Khaotic Nature-Stage 19

Stage 19: The Woman With Two Faces

Narrator: When we last left off, the Adepts came across the vast desert known as Gust Valley. Meanwhile, in the wake of Banenoir’s defeat, Abanor ordered the Generals to take the Mars and Venus Stones from the Adepts using whatever means necessary. Gali volunteered, seeking revenge for her fallen comrade. After crossing nearly halfway through Gust Valley, the Adepts soon encountered Gali, who used her dark wind-based Elchemy enhanced by the Jupiter Stone. With her increase in power and speed, Gali soon had the Adepts on the ropes. Gali claimed that humanity may not be as innocent as the Adepts believed. Gali’s belief that humanity was corrupt and deserved their fate was enough to rally the Adepts back into the fight. Using their combined abilities to expose a blind spot in Gali’s Blast Screen, the Adepts managed to overcome the power of the Jupiter Stone. Gali’s loyalty to Abanor, however, proved to be great, as Gali used the last of her power to take her own life in order to keep the Adepts from persuading her to help them. Now, Zhane and Icirrus are the only Generals that remain, and they will have to fight twice as hard to keep the Mercury Stone in their possession…

In Abanor’s fortress, Zhane and Icirrus are shown kneeling before Abanor.

Abanor: Now that those accursed Adepts have three of the Planet Stones, our goal may no longer be attainable. (to Zhane and Icirrus) You two are all that remain of my Generals of Order. We must get those Planet Stones!

Icirrus: We may be able to plan an effective maneuver to procure the Planet Stones for you. We just need enough time to study the Adepts so that we can learn something about them.

Abanor: Learn something?! The Vernal Equinox gets closer by the day, and we need all four Planet Stones before then! I don’t have time for you to learn something! When I give an order, I expect results, not excuses!

Icirrus: You misunderstand what I mean. The Adepts may be strong, but in the end, they are still no more human than those they protect.

Abanor simmers down.

Abanor: You may have a point. So we’ll need to get inside their heads, find out what drives them.

Zhane: What do you suggest, Lord Abanor?

Abanor: We shall set up a trap for the Adepts. And as far as things go… (looks at Icirrus) …every trap needs a damsel in distress.

The screen fades out, then fades in to the Adepts finally making it out of Gust Valley.

Keith: Yes! One less desert to walk through! No more constant sandstorms, no more sand-guzzling antlions and no more 1,000-degree desert heat!

Quenn: Brandon, how far are we from Shima Town?

Brandon: It’s not too far. Just a few more miles.

Marina: Good. Let’s hope we can get a room with a shower.

Quenn: Well, we got a pretty good commission by helping the people at Bellville and shutting down that slavery ring on Bone Island, so we should be good on Zet for the moment.

Soon enough, the Adepts walk into Shima Town, instantly in awe by how large it is. There are vendors on every corner, and hotels around the same size as mansions.

Keith: Whoa, this place is huge!

Brandon: As rich as it is, it’s no surprise.

Marina: Yeah. Kinda makes our travels worth it.

Quenn: We can’t rest on our laurels, though. Don’t forget, we still need to find a way to reach the Shadowlands.

The Adepts reach an inn and walk up to the clerk’s desk.

Clerk: Good afternoon! Welcome to the Shima Town Inn! How may I help you?

Quenn: A suite for four, please. Two bedroom, two bathroom.

Clerk: Okay, sir. With four people, that comes to 80 Zet per night. Is that okay?

Quenn: That’ll be fine.

Quenn hands the clerk a card. The clerk scans the card for a few seconds, then a chiming noise is heard.

Clerk: [handing the card back to Quenn] Here you go, sir. Meals are on the house, so feel free to order to your heart’s content. You’ll be placed in Suite 131-B.

Quenn: Thanks.

After getting familiarized with their room, the Adepts split up, with Keith and Brandon going to the snack bar and Quenn and Marina exploring the town.

Marina: This was a great idea, Quenn. Hopefully, we can use this time to have a little powwow as we figure out how to move forward from here. Do you think we should try to get in touch with Master Zoran again?

