Well this one came super later. Sorry guys but I suffered from massive writer's block and recently overcame it. That and the fact that I had a lot of commitments lately. Anyways, here's the next chapter. It may not be to the taste that most of you might like, but I had to work on a chapter without Rick. So please tell me what you think. Also, I decided to increase the deadline for the contest so now you have until the 20th to turn in your entries. Also, me and EmeraldDragon1 have decided to make a Q&A forum so you can all ask your questions ( The Blade and the Embrace A Deal With A God Q&A in the Forums section), so please use this now for your questions. We will answer any and all questions. Thank you for all your time guys. March's View Champion: UK. View Rankings: 1st) UK, 2nd) Philippines, 3rd) Singapore, 4th) Australia, 5th) Canada.

"speech"= talking out loud or conversing

*speech*= thoughts

speech= Pokemon moves

speech= telepathic communication

Alara was at home, crying on her bed. She was not prepared to have Rick taken from her and was a complete wreck. Her Poketch was ringing various times, but Alara refused to answer it.

X then appeared in the room. He looked at her and his heart sank, his compassion for her was noticeable as he sat down on the bed and said to her, "I'm sorry Alara. I wish that there was something I could of done."

Alara stopped and looked at him, seemingly not surprised by his presence, "X, where were you?"

"What do you mean?"

Alara glared at him, "Where were you when Rick was attacked by Iota!?"

X bowed his head and sighed, "I'm sorry Alara, but I am not allowed to interfere with fate. If I could I would of stopped the assault."

Alara buried her face in her pillow again and began to weep. X sighed and looked at her for a while.

Alara then picked her head up and asked him, "Who am I to blame?"

X was taken by surprise by her question, "What do you mean?"

Alara asked with more anger in her voice, "Who's fault was it? Who let it happen?"

"Alara, no one gave the order to take out Aeru. You're angry, calm down."

Alara glared at him and asked, "What was Arceus doing?"

"He was doing his job. You can't blame him."

"He could of stopped it!"

"Alara calm down, please? Don't go blaming him. Do you honestly believe that he didn't want to do something about it? However, everything has a plan and his was set in motion. Aeru will wake up soon, and he will exact holy vengeance on Team Rocket and all of the enemies that come across him and his people."

"Are you sure that eh will wake up, or are you just saying that?"

X stopped and thought for a second, "I know he'll wake up. He has to. Otherwise, what was the point from the beginning?"

Alara stood up from the bed and walked onto the balcony, "So what should I do?"

A familiar voice then said, "You should get off your ass and stop crying. A warrior's mate should be just as strong as the warrior himself."

Alara turned around slowly and saw Xeron and Aldira standing next to X.

Alara was shocked to see them, "Warlord Xeron? Lady Aldira? What are you...? How are you...?"

Xeron stopped her and said sternly, "We came here to see what happened to our son. It's horrible yes, but he still has a chance. As far as I'm concerned, I would not be crying, because there's still hope. I will cry only if he dies. I know how you feel right now Alara, you want him back, don't you?"

"Of course I do!"

"You can cry, you can be sad. However, don't go antagonizing anyone. The only person you should antagonize is Project Iota."

"Then one day we will find Iota and destroy him."

Aldira shook her head, "Easier said than done. He has incredible power. So much that it dwarfs Aeru's substantially. Aeru does not have the strength to take him on. The Lord of the Projects is not to be defeated easily."

Alara was shocked by what she just heard, "The Lord of the Projects?"

"Iota was the trainer of all the Projects, except Beta. He gave them all their strength and their discipline. He even trained Aeru. Worse still is that he can get stronger. His power is shackled down by Giovanni so that he doesn't grow too powerful. However, if Giovanni releases the power restraints on him, he will become so powerful that Arceus may be the only one that can deal with him. However, he may be powerful, but not invincible. He's one of the few Projects that has his home base outside Rocket HQ."

"Where can we find him?"

