Rise Of Zionus: An Introduction

by EternalSage

This is a story of Ragol. Zio was defeated, but his malignant spirit lingers, leading to an entirely new cycle of chaos. A new generation of hunters must take up the challenge of defeating him.

6. The Darkness Within

Ayame and Lucca are both in the medical center of Resistance HQ, lying on adjacent beds. Ayame is utterly still, seemingly comatose. Lucca is twitching and making small moans of pain. Labyrinth, Leah, JiEin and Elly are standing around, watching over the shoulder of the medical personnel that are attending to them.

One of the nurses spoke up: "The girl, Ayame, seems to be simply drained of energy. Both her mental energy and her physical stamina are drained. We've attempted to restore them, but she has still not regained consciousness. It's as if her mind is fighting her body's recovery."

The doctor replaced her medical scanner in her pocket after examining Lucca, and gave her report. "She has been stricken by some sort of energy beam that caused massive trauma. It seemed to have locked away her body's reserves of energy. The block faded soon after, luckily. If it had persisted, she might have perished. Her body seems to be rallying, but the thing she needs most right now is rest. We'll sedate her to dull the pain until her body recovers."

"Thank you, doctor." Labyrinth replied. We'll be in to visit them in the morning. With that, the group turned and left. Elly wandered off to her quarters after saying her goodbyes for the night. She had been promoted to the Resistance's chief tech position, and was staying at the base. JiEin, Leah and Labyrinth went to Lab's office.

"Labyrinth, I've been wondering about something." Leah said, after the three were settled.

"Yes, Leah?"

"Do you think there's a way for us to break Zionus' control over X?"

"I've been wondering about that. He's an asset to Zionus at the moment, and we could definitely use his power. He might even be able to assist Ayame in gaining control of her conduit power." JiEin said, settling down into a chair.

"I agree with you, JiEin. X is far too dangerous to be left under Zionus' control. The only reason we haven't done anything on that front is that we simply weren't capable at the time. With the recent contact with Sage and the damage Danielle inflicted on Zionus' forces, I feel we may have a chance now. Zionus has recently begun to build some sort of cloning factory on Ragol, according to our spies. This does not bode well, as he could clone an army of genetically enhanced X's if he wished. They would make a devastating army. I've dispatched a group to handle it, but their mission hasn't begun yet."

"We'll have to come up with a plan, I suppose. But until that goes through, and Ayame recovers, I don't want to make any sudden moves. Danielle gave us time..." Leah said. "Besides, we're all pretty exhausted. Let's see how the mission goes, then discuss tomorrow. Sound good?"

"Yes, that's acceptable. If you two wish, quarters can be made available for you here."

"That'd be wonderful. Lead the way, Labyrinth."

"That works for me, Labyrinth." JiEin said, standing.

The two were led to their individual quarters, and after getting settled in, Leah fell into a deep slumber. JiEin deactivated himself and went into the android equivalent of sleep.

On Dezolis, Sage was utterly exhausted, yet relieved. His mental assault on Danielle had taken a lot out of him, but he had been successful. After regaining enough energy to stand, he was led to a guest room in the Esper Mansion, where sleep quickly came to him. For the first time in months, his repose was not troubled by dreams of his past failures.

As the peaceful night fell over the two planets, a group of three hunters was planning a midnight raid.

Elsewhere, a Newman female threw on a long cloak and strode off into the night, searching for a fight...

Axios, Kiara and Nova are slowly, quietly making their way through the forest. They are on a mission to destroy one of the projects Zionus 'appropriated' from the military when Eriror's forces pledged their loyalty.

Kiara is in the lead, camouflaged in the darkness by a black bodysuit. She is carrying a bag of detonation charges. Axios follows her, his usual bright red robes hidden under a black hooded cloak. Nova brings up the rear, scanning their backtrail with night vision goggles. They had easily slipped past the outer ring of defenses, but it seemed a bit too simple.

Axios spoke into their shielded communication channel. "So, explain this to me one more time. How exactly are we planning to escape after we blow this place sky-high? I seem to have missed that particular memo."

"I'm going to go in and destroy the cloning machinery. You'll create a diversion while Nova covers our escape. It should be simple..."

"Why do I always get the dubious pleasure of being the 'walking attention-getter' again?"

"Because, you wear the bright-red clothing. You make the smartassed remarks that piss people off, and you are the only one of the three of us who can actually wreak decent damage with your techs. Mine are like bottle rockets. Ki's are like regular guns. Yours are like artillery. Besides, you just aren't very sneaky. Stealth eludes you, Axios..." Nova said, completing his scan of the area.

"Good point, I suppose."

They had made it to within three yards of the building without being detected. A large grate loomed above them. It was an exhaust port for the airconditioning system. The heavy duty vents for the generator were located on top of the building. Kiara slashed through the gate, then was helped inside it by a boost from Axios as Nova covered them.

With Kiara inside and on her way to her first objective, Nova and Axios took their places as well. Axios headed for the main entrance as Nova began to sneak towards the nearest guard tower.

A tall, violet-haired Hunewearl is stalking the streets of Pioneer 2, clearly searching for something. As she does so, she thinks back to events from her past that have begun haunting her recently.

She remembers being hit by the Black Energy Wave. Darkness came over her, and she lost consciousness. When she awoke, she was in the kid's bedroom. She still felt weak, but she was alive. When the final battle came, she was unable to take her revenge. That failure ate at her. The fact that the annoying brat had succeeded where she had so spectacularly failed was like the twisting of the knife in the wound. She thought her chance for vengeance had been lost forever...

Luckily for her, her nemesis had somehow been revived. He seemed to be starting his own religion now. She was currently hunting for a group of his 'soldiers'. Busting them up would both help the general beautification of Pioneer 2 as well as give her a chance for some exercise. She might even get some information out of them. A small smile crossed her face as she observed a group of them walking into a bar. They had taken their new-found 'holy mandate' as a chance to impose their will on others. As she readied the claw strapped to her right forearm, the smile crossed her face again. Since X was under Zionus' control, she might even be able to finally get payback for the trash she found under his bed. It was deplorable, the stuff that arrogant brat collected. Neifirst was happy, truly happy for the first time in months as she stepped into the bar.

In the forests of Ragol, Nova is slowly making his way to a guard tower on the perimeter of the base. A quick shot from his Suppressed Gun takes out the guard, and he creates a telepipe that is shielded from the inside of the base by the bulk of the tower. Luckily, the tower is positioned behind a large, low rock, which will also screen it from the few remaining perimeter guards. The tower can easily see over the boulder, yet prying eyes cannot see the telepipe. The positioning of the tower is perfect, just as Lab's data said it would be. He climbs the tower by way of a small grappling hook attached to a cable. Climbing to the top, he lowers the cable over the side, still attached. The team will be ready to slide down and into the telepipe in a moment's notice.He attaches a second cable to the grappling hook he used to climb the tower, then readies it to throw over the edge in case Axios and Kiara need a way out of the base. He draws his Hell Laser, and takes a position to cover Axios as he approaches the main gate.

Axios casts Shifta and Deband on himself as he casually strolls towards the pair of guards at the gate. Throwing aside his cloak, he is illuminated by the glow of his support techs. He calls out to them when he is in Rafoie range.

"Hi, is this the Half-Naked Catgirl Factory? I have a complaint to register. You see, I ordered one of your catgirl models, and she was defective. She was fully-clothed, you see. That is clearly false adverti- Yipe!."

The 'Yipe!' was in response to the warning shot one of the guards put near his foot.

"This is a military facility. If you do not vacate the premises immediately, we are authorized to use deadly force."

"Wow, the Better Business Bureau was right. Your customer service department really does suck. I'm going to lodge a complaint with your manager. I just have to cut through the middleman and red-tape first." With this less-than-stellar quip, he withdrew Rokujou from it's usual place on his belt. Hitting the activation switch, the area was bathed in a soft golden light as the twin photon blades extended from the handle. With a wave of his hand, the guards were weakened by quickly-cast Jellen and Zalure techs. Their defenses weakened and their weapons rendered useless, they were reduced to fodder in seconds. Axios then began to hack into the door's control panel with a tool Labyrinth had given him. Within seconds, it was opened. Apparently the cameras still weren't working, like Lab assured they would be.

Kiara was inside the generator room. She had made it there undetected, and was lurking behind a console. The unlucky tech who first found her was knocked unconscious by a swift kick to the head. His companion who stumbled upon her as she was planting the first of the charges had his head slammed into the wall. He slumped to the floor as she scanned for further intrusions. He was breathing, but would be out for a while. She finished planting her det-charges, and contacted Nova. "I've got the first of the charges set. When they go off, the generator will be fried. I've set the ones on the cooling units to go off twenty minutes beforehand. That'll allow the generator to build to overload before the main charge goes off. Anything that survives will be useless slag."

"Good job. Are you headed to the machine rooms now?"

"Yes. How's Axios doing? I've only ran into two techs, and no guards. Zionus underestimates us, and doesn't pay his people well..."

"He's...fine. Are there any alarms going off right now?"

"No. I guess Lab's virus into the computer systems really did work."

"Alright. He's going in now. Hurry with your end."

"Ok, Kiara out."

Nova resumed his sniper position as Axios made it through the outer door. He had to make it through a courtyard lined with guards to get inside, but infiltrating the building wasn't his goal. He simply had to cause as much havoc as possible.

Axios strolled casually over to a delivery vehicle, and crouched behind it as he targeted the nearby guard station with Gizonde. He cast the spell, shorting out the light inside. As the guard ran out, Axios launched multiple waves of Gifoie. The cascading fireballs started fires all around the base. More guards came running. As they closed in, he fired off a Rafoie spell at the front door of the base, blowing it open. Refreshing his support techs, he weakened the approaching group of guards with Jellen and Zalure, then contacted Nova.

"Nova, I'm gonna take on these guards. Why are they only armed with Partisans?"

"I guess they couldn't get anything better. The employee roster shows the majority of them are Bluefull. I'll cover you. Be careful."

Axios communicated his assent, and sprang from his hiding place, igniting his twin saber as he stood.

With the combination of the guard's craptastic Bluefull-acquired equipment, Axios' skill with Rokujou and the spells boosting him and weakening them, he swiftly carved a path of destruction through about ten of them. One that tried to snipe him from afar was greeted with a Hell Laser shot to the face, instantly downing him.

"You know, Nova...I've missed this. Peace is so boring. I like fighting."

"I understand. Just be careful, okay?"

"You too." Axios fired a Foie into the distance, at something Nova couldn't quite see. When he zoomed in, he saw a guard pointing a Varista at him. Seconds later, the fireball sent the wannabe-sniper guard to his oblivion. Wow, Axios isn't rusty at all. Impressive...

Kiara has meanwhile infiltrated the room where the cloning machines were located. Drawing her twin Kamuis, she made short work of the handful of guards. Most were taken out with hits from the blunt part of the blade, but a few were cut down when they resisted. Five minutes later, each cloning vat had been booby-trapped. When the last of these charges went, the cooling system would have been disabled for around five minutes. She leapt back into the air vent and continued to her last target, the control room. Contacting Nova, she made her report. "How's the diversion and escape routes going?"

