It started when Saran began to drink large amounts of caffeine, and it turned out she was addicted. Corde found her and brought her to Ashana's to go through detox. Problem was that she wasn't doing well and ended up trying to escape. Falcon shot her with a tranquilizer gun to keep her down. Tama, thinking that they were not helping Saran, saved her. She began to drink caffeine again, but this time started to see things crawling on her.

She called out for Falcon. Larc, who somehow knew Saran was in trouble also came. They took her back to Ashana's, where Queen Cyan told Ashana that Saran's parents were gods. It turned out that Saran was being poisoned. The poisoning, besides making her weak, also paralyzed her. At the same time, the Queen informed Saran that an entity of OutWorld known as Shao Kahn, was planning to invade Earth Realm.

Then, a fake Corde showed up, trying to come after Saran. People were getting hurt left and right and Saran played martyr and called for Ares. Even though Ares couldn't come to the island, he could snatch his daughter because she had called for him.

All of this happened while the Queen was in OutWorld trying to find her mother Vorpax, and get a cure for Saran. Meanwhile, fake Corde was causing trouble, and only the animals could tell which was which. Fearing that the little princess would also become a target, Saran gave Rissa a necklace that would allow Saran to find her once everything was ok.

Now…. We join our regular program already in progress……….

Just a smidge before the Preface……..

And slightly after…………….

"Ashana, are you sure she’s gonna be okay?" A nervous Falcon gazed at the locked door leading into Saran’s room.

Ashana put a comforting hand on the animal-healer’s arm. "Falcon, she will be fine. Between the caffeine and the lack of sleep and proper food, she’ll just be weak for a while. It’s simple, her body just gave out under the stress."

"What if she still thinks I tranqed her? I didn’t! I would have as a last resort, but..."

"Falcon, she doesn’t remember much right now, and that scares her. You of all people know how that feels. Go in, talk to her, just let her know that she is loved, and that you only want her to be well."

Falcon nodded, and as Ashana opened the door to Saran’s room, Falcon prayed to Artemis to give her the right words to say to one she thought of as a friend and a sister.

The form on the pallet seemed so small and frail; it almost broke Falcon’s heart to see her. "Saran?" Falcon said softly.

"Corde?" the figure said just as softly.

"No Saran, it’s me, Falcon. I just wanted to stop in and see you, if that’s okay." Falcon knelt on the floor next to the pallet, her face almost as pale as Saran’s.

Saran smiled weakly. "It’s okay Falcon, I’m gonna be okay. Ashana is giving me stuff for my stomach and headaches. I just wish I knew what happened; things are just so..." Saran looked into Falcon’s eyes. "But you already know what it’s like to not know things, to not remember. Maybe when I’m stronger... " Suddenly Saran sat up, her expression one of fear. "Falcon, get out of here now!"

Falcon jumped up in confusion, thinking she had somehow upset Saran.

"Falcon quick, get the Queen, tell her I think ‘they’ are coming."

"But Saran…" Falcon moved in confusion towards the door.

"PLEASE FALCON, NOW!" Saran shouted.

Something in Saran’s voice and face told the animal-healer that her friend was in earnest. Falcon pounded on the door, and as it opened, she burst out and ran to find the Queen.

Cyan was walking towards the healer’s hut when Falcon collided with her, knocking the Queen flat on her back.

"My Queen! Yikes, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you..."

"Expecting a big rush at the new zoo this afternoon?" Cyan lay staring up at the morning sun, not making any foreseeable motions as if planning to get up.

"My Queen, have I hurt you? I will go to Ashana’s…"

"No Falcon, I am fine. Just thinking." The Queen got up, brushing herself off as she mumbled under her breath. "And I guess hoping to catch a quick nap. Where were you off to in such a hurry, my friend?" she continued in a louder voice.

"I was actually coming to see you. Saran insisted that I find you immediately, and…"

The Queen held up her hand, and began to walk again towards the healer’s hut. "Well, luckily you were able to pin me down." Cyan’s voice drifted off as if deep in thought, "So, Saran is finally awake. She must feel them."

"Ashana," the Queen said quietly, "could you leave Saran and I to talk for a bit?"

"Of course my Queen, but she really should rest."

Cyan looked into Saran’s eyes as she lay on the bed in the healer’s hut. Saran’s expression told the Queen all she needed to know; the rumors she had heard were true. The timing of Saran's sickness and Shao Kahn's hints of invasion seemed almost impossible to believe true - yet they were.

"I will not keep her long Ashana; I promise." As the healer left the room, Cyan whispered quietly into the air as the door finally swung shut, "We’ll all need our rest; death may be just around the corner for each of us."

Cyan walked into her niece's room knowing Eri was not going to like where they were going. Unfortunately, as much as Cyan herself did not want to seek her mother's help, she had been left no choice. If Shao Kahn truly was planning to invade Earth Realm, there was no doubt that their Island would be his first stop. She would also have to seek Zeus's help in finding a remedy of some kind for the poison that ailed Saran. Had she not needed to keep an eye on Eri, she would have felt much better leaving her niece behind. Time had not come close to mending the wounds either of them felt, but Eri… Eri had seemed to hold the grudge longer and harder than even the Queen had been able. "Thanks Eponie, my Princess of Peace." she mumbled sarcastically under her breath. Cyan was becoming increasingly concerned that she may not have time to learn all that was going on; especially with Saran.

"Are you ready to go Eri?"

The younger Amazon fell into step behind her aunt and asked almost hesitantly where they were going.

"First we must travel the portals to OutWorld and find my mother. She is our only hope in uncovering whatever plans Shao Kahn has concerning Earth Realm…."

"….and you" Eri added in a voice just barely masking her seething anger.

Cyan ignored the comment, and quickly continued. "Then we attempt to get Zeus's attention, and see if he will supply us with a remedy for Saran's poison."

"Well, that should be easy Cyan… you have NEVER had a problem attracting the attention of the gods!" Eri stormed on ahead of Cyan; descending the steps of the Palace towards the Portal of Realms.

Queen Cyan sighed heavily as she watched her niece disappear into the caves. "I fear now may not be the appropriate time to mention my fear for your safety as well my most patient and loving niece?" Cyan walked through the cave entrance and disappeared out of sight.

Saran tossed restlessly on her pallet in the Healer's Hut. What was going on? She knew Cyan had a plan, but was not positive that the Queen would be able to accomplish all that she needed too in the time Saran had. There had to be more; but could it be that Ares and Celestia would leave the Island alone if she would just leave and join them? Perhaps that would be best? It would give her time to mend, and she would not be endangering all the warriors that had come to mean so much to her.

Saran's head was swimming the more she tried to think clearly. She had to buy the Queen some time. As the hut surroundings began to blur, Saran called out to the healer. "Ashana…. Ashana…."

But her voice produced little more than a whisper, and as visions and thoughts of her Island and new family began to engulf her; she remembered her old……

"Ares…… Ares….." she whispered until her surroundings finally went black.

"So, you want my help?"

The smug look on Ares face told Saran he thought he'd won.

"No, I want you to leave me and my friends alone. I would never ask for your help, I just want to know what is going on!" Saran looked around her to see if she knew where she was, while she attempted to regain her senses. Figuring correctly that Ares had brought her to one of his temples, she started to calculate what her next move would be.

"And you think I would just tell you? Saran, you know better than that. Why don't you just give in and admit you would much rather fight with me, than against me."

