The Lost

The Lost Chapter 17: Yasuo Awakened

The sky darkened in the early hours, as the soil came to life with the sounds of running feet. If you were to close your eyes, like many of the children had, you would not know in which direction the wave of the battle was heading. The only telling sign were the sounds of heavy boots falling as they gave chase, or were being chased.

The air was filled with dust and the rain of debris, as the Elders began to move forward with confidence. Omaki and Argent were fast to take to the skies, after Yousi who did not hesitate to fire, began to unleash the anger he had stirring in his heart.

“I have hundreds, upon thousands of my brothers who will love to hear they have been avenged. And I fully intend on letting them know myself!” Yousi yelled from above, as wave after wave of his energy was released in the form of thundering bolts. His eye was focused as his hand reached out after the red robes down below. The cries from his targets did not phase him, as they were silenced by his energy. No, he would not be deterred.

Omaki took a similar stand, as his hair whipped angrily and his eyes took a clear almost crystal frozen appearance, which matched his power. Omaki for the first time opened his hands and the air around him became chilled, as his energy struck his target making the Elder collapse in a frozen state. But Omaki, surprised by what came out of his fingertips, stared in awe.

“Interesting.” Omaki whispered. He then struck a second time, and watched the Elder shatter into pieces. “I believe, I'm going to like this.” Omaki once again picked an Elder that was in the process of lifting a rather large boulder with his power, aiming at a group of young girls he had cornered. They were frightened by the Elders, and stood cringing despite their larger numbers.

“You are right to fear me you native whores! I will end you!” The Elder launched the boulder, only to find it suspended in the air. He looked confused as it began to vibrate, then crumble before his eyes.

“I see now how far the noble have fallen!” Omaki shouted from above. The Elder turned his gaze up to where Omaki was floating. “I find it disturbing that a man would strike defenseless children, let alone use the very soil they love against them in this fashion!”

Omaki sent his energy in the form of a lance that pierced the Elder's chest. His body trembled as it began to slowly freeze. Omaki did this deliberately, watching the Elder panic and scream as his body fractured and fell apart. Payback was a bitch.

“My dear ladies, do not fear. If you would please return to the safety of your building.” Omaki gave the women a gorgeous smile making the young girls smile back. “There is a serious infestation of vermin in your jungle, and we're here to exterminate it. So obey me young ones, and return to the safety of the ruins.”

Omaki watched, as the girls scurried back to the ruins. From his vantage point, Omaki could see the jungle come to life from another direction, where more Elders had appeared. Their numbers were growing. He looked over at Argent whose body glowed softly. His eyes betrayed the anger within his heart, as he struck one Elder after another. His shield of energy prevented the Elders from striking him down. It was the same with Yousi, and now Omaki joined them, as they fired from above.

Odi and his men were firing from below, as the men worked in unison against Elders bred for only one purpose. To eliminate the native threat to their way of living. The Alaric Elders needed to regroup and consider this unexpected development. The men that have appeared were not simple slaves. They were Intellects, and Warriors and men well trained for battle.

Askel and Freyn guarded the Queens, though they were no less noble than the Elite Specialists. The were not gifted with powers that radiated from within, but knew how to handle the weapons they held in their hands. One newly awakened Lord was also putting his gifts to the test. The Queens were well guarded, but it was Yui who kept them behind his shield. The children had all been accounted for, and that gave him peace of mind.

Yuri was anxious to fight back, but with all the support around her, she was kept away from the entrance. Of course this did not sit well with her. “Lord Harmon! I must protest,” Yuri spoke, “We can be of use to you and the men!”

“Forgive me my Queen, but my orders are to keep you both safe.” Lord Harmon began, “We are holding our own at the moment.”

“That will soon change Lord Harmon,” Erin spoke, “There are larger numbers approaching the ruins. It appears that they were meant to surround the women and cut off any attempts to flee.”

Lord Harmon was shocked to hear that, but was confident Lady Erin was right. Her words were confirmed by Yui and Katze, who could see the image of hundreds of Elders approaching from different directions.

“Lord Harmon,” Katze spoke, “There are at least four other groups of Elders with numbers as large as this one.”

“It appears the Elders knew the women and children were hiding here.” Odi spoke, “Even though they never expected resistance, they did expect to wipe them out without a fight.”

“Like lambs to a slaughter, to be more precise.” Yui spoke for the first time, as his shield grew in strength. “My Queens, we'll just have to keep them at bay until our Lords arrive.”

Erin listened to the minds of the men as they continued to fight against the Alaric Elders. They did have the element of surprise, so they fared well at first. But with the Elders numbers growing almost as fast as they fell, they could also sense that it would only be a matter of time.

“Lord Harmon, the men are feeling anxious with the increase in Elders. We've lost two men unfortunately, and I'm certain we'll lose more before our Lord Husbands find us.” Erin's voice was low.

“No we will not.” Yuri spoke, “We'll fought these bastards, excuse my language dears, but we can't sit around and wait until the Lords arrive. I am certain our being here has ruined their plans, however, they number in the thousands, and we are but a handful. Those of us awakened have to engage the enemy with equal power. We can't stand idly by and not assist!”

Erin smiled at Yuri's confidence, and felt Raimen will not recognize the woman Yuri became in his absence. The images that continued to flash in Erin's mind from her lover were strangely exciting, as she witnessed Yuri's past command of Eos, and the side of the war not seen by Kai. Now it made sense as to why Omaki, Argent and Yousi came to her side. They knew what others did not. Yuri was a leader.

Odi could see the intensity in Yuri's face, as if he was seeing a caged tigress anxious for her cubs. It was unheard of for a woman to lead, as he was informed of her past. But there was no denying that Yuri would take command over his lead, and that of Lord Harmon. Odi decided to take the risk. She was correct that with the vast numbers of Elders descending upon the ruins, they would be picked off one at a time, wearing them down. With only the Elders with any kind of inner powers, the remaining men would eventually become fatigued.

“My Queen,” Odi spoke, as he watched Yuri begin to pace. “What is it you will have us do? There is truth in your words, if Lady Erin's eye has seen the approaching Elders. These ruins can certainly take the pounding, so we have a place to keep the innocent safe.”

“What was that you just said?” Erin stopped and suddenly turned towards Odi. “The ruins! Yes, that is the answer! Oh Sir Odi, you are indeed a Sentinel!”

“My Lady?” Odi was surprised by her words, “Have you thought of something?”

“Well yes, there was something I wondered about ever since Riki healed Yuri and I in the hot springs. You said our Lord Husbands and our sons react to the minerals in the springs. Is this not so?”

“Yes, but-”

“Well, if Riki could tap into the minerals, I wonder if Lady Yuri and I were to transform, would the springs react to us and raise our inner powers?”

Yuri didn't want to wait on theories, and immediately powered up. She walked towards the warm water, and as her long hair began to float serenely, the pool lit up with her energy. Yui walked over to her, and also powered up. He could feel the surge build within him.

“I guess that is a yes?” Askel spoke up.

“Look at them glow!” Freyn pointed.

Sure enough, the awakened would react as Iason and Riki had. Erin smiled, as he sent out a message to the minds of Omaki, Argent and Yousi.

“Omaki, if you can do this safely, concentrate on me in the hot springs, and then power up a bit, as if you are going to strike. I will be a catalyst as the Elders have been for us!” Erin's voice echoed in the minds of the three.

“You want us to do what?!” Omaki spoke out loud, as he took aim and fired again.

“Power up and aim!” Argent shouted, as he did just so. Immediately, Argent felt the surge of power grow. He took aim at a group of Elders tossing debris at the women, and with a thrust of his hands, took many with a beam of pure energy and lit part of the jungle on fire.

“Holy shit!” Yousi shouted, and also did as Argent had done. Yousi's effort not only cleared out many, but also uprooted trees and soil.

“Hey!” Omaki yelled feeling left out, “How the hell did you do that Yousi?!”

“You need to use your brain Omaki! Though I doubt you have any between the ears!” Yousi teased.

“No need to be rude!” Omaki pouted, as he closed his eyes and tried to concentrate.

“Keep your eyes open love!” Argent shouted, as he knocked two Elders off their feet. They had taken aim at Omaki while he closed his eyes, and would have hit the unknowing Intellect had Argent missed his target.

Omaki focused on Erin, who stood in the hot springs and sure enough the surge of power began to rise from within his body. Omaki's gaze changed, as he looked down at the Elders making their way across the jungle.

“Let's test his theory out...” Omaki's voice was deep and Argent could have sworn his eyes sparkled from where he was levitating.

Omaki quickly flew to where the trees were falling, and the wave of Elder's power was permeating. He descended effortlessly, without making a sound whatsoever. When the Elders noticed him, Omaki raised his hand, and with a elegant flare, sent out a force of energy which stopped the Elders in their tracks. The trees around them began to crumble and fall over their heads, forcing many to dodge the rather large trees as they fell.

“That is the only warning you will receive from me Elders.” Omaki gave the group a sideways glance. “This is what you will do. You will either turn around and consider this mission of yours a bad choice. Or, you can take one more step forward and make a fatal choice. It's up to you.”

The Commander of that unit stepped forward, “Our quarrel is not with you Intellect Lord! Step aside and mind your own business. We do not know how you came to be on Yasuo, nor do we care.”

Omaki flicked his wrist, turning the Elder into a frozen statue. The Elders looked in horror as Omaki sent a second blast, breaking the Elder into pieces of crumbled ice. The Elders were furious as they saw two more Intellects arrive behind Omaki.

“I told him not to take one more step, did I not? What say you?!” Omaki began to power up once again.

