Disclaimer:         Is it really that interesting? Ah well; first part…

Rating:               PG-13: a dark chapter from the past; just thoughts.

Chapter Eight: Allies and Enemies.

In her quarters Deanna over thought the sudden changes; she knew she had to inform Will, it wouldn't be fair to him if she didn't. But how? She didn't have her abilities back yet and even if she could reach him she was afraid she wouldn't have the strength to close her mind for him again.

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Enter." Deanna walked the dark Ready Room in.

"Commander." Without having looked up the admiral knew who she was, she figured she had asked the computer.

"Admiral, I have a request."

"Which is?" Expressing no emotions at all she made her request.

"Commander you knew very well that all contact would be off-limit once you had set foot onboard this ship." She expected her to step back, frightened by her strict voice but Deanna stood firm.

"True, but than the risk-level wasn't as high as now." She kept her bright eyes on the other woman's face and intensified her gaze. Deanna was ashamed to admit it; she was trying to intimidate her superior. The blond woman didn't blink her eyes, instead she turned her head away.

"Alright." Not showing her relief Deanna thanked the admiral who left to the Bridge.

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Computer: set up ComLink with USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E, specify to Commander Ri...no, wait." Something told her he wasn't there, she thought for a moment where he could be, than continued telling the computer what to do.

"Specify to Counselor Troi's quarters."

---------------------------------------------------------------

On the Enterprise the sounds of the incoming ComLink startled Commander Riker. Without thinking he opened it; forgotten that he wasn't in his own quarters.

Hello Will.

"Deanna!" A huge smile appeared on his face and his eyes twinkled again. They sensed each other's relief and love; both drew strength from it, each for different reasons.

How's it going there?

"I miss you. We all do." Tears emerged in her eyes and though he couldn't see them he heard them in her voice.

I miss you too.

"Deanna, why the hologram?"

My face has been surgically altered, I don't want you to see it. He knew she was insecure and ashamed; therefore he didn't ask further.

"I could only very vaguely sense you the past hours."

That is because of the operation; they used an inhibitor to suppress my abilities. Sensing she was gathering courage he knew she was going to tell hem bad news.

Will, something has changed. 'Please God, let it be easier and less risky' He held his breath, afraid of what would come.

The risk level is now High Caution Red. After a few seconds the meaning dawned.

"Deanna, that's suicide!" She swallowed her tears and hoped he wouldn't hear the insecurity in her voice.

I'm aware if that.

"Imzadi, come back, I beg you. Let Starfleet find someone else for this mission." His plea touched her heart and now, more than ever, she wanted to feel the safety of his strong arms around her.

"I can't and I won't live without you."

Don't say that, you have to live your life.

"Not without you." He was serious and resolute, she couldn't allow him to.

Than life for me.

"Deanna,..." She interrupted his objection, her voice trembled.

Will, I don't have much time left, we'll be leaving Federation space soon. Never forget I love you.

"I won't, I can't. I'll carry our love with me in my heart for the rest of my life."

As will I. With a shaky voice she made her last request. Please Will, patch me through to the Bridge. Reluctantly he nodded, gave her a last hand-blown kiss goodbye and patched her through. Deanna pulled herself together: facing Captain Picard wouldn't be much easier than facing Will.

Hello Captain...Doctor. Beverly and Jean-Luc looked up at her image, their happiness to see her beamed of their faces.

"Counselor, it's good to hear your voice again."

Thank you Sir.

"Deanna! How are you feeling?" 'Typical Doctor Beverly Crusher-Howard'

Weird; they altered my appearance quite drastically and as a result of the operation I can't use my abilities for a while.

"So you won't be able to tell whether we re lying or not?" Mischievously the two women looked at each other.

Theoretically I won't, but I know you too well to buy it. Both giggled, but when Captain Picard sat back in his chair they stopped.

I...I wanted to inform you of a change in the missions specifications.

"Oh?"

The risk-level has been up-graded to High Caution Red. With her eyes aimed at the floor she awaited their reactions.

"That's suicide!" Beverly shouted out. Jean-Luc's reaction was more subdued.

"That's very bad news Deanna. Are you still sure you want to go through with this?"

There are too many lives at stake. She knew that was the only reason he needed, hell it was the only reason she needed.

"I admire you courage and willingness to sacrifice yourself Counselor, though I'd rather have you here." His words left her flattered and speechless.

