I'll continue the trend some more. W00tness!

Awww, limited time on the comp or something huh? Try typing it up at school.

And I claims teh page!

...but I'll let Copper have it, since I recall getting no chapters for a week when I claimed a page in Conquests.

Can't get on the computers at school, and I'm not allowed to do things like that even if I could. They're very strict.
A week? Somehow I don't recall that, except for the month or two when I was moving.
BTW, Nobody, I saw part of that movie veeeerrrrrrry insulting

No glowing blades signalled their presence. Only a gathering of shadows, a flash of movement revealed them. But when the Eclipse passed over, the shadows scattered.
Acid sighed. "I don't think they saw us, Rad."
"Yeah, they saw us," Radium said calmly. Sure enought he Eclipse came in to land a few minutes later.
They had left a few bodies behind, and by the look of it so had Defalcon and KRSplat. Crystal joined them just before they left.
"Wait!"
Radium turned. "What?"
"Before you leave, I stunned sone. Don't kyou want to take care of them?"
"Right. Hold on, Copper. Last one didn't know anything about Electrik and Shinyso."
"Hurry up. Haven't got all day!"

The orders went first to them. Failure was expected, but unexpected were the dark telepath's abilities, which made success impossible. They were not blamed, much to Tremol's relief. The dark telepath had always been more than he looked. Tremol had to agree.
When he heard that they had gotten to Shador and taken the powerful one who was there, Tremol was filled with self anger. If he had succeeded this would not have happened. It was a substantial loss for the Kiyrenin. It could not happen again.
Clearly the powerful one, the Chaos Mage, had been informed that they were after him. Perhaps he had told the dark telepath also. Somehow they eluded the trap set beyond Shador.
Yes! Good news at last, mixed with bad. They had walked into the trap on Firen. The one laid for the Chaos Mage, led by the powerful mage Saridow, had been utterly destroyed. They had badly underestimated the Mage.
The one for the dark telepath had almost failed. The telepath and the strangely gifted one had been reluctant to join the ranks of the Kiyrenin, an attitude Tremol could not understand. Why did they not wish to serve his master? It was unfathomable.
They had nearly eliminated that pesky mercenary, too. Captain Tiger, one of the finest swordsmen/telekinetics in the Kiyrenin, had nearly slain her. Unfortunately the Mage had killed the Captain. It was a great loss. Tremol recalled that Tiger, too, had resisted. He had slain many Kiyrenin before he realized the error of his ways. Tiger had become a most devoted Kiyrenin after that.
However, they had indeed captured the telepath and the other. In time they would realize that Tremol's master truly did want the best for them. Then they would be Kiyrenin.
The Mage was heading for Shilarloh! This would be Tremol's chance to make up for his past two failures. Once the Mage was caught, Tremol would take him personally to the base and institution located in the Rialli system, on the largest moon of Tec. There he and his two friends would be educated. Perhaps Tremol would be promoted to the rank of Captain, to replace Tiger. Not that he could really take Tiger's place. His death had been a heartfelt blow. Nevertheless, Tremol felt that he could serve his master better as a Captain.
Ah! The mercenary was limping. Tiger's death had not been in vain then; he had weakened her. Even though she had no special abilitiees, Tremol felt that both she and her odd companion could considerable bolster the Kiyrenin force. Such a sword!
They were pairing off. The warrior with the two ancient, magical swords left with another, unremarkable rabbit. The Chaos Mage was left with the sibling of the gifted one they had taken. Tremol raised his blade and glanced up at the rooftops.
Pain.
Darkness.


Tiger makes another appearance later.

I got to it first! w00tness!

Oh, and good job and glad you typed instead of playing and send this to a publisher in a weekly magazine and stuff.

w00tness again

This chappie is a bit confusing because of the new characters

Excellent work anyway


Eval

lol, no characters that are here to stay, except maybe Tiger. Nobody .. you're so funny ... seriously, that's my sister, not me.

