Spectrum Force Chapter Five

Still not mine.
___________________________________________________________
The Diadem

Part Three


For the fifth time within a minute, Spectra glanced at the chronometer, the digital display slowly incrementing. The Force had embarked on their first interstellar mission over eight hours ago.

She permitted a rueful smile. How much time did it take to thwart a power-mad Denebian monarch's scheme to steal the most powerful object in the universe? Surely more than eight hours.

Unfortunately, logic provided little comfort. They had spent hours in a hazardous, alien terrain, searching blindly for a gem whose power they could never hope to fathom, and a man whose face they'd never seen.

A man who had already been captured. And only the gods knew what kind of vicious tortures Phaedra's twisted mind would brew.

One time, Gaius had been a member of the notorious Denebian aristocracy. One time, he had been one of them… living for selfish pleasure, giving no care to the universe beyond the bounds of the expanding Empire.

He was another man, all those decades ago. It was almost impossible to imagine what kind of person he had been, for he had become one of the most dedicated, selfless warriors of the Light.

But Phaedra was a stubborn woman. She would never forget what he once was; what they once had together, before she was promised to the Heir, and he was approached by the Remnant.

On one occasion… before their falling out… Spectra's natural curiosity raised the issue. And on that one occasion, Gaius glanced down at the question lurking in her soft pink eyes, and spoke of his past.

"We were young, Spectra. Young, spoiled, fearless. Two children of nobles, both with great expectations hanging over our futures. We had lived in the moment, knowing a time would come when responsibility would chain us. What we had together was youthful fancy. Wild and reckless… we did what we wanted, when we wanted. But that all changed, when Emperor Lethe selected her to wed his son."

It was almost a romantic story… if one could picture the bloodthirsty, manic empress a tragic heroine, forced to marry for position rather than love.

Yet, the story awoke even more disturbing questions. Spectra knew enough of Gaius' past to know the circumstances of his Crossing. He was frustrated by Phaedra's wedding, to such an extent that his concerned father sent him off-world, to prevent him from interfering with the ceremony.

He had been miserable when Luminus found him, and introduced him to the mission of the Remnant… of living for something far greater than self-gratification. Would he have listened to Luminus had he been happy?

And did he still love her, after all those decades? When he built a family of his own, was he compromising his true feelings? Did he ever genuinely love his wife? And what of the daughter they'd brought into the world?

It didn't seem so, when he decided to leave Lumina City to protect the Diadem. When he decided to… leave them.

And then, the terrible battle for the planet Kryl.

Thirty years had passed, but the wound was forever fresh and bleeding in Spectra's heart. Phaedra's son killed Hemera. With his own two hands.

Had Gaius remained with the Remnant… had he remained with his family… perhaps Hemera wouldn't have died.

And even after she did, Gaius still didn't return. Not to say goodbye… not even to comfort Spectra.

She blinked, her focus forced to return on the project at hand. There was nothing to gain by mourning the past… of contemplating that heart-breaking betrayal.

"But… I'll be damned before I just leave him in Phaedra's hands."

Her conscience had nagged at her from the moment she sent the Force. He had summoned her. He had asked for her help. And she sent the Spectrum Force in her stead.

It truly was her fight. Yes, the entire universe was in jeopardy… but despite the overreaching implications, it was still a painfully personal matter.

She had a duty to protect her family. She also had a duty to her mission… to insure Earth was safe from Phaedra's Throneship. Gaius may have elected to sacrifice the former in behalf of the latter, but Spectra knew firsthand what that cost.

She would not make the same sacrifice.

* * *

Craig watched as the four small-statured beings held their position. They were so still, they almost seemed like mannequins; but the hard, observant stares that made his skin crawl proved otherwise.

The young man drew himself to his knees, slightly startled that he was taller than them even then. "Who are you?"

He gulped as one of the beings stepped closer.

It approached him slowly, reaching out one shrouded arm. A thin, wiry hand emerged from the heavy cloak, and Craig was quick to note only four fingers stretched from the furry hand.

The four fingers rose to remove the shadowy cowl. Craig found himself staring into two large, spherical eyes, with exaggerated pupils that were far out of proportion with the being's tiny body. A shock of thick black curls sprouted from its… her head, nestled between two long, pointed ears. A coat of fine, short fur covered the alien's skin, giving her a midnight black coloring to match her mane.

The being's fur and hair reminded Craig of a lion… but with the nose and lips of a human being. And the size of her head in relation to her body most resembled a child of six or seven.

*I am called Mashal. I brought you to our sanctuary.*

Craig blinked in surprise as the high-pitched voice registered. "You! You're the one who spoke to me in the fight!"

The girl nodded. *I apologize for distracting you. Warrior Gaius had assured us he would contact his allies, and I had searched you out.*

"You know Gaius?" Craig marveled. Spectra did say something about him having friends on Edenia somewhere.

*We are the Midjinari, sworn protectors of the great Diadem.*

The Blue Enforcer frowned. "Midget army?"

Well, if the shoe fits…

*Midjinari. Direct descendents of the First Ones, who fatefully tore a hole in the fabric of the universe and released the Opposed Forces. The Opposed ravaged our planet, circling the star of Deneb.*

His eyebrow rose. "You're Denebians?"

*We are not of the same planet as Gaius. Our planet was the nearest to the star, but was destroyed by the Opposed in the Before Time. Only a few escaped, and searched the universe for a way to balance the scales of Life and Death. Now, we protect the Diadem, which is the key to restoring interstellar peace.*

"Riiight." Craig couldn't help it; the girl's story sounded way too much like the prologue of Star Wars to be of any use to him. He changed the subject. "Why did you bring me here? Did you disrupt my powers?"

*Your power stone still works. We silenced your energies and hid you here, to protect you from the Shadows. They sense the Light, and douse it.*

Craig gaped. "Then… my friends!"

He leapt to his feet, eyebrows drawn.

*No!* she protested, *You cannot win alone! You must not use your powers… you must stay hidden! Only the Diadem can help you now!*

Craig clenched his fist, his frustration mounting. Without the armor, he was completely defenseless against whatever evils existed outside the small oasis. And without his powers, he had no way to contact his friends, find out if they… survived…

His heart sank to his feet. The Midjinari saved me, but the others are out there! Even if they haven't been captured yet, they've got to be using their powers! They're walking with targets painted on their backs, and they have no idea…

"Can you take me to the Diadem?"

