Facing Your Past Author Psykorabbit2000 Scene 1 Ocean shores, Atlantis ALLURA is lying on a towel in the sun. She is watching the birds fly around and dive in the water occasionally. She hears the children playing around and the talk of the adults with them. She lazily draws her fingers through the sand randomly. She looks up as a mother talks to her son. Something about the son stirs in Allura’s memory as she studies him. He is white furred and rich blonde hair and tail. Allura listens in as the mother is talking to the child. Mother (gently) ”Alexander, I told you not to play that rough. The other kittens can’t keep up with it.” Alexander (nodding) ”I’m sorry mom. I just got carried away with our game. Can I go say I am sorry?” The mother nods and the boy runs down the beach. Allura watches him go and feels a slight tear in her eye. Allura (thinking) She quickly wipes her eye and rolls over on her back. She closes her eyes and tries to relax. Later that afternoon Allura is walking through the market. She is wearing her normal clothing and has a bag draped over her shoulder, holding her towel and swim suit in it. Her head is dipped down as she walks. There is a sound of running feet and she lifts her head. A body collides with her and they both fall over. She quickly looks up with anger in her eyes and stops. Sitting beside her is the boy named Alexander. His eyes are wide with worry as he looks back at her. Alexander (worried) ”Stars, your Kinjite’s daughter Allura! I am so sorry about that. I was trying to catch up with my mom and didn’t see you!” Allura studies him closely and feels her anger melt away. She stands up and offers a paw down to him. He shakily takes it and she pulls him to his feet. Allura (calmly) ”What’s your name, kitten?” Alexander (cautiously) ”Alexander, ma’am. Are you alright?” Allura (nodding) ”Yes, I am impressed you were able to knock me down. Not many can.” Alexander (looking down at his feet) ”My mom says I need to learn how to control my strength a little better. I got it from my father, before he was injured to badly to have kids.” Allura (whispering quietly) ”Shar.” Alexander looks up surprised. Alexander (shocked) ”How did you know my dad’s name?” Allura (surprised at he heard her) ”Huh? Oh, he was a good friend of mine I heard him speak of you a little.” Alexander smiled and nodded. He looked over as he heard his mom call to him. He quickly looked at Allura and nodded again. Alexander (backing away) ”I have to go. It was nice to see you, Miss Allura.” Allura (nodding) ”It was nice to see you as well. If you need any help with learning to control your strength, I would be honored to help the kitten of Shar.” Alexander nods and turns. Allura watches him run through the market place. Voice (from behind Allura( ”Well, it isn’t every day I see you lie to someone.” Allura whirls around and Andrew is standing there. He picks up her bag and hands it to her. Allura (defensively) ”What do you mean?” Andrew (looking at her) ”Allura, you know that heart rates change when you lie. You want to talk about how you knew that kid’s father?” Allura gently bites her lower lip. She hadn’t told Andrew the truth about her past yet and wasn’t sure if she should. She gently put the bag over her shoulder and took his arm. Allura (quietly) ”Not now, love. Let’s just go home. I feel tired all of a sudden.” Andrew nods and gently guides her through the crowd. Scene 2 Kinjite’s house, that night Allura is sitting in front of the window, watching the moon rise. She can hear Andrew in the shower. Allura (thinking) She runs her fingers through her hair, nervously. She gets up and walks down to the kitchen. She pours a small glass of orange juice and drinks it, grimacing as she feels the citric acid burn a little. She leans against the refrigerator and closes her eyes a little. Allura (thinking) Suddenly there is a knock at the door. Allura closes her robe a little more and walks over to it. She opens the door and sees Alexander and his mother standing there. Allura (calmly) ”Can I help you?” Mother (kindly) ”Alexander told me about the accident in the market. He also told me about your offer to teach him.” She gently nudges Alexander a little. Alexander ((slightly embarrassed) ”Miss. Allura, I have heard you are one of the best sword users on Atlantis. The others say I am too reckless.” (lifts his wide eyes to look at her) ”I was wondering if you would please train me? No one else will.” Allura felt her throat tighten at the sight of his eyes and his request. She swallowed a little and kneels down before him to look him in the eyes. Allura (gently) ”You know the sword is a merciless companion to master? It will be very hard and in some cases very dangerous. Are you sure about this, kitten?” Alexander (nodding) ”My dad wanted me to learn the Way of the Sword. It was the last thing I promised him before he died saving the Queen of Aldebaran.” (wipes a tear from his eye and looks at her) ”I want to follow in his footsteps. I failed the test to be a Chosen, so this is all I have left to follow him.” Allura (quietly) ”Shar’s path was a hard one to travel. Few are able to travel it. My own dad traveled it and he is dealing with the pain it causes.” (sees the look of expecting rejection on the child’s face) ”Think about it through the night and come back here in the morning if you are still serious. I want you to really think about it and think about your dad as well. If I do not answer the door, tell the bat you were told to come back in the morning. He will get me.” Alexander smiles bright and hug her around the neck, tightly. Allura sits there shocked for a second and gently pats him on the back. He takes a step back and nods. Alexander (happily) ”I will think about it tonight.” Allura (looking at his mom) ”You should talk with him about it too. This is a choice you both need to agree on.” His mom nods and they walk off. Allura gets up and shuts the door. She leans against it and wipes a tear from her face. She opens her eyes and jumps when she sees Andrew standing right in front of her. Allura (trying to calm down) ”Don’t do that!” Andrew smiles and puts an arm around her shoulders. Andrew (smiling gently) ”What is bothering you, Allura. You lied earlier and now you are on the verge of crying. What is it?” Allura hugs him tightly and sighs. Allura (quietly) ”It is nothing really. Just a softer side of me.” Andrew nods and they walk towards the bedroom. Andrew (thinking) He gently kisses the top of her head as they walk. Scene 3 Allura’s Dream Allura is running down a trail. She looks about eight years old and wearing a muddy dress. She has mud splattered all over her face and paws. She runs up to the house and pulls the door open. Allura (calling) ”Mommy!” Ayami walks around the corner. It is obvious she is pregnant and walks up to Allura, smiling. Ayami (shaking her head) “Allura, what did I tell you