Sacrifice
A Sequel to Quietly into the Night
Conventional Couples
Rating: PG-13

Chapter Thirty-Six

Antar – Capitol City

Michael passed out the weapons to the small troop of rebels, and Naloch schooled them on their uses. Isabelle whispered something to Jereon and the two left the group for several minutes. When then returned, Isabelle was pushing a small cart in front of her. She pushed her hair back off of her face and flashed the others a weak imitation of her usual dazzling smile.
"I figured we may want to bring some extra weapons with us," she explained, pointing at the small cart. "For the others, once we get them out."
"Isabelle," said Kyle. "That's brilliant.
They quickly loaded up the cart, and made their way back to the detention center located outside the palace.

The group returned to their hidden location outside the detention center. Naloch and Michael began to explain their strategy to the recently freed rebels. While they spoke, Kyle looked around the surrounding woods.
"This is freaky," he said.
"What? What is freaky?" asked Saranara, stumbling over the pronunciation of freaky.
"That," said Kyle, pointing towards the forest. "It's so quite. Usually, we hear the birds, but listen. It's totally silent."
"It's as if they know something's going to happen," said Saranara.
"Listen," said Kyle abruptly. "I have something I have to do. Why don't you go referee Isabelle and Jereon." Kyle stalked off towards the woods. Saranara watched him walk out of sight, tears welling up in her eyes at his harsh treatment of her. Forcing them back down, she turned to help Isabelle pass out weapons.

Kyle walked silently through the woods, scouting out the area, but was unable to find anything. He sat down on the ground and leaned his back against a tree and opened his mind to Kam.
Kam, can you hear me? Kam? Lexie?"
Unca Kyle is that you," whispered a voice in his head.
Kam, where are you? Are you alright?"
"We're back in the palace. Me, and Lexie and Auntie Maria. We were hiding in that place, but some men found us and took us back to the palace."
"Okay, listen to me, do you know where in the palace you are. Think hard, remember all the maps and drawings I showed you."
"I'm sorry Unca Kyle," whispered Kam's voice in his head. "I'm not sure. It was kinda scary when the tooked us."
"I know Kam; just relax. Try not to get too upset. The men who took you, do they know who you are?"
"Na-uh. I don't think so. They kept yelling at us, asking us who we was, but we didn't answer, not even Lexie when that man hit her!"
"Someone hit Lexie?"
"Yeah, his name was Jakorda. He was really mean."

"Okay, Kam, listen, this is really important. Has Kivar been to see you yet?"
"No, is he gonna come? I don't like him very much."
"No, me either, but if he comes, I want you and Lexie to make a shield around you and Maria. Whatever you do Kam; try your best not to let Kivar get near you. If you can find a way to get out, do it, but make sure you let me know where you are going. No matter what. That is the most important part Kam. Always let me know where you are going."
"What about Mommy, can I tell her?"
"Uh, no, don't try to talk to your Mommy or Daddy right now Kam. They are really busy, but they said to tell you they love you very much. And tell Auntie Maria that Michael loves her too."
"I can do that Unca Kyle. Tell Mommy and Daddy that we love 'em too."
"Okay Kam, I'm going to break our connection now, but you will be able to get me whenever you want."
"Bye Unca Kyle, I love you."
"I love you to Kaminator," Kyle whispered out loud severing the connection between him and Kam.

Kyle stood up and made his way back to where the others were waiting. He motioned to Michael and Naloch and they quickly made their way over to where he stood.
"I contacted Kam," he said.
"What! Where are they?" shouted Michael. "Is Maria okay?"
"Relax and calm down, will you?" said Kyle.
"They are somewhere inside the palace. Kam wasn't sure where, and Maria is fine."
"We need to let Max and Liz know. They're going crazy."
"Are you nuts?" asked Kyle. "We tell them now, and they are going to storm the palace and try to get inside and rescue them. The only thing they are going to accomplish is getting themselves killed."
"We can't keep this from them, and we can't leave Maria and those kids in there alone!" shouted Michael.
"Don't be stupid," snapped Kyle. "Of course we're not going to leave them alone. I do have a plan."
"Well fine, what's this grand plan then?"
"We're going to fill in Jereon, Isabelle and Saranara. We'll tell them everything. Jereon and Isabelle can take our places in the rescue of the rebels, and you, I and Saranara will go in and get the kids and Maria."

