Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall

Book 1: Rise of a Hero

Part 2

Chapter 21: What A Night For A Fight

A/N: Well, it seems I have created another female character that is despised as least as much as Blaze was! Ouch! But even more so with Galder. Well, I don't want to give away much, but there's a little retribution in this chapter. I hope you like it. And as far as whether or not Kyle is really sending these emails, well as I told Odious Feline, you'll have to wait and find out. So, let's dive in and see what happens in this chapter!

Independent Vessel Aldera

Ballroom

Some Time Later

A pleasantly full Kyle Katarn pushed back from the table, sighing contentedly.

"I'd take it you enjoyed dinner."

"Mmmm hmmm."

"I'm glad. I'm sorry about teasing you earlier. You've been so good to me, so kind. I wanted to do something nice for you."

"You did that and more when you told me you liked me."

"Really? Because I did have one more thing I wanted to do tonight."

"Oh yeah?" Kyle said, smiling at her, curious. "Anything in particular?"

In reply, Alessa rose from her chair, moving to the wall mounted control panel. She pressed a button and a moment later, music began to filter into the room. Kyle didn't recognize it at all, but the sound was pleasant. A slow number, but very rich in tone.

The next moment, Alessa was standing beside him, holding out a hand. "May I have this dance?"

Caught by surprise, Kyle tried to explain. "Wow. Um, there might be a problem with that."

"Really? What?"

Deciding it was best to just tell her, he said, "I don't really know how to dance."

"Not at all?"

He shook his head.

"Well, then I guess I'll have to teach you, won't I?"

Kyle wanted to say something, anything. The idea of trying to learn to dance was a bit daunting.

"Alessa, I don't really think I should. What if I step on your foot or something?"

"Then you'll have to carry me to sickbay and explain to Dr. Berth what happened."

"Great," Kyle said, rolling his eyes.

"You'll never know if you don't try."

"Look, I just…"

"Kyle," she said, interrupting, "do you think you can trust me?"

"What?"

"Do you think can trust me?"

He hesitated, then said, "Yes."

"Then take my hand and trust me."

Kyle hesitated, then took her left hand in his right. Standing up from his chair, he allowed Alessa to pull him under one of the pools of light.

"Now, put your hand here," she said, indicating the spot. As Kyle placed his free hand on her shoulder, Alessa placed her right hand just above his waist.

"Now, just move with me. I'll lead."

"Lead?"

"Just watch," she said, "you'll figure it out."

As Alessa took the first step to the side, Kyle followed her, glancing down every so often to make sure he didn't step on her feet. Alessa was smiling up at him, as they moved across the floor, trying not to laugh at the nervous expression on his face.

After a short time with her guiding them across the floor, Alessa asked, "Are you ready to lead?"

"I'll try." Kyle said, still nervous.

"Good. On my count, switch hands. One, two, three!"

Alessa's hand left his waist, moving up to his shoulder; Kyle dropped his left hand towards her waist.

"That's it," she said happily, "well done!"

Smiling at her for the first time since they had begun dancing, Kyle began to guide their path, Alessa offering occasional words of advice and encouragement.

The music began to fade out, the piece ending.

"Um… should we…?

"Just wait a moment," Alessa said.

The last strains of the music they were dancing had just faded away when a new piece began playing.

"See?" she said.

Looking down into her face, alight with pleasure, Kyle could only nod in agreement.

After nearly ten minutes and another change of music, Alessa spoke again. "For someone who's never danced before, you're doing very well."

"I have a good teacher," Kyle replied.

More minutes passed as Alessa thought about her plan. She wasn't sure how Kyle would react, but waiting wasn't going to make it any easier.

I hope this works.

Letting go of his outstretched right hand, Alessa stepped closer, draping her left arm across his other shoulder. Surprised at the move, Kyle nevertheless kept moving as he let his free hand settle to his side.

Here goes nothing, she thought.

Reaching down, Alessa took Kyle's free hand and placed it on the other side of her waist. The move allowed her to move even closer as they danced. She looked up into his confused face.

"I hope you don't mind. I just wanted to be a bit closer to me."

She was already close enough that Kyle was feeling a bit uncomfortable. It was true he did like Alessa, had even entertained thoughts of being close to her. But this, this was going a bit too fast.

