Fan Fiction ❯ Aether Psychoses: Tales from the Planet Solstice ❯ Phase 1, Episode 5: Battles - Victory - Defeat ( Chapter 5 )

===> C M A <===

RATING: This story is rated "R" for mature subject matter, violence, and language.

DISCLAIMER: This story, its settings, its characters, and all its distinctive likenesses are Copyright 2004-2005 Carlos Alexandre. This is an original work and may not be published without Carlos Alexandre's written consent. Characters, settings, personas, etc. may not be used without, again, Carlos Alexandre's written consent. Any relation to this story and any real-life events, past or present, is entirely coincidental. And all that other crap.

If you're reading this anywhere but at www.triplepeeps.com, I recommend you go there instead; some places this fic is posted in might not be formatted or italicized/bolded/underlined correctly.

Author notes and special thanks are further down.
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"How very poetic!" Sieg shouts, an aether pistol in one hand and the Crimson Edge in the other. "We each take different paths here, defeat the other's minions, and face off in an epic battle for the mystical relic!"

His voice echoes about the huge gray room. Hieroglyph-laced pillars glow eerily, keeping the room lit.

"I hate poetry!" Tealla returns, clenching and unclenching her fists in anticipation of the coming fight. "I like to think of it as my chance to prove that you're good, but I'm way better."

Floating high above, encapsulated within an aether shield, is the object these two warriors seek. It, too, lights the room in a soft glow.

"Better?" The man's hair flutters as faint red aether trails dance about his body. "No, no, no sis. Stronger? Yes. Cuter? Maybe. But better? Hell no. I see I'm going to have to teach you a hard lesson."

The relic hums softly, inaudible to the two rivals far below.

"This won't be like Phoenix Station, Sieg," she promises, her own hair moving about as an aura of blue and white surrounds her. "I won't be holding back this time. And neither should you, because if you do... I just might kill you."

The relic hums softly, patiently biding its time.

"I'm not so eager to die, Tealla." He aims the gun at her. "You shouldn't be, either."

The relic hums softly, awaiting its destiny.

"Don't you dare worry about me, little brother. I'll be just fine!"

They charge at each other, gunshots clashing with ice blasts.

The gap closes, the combatants closing in on one another. Sieg lifts the Crimson Edge, ready to strike, as Tealla dashes low, intent on delivering a brutal combination.

Closer still. Closer... They're about to strike!--
________

What's that, you say?

I've gone ahead of you?

Oh dear me! Terribly sorry! Even I, a Storyteller, am prone to the occasional error! While I strive to be precise in all things, the scope of my powers cover time and space, sometimes making it difficult to keep track of things.

What's that? Can I see into the future?

Oh dear me no! I have visions of what may come to pass sometimes, but, like you, I am merely floating along the river that is the present.

Let us return to our rightful place in this tale.

After you!
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HSD 232 - 05 - 31 - 1538
Sky Current
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Sky Current.

Beautiful, ugly Sky Current.

It's been a long, long time since I've been here. A long, long time since I've seen this city's sights, smelled this city's scents, and bathed in this city's atmosphere.

Too long.

Screw that, Sylvan! Don't say things like that! You remember what this city did to you, right?

I miss them.

"Shut up, Sylvan," I tell myself. "Don't you dare be saying things like that. You're not the same as before. Not the same weak-bodied, weak-minded little boy. You do not miss the people you once called friends."

But I sure wish I could see them again--

There you go again, Sylvan! Always the softy.

Remember, you fool, this is no time to be soft. You're so close to the truth. Too close.

"I'll visit them some other time--"

"Hey, you!" a voice calls.

I turn--no...

NO!

I CAN'T LET HER SEE ME!!!

"It is you!" the voice, belonging to the most beautiful girl I've ever known, says. "Sylvan! Sylvan Sorel!"

Go talk to her! It's been a long time--

NO! I ran away for a reason! I had to--

Oh c'mon! Nothing will happen from just innocently saying "hi"--

I'm not innocent! I've killed too many already! I don't want to--

Hurt her. She picked him over you, remember? And why wouldn't she? You were so weak. Crush her--

I HAVE NO RIGHT--

Run away. Again--

Coward--

So I can spare her--

Coward--

She's getting closer--

RUN!

"I CAN'T!!!" I scream, sprinting away as if my life depends on it.

I can't look her in the eye anymore. Not after what I did to her, to him... to everyone.

Remember, you fool, this is no time to dwell! You're too close!

"Master Sorel," I hear in my head. It's Shire's voice.

"Stop, Sylvan!" she calls, struggling to keep up. "Don't leave us again!"

"Yes, Shire, what is it?" I respond telepathically.

"Master Sorel, I have failed. Tealla Hyrem defeated me soundly. But she should be arriving in Sky Current soon. I am sorry--"

"Don't be, Shire. This works out well enough. Rest, my friend; I will call upon you again soon."

"I await your most gracious order, Master Sorel." ... He's gone.

"SYLVAN, YOU COWARD!" she screams, falling further behind. "YOU USED TO BE THE BRAVEST PERSON I KNEW!"

How wrong you are, dearest Selena. I was never brave. I just acted tough because I wanted to be beaten up. I didn't want to live like a sickly dog. I... I still don't'...

"GO HOME, SELENA!" I yell. You idiot! Don't talk to her!!! "GO BACK TO DEREK! HE'S WAITING FOR YOU!"

"AND ALL OF US ARE WAITING FOR YOU!" she tries, but I will not stop.

I have to keep going.

Think of your task, Sylvan. Think of what you have to do now.

Tealla Hyrem is headed here. Let's find out what she's up to...
________

Finally lost her. Good.

It's better this way, Selena.

If you knew the things I've done... the things I'm planning to do...

You would hate me forever.

You're such a coward, Sylvan.

Fuck off, brain, okay? Fuck the hell off.

Oooh, do you kiss your mother with that mouth?--

"MY MOTHER IS DEAD!!!" I roar, shutting my eyes tightly.

I did it again. I yelled out in public.

I run away from the stares.

I need to get ready.
________

HSD 232 - 05 - 31 - 1841
The Essex, en route to Pathos
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"You're putting me in a tough position here, Sieg," I say angrily, remembering the information I got out of Willis.

"There's nothing tough about it, Amy," he replies, sounding like he doesn't care. "Don't tell her."

"I promised her I would tell her anything I found out about Sledge or the people that helped him destroy her home, Sieg!" I bark. "I can't break that--"

"Fine, Amy, don't break your promise," he says, still in that damned casual tone. "Tell her, and watch her run off on a G-board, intent on getting revenge."

He looks me dead in the eye, his expression stern.

