Note: Obelisk the Tormentor!

P.S. Note: It's obvious that I want to write about a relationship between Angus and Sam yet keep her character's Constantine-esque manner the same. I hate it when female characters turn...girly. And I mean g-u-r-l-y. Yuck. However, I think I'm not doing myself a favor by intentionally slacking off on the other characters. I want that equal balance of other charcter input, like there was on the show. What do you think? Hello. Anyone? Am I talking to the wall again?

Chapter 12

Battle! Part 3:

"Nice of you to join us, friend," said Ivar as Sam approached them.

Both pistols were raised and ahead six Temran soldiers collapsed to the ground, dead. She walked up to him. "The villagers are heading back to Kells." She looked at Rohan. "You're people are safe."

"And you're so sure of that?" he asked, more out of anxiety than resentment.

"I'd be willing to make a wager over it," she said.

Garrett followed Angus and Deidre as they all met alongside each other. They still kept up their blockade of deadly firing as they discussed possible ways of ending this battle. "The sentinels have seemed to have kept their side of the bargain," said Rohan, sending a fireball into the fray.

Sam nodded. "I just hope they're not too disgruntled because they couldn't kill anything." A thick dust settled in the air and she coughed. "By the way, how nice of you guys to warn me about the three-headed dragon guarding the side entrance. Just make my life easier why don't you?"

Rohan glanced down at her. "Three-headed…you saw Maeve's dragon and it was just…sitting there?"

"Politely," said Sam. She sighed. "Can we go now?"

"Well, do you want to fight this battle on your own?"

"Is that a trick question?" she asked. "Just kidding," she chuckled. "Me? Take on an entire army, armed with just two pistols and a pair of wings? You're pulling my leg, Rohan, you really are. Ha," she laughed. "Sure. That'd be the day."

Rohan frowned. "Are you all right?"

Instead, she ignored him and strode ahead, firing off several rounds of her ammo. More soldiers were leveled off. She had accidentally sent one on fire but walked past him.

"I think that's a huge, resounding 'no,' my friend," said Angus, clapping Rohan on the back. Angus winced when he saw a soldier grab his gut, now just a hole. "That's a bruise!"

With the combination of Mystic Knights, sentinels, Kells soldiers, and Sam, the one-sided battle wasn't one-sided any longer. The Temran soldiers thinned and many retreated back towards the castle. When all had left, the Kells soldiers cheered and jeered. But the knights were still focused on the main cause of this battle.

Maeve's cape billowed in the air, a reflection of her silent rage. Rohan watched as Torq rode beside her and forced her back to her castle. 'Today you were defeated,' he thought, knowing she could not hear. 'Today, you will leave us alone. But for now.'

"Nice shooting," said Angus as soon as Sam walked back.

Sweat dribbled down her face and arms and she was panting. "Thanks," she sighed with a delicate smile. "I had a feeling today was going to be different."

"Oh, and like everyday is normal for you?" Angus said. His armor was off and his terra mace was slung over his shoulder. He thumbed the three-pointed hilt effortlessly, or attempted to make it look so.

"Define normal why don't you?" Sam said.

"Well, normal is…uh, well, it's…it's certainly not…uh, hold on, I'll have to think about that one," he muttered, lowering his head.

Sam chuckled. "It's all right. Don't think so much Angus," she said, clapping his back. "It gives you a headache."

"You can say that again," said Rohan from behind, laughing.

The others had caught up and were followed by the Kells soldiers. The sentinels flew elegantly overhead, silhouetted against the backdrop of the moonlight in the western horizon. It was presumably close to morning.

A sentinel with fair hair touched down on the ground in front of Sam. "My name is Roche. It is both an honor and a disgrace to meet you, friend and enemy Tyrannicidae." Roche's voice was mellow and went down deep into his throat smooth. He tilted his head and crossed his arms across his chest.

To have felt resentment was normal for Sam; however Roche's sincerity was an unexpected welcome. Sam had been moved. She sighed and stuck out her hand. Roche, expecting the relentless fury rumored from his slayer, was taken aback. He grinned, baring perfect teeth aligned brilliantly white against his dark skin. He took her hand and shook. "I can tell you that this is most definitely a first."