Admiral Necheyev is on the Bridge, I'll patch you through. Jean-Luc smiled, even without her empathy Deanna could predict him easily.

Take good care of each other, I'd rather not return to a psychically troubled crew. She tried to make it sound light-hearted but the trembling of her voice was loud and clear.

"You just make sure you_will_return." Beverly pressed the words on Deanna's heart; her voice trembled as well.

"And that's an order." Added the Captain.

I'll patch you through. Barely able to hold back her tears she quickly patched the ComLink through.

------------------------------------------------------------

Captain Picard, how good to see you again. She was lying and everybody knew that, empath or not.

"Admiral, it's a shame it has to be under these circumstances." His image on the screen was huge, she didn't like looking up to him in this, or in any other way.

You're concerned about your Ship's Counselor, aren't you Jean-Luc? She tried to belittle him but his answer was as coolly as always.

"Yes I am, and so is the rest of our crew. Deanna Troi is an excellent Counselor and a dear friend to all of us. I am not at all pleased with her replacement under your command, certainly not on such a dangerous mission." It was a personal attack and intended as one; totally against his own rules.

She informed you.

"I'd like to know more about her mission." It hardly sounded like a request, more like an order or even a thread.

If the time's there you will be informed. Her answer alarmed him; he didn't trust her, nor had he ever done

"And when would that be?"

If the mission has been completed...Or aborted, in which case she has deceased. She clearly tried to piss him off and succeeded.

"Admiral, I consider your duty to do whatever it takes to keep her alive." Intentionally he made it sound like an order and if Beverly hadn't, barely noticeable, touched his hand he would've made it an order.

Captain, I have to terminate this ComLink; we're about to cross Federation's boarder. And without giving him the chance to respond she disconnected.

"High Caution Red!" In a rage Beverly jumped up.

"So she has like what?! 5% chance of surviving?!" Sadly he shook his head.

"Less." Beverly sank back in her chair and covered her face in her hands; strands of red hair fell over them.

"A High Caution Red code is only given to missions of which the executing team has less than 2.5% chance of surviving." A low voice from behind explained. Jean-Luc and Beverly turned around and looked at the owner. Slowly he walked down to the viewscreen. He let his hands glide over the screen where less than 5 minutes ago her image had been visible. "They altered her face, she's too ashamed to show us but it's pretty, I know, Deanna has always been beautiful." His friends kept their eyes pointed at him. Beverly walked up to him and laid her thin hand on his broad shoulder.

"Have faith in her Will; if anyone is capable of surviving a mission like this it'll be Deanna."

He turned around and looked at her with hopeful bright blue eyes. She took his head between her pale thin hands and locked her eyes on his.

"Deanna loves you and I know that she'll do everything to return to us, to you." Slightly he nodded, taking comfort in her words.

"You're exhausted Commander Riker, you'd better get some rest, CMO's orders." Will shrugged his shoulders and left for the Turbolift. Beverly wanted to follow him but Jean-Luc stopped her.

"He has to deal with this alone at first. When he needs help he'll let us know." The Doctor eased and sat down again. 'What is it with this crew? They all know each other so well, yet it is as if they each know a different part of the others. Deanna was the only one who could see completely through each of them and Will was the only one who knew Deana through and through. But even they didn't know everything.'

-------------------------------------------------------------

In front of Deanna quarters Will held still for a moment, entered the access code he knew by heart and walked in. Without undressing he let himself fall on her bed. The faint smell of her scent eased his mind and slowly he fell into a dark and dreamless sleep.

-------------------------------------------------------------

The humming sound of the opening of her doors drew Deanna back to the present. Politely she stood up so her superior could take her rightful place behind the desk.

"Your Captain is very concerned about you."

"Yes, he is." She replied, not sure where this conversation was going.

"Yet he wasn't the one you focused on." The last thing she wanted to talk about with this woman was her private life and thus she jumped immediately in defence.

"Is this relevant for the mission?"

"That depends on how well you can put your feelings aside." Icy-cold she held her gaze locked and again she made the blond female feel uncomfortable.

"You'd better start erasing all Starfleet signs and get some rest." Troi frightened her, but she refused to acknowledge that.