The girl glanced back at her three silent companions. A few shrill words were exchanged, and then, she set her impossibly large amber eyes on Craig. *I will be your guide.*
* * *

"Dammit!" Keith suddenly hissed, kicking a rock in frustration, "I can't believe this!"

Rachel watched as the Red Enforcer's enhanced strength dislodged the heavy stone, sending it crashing into a thick tree trunk ahead. Her lips thinned angrily. "That's won't help."

"Well, it sure as hell won't hurt. We still have no idea what happened to Craig, and now, we… are… LOST! I didn't even think this planet was big enough for us to get lost in!"

Matt offered a feeble grin. "Keith, you get lost in your own neighborhood. Remember the time they closed off our exit on the Turnpike for construction? We circled the city for almost an hour until we found a street name you knew!"

Keith opened his mouth for a heated retort, but was distracted as fingers laced between his own. He glanced at Tamara, who gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Instead of yelling, he released a long, tense breath.

Jocelyn, who had lingered near Matthew during most of the arduous walk, took advantage of the momentary respite. She practically collapsed onto the soft ground, holding her heavy head with both palms.

Matt was instantly at her side. "What's wrong? Another dizzy spell?"

"I just feel… wrong," she groaned, rubbing her temples. "Off balance, weak, and now this stupid headache just won't quit."

"You're probably hungry," Keith suggested, mournfully patting his own stomach. "If I'd known we'd be pulling an interstellar field trip, I would've packed a Snickers or something."

"Where?" Tamara wondered, "These suits don't have pockets."

Keith frowned thoughtfully. "Remind me to talk to Spectra about that when we get back."

Rachel wandered over to the tree that had borne the brunt of Keith's outburst. The beach-ball-sized stone had fired like a bullet, embedding itself nearly halfway through the resilient wood. If the trunk hadn't been three meters thick, the ancient tree would've tumbled right on top of them.

She ran her fingers along the edge of the angry hole, shaking her head slightly. She was exhausted. They were all exhausted… roving for hours through an endless forest without any food, shelter, or even a clue. Somehow, they had to find the Diadem, Gaius, and Craig. And they had no idea where to begin looking.

Rachel stared up into the twilight. We've been wandering since that sun rose, she realized, How much longer can we-

She blinked in surprise when a faint flash cut across her vision.

"Guys, did you see that?"

Keith turned his head. "See what?"

"That… light."

She lifted off the ground, slowly rising above the tree line to get a better view. After exactly ten seconds, the light flashed again.

"There! It looks like it's coming from that cliff."

The rest of the Force followed, and stared at the cliff in question. The light flashed after the same interim.

"It's a beacon," Keith noted.

"Maybe its Craig?" Tamara proposed.

Rachel frowned. "The light is white, not blue. But, it could be Craig, if he found some kind of machine to send off that beacon."

"I… I don't see anything," Jocelyn confessed, squinting her eyes.

Matthew glanced at her, worry pinching his masked face. "Maybe you're too tired," he offered. He then turned to Rachel. "We have to check it out."

She nodded. It was, after all, the first sign of intelligence they'd found on the planet… beside the Shadows.

"Let's go on foot," she decided. "Just in case the Denebians are watching."

The team traded nods of agreement, and descended into the forest. They immediately continued their journey, though their pace was quickened by the hope that dawned through the dark shroud of failure that had smothered them.

Less than twenty minutes later, the Force found a small clearing, with the sharp incline of a rocky cliff reaching into the sky.

"The light's coming from the wall," Keith realized. "Right out of the rock."

"That's so weird," Tamara admitted, walking closer to the pulse. "Why would anyone give away their location if their planet was being invaded by the bad guys? Phaedra must've found this place already!"

"Unless… only we can see it?" Matt proposed. He felt the questioning gaze of his friends on him. "Lemme try something."

He stepped back a few feet, making room as he spread his arms apart. At his mute command, his green armor dissolved into a brilliant cloud of energy, swirling back into the Spectrum Stone like water into a drain.

He stared at the cliff with his own eyes. "I can't see anything now," he revealed. "The light's outside our visual spectrum."

"So it could mean the beacon is only visible to the good guys," Tamara hypothesized.

"Or… that it's only visible to species with better sight than humans," Rachel pointed out. "We can't be too careful here, guys."

"But we also can't ignore this," Tamara countered. She stepped closer still, reaching for the light. "It's the only clue we-"

Her words were cut off by a yelp as she sank into the wall.

"Tam!" Keith shouted, racing forward. The entire team immediately convened at his side, staring at the wall that had swallowed their friend.

After a few seconds delay, her excited voice proclaimed "Guys, I'm okay!" Everyone jumped back when her head suddenly emerged from the wall.

"A… hologram?" Matt murmured.

"A secret entrance," Tammy informed them. "Somebody lives here. You gotta see this place!"

Keith followed without hesitation, stepping through the false wall. The others soon followed, and all were struck speechless as they stood in the foyer of a large, spacious building.

"Incredible," Rachel awed, walking deeper into the room. Torches lined walls apparently composed of solid granite, casting flickering shadows everywhere. Yet, despite the creepy ambiance, there wasn't even a trace of malevolence.

"It's like someone carved a house in the side of the mountain," Matt observed. Slowly, he rounded a corner, his ring casting a brilliant green glow to amplify the dim lighting. "Wow… this looks like something out of Star Trek!"

Curious, the rest of the team followed. They were all treated to a complex series of computer systems, lining the wall and creating a soothing humming sound. In the corner was a large cot, with metal bars on both sides and its own computer near the head.

Rachel ran her fingers over the cushion, eyeing the aqua blue lamp hanging over it. "This looks like the healing device Spectra uses."

Tamara smiled widely. "Then this must be Gaius' home!"

All eyes fell upon Keith, as a cloud of red energy burst around him, dissolving his armor. He sighed in relief. "And it's got air-conditioning!"

"We can't get too comfortable," Rachel chided, "Even if there's no threat in here, we have to find Craig and Gaius."

"Maybe Craig's already here," Tamara proposed, "Or even the Diadem!"

Rachel felt the hopeful gazes of her friends. "Well… we do have to investigate. And we could use a break…"

Keith pumped his fist excitedly.

"But, we have to stay on our guard," she continued. "Okay, Spectrum Force… we'll split up into two groups. At least one member of each group must be Synced at all times, to keep our telepathic rapport open in case of emergency. Jocelyn-"

Rachel swallowed her words when she noticed her young friend leaning against the wall, one arm hanging listless at her side.

