I get out of my dirty bed (my dirty bed)

I shake my pretty little head (I shake my pretty little head)

Tap my pretty little feet (tap my pretty little feet)

Feeling brighter than sunlight (oh)

Louder than thunder (oh)

Bouncing like a yo-yo, whoa (oh)

Chilly Down - David Bowie

Chapter 23: Dangers Untold

-AMANDA-

"Amanda, we require your assistance," a mental voice penetrated the depths of her sleep.

"Hmm?" she hummed mentally responding to the voice, too out of it to comprehend what was being said.

"Call me in the ancient way, that I might come to your side," a deeper, and annoyingly penetrating, voice implored her.

"Huh? Wwhaaat?" Amanda mumbled with all the eloquence of one who is not really awake and doesn't wish to be.

"I can not reach you within the death dunes. I need a focus to open a doorway," the deep voice explained unhelpfully.

"What does that even mean?" Amanda whined. She just wanted to sleep. Why wouldn't they let her sleep?

"He means, strike the gong," came the original voice sounding somewhat exasperated. She chose to believe he too was annoyed at the loud one.

"What gong? There's no gong," Amanda slurred sleepily drifting back into a deeper slumber.

There was a rapid exchange between the two voices the odd phrase intruded her doze.

"The gong - the dias."

" - she moved the - "

"- I can manifest it - she will just need to -da. There is little time remaining, you must -.

"Warrior, I do not think she is -"

"AMANDA, WAKE UP," bellowed the deep voice.

Amanda jerked awake from her dream and immediately wished she had not. Every nerve end had lit on fire. She moaned or tried to; the sound emerged from her dry throat as a faint squeak.

Her eyes were crusted shut. She rubbed a tired hand across them and whimpered as they burned. Tears pricked behind her closed lids. She would not be doing that again. But the gesture or the tears had partially accomplished what she wanted, her right eyelid released.

Bright light lanced through her head. Emitting another pathetic squeak she rapidly shut her eye. Either she or the shadows had shifted while she slept, the right side of her body now in the hot sun. With difficulty, she rolled onto her side only to bump into someone. Logic!

With sudden panic, she recalled Logic's near-death state before she had lost consciousness. She had heard nothing from him since she had woken. Opening her right eye to a slit. Her vision was blurry and she couldn't tell if he was breathing. Placing a shaky hand gently on his side, she felt his ribs move. She brought her wheezy breath into line and clamped down on her panic. Logic was alive but he needed far more help than she could provide. How did she go about getting that?

Her leathery tongue rasped against her dry lips providing no relief. Why was it so difficult to think? She shut her eye again, trying to devise a plan. What could she do?

A faint smell of smoke made her crinkle her nose. What could possibly be on fire? Didn't she have enough problems right now?

Amanda pushed herself up on one arm, hissing as abused muscles twinged and shook. The light burned across her face so she raised a hand to shield her right eye before opening it. She blinked the gritty eye a few times and her vision mostly cleared.

Well, that was new.

At the centre of the standing stones stood a hexagonal platform, a thin line of smoke curling up from the circular fire pit. Next to it leaned an angled stone pillar from which hung a hexagonal panel of some greenish stone or metal. That had definitely not been there before she lost consciousness. She would have tumbled into it when Logic had thrown her to safety. And now that she thought about it, the impressions she had left in the sand when she rolled across it were missing too.

What was going on? Was she hallucinating? Perhaps she was still dreaming? Or possibly the vague recollection of talking to people hadn't been a dream at all. The voices had mentioned manifesting something, and she was supposed to do something. What? Amanda wished that she had listened more closely but it stood to reason that that new platform was where she needed to go.

It didn't seem so far but walking was out of the question. Not only was she weak and shaky but her right knee was now double its normal size. Amanda huffed out a sigh. Crawling it was.

Rolling over to her belly she pulled herself forward with her arms. Her arms trembled with the effort. Amanda slid forward by a scant inch before she collapsed. Laying with her left cheek pressed into the coarse sand, Amanda eyed the distance between her and the platform and whimpered.

This was impossible. She just wanted to rest, why couldn't she rest? Her gaze landed on the injured Vulcan beside her. Logic was hurt. She had to get help for Logic. She would get help.