"Of course...sir." She turned around and rapidly walked away. When Troi had left the room the admiral sighed of relief.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Deanna had only 2 things left to clear of every Starfleet related sign; her mind and the photo frame she was holding in her hands. The frame contained 4 pictures. One of her parents, Kestra and herself, taken over 30 years ago. On the second picture she stood next to her mother, it had been taken just after their return from the Briar Patch. After their usual quarrelling about her getting married Lwaxana had insisted on making the photo, hoping it would be the last one of an unmarried Deanna Troi. The third picture had been taken by Data, several years ago on the Enterprise D, during Worf's promotion celebration. In a flashback she saw Data pushing Beverly over the rail. Back than no one thought it was funny but later they'd occasionally teased her with 'her little swim'. It had taken her quite some time to explain Data why it wasn't the funny the day it happened while it was funny days later. Carefully Deanna pushed the button to chance the image and the fourth picture appeared. It had been taken a long time ago, a lifetime actually. Her hand glided over the photo and the sight of the young couple drew her back to the past.

///Deanna flew in his arms, her eyes filled with tears. Will lifted her up, holding her tightly in his strong arms. When he put her back on her feet, the tears were rolling down her face.

"He, you're supposed to laugh you know. I'm not that bad, am I?" Through her tears she smiled.

"No Will Riker, you're most certainly not." She kissed him passionately and gratefully, naturally he kissed her back devouringly and hungrily. Her hands ran up from his broad chest to his temples, Will pulled her as closely as possible. She send him her feelings and emotions but he only received a small part of them. Gently Deanna pushed him away, desperately needing some air. His blue gaze held her dark and sensitive eyes.

"That...Deanna Troi...was the..."

"Longest and most sensual kiss you've ever had."

"No..." Denying he shook his head.

"That doesn't even come close to describe it."

"Hmm, than how would you describe this?" She placed her hands back on his temples and closed her eyes. In slow motion she opened them and intensely locked her large, dark eyes on his.

~Open your mind Will~

"Deanna I can't, you know that."

"Try one more time." Her words were merely a whisper yet her voice forced him. Obeying her he tried, he tried harder than before. Her heart missed a beat; he did it! He had finally opened his mind for her and she entered it without hesitation. A loud, deep gasp escaped his throat, what he felt left him breathless. Step by step he became more aware of her feelings; of her love and desire...for him. And suddenly she was there; everywhere; around him as well as inside his heart, mind and most thrilling of all in his very soul. This was without a doubt the most sensual and arousing experience he had ever had.

~Imzadi.~ Her voice filled his head.

~Imzadi.~ He send back, Her hands ran over his head, ending up in his neck, pulling him towards her. Their lips met and Deanna's tongue slipped in; he felt it more thoroughly then ever before. The hours she had spend teaching him how to open his mind sure as hell paid off right now. Deanna freed herself of all inhabitations and wildly kissed him; physically as well as mentally. Their mouths didn't part for a second when they sat down in the silky sand. He opened his eyes and what he saw stole his breath away. The moon shone behind her, creating a mysterious blue glow around her. Her ebony hair accentuated her elegant and tender features, her eyes were 2 universes at themselves; as dark as the night surrounding them with sparks as bright as the stars.

"Don't move a muscle." His whispered words gently brushed her ear.

"Will?" He stood up and stepped back, increasing the distance between them.

"Will! Don't you dare to walk away right now!"

~Look at me Imzadi; maybe I won't be able to resist those eyes of you~ And she did, knowing he would come. A sudden flash of light blinded her, startled she held her hands in front of her eyes.

"By Rixx! What the hell was that?!"

"Something to remember how beautiful you look tonight." Playfully she punched him in his side.

"Damn you William Riker, you took a picture!" As an apologize he wrapped his arms around her waist and his mouth played with her ear-lobe. Moaning sounds of pleasure came from deep within her.

"Did that make up?" Deanna twisted her head and captured his gaze.

"Not hardly." Before she could do what she intended to another flash of light blinded her. "O curse you William T. Riker!"

"Give it a try." Without a warning she pushed him on his back and sat down on his stomach. She pressed her mouth hard on his and kissed him hungrily.

"Hungry aren't we?"

"I'm starving." She muttered between their kisses.

"And no chocolate?" The teasing tone of his voice didn't escape her. She opened his jacket and scratched with her nails over his naked chest.

"There are..." She crawled downwards, her mouth leaving a wet track on his skin.

"Things..." She had reached his stomach, a soft moan escaped his throat.