Fortunately, I do have some for you.

Radium looked away from the dazed Kiyrenin Tremol, and Crystal coolly stunned him again. He nodded to Copper, and rose to his feet.
"Largest moon of Tec, Rialli system," he said calmly. She nodded.
"That's a four hour hyperspace jump. Up to it?"
"Sure. That was the last one anyway. How's Acid?"
"Still trying to assimilate the info that Electrik might be his enemy next time they meet. You're a useful person to have around, Rad."
"Of course I am. So are you, for that matter. We all are. My skills are just more refined and varied."
"Sure they are. Let's go."
Radium followed her onto the Eclipse, 'remembering' Tremol's memory. He had not been aware that Tiger had been caught by the Kiyrenin. It was disheartening, to say the least.
He had met Tiger before. The swordsman had been quite skilled as a telekinetic. He was his own man, unwilling to follow anyone, to obey any orders, to accept any ideas beside his own. The fact that he had fought desperately, to the death as it were, rather than give in was characteristic of Tiger. Radium had not known that Tiger had led, and initiated, that trap.
If he had, he wouldn't have killed him. Not because he had some qualm about killing old acquaintances who were trying to kill new friends - he'd done it before - but because Tiger had been worth saving. Now he was left to wonder if he could have freed Tiger from the hold the Kiyrenin had on him, rather than killing him.
Another kind of freedom, death. A cruel one, that cannot be taken away, but is given freely ... don't dwell on it, Mage, or it'll eat you up ...

Copper didn't know what Radium had seen in that Kiyrenin's mind, but it had left him serious and pensive. He was preoccupied, as much as Acid, who was almost continually coming up with impossible schemes to rescue his elder brother. Copper didn't blame Acid - she'd considered a some improbable things as well.
In a way, Electrik's capture had bound her more tightly to this than Shinyso's. Shinyso could and had taken care of himself. He would recieve help when he asked for it, not before or after. But she had promised to keep Acid and Electrik safe.
She had failed. If it had only been Shinyso who they were after, she would probably have ignored the Kiyrenin. Now she could not.
Radium had indicated that they might want Crystal as well. That gave her another to worry about.
Unusual abilities ...
Claw had them. Crystal had them. Kaz even did. Radium, definitely. Even she possessed a powerful artifact, Shale (although she'd never become really attatched to the piece of metal, it did have useful qualities).
The only ones not in immediate danger were KRSplat, Defalcon and Acid - and KRSplat, of them all, possessed nothing the Kiyrenin could want. Defalcon had his blades, Acid his knowledge, KRSplat had nothing.
Good.
Even Evaluator was in danger. It wasn't very much, but it could qualify as danger. She didn't worry about Claw, Defalcon or Radium - they knew how to take care of themselves. Her job was to keep Acid safe and retrieve Shinyso and Electrik.
Largest moon of Tec, Rialli system. Well.
Let's go.
A moment later, and the Phantom Eclipse, once more the Assassin, blasted into hyperspace.

Ha ha, more later.

WoW..
Another chappie *hugs CT*

w00tness


Eval

How in the name of all that's holy do you write such incredible... uh, ness? I only wish I had half of the square of the amount of talent that you do!

In anycase, another godly chapter. Good job.

It'll be a shame if CT can't continue these...

and btw, if this is getting in the way of your homework, do your homework ;p.

@4I Falcon: and I only wish I had half YOUR talent!

Great chappies! *Thwacks himself for not noticing the 1st of the two chapters that got posted before I realized*

also, in response to Kaz's comment, you should do your homework if you need to do it, but if it's not that important, write this story!

Absolute awesomeness. I don't know how you manage to describe everything so well without sounding boring. w00tness

No chappie today. It might be better that way o.O, but not tommorow! Can't expect one tommorow either...

I'm not really supposed to get on on the weekends. Sorry.
But! There is some now.

