Welcome To Freedom of Magic!

[Evanesence]

Louie nodded, and motioned for the children to come on inside. As they filled into his home, easily beginning to fill the Ball room, Louie listened to what Sage described what happened between him and Saya. Louie had no reason to mistrust this man. What really caught Louie's attention though was that Sage said all these children where alterions. All of them.

How do they find me? Saya. Channing. Sage. All of these children. It amazes me. Louie though Sage was very noble of wanting to protect these children. He figured that Sage was a very admirable person where he came from. Louie cast a glance at one of the men Sage had brought with him who was (still) chasing a little girl around. Then Sage mentioned the pendant that Saya wore 24/7. It was clear to Louie that this was really and truly Sage, Saya's brother.

"I trust that you are her brother. Its good to see your alive, and to meet you. Keeping the children here will not be a problem. There rarely is any of Nirvia's people here. They don't like to come near vampires. And they certainly don't like to push us around." Louie chuckled remembering one incident decades ago when a guard did happen in to the town and try to force a vampire to do something. "Just because we choose not to drink human blood, doesn't mean we can't."


He sighed and continued, "Any friend of Saya's is a friend of mine. How long will the children be staying? I'm in no rush, just curious. Do any of them have forms I should know about? Will you and your men be staying here as well?" All the children had filed into the house now and could be heard chattering in the ball room. Louie could also hear the light music from the piano.

*****

Yes, It should be fairly easy to follow their trail. Lets start with the barrack where the children stayed. There is bound to be foot prints or some sort of clue as to which direction and exit he took. I doubt he would have used a main one where they could be seen. Channing headed off towards the children's barracks. A little while later they reached the area.

Channing was no longer concerned weather or not Saya knew where Nirvia's Alterion Base was located. It one of her lesser concerns at the moment. Instead she focused her attention for clues as to which exit they left through. The place seemed clean of evidence that anyone had left. That is, besides the fact not a child could been seen or heard at all. "Hmm..." Channing pondered the possibilities.

The forest behind the barracks could be a likely escape route. We can scout that area for any hint that a herd of children passed through. Channing went around the the back of the barracks and faced the outlining forests. A good few minutes walk in a straight line through these forest lies the wall for the border into Brisin. There was a gate that lead out of the main palace area, and into Brisin. From there, one, or maybe a group of children, could cut across brisin's edge and out of Rozen all together.

Channing would bet anything that that was the route Sage took. It was the only logical and covered area close by. Plus, there were no soldiers to interfere. Walking in the forest a bit, Channing noticed broken twigs and a couple of snapped branches of the undergrowth and bushes. She had a strong feeling about this route and relayed her thoughts to Saya about this path leading to the Brisin border and eventually out of Rozen.

[Renia]

Saya had taken her wolf form as soon as they had entered the forest and she was certain no one else was around to see her. Her wolf form could easily pick up the scent of a multitude of children. She could tell that scent easily: children had distinctive features, such as being constantly covered in dirt and food and various other things. At least a few were always scraped up and bleeding, which lent yet another scent to the mix. And there was also the fact that there were so many of them in one place. The smell was almost overpowering.

I agree, she thought to Channing. They leave a remarkable scent trail. They definitely passed by this way.

She wasn’t sure where Sage was taking these kids, but she was sure he must have a reason for going this way. Most likely he was hoping the others would not think to follow until their trail had dissipated over the next few days. And traveling through an uninhabited area would mean that no one would be about to witness the mass movement of children.

******

Sage was glad to hear that Nirvia’s men avoided the area. That was certainly a plus. He watched as the last of the children entered the house, the last little girl giggling hysterically as she outraced Rorian through the door after her peers. He could hear the sounds of many children coming from inside: arguments over whether Vampires ate Alterions; crying as someone fell down; many fingers slamming down on piano keys; one voice proclaiming loudly, “That’s not how you do it! My parents taught me, watch!” and a nearly discernable melody being slowly picked out among the jumbled notes.

He listened to everything Louie had to say, and decided he liked the guy. “The children vary in skill. Most of them have yet to take a form. About ten of them can take a wolf or tiger form, but they have been trained not to take such a form unless their superior tells them to. I have instructed them to remain in their true form at all times. As for how long they will stay, I don’t know. Until I can find a better place for them, I suppose. I can’t let Nirvia and her men force them back into the army, so I need to look for a good hiding place. Meanwhile, my men will stay here to protect them, and to keep them out of trouble as much as possible. I really am sorry to intrude, but I need to know they are safe while I look for another place to hide them. It’s difficult to do so while having to keep up with so many.”

He sighed and called two of his men over, instructing them to go out and hunt. It was going to take a lot fo food to keep these children happy, and he did not want to burden Louie or any of the Vampires in the area by taking their stores. There was plenty game in the forest to be had.