"Like Epsilon had her fortress, Iota has his castle Castle Requiem. It's location is a secret, however rumor has it that it can only be reached by going through darkness itself. However, this is just a fairy tale. Worse, he captured a Titan. He didn't kill it and become its master, he just captured it like Giovanni captured Avion. That Titan's name is Umbroskia. It protects the darkness, so I believes that it is forced to do Iota's bidding because of Iota's control over darkness."

"So it's impossible right now?"

"For now, yes."

Xeron then said, "But on a brighter note, we only have a week to be back to life."

Alara finally smiled, "That's great news! I'm sure Rick and Maiyu will be happy to see you guys again. That is when Rick wakes up."

"Speaking of which, what did you tell Maiyu and how did she take the news?"

Alara sweatdropped and scratched the back of her head, "Well I haven't told her about what happened to Rick yet. I wasn't going to tell her though."

"Why not?"

"She's too young, so I don't want to scar her. Also, she really loves Rick, so I just can't tell her."

"Alright, but you better have a good cover story."

"Will do."

Aldira then said, "Well there's also something else we wanted to talk to you about."

"What?"

"With Aeru out of commission, what will the Sanctuary do about the army?"

Alara thought for a second and replied, "Well my dad says that we would have to find a way for us to do Rick's job until he wakes up. However, I have no idea how I'm supposed to do that."

Xeron then said, "I have an idea. Take the role as the Warlord."

Alara was taken by surprise by what Xeron said and asked, "Why would I do that? Also, I'm no warrior, I can't fight like your son. Also, I've never led and army."

Xeron chuckled, "You know that by law you can technically take his place. You'll learn how to fight. You are already very strong."

"Yeah, but that's mate's job. I can't take it away from him."

"You're not the permanent Warlord. You'll be the acting-Warlord."

"No!"

Xeron then growled and saw Shadowbane on the counter. He reached for it and picked it up. He then walked up to Alara and made her hold Shadowbane. "Let me tell you this. The moment we leave this place, you will be endowed with all of Aeru's powers that this sword has given him."

Alara was confused, "You can do that?"

"I can't. The sword can. So we'll be leaving. Goodbye Alara!"

Aldira waved goodbye, "Bye Alara dear!"

X waved goodbye and the three faded away.

Alara tried to stop them, "Wait, don't go! I still have some questions." After she saw that they were gone, she cursed her luck and looked at Shadowbane. "What did Xeron mean by what he told me?" She then laid down on the bed and looked at the ceiling. "Why does he want me to take Rick's job? I'm not fit to be a warrior. I'm a princess, not a soldier. I'd get torn asunder."

She then heard a female voice, "Not unless you become stronger."

Alara sat up and looked around, but found nothing. She then looked down and saw Shadowbane glowing.

Alara asked, "Did you speak to me?"

"Yes, I am Twilight. I am the spirit that resides within Shadowbane. I have revealed myself to you to bestow you with the powers that Xeron told you about."

"Umm...thank you Twilight, but I don't think that I need the powers."

"Do you not want to be stronger?"

"Of course I do, but I can't have Rick's powers. Those are his alone."

"You will not have Aeru's Project powers if that's what you're afraid of. Just the powers I have given him. I will teach you how to transfer those powers onto your own sword, but for the time that Aeru is out you shall be using me."

Alara tried to figure out her options. She then sighed and said, "Alright, I'll take the powers."

"Good. Not grab onto me."

Alara did as she was told and grabbed Shadowbane. Instantly, Shadowbane turned into it's more feral form. The wolf head on the end then opened its mouth and a black energy ball flew across the room. The ball landed on the floor and became a large black void. Suddenly a black wolf, with what appeared as red tribal tattoos, appeared from the void and snarled at Alara. Alara was afraid and began to back away, she then pointed Shadowbane at the wolf. The wolf then howled and Shadowbane vanished, scaring Alara even more.

Alara then asked, "I'm guessing you're what holds the power?"

