A Prophecies beginning...

[Jacob]

*Setting: Birds soared overhead, some swooping downwards towards the large, rounded lake to catch the random Fish that dared to near the surface of the water. The lake and embankment alike was throbbing with wildlife, from Fish and Birds to Dogs and Cats. Reeds sprouted from the bottom of the lake bed and protruded from the wet, mirror-like water, swaying in the gentle breeze that was accompanied by the hot sun. Mudokon children ran around playfully, squeals of laughter could be heard from a group who were playing fetch with a small Dog, throwing an Elum hide ball into the water for the four legged pet to fetch. Parents looked on from the village, smiling. Farmers stopped hacking the Corn fields to watch the happiness the children oozed. Reminicing about their own childhood. The village was a small, compact one. One that was very neighbourly and were everyone knew everyone, one were if a neighbour had a problem, others would lend a helping hand. Such was the case for the Eals. The Eals were not country-born and bred, like the majority of the village, but were born and raised in one of the major cities. The city of Caló. Caló was one of the cities which consisted of mostly Cartel enthusiasts, it was a city dominated by Glukkons, Sligs, Vykkers, Khanzumers and other industrialised beasts. A place were the sky was blackened by the smog that leapt out of the large chimneys and corrupted the blue sky. Increasingly fearful of the attitude the city was developing the Eals had made a break for it, driving out of the city hurridly in a bid for freedom. They hadn't got very far when the Cartel realised what had happened and sent a horde of security personel and Bounty Hunters to bring them back for punishment and 'employment'. For years the Eals had drove, ran, rode and swam to get away from such terrors. Leaving in their wake a grim sight of devastation and destruction as their hunters destroyed most living organisms. As the two lovers ran through woodland and countryside unknown, the Cartels employee's tracked them. Enslaving and killing anything that had stood in their way or was deemed useful. After two decades of tracking the Cartel finally gave up. Leaving the Mudokons to come to terms with what had happened and try and attempt to gather their bearings. Months of wandering and sleeping rough eventually paid off, as finally, the two stepped upon the village they live in now. Cartia. Unfortunatly, the years spent in the city had taken their toll and both beings were incapable of childbearing and, although they always seemed to feel fulfilled after babysitting, longed for a child of their own. Everynight they had prayed, begging the Lord to grace them with a child of their own, a child that needed to be loved and taken care of, one that was in need of a stable, loving home. Finally that day came...*

Voice: "Mommy!! Mommy, kwikly!! Look!!"

It was now night and Mrs Eal quickly stepped out of the family home and stepped up behind her daughter, setting a hand on her shoulder.

Mrs Eal: "My...that, that is pretty. How come you always see such sights before any of the other villagers, eh?"

The mother crouched down and wrapped her arms around the childs waist and rested her chin on the shoulder. Together they looked upon the lake which was swarming with Fire-flies, all dancing 10 inches above the water and making the most beautifulest sight ever seen.

Child: "I duno. Mistwy."

Mrs Eal chuckled and blew her 6 year olds Neon blue feathery plume. The child giggled and broke free from her mother, running down the dusty pathway and down to the short, cusiony soft, green grass that grew around the lake. She gently set herself down, crossing her legs and propping her head up on her hands.

Child: "Where's Daddy?"

Mrs Eal made her way back into the house, turning briefly to answer her daughters question.

Mrs Eal: "He'll be back soon, he's just gone hunting with the neighbours."

The child sighed and kept staring at the small flecks of light that danced above the lake. She was a unique child, a child given to the Eals by some sort of miracle. At first they thought she was blind or diseased. Her Black skin was a cause for concern as was her pupiless eyes that gave the impression of blindness. But as time went on the skin pigments faded and she got treat as any other seeing child would. Her skin colour was now more gray than black or green and did not phase her in the slightest. The other children of the village took her for who she was and not what colour skin pigments she had. Her personality was another thing that stood out more than any of her differences and quickly eclipsed any worries strangers may have had. Voices began to emerge from the otherside of the lake, shouting and whooping. Standing the child squinted into the darkness, trying to see what was making such a raucous. Within a couple of minutes flames waved from the forest, elevated by long branches. It was the hunting party.

Child: "They back!! They back!! Daddy's here!!"

As soon as these words were uttered the child had taken off up the embankment. Mrs Eal rushed out, drying her hands on a native dishcloth.

Mrs Eal: "CALEN!! WAIT!! CALEN!!"

But the child ignored her wise mother and rushed off into the darkness to meet her father and neighbours. Other families were slowly emerging from the huts now, the females were eager to see their husbands and eldest sons catch. Brushing past the awaiting familes was Calen, a whisp of grey matter squeezing and darting past the bodies of green and light-blue. Her squeals of 'Daddy' being heard for no more than a second. Finally she got past the majority of the crowd and onto the path that was to the right of the lake and to the left of another small forest. The Mudokons were only just coming out of the larger forest and could now be seen clearer. Moonlight lighting the way Calen ran. She could see her father in front, indicating he had spotted and slain the food they had caught and thus would get first pickings. Nearing, Calen's grin broadened and her stumpy arms stretched outwards.

Calen: "Daddy!!"

The wind picked up and the tree's on her right handside rustled ferociously.

Voice: "Ka....Ka...Ka."

Calen slowed to a stop as she turned to face the dark depths which was the small forest. Voices seem to whisper half a name, a name she was not familiar with and yet...was.

Calen: "Hewo?"

The voices continued to echoe, hissing more and more as the wind picked up. Hesitently she took a step towards the wood, cocking her head in curiosity.

Voice: "KAHN!!"

Two red eyes beamed from the darkness, flashing hurridly before disappearing into the safety of blackness.

Calen: "H-He...wo....?"

The small, happy little girl suddenly felt drowzy. Her eyes rolled upwards into her skull and her hands began to vibrate. She became increasingly uneasy on her feet until she flopped onto her back, twitching rapidly. Lights zoomed into her line of sight, the darkness which was night time seemed to brighten as flashes erupted in her Retina, she tried to grasp her face, tried to stop such blinding flashes but could not. Shouts echoed around her, she could hear the other villagers now, hear them shouting something, hear their footsteps. But then silence dawned upon her. Calen tried to speak out. Tried to call for her family but could not. She now found herself in a round, white room-like place. She turned her head, trying to gather her bearings. Silver blebs floated in the air, clashing into each other and rippling, before breaking apart. She raised her small white hand to touch one of the blebs, stopping moments before impact.

Voice: "KAHN!!"

Darkness desended like the world was fast forwarded, and then, she was back home...

(OOC: Comments? (Apologies for the crapness))

Useful links:
New Found Religion...?
New Born
The Return...

[dripik]

Wow, that's a long one... I think you had much free time to write it...

[Al the Vykker]

Long stories are some of my favorites, because most of the time they show that you are really trying to develop your story, and not just boosting your post count. Though as long as the post is meaningful, and in depth you can sum up something quite nicely. Id like to see more Chris.


-Al

[Jacob]

Mrs Eal: "I know, i know. But i just cant help but worry...What if it happens again? What if she's swimming one time and she has another...episode."

Mr Eal stepped forwards, his pink feathers sleek and well groomed.

Mr Eal: "It wont, the village will look out for her. The village know about her condition...if they see anything strange, they'll call us."

He hugged his wife and kissed her forehead. Calen was asleep in the other room, Mr and Mrs Eal were in the kitchen. After Calen's fit they had quickly rushed her back inside and kept her under close surveilance. Other villagers had wished them their best and asked if the Eals needed anything. Calen's 'episodes' hadn't happened since she was a toddler and that was a good six years ago. Now they were starting up again...it was all a terrible worry for the parents and villagers whom had grown to love the little child.

***

*In the next room the little girl slowly opened her eyes, her bed sheets upto her waist she blinked softly and sighed. It was a frightening thing what had happened to her and she was worried for her family and friends, knowing something bad would happen. Feeling it. Carefully she sat up and lifted her legs out of bed, her feet touching the dirt floor softly.*

Calen: "Mommy?"

She rubbed her eyes and made her way towards the doorway, slowly pushing it open with her left hand.

Calen: "Daddy?"

Her voice was groggy and high.

Mr Eal: "In here, hun."

The response was from the kitchen. The kitchen was the nicest place in the entire hut, mainly due to the fact that it looks over the lake and is such a pretty view when the moon(s) are shining brightly and the sky is clear. Her feet slowly pattering on the ground she headed towards the doorless kitchen, brushing past the dining table as she did so.

Mrs Eal: "Hey, how are you? You feeling any better?"

The child never responded. She merely stood there, staring...staring over her mothers shoulder.

Mrs Eal: "Calen, w-whats wrong?"

Her mother took a step forward and crouched down, not even thinking about looking over her shoulder. But Calen's face paled, her white eyes widened and her bottom lip began to quiver, as for outside she could see something. The creature, person, thing was stood right outside the window. Watching her, watching them. The childs arm rose, her finger pointing.
*Peeeesh*
A bullet sailed ferociously from outside, hitting her mothers back and cutting through her body before hitting the ground in a whiff of dirt and blood. The beast outside seemed to have disappeared but that now was irrelevant...her mother was harmed.

Mrs Eal: "C-Cal..."

She flopped forwards, hitting the ground a few feet infront of the child. Her father turned, looked outside the window and gasped.

Mr Eal: "CALEN!! RUN...RUN NOW, GOOOOO!!"

His head snapped back as he screamed these anguished words, stepping forwards as if to usher his child away but failing as something sharp hit his back and shocked him. His torso jittered forwards as his appendages seemed to be pulled back, his mouth mouthed something and then he collapsed in a heap. Stepping back Calen was freaked, her legs quivered and her eyes welled up with tears. She turned her head looking at both of her parents, helpless and on the floor. One bleeding, one barely twitching.

Mrs Eal: "C...Ca."

Calen looked at her mother, wanting to help her but also wanting to heed her fathers words. Barking was now apparent from outside and seemingly getting closer, she had to run...she had to. And as she turned the horrendous screech of her mother echoed through her skull, sending waves of terror throughout her body...

Mrs Eal: "CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALEN!!!"

The child jolted upright, still in her bed, breathing and sweating heavily. The sound still echoed inside though and the heartbreak of losing both parents still resided. She wanted to scream, wanted to mourn but she could only do one thing...cry.

[Jacob]

*Setting: The Sun beat down heavily on the soft soily road. Hardly anyone was working in the village, hardly anyone was in the sunlight. Most were either inside drinking cool beverages or playing in the lake. Calen was one of many in the lake. She was being watched over by neighbours, allowing her parents to get some worry-free rest and relax indoors. Pet Dogs splashed through the water, yapping playfully around their owners feet. Loud splashes could be heard from the deeper end of the lake as the teenagers dive bombed in and shouted cheerfully. It had been 3 weeks since Calen's little scare and now the villagers were just trying to forget about it and enjoy the rest of life. Enjoy what they had.*

Child: "Calen!! Quickly!!"

The child laughed heartedly as he struggled out of the water. His skin was a dull green colour and his plume pink. He wore Elum skin trunks and 3 bead bangles around his left wrist.

Calen: "Ok...'ang on!!"

Paddling awkwardly to shore, Calen headed towards her friend. Smiling all the way.

Calen: "What...what t'is it?"

She worked her stumpy little legs onto the muddy bank and stood there, her plume dripping and dark body glistening in the afternoon Sun. The child looked at her cheekily and leant forward.

Child: "Yourrrrrr..."

He drew out his first word, before gently tapping Calen on her right shoulder and running, screaming the last word happily.

Child: "IT!!"

The female looked shocked by this and crossed her arms, scrunching her face up in protest.

Calen: "Not fair!! Dats not fair, Aawon you cheeted!!"

Her friend merely ignored her and skipped toward a group of other children, laughing. Calen sighed and slowly trundled after them, watching as they dispersed in to different directions. Some heading towards the farm houses whilst others headed towards shops and other random buildings.

Aaron: "You wont catch me, Cal. I have hiding place thats AMAZING!!"

He smiled, waved tauntingly and then ran away, kicking up dust as he did so. A sorrowed tut escaped Calen's lips and she shook her head slowly, looking around as she did so.

Voice: "I'll help you..."

She turned, her arms down by her side.

Calen: "Hewo?...Where are you?"

She put her arms on her hips and stood motionless, looking around with her pure-white eyes.

Calen: "T'is wude to not ansa when people speek to you."

Looking around she tried to spot whoever it was. Her eyes scanned the ground to the tops of the huts...no-one.

Voice: "I'll help you..."

The voice lingered this time and was more of a hushed whisper. The child shook her head and stook out her tongue, moving around in a big circle just so that she was positive she stook it out at whomever was there.

Calen: "I can do it fine, thankyou."

She walked off towards one of the huts, her hands clenched and her stride masterful and dominant.

Voice: "Please, let me..."

It was definatly coming from one of the huts, definatly. A mischievous smirk crossed her face and she quickly ran upto one of the glassless windows on the nearest hut and jumped up to peek inside. Her tiny hands grasped the edge and her feet pushed against the side, propping her upper-half high enough to see into it.

Voice: "I can tell you where...Aaron is."

Her head looked inside quickly and then disappeared as she dropped down and ran to the next hut. Doing the same once more.

Voice: "Come, come child. Stop this charade and just allow me to help..."

Calen: "How? Who awe you? Why do you wanna help me?"

She stopped peeking into other peoples huts now and just wandered in the shade, listening to the voice that spoke to her whilst she kicked a small stone.

Voice: "I know where he is...shall i tell?"

She stopped kicking the stone and turned quickly, hoping to catch a glimpse of who it was speaking to her.

Calen: "Who awe you...?"

Her voice was whiny this time and it was obvious she was getting bored of the 'game' this person was playing.

Voice: "I'm a friend...Someone who'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Her plume was gently brushed from behind by something, making the child feel as if her mother was blowing it again. She smiled and closed her eyes.

Voice: "I'll always be with you, Kahn. No matter what you do, or say, or dispose of. I'm apart of you..."

Her eyes slowly opened and she leant against one of the small huts, her back slid down it and her knee's came up to meet her chin as she sat.

Calen: "Whats 'dispoise' mean? And why do ya keep callin' me 'Kahn'?"

The being seemed to stroke her head, giving her the magnificent sense of warmth, love and protection. Almost making her drift off to sleep.

Voice: "You will soon find out, little one. Soon. But now you have to catch Aaron. He's in the pile of Corn Abraham keeps with the Horses...now go."

Calen smiled and jumped up, running in the direction of the stables owned by Abraham, not giving her helper a second thought as she stated the words;

"Ready or not, 'ere i come!!"

[Facsimile]

It's good, but it's a little too good. Are you sure you didn't copy that from some book? I don't mean to offend you but the part about them not being able to give birth made me think this, as normal Muds can't anyway. It's probably not and I'm probably just jealous that I can't write long descriptions like that, I dunno. I'll just shut up now.

[Jacob]

Heheheh, no i didn't copy it from anywhere and the whole Mud anatomy is annoying since technically they cant give birth. But its better if they can as my story can progress more betterly...have you read the other stories i have done? I'd say that the 'Growing up' one's are some of the more interesting one's.

[Jacob]

*Setting: It's night time now and a day after the day that Calen had communed with the creature that was seemingly following her and helping her. She was sat on the edge of her bed, her legs dangling off as she spoke to her mother whom was telling her the story of how her and Mr Eal had come about the Village. Calen was sat intently, her pupiless eyes wide open and reflecting the Star shine that entered through the window. Mrs Eal sat comfortably on a small wooden chair and spoke softly, recalling the most eventful and destiny changing times of her life and Calen sat, staring at her mother and imagining everything that had happened to her parents. Seemingly seeing it all, being there, spectating...*

Female: "Noah...RUN!!"