"Well, right now, I can't fight. Courtesy of you and your lovely 'let's get my daughter back' routine that you and Celestia have cooked up. The poison Ares, has left me weak and paralyzed. I can't fight for you, even if I wanted to."

"What poison? You weren't supposed to be poisoned. But that little addiction to caffeine of yours was just to slow you down."

"So why poison the caffeine? It already does a number on me and you know this. What is happening here?"

"Well, the least I can do is show you." At that, Ares makes a window open up so that Saran can see what was happening on the island. The fake Corde going after Tama and Falcon. The Queen coming back with a cure to talk to. . . "ARES, WHO IS THAT?" The sight of someone that looked just like her talking to the Queen sent shivers down Saran's spine.

"Oh, just a friend." Ares replied sarcastically.

Meanwhile, back on the Island.

Ashana rushed up to Queen Cyan and Eri. "My Queen, you've returned."

"Yes, Ashana. We are getting reading for a battle, get your supplies together. I've already sent Saran off to help the Enforcer prepare."

"But Cyan, how did you do that?"

"I gave Saran an herb, it will help cure her………."

Corde moved away from the other Amazons to figure out what was happening. Another Corde? How can that be? Maybe Saran will know. So Corde headed over to the palace. On her way there, low and behold Saran was walking toward her. Corde rushed up to her apprentice and hugged her. "Saran, what's happening here?"

Saran looked at Corde. "Everything is fine Corde. The Queen would like us to prepare for battle. Get your gear together, and meet the guard at the palace."

Corde looked at Saran, and saw the sword hanging by Saran's side. She looked again and realized that this wasn't her apprentice at all. Figuring the best thing to do at this point would be to get away and warn the queen. Corde quickly said. "Sure Saran, but I think I better talk to QC first."

The sound of Corde's voice quivering gave the non-Saran the clue that Corde knew the truth about her. The non-Saran pulled her sword to kill Corde, when Corde disappeared.

Meanwhile the real Saran was watching the exchange, courtesy of Ares.

"Ares, where did she go?" Saran's anger was getting the best of her.

"Don't worry my child, she's safe. However, that double of yours shouldn't have done that. I have plans for both of your doubles." With that said, Ares left.

"Welcome Corde." Ares said to the young Amazon sitting in the room across the hall from Saran.

"Ares?" Corde, scared and confused looked at the god, wondering what was to become of her.

"Glad to see someone on that Island knows me."

"Why am I here?"

"Corde, do you really believe I will tell you? Think child. However, I don't want you to be bored, so I've arranged for some entertainment for you. Enjoy." With that said, Ares disappeared.

Corde then looked up, and sort of window opened up, where she could see the Island, and what was happening on it; as well as what was happening to the other Amazons.

Back on the Island, non-Saran came up to the Queen. "My Queen, I have gathered the Amazons. What is your plan?"

Queen Cyan, after hearing Ashana's report, questioned whether or not this was Saran. She needed proof however, and she then figured out how to get it. "Saran, come over here. I don't want to say this out loud."

Non-Saran followed the Queen to the side of the hut.

"Saran, Queenie here needs to warm up. So how about we spar, to make sure our reflexes are ready for this battle?"

"Yes, my Queen." Saran then took out her sword and attacked the Queen. Queen Cyan, realizing that this wasn't Saran, countered quickly and ferociously. The battle was hard and furious, but the Queen quickly realized it would be a dangerous gamble to kill this fake Saran. Something told her that if she did, the real Saran would die. Queen Cyan then switched tactics and attacked with her left, instead of her right. The non-Saran wasn't prepared for that and fell to the ground.

"So, who are you? Saran wouldn't have fallen that easy!" The Queen having the non-Saran cornered didn't think she was in any danger. Just then, Corde walked up to them, knocking the Queen to the ground and grabbing Saran. Before Cyan could stop them, they both had disappeared into the woods.

Queen Cyan addressed her Island warriors,

"There is no doubt that OUR Saran and Corde have been trapped by Ares. He has sent these imposters with Shao Kahn’s help for some unknown reason. Shao Kahn must not be allowed to enter Earth Realm from OutWorld. We will need to send a few different teams out to gather information and see if we can plan a better attack. I want you all to send word of what you are doing, where you are going, and what you have learned, back to the Island where we will keep track of the information. Once we have gathered what we can, we will all meet back here."

"Falcon, Tama, Larc - You need to find where Ares is hiding Saran and Corde. You will not be able to break them free on your own, and you may actually harm them if we don’t unite them first. Gather what information you can and send word back to the Island. Princess Eponie will send you what warriors you need, and the other gods will hear you if you call upon them."

Tinka, Matt & Kaia - Cover all the surrounding villages and towns for as many miles as you can. Find out if any unfamiliar faces have been popping up or weapons are being ordered in mass amounts, etc... DO NOT engage in any battles that can be avoided. We must make every effort not to alert Ares that we know his plans."

"Rae & Loa - I want you both to do what you do best. Travel and listen, my best of spies, and learn for me every move Celestia makes. She just may turn out to be Ares' weak spot. And you two!" Cyan yelled looking back over her shoulder, "Stay away from the bell towers!"

"Eri & Olympia - You both will come with me to find Vorpax before Shao Kahn does. She is still the key to all this somehow."

"The rest of you will be left to guard the Island and organize whatever help the teams may need. You must not let Saran #2 or Corde #2 off the Island! Be careful, each of you. I do not want to see Ashana's hut filling with my warriors."

Cyan took Eponie, Vicky and Labris aside as the rest of her warriors hurried away. "You three must guard the crystals and portal very closely. Shao Kahn has many tricks, and I assure you, he will try to get here. And Vicky, do not let Rissa out of your sight."

Cyan walked off towards the Palace before any of them could respond. "You heard her," Labby said "I'll take the first watch, while you two find Riss."

Falcon, with Morning Star on her wrist, entered the Healers hut. Ashana, who was handing one of her famous medical Popsicle to a small child with a scraped knee, smiled and asked "Falcon what can I do for you?" The child scampered off. "Ashana, I need a few things form your stores, do you have any of this?" Falcon hands the healer a list. As the healer reads the list her face becomes worried. "Falcon, Mandrack root, Belledonna, Foxglove? These are poisons in the wrong dosage and this often; why?"

"Please do not ask. I have my reasons." Just then Corde walked into the healers hut. "Hey Falc, where is the kid? I need to ask her a question." Morning Star keens her distress. In a series of moves Falcon launches the Merlin and dives at the figure before her.

"FALCON THATS CORDE WHAT ARE YOU DOING??" A small dart appears in Falcon's hand and in a swift motion scratches the figure across the neck leaving a thin trail of blood. The figure slumps to the floor. "That's not Corde, didn't you see how the Merlin reacted? The animal knows the difference. It's one of those creatures. We need to get the Queen and the Enforcer. I'll tie this thing down and give it something to hopefully weaken it, but not kill it; much as I'd like to. It may know where Saran and Corde are. If its here, I fear Corde may be missing also. Tell the Queen it asked after the Little Princess."

Ashana left the hut and soon returned to find the Corde look-a-like trussed to a pallet, with Falcon pressing a deadly knife to its throat. The creature's eyes blazed red. "I am not Mariah. I do not even know who she is. Now where are they? Tell me or by the Gods I will send you back to your master in pieces, and I will make sure you live for days while I do it."

Queen Cyan, the Princess and the Enforcer entered the hut. Taking in the scene the Queen barked a command. "FALCON STAND DOWN THIS INSTANT!!" Falcon turned her once blue eyes black with rage.

