The Dragon Children: Second Generation

[Lockon Stratos]

"So, we're going to the foul pit of no return? The horrible place of fire and brimstone? Where they grind your bones and pickle your spleen? I like this plan!"

[Diamond Dragon]

ooc: Nooo, Shiro was taken!!!! DX

-Ai-
Ai gritted her teeth, trying to forget the slash in her arm that Aristocoles made. What on Earth was going on?? First Chrysanthe was redeemed, then Eulalia fell pray to Adarah, then Aristocoles hypnotized Chrysanthe. Then they all went after Shiro along with that other girl and dark dragon...Why did they want Shiro so badly?
At the mention of Heligrad, she looked up. "You know how to get to Heligrad?!" she asked Aaliyah.
ooc: She doesn't know about Shiro's past, because no one told her, poor girl

-Shiro-
Shiro glared at her half sister. It had been a long time since she had seen her, and she didn't like her anymore than when she had left. "You haven't changed a bit, have you Adarah?" she asked, her voice dripping with contempt. "Take me back! I'm no use to you!"

Back at where the Resistance was, Len decided to go after Shiro himself, and bring her back. Taking wing, he flew off above the trees.

[Ally-Ann]

--Adarah--
"That's fine, my soldier." said Adarah to Lobinka. "Your performance exceeded my expectations regardless."
Desade said with false kindness. "Well done, Lobinka. Come with me, and I shall administer more of your training."
OOC: That's his drug. Have Lobinka act as though she now likes the machine.
"Aristocoles, remove your obedience spell. Chrysanthe deserves to be independent to receive her punishment." she said to Aristocoles. "And as for you..." she turned to Eulalia. "You have made the correct choice. Welcome to your new home, my child."

Eulalia smiled slightly and bowed. "Thank you, my queen."

Aristocles bowed his head in respect to Adarah before looking at Chrysanthe. "Look into my eyes, Chrysanthe." Chrysanthe obeyed and looked into the gold eyes of Aristocles. "Release." Chrysanthe's eyes widened for a quick second before they closed and she collapsed to her knees on the floor.

Chrysanthe's eyes-- not a dull blue color anymore, but their original bright, piercing blue-- fluttered open as she buried her face in her hands, trying to think about what happened. Then her head shot up. She remembered. She remembered being possessed by Aristocles, and throwing the kunai at Gorry. She remembered feeling satisfaction in the evil she had been partaking in. She looked at her surroundings and she shook her head slightly in bewildered horror. "No... No, no, no, no...." she whispered. She looked at Aristocles, and her mouth opened slightly, trying to form words, but she could not speak. She then looked at Eulalia. What was she doing here? Had she been captured?... Or did she... did she betray the Resistance? Chrysanthe still found she was too shocked to speak, and she noticed Adarah standing infront of her. This made Chrysanthe instinctively jump onto her feet and get into a slightly defensive stance.

"W-why am here?"

[Masquerade1412]

"You humans have a word: soqi. That means no one is left behind. Or forgotten. And besides, aren't we forgetting our meeting last night?"
OOC: Soqi means family. Oh, and a free cookie to anyone who can guess what Ariel quoted!

OOC: You quoted Lilo & Stitch.

Eulalia smiled slightly and bowed. "Thank you, my queen."

Aristocles bowed his head in respect to Adarah before looking at Chrysanthe. "Look into my eyes, Chrysanthe." Chrysanthe obeyed and looked into the gold eyes of Aristocles. "Release." Chrysanthe's eyes widened for a quick second before they closed and she collapsed to her knees on the floor.

Chrysanthe's eyes-- not a dull blue color anymore, but their original bright, piercing blue-- fluttered open as she buried her face in her hands, trying to think about what happened. Then her head shot up. She remembered. She remembered being possessed by Aristocles, and throwing the kunai at Gorry. She remembered feeling satisfaction in the evil she had been partaking in. She looked at her surroundings and she shook her head slightly in bewildered horror. "No... No, no, no, no...." she whispered. She looked at Aristocles, and her mouth opened slightly, trying to form words, but she could not speak. She then looked at Eulalia. What was she doing here? Had she been captured?... Or did she... did she betray the Resistance? Chrysanthe still found she was too shocked to speak, and she noticed Adarah standing infront of her. This made Chrysanthe instinctively jump onto her feet and get into a slightly defensive stance.

"W-why am here?"