about the mud fights at the river?” She wipes some of the mud from Allura’s face. Allura smiles brightly as she does. Allura (smiling) ”I know I am suppose to try and stay clean. There’s a bunch of other kittens playing and I wanted to play as well. Where’s Daddy?” Ayami sighs and puts a paw on her daughter’s back, guiding her to the bathroom. Ayami (quietly) ”Your dad is talking with the King right now. He might have to go to war soon.” Allura (nodding as they walk) ”Don’t worry mom. Dad will beat up all who stand in his way. Daddy is invincible.” Ayami sighs as she leads Allura into the bathroom. Later Allura is sitting in the training room, wearing her pajamas, and playing around with a practice sword. She stops when she hears voices talking from down the hall. She can tell it is her parents. Kinjite (from down the hall) ”That was their choice, Ayami. We march in two days on Genus to retake it and Shar’s group is to march with mine.” Ayami (from down the hall) ”I have a bad feeling about this mission though Lance. Is there any way you can get out of it?” Kinjite (walking towards the training room) ”No way I can . They’re orders straight from the Throne.” Allura turns around and swings the sword, trying to use it correctly. The sword is as tall as she is and heavier than herself. A black paw catches it as it swings wildly. She looks up and sees her dad looking down at her with a glint of humor in his eyes. Kinjite (letting go of the sword) ”What are you doing, Allura?” Allura (smiling) ”Trying to use the sword like you do.” Kinjite chuckles and kneels down beside her. He takes the sword from her gently and flips it around. Kinjite (smiling) ”So you want to use the sword as well?” Allura nods eagerly and smiles brightly. Allura (smiling) ”They say you’re the best with the sword, Daddy. They saw you can make the sword dance all over your body.” Kinjite (chuckles) ”I am the best Sword wielder on the planet, kitten. Which move were you trying?” Allura (thinking for a second) ”The one were you swing it around your shoulder and it glides around to your paw, moving freely in the air.” Kinjite (stands up) ”I usually charge for demonstrations, but I’ll let it slide this time.” He steps around her and twirls the sword around, loosening up a little. Suddenly he flips the sword up and around his shoulder. It glides around and the handle lands in his opposite paw. He finishes it with an easy spin and the blade stops pointing up between his eyes, blade out. Allura claps happily. Kinjite lowers the sword and looks down at her. He tosses the sword over to her and she grabs it clumsily. The weight of the sword knocks her over onto her butt, with the sword lying in her lap. Kinjite chuckles again and looks down at her. He pats her on the head and walks out of the room. Ayami is standing in the door and watches as Allura struggles to her feet with the sword and starts practicing again. Scene 4 Kinjite House the next morning, present Allura slowly opens her eyes as she hears some talking from downstairs. A few moments later, the bedroom door opens and Andrew walks in. He leans over and gently kisses her on the forehead. He notices slight moisture marks around her eyes. Andrew (quietly) ”There is a young kitten at the door. He said you were expecting him.” Allura slowly sits up and rubs her eyes. She nods and stands up. Andrew watches as she dresses quickly and straps her sword on her back. She starts to walk out and he puts a paw on her shoulder, stopping her. She looks at him and raises an eyebrow. Andrew (worried) ”Love, I can tell something is wrong. Do you want to talk about it?” Allura (quietly) ”Nothing to worry about. Just a dream.” Andrew watches her walk down the hall. He notices how she is carrying herself and shakes his head. Andrew (thinking) He follows her down the stairs. Downstairs Alexander is standing in the doorway. He is wearing a black training suit and has a practice sword on his back. He watches Allura walk down the stairs and towards him. He smiles brightly as she approaches. Alexander (brightly) ”I am here as you requested Miss. Allura. I talked with my mom about this choice and she said it was my choice and she would support me either way.” Allura smiles at the youth’s energetic urge to learn. Allura (quietly) ”Alright Alexander. It won’t be easy and you will probably get hurt a lot in the training, but if you are serious, I will teach you.” Alexander nods and Allura motions him to the training room. She stops at the door for a moment and memories of her own training flood back . She shakes her head and walks in, with Alexander right behind her. Andrew watches with a worried expression on his face. He turns and walks over to the book shelf and pulls out a family history book. That evening Allura tips her head back and lets the scalding hot water run down her hair and back. She relaxes a little as the heat burns into her body. In the bedroom, Andrew is sitting in a chair, drinking a cup of water. A few moments later, Allura steps out of the shower and dries off. She pulls on her night clothes and walks out. Andrew looks up at her as she walks into the room. Andrew (smiling) ”So how did he do today?” Allura flops on the bed and sighs. Allura (looking at the ceiling) ”He is so damn strong. I find it hard to believe he failed the test of the Chosen.” (she looks over at Andrew) ”Sorry I couldn’t spend any time with you today.” Andrew (chuckles) ”No problem. You have a student now. How’s it feel to know you are a teacher now?” Allura snorts a little and stretches. Allura (pulling a blanket over her) ”Tiring. To say the least.” Andrew laughs and gets up. He flips the light switch to turn off the lights and crawls into bed beside her. She curls up beside him and is soon asleep. Scene 5 Allura’s dream Kinjite (yelling) ”I said to do it right!” A teenage Allura is sitting on the floor of the training room, holding her side. Sitting beside her is a practice sword and her dad is standing over her holding another. Allura (gasping in pain) ”I… tried! You …came in…to fast.” Kinjite (growling) ”Get up and do it again!” Allura forces herself to her feet and picks up the sword again. She takes a step back and raises it to the ready position. She and Kinjite begin to circle each other. Ayami is standing in the door way holding a seven year old kitten in her arms. Kinjite suddenly leaps forward and their swords collide with a loud crack. The kitten buries his face into Ayami’s shoulder at the noise. Allura twirls around and lashes out with her sword, only to have it knocked aside. Kinjite lunges in and swings around, sword out. Ayami winces as she hears the sickening thud, as Kinjite sword slams into Allura’s ribs again. Allura drops to the ground with a cry of pain, clutching her side. Kinjite stands over her and glares down. He turns and walks out of the room, leaving her there. Ayami slowly walks in and set the