"Okay," he started to say, "What are you…?"

"Hold me Kyle."

"I am holding you, Alessa."

She smiled up at him. "No silly. Like this."

Closing her eyes, Alessa took another step forward, pressing her body into his, her head lying sideways on his chest. A surge of adrenaline shot through Kyle from head to toe. Her olive skin grew warmer as she pressed close, the dress only a minor barrier. His own skin felt hot, and he began breathing through his mouth in a vain attempt to cool himself. Perfume he had smelled on her earlier filled his nostrils.

His logical mind tried to tell him this was wrong, that it was too fast. But with her body pressed against his, Kyle wasn't listening. His desire for her grew, wanting nothing more than to surrender to what he was feeling.

Alessa called his name, looking up at him.

"Yes?"

"Kiss me."

His brain made one final attempt to convince him that this was too much, too soon. But the message was lost as Alessa shifted in his arms, her body so close that the sensation nearly sent him over the edge.

"Please, Kyle," she purred, "Kiss me."

Looking down, he could see her eyes were closed, her lips pursed. She was waiting for him. He inclined his head towards her, intent on doing what she had asked him. His brain just barely registered the sound of running feet coming towards them.

"YOU! GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF OF HER!"

Turning to look in the direction of the voice, Kyle saw a huge fist coming towards him, the skin color immediately recognizable. In his mind Kyle saw a memory of Jan's fist flashing out to strike his nose. Letting go of Alessa, he raised an arm to protect his face. But the fist changed direction, looping in to hit him in the stomach.

Pain, his old friend and nemesis, came as the air whooshed out of him. He knew he had to get away from Alessa, mount a defense, but the thought was an instant too late as another, stronger blow struck him in the back. He cried out, eyes tightly shut against the double agony. At the same time, Kyle realized he could hear his attacker now, breath coming in harsh snarls.

Alessa's voice rang out. "GALDER! NO!"

I'm in trouble, Kyle thought, remembering how big Galder was. I've got to stay away from his fists; otherwise I'm dead.

Even as he thought this, Kyle heard Galder exhale as he threw another punch. Pain blossomed in his chest and he felt himself begin to stumble.

Use it, Katarn, he thought. Get away from him.

Allowing his stumbling feet to give way, Kyle gave a louder cry as he fell onto the deck and rolled backwards. Coming up onto his knees, he forced his eyes to open.

Galder was standing a short distance away, his fists tightly clenched, his breath still coming in harsh gasps.

Even as he fought against the pain, Kyle watched for signs of a new attack. But, to his surprise, it was Alessa who moved first.

From what should have been a passionate kiss between them and maybe more, Alessa watched as her brother had attacked Kyle, delivering three sharp blows. Galder's breath was coming in short gasps, almost sounding like snarls. His fists were tightly clenched and he looked ready to attack Kyle again.

No! I don't know what's wrong with you, Galder. But you are not going to ruin this!

Seizing one of the plates from the table, she heaved it at her brother.

Galder smiled in satisfaction as Katarn gave another cry. It had felt so good to hit him. He realized that he had wanted to do this for a long time.

Probably since I first met him, he thought.

He got ready to renew his attack when something struck the side of head.

The plate shattered, Galder crying out in pain as pieces of china cut into his skin.

Grabbing another plate, Alessa yelled, "Leave him alone, Galder!"

He turned towards her, a look of total shock on his face. And for a moment, Alessa thought he would listen. But, a moment, it was replaced with a look of such betrayal and anger; she wanted to look away.

He started towards her.

She threw the plate! My own sister! She hit me!

"Leave him alone, Galder!" she yelled.

Feeling a mixture of betrayal and confusion, he looked at his sister. She had another plate in her hand, and he had no doubt she would use it.

For a moment, he considered listening to her, but as the memory of that slime Katarn holding her, about to kiss her flashed in his head, Galder took a step towards his sister.

If you're not with me, Alessa, you're against me.

Kyle watched as Alessa threw the plate, striking Galder in the head. The other man screamed in pain as the plate shattered, cutting him in several places. She yelled for Galder to leave him alone and for a moment, Kyle thought the other man was going to listen.

But as Galder took a step towards his sister, a look of betrayal and anger on his face, Kyle tried to call to Alessa, but his voice was too weak, the effort making his lungs burn.

