Ghost had never felt this miserable in a long time. As she began to awake, her body felt like lead. Her stomach churned. Her mouth dry. She only felt comfort on her forehead by a damp cloth that someone was placing on top of her head. She found her ears twitched as she began to hear sound.

"I don't know how we can keep Chamberlain or Emperor at bay."

Tek! Ghost could hear the fear in his voice. She wanted to reach out and hug him. Tell him how sorry she was for leaving like that and hiding her friendship with the Arathim. Then, memories of what SkekSo said echoed in her head. Does he really want to be near me again?

"No kidding! Chamberlain is slimy as Collector's mucus." SkekVar grumbled.

"Hey!" SkekLach protested. "It's bad enough I had those weird seeds stick on me ever since we messed around with that box! Let alone have these two stay in the castle. Do you really have to compare SkekSil to my postules? Besides, he's way slimier than that."

Too true. Ghost laughed. Her mouth made an effort to open to give a soft chuckle.

A soft growl reached her. It was beast-like. The jingle of charms and blades reached her ears. She could almost sense a heavy head nearing her face. The dangling charms lightly touched her stomach. A sweet smell reached her nose as she felt a breeze. "Quite…" Said the husky voice of SkekMal. "She's waking up."

Light slowly entered her eyes. It stung, but felt welcoming compared to her brief time in the castle. Colors followed. Blues, greens, whites. How she longed to see them again. She could feel something crawl onto her stomach. A certain tiny creature with three legs. Blurry images began to sharpen. She soon saw the faces that always made her happy...and sad.

Ghost...Orchid crawled closer to the white Gelflings face. She lightly touched her nose.

Ghost raised her hand only to feel soft fur under her fingers. A small whimper gave her a small sense of comfort. Her blue eye caught sight of grey fur. She gave a small smile to everyone. The very same smile she gave to the Collector and Scrollkeeper on the day they first got her. "Hi…." She was soon set upright on the bed with the help of Deet and Rian. Ghost sighed in comfort. Then, she turned her head to realize that SkekMal was extremely close to her face. Her cheeks suddenly flushed with color. To her relief, and dismay, SkekMal looked away from her with a small snort. She nearly jumped as a realization hit her. She glanced over to SkekTek to see Shield right next to her. "Whaaat happened? How did you avoid getting kicked out?"

"They were allowed to come." Ordon answered. His eyes solemn. "After they assisted us in getting you back, Scientist insisted on having them here so you would be more cooperative?"

Ghost gave a blank look.

"Emperor believes that you saw something in the throne room after what had happened."

Razz scowled. "Razz got lucky because Razz knew about the Bone Court! Told Bony Beaky and stubborn lizard won't listen!" His feathers ruffled.

SkekVar growled. "Just be glad that Gourmand is too busy with the Ornamentalist or you would've been dinner by now!"

Ghost gasped. Memories of his state flooding back to her. "Ekty! Is he ok?!"

Everyone was silent for a moment. Then, SkekTek spoke, "He's unconscious. The Ornamentalist suffered severe lacerations along his body. Signs of dehydration and starvation were evident. Bruises near his ribs shows possible injuries. There's a small lump on his side but it's hard to be sure it's harmless. He's been in a comatose state for five days now. As have you. We were waiting to see if either one of you could give better explanations of how they operate. Razz could only give a few details due to his limited time in prison."

Ghost looked down at her hands. Tears brimmed her eyes. "I'm afraid...Ornamentalist won't help…" Her hands trembled as she tried to cup her hands for Orchid to crawl in. She could feel their confused stares. "When I met him, he tried to say my name. His mouth was moving but now words were coming out. I think they might've done something to his voice." Her hands trembled only for Deet's hand to touch her arm and Orchid cooing softly.

All the other Skeksis were silent. Their gazes filled with concern. What they've seen back at the castle was bad enough. Even SkekMal's description of the king made them extremely nervous. Now they are dealing with powerful magic users that would silence one of their own. SkekMal alone was growling at this.