"I SAID STAND DOWN! DO AS YOUR QUEEN COMMANDS!!" Falcon stands and steps back, her body trembling, eyes glazed. She is in two worlds now. One, the past as new memories flood in; and the present. The command to stand down caused her to step away form the object of her rage.

Princess Eponie stepped forward and spoke softly, holding out her hand. "Falcon, give me your dagger." Falcon looked to her hand, and back to the Princess. As the Princess drew nearer, Falcon, as was her custom dropped to one knee, placing the knife, hilt first, into the Princess' hand. The Queen turned to the Enforcer; "We will question this one ourselves." Turning back to the room, "Vicky. Ep. Perhaps you had better take Falcon somewhere until she is more herself."

"What ever that is…" the Enforcer said quietly. Each day's a new mystery with this new addition to the tribe.

"Ok Ares, you've got a deal, heal me and then I'll do your bidding."

"Saran, I thought you would come around. So, do you want to know who before we solidify this deal?"

"Ares, let's not play games. Just get me on my feet and I'm yours."

"Oh now Saran, are we being impatient here? Come on, you know we have plenty of time to discuss this."

At that Saran felt something stir in her legs. Ares hadn't made a gesture as of yet, so she figured that somehow she was gaining back feeling without his help. Realizing it maybe wise to find out who it was that Ares wanted her to kill before making the deal might not be such a bad idea.

"Ok Ares, who is it? Some warlord who isn't following you anymore? Better yet, one of your old conquests who has absolutely no interest in you."

"My daughter, quite the wise one aren't you?" Pausing while the smile that had been affixed to his face fell momentarily continued on. "I want you to kill Corde."

"WHAT!!!!! ARES, WHAT DOES CORDE HAVE TO DO WITH THIS! YOU WANT ME, TAKE ME BUT SHE IS TO BE LEFT ALONE!"

"Saran, she's seen too much. I mean, she's here as well, but don't worry, she doesn't know that you're here. And if you do it right, she will never know."

"Ares. No matter what anyone tells you, remember this. I will never, ever follow, obey, or even consider doing your bidding. I will never take another's life in your name, and most of all. I will not let a hair on Corde's head be harmed."

"Too bad. You see, she's going to die anyway and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Especially in your condition." At that Ares turns away and leaves. His laugh seemed to hang in the air long after he was gone.

Saran, desperately trying to figure out what to do, realizes she must find where Ares was keeping Corde. Knowing the others were coming didn't help, even if her strength was returned in time. Even if she could fight again, she still didn't know what Ares really wanted. She knew it had something to do with a sword he had stolen from Hesphestes. A sword he wanted her to use, and apparently on Corde. Too many thoughts filled her head. Confusion and worry, not understanding what was going on and knowing if she didn't find Corde. . .

Queen Cyan paced back and forth occasionally looking over at the Enforcer. "Where the heck is she Olympia? We have got to get things moving, we are running out of time! If I leave Tamahome, Larc, and Falcon without someone to attack soon, Tama is going to drive me nuts! And I can't blame them - we have got to find where Saran is being kept." Just then Eri walked into the palace.

"Well its about time" Cyan said, "Where have you been?"

"I went to see Poseidon and ask for his help in finding Saran." The Queen and the Enforcer stared at one another in disbelief. "Are you kidding me?" The Enforcer said, barely containing her growing anger with the Queen's niece.

"Listen.." Eri interrupted. "The other gods are just as much at risk as we are if Ares and Shao Kahn complete their plan. Ares is holding her in a temple at the peak of Mt. Aseret, and Poseidon has shown me a path through the center of the mountain that will bring us to the peak undetected. If we send Tama, Larc and Falcon, they can safely lead Saran out of there while we continue to look for Vorpax."

"Olympia - send Tama, Falcon, and Larc out at once. Tell them to do as Saran says once they have gotten to her. She may know things we are not aware of and I will not risk her safety or theirs for the sake of Ares and his selfish plans."

"Yes, my Queen." The Enforcer left to help the others prepare for their trip.

"And just where will we be going if not to help rescue Saran, Aunt Cyan?"

"I think it's time we had a little family reunion Eri. If we cannot find Vorpax by the time Saran is brought back to the Island - we may have trouble re-uniting her with her clone other half. I am also curious to ask Poseidon why he is not more concerned in taking an active interest in discovering Shao Kahn's plan. Go tell the rest of the Island that Eponie & Vicky will have to raise our warriors and prepare them for battle. They must be ready to leave or fight at any minute. If my guess is right, Saran won't be coming alone - she's a hot commodity right now - and I don't think either Ares or Celestia are going to let her go that easily."

"I will meet you at the Island boats my Queen, and will tell the Enforcer we leave immediately." Eri turned to walk out and then thought for a moment and looked back towards her aunt.

"Poseidon told me to remind you that neither you nor Saran must harm Ares or Celestia. He did not seem very concerned with Shao Kahn or his plans. To be honest, he did not even mention your mother's name; nor did I care to bring it up. Why is Saran so important to them my Queen?"

The Queen turned to look out at the stirrer boat Saran had constructed in her free time. "She's important to a lot of people Eri, and if it's a fight they want, I assure you, it is coming."

Eri shut the door to the Queen's palace just as her aunt slipped her swords into their sheaths. Cyan leaned heavily on the railings of the balcony overlooking the training grounds and watched her warriors racing about. She smiled slowly and whispered into the air, "Be prepared Ares. Death is coming, and she's bringing all of hell with her."

Falcon entered the balcony behind the Queen. She paused a moment and then spoke. "My Queen, forgive the intrusion. Tama Larc and I are ready to depart. I am taking extra horses, and the Merlin; Tama has his Slash. If it please the Queen, I would like Larc or Tama to head the team. This is my first venture in your service." I will be leaving Shadow to guard the Little Princess, The Corde look alike was looking for her, I fear they know of her ability. They may try to use it to cover up what ever it is the animal sense."

The Queen nodded in agreement. "Larc will lead the team Falcon, but I am depending on you and your special gifts with the animals to be extra alert. I am glad to hear you will be bringing the birds. Are you sure you should not take Shadow with you? I can leave either Avalanche or Abyss with Rissa -only one cat is coming with the Enforcer, Eri, and I."

"As you wish." Falcon removed a small dagger from her belt, and held it hilt first to the Queen. "The blade is very sharp; it is an assassin's blade. The hilt hides a powder that paralyzes, and if need be," Falcon twists the guard and a long thin dart flies from the end of the hilt. It buries itself into a wall. "The dart is dipped in Hinds Blood."

Falcon hands the blade to the Queen. "My memories return my Queen. After Saran and Corde are returned to the safety of the island I have things to tell you." Falcon turned and walked to the door.

The Queen turned to face her niece with an arched eyebrow. "I fear things may grow very complicated". Cyan turned the blade over in her hand, looking at it carefully, then passed it to Eri. "Put this out of sight Eri, and don't speak of it to anyone, especially the Enforcer. I think Falcon may be far more than we ever expected."

"The laws of the gods will not allow you to harm Ares or Celestia Cyan, but I think Falcon has enough loyalty in her to do the job for us."

"I agree Eri, but there are things she does not know, and as much trouble as Ares is, he is Saran's family."

"And yours" Eri muttered under her breath.

"Then I suggest we get Saran back soon... very soon."

Eri and Cyan met the Enforcer outside the hut door. "Larc, Falcon and Tama have just left my Queen, and I must say, Falcon looks quite determined."