The wolf snarled again and lunged at Alara, passing through her chest, but with no wound. Alara then fell to the ground, unconscious. A few minutes later, Alara woke up and opened her eyes. Her vision was shaky and she tried to look around, but everything was moving. She staggered up and leaned against the wall and tried to move across the room. Her vision soon adjusted and she saw red glowing sigils on the walls. Alara tried walking but soon fell to her knees with the urge to throw up, but nothing came out.

Alara said to herself, "Is this how Rick sees the world?"

Twilight's voice was then heard, "When he uses my power completely yes. However, this wears off really quickly. You're just getting used to it."

Alara rolled onto her back and finally saw Twilight, "You're Twilight?"

"I am! Nice to meet you Alara."

Alara stood up and looked at the wolf-like woman. She then noticed the tattoo on her left and right shoulders. "You were the wolf, weren't you?"

"I was. Good, you putting the pieces together. So any questions?"

"Yeah, why do you look like a human?"

"Because I just do. I can turn from this form into the wolf you saw earlier. There's also another part of me." Twilight then began to howl and Dusk appeared out of black smoke.

Alara jumped back in shock, "What the hell!?"

Twilight giggled, "Alara, this is Dusk. My other half."

"I've heard of him before. He's supposed to be the physical power of Shadowbane."

"Yes, he is. Aeru told you?"

Alara nodded, "Yes. He also told me that you are the true Shadowbane and the mystical power that lives within the sword."

"Right you are again. However, I can't stay long. Now listen closely Alara. You can use any and all the abilities that Aeru could use. That includes, but not limited to: Psycho Cataclysm, Psycho Star Storm, and Dark Energy Blade. You will learn how to use them in time. I will even give you the blessing to transfer the power to your own sword, but without the dark energy."

"Any questions before we shove off?"

"Yes, can Dusk talk?"

Dusk chuckled and said, "Yes, I can. We shall leave you now. However, call us again through the blade if you ever need us. Goodbye!"

Twilight and Dusk then disappeared and Alara shook her head. By doing that she could no longer see the sigils on the wall and she was no longer fatigued. Alara then saw Shadowbane on the bed and put it back in its sheath. She then put it on the counter and looked at it.

Alara said to herself, "Did that thing really give me those powers? I need to sleep. Maybe I'll feel better in the morning. First thing I'll do is go see Rick. I hope he turns out alright."

In the morning, Alara was in his hospital room, writing into her journal. She pushed the events of last nights to the back of her mind and focus on being with Rick. Rick's doctor walked in and was surprised to see Alara already there.

"M'lady, I wasn't expecting you here this early." She then checked her watch, "It's 8 AM. Visiting hours haven't even started."

Alara sighed and said, "Sorry Dr. Lian, but I've been here since 6 AM."

"Well I guess you have a good reason. I'm just here to check on him."

"I'm not stopping you. You can do your job."

Dr. Lian walked up to Rick's bed and began to inspect him and writing everything down on her clipboard. She looked back at Alara and saw her writing in her journal and struggling to hold back a tear from falling.

She then said to Alara, "Say, do you remember when I used to be your pediatrician?"

Alara stopped writing and replied, "Of course I do! Yet it was so long ago."

"I remember that you would cry all the time. I would have to give you a lollipop just to keep you calm."

"Well I'm no longer afraid of needles. So that problem is solved."

Dr. Lian laughed and said, "Well it seems like I am destined to see you and tend to your family for the rest of my life."

"I know, my mate is your patient this time."

Dr. Lian sighed and sat down next to Alara, "I know how much you love him. I mean, this is the first time that the mate of one of my patients beats me to work. However, don't worry Alara, he'll be fine. Your mate is a fighter, I know in my heart that he'll pull through. When he wakes up, the next time I expect to see you and want to see you in a hospital room is when you're giving birth to your kids."

Alara finally gave her a wide grin and said, "I can try to promise you that. You were there when I was born, so I guess it will be an honor for you to do that."

"You know it! How long until the wedding?"

"A little over a month."

"Aeru better wake up fast, so that he can recover and stand at your wedding."

Alara asked her a question, "How badly injured would he be when he wakes up?"

"Well he won't be able to get out of bed for a few days, but he should be able to walk by the time of your wedding."

