Do not EVER touch my mind again, Soul! YOU are not the one in this mess and I have a right to be temperamental!! she clenches her fists at her sides, speaking through the mind link, as the guards are very near.

*She glances at the naked Jihon and then back to Soul.*

As for your companions, I am just as adamant not to allow them to get hurt, because they are my companions too!! Or have you forgotten that I am on your side?!? she tilts her head, still glaring with all her might. Her voice inside of his head is developing more and more of an edge. I said nothing about breaking out of here right now or doing it unwisely! I was expressing my dislike of the setting and that is it!! You and your “companions” just happened to be close enough to pick on! So, either learn to ignore me or develop your own “acid tongue”, because the next time you cause me pain, I will return the favor! And that is a promise!

*Her chest is now rising and falling with deep breathes as she stares out through the magickal barrier.*

“I do not want comforts, I want out of this city, I want to be able to use my magick!” she whispers before the guards arrive. “So go design your plans and…”

*She cuts off as they enter. Her eyes narrow and she looks at the small group of guards. She leans her shoulder against the wall and crosses her arms.*

I’d hide if I were you, Soul. I’ll divert their attention.

“What’s for dinner, dunderheads?” she smiles sweetly at the guards.

*One of the guards makes a very vulgar remark about what he’ll feed her. She merely smirks.*

“Oh, come now, I am a growing girl, you can’t expect me to live on such a meager portion,” she watches the man’s face turn red with rage.

“Leave ‘er be. Her head will be on a stake by nightfall tomorrow,” an older guard pats the enraged younger on his shoulder.

“Sir, the man has broken free of his bonds!” one guard calls in a shocked voice from the front of Jihon’s cell.

“How in the three Umbras did he do that?” the older guard stalks over to the cell.

“I did it,” Tamma speaks up.

“Right, witch, then how do you explain the clothes?”

“A minor defect in the spell,” she shrugs. “And what girl wouldn’t want to see him naked anyway? I bet some men would like it just as well.” She looks to the young guard she had insulted just a bit ago.

*He growls low in his throat and the barrier holding her in her cage fades rapidly. Before she can react, his hand connects with the side of her face and sends her sprawling. She licks the blood from the edge of her mouth and looks up at him as he stands over her. The older guard steps up beside him.*

“Put the cuffs back on her and chain her to the wall. Same with the man.”

*As the guards pull her up from the floor, she looks over their shoulders to Sabre, Thaimes and Soul. The look on her face says more than words ever could.*

*As the Guards approach, Sabre Soldier opens up a back door, and rushes Soul Reaver through it, and closes it. He then waits for the guards to approach. Sabre Soldier smirks at Tamrissa, and nods his head, almost in laughter as she repeadidly degrades the guards morale. After one of the Guards hit her, he becomes a little more concerned, and grabs ahold of the Guards shoulder, pulling him out of the Cell*

Hasn't your mom told you never to hit a lady? You should've taken it like a man. I have every right to dismember you right now. Especially remove you from your meager portion. I'm waiting to kill her tomorrow, personally. You can have her when I'm done ripping her apart.

*Sabre Soldier glances back at Tamrissa, and bares his fangs at her. A small smirk on his face; his eyes glowing an emerald green. You can still tell that he is laughing at heart, at the guard. Afterwards, he pushes the Guard down to the ground and proceeds to Jihon's cell, where he mind speaks.*

Don't be stupid. You're going to get us killed. Now, cooperate!

*Afterwards, Thaimes walks over to Jihon's cell, and opens the barrier. He walks in, and pushes Jihon up against the back wall, where he shackels him. Afterwards, he walks out, and brings the barrier back up. Sabre Soldier closes Tamrissa's cell, and leans on the wall next to the cell, where he just waits. Thaimes walks leans on the wall on the other side. After the guards hurry away from their check-up, Sabre Soldier let's Soul Reaver back in.*

"My apologies, Tamrissa... but I will not stand being insulted for no good reason, not even by you. If you hate your predicament, then blame those responsible, not me..."

Soul Reaver then turns his attention to Sabre Soldier.

"Sabre, can you not do something for them? They have done nothing to deserve to be chained like that... and Jihon should at least be given some clothes. Tamrissa's injury might need some attention too... without her magic, it will take some time to heal.

Also, I would not mind knowing what you have planned. Especially Jihon and Tamrissa have a right to know that... unless you are keeping it from us for a good reason."

Soul Reaver waits expectantly for a reply.

