Disclaimer: **looks in lap** Nope, still don't own the Esca deed!
Author's Note: Alright, now, check the AN at the end of this chapter because I promise it will have a character index down there! Congrats to all the characters who made it into the story! Oh, and if you're not in the index, don't worry, you might be coming up in later chaps.
Sisters till the End
This is dedicated to Pablo/Cecil because he is such an awesome writer and he has inspired me to go farther. Thank you Pablo/Cecil for your awesome story and your awesome talent!
Chapter Eight: Wonderful Stars
A meeting had been called in the dead of the night for the Star Dragons. They all knew their duty to their commander and all were extremely loyal. So there were no complaints when they were called from their peaceful sleep and into the darkened room to meet.
Taking her seat was a five foot five woman with an athletic build and compact body. Her auburn colored hair was up in a ponytail and rarely saw the freedom of being let down. Yellow-red eyes stared into the semi-darkness as she tried to fully wake to consciousness, her tan skin covered in scrapes and scars. The only thing unique about her besides her eyes was the fact that she had a tattoo on her right upper arm of a four pointed star with the symbol of the sun at the bottom point, the symbol of the moon on the right point, the symbol of a lightning bolt on the left point, and the symbol of a teardrop on the upper point.
Her name was Anika, the youngest of the team but not at all the weakest. She held the position of Communications Chief for her ability to work and speak with all sorts of animals and creatures, even people who didn't speak their language.
Already seated, was a woman of five foot six with a slim but firm form. Her eyes were deep navy blue outlines with thin, long, dark eyelashes, currently closed. Her shoulder length red hair was tussled and looked like it hadn't seen a brush yet, pale skin glistening in the dull light, her round face with high cheekbones and thin arched eyebrows showing tranquility as she tried to take a few moments rest. There was a small black scorpion burned into her right shoulder blade visible.
Her name was Yumi, age twenty-one, young but skilled. Her rank was that of Pyrotechnics Advisor for she had the power to wield and summon fire and was knowledgeable in the field of explosives.
Last was the only man in the group. Slouched back in his chair with his arms folded across his chest, short but lean and very well built, standing at four foot nine with blue hair in ever-present spikes, pale skin, a pound (#) symbol over his left eye, sat the oldest of the group. One green eye and one dark yellow eye he glared at the group, forever cold and unfeeling.
His name was Philomel, age twenty-seven, in his prime with a dark history behind him. He held the position of Weapons General for he was skilled in all forms of weaponry and fighting. He knew every strategic plan and could make an elaborate plan within five minutes. Cunning, he had the ability to heal small wounds.
Kalirice looked around at her small group. She was their commander and Information Officer for she could get any type of information needed. They were all loyal to her and would do her bidding. She smiled at them and began to speak. "My teammates, soldiers, and colleagues. We have come upon a glorious day indeed. In all of our years together we have faced many battles, many challenges. So many opportunities have sprung upon you and still you remain loyal to me."
Philomel snorted. "You're telling me-I could've been a baron!"
Kalirice sent him a death glare but continued talking. "I am ever so pleased. For your actions and loyalty you will be rewarded greatly for our time is coming. The fortress of General Dilandau Albatou has been broken, he has returned to his monstrous self and has placed me as his Second in Command. I have infiltrated his mind and am now in position to make any wish a reality. So tell me, my soldiers, what should we do first?"
A maniac grin came over Yumi's face. "My liege, I suggest we become the ultimate team."
"Very well thought, Yumi," said Kalirice. "For that is what we are doing. Once in control, in power, we will rule Gaea with our iron fist and the world itself will shake in fear of us!"
Anika smiled evilly. "I believe we all agree in your great plan, Lady Kalirice."
Kalirice grinned. "Then we shall rule Gaea. There is a rumor that the Second has come to Gaea. We must find him and convince him to rule in our favor. Go, go now and find the Second. Bring him to me."
With that everyone nodded and stood up, all going to their different stations. They had work to do. Kalirice watched as her soldiers rushed off to find her the Second. They would rule Gaea, after that the Mystic Moon and then anywhere else. Try and stop me now, dear Kat, she thought as she turned around. Not only do I have your husband in my grasp I also have your world.
Scott wandered the strange forest in utter confusion. He had been lost for days, hadn't had anything to eat and was tired and cold. Thunder rolled somewhere off in the distance and he wondered how long he had before he was once again soaked to the bone. Stupid Zorya, he thought, kicking a stone. If it wasn't for her then I wouldn't even be in this mess in the first place!
Then where would you be? Asked a small voice in the back of his head.
I'd be back home working, that's where! I would've made the train and I would've been on time and I would've nailed that account.
