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.

12. Saints and Sinners

Sage gets to his feet, wiping Delbiter goo off of the front of his shirt.

Lutz...you said that Grants and Megid weren't powerful enough to cause a big explosion. If that wasn't a 'big explosion'...then what the hell is? Sage thinks at Lutz, stepping lightly over the mangled corpses of the neon beasts.

I must admit, using your telekinesis to contain the energy was an impressive move. But if you could pull off the full technique, it would have a great deal more power. You must continue studying. Lutz replies, as Sage exits the room of trials.

Fine, fine. I did fairly well at the academy, but offensive techs were never really my thing. I got straight A's in support, but barely passed the offense section. I just have trouble with using my power to make stuff die.

Regardless, your unorthodox method did work. Let's continue onward...the individual trial is nearly over. Lutz says, as Sage begins strolling down a long, dimly lit hallway. About halfway down, he hears a faint shuffling noise. Drawing his Yasminkov, he crouches down and walks closer. A Pan Arms is trapped underneath a slab of debris from the ceiling, the blue Migium half completely crushed. At his approach, the Hidoom separates from its partner and extends a photon blade from its arm before lumbering towards him with an unsteady gait.

Sage casts a quick Zalure, then intercepts the stabbing blade with a telekinetic shield. Shrieking its rage, the creature backs up to try another attack. Before it can reach him, Sage levels his gun and fires three quick rounds at the Altered Beast's head, telekinetically guiding the shots to connect between its eyes. It lets out a low gurgle before toppling backwards and slowly dissolving. A glint of red shines from the puddle of ichor it leaves behind.

"Oh!" Sage yells with glee as he lunges forward, grabbing the red box. A quick examination of the contents reveals a slim, sleek Yasminkov 2000H in mint condition. He removes the gun, checking the sights and looking it over. Spinning it on his finger, he whirls around and targets a chunk of rock, hitting it with a precise shot. The low bark of the gun echoes down the hallway as Sage revels in his new acquisition.

Lutz! Do you know what this is?

"A gun of some sort. Jonas...you just obliterated an entire room of creatures with one casting, yet you are excited about an antique weapon that throws metal?"

"Never, ever say that again. Intangible thought construct or not, if you insult my gun again I will find a way to kill you. This does not just 'throw metal'. I actually hit something I was aiming at, without guiding the bullet. That's...unprecedented. This thing must have a ton of accuracy modifications on it. I think I'm in love..."

"Well, when you're done drooling, can we get on with this? The resonance of this tower is getting on my nerves."Lutz says in a low tone as Sage places the Yasminkov in the shoulder holster that formerly held his Red Handgun.

Are you sure that's not the aftereffect of the 'small explosion'? My ears are ringing too. Sage replies, making his way past more piles of rubble. Grinning like a child with a new toy, he comes to the end of the hallway. As he nears a metal door with faded markings on it, he is greeted by the glowing appearance of one of the guardians.

Excellent work. You are the only one of your companions who have currently completed your trial. the guardian says as Sage looks at him inquisitively.

"Only one? Are they alright?" he asks, a hint of worry in his voice.

They are still undergoing the trials. Their well-being remains to be seen.

"And I'm guessing there's nothing I can do to help them?"

No...they must be judged on their own merits. You simply required a test of strength, but they are being judged on both their wits and their resolve.

"Not that I'm complaining, but...why'd I get off so easily?" Sage asks.

The lady of the tower has become...impatient. She feels that you are worthy, so you get to bypass some of the other aspects of the trials.

"Nice. So...I just wait around here?"

No, step inside. The lady wishes to speak with you.

The guardian steps aside, motioning with an intangible arm for Sage to go inside a glowing door that appears behind him. As he steps into the portal, the world around him goes white for a second. Reappearing, he finds himself inside a small, well-furnished room at the top of the tower. A young woman is lounging in an overstuffed chair in one corner of the room. She is dressed in intricate silver plate armor, the gaps in the plate revealing a black armored bodysuit underneath. Red hair spills down her back as she gets to her feet. She smiles, then gives a slight nod as Sage walks in.

"Hello Sage. I am Alis. I wish to speak with you."

"Hi. You're the lady of the tower that the guardian spoke of, right?" Sage asks, as Alis motions him to a table nearby. A full meal is spread out on it, the table groaning under the weight.

"Yes, I am. Sit and refresh yourself. We have much to talk about." Alis sets an example by sitting in one of the chairs, then taking a long drink from a goblet set at her place. Sage seats himself, then looks over the table at Alis.

"What's wrong? Have I passed the trials?" Sage asks as Alis begins to nibble on a piece of bread.

"You have. Your companions are still undergoing theirs. But...that is irrelevant."

"Irrelevant? Why?" Sage asks, a look of surprise clouding his face.

"Because you are not leaving here with the Rings. I refuse to allow it." Alis says, her face blazing with a sudden fury.

In each of the trial rooms, the remaining members of Sage's group continue their trials.

Lissandra dodges a burst of gunfire, launching a series of Gifoies as she sprints for cover. As one of the fireballs hits a support column, she freezes the column with Gibarta. Two Slicer blades later and one of the copies of Jacen's battlesuit lies in smoking ruins, crushed by the toppled pillar. As another closes in, she runs straight at it, diving and rolling underneath it, coming up behind it.

She releases a Rabarta wave at point blank range, stiffening the mechanism of its leg joints. It whirls around, unable to bring her into firing range as she stays within its minimum field of fire. Waiting til it is overbalanced, she gives it a solid telekinetic push, toppling it over onto its side. It struggles to get up as a companion stomps over. Lissandra dazzles the standing copy's targetting mechanism with a Grants burst, then waits until the last possible moment to move out of the impending crossfire.

The hail of fire from the recovering grounded machine and the standing machine rips through each other, shredding them both.

"That...was way too easy. What happened?" Lissandra asks, as she is whisked away by the portal of a guardian that appears behind her.

She finds herself in a large room at what seems like the top of the tower. Expansive windows look out onto the surface of Rykros. Another portal appears behind her as the battered figure of Brom staggers out.

"Brom? Are you alright!" Lissandra asks, as Brom falls face first on the floor.

"Yes, you stupid fleshbag. I'll be...fi-" Brom says, as sparks fly from a gaping wound in the plating on his chest. Broken blades protrude from his body at various angles as his auto-repair functions kick in, powering him down.

"Good to see you too." Lissandra grumbles as she begins to repair the damage done to his frame with Resta.

Yokote staggers, straining as his barrier manages to deflect the brunt of the flame blast sents his way. As the massive creature readies another blast, he drops his magical barrier and darts forward, his body beginning to flare up with a dark energy. The dark purple flame spreads to his blades as the creature hurls a massive fist forward, seeking to crush him.

Yokote leaps onto the monster's arm at the last possible second, sprinting towards its head. As it raises its other arm to strike, he channels the power he absorbed from the flame blasts into his blades, making them flare with dark energy. The creature punches at him, the glowing photon sabers slicing through its arm easily, severing it in half. With a wail of anguish, the creature attempts to shake Yokote off. Yokote grins, then crosses his blades above his head.

"Goodbye pal. Demonfire Blast!" Yokote says, leaping into the air towards the platform. At the apex of his jump, he fires a massive blast of black flame from his crossed blades. The attack hits the creature in its chest, blowing a massive hole that spreads, the dark beast disintegrating into thousands of glowing black shards.

When he lands, Yokote is whisked away by a guardian to join Lissandra and the recovering Brom.

"Anyone else think the last part of the trials was a bit too easy?" Lissandra asks as Yokote enters the room.

"Yeah...it's as if something was trying to get us to hurry. The trials were really hard at first, then it was if something just weakened our opponents."Yokote replies. The three discuss their trials as Lissandra works on Brom.

"Speak for yourselves. I don't think your fleshy, weak bodies would be able to take what I had to go through." Brom says as Lissandra finishes repairing his chest plating with Resta.

With a faint shimmer of energy, a doorway appears in midair. Lorna steps through, smiling. There is a faint glow of happiness about her as she nearly skips through the portal.

"Hello everyone. Made it through your trials alright, I see?"

"Yes. How was yours?" Yokote asks as Lorna looks around the room.

"Oh...mine was a...refreshing experience. A delightful little challenge."

"Ours were rather difficult at first, but towards the end...it seemed as if something changed." Lissandra says as a guardian appears in front of them.

You are very perceptive. You had all passed a certain point in the trial designed to test your mettle. The lady of the tower ordered us to end them at that point.

"Oh, so we get off easy. What about Sage?" Yokote replies, as the guardian frowns at him.

He is discussing matters with the lady of the tower. It seems there is a bit of a problem...

"What do you mean, you can't allow us to have the Rings?" Sage asks, shocked.

"Exactly what I say, mortal. The Rings were originally designed to fight against the Profound Darkness. Zionus' methods may seem harsh to you, but he is on the verge of eliminating the darkness and cleansing the universe of its evil. I will not allow you to stop that. " Alis says, glaring at Sage.

"Look, I don't think you understand. The Great Light and Profound Darkness are two halves of the same thing. You can't permanently destroy one without destroying the other. And besides that...he's going to cause untold suffering in his quest for power. Can you honestly just stand by and watch that? Does the job description of 'protector' only include stuff that you feel like fighting?"

"Silence. We protect life from the evils of the Profound Darkness. We have labored to serve the Great Light for eons. This is a triumph, though you may not see it as such. Now, begone."

"You must be joking. We've undergone your stupid trials, traveled across half a solar system, fought countless enemies...yet you think we should just go home because you can't admit your boss is allowing its power to be used for evil?" A muscle in Sage's eye begins twitching as he says this.

"The Great Light is good. There is no way its power can truly be used for evil. You are simply unable to see the big picture. Typical human arrogance. You think that if something has a bad outcome for you personally that it is evil. Besides...you are the only one that has finished the trials. Your companions were released on my orders. Thus...you are the only one that has been deemed worthy."

"So I'm the only one that can get the rings, right?"

"Assuming I were to actually let you obtain them, yes. But that is not the case. Without the rings, you will be unable to stop Zionus. He will act as a conduit for the true power of the Great Light, and darkness will be purged from the universe."

"But he's going to kill countless people in the process!"

"What are a few thousand tainted lives compared to the bliss that will be had when the Great Light rules the universe? The threat of Darkness will be gone, and all will be at peace."

"The peace of the grave, you mean. What's the point in protecting a dead cosmos?" Sage says, his voice rising.

"The point is that there will be no need for protectors any longer. I and my brethren will be freed from our prison. Our souls will be at peace, and evil will be banished. " Alis says, a condescending smirk on her face.

"So...because you don't like the terms of whatever deal you signed, you're willing to let Zionus run roughshod over everything in his path? That's insane." Sage yells.

"You presuming that you have any power to judge me is the true insanity. Now leave. Your friends are outside this room. You will be warped back to your ship." Alis says, pointing to the door.

"No." Sage says, his face a mask of resolve.

"What did you say? You realize I could simply destroy you right now?" Alis snarls, her hand straying to the sheathed blade at her belt.

"No...it won't be that easy. You are a disgrace to the protectors, and you have lost sight of what you are truly here for. Stand down Alis, or we will make you stand down." Lutz says, suddenly.

"Oh, Lutz...you think you can stop me? There is a reason I am the leader of the Guardians, not you. Trifle with me and I shall banish you to a plane beyond existence. Now, begone!" Alis draws her sword, a silvery whiplike beam of light streaming from the blade. Before Sage can react, a shockwave of light energy slams into him, hurling him through the wall.

"Sage!" Lissandra cries, as he slides to a halt on the opposite side of the room, his body unmoving.

Alis steps through the hole in the wall she just created, brandishing her blade. "Grab your companion and leave. You are not going to be obtaining the Rings of Stars this day. "

"Who's the glowing fleshbag ?" Brom asks, drawing an ornate black sword from a capsule at his belt.

"I believe this is the 'Lady of the Tower' the guardian spoke of." Yokote replies, removing his sabers from their sheaths but not activating them.

My lady...what is the problem? Have they failed the tests? One of the guardians asks as he phases into the room.

"The leader passed his tests. The others might have if they had finished them. However...that does not matter. I judge them unworthy." Alis raises her sword, her body beginning to glow with silver light.

My lady... The guardian begins, but he is cut off by a glare from Alis. He warps out with a disapproving look on his face.

"Now...do you wish to contest my judgement? I warn you, the price for such arrogance is death." Alis says, pointing her sword at the group.

"Well, someone's cranky. Why did you rig the trials in our favor if you just wanted us to leave?" Lorna asks, her hands beginning to glow with energy.

"The only ways out of the trial chamber are victory or death. I wanted you gone, and I wasn't quite ready to kill you off. Your dedication is admirable...but your cause is not."