--To fight is to live. And my battle is eternal.--

Calm down. I will attend to Jihon and Tamrissa. Thisias will let you know about the plan, while I get some materials

*Sabre Soldier's figure flickers and then disappears*

Thisias:Because of the chances are great that there are spiritseer's around, I cannot inform you of everything. They have the ability to read our souls. But I will let you in on a basis of the plan. During the battle with Sabre Soldier tomorrow, you must be outside the West Gates of the City. There, you must have a rift open to the lower umbra, at the exact time of the fight. From there, the beings will pour out, and attempt to seige the city. I would usually take care of these pests, but at the current time, one of my armies will be entering the city, and the gates will still be open. From there, the Lower umbra creatures will enter the city, and attack. Through the comotion, the fight between Jihon, Fei, and Tamrissa will be going on. The Higher Councils attention will be diverted for a moment, while I get ready to fight. If everything goes as planned, this will give Fei the time to create a rift to the outside of the city, where you all must enter into the lower umbra, where the Higher Council will not dare go. It's that simple.

*As soon as Thaimes get's done speaking, Sabre Soldier returns with several objects he holds. One is a monks robe, and belt. The other is a vial of blood. He also has a large sack slung over his shoulder. He walks into Jihons cell, and unshackels him, and gives him the robe. Out of the sack, he gives him a blanket, and Pillow, and small plate of food wrapped up in a warm towel-like sheet. He then brings up the barrier, upon leaving, and walks over to Tamrissa's cell. He hands her vial((I assume that you are unshackeled already)), and gives her a blanket, and pillow, and a plate of food. He then looks at the side of her face, that is bruised. He presses his hand up against her face softly, and it slowly heals her. Afterwards, he walks out, and closes her cell. He takes 5 or 6 steps out, and turns around to speak.*

Tomorrow evening you two, I'm not going to hold back. I want it to be a good, convincing fight. I promise that I'm not going to kill either of you though. I want you both to fight me with everything you got, because your life is in danger in situation. If everything goes as planned, we will be out of here, before I am forced to kill you by the Higher Council. Let's just pray for the best.

*Sabre Soldier forces a slight smile out, and leans against the wall across from Thaimes, who seems to meditating.*

" I think I much prefered being naked!? Hey Tammrisa how about you? "

*Jihon winks at her and smiles a pleasing smile he seats himsel agains one of the walls. He looks at the food apon the floor and again smiles.*

"Should I eat or do you think it would ruin my "Manly figure?"

*Her pushes away the plate and looks at Tamrissa again he sldes the plate under the bars to her. *

"I need no food. Eat it if you wish."

*Jihon seems to have undergone some changes since the mask of shame has been removed. His scence of humor has once again been restored.*

Soul Reaver turns and finds cLuTcHFieND standing next to him, still in full armour. His eyes flash with ainxiety.

"This whole thing is just one big mess. I'm not even sure where we are, so I can't call an assult, although that would be just the distraction we need to get them out of here. And my powers are useless against that vile counsel. They are much stronger than me. I can tell."

cLuTcHFieND whips out a small communicator and depresses a button.

"Kalana! How are thing going out there?"

There is a burst of static, and then a female voice comes over the comunicator.

"We are having troble getting rid of these Chaos Lords! Their magic is stronger than we anticipated! The librarians and I are doing the best we can just to hold them back!"

cLuTcHFieND sighs angrilly.

"Just hold them off. I can't leave just yet, but maybe when this is over, I can recruit some help. Till then, hold your position. cLuTcHFieND out."

cLuTcHFieND breaks the connection and puts the communicator away. He then continues waiting.

“You will fight both of us at once then? Are you sure that is wise for yourself?” she raises her eyebrows. “I do not like this…it is very uncertain for Jihon and I and for you.”

*She looks at Jihon as he makes his comments and sighs.*

“Don’t get cute, Jihon,” she rolls her eyes at him and slides the food back. “First of all, keep that robe on. I’d hate to be distracted from sleep because of your ‘manly’ physique. And second of all, eat something or you will be weak and of no help to me at all tomorrow.”

*Her eyes go back to the food in front of her and the vial of blood. The flecks of scarlet in her eyes swirl suddenly and become brighter. She glances up at Sabre leaning against the wall across from her cell and runs her tongue across the points of her canines. Catching herself, she shakes her head and looks down.*

“Must I drink this?” she stares at the vial sitting on the floor in front of her, her arms wrapped around her knees as if she is afraid of it. “I am not sure I could keep cold blood…no, any blood at all down after I drink it. Can I not just eat regular food?”