Suddenly, the door opened. Everyone turned to see the Emperor walk into the room. He looked more weary without his staff. His eyes were another story. They were hard and focused on a tired and saddened Ghost. The old ruler soon noticed a glimmer of anger in her orange eye. He was soon joined by the Chancellor and Gourmand. SkekSil did his usual whimper at the sight of Ghost, just to annoy her mostly. SkekAyuk had a drained look, eyes red and puffy from crying.

The Emperor straightened himself. His body giving off that despite his shriveled form, he was still the leader of the Skeksis and lord of Thra. "I see that Ghost is finally awake. I would like to ask you a few questions."

Before Ghost could speak, her head began to pound. Her scream erupted from her throat. Her eyes began to glow orange and blue. Three dots bordering her lower eyelids. She found herself seeing the castle invaded. King Neco grabbing SkekSo by the throat. SkekAyuk being stabbed by SkekEkt, whose eyes are glazed over. A sword going straight for SkekLach's head. Rian, Deet and the Podlings screaming. Dead guards beneath her. Garbled voices rang in her ears. A firm grasp underneath her armpits was pinching her. She swung her legs lifted from the ground. Suddenly, Ghost saw a skull with green eyes staring back at her. Found herself limp in his hands like a little doll. She breathed hard. Her whole body vibrated. She cried as SkekMal started to cradle her.

"That same reaction from earlier!" Razz said.

"Get them out..." Ghost spoke. She used every ounce of strength to turn her head to SkekVar and Ordon. "Get everyone out of the castle now!"

SkekVar looked confused while Ordon stared at her with concern. SkekTek bit his lower lip. The Scientist was only told of this ability but he never knew it would get that bad.

"What are you talking about?" SkekVar asked.

"Ghost…" Ordon spoke. "What's going on?"

SkekSil merely snorted. "It obvious. Just a trick. Only stalling questioning." He turned to SkekSo. "Emperor. Maybe you should-" His words were cut by a long howl. He squawked.

"What was that?!" Rian asked.

Deet ran over to the window. Gurjin joined her. The duo gasped of what was seen below. Gurjin's eyes wide with fear. "Uuuuuuhhhhhh….Captain….General...IIIII think we should listen to her." He pointed to the window.

SkekVar and Ordon walked over to the window. For a while they couldn't see anything. Then, Ordon took notice of something and tapped SkekVar's shoulder. They stared in pure horror at a strange army that was moving within the treeline. After what they had seen back at the floating castle, not listening to Ghost wasn't the best option. Ordon ran out the door.

SkekVar immediately took command. "Rian! Gurjin! Get Ghost and the rest of the Lords out of here. Hunter and I will hold them off." He cringed when SkekMal glared at him. "Or maybe you can go with Rian and Gurjin just in case."

SkekSil got in the middle of the room. "Hold on! Is this even wise?"

SkekSo was silent for a moment. He glanced outside and his mind wandered back to what he's seen back at the floating castle. The enemy was dangerous. It still concerns him that they got to their castle and found it quickly. "We can't any chances. All of us must head out of the castle."

"But the crystal-" SkekSil protested.

"Will be fine.'' The Emperor spoke. "I have a notion that it's not the crystal they're after." He soon walked out of the room with SkekVar and the other Skeksis with them. He gestured for the Gelflings to follow him. He ignored Shield, Hup and Orchid since they'll tag along regardless of what he commands. As far as he was concerned, they might keep Ghost calm the next time he'll talk to her. He was soon intercepted by SkekOk and SkekZok.

"Emperor!" SkekOk shrieked. "What's going on?! S-s-s-several shadows just tried to kill me in the library! Plus, some guards just told me that Ornamentalist had disappeared!"

SkekAyuk pushed SkekSil aside. His eyes wide with fright. His breathing grew heavier as if he ran up and down the castle. "What?! How can that be I was with him a few hours ago! There's no way he could've walked with those injuries!"

SkekZok held a bleeding hand. His robes torn at the sleeve. "I had to use my Peeper Beetle to fight off the intruders." He was breathing hard. "What is going on?!"

