Chapter 9: Akillian

Rocket watched, as more and more men came past, carrying the wounded or the dead. He had known most of these people well, hell they had become kind of like a family, all of them saw each other as brothers or sisters; except Sinedd. So when one died, it was total heart break but when something like this happened; well there were really no words to describe the grief. No one spoke a word, unless someone needed to pass on orders. Rocket and the others were giving orders to rest but he would have preferred to go and help in some way. He was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he hadn't notice the presence of someone else, until they placed their soft hands on his own.

"How's your leg?" Tia asked, making Rocket turn to look at her. She was the only thing that made him feel ok at the moment. The reminder of his leg made Rocket wince in pain slightly. He had been so busying worrying over Tia earlier and cutting off the ropes that bound her that he failed to notice some of Bleylock's men had somehow, sneaked down to the loading docks. Rocket didn't think they were expecting to see them down there because they began shooting wildly ending up with Sonny being shot in the arm and Rocket being shot in the leg. The causalities could have been a lot worse if Tia didn't push Sonny out of the way just in the nick of time. In the end the enemy had been cut down and the reinforcements had finally arrived, forcing Bleylock's men to surrender.

"I'm all right." Rocket finally replied, realising he had been day-dreaming too long about his stupid thinking and her brave actions. "What about you?" Rocket questioned but instantaneously regretting it, since the knife sticking out of her stomach sent nightmares through his body. Tia however, just seemed to shrug it off like it was nothing important.

"It's all right, just needed some stitches." She smiled but then her expression turned sour when another dead body was carried by. "Why did so many have to die?" She whispered, as a tear slowly rolled down her cheek. Rocket knew she was blaming herself for what happened, as soon as Dame Simbai had stitched her up she had been helping Dame Simbai bandaged up the wounded and give them pain killers. He wanted to help but he knew there was nothing he could say or do, that would have any affected on her when her guilt was at its highest point. Instead he just wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. Tia was grateful for the small comfort and cuddled into Rocket, as they watched the dead go by.

"We're here!" Sonny announced, as he tried to steady himself with one arm while the ship landed. Tia shook herself awake because she felt like she was going to fall asleep any second. The bumpy landing helped her to stay awake. Rocket stood up but seemed to forget that he was wounded, making him nearly fall down again; if Tia hadn't caught him in time.

"You should try and take it slow." Tia suggested, shifting some of Rocket's weight onto her. Rocket was about to protest but Tia made some kind of look that made Rocket shut his mouth instantly and allowed Tia to help him limp out of the space craft and into the open fresh air. Tia's mouth fell wide open. She had never seen such a beautiful place before. The sky was a clear royal blue, the building's stood tall and grand and there various bits of brightly coloured vegetation and animals around the place. This was much better then Tia had thought. "Rocket, this place is..." Tia couldn't continue what she was saying because she just couldn't; there were no words to describe what she was thinking.

"Told you so." Rocket whispered into her ear and she couldn't help but smile. But what do I do now? Tia considered to herself, as she followed Sonny and the others to a building close by. She had no family, no money and no applications for jobs to help me move on. While Tia was going through all of these thoughts in her head, she was being carefully watched by Rocket and Sonny. They were also wondering the same thing. They had been both wondering how they were going to help Tia move on with her life, Sonny and Rocket both knew she was going to need all the help she could get. Besides, she had saved both their lives and had become very close to both of them. There was no way they were going to just leave her. When everyone entered the building, Tia helped Rocket sit down in one of the nearby chairs. Tia wipe away the sweat that had broke out on her forehead, she hadn't notice how heavy Rocket was until now. Tia guessed she should of notice since she was a small five foot seven and Rocket was over six foot. The peace disappeared when a whole roll of guards came through the doors and stood just a few steps away from Tia.

"Mrs Point?" One of the men demanded, making Tia feel a little scared.

"Yes." She replied, trying to keep the fear she was feeling from entering her voice but sadly wasn't doing a good job. How was she not meant to be scared? At least twenty men and robots came in with guns loaded and ready and pointed at her , she tried to count how many there really were but her brain was just not working at the moment. The man that had asked her name signalled two men, who began to approach Tia but stop instantly when Rocket and Sonny suddenly appeared by her side.

"What's the meaning of this?" Sonny demanded to the man in charge. The man was about to argue back when everyone that was a part of Sonny's crew started to place themselves around Tia like a protective barrier.

"The leaders of the council wish to see her." The man answered after regaining some of his authority. Tia felt Sonny stiffen beside her, whoever these council members were they didn't sound like people you should disobey an order too. Out of panic Tia instantly reached for Rockets hand and gripped it tightly. She felt more confident when Rocket squeezed her hand a little bit to comfort her and made no sign of letting of.

"Fine but I'm going with her." Sonny stated firmly, the man was about to argue back but Sonny made some kind of face that made the other guy back off immediately. Tia felt herself relax a little bit. The man seemed to debate with himself for a few moments before nodding his head. Tia looked quickly at Rocket for a moment, who seemed scared to let her go off with those people. Tia couldn't help but also feel a bit nervous but Sonny showed her a confident smile which calmed her a little. Giving Rocket a quick smile she and Sonny followed the guards through the other doors. Lost from everyone else's sight.

