IIKittyII

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

That was extremely unpleasant. I disable the light shield my weapon generated and look around. Destruction at every corner. Add extremely unnecessary to the adjectives to describe this act as well. Valkyrie does look pleased with herself. I sigh. It's going to be difficult to convince people not to fight her if she insists fighting with us.

I wasn't fast enough for the first barrage, it was so unexpected, my scythe could only do a partial shield and only for life forms. On her second command I'm ready.

"Lend me your strength." I mouth to my weapon. At my will, the projectiles stop midair. They're now at my disposal and I take aim. Then I raise the rumble, adding all the destruction to my arsenal. A clear threat, but I don't fire. My right hand shakes slightly but I clench it tight around my scythe and take a steadying breath. This is taking a lot of my weapon's energy, I can feel it.

"Sir Baruss. Would you be so kind as to assess the condition of my friends? The light shield my scythe provided should have taken most the damage aimed at life forms, but debris were everywhere. I'll try and buy us time."

I take a seat on the hilt of my scythe. It ascends and brings me eye level with our attacker Valkyrie.

"My name is Lexianna. You've got my attention." With a snap of my fingers everything I'm prepared to fire on her ships is set ablaze.

"Shall we talk?"

Li-Li

I'm bored. There's no indication of that however on my face. I amuse myself by thinking through all the different ways I could kill these men before any of them completed a blink.

He mentions a watch and my eyes drop down to search for the offending modified tech. It makes my skin crawl.

I am pulled from my search by the click of high heels. The First Lotus circles the table slowly, making her way to the ringleader. She leans down next to him. "You seem like a clever man. Take the deal. That one, doesn't make promises he can't keep." She flicks her hand in Zaak's direction, indicating his gun. "Well, when it comes to business anyway." Her voice is still like a purr but her eyes stare daggers right at Zaak. I myself feel speared by the comment. It was meant to hit.

I notice the hostility in the room ebbing. Using my Sight I spot why. She practically sedated every one in the room with her aura. Hints the circling like a predatory creature.

I take a chair from the corner and drag it very noisily across the room. The awkwardness also dispersing some of the lingering hostility. I flip the chair around backwards and make myself comfortable, resting my chin on my folded arms atop the chair. I wave away the stares. "Please continue your deal making. I've got places to be."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I smile somewhat bashfully back at Baruss to his answer. When he puts things that way, I feel like a surrogate mother. As I attend to the last Hand I try to answer Raven's question. It's more loaded than he realizes. I answer slowly and softly so as not to sound boastful. Defining myself is not easy.

"If you are asking for my name, it's Lexianna. If you are asking for my title basically, it's The Eternal Lotus of Life. If you are asking for my biology I am a Divine Cosmic Being. The why of my team and I's presence is rather complicated but suffice it to say, I am aim to help. So does he. " I indicate Baruss with a nod of my head. "I'm happy to answer any further questions, but I'd like to suggest we also move along and assist where needed." Having finished with the Hand I send the last one to Shadow as well.

Li-Li

I'm impatient to get on with it. All I want is to stop this unauthorized dangerous reality-warping seal user, park these two substitute parent bodyguards for a few moments, and slip away to investigate this newly born mystery of a mysterious voice from a mysterious location giving me mysterious orders to arrive all by my lonesome. I don't take orders I give them. However, I'll overlook that for now in favor of finding out what is going on. First thing's first though. Watch and hopefully learn more about umbra as Zaak uses it.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

My eyes turn golden, molten lava, at the mention of the False One. "Let the sanctimonious leech come and answer for his crimes. He will face our righteous judgement. I do not wish these children in harm's way though so please, do what you must. My light barrier will not obstruct you."

My attention moves to G. I kneel down next to the child, placing my hand on his forehead. "Hello dear, G was it? It's an honor to meet you. My husband's name starts with G." As I talk, my scythe's power flows. Using me as a conduit, energy transfers from it, to me and then streams gently into the child. "Better? You should be able to walk now. I'd like you to go inside and stay with my friends if that's alright." My weapon opens a direct pathway to Shadow and the others.

