The Journery... (conc)

The Journery... (conc)

Raven-Kat -- “So mote it be.”

Rae says happily, raising her arms over her head. "Gather 'round, boys and girls!" She smiles. "You have to love living in a place where you can't go five minutes without having another adventure."

Rae quickly casts the spell, careful both to include all the Scoobs who want to come and to exactly retrace the path of Wiz's spell.

As the dust from the spell settles, Rae and the Scoobs find themselves in the box of a large Roman-style coliseum. Wiz and Dartan stand below, poised for combat.

JilaCosa -- “Stay together or spread out?”

From the box where they 'landed' the Scoobs look around the stadium. There are no convenient hiding places, just rows and rows of steps.

"Together" they agree.

"We may be a smaller target..." Rae begins.

"But our magics are stronger when we're close together." Kay finishes.

"Yes but are we safe here?" Mouse points down to the two men in stadium itself. The box where they stand is Behind Wiz.

"He's scared, you know." Jila says, her eyes are closed but her senses are wide open.

"WizMick?" Chryse asks "Well, I'd probably be a nervous too."

"No. Dartran." Jila breathes slowly like Rae taught her. "He can feel how much Wiz has grown since their last encounter. And he knows How we are connected to Wiz."

"Well that gives me an idea." Rae grins evilly. "We need to spread out."

"I thought we were staying together?" Kay asks.

"Rae, we didn't come to interfere." IQ#2 reminds her "Only for support."

"Yes, but," Rae looks out at Wiz and Dartran, and then around at the group. "His ego won't let him attack us until he's defeated Wiz, and we won't do anything except take a seat and watch. He'll be constantly distracted trying to keep track of what we're doing and if We're attacking him."

"But isn't that like helping Wiz?" Scorpi speaks up from the edge of the group.

"Well...... yes and no." Rae chuckles "Yes, we're giving Wiz an unfair advantage, but we aren't helping because we aren't going to Do anything. Unless, of course, it's absolutely necessary"

This sounds reasonable so the group starts around the inside of the stadium, each picking a place to sit, until the last person takes their seat, directly behind Dartran. Jila decides that she will keep her place in the box, directly in Dartran's view.

"So you need help to defeat me do you?" Dartran's exterior bristles with confidence while his mind is decidedly less so.

SeventhAngel -- Settling back

The Angel moved to a position that he knew would place him right at the left corner of Dartrans peripheral vision. Drawing forth his flaming ArchAngel sword, Spyral set its tip against the stone floor before him, then applied pressure, the blade slipping into the stone like a hot knife thru butter, until at least a 18 inches of the blade was sunken in. The angel released the hilt and left it to stand before him, like the sword Excalibur, set in the stone, as he took his seat. WizMick gave the angel a grateful and confident smile. Dartran was also staring at the angel now, feigning a bored expression at Spyrals display. Spyral knew better.

*He knows it's over for him,* the angel thought. *Which is exactly what scares me. A desperate man, who knows that he's defeated .......... there is no telling what he will do.*

The angel sat, the tension in his body feeding off the adrenaline that was coursing thru his immortal veins like a raging river. Every magnified sense was razor sharp as he searched the area for any sign of treachery on the part of Dartran.

>* Easy Angel,*< came Raes soothing voice. >*You're killing me with those vibes you're spraying out. This is Wiz's showdown.*<

>*It's TOO easy, Rae*< the angel sent back. >*This bastard doesn't play square. This whole showdown thing .........? WAY too chivalrous for someone like him. He's got a plan.*<

>*Which is why WE'RE here angel,*< Rae said. >*Just ....... ease up a bit, Spy, or you're gonna overwhelm the rest of us.*<

The angels response was a mental grumble that, under different circumstances might have illicited a giggle from Rae, but at the moment, brought forth a flat smile. She felt the angel settle back a bit though, and was satisfied, as she continued her own probe of the area.

Raven-Kat -- Rae settled onto one of the seats

opposite Spyral in the arena. Dartan now had individuals at both peripheries as well as others scattered through-out the arena. Not... EXACTLY fair, but not unfair, exactly, either.

Besides, Spy was right. There could be no doubt but that Dartan was about to try something. So how to be ready when she had left Raegun behind?

She reached into her pocket and pulled out her pulse-pistol, laying it across her legs for comfort, but not having much confidence in it.