Would've is your key word.
No, it's not! I know I would. If it wasn't for Zorya-
You'd be dead.
No, I would not.
Yes, you would. You fell off the platform remember? You hit those rails charged with electricity. You should've fried. But you didn't because at that moment Zorya called you here.
So?
She saved your life you idiot!
Scott rolled his eyes. Great, now I'm arguing with myself over an assassin! She's an assassin for God's sake-she kills people for money! She has no feelings. This was just a job to her. And, of course, know me to go straight to the girl who doesn't give a crap about me.
Oh, get over yourself.
"Since when did my subconscious get an attitude?" He wondered.
It doesn't. I do.
Scott stopped and looked around. "I know that is not my subconscious speaking."
Took you long enough.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" He yelled, picking up a stick.
Honestly, you think that'll scare me?
Fear rose up in him as he looked around. He could hear the voice in his head but he couldn't find where it was coming from. With fear blinding him, he swung his stick wildly, hitting anything he could find. Trees, bushes, dirt, stones… wait, did stones move? He stopped for a moment as looked again as a boulder he had just hit began to move. Slowly, he watched as it came up from the ground and unrolled itself. A giant armadillo stood before him, its long claws very sharp and a mouthful of teeth and oh boy did it look mad.
Oh, you did it now buddy. Better start running.
Without thinking Scott did as the voice suggested. He turned around and began to run for his life. With a strangled cry the beast followed him, proving to be very fast. As Scott ran he jumped over boulders and ran through bushes and dodged low tree branches, his heart in his throat as he ran blindly, unsure of where he was going. He had no plan, no knowledge; he was just running for his life hoping that the beast would tire.
It didn't.
On and on and on he went, running as fast as he could and running through things. Branches scrapped at his skin and tore at his legs, ripping his clothes as he ran. He didn't much care but every time he became caught on a branch his heart would leap and he would struggle like crazy to get free before the beast caught up. Not knowing how long he had been running, he finally cried out, as he stumbled and fell to the ground, exhausted, "someone help me!"
Oh, fine you idiot.
Just as the beast was coming upon him, a five foot three inch woman fell out of a tree and landed right in front of him. She was lean and had a very strong build and wore tall black boots with dark blue pants and a white tank top. Her long hair was pure white, shinning in the dull morning sun, and her lightly tanned skin covered well-muscled arms. From where he lay Scott could tell that the woman had tattoo of a dragon curled up, sleeping on her right shoulder blade that… was that what he was seeing? Yes, it looked as if the dragon was actually changing colors.
Slightly amazed, Scott kept his eyes on the strange thing, barely noticing the two long scars on either side of her spine. He barely even noticed the woman as she stretched out a hand and picked up the beast, without using her hands, and sent it away. Turning around, he saw that the girl's eyes were the same as her tattoo, within the first few seconds they had changed five different colors.
Now he was really amazed. How could a person's eyes do that? He had heard of eyes that changed color but not this fast! It was amazing! "Well, aren't you going to say thank you?" Prompted the girl.
Scott snapped out of his reverie and looked at the woman. She was beautiful… "Uh, thank you."
The woman rolled her eyes. "Look, you're going to get yourself killed out here. Let me take you back to my commander, I'm sure she'll like to meet you."
"Uh, okay?"
"Don't sound so confused," the woman shook her finger at him. "You should be grateful. Other wouldn't take the chance on a stray like you."
That brought back memories of Zorya. Here's someone who actually cares whether or not I die, he thought. "Alright, that sounds good. I'm Scott by the way."
The woman gave a small smile. "Puck Tal."
"So Puck, were we going?" Scott asked as he stood up and walked over to the woman.
Suddenly Puck reached out and stuck him with a needle. "Don't take it personally," she said as the liquid seeped into his veins. "It's Lady Naru's orders, you're not allowed to see our location. Nighty night."
Scott was feeling suddenly very sleepy. As he started to close his eyes he barely caught what Puck was saying before passing out. Once he hit the ground, Puck withdrew the needle and threw it to the side, shattering it. "Okay, heavy," she moaned as he picked him up and threw him over her shoulders. "Time to meet your new favorite force."
"I thought I told you to bring him back unharmed!"
"Lady Naru, he is unharmed. I did nothing to him as I've pleaded before."
"Then how come he is in the Medical Ward?"
Scott slowly opened his eyes, slightly confused. Where was he? Bright lights flooded his brain and he let out a soft moan. What was I hit with? An eighteen-wheeler? He wondered, putting the palm of his hand to his head and rubbing, letting out a small moan. "He is awake. Leave, I will converse with you later," a voice said. The light in Scott's eyes disappeared and he suddenly found himself looking into a very familiar face.