Alara smiled, "That's good to know."

then asked, "So have you and Aeru decided on whether or not to have kids?"

"Of course we have! We want kids. I want a girl and I forced him to agree."

"Any names?"

"We decided to name her after Rick's grandmother. Angela or Sheerah?"

"Sheerah."

Dr. Lian smiled and said, "It's a beautiful name." She then sighed and said, "Oh bless Madam Sheerah's soul. She's such a sweet old woman and she's been through so much. After loosing her husband, she had her two sons join the military, which she did not like. She then lost her youngest son, your future father-in-law, Xeron. She also, for a time, lost her grandson, Aeruthael. It can only be imagined what she feels about this now that Aeru is in a coma."

Alara gasped, "I never thought about that. Madam Sheerah loves Aeru very much."

"How close are Aeru and her?"

"They are actually very close. Every time Aeru gets the chance, he visits her. However, that's normally when he goes to work. He's usually at her home for at least a few minutes every day."

"Then I am really concerned for how she is taking this right now."

"I never thought of that." Alara got up. "I should visit her."

Dr. Lian nodded, "You should. Don't worry, your mate is in good hands. I'll call you if anything."

Alara thanked her, "Thank you! Goodbye!"

"Goodbye Alara dear."

Alara quickly left the hospital and jumped into her car. She then drove all the way to Rick's family's house and noticed two Gardevoirs on the porch. Alara recognized them immediately. One was Rick's grandmother and the other was Rick's cousin Alyssa, Daedalus's youngest daughter. Alara got out of the car and walked over to the house. Once Sheerah saw her she stopped rocking on her chair and got up and hugged her.

Sheerah said to Alara, "Alara, my child, it's so good to see you again."

Alara hugged her back and said, "Likewise Madam Sheerah. I came here to talk."

"Oh please! Come and sit!"

Alyssa smiled at the two and said, "I'll go prepare some tea for us. Hello Alara!"

Alara smiled back and said, "Hello Alyssa!"

Alyssa walked inside the house to prepare the tea while Alara and Rick's grandmother sat down on the porch chairs.

Alara didn't know how to start the conversation, but Rick's grandmother did it for her, "So dear, how have you been? I heard about Aeruthael. It's so sad, but I know he'll be fine."

Alara smiled and said, "I've been alright. It is hard, but I'm confident Aeru will be alright. However I came here to ask you about how you are fairing."

"How so?"

"How are you feeling about this?"

Sheerah thought for a second, "Well I can't say I'm not sad, but I can't lose myself either. However, after losing my husband, my son, my daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, many would believe that I should be a wreck. But you can't keep an experienced old woman down." She laughed and looked back at Alara.

Alara was surprised by her attitude, "You are one cheerful old woman."

"Why let life keep you down? I've lived on this Earth for 75 years. I have been blessed with a husband, two sons, three daughters, fifteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Aeruthael was my third grandchild and the first one I lost. You can only imagine my joy when he returned to us. For a time I thought that everyone in my family with that name was cursed. My husband died and then I lost my grandson. I faced death before. My husband Aeruthael and my son Xeron. I have to admit, I am very sad at times, but I just have to keep smiling since I know that I still have a lot of other loved ones. However, I will never forget those I have lost."

Alara felt happier by what she said, "You're a strong woman. Maybe stronger than me."

"Oh it's a strength you get from being a mother and wife. When Aeru wakes up, you will soon learn how to deal with life. Also, I expect another great-grandchild."

Alara smiled, "You'll get one soon. The wedding is in a month and six days. So we'll just have to wait for the honeymoon and see if I get lucky."

"Not something you usually discuss with the grandmother of your mate."

Alyssa soon came out of the house with a tray with three cups and a tea pot. She began to pour out tea and asked, "What don't you usually discuss?"

"You don't discuss mating with the grandmother of your mate."

Alyssa shook her head and said to Alara, "Not cool Ally."

Alara shrugged, "She started it!"

Alyssa and Sheerah laughed and Alyssa responded, "Nice to see that the incident hasn't affected your attitude."

