New Allies Author Psykorabbit2000 Scene 1 In an unknown area Two demonic figures are standing before a pair of large crystal mirrors. Figure #1 (nodding) ”Good. We have acquired the first two for the Gauntlet. How goes the search for the second set?” Figure #2 (facing the mirror) ”It is slow. They have separated and ended up in separate dimension. We are presently getting locks on their genetic coding as we speak.” Figure #1 (nodding) ”Good. We have to be careful. The male has developed a reputation of being exceptionally powerful and resourceful. The Female is strong as well, but not like the male. Is the Barrier in place?” Figure #2 “Yes. We are set and prepared. How are we going to set this up?” Figure #1 (thinking for a second) ”We will take the female from each group and place it with the male of the opposite group. This should give the males the proper amount of encouragement to travel the Gauntlet.” Figure #2 (nodding) ”Good idea, but what shall we do if they manage to beat the Gauntlet?” The first Figure laughs at the question. Figure #1 (laughing) ”I would not worry about it. No creature has beaten the Gauntlet since it was created over ten thousand years ago!” Both Figures laugh. Slowly in one of the Crystals a feline figure appears. It is Ayami. In the Aniverse… Kinjite is steering his shuttle through a comet’s tail. He and Cassie watch as the dust and snow crystals reflect in the cockpit window. Cassie (nodding) ”You were right. It is a nice sight.” Kinjite (nodding) ”It is. Jenny showed it to me, shortly after I was exiled from Aldebaran. Every time I see it, it makes me relax a little bit.” He leans back in the chair and Cassie takes the controls. Cassie (punching buttons) ”Where are we going now?” When she doesn’t get an answer, Cassie looks over ad sees Kinjite with a distant look in his eye. Cassie (gently tapping his shoulder) ”Kinjite, are you alright?” Kinjite (snapping back into reality) ”Huh? What?” Cassie (smiling) ”You look like you were lost in thought. What is it?” Kinjite (quietly) ”Just thinking about Ayami. Its been three months since I last saw her.” Cassie (shaking her head) ”So this is what it is like to be separated from a loved one. Must be stressful.” Kinjite (shrugging) ”A little, but there isn’t much I can do about it.” (gets up and turns to the door) ”I’m going to lay down. Go ahead and set a course for Aldebaran.” Cassie (turning) ”Kinjite, I didn’t mean to stir up any pain. It is just that I really never had anyone in my life to love. Seeing how you are dealing with this is new to me. I’m sorry.” Kinjite (standing in the door) ”Don’t worry Cassie. At least there is hope you will find someone.” He turns and walks out the door. Cassie chews her lip a little as she punches a few keys. Cassie (thinking) (she flips a few more switches) She gets up and walks down the hall. She stops in front of Kinjite’s door and knocks. No reply. She knocks again, a little harder. Still no reply. She pushes the button and the door slides open She steps in and looks around. His armor is laying on his bed and his boots are beside the bed, but Kinjite is nowhere in the bedroom. Cassie walks out quickly and looks around. She runs to the dining area. He isn’t there. She ends up checking the whole ship, even her room, and he isn’t anywhere. Cassie looks around his room one last time. She spots something on the floor. It looks like a small pile of ash. She gently touches it and rubs her finger in it. She sniffs it gently and sneezes. Cassie (confused) ”Ash? How did ash get on the ship? Neither of us smoke and the security systems won’t let us burn anything on the ship.” (she turns to the cockpit) ”I’d better get to Aldebaran quickly.” Scene 2 In a stone cell Ayami slowly opens her eyes and groans as she sits up. Ayami (muttering) ”What the frell was that?” Voice (gently) ”Are you alright, Miss?” Ayami looks over to the voice. She sees an orange vulpine with a sliver stripe between his ears, wearing a white jacket and green jogging pants. Ayami (sitting up all the way) ”Who are you and where are we?” Vulpine (offering a paw to shake) ”The name is Fox McCloud. Not sure where we are. I am guessing we were both nabbed the same way. Silver flash and clawed hands?” Ayami (nodding) ”Was there others?” Fox (nodding) ”My wife, Krystal, was with me. I am sure I heard her shout as if being grabbed as well, but when I woke, you were the only other one here.” Ayami nods as she stands up. She takes a few hesitant steps and looks around. They are in a stone cell. A boulder is blocking the door from the outside. Other than the door, there isn’t any other way out of the cell. Fox watches as she looks around. He sees her looking at the boulder. Fox (calmly) ”Already tried moving it. Won’t budge at all.” Ayami looks at him and nods. Ayami “Let me try something.” She closes her eyes and reaches down mentally. Suddenly her eyes snap open and her jaw drops. Ayami (shocked) ”My powers are…gone!” In a different cell Kinjite’s eye flutters and he keeps it shut. A finger gently touches him. Out of instinct, Kinjite launches himself upward. He spins around and catches the paw in mid air, twisting it. He lands in a couched position, with his other paw back, ready to strike. He finds himself looking at a blue furred vixen with a white face. She is wearing a white jacket and a pair of cut offs. Kinjite slowly releases her paw and stands up. Kinjite (watching her) ”Who are you and where am I?” Vixen (rubbing her wrist, glaring at him) ”My name is Krystal McCloud and I don’t know where we are. Who the hell are you?” Kinjite (looking around) ”Call me Kinjte.” He looks at the only door in the room and finds it barred shut. He walks up and carefully touches the bars. Their ice cold to the touch. Krystal (watching him) ”Yeah, nice to met you too, Mister Bundle of Nerves.” Kinjite looks over at her and shakes his head. (Kinjite (leaning against the bars) ”Look, sorry about my reaction. I was just waking up after being grabbed and beat the hell out of by several demonic hands.” Krystal raises an eyebrow at this. Krystal (standing up) ”You too? My husband, Fox McCloud, and I had the same thing happen to us.” Kinjite (raising an eyebrow) ”Your husband? So there was another person snagged with you?” Krystal (nodding) ”Yeah, how about you? Your wife maybe or girlfriend?” Kinjite (shaking his head) ”No, I was alone when I was snagged. They couldn’t get to my wife. She is in a different dimension.” Krystal (nodding) ”What planet are you from? I haven’t seen a feline like you