"I wish it didn't have to be the last," said Sam softly. Her eyes had suddenly saddened and her features softened. Angus had picked up on this and was reminded of several nights ago when she had touched his face. It was then he realized that she had not meant any caring in her touch, nor love of any kind. It was peace she sought because it was something she would never have. And to see it in someone else brought her a sense of longing and despair that panged her heart. Angus understood this and for the first time in his life understood as well that not all warrior-queens from mysterious lands are handsome and strong, sharp and sly and longing for a man with similar characteristics. This just absolutely crushed his ego on the spot.

Roche nodded. He let go of her hand and both of their arms fell to their sides. "When Marock said you were in need of an army, we knew what had to be done, despite our unofficial, binding contract." He raised his brow and Sam glanced down, understanding every word he said. "There is much more to be said between our sides; however, the time for talking is gone. We are too close to our borders and these threats against us are hurting our numbers."

Sam frowned. "Threats? Do you mean Knox?"

"Yes," said Roche. "We found where he has hid…but," he added, tilting his head. "You already knew he wasn't here, I think."

Sam crossed her arms. "The thought had crossed my mind. While I was in the dungeon looking for their villagers," she thumbed behind her to Rohan, the Mystic Knights and the Kells soldiers. "It seemed as though all of the power was contained within one area…or person. And when that person left, the power went with it. And besides, that power was much too weak to even be near what Knox has in store."

Roche sighed. "He likes camouflage. We are seeking him out but it has become progressively harder to distinguish between our allies and those spies sent by all the Divinity."

"I suppose that could be partially my doing," said Sam. "After all, I tend to break apart all of your little rebel meetings. It's no surprise you guys are all disoriented."

"And for that I have reason enough to battle with you here and right now," said Roche. He held up a hand to Angus's sudden protest. "However, young human," he added with a hint of scathing annoyance in Angus's direction. "I am far too spent to do any more battling for today." He paused. "And I have definitely been apart of too many battles of yesterday to want to seek out more in the future."

Sam smirked. "Thanks. You and your friends will be granted leeway and no harm shall befall upon you while I am in your presence. Is that understood with your ranks?" she asked.

"Of course," he said, bowing.

Sam shook her head and laughed. "You're a friend now Roche. My friends don't have any need for bowing."

Roche raised his head. He suddenly glanced at the other Mystic Knights. "Your armor is majestic…but not so much as your skills. You have definitely earned your keep," he added.

Rohan was flattered. Deidre hid her smile. Garrett, however Ivar tried to nudge him beforehand, spoke. "Why thank you, kind creature of the night. And let me tell you that it was not only our fine skills that had given us our armor but a sharp intelligence, which had saved us all at some point during our individual quests…Angus especially," he added, pointing to the mangy-haired thief.

Roche looked at Angus with mild interest. "I see. Well, in that case, you must have earned your keep doubly, then. Congratulations."

Garrett's face fell. Angus glanced at him and made a face.

Just then, Roche walked around Sam and stopped in front of Ivar, who looked up at the tall sentinel with a cool demeanor. Roche eyed the human…then he eyed the weapon the human carried. Roche breathed. "By Jove, I have not seen a trident so well crafted in ages. Why, it reminds me of my years serving the Gates."

Ivar, uncertain of what to say, though flexible in his impassive facial features, said, "It is a trusted companion of mine and has been through many a battle with me."

Roche stared fondly at it. "Take care of her. She is your destined piece, your one true love if you never find one in the human species," he mused. "She is…for lack of a better word…incredible."

"Well, I thank you for your kind advice," breathed Ivar.

Roche looked at him. Then, he smiled and stuck out his hand. "I trust you will take it to heart."

"Aye," said Ivar, shaking Roche's hand.

"If not, you know I will return." It was a warning, one that Ivar felt inclined to heed albeit humorously.

"Of course," he said.

Roche nodded. "Very well." He turned around. "Humans," he bowed to the Mystic Knights. "We thank you for your courage in us. However, we can stay no longer. Our journey to nether worlds calls to us. Tyrannicidae," he said to Sam. "When I find Knox, I will send word."

"Same here," she said.

Then, Roche stepped back away from the rest of the humans, flapped his wings and shot up into the night air, disappearing immediately. The other sentinels followed, cloaking themselves as they took off.

Everyone stared after for several moments, all in silence. The weight of Roche's words was heavy in Sam's hardened heart and she found that there was some room for acceptance if only for a short while.