Chapter Nineteen

Frazzle's dark eyes scanned the compound before them from the cover of the dense 
brush. A six-foot chain link fence that only had gates at the front secured the 
perimeter. Barbwire decorated the top with sharp spines ensure difficulty 
getting, or out for that matter. Frazzle was willing to bet that it was 
electrified as well. Why else would they place no guards at this end? No one was 
that cock sure. If they were they didn't last all that long.

Of course there was one flaw. Unless the Morphs had an invisible force field 
covering the whole facility as a dome flying creatures could get in will 
enviable ease. That would have worked well except that everyone with the 
exception of himself could fly. He would be stuck on the wrong side and no use 
to anyone at all.

Creeping forward he tentatively scratched the dirt at the base of the fence. The 
dirt gave way easily revealing rock hard clay. Scrapping some of the stuff away, 
at the cost of his sharp claws, a layer of cement was revealed. Wrinkling his 
nose he growled in irritation at the obstacle. He retreated back to the bushes 
to confer with the others.

Twilight watched him closely with blue eyes before offering a solution, "It is 
possible that if you are not too heavy I could lift you over. It would weaken 
me, but I believe that is a worthy sacrifice."

Frazzle mustered a nod of approval. It was difficult for him to accept that he 
was the leader now. He held the key to their success and if they failed it was 
all on him. No one, if they still lived, would blame him, but then how would he 
live with himself? He winced and laughed silently. It was hard, and he still 
thought of Twilight as the Elder. Upbringing was going to be a struggle the 
whole way through. Part of him was in a state of disapproval at his new rank and 
disrespect, but the other part rejoiced at the newfound freedom and command.

"We need cover. The guards may be on the other side of the compound, but a bunch 
of flying Freaks seen at the wrong time would bring them over." Loki advised 
knowingly. His former unhelpful attitude had faded neatly into the background 
completely. What was left was far more pleasant. He was doing things without 
being bidden and anticipating problems. More than once along the way his 
comments and suggestions had proved invaluable. The flareon cleared his throat 
and continued, "I suggest we proceed from those bushes over there and behind 
those barrels."

Twilight nodded in agreement, "I think that will do nicely."

After they had all managed to get over undetected Frazzle decided to scout 
around. Midnight accompanied him silently as the two slunk in the shadows and 
behind equipment. They saw several doors, but they were all heavy and locked. 
Not at all suitable for the purpose of infiltrating the place as they had 
planned to do. Discouraged, they rejoined the others.

Deciding to get closer Frazzle allowed Loki to lead. The flareon certainly had 
changed. His body held a tenseness that revealed the muscles that had been 
hidden before and he was wary. 

The flareon made a course to the shaded wall of the imposing building. Tall 
spires of metal cut upward blocking the sun. The constructed building was 
stretching to the far back showing that it was wide and tall. Flanking the metal 
wall Frazzle wondered if he could ever find Jewel in that horrendously large 
maze. At that moment Drake brushed up against the back of his leg reminding him 
that he had good, loyal friends to help him do it. That filled him with hope and 
he shoved back his doubts.

Suddenly Loki flattened himself against the drab wall. Instinctively the other 
followed suit as a door opened and a pair of legs started out. Frazzle looked up 
to see a young Morph. She seemed pensive and preoccupied which was good 
considering they could not afford to be spotted. The whole mission depended on 
that.

Stifling a gasp of surprise he stared at the Freak trailing after the girl. 
Eveena was following meekly, and of her own accord! He feared for Jewel if they 
had broken such a wild one such as Eveena. Her twin tails twitched like live 
wires when she spotted them pressed against the wall. Her luminous green eyes 
narrowed after she got over the surprise and she hustled over to them. The Morph 
asked her a question ,no doubt where she was going, and she gave a sassy reply. 
It was nice to see that not all of the sprit had been taken out of her.

The fox was obviously thinking. Her mouth puckered in indecision before 
motioning for them to follow hastily. When all of them started to slink after 
her she stopped and hissed, "Not all of ya, idiots. Three, that's it. Frazzle ya 
are one. Pick two others and hurry! It don't take meh that long ta go and heed 
the call of mother nature."

There was urgency to her commands and a certain level of authority in the small 
Freak's voice. She looked supremely annoyed at her rescuers. Frazzle realized 
there were more cons to being the leader, you had to pick and chose at the cost 
of hurting someone. Pondering for a brief second he pointed to Twilight. She 
nodded grimly and joined him.