Quenn: No, I’m not so sure if that’ll work this time around. (a flashback from Stage 11 is shown as the Adepts use the Mars Stone to speak with Zoran and Abanor finds out about it) Since Abanor was able to intervene the last time we tried that, my guess is that Master Zoran will probably be someplace where he won’t be able to astral project.

Marina: It still couldn’t hurt to try, could it? It may be the only way we can get an idea of how to get there. He may be able to help us if we can’t convince one of the Generals to.

Just then, a loud commotion is heard in the distance. Quenn and Marina hurry to see what is happening. We cut to a young woman running through the streets of Shima Town, with two dozen Tzakandi in pursuit. The woman is wearing an ice-blue dress with the sleeves down to the elbows and the hem of the skirt just at the knees. She is wearing a sash around her waist and a white vest over the dress. On her feet are a pair of white flat sandals. She has long ice-blue hair with some of it tied with ribbons. The young woman is slightly bruised from an early encounter. She dodges around the people in the streets as she runs. The Tzakandi chase the young woman, dodging around and leaping over the heads of the frightened people.

Marina: Hey, do you see that?

Quenn: Yeah.

Marina: Wonder why the Tzakandi are chasing that girl and not bothering to go after the other people?

Quenn: Don’t know, but I wanna find out.

Quenn and Marina take off after the Tzakandi. The woman turns into an alley, but runs into a dead end. The Tzakandi corner the woman, and one of them lashes out, striking the woman in the head, knocking her out. After the woman falls to the ground, the Tzakandi advance in order to capture her.

Quenn: Hey!

The Tzakandi turn around to find Quenn and Marina standing by the entrance of the alley.

Quenn: You guys need to leave her alone!

The Tzakandi dash toward Quenn and Marina. Quenn leaps forward and strikes the nearest Tzakand with a side kick, then spins around with a low sweep that takes down two more. Marina attacks a third Tzakand with a double lift kick, then attacks another Tzakand that grabs her from behind with her elbow, then turns and presses both of her palms into the Tzakand’s chest, sending it sprawling back. Marina performs a bridging back handspring to avoid the club of a Tzakand, the grabs its leg while it is performing a front kick. Marian drops low and spins around, using  both of her legs to sweep the Tzakand off its feet. Quenn performs a roundhouse kick to knock down one Tzakand, then quickly performs a back kick on another approaching from behind before attacking a third with an uppercut. Marina performs a cartwheel to dodge the club of another Tzakand, then spins around with a heel kick that sends the Tzakand spinning to the ground. Quenn grabs an approaching Tzakand and flips it over with an overhead throw.  Quenn and Marina leap into the air and strike the last two with diving kicks. The Tzakandi all burst into tufts of black smoke, leaving them in the alley with the young woman. Marina goes over to the young woman to check on her.

Quenn: How’s she doing?

Marina: Well, she’s not hurt too badly. Just a slight bruise from being struck. Do you think we should take her back to the inn with us?

Quenn: Well, we can’t just leave her here. For some reason, it seemed as if the Tzakandi were after her specifically. Let’s go. We can focus on healing her once we get back to the inn.

Marina nods, and she and Quenn pick up the woman and carry her to the inn where they are staying. From a distant rooftop in town, Zhane is shown watching them.

Zhane: They’ve taken the bait, Lord Abanor. Now to reel them in…

Back at the Adepts’ room at the Shima Town Inn, the woman is shown lying on a guest bed as the Adepts are discussing what to do. Marina sits on a stool next to the bed, using her healing powers on the woman.

Brandon: What happened to her?

Quenn: The Tzakandi were chasing her earlier. It seemed that they were only after her because they didn’t bother going after anyone else.

Keith: This shouldn’t be our problem, guys. You’re always doing this, Mouse. Whenever you see a stray, you just have to jump in and save it. We don’t have time to keep dropping everything to rescue everyone we meet. Besides, we’ll be helping them all by defeating Abanor.

Brandon: [irritated] Not sure if you’ve been zoning out this past month, Keith, but there’s more evil out there in the world than just Abanor.

A moan escapes from the sleeping woman’s lips, causing the Adepts to look in her direction.

Quenn: Hey, she’s coming to, guys! Quiet down!

The woman’s eyes flutter before she opens them fully to adjust. She finds herself looking at each of the Adepts.