SkekSo growled in exasperation. This night just keeps getting worse, he thought bitterly. He turned to see his group trying to catch up. SkekSil lagging behind him. Hup and Deet helped Ghost up as they ambled their way down the halls. The Hunter huddled close to them with Gurjin and Rian flanking him, his heavily bandaged arm holding a blade. Orchid crawled onto Ghost's shoulder. Shield coming in close behind. Suddenly, the wall started to blacken. Emperor suddenly felt unsteady. He frantically heard the footsteps of Ordon returning.

The captain of the guard was panting. In his hand was a sword covered in blood. "My lords, most of the guards and servants have managed to evacuate through the waterways, but the front way is blocked. We'll need to-" Another howl cut him short. Screams of anguish followed. His eyes widened as footsteps were heard echoing the halls. A sinister shape walked out of the shadows.

Looming before the group was a massive wolf. Large, with a bony face. Jaws filled with rows of teeth. The smell of death made everyone step back slightly. Black fur flat against his skin. Bone jutting out of his hips like blades. The upper part of his face was mostly bone. Heavy breathing was heard loudly in the area. On his right was a massive hulking creature that was a mix of a Fizzgig and a bear. It was holding a sword in his arm. Next to that was the necromancer. On his left was none other than the Ornamentalist. The Skeksis' eyes glazed over. His back straight. Each step was slow. Ears pinned to his head. Head was raised in a regal manner.

Ghost gasped. She patted Deet's back. "Deet…" Her voice was still hoarse. Even with the water that Deet gave her. "Get behind SkekMal. I know where we'll go. I know some passages that lead out of the castle." She turned to Hup. "I know we met a few times, but I know you have a good heart. Listen, I saw SkekLach in danger. When you see a sword swing, get him to duck."

Hup looked at Ghost in shock. "Are you crazy?!" He spoke in Podling.

"Please...I'm not really happy with what they've done, but they don't deserve this."

"Hup…" Deet said. "Let's at least try to help her. She sacrificed her life for us."

Hup sighed. "Ok."

SkekSo growled at King Necro. "So, you're the king that our good bird friend had told us about." He only got silence in return. "What is the meaning of this?! What have done to Ornamentalist?"

King Neco simply stared at him. "I don't answer to the likes of you, cur."

"What did you call me?!" The enraged Emperor walked forward. He shook his fist. Then, his shoulder was immediately ensnared by large jaws. He gasped in pain. Before anyone could react, he was immediately flung into the wall. He clamped a hand over his shoulder, blood seeping from his fingers.

"Why should I answer to one who isn't truly whole?" He glanced down to SkekEkt. "Your friend has provided much interesting information. How you're corrupting this world. Committed a genocide of a race known as Gurnak's and stealing the life out of your loyal 'subjects'. You are nothing more than black hearted parasites to this world."

SkekAyuk ran over to SkekEkt. "Ornamentalist! What are you doing?! Haven't you forgotten what these monsters did to you?"

"Ayuk! Don't get too close!" Ghost yelled. With a surprising burst of strength, she flared her wings, grabbed her dagger that was hidden in SkekMal's pelt and blocked a strike with the help of Gurjin. Her limbs shook from the pressure. "SkekEkt isn't himself. He's under their control somehow." She was soon flung into SkekAyuk's stomach which cushioned some of the impact. "SkekTek didn't realize it because it was in a spot he couldn't see." Her bicolored eyes glanced over in time to see the monstrous creature about to swing a fatal blow to SkekLach. The sword blazed with fire.

Hup leaped into the air. With all of his paladin strength, he pushed the Collector where the sword barely missed his face. Hup drew out his spoon. The Podling set in a fighting stance. His dark eyes glared at the monster. "No hurt. Coward!" He leaped again, this time landing a hit on the creature's face.

Meanwhile, SkekLach cried out in pain. He clutched his face. "AHHHHH! My pustules! My face! AHHHHH!" SkekOk quickly helped him up and moved away from the brawl.