The next choice was much more difficult. Twilight held priority. After all, 
Jewel was her daughter. Also her skills were unmatched by anyone else in the 
party. A psychic might be needed. The rest looked expectantly and he was now 
just beginning to understand the pressure Blitz endured. Surprisingly it was 
Loki who stepped forward first. His face was severe, but underneath he seemed to 
be afraid of trotting on someone's toes.

Midnight studied the flareon a moment before stepping back and relinquishing his 
claim. Aqua lingered a moment before doing the same. Drake, however, was not 
convinced. He stared unhappily with deep eyes before growling. Sliding back he 
glared at Loki. In return Loki gave him a sincerely grateful look. Drake seemed 
mollified. 

The three slunk after Eveena and the Morph. They weren't really noticed by 
anyone and frazzle realized that they had so many Freaks and possible a few 
Pures. There was no way that they knew every one of them in the compound so they 
just assumed that the three were under the Morph's control. 

They passed through a room filled with empty cages and Frazzle risked a glance 
at his companions. Loki's heavy face was a swirl of emotions. There was pain and 
grim resolve in his eyes, but no fear. Frazzle guessed that he was recalling his 
own imprisonment in a not so different laboratory. Twilight was alert and icy 
calm as usual. Her face showed no outer emotion and she walked upright.

"Sorry Eveena, you will have to go back in the room. My client is unpredictable 
and he hates everyone. It's not safe for you to be there. Hopefully you'll enjoy 
time with your friends." The Morph explained as she ushered Eveena through the 
steel door. Quickly the three squeezed through as the door closed gently and the 
lock clicked into place.

The first thing Frazzle was aware of was Jewel thundering towards him shouting. 
She tried to stop and failed. The two fell in a heap as frazzle was bowled over. 
She giggled and apologized helping him his feet. The pain in his side returned 
but he was too joyful to notice.

"Frazzle, you came." She whispered and leaned against him. Her fur was cool from 
the floor, but her furry wings were warm.

"Did you think I wouldn't?" Frazzle teased gently and watched her lapse into 
confusion, "I knew you'd try. What I mean to say is... well, you had to get past 
them. I didn't know if you could do it."

"You should know better than that." The Pure chided and smiled.

"As much as I hate ta break up this romantic moment, we need ta get outta here." 
Eveena reminded them bluntly. Her green gaze automatically shifted to FireStorm. 
The other freaks under the rule of Fiona and Leo had been removed earlier, but 
the pair had left FireStorm behind.

The horse pokemon shifted uncomfortably as all sets of eyes shifted hostile 
towards her. Surprisingly it was Twilight that she was watching warily. Chyne 
hovered nearby almost protectively. Frazzle shook his head at such an absurd 
thought and looked closer. The massive pokemon looked far older than before and 
the jolteon reflected that most likely they all did. He shook off his thoughts 
and concentrated on the matter at hand. Escape.

"Is she safe to talk in front of? I don't want to take unnecessary chances or 
risks." Frazzle snapped directing his attention to Eveena and Chyne. Loki took a 
menacing step forth and looked to be considering how to deal with the new 
threat.

The fire horse took an unsure step back at the glare and looked pleading at 
Twilight to champion her. It was obvious she expected to be saved by the espeon 
and that she was in charge.

"It's okay. She won't tell." Chyne said directing his remark at Frazzle. He 
could tell the jolteon was in charge although he couldn't tell how or why.

Loki frowned. He licked his lips lightly and voiced his doubts to frazzle 
respectfully, "I don't know. She was a turncoat once and it would be all to easy 
for her to switch sides at a crucial moment."

Jewel was confused at the change in Loki but her attention was drawn away from 
that puzzling thought when she saw the espeon next to the big flareon. She 
gasped and whispered loudly, "Echi?" Her voice was full to the brim with 
surprise and shock. The pink espeon looked uncomfortable and Frazzle shifted.

"No," Twilight began ponderously then her mouth twitched. She grimaced and 
continued in the same voice, "My name is Twilight."

The expected reaction was delayed and the knowing ones held their breath as 
Jewel considered the statement. Suddenly Eveena burst out, "What? That would 
make you Jewel's mother!"

"Oh." Jewel muttered softly.

Chapter Twenty

"Forgive meh again for breakin' this all up, but getting' out of here is a 
priority here. There will be time later to catch up on the mixed up web that 
y'all seem ta be weaving." Eveena urged having gotten over her initial surprise 
and shock. Chyne and Frazzle nodded their heads in complete agreement.

"This can be sorted out later." Loki agreed with a sharp nod. His deep purple 
eyes flickered towards FireStorm. His mouth curled for a moment before he asked 
with a hard voice, "Is it safe to be saying such things in front of her? I 
suppose that she has already seen us and heard way too much to be let go. You 
there," He snapped at the fire horse, "Are you helping or hindering us?"