"What? We're trying to save countless numbers of innocent people from a megalomaniac with the powers of a god at his disposal. Isn't that... the exact thing you're here for?" Lissandra asks, her hands straying to her slicers.

"Not this time, girl. I will not allow you to wage war on the Great Light for the sake of a few thousand foolish people who resist its glory. The demon has used the power of the Rings of Stars before, but I refuse to allow it again. The Rings are not some toy to be brought out every time a minor crisis pops up."

Sage begins to stir as Alis says this. His eyes blink open, and he reaches out to steady himself with an arm on the wall as he stands. Cracking his neck from side to side, he stretches, then uses his telekinesis to withdraw both his Yasminkovs.

"To you, they're a toy. To us, they're a lifeline. If you won't let us have them...then we're going to take them. We didn't come all this way to be turned away at the end of the journey by a PMSing guardian with existential issues. I wish it didn't have to be this way, but...ah, screw it. This is going to be fun." With this, Sage levels his guns at Alis and fires, striking a barrier of light about two inches from her face.

Sage begins firing a barrage of telekinetically-enhanced bullets at Alis as the others spread out. Liss tags the group with Shifta and Deband, the familiar red and blue glow casting an eerie light in the suddenly dim tower. Brom and Yokote draw their respective weapons and rush at the guardian in a combined assault, the blades easily deflected in a masterful display of skill. Alis's Saint Guard continues to stop the bullets as she counterattacks Brom and Yokote. An overhead swing from Brom is sidestepped effortlessly, the blade of light plunging into his back three times before he is hurled away by a blast of energy from Alis' outstretched right hand.

"Hmph. Do you really think you are strong enough to defeat me? The majesty of the Great Light is beyond your comprehension!" Alis cries as she savagely attacks Yokote. She lunges forward with a stab which Yokote barely blocks with crossed sabers. Sparks of light flash from the interlocked weapons as Yokote begins to slide backwards across the floor, slowly being overpowered by Alis. Sage, Liss and Lorna's attacks all strike the purple energy barrier of her Saint Guard harmlessly, rebounding off to no avail. Breaking through Yokote's guard, she knees him in the face, then brings her sword up and around, slashing him several times before he hits the ground, motionless.

Lorna begins casting a healing technique as Lutz attempts to make contact with the raging Protector. The others continue their assault with little effect as Alis stalks closer.

"Alis...this is insanity. A derelection of your sworn duty. Your duty is to protect the innocent, to-"

"Silence! You of all people have no right to criticize me. Duty is all well and good to pander around as an excuse for fulfilling your selfish desires, yet when you're actually called on to back up what you say, you leave it to someone else."

"Alis, I meant to stay in contact, but for the first couple of centuries, I was unable to telepathically communicate with-"

"Anyone but your 'priestesses'? I've heard this before. Now, let's see how well an intangible thought construct holds up to this!"

Breaking the mental contact, Alis blasts Lutz with a surge of power. His screams echo through Sage's head as Sage drops his guns, pressing his hands to his ears in a feeble attempt to drown out the horrible pounding in his head. He falls to his knees as he is overwhelmed by agony, curling up into a fetal position as the link to Lutz is nearly severed. Lutz, lacking any other way to protect himself, retreats into dormancy inside Sage's mind. The chosen one of the Espers lies curled in a heap as Alis steps closer.

With a flash of blue light, Lorna finishes casting her healing spell on Brom and turns to Yokote. Lissandra rushes over to Sage, who is unmoving. Alis stops her advance for a second, a smirk on her face.

"Hmph. Can the two of you do nothing but heal and cower? Pathetic." Alis crosses her blade over her right shoulder, holding it loosely in her left hand. Lissandra finishes casting Reverser on Sage and stands, reaching in her robe for a red capsule. With a hum of released energy, she activates her Double Saber, standing in a ready position with a look of determination on her face.

"Why are you doing this!" Lissandra asks. Unnoticed, Lorna begins a subtle probe.

Sage, darling...I know you're awake. Do you sense anything odd about this?

"Unh...my head. What the hell'd she do?"

"She tried to sever the link between you and Lutz. Nearly suceeded, too. Anyway...don't you feel there's something strange about Alis?"

"Other than the fact that she's bitter, and trying to kill us?"

"Yes. There's...something off. Her soul doesn't taste of torment like it should if she had snapped after years of being cooped up in this tower. This decision seems sudden. From all the tales I've heard, the lady Alis is a respectable, honorable woman. This cannot be her."

"Legends aren't always as perfect as they are portrayed to be. We can care about why she's all angsty after we beat her."

"Will you at least scan her? You're better at this type of thing than me."

"Ugh...fine. This is really going to hurt tomorrow." Sage breaks the link, the entire conversation only taking a few seconds. When he opens his eyes, Brom and Yokote have joined Lissandra with their weapons out, looking a bit worse for wear. Lorna stands off to the side, a puzzled look on her face. Alis smiles, then points at Lorna.

"Well, little soul-sucker...it's been fun. But I'm tired of you snooping where you don't belong. Begone!" A silvery beam of light shoots from Alis' hand, striking Lorna in the chest before she can move. With a flash of energy, Lorna disappears.

"Lorna!" Lissandra yells, as she swings her Double Saber at Alis. The Protector blocks easily, intercepting the photon blades with her own glimmering weapon. A few quick blows are exchanged, ending with Lissandra staggering back, superficial cuts all over her body.

"She's simply been ejected from the tower, because she wasn't foolish enough to directly attack me. As for the rest of you..."

At this point, Sage's telepathic scan reaches Alis. He detects a flash of a familiar presence for a brief moment, before a surge of power similiar in feeling to touching the sun overwhelms his senses.

Where have I felt that before...?

Lissandra, Brom and Yokote renew their attack on Alis. Yokote starts off with an intricate series of alternating strikes, all of which are blocked or dodged. As Alis pushes him away, Lissandra makes her move, bringing her Double Saber in low in a horizontal slash at Alis' side. It impacts her armor with no visible effect, and Lissandra pays for her boldness with a punch to the face. Brom rushes Alis, using one of the swords he looted from the chamber of trials, relying on his superior reach and brute strength to keep from being struck. In a disappointingly short amount of time, Alis routs him as well, spinning away after a vicious slash at his torso that leaves sparks flying from a gaping rent.

"Are you quite done?" Alis says, stepping back and regarding the group with a sad smile. Reaching one hand up, she grasps the hilt of a massive sword slung on her back. She pulls Elsydeon free, sparkles of light flying from the holy sword as it leaves its sheath. "Face the power of Elsydeon, and be banished like the darkness before you!" Now dual-wielding Elsydeon and a shining saber, she savagely attacks, powering through the guard of her opponents in no time flat. Slashed, battered and bruised, they are easy prey to a series of light beams that erupt from Elsydeon, juggling them in the air til they fall, spent and unmoving.

Standing over the unconscious group, Alis begins to laugh. Her mirth is interrupted by Sage hauling himself upright with the aid of the wall.

"This...isn't over yet. I can't lose." He says, leaning against the rough surface of the stone for support.

"Hmph. Well then, let's test that resolve." Alis snarls, hurling a blast of white energy from her saber at Sage.

His telekinetic shield manages to protect him from the majority of the blast, but the resulting explosion as the halo of white light hits him leaves him reeling, his outer robe in tatters. He stumbles, yet remains upright. Alis' second and third attacks have a similar effect, ending with Sage slumped against the wall, minor burns all over his body.

Smiling, Alis stops her assault. "Well, you are determined. I suppose I'll just eject you from the tower then." Alis' light beam hits Sage, yet the warp does not take place.

Regaining a small bit of strength by casting Resta, Sage croaks in a hoarse voice. "That's...not going to work. You yourself said, I passed the trial. I have a right to contest your decision."

"Yes, but not the ability. I suppose I will have to kill you, after all." Alis raises her weapons, only to be buffeted by a storm of telekinetically-thrown debris from Sage. She crosses her blades, channeling power for a final energy blast. Pinpoints of light begin to dance around her as she charges up.

Distracted as she is, she fails to notice the faint healing glow of a Scape Doll working on Lissandra. Liss slowly meanders back to awareness, a dull ache all over her body even through the Scape's healing. Her eyes open in time to see Sage barely manage to deflect Alis' blast with a telekinetic shield. With this last effort, he falls back against the wall, gasping for breath. Alis steps forward, eschewing energy blasts for the finality of physical combat.

Lissandra hurls two Moon Atomizers in the general direction of Yokote and Brom, telekinetically activating the capsules as they reach them.

Alis relentless stalk towards the weakened Sage is stopped as she hears a sound behind her. Whirling, she snarls in rage as she sees the three standing once again.

"How much do I have to hurt you!" She yells as she charges towards them. Brom meets her charge with a swing, his black sword colliding with Elysdeon. She bashes him in the head with the hilt of her saber, knocking him back. Her warp beam hits him solidly in the chest, banishing him from the tower in a shimmering tower of light. Yokote brandishes his sabers, unleashing a flurry of Foie shots. With Alis blocking the flaming spheres, he runs at her, casting Gibarta as he comes close. Slashing his twin photon sabers upwards, he channels the freezing energy through his weapons in a spinning, double-bladed uppercut.

"Hyouryuushou!" he chants, as he unleashes the attack. Alis blocks the sword hits, but is momentarily stunned by the wave of cold air. Yokote flips around in mid-air, coming down towards her with a Rafoie powered stab with both blades. His Enkoujin attack is also blocked, and he rebounds off with a resounding clang.

Before he can regain his balance, he is struck in mid-air by Elsydeon. The blade cleaves through his guard effortlessly, taking his right arm with it. He howls in pain as he falls to the ground, dropping his sabers as he reaches to grab his mangled right arm. Alis kicks him in the face, then flares with a intense white light as she warps him out of the tower.

"And then, there were two. Little girl...it's time to die. You are unrepentant, stubborn...and very foolish. You seek to serve simply as a place to belong, yet you are willing to go betray the deity you serve because of a handful of mortals? Pathetic." Alis says as she steps back, gazing at Lissandra with contempt showing clearly on her face. Liss stares back, unafraid.

"Hmph. You refuse to repent even when beaten? Very well. I shall show you what happens to 'heroes' that are not up to the task." Turning, she walks over to Sage, who is slumped against the wall, barely moving. Sheathing Elsydeon, she grabs Sage by the throat and lifts him effortlessly. Alis raises her saber, preparing for a fatal strike. As the gleaming blade descends, a Rafoie explodes in Alis' face.

She glimpses the green glow of a Resta as she stabs forward. When the smoke from the Rafoie fades, her saber is embedded to the hilt in Lissandra's chest, a small part of the point barely grazing Sage. Sage's eyes snap open as Lissandra's Resta revives him, and when Alis hurls him away he manages to catch himself telekinetically. Gasping for breath as the saber is withdrawn from her chest, Lissandra turns to Sage with tears in her eyes. Her attempts at Restaing herself are cut off by a blast of energy from Alis that sends her flying.

"Sage...sorry." she whispers, as she closes her eyes. "I tried. You have to beat her..." Lissandra manages. Sage telekinetically hurls himself from the wall, but does not get to her before Alis warps her still body from the tower.

"You...you..." Sage falls to his knees, quaking with rage. Deep within him, something snaps, the outpouring of emotional energy drawing Lutz from his slumber.

"Now, care to finish this?" Alis asks, extending her arms as two shining wings shoot from her back. Glowing like a new star, she manifests the full divine power that has been fed to her.

On Pioneer 2...

X stares at himself in the mirror as Rubia makes a few last adjustments. Placing the makeup case on the table, she steps back and smiles.

"There you go, dear. That's a good disguise. What do you think?"

X simply looks on, amazed. His look of shock continues as Ayame walks into the room.

"Um, Ms. Rubia? Where's Uncle X?" Ayame says, looking around.

"Right here. This is what a proper disguise should look like." Rubia says, turning X around to face his niece. Ayame's mouth gapes open as she sees what appears to be a stunning Fomarl in a green dress.

"...wow, Ms. Rubia. That's really cool."

"I try, dear. I've never really gotten to do this to another person, but I must say...I never thought I'd be putting makeup on my son. "

"I don't think anyone will recognize him now." Ayame says, smiling. "But we should probably go back to the headquarters soon."

"That probably would be a good idea. I'll accompany you there, but first...your disguise is good, but there's something a bit off. Most Hunewearls go with some increased 'moral support' in the bosom. To fully emulate that look, you may want to also. With your gifts, you don't really need to, but it would make it look authentic."

X speaks up at this, recovering from the shock of seeing himself seemingly turned into a woman. "Mom, seriously...you're going a bit overboard. We don't have that far to go, and the patrols..."