The sand burned her from beneath and the sun scorched from above as she pulled herself out of the shadow of the pillar. She lost all track of time as she forced her abused body to slide forward; frequently needing to pause to rest as exhaustion or spikes of pain overwhelmed her. Finally, her hand hit something solid. She opened her functional eye.

Why, oh why, did there have to be steps? There were only two, it might as well be two thousand. It was so unfair.

She allowed herself a moment to breathe and gather her meagre strength before hauling herself up the stairs. Her body collapsed onto the platform by the edge of the fire pit. Her injured knee screamed at her when she bumped it against a step. She stopped with her legs dangled down the stairs, breathing harshly till the pain ebbed to something manageable.

Now that she was here what was she supposed to do? Coals glowed in the round pit. The smoke trailed upwards until it hit the dome of the mindshield. Enough had accumulated there to cloud the top of the dome and thin tendrils rolled down the inner sides of the shield, twirling around the stones. Wouldn't be sending smoke signals out of here.

What else was here? There was a long hexagon that hung over the firepit. On its side hung a green hammer. It was flat on one side and tapered to a point on the other. She pulled herself up onto the platform and reached her hand over the fire pit bumping the hexagon. A dull note rang out and quickly died.

A gong, the hexagon was a gong. Hadn't one of the voices said something about striking a gong?

To truly ring it she would need to hit it harder. Probably in the middle of the design with the hammer. Somehow, she pulled herself past the fire pit and to the pillar. Amanda whined when she discovered she could not reach the hammer from the ground.

Wrapping her arms around the slanted rock, she leaned against it as she half pulled, half pushed herself up. Black spots swam in her vision. Standing on one leg she grabbed the hammer with an outstretched hand. Her body swayed as she swung the hammer in an arc, striking the gong close to its centre. A deep note rang out.

The fire flared, flames liking up towards her arm which Amanda hurriedly drew back, throwing her further off balance. Smoke swirled above the pit, thickening into a hazy ellipse. The centre of the ellipse rippled outward like a stone thrown in a pool of water. As the ripples stilled, an image formed. That was not her reflection.

A figure stepped out of the haze, his features resolving as he stepped onto the lip of the fire pit. The Vulcan was tall and broad and wore leather armour. One arm was missing, the other carried a long-bladed weapon. The aspect's features were coarser and wider than Sarek's but still recognizably him.

"Sar-ek," she croaked as her body swayed, "You-"

The hammer slipped out of her limp fingers and she toppled sideways. Her name came dully to her ears before her mind once again gave up consciousness.

- THE WARRIOR-

"Amanda!"

Warrior dropped his lirpa as he raced the few steps to his lady's side. He caught her body in the midst of falling off the platform. He sat on the edge of the platform, her limp body cradled against him.

He examined her noting each cut and burn and bruise. If the injuries had been to himself he would have viewed them with detachment but it pained him to see her so injured. Now that he was with her, he vowed no more harm would befall her.

Warrior surveyed the area for threats. The shields held but the Storm seethed around it on all sides staining the air red. Logic lay inert just inside the circle. His wounds appeared severe.

The portal still hung open behind him. He turned his head towards it and bellowed, "HEALER, GET OVER HERE, WE HAVE WOUNDED." The hazy air shimmered showing a blurry outline that resolved into the form of Healer aspect as he stepped through.

"Still the gong, it is draining energy from her to hold the portal," Warrior ordered unwilling to let go of his current charge when Healer could do the task quickly.

Healer gripped the side of the gong, its ringing cut off almost instantly. The fire died. The portal wavered before losing the tenuous connection to the healing ward. It dispersed like smoke and joined the thin line rising from the glowing coals.

Crouching by them, Healer ran his scanner over Amanda. "I am not as versed in human biology, but none of her injuries appears to be life-threatening. Her energy has been extremely taxed." He pulled a flask from his bag and unscrewed the top and brought towards Amanda.

Warrior leaned away. The flask felt foreign, not part of the mindscape. "What is it?" Warrior growled suspiciously.

"Refined psychic energy from Healer Adenkar." At Warrior's scowl, Healer added, "Warrior, it will aid her healing."

"I do not trust outsiders. I will not permit anything that might harm her."

"And do you also doubt me? I tell you this will help her," Healer asked.

In response, Warrior drew Amanda closer to his chest.