"Even chocolate..." Now arrived at his waist belt she began to loosen it.

"Can't beat." ~Imzadi.~

~IMZADI~\\\

Oh, she remembered that night so clearly; they had been making love all night long in the most wonderful and complete way, both mentally and physically. But when she woke up in the light of the day she had been alone and alone she had been for 2 long years and in a way she had been in the 14 years that followed. That was until several days ago and now she was alone yet again. And for the second time one specific thought slipped through her mind 'Why isn't this damn life fair!' That morning she had found a letter and a picture.; the letter she had burned, furious and disappointed as she was. The picture on the other hand she had carried with her for the rest of her life.

30 minutes for leaving Federation space. Had she really been lunged in thoughts for that long?

"Goodbye Imzadi." On the monitor Deanna selected 'send' And so the pictures, with the letters attached to them, were send to the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E through space...and time because they would be received upon the moment her death would be officially acknowledged. Without any kind of warning everything went black. Not sure what was happening she decided to wait a few minutes before undertaking any kind of action. After 2-3 minutes the systems started up again. The menu's displayed by the monitors weren't the ones she was so used to but at further inspection she realized that they were Starfleet's; they were just out-dated. She opened the doors and looked into the dark corridor, some panels did work, some did not.

"Computer: display visual image of the S.S.S. Decoy."

Unable to comply.

"Explain."

The system is not advanced enough. Very out-dated it was. Manually now she ordered the computer to display the Decoy on screen. Deanna couldn't believe her eyes. When she had seen the ship for the first time she had been struck with its elegant appearance; it was brand new and obviously very fast. The image displayed on her screen on the other hand showed an old, very old ship. Spots of rust were clearly visible and the were holes of taken blasts as well. Looking at the ship she realized that the captain would be onboard by now; she still had to meet him and now was just as good as any other given time thus she left and headed for the Bridge.

Deanna alked down, approaching the captain's chair from behind. The captain swung around and both startled at their looks; the man's hand reached for his CommBadge and tapped it.

"Security: intruder alert at the Bridge."

"A intruder? Where?" Searching Deanna looked around' she didn't see and intruder. When she turned back to the captain she found him pointing a phaser at her. The fear in his eyes struck her; she was the one that scared him.

"Don't move a muscle. Or I will use this."

"Commander Rya to Security: false alarm guys, there is no intruder."

Are you sure sir?

"Yes, our captain hasn't met our crew member yet." The emphasis lay intentionally on 'new' and through the comm she heard someone trying not to laugh, with little success.

Understood sir. She is very convincing. The first officer winked at her when he took the phaser out his captain's hands.

"Captain, may I introduce you to Commander Deanna Troi." Deanna lifted up her hand to shake that of her superior, but he as too confused and surprised to respond.

"Commander, this is captain..."

"Jellico." She finished his sentence and slightly turned her head while keeping her eyes locked on Jellico's.

"Dee...Deanna." Rya switched his eyes from his stammering captain to Deanna and back.

"You know each other?" Slowly they both turned their heads at him. Deanna was the first to speak.

"We've...served together for a while." She let her gaze glide over Jellico's face, her bright, now intense green eyes flashed with disgust. She didn't like the man, nor had she ever liked him; in fact she was pretty close to hating him.

"A long time ago. If you'll excuse me." Throwing a last glance at both men she left. With an empty look in his eyes and his face turned pale captain Jellico sat down. 'she remembers' was all he could think.

"Captain, are you alright?"

"Hmm?...O, yes. I'm just...a bit...stunned by her appearance." 'Not to mention my feelings' The first officer nodded understandingly and took his seat, right to the captain's.

"It's quite a change indeed. She was...sorry....is a very beautiful woman."

"You have no idea." Muttered the captain, more to himself than to Rya.

"Sir?"