"Yes, she most certainly is. Our Falcon is a warrior of many secrets. Get the horses; we're leaving now. I have a plan, and if all goes well, I will be able to talk with Saran, even if just for a minute. We are going to need her help."

Cyan, Eri and the Enforcer flipped up and onto their horses and rode out of sight.

Larc, Tama and a very silent Falcon traveled along a deserted road, night would soon fall, and they needed rest. Tama tried with little success to get more than a wan smile out of Falcon.

"We will need to camp soon, I don’t know about you but I was not much for horses." Larc laughed softly.

"Well there is a town just over the hill I think, maybe half a candlemark." said Tama

"Thank the Gods." sighed Larc " Hope they have an inn, I could use a soft bed right about now."

Falcon nodded and the three rode in silence. True to his word a small town was indeed over the hill. The Dragons tail inn was open but had only one room. After much quiet arguments as to who was going to sleep in the stables with the horses, it was finally settled that a cot would be placed in to room and all three would rest there that night. After the three travelers ate a warm meal they went up top the room for the night. As they went up the stairs Falcon felt the hairs on her neck stand up. A casual glance around the room revealed nothing. She did not see the eyes that followed the three people and the wolf up the stairs.

Then the dark figure left the inn to report what he had seen.

Cyan stood before Poseidon, while Eri talked with Nautica in another part of the room. The Enforcer would not have understood Cyan's seeking Poseidon's help, and Cyan was in no mood to do battle with her warrior - not now. She had sent Olympia on to a nearby village to replenish their supplies, and they would meet up with her when she had finished her business here.

The Queen smiled as Eri and Nautica sparred with one another. Had things been different she was sure that the two warriors would have been good friends, but as of yet, things remained unchanged.

"I do not think it would be wise for me to interfere with Ares and his plan Cyan. Saran is his daughter, and it is he and Celestia you should be speaking with."

"I am merely asking you to open a window to Saran so that I might speak with her. You have my word that I will not attempt to take her from Ares… at least not yet."

The god of the oceans turned his back on the Amazon Queen and began to swirl his Triton in a small pool of water at his side. "Very well Cyan, but you will only have a few minutes to speak with Saran before Ares detects my interference."

Saran's image began to glimmer upwards and eventually take shape into a clearer image amongst the pool's waters. It was obvious that the warrior was instantaneously aware of a presence. "Cyan?" Saran whispered.

"I'm here Saran. Quickly, we must talk. Tell me what you know. Others from the Island are on their way…."

"The Enforcer glanced around the village, locating the shop she needed. She was unsure as to why Cyan would have needed an additional saddlebag for their journey, and even more food than they already had, but I guess it was better to be prepared. "Amazon Scout training I assume…" the Enforcer mumbled under her breath.

Just then a slender man rushed up to the Enforcer, and drew her aside quietly. He handed the Enforcer a note. "A group of warriors passed through here not long ago, and one of them asked that I pass this on to you or another of your kind should you pass through."

The Enforcer took two dinars out of her pouch and pressed them into the man's palm. "Thank you my friend. You have done well. Your help will not be forgotten."

The Enforcer opened the note, as she pulled tightly on the reigns of her horse. She quickly read and folded the note again, sliding it into her saddlebag. Flipping effortlessly into her mount, she headed the horse towards a nearby stable. "Come my friend. I have some supplies to get, while you have yourself some new shoes and a well-earned grooming. Then we wait for Cyan and Eri to come and join us." She leaned down closely and whispered into her horse's ear, "Be very alert my friend; Falcon tells me we are being watched, and might soon have guests."

Captivity really wasn’t so bad, Corde mused. She was chained to the wall by one ankle, but at least she had a pallet to sleep on. And food. There had been times when she was living on the streets of Athens that a steady supply of food would have been heavenly. And it wasn’t too cold...

Corde turned her thoughts to escape. She knew that she was kept by Ares’ minions, and that Saran was somewhere in the temple as well. Corde was worried about her friend. What if Ashana hadn’t been able to heal her before Ares took her? Would Ares even bother to keep Saran alive? Sure, she was his daughter, but did that matter to the God of War?

Corde curled up on her pallet and wondered for the eight hundredth time why she was there. Why had Ares taken her? Did the tribe even know she was gone, or had the uberCorde fooled them? She hoped that at least someone was looking for Saran. Falcon would be, certainly, and probably Tamahome too. She gave a wistful smile at the memory of Homie and Saran’s toothpick creations. Either of them could probably McGyver their way out of this blasted cell. Corde gave in to three seconds of self-pity for her wussiness before smacking herself sharply and trying to get her mind back on her escape.

There was a flash of blue light. Ares had come to gloat again. Corde didn’t bother opening her eyes.

"Well hello, my little Corde," Ares sneered. "I have some news for you." Corde ignored him. "You may want to pay attention to this," he said seriously. "There is a rescue party out to find you. And you get to watch them die."

He flashed away as Corde tried to mask her horror. She couldn’t do it and gave into tears. Corde was wrong. Captivity sucked.

"I’m here Saran. Quickly, we must talk. Tell me what you know. Others from the Island are on their way...."

Saran was wondering how it was that Cyan could get this window to her; but she knew she had to give as much information in as short a period of time as possible.

"I know, I’ve been watching all of you since coming here. Ares wants something from me, something that only I can do. He wants me to use some weapon of his to kill Corde."

"What? Do you know where she is?" Cyan asked.

"She’s here, somewhere in this temple. Cyan, I still can’t walk, but I’m gaining some feeling in my legs. Ares is using this to get me to go with him. He’s promising to heal me as long as I do his bidding. I was going to do it, but if I do I can’t not fulfil my part of the bargain, and I’m not going to kill her!"

Cyan moves to speak but Saran stops her and then continues. "Cyan, I don’t know exactly where she is, but I’m sure she knows where I am. You and the others are in a great deal of danger, those clones of ours that are on the island, they are there for a reason and it has something to do with Ares and that weapon."

"Saran what about Celestia?"

"I haven’t seen her. I don’t think she’s involved with Ares plan and she hasn’t been checking on me like he has."

"We’ll figure. . ." at that the window closed and Saran laid back down.

Wondering what was going to happen, and what exactly Ares wanted with her. However, it was the weapon that worried her the most. She still never carried or used a weapon, not since that time she used a poor excuse for a sword against a large army, killing every one of them. The blade on that sword couldn’t have sliced through a block of cheese, but in her hands it sliced full armored men in two. If that was true for an old and beaten sword, what would happen if the sword Ares made got into her hands.

The Inn had settled and all was quiet, Falcon sat and watched the courtyard below, Larc was resting on the pallet and Tama reclined on the extra that was brought in, each alone with their own thoughts.

Shadow lifts his head and a low growl is heard.

"I hear him Shadow." Tama rolls in the pallet his dagger in hand. Waiting.

Larc feigns sleep, and Falcon moves to the shadows beside the door.

Suddenly a panel next to Falcon moves and a dark figure slips in. It glides over to what looks like a sleeping form on the small pallet, raising a dagger.

Tama’s hand shoots out grabbing the armed wrist in one hand presses the

tip of his own dagger into the intruder's throat

"Don’t you know it's impolite to come into a persons room uninvited."

The figure pull back and is met by an angry Falcon, the two disarm the stranger and Larc lights lamps so they can see who it is that came in.

The figure turns out to be a man in strange robes; he glares at Tama and Larc. "I will tell you nothing." She spits.

"Oh I think you will." Falcon a strange light in her eyes steps around to face the stranger.

The stranger gasps, "You---- " his face pales.