"Do that, Amy," he whispers, his face only an inch or so away from mine. "But make damn well sure that you're willing to bury her after she gets killed."

"What makes you think she'll just run off?" I ask, not backing down. "And even so, even if she goes off to die, you don't own her, Sieg Hyrem!"

"I won't let down the people I love," he breathes. "There's something really big at work behind not only Sledge, but the entire Chrysalis Syndicate and the Rift Wraiths that attacked Tealla as well. Asha's made remarkable progress in under a year, going from a helpless girl to a formidable, powerful young fighter in practically the blink of an eye, but she's no match, on her own, for what's coming. None of us are, Amy. Not even me. Maybe she'll be rational and not rush headfirst into the fire, but I'm not taking that chance, and you shouldn't either."

I swallow hard. "This isn't fair to her, Sieg," I try again. "You know that."

"Yeah, I know that," he admits, backing off. "But I need her by our side for the coming fights, and I don't want to see her die. If that means withholding information from her, if that means outright lying to her, so be it. You know I'm right, Amy. Don't. Tell. Her."

He's right. I know he's right.

But still...

Asha's trusting me to tell her.

I can't let her down.

"I have to," I say softly but surely. "My father taught me never to break a promise, Sieg. And so did you."

He sighs heavily, looking away. "You win," he says, giving in. He faces me again. "You win, Amy. We'll tell her together. After we're done with Pathos. Understood?"

Thanks, Sieg!

I smile and nod. "Understood."

"Hey, Sieg!" It's Willis's voice. "We've arrived!"

"On my way!" Sieg calls out.
________

"What do we got?" I ask as I enter the bridge.

"There is nothing here now," Meander explains. "But we've detected several engine signatures from their ships. They were definitely here earlier today."

"Any Rift Wraith thought patterns or voices?" I ask her.

"None present, but I'm sensing that they were here too."

"Rift Wraiths working with Chrysalis?" Sonny echoes my thoughts. "That's crazy!"

"No way," Amy rejects. "Rift Wraiths don't 'work' with humans or anyone."

"But I learned, from you, that there isn't that much we understand about Rift Wraiths," Asha counters.

I smirk as Amy laughs.

"What's this?" she mocks. "Asha's actually learned something for once? I think I'm going to cry!"

"Oh, knock it off!" Asha barks.

"She's right," Willis adds. "Rift Wraith behavior is anything but regular. We shouldn't discount the possibility that Chrysalis has found a way to control them."

"Agreed," I say, looking out the windshield.

I stare at the wall of damned energy. One of the Rifts.

Sometime in HSD 077, explorers discovered the first Rift. It was named both after a literal "rift" and Charles Rift, the airship captain that led a skeptical crew on a journey of discovery around the planet.

Some cultures worship the Rifts as divine energy of the gods, while others still seek to abuse its nearly infinite destructive potential.

"Let's gather as much data and evidence as we can," I order, "and then get the hell out of here. I don't want to be here one second longer than necessary."

"You heard the man," Amy echoes. "Willis, Meander, get started. Asha, Sonny, I have some work to do on the engines and I'll need an extra couple pairs of hands."
________

"My lord?" Her voice in my head.

"Speak, my dear student."

"The sickly one is currently in Sky Current."

"Good, good! Let's keep an eye on our dear Amethyst..."
________

AETHER PSYCHOSES
Tales from the Planet Solstice

An original fic by Carlos Alexandre (CMA)
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This episode was originally released on May 29, 2005.
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AUTHOR NOTES

This chapter took longer than usual to put out, but it marks the first one that will be put out at least bi-weekly, if not sooner. I want this story told, as it's a long one and will take forever if I wait for a month or longer per chapter.

In about two weeks, you'll see chapter six! You may even see it sooner than that! Keep an eye out.

As always, I accept, welcome, and encourage criticism. Send it to cma@triplepeeps.com or visit www.triplepeeps.com and post in the forum.
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SPECIAL THANKS

(I can't believe it took so long for me to finally make this section!)

Thanks to my fellow Triple Peeps, Grand Master Shoma (Apollo Alexandre) and Judge Neusy (Neusa Gaspar), for their support and kindness. They have good fics too, mostly of the fanfic variety, and they and I write some works together. Please check out www.triplepeeps.com for more!

Thanks to "Supafly" (David Hackman, also known as Majere) for inspiration and for letting me base a character in Aether Psychoses on him.

Thanks to the plethora of anime, movies, and video games that inspired me to envision and create this original work!
________

A fire burns that cannot be extinguished.
A raging blizzard blankets all in a cold, shadowy reality.
An evil beacon sits in wait, weathering the heat and snow.

-= PHASE 1
--== EPISODE 5
---=== Battles - Victory - Defeat
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HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 0031
Sky Current, Richard Corsair's Yard
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"You can't sleep, Ms. Tealla?" It's Corsair, meeting me outside. "Aren't you cold? It's a tad nippy out here."

"No, I'm fine," I tell him. "The cold doesn't bother me. In fact, I prefer it."

"So I see! Do you mind if I join you?"

"Not at all! It's your yard, after all."

He laughs. "So it is!"

Richard Corsair certainly is a jovial fellow. Always laughing, always seemingly in high spirits. It's like nothing can bring the guy down.

And he's having my torn up ship fixed for a nominal fee, to boot. Seems like a real nice guy.

"I really appreciate all of this, by the way," I say. "You certainly didn't have to take in me and my crew while the Centauri's being fixed."

"Think nothing of it, my dear. I've wanted to meet you and your people for a long time, now. Sieg tells such fascinating stories about all of you."

"Really?" I say cynically. "What kind of stories?"

"Oh, this and that," he answers, very skillfully evading the question. "So have you heard from him lately?"

I smile. "Anxious, old man?"

"A little. It's not every day some maniac cult group tries to redirect a Rift so it destroys my home town."

I run a hand through my hair. "As a matter of fact I talked with him not too long ago, just before he turned in. He's on his way back here, actually. No Chrysalis ships were even close to the Pathos island ruins, but he did find residual engine signatures in the vicinity."

"What sort of ships did the signatures belong to?" Corsair questions.

"Refurbished older model Vanguards," I explain. "The kind that Chrysalis likes to use and received in bulk from Cruz Foundation before they supposedly severed their partnership."

"Do you think," he says, "the Rift Wraiths attacked you with the intention of stalling you!?"

"It sounds crazy, doesn't it?" I reply. It does, too. Rift Wraiths are often docile, and only sometimes hostile, towards ships and people, but I've never heard of any working explicitly for human beings before.

Then again, that one Wraith, Shire, sure as hell wasn't any "normal" Wraith by any length of the imagination.