“We do not take orders from an Intellect! We are not without powers, and you have sealed your fate!” The next in command stepped forward, and sent a rather large tree over Omaki's head. But the three Lords had raised their shields and the tree bounced off effortlessly.

“It appears that even though they have no control in our minds, they still possess the ability to move objects with their psychic powers!” Yousi yelled at Omaki and Argent as the Elders opened fire on the three.

“Argent return to Lady Yuri's side, we must each find these approaching groups and hold them off!” Omaki ordered. “Lady Erin, in which direction do you see the Elders approaching?!”

Erin listened to the thoughts of the three, and quickly searched the minds of the Elders. “My Lady!” Elder Bernard reached out, “There are three groups! Lord Omaki has found those arriving to your east, however the men have encountered additional groups to the north and south.”

“Yes, and the ruins are being attacked by the group from the west.” Erin answered back.

“Erin, have Argent head to the north and Yousi to the south.” Yuri spoke, “Omaki, the three of you will be the shield for us until the Lords arrive.”

“Yes, my Lady.” Omaki answered.

The three men separated under a barrage of fire, as the Elders moved forward with their assault. Omaki headed up to a higher altitude so the jungle hid his position, while he rained down debris and an ice storm from all directions. It was unlike anything the Elders had ever seen. They became confused as to where to fire, for Omaki was never in one position for too long. As the Elders began to drop all around, their frustration was visible. They began to mow down the jungle in order to remove Omaki's cover. Omaki felt the surge being channeled by Lady Erin.

Argent headed for the north end of the jungle, as he now noticed the very same movement within the trees. He rose above the jungle canopy, and quickly found the Elders. They were moving fast, as they gave chase to several men from the Lord's Shield who were overwhelmed by their numbers. Argent powered up and felt the incredible surge by Lady Erin and the springs. His hands began to glow as he sent out a beam of energy down towards the Elders. As their cries were heard, some were confused by the bright light descending from above. It was as if the sun were burning their flesh. He was far more timid than Omaki or Yousi, but Argent found his courage in the faces of the Specialist below.

“These men fight a foe without fear, even though they fight with a disadvantage. They do not have a core to draw from,” Argent spoke to himself, “and yet they do not yield to fear in facing this evil.

“It is because they have it within them to battle my dear,” Erin spoke. “They have known this enemy since the day Jupiter helped them crawl from the destruction so long ago. I read that these men from the Firm have loyally served at her side, and never looked back. They knew from the beginning of their mission, that they were working towards a future that would eventually become our reality.”

Argent placed his shield between the men from the Firm, and the Elders. He blinded them with the power of his energy. The Elders had killed several of the men, and this infuriated Argent, who began to set the Elders on fire. The Elders began to fire in all directions, since they could not see what was in front of them.

“Get your men to the ruins!” Argent yelled to the Specialist, “Keep the perimeter tight behind me, and I will hold them here!”

The men gave Argent a nod, as they retreated back to the ruins. Argent watched behind his shield, as the Elders began to spread out, and attack him. Argent felt the surge of power drain a bit, but then without notice felt refreshed.

“I have been joined by a group of Elders Argent, they will keep my core from draining, so I do not lose too much power too fast.” Erin whispered in their minds. “Yousi, have you found the southern group?”

“I have just arrived,” Yousi whispered, “They have not detected me, nor have they encountered any of our men.” Yousi rose above them, and noticed the size was just as large as the one Omaki was fighting. Yousi floated serenely in relative safety above the jungle. And as he watched below, he was distracted by a flash of light, and then felt the heat of laser fire. A ship had come upon his position, and opened fire. Yousi was forced to raise his energy field, but was now in the open. The activity exposed him to the group of Elders below. He was now under fire from all directions.

“Yousi!” Lady Erin cried out, “There are too many! Find cover!”

As Yousi began to descend, the Elders below were relentless, preventing him from finding any true cover. Just as the scene became a blur of laser fire, a ship suddenly appeared. It was Commander Darius, who arrived just in the nick of time.

“Commander, is that Yousi?!” Gabriel yelled as he and the medics watched the pilot bring the image to the screen. “H-He's flying!”

“Well I'll be damned!” Darius yelled, “Cover that man!”

Suddenly the ship opened fire on the Elder's smaller aircraft. They were no match for the Commander's larger, and far more modern ship. The Elder's ship was quickly shot down to the cheers of the Specialist below who were returning to the ruins. Darius was mesmerized by the fact that Yousi was flying.

“Scan the area, for more ships! Darius barked orders, as his men all ran to their stations and prepared to land and assist with the battle.

“Welcome Commander.” Yuri's voice was heard through their communication console. “We are surrounded in all directions, and we are currently engaged with the Elders. Lord Omaki is to the east of the ruins, Lord Argent to the North, and we are under attack from the west. Please aid them in any way possible!”

“M-My Lady? You are awake! But when did you arrive?! And how did you get here?” Darius was shocked to learn the Queens were on Yasuo.

“Answers later Commander,” Lady Yuri spoke, “Here is the quick summary. We are in the ancient ruins, and under heavy attack. We are 80 in strength, however we have had some losses. The Elders are attacking the natives which have been sent here for protection. It's too long of a story, but what you need to know is that there are only women and children with us! Our Lord Husbands and the crew of the Sentinel's Chariot are attacking the city, to rescue Lord Riki. We arrived on the Lord's Shield, with a crew of Specialists, Elders and men from the Firm along with a compliment of medical staff.”

Darius shook his head finding it hard to believe the Queens made such a trek across the universe to join the battle. “I have two shuttles, which I am sending out immediately. How do you fare?”

“We are doing well Commander.” Erin spoke, “But we could use another eye in the sky as there are hundreds of Elders descending upon the ruins.” Erin paused, “Oh, and please give Lord's Omaki, Argent and Yousi a wide berth. Their powers have been enhanced to levels even they have never felt before.”

“Yes, we noticed.” Darius spoke, as he watched Yousi flying in all directions avoiding fire from below. “It is an amazing thing to see them fly like that.”

Erin laughed softly, “Yes, well they are only doing what comes naturally to them. Intellects can fly, did you not know that in Lord Iason's gifts?”

“No my Lady, we've never seen Lord Mink or Lord Oskuro fly, though we knew they could levitate.”

“Yes, well all Intellects can take to the skies once they are awakened, and recall their past.” Yuri once again spoke, “But you will have to watch your backs gentlemen, these Elders have lost their ability to control your minds, but have evolved with the abilities similar to our awakened.”

“Thank you my Queen, we shall see you soon.” Darius made for a higher altitude, to launch the two shuttles and help the three battle from the skies.

When Darius arrived at the ruins, he could not see much due to the fierce battle below, but could distinguish the Elders by their red robes. What he did notice were the women who were actively engaging the Elders with powers of their own.

“Now that's something you don't see everyday.” Victor spoke from his seat, “Those women are holding their own.”

As the ship descended to lower altitude, the crew could now see the Blondie Specialists easily due to their blond hair and weapons fire. Darius watched the men fiercely protect the largest structure, as the Elders sent volleys of energy and debris, but were deflected by a shield. This confused Darius, since only the awakened held such power. He thought perhaps it was Lady Erin or Yuri, but was shocked to see the young man wielding such force to be Yui.

“Oh my,” Victor spoke, “Is that our newly awakened Warrior Lord?”

“Incredible!” Elder Shinjo spoke, “I can feel the energy permeating from this distance. Elder Bernard is among them!”

Darius knew Elder Bernard was the Elder who aided in Lady Erin's awakening. Not only that, he knew the group of Elders sent from Aristia were among the oldest, if not the strongest of their Clan.

“Get ready Elder Shinjo,” Darius spoke, “There is a need for you and Elder Kohta to assist in safeguarding the Queens. We'll drop you two off near the shuttles.”

Darius made for the ships, as the two shuttles departed towards Yousi and Argent. After dropping the two Elders and several of his crew, Darius made for Omaki's position. It was not difficult to find the Intellect Lord, as the jungle to the east of the ruins were alive with the sounds of battle. When Darius arrived, he found Omaki glowing with a blue aura, and ground below him was filled with the corpses of many fallen. Darius opened fire, as the number of Elders were many and were all firing at the fast moving Intellect.

“Holy Shit!” Darius exclaimed, “I never expected that man to be so powerful! I remember his antics at the Lord's Dance. To think he was capable of what we now see before us is mind boggling!” Darius flew his ship into the heart of the fight, moving ahead of Omaki, and heading towards the end of the Elder's advancing numbers. “We'll cut them off from behind, and herd them into one tight group!”

Omaki raised his gaze for a moment. His eyes steady and focused on the fight below. He watched the ship fly past him and open fire. This lifted his heart, as he recognized the Commander's ship.

“Darius..” Omaki whispered.

The Elders were shocked to see such a large and fast moving ship. As Darius opened fire on them, they began to scatter. They did not expect any resistance, much less a ship to fly overhead. Darius scanned the jungle and noticed the number of Elders to be in the hundreds.

“It is as Lady Erin spoke, they are there for only one purpose. To annihilate the natives. Our mission is now two-fold, we must protect the Queens, and defend these natives!”

*~*~*

Elder Shinjo and Kohta moved swiftly for Elders of their age. Their powers were raised, as they came up behind the Elders of Yasuo. They used their minds, and all that could be lifted, tossed or broken over the heads of the Elders attacking the natives.

“I curse the day I witness our own Clansmen attacking women and children!” Shinjo yelled, “I bet you never expected an Elder to raise his hand against you!

Shinto and Kohta battled fiercely, as they made their way quickly to the ruins. The Alaric Elders were so stunned, they saw a blur of blue capes fly by as if by magic. Elder Kohta took his position ahead of the women, who recognized the blue capes and smiled at Shinjo and Kohta.