"You know me." Falcon says her face blank

"One of the masters best, of course I know you." "But what are you doing.."

Tama and Larc watch this exchange. "Falcon what is he talking about."

Larc asks

"Falcon?" the robed man looks confused. "But your name is.."

Suddenly the man's body convulses and he falls to the floor.

Falcon lifts the man's head. "Who is it you think I am?"

The man coughs and blood trickles from his mouth, the scent of poison is clear. "You were paid Assassin and you betrayed him, that much is clear."

"I killed your sister that day dark one and we will find your child and kill her as well."

"Who are you?" Falcon shakes the man. "Who do you think I am?"

"Mariah died well, you will die slow. " the man laughed and bubbled suddenly he convulsed again and went limp.

"Who am I????" "What is my name." " What child??"

"Falcon he’s dead." Tama’s hand is gentle on Falcon’s shoulder.

Falcon puts the dead man down and rises she walk to the window, and gazes out.

Tama searches the body. He removes a pouch of powders and small darts like the ones he has seen Falcon carry. From around the man's neck he removes a medallion. He shows it to Larc and she pales.

"Falcon look." She whispers

Falcon joins her friends and gazes at the medallion, it is the profile of

A Dragons head. "Shao Kahn." she whispers.

The brief communication with Cyan gave Saran the strength to keep focused on what needed to be done. As she lay on the cot, the constant images of the Amazons filled her senses. Thinking back, she did find it strange that she didn't see Cyan until the window that Cyan talked to her through opened up. Cyan was becoming more and more a mystery to Saran, yet she still had the conviction that Cyan would not betray or let harm come to any of her amazons. Even the crazy ones with toothpicks constantly in hand.

As these thoughts past through her she looked to see what was happening with her rescue party. She saw the assassin come in and then the look on his face when he saw Falcon. Saran always knew there was something slightly dangerous about the unnamed amazon, but she knew there was honor too. The mention of Shao Kahn brought unexpected shivers down her back. "Who's Shao Kahn?"

"Do you really want to know?" Ares voice caught her off guard, she didn't hear him come in, nor did she realize she asked the question out loud.

Cyan turned from the window and faced Poseidon. "Something is very strange here Poseidon. There is more to this than even the gods must know. I have sent two of my warriors to find Celestia, and I am glad. Saran herself does not think her mother is involved, but why the need to have her kill Corde?"

Poseidon shook his head as Eri and Nautica walked towards the Queen. "I do not understand what Ares is doing Cyan, you have my word."

"Whatever our differences Poseidon, we cannot allow Shao Kahn to enter Earth Realm!"

"Shao Kahn?" Poseidon asked in disbelief. "What are you talking about Cyan? He is not allowed to enter Earth Realm. It has been forbidden by the elder gods themselves."

Eri and Cyan looked at one another, slightly bewildered by the god's remarks. "Do you mean that the gods of Olympus are unaware that Ares is doing Shao Kahn's bidding? It is my guess that Ares and Shao Kahn seek to control Earth Realm for themselves, eliminating anyone in their path; including the other gods."

"They seek more than Earth Realm…" came a voice from a darkened part of the room. A cloaked figure slowly walked towards the four individuals frozen where they stood. "They seek much more than any of you can imagine…" With that the figure lowered the hood to her cape and looked up at the god of the oceans. "Hello Poseidon. Destiny has once again caused our paths to cross; as I knew it would, one day."

"Vorpax!' Poseidon whispered in disbelief. "But how did…."

"Ah, and once again the prodigal mother mysteriously appears when all hell is about to let loose. A strange thing that you always….." Vorpax held up her hand cutting her daughters remaining words short.

"I am fully aware of your ….. unhappiness and displeasure with my role in your life; but as destiny would have it, what is done is done. One day you will need to embrace all that you are, and were born as Cyan, and that day is fast approaching. Your warrior, Saran, will need not only your help but also your honesty. She is a good warrior and an honest and loyal friend. I have watched her, and she will keep your secret……."

"Then you know where she is, and what Ares has planned?" Cyan jumped in with increasing hope.

"I do not know Ares' plan or what exactly he hopes to gain from Shao Kahn, other than possession of his daughter, but I do know what Shao Kahn wants, and unless he is stopped - more than Earth Realm will become his. I also know that your inclination not to harm the fake warriors placed on your Island was a correct one. You will need to unite their two halves before they will be fully whole again."

Suddenly the other gods of Olympus materialized inside the room of Poseidon's palace. "Things must be settled now Vorpax. You were not to come to this Realm without telling us…."

"Relax Zeus. The history of Cyan's family tree is not to be debated here, nor is it why I have come. Shao Kahn has aligned himself with your self-serving son Ares, and has every intention of wiping you out and claiming Earth Realm as his own. Kahn has come for two things, my daughter and her crystal."

Cyan looked around in surprise. "The crystals? Why would he need them to control Earth Realm?"

"The crystal hanging around your neck is one of only two that exist from the Cobalt Mines of OutWorld. It alone makes the other Crystals complete so that their powers may be used. Your crystal is the gateway to Earth Realm and all other realms through the portals. Should he find you or the crystal, Earth Realm will be his. My crystal however is what holds the power of my immortality, unlike yours, which was attained through birth. I will need the help of the gods to stop Shao Kahn from taking my crystal as well."

"Very well" Zeus answered disappearing back to Olympus, soon to be followed by the other gods.

"Go Cyan and find your warriors. I will be safe with the gods for now, but you, you must reach your warriors before Shao Kahn or Ares' men find them. They are being followed and a trap is being laid for each of them as we speak. Your warrior Saran will soon have the answers to her questions of Ares' intentions; and you will soon discover another."

"Another?" Cyan asked confused by everything she was hearing.

"Yes. A warrior more valuable to your Island than you, or she, ever realized." Vorpax disappeared into the air leaving Cyan and Eri just a bit overwhelmed.

"Hurry. We need to find the Enforcer and get fast on the tracks of Larc's party. If we do not find them within one days time, I fear we may find ourselves with a bigger war to fight then we came prepared to take on."

As they left Poseidon's palace Cyan stopped to look at the god. "I will not forget your help Poseidon, nor my mother's words."

"Be cautious Cyan. Shao Kahn knows many things, including the way to provoke one's irrational side." Cyan and the god glanced at Eri as she said goodbye to Nautica. "This war may involve more family than any of us ever knew"……………………..

Meanwhile, back on the Island…..

The day was bright and clear as Rae and Loa sat on the beach, eating cheese and singing "Men in Tights."

Suddenly! A messenger pigeon came swooping onto the beach, a rolled up sheet

of parchment tied to its back. Loa jumped up a big grin on her face. "We…"

Rae followed. "Just got a letter!"

Both sang together. "We just got a letter, we just got a letter, we just got a letter, wonder who it’s from."

Then the bird did an appropriate squawking noise. And Rae skipped over to the pigeon and pulled the note off of its back.

"It’s from… Falcon!" she exclaimed.

"What does it say?" Loa said, packing up the rest of her cheese.

"It says.....

Dear Amazons~

We need your HELP! Corde is missing, and we are low on reinforcements, and we need you right away. Please! Hurry!" Rae finished.

Loa rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Hmmm… There has to be some way for us to look around and get a good view. Maybe then we can find hairy Ares!"

Rae gave Loa a look. "Hairy Ares?! Well… If I was in Hairy’s shoes, where would I hide?"