Four hours of both hyperspeed and hyper Kaz, the hyperdrive cut out and the sublight engines came on. They came out into realspace with a slight lurch, and the Rialli system lay before them.
Tec was the fourth planet in a ten planet system. It had three moons, one small and quick, one middle-sized and erratic, and the largest, ponderous and slow.
The largest one was the only one that was tidally locked with Tec, so it presented the same face all the time for Teken inspection. Obviously the Kiyrenin would be hidden on the dark side.
Well, close to it. Situated so that it was eternally dusk, the Kiyrenin facility was well disguised. KRSplat saw them and pointed them out.
"Those are buildings," he said wearily. Copper didn't blame him. Four ambushes - no, five. KRSplat had gone through less, but if she was tired, what must he and Acid be feeling like? "I worked in one as a guard," he continued. "At Ikann'a. They're quite clever. They'll have minimum sensor arrays - too much power and they risk being found. Probably just life support and whatever small needs they have."
"Good job," she said cheerily. "See, that's why you're here."
"Thanks. And all along I thought it was my charming, magnetic personality."
"Or lack of it," she teased. Then, "Claw, cut power to everything except for engines, life-support and the comm."
"Done."
"Good. Shinyso - blast. Sorry, guys. I forget sometimes."
"I do, too," Claw admitted. "Flight path takes us to just beyond sensor range. Shields stable. Artificial gravity has been cut."
"I think you read my mind," she accused. Claw shrugged noncommitally.
"Maybe I did."
The Assassin glided in lower and lower. No lights showed on their exterior.
"Ten meters," Claw said. "Repulsorlifts engaged. Engine power at half."
"Just a bit further ..."
"Three meters. Engine power cut to one eighth. One meter - at designated landing coordinates. Engine power cut to nothing. Repulsorlifts at half. Forward momentum ceased."
"Good job. How high are we?"
"Two meters, according to this."
"Cur repusorlifts to a quarter. Evaluator, I'd like to tell you to stay here, but we'll probably need you."
- My presence is not necessary. -
"Okay. Mind explaining?"
- It is self-explanatory. - The scanners brightened, and the schematics for a Protector-class, hyperdrive-enabled starfighter lit up a spare screen.
"One Protector coming in," Claw said quietly. "Identified as Fire Chaser."
"It's Shonar. If I didn't know better I'd think he has this ability to know when I need his skills. I wondered why you were so quiet during the flight, Eval, but you weren't even there."
- Good guess. I wondered when you'd figure it out. -
"It took me a bit. You're blasted lucky that I'm used to flying alone."
- Nevertheless. I don't have to come along now, right? I can stay here, for your ... getaway. -
"Good thinking, though I'd have like to leave Shonar out of this."
- Too late, - Evaluator said sardonically. - He's already in this up to his little bronze-furred ears. -
"Yeah, but they don't know that. Oh, well." She turned on the comm.
"Fire Chaser, this is the Gryheli 72. Land and cut power to minimum. We will explain then."
"Gryheli, Fire Chaser acknowledges. Following orders." A moment later, "Copper, what's going on? Eval never really explained."
"Then Eval can tell you," Copper said in gleeful satisfaction. "Since he called you here."
A silence. Then, "interesting. I can help, too. Well."
"Good. Let's go."

Shonar "borrowed" Claw's wrist computer for about ten minutes, and handed it back with an almost complete map of the installation on it. Claw only blinked when he saw it. Clearly he knew what his computer could do.
The installation map bore the name of Serinnik on it. Shonar (being the security expert he was) had also downloaded a pile of passwords on it. He was a very handy person to have around. So was Claw, for that matter.
"They're probably being held where the security cameras aren't," Shonar reasoned. "Just in case someone does decide to slice in ... like I have. They wouldn't want someone seeing who they've brainwashed, or how."
"Good thinking," she congratulated. "So somewhere in these back rooms. I can't use Shale, they'll sense it. Radium can't come, unless he gets caught. Crystal, I want you to stay here under cover and pick those guards off. The less we have to contend with, the better. Defalcon, Kaz, you're backup. Acid, KRSplat, Claw, come with me. Shonar, you too. Evaluator is, of course, staying here. Ready?"
Unanimous agreement at her descisions was expressed. She grinned in anticipation.
"Excellent. Let's go, shall we?"