*She looks back up at him for a second, her eyes showing the hunger for something more than regular food, but the expression on her face reluctant. Her attention moves to Clutchfiend as he appears.*

“Who is this?” she looks over him carefully, her olive eyes bright and still swirling with the scarlet flecks.

*She takes a breath and turns her head, leaning her forehead against the cool steel of one of the bars. Her hand reaches out and she pushes the vial away, knocking it over.*

One of Jihons hands goes to his face and he is frightened by something. It appears he has grown a small tuft of facial hair apon his chin. Hardly worthy of the title Gotee he still smiles at its growth. He then looks at Tamrissa.

"I need no food. I have no desire to eat. Food is but a distraction to me. I go without it just fine."

He smiles and pushes the food away again. He stands and contacts Thisias.

"Lets do the bone armor thing again. It was more comfortable than this wretched wool cloak."

*The body armor suddenly appears as Jihon stands. All but his eyes, the top of his head, and his bottom jaw are covered by the bone armor. His hands form claws much like that of a dragon. He sprouts a tail for some strange reason and then looks back at Clutchfeind.*

"Ahh I see the good doctors gift will not stay dead!"

Jihon seems delighted yet focused on something. He knows that the fight will be long and brutal. He feels more prepared than he has ever in his life....

cLuTcHFieND smiles at Jihon.

"What happened to Kelvack anyway? Is he still alive?"

"What the heck?"

*He looks around and sees a crater around his body. He also notices that his skin has seemed to have been burnt.*

"Geez, thats the last time use THOSE spells while I'm mad..."

*He stands up and looks around.*

I wonder how the trial went...

*A seam opens up next to Jihon in his cell and Kelvack steps out of it. He looks at Jihon and yelps.*

"What the heck are ya wearing man?"

*Kelvack notices that he is in a jail cell and decides to go invisible. The guards walk by and only see Jihon in his cell with a disgruntled look on his face...*

cLuTcHFieND snaps a salute at Kelvack.

"Nice to see you!"

Soul Reaver then turns to Thaimes.

"I will do as you ask, Thaimes. I will wait by the gate until the time is ripe. Until tomorrow then, my companions. Let us hope all goes according to plan."

Soul Reaver slips unnoticed from the prison. As he wanders towards the main gate, Blooddrinker's voice enters his head.

Something here is wrong, master... do you not feel it? I suspect things may not go as smoothly as we would like.

Soul Reaver replies.

Indeed, Blooddrinker. I too feel uneasy. But there is nothing I can do about it, other than hope for the best... and prepare for the worst.

cLuTcHFieND opens a pack that is strapped to the side of his armour. He pulls out 5 bracelets with little glowing blue lights on them. They match an identical bracelet on cLuTcHFieND's wrist. He looks at them for a second, and then puts them away and pulls out the communicator.

"Kalana. What is your current position?"

After a moment, cLuTcHFieND recieves an answer.

"We're still orbiting the planet. We're taking heavy losses."

cLuTcHFieND thinks for a moment.

"Fine. Patch me through to the Reverance."

"This is Brother Captian Armeaus of the Blood Angels Flame Lords Squadron, currently in command of the Flagship IBS Revrance."

cLuTcHFieND smiles.

"Good! I'm glad to hear that someone confident is in command of the flagship. This is Force Commander Cameron Aileron speaking."

There is a pause, and then the soldier comes back on. He sounds shocked.

"Commander Aileron! I thought you were out of system!"

"I am. I'm communicating via a relay on the Starblade. Now listen. this is important. I am releving Second Officer Ryoki of her current command so that the Starblade camn move to my system. You will now command the Flame Lords squadron. Connsider yourself promoted to Force Commander Pro Tem.

The voice on the comm now sounds even more shocked, as well as very pleased.

"Um...uh..This is a great honor sir! I thank you for this opportunity!"

"Great." cLuTcHFieND says, looking amused. "Now listen closely. Withdraw all ground troops from the surface of the planet and get all the Thunderhawks off the planet. As soon as everyone's clear, all the warships are to begin an ion bombardment on the planet's surface. I will send you a blast transmission when I have further orders for you. Direct all statust transmissions to the Starblade. Is that understood?"

"Yes sir! I will carry out your orders sir!

"Very good. Your dismissed. Aileron out."

cLuTcHFieND presses a button on the comm unit.

"Kalana. I put Brother Captain Armeaus in charge of the fleet. You are hearby releved of your command. Now get the Starblade into this system."

cLuTcHFieND puts his communicator away and turns to Jihon.

"Now we have a backup plan."

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