Chapter Nine

Closing the door behind him, Obito used his Ranger abilities to track down the others. His Uncle was in the room across the way; his Aunt and Zalon were sharing a room next door. He tried not to think too hard on that as he walked down the hall and out of the inn. As he strolled through the busy streets he waved off the persistent Consortium traders hawking their wares

He was almost to the stables when he had an irrepressible desire to change his path. Turning around he headed for the large elevator that took him to the forest floor. The damp grass on his feet reminded him he hadn't put his boots or tunic on before leaving the inn. An alarm went off in his head and he frowned, this wasn't right. What was he doing? He promised Vorat he'd get Hotaru and head straight back.

At that moment there was a melodic laugh behind him. "The minds of the meek are so easy to manipulate." A feminine voice said.

His back went rigid as his body turned around on its own accord to face the she-demon from earlier. His attempts to cry out mentally were quickly quashed as he struggled to think of a name to ask for aid. The demon approached, she wore a scowl on her cobalt face. "You killed Rage …" she snarled.

"Move legs," he pleaded silently. "Run … run away." His appeals seemed to fail when he suddenly took a step back. It was a small victory though one that didn't go unnoticed as she quickened her step and grabbed him roughly with her lower set of arms.

"Impressive, somehow you managed to find a breach in my mind controlling abilities … you are your father's son." One of her free hands slapped him harshly across the cheek. "That was for Rage," she said.

"You strike him again and you'll find yourself an arm shy," a new voice said.

A flicker of fear crossed the face of the she-demon as she turned him toward the new arrival. A Sin'dorei with long flowing red hair came into the clearing. Though his appearance had changed once again, the scent was unmistakable.

"Father?" Obito said, struggling to speak through the mind control.

The elder nodded. "You'll have to forgive Melodee; she's protective of her demon counterparts for some bizarre reason. However, her usefulness outweighs that tiny fault."

"Get her out of my head," Obito growled.

"Afraid I can't do that quite yet," his father said approaching. "I see you've reached the highest level of teaching the Rangers of Silvermoon can train you. I now think it's time for you to join your parents in serving the Prince."

"I've heard all about the Prince from the Scryers …"

"Those sorry Sin'dorei … didn't know what true power was." A slender eyebrow raised as his father noticed the amulet he was wearing. "Interesting …" he said reaching for it.

Obito freed a hand from the demon's grasp and grabbed his father's wrist. "Where's mother?"

His Father glanced up at the demon. "Melodee your hold on him seems to be slipping."

Suddenly Obito found himself on all fours, screaming as his head exploded in pain. "Sorry, Master," Melodee said.

"So child, are you ready to join the ranks of the mightiest Sin'dorei history has ever seen?" His father asked patting the top of Obito's head from where he knelt.

The hunter's fingers dug at the dirt under his hands. He had to think … why was it so hard to put two thoughts together? There had to be something he could do to get that she-demon out of his head.

"Rommath … please," he had no idea why the name came to his mind or what possessed him to cry to the Grand Magister for aid.

"Young Ravenwind," the Grand Magister confusion at being contacted came across the mental whisper.

"Get … her … out … of … my … head," Obito pleaded. He heard his father shout.

Obito's mind filled with the fiery power of the Magus, shattering the hold. Melodee let out a scream of pain but Obito was already moving, triggering the cheetah within. He heard the explosion of ice as he dodged a frost nova cast by his father.

"Get to Stormspire," Rommath commanded; his powerful touch still lingered in Obito's mind blocking further attempts to control him.

"Trying," Obito replied.

"The others are racing to the elevator now," Rommath said.

"No, my father will kill them …" Obito said.

"Rater is there?" Rommath asked.

An icy blast caught him in the back and Obito found himself frozen in place. Obito let out a cry of frustration. "He wants me to join him … be part of the Prince army." The hunter frowned; the Grand Magister was one of the Prince's biggest supporters in Silvermoon.

"You can't go with him," Rommath said, causing the frown on Obito's face to deepen. "Are you wearing your Mother's necklace?"

"How did you …"

"I take that as a yes; wrap your fingers around the gem. Channel your mana into it."

Obito wrapped his hand around the gem dangling off his neck as another icy bolt slammed into him. This one left a slice on his bare back. "It's broken, but I'll try." Obito whispered as his hand glowed blue.

"Stop him!" His father shouted.

There was eruption of flames around Obito. The heat melted the ice around his ankles and when the smoke cleared he found the Grand Magister standing between him and his father.