“I need to rest for a while before I head out again. And I’ll keep an eye on the kids until my men get back. After that, I’ll leave to find another place. Thank you, Louie. I do not know what we would have done without your help. Rorian, just let her go,” he added as the man ran past after the giggling girl once again, but Rorian just grinned at him and said, “I almost got her that time!” Sage sighed and rolled his eyes. He hadn’t thought Rorian the type to like children so much.

[Evanesence]

Channing looked at Saya whom was now in wolf form. Scent. Wonderful. It'll probably be easier to follow there trail in that form. With that said she used her senses to make sure no other alterions were in the area before joining Saya in wolf form. Once she got a good wiff in her wolf form, she too smelt the children. She could even pick out Sage's scent in the mixture.

Excellent. And its not very old so it'll be easier to follow as we go. Channing started forward heading towards the wall that had the gate into Brisin. Just as she had suspected, the scent also went in that direction. It wasn't long before they reached the iron gates that stood a good 12 feet tall. The wall however were a couple feet higher. The gate itself was left ajar. Usually it was locked.

When they slipped through, Channing returned to her Human form for a moment to close the gate and lock it with a key she had on her person. She returned to her wolven self and picked up the scent again. Alight. Now lets go find Sage. Her mental voice was excited, ready for the hunt.

----------

"Your welcome. Stay as long as you like. It does not bother me. It is nice to have company every now and then. It get quiet here with out Saya around." Once everyone was inside, minus the men Sage set off to go hunting, Louie closed the door and slowly headed towards the Ballroom. "So, you said earlier that these kids were taken from Edren. I'm assuming it was by force and not willingly on the parents part. Will they ever be able to go home? Also, You said you met Saya yesterday. Where? Is she doing alright? She left here a couple weeks ago. Every once and a while she goes out to remember her old life. I don't blame her. Its seems quite natural that she does so, I just havn't heard from her recently."

[Renia]

They were able to travel quickly, much faster than Sage would have been able to go with so many young children to herd about. Saya and Channing had no difficulty at all following the scent and they were racing along. Saya knew it would not take them too long to catch up with her brother. She wondered what it would be like when they overtook him again...

*****

Sage followed Louie toward the Ballroom and listened to Louie’s questions. The man seemed to be trying to appear unworried, but Sage could tell he was a little worried for Saya. He wondered what sort of relationship was between them. Not that he hadn’t guessed, but this guy really didn’t seem to know anything about Saya being a Rebel. He wondered just how much he should relate to him. Some things just weren’t his place to say.

“Well, the children have been stolen from edren over the last few years. Edren itself is closed off, the Alterions there rendered harmless and unable to use their powers because of the medication they assume to be for their intense headaches. They were never much of a threat anyway, but confining them to the city was an easy way to get at their children, as Nirvia proclaimed. For now, the city is not safe for these kids, nor will it be until something is done about the occupation there. But that problem will have to be left to the Rebels, I’m afraid. I can do nothing but keep these children safe for the time being.”

He went on to explain how he had met Saya when his ‘friend’ Channing had run across her and wanted him to say hello as well. “She’s doing well,” he added to appease Louie’s worry. “She’s traveling with a couple of friends, I believe. And probably Channing as well. It was Saya who convinced me to do something about these kids, but that’s a long story.”

By then they had entered the Ballroom, where the kids were running about and basically having the time of their lives. One of his remaining men was laughing uproariously as half the kids seemed to be piled o one another, and Sage quickly took charge.

“Line up, NOW!” His voice echoed in the ballroom, making certain that each and every child heard him. There was a brief scramble, and the children formed in neat ranks in the center of the room. As the kids got up and left the ‘dog pile’ Sage found out what had been going on.

“Who issued the dog pile on Rorian?” he asked, looking over each of the Alterion kids before him. Every one of them pointed at a now familiar girl in the second row. She looked worriedly back at him. “Alright then, carry on,” he said, nodding at a ruffled-looking Rorian who had just managed to regain his feet. He had just enough time to see Rorian’s startled and disbelieving face at his words before the man disappeared once again beneath multiple tiny bodies.

Meanwhile, the kids were occupied and sufficiently out of trouble. And Rorian was also entertained. Everyone was happy.

[Evanesence]

Louie listened to Sage intently as he spoke of the city of Edren and its inhabitants. Louie was deeply disturbed by the fact the alterions were given 'pain medication' that had more effects than just headache relief. Redering them harmless? As in formless? Not being able to switch? Louie could only picture Saya trying to switch forms, and finding that she could not. His nostrils flared in anger for a brief moment.

Sage had moved on to what he knew of Saya and Louie was quiet surprised to hear Channing's name. Channing is friends with Sage? Maybe that's where she's been all these years. Louie let out chuckle, It is funny how everything is all connected. At least Saya's doing well. I wonder who her friends are besides, Channing. Louie was sure if he gave himself time to put all the pieces together, he could figure it out. Just like how he figured out what Saya was.

Could she have more to do with this... war... between the rebels and Nirvia? Sage did say she was the one who convinced him to do something about the children. Louie froze as his mind started working everything together. He didn't want to figure everything out just yet. Not here. While their is company. Later. I'll think about it later.

