Blackout
Karnariel pauses.
"I'm not sure what you mean by fire demon. But yes, if he's strong then he may very well be in Rider's possession."

Just then a small bird flies in and lands on Lexianna's shoulder. It has a note clutched in its beak. The note reads: "I agree we should meet. Our last meeting was far too short. Though I am troubled by your wording, I'm sure we can settle matters in person. Signed, Lord Shadow of South Point."

Blaze

I'm not happy. From what it sounds like, Razz and Nevermore maybe broken up and if that is the case. I know exactly who I'm going to push for first. I've known Razz longer, so I know he's plenty strong to hold on till we get there because he also knows we'll get there. Nevermore gives me strong loner vibes though, she has no reason I'm sure to believe we'll be there for her and I want to change that perspective. Plus, she's a babe. It's against my nature to leave such a beauty in poor hands.

It'd be better if they were together but if not it sounds like Nevermore might be east and Razz west. I'm east bound for sure. It sounds like west point would be a cinch for me to get into. I clear my throat and speak up.

" I'm hella attractive and have no problems answering to a strong woman. I bet I can get in to look for Razz, but I wanna go for Nevermore. "

Flame
I answer without thinking.
"Gaul is way more attractive and strong to boot. He'd clearly be a better option."

I feel the sting of embarrassment immediately and rush to fill the space, “From a clearly objective point of view of course! And I'm obviously not offering you up without your consent either!"

In an effort to clear up my blunder I rushed over to Gaul and am now inches from his face. I don't realize until this very second that somehow I've managed to scramble into his lap in an attempt to see eye to eye. I redden, quite noticeably I'm sure. It feels so natural though, like I’ve already done this before. I back pedal my words again but I’m struck by his eyes and can’t seem to move my body. “ I think we should figure out another option.”

Lexianna

When the bird lands on my shoulder I’m hoping for good news. I read the scroll and a blossom of relief builds in my chest. He’s willing to meet. Maybe he’s willing to listen. I give the bird a grateful scratch on the head, before handing it another scroll.

It reads simply: Meet me in the forest where we first encountered one another. Anytime.

The bird flies off and I send a clone to the forest. “We might not have to worry about Lord Shadow after all. He’s agreed to meet to talk and perhaps I can convince him to see things our way. Don’t worry I’m sending a clone. As for rescuing our friends.” I take a deep breath and a seat on a cloud.

“ We have to remember we don’t even know if Razz and Nevermore are split up or together. We should probably inspect whichever location is closer and easier to access. We also need a plan. One that doesn’t involve any self-sacrifice. The less of our people captured the better. If we could get more information on the layout of the place maybe we can find a place to sneak in. Just in case they have a way to suppress our powers, I don’t want to be caught unawares.” I’ve been glad to have them back but we should keep in mind that we were caught off guard once. I’d like to prevent it a second time.

“Blaze dear, do you think you have something that could look into this for us? Karnariel how well defended are these two places? Do you happen to know how many people may be guarding either location?”

Blackout
Karnariel glares at Lexianna.
"We're not here to talk to the Usurpers. We want them dead so our lives can find some sense of normalcy." The crowded tent murmurs in agreement. Karnariel takes a moment to calm himself. "West point is unassailable by sea. It's coast is nothing but mile high shear cliff wall. Not to mention the ever present storms. East Point or more specifically, Midnight Bastille, is unassailable due to the previously mentioned Bounded Field. It repulses any who do not have the authority to enter. What worries me though, is that we've heard no word from East Point in weeks. Also, no one whose gone to investigate has returned."

"I understand your want to hold life sacred. But these sinners are beyond salvation."

Elsewhere in the Blackout
Shadow rides into the clearing. His servant follows close behind. Shadow motions for his servant to halt.
"This is close enough Lloyd. We don't want to intimidate our guest." Shadow dismounts and approaches Lexianna.
"I assume you've met the rebels? It's the only reason I can assume you've chosen the words: settle our differences. I've no interest in cutting deals with terrorists. They want to kill me because I've made their lives better. It's nonsense." Shadow shifts his weight. Eyes flickering over Lexianna, scanning for any information.