"I suspect there's more to Rift Wraiths than we lowly denizens of Solstice care to admit," I continue. "The one I encountered, Shire, was clearly sentient, and could even communicate with us. If that's the case--"

"Then it isn't entirely unreasonable to assume that this 'Shire' may be working with Chrysalis," he interrupts, finishing my thought, "and that he and his entourage of Wraiths were dispatched to hold you off long enough for Chrysalis to clean up their mess and escape!"

"Exactly."

"A most interesting discovery, should it prove to be true."

"I know it's true," I assure him. "So I'm already interested."

"Oh? And what are you planning to do next, then?"

I sigh. "What I do next will directly involve my brother, and will likely end with him and I fighting. Are you sure you want to know?"

He cocks an eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to tell me, then? I am good friends with Mr. Sieg Hyrem, after all."

I laugh. "Oh, I don't mind you telling him! Not one bit! He'll find out sooner or later! But I would like a 'head start', if you will."

"Very well," he agrees. "I am not one to turn down a sincere request from a beautiful young lady. I will tell him after your ship is finished and ready to fly, which actually shouldn't be too long now. My crew reports that things are just about wrapped up!"

I giggle, sounding more girlish than even I expected. "Thanks, Mr. Corsair!"

He laughs. "Think nothing of it, my dear. Now spill the beans; what is that cute little head of yours scheming?"

"Tell me, Mr. Corsair; have you ever heard of an ancient relic under Cruz's protection called 'Night's Lantern'?"

His eyes widen. "You're mad... I love it! Tell me more..."
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 0909
The Essex's Bridge, en route to Sky Current
________

"Morning, Sieg!" Sonny greets me as I examine some of the controls and consoles.

"Good morning!" I return. "Sleep well?"

"Well enough, I guess!"

I hear a few beeps and tap some buttons on the communications console in response.

"Incoming transmission from Richard Corsair?" I think out loud, a little puzzled at why he's calling me when he knows I'm already on my way back. I open the channel. "Speak to me, old man!"

"Sieg, you better hurry up and get to Mantra Tower!" I hear him say, more than just a little sense of urgency in his voice.

"Hang on, Richard; what's going on? Talk to me!"

"Well, your sister--a lovely young lady with an interesting and very polite crew, by the way--is, well, how should I say this--"

"Out with it, man!"

"She's going to steal Night's Lantern!"

No... NO!

"This better not be a joke--"

"It isn't!" he assures me.

"How did you find out?"

"She told me before her ship took off early this morning," he explains. "They left almost immediately after it was fixed and tested."

"But why?" I mutter, trying to think what Tealla could possibly want with something so dangerous. "Thanks, old man. We'll talk later."

"Good luck, my boy! I'm out!"

I cut the transmission.

"Did Uncle Ricky sound a little... odd to you?" Sonny observes.

"How do you mean?" I ask.

"Well, it's almost as if he was a little... too concerned, you know?"

Weird... I think Sonny's right. Would Richard lie to me?

No, nonsense! Think straight, Sieg! He wouldn't lie about something like this.

But then again, he might cave in to a request from Tealla. Richard, like me, has a soft spot for the young attractive female type.

So I don't think he's lying about Tealla's intentions... but he may be concealing information at her request. Lovely.

"Let's worry about that later; get everyone up here on the double!" I instruct. "I'm setting a course for Mantra Tower. Y'all better get ready to fight!"
________

"So why is it so important to stop Tealla from stealing Night's Lantern?" Amy asks, and rightfully so.

"Yeah, why exactly is it so dangerous?" Asha adds.

I take a deep breath as my crew eyes me, knowing that I'm about to tell a story. Heh, it's a little scary that they all know exactly what I'm about to do next.

I've put off telling them too much about myself before the Essex, but I figure I owe them at least a brief explanation if I'm asking them to fight alongside me.

"Gather 'round, minions," I announce. "I'm about to tell you one of the many things that transpired in my life before this ship ever existed."
________

Nine years ago...

HSD 223 - 04 - 04 - 1611
Mantra Tower
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["It was nine years ago, April 4th, HSD 223," I begin. "At the time, Tealla and I were still together, still just teenagers like all of you, living and training with our master and guardian Seymour."]

"Wow!" the boy, Sieg Hyrem, gasps. "Look at this place, Tealla! It's sooooooo cool!"

["This 'Seymour' took care of you?" Asha asks.]

"Stop gawking," the cold, clearly annoyed girl beside him scolds. "You look like an idiot."

["He did, after... after our parents died... But that's another tale for another day."]

"Oh come on, Tealla!" the boy tries again. "Have some fun--"

"I don't want to have fun, Sieg!" the girl, Tealla Hyrem, nearly shouts. "Leave me alone."

"Why do you have to be like this, Tealla?" he asks defensively, sounding both concerned and angry.

"I said to LEAVE ME ALONE--"

"ENOUGH, BOTH OF YOU!" the tall, intimidating man shouts with authority, silencing the children. "I will not have this sort of behavior during this trip. Understood?"

The siblings nod. "Yes, Master Seymour," they acknowledge simultaneously.

["Wow, Tealla sounds like she had a serious chip on her shoulder!" Willis comments.]

As they move along, the girl shoves her shoulder into the boy rather hard.

He doesn't respond to the action.

["Yeah, she really did," I explain solemnly. "And she had every reason to..."]
________

"There it is, children," the man, Seymour, announces.

The two look, awestruck--including, surprisingly, the normally distant young lady--at the sight, the massive chamber that stands before them, and the encased item that rests far above.

Sieg looks at the thing long and hard... losing himself in its presence...

["I felt something... evil, emanating from that, that thing..."]

"It's called Night's Lantern," Seymour explains, noticing the mystified boy. "It's a treasure of great power, that some say can be used to actually navigate the Rifts. However, no one has successfully used it. The Lantern has always survived falling into the Rifts, though, and always somehow returns to Mantra Tower undamaged."

["I know of it, too," Meander adds, having been awfully quiet this whole time. "I once witnessed Night's Lantern myself, and nothing but evil thoughts and pure hatred seeps from it.]

The boy's breathing hastens and beads of sweat roll down his face.

["Good," I say, chuckling. "I think that means I'm not crazy!"]

"Sieg?" Tealla says nervously, taking a step back, her tone becoming more panicked as she continues. "No! Don't do it again! DON'T DO IT AGAIN!!!"

[The next part, however, I choose to keep from my crew for the time being.]

"Don't let him do it again!" she cries, tearful, clinging to Seymour's sleeve. "Don't let him do it again!"

"Sieg, son, what's wrong!?" Seymour asks, concerned, grabbing the boy's shoulders. "Sieg, say someth--"

"I HAVE TO DESTROY IT!!!" the boy roars, shoving the man away with surprising force, summoning in an instant the rod of flame, the Crimson Edge, to his hands.