"Hush, Xaelis. If you're going in disguise, you might as well make it good."

"What do you mean by moral support, Ms. Rubia?" Ayame asks, puzzled.

"A bra, dear."

"Mom!" X begins, as Rubia simply ignores him.

At Ayame's continued look of cluelessness, Rubia smiles. "Don't worry, we'll fix your disguise too. X, leave the room so we can get to work." Rubia steers X towards the door, overpowering his protests with sheer volume. As he is shut out, X sighs.

She's enjoying this way, way too much. Maybe it's because I didn't have a sister, or anything.

Nei walks up, then grins evilly. "She's really having fun with this, isn't she? Despite the fact that I want to kill her...there's something admirable about her. She makes your life a living hell. Not bad for a human. I'm still going to hurt you after this, though."

X simply groans in disgust as Nei wanders back into the living room.

JiEin dashes from alley to alley, trying in vain to find his way back to the relative safety of the Hunter's district. As he rounds a corner towards a inter-ship teleporter, he runs into Shard.

"That was an impressive tactic with the Partisan, but not nearly enough. I'm going to terminate you now." Shard draws her weapon as she says this, leaping at JiEin.

He manages to bring his Dragon Slayer up to block the strike, and a few swift attacks are exchanged before Shard lands a hit on JiEin's side, slamming him into the wall. He staggers and gets up, then unleashes a vicious overhead slash at Shard. She simply steps back, extends her left hand and catches the massive blade, holding it with ease.

"Sorry, but now you die." She shatters the blade with a flexing of her hand, the purple crystalline fragments raining onto the dingy pavement of the alley. Shard kicks JiEin in the chest, then raises her Twin Buster above her head, spinning it three times. JiEin lies sprawled half on his back as Shard prepares the killing blow, surreptitiously reaching for a small red capsule at his waist...

Her guard's down. I have one chance at this. Glad Elly just transferred all my items from my old frame. I'm sure he won't mind if I use this.

In Rubia's apartment, Rubia and Ayame exit Rubia's room after about ten minutes, Ayame dressed in a dark-red Hunewearl outfit.

"Uncle, look at this! Doesn't it look great?" Ayame asks, twirling around slowly to let X and Nei examine her new disguise. Her purple hair is done up in two buns at the back of her head, with only a few tendrils flowing free down the sides of her face.

Nei is the first to respond, as X looks in amazement at the changes wrought in his niece.

"Nice job, kiddo. Looks a bit like a working gir-"

"Nei. No...just no. Ayame, it's a nice disguise. But, we should probably be going now. Thank you for your help, mom. I'll be sure to stay in contact." X interrupts, as Rubia beams.

"Yes, that outfit is one of my old ones. Your father really liked it. The great thing about dressing like a Hunewearl is that the outfits are so multi-purpose."

X motions at the door as Rubia begins her explanation. " They can function as both sleepwear and armor. A bit more confining than a robe, but it has it's uses. Why, one time..." Rubia continues, as X and the others make a move towards the door.

"Oh, Xaelis, wait! I'm coming with you." Rubia says, dashing after the swiftly-retreating trio.

In the alley, Shard steps forward, bringing her weapon down with all her might. At the last possible moment, JiEin makes his move, withdrawing X's Agito from the capsule he'd placed it in and delivering a lightning-fast slash to Shard's side, the holy blade easily cleaving through her outer plating and into her movement controls. JiEin's forward lunge turns into a roll as sparks shoot from the gaping wound in Shard's torso. Her off-balance attack strikes the pavement where JiEin lay moments before, and she slumps to a knee to inspect the damage.

He hit my servomotor control for my left side. I need to repair the damage. Shard thinks, reaching for a Trimate in a compartment inside her left forearm, her left hand still gripping the Twin Buster. She removes the capsule, crushing it in her fist as it repairs most of the damage to her side. She stands, whirling about to see JiEin crouched in a ready pose.

"Hmph. A cheap shot, but an admirable act of surprise. Let us continue." Shard and JiEin charge each other, JiEin moving much faster than before. A rapid series of attacks are exchanged, the weapons moving so quickly that a bystander would be unable to see more than a blur. The androids parry and riposte, attack and counter, dance and dodge, each straining to get the upper hand on the other.

Ahaha, the power! This beauty is so wasted on X... JiEin thinks, effortlessly deflecting Shard's attacks.

As a few more strikes are exchanged, JiEin goes for a final strike, leaping at Shard with a two-handed vertical attack. She blocks, but JiEin begins to push her backwards, overpowering her as her servos strain to hold him back.

"How are you...? You were not this strong moments ago! What happened?" Shard asks through the robotic equivalent of clenched teeth, most of her power going to hold off JiEin's attack.

"tHe aGiTo Is MiNe!" JiEin says, his voice momentarily changing as his eyes glow with a fierce light. With a snarl, he shoves forward, pushing Shard away. As she staggers backwards, he dashes forward, cleaving through his opponent's guard with two powerful strikes, ending up behind her in a burst of incredible speed. He reverses his grip on the Agito and steps backwards, his back still to Shard.

Before she can turn around, the Agito is plunged through her chest from behind, the shining katana piercing her main power generator in a savage reverse stab. JiEin impales her with the blade, turning to the side to face her as she slumps.

"Next time, it would be best to not underestimate your opponent." JiEin says, twisting the Agito sideways before sweeping it through her torso in a vicious arc, severing many vital components. Shard falls forward, the Twin Buster in her hand deactivating as the silver handle drops from her grasp.

He...wasn't supposed to be that powerful. Master Zionus, I have failed you. The light in Shard's eyes dims as her systems go offline, emergency power rerouting going to work to maintain the integrity of her memory. A distress beacon implanted in her frame sends a coded signal to Zionus' headquarters.

JiEin, feeling strangely empowered as he holds the Agito, hurries towards the teleporter. The shimmering lights fade as he emerges near the residential district.

It...happened again. Why is it that whenever I hold this weapon, I have black outs? Eh, probably nothing important.

JiEin sheathes the Agito and replaces it in its capsule, stopping to remove the last vestiges of his human disguise. Stowing the remnants in a trash can, he continues along. After about five minutes, he encounters a group of four women walking towards him. The two Fomarls are arguing as the Ramarl and Hunewearl look on, amused. As he draws closer, he recognizes Rubia, Ayame and Neifirst.

Rubia and the other Fomarl are so intent on their argument that the shorter Fomarl fails to notice him, bumping into him as he comes near.

"Hey, you big oaf!" The short Fomarl yells, the voice sounding strangely high-pitched. JiEin steps backwards, beginning an apology.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Ayame, who is this?" JiEin asks.

Ayame, Nei and Rubia all begin to laugh, as the short, loud Fomarl fumes. Stepping closer, 'she' lowers her voice, grabbing JiEin by the shoulder.

"It's me, you moron! X! We made the mistake of going by my mom's to avoid the patrols, and she had a field day with the disguises."

"Hahaha! You make an excellent Fomarl, X."

"Thank you. Now, do I know you?" Rubia asks.

"Ms. Rubia, it's JiEin." Ayame says, as Neifirst convulses with laughter.

Rubia looks puzzled. "How can you tell? He seems to be in a new frame everytime you see him. How do we know he's not a spy?"

X scowls before replying. "Well, for starters...he always has a faint odor of noodles about him. And his voice is more evenly modulated than most Hucasts. The ears of catgirls also twitch ever so slightly when he comes within about fifteen feet. It's miniscule, but if you know what to look for, you can spot it. Finally...most other androids aren't unlucky enough to be cursed with a Bluefull section ID. Most 'droids that come out Bluefull are decommisioned on sight. Ji's the only Bluefull Hucast that wasn't mercy-killed on the spot."

"X...I'm a Skyly now." JiEin says.

"Yeah, yeah. I know that you stole that section ID clip and all, but you still reek of Bluefull."

JiEin looks downcast as Rubia nods in understanding. "Oh, alright. That makes sense, I suppose."

The trip back to Resistance Headquarters is uneventful. When the group arrives, they are witness to another of Zionus' ultimatums on the main view-screen.

"Tainted ones of Pioneer...I am the avatar of the Great Light. Though many have seen the glory of my power and begun following me, there are still some stubborn infidels that refuse to submit to my will. I call on all the faithful to condemn these heretics. They shall be bent to serve me, or they shall be broken on my path to creating paradise. Their sinful hearts shall make that choice. I have one of them with me now, one of the pathetic Resistance that seeks to rebel against my glory."

The camera pans to a bound Lucca, chained to an ornate stone slab. She appears to be unconscious. Kimiko and a recovered Eriror loom nearby, along with a contingent of Zionus' guards. Rising slightly, the camera sweeps across a sea of the faithful.

This heretic shall be a sacrifice, to ring in the era of my glory. May all the heretics see what happens to those that oppose my might. The sacrifice shall take place in five hours. Come, and witness my everlasting power and glory. The screen goes blank as X's group walks into Lab's office.

Lorna, crouched over Yokote as she begins to channel healing energy, barely notices a faint glimmer of energy behind her. She turns, seeing the unmoving form of Lissandra materializing nearby. She looks up at Brom as he emerges from the ship.

"This is bad. Please, get some more supplies from inside the ship." Her voice is tense with worry as she stabilizes Yokote and rushes over to Lissandra.

Whoever did this to you, my lady...they will surely pay. I can only hope Sage stops you before your powers are used for evil any more.

Inside the tower, Sage is kneeling on the floor, shaking with emotion. Scalding tears run down his face as his mind seethes with rage. Lutz senses the change and makes tentative contact, his power mostly restored by feeding off the harsh energy of Sage's anger.

"Well, fool? Are you just going to continue weeping like a child, or will you stand and face me?"

"Why...? Why do you have to be so cruel? What kind of sick freak are you? You have this near-limitless power, yet all you can do with it is make mortals your playthings?"

"You opposed my will, in a trifling manner. You must be punished for such insolence. Punishment is often remembered better when it strikes the heart, not the body."

"Sage, this isn't Alis. She would never act like this. She's being controlled by something else. We must remember that she is not at fault here." Lutz begins, his strength returning.

"Shut up."

"What! Sage, I'm trying to help-"

"SHUT UP! I'm tired of being a pawn in this stupid power struggle. Light, Darkness...Good, Evil. They're constantly battling, constantly striving for dominance over the other. One does it in the name of protecting life, one in the name of destroying it. Either way, no matter who wins, the life they are fighting over suffers. What's the point of being all-powerful if you can't use the power to do the one thing you say you're going to do?"

"Sage, the Great Light entrusted the mantle of protector to humanity for a reason."

"Yes, to fight its battles against the darkness. But who's to protect us from the light?"

"I...do not know. I am sure the current circumstances were unforeseen, and..."

"How can something be 'unforeseen' to a god!"

"..." Lutz answers, clearly lost in thought.

"It's Zionus controlling her, I can feel it. But behind Zionus is the Great Light. Its allowing him to abuse its power, or its just too negligent to care. We've fought its battles for millenia, 'holding back the darkness'. But now, when we actually need it...it allows a madman like Zionus to usurp its power and even control one of its fabled Protectors." Sage thinks at Lutz, as he slowly gets to his feet.

"The people its supposed to be protecting, to be nurturing, are going to be destroyed by something that's using its power, and its just standing idly by. I've had enough. I'm going to end this, and then I'm going to end Zionus. Now either help me, or get the hell out of my head."

"Very well..."

Though it felt like an eternity to both, the mental dialogue lasted only a few fractions of a second. Sage stands, a look of stony hatred on his face. Grasping the tatters of his robe, he tosses the outer garment aside, leaving him clad in a blue Dezolian bodysuit.

"Well, done with your little debate? If so, I'd like to kill you now."

"Zionus...I know you're the one controlling Alis. I may not be able to directly damage you from here...but you can't exert your full powers on me as well. Get ready to see what a 'weakling mortal' can really do."

Sage releases his telekinetic powers, for the first time in his life allowing all the barriers he'd held up to collapse. The coalescing stream of pure force explodes outwards, shattering the rock walls around them. The dull red of the Rykros sky stretches out in an endless tableau around them, framing the combatants. Harsh winds whip around them, blowing small shards of debris here and there.

"Impressive...you seem to have more power within you than your cowardice allows you to reveal." Alis says, pointing her blades at Sage. She unleashes a shockwave from the saber in her left hand, the white blade of energy screaming towards Sage. He raises a hand, erecting a telekinetic shield that dissipates the energy of the attack harmlessly. A tiny amount of strain shows on his face as he blocks the next series of attacks, deflecting or countering each energy blast with waves of telekinetic power.

Sage reaches out with his telepathy, encountering a dull presence that bears the distinct emptiness of sleep. Behind it, he feels the looming power of Zionus. He hears a faint laughing in his head as he breaks the link.