Woman: Where… am I?

Quenn: Don’t stress yourself too much. You were pretty much in bad shape before, but you’re fine now.

Marina: Quenn and I found you being pursued by the Tzakandi. We brought you back to our room at the inn where we’re staying.

Woman: [solemnly] Thank you. You didn’t have to do that for me. What if you would have gotten hurt because of me?

Quenn: There was nothing to it. Besides, we were just helping someone in need, and we’re pretty used to fighting the Tzakandi by now. Do you have a name?

The woman looks down in thought, then looks up.

Woman: Kula. Kula Adjani.

Marina: My name is Marina. There are my friends, Quenn, Brandon, and Keith.

Kula: [bows her head] Nice to meet all of you.

Later, the Adepts and Kula are shown sitting at a table, having eaten a large lunch consisting of Ramen noodles. Keith and Brandon sit at the table with comical balloon bellies, sighing in content. Marina politely pushes her bowl further ahead of her while Quenn sits with his hands folded under his chin.

Marina: So, Kula, where are you from, if you don’t mind me asking?

Kula: I came from Frozoma Village; it’s pretty far away from here, and definitely a lot colder.

Quenn: So, what brought you here?

Keith: I was hoping to acquire some rare herbs here. See, the conditions in my village are horrible for growing crops, so we have to travel to other places to gather the herbs we need.

Brandon: Not to say that there’s anything wrong with your story, but Shima Town’s quite a bit out of the way from Frozoma Village for herbs, isn’t it?

Kula: I know it seems silly. Normally, when I make a journey like this, I would stay at a safe house along the way. This time, there were none to be found.

Keith: [suspiciously] Hmm…

Marina: If you’d like to get back home, we’d be more than happy to help.

Kula: [innocently] Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly ask you all to go that far out of your way. I’m sure you have something else to do with your time.

Keith: [shooting a glare at Marina] Yeah…

Quenn: Well, it’s no problem. It’s the least we could do.

Kula: Thank you all so much. I won’t forget this. Can I use the bathroom to freshen up a bit?

Marina: Sure. There’s one down the hall to your left.

Kula: Thanks.

As Kula walks away, Keith pulls Quenn to the side.

Keith: Dude, are you sure we can afford another detour like this right now? We need to be trying to figure out how we can get to the Shadowlands so that we can rescue Master Zoran. We can’t do that if we keep stopping to help every Tom and Mary we see with a problem.

Quenn: Helping people along the way isn’t gonna end the world, Keith. To get to the Shadowlands, we need the remaining Generals to show up.

Brandon: Well, Big Bro, I’ve been thinking about what she just said, and so far, it’s hard to tell what’s true and what’s waffle.

Quenn: How so?

Brandon: Well, she said that she comes from Frozoma Village. Frozoma Village is in the Alabaste region. And there’s a huge body of water separating the Alabaste region and the Amarill region. Making that journey from there to Shima Town on foot? That would be one heck of a swim.

Quenn: Do you think she’s lying?

Brandon: [looks over to where Kula was sitting] Well, there’s no kind of ill intent I can see, but we’ll have to be careful with what we say around her.

Cut to the bathroom, where we see Kula walking up to a mirror. Kula then waves a hand in front of the mirror. A slight ripple effect occurs before showing Abanor’s image.

Kula: I’m in.

Abanor: Good. Do the Adepts have the Planet Stones on them?

Kula: The Planet Stones are probably being held by one of the Adepts.

Abanor: No doubt they’ll be close to the Wind-Adept. Wait until his focus isn’t on them. Once you have a clear opportunity, take the Planet Stones and return to the fortress. Do as I command, and I’ll grant you your heart’s desire.

Kula: [ruefully] Yes. I will do as you command.

Later, the Adepts are shown sleeping. The screen zooms in on Marina, whose eyes open slightly as she hears a distant noise. She looks over to where Kula is supposed to be sleeping, but finds that the bed is empty. Marina gets up and walks outside to an outdoor garden, where she finds Kula. Kula is sitting on the steps, playing with a shard of ice in her hands.

Marina: Kula?

Kula: [looks back at Marina] Oh, it’s you. What are you doing up?

Marina: I heard something out here. It kind of woke me up.