Before long, SkekMal joined in. He blades flashing as he began to fight off both King Neco and SkekEkt. SkekEkt was knocked back in an instant from one uppercut. The bone wearing hunter continued his fight with the mighty wolf. His swords barely break the thick skin. The snarls. The amount of movement they could do in the small hall. Suddenly, his upper left arm was caught by the Ornamentalist. It produced a sickening snap that made Ghost squeak with fear. He looked at the controlled Skeksis and saw that he was beginning to transform.

SkekEkt let out a soundless howl as his wrinkled skin turned bluish. His eyes turned black. Spines jutted out of his back. Claws sharpened and webbed. He started to grow as large as King Neco. Behind him, the necromancer was whispering strange words under his breath. His body became warped than ever. He grabbed SkekZok. His beast mind told him to go straight through a wall. He did just that. He went through the wall. Unaware that Razz was already going after him.

"We have to go after him!" Ghost said.

"How exactly do you suppose we do that?!" Gurjin said. Suddenly, the necromancer launched at him. Barely gave him enough time to defend. "Anyone got an idea how to buy time for us to get out of here?" His leverage restored once Ordon knocked the monkey-like creature over.

Rian looked on the wall to see a strange bug crawling toward some spears. It was extremely large. Eyes ready to bulge out of its head. Growls of anger formed in the creature. An idea formed in his head. "Get ready to run!" He ran to the spear then grabbed it just as a shadowy beast was about to grab his leg. Before the bug could react, Rian used all of his strength to throw the spear at King Neco. He ran as fast as he could with Ordon and Gurjin trailing behind him.

Shield picked up Ghost and ran for the opening in the wall. Hup and Deet followed as well. Orchid hung on to Ghost's nightgown for dear life. The other lords followed. SkekVar helped the Emperor onto his feet. SkekOk tried everything in his power to lift Collector from his spot and limp his way. SkekMal immediately broke away from the fight the moment he realized what the bug was.

Ghost instantly remembered something. She tapped on Shield's shell. "Head to the nearest wall where SkekEkt's statue is." She turned to SkekVar and SkekSo who were nearly catching up to her. "There's a passage. It's small enough for a Gelfling. However, SkekVar and SkekMal are strong enough to make it wider."

"Like I would trust you." SkekSo said. He flinched from the pain. His claws trying to tighten the bleeding.

"This isn't the time to argue!" Ghost yelled. "The enemy is closing in on us! If we want to get out alive this is the only chance before we're cornered and end up like SkekEkt!" Something about those words stung in her heart. She rarely has fights with SkekSo,but after what happened at the cavern she can't be unmoved.

"Ghost is right." SkekSil said. He ignored the shocked looks on everyone's faces. He continued. "Must go now. Strategize against the enemy later. Like you said Emperor. Crystal will be fine."

SkekSo was silent for a moment. It seems the situation is far too dire for me to ignore, he thought. The pain in his shoulder began to radiate throughout his body. There are enemies at every turn. We're at a disadvantage. Safety seems to be an option. "Very well. SkekVar, SkekMal, get working on a tunnel. Ordon, you and your son give me cover while I retrieve-" His words were cut by two loud screams.

Everyone turned to see the Ritual Master frantically running over to them. Razz was flying close to him. The brave Bladewing slashed the shadows that were closing in on him. Not too far behind was SkekEkt. Screeches of pure rage rang through the hall, which only made SkekZok run faster to them. He screeched to a halt. His wheezing louder than SkekAyuk's.

"Razz can't keep this up." Razz said. "Need plan."

Ghost jumped off. She nearly lost her footing as she landed. A squeak from Orchid left her a little unguarded. Her wings flared out once again. She ran as fast as she could. In a matter of minutes, Ghost was in the air. She flew over to SkekEkt, much to the horror of the group. Her mind piecing a plan together like the threads of the Silk Spitter's web. She began to remember the incident with the crystal back at the lab. The SkekMal's hunting. In her heart, the risk was high and she had strength for some strange reason, but it might be the only way to save SkekEkt.

She waved her arms at him. "Hey! Hey! Over here!" She dodged a few claws.

"Friend Ghost!" Razz shrieked.

