Disclaimer: I own nothing in this story, except perhaps the plot and new characters… I am not receiving any profit for this story, except perhaps your wonderful reviews.

Author's Note: Sigh. I'm sorry for not updating… but here's this chapter… and please review!!! Hope you like!!!

They needed a plan. The past week had been dreadful—absolutely and completely dreadful. The day after the visit from Serena, a score of Followers had scourged the city, hunting down Castrata.

The voice was back… always wanting her to succumb. She knew she couldn't—not if this world was to remain as it was.

Castrata decided that she had had quite enough of adventure. All she wanted now was to be left alone. Ha. Fat chance!

She was aware that the Atrox was back, no longer confined to its shadowy form. That was quite evident—as was the fact that he wanted Castrata for his own. She also knew that her own Father no longer was on her side. Her own father wanted her dead. It was kinda depressing.

Actually, to tell the truth, it was more than a little depressing. Castrata had always known that her father was there for her, no matter what. She know longer had any assurances of any kind. For now, she was living with Ariasti, but she knew that that couldn't go on forever. She needed a plan, and she needed one soon.

Tuesday rolled around, and it was time to go to Planet Bang.

"So tell me again why you think its safe for me to go to Planet Bang, a place I'm known to have visited?" Castrata asked sharply, that night as the Daughters began to get ready.

"Well, for starters your father doesn't know you go, so the only Follower who knows you attend is Tymmie. Us Daughters can take Tymmie. Plus, even if they don't know, they won't expect you to be in such an obvious place." Lanya said logically.

Castrata wasn't sure of that. The only thing that kept her from arguing further was the small hope buried deep inside her—that she might see Tymmie tonight.

So she let Ariasti dress her up like a doll in a low-cut, sparkly sapphire tank top and a short, swishy black skirt, coupled with black heels. Ariasti did her eyes with smoky make-up and loaned her a delicate silver key in the shape of a heart, which she tied around her neck with a small black ribbon.

They arrived at Planet Bang quietly, if that was possible. And Castrata continued to hope for Tymmie.

However, by the time the night was half over, he still hadn't shown his face. None of the Followers had—they were probably still searching the city for her. Perhaps Lanya had been right. However, she definitely wouldn't have complained if Tymmie had happened to find his way into Planet Bang.

With a small sigh, Castrata turned to head back to her table. Suddenly, she felt someone tap her shoulder. She felt her muscles tighten in anticipation, and turned to face… Jimena. (A/N: Ha! You thought I was going to say Tymmie, didn't you?)

"What do you want?" She snapped, immediately.

Jimena raised her hands in a gesture of surrender, as if to show that she was weaponless. "Only to tell you this: 'Sometimes, to win means you must Sheathe the Sword in your own flesh. And sometimes, the result is unexpected. Selene promises a Star.'"

"What?" Castrata asked, confused.

"That's my message. Make of it what you will. I certainly have no idea." Her mouth thinned in annoyance. "Good luck." She spat the words and turned on her heal.

Carina raised her eyebrows. She had read a book once that had mentioned the Sheathing of the Sword—but that had referred to the act of letting your opponent strike at you in a swordfight in order to kill him. She certainly had no intention of sword-fighting the Atrox anytime soon. She smiled slightly.

"I'm surprised to see you here, Castrata."

Castrata froze. She knew that voice—she heard it in her dreams at night. It was a voice that made her love and hate its owner…. want him, and want to destroy him and all that he stood for—Tymmie.

"Why?" She asked, keeping her voice perfectly nonchalant.

"Because every Follower currently under the Atrox's power is looking high and low for you—it's a miracle you haven't been caught yet."

Castrata shrugged. "Are you going to turn me in?"

Tymmie smiled slightly. "As a matter of face, I had other plans for the evening—there's a certain blonde I was looking for." The way he looked at her made her know immediately what blonde he was talking about.

"Then I'm not too worried," Castrata smirked, and willingly allowed herself to fall into his arms as the dance became slow. She carefully catalogued his face… knowing that it might very well be the last time she saw him for a very long time.

Author's Note: Well…. I updated! Hoo-rah! Maybe my new years resolution should be to update more often, what say you? ;-) Well… tell me what you think!