Her feet splashed through the rubbish laden puddles as she darted through the alley, her head turning briefly to call her brother and to urge him on. It was Mrs Eal. She darted between dustbins, rubbish skips and beggars. Leaping over their churning bodies to avoid collision and capture. She was wearing a pair of blue, torn jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Her yellowy-red feathers were tied back in a pony-tail and a Silver bracelet gleemed for brief moments in the shots of light that blasted out from behind them. Search lights. Behind her was a more scraggly Mudokon, his skin was light and pale, his plume black and greasy and his eyes were red and sore. His clothing was mostly rags and his lips were dry, flakey and un-healthy looking. He limped awkwardly as he ran, turning every so often to see how far behind their capters were.

Noah: "THEY'RE BEHIND ME, CELISE!! THEY'RE BEHIND ME!! HELP ME, PLEASE!! THEY'RE F*CKING GAINING!!"

His goose-like voice stirred the homeless bodies that lay underneathe Newspapers and rags, their eyes seemingly glowing as they looked up to see what the commotion was. Mrs Eal stopped and turned back, her arm outstretched and her hand open.

Mrs Eal: "COME ON!! HURRY!!"

She could see the Search lighs of the Drones catching up, their beams scanning the area that they were running down and taking note of all the possible employee's for the Cartel. Noah reached out a hand, yearning it to grab hers, wanting it to, praying it to.

Mrs Eal: "Quickly!!"

Their hands met and as soon as they did her fingers had wrapped around his hand and they were off again. Mrs Eal pulling him through the rubbish, not glancing back to see the blinding beams of their attackers.

Mrs Eal: "THIS WAY!!"

She took a sharp right, dragging her younger sibling down an even narrow route, which was littered with even more beggars. They skipped and jumped over them, their feet missing some of them by centermetres.

Mrs Eal: "He's up this way!! It's not far now!!"

Noah: "Please...i...i need to rest!!"

His speed rapidly dropped and his breathing became hard and laboured. He slowed them both down to a steady stop and then rested on a urine stained wall, surrounded by the homeless.

Mrs Eal: "We have no time, Noah!! We must go...NOW!!"

Tugging her brothers arm in a frantic effort to motivate him she pleaded these words. He shrugged her off and delved into his ragged jacket with his left arm and pulled out a cigarette.

Noah: "Just hold on..."

His sister was shocked and maddened by what she saw. She backed away slightly, shaking her head in disgust.

Mrs Eal: "I cant believe you, this is why your out of breath(!) This is why your the way you are!! I'M TRYING TO HELP YOU HERE!!"

She hit his hand, knocking the cigarette to the puddly ground.

Noah: "Wha...!?! You silly...THAT WAS MY LAST ONE!!"

He crouched down, feeling around for it in the dark...turned light. A beam lit the entire alleyway. Mrs Eal's eyes looked down the alley she had just came from, her pupils dilating. Noah, who was now crouching, turned his head slowly and stood.

Drone: "HALT YOUR PROCEEDINGS. STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND EXIT THE ALLEYWAY VIA THIS OPENING. YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS TO DO SO, IF YOU FAIL OR DISOBEY THESE OR..."

They didn't listen to anymore, they just took off. Noah was still cursing under his breath but the Drone had, had some kind of motivational affect on him and got him moving post-haste. The end of the narrow alley slowly came into view, it lead to a partially busy street. Cars were humming by gently and parked on the other side stood their getaway vehicle, along with Mr Eal.

Mrs Eal: "There he is...COME ON!!"

She signalled to him with a quick wave, catching his attention. He climbed into the driving seat of the ground car and started it up.

Noah: "Your buying me another stash of fags, you know!!"

Mrs Eal: "Shutup and run!!"

They darted out of the alleyway like two Cockroaches once the light had been turned on. They bee-lined for their vehicle of escape, Mrs Eal smiling joyfully as she saw her husband preparing to make a break for it.
*Booookshhhh*
The sound jolted Mr Eal upright, his face turning to watch as the bullet hit its target. His hand pushed up against the door window as he shouted out. Mrs Eal staggered forwards as if being pushed. The bullet had hit her right shoulderblade. Exiting, it had then proceeded to hit the ground, cracking the gravel. Noah turned, looking upwards at the old, derelict buildings that had formed the alley. Sligs. Sharpshooters. Two of them. Their helmets bobbed behind the rifles they held. The crackling of their radio's could also be heard. Noahs eyes shot downwards to look down the alley he had exited, Drones were coming down it ruthlessly. Beeping their robotic banter and their lights trained on both of the runaways.

Noah: "CELISE!!!"

His head snapped back and he grabbed hold of her before she fell on her face. His hands grasped under her arms and he dragged her forwards.

Noah: "Come on, f*cking move!!"

Mrs Eal was in extreme pain, the bullets the Cartel used for such operations were coated with a plant extract which caused severe pain to the unfortunate person on the wrong end of it. Her legs were already buckling and her eyes filled with water.
*Bookooosh, Boom, Booooshk*
Three more bullets were unleashed upon the two Mudokons. This time followed by a short laugh from the Snipers. All three of them hit their target, Noah. One had shot straight through his left leg and the others had entered through his lower back. Unfortunatly they hadn't exited. Tires screeched as Mr Eal pulled the car around in a full turn so that he was facing the opposite way he was previous. Bullets hit the roof and bonnett, attempting to catch their next victim. None of them penetrated. The passenger door flung open and he leant out of the car, grabbing his then-fiancé and pulling her in as quickly as possible. A couple of more bullets were fired upon the falling Noah, as he attempted to climb into the back. Mr Eal leant forwards once more and closed the door before helping Noah in the back by pulling him in via his coller.

Mr Eal: "F*ck..."

The lights of the Drones flashed, annoyed by their failure and the two Snipers muttered some incoherant words as the car quickly drove off towards the cities border...

***

Calen: "Wwwwhhhoooooa...what 'append next!?!"

Calen was sat even further off of her bed. Her own thoughts only just coming back to her after that vivid depiction of her mothers memories.

Mrs Eal: "Well...i'll tell you tomorrow. Its late now and you need your rest...Night-Night, sweetheart."

She climbed off of her seat and helped her child into bed. Wrapping her up tightly before kissing her on the head.

Mrs Eal: "I'll get daddy to come in and say goodnight too, ok?"

The child nodded and closed her eyes, watching in a kind of replay as the memories of her mother flashed before her eyes...

[Jacob]

Calen: "And then she got shooted!! And daddy had to pull her in tha car...!!"

The child was sat under a large Willow tree that flurished at the back of the Cropfields of the resident farmers. It was a quiet place that was hardly ever disturbed. Her legs were folded and she was sat telling the story that her mother told her as she made a Daisy chain. The listener was her new 'friend' and she told him everything and anything.

Voice: "Quite. And...did you see all this?"

The voice was inquisitive and somewhat suspicious. However, Calen being as young and naive as she was never really took any notice.

Calen: "Nopey. I was not here then, 'member?"

Voice: "Heh. No child, i mean did you see it...in your head?"

The child looked up and stared straight ahead as if looking at the creature that she was speaking to.

Calen: "Oh...umm, yu-huh. Some of it, t'was quite scawy."

There was silence and the sound of leaves rustling as the wind picked up, Calen looked out across the fields, watching as the Corn swayed like that of a Golden sea. The village seemed quiet and hardly anyone was out in the street.

Calen: "Why?"

A gentle pressure was apparent on her face as if the being was caressing her face with the back of its hand.

Voice: "Because its one of your gifts...A special something handed to you by divine deities. Nuture it, Kahn."

She raised an eyebrow and carried on with what she was doing.

Calen: "Well, what t'is my other gifts...?"

The beings hand seemed to stop stroking her cheek and move away, seemingly taken back by the sudden question.

Voice: "You will find out later...Trust me."

Calen stood, placing the Daisy chain on a protruding root that had taken its place on the surface of the soil. She then put her hands on her hips and made a frustrated face.

Calen: "Why later? Jus' tell me...pweeeeeez!!"

Voice: "I cannot, if i do...it may jeapordise your future and our friendship. You must understand, i cannot allow that to happen..."

She sighed and nodded, she couldn't be bothered to argue with a being she could not see, it would take too much time and effort and besides she would probably lose.

Calen: "Well, ok. I'm goin' now...you comin'?"

She made her way to the curtain of leaves and parted them, turning her head to ask this question.

Voice: "Yes..."

She then vanished as she slipped through the leaves and allowed the branches to close behind her.

***

The beast yawned and shook itself off. It had walked far and wide, hunting for food, looking for water. It was a Reptilian, a sleek black predator designed for running down its prey and sufficiently killing them. Scanning the area it looked for something to eat, for something to drink...anything would suffice it. And then it saw, saw the child...saw Calen. She was walking along a worn, traveller made track, towards a field of Corn and other crops. The hunter snarled. It was stood on a small mound that was situated infront of a large forest. Its eyes scanned the area, noting the quiet village and Berry trees scattered on the outskirts of it. Breathing gently it stepped forwards and was immediatly confronted by a mass of death. It shook its head, closed its eyes and grunted. Its head ached and the sharp, deadly claws on the beast retracted and unsheathed. It was an experience the creature had never felt before and as it looked up, through squinted eyes, it saw...saw the village burned to cinders. Saw the corpses of its Mudokon residents strewn on the ground, their bodies riddled with bullets. Saw the crops burned and oblitorated, the trees cut down, the soil raked up by some sort of vehicle and/or machine. Injin growled and backed away, knowing that this would, eventually, come true. And with a low bark he turned and ran into the forest, disappearing from all that could have viewed...

(OOC: Comments...remarks...anything? Good or bad.)

[Jacob]

*Setting: Calen squealed with laughter as she ran through the cornfields of one of the neighbouring farmers. Her hearty laugh ringing through the air as she pushed past the long ears of corn. She turned her head to see the chaser behind her. It was Aaron. His arm outstretched as he tried to 'tig' her. She quickly manouvered to the left and avoided his first attempt, however he quickly changed directions and once again took after her. The other children were running through the fields aimlessly, hoping not to get caught. The Farmers, who were watching, chuckled to themselves from the entrances to their huts. Watching as the cornstalks ruffled when the children sped through them.*

Calen: "AAWON, AAWON!! YOUR CHEETING!!"

She squealed this accusation at her chaser, whilst still running. He laughed but never replied, concentrating on the back of the small girl. She halted and spun around, her face scrunching.

Calen: "YOUR CHEETING!! YOU CANT CHASE ONE PERSON FOWEVA!!"

She folded her arms and stood glaring at him, her face un-amused. Aaron stopped and stood opposite her. His face too seemed un-amused.

Aaron: "Thats the game, Calen. I haff to tig ya...!!"

He raised his right hand and stuck out a lone finger, slowly moving it closer to Calens body.

Calen: "I'm not it..."

He carried on moving it towards her body, going slower to prolong the moment.

Calen: "I said, i'm not it..."

She took a step back, her face still scrunched.

Aaron: "Yeh you arrrr-rrrre!!"

His finger poked her left shoulder and he quickly jumped back, turned and ran.

Calen: "AAWON!! COME BACK!! I'M NOT IT!!"

She jogged after him briefly before stopping and moaning to herself. His giggles disappearing in the mass of yellow that was the corn. With a deep sigh she turned and started moving through the corn, listening out to see if she could hear anybody else who was near by. She couldn't.

Voice: "You seem down, whats wrong?"

She sighed again and hung her head low. Hardly picking her feet up as she shuffled them through the dirt.

Calen: "I'm it...again."

A force fell upon her right shoulder as if the being was resting its hand there. Comforting her.

Voice: "I can help you again if you like...?"

She slowly shook her head.

Calen: "They'll say i cheeted again..."

There was a brief pause from the being before it continued talking.

Voice: "Ok. How has your day been aside from being it?"

She stopped and turned to were she believed him to be, raising her head slightly to talk to it.

Calen: "Ok. Daddy made me a wooden birdie...!! T'is great!!"

She began to perk up a little, however stopped when a branch snapped behind her. She spun around and noticed another little girl. Her skin was a mixture of green and yellow and her plume was orange and red. It was Harmony. Her blue eyes stared at Calen and her face was one of puzzlement.

Harmony: "Who you talking to??"

She stepped forwards and looked around. Harmony was a unique little girl. She was your friend until she found a better friend or until she found something wrong with you. She stepped around Calen and looked through the corn.

Harmony: "Well?"

Calen shook her head and shrugged.

Calen: "No-one. Just singing."

Turning, the green and yellow skinned child looked at Calen with even more puzzlement.

Harmony: "No, you were talking. I 'eard you! Saying how you were it again and stuffs. Who were you talking to??"

Calen seemed to look up to were she believed her friends head would be and sighed.

Calen: "I cant say. He'll be in twouble!!"

Harmony took a step forwards and looked Calen deep in the eyes. Her brow narrowing.

Harmony: "Who?"

Calen: "I told you, i cant ss...sss...sa....ssss-ssssay."

Her bottom lip trembled, so much in fact that it seemed to hinder her speech. Harmony took a step back and watched as Calen's eyes started to blink out of sync. She wobbled, her body swaying like the corn in the wind and just as easily. She tried to speak, her mouth opening and closing but as she tried to utter out random words she fell. Fell to her knee's. Her eyes were flooded with light like that of a plug as water disappeared into it. The yellow corn fields disappeared as did the ground and sky. Everything was pure white, like an Artists canvas before the paint. She looked up at Harmony who was still there and looking distressed and seemingly screaming for help. But Calen could hear nothing. Then something caught her eye, something at the side of her. She toppled to her left hand side and looked up to her right, were the being should have been stood. And there stood a large, black creature, its chest broad. Enveloped in a black trench coat (like Nemesis in 'Resident Evil: Nemesis' coat) and standing around 7.5 ft high. It looked down at her, red eyes searing like hot coals. It had a Mudokon shaped head but the skin pigment was dark-green and had black coursing over it. Its plume nothing more than a black pony-tail. It snarled at her and took a step back. With a low growl it seemed to slowly disperse into whisps of black shadow. Each whisp gradually turning in an anti-clockwise direction before disappearing completly. Calen looked on, scared...and then everything went black...

(OOC: I deleted the previous version of this chapter because it progressed the story too quickly. Hope you like this one instead.)

[Jacob]

*Setting: Mrs Eal rested the back of her hand on her daughters forehead and sighed. Calen was burning up and still hadn't recovered from her most recent blackout which had lasted for 47 minutes. They were becoming more and more worrying now, and another point of worry was that the other children were even saying that she had started talking to herself. The village was quiet, the children had been hurried inside so not to make too much noise and disturb the Eals. Mr Eal stepped up behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. He whispered reassuring words into her ear and then kiss her shoulder. Her head bowed down and a lone tear escaped from her left eye. She was so worried that it was something serious, like a Cancer or a Brain Tumour. And if Calen did pass on, they knew that part of them would be gone forever...*

Mr Eal: "We're going to have to do something about this, we cant just hope for the best and pray they pass with time."

He slowly stepped upto the window and looked out, he rested his hands on the windowsil and brooded over what he had in mind.

Mrs Eal: "Dont you think i know that? But what if its too late? What if she has no chance in recovering? What if we lose her?"

She kneeled down and picked up the hand of Calen and held it, resting her cheek against it and sniffling. Her husband turned and nodded.

Mr Eal: "I know, Celise. I know. But we must try, we cant just leave it for Fate to decide. You of all people must know that with what happened with your brother..."

Her head snapped upwards and her eyes dripped with tears. Tears of sadness and, now, anger.

Mrs Eal: "Dont you dare bring Noah into this...Not now, Armon. Not now."