"I dunno." Loa said, shrugging. "I’m not Hairy, and I’m not Ares, so how should I know?!" she looked at her pack, that still sat on the sand. "Hey Rae, can we go rock climbing now." She whined. "I mean, that’s why we came out here, right?"

Rae shrugged, "I guess so." She picked up her pack, and Loa picked up hers.

"Let’s go." Loa said. "The other Amazon’s will take care of this."

The two began to walk down the beach, when….

"STOP RIGHT THERE!!!" A voice cried over the sandy dunes.

Rae and Loa looked at each other and then they turned to see the source of the noise. Standing where they had just been, was Saran!!

Loa smiled. "Saran! You’re back!" she said, happily.

Rae smiled as well, but then a frown spread across her face. "Loa…" she

muttered.

"What?! It’s Saran, Rae!" Loa said, jumping up and down happily. Loa rummaged in her pack. "This calls for celebration, cheese and shorts for everyone!" she dug out a wheel of brie, and her black PE shorts. She placed the shorts on her head and did a little dance.

Rae just took the cheese. "Loa, that isn’t Saran! Look, the cheese if truth tells all!" Rae hurled the cheese at "Saran."

"Saran" fell to the ground writhing in pain.

"Saran likes cheese! She would never be hurt from its curative powers."

Loa’s mouth dropped open. "Oh, my God! My cheese! My shorts!"

Rae grabbed Loa’s arm. "She’s a CLONE!!"

Loa screamed. "NOOOOOOOOOOO!! My cheese!"

"Loa we have to get outta here!" Rae said, dragging Loa, her shorts, and the two packs with her.

"But, but, my cheese!" Loa said, near tears.

"Forget about the damn cheese! Let’s GO!" they began to run.

They could hear the heavy footsteps of the Saran clone and some of her comrades running to get them.

Loa turned to Rae. "This reminds me of Animal Farm… I feel just like little

Snowball…"

Rae slapped Loa hard. "SHUT UP! Just run!"

Loa then kicked Rae in the shins. "Take that fruit!"

At this point the bickering was reached a crescendo. Suddenly, Rae and Loa

turned to see…

An army of CLONES!

"RUN!!!!" they both yelled, and then ran for their lives.

They ran and ran, but there seemed to be no escape.

Until………

"WHAT IS THAT!?" Loa yelped, staring at the monolithic structure in front of them.

"Why it’s a…" Rae began.

"Bell tower!!" Loa finished.

Rae began look around nervously. "But we’re not supposed to climb the bell tower!!"

"But! But!" Loa stuttered.

"Loa, the Queen’ll kill us!"

"I don’t care! Look!" she screamed, making Rae look at the wave of clones coming towards them.

"Um… Um… Climb!!!" Rae shrieked.

Loa searched her bags for the grappling hook. But it was gone! Falcon had taken it with her.

"NOO! We’re gonna die!" Loa yelped.

Rae shook her head. "Never!" she grabbed a bungee cord from the pack, and threw it into the air; it hooked over the top of the bell tower.

"Go!" Rae said, swinging the rope over to Loa.

Loa began the climb; unfortunately, her prized cheese fell to the sandy ground below.

"My cheeeese!!!" Loa cried sorrowfully.

Rae began to climb. "We’ll get more later! Just GO!"

Then Loa and Rae climbed. The clones were just behind them, as they reached the top.

Loa began to panic. "Rae! Rae! Hurry! We can’t let them get up here."

Loa and Rae rushed the rope and unhooked it from the tower. The clones crashed to the sandy beach below, howling and screaming and squawking.

Loa sat down, relieved. "We did it!" she said. "This calls for another celebration."

The shorts went on her head again. "Sorry, no cheese this time." A tear fell from her eye. "It’s ::sniff:: down there…" she gestured to the ground below.

Rae shrugged. "Since we’re here, and I don’t know how we’re going back down while THEY’RE there. But… we'll find a way. I wish had our stuff."

A dim light bulb appeared over Loa’s head. "I know!" she stood, and closed her eyes.

All of a sudden, two packs, a bungee cord, and a wheel of sharp cheddar flew up to the top of the tower.

Rae brightened. "All right, all we have to do, is wait until they leave. For now, why don’t we just explore the tower. We have a good view; maybe we could scout out the land! Maybe we could even find Corde!"

Loa nodded. "All right."

Then the two began their search.

Meanwhile.....Ep complained to Lab, why are you constantly reading those old scrolls? Are you looking for something? Do you know more than you say? Just then, Lab began to fade, to disappear....

Saran sat and watched as Rae and Loa bungeed their way into Ares lair. She couldn’t help but laugh at the attempts of Loa and Rae, especially of the poetry from the big brown bunny. As silly as the whole operation was, she was more worried as to what Ares would do to them. However, what they could do to him made her start to laugh again.

"What’s so funny daughter?" Ares said as he appeared before her.

"If you really want to get away with whatever you’re up to, you might want to release them."

"Saran, as for lame excuses, that takes the cake. Really, do you believe that I would release them? They sorry excuses for warriors, more concerned with Men in Tights and bunny poetry. I really can’t consider them a threat."

"Your problem, not mine. They like me." Saying that Saran fell into another fit of laughter. It had been so long since she’s laughed that it helped clear her mind. She always admired Rae and Loa, even though some of their exploits were rather insane, there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that they were together a formidable team. Yeah, she had laughed just as much as everyone with the belltower incident, but she learned more from it than the others in the tribe did. Laughter tended to make everyone doubt their ability to fight and defend. However, the truth was Rae and Loa could hold their own, and you really didn’t want to keep them chained up; especially if you were the one holding them hostage. For a brief second Saran actually felt sorry for Ares, unfortunately for him, it was only a brief second. Saran wasn’t about to tell him what the two warriors were capable of.

Rae and Loa had been scouting from atop the bell tower for quite awhile.

They were getting very bored. "Hey Rae, can we bungee jump now?" asked Loa. "No, not yet. We have to watch for a sign of Ares so that we can find Corde and Saran." Loa sighed. "This is taking forever…where is the sign? Helloooooooooo?! I am getting impatient. I want my sign." Suddenly the bell tower shook. Both girls screamed. "What was that?" whispered Rae. "I have no idea," said Loa. "It came from the bell tower." "That’s impossible…we checked the base of the bell tower before. There’s no way in." "Well it definitely came from inside…there’s just no other place that it could have come from." Rae thought for a moment. "I have an idea! Let’s bust the top of the bell tower open and go inside!" "Yeah!" agreed Loa. "We can bungee jump inside!" "Loa!" "Sorry…" Rae took out her sword and started banging at the bell tower. After a good hour the top of the tower cracked open. "Finally…" said Loa. "I was getting bored again." "Whatever. Let’s go in and find out what was making that noise."