before.” Kinjite (standing up again) ”I’m from Atlantis, in sector 17, one sector over from Aldebaran.” Krystal (confused) ”What? Atlantis? Aldebaran? There aren’t any habitual planets in that sector. Their all dead and desert lands.” Kinjite looks at her and swallows a little as he realizes what this means. Kinjite (quietly) ”I think *we* are from different dimensions! If that is true, then…” He stops as the bars slide open, revealing a long corridor carved from stone. Kinjite swallows even harder as he recognizes the marks in the tunnel sides Kinjite (quietly) ”Stars I hope she isn’t in here.” Krystal looks at him and then down the hall. Krystal (looking at him) ”You all right? You look like you’ve seen the gates of Hell or something.” Kinjite (quietly) ”If those are the right marks, then this is closer to Hell than I want to ever be.” Krystal (curious) ”You think you know where we are?” Kinjite (nodding) ”The way we got snagged, the demonic claws and silvery flash, those scrapes, and it sounds like couples were grabbed. There is only one thing I have ever heard of that closely matches this and it is several times worse than the World of Darkness I lived in.” He looks at Krystal and she can see him grow pale under his black fur. Krystal (patiently) ”What is it?” Kinjite (fear in his voice) ”We’re in Abaddon, the home dimension of the Devils!” Scene 3 Aldebaran Palace FRITZ WARNER, QUEEN KATRINA, BUCKY O’HARE, JENNY, KING HWANG, and QUEEN MEI LIN are sitting in the gardens talking. Fritz (nodding) ”True, we should approach with caution Queen Katrina, but I believe we need to hit the toads fast and hard. They had held Genus long enough. Sooner or later, they will attack Warren, Aldebaran, or Atlantis.” Queen Katrina (sighing) ”You are probably right, Chairman.” They all turn as Cassie comes barging through the door into the gardens, running. Jenny (standing up and growling) ”Where is Kinjite? You know you are not suppose to be here without him!” Cassie slides to a stop and looks around. Cassie (worried) ”He isn’t here?” Queen Katrina (shaking her head) ”He hasn’t been on the planet since the Festivals. Why?” Cassie swallows quickly and begins telling what had happen and what she found. A few minutes later Bucky nods when she is done. BLINKY walks through the door and up to the group. Blinky (saluting) ”Did Captain O’hare require this humble android’s assistance?” Bucky (nodding) ”BLinky, I want you to analyze the sample that Cassie has.” Blinky turns to Cassie and she hands him the ash in a glass tube. He slide his finger into the tube and touches the ash. A few moments go by. Blinky (nodding) ”Analysis complete. The compound is indeed ash. It contains high concentrations of a residual brimstone and some kind of organic compound that I can not identify. It bears a stronger resemblance to friend Kinjite’s power signature, but several hundred times stronger.” King Hwang (raising an eyebrow) ”Stronger than Master Oni Lance? Is that possible?” Cassie (nodding) I watched him fight a demon prince on Andoris. It was a savage fight. I was knocked out, so I didn’t see how the fight ended, but I know that Kinjite survived it.” King Hwang looked over at his wife Queen Mei Lin. He looked down at her belly, that was swollen slightly. King Hwang (worried) ”Stronger than him?” In the Stone Cell Ayami and Fox are sitting on the ground. They both turn their heads as the boulder slides open. Fox (chuckling) ”I wonder if it is an invitation?” Ayami (nodding) ”Well, as my husband says “It would be rude to not walk into such an obvious trap”. Shall we?” Fox chuckles again as they stand up and walk towards the door. Fox (walking) ”Tell me about your husband. He sounds amusing.” Ayami (nodding) ”He is a Chosen of Ahsika. He also has developed the powers of Akisha as well. He is a Master Chosen. A title that few of our people can ever hope to achieve. He is a fierce fighter, as well as a loving husband and father.” Fox (looking at her) ”You have kids?” Ayami (nodding) ”Two daughters. Both named Allura Both are Chosen as well. Older Allura is as fierce of a fighter as her father, but not as reckless as he is.” Fox (raising an eyebrow) ”Reckless? How severe?” Ayami (smiling) ”He will push himself to the brink of death and somehow pull himself through. He usually gets busted up during a fight. There are times that I believe he isn’t afraid of anything. He leaps into a laser fight as easily as playing with his youngest daughter. For him leaping out of a shuttle is a walk in the park, regardless of how high he is. I honestly think he isn’t afraid of anything.” In the other cell Kinjite is shivering with the realization of where he is. He literally has sweat rolling down his neck. Krystal gently puts a paw on his shoulder. He looks at her and she sees the terror in his eye. Krystal (calmly) ”Look, how bad can this place really be?” Kinjite (fear in his voice) ”In the World of Darkness, the demons call this place the Demon’s Hell. Even the Demon Princes are afraid of this place.” Krystal (nodding) ”Alright. So how big and bad do these Princes look?” Kinjite (quietly) ”It isn’t what you see on them. It’s what you don’t see.” Krystal looks at him and shakes her head. She starts walking towards the door. Kinjite (catching up with her) ”Where are you going?” Krystal (calmly) ”I am going out there. My husband is out there and from what you have said, there is a good chance your wife is out there as well.” She keeps walking out the door and Kinjite sighs. Kinjite (thinking) He quickly tries to summon his tendrils. Nothing happens. Kinjite (catching up with Krystal) ”They blocked my shadow magic. They probably blocked my Alchemy magic as well. We have to fight them with our bare paws and claws. I suppose I should start teaching you about demonic anatomy.” Krystal nods as they walk and Kinjite begins instructing her on places to strike. Scene 4 In a dark room The two demon figures are watching the Large Mirrors. Figure #1 (scratching his scaled jaw) ”Interesting, the Atlantean male knows about this realm. I guess it gives merit to rumor of him being trapped in the Demon World.” Figure #2 (nodding) ”True, but I find it interesting that he is so fearful of this place. I would guess that the demons talked to him instead of trying to eat him.” Figure #1 “True.” It waves a clawed hand in front of the mirror and it changes. It now shows Fox and Ayami walking down the tunnel. Figure #1 ”These two seem to be severely under matched. I would like to see them live a little longer than the first