QueenEtheria

She stared at the gentleman with a slight fright in her lilac eyes as he went into a crouch. Her hands tensed for a moment, readying to reach for her boot dagger. She noticed he had relaxed and she followed suit.

He reached his hand out to her as she concentrated on his words, picking out a few words she could recognize.

She tenitively took his hand as she stood. She flipped her long, curling, deep auburn hair behind her shoulder as she smiled at the man.

"I am obvious, yes?" she replied as she straightened her cloak with a soft chuckle," Once again, forgive me, Master..."

She smoothed her skirt as she continued to smile at the stranger. Since she had strated her training as the priestess of her clan, her grandmother, the current high priestess, had been teaching her more civilized manners. Growing up in a household of several male warriors had made her a slight tom-boy, or so says her elder.

She continued to beam at the stranger. Her smile warm as the rays of the sun, but calm as the light of the moon. It was a smile that moved men's hearts as easily as leaves caught in the wind. Her Uncle Oisin , the clan leader, would joke with her and tell her that she could be the head of his armies in battle as long as she came armed with that smile, no man would dare raise a weapon.

" I do hope you are in good health? I did not cause injury did I?" she asked as she noticed the dirt on his toga.

She leaned down slightly to dust away the grit clinging to the fabric when she froze, hand out, and stared sheepishly up at the man. She blushed brightly and stood again, embaressed. She wasn't quite sure what was proper behavior in Rome. She shifted nervously.


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Bel paced his cell like a caged animal. No! Now I trully am a caged animal. he thought to himself as he continued to walk the confines of his prison.

He ran a hand through his wild, curly blond locks. He blew at the strand that fell into his eyes. They had cut his long, mid-back braids. Now he was stuck with ear length hair he could do nothing with. His worn sandals slapped against the stone floor with his angry walk. He had to figure out how to escape.

If he could survive long enough, Pernious, his new master, said he would free him that is once Pernious' pocket was lined with enough money to make him live more comfortably. But, this was a roman dog's word, which meant nothing to him.

Bel stopped and stared out the small barred window that faced the collesuem. The chants of the crowds had finally begun to fade from his memories of the day before. He stared sadly down at his hands and flinched at the dried blood stuck under his nails. He was no stranger to battle. Forged a man on the fields, fighting the Norse tribes and the Romans alike, he had earned his birth name on the field. The men clamied he fought with a fury akin to fire. He burned a path through the enemy forces and sent the glorious fear of the dawning sun into the heart's of those who remained. His highland Uncle Collum , from his mother side, said his mother had named him aptly.

"Burn brightly, my little sun. Let no man tame your passion," she would say to him when he was a little boy.

He wrapped his strong hands around the bars of the window in frustration. Someone had captured the sun. He sighed in futility and rested his forehead against the cool stone wall as he continued to stand. He felt lost. There was an cold, emptiness in his heart that began to eat away at him after his capture several months ago as he helped his mother's tribe fight for their lands against the Romans. He had felt incomplete since he left her side.

"Samen," he whispered outloud in his native tongue, hoping she could hear him, but guessed it was no good.

His head snapped up, staring back out the window as he felt a familair pricking across his skin. A soothing sensation, almost like when his mother would caress his forehead when he was sick.

"My moon has come," he smiled out through the bars.

His attention was quickly drawn away as he heard the clinking of armor and the soft steps of a woman. He glanced over his shoulder with a dark stare, his sky blue eyes burning. A beautiful, young noble woman with flowing brown hair smiled hungrily at him.

"Is this the one you want, my lady?" the guard asked, nodding in Bel's direction.

The woman's brown eyes trailed over his lean, muscular form. Her eyes lingering on his intricate knot-work tattoo covering the length of his right arm and most of his shoulder. A lecherous smile curved her lips as her eyes moved over his lower body.

"Yes. This is the one," she replied as she handed over a small purse, jingling with coins.

"You know the rules, barbarian scum," the guard replied as he unlocked the cell door.

Bel turned to face them. He smirked as the woman gasped in surprise and lust.

"Of course," he grunted back, his accent showing, as he watched the woman enter his cage.

She reached a shaky hand out to touch the tattoo on his chest, over his heart. The strange archaic tattoo looked like the sun and moon were melting together. He grabbed her wrist roughly but didn't squeeze. No one was allowed to touch that tattoo.

"That's not what you want to touch," he growled at her with his deep voice.

She shivered as he embraced her roughly, knowing exactly what she paid for. After all since he began fighting in the arena, he had become quite popular with the noble ladies.

What warrior wouldn't want a life of brutal fighting and plentiful women, he thought to himself as he kissed the woman.

Maybe freedom and my missing half back.

Samen readjusted her dark green cloak, making sure it covered her bow and quiver, as she walked up to the gates. Her heart hammered in her chest but her outward appearence was calm. Her mind kept running over the words one of the priestesses of Luna had taught her. The language of Rome was unfamiliar and difficult.

She glanced at one of the gate guards and smiled softly as he stared at her. She bowed her head in acknowledgement as she tried to slip past him. He leaned a spear out in front of her path and asked her to halt.

She sighed mentally as she turned her lilac-colored eyes to him. Her mind kept repeating the few phrases of Latin that she knew. She had hoped and prayed to Cerridiwen that she could just pass through but seeing she was obviously not from the Empire and quite definatly Celtic or a northern barbarian to these haunty, egotisical Romans.

"What business do you have here, barbarian?" he asked, staring her up and down.

"I am merely visitng the great city of Rome as I continue on my pilgrimage," she replied, her accent lilting some of the words.

"Pilgrimage? What kind of pilgrimage does a heathen go on? One brought on by thier false gods?" he laughed at her, from under his helm.

She grited her teeth as she clenched her fists at her side. She felt the annoyance of her goddess rise within her. At least the priestesses in the temple of Luna, understood. It appears only the intelligent ones are those devouted to Gods.

Samen reached into one of the pockets of her belt and withdrew the token of Luna. She showed it to the guard and smiled truimphantly as his eyes went wide.

"Luna has called me from my lands. It is by will of my goddess and one of yours that I continue on my path. So please let me pass unmolested," she replied, staring defiantly into his surprised eyes.

He mumbled something under his breath and stepped aside for the raven haired young woman. She replaced the token and strolled through the gates.

She fell into step with the morning crowds as her lilac eyes screached her new surrondings. She took a deep breath as she realized the size of the city. It was nothing compared to her home back in Erea, and her clan was fairly large.

Her brown and green leather clothing, stood out against the silken gowns and togas of the citizens. She pulled her cloak tighter around her and tried to remain unobtrusive. She found her way to some kind of market place and felt her heart lighten. The sheer diversity of all the merchants astounded her. So many different races of tribes and people.

Maybe I will find a fellow Celt? They might be able to point me in the right direction.

She began to make her way through the crowded market, checking out each stand and rug laid out. Several trinkets caught her eye as she scanned the merchants.

Her fingers, in her nervousness, unconsiously went to the silver cross she kept hidden under her vest. Her fingers traced the circle and the cross pieces, feeling the knot work her people were known for under her fingertips. It reassured her as she continued to walk.

Oh, please protect Bel until I can find him, Great Mother. I am your humble servant, Cerridiwen.

While she was praying silently, Samen did not see where she was going, her attention on one of the stalls. She bumped into someone and fell back on her rump with an soft grunt. She stared up at the man she had run into, her eyes wide with fear. He was apparently tying his sandal.

"I'm so sorry!!!" she replied quickly in Gaelic.

"Oh," she tried again, realizing he probably couldn't understand her," Forgive me..." she tried again in Latin.