Neh, nastiness in the next chappie.

Now that was a long chappie

*me likes* & w00tness


Eval

Originally posted by Coppertop
I'm not really supposed to get on on the weekends.

You poor deprived soul.

Good chapter. I haven't really had much time for reading lately, though I try to get around to it when you write more on this story...

you're not allowed on on the weekends? Wow, that really sucks.

Great chappie. Can't wait to see what happens next!
And get my brother back and kick some serious kiyrenin BUTT!!!

Originally posted by acid
you're not allowed on on the weekends? Wow, that really sucks.

Great chappie. Can't wait to see what happens next!
And get my brother back and kick some serious kiyrenin BUTT!!!

mmm... electro-butt-kicking...

Originally posted by Coppertop
I'm not really supposed to get on on the weekends. Sorry.
But! There is some now.

...

Neh, nastiness in the next chappie.

I thought it was only sundays, oh well. Nastiness O.o? Gore? Fighting? Dirty non-G-rated things?

Hey, Rad actually replied
Just because I'm not supposed to get on during weekends doesn't mean I don't. And Kaz: None of the above. Lessee ... infiltration, escapees, and betrayal. You know what I mean.

The Kiyrenin Serinnik was impressive. Sterile, gleaming with white tile and steel, it was not haunted like the Venomstrike's equally sterile interior had been. It was functional, but not decorative. Copper approved.
Very few creatures were in the halls. Those who were fell prey to KRSplat, Claw or Shonar, who were all excellent with blasters. Copper would have helped, but she dealt with Shonar's map. Shonar himself often called a brief halt while he jammed the security measures that were in place. Doors opened silently before him; cameras turned a blind eye. Their passage was unnoticed.
The final door that stood between them and their target would not open. Shonar growled under his breath, stood back, and motioned for Acid to use his RF launcher, which the green-furred scientist did with a will. When the dust cleared, the door was nonexistant, and a confused, dazed Electrik was on the other side.
"Acid? Quite the entrance, huh?" he said, shaking his head dizzily. "The colors they used on these walls are really fantastic."
"Uh, sure. C'mon, Electrik, we gotta get out of here."
"Sure. Any time."
Panicked voices in the hall, and the sound of running feet. Copper also shook her head in confusement. Where was Shinyso?
"Right here. Turn around ... slowly."
"I see," she said coldly, sensing without seeing that the black rabbit had his saber at the ready. She did not turn.
"I wondered when you were coming," Shinyso continued quietly. "I see that the Kiyrenin still underestimate your determination."
"Willpower solves a lot of problems."
"Even so."
Now Copper turned to face him. She was relaxed, and ignored the fact that her sword was not ready. He was only slightly tensed, ready for any attack. The voices and sounds in the background receded in the face of a very real, and present, danger.
"If you go peacefully, leaving behind the Chaos Mage and any magical artifacts you possess," he continued casually, "we probably won't kill you. You have my word on that - the Kiyrenin's word."
"At the moment," she said slowly, "the Kiyrenin's word, and yours, mean spit. With the state you're in, I wouldn't believe you if you told me that space was vacuum."
"Ah. So."
"Yeah. So, you can put away that pigsticker and come along, or stay here and ultimately die."
"Quite the choice. Unfortunately, it is neither yours to present nor mine to make. You see, the Kiyrenin have convinced me. We will have the Chaos Mage, by force or not."
"That's not you speaking. You know - or knew - that the 'Chaos Mage' does have a name. And he's his own man, not some tool to be possessed."
"None of that matters. Electrik, come here."
Electrik backed away. His normally charged fur was like any other rabbit's at the moment.