She slowly raised to her feet and wiped away the tears with her hands. She then looked at her husband, his lower lip was trembling and it was clear he was upset by all of this. She stepped forwards, her left hand stroked the side of his face.

Mrs Eal: "Im sorry i snapped, its just...it still hurts. What do you suggest we do?"

He closed his eyes as her hand caressed his face and sighed as he responded.

Mr Eal: "We go to the Shaman, we do all that we can to bring Calen through this..."

Mrs Eal: "And what if...if he cant do anything?"

He turned to the window once more and looked up to the cloudless blue sky.

Mr Eal: "We go back to the city and get her Industrial treatment..."

There was a stunned silence from his wife, but he ignored it. The latter suggestion would hopefully be void and the Shaman would be able to help Calen and whatever it was hindering her. Thats what they prayed for anyway...

(OOC: Just incase you didnt see the change, i have changed chapter 6 to the newest one you see now. As the previous one moved the story along too quickly.)

[Jacob]

*Setting: Mr Eal looked around the small hut nervously. Head masks, spears and Tribal feathers lined the walls. Skulls of Scrabs, Paramites and even Meeches graced small table tops that were set in the corner of the room. He was standing on a woven carpet of leaves and waiting infront of a room which was seperated with a beaded curtain. The hut belonged to the village Shaman, a Witch Doctor which practiced natural medicine that helped cure certain ailments a villager may have. Mr Eal had come about Calen, hoping to get her condition fixed. He, nor any of the other villagers, knew what was wrong with her and became increasingly worried when it seemed to get worse. Hence why he came to the Shaman. The curtains were slowly parted in the middle with a long staff which had the skull of, what seemed to be, another Mudokon on top...*

Shaman: "You want what?"

His face was scrunced and white markings went down his cheeks from the bottom of his eyes. The staff was held with his right hand which was painted a reddish-black colour. His lower half was covered with a skirt made from grass and his chest was painted with black and blue colourings. The paint was easy to see considering his own skin was a pale green.

Mr Eal: "Ermm...its, its my daughter. She's been having...fits. She's had them ever since she was a baby, but recently they've been getting worse. And some of the children are saying she's been...talking to herself."

The Shaman nodded gently and stepped forward, his pale yellow eyes looking into Mr Eals.

Shaman: "You bring her to me. I perform rituals. She be better..."

He smiled gently at the unresponsive father.

Shaman: "That...Ok?"

He cocked his head and awaited a reply. After a few seconds he realised that the Mudokon wasn't even breathing but stood there, frozen.

Female voice: "Your wasting your time there, Chuckles..."

The voice came from behind him and thus the Shaman turned around rapidly and angrily, wondering who had entered his domain without him noticing nor giving permission. Infront of him stood a female Mudokon. Her skin was baby pink and her eyes a glowing white. Her plume ran from the top of her head down to the base of her neck and was a strong Lilac colour. Her right wrist was covered with silver bracelets and on her left arm she had a black tattoo of a 'V' with a circle in the middle. The difference with other Mudokons and her however was her ears. Instead of small holes in the side of her head, she had leathery, batwing-like ears that drooped down to her shoulders. Her breasts and groin was covered with a black bikini which clashed greatly with her skin colour. The Shaman stepped back, stunned by who he was in the pressence of.

Shaman: "Ebo..."

She waved her right arm towards him, throwing a bolt of intense white energy which hit his stomach and stopped him from saying her name.

Female: "Yeh, i dont need them on my back right now, thanks."

The Shaman was doubled over, leaning on his staff for support. The female slowly stepped upto him and caressed the back of his neck, smiling.

Female: "Heh, look at it this way...your one of the few lowly mortals that have ever met a Goddess in person. Give yourself a pat on the back...when you go into the afterlife."

Her smile turned to a look of apatheticism as she said the last part of her sentence. She looked around the hut and then finally at the frozen Mr Eal.

Female: "Heh, mortals..."

She shook her head grinning and then exploded into small speckles of light which hovered around the doubled over Shaman. Twinkling was the sounded emitted by them as they glided around gently, like Fireflies before quickly rushing into his back and absorbing into his skin. The Shaman grunted and moaned, his eyes glowed wildly and then gently subsided into their normal colour again. Standing up the Witch Doctor waved his right hand and time seemingly restarted.

Shaman: "Yes. Yes. My power cannot heal that...I have seen before that condition. It is Cancer. Industrial medicine is your only hope..."

Mr Eal staggered backwards in shock. He looked to the ground, shaking his head.

Mr Eal: "But...But...But it may not be that, it might be something else!! You must check her..."

The Shaman shook his head slowly and sighed.

Shaman: "No, i know. Take her to city...get her better. Otherwise, she die..."

Tears welled up in the fathers eyes. He stepped back and nodded, slowly exiting the hut.
The face of pain crossed across the Shamans face as he dropped to his knee's and lolloped over on his left side. The small Fireflie like lights hummed around the room for a while before twinkling their last twinkle and flying in a vertical line into the ground, disappearing in a flash of red and white which faintly burnt the carpet of leaves and left a faint scent of Brimstone...

(OOC: Good or bad? Discuss...now.)

[Jacob]

*Setting: Packing his Elum hide suitcase, Mr Eal never said a word. He had told his wife about what the Shaman had said and both of them had discussed it for over two days, after which they decided to go ahead and go to one of the cities. Mrs Eal had already packed her belongings and was now saying her goodbyes to close-ones. Calen was doing the same. They hadn't decided which city they were going to go to, but they knew some people in Caló. The city they had tried to desperatly to escape from. Closing and locking his suitcase Mr Eal stepped out of his house and sighed. The entire village had swarmed around the family abode to wish them well. One of the villagers, Chall, was even going to take them to the boundaries of the chosen city on his Horse and cart. Chall pushed through the crowd and smiled, the Horse and cart was ready to go with a stack of straw in the back so that the family could hide away from any Industrialists or patrols. Mr Eal shook hands with the males and hugged and kissed the females goodbye. He then stepped towards the cart and climbed up, helping his wife and daughter up afterwards. Chall then got onto the seat and cracked the whip, the Horse whinnied and then started to trot forwards. There was tears of worry and sadness from the village as they waved goodbye to the Eals, hoping that everything would be sorted out when they returned...*

Chall: "Ta tha boundaries, right? But ta which city?"

The Mudokon turned his head to the side to speak to them, his skin was green and his feathers purple.

Mr Eal: "The boundaries...thats right. And to the city of Caló..."

He sighed and glanced a worried look at his wife, resting his back against the straw. He wished there was another way but he knew that no magick could help his daughter now and he loved her too much to just let her die. He had to do something.

Mrs Eal: "How are we going to get in? You know what the security was like when we tried to get out...it was awful. What if its like that now..."

Mr Eal shook his head and sat up, stroking his wifes cheek with the back of his index finger.

Mr Eal: "We'll get through, dont worry. I'm not gonna let them stop me from helping Calen."

He looked at her and stroked her plume. She sighed, resting her head upon his chest.

Calen: "Daddy...whats the city like?"

He laid back down upon the straw and caressed his daughters head.

Mr Eal: "Its...Its a very different place. You must hold either mine or mummys hand when we're there, ok? You cant go wandering off on your own."

Calen nodded wearily. Wondering why her father was so overprotective and what kind of creatures she would see and meet.

Voice: "Dont worry, child. Nothing will harm you...i'll protect you."

Turning her head towards the bottom of the cart, Calen looked to were she heard the voice come from. She then looked at her mother and father, both were resting their eyes.

Calen: "Will you pwotect mummy and daddy 'swell?"

She asked this in a hushed whisper, silently pleading the answer would be 'yes'. But all she got was silence. Sitting up she asked again, and awaited patiently.

Mrs Eal: "Calen, try and get some rest. Ok? Your going to need to be alert when in the city..."

The little child turned and nodded, lying back upon her fathers stomach...with a worry ridden mind.

(OOC: Yay or nay?)

[Jacob]

*Setting: The city was in view and as the small family sped towards the tall, metallic, circular border they became increasingly fearful. The border itself was a large, metallic wall encircling the city. It reached high into the sky, only being out-heightened by the Skyscrapers which were double the walls veritcal size. The border hid the entire city, like that of a medieval fortress hiding its villages. Smog belched out from the center of the city, seemingly developing more clouds for the nightsky. Border patrols scouted around the area, waiting for a creature to attempt to escape the city or to break in. The Eals had left Chall at the edge of the forest, 3.5 miles West of the city. They were now running over the dying ground, Mrs Eal carrying Calen and Mr Eal carrying the luggage. The city had four entrances and exits. North, East, South and West. All of these were guarded by a number of Cartel employed/created guards. The top of the wall itself was armed with Turrets, built with auto-aim no vehicle could get over it without being annihilated first. To get into the city creatures would have to pass the Border Checkers. These were usually Sligs who would have to take photo's of the vehicle and inhabitants. Only when this was done was the laser barrier switched off and the creatures allowed to pass through the small tunnel and into the city. This would cause a problem in any of the other larger cities, due to the busyness of them. And having small tunnels for an entrance and exit would inevitably cause crashes. But that is were Caló differs. The creatures who enter, do not exit, unless of course they are high ranking citizens. A couple of months after Mr and Mrs Eal escape, Caló began to crack down on the tourism in the city. Allowing tourists to enter, but not leave. A couple of years after that, Caló began to enslave any creature not of importance or of Cartel rule. The result being a city dedicated to Slave trading and labour. And in such a time, this made it immensly dangerous for the Eals to be anywhere near the large city of Caló...*

Mr Eal: "Come on, we're gonna have to sneak in through the Sewage systems or ventilation shafts..."

He beckoned to his wife and child as he edged along the wall, his back up against it as he manovered around to the West entrance. Mrs Eal held back though, she was frightened, scared for her and her family's life.

Mrs Eal: "How? They'd shoot us on sight...!! What if they have Bounteeis!? Or Louddars!? Armon!! Come back here!!"

She whispered after him, her eyes scanning the nightland, hoping that no patrol would spot them. He ignored her and carried on sneaking towards the entrance which was a good few hundred yards away. As he got closer he noticed a light from the small office were the Border Checkers sat and awaited for oncoming vehicles and travellers.

Calen: "Mummy, ima scared..."

She hugged her mother, burying her head into her neck and whimpering. Mr Eal turned to her and stroked her back gently, trying to calm her and ease her fear.

Mr Eal: "Dont worry, sweety. We'll be ok, everything will be fine..."

She rose her tiny little gray head and looked at him, her lower lip trembling.

Mr Eal: "I CANT BELIEVE YOU DID THIS?! TO YOUR OWN SISTER!!"

The child squealed, not knowing or understanding what her father was on about. His eyes were full of rage, full of hatred and his voice...his voice was like thunder. She blinked and everything was seemingly back to normal, her fathers face was one of compassion and love and his voice was soft again.

Mrs Eal: "Whats up? Your shivering..."

The night was warm and moist and so Calen didn't have any reason to shiver. She never answered her mothers question however, she just shook her head and laid her head down on Mrs Eals shoulder, the image of her father playing over and over again in her head.

Mr Eal: "I'm gonna go and distract them, ok? When i give the word, run into the office and open the airvent."

Mrs Eal: "But what about you? I'm not leaving you..."

Mr Eal: "I'll be fine, i promise. All you have to worry about is getting into the city and to safety, then everything should be easier from then on."

He leant forward, kissing his daughter on the cheek and then his wife on the forehead. He smiled softly, and turned, walking towards the office. Before going through with the plan however, he stoped. Placed down his suitcase and opened it. Rifling through the contents he finally brings out a gun, a black Uzi. A shiver runs down his back as he cocks it and then proceeds with the plan...

***

*Setting: Behind the city walls and hidden in two large buildings on either side of the tunnel entrance stand two Slig Snipers. Wearing their infrared goggles and gripping their automatic, zoom-enabled rifles they await the day when a city dweller attempts to break out. Or a Native attempts to break in. They are stood in derelict buildings, overlooking the road which leads from the West entrance to the center of the city. One of them lights up a cigarette, inhales and then breathes out. Its right arm is covered with a spiral tattoo, from the top of its shoulder to its wrist. It sighs, looking down at the ground and wondering what it'd be doing if it was in a different city. It turns its head and picks up the radio that sits on a small, battered table.*

Sniper #1: "You wanna talk?"

It tunes its frequency in to that of the Sniper situated in the opposing building, awaiting a response it looks across to the other building.

Response: "Sure...what about?"

The response is brief, but at least its the start of a conversation and enough to cure the Sligs bordom. Trying to think of what to talk about it sets its rifle on the windowsil and looks through the scope, searching for something to shoot.

Sniper #1: "Err...how many Ratz you shot in a minute?"

It was the first thing that came into its head and as it took aim on one small hopping Rat, it prepared to challenge the record set by its partner.
*BOOOSHHMM*
The building across the road exploded in an envelope of flame. Debris hurtled to the other building, causing the Sniper to stagger backwards, dropping the rifle and radio. In a panic it pulled itself to its feet and scrambled for the radio, grasping it, the Slig then tried to tune it in to the frequency of HQ but as it did so...

***

*Setting: A second explosion raptured through the air, causing the Border Checking Slig to dive out of the office and approach the laser barrier, attempting to look through it and see what was happening. All it could see was the road however and burning debris littering it. Turning it then attempted to run into the office but as it did so a hail of bullets rained upon it. Mr Eal ran forwards, unloading his weapon into the Sligs chest and forcing it to fall backwards into the laser barrier were it was then fried into nothing more than particles. His hand shook as he began to get caught up in the moment, his eyes bulging with excitement, his Heart pounding with adrenaline. Quickly he turned to the office and ran into it, Mrs Eal followed behind him, surprised that his distraction plan had worked so well, especially when he had nothing to use. Noticing his wife and daughter following him, Mr Eal quickly conceals his gun in his loin cloth. Not wanting to frighten either of them...*

***

*Setting: Fire engines both of hover and ground variety sped towards the burning buildings, their sirens calling out like a Banshee in the Fog. The buildings were ablaze, the fire roaring out in triumph. Stopping infront of blaze, the Fire fighters climbed out. They were all of mixed race, some were Sligs, others Mudokons whilst some were even Saurians. They ran to the sides of the vehicles, attempting to take out the hoses, but doing so served as quite a chore. The shutter that contained the hoses seemed to be jammed and wouldn't come undone. Whilst that was going on, another Fire engine came, this one of the hover variety. As it sped down the street and towards the point of commotion the vehicle seemed to speed up rather than slow down. The Mudokon driver slammed down his feet, pushing hard upon the break pedal as he did so. Nearing the metal border the only thing left for him and the passengers to do was to jump out...and that they did...*

***
*Crunnnch*

Mrs Eal: "Where's the airvent!? YOU SAID THERE'D BE AN AIRVENT!!"

She screamed at him franticly. She could hear sirens and crashing from the other side of the wall and as she searched around the small room her nerves were beginning to fray more and more. In her mind all the sirens were from the Cartel and the crashing was them trying to through the metal wall to get to them.

Mr Eal: "There should be one...there should be!!"

He scrambled around on the floor and looked under desks, hoping that he'd find something that would allow him to breach the city.

Voice: "Turn off the laser barrier, Calen. Nobody will notice any of you...Turmoil has wrapped its claws around them all, hehehe."

Wiggling from her mothers arms she dropped to the floor and ran to the entrance of the office. Quietly she spoke to the invisible creature.

Calen: "But...but...but where is the button...?"

Voice: "Near the entrance...look..."

She turned her head to the entrance of the city, on the left side of the entrance was a small, red button. Quickly her little legs carried her to it and leaping up she attempted to press it. Thankfully Sligs, too, were small and so with a few little jumps she had deactivated the barrier and thus gained access to the city.