"Helping." Was the hasty reply. It seemed sincere and her intentions were clear. 
She going to avoid conflict as best she could.

"Good." Loki nodded as if he never doubted her intentions in the first place. 
His words were neutral, but his eyes had yet to thaw.

"I might could get Faye ta help us. She understands." Eveena offered and Jewel 
shook her head against it.

The door opened and they scattered to various corners just out of sight. A very 
angry Chloe was tossed carelessly in their mist. Sparks crackled around her 
cheeks and her eyes were blazing with anger. 

"Of all the nerve..." she began strongly and trailed off when she viewed the 
newcomers. Her period of shock was brief and she whispered in fierce bafflement, 
"Who the hell are these people?"

"Chloe this is Frazzle, Loki, and my mother, Twilight." Jewel grinned at the 
spunky blue creature's confusion, "They are going to help us escape from here."

"Count me in." Chloe whooped happily looking forward to some action and after 
that freedom. There was a gleam in her eyes that not even Loki could count as 
something other than true enthusiasm. She lowered her voice immediately and 
nodded her fat head at the conspirators, "I never thought I'd see the day I tell 
you. Waiting is mighty hard, but in the end it's worth it."

With the introductions formally done the small group set to work. Slowly, but 
surely a plan formed and during the construction plenty of criticism, comments, 
and retorts were offered. Tiffs were created, but after awhile the kinks were 
worked out without blood shed and minimum name-calling.


The room's door burst open with a very powerful kick given by FireStorm. It flew 
off its hinges and crashed into the adjacent wall with a resounding boom. 
Eveena's head came around the corner, her bright green eyes roved restlessly 
around looking for any guards who might have been alerted by the noise. Giving a 
curt nod of approval at the empty hall she leapt nimbly into the long hallway. 
Her nails clicked sharply on the tiles as she trotted for further investigation. 
She whistled all clear and the rest of the group came pouring out.

They had decided that the best way out was to band together rather than 
splitting up. Sneaking was no good thanks to FireStorm who towered far above the 
others and was a herbivore and therefore had no natural instinct for such 
things. They couldn't leave her behind to call out an alarm either leaving them 
with the only option of strength in numbers. Chloe had been a great help with 
all her knowledge about the place. After all, she had lived there all her life. 
She knew the ends and outs; shortcuts; procedures used to round up stray Freaks 
employed by the Morphs and other important details.

Also, as agreed upon, they unlocked the cages as they went. It had been the most 
bitter of arguments in the intial planning, but in the end freeing the captives, 
backed by Twilight and Loki, was to be done. Most of the occupants cowered 
mindlessly in the corner when freedom presented itself in the form of the 
escapees. Even more, however, jumped at the chance and a sizable group followed 
the original group avidly in the search for true freedom. They figure that that 
was the best way. A discouraging factor to the liberation was that the larger 
Freaks were far too hard to free. A few stopped to try, but most pressed on with 
the urgency they all shared.

They cleared the halls taking down any who proved to be an obstacle and ignore 
those who weren't. Passing through the last hallway they were pushed into a 
large room. Machinery and metal instruments decked the wall like crude 
decoration and noises of whirling computers filled the air like hundreds of bees 
buzzing all at once.

Chloe stiffed from her position in the front to a halt as she recognized the 
room for what it was. A torture chamber or as the Morphs called it a research 
lab. Alarms blared from overhead speakers deafening those with sensitive ears 
and sirens flashed temporarily blinding them. Most of them broke rank at the 
unnerving noise and dove for any sort of cover that offered itself to them.

As small side door slid open and an army of Morphs poured out of it to intercept 
the would-be escapees. All were heavily armed with nets, dart guns, or 
pokeballs.

Twenty One

Jewel, who was in the lead at the time, skidded to a very ungraceful stop on the 
slick tiled floor. She ended up on her butt. The others who had more time to 
react thankfully did not run over her and managed to stop in time. Frazzle 
padded up to ask if she was all right but was cut off.

At the front of the group of well armed Morphs was Mrs. Kazam. She cut a fine 
figure standing proud and tall in the middle of the large room. Her sharp black 
eyes flickered over the group as she studied them one by one. Her eye paused a 
moment on Eveena then hardened. Her thin mouth formed a sneer and her eyes 
mirrored it. Her soft yet hard voice cut through the room, "So, this is what my 
granddaughter foresaw."