Kula: Sorry. Did I wake you? On most nights, it’s hard for me to sleep, so I sit down with my thoughts for a moment.

Marina sits down next to Kula.

Marina: I can be that way, too.

Kula: Marina… I don’t have any way to repay you for helping me before.

Marina: [chuckles] Don’t worry about it. Like we said, we were just helping out a friend in need.

Kula says nothing, but continues to play with the ice shard in her hands. At one point, the shard starts to shimmer brightly. Marina notices it.

Marina: [in awe] That’s amazing! How did you do that?

Kula: [smiling] It’s Cryomancy. Everyone in my village used to practice it. It’s all about the purity of a person’s heart.

Marina: I have some knowledge of Cryomancy. Granted, it’s part of my training, but it’s nowhere near as refined as yours.

Kula: I see. (she stands up) How would you like to learn Cryomancy at its purest form? I’m not sure if I can be a good teacher, but I can teach you a little of what I know to help you out a bit.

Marina: Sure. I’d like that.

The screen transitions to Kula and Marina standing up.

Kula: Okay. Now, the basic idea of Cryomancy is to use your breathing to lower the temperature of your body.

Marina: The temperature of my body?

Kula: [nodding] Yes. It should feel like cool water, flowing from the tips of your toes and up to the pit of your stomach. When you get that feeling inside, then you release it.

Marina nods and takes Kula’s advice. She focuses on a large boulder in the outdoor garden and takes a deep breath. A feeling like cool water begins to flow slowly through Marina, starting at her toes, and flowing up until it reaches the pit of her stomach. With that, Marina opens her eyes and uses her Crystal Flash attack on the boulder, causing it to freeze solid.

Marina: [giddily] I did it!

Kula: Not bad. You took everything and you were able to apply it flawlessly. Keep in mind, it’ll take a fair degree of practice, but if you can learn to call upon that feeling at will, you can use it with no problem.

Marina: Right. I’ll keep practicing at it. Thanks , Kula.

Both girls smile. Fade in to the next day, where we see the Adepts and Kula exploring more of Shima Town. The entire time, Kula seems to be distracted. Later that night, the Adepts arrive back at the inn.

Quenn: Do we have everything we need?

Brandon: Looks like it. Let’s go over it once more, just in case we’re missing something.

As the Adepts sort out their inventory, Kula walks outside. Marina notices Kula walking outside and follows her.

Marina: What’s wrong?

Kula: I don’t believe we should go to Frozoma Village tomorrow.

Marina: Why not?

Kula: Just trust me, Marina, please. Nothing but bad things will happen.

Marina: It’ll be fine. We’ll be with you. I’d also like to see what it looks like. I heard that it was the most beautiful place in the Alabaste region.

Kula: [thinking, bitterly] Not like there would be much left to see… (aloud) Just… don’t get your hopes up.

Marina: Then it’s settled. Quenn may probably want to get an early start tomorrow, so we should head back inside. (she turns and walks to the door, then turns back to face Kula) Are you coming?

Kula: Yes, I’ll be along in a minute. Don’t wait up.

Marina goes inside the inn. Cut to a close-up of Kula’s face, where we see a tear roll down her face.

Kula: [thinking] How can I tell Marina and her friends that a deadly trap awaits them, and how do I do it without giving my identity away? If I lead them to Frozoma Village, they’ll turn me away, or worse, they’ll be killed. But if I don’t, not only will Abanor not bring back my family, but he’ll kill me as well. (she looks up to the sky; continues thinking) Creator, if you understand my plight, please tell me what I must do.

Later that night, back inside the inn, everyone is asleep. Kula is shown lying in her bed, tossing and turning. The scene fades into another where we see Kula’s legs as she is shown running. A close-up of Kula’s face is shown next. Throughout, we hear the eerie laughter of Abanor. Kula is shown running along an endless corridor of huts. Within the huts are the immolated corpses of the people of the village. Kula ducks behind one of the huts for cover, breathing heavily.

Abanor: [voice-over; laughing] Run all you want, my precious little traitor. It matters not. In the end, you will not escape your eventual fate.

