow. The Mystic took a step back from the blast of thoughts, and it took him longer to notice how much angrier the Namekian had gotten. The white clad warrior actually noticed that the tribal etchings had grown further on both sides.

Nova turned back to his dearest Tamsin and while he felt anger, he felt the pain she had to feel. THe signature he got from just the thought was something familiar, though he couldn't finger it, but the face of the Gypsy and the Wizard, he would never forget. He would track them down as soon as he finished and have the spell reversed, even give up his own soul if he had to. He didn't realize it till then, but he really cared way to much for his comrade.

Still he didn't care. He put his hand on her shoulder, with the gentlest touch he had ever given in his life, and his mind told her not to worry. He cared for her, and he thanked her for all she had tried and that they would track down the fools that had laid the poison curse on her and had harmed her. He let her know that they would get their vengeance, together.

[Mal Nova]

"Your pocket is shining."

Mal nova looked down and his pocket was indeed shinning. He paused then

Nova glanced down and noticed that his pocket wsa in fact shining. He pulled out the device, one of the three that Enroshia had seen that he got. He looked a us curiously and opened it in front of the enemy standing before him....

The portal was shining and the Jade Fiend had no other option then to press the top. He did and through the triangular object formed itself into a portal. Out of the portal, however, wasn't another squad of mystics. This was a single figure. His robe was near black but the green was evident. His flesh was the same as the user of the portal, and his face proved to resemble him as well. It was Retane, the father of Maleficus Nova. The sentient looked on at the Invaders that stood in front of him.

Behind him stood Mal Nova, and the rest of the group, and the Jade Fiend looked on at his father in shock. Why was he here? Was he here to cause issues? Perhaps he didnt want him to make a name that was better then his own.

"My name is Retane. You can call me the door step to the afterlife. I am The Reaper, and I am here to kill anyone that gets in the Horsemen's way. You should bow out and attempt to flee from me before I kill you" Retane turned his head and looked behind him with a smirk to the group. He turned back to the enemy, and cocked his head, "You don't understand me, so I will answer you and show you the key to the afterlife"

The elder Namek only lifted a hand, and it it charged an orb of energy. The invaders only stood there bickering with each other, obviously not understanding a word that the newest party had said. some looked bemused at the orbs in his hands, while others figured it to be nothing more then a parlor trick in attempts to scare them off. None of them knew what the Emerald Fiend was capable of.e loosed the wave of energy and the squad didn't have enough time to react or even scream. All that was left were charred metallic walls.

The dark clad namek turned and looked to his offspring. "Calling you Respawne won't do you any pleasure and might tarnish your own soul, I assume, so I will call you as you have claimed to be called, Maleficus Nova."

Mal Nova only looked on, still surprised that his own father had come out of the portal. But soon his thoughts became jealous and fear once again. Did they really do this to him? Didn't they think he could do it on his own? Why let the old man join him on his mission? The questions ran through his head and he had no answers. He wanted to scream, to sit there and bitch like a little child. But he didn't. he sat there and remained quiet, even as his old man approached him. He wouldn't show weakness in front of his comrades. He couldn't!

Retane's hand found itself on the Imperfect Namekian's shoulder. .The father looked to his soon's right arm, then to the markings on his face, and then rested into the dark eyes of the Renegade, "You seem pained. But this isn't much. I Know you wan't to be better then me, but for that to happen, you must fight beside me."

Retane looked to the others for a moment then back to his son, "Before all is said and done, you will have learned the hardships of trying to be like me, and tears will flow through your eyes. But in the end it will be me that weeps, because it is me that has given birth to you and created you and set you on this path."

Maleficus Nova looked back to Tamsin, and let out a snarl before he returned his gaze to his father, "I wont lose!"

Retane let out a growl of his own then turned around, "Vad, and his companions have fled. There's only you and the others and the commander is at the head, where you need to go to attempt to get the ship away from it's position." No one had the ability to sense things like Retane, and only he could actually pin point all locations of life and death so he was obviously an asset. He didn't want to be here and hated helping his son, or anyone for that matter, because he believed his time was over and it was their time to shine. But His son had found cowards as allies and Namek and Mercy were his homes

"All we technically need to do is thrust the ship in a single direction if only for a few seconds and let nature take it's course afterwards." Desoin, while shocked to see the father of Mal Nova, wasn't to shocked that the portal had brought something great to assist them. He couldn't read Retane's mind, but he could read Maleficus' and knew that speaking before Nova could, would assist in keeping the peace.

The Jade Fiend looked down for a moment then with a nod, walked past his father. Retane didn't speak and soon walked beside him. The group behind them had to blink as they realized just how similar the two were. Only the silver flesh and the color of their cloth seemed to differ. But that was only the outer appearance. The emotions of them all, felt weighted at points, but relieved as well. They felt having a legend on their corner was great, but at the same time they feared how Nova would take it in the end.