"Sorry, but you won't be wresting control of the Protector's mind away from me this day."

Damn. Lutz...? Ah. You really are staying out of this one. Oh well. If I die, I hope you enjoy residing in my corpse.

Sage blinks as wind-blown dust gets in his eye. When his vision refocuses, Alis is rushing towards him, Elsydeon and her saber raised high. He deflects the attack with a barrier of telekinetic energy, dodging to the side as the Protector flies by. As she turns, Sage sends a bolt of Gizonde at her face, the arc of lightning leaping from his outstretched hands. Expecting a telekinetic assault, Alis is briefly stunned.

Sage launches a Megid at her as she makes another pass, targetting a Grants about one foot in front of that. Elysdeon catches the Megid, her forward momentum propelling the ball of dark energy into the swirling locus of light energy. As the Legeon reaction begins, Sage reaches out, focusing all his concentration on containing the spell.

Alis swoops away, charging a shining circle of energy. Sage grimaces from the strain, but manages to cast Nafoie, the pillar of flame erupting around Alis to little effect.

His mental energies stretched to the breaking point, he hurls debris from the shattered walls at her as he casts Nabarta, the beam of cold freezing the debris into an icy ram. Still containing the Legeon energy, he hurls the ram at Alis, striking her solidly in the torso and knocking her back. As she fumbles, struggling to regain control, he telekinetically directs the orb of coalescing blue energy towards her. The last of his power fading from his efforts, his mind on fire, he releases the energy, the blue explosion rippling outwards.

Lorna, working frantically to save Lissandra's life, sees a bright blue flash in the distance. She brushes a strand of sweat-soaked blonde hair out of her eyes with a blood-stained hand as she holds a bandage on Lissandra's chest, desperately hoping the bleeding will stop soon.

On Ragol, mere moments after the ultimatum was broadcast, Zionus reels for a second, his control over his followers' minds fading for a few heartbeats.

That boy...he truly is powerful. But Lutz is not backing him. Even without my direct control of Alis, she will kill him before he does enough damage to break my spell. I shall stop feeding her power, as it is far too draining. The power I have given her will suffice. If he somehow survives, Sigma can deal with him.

During Zionus' momentary lapse of control, a few of the followers that had been forcibly converted to his side snapped to awareness. Remembering the horrors they had been through, they charge the mad deity. They are reduced to ashes before they get within rifle range, Zionus' hands glowing with divine energy.

"I am retiring to my quarters. See that the preparations are complete."

Behind him, Sigma motions for some of the followers to clean up the mess.

As the dome of energy fades, Sage is completely drained of mental energy. His head throbs as it feels like a million pairs of cymbals are clanging inside his skull. He looks over at where Alis fell to the tower, briefly registering four of her before his vision clears. He wobbles, nearly falling.

Alis lets out a low groan, then pushes herself off the ground with hatred in her eyes. The wings have faded, but she still has a faint glow about her.

Sage, his legs having the approximate sturdiness of rubber at this point, begins to fall, his exertions overcoming him. He is nearly helpless as the Protector stalks over to him, her saber sheathed at her side. Raising Elsydeon with both hands, she stands in triumph.

"Arrogant fool. You shall be vanquished by the glory of the Great Light!"

Not entirely sure which of the four Alis' in front of him is speaking, he simply turns to the closest one, barely able to hold his head up.

"Go ahead, then. Find someone else to do the Great Light's dirty work. I don't really care anymore. Far...too...tired..." Sage whispers, barely able to maintain consciousness as the peace of oblivion looms close at hand. He closes his eyes, all vestiges of strength spent, sapped and exhausted. Alis smiles and readies her weapon for a killing blow.

Alis snarls, a look of triumph on her face as her weapon descends towards the unmoving Sage. With one blow, she severs his head from his body, killing him instantly. His body trembles slightly, going limp as the life passes from him. Alis slumps to the ground, a brief moment of clarity coming over her before the iron grip of Zionus' spell takes hold of her mind again.

What...what have I done? she thinks, split seconds before Zionus reasserts his control.

That's one threat down. Now, there are none able to claim the rings. My might shall go unopposed, and the universe shall tremble at my name.

Lorna lets out a soft curse as the partially healed wound in Lissandra's chest opens again. She pours healing energy at the injury, tapping into the vast reserve of soul power she absorbed from the guardian. The flow of blood through her fingers slows to a trickle as she struggles to knit the flesh and bone together. She nearly has it when behind her, Yokote awakens from his spell-induced slumber. He lets out a low grunt as he awakens, too strong to cry out. Lorna's empathic senses still easily feel the searing pain from his arm, the backlash of agony ruining her concentration.

Damn. It's too much to deal with at once. I have plenty of power stored up, but pouring enough soul energy at Lissandra to heal her would overwhelm her spirit. She would be lost. I must...

Deciding after a split second, Lorna reaches inside herself with her powers, siphoning out her own life energy. She bathes Lissandra's body with this, casting a life-energy fueled Resta. The wave of healing energy floods over the dying woman, knitting her body together. Her soul senses the swirling maelstrom of energy, and as Lorna tries to recover enough energy to keep her own body going, she nearly sucks Lissandra's soul out of her body. Clamping down with all the control learned from years of training, she forces her grasping soul-absorption powers to yield, releasing Lissandra's spirit. Liss gasps, then lies still, breathing, but her mind unmoving.

Lorna sits back, sighing in relief as she sees the formerly gaping wound in Lissandra's chest reduced to a small scar. Seconds later, the backlash of the energy she used hits her, the world swirling around her as she loses consciousness. She falls backwards, feeling an arm catch her as she loses consciousness.

Yokote bites his lip to keep from crying out as Lorna's drained body hits his injured arm. He grimaces, then manages to slide to the ground, ending up in a sitting position while holding on to Lorna. Brom walks over from his inspection of the ship.

"Well...you're awake. You've sustained some pretty intense injuries. I'm nearly impressed. Most meatbags would have passed out from shock, or given in to the pain and died."

"Unnh...thanks." Yokote rasps, struggling to stay awake. "Could you do me a favor?"

"I suppose you've earned one. Be warned, this takes away the 'not killing you' favor." Brom says, leaning down next to the duo.

"Do you have any Trimates?" Yokote asks, nearly crying out as he loses his grip on Lorna, her unconscious figure bumping against his mangled arm once more. Blood begins to stain the bandage as he fights to balance her.

"Yes, here you go. And I suppose I could help you with her, as well." Bending down, Brom lifts Lorna from Yokote's grasp and places her on the makeshift bed Yokote had occupied. Turning, the android uses a Trimate on Yokote. Some color returns to his face as the healing item has an effect.

"Now, if you don't mind... you and the other two fleshies need to get inside the ship. Some of those native creatures have showed up, and they apparently find the smell of injured and dying fleshbags appetizing." Brom helps Yokote inside the ship, then exits, returning with the limp body of Lissandra. He places her on a bed in the sleeping area, then leaves to go get Lorna. He cleaves a monster in half with the shining black Deathbringer he looted from the tower, stowing the weapon in a capsule as he picks up Lorna. He takes her inside, placing her in the sleeping area as well.

"Now...I'm going to go take care of those creatures that just showed up. I'm not entirely certain if they could breach the ship, but I'd rather not chance it. I'm tired of this place. There's not much else around for me to kill, so they get that privilege." Brom says, drawing his sword. The android leaves the room, and a few seconds later Yokote hears the doors on the ship close and seal as Brom exits.

Hmm, so that's where he was. I thought he actually abandoned us. Yokote thinks. Now...for the hard part.

"Lorna..." he whispers, bending down so his face is close to hers. "You used too much power trying to save Liss. I could feel it. Your body feels like it's coming apart. Please...take my energy. Survive. We need you." He finishes by placing his good hand on Lorna's face, casting a feeble Resta. The face of the snow queen looks like it has aged, her blonde hair becoming pure white as the energy seems to drain from her body. Yokote continues to cast Resta, ignoring the searing pain in his arm.

Lorna stirs, feeling a familiar energy beside her. She opens her eyes slowly, the lids feeling like they weigh a ton. She sees Yokote staring intently down at her, and smiles softly. "I thank you...but I can't. It's against my principles to drain the energy of a non-willing person."

"Lorna, it's alright. Liss is breathing for now, but I don't know how long she'll survive. And I have no clue what kind of condition Sage is in. I don't care if you drain enough to kill me, as long as you can help them. They have so much to live for, and so much left to do." Yokote says, his voice rising slightly.

Lorna chuckles softly, her voice barely a whisper. "Well, how...noble of you. You have a lot to live for too, you know. But I'm certain we can work out some sort of compromise. Come closer." Lorna attempts to reach up, lacking the energy to move her arms. Yokote leans down, pressing his hand to the back of her neck. Lorna begins to draw energy from his touch, the absorbed power recovering her body. Yokote's face turns pale, his body shuddering as his soul is drained. Re-energized, Lorna slides both arms around his neck and pulls him close. He looks at her in surprise as she smiles.

"That was the only unpleasant part. But I still need more energy. And the best way to transfer energy is through prolonged physical contact. I promise I won't take too much..." Lorna says as she kills the lights.

Inside the Resistance Headquarters, X is washing the make-up off of his face at a sink in his sleeping quarters. Leah stands beside him, holding a towel.

"So, they have Lucca? That's...horrible. Who knows what that madman will do?" Leah says, a worried look on her face.

"I don't know. But whatever it is, it's not good. And from what Labyrinth told me, he's taking more prisoners. I wonder what for." X says, turning off the water as he reaches for the towel Leah holds. She snaps him lightly with it, grinning as he makes a grab for it. He flicks water at her with his fingers as she snarls playfully. He lunges, grabbing the towel and drying his face off as Leah cuddles lightly against him.

"You know X...we haven't really gotten to spend any time alone together in quite a while. Want to...?" Leah asks, flashing a feral smile at him.

X turns to reply as the doorbell chimes. Cursing, X releases Leah, who frowns at him. X shrugs, sighing as he walks to the door. The doorbell chimes again before he can reach it, prompting a curse from X as he opens the door. He finds his niece standing outside, a sheepish look on her face.

"Sorry to bother you Uncle, but I need to talk to you." Ayame says, staring down at the floor.

"Sure, come on in. What's up?" X says, motioning for her to come inside. Leah sits on the couch as Ayame enters.

"Zionus has Ms. Lucca. If I was stronger, I could rescue her. I'm weak, and this is all my fault!" Ayame says, the words tumbling out in a rush. She begins crying into X's shoulder as he hugs her.

"Hey honey, relax. You don't need to blame yourself." X replies, stroking her hair soothingly as her body is wracked with sobs.

"If, if I were as strong as you, or if I could control that Danielle person..." Ayame says, her face buried in X's shoulder.

"Hon, to be honest...I don't think I could take Zionus even if I was at full power. But it can't hurt to try. Training yourself would be a good idea anyway."

"So...so you'll help me?" Ayame asks, her voice muffled.

"Yeah, sure honey. That's part of the reason I went back to my place. Tell you what. Go get cleaned up, get into some comfortable clothing, and meet me in the VR room in an hour." Ayame, still dressed in her hunter disguise, pulls away and nods.

"Alright Uncle X. Thanks!" Cheered slightly, she leaves the room.

"So...we've got an hour?" Leah says, smiling.

"Yeah. Maybe more. Wanna go get some food?" X asks.

Leah blinks, then sighs in exasperation. He still doesn't get it some times, does he? "Sure, why not?" she grumbles, as X begins to laugh.

"Kidding, kidding. That can wait. You did forget your Dolmdarl whip at the apartment, right?"

"Yes...but I had Elly make me a new one." Leah grins evilly as X's eyes widen.

In the lab, Elly finishes connecting a last few sets of wires, then turns from the two interconnected android frames in front of her. Hitting a few keys, she transfers JiEin's memory back into his Arbiter frame, which is now fully repaired. She disconnects the wires as JiEin's eyes flash, his main systems coming online.

"Elly, you did an excellent job. It seems you were finally able to disable that last set of locks too." JiEin says as he sits up.

"Yeah. They have to do with some sort of upgrade to the Ji-Sword, but we don't have the upgrade here..."

"Actually, we do. That's why the loaner frame was so beat up. Look in the left forearm compartment." JiEin says as he swings his legs off the table and stands. Elly removes a red item container from the loaner frame's compartment, her eyes widening.

"Ji! This is the complete set of planned upgrades for the Ji-Sword. How'd you get this?"

"I...appropriated it from some of Zionus' followers. They had taken over the lab. Technically, I suppose it could be considered recovering government property."