encounter. How shall we level the playing field?” Figure #2 (scratching its head) ”I say give the Female access to her magic, only because she isn’t nearly as strong as the other male is. That way, she can fight enough to live. The male she is traveling with is combat trained and he seems to be carrying a blaster. Give him access to his blaster as well.” The other figure nods and gently touches the mirror. It shimmers and returns to normal. Figure #1 (nodding) ”There, it is done. Now let’s watch what happens.” In the tunnel Ayami stops for a second as she feels a shiver run down her spine. She looks around and Fox stops. Her ear twitches. Fox (cautiously) ”What is it?” Ayami suddenly leaps and knocks Fox aside. A giant clawed hand smashes from the ceiling and barely misses them. A large demon crawls out of the hole and drops to the ground. Fox instantly pulls out his blaster and Ayami raises her paws to fight. Suddenly, to her surprise, they begin to glow. Ayami (stunned) ”My powers are back?” She looks up in time to barely duck out of a claw strike. She lands a solid blow against the demon’s chest. There is a small explosion and a chunk of the demon’s flesh evaporates. Fox opens fire with his blaster and scores several hits in the head. The Demon swings at Ayami, who ducks again. She brings both of her paws up and a blast of energy envelops the demon’s head. The head explodes and the body falls over. Fox walks up beside her, nodding. Fox (smiling weakly) ”I was going to offer you my blaster, but I guess you don’t need it.” Ayami smiles and shakes her head. Ayami “Guess I don’t. It kind of bothers me a little. Why is it all of a sudden I have my magic back?” Fox (Shrugging) ”Beats me. I bet we will get our answers down the tunnel somewhere.” Ayami nods and they start walking again. Neither of them sees the body slowly dissolve away. Scene 5 In a quiet bedroom somewhere YOUNGER ALLURA slowly stretches a little and opens her eyes sleepily. She sits up and sees the sun shining through the window. She looks over at the other bed, where her mom sleeps, and finds it empty. Younger Allura (yawning) ”Maybe she is in the shower.” She crawls out of bed and walks across the room. He body is now lean, toned, and slender, unlike her appearance before she came here. The bathroom door slides open as she approaches it. She sticks her head in and looks around. Not seeing anyone there, Allura quickly gets dressed in a body suit and runs out to the training area. A female with smooth crystalline skin standing in the middle of a circle. She has angelic wings on her shoulders and her eyes are closed. Younger Allura (approaching) “Master Suna, have you seen my mother?” The lady turns and smiles at Younger Allura. Master Suna (warmly) ”You finally decided to wake up? You mom? I haven’t seen her since yesterday, when you stepped out of the Time Chamber. Wasn’t she asleep?” Younger Allura (shaking her head) ”No, she wasn’t. May we search for her?” Master Suna nods gently and raises her hand. A sphere of light appears between them. Several images quickly flash across the surface of it and then it goes blank. Master Suna gets a confused look on her face. Master Suna (confused) ”Strange. She doesn’t appear to be in our dimension anymore.” Younger Allura (confused) ”I thought your kind were the only ones who could let us leave this place.” Master Suna (nodding) ”It is suppose to be like that.” The Sphere of light begins flashing again. Several minutes go by and it stops, with Ayami and Fox on the surface. Younger Allura (looking closer) ”That’s her, but who is the fox with her and where is she?” Younger Allura looks up at her teacher and sees a worried look on her face. Younger Allura (worried) ”Master Suna? Is my mom in danger?” Master Suna (gravely) ”I’m afraid so, kitten. She is in great danger I’m afraid.” In the tunnels Kinjite peers around the halls and his breath begins to show in the air. He slowly runs his paw on the wall and feels it freezing. He turns to Krystal, who is shivering behind him. Kinjite (half heartedly) ”Picked a bad time to be wearing cut offs.” Krystal (muttering) ”Man, it is freezing in here. I thought you said this was supposed to be Hell, not the artic!” Kinjite quickly pulls off his shirt and hands it to her. She looks at it and then at him. Krystal (shivering) ”Aren’t you going to freeze?” Kinjite (shaking his head) ”I’ve been in colder places. I will be fine.” Krystal nods and pulls his shirt on. It hangs loose on her a little, but it fit her good enough. Kinjite (looking around) ”If the legends are true, then we are on the third level of this dimension. This is the home of the Ice Devils. The exit is in the center of the Lair.” Krystal (nodding) ”That’s great and all, but where is Fox and your wife or whoever was grabbed?” Kinjite “All the Tunnels lead to the final level. We can only hope that they are having as much luck as we are.” Krystal nods and follows him as he walks down the tunnel. Elsewhere Ayami looks over as Fox is tying his coat around his waist. She wipes the sweat off her borrow and adjust her shirt around her waist as well. Ayami (thinking) Fox looks over at her. Fox (panting) ”How re you holding up?” Ayami (wiping off more sweat) ”This heat is going to be the death of me, with all this fur.” Fox (chuckling) ”I hear that. It seems to keep getting hotter the farther in we go. Do you think we are heading the right way?” Ayami (standing up) ”No other way to go. No side branches or separate halls. It seems that we are in a straight line for wherever we are going.” Fox nods again and they start walking. Scene 6 In the training area Younger Allura and Master suna are standing there. Younger Allura (worried) ”How much danger is she in?” Master Suna (quietly) ”Three is a good chance your mom will die, where she is at.” Younger Allura (tears forming) ”What?! Are you serious? I have to go help her!” Younger Allura turns to run, but Master Suna gently takes a hold of her shoulder. Master Suna (patiently) ”You can’t get to her.” (Allura turns to face her) ”At least not by your own skills. You have trained well, little kitten. As much as I hate to suggest this, perhaps it is time to test your skills in a real conflict.” Younger Allura (trying to be patient) ”What do you mean?” Master Suna (kneeling in front of her) ”You mom is in a place called the Demon’s Hell. It is the opposite of this place. The Devils take innocent beings into their domain for a game they call the Gauntlet. No one has survived it. They usually take couples into