“Welcome to Yasuo,” one of the women spoke rather dryly, as she sent a wave of wind towards the Elders. The gale force wind took several Elders deeper into the jungle to the surprise of both the native, and the Elders who were blown away.

“It seems you are surprised by your own strength dear lady.” Shinto spoke as the native stared at her hands. “I assume you've never used your powers?”

“No, we were liberated by the young Prince and Lord Iason this morning!”

“Is that so? Amazing!” Shinjo responded, “Then we have the god's smiling down upon Yasuo!” Elder Shinto yelled at the encroaching Elders. Their numbers seemed to increase considerably with no end in sight. Elder Shinjo and Kohta raised their shield as debris was now getting larger by them minute. No doubt the Elders were furious to see the natives fighting back, yet fueled even more that Elders dressed in blue robes were fighting against them.

Kohta and Shinjo kept their shields strong, as the women behind them began to feel confident in their aim. Shinto looked at the fallen women on the ground, and himself became enraged as they were of every age, especially the young maidens. It reminded them of their mission in retrieving the vault of specimens, and the tears the Lords cried in the face of so many specimen cylinders. He could only imagine the many maidens lost then. Just like now.

“Bastards!” Kohta yelled at the Elders, “You are monsters! No different than your mindless ancestors that were exiled from Amoi! Fighting against defenseless women and children! You are without honor!”

The Alaric Elders knew their history even though they were educated to the fact that they were the ones wronged. To see one of their own Clansmen raise their hands open fire upon them, -let alone insult then in them process- was too much.

“You are far from Amoi Elder! You align yourself with these worthless disgusting creatures! I find it hard to believe that you wear the robes of an Elder!”

The Alaric Elders now concentrated on Kohta and Shinto. They knew the two Elders would not be able to hold their shields for too long. They just needed to wait them out. Suddenly a strong wave hit the Elders from the ruins as Elder Bernard made his way towards the front. His strength was equal to his age, as the elderly Lord was not holding back the force of his thrusts.

Kohta! Shinjo! I see you have joined our ranks, wonderful!” The tall Elder took aim once again. With the aid of native, Elder and Specialists, the Elders were being pushed back into the jungle once again. The jungle itself looked as if someone had taken a large rolling pin and flattened hundreds of trees. Such was the power being wielded by all involved.

“Lord Bernard! Shinjo yelled, “We are pleased to see you stretching your legs. We thought you were gaining a bit of weight with all the fine eating you and the Elders have been doing since the Lords Dance!”

“Yes, we saw the footage from Elder's Island, and Elder Quentyn told us to make sure you got some exercise!” Elder Kohta yelled as they once again were under attack by the Alaric Elders who were only now getting back on their feet some distance away.

“Stubborn bastards!” Elder Bernard yelled, “They truly want us to kill them! Very well, if they won't stop on their own, we'll just have to persuade them no?” Elder Bernard once again powered up, and this time the line of Elders were struck with a mass of stone, tree, and rock, as the combined powers aimed at them was enormous.

“I'll leave you two here. I will be returning to the ruins, as our young Lord is in need of backup.” Elder Bernard gave the two Elders a nod, as he once again was a blur of blue. He made his way to where Yui was sheltering the Queens and the children with his shield. Elder Bernard saw Katze had also joined the fight, as the largest of the ruins was being bombarded once again.

“How do you fare young Warrior?!” Elder Bernard yelled at Yui. “Looks like you could use a hand!”

“Yes Elder Bernard, they seem unending!” Yui was becoming winded, “Where the hell are they all coming from?”

“It appears that they had this planned all along. But the reinforcements are here, and they are helping Lord Argent, Yousi, and Omaki!”

“That's great!” Yui suddenly felt a surge of power, as Lady Erin could sense his power draining from his body. Yui's hair danced wildly, as his renewed strength kept his shield strong.

Odi and Lord Hilliard led their group forward, as they pushed the Elders back into the jungle with the aid of Elder Bernard and several Elders from their group. The air was filled with static, as Elder power was now rising and the women were finding their own strengths growing with their confidence.

Katze and Odi did not like the fact that women were in the line of fire, and were hoping to take over their positions, as the team from the Firm and Intelligence used their weapons to strike the Elders while they were involved with the Elder Bernard and his group.

Katze felt his heart was at his throat, as he's never been involved in such action. Sure there were dangers on Amoi, and he was well known to be quite the leader under Iason's direction and protection. If there was an issue that needed his attention, he knew his way around weapons. But this was different. These were men endowed with supernatural powers, and strengths he could not compare with. But this did not stop him, as he was using all his experience to battle these Elders.

His new cognitive gifts were finding their way to his long resume' of abilities, as he now focused his mind, and found he could hear the Elders minds from withing the jungle's cover. As the Elders seemed to have stopped firing at them, this confused the men and the women. Suddenly they heard shuffling of many feet off in the distance, and then silence. Katze felt his mind wonder off into the distance and he then heard their minds talking.

“They are going to strike with lightning!” Katze yelled as the men looked at him with curiosity.

“With what?!” Odi yelled at Katze, “What do you mean with lightning?”

“I don't know! I could hear them speak of using rods of energy. I suppose that is close enough?” Katze shrugged his shoulders.

Elder Bernard suddenly raised his shield, as sure enough, the sky was filled with the static of electricity, and the beams of energy emanating from deep within the jungle. The Elders raised their shields, and were quick to defend those behind them.

“Which direction Katze?!” Odi yelled.

Katze concentrated and then pointed, “North!” They are getting past Argent! There is a large number of them just arrived, and the shuttle is trying to cut them off!

Overhead they now saw Omaki fly past them and head north towards Argent's position. He looked down at the ruins seeing the men were doing well to hold off the Elders advancement. He sent down a message to Lady Erin.

“My Queen, I've left a temporary obstacle for the Elders from the east end of the jungle. They will be busy for a while!”

Erin smiled when she saw into Omaki's mind, and viewed the little obstacle he left behind. It was a thick wall of ice. He froze quite a number of Elders within it, and barred them from advancing without going around. Omaki had planned it well, as the other choice was a rather deep ravine, or dangerous jungle terrain off the path towards the ruins.

“Yes my dear, I see what you mean.” Erin whispered, “I believe young Argent could use your help.”

“I'm on my way! Please thank Commander Darius for us!” Omaki flew a bit faster, as he worried after Argent. As he approached, he could see Argent battling the Elders. He was glowing softly as if the sun had descended from the sky. When Omaki opened fire from behind him, Argent smiled. His own power of white hot flames continued to light the jungle and the Elders on fire.

“Like fire and ice” Darius whispered, as he watched Omaki and Argent working together. He had followed Omaki from his position, and had to laugh at his wall of ice he left the Elders encased in. Not only that, he froze the jungle floor for several hundred feet in every direction. Darius shook his head to see the Elders trying to walk on the ice. Some who tried to go around found themselves slipping into the deep ravine to their deaths.

Darius returned to the ruins, and began to open fire on the Elders. With coverage from above and below, the battle was quickly changing. The Elders were being pushed further back into the jungle as they were losing their ground.

Yui was able to bring down his shield, as the ruins were once more secure. He sat down at the entrance gathering his thoughts, and his strength. A young native girl came up to him, and offered him some water. Yui smiled as he thanked her and watched her return into the building. Erin came up to the entrance and touched his hair.

“You are doing splendidly my child.” Erin smiled, “We are fortunate for the hot springs below. I can't imagine what our Lord Husbands would have found had we not been here.”

“It would have been a massacre. That is what they would have found.” Yui spoke in a whisper. He looked past the jungle's shaded trees, and could see the Elders were rising for another attack. His stomach was doing flips inside his body, and he felt as if it were only yesterday, that he faced those who murdered his young orphans. It was a cut that would not heal.

“Let's get you near the spring dear, I want you to feel the warmth of the minerals for a few minutes. Don't worry, we are well shielded at the moment. Come Yui.”

Erin helped Yui stand up and head into the springs below. His mind was wound tight around his last thoughts, and Erin knew he needed to feel something “good” around his body, to remove the ache of his heart. As Erin led him to the springs, she knelt down and cupped her hands. Yui knelt beside her, and lowered his head.

Erin poured the warm mineral-rich water over his head, and it slowly dripped off his worried brow. As the warmth of the springs ran down his shoulders and his neck, he felt the surge of energy being drawn through Erin to his body. The surge poured throughout his body wrapping him and his mind, as if held in the warm embrace of his mother.

“There comes a time,” Erin whispered, “When a mother's touch is what we need to help chase away the monsters that invade our mind.” Erin smiled, as she gently kissed Yui's head, then embraced him as she powered up.

Yui felt the overwhelming sensation of the young Queen's strength surge throughout his body and mind. Yui's hands trembled, and he began to softly glow with Lady Erin.

“Now my child, let's go kick some Elder ass!” Erin softly tugged at Yui's hands.

“Erin!” Yuri raised her voice at Erin's words, “There is a proper way to address this enemy, and you need to get into the spirit of it.”

“Oh? And what exactly is the proper way to address this foe?” Erin looked over at Yuri who was getting ready to exit the building.

“Those Bastards warrant nothing less than to be called blooming idiots of a band of mindless %#@!*&!-in-bred miscreants who deserve nothing more than a long suffering death! One unlike any they gave to these innocents!” Yuri was out of breath, and blew a stray hair from her face after that long explanation.

Yui and Erin nearly fell into the hot springs when they heard her words. Not only that, everyone in the room nearly dropped, coughed up their drink, tripped on something or someone, or ran into a wall when she finished her colorful description. It was quite a site.

“Well spoken Yuri!” Erin cheered, as Yui held her back from taking a dive. “By the way love...where do you think you are going?” Erin watched Yuri heading up the stone steps.

