Chapter 22: "Trap."

We stumbled down dark stairwells for what seemed like an eternity, until suddenly we found ourselves standing in an abandoned underground subway station.

"Wow." I heard Daring say, as she looked around at the surprisingly well kept area. It seemed like it hadn't been touched for at least 20 years, yet I could still tell there were fresh coats of paint on the walls, and the benches looked far too sleek to be anymore then a few weeks old. Someone was working, building down here. And recently.

But who? And what exactly where they doing? "This place must've been closed down decades ago. So why...." I trailed off as I looked up and saw huge glowing blue glass pipes, pulsing and humming on the ceiling. They could be seen leading deep down into the tunnels of the station, breaking off in different directions, but all heading one way.

Something was going on here. Something big. And we had to find out what it was. Luckily, my friends also got the same idea, as we began to explore the station, searching for any clues as to what was happening down here.

At the end of the station, a pile of newly made steel railway sleepers blocked the platform. They were stacked perfectly, and recently, as not a single speck of dust could be seen on them. I could've climbed over them, but I probably would've just ended up breaking my neck, or worse....ripping my blouse. (It's my favorite blouse, don't judge me!)

Turning away from the pile, I saw an old ticket machine on the wall. A sign read 'Tickets'- 3d. Upon closer inspection, it looked like the machine had sold it's last ticket a long time ago.

Next to the machine was an old chocolate vending machine. I'm a sucker for chocolate in pretty much any form (especially cake), but even I knew better than to eat a bar of chocolate that was over a decade old...even if it did have nougat.

I turned away from the chocolate filled tomb of the vending machine and inspected the nearby wall. A metal panel took up a small space on the wall, and it looked like it could be opened like a door.

Deciding to give it a try, I opened the metal door of the panel, and found a single, large red button. It glowed brightly, as if begging any who saw it to push it. The connections to the box couldn't have still been operational. Still though, pushing a random button on a wall is almost always a bad idea, especially without taking time to think what the button's purpose is.

But at this point, we had little time for thinking. Throwing caution to the wind, I pressed the button and prepared for the worst. The whole station began to rumble as the 'worst' turned out to be a underground Cobalt Industries monorail pulling up into the station. It was brand new and it's sleek metallic finish was a clear sign it had been built recently. The doors opened with a hiss, inviting us to climb aboard.

We all looked at one another, unsure of how to proceed. "Well,' Daring said taking a look inside, "I guess we know how Solitaire got away then." She looked back at me from the train door. "What do you think we should do Meir?" she asked me with a smile, already knowing what my answer was.

Everything up till now had gone according to the elaborate plan I had laid out. Everything from Solitaire engaging me in conversation, to the phone call for him (Made specially by Ralah impersonating a Cobalt Industries secretary) to him stealing the first stone, and hightailing it back to his client, who no doubt worked for Simon. We had planned to follow him from the start, but had no idea we would find an underground monorail that lead to Celestia knows where. From here on in, my plan was off the table.

So, naturally there was only one way to go from here. "All aboard." I said simply, as we all boarded the monorail which quickly shut its doors and bolted out of the station as quick as it arrived. Except this time it had us as passengers, bound for somewhere that no doubt was crawling with danger.

Emerald Town Docks, Shipping District, 9:02 am

The train pulled into it's final stop, and we disembarked, taking a moment to read the sign that clearly said we were back at the Emerald Town Docks, but rather then the warehouse district, we were at the dock's central shipping port. Peeking up out of the station, we saw many large ships docked and anchored around us at each pier. But one in particular caught my eye, as it was the only one flying a flag with the Cobalt Industries logo on it.

We made our way to the pier and quickly ducked behind some crates as several burly looking stallions appeared from the ship, each carrying a large crate bearing the same Cobalt logo as the flag.

I knew we were at the right ship, when I saw Solitaire at the guard rail. Patrolling the deck, was a Cobalt uniform clad guardsmen, surely armed with some sort of Cobalt Industries standard laser weapon. We had to get the stone back from Solitaire, but we couldn't risk being seen. We needed a plan, a new one.