Wiz was right, too. The battle wasn't going to be won that way. This was about magic, and more importantly, about courage.

Rae had both in no small measure, but she remained uneasy.

*Yeah, and what was I thinking dragging the others along?*

*Not smart, love...*

Rae returned her attention to the arena, where the two men continued circling each other warily. Something inside her head clicked.

"HE'S STALLING FOR TIME!" she belowed loudly to the Scoobs. "HE'S WAITING FOR BACKUP! SEAL THE ARENA!"

Only Wiz saw the look of homicidal rage on Dartan's face, and he found it oddly comforting. *Way to go, Rae.*

*No problem, Sweetie.* Rae's voice replied inside his head. *We're scoobs. It's what we do for each other.*

SeventhAngel -- “I KNEW IT!”

the angel roared, leaping from his seat, drawing his sword from it's place in the floor, and striding towards the upper reaches of the arena.

*TWIG!* the angel shouted in his mind.

*GAHHHHH! DO YA LIKE HAVE TO SHOUT IT TO THE WORLD??!!* came the small voice of the Whisp.

*LIGHT-BEARER!* the angel spoke the codeword in his mind.

*No Problemo, Mi Amor! Already THERE!* came Twigs reply.

As the angel reached the upper deck of the arena, blindingly bright coalescent light flared thru the windows, as a gleaming wall of crystalline energy rose up around the outside of the arena, compliments of Twig.

"Beautiful, darlin'!" the angel spoke aloud.

*Let's see those goons get thru THAT!* Twig replied.

kayde -- Kay, sitting almost center stage

also, had her magic ready. at the drop of a hat, she was prepared to stop time and movement on everything, but, what was happening in the arena. Wiz could lick Dartran with no problem. But, Wiz fought with honor, and Dartran with dirty tricks. And, that's what the Scoobs were there for. To make sure it was a fair fight.

JilaCosa -- Dartran roars like an angry Dragon.

His plan has been revealed and he has no time for anything else. Not at all to his liking he's going to have to handle this one-on-one.

Meanwhile, up in the viewing box, Jila can be heard giggling. What is that line she likes so much from "The Lion King"? Oh yes, "Mufasa is madder than a hippo with a hernia." Bwahahahaha! Yes, that was just about what Dartran sounded like, mad as a hippo with a hernia!

Dartran looks up at the viewing box, and sees Jila holding her sides which ache from laughter. How DARE she laugh at him. He would show her. He would put a spell on her to shut her up for the last time.

Through Jila's merry tears she sees Dartran staring at her. She was nearly choking with laughter. Suddenly she feels the air tingle with magic and quickly brings her arms up to cross in front of her face. The magic spell that Dartran threw at her hisses and dies about a foot in front of her. Her laughing stops abruptly, but a smile spreads across her face. Thank the Powers for whatever this magic was they had given her. Unconciously, Jila had put up a thick shield as protection against the unknown. Whew!!

Dartran roars again. This is getting him Nowhere and he knows it. WizMick's friends amount to nothing. It's WizMick he's here for. It's time to get down to (dirty) business.

Raven-Kat -- “BRAVO!”

Rae shouts to Jila across the arena. "Well done, kiddo!"

"Kiddo?" Jila laughs back.

"You heard me!" Rae laughs, teleporting herself over to Jila. "You did good." she adds in a lower voice, giving Jila a quick hug. "I predict great things for you... In fact..."

"You just used your magic in a land other than the one that it was given to you in. This isn't the world we came to in the first place."

"It isn't?" Jila blinks, surprised by this intelligence.

"No, it isn't." Rae grins proudly. "Next, we work on your magic in your world..."

SeventhAngel -- Flourishing his sword

the angel 'jaunted' from his place at the top of the arena, reappearing next to Jila and Rae.

"Ladies," the angel bowed quickly, "I believe that we are safe from the hordes for the moment."

"Hopefully long enough for Wiz to take care of this Wannabe-Wizard-of-the-Universe once and for all," Rae said.

"Amen to that!" Jila added.

"I take it we can thank Twig for the shield?" Rae asked.

"Yeah," the angel said. "A little something we cooked up for this party. Sorry, it's not that we didn't wanna share, but we didn't know how much Dartran was capable of getting out of our heads."