Faye shifted nervously at the scorn-laden voice directed at her if only 
partiuallly so. She moved back in to the ranks slowly letting them fill in front 
of her as Kazam continued in the same tone. "She foresaw a bunch of Freaks who 
finally got their wits and courage together and have made a break for freedom." 
A sneer covered her sharp face, "For being clever they now want to be rewarded 
by getting out with no fight for they have forgotten all that we do for them. 
Sure there are a few that use to live out there and would make it in the wild, 
but for the most part all of you are helpless and hopeless about living on your 
own. Have you already erased from you minds that we feed you, shelter you, and 
take care of you? I never would have pegged you as the stupid dog that bites the 
hand who feeds it, but you all have proven wrong yet again."

"'Tisn't right for ya ta keep us locked up like dribbling idiots! How 'bout that 
for stupid? I say stupid is those who bow down ta ya tyrants!" Eveena shouted 
earning another hard stare and a silent promise. She shot an apprehesive glance 
at Faye who avoided her luminous green eyes, but gave a small nod.

"Yeah." An anonimous Freak shouted from somewhere in the middle of the ranks. 
Serveral voices shouted their agreement and support one of which was clearly 
Chloe.

"You cannot hope to sustain your present population without guidence and 
protection. Survival of all Freaks depends solely on us. Without our assistance 
you would die out." Kazam countered calmly with more than just a hint of steel 
in her voice. The Morphs behind her nodded in agreement for that is what they 
had always been taught to believe.

"We do not see imprisonment as salvation." Twilight said distainfully with ice 
cover her voice like a snow topped mountain. Her blue eyes were equally cold 
with dispassion and belief. There was no understanding or tolerance within those 
twin pools of disapproval.

"All of you will not leave without some sort of fight on our part. You represent 
years of careful research and study." Kazam warned.

"We will fight for our freedom just as many have done before us. These creatures 
are no longer your playthings to do with as you like. They are sentiantal 
species just as you are. They make descisions and mistakes; have families and 
friends; love, laugh, and cry. Nothing on this earth gives you the right to hold 
them for your own twisted purposes. Liberty should be for all rather than just a 
select few. Liberty shall come before dead this I promise you for we are strong 
and determined and FREE!" Frazzle shouted as loud as he could making his speech 
echo loudly off the metal walls. His spiky face was set and his eyes filled with 
an absolute determination.

The smug faces of the opposition turned confused and many eyes held a shadow 
doubt. The only ones with set faces were Kazam and Fiona. They were frozen and 
impassive despite the stirring speech Frazzle had just made.

"Give up. Freaks are not equal to us," Fiona spat with contempt at the notion. 
Her eyes were a-fire with a burning hatred and her many tails whipped back and 
forth in a fury. Leo hovered behind her nodding in support and saying repeatedly 
the whole time, "Animals. No more than dumb animals."

If anything confusion clouded the opposition's minds at the conflicting opinion. 
Some faces were set either agreeing with the notion that they were animals or 
that they were equals. Others were still undecided leaning on way or the other.

The one's that had decided that the Freak truly were thoughtless animals had 
gotten their pokeballs out with haste and held them ready intheir hands. Beliefs 
were too strongly intergrated for a simple speech of protest to mar or break it.

"Pretty speech, Pure, however, you are not of those that follow you. No mixture 
of blood runs through you veins. What gives you the right to decide the fate of 
those following you? I believe that it would be very much like what you just 
accused us of doing." Fiona sneered her crimson eyes glittering with 
maliliousness, "I'm very much afraid that even that fine piece of work you spun 
out will save your sorry asses."

Kazam frowned at the disrespect shown by the impudent Morph and that of the 
harsh lanuage used, but she did not call the ninetales Morph down for it. The 
girl was rallying need support and distracting the enemy. Instead she motioned 
to the troops behind her without a word of command they tossed out the balls 
that had been held ready. Promptly the rest followed shoving their doubt aside 
for the familiararity of taking orders.

Frazzle tensed in anticipation, but his voice remained deceptively calm, "Don't 
do this. Just let us go and resolve the conflict here and now."

"Not in this lifetime or any other for that matter." Fiona sneered forcefully 
hate glowing in her bright red eyes.

"You represent the future. We cannot just let you slip away leaving us with 
nothing." Kazam replied still trying to convince them that fighting was 
unnessary and futile. She paused for a moment before shouting, "Attack!"

All hell broke loose. The two forces converged in an angry flurry of teeth and 
claws. The chaotic den was filled with shouts and orders from the Morphs; cries 
and rallies from the Freaks. 