Matthew noticed her lethargy as well. "I think Jocelyn should get some rest," he stated, "She can sleep right here, on this cot. I'll stay with her."

"That okay with you, Jocie?" Tamara asked gently, touching her shoulder.

The Orange Enforcer nodded. "If you guys don't mind."

Keith threw her his winning smile. "Of course not. Just try to relax." Then, he rubbed his palms together. "Now… point me to the kitchen!"

* * *
Phaedra opened her eyes, the faint orange light touching her skin fading at the breach of contact. "Weakling human," she seethed, "asleep again! How am I to learn anything with her constantly closing her eyes?"

Not that it mattered, anyway. The "Spectrum Force," as they called themselves, had stumbled upon Gaius' sanctuary. It would no doubt take them hours to search it exhaustively, which was a complete waste of time. Phaedra's soldiers already searched the granite stronghold after they had captured Gaius. Though, they weren't searching for the Diadem, as they had believed the pyramid they had obtained was the mythological gem. They searched high and low for any secrets Gaius could possess, such as the hidden location of the Remnant's base, to no avail.

Perhaps the humans would find something? They did mention the peculiar ability to see a signal of light guiding them. Could the Diadem be calling them? Could it detect the Soldiers of Light, and draw them to it?

There was no way for Phaedra to learn the actual abilities of the Diadem, short of finding it and seeing for herself. The only record of its abilities was the ancient myth of the First Ones that boasted "unlimited power" within the Diadem's core. For all she knew, it was a worthless rock that a few misguided idiots worshipped. Men did have a penchant for shiny objects…

A bold knock disrupted her flight of thought.

"Enter!" she growled, lifting her head to the doorway.

Mor'se entered the darkened chamber, bowing his head once when he made eye contact. "Empress, I have found something I'm certain you will find useful!"

An elegant eyebrow rose. "You found something useful?" she repeated, mockery tingeing her voice.

Mor'se managed to hide the outrage her naked scorn incited. He stopped when he stood directly before the makeshift throne, and prostrated himself. His arms reached forward, holding a gilded scroll.

"I was reviewing some of the potions and elixirs I have collected-"

"When you could have been doing something productive," Phaedra sneered, "Like find me the Diadem."

The aged Denebian frowned. It was clear the empress' fury was beyond satisfaction until the Diadem rested in her hands. Or was it something else that frustrated her? "Forgive your servant, Majesty. I have never been a soldier. I am a scholar. Research is my weapon... and I have a weapon that will surely give you an edge over that filthy traitor."

Mor'se won her full attention. "What?" she demanded, snatching the parchment.

"If your Majesty would open the scroll, you will see the particular tactic I have in mind."

Phaedra unrolled the woven page, her eyes skimming over the writing. "The… Blight?"

As a fuller understanding slowly dawned, her gaze shifted back to the beginning, and read in earnest. "A magically-enhanced disease, completely debilitating to most species, eventually lethal to all. And there is no cure… not magical, or medicinal."

"Indeed, Majesty," Mor'se urged, a sinister lilt in his voice, "Not even a panacea will ease his suffering. The first stage of the disease attacks the muscles and bones, resulting in unprecedented pain. The second includes a dulling of mental faculties, as the disease moves from musculature to the brain. And finally, death."

Phaedra continued reading, her throat going dry at the explicit detail outlined in the scroll. She had never personally seen the Blight in practice, though she did remember reading of it with her tutors. It was the life's work of Oril of the planet Uqar, circling the star Aldebaran. The masterful alchemist perfected a mutated virus that had been attempted for centuries, and developed just enough to assassinate the six members of the Governing Body, and initiate a political coup. He only managed to deliver three, before an accident in his laboratory left him mindless. Soon after, the Denebian Empire sent an attack fleet into the system, throwing the Uqarian political revolution into further chaos.

The Denebian Emperor Styx personally led a devastating force to conquer the planet; but when his most trusted general was stricken with the Blight, in horror the Denebian forces pulled back. Not until Acheron ascended to the throne did the Denebians return to Aldebaran to claim it.

That general lived in torment for months, writhing in endless agony until the Emperor finally ordered euthanasia. His hellish howls and fevered whimpers haunted the doctors who tended him years after his death.

Whosoever was exposed to the potion would suffer the worst possible death.

"How would you create this Blight?"

"My father was on the preliminary scouting mission to Uqar, and he acquired one dose of the Blight. It has been in our family since."

Phaedra's lips parted in surprise. "You have a dose of the most potent biochemical weapon ever developed?"

"My family has always served the Monarchy as trusted counselors and field researchers. My father instructed me to use it wisely... and no use could be wiser than to claim the Diadem for Denebia."

He saw the shock warring with doubt in her eyes, and continued. "I assure you there is no danger from the virus, Empress. It is inert until activated by a drop of blood. And once activated, it can only infect a single individual... it cannot be transmitted by any means."

Finally, the empress recovered her voice. "What would you advise me to do with this Blight? I had already threatened to terminate Spectra before his very eyes, but I don't actually have a captive to use against him! I doubt he even knows the humans, so he wouldn't risk the Diadem on their behalf."

Mor'se stared at the empress in surprise. "I… I had thought you would cast the Blight on the traitor himself."

The empress glared at him sharply, her eyes slivers of crimson ice. Mor'se stumbled on his words, so startled by her reaction he was. "S..surely the pain of Stage One alone will loosen his tongue-"

With a growl of disgusted anger, Phaedra threw the scroll to the ground. Mor'se watched it skid against the smooth floor, striking the distant wall.

"Why would Lord Gaius tell me anything after I sentence him to a torturous death whose pain has no equal?" she hissed, rising from her seat.

Mor'se blinked. Wasn't the answer plain as day? "Claim you will rescind the Blight if he capitulates. He will be so maddened with pain he would do anything to end it!"

"Why 'claim' to rescind the disease? Can it be done?"

The scholar frowned deeply. This conversation grew stranger after every word! "He would not know otherwise."

Sanguine smoke trickled from her eyes. Mor'se swallowed his fear… the temperature had risen to a highly uncomfortable level during the conversation. He had never seen the empress so upset.

Why did this traitor's fate plague her so? Of course, a select few of the Denebian court knew their empress had a close relationship with the nobleman over a century ago… but that was before he betrayed his home world. It was ancient history.

"You did not answer my question," she murmured dangerously.

What does it matter, so long as the fool believes it can? "It may be possible that he who casts the Blight has the power to retract it."

She gazed down at him disdainfully. Her breathing had calmed, but it was clear her anger had not dwindled. "Are you willing to stake your life on it?"