She looked tall; maybe a little shorter then him, with black hair that hung around her pretty face and dark pink eyes that bore into his own. She was slightly tan and very built. He tried to place her but he failed miserably. "Welcome," she said cheerily, smiling down on him to reveal a set of glimmering white teeth. "To my humble abode. I am Lady Naru, Second in Command of the Dark Stars, the team that saved you from that horrible assassin known as Zorya Aradia Belok." She extended her hand towards him and he accepted. Wait… Naru? He thought. That sounds familiar…
There was a sharp pain in his head and suddenly the thought was no more. He didn't even realize he had had it. He gave a weary smile. "Name's Scott Reber," he said, sitting up a little. Naru smiled again, her pink eyes flashing over his uncovered, chiseled chest very fast. "I am pleased to say, Mr. Reber-" she started.
"Please, Scott," Scott said quickly.
"Scott, that you sustained no permanent damage from your encounter with Miss Belok. We found you in the forest and rescued you. Do you have any recollection of the event?"
Scott searched his mind but found nothing. He only remembered Earth and arriving here on Gaea… wait, no, that wasn't right, a voice whispered. You do remember. The girl, Zorya, she's your friend. Another flash of pain and the thought was gone. However, the name Zorya stuck in his head. "No, I'm afraid not."
Naru nodded. "Well, then, I suggest you get some rest. Come now and I'll show you to your room." She stepped back and allowed Scott to swing his legs over the hard metal table and stand up. He looked around the small room painted in white with shelves filled with strange implements. He had never seen anything like this! It was as if he was trapped in some sort of fictional TV show where there was an evil doctor ready to perform some experiment on some harmless small town girl. Too bad there's no damsel in distress, he thought as he followed Naru through a small sliding door and down a metal paneled corridor.
They walked for quite a while, twisting down corridors that all looked the same, the only difference between them being signs next to proximate doors telling them that indeed they were heading down different corridors. Naru talked happily about Gaea and her team. She seemed very proud of her small group. "We were all taken from orphanages," she told him, turning down another corridor. "Lord Tandor had a vision for Gaea that was ignored by everyone. He decided to start his own team to help achieve that goal. You see, he wants peace between everyone and all the countries so that is why he assembled us, the Dark Stars."
"Sounds like a worthy cause. Why didn't anyone else want to join?" Scott asked.
Naru glared at the floor. "The other countries thought Lord Tandor was stupid and insolent. They said there was no way you could ever achieve peace between everyone. They alienated him and treated him like a crazed man. He is not a crazed man and he is, in every aspect, in his right mind. We all believe that his dream can be achieved. If we hadn't-if we don't-believe that then we wouldn't be here."
"You think I could help? I mean it sounds like a really good plan and all-"
"Oh! We could not simply ask you to do that! It is too noble of us!" Naru said, shocked. "You were brought here against your will by Miss Belok. We must return you to your home."
Scott smiled as Naru stopped at a door and opened it. "I insist. Anything you need I want to help."
Naru nodded as Scott stepped into the small room. "I will inform Lord Tandor of your gracious offer, Scott," she said smiling. "Please, if you need anything, just press the red button." She showed him and then turned away, leaving him to his own devices.
Walking down the empty corridors she grinned. The brain washing had got exceptionally well. She would have to tell Era how well she did. Finally, the Second will be on our side and Lord Tandor's dream will finally be achieved! She thought happily. Oh, Gaea will rejoice when we are done!
She passed a window, a very rare sight, and stopped. She looked out it and smiled evilly up at the sky above, bright diamonds sparkling, laughing haughtily at an unknown joke shared between them and the two moons. Yes, she thought. Wonderful stars we are.
Author's Note: I went a little metaphoric there but hey. Anyways, a confusing chapter wasn't it? All questions will be answered in latter chapters but if you can't wait that long email me and I might let you in. ^_- Hey, authors have to have their secrets just like magicians! Oh, and below is a character index. Review!
~The Shadow That Takes Form as a Kat~
~~ShadowKat~~
Character Index:
New Force (AKA The Dark Stars)
Lord Tandor, Leader = Neithan02
Naru, Second in Command = Chichirui
Era Syminiach = Jewls
Puck Tal = Duo Misfit
Zaibach (AKA The Star Dragons)
Kalirice Desmona Zavik, Leader = Shadow Angel
Yumi = Rydia the Goddess
Philomel = SconeBoy
Anika = Lightning Wolf
Note: Please note that more characters are coming but will be revealed in the chapter they appear in. Watch for a Character Index at the end of each chapter because that will tell you what side the character is aligned with and who is the character. Thank you!