And then, I had one. I turned to Daring and Dr. Seastone, who were right behind me, crouched behind their own crates. "You guys need to head back to the museum." I told them.

"What?!" Daring gave an alarmed whisper. "You're crazy if you think I'll let you go alone and end up getting caught by these muscle heads."

"I won't get caught. Besides, we need someone to keep Mara busy, and let the others back at the hotel know what happened." I told her seriously. Daring looked at me, and knew I was right. But she didn't like it.

"What exactly is your plan?" she asked.

"Get the stone back from Solitaire, get out any way I can, then head back to the hotel so we can work on stopping Simon once and for all before the eclipse tomorrow night. Simple."

"Heh. Sounds simple, when you say it that way." Daring chuckled. She didn't want to leave me to my admittedly crazy plan, but I had no other options at this point. It was too risky with them here, and I could move in and get the stone faster without needing to worry about them.

Finally, Dr. Seastone voiced her opinion. "Morning's right. She stands a way better chance of staying hidden without us following her everywhere. Plus, she's the smartest pony in the world! She'll be just fine without us screwing things up for her." She joked.

Daring finally relented with a sigh. "Fine. I guess we better head back then. Keep Villa off your back for a bit."

"Thank you." I said , handing her the stone. It was better in her hooves anyways. Even if I did get caught, this way at least the other stone would be safe.

"You can thank me, after you get back to the hotel with the stones." Daring replied with a smile, pocketing the stone. "Of course, if you wouldn't mind beating a lesson or two into Solitaire, I'd very much appreciate it." She added, resting a hoof on my shoulder.

After hugging both my friends, I watched them return to the tunnel leading down into the station. I waited for the rumble beneath my feet to subside, as the monorail headed back to the museum. When the ground was still once more, save for the brief shudder from heavy cargo being unloaded onto the docks, I made my way closer to the ship.

It was risky but I thought I could get to the next set of crates unseen. I moved quickly and steadily, timing my movements to sync with when the guard onboard was pacing the other direction, where I was no longer in his field of vision. I was now so close to the ship I could read the name of the boat etched in red on the side: C.S.S Xiabola. Named after the Mayan spirit of sea travel. Of course.

As close as I was, I wasn't going to try getting on board without knowing who else was on board. Plus, I couldn't get near it with that guard patrolling the deck. Peeking back up from my crate, I saw Solitaire was still leaning against the guardrail, looking at the sea. He looked like he had something on his mind. Something that made him nervous, with how much he kept wiping the sweat from his brow. Just what was he up to that made him feel so uneasy? And why do it, if he felt this way? I would only find out if I made it on board that ship.

But, first I had to get rid of that guard. I checked my surroundings for anything I could use as a distraction. It was then that I spotted a lone shipping crane, sitting unmanned near a large cargo ship, which had been anchored recently, given the position of it's anchor chain around the ship's ballast. It wouldn't be anchored for long.

The crane was unguarded, making it quite easy to move to it's cabin, open its doors and turn the key that for some reason (Laziness, most likely) was still in the ignition. As the engine roared to life, I jammed the control lever to the left , causing the boom to begin swinging very quickly to the left, and right in the direction of the Cobalt ship. I jumped out and made my way back to the crates, as I heard the crane slam hard into the side of the ship, causing the sound of broken, screeching metal to resound throughout the docks. Showers of gold sparks rained down, as the crane kept pushing further into the battered hull of the ship. (In hindsight, not my most well thought out plan, but a distraction is a distraction.Plus, I'm sure that's what Daring would have wanted me to do anyways.)

Like clockwork, all the workers on board the ship, dropped what they were doing and ran to stop the 'malfunctioning' crane from destroying more of their ship, while the guard, now clearly very spooked, went to the rail to yell out various profanities to get the crane unstuck from the ship.