"I can't dwell on it forever. I want to cry like crazy like yesterday, but it's not going to help now, is it."

"That is true. Did you go see him today?"

"Actually, I just came from the hospital. His condition is still up in the air, but the doctors are confident that he'll be okay. We're just waiting for him to wake up."

"Well that's good to hear. So how was your first night alone in the house?"

Alara shrugged and said, "Well it was different. I felt so alone. I have never lived alone before. When I moved out of my parents' house I left with Amber. When I moved out of my old house I moved in with Aeru."

"Well, maybe you should move back in with your sister until Aeru wakes up. You can also just ask someone to move in with you for a little while."

"I can just take Maiyu from her parents."

Sheerah chuckled and said, "Celenia tells me that you already do that. She also tells me that you take Maiyu off her hands almost everyday."

Alara smiled and said, "Guilty as charged." She then laughed with the other females. "This is why I loved coming here when I was little. You were so fun for an elderly woman. I remember my parents sending me here after school and you always having snacks waiting for me."

"Well I always expected you to come over. However, after you finished college, I saw less of you."

"Well until high school I was in the 1st Den. Then I had to go here in the 3rd Den for high school and college. I loved those times because I would come here after school to rest for the day until my parents sent for me."

"You were always like another granddaughter for me. You and Alyssa were always here playing with each other. Also, Amber was here too with you two. Speaking of which, where is she?"

"She's at work at the moment. It's early in the morning."

Sheerah sighed, "She doesn't visit anymore."

"She's been really busy. I'll bring her next week to see you guys."

"I would love that dear. However, I have to go visit Daedalus today. So I'm sorry Alara, but I will have to leave you."

Alara nodded and smiled at her, "It's okay. I have to go home anyways. I'll be back soon if everything seems favorable."

"Alright dear. Make sure to call me when Aeru wakes up."

"Will do." Alara got up. "Goodbye!"

Alara then walked back to her car and left the den. Later that day, she was soon making her way to the Chief's Court, thinking about what her parents were going to say to her now. She then felt something in her car and looked in the passenger seat and saw Shadowbane on it.

She said to herself, "But I left you at home."

Without her knowing, Twilight was in the backseat and said, "Alara, don't panic."

Alara looked back slowly and saw Twilight. She calmly pulled over and parked the car.

She then took a deep breath and began to scream, "What the hell!? I left you at home. Now you show up here and you startle me while I'm driving."

Twilight arched an eyebrow and said, "If I startled you, then how did you manage to pull over and prepare yourself to freak out?"

"I'm weird. You live in Rick's subconscious, you should know that."

"True, but I concern myself with the matters that involve his power."

Alara sighed, "You came to see me, so I'm guessing that you have a reason for being here."

"Yes. I wanted to tell you that now that you're the acting-Warlord, you will need to wear the traditional garments for a while. Mainly to humor me."

"I don't even know where the female Warlord garments are."

"They are at the Chief's Court. Now that I think about it, you might look like my old best friend."

"Who?"

"Illia of course."

Alara thought for a second, "She was your best friend."

Twilight sighed, "Yeah. She had me longer than any other Warlord in history. To think that I wasn't with any Warlords for almost three hundred years. Xeron brought me back to the title of the Warlord's weapon. However, Daedalus didn't use me. He kept me protected in Xeron's armory. So I was happy when Aeru took possession of me. Anyways, you'll be taking his job for a while."

"So I need to look like a Warlord?"

"Try to have fun with it. Either way, everyone expects you to."

Alara's eyes shot open, "Everyone knows?"

"Your dad made the decision that you should take over the job until Aeru wakes up. The Council, minus Zenek, agree."

"Who did Zenek want as the acting-Warlord?"

"Himself. He thinks he can lead an army. Needless to say, the Council was not amused. Pompous, self-absorbed idiot!"

Alara chuckled, "So I'm guessing my dad is waiting for me?"

"Yep! Also, I won't leave you until Aeru wakes up. So find someplace to put me."

"I know. You aren't collapsible like my sword."