"You fool!" SkekMal roared. "What are you doing?!"

"Buying time!" Ghost shouted. She flew into a different hallway. Her eyes glanced back to see SkekEkt now chasing her. Razz flying after her. A gray dot behind the massive beast. Her shoulder tensed as Orchid grasped her for more stability. She dodged a few debris that began to fall around her. Her wings flapping faster than she could remember. Her heart beating faster in the madness. She went into her mental map to find what she was looking for. Then, reached to the bottom steps when a crash sounded behind her.

Ghost turned to see that SkekEkt had been hit with rubble, slowing him down. She readied herself for the worst when she began to notice something. The creature blinked at her. As if he was starting to recognize her. Her heart fluttered with some hope. "Ekty?" Suddenly, pain spread throughout her body. It was brief but enough to make her scream. Her hand touched her side and felt something hot. A wet sensation reached her fingers. She looked up to see blood on her fingers. Ghost felt a rush of horror as she heard the all too familiar whimper of the Chamberlain. The white Gelfling turned to face him. Anger sparked in her eyes. "Why? Why do you do this...to us?" Her body began to feel weak. She could feel Orchid making a frantic effort to seal it then smacked away by Chamberlain's claws.

Chamberlain glared at her. "It's all your fault! Everything was fine till you showed up! Now crystal could be in danger! Castle being destroyed. Ornamentalist is a monster! Then, nonsense with Arathim!" He walked over to Orchid just as she got onto her feet. His foot hovered above her head, ready to squash the little Threader. Then, Razz flew up into his face. The Bladewing squawked. The Chamberlain followed. He swung his sword.

Razz screeched and flew over to Ghost. His wing with a bright red gash. He arched his feathers. His eyes focused on his large foe. He tried to open his wings despite the pain radiating through his body. Orchid soon joined him.

"What's this?" Chamberlain mocked. "You think you can help Ghost? You're a pathetic lot. Worms made to crawl under Chamberlain's feet." He raised his sword once more. "Time-" Without warning, a large claw swiped at him. He flew into the air and crashed into a wall.

Ghost found the strength to sit up. Her vision blurred, but she could hear a faint roar. She looked up to see SkekEkt still in his monster form. Staring at her. The blue-violet eyes that would take in every detail were now bright with tears. A sign that somewhere in that twisted form was the very same Skeksis that loved her since he first laid eyes on her. She shakely lifted her hand. Her fingertips touched his face. "Ekty...I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry this happened to you." Tears welled in her eyes. She struggled onto her feet. The pain bursting at her side. Suddenly, she felt smooth binding on her. She looked down to see Orchid finishing her threading. "Thank you, Orchid."

Without warning, Razz pushed her. He flinched as he crashed onto the ground. Then, his claws strapped on to the pure white cloth and flapped his wings to lift her up.

Ghost turned around. Her heart wanted to scream at the sight before her. SkekEkt thrashing on the floor. Unable to form words that he wanted to say. Tears streaming uncontrollably. Screeching. Grabbing his own claws to avoid ripping Ghost apart. He's fighting, Ghost thought with her own tears in her eyes. He's fighting back whatever's controlling him. Deep in her heart, she knew being mad at him right now wouldn't be fair. "Ekty...Follow me ok? We're going somewhere important." With a nod from Razz and Orchid clambering up onto her shoulder, Ghost walked as she could.

She tried to ignore the rumbling of the stone walls. The growls and snarls of the creatures of Thra fighting against whatever monster crawled out of that disturbing place. Chamberlain's sudden attack that's weaking her by the minute. The idea that she might not see Rian, Deet or everyone else again. She managed to reach the laboratory with SkekEkt in tow, struggling to be himself and the beast he'd become.

The creatures around her began to screech with pain. The crystal cracked and darkened as it was when she first laid eyes on it. Ghost thought the Skeksis hid about its corruption to protect everyone from panicking. Now, she wasn't so sure. The white Gelfling looked down at Orchid. "Set all the creatures free. Then, I want you to run."

But Ghost! Orchid protested. I can't leave you like this!