His eyes widened further. "No, Empress. I'm afraid I don't know just how to retract the toxin. Oril's research… it states something about the 'soul of the condemner,' but he never had the opportunity to refine his research before his death."

He stood in the face of the storm, frustrated by the empress' irrational behavior. "And even if the Blight could be retracted," he stated boldly, "it shouldn't be. That worm should die a thousand torturous deaths. Deaths of a cowardly traitor."

Before Mor'se could inhale, his body was suddenly catapulted into the air by the thunderous energy of the Denebian Empress. He flew through the open door, his right shoulder smashing against the pane, and crashed full-body into the wall opposite the entrance.

The two guards standing at either side of the door hurried to his side. Once he had recovered his bearings, the respected scholar pushed away their aid, desperate to maintain some semblance of dignity.

Yet, despite his humiliation, he allowed a breath of relief. At least my head is still attached to my shoulders…

"Are you all right, Lord Mor'se?"

He waved away the question. "If you can, I suggest you don't approach her for at least a few hours. The Empress is… emotional."

The two gulped visibly. All of the Empire knew of Phaedra's short temper. And they watched as Mor'se walked through the hall, one of the very few who could boast surviving such a fit of rage.

* * *

^Sphere Grid deployed.^

Spectra hurried away from the supply cabinet she was rummaging through, and fell into her seat at the main station of her ship. The large screen depicted the globe of the Earth, with a honeycomb-shaped pattern around the circumference.

"Finally," she breathed, a small smile brightening her face.

It had taken a great deal of time and effort, but she had succeeded in reprogramming the Sphere Grid Shield. It had been designed as an early-warning device, creating a barrier to pinpoint the exact time and location a Denebian ship crossed into protected space. She had used it less than a week ago, while she laid in wait for Phaedra's arrival.

Now she was using it as a shield to protect the Earth itself.

It was far more difficult creating a close-fitting shield, which would be necessary to protect the planet as she desired to.

At most she would need a day or two to aid her allies, but she couldn't take for granted that Phaedra's armies would do nothing during that time. Without herself or the Force available, it would only take a few platoons of well-armed Denebians to lay waste to a world power, and irrevocably throw the Earth's governments into chaos. Even if the Force were able to stay the invasion, the whole of the planet would learn the truth. The damage done to the world would be irreparable, as an entire species of volatile beings fought for their own survival.

It would be best to keep the war a secret from the world… for as long as possible.

Spectra had counted on the assumption that the energy field emitted by the spheres could be intensified if the spheres were moved closer together. Usually, a great deal of space hung between spheres in the Grid, enabling a small number of spheres to protect a large area. The energy field created was only a sensor shield… a ship could pass through without even knowing it. That was its purpose: a silent alarm to warn the protectors, without alerting the invaders.

With a few adjustments to the spheres, Spectra managed to create a more forceful barrier. It wouldn't be a physical wall, blocking invading ships from entrance. But the sheer energy would be enough to disrupt the navigational and weapons systems of a smaller ship. Just like the original design, the spheres were indiscernible from space debris, and the energy shield undetectable, unless a ship passed through.

There were serious drawbacks to consider. First of all, in order to protect Earth, the Sphere Grid would have to skirt close to the atmosphere, below the orbit of the Throneship. That created the possibility of manmade satellites coming in contact with the shield, and shorting out. It wasn't a terrible setback, as the vast majority of machines sent from Earth were unmanned, but it could alert the science organizations to a foreign presence.

Also, the Sphere Grid would be very limited in power. Spectra had to walk the line between keeping the energy invisible to detection, yet powerful enough to disrupt a ship. The balance she had reached did keep the energy invisible, but as a consequence the energy output was considerably low. It would be enough to disrupt a few scouter ships, but if the Throneship itself decided to descend into the atmosphere, or if numerous scouters passed through at once, then the Grid would shatter.

Finally, the Grid would only disrupt mechanical devices, meaning any magical invasion wouldn't be deterred. Granted, the vast majority of soldiers didn't have the ability to magically transport themselves, but a few of the onboard mages might.

Spectra had taken a considerable amount of time measuring the risks, and had deemed them acceptable. The chances were slim that the Denebians would take any action without Phaedra's presence, and if some lieutenant were brave enough to make a visit to Earth, there was an obstacle to hinder him.

Provided, of course, the Sphere Grid worked as planned. Which wasn't guaranteed, since it had never been tested.

"The more I delay, the less likely I'll be able to help at all," Spectra reasoned, rising from her seat. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, and the number ten appeared on the screen.

Ten minutes until the Sphere Grid activates… plenty of time for me to get into a Starglider 30, and get passed the atmosphere.

She hurried from the bridge of her main ship, and slid into the far smaller short-range vessel. It was designed as an escape pod, but fortunately it included a reinforced hull capable of handling a two-way trip through a Hyperspace Portal.

Please let me not be too late!

* * *

Gaius remained in the corner of the dark room. Before Phaedra's unexpected visit, he had been shrouded in a deathly, choking absence of light. Now, a bar of vibrant blue shed light throughout the small chamber, glowing steadily… as it shrank.

"Once the blackness engulfs the blue, your time is up. I suggest you spend the next few hours pondering just how devastating it would be to watch the only person you love die painfully right in front of you."

Even though he hadn't intended to, he found his mind wandering along very similar lines. He stared at the too-blue light, slowly swallowed by the blackness encroaching upon it. And as he watched, he thought of Hemera.

Hemera had such eyes. Radiant blue, bold and bright and wondrous. His own eyes were a cold, crystalline shade of the same color. Hemera's eyes were warm, with a touch of mischief, dazzling intelligence, and whole-souled devotion. His were cool, calculating, and dedicated. Not to a person, but to a cause.

A just cause, he knew. The worthiest cause. Save the universe. Save countless lives, both the living and yet unborn. Help restore order to the chaos the Denebian Empire had unleashed for the past six thousand years.

All it cost were the lives of the people he actually cared for.

It was wrong to weigh lives against each other. The value of one life… any life… was equivalent to the value of another. Despite the pull of his heart, he could not weigh one particular life above others.

Even if it were Spectra. Even if it were Hemera before her.

Of course, his reasoning didn't dull the sharp pain that stabbed his soul. Nor could it quiet the burn of his conscience. He could not surrender the Diadem, even for Spectra; though he knew he would be forever broken if he lost her.

Although… he had lost her love thirty years ago… as he lost Hemera.