Refocusing he saw the children scurrying from the 'dog pile' and into formation. It seemed that little girl was quiet the handful, but so innocent. Louie couldn't, or maybe wouldn't, picture her ten years from now when she could be fighting in this war as well. If it was still going on then anyways. Louie looked over all the faces here, and couldn't help but wonder what their fate would be.

Then Sage let them loose on the man Louie recognized as Rorian. Louie relaxed, surprised to find himself tense. "So she's traveling with Channing you say? That makes me feel a bit better. They were such good friends. So alike in many ways too. How long have you known Channing for? How is she doing?" Louie had considered Channing a good friend, as she was best friends with Saya. He enjoyed her company. She had been socially odd, but she got along with Saya well.

-------

They had been running for an hour or so. Channing and Saya had made it out of Rozen in good time. The scent lead them south west and by now they were in Velia. I wonder where he is taking them. If he goes anymore south, we'll hit Raldnet.But he wouldn't, couldn't possibly take the kids through those mountains. Maybe he'll angle west and is cutting through Veila. Channing recognized the area well. She used to hunt in this area a lot. The large plains of Velia held places like Uxibbor which was north of them, and places like Kyptany and Ponita. Those two were both farther Northwest. Ponita being the farthest west.

Cabernya was also in Veila and Channing wondered if maybe Saya would like to make a side trip.They'd easily be able to pick up the trail again if they did make a side trip to visit Louie. As it was, the scent of the children and Sage was getting faintly stronger. Channing didn't say anything as they continued in their southwest direction. She wanted to stay focused.

Staying focused however made her rather confused. If we keep going at this pace and in this direction, surely we'd end up in Cabernya. Maybe he just wants to get closer to Raldnet slowly...and he'll past right by Cabernya. It's not like... not like he knows about Louie. I didn't say anything. Nor did Saya. Channing looked anxiously over at Saya, wondering if she too realized which direction they were heading.

---------

"I've been thinking." Bella stated after another hour of traveling.

"That's always a dangerous thing." Blake commented.

Bella ignored him and said, "You know how I told Saya I'd use my third from to get into Edren?" Blake nodded and Bella continued. "I don't think I will. I think it would be best if we go in together... or if we go as Alterion and Horse."

Blake gave her a side long look. "Why do you think that?"

"Well, my third form would be to recognizable. If I stayed in that form while we, er, I, looked for Renia I'd be too easy to pick out from the crowd. However, if I was in that form while you accompanying me, then I returned to this form, they'd certainly put two and two together."

Blake nodded again, still listening. "But, if we went in as 'human and human' that wouldbe--" "Isabella," Blake interupted chuckling. "Neither of us are human." Bella stared at him for a moment. "Really now? I had no idea." She said with a sarcastic edge to her voice. "You know what I meant. Anyways, we'd both appear to be Alterions. That would be more subtle. Maybe we could pass as residents."

Blake was serious now as he listened to their options. Bella continued, "Or, our last option, as I see it, Is traveling like alter---" "Alterion and horse. Meaning I'll be the alterion and you, my steed." Bella refrained from rolling her eyes but answered, "Exactly."

"They're humans so they can't sense alterions like you can. But if some how, someone was their, your presence, would pass for mine. Making them believe I'm an alterion, and you a mere horse. What about them seeing me with you, and not a horse?" Bella shrugged. "I'm sure you can make friends right? You'll find an inn with a stable. Or maybe you can rent a barn."

"You know I do like treasure and odd objects, but I don't often carry money on me. Never needed it until I met you."

"You know I have money."

"But that is yours."

"Please, you know as well as I do. What's mine is yours. How many times have you saved me from the brink of death now?"

"Hold on," Blake stared ticking off his fingers, counting.

Bella mentally rolled her eyes. "That was a retorical question. So do you think that will work?" Blake looked up from his counting. His face no longer had traces of teasing. In that moment Bella felt it. The sensation that warned her of another alterions presence. "If you live, yes, I think it will work."

Blake positioned himself behind Bella, in a ready stance angled to see an attack from behind. Bella was tense as she turned towards the forest wall that was closest to her. Her eyes pierced the darkness, looking for her unseen enemy.

[Renia]

Saya was beginning to become suspicious. The farther they ran, the closer Cabernya drew. For a long while she dismissed it as coincidence: Sage couldn’t possibly be heading to Cabernya on purpose. She hadn’t mentioned where she’d been living to him at all. But when Cabernya was only an hour’s distance, she began to sense that Sage was certainly aware of where he was going. She remembered him saying something about finding Channing in the general area and realizing that he had actually been looking for Saya at the time. Could he be looking for where she’d been living? Would he find Louie? If so... what would happen when those two met?

Saya began to worry. She unconsciously increased her speed, wanting to get there as quickly as possible. At one point she thought she felt the presence of an Alterion, but it seemed to outdistance them quickly.