["Come on, what happened next?" Asha asks. "What happened after you were staring at it?"]

Gathering aether, Sieg jumps as high as he can, kicking off one symbol-adorned pillar to the next, finally reaching the relic's height.

"I HAVE TO DESTROY IT!!!" the boy screams again, preparing to cleave through Night's Lantern without remorse.

["Nothing, really," I lie, not taking too much pride in the fact that I went ballistic... again... "We went home after that."]

Almost as soon as the boy's rage surfaced, it is buried by a single well-placed aether blast.

["Oh, that's boring!" Asha complains.]

Seymour catches Sieg gently, examining the unconscious boy for injury.

"I think that's enough for one day," Seymour says to the frightened girl. "Let's go home. We have much to discuss, the three of us. I want answers."
________

The present...

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 0940
The Essex's Bridge, en route to Mantra Tower
________

"Oh, that's boring!" Asha complains.

Yeah, kid. Boring, alright...

"Night's Lantern is not a toy to be used and abused," Meander states, an underlying determination not normally present apparent in her voice. "Sieg, I'm with you all the way. We should stop Tealla and make sure Night's Lantern remains in Mantra Tower where it can do no harm!"

"If she's in, I'm in," Sonny announces. "And if you say this need doin', Sieg, I ain't one to be doubtin' you."

"Agreed," Willis adds.

"Someone has to hold the fort while the lot of you are away," Amy says, sounding more annoyed than she really is. "I'm in."

"As am I!" Asha chimes in, suddenly turning and pointing at... "Meander! I want to know everything about this Night's Lantern and Mantra Tower, so that I'm prepared!"

Meander seems taken aback somewhat, her eyes wide. "Me? Oh, um, well, I suppose it's alright. Where to begin..."

I laugh. "Help her out, Meander. It's a rare moment indeed when she's actually wanting to learn."

"Where are you going?" Amy asks as I leave the bridge.

"I'll be in my quarters," I tell her. "Let me know if anything happens."
________

Man, this one's going to be tough.

I smirk, hoping I'll get a crack at Maxwell again. He beat me last time, but when I see him again he's going down!

"And who do you hope you'll encounter the least, Sonny?" Meander answers my thoughts.

"Damn, baby, you scared me dippin' into my brain unannounced again!" I tease, kissing her on the cheek, reminding myself that my connection with this girl is strong enough that, at any time, she can just literally read my thoughts.

"Save the lovey-dovey talk for later!" Asha bellows. "Tell me about Night's Lantern and Mantra Tower!"

"Patience, Asha," Meander says soothingly. "I will begin right away."

"Good! Come on, now, feed me the goods!"

"Very well," Meander starts. "Night's Lantern is an ancient relic housed in a floating tower. Mantra Tower, specifically, which is also considered Cruz Foundation's property and guarded zealously. Mantra Tower floats along a set path high above the continent of Cipher."

"Above?" Asha questions, blinking. "So it's a floating tower, kind of like the flying airship bases all over the world, right?"

"Similar, yes. Night's Lantern itself is an item rumored to assist in Rift navigation, though no crew that has tried using it lives for very long."

"Sounds like it's defective," Asha scoffs.

"I do not believe so," Meander counters. "Studies and tests have shown that it does indeed emit different aether signatures depending on its proximity to Rifts and a Rift's actual behavior. If its 'code', so to speak, can be interpreted, copied, and properly applied, it has the potential to usher in an era of airships equipped with sensors that monitor Rift activity and make appropriate adjustments to navigation to compensate. A Rift has 'safe' pockets, after all; some crews drawn into Rifts have miraculously made it out alive, simply because their ships luckily stick to those said safe areas."

Asha narrows her eyes. "Except those crews using Night's Lantern, right?"

I think the kid's got it! "Bingo, twerp," I congratulate. "Even the most open, least dense of Rifts have destroyed ships far faster than normal while said ships carried Night's Lantern. It's a fucking curse, I tell ya."

"Night's Lantern is alive," Meander continues, her tone all of a sudden more dire than before. "Like Sieg, I can't prove it... but I can feel it. It should stay sealed in Mantra Tower where it causes the least harm. We have to stop Tealla from taking it, and partly for the Centauri's sake as well."

I put my hand to Meander's shoulder. "Easy, babe. We'll stop her, you'll see."

"Thanks, Meander," Asha thanks. "That's all I need to know!"
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 0945
The Centauri, Tealla's Room
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"This is stupid, Tealla, and you know it!" he barks, his anger evident on his face even over a ship-to-ship video feed.

"Oh, fucking can it, Sieg," I say bluntly. "And don't try feeding me the whole 'but it's evil, Tealla, I'm scared' bullshit either. I'm not buying it."

"You know, full fucking well, dipshit, that Night's Lantern is a bad omen. I don't want to have to bury you or your crew! Don't be stupid! Give it up!"

"Kiss my ass, little brother."

He crosses his arms. "Fine. I guess I'm going to have to teach you the hard way. If you change your mind, let me know. Until then, I'll be ready to add another win to my belt."

He cuts the transmission off.

I smile wickedly, gritting my teeth.

Finally, my rematch!

I'll humiliate Sieg, swipe Night's Lantern, and use it to draw Chrysalis out of hiding!

"We'll be there soon, Tealla," I hear Tommy's voice announce over the intercom.

"Good," I answer. "We picking up the Essex yet?"

"Yes, on long-range sensors. She's coming pretty fast. We'll be there in about five minutes, and the Essex will take about ten."

"Alright, good. Tell Maxwell, Lemires, and Galvanos to get ready. They're coming with me on this one. Once we're aboard take the Centauri away from the Essex's weapons range, preferably somewhere below Mantra Tower. Once we're ready to go I'll let you know. That's your cue to pop up and attack the Essex by surprise. Cripple her but don't destroy her, and remember that they're probably expecting this, so be careful. Got it?"

"Yes, Tealla!"

"Good."

Excellent.

It's almost time, little brother...
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 1011
Mantra Tower, Eastern Labyrinth
________

"I still say this is too coincidental," Willis comments. "No Cruz ships or guards, plus the fact that the Centauri had to have arrived well before we did."

"Don't think about it," I say, running with Sonny, Asha, and Willis through Mantra Tower's maze-like corridors. "If I know sister dearest, she has the Centauri tucked away somewhere hidden, ready to take the Essex by surprise when she's ready to leave. And I have a sneaky suspicion that she's collaborating with Cruz--as usual--and having them purposely leave the place unguarded."

"You sure leaving the Essex in plain site is wise, Sieg?" Asha asks.

