The Lost

The Lost
Chapter 9: One Last Embrace

Jupiter reviewed the preparations in her matrix, trying to see if there was anything more that could have been done to make Erin's awakening any easier. She noted all her vitals before, during and after her reanimation. And also the vitals before and during her awakening, to find that indeed there were noticeable variations between a male Ancient, and a female. This data would serve to help her in Lady Yuri's awakening.

Jupiter knew that like Kai, Lady Yuri would suffer great trauma in her awakening. Lady Yuri was showing signs of such an ordeal now, even before she was matured enough to be awakened. Jupiter would keep her sedated regardless. She would not risk her life without Riki present, to help her navigate her way to awareness.

Riki and Iason had given her a detail account of the realm they created within their mind's eye, and how the person in question, relieved their past life, and the moment of their death. She found that no two persons were the same according to them. However, they all navigated a fog of memories, as their first step to awakening. The darkness that they would light up, or blow out, as Riki's tempest did, always revealed the truth of their suffering, and the despair of learning they had died. What Jupiter could not yet understand, was the sea of darkness and the physical manifestation of drowning symptoms they displayed. Riki had named such a place, the “sea of tears.” It made sense that despair would equate such a definition as a sea of sorrow. The young Prince stated it was not possible to awaken unless that sea was navigated.

To see both Lord Fathers gasp for breath, as did Omaki and Argent and now Erin, helped her to appreciate Iason and Riki even more. For they did it all by themselves, and with no one to help them in their own despair. They would forever be unique in that respect, for their link had given them a bird's eye view of such a realm. Moreover, the gifts of holding their powers within their minds,and the ability to control the elements, as Warrior and Intellect was not encumbered. Jupiter hummed quietly as she watched Doctor Haruki monitoring Erin's vitals. She would analyze the new data, and then add it to her matrix. She knew there would be more programming from Iason, if they were to bring back the past.

Iason and Riki would not be able to bring them all by themselves. Yet there was no other like Riki. An empath of his caliber was unheard of. Sure there were those who could feel others emotions, but they could not see what the combined efforts of Iason and Riki saw. And she did not have the missing data crystal yet, so the identity of any other empath from the past would remain unknown. She would have to run several theories with all the data she had. Lady Erin was a feisty young Queen, though she felt that Yui would be a comfort of sorts, until the return of the Royals.

She now pulled up Lord Raoul's data, and the old entries of the Firm's archives. She did not see him collapse as everyone else did, but she knew by their accounts, that Raoul would soon cross the fog and navigate the sea of tears. If Jupiter had a heart that beat within her like the one in the bodies of men, the increased hum of her matrix would be that heart. And her heart went out to Raoul and Yui.

Jupiter now watched as Yui entered Lady Erin's room. She promised not to “lurk about,” and would hold true to her agreement. However, the world of pristine pureness had been lost centuries past. It would take the “Renaissance of the Ancients” to set matters straight; at least on Amoi. Like a drop of water in a pool of time, the ripples of that drop, or the old ways would return, and the majesty that is Warrior and Intellect would once more be completed with Elder and the Fourth Clan.

Jupiter had sealed up her past identity, for it did not have a place when all had been lost. Like a hen protecting her chick, she guarded her identity, hoping it would not be lost with the past. But her patience was rewarded, and Iason was found. Her place in their civilization would once more be welcomed. Like a weary guardian, the Sentinel of her people, Jupiter would hear their voices once more hold Council.

“I see you are true to your word, Lady Jupiter.”

Lord Stone entered the observation room adjacent to the Queen's. She seemed to be deep in thought, as Hector entered.

“Yes, trust must be re-established with the Ancients. They come from a time lost. A time of simplicity and purity. Of sensibilities of Lords and Ladies. I've spent the better part of the morning living in the past, remembering what it was like to see their faces, as they placed entries in my matrix. Laughter, and the promise of wonderful futures.”

Jupiter closed her eyes, as the image of Iason and Riki came forward. Their entries filled with love, and hope.

“I envy your mind Lady Jupiter.” Hector whispered. “But I also grieve for you, because of it.”

“Yes, well, that is all about to change. Time does not hold my heart, as it does the living. The Ancients, will live longer than the current civilization, but they will bring that ability back when the bloodlines are restored. That is why the Maidens must return. Their song must be heard.”

Hector recalled his father, and grandfather before him, tell of a time that would someday return. As the Director of the Firm, Hector thought he would never see the day come, when the Ancients would once again grace the surface of Amoi.

“I must admit, that I am fascinated with the possibility of seeing Warrior and Intellect children in our folds once again.”

“It is a dream this matrix of mine has dreamed over the thousands of years that have passed. I know not all of our children will fill our quiver once again, but their lives will be held in memorial, once the final counts have been taken. Omaki, Argent and Yousi collected our children for centuries, and their mission to save our maidens will become one of the most important ones faced by our Lords.”

As the two watched Erin and Yui sit together, Erin looked over to where Hector and Jupiter were standing. She gave them a warm smile, and then continued with her visit. Yui sat nervously in the other chair. The room was quite inviting and looked more like a den, than a medical suite. All the comforts of home were made available, as the two drank tea, served by an attendant.

Selene could sense Erin's comfort, as the morning was filled with intense therapy, and she would soon take her first steps. Her eagerness to jump out of bed, was met with disappointment, as Erin now realized what Selene was so worried about several hours earlier. Her body though healthy, laid in the reanimation chamber for over two weeks, and those muscles needed to be retrained. But Selene knew it would not be that long before the young Queen is running around, taking Amoi by storm.

Selene also made her rounds to Lady Yuri's reanimation chamber, taking note of her monitors. She knew Erin was concerned with her dear friend, and fellow Royal. She would remain sedated, as only Riki and Iason could bring her out. Lady Erin wanted to do this, but did not have the gift of their mind's eye, nor the link the two lovers shared. Not only that, Selene knew what Lady Yuri experienced would be horrific for Lady Erin to experience all on her own.

Doctor Haruki related to Selene what he witnessed in Lady Erin's awakening, and although it was frightening to him, he could not imagine what Lady Yuri experienced in her hundreds of years of war, and sadness. He indicated Lady Yuri's awakening would be done in private. The young nurse sat quietly in the room, as Erin continued her visit.

“Now young man, I want to learn all about Amoi. I know you have yet to recall your past, but I am also at a disadvantage. I spent the morning looking through the archives, and found myself overwhelmed with all that occurred in our absence.”

Yui smiled nervously, wondering if this was a good idea at all. His brain could not get around the fact that not the day before, did he discover he was an Ancient. And while this was good news, as far as his relationship with Raoul was concerned, he still had plenty of reasons to be worried. As it was, he was rushed around from the crack of dawn, and was now sitting in the most unusual medical facility having tea with Riki's mother...the Warrior Queen.

“I-I don't know where to begin my Lady. I only discovered my link to the past yesterday. That you recognized me as familiar to you is a bit overwhelming in itself.”

Yui's hands trembled, as he managed to put his tea cup down without spilling it's contents. Erin saw this, and did what any mother would do.

“Come to me Yui.” Erin extended her arms, and gestured to Yui to approach her. “I will set your mind at ease, and we can have a good beginning to discovering who we are, and where the hell we're going.”

Yui looked around, and timidly rose from his seat. He approached Erin and bowed. She reached up and pulled him into her embrace. Yui knelt down, as she held him tight, and kissed his head.”

“Now, my child. We are bird's of a feather, and I will take you under my wing and help you sort this out. You need not fear me, I am just a woman, and a mother.” Erin smiled sweetly, as she looked at Yui's wide eyed expression. “I know the process of getting past our own deaths is monumental. I am still at a loss for words. But you were brought forward for many reasons, and your life ended tragically I would wager.”

Yui looked up and attempted to stand, only to find Erin gripping him tightly.

“Oh no you don't. You will not get away from me that easily.” Erin laughed. “I have been awake for a little over one day, and I have not had one embrace. Well, I did get to hug Riki and my Lord husband, but that was more of a dream than a reality.” Erin pulled Yui back into her arms. “I'm a hugger sweet child, so you will have to get used to this.”

“Yes, my Lady.” Yui laughed softly, as he embraced her once again. “It is a sad thing to not have those you love within arms reach.”

Selene viewed this scene, and turned to see Lord Hector and Jupiter's expressions. It dawned on all three, that what Lady Erin had just spoken was true. While everyone was looking forward to her return, no one had held her once in the real world. A sadness came over Selene. As one whose occupation was in the medical profession, she knew the touch of another was essential in the recovery of traumatic events. She had only arrived that very morning, yet she already knew many things about this young Queen. Yui was finally released, but now sat on her footstool, at the feet of Lady Erin.

“Now, tell me all about your life. I suppose that would help me know where you stand in this society. But before you begin. I do have to say this. I am an Empath, as you may have already figured this out. But I do not lurk about in your head uninvited. I may be very outspoken in what I observe, and that is why it is essential that you know this. It isn't all about what people are thinking in their minds. It's about what actions they take in their lives, that tells me all about them.

For example. Your kind disposition carries in your respect, and your humbleness. You are neat in appearance and well groomed. So this tells me you care what others think of you, and in the one you represent. But your compassion is foremost in your kindness and love. For here I am, literally a stranger to your current life, yet you humor me with respect, and honor me with your embrace. And I have yet to even wonder into that wonderful mind of yours.”

