Chapter 12: Escape from the Vortex

They swam through the many tunnels and with the help of some of the movers they managed to make holes large enough for the larger whales to fit through.

Katy was losing a lot of blood but there were no more crystals to help her as well as help Ecco.

(You need to rest,) Mutaclone told her

(What I need right now is to get us out of here!) Katy said as she looked around

Go left stupid Icarus said

Katy guided Mutaclone that way with Ecco between them.

An orca pulled up and offered her fin while another came up and helped Ecco while Mutaclone went off to help the other clan members fight off the Vortex.

Katy held on as they swam as fast as they could towards the outside of where they were hiding in. A sperm whale shot past them and used a sonar crystal to break through the wall or tried to until he rammed it full on.

They swam as fast as they could through the hole and some even fired upon the many Vortex drones now knowing their secret weaknesses. The singers have a way of fighting back now as they swam back towards the way they remembered coming.

(There!) Katy said pointing to a tower that arched well above the surface.

Many singers raced through the door and some began to activate the machine. Ecco was still unconscious with Katy also fading in an out as well. Icarus fought to keep them awake but eventually it was too much for him and he faded out. Katy held on to what was left as she swam to where the controls where.

Seeing as the Singers don't have hands she began to pull at switches and devices.

The door opened and one of the drones entered this one less armored then the rest. He tried to flee but two members of the movers came in and held him hostage. The quickly began to activate the switches and the device turned on shooting water towards the planet.

As fast as they could singers begin to swim into the tube of water.

Katy held the vortex weapon in her hand as she tried to wait for Mutaclone and the clan. It was then that she saw them swimming as fast as they could with several other singers all of them tried to swim with calves and mothers in the middle. Katy provided cover fire with her weapon trying her best to remain awake to do so. Several singers did swim out to help the clan fight off the vortex drones that came to kill them.

As the last of them dove into the tunnel Katy hit a panel and shut the door. Shooting the technician killing him instantly so he does not activate the tube again she fired at the machine making it malfunction while diving into the vortex of water.

It was the last thing she remembers when it finally shut off.

SOMETIME LATER

Katy opened her eyes slowly and found herself in an air bubble. The world around her was distorted as the Asterite floated just outside.

(You have done well Katy Saotome) he said to her.

She continued to stare up at him as he switched his language to English.

"You have done something that we have not done since we settled and terraformed this world. You have helped us defeat the Vortex and ultimately killed their queen," he said.

"But how? All I did was stab her," Katy said

"You did more then that Katy and Icarus you both gave the singers hope that one day they will ultimately find peace on their world now that you found their weakness. By doing so you have given them the chanced to survive Katy and Icarus and you will always be remembered." He said

"Wow I guess when we leave we will lose this ability we have," Katy said with a shrug.

"The changes are permanent both you and your symbiote are forever changed by me." The Asterite said to them.

What does that mean? Icarus stated

"It means Goa'uld that you will be dependent on Katy forever. The changes I have made to you will be on the permanent side. I cannot reverse the process for it is now encoded into your DNA just like an unknown mineral is to yours Icarus," he said

I understand Icarus stated

"Know this your journey is just beginning my young friends and there is a long journey ahead of you I can see it," he said

"How can you see it? All we want to do is return home," Katy said wanting to cry now.

"But alas that is not to be Katy for fate has chosen a different path for you." The Asterite stated as it swirled around for her.

"Fate? I don't believe in fate," Katy said now clearly feeling distressed.

"Do not worry Katy for your quest to return home has just begun. In a way both you and Icarus must learn to work together in order for you both to return to your home galaxy. The secrets of the universe and its fate may one day lie on you," he said

"How so? I feel more like some super hero then anything," Katy stated not liking any of this.

"The Vortex will not lie in wait for long. They will repair their machine and they will find you and Icarus across the galaxy. They will want revenge and for that Katy you must be weary. Others will want the death of you and Icarus so be forewarned." The Asterite said

You mean I am stuck with her for the rest of eternity! Icarus practically screamed out at the Asterite

"I am sorry but you are," was the reply

I thought I would have to wait a few hundred years then be free of her but nnnnnoooooo I am stuck with a spoiled stuck up Tau'ri for the rest of my existence! Icarus complained

"Oh shut up you moron at least we are still alive!" Katy said

"Yes be glad you are still alive," the Asterite stated.