Even as he drew his hand back, Alessa didn't believe Galder would actually do it. Oh, they had fought before; being brother and sister, but it had never gotten out of hand.

When the blow came, her whole world grayed even as white-hot pain etched itself along the left side of her face. She tasted blood in her mouth.

Galder, she thought even as she fell to the deck, what have you done?

She crumpled to the floor, her cheek aflame. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

Galder stared at her. Why isn't she moving? I didn't hit her that hard.

"Alessa?"

She didn't answer.

"Alessa, are you all right?"

His anger began to fade, replaced by concern for his sister. She had hit him, but he hadn't wanted to hurt her, just keep her from throwing the other plate.

Suddenly, from his right, another voice called.

"Galder!"

He turned to see Katarn, still a bit unsteady, but on his feet.

NO! Kyle screamed in his mind as Galder backhanded Alessa viciously. Blood flew from her mouth, the skin on her cheek flaring brightly.

She fell to the deck.

You son of a...

Fresh adrenaline crashed into his system, the pain from his stomach, chest and back fading away to nothing. Pushing off the deck, Kyle rose to his feet, his hands clenched tightly.

"GALDER!" he yelled.

"Perfect," Galder said as Kyle took a step towards him, "I was hoping you weren't done yet. I still have some things to settle with you."

"Oh yeah, you're a real big man, Galder. Had to hit me from behind, smacking your sister around. Yeah, you're real tough."

"She hit me. I wasn't going to let it happen again."

"You'd just better hope she isn't hurt badly."

"Or what?"

"Or I'm going to hurt you even worse."

Galder laughed. "You're going to… Katarn, you can barely stand up. How do you propose to do anything more than fall down again?"

"Come on over here and find out."

"My pleasure. I'm going to make sure you never put your filthy hands or my sister or Jan ever again."

At the mention of Jan's name, Kyle felt his arms begin to tremble. He was beginning to lose it.

The two men stepped closer to each other until they were will within striking distance.

"Y'know something, Galder?"

"What?"

"You talk too much!"

Kyle feinted an attack to Galder's right; then as the other man fired a punch at his left arm, Kyle dropped to one knee and fired an uppercut into Galder's underarm.

Crying out in pain, he attempted to back away, but was too slow as Kyle leaned onto his left side and swept his right leg against the back of Galder's knees.

Even as he yelled in pain, Galder wondered how Katarn could move so quickly. He's supposed to be hurt. How is he doing this?

As Galder fell onto his knees, Kyle sat up and fired another punch that caught his target under the chin. Galder went down hard, back and head striking the deck with force.

Pulling himself forward, Kyle moved closer, ready in case Galder attacked again. But it seemed he was down for the count, eyes half-lidded, each breath bringing with it a moan of pain.

Letting out a long breath of his own, Kyle carefully rose to his feet, his body letting him know in no uncertain terms the indignities it had suffered. He started to take a step when Galder's eyes snapped open, his left hand forming into a fist even as it shot upwards.

Later, Kyle would reflect that he hadn't felt such agony since his fight with Bastro. Grabbing at the area, he felt his knees buckle. Got to move. Got to…

The second blow caught Kyle in the middle of his back, propelling him forward onto the deck. Survival instinct kicked in and his hands came up to cushion the fall somewhat. Before he could even think of doing something, Galder, up on one knee, approached and rolled him over.

Eyes screwed shut, Kyle couldn't see the savage smile on Galder's face, but he did hear the exhalation of breath as Galder drove a knee into the same place his fist had struck. Teeth clamped tightly together, beads of sweats coursing down his face; Kyle felt white-hot agony shoot up from the area.

Galder looked down at his victim, smiling. Katarn was in agony, hands clutching the area he had struck.

How he had longed to do this! Ever since the earlier incident aboard the Aldera, he had wanted to find Katarn and hurt him.

You lowborn fool! How dare you attack me? You are going to wish for death before I'm done.

He drove his knee into the same spot again. Again. Again. Again.

Kyle heard himself screaming, the pain increasing with each successive blow. How he wanted to move, to get Galder off him. But the pain was so great, just breathing was becoming an effort.

But as the fifth blow struck, something snapped within him. Despite the agony he was in, Kyle felt himself becoming angry. No, not just angry, not even rage, but something beyond that.