"When you get the Warlord garments, just put me on your belt. Just like Illia used to do."

"Then we'll see when we get there."

Twilight nodded and returned into Shadowbane.

[Five Minutes Later]

Alara arrived at the Chief's Court and a soldier appeared and told her, "M'lady, your father has asked to see you."

Alara waved him off, "No need to come get me when I'm thirty feet from the door. Also, I know that he needs to speak to me."

"Very well, sorry for the interruption." The soldier then disappeared.

Alara walked into the Chief's Court and was met with the sight of Zenek arguing with her father.

Zenek was saying, "My lord, I do not believe that it will be in the best interest for the Sanctuary that Lady Alara take the place of the Warlord. Even if it is temporary."

Saifer sighed in frustration, "Zenek, it has been decided. Now, if you will kindly, please drop the matter."

"But it doesn't make sense your majesty. Your daughter is not a soldier and knows little about military combat."

"What are you implying?"

"All I'm saying is that you need someone who has had extensive experience in the military."

Saifer glared at him, "You were only in the army for two years and you worked in the army offices. Hardly qualified. Hell, you didn't even fight."

Zenek seemed irritated, "Not the point. We just need someone better."

Alara then said, "Then let's see which one of us is better."

Zenek and Saifer looked at Alara and Saifer smiled at her, "Hi dear! It's good to see you up and about."

"Well I'm still crushed, but I have to keep on keeping on."

Zenek scoffed and asked her, "Did you challenge me a moment ago?"

"Yes. If you think that I am not fit for the job, then let's see how you do against me in a fight."

Zenek laughed, "I don't fight females. Much less the princess of the Sanctuary. Last thing I want is to hurt the line of the throne."

"Afraid to lose to me? I may not be a soldier, but I'm not weak. My mate trained me well."

"I'm still not going to fight you."

"And that's why you are half a man."

Zenek glared at her, "What did you just say?"

Alara smiled, "The only way I can get to you is to attack your honor. So what's it going to be?"

Saifer laughed, "Better take the challenge. This might be entertaining. Also, before you say anything, I am not concerned about my daughter losing."

Zenek growled and said, "Fine! Follow me to the sparring grounds."

Alara didn't follow, she instead teleported to the grounds. She stretched like Rick taught here and she unsheathed Shadowbane. She then dropped to her knees and began to meditate like Rick.

As she was doing so she received a message from Twilight, "Ah! I see that you decided to get in a fight. Also, I'm surprised that you're using me."

Alara replied, "Zenek is trying to take Rick's job and I won't let him. So I'm going to do this and shut him up indefinitely on the matter. However, I'll need your help."

"You got it! Just fight and you'll use the powers."

Alara opened her eyes and stood back up, just in time to see the others arrive at the sparring grounds. Zenek jumped down on his side of the field and looked at his opponent.

He then said to Alara, "I had no idea that you could wield that accursed blade. However, I should expect as much from Aeruthael's betrothed."

Alara smirked, "I never used it before, but I can get used to it."

"Let's just hope I don't hurt you too bad."

"I'm not that concerned. For once I get to unleash some steam. Also, shutting you up will be a bonus."

Zenek glared at her, "I'm going to enjoy this far more than I should." He said as he drew his arm blades.

Alara took a sword stance that Rick taught her and sized him out.

[Stands]

Saifer was sitting on a throne that his guards brought for him. He was waiting for the battle to begin and then sensed his wife arrive at the sparring grounds.

She saw him and said to him, "There you are! I've been looking for you for the last five minutes..." She then noticed Alara and Zenek in the sparring grounds. "What is Alara doing squaring off against Zenek?"

Saifer chuckled and said, "She had enough of him and decided to fight him."

Alara's mom the thought for a second and called over an attendant, "Please bring us some popcorn."

The attendant nodded and teleported away. Two soldiers then brought Alara's mom a throne and she sat down to watch the spectacle. As they were waiting for them to begin the attendant returned with popcorn and handed it to the two.