While everyone was busy, I made my move. As soon as the last worker had disembarked from the ship and was over by the crane, trying to figure out how to get the lever unstuck that I jammed through the control box, I weaved past the other crates, hopped up on deck and climbed the nearby ladder to the upper deck and got down on my stomach to avoid being spotted. I held my breath as the guard, now quite visibly angry by all the bulging veins on his temples, continued his patrol. Solitaire was no nowhere to be seen, having probably gone back into the ship to avoid anymore surprises.

Now it was just me and this guard. I hadn't been able to get rid of him, but I had an idea. I peeked over the side of the deck, down to the main deck and saw what I assumed to be the janitor's closet, with a normal mop resting beside the door. The janitor had fled to help with the crane along with the rest of the crew.

I waited for the guard to turn the corner, then leapt down from the ladder and went over to the closet, and tried the door. It opened rather easily, but I could tell by the heavy steel lock on the door, that it could be locked from the outside, and only a key would be able to open it. With the door opened, I heard the heavy hooves of the guard turn the corner, but I was already back up the ladder, by the time he came around.

"The hell?" he said aloud, taking one confused look at the door, he swore he had not opened. He looked around for anyone else that could have opened the door, before he went inside, and began looking around.

"Charlie? That you? C'mon man, I don't have time for these-" He was cut off as I jumped down and slammed the heavy door behind him, locking it securely after. For good measure, I jammed the handle with the mop.

"Sorry! I just need to get my stone back. I'll find the key and slip it under the door before I leave!" I apologized, profusely. A string of angry, spitting profanity was the only response the guard had for my apology. Ignoring the verbal assault, I moved away from the door, and looked back at the crane, which was still dug into the side of the ship. They wouldn't be getting it unstuck anytime soon, leaving me ample time to search the ship for Solitaire and the stone.

Luckily I didn't have to look far, as a few feet down from the janitor's closet, I saw a cabin door with a porthole on the side for a window. Getting closer I heard two voices from the other side of the door, that seemed to be arguing about something. Peeking in through the porthole, I saw Solitaire sitting at a diner table with a mysterious and very mean looking black stallion in a steel colored cobalt guard uniform. He scowled as if by instinct alone, as he listened to Solitaire complain to him. I put my ear to the door, and listened closely to the conversation.

"....But Morning Meir was there! She probably already knows it was me!" Solitaire explained, sweat dripping from his forehead. The old stallion was clearly stressed and afraid of begin caught as a thief.

The black stallion simply shook his head, annoyed by the elder stallion's worrying. "But you have the stone? The right stone? You're sure?" he demanded gruffly. He had a voice like sandpaper across your face. Rough and unforgiving. He reminded me of a military general, but his eyes were cold and filled with no concern whatsoever. Whoever he was, he wasn't a guy to take lightly, not even a little. Clearly Dangerous. I had to be careful.

Solitaire looked taken back by his concern being pushed aside so easily, but nodded. "Yes, of course. It is one of The Sacred Stones, no possible mistake. Here it is..." He withdrew the stolen black stone, but held it in his hoof, close to his chest, as if unsure if he should just hand it over. He looked at the black stallion pleadingly, fear around lined his eyes. "Karnoc. Please. The police will be looking for me soon. Mara won't be able to keep them away from me forever. You're going to get me out of the Keyes aren't you?" He asked desperately.

Karnoc!? This guy was Karnoc? The same High Priest Karnoc from the letters, and the one who called the museum asking them to move the stones? He looked more like a soldier then an employee. Or a High Priest. So, it had been him that got Solitaire to steal the stone for him. They had this planned out from the start. But why come here? Why not be close to Simon, if he was so high up in the cult? It didn't make sense.

Karnoc slammed a hoof on the table, making both me and the professor jump nearly out of our skins. "Stop your whining, Solitaire!" He yelled. "Do you have any idea what this stone symbolizes?"

"I-I thought you just wanted it to frighten the natives."

Karnoc snorted "Fool! I intend to cast this stone into the sea."