Yes, Katarn, a voice said inside his head. You are there. You feel it, don't you?

"Yes," Kyle whispered through gritted teeth, "I do."

Then use it.

Galder paused a moment to catch his breath. His own body had begun to ache from the blows Katarn had inflicted on him, but for the moment, he didn't care. Seeing his victim there on the floor, body quivering, moaning in pain, he felt good, even victorious.

Now all I have to do is decide what to do with him.

Just then, Galder thought he heard Kyle say something. It was just above a whisper.

What was that? What did he say? It almost sounded like, "Yes, I do."

The answer came as Katarn's eyes snapped open. The mask of pain vanished from his face, replaced by an expression that sent of worm of fear into Galder.

I can feel the power, Kyle thought. It was coursed through him like a fire, banishing all traces of pain and hurt.

Opening his eyes, Kyle saw Galder still leaning over him, a look of confusion on his face, and just a hint of fear.

Good, Kyle thought, his body exploding into action.

Galder barely saw the movement. One moment Katarn was lying flat on the ground. The next he was sitting up, his forehead zooming in to deliver a vicious head butt.

Stars popped in Galder's vision as bone struck bone. He felt himself swaying and placed a hand on the deck to steady himself.

But in the next moment, another blow struck and he fell to the deck, his elbow on fire.

What just happened? How did...?

"Get up," a voice said with savage intensity.

Galder looked up to see Kyle, having regained his feet, standing over him.

"Get up."

As he stared down at Galder, Kyle reflected that he could end it right here and now.

No, he decided, not yet.

"How did you...?" Thonx began.

"I told you to get up, Galder. Or you are too afraid?"

"Afraid?" Thonx said contemptuously, "of you?"

Kyle extended his right hand in a "come on" gesture.

That was it for Galder, Using his other hand; he pushed off the floor and onto his feet.

"I'm going to make you regret that."

Kyle made a show of yawning. "Talk, talk, talk. Is that all you ever do?"

His anger growing, Galder yelled as he threw a punch. But his anger was tempered by surprise as Kyle leaned slightly to his left, the punch missing him by inches.

How did he do that? How could I miss him?

Sending another punch at his opponent, Galder watched in shock as Kyle took a small step to the right, avoiding this one as well.

Rage overcoming his surprise, Galder lunged, wrapping his massive hands around Kyle's neck. He began to squeeze.

"I'll kill you!"

But Katarn's expression didn't change. He almost looked bored. As the pressure on his neck grew, Kyle reached his hands out, taking hold of Galder's wrists.

The bigger man saw this, but was unconcerned. He knew he was stronger than Katarn. He squeezed harder, then cried out in pain as hands clamped down on his wrists, the grip like an iron vice.

It took some effort, but Kyle was finally able to pull Galder's hands off his throat.

"My turn," he said, twisting the man's wrists violently.

Galder screamed in pain as Kyle turned his arms so that bone grated on bone. Another sudden movement and he was free, Katarn having pushed him away.

But the respite was a brief one as Kyle, moving like smoke, dashed forward, throwing a punch into Galder's stomach, then another.

Despite his excellent physique, the twin blows knocked the air out of his lungs, leaving him gasping. Another punch struck his chest, the elbow lifting just enough to catch him across the chin.

Galder staggered backwards, trying to catch his breath, pain everywhere. But it wasn't over yet. He saw Kyle kick his foot out, the blow smashing into Galder's left knee. Another kick struck the right knee, spilling Galder to the deck.

Stepping over to him, Kyle kneeled, grabbing a fistful of shirt in his left hand.

"Oh no, Galder. I'm not done with you yet."

Galder lay there, unable to move, pain like none he had ever known wracking his body. A question rang again and again inside his mind.

How? How had Katarn done it? He was on the floor, writhing in pain. And now...

"Oh no, Galder. I'm not done with you yet."

He heard Katarn say the words, but the voice… the voice did not sound like Katarn's. It was… darker, almost sinister.

He felt rather than saw Kyle grab onto his shirt.

What is he going to do to me?

The answer came as Galder felt himself being yanked forward.

With one, smooth motion, Kyle pulled Galder onto his feet, but had to maintain his hold on the shirt, as Galder's feet were unsteady.

"Galder?"