kitten down. She gently helps Allura up to a sitting position and touches the side with a glowing paw. The pain dies down a little. Ayami (quietly) ”Are you alright, Allura?” Allura (quietly) ”Why does he have to swing so hard? I thought this was practice! He treats it like it is war!” Ayami (quietly) ”I don’t know. He has been more aggressive ever since that war.” (looks at the window and sees the sun rising up) ”Why don’t you go for a walk along the beach?” Allura nods and slowly stands up. She picks up the practice sword and straps it onto her back. She walks out the door and Ayami watches. The young kitten crawls onto her lap and looks up at her. Ayami smiles and gently picks him up again. The Beach Allura is walking down the beach. She is listening to the crashing waves and the other felines having fun around her. Her side still hurts a little, but she ignores it she looks around and finds a quiet spot. She pulls out the sword and begins practicing. Several moments go by as she goes through practice routines. Voice (from behind her) ”Flying Sword technique? Tough to pull of with a practice blade.” She turns around and sees another teenager standing there, with a sword on his side. He has white fur and rich blonde hair and tail He walks forward smiling. Male (as he approaches) ”Sorry to disturb you. Haven’t seen anyone practice that technique with a practice blade before. Usually, they practice it with a steel blade, that has been properly balanced. Who’s teaching you?” Allura (slightly embarrassed) ”My dad, Master Oni Lance.” Male (nodding) ”High standards. I can see why you are already trying that technique. Haven’t you earned a steel blade yet?” (slaps himself in the forehead) ”Crap, where are my manners? I am Alexander, student to Shar, my father. What is your name?” Allura (smiling) ”Allura, student to Master Oni Lance, my father. He hasn’t given me the test yet for real steel. I’ve wanted to try at least once.” Alexander smiles and pulls his sword of his side. He hands it to her handle first. She hesitates for a second. Alexander (gently puts her paw on the handle) ”Go ahead, I already earned the rights to let others touch it. Try the technique with it.” Allura slides the practice blade into her sheath and steps back. She quickly goes through the routine and Alexander nods approvingly. She twirls around and flips the sword so it is handle towards him. He gently takes it and slides it into his sheath. Alexander (smiling) ”Now, wasn’t that a lot easier?” Allura nods and looks at her sword handle. Allura (quietly) ”I wish my dad would give me the test for real steel.” Alexander (shrugging) ”I’m sure he has his reasons. So how long did it take you to learn basics?” Allura (smiling sheepishly) ”Two weeks.” Alexander (stunned) ”Two weeks! And he hasn’t given you the test yet?! It took me a month and a half!” Allura smiles and shrugs. Allura (smiling) ”Perhaps it is as you said. He has his reasons.” Alexander (composing himself) ”I’m sure he has his reasons. Say, what you are doing for the rest of the day. I’m done with practice and I am guessing you are done since you are out here.” Allura (shrugging) ”Nothing really. Why?” Alexander puts an arm around her shoulders and turns her to the market. Alexander (smiling) ”Then let me at least buy you a light lunch, since you went through basics a hell of a lot faster than I did.” Allura laughs as they walk up towards the market area. Unseen by either of them, Kinjite is standing on a small rock outcropping watching them. His eyes narrow as they walk off. That night Allura walks through the front door. She sees her mom in the kitchen. Kinjite is sitting in a chair, facing the door. His gaze locks on her as she faces him. Allura (meekly) ”Hi dad.” Kinjite (growling lowly) ”Playing with real steel are we? Even though you have not taken the test!” Allura can feel her heart stop with fear. A drop of sweat rolls down the back of her neck. Allura (whispering in fear) ”You saw?” Kinjite simply nods and stands up. He points to the training room and Allura runs to it. Kinjite (over his shoulder as he walks into the training room) ”Ayami, Allura and I are having another training session. Set our dinners to the side.” Ayami (from the kitchen) ”Alright Lance!” Allura turns and faces her dad as he walks in. The door slides shut behind him. A black tendril shoots from his paw and grabs his practice sword off the wall. It slaps into his paw with a loud CRACK! Allura winces at the sound. Kinjite (growling) ”Care to tell me why you were playing with real steel?” Allura (meekly) ”He said the Flying Sword Technique would be easier with a real sword.” (she looks up at her dad) ”Why haven’t I been given the test yet? He told me I was extremely fast getting through basics. Even faster than him and he has a real sword.” Kinjite (hisses) ”Because you are weak! You can’t even take a hit with out crying in pain!” (opens his arms wide) ”Go ahead! Hit me as hard as you can and I will show you what I mean!” Allura pulls her sword out and swallows hard. The look in her dad’s eyes tells her what he will do if she doesn’t hit him. Her sword comes swinging around in an arc and slams down between his eyes. The blade breaks and splinters shower around them. Kinjite just smiles at her, even when the blood runs down his face. Kinjite (growling) ”Real steel demands real blood! You are to weak and pathetic for real steel!” Anger shoots through her and Allura glares back at him. Allura (hissing) ”I am not! I am a faster learner than the child of Shar is! I can pass any test you throw at me!” Kinjite (smiling) ”Is that so? Then the test is easy to pass.” (raises his sword in a striking position) ”All you have to do is get back up!” In a blur, he spins around and the sword smashes down on her face. Scene 6 Kinjite house, present Allura suddenly sits up in her bed, with a scream and clutches her face. Andrew sits straight up and looks around for a second. He quickly orients himself and gently touches her shoulders. She is panting rapidly, almost out of breath and holding her face tightly. Tears are streaming from between her fingers and gasping sounds came from behind her paws as well. Allura (crying) ”Why!?” Andrew (gently) ”Allura, what is it?” He gently pried her fingers from her face and she looked around, tears streaming down her face. She focused on him and suddenly clutched him tightly, as she sobbed against him. Andrew gently wrapped his wings around her and stroked her hair. Andrew (whispering soothingly) ”It’s alright, love. It was a dream.” He kept repeating this until she calm down and they lay down again. Even after she fell asleep again, she never let go of him. The next morning Andrew is sitting in a seat by a book shelf. He is listens as he hears the cracking sounds of the practice blades colliding. He has the book of the family history in his paws and is flipping through it. Andrew (to himself) ”Strange. It mentions the birth of your younger sister, but not yours.” (flips a few more pages) ”There is Kinjite’ and Ayami’s wedding. Her sister’s birth date, but no mention of her. The first mentioning of her is when Kinjite was involved in that battle on Warren.” (closes the book) ”Strange.” He turns and sees Alexander walking out, holding his hand. Allura is walking by him. Allura (calmly) ”That is why you need to be careful about your paw placement on the handle. Too close and there is a chance that your fingers will get hit.” (She gently looks at his paw) ”Is the pain settling?” Alexander (tensely) ”It still hurts, Miss. Allura.” Allura (nodding) ”Have Tenchi Otacon take a look at it then. It might have fractured slightly. Why don’t we take tomorrow off and let you paw heal up. Be here the next day at the same time, alright?” Alexander nods and bows to her gently. Allura bows back and he walks out the door. She turns to Andrew and sees him watching. Andrew (joking) ”Beating up the kitten now?” Allura (lowering her head) ”I didn’t mean to. It is a hard lesson and painful one to learn.” She turns and walks towards the stairs. Andrew sets the book down and quickly catches up with her. Andrew (gently grabbing her shoulder) ”Allura, I was only playing around. I know you wouldn’t hurt him on purpose.” Allura looks up at him and smiles weakly. She pats his paw and gently kisses him. Allura (quietly) ”I know, Andrew. I know.” She turns and walks up the stairs. Andrew watches her and makes a choice. He walks to the communication station and flips a few buttons. He sits down while waiting for a connection. Suddenly, Kinjite’s face appears on the screen. Kinjite (yawning slightly) ”This had better be…” (sees Andrew) ”You’re Andrew, right? What’s wrong?” Andrew (quietly) ”I need to talk to you about Allura.” Kinjite (raising an eyebrow) ”What’s wrong with her?” Andrew (looking at the stairs and hearing the shower) ”I’m not sure. Something seems to be bothering her and she seems to be having nightmares at night.. She has taken up hiding stuff and actually lying to people. I’m worried about her.” Kinjite (nodding) ”I can see why. That isn’t her style at all. When did this start?” Andrew (after a moment) ”She met a kitten named Alexander and she ended up taking him as a student. It started when she met him.” A dark expression passes over Kinjite’s face and a depressed look passed through his eye. Kinjite (quietly) ”I see.” Andrew (leaning forward) ”Do you know what is going on with her?” Kinjite (quietly) ”I do, but I am not at liberty to say. All I can do is put a request in to the King and Queen to temporarily lift my exile to help her. Keep me posted, it will take a couple of days for me to get the clearance.” Andrew nods and hears footsteps approaching. Andrew (quickly) ”Nice talking to you, Master Oni Lance. I hope your travels will be smooth.” Kinjite nods, catching on and the link is severed. Allura walks up and puts her arms around Andrew’s neck. Allura (curios) ”How are things going with dad?” Andrew (smiling) ”Alright. He was tired otherwise he would have stayed on longer.” (turns to face her) ”How are you doing? Allura (smiling) ”A little better. Ready for some dinner?” Andrew smiles and gets up. They walk together to the kitchen. Deep space Kinjite leans back in the pilot seat and sighs. He quickly leans forward and flips a few switches and waits for the link to establish. A few seconds go by and there is an answer. Female Voice (over communicator) “Kinjite? What is wrong?” Kinjite (quietly) ”I need your help. Something is wrong with Allura and I have a strong feeling I know what it is.” Female Voice “By Allura, I am guessing you mean the Older Allura?” (Kinjite nods) ”What do you think it is?” Kinjite (quietly) ”Her past is catching up with her. She hasn’t told Andrew yet and she is scared.” Female Voice “I see. What are you doing?” Kinjite (a serious look appears in his eye) ”Returning to Atlantis to help her.” Female Voice (a hint of concern) ”What about your exile? She isn’t your daughter after all. Is it worth the risk?” Kinjite (growl in his throat) ”As far as I am concerned, she is my daughter. The King and Queen will have to accept it when they find out. Hopefully, this will be all over by then.” Female Voice “I see. What do you want me to do?” Kinjite (firmly) ”Meet at my house on Atlantis in twenty hours. If things get as rough as I think they will, come prepared for war.” Female Voice “I understand what you mean. See you there.” The link is severed and Kinjite leans back in his chair. His ears brush against something and he tips his head back to look. CASSIE is standing right behind him. Her clothing looks to have been put on quickly and her hair is messed up. She looks to be half asleep as well. Cassie (yawning) ”What’s going on? I woke up and you were gone.” Kinjite (facing the controls) ”Trouble on Atlantis. Heading there.” He quickly punches a few buttons and sets the autopilot. He stands up and faces her. Kinjite (quietly) ”We should get some sleep. We’re in for a rough ride when we get there.” Cassie yawns again and nods. Kinjite puts an arm around her shoulders and they walk out of the cockpit. Scene 7 Allura’s Dream Allura, now in her younger twenties, is practicing on the beach with a real sword. Alexander is off to the side watching her. She twirls around and the sword flips through the air. It slides into its sheath smoothly and she crosses her arms, smiling. Allura (playfully) ”Well?” Alexander walks up and nods at her. Alexander (smiling) ”Nice.” Allura (playfully slapping him) ”I meant how well did I do with the routine.” Alexander shakes his head and puts an arm around her shoulders. Ajlexander “Perfect as usual. You are mastering techniques that take others weeks to begin learning the starts to. Your dad must be an amazing teacher for you to progress so fast.” Allura puts an arm around him and they begin walking towards the market together. Allura (while walking) ”How is your training coming along? How’s your dad doing?” Alexander (quietly) ”The virus is getting worse and the Healers can’t figure it out. They believe it was a viral agent he was exposed to during the battle for Genus.” Allura (looking at him in shock) ”That long ago?” Alexander (nodding) ”That is the only thing they can figure. The rest of his squad has come down with weird symptoms as well. I heard your dad’s squad is doing the same. How has your dad been since the war?” Allura (looking down) ”A bit more aggressive since then, but not sick in any way.” Suddenly a young female come running up to them. She shoves past Allura and tackles Alexander and begins sobbing into his chest. Alexander quickly recognizes her and holds her at arms length. Alexander (worried) ”What’s wrong Alluna?” Alluna (sobbing) ”It’s dad!” Her knees give out and she falls to the ground and curls up sobbing. Alexander