Li-Li

My blood heats in my veins when I get a good look at Zaak in his new attire. He's wearing a suit. He never wears suits but Galen did and he resembles Galen more now than he did before. Sensing my unease, The First Lotus shifts her stance so that Zaak is no longer in my view. Smart. I'm on the verge of tearing him apart. I need to calm down. I hate that I have to allow him to parade around like he belongs here, acting like my father. He wasn't here when it counted and now he wants to come back and call shots. I will shoot him in the face the minute he is no longer useful. Rebellion screams in my veins but I tamp it down. Compartmentalize. How much more can my compartments take? It doesn't matter. I must endure so I will.

It's only now that I'm not blinded by anger that I notice the change The First Lotus has made. She seems to have taken Zaak's lead to not attract attention and changed attire. She wears a white pencil skirt with a white fitted business jacket. A wide brimmed white fedora comes down low over her eyes, with the signature golden lotus tucked in. I'm not changing. Anyone who wants to call me out can answer to Lucy. Well....

A sleeveless trench coat appears on me. It's form fitting and reaches down to the backs of my knees. I button the first two buttons so most of my front is covered. The only parts of Akuketsu left visible are the skirt, navel chain, and arm attachments. Now that I think of it I'm slightly disappointed that I haven't yet had time to try and make more progress with the kamui. It can't be helped though, reality in peril and all that.

A voice whispers through my mind. It startles me at first and I realize Zaak and The First are completely oblivious to it. A message just for me. Alright, I'll bite. After we finish up here I'll stash the two away somewhere for a moment and check it out. Thankfully, I know exactly what to do to accomplish just that.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I frown. I had really hoped to perhaps talk to the children before attacking but maybe this is the most efficient way. I don't do things with the same instant fighting energy Baruss does. I plant my scythe and the winds starts churning. The nearest Hands are swept in the current. The wind dies down nearly as suddenly as it started but instead of hitting hard unforgiving earth on the way down, the swept children fall right into a light barrier. I wince as Baruss crashes headlong into the Hands he's engaged. I know the Hands are resilient but it doesn't mean they're impervious to pain. If it were up to me, each child would come home with me. I twist the wedding ring on my finger. Now what would Galen say to that?

The First Lotus

This has not set well with Lilianna. I know why. This answer will not appease the Current Lotus. I dare say it will shatter her heart. It might even force her hand into a fight with him all over again. The Current is so rife with raw emotion. However my future self is not my concern, Lilianna is.

She's doing an admirable job of reigning in her emotions but I can tell her resolve is faltering, I can see it by the change in her aura. Her hand twitches as if she's going to pull one of Galen's guns and shoot Zaakilio on the spot. I'll have to intervene. Right when I'm poised to do just that something appears that freezes us both.

Sin.

Although I'm unsure another Lotus has honestly given it thought; each of us has a "one-in-particular" as I've deemed to call it. A part of Zaakilio that we have a deep connection to. For the Current it was Alastair. For me, my one-in-particular is Sin. He's dutiful and duty is why I'm here. He's honor bound just as my title makes me. Seeing him reminds me how close I use to be with this man. How deeply I trusted him. It's Lilianna who speaks and breaks the spell seeing his likeness has cast on me.

"What in Hades' Gate was Uncle Sin doing here?"

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

For the time being, I ignore the new addition, instead focusing on Jaylen. I don't like leaving him when fighting is about to ensue but taking him with me into danger is out of the question.

I scan the room. Kar and Stella don't make to leave and I can tell Raia isn't budging from a still incapacitated Sia's side. I lead Jaylen over to their end of the room. " I'm going to help track the children. Keep an eye on Jaylen for me please?" I kneel down to him. "Listen to them and if bad turns worse, call me and hide." I plant a kiss on Jaylen's forehead then return to Baruss' side.

