AN: Sorry I'm late with my update. I admit to having a bit of a writer's block, but I've learned from past experience that the best cure is to tackle the story and go where it takes me. Forgive me if this attempt muddies the water for a bit. Enjoy!

Chapter 6: Craven's Version

I'm dead. That was the only rational explanation Craven could come up with when he awoke to find himself floating in an endless ocean of stars. He'd blinked in surprise only to find that he could see through his eyelids. The Tide of Flames was attacked, there was a rapid decompression and I got sucked out into the Abyss. But that didn't make sense as his memories began to flood back. They, Amariah, the prince Ryoshu, and himself, had been onboard the ship that had held Tsunami. The tree had said it was going to show them something and then ...A light flared within the field of stars and Craven felt a presence swirl about him in the vague darkness.

Who are you? The presence projected welcome and reassurance.

I am Tsunami.

The tree? How? Why? The formless being laughed inside the darkness. Not that Craven 'heard' this. More like he felt the emotion smooth through his being and lighten his soul.

Do not ask questions whose answers you know will make your head hurt. For a moment Craven could have sworn that his mother had finally caught him and was now here to lecture him. I am old enough to be your grandmother, boy. Show some respect. He finally realized that, yes; trees can have senses of humor.

Where's Amariah?

I'm talking to her as we speak. I love to multi-task. This conversation was getting weirder by the minute, but Craven decided that to comment would not help. Tsunami was okay for an immaterial being, but one more push would send Craven's sanity over the edge. As if sensing this, his companion in the dark began her tale.

We, the Royal Trees of Jurai, are the protectors of a race of beings whose genetics make them capable of generating a form of energy that can manipulate the very fabric of time and space. This energy has since been named the 'Wings of the Light Hawke.' If Craven had been able to drop his jaw in surprise, he would have. We have not always been the protectors, but a millennia ago we took up the responsibility in order to save the Universe from those who would have dominated the poor creatures the modern people of Jurai have evolved from. By binding ourselves to the strongest manipulators of the energy, those who can summon the Light Hawke Wings, we trees can keep outside forces form taking control and corrupting this energy. Tsunami screened pictures within Craven's brain of the Jurai royalty using the Wings of the Light Hawke and his sense of awe was overwhelming. A single flash and a tri-folded energy umbrella wiped out an entire armada of enemies of the Jurai.

Why are you showing me this?

I need you to understand why you must help me. The images continued each coming faster than the last until Craven would have cried out from the barrage of destruction he was being forced to witness. It seemed that for every enemy the Jurai struck down, ten more sprang into place to attack the tiny planet.

What can I do?

When the Trees interfered, we created an imbalance. I need you to help me recreate what was lost. We must create a force that is capable of drawing attention away from the Jurians, effectively removing their 'unique' appeal to those who crave their power. Craven felt his sense of humor move within him. A wry note tinged his mind's response.

You want us to create a decoy in other words.

Exactly.

AN: I hope my explanation isn't too wordy. Let me know what you think. I'll try to have the next update up by next Friday. Later!