Yagami broke his gaze from Eulalia to glance at Chrysanthe. Hmm...She has changed...Interesting...And the two know each other...Or at least she knows our newest recruit...

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He stared down at his feet. Saphira had dropped to the ground. "Ariel..." His face reddened. "I'm..." He looked up. His face scrunched up, trying not to let the tears out. "I'm sorry... I just..." His closed his eyes. "No, I didn't forget the meeting." He opened his eyes, the tears dried on the edges of his eyes. He got off Saphira and bowed. "I am your champion." He smiled, a sad smile, but a smile none the less. "Now, what can we do to get them back?"

~Lobinka~

She bowed. "Thank you my queen."
"Well done, Lobinka. Come with me, and I shall administer more of your training." Desade said. She grinned. "Alright!" She followed him down the hall.

[rocklobster]

--Kilin--
"Shiro is actually Adarah's sister. Thanks to your baptism, she now has free will." Kilin said.
--Aaliyah--
Aaliyah said. "Yes, my scythe can open a portal there, taking you right to the doorstep."
--Ariel--
"For starters, go right back to the Resistance. Aaliyah will need you there so you can join them. She can't take you to Heligrad if you're not there to travel to the portal. Oh, and another thing: your sword is enchanted. All elfin swords were made with a special metal called rotchi, but only I or Sophia can activate the enchantment. If you succeed in rescuing Shiro, I shall do so."
--Desade--
Desade led the child to the machine. "Because you did so well, I'll increase the gas. Then I'll take you to our trainer to hone your skills and magic." He strapped her in nice and tight and turned it on.
OOC: Twister, have Lobinka forget ever being called Emily. Have her believe that Lobinka is her true name.
--Adarah--
"Chrysanthe, I see you have dared to accept Sophia's love. For this, I am imprisoning you ! Take her to her cell! Perhaps less than meager meals will convince her of her true home! Oh, and Shiro, you're going with her! I hope you two get well-acquainted. You'll be together for quite awhile, provided your health holds out." She laughed.
At this command, two Pofgas placed chains on their arms and legs and took them to their cell.
OOC: pofga is like an orc. Ally, have Chrysanthe start out her post in the cell.
Adarah turned to Eulalia, pleased to see that she had acted well beyond her expectations. "I am pleased at your performance, my child. But I believe your dragon will no longer allow you to use water powers while you are assisting me. No matter, I shall give you a share of my own power." She turned around and pricked her finger, letting the blood drip into a goblet filled with a pleasant-smelling liquid that she had prepared. "Drink this. It will give you enough black magic to continue to assist me and replace your water powers."
OOC: Before you post, read my new PM so you can see how to have Eulalia react after she drinks the goblet. BTW, Eulalia didn't see Adarah prick her finger, so she doesn't know there's blood in the goblet. I'll be PMing you as soon as I finish posting this.
--Joanne--
"This will be very dangerous. If anyone wants out, I will not fault you."
The innkeeper came out and Xavier was next to her.
"What is your name?" Joanne asked the innkeeper.
"It's Elizabeth, zelka Joanne." the innkeeper responded obediently.
"Elizabeth, I want you to take care of Xavier for me."
"I shall." said Elizabeth. "Come along, Xavier."
Xavier groaned "But I want to help!"
Set said, "You can help by praying for us."
Xavier groaned. "Oh, all right." and followed Elizabeth inside.
Reika stepped forward, "Nokisme, I shall join you. I love Eulalia too much to leave her in Adarah's snare."
"You have done well in your battles, my daughter. You are a great warrior." said Joanne, and she hugged Reika, filling her with an aura of confidence and dispelling her fear. When they finished, Reika felt suddenly courageous.
OOC: Good news everyone! Phantom_Sorano pm'ed me and said she will be coming back to us in three weeks. I think that means her crisis in faith is over! Let's all send her congratulations and our prayers, all right? I'll continue to play her characters as needed until then.

[Lockon Stratos]

"Miss Elizabeth, could you take care of Feld, too? She's going to be out for a while, too long for this little adventure." I turned to face Joanne. "Of course I'm coming. This besides, this is the reason I joined, insane missions with small to no chance of success. Perfect way to commit suicide."

[Ally-Ann]

=Berenike=

Berenike walked out of the inn and saw that much of the Resistance had been attacked. "I suspect this is Eulalia's doing?" Berenike stated, noticing the water that had pooled in some ditches.