"No worries, kid. Her shields are up and her weapons are ready. We're prepared for anything the Centauri cares to try."

"What if you're right about Cruz and they show up to attack the Essex on Tealla's behalf?" Sonny proposes.

"Won't happen," I say confidently. "Tealla owes me one for the last time we fought. She'll make sure they don't interfere, I promise you."

This blasted labyrinth. Without someone intimately familiar with the interior, or even a blasted Cruz Foundation tour guide, all we can do is follow Night's Lantern's aether trail as best we can, hoping the maze isn't twisting us in circles.

I stop all of a sudden as we reach a crossroads.

"What's up, man?" Sonny questions.

"I know this junction," I explain. "We have four ways to go. I know the two on the far right lead back out of the place. One of the two paths on the left is the right way, but I don't remember which. Let's split up. I'll take the far left path, and you three take the other one."

"Shouldn't one of us come with you?" Asha says, concerned.

"No. I want you three together. So don't split up further. If worse comes to worse, signal Meander back on the ship; she should be able to guide you back to the Essex."

"Got it!" Willis confirms. "Let's get moving, people!"

"Wow, what authority!" Sonny mocks.

"Oh, knock it off!" Willis barks, disappearing from site.

Good luck, my friends.
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 1011
Mantra Tower, Western Labyrinth
________

Now I remember why I hate this fucking place. It just had to be a network of intricately designed unmarked fucking hallways, didn't it?

FUCK! I can't make sense of this stupid place! Hopefully Maxwell, Lemires, and Galvanos are faring better than I am.

Come on, Tealla, try to remember. Look for something familiar. Seymour took me and Sieg here too long ago to really remember much, but somewhere in your noggin' has to be a rough blueprint of the place.

Heh. Sieg always got so mad when I ignored his little maps and books of Mantra Tower. He became so obsessed with it after...

After he almost lost it again.

Fear.

Not an emotion I experience very often, that's for sure.

Use it, Tealla! Use that fear within to fuel your desire to win. He's going to fight harder than usual, and you have to do the same.

What the hell am I worried about? I can kick his ass, no problem! Phoenix Station was just a fluke, a petty little fight that meant nothing.

"But what if he goes crazy again?" I think aloud.

Well then, I guess if that happens...

If you go ballistic again, little brother, like you did in Hyperion City...

"I'll just have to kill him," I tell myself with conviction. "For his own good."
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 1014
Mantra Tower, Eastern Labyrinth
________

After another bunch of corridors, I find myself in a room.

Unfortunately, it isn't a room with a map.

I must admit, I wasn't expecting this much greenery in here. Clearly, someone's been fascinated with trying to liven up this one singular, unimportant room. Small trees and vines along the walls, arranged too properly to be anything but a human construct, and even a small fountain--

Behind me! JUMP!

Below, I see the projectile explode. I flip in the air and land, eyeing my attacker.

Maxwell. I should've thought as much, now verifying what I suspected back at Phoenix Station. Those grenades, and that launcher he carries, are virtually undetectable. Avoiding them will be a matter of instinct and wits, not aether ability. Not that I mind; I'm always up for a challenge.

Ah, I see he's not alone.

A quick glance left reveals Galvanos with an incantation ready to go, and a look right shows Lemires, looking more determined than I've ever seen her.

"Sieg Hyrem!" Maxwell shouts, aiming his grenade launcher at me. Never figured out what the fuck that thing is. "This is as far as you go!"

"Nothing personal, Sieg," Galvanos calls, "but Tealla's getting out of here with Night's Lantern no matter what!"

I smile, looking again at Lemires. "Nothing to say, hot stuff?" I yell.

Her eyes... something's different about her.

Attire's as skimpy as always, nothing different there.

Both swords at the ready, as usual.

She looks the same and, from an aether standpoint, feels the same, but...

Her eyes, resolute and unwavering, speak very clearly. They speak of an epiphany, a revelation. They say to me, very bluntly, that this woman, Lemires, will not be dispatched, by me or anyone, as easily as she was before.

Must've been that Rift attack. Something must've happened to her, something to awaken the desire to finally use that raw talent I've always sensed.

Awesome! You better give me a good fight, Lemires!

"Shall we begin?" I offer, making no attempt to hide the pistols I've just pulled out.
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 1016
Mantra Tower, Western Labyrinth
________

"Alright, y'all, keep it up!" I encourage. "I can feel a strong aether signature close by. It has to be Night's Lantern!"

"I was hoping we'd find it first!" Asha cheers merrily. "Sieg will be so proud of us!"

"Don't let down your guards, you two," Willis warns. "Stay sharp."

What's this? Seems like we've found a room!

Many hallways branch away from it, but other than that and a few overgrown houseplants, I don't see anything resembling the Night's Lantern.

"Man, I was hoping the stupid relic would be in here!" I moan. "But I still sense it close by... and... waitaminute... closing in?"

Willis looks around. "Night's Lantern doesn't roam around this place," he says. "I still can't believe all our records and searches over the information networks didn't net a single map of the place."

"Cruz doesn't want anyone snooping around here," I say. "They shut down any source showing even rough sketches of maps that claim to be of Mantra Tower."

"Um, guys?" It's Asha.

"What is it, twerp?"

"I think I found that large aether signature," she says nervously, pointing.

I look at what she's pointing at--

Aw, no!

AW HELL NO!

"Hey there, kiddos," the woman says, one hand on her hips, the other by her face as she meticulously examines her nails. "How's it going?"

Just my luck.

Of all people, it just had to be Tealla Hyrem.

"Not bad, Tealla!" I return, doing a poor job of hiding my anxiety. "Just chilling out, you know, not doing anything special."

I've never fought Tealla before, and I prayed I never would. This chick is one of the few people I know who can beat Sieg half the time, and that's no easy feat. No easy feat at all.

"Hey, good to hear!" she continues. "Tell you guys what, I'm in a good mood. Leave right now, and I won't even tell Sieg you up and ran! What do you say?"

Nice try, Tealla, though I must admit I'm tempted.

No way we'll run, of course, but maybe, if we play our cards right and play along--

"NOT ON YOUR LIFE, TEALLA!" Asha screams, ready to fight. "BRING IT ON!!!"

Well, that's just fucking GREAT. My beautiful, sneaky plans, destroyed by one far too headstrong twelve-year-old girl.

Tealla shrugs. "Your call."

And in an instant, she charges at Asha, raining down blows faster than the girl can block.

She's fast... but I don't think she's as fast as me!

I head towards Asha as well, slamming into Tealla with all my force.

Wow, I actually hit her! Maybe this won't be so hard--

Funny, why am I flying straight at Willis?