“Where indeed!” Yuri had a gaggle of men follow her, with Lord Hilliard chasing first after her.

“My Queen! You need to stay-”

“I will not stay down here for one more minute Lord Hilliard! I am listening to one volley after another over our heads, and I won't have it! I will do my share and get these bastards to either change their minds as to their objective, or I will do to them what we did in the past- eliminate them! Now either lead, follow or get the hell our of my way!”

Yuri pointed a well manicured finger at Lord Hilliard's nose. Erin followed Yuri up the stairs, before the Intellect Queen turned around and held her hand up.

“Oh no you don't! Erin I need you as the catalyst between that energy source and the men out there. There are at least half a dozen Elders in this room, have them channel through them your energy as before. I don't have the luxury of time to figure out it's scientific qualities, but as long as it works for our benefit, we'll have to rely on good old fashion faith. I can take to the air, and we have ships and three other Intellects that will hold our ground. Lord Hilliard and Sir Odi can continue to give ground support. The women taking this battle into their hands can continue the fight. But they need to see a woman out there leading them on!”

Odi was listening at the top of the stairs. Yuri's loud voice was echoing towards the surface. He knew it would only be a matter of time before she made the scene on the surface, and there was no force other than Lord Raimen or Iason who would be able to hold her back. Lord Kai he knew, would understand.

As Yuri made to the entrance, Odi and several men guarded her as she exited the building. Within moments Lady Yuri took to the skies, and raised her shield. Her body immediately transformed, with her long blond hair swayed softly. Her face began to glow as her blue eyes darkened, making the stunning Queen appear as a goddess before the natives.

And this had the expected reaction upon the women. Many began to power up themselves and thrust their hands forward, as the Elders began their next attack. Yuri sent out a surge of energy that blinded the Elders at first, as the glow was indeed bright. As Yuri took aim, she carved a large path of destruction, as trees, rocks, and Elders were blown away if not completely incinerated where they stood. It was as if the sun was shining through Yuri, who held the looking glass over the Elders. As if they were mere ants.

The expression of all who witnessed this, -on both sides of the battle lines- was of complete awe. Odi shook his head, as the young Queen was breathtaking. If the Lords of Amoi were a stiff drink, Yuri was the chaser. The women let out a loud shrilling cry, that scared the men half to death, since they had up to that time been fighting in silence. But with Yuri over their heads, they grew brave and even stepped forward in their attack.

The Elders in blue raised their shields and paved the way for the women to march forward. Yuri was being closely watched by the men below, but found Yuri quite in control of the fight. She had taken command, and was not about to give up another inch, nor another life. If a all possible. She had listened to Erin's words to young Yui Fai, who had taken it all upon his shoulders to shield the large building they were all in. Hundreds upon thousands hidden in the huge stone ruins. One young man.

Yuri needed to expel her very own demons that still haunted her thoughts. Where the tally was often updated with the fallen. She could still hear Omaki's sigh each time he reported the number of specimens he, and the other two Lords had to dig up, collect and categorize. She wanted to make a difference here on Yasuo, to prevent the loss she experienced first hand on Amoi.

As the battle raged, she could see from her elevated position the other two fronts where Yousi, Argent and Omaki were battling. Commander Darius' ships could be seen firing at the Elders below, and by the amount of debris and fire coming from the jungle, she knew the Elders were indeed in great numbers. But they were not losing any ground, and this was a good thing.

*~*~*

Riki's body was glowing softly, as his tempest wind was swirling angrily around his body. A shield no one could penetrate nor withstand kept the Elders at bay. The Alaric Elders continued to pour out of the many buildings in the city. The ground shook, as the force of energy being released was incredible. The young Prince stretched his hand forward, and with a flick of his wrist sent scores of Elders flying in every direction.

Elder Theo continued to stay low, as he witnessed Riki toss the Elders as if they were nothing. He wondered how long he would be able to keep up his power. They were so many, and he was just one man. As quickly as the thought passed through the mind of Theo, Riki was there to answer him.

“It is not by my own accord that I can use this power Theo. It is your very own Yasuo that has lent me it's strength. As your world freely grants me this kindness, I shall return the gift in the form of a free people. Your world is taking matters into it's own hands. It just needed a path. A channel to reach the slumbering natives. Yasuo's original inhabitants.”

“It is a wonderful gift my Lord.” Theo smiled, “One I fear we shall never be able to repay.”

“Nonsense Elder Lord,” Riki spoke, “You are in debt to no one. This is the right thing to do, and I only regret not being here 10,000 years ago to prevent the first fallen Elders from taking root.”

Riki suddenly looked off to the left as a familiar power approached. He didn't need to see him to know it was him. Riki felt the surge of Iason's power as he and Raimen were heading towards the heart of the city. It was as if the animals of the jungle were fleeing a fire. The streets which were filled with Elders on the offense, were now running from the Intellect Lord hellbent on changing the stars for Yasuo.

“I see your Flame has arrived my Prince.” Theo smiled, “He seems rather determined.”

“Heh, yes he does.” Riki smiled as he maintained his shield. “But it seems your Elders have their own agenda.”

Riki was now feeling the full strength of hundreds of Elders pouring their all towards the young Prince.

“He is only a man!” Elder Viho cried out, “A cub whose yet to cut his teeth against the wolves of Yasuo!”

Elder Viho was now joined by a number of Elders from their Council Chambers. The force that now clawed at Riki was a psychic power deeply rooted in darkness. Riki's feet began to slide back, as his tempest wind prevented them from penetrating. However Riki would not yield in strength.

“If he is a cub Lord Elders,” Iason shouted from behind, “Then you certainly do not want to piss off his father, much less his lover!”

Iason hovered above the Elders, his power creating an aura of gold. To the untrained eye, it would appear as if two angels had descended from the heavens, as both Iason and Raimen held their position overhead.

“I do not know by what power you arrived on Yasuo Intellect Lord.” Elder Viho spoke, “I see you were not destroyed within the wormholes. How unfortunate for my men. But you have come too late, for not only could you not save your Tempest lover, you will get the honor of seeing him executed before your very eyes!” Elder Viho shouted from behind a shield of Alaric Elders.

Viho gave a nod, and from the heights of the buildings came down scores of Elders. Elders with different shades of hair color, and eyes. Iason could now see the new found powers they had evolved into. Some of these Elders could wield a tempest similar to Riki's and electricity from their inner cores, but the ones that impressed Iason, were the ones who could levitate.

“We are not without our own powers Intellect Lord, I will have the honor of sending you back to the dust from where you came from!” Elder Waneta was now conscious and powering up. “You will not win the battle, for we have what you treasure most. I dare say you will not cross the perimeter, unless you want to see the young Prince fall into the sea!”

To make his point, Elder Waneta signaled to a group of Elders who now made the ground vibrate and crack beneath Riki's feet. The flight deck was only yards away from the cliff side and the Elder's tower stood next to that. Riki became off balanced and this caused his concentration to waver, as the Elders once again pushed forward.

Iason made to move forward, as the reality of the situation was now being calculated in his mind. He knew he had cornered the Elders against their own fortress, and Riki was now vulnerable as Lord Bastian's ship began to sway.

“You will come to regret ever taking my Tempest, Lord Elder.” Iason's hair whipped about angrily.

“Son,” Raimen spoke in his mind knowing he and Riki could hear him. “Kai should be arriving soon, let's-”

“No Lord Raimen,” Riki spoke, “He is already here..” Riki looked at Iason, “He's right behind these bastards, and they have no idea the lion is about to pounce.”

“Now son,” Kai spoke, “you didn't need to ruin the surprise..” Kai let out a low growl which was anything but accidental.

Suddenly a third Intellect took to the skies, as Raoul flew overhead and began to attack the Elders from all directions. Iason took advantage of the diversion and began to take on the Elders in front of Riki.

“You were warned not to piss off the cub's father Elder Vermin!” Kai's voice bellowed from behind a group of trees. It was indeed very much like a lion. Kai had hidden directly behind the Council Elders, “And now you shall see just how powerful a Warrior Lord can truly be!”

Kai powered up without batting an eye, which made the Elders eyes open wide when they noticed Kai was only a few yards away. His appearance was more menacing when his eyes turned black as night, and his thick long hair was very much like a lion's mane that bristled with rage. The number of Elders which took to the skies was impressive, considering they did not fly intentionally, but were aided by Kai when he unleashed a powerful wave that took man and tree, pavement and pieces of some buildings. Those Elders would eventually land. There was no stopping him, and everyone gave him a wide berth.

Riki took the opportunity to move away from the flight deck, as the ground began to crack anew and crumble around him. Riki levitated above the surface, which frustrated the Elders, not knowing the young Prince could do so. Riki dodged both Elder fire, and Elders that flew past him in his father's wake. Iason flew down and lifted his Prince, as the Elders took aim and fired upon the two lovers.

“And if you think that Lion over there is in a bad mood, you do not want to face this dragon, Elder remnant!”

Raimen's hair now whipped angrily as he let the lightning strikes rain down on the Elders taking aim at Iason and Riki. The ground became alive, as strike after strike forced the Elders to jump away from the deadly energy. Raimen's eyes were the darkest Iason had ever seen them. And while his father was never known to battle before he awakened in the present, he certainly learned quickly. Raimen felt the surge of anxiety he had carried within these many weeks come pouring out. It was a release of incredible energy.

The Elders below did not know in which direction to run, as Kai was making a meal of the Elders crawling out of the buildings, and Raimen was striking from above. Raoul on the other hand was in his own world, but never far from Kai's side. There was a familiarity that came from covering him, as he knew Kai did not fly, and there was always a risk of him being struck from above. There would be no such opening on his watch.