Elly squeals with glee as she examines the container's contents. "This should increase the power of the Ji Sword exponentially! Ah...darn. The Ji Sword's slagged. I tried to repair it, but was unable to. We need to find some other sword to fit the upgrades to." Elly's face sinks as she gets a thoughtful look on her face.

"You know Ji...with a bit of modification, we could fit these upgrades to nearly any sword. We just have to find a suitable one!"

"I have an idea..." JiEin leaves, heading to his quarters. Reaching them, he steps to a storage locker on the opposite side of the door. He withdraws a weapon capsule after a few minutes of rummaging, then closes the door. He heads back to the lab, presenting Elly with a large, double-edged metallic blade. It is longer than the Ji Sword, with a sharply pointed tip. An ornate hilt reaches back about a foot and a half from the main blade, an elaborate cross-guard projecting out to each side.

"Ji, where did you get this?" Elly asks.

"The same place I was instructed in the Kaiser style of two-handed swordsmanship. Is it compatible with the Ji Sword's upgrades?"

"With a bit of modification, yes. I'll get to work on it right away." Elly instructs Ji Ein to place the massive blade on a nearby table, wheeling over a magnetic crane to help her manipulate it.

"I have to go return something to X. I shall return shortly." JiEin takes the Agito from its capsule, holding the sheathed blade at his side. He also picks up Yasha from its capsule, and carrying both swords, makes his way to X's quarters.

JiEin travels down the winding corridors of the Resistance Headquarters, ending up at X's room. He rings the doorbell, to be answered by Leah. Wrapped in a gigantic bathrobe, the newman answers the door with a grin.

"Hello Ji. What brings you here?" She asks, beckoning him inside.

"I came to return something of X's. I retrieved the Agito and Yasha from Ragol, but was never able to return them to him. As much as I would like to control the power of Agito...they belong to him. He will likely need them in the coming conflict. Where is he, anyway?"

"Oh...heh. He's taking a shower. He and Ayame are going training after this." Leah says, as X emerges from the bathroom. He is dressed in a loose-fitting pair of pants as he pulls on a black T-shirt. Red weals run up and down his back and sides.

"Hi Ji. What's up?" X says, beginning to towel-dry his hair.

"What happened to your back...?" JiEin asks.

"Eh...run in with a Dolmdarl..." X says, throwing a side-long glance at Leah, who simply smiles.

"Oh, right. That 'weapon' that Leah requested Elly to make. Anyway, I've come to return your katanas. I forgot to give them back to you when I first retrieved them." JiEin states, handing the two sheathed blades to X. JiEin's hand spasmodically tightens on the hilt of the Agito for a split second, as he wills himself to let go.

"Sorry to torture you like that, Ji. When I don't need them...I might let you borrow the Agito to mess around with. Maybe. Assuming you don't 'forget' to return them..." X replies, smirking.

"Right...regardless, I should probably be going. Elly is attempting to forge a new sword for me, and she wanted my input during the creation process."

"Oh yeah, the Ji Sword got slagged. Well, good luck with that. I'm gonna go help Ayame try to gain some semblance of control over her conduit." X says, placing the sheathed Yasha in a portable safe. He hoists the sheathed Agito, then rummages around in the safe for a few more moments, obviously looking for something. As he continues his search, JiEin speaks up, suddenly remembering an item he'd picked up.

"X, I have something else that may interest you." JiEin says, reaching into a compartment at his waist. He withdraws a standard red item container, opening it to reveal a dully glowing purple rock inside. X gasps as he realizes what it is.

"Syncesta! You really don't want it?"

"No, I have no use for it. You've mentioned it's energy-enhancing properties before, so...here you go." JiEin hands the stone over to X, then turns to leave. "Good luck with Ayame. Nei had a very hard time with it earlier."

"Yeah...but I actually know what I'm doing." X says, withdrawing a Lavis Cannon from the safe and sheathing it in Yasha's usual place at his back. He tucks the Syncesta in a pocket as he follows JiEin out the door, grabbing a battered denim jacket as he leaves. He and JiEin part ways a few minutes down the hall, X swiftly making his way to the VR training area. When he enters, he finds his niece going through a series of stretches, clad in a plain black and red bodysuit. The Shiranui is sheathed at her back.

"Well then, let's get started." X cues up a simulation of Forest 2, placing the two in a open clearing that faintly glows in the light of a brilliant sunset.

In Zionus' citadel, Sigma passes by a legion of guards as he heads toward his master's inner sanctum, a report filed on the PDA in his hand. He walks with the confidence of a god, self-assurance oozing from every pore. Entering, he bows low.

"My master...the supply of prisoners is growing each day. More than half have submitted to your will, and of the remaining half...a quarter have been judged suitable for the transformation process."

"Very well. The transformations' first few tests did not go as well as I planned. Their bodies could simply not contain the power. Sigma...my creation. Have you even been able to grasp the magnitude of my design?"

"No, master. I know that you are recruiting 'followers' for some reason, and that certain of these followers are going to become soldiers...but why?"

"I am as a god. As such...belief in m increases the pool of strength I have to draw on. Not believing in me cannot decrease my power, but blind belief in my awesome might strengthens me. When I have attained enough followers, I shall unleash my true power, and annihilate this pathetic solar system. I shall then take on the Profound Darkness, and claim my place as the ruler of the cosmos."

"Master...might I ask why? You could already dominate this planet, easily."

"Yes...but it will be far more satisfying to be able to kill that fool X after knowing that the precious 'people' he was trying to protect were instrumental in their own destruction. This is not just about revenge...but that does play a large part in it. X is responsible for allowing me to tap into this great power, but he is also responsible for my most humiliating defeat. I shall crush all that he cares about before I crush him. The other inconsequential fools that have popped up to oppose me shall perish as well. Alis has already dispatched that upstart child on Rykros, and shall soon annihilate his companions. Without the rings...none shall stand against me."

"Very well, master. I shall do all that is within the powers you gifted me with to aid your cause." Sigma bows, then leaves the room.

As Sigma leaves, a brief flicker of...something...passes at the edge of Zionus' awareness. His mind trails to Rykros for a moment before going back to enforcing his will on the spell-bound captives in his prison cells.

On Rykros, Brom reenters the ship, covered in monster gore. A few body plates are out of order, but he looks none worse for wear otherwise. He enters the main room to see a fully recovered Lorna preparing a meal.

"Well, that was fast. Discovered a new fleshie-healing method?" Brom says, sheathing his weapon.

Lorna beams at him, smiling broadly. She faintly glows with vitality as she dances lightly around the room. "Yes, I'm feeling much better. But I am worried about Sage and Lissandra. Liss is still unresponsive, though her heartbeat and breathing are strong. And Sage...something feels wrong. We should probably go check on him."

"What about Yokote? He's a tough one, for a sack of slowing rotting meat."

Emerging from the sleeping quarters, looking in much better shape, Yokote replies. "I'm doing a lot better. What's with the concern all of a sudden? Run out of stuff to kill?" He grins as he walks over to the control console, his right arm held immobile in a sling.

"This...is odd. When I left, the bimbo was near-dead and you were about to pass out. And now the two of you are perfectly fine? What is this strange fleshie magic? More of your overrated glowing light shows?"

Lorna chuckles softly before replying. "We figured out a way to combine our energies, healing us both. It was very refreshing..." She carries a tray of food over to a table near the control console as Yokote begins to awkwardly work the sensors, hindered by only having one hand.

After a few moments, he replies. "Sage and Alis are still at the tower...I think. I know Alis is, but I'm not detecting Sage at all."

"Oh no! We have to go check it out." Lorna replies, her smile vanishing in an instant.

"Yeah, probably. But if we were booted from the tower before, it can happen again. He might be better off without us." Brom says.

"We have to try." Yokote reiterates, his face grim. "We may be able to at least get close to the tower."

After about ten minutes of working at the unresponsive controls, Yokote lets out a curse of frustration.

"It's the guardians. They're jamming it somehow. We may have to walk."

"I'll stay here, to see what I can do for Lissandra. Her life energy seems strong, but the lack of mental activity worries me." Lorna says.

"I'm telling you...we aren't going to be able to get close. Go look outside, fleshies." Brom says.

Lorna and Yokote look out the window, to see a vast dome of energy emanating from the tower, obscuring vision.

"Well...that idea's out. Now what?" Yokote says, sighing.

"We wait. And hope." Lorna replies.

On top of the tower, Alis strides towards the edge, Elsydeon held high. The wind blows her hair as she stares out, past the border of power that surrounds the tower. Focusing power, she prepares to warp over and finish off the last of the group, her mind still feebly trying to fight off Zionus' control. As she begins to shimmer with energy, a single gunshot rings out, catching her in the shoulder and spinning her around with a cry of pain. Unshielded, the bullet hit with considerable impact. She gasps at what stands before her.

Alis whirls about, the world going a faint pink color as the borders of reality seem to bend around her. She stares, seeing the disembodied head of Sage taunting her, as his body holds a Yasminkov, smoke still curling off the barrel. Blinking, she rubs her eyes to clear them as Sage, the tower and the horizon seem to melt into a single wash of color.

"What...what kind of trickery is this, Lutz!"

She hears a harsh laugh as the world around her goes black. When her sight returns, she sees a battered, bruised Sage standing before her, clearly not dead.

"No! I killed you...how can you still be alive?" Alis screams, a look of horror on her face as Zionus realizes his mistake.

Sage laughs again. "First of all...Lutz had nothing to do with this. I asked him to either help me or stay out of my way, and he stayed out of my way. This is me."

"How is this...possible?" Alis asks, her sword nearly falling from limp hands.

"My gift, and my curse. The powers of telekinesis...and telepathy. All my life I've struggled with learning how to control them. Telekinesis allows me to manipulate matter with my mind. Telepathy allows me to read and manipulate thoughts. Telekinesis is generally much more useful in an offensive sense...but telepathy has its uses as well. I didn't get to use it much in my career as a hunter, since neither D-cell creatures nor machines have minds. But humans... it works marvels on."

"You tricked me!"

"Pretty much, yes. I didn't dare try to read your moves in the beginning of the fight, as Zionus could have mind-blasted me with little effort. But by putting up a good show, and letting him get overconfident, he dropped his guard. I figured that even though he could manipulate your perception...I wouldn't be able to warp the 'strong' willed mind of a guardian. Luckily for me, when it counted the most, I was wrong." Sage replies, moving a bit closer.

"Right after I blasted you with Legeon...I was very drained, I'll admit. I knew you wouldn't give me time to recover. So, I lashed out with the last weapon I had available. My mind. It was simple to make you think you had killed me. I was even able to fool my friends, who are reading the sensor readings of me being fine as being 'unable to detect me.' But the biggest surprise was being able to fool Zionus. His overconfidence truly will be his downfall. But first...it's your turn. I apologize for what I'm about to do."

Sage draws his other gun, unleashing a withering rain of fire at the guardian. She blocks the first few streams of bullets, but the telekinetically-guided shots easily penetrate her guard, splashing against a barrier of light. Sage fires until his guns are empty, holstering them as he brings his hands up, creating a telekinetic shield to block her furious assault. As he fights, he feels Lutz's presence in his mind once again.

Jonas...I am truly impressed. I must admit, you ranting earlier seemed like the talk of one who cannot back up what he is saying. But I was wrong. You do have the strength of will to defeat Zionus. I offer to you my full power, chosen. You have perservered where I saw only defeat. Take my power, and free Alis!"

Sage steps back, unleashing a powerful telekinetic wave that blows Alis away. His body begins to glow with a fierce white light, energy beginning to swirl around him in a maelstrom of unleashed technique power. A shining white robe appears over his battered blue bodysuit, his hair flaring white as he draws on the stored energy of eons. Sparkling bolts of silver lightning appear around his body as he fully fuses with Lutz for the first time. With temporarily unlimited technique energy at his disposal, he begins a renewed attack.

Hovering off the ground, levitating himself easily, he hurls Alis into the air with a telekinetic grip before slamming her into the top of the tower. He repeats this several times, each blow increasing in intensity until she falls through the top floor. He follows, floating lightly above her.

"How can you have this much power? I nearly killed you!" she cries, Zionus' rage being felt through the link he holds over her.

"Lutz is actually doing something useful. For once. About damned time...anyway, this is really going to hurt. I apologize." Sage says, hovering about ten feet above Alis. He lets one hand fall to his side, the other extending straight forward, palm out. A swirling vortex of tecnique energy appears in his palm, splitting into three large Legeon orbs that are created from chain-cast Grants and Megid.

The blue glow cascades onto his white robes and newly white hair as the three orbs grow in size and intensity. An arcane circle similar to a Photon Blast appears to ring the three orbs as blue lines of force jump from one to the other, connecting them. He reinforces this magical barrier with a telekinetic one, containing the orbs with pure force of will until they reach critical mass.