"Fine. Axios is very, very good at what he does. How are you doing?"

"I've sabotaged the vats. I'm off to the control room."

"Ok. We've got things under control out here."

Axios had cut down around fifteen guards, with a little fire support from Nova. Weaponry for the guards seemed to be in short supply, as most were armed with Partisans. It truly did seem too easy. Suddenly, a teleporter on one side of the courtyard sprang to life. The cloaked figure of Eriror stepped out, accompanied by a squad of elite guards.

"Men, spread out and engage the intruders. Do not let them escape!"

Nova watched as Axios was hit by a burst from an Ano Rifle, fired from one of the other towers. The beam hit him in the shoulder, spinning him around with the force of its passing before knocking him to the ground. Through the scope, he saw his friend cast Resta to stem the extent of the injury. Axios slowly got to his feet. " I think I know now why this seemed too easy..."

Inside the base, Kiara had made it to the control room. She was greeted by a Hucast that threw a chair at her. Barely dodging it in time, she backflipped to avoid the headlong rush of Kikuu's Lavis Blade attack.

Drawing her Kamuis, she readied herself for battle.

Neifirst is greatly enjoying herself. It was the matter of a few moments to provoke the soldiers into attacking her, and she hasn't had to use her claw yet. Besides, their threatening of the bar owner had gotten on her nerves. Barfights usually weren't her thing, but she'd forgotten how good combat was for exercise. Her muscles sang with effort as she dodged punches and kicks.

One long sliding punch to the face of the lead soldier knocked him to his knees. As she grabbed him by his collar and lifted him off the ground, the five remaining elites drew their weapons. Throwing aside her cloak, she bared her Nei's Claw as a satisfied smile crossed her face. I don't usually start fights, but the opportunity to let off some steam is always welcome. I should've started hanging out in bars years ago...

Inside the base, Kiara is parrying blow after blow from Kikuu. He's incredibly fast, stronger than I am and more durable. I need to use my edge. Delivering a fierce roundhouse to Kikuu's face, she manages to push him back a few steps. Dodging his off-balance swing, she casts Jellen on him. As his reflexes slow, she boosts her self with Shifta and Deband. He charges her, and she barely manages to catch his right-hand blade with her left Kamui. As she deflects his left blade with her remaining weapon, he knees her in the chest. Winded, she is nearly unable to avoid his follow up attacks, and is caught by one of the blades in the side. A lance of agony rips through her, but she does not scream. She manages to graze him with her blade as she falls to the ground.

Axios dives behind the delivery vehicle as the ring of soldiers open fire on him. Half have mechguns, the other half shotguns. As the hail of photon bullets assails his cover, he contacts Nova. " A little help here, maybe...? And is Kiara having as much trouble as we are?"

"I'm trying, and yes. There's a sniper in one of the towers, and I'm trying to get a shot at them without being open to fire."

"Oh, that's nice. I'll just deal with the forty-something soldiers that want to kill me while you trade marksmanship tips with your sniper buddy, ok?"

Nova cut him off without a word, and studied his predicament. The shot that had hit Axios came from the tower on the opposite side of the base. His opponent had to either have night vision goggles, or be an android, since the lighting to hit Axios was not very good. He fired a flare towards the tower, lobbing it over the side of the tower he was in, then held up the guard's hat on the barrel of his rifle. The hat was blasted by an Ano Rifle blast the second it peeked over the parapet. His opponent was apparently an android, as a human with goggles on would still be blinded by the flare. He contacted Axios.

"Ax... hit the tower across from my position with a Zonde-series spell. I don't care which one, just do it."

"What about the soldiers?"

"Don't worry about them. I'll handle them."

"Ok, Nova." Axios cast a Gizonde spell towards the tower, and was able to see a faint spark. Nova popped up from his position in the tower with his Yasminkov 9000s at the ready. As he saw his opponent start to move, recovering from the Zonde-induced shock, he opened fire. His first shot hit the scope of the rifle, and the next eight wreaked havoc on the sniper. When he held up another item, it was not hit by a shot. He then began raining gunfire down upon Eriror's guards, assisting the pinned-down Axios.

Eriror's troops are falling rapidly to well-placed bursts of gunfire. Eriror draws his Zanba and gets behind cover. The sniper in the tower was supposed to be taken out by Kimiko. Apparently,Nova hasn't slacked on his training any. He contacts Kikuu.

"Kikuu, is the saboteur neutralized? Lord Zionus will be upset if his factory is demolished."

"Almost, boss. I..zzzzzguhzzz..."

The shorting out of Kikuu's verbal system was caused by Kiara. She had faked the severity of her wound, and as Kikuu closed in she cast a Foie spell at the ground. Leaping away, screened by the cloud of dust, she charged her blades with electricity and plunged them into either side of Kikuu's neck, shorting him out. The damage wasn't irreparable, but he wouldn't be getting up on his own. Healing herself with a quick casting of Resta, she placed her charges and disappeared back into the ductwork.

Axios is pinned down, but his opposition is rapidly diminishing. He begins charging a Sharishin's Kaiu, his most devastating attack. He casts Gifoie, then charges Rokujou with heat by absorbing the Gifoie's flame spheres. As the attack grew to it's maximum potential, he contacted Nova. "I'm going to blast them. Do me a favor and clump them all up, would you please?"

"Right."Nova begins herding the soldiers together with well-placed gunfire. As they being to bunch together behind one place of cover, he contacts Axios. "That's the best you're going to get. Behind the guard tower, slightly off to the side. Ten of the last twelve. They are rather foolish..."

"Ok, thanks. Shield your eyes." With that, Axios leaps from his cover and unleashes a massive beam of heat energy from his rapidly spinning twin-saber. The guard tower and the soldiers behind it are consumed by the flames, and quickly neutralized. As Axios heads towards the tower where Nova's at, he sees Kiara leap from the ductwork. Landing next to one of Eriror's remaining troops, she takes him out with two precise attacks. She begins sprinting agilely towards the tower.

The remaining guard pops up and draws a bead on the fleeing black-garbed figure, but is cut down by a shot from Nova. Eriror attempts to pursue, but is forced to block a blast of Yasminkov bullets.

"Eriror, you are a fool for following Zionus. Give it up already. You know you can't stop us..." Axios says as he slides down the backside of the tower to the waiting telepipe.

Kiara's agile leap takes her half-way up the tower, and she quickly scales the remainder. "Yeah, Eriror...we used to be friends. Why follow that psychopath?" She backflips off the tower, landing in a crouch beside the telepipe.

Nova is the last to leave. "Eriror...this is wrong. No man should wield the power of a god. Anyone that tries is the purest form of evil I know. Humanity was not meant to have that power. Goodbye." Nova slides down the cable and joins his team.

"So, Kiara...when will those explode?" Axios asks, as he slumps to try and catch his breath.

"Right about...now." 'Now' is punctuated by a muffled 'boom' as the cooling system for the generator is destroyed. Minutes later, the cloning vats begin to blow up. A chain reaction starts as the Dreamchasers make their escape through Nova's telepipe.

A few minutes later, Zionus' cloning factory is completely annihilated by the explosion of it's main generator. The few remaining soldiers flee in terror as Eriror gazes at the ruin of his Lord's plan. At least the main project was completed... he though, as he headed back through the telepipe to report his failure to his master. Warping into Zionus' throne room, he is startled to see the damaged forms of Kimiko and Kikuu. The master saw fit to save them. He truly is worthy of praise...

On Dezolis, early morning sunlight is filtering through the curtains of Sage's quarters. As he becomes increasingly unable to avoid the ever-growing brightness, he concedes and opens his eyes. Sitting up, he yawns and stretches. In his mind, Lutz speaks.

Sage, you need to wake up. We've got work to do, and it doesn't involve you sleeping all day.

Easy for you to say. You're a mental construct. You don't get tired. You were boosting my powers during that battle with Danielle, but it was still very draining.

Your fatigue is easy to read, Chosen. However, your responsibility as leader of the Espers beckons.

Yeah, yeah...I know. So what do we have to do again?

You must retrieve the Rings of Stars. After their most recent use, they were returned to their original resting place. However...you cannot complete this alone. The trials to retrieve them will be daunting... But that can wait. Lissandra is coming to wake you. The poor girl tried four times, but couldn't bring herself to interrupt your slumber.

Hmm...that's odd. Maybe it's because technically I rank her now? She seemed to have no problem assaulting me with pillows when I got here...

Sage's conversation with his new mental roommate was interrupted by a knock on the door. Lissandra peeked her head in, almost as if she was afraid to see what was inside. When she saw Sage sitting up, she let out an exclamation of surprise.

"Honorable Lutz! You're...awake?"

"Yeah, kind of. What's going on?"

"We've prepared a late breakfast for you, Honor-"

"Liss, it's Sage, okay? You seemed to have no problem beating me up when we got here, and I greatly prefer that to acting strange around me."

"Sorry. It's just that... you're not just you, anymore. You are also the leader of the Espers. I have to treat you with respect, or..."

"You think I'll turn you into a frog or something? Heh. Don't worry. I have Lutz's power, but I'm still me, okay?"

"Well in that case..." Liss said, with that mischievous gleam in her eye once again. "Get up, sleepyhead!" she said, dragging off the covers and leaving him shivering in the cool morning air.

After a bit of forcible coercion on Liss's part, Sage was removed from his comfortable bed. He bathed and dressed, then descended the staircase to the main floor. Jadrek and the Council were waiting for him outside the dining room.

"Honor-" Jadrek began, after bowing slightly.

"Jadrek, it's Sage, please." Sage said, cutting him off in mid sentence." Not 'Honorable Lutz', or 'Exalted Heir', or anything like that. Just Sage. Ok?" He finished, with a tired expression on his face.

Lutz decided to throw in his mental commentary at that precise moment.I would think you would like the extra prestige, chosen. Just don't let it go to your head... although it may help with the girl.

Can it, please. It makes me feel uncomfortable. Besides, you're a thought pattern that's worshipped. You aren't exactly one to lecture on humility.

"Very well, Sage. Would you like us to leave you to your meal before discussing the matter at hand?" One of the Council members asked.

"Nah, we can talk while I eat. I'm rather hungry, and we do have a lot to discuss. Can I get something portable?"

Ten minutes later, Sage, the Council of Elders, Lissandra and Yokote were in the study Jadrek had taken Sage to before his trial. Sage was downing a hasty breakfast as Jadrek explained the plan.

"The items that can protect you from divine powers are called the Rings of Stars. They have been passed down to the Protectors since time immemorial. They are hidden on a planet known as Rykros. You will need a space vessel to get there. One is located in Tyler, supposedly."

"Ok, but why can't we just teleport there? You teleported to Ragol, right?"

"Yes, but Ragol isn't shielded against scanning and teleportation like Rykros is."

You know, Chosen...you should really try to think more before you talk. The answers to most of your questions are within my memories.