That could not be helped. He simply couldn't have participated in the Krylian Wars. He was light years distant, and there were so many other great warriors at her side, he wasn’t needed. If he were, the High Father would have summoned him. On Edenia, he was desperately needed, by the remaining Midjinari, and by the Diadem itself. But for all Hemera loved him, she never needed him.

Had she needed him that day? Did she cry for him when the edge of the Prince's blade sank into her flesh, permanently severing soul and body?

Her death crushed him… but he had a glimmer of consolation. She had died, along with dozens of others in the climactic battle. But the Denebians were defeated. Kryl was saved, thanks to their efforts. Thanks to her effort.

Hemera donned her armor knowing her life was in jeopardy. She had chosen the life of a Warrior of Light, though her battlefield was slightly different than Gaius'. She had chosen to shed her blood for the lives at stake. He had chosen to shed his for the weapon that would eventually stop the bloodshed.

And though they were separated, he knew she was at rest. Her blood won life for the two billion inhabitants of Kryl, and all the planets their technology would have massacred in Denebian hands.

But he could not so easily reason Spectra's death.

If Phaedra were true to her word, Spectra would die because of him. He could not be blamed for protecting the Diadem… she would never hold that against him. But, he sent for her. He asked her to come to either help him, or carry out his mission in his stead.

I never should have summoned her, he mourned, his unblinking stare drinking in the radiant blue that rapidly dwindled. She hasn't even spoken to me for decades… yet she would come for me. And I have sacrificed her… for nothing.

Spectra would not die fighting. She would not die to save a planet, or a system. She would die because she was foolish enough to try and save him.

He didn't need to summon Spectra. He could have used the Ireli sphere to contact Luminus… perhaps he could have dispatched the Star Riders. The High Father knew the value of the Diadem, in a way most others could not.

Yet in his moment of need, he reached for Spectra. He wanted her to witness his sacrifice. He wanted her to understand how important the Diadem was. He didn't leave because he didn't love them… the Diadem was just that important.

He wanted… to say goodbye.

She never forgave him for Kryl. He couldn't depart this world knowing she still hated him.

"Poor Gaius, you look like you've just lost your best friend. Or... worse?"

Ice eyes slid from the gentle blue glow to the harsh red gaze that flashed with... something.

Was she jealous, perhaps, that he could love again? Or mirthful, for having caused him yet more pain. Or... perhaps... conflicted, for doling such pain.

He would like to think the latter; that Phaedra was incapable of being so unbearably cruel to feel no remorse for the damage she would do. But, he was no fool.

Ice eyes slid back to the comforting blue. "I believe I still have seventeen minutes left."

Unsurprisingly, the blue light vanished from existence, leaving only darkness, and the crimson eyes that burned his skin. "Your seventeen minutes are now up."

"I see you've grown impatient in your old age."

She glared at him. "And you've apparently grown suicidal."

He heard her heels tap against the floor... closer to him.

"The Diadem."

"We've already danced this dance," he reminded her.

"Would you let her die?"

Silence. Then: "Yes."

His tone was mournfully accepting, which threw gasoline on the fires of Phaedra’s frustration. Her patience was thinning into nonexistence.

"What is it that hurts you more, Empress? That I refuse to surrender the Diadem, or that I am refusing you?"

Her fists clenched... yet he could not see them. "You cannot hurt me at all, Traitor. But I can hurt you... hurt you beyond imagining and recovery."

"I can live with pain. And you... you will live with failure. Both for losing the Diadem, and losing any hold you ever had on me."

He heard the flight of fabric, and then a sharp sting drew moisture to his eyes. He rubbed his cheek instinctively, marveling at her outburst. She slapped me!
The act of a spurned lover... not an Empress punishing a traitor to the throne.

"This is your last chance," she warned, her voice a venomous hiss, "If you incur my wrath, there will be no end to your pain! You will suffer, lost in the throes of anguish, fever and hallucination, until you ultimately die! Tell me, Lord Gaius... do you recall the Blight?"

His breath caught in his throat. He did remember the infamous Uqarian disease from his studies on Denebia.

Why is she changing her threat? Could it mean Spectra is... safe?

His heart soared at the prospect, but he cautiously kept his tone neutral. "Yes, I recall. And your threats will not swerve me, Phaedra."

The way he spoke to her, with scorn and malevolence... the way he spat out her name, like it tasted bitter on his tongue... made her snap. With fury billowing in her soul like the heart of a star, she stormed out of his prison, and marched down the hall.

The guard positioned outside the call trembled when his gaze met the crimson rage of the Empress' eye.

"You," she growled, snatching the collar of his uniform, "Find Mor'se, and send him to my chamber with the Blight."

* * *

"Here it is, Empress."

Phaedra looked away from the window, and the perfect blue and green orb of Edenia. The planet that housed the Diadem... the object Gaius was willing- no, eager, to die for.

Perhaps... he longed for death? Then, he would be eternally out of her reach, mocking her from the Beyond with Hemera at his side.

She began seeing red. If he wanted death, she would give it to him. "Did you add the drop of blood yet?"

Mor'se shook his head. "I thought you might like to do the honors, Empress."

Phaedra's delicate hand rose to her crown, tearing the jewel-encrusted ornament from her woven forest hair. She stared at the pointed tip that sat at the center of her head.

She ran her palm over the jagged edge, drawing rich, ebony blood. "Give me the vial."

Mor'se did as she asked without question. She replaced her crown on her brow, and then snatched the vial. A single drop of the thick plasma slid down the glass edge, and touched the clear liquid.

Instantly, the blood mixed with the toxin, creating a bubbling reaction. Mor'se slipped a nonporous cap above the vial, trapping the invisible vapors the bubbles created. As both Denebians watched, the liquid boiled completely, making the vial appear invisible.

"Shatter the vial, and the vapor will infect the nearest person," he instructed. "Its magical enhancements insure that the virus will infect the target, through the skin or air. Stage One does not yet attack the mind, so he will be able to provide the information we seek."

"He won't," she decided, her eyes staring into the clear glass, "He refuses to give in… even if it means his life."

Mor'se frowned slightly. "Then, is there anything else I can do, Majesty?"

"No," she answered, without hesitation. "I will find that gods-damned Diadem, with or without his assistance. I still have the Orange Enforcer in my power. Perhaps I should hold her... a little tighter."

Her eyes slid closed, her breaths slowing as she consciously forced herself into calmness. "Leave me."

Mor'se bowed deeply, hiding his triumphant smile until he left the chamber.