Raoul's mind was moving so fast, his energy was a blur to the Elders below. He was accurate, and struck with surgical precision. A true Sentinel at Arms. The memories of many campaigns beside his Lord were now fresh in his mind, and the Intellect in him was even a surprise to his present self. His body moved as if on it's own accord, without having to calculate each thrust, or each strike. It was obvious to Iason and Riki that Raoul was indeed Lord Kai's man.

The natives began to pour into the battle zone, as Kai had held them back, not wanting to risk Riki's life with an all out attack. But now that Iason had swept in and picked him up, the natives were given the signal behind Ajax and Alex to aid the battling Lords against the Elders. It was as if the floodgates had been breached. The natives numbered in the thousands, as slave and Master were now in the throws of civil war. A war the Elders never expected in the hours before the sun rose. Their night of celebration was rather premature in their presumed victory.

The cleansing of the women and children was suppose to have occurred at dawn. They had planned on more celebrations as the events of the day were to end with their taking their fight to Amoi. But not all went as they expected. They never imagined the small number of Intellects and Warriors would amount to any real threat. After all, they took the young Prince from beneath their very noses. There they were all staring at the ground, standing like statues. The young Warrior Lord was found walking away from them, and right into their arms. It was so simple.

They never imagined the Lords of Amoi would set foot on Yasuo.

In the heat of battle, one could easily find those who would take the cowards way out, and slip past all the mayhem. Elder and native were a blur of elemental warfare where a laser pistol was really of no use. After all, a mere man was of no consequence when gods engaged in open warfare. At least, that is how it appeared to one particular man.

“They are gods, and you are nothing!”

Those words uttered by Jake not too long ago now echoed in the mind of Lord Bastian Hemile. He had found his way back on board his ship and ordered everyone to remain silent and vigilant. No one had paid any mind to the foreigner or his crew, and he was hoping it would remain that way. He would look for the opportunity to engage the engines and blast away from the nightmare he was seeing through his monitors. He felt the ship sway with every blast being fired all around his ship. The crew dared not step one toe outside. They were not fools to think they could compete with the energy of these beings.

“This is madness!” Lord Bastian spoke to his pilot. “They will tear this planet apart and us with it if we are not careful! You saw what they did to that big planet we passed on our way to Yasuo, it was split in half!” Lord Bastian's forehead broke out in a cold sweat.

“Sir, what are we going to do?” The pilot looked nervous, as he watched Lord Kai tossing bodies as if they were dolls. “T-That man is quite unlike anything I've ever seen.”

“That is Lord Kai. Riki's father.” Bastian spoke above a whisper. “And if we can't find a way off this damn planet, we're going to find ourselves in the shoes of those fools in red robes.”

“And you think you would escape my notice...Lord Bastian?” A voice popped into the mind of Bastian and the crew. It was a low threatening voice, one that became louder by the moment. “Did I not say you would regret ever being involved with me? Yet you took it upon yourself to take what was not yours to take.” Iason now appeared in his mind with Riki standing at his side. “I've had every sort of man pursue me. Men far more worthy than you. Yet you found your way into the bed of the Elders of Rhea. Yes, I've learned of your association with the Council of Elders. Yet it escaped me at the time, perhaps due to my injuries as to how you fit in all of this.”

Iason walked around Bastian who was frozen with fear. He could not move, as the mind's eye was something new to him.

“Yes, it's a piece of this puzzle I've had in my mind from the moment your name came up in my briefing with Jupiter. Both you and the newly titled Lord Heir of the Elder Clans. Is this not your new role Elder Simon?”

Simon found himself in darkness. He had managed to run into the Elder's Tower when all hell broke loose. But in the safety of the Council room, he had planned to wait out the battle. However, his mind was easy to find with an empath on the hunt. Riki found it child's play, as Simon stood rooted in darkness.

Iason continued, “Ah, so now we have the two of you together. It is the two of you who brought this battle to the Elders of Yasuo. I would wager, you never expected to become party to the fulfillment of prophesy did you?” Iason's appearance changed, as his temper was now getting the better of him.

“Let me remind you of your transgressions.” Iason began, as the scene changed and the images of the Ios crashing onto the Aristian space station was played for them all to see. “Yes, this is the Ios, as it rained down upon the surface of Aristia. The loss of lives were in the thousands. I was captured and would have died had it not been for a group of medics.”

Riki's hair began to dance with anger as Martin and Jake's tortured bodied came to mind. He projected their images, as the two men knew very well, how they appeared. Bastian averted his eyes away from the images, but Riki projected it in ever direction Bastian would look.

“There is no escaping this you fucking cyclops!” Riki shouted, “You would have killed these two young men over what? Jealousy? The fact that Iason ignored your ass?! Don't think I've forgotten your perverted hands all over my body you bastard!”

“I-It was not like that!” Bastian asserted, “I only wanted you to enter trade with our company Iason, it was never my int-”

“Silence!” Iason roared, “You will not address me so casually for we are not on friendly terms! You pursued me, stalked me, and tried ever so desperately to garner my attention. All the while plotting against me, Jupiter and Amoi with this man! This remnant root of a ill-fated Clan of liars and vipers! A Clan unworthy of Lordship, and certainly not of Leadership!” Iason gave Simon a pointed look, “You were just as guilty as those Elders who wanted revenge against Jupiter! The children of that worthless Clan turning against her, and for what?! The secrets of bringing back that nightmare you are seeing outside?! Have you any idea how many lives were lost 10,000 years ago on Amoi and on Yasuo?!”

Iason's body glowed with is increasing rage. Riki was no less provoked, as his hands clenched in anger wanting to turn them all into ash.

“You will not escape the scales of justice Lord Bastian. For I intend on taking you before the souls of all those lost or injured by your role in this folly. And you young Lord Elder, will stand at his side. You two are tied at the hip, and will find your fate the same as those on the Ios.”

“W-What do you mean Lord Iason?” Simon protested, “I-I was only interested in finding my Clansmen! I was not out to kidnap Lord Riki! Surely you can't blame a man for trying to find his people..can you?” Simon tried to plead his case, as Lord Bastian found his ally attempting to betray him.

“What?! It was YOU who had the data crystal! Your Clansmen were in possession of it for over 10,000 years! You needed MY technology in order to decipher it!” Bastian grew angry, and now it was all coming out. “You wanted to know it's contents, and offered it to the Elders of this god-forsaken planet of maniacs in exchange for glory and Lordship!”

“Maniacs?” Simon yelled, “Wasn't that you who claimed it was full of treasures? A Queen's treasure?! And wasn't that you who was being propositioned by the Elders themselves? I recall you were quite the popular piece of ass ever since we arrived here, don't you dare deny it!! You reeked of Advance Technology and had quite a long line of suitors vying for your perverted sexual tastes?!”

If Riki and Iason were not enraged by their own anger towards the two men, they would be laughing hysterically at the heated finger pointing between Lord Bastian and Elder Simon. Riki shook his head, and then spoke in his mind to Iason.

“Are we going through with it? Or should we just them loose and let them kick each others ass?” Riki wanted to keep the serious expression on his face. “My money is on Simon.” Riki now gave Iason the slightest smile, as Iason gave him a nod.

“Yes, it will be as we discussed.” Iason spoke.

As the heated argument was continuing before the two Lords, Iason decided to end it.

“That is enough!” Iason spoke, “We shall let Lady Jupiter decide your fate. We shall give you the same opportunity you gave Lord Oskuro and myself when the Ios was attacked. I believe every opportunity was given to you to make the right decision. Yet you continued in your own path, to where we find ourselves today.” Iason once again stood before the two men and the crew.

“You will be given a head start. You Lord Bastian will now rely on your Advance Technology to save you from our wrath. If you can manage to pull this off, you will have garnered my attention. Let's see if you can put your money where your mouth is.”

Iason and Riki disappeared from their minds. Simon ran out of the Council Room and made for Bastian's ship. Bastian fired up his engines, and when he spotted Simon, gave him the opportunity to board, but at the last minute changed his mind and blasted his way off the surface of Yasuo.

“That is what you deserve you traitor...rot in hell along with your so-called Clansmen!

Bastian made for the upper hemisphere as his ship continued to head for space. For a brief moment, every man watched the ship take off. They were stunned to see Lord Bastian haul ass in the middle of battle. The Elders watched as Iason and Riki floated above them, then powered up and released a beam of energy from their fingertips. So bright was the beam, it made the sky light up. It was visible from the ruins, and all fighting also hesitated for a brief moment. Erin had been listening to the whole conversation, as well as all the men from Amoi.

When the Iason and Riki fired upon Lord Bastian, they made sure the damage was identical to that of the Ios.

“You shall now drink from the cup you served the passengers of the Ios Lord Bastian Hemile. May the souls in hell find comfort in your just demise.” Iason spoke to Bastian and the crew of the ship. As their air began to vent from a breached hull plate, Bastian's ship began to vent oxygen, and the men were sucked out into outer space. As Bastian ran for the escape pods, Riki and Iason projected the memories of the Ios attack as they recalled it. The horror, and the darkness. Bastian still fought for his life, but it would be in vain, for ship was lost. With one final explosive burst from the engines, the ship began to fall back into the atmosphere and erupted into a ball of fire.

“Justice has been served.” Iason whispered.

As the masses witnessed Iason and Riki's power, the Elder now turned their attention to them. But as Kai and Raimen saw them change direction, they gave chase. Iason and Riki watched as the mob came closer. Riki spoke to Kai, Raimen and Raoul who was already giving them a wide berth.

“Father, you and Lord Raimen must step back..” Riki warned as he and Iason now focused on the Elders.