[Alara]

Alara took a deep breath and waited for Zenek to make a move. Zenek then fired a Signal Beam from his spike. Alara noticed and slashed at the beam, splitting it in half. Alara then fired two Shadow Balls at Zenek, who punched one of the balls back onto the other. He then charged at Alara with his blades and slashed at her. Alara dodged the slashes until Zenek kicked her back. Alara regained her composure and slashed back at him. He blocked one of the slashes with his blades and hit Alara with a Shadow Ball.

Alara shook off the hit and managed to hit him with a Signal Beam. She then used Psychic to throw him across the field, giving her some breathing room. Alara then saw Shadowbane begin to glow. She closed her eyes to speak to Twilight so she could know what was going on.

"Twilight, what's going on?"

Twilight replied, "I'm going to help you end this quickly so we can get on with our lives."

"Just fight. Now you can use all the powers and abilities that Aeru can use. Please tell me you know the attacks."

"I do."

"Good! Kick his ass!"

Alara opened her eyes and quickly dodged an attack from Zenek and plunged Shadowbane into the ground, sending him flying with a Psycho Cataclysm.

Zenek got up and looked at Alara with a surprised expression, "How on earth?"

[Stand]

Alara's mom asked her husband, "Did she use one of Aeru's attacks with the sword?"

Saifer laughed, "Oh this is going to be good. Kick his ass Ally!"

[Alara]

Alara looked at Shadowbane and saw it covered in a black aura and changing its appearance to the form that it usually takes with Rick. She then swung it and felt how light it was in her hands now.

Alara chuckled to herself and yelled, "Yeah! Power, bitch!"

Zenek growled and teleported appearing in front of Alara. Alara then saw him move slowly and moved out of the way of an attack.

She noticed this and asked herself, "What is going on? Am I getting faster? Is he getting slower? Or did is this how Rick sees fights?"

Alara then dodged another attack from Zenek and caught his arm. She smiled at him and flipped him. He jumped up to his feet and slashed at her with a Night Slash, but she dodged it with little effort. Alara began to toy with him and began to dance, while dodging his attack. She spun to dodge a Shadow Ball, and returned by firing an energy blade at him.

Zenek leaned back to dodge the attack and lifted his head back up. When he did that he was met by Alara's fist and he staggered back in pain, disoriented. Alara then fired another energy blade at him, which hit him and sent him flying onto a wall.

After a few seconds Zenek stood back up and then fell on one of his knees and said, "Alright, you win."

Alara re-sheathed Shadowbane and said, "Once I started using the powers you went down pretty quickly."

"That sword has insane power. Pretty unholy if I may be honest."

"Yep, but it's all good."

Zenek managed to get on his feet and walked back into the Chief's Court. Alara teleported in front of her parents, who hugged her. Alara's mom then called for a throne to be brought for Alara, and it soon arrived.

Saifer said to Alara, "I had no idea that you knew how to use Shadowbane."

Alara smiled and said, "After Rick slipped into a coma, his sword decided to let me use its power. I'm still not sure how it works, but I accept it."

Alara's mom then looked at Alara with sympathy, "Speaking of which. Now don't talk about it if you don't want to, but how are you taking Aeru's condition?"

Alara's drew downcast and said, "I stopped crying this morning. I tried not to think about it, but it's following me around." Alara began to cry once more.

Alara's mom then said, "I'm sorry! I shouldn't of brought it up."

"No, it's okay. I can't just suppress it forever. I want him back. Home is just so empty without him there. I just feel so bad because we're supposed to get married in only a month. I want him to wake up so bad so we can both get married."

Alara's mom got up and quickly hugged her and tried to comfort her as she cried on her shoulder.

Saifer then said to Alara, "Ally, he WILL wake up and you WILL get married. Think positively and you will be alright. Aeru is really strong. There's no way that he's down and out."

Alara wiped the tears from her eyes and said to her dad, "Thanks dad. I need to hear that."

"You're welcome dear. Now, sorry for changing the subject, but you do know that you have to take Aeru's job, right?"