Mrs Eal: "CALEN!? CALEN!?!"

She called from inside the room, before running out and looking around panic-stricken. She was closely followed by Mr Eal.

Calen: "MOMMY, KWIKLY!!"

She ran through the small tunnel with her mother and father screaming after her. Fearing that she had dived into the laser barried and been frizzled.

Mr Eal: "Go after her, i'll get the bags...!!"

He went to were he had left his suitcase, took his weapon from his loin cloth and placed it back in amongst the clothes before closing it again. He then grasped the handle and ran as quickly as he could towards the tunnel, not knowing what to find once he got closer. Thankfully he found his wife and daughter on the other side, urging him to hurry as flame and chaos ensued behind them. Running to meet them they were all soon in the city, past the chaos and relativly safe...

(OOC: Blah. Crap i know, but i wanted to get them entering the city done as soon as possible...)

[Jacob]

*Setting: The Flies buzzed around the small bedroom, hitting the lone lightbulb repeatetivly. Lying on the bed on her back, Calen watched them. Wondering what was going through their minds as they did such strange things. The Eals were staying in a small Hotel, using the money they had, had when they had left the city. The room was small, with only one bed capable of fitting one adult. Mr and Mrs Eal had decided it best for Calen to take the bed, whilst they slept on the floor. They figured it wouldn't be for long anyway. Mrs Eal was lying on her side on the grubby carpet whereas Mr Eal was stood up and pacing around the room nervously...*

Calen: "Mommy, you can 'av the bed...If ya want."

She shifted to the edge of the bed so she could see her mother better. Mrs Eal looked up at her and smiled, slowly shaking her head.

Mrs Eal: "No, its ok. I'm fine like this..."

Calen: "M'k. Can you tell me the west if that stowy pweez? About you and daddy..."

Mrs Eal looked up at her and then sat up, looking at her husband.

Mr Eal: "Now now, hun. Try and get some rest for tomorrow, ok?"

She turned her head to her father and squeaked gently in fear. Her eyes widened and her face turned pale. He was holding a gun, a 9mm. It was pointed at her. Calen shook her head and backed away, pushing her back against the wall. She looked to her mother, she was lying on the ground. Her eyes closed and small pieces of metal embedded in her chest and shoulder.

Mr Eal: "YOUR SCUM. SHE WANTED TO HELP YOU!! YOU, YOU OF ALL PEOPLE!! YOU DONT DESERVE TO LIVE!!"

Calen: "NO, DADDY PWEEZ!! NOO!!"

She began to sob, covering her eyes with her hands and wishing for her father to stop whatever he was doing. His face was twisted and full of hatred again, nothing like usual. The feeling of arms wrapping around her startled her and she struggled, sobbing.

Mrs Eal: "Shhh-shhhh, Calen hunny. Whats wrong? Hm?"

She wrapped her arms around her mother and sobbed uncontrollably. The image of someone you trust turning on you in such a way was a horrible one and she hated it. It had happened twice now and she hadn't known why or for what reason. Mr Eal stepped forwards and sat on the bed, he stroked her feathers.

Mr Eal: "Whats wrong? Why are you crying?"

Calen looked up at him, her white eyes flooded with tears.

Calen: "You shouted at me..."

Sniffling she whimpered these words. Mr Eal looked at his wife, his expression showing that of the utmost concern. He knew her condition was getting worse, this was illustrated by her hallucination seconds ago. He hadn't shouted at her, he hadn't even been looking at her.

Mrs Eal: "Calen, daddy didn't shout at you. You must've imagined it. We would never shout at you, never."

She kissed the childs head and looked down on her. She was still. Pushing her back to have a look at her Mrs Eal realised that her hands were shaking and her face was unresponsive. Mrs Eals Heart increased in speed as she realised her daughter was having another fit. Her body started to convulse now and drool began to form in the corners of her mouth.

Mrs Eal: "Calen, Calen its ok hunny. We're here. Dont worry. Armen, Armen what are we going to do?? Eh, what?!"

He wrapped his arm around his panic-stricken wife and watched his daughter shake wildly. Gurgling incoherantly every so often.

Vision
Calen watched the scene in black and white. Watching as a younger version of her father ran down the large sewer tunnels holding a limp, younger version of her mother. His feet sploshed through the sewage as he shouted a name. The sound was echoey and drowned out by the splashing but as he shouted more, she recognised the name was 'Miak'.

-*Bright flash*-

A blinding flash destroyed that image as another black and white one took its place. This time Mr and Mrs Eal were in a small operating theatre. A Mudokon Doctor stood next to them, talking about something. Their voices were mute however and no sound came from them. Slowly another Mudokon stepped upto them, it was Noah. He began to speak aswell. But as he did a loud crashing sound came from the background and the sound of splashing could be heard. That was when Calen realised the operating theatre was in the sewers...

-*Bright flash*-

Another black and white image appeared before Calens eyes.

Celise: "COME ON, HURRY!!"

She winced down the sewers, aided by Mr Eal. He turned and looked down the tunnels. The Doctor was helping Noah, he seemed to be badly injured and needed help to walk.

Noah: "Miak, go on ahead...save yourself!!"

He spoke ruggedly, slowly stopping as he said this. It was now apparent the Doctor was Miak. The Doctor looked at him and shook his head.

Miak: "I haven't lost a patient yet...and i dont intend to."

Pushing him away Noah shouted at the Doctor to go on ahead and leave him be. They began to argue. Shouting could be heard behind them, radio chatter and the sploshing of more feet.

-*Bright flash*-

The image now shows Noah pinned up against a wall, his arms behind his back. The creature holding him is a Bounteei. A creature thats half Mudokon and half robot. The right side of its face is steel, a laser-like eye is in place of its real one. Its large metal forearm pins the injured Mudokon to the sewer wall, two sharp claws on either side of his neck dig into the bricks and thus keep him from moving. Sligs and other Cartel personel surround him, some carry on going down the tunnel.

Bounteei: "Where are they going?"

It speaks robotic-like and quickly. Its other hand pointing a gun to the Mudokons stomach. Noah smiles and brings his right hand from behind his back, in it he's holding a small Grenade.

-*Bright flash*-

Mr and Mrs Eal clamber out of the tunnel, closely followed by Miak. As they stumble away from the sewer entrance a rapturing explosion cuts through the air. The ground shakes and Mrs Eal collapses to the ground. Crying.

Calen opens her eyes slowly. Wondering what had just happened. Looking around the room she see's her mother and father sat beside her. Their faces showing relief and concern at the same time. Leaning in Mrs Eal kisses her daughters forehead.

Mrs Eal: "Dont worry, we'll make sure that you dont have anymore of those horrible episodes anymore. Ok?"

Nodding wearily Calen turns over and closes her eyes, wanting to sleep the images away...

[Sekto Springs]

my palms are getting sweatty whille readin' this....that's a sign its good....uh....yea

[Jacob]

*Setting: The Eals sat at the back of a yellow, hover Taxi. It gently sailed through the air, passing large offices and appartments. Cars sailed both underneathe them and above. Looking out of the right side window, Calen watched excitedly as they past buildings, and pedestrians down on the street below. She had never been so high up before, which was approximatly 977ft in the air. Mr and Mrs Eal sat uncomfortably on the brown leather seats, they watched as they passed areas that they grew up in or buildings that they had passed as children. Grasping her husbands hand tightly, it was clear Mrs Eal was nervous. The Taxi driver was also a Mudokon, his skin was a faint red however and he wore a brown cap and smoked a bulky cigar. He had'nt spoken to them since they told him were to go. Turning to her mother and father Calen squealed excitedly as she pointed at random races and asked what they were. Sligs, Glukkons, Khanzumers and the like were never talked about in the village, the only creatures that were, were Tuezo's and Slogs and they were only spoken about as scare stories. Realising that they were slowly sauntering downwards, the Eals looked out of the window to see were they were going to land. The cab gently swerved to the left and stopped inches above the pavement. Opening the door onto the bustling street, Mrs Eal carefully stepped out, grasping her daughters hand tightly. Mr Eal got out of the other side and paid the cabby who then took off quickly, possibly to fit in another client before his shift was over. The Eals need'nt of asked if they were in the correct place, they knew for a fact they were. They remembered it as clear as day, only now it was grubby and more battered.*

Mr Eal: "Well, we're here..."

He stepped onto the pavement and looked up at the tall, old appartment building.

Mrs Eal: "Hmm. Do you think he's still alive? Or even still living here...?"

Looking awkwardly at his wife, Mr Eal shrugged.

Mr Eal: "Only one way to find out..."

He slowly stepped towards the large wooden door. It was laden with knife marks and bullet holes, not a very promising sign. Calen was quickly tugged along and out of the crowds on the street. Mrs Eal knew how dangerous life was out on the street, especially for a young girl. As they entered they noticed a significant change of light, inside it was dull, dark and dingy. The corners were shadowy and intimidating. Straight ahead however there was a desk with a Slig behind it. He seemed to be sat on a stool, since his waist was above the desk and he was able to lean on it as he read the paper. Looking up as the Eals entered he seemed to smile, beckoning them to him.

Slig: "Come, come, come. We always welcome new guests..."

He looked at both Mr and Mrs Eal and smiled. Approaching the desk they noticed two large metallic doors were situated to the right of it, possibly the lifts. And on the left of him was a door with a 'stairs' symbol.

Mr Eal: "Well, we're not really wanting to stay...we're just enquiring about somebody..."

The Slig grunted and shook his head gently from side to side in annoyance before reaching under the desk and bringing out a large, blue book with dirtied pages.

Slig: "Right-o. Give me a name. Surname then first..."

Stepping up to the desk Mr Eal attempted to look at the book himself, but was put off when the Slig propped the book up, hiding the contents of it.

Mr Eal: "Erm...Err, ok. Miak. Joshua Miak."

The Slig flicked through the pages, mumbling the word 'M' to himself. As Mr Eal dealt with the proceedings, Mrs Eal stood in the middle of the reception area, looking around nervously. Bending down she picked up Calen, not content that her child was safe just holding her hand.

Voice: "You have a very interesting daughter..."

The voice came from above her and she looked up immensly quickly, clutching Calen tightly. On the ceiling was an adult Katterwol. A dark-blue being, capable of running at remarkable speeds and renowned for their astonishing agility and prowess. Their face was very much feline like, with tiny pointy ears on their heads. This one was wearing a dark blue suit, to match its fur. It wore no shoes, possibly to increase its grip. Katterwols paws have three toes. Two on the front of the paw and one on the back. These have small suction cups which allow them to stick to any surface. They also have long, flexible tails aswell, but this one seemed to be missing his. As he studied Mrs Eal he dropped to the ground, silently. His large, round yellow eyes moving around, studying her body. His small pupils getting bigger and smaller as he took in more information.

Katterwol: "My name is Prince. Nice to meet you, Ms...?"

Holding out his paw he introduced himself. Cautiously Mrs Eal took it, shaking his paw and feeling his suctions cups grasp her palm.

Mrs Eal: "Mrs Eal. Mrs Celise Eal."

She emphasised the 'Mrs' notifying the creature that she was married. Putting on a pretend shocked face he cocked his head.

Prince: "Mrs? Surely your too young to be married. How old are you...19...20?"

Chuckling nervously at the flattering remark, she replied.

Mrs Eal: "Old enough to be married..."

Prince cooed gently, smirking and showing his small canines and pink tongue.

Prince: "And this gorgeous little creature is...?"

Mrs Eal turned her head to look at her child, who was staring intrigueingly at the Katterwol.

Mrs Eal: "This is Calen."

He smiled gently at her and reached for her hand, going to shake it. But as he did she snatched it away. Prince gave a startled reaction and looked at the mother.

Prince: "S-She can see...?"

Mrs Eal nodded and gently stroked Calens hair, reassuring her everything would be safe.

Prince: "But how? She has no Iris or pupils!!"

He was obviously shocked by meeting a creature that could see without eyes.

Mrs Eal: "We dont know, she just can. She's a little miracle aren't ya...?"

Kissing the side of Calens face, Mrs Eal smiled, proudly. She was quickly becoming more comfortable in the Katterwols company and wasn't so intimidated by him. This may have been because of his suave charm, or his soft, calm voice...

Prince: "Well, that is remarkable. I used to be a Doctor and so this, obviously, astounds me..."

Mrs Eal: "A Doctor? Really. What happened? How come you quit...?"

Gently Prince shook his head.

Prince: "I was fired. After 12 years of loyal service they sack me 'cos i lose one Heart..."

A sharp intake of breath alerted Prince to Mrs Eals surprise. He then began to smirk cheekily.

Prince: "That was a joke. Heh. Nahh, i was fired because i didnt follow regulation. Instead of using the quickest methods and medicines to help people, i used the longest. Making sure they were better before discharging them. The Cartel hated this, as it was costing them money, and eventually sacked me..."

Mrs Eal nodded, somewhat in admiration for the Katterwol.

Mr Eal: "Got it. Come on..."

He butted in to the conversation, informing his wife that he had got the information they wanted. Mrs Eal looked at Prince and then back at her husband.

Mrs Eal: "Armen, this is Prince. Prince, this is my husband, Armen..."

Introducing them politely, she stared at her husband in a way that he knew meant 'dont be so rude'. He nodded to her, acknowledging the stare and then turned to the Katterwol with his hand outstretched.

Mr Eal: "Hi."

He smiled briefly and then turned back to Mrs Eal. Moving his eyes from her to the direction of the lift repeatedly. She nodded.

Mrs Eal: "Well, we have to go now. But its been nice talking to you, Prince."

She smiled and nodded a goodbye to the creature, before turning and stepping towards the lift. The Katterwol nodded aswell, holding up its left paw to wave goodbye. Turning to look at the Katterwol one last time, Calen gently smiled to him. Waving goodbye to it as the lift gently 'bing-ed' and she disappeared into it...

(OOC: Wellness? Goodness or full of badness? Enlighten me please.)

[Silversnow]

Interesting story, but I think I missed the point in your latest point considering it was just a lot of conversation about Prince. Apart from that, very goodness .

[Jacob]

The Prince convo wasn't that relevant. I just added it to give the characters a more deeper meaning sort of thing, instead of just quickly progressing with the story. Prince comes in it again later though and then faaaaaaar into the future when the main shtuffs has all happened...

[Jacob]

*Setting: With a slow and rusty creak the two doors parted, revealing a longish corridor with doors on either side. Calen whimpered. A foul stench seemed to greet them, along with urine on the floor and the cracked concrete walls. The walls were an un-natural beige colour and the doors to the rooms wooden. The numbers had been scruffily painted onto the walls next to the rooms in red pain, drips running down from the numbers themselves. As the family stepped out, trying to avoid the urine, they carefully made their way down the hall. Stepping over rodents, insects, used contraceptives and hypedermic needles. Mr Eal looked to each wall, mouthing the number gently to himself. Every couple of steps he would turn back to his wife and child, making sure they were making their way safely. Finally he stopped, uttering a sigh of relief. The number 207 was slopperly brandished on the wall. He turned to his wife and smiled hopefully, grasping her hand and then with the other, knocked.*

Voice: "W-Who's there??"

The voice was shakey and seemingly worried. Mr Eal leant closer to the door.

Mr Eal: "Miak...? Miak is, is that you?? Its Armen here. Armen Eal...remember?"

There was silence. Then the sound of a gun cocking, a big one. Possibly a Shotgun.

Voice: "Who is it really?? You won't fool me...!!"

It was more aggressive now, and after it had stated this sentence it continued to mumble something incoherant.

Mr Eal: "Joshua, it is me. Armen. I'm here with Celise and my daughter. Please Miak, please open the door...we need to speak with you, its urgent."