stands there stunned. Alexander (stunned) ”What?” Voice (from behind them) ”Your dad is dead. The virus finally killed him.” Alexander and Allura both turn and see Kinjite standing there, his sword strapped to his back. Its jet black handle seeming to suck in all of the light around it. The blood red gem seeming to throb with a life of its own. Alexander (still shocked) ”My dad is….dead?” Kinjite (flatly) ”That’s right. Ten minutes ago.” (looks at Allura) ”Let’s go.” He turns to walk away, but Allura doesn’t move. Allura (shocked as well) ”Shar’s dead? Shouldn’t I stay and try to help Alexander and Alluna cope with it? They need friends now more than ever.” Kinjite (over his shoulder) ”Only the weak need their friends to support and help them. Let’s go!” Alluna slowly rises to her knees, tears still streaming form her eyes. Alluna (yelling) ”How can you say that!? Dad called for you to be there when it happened and you walked out on him! His friend walked out on him when he needed him the most!” Kinjite stops, but doesn’t turn around. Kinjite (over his shoulder again) ”SHar was weak. He knew what was going to happen and was afraid to face it alone. Weak.” Alexander’s eyes widen with anger at those words. Alexander (rage coursing through his voice) ”How dare you call my dad weak! He who stood by you at your wedding, stood by you as you waited for Allura’s birth to end, he who stood by your beside as you got your new arm put on to replace the damaged mechanical one that you lost during the battle for Genus! You have the nerve to stand there and call my dad weak!” Alura steps forward to stop what she knows is coming. She grabs for Alexander, but a black tendril wraps around her waist and throws her to the side. Kinjite turns around as the tendril returns to his hand and faces Alexander. Kinjite (coldly) ”You have a big mouth kitten. Don’t let it write a check your ass can’t pay!” Allura (sitting on the ground) ”Alexander, don’t do this. He’ll kill you!” Kinjite (sneering now) ”Yah Alexander. Listen to her and hide behind her, showing just how weak you are.” Alexander (screaming now) ”YOUR BASTARD!!!” In a flash, his sword leapt from his side and into his paws. He lunged at Kinjite. Kinjite’s sword flipped forward and into his paws as well and easily blocked the wild attack. Kinjite (evil shining in his eyes) ”Now you just gave me a justified reason to kill of Shar’s only male child.” With that, Kinjite leaped back and the sword spun around to the ready position. Alexander’s sword snapped into the ready position. Several Atlanteans scattered around them, giving them a wide clearance. One grabbed Alluna and another grabbed Allura, pulling them both to the side. Allura was kicking and screaming for the fight to stop, but no one was listening. She watched in horror as they lunged at each other. Two of the best sword fighters on Atlantis clashed their blades together and Allura knew how the fight would end. She watched in horror as they leaped and struck at each other. Sparks flew from their blades as they hit. Soon blood began to splatter around as cuts began to appear on Alexander and a few on Kinjite. The fight raged on for what seemed like hours. Finally a savage blow opened Alexander’s stomach and he dropped to the ground, holding his stomach. Kinjite stood above him, sneering. Kinjite (sneering as he raised his sword) ”Like father like kitten!” The sword flashed downward and Allura dropped to the ground as she felt her heart die.. Alexander’s head rolled to a stop beside her knees. She looked up at Kinjite’s face and saw the evil coursing through his expression. Scene 8 Kinjite’s House Andrew heard the scream and started to rise up. He didn’t even have time to react as the power erupted from Allura’s body and shot outward, smashing him through the wall. He busted the railing and fell to the floor in the living room. Allura (from within their room) ”I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!! DO YOU HEAR ME DAD? I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!!” Suddenly the wall explodes outward and showers the floor and Andrew with pieces of wood Andrew just lays there, feeling the wounds on his body and looks up at the ruined wall. Andrew (stunned) ”What the frell?” Several hours later Andrew looks up from the medical bed as Kinjite barges through the door. He stops and looks at the wounds on Andrew’s body. Otacon looks up shocked to see Kinjite. Otacon (stunned) ”Master Oni Lance!? I thought you were exiled?” Kinjite (quickly looking at Otacon) ”I’m in denial.” (looks at Andrew) ”What he hell happened to you and where is Allura?” Andrew (slowly sitting up) ”Im not sure. She was having another nightmare. I woke up hearing her scream. Suddenly her powers exploded outward and sent me through a wall. Then she blew the wall down, screaming she was going to kill you and how she hated you. Then she was gone. I passed out and woke up here.” Kinjite looks at Otacon. Otacon (confused) ”We’re not sure what happened. All we know is there was a report of an explosion at your home and we arrived to find the entire east side of the home destroyed and found him laying on the floor bleeding severely from several wounds, laying among the rubble.” Suddenly the doors slam open and Alexander’s mom barges through them, with a long slash along her arm. Otacon quickly tends to her as Kinjtie watches. Kinjite (already expecting the answer) ”What happened to you?” Alexander’s mom (looking at him) ”You daughter smashed through our door and grabbed my son! She was constantly saying she has to protect him! I tried to grab him and she slashed me with her sword! What is going on?!” Kinjite looks at both Andrew and Alexander’s mom and sighs. He turns and walks to the door. Andrew climbs off the bed and grabs his arm. Andrew (demanding) ”What is going on?! You know and you’re not sharing, so spill it!” Kinjite looks at him and nods. Kinjite (quietly) ”Yeah I do know what is going on. I am going to take care of it. Stay here and wait. Allura will return to you and Alexander will return to his mother.” Kinjite slowly removes Andrew paw and walks out the door. Andrew watches him go and Otacon gently grabs his arm, guiding him back to the bed. Outside Kinjite sits down on a bench and shakes his head. He hears footsteps and looks up. He sees Jenny and Shar walking towards him in armor. Jenny (calmly) ”I was told you needed help and retrieved Shar as well, after hearing expect it to be a war. How bad is it looking?” Kinjite (quietly) ”Real bad I am afraid. Allura is stuck in a flash back it sounds like and is trying to prevent it from happening here. I am not sure which one, but she kidnapped a young kitten named Alexander. We need to get him back and help her.” Shari (nodding) ”I see. Is she armed?” Kinjite (grmacing) ”Yes, her sword.” A slight darkness clouds over Shari’s eyes, having seen Allura’s skill. Kinjite