their game, but that was not your father she was with. I am guessing your father is there as well.” Younger Allura (eyes widened) ”Dad too?! Please, how do I help them?” Master Suna (smiling) ”You dad has amazing powers in the fields of the shadows and the light. These powers can be blocked there. What your dad doesn’t know is he has the same power you do. He just hasn’t discovered it yet. If he were to come in contact with your power, it would awaken his. The Devils can’t stop that power. The shadow power is based in destruction and the light power is based in creation. Your power is based out of Fate and Destiny. There are many parts to all of the Universes or Aniverses out there. I can give you a choice. I can send you to your parents, with the ability to leave there and go somewhere else, but you can not bring your dad here. The other choice is have you stay here and continue your training. You can only choose on a command with this ability. So what do you want to do?” Younger Allura stands there for a second thinking. She looks at Master Suna and takes a deep breath. Younger Allura (hesitantly) ”I get the ability to send us to one place of my choosing?” Master Suna (nodding) ”That is correct, but you can not bring Kinjite here. As much as we would love to have him here to learn from him and teach him, he made a choice a long time ago that banned him from here. You get one command, so think carefully before you ordered it, if you go.” Younger Allura (quietly) ”Send me to my parents. I can’t stand by and watch them be killed.” Master Suna slowly stands up and nods. She gently places a hand on Younger Allura’s shoulder. Younger Allura looks up at her and sees her smiling. Master Suna (smiling) ”It will take a little bit to prepare. So go get ready. Remember, you need to be careful about your command. You get one shot, so make sure it counts, kitten.” Younger Allura nods and quickly runs to her quarters. Master Suna watches her and a small tear forms in her eye. Master Suna (thinking) She turns and begins the ritual to open the gate. In the Tunnels Krystal (looking down) ”You have got to be kidding! It is a solid sheet of ice!” Kinjite (shrugging) ”Wish I was. The Lair is down the path though.” They are standing on top of a steep incline. The entire side is a giant sheet of smooth ice as far as they can see. Kinjite (smiling) ”Ever ice skate before?” Krystal (swallowing) ”Not really.” Kinjite (smiling) ”Well, there is a first time for everything.” Krystal looks at him and then down the long ice covered tunnel. Krystal (nervous) ”How do you ice skate?” Kinjite (placing a paw on her shoulder) ”Keep you feet under you and shift your weight to stay on them. If you fall, try to land on your butt and not your tail bone.” Krystal nods and takes a deep breath. She carefully places a foot on the ice and slides forwardly slowly. She begins sliding down the incline. Kinjite watches and nods. Suddenly her feet slip out from under her and she lands on her back, streaking down the tunnel, screaming the whole way. Kinjite (with a shrug) ”Good enough for me.” He jumps over the edge and lands on his feet. He slides down the tunnel sideways, using his claws as brakes to slow down when he needs to. He quickly catches up with Krystal and grabs her arm. She grabs his arm as they slide and pulls her self to him. He scoops her up and slings her onto his back, as they streak down the tunnel. Krystal looks ahead and her eyes bulge out. Krystal (yelling) ”A cliff!” Kinjite (gritting his teeth) ”No brakes! Can’t slow down in time! No guts, no glory!” Krystal looks at him in horror as she realizes what he plans to do. Krystal (horrified) ”Are you crazy?!” Kinjite just smiles and flexes his legs. At the last moment he leaps and soars through the air. Krystal buries her face into the fur on his back and squeezes tighter. They slam onto the ground on the other side of the gulley and slide to a stop, in front of a door. Krystal looks up, when Kinjite taps her on the head. Kinjite (calmly) ”We’re here. The entrance to the Fire Devils Domain.” Krystal (gasping for air) ”I am…going to…kill you….when this is over!” Kinjite smiles as he opens the door. His ears and nose twitch as he looks ahead of them. Krystal (stepping up beside him) ”What is it?” Kinjite (moving forward quickly) ”A fight and I recognize a scent here!” Krystal runs to keep up with him and the door slams shut behind them. In a large chamber… Ayami dives aside as a gout of flame races by her. She spins around and flings a paw forward. A streak of white light lances forward. The Large blood red demon rolls aside and the streak of light tears a chunk out of the wall. Fox fires several shots and they slam into the creature’s head, with no effect. Ayami and Fox begin backing up. Fox (putting away his blaster) ”My blaster is useless against this thing. Any plans or ideas?” They both quickly duck as a giant boulder flies over them. Ayami looks up and throws another shot at the demon, missing it. Ayami (panting) ”Not really and this heat is sapping my strength!” The Demon stomps forward, unaffected by the heat. It towers over the two mammals. Two rows of spines run down its back and along its large tail. It has two horns that are curved down under its eyes. It looks down on them and licks its lip with a long slithery tongue. Suddenly a black figure leaps off of a higher ledge and slams into its back. The Demon roars as it feels several points of sharp pain in its back. It staggers back thrashing around. Ayami and Fox back up even farther. Voice (calling) ”Fox! Over here!” Fox turns and sees Krystal sliding down the side. Fox grabs Ayami’s arm and pulls her over. Krystal leads them into a small area that is protected. Fox quickly hugs Krystal and holds her at arm length. Fox (relieved) ”Krystal, you alright?” Krystal (nodding) ”Had the hell scared out of me, but yeah.” (she looks at Ayami) ”Are you Kinjite’s wife or girlfriend?” Ayami (stunned) ”He’s here?” Krystal points out to the fight as it continues. Suddenly there is a sickening crunch followed by a loud banging sound. Then all goes quiet. All three of them peek around the side and sees Kinjite walking towards them, with a slight limp. He is tore up some and bleeding, but still standing. Ayami runs forward and hugs him tightly. Kinjite hold her as tight a he can. Fox and Krystal walk forward. Ayami steps back and looks at her husband. Ayami (worried) ”Are you alright?” Kinjite (nodding) ”I am in better shape than after my last stupid stunt.” (looks at Krystal) ”Any