He heard Katarn call his name, but the pain from being yanked onto his feet was too great to allow him to respond.

"Answer me, Galder."

Despite the pain, he managed to get one eye open, then closed it as Katarn slapped him, new pain blossoming across his cheek.

His enemy was helpless, not even to speak, barely able to open an eye to look at him.

Perhaps I should end it now, Kyle thought, seeing how helpless Galder was.

No, he decided, I want him to see it coming.

He slapped Galder again; a light slap designed more to wake him than to cause more pain.

Semi-conscious, pain everywhere, it took Galder a moment to register the new sensation.

Something, he thought, something's touching my face. No, not just touching, something else.

And, for some reason, the touches on his face were oddly pleasant. Galder felt himself rising out of the nearly unconscious state.

It was working. Bit by bit, Galder was waking up.

Delivering more of the light slaps, Kyle saw his foe's eyelids began to tremble.

"Galder?"

A voice was calling him, a voice he almost recognized.

He felt another light touch, then another and another.

His eyes opened a little bit, the world almost blurry. Blinking rapidly, letting himself adjust to the sudden light, he was able to open his eyes further and saw his doom standing before him.

"Good," Kyle said, almost pleasantly, "you're awake."

Galder's mouth began to work back and forth, opening and closing as he tried to form words.

"What was that, Galder? I couldn't hear you."

For the first time in his life, Galder Thonx felt real fear. Going into this, he had been so sure, so convinced of his superior size and strength. He thought dealing with Kyle would be a simple matter.

But now, bruised and battered, standing upright only because Kyle held him there, Galder was afraid.

Perhaps, he thought, perhaps I can convince him to stop this. I have to try.

Working spit into his mouth, Galder tried to speak. It took several attempts but finally, in a low voice, he was able to say, "Please, don't."

He thought to elicit sympathy, maybe even pity. Instead, Katarn threw back his head and laughed.

I cannot believe this! Kyle thought as he laughed, after all he tried to do to me, all his bravado and all he can say now is, "Please don't"?

As his laughter trailed off, he decided to give Galder an answer.

The laughter faded away, replaced by a look of such derision that Galder tried to look away, but Katarn wouldn't let him.

"You would ask me for mercy?" Kyle said, his eyes boring into Galder's. "After all you've done?"

Galder debated about how to respond. Deciding the truth was best for now, he nodded.

Katarn also nodded. Then, in one, swift motion drew back his hand, made a fist.

Galder's head rocked to one side, blood fountaining from his nose as Kyle struck him, releasing his hold on Galder's shirt at the same time.

He watched in satisfaction as his foe's body struck the deck, giving a slight bounce as it settled.

Now, Kyle thought, time to end it.

He knelt down, placing one knee firmly against Galder's chest. Drawing the same hand back, he prepared for the final strike.

Despite the agony he was in, unable to move, Galder felt the sudden pressure on his chest. He managed to open his eyes just enough to see Kyle hovering over him, smiling a horrible smile. His right hand was drawn back, preparing to strike.

He's going to kill me. I can see it in his eyes.

Faced with the reality of his own mortality, Galder felt fear almost as great as the pain. He didn't know if Katarn was going to listen to him, but he had to try.

Sucking in as much air as he could, he called out.

"Please. Please don't."

Not this again, Kyle thought, rolling his eyes.

"This is growing tiresome, Galder. Now hold still. I don't want to miss."

"Please," Galder said, fighting for the breath to speak, "please don't kill me."

A sudden thought came to Kyle. "All right, Galder, I'll give you one final chance. Convince me that your miserable life is worth sparing."

Galder heard the words, but in his pain-wracked state, it was so hard to think, much less come with a reason for Kyle to spare him.

Besides, how do I know he won't kill me anyways?

One thing did come to mind. And though it rankled his pride to do so, Galder realized he had little choice.

"Please, Katarn. I beg you. Please don't kill me."

Now he's begging me?

Let him, the voice suddenly spoke in Kyle's mind, let him beg all he wants. And when you've heard enough, kill him.

For a moment, he almost said yes to the voice's instructions. But as he gazed down at Galder, his pitiful state, Kyle began to wonder if killing him was really necessary.

And what will it make you, Kyle?

It was the other voice, the gentler one.

What?

If you kill Galder, what will it make you?