"No," said Naloch. "It's too dangerous. I don't want Saranara in there."
"I know it's dangerous Naloch," said Kyle. "Do you think I'd even suggest it if there was any other way?"
"There is another way," said Naloch. "I'll go."
"You are not strong enough," said Kyle."
"Kyle's right man," said Michael. "You aren't in any shape to go on an offensive like that."
"Neither is my daughter, I can't sacrifice her like that!" said Naloch firmly.
"Naloch, this whole thing is about sacrifices. We've all made sacrifices," said Kyle. "And I don't think you can speak for Saranara on this. She needs to make her own decision."
"You are right," he sighed heavily. "But I want to tell her, and if she goes in, I go as well."
"Agreed," said Michael quickly. He saw the look of determination in Naloch's eyes, and new that arguing was futile.

The small group broke up. Naloch and Michael went to speak with Saranara, while Kyle made his way over to Isabelle and Jereon to lay out his plan. Isabelle and Jereon quickly agreed. Isabelle was unhappy about keeping Max and Liz in the dark but saw the wisdom behind Kyle's plan. Max and Liz would react like any other parents whose children were in danger. She did tell Kyle that as soon as they freed the rebel that she would tell Max and Liz what was happening.
Kyle agreed reluctantly, and hugged his friend for possibly the last time. He walked over to where Naloch and Michael stood with Saranara.
"…will be dangerous," he heard Naloch say.
"Of course it will be dangerous," said Saranara bluntly. "But I'm going to do it. I cannot leave those precious children in there any longer than necessary. I want to do whatever I can to get them out!"
"We really do need you," said Kyle, joining the conversation. "You have the strongest bond with the kids. They'll go with you without question."
Saranara turned and looked at him coldly and turned back towards Michael and her father.
"Just tell me what you want me to do."
Michael glanced from Saranara to Kyle, a puzzled look on his face, and laid out the plan. Saranara nodded and walked away.
"What's up with that?" Michael asked Kyle.
"I don't know, but I'm going to find out before we go in there."

He followed after Saranara and grabbed her arm.
"What the hell is your problem?" he asked.
"You are my problem," she answered. "You were so rude to me before, when you told me to help Isabelle. And now, the only reason you want me with you is so I can play babysitter. I'm more than just a babysitter!"
"Look," said Kyle desperately. "I didn't mean to be rude, I just had a lot on my mind, I was trying to figure out a way to find the kids and Maria."
"Well, did you ever thing about telling me that instead of shoving me out your way like I was some bothersome little pet!"
"I'm sorry, I was wrong," said Kyle. "And for the record, I don't want you with me because you make a good babysitter. I want you with me because there isn't anybody else in this world or my own that I want by my side in times of danger. The fact that you love the kids and the kids love you is just an added bonus."

Saranara smiled, mollified slightly by Kyle's explanation.
"Fine," she said. "When do we go in?"
"Hopefully very soon. As soon as Max gives the sign to move in on the compound, I want to double back and go back inside the palace the way we did before. Are you armed already?"
She showed him the various weapons she was carrying, and he smiled and hugged her tightly.
"I mean it Saranara. There isn't anybody I'd want by my side at a time like this, except for you."

Max called for everyone's attention and the group moved closer to where he was standing.
"All right everyone. When I give the word, I want you all to move in. Our goal right now is to get those people out and to regroup. Bring extra arms with you. Pass them out to those who can handle them. After we get them out, I want everyone to regroup at Pathtor's Cavern so that we can move into phase two of the operation. Remember, Cha migno prater de Antara! We fight for the Royal House of Antar!" Max cried out, using the battle cry of his Antarian ancestors. Max grabbed Liz's hand and the two led their small force into battle.