"Oh no you don't. That thing may have worked on you, my wayward friend, but it hasn't affected my thinking yet. Copper's right. You're demented."
"Just convinced. You will be too, if you listen to them."
"Man, I don't want to be convinced. I want to be Electrik, myself, not Electrik, Kiyrenin. I like the way I think right now. You are not messing with my mind, buddy."
"As you will," Shinyso said, his voice calm and even. He lowered his sword slightly, fixing his gaze on the would-be convert.
Electrik hesitated, stepped forward slightly. Then he caught himself. Acid grabbed his arm to keep him in place. Shonar and Claw were hesitant to attack their one-time companion.
Suddenly Acid spun and fired at the white-tiled wall behind them. A terrific crash resulted, and the wall collapsed. He turned and began backing through the hole, pulling Electrik with him.
Shinyso paced gracefully forward, through the dust and debris. He was perfectly calm and reserved, no anger or emotion on his face. Copper fell back uncertainly.
"Come on! Let's move it here!" Defalcon yelled at her, from beyond the opening. Her backup had arrived just in time. Kaz had already grabbed Electrik and was laborously flying back to the Assassin. Shinyso shook his head sadly.
"Running won't help now, my friend," he informed Coppertop. "When he wants something, the master gets it. Right now, he wants your Mage, Radium." He said Radium's name as if it was something foul. She understood. Faithful Kiyrenin, even prospective Kiyrenin, weren't supposed to have unique names or personalities, just powers. Tools.
"Your master will have to work a bit harder, my friend," she spat back. "Maybe when you've come to your senses, you'll realize that. Cause we're not giving Radium up without a fight. He'll die before he becomes Kiyrenin."
Now Shinyso showed emotion; his eyes blazed with an unnatural fury that was not his. He raised his sword and advanced.
My master will not be denied, mercenary fool, his voice echoed in her head. You are stupid to oppose him. He gave you a chance at life, and you have thrown it away in favor of death. Listen to this then; even now, Kiyrenin assemble. Those you knew will join them; Ducky and Wild Angel, any with artifacts of power, even the Faders. Sharrakamov will be ensnared; Pirelann will be persuaded, and they will join us willingly.
Faders like Sharrakamov and Pirelann were incorruptible. The old Shinyso knew this. Therefore, this was not Shinyso speaking.
He lunged forward, and Shale scraped out of the sheath, blade blazing with brilliant white light. His saber clanged on her sword, sending a vibration up her arms. She held steady as Shonar and Claw slipped out past her. Defalcon waited impatiently.
"Now you die," Shinyso rasped. She shrugged as if it did not matter to her. She met his next attack easily, but her slashed leg was hampering her movements. She gasped as she took a wrong step and it screamed in protest.
Steadily he drove her back. She had seen this before, with the striped Captain whose name she did not know, who Radium had slain. But Shinyso did not drive her back with brute force, but rather with dazzling skill. His mind-voice taunted her all the while.
The twilight of the land outside was a haven. She twisted her blade around suddenly, catching his and sending it out of line. He paused to recover, and she seized her chance. Sheathing her sword, she spun and ran, favoring her injured and newly reawakened leg. The rough terrain caused her to stumble, but she did not fall. Halfway to her ship, she turned and drew her blaster, snapping off a shot to slow the warrior who pursued her. Then she turned and sought safety in the Assassin, in space, with her friends, far away from one of her closest friends, who had turned traitor to all he had believed in.

THIS is a long chapter.

Great chapter. I kinda like having people fight over me =P.

It's suprising that I reply? Well, I don't make post as much as I read posts. I'm on this forum about 12 hours a day and see pretty much everything that goes on, though.