Yui smiled, as he found the young Queen quite adorable. A bit chatty, but then again, she had over ten thousand years of catching up to do, so that would make anyone quite talkative after such a discovery.

“It may not be a good idea to go poking in my head my Lady, for I have been told my death was not a pleasant one.” Yui bit his lip nervously. “I was being educated in my past when you began to awaken. So I was given a crash course in Amoian history yesterday, in order for my past to emerge slowly, should your presence trigger my mind to awaken. Lord Iason and your son, have this ability to set off those around them who are predisposed to their energy. So when they are around them, their minds begin to open up, awaken. At least that is how it was explained to me.”

Yui tugged on his tunic, as he explained this to Erin. She realized, his whole life was turned upside down overnight by her presence. Erin smiled, and took Yui's hand.

“Well, I'll hold your hand when that happens little one. I was most frightened by the whole thing, and was accidentally pushed over a balcony! But the realm between death and awareness has been bridged by Riki and Iason. I can't imagine doing this alone. So I promise to hold your hand, should you want me there.”

“Oh! I don't know my Lady. You have endured your own nightmare, and I saw how frightened you were when confronted with the Elders. Your family suffered much on that day.” Yui looked at Erin's dark eyes. “I can't imagine what it is I will face, only that my lov-” Yui paused. “That Lord Am suffered much because of it.”

“Lord Raoul is your lover?!” Erin squealed, as she clapped her hands and giggled. “My my, how in the world did you bag such a prize?”

Yui blushed furiously, as he looked around and found Selene pretending not to listen, while reading some reports.

“I don't know about the past my Lady, but here in the present, many events led to our becoming lovers. And this was only recently, though I have loved him since the day I met him.”

“Oh how romantic! I just love a good joining. My husband and that notoriously naughty Raimen are lovers. They have been joined at the hip since your age.” Erin smiled. “Although they ignored me at their Lords' Dance when we were all young. I was already promised in marriage to Lord Kai, but I was just a child. Those two have been lovers forever, I suppose. We four have a complicated relationship, but we do love our little family.”

“Yes, they were quite a sight at the Lord's Dance just a few nights ago-”

“What? There was a Lord's Dance recently? Oh, those two must have been completely hysterical! If I know Kai, he and that buffoon Raimen, must have had the guests in stitches!”

Erin laughed out loud, which made Yui laugh along with her. He went on to explain all the high jinx that went on at the gala event, including Omaki's spiking the food with Galen's Cake.

“Poor Iason! I bet he spent the majority of the night fighting off the many infatuated men and women!”

“Actually, it was Lord Raimen who had that issue, more than Lord Iason.” Yui smiled. “He and Lord Kai were introduced, and the guests were completely speechless. I believe you can see the event in the archives. We have never had a Lord's Dance, so this was broadcast throughout the whole sector. We had diplomats from many trade planets.”

Erin felt a bit jealous for missing the event, but knew Jupiter must have done so in order to reintroduce the Royal Heirs. The young queen then became serious, when she remembered Galen's Cake.

“Oh my. Did you say Galen's Cake was served?”

“Why yes my Lady. It was quite a riot to see all the dignitaries dancing with one another!”

Erin laughed once again, when she pictured the many galas of her era. The Lord's Dance was a highly favored event.

“That settles it! You must stay, and have lunch with me. We shall both sit and watch the Lord's Dance in the archives, and see what those two ninnies were up to. I want to see my Riki dancing. You know, he truly hated the many dance lessons in his youth. The first time I saw him dance was when he and Iason returned from Aristia. We knew Iason was returning with his bride, and were shocked but quite pleased it was Riki. Though I can't wait for them to find true brides, and produce their own heirs. Won't that be wonderful, Selene?”

Selene nearly fell out of her seat, as the implied bride was aimed at her. She blushed, and quickly looked for the exit hoping to find and excuse for her to bail. Having found none, she cleared her throat and feigned ignorance.

“What was that my Lady?” Selene raised her head from her reports.

“See that Yui? That is a classic attempt to pretend she did not hear a word.” Erin whispered to Yui, who giggled along with her, before she spoke again. “Why, the two heirs of Amoi, taking a bride of course.”

Selene found her face becoming brighter, as both Erin and Yui watched her squirm.

“Did you mention lunch?” Selene shuffled several monitors on the table next to her, and pressed several buttons to find the Queen's schedule.

“Why yes, do you know when it will be served? I hope to keep Yui with me and watch the Lord's Dance from the archives.”

“I believe lunch will be within the hour my Lady.” Selene looked at her schedule, a second time. “I will have a menu sent in for Master Yui to select his meal.”

“Very good. Can we have some wine sent in also?” Erin pressed.

“No my Lady. You know that wine is still off your diet for at least a few more days.” Selene smiled.

“Oh rats!” Erin complained. “See Yui, I envy you. When you awaken, you will not have such restrictions.”

“On the contrary my Lady, I've been offered nothing but drinks since early yesterday morning!” Yui countered. “It seems the 'bad news' I was to be given, was being softened as the day wore on before you woke. And the drinks kept coming until late into the evening last night. I suppose that is to be expected, when bad news is given.”

“You poor child! And all this time, you had yet to know of this news, is that not so?”

“Yes. I was quite pickled by dinner time.” Yui rolled his eyes. “But it was actually very kind of my friends to share the news with me. You see we are all Attendants, guards, and cooks. As so, we care for the Elite class as part of their household. Furniture really. But my life in particular was not a difficult one. For I loved my Master. But I am the only one among my friends who is an Ancient. They didn't know how to act in front of me. As if suddenly I was a Blondie to be catered to.”

Erin listened attentively to Yui's explanation. She had in fact researched the infrastructure of Amoian society in the current age. Yui was nothing more than a high class slave. Something she disapproved of. It was true that as a Princess and then Queen, she had attendants, and a household. But the lives they led were more as extended family, and without the categories in class or hair color.

“Well you will be most pleased, to learn that will all change soon. In my day, we had three Clans. The Warrior Clans, such as Lord Kai and myself. The Intellects, like Lord Raimen, and Lady Yuri, and the Elders, with Lord..well in your current time, Lord Petros, and the Sages.” Erin looked over at Jupiter. “And then we had added one additional Clan before the fall of Amoi. Lady Jupiter was our fourth Clan. We had welcomed her as the Living Text then, and I find her sentient mind a welcome addition to our little family.

Those who served us did so with love. We raised their children, celebrated their lives, and grieved their deaths. Our children Yui, were our passion. I wonder what my Lord husband thought of this current society?”

“I overheard him mention that he did not approve of our Pets.” Yui whispered.

“Pets? What is wrong with pets? I happen to love cats, and our more colorful birds...”

“No my Lady.” Yui paused. “We have a class of companions, young men and women who serve in the capacity of “Pets.”

“What? Why how dreadful! That is nothing more than..than slavery!” Erin's face flushed, as her temper rose.

Yui moved quickly to change the subject, knowing that if Lady Erin discovered her son -the Prince- was once a Pet himself, she might throw something at someone.

“So you love cats my Lady?” Yui asked suddenly. “I have a kitten, named Pixie.”

“Pixie? What an adorable name Yui.”

“Lord Raoul brought him home one afternoon. He's little over two years old, but he's still quite the kitten at heart.”

“Does Lord Raoul still paint?”

Yui was surprised with the question, but pleased to learn Raoul painted even then.

“Yes! In fact, he's quite famous for his paintings. You can access his collections in the archives, and Lord Iason has a number of his paintings.” Yui became silent, and this was not lost on Erin.

“What is it Yui?”

“Well, as I mentioned, I was being educated on my past...on my family from long ago. Lord Stone and Lord Earl, were showing me paintings of the Royal family, painted by Lady Annabelle Am, Raoul's mother. And I also saw paintings of a man I learned, was my father. I learned he was an instructor before the wars.”

Erin's face also changed. She remembered all of Yui's family. To think they were all gone, and possibly lost in the dust, made her heart ache.

“Your father, Lord Valcor Fai, was an honorable man. He was the Headmaster Sentinel of the original Sentinel Academy, and a dear friend.” Erin whispered. “He was a strict man, but a just, and loyal Sentinel. I remember visiting your village, when your mother was in labor. Yui. I may have the first of what will certainly be, sad news. Your mother, Lady Betha, died during labor.”

Yui blinked at these words. He didn't know how he was suppose to react to the death of someone he did not recall. Surely these words will soon become important, as he awakens. But even then, he realized, he had spent his entire life without a mother, so the blow would have been reconciled, in his youth. But still.

“I see that by your reaction, you are both surprised, and yet also, unmoved by this. I know as we approach your 'echo in time,' you will grieve once again.”

“Echo?” Yui asked.

“Yes, the Elder Clans believed that when a person crosses the barrier in time, where they once died, in a previous life, the imprint left by their former life, is relived in their minds. In some it's a brief glimpse, more of a feeling of having been there before. Some are so thick headed, they don't feel a thing. But in those of a sensitive nature, it can be a powerful experience.”

Erin looked into Yui's eyes. The temptation was there to peer into his mind. But those secrets would have to wait. What if she triggered his awakening, and she found herself in the midst of a horrendous scene? No, it would have to wait.

“You see, our Elders believed in reincarnation, and so entertained the notion, that the more powerful their Sages' power grew, the more likely they would cross that echo in time. They were always looking to be one better, than the other two Clans. We have a long history in our evolution, where we were first at odds with one another. But through shared knowledge, treaties of peace, and a Royal court of three, we found a path to enlightenment. We knew true peace.”

