Rachel's body was transformed into a globe of white energy, light blazing forth with such intensity that Nightwalker was temporarily half-blinded. Wincing, he flung his hands up over his face, not quite daring to look straight at Rachel. But though his eyes might not see, his mind could still feel the effects. Energy was rising every moment, far more potent than anything he had ever felt.
And this time, it was different. No longer was it a blast of dark energy, the sort that Rachel expelled when her temper got the better of her. This time, it was more of a lighter, purer form of energy that didn't radiate evil and darkness. Though it was impressive, it was neither frightening nor threatening. Keeping his eyes shut, he shouted, "Karzor, what's this? What's she doing? What kind of energy is this?"
"Light energy." Karzor sounded more awed than nervous. Keeping his head half-turned away, he watched Rachel cautiously. In the midst of the white energy surrounding her, her dark, black-clad form was barely visible. The shape of raven wings was starting to sprout as well, larger than dragon's wings, and both Karzor and Nightwalker felt another vicious pulse of energy emerging.
"Now's not the time. We have to stop her before she takes this further," Karzor said sharply. "Nightwalker, talk to her in her mind. Tell her to stop this. Trigon is not here!" Squeezing his eyes shut, he pressed his fingers to his temple and projected his thoughts into Rachel's mind.
Rachel, stop! Now's not the right time to unleash this power!
Karzor! Trigon's here!
He's not here! He's only in your mind. You have to listen to me now! Calm down, and stop that power.
Karzor's right. This time, it was Nightwalker who spoke. Rachel, you have to listen to us. Trigon is NOT here. It's just a mental projection of him. Let us help you.
Rachel's powers wavered momentarily. Determined to see how strong Trigon's power was, Karzor pushed further into her mind, careful not to go too far.
By all the powers of Azarath! he thought. It IS him! But how? How could he have entered Rachel's mind like this?
Trigon turned to Karzor, and Karzor felt his gaze like stab from a sword. His heart gave a powerful lurch, but Karzor was determined not to let fear overpower him. Drawing back his shoulders, he gazed straight back at Trigon and addressed him coldly and calmly.
You are not welcome here! Karzor's mind screamed. Begone, in the name of Azarath and the light! This is not your domain, and you will leave!
Oh, you poor little monk! Trigon laughed. How pathetic you and my daughter truly are! What makes you think talking to me like that can make me go? I am Rachel's father, and I have the right to lay claim to her.
No you don't! Karzor roared. You may have sired her, but you were never her father! Now, begone, before I loose the powers of Azarath fully on you!
And he will not be the only one doing that! Rachel cried, no longer speaking aloud. Get out of my mind! You are not welcome here!
Help me, Rachel. We can do this together. Remember, Trigon is only in your mind. Azarath Metrion ZINTHOS!
Together, Karzor and Rachel drew in all of their strength and released a single pulse of mental energy towards Trigon, almost reeling from the force of it. Trigon screamed aloud and half-fell backwards, cursing aloud. The red light emanating from him dimmed to a pale, fuzzy shade and Karzor felt his presence dissipating slowly but surely.
One more time, Rachel, and he'll be out for good!
Rachel let out some sort of battle-cry and released a second blast of energy, just seconds before Karzor did. Trigon roared again and fell to his massive knees. For several seconds, he continued to glare at Rachel and Karzor with a death-glare, then he began to fade visibly. The last they heard of him was a warning that sounded like I'll be back again! and then he was gone altogether.
With a sigh of relief, Karzor retracted his mind from Rachel's and took a deep breath to stabilize his body and mind. Rachel groaned aloud and her body swayed. The white energy that had surrounded her earlier was already gone, with just several flickers of white light remaining. Her knees buckled, and Nightwalker immediately strode forward, gripping her arms with very firm hands. Rachel's eyes shut, and she went as limp as seaweed, slumping against Nightwalker. Made awkward by the sudden intimate contact, Nightwalker almost released her from the shock before he regained mastery over his senses and adjusted his arms over Rachel before she could crash to the ground. Holding her so closely like this sent an odd sense of protectiveness throughout him, but he had no time to dwell on it, as Karzor began to speak.
"Take her to her room and let her rest," Karzor instructed.
"And I'll get an explanation, hopefully?" Nightwalker said, as he lifted Rachel efficiently and headed to the door.
"Of course. I suppose I owe you one."
In completely silence, Nightwalker laid Rachel down on her bed and covered her with the blanket before retreating silently. Karzor waited outside Nightwalker's room, his expression neutral. With a nod, he gestured to Nightwalker to enter his room. Once they were both inside, Karzor shut the door before him and seated himself cross-legged.
"What was that all about?" Nightwalker asked outright, impatiently awaiting an answer.
"Light energy. It's a deeper and more mystical form of energy residing within Rachel. Frankly, I didn't think she would have been able to release it like that already." Karzor paused and shook his head. "That was not the right time to use that power. Not here."
Nightwalker narrowed his eyes slightly, his curiosity at its maximum level now. "How is it that she didn't destroy anything with that amount of power? And why was Trigon in her mind? How did he manifest himself like that?"
"One question at a time, please." Karzor seemed somewhat amused by Nightwalker's endless barrage of questions. "To answer your first one, Rachel can't use that sort of power to destroy anything. That sort of light energy isn't a destructive power; it's a purifying and cleansing sort of energy which only chases out dark energy without causing any destruction. But the problem about using it when there is no darkness is that it can upset the energy balance at times, especially in a dimension like this, which comprises of so much energy. That power should only be used when it's time for Rachel to face her father physically in the last battle. As to your questions about Trigon, I can't be too certain. Trigon is nothing if he is not unpredictable – and powerful. We can never really know for sure how he manifested himself so vividly in Rachel's mind without appearing in a vision. Alas, and I thought she would be safe from his influence here."
"Then, how can we stop him from doing this again?"
Karzor hesitated before answering this very important question. "Yes, I believe so," he replied slowly. "But that will involve something quite drastic, and I will not try it unless I have Rachel's consent."
"And what is that drastic step?" Nightwalker enquired.
"First, it will involve sealing off some of her powers, including that light energy, until the time comes for her to face Trigon on earth. And, unpleasant though this sounds, she will have to change her very identity."