Jewel lost Frazzle almost immediately into the fray, but she had other things to 
worry about. The battle was raging around her heedlessly. Eventually someone 
would strike out at her and she had no training to fight back with. As Midnight 
had said just weeks before, eevees were not made for battle. Giving a short hop 
into the air using her wings for support she spotted Loki, Chyne, and a few 
others banded together, fighting outwards with their backs protected. Shoving 
her way through to them she joined them, helping the best she could while 
keeping an eye out for Frazzle or Eveena. They were the two most likely to be 
hurt by inexperience and overconfidence.
~~~
Frazzle felld another creature with a light electric attack from his spiky ruff. 
He had no wish to kill any of the other battlers. After all, they were just 
following orders. He bit back a bitter laugh inwardly at his weakness. This was 
just the sort of thing Midnight had warned him about. His compassion was holding 
him back in battle and it may well get him killed before the conflict was won. 
He pushed that morbid thought to the back of his mind violently and turned to 
worrying about Jewel. He had been pushed away at the beginning and could only 
hope she was with someone safe.

Double Kicking at a foe sneaking up behind him he start searching for signs of 
his friends. It would be better if he could find someone to battle with and 
someone to watch his back.
~~~
Eveena dodged through the masses of battling creatures. She had but one 
objective in mind and that was finding and protecting Faye. Nothing short of 
death would stop or detain her.

She flamed an attacker and jumped over the next with nimble ease. Most of the 
opposing Freaks were weak with inexperience and young. That put the defenders at 
an advantage, but with the odds stacked against them she wondered if they could 
hold out. The odds were 3 to 1.

Spotting Faye she shot ahead twice as fast. Both sides were avoiding the furret 
and it helped that she was off to the side. The Freaks remembered how kind and 
compassionate she had been and had no desire to hurt her. To them she was an 
innocent bystander and not to be touched.

Eveena made it to the girl's side panting heavily. "You came." Faye said in 
surprise and an undertone of happiness. Her voice was quiet and had a frightened 
quality to it. Eveena had to strain to hear her properly, "I was sure you would 
fight with your friends and then you would leave."

Eveena shook her head for she knew if she spoke her voice would be carried away 
in the noisy turmoil and be lost. 
~~~
Suddenly the tide turned as a new wave of Morphs emerged. With them they had 
some of the larger, more experienced Freaks. The veterans were quick to take out 
the weaker defenders cornering and separating the others. The strongest soon 
found themselves isolated.
~~~

Frazzle bared his sharp white teeth at the gravler cross before him. He knew 
that even if he used his strongest zap cannon that it would not effect the rock 
blocking him like a hulking piece of a mountain. Double Kick was equally useless 
as was all his other moves. Using Agility he shot forward timing a bite on the 
hard rocky shell. The dark move all but bounced off it.

The chunk of rock flinched at the uncomfort but kept up its advance. It was then 
Frazzle realized that he was fighting for his life. There was no place for 
compassion or any other noble notions in this battle. It was kill or be killed 
plain and simple.

Desperately he looked around for some help. He spotted Loki first. The flareon 
was engaged in a battle with an ice type. He was holding his own against the 
match up, but for how long was the question. It seemed the Morphs had 
deliberately paired them so the escapee had no choice or option but to lose. The 
only way was to surrender which was just what Kazam wanted. A bloodless battle. 
Well, that wasn't going to happen.

Keeping a wary eye and both of his long ears on his opponet he scanned 
anixiously for someone anyone who could help him out. Spotting a possibility he 
lunged towards it leading the graveler on much to its frustration. It knew he 
was going for help and had no intention of letting him succeed.  It lumbered 
after him with surprising speed making swipes with ham sized fists. Frazzle 
wished that they weren't so accurate. Prancing out of the way from another near 
hit Frazzle realized that he wouldn't reach help in time. This wasn't the first 
time he had fought for his life, but it was the first time he was pitted against 
impossible odds in which he couldn't win at.

A thrust got lucky and grazed the side of his yellow head making a shallow gash. 
A thin trickle of scarlett blood appear accompanied by a stab of blinding pain. 
Unable to see past the veil of white pain blocking him he rolled to side just in 
time to avoid a fatal blow. The wind was knocked out of him and the roll 
reminded him of his previous encounter with an unforgivable pine tree.

Shaking his head to clear his vision he sprawled on the slick tile floor unable 
to move. The smell of coppery blood was all around and the noise pounded in his 
ears. Then he saw death speeding towards him in the shape of a rock-hard fist 
bent upon breaking every bone is his slender, yellow body. The brown knuckles 
rapped towards his nose in slow motion as it became clearer this was the end. A 
sharp pain burned at the base of his skull as he managed to drag himself aside 
for the last time. Abruptly he lost consiousness.