problems?” Krystal (shaking her head) ”No, it worked out pretty smooth.” Kinjite nods and looks at Fox. Kinjite (nodding) ”You must be Fox McCloud, Krystal’s husband.” (he offers a paw to shake) “Thanks for watching over Ayami.” Fox (taking the paw) ”No problem. I am guessing you must be her *reckless* husband.” Kinjite (looking at Ayami) ”Reckless? Me? I am not reckless, I only think out my plans a tenth of the way.” Ayami laughs and gently punches him in the ribs. Krystal (shaking her head) ”Well, we found each other. Now how do we get out?” Voice (from above them) ”That, my dear lady is an easy answer. Through the nexus.” Everyone turns and sees a tall demonic looking figure standing over them on a cliff. Kinjite steps in front of Ayami and growls at the figure. The figure claps gently as Kinjite steps forward. Figure (walking down the cliff side) ”I have to congratulate you on that fight, Kinjite. You do your reputation great credit. The killer of demons and slayer of princes!” (it stops in front of him and bows) ”I am honored to meet the Forbidden One’s host.” (the figure turns to Fox) ”Fox McCloud, leader of Team Fox and an ace arwing fighter pilot. Hero of a few wars and several missions. It is an honor to meet you as well.” (bows again) Fox looks at the bowing figure and then to Kinjite. Fox (angrily) ”Who is this clown anyways?” Figure (standing up straight) ”Permit me to introduce my self. I am Count Vladimir, the First Devil of the Blades. I am here to meet out Gauntlet runners.” (he looks at the two females) ”And their prizes, if they win.” Ayami steps back and Kinjite’s ears lay flat, as he growls even louder. Count Vladimir just shakes his head. Vladimir (smiling) ”I would say, save your energy for the Gauntlet. You can’t beat me here, Kinjite. I am no mere demon, like you are use to killing.” Kinjite (growling) ”And if we choose not to *play*?” Vladimir (with a shrug) ”Then your spirits are forfeited and we get your daughters to *play* with us.” Kinjite suddenly leaps forward and lashes at the devil’s head in rage. He stops partway and the devil shakes his head. Suddenly Kinjite is launched backwards and slams into the wall. He drops to the ground with a thump. The devil’s eyes flash and the wall cracks. Several rocks fall from the wall and bury Kinjite. Ayami gasps in horror and turns to the devil. She flings a blade of light at the devil. He catches it in his hand and the beam shatters. Vladimir (sounding bored) ”I believe that is done like this.” A jet of blood red fire lances from his finger. It slams into Ayami and she is slammed into the wall. Patches of her fur is blackened and she slumps to the ground. The devil raises a finger and her unconscious form rises into the air. It floats over beside him and he looks at Krystal. She turns to run, but is yanked backwards, by an unseen force and floats by Ayami. Fox lunges forward, but suddenly grabs at his throat. He begins gasping for air and drops to his knees. Vladimir steps before him and lowers his face to be even with Fox’s. Vladimir (sneering) ”You tell Kinjite that his and your wives are at Nexus. The demons there will be waiting to make sport of them, so don’t wait to long to get there.” The last thing Fox sees is Vladimir raising a clawed fist and it smashing into Fox’s face. Then everything goes black. Scene 7 The Training Grounds Younger Allura runs out, wearing a body suit that has shoulder guards and a chest plate. Her boots are layered in a thin metal as well. Master Suna nods to her and looks down. Younger Allura (worried) ”What is wrong?” Master Suna (quietly) ”You mom was captured and you dad was injured.” Younger Allura (stunned) ”Dad was beat?” Master Suna (nodding) ”He needs your help now, kitten. I will send you to him. Remember, he needs to have his third magic awakened.” Younger Allura (nodding) ”I understand, but what about my mom?” Master Suna (gently) ”You have become a good fighter, kitten, but you don’t have the drive your dad has or the aggression he has. Help him and he will help you get to your mom.” (she touches Younger Allua’s forehead and there is a flash of light) ”You have the command to get out, but it can only be used once. Be careful how you use it. You will know when to use it.” Younger Allura nods and waits patiently. Master Suna nods and turns to a glowing sphere. She begins chanting and the sphere begins to grow in size. When it reaches a certain size, Master Suna motions to Younger Allura. She runs forward and dives through it. On Aldebaran… Cassie is pacing around the room as Queen Katrina and Jenny are flipping through ancient volumes. She stops as Queen Katrina closes the one she is flipping through. Cassie (hopeful) “Any luck?” Queen Katrina (shaking her head) ”Nothing.” (looks at Jenny) ”You?” Jenny shuts the text and shakes her head. Cassie (confused) ”You mean to say he just vanished?” Queen Katrina (shrugging) ”I’m not sure. We don’t know the extent of his powers.” Cassie (nodding quietly) ”I see. Well at least you tried.” She turns and walks out of the room. Jenny follows her. Jenny (as they walk) ”So what are you going to do?” Cassie (quietly) ”Return to the shuttle and leave the planet. What else?” Jenny nods as they walk. They soon reach the shuttle and Cassie boards it. Jenny steps back as the shuttle lifts off and disappears into the sky. She turns as Bucky walks up. Bucky (curious) ”Any luck?” Jenny shakes her head and sighs. Bucky puts an arm around her. Bucky (squeezing her shoulder) ”You tried at least. Anyways, Fritz wants us to do some patrolling around the Atlantean area. He heard some reports that there were toad fighters detected and the Atlanteans would like a little help.” Jenny nods and they walk towards the Valkyrie. In the Tunnels… Fox slowly opens his eyes. His head is pounding and he groans slightly. He slowly sits up and looks around. He sees the pile of rock that fell on Kinjite and crawls towards it. There is a paw sticking out and Fox checks it for a pulse. There is a steady one. Suddenly there is a bright flash of light and Fox looks behind him. Younger Allura is standing there. She looks around and sees Fox sitting by the rock pile. Younger Allura (nodding) ”You’re the one who was traveling with my mom. Where is my dad?” Fox (confused) ”Who are you?” Allura walks up to him and studies him. Her eyes fall on the black paw sticking out of the rocks. Allura (kneeling) ”What happened?” Fox (watching her) ”Some devil slapped us around. He took my wife and Kinjite’s wife. Some placed called Nexus.” Allura