"Hmm?...Oh, nothing, you're right. I'll...uhm...I'll go through our orders one last time. Have the computer warn the crew when we're about to cross the boarder." 'She remembers'

"Aye sir." Amused he watched his captain leave and changed form the right chair to the one in the middle. Inwards he laughed; it was the first time he had seen any woman, any person, having such an impact on Jellico. He couldn't blame him though,  he had been baffled too when he first met her; she seemed to have that effect on a lot of people. Ever since it had been announced that she would come onboard the entire crew, with no exception of  himself, had been excited and eagerly awaited her arrival. Deanna Troi was famous throughout the Federation and beyond. She was the youngest fully trained psychologist ever to be assigned to a starship and not just any starship but to the first Galaxy-class Flag Ship of Starfleet and the 4th ship to carry the legendary name 'Enterprise'. Even to Betazoid standards she was one of the strongest empaths of the last centuries despite her partial human heritage. Troi was considered the most skilled and successful therapist in the Federation and by now she had been offered more promotions than anyone he knew. Starfleet's top had desperately tried to get her to their HeadQuarters but for some reason she refused to leave the Enterprise.  A thing that, of course, also attributed to her famousness was her beauty and he had to admit, a beauty she certainly was. Even now. Her delicate and somewhat aristocratic features were still visible. Talking about aristocratic...he had never met her mother, Lwaxana Troi, either but he sure remembered that his commanding officers were always scared to death that they'd come face to face with that particular Betazoid on any occasion. Deanna was a kind person and generally adored among the crew even though most of them hadn't met her except from a short hello in a corridor or Turbolift. He wondered how her mother could be feared. He was a bit ashamed that he had been thinking about her so often, after all she was about to get married and he acted like a foolish teenager.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Will fought not to wake up. Half-unconscious he turned on his side, wanting to slip his arms around Deanna's waist. With his eyes still closed his hands sought out to her.

"Deanna?...Deanna?" Not a single sound. Realizing she wasn't there he abruptly up-righted himself. He cleaned his mind and probed for her, he found her in the center of his mind; her presence was not as strong as before but the knowledge she was safe calmed him. His breathing slowed down and he let himself fall back on the bed.

"Computer: time."

Time is 0730 hours. Two and a half hours before his Bridge Watch; he might as well try to get a bit more sleep.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Deanna couldn't believe it; of all the captains there were why him? She didn't like the man; that on itself was rare enough. There weren't many people she didn't like, they could be counted on one hand. When they had met him on the Enterprise no one had liked him. They had been aware that part of that was because he had taken Captain Picard's place. So, as a Counselor should, she had assumed his careless and insensitive attitude was to hide his insecurity; it had been one of the few times she was wrong. He did indeed not care about the Enterprise crew and he wouldn't until they had proven their total loyalty and obedience. He literally lived for power and liked to give orders. He had ordered her to wear a standard uniform. She didn't mind wearing one, but she did mind the way he had ordered. What had irritated her the most was his need for 'a certain formality' yet he did call her Deanna instead of Commander or Counselor Troi. But the main reason she didn't like him was his self-confidence and arrogance over seducing her. All she had sensed from him during his attempts had been lust, mere physical lust and the need to possess. She had made clear to him several times to back off but he hadn't given up that easily. For days she had been able to avoid him until one day she had made the mistake to let him in her quarters. A threatening sphere surrounded him when he locked her doors so that 'they wouldn't be disturbed during the evaluations'. She had tried to keep him away by talking to him, but he had kept approaching her and eventually sat down at her side. Deanna had tried to read him in order to determine if he was indeed dangerous. Luckily for her Will had come looking for her. When she didn't respond to her door chimes he had become concerned and a shiver had crawled along his spine.

~Will~ Her message had startled him but raised his concern, at least that was what he had told her later.

He had entered her access code and had walked in to make sure she was alright. Deanna stood about a meter away from Jellico and had her arms folded across her stomach. That posture alone had been enough to make him realize something was definitely wrong. More than pleased that he knew her so well she had happily and relieved accepted his invitation to join him for dinner. Jellico had apologized when he left and after making sure he had never tried anything alike she decided not to report and was able to forget about it.

Deanna hoped she wouldn't have to spend to much time with him now.

"Computer: time before we cross the boarder."

20 min. Homesick as she was Deanna decided to go to 'Ten-Forward'

------------------------------------------------------------

"What is this place?" Startled she looked up at her questioner.

"Oh," a sigh of relief escaped her. "Hello commander, have a seat." Deanna winked at a waitress and a blond female walked up to them.

"Counselor, a hot chocolate I presume?" Her mouth curled and she nodded at the waitress who smiled back.

"You know me too well."

"How about your friend?" Intrigued Rya had watched the interaction between the two women and it took him a second before he realized she was talking to him.

"Hmm? Me? O....uhm, a...a black coffee please." The waitress smirked and walked back to the bar to get them  their drinks.