Gaul takes the bloodstone for his own, carefully placing Flame onto the ground as he rises and his powers burst forth in an unstoppable tide. He had forgotten that he was mostly human while within this place, and his restored divinity reminds him even more that he wants to leave this forsaken realm. He nods to Sia.

“Since the warriors all resurrect during the full moon, I think it would be easiest to even the odds, rather than take control of their armies. Sia seems to agree with me.” Gaul bends down and picks up a small, flat pebble, then activates his seals. Arcane energies swell within him as he coats the pebble with a thin layer of nullification energy, looks up, and hurls the rock directly at the moon.

Within seconds, the moon implodes into nothingness, leaving no trace it was ever there to begin with. Gaul expels the bloodstone and hands it back to Sia, then walks over to Karnariel and Lexiana.

“I want to talk to Black Hat, but first I’m going to see if Razz is with this Rider you speak of.” He pauses. “It would probably be easiest for me to go by myself, so as to avoid any unwelcome attention. I’ll be on the lookout for your raven, Lexiana.”

As he turns to go, he glances down at Flame. “Thanks for the idea, little fox,” he winks at her. “Keep them safe for me.” And he begins walking to West Point.

Sia

Running up too Gaul and latching myself too his back, i say "If you believe for one second im not going too see this Ryder person youve been drinking more than me. If there looking for strong attractive slaves thats where hell be." Dropping from his back i turn back twards the group and hold up the belt of grenades i lifted from Blaze. I wink too him and blow him a kiss and wave too the others as i turn too follow Gaul.

Blackout
Karnariel stands mouth agape. He watches Ghaul leave and Sia follow. Still unable to believe what he just saw he leans on the table.
"Get out.' Karnariel looks at each of the group with both rage and terror. "Leave and don't ever show your faces here again!" As Karnariel finished the Rebels take up arms and prepare to fight.

Shadow has an arrow notched and drawn, aimed at Lexianna's throat. His eyes wide he sneaks only partial glances at where the moon was. He's having a hard time finding words. He finally manages to speak.
"Was that you? Did you do that? Why are you really here? Who the hell are you?" Shadow is terrified but his hands remain steady. Lloyd rides up, sword drawn, and just as frightened as Shadow.
"Kill her, my lord, and let's go back to Shadowhold. It is not safe for you here."

Blaze

I'm both impressed and aroused at the fact that Sia was able to take that belt without me realizing. Good thing she didn't take the tech because none of it will work without my bio signature. A necessary fail-safe. A conversation about that is definitely in order but first.

To make the rebels feel better I hold my hands up in mock surrender but...really?

"Do you really think your pick axes and shovels are going to be any threat to a person who can casually blow up the moon? No wonder you're doing a piss poor job of getting anything done. Look I don't care that you're pointing the business end of your sorry weapons at me but it is bothering me that you're pointing them at the ladies present." I indicate Lexianna and Flame. Especially, when they're holding them all wrong. I groan.

"You." I point to a kid to the side who looks like he's about to cry now that I've singled him out. "That's wrong. If someone blew on you you'd fall over. Put your foot back to brace yourself drop your elbows a bit and space your hands out on that bat. You'll get a better swing." I point to the person next to him.

"You. Hoe." He's literally holding a hoe. "There's about 15 different ways to take that from you right now. Hold it out from you body more for defense and swing the blade end so it's pointing down diagonally against your body. Surprisingly, it'll be more useful if you don't try and hit someone with the blade end because theirs will be bigger than yours. You wanna use the stick side to push them back and keep them off balance. You see and opening you hook that thing in their neck but you're gonna have to work for it which means lots of small quick hits with the stick end first." The kid nods and I feel tension loosen just a bit. "Whoa! Big man with the dagger. Flame show him how it's done."

Flame

I almost miss my cue. I'm too busy replaying Gaul winking at me in my mind and the way he called me, "little fox." I've lost it. I know I have. His voice, that low timbre really does something to me.

I snap to attention. Just a second off beat. Daggers are my weapon of choice, though I'm well equip to use most other weapons. I'm on the guy in a second. I've disarmed him in a heartbeat. "You never want this far from your body. You don't have a lot of reach. Keep it close so they can't take it. Smooth movements." I duck his arm and come up behind him planting my own dagger flat ended against his neck. "This is where you aim. With a dagger you have to make each strike count. You want to go for the kill each time with the shallowest cuts since your blade isn't long. Neck, arteries in the under arms and thighs. Let them bleed out." I step away and assess how he's holding it now. "Yes. Much better." I look to my brother. He's yelling at a group of 3 in the corner of the tent who are following his moves precisely. He claps for them and nods.