The empress found herself leaning against the thick window, as her strength suddenly flowed out of her body.

It's his fault! she reminded herself, I offered him a choice… he refused my mercy. And now, I have no choice.

She couldn't back down now; she'd made a threat to his life. It was clear he wouldn't capitulate, not even to save his life. If she didn't carry out her own sentence, she would be humiliated, before the aristocracy, before her enemies… before the Emperor.

It was bad enough she had a history with the man before his Crossing… it would be unforgivable to show even the slightest compromise for his sake afterward.

She took a deep breath, and held her head high. Her face took on its most natural expression, that of mild disdain, and she stepped away from the window. At her silent command, her favorite flowing cape appeared on her shoulders, wrapping around her body and creating an even more imposing figure.

She glided out of her chambers, her heels echoing in the silent corridor. She moved quickly, her long cape dragging over a foot behind her along the floor. As she passed, guards and officers lined the wall and saluted her passage.

She was the Empress: fierce, volatile, powerful… uncompromising. And thus she would remain, whatever the consequences.

All too soon, her trek down the winding obsidian hallways ended at the heavy door of the prison. The lone guard stood at attention, carefully keeping his eyes lowered.

"Your presence is no longer needed here," she told him, her voice even, "Report to Mor'se for a new assignment."

The guard nodded once, and disappeared down the hallway.

Phaedra listened as his footsteps echoed into obscurity… and then, she turned her eyes to the door.

Should she give him yet another chance to cooperate? She knew every time she did so, she let him make a mockery of her. He seemed to have no fear of her… none whatsoever.

Perhaps his confidence was well founded. She could kill him, but she couldn't truly hurt him. He lived for something far greater than himself, or even his loved ones. The only way to truly hurt him would be to destroy his life's work… and take the Diadem.

And I will! she ordained, massaging her wounded pride, He will regret betraying the Empire.

He would regret betraying her.

Her arm emerged from beneath the heavy cloak, grasping the vial that marked Gaius' death.

She could open the door, and toss the vial inside without a word. She could make a grand entrance, laughing cruelly as she delivered Death in vapor form. She could… offer him a final chance. She could warn him of the properties of the Blight, in case he didn't realize just how much torture he would undergo.

She closed her eyes, and held her hand out, palm up. In a blink, the vial vanished.

She didn't need to deliver some final threat or mockery. It would bring her no joy whatsoever… and she knew it.

She listened intently, and heard the glass shatter behind the door.

And as she walked away, she felt something else shatter… within.

* * *

With a deep yawn, Jocelyn slowly drifted back from slumber. She shifted to her left side, her hand blindly feeling for the soft comforter that somehow fell off her body.

Instead, her hand touched cool metal, inducing full consciousness.

She wasn't in her bed. She wasn't in her room. She wasn't even on Earth.

She was sleeping on the medical cot of an alien's stronghold, thousands of light years from home.

"Hey Rip Van Winkle… ready to join the land of the living?"

She pouted. "Rip Van Winkle? Couldn't you call me 'Sleeping Beauty' or something?"

The Green Enforcer shrugged. "You've obviously never looked in a mirror when you first wake up."

Her threatening grimace made her friend chuckle. "So, how do you feel?"

She stretched her arms out, and released another yawn. "Actually… pretty good." Her face pinched, "Though, a snack would be nice. Did Keith find anything edible?"

He shook his head. "We frankly couldn't tell. Keith, Tammy and Rachel found a room with plants that looked like a greenhouse, with some fruits and vegetables growing there. But it's impossible to tell if they're poisonous to humans. We never bothered to ask Spectra what she eats, so we have no idea if Denebian food is healthy for humans."

He began chuckling anew. "Rachel and Tamara had to actually wrestle an apple-looking fruit from Keith. He was practically salivating."

Jocelyn giggled at the mental image. Leave it to Keith to poison himself on some alien fruit. Though, if they remained on Edenia a few more hours, even she would be hard-pressed to choose to err on the side of caution.

She frowned pensively. "How long was I asleep?"

Matt instinctively glanced at his wrist, only to realize his watch wasn't there. "Well, unless I un-Sync, I can't tell you exactly. I'd say about an hour and a half."

She gasped. "Why didn't you wake me up or something??"

"Relax, Joce, it's fine. The others are still exploring. This place is absolutely huge, and so far we haven't found anything at all that could help us find Craig, Gaius, or the Diadem."

"And what have you been doing all this time?"

He gestured to the computer station sitting against the far wall. "Trying to figure out how this thing works. I think maybe there's some information on the Diadem on the system." He tapped his opaque blue visor. "You know this mask can actually translate written language?"

"Really?" she awed, swinging her legs off the cot, "How?"

"Well, I don't know how, exactly. But you see this screen?"

Jocelyn nodded, staring at the bizarre alien symbols she could only assume was text.

"When I Synced and looked at it, my visor creates an overlay of English text. It's incredible!"

He stood up from his seat. "Actually, if you feel up to it, maybe you can help me browse? You're a lot better with computers than me."

She smiled playfully. "Was that a compliment? Trying to make up for that 'mirror' crack, huh?"

He folded his arms. "Hey, you walked right into that one!"

She sighed theatrically before hopping off the cot completely. She took a few steps back, making some room as she held her ring above her head.

"Spectrum Sync!"

Glowing smoke poured from the gemstone, wrapping her in a cocoon of pure energy that covered her body with molded armor of various shades of orange.

Once the energy released by the transformation died down, the Orange Enforcer took a seat at the computer, and stared at the data through her blue visor.

"Wow, you're right!" she gasped, wonder lighting up her face, "It all makes sense!"

Green leaned over her shoulder, his gloved finger tracing some text in the far left. "This is the menu bar I've been navigating with. The system started up with a surveillance progr-"

Matthew's words were lost as suddenly, Jocelyn's slim fingers clenched around his throat… tightly. Not quite tight enough to substantially hurt, but enough to get his attention.

Matt blinked in confusion as Jocelyn rose to her feet, and brought him with her. "I..is this about that 'mirror' crack?" he rasped.

Suddenly, he found himself flying through the air, his body crashing full-force into the cot Jocelyn had rested on just minutes ago.

He groaned loudly, rubbing his shoulder that came in contact with the now-shattered cot. "Jeez, Joce, that's not…"

He bit his tongue when he noticed her standing above him, orange aura burning over her entire body.

* * *

"I don't know, Ray," Tamara sighed, her dark eyes following the Purple Enforcer as she hovered near the ceiling, "Do you really think there'll be a secret door somewhere?"