Thank you for that remarkably helpful suggestion, Lutz. Anyway, I like to learn stuff on my own. I don't want to have to rely on your power too much.

Very well. Perhaps you will be able to accomplish the task before you...

"Makes sense. So, what do we do after we find the spaceship?"

"You will need to find Rykros. Then, you must face the tests of the Protectors, and claim the Rings."

"Find Rykros...?"

"Yes. It is hidden to all but the worthy. However, there is a treasure hidden on Dezolis that will help you find it."

"So, where is this treasure?"

"It was lost some time ago. Perhaps Lutz knows of it's whereabouts?"

Yes, Chosen...I do. Don't worry about that for the time being. Go to Tyler with all possible haste.

"Yeah, he says he does. Who's going with me?"

"Lissandra and Yokote will accompany you. Their skills should help you."

"I'd be honored, Sage." Yokote said, rising from his position of leaning against the wall near the door.

"Let's go! We have to beat Zionus, Sage." Lissandra said, leaping to her feet. "We'll need to get the snowmobiles. Follow me to the vehicle hangar."

"You...have snowmobiles? Why'd we walk to Tyler from the warp point?"

"Because if we'd left a snowmobile out, it would've frozen over. Besides... we weren't sure when you'd arrive. And you needed the walk to acclimate to the cold. Now come on..."

A few minutes later, they were packed and en route to Tyler.

On Pioneer 2, Ayame and Lucca are recuperating in the medical wing. Labyrinth has been approached by the Dreamchasers after the completion of their mission.

Nova, Axios and Kiara are making their report. Labyrinth had hired them for the mission, since the Resistance's members were woefully lacking in training at the moment.

"Thank you for helping us out with that. Allowing Zionus' plans to go unopposed would be very dangerous. The money has been deposited in your account, Dreamchasers."

"No problem, Lab. But...we were attacked by an elite group of troopers as we were making our escape. How did they get off a distress call? Or did you set us up?" Nova said, his voice taking on a menacing tone.

"I assure you, I did not set you up. That would be counter-productive, to say the least. It turns out that the facility did turn out one operable clone before it's destruction. The troopers you encountered were sent to retrieve it. It was not heavily guarded because it was not expected to be attacked. "

Kiara looked at him. The way he phrased the statement worried her. "Who was the clone of, Labyrinth? Or do you not know...?"

"Our sources indicate it was a duplicate of X. A former scientist at the project stated that the genetic material is mostly identical, but several 'enhancements' have been made. Apparently Zionus is calling the project a 'vessel'. The clone was removed right before your demolishment of the facility."

Axios spoke up, a concerned look on his face. "X is one of the top hunters, other than us. If Zionus has an army of them, we'd die from shirtless anime overload."

"I would like to propose a plan, then. Would you be willing to do another job for us on such short notice?"

"Depends...how much are you paying us?"

"For this, money is no object. Your mission is to rescue X from Zionus."

"Oh, sounds simple. We just waltz right in, take his main weapon and leave? Why didn't we think of that...?" Axios said, already seeming to discount the idea.

"Actually, you are to incapacitate him and bring him back here. We will do the rest."

"But isn't he brainwashed, or controlled, or something by Zionus?" Kiara asked.

"Yes, but we're working on a way of breaking that. You must infiltrate Zionus' base and subdue X, then return here. Will you do it?"

"Sure. You pay well, and we don't have a lot of other well-paying jobs at the moment. But this will take a lot of planning..." Nova said, after conferring with Axios and Kiara.

"We are working on setting everything up. Could you make your preparations and return in two hours?"

"That soon...?"

"Yes, we must hurry. The longer we wait, the less of an opportunity we will have. I'll see you in two hours."

The Dreamchasers left to prepare, and Lab went to confer with Leah and JiEin. They were waiting in the medical lab, where Lucca was regaining consciousness.

"Where...where am I ?"

"You're in the medical center, Lucca. You were attacked by Danielle. You've been out of it for a while."

"Oh. Is Ayame okay?"

"Yes, she's right over here. Get some rest, Lucca."

Lucca went back to sleep, as Ayame remained in her coma.

Ayame is floating in the middle of a dark, featureless void. Gradually, slowly she begins a return to coherence. It feels as if she is at the bottom of the ocean, and is attempting to swim upwards. The going is as slow as if she had weights tied to her legs and arms. She hears X's voice, and the voice of her other friends and family. X and the others appear in front of her, seemingly crafted of shimmering light. She 'swims' toward them, but with each foot she moves they seem to move two feet away. She makes it to the 'surface, and comes up into a world devoid of light and filled with strange colors.

She 'swims' toward shore, towards coherence. As she makes it to the only seemingly solid article in this strange landscape, the shining images of her loved ones appear in front of her. Reaching out to them, she is stopped by a Demon Roar hitting the ground in front of her. The sand of the beach explodes into a sparkling rain of a thousand shards of black volcanic glass. Whirling about, she sees the figure that has haunted her dreams for as long as she can remember.

Before she knew her name, she thought of her simply as the "Dark Lady." Even now, knowing her name...the fear still grips her. Danielle is hovering above the beach, wings outstretched. Danielle is hovering above the beach, wings outstretched. She is surrounded by a pulsing, coalescing purple aura of dark energy. Her blood-red hair is blowing in a sorcerous wind that seems to be synched with the pulsing of the aura that surrounds her. Raising her hands, she attracts a thousand glowing purple dots of light from nowhere, and places her hands together.

Goodbye... she says, with a demonic grin covering her face. She points her hands at the shimmering images of X, Leah, JiEin, Hahn and the others, then blasts them into oblivion one by one. Ayame is frozen in shock, unable to move. As she looks down, she notices two things. For one, her body is back to it's child-like state. Two, she is rapidly sinking into a pool of liquid darkness. A wave of despair washes over her, and she feels her heart sink. "I can't beat her...she's too strong. I'm just a kid..." she thinks, as the enveloping darkness threatens to overtake her.

On Dezolis, Sage's group is rapidly approaching Tyler. A frigid wind whips around them as they tear across the snow plains on snowmobiles. Sage is in mental contact with both Lissandra and Yokote.

"Wow, this is a lot faster than the Ice Digger."

"Yeah, Sage...it is. Fun, too. Although it's a bit cold. Lissandra replied into his mind.

Yokote spoke into his head. He was in the lead, and had the best vision. "Sage, I'm seeing a plume of smoke coming from Tyler. And scanners indicate metallic debris. I think there may be a problem."

"Well then, let's hurry."

They increase their speed, and in short order arrive at the town of Tyler. The blackened husks of the burned buildings are visible even from the snowmobiles. As they dismount and enter the town, they are greeted by a large group of villagers. In the center is an android, looking a bit worse for wear. Sage and Brom recognize each other at once.

Sage tensed as he saw Brom. One of Eriror's lieutenants, here... this can't be good.

Brom stood motionless for a second, then called out a greeting. "Hello, Sage. How are you doing? Eriror was wondering about you..."

Before Sage could reply, a small girl at Brom's ankles began jumping up and down excitedly.

"Mr. Brom, Mr. Brom! Is this your friend that you were looking for?"

Excellent...saving the meatbags was a good idea. Sage came to me on his own. But he has backup. Perhaps I shouldn't try to kill him here.

"Yes, Sana, it is. I'm glad he's safe."

"Brom, what are you doing here? Did you do this to the village?"

"No, Sage, not at all..."

The village elder stepped forward and spoke up. "We were attacked by bandits. Mr. Brom here saved us. If not for him, we would have perished."

Sage looked shocked. "As leader of the Espers, I shall send for aid immediately. I am the heir of Lutz, and I swear your village will be under the protection of the Espers from now on, if you wish it." Tapping into a small fraction of Lutz's power, he sent a mental message to Jadrek, explaining the situation.

"I thank you, honorable one. We did not feel the need for protection in the past, but we see the error of our ways now. Are you the new-crowned heir that was spoken of recently?"

For all of a day, but yeah, sure...I guess that's right. Sage thought.

"Yes, I am. I received the power of Lutz quite recently. The ordeal we were dealing with distracted us."

For all that you have the power, you only use it when you need something. You could talk to me more often, you know... Lutz commented into Sage's head.

Biting back a retort, Sage informed the village elder that help was on the way. As the villagers dispersed to continue the task of rebuilding their ruined town, Brom stepped forward, followed by a small girl, a young woman and a penguin.

I'll see if I can accompany him. He looks to be on a journey, if the snowmobiles are any indication. I couldn't take him on right now anyway. I'm too weakened. I'll just have to follow and observe.

"Sage, can I go with you? It looks as if you are on a journey for something."

Sage prepared to reply in the negative, as he had serious misgivings about Brom's loyalty. However, he was cut off by Yokote and Lissandra both enthusiastically answering yes.

"It must have taken great skill to accomplish such a feat. Your power could benefit us." Yokote said, seconds before Lissandra said "Yes, please. The more the merrier."

Sage was torn on how to respond. If Brom could be trusted, he'd be a great asset. And the Brom he knew would have killed all the villagers. Perhaps he had changed. The Psycho Wand in his chest did make his programming rather erratic.

I'd have to pull rank to tell them no. And he might actually be helpful. I'll just have to keep an eye on him. If I pull rank, all the progress I've made with getting them to loosen up will be gone. Resigned to his fate, he prepared to agree with them, until Lutz spoke loudly into his mind.

If you have misgivings about this, state them now. You have made much progress in not fearing your abilities. Speak now, if you do not wish to lose it. You do rank them, and you can order them around...

You just like to be bossy. I think you have an inferiority complex. I'll take him with us. He may be useful, and without us he can't get back to Ragol anyway. He needs us, and we could use him.

"Ok, Brom. You can come with us. I need to speak to the elder..."

Sage and the group approached the elder. After a short conversation, they were disappointed to learn that the ship wasn't located there after all. They did get a clue to a possible location. After checking with Jadrek for information, they set off. Liss and Sage on one snowmobile (as they were the smallest), Brom on Liss's and Yokote on his. They were headed for a small town named Reshel, where rumors of a 'Snow Queen' abounded.

As they were packing to leave, Sage had Yokote discreetly activate the remote cut off switch on Brom's snowmobile in case they needed it. This way if he tried anything funny, he'd be stuck in the wilderness. They set off, not knowing that a blizzard was brewing.

In a snow filled cave, a beautiful blonde woman was bustling about, occasionally murmuring to herself as she cleaned and straightened up around her abode. Ooh, and Lutz has returned. This will be fun. I might get a good meal and entertainment out of this one. But first, I should probably get dressed. Not polite to meet company in the nude. I'll have to let them earn that...

Gathering a swirl of icy wind around her nude body, she clothed herself in what seemed to be a silver-armored bikini. Grasping a long white cloak with an ornate silver clasp from a hook by the wall, she swung it over her shoulders. It swept the ground, creating small swishing patterns in the snow as she cleaned.

As she finished, she gathered a miniature blizzard into her hands, gazing into it as it solidified into a picture. Sage's group was rapidly coursing over the plains as darkness fell.Now, to see where they are...aha! They'll be here soon.