“Well, it seems they were right to a certain degree.” Yui spoke. “The fact of the matter is, we are now living that theory in the present.”

“Yes, and it is truly ironic. They were a mystical Clan, and they were always traveling to the furthest regions of space, to search for the signs of such an echo. I would think Elder Jonas would have been excited to learn this was truly as they theorized. But this would have never happened, if his son and heir not betrayed our world. It is a loop in my head that keeps feeding into itself. And here I am, having just walked into my own echo in time, to awaken by the same event's that caused my death.”

Erin became silent. She looked away from Yui, and watched the wind swirl the leaves outside her windows. A stray tear ran down her cheek, at the thought of all those who would also suffer such an awakening. One such as Yui.

“My Lady?” Yui touched her hand gently. “Are you alright?”

“Yes dear.” Erin wiped the stray tear from her face. “I am just a sentimental fool. I think for those Jupiter has already brought forward, such as Iason, Riki and even you dear Yui; the echo you will experience, will be seem like a dream. Or a nightmare. Maybe a bit of both.”

“I think, that whatever I am to experience, as I cross this echo will pale in comparison, to the joy of seeing Raoul restored before my eyes. I believe, that just as Lord Iason and Riki, and even you my Lady- have the hope in seeing Lord Kai before you, will heal the wounds of our heart. The heart we had then, and the one we have now.”

“It is truly in our ability to love, that we reach the heart. My Riki was always a strong empath. And as you witnessed yesterday, I would take him to the maze in the park, to build his gift. I was always strongly connected to him, and I miss his presence at my side right now.”

“Yes, he is unique. As is Lord Iason. The were awakened, not a birth, but later in life. So they had a present personality, and one from the past. It was strange to see them both merge.” Yui looked at Erin who tilted her head. He realized not everything had been brought up with regards to Riki. “I apologize if I spoke out of turn. I see you have not been told the circumstances of the young Prince and Lord Iason.”

“Yes, I have been reading quite a bit, and have only glanced at all the data. But I do know that what you feel in here.” Erin pointed to his heart. “Has the ability to overcome great pain, and sorrow. It is what makes us desire to live, when all is lost. And for such persons as you and I, it will become a healing salve for our souls as well.”

As Erin and Yui continued their conversation, an attendant walked in with a menu for Yui. He was truly finding a number of “new” things to get used to. One being the taking of his preference in a meal, as he dines with the Queen of the Warrior Clans.

*~*~*

Iason looked in the mirror, as he put on his hair in a rather masculine ponytail. His mind was on other thoughts. He looked on as Omaki and Argent listened intently, as they learn breathing techniques from Petros and his two aids. It wasn't but a few days ago, that he was quite excited with the prospect of doing some real archaeological digging. It was one of his favorite hobbies, as his Penthouse was filled with many ancient relics. His mind would go in circles, to think of the very real possibility, that perhaps he may have at one time owned some of the very same art he paid ridiculous amounts of credits for. Perhaps it was an old echo of his former self.

When he brought this up to Riki when they first began their journey, he just laughed, considering he had broken most of it on several occasions. But as he thought of Raoul, he began to tie, another leather strap in his hair, forgetting he had already tied two. He had gone to retrieve his laser pistol from his quarters, as they were entering the atmosphere of the first ancient site. He left Riki in the medical center, and and as he looked around, and saw the candles, and Riki's pillow on the floor, where he sat that morning. He could not get over, his taking hold of Raoul's mind, while he slept only a few feet away.

“Here son, let me help you with that.” Raimen came up behind Iason, who was lost in thought, and began to undo the ties. “You will need to focus Iason, if you are going to help Riki.”

Iason felt his hair being untied, not realizing what he had done.

“You don't understand father.” Iason whispered. “Riki has never done this without me. You and Lord Kai do not have his fears. He will see the very worst of all scenes, and he will need me.”

Raimen began to properly redo his hair, while Iason continued to fidget.

“That may be so, but he is his father's son. And he is an empath. You are not. You will react to his situation, and that is why you are out here right now. When he is ready for you, he will call for you. Not only that Iason, he has already seen the images he will face in Raoul's mind.”

Raimen tried to reason with Iason, but the worried lover, could only wave him away.

“You don't know him father. He is delicate. He is innocence, and pure of heart.” Iason began to pace. “He will need a shield. And he will not know what to do in the face of what we all saw in Raoul's state of mind. We only observed what Omaki witnessed, and just a glimpse of what Yousi tried to hide with regards to Raoul.”

“You need calm down, and you need to focus. You will not help him by whining about it little one, you need to do as he requested of you. You will need to get in there and help him bring Raoul back. There are more than two of you, you know.” Raimen pointed at Omaki and Argent.

Omaki was busy trying to imitate Petros, and finding his mind wondering off into Argent's face. His appearance which appeared most angelic, as he properly mastered his breathing. Iason rolled his eyes, thinking there has to be another choice, but seeing Riki in his mind holding back the rage in Raoul's mind, forced him to agree.

“It seems I don't have a choice.” Iason sighed.

“Now don't be too rough with these two. They truly care, and risk much entering your realm.” Raimen pointed at Omaki and smiled. He was truly trying, as his hair began to float about, and looked more like a spooked cat, with his hair sprayed nearly straight out. “We have to go with what we have son. After all, we might need an extra pair of awakened. Yousi already transforms, so I'm sure, he can tap into his powers if needed. It's these two fledglings that need your help. So think of the goal Iason. We must safely give Raoul the right path to awareness.”

Iason gave his father a nod, and sat down on the pillow prepared for him. As he closed his eyes, and began to meditate, Omaki looked at Argent, and winked. The two lovers, began to hear footsteps, and within moments, Iason was in their heads.

“Now this is going to be a crash course in your mind, as we don't have the time to do a more in depth lesson. I will first show you what you are up against.”

Iason changed the scene to the images he had in his mind, when Riki pushed him out. As the image of Riki standing before a raging storm appeared, Omaki gasped. He had no idea the magnitude of such a mind. There was Riki, dodging one bolt of energy after another, holding Raoul with nothing but his tempest.

“My, my, this is not ideal weather now is it?” Omaki tried to lighten the mood. But it was clear, Iason was not.

“This is the image of what Riki is doing in the next room. Now we will have to work as a team, as we cannot allow Riki to do this all on his own. Now I want to see you two transform, and tap into your inner power. I know you have not used them much if at all, but we will use this realm to work on it within the safety of my shield.”

Iason transformed, and as he did, a golden shield was formed over their heads.

“I need one of you to show me the images of your first settlement.” Iason looked at both Argent and Omaki. It was Argent who projected the images.

“These are the caves to the first vault of specimens. And that is the original settlement. I would think that with over ten thousand years of time, the settlements may not even exist anymore, or the caves for that matter, just with the natural erosion of time, and the elements.”

As the images came up, Iason looked at the caves. They were large, so he reasoned, that even with the passage of time, they would still exist.

“Very well. This is what I have planned. We shall take Raoul into the caves, and allow him to awaken there...”

“What?!” Argent interrupted. “If Raoul is uncontrollable, we will have the caves raining over our heads!”

“That is where you four will come in.” Iason began. “While Riki and I enter Raoul's mind, you four will have to keep a shield over us all. The reason this must be done in the caves is simple. We have no idea that if by releasing Raoul's rage, we may attract attention to ourselves. I know that you two understand this clearly, considering what you did on your mission. The difference is, you two will be allowed to use your powers.”

Iason let this sink in. “Now, Argent, let's see you transform.”

Iason pointed at Argent, who extended his hands, out in front of his body, palms up. As he transformed, his hazel eyes, turned dark gray, and his hair began to float serenely. He then motioned with his hands, as if pulling a bow and arrow, and with the forward thrust motion of one hand, he sent out a surge of energy from his hands.

“You seem to have the same energy as my father, Lord Jensen.”

Omaki watched in total fascination, as his lover looked even more angelic in his transformed state. He knew he was special with his gray eyes, but even the dark flecks were enhanced. His face was serene, and had a slight glow to it.

“Oh...Argent.” Omaki moaned. “You look absolutely divine!” Omaki smiled.

“Omaki!” Iason grumbled. “There is not time for your games! You need to focus, and transform!”

Iason began to pace, as his mind looked at the image of Riki holding back the storm.

“You dear friend,need to relax.” Omaki's voice suddenly changed to a steady, and calm demeanor.

He then began to transform. His hair began to whip about angrily, and his eyes became nearly as black as Riki's, which immediately got Iason's attention. He held out his left hand, and a gust of static began to swirl on his palm. He next extended his right hand, and a second gust of static began to swirl. He looked at Iason, and spoke in a low, and deliberate voice.

“It is not that we can't use them, my Lord. We have always been able to use them. But we had it ingrained in our minds, at a very young age, to never use our powers, unless in self defense. However, when the wars broke out, we had a mission to fulfill.”

Omaki's body began to tremble as the surge of energy was being drawn from his core. Argent stood next to Iason, as the two watched him continue to draw more energy.

“We three, -more than anyone else- know what our inner powers can do. We, however were never granted that privilege as you, who easily yield your own- my Lord. We had to withdraw our energy, hide it, and keep it from attracting attention. In our three hundred years of gathering the lost, we had to resort to the use of weapons, swords, laser pistols when available, and anything from rocks, to bricks, we used as weapons.”

Omaki's voice was rising with his obvious agitation.