And why does my gut suddenly hurt?

What the-- WHEN EXACTLY DID TEALLA KICK ME!?

Shit. This may not be a good day after all.
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 1020
Mantra Tower, Eastern Labyrinth
________

"TORNADO!" Galvanos shouts, summoning a vortex of wind to envelope me.

Well, at least that's what would've happened had I stayed in place. A quick dash and combat roll at the last second before he commits to the incantation takes me out of harm's way, and now he has to chant and re-focus all over again.

I have a few options at this point. I could beeline to Galvanos and knock him out before he manages to pull off another incantation, leaving only Lemires and Maxwell. Lemires has been on me like a hawk, though, and she'd interfere. I could just ignore Galvanos and save the kid until last, but if he gets a lucky shot on me the three would gain a temporary advantage.

Okay, I know what I'll do!

First, I run at Galvanos, firing a few rounds at Lemires and Maxwell for good measure. He's speeding up his chant, trying to finish before I reach him. Maxwell is staying behind, but he won't fire at me; he'd have to lead me into his shot, and that would mean practically shooting at Galvanos. Those grenades aren't like aether blasts; he can't control who they do and don't hurt.

Here comes Lemires, not letting me get away for even a second. Good.

I chant quickly, finishing faster than Galvanos does. Sorry, boy, you may be a committed aether "mage" but when it comes to fire-type chants, no one's faster than me!

"INFERNO!" I roar, focusing the pillar of fire on Galvanos alone. While he's busy with that, forced to abandon his own incantation and strengthen his shields, I shoot my aether pistols at Lemires at point blank range. She staggers, just enough for me to sneak up behind Galvanos and strike him in the back of the head with the butt of my gun, knocking him out cold.

"GALVANOS!" Maxwell shouts, enraged, now running at me.

Before he reaches me, though, I dash at him, firing as I go. He's got a strong aether shield, though, and my pistols aren't having much effect.

So let's get down and dirty, shall we?
________

Before I can react, Sieg Hyrem is within melee range. He sheathes his pistols and fires a flurry of rapid punches and kicks.

I try to block, but every hit strikes like an airship crashing into a mountain! This man's frame, while admittedly tall and fairly muscular, still belies his true power. I feel each blow fully. Every time I swing at him, he dodges or counters with skill and grace, or stops my limbs with a simple movement of his arms or legs.

And yet, I sense he is holding back! Amazing! I've not seen such ability from anyone other than Lady Hyrem. Truly, she and this man are on a level I've yet to attain.

I somehow manage to catch his right leg. I take aim as quickly as I can and fire. He can't possibly avoid it, not from this close!

And yet, somehow, he does. What form! He takes the weight off his left leg, falling back, watching my grenade graze his face. As he drops, he puts a hand to the floor, suddenly whipping his left leg upward, catching me in the face. As I fall, I see him flip back to his feet with no effort at all.

Lady Hyrem... we've failed you. I've failed you. Only you could hope to beat such a man.

He hit me so hard! I feel... faint... no... Lemires... Galvanos... I have to stay... conscious...
________

Two down, one to go.

Lemires glares at me defiantly.

"You've improved since your last embarrassing defeat, my dear," I taunt. "But you still leave much to be desired--"

WHOA! Like lightning, she swings at me with both blades. I barely avoid it in time!

Careful, Sieg. This isn't the same girl you took down with ease at Sky Current. You don't want to lose because of arrogance.

I begin my chant, evading Lemires's follow-up as I do.

"CRIMSON EDGE!" I shout, summoning the weapon to me, holding it with both hands like a sword.

"You should feel honored, Lemires," I compliment. I mean it, too. "I'm not kidding. I didn't think I'd have to resort to using this. Good work!"

She assaults me again, attacking with speed and strength I didn't know she had. I parry and block the blades with the Crimson Edge, swinging at openings as I see them.

Well, check this out! She's blocking and parrying my attacks as well!

Interesting. Very interesting. You'll make excellent practice before fighting Tealla!
________

I mustn't... lose...

NO! I WILL STAY AWAKE!

I struggle to get up, down on one knee.

Lemires... Good! You are certainly giving your all against Sieg Hyrem!

She attacks and defends as quickly as he does, and neither seem to gain the upper hand on the other! Amazing, Lemires! I have clearly underestimated you!

But... I can feel it. He is holding back, still. But, unlike before, he is not doing so out of arrogance, but necessity.

Of course! How could I not have realized? He knows that after he goes through us, he will have to face Lady Hyrem. He has already decided that this battle is won!

That is the weakness we must exploit.

I take aim, waiting for my opening. I have to strike him when he lets down his guard during the fight, or, if he wins, before he realizes I am still standing.

Keep at it, Lemires!
________

Crap. Not good.

I wasn't expecting Lemires Rouchette, of all people, to give me this much trouble.

I can't expend too much more energy, not if I want a fighting chance against Tealla.

I have to end this now.

"IT'S OVER, LEMIRES!" I roar, striking down with fury and force. She barely manages to get her twin blades in the way to block in time.

She's imbuing them with aether, resisting the Crimson Edge. If she hadn't, I would've cut right through them.

A part of me is proud, but another part is cursing. I was foolish, not taking this fight seriously!

Good work, Lemires, but you're NOT stronger than me! I push down harder, watching her sweat as she struggles to stay on her feet.

She's pouring more and more aether into her swords--electric aether, specifically--hoping to resist.

No dice, Lemires--

Wait a minute...

SHE'S CHANTING SOMETHING!!! How didn't I notice!?

"VOLT SPLICE!!!" she screams, pushing me away with a mighty swing of her weapons while at the same time using them to send a wave of lightning aether straight at me, a wave that I can't avoid in time!

I focus more and more power into my shield, using the Crimson Edge to brace it, surprised at just how much force her attack--this powerful, unique incantation I had no idea she could use--is generating.

It eventually dissipates, as I expected. I had no doubt I'd be able to wait it out.

But at what cost? I actually feel a little tired. Just a little, mind you... but "just a little tired" is more than enough to be concerned about when facing my big sister so soon afterwards.

Lemires looks spent. And I can feel it, too; she's depleted her physical and aether reserves. She really put everything she had into that attack.

"I'm impressed, Lemires, I really am," I tell her honestly. "No word of a lie."

She falls to her knees, struggling to keep herself up. She's about to pass out.

"Rest now, kid," I say soothingly. "You've earned it. I'll make sure to tell my sister just how hard you fought for her today."

She finally collapses, smiling for the first time today.

One day, Lemires, you just may reach the level that Tealla and I are at now.

I chuckle. Of course, we'll be much higher by then, but you'll be a force to be reckoned with, you'll see.