He moves over to the opening of the tent and bows. " I now feel confident you won't trip and kill yourselves instantly. Good work. Ladies..." He holds the tent flap open. "After you." I'm the first one out of the tent. I'm eager to catch up to Gaul and see what else this world has to offer.

Lexianna

Inwardly I wince. I can feel the shards of the moon fracturing and then splintering into nothingness. I walk over to Blaze and usher him out of the tent. "Thank you for the gripping display. I'm sure it will serve them well." I lean to whisper in his ear. "I'm going to try and smooth things over here. Please go on ahead and keep an eye on them. Make sure they don't cause any other detrimental environmental catastrophes." I lean up and plant a parting kiss on his cheek and enter back into the fray.

I face Karnariel and with a snap of my finger the moon is back in place. " Please don't take this the wrong way but your views are shallow if you think for a second everything is irreversible. I look your age but I've been around for eons young man. Nothing is ever quite so simple."

"I understand you're all frightened, you were before and are probably more so after that display. If you'd do me the courtesy of hearing me out I'd be very much obliged. However that might be difficult to do with any clarity after what you just witnessed." I take a deep breath and exhale releasing a calming energy. It lingers inches from those present.

"There's a calm in the room, all you have to do is reach out and touch it. I don't like to alter emotions without permission in non-dire circumstances. It's your right to refuse it I just ask that if you do, you listen with an open mind and open hearts." I look at each person in turn then focus my attention on Karnariel.

"I apologize. My friends and I can be quite intense. I'll do my best to ensure no further atmospheric disturbance occur but think of what you've accomplished on your own. You've done some good. Now think of what you could do if you accept us and work with us. We're here and we're fighting the same enemy anyways. It'd be wise to utilize the chance. As for killing the nobles." I retake my seat on a cloud.

"I sense the vengeance in you Karnariel. It can often be a poison and a poisoned mind can be a liability to those around. For you, that seems to be many children. Are you willing to risk them for a personal vendetta? If this can be settled peacefully I intend to ensure it. It's not for you to be judge, jury, and executioner. You should be the last person to believe one is beyond salvation as it seems you've found yours in these children. Would you like to tell me about it?" I've offered the olive branch. If he still orders me out I'm willing to go peacefully. I am completely and honestly wanting to work together though.

In the forest

My heart sighs deeply. My friends may very will snap their fingers and turn my talks to dust before they even start. I sit with my eyes closed on a downed log. Shadow's arrow trained on me and no longer trusting. What a mess. I allow myself to just feel him. His aura. He's frightened yes but beyond that there's a goodness to him. I open my eyes and search out his dark ones. His soul looks good too.

"Lord Shadow I assure you it was not I who destroyed your moon but it is I who has replaced it." The moon's soft glow falls over us and if he wasn't quite interested in listening to me before his curiosity I would bet wins out now. "I apologize. My friends seemed to have had a misunderstanding that resulted in that unnecessary show of force. I mean you no harm. "

The moon's light extends and illuminates the immediate area. " I'm here for many reasons which I'll be happy to explain. As for who I am." I motion to the forest. It is already flourishing from my brief time here. The trees taller, the foliage darker, the air crisper.

"My name is Lexianna. I'm a guardian of nature known as the Lotus to many. As a guardian I assure you again I mean you no harm so please call of your man and put away your weapon Lord Shadow. We have much to discuss."

Blaze

I say the words to lay claim to the blood stone and my powers are working again. I pop open a portal and then Flame and I pop out right in front of Gaul and Sia.

"If you guys think you're going to introduce yourself to a beautiful ruling woman without me you are shit outta luck." I open another portal and push everyone in. We speed over the dessert lands and I pop my fingers. "Now Sia you can't just go riffling through a man's private property without asking. If you wanted in my belt all you had to do was ask." I kick at something pebble sized and it skids out of the portal. A holographic image of the landscape appears at our center.