Chapter Five ( Part Two)


Etheria took the sharp corner quickly, sand sliding under her sandaled heels. Heart racing, breathing quickened as she surged back towards the temple. Fear sped her mad dash, sending vivid images of violence, bloodshed and death.

Oh please let them be alright! The soliders would have seen them, right?

The cobbled, sandstone streets of the many bazaars were empty. The tents and wares packed away for the next morning. Blood pounded in her eyes along with the rhythmic padding of her sandals and the clinking of Valerius' armor. She glanced over her shoulder, making sure the commander was still following, as she streaked through her city. Each twist and turn memorized.

His eyes met hers briefly before casting his glance aside. They had yet to discuss what had happened and niether of them knew what to make of their kiss.

Etheria's fear that the Setites had already visited the temple, sped her along. She darted down sidestreets and alleyways, surprising several of the homeless people who took residence in the backalleys. Her already borken heart ached more at the sight of these people, some with small children. She swallowed down her compassion as she continued to run, thinking of all the soilders, preistesses, and innocent people taking shelter in her temple and how they could all be dead because of her.

Tears welled in her eyes as she headed through the south gate and onto the route to her temple. She could not shake her morbid thoughts. Her already exhausted body cried out for rest as she felt her knees begin to shake. Her breathing became ragged as she pushed herself foreward.

Oh, Great Mother, please...please help me!! Give me strength so I may assit your servants and children, she prayed as she thought about all those people who believed she would keep them safe.

She felt herself slow. Her breathing was quite rapid and her whole body shook from her exhertion. No, Oh ,Isis, no. I've failed them and you, she cried as hot tears of frustration began to fall down her cheeks.

Etheria yelped in surprise as an arm hooked hers, slid behind her shoulders, and lifted her into a set of arms.

"Worry not, Preistess. You may borrow my strength. I'll see that you get to your flock. It is the least I can do..."

Etheria wiped at her tears as she blinked up at Valerius. His face was stotic as he ran, keeping his attention ahead of them. He carried her as if she was a mere package, his pace never faultering.

"Valerius..." she whispered, her voice lilting with concern.

A muscle ticed in his jaw, but his expression remained. " You have done so much today already...prior to our altercation...such stress and fatigue is not good for your health...or your body," he replied to her silent question as he continued to hold her effortlessly," It would be a shame to see such a divine body as yours marked by such exhaustions..."

She saw the smile spread across his face as he glanced down at her, showing the man beneath the warrior. She couldn't help but smile, also. It was infectious. But her momentary joy was short-lived as she thought once more about the temple.

" Do not fret, Etheria. I am sure no harm has come to the temple or any of the people. My men are excellent soilders. If their was an attack, I'm sure they took care of it," he replied as he shifted her in his arms, craddling her closer to his chest.

"I'm...i'm sure...i..i...just worry...to much sometimes...it's my sacred..duty," she yawned, sleepily against his chest, hearing the faint rhythmic and soothing beat of his heart against his armor.

He felt her body relax in his arms as he continued to run, knowing exhaustion had finally taken her. He continued to run, pacing himself as he carried her. He couldn't help but question weither his heart was pounding from his exercise or from holding her. For virtue's sake, he said it was his running.

Alright...sounds fun...let's give it a shot...

The New Recurits:

Celes- my character. If you've read Hero Academy and the New Recruits, you should get the idea.

Radon-Mr. Good Intentions, trying to save the world...or at least everyone in the group. Once he stops second-guessing himself, he may accomplish more then he could have ever thought.

Vulpa- I'm her big sister?! Aww...she's like a little sister or the girl-friend, still deciding. Little girl, nasty bite!!!

Alan- Commrade. Kindred spirit. Shares the burden of their similar powers and family issuses.

Sartain- Bad-@** Mother!!! Direct and to the point. Anything she'll tell ya is honest and not sugar-coated. Celes respects her.

Lord Raymond- Stuffy brit. Definatly a father-figure. Always willing to take a hit for the team.

Patchworks- confusing as hell...but great for a laugh and deadly with a sword.

Super Shard-Decent guy. Good heart, regardless if he can be cold sometimes...lol.

Demonic Shadow- Another kindred spirit? Not in powers but in form, being a cross-breed and all. Can't wait til he's back up.

Mr. Null- The new guy.Have to wait and see how he fits in.

Energyst- A great Boss. Cares about his team.

Egghead- Techno-geek, period.

The others-haven't really dealt with them yet...

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P.C.U.

Leslie- that's my character.

Matt- Shy guy. First person Leslie met or ran into...Definatly her good friend. They are fairly alike in personality.

Dani- Matt's love interest. Haven't got to interact much with her but wants to...

T.K.- A new friend. Nice guy. Leslie really wants him to feel welcomed here, in this dimension.

Tay- Well...the boyfriend, but so much more. Also her inspiriation for what she wants to accomplish as a hero.

Sparky- typical college guy. Follows his...ah...you get the idea.

Lucilla- A possiable mentor.

All the others...we shall see what happens....

Chapter Five


"RRRRAAAGGGGHHH"

A beaten gold bowl clangs to the sandstone floor, rolling out of the flickering candlelight, leaving a trail of water as it splashes it's contents about. The heartbeats in the deeper shadows shrink back as the scrying altar is kicked over with an angry growl. The stone pillar breaks to pieces with the rumbling sound of earth.

The swish of a robe is followed by several sets of golden pin-pricks, watching silently and paitently but fearfully. They were built not to fail, created in the image of thier god, by the High Priest, to do his bidding. They were unstoppable or so they thought.

The metallic rustle of chains is heard. They watch like obiediant pets as the slave concubine, covered only by the scale-like tattoos adorning her body, moves cautiously towards the two red orbs. She reaches a slow, comforting hand out, wanting only to caress and sooth her master.

A powerful hand reaches out of the darkness and clamps around her wrist. She squeaks in surprise as it squeezes her tightly, painfully but she just stares placently into the red orbs, like the mindless, emotionless slave she was. With a quick jerk, her wrist is broken, the sound echoing through the grand, dark chamber. She doesn't scream, or cry, or even squirm. She just sits there like a doll, cold, empty.

A low, frustrated growl issues out from the red orbs as the hand moves to grip around the woman's neck. The darkness stands, holding her aloft, her chains rattling. It chokes her tighter, shaking her, trying to make her react.

The warriors watch interested as the woman just hangs there, not reacting.

The darkness grunts as it digs fingers tightly into her throat, choking her, red eyes burning in fury. She begins to gulp for air but thats the only reaction. It's hand begins to shake with strain as it digs deeper, tighter, waiting and wanting.

Her eyes roll back slightly but she doesn't speak, she doesn't beg, nor cry. Her body is thrown, cracking loudly against the wall, as her chains clatter with her. Another frustrated, angry roar comes from the red orbs as the warriors return their attention to the darkness.

"Worthless puppet. No passion. No pain. Nothing. An empty husk. It's not fit for our god. Feed it to Apep. The serpent is hungry," a deep, rolling, powerful voice booms through the room.

The rustle of it's robes is heard as it sits back upon it's throne. A small form races over to the slave woman and drags her off by her chains. She is still complacent.

"Whatttss would pleassse you our ssssupreme masssterr?" one of the Setite Warriors asks, before adverting it's gaze, feeling the contained heat behind the red orbs.

"You know what I want, what he wants! Is it to difficult to kill a woman? She's merely a priestess! I maybe able to understand the warrior but he is only human...not a creature created to be a ruthless killer!" the voice booms angrily, the sound of a fist slamming against metal echos in the chamber.

There is silence for a few moments, the only sound heard is quiet breathing. A wavering silver light is seen floating in the middle of the room. The image of a man and woman caught in an emtional embrace is seen clearly. A ragged sigh drifts from the drakness on the throne.