=Chrysanthe=

Chrysanthe sighed as she sat down on the cold ground of the cell. Perhaps it was a mistake to let Sophia into my life... Chrysanthe thought, wrinkling her nose at the musty scent of her cell mixed in with the scent of heaven knows what. Subconsciously, her hand wandered into her pocket and she was vaguely shocked about the mold there that Sophia had given her. She smiled slightly. No, it was no mistake. I'll just have to stay faithful, I guess. I wonder what made Eulalia betray the Resistance... It must have something to do with that ring. Joanne looked alarmed when she saw it. Chrysanthe tried to ignore the growling in her stomach. I never got to eat my pancakes...


=Eulalia=

Eulalia looked at the goblet curiously before taking it into her hands. She glanced at Adarah before lifting the goblet to her lips and downing the liquid. Eulalia's brow furrowed. It tasted... strange. It was somewhat fruity, but what made the flavor interesting was the small hint of a metallic flavor. That's when Eulalia felt her stomach flip and her eyes widened. Her arms wrapped quickly around her stomach and she heaved, the minimal contents of her stomach spilling onto the floor. She hadn't eaten much at all in the last couple days, so what mostly came up was some of the liquid and stomach acid. She grimaced at the flavor of bile as she dry heaved for about a minute. What on earth...? She thought before staggering away from the small mess on the floor.
Just when she thought the worst was over, an overwhelming pain roared through her body and towards her upper back. She yelped as she fell onto her knees. The pain subsided for about three seconds before it hit her full force, making her scream in agony. "W-what-- AH!-- is this?!" She choked through a sob. The pain was fierce and it felt as though something were ripping through her back. She couldn't help but fall over on her side onto the floor and curl up slightly as the black magic literallly warped her body. M-make it stop... She mentally wimpered, though to whom she did not know. She was breathing heavily and she looked at her hands involuntarily. Her eyes widened slightly as her skin became paler and her vision started to fade as the result of her pupils dilating. The pain in Eulalia's back, mostly her shoulderblades, gradually faded away, but still left a dull throbbing feeling. Her hand gripped the floor as sat up slightly. The experience left her speechless, as she didn't know what to say after such a thing happened.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He nodded. "Thank you." He and Saphira flew back to the Inn. He saw Xavier with a grumpy face. He reached into his satchel, and tossed a scroll to Xavier. "Study those techniques while we're gone." He grinned. "I expect you to be able to spar with me when I get back." He turned to Joanne and nodded.

~Lobinka~

She took a deep breath. There was something lingering in the back of her mind. She knew she wanted Revenge on Eruan, but why? What for? She closed her eyes.
It didn't seem to matter anymore. He was just another enemy now. She sleepily opened her eyes. What is my name...? She closed her eyes. Lobinka. Rath. She grinned underneath the mask. Now I remember.

[rocklobster]

--Adarah--
Adarah laughed evilly. "You foolish child! Did you truly think your actions had no consequences? Now you have drank my blood, and done so willingly. That means you are now mine forever. But this is what you wanted. You see, Sophia has it wrong. You do not rule by love. You rule by fear and crushing your enemies. And you have such lovely wings now, my child. Perfect for a new demon. For that is what you are. You are my new demon. Now kneel before your new master and address me as Mother Below!"
--Karin--
Karin smirked at Brandon's comment. She took him aside and said "I have to sit this one out because I don't want to complicate things." she pointed to her stomach. "So, do me a favor. Keep a close eye on my sister. She's not very good at physical defense."
--Joanne--
Joanne saw Eruan. "My son, you have made the right decision." she said to him. "Does anyone else have anything to say?"
--Sophia--
Sophia approached the cell that Chrysanthe and Shiro were occupying. The guard shivered at her presence.
Sophia laughed slightly. Even the minions of Heligrad had to obey her. She placed a hand on the guard's forehead and he immediately slumped over, falling asleep within moments.
She passed through the bars and greeted the girls.
"My children, do not despair. They are coming for you." She handed a scroll to Shiro. "Here, read this, memorize it, but do nothing else. I shall inform you when the time is right. You are now the bearer of a great responsibility.
"And as for you." she said to Chrysanthe. "I believe this will help." She waved her hand, and a stack of pancakes appeared on a plate. Next to them were hash rounds. There was also a glass of blue-colored juice. "Eat, my daughters. There is enough for the both of you. You will need your strength for the battle ahead. And I have something else for you as well, Chrysanthe." she handed a crystal tiara to her. "Put this on. It will protect you from Aristocoles's influence. He will no longer be able to hypnotize you."
--Desade--
Desade smiled. "That's right, child. You have no need of that previous life." he told her. "This is your life now. You are a child of Adarah now. She is your mother. She will always be your mother. I have a new room for you and a lavish meal prepared. Only the best for one of Adarah's chosen soldiers."