Suddenly, a pair of hands shoot out through the wall of the hut behind her, grabbing her shoulders. Kula twists and struggles, trying to loosen the grip of the hands, eventually getting free as a storm of psionic blades approach. Kula dives away as the blades pierce the hut before getting back up and running again. As she approaches the center of the village, Kula hears frightened and anguished screams ahead, coming from the Adepts. Each of the Adepts are being swarmed by countless thralls who claw at and bite them endlessly.

Marina: Why, Kula?! I trusted you! We trusted you! Why did you do this to us?!

Kula: I swear, I didn’t know!

Kula looks on in horror. From behind, Abanor’s voice is heard.

Abanor: [voice-over] No matter how hard you try, this will be the fate of anyone who opposes me. Remember that the path to achieve your desires resides through me, and to do that, I need those Planet Stones. If you want what you truly desire, you’ll stand by your word. Fail me, and I’ll make sure that your afterlife is worse than any hell you will ever see.

The ground beneath Kula disappears, causing her to fall into a dark void. Kula screams as she falls and Abanor’s laughter is heard throughout. Kula wakes up with a start, then lies still for a couple of seconds before taking a breath. She sits up and looks at the Adepts, who are still asleep. Kula gets up and walks over to a small box. Kula opens it to find the Mars, Venus, and Jupiter Stones inside. Marina, slightly roused from her sleep, blinks a bit before turning to see Kula standing over the box containing the Planet Stones.

Marina: [confused] Kula? What are you doing…?

Kula stands silently for a moment, her shoulders shuddering slightly.

Kula: I’m sorry.

Kula dashes out of the room with the box in hand.

Marina: Wait!

Marina gets up and follows her. Outside, the earliest signs of dawn are beginning to show as marina chases Kula down the empty streets.

Marina: Kula, stop!

Kula runs into the center of town before stopping, then turns around and holds an arm out, launching a spear of ice in Marina’s direction. Marina barely dodges the spear. Marina and Kula face each other.

Marina: Kula… why are you doing this?

Kula looks up with a tear in her eye.

Kula: I honestly would have preferred for this not to happen. Not this way.

Marina: I don’t understand. Why are you taking the Planet Stones?

Kula: Because there’s something I want that only Abanor can give me, and you’re standing in the way of that.

Marina: Abanor? Then… That means you’re…

Kula: [somberly] Yes… I am. (her mask appears over her face and her attire changes back into the accompanying white long dress and light blue boots) I am Icirrus.

Marina gasps in shock.

Marina: You were the girl in the mask all along…

Icirrus: I’m so sorry you had to find out like this, but believe me, I don’t want to harm you. Any of you. But the Planet Stones are the only way I can make everything right again.

Marina: Kula… Whatever you believe Abanor has promised you is just a lie.

Icirrus: You don’t know that! Abanor will restore everything to the way it was, and I can’t let you stop me from doing this!

Marina takes her fighting stance.

Marina: Then you know I can’t let that happen.

Icirrus: Yes… I know. (Icirrus takes her fighting stance) So, if you plan to stop me from taking the Planet Stones, then you’ll need to show me your resolve.

Marina and Icirrus face each other in a standoff. A few seconds pass. Suddenly, Marina dashes toward Icirrus and attacks with a barrage of palm strikes before attempting a spin kick. Icirrus dodges past Marina’s assault and jumps back from the spin kick, performing two one-handed back handsprings to make distance. Icirrus then begins manipulating the water vapor around her, forming snowball-shaped shards of ice.

Icirrus: Flute Hailstorm!!

Icirrus blows the shards at Marina, but Marina jumps out of the way.

Marina: Dousing Pulse!!

Marina launches her attack at Icirrus from mid-air, but Icirrus counters with her Flute Hailstorm attack. The clash of their attacks blows Marina back a bit.

Icirrus: Behind you!

Marina turns around, but is unable to dodge Icirrus’ kick in time. Marina is knocked out of the air and onto the ground. Icirrus then begins to manipulate the water vapor around her once more, forming multiple spears of ice.

Icirrus: Silver Storm!!