Aqua stood uncertainly over the dead body of the graveler. She had seen death 
before many times, but this was the first time she had actually killed another 
creature. Frozen ice crystals decorated the body like little icicles on a 
Christmas tree and its eye were glazed over with death creating a glossy look. 
Staring a moment more she collected herself, carefully skirted the dead body, 
and went over to frazzle. His breathing was labored in short gasps and sounded 
dry.

Forcing herself forward she did her best to inspect the damage done. Dizziness 
overwhelmed her when she realized that his left ear was completely missing. The 
only thing remaining was a stump that was close cut to the base. Doing her best 
to stanch the blood pouring out of the wound she fretted. He had lost quite a 
bit of blood and was not in the best of shape. If he didn't have help he 
wouldn't make it.

Glancing fearfully around for help she spotted Midnight battling against a huge 
Freak. Their eye met for a brief instant before she continued looking. 
Midnight's presence was comforting, but it was not his services she required at 
the moment. Her gray eyes traveled over drake, Twilight, and Chyne as she 
spotted each in the frothing mess. Catching a flash of red she hollered as loud 
as she could over the din.

The winged flareon stopped dead in his tracks upon hearing his name and looked 
around warily. She shouted again and flitted her wings to catch his attention. 
Her spotted her urgency and broke into a sprint that was surprisingly fast 
considering his overgrown girth. Within a moment of her shout Loki was by her 
side with all four paws braced and a concerned expression painted on his face.

"Who is it? Are you hurt?" Loki panted trying to catch his breath. He followed 
Aqua's sad gaze to the limp figure of Frazzle. His frown deepened, but it was 
not in annoyance for once.

Walking the few steps to Frazzle he stood over Frazzle's inert body with Aqua 
hovering behind him. His normally maroon eyes glowed an eerie purple as he 
stared down with concentration. Frazzle's tattered body mended as the wounds 
closed up and bruises shrunk. All that remained were pink scars showing that it 
was newly mended skin. The ear was last to seal up and for a moment it looked 
like it wasn't going to at all. Loki's eye narrowed and it grudgingly pulled 
together.

The yellow Pure lifted his head in bewilderment and held it up weakly, "Aqua? 
Loki? What happened to me? I can feel my ear any more."

He sounded for the world like a lost cub searching for answers to obvious 
things. His voice wasn't frightened just tired and disorientated. 

"Hold yourself down for a minute. I healed you, but you will e weak for a while 
yet. Don't try to move all that much, do you hear?" Loki commanded sounding like 
a mother hen. His frown had lightened and he added softly, "You nearly died just 
a moment ago. I am sorry that I couldn't save your ear, but it is a small price 
to pay for your life. Now you must rest."

"There is a battle going on. A battle in which every able fighter in needed." 
Frazzle protested feebly and fell back with a groan of pain as the muscles that 
had just been knitted back together stretched.

"The key word is 'able'. You can't do anything in the shape you are in." Loki 
reminded his sharply with reprimand thick in his voice.

"Fine." Frazzle said with a sigh of defeat. Luckily they were mostly out of the 
way so it was a fairly safe spot. 

"You were supposed to be outside, waiting." Loki said leveling his gaze at Aqua. 
His voice a laden with concern and accusation, "Why are you in here now?"

"We were waiting outside practically mad with impatience, I think Midnight was 
the only one with a cool head, he kept us from charging in at the first sounds 
of trouble. We started searching franticly for an accessible entrance because we 
feared we would come too late. That's when Blitz arrived. He didn't say a word, 
all he did was walk up and blast the door down with electricity. Completely 
ignoring us he walked in. We followed our ears and I came in just in time to 
save Frazzle from becoming mincemeat." Aqua explained darting nervous glances 
all around fearing disapproval. When it came to the killing part her eyes stuck 
on the frozen carcass with a will of their own.

"You did what you had to." Loki said gently after tracing her look, "Can you 
watch Frazzle? He can't defend himself and this is going to get much worse 
before it gets any better."

"You just want me to stay out of the fighting." Aqua accused smiling with a sad 
gentleness. His mouth twitched and he replied, "I am, aren't I? Well, could you 
do it anyway?" She nodded reluctantly.

She watched with gold eyes as the flareon bounded away. She was infinitely 
pleased that he had returned to his old self. His gift's return was proof of 
that. He was far more likable even if his seriousness remained just as strong. 
Still, she had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. With a great deal of 
effort she shook it off and went about securing Frazzle.