@Coppy: This IS a long chappie... And a great one, too

w00tness

Eval

Yay, I got Electrik back! EXCUSE ME, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PART WHERE I DECIMATE ALL KIYRENIN WHO TRIED TO CAPTURE ELECTRIK?!?!?

very good chapter. W0000tness.

I wonder what Ninja will think if he sees what you've done to him...

Whee, more explosions. Sounds like yay!

Gah, give in to the masses and you will find peace. W00tness.

acid: We had to remove that becuase it went over the 10000 character limit.

Long indeed, I guess a full post is better than three =\. The plot thickens?!


Bartering for peace in society,
will only cost your soul.

w00tness!
Heheh, mustn't stray from the trend. Anyway, awesome, long chappie

It gets more interesting each chapter...

I just realized what's going on.

Now I understand.

Since I get it now... w00tness again!

lol, very funny. Get used to it, Rad ;p
That part comes later, Acid.
I've got like 5 minutes on here so I have to say it quick: I picked your idea, Rad. The Conquistar it is (mainly because I found it in the dictionary. It's spanish for 'conquer', you were right.)
For the chappie.

Electrik was quiet as they left Tec far behind. Copper was determined to lose the Kiyrenin - and Shinyso.
Finally, once in the relative safety of hyperspace, he spoke.
"You shouldn't trust me."
"I don't," Copper replied without looking at him.
"If it worked on Shinyso, it could have worked on me."
"True."
"I wouldn't even know it, would I?"
"Probably not."
"Brainwashing shows," Acid finally said. "If it worked, I'll know."
"Are you certain?" Coppertop said, finally turning to face him. "Our lives are in the balance. All of us are."
"I'm sure. I live with him, remember?"
"All right. I'll keep that in mind. Meanwhile, there's something a bit more serious, which Crystal, Eval, Rad and Kaz don't know." She paused, then continued quietly. "The reason why Shinyso didn't come wasn't because I didn't have the chance to get him. In fact, we met. The reason why he's not here is because he's Kiyrenin."
"The brainwashing worked, then," Radium said finally. She nodded.
KRSplat siad, "he demanded you, and Defalcon's and Copper's swords, at saberpoint. He'll probably come after us now."
"He knows me well enough to predict me," she said. "So, I think that Acid and Electrik should leave us. They'll be safer."
"No," Acid said. "Neither of us are fighters, and we'll be easy prey if we leave."
"Well, just so you know, you don't have to stay with me, any of you," she said calmly. "If you want to go, you can. At any time. I won't blame you."
"I'm not leaving," Defalcon said decisively. "Heck, I've had more action with you than I've had last year. How could I leave that?"
"Huh, you seem to be the only person who can put up with me," Kaz added. "You and KRSplat, that is."
"Kaz, we ARE the only people who can put up with you."
"Nothing else to do," KRSplat mused. Crystal nodded.
"I may be a good sniper, but I need experience. Skill isn't enough by itself."
- Not likely. I like your ship anyway. It has a slightly above average performance. I like it. -
"If I left, I'd probably end up right back here again," Radium pointed out. "Happens every time."
Claw simply gave her a Look. Acid shook his head with a slight smile when she looked at him, and Electrik attempted the same thing but just about fell over. She sighed.
"Well, if your minds are made up. I wouldn't dream of dissolving such resolution. I think you should all have a say in where we go at the moment, and not just me and Claw. So. Suggestions?"
"Kitow is secluded and often overlooked," Crystal said. "The Kitowri are withdrawn and unpredictable. We should be safe for a short time there."
"Okay. At the moment I have a course set for deep space, just to put them off. Shonar's already off, doing whatever. Radium, you're the Chaos Mage. Any chance of bringing Shinyso back?"
"Maybe," he said thoughtfully. The look she gave him said she knew very well that he had Shinyso's memories. Give them back to him. Maybe it'll bring him back.
Maybe.

Glad you liked my idea. Very good chapter.