In the medical center of Pioneer 2, Ayame's vital signs remained steady, yet her brainwave activity was strangely erratic.

Inside her mind, she was sinking into an abyss seemingly formed of liquid shadow. Visions of happy moments in her life formed above her, and were promptly blasted into oblivion by Danielle. As a vision of her first Christmas with X and Leah popped up, she felt a surge of anger pulse through her. Although she usually ignored anger, this time she gave in. With a yell, she focused pure technique energy outward in a wave, shattering the creeping shadows around her. She felt her body rise back up level with the ground, and she reverted to her teenage self. "I've had enough! Those are my memories, not yours. You can't destroy them, and you can't...destroy...me!!

As she yelled, she began to glow with pink energy. The aura coalesced around her, forming itself into iridescent pink feathered wings on her back. Powering up, she rose level with Danielle, and prepared to face the darkness within her heart.

"Hah, you think you can beat me, kid? You're pathetic. There's no 'Uncle X' to save you now. I killed him, and now it's your turn. I'll enjoy watching you die, you little . Don't die before you scream, please. I know you're weak, but please try to hold out long enough for me to have my fun. You'll beg for mercy before you die. Then I'll take my rightful place as the true owner of this body."

Ayame and Danielle are facing each other intently, hovering on a construct of a beach in Ayame's mind. Ayame looks rather frightened, but there is determination in her eyes. Her now shoulder-length purple hair is blowing in a breeze created by the two conflicting auras. Danielle floats with a smug look on her face, arms crossed.

"You really think you can even hurt me? You don't have the willpower or the capacity. Every negative thought you ever had got shrugged off onto me. You can't display real anger, because it frightens you. Negative emotions make you want to run and hide. You've always had someone there to protect you and comfort you. You've never known hardship...you've never known pain. All your life, you had someone else to run to, to take care of you. You forced me to endure all your pain, your sorrow, your anger, your hatred... but unlike you, I had no one to protect me. I had no one to comfort me. I had...no one. I had to become strong, simply to survive. And now I'll take what I've earned through sixteen years of pure hell. Prepare to die!"

'You're wrong. You're evil, and no one likes you. You hurt people for the fun of it. I'm not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself. Now it's time to prove it to you. I'm not going to let you hurt anyone else, you !."

"Hmph. You don't get it, do you. Conduit power requires emotion to use properly. On this battleground, I am in control. You can't use your techs here. Your strength is determined by your force of will. Your only weapon is the power of the conduit. And you don't have strong enough emotions to use it. Negative emotion fuels it, and you're out of gas. All those years of pushing negative emotions off onto me made you unable to handle it. If you try to use it now, it'll destroy you... Just give up already. I've won."

"No." Ayame's answer was sharp and simple. A determination she'd never experienced before was flowing through her. She hated Danielle more than she'd ever hated anyone. Other than Zionus, Danielle was the only person she could ever recall wanting to kill. And she only hated Zionus because of what he'd done to X. Danielle's mere presence made her blood boil, and the thought of her using her body for evil make Ayame feel sick with rage. She gathered energy into her hands, and fired off a two-handed blast at Danielle. The pink beam hit an invisible wall , dispersing a good two feet in front of Danielle.

"Hah, you are pathetic. You'll have to try harder than that, dearie. Too bad you'll die before you get the hang of it."

Ayame went berserk at this, firing off a flurry of alternating one-handed blasts. Rage filled her, and she could feel the beams getting stronger. At the same time, a powerful darkness seemed to be nipping at her heels, whispering into the back of her mind. "That's it....release your power. Become my true avatar. Give in to your hatred."

When the smoke cleared, Danielle was relatively unharmed. She lazily raised her right hand and fired a blast at Ayame. It pierced through her barrier effortlessly, and impacted her in the shoulder. It pierced through, leaving a smoking hole.

"Ow! That hurt..." 'I'm in trouble. She's way too strong...' Ayame thought. 'Uncle X always said that emotion fuels his conduit, and she confirmed everything she said. But X also said that if you give into the emotion, you lose control. I have to focus my emotion with why I want to beat her, instead of just wanting to beat her.' Ayame got back to her feet, as the blast had knocked her to the ground, and resumed floating a little unsteadily.

On Dezolis, Sage and the others are racing through the rapidly approaching night. A storm has started, and there is no shelter in sight. The wind whips at them, biting like a frigid sword. "Liss, we need to find shelter soon. I don't think we could last the night if this storm holds up."

Lissandra's mind voice is weary. She's riding on the back, and is getting more of the wind. " Yeah, I agree. Can we stop for a second...?"

Sage relays the message to Yokote, who contacts Brom on the radio. The group stops, pulling the snowmobiles together to block the wind.

"Why are we stopping?" Brom asks.

"We need to find shelter, and Lissandra needs to look at her map." Sage replies, casting a Foie spell at the ground to melt away some of the snow. Taking some kindling from the snowmobile, he lights it ablaze with Rafoie. The snowmobile shields it from the wind slightly, though it won't last for long.

The group huddles around the small fire as they confer. "According to the map, there should be a system of caves on the way to Reshel. We can camp in those." Yokote says. He had taken the map from Lissandra, who was too chilled to find it.

"Sounds good to me." Sage answers him. He looks over to Lissandra with a worried expression on his face. She is as pale as her robes, above her veil. "Liss, are you alright?"

She looks up at the sound of his voice, a vague look in her eye. "Yeah, Sage...I'm fine. Just really cold."

Hmph, meatbags...they're so fragile. Brom thinks."Well, should we head for the caves, then?"

"Yes, and we need to hurry. The temperature's dropping rapidly. Lady Lissandra, would you like my extra blanket to bundle up in? You look rather chilled." Yokote says, as he begins rummaging in his bag.

"No, Yokote...that's fine. We'll be there shortly." And if not, I'll pass out and sleep until we get there.

As the group allowed the fire to fall prey to the howling winds, they readied their snowmobiles. Yokote and Brom mounted theirs, then waited for Sage and Liss.

Liss was standing near the snowmobile, waiting for Sage to take his seat. He turned to her, then motioned for her to get on first. "You nearly froze to death on the way here. You need to ride where it's warm. I'll ride on the back."

"But Sage...I'm used to Dezolis' temperatures. You aren't. Besides...you need the practice driving the snowmobile. And your arms aren't long enough to reach the controls easily behind me."

"Thanks for calling me short. And it'll work. We just have to sit closer together than we were." With a sigh, Lissandra gets on the snowmobile. Sage sits down behind her, and wraps his arms around her waist. She's a little shorter than he is, and he can see over her shoulder easily. She's rather cold at first, but having her snuggled up next to him is doing wonders for the warmth situation. She sighs, and seems to relax. He starts the snowmobile and they begin their journey to the cave the map identified as "The Lair of the Snow Queen."

Ayame and Danielle are locked in a furious battle. Ayame is firing off energy blast after energy blast, with little effect. Danielle is not even bothering to dodge, as her shield absorbs the blasts easily. She occasionally fires a blast back, which Ayame is hard-pressed to dodge. Her shoulder still aches from Danielle's first attack. Ayame seems to be losing ground rapidly. 'I can't keep this up forever', she thinks. 'I'm not even putting a scratch on her, and she can blast through my shields effortlessly everytime. Maybe I should try a different tactic. Why do I want to beat her, anyway? She's a part of me, whether I like it or not...'

"Ayame, you can see you are powerless against me. Are you done futilely trying, or can I kill you now?" She fired a massive beam of purple energy at Ayame that knocked her to her knees. She stepped forward, looming over her as she charged a Demon Roar.

"No, I'm not going to give in" ' Emotion provides power here, so I just need to focus on how much I hate her. That'll work...' Ayame thought back to all the pain Danielle had caused the people of Pioneer 2, and how she had stolen her body. The images of X being beaten flashed in her mind. 'Even though he is controlled, he didn't deserve that.' Then she thought of Lucca, who had been hit with a Black Energy Wave. She wasn't sure if Lucca was alive or dead, but the mere thought made her angry. The voice began to whisper in the back of her mind, and she gave in to it. 'Darkness...give me the strength to defeat her!'

An evil laugh reverberated through the mental landscape. Ayame began to glow with a fierce red energy, and her eyes reflected the glowing red aura that grew around her. Her wings turned black, and she got to her feet. Extending her wings, she flew into the air. Charging energy, she fired off a Demon Roar of her own at Danielle, who countered with the one she'd been charging to finish Ayame off. The two shining black haloes met in midair, each being fed with energy by their owners as they struggled for dominance.

"Wow, Ayame. You're actually getting mad. Is the little baby finally tired of being weak? No matter, I'm still going to kill you. You're too weak. You don't deserve to live. Now die!" Danielle redoubled her efforts, and her Demon Roar seemed to grow.

Ayame was floating, straining with effort as she tried to push back Danielle's blast. When she thought of protecting herself, Danielle seemed to win. When she thought of killing her opponent, her blast grew larger. Focusing all the rage inside her, she sent it careening into her Demon Roar. Her attack absorbed Danielle's, then rapidly accelerated towards her. It struck her head on, penetrating her barrier effortlessly, then exploding into a coalescing dome of darkness.

When the smoke cleared, Danielle was kneeling. Her wings and the purple aura was gone, and she looked a bit the worse for wear.

"Why you little ! I'm going to kill you. You think you can steal the conduit power from me? Not a chance. This is one of the only things I have power over you in. The conduit's power is mine. You can't take it. You may be able to hoard all the memories, and have everyone love you, but you can't have my power."

With this, Danielle got to her feet and invoked her conduit power, replacing her wings. She fired off a rapid flurry of Demon Roars, which Ayame countered. Fully powered, they began blasting at each other furiously. With each blocked or dodged shot, each blast that failed to kill, they each got angrier and angrier. Soon, the only thought in either of their minds was to annihilate the other.The link to the Profound Darkness they shared began to resonate with their hateful energy, and soon a portal opened. They finally stopped trying to kill each other when the figure of Dark Falz appeared behind them. It cast a tech and obliterated the beach, sending them both into the dark oblivion of unconsciousness. Falz then began absorbing all the negative energy their battle had produced.

When the two of them awoke, they were laying near each other. Tattered, burned and bruised, yet they were still alive. Ayame moved first. It was her mind, so she was insulated a bit more against the construct-Falz's blast.

"Danielle...are you okay?"

"Yes, you little twerp. I'm fine. Why couldn't you have died...? Oh, no..." Danielle got to her feet with a panicked look in her eyes. "The conduit power...it's gone!"

"That's because the living embodiment of the conduit is standing about twenty feet behind you. All the negative energy we channeled during our fight summoned it. X was right...the conduit feeds off emotion. If you give it too much emotion, you lose control. If we don't defeat it here, it will possess my body and make your rampage look like a kid's temper tantrum."

"If you weren't such a spoiled brat, this wouldn't have happened! If you hadn't pushed all your negative emotions off onto me, I wouldn't have wanted to kill you. All it would've taken was a nice word every now and then. But no... you can't let me have any nice memories. You selfish little girl. You hoarded all the pleasant stuff for yourself, and left me to rot. Now you're going to pay for it. It's your mind, you defeat him. It has nothing to do with me..." Danielle turned and began to walk away.