slowly stands up and sighs. Kinjite (quietly) ”Let’s get this over.” He begins walking towards the beach. Scene 9 The Beach Allura is standing by Alexander, in a small recess in the mountains. Her eyes have a wild look to them and she is gripping her sword tightly Alexander has a terrified look on his face, but remains silent as he watches his teacher, who is scanning the surrounding beach. Allura (over her shoulder) ”Alexander, do you know the Test of Steel?” Alexander (nervously) ”Yes, Miss. Allura. It is the test for a student to earn the right to carry a real sword and practice with one.” Allura (still looking over the beach, fighting to remain calm) ”That is right. You have shown a great amount of skill and I feel you are ready for the test. Do you know the boundaries of the test?” Alexander (after thinking a few moments) ”The boundaries of the test are based on the Teacher. Why?” Allura (over her shoulder) ”This is your test. How you act during it is what will determine if you pass. Think of it as a test of dealing with the unknown.” Suddenly her ears twitch and she snaps her head to look down the beach, seeing Kinjite standing there with a sword as well. A cry of rage rips from her throat and she lunges towards him, shocking Alexander. Kinjite looks up as he hears Allura charging him. His sword leaps into his paws and he readies himself for her attack. Kinjite (thinking) He blocks the first strike. It is a lot harder than he expects and is knocked back across the sand, sliding. Alluar is right on him again, slashing. Again he barely blocks the blow and is knocked into the surf. At the Recess Alexander watches in horrific amazement at the skill his teacher is showing and the fact she is attacking Master Oni Lance Suddenly, two figures drop down beside him. He quickly spins around, pulling his practice sword out. A paw grabs the sword and another grabs him around the mouth, preventing him from screaming. Jenny quickly pulls the sword from his paw and holds up a finger to silence him. He quietly nods and she lowers her hand. Shari takes a defensive position by the entrance. Jenny (whispering) ”Your name is Alexander?” (he nods) ”Good, we’re suppose to rescue you.” Alexander (quietly) ”I can’t leave. I am in the middle of a test for real steel.” Shar (grubling) ”Great! She initiated that frelling test! That means he can’t leave until the test is over with!” (she looked at Alexander) ”What are the boundaries?” Alexander (quietly) ”Dealing with the unknown.” Shari quietly curses under her breath and turns to the fight out in the surf. Jenny looks at her and then the kitten. Jenny (quietly) ”What does it mean then?” Shari (growling) ”It means he is bound by honor to stay here until that fight is over!” (points out to the fight) ”If he leaves, it is an act of dishonor and cowardice! We can take him to his mother! And by the looks of the fight, Kinjite hasn’t practice with the sword ever!” Jenny (shaking her head) ”He doesn’t use them. He fights with his paws and powers. Can’t we alter the fight so she has to fight him empty handed?” Alexander (confused) ”He showed up with his sword. According to the rules of Engagement, he picked the weapon, Miss. Allura picked the location.” Shari looks at him and sighs. Shari (looking at Jenny) ”He’s right. I have learned that much.” (then she smiled wickedly) ”I also know a few of the rules myself.” Jenny and Alexander look at her confused. Shari (smiling) ”Allura was suppose to state the remainder of the terms when he arrived. She didn’t. Which means….” Alexander (finishing her thought) ”Outsiders can interfere?” Shari nods and looks at Jenny. Jenny (nodding as well) ”Very well then. Shari, watch over him. I will take part in this.” Shari opens her mouth to protest, but shuts it as Jenny glares at her. Jenny quickly runs from the recess towards the battle. In the battle Kinjite skips across the water from the last blow, and drops below the surface. He comes up spurting water out and barely dives aside as Allura’s sword slices through the water. She draws her sword back and he lunges forward taking a slice at her leg. It grazes the surface and she looks down. Allura (growling) ”You taught me to deal with pain and you only scratch me?” Her fist, wrapped in grey flames, lashes out and smashes into Kinjite’s face. He rockets out of the water and up the beach. He flips over a couple of times and rolls to a stop by a rock. He looks up in time to see Allura sailing through the air towards him, sword ready to slice. He quickly rolls out of the way and there is a flash as the sword slices through the air. A few moments later, the rock slides into two pieces and she spins around to look at him. Kinjite staggers to his feet and raises his sword again. Her eyes narrow and she lunges. Kinjite raises the sword to block, but a foot smashes into his stomach and launches him through the air again. Jenny quickly ducks as he shoots by and slams down onto the sand again. Jenny turns and sees an Allura running towards her, wrapped in grey flames and hatred in her eyes. Allura knocks Jenny aside as if she was a fly and dives for Kinjite again. Kinjite flips aside and rolls down the beach to gain a little distance. He rolls to his feet, flames wrapping round him as well. Allura (seething with rage) ”You killed the only Atlantean I ever loved! Go ahead use your powers! This fight won’t stop until one of us is dead!” With that she flings her arm forward and a grey ball of fire launches forward. Kinjite raises a barrier of black flames and blocks the ball. The resulting explosion throws him down the beach even father and he slams into a small pile of rocks and sand. He drops to his knees and looks up in time to see Allura come diving towards him, slashing with her sword. Kinjite ducks and feels the swish of air as the sword passes over him. He looks up in time to receive her foot in his face. He flips over the rock pile and lands on his back. He opens his eye and sees Allura standing on the pile of rocks. Hatred still dancing in her eyes. Allura (hissing) “You said Shar and Alexander were weak, because they believed in compassion and cared about friendships! You called Shar weak, because he called for his friend as he was dying!” A beam of grey flames shoot from her hand and races towards Kinjite. He quickly pulls his feet up and tries to dive out of the way. The ground exploded, launching him into the air again. He flips around and his eye flashes black for a second. The rock pile suddenly explodes under Allura. She easily dives aside and lands gracefully, deflecting the rock shards with her sword. Kinjite lands on the sand in a crouched position. Suddenly Jenny leaps through the smoke of the rock pile and lashes out with a savage spin kick, to take Allura down. Jenny feels a solid impact and looks. To her horror, Allura is still standing there, holding onto her foot. Allura simply lifts a