Solitaire's eyes widened in alarm. "But why....it's a priceless piece of history. There are no other stones but it's sisters!"

"Exactly. With it gone, the other stones are useless, and The Oloya's plan to destroy Tezcatlipoca cannot succeed. The Al-Syd's prophecy will be fulfilled, and the sun will set on this world, so it may rise for ours." Karnoc said, as if repeating a gospel from memory.

Solitaire shook his head. "What nonsense is this? I can assure you, Tezcatlipoca is just a mythical figure. He's not actually real!" The old pony cried in disbelief.

But Karnoc just smiled wickedly. "Such a small mind you live in." He said insultingly. "Tezcatlipoca is indeed real, as real as the Celestial Princesses that govern the sun and moon." Karnoc looked away from the confused professor towards the window, causing me to duck down quickly to avoid being seen. "I have seen him in my dreams. Heard his words from The Al-Syd's mouth. We have spoken of his plans for this world."

I looked back up to see Karnoc staring at Solitaire with a disturbing smile. "We have spoken of your part in these plans."

"My part?"

"The Al-syd told me of you, as Tezcatlipoca told him. That you would be useful. He told me of your insatiable greed, how you could be coerced by the allure of more treasure to stick your name on like a child likes to scratch their name on toys that don't belong to them, desperate for the other big kids to notice them."

"I-I am a respected professor of Archaeology! My career is everything to me-"

"And now" Karnoc interrupted. "You are no longer useful."

Before I could even blink, Karnoc had pierced Solitaire's throat with a well thrown shuriken from his belt. I covered my mouth and fell to my knees to stop myself from screaming, but my heart was now pounding against my rib cage. I wanted to scream. I wanted to shout till I couldn't breathe.

I had just seen somepony be murdered...right in front of me. I felt like I was going to be sick.

I heard Solitaire try to gurgle out some last words, but they were too muffled through the door for me to hear. I only heard Karnoc's hooves get up from his seat and move towards the door. The very one I was now slumped against now.

Move! Have to move! I ignored the hole in my stomach and demanded my legs start walking. Somehow, I managed to crawl to the corner and duck out of sight just as Karnoc emerged from the cabin. I looked around the corner, and saw not one speck of emotion or remorse in his eyes. Solitaire was just another price to pay for the cause. For Simon. He had played his part and now, he was nothing to them. He hadn't deserved that. Nopony deserved to die like that.

After I watched Karnoc walk down the steps to the docks, probably to inspect the damage the crane had done to the ship, I kept low as I walked back and entered the cabin, making sure to close the door behind me.

Solitaire's Cabin, Onboard The C.S.S Xiabola, 9:34 am

The office was small, and had little in it other then a desk, a filing cabinet, a single bed and a booth to sit in. Professor Solitaire lay sprawled across the table, dark blood having stained his suit and the booth itself. He laid with his eyes still open with horror from his death. I closed his eyes out of respect. There were no signs of life, but I checked to be sure Solitaire really was beyond help.

I checked his wrist for a single pulse, but his heart was now silent. I checked the wound. A single shuriken to the jugular. Began bleeding profusely almost instantly. His increased heart-rate due to stress only made him bleed out faster. He was beyond saving now. I had let someone die right in front of me, me a doctor! I could've saved him!

No you couldn't. There was nothing you could have done for him. Karnoc would have killed you as soon as you opened that door to stop him. You'd be dead too, and then who would stop Simon?

It was true. There really wasn't anything I could have done to save him. All I could do now was put an end to this madness, once and for all. Make sure there were no more victims. Ever.

I cleared my head and took a minute to catch my breath. I felt a little better, but still horribly uneasy as I checked to make sure Karnoc hadn't taken the stone. I looked and to my relief saw that Solitaire still had the stone in his grasp. It was clearly the same stone he had stolen from the museum. It was identical in size and shape to the other two stones, right down to the stylized Mayan markings etched onto one side.