Katy could hear Icarus grumbling to himself while glaring at the Asterite.

"Do not fret your journey has only just begun," he said and with that he bubble burst and they found themselves floating again in water.

Swimming out they found Ecco waiting for them a huge scar on his side.

Along with a new tattoo job on the side of his body.

(Ecco!,) Katy said and swam to him giving him a hug.

(Katy, Icarus I am glad you both are alive) Ecco said as he nudged them with his fin.

I am glad both of us are alive and I hate to say it fish but you earned my respect. Icarus said

(Icarus said you earned his respect) Katy replied to Ecco.

(I am glad now the council has agreed to meet with us and will be transporting us there) he said and led Katy to another tube hanging into the water.

(These are a faster means of getting there,) Ecco stated

They looked like glowing rings with metal coming out of them but as Ecco quickly showed when he entered that he disappeared in a blur. Katy slowly followed him in at the same time real reluctant to follow.

As she did so she felt a rush as she sped through the rings at an accelerated rate. When she emerged she felt like her stomach was left behind at the beginning.

Now she could see the city of Atlantis being rebuilt as movers, circle and crimson were put to work building the buildings again. Ecco led the way as they swam through the busy city.

(Hey Ecco?) Katy asked

(Yes,) the singer replied

(What is that on your side?) It was now Icarus that replied

(It is the mark of the clan general I have been chosen to become the new general and honorary member of the clan. Mutaclone gave it to me for my deeds against the queen of the Vortex) Ecco stated and Katy could see the various scars along his body. His fin alone was jagged with some tears along the end.

(You have the same mark along your arm too) Ecco stated and Katy felt along her arm until she saw the bruise there.

When they entered a vast room it was filled with singers all of them singing their loudest in cheers and cries of joy.

Katy, Icarus and Ecco all looked up at the various singers that sang their name in the air. Among them swam the gigantic form of Big Blue the largest of the blue whales.

When he landed in front of them he smiled his gigantic face they only mirrored.

(Ecco, Katy and Icarus you have done us well this day) He said

(It was an honor my lord) Ecco said bowing now

(Yes but all three of you were the reason why we keep on fighting and it is that fighting spirit that allows us to be who we are today,) said another voice and Mutaclone entered the celebrating crowd.

(And as such you are always welcomed here Katy) he said smiling

Katy felt honored as they continued to give her praises and some even offered something that Katy can't eat. Laughing Ecco ensured that it was alright as they returned to the island hours later.

When they returned to the island that he originally taken Katy and Icarus to she quickly gathered fruits and various foods that she managed to find or catch thanks to Ecco's help. After packing she dove again into the water with Ecco as a guide.

Deeper they dove into the darker waters with an air crystal for Ecco every so often.

Finally he found a cave to enter and Katy followed which led to some ruins on the other side. Swimming towards it they found themselves once again in front of the Stargate. The gate itself was closed but thanks to Ecco looking down at the bottom of the platform he managed to pull up some sort of device.

(This device activated when you came through,) he said and Katy held it.

It was a small and portable and looked ancient.

(The ancients I guess used it to activate the stargate on my end. It only detects other gates nearby or other systems near this one. That much I managed to uncover just before it activated and you emerged) Ecco stated.

Katy pressed something on the side and the device activated she searched through various symbols before she found one that matched.

Quickly pressing the button the Stargate activated for the first time in a long time.

The familiar pool of light emerged from the gate and Katy took one last look at Ecco.

(Go on and begin your journey home,) he stated.

Katy swam up to him and gave him a kiss on his beak.

What are you doing dumbass Icarus stated

Shut the fuck up slug she said

I AM NOT A SLUG! Icarus screamed.

(Go well my friend) he said feeling embarrassed

(Take care Ecco) Katy said and if this were dry land she would be crying as she entered the gate.

The gate then closed leaving Ecco in the dark once again.

(May Delphinus and Delphi watch over you my friend) he said

END OF THE ECCO ARC

a/n: ah finally the end of the first part of Katy and Icarus's journey and odyssey. Now on to the next arc of this story and if you like it then please drop a review.

If not then don't bother reading.