Channing, I think I felt his presence for a moment. He might have assumed that we were enemies and ran for it. Hopefully we can catch up quickly. He can’t run far if those children are around.

She put everything she had into running, trying to catch up to the Alterion whom she had barely sensed before he tried to outrace them. It was certainly headed for Cabernya.

*****

Speaking to Louie, no matter how friendly the man seemed at the time, did put Sage on edge a bit despite his usual open and friendly personality. He liked Louie, actually, thus far. But there was still that edge of mistrust there that Sage could never quite get past with most people. He’d been at his job far too long to trust every stranger he came across, no matter how badly he needed their help or how much his little sister trusted them. Louie could still prove to be an enemy, he knew. And he would be a formidable one as well. Sage just hoped it did not come to that.

He did not realize he was still tense, however, until Channing’s name came up. Somehow just talking about Channing put him at ease and Sage felt himself relax a bit. “Oh, so you knew Channing, then? She’s been working with me for some time now. About five years, I suppose. I know her pretty well. She’s an amazing Alterion and probably the only one I trust with my life.”

“Thanks a lot, Sage, I’ll remember that!” came the muffled voice of Rorian from beneath numerous children, but Sage ignored him with only a slight roll of his eyes. He had bigger things to worry about, like what was taking his men so long. It should have been simple enough to hunt around here...

When they did show up, his men were out of breath and had returned empty-handed. Sage immediately knew something was wrong. He had only to look at them to inquire what had gone wrong. One of the men gasped out, “Alterions... coming.”

Sage instantly tensed. “Alright, everyone, get ready!” he commanded, bringing the wrestling children to sudden stillness.

“Finally!” yelled Rorian, happy to be out from under the pile of children at last. A little action was exactly what he needed after babysitting for what seemed like forever.

“Rorian, you and the others who were watching the kids had better come with me.” He motioned to the men who had just come in. “You watch the kids until you catch your breath. We’ll see what kind of forces are coming and let you know whether to stay and fight or get the children out of here.” The men nodded and traded positions, the winded ones taking over protecting the kids.

Sage glanced at Louie. “I’m sorry this happened so soon. We’ll take care of this, I promise.” He didn’t have time to ask if Louie would mind helping them defend the place or watch the kids. Whether Louie wanted to stay out of it or not didn’t matter all that much. He could do whatever he liked. Sage had to get outside fast.

He and his men rushed to the door, ready to meet the enemies as far away from Louie’s home as possible. However, the Alterions had already made it within sight of Louie’s home.

Sage motioned for the others to stand down: the Alterions coming toward them in wolf form were the two women he most wanted to see in Licadem. Saya and Channing.

*****

Saya could sense her brother the moment she set paw in Cabernya, and she knew he’d found Louie’s home after all. She couldn’t believe it. Not only had she finally tracked him down, he was at the one place she considered her home! Saya couldn’t put emotions to words just then, and she was certain Channing felt the same. They were so close now they could practically smell her brother. And Louie. Saya was convinced she recognized his smell as well.

As they grew closer, Saya noticed Sage and his men guarding the door of Louie’s home. She slowed her pace so that she and Channing were walking, and when the two of them shifted to human form it was as if they had rehearsed the timing for this exact moment. Saya smiled at Sage as they approached, and he smiled back, but Saya noticed his gaze lingered longest on Channing, and she smiled again at that realization.

Sage stepped forward and addressed Channing. “You have no idea how much I missed you. Rorian can’t take an order to save his life.” He made his greeting a joke, hoping she would forgive him for running off without her. He hadn’t wanted to put her in even more danger. But he’d missed her more than he felt he should admit, and he’d been worrying over whether she would forgive him every moment since he’d left. Now was the moment of truth.

Saya had stopped paying attention to Sage and Channing since they were obviously having a moment. Her gaze sought someone else, and she likewise worried that he might not forgive her so easily for vanishing without a word. She had some apologizing to do.

[Evanesence]

It was very clear now where they were headed. She picked her pace up just as Saya did, rushing to Cabernya. They closer they got the strong his scent became. She also picked up a trace of Rorain's scent, but it wasn't as potent as Sage's. Finally they rounded the corner to Louie's house and the sight of Sage standing there made her heart jump. She felt a flow of relief, excitement, happiness all at once.

Switching forms the emotions were even stronger. Channing could pick out the love and loyalty in the mix as well. She stared at him with a small smile and chuckled at his greeting. Channing walked over to him, closing the distance between them. As she approached she said, "Next time, You might want to fill me in on your plans. I thought after five years together you would know by now that no matter what you decided, i'll be right there beside you." She was standing not a foot away now when she threw her arms around him in a hug. "Don't ever scare me like that again!" She looked up at Sage, grinning, before letting him go.