His spell and his will focus the released energy of the three detonating Legeon orbs into a beam of concentrated power, the massive beam of energy streaking forward like a living thing, striking Alis in the chest. She briefly struggles against it before yielding, the force of the attack sending her plunging through twenty stories of the tower. She hits the ground with an incredible explosion, a large cloud of dust rising to reveal a large crater. Sage hovers down next to her, smiling.

"I told you that would hurt. Another one of those would kill you, intangible thought construct or not. And to be honest...I don't have another one in me. But if you're still willing to fight..."

Seeing Alis stand, Sage sighs. "Yeah, guess you don't learn easily. Let's finish this, the only way you'll understand. Zionus...your reckoning will come soon. I promise!"

Landing easily on the ground, Sage extends his left hand, effortlessly yanking Elysdeon from Alis' limp hand as she struggles to her feet.

"This thing helped me, you know. I was able to draw power from the spirits within the blade. It's rightfully yours, Lady Alis...but it's being used in the wrong way. Let's see if it can break this spell you're under!"

With a roar of rage, Alis leaps forward, her saber meeting the Elsydeon held in Sage's hands. He telekinetically fuels his attacks, reading her mind to anticipate her moves. After a furious series of blows, Sage bats the saber from her hand. With a sad look on his face, he takes aim and stabs Elsydeon at the weary guardian, aiming not at her but at the presence controlling her. The souls within Elsydeon leap to her aid, combining with Sage's mental attack to break Zionus' spell. Alis cries out as her mind is freed, collapsing forward. Sage places the Elsydeon on the ground gently as the power signature from Lutz fades. He reaches out, catching Alis as the guardian falls lightly into his arms.

Sage casts a quick Resta as the last of Lutz's energy boost fades from him. He hears a weary voice in his mind as his healing technique awakens Alis from her slumber.

Sage...that was incredible. However, you burned nearly 500 years of stored technique energy in about five minutes. I need to rest and recover. You did well. Lutz retreats into dormancy as Sage can't help but grin.

"Lady Alis...please wake up. Zionus' control over you is broken."

Alis stirs, her eyes blinking open. She sets up suddenly, pulling away from Sage.

"Who...who are you? What happened to the tower? Where am I...?" Alis begins, looking around in confusion.

"My name is Jonas Sage. I and my companions came seeking the Rings of Stars. When we arrived, we began the trials, only to have them interrupted. You, under the control of Zionus-"

"Ugh, I remember now. I banished your companions from the tower while under his control. I seriously wounded one, and may have fatally injured another. I am a failure as a Guardian..."

Sage looks at her, then shakes his head. "No, you aren't. Your very existence is tied to the power of the Great Light, a power which Zionus now controls. You were powerless to stop it."

"...That may be so, but I am the originator of the Protector Line. I shall strive to be a more diligent watcher in the future. I hope you can forgive me for the harm I have caused you." Alis says, a look of remorse on her face.

"Well, it would be easier if you'd give me the Rings of Stars. We need them to face Zionus on equal terms." Sage replies, smiling.

"Very well." With a wave of her hand, Alis produces a small leather bag. A spoken command calls the Spirit Guardians before her, and with a chanted spell they restore the Tower of Trials to its former glory. Bowing to Sage, they disincorporate. Alis hands over the bag, clasping Sage's forearm as an equal.

"You...you have the same look in your eyes as the demon. I trust that you will put these to good use. Now, let us go. I may be able to help undo the damage I caused."

Alis grasps Sage's shoulder, teleporting the two of them near the ship. Brom, Lorna and Yokote immediately leap out, weapons at the ready.

"Relax, guys. I broke the spell Zionus had put on Alis. It won't bring Liss back, but..." Sage says, a grim look on his face.

"Bring her back? Sage, you underestimate me, dear. Liss is still alive, just... unresponsive. I was thinking you could contact her and bring her back to awareness with a mindlink. I'm still rather drained from patching her and Yokote up." Lorna says.

Sage lets out the breath he was holding, no longer biting his lip. He sighs, then grabs Lorna in a bearhug.

"Thank you so much." he whispers.

Heh, no problem. I couldn't have your morale be completely destroyed before the final battle, now could I...? Lorna says through a mindlink.

Alis speaks up after a few uncomfortable moments. Turning to Yokote, she beholds his mangled arm with a look of sorrow.

"Warrior...I am truly sorry. The blade of light should never be used to cleave one of its protectors. I can restore what it has taken..." Alis says.

"No, that's alright. It was my own carelessness that lost my arm." Yokote states, a steely look of resolve in his eyes.

"Then...I shall make you stronger for it. Be warned...this may hurt a bit." Alis says. She draws Elysdeon, pointing the tip at Yokote's arm as he remove the mangled appendage from the sling. Chanting, Alis projects a silvery beam of energy at Yokote that encases his forearm in a glowing cloud. He winces, staggering slightly. When the cloud dissipates, he wears a shining silver gauntlet on his right arm, covering him from the elbow down.

"That arm is a gift from the Light. You can dispel the gauntlet with a thought, or transform it into a mighty weapon. Use it to do battle with the true enemy."

"Uh...thanks." Yokote says, flexing his new arm. Concentrating, he projects an enormous purple photon blade from the top of the gauntlet. He swings it experimentally, then retracts both the blade and the gauntlet. The pale flesh of a new forearm and hand emerge from the silvery light of the dispelled gauntlet. With a thought, he wills it back on, grinning.

"I shall now return to the tower. I ask only that you stop by again before you leave for Rykros. I must prepare the wards in case Zionus attempts to attack again." Alis says. She disappears in a flash of light as the group goes into the ship.

"So, the crazy fleshbag lady wants us to make another visit. Probably to kill us, or something." Brom says, lounging against the wall.

"No...not quite. The Lady Alis is filled with a deep sorrow." Yokote replies. Lorna remains strangely quiet as Sage enters the rest area, a frown on her face.

Zionus. You will pay for the defilement you have wreaked upon the Queen of Palma. Lorna envisions more scenarios of mayhem and vengeance, fuming as Sage steps over to the bed where Lissandra lays, unmoving.

He reaches out a hand, pressing it lightly to her face. With but a thought, he links his mind to her still one, pushing deeper inside the plane of her psyche.

His astral form encounters a floating apparition of Liss, curled up in the fetal position. She is surrounded by stone walls, sobbing silently.

"Liss...it's Sage. Please. I know you're still alive, so please...come back to us. We need you."

He is met with silence from the unmoving Lissandra. He floats closer, reaching out to grasp her hands. At his touch, her eyes fly open.

"Sage! You're alive." Lissandra says, throwing her arms around him.

"Yeah...barely. Lutz helped out, and a last-minute stroke of inspiration. But if you hadn't sacrificed yourself...Alis would have killed me. Thank you." Sage says, embracing Liss.

"I...I had to do it. I couldn't let Zionus do that. You're needed." Liss says, beginning to cry.

"Liss..." Sage says, pushing lightly upward on her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. "So are you. Please...come back with me. I need you. I know you'll support me through anything. Besides...someone has to keep me from getting rid of Lutz. He's useful at times, but usually far too much of a pain." Sage and Liss both laugh at this, sensing a dim sense of irritation from a sleeping Lutz.

As they regain control after helpless laughter, Liss fixes Sage with a piercing gaze."Sage..." Liss begins. Before the interlude can turn into a scene from a torrid romance novel, Liss's awakening psyche casts her back into awareness. Sage's eyes snap open as Liss sits up. They cling to each other for a few moments before letting go. Sage helps Liss to her feet, and the two exit the rest area, heading for the main cockpit.

"Lissandra! I knew you'd make it." Lorna says, smiling.

"Liss! Good to see you!" Yokote says, a big grin on his face as well.

"Hmph...another surprisingly resilient meatbag. Keep this up, and I'll have to start making more kills to restore some sort of balance." Brom replies, lounging against a chair.

"Well, let's go to the Tower. We have the Rings of Stars, but Alis wanted to say something to us first." Sage says. The preflight checks go smoothly, and the Landale quickly takes off, crossing the distance to the tower effortlessly.

The group is warped inside as they land, appearing in Alis' sitting room at the top of the tower.

X and Ayame stand about ten feet apart, each holding their hands at their sides. X gazes at Ayame for a few moments, taking in the changes that have occurred in his niece.

"Wow kiddo, you've really grown." X says, reaching in his pocket for the Syncesta.

"Yeah. It all happened so fast. It was weird. There's still weird stuff happening to me now, too." Ayame replies, as X removes the faintly glowing Syncesta from his pocket. "Ooh, Uncle...what's that?"

"This is a Syncesta. It's also part of your first lesson. Can you tell me what it is that happens when you use your conduit?" X asks, lightly tossing the Syncesta from hand to hand.

"Well...I get really upset, or scared, or mad...and it just takes over." Ayame says, puzzled.

"You're close...but you're wrong. Your emotions fuel it, but it doesn't take over. To truly use it, you must be in control of your emotions. Take this Syncesta, for example. Zero, my id, hunted this thing obsessively. He wanted to use it on this." X continues, drawing the Lavis from its sheath. The purple blade glows dully, reacting with the Syncesta.

"Uncle, what's an 'id'?" Ayame asks.

"The thing inside you that wants things, basically. It has no concerns other than for what it wants. It doesn't care who or what is in the way of what it desires at the moment. It is desire, personified. Now...can you tell me why that's important to the use of the conduit?"

Ayame thinks for a moment before responding. "Because...desire is one of the strongest emotions we can experience, right? And...when you really think about it, a lot of other emotions are simply different types of desire." Ayame continues, the words beginning to come out in a flood as true understanding hits her. "Like love. It's desiring to protect something special to you. Or anger. It's desiring to have something go your way. Or fear. It's desiring that something that scares you not be there. Right?"

"Close. Some of those are kinda...iffy. But I think you get the general idea. Now, why can't we just let our desires overcome us? Wouldn't it be easier if we just let the pure emotion of our desire run wild, giving our conduits near endless power?" X asks. Wow, she's really matured. She's getting this faster than I thought she would.

"Um...no! No, it wouldn't. Because then we can't control what we're doing. Like you with Zero...like me with Danielle. And if we can't control what we are doing, to use that power for a good cause...then it's not worth using." Ayame says, a frown coming over her face.

"Exactly! Our ids...the personifications of our desires...they can be raving, homicidal lunatics. But to fully make use of the power, they can't be the ones in control. It doesn't matter what your id wants. It doesn't matter what they are trying to do. What matters is what you are feeling, and that you can turn that feeling to control. Do you understand?" X asks.

"I...think so. I just need to find something to focus on, and use that to fuel my conduit? Instead of losing control, I need to...take control!" Ayame says, a spark of recognition lighting up her eyes.

"Bingo. You're doing pretty well, kiddo. Now...the only time you haven't used your id to fuel your conduit was when you and I were fighting Zionus. Think back...why were you fighting?" X asks, beginning to casually juggle the Syncesta in mid-air with the Lavis.

"Because, I wanted to fight with you. I wanted to be strong like you, and I wanted to protect all those people he was trying to hurt. It just kinda...happened. I didn't snap like I did when Danielle takes over." Ayame replies.

"Good, good. Now, you need to be able to focus that desire at will, without losing control over it. Let's get started, shall we?" X says, catching the Syncesta with his free hand. "When you're ready...you will have conquered your desire. Like...this!" X tosses the Syncesta into mid-air, cleaving it in half with the Lavis before it hits the ground.

"Wow...wasn't that really valuable?" Ayame asks.

"Yes, it was. It's something Zero hunted for ages. But...I've conquered my selfish desires, for the most part. My desires still exist...but they no longer control me." X replies, sheathing the Lavis and withdrawing Agito. "Now, come at me. The way I first learned how to control my conduit was with desperation. It's relatively simple to use the power when you're in deadly peril. I'm not going to hold back. I'll admit...I'm not at full strength, but I'm still a pretty good match. Using Shiranui, try to stay alive."

"A...alright." Ayame replies, nervous. She draws the blade, purple wisps of technique energy spiraling off of it. She settles into a defensive stance that's an unconscious mirror image of X's.

Before she can react, X leaps forward, slashing with Agito. Ayame brings her blade up in a clumsy parry, getting knocked off of her feet. X makes another slash, igniting the sword with Foie as he aims at her shoulder. I'm sorry kiddo...this is going to hurt, but it's the only way I know of. You have to get angry...

To his surprise, Ayame deflects the Agito blade with a rapid-fire stream of Barta, quelling the flame. Spinning on one hand, she sweeps X's legs out from underneath him as she stands. She descends in an over-hand slash with two hands, which X barely rolls out of the way of.