As I reached for the stone, I looked down at Solitaire once more. We were going to need the stone to stop Simon. I knew the professor would have approved. I picked up the stone and was about to put it in my pocket.

But then....I felt eyes on the back of my head. I dodged the blow to my head, as Karnoc hurled a meaty hoof in my direction. He may have been strong, but he was slow compared to me. I grabbed him by the arm , and used his momentum to fling him over the nearby desk, causing the cabinet to fall on top of him.

But this only angered him. Karnoc knocked the cabinet aside as he stood back up, his eyes burning not with fury but excitement. "Well now, that's a change. Didn't know earth ponies could move that fast." he said with a smile. "Then again, I was told you had a few tricks up your sleeve."

He withdrew a knife and pointed at me. "Let's see what else you can do, little girl." He charged at me with a furious slash, but I ducked under it and caught his hoof, trying to wrestle the knife away from him. The knife fell from his grasp, but he caught it in his other and delivered a heavy kick to my ribs as payback, sending me tumbling out the door onto the deck. Pain exploded inside me, but I managed to get back to my feet. He wasn't quick, but he really knew how to pack his strength into his blows. I had to be careful, counter when I could, and I couldn't risk attacking him back. One mistake and he'd use it to end me for good.

He charged at me again, but caught my arm as I tried to dodge him. He went to stab me but I grabbed his arm and took a step back before charging at him, sending him tumbling over the railing, and the knife falling onto the deck. I let go as he fell onto a pile of crates on the docks, but he wouldn't be down there long.

I had dropped the stone, when Karnoc tried to jump me. I couldn't leave without it. I had to grab it, then get off this ship!

I ran back to the cabin and searched for the stone. It had to be on the floor somewhere! I looked frantically, but then I remembered: I had dropped it as soon as Karnoc attacked me from behind. If I dropped it from where I was standing, then the trajectory of its bounce when it hit the ground means it must've landed....!

"Beneath the table!" I yelled as I crouched down, and sure enough the stone laid there on its side. It didn't have a scratch on it either, which was reassuring. I grabbed it, put it in my pocket then ran back out the door.

Unfortunately, I was not alone on the deck this time.

Surrounded. Every beady eye staring me down, every guard armed with shock batons that sparked and crackled in their grips, every burly worker clenching their hooves in preparation for a fight. And there was Karnoc, bruised but still very much capable of fighting. And very, very angry.

I backed up to the door, and prepared myself for a long and tough fight. Me versus all these guys plus Karnoc. It wouldn't be easy, but if I kept moving and took one down at a time, I might stand a chance.

"I don't suppose we can just talk this out?" I asked.

Karnoc's laugh was all the answer I needed. Two of them first, guards. Armed with their batons, both took a heavy swing at me. I dodged them, and delivered a heavier scissor kick to their legs, sending them toppling over, and dropping their weapons, which I snagged, before standing back up, now armed myself. One strike each with the baton, and the guards were down for the count.

Three this time. Burly worker stallions, armed only with their hooves. One took a swing at me, but I ducked under his meaty arm and hit him in the stomach with the baton. He went down instantly, as the electric shock knocked him out easily. The other two, tried to jump me at the same time. I delivered a kick to one's leg, making him lose balance and accidentally strike his friend in the back of the head, who went tumbling onto the deck. As the other came down, I knocked him out with as quick strike to the face.

Two guards again, plus four more workers. To win this, I had to separate them. Keep them from all jumping me at once. But for some reason, my eyes wandered to Karnoc. He was just standing there. Not moving a muscle. Just...watching. Why hadn't he tried to attack me yet? I was barely fending off all these guys at once, if he had wanted he could have stuck that knife in my back by now. Fight over.

That's when I noticed it. It was subtle at first; I would have missed it, had I not been watching my surroundings, paying attention to every detail. No one moved now, they all stood, shoulder to shoulder, eyes like dolls. The workers, the guards, all of them, began to shudder, then move, slightly towards the floor. But it wasn't normal movement. No, they moved like melted butter, sliding in shifting in form, new shapes appearing in their places. Slowly these shapes rose to take the form of new figures.