"Try a sip yourself first if you distrust it so," Healer proposed, forcing the flask into Warrior's hand. "You've healed enough you can contain the extra energy. Then make sure she drinks some, she will take too long to wake otherwise. I will tend to Logic." Healer stood and walked the few steps over to the prone aspect.

Warrior tipped the bottle to the side intending to pour the concoction away. "I would not do that if I were you," Healer warned without turning around. "We will need it and so will she. Do not deny Amanda that which will aid her."

One drop splashed onto the sand before Warrior rightened the flask. The sand sizzled as a patch of wiry red grass sprouted. It grew at a vastly accelerated rate. White blossoms sprung from the widening clump, scenting the air with a faint sweetness.

Powerful stuff. If possible, he trusted it even less now. But if it might help her...he grunted and took a small sip.

It burned going down and he wanted to retch. Fire pooled in his belly but the burning eased as energy redistributed throughout his body. Strength returned to his limbs. Scars faded, those on his amputated limb began to itch.

Was his arm regenerating?

He stared warily at the flask in his hand. Perhaps it might prove beneficial to Amanda.

Refusing to consider this task might be better for the Healer, it took him a moment to work out the logistics. With his damaged arm curled around her to hold her upright, he used his thumb to push her lips open and then slipped in the flask's mouth. He tipped the flask end up until the sparking fluid dribbled out of her mouth. The liquid flowing down her face crackled with energy. As it flowed down her chin it left unblemished skin, free of all dirt or damage, in its wake.

"Amanda you need to drink this," he murmured into her ear, his gentleness reserved solely for her. He set the flask down on the platform and wrapped his other arm back around her. She must have heard him for she swallowed.

Her breath hitched painfully. He cursed himself. Had he harmed her? Warrior watched in relief as her abraded and reddened skin cleared and her cuts sealed. The swelling on her knee went down and its colour went from blue to yellow to her normal skin tone. The dark circles around puffy eyes cleared. Even tears in her dress seamlessly closed. Her breathing evened and she stirred in his embrace.

"Amanda," he called. "Amanda."

She blinked rapidly. "Hey," she whispered, finally focusing on him. "You came to help me."

"I did and I always will my lady," he solemnly pledged to her.

Amanda raised a palm and placed it to his cheek. Her lopsided smile filled him with warmth.

"Have we met?" she asked uncertainty. "You seem familiar."

The warmth died. "I did not mean-," he began and then reconsidered. "Yes, we have met."

Recognition shone in her eyes and her smile faded to a frown. "You were at the breach in the mindshield weren't you."

It was not really a question but he answered anyway. "I was," he admitted bowing his head, a chill settling over him. "I -" his explanation died again unspoken. His shameful actions had no defence.

Her thumb stroked his cheek. "Hey, it's okay. I understand. You'd been hurt and you didn't know who I was. We're together now. It's going to be okay." Her arms wrapped around him and tightened around him. She tucked her head under his chin.

She had forgiven him. He let out a sound between a cry of joy and a sob. He nosed into her hair taking in her scent and it soothed him. She was here and he had her.

"Warrior, bring the flask here," Healer called disturbing the tender moment. "I have stabilized Logic enough that the energy may assist him now."

Amanda sat up, her arms releasing him. Warrior huffed irritably. Unwilling to let her go, he tugged her back against him. He had just found her, Logic could wait.

"Come on Warrior, duty calls," she insisted with a smile, squeezing his shoulder.

Well, if she put it like that. Reluctantly, he lowered his arms, instantly missing her closeness as she rose to her feet.

Amanda stretched and bounced on her toes. "Oh, I feel so much better." Picking up the flask, she offered her other hand to him. "Come on," she said tugging him up and across the sand with surprising strength.

Logic lay flat on his back. Normally the dominant force of the conscious mind, it was strange to see him so still and helpless. A dark pleasure rolled over him and he blinked in surprise unable to identify the cause.

Amanda released Warrior's hand. He almost grabbed for her but resisted the impulse tucking his hand behind his back. She hunched down by Logic's side and passed the flask across to Healer. "How is he?" she asked gently.

"His condition is stable but his prognosis is poor. The injuries he sustained are severe but of greater concern is his disconnection from the conscious mind. I am uncertain how he persists without it but if his connection is not restored he will not recover." Healer pried opened Logic's mouth and spilled a single drop of the crackling fluid in. Recapping the flask, he returned it to his shoulder bag.