"Danielle... please. I swear to you that if you help me defeat Falz, I'll...let you have control. As long as you promise not to hurt anyone else. I realize I was wrong for pushing all my bad feelings off on you. I was a stupid little kid, and I didn't realize what I was doing was wrong. But I also know that you are just as scared and lonely as I am. Maybe if you can be shown that people can actually care for you, you won't be so bitter. I'll give you that chance as soon as we get out of this. I swear to you..."

"Ha! You expect me to believe you? No one could possibly care for me..."

"Then why did JiEin, Sage and the others not kill you when they had the chance?" Ayame asked, staring into Danielle's hate filled green eyes.

"Because...they didn't want to hurt you, stupid. They didn't care about me at all." For the first time, Danielle had a look of hesitation on her face.

"That's not true. They could've killed you, and Sage could've exorcised your presence from my body. They wanted to give you a chance. Now please...help me. Falz is coming closer." Her statement is punctuated by the appearance of a horde of Darvants. The two newmen girls run from the spinning blades as they continue their argument.

"Why can't you just wake up and take control? Are you that weak-willed? Or just too stupid to think of that?"

'She's reaching for anything to discredit me. She doesn't want to believe me. How could I have made her hate me this much...?' Ayame thought. Looking around for anything to draw her attention away from her hate-filled companion, she looked back over her shoulder. Falz was summoning his Heaven Punishment attack. As the searing purple beam lanced down, she leapt sideways at Danielle, pushing her out of the beam's deadly path. It hit Ayame, engulfing her in a wave of purple fire. She screamed, and slumped to the ground. Inside the medical lab, the alarms connected to Ayame's body went crazy. Her vital signs had bottomed out all of a sudden. Medical personnel rushed over in a frantic attempt to save her life.

'She...she saved me. Why? And how do I beat Falz without her? Why do I even care what happens? If she dies, I can be free. Either I take over her body, or we both die. Either way, I don't have to put up with this pain any longer.' Danielle thought.

Falz screamed, and began chain-casting Rafoie at her. She knelt, picked up the body of her counterpart and began running as fast as her legs could take her.' Why don't I give in? Oh yeah...because I'm a stubborn . I'm not going to let some measly little bogey-man conjured up by the mind of an immature teenager kill me. I'm definitely going to hold her to that promise, though...' She ran across the construct of the beach, looking for a place to hide Ayame's still figure. Finding a cave about halfway around the 'island', she placed Ayame inside, then stepped outside to face Falz. As she was leaving, Ayame spoke. "Here...take this. You'll need it." Ayame was fumbling at her belt, her hands weak and unsure.

Danielle stalked back over to her, and knelt beside her. "Stay still. If you die, your body dies. And I haven't had nearly enough fun yet. Conserve your strength, you fool."

"I will...just wanted to give you this first. I found it a long time ago, and apparently my mind remembers it. You'll need a weapon..." She managed to pull out a red capsule, and handed it to Danielle before she passed out.

Crushing it in her fist, the weapon inside sprang to it's full size. It was a shimmering blade engraved with runes. "Hmm...an Elysion. Interesting. Why couldn't you conjure up some healing items or something, though? Ah, well...this should do just fine." Readying the blade, she walked out to face Falz.

Danielle stepped out of the cave, murder in her eyes. Raising Elysion high above her head, she was pleased to find that her techniques were working again. 'Ah...if we're both conscious, they don't work. And we can't use them on each other. But...we can use them on Falz. Excellent...' She cast Shifta and Deband on herself, then began running toward Falz. The few Darvants that popped up were swiftly cut down as she continued her mad rush.

As she approached the massive creature, it cast Rafoie at her. She managed to barely leap aside to avoid the blast, but was caught by a Rabarta wave as she landed. It froze her solid. 'I can't die like this!' she thought, sending a wave of technique energy through her that shattered the frozen prison. Charging Elysion with the electrical force of a level fifty Zonde, she plunged it into the eye of one of the three heads of Falz's chariot. After stabbing it, she brought the electrified blade across and then down, decapitating one of the three chariot's heads. Falz screamed in rage, then slumped. The chariot dissolved, and it began to hover around the platform.

'Hmph, one down...two to go. This should be fun.' As Falz' weak point appeared over the edge of the platform, she began chain-casting Barta as fast as she could. The rapid-fire waves of ice struck the demon, freezing it solid. Leaping at it, she charged her blade with Foie. "Why not?', she thought as she executed a leaping upward slash with the flaming Elysion. "Ryuenjin:Ni" she cried. The flaming slash did incredible damage, and the massive Foie wave that followed blasted a hole in Falz's chest. Descending from performing her stolen technique, she watched as Falz turned blue and shrank. A ring of magical energy embedded with shining glyphs formed, carrying her into the air as Falz sprouted wings. 'Last one. It seems that Falz is only as powerful as the current state of Ayame's hatred. She's out cold, so it's pretty weak. This shouldn't take that long...'

On Dezolis, Sage and the group are in the middle of a howling blizzard. Everywhere around them, there was only a white blur. He heard Lissandra's voice in the back of his mind. "Sage...we should be near the cave. If we don't find shelter soon, we'll freeze to death. Get Brom to check it out. We can't see a thing in this weather."

"Ok, sure." Sage contacted Brom, who replied that there was indeed a system of caves nearby.

The group headed towards the caves, which were only about thirty yards from their current position. In the opposite direction. If Brom hadn't found them, they would have frozen to death. As they pulled up to the caves, they were startled to see an intoxicatingly beautiful woman swathed in a white cloak approaching them. She seemed like an apparition conjured from the snow. "Liss, take the controls. That must be the Snow Queen..." Sage fumbled in his robes for his Red Handgun, but before he could draw it it heard a soothing voice in his mind.

"Put that away, please. I won't hurt you. It's been oh so long since I've had...guests. Please, come inside and enjoy the hospitality of my home."

"Are you...the Snow Queen?"

Sage heard soft, sultry laughter in his mind. "Some call me that, yes. But you may call me Lorna."

Lutz spoke. "Sage...this woman is a demon. She is not to be trusted!."

"Demon...? I'm hurt, Lutz. It's been so long since we've seen each other, and this is how you greet me?"

Sage could feel Lutz's surprise. Lorna wasn't supposed to be able to detect that. With a small twinge of uneasiness, he leaned forward and told Lissandra to follow Lorna. He then radioed the instructions to the others, who followed Lorna as she lightly stepped across the snow. Looking down, Sage saw that she was barefoot. Curious, he and the others followed her into her cave after gathering their bags and parking the snowmobiles.

On Pioneer 2, JiEin is talking to Labyrinth inside his office. Leah is in the med lab waiting to see if Ayame pulls through.

"JiEin, I have a request to make of you."

"Yes, what is it, Labyrinth?"

"I need you to go to Ragol and retreive X's katanas. I think we may need them to help break Zionus' control over him. They should still be in the temple where Zionus attained his power. Scans show it to be deserted, other than some monsters. Could you go? We have few competent Resistance members to spare. They are all in training."

"Very well, I'll go. What are the coordinates?"

After relaying the coordinates to him, Labyrinth watched JiEin leave. He then contacted the Dreamchasers, informing them that they had another two hours to prepare.

JiEin makes his way to a teleporter, but with Danielle's recent rampage, the closest teleporter to Ragol's surface that was left standing was near a bar. As he walks by, he sees the limp body of one of Zionus' soldiers go flying out of the bar. The tall, violet-haired figure of Neifirst strides out of the building, adjusting the broken claw on her right arm. Seeing JiEin, she stops.

"Hello, Neifirst. Did you send that man flying?"

"Yes, I did. Would you like to join him? The group of soldiers managed to break my claw, and I still have some frustration to take out. This 'Zionus' fool is causing havoc everywhere. I'm trying to find where his base is. I'm tired of listening to his endless televangelizing."

"Well, there's a group of like-minded individuals known as the Resistance who could help. I've joined the group, after my restaurant was destroyed."

"That little purple hellion?"

"Yes. It turns out that it was an alter ego of Ayame, infused with the power of the conduit. She beat up X. You'd probably like her..."

"Why is X following Zionus, anyway? I know he's a little twerp, but he's usually not that stupid."

"Mind control. Actually, I'm going to retrieve his katanas. They may be able to help break the mind control. Would you like to join me?"

"You're an errand boy now, JiJi? For X, no less...how pathetic."

"They are located in a ruin on Ragol, filled with monsters. X was fighting Zionus when he was captured, and they were left there. I'm going to retrieve them. If you're looking for a fight, you may find it there."

"Sure, why not? I've got nothing better to do. And my Claw's broken. I guess I'll have to use my Meteor Cudgel. But why do you think the swords will help?"

"Because of the way X's mind works. He seems to have a strong emotional bond to his katanas, enabling him to use immense power when connected to them. We are of the opinion that could help break the brainwashing. Orochiagito seems to have a soul of it's own..."

"Sure, I'll go. And I'd like to meet these Resistance people. If nothing else, it'll give me someone to beat u- , I mean spar with..."

The newman and the android continued on their way to the teleporter. As they reached it, they saw three of Zionus' soldiers chasing a cat.

"Do you think that's...?" JiEin asked, turning to Neifirst.

"Keiko? Most likely. I can't think of any other reason why these morons would be chasing a cat."

Neifirst strode up to the first soldier, tapped him on the shoulder and punched him in the face. He slumped to the ground, unconscious. JiEin smacked one of the others with his spare wok, since using Ji Sword would have likely killed him.

The third ran into a wall chasing Keiko. She leaped onto his shoulders, sprang off and transformed into her humanoid form in mid-air, landing in a crouch. Whirling, the blue-haired newman girl delivered a roundhouse kick to the soldier's face, her grey boot slamming into his temple, knocking him to the ground. Turning to face Ji and Nei, she smiled brightly. "Hi guys! How've you been?"

"Pretty well. The Imperial Wok was destroyed, and now I'm working for the Resistance." JiEin replied.

"Fine." was all Neifirst said.

"Oh, ok. I was shopping when these guys tried to arrest me. Said something about how I couldn't be allowed to run free because some 'Lord Zionus' guy didn't want unregistered shapeshifters running about."

"Yes, Zionus has been causing many problems lately. The Resistance is planning to stop him." JiEin replied.

"Sounds like fun. But why's X with him? He seems like a bad guy..."

"X is being mind-controlled. We're going to retrieve his katanas, since his strong emotional bond with them may help. Would you like to accompany us? There may be some resistance. There has been a lot of D-Cell activity picked up from the ruins. "

"Oh, so he left them on Ragol?"

"Yes. He was captured fighting Zionus, and the katanas were left there."

"Oh, ok. Let's go, then. I haven't had a good workout in a while."

The group proceeded to the teleporter, and beamed down to the surface of Ragol.