“What?! You can't be serious son!” Kai protested, “There are hundreds running towards the two of you!”

“Yes Lord Kai, and you must heed the wisdom of your Sentinel at Arms.” Iason spoke with confidence, “He knows exactly what is about to happen.”

Kai looked off to his left, and saw Raoul flying to his side. Raimen didn't hesitate, as he now helped Raoul pick up Kai kicking and screaming, as they pulled him to the side of the fortress. The three men now projected their shields. The natives took one look at Iason and Riki's aura, and quickly made for the shadows.

“What is this?” Elder Viho and Waneta yelled, “Are you so confident Lord Heirs? I find your posturing quite insulting!”

“It is you who has insulted the natives of this once peaceful nation Lord Elders!” Iason's voice now boomed loudly over the heads of the Elders. The ground began to softly rumble beneath the Elders feet. “You have reigned over men, and murdered millions in the centuries of your residence on Yasuo!”

The ground continued to rumble as the cracks on the streets, and the building began to slowly glow. Riki's hair whipped around angrily, as his tempest swirled around the dust that was kicked up. Dust that was now recognized by Heiku who watched the unfolding battle from the sidelines.

He had set up a makeshift triage center with Ayuda where the wounded natives were being taken. Iason insisted that he remain with Heiku, as he didn't want to have him battle with so many powerful beings were fighting. Petros,Wei and Wyl were placed as shields over the injured. Heiku's heart began to beat loud in his chest, and his mind was filled with images he knew were a prelude to his awakening. He looked down at his hands, which were filled with blood, and his clothing which were drenched with the sweat of his labor, and the blood of many a fallen man.

“It is now, that I see the approaching storm.” He whispered to himself, “I see the Lords before me, that once led me to the ends of the world. Lord Kai, I...I saw the lance that pierced your chest, as your Lord Sentinel leaped to prevent your death. And now I see his heir raise his shield to protect you from an evil from the past...”

“Lord Heiku,” Riki whispered, “You shall awaken to serve your Warrior Lord once again..” Riki reached within Heiku's mind, and witnessed Heiku standing in a field filled with wounded men, all calling his name as they died. Heiku's body could not move fast enough to save or heal them, and in his mind, the sounds of suffering were as loud as the roar of thunder.

“My son,” Erin now appeared in Heiku's mind, “Here child, let me hold this young Lord's hand, while you continue the fulfillment of Yasuo's prophetic Renaissance. They are all watching, as we are.”

Erin blew Riki a kiss, as Heiku gave Riki and now Iason, a nod. “I will hold my thoughts in check my Lords,” Heiku whispered, “I have been seeing these images for some time, and I knew they would eventually rise in the heat of battle. My Warrior Lord has kept me abreast of what I was to witness. It is not to be any more shocking than the fields of blood I now wade in.”

Heiku bowed towards Iason and Riki, then knelt before Lady Erin's image, and waited. As Heiku found himself on the edge of awareness, his body had fainted in the midst of the natives. Theo ran from his position, and also watched the slumbering Intellect in expectation of yet another awakening.

Iason and Riki had been floating above the Elders, who continued their assault towards the two Lords but could not penetrate Riki's tempest veil, nor Iason's golden aura that surrounded them both. They now turned their gaze to them and with their outstretched hands, began to absorb the energy from the minerals below the surface of Yasuo. It's glittering appearance confused the Elders who had never seen anything like that in their lives.

“What the hell is that?” Elder Viho spoke, “It looks like gold dust and diamonds! A treasure beneath our feet all along?”

“No Lord Elders, Riki's voice boomed in their heads, “This is the life force of the universe, rising to take back what you stole from these innocents!”

With Riki's words, the ground erupted into deep cracks and many elders fell to their deaths. As the Alaric Elders witnessed in horror, reports were coming in of similar events happening all over Yasuo's largest cities. Kai and Raimen now watched as the enraged Elders sent their energy towards the two young Lords hovering above their heads. Iason and Riki thrust their hands forward, and instantly the Elders began to burst into flames, and fall into mounds of ashes.

Kai and Raimen had never seen such power coming from their sons. Elder Viho and Simon looked over at the Warrior Lord who was being shielded by his Sentinel at Arms and Raimen. He wondered why the Lords of Amoi would be taking refuge. That is, until they witnessed scores of Elders reduced to ashes.

“I've seen this before..” Simon spoke out loud. “This will not end well Lord Viho, as the scars on my body attest to my last encounter with the Lords of Amoi.” Simon walked away, and found a quiet corner beside the ruins of the flight deck, and sat down. There was no point, or so he figured. He wondered if it was too late to ask for forgiveness for his part in all this. Was it a crime to want to belong to his Clansmen? Would he had been welcomed on Aristia, so many months ago, when he found himself homeless?

As his thoughts weighed down his resolve to be brave, he spotted Theo hiding alongside his natives. They were bloodied and wounded, yet their bodies were poised to defend these beings who showed up with no agenda save one. To retrieve their Lord Prince. He knew Riki's involvement was beyond his understanding, considering he was an Elder. The role of an Elder was to master the realm of such a phenomenon, as this Flame and his Tempest. But instead of pursuing the path of enlightenment as his counterparts on Aristia had done centuries ago, he was raised to believe Amoi was the adversary.

“Heavy thoughts indeed, Lord Heir. It makes a man wonder such things, like whether the chicken came before the egg no?” Came the voice of someone he least expected to take pity on him. “Such quandaries are what give men like us, a reason to always do what is right. Because hatred and greed, will only get you what you already survived once on Rhea. And -with any luck- will be your saving grace at the crossroads you find yourself in.”

Theo gave him a nod, as Elder Viho continued giving the Elder's Tower orders, and was now heard screaming at Elder Waneta. “We shall not run and cower like their fathers! They are mere children, and we are above them!!”

Raoul braced against the energy being produced between Iason and Riki, and the minerals below the surface. He looked down at Kai and spoke, “Did I not say you had yet see them fight together my Lords?” Raoul smiled.

“By the Gods!” Kai exclaimed, “They are white hot! How can they not be consumed by this, this energy?!”

Raimen, being the scientific one, gave it his Intellect's opinion, and shook his head. “I find it amazing that this power source, this mineral Agatha, resonates with them. It should be a poison, with the amounts they are exposed to. It is as if the universe shares a symbiotic relationship with the fruit of our loins!” Raimen smiled. His eyes still shimmered their deepest blue made chills run down Kai's back. “I wonder what my dear Queen makes of this incredible sight?”

“She is taking notes as we speak, my Lords...and Kai, we'll have to do something about those arousing thoughts...less you forget we are now back?” Erin whispered. “Everyone is witnessing our two Lord Heirs, glow like the sun. As for your equally scientific wife Raimen, she's already made plans to study our sons when we return to Amoi, I'll let you know.” Erin laughed softly.

As the Elders began to retreat away from Iason and Riki, many made for the Elders Tower, and the safety of their fortress. Unbeknown to them, the cracks beneath the fortress began to destabilize the foundation. Elder Viho and Waneta called for them all to retreat into the building.

“We are not through with you!” Viho said under his breath. “We'll just have to find out how god-like you truly are.”

Iason and Riki watched the receding Elders run into the building, as the natives gave a rousing cheer and began to pummel the fortress with their powers. It was then that several large stone panels began to move, and open up along the front of the building. Within moments strategically positioned laser cannons emerged and prepared to open fire.

“There is no prophesy for you to fulfill, if there are no natives to carry on your noble deeds.”

Riki and Iason heard the thoughts of Elder Viho within their minds. Riki cried out, “NOOOO!” and in the next moment, he was once again standing over the ruins, watching the Elders approach the largest building, as the native women began to run back to hide. He saw another large contingency of Elders approach the ruins from within the jungle, and then time slowed down, and stopped.

Only the breathing of Iason and Riki could be heard. Riki's tempest veil, and Iason's golden aura became still. Iason looked down at Riki with wide eyes, as he witnessed the Queens take a defensive position between the ruins and the jungle. Iason was confused as to where this incredible army came from, and could see Omaki, Argent and Yousi standing watch over the Queens.

Riki looked down, and found Yui bloodied and weak, as his shield was protecting the natives. His resolve was expressed in the determination of his eyes to prevent genocide at all cost. For the first time they both saw what their mother's were up against. Even with their defenses, they would not outlast the Elders appearing seemingly out of thin air.

Riki touched Iason's forehead, and they now moved freely. Riki walked over to the image of their mothers as the action continued to loop endlessly. Then he walked over to the image of Elder Viho giving the order to fire upon their direction, and destroying the ruins. And yet a third scene appeared where Iason was hit by laser fire, and fell from the sky.

Iason was shocked to see the three images. But what truly surprised him, was Riki's silence. He could see Riki tilting his head in one angle then another, as if trying to consider his next move. Like pieces of a chess board, with only one move allowed. At least that is what Iason surmised.

“Yes my love,” Riki spoke above a whisper, “that is exactly what an Echo in Time is. This is the echo that I foresaw, and now it has been altered with our mother's making the scene. There were two of them, and now there are three. Being an empath, my mother may also have seen some sliver of this, and acted on it in her own way. Perhaps in the way she maneuvered Jupiter to make the next logical decision in sending aid, Elders, and your mother to where she would make a difference.”

Iason stared at Riki. The thought struck him that Riki knew much of what was going to happen, and made the best decision given the options before him. “Riki, just how far in advance did you cross this echo? I know you had that vision while we were yet retrieving the maidens, so it could not have been much time.”