"Alright I have a nanobot scanning the surrounding area. We are here." I indicate a red dot that is steadily advancing over the plains. "We have two exit strategies. One I can plop us down after we get over the plains. We'll be in clear line of sight for this encampment where I'm guessing the lovely is. Two I can let us out right in the middle of her camp or any area around it's up to you." I transform into a Great Fox about the size of a small SUV and the portal lengthens with me. "I'll be happy to offer myself and my sister's services up as willing gifts along with Gaul. Seems like a simple way to do it. We can even sniff around for Razz while we're at it." My sister shoots me a glare and mutters. " How demeaning. I should be given to no one."

I point my tail at her. "And that is exactly why you don't have a boyfriend. You don't allow yourself to surrender."

Flame

I stomp my foot. " I could very well!" I cross my arms and look away. "Besides I think there might be an even simpler way to do this. What if we just pop out and ASK her if she's seen our friends or has them?" I look back to see how my idea is taken.

My brother curls into a giant ball. "Lame. Just so you know I'm totally getting this lady to become my queen. Just wait." He points to our red dot which has now stopped with the tip of his giant tail.

"We're over the plains. Now what?"

Blaze shoots me a look so I transform into a Great Fox as well. Ready for anything.

Blackout
Karnariel eyes Lexianna warily. He motions for his followers to lower their weapons. He swallows hard.
"This is what the Lords felt when The Father approached them." He looks to all the faces in the room. "With such a vast difference of power... I suppose I don't really have a choice."

Ryuji's squad is here. He motions them forward.
"I never asked these children to follow me. Nicholas, tell her. Why you follow me." Karnariel says to the oldest one, a young man, about 16 years of age, clad in bronze armor. His surcoat has a emblem of a sun. He speaks clearly and precisely.

"My mother and sisters were raped to death in the town square where the Imperial Knights executed my father for treason. I spent the next 3 years serving a pedophile Noble. I slit my wrist one night hoping to die. My blood smeared wrists allowed me to slip my wrist shackles and I passed out in the woods during my escape. The Sun Cloaks found me and brought me here. Karnariel fights to end stories like mine. This is all I have left."

Next a girl steps up. She's younger. 15 at least. But she doesn't speak. Instead she signs words that are almost a sentence.
"Name. Sophie. Was. Whore. 6. Year. I. Complain. Food. Rotten. Madam. Cut. Mouth." She opens her mouth to reveal that her tongue is gone. "Karnariel. Save. Me. Make. Stop. Die. After. Throw. In. Thrash. Too. Sick. 4. Work." She pauses. "No. Home."

She taps the last boy on the shoulder. He's the youngest 9 years old. His eyes are covered by bandages. He has a harp at his waist.
"My turn? Finally. Uhhhhh... basically the same as Sophie except I complained that the Ma'am's saggy tits were hard to look at." Sophie glares at the young boy. "Is she staring? She's staring isn't she?" Thre boy reaches out and places a hand on Sophie's chest. Sophie rocks his head back with a merciless right hook.

"MOTHER FUCKER! KARNA YOU HIT HARD! YOU KNOW THAT CAUSES MY EYE HOLES TO SEEP!" The bandages over his eyes slowly turn a deep crimson. "I was a Bard for a noble out west. Her daughter wanted to "see the world through an artist's eyes" so she had mine cut out and gave them to her daughter." The boy leans against the table. Blood dripping from his face. "I'm Grant by the way."

Karnariel speaks up again.
"Each child here has similar stories. These are the Orphans of Karn." He looks around at all the young faces in the room. "They've no homes. No family. And no hope for their futures. Despite what I've said and done. They follow me because this..." Karnariel motions vaguely to everything. "... this is just their life now."

Elsewhere
Shadow laughs.
"Show of force? Misunderstanding? You blew up the fucking moon and in the same moment stuck another one back in its spot." He keeps his arrow trained on her. Lloyd's horse is in a panic. He's barely keeping in control.
"My Lord, enough words. Let me kill this witch and be done with it." Lloyd asserts. Shadow is quiet for a long time. He whispers, almost to himself, finally.
"Them today. Us tomorrow." He looks deep into Lexianna's eyes. Then let's the arrow fly past her head. "Stand down Lloyd. Let's hear what the witch has to say." Shadow smiles bitterly.