"Understandable," Rae said.

"Powerful spell for such a little thing," Jila said with admiration for the tiny Whisp.

"This is nothing," the angel added with equal respect. "She's actually one of the strongest Casters in the Beyond. Just don't mention it to her. No use giving her a big head."

"C'mon Wiz, Do this guy and we can all go home," the angel said.

WizMick -- There’s a blue shimmering.....

There was a blue shimmering and a flash! Wiz stands in front of Dartran, looking tired and worn-down with a sad expression on his face.

"Well Dartran, it seems everything has conspired to bring us to this moment! I had hoped even with all that has happened you would't force this."

Dartran with a contemptous glance at the surroundint Scoobs laughed at Wiz. "Your little friends going to help you with their pathetic little magics? Or are you really going to try it on your own?"

Wiz glances at the Scoobs, a sad smile on his face. "No Dartran, this is just between us." With a quick flick of his wrist, Wiz throw a rune to the ground. A blue bubble surrounds the area, enclosing Dartran and Wiz together. Dartran quickly recites a spell but to no effect!

"Coward! You've taken my magic!"

"No! But inside this ward no magic will work until it is settle between us brother!

Dartran looks a Wiz...a predatory smile on his face and draws his sword. "You still have the scars on your chest from the last time we met little brother! Corwyn couldn't have help you much."

"Corwyn was a friend who helped after you destroyed his and my trust, and betrayed all that we stood for."

"Well, let's get to it little brother. I have to settle with your friends when I'm done with you. They should enjoy what I'm going to do to you...dying in angony is really entertaining!"

Wiz pulls Tira from its sheath, there's a blue glow from its hilt. Dartran stops and stares, Wiz's Blue Crystal is embedded in the cross hilt of his sword.

"That little bauble won't help you now." Dartran speaks as he slowly moves forward swinging his sword slightly back and forth.

"If I die Dartran, Tira and my Crystal die with me!" Wiz moves forward quickly swinging Tira in an over hand chop at Dartran's head!

WizMick -- Continued......

Jila looks at Rae and the other Scoobs, they can see and hear what is going on in the bubble. A feeling of despair hits them!

"Rae, something is wrong with Wiz, look at him it is as if he's already lost!"

Rae, after trying her magic without result, looks grimly at the scence below. "This is Wiz's fight...but I swear if Wiz dies there won't be a place in any universe that will hide Dartran from us!"

The other Scoobs look on in agreement, their resolve strengthen by their fear for their friend.

"Go Wiz"...Spy says softly.

.................................

Dartran blocks Wiz's swing with and easy flick of his wrist. "Com'on Wiz, Corwyn taught you better than that." Dartran quickly swings at Wiz forcing him back and with a feint to the head, slashes Wiz across the chest!

Wiz breathing hard holds Tira with both hands and starts a swinging his sword in in series of eights. Dartran backs up a step, then lunges staight at Wiz's heart.

Wiz blocks the lunge and with a backhand slash cuts Dartran from ear to jaw!

The Scoobs start cheering seeing the surprise on Dartran's face after the cut!

"You'll pay for that Wiz, I swear by the time I'm done you'll be begging me for death!"

"Dartran, you talk too much!" Wiz lunges forward. Dartran blood dripping from his face blocks Wiz lunge and counters with a lightening chop at Wiz's knee. Wiz partially blocks the cut but it lands on his lower leg dropping him to one knee.

"Now little brother, let's see how you like your face cut to ribbons!" Dartran advances towrds Wiz, the predatory smile back on his face.

The Scoobs start yelling, throwing things at the Blue Dome...anything to distract Dartran! Dartran looks up and with a contemptous gesture to the on looking Scoobs swings an overhand chop at Wiz's face.

Wiz on one knee holds Tira point first in front of him ...

(to be continued....)

Dartran wipes the blood from his face and flings at Wiz

WizMick -- Dartran steps forward.....

Dartran steps forward slowly....smiling as if the cut on his face meant nothing. Wiz on one knee with Tira's point wavering from side to side in front of him for protection.

"What are you waiting for Dartran, I'm right here!"

"You still have some fight left in you, I guess you think your friends will some how save you if you can hold on. You forget fool that your spell keeping magic out keeps them out also since they all have some magic in them."

"Dartran, you still talk to much...come on!"