The Shiranui bites deep into the simulated turf, lodging for a second before Ayame pulls it free. X is on his feet, counter-attacking as she struggles to block. The two blades meet in a flurry of blocks and parries, culminating in a collision of Foie techniques that Ayame wins. As she lunges forward for a strike, X activates his conduit and blasts her backwards with a Demon Roar. She slides backwards, barely able to deflect the glowing black halo.

Seeing that she can block it, X continues, blasting a series of Demon Roars at her. She manages to nullify the first few with techniques, but a few hit her and explode. X watches his niece struggle for a brief moment, surprised as she easily extinguishes the dark flames with a powerful Resta.

"Well, ready to...hey!" X says in shock as Ayame leaps at him, firing a series of Foies. He dodges the first two by flying upwards, nullifying the third with a Demon Roar as the fourth is sliced in half by Agito. He gasps for breath momentarily, realizing that in his weakened state his niece is nearly a match for him in a conventional fight. X flips away, his single wing holding him easily aloft.

"Ok Ayame...you've certainly gotten better at combat. But, here's the real test. I'm going to use my full power. Try to stop me, if you can." X concentrates, releasing a black wave of energy as lightning sparks around him. Ayame looks up in shock as he channels a series of Demon Roars. She dodges from side to side, becoming increasingly more frantic as the explosions come closer and closer.

Finally, she is unable to dodge as an explosion launches her into the air. She struggles for a moment as X commits himself to the attack, charging for a Ryuenjin. The flaming slash bats Ayame higher upward, consuming her body with minor burns. X flips in mid-air, striking downward with a Hyouretsuzan that knocks her to the ground. As she struggles to get up, he charges Agito with electrical energy and stabs a Raitonken at her. Ayame lets out a scream of frustration, a single black wing shooting from her back. She holds Shiranui in her left hand, casting Razonde with her right as she pours lightning into the blade. She dashes forward, meeting X's stab with a slash that knocks him towards the ground.

"Raikousen!" she cries, slashing several more times with the lightning blade before batting him to the ground with a two-handed slash. He recovers as he hits the ground, and they both charge a Demon Roar. The two black halos, one blue-tinged and one purple-tinged, collide in mid air, the shockwave from the explosion knocking both down. When they recover, neither is in conduit mode.

"That was a nice shot."

"Thank you. I think I can control it now...sorta."

"Good."

X and Ayame relax, regenerating their technique energy as they lounge on a simulation of Gal Da Val beach.

"Uncle..." Ayame begins, leaning up. Scratches, minor burns and bruises show through rents on her clothing, but X is in similar shape from the day's training.

"Yes, Ayame?"

"You've been...kinda mean today. I know you're trying to train me, but you were never this mean before I changed. Do you not like me with the new way my body looks?" Ayame says, her voice revealing she is clearly on the verge of tears.

X turns to look at her, his hands still laced behind his head. Dammit. Yes, she's somewhat attractive to someone that's not her Uncle. She's grown into a fine young woman. I was trying to be hard on her, because I know I usually tend to hold back for a pretty face. But she's not just a pretty face. She's my niece. I guess I took it a bit overboard.

"Ayame, honey...no matter what you look like on the outside, no matter what changes you go through, I want you to know this. Me, and Leah, and everyone else...we still love you. You're still the same person we know and love, you just look a bit different."

Ayame gives into her tears, leaning over and hugging X. "Thank you, Uncle. I was so worried. A lot of times I just wanted to go back to the way I used to look. This new body is so weird. Sometimes I hate it..."

"Ah, don't hate it. It's a natural part of growing up. You got it a bit faster than most girls, but you should be proud of being as beautiful as you are." X gives her a brief hug, releasing her as she sits up, resting her chin on her cupped hands, her legs crossed in her lap. Ayame gazes out over the water, lost in thought.

"Uncle...one more thing. I figured out some of the stuff you said you'd tell me when I was older, but some of it still is confusing."

X sighs. "Alright, go for it. You've made a lot of progress today. You get three free questions."

Ayame beams at this, radiating happiness. "Ok, for one...why do you look so scared when Aunt Leah takes out that whip?"

"Because she whips me like a schoolboy. Next question."

"So, what are your other two questions, Ayame?" X asks, leaning back as he stares up at the simulated night sky.

Ayame thinks for a moment, then her face suddenly lights up. "Why'd you pick Auntie Leah of all people to be your special best friend Uncle?"

X smiles to himself for a moment, then nods in assent. "...Not a word of what I'm about to say gets back to your aunt, understand?"

"Ok!"

"She's...soft."

"Soft?" Ayame asks, mystified.

"Yeah. Her legs, her bosom, her hips...but mostly her heart. When I hold her, it feels like there's not a single thing wrong with the world. I understand all of her quirks just like she reads me like a book. Behind every slap, punch, scratch, whip crack, I feel that wonderful person who can make me feel...wanted."

"Wow..."

"...Doesn't hurt she's a demon in the sac either. God damn. These welts still sting."

The silence hangs on the air for a moment, as Ayame takes all this in. "So...you picked her not only for the way she looks, but the way she makes you feel?"

"Yeah, that's it. I'm not quite that shallow. Although she is one of the hottest women I know. Her ass, it just..." Remembering he is still talking to his niece, X abruptly breaks off into another line of conversation. "So, you've got one more. Make it a good one."

"Well, I don't know. All the stuff I really wanted to ask about has been pretty much explained. It all has to do with girls. Hmm...oh." Ayame becomes suddenly silent.

X sits up, sensing a change in the demeanor of his niece. "Ayame, what is it?" he asks, as he looks over. Ayame has her face buried in her hands. He moves closer, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"What's wrong?" X says, concern evident in his voice. Sparks of purple lightning begin to dance around his niece, forming into a glowing aura. X is hurled backwards by an outwardly-expanding ring of force as Ayame stands, the purple light that begins to dance around his niece growing brighter and brighter until it becomes to bright to look at. A distant crack of thunder is heard, as bolts of lightning strike from a suddenly cloudy sky. When the glare fades, the purple aura around Ayame has faded to a dull red. Danielle turns and grins evilly at him, floating lightly above the beach, wind stirring her dark red hair.

X smiles, taking his hand away from the hilts of his sheathed blades. He crosses his arms and turns his head towards Danielle, nodding slightly.

"You know, I was wondering when you'd pop up again. I've got a few questions for you." X says, as Danielle begins to laugh.

"Look at you, acting all calm and collected. You do realize that in your tired state, I could break you in half?" Danielle says, pointing a hand at X as she channels energy for a Demon Roar.

"Yeah, I guess. I also know you won't. Ayame seems to be in more control of you now. I was half-expecting you to manifest earlier. If I'd put her under that much stress a few days ago, I'm certain you would've shown up and gone psycho. So she must be allowing you to pop up. And if she is, that means she'll stop you before I have to. So...what's up? Why are you here, Ms. Glowstick?"

Danielle glares at the name, but dispels the attack she was charging. "Since we're playing Twenty Questions...I have a few for you."

"Alright. Go ahead." X says, sitting down.

"Why the hell did I never get any love, any respect, any affection! I was trapped inside that brat's mind for nearly 17 years, with no escape. I had to sit and watch while she led a happy life, pushing all of her negative emotions onto me. All her pain, all her anger, all her fear, all her sadness, all her rage...dumped onto me. And I had to just accept it all. And you...you did nothing. Why!" Danielle screams, releasing a burst of power that turns the sand around her to glass in her anger.

"For one, I had no clue you existed. Did you ever do anything that any reasonable person could have taken as a sign of an alternate personality or whatever the hell you are existing inside Ayame?" X asks pointedly, fixing Danielle with an inquisitive look.

"Well...you should've known, Mr. Omnipotent Hero!" Danielle says, glaring.

"Known what? Ayame was one of the happiest, healthiest kids I've ever seen. She seemed to handle all the stuff we went through beautifully, with no psychological trauma whatsoever. I even found out that my mom periodically scanned her for mental health, demonic possession and the like, and found nothing. Even the school psychologist gave her a clean bill of health. How was I supposed to know that you were running around inside her, angsting yourself into a pit of despair?"

"I...I..." Danielle falters, turning her gaze towards the ground.

"Now, don't get me wrong. If I had known you were in there, I would have tried to help you. But it seems Ayame's ego completely suppressed you. There was no outlet for you, her id, until she hit puberty. I guess the changes to her brain that took place gave you a way out." X stands slowly, stretching.

"I...I guess. But being stabbed through the chest by you was really a big help, Mr. Superhero." Danielle snips, beginning to pout.

"Yeah...about that. I wasn't able to completely break Zionus' control with that. But if I'd given in...it would have hit Ayame in the heart instead of right between her heart and lungs. I managed to throw the stab off, missing anything vital, but I underestimated the amount of control Zionus had over me at that point. Resisting the order to kill Ayame drained most of the power I'd been able to build up, and it left me nearly helpless during his next brainwashing session. He clamped down, and I wasn't able to do much more than watch until after he stole most of my strength to create Sigma. I'm not happy about that, but...it could have been a lot worse." X answers, a slight edge in his voice."

"Hmph." Danielle says, turning away to pout. "You always manage to save everyone else, but when it comes to saving your niece, you..."

"Fine, don't believe me. I guess I'll have to show you." X says languidly, keying in a combination of commands on the control to the simulator. A holographic image of Zionus appears behind Danielle as she whirls. She blasts it with a Demon Roar to no effect. It points a finger at her, and a beam of energy shoots from the simulation's hand, striking her in the head. A haze of white energy appears around her for a moment, and when it fades even her usual aura is gone.

"Labyrinth and the medical staff came up with this after treating me. It's a simulation of Zionus' brainwashing technique, running at about half strength. They designed it to test if there was any way around it."

Danielle simply nods, unable to speak.

X keys in a few more commands, and the scene shifts to a luxuriant field of flowers, the colors bursting with life. A Pal Rappy appears, waddling up towards Danielle. It reaches her, but instead of attacking, it begins nuzzling her leg.

"This is how the Rappies were before Falz. Now, pet the rappy." Danielle resists slightly, the movements jerky as she strains, her hand moving up to lightly stroke the creature's feathered head. The bird coos with pleasure as she pets it, a look of pure anger appearing on her face. She glares daggers at X, but is unable to move.

"All this happiness and life must be getting to you, huh? Try to resist. Come on." X says, smiling. "This is a simulation Ayame had Elly program a couple of years ago, to be used in the lab's VR simulators. It works here too. It's all her favorite stuff."

A table appears before them, set with a full meal. X walks over, then lounges in one of the chairs. "You're really hating this, aren't you? The control should wear off in a minute or two. Now...I'm going to loosen it slightly. I want you to charge up as much conduit power as you can. You've got thirty seconds. Try to break the hold. I'm going to put it up to 70 of the strength of Zionus' mind-control. This simulator can't get to the level he used on me, but this is the maximum it can get. Build up power and try to break free. And...go!" X says, hitting a few more keys as a dull white glow settles around Danielle. She struggles, every fiber of her being straining to break free. A dull red glow appears around her, her wings struggling to break free of the confining white cocoon. Her body trembles, yet is unable to break the barrier.

He surely must be bluffing. There's no way anything could resist this. Danielle thinks. She hears a faint voice in her head as she struggles.

"He's not bluffing. I tried to make mental contact with him, and the strain he was under was at least a thousand times worse than what you're enduring. His entire willpower was focused into a pinpoint of resistance, using everything he had. Even then, he wasn't able to completely break free. But it was far more than anyone else I've ever known could have managed." Ayame's older self says. "It's a good thing he's so stubborn."

"You're lying!" Danielle says, focusing on trying to break free.

"I can't lie to you mind-to-mind. You'd be able to tell. Maybe now you'll realize what he went through. You need to let go of the angst, Danielle. He and the rest of our family would have surely helped you if they could've." With that comment, the mental dialogue ceases.

Danielle slumps to the ground as X releases the mental hold. Her body is sheened with sweat, and she is trembling. X walks over to her, gently picks her up and carries her to the chair. He sits her down, then steps away.

"Well, now you know. I'm going to destroy this now. Only one copy was made, and it was kept under heavy security. This simulation is far too dangerous."

"What...why?" Danielle manages, still shaking.

"If anyone knew what Zionus was really capable of, their will to fight would be completely gone. I decided before Ayame and I went into this training session that she would need to know, too. But showing it to you is just as good, as you'll probably be the first to face him. Now, I'm destroying it." X says, withdrawing a disk from the PDA he carries. He hurls it into the air, then obliterates it with a Demon Roar.

"Why...why would she need to know?" Danielle asks.

"Because. Her and I are the only two that are strong enough for Zionus to use as a tool. Anyone else would crack under the strain of the mind-control, and be useless to him. But we are strong enough to retain our abilities, and be more than just mindless puppets. I think the conduit has something to do with it, but...there's more to it than that."