The image flickers and the figures are seen running through a city. The scrying bubble focuses in on the woman as she runs with determination. The golden winged necklace, bejeweled with the 'Heart of Isis', glimmers against her dark skin.

"No more failures. Bring me the gem and the woman, preferably unhurt. And I need the woman intact..." the commanding and frigthening voice trails off.

The warriors slither off, set upon their task with a fear of death over their heads. If they failed, it was their lives.

The robed figured remained sitting upon it's throne, watching the woman in the conjured image.

"Such life. Such emotion. Such passion. Thank you, my lord. I shall enjoy her."

Sorry it's been awhile for the next chapter! I've been busy with my B-Day and it's been finals week. I promise I'll have a new chapter by the end of this week....Sorry again....

OH NO....not The Blood Waffler! Where's it devilsih sidekick Molten Syrup?

Chapter Four

Etheria staggered with a slow, painful breath. The wound burned and made her light-headed. She stared into the creature's glowing eyes as she felt the skin-crawling caress of evil. The lingering smell of serpintine musk filled her nose. It was that scent that drew her from her slumber in time to save Valerius. She stared heatedly into those hypnotizing golden orbs. She staggered again and began coughing painfully. Her vision swam as she doubled over and spat a gout of blood on the floor. She wiped away the remaining droplets of blood as she glare back up into the unusually dark corner. Poison.

Valerius choked down his concern for Etheria as his warrior instinct rose up. Confidence moved through him as the familiar weight of his steel in his hand calmed him. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her behind him as he felt the creature move from the shadows.

Dark, pooling, brown ovid eyes stared predatorially at them from a humaniod face. It's brow ridge was slightly flattened with boney plates for eyebrows. There were serpentine slits where a nose would be. It's ears appeared to be malformed as if they did not grow out from the head. Black tattoos of arcahic symbols adorned a bald head and bared chest that moved with too many muscles. It strolled foreward with a flowing, liquid grace meant for creatures with out legs. It bared long, pointed fangs with a low hiss as it drew two more kukris.

"What in Pluto's realm is that thing?" he asked outloud as he tried to hide his fear.

He felt her put a hand on his shoulder as she took another struggling, wet sounding breath. He felt her grip his shoulder tightly with a painful grunt. The soft, splattering sound of blood was heard follwed by the metallic clang of the kukri dropping to the floor.

"Setite..warrior," she breathed slowly into his ear," Humans...fused with...snakes..by magic."

The strage sound of rough and dry paper sliding together was heard as Etheria turned around to stare at two more Setites. She placed her back to Valerius as she struggled to remain standing. "Two more..."

"I know," he replied as he stared at the first one, ready for it to make it's move.

Valerius kept focusing his mind on this inhuman being and trying not to notice the frantic fluttering of her heart against his back. "Stay close, priestess."

She tried to laugh but ended up groaning softly," I'm in no condition to go anywhere, commander."

The snake men began to slowly circle them, hissing at them, trying to shake their resolve. The duo moved slowly with them, trying to watch all three at once. "What do they want?" Valerius whispered to Etheria.

"Samething you want, Valerius," she replied breathily as she placed a hand over her wound and began to pray in her mind.

The gem set in her necklace began to pulse strongly as she felt the warmth of Isis' healing energy jump from the gem, to her heart, and dance hotly through her, sealing the wound. With it's soul-fluttering caress, she felt invigorated and was no longer weaked. Standing straighter, she glanced over her shoulder to Valerius when she felt him shiver as the energy flowed over him.

"Me," she whispered as he turned his head to glance at her.

The Setite's chittered excitedly after Etheria envoked the power of the gem. They stopped their circling dance and tensed.

Before Etheria could blink, the sound of steel meeting steel rang through the room. It took her a moment to realize the soildness of Valerius at her back was gone. She stumbled slightly at the suddeness of his movement. The setite infront of her moved with a flash of steel at her throat. Her eyes went wide as she tried to catch her breath at his quickness. She threw her arm out and took a stinging slash to her forearm.

Her heart began to race as she spun on her heel to run for the window. She was not a fighter. The ringing of steel became ferocious, drowning out all other sounds. She prepared to leap through the open portal when in a flash of gold and brown the setite was there. She halted quickly and was about to backpedal when it sprung at her like a wildcat. She shrieked as it's pure muscled body tackled her. Her head bounced on the floor, sending stars through her vision. The darkness of unconsciousness ebbed in the corners of her mind. Not good.

The deep, fathomless brown eyes stared down at her as he pinned her legs with his and held her arms down. She tried to focus on his blurring form, but her body was telling her to sleep. She blinked up at the creature in futility. She registered it's smile full of white fangs and nefarious content. It leaned down and ran an inhumanly long tongue down her cheek. "Two treasssuress of Isssiss. One for massster and one for uss sservantss."

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Valerius dodged one set of daggers and blocked the second set with his gladius. He kicked out at one of thier knees as she brought his free elbow up to smash into one's face. With liquid speed they darted out of the way. His body hummed as he fought, straining the limits of his fighting abilities. He was no stranger to combat, fighting in the field, surrounded by friend and foe. His breathing was excited as he began to sweat. He brought his arm up and caught the set of daggers against his gauntlets as he slashed out at the other snake man with a quick flash of steel. It slithered out of the way. They fought in a quick striking mannar like the animal they were fused with. Move in quickly, strike fast and move out. He smiled to himself. This was challenging.

They moved to flank him and he merely stood his ground. His mind flashed on Etheria briefly before they charged him.

He dipped his left shoulder as he slowly rolled his body to the right. He quickly reversed the grip on his blade and brought it up. It caught the arms of the one attacking him from the front. With the flat of his balde, he swiftly pushed it's arms away from him, across the snake's man body, as Valerius rolled his shoulders back, allowing the second set of kukri's plunge into the first creatures chest and shoulder. It shrieked in pain as Valerius stuck a foot out and tripped the second creature allowing it's own momenteum to tackle it's commrade.

With a hiss and spurt of blood, the second setite drove it's blades deeper into the first one as it rode his clutchmate to the floor. With the quickness of a jungle cat, Valerius drove his blade through the being's back, smoothly sliding his sword through the third and fourth rib, into the heart and straight out to pin the one beneath.

The faint whispering breath of death was heard as the top creatures body went limp. The injured one hissed up at Valerius as it struggled under the dead weight.

Valerius placed a foot on the dead one's back and pushed further down on the sword with all of his might. He felt it slip further in and heard the angry and painfilled hiss. He smiled truimphantly down at it.

A wave of heart-racing, soul-tingling energy washed over Valerius as Etheria's soothingly exotic native tongue hummed in his ears. His gaze shot up, finding her pinned on the floor. Anger and maybe a hint of jealous ran through him, bringing a rage he had never felt before. He kicked the slowly dying setite in it's jaw, hearing the satisfing snap of bone, before striding pwerfully towards her.

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Her eyes went wide in fear as her heart raced, understanding now what was on this creatures mind. She began to squirm against him, trying to wriggle away, darkness still lurking in her mind. She heard him chuckle and felt him press tighter against her, strengthing his hold on her and showing her what her struggling was doing to him. She froze and stared up at him, fear plain on her face. She heard the sound of a body hitting the floor. Praying it was not Valerius, she attempted to turn her head and check on him. A hand moved from her arm and struck her swiftly across the face. More stars exploaded across her vision as she winced.

"All you need to ssssee iss me, {censored}," it hissed down on her with a hot, putrid breath.

She blinked up at him, trying to clear her fuzzy vision. A thought crawled through her disorientated mind. She smiled happily at the creature.

" All you need to know is that you will obey me. Now, feel my pain," she replied, inacting her ability to dominate minds, granted by Isis.