Icirrus swings her arm down, releasing the ice spears at Marina. The spears crash into the ground around Marina, kicking up a cloud of dust. When the dust clears, Marina is shown having used the Poseidon Shield to guard against the attack. Marina dispels the shield and quickly uses the Mist Shroud to cover the immediate area in fog. Icirrus lands and looks around. A Dousing Pulse attack is launched in Icirrus’ direction, but Icirrus slightly tilts her head to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. Marina dashes in front of Icirrus in an attempt to attack her, but Icirrus uses her Flute Hailstorm attack. Marina finds herself grazed by the attack, causing the fog around the area to dissipate. As Marina falls back onto the ground, Icirrus leaps into the air and launches another Silver Storm attack down at marina. This time, Marina isn’t able to use her Poseidon Shield in time. When the dust clears once more, Marina is shown trapped in a wall of crystalline ice. Icirrus lands with her back facing Marina.

Icirrus: I’m so sorry, Marina, but it’s for your own good. Just be thankful that you have your life.

Zhane appears from a dimension door.

Zhane: You’ve done well, Icirrus. Come, let’s take the Planet Stones back to Lord Abanor. We’ll leave the girl alone for her friends to find.

Icirrus: Not yet, Zhane. Before we leave, I have to know the truth.

Zhane: Why is that relevant to you now?

Icirrus: Because I only get one chance at making everything right again. If I give Abanor these stones, will he really be able to restore my clan? (Zhane says nothing) Tell me, Zhane! Did Abanor ever have any intention of restoring my village?!

Zhane: Why ask questions for an answer you’ve always known?

Icirrus gasps.

Zhane: [continued] Did you really believe that Lord Abanor would restore your village with the Planet Stones? You’re so naïve. Who do you think attacked your village?

Icirrus: What…?!

Zhane: You’ve lived your life betting on a pipe dream. Lord Abanor never planned to restore your village. It was all a ruse to goad you into gathering the Planet Stones for him. The only thing that we Generals of Order exist for is to carry out Lord Abanor’s grand plan. As long as his victory is achieved, we all win. Lord Abanor will use the power of the Planet Stones to destroy this world, and create a new one from the ashes. Those who support his cause will be exalted in the new world, and those who resist will be destroyed. Lord Abanor’s victory will be all because of you, his perfect little instrument.

Icirrus: [shuddering] No. That can’t be… He said he would be able to do it!

Zhane: You wanted to know the truth. You only have yourself to blame for not being able to handle it. (he holds a hand out) Now, give me the Planet Stones.

Beat. Icirrus clutches the box.

Icirrus: …No.

Zhane: “No”? Do you understand how thin the layer of ice you’re standing on is?

Icirrus: If Abanor won’t restore my clan, then I’ll find a way to do it myself! (she attaches the box to her side) If you want the Planet Stones, you’ll have to pry them from my corpse.

Zhane: Very well. Know that I do this with deep regret. In the end, we both know that you could never beat me.

Icirrus dashes toward Zhane, forming the air into a sword of ice. Zhane effortlessly draws his own sword to block Icirrus’ strike. The two trade attacks with each other while blocking for a moment. Icirrus then swings her sword once more, but Zhane dodges with a backstep. Icirrus leaps forward and swings her sword down at Zhane, causing Zhane to parry with an upward slash. The slash from Zhane’s sword shatters Icirrus’ ice sword. Icirrus forms the air around her into a spear, then thrusts it toward Zhane three times while Zhane dodges. Zhane parries while Icirrus continues attacking with her spear. Zhane spins around and launches a crescent beam of Nether-Elchemy. The beam hits Icirrus head on, shattering her spear and cracking her mask in half. Icirrus tumbles along the ground, stopping a short distance from the ice encasing Marina.

Zhane: [walking toward Icirrus] You played your part rather magnificently, but I’m afraid this is where we part company. I will deliver the Planet Stones to Lord Abanor. But don’t worry. (his blade appears in hand as he approaches) I’ll tell Lord Abanor that you fought against the Adepts to the bitter end to protect them. That way when you die, your existence won’t be entirely disgraced.

Marina: Kula! (she grunts and strains, trying the focus on the ice surrounding her) Get up!

Zhane: [looks over to Marina] Wait your turn, mongoose. I’ll be sure to deal with you after I see to it that this traitor is dealt with. (turns back to Icirrus) It’s just as I said before you started this pointless fight: You could never beat me.