Materializing on the surface of Ragol, JiEin, Neifirst and Keiko begin to make their way through the forest to the temple. Their beam-in spot is a short distance away from the temple where Zionus first usurped the power of the Great Light. The minimal resistance they encounter is swiftly quelled. Neifirst's claw was broken, so she's using a Meteor Cudgel. JiEin has his Ji Sword, and Keiko is slashing all that approach her with her katana. Within about fifteen minutes, they make it to the temple.

Inside Zionus' citadel, Eriror is kneeling before the throne of Zionus. Zionus motions for him to rise and give his report.

"My Lord...I am sorry. We were unable to stop the destruction of your base. My weakness is not worthy of your glory, master."

"The prime subject of the facility was successfully retrieved, was it not? That was your primary mission. Your valiant effort enabled the secondary squad to obtain the product successfully.Preparations are taking place now for the second stage of my rapture. Do not trouble yourself, my servant."

Eriror looks completely stunned. He gazes at Zionus in wonder. He truly is great! He is able to turn failure into victory. I shall praise his wisdom all the more."

"Thank you, O' Great One. What may I do to serve you?"

"Kikuu has been damaged beyond repair. I would have you see to his proper disposal, then head to the lab. His replacement has been found. See to it that Kimiko is repaired, then retire to your quarters until I summon you."

Eriror bowed, turned and strode from the room. After informing the technicians of Zionus' wishes, he went to the lab where a short, black-plated Hucaseal was on a diagnostic table. The head technician bowed, then spoke.

"Sir Eriror, this is the newest member of your squad. She is named Shard, and I hope she serves you well." Flipping an activation switch, the lights on Shard's mechanical body flashed to life, and the female android sat up, turning her head to address Eriror.

"You are commander Eriror, correct? I am programmed to serve you. What is your command, sir?" She said, in a flat synthesized voice.

"Could you make her less...mechanical? Activate her personality programs, then set her to training. I must rest for now." Eriror said. The technician bowed, and Eriror left the room. Walking back to his quarters, he dwelled on what Lord Zionus had said.

So the clone must be almost ready. I wonder what he plans to do with the original? He failed him three times already... Eriror had made it back to his room, and removing his armor, swiftly fell asleep.

The Dreamchasers are reporting to Labyrinth, after securing their equipment and readying everything for their mission. Labyrinth gave them the coordinates, then began to review the plan.

In the medical lab, Ayame is tossing and turning, her body spasming violently every now and then. Her vital signs are still sporadic, but not quite as weak. Leah sits by her, maintaining a constant vigil as her niece fights to live. Nurses and doctors bustle about, checking her readings.

On Dezolis, Sage and the others have arrived at Lorna's cave.

Inside Ayame's mind, a furious battle rages between Danielle and the manifestation of Dark Falz summoned by Ayame's rage.

Danielle leaps back, barely avoiding a powerful slash from the glowing figure of Dark Falz. The photon blade on its arm sinks into the circle of runes. Before he can withdraw it, Danielle has leaped at the arm, charging her Elysion with Barta. "Hyouretsuzan:Ni!" she cries, stabbing the freezing blade into Falz's arm. The creature cries in pain as it's arm is impaled into the artificial surface it created. With a fierce downward slash, she severs the arm, then continues in a strike at its face. The blade cuts deep, but it backs away before it becomes lethal. The Elysion is pulled from her hand as it sticks in Falz's side, and as it flies upward the blade falls to the ground below.

'Well...that can't be good,' she thinks, watching her weapon plummet to the ground. 'Guess I'll have to do this the hard way...' She begins running to avoid a volley of blue energy blasts Falz fires at her. Ducking and dodging, she is so busy avoiding the blasts that she is hit by a strange beam. Looking up, she sees a faint image of herself float towards Falz. 'Oh, you messed up now, pal.'

Unfortunately for Danielle, the flurry of Level 50 Foie techs she cast hit Falz, but reflected the damage onto her. She passes out with a look of shock on her face.

Inside the cave, Ayame begins to stir. Reaching into her belt, she finds the Trimate and Trifluid she stashed there. Breaking the capsules, she allows them to work their healing magic. A few moments later, she slowly stands. 'Hmm...feels like Danielle's been taken out. I wonder what happened? I'm glad I didn't give her my last two healing items. I need to go help her, though.' Casting Shifta and Deband on herself, she leaves the cave to head towards the emanations of Falz.

Lorna escorts Sage, Lissandra, Brom and Yokote into her home. Lissandra is very pale, and is being supported by Yokote and Sage. Lorna moves toward the fireplace, then looks disdainfully at her barren woodpile. Lissandra is shivering, and is gently placed on the bed by Sage, who has a worried look on his face.

"Excuse me,gentlemen?" She says, turning to Yokote and Brom. Batting her big blue eyes, she asks "Could you go get some more firewood, please?"

"In the middle of a snowstorm? Are you certain that is wise?" Yokote asks, as Brom simply fixes her with his yellow-eyed mechanical gaze.

"Everything will be fine. I can cast a charm on you to allow you to find your way through the storm, and protect you from the cold. However, to help your friend get warm, we need a fire. And since I was expecting company...I'm terribly sorry." Lorna said, walking to Yokote and placing a hand on his arm. "Could you do this for me, please? I must tend to your friend. She's near hypothermia, and I am a healer..." Yokote looks down at her arm, then nods.

As this is going on, Lutz speaks softly into Sage's mind. "Sage...be wary. She is not a normal woman. I fear she may try to entrance you. Be careful. She can pick up on our conversations if we do not shield. If you wish to converse with me, just think. Shield your thoughts, and don't use telepathy."

"Very well, miss. I shall do as you request. Just apply the charm, please."

Lorna slides the hand on his arm up to his shoulder, reaches out with her other hand and grasps his other shoulder. Leaning in, she brushes her lips lightly against his forehead.

"There you go. And...Mr. Android? I don't think you'll need a charm. Can you go with him to help carry the wood, please? With all these guests, we'll need a lot to last the night."

Brom stares at her for a second. Who does this woman think she is? She's definitely 'attractive' by meatbag standards, but...ah, what the hell. Why not? I have nothing else to do, and maybe I'll get to kill something.

Yokote and Brom grab a small sled from the wall, and step outside into the howling blizzard. With Lorna's charm, Yokote can easily see that there is a forest close by the cave. Brom is nearly impervious to the weather.

"Let's not stay out here too long, fleshie. My joints'll frost over." Brom says to Yokote as they enter the forest.

"I would ask you not to call me 'fleshie', please. My name is Yokote." he says, with a slightly offended look on his face. Lorna's charm has made him feel as if he is walking through a warm spring day. I wonder why I have so much trouble thinking clearly around that woman? It is not merely her beauty... she must be a powerful mage. I will make haste. I do not feel comfortable leaving Sage and Lissandra alone unguarded around her. She makes me...uneasy.

Yokote and Brom head deeper into the forest, searching for trees that are not so thickly covered with snow. Inside Lorna's abode, Sage is kneeling by Lissandra. Suddenly, he feels arms closing around him. He jumps as warm breath tickles his ear. He feels his face turn red, and moves to stand. Whirling around, he sees that Lorna is kneeling behind him, hugging him. She's taller than he is, so she's not crouched, simply leaning. She has removed her pristine white cloak, and the only clothing she is wearing is a rather tiny bikini, which leaves little to the imagination. The view from the front as she leans over is breathtaking, to say the least. She stands, smiling at Sage.

"So, Sage...now that we're alone, I'd like to talk to you. We were never properly introduced. I am Lorna." she says, extending a hand to him.

Sage takes a deep breath, then looks down at Lissandra. She is sleeping peacefully, seemingly without a care in the world. She'd passed out on a heap of blankets, and although she was shivering slightly, seemed to be fine. Steeling himself, he stands.

"Hello, Lorna. I'm Sage." he says, taking her hand and shaking it. What the hell...? My hands are sweaty. Why am I so nervous?

Because...I think you like what you see, eh? Lorna's voice spoke into his mind.

"Lutz told you to shield your thoughts, remember? And I'm sure he told you all sorts of other evil things about me too. I don't know why he dislikes little old me, though. I'm harmless..." she said, as a pouting look spread over her face.

"Oh...right. So, what did you want to talk to me about? And how can you do all this?"

"All what...?" She says, as she flashes a dazzingly innocent smile.

"The charm, the sleeping spell on Lissandra, the thoughtsensing... And how did you find us?" And how is your...outfit enough protection against the cold? I'm fully clothed and I'm freezing.

"Hmm...well, I guess you could say I'm special. And you're getting better at this shielding thing. I only caught 'I'm freezing' this time. If you're that cold, I know of a way you can get warmer quite easily..." She looks at him with one blonde eyebrow raised suggestively.

"Um...Rafoie?" Sage asks, chuckling nervously. What is it with this lady? I know I'm not that charming....

"Yes, of course. And you are certainly charming. If not, that grouch Lutz would never have chosen you."

"So...how do you know Lutz?" Sage asked, trying to change the subject.

"I've had...dealings with the Espers before. I'm afraid they don't like me much..." Lorna said, smiling at Sage again.

"Ok. What did you want to talk to me about, again?"

"Valiant attempt to change the subject, hon. But... you seek to defeat Zionus, right?"

"Yes, actually. That's why I came to Dezolis. But how did you know that? I wasn't thinking about that when I came here, and I would've felt you probing my mind for the information."

"I've actually been watching you, Zionus and the strange girl with the Darkness conduit for a while, now. There are far too many people playing around with the power of the gods, and it could get out of hand. I'd like to help prevent a disaster. Will you let me help you? I have a device you will need to help you retrieve the Rings of Stars" She says, as she moves closer. Sage is relatively pinned in a small area, and can't move away. As she steps closer, he can smell the subtle scent of orchids. Her perfume is entrancing, and almost against his will he moves towards her.

He is abruptly stopped by Lutz's scream in the back of his mind. Sage, watch yourself! She seeks to drain your energy, and steal your soul!

Shaking his head to clear it, he opens his eyes wide and stares at Lorna. She smiles coyly at him, and reaches for him. Cupping his face in her hands, she stares into his eyes with an amused look on her face.

"He's not exactly...lying, but he makes it sound so bad. It's actually rather...fun, being drained. Or so all the villagers tell me. Draining requires a lot of prolonged physical contact, and the best way to distract from the odd feeling is to make them feel pleasure at the same time. The best way to do that is... well...the thing you've been thinking of since you first saw me."

Sage starts to back up, and nearly trips over a chair behind him. Lorna moves her hands to his shoulders, steadying him easily. Her strong hands lightly caress his upper arms before moving to his shoulders.

"But I've never drained anyone that didn't want me to, (or just simply want me) and I'm not about to start now. Coercion is so much more fun that intimidation, anyway. Besides... if I drain you, I get to taste both you and Lutz. For such a delicious meal, I'll gladly work a little harder. That, and seduction happens to be one of my hobbies. "

Sage was blushing brightly, and having trouble forming coherent words. Wow... this is strange. I want to give in, but... at the same time, I don't trust her. I'm sure it would be fun, but I'm rather attached to my soul. Dropping his mental shield, he spoke into her mind.