The two lowered themselves into the bell tower. They landed on a wooden floor. They looked around cautiously. It looked as if they had landed in a small room. In the center of the small room was a wooden table with a candle and a few books on it. Rae motioned to Loa to follow her so they could check it out. Rae picked up the first book. "Medical terminology? Why would anyone in a bell tower have a book on medical terminology?" "This is ever weirder," commented Loa who was looking in the second book. "What is it?" "Poetry…strange poetry." She handed the book to Rae who looked at it and then read aloud, "The big brown bunny jumped into the big brown bunny hole? What in the world…" Loa began to laugh hysterically. "The big brown bunny!" she gasped. "That is the funniest thing I have heard all day!" Rae read the poem again and started laughing as well. The two were practically in tears from laughing so hard when suddenly they heard a voice. "What’s so funny?" Rae and Loa gasped for air. Standing before them was a man, about six feet with brown hair and glasses. Both grew silent. "Um…nothing…sir" said Rae. "Who are you?" asked Loa. "My name is Dr. Laurie, minion of Ares. Rae and Loa looked at each other. They might be able to get a clue as to where Corde and Saran were. The man suddenly realized what they had been doing. "My poetry! How dare you!" he snatched the book from Loa. "Hey! You don’t have to get all touchy!" exclaimed Loa. "My beautiful works of art…laughed at. What a disgrace." Rae stifled her laughter. "Sir…I mean Dr. Laurie, do you get out much?" He looked at her questioningly. She burst into laughter once again. "That’s it! You make me angry!" he shouted. Suddenly the room filled with smoke. Rae stopped laughing. Loa took out her daggers. When the smoke cleared, Dr. Laurie was gone and in his place was…"A BIG BROWN BUNNY AHHHHHHH!" screamed Rae and Loa. The huge brown bunny started to jump up and down. The floor shook. Suddenly the bunny attacked. It tried to stomp Rae and Loa. Suddenly Rae had an idea. "Loa, get that medical terminology book!" Loa ran for the book. Rae dodged the bunny and grabbed the poetry book. Rae looked over at Loa. "You know what I’m thinking! One! Two! Three!" The girls leapt up and slammed the bunny over the head with the books. The bunny fell to the ground, unconscious for the time being. "How long do you thing he’ll be out?" asked Rae. "Who knows," said Loa. "Let’s get out of here…oh and take the poetry book with you. Since the bunny is one of Ares’ minions then maybe we can get a clue from it." Rae nodded, and they took the book and bungeed out of the bell tower.

Once on top of the bell tower again, Rae and Loa skimmed through the book for clues. "Hey Rae, read the big brown bunny poem again. I need to laugh!" said Loa. "Well…ok. The big brown bunny jumped into the big brown bunny hole," read Rae. Loa started to laugh again. Rae narrowed her eyebrows. "Wait a minute…" she stood up and scanned the land. "Big brown bunny hole…" Loa looked at her. "What are you doing?" Then Rae saw it. A hole. It was a bunny hole. "Loa I know I’m crazy sometimes but now I think I’ve got it." "Got what?" "A clue…I think I know where Saran and Corde are." "Um ok…where?" "The big brown bunny hole." "WHAT?" "You heard me. Maybe this is the clue. I saw a huge hole in the distance…big enough for that big brown bunny. We should check it out." "Well…ok let’s go." The two girls' bungee jumped off the bell tower, and after hiking a few miles, found the hole. "It looks deep," commented Loa. "Let’s go in," said Rae. They fastened their bungee cords once again and jumped into the dark hole. "I can’t see a thing," whispered Rae. "Let there be light!" said Loa, and suddenly a candle lit. "Where did you get that?" asked Rae. "Um…the big brown bunny." Rae rolled her eyes. They unfastened their bungee gear. "There seems to be a path leading to somewhere. Let’s follow it," said Loa. "Ok but we have to be careful. I’m getting bad vibes from this place," said Rae. The two walked through the tunnel. Suddenly they came to a clearing. "Oh my gods," whispered Loa. "It’s an underground temple…" finished Rae. "It has to be…the temple of Ares." "Right you are," said a voice. The girls, almost frozen with fear, turned slowly. Behind them was. "Ares," Rae said disgustedly. Ares bowed. "At your service." "You…rat!" screamed Loa. "I’m the rat? Oh no I don’t think so. I don’t go sneaking around meddling into other’s business." "Yeah right. You...you lie!" said Rae. "And now you’re throwing around threats…tsk tsk." "Give us Corde and Saran. What do you want with them anyway?" "That’s for me to know, and you to find out. Why do I waste my time with you anyway?" Ares snapped his fingers and a bunch of guards appeared. Rae and Loa tried to fight, but they were clearly outnumbered. They were captured and chained. Loa was taken away. "Loa! Bring her back!" screamed Rae. Ares smiled a cunning smile. "No, my dear. You see, I was planning on killing your little amazon friends. You know, the ones who were coming to rescue your dear Corde and Saran." "Shut up…I can’t hear you." "Yes you can. You know you can. I must admit that I wasn’t expecting you. Hear my plan, doomed one. You and your friend, Loa, are going to be my new…bait shall we say. When your amazon friends hear that I’ve got you as well as Corde and Saran, they’ll speed up their search even faster. When they finally find you, they will witness a glorious blood bath. Starting with you and Loa…and ending with them. I will finally see the end of the amazon nation for good!" "No! It won’t happen! I won’t let you get away with it!" Rae screamed as she fought tears of anger and frustration. "And how will you stop me? After all I’m not the one in chains…" "You are a rat! Good always triumphs over evil! I hope you remember that!" "Are you still talking? Take a nap…my ears need a rest." Ares waved his hand, and one of the guards hit Rae over the head…knocking her unconscious.

Rae woke up a few hours later. She was chained in a cold, dark, damp

cell. Her head throbbed. "I can’t let the other amazons come here," she

whispered. She struggled to sit up. "They have to be warned somehow…if they

come here…they’ll unknowingly…walk straight into a trap…right into Ares’

clutches…" Unable to think anymore, Rae lapsed back into unconsciousness…

Corde had been locked up all day. After Ares’ pronouncement concerning her friends, her jailers hadn’t even bothered to feed her. She felt lost and alone, fear churning in her empty stomach. "They will save Saran, they will save Saran," she chanted over and over to herself. After a while even that mantra failed to comfort her and she slumped on the pallet and cried herself to sleep.

Corde dreamed that night, as she often did. Usually the dreams were random images, stuck together in some semblance of order. That night, however, she saw Rae and Loa’s adventures in the bell tower. She thought that it must be wishful thinking, but when she woke up and examined the dream, she decided that it could have been real. The last time she had seen Rae and Loa, they had been eating cheddar, and in the dream they had moved on to provolone. Also, Rae’s gym shorts had a new patch that hadn’t been there before. Saran must have been watching, wherever she was, and had broadcast the story telepathically. Corde was happy to know that Saran was still alive and relatively well. Corde was also heartened by her friends’ dedication and courage. She faced the day with new hope in her heart.

But where was Tinka?

Rae woke up once again. Her head still hurt. I must have a concussion or something, she thought. She glanced around her tiny cell. I have to get out of here…I have to help the other amazons. I can’t let them fall into Ares’ trap. I…I have to get Loa…and Corde…and Saran…l. Rae shook her head. She had way too many thoughts and worries on her mind. She was so upset that she couldn’t even sing a word of Men in Tights. A squeak from the corner of the cell brought her back to reality. She looked in the direction of where the squeak came from. A little mouse crawled out, hungry and looking for food.