[Lockon Stratos]

"I'll keep her safe. You can stake your life on that." Yeah, no one's losing anyone if I have something to say about it.

[Diamond Dragon]

-Ai-
Ai stared at Kilin. "Sh-she's Adarah's sister?!" she cried. How come no one had told her this?

-Shiro-
Shiro started at Sophia, somehow knowing who she was. Taking the scroll, she looked up at her, purple-blue eyes shining. "Thank you..." she breathed.

[Ally-Ann]

=Berenike=

Berenike stepped forward towards Joanne. "I will come as well. Eulalia may be far gone, but I know she still has a sliver of good in her. She may have been arrogant and full of herself, but she was loyal and hated injustice," Berenike said, her eyes sparkling slightly with the fond memories she had of Eulalia. Her real goal (Saving Chrysanthe) had been just as important, if not more so, as her less-than-likely goal of being a great leader.


=Chrysanthe=

Chryanthe's eyes lit up in surprise and joy. Chrysanthe looked at her reflection in a pool of rain water near a barred window and smiled. "Thank you," she said, admiring her reflection when she saw the tiara on her head. It's so beautiful. She thought before mentally slapping herself for showing vanity in the presence of her creator. She then looked at the food that had been placed infront of her and she kept her mouth closed so as not to let her watering mouth become a waterfall. Only Sophia and the Resistance had shown her such kindness. Not like Adarah. "Thank you," she repeated, smiling genuinely. She divided the food evenly and took half for herself, leaving the other half for Shiro.


=Eulalia=

Wings? Demon? Eulalia thought. She couldn't see, so she let her hand wander to her upper back. It rested on a wing where her shoulderblade had once been normal. If all I have to do to become a ruler is change my appearance a little, then so be it. Vanity is for the weak. Eulalia thought before kneeling to Adarah and bowing her head. "My life is yours, my Mother Below," she said.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He put his blade on the saddle, then pulled a few orbs out of his bag. He tossed them to Joanne, Brandon, and Xavier. "Give that one to Trevor." He tossed one to the Inn Keeper. "We'll need a way to contact each other." He glanced back in the bag. "Geez, Uncle planned for everything when he gave me this." He pulled out an orb of his own. "This is a communication spell. You say the name of your contact, and you'll connect to their orb."

~Lobinka~

She took the gas mask off and followed Desade to her new room. It was too plush for her tastes. But it was comfortable enough. She grinned.
In the corner was a practice dummy. "I'm allowed to practice in my room?"

[Masquerade1412]

Trevor nodded at Revel, and they both stepped forward towards Joanne. Revel then said, "We want to help." Well...Trevor wants to help Euran, to be exact...

[rocklobster]

--Kilin--
Kilin wisely asked "Would you have treated her differently had you known the truth? Do you still want to rescue her now that you know?"
-Sophia--
Sophia laughed at Chrysanthe's vanity. "It's all right, my daughter. I accept you and love you in spite of your failings. I have other gifts for the both of you as well." She placed a magical orb at Chrysanthe's feet. "This orb will temproarily give you light magic. It won't be as strong as if you actually had a gold dragon to assist you, but it will suffice. Simply think your magic, and it will occur."
"And as for you, granddaughter, I have another gift for you as well. Your dragon, Len, is searching for you. Until he is close enough toyou, you will be defenseless. But I havea way around that." She handed Shiro a fan. "This fan can channel wind attacks into itself and grows to three separate sizes. It may not seem like a convential weapon, but I assure you its appearance is deceiving. I want you to stay close to Chrysanthe." She turned again to Chrysanthe, saying "I am entrusting my granddaughter's safety to you. Now, one more thing, may I see your kunai pouch?"
OOC: Have Chrysanthe ask why Sophia is calling Shiro her granddaughter.
--Adarah--
"That's the spirit, my child. Your former friends are now your enemies. They will despise you. You shall despise them as well."
OOC:[spoiler]Have Eulalia agree to this.[/spoiler]
--Joanne--
"Well then, let us not delay ourselves any longer." She turned to Aaliyah and nodded. "I think they are all ready, my friend."
Aaliyah nodded as well and raised her scythe into the air in a cleaving motion. A hole in thin air opened. "Everyone pass through as quickly as you can." she told them. "When we arrive, follow my lead. I've been to Heligrad enough times to know it by hert." I practically lived there once, she added mentally.
Desade
"Of course." Desade said. "I encourage it. The better you are, the more your enemies will fear you. Remember, your mission is all that matters to you now. But first, let's eat. You must be starving after your fight."
He clapped his hands and a lavish dinner was laid out on her table.