leg and it snaps outward, catching Jenny in the armor above her chest. Jenny shoots through the air and skids across the sand. She flips over and lands on her feet, in time to see Allura leap at Kinjtie again. A savage fist slams into Kinjite’s stomach and he doubles over. Allura leaps up and spins around, landing a savage back kick into his face. Kinjite shoot up the beach and slams into a rock. The rock shatters under the impact and Kinjite drops to his knees, some blood dripping from his busted lip. Allura storms up the beach and grabs a handful of his hair and yanks it back, forcing him to look up at her. She glares down at him, seeing the busted lip and blood flowing form it, all over his fur. She glares into the eyes she hated so much. Allura (Raising her sword to strike again) ”Any last words bastard?” Kinjite (weakly) ”I’m sorry I coulded’ help you.” Allura pauses for a moment. As she stares at the cat she has hated for centuries, his faces grows fuzzy. The injuries and busted lip stays there, but the eyes change. They change from the eyes of a cat who hated everyone and alighted in hurting them, to the eye and pat steel patch of the cat who took her in as part of his family and treated her as a daughter with love and care. Allura stands there for a second as she realizes what had happened. Her sword drops from her hand and sticks in the ground. It’s shiny blade now a dull grey. She lets go of Kinjite’s hair and he drops to the ground, face first. Allura just continues to stand there. She lifts her paws to her face and sees the blood on them. She staggers back, realizing what she had done as well. Energy begins to crackle all over her body as the horror of her actions sink in. Jenny slowly approaches toward her as this happens. A tear slowly appears in Allura’s eyes, as the energy builds up in ferocity. An aura appears around her as well. Jenny stops and quickly recognizes what is happening. She dives behind the remains of a rock as Allura throws her head back and a scream of pure agony rips through her throat. All the pent up energy suddenly explodes form her body. Sand, rocks, water and plants are flung aside as the explosion rips across the ground. Kinjite is smashed into a rock and held there by the power as it races across the ground. At the Recess Shri looks up and sees the explosion approaching at a rapid speed. She quickly grabs Alexander and pins him to the ground, covering him with her body. The explosion rips across the ground and Shar\i feels the sting of sand and rocks as they rip across her body. At the Atlantean palace Royal Guards are patrolling the top of the walls. QUEEN MEI Lin is standing on a balcony, enjoying a peaceful night. There is a flash on the horizon and she turns to look at it. Queen Mei Lin (curious) ”That’s funny. I don’t remember hearing of a party on the beach tonight.” Suddenly the energy of the blast reaches the Palace. Guards are knocked from the walls and fall to the ground. Windows shatter and Queen Mei Lin is knocked through the door into her room, sliding across the ground. Her son looks up from his studies shocked at the sudden blast. Son (standing up) ”Mom! Are you alright?” Queen Mei Lin slowly stands up and nods slowly. Queen Mei Lin (clearing her head) ”What was that? Something happened at the beach, but that is several miles away!” In orbit over the planet A small satellite is drifting along, with its camera aimed toward the planet. It rapidly begins to click as a grey flash of light emanates from the planet for a brief moment and dies down. Scene 10 The Beach Kinjite slowly opens his eye, despite the pain. He looks around and finds himself forced into a rock. Kinjite (gasping in pain) ”Frell! Even my fur hurts!” He slowly pulls his arm out and then the next one. Slowly over several seconds, he pulls himself free and drops to the ground with a thump. Kinjite (gasping) ”Jenny! You alright?” Jenny slowly pushes a rock off of her and takes a deep breath. Jenny (gasping as well) ”Stars! What the frell was that?” Kinjite slowly rolls over and begins to slowly crawl to the middle of the blast zone. As he crawls, he finds bits of sand that had become glass. He also notices that the ground slopes downward slightly as well. Kinjite (gasping as he crawls) ”She lost control… of herself. It… resulted in a… overload. How… bad are… you?” Jenny (laying her head down) ”I’ve been better. Have to dig myself out. Going to take me awhile. You?” Kinjite (smirking) ”I’ve… had better… days.” He looks forward and sees a motionless figure. He quickly recognizes it as Allura, minus her clothing. He slowly crawls up to her and gently touches her. He rolls her over and feels for a pulse. He sighs with relief as he feels a steady one. He pulls off the remains of his shirt and drapes it over her body, trying to cover it as best he can. He crawls up beside her and looks down at her face. She slowly opens her eyes and the tears begin streaming immediately. Despite the pain it caused him, Kinjite gently cradles her head and she cries into his fur. Jenny looks up from her pile and sees Shar running towards them, with Alexander beside her. They stop and quickly help Jenny out of her pile. Alexander looks over and sees something. He runs over and pulls Allura’s sword from the ground. It seemed completely untouched by the explosion. Jenny watches him and looks over at Kinjite and Allura. Jenny (shaking her head in disbelief) ”She tried to kill him and now he hugs her. I can see why he treats Cassie like he does.” Kinjite looks down at Allura as she clings to him, crying. She slowly looks up at him and he smiles weakly, showing a missing tooth. Kinjite (quietly) ”Feel better now, because you are a mess.” Allura smiles weakly and hold onto him. Scene 11 Medical Facility Allura slowly opens her eyes and sees Andrew standing beside her, with a worried expression on his face. Beside him is Alexander, still holding her sword for her. On the other side of the bed is Jenny and Shari. Kinjite is nowhere to be seen. Allura (quietly) ”Where’s dad?” Jenny (soothingly) ”He’s dealing with something right now. How are you feeling?” Allura (quietly) ”Terrible. I almost killed him and I wanted to so badly.” Andrew (confused) ”Why? He hasn’t done anything to you.” Allura looks up at him and sighs. Before she can say anything, Alexander gently steps forward and sets the sword down. Allura watches as the blade shines in his paws, but grows dull as he lets go of it. Alexander (quetly) ”I found it after the explosion. Here.” He begins to step back, but Allura gently grabs his paw. Allura (quietly) ”You stayed through all of it?” Alexander (nodding) ”You set the boundaries.” (he looks at Shari and smiles) ”She stayed with me as well.” Allura looks at Shari and she nods. Allura gently picks up her sword and puts it in Alexander’s paw. The blade shined again and she smiled. Allura (smiling) ”You passed your