The creature closed it's eyes and hissed in pain as she transfered her increadiable headache brought on by his attacks. It clutched deeply to her as the pain racked it's body. Now all I have to do is get him off of me.

Etheria heard the soft clink of armor before the creature did. It's eyes flew open, no longer under her spell. It's eyes went wide as she smiled innocently up at it. A slightly taned arm wrapped around it's neck as another hand cupped its jaw. With morbid fasination, Etheria watched as it's head was jerked quickly. The heart wrenching sound of popping bones echoed in the room, along with the labored breathing of her rescuer. She felt the dead wieght of the creature for a brief moment before it's body was hurled aside with an angry grunt.

Etheria stared up shocked and slightly concered at Valerius as he loomed over her. His forest green eyes were wild and his breathing fast. The muscles that she could see were taut from fighting and a slight sweat sheened his body. He released a shuttering breath as he leaned down and pulled her up. He crushed her body to his with a fierce tenderness. She released the breath she was holding as her fear began to subside. The wound on her arm began to sting again. She stuggled to pull away from his hug.

He circled her arms with his stong hands and held her infront of him. She stared into eyes full of fear, sadness, and fury.

"Valerius?" she whispered her question, his name hanging on the air.

He answered by pressing his lips hotly, posessively to hers as he embraced her, holding her body close.

She lost her breath as she surrendered to his kiss. Her heart raced as she felt her body go weak. She had never felt the touch or kiss of a man before and had never had the urge to until now. The only thing she could assoicated the sensation she felt was when Isis came to her. Isis forgive me.

Awesome...just awesome! Can't wait for more chapters!!


By the way...thanx for supporting my story Wolffe and Steele!

Chapter Three


They came in the darkness of the night, traveling through the silent expanse of the desert. As quiet as a whisper, they sought the city out. Fear, blood, and fire perfumed the air with an intoxicating scent. With alacrity, they glided through the wonderous chaos, drunk on the despair and misfortune of these base creatures.

Dancing within the shadows, they hunted for thier prey, undetected by the populous. Predatorial senses flared as each sight, sound, taste and touch became a tangible living force. They rejoiced in the lingering touch of their prey, carelessly worn by these lowly mortals like a second skin. They follwed the invisable trail, stalking through the city like a pack of animals. As they drew closer, they could feel the invigorating caress of ultimate power. Power that they had to get for their master. Power that ensured their lives.

Elation ran through them with a hot shutter as they approached the dwelling. The ebbing power taunted and teased them like a forbidden lover, promising them everything yet unable to give anything. They broke and prowled around the buliding, readying to tear apart the mortal with their contained animalistic urges and lay the sacred object at the feet of their master.

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Valerius shifted against the sandstone wall with a soft sigh, trying to keep his armor from clinking. He failed. As he straightened his legs, the silver grieves clanked fairly loudly. His green eyes darted to the sleeping form on the floor next to him. Etheria didn't even stir. He relaxed as her rhythmic breathing remained soft and soothing. He gingerly placed a hand to the priestess' sweat soaked forehead. He frowned deeply. Her fever was still there. He brushed a stray strand of her raven hair from her face as worry wrinkled his usually smooth face. His hand fell away quickly as he rested his head back against the wall. His eyes closed briefly with wariness as his mind recalled the events of the last couple of days.

Valerius discovered that over the last couple of days, this woman had won a place in his heart. Aside from her exotic beauty and the wonderful sense of humor she posessed, he found her compassion and selflessness had touched his hardened warrior heart. He would play her vigilant guard as she moved about the city, aiding those who needed and asked. He would stand quietly by and watch sadness pool in those incrediable amber eyes as she mourned for those who died and when the great library burned. They had spent a couple of hours evacuating people from their burning houses. She was tireless in helping people and it amazed him. He watched in silent awe as people reached out to her in reverance as they pleaed for help. She stopped at every person and spoke in her soothing manner that sent warm shivers down his spine regardless if he understood what she was saying.

What amazed him even more was her ability to heal wounds miraculously. She trully was a divine creature. As her personal defender, he become silently worried about her. She would go with out food or drink for hours, surging ahead to help those would needed. She started to get headaches and fevers as she overexherted her body. He admired her relentless and stubborn spirit but her feared for her health.

He cared very much for this woman. He would quietly carry her when she passed out from exhuastion like she did this night. His heart sank as his thoughts moved away from their shared mission. Even with his eyes closed in much needed rest, the sound of her quiet breathing reached his ears. His senses recalled the feel of her bronzed skin soft as silk against his fingertips. The caress of her warm breath against his neck as he carried her. The sensation of her long, midnight tresses sliding against his arms. What he would give to quench the fire in his heart for her, but he knew it was impossible. Like any other priestess across the world, she was to remain untouched by any man. He sighed deeply as he tried to force the strong sensory memories from his mind, but they were stubborn.

His mind conjured the sound of her soft voice whispering his name breathily as he felt the comforting press of her graceful body against his. When the delicate smell of lavander and a soft breath of a woman danced against his cheek, his eyes flew open to stare into her surprised and pained golden-brown ones. Her wary body was pressed against his, her hands placed against the wall behind him, cradling his head.

"Run," she breathed quietly but fearfully against his face.

Confusion flickered in his mind before his warrior instinct kicked in. He felt the movement of someone behind her, looming in the shadows. She took a shallow breath as she whispered at him to flee again. His eyes darted down to see the point of some kind of curved dagger proturding from her chest, directly above where his heart was. She saved him.

"Etheria..." he struggled to speak her name. Fear and rage boiled inside of him.

"Run," she breathed shakily again as she pushed away from him and stood with a wobble, turning to face the assasian.

Valerius leaped to his feet and drew his sword with a fluid motion. He moved up behind her and noticed the rapidly bleeding wound caused by the kukri. He watched as she swayed where she stood. She was going to die. Red hot anger burned through him as he stared into the darkened corner.

Two pin-pricks of gold glared back at them with a slow, low hiss.

Chapter Two



She nodded to the temple guards as she passed them at thier posts outside of the main gates. Heading in she noticed that several tents had been set up in the front gardens. She smiled to herself as she watched a couple of the younger priestesses helping groups of people who had sought out refuge here.

She had sent her sisters out the following morning after her audience with Isis, to warn the people and offer them shelter at the temple. Etheria had gone to visit her priest brothers at the temple to Osiris in the south and the temple of Ra to the east to ask them to open their doors to those in need during this war. They had readily agreed. She was determined to help as many of the citizens as she could.

She wiped the sweat and road grime from her forehead as her temple leader priestess, Nantaru, ran down the pathway to her. The woman stopped to bow in front of Etheria. "High Preistess, I am glad to see you back so soon. I take it our brothers have joined our crusade," she asked in quiet reverance.

Etheria smiled at the woman. "Yes, they have. Hopefully we can spare all those who are willing to accept our help. I pray that we shall not lose many to the impending bloodshed," she replied as she continued on to the main temple chamber.

Nataru fell into step behind her and began informing her of what was happening. " We have set up tents in the gardens and sleeping rugs in the main temple and mediataion quarters. Many have brought provisions with them and we have our surplus ready in the storage room. Our sisters have been helping the people get aquainted with the grounds. The temple guards are on fully alert. I am sorry to say that many have chosen to remain in their homes."

Etheria nodded as she glanced around at all the faces with in the main chamber. Children played quietly as the adults talked amongst themselves. Several eyes turned to her as she entered, smiles of joy and eyes full of reverance. Word had spread of her favor with the Great Goddess. Heads bowed and hands reached out to her as she passed by. Etheria stopped to touch each one by the walkway and impart words of blessing and encouragement.