Again there was a brief silence.

Voice: "Armen and Celise ran to the woodland...they would never come back here, dont try and fool me. I know about your kind...delving into creatures minds...bringing up long lost information...i've done my research, dammit!! You won't fool me!!"

Mr Eal sighed and turned to his wife, shrugging. Motioning him away with her hand, Mrs Eal took his place.

Mrs Eal: "Joshua. Please open the door, we promise you we're not trying to fool you. If we were, why would we pretend to be people that would never return to the city?? Eh? What would be the logic??"

Silence reigned for the 3rd time and then the sound of latches being un-latched took ahold. Slowly the door was opened abit and the nozzle of a Shotgun peeped out. Followed by the light green head of a Mudokon. Elderly looking and drained. It was Miak, although he looked awful. His sunken eyes seemed to brighten briefly however when he realised that they were, infact, telling the truth. The nozzle of the gun quickly disappeared and the door was flung open.

Miak: "Quickly, in, in. It's too dangerous for you on the landing, we get all sorts here....absolutly everything!!"

Stepping inside the Eals looked around the small room. To the back of it was a tattered pink sofa. Infront of that was a small coffee table which held a small, black and white Tv. The room was grubby and disgusting, Cockroaches skittered around, munching on crumbs and rotting pieces of food. Magazines were scattered everywhere, as were papers.

Miak: "Wh-What are you doing here?? I dont understand...?? Why...Why comeback??"

Picking Calen up Mr Eal smiled gently.

Mr Eal: "It-It's Calen. We need you to help her..."

She looked at the Mudokon, Miak. Looking him up and down, his clothes were ragged and ruined. He wore a white t-shirt with stains all over the front and brown trousers. His feet were bare. And his plume was tattered and grey. He looked completly different from how she had imagined him...

Miak: "H...How? How can i help??"

Mrs Eal: "She's...She's been having seizures...She's had them since she was a child, but she was never really affected by them and so we didn't look much into them. But now, now we believe she may have a Brain tumour...we need you to operate, Josh. As soon as possible."

The Eals brushed aside Miaks current state, they knew that he was an exellent Surgeon, regardless of his situation now.

Mr Eal: "We'll pay upfront, obviously..."

He said this in hopes of swinging Miaks answer to a 'yes'.

Miak: "I-I'm sorry, didn't you know? I dont practice medicine anymore. The Cartel wont allow me to. If i'm ever caught practicing...i'll be executed. On the spot..."

Disappointment crossed the Eals faces, more so the parents than Calens. He looked at the child and sighed.

Miak: "I wish i could help...i really do...but, i cant."

Mr Eal nodded to his wife, who then brought out a wad of cash from her bag. She held it out infront of Melik, her eyes pleading. But the ex-Surgeon just looked at her and pushed her hand away.

Miak: "I'm sorry..."

He shook his head gently, guilt creeping into his Soul. Calen seemingly felt this and reached over, patting his scarred head. Mr and Mrs Eal smiled softly as she did this, knowing she was too much of a treasure to lose and that they'd have to actually go to some other Surgeon, be forced to scour the black market for a second time in their lifetime. But as they pondered about the future, Calens muscles seized up. Her head felt as if it was exploding and within seconds she was fitting...her arms twitching and her legs flailing. Miak took a step backwards, shocked by the sudden scene. He looked at the child as Mr Eal rushed her to the sofa and placed her down...watched as the two parents sat by their worried child, encouraging her to fight through it, and carefully thought about the future...

Vision
It seemed as if she had left the very room she was stood in. Because now she was stood in what seemed to be a very posh, high class office. Items of funiture seemed to phase into the wooden interior room. A desk appeared slightly to her right. Topped with awards and photographs of what seemed to be high Glukkon executives. Then a large, black leather, chair appeared. Then a red carpet. Paintings and oversized photographs phased onto the walls.

Voice: "Miak...ya fool, heheheheh..."

The voice was rough and echoed in Calens head and within a blink of an eye five creatures had appeared in the room. All fully formed. All life-like. One was a large, light skinned Glukkon, he was the roughed voiced one and the one who had first spoke. He was wearing a purple suit with black shoes, the tips in which were silver. He stood infront of the desk, looking down. A small Slig stood at his side, holding, what seemed to be, a cattleprod. A couple of feet away knelt a young Mudokon. Presumably Miak. His face was bruised and cut, his clothes were torn and blood was seeping from the back of his head. He looked up at the Glukkon, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. Stood on either side of him were two Bountiees. Their faces expressionless they looked straight ahead. Their knuckles stained with blood...possible Miaks.

Glukkon: "Ya think ya helped 'em, eh? Eh? Do ya...naahhhh, Miak. Ya just sentenced 'em ta death...heh...heheh. When ma Soldiers find 'em...they're gonna kill 'em...sloooowly."

Spittle flew from the Glukkons mouth as he spoke. His eyes glowing with glee. Miak seemingly snarled.

Miak: "You'll never find them...and if you do i'm sure they'd rather die then be enslaved like your pathetic guardsmen..."

He looked at the Slig in distain, the look was immediatly wiped off his face however when the creatued jabbed him in the stomach. Causing him to wince in pain and double over. Leaning on his hands for support.

Glukkon: "Fine then...i'll 'av 'em sent ta a work camp...or, even betta, sent ta tha Labs...heh...yerrr."

He looked up at one of the large photographs on the wall which clearly depicted him and a Vykker, smiling as if they had just signed a deal. Behind the pair of them was, what seemed to be, a cage full of Mudokons. All looking less than healthy. Miak looked towards it and shook his head slowly as he looked to the ground.

Miak: "You sadistic bastard. Even Mayor Juals wasn't as bad as you..."

Glukkon: "Heh, gee...thanks. But ya know what Miak...whateva they git, it'll be betta than what yar gonna git..."

The Mudokon never looked up, he couldn't be bothered to. He merely pushed himself back onto his knees and stared down at the Glukkons shoes.

Glukkon: "Well? Dont ya wanna know what (what) ya.....punishment(ment) is?"

The voice seemed to echoe and distance itself. The whole image began to shine brightly and scrunching her eyes up, Calen tried to block out the brightness.

But as she blinked the vague images of her parents came into her line of sight. And their words of encouragement and calmness cooed gently to her.

Mr Eal: "He's going to help us, hun. Joshua is going to help you get better..."

(OOC: Doobie-doo...)

[Jacob]

*Setting: There was a eerie silence during the evening cab ride. The silence almost fuelling the anxiety that Calen could somewhat feel being projected off of her parents. She was lying across them both, pretending to be asleep. Her head in her fathers lap as she listened to the sounds of cars going by and other city sounds. Pretending to yawn she faked waking up, opening her eyes slowly and then looking up at her mother who was allowing her daughters legs to rest upon her.*

Mrs Eal: "Heh, nearly there now, hun."

She rubbed Calens leg and smiled softly. Calen nodded and smiled wearily. It had been two days since they had gone to Miak, he had given them the address of an old warehouse that they were to meet him in, he would then perform the operation.

Calen: "Mommy, tell me the west of the stowey...of you and daddy."

She looked at her husband and then back down at Calen, nodding softly.

Mrs Eal: "Well, were where we? Hmmmm..."

Mr Eal: "Your mother had been shot, i took her to Joshua...he helped her...we escaped...thats it..."

He seemed to not want to recollect the happenings of that fateful night. His wife looked at him and shook her head, smiling.

Mrs Eal: "You forgot to mention the part were Noah helped us...i'll start from there, ok?"

Calen nodded and closed her eyes, listening to her mothers recollection...

Memory;
Noah pushed Miak away, telling him to run on ahead and leave him be.

Miak: "Dammit, Noah!! You're coming with us, whether you like it or not...!!"

He stepped towards Noah who was knelt awkwardly in the sewage water.

Noah: "If you help me, we'll all be captured!! Just go...!! Now!!"

He pushed Miaks hand away from him and attempted to edge away. The sound of radio's and feet sploshing in dirt-ridden water was getting louder. Futher on ahead, Mr Eal turned around.

Mr Eal: "Don't be stupid!! Come with us, now!!"

Mrs Eal: "Please, Noah!! Please!!"

She, too, pleaded with her brother. But as they spoke he reached into his torn, raggedy jacket pocket and brought out, what looked like, a Grenade.

Noah: "I'm gonna show those f*cks that they don't mess with us Mudokons...now, either you go and save yourselves...or i kill the lot of us. And the way i see it, if i do that then this whole plan was for nothing..."

Miak began to back away, noticing how Noah's eyes were full of determination and eagerness.

Mrs Eal: "Noah...where...where did you get that from...?"

He looked at her and shook his head slowly.

Noah: "It doesn't matter...just go...GO!!"

This time they obeyed him and with a final 'I love you' Mrs Eal allowed herself to be carried away, this time by Miak and Mr Eal.

As Calen watched this image as if it was her own memory something seemed to interfere with it, a flickering of the image took shape...and the scene seemed to distort before going back to normal but now with slightly less realism. She seemed to recognise this as her mothers presumption. Not a recollection of what happened, but of what she presumed happened...

The splashing of feet got louder as the Cartel employed troopers drew ever nearer. Quickly Noah placed his other hand over the bomb and hid it from view, turning his head to see what was coming towards him. A mass horde of Sligs, Bounteei's and other Cartel personel march towards him. One of the Bounteei's that seemed to be leading the group quickly lunges forward, grabbing Noah by the back of the neck and then lifting him to his feet. With a heavy grunt the creature throws the Mudokon into a nearby wall and then pins him to it, whilst simutaneously pointing a gun to his stomach.

Bounteei: "Where are they going...?"

Its laser-like eye seems to scan his face, possibly trying to pick up any tell tale facial expressions. The Mudokon merely smiles and then slowly brings his right hand from behind his back...*

Another disturbance in the image becomes apparent, but now the image splits into two. Both showing the same thing, but Calen knew that both presumtions were coming from both her mother and father.

Image one [Mrs Eal's];
Noah smiles at that Bounteei and then looks around at the other Cartel personel who are now all beginning to back away.

Noah: "How about you go to Hell...eh?"

In a milisecond the small bomb exploded, sending an engulfment of flames and sharpnel flowering outwards, consuming both Noah and the Bounteei, and then the rest of the creatures surrounding them...

Mrs Eal: "And thats how your uncle saved us..."

But as her mother stated this the second image continued playing, the image in her fathers head, his presumption...

Image two [Mr Eal's];
He tipped his palm, allowing the small explosive to drop into the water.

Noah: "You...you let me live. I'll give you the names of all my suppliers AND get you Miak and the Eal's..."

The Bounteei snarled, its laser-like eyes scanning his face.

Bounteei: "Why would you do that...?"

It began to move the gun away from Noah's stomach as it became interested in the Mudokons proposal.

Noah: "Because i value my life over there's and i figure you can let me go, for them...so, we have a deal? Your superiors don't have to know about it, just say you caught them all on your own...without my help...eh? Deal?"

The creature breathed heavily and then gently nodded its head, a slight smirk crossing its blank expression.

Bounteei: "Deal."

Sitting up suddenly Calen began to splutter. More images were starting to pour into her head now, she had no control over them. But this wasn't like her seizures, she was awake. She was beginning to see what her father knew, delving into his memory, bringing out secrets he was hiding, dark secrets...

Memory;
Running through a derelict hotel, the younger Mr and Mrs Eal were trying to escape the persuing Cartel. Even though they had heard an explosion from further down the tunnel, it was not enough to stop the ground troops who had hounded them down and split them and Miak up. Now they were stranded, surrounded by an ever-growing presence of Cartel employee's. Kicking an old door in, Mr Eal half-carried, half-walked his fiancé to an old bed and set her down upon it...

Mr Eal: "Shhhh, don't worry. You'll be safe...i'll get them away from here."

He kissed her forehead, stepped back and then rushed down the corridor. Hoping to run out and make them follow him.

-Presumption-

Outside a black hovercar gently sauntered onto the roof of the building. Landing, the doors opened and allowed the Bounteei from the sewers to step out, followed by Noah.

Bounteei: "Bring at least one to me...if you screw it up, i'll make sure you'll be sent to Vykkers Labs for the rest of your pathetic existance..."

It snarled at the Mudokon, feeling superior due to its 'cosmetic' enhancements. Un-holstering a stungun, it handed it to him. Noah nodded and then turned to the door that led to the floors below. Limping as he did so.

-*Bright flash*-

The image now took place in the room were Mrs Eal was situated. She was moaning something and tossing and turning, her brother, Noah, stood in the doorway. Pointing the weapon at her stomach. Emotionless.
*Faded shot*
It was the sound of a surpressed gunshot. The bullet impacted with Mrs Eals stomach and sent an immediate electric current into her, knocking her unconcious. Now that, that was done he holstered the weapon, stepped towards her and picked her up. He then began to carry her towards the stairs that led to the roof.

-*Bright flash*-

Back as a memory, Calen was watching her father battle it out with a Bounteei. They were wrestling on the floor with a silenced rifle a couple of feet away from them. As hard as the Bounteei tried, it could not throw off the unruly Mudokon, who was continuing to punch it in the face and chest. Finally hurling the Mudokon off, the creature then attempted to crawl towards its weapon, only to be pulled down as the Mudokon dove on its back. After doing so Mr Eal then began to scramble for the gun itself, finally grabbing it, he flung it around and fired. Putting five random holes into the creatures head and shoulders. It dropped. Twitching. Slowly Mr Eal stood to his feet and cracked his neck triumphantly. Seeing the creatures secondary weapon, its stungun, Mr Eal decided it would be best he took that aswell and so reached down and picked that up. Turning he then jogged to were he had left his fiancé.

-*Bright flash*-

An anxious Mr Eal searched high and low for his wife. He couldn't find her, she had seemingly moved from the spot she was left, which was impossible since she was semi-concious and still weak. Although he knew nothing of were she was, he had a feeling to go to the roof...a strange feeling, as if his Heart was telling him. And thus he did so, he sped around the corner and ran in the direction he hadn't gone in. Sighing with relief as he found the stairs that led upwards...

-*Bright flash*-

Creeping up the stairwell he could feel the cool breeze of the night air and now see his fiancé being bundled into the back of a hover vehicle. By Noah. His blood boiled and his Heart pounded fast with adreneline. Knowing that he could be mistaking this scenerio for something more sinister, he placed the strap of the rifle around his body and then brought out the stungun. Cocking it he stood out into the open and aimed it.

Mr Eal: "Noah, what are you doing with Celise...??"

He stepped forwards, knowing that Noah was upto something dangerous as soon as he saw his facial expression.

Noah: "Ar...Armen...what-what are you doing here...??"

Mr Eal: "I could ask you the same thing..."

As he spoke he failed to notice the Bounteei, that had made the deal with Noah, emerge from behind him. But it didn't matter, as Noah backed away from the car and Mr Eal, his eyeline glanced over Mr Eal's shoulder, indictating something was behind him. Before the Bounteei could even move, Mr Eal had shot it three times in the chest with the stun bullets...causing it to twitch and then drop to its knee's without uttering a word. Turning back to his brother-in-law-to-be Mr Eal snarled.

Mr Eal: "Well, what are you doing here? I thought you sacrificed your life for us..."

Noah chuckled gently and then shrugged.

Noah: "Heh, i bottled out...made a deal...you'd do the same thi..."

Mr Eal: "Don't you dare finish that sentence, i wouldn't...NOT to my family or to the people i cared for, you know that!"

Running his right hand through his plume Noah chuckled once more.

Noah: "Well then, thats where we differ...My freedom is more important to me than any other creatures...INCLUDING my family's."

Mr Eal pointed the gun at Noah's head and growled, his trigger finger twitching ever-so-gently. It was clear he was becoming more and more irrate, his eyes seething with anger...and hatred.