Looping my right arm in his, my scythe rests comfortably in my left hand. My gaze finds-my scythe pulses and supplies the name- Raven's as I glance over my shoulder. " I assume splitting up to search the castle will be the best way to find and subdue the children? If you find a quicker better method, please let me know." I tap my head to indicate telepathy and with a nod, excuse myself to search the castle with Baruss.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

There's a moment, as quick as a breath being exhaled where everything within my realm focuses its forces to alert me. The wind, the fauna, the soil, the water, life itself whispers in my mind intruders. It's a whisper but it's enough.

My scythe drops into my arms just as blinding light strikes and I feel my powers wrenched from me. I exhale harshly. There's bursting pain but I disregard it. When life is created and birthed there's pain. Pain is a strengthener and reminder that you're alive. It's not an excuse to stop.

My first thought is for Jalen. I glance to the side to see the boy curled under the table. Good. Baruss takes a young Hand out on my left. Noted. My weapon starts channeling my power and I slam the edge of it down into the ground. Light cages encase all the Hands, jailing them.

There's injuries on both sides, unfortunately. I walk up to Baruss and give him an affectionate squeeze on the arm," Thank you." I take stalk of my friends. Sia is unconscious but honestly that seems to have less to do with the attack and more to do with her consumption tonight. Either way I touch her with the blunt edge of my scythe and watch as her internal maladies are healed. I pat her head before doing the same for Raia. I cross the room to Blaze and gently pat his arm as healing power is channeled into him with my scythe as well. While my weapon does its work, I lean down and check on Jalen. "Are you alright darling?"

Li-Li

He moves with purpose but without regard. It's like what my mother told me. It's like back then. In the next Blackout we enter I grip his arm. I've stomped the feelings down, feeling doesn't control me compartmentalize no fury. But I am curious.

"Why haven't you asked?" When all I get is his blank stare I'm honestly ready to slap him but I check myself. I will not lose it again, yet. I go with another even more important question.

"How are you going to tell her? When they come back from the blackout I want to know. How are you going to look my mother in the eyes and tell her you murdered Galen and came back? What's the explanation here?" There's no emotion in my voice. My question isn't colored one way or the other. I'm reading a list of questions that need answers. If I do this, like this, I will not kill him.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I'm honored by their faith in me. Now it's up to us as a group to confirm that their trust isn't misplaced. I'm already trying to piece together what I could possibly say to Kara to sway her. I'm going to have to listen to her side of the story first.

The table is heaped with various platters of food. I feel a pang for Razz. He'd absolutely love this. My plate ends up being comprised of the more tropical dishes laid out to sample. There's different fruits and tree nuts with various sauces. Jalen seems to have the exact same tastes but doesn't give a second thought to manners as he reaches across and starts shoveling things on his plate.

I gently tap his hand and shake my head to him when he looks back at me. "Karnariel will you pass that platter in front of you please? Thank you." I set the plate Jalen was reaching for down next to him and whisper.

"All you need to do is ask dear. Remember chew with your mouth closed and for creation's sake don't talk with you mouth full."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

-The Meeting-

Karnariel explains that Raia shut down her borders. The intel he received was based on the reports from those who fled her lands and therefore could have been biased. He had been trying to get people in to verify those reports and the group was the first able to make it across. He apologizes for any misinformation he may have had.

Lexianna

With Sia's question answered, I take the initiative. It's become clear to me that not everyone is on the same page. It's time to rectify that and make sure all cards are on the table. I rise softly like the flutter of a butterfly's wings. My voice stays gentle and even, a spring breeze.

"If everyone is done passing judgement based on assumption alone, it seems I have some clarifications to make on behalf of the group. There's our mission, our goal, and our differing values as some of my friends here have already stated. First, our mission is quite simple really." My words being dynamic it feels right to move with them. I circle the table making eye contact with each person as I pass, a teacher assessing the class.