Rocket sat in his temporary room wondering what to do. If there was one thing he hated then it was worrying. Messaging his temples, he began typing in his parent's number. It was about time he told them he was home. But when he tried, the phone went straight to voice mail; sighing to himself he left a message and said he'll be home around dinner time. Code message for I'll be around to eat all of your food. He then tried to call his uncle Aarch who also didn't answer. Out of frustration he chucked himself on the bed, he closed his eyes to try and get a quick power nap but as soon as he closed them a picture of Tia slipped into his mind. Why can't I get her out of my head? Rocket argued with himself. What was it about Tia that made him lose his temper when someone insulted her? Why did he go crazy every time she smiled at him? Why did he like the touch of her skin against his own? These questions were beginning to shout louder and louder inside his head as the days went past. It wasn't that he didn't like thinking about her, it's just... He didn't know why he was reacting like this to her and to no one else. Shaking the silly thoughts from his head, he decided to go and see D'jok. Micro-Ice was still out cold, since Sinedd had attacked him from behind; knocking him out, so he couldn't see him. Forcing himself to walk on his bad leg, Rocket made his way to the integration room.

"Anything?" Rocket asked, as he walked into the room. D'jok looked away from the screen he had been watching and shook his head. Rocket only nodded in understanding and limped his way to stand near his red headed friend. As he looked through the screen he saw Sinedd staring back at him. Two other men were in the room questioning him but he paid no attention to them.

"I can't believe we've been so blinded for all of these years." D'jok stated, breaking Rocket from his staring match with Sinedd. Rocket agreed with him completely. He had known Sinedd as long as he had known D'jok and Micro-Ice. Rocket had never hated Sinedd until now, sure as kids they had a sort of rivalry between each other but they were kids. It wasn't until they were in their teens that they had seen what a sick bastard he really was. He was the only child of a wealthy family, who got kicked out when his father found out he had been spending all of his money on prostitutes and gambling. That's why he joined the army in the first place; for money. While him and D'jok had joined to fight for their home and freedom. If Rocket had the chance he would have snapped his neck in the loading dock but thinking of Tia's safety had managed to snap him out of his clouded red vision. There I go again, Rocket sighed to himself, as he just realised he was thinking about Tia again. He hoped she was ok.

Tia followed the guards nervously, even with Sonny walking right beside her. She felt like she was heading towards her boyfriend's house and was about to meet his parents for the first time. Reminding herself to breath, she stayed as close as she could to Sonny. She wished that Rocket was with her, since his presence seemed to calm her but sadly, she had to deal without him. Feeling Sonny suddenly go tense beside her, Tia began to worry.

"Where are we going? The conference room's that way" Sonny demanded. From the corner of her eye she saw Sonny reach down near one of his pockets where she near he kept a dagger hidden.

"The Emperor and The Head of the Flux Society wish to see her in private." The man that was leading them to their destination shouted back, as they came to a door at the end of the doorway. The man knocked on the door and waited until someone replied. The man opened the door and ushered them both in, before closing the door behind them.

"Well Sonny it's good to see you." An old fat man with a white beard and a robotic eye greeted them, only you can tell by the way he said it that he was lying. Another person stood in the corner of the room with a hood covering his face. The hooded figure nodded to Sonny and Sonny nodded back. Even though the figure was hooded, Tia sensed she could trust him because she could sense the respect between Sonny and the tall figure. The fat guy on the other hand she distrusted straight away. "This is the girl that holds the breath." The old man gestured, examining her sharply. Tia was relieved when Sonny stood in the way of his line of vision, making Tia feel less anxious.

"This is Tia." Sonny stated firmly at the old man, like he was trying to confirm that she was a human not a machine. Tia's suspicions were proven corrected by what the man said next.

"Well, she'll have to change it when she begins her combat training." He stated. Combat training? Chills went down Tia's spine at the very thought. Gratefully, Sonny came straight to her defence.

"She's not a weapon; with everything she's been through she deserves to be left alone." Sonny yelled back at him, putting a protective arm around her, just like a father would.

"From the reports we've received, we know she's already killed over twenty people with what she can do. It's either join the army or be executed for murder." The fat bloke snapped back. Tia's whole body went ridged. She didn't like the idea of being killed but she would rather take the death penalty then kill more people. Sonny was just about to argue back but was silence by the hooded figure in the corner.

"I'll be the judge of that." The person stated softy, as he walked closer to her. The first time Tia notice that this person wasn't human was when she saw his two long pale fingers and thumb reach up to his hood and pulled it back, revealing a white smooth face with glowing eyes.

"May I." He asked, sticking out his hands just below her face so she could rest her head on. Tia turned to Sonny for guidance. He gave her a quick nod to go on. Swallowing the lump that was blocking up her throat, she gently placed her head on his hands and looked straight into his eyes. There was a moment of complete stillness, while the tall pale man examined Tia. She was surprised to find herself still breathing. "So much pain and so much loneliness for one so young, yet still so much strength and kindness still reminds inside your heart." He whispered before releasing Tia from her trance. She quickly shook away the dizziness that blinded her vision and gripped onto Sonny's arm for balance. "I can conclude that this young woman is no murderer but in fact a victim that needs the alliances protection." The man assured both Tia and Sonny Blackbones. The other guy seemed displease with this answer and tried to defend his point but was interrupted by the tall figure. "Just because we are in a war Emperor, it doesn't mean that we break laws to fulfil our needs. Plus I believe Sonny Blackbones has evidence to back up my claims." He nodded towards Sonny.

"I do." Sonny replied with a small smile on his face. He shot a quick glare at the Emperor guy before he returned to his contain self again.

"Very well," The leader of the flux society answered, pulling his hood back up to cover his face. "Then I know whose protective hands I'll put her in."