Mr Eal: "YOUR SCUM. SHE WANTED TO HELP YOU!! YOU, YOU OF ALL PEOPLE!! YOU DONT DESERVE TO LIVE!!"

Noah: "What you going to do? Kill me?? That'll make you as bad as the Cartel..."

Shaking his head the armed and furious Mudokon tried to shake off the urge to kill him, tried to stop the thirst for revenge...

Noah: "Heh, even if you leave me here you'll be like the Cartel...uncaring...callous. The best, most humane, thing you can do is to take me with you...even if its just outside the city...i have problems, i admit it...but that doesn't mean i'm not like you..."

Mr Eal now neared the hover vehicle and peered into the back window were an unconcious Celise was, twitching in agony as the bullet sent volt, after volt into her.

Mr Eal: "I CANT BELIEVE YOU DID THIS?! TO YOUR OWN SISTER!!"

Noah: "Whatever(!) If we're going to leave i suggest we hurry up...the backup will be up on the roof any minute now. Not that i care, cos if you stay then i wi..."

He was interupted by a low laugh.

Mr Eal: "Heh...Heheh...you know how you said i'd be like the Cartel if i left you...well, i'm f*cking worse..."

He smiled at Noah, his tone of voice softer as a darkness seemed to wrap around his Soul. He loved Celise and wanted the best for her. And somewhere in his mind he realised that this would only come about if scum like Noah were dead...
*Gunshots*
Two bullets entered him, each above the kneecap. Each filled with a high concentration of electricity to take out even the biggest of creatures. They embedded themselves and then exploded in a charge, sending volt after volt into the Mudokons legs and up his body. He screamed, he shook and he dropped to the ground, still concious as the electricity coursed around him. Holstering his gun Mr Eal then jumped into the drivers seat of the hover vehicle, started it up and with a quick, merciless glance at Noah...drove off...

(OOC: How...long...is...that. Not really relevant, but just explains a few things and shows the true darkness of Mr Eal. If you want any explanation just PM me or reply to this thread. Apologies for crapness by the by)

[Jacob]

How queer, my latest post didn't renew the story...anyway...read away!!

[Al the Vykker]

Actually it did. I for one just have been lazy in getting around to stories lately. I am still catching up on all that I have missed, so I'll give some more comments after I finish reading all your new chapters, from where I left off last time.

I personally think this is one of my favorites out of your stories so far. Although your stories are some of the best here, even though people dont always take the time to read them (And no, Im not just saying that, or trying to kiss up to anyone ). and personally I will keep reading any story here, however long as it may be. Just as long as it keeps me hooked, and wanting to find out what happens next.

[Jacob]

*Setting: Slowly the Taxi came to a halt underneathe a street light and across the way from a large, dark and menacing warehouse. Climbing out of the right side of the cab, Mr Eal took some money out of his wifes purse and handed it to the driver. He then helped Calen out and held her in his arms as he looked up and down the street. Prostitutes wandered around the area, casting a glance at the Eals they watched, puzzled. Wondering if this family were like the other familes who stopped in this street...selling their childs body for money. Trying not to look at them Mr Eal held his daughter tight, waited for the Taxi to saunter away and then walked across the road to the warehouse. Mrs Eals hands shook steadily as she approached, knowing that they were in dangerous, unknown territory. Walking towards the tattered red door, Mr Eal set his daughter down and knocked. Beads of sweat ran down his forehead and his hands became increasingly clammy.*

Mrs Eal: "A-Are you sure this is the correct place?"

He nodded without turning back and then attempted to open the door. It was locked. Waiting a few more seconds to see if there was an answer, Mr Eal finally turned to his wife and said.

Mr Eal: "There might be a second entrance, come on, stick close."

Once again he picked his daughter up and carried her with one hand, his other clutching onto his wifes. Slowly they made their way down the dark alley that was to the left of the doorway, edging down it slowly as their eyes slowly acclimatised to the lack of light. As he moved down he could see something moving up ahead, he wasn't sure of what it was, but he could just make out the basic shape...it was a large beast...skinny aswell. Still, it was too far away for them to bother it, or vice versa. As he moved closer his foot hit something hard, a brick. Immediatly his eyeline was cast downwards to a stack of small bricks around a small hole in the wall. Setting Calen down he crouched and peered inside, poking his head in to have a look around.

Mr Eal: "This must be it. This must be how we get in."

Getting on all fours he slowly crawled through the hole, inhaling deeply as he did so. The hole led to the main part of the warehouse, the entirity of the edges were completly dark yet the middle part was lit with the light of the moon coming through via the skylight.

Mr Eal: "Ok, come on..."

He turned and whispered for Calen to follow, she did. Closely followed by her mother. Standing in the dark shadows they all looked around, their breathing slow and steady as they gathered up the courage to move. Stepping forwards Mr Eal slowly edged himself towards the light. Mrs Eal followed, clutching her daughters hand with her right.

Mr Eal: "JOSHUA!? JOSHUA!?! ARE YOU HERE??"

He called out as he slowly stepped into the moonlight and looked around. His voice echoed around the room eerily, causing something unknown to stir in the dank shadows ahead.

Calen: "Mommy...i-i don't like it...i wanna go..."

Mrs Eal sighed, crouched down infront of her and stroked her cheek.

Mrs Eal: "Don't worry, hun. It'll be over soon and we'll be home playing in the lake. And you won't be having anymore of your episodes. Ok?"

Slowly Calen nodded, only stopping when she got a familiar feeling that rapidly crept into her Heart.
*Peeeesh
A bullet sailed ferociously from the shadows ahead, hitting her mothers back and cutting through her body before hitting the ground in a whiff of stone and blood. Calens eyes widened as she felt her mothers grip weaken and watched as her eyes welled up with tears.

Mrs Eal: "C-Cal..."

She flopped forwards, hitting the ground a few feet infront of the child. Backing away Mr Eal stared into the shadows, his eyes widened and within seconds he had span around to his daughter.

Mr Eal: "CALEN!! RUN...RUN NOW, GOOOOO!!"

Stepping forwards he pointed back to the hole in the wall as if ordering her to go, but upon doing so he felt something sharp hit his back. Not only was it sharp, but it let out an intense volt of electricity. His torso jittered forwards as his appendages seemed to be pulled back, his mouth mouthed something and then he collapsed in a heap. Stepping back Calen was freaked, her legs quivered and her eyes welled up with tears. She turned her head looking at both of her parents, helpless and on the floor. One bleeding, one unconcious and barely twitching. Looking towards the shadows the attack came from, she watched as slowly the attackers emerged. One, a large, light skinned Glukkon. She recognised the Glukkon from one of her previous visions. He was dressed in red now though, with all black shoes. To the right of him emerged a Mudokon. Joshua Miak, he was dressed all in white, with black shoes. He stared emotionlessly at his two, old-friends and their young daughter. Not caring what she was going through, not feeling any remorse. And then the other creatures emerged. Bounteei's, Sligs, Industrialised Mudokons and these large, skinny, Reptile creatures that walked on all fours. Louddars. Red scales ran down their backs, clashing with their pale green skin. Their three toes were flexible and tipped with two claws each. Their jaws were lined with rows upon rows of teeth and their lower jaw split in to two which opened outward, allowing it to fit creatures, such as Sligs or children, in its mouth with ease. Its yellow eyes blinked eagerly, their pupils going through their eye horizontally (like a Goats). And their long, slim tail topped with minute barbs. These vicious beings were collared up with a chain attached, the chain was being held by the Bounteei's who constantly fought with them, trying to keep them restrained as they pulled away eagerly.

Glukkon: "She's blind?"

He turned and looked at the Mudokon who slowly shook his head.

Miak: "No, she can see."

The Glukkon nodded, turned to one of the Bounteei's and smirked.

Glukkon: "Take 'er out."

The Bounteei nodded and smiled, unholstered its gun and pointed...

Voice: "Run, Kahn!! Run!!"

The shock of the whole incident seemed to disperse once she heard the voice of her long lost friend that would only talk to her. Turning she sped towards the small hole, her Heart jumping every time she heard the gunshots of the creatures gun and the sound of them as they, strangely, hit nearby surfaces. Clambering through the small hole she took a deep breath and turned to run out onto the street.

Voice: "No, go deeper into the alleys!!"

Turning back she darted deeper into the shadows of the alleyway, hearing the screech of tyres as she did so.

Calen: "W-Wot 'bout mommy and da..."

Voice: "They'll be fine, Calen. It is you who is in danger now..."

***

*Setting: Miak stood over the bodies with the Glukkon and two Bounteei's who were holding two Louddars away from the bodies, in fear they would leap upon them and rip them apart. The Glukkon had been trying to catch the Eals for, what seemed like, forever. And now he finally had. It was a feeling of utter triumph, yet also one that was quite disheartening. Like it was some kind of ended era. Still, he had a new set of Slaves...if they survived that is. The female was bleeding quite heavily and lying in a pool of her own blood as she sobbed uncontrollably.*

Miak: "S-She's going to die if you don't get her some medical attention."

Glukkon: "Ya...she is..."

He stood watching her bleed out without a care in the world. Shaking his head in frustration, Miak grasped his right sleeve and ripped it off. He then crouched down, slowly turned Mrs Eal over and handed her the material.

Miak: "Keep it held there. Firmly."

He placed her hand over her wound were the blood was coming from most and then stood up.

Mrs Eal: "W-Why...Why, Joshua? W-We're...f...friends."

He turned and walked away, closely followed by the Glukkon.

Miak: "When am i going to get paid??"

He stated this in a hushed whisper, not wanting Mrs Eal to hear that he had sacrificed their friendship for greed.

Glukkon: "Ya won't."

Miaks head turned quickly at the Glukkon who was looking up through the skylight, at the moon.

Miak: "W-What?! Y-You said i...you said you'd pay me if i told you where i was meeting them!!"

Glukkon: "Ya, ya. But ya went back on ya condition. Ya weren't allowed ta administa any medical treatment...and ya jus' did. Heh. Hehehe. Hehehehehe."

He turned and looked at the furious Mudokon, laughing heartily.

Miak: "Y...You...YOU BASTARD!!"

Letting his fury take ahold of him, Miak hurled himself at the Glukkon, knocking him down and then sitting on his body so he could punch him repeatedly in the face. After the third punch however he was quickly subdued by the Louddars who were immediatly unleased and quickly darted over to him, leapt and knocked him from atop of the Glukkon. Pinning him down with their claws and snarling viciously as drool seeped from their two bottom jaws which were slowly parting. Rushing forwards the two Bounteei's who had previously held the Louddars helped the Glukkon back on his feet and brushed him down. Casting a glance at the subdued Mudokon the Glukkon smirked faintly...

Glukkon: "Kill 'im."

There was a sudden scream as the searing of flesh took ahold of the silent warehouse. The ripping of clothes and skin alike was only drowned out by the screams and vicious growls of the two beasts on top of him. Blood spurted out like it was being fired by a waterpistol and after 30-45 seconds the screams subsided, leaving only the hungry munching to be heard.

(OOC: See 'Part 2' to see what was so familiar with the above scene. Hope you like.)

[Jacob]

*Setting: Bullets richoched off the large skip in which Calen hid behind, quivering with fear. The alleyway was narrow with little light and was thus hard to navigate, not only that but the countless bodies of the sleeping homeless also hindered her escape.*

Slig: "Come from behind the container. We have you surrounded and you will NOT escape."

The Slig spoke in a small megaphone as it said this, hoping that the information it put across would be enough for the child to give up. Looking around her and realising that she was in immense danger, Calen pleaded quietly for her anonymous friend to help her. Or for her parents to make a miraculous appearance and rescue her from this whole diabolical affair.

Voice: "Kahn...go...now!! Run!!"

Finally she heared the voice she had pleaded to hear and quickly took off, running towards an old derelict three storey house and not turning back. Her small legs sploshed in muddy puddles and leapt over the stirring bodies of the hobo's that were littering the alleyway. Irrate shouts and screams from the Cartel employee's could be heard as their mechanical pants began to whir, indicating they were chasing her. Nearing the boarded up windows she slowly came to a halt, realising that there was no way she could gain access to the old building. Turning around to face her persuers she watched as they neared, their red visors glowing eagerly and sadistic chuckles escaping from their vocal cords as they replaced their guns and brought out their batons and Cattleprods. As four Sligs neared her, the fifth radioed for a Detainment craft to come to their current location and pick up the to-be-severly wounded Mudokon child...

***

*Setting: The dark room seemed like a torture chamber, with the leather, reclineable chair centered in the middle with three bright lights shining upon it from above. Seated on the chair was the severly beaten and bruised Armen Eal, his eyes sore and his brow dripping with sweat, he was a shadow of his former self. Standing infront of the chair and looking down at him was the Glukkon from before, a cigar in his mouth and an expression of pure amusement.*

Glukkon: "Ya did well. I'll give ya that. 31 years...then ya come back. Why?"

Looking up Mr Eal stared at the Glukkon who had changed drasticly since he last saw him a good three decades ago. He then tried to move, only stopping when he realised his wrists and ankles were bound to the chair.

Mr Eal: "F*ck you...where's my wife and daughter?"

The Glukkon growled lowly and shook his head slowly, not wanting to answer him due to the emotional strain it would put him under if he didn't know.

Glukkon: "Ya still 'aven't changed, 'ave ya?"

After saying this he then nodded into the shadows behind the chair, causing Mr Eal to tilt his head back, wondering who the Glukkon was nodding to. A couple of seconds later he felt the soft hands of another creature rub the top of his head, the soft caress soon changed however as a sharp jolting pain took ahold of his brain and seemingly dragged out his memories. For the creature who the Glukkon had nodded to was another Mudokon, a female with a pale blue complexion. Her plume was a blood-red colour and her eyes a pure green. Tattoo's spiralled up and around her arm and silver charms hung from her wrists. She was a Telepath. But one who's talents were somewhat corrupted...

Telepath: "His daughter has Cancer. He wanted an Industrial cure since the Shaman he went to wouldn't help..."

The Glukkon looked down at Mr Eal again and raised an eyebrow in puzzlement.

Glukkon: "What Shaman is this, Armen? Where is 'e? Tell me an' i'll let you outta 'ere..."

The Mudokon closed his eyes and turned his head to the right, not wanting to acknowledge the deal the Glukkon was putting across. Once again, for his rejection, he felt the sharp pain of his memories being violated.

Telepath: "A village. Deep in the wild. He resides across from the riverbank..."

Glukkon: "A village? Heh...Heheh."

The Telepath nodded.

Telepath: "Yes. Mudokon escapee's and wild one's live there...in harmony."

Struggling in vain Mr Eal cried out, knowing that once the Glukkon had found this out he would send out a retrieval party to the village and enslave his friends, but it was too late, as he wiggled around in his chair he watched the Glukkons face disappear into the shadows as he, presumably, headed to the Conferrence room...

***

*Setting: A shooting pain shot into Calen's stomach as the Sligs Cattleprod came into contact with her torso. Doubling over the child squealed in pain, her eyes welling up with tears immediatly. As the child grumbled and moaned wearily another Slig stepped to the side of her and kicked her down onto the dirty, rubbish filled ground and snarled at her. It then began to pat its baton on the side of its right mechanical leg as it slowly stepped forwards.*

Slig: "Lets get you accustomed to the routine you'll be facing soon...heh."

Bringing the baton up the Slig leered menacingly at the stricken down child, only to stop when it noticed two large red eyes staring at it from the shadows. The eyes were like hot coals and didn't seem to have a body of their own, but were like part of the shadows.

Slig: "Git outta here, now!!"