"Everyone is in danger because of me." Ghost said. Her hands cupped the Threader and held her in front of her face. "I've lost Mira to these monsters. I can't lose anyone else."

Orchid whimpered. Then, she jumped off and did as instructed. One by one, her little legs picked at the locks. Each one gave a soft click. She moved quickly before she was trampled by the creatures that began to run away. As she neared Sidtec's cage, she got through the lock when a swift shadow snatched her. A cage soon formed from bony fingers by none other than the necromancer.

"Orchid!" Ghost tried to move but soon fell over as Razz tried to help. Her body was suddenly squeezed hard by talons from SkekEkt. She screamed as pain erupted from her sides. From the corner of her orange eyes, she saw King Neco coming up to them. One eye missing from the socket.

"What did you hope to achieve by coming here?" King Neco asked. "The only thing that you've done is create more strife for everyone around you." He turned to look at SkekEkt. "Did you know that the Skeksis have corrupted this world? Tainted your clans with lies and prejudice. Killed a race known as Gurnak. And...they saw you as nothing more than a servant. A plaything." A cracking of bones echoes in the air. His wolf body twisted and contorted. Before long, he was now back to his usual size. He raised a hand. "Tell me…" His fingers soon wrapped around SkekEkt's throat. "Why would you risk your weak existence for them? What value do these useless vermin have?"

SkekEkt squawked as pressure was suddenly applied. He let Ghost drop to the ground. His claws instinctively tried to push him away. He thrashed. He clawed. His tail whipped around, knocking everything over. His large tail knocked the necromancer down before Razz and Orchid could be crushed.

Ghost grunted. Her gasps now audible. With every strength in her arms, she crawled over to where the levers were. She fought off the flicker of her vision. All the memories of her life danced in her mind. Her happy times with everyone at the castle. SkekLach letting her lay on his stomach and look at his things. SkekVar gives her some fighting poses for her drawings. SkekSo bobbing his head to music. SkekTek calculates his latest inventions to her, sharing his time with his "pets". Then, there was SkekMal. His claws so gently holding hers.A gleam of wonder in those sullen green eyes. A sense of honor that radiated off of him like rays of the sun. Despite everything. Despite the darkening, they didn't deserve this cruelty. She soon felt hard metal under her palm.

"E-even what you've said is true…" Ghost grunted. She grabbed the metal and pulled up. Her feet were finally able to regain ground. She stared hard at the king. "It doesn't give you the right...to treat them this way…" She coughed. "I-I don't understand...but one thing that I know wouldn't change...I was given a life...a choice…"

As she talked, Razz and Orchid took notice of the crystal. It flickered. A white pulsed briefly. It was as if the crystal heard her voice. Her breath brings life back into it. Ready to break away from its chains and fly. Razz looked at Orchid and followed where she pointed. Orchid knew that the only way to save everyone was to turn the machine on. The two of them hurried over to it before the enemy noticed them.

"I...chose to save them...because they're my family…." Her breath hitched. She got onto her toes to balance herself. "They took me in...when my mother was gone. I...was given a chance to live because of them…" In the corner of her blue eye, she saw Razz and Orchid coming towards her. "And even if bad emotions fill me...I won't let that stop me!" With one massive tug, along with Razz and Orchid's assistance, the lever went down. In a matter of moments, the laboratory roared to life. The air crackled with electricity. Chains rattled. Rocks started tumbling down on everyone's head.

The crystal started to glow. Ghost grabbed Orchid and threw her to the farthest corner. Slowly but surely, she felt that her very life was fading away. Her emotions being sucked out. She laid on her stomach. Her eyes began to vision caught a glimpse of SkekEkt breaking free before a white light flooded the room followed by a screech.

That's it for this chapter. I currently have a poll set up. Starbirds, like the one SkekTek saw, produce a star like pattern on their bodies. They can shrink their size to adapt. They come in all the colors of the rainbow. However, I thought it would be cool to have some votes on what bird species they should be based off. All owls or multiple species (i.e. red=hawks). Stay tuned, do the poll and review!