Alara nodded and her facial expression changed to a serious face, "Yes." She then said, "Let me ask you a question. Where are the female Warlord's garments?"

Saifer smiled and got up, "Right this way."

Alara and her mom got up and followed Saifer through the Chief's Court until they made it into an inner chamber. Alara did not remember having ever gone into this chamber, and she's been in the building all her life. She looked around and saw members of the Royal Guard standing at attention on the way to the end of the chamber. They then reached the end and the guards opened a large door for the three to pass through.

Alara asked her mom, "Why have I never been in here?"

Her mom replied, "Because only a select few can enter this chamber. The heir to the throne usually learns about it after their coronation. This is where both sets of the Warlord's garments have been stored for centuries. Even Shadowbane was housed in here for as long as the garments were."

Alara nodded and looked around as they entered the room. The ceiling had a gigantic portrait of Illia and Shadowbane. The walls had the names of each Warlord the Sanctuary had. Alara looked closer at where the names ended and saw Rick's name printed on the wall. The sight made her smile slightly and then she looked forward and saw the female Warlord garments. Next to them she saw an empty garment mannequin and an empty sword shelf.

Saifer said to his daughter, "There they are, the female Warlord garments. I never expected to see you wearing them, but I have to say that I'm glad you are getting the chance."

Alara's mom then said, "Well go put them on."

Alara nodded and walked forward and grabbed the garments. Her parents then left the room to give her some privacy.

When they were gone, Alara took off her clothes and tried the garments on. They fit her perfectly and she liked how they looked. They were the same as Rick's, red and black with the Sanctuary emblem on it. The dress was Alara's size, the belt that it went with had a slot for her to put Shadowbane on, and the cape was similar to Rick's, but slightly smaller.

Alara folded her clothes and called her parents back in, "I'm done guys!"

Her parents walked in and they seemed to impressed by her new appearance.

Her mom then said, "Dear, you look incredible in that dress."

Alara smiled and said, "Do I?"

Saifer chuckled, "Yep! You are now the most powerful individual in the Sanctuary after your mother and I."

Alara chuckled and put Shadowbane through the sword hoop and said, "Well, I'd love to chat, but I need to go see my mate."

"Of course dear. We'll see you here tomorrow, right?"

"Of course! Bye guys!"

Alara then immediately teleported away and arrived at Rick's hospital room, surprising Dr. Lian, "M'Lady? Well that was quite the surprise."

Alara laughed and said, "Sorry doc."

"What's with those clothes?"

"I'll explain later. For now, may I have some time with my mate?"

Dr. Lian smiled and said, "What kind of question is that? Take all the time you want."

Dr. Lian then walked out of the room and closed the door.

Alara then sat down on the chair next to Rick's bed and grabbed his hand, "Hi dear. I'm back and I have had quite the day."

[Rick]

Rick was floating within a black void, unable to move. All he could hear was Alara talking to him from outside his body. Rick tried to move, but he couldn't lift a finger or even open his eyes.

Rick was saying to himself, "Damn it! Why can't I move? What happened to me? What did Iota do to me?" He then calmed down and said, "Alara, I'll be back. Just give me more time to get the ability to do so. How the hell do I do that though?"

A voice then came out of nowhere, "Well I won't let you wake up just yet. I need to test you out first."

Rick suddenly was able to open his eyes and he found himself in a wasteland. He looked around and then moved his body and felt happy at his newly recovered motor control.

"I can move? Hell yeah!"

The voice then returned, "You're missing the point Aeru."

Rick turned around to face the source of the voice and saw Twilight standing before him. "Twilight? What's going on?"

"You're in a coma dumbass."

Rick then cursed his luck, "So that's what that bastard did to me? Damn it all to hell!"

"I'll be more worried about what's about to happen than what just happened."

Rick was now confused, "What do you mean?"

Twilight then smiled and disappeared. Rick got the hint and drew Shadowbane to block a sword attack from Twilight.

Twilight then said, "We're about to have some fun."

Well there you have it. It's the shortest chapter in a long time. I don't have much to say guys, but thank you for everything. Bye!