Riki sighed, “I had less than a day really. I still did not have all my memories of these gifts- this empathic ability of mine. Though truth be told, I've had an uneasy feeling during our travel to Les Fidelis. But when it finally dawn on me, we were inside Yui's mind. So I only had moments. That is how much time I had.” Riki's eyes filled with tears, “And here I am again. trying to decide my next move. I was alone the first time, choosing to build a wall, and prevent one move over another that might lead to these paths. But I think you were drawn in with me this time, due to our merged power in this moment in time. Hell, that's the bloody truth, and I still don't know how to move forward.”

Iason looked into Riki's eyes, and wiped a tear that rolled down his cheek. “Oh love...” Iason whispered, “We shall face this echo together. We are two minds, and one soul.” Iason held Riki in his arms, “We shall overcome this echo that I'll wager,” Iason touched Riki's nose with his finger, “has been running circles in your head since you first saw it, forcing you into a corner, sacrificing yourself for us and the maidens. Is this not so?”

“Does this make me selfish?” Riki whispered from beneath Iason's embrace, “You said so, you know.” Riki looked down at his hands, “I mean, is it selfish for me to want our family to survive these fucked up paths? To want to save these people, our maidens? I have had choices before me that no man should ever have to make, and yet just when I have it all figured out, something changes. A grain of sand is moved, and now...” Riki stopped abruptly and looked at his mother and Yuri. They were poised to take whatever was coming, as if expecting the worse.

“Holy shit!” Riki suddenly yelled, as he slapped his forehead, “Iason! My mother saw this, this battle she was meant to fight! See?” Riki looked almost mad, when he pushed out of Iason's embrace, and pulled him to the image of the ruins and the Queens about to face the Elders.

Iason spun around as he was pulled by Riki, “See what my love?”

“This! My mother knew the Elders would come! Hell even Theo didn't know, only Elder fuck face and his demon Elders! But my mother knew this! It was a grain of sand! My mother was that grain of sand to make this echo change!”

“Alright, say you are correct.” Iason smiled, “Then the choice is already made. One choice was made by your mother. So two images will come to be..will I be shot down, or will that rather ominous laser cannon kill them all?”

“That is it!” Riki jumped up and kissed Iason passionately, “The choice is already made! We will bring down that laser cannon, the one what would have shot you, and destroyed the ruins and killed our Queen Mothers!”

Iason's mind did somersaults as the intelligent Lord's eyes lit up and he embraced Riki returning the kiss with one of his own.

“Sounds like a plan my love, however, I am curious about one thing,” Iason looked at the jungle scene, “where the hell did that army come from? We only saw the original group that appeared before dawn, yet there are thousands now.”

“I don't know, there is something we are not seeing.” Riki looked at the scene as it continued to loop. “Iason, look at the end of that group of Elders....did they just pop up from somewhere?”

Iason looked at the scene, and sure enough, the Elders were coming up from behind a large boulder. From below the surface.

“Riki, we know nothing about this world or it's origins, but I know that at one time, those ruins were the heart of this civilization. You came here once, what do you recall doing here?”

Riki thought about this, then his yes lit up once again. “I helped plant and harvest the crops while I stayed here...there was an ingenious way the natives watered their crops at this altitude. They had underground waterways and they used their powers to force the water up! It would come up like a geyser and then they'd manipulate the water to rain down on the crops. The water has probably long dried up with the passage of time, leaving the passages intact. This has to be it, those fools were going to massacre these people whether or not we were present!”

“And they would have succeeded Riki.” Iason looked at the numbers. “They are outnumbered by the population, and only controlled them with the use of Elder's powers and those collars. But if they have the element of surprise, like these underground passages, they could send thousands of Elders without exposing their positions or their defenses.”

“Until it was too late.” Riki spoke, “Then that is where we will attack. We'll bring down this fortress, and eliminate those laser cannons to eliminate the threat from below.”

“I believe your father would love to bring down that fortress.” Iason spoke, “And my father would love to save the women and children.”

Riki looked up at Iason's expression. There was nothing more beautiful in Riki's eyes, than Iason's loving gaze. He felt his heart swell and overflow with his love for him. It made Riki smile.

“Well, that's more like it.” Iason smiled back. “Let's get this over with. We have a wonderful reunion ahead of us, and I for one, cannot wait for these idiots to brought down.”

“Let's kick ass Iason!' Riki jumped up and down, having finally seen a way out of his dilemma.

As they began to relax, Riki's tempest began to move once more, along with the radiance of Iason. Time began to move forward. With renewed hope, they spoke to everyone.

“Father, Raoul,” Riki spoke, “We need you to bring down that fortress! Do whatever you need to do, but prevent those laser cannons from firing. They are aimed at the ruins, and our Queen Mother's are in the line of fire!” Riki gave Kai a nod, as he and Raoul acknowledged them.

Iason turned to his father, “I need you to fly to the ruins father, and aid our Queens to expand their shields. There are Elders in the thousands, traveling below the surface and will overwhelm them!”

Kai and Raimen looked at Iason and Riki with curiosity. Kai spoke, “Now son, how in the world could you two have this intelligence?” Kai looked Iason who pointed to Riki's head, and winked. “Of course..how stupid of me.” Kai said with sarcastic flair, as Raoul continued to hold his shield up.

“Well, couldn't we warn your mother by telepathy Riki?” Raimen began to hover, “It will take me a few minutes to get there...”

“I already know dearest..” Erin chimed in, “I'm glad you were able to come to a decision Riki, it is a bugger of a deal this gift no? You can fill me in later, for now, come Raimen! Your darling Queen awaits your shield.”

“And who am I to keep my Lady waiting?” Raimen's face beamed with joy, “I'll meet up with you later my love..” Raimen gave Kai a peck on the cheek.

Kai blushed, to be spoken to in the same sentence as his rival in love. But it was with understanding. He couldn't wait for his reunion with Erin, and the only thing standing in his way was one big ass fortress of stone.

“Easy enough.” Kai said under his breath, “Come on my Sentinel, we need to knock on this door for a cup sugar.”

“And if they refuse to answer the door my Lord?” Raoul spoke with a twinkle in his eye.

“Then we kick the fucking door down and raid the kitchen!” Kai let out a loud laugh. “There's an accounting to be completed and I think we have just the right amount of hands for the job.”

Kai looked at the natives, who all waited for instructions. Kai gave Riki a nod, “OK, now what are you and Iason about to do? I assume you have a role on this final scene?”

“Yes, my Lord.” Iason looked at Riki, “We have learned that the sewers on Yasuo need maintenance.” Iason smiled.

“And we are about to blast the cockroaches out!” Riki grinned, “I hear they are this big!” Riki raised his hand near Iason's head, to show just how big they were. Iason laughed, as they made their way to the edge of the city.

“Well, that's hardly the job for Royalty..” Kai teased, “but I believe one must be humble in order to rule.” Kai grinned as Riki gave him a slight salute, and began to turn away. The Elders were oblivious as to the mental briefing between the Lords, and watched from their fortress, wondering what the hell they were all doing standing around without saying a word.

It wasn't until they all began to move that the Elders began their countdown. Elder Waneta knew it had been centuries since any of their equipment was used for anything. They had the population controlled with the silver collars, so there was hardly a need. Not only that, the laser cannons were taken from their old ships, and no one knew if they would even work.

This thought brought a smile to Riki who looked at Iason as they came upon tunnel entrance heavily guarded by Alaric Elders. Iason and Riki came out to the open, and were immediately fired upon. But the weapons were of no consequence to them, as Iason and Riki raised their hands, and instantly incinerated the men. It was quick and quite silent.

“It is more than they deserve.” Riki whispered. He and Iason entered the tunnels, and it was not long before they reached the tail end of the Elder ranks.

“Bloody Hell!” Riki spoke to Iason in his mind, “We were right, there's just fucking cockroaches!”

Iason and Riki followed the group that led to underground staging center. They noticed these Elders were trained to use the underground tunnels to send their death dealers. This pissed Riki to no end, and they decided it all had to go.

*~*~*

Raimen flew as fast as he could, not caring if he was seen, which of course he was. But it did not matter, he was too fast, a blur really, and he was racing to meet up with his beloved Yuri. His heart was beating like a drum, and his hands were clammy as the thought of seeing her alive brought tears to his eyes. As he approached the edge of the jungle, he could see the battle lines from his height, and off in the distance, he saw Omaki, Argent and Yousi flying above the jungle. The firefight was quite involved, and he nearly fainted when he saw who was at the center of the three men. It was Yuri. She was radiant and quite transformed. His memory of her Maiden's Dance came to the front of his mind, as he recalled seeing a young Yuri being introduced. So delicate, and dressed like an angel.

A sharp contrast to the woman he was witnessing dealing death to the Elders below. Raimen pushed his energy a bit more, and within moments he was standing before her, staring at her beautiful blue eyes. It was as if the world disappeared, and only the two lovers reached out for the arms of the other. To the untrained eye, one would have thought the sun had descended upon Yasuo, as the Intellect Lord, finally held his Intellect Queen.

Their energy was so high, their radiance pushed the men away in all directions. Raimen held his wife in his arms and tipped her chin up to meet his lips. Without a word, Raimen kissed his beautiful Yuri. Erin was in tears as she saw their reunion. As did all who knew what the unfolding scene meant to the lovers.

The Elders below were at a loss for words. “Who the Hell is THAT?!” The Elder Commander looked around as if the answer was written in the faces of his men. “Don't just stand there gawking! Kill them!”

The dumbfounded Elders began to fire upon Raimen and Yuri. The Intellect Lord instinctively shielded Yuri from the energy attack, but found Yuri quite capable of defending herself.

“My love, help me, don't protect me. I'm quite able to blast those ingrates back 10,000 years.” Yuri asserted as she unleashed her power. It was similar to Raimen's as they both sent out a charge of electricity to the surface, and the ground erupted around the Elders.