Snakelike Dartran's sword knocks Wizs' aside and he puts a slice on Wiz's right cheek. Smiling now with the pleasure of a slow kill. Dartran feints at Wiz's other leg, then with a backhand cut slices Wiz's other cheek.

Wiz with his face dripping blood, painfully looks up at the Scoobs. Their faces reflect their pain, despair and anger at what was happening. Their frustration was like an angry cloud ready to explode.

Dartran watching Wiz glance throws back his head and laughs...at that moment a streak of grey hits his face. A desperate Max, with claws and teeth attacks Dartran face with everything he has. Dartran reaches up grabs Max and throws heavily to the ground stunning him. Dartran swipes at him his sword, laying open Max's side.

Wiz lunges forward with both hands on Tira hilt straight at Dartran's heart! As Tira's point strikes him, Dartran has the most surprized look on his face! He falls backward with Tira protruding from his chest.

Wiz crawls over to Max and holds him against his chest, tears mixing with the blood on his face.

"Meow" (Can't I ever leave you alone?)

"Don't worry Max, it'll be alright!"

Wiz speaks a "WORD" and the magic bubble disappears, with a glance at the Scoobs with chants a rune and is gone!

The Scoobs race down to where Dartran lays with Tira stuck in him. "What happen?" "Where has he gone?" "How could Max get in?" were the questions being thrown back and forth amongst the Scoobs.

Jila looking at the others, points to Tira "Look at Wiz's Crystal!"...the blue crystal's glow dims to faint spot as the Scoobs look on.

Angel with a faroff look on his face, "Wiz will be alright...he's...somewhere else right now. We can't reach him he needs time. Keep Tira safe until he returns..."

Raven-Kat -- “Frellin’ drenn!”

Rae hisses, kicking Dartan's body for good measure. She takes Tira into her hands and wipes the blade clean. Then she straps the sword to her back. This weapon will never be wielded by Rae's hands. As much as she may ache to do so, her restraint is a matter of respect.

Tears in her eyes, she slides to her knees in the spot where Wiz disappeared, her head bowed in what could have been prayer or reflection. She looks up, and the first site to meet her eyes is Dartan's body. Her face hardens. She begins stripping the body of weapons and valuables.

"Rae! What are you doing?" Jila gasps.

"Rules of combat. The victor is entitled to the weapons and valuables of the vanquished. I will hold them for Wiz until he returns to us."

"You aren't going to try to find him?" Jila demands. "Rae, what is wrong with you?"

"He does not wish to be found." Rae's face hardens again. "When the time is right, he will return to us."

She produces a burlap sack and begins piling Dartan's possessions into them. When she is finished, she rises and hands the sack to Spy.

"What are you doing?" Spyral asks.

Rae puts a hand on his shoulder and mutters into his ear, "Bear the others safely back to the mansion. I'm not finished here."

"What are you doing?"

"Does he really deserve to be disposed of so honorably?"

"Hezmana no!" Rae hisses. "But I know that there's a reason that you people used to burn people like me. I'll scatter his ashes to the four winds and he will never trouble us, or Wiz, again."

Spyral nods slowly. "You insist on doing this alone?"

Rae nods. "Follow my thread. Once you're in the pull, you will come out safely in the hallway where we left from.

Spy nods, but frowns. "The others will worry."

"They won't have time." Rae whispers. "I can manipulate time as well. I will return seconds after you yourself do." She looks up at the others. "Let's go home, people!"

The Scoobs gather in a tight knot around Rae and Spyral. Both begin chanting, and none of the Scoobs notice when Rae stops chanting.

The Scoobs reappear in the mansion of the hallway gently. There is no sense of falling, no sense of any movement at all, only a change of scenery.

As they gather their bearings, Mouse says, "Where's Rae?"

"Rae?" Jila frowns and looks around. "She couldn't have..." she trails off, frowning.

"Here I am!" An extremely soot-y Rae calls in an overly-cheerful voice from the other end of the hall. Max sits at her feet. "I just had something to take care of."

"So... what now?" Jila asks, still frowning.

"Now, I take these things up to Wiz's room." Rae takes the bag from Spyral. "Then I take a shower."

