[b]Lexianna[/b]

There's been a change with the ship. They're done loading. "It sounds like your Admiral is the kind of man I'd like to get to know. Hold that thought for a moment please. If you'll excuse me, I'll be right back." I vanish from the ship.

When I reappear to the pirates, the Command Sphere rests in my hand. 

The Major and his Mystic Knights sleep soundly. They were suddenly overcome with exhaustion that I pushed into their limbs. When they wake they'll find themselves on the sandy shore. I'm sure they'll be confused and disoriented but I couldn't very well leave them on the ship with the troops. The troops, now have the order to regroup with the Sun Cloaks. I was going to update Karnariel but when I reached out to his mind it was in the deep black void state that often indicates dreamless slumber brought on by pure exhaustion. I'll let him sleep a little longer.

"The gold is yours to keep. As I said before I'll be taking the Sphere. However, I would very much like to set up a meeting with your Admiral." I motion to his arm with my free hand. "If I may?" I gently lift his arm out to the side then snap. A parrot dives down and lands on his outstretched arm. The bird squawks loudly right at Sea Wolf's face before shimmying up to his shoulder to perch. "This bird will give your Admiral a message from me. Please see him delivered safely." The bird nods its head twice before turning its head to squawk in Sea Wolf's face again. I smile. "I think he likes you. I don't know how it is on this world but a pirate is hardly complete without his parrot companion in my experience. Now, it's been a pleasure gentlemen. Until we meet again." I wave  goodbye before vanishing.

When I arrive at the Rebel Camp I can feel Karnariel's energy again. I breeze in and present Karnariel with the Sphere. "Now I believe I left you in charge of a certain infant. I'll take the child and you take the Sphere. Also, quite a lot happened with a certain pirate group led by an Admiral Ghat. I think we ought to speak about that..."

[b]The First Lotus-Blackout 482,004,911[/b]

Inwardly, I flinch when he introduces me as his wife. Everything the current Lotus ever wanted. I still consider him my oldest friend, turned rival, turned ex-friend when he killed me. It wouldn't be an understatement to say I hold a grudge. Not to mention he's the reason Lilianna has been robbed of her childhood.

From the corner of my eye I see her watching me intently. My face is completely composed though. I give nothing away. The child sees too much. Her eyes miss nothing. If she focuses. If she really [i]looks[/i]. No. She turns away. 


All this is still new to her. Unfortunately it's much of the same for me.  I ignore the man who spoke before, that is until I see the pain written across his soul. Lilianna is in his mind, commanding him to kneel.  I stop her with a look.

[i]"There's plenty more work to do. Don't lose sight of the real objective."[/i] I speak into her mind as I  grasp the knife in Zaakilio's back. I'm all too pleased to remove it for him. I rip the knife free. To his credit, he only slightly winces. I put my lips to his ear, "Leave the children alone. They're frightened enough." 

Twirling the knife in a single hand, I make my way towards the hut. I've met many witches in my lives. Only two were actual witches intent on killing me where I stood for what I am. They were dead before they could scream.  The others were cases of mistaken identity.  I've even been accused of being a witch before.  Let's see if this one and I have anything in common.