------------

Louie, whom had just relax, tensed the instant Sage's men came in with the news. He watched Sage lead his men getting ready for a fight. Louie's first instinct was to protect his home. Louie's second instinct was to protect the children. He paused for a second to look the kids over, all of which grew serious and much more mature than they had been a few minutes ago. Deciding they'd be able to hold their own, Louie went to stand in the doorway of his home.

Sage's men stood ready in front of him tense and ready for a fight. Louie was slightly surprised as Sage relaxed immediately and told his men to stand down. Louie took a deep breath as he looked around Sage. He caught her scent and saw her at the very same time. Saya was home. And Channing was with her.

Louie relaxed and a grin spread across his face. He watched her as she looked at her brother before her gaze searched for himself. He stepped out of the door way and towards the Alterion he loved unconditionally. When he came into her veiw he said loud enough for her to hear but not the others, "Welcome home, love." He had missed her so much it was hard to refrain from running and scooping her up in his arms. Louie did, however, walk a little faster than normal with his arms opened out to her.

[Renia]

Saya’s eyes found Louie as he shifted from where he’d almost been hidden behind Sage’s men in the doorway. He moved toward her, and Saya heard him welcome her. A smile appeared on her own face as well, and Saya had no reservations about running toward him. She barely noticed the men she did not know tensing as she rushed their way: they’d been Nirvia’s men for so long, having a Rebel around was probably going to make them a bit jumpy. Saya’s attention was focused on Louie. It felt like much more time had passed than a few days to her.

She met Louie before he’d gone far, wrapping her arms around him tightly. “Sorry I was gone for so long,” she murmured to him.


*****


Sage smiled his usual smile when Channing moved toward him. Channing was exactly herself, reminding him that after so much time constantly together he should have known what her answer would have been. She thought he’d had doubts? He’d never question her loyalty. Which was why he’d reacted the way he had. Channing would never make up her own mind with him there. He’d needed to give her time to think things through or she might have taken it as an order, and Sage hated it when Channing followed him even when she obviously questioned the methods they used. And also, he hadn’t wanted her involved in what he had decided to do. It was far too dangerous.

However, now that his plan to re-kidnap the children from Hirvia’s forces had been carried out flawlessly and he was still alive to feel anything, Sage was very aware of the amount of worry and loneliness he’d felt since leaving her side. He hadn’t been out of contact with Channing since they had first met five years before. He did not intent to lose contact again if he could help it, either. It felt as though half his mind were missing.

Channing threw her arms around him in a hug, and Sage, although a little surprised, returned the embrace as she told him never to scare her like that again. He smiled back at her. But when she let go of him, Sage didn’t loosen his grip at once. Instead, he leaned closer and spoke in her ear.

“Never again. I promise, Channing.”

He was serious. He’d never leave her like that again. No matter what happened, they were in it together from here on. He relaxed his hold on her and nodded in his sister’s direction. “Saya’s getting very friendly with Louie,” he observed with both humor and a little worry in his voice. “Too bad I like the guy. Normally it’s the big brother’s job to run off the little sister’s boyfriends, but I guess I can’t do that now, can I?” he asked with a conspiratorial grin at Channing.

[Evanesence]

Channing was extremely pleased. Sage just promised her that he'd never leave her like that again. Part of Channing felt very selfish, but then again it was an easy feeling to ignore. She thought momentarily back to when he dissapeared and she pratically broke down in front of enemies. Well, they weren't really enemies, but close enough. That moment was her biggest moment of weakness and it made her mentally cringe.

She turned her attention back to Sage and chuckled at his comment. "I think they are way past 'getting friendly'. They have been together since before I met them. Which was five years ago. So no, I don't think it would be worth trying to scare Louie off. " Channing laughed again. Grabbing his hand she walked over towards the happy, rejoined, couple.

-----

"No need to apologize, love. It was only a few days, no matter how long they may seem." Louie smiled down at her and kissed the top of her head. He hugged her close not wanting to let go despite the on lookers, and perhaps, Saya's brother. Louie leaned into her and whispered, "I'll love you no matter what." He gazed into her eyes before looking up to see Channing and Sage walking towards them. Hand in hand. I wonder if Channing may be more than just Sage's second in command?

The thought left a small smile on his lips. Channing waved to them saying, "Hey, Louie. It's been a while. I see you haven't changed one bit." Louie chuckled. "Well, thank goodness for immortality. You seem to be doing well." She nodded with a smile and looked up at Sage. Louie glanced from Saya to Sage. Siblings. Amazing.

-----

A snarl ripped through her throat. Russet colored hackles stained with crimson stood on end. Her eyes followed her prey. All seven of them. The sauntered in towards her. Stalking her. Bella shot a glare at the leader. The alpha. The large golden wolf was the closest to her and the only one Bella hadn't been able to touch. A quick snarl let out on her left as the scrawny brown one attacked on some invisible command.

Quick on her feet Bella dodged and made her own attack on the wolf. The second she turned her back from the right another wolf launched its attack on her. The semi-circle of wolves kept slowly moving in on her with each attack. Right now she wrestled with two of the seven. She got a good chunk of fur in her mouth and clamped down and ripped. A pained whine from her victim was released.