“But even though I may play the fool, never forget that we three, did this freely, and with no regrets. We became silent witnesses of what the power of Intellect and Warrior could yield, when their lives are in jeopardy. Even more, the power of an Elder with no purpose but to destroy. So before you draw yet another breath of royal attitude, remember well, that I am no fool in this discipline.”

Omaki then quickly clapped both hands together, and a surge of energy was sent out of his body in all directions, like a gold ring of fire, did his energy surge out. Iason was impressed by the ability they both held. He realized, his impression of Omaki was mistaken. He I>chose not use his powers in order to not expose their mission.

“Omaki-” Iason began. “I apologize. I know your past and your present persona's, are very similar to Riki's, in that your two lives, are polar opposites. I only recall the present one, as your life revolved around my mother, and Lady Yuri. Please forgive my temper.”

“Aw, that's alright.” Omaki now transformed back to normal. “I figured, you needed to see us transform, before you would see us as two who could contribute to this mission. And you are not entirely correct in my past and present attributes...I am still quite the naughty one.”

Omaki walked up quite seductively to Iason, and placed a gentle peck on his cheek. Iason blushed a bit, as Argent stepped in between the two Lords, and spoke.

“Hey!” Argent protested. “I happen to take my powers seriously! Don't you lump my abilities in with your mischievous ways! I keep telling you, you are always too much of a prankster. When it comes time for the serious matters, you would rather play around.” Argent shook a finger at Omaki.

“Oh my love, you wound me!” Omaki pounced upon Argent giving him a bear hug. “You know,” Omaki whispered. “if we are good little students, maybe Iason will teach us how we can do those fantastic positions where they both float in the middle of the air naked!”

Iason shook his head, and closed his eyes in defeat. Suddenly he felt Riki's presence in his mind. The scene changed, and the very real images of Raoul's raging storm was now before the three men. The sound was deafening, as the howling wind roared. As Riki's tempest veil came up, the sound was removed, then he spoke.

“Do not fret my Flame, we will soon join as one, and bring Raoul to the light of awareness.”

“My love...my Tempest.” Iason began. “What can I do? You need only ask.” Iason whispered.

“Father, please join us.”

Suddenly Kai appeared, followed immediately by Raimen. As the two Lords viewed the image of Raoul's mind, Raimen paled with the size of it, while Kai looked unaffected. As if expecting such a scene.

“I am here son. And I now see that Raoul's mind was indeed best locked away. I feel we will be able to save him with us all present.”

“Riki, what are your thoughts?” Iason asked.

“I have found three locks to Raoul's mind that will need to be released. There is the seal by my father, which is the oldest, and nearly completely deteriorated. And then I found the mind block by Jupiter, and finally my sleeping seal that I now hold. It is Jupiter's seal that is leaking to the front of his mind.”

The five men listened to Riki's description of Raoul's condition. It was truly a marvel that one young man could hold him at bay with the power of his tempest energy.

“We will need to place him somewhere safe, so that he doesn't blow us all back ten thousand years.” Riki joked.

“Riki, these are the caves where the first vault of specimens was created. I think we should take him in there, and form a shield around us. While you and I help Raoul awaken.”

Kai looked at the caves, and agreed. Yousi had mentioned that in the past, they were often pursued by Elders, and he had no doubts that there could have been survivors. He knew his thinking was in the past, but given the events that brought him back, he would yield to the side of caution.

“That is what we need to do.” Kai spoke. “We will go and take a look at these caves, and then we will bring Raoul out.”

“Omaki,” Iason spoke. “Yousi mentioned that you had placed recording devices throughout the caves and at the settlement.”

“Yes Iason. I know where I placed them. The question is, are they still around?”

“Father, how long before we land?” Iason spoke.

“We were about to land. And I'm sure someone is trying to let us know, and finds the six of us staring at the walls a bit odd.” Raimen laughed.

“Very well, that is what we'll do.” Kai spoke. “Son, how are you holding up?”

“Oh, no problem...but you should all....get going.” Riki gasped.

“Please be careful my love.” Iason whispered.

“Sure, piece of cake.” Riki whispered back. “Don't look so afraid my Flame...I will be fine.”

Iason then released the group, and they headed for the bridge. Iason looked back, to see Heiku monitoring Riki's vitals. He looked at Iason, and spoke softly.

“Hurry Iason, for both their sakes.”

Iason gave him a nod, and rushed to the bridge behind the group. As they watched the monitors, Yousi had cleared the outer atmosphere, and soon the terrain became visible.

“It looks very similar to Amoi. Very little water, and mostly desert.” Iason commented.

“Well, it's not anything compared to the Amoi I recall.” Kai spoke. “Amoi was green, and the seas were blue. There were greenbelts, and seasons, and a thriving living population. This is nothing but a dust bowl.”

“Well my Lord.” Yousi spoke. “We did not have much of a choice given the tools we had. It was far, it had a compatible atmosphere, and it was hidden on the other side of the Path of the Ancients. It was all we needed.”

“Forgive me Yousi.” Kai spoke. “There was not much you three could have done, and yet you made a miracle happen just by what you accomplished.”

“Sir, we're nearing the coordinates of the caves.” James spoke.

“There they are! Omaki and Argent shouted.

It was as Iason had thought, the caves were still intact, and by the looks of them, were quite solid.

“They are a bit smaller then I remember them, Omaki spoke. “But they still stand.”

“Let's get ready,” Iason spoke. “Sir James, and Ayuda will accompany Lord Kai and do a quick sweep of the area. Omaki and Argent, go look for the data crystals, and Lord Petros, please grab the Elders from Commander Darius' ship, and prepare the caves for Riki and Raoul.”

“Sir, Commander Darius is on board.” James spoke.

“Good, I'll fill him in, and take him with me to the medical center.” Iason spoke.

The teams all went on to their assigned tasks, and a spirit of camaraderie was shared by all.

*~*~*

“Lord Bastian, I have received word from my sources, and it appears my theories were correct.”

Elder Simon walked up to Bastian, who was reading some navigational charts. The two ships headed for the Path of the Ancients, and Bastian continued in Elder Simon's ship. They followed the energy signature of Commander Darius' ship, as it left Rhea. Simon still had the older model ship in his database, from the Commander having worked with his Clan over many years. They found that his ship stopped, and met met up with a larger, and quite ultra-modern ship.

“The Sentinel's Chariot is a formidable ship.” Bastian spoke. “It is one of Amoi's best kept secrets, and is rarely used in the open. I have been after this ship's designs for years, and I am surprised, to find it's energy signature behind the cluster of meteorites at the edge of Rhea's territories. This only tells me that Jupiter is involved, and has released the hounds of Amoi. But why would she spare no expense, and come after two unassuming medics using Amoi's Elite?”

“It seems they were more than they appeared.” Simon spoke. “Darius was in league with the Council of Elders, but was actually being used for his knowledge of the Firm. It was a deal that satisfied all involved, and the Commander was pleased in the amount of credits deposited into his portfolio.” Simon commented.

“Have we been able to make that damn data crystal work?” Bastian spoke. “It fried my ship's on board computer, rendering it useless. I was hoping the crystal would give us the coordinates to this treasure everyone has been hunting for. Those navigational charts of mine came at a very steep price, I'll have you know. They were rumored to have been used by one Lord Prince, Riki Oskuro.”

“Is that so?” Elder Simon looked down at the charts, noticing how gentle Lord Bastian was with the document.

“Well actually, these are a replica, and quite valuable. They were downloaded centuries ago, and my family held it in their vaults since I could recall. I hope to find a certain path charted by the young Prince. He traveled extensively, according to our people on Alpha Zen, before he appeared from the Path of the Ancients, and settled on our world. Our history indicates, he was well received by many worlds on the other side to the path. My family's fortune was made to some extent, by his travels beyond beacon 1172. Which brings us quite close in the direction this young Elder is navigating.”

“Is it by some strange coincidence that we find this path now? I had petitioned a number of the Elders who sat on the Council. It was not widely known that we traveled within the path for centuries. However, we were never fortunate enough to have an Elder who could navigate the wormholes. But I knew of one, and placed him among my crew. Then I once again petitioned the Elders not a few days prior to Lord Iason's capture. I informed them that we could have this young Elder map out the path, and avoid Jupiter completely. But they feared the signals would travel back to Jupiter, and expose the use of the old gated beacons. He's quite young as far as Elders go, but after healing from his injuries, I added him among my crew. For I plan to find our lost Clansmen, if they exist. And I have a feeling that they do.”

“Well, if this is so, how do you think they will receive you?”

Simon held up the data crystal in his hand. “Why, with this. After all, they are Ancients themselves, and may or may not hold ancient technology. We can bargain with them, and dangle revenge in their very faces. Especially if they learn that the Royal families have been restored.”

The two men laughed, as they plotted their course. The young Elder sat next to the navigator, and transformed. His injuries were nearly all healed, and he winced as his eyes fought to focus. But within moments, he had spotted the first wormhole of their chosen path. Simon looked at the charts, and watched the navigator pilot the first wormhole. The ship vibrated, and the pilot found it difficult to stay centered on the stream of space that flowed with it.

They traveled from one path to another, and after nearly two days of traveling, they breached beacon 1272. They had never traveled so deep into space, and Lord Bastian was a bit apprehensive stretching his legs this far into the path. As the young man was seen navigating, Bastian's heart raced, with every wormhole, they entered.

