Chapter 4: Troubles
Andros was practicing telekinesis when Karone came in. "We're coming to the planet Derin," she informed. Andros glanced up and let the data pad float back to him.
"Thanks," he answered.
He stood up from the chair. "You okay?" She asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. We're just going to ask for some supplies, nothing big," he replied.
Andros wrapped his arm around Karone's shoulders.
(Derin)
They walked through the villages to see people staring only at Karone. Andros wrapped his arm around her shoulders, keeping her close to him.
When they went into the castle to meet with the king and queen, more stares were being drawn to Karone. Andros stopped. "Wait, wait," Andros muttered. He stopped and he handed Karone his cloak. "Put this on," he told her. Karone sighed as pulled her brother's cloak over her shoulders and pulled the hood on. Then she followed him to the throne room.
When they entered the throne room, the king, Norlin, stood up. "Andros welcome," he greeted. Andros smiled as he greeted the king.
"King Norlin, I'm sure you remember my sister," Andros commented.
Karone removed the hood and Norlin stared at her. "Okay Andros, do I have something on my face or something?" She asked.
"Why has everyone been staring at my sister since we came here?" Andros asked.
"Forgive me, Andros, but the last time you two were here, you were very young," Norlin answered.
"It was only just a year ago."
"But your sister has blossomed since then."
Andros knew exactly where this is going. "If you look, Andros. It's only the men who are staring," Norlin pointed out. Andros placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. "And I would be honored if you two would stay," he added. He pulled Karone away from Norlin's hand.
"You'd be honored if my sister stayed," Andros answered.
Karone stood behind him and she closed her eyes to see the stares. "On KO-35, Norlin, we have what's called a choosing process. My sister's been chosen," Andros pointed out.
"And what about you, Andros? I'm sure one of my daughters would be to your liking," Norlin commented.
"I'll pass on that. We just came for some supplies. We'll just take our supplies and leave," Andros answered.
"Just stay for a little while. I promise, no harm will come to your sister," Norlin assured him.
Andros looked at Karone. "Then will you give us the supplies we need so we can go?" He asked.
"Of course, of course," Norlin replied.
Andros rubbed his forehead with a sigh. "Fine, we'll stay," he muttered.
(The Party)
That night, Andros had dodged Norlin's daughters. He never felt so crowded in his life. He was trying to keep an eye on Karone, he didn't like how Norlin was watching her at all. It worried him to be truthful. He let out a deep breath as he walked through the crowd. "This is ridiculous! We can get supplies somewhere else," he thought. He went to find Karone so they could get out.
Karone pushed her hair out of her face. She felt really uncomfortable being in a large room with every man staring at her. "Nice night?" A voice asked. She looked over to see Norlin there.
"Yeah…" she replied nervously.
She looked around the room, hoping to find Andros. "Where are you Andros?" She asked quietly.
"A shame you have to leave tomorrow," he commented.
"Oh yeah…such a shame…" she muttered.
She went to move away when he grabbed her arm. "Please don't touch me," she insisted. She winced when Norlin grabbed her arms and pinned her against the wall. "LET GO!" She shouted. She kneed him in the stomach and she went to elbow him when he grabbed her arm.
"HEY!" Andros shouted.
Andros pushed Norlin back and he pulled Karone behind him. "Okay this was a mistake. Karone go back to the ship," he instructed. Norlin grabbed Karone's arm before she could go far.
"She's not going anywhere," Norlin answered.
"Hey, she's only fifteen-years-old. I suggest you let her go."
Norlin glared at Andros and when Andros went to pull his hand away from Karone's arm, the King of Derin punched the young Ranger. "Andros!" Karone gasped. She pulled her arm from Norlin and she was smacked hard, making her fall to the floor. Andros kicked Norlin before picking his sister up and leaving the castle.
(Megaship)
Andros walked over to his sister. "Here, put this on your cheek," he instructed. Karone winced when he set the icepack on her cheek.
"That was so scary," she commented.
"I know the feeling."
Karone bit her lip. "Is that how…" she trailed off.
"No, he grabbed you. Divatox made sure I was prone to move before she had me chained," he answered.
She closed her eyes slightly. "Here let me have a look," he murmured. He removed the icepack from her face. "It's going to bruise," he informed. She sighed sadly.
"You told him I was chosen," she commented.
"Well, you were weren't you?" He asked.
"Unofficially."
"You're wearing his ring."
"It was lying next to him on the ground."
"Oh."
Karone sighed as she placed the icepack back on her sore cheek. Andros went to leave. "Andros," she called. Andros stopped and he looked over at her. "Was she the one that…" she trailed off.
"That what?" He asked.
"The scars on your back…were those from her?"
Andros closed his eyes slightly and he nodded his head slowly. "They were. I guess she didn't like it when I tried to escape," he replied. He looked over at Karone. "Get some rest. We'll reach Ilok tomorrow. They'll give us the supplies we need," he informed. He turned and left the room.
(Ilok)
Andros nodded to the Emperor when the rest of the supplies were put onto the ship. "Thank you for your help, sir," he answered. The emperor nodded with a smile.
"It's my pleasure. A friend of your father's is a friend of mine," The emperor assured him.
Andros gave him a quizzical look. "You knew Adran?" He asked. The emperor stared at him.
"Adran? I thought your father was Alejandro?" He asked.
"What…" Andros trailed off.
"Andros we're ready to go," Karone informed.
Andros stared at the emperor. "Ready?" Karone asked.
"Yeah…yeah I'm ready," he replied.
He turned and got onto the Megaship.