"The mission of the group was to investigate your blackout: find the cause and fix it. As it's a disease on reality. All of reality is what we're tasked with safe guarding. Once we arrived, we were attacked by The False One and two of our team were taken. So he must be located but we don't have enough information about him which is why he's on the docket." I indicate the agenda with a hand flourish and continue," The goal of the group is to help. We're professionals who realize with power comes the responsibility of changing what you can for the better." I stop at the other end of the table where everyone has a clear line of sight on me. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. When they open, they're golden, blazing with my passion though my voice doesn't lose its gentle cadence.

"I value one thing. Life. I wield the life force. I am the code of creation incarnate. From the tiny fragile blade of newborn grass, to every person in this room. I value life above all else." My gaze turns to Kar. "If you are going to confront Valkyrie I ask that you show her the same courtesy you did these other lords and ladies. Put aside your blood feud. Use your words first." I then turn my golden gaze on Gaul. " Gaul dear, whether you are accompanied or alone I must insist that you go in not as a wrecking ball but a shield. Strong enough to withstand her attacks and possibly talk some sense into her. " My eyes scan the room again, "If she can't be reasoned with then I propose doing what needs to be done to ensure no other innocence is punished and no other culture is repressed. Culture is as much a way of life as growing." My skirts whisper around me as I gracefully take my seat. "Would anyone like to fill in the blanks, so to speak, where Valkyrie is concerned?"

I'm confident in Gaul's sight and ability to accomplish the task. This is in the interest of full disclosure and everyone being fully aware of what they're facing.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

They still seem to eye Baruss with contempt. Though he's unfazed, it unsettles me. He can't be blamed for what happened. Like any child, he's not responsible for how he was created. The blame lies with Mystic who is now dead mirroring the tragic souls he stole. It's disrespectful to speak ill of the dead so I should think the book would close on the matter.

I turn to watch for his calculated response at Flame's pointed question. It's then that I notice my hand has been making the rounds through Jalen's hair, trying to smooth over the top strands.
He doesn't seem to mind my absentminded attention, which is a relief.

Still, I place my hand in my lap, noting the glance I get from across the table. I'm sure Jalen and I sitting side by side paint a clear picture for some of them of the Hands. Ironic with Jalen having been one, though only Kar knows it. I don't have to probe their minds to see the question in two pairs of eyes. I'm disappointed with their apprehension over my resemblance but I don't blame them. There's no telling what they must have suffered from the group.

I'm distracted from my thoughts when Sia jumps up and slams a barrel on the table. This couldn't have waited until after the meeting? Nonetheless, I can't help but smile at her. Some things never change.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

When I sweep into the room, I take a count of everyone's emotions. I could hear them bickering before we arrived. Which probably foretells how the rest of this meeting is going to unfold.

Tenketsu has twisted himself into a gown for the occasion. It's white with golden stripes crisscrossing through the bodice and skirts. The skirts themselves are multilayered but light as they trail behind me on the floor. It gives an effect as if I'm being followed by soft waves.

I settle into the chair next to Baruss with Jalen on my other side.
As the others get settled, I start off in a soft voice. "I hope you all don't mind but I took the liberty of putting together some agenda items. That way if we get side-tracked in our open discussions we can find a way back to the main points. Feel free to add your own as they come." I wave an arm and the following list is displayed above the table in a glowing orb of light.

• The state and well being of the people
• Fair distribution of power & influence
• Avoiding war
• The False One

"I think we should all be prepared for a long productive talk." My eyes settle on Kar across the table. "Karnariel would you like to fill everyone in on the state of the people as you have seen it."

Li-Li-Blackout 482,004,911

Interesting how he thinks I'll listen. I leave The First Lotus to heal the children while I come to watch over Zaak's ministrations. As I lean over his shoulder I take a good look at the lady's features. "How were you able to extract it?"