"The self-control that is necessary to use the conduit. It's also excellent practice for resisting Zionus' control." Danielle says.

"Exactly. Now that that's out of the way...let's eat." X says, sitting down.

"Simulated food...?" Danielle asks with disdain.

"Nope. I had Ji cook this up after we got done training. I was saving it for after Ayame and I were done talking, but since you're here...you can enjoy it too."

"How do you know all this? How did you know I'd show up?" Danielle asks, reaching for a pair of chopsticks.

"I assumed that you would probably show up at some point, and I figured I should be ready for when you did. I've got some questions for you." X says, as Danielle begins to devour her food.

"Mm...good. Well, I'm far too drained to kill you, so I suppose I'll humor you." Danielle says a few minutes later, after polishing off three bowls of noodles.

"Ji is a very good chef. Now...you're basically Ayame's version of Zero, correct? An alternate personality that reflects the desires of her id."

"Something like that, yes." Danielle says, sighing as she sets her empty bowl aside.

"And Ayame's the ego?"

"No, not exactly. You and Zero divided your mind into two. Ayame's mind is divided into three. It's myself, the young Ayame and an older version of her. Well...more mature is a more apt description than 'older.' "

"And the older version is the superego? The conscience?" X asks, taking a few bites of his food.

"No. The younger, childlike version is basically the superego. She sees the world in black and white, good and bad. The superego was in control for most of her childhood."

"Ah. That would be why she never really got into that much trouble, eh? Her superego kept her walking the straight and narrow."

"And kept her from having any real fun..." Danielle mutters. "Anyway, when Dr. Hahn released the genetic locks that kept her from fully developing, the ego and myself, the id, were enabled to have more power. When something happens that her superego is completely incapable of dealing with, control gets pushed to either me or the ego. You stabbing her, Sigma nearly killing her, stuff like that...it loosens the superego's control. The more it happens, the more control of her psyche is released to go to either myself or the ego."

"So eventually...the three of you will be in balance?" X asks, drinking some tea.

"We already are. We're at a bit of a stalemate. But...I suppose we can coexist for now."

"Hmm. Is there any way of integrating the three of you?"

"No. And don't even mention that prospect again. I am not losing control of myself to that brat." Danielle snarls.

"Alright, fine. But that means that you'll likely be the one that does the real fighting against Zionus, not Ayame. You do realize that, right?" X says, looking into her eyes.

"Yeah, yeah...I can handle it. And after what you've showned me...he really, truly does deserve to die more than anyone I've ever met." Danielle says, a look of rage on her face.

"Definitely. But we can take him down."

"Oh yeah, that reminds me. You lied to the brat earlier, didn't you? When you said you couldn't beat him at full power."

"Sort of."

"What do you mean, 'sort of'! Can you beat him, or can't you?" Danielle says, a sudden look of fear in her eyes.

"If Ayame knew she still had a 'safety net', she wouldn't try as hard. But what I said wasn't exactly a lie, either. It is technically impossible for me to beat him by myself. Or anyone else, for that matter."

"Explain. There must be some sort of trick, or something..." Danielle curls up in her chair.

"Well, it's pretty simple. We have to cut his connection to the Great Light, then destroy him while it's cut. I can blast him to oblivion fairly easily, but as long as the connection's still active, he'll just regenerate. To do any lasting damage, we have to unlink him from the Great Light.. But to cut the connection, we need to get him to use up power while within the interference field created by the Rings. So, we need at least five other people there."

"Um...ok. That makes no sense."

"The Rings were originally created by the Great Light, and derive their power from it. If Zionus expends the Great Light's power while near them, they will absorb the expended power, draining the power he uses to sustain himself. Eventually, enough power will be drained to allow a strong enough blast to sever the connection. Then...he dies." X says, smiling at the thought.

"So, you basically just meant that you can't beat him without the Rings, right?" Danielle asks.

"Eh, pretty much. I'm still recovering from being drained to create Sigma, but you and I working together should easily be able to sever his connection. Hell, if I need to, I can sacrifice enough of myself to do it even while weakened. The only problem is going to be enduring the firepower he's going to be tossing around until he's weak enough. But, I'm sure we can pull it off."

"I...guess so." Danielle stands, stretching. "I'm rather tired. I'm going to give the brat control back now. It was enlightening."

"Wait just a second. Now that you know why no one helped you...are you still all angsty and rage-filled?"

"Perhaps. But I'll try to aim towards more...deserving... targets now."

"Alright. Well...come here." X says, motioning to Danielle. She complies, looking puzzled.

He hugs her as she comes close, holding her. She stiffens for a second, then relaxes. "You're like the y little niece I never knew I had. But...I'll protect you like I protect Ayame. You have my word." X whispers, as Danielle smiles. A single tear streams down her cheek as she reverts back to Ayame. X keys in a command that switches the scenery back to Gal Da Val beach as his niece comes to.

"I fell asleep?" Ayame asks groggily.

"Yeah. You were pretty tired. But you did great during training. Let's call it a day..." X says, standing. He picks up his exhausted niece and leaves the VR field.

Deep within Zionus' citadel, a select group of prisoners are led to a well-hidden lab. The terrified captives pass several cells, inside which are abominations that in a just world would never be seen by the light of day. White-coated scientists wander around aimlessly, their consciousnesses held in the vise grip of Zionus' mind control. The stony faced guards select one of the prisoners, a scruffy looking man, and strap him to a nearby table. IVs are hooked up to him by a silent, blank-eyed nurse that is entirely oblivious to his screams.

The guards stand nearby as the head scientist, recently "converted" by a session of Zionus' brainwashing, begins the transformation process by injecting a mixture of powerful chemicals and D-cell enzymes into the intravenous line. Sigma watches languidly as the dying man's body begins to be cannibalized by the ravenous D-cell parasites, his body taking on a shimmering black shell as neon traces run up and down the length of his torso and limbs. One final scream is given off as the last glimmer of true life fades from him. The scientists hook up the apparatus, attaching pieces of machinery to his body that glow with a faint light. The D-cells fight to take over the mechanical implants, their unceasing multiplication held in check by periodic bursts of light from two overhead projectors.

The lead scientist speaks in a colorless monotone. "After ten minutes, subject 647's vital signs are stable, despite the overwhelming D-cell infection. With perfection of the suspended-animation formula, stage one of Project Seraph is complete. As per the master's instructions, we shall move to stage two. Lord Sigma, if you please..."

The master's plan seems to be working after all. It seems rather overly complicated, but I suppose I should not doubt his wisdom. This...thing's soul is near the surface, held on a knife-edge between life and death. If it can be sustained that way, it shall make a near perfect vessel for divine essence. When the Seraphs are complete, they will be an invincible army to spread the glory of Lord Zionus. Ironic that the D-cells from Falz also make such a perfect conductor for the energies of the Great Light. Sigma thinks.

"Very well." Sigma replies, strolling up to stand beside the table. With a wave of his hand, he forms a sphere of divine light. He releases it effortlessly, the orb floating over to lodge itself in the man's chest. It pulses, purging the D-cell infection from his body, leaving an empty shell behind. As the dark contamination fades, the light spreads throughout the man's body, causing the display lights on the implants to spring to life with a soft glow.

"Master? Is the vessel ready?" Sigma asks telepathically.

"Yes. It's accepting the power easily. The first of my new Seraphs are complete. Now, to bring it to full power." Zionus says, feeding a small tendril of divine energy into the new creature. Its body releases a rippling wave of light as it easily snaps the restraints. It sits up, a stone-like mask obscuring its face as it turns its gaze towards Sigma, two blue lights shining softly within the deep recesses of its head. The same blue light traces winding paths up and down the energy channels the D-Cell parasites had carved. The Seraph perches, awaiting an order.

"Well, Dr. Camano...it appears we no longer need you." Sigma drawls, as Zionus releases his hold on the Doctor's mind.

"What...what's going on? Where am I?" The lead scientist says, slumping to the ground as he regains control of his body. A look of abject terror crosses his face as he beholds the Seraph.

"You've just completed the first of Lord Zionus' Seraph army. You should be happy to have done your part to glorify the master. But now...seeing as you are the only one with the knowledge on how to reverse the process..." Sigma nods towards the Seraph, who emits a high-pitched shriek before leaping off the table with frightening agility to land in a crouch in front of the doctor.

It raises its right arm, the pincer-like appendage at the end opening to release a shining photon saber. The blade extends about two feet, the point grazing a scorched hole in the stone floor as the arm lowers back to its side. It rocks back and forth in eagerness, glowing with power. A compartment on its left forearm opens, a thin beam of energy emanating from it. The beam splits into two, then four, cascading lines of blue light forming into a circular shield that hovers over its arm. Its weapons active, it begins to lope towards the doctor at a rapid pace.

"Aaah!" Dr. Camano says, getting to his feet. He scrambles up and begins to run, heading towards the door. As he gets to full speed, the Seraph leaps into the air, wings of energy extending off the two vane-like projections on its hunched back. It takes flight, grabbing the hapless scientist with its enlarged left hand, the claws raking his flesh. He screams for a brief moment as he is slammed into the stone wall by the flying Seraph. It flutters to the ground, landing with the doctor held easily in its left hand. He is held aloft as the Seraph drains his life force, his very soul, the bright red glow flowing into its arm. A blue flash is seen as the energy is assimilated, the Seraph holding its prize up. With a final screech, it impales him with the photon saber, stabbing it into his torso before ripping him asunder.

"Excellent. I gained the soul energy that it absorbed, and it also killed very efficiently. It is the perfect weapon. Production shall begin as planned." Zionus relays telepathically, as Sigma orders the soldiers to clean up the mess.

"I am happy, master. Your glorious new world is just beginning."Sigma replies aloud.

"Sigma...I have another job for you. Come to the throne room, immediately. It is time you finish those fools on Rykros once and for all. The boy was more resourceful than I anticipated, and he was able to defeat Alis." Zionus says, as Sigma teleports to his master's side.

Appearing in a shimmering pillar of light, the clone bows deeply before his master. "I shall do your bidding, my lord. They shall not leave Rykros alive."

"Go then. I must go break the resolve of the final few rebels. Then, the Seraphs shall cleanse this world of all who oppose my glory." Zionus opens a warp gate for his minion with a mere thought, the coalescing pool of light springing into existence behind him.

On Rykros, Sage makes mental contact with Alis.

"Ok, we're ready to leave. You wanted to see us before we left?"

"Yes. Please step on the warp circle outside your ship."

What warp circle...? Sage thinks, as he looks out one of the Landale's windows. A faintly glowing blue ring appears on the ground as he smiles to himself.

Oh...that one. Alright.Sage and the others leave the ship, walking towards the warp circle.

"Hopefully it'll be as entertaining as last time..." Brom quips as the five vanish in a shimmer of light.

They reappear on the top floor of Alis' tower, inside the anteroom where Sage first confronted her.

The Protector motions for them to sit as they enter. After a few moments, she begins to speak.

"I wish to apologize for my earlier actions, and offer any possible assistance I can give. I was not in control of myself, but I vow to redeem my honor. Is there anything you require before you leave?" Alis asks.

"At the moment, no. We just need to hurry back to Pioneer with the Rings. But when we're ready to go after Zionus, you'd be a big help." Sage says.

"I will see what I can do. Being tied to the Great Light as I am, I am not certain how much of my power Zionus will be able to negate by abusing the Great Light's mandate. But I will give my all. To avoid provoking a preemptive attack, I shall remain here until your preparations are complete. You can contact me when you are ready." Alis replies.

"Good idea. If we bring you there now, he may just dispel the ties that keep you on this plane. We need to have him distracted first, I guess." Lissandra says.

"Yes. I would prefer not to hide in the shadows like this, but I suppose I must wait until the time is right to strike." Alis stands and walks over to the window as she says this.

Staring out onto the plains of Rykros, she sighs. "It is an strange day when the Protectors are planning how to defeat something backed by the power of the Great Light..."

"It will be easy. All flesh-based creatures have one glaring weakness. Dismemberment. Zionus, although not exactly a typical weak fleshling, should be just as simple to terminate." Brom replies. Sage's group rises to leave, as Alis holds out a hand. A look of horror spreads slowly over her face as a loud whine of energy is heard coming closer.

"No... He has sent his disciple. Make haste!" Alis says, as the wall behind her disintegrates in a white flash. Sigma appears before them, hovering lightly, his wings spread.

"The master wishes that you die. It is my privilege to carry out that wish." Sigma says, as he charges up an Angelic Scream and fires, the white halo exploding in a burst of blinding light and devastating force that sends those inside the room flying. Sigma hovers, an arrogant smile on his face as he prepares to finish off his stunned prey. Alis is the first to recover, slowly getting to her feet with rage in her eyes.