" I'll make a deal with you, okay? If you help me beat Zionus, I'll let you drain me. How's that sound?"

Lorna seemed taken aback by the influx of his thoughts. He's so strong-willed. Mmm...tasty. This will be fun. But I'm going to be really disappointed if I don't have him. Then again...the chase is the best part.

"So you like strong wills? Good. I've had to develop a lot of willpower to control my abilities."

Lorna was shocked. How did he read my thoughts? I was shielding...he is good. I have to watch myself.

Sage slid his arms around her waist. Hah, I've got her off balance. She didn't expect me to go on the 'offensive.' I may be able to get her to help me after all. But why don't I at least give in? I could probably block the soul drain, and she's certainly attractive...

Lorna released him, and pulled away with a sigh of regret. "Well...if you won't let me drain you, I suppose I'll have to convince you. But you don't seem like the type to go in for the type of 'convincing' that I usually use...sad, really. It'd be fun for both of us. Yet if you want to tease me like this, I'm afraid I can't just hang all over you. I'm not that type of girl... We should probably get to know each other first, otherwise that over-active conscience of yours will beat you up." She grinned brightly at him, and began to wave her hands in a complicated pattern, weaving strands of light together. In the middle of the orb of light that formed between her hands, he saw Yokote and Brom walking in a snowy forest.

"Are they still looking for firewood? They're walking right by it..."

"Yes, that's my fault I'm afraid. I wanted to ensure we'd have our 'alone time', so I cast a spell of illusion to keep them wandering through the same section of forest until I broke the spell. I warded them against danger, but they are getting rather bored. Fortunately, they won't remember a bit of it when they return."

"Sneaky. So...do you want to go with us?"

"Why Sage...a date already? I'm flattered. But yes, I'll go. Your friend over there will wake up in the morning. The spell I cast on her will both repair the damage done to her body by the cold and soothe her mind of the nightmares she's been having."

"Wow, you're really thorough. It seems like you've done this before..."

Lorna laughed. " I like to ensure privacy for both my recreation and my meals. And you could provide both..." she said, batting her eyes at him seductively as the pitch of her voice dropped to a sultry whisper.

"Not that I'm not flattered, but since you broke the spell, they'll be back soon. And we wouldn't have enough time...'

"Really? I doubt it would take that long. But...you have a point. They will return soon. So, would you like to learn more about where we'll be going? I picked up a few bits of knowledge here and there..."

"Ok, but we may have to explain it again when they get here."

"That's fine. I get lonely sitting here all alone, so I like to talk to people when I get the chance. The villagers that wander by oftentimes just want to jump straight to the draining. It's loads of ...fun, but not exactly intellectually stimulating. Could you tell me exactly what happened in the temple on Ragol when Zionus first appeared? I may be able to help you find a weakness."

Sage began to recount the tale of Zionus' ascension, as Lorna watched with a rapt expression on her face. Lutz spoke into his mind. "Well done, Sage. I didn't expect you to be able to turn the tables on her, honestly."

"Well...I had two things helping me. One, I've been friends with Dante for quite a while, and he's a master of manipulating women. I picked up a few things here and there. Two, I did what you wanted to do and were unable to when you encountered her. You gave in rather quickly...being an Esper leader is lonely, huh?"

Lutz's reply was short, sharp and obscene.

Brom and Yokote returned, dragging a sled full of firewood. As Lorna turned to greet them, she failed to notice Sage sighing with relief.

I'm so glad they're back. If she'd realized I was bluffing, and unable to resist her for much longer...I'd be a soulless husk right now. I can't believe one of Dante's stupid tricks worked. Any more of that and my head would've exploded...

He stood, and walked over to Lissandra as Yokote and Lorna started a fire. If she hadn't have been here, I would've given in. Thanks, Liss. I just hope I'm never alone with Lorna again. That bluff won't work next time, and I came precariously close to losing my soul... He shudders, as Lissandra continues to sleep.

On Ragol, JiEin cleaves a leaping Gulgus Gue in two with his Ji Sword right as it prepared to pounce at Keiko. Neifirst is pounding a Bartle with her Meteor Cudgel, and it swiftly falls under the barrage of rapid-fire hits. Keiko looks over her shoulder at JiEin, seeing the Hildetorr leaping at him. She charges towards him, gathering flame to her blade. The hildetorr is met in midair by the leaping Keiko, and her Ryuenjin:Chou attack splits it in half. The massive creature's corpse falls to the ground, followed lightly be Keiko. As the red glow of it's burning body fades, a red box can be seen amidst it's corpse.

JiEin walks over to it, and picks it up. A quick scan reveals it to be a type of mineral known as Syncesta."Thank you for the assistance, Keiko. Do you need a Syncesta?"

"No...I don't have a Lavis. I like my katana, anyway."

"Neifirst, would you like it?"He asks, as she finishes demolishing the poor Bartle she'd cornered.

She turns to him, then laughs. "Nah, no thanks. I don't like daggers, and I'd need two for a Double Cannon. Keep it, JiJi."

JiEin stows the mineral in one of his forearm compartments, and they continue on to the temple.

Stepping into the dimly lit stone structure, they see signs of a previous battle everywhere. A few rooms into the temple, a group of Delsabers teleport in, followed by two Gran Sorcerers and an Indi Belra.

"Hmmph...thought the brat cleaned the place out, Ji?" Neifirst said, a gleeful smile on her face as she cast a swift Shifta technique. Readying her Meteor Cudgel, she blocked the leaping slash of the first Delsaber. The frenzy of elegant blocks she performed as the next two leaped at her allowed her to counter attack easily, and in seconds there were three dead Delsabers.

Keiko cast Jellen and Zalure, then rushed the Gran Sorceror that wasn't able to teleport away. One quick Raitonken:Chou attack later, and the katana buried in it's chest was sending a surge of electricity through it's dying body.

JiEin blocks the Belra's flying arm, then hurls a Freeze trap at the Belra. Just as it explodes, sending it's freezing mist outward, the Gran Sorceror teleports into it's area of effect. A few blows from the Ji Sword later, and the fearsome beasts resemble a hacked-up ice sculpture.

Continuing onward, the group comes to a large room deep within the temple. There is a massive pile of rubble in one corner, and an ornate door leads to what seems to be an antechamber of sorts. As they step inside, a pair of katanas can be seen laying on the ground, next to two sheaths.

"Aha, X's Agito and Yasha. Splendid." JiEin says, as he walks toward the center of the room. Neifirst and Keiko follow, but as he reaches the katana five Ill Gills warp into the room...followed by two Delbiters and about 10 Deldepths. A series of ornate runes on the floor begin to glow, and barriers of green energy spring up, dividing the room into three sections. JiEin is in one, with the Agito, the Ill Gills and half the Deldepths. Neifirst is in the adjacent one, with the Yasha, two Delbiters and the rest of the Deldepths. Keiko seems to be alone, until 8 Morfos warp into her side of the room.

The Ill Gill's first dash knocks the Ji Sword from JiEin's hand, sending it into the previous room. He dodges the second dash, and dives for the Agito. As his hand grasps the hilt, a wave of power floods through him. Drawing his wok, a series of images flash across his sensors. The records of the Pal Rappies, Mil Lilies and Tollaw he killed in his hunt for this weapon spring into activation. He grips his wok and lets out a robotic howl of triumph as a powerful Shifta and Deband are cast by the interaction of the mythical blade and the mythical cooking instrument.

Synchronized with his systems as they are, he is elevated to a fighting potential far beyond what he was originally built for. The Bluefull Section ID tag on his chest glows for a second, then shatters, raining fine shards of blue onto the ground. It is replaced by a blue sphere surrounded by a white S. He glows with energy as he tears into the Ill Gills and Deldepths with his katana/wok combo.

Keiko and Neifirst stare at him blankly for a second, stunned. They are then forced to go back to the task of keeping themselves alive. Neifirst narrowly dodges a Delbiter charge, and scoops up the Yasha. As the second beast begins to charge, she hurls the Yasha into its single green eye. The holy blade penetrates to the hilt, then falls to the ground as the Delbiter dissolves into a puddle of purple goo. Keiko freezes two adjacent Morfos with a Hyourretsuzan:Chou, then shatters them with a kick. Two more are taken out with graceful slashes. Turning to dodge the blasts of one, she is simultaneously hit with the beams of the last three others, and slumps to the ground.

Neifirst is beating on the remaining Delbiter with her Meteor Cudgel, but is surrounded by a ring of Deldepths and chain-Megided. She falls with a faint curse on her lips.

JiEin has taken out three of the Ill Gills, and all the Deldepths in his partition. As he sees his teammates fall, the true power he obtained is unleashed. He crosses his blade and wok as an arcane symbol akin to a photon blast appears underneath him. The enemies in the room freeze as the image of a man in a white martial arts uniform appears. JiEin cries out SEGAAATAAAA SAAANSHIIIIROOO!!!!!!!!! as a dome of white energy begins to spread outward from the mythical Saturn Warrior. The green barriers and the Morfos are obliterated, and the other creatures severely weakened. Keiko and Neifirst are revived, and a white glow settles over the three of them. As the image of Segata Sanshiro fades, an army of Ill Gills warp in.

The three begin to fight, protected by the mythical aura of Segata Sanshiro. JiEin catches the first dashing Ill Gill with his outstretched katana, and hurls it to the ground with a modified shoulder-throw. He stabs downward with his wok, and the powerful implement penetrates the armored chest of the Ill Gill, killing it instantly. It lets out a high pitched shriek as it dies.

Keiko is chanting, and creates a dozen copies of herself by casting Usetsemi: Chou. Her clones and herself dash forward, tearing through the Ill Gill's in their path with a powerful two-handed downward slash. The mingled cries of Juuhaazan:Chou drown out the death sounds of the Ill Gills.

Neifirst bats an Ill Gill into the air, then leaps and smashes it into the others before they can dodge. She jumps at them, descending into the crowd in a flurry of kicking, punching and striking with her Meteor Cudgel. They swiftly fall under her vicious assault.

Within moments, the superpowered group had killed the fifty Ill Gills that ambushed them. As one final Ill Gill, heavily damaged, staggers towards JiEin, he draws his ladle and channels power through the metal of the ladle, sending a bolt of white energy at it, blowing its head off. It slumps and dies, and the three survey the carnage they have caused.

The glow around JiEin dies, and he puts away the wok and Agito. His section ID is still changed, however. Neifirst turns to him and punches him, as Keiko looks on in amusement.

"Ji...what the hell was that? And what do you have to gain by screaming like an anime fanboy? The kid is a bad influence on you, I swear." Picking up the Yasha, Keiko creates a telepipe as JiEin retrieves his Ji Sword.

"I...am not entirely sure, Neifirst. When I combined the power of the wok and the Agito, something happened. Memories of my hunt for this weapon were triggered, and I obtained a power boost far beyond my original design potential. Regardless...we should return."

The three telepiped back to Pioneer 2, and headed for Resistance HQ.