Bella wrestled these two for another minute before they retreated. Her wolf form was in a fighting mode so she didn't form coherent sentences in her mind, but she figured that for every wound she obtained, she delivered several more. She saw the scrawny brown one limp quickly back into line. It has been an ongoing hit and retreat with this alterion pack. Bella was getting restless and tired of the games. She needed to attack. And soon.

A load roar came from the far right. No sooner did the golden wolf flick its eyes toward the sound did Bella leap. She had no time to wonder how Blake's fight with the other dragon was going; this could be her only chance. Several things happened at once. There was several barks, a sharp pain in the back of her neck, another loud roar from one of the dragons, and Bella's jaw closed on the golden wolf's throat. Then everything went black.

[Renia]

Sage laughed as Channing practically dragged him off toward Louie and Saya. She wasn’t acting like his second-in-command now, and to be honest, he preferred it this way. His gaze strayed to Saya and Louie, who were still standing close, and he found he didn’t mind. Saya had turned out exactly as he had always imagined she would, and Louie obviously made her happy. Not to mention he actually liked the guy since they had first met.

Saya glanced up at Sage and Channing. Her eyes strayed to where their hands were clasped, and she threw Channing a questioning glance. Sage noticed she was smiling as she did so, and he wondered if that meant something. In any case, he didn’t let go of Channing’s hand.

“Well, this is quite a group,” he commented, glancing around at the others. “Former Nirvians, a Rebel... Vampires and Alterions. I never would have thought it possible.”

Saya smirked. “I never thought my brother would be working for Nirvia all this time, nor my best friend, but I’m glad it all worked out so well. What did you do with the children?”

Sage shrugged. “We ended up on the same side, didn’t we? The kids are inside.”

“Great,” Saya sighed. “I just hope I won’t have to track you all over Licadem again..”

“I promised Channing I wouldn’t go running off anymore. And nothing could keep you and I apart any longer now that we’ve found each other. You guys want to go inside now? We might be calling attention to ourselves out here.”

[Evanesence]

Channing caught Saya glance and gave a nonchalant shrug and smile as her response. Channing really wasn't sure where the line was drawn with her and Sage's relationship. Yes she was his second in command, right hand, and they were practically joined at the hip, but at the end of the day where did that leave them? Channing pushed those thoughts aside as she noticed they were slowly walking towards the house now. Like Sage said, they'd call to much attention just standing out here.

As they walked Channing happened to glance at Louie's face which had aslight wrinkle on his forehead. She recognized that expression to be one of deep thought. Had someone said something? Damn, I probably spaced out. Channing looked towards Sage and Saya to see if they noticed Louie's 'deep thought' face.

------

Rebel? The word clicked in place. Louie looked around the group and the only person who could fit that catagory was the woman besides him. It all made sense after all; he just was expecting to hear a confirmation from Saya herself. It has been so long since I've really paid the war any attention. As far as I know Nirvia has stayed away from us Vampires so I really had no reason to worry.

The group of them were now walking towards the house and Louie was barely listening to the conversation that was going on. Maybe the 'other friends' Sage mentioned where the rebels. And He said that Saya was the one who convinced him to take the children away from Nirvia. So Saya was definitely not on Nirvia's side. She must have been passionate in her beliefs to sway Sage to see reason. I wonder how long she has been with them? Ah, what does it matter? She is still the same Saya I know and Love and I'll support her in what ever decision she makes. I'm sure she'll tell me everything when she is ready.

Louie let out a small sigh and relaxed his face as he glanced around them. They were now inside and in the room with all the children. Louie looked at Saya and smiled. Looking into her eyes he could fall in love with her over and over again.

[Renia]

Saya had also noticed Louie’s slight frown. She knew he was putting everything together. Mentally she reminded herself to thank Sage for letting so much slip out so quickly. On the one hand, it really irritated her. On the other hand, now Louie would put the pieces together on his own and Saya would not have to even try to keep such a monumental secret from him any longer. Louie was too close to her to hold secrets from. She trusted him more than anyone else, even the Rebel leader himself. And if anyone had a problem with his knowing, Saya was prepared to argue her point. He had to know, even if he never took part in the war. Louie was no threat to the Rebels.

They made it inside the house. Saya relaxed visibly. This was home, and Louie was right beside her: all was right in that moment. Then they entered the ballroom, and Saya’s breath caught at the sight of so many children. They were standing in ranks, like a miniature army ready for action. She could not imagine them as children: these were trained military Alterions.

Then Sage gave them a signal and suddenly the ranks broke and kids scattered everywhere. They were suddenly acting as children again, chasing each other around the room and generally having a good time. Saya smiled. That was the way children should behave.