The leader of the Spectrum Force shrugged. "Why not? There was a secret door to get in, right?"

"Yeah, but that's to stop uninvited guests from finding the place. The only way anyone could find the door is to see the light, so only good guys can get in, right?"

"Maybe this Gaius guy is paranoid?" Keith offered, discreetly digging into his pocket. He slowly drew his hand out, his fist clenched tightly.

"My God, Keith, I can't believe you!" Tamara fumed, grabbing his wrist and shaking it wildly. To Keith's dismay, his grip gave way, letting two dozen small green spheres roll along the granite floor.

Rachel floated lower, her arms folded. "Do you have a death wish?"

He frowned. "They're peas! They look like peas, they smell like peas… they even grow in those little pods! What are the chances they're poisonous?"

"Whatever they are, they're not worth taking!!" Tamara shouted.

"Come on!" Keith retorted petulantly, "At worst case, maybe I'll get a little queasy… but it's better than starving!"

A smirk touched Rachel's lip. "Maybe he's right," she contributed, her boots touching the ground.

Tamara stared at her roommate, aghast. "What?"

"What's the big deal about a little nausea?" She picked up one of the "peas" with two fingers. "Sure, it'll be uncomfortable, but when we get back, Spectra can probably cure him."

Keith grinned. "Yeah!"

The Purple Enforcer then walked to Keith, and dropped the "pea" in his hand. "Of course, before Spectra can do anything, we'd have to get back home… through the Hyperspace Portal. Spinning and rolling through Hyperspace, a thousand times faster than light speed…"

Both girls watched as Keith's triumphant grin gradually collapsed into a grimace. His blue eyes slid toward the tiny green sphere in his palm; tempting just a moment ago.

"I think I lost my appetite."

Tamara snatched the "pea" before her boyfriend could change his mind.

*Guys!*

Rachel winced, hands instinctively flying to her temples as Matthew's urgent cry rang between her ears.

Keith and Tamara stared at their friend in concern. "What?" they both demanded in unison.

"It's Matt. Something's wrong with Jocelyn."

She lifted off the ground, her aura burning an angry purple instantly. "Sync and follow me downstairs," she ordered, before vanishing in a flash of light.

Tamara and Keith traded urgent looks, before holding their rings to the sky. "Spectrum Sync!"

In less than a second, the Purple, Yellow, and Red Enforcers streaked down the stairs, and came to a sudden halt right outside the medical ward.

All stared in astonishment as Green crashed through the wall, filling the room with dust and small chunks of rock.

They were even more shocked to see the Orange Enforcer step through the hole after him, calmly brushing the gray dust from her sleeves.

"Jocelyn! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Red demanded. He landed about a foot in front of her, his hands falling to her shoulders.

Her head inclined, apparently gazing at him for a moment. She then cocked her head, and watched as Yellow rushed to aid Green.

"I was wondering how long it would take him to call for reinforcements," she admitted. The voice was Jocelyn's… but there was a tone of vicious scorn Keith had never heard in his friend's speech.

She then turned back to Keith, her body going rigid. "Let go."

Keith grunted as a wave of orange energy leapt from her chest; throwing him into the far wall with such overwhelming force, he crashed right through the meter thick granite.

He collapsed into a boneless heap amidst the heavy debris and the green grass of the surrounding forest.

Orange moved to follow, until a wall of vibrant purple blocked her way.

She sneered beneath her mask, pivoting to see the Purple Enforcer hovering behind her, silently manipulating energy into a spherical shell to encase her.

Purple hung stiffly in the air. "Who are you?"

Rather than answer, Orange flexed her arms. The faint orange aura around her body began flashing with increased energy, and then flowed from her, clinging to the inner wall of the purple sphere.

The energy then focused directly above Orange's head, and forced a hole in the top of the bubble. "Someone who obviously has far more experience with the power of Light, Human."

Rachel quickly leapt backwards, barely dodging a cannonball of energy. Stupid, stupid, stupid! How could I forget our shields merge when they touch? But… how did she know that?

It was clear it wasn't Jocelyn they were fighting. True, it was Jocelyn's body, and even her powers; but it definitely wasn't her mind that decided to pulverize her friends. Somebody else was in there…

*We've gotta get her out of here, Ray!* Matthew's mind-voice shouted urgently. *Its way too tight, and we're doing some major damage to Gaius' equipment!*

*I'll distract her, you grab her!* Rachel commanded. She threw her body backward to avoid another sphere of powerful energy, and planted her feet against the wall. Pushing with all her might, she leapt forward like a spring, folding her arms over her head. Her forearms became a battering ram that connected solidly with Orange's stomach, sending the younger girl crashing to the floor.

Sorry about that, Joce…

The instant Orange skidded to a halt, her body was locked within the tight grasp of Green. Wasting no time, he zipped through the hole created by Keith, flying over the Red Enforcer as well as Yellow, who was urging him to his feet.

"Jocelyn!" Matthew shouted, his voice rising above the sound of the wind, "Can you hear me? Answer me!"

"She can't," Orange replied, her power igniting around her, "I speak through her mouth. I see through her eyes. And I strike through her hands!"

The energy leapt forward, tearing a tree out from its roots. Matthew gaped in astonishment as the enormous plant sped toward him at breakneck speed.

His distraction was enough for Orange to slip out of his grip. Fortunately, he was able to dodge just as the tree streaked passed him, dissolving into splinters as it smashed into the mountain.

Matthew breathed deeply, recovering his bearings from the near miss. Slowly, he floated backwards, to where Rachel, Tamara, and Keith had gathered.

"So," Keith muttered, absently rubbing his sore head, "what's Plan B?"

* * *

*Your mind swims in doubts, Warrior.*

Craig quirked an eyebrow. His gaze followed the Midjinari girl, watching as she nimbly slipped between trees, upraised roots, and foliage.

What makes you say that? he thought. They had long since decided to keep verbal conversation to a minimum, to reduce the likelihood of being spotted by any wandering Shadows during their exhausting hike through the Edenian forest.

*Doubt tenses your muscles. Furrows your brow. And to match these visual cues, there are even more potent mental cues.*

Craig frowned, tapping his sweat-damp temple. You're not poking around up here, are you?

She slowed down, and gazed at him quizzically. Craig found himself uncomfortable under the scrutiny of those wide, cat-like eyes.