"We have been sent word that Cleopartra's armies will arrive tonight. We must be ready. Make sure that everyone remains within the temple walls. I pray that we will be out of the battle grounds since our compound is far outside the city borders," Etheria replied, turning to Nantaru,"but you never know."

Nantaru bowed before her briefly. She raised her dark eyes to Etheria's amber-brown ones."You look wary, High Priestess. I shall prepare a bath for you. I know that tonight will be very busy on your personal mission for her Great Highness Isis."

Etheria was tired from her travels and lack of sleep. She was worried that she might fail her people, Isis' people. She smiled warmly at her attendent. "Thank you, Nantaru. I would appreciate a bath," she replied as she turned down a side hall to her private quarters.

"My High Priestess, there is a gentleman here to see you. He is waiting in your chambers. I believe he is a roman soilder. He came unarmed but we unfortunatly could not understand him. I am sorry, blessed by Isis," she stammered slightly.

Etheria stopped to turn to the woman. She really did not what a visitor today, especially a roman. " Thank you, and please do not refer to me as blessed by Isis, Nantaru. I am only a priestess, acting upon her will as we all do. We are all blessed by her," she replied with an exasperated voice.

Nantaru bowed again and hustled off to the bathing room. EEtheria heaved a sigh and slugishly moved towards her room, wary of meeting this man.

------------

Commander Valerius Augustus shifted awkwardly in this forgien room. He glanced around at the noticable feminine decorations. It wasn't that he had never seen a woman's chambers before, as a roman noble he had induldged in certian hedonisms as they all did, but this was a priestess' room. Regardless if she was Eygptian, a priestess was a sacred being, a physical embodiment of the god they served, and he respected those who commited their lives to the gods.

His eyes moved over the mound of brightly colored pillows and carpets enshrouded by a gauzey curtain that consisted of the bed. He coughed into his hand as he fought the urge to blush. He was a soilder. The thought of a virginal woman lounging unclothed on that mountain of exotic fabrics should not arouse him. He probably shouldn't even be thinking of this woman he had never met like that, especial since she was a priestess. He glanced up at the open skylight expecting to be blasted by divine energy for such a thought.

He ran a nervous hand through his short wheat-colored hair as he tried to keep himself occupied while he waited. He huffed in frustration. Nobody here could speak Latin which was going to make his job more difficult. Luckily the General had the woman Cleopatra write a mesage in her wierd, picture-like language. He notice a large mural of the pictures on the far wall. He moved to look at it, his silver armor clinking as he walked. He stood pondering the story that this mural was trying to tell.

He froze when he heard the sound of sandals on the stone floor. The gait was soft and slow like a woman's his warrior instint replied. He turned to see a lithe, bronzed skin woman in a white, airy gown dusted with the red sand, probably from traveling, standing in the doorway staring at him.

He swallowed deeply as he stared into her intelligent yet kind amber eyes. He stepped forward and saluted her, thumping his fist on his armor. She merely stood there, her eyebrow quirked inquizzitively. "I am Commander Valerius Augustus of General Julius Ceaser's army. I have been sent with a message," he replied, his voice strong and clipped.

Etheria just gave the man a soft half-smile, noting the commanding tone.

"Right, you probably do not understand me. Nobody here does and I thought Latin was spoken through the civilized world. Guess I was wrong," he sighed as he went at ease, still staring at the exotic-looking woman.

She gave him a very warm smile as she moved further into the room, her midnight pleated hair swinging around her hips. He found himself shifting uncomfortably as he watched her fluid, gracefully walk. He pulled the scroll out and held it alfot for her. She nodded at him as she stopped infront of him, reaching for the scroll. She still smiled, staring into his forest green eyes.

"Well, you may not understand what I am saying but at least you have a lovely smile. It makes this meeting a little pleasent," he replied with a soft smile of his own," And you are far better looking then the barbarians I have defeated."

"Why thank you, Commander. I find your smile pleasant too," Etheria replied in perfect Latin as she took the scroll from him.

She bit back her laughter at his expression. His attractive eyes buldged as his jaw dropped. He looked as if she had struck him.

"You can understand me..." he stammered.

"Perfectly," she replied as she stepped back from him," I am quite fluent in Latin. As a high priestess, I had to study the language of Alexander the Great. Since many officals and Pharohs have dealing with Rome, we clerics must learn the language also."

Valerius regained his composure but continued to smile at this surprising creature. " Ah, how wonderful to meet an educated woman who is also a creature of the divine," he replied, bowing slightly.

"Divine in looks or in faith, Commander?" she asked, her voice lilting playfully as she unrolled the scroll to read it.

He rubbed at his chin as he smiled at her though it was hidden behind the scroll. He found he automatically liked this woman, especially since she had a sense of humor.

"By faith of course, Priestess..."

"High Priestess Etheria, Commander Valerius Augustus," she replied from behind the paper," Please to meet you."

"Forgive me, High Priestess. I was not aware i was in such commanding presence," he replied playfully, giving her an elaborate bow.

She glanced over the edge of the message at him, hiding her smile. For a harden soilder, he was quite amusing. "You may simply call me Etheria, Commander, seeing that we shall be spending the war together," she replied as she rolled the scroll up.

He returned to standing as their business came up. " Yes, my lady. As you are aware, the Lady Cleopatra wishs your temple to be under our protection durning this war. I have a contingent of men ready to defend this temple at all costs. She was very adamant about that and since she has General Ceaser's favor, my men and myself are your humble and loyal servants."

She studied him for a moment, peering into his heart using her newfound powers. She smiled at him happily. "I have faith you shall protect my sisters and all within these walls. I would die for these people, Commander, and expect your man to do everything in there ability to do the same," she replied seriously, staring into his eyes.

"As I would die for my men, they are my brothers. We shall give ours lives to protect these innocents, I above all shall fight make sure no one dies. My life shall come before everybody elses," he replied, the conviction in his voice matching hers.

"Good, then you shall meet with my second, Nantaru. She is still learning Latin. I will not remain in the temple during this war. I have a mission to do," she replied handing the scroll back to him.

A look of confusion crossed his face. " My lady, the General and the future Queen, gave me specific orders to protect you, personally. I must obey orders so where ever you go I must follow, though I suggest you remain here where it is safest," he replied, a commanding tone surfacing.

Etheria shook her head. " I can not stay here while those who have not sought shelter still suffer. Regardless of who's side the people are on I must help all those who are injuried. They are all children of Isis and as her vessal I must help and protect them, even if the do not wish it. It is something I must do. So I am leaving the temple tonight and shall be out in the streets giving aid. If you try to stop me, there will be...unpleasantries," she replied, holding his stare, her eyes burning with conviction.

He was going to argue but knew it was futile. She was a strong willed woman who only answered to a god. "Fine, my lady, but I shall accompany you. I must follow my orders," he replied, bowing to her.

She smiled softly at him. "We leave tonight when the moon is at it's zenith. I suggest you get some rest, Commander. I will see you later," she replied, stepping aside to allow him passage.

He saluted her again and walked past. He stopped in the doorway and turned back to her.

"Valerius. Just Valerius, Etheria. Til tonight," he swept down the hallway, his armor clinking as he went.

Etheria stood there and smiled.


((sorry it's a little long. Next chapter shall have some action, I hope.... ))

((So, I haven't had requests for a backround on Queen Etheria or anything but I wanted to try my hand at this. It's not like I have anything better to do.... ))



Twined and Bound

Chapter One

The cool night air slowly drifted into the silent main chamber, causing the two candle's flames to dance upon thier wicks. The chilled desert wind moved through the small rows of pews to flow softly around the kneeling figure infront of a silver alter. The cool caress of night did not disturb the young woman's prayer. Her head remained bowed, the cascade of midnight that was her hair, slid silently from her shoulders, buffeted by the wind. Her pale pink lips whispered the prayer as her bronze-hued hands moved across the mystical scroll laid out infront of her. Her amber-brown eyes followed her slender fingers. She translated the prayer slowly, making sure to get every inflection. She had to get it right. The innocent lives of hundreds, thousands depended on her faith and unrelenting studies. She poured her heart in this prayer, this petition for protection.