Sage sat down on the stairs and sighed. Saya noticed his attention never seemed to leave Channing. She wondered what was going on between those two. They seemed... confused, almost. Saya glanced back at Louie, and she remembered a time when she felt that confused herself. Back when she had only been a wolf who had somehow fallen in love with a Vampire. Even just after she had regained her true form, things had been strange for a while. Until they had both figured out their feelings and admitted them... perhaps that was where her brother and her best friend were just now? Time would tell, she supposed.

“So, what happened with your friends?” Sage asked her, and Saya frowned.

“They went on looking for Renia,” she responded.

“I hope they were careful. No way could they survive an encounter with my... Nirvia’s forces. They had orders to call for backup the instant they found an Alterion.”

“Bella knew what the situation was. She’ll be fine,” Saya said firmly. “Meanwhile, Channing and I managed to finish our mission and track you down. I think the only thing I can do now is protect these children. It would be a disaster to allow Nirvia to recapture them. I’m tired of her using Alterions as though they were hounds to track down her enemies. I won’t let her do that to children.”

“We’re of the same mind, then,” Sage stated. He looked to Channing, and Saya knew what he was thinking. Sage seemed afraid of making decisions for Channing. She was his second-in-command, but that did not seem to manage to Sage. Saya could tell he wanted her to have as much say in their plan as he did. “I intend to do whatever it takes to keep these kids out of the war. They’ve been torn away from their families. They don’t deserve to be hurt any more than that. Nirvia will have to make do without them, and with out us,” he said with another glance at Channing.

[Evanesence]

Louie refocused himself as he listened to Sage and Saya's conversation. Again Sage's words confirmed Louie's theory. This Bella they mentioned was a friend of Sayas. Bella was also in danger of Sage's former men. Therefore, Louie assumed, Bella was a Rebel. And apparently an Alterion.

Louie sighed and reviewed everything Sage said. 'Friends' is a plural which means there is more than just Bella. And now there was a new person in play. Renia? Louie assumed her to be a rebel as well and seeing as Bella is, as was implied, looking for Renia, Louie was safe to concluded Renia is not part of the plural 'friends'. How many others was Saya traveling with? Louie felt the crease on his forehead appear again. He paused to relax his face before thinking, It seems I need to keep up on the times again. Its been so long since I followed history. But I need to know what is going on exactly if i'm to be sure Saya is safe.

Louie tuned back into the conversation once again as Sage finished saying how Nirvia was going to have to do with out them.

------------

Channing nodded to Sage in agreement. "Yes Nirvia has blinded us with her lies and fooled us into murdering innocent people. I wish to protect these children as well, but..." She looked from Sage to Saya, "I'm concerned about Bella." Looking back at Sage intently Channing continued, "Did we not send group 'I' to Dekain? We were in Jagron the last time we encountered Bella which is not to far from Dekain's border. What if that group felt our many presences? They would have come through Paghera in pursuit.

"Sage, Group 'I' was a pack of wolves. And dont forget that Heath was with them as well. If they find Bella, how can we be sure she survives?" Channing's face was serious. She knew how good that team was and how vicious they could be. Especially Heath. Heath was your typical cocky male and his pride was wounded because he was only made Beta in the pack. The only thing that kept Heath from challenging the Alpha any chance he got was because of his second from. A dragon.

Channing looked at Saya.She felt an immense amount of guilt. Part of Channing wish she could go back five years and talk to Saya before making her decision to join Sage. She wished she had contacted her best friend at least once before any of this happened. Maybe things would have turned out differently. But then again, she did not know how she would have lived with out Sage. And maybe Saya would have never met her brother. Sighing, Channing stopped this flow of sad thoughts and focused on the present. She couldn't change the past, but maybe they could do something about the future.

---------

Night was falling fast and it would soon be dark enough to be invisible to human eyes. The eight massacred bodies had been pushed off the trail and out of sight. However there wasn't much he could do about all the blood. Instead he focused all his concentration on the body in his arms. It was unnatural to move at this pace. To fast for a human's eye and matching the pace of an elf. Blake didn't usually prefer to hasten, but in occasions such as this one, he ran like his own life was at risk.

His foot steps were as noisy as an owls wings beats as he practically flew through the forest. He avoided the large town not wanting to draw attention. There was only one place that Bella would be safe and could heal.

An hour passed and he had stopped only twice to check the makeshift bandages. Edren was not far from sight now and it was dark enough that he could easily enter the town with out being noticed by the several guards. Blake silently approached a far wall, away from the main entrance. He took a deep breath and using his keen hearing, he listened from any commotion inside the town. It seemed unnaturally quiet to him, but this would be the only place Bella's presence would be hidden.

Holding Bella with one arm he used his other to scale the wall. When he detremined all was clear, he jumped down and into the Alterion city. Blake relied on his instincts as he weaved through buildings and homes, avoiding the main road. Approaching a small home something told him this is where he wanted to be. Tightening his grip on Bella, he made his way to the front door and knocked quietly.

A minute later the door opened a crack and a woman looked up at him. Blake spoke softly and said, "Lena. I need your assistance."