The Slig barked this order, unknowing to what it was actually speaking to. As soon as it had finished this command the beings red eyes disappeared and the shadows seemed to shift. Closing in on him, within seconds the creature had been lifted 6ft off the ground by, what seemed to be, a cloud of darkness, a low rumbling was then emitted from the black smog as the beings body was flung back and into a wall were it then dropped to the ground bruised and unconcious. Within a matter of seconds the Slig who had stunned Calen with its Cattleprod was then raised off the ground and flung into one of the boarded up windows, going through it with severe ease and opening a route for Calen to get through. Stepping backwards the other three Sligs reached for their guns, unwilling to get too close to the being incase they ended up like their counterparts.

Voice: "Kahn, go through the window...quickly!!"

Slowly Calen stood and looked towards the window which was too high off the ground for her to reach, a small sniffle escaped her crinkled up face as she winced in pain and shook her head.

Calen: "I-I can't..."

Turning to each other the three Sligs then realised that the child was talking to the hostile, this was then they decided to shoot Calen. Pointing their guns at the, already distressed, Mudokon they unleashed a hail of bullets upon her. In a matter of seconds, however, the black cloud had seemingly reached down and flung Calen through the opening of the boarded up window, throwing her to safety nanoseconds before the bullets made contact with her. The bullets hit the brick work, fortunatly not penetrating. But for Calen it was far from over, for as she, once again, climbed to her feet, she was greeted by the eerily bright visor of the Slig who had been used as a stone to break the boards covering the windows. And in his right hand was the Cattleprod, shining a white-blue as he kept his finger on the trigger and thus charged up the power that the weapon had. Stepping backwards Calen whimpered, knowing that her protector was on the outside sorting the others out whilst she was inside with a rather pissed off Slig. Raising its armed hand the Slig snarled, bringing the Cattleprod above its head so it could swing it down and strike the child hard enough to render her unconcious. But yet again he was foiled, as he brought the weapon down to strike, something grabbed the middle and tugged it away from him. Turning in dismay and frustration the creature was met with the smirking face of another anti-Cartel creature. Twirling the charged Cattleprod in its right hand and staring down at the Slig, who was now backing away to the otherside of the old building, the creature seemed to create abit of light in the, otherwise pitchblack, room. It then stopped twirling the weapon and quickly brought it down upon the leftside of the Sligs goggles, causing the mass of electricity that the prod had stored to be released into the goggles and leftside of the creatures face. The being called out, screaming in agony as it felt its face burn slightly and its goggles spark furiously. As the Slig staggered backwards somewhat blinded by the pain, it was quickly put unconcious as the creature wielding the weapon brought the prod up quickly and uppercutted it below the chin, causing more volts to escape into the Sligs head and thus render it unconcious and barely alive. After the creature was dispatched did it then drop the weapon and turn its attentions to the fearful Calen. Stepping forwards the creature eyed up the child puzzlingly before speaking.

Being: "Calen, where are your parents?"

It was only then Calen recognised the creature as Prince. The Katterwol.

(OOC: Sorry for the crappyness.)

[Jacob]

*Setting: The two beings darted through the small building, quickly hurrying to the front before the Cartel broke through the back. Calen hadn't had chance to explain about her parents before Prince had grasped her hand and began running, pulling the child behind her as they leapt over debris and rubble from the crumbling interior. Upon nearing the front door Prince had let go of Calens hand and leapt in the air. His hands clutched the wall above the door and as his legs swung towards the door he pointed the balls of his feet out, this way, with his momentum, he was capable of breaking the sealed door through. Making a decent sized hole for both of them to get through. Dropping to the floor he then picked Calen up by the waist and climbed out, looking up and down the well lit street before setting her down on the ground...*

Prince: "Well, your parents, where are they??"

Sniffling the child rubbed her eyes, wiping away the tears that had began to form.

Calen: "They dead...they were shooted..."

The Katterwols eyes lit up in shock, it had only been a day or two since he had spoken to the mother and now...she was dead.

Prince: "I'm...I'm sorry. I shall get you to safety first, and then if i have time, i will go back and search for your parents. Come."

He crouched down and opened his arms out to her, but the little child was suddenly becoming less trusting. Wondering how the Katterwol had known where she was and why he had helped her.

Calen: "M-Mommy said not to go with stwangers...how you know where i was?"

Looking around the street nervously he sighed. Knowing that the more time they spent out in the open, the more chance there was of being caught.

Prince: "I have a Scanner. It taps into the frequency of Slig radio's and allows me to listen to their communications...when i heard about a small, pale black, Mudokon child i recognised the description as you and feared for you. You derserve better than what they'll put you thro..."

As he neared the end of his speech he noticed something in the night sky. Metallic. Boxlike. With the Cartels sign on the front. It was a Cruiser and it was packing some of the most powerfullest weapons the Glukkons could buy. Knowing he was taking a risk in being seen with the child and that he would probably be forced to leave the city if the Cartel found out he was helping her, he quickly scooped her up. Believing that her well being and safety was more important than his. Struggling for a brief second as she pondered whether or not to trust him, she suddenly felt a wave of warmth come over her. It was a strange feeling and one that she would probably never feel again, yet a good one, as it somehow made her feel as if his Heart was pure. Looking towards the Cruiser, Prince snarled lowly. His left hand wrapped around Calens waist as she clutched onto him desperatly, and with a gentle whisper of 'hold on' he leapt verticly in the air, flipped, so he was facing the opposite direction and landed on the top of a streetlight. He then leapt over to the next street light a couple of metres away, landing on one foot as he did so. Bending the knee of the leg he landed on he then leapt to the next streetlight, landing on the other foot. After leaping to another and then finally another, Prince turned himself so that he faced an open alleyway and leapt into the darkness of it, stumbling briefly before regaining his composure. With his breathing becoming more laboured due to the fact he was forced to push his abilities to their peak and carry a child at the same time, he desperatly looked for shelter. It was at this moment in time Prince came to a junction in the alleyway, with the choice to carry on going straight ahead or turn right and attempt to go past the Crusier via the dark safety of the shadows. However, as the latter thought entered his head and he began to make his way down there he noticed a stirring in the shadows, quickly identified it as a Teuzo and stopped in his tracks. The beasts eyes glowed a gentle yellow as it neared, growling ever-so-gently. It was at this point Prince backflipped away, the soles of his feet hitting the surface of the wall behind him and his right hand also grasping the wall, sustaining him in a sort of gravity-defining crouching postion on the wall, all whilst clutching Calen. As the Teuzo quickened in pace and lunged at the Katterwol and Mudokon, Prince quickly turned to face the wall, were he then scaled it magesticlyl, heading towards the roof of the building he was on. In doing so he narrowly escaped the claws of the Teuzo which had lunged forwards, forcing its front claws into the wall were Prince once was. Sniffling softly Calen pushed her face into the neck of the furry creature, in fear of the predators around her and the beings who seemed to be chasing them. As Prince neared the roof of the building Calen could hear his hushed pleads with the deity which he put his faith into, pleading to them to give him and her protection.

Voice: "Kahn, Kahn...you must get away from him...you must get out of this city..."

Again the child sniffled. All of this was too much for her. The death of her parents, the Cartel hunting her down and Prince, a being she didn't know all that well, helping her in this large city.

Voice: "A waste disposal truck is making its way to the Incinerator...if you can get near the edge i might be able to get you into it and then to safety, but you must get away from him."

Clambering onto the top of the roof Prince turned around, it was then Calen felt his disappointment wash over him as his eyes spotted the Crusier heading at full speed towards them. Almost simutaneously a siren sounded behind them, causing him to turn in shock to the sight of a Patrol vehicle packed with Sligs. The vehicle hovered gently above the surface of the roof, allowing three Sligs armed with Cattleprods to jump and fan out, hoping to surround him and the child. Putting her down behind him Prince then got into a fighting stance and prepared to fend off the Cartel employee's.

Voice: "Kahn, get to the edge of the roof...quickly!!"

Mumbling a fearful cry Calen rushed to the ledge of the roof, her Heart pounding franticly as she feared this may be the end of her freedom, or worse, her life...

***

*Setting: The Bounteei's in the Crusier smiled triumphantly as they neared the Katterwol and Mudokon. The driver turned the wheel of the vehicle slightly to get closer to the building were the passenger then hung out of the window, aiming his Uzi at the Mudokon child who was now standing near the ledge. But as the being began to squeeze the trigger, a dark shadow descended upon the bonnet of the vehicle. Puzzled by this the driver slowed the vehicle down and bent forward to look up through its windscreen...believing it was another Patrol vehicle, but in doing so the bonnet was viciously thrown off by a rapturous explosion. Flames bellowed out from were the engine should have been and in seconds the front of the vehicle had exploded in a mass of flames, smoke and body parts.*

***

Slig: "What the...??"

Looking up the Sligs watched as the Crusier slowly went down in flames for no apparent reason. Prince turned also, wondering what had exploded and for what reason. It was at this point that the Katterwol noticed Calen near the edge of the rooftop and leapt into action to try and help her. But in doing so he was thrown back by a powerful, unknown force, sailing through the air and away from her, he landed on the gravel and slid across it, dirtying his clothes. Pushing himself up he looked over to the child in confusion and fear, wondering what was hindering him from stopping her from possibly falling. Climbing back onto his feet Prince rushed to her again, only being faltered by the sting of one of the Cattleprods on his right knee which made him fall forwards and onto his stomach. It was in this position that he watched Calen fall off the edge, screaming in her shrill little voice.

Prince: "NOOOOOO...!!"

As he forced himself up on all fours the vicious snap of electricity into his back pushed him back down. A pained bark escaped his vocal cords as the hissing and spitting of electricity pricked his back and legs before finally putting him unconcious with a surge to the back of his neck...

***

*Setting: Her scream seemed to get louder as gravity dragged her down with intense speed and even though she believed in her invisible friend to aid her, terror was still clutching onto her Soul. As the pavement got closer and the smoke from the downed Crusier grasped her as she passed through it, the feeling of being lifted and thrown away from the building took ahold. Her small body span through the air, twirling viciously like a Seal would do if Orca's were to play with them, and in a couple of, fearfilled, seconds she had landed in the disposal truck the invisible being had previously stated. Her small body impacted with the mounds of junk and rubbish, cartons and cardboard softened her fall with only her foot hitting something hard, this being a small, empty, can of Baked Beans. The truck in itself was large and bulky with a large metal container for the rubbish to be stored. The six wheels of the vehicle were round, black and scuffed to the extent that they were a couple of weeks away from being unusable. Driving the vehicle was a Slig. His arms painted with tattoo's which spiralled around both appendages. Oblivious to the fact it had just picked up a passenger the Slig turned the steering wheel right, taking the street which would eventually take him to the Incinerator, but in doing so the wheel jammed. With a couple of grunts through the Slig tugging on the wheel, it tried to force the truck to turn right, but as it continued it failed to notice the black mist which was beginning to form in the front of the vehicle. Within a couple of seconds the simple being realised that its vision was becoming poorer in the smog, but by this time its hands were seemingly glued to the wheel. Its arms stiffening as if something was forcing him to drive forwards. As the mortal being struggled in vain to pull away, the 'hover' switch was flicked, causing the large fan underneathe the truck to kick in, raise the truck off the ground and fold the wheels into the structure itself. The accelerate pedal was then slammed down and the entire vehicle sped towards the entrance of the city itself, or more precise, the mid-wall.*

Voice: "Kahn, hold on..."

Calen whimpered in response and waded through the rubbish to a large bar that was protruding from side of the container in which she grasped on desperatly to it...

***

Entrance guard: "Hey-hey, Jias has taken the wrong turning again...f*cking eejit."

The Slig looked up as the large truck headed their way, seemingly slowly at first but as the being continued to watch, he realised the vehicle was picking up speed.

Entrance guard: "Jay, get him on the radio, will ya. Tell him to slow the Hell down!!"

Reaching to the Cattleprod the creature had holstered on the side of its pants, it quickly took it out, flicked it on and waved it above his head. Hoping the sparks from it would catch the attention of the truck driver. After waving the prod a good five times the being then took a step back, gulped, and ran for cover, realising the chunk of metal was not going to stop no matter what...

***

Driver: "OH...F*CK!!"

Closing his eyes as he neared the large brick wall of the perimeter of the city the Slig waited for impact and in seconds that came. Upon smashing through the wall brick, metal and other debric shattered through the windscreen, killing him instantly and shredding the controls. The engine exploded, the fan got annihilated and as the entire structure shook, the large dump truck headed to the ground at a neck breaking speed...

(OOC: P-P-P-Poozle. Apologies for the crapness, once again this was enjoyable until recently...)

[Al the Vykker]

Jacob, dont laugh, but I seriously think you should consider being a writer. Or write some kind of novel during your lifetime.

This story is really that good.

[Jacob]

*Setting: Sniffling slightly, the Mudokon child slowly squirmed around in the rubbish that had spilled from the truck, which was now laying on its side. Her small sniffles quickly became heavy sobs however as she recognised the severed arm of a Slig. Black blood oozing from it slowly and covering the ground and unwanted items. Turning her head to the city and looking through watery eyes, she realised that before the vehicle had crashed, it had covered a vast distance and even when it had made contact with the ground the momentum and weight had caused it to drag along, raking up the lush green grass and leaving a trail of brown, dirty soil. As she looked towards the large hole the vehicle had made in the city wall, she noticed half a dozen bright lights were rushing her way. Hovercars equipped with spotlights and automated turrets were quickly making their way to the scene of the crash, suspecting something odd with the actual accident and believing it was some kind of terrorist attack. Turning to the forest which she, and her parents, had previously passed through, she quickly waded through the rest of the junk and then sped towards it. Her Heart pounding and her legs racing as she ran from the wreakage and oncoming danger. But in turning away she missed the materialisation of her protector. Under the moons beaming face, the shadows cast by the spotlights slowly started to stretch out. Moving steadily to one, lone, point. Upon reaching this point the shadows then started to gather upwards, spiraling around each other like black Snakes dualling for a mate. More whisps of blackness joined in this strange materialisation until the entirity of blackness stood a menacing 7ft high. Arms quickly formed. As did legs and a single head. And as the being turned around to face the oncoming search and destroy parties, it snarled. Burning red eyes opened and it looked towards them. Raising its, bulky, arms in the air the creature brought them back and then clapped. Red electricity darted around its hands as it did so and in some kind of freakish knock-on effect the spotlights of the vehicles sparked out. Leaving the creatures inside seemingly blinded. Closing its eyes the large, black beast then straightened itself up, shook slightly and collapsed into the ground. With the shadows and black whisps dispersing into either the soil or air...*

***

*Setting: Turning back around the child allowed the tears to run down her little, black cheeks. Now in the dense woodland she feared the worst. Even if she avoided the Cartel patrols she could just as easily be devoured by some carnivorous beast. Turning back in the direction she was running to, she quickly clambered over a fallen log, falling off the otherside as she did so. Standing to her feet she then began to run again, slower this time due to lack of breath.*

Voice: "Kahn, it is okay. You can stop for a minute or two. I have dealt with the persuers."

Sniffling, she slowed and stopped. Resting her back on a tree she slowly slid down, looking upwards through the canopy and at the paw print on the moon.

Calen: "Mommy. Daddy. Pwince...where are they...?"

A gentle breeze swept through the woodland, causing fallen leaves to dance around wildly.

Voice: "They are dead, Kahn. That is why we must go to the village...to where i will be...waiting for you."

Calen: "B-But i don't want you to leave me!! Stay, pweez!!"

Fear seemed to reach into her Heart and pollute it with terror and worry, but the soothing pressence of her invisible friend made her aware that there was little, if not nothing, she needed to be afraid of.

Voice: "Shhh. I will stay with you in Astral form alone, but i can only truly protect you when i am with you physically. This is why you need to hurry."