“Yes my love, I can see you are quite capable..” Raimen smiled, “It seems I've been out of the loop with regards your skills.” Raimen winked.

“Yes well, there seems to be no end to these ruffians, and we can't seem to kill them fast enough.”

“Ah yes, about that...” Raimen now remembered why he was there. “We need to retreat to the ruins my love, our children are about to clean house, and we do not want to be standing near them, or flying above them.”

Yuri gave him a sideways look, as Erin spoke in their minds. “We need to do as Lord Raimen just spoke, everyone needs to retreat to the larger buildings! Yui, Argent, Omaki and Yousi, we need all of the awakened to raise your shields over the ruins, Iason and Riki are about to end this.”

Odi did not hesitate, as he waved all the men to retreat. It was quite a scene as the women all ran towards the ruins. It was the echo Riki had foreseen, and true enough, the Elders took advantage and began their assault. Raimen and Yuri hovered above the ruins, and slowly descended and raised their energy shields.

*~*~*

It was the deep gulp before the plunge, as Kai and Raoul began to power up and lead the men towards the fortress of stone. Kai gave instructions as Alex and Ajax led the natives, and they faced the building. The Elders above continued to fire down at them, but as Kai gave the command, they all opened fire with every form of energy the natives possessed.

“Aim at the base of the building and only the base!” Kai spoke, as he knew Iason and Riki would once again absorb the power of the minerals, and help them bring down the fortress. Raoul and Kai now aimed at the stone foundation. The building began to rumble and sway with the energy from the natives.

“Alex!,” Raoul bellowed, “Make sure that when the fortress begins to crumble, all the natives run like hell!”

“Yes my Lord!” Alex yelled back. He looked at his fellow natives, as they gave it all they had. Suddenly the sounds of engines powering up was heard, as Elder Viho prepared to fire their laser cannons. It was a startling noise, as if one was trying to hot wire a ship that had no key. When the ground began to rumble once again, Kai knew it was a different source of energy causing the shift.

*~*~*

Iason and Riki began to slowly power up, as they began to feel the strength of the minerals all around them. It was as if they were given a power boost considering they were below the surface and closer to the source of mineral deposits.

“This is going to be a fucking blast!” Riki yelled in his mind, “Let's light up the bastards Iason!”

The Elders were startled when the walls of the tunnels began to glow, and the ground beneath their feet began to liquefy like quicksand. Iason and Riki now hovered as they moved forward, their bodies lighting up the many tunnels filled with hundreds if not thousands of Elders that went in every direction under the ancient jungles. The Elders felt as if the air was being sucked out, and that would be their last thought as the force of Riki's tempest blew them out towards the many exits, followed by Iason's energy burst. The ones closer to the two transformed Ancients were turned to ash, and the screams of those their power touched could be heard echoing in the many tunnels.

Kai felt the rumble beneath his feet, as he and Raoul now began to retreat away from the fortress. Visible cracks on the foundation began to run up the sides of the tower. Kai and Raoul raised their shields as the natives all stepped back and did the same. Within moments a tempest wind kicked up unlike any the natives had ever seen.

“That's Riki!” Kai yelled above the noise, “That boy can sure raise some dust!”

The building began to glow softly and dissolve at the foundation made of stone and minerals.

“And that would be Iason!” Raoul yelled back, “I know that glow anywhere!”

“By the Gods!” Theo exclaimed as the combined powers of Iason and Riki, made the building crumble and collapse within itself, as floor after floor of stone reacted to their powers. Theo could hear their panicked cries, and saw within their minds, as the Council of Elders and Viho cried out for the laser cannons to fire. “Even then you lust for their blood old friend.” Theo whispered in his head.

“Theo! You traitor!” Viho yelled, “You would betray your own kind for those worthless beings?!”

“I am with my kind you son of a bitch! Go to hell, and may the dead feast on your worthless ass!”

The laser cannons fired, but it was too late. The lasers shot off into the sky, giving Sir James and the medics quite a light show from their position in space.

“I-I think that was Lord Iason and the young Prince!” Martin spoke, as he pointed at the view screen.

“Yes, it seems we've seen this familiar glow before.” Sir James spoke as he pulled the Sentinel's Chariot out from it's hidden position. He figured he might be receiving a communication soon.

Back on the surface, Kai and Raoul witnessed the fortress crumble as foundation dissolved, causing the building to fall over the cliff side, and into the sea below. The loud cheers of the natives were heard all around, as Alex and Ajax stood next to Kai and Raoul. The weary leaders now turned their attention to the jungles.

“Come my Lord, we still have a loose end to tie.” Raoul gave Kai his arm. “I know you can't fly, but I can carry you.”

Kai looked at Ajax and Alex, “You two need to cover the rest of the city and secure it. There may be pockets of resistance and you should be thorough. Break up into several groups and mind the buildings. At least those still standing. We'll meet up soon.” Kai smiled, as the natives excitement became contagious, as they eagerly looked to Alex and Ajax for direction.

“We hope your fair Queens are safe.” Alex spoke, “We owe them, and you our gratitude.”

“You owe me drink!” Kai winked at the two young leaders, “And it better be a big one!” Kai was lifted by Raoul, as the two men rushed to the ruins where the shields of the awakened held strong.

Erin looked up into the sky and saw the Warrior Lord being flown in by Raoul. As the Queens watched, Riki's tempest wind was blowing Elders out of the exits and into the sky.

“Oh no, not again!” Kai grumbled, “Well, we better land quick, if not Iason will-”

As Kai and Raoul made for the safety of the ruins, Iason's energy flowed out the many exits, and turned the Elders into ash. It was unlike anything the women had ever seen. Erin and Yuri watched their sons power engulf the enemy, and clear the underground passages. The Elders on the surface watched in horror, as the jungle was covered in a light coat of ash.

This infuriated the Elders, and they rushed the ruins, bombarding the buildings. But it was in vain, as the united awakened made short work of the remaining Elders. Retreat was not an option, as the end of the Elders rule on Yasuo had come to it's final chapter. The women and children came out from the ruins as the fighting had come to an end. It would be a new beginning for the natives.

Iason and Riki emerged from the tunnels, to find their parents standing together. Kai had swept Erin in his arms and was tenderly kissing his beautiful wife. Omaki and Argent were in tears, as the sight of all the Royals together was a beautiful sight indeed. Yousi looked for Heiku, and was worried after hearing Lady Erin speaking of his awakening. But he didn't have to wait long, as Darius landed his ship and Victor came out with Heiku at his side. The weary physician was holding his own, as the storm within him was being held in check by Victor's mind block.

Iason and Riki powered down, as Erin and Yuri broke away from their husbands and eagerly jumped into the waiting arms of their sons. Iason took his mother into his arms, and lifted her in the air and gently brought her down.

“I have never been more proud of you my son,” Yuri spoke as tears streamed down her face, “You were glorious my dearest child.”

Iason was moved to tears, as he kissed his mother tenderly on the forehead. “I have missed you so much mother...” Iason spoke, “It is a miracle indeed.”

Erin was being devoured by Riki, who could not believe his mother was finally in his arms again. He held her tightly in his arms, and placed gentle kisses all over her face until she began to giggle.

“Mother,” Riki began, “This is the happiest day of my life..both lives!” Riki looked over at Lady Yuri who was still crying in Iason's arms. Riki reached over and touched her long blond hair. “I would never had believed it to be true, yet the missing pieces of our hearts have just been found.”

Iason reached across and kissed Lady Erin on the cheek. “You my fair Queen are as beautiful as ever.” Iason smiled. I believe our Lord Father's may be thinking we've monopolized our reunion.” Iason gave Riki a nod, as the four watched Kai and Raimen smile in their direction.

“Well, they've had you to themselves for some time before we arrived, they're going to have to wait!” Erin teased. But we need to get our good doctor out of is predicament my dear sons, as he is waiting patiently for his mind to be awakened. I don't believe he will be suffer too much despite his past. He's been quite on the verge, and has been awakening on his own. I believe it was that way for Yousi, before Jupiter got a hold of him. He will do fine.”

The four royals looked over at Heiku, as Yousi held him in his arms. There was not a dry eye around, as all looked for Raoul, and his young lover. Yui was off counting children as they jumped with all the excitement. He desperately wanted to find them all safe. As Raoul tapped him on the shoulder, all heads turned to see Yui turn around and with wide eyes, jumped into Raoul's arms. His cries were heartbreaking, as Raoul fell to his knees and held him tight. Iason watched his old friend, tremble with joy as he kissed Yui's lips and stroked his hair gently. The children cheered as the two lovers drank from their lips.

“Yui..” Raoul voice was trembling, “I have longed to hold you in my arms and feel your heart beating against mine..” Raoul buried his face in Yui's hair.

“Raoul, I never thought I'd see you again!” Yui cried, “I have have all my memories, I remember everything...and I have never loved you more than I do now.” Yui held Raoul's face in his hands, as Raoul continued to cry. “I am fine my love, please don't cry..we are all going to be alright.”

“Now that is wonderful picture,” Kai spoke to Raimen, as they witnessed Raoul's reunion with Yui. Kai now felt confident, his Sentinel at Arms would heal completely. He knew this, because he felt the same way as he watched Erin holding Riki tight in her embrace.

Raimen was so excited, he jumped into Kai's arms and teased, “Well somebody needs to hold me, because I'm feeling rather left out!” Raimen put his arms around Kai's neck and began to snuggle up to him. This of course was met with much laughter, as the Queens were seen chasing Kai who held Raimen in his arms and laughed. Iason and Riki shook their heads. But it was all in good fun.

*~*~*

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

The concluding chapter will follow, thank you most kindly for your wonderful support.

UntamedLady