*I apologize,* she finally offered. *I did not mean to intrude. Midjinari communicate freely telepathically. We speak when we can, but there is a constant mental connection between us. There are… so few of us left.*

How many of you are there, anyway? Craig wondered.

*We as a people have been scattered throughout the universe, fulfilling our duty to slow the onslaught of Death. My tribe has watched the Diadem for generations, and you have seen us all.*

The Blue Enforcer blinked. You mean, the four of you??

She nodded solemnly.

I'm… sorry, Mashal.

*It is the sacrifice we make. The Diadem must be protected at all costs. Edenia is ideal, with the vast amount of sunshine brightening the entire sphere… yet the environment is detrimental to us. We remain enclosed as much as possible.*

Craig silently processed that information. An entire species of people, dedicated to protect the Diadem. Who knew how many of Mashal's tribe had died? How much did they sacrifice, for what seemed to be an impossible mission?

His thoughts were an open book to the telepath. *The sacrifice is great, and the road we tread is difficult. All who fight Death travel that same path… including you and your allies.*

Craig winced. Only recently he'd begun to consider the sacrifices he was making… the sacrifices he would have to make in the future. And whenever he did, his spirits sank.

Can I do this?

He didn't mean to transmit his thoughts, but he did.

*You must have faith in yourself,* Mashal noted, repeating her advice from their first encounter. *You must believe that you are able to complete the mission entrusted to you. You would not have been chosen if you were unworthy.*

He sighed. That wasn't very comforting. Mashal, I wasn't chosen by the Light, the Diadem, or whatever other powers are out there. My friend picked me.

Despite his somber mood, a small smile touched his lip at Rachel's words. "There's no one else I'd rather have serve by my side as the Blue Enforcer…"

She'd really meant it. She didn't just say it, to persuade him to take the ring. And she didn't just pick him because he was her friend.

She picked him because she trusted him. And Rachel Castaneda wasn't the type of person to depend on others… so her vote of confidence spoke volumes.

*You do not appreciate the depth of being Chosen,* Mashal informed him. *You were chosen by your friend, but from where did she get the power to choose?*

Spectra, a member of the Denebian Remnant, gave her the Spectrum Stones.

*And Spectra must have been given the Spectrum Stones by Luminus, the High Father and founder of the Remnant.*

Craig blinked. He sounds important.

*He is. He was chosen by the Light. He touched the Diadem. His wisdom guides the Warriors of Light. He would not choose Spectra unless she were worthy of choosing proper warriors. Spectra would not have chosen your friend unless she found that one equally worthy. And your friend chose you. So you have been chosen by the Light.*

That's… an interesting point of view, Craig confessed. It had never occurred to him to give his fate that much thought. Was it possible he truly was chosen by something great? Was he chosen to be something great?

*If you still doubt, the Diadem will light your path.*

What does that mean?

*The Diadem and your ring are the same. Your ring binds you to the Diadem, in a manner I am not. That is why Warrior Gaius had to summon aid. Midjinari cannot wield the power of the Diadem… but you can.*

Craig quirked an eyebrow. I don't know about that…

Suddenly, Mashal grabbed his hand urgently. Craig startled.

*I sense Death…*

Her revelation came just before a loud crash in the forest ahead.

Craig's eyes widened. What's going on?

The two hurried forward, taking extra care to remain silent and hidden within the dense verdure. Soon, they reached a cliff face, and a startling battle waged before their eyes.

That's the Spectrum Force! Craig revealed. He narrowed his eyes, watching the Green and Orange Enforcers tousle in the air above. What the hell are they doing??

His jaw dropped as Jocelyn's energy yanked a nearby tree, and hurled it at Matthew.

*Your friend has been gripped by Death.*

"Wh-"

Mashal quickly smothered his mouth with her hand. *No words Warrior… lest we be discovered. Your Orange friend has been gripped by the Empire.*

I don't understand… how do you know that?

*Close your eyes, and come here.*

Mashal beckoned with her finger. Puzzled, Craig slid onto his knees, bringing him within reach to the Midjinari.

She placed her fingers on his forehead. *Now, look.*

Craig slowly opened his eyes, and gasped as suddenly, the rich green of the surrounding forest was replaced by drab gray. The grass, the trees, the mountain… everything blended into one another, creating a flat background.

However, the people present were far from drab. Each of the Force shone with incredible, vibrant energy, bathing their bodies in such radiance it hurt to look at them directly.

Except for Jocelyn. Where she floated, all Craig could see was a black silhouette. Though oddly, outlining the obscurity was a nimbus of orange light.

What is this?

*This is how Midjinari see,* Mashal revealed. *Our eyes see into the realm of energy. The Warriors of Light shine gloriously, yet the forces of evil swallow light with an unending hunger. Your friend has been corrupted, so she fights her allies.*

Craig moved forward, his face folding.

*You cannot help them if you fight with them. You must find the Diadem.*

He chewed his lip. But… they need help!

*If you transform, your exact location will be discernible by the Empire. And then, no one can safely seek the Diadem without being watched!*

Craig huffed his frustration.

Mashal pointed to the cliff with her free hand. *The Diadem is within.*

He followed her gesture, and noticed a rectangular hole in what had appeared to be a solid cliff. Just large enough to be a door…

*I am certain it called to your friends, but the presence of evil silenced it. If the one had not been tainted, surely your friends would have found the Diadem. Now you must enter. So long as evil does not pass through the entrance, the Diadem will call you. Enter the invisible door, and you will be guarded from evil eyes. You can wield your powers without fear, and the Diadem will guide you.*

Craig's gaze slid back to his friends. Rachel, Matthew, Keith, and Tamara seemed to have regrouped, with Jocelyn hovering high in the air. They're right by the wall, Mashal. If I go now, they'll all see me.

*That can be prevented.*

Craig turned, and watched the Midjinari girl pull off her heavy cloak. Beneath it, her green robe matched perfectly with the surrounding forest. *The cloak can hide you from sight and sense. Cover your skin, and join the edges together to activate its magic.*

Will you be okay out here without it?

She smiled. *The Midjinari have traveled the universe for centuries of centuries without being detected by enemies. We have our ways.*

He smiled in return. Then, I guess it's up to me.

He donned the heavy material, feeling it weigh down his body. He approached the tree line, preparing to step into the open, when he saw his four friends take to the air, surrounding Jocelyn.

I wish I could do something. Wait… maybe I can!

He smirked fiercely as a thought occurred to him. He dodged back into the bushes for cover, and pulled the Ireli sphere from his pocket.

This definitely qualifies as an emergency.

To Be Continued...