[Ally-Ann]

=Chrysanthe=

"Sure..." Chrysanthe said, taking her kunai pouch off of the utility belt she wore. "But may I ask a question? You call Shiro your granddaughter... How come?"


=Eulalia=

Eulalia nodded. "Of course, my queen."



OOC: Short post is short. D:

[rocklobster]

OOC: 'Sokay. Besides, it's probably my fault. I didn't give you much to go on.
"First off, why not call me 'nokisme'? I notice you haven't once called me by name. You don't need to be so nervous around me." said Sophia. "Second, the reason I call Shiro my granddaughter is that her mother, Pandora, was like a daughter to me. She was bright, attentive, and curious. Before her pride consumed her, she actually wanted to assist me in making Krangor a paradise. But when she learned that I wanted the angels to serve humanity, she rebelled. She couldn't accept being servient to the humans. Shiro is her daughter, so to me, she is my granddaughter. You've actually met two more of my grandchildren: Reika and Xavier."
Sophia took the pouch and spoke strange words over it. "There. Your pouch's spell wore off after Aristocoles released you. Now it works again because I blessed it and the weapons inside. They will never miss their intended mark and they will never break. Best of all, you'll still never run out."
OOC: Have her be astonished at Reika and Xavier being Sophia's grandchildren, then correct herself. They're Joanne's children, after all.
--Adarah--
"I suppose you are tired now." said Adarah kindly. She offered a hand. "Come, let me show you to your new quarters. This is where you will remain until I have need of you."
She took her into a room. "I'll leave you to get more acquainted with it. You have everything you need. You have a bed and a window, although you won't being seeing the sun anymore. But then, who needs sunlight, anyway? I always hated it myself." she left the room.
OOC: This is ample time for Eulalia to have a battle with her true self and her demonic self. No fighting, just a debate.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He climbed onto Saphira. Who squeezed into the portal. Try not to get stuck. She snorted. It won't be my fault. They had arrived. He drew his sword. The sapphire blade shone with a light like a torch. "Where to, Joanne?"

~Lobinka~

She sat down, quickly ate the food. Then charged over to the dummy, slashing it with her kunai.

[Masquerade1412]

Trevor followed after Eruan. Not very homey, is it?
Nope.
OOC: I believe I have the dreaded disease....WRITER'S BLOCK.

[Twister980]

Trevor followed after Eruan. Not very homey, is it?
Nope.
OOC: I believe I have the dreaded disease....WRITER'S BLOCK.

OOC: Don't we all? xD

~Eruan~

Well, it's home to Adarah, and I think we're in a basement right now.
He looked around. Maybe a wine cellar.

[Diamond Dragon]

-Ai-
Suddenly, Akita, Len, and Ai all came through the portal at once and crashed into Eruan and Saphira. Akita had gone to fetch Len back, and Ai had to wait for them. However, Len had been so excited and antsy about getting Shiro back that he had charged right in.

-Shiro-
Shiro examined to fan. It was white with a silver and gold florescent pattern on it. This would come in useful. She looked at Sophia. She waned to ask something...but she was a bit embarrassed in front of Chrysanthe.

[rocklobster]

--Sophia--
"What is puzzling you, pew?" asked Sophia, reading Shiro's mind.
OOC: Everyone's right at the front gates. Except for Shiro and Chrysanthe of course.
--Aaliyah--
Aaliyah said, "I know my way around. I think once we get past the guards, we should head to the right. That's where the prisoners are kept, unless Desade's decided to have some...fun as he calls it."
--Desade--
Desade smiled. He was pleased at how quickly Lobinka was learning. His gas had exceeded his expectations. Of course, Adarah's spell had helped as well.
OOC: The guards have already spotted everyone, so the next poster can notice them and we can have a little smackdown!