An avenger! said the first voice, he dared to attack you, to hurt you! He would not hesitate to kill you!

True, and for that he should be pitied. But can you not be better than that, Kyle? Tell me, what would killing Galder make you?

A murderer, Kyle realized.

Indeed, and that what you want to be? Can you not show mercy to Galder?

Bah! the first voice cried. Mercy is for the weak! He is your enemy, one who dared to touch you, to strike you, to hurt you. He deserves nothing less than death. Now finish it!"

Kyle looked at right hand; ready to strike, muscles knotted tightly. With one simple motion, this would all be over. But…

But you cannot do it.

As Kyle relaxed his arm, the first voice screamed in protest.

No, no, no! What are you doing, Katarn!

Sparing his life, Kyle replied.

Have you not been listening? I told you mercy is for the weak, and for the foolish. And you are showing yourself to be both. This is a mistake, Katarn, one you will live to regret.

Maybe, Kyle thought, but at least I won't have to live with Galder's blood on my hands.

The first voice laughed derisively. Bold words. But they mean nothing. An enemy does not deserve such consideration, Katarn. And in time, you will learn this.

As the first voice faded away, Kyle heard the second one speak again.

You have chosen, and chosen well.

I hope so, Kyle thought.

Mercy is a quality to be admired, Kyle Katarn, not despised. Always remember that.

The second voice faded away as well and in its place, he heard Galder speak again.

"I beg you, please spare me. Please."

He looked down at Galder and instead of anger or resentment, felt only pity.

"You're not worth it," Kyle said, curling his lip in disgust.

As he rose, Kyle heard a moan from behind him. Turning round, he saw Alessa begin to stir.

He started towards her, but as he moved the aches and pain of the recent event hit him all at once. He let out a low cry, staggering.

Got to get to Alessa, make sure she's all right.

Fighting against the pain, he made it to where Alessa lay. Her eyes were closed, but her chest rose and fell with regular respirations.

He leaned down slowly. "Alessa? Can you hear me?"

At first, she didn't respond. But with a louder moan, her eyes opened, her head turning towards him. He leaned in close, concern etched on his face. But to his relief her eyes appeared undamaged, no blood in either pupil.

Her mouth opened, and he heard the faintest of whispers.

Moving so his ear was close by, Kyle listened intently as Alessa took a shallow breath and spoke again.

"All right?" she whispered.

Looking down at her, his body paining him, Kyle found himself smiling. "I'll be fine. Right now, I'm more worried about you."

"Hurt," she managed to whisper.

"I know," Kyle said sympathetically, "I saw what happened."

"Galder?"

"He's over there", Kyle said with a movement of his head.

"Is he…?"

He was tempted to explain, to justify what he had done. But looking into those eyes, he knew he could not lie. "He's hurt, but alive."

"Alessa?" a new voice called.

Feeling suddenly cold, Kyle turned to look over his shoulder. Somehow, Galder had managed to sit up and was now pulling himself over to where Kyle and Alessa were.

"That's far enough."

The other man came on, not seeming to hear.

"Back off, Galder."

"No, you back off, Katarn. Alessa is my sister, and she's hurt."

"Because of you," Kyle replied, "so stay back. I won't let you touch her again."

"And if you touch her one more time, Katarn, I'm going to…"

"Do what? I just spared your life a moment ago, Galder. You're in no shape to do anything to me right now."

"Maybe, but I'm not going to let you…"

"STOP IT!"

Eyes wide, both men turned to the source of the voice.

Alessa had raised her head just enough so she could see both of them. Her gaze was so intense they both looked away. She sucked in a huge breath.

"Stop it, both of you! Can't you just stop fighting for a…"

Her voice trailed off, eyes losing their focus, head falling back onto the deck.

"Alessa!" Kyle and Galder cried at the same time.

Pulling himself up by her left side, Galder said, "Is she...?"

Putting two fingers to her neck, Kyle detected a steady pulse, "Just unconscious. But we've got to do something. Thanks to you, she's hurt. I don't know how bad."

Galder glared at him, but inside could not deny the truth of Kyle's words. He could see it all in his mind, the plate striking him, walking towards Alessa, drawing his hand back, the look on her face, the impact of his hand, her body falling to the deck.

"Stay here. I'll find a comm panel and call Dr. Berth. He can…"

"No."