nods and tries shoving the rocks aside. She struggles against them, but they don’t move. Fox tries helping her as well, but still no success. Allura steps back and takes a couple of breaths. Allura (calmly) ”Step back.” Fox steps back and watches her. A tendril made of grey flames rise from her hands and slowly crawls across the ground. It wraps itself around Kinjite’s paw and seeps into it. After a few seconds, the tendril pulls back and Allura watches hopefully. A few minutes go by. Suddenly the rocks begin to crack and swell. Suddenly they explode outward. Allura quickly raises her tendrils as a shield for her and Fox, deflecting the shards. She lowers them and they see Kinjite standing in the middle of a pile or rocks, covered in grey flames. Allura runs up and hugs her dad tightly. Kinjite (stunned) ”Allura?” He holds her out at arms length and looks at her. He notices the difference in her body and that she has grey flames around her as well. He also notices that he is covered in grey flames. Kinjite (looking at his arms) ”How?” Allura (smiling) ”Master Suna said you had the power in you as well. Just that it was dormant and the easiest way to wake it would be expose it to my powers. She also said they couldn’t block this type of power here.” Kinjite nods and a smile creeps onto his face. Kinjite (looking at her) ”How did you get here?” Allura “Master Suna sent me.” Kinjite (nodding) ”You have a way out?” Allura (nodding) ”Yeah, but I can only access it once. Master Suna said I would know when. I came to help you and mom.” Kinjite nods and puts a paw on her shoulder. He looks at Fox. Kinjite (calmly) ”What happened?” Fox quickly retells what happens and Kinjite nods. Kinjite (anger in his voice) ”Yeah, I know where Nexus is and we are going there!” He turns and starts towards the tunnels. A boulder slams down in the way. Kinjite growls and makes a fist. He slams his fist into the boulder and it explodes. Fox and Allura watch and quickly follow after a few seconds. Allura (thinking) In a cavern… Ayami slowly opens her eyes. She feels a slight tingle in her wrist and ankles and looks there. There are black flames coming from the floor and ceiling, wrapping around her wrist and ankles. She is suspended about three feet off the floor. She looks around and sees Krystal beside her. Krystal (seeing her moving) ”Are you alright?” Ayami “Yeah, but my head is hurting.” They both look over as a door opens and Vladimir walks in. Vladimir (warmly) ”I see that you have finally awakened, Mrs Ayami.” (tips his head towards Krystal) ”I hope you both are comfortable.” Krystal (growling) ”You can kiss my-!” Vladimir (Interrupting) ”Please refrain from using such rude and vulgar language in my presence. Though I am a devil, even I believe in etiquette.” Krystal (growling) ”You can go etiquette your-!” Suddenly a string of black flame wraps around her muzzle and cuts her off before she can finish. Vladimir (firmly) ”I won’t ask a second time.” Ayami (coldly) ”What are your plans for us now, Devil?” Vladimir (nodding) ”It is simple. We wait to see what your husbands will do and how far they will get. When that is over, I will simply feed your souls to the pit fiends and turn your bodies into slaves. The usual fate. As it has been each time we played the game. It is monotonous but it has helped passed the few millennia that have gone by while waiting.” Ayami (raising an eyebrow) ”Waiting for what?” Vladimir (smiling) ”Why for the Barriers to finally fall, my dear. Within in the next couple of hours, the barrier that separates our dimension from your dimension will crumble. Then we will march our armies out and take over the pathetic little aniverse and expand our dimension.” (looks at Krystal) ”Then after we finish with the aniverse, we will move into your dimension. Oh to smell the scent of burning flesh and hear the screams of the dying. A sight I will truly enjoy.” (nods to both ladies) ”I enjoyed the brief talk, but alas, I must be going. I have to prep the Blade Devils and Demons. I will return for more conversation when I am finished.” He turns and walks out the door, with a wave of his clawed hand. As soon as the door shuts, the black flaming string around Krystal’s muzzle vanishes. She looks at Ayami, with a worried look. Krystal (worried) ”How good is your husband?” Ayami (quietly) ”Hopefully good enough.” Scene 8 In the Tunnels The rock devil suddenly explodes and showers the tunnel with rock and entrails. Kinjite walks through the shower of blood and dust. Younger Allura and Fox are following behind him. Fox (waving the duct from his face) ”How far is it to this Nexus?” Kinjite (as he walks) ”A couple of miles. The attacks will get more severe the closer we get.” Allura walks behind her dad in silence. Allura (thinking) (out loud) ”Dad, I have a question for you.” Kinjite stops and looks at his youngest daughter. Kinjite “Yeah?” Allura (looking down at her feet) ”I was just noticing that it sounds like you’re afraid.” (she looks up at his face) ”You’re not, right?” Kinjite stands there in silence. He swallows gently and smiles weakly. Allura (continuing) ”I mean think about it. Mom told me how you dived out of Uncle Bucky’s shuttle in the upper atmosphere of Atlantis, without a parachute. She also told me how you went claw to claw with Toadborg, and the Regens. Aunt Jenny told me how you fought to save Queen Katrina from that Rogue male and I have seen you go after Assassin Sisters without a moment’s hesitation.” Kinjite slowly kneels down in front of his daughter and places a paw on her shoulder. Kinjite (quietly) ”Allura,…I am terrified of this place. It chills me to the bone. The only reason I am still moving is because of your mom.” Allura (confused) ”But why? You’ve been blown up, shot up, busted up, and almost died countless times! Why are you afraid of this place? Think about it, you are the only cat to survive the world of Darkness!” Kinjite (nodding) ”Yes, I am. What you don’t know, is that this place is worse than the world of Darkness. This is their version of Hell. Demons are afraid of this place.” Fox clears his voice and both felines look at him. Fox (gently) ”I can’t say I know everything that your dad has gone through and I really don’t understand what your two are doing with those flames around your body. What I do know is that everyone has a limit. Sooner or later they will all meet something that they are afraid of. We can’t keep this fear from stopping us from helping our wives and your mom though.” Voice (calmly) ”Spoken like