She had know Queen Cleopatra would find support in the Roman General Ceaser. She knew a battle was going to be waged here in Alexandria between the Pharoh and his older sister. With a blessing from Isis herself, bestowed upon the rebel Queen by Etheria herself, the High Priestess knew where the victory would lie. Etheria worried more for all the citizens in her city that would be effected by this war. She had vowed when she became an annointed priestess of Isis to protect her family, her community, to help all those who asked her. That's what it meant to be a priestess of Isis.

Finishing her chant, she raised her gaze to the alterpiece. The candlelight flickered across the round silver disk held aloft by two curving ivory horns. She sat quietly, staring at the iconic symbol of her goddess. The main temple was eeriely quiet except for the night breeze that danced through it with a whisper. Etheria sat unmoving as the cool wind breezed through her loose, airy white gown, kissing her skin with a prickling chill. She glanced up at the open aired vaulted ceiling and caught sight of the cresent moon moving slowly through it's acsent. Her paitence knew no bounds.

As she waited for the great mother goddess to reach her zenith, Etheria's mind wondered to her sister priestesses. She knew that they were already asleep in the room, guarded by the temple eunichs. Her heart raced at the thought of losing them to a war. She had know most of them her whole life, ever since she was five when she arrived to begin her training. They were her family and her heart ached at the thought of losing one of them.

But that's why she was here, locked inside the temple, determined to be granted an audience with Isis. She needed to find a way to protect her sisters and all those who will be caught in the crossfire. She was the High Priestess. She was the one everyone came to for help, for guidence, for blessings, for healing, for a kind word, for a warm smile. She was a vessel of Isis which made her a pillar in this city. Tears began to form in her eyes as she thought about disappointing her community. She could not fail these people.

Hours passed as she sat in contemplation. Her emotions ebbed within her, rising and receeding like the tides against the shore. Her fear, sadness, joy, love, anger, despair, happiness swirled in a vortex, pulling her thoughts with them. A dull ache crawled through her muscles. She had remained kneeling in supplication the whole time. Her body ached, crying out to be streched. She ignore it. A glint of pale bulish-silver colored the disk. Her eyes raised to watch as the serene glow of the moon reflected on the disk. The soft glowing beam bounced off the center of the alterpiece abd onto the scroll laid before her. As the hieroglyphs were illuminated by the silver light, they began to sizzle off the page. The scroll was slowly burned away by a silver fire. Etheria sat quietly, mesmerized by this. As the scroll crumbled to black ashes, a soft breeze rushed through, swirling the paper ashes into the air.

In the casted moonlight, the ashes swirled around, creating a ghostly outline of a woman. As the wind died down, the ash rained down upon the ghost, giving her form. Etheria automaticly bowed her head to the floor before the formation was completed.

Isis smiled down at her pious High Priestess. She knew what was in this woman's heart and it pleased her. "Etheria, my daughter, please do not abase yourself in my presence. It is I who should bow to you," she replied, her voice a calming whisper, as she places a warm hand to Etheria's chin, lifting it.

Etheria's amber eyes went wide as she stared into the silver orbs of her goddess. A soul-fluttering warmth run through her body as the Mother touched her. She couldn't breath as she gazed upon the glory of her god. The reflected moonlight from her idol casted a silver haze over her outline. Her skin was a radiant gold, set of by the pure white of her robes. Her luminscent pitch black hair shimmered with indigo. Her face was soft, caring like a mother's. "You have done wonderful miracles in my name, child. The faith of the people has spread due to you. You have given new life to my church. It is your faith, your piousness that gives me strength," Isis replied as she helped Etheria stand.

Etheria remained awed by the goddess. The divine energy still wound it's way through her body, wrapping her in an indescriable warmth. She swallowed hard, trying a few times to find her voice. " My...my Great Mother Isis...Misstress of Magic...Matron of the Moon...God Queen to Osiris..." she stammered, her voice breathy and quiet.

Isis held her hand up with a soft, friendly smile, silencing her. " Please, Etheria, I'm am simply Isis. I know why you have called me. I see into your heart and mind. You ache and fear for others but never yourself. You're whole life has been a selfless sacrifice for others. Your faith in me and others has never faultered. How could I deny you this one wish? This plea to help?" she asked as she reached out to brush aside a sray strand of Etheria's raven-dark hair.

She remained frozen stiff in front of this divine creature as the goddess caressed her cheek with featherlight fingertips. She blinked up at her glorious form as her question registered. Etheria dropped to her knees before Isis. " Oh, Great Mother, all I want to do is protect them, all of them, Egypt herself. There is only so much I can do, to cure, to help heal. We tend to the wounded and provide medicines but I feel thats not enough. I can not shake the feeling, Oh Moon Mother, that some terriable disaster will befall my home," she cried up to the radiant being.

Isis stroked her hair as she stared into Etheria's eyes, hers full of seriousness. " What would you be willing to do, my High Priestess, if tragedy befalls this world?"

Etheria's awe and timidness washed away swiftly as she locked eyes with her goddess. " I would give me life, Isis," she replied, her voice hard edge with conviction.

A small, half-smile curled the goddess' lips. "So be it."

A flash of light blinded Etheria for a moment. As she blinked away the spots in her vision, she felt a cool yet warm weight around her neck. She glanced down as a hand moved up to trace the cool, gold metal of a necklace shaped like wings that wrapped around her neck. She felt the warm, pulsating power of the circular red gem set in the center.

She looked up curiously at the fading figure of Isis. " That, my child, is a piece of my heart. As my love, Osiris, is not fully whole neither shall my heart be. It shattered when I heard of his death by Set. I gather the peices of my broken heart as I gathered the pieces of my husband's body. It is a shard of my divine spark, the essence that makes me a goddess. Only those whose hearts are pure may touch it. Those who share my ideals. You, Etheria, are an embodiment of me. We share the same heart. I grant you the ability to heal any injury, any illness, any affliction with the magicks contained with in my essence. I also grant you the ability to look into the hearts and minds of others, with this you may control those who would cause harm to others."

Etheria smiled at Isis. " Thank you my Goddess. I shall forever remain you're willing servant. My soul is yours."

Isis smiled sadly at Etheria as she placed a tender hand aginst her cheek. " Your faith will never fail you or me. But heed this warning. There are evil powers that be, who would kill for what you posess. You carry my divine spark. In the wrong hands, the events could be cataclysmic. That is a direct link to my soul, to that what makes me a god. Be wary of the children of Set. The dark god is powerhungry and megolmanical. Never give that gem up. I am trusting my life with you."

Etheria's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Joy tore through her as she realized she had Isis's favor and trust. " I will protect it with my life," she whispered assuredly at the goddess.

"I know...and I'm sorry," Isis whispered so softly it was barely audiable. The goddess' heart was heavy with saddness and pain as she disappatted. Etheria had a long, painfilled path ahead of her and all Isis could do was watch.

She glanced back down at the kneeling priestess as she ascended through moonlight back to her palace in the stars. Isis still questioned if all this pain and anguish was worth surviving to the future. She pondered her prophetic vision from the other day as she entered her glimmering, evanescent gates.


((Please let me know what you think, if I should continue writing or head for the hills and scrap this.))