OOC: obv your are in full control of Lena, so you can decide her reaction

[Renia]

“That’s right,” Sage said, frowning. “We did sent them to the area. That particular group should not be underestimated.” His eyes moved to Saya, then back to Channing. “But don’t forget who Bella is. She and Renia gave us the most trouble through the years. We managed to capture Renia only because she chose to become involved with another of our enemies, remember? The Bluejay. They were difficult to track on their own, but every few years those two would team up and cause incredible trouble for Nirvia. The more trouble caused, the easier they were to track and monitor, until we had enough information on Renia to realize her soft heart was her weakness. That was when we set our trap and managed to capture her. Bella, on the other hand, has always remained untouchable no matter what we tried to do. Nirvia’s forces are out to recapture Renia: they will not be expecting to find Bella out there. I think she can handle herself.”

But Sage was not certain of his words this time. He knew as well as Channing how ruthless group I really was. If Bella was not careful, she might find herself in a lot of trouble. But for Saya’s sake he did not dare voice his doubts.

“Besides,” he continued. “I heard from my men on the way here that Edren has violated Nirvia’s laws recently. Several Alterion families were found to be hiding their children. Word is that a battle is expected there. The Edren Alterions seem to be planning to fight back, and Nirvia is sending her troops to quell the uprising. Bella will undoubtably rethink even going near Edren under the circumstances. It’s too big a risk for a single Alterion Rebel and a Dracoling to take on so many of Nirvia’s troops on their own. They don’t know for certain that Renia is there anyway. Although... I have to admit, I think the chances of Renia being there are quite high, now that I think of it...”

Saya’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you say that?”

“Because the Edren Alterions have never been the type to fight back,” Sage explained. “The drugs they were given as headache medication prevented them from shifting forms, but even should they figure that out and stop taking it, their small forms would be useless for fighting. The only way I can think of that they would take up arms is if someone were there to convince them to. Who would be capable of doing that, but a Rebel?”

“So you think Renia has been in Edren trying to convince the Alterions to fight back since she escaped prison?” Saya questioned. Sage nodded, and Saya shook her head in amazement. “Renia must be amazing to pick right back up on her work against Nirvia so soon after imprisonment...”

“Well, remember that Renia and Bella have made that their life’s work. The two of them are indeed determined. And I think Renia would have wanted to strike back at Nirvia as soon as possible, maybe as revenge for locking her up in prison.”

Saya shook her head slowly. “I got the impression from Bella that Renia isn’t revenge-oriented. I think it more likely that she ended up in Edren to hide from your men. But if she saw how the people of Edren were being treated, she probably decided to help them.”

“Sounds like a Rebel to me,” Sage conceded gravely. “Regardless, if she is in Edren for any reason, she’s in deep trouble. Nirvia’s men will be there soon to tear the place apart. I think it likely that they will destroy Edren altogether and imprison all the inhabitants. She can control them much better in stone cages, like she did with Renia.” His tone was tinged with hatred as he spoke this last sentence. He remembered very well seeing how Renia was treated within that cell. He’d wanted nothing more than to remove the girl from that place, but he could not convince her to leave the Rebels and come with him no matter how badly she was treated. Rebels certainly were stubborn.

((PMing you on that last part. Kinda scared to mess it up.))

[Evanesence]

Channing nodded in agreement. She couldn't forget how Bella had avoided them and how she had help from a dracoling. What Channing didn't understand was why the dracoling always stayed out of the fight until the very last minute when things were looking good for Nirvia's alterions. He never stepped in unless things were getting dangerous for Bella.

They never could figure out why. It continuously puzzled them as to why he was no where in sight when they attcked, but always appeared when things got sticky for Bella. Channing listened to Sage and Saya go back and forth. She took into great consideration in what they were saying. What if it was all true? Two Rebels, a Dracoling, and Renia's Rescuer are all in Edren and trapping themselves in an unavoidable battle. How will they ever survive? Nirvian troops and her Alterions. against four people and maybe a couple of towns folk. Yes Renia and Bella are strong and I'm sure their partners are too, but being in Edren is suicide.

It was quiet between them and Channing said, "Saya, should you tell Kade about all this? I'm worried that just maybe Edren is where Renia is and where Bella's going to end up." Channing looked at Saya and then to Sage. She searched his eyes for a brief moment and glanced at all the children having a blast running around the large room. She drew her eyes to Louie wondering what he thought of all this. But he didn't meet her gaze as he was to busy looking at Saya with love love than one could imagine.

After a second, Channing returned her gaze to Sage. Everything was suddenly so hectic, she wished they had a second to breathe. A moment to enjoy each other company. Channing pondered they many possible outcomes of the situation and could not settle for a single one. What would she do now? Where would she go? Who would she be with? Channing took in Sage's profile, something she memorized many a times, and wondered what his thoughts were at this exact moment.




OOC (sorry, trying to tone down the 'must be on a mission all the time' mode)