"I know Max." Rae nods and pets Max. She looks up at the Scoobs. "Then YOU all assemble in the kitchen at 1700 hours for the feast we are going to have in honor of Wiz's great victory." She picks up Max, retrieves Raegun from the shelf where she has left him, and starts off for Wiz's room.


	The Journery To Philadelphia Land The Journery... (conc) Raven-Kat -- “So mote it be.” Rae says happily, raising her arms over her head. "Gather 'round, boys and girls!" She smiles. "You have to love living in a place where you can't go five minutes without having another adventure." Rae quickly casts the spell, careful both to include all the Scoobs who want to come and to exactly retrace the path of Wiz's spell. As the dust from the spell settles, Rae and the Scoobs find themselves in the box of a large Roman-style coliseum. Wiz and Dartan stand below, poised for combat. JilaCosa -- “Stay together or spread out?” From the box where they 'landed' the Scoobs look around the stadium. There are no convenient hiding places, just rows and rows of steps. "Together" they agree. "We may be a smaller target..." Rae begins. "But our magics are stronger when we're close together." Kay finishes. "Yes but are we safe here?" Mouse points down to the two men in stadium itself. The box where they stand is Behind Wiz. "He's scared, you know." Jila says, her eyes are closed but her senses are wide open. "WizMick?" Chryse asks "Well, I'd probably be a nervous too." "No. Dartran." Jila breathes slowly like Rae taught her. "He can feel how much Wiz has grown since their last encounter. And he knows How we are connected to Wiz." "Well that gives me an idea." Rae grins evilly. "We need to spread out." "I thought we were staying together?" Kay asks. "Rae, we didn't come to interfere." IQ#2 reminds her "Only for support." "Yes, but," Rae looks out at Wiz and Dartran, and then around at the group. "His ego won't let him attack us until he's defeated Wiz, and we won't do anything except take a seat and watch. He'll be constantly distracted trying to keep track of what we're doing and if We're attacking him." "But isn't that like helping Wiz?" Scorpi speaks up from the edge of the group. "Well...... yes and no." Rae chuckles "Yes, we're giving Wiz an unfair advantage, but we aren't helping because we aren't going to Do anything. Unless, of course, it's absolutely necessary" This sounds reasonable so the group starts around the inside of the stadium, each picking a place to sit, until the last person takes their seat, directly behind Dartran. Jila decides that she will keep her place in the box, directly in Dartran's view. "So you need help to defeat me do you?" Dartran's exterior bristles with confidence while his mind is decidedly less so. SeventhAngel -- Settling back The Angel moved to a position that he knew would place him right at the left corner of Dartrans peripheral vision. Drawing forth his flaming ArchAngel sword, Spyral set its tip against the stone floor before him, then applied pressure, the blade slipping into the stone like a hot knife thru butter, until at least a 18 inches of the blade was sunken in. The angel released the hilt and left it to stand before him, like the sword Excalibur, set in the stone, as he took his seat. WizMick gave the angel a grateful and confident smile. Dartran was also staring at the angel now, feigning a bored expression at Spyrals display. Spyral knew better. He knows it's over for him, the angel thought. Which is exactly what scares me. A desperate man, who knows that he's defeated .......... there is no telling what he will do. The angel sat, the tension in his body feeding off the adrenaline that was coursing thru his immortal veins like a raging river. Every magnified sense was razor sharp as he searched the area for any sign of treachery on the part of Dartran. >* Easy Angel,< came Raes soothing voice. >You're killing me with those vibes you're spraying out. This is Wiz's showdown.< >It's TOO easy, Rae< the angel sent back. >This bastard doesn't play square. This whole showdown thing .........? WAY too chivalrous for someone like him. He's got a plan.< >Which is why WE'RE here angel,< Rae said. >Just ....... ease up a bit, Spy, or you're gonna overwhelm the rest of us.