There was no visible improvement that Warrior could see. Perhaps Healer should have used more than that minuscule amount. Normally Warrior made his views known, but he found he did not care enough to suggest it.

Amanda looked sadly down at Logic taking his hand in her own. "He formed a direct link with me when he lost his connection but it isn't working now."

Warrior ground his teeth. He thought of his own brief connection to Amanda. He pulled out the memory stone from beneath his armour. It flashed blue in his palm. Restored memories flashed into his mind igniting rage in their wake.

Did she not know what Logic had done? Logic had kept much of the truth from her. He had not explained his family situation even when she intuited something was amiss. He had tried to keep their relationship hidden. And when that had failed, he had punished her for it.

Logic had found reasons not to be by her side when the rest of them would not have been parted from her. He had locked Warrior away in the subconscious when he would have gone to her aid. By inaction, Logic had permitted harm to befall her.

And his worst transgression, he had prevented them from bonding! If they had been bonded, Warrior could have protected her better. T'Pau would not have been able to insist on another arrangement.

All that had befallen them was Logic's fault! Yet Logic received a direct link with her! Warrior's grit his teeth. Releasing the memory stone to slid back against his chest, he clenched his shaking fist behind his back. He needed to control this or find something to punch.

"Do you know why your link ceased functioning?" Healer questioned his voice barely penetrating Warrior's inner rage.

"The Storm - it was bad. I - I don't know how long he was out there. I had to go out and drag him back out of the storm. He wasn't breathing when I got him here," Amanda revealed.

Warrior seethed. Though Amanda continued her explanation, the sound became muffled as his fury escalated. She had put herself in danger to rescue him. Logic's transgressions kept increasing. Warrior took slow breaths through his nose attempting to rein in his temper. Amanda's discussion gradually became intelligible again to him.

" - But I think it has more to do with the gem," Amanda continued, lifting Logic's sleeve to reveal a shattered sapphire on his wrist.

The gem appeared to be of the same material as his own memory stone. A smirk twisted Warrior's mouth, quickly hidden. His gem was far more impressive than that paltry broken trinket.

"The gem was acting as a focus between us. Now, I am aware that there is a link, but I can not sense him at all," Amanda continued her voice tight.

A cruel satisfaction bubbled up in Warrior's chest and he did not attempt to suppress it. Logic had received what he deserved, a painful demise cut off both from the psyche and from her.

Healer placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "The loss of the link may be advantageous to you Amanda. The Storm may have been able to reach you through it and even if it had not, you would sense his pain now if it still functioned," Healer replied gently.

Definitely for the best. Logic had caused her enough harm. They would be better off if he never recovered. Without him in control, they could be a better person, someone worthy of Amanda.

"We should plan our next actions," Warrior said abruptly a partial plan already formed. He was gratified when both Amanda and Will turned their attention away from Logic and towards him.

"Indeed," Healer agreed. "I have done what I can do for him here," he inclined his head towards Logic then stood. "It would be best to return him to the conscious."

"I do not currently have the means to send him back to the conscious," Warrior stated. Nor would he if he could. The idea of Logic confined in the subconscious as he had previously trapped Warrior was quite pleasing. "Do you?" he asked Healer nonchalantly, already suspecting the answer.

"No. Most of my resources are devoted to keeping us alive. It is beyond my current ability to return us from here with the mindscape as shattered as it is," Healer admitted.

Amanda looked at them puzzled. "Why can't you just get him out the same way you came in?"

"Normally I could, but the damage to the mindscape and our current position inside Storm's prison makes getting out exceedingly difficult. I was only able to open a portal here because Healer provided a focal point in his territory and you did so in mine. The portal was deliberately one way to prevent the chance of Storm escaping," Warrior explained.

Amanda lay down Logic's hand by his side and stood to face them. "Territory? I don't understand."

"A territory is the part of the mindscape in which an aspect is formed. We are connected to it and draw strength from it. Mine is biocontrol and I draw my ability to heal from it," Healer explained.

"The place of Koon-ut kali-fee is my territory," Warrior added, motioning his hand to indicate their surroundings. "This arena is where I learned both physical and mental attacks and draw from it the strength to shield. Storm's territory is the death dunes. Somehow, my territory was moved inside of Storm's masking my connection to my own. I am uncertain how this was accomplished. I certainly would not have expected Logic to be able to do so." Warrior scowled. The idea that Logic might have such control over his power base was abhorrent.