test. Here is your sword, student.” Alexander stood there stunned at the fact she just gave him her sword. Alexander (stunned) ”I can’t! It’s your sword, Miss Allura! I can’t take it!” ALlrua (smiling) ”It was given to me after I passed my test by a friend. I am passing it to you. Hopefully, you will pass it on sometime as well.” Alexander pulls his practice sword out and slides the real sword in. He looks at her and smiles brightly. The door opens and his mom steps in. He looks at her and nods. They walk out together, shortly followed by Shari. Jenny watches the door shut and turns to Andrew and Allura. She then looks at Allura. Jenny (quietly) ”Kinjite wants you to tell him, Allura. Tell Andrew everything. He as the right to know. He and Kinjite had a talk earlier and Kinjite feels he has the right to know.” Allura nods gently and takes Andrew’s paw. Allura (quietly) ”I will when we are alone.” Jenny nods and turns to the door. She opens it and looks at them. Jenny (nodding) ”Tenchi Otacon will be around in half an hour. Now is a good time.” She turns and walks out the door. Andrew looks down at Allura and gently strokes her hair. Andrew (quietly) ”Tell me what?” Allura gently takes a hold of his paw and squeezes it. Allura (quietly) ”How old do you think I am?” Andrew (after a moment of thinking) ”Im’ not sure why you ask that, but I would guess maybe thirty at the most.” Allura smiles and kisses his paw. Allura (quietly) ”What if I told I was over four hundred years old?” Andrew stands there stunned for a second looking at her. Andrew (stunned) ”Four…. Hundred?” Allura nods gently and he sits on the bed beside her. Andrew (a bit more calmly) ”I think you better explain all of it, love.” He gently leans over and kisses her gently. Outside Kinjite is standing before KING HWAng and Queen Mei Lin. King Hwang (irritated) ”You defied our laws, Master Oni Lance! You know they apply to you as well. They say that you were suppose to go thro ugh proper protocols. You know we would have let you return to help her.” Kinjite (head lowered) ”I know, your Majesties, but if I followed proper protocols, i would just be arriving on planet side now. It would have been too late to help her.” King Hwang looks at his wife and she nods gently. She steps forward and gently puts a finger to Kinjite’s chin, raising his head up. Queen Mei Lin (gently) ”Master Oni Lance, we are not mad at how much you care for your daughter and we understand why you did what you did. We are just upset that you didn’t let us know. It scared me half to death when that shockwave hit the castle like it did.” Kinjite (quietly) ”I apologize for that, I will tend to the damages.” Queen Mei Lin (smiling) ”It is already being taken care of. That is why we have repair crews. How is your daughter doing?” Kinjite (quietly) ”Better I am hoping. Her love is with her right now.” King Hwang (nodding) ”Good, Tenchi Otacon is good, but the heart helps in ways he can’t.” (takes a deep breath and looks at Kinjte for a moment) ”Master Oni Lance, I am willing to over look this, this time. On the condition that in the future, you will at least *tell* us about these things, before they tear into the castle. Your exile is nearing its end. Don’t make me have to extend it, please.” Kinjite (nodding) ”I will notify you next time, your majesties.” Queen Mei Lin smiles and gently hugs him. She steps back and smiles. Queen Mei Lin (smiling) ”That is all we want. And it is nice to see you at least.” They turn and walk towards the castle. Jenny steps up beside Kinjite as they leave. Jenny (putting an rm around his shoulders) ”Lucked out, eh?” Kinjite (looking at her) ”Yeah, guess I did. How’s Allura?” Jenny (smiling) “She is talking with Andrew right now. She was worried about you. She took your tail to town in that fight. I would guess she is a lot stronger than you.” Kinjite (nodding) ”She is. Her dad was a killer and she was raised by him. She has a lot of him in her, but not his emotions at least.” Jenny (chuckling) ”No kidding. If she was to go nuts, you know you would be the first, looking so much like her dad.” Kinjite nods and looks at his shuttle approaching the landing pad. Kinjite (nodding) ”Tell me about it. It’s gong to take weeks for this pain to stop.” (he looks at Jenny) ”Nice seeing you again Jenny. Tell your mom I said thanks for sending you. I probably would have died out there, if you didn’t interfere a little.” Jenny lowers her arm and pats him on the shoulder as Cassie steps out of the hatch. Jenny (shrugging her shoulders) ”I didn’t do all that much, Kinjite. She slapped me around too.” (looks at Cassie, with narrowed eyes) ”You better take care of him or the Throne will hunt you down.” Cassie (eyes narrowed as well) ”I know that and I already planned on taking care of him.” Kinjite (looking at Jenny) ”Make sure Allura gets the package I left in the room for her.” (looks at Cassie) ”Let’s go.” Cassie gently takes a hold of Kinjite’s paw and leads him to the shuttle, gently putting an arm around his waist as they walk. Jenny just shakes her head and turns to the medical facility. Scene 11 Kinjite’s House, a few days later Allura is lying in bed beside Andrew. Hanging on the wall beside her is Kinjite’s gift to her. It is a sword that has two blades. One out of each side of the handle. The blades are steel black and there are two stones in the handle. One is a smooth grey one and the other is a blood red one. She smiles as she remembers what Jenny had said the stones meant. Allura (shispering to herself) ”The stones represent Andrew and myself. How did he know we had been talking about marrying?” She sighs and snuggles up against Andrew, draping an arm over him. Allura’s Dream Allura, now as an adult and standing before a Kinjite with a steel eye patch. There are tears on her face and he has an arm around her, holding her. Allura (crying softly) ”Then Dallion left me behind, because our views were to different.” Kinjite (quietly as he strokes her hair) ”I can’t say I understand that wolf, Allura. I don’t really know him. He showed up for Ayami’s and my wedding, but after that, I have had little experience with him.” Allura (trying to stop crying) ”Now I am alone, again.” Kinjite gently hold her out at arms length and smiles at her. Kinjite (smiling) ”No your not. Ayami has said that you are always welcome at our home. You are technically and genetically our daughter. Regardless of the fact you are from a different dimension. After you left, Ayami has been missing you ever since.” Allura (quietly) ”Does she know you are here now?” Kinjite (shaking his head) ”No, I kept it quiet. Just like you asked me to, but she would like to see you again. No matter what you say, you do have a family in this dimension.” Allura smiles and hugs Kinjite tightly. IN the room Allura smiles in her sleep and wraps her arms around Andrew. Allura (quietly) ”Thanks… dad.” THE END