... you wrote that in 5 minutes?

Oh, and "Conquistar" is the verb "to conquer". It's "Conquistador" that means "conquerer".

eee, spanish... *shudders*

If you wrote that in 5 minutes, you type very fast

Well, I don't know Spanish either

Eval


/edit: Spelling mistake corrected *ARGH*... I must be stupid (Actually I know that I had to write "know", but I just had come from school when I wrote that, so I was quite tired...)

Originally posted by Evaluator
Well, I don't no Spanish either

You also need to practice english. It's "Know", not "no".

chatspeek is taking over the JCF!

(omg u no thats 2 bad i geuss... we r going 2 b taekn ovr by sum dum ppl hu cant spel evry otha wurd)

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

L33T SP33K > chatspeek

English > chatspeek

chatspeek < everything except liver paté

No, cut and paste. I had it pre-written. Unfortunately I don't have any right now, but later, yes.
Argh! I can't figure out how to change the topic name. And before you say it, yes I did try edit.

4I: I will never use "chatspeek". *shudders in horror* I have GOOD grammar

Copper, try asking a mod or admin to change the title for you.

Spanish?! THAT'S SO CHEAP, but so am I -v-.
How uncreative.

On the other hand, I have to admire you writing that in five minutes as I've heard from a very unreliable source. Mooree.

And, please post the next section soon. It's to good to stop, so don't.

`N0

too good. Even better than my swirly white impending super-nova thingy in winamp AVS.

Kaz: you're weird. But I bet you already knew that.
Nobody: I definitely won't stop in the middle of the story, unlike some ppl *glarez at Kovu*
I did not type it in 5 minutes. I used a nifty little tool called "Cut and Paste". Rrr.
Def: Thanks.
Did I miss anyone? No? Good.

Kitow was the exact opposite of Shador. The Kitowri were not precisely hostile, but they were anything but friendly. They eyed the newcomers dangerously, as if daring them to approach. Kitow was not noted for tourism.
The brightly colored buildings, decorative pennants and gaily designed ornaments served to make Kitow bright and cheerful. Even if the natives weren't friendly, the surroundings were. Within a few minutes of their being there, the Assassin was bedecked with paper and flower chains, despite Copper's efforts. Her friends smothered grins and tried to look stern, but only partially succeeded. Kaz was busy dropping buckets of flowers on the young Kitowri who were not as unfriendly. Curiousity did wonders.
The Kitowri were a lot like mice. Tufted tails and large, slightly triangular ears were their identifying characteristics, and were unique. They were inquisitive but standoffish. The good thing about this was that a stranger would stand out immediately. This was also the downside.
Fortunately, due to a sudden brainwave by Copper, they weren't staying for long. Rather, they would be heading back to Carrotus in a short time, much to Defalcon's dismay.
"We won't be there for long. I promise," she said with a grin. He sighed and accepted with ill grace.
They were there for, as Copper said, "advice". Who was going to advise them, nobody knew. But any advice would be welcome.
So, when the Assassin lifted off later that day, shedding bright blossoms everywhere, it was with a sense of curiousity.
Carrotus was only half an hour away. Defalcon endured, and despite himself could not help but be relieved at the sight of Carrotus, hanging in space like a green and blue jewel on black velvet. Copper set the Assassin down near some ruins, which (as Claw knew) were the remains of her hometown. Ten minutes away in the woods lay her hideout, and a cliff that was not all it seemed to be. But they would not be going there this time.
A faint, overgrown track was all they had to follow. Copper led them out, surefooted and confidant from countless walks along this path. Still, her hand did not stray from Shale, and the rest remained wary. The woods seemed quiet ... too quiet.