< The angels response was a mental grumble that, under different circumstances might have illicited a giggle from Rae, but at the moment, brought forth a flat smile. She felt the angel settle back a bit though, and was satisfied, as she continued her own probe of the area. Raven-Kat -- Rae settled onto one of the seats opposite Spyral in the arena. Dartan now had individuals at both peripheries as well as others scattered through-out the arena. Not... EXACTLY fair, but not unfair, exactly, either. Besides, Spy was right. There could be no doubt but that Dartan was about to try something. So how to be ready when she had left Raegun behind? She reached into her pocket and pulled out her pulse-pistol, laying it across her legs for comfort, but not having much confidence in it. Wiz was right, too. The battle wasn't going to be won that way. This was about magic, and more importantly, about courage. Rae had both in no small measure, but she remained uneasy. Too easy...* Yeah, and what was I thinking dragging the others along? Not smart, love... Get frelled. Rae returned her attention to the arena, where the two men continued circling each other warily. Something inside her head clicked. "HE'S STALLING FOR TIME!" she belowed loudly to the Scoobs. "HE'S WAITING FOR BACKUP! SEAL THE ARENA!" Only Wiz saw the look of homicidal rage on Dartan's face, and he found it oddly comforting. Way to go, Rae. No problem, Sweetie. Rae's voice replied inside his head. We're scoobs. It's what we do for each other. SeventhAngel -- “I KNEW IT!” the angel roared, leaping from his seat, drawing his sword from it's place in the floor, and striding towards the upper reaches of the arena. TWIG! the angel shouted in his mind. GAHHHHH! DO YA LIKE HAVE TO SHOUT IT TO THE WORLD??!! came the small voice of the Whisp. LIGHT-BEARER! the angel spoke the codeword in his mind. No Problemo, Mi Amor! Already THERE! came Twigs reply. As the angel reached the upper deck of the arena, blindingly bright coalescent light flared thru the windows, as a gleaming wall of crystalline energy rose up around the outside of the arena, compliments of Twig. "Beautiful, darlin'!" the angel spoke aloud. Let's see those goons get thru THAT! Twig replied. kayde -- Kay, sitting almost center stage also, had her magic ready. at the drop of a hat, she was prepared to stop time and movement on everything, but, what was happening in the arena. Wiz could lick Dartran with no problem. But, Wiz fought with honor, and Dartran with dirty tricks. And, that's what the Scoobs were there for. To make sure it was a fair fight. JilaCosa -- Dartran roars like an angry Dragon. His plan has been revealed and he has no time for anything else. Not at all to his liking he's going to have to handle this one-on-one. Meanwhile, up in the viewing box, Jila can be heard giggling. What is that line she likes so much from "The Lion King"? Oh yes, "Mufasa is madder than a hippo with a hernia." Bwahahahaha! Yes, that was just about what Dartran sounded like, mad as a hippo with a hernia! Dartran looks up at the viewing box, and sees Jila holding her sides which ache from laughter. How DARE she laugh at him. He would show her. He would put a spell on her to shut her up for the last time. Through Jila's merry tears she sees Dartran staring at her. She was nearly choking with laughter. Suddenly she feels the air tingle with magic and quickly brings her arms up to cross in front of her face. The magic spell that Dartran threw at her hisses and dies about a foot in front of her. Her laughing stops abruptly, but a smile spreads across her face. Thank the Powers for whatever this magic was they had given her. Unconciously, Jila had put up a thick shield as protection against the unknown. Whew!! Dartran roars again. This is getting him Nowhere and he knows it. WizMick's friends amount to nothing. It's WizMick he's here for. It's time to get down to (dirty) business. Raven-Kat -- “BRAVO!” Rae shouts to Jila across the arena. "Well done, kiddo!" "Kiddo?" Jila laughs back. "You heard me!" Rae laughs, teleporting herself over to Jila. "You did good." she adds in a lower voice, giving Jila a quick hug. "I predict great things for you... In fact..." "What?" "You just used your magic in a land other than the one that it was given to you in. This isn't the world we came to in the first place." "It isn't?" Jila blinks, surprised by this intelligence. "No, it isn't." Rae grins proudly. "Next, we work on your magic in your world..." SeventhAngel -- Flourishing his sword the angel 'jaunted' from his place at the top of the arena, reappearing next to Jila and Rae. "Ladies," the angel bowed quickly, "I believe that we are safe from the hordes for the moment." "Hopefully long enough for Wiz to take care of this Wannabe-Wizard-of-the-Universe once and for all," Rae said. "Amen to that!" Jila added. "I take it we can thank Twig for the shield?" Rae asked. "Yeah," the angel said. "A little something we cooked up for this party. Sorry, it's not that we didn't wanna share, but we didn't know how much Dartran was capable of getting out