As they exited the golden path, they searched their navigational maps, and found no bearings, nor indicators as to which systems had life. But they did notice a trail of destroyed worlds. Planets devoid of all life, with signs of significant damage, as if destroyed in battle. Of the three systems closest to the beacon, they found the bread crumbs that led to a broken planet, with only a quarter of it's mass floating among a debris field.

They spotted one planet with obvious signs of life, the cities glowing in the darkness of space. Bastian looked at Simon, and both men smiled. As they approached the chain of planets, there sensors picked up a ship approaching them. It was obviously of Ancient design, and Simon and Bastian were surprised in their discovery.

“Alien vessel, you will lower your shields, and prepared to be boarded.” The voice was cryptic with an air of authority.

Elder Simon opened the ships communication channel, and spoke.

“Greetings, I am Elder Simon from sector 942, on the other side of the Path of the Ancients. May I ask with whom I have the pleasure of addressing?”

The was a long moment of silence, before the voice was replaced with an image. As Lord Bastian and Elder Simon looked on, the image of a man with auburn colored hair, and emerald green eyes, spoke.

“Welcome Lord Elder Simon! I bring greetings from Lord Viho Pallaton, and the Council of Elders from Yasuo. From where do you hail?”

Simon smiled, as he bowed. He was amazed to see a fellow Clansman. His heart raced, as his face beamed from the excitement of having reached the remnants of his own Clan.

“I hail from Rhea, Elder Lord. However, my crew and I are the only surviving Elders to cross this ancient path. But I bring an ally to our Clansmen in Lord Bastian Hemile, and would very much like to address your Council of Elders.”

“It would be our honor. Please follow us.”

“Thank you Lord...?”

The Elder bowed, and softly spoke. “I am Lord Elder Kiril. My fellow Clansmen have been expecting you.”

*~*~*

The crew split up in their designated teams, and began their assigned tasks. Lord Kai had Sir James, and Ayuda with him, along with two other Specialists. They entered the caves with torch lights, and stood in awe, as they could still see, where the three men dug out the hole in the bedrock, that would have been the final resting place for the Maidens. Yousi walked towards the walls, and touched them. To him it had been only a few months, since he had seen these caves. Yet time, marched on, and erosion had altered little inside the caves.

As Omaki and Argent kicked around the ground, they located two recording devices that crumbled to dust. But the data crystals were still intact. Lord Leonard was along with the two, when he suddenly bumped into the wall of the cave, and heard a clinking sound, as if he had struck a metal object. He noticed a chunk of bedrock fell, and revealed a Bio-Droid.

“AH!” He cried, making everyone turn and run in his direction. Laser pistols were drawn, and before anyone fired a shot, Omaki cried out.

“Stop! It is just our old Bio-Droid. It broke down before we left, and had no room for it on board our ship.”

“I'm surprised it is still in one piece.” Argent spoke. “I think Yousi kicked it one time too many.”

Omaki laughed. “Yes, he was always fighting with the damn thing.”

“Well, it was just a stubborn piece of junk!” Yousi grumbled. “I was always repairing the piece of scrap metal, and I never really got it to walk properly. Mostly limped along if I recall.”

The three laughed, as they recalled the past. Omaki held up two data crystals, towards Kai. He recognized them, as the technology was familiar to them all.

“Good, are there anymore?” Kai asked.

“Yes, there should be two near the settlement. We'll go look around for them.”

“Good, before you go, take the processing chip from the Bio-Droid.” Kai pointed to the large machine.

“What for?” Omaki asked.

“Because if anyone finds it, they can access what the Bio-Droid was used for.” Yousi commented. “But I doubt anyone has the technology for it. I rigged the damn thing as it was, just to get it to break rocks!”

“And it did a piss poor job, if I remember my sore back!” Omaki complained.

“Let us continue.” Kai broke up the group. Yousi pulled the chip from the Bio-Droid, and led Kai deep into the caves. They were before the deep hole once again, where the vault was first built. It was quite large, and Kai wondered how long it took to build.

Yousi stepped forward, and pointed his torch lamp towards the ceiling. The vault nearly rose three stories high, and looked quite familiar to Ayuda and James.

“Yousi,” Ayuda spoke. “Who originally designed this vault?”

“Why, I did.”

“Why do you ask Ayuda?” Kai asked.

“Well, this is not the first vault of specimens Sir James and I have seen. Even if this is just a hollowed out hole. The Elders of Rhea had similar vaults, and they housed the specimens of our fallen Clansmen, and the other housed their own specimens. The design is the same. I'll wager, that when we find the Maidens, we will see an identical vault.”

Sir James, agreed, as they remember looking up at the millions of specimen jars that glowed with Iason and Riki's powers. This brought up an interesting question in Kai's mind. How can the Elders of Rhea, who have never met Yousi, have the design to his specimen vault?

“Well, I did place the design in the data crystal in Lady Yuri's ring. The other data crystal was lost with my remains, at least that's what I was told.”

“Let's not stop now,” Kai spoke, as the pit of his stomach felt nervous. Perhaps it was nothing, but his intuition told him, that this was not a coincidence, and they needed to find the Maidens fast. “We need to secure the area, and bring Raoul in here as quickly as possible.”

The men looked at Kai, who now moved a bit faster in his assessment of the caves. With Yousi giving him the thumbs up, the decided the bedrock was still quite strong. The small parade of Elders soon followed, with candles and mineral lotions, while a handful of crew members placed portable torch lamps around the the cave.

By then, Omaki and Argent had located the last two data crystals from the location where the settlement once stood. There was no sign of them ever being there, just open terrain, and a sealed well. It was where they drew water from the underground river that sustained them. The devices had been attached to several boulders with metal posts. The devices had crumbled, but the crystals were found less than two feet in the soil below.

Soon, the cave was ready, and Heiku led the crew members that carried Raoul in a stretcher. Riki was led by Iason, and followed by Omaki and Argent. The Elders and medics rubbed mineral lotion on everyone. The thought behind that Iason and Riki resonated with the minerals, as did Kai and Raimen. This would enhance their powers, should they need them. No one wanted to leave the Lords in the cave alone with Raoul, but this was one awakening, they would not be welcomed to view. Not only that, there would be too many to hold in their minds, and thus create a distraction for them all.

Raoul was placed in the center of the torch lit cave. Two benches were set up on opposite sides of Raoul's stretcher. Kai, Raimen and Omaki sat on one, while Riki, Iason and Argent sat in the other. Yousi was told to return to the mouth of the cave along with everyone else. He was too vital in the navigating of the ship through the wormholes, should things not go well. Heiku worried about Raoul, and Riki, but knew he was of no use to them at this particular time. He sat with Yousi, who could not sit still, and began to pace.

“I should be in there! He spoke, as he wrung his hands nervously. “I know what they will see, it is just too sad for words.”

“Come my love.” Heiku reached up for Yousi. “Sit, you know we need you should something go wrong. No one else can pilot the ship through those invisible holes only you can see. If this does not work, we will need you. But I am confident in Iason and Riki. They have safely brought you all out. Including Lord Kai. And he was a tough one, I heard.”

Heiku tried to sooth Yousi's worries. The crew watched, along with the medics and the Elders. They were told to sit out this particular awakening, considering Raoul was raging against the Elders who murdered Yui and the children. Nevertheless, Petros worried after Riki and Iason.

Deep inside the cave, Iason began to meditate. As he did, his hair began to float serenely, and soon both he and Riki were linked. Iason's eyes were a deep shade of blue, and as he looked over at Kai and his father, he gave them a nod to begin their meditation. Omaki and Argent closed their eyes, and within moments, the four of them were standing before Iason and Riki. Riki had his tempest veil protecting them all.

“Alright, you four will need to erect a force field above our heads. The cave is large, so there is plenty of room, though I would prefer that the shield not be too large. It must also penetrate the bed rock below, less we have the ground open up and swallow us. Are you ready?”

Iason looked at the four, who gave him a nod. Immediately, Raimen and Kai began to transform, and began to create a shield over their heads. Argent and Omaki were at first shocked to see the two Lord Father's incredible power. Argent gave Omaki a gentle poke with his elbow, and the two transformed, and began to erect their shield, to join Kai's and Raimen's.

At the entrance of the cave, Yousi felt the surge of power, and was nearly knocked off his feet. But he held his own. The same could not be said for the rest, as the medics, were being held by the Elders, who were able to erect shields before them all, to protect them from the incredible force that came out from the cave.

“Holy crap!” Jake cried out, as he noticed everyone was hiding behind the Elders. “Hey Martin, doesn't this remind you of a similar situation, where we all hid behind Petros?!”

“I think this is a bit stronger Jake!” Martin yelled back, as he was holding on to one of Petros' sleeves, as the older man held the shield steady.

“Actually, Iason and Riki have yet to power up!” Petros spoke. “We will need to move away from the entrance of the caves!”

The four Elders agreed, and slowly the group of men all moved away from the entrance. Once the mountain shielded them from the force, Petros removed the shield, though the ground rumbled and vibrated. The soft glow from the four Ancients was emanating from the cave. After a few moments, a second surge was felt, and once again the Elders drew up their arms and raised a shield.

“Damn it all!” Sir Raymone and Darius grumbled. “We're going to have to move away from the mountain!”

“Now for those of you who do not know what that was, that was Lord Iason joining the Prince in Raoul's mind!” Petros yelled.