Until then, keep doing what you did today.

As for that grenade coming my way, I may not be able to sense it using aether, but I can certainly feel the air it's displacing.

Seems like Maxwell is still up.

I turn, catching the projectile in my hand, using an aether "cushion" to soften the impact and prevent it from exploding.

"But... how!?" Maxwell mutters. "How did you sense that was coming!?"

How strange. He's no longer holding the launcher, but it instead floats above him, an off-white aether aura surrounding both weapon and person. The grenade, too, feels strange, like an unknown but powerful energy is encompassed within. How am I sensing this now, when I couldn't while Maxwell was behind me?

No matter. As he fires again, I throw his own grenade at the launcher. It meets with the bomb he just launches, exploding close enough to knock him into the wall. He falls, this time out cold for sure.

A quick mental sweep shows the three are still alive. Good.

Rest easy, y'all. Good job. Tealla will be proud.

Tealla...

I don't care if I'm no longer at one hundred percent; you're still going down!!!

I suddenly feel a slight sting on my right cheek. It's... it's wet! Blood!

Lemires, you bitch. When did you actually manage to tag me?
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 1021
Mantra Tower, Western Labyrinth
________

"Is that all?" Tealla mocks, effortlessly blocking all of the attacks Asha and I send her way, all the while arrogantly keeping one hand at her hips. On top of that, all the aether incantations Willis is bombarding her with just don't seem to be working.

It's like nothing phases her! What a freaking monster!

This is bad. Very, very fucking bad.

"What's wrong there, Willis?" she says, actually turning away from me and Asha, facing our third teammate, still stopping every punch and kick we throw at her despite seemingly not paying attention. "You're holding back! Why is that?"

"Asha, back off!" I order, jumping away. She follows suite, landing beside me, the two of us watching Tealla for any opening, any sign of a weakness.

"I remember you knew a hell of a lot more chants than the paltry ones you're flinging now," Tealla continues, seeming so cool and casual. "And what about all those nifty gadgets you've got concealed? Don't hold out on me, man!"

"Sonny," Asha whispers to me. I lower my head just enough to hear her better. "I think I can hit her with something that will win this fight, but I have to hit her directly."

Sounds like the kid has a plan. "Got it."

I look at Willis, who shoots me a quick glance. Making sure Tealla can't see me, I blink a few times. It's become our little signal for when one of us has a plan and they need the other to create a diversion.

"I don't want to embarrass you by beating you before Sieg gets the chance to," Willis says, a smile crossing his face.

Tealla's response? She laughs out loud, clutching her gut and wiping tears from her eyes. Wow, how harsh.

"Oh, that's rich!" she blurts, barely able to speak right. "That's real ballsy, Willis! I like that!"

Willis eyes me again. It's now or never!

Quickly and carefully, he pulls a small metal disc from one of his pouches and throws it near Tealla's feet. It explodes, hopefully distracting Tealla long enough for what comes next..

It's my turn! As fast as I can, I dash into the cloud of smoke, tackling her.

"NOW, ASHA!!!" I scream, holding on as I run her into a wall.
________

Hmm, how intriguing. Stupid, but intriguing nonetheless.

"NOW, ASHA!!!" Sonny yells back.

My apologies, kid, but I've got one ancient relic to fetch.

One quick, fast chop to the base of the neck and he's sleeping like a baby.

Now what's this? Asha seems to be charging up something unusual. A unique incantation, maybe?--

"GRAVITY HOLD!"

What the?

Willis!?

And Gravity Hold to boot!? That shit takes ages to chant...

And I was silly enough to give him enough idle time to do it, too.

I feel its grip, the black aura rooting me in place. I should be able to break out in a few seconds--Gravity Hold won't hold me for long, Willis, I promise--but whatever the hell Asha's prepping, I'm going to have to deal with it head on.

"TAKE THIS, TEALLA!" she roars. What's that in her hands... some sort of blades? No, they feel like aether!

"AEOLUS FANGS!" she yells, throwing the aether spikes at me like knives.

Well, it could be worse. It's not like Sieg's firing shit at me while I'm barely able to move, locked down in a Gravity Hold. I strengthen my aether shield. These little thumbtacks shouldn't do much--

What the fuck?

WHAT THE FUCK!?

The next few seconds pass very slowly to me as I fully realize the trouble I'm in. As the aether spikes, these "Aeolus Fangs" as Asha called them, close in, I get a sense of what they are. Concentrated wind-type aether energy, made with the intent to pierce any sort of armor, including natural aether shielding.

I know that I can stop most of the spikes in their tracks with a focused shield... but not all of them, no matter what I do. I'll have to maneuver around the rest... with limited mobility.

This sucks. If it wasn't for the Gravity Hold, this attack would be nothing to me. A single display of carelessness leaves me in a rather difficult position. Sieg won't let me hear the end of it when he catches wind of this.

Enough, Tealla. Focus on what you can do now, not what you could've done in the past.

I strengthen my shield enough to deflect a number of the aether knives. I can feel the more well formed ones, so I'll start moving out of their way in advance. One cuts through the lower part of my pants, but fortunately just hits my clothing and not my shin. Another flies by my hair, cutting off a couple of stray strands.

The others barely miss as well. Except for one.

One that connects with my shoulder, going straight through flesh and muscle.

The needles are so miniscule, so tiny that I'm pretty sure they didn't tag bone or anything, but I still grit my teeth in pain, watching a small, dark blood stain appear on my new shirt.

Heh, funny thing, I had these new shirts special ordered at a place in Sky Current--unintentionally arriving to pick them up as opposed to their being delivered, thanks to the Wraith attack--with the promise they'd resist an attempt to be torn off even by The Crimson Edge himself, Sieg Hyrem, and somehow I think they absorbed some of the damage just now. Lucky me.

That shit stings like a bitch, though! Fuck! It'll heal, and very quickly too, but not fast enough for me to be at my best if Sieg stands in my way today.

"I didn't want to have to do this!" I announce, meaning it. I want to save all my strength. "But you kids are tougher than I thought!"

No worries. I'll just give that new move I've been practicing a little test run before you get a chance to feel it, little brother. Hope you don't mind if I use your crew for a little experiment!
________

I hit her! I really hit her!

I can't wait to tell Sieg!

Sonny's getting up, too! We're all ready to go, and we have Tealla on the ropes! Even three-on-one, beating her is an enormous challenge, but we can do it! I'm sure of it now!

"I didn't want to have to do this!" she yells, an evil smile evident on her now strained face. "But you kids are tougher than I thought!"

She thrusts both arms out to either side, blowing through the Gravity Hold's aura with some unseen power. The whole room shakes.