Amanda placed a hand on his tense arm and squeezed. "Logic asked me to search for a place where we would be safe. I could have sworn there was nothing around us but sand, but he was insistent I would find something. When I looked next, I saw the tops of these pillars above the dunes."

Warrior's expression softened as his ire faded. "That explains it, you sought protection and my territory came to your aid. That is as it should be." He did not comprehend how she had accomplished it, but it was of no matter. It had protected her as he would have and that was enough for him.

"So how do we get out?" Amanda asked, her hand releasing for Warrior's arm to fidget with her trailing sleeves. The fear that haunted her expression had Warrior silently cursing Logic for bringing her here. "I would not recommend walking outside."

"Indeed not. Though I can shield us for a time, the exits move unpredictably and are shielded so Storm can neither sense them or escape. If any still remain after the damage to the pathways, I am uncertain we can locate it. Instead, I will shift my territory out of Storm's and return it to the subconscious. We will be transported along with it." His plan, in addition to not requiring them to leave the protection of the shield, had the added benefit that his territory would not forever be trapped in this prison. It was a pleasing solution.

"If you can get us anywhere near an active pathway with the conscious, I can get Logic back to the healing ward," Healer suggested committed to the health of his patient.

"Our focus must be on getting Amanda to the bonding nexus," Warrior corrected. When Healer made to disagree, Warrior added, "I do not expect I can move my territory more than once. It is taxing for me even in normal situations, but now I must draw on the power reserves I have stored here to get out of the Storm's territory. Once expended, it will not be possible to shift again until the reserves rebuild. Getting Amanda to the bonding nexus must be our priority. If the bonding sickness is not corrected soon, we will all be lost."

Amanda glared at him as if she sensed that he had no desire to help Logic even if he could. She made as if to argue but was interrupted by Healer.

"A valid point," Healer inclined his head in agreement. "What do you suggest?"

"Amanda, by what path were you to be brought to the bonding nexus?" Warrior asked.

"I don't know precisely, they were rather light on explanations," she frowned, "Will mentioned a lava lake."

Both Healer and Warrior hissed.

"They were taking you to the Volcano?" Warrior asked slowly, unable to comprehend why someone would have suggested such a stupid thing. Then again they had brought her in contact with the Storm. Apparently, he was the only aspect with a modicum of sense left.

"It wasn't actually explained to me, but sure lava lake sounds like it would be near a volcano," Amanda agreed irritably. "Why?"

Warrior could not fully suppress his grimace. They hadn't told her of the danger they were bringing her into? That was beyond reckless.

"The path makes sense," Healer admitted quietly. "The main access to the bonding nexus was destroyed, the pathways remaining are unstable. The route through his territory to the nexus is the strongest. If any route is certain to remain it would be that one."

"It is not safe to take her anywhere near him," Warrior growled through clenched teeth.

"No, but there is likely no safer path remaining," Healer countered. The two aspects locked gazes.

"Hey, I'm right here. One of you is going to explain this to me right now," she demanded looking fiercely at each of them in turn.

"It is of no matter. We are not going. It is too dangerous for you," Warrior declared.

"Warrior," Amanda admonished, one hand thumping against his chest, "Healer just said it might be the only way. I have come too far to turn back now. Now, what is this danger?" Amanda said the last slowly, emphasizing each word with a thump of her hand against his chest as she demanded her explanation.

Her ire was so enticing.

"As the Storm and its dunes are a manifestation of the death drive, the Fire and its Volcano are representative of the life drive," Healer explained.

Warrior was both relieved and oddly bereft when her sharp glare released him to focus on Healer instead.

"A life drive? That doesn't sound so bad," Amanda countered, her brow furrowed now in puzzlement.

"Perhaps, it would not seem so. But all Vulcan drives are powerful and chaotic, spawning the instincts that have permitted us to survive a hostile world. The fact that our life drive's representation is a living flame should give you some concept of the peril," Healer elucidated.

"And it's especially dangerous to me?" Her arms folded across her chest, she glared again at Warrior as if the danger was his fault.

"Fire is a formidable entity. He burns what he touches and he will be drawn to you. If he should capture you, he will not permit you to leave him, he is very possessive," Warrior warned.