The Dreamchasers and Labyrinth are inside his office, going over the last steps of their plan.

"Ok, so we teleport near his base, sneak in and find X. Then the logic bomb you put in his computer goes off, his security systems go haywire, we incapacitate X and escape. Is that the general idea?" Nova asked, going over the data in his PDA one more time.

"Yes, Labyrinth said. And if you need to, we have a panic button set up to allow you to call for help from us if necessary."

'Wow, large room for error here... We sneak into a mad god's hideout, kindnap his highest ranking soldier, run away and hope we don't die a horrible death. What could possibly go wrong...?" Axios said, with a skeptical look on his face.

"Well...we are the best at stealth and infiltration, Axios. If we can't pull it off, no one can. So...we ready?" Kiara asked, standing.

"Sure, sure...I have my will and testament written out, and all my worldly affairs are in order. How about you two?" Axios said, pushing back his chair and getting to his feet.

"Ax, it can't be that bad. I've handled a room full of Deldepths, Delbiters, Sinows and Morfos solo. Kiara is a master infiltrator. You are very good at causing distractions. We can do this. Let's go." Nova stood, stretching, and headed for the door.

"Remember, you can call us if you need us. Our forces are not capable of standing up to Zionus' army in total, but we may be able to take on small groups of his soldiers if need be. Good luck, Dreamchasers." Labyrinth watched them as they left, then glanced down at his desk as his communicator went off. JiEin had returned. He walked to the door, and went to meet JiEin.

Inside Ayame's mind, Ayame prepares to face Dark Falz.

Danielle got taken out somehow. It's up to me now. And I have no weapon...

Bracing herself, she headed towards the two glowing rune circles blazing in the sky of her mind.

JiEin, Neifirst and Keiko are standing in the hallway outside the medical lab. Labyrinth comes up to meet them, and asks about Ayame's condition.

"We just got here ourselves. And we were able to retrieve X's katanas."

"Very good. Who are your new companions?"

"This is Neifirst", JiEin said, pointing to the silent newoman standing beside him with her arms crossed.

"And I'm Keiko" Keiko replied brightly. "Are you Labyrinth?"

"Yes, I am. Would you like to join us in our fight against Zionus?"

"JiJi already gave us that speech, and sure. I've been too long without a good challenge." Neifirst answered. "But what's wrong with the kid? And when did she grow up?"

"Ever since the release of her Danielle personality and its subsequent forced dormancy, she's been comatose. However, her life signs have begun to get stronger. We think she may be coming out of it." Labyrinth stated.

"That's good to hear. I'm going to go see Elly for repairs, and to run a few tests. Something...odd, happened to me in the temple on Ragol. Please inform me of Ayame's status, Labyrinth. Neifirst, Keiko... you can come with me, or you can stay here. I'm sure Labyrinth can show you around." JiEin turned and walked off.

"Danielle...that purple glowing hellion that went on a killing spree the other day? I knew that kid would make me proud..." Neifirst said.

"Keiko, do you wish to stay here with Ayame, or would you like me to show you to your rooms? Neifirst, you are welcome to come too."

"Nah, Lab, I'll stay here. I want to talk to Ayame about her powers when she awakens." Neifirst settled into a chair to wait.

"I'll go, Lab! I want to take a shower, cause I'm all covered in monster blood." Keiko followed Labyrinth, as Neifirst stared in the window at the medical center.

That girl was always powerful, but I'm wondering when she became a conduit. Perhaps when Zio died? I must ask her when she awakens... C'mon girl, fight.

On Ragol, Eriror is awakened from his slumber by Zionus' summon. He dresses quickly, hurrying to the throne room. His master is going to engage the final stage of the project today, and wants Eriror there to observe.

As he reaches the throne of his master, he is startled to see the figure of X. I thought the master was going to punish him for his failure? Unless...oh! I understand now...

Outside Zionus' citadel, the Dreamchasers swiftly take out two guards, then rush to the side of the former Central Dome. Nova shoots a third guard with his Supressed Gun, as Axios Megids a fourth. Kiara enters in their stolen security code, and they enter the Dome.

In Lorna's cave on Dezolis, the discussion is winding down. As the group drifts off to sleep in varying places, Sage sends a mental message to Nova.

'Nova, is the plan coming along?"

"Yes, Sage"

"I'm glad you let me be in on the meeting. I may be able to shield you somewhat from mental detection. Just be careful, my friend. If something goes wrong, just think really hard at me and I'll hear it. Good luck, Nova."

"Thank you, we may need it."

Inside Ayame's mind, she has reached the glowing rune rings. A beam of light teleports her up to face the manifestation of Darkness.

As she materializes on the magical surface, she spies a red box. Running towards it, she dives and picks it up as Falz unleashes a series of energy blasts. Activating the capsule, she withdraws the Twinkle Star from inside. 'I always wanted one of these. Too bad Uncle X gave me a Guard Wave for Christmas instead. Whatever I think here seems to happen, so lets try thinking of how to kill Falz.'

Raising the wand, she fires off a Foie that speeds toward Falz, hitting it directly in the face. 'Wow. This is great. Without a weapon, growing up let me cast quickly, but with this I can shoot Foie like a mechgun burst. Yay!' She releases a flurry of fireballs that do immense damage to Falz. As she dodges the counter-swipe from it's remaining arm, she is hit by a strange beam that causes a transparent image of herself to rise towards Falz.

'Oh, this must be that 'soul-steal' attack Uncle X talked about. I shouldn't attack him. Hey, what's that green box?'

Rushing towards it, she picks up a Moon Atomizer. As the image of her soul floats down towards her, she uses the Moon Atomizer on Danielle. 'I didn't want to revive her, but I feel incomplete without her.'

Coughing, Danielle slowly rises to her feet to see Ayame standing over her. "How did you revive me? And how did you get revived?"

"I had a Trimate left, and I found this Moon Atomizer on the ground. How did Falz beat you?" She said, as the two began running to avoid a series of energy blasts.

"He grabbed my soul and I fried myself. You wanna kill him now, or just keep running all day?"

"Let's kill him now. What did you have in mind?"

"Well, this is our mind. We have power here. Let's try that Dark Eternal thing you've been trying to make work."

"Ok, sure."

With that, the two newmen girls begin chanting. They warp to opposite sides of the circle, and shadowy clones of them surround the ring. As the chanting grows in volume, speed and intensity, the clones and the originals begin to hover off the ground. A pinpoint of shadow energy forms in Falz's chest as he swipes at one of the clones, doing no damage. The dot grows rapidly, expanding into a dome that rapidly consumes Falz, then the ring, then the landscape itself. When the destructive energy fades, Falz is a pile of ash, which swiftly blows away in the breeze. Danielle and Ayame awaken on the beach where they first met.

"Well, you're about to wake up. As much as I want to kill you, I realize I can't without a body of my own."

"Yes. I'll try not to exclude you from everything if you promise not to go on anymore killing sprees. Do we have a deal?"

"Sure, for now. But as soon as I gain the power to free myself, you get the pleasure of dying first at my hands."

"So nice to know a part of my mind wants to kill me. Well, see ya." Ayame fades out as Danielle sits down on the beach to wait. Suddenly, a giftwrapped present pops up on the beach. The tag reads "To Danielle. Here's something to help you pass the time."

As she opens the present, a large door appears, marked 'To Theater'. Opening the door, Danielle is sucked inside a movie theater, where mental movies of all the good memories Ayame had withheld from her begin to be displayed on the screen. 'Wow... she really is trying to not be such a brat anymore. Wish I had some popcorn, though...' With but a thought, the world's largest, greasiest bucket of popcorn appears, followed by a soft drink cup the size of a small person.

"Wow...I may make her death quick now. She's actually trying." Settling back, Danielle begins to enjoy the memories that have been withheld from her. In each scene, instead of Ayame being in them, it's Danielle. Something strangely close to contentment fills her heart, for the first time not brought on by wanton destruction.

Inside the medical lab, Ayame's eyes open and she sits up. Instantly, Leah's arms are around her.

"Ayame...I'm so glad you're ok. We were so worried!" Leah says, as she begins to cry into Ayame's neck. Her words are followed by the arrival of Neifirst. Moments later, Labyrinth and Keiko burst into the room, followed quickly by JiEin and Elly, JiEin still trailing wires from Elly's diagnostic machinery.

Outside Zionus' throne room, alarms are blazing. The corridor is dimly lit by red emergency lights as four people run down the hallway.

"So...who are you people? You look vaguely familiar, but I'm not quite sure where I know you from." X says, running quickly.

Kiara, still slightly hurt from the punch she took from X's clone, stops running for second to cast Resta. "We're the Dreamchasers. We were sent by Labyrinth and Sage to rescue you from Zionus."

X stops running, and turns to stare at her. "Oh, right. You don't think you could have done it a little sooner, maybe? You know...before I was forced to nearly kill my niece?"

"Wow. We're really sorry we couldn't drop everything we were doing to come help the great X". Axios quipped.

"We have been very busy, X. Besides, we were planning for you to still be mind controlled. We recently found a way to break it, but it turns out that Zionus broke it himself." Kiara said, casting Resta.

After Kiara healed herself, they continued their flight. A guard popped out of a doorway, and X, weaponless, swung at him. It missed by a good three feet. He was felled by a hit from Axios' Rokujou.

What the hell is wrong with me? The guard was distracted. I should've been able to take him out effortlessly.

By this point, their mad dash to safety has brought them outside the Cental Dome. As they burst from the building, they are surrounded by ten guards. Nova throws X a capsule as they prepare to fight. "Take this. Not a katana, but may still be useful."

X cracks open the capsule, withdrawing the Calibur from inside. "Ok, time to die guards. I've been wanting to do this for a long time..." X rushes at the nearest guard, and manages a clumsy swing that is easily sidestepped by the guard. The guard counters with a hit from his DB's Saber to X's side that knocks him to the ground. As the guard prepares to finish him off, he is simultaneously hit by a Foie from Axios and a burst of gunfire from Nova, killing him.

Kiara parries the nearest two guard's strikes with her Kamuis, and kicks one in the stomach, doubling him over. She sends a jolt of Zonde down the handle of the other guard's weapon, immobilizing him.

Nova blasts five of the remaining guards with a special shot from his Spread Needle, immobilizing them. The helpless guards are finished off by a few more shots.

Axios unleashes a Megid blast at one guard, crumpling him. The remaining guard's weapon is sliced in two by Axios' double saber, followed by his torso meeting the same fate.

X slowly gets to his feet, a dazed look on his face. "Thank you for the save. Something is wrong with me, I think."

"Yes, I believe Zionus wasn't lying when he said that part of your soul was missing. You look...pale. And your limbs are twitching every now and then." Kiara said, looking him up and down. "And that clone was super strong. That hit would've taken my head off if not for Deband. I think somehow some of your strength got transferred to him."

"That would explain this...empty feeling I'm having. Even my link to the conduit seems weaker, somehow. Well, anyway...thanks for the save. So where are we going now, and why aren't we trying to kick Zionus' ass?"