The group decided to move away from the mountain altogether, as rocks began to rain all around them. When they were a safe distance, they decided to build a fire, and wait it out there. The sun was beginning it's descent, and the temperature was sure to drop.

Meanwhile, in the cave, Iason had finally joined Riki once satisfied the shield was strong enough. Riki dropped his tempest veil for only an instant, to allow Iason in. That moment was felt by the four holding the shield. Kai shook his head, as he saw Riki lower his hands, and slowly begin to walk with Iason. He turned around and spoke to his father.

“Release Raoul, father.”

Slowly, Kai focused on Raoul's mind, and spoke.

“Awaken, Lord Am, your path is being lit before your feet. Return to the living.”

The surge of power was felt by Iason and Riki, who continued to walk further into the storm. Iason was then heard.

“I am going to remove Jupiter's mind block, be prepared!”

With that, Iason raised his hand, and the sound of Jupiter's familiar hum, suddenly stopped. Iason looked to Riki who was the last to remove his seal over Raoul's mind.

“Here we go love!” Riki spoke. “Hang on to your hats!”

With that Riki removed his seal.

“Awaken Raoul, we've come to heal your mind....and your heart.”

Suddenly a surge of energy was felt, and both Riki and Iason were knocked off their feet. The loud cries of Raoul's heart were heard. Moreover, they were felt by both Riki and Iason. Riki clutched his chest, as Raoul's heartbreak was overwhelming his mind. Iason helped Riki stand, and both now stood before a dark cloud. The only thing visible were the bolts of energy that seemed to go out in every direction. Iason felt drops falling from the sky, and thinking it to be rain, ignored it. That was until Riki touched his blond hair, and it became streaked with blood. He pointed to the sky, as the the drops grew in size, and then became pieces of flesh. Iason and Riki shielded their bodies, as they continued to walk into the cloud.

Behind Riki's tempest veil, and Iason's golden shield, Kai and Raimen, along with Omaki and Argent, witnessed Iason and Riki disappear into a downpour of flesh and blood. It was enough to make anyone ill, but the worry over Iason and Riki overrode their nausea. Kai remembered well, the stench of death, as did Omaki and Argent. The two of them recalled the scene vividly. On the other hand, Raimen looked quite green around the gills, and breathed through his mouth, as he was overwhelmed with the stench. It reminded him of Jupiter's open grave, secretly hidden in the bowels of the Ios tower.

As Riki sensed Raoul, he pulled on Iason to move in the direction of Raoul's cries. The dark cloud began to clear, and they found the tall Lord, covered in mud, and blood, sitting on the ground. Iason wanted to run to him, but as he moved forward, bolts of energy began to rain down on them.

“Whoa!” Riki yelled, as they both began to dodge them. While they did this, they heard the cries of men falling to the ground. They stood in the middle of a battle scene. Iason and Riki made for a large tree, and stood under it to witness the scene.

“Die you filth!” Came the cry from Raoul, as he aimed at the tree, and unleashed his power. Iason pushed Riki to the side, and they jumped out of the way. The tree was struck, and down came two Elders. “You are cowards who lie in wait. You have no honor! Fight me like men- in the open!”

Raoul destroyed the tree, as it fell on top of the two Elders, killing them. But Raoul would not end there, he lifted their lifeless bodies, and tossed them up into the air, and then tore them to pieces. One of them cried out, as he had faked his death, hoping to get another shot at the enraged Intellect.

“You have no honor!”

The scene changed, and soon Iason and Riki found themselves in a scene with Raoul and his team, which consisted of both Intellect, and Warrior. A few moments later, Omaki, Yousi and Argent caught up with them. Iason noticed they were all quite soiled, looked rather thin, and their clothes were tattered and torn. Behind the tempest veil, Omaki and Argent watched, as a familiar scene was played out.

“Ah my good friends!” Raoul spoke. “It is good to see that you three are still alive.”

“Yes Raoul, it is a wonder we keep reminding ourselves each day we see the sun rise.” Omaki spoke.

“Well you can join us then, as we are heading towards the children's hideout. We've brought them a bit of sunshine ourselves, is that not so gentlemen?”

The team of battle weary all cheered, as they held up toys and sweets. They showed the three their packs filled with clothing, and medicine.

“Aw! We didn't bring anything!” Yousi complained. “We've been on the go for nearly three days. We were heading back to the small village where we found a well of clean water a few weeks ago.”

“Good! My team is parched, and we could use a bit of rest ourselves.”

“My Lord, Master Yui has moved the children. It should be right over that hill.” Omaki pointed. “He had found an abandoned house, where the well was discovered. We helped him open it, since it had been sealed.” Omaki spoke.

“Good, good. Heaven knows those little ones could use a good bath.” Raoul laughed. “And how was Yui the last time you saw him?”

“He was doing well Lord Am.” Argent spoke. “He found a brother and sister recently, and was caring for the younger one, the girl. The siblings witnessed their parents deaths. They were found by Yui, hiding in their basement behind a false wall. The boy spoke, but she had stopped talking completely.”

“That is a shame. These children are easily forgotten when the battles rage.”

As they came to the top of the hill, they could see the smoke that rose from what was Yui's last hideout. Raoul looked down the hill, and saw the bodies of the children murdered, and left where they fell.

“No!” Raoul cried out, and began to run down the hill. “NO! NO! By the Gods! Yui!”

Raoul came to the base of the hill, where he found the body of a young man impaled upon a stake. He had been horribly murdered, obviously raped, and left as a message to the one who would find him. For Raoul.

Raoul fell to is knees, and clutched his heart, as Yui's body faced him. Raoul reached up and took Yui's cold hand. As he cried with no consolation, he kissed Yui's hand repeatedly. His men watched, as their leader's mind begin to unravel, and his grief left them all in tears. Raoul was being helped to rise, when he began to push them all away.

“No! Leave me in peace!” Raoul screamed, as he looked at Yui's empty eyes. Raoul pulled his body off the stake, and cradled it in his arms. He cried loud, and screamed at the heavens. “Why?! Why does innocence have to pay the price for this madness!!”

Iason and Riki were stunned into silence, as the storm clouds once again descended upon the scene they were witnessing. Iason's face became as pale as ash, and his lips trembled in the face of Raoul's grief. Riki's face was streaked with tears, as he watched Raoul rock Yui's body in his embrace. Every time someone attempted to approach him, to take the body from him, he pressed his power out,sending them away by force, and began to scream all over again.

The sun, hidden behind the clouds, slowly began to set. By then his team of men had found all the bodies of the children. The members of the team, recognized most if not all of the children. Their sadness was palpable, and Omaki, Yousi and Argent, sat before Raoul, trying to figure out a way to separate him from Yui's corpse.

The men dug an open grave, and gently placed the children in it, along with the toys, and the sweets. Omaki decided to give it a go, and see if he could talk Raoul into giving up Yui's body.

“Raoul...” Omaki whispered. “You need to put Yui to rest. He needs to continue his watch over the children. Won't you grant him this honor?”

Raoul clutched Yui tight against his chest. He stroked his hair, and continued to rock him.

“Please Raoul. He is gone, let us give him a proper burial.” Omaki began once again. “We need to move on, perhaps some of the children escaped. Perhaps we can save one..or two.”

Raoul looked up for the first time that day, to acknowledge Omaki's words. His eyes were red from crying, and his voice was hoarse from his bouts of screaming, but he managed to whisper to Omaki.

“They are all dead. Did you not count the bodies? Each one laid in that open grave was prayed over. I heard 39 prayers in all, including the two additions you spoke of. Were you not paying attention?” Raoul's voice was low, and steady.

“N-No, I didn't my friend. But can't you see? They are waiting for Yui, to tuck them all in. Won't you please allow him to do this?” Omaki's voice was trembling, as he reached out to Raoul. “Here, let us wash his body, and dress him for his resting place.”

Omaki slowly pulled Yui from Raoul's arms. Raoul reached for him, but instead, was helped to his feet. The four of them took Yui to a table, where they had prepared all the children. Some clothes was found in the part of the hideout that survived the fire. Omaki, Yousi and Argent bathed Yui's body, and dressed him gently. Raoul stood in silence and watched. Once they were finished, Raoul was given some privacy, as he bid him farewell.

“I will avenge you my love. I will not rest, nor my spirit yield until I eradicate the vermin from the surface of Amoi. Wait for me dearest, we shall soon reunite. Please watch over them my Yui, you were the only light in my heart, that kept me sane, and gave me a reason to live...when I found none in the madness.”

Raoul kissed Yui's lips one final time, before he was helped to wrap his body. Raoul picked him up into his arms, and gently carried him to the open grave. The bodies of all the children had been covered with soil, as Yui was the last one. The men all watched Raoul begin to cover he pit, and all joined in. As the last rays of sunlight disappeared over the horizon, their task was completed.

Raoul walked over to a well near the smoldering building. He removed his shirt, and poured a bucket of water over his body, to wash off the dirt and blood off. He then dressed, and walked over to the grave site. He looked down one more time, and then began to walk. He did not speak a word.

Iason and Riki could do nothing but watch, as Raoul's silence lasted for some time.

The scene changed, and Riki and Iason were now watching as Raoul came upon the Elder's hideout. By then Raoul's appearance had also changed. His body was transformed, and his face glowed. He made no effort to hide his powers, and as they came upon the Estate in ruins, Raoul spoke.

“I shall enter, and all of you will remain outside. Regardless of what you hear, you will not enter.”