of our heads." "Understandable," Rae said. "Powerful spell for such a little thing," Jila said with admiration for the tiny Whisp. "This is nothing," the angel added with equal respect. "She's actually one of the strongest Casters in the Beyond. Just don't mention it to her. No use giving her a big head." "Noted," Rae said. "C'mon Wiz, Do this guy and we can all go home," the angel said. WizMick -- There’s a blue shimmering..... There was a blue shimmering and a flash! Wiz stands in front of Dartran, looking tired and worn-down with a sad expression on his face. "Well Dartran, it seems everything has conspired to bring us to this moment! I had hoped even with all that has happened you would't force this." Dartran with a contemptous glance at the surroundint Scoobs laughed at Wiz. "Your little friends going to help you with their pathetic little magics? Or are you really going to try it on your own?" Wiz glances at the Scoobs, a sad smile on his face. "No Dartran, this is just between us." With a quick flick of his wrist, Wiz throw a rune to the ground. A blue bubble surrounds the area, enclosing Dartran and Wiz together. Dartran quickly recites a spell but to no effect! "Coward! You've taken my magic!" "No! But inside this ward no magic will work until it is settle between us brother! Dartran looks a Wiz...a predatory smile on his face and draws his sword. "You still have the scars on your chest from the last time we met little brother! Corwyn couldn't have help you much." "Corwyn was a friend who helped after you destroyed his and my trust, and betrayed all that we stood for." "Well, let's get to it little brother. I have to settle with your friends when I'm done with you. They should enjoy what I'm going to do to you...dying in angony is really entertaining!" Wiz pulls Tira from its sheath, there's a blue glow from its hilt. Dartran stops and stares, Wiz's Blue Crystal is embedded in the cross hilt of his sword. "That little bauble won't help you now." Dartran speaks as he slowly moves forward swinging his sword slightly back and forth. "If I die Dartran, Tira and my Crystal die with me!" Wiz moves forward quickly swinging Tira in an over hand chop at Dartran's head! WizMick -- Continued...... Jila looks at Rae and the other Scoobs, they can see and hear what is going on in the bubble. A feeling of despair hits them! "Rae, something is wrong with Wiz, look at him it is as if he's already lost!" Rae, after trying her magic without result, looks grimly at the scence below. "This is Wiz's fight...but I swear if Wiz dies there won't be a place in any universe that will hide Dartran from us!" The other Scoobs look on in agreement, their resolve strengthen by their fear for their friend. "Go Wiz"...Spy says softly. ................................. Dartran blocks Wiz's swing with and easy flick of his wrist. "Com'on Wiz, Corwyn taught you better than that." Dartran quickly swings at Wiz forcing him back and with a feint to the head, slashes Wiz across the chest! Wiz breathing hard holds Tira with both hands and starts a swinging his sword in in series of eights. Dartran backs up a step, then lunges staight at Wiz's heart. Wiz blocks the lunge and with a backhand slash cuts Dartran from ear to jaw! The Scoobs start cheering seeing the surprise on Dartran's face after the cut! "You'll pay for that Wiz, I swear by the time I'm done you'll be begging me for death!" "Dartran, you talk too much!" Wiz lunges forward. Dartran blood dripping from his face blocks Wiz lunge and counters with a lightening chop at Wiz's knee. Wiz partially blocks the cut but it lands on his lower leg dropping him to one knee. "Now little brother, let's see how you like your face cut to ribbons!" Dartran advances towrds Wiz, the predatory smile back on his face. The Scoobs start yelling, throwing things at the Blue Dome...anything to distract Dartran! Dartran looks up and with a contemptous gesture to the on looking Scoobs swings an overhand chop at Wiz's face. Wiz on one knee holds Tira point first in front of him ... (to be continued....) Dartran wipes the blood from his face and flings at Wiz WizMick -- Dartran steps forward..... Dartran steps forward slowly....smiling as if the cut on his face meant nothing. Wiz on one knee with Tira's point wavering from side to side in front of him for protection. "What are you waiting for Dartran, I'm right here!" "You still have some fight left in you, I guess you think your friends will some how save you if you can hold on. You forget fool that your spell keeping magic out keeps them out also since they all have some magic in them." "Dartran, you still talk to much...come on!" Snakelike