Chapter Twenty Two

Blitz and Kazam had found each other in the fray. They had faced off with no 
prefix in the center of the room. Hatred radiated off both of the combatants 
like heat. All fighting ceased in the general area around them as they began to 
circle warily. All eyes in the room were facetted on them by then. The rest knew 
that this battle between the deadly pair was going to decide the outcome of the 
confrontation.

Blitz powered up for a testing Thunder. Electricity crackled ominously on and 
around his spiky golden fur. His enormous wings fanned slightly creating more 
static to add to the growing field.  His scar shone in the dimly in the bright 
lights casting a dark shadow over his face. Coal black eyes studied the other 
with rapt concentration.

"You," Kazam whispered feverishly grim. She was sounding determined in a cold 
and unfathomable way at the sight of him. Her voice was filled with emotion even 
through the hoarse whisper she had uttered. A terrifying smile crossed her lips 
and was mirrored in her eyes, "I had not expected revenge to come so soon."

In her cupped hands a ball of psychic energy rested in patiently waiting to be 
loosed. It radiated an aura of a twisted purple that was so dark it was almost 
black which provided a sharp contrast to the pale glowing from inside.

"Neither had I." The half-legendary growled revealing twin white canines. His 
electric energy had grown massively and was at full power making it a blazing 
white with hints of yellow. The time for restraint and holding back was done. 
Raw power was now in use. Both bolts were fatal.

The two threw their missiles at the exact same moment as if they were one. The 
two bolts of raw power were mere blurs as they went on a collision course. They 
hit was a blinding flash of pure energy and a massive discharge of excess power. 
The spectators dove for cover or constructed hasty shields as shards of 
elemental power shot everywhere.

When everything cleared it showed the two fighters blasting towards each other 
physically. Evidently they had decided physical attacks would press the 
advantage neither one of them seemed to possess. The parries and lunges were 
indistinguishable as they darted forward and back. Blitz was the first of the 
two to actually draw blood. A long, thin scratch marred the wrinkled cheek, 
which had been doled out by a blunt dewclaw.

Blitz barked triumphantly and panted between clenched teeth, "'An eye for an 
eye', wouldn't you say? Oops, I seemed to have missed. I shall just have to try 
again." He was obviously referring to the scar across his eye.

The alakazam did not bother to grace him with a reply for his taunt was far 
below her iron discipline. She launched speedily forward at his moment of 
distraction. Her speed was blinding and the exchange was made.

Sharp claws raced across a silky wing piercing the tip deeply. Blitz grunted in 
pain, but he had managed to dodge the worst of it. Giving a feral grin to his 
foe he flew at her and she did the same. They drove at each other at a furious 
pace until they ceased because of their bodies' distress.

For a while they were content to pant and glare across the invisible circle. 
Blitz tensed and suddenly a white bolt of lightning flew at the alakazam. For a 
second it looked to be a direct hit until a psychic barrier went up deflecting 
it. The bolt went wide and headed straight towards the corner were Faye and 
Eveena were.

Chapter Twenty Three

Everyone watched in a silent horror as the high-powered bolt of pure white 
electricity spun down almost lazy-like towards the young woman. She was frozen 
with fear watching with wide blue eyes as death came down to meet her. Her stare 
was of fascination, which, usually seemed to surface in the most inappropriate 
times. The blue pools shone with grief and helplessness.

Eveena, who had been behind her raced to block the blow as best she could with 
her tiny body. She took up a defensive stance with her eyes hard and her tiny 
canines piercing her lips until blood was welling at the tips. The knowledge of 
the consequence for what she was doing shone deeply in her emerald eyes and 
still she stood braced for the killing impact, ready for the self-sacrifice she 
had to make.

The lightning disk had stray wisps and sparks escaping every which way as the 
power began to unravel with the unnatural speed peeling it away. As it loomed in 
Eveena's eyes she did her best to fight the rising fear within her. Her short 
life flashed before her eyes in a blinding blur. There was her depraved 
childhood filled with hunger and regular beatings given for little or no reason 
at all. Then it showed her running away from home with a few brave siblings when 
they were old and strong enough to face the world outside. Many of the young 
cubs had died fallen prey to larger predators or nature itself. Snowstorms and 
floods were hardly considerate to those who were trapped in them. She remembered 
when she had her older brother, the only one left aside from her surviving, by 
the Alliance. The kind creatures had taken them in and it was there at a 
temporary camp that she had met Chyne. He had been working in a small garden. 
Her brother chose to live a civilian life, but she had known in her heart that 
she was a true soldier. It was Chyne's immeasurable tolerance and her mentor's 
kindness that she regained her self-confidence back. She mentally chuckled 
wishing she hadn't by the time she was done.