"Why me?" Amanda questioned her head tilting. She eyed the two of them suspiciously. "There is still something you are not telling me."

"Indeed," Healer hesitated. "Amanda, among other things, the life drive is responsible for procreation -" He trailed off, his cheeks greening.

"You mean pon farr don't you," Amanda suggested bluntly causing the two aspects to flinch.

"Yes. Someone explained it to you then?" The reduction in Healer's body tension exposed his relief.

"Mhmm, sort of. Logic gave me an overview of the issues. After that awkward discussion, he was rather insistent that I should leave, expected me to want to. I told him that wasn't happening, that I still intended to bond." She squared her jaw. "So, if the Volcano's the only way into the bonding nexus then that's where I will go. Hopefully, we avoid any problems, but it sounds like this Fire is something I am going to have to face eventually anyway. Might as well be now."

"Amanda, I can not simply take you to the lava lake," Warrior argued.

Her gaze locked again with his, her expression earnest. "If you can't take me to the volcano, then take me as far as you can. I'll work out the rest on my own."

Warrior put his hand on her shoulder. "That is not what I was implying. If you insist on going, I will accompany you. I would not permit you to attempt this alone. However, you are uninformed of the danger. This is not some minor undertaking. The Volcano is at the centre of Fire's territory. I can not shift my territory inside his, it will have to be the border. We must pass through the jungle which contains the manifestation of instincts and impulses. If we make it through, we must then find a route through the lava plains and past the fireys who are extremely volatile. The lava lake is nested inside the cone near the Volcano's summit. The heat will increase as we make the ascent. We must then avoid Fire long enough to find the path to the bonding nexus if it yet remains."

Amanda had listened to him intently, her frown deepening as he explained the difficulties ahead. As he finished, her jaw firmed and he knew he had not dissuaded her.

"I understand it's dangerous Warrior, believe me, I do. But unless there's a better option, we should really get started. We don't have a lot of time to waste."

Warrior desperately tried to conceive of an alternative. From the intent expression on Healer's face, he attempted the same.

"I have scanned the mindscape and can sense damage in all the other paths there. It is the only path remaining to the nexus," Healer revealed.

There were really only two choices then. They could attempt to take Amanda back to the conscious mind, hoping to find a pathway back to the beginning. Her stubborn refusal to leave would require him to force her from the meld for her own safety. Or, he could lead her through Fire's domain with the slim chance they would make it through to the bonding nexus. Both were risks to him, but Fire's domain was a greater danger to Amanda.

"Warrior, please, I need to do this. I have to at least try," she implored as if she could see the struggle within him.

Though he desired above all to protect her, he lacked the will to send her away against her wishes. The last time he had done so had nearly destroyed him. He would just have to ensure her safety.

"But of course. For thee, anything," he replied formally.

The smile she presented him lit her up. He would see his lady to the nexus, protect her with his dying breath.

Decision made, he planned out his next actions. "When I move my territory only the parts that belong to me will be shifted, the stones, the platform and what is upon it. The sand will be left behind as it is of this place."

"We must move Logic to the platform then," Healer stated. "Warrior, if you would."

He considered refusing, leaving the broken aspect for the Storm.

"Do you need any help to lift him," Amanda offered, looking at him as if he was her hero.

She would try to carry Logic herself if he would not.

"I do not require assistance," he told her. Warrior knelt, put his arm under Logic's and pulled him over his shoulder. He stood with his burden and the group moved up onto the platform. He lay Logic down onto his side, possibly rougher than he should have, then picked up his lirpa.

"You should sit or hold onto something solid," Warrior instructed. "Storm will no doubt resist my efforts. I expect the transition to be rough."

Amanda nodded. She sat and Healer knelt on the floor on either side of Logic.

Once they were settled, Warrior struck the gong with the bludgeon end of his lirpa. The note it made was deeper than before and multi-tonal. The flames sprung up green in hue and abundant smoke ascended to the top of the dome before curling down around the stones. It spread across the sand and then up the stairs and over the platform. Warrior held his lirpa aloft. "Dvun'uh!" (Move!) he commanded and the stones began to shake.

Amanda coughed as smoke spread over her, clutching at Logic with one hand and Healer with the other. Lightning struck the shield.