Dartran's sword knocks Wizs' aside and he puts a slice on Wiz's right cheek. Smiling now with the pleasure of a slow kill. Dartran feints at Wiz's other leg, then with a backhand cut slices Wiz's other cheek. Wiz with his face dripping blood, painfully looks up at the Scoobs. Their faces reflect their pain, despair and anger at what was happening. Their frustration was like an angry cloud ready to explode. Dartran watching Wiz glance throws back his head and laughs...at that moment a streak of grey hits his face. A desperate Max, with claws and teeth attacks Dartran face with everything he has. Dartran reaches up grabs Max and throws heavily to the ground stunning him. Dartran swipes at him his sword, laying open Max's side. Wiz lunges forward with both hands on Tira hilt straight at Dartran's heart! As Tira's point strikes him, Dartran has the most surprized look on his face! He falls backward with Tira protruding from his chest. Wiz crawls over to Max and holds him against his chest, tears mixing with the blood on his face. "Meow" (Can't I ever leave you alone?) "Don't worry Max, it'll be alright!" Wiz speaks a "WORD" and the magic bubble disappears, with a glance at the Scoobs with chants a rune and is gone! The Scoobs race down to where Dartran lays with Tira stuck in him. "What happen?" "Where has he gone?" "How could Max get in?" were the questions being thrown back and forth amongst the Scoobs. Jila looking at the others, points to Tira "Look at Wiz's Crystal!"...the blue crystal's glow dims to faint spot as the Scoobs look on. Angel with a faroff look on his face, "Wiz will be alright...he's...somewhere else right now. We can't reach him he needs time. Keep Tira safe until he returns..." Raven-Kat -- “Frellin’ drenn!” Rae hisses, kicking Dartan's body for good measure. She takes Tira into her hands and wipes the blade clean. Then she straps the sword to her back. This weapon will never be wielded by Rae's hands. As much as she may ache to do so, her restraint is a matter of respect. Tears in her eyes, she slides to her knees in the spot where Wiz disappeared, her head bowed in what could have been prayer or reflection. She looks up, and the first site to meet her eyes is Dartan's body. Her face hardens. She begins stripping the body of weapons and valuables. "Rae! What are you doing?" Jila gasps. "Rules of combat. The victor is entitled to the weapons and valuables of the vanquished. I will hold them for Wiz until he returns to us." "You aren't going to try to find him?" Jila demands. "Rae, what is wrong with you?" "He does not wish to be found." Rae's face hardens again. "When the time is right, he will return to us." She produces a burlap sack and begins piling Dartan's possessions into them. When she is finished, she rises and hands the sack to Spy. "What are you doing?" Spyral asks. Rae puts a hand on his shoulder and mutters into his ear, "Bear the others safely back to the mansion. I'm not finished here." "What are you doing?" "Burning the body." "Does he really deserve to be disposed of so honorably?" "Hezmana no!" Rae hisses. "But I know that there's a reason that you people used to burn people like me. I'll scatter his ashes to the four winds and he will never trouble us, or Wiz, again." Spyral nods slowly. "You insist on doing this alone?" Rae nods. "Follow my thread. Once you're in the pull, you will come out safely in the hallway where we left from. Spy nods, but frowns. "The others will worry." "They won't have time." Rae whispers. "I can manipulate time as well. I will return seconds after you yourself do." She looks up at the others. "Let's go home, people!" The Scoobs gather in a tight knot around Rae and Spyral. Both begin chanting, and none of the Scoobs notice when Rae stops chanting. ~~~~~~~ The Scoobs reappear in the mansion of the hallway gently. There is no sense of falling, no sense of any movement at all, only a change of scenery. As they gather their bearings, Mouse says, "Where's Rae?" "Rae?" Jila frowns and looks around. "She couldn't have..." she trails off, frowning. "Here I am!" An extremely soot-y Rae calls in an overly-cheerful voice from the other end of the hall. Max sits at her feet. "I just had something to take care of." "So... what now?" Jila asks, still frowning. "Now, I take these things up to Wiz's room." Rae takes the bag from Spyral. "Then I take a shower." Meow. "I know Max." Rae nods and pets Max. She looks up at the Scoobs. "Then YOU all assemble in the kitchen at 1700 hours for the feast we are going to have in honor of Wiz's great victory." She picks up Max, retrieves Raegun from the shelf where she has left him, and starts off for Wiz's room.