"Na'amba, quellrin. Venrop alkez kaidu?"
The sudden voice ringing through the trees made almost everyone jump, except for Coppertop, Claw and Radium. Perhaps Radium had read what was going to happen in Copper's mind; certainly he was not surprised. Copper definitely wasn't.
"Nah, none of that today," she called. "Come, now, you know me!"
"Efren dalar ghafi. You take the fun out of everything!" the voice replied, and a curtain of shrubbery suddenly parted and a small, slender rabbit stepped out. Her fur was deep green, almost black, and her eyes were lighter. Her hair was a shock of white, very long, and in ringlets. She grinned at them.
"Newcomers, Coppertop? Why, I'm honored. Come in. I'm sure she's gotten you all in trouble. That is Coppertop, ko?"
"Guys, meet Skiye," Copper said quickly. "She's a seeress, and can probably help us. Right, Skiye?"
"Right. What Coppertop here won't tell you is that I'm also her grandmother. Hah! Thought so! Been acting the homeless wanderer again, no?"
"Skiye! That's not necessary," Copper protested indignantly. Her grandmother laughed in a way that said complaints were futile.
"I live for the look on your face," she chortled. "But, on a more serious note, I can indeed 'probably help' you. Come on, what are you waiting for?"
They followed her off the path, and through the trees. Defalcon muttered to Copper, "how many more relatives have you got stashed away?" before getting an elbow from Crystal. Copper merely rolled her eyes.
"No more, I assure you," she replied. "Nightshade and Skiye are it. The rest are gone. Don't lose sight of her, or you won't find your way."
"Oh," Crystal said, a look of glee in her eyes. "I see. Follow the little green grandma ..."
"Shut up," Copper told her, almost laughing. "If she hears you, the 'little green grandma' will wring your neck!"
"Got it," Crystal said immediately. Defalcon snorted.
"Don't let Kaz hear you either," he said. "Else we'll be hearing, "round and round the mulberry bush, the grandma chased poor Copper ..."
"If you aren't quiet, I'll chase you round the mulberry bush," Copper hissed, horrified. "Both of you!"
"Aye aye captain," Defalcon replied, straightfaced. Then, at Crystal's smothered laughter, he shot her a look of warning before he, too, could no longer hold back his mirth. Kaz landed beside them, demanding to know what the joke was. Defalcon controlled himself and replied evasively. Copper didn't stay around to hear what he said. She hurried her pace to catch up to Skiye.
"Thanks a lot, Skiye," she said dryly. "I won't hear the end of this now."
"You're too serious," Skiye replied. "You need to lighten up. You're letting sorrow and responsibility drown your sense of humor."
"What am I supposed to do, ignore the fact that I've killed innocent people, and even my friends?"
"No. Not that, Coppertop. But they're gone, and you can't do anything about it. Don't let it eat you up. Get on with life. Remember them, yes, but don't dwell on them."
"I know," she said quietly. "Maybe I will. But right now I can't. Another of my friends has been turned to the enemy, and I may have to kill him too. What am I supposed to do? Now he's hunting me, my friends, and people I'm responsible for. If he succeeds, I'll have more people I know to fight. For him not to succeed, I have to kill him."
"Knock him out and tie him up," Skiye suggested. Then, at the warning in her granddaughter's eyes, she sobered. "You've already thought of an answer. Why come to me?"
"I can't be sure it will work. If it doesn't, what do I do then? I don't want to always be looking over my shoulder, knowing that someone who knows me well enough to predict the way I think is after me."
"You speak of the Ninja, Shinyso, ko? A ruthless enemy, to be sure."
"He wasn't always that way," Copper said, slightly downcast. Skiye sighed and looked up at her tall granddaughter.
"I will do my best. Come now. We must get out of the open. Strange things prowl these woods."
"Lead on," Coppertop said quietly. "You know where we're going."
"I do?"
"Skiye!"

Hah. Read that.

I read and liked it. Still not quote sure what the heck is going on, but I am enjoying it. I just hope ya don't halfta kill Ninja off.

`N0

Don't kill people unless I need to. Or unless they become nuisances ...