Just as the disk was about to hit she squeezed her eyes shut and launched a 
massive flamethrower hope in vain that it would decrease the power or slow the 
missile down. Bracing her for the final impact she was hit from the side by 
something heavy and solid. Losing her balance completely she tumbled aside and 
slid across the slick floor over some blood.

A bone crunching sound filled her clogged ears making her inadvertently wince. 
The sound was too hideous to do anything else. It lasted for less than a minute, 
but seemed to go on forever. When at last it stopped she cracked open an eye and 
peered fearfully through the thin slit and thick lashes. She was muffled a 
shrill scream with supreme effort, but in the background other cries rang out in 
exclamation or despair.

Chapter Twenty Four

Blitz watched in disbelief as his only brother threw himself in the way of the 
blast destined to take out the two young girls. The devastating electric attack 
tore the red fur apart messily getting past the thin skin to dig into the bone 
and tender tissue beneath. The golden fur around his neck and covering his tail 
stood up straight with static as small currents ran through. To his credit Loki 
made no sound as his body was put through the incredible pain of torn ligaments, 
muscles, and tissue. He simply sank to the hard floor in an oddly gracefully 
fashion that was akin to flowing.

"Loki!" Several voices called out in dismay and sadness. Twilight's usually 
serene and slightly cold face was torn with shock and her voice was numb. Chyne 
and Firestorm had identical expressions of amazement and disbelief written 
across their faces. Midnight's blue eyes were wider than ever and his mouth was 
all but hanging open. 

Aqua and Jewel were the first to bound forward to reach the dying flareon's 
side. The two skittered over heedless of dead bodies and the injured. Aqua got 
there first. She bent over him evidently listening to his labored words. There 
was agony on her face as well as relief. He was obviously tying up some lose 
ends he didn't want floating around and tangling things up after he was gone.

As Blitz drew nearer he heard the end of the quiet conversation and could not 
pretend otherwise.

"...He really likes you...possibly, "Loki choked although it was questionable 
whether it was because of his condition or the subject matter, "Loves you."

Aqua nodded sadly her frill dropping and her eyes a radiant white with love and 
sadness. They were filled to the brim with unshed tears and when she spoke her 
voice was shaky and choked with emotion as she backed away, "Good bye."

Twilight crept up hesitantly shooting a glance at Blitz. He gave a stiff nod to 
her unasked question and she bent over. Loki gave her a pain filled smile and it 
was easy to see that every motion was agony.

"Dearest," He began and Blitz couldn't help but feel a flash of annoyance at the 
liberties he was taking, "I'm sorry for...my uncouth behavior."

Twilight bowed her delicate head seriously and whispered lowly, "I will always 
love you, just not in that way."

Eveena approached with Chyne at her heels. Her face was awash with guilt and 
tear trails had carved through the fur on her face leaving damp marks. It was 
remarkable that she could look so broken for she had never even shown an emotion 
remotely close to how she looked now, "Ya saved meh."

"So...young and...innocent...couldn't let you die." He gasped and Blitz 
impatiently wondered how he was hanging on. His face turned to Chyne and a 
slight nod was given. It seemed that between the two no words were needed. To 
Midnight his message was short and simple, "Treat her well."

It was obvious that the umbreon mix understood. His mouth was puckered and his 
ears were flattened to the back of his slender neck.

Blitz took his place next. A strange sensation filled his battle weary body. It 
tingled and covered his heart making it heavy. Loki was his brother after all. 
It was true that for many years they were not on the best of terms, but that 
didn't change their blood ties.

"Blitz," Loki gurgled. It was became more visible that his body was failing for 
bloody foam flecked his mouth and his eyes roved slightly out of focus, 
"Forgiven?" Blitz nodded tiredly and whispered in the limp ear out of hearing of 
every one else, "I'm sorry also for everything between us. It shouldn't have 
come to this. All is forgiven and you shall not be forgotten brother."

Jewel was last to appear. She inched up anxiously. This was her first brush with 
death afflicting someone she knew and somewhat cared about. 

"It wasn't...to be like this. I've...a lousy uncle." Loki panted out the broken 
sentence pleading silently for forgiveness. Blood dribbled from his black nose 
and his eyes were dim.

"Uncle? That means...Why didn't anyone tell me of this?" Jewel howled in 
frustration, "You can't die now. We still need you. We need to be a family."

He mustered the energy to look into her distraught face. His purple eyes were 
glossy and his voice was weak, "Life is nothing, but fate's game. One can only 
play it the best they can." He paused a moment then continued, " I'm afraid I 
played rather badly." His words were slightly slurred but his message was clear 
and precise. Having made amends his eyes closed and he passed on.