I feel uneasy, feeling a cold sweat coming on. The shaking isn't stopping, and now Tealla's charging something up!

"I commend you kids on actually drawing blood!" she roars, laughing maniacally. Is she crazy, chanting something so obvious and loud in front of three opponents? "Let me reward you with a taste of why I'm called The Cold Shadow!"

The Cold Shadow... that's one of Tealla's handles, I'm told, similar to how Sieg is known in some places as The Crimson Edge, after his signature move's namesake.

But 'The Cold Shadow' is just a handle! She doesn't actually use a unique incantation called that, does she?

"HEADS UP, YOU TWO!" Sonny screams, now fully conscious and realizing what's happening. "She's preparing something big! Stop her before she does it!"

"What exactly are you doing now, Tealla!?" Willis screams, running at Tealla full speed along with the rest of us.

"Oh, you'll see, little boy!" she almost purrs, making no attempt to stop us. "It's something new! At first I didn't like that whole Cold Shadow nickname bullshit, but then I thought of a suitable technique to live up to the name! And now you three are about to be my guinea pigs before I test this move on Sieg!"

We close in, but then hit something unexpected; an invisible wall of icy aether repels us, slowly freezing us in the process!

"WE HAVE TO GET THROUGH THIS!" Sonny cries desperately. "KEEP PUSHING! DON'T STOP!!!"

Easier said than done, Sonny! The closer I get to Tealla, the more I get pushed away!

I'll try another set of Aeolus Fangs--

"TIME'S UP, BOYS AND GIRLS!" Tealla bellows. "THIS ENDS NOW! COLD SHADOW!"
________

After about a minute and a half, the fight ends.

Covered in frost and chunks of ice, defeated, Sieg's crew lies at my feet.

They're alive, of course. I'm no monster; I didn't turn things up full blast on them. They saw enough, and now I know enough of this new unique incantation of mine, Cold Shadow, to know that Sieg won't stand a chance.

I clutch my shoulder. Still hurts a bit. She'll be healed by the time I reach Night's Lantern, but not completely enough to allow me to fight at my best.

No matter. You're mine, Sieg!
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 1040
Mantra Tower
________

Within the halls of Mantra Tower, two parties lie defeated.

Sieg's crew, in a room deep within the Western Labyrinth, beaten and bloodied by Tealla Hyrem, ponder their defeat as they struggle to help one another to their feet.

Sonny asks himself if his leader, Sieg Hyrem, also holds back such frightening power. Why would the man even bother lending a hand when Sonny needed it most, when the man, Sieg, could've just ignored someone so insignificant.

Asha, fighting back tears of pain and bruised pride, curses herself for celebrating so prematurely. But she remembers her friends' words, that a defeat is only a failure if one doesn't learn from it. She resolves to not be brushed aside so casually next time.

Willis isn't too phased by the ordeal. Somewhere deep within, he knew the fight was lost before it even began. He knows such thoughts are weak, but he'll ponder them later. Maybe he'll ask Sieg for his advice.

Tealla's crew, in a different room somewhere in Mantra Tower's Eastern Labyrinth, tends to their own wounds and thoughts.

Maxwell thinks of the past, of how others around him called him strong. He always told them, humbly, that he wasn't. But he never truly believed that until today, when he faced an enemy so strong, and witnessed an ally he thought of as weak accomplish so much.

Lemires is, for the most part, happy. She managed to impress who she considers one of her chief rivals and forced him to fight in a manner he didn't want to. She resolves to become even stronger, for Tealla and Tommy and the rest of her family.

Galvanos, however, feels quite the opposite. His whole life, his day-to-day routine, is intended to prevent such failure. He should've abandoned his chant sooner and pulled back, allowing Lemires to engage Sieg at close quarters and affording Maxwell a better shot. This young man blames himself the most.

These six individuals, bound by blood, sweat, and tears, limp slowly back towards their respective ships, hoping that their leaders, their heroes, succeed where they failed.
________

HSD 232 - 06 - 01 - 1044
Mantra Tower, Chamber of the Night's Lantern
________

"How very poetic!" Sieg shouts, holding the Crimson Edge in both hands, a trail of blood trickling down his face. "We take different routes here, defeat the other's minions, and face off in an epic battle for the mystical relic!"

His voice echoes about the huge gray room. Hieroglyph-laced pillars glow, bathing the room in an eerie light.

"Fuck poetry!" Tealla retorts, clenching and unclenching her fists in anticipation of the coming fight, aware of the injury she sustained earlier but unwilling to compromise her resolve. "I like to think of it as my chance to prove that you're good, but nowhere near my level."

Floating high above, encapsulated within an aether shield, is the object these two warriors seek.

"Please, girl." The man's hair flutters as faint red aether trails dance about his body. "You may be stronger and you may be cuter, but there's no way you'll ever even come close to my ability."

The relic hums softly, inaudible to the two siblings far below.

"This won't be like Phoenix Station, Sieg, not one bit." she promises, her own hair moving about as an aura of blue and white surrounds her. "I won't be holding back this time. And don't you dare hold back on me... or I'll kill you."

The relic hums softly, waiting patiently.

"I'm not so eager to die, Tealla." His grip on the Crimson Edge tightens. "But if you've got a death wish that's fine by me."

The relic hums softly, awaiting a victor.

"YOU'RE GOING DOWN TODAY, SIEG!" Tealla roars as they charge at each other.

The gap closes, the combatants closing in on one another. Sieg lifts the Crimson Edge, ready to strike, as Tealla dashes low, intent on delivering a brutal combination.

Closer still. Closer... They're about to strike!--
________

What's that, you say?

This scene is different than how you remember it from when we looked ahead before?

Ah, allow me to explain. You see, I lost track of my thoughts back then, and, as I explained before, I showed you a glimpse of one possible future. However, what you're seeing, hearing, and feeling now is what actually came to be.

Confused? Don't be. I am telling you this story as it unfolds. I do not know the future. I can see into what might be, but never into what will actually happen.

Why bother, you ask? Why would I, with my power, simply follow the lives of these two seemingly insignificant siblings as they wage war with each other?

I told you before, my friend. This planet, Solstice, will have a powerful impact on this plane of existence I call home.

Why don't I simply peer into the future more often, you ask, even if the results are less than exact?

... I already have, my dear witness. I already have.

And I saw the end of things, the return to the void, the apocalypse of my universe.

How soon, you say?

Within a year.

Shocked? Surprised? ...Worried?

Don't be. These two children, Sieg and Tealla Hyrem, will stop it.

How can I possibly know that?

Because, my friend, I can feel their strength, their desire. They will not fail. Of this, I am certain. They will save this realm... my home...
________

--== EPISODE 5... END.
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