a true warrior.” All three of them spin around and look at the voice. A tall slender naked lady is walking towards them. Large bat wings extend from her back and her body is coated in fine scales. Her fingers end in sharp claws and there are pointed teeth extending from her mouth and barely extending past her lower lip. She has long flowing silver hair and her eyes are as black as the night. Fox takes a step back as does Allura. Kinjite rises to his feet and stares at her in shock. Lady (kindly) ”Hello Lance. Ironic meeting *Kinjite* the Slayer of Demons in the Demon’s Hell.” On Aldebaran… Queen Katrina is sitting on the Throne. The Three Heads of Orders are standing before her. Queen Katrina (nodding) ”Then it is decided. We will aid Warren and Atlantis in the retaking of Genus I want the troops prepared and ready to travel in less than two days.” All three Females nod and leave. Queen Katrina turns to a servant near by. Queen Katrina (quietly) ”Please get me something to drink.” The servant nods and turns from the room. She walks out the door. As soon as she is out, she reaches into a pocket. She pulls out a small communicator and pushes a button. She looks around and raises it to her mouth. Scene 9 In the Chamber Ayami and Krystal look up as the door opens again. Vladimir walks in and bows to the two of them. Vladimir (kindly) ”I apologize for taking so l\long, but the time is coming up quickly. I am proud to say we have picked our arrival point.” Ayami (worried) ”Where?” Vladimir (smiling) ”A planet called Genus! Our gate will open on the surface and we will march forth, killing all before us!” Krystal (quickly) ”And our husbands?” Vladimir (smiling) ”They are quite resilient. They are still making their way here. An amazing team they are! No one has ever made it this far before. I do have one question for you Mrs. Krystal. What was it like to be clinging to Kinjite like that?” Ayami quickly looks at Krystal in confusion. Krystal looks at the devil with hatred in her eyes. Krystal (snarling) ”Shut up!” Vladimir (smiling) ”What? It was a simple question. I was wondering what it felt like to feel another’s fur against your body, other than your husband. Your legs wrapped around him and holding him tightly like you was.” Krystal (yelling) ”I SAID SHUT UP!!” Ayami just looked at the blue vixen in shock. Vladimir laughs out loud and walks from the door. Krystal lowers her head and glances at Ayami, who was still looking at her. Ayami (quietly) ”Tell me what happened.” Krystal (quietly) ”It wasn’t what he made it out to be. I fell and was sliding down a sheet of ice. Kinjite slid after me and caught up with me. He picked me up and put me on his back. I admit I was clinging to him as we slid down the path at the speed he was going, but I was scared to death.” (she looks at Ayami, her eyes moist) ”I was scared. That’s all. Nothing happened. When we approached the cliff, I buried my face in his back, because I thought we were going over the edge. Then he jumped the cliff and landed on the other side.” Ayami (nodding) ”Then why are you wearing his shirt?” Krystal (looking at the shirt) ”He gave it to me when we reached the Ice Devils level. He said he wasn’t cold and I was shivering. Ayami, I didn’t try anything with your husband, I swear. I was just so scared.” Ayami (nodding) ”I understand, Krystal. I believe you.” Krystal (smiling mischievously) ”Just so you know, I do admit he is very attractive though!” Ayami laughs and Krystal laughs too. Ayami (chuckling) ”Should have taken the opportunity when you had it, Krystal. “ (she looks around) ”I don’t think we’re going to get out of this alive.” Krystal (stunned) ”You mean you’re not mad?” Ayami (shaking her head) ”No, I know several other females who have had the same thoughts and tried to act on them.” Krystal (looking at her) ”And you stopped them, right?” Ayami (smiling) ”Of course not. His sense of duty did. The Throne always called for him at the right time.” Krystal (shocked) ”You mean that if he wasn’t called…and you wouldn’t try to stop it?” Ayami (smiling) ”No, for two reasons. The first is our race has the Chosen. There has been talk about the Gift being genetic and requiring a specific patterns. So though we believe in marriages, we don’t bind ourselves so tightly to one. The Gift is a rare trait and we hope the Chosen will spread it through our race. The second reason is, I have his heart and love. I don’t need his body to know his true love.” Krystal (nodding) ”Love like that is rare. I thought Fox and I loved each other severely, but compared to you and your husband, we seem to be little more than a match being compared to a bonfire.” Ayami (looking at her) ”Do you really love him, trust him, and willing to do anything for him?” Krystal “Of course! I wouldn’t have married him otherwise.” Ayami (smiling) ”Then you love him as much as I love Lance. You come from a different place, we are different races, and we have different cultures. The feelings are the same though.” (smiles mischievously) ”Besides, don’t’ you think I was watching Fox?!” Both of them start laughing again. Scene 10 Mountains of Aldebaran JUNO looks up as the Head Elder walks in. Juno stands and greets him. Head Elder (calmly) ”I have heard some disturbing news, Juno.” Juno (raising an eyebrow) ”What is it, Head Elder?” Head elder (calmly) ”The Queen is going to war against the toads. She is allying herself with Warren and Atlantis. The battle is taking place on Genus.” Juno (concerned) ”Isn’t that where we have picked up the dark energies gathering?” Head Elder (nodding) ”I am afraid so. There is a chance that there will be a Gate opening there and there is also to be a war there.” Juno (pacing around) ”A war and a Gate? That could end up wiping out most of the Aldebaran Forces, as well as the Atlantean and Warren Forces. What do you want me to do?” Head Elder (patiently) ”There is more I am afraid. Kinjite has come up missing. Due to his record, I am expecting him to show up at the war somehow and attempt to defend the Aldebaran forces. I want you there to aid him.” Juno stands still for a few seconds, quietly. He then nods to the Head Elder. Juno (sternly) ”If it is an assignment.” Head Elder (nodding) ”It is. Juno, I know you have a problem with Kinjite, but he is trying to redeem himself after walking that dark path. We can judge him on what the Sisterhood says, or we can let him write his own history. To my knowledge, the only one who knows what really happened and is still alive, is the Queen.” Juno (trying to