*Sigh* I felt that people should know the genius of my hero naming ability. LOL-just kidding.

Queen Etheria- first started with her name, which was kindly borrowed from one of my favorite cartoons on Adult Swim, The Venture Bros. It was Dr.Girlfriend's name when she was with Phantom Limb. Anyways I made her costume and then I had the idea for her; the spirit of an anicent eygptain priestess of Isis, trapped in a magical gem, who fuses with a mild mannered, shy museum intern student. Poof-superherodom.

Morbidangel-A bad-a** comic book hero by London Knights. The story of my CoH character is actually a book I'm writing. Half-demon, half-angel, exiled to Earth and hunted by both sides. Whats a girl to do but try to survive. Taking the mantle of balance, she fights to maintain the thin line of good and evil.

Etherburn-Healing ability and Radation powers. Radation burns...and Ether was used as an anesetic, so Etherburn. This one is my fav. name because it's clever and I didn't borrow it from others.

Yeah!! I've been waiting for Kegen to come in(hehe). I can't wait to see what happens with the others and her. Wonderful stuff Wolffe! Keep it coming! Can't wait! (sitting on the edge of my seat)

Hey Blood_Wolfee, great stuff going on! I love the story! I hear you still need a female healer? I've got one for you and I think it'll work great, granted I changed a couple of things.


Hero Idenity: Etherburn
Name: Kegen Doyle
Age:23
Hair:Copper-red
Eyes:Hazel
Height:5'9"
Weight: 135
Powers: Empathy/ Radiation Mutation Defender

Bio: Kegen was born to Leslie Doyle and a man(actually an alien) named Tay. Both her parents were heros in Paragon. Her mother was a Magic Mind/Empathy controller by the name 'Queen Etheria' and her father was a Mutation Fire/Fire blaster named 'Heat Flux'. Her father disappeared when she was six, leaving her mother heart broken. Unknow to Kegen that her parents were heros, Leslie would search for Tay every night after Kegen went to sleep. One night when Kegen was 12, her mother left and never returned. If you want, Kegen's mother, since she was a hero, could've died in the attacks to fit your story line. She was sent to live with her grandfather, Leslie's father, who hated Kegen's father. Her grandfather would always talk down about Tay when Kegen would ask him about her parents. Kegen clung to the fading memories of her parents as time past, hoping they were still alive and would return one day. She soon began to develop her mutant powers but from fear of the council she tried to hide them(once again I altered it slightly to fit your story line). Time past and her grandfather died when she was 19. One day she found a box hidden in her mother's old room when she cleaned the apartment, getting ready to move. It had pictures and newspaper clippings of two heros, along with a costume. Kegen figured out that the pictures were of her parents and that the costume was her mother's. Outrage filled her at the thought that they died by the hands of villianous beings. Altering her mothers suit, she doned it, claiming the name 'Etherburn', a combination of both her parent's idenities, and took to the streets, hoping to help others. She is a very serious person, haunted by the ghosts of her memories of her parents. She still clings to a tiny shred of hope that they are still alive. She is compassionate and always ready to lend a helping hand. She fights viciously for justice, angered by those who use their gifts for selfish and evil means. She feels she has to prove herself to someone, maybe to the ideals her parents lived by as heros in Paragon's prime. She may not smile and joke but she is a very nice and comforting person. She would rather suffer than have others suffer. All she really wants to do is make her parents proud, wherever they are.(( as an aside, i don't know what you are doing with schooling of the children. Kegen orginally was going to college for her doctorite in Bio-genetical research, to help her figure out where her powers came from and how others got theres, but feel free to tweek it how you want. ))

Costume: Black head wings with neon green face guards, black metallic top and pants, the top has neon green circlesrunning up run her elbows to her shoulders, a red and yellow biohazard sign is in the middle of her chest, the pnats have a neon green starburst rising from neon green stiletto boots, she has a green belt with a large red jewel.

Celes smiled warmly, happily as Radon excepted her apology. The cold fear and dread fled her body as she stood, offering her hand to him. As she stood there staring at him, a warm fuzziness filled her, chasing the butterflies from her stomach. It was a very unusual sensation.

Her eyebrow arched in confusion as Radon fell back down. She glanced over her shoulder at the man in blue and black. Her eyes flashed with anger as he wrapped his arm around her. She shrugged it off as she turned to stare darkly at him. She stepped away in agravation as he whispered in her ear.

"I'm sorry...did you say you are here to help me? You'll have to forgive me if I am a little aprehensive," she replied, her voice hard and sharp," You're actions make me question your motives...Also, I do not go anywhere with strangers. If you have anything to say...to help me...you can do it here. I would like to return to my...umm...friend," she finished, clenching her fists at her side, as her eyes swam in a dark fire.

She sneered at the man, showing her white fangs."And if you ever..ever harm or touch Radon again, I will break every little bone in your fingers and hands, rending them useless. That will only be the begining..." she trailed off, snarling quietly and darkly at him, her fury burning in her eyes.

She blinked nervously at Alan. "I...I really do not have problems with my father...just his minions...I understand his motives much better then the angels..," she murmmered quietly.

Celes stepped closer to Alan, the reddeness slowly leaving her eyes. She cautiously reached a hand out and placed it on his shoulder.

"Please be wary of your powers,Alan. Your soul is worth so much," she replied with rich concern in her voice. Her eyes full of sadness for him.

"I believe you, Alan. Trust me there are a lot of very wierd things in this world. I do not yet know what he was but I did see him..." she trailed off, nervousness cold in the pit of her stomach.

She couldn't find the strength to tell him she knew of his deal with the Nightwatch. She removed her hand from his shoulder and sighed deeply.

"I..I need to go check on Radon. God...I hope he's...ummm...i hope i didn't scare him..." she fumbled as she walked past Alan and headed to the gym.

She bit her lip nervously as she shuffled back into the gym, nervousness and fear swirling in her blue eyes. Her heart thundered as she saw Pysosis leaning over Radon's prone form. She darted over to Radon's other side and dropped to her knees. She unconsciously slid her hand under his head to cushion it.

"Ooohh...Radon I'm sorry. I..I..lost control...Please,Please forgive me...I would never hurt you purposely...oohh do not hate me..." she rambled her voice heavy with sadness and pain as she stared down at him.

Celes wiped the tears from her eyes as the man spoke. She spread some of her feathers to peer at him. She narrowed her eyes at him as he spoke of her father. How does he know my father? Well...everyone knows who my father is but not that I'm HIS child. Who is this man?

She cleared her throat before speaking, her tears slowly subsiding. She still hid in her wings.

"No..no thank you. Cigerattes will kill you," she replied jokingly," How..how do you know.." she began but was cut off as General Outrage appeared.

She winced as he started his rant. She stared at him for a moment. He was right. She had come here to learn control, to no longer be a broken mind. She had always seperated herself. Her demon side and angelic side were different enities with in her. It was the rift she created within her own mind that caused these issues. Her personality would drown, swallowed up by whatever side was attempting to dominate her. More often than not, it was her demonic side.

She recalled her wings as she stood, facing Gen. Outrage. She rubbed at her red eyes, removing the last traces of her tears. Fear still crawled through her. Whenever things looked bad, when her chance of survival low, the dark one would take over. Celes had learned to submit to it. She usually blacked out when the darkness took control. She had been fighting it lately, but it was a losing battle. She looked at the man, a shiver running through her as she stared into his sockets. Her heart ached in pity for the man, her sadness flowed through her in a wave. Will this happen to me? No one knoews what will become of me... She looked at Gen. Outrage, determination gleaming in her eyes.

"Sir, sorry I left. I am ready to continue. Sir," she replied. She glanced up as Alan came around the corner.