Lexianna

I nod in understanding. My soul mourning for these children. So young and already know the true cruelty of this world.






I take the hands of the children in my own. “You have been so brave. Thank you for sharing you stories with me. It may not be necessary but if I might be so bold as to ask your help. I’m telling Lord Shadow of the unspeakable evil happening in his sector. Would you be brave again, and share your stories with him if I cannot convince him myself? “ I hug both children to me. The girl with her height and age reminding me of Li-Li.

My eyes find Karnariel’s over their heads. “Through all this, they still managed to find the one guardian angel left.” From the way he identified me earlier it seems he has no affection for the heavenly hosts. Perhaps this will coax him into telling me why.

In the forest
I leave my log ignoring both men. Instead, I focus on the horse that Shadow’s attendant is having a difficult time calming. As I draw closer the horse starts to calm. I stop a foot away, hold out my hand. The horse comes to me immediately. As it touches its nose to my hand it visibly calms. Muscles relax, feet stop stamping, and its head lowers. “Animals have a high intuition for knowing people and their true selves.” I look over my shoulder to Shadow.

“You trust this man with your life. That means you must know a great deal about him. Such as when he’s lying per chance.”

I look back up to the man on the horse. “Lloyd, was it? Your lord seems like a genuinely good man. The kind of man who would want his villages ran fairly. Imperial guards hiding behind their ranks and pillaging the locals, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Raping women and girls to death, killing any who oppose them, conscripting children effectively sentencing them to death at the age of 12. These are things that are happening daily, normally in your lord’s villages are they not? Remember he will know if you’re lying…and so will I.”

Blackout
West Point
Rider pets Chron and leans back in her saddle. A stiff breeze blows through her raven pixie cut hair. Her slender silhouette atop the wild direwolf with golden eyes cuts an imposing figure in the night sky.
"That where they are? Good boy." She sits side saddle and crosses her legs as time and space fold to place her in front of the pocket dimension. "You there, in the spatial distortion, quit skulking and come out." She says addressing Sia, Flame, Ghaul, and Blaze.

South Point
Rebel Camp
Karnariel sighs. He runs a hand through his hair.
"So will you get me my troops? We still need to bolster the Sun Cloaks for the inevitable battles to come."

Forest Clearing
Shadow snaps his head towards Lloyd.
"What is she talking about, Lloyd?" Shadow says unsure.
"We shouldn't be entertaining this-" Lloyd speaks but is interrupted by Shadow.
"Answer the question." Shadow demands.
"My Lord please." Lloyd pleads. Shadow sighs heavily.
"I trust Lloyd. He's been with me since before The New Regime." Shadow is reluctant to doubt Lloyd. "But I know where we can find answers." He snaps his fingers and shadows fall on the clearing. When they lift the three of them are in a large council room surrounded by posh looking nobles. They stare in shock. With no hesitation Shadow plunges his hand into one of the noble's forehead. When he pulls his hand back there is a soft glow. The noble's head is unscathed. Shadow is silent. As are the nobles.
"Why?" Shadow asks gravely.
"Because, all you've ever wanted is to be a street rat! You've no goals! No aspirations! You are-" Lloyd is cut short by three arrows through the throat. He tries to manage words but only gurgles. Shadow strides forward and plunges his hand into Lloyd's chest.
"I took you in. You would have died in the street cold and alone. I shared my life with you. Told you my dreams and kept you safe. And this is how you repay me." Shadow pulls his hand out of Lloyd's chest clutching a resplendent vermilion gem. He raises his other hand and a golden sphere of swirling lights appears. Without an order or any provocation the nobles cut their own throats. As the blood pools Shadow slumps against the wall and slides down into a tired mess. He looks to Lexianna.

"I only ever wanted to help those who were at the bottom. Those who lived their lives in the shadows. Trampled by those in power." Shadow laughs bitterly. "But all this time I've only looked the other way and hoped things would work out. Thank you. I'm willing give you any support within my power. I just need one thing in return."

"Bring me the head of Karnariel, The Rebel Star."