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

A battle horn blared from the front gates. He swore in elvish, which was unlike him.
"They've spotted us!" He charged at the front gates, slicing through guard after guard.

~Lobinka~

She completely shredded the practice dummy before she heard the battle horn. She turned back to Desade. "Intruders?" She grinned. "May I?"

[rocklobster]

--Desade--
"I'm not surprised the Resistance showed up. Apparently they actually love Shiro. Perhaps they also wish to convince little Chrysanthe that their way is better." Desade made a gagging sound. "Go ahead, my warrior. Fight to your heart's content. Be sure to take Styrch with you. You may need his magic." He looked out the window. "I see Aaliyah is with them. She is a feisty one."
--Raphael--
Raphael casted his barrier spell.
--Reika--
Reika turned to Brylin. "You said you can make a sword out of light for me, right?"
Brylin nodded. "But you don't even know how to use one, do you?"
Reika shook her head. "Well, no better time to learn, right?" A sword made entirely of light appeared in her hand.
OOC: Shiro, Chrysanthe, and Eulalia can probably hear the horn too. So Ally, and Diamond, have them react as well.
--Adarah--
"Perhaps some more relentless monsters would do. Release the Maquins!"
At that moment, several maquins charged the gates. "KILL! KILL! KILL!" They chanted as they ran towards the resistance.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~

He growled at the maquins. He sliced through two of them, stabbed one of them and hurled it into another. Four down. Saphira froze the others into place. The two charged past them. Smashing through the gate. I'm coming, Shiro, Chrysanthe. He thought.

~Lobinka~

She grinned when she saw Eruan destroy the Maquins. It was nice to see puppets be taken care of. She knew the other guards would stop him, so she dropped down behind the angel. Strych. He flew high above them, not making a sound. Counter act his barrier. She saw the light barrier flicker, then die. She lept up and put a kunai to the angel's back. "I got the drop on an angel? I most be getting better."

[Masquerade1412]

Trevor followed behind Eruan, shooting flaming arrows at oncoming enemies.
Do you have any idea where we're going?
Revel charged in front of everyone and started scorching the Maquins.
Want some more?!

[Ally-Ann]

=Eulalia=

Eulalia sat on the bed of her room, thinking about the last few days' past events. Can I really be sure that what I've done is good?. . . Of course it is! I'll be a ruler of a kingdom soon! Besides, I'm a demon. There's no going back. Eulalia unintentionally bombarded herself with contrversial thoughts. What's gotten into me?
Suddenly, Eulala heard a loud horn and other sounds of commotion. Eulalia jumped up from her bed before cursing. "I can't see. . ." She growled in pure frustration.


=Chrysanthe=

Reika and Xavier are Sophia's grandchildren?. . . No, no, it makes sense since they're Joanne's children. Then Chrysanthe heard the same horn that Eulalia heard. She stood up from where she had been sitting. She knew what that horn was for; it signaled a battle. Aristocles had described it to her once when she was about eight years old. "They are here, correct?" She wondered outloud.

[rocklobster]

--Sophia--
"Yes. They've come to rescue you both. Have faith, my children." She disappeared, leaving the guard's key on the floor in front of them.
--Aaliyah--
"You dare injure my son in front of me?" Aaliyah exclaimed at Lobinka. "You shall pay for that!" She slashed at Lobinka with her scythe, causing blood to flow from the child's arm.
--Joanne--
"This is getting us nowhere. We don't have time for this. Eruan, give me your orb. See if you can locate where Shiro and Chrysanthe are."
OOC: Ally, have Berenike fly off on her own in search of Eulalia. I have a nasty plan.

[Twister980]

~Lobinka~

She hissed as the Angel's scythe cut through her arm. "Not bad, you old witch." She flipped over Raphael, swept his legs out from under him. Then began twisting Aaliyah's arm. The blood slowing to a halt as Strych patched the wound from above.

~Eruan~

You're actually asking me that? He rhetorically asked Trevor. He smiled grimly.
But no. No I don't... He closed his eyes. But I can feel them both... They're close... He opened his eyes as he charged through more of the maquins. "Eruan, give me your orb." He tossed the communications orb over his shoulder. He ran down the hall, when they came to a fork. One going down, and one going up. He turned to Trevor. Can you take the wall? Make it easier for all the others to get past the gate?