“But my Lord!” Omaki spoke. He came up to Raoul and pulled his arm. “Raoul- you can't just go in there with no one to watch your back!”

“I said NO ONE is to follow me! If you are my friend Omaki, you will obey me.” Raoul hissed through clenched teeth.

“Leave him, my love.” Argent spoke. “He has a death wish, and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it. He's been tracking these Elders since the day Yui died. We all know who did this.”

Raoul entered the Estate. And as Iason and Riki watched the scene unfold, Riki became enraged. He recognized the Elder in question. He wondered why he did not see this before. Perhaps it was because they witnessed the scene through Omaki's eyes the last time, or his father's the second time. But when seen through Raoul's mind, it was clear he knew this Elder.

“My love?” Iason whispered. “What is it?”

“That is Elder Ormand.” Riki hissed. “He's was Elder Eric's lover! On Rhea of the past!”

Riki's body trembled, as he witnessed Raoul's madness unleash, as he tossed the screaming Elder up into skies, and repeatedly struck his body, before the skinned, -still living- Elder was finally torn to shreds as he landed head first in pieces. As Raoul collapsed onto his knees, he then began to strike the ground. Iason and Riki could feel the vibrations beneath their feet, and Raoul continued until he was spent. Riki felt no pity for the end of Ormand. In his opinion, he had it coming.

The scene became hazy, and the dark clouds began to change into a thick fog. The familiar change told Iason and Riki that Raoul was closer to his awakening. All around them, the familiar sounds of battle raged on. Riki felt someone pull at his feet. He looked down, and there was a young man. One not Elder, nor Intellect. And strangely enough, was not Warrior either.

“Help us Tempest Lord!” The young man, with short golden hair reached for Riki. “Save us Tempest True!”

Riki stopped and stared at the youth. Then he looked to Iason who had continued on. When Iason sensed Riki's absence, he turned to find hands now reaching for Riki. They were many, and Iason, confused by this, ran back towards Riki.

“I'm coming my love!” Iason yelled.

“Lord Tempest, remember us! You will come, and your Flame will follow! You will come, and your Flame....will....follow...”

As Iason pushed the fog from around Riki, he clutched him tight against his chest. Riki had been lost in a trance, and only woke to find Iason shaking him.

“Riki!” Iason yelled. “Riki are you alright? Who were they?! Why did they pull on you? They never reach out for us, not us! We are only shadows in Raoul's mind, unaffected, and impartial.”

“I don't know Iason. But I do know this was not Raoul's doing. They reached in, found me and begged me for help....I feel their presence even now. They are not our people! Yet they knew of me..and you!”

Iason pulled Riki away from that spot, and now continued towards Raoul. The thickness of the fog was an indication that Raoul was getting too far back into his mind. Riki used his tempest to push the fog away, and Iason lit the path that found Raoul once more. All around them were the screams of battle. It looked as if Raoul had now joined up with Lord Kai, as he wore his uniform. He had now taken his post as Sentinel at Arms, and looked battle worn, but extremely strong.

Behind the tempest veil, Kai could see his image, as Raoul remembered him. He could see all his battle wounds, including the recent one by the lance that pierced Raoul's father, and killed him as he placed his body between his enemy, and himself. Kai felt the sting of heartache, but held his shield strong. He looked across to view Omaki and Argent. The two men were like stones, unmovable. Given the carnage of the scene, they no doubt recall taking many specimens.

Though now that he thought about it, they were only taking the woman's specimens. So perhaps, it was regret they felt. For in that scene, Kai stood on a pile of corpses. The battle was intense, and this would be, where Raoul's echo in time, would eclipse his awakening. So he prepared for his nightmare to finally end, for Raoul to be healed, to feel the anxiety he carried in his conscious to dissipate and forever be lifted, with his faithful Sentinel, restored.

Iason looked upon his friend, and one time lover. He was glorious, and strong. He was an Intellect guardian, elite to the Lord of the Warrior Clans. The belt on his body was filled with weapons, including one very familiar whip.

Riki was also in awe, as he watched his father battle a horde of Elders. They hurled chunks of rocks, trees, dirt and debris towards the two men who led a multitude of Warriors and Intellects against a wave of Elders. The shouts of commands, and the shrieks of death were heard all around, and Riki had difficulty walking over a sea of dead. The images of those young men clinging to him, had distracted him from his task of Raoul's rage, but as he watched Raoul's actions, he heard the sound of laser fire fly by his ear, and Raoul's screams for Lord Kai to move.

Raoul ran up the mound of bodies, as Kai turned to face Raoul's cries. And as if the moment was frozen in time, Iason and Riki witnessed the shot strike Raoul's back. Kai screamed, as Raoul fell into his arms. A barrage of laser fire ensued, as the wave of Elders began to be mowed down, by the surge of Warriors. The blond Intellects took to the skies, and like a flock of angelic bodies, they rained bolts of energy upon the enemy.

Iason and Riki saw the final moments of Raoul's life. Kai held him in his arms, as he spoke.

“You have done well, my Sentinel, dearest lover, and companion. Now sleep my dearest, guard those who await the next battle. Know that your are going to join the company of many who honor the halls of our dead.”

“My....Lord...” Raoul struggled to speak. “Survive, the day...I will see you soon...”

Kai held Raoul tight in his arms, as he closed his eyes and died. Iason, heart was breaking, as he witnessed the death of Raoul. And even though, it was a Raoul who knew him as only a dear friend from the past, lover of his father and Lord Kai, it was a wound just as deep.

Riki could see the fog descend upon the scene once more, and the sounds of Raoul's quiet sobs could be heard. He stood up, and peered into the distance.

“Who is there?” Raoul spoke. He was dressed in his Sentinel's uniform, and reached for his whip. The sound of a familiar snap struck the fog around him. “Show yourself!”

“Raoul, put down your whip.” The soft voice of Riki was heard all around him. “You are safe now, dear friend.”

Raoul looked harder, and noticed a glowing figure approaching him. He was not so tall, rather young in fact, and he knew his name.

“Dear Sentinel, rest your arm, and secure your whip. You are done with this battle, you must awaken to fight the next...”

“Lord Kai?! Is that you? No, Lord Kai is not a child, he is a man.”

“Well, that is no way to speak to his son.” Riki grumbled. “But that is ok, I will take it.”

“H-His son? Lord Riki? Is that you?” Raoul put his arm down, and began to walk towards Riki. “I've been walking this damn blasted soup forever it seems, and you are the first one I've seen!”

“Come dear friend, you are asleep in death. You must awaken, and join the living once more. You are finished with this nightmare.”

Raoul looked around. “Nightmare. Yes. I was feeling the loss of...Lord Kai, and something else tugged at me, I..don't remember.”

“I have someone who needs to see you..someone who wants to hold you in his arms.” Riki spoke gently. “Do you recall who?”

Raoul looked at Riki's face, and after a long moment, Raoul began to faint. His legs gave out from under him, and he began to tremble. The more he reached into his mind, the more tears of sadness rolled down his face. He reached up and felt his cheeks.

“What is this?” Raoul looked off to the side, and the image of a figure impaled on a stake began to appear. NO! Begone!” Raoul covered his face, and turned away from the image.

“Raoul, your lover is not dead. Yui lives once more.” Riki softly spoke. Look to your left..see the man I've had the honor of calling my friend.”

Raoul looked to his left, and there appeared Yui, beautiful, and healthy. He was dressed in the finest tunic, with emerald earrings, and a jeweled headpiece. Raoul could not believe his eyes. He ran to the image, but found it was just that. An image.

“What is this?! More tricks of the mind?! Are you an Elder in my head?!”

“No, dear friend, we are not.”

Iason now appeared. He walked up to Raoul, and took his hand.

We are real, and you are alive. You have been sleeping old friend, and you must awaken. Amoi is restored, and Yui lives. You have been kept locked up for a dreadfully long time, and need to breath the clean air once more.”

“Lord Iason? How can this be? Both you and the young Prince...Prince Riki?” Raoul looked at the two of them, and became silent.

“Yes, Raoul, we are back. We have returned to Amoi, and we are restoring what was lost. Which includes your life, and that of your lover. He awaits you back on Amoi. Awaken dear friend.”

Riki came up and touched his temple. He caressed his face, and smiled sweetly.

“Here, dear Sentinel. See who else is here to welcome you home? Suddenly Riki pulled back his tempest veil, and there appeared the four.

Kai stepped forward, and immediately rushed to Raoul's arms. Raoul's surprised expression was priceless, as he looked into Kai's eyes.

“My Lord! You are...your face...what?” Raoul looked on, and found no scars, no wounds, and no sadness in Kai's face.

“Yes, it is a wonderful thing our son's have done. I am back without a nick or wound. As you also are. Awaken my dear Sentinel, I have need of your skills once more!”

Kai gave Raoul a gentle kiss, which Raoul eagerly returned. Iason smiled, as his father rolled his eyes.

“Yes, yes..come love. Let's get the young pup out of this nightmare.” Raimen grumbled. No doubt a tad jealous of their romantic moment.

“Lord Raimen?” Raoul now looked at the tall blond Royal. “My Lord...you were killed!” Raoul yelled.

“Yes, I know, and by his hand no less!” Raimen pointed at Kai, who shook his head and shrugged his shoulders innocently. “Now, dear friend, don't you have a kiss for me too? I seem to recall you quite enjoyed being the center of our liaisons often more than not.” Raimen walked up to Raoul and stroked his hair.

“My Lord! Is this so? You have come back?”

