Blackout 
West Point
Rider pets Chron and leans back in her saddle. A stiff breeze blows through her raven pixie cut hair. Her slender silhouette atop the wild direwolf with golden eyes cuts an imposing figure in the night sky. 
"That where they are? Good boy." She sits side saddle and crosses her legs as time and space fold to place her in front of the pocket dimension. "You there, in the spatial distortion, quit skulking and come out." She says addressing Sia, Flame, Ghaul, and Blaze. 

South Point
Rebel Camp
Karnariel sighs. He runs a hand through his hair. 
"So will you get me my troops? We still need to bolster the Sun Cloaks for the inevitable battles to come."

Forest Clearing 
Shadow snaps his head towards Lloyd. 
"What is she talking about, Lloyd?" Shadow says unsure. 
"We shouldn't be entertaining this-" Lloyd speaks but is interrupted by Shadow. 
"Answer the question." Shadow demands. 
"My Lord please." Lloyd pleads. Shadow sighs heavily. 
"I trust Lloyd. He's been with me since before The New Regime." Shadow is reluctant to doubt Lloyd. "But I know where we can find answers." He snaps his fingers and shadows fall on the clearing. When they lift the three of them are in a large council room surrounded by posh looking nobles. They stare in shock. With no hesitation Shadow plunges his hand into one of the noble's forehead. When he pulls his hand back there is a soft glow. The noble's head is unscathed. Shadow is silent. As are the nobles. 
"Why?" Shadow asks gravely. 
"Because, all you've ever wanted is to be a street rat! You've no goals! No aspirations! You are-" Lloyd is cut short by three arrows through the throat. He tries to manage words but only gurgles. Shadow strides forward and plunges his hand into Lloyd's chest. 
"I took you in. You would have died in the street cold and alone. I shared my life with you. Told you my dreams and kept you safe. And this is how you repay me." Shadow pulls his hand out of Lloyd's chest clutching a resplendent vermilion gem. He raises his other hand and a golden sphere of swirling lights appears. Without an order or any provocation the nobles cut their own throats. As the blood pools Shadow slumps against the wall and slides down into a tired mess. He looks to Lexianna.

"I only ever wanted to help those who were at the bottom. Those who lived their lives in the shadows. Trampled by those in power." Shadow laughs bitterly. "But all this time I've only looked the other way and hoped things would work out. Thank you. I'm willing give you any support within my power. I just need one thing in return."

"Bring me the head of Karnariel, The Rebel Star."