Rae smiled slightly. "I don’t think that you’ll be finding any food here,

little one." The mouse looked at. Suddenly Rae had an idea. She thought for a

moment, and then spoke to the mouse. "Um…I don’t know if you can understand

me, but if you can, I really need your help." The mouse looked at her as if

it knew what she was saying. Rae continued, "My friend, Falcon, understands

animals very well. I need you to go to her…she’s trying to find her way here

with a group of people from my tribe. I need you to warn them about Ares’

plans…I need you to tell them to be careful." Then Rae proceeded to tell the

mouse every last detail of what Ares had said. "Now, please go. And please

hurry. I’ve got a feeling that you know what I’m saying. So please go tell

them. When we all get out of this, I promise I’ll feed you…in fact my friend

Loa and I just love cheese. I promise I’ll share with you if you just do this

for me." The mouse squeaked and ran back through the hole in the corner. It

understood me…I really think it understood me! New thoughts of escape filled

Rae’s head. Suddenly she felt pain again…and dizziness. Oh no…not again. Hurry, little mouse…please… Rae curled up and closed her eyes, trying to ignore

the pain in her head, and trying to think of more ways to escape…

Ares left after their little confrontation. He has never, nor will ever understand Saran. She’s known this from the moment she learned who she was. He’s never listened to her as well, so it didn’t surprise her to find him thinking her nuts for believing that Rae and Loa were more than they seemed. Which, all in all was a good thing. However, she knew well enough that Ares didn’t put them in the same cell, and more than likely it wasn’t anywhere near Corde. Ah Corde, I wish you could hear me, know my thoughts. I’d let you know that I’m trying to figure out a way of getting us out of here. Hopefully if Rae and Loa stay true to form, they may drive Ares crazy enough for him to slip up. Saran knew she had to watch him carefully for that to happen, and if it did, she knew what to do. Timing was everything though, getting the three other Amazons loose from the cells and meeting up with Larc, Tama and Falcon. Falcon, another amazon Saran worried about. She started to see the signs of a trained assassin and knew she would need to help her so Falcon didn’t turn back to who she was before the island. Falcon was needed more now, and quite a welcome part of the island, she was also a friend.

Saran surprised herself more and more about how she felt about the other Amazons. Spending her whole life alone, never wanting or needing anyone she found herself lonely without actually seeing any of her new friends. The brief contact with Cyan had assured her, but also raised too many questions. Questions that she didn’t know if she wanted the answers to. Ares explanation of Shao Kahn seemed false to her, knowing Ares, it was. Shao Kahn must have other plans in mind, especially since Ares seemed to only know he was destined to rule Earth. Wonder how Zeus will feel about that? Also, Ares had one weakness that Saran knew about, and that was his lust for power. It blinded him; he would do anything to gain it yet he didn’t look at all the angles presented. It had cost him before, and this time it may cost more. Some people would learn from their mistakes, Dahak had really messed him up, but here he is again chasing after another unknown entity. And who knows, Shao Kahn may even be worse.

What does Ares want, and why that sword? Shao Kahn gave it to Ares so it must be more than it seems. Saran looked at the images floating around her. She watched as Princess Vicky checked on the children. Larc, Falcon and Tama were once again in another room, only this time they were more obvious about keeping watch. Cyan, Eri and the Enforcer were no where to be seen. How that was still confused her, but she had to trust Cyan. The other Amazons were doing rounds, and working on different tasks set to them.

"Oh Corde, I wish you could hear my thoughts."

Vorpax paced back and forth, stopping occasionally to look over at Zeus. Still to this day she had no idea how she had allowed herself to become so entangled in the lives of the Olympian gods. She didn't even need to spend more than a few hours inside their Realm before becoming extremely agitated. Apparently the severity of the situation was a little more than their feeble minds could possibly comprehend.

"I am well aware of the danger that we are all in Vorpax; including you."

Vorpax stopped pacing and looked over at the god who was sarcastically smiling his delight in catching her off guard. "I always hated that little mind ease-dropping talent of yours Zeus. But regardless, there are still some things that even you cannot discover by rummaging through my brain! Must drive you crazy!" Vorpax smirked and began pacing once again. Zeus rose, extremely irritated by Vorpax's arrogance, and took several strides towards her before she actually halted and faced him.

"Relax Zeus. I don't want trouble. Not with you or anyone. I am here to ensure my daughter's safety and to stop Shao Kahn. Nothing less, and nothing more. Regardless of my secrets, there is far more at stake here than your pride over the parentage of Cyan."

Zeus stopped and slumped his shoulders in defeat. "You drive me insane Vorpax. There are days when I hope you will actually come to this realm for a visit, and days when I can't rid myself of you quick enough." The two figures smiled at one another, just as Celestia walked through the Olympia gates.

"Vorpax?" Celestia said with genuine surprise. "What are you doing here? Have you actually come for Cyan?"

"In a way Celestia. Please, take a walk with me. I have much to tell you and there is not much time to tell it."

The two immortals walked off leaving Zeus quietly to his own thoughts. Vorpax would have her work cut out for her if she intended to persuade Celestia to take up sides against Ares; especially when it came to her daughter Saran. The god sighed; walking over to a pool of water which he gazed into, only mildly interested in what he saw. Cyan and her niece had left Poseidon to go in search of the Island warriors who had been sent on ahead. Suddenly a flash of movement caught his eye well behind his Amazon of interest. He peered closer into the pool of water, torn between his own curiosity and his fear of knowing. Who was following Cyan?

Celestia continued to shake her head in disagreement with Vorpax. "You're wrong Sorceress. Ares and I do have a plan for Saran, but it certainly does not include Shao Kahn or his sudden desire to posses Earth Realm. Do you think Ares such an fool as to help in the demise of his own kind?"

"Frankly yes" Vorpax muttered under her breath. "Celestia, you must believe me. Shao Kahn and his Shadow Priests are near. Even after all these years in OutWorld their sheer presence still sends shivers up my back. They are near! And whether you like it or not, Ares has tricked you into helping him gain whatever it is Shao Kahn has promised him. I assure you, your daughter will be a pawn in all of this."

"You are wrong Vorpax. Saran, above all else, will never help Ares, regardless of his goals. Your own daughter has help see to that."

"Celestia, please. Your daughter, as well as mine, are both at stake. Surely as a mother you do not doubt my sincerity."

Celestia stopped for a minute and stared hard at the Sorceress from OutWorld; a warrior she knew quite well. They had not always been on the same side of matters, but one thing Celestia did not doubt in Vorpax was her willingness to protect Cyan at all costs. The mere fact that the other gods, including Zeus himself, had allowed Vorpax free access to Mt. Olympus while she was here lended more credence to Vorpax's story than Celestia cared to admit.

"If Ares had sided with Shao Kahn against Earth Realm and the other gods, I would have known. Things such as that are not easily hidden Vorpax."

Vorpax shook her head slowly. She was losing her determination to continue arguing with Celestia, as well as precious time that might be needed if the goddess could not be made to understand. Vorpax stepped closer to Death herself, and placed both her hands on the goddess shoulders.

"Listen to me Celestia. All I know is that Shao Kahn wants me dead, and needs my daughter to take Earth Realm. I don't know why Ares is using Saran, or for what means; but if our suspicions are right, he made be using her to lead Cyan into a trap. Shao Kahn has not yet arrived, but I know he's nearby. He has already sent his sword on ahead to guide his Shadow Priests. I know because I followed them here."

"His sword?" Celestia asked, somewhat confused.

"His sword holds some of the many powers of OutWorld; including the ability to kill a god once in the right hands. Those who touch it are unable to lie about even their most darkest secrets; and still the sword has yet an even greater danger than these. Upon the hilt, an embedded Dragon lies; the symbol of Shao Kahn, OutWorld, and his many minions. Through this Dragon's one ruby eye, a window is opened allowing Kahn to see whatever it is the holder of the sword himself sees. My guess is that he and his Shadow Priests are using it to hunt Cyan even as we speak."

Celestia turned an ashen shade of gray as she looked into Vorpax's eyes. "I don't think so. I have seen this sword, here, in Earth Realm." Vorpax stood horrified, unable to force herself into ignoring Celestia's next words……

"Ares……" Vorpax and Celestia whispered in unison…….

Part 2