She cocked her head as she looked at Alan. How did he know? "Ummm...yes there was. Do you know who he was?" she asked, walking towards him.

Her heart pounded as adrenaline pulsed through her. Her vision narrowed as she focused her attention on Radon. As she executed a roundhouse kick to his left side, she still struggled to pull the hits. Her mind cried in agony, fighting every instinct she had. She could smell his fear and it was wonderful. The darkness, her fury, crawled through her viens, burning every part of her. It demanded release.

It roared in her mind as she swept kicked at him. She gritted her teeth, feeling her fangs extend,biting into her lower lip. Her eyes darkend with a preadator gaze as she locked eyes with him. Enemy , it purred to her, stoking her survival instinct.

Celes flipped backwards and crouched, staring at him as she fought off her dark side. Tears began to well in her eyes as her claws dug sharply into her fisted palms. She struggled for command of her body as a storm of choas brewed inside her. She was drowing.

A soft, growl oozed from her lips as she stared at him. Enemy. Weak. Touched you. Fight him, it roared, clawing its way through her mind. She sprang quickly at him like a jungle cat. Her wings sprouted from her body in a liquid motion, flaring as she tackled him.

She rode his body to the ground, knees pinning him as she sat on his lower body. Her wings encased them in a shield of white and black feathers, blocking them from the others. Her hands dug into the floor on both sides of his head. She stared down at him, her breathing heavy, her eyes pooling with darkness. She leaned in, her lips hovering over his as she purred,"Gotcha."

Celes swam back into control as she stared down at Radon. The darkness bleeding from her eyes. Her heart thundered as she saw him, tasting his fear in the air. She breathed raggedly as she pulled her head back from him. She started to cry, her tears running down her cheeks.

"Oh..God...I'm..I'm so sorry.." she breathed, sadness and fear straining her voice.

She sat there in shock staring at him, hearing his heart thundering. She shivered, still crying, torment obvious.

"I..I..would never hurt you..any of you...it...it just..." she sobbed leaping up from him.

She glanced around the room, her anguish tearing at her. She locked eyes with Radon as she wrapped her arms around her.

"I...I...gotta go..." she whispered, running from the gym.

She darted outside and collapsed around the corner, wrapping her wings protectively around her. She dropped her head into her hands and cried.

Celes set her face in deep concentration as her training flowed through her mind. Each step, each move, each position played out quickly before her eyes. Her body unconciously reacted. Her fighting style was a deadly dance of several combined forms. It took all her effort to pull the hits.

She winced, barely noticable, every time Radon blocked. Her heart pounded in fear as they sparred. She felt the hot, purr of her dark side, her killer instinct crawl through her belly. It whispered darkly in her mind, crying out for blood and flesh. She swallowed hard, shaking away the image in her mind. As she moved around him, she noticed the skill he had, the way his body reacted, the flow of his energy. He must have some kind of training in combat. He moves like he does, she thought happily to herself. Watching him avoid or block her graceful kicks and swift punches, Celes began to fall into the rhythm of the fight.

She flowed smoothly, confidant in Radon's ability, as she changed up with some of her combo moves. She smiled warmly at him as they danced.

"Still doing okay? I'm not hurting you am I? We can switch if you want," she whispered to him as she neared for a punch, concern rich in her soft voice.

She smiled at Radon as he looked at her, concentration set deep in his face. Her nervousness slowly returned as she thought about fighting him. He was a friend. She only fought when she had too, in dire situations. She kicked her boots off and stepped further back as Radon took a defensive stance.

She nibbled her bottom lip nevously as she thought what to do. She could do melee weapons as her mind flashed to her two swords. She glanced at Radon. He did not to appear to have a sword and she could not lend him one of hers. She glanced around the room, popping her knuckles as she watched the other groups, stalling.

She nodded to him, showing she understood he was on the defensive.

"Well, after a few, I will need to work on my defensive skill too. Also, I apologize before hand for anything that might land," she replied softly, fear edging slightly into her voice.

She really did not want to do this. She took a deep breath as her mind raced. She didn't have any self-effecting powers but she did learn several fighting styles from her father. He wanted to make sure his little girl could defend herself from all-sides. Gee...thanks ,Daddy, she thought sarcasticly.

She stalked forward slowly, forcing herself to slow down and pull her hits to avoid real damage to Radon. She ducked down slightly, hands up, as a long leg kicked high to his right shoulder.

Celes narrowed her eyes at Outrage. An angry heat crawled to her face. It was ok when people stared at her and she would ignore the whispers but he was purposely mocking her. She clenched her fists but glanced at Radon. She frowned slightly as she stood awkwardly staring at him.

"Well...this..hmm, what's the word...oh yeah...sucks!" she replied, smiling slightly at Radon.

"I usually do not like hand-to-hand but oh well. Just promise to go easy on me. I'm still a little sore from my morning..umm...exercise," she laughed lightly, stepping back, accepting their fate.

She shrugs playfully as she stands staring at him, waiting for the match to begin.

As Celes watched Raymond and Alan, she noticed two men walking towards Radon and herself. Her eyes nervously scanned the furry man and his companion. Her heart began to pound slightly as they walked up. She bit her lip nervously as she glanced at Radon. She looked back at Embher. She could tell he was ex-military. He had that gait and air that cried trained warrior. All of her father's men walked like that.

As he introduced himself to Radon, she bristled when he mentioned 'kid'. She slightly frowned at Embher. She turned and met eyes with Tigonus. She study him with a friendly look. She smiled shyly at him, an almost slightly nervous tict.

He must understand what it is like to be physically different. she thought to herself.

Another man with brown hair and wings(?) joined the four of them. She glanced at him, eyebrow rasied suspeciously. She 'switched' her vision to stare at Pysosis. No,no he isn't an angel or a demon, she released the breath she was holding. She was about to introduce herself to the three newcomers when the other cadets started shouting or something.

Hearing the comotion, Celes peered around the furry man's side. She noticed a group move around something. It looked like a woman was on her knees. A shiver ran over Celes as they crowded the young woman, her form being lost in a sea of cadets. She touched her life force breifly and was able to tell she was not physically hurt. Celes put her hands into her pockets as she watched, a shiver running over her. Celes felt sorry for the woman, being surrounded by all those people would make her claustrophobic.

She glanced at Radon as she blushed slightly. Being confronted by these new people, she had unconciously stepped closer to him, feeling comfortable in his presence. When she caught his eye, she smiled warmly.

"They should not crowd the woman. She is fine but I am sure she might like some space," she replied outloud, returning her gaze to the group.

She noticed the other cadets watching the fight. She almost shrank back into a shadow as a hand absently ran the curve of her horns. She felt the slight flutter grow in her chest as her nervousness slowly began to resurface.

"Good morning Celes, look's like the fun's started without me. This could get pretty interesting."

Celes turned to beam at Radon. The instant she heard his voice her nervousness disappeared. She relaxed noticably as she still rubbed a tender shoulder.

"Yeah, it looks that way. Alan has a fairly mean kick, but I think it is just a demonstartion. Raymond asked for someone to volunteer to hit him so he can show how to take a hit...i guess. I honestly do not know what is going on...I kind of just got here," she replied, smiling warmly at him.

"I just hope I do not need to participate today...I'm sore all over," she sighed, looking back at the group," but I think that is a hopeless wish, today."

Celes smiled at Lord Raymond. His good mood seemed infectious. She raised a confused eyebrow as he asked someone to hit him. She shook her head, unable to understand why someone would willing get hit.

She noticed Alan walking in and smiled again. She felt a kinship with him. Maybe it was the soul powers. She was about to head over to him when he shouted and kicked at Raymond.

She stood there, hands at her side, and let her jaw drop.

"What the hel.." she replied outloud.