The Tekkaman was weakened now. Darkblade snickered as he charged through the starlit expanse back toward his victim. Concentrating, he willed the meager light reflected by the planet to bend around his body, making him completely invisible.

Invisibility was one ability that Tekkamen and Teknomen did not share.

"Surprise!"

Out of empty space, Starfire felt a blade pierce his armored stomach. Gasping in pain, Starfire watched as Darkblade appeared directly in front of him. Laughing demonically and holding his bladed staff straight-armed.

"Well, well, well. Looks like I win, Starfire."

Starfire didn't say a word, even as Darkblade twisted his battle-staff deeper into his abdomen. He didn't want to give the murderous Teknoman any more satisfaction than his own death.

Darkblade watched as Starfire's dying body writhed on the end of his blade, idly wondering why the Tekkaman hadn't started screaming yet. It didn't matter much, but was interesting in a distant sort of way. Ripping the blade out of Starfire's body, he took a moment to admire the sparkling droplets of blood trailing out.

And to watch them slowly freeze in the subzero environment.

Grabbing Starfire's left arm, Darkblade activated his rockets and accelerated toward the planet below. Feeling the slightest wisp of atmosphere, Darkblade accelerated further.

***

Sadira watched as a light, brighter than the others, turned into a burning trail of fire in the sky. Standing her ground, Sadira watched it grow larger.

***

Chuckling menacingly, Darkblade hurled Starfire's nearly lifeless body into the planet's atmosphere. Watching with detached interest as friction burned a blazing trail of flame behind it, he chuckled more softly this time.

Very amusing, Darkblade.

Reading my thoughts again, are you Omega?

An amused chuckle soundlessly rolled through his mind. Darkblade sighed, laughing a bit himself. As much as Omega had taught him, he still had yet to find a way to keep his leader from knowing his thoughts.

The little warrior wants some time alone? Omega asked, feigning hurt.

Omega, you know me too well.

Yes of course. I have known you for sixteen years.

I know. I just want to get out on my own for awhile. To see the universe on my own terms.

You'll then come back to me?

I will. I promise.

When?

When I'm ready.

It was Omega's turn to sigh, knowing there wasn't a chance of him unmaking Darkblade's decision once it had been made. Omega soared over to where Darkblade hovered, still staring down at the unnamed planet.

What fascinates you so, little warrior?

I just feel as if I'll be coming back to this place, someday.

Omega thought that over. It was Darkblade's uncanny ability to see visions that had won the Radam many victories. He had even predicted the Radam attack on his own planet. It was only the fact that most of his people hadn't heeded his warning that had allowed the Radam forces to claim their victory.

***

Looking at the fallen light lying at her feet, Sadira was at a loss for words. The light was not light at all, but a being made of some pale blue metal. Walking closer, she no longer felt the oppressive heat she had before. Stepping into the hollow that the being had made for itself, Sadira knelt next to it.

It appeared otherworldly, and Sadira supposed it was some sort of god. Laying a hand on the god's arm, Sadira was stunned by the voice, seemingly coming from the god's mind.

P-please…Please help me…

His voice was very weak, and when Sadira took a closer look at him she knew why. She could see the deep wound in his lower body, not wasting time, she called for help.

***

Omega watched as Darkblade attacked, knowing that he would depart as soon as the fighting had ended. Omega felt a curious mixture of things about Darkblade's impending departure. Part of it was a purely professional, and thus easily understood, feeling of regret that one of his better fighters was leaving.

But the other part was less definitive, it was almost a feeling of sadness. Omega wondered about that, surely Darkblade was not anything more to him than a friend? But if that was so, then why did Omega feel as if his own heart was being torn out?

Perhaps there is something more to this, but I will not interfere with his departure.

Omega turned away then, focusing on his own battle, he did not want to watch Darkblade leave.