contain his anger) ”He has killed several Assassin Sisters and other Sisters in recent years!” Head Elder (calmly) ”And he has fought for the Throne in recent years as well. We have done studies and found that there is more to that black cat than meets the eye.” (turns to leave) ”You have your assignment. Get prepared and head out.” Juno watches the Head Elder leave and waits as the door shuts. He turns and slams his paw into the wall. He then heads towards his closet to prepare. At the Palace… ALEXANDER is watching the troop’s progression. PRINCESS FELICIA is standing beside him. She looks up at him and sees a dark expression on his face. Princess Felicia (concerned) ”Alexander, are you alright?” Alexander looks down at her and she sees the worry in his eyes. Alexander (quietly) ”I have a bad feeling about this upcoming battle, Princess Felicia. Something in the wind doesn’t smell right.” Voice (from behind them) ”You are not the only one.” They turn and see a Female Captain approaching them. She bows to Princess Felicia and looks at Alexander. He nods to her and remains silent. Female Captain (calmly) ”Several Sisters are saying the same thing. Even those that have seen several wars are saying something doesn’t feel right.” (she looks at Alexander) ”The Queen says that you are a soldier of some sorts. She says if you are interested, the offer stands for you to march with us.” Alexander nods and clenches his fists. A gout of crimson flame shoots up around him. As it passes him, he is wearing a silver breast plate and shoulder guards. On his waist is a fine chain woven wrap that starts on his right side and comes around to his left, lowering to his left knee. His head is covered with a silver helmet, that bears a were-leopard on its brow. The flames form into a ball in front of him and he reaches out. As his paw closes around the ball, it elongates and forms into a large two handed sword. Its blade is almost as long as he is tall and it is black shiny silver. The guard is crystalline in appearance and there is a large fire opal in the center. The handle looks to be wrapped in leather and there is a sharp onyx stone in the pommel. He flips the sword over and hooks it on his back. Princess Felicia and the Female Captain just stand there shocked. The whole event took a mere second and he was armed. Alexander (calmly) ”Which shuttle do I ride in, Captain?” On Atlantis… Older Allura and Andrew are watching the troops march into the shuttles, as the Heavy Assault Units are loaded. Older Allura (quietly) ”They already loaded the dual fighters, as well as the single fighters. All the power armors and mechanized troops too.” (she looks at Andrew) ”It looks like this is for real. I am guessing they won’t pull back until we have freed Genus.” Andrew puts an arm around her and holds her tightly. He gently wraps his wing around her to comfort her. Andrew (quietly) ”It is not the battle or the war I am fearful of, my love. It is the sunrise after the last night of fighting I am afraid of.” Allura nods and leans against the bat. She turns and watches as Chosen begin to armor up for battle. Allura (quietly as tears begin to form in her eyes) “May the Goddesses forgive us for what we are about to do.” Andrew gently strokes her hair and feels his shirt grow moist from tears that he doesn’t see. In the Tunnels… Kinjite is standing before the naked lady. Kinjite (shocked) ”You were killed. I saw Anglosax devour you.” Lady (nodding) ”Yes he did. This is were all demons who die end up. I am sure you have sent quite a few here yourself.” (she looks down at Allura) “She bears the same scent as you, Lance. Your offspring?” Allura steps up and beside her dad. Allura (demanding) ”How are you and how does a demon know my dad’s real name?!” The lady laughs and it sounds like ice being scraped across glass. It sends shivers down Allura and Fox’s back. She looks at Allura Lady (firmly) ”I taught your dad the arts of Alchemy Magic and taught him to survive in the world of Darkness.” (she looks at Kinjite) ”Memories can wait though. There is a more important matter at hand.” Fox (grumbling) ”Yeah, like saving our wives from that bastard Vladimir!” Lady “That is only a fraction of the problem. Right now in Nexus, the Devils are preparing to invade two different dimensions. Your two dimensions.” Kinjite (shocked) “But the Barriers?” Lady (sadly) ”Are crumbling. Lance, you are a key figure in the war.” (looks at Fox) ”As are you. They took your wives to keep you in the Guantlet during the battle.” Kinjite looks at Fox and Allura. He knew what the lady was getting to. He looks back at her Kinjite (quietly) ”How long?” Lady (after thinking a second) ”Here, a few seconds, there a day. Yes, Lance, the Aldebaran and Atlantean races are involved.” (she looks at Fox) ”The barrier between your dimension and Lance’s dimension is all but gone. That is how they plan on invading your dimension as well.” Fox (anger in his voice) ”What can I do about it?” Lady (smirking) ”Why bring your forces here to meet them as they come out, of course!” Kinjite (looking down the tunnel) ”But our wives?” Lady (quietly) ”If you continue to go for them, the dimensions will be taken over by the time you reach them.” Two silvery portholes appear. Kinjite knew where they lead and it showed on his face as he struggled to make a choice. Lady (putting a hand on his shoulder) ”This is the choice of being a hero, Lance. I told you that it would come up sooner or later. Be thankful it is me telling you.” (Kinjite looks at her and she sees the pain in his eye) ”Go save your dimension and I will go for your wives. Hurry though. These are devils and I am only a succubus. Return here through the Gate the Devils will be using. It will take you straight to Nexus and I will try to protect your wives until you can return.” (looks at Allura) ”You go with them, kitten. There will be one who needs your help. I know what the Angelic Ones gave you. Return with these two to finish your part in this drama.” Kinjite nods and turns to the portholes. Fox steps up beside him and they nod to each other. Kinjite (firmly) ”Bring your forces, McCloud.” Fox nods and dives through one of the portholes. It vanishes when he is through. Kinjite takes a hold of Younger Allura’s paw and they both look at the Lady again. Kinjite (firmly) ”On your honor, protect my wife and Krystal!” Lady (nodding) ”As much as a demon can give.” Kinjite nods and turns to the porthole again. He and Allura dive through. Lady (thinking) To be Continued in The Unleashing