Three red robed-clad figures slipped into being before my eyes. Then three more. Then three more. It wasn't possible, and yet, it happened, (I was used to the impossible by now, but still) Cultists were literally appearing out of thin air, folding themselves from space.

One of the cultists looked impossibly strong, very much the 'muscle' of the group. Another one, a mare with a blonde mane, looked at me with a cruel sneer on her lips. Her gaze then met that of Karnoc, who now brandished the same crimson robes, but his were much more extravagant, baring intricate symbols and runes of a golden sun on the sleeves and hood.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Karnoc spoke. "How long have you been at this, Miss...?"

"Morning Meir." I answered, not daring to take my eyes off the cultists for a second.

"The detective." Karnoc remarked.

"Doctor" I corrected instinctively.

"Yes. But also a detective as well, apparently. And a very, very good one at that."

"I try."

Karnoc chuckled along with the rest of them. "Yes, try. You tried to stop destiny, tried to stop the Great Prophecy from being fulfilled, tried to get in the way of our plans for this world." He waved a hoof, and they all drew swords and daggers from their robes. All aimed at me. "But as much as you've tried....I'm afraid this, is where it ends." With lightning quick glances, he then silently ordered his comrades to attack. He smirked as they all lunged forward.

It was all a blur to me. They moved across the deck like encroaching darkness enveloped in crimson. Before I could react, two of them launched themselves at me, blades tore through the air, and I just barely managed to avoid losing a limb to them. It was all happening so fast that I barely had enough time to notice my robed assailants were not running along the deck but the walls.

Up the walls.

This, I said to myself, is not going to be easy. I had to focus this time. Really focus. I slowed my breathing as I let everything flow into my mind, each cultist was now singled out from all the others. I drew my batons in both hooves, and made my move. I lunged forward and ducked under the mare's sword swing, cracking the baton hard into her exposed legs. She went down hard, dropping her weapon in the process.

I got back to my feet and used the momentum to strike another in the chest with a hard side kick. The cultist was staggered by the blow, but nothing more. I wasn't getting anywhere like this. If I was going to survive, I had to play every card I had.

There was too much going on now for me to try using Analysis. But I still had one other card to play. I only hoped it worked the way I needed it to right now. I focused on my cutie mark, felt the energy burn on it's surface, the magic began to build up around me. I commanded the magic to take the form of something that could help me, a weapon, anything.

Suddenly I felt my hooves grow as hot as my cutie mark. Looking at them, I saw purple flame like magic appear, then fold itself into what looked like two swords, which I then grasped in my hooves as they became solid. "That works." I remarked as I deflected the sword attack of a cultist who tired to sneak a hit in while I was distracted. The lilac energy cut through his blade like butter, sending one half to the floor, along with the now stunned cultist. It was messy, but effective. Lucky, I thought. I got lucky.

A quick scan of the situation showed the two cultists were recovering from my assault, and Karnoc now began to make his way towards me.

Then, before I even knew what had happened, I felt the energy leave my body, as the swords vanished from my grasp, and Karnoc's hoof clamped itself tightly around my throat. I tried to fight back, tried to struggle, but I was suddenly exhausted.

I may have made those swords appear, but I still had no idea how to control it. They disappeared like nothing. Like they never existed. I snapped my arms, trying desperately to get the energy to come back. Pleaded with the magic to respond, but their was nothing. Energy flickered at my hooves then faded.

It was no use.

Rookie mistake. I should've practiced beforehand.

"Yes, you should have." Karnoc cackled, as if reading my mind. He then drew his blade in his hoof, while holding me by the throat in the other. The blade gleamed as he aimed it right for me.

What now? I wondered.

Oh. I guess I die.

No. Have....to....stop...

My eyes shut. I waited for the blade to meet me. But it never did.