"Sadvun-tor," (Move away from here), Warrior ordered, drawing extra power into the flame which turned a vibrant blue. The stones shook again. Warrior rode out the tremors on his feet. The circle and everything on the platform began to fade.

"What's happening?" Amanda cried panicked, disturbed at their transparency.

"We are briefly becoming incorporeal," Healer explained. "Warrior, what is the delay?"

Warrior groaned as several bolts of lightning struck in quick succession. He sensed the shield weakening and he sent more power into it. The wind outside intensified and small particles of sand passed through the barrier. While stripped of their speed, it was still an indication that Storm would soon be able to pass through.

"Storm is being obstinate as predicted," he replied with difficulty.

Warrior struck the gong with his full strength. "Dvun-tor Yonal-tsokal" (relocate to Fire's territory) he shouted. The gong let out one pure note before it snapped through the middle. He watched in horror as the broken piece clattered to the floor. If what was already done was insufficient, they would not break free of Storm's prison.

The platform writhed under them and the Storm struck the shield with another burst of lightning. The stones faded out completely and the shield collapsed without their reinforcement. The red wind rushed towards them from all directions pushing through a transparent platform as if it was not there. Amanda cried out in pain, her body, a faint outline, resisting the transition to incorporeal.

He would not leave her behind.

Lightning flashed, Warrior watched it fork towards her in slow motion. He pushed some of his power to shield her. Healer sent out his own power to shift her body through the change. Finally, she faded out. Pulling the last of the power from the fire, he moved them elsewhere.

Their corporeal form abruptly resumed, along with the arena. The fire flickered out, the last of the stored energy used up. Warrior's lirpa dropped out of limp fingers and his knees buckled. His body tilted towards the firepit.

"Warrior!" Amanda yelled, catching his arm and yanking him towards her and away from the yet hot coals. He hit the dias heavily, narrowly avoiding falling on her.

Warrior sat unmoving his breath heavy in his chest. He let Amanda pull him to lean against her. He did not require support but her closeness was welcome. Amanda spoke though he was not able to make out the words. Healer ran his scanner over each of them in turn. The flask of energy was offered to him again. As Amanda was the one holding it to his lips he did not refuse.

As his exhaustion lifted, he gradually became aware of his surroundings. Though the temperature was still hot, it was a different kind of heat to the desert. The air was humid and smelt clean and fragrant. Calls of wild animals filled the air.

They had made it to the jungle. A new set of trials awaited them.

-THE STORM-

Storm had been oblivious to the bubble inside its domain until it started writhing and drew his attention. It would not escape him, nothing could. All within his territory where his to destroy.

The Storm stuck bolt after bolt of lightning, draining the little bubble of its vitality. Finally, the protection failed revealing three bright sparks of life. A forth flickered dimly. It was the one it had drained earlier. It should be dead!

Storm aimed for the abhorrent life with sand driven by gale-force wind and built up another bolt from the static current. The lightning was a second too long to build and struck sand instead of living flesh.

They were gone! Storm raged. The wind tore up the clump of grass, shredding the remaining bit of life to dust. It was not enough to satisfy the death drive.

Destroying the aspect had satiated it for a time. Glutted on destroyed life, Storm had swirled mindlessly in place around the body and a state an aspect might call sleep. It had planned to take its time to destroy the aspect's form, indulging in its desire for destruction as long as it might.

Someone had stolen what was his and shared life with it. Yet death still clung to the aspect, a reserve of Storm's power lingering in his body.

Storm laughed in crashing thunder.

They thought they had escaped but they had taken the drained one with them. Storm's influence would spread outward from him. And once it had spread far enough Storm would have a focal point and could leave this prison. It would feast on the life that persisted outside its borders. Death would follow in its wake.


Wanted to get a chapter for Feb and just snuck it in. Lucky it was a leap year.

I have some ideas for what happened between Logic and Warrior that I might expand on if I do a prequel. Suffice to say Warrior (extremely protective of Amanda) was not pleased about Logic's actions (and inactions) towards Amanda. When Warrior tried to force the issue, Logic (the rational and control part of Sarek) bound him out of the conscious similar to how he would control unwanted emotions (aka the Beast). Now that the psyche is shattered, Logic and Warrior are essentially individuals that can not easily see what the other is thinking. Warrior doesn't know that Logic has changed his stance or that his actions protected Amanda.