"They know you pretty well here." Her green eyes closed for a moment.

"Yes, ill re-created it pretty accurate."

"Oh?" His curiosity triggered a smile which only confused him.

"Sorry." Gently she squeezed his hand, his heart made a little jump and he was grateful that she didn't have her empathy back yet.

"Don't be, it's alright." Her eyes lit up and sparkled; they seemed to be two smaragheds.

"This..." With a stretched arm she waved around her "...is Ten-Forward. I hang..." Immediately she corrected herself "...used to hang out here a lot; it's the bar of the Enterprise."

"The bar? It's so...large."

"Well, with a thousand officers who want to drink away their sorrows instead of talking to the ship's counselor." She said grinningly.

"So this 'Will'  gave this to you as some sort of good bye gift?"

"Yes." The waitress had returned and gave them their drinks. The damp of her hot-chocolate blew in her face. With a deep breath she sucked its smell in.

"Ah, another chocolate-addict." Amused his eyes followed her.

"Watch your words commander. Chocolate is a..."

"Very serious thing." An all too familiar voice finished her. "Mind if I join you?" With enlarged eyes she slowly turned around, scared for whom or what she might find behind her.

"Will! What are you...?! How did you...?!"

"Ssh." He advanced towards her and tangled his fingers between hers.

"You're not supposed to be here, it'll endanger you." He pulled her against him; embracing her small elegant body with his strong arms.

"I'm not here." For an instant she looked up.

"A hologram." Sadly she rested her head on his torso, desperately trying to hold back her tears. His large hand stroke through her hair, he took a step back and caressed her jaw-line.

"I know, Imzadi, that it won't be long before you'll entirely close you mind to me." Deanna opened her mouth to explain.

"I wish you wouldn't, but I do understand. I'd probably do exactly the same if our positions were reversed." His words made her feel better and a lot less guilty.

"You can do this Deanna, I'm sure of that. You're a very intelligent and strong woman. I'll wait for you Imzadi, no matter how long it'll take." She buried her head in his chest and cried without making a sound.

"Thank you." She looked up hen she whispered those words. As a response he captured her mouth with his, drawing her deeper and deeper into their passionate and loving kiss. She didn't care it was a hologram, at this time he was just as real as everybody else.

5 minutes before leaving Federation space

"Always remember."

"Always remember." They enlarged the distance between them and Deanna spoke her final words to him.

"Computer: close and erase program." Her eyes didn't release his gaze when he vanished into nothing.

After giving her some time for herself Rya approached her.

"Counselor Troi, are you alright?" She turned around to face him and genuinely smiled.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for asking." Uncomfortable with the silence surrounding them Rya left her alone.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Deanna started another program, one her mother had given her the day she left home to attend the Academy. It was more than a simple holo-program, Deanna couldn't explain. She had to promise her mother she'd take it with her where-ever she'd go 'just in case'. The program contained an exact replica of the mediation room of the Fifth House Manson on Betazed, but somehow the creators of the program had been able to also replicate a part of the sphere in a way. The room itself was immense, 16 x 16 meters and 5 meters high. On the ceiling Betazoid's star sky had been portrayed. The stars were made of 'star-jewels' native to Betazed, the light would be 'captured' within the jewels which created a sparkling show from within the stones. The background was darker than dark and it really seemed as if you were looking into infinity. The walls themselves were soft yellow combined with different colours of purple, varying from very light to deep dark. As a river a string of different kinds of blue streamed from one wall to the other. Artefacts, meditation amulets and focus points were placed on statues or practically invisible shelves throughout the room. Deanna kneeled down on a white furry carpet in the center of the room, her eyes aimed at the stars above. In ancient Betazoid, a language now only mastered by the top of Betazed's hierarchy, she asked her family and Betazed's spirits to help her in her upcoming task. In front of her, on an abundantly decorated sliver statue, stood an almost black rock shaped in the form of a teardrop. The rock was commonly known as 'The Sacred Chalice of Rixx'. Deanna focussed on the Chalice now and started to concentrate. In the stone a blue glowing spot covered almost it's entire surface. She cleared her mind like she had done so many times before. Without blinking she kept her eyes on the rock. Slowly and with great effort she started to build the walls around her psyche, concentrating on the blue glowing spot that grew smaller and smaller as her walls became higher and thicker.

~D~

Reviews are still_very_welcome! :D