“Well, yes. The advantages of having a genius for a son, and his empath lover. Oh, did you forget he was a Prince?”

Raoul reached for Raimen who gave him a delicious kiss, which made Iason blush. It was Raoul's old persona, so there was not much of his relationship there, but what he recalled from the past. When Raimen finally released him, Raoul looked at Omaki and Argent, and could not believe his eyes. Omaki was dressed in his all leather ensemble, and Argent had lost the sadness that gave him his haunting appearance.

“Lord Ghan?” Raoul came up to him, and embraced him. “You look absolutely incredible! You two look like you've put on some weight, good for you!”

“Well, I don't know if I like that welcome one bit! Do your really think this outfit makes me look fat?” Omaki smiled, as he looked into Raoul's eyes. The madness he knew well, was all but gone. Raoul looked, like the Raoul he knew.

“My Lords, you say Yui has been restored?” Raoul's eyes now begged once more for the image of his lover.

“Here dear friend. Look for yourself.”

Riki now changed the scene, and placed them all in the “Lord's Dance.” Raoul watched, and recognized many faces, but when he saw Yui dancing in his arms, he began to cry once more. But these were not tears of sorrow, they were tears of joy.

“Raoul, this is you and Yui dancing not four days ago.” Riki spoke. “You and Yui are reunited in the present, but we shall debrief you when you awaken. So my friend. You need to now listen to my instructions, as we still have a path to walk.”

Iason now gave the four a nod, and Riki placed them back behind is tempest veil. Raoul was confused by the powers he witnessed in Riki, but was too overjoyed with the news of Yui, he did not care. Perhaps it was an underlying hope, that his present persona was fighting to pull him out, or the mere fact that he was told the nightmare had come to an end. Whichever it was, he welcomed it.

“My friend,” Iason spoke. “You must listen closely. There things you will see. but first and foremost, this path beneath your feet.”

Raoul looked down, and saw a stone path that lead towards a dim light. Riki now stood in front of him, and spoke.

“See that glow in the distance? That is awareness, and your life waiting for you to return. Your life is now back on Amoi. You will have a surge of memories, or small amounts over a period of time. It depends on you.” Riki whispered. “You are yet the strongest mind, I've encountered, and was safely sealed away. But now we must move forward. You will see and hear much of your nightmare return, but you must not stop, nor listen. Iason and I will hold your hand, and when the moment you realize that what you see is true, you will come upon a sea of darkness.

But this is a good thing. You must welcome the sea, for it is the tears we all shed while we suffered. And you dear friend suffered much. So you will need to draw the biggest gulp of air you can muster, and hold your breath. The sea will descend fast, and then you must kick to the surface. Do you understand Raoul?”

Raoul looked at Iason and Riki, and gave them a nod. They began to walk down the path, heading towards the glowing light. As Raoul stepped forward, the sounds of war were heard once more, along the with the cries many fallen. As he neared the light, the image of Yui's corpse began to appear. Raoul's body stiffened up, and he began to slow down.

“No Raoul, Yui awaits you on Amoi. Look away dear friend, and now, look up.”

Riki pointed to the sea of darkness that began to slowly descend. As Raoul now realized it was the truth, he took a deep breath, and the sea rained down with such a force, the three nearly were separated. Iason pulled up Raoul's hand, and Riki kicked from below. Iason and Riki glowed softly, as the dark seas where pitch black.

“Kick Raoul! Kick!” Riki shouted from within his mind, into Raoul's.

Raoul's powerful body began to swim hard, as he soon began to lead even Iason. He was determined to see Yui, and if this is what he needed to do to get back to him, he was not going to shrink back now.

Iason smiled at Riki, who could not believe the force Raoul was putting out. As the surface was getting closer, he could hear the four waiting for him from the surface.

“Kick Raoul! I have a nice bottle of Brandy waiting for you!” Kai's voice was heard shouting.

Raoul gave a final kick with his legs, and breached the surface. The cries and cheers filled the cave, as the roar of energy Raoul released was immense. Kai and Raimen noticed the roof of the cave was beginning to fall, and Argent and Omaki pushed with their arms to increase their power.

Raul opened his eyes, and drew a deep breath of air. He looked at Riki kneeling next to him, and Iason on his other side.

“I don't want to rush you dear ones.” Raimen winced. “But the mountain is caving in, and we should all make a hasty run for the exit!”

Iason and Riki helped Raoul to his feet. The tall Lord had not moved in two days, and was quite stiff. Iason placed an arm around his waist, and Riki helped pull him out. Omaki, Argent, Kai and Raimen, all began to run together, as they held the shield over their heads, and the seven men made a dash for the mouth of the cave.

Outside the crews from both ships waited. The had seen the many surges of energy from the different Lords, as they knew it must have been a struggle for them to contain Raoul. Petros anxiously paced, and when he sensed the group running, he and the Elders made a mad sprint to the cave. And sure enough the mountain was collapsing. The five Elders raised their hands, and held the entrance open as a multitude of boulders came down. Yousi joined them, and between the six of them, watched the group exit the caves.

The sounds of cheers was heard, as the crew surrounded the exhausted Lords, and all collapsed on the ground. Riki sensed the sudden panic in Raoul's mind, as the newly awakened Lord looked up, and upon seeing the Elders, immediately raised his hands to attack. Riki leaped in front of them, and shielded them from Raoul's deadly power.

“No!” Riki shouted, as he deflected the energy, and sent it off in the distance. “Raoul, they are not the enemy, they are our friends. And yours too.” Riki spoke. His body was weakened by all his activity, and collapsed into Petros' waiting arms.

“What?!” Raoul cried out. But within moments, a surge of memories pressed in his mind, and the reconciling of his past began to fall into place with his present self. He sat there stunned, as the images flooded his mind, and looked at Iason, then Kai, and then finally at all the faces before him.

“It seems I have a lot of catching up to do. Is it over? Am I now complete?”

Iason laughed softly. “Well, it's a start dear friend. But yes, it is the beginning of your reunion with many who were -and some who are still- lost.”

Raoul looked at Petros, and his four assistants. He had a hard time reconciling with the facts, as he looked at them, but the memories of Petros came back, and he now smiled at them.

“Please forgive me Lord Petros. I'm sure you understand quite well, that it was nothing personal.”

“Petros smiled back, and signed. “You don't know the half of it!”

The group all laughed, as they found Raoul back, in the present, and he had survived the ordeal. They looked back at the caves, at least what was left of them, for they had indeed crumbled upon itself. The group headed back to the Sentinel's Chariot, and after cleaning up, they all celebrated Raoul's awakening. There were many tears expressing their joy, as the famed Sentinel at Arms was restored, and intact. He looked at Iason and Riki, and rose from his chair. All watched, as he approached the two, and he spoke.

“There will be many visits I will be making into my mind, before this night is over. But I wish to express my gratitude to you both. I will never be able to repay my debt to you, for bringing me back to life.” Raoul bowed respectfully before Iason and Riki. Then he knelt down on one knee before Riki. “You my prince, never left my side. I saw you standing before my eyes, and in my madness, you held me. With no regard for your own safety, I saw Iason pushed away behind your protective veil.” Raoul took Riki's hand and kissed it tenderly. “You are truly a Noble Prince in my eyes.”

Riki's eyes filled with tears, as Raoul's words, sank deep into his heart. Iason smiled proudly, as his gesture brought the celebration to a standstill. When Raoul tenderly kissed Riki's hand, the room erupted into a roar of cheers, applause, and many a tear filled eye.

Kai looked at the scene, and beamed proudly at Raoul's gesture towards his son. He was overjoyed with the return of his Sentinel. He was now eager to see both Raoul and Yui reunited. He wondered what that poor child was going to experience, now that he saw the suffering through Raoul's eyes, and hoped that perhaps his beautiful Queen would ease his suffering, should he wake.

“Well, it looks as if those two really need a long nap.” Raimen pointed to Omaki and Argent. Though they were celebrating and feeling proud of their part in Raoul's awakening, Raimen could sense the decrease in their overall strength. “Yes, we will need to power all our bodies up a notch, as we move on to the next leg of this trip.”

“Well, I'm sure Martin and his medics will be quite busy in the next day or so.” Kai winked at Jake, who blushed quite a bit, when he caught his eye. “Yes, I think our newest friend, will be paying us a visit.” Kai whispered back to Raimen.

But by the time he finished his last word, Raimen was climbing the table, and pulling Omaki and Argent up to dance, as music was now being played on the intercom, and the celebration came into full swing.

“Hey!” Kai grumbled. “What was all that about needing a long nap?!” Kai laughed at his lover's antics.

Raimen had pulled the medics up on chairs, and whatever else they could climb, and were all gyrating their hips to the sensual sounds filling the conference room. Riki was feeling quite good, and the drain on his body was soon forgotten. He was pulled into Iason's arms, and the two lovers began to dance sensually, to the hoots and whistles of the men in the room. Riki raised his arms, as Iason wrapped his around him, and they hungrily drank from their lips.

Raoul was caught up the moment, and closed his eyes, to recall the image of him dancing with Yui. He even recalled his foursome with Kai and Raimen. He smiled at the antics of Raimen, who would have several men stripped naked before the night was over, perhaps even himself. But as the crew came and embraced him in one's or two's, Raoul felt truly alive, and it was a long time coming.

*~*~*
Thanx for reading my little story, I hope you enjoyed it! Please leave a review. (-.-)' *bows humbly*