Icirrus: My plan was never to beat you, Zhane. It was to hold out long enough for her friends to catch up.

Zhane begins to swing his blade down at Icirrus. However, Quenn intercepts by dashing forward and striking Zhane with a flying kick. Zhane slides back a short distance before regaining his footing, finding himself looking at the male Adepts. Quenn and Brandon take their fighting stances while Keith generates enough heat to begin thawing the ice around Marina.

Keith: [jokingly] Jeez, Mouse, is this what it takes? You have to be turned into an ice pop?

Marina: I’m just glad to see you guys.

Keith: Yeah. Ready?

Marina nods and she and Keith join Quenn and Brandon, taking their fighting stances as well.

Zhane: Damn.

The Adepts all charge their projectiles.

Quenn: Ready?

Adepts: Yeah!

Keith: Cinder Revolver!!

Marina: Dousing Pulse!!

Brandon: Strata Boomerang!!

Quenn: Wind Bullet!!

All four projectiles fly in Zhane’s direction, crashing into the ground with a large impact. When the smoke clears, however, Zhane is still standing and a dimension door has appeared behind him.

Zhane: Another day, Adepts.

Zhane steps back into the dimension door, which closes to keep the Adepts from pursuing.

Brandon: He got away again.

Quenn: That’s one problem that’ll have to wait for now.

Keith walks toward Icirrus.

Keith: I knew there was something about her I didn’t like. It wasn’t just a coincidence that you and Mouse found her the other day and the Tzakandi were only chasing her. This whole thing was a set-up to get the Planet Stones from the start!

Marina: [moving between Keith and Icirrus] Keith, wait! There’s no need to attack her! She’s not a General anymore!

Brandon: Is that true?

Marina: Yeah. She and Zhane fell out not too long before you guys got here. She did take the Planet Stones at first, but then she fought Zhane to keep him from taking them.

Quenn: It doesn’t change the fact that she was the one who took them in the first place.

Icirrus kneels on the ground and removes her ruined mask.

Icirrus: I know that I don’t deserve to be in your presence. If you really desire to end my life, then go ahead. I won’t stop you. Besides, nothing matters anymore. Everything that I’ve lived for is gone now. I’ve failed. The only logical decision would be to kill me.

Quenn: [as he walks forward] No. We’re not gonna do that.

Icirrus: But—

Keith: You know something? You Generals of Order really piss me off.

Icirrus: Huh?

Keith: You all think you’re fighting for some righteous cause when you’re really fighting to bring about the end of the world for some tyrant. So your plan didn’t work. Cry me a freakin’ river! What do you think you can accomplish by being a martyr? Nothing! The only thing you can do now is push forward from this!

Icirrus looks down at the ground.

Brandon: [to Keith] Don’t you think that was kind of harsh?

Icirrus: No. He’s right. Killing myself wouldn’t help anything.

Quenn: What you did was pretty messed up, but what Abanor and Zhane did was even worse. We share a common enemy now. If you really want to make things right for your village, if you really want to stop Abanor, then fight with us.

Icirrus looks up at Quenn.

Icirrus: I don’t know how it could help my case, but if you can stop Abanor from achieving his goal, then I will gladly accept whatever punishment you give me without protest… (she looks in Keith’s direction) …even if it means death.

Quenn: Let’s head back to the inn. We can probably think a little better there than we can out on the streets.

Cut to Abanor’s fortress, where Zhane has reported back to Abanor.

Abanor: I knew that worthless knave would rebel against me eventually. I should have turned her into a thrall with the rest of her people long ago. But I will deal with her disposal soon enough. The Vernal Equinox is nearly upon us, and we still only have one Planet Stone for our troubles.

Zhane: How do you plan to proceed, Lord Abanor?

Abanor flicks his tentacles like a beard.

Abanor: Leave me to my thoughts.

Zhane nods and vanishes into a dimension door. Abanor gets off of his throne and walks down a long hallway until he approaches a wall.

Abanor: Now, let’s see what my former slave has been hiding beneath my nose this entire time…

Abanor presses a brick on the wall, which opens up into a room. What he sees inside the room causes his face to twist into a malicious smile.

Continue?