Sia

"Why dont we show up as equals? Ill ride Blaze, Gaul can be the man slave and Flame can be part of the "family"?" Starting at the voice from outside i peak through the wall of the space and see a woman atop a direwolf. Acting quickly i concetrate and shift back into my glamour, rip off my top and toss it too Blaze and stick my entire upper body outside of the space. Openly eyeing her i smirk. "You know its rude too show up too orgys uninvited. But if you insist....."

Blackout
West Point
Rider is surprised. She smirks back and leans, propping herself up on an elbow.
"You mean to tell me. That there is an trans dimensional pocket orgy going on in my lands, and I wasn't invited?" Rider scoffs insincerely and slides off Chron pulling her pack down with her. "And you think I'm rude. Well don't rush on account of me. I'l be waiting here for you to finish." Rider goes about setting up camp. Chron helps as he can. Every so often Rider looks at the spot where Chron sensed spatial distortion. She sighs and keeps her black powder rifle slung over her shoulder.

Sia

Smileing at the woman i reply "I might rush this one just too get too the next one" Winking and ducking back into the rift i say " We need too decide now. ive bought us some time."

Lexianna -Rebel Camp-

These talks have taken a grim turn. It’s imperative to understand the relationship history that’s here. “I’d love to help. As soon as I’m certain this is about the people and not your personal vendetta. I’ve been here for several minutes with you and have only picked up on one thing: Vengeance. The second I felt Lord Shadow, I felt his desire to help people. So you’re going to have to give me more than this black poison fueling you. Tell me why you want each other dead.”

Lexianna - With Lord Shadow-

My eyes flash golden. The only indication that he’s effected my temper. The rest of me is tranquil calm. I would have admired him during my First existence, Lilianna would as well. Personally I pity him. The code of blood is a hard one to follow and harder still to break. I sit next to him on the floor, carefully avoiding the still pooling blood.

“ Karnariel as I understand has been the one trying to create a better life for everyone abused by this new system, those without a voice albeit perhaps doing it the wrong way. You’re going to have to explain why you want his head.”

Blaze

Thank God for women who aren’t ashamed of their body. Thank God that Sia is one of them. Razz is lucky. I can’t help my ogling her but it doesn’t last long, my sister waps me in the face with her tail.

Flame
I shift back after Sia’s suggestion and stick my tongue out at Blaze. Sia’s smart, she bought us a few minutes. I’m surprised the woman found us. “Look she’s here now I say we ask her.”

My brother chimes in, “We can do that and then also check the place out ourselves to see if she’s lying. If she is she obviously can’t be trusted if not….I got myself a wife.”

Blackout
Rebel Camp
"My personal vengeance? Look around. Everyone here has lost everything because of The Lords and their Father. It isn't just me that wants them dead." The camp is in agreement with Karnariel. "I want a better world. And a better world is one where they're rotting in the ground."

Shadowhold
Shadow laughs.
"A better life? Is that what you think his crusade is about?" Shadow stares mournfully into the Gem in his hand. "He lost everything. But it was no fault of mine. Father went to every deity and cosmic being he could find. He offered them a place in his world. Told them of the cost of rejecting him. Not one of them accepted. Gods, kings, and nobility all denied him, even in the face of his miracles. So The Father came to us. The peasants and wretches who had no place in the world. He promised us the power to change reality. Make it better. Who, after suffering our lives, wouldn't accept such an offer?" Shadow sets the Gem down and produces a pipe. He packs tobacco into the pipe and strikes a match igniting the tobacco before extinguishing the small flame with a shake of his hand.
Shadow places the pipe in his mouth and takes a long drag before exhaling a thick plume of smoke. He offers the pipe to Lexianna as he continues his story.

"That boy is the son of Karna, The Sun God and Averiel an angel of mercy. Both of whom are now deceased. As The Mystic explains it, any beings not on our plane of existence when Father collapsed the dimensions would have died terrible deaths. A sort of forceful unmaking that tears everything you are apart and grinds it into nothing. I sympathize. I really do. But it was their own fault. Or at the very least just bad karma."

Shadow sighs.
"But what he wants is vengeful murder and to dismantle the better world we created. I may be deserving but none of the other Lords aren't. They've bettered their societies."

Gaul averts his gaze once Sia begins to pull her top off, and continues to stare at his feet. “I can go along with playing the captive, but would prefer to remain inside this space unless absolutely necessary. The last thing we need is to have to rescue another.”