Nodding slightly Calen stood to her feet and turned to her right which she knew was the only direction she could go in. Slowly she began to take her first few steps, still sniffling and pining for her mother and father.

Voice: "I know you're worried about your parents, Kahn. But they're in a better place, believe me, they're happier where they are..."

Calen: "But...But i can still feel them...*Sniffles*...As if...they are alive."

Her response was silence, but she could still feel her protectors pressence.

Voice: "Yes...indeed."

***

*Setting: The sparks from the Cattleprod seemed less vicious once you had been on the recieving end more than once, which was the case for Mrs Eal. Even though she didn't fear the pressence of one in her vicinity, she did fear the pain they caused and was now causing. Her body twitched and convulsed violently as volt after volt of eletricity coursed through her interior as if she was some kind of electrical appliance. But she knew this was better than what they had done to her prior. She had been raped, tortured and even ravaged. And in time, in time she would be sold to the Vykkers. The small, dank, steel room with a lone lightbult above, gave her no means to escape from the Sligs beatings and all she had to do was put up with it until he grew bored of her. The metallic foot of the creatures pants connected with the side of her head and forced her down, roughly. Blood oozed gently from Mrs Eals mouth, nose and left ear. Bruises graced her arms, legs, back, stomach and face. But the pain was nothing compared to what was due to happen to her. Even though the females beatings were vicious and inhumane, they were not fatal, which is exactly what the Mayor wanted. After all, the price is higher if the test subject is alive. Bringing the prod lower the Slig began to viciously prod the mothers stomach and groinal regions. Causing even more distress and discomfort.*

Mrs Eal: "P-P...Please...no more!!"

Her voice was a hushed whisper, yet one that screamed desperation and turmoil. Slowly she backed away towards the cold wall, wrapping her arms around her legs she then quietly began to sob. But the Slig didn't care and moved forwards, eager to inflict more harm. However, his reign of pain was brought to a halt, for as he attempted to step forwards, he was seemingly pushed back and stopped from nearing her. Mrs Eal on the other hand was then lifted up in the air and for a second she thought she was being saved. She had previously heard rumours of mysterious Mudokon disappearances from high security compounds but had never really believed it, until now...but it was a couple of seconds into the occurance which made her realise how wrong she was. For a dark pressence was now gripping her Soul and holding her inches above the ground and it was this dark pressence which was going to aid her in her release.
*Snap*
Her lifeless body dropped to the ground in a big heap and suddenly the force which was holding the Slig back disappeared. Looking at the bloody, bruised and battered corpse the guard took a step back and gulped fearfully.

Slig: "Oh shit...i'm screwed..."

***

*Setting: The child dropped to the ground, her hands digging deeply into the fallen leaves and moss as a cruel, vicious feeling swept through her body. A feeling of grief entered her and caused her whole body to shake softly. Her lower lip trembled and her Heart had a pained feeling clutched around it...*

Calen: "M...Momm...Mommy..."

The feeling of a hand upon her left shoulder was no comfort. For she knew once she turned around she would see nothing but air and she wanted something to grasp, hug, and sob into.

Voice: "What is wrong...?"

Calen: "S...She's dead!!"

Her sobbing and wailing continued throughout that night, as did the silence of her invisible friend...

(OOC: Awww...yeh...)

[Jacob]

*Setting: Calens sniffled sobbing continued throughout the night and next morning, her eyes red raw through her salty tears and her cheeks streaked with tear tracks. She felt truly alone. Even though she still sensed the existance of her father and the pressence of her, unknown, friend who was slowly leading her back to her village, she still had a void in her Soul were the feeling of her mothers life had once been. And now it was gone. Stepping into a small circular patch of sunlight which was beaming through from a hole in the canopy above, she slowly looked up, looked towards the Heavens and sighed. She silently hoped that her mother was looking down on her, helping her in some, highly spirtual, way.
*Splashing and laughing*
The sound came from the direction she had been heading in and filled her Heart with overwhelming joy and hope. Casting her eyes away from the sunlit sky, she slowly began to jog to the sound, speeding up as the sound got louder and louder the closer she neared. Breaking through the random vines that hung in her way and leaping over any fallen branches or logs, she eventually came to an opening in the trees and shrubs. And that was when she saw it, the village, with only the large lake seperating her from it. Children played happily in the water, splashing around and giggling wildly. Dogs bounded around the village, as if high on Expresso. And the parents watched their offspring with glee, happiness abound. With her spirits lifted to an incredible high Calen leaped into the air and squealed joyfully, waving her arms wildly to attract the attention of her friends. As she did this, she moved closer to the embankment, hoping that they would see her and come to greet her.
Turning to look in her direction one of the parents seemed to spot her, a glimmer of happiness and joy seemed to flash across her face before disappearing into a facial expression of pure fear and terror. Calen felt puzzled and carried on smiling and waving, knowing that she was home and with people that came closest to being family. But still, the female Mudokon looked terrified. She stepped back and pointed, pointed in horror at the area above Calen. And then screamed. Turning her head upwards Calen looked in pure curiosity, not seeing much but hearing a loud and low humming. A dark shadow slowly crept across the land she was stood at and then, from above the leaves, a figure came into view. A dark figure. Metallic and red, with a rusted, pointy front. An Industrial craft. A Transporter...*

***

*Setting: Inside the front of the large craft Sligs, Interns and Bounteei's hurried around wildly. Prepping different parts of the gigantic hovercraft for different operations. Buttons were pressed, levers pulled and speakers spoken into. Whilst this went on the Glukkon Mayor from previous smiled, watching from the front of the ship as he peered menacingly, yet proudly, from the window.*

Speakers: "Will all Scorcher pilots please prepare for launch. Repeat, will all Scorcher pilots please prepare for launch. Over and out."

The Slig doing the announcement then placed the microphone he was speaking into down onto a small holder and hurried to the front were the Mayor was.

Slig: "Sir, whatta the orders?"

Turning his head down to look at his inferior the Glukkon smirked evily and mumbled briefly before replying.

Glukkon: "Take 'alf. Mainly kids. Kill tha rest."

The Slig nodded, turned and ran back to the microphone ready to give the orders.

***

*Setting: The Bounteei's, Louddars and Sligs shifted excitedly whilst awaiting their commands. Altogether there was around 25 of them, all armed to the teeth and ready to either capture or kill...or both. Whilst they stood in the poorly lit, severely rusted department chamber they prepped their guns. Cocking them and making sure their laser sights worked.
*Static from tannoy*
Looking up one of the Bounteei's snarled and awaited for the instructions to come through. All the time holding onto the Louddar which was constantly pulling on its chain-leash. Ready to hunt down some slow running Mudokons...*

Speakers: "Protocols 7 and 12 are to be followed. Repeat, protocols 7 and 12 are to be followed. No exceptions. Over and out."

As the objective was stated a loud whirring kicked in, loud enough to be noticed but quiet enough so that the Cartel employee's could hear their commands. As this happened part of the front wall began to slide downwards, followed by the tilting of the front floor. It was apparent that the craft was still moving and even more so that it was lowering. As the front part of the floor stopped tilting, it then began to expand. Making a large, rusted ramp which quickly made contact with the shallow part of the lake and thus allowed the guards to run down. And in seconds they did just that...

***

*Setting: Calen watched in horror, slowly moving back into the safety of the woods. Her Heart pounding as she watched the large ramp meet the ground. Even though she was behind the ramp and thus couldn't see anything going on infront, she could certainly hear the sinister growlings of vicious beasts coupled with the unloading of weaponry.*

Voice: "Kahn, quickly!! Go to the Willow tree. NOW!!"

Looking behind her from were she heard the voice, Calen mustered a whimper of dismay.

Calen: "B-Bu..."

Voice: "NO, KAHN, NO 'BUTS'!! GO NOW. I'LL PROTECT YOU. GO!!"

A sharp force shoved her forwards, hard enough to make her nearly fall into the lake. Gasping she pulled herself back and snuffled softly.

Voice: "If you don't go now, you'll end up like your mother and father, Kahn. You'll end up rotting like them..."

Forcing her emotions to overload inside of her, the invisible being stated his words maliciously. Viciously. And with a snide sneer. And even though Calen was sensing something was not quite right with her only friend, she heeded his words and took off down the embankment, hoping to get to the Willow tree before anything else got to her.

***

*Setting: The Mudokons watched as, what seemed like, hordes of Cartel security bounded down the ramp. Turning to flee, mothers and fathers alike grabbed their children and ran around hopelessly, hoping to find refuge somewhere in their remote and tiny little village. Louddars bounded meancingly towards children and adults, not caring which they got first so long as they got a quick snack. Or something to kill. As this went on a group of four male Mudokons ran into a small hut, quickly reappearing, brandishing spears and axes. One of the four then sped forwards, his Heart pumping Adrenaline around his body as he aimed his spear at one of the Bounteei's and rammed the metal spike into the creatures chest, just above its left nipple. The metal cut through the skin and muscle, stopping only when it hit metal. The Mudokons face twisted in horror as it stared the part Mudokon, part machine in the face. The Bounteei growled lowly, unholstered a Uzi and then brought it up, arms length, infront of the males face...*

***

*Setting: Adjusting their masks and goggles the Sligs began pressing a set amount of buttons in a certain order as they prepared their Scorchers for launch. The side of the Transporter began to shift and move, allowing the wall of it to part away, revealing a docking pit for the flight craft. The Scorchers were black, plane-like vehicles with pointed fronts and wings that curved forwards. On the bottom of the wings were small, round capsules, containing a Napalm-like chemical which when making contact with the air explodes into a vicious hail of fire and white hot metal. Slowly pushing forward on one of the rusted levers the Slig caused the craft to blast a hot jet of fire from the large funnel shaped engine at the back. It was this that caused the craft to shoot forwards and out into the freedom of the sky.*

***

*Setting: Running along the side of the embankment Calen watched in horror as she witnessed the mass murder of her village folk. Louddars leapt on the backs of her friends, searing into their neck muscles and causing them to spasm uncontrollably before dying. Sligs fired bullets into the legs of women, men and children before deciding which ones they should enslave. The ones they didn't were then killed with a, painful, shot into the mid-section of their spine. And the Bounteei's either unloaded their weapons or dealt out carnage with their bare hands. Black blood stained the soft soil, brown huts and, otherwise clear, lake water. Women, men and children screamed in pain and terror as their lives were snatched away from them, beit through slavery or a bullet.
*Explosion*
Calen watched in shock as a hut, a couple of metres from her own, exploded in flame and debris. A black flight-craft zoomed off overhead after dropping the first of many fire-bombs.
*Explosion*
Another one cut through the cries, causing more as the flames licked the skin of villagers and ripped their feathery plumes to sinders. Calen didn't want to see anymore, her legs seemed to take on a life of their own as they carried her towards the edge of the village and in the direction of the Cornfields, were the Willow stood proud.*

***

*Setting: Watching the chaos unravel and multiply before his very eyes was a somewhat, pleasing, event for the Mayor of Caló. Fire and smoke was slowly turning the quiet, peaceful village into a frightful wreck. The body count was mounting, as was the slave count and the Mayor knew that the reward for this little act would, possibly, be the thing that clinched his life long dream. To be apart of the Soulstorm Brewery development. But as the images of death, enslavement and destruction melded together to form an awe inspiring image of riches and fame, a small, pale black spec ran into his line of sight. His dreamy state was quickly interrupted as a rage and fierceness wrapped around his abdomen.*

Glukkon: "GIT THA CHILD!!"

He turned towards the Slig who was in control of the microphone, his eyes wide with desperation. For he had only just captured the parents and for their child to escape his grasp for, a possible, 30 years would be anger-magnifying to the extreme. Looking towards his superior the Slig grasped hold of the microphone and stammered fearfully.

Slig: "W-Where is it?!"

Glukkon: "THA WEST EDGE OF THA VILLAGE!! GIT 'ER!! DON'T LET 'ER ESCAPE!!"

***

Speakers: "All spare forces, capture and contain the female child. She is currently heading towards the Cornfields via the West edge of the village. DO NOT let her escape!!"

As the Sligs orders went on the spare security personel slowly began to turn their attention to the pale black moving object which was heading away from them. Stepping towards the direction Calen was running in, one of the Bounteei's snarled pleasantly, before quickly moving forwards in a fast sprint. Not far behind four Louddars that had seen her first. As the personel not guarding any new slaves took chase, the Pilots flying the Scorchers followed her overhead. Trying to control the direction she moved in by dropping their fire-bombs metres from her...

***

*Setting: Laughing cruelly, one of the Pilots dropped one of the few bombs he had left. Pushing his head to the edge of his window he watched as it hit a farmhouse, shattering through the roof and causing it to be engulfed by flame. He then tapped his fingers on a small, blue screen infront of him and brought up a range of options. From 'Track target' to 'Identify'. Selecting neither of these, the Pilot instead opted for 'Target information' and watched as the required information came up...*

***

*Setting: Knowing they were hunting her down Calen determindly hurried on. Holding her arms out infront of her as she smashed through the tall stems of the Corn. Desperatly she prayed, hoping that the Cornfields would give her cover but also hoping she wouldn't get lost. A 'whooshing' sound overhead sounded and looking up she saw the black figure of a flight-craft sail over her.*

Voice: "Kahn, hurry!! HURRY!!"

***

*Setting: Its jaws opened and drool hanging from all of them, the Louddar quickly gained. Smelling that her scent was fresher now it quickly cut through the long ears of Corn as it made its way towards her, wanting to bring her down first before any of the others got to its prey...*

***

*Setting: Looking out of the window the Mayor watched as his employee's and their hounds neared the child. He knew that even if she got into the woodland she wouldn't get far, for the Louddars were trained to clamber up high and leap down upon their victims. Smiling the Glukkon turned to the Slig, wondering if he should have a celebratory Cigar now or wait until he got his reward.*

Slig: "Sir, the computer is screwing up again."

The Slig banged the side of the large moniter as he proceeded to tap wildly on the keyboard. Stepping over, the Glukkon grunted in frustration, annoyed that something had gone wrong, as little as it was.

Slig: "See? It keeps showing the word 'Maulokists' were 'Escapee's' should be..."

Again he banged the screen, confused by why the computer console was playing up so suddenly, but also by what the word meant...

***

*Setting: Hearing the squeals and screeches of the Louddars behind her Calen knew that she was going to die. She was even beginning to envisage her violent death. Glancing over her shoulder she could just see the faint green tinge of one of the Louddars rush through the Corn and make its way to the side of her, not wanting to strike until it got into the correct position. Tears rolled down her cheeks once more and slowly her chest started to tighten, her breath seemed to quickly drain of her and her legs seemed to burn with pain. She pushed herself to the limit once more and burst out of the Cornfield, rushing towards the Willows curtain of branches with a slight bit of hope reaching into her. But her excitement was cut short. Her right foot hit a small rock on the ground, forcing her to fall. And at the speed she was going at, the fall was hard and painful. Landing on her chest the wind was sharply knocked out of her, even dazing her slightly. Quickly she pushed herself up with her forearms, looking forwards at the Willows branches, just metres away.
*Squeal*
Turning her head around to glance behind her and back at the Cornfields, she watched in a mix of fear and wonder as she saw the black, flight-craft gently sail back towards the Transporter. Her attention was then turned to the rustling infront of her and the cawing as a large, menacing, green Louddar lunged verticly out of the Cornfields and gently hurtled towards her, its talons retracted and ready and its jaws parted and watery. With immense speed its body hurtled forwards, and as the beasts white teeth gleamed, blackness took ahold...*

~End~

(OOC: Crapness akimbo, but huzzah. Another story finishes!! Thanks for the support by the by!!)