I heard a sound. Like a knife cleaving through a piece of meat. Then I was dropped onto the deck.

I opened my eyes and saw that every eye was not on me, but on Karnoc. No...not Karnoc.

But the blade that had appeared through his chest. He had been stabbed directly from behind by a long, perfectly sharp blade. Blood pooled around the spot, turning crimson to black. Then it vanished. Drawn back in through the wound by the attacker.

Karnoc looked strangely calm, but at the same time, terror filled his eyes. He smiled as he fell onto the floor, face first, dead.

The figure behind him was shorter then he had been. They gripped their weapon, a long silver pole with two blades at the ends, in one hoof, while the other was motioning. Beckoning.

Towards....me?

I felt groggy, sick, as I tried to stand up. By the time I was back on my feet, the other cultists had decided to attack their High Priest's killer. What a mistake this had been.

The figure became a blur, weaving through the crowd with terrifying grace and agility. It was only when they stopped in front of me to help me to my feet, that I finally saw who it was.

Her eyes were the first thing. Her sky blue mane, illuminated like soft clouds in the daylight sun, was the next thing. Quill Feather shaking me out of my stupor was the last thing. "Morning! Snap out of it, already! We have to go!"

I snapped out of my trance, and looked at her. Then at the blade aimed for my head. But before I could react, the blade and it's wielder had been cleaved in half by Quill.

I felt a queasy sensation. Sickened by what I was seeing but also relieved that I was still alive. I guaranteed I would feel the full weight of it later on, but now wasn't the time. "Quill? H-how did-"

Quill took two down in a split second showering the deck in red. "Not the time, nor the place, Meir! Just grab a weapon and start fighting!" she shouted over the carnage.

She was right, no time for talking now! I picked up two swords that had been dropped by the dispatched cultists, and joined the fight, alongside Quill. The big one, All muscle, decided to take me on this time. All around me I heard swords clashing, blood spilling and Quill moving through the crowd like a ghost. She was truly a sight to behold. But I had no time to watch her at work. I had my own fight ahead of me.

The cultist brought down a massive pipe, he had ripped from the nearby wall. It smashed the floor, sending splinters and chunks of deck planks up into the air. Drawing a deep breath, I faced my foe, my swords cleaved through the air to meet the pipe, sending sparks over the deck. I moved subtly, almost imperceptibly, in specific patterns, making my way around, imparting injuries to the legs, and forearms. He made another attempt at me to snuff me out. The pipe smashed into the wall, leaving a crater in the now deformed metal. I took the opportunity to cleave a deep gash into the arm, separating the nerves.

The cultist howled in pain, as he dropped the pipe, which clattered onto the floor. Another quick slash to his forearm and he went down, dropping like a ton of bricks onto the now broken and battered deck.

Battered, bruised and bloodied. But I was still alive. I looked back to see that Quill and I were the only ones left now. The rest now lay slain on the deck. Some still moved around in agony. The others didn't move at all. There was less blood then I had thought, but that just showed how skilled Quill really was as an assassin.

We both locked eyes as we approached one another, breathing heavily. "You alright?" She asked, looking at my injuries.

I looked at myself. I had been through worse, and with a little care, rest and medical work, I could fix myself up just fine. "I'll manage." I said with a smile.

A smile, that was now returned to me by the ever imposing Quill Feather. "Good." she said simply. She turned to leave, but then I remembered something. "Wait!"

"What?"

"I need to do something real quick!" I ran back to Karnoc's body and found the key to the janitor's closet. After slipping it under the door for the guard, I rejoined Quill, who rolled her eyes at me.

"Done? Now....let's get out of here." she turned away and sheathed her bo-staff. "I need a drink." she added sounding annoyed.

I nodded as I followed her off the ship and back down to the docks, unaware that we had not been the only survivors of the fight.

A single cultist, had hidden behind one of the crates, and as soon as the coast was clear, he made a break for the tunnels, to tell everyone what had happened.

Including Simon.