The Invasion

You Can't Hold Me Back.

I haven't worn this specific suit in months... The one I used when Filipe died. I had all my weapons with me, my hair, now almost shoulder length, tied back tightly.

I was in the Stadium that adjourns to the council chamber. A large stone like tunnel, circular, connecting the two together. I was mentally prepared for this, and was anxious to start.

Yemis was already in the Arena. She was wearing their usual combat uniform, which is, their Angus form. We reached the middle of the battle ring simultaneously, and bowed to each other, eyes always on each other.

Like the Samurai, they believe that keeping your eyes on your peer when you bow is a sign of distrust, and I had no problem in showing mine. We turned our backs to each other, and walked to our helpers. Someone who would aid us in battle. Blarion chose to be mine, as everyone knows he would... Yemis had her assistent. Frail little thing... a delicate looking Angus who seemed terrefied of being in the Arena.

I found out that Angus, in some aspects, were just like humans. They have warriors and weeklings, and Yemis' assistant fit firmly into the later.

Blarion tried to give me a kiss for good luck but I punched him in the arm, stopping him to. I did not need the distraction. Or the guilt.

"Lana... how about if we rise the stakes of the challenge?" Yemis called to me.

"How so?" I answered back.

"I can tell you where we keep those little human friends of yours." She said nastily.

Her plan worked. I was unfocused for a second. The shock, pain, hope, betrayal and anger of that statement soaring through me in those moments were enough to explode the entire arena.

I looked at Blarion with a look of betrayal in my eyes, and he, who was going to hug me, stepped back, sensing I would most likely trying to kill him.

Ok, think Alana, think. If you win, she'll tell you where they are, you just have to win. I encouraged myself.

I rolled my shoulders and prepared myself again. My composure wasn't the least affected. True warriors never let nothing interfeer in their focus, determination, and zone.

Taking a deep breath, I concentrated harder, determined to finish this battle once and for all...

She came at me with her daggers, menacing, they glinted in the arena's light. I jumped and twisted in the air, zagichi piercing her arm... She looked at me cocky and I realized where my victory was coming from. Her pride. Even with my reputation she didn't believe I was good. She thought it was just rumours and exaggerations. Well then, why should I prove her wrong eh...

From then onwards, I pretended to loose. She twisted, lounged and always I retreated, pretended to be scared. Uncoordinated. Even though he knew better, I could feel worried eyes on my back.

I let her think me scratching her arm was a fluke, an accident. Finally though, my chance came.... She lounged at me wide open. Cocky... It was an easy matter to have Kyu'ketsuki pierce her heart.

"Where are they?"

"In the... Louvre... The place that used to be a museum."

"Thanks bitch." And then I twisted the sword, and she died.

I got out the Arena to a shocked silence... No one could believe I killed her. Even those who saw throw their own eyes had trouble believing.

"Should I be flattered or pissed off Blarion?"

"Whichever you chose is acceptable my love."

"Don't call me that Blarion. I am not your love. I am nothing to you until the moment you release my people from this captivity. I've killed hundreds of your kind so far. Do you think I would hesitate to kill you too? You are nothing. I would never even be with you if it were not necessary for the survival of my race. Do you understand that? I DON'T FEEL NOTHING FOR YOU, least of all respect."