Part XVI
Endings and Beginnings


Robin ran across the landing deck and jumped into the first empty fighter she came to. As soon as she was clear for take-off the commander exited the deck and found herself instantly engaged in battle. She quickly took out 3 smaller fighters that belong to Magna's crew. Now, she was on to bigger problems. Silos' ship.

The general huffed as he watched the commander's fighter head towards the large ship.

"Get all available soldiers on her tail…I don't want a speck of dust off a stray piece of debris to touch her…"

"Aye General."

Robin felt her blood boiling. It had been a long time she had tasted such battle lust. Her lip twitched as she got closer to the large ship. All missiles were locked on as she did a quick fly. She found herself doing a roll and dodge between enemy fire. Her fighter dipped and pulled up fast barely escaping another onslaught of fire. As fast as she could, she turned back and began firing on the ship.

She watched as sparks flew from the impact of her missiles. She had made contact but not enough. One more sharp turn and she headed back towards the ship. Just as she locked on, two fighters came up on each side of her.

"Want some company Commander Sword…"

Blue eyes looked over to see Captain Baker giving her a thumbs up.

"Let's do this…"

The Commander and her entourage fired on the ship. Debris began to fall to the ground and smoke poured from the large vessel.

"He's going down sir…."

Captain Baker signaled for his crew to follow the ship to the ground.

"No prisoners..."

"Commander?"

Captain Baker was shocked at the order.

"Did I stutter..."

" No Commander."

Captain Baker signaled for his crew to follow the ship down. He ordered a ground crew to seize anyone on board the ship. However, he did not give the no prisoner command. He felt certain that Commander Sword would agree with his decision after the battle was over.

"Engage...but do not fire on those surrendering..."



~*~*~


Sarah quickly called out to her daughter.

"Angel..."

The small child looked in the direction of the familiar voice. As their eyes met the blonde choked back the tears that threatened to take over her body. The innocent face smiling before her giving her a strength she knew not that she possessed.

"Mommy's here sweetheart....mommy's here..."

Sarah stepped further into the portal. The sounds of war became muffled and all movement around seemed to slow to an almost crawl. It amazed her as she watched bullets and missiles fly through the air slower than a feather falling from the sky.

"Mommy...where's Robin?"

The blonde smiled at the mention of her soulmates name.

"She's close by baby..."

"Is she safe?"

Green eyes tried to find her lover amidst the storm of soldiers. Though her eyes could not find Robin, her heart told her she was alive and well.

"Yes Angel. She is safe..."

Sarah watched as the young child seemed to get lost in the battle that surrounded them.

"Why don't you come over here with mommy?"

The blonde held out her hand and waited for the child to walk towards her. Slowly, Angel took a step towards her mother. As the child got closer the events around them sped up. Sarah could see the intensity of the battle.

"Hurry baby girl."

Just as Angel latched onto her mothers hand a large blast sounded in their ears. The portal had been struck. Sarah picked up her daughter and began running towards the gate.

Otis and the other protectors of the gate, quickly surrounded Sarah and Angel.

"Do not worry little one...no harm will come to you."

Sarah watched as ship after ship tried to enter the portal only to combust upon impact. Abigail's words echoed in her ear..."there will be many who will try to enter... their lust for immortality will blind them to the fate that awaits them." Sarah cringed as another explosion rang out. She knew their fate. Death.

Otis sighed in relief as the mother and child stepped out of the portal entrance and stood facing the gate. He bent down slowly coming eye level with the chosen one.

"Soon this battle will end and all will be well again."

The young child hugged her mother's neck and buried her face in short blonde locks.

"Sarah..."

The blonde looked to Otis and smiled. She didn't know if this would be goodbye but her heart felt heavy.

"Sarah...I must leave you now. There are things I need to attend to....Abigail will be on the other side...waiting for you both."

"Thank you so much Otis...I can never..."

"You already have...now go. And remember...there is nothing to fear..."

The blonde nodded her head as she watched Otis vanish from her sight.



~*~*~



"Magna..."

The woman snarled as she heard her name called out. She spun around and smiled a sickening smile towards the tall commander. The bursting bombs and falling debris would not stop her from this fighting this woman.

"Ahhh...Commander Sword...I knew we would meet again...I just didn't realize it would be under such...happy conditions."

Robin watched as Magna slowly reached for her weapon. The woman was teasing the commander and Robin knew it.

"Well I hope you enjoy our time together...because it will be our last...."

Magna shook her head as she tsked the commander.

"A little dramatic don't ya think?"

Robin simply shrugged her shoulders and arched an eyebrow as she waited on the woman to make a move. Magna let out a long sigh as she pushed the release button on her staff, producing two long blades on either side.

"So eager to fight..."

Robin retrieved a small shiny object from her boot and smiled as it pulsed to life. Magna laughed at the hand held weapon.

"Surely you don't think you can beat me with that....?"

Robin pulled her arm back and stared ice blue eyes into Magna.

"You're right.......I know I can..."

Quickly and smoothly, Robin slung the object at Magna. The round pulsing blade easily sliced through the staff and returned to Robin's hand. The fight was on.

Magna rushed the commander and the two women fought without restraint. Robin took several hard blows to her ribs and jaw. The pain reminding her of every second of torment her soulmate had gone through. Sarah's face flashed in Robins mind and the tall commander found strength like none she had ever known.

Magna continued thrusting towards the commander. Blue eyes darted towards something shiny coming towards her but it was too late. She felt the slicing pain as Magna tore into her flesh with a blade hidden beneath her cloak.

Just as Magna began to smile a victorious smile she felt the wind leave her lungs. She swore she saw a twinkle in those ice blue eyes as her knees gave out and she fell to the cold hard ground.

She looked down but saw no weapon. Her eyes looked back up to the commander.

"How..."

A familiar voice from behind her made her realize the pain in her body signaled her end. She fell to the ground as her eyes locked onto the golden orbs of the winged creature above her.

"It's you..."

Robin watched as the final breath left the woman's body. Relief flooded her senses as she took in the sight before her. This creature was familiar. Before she could speak Otis stepped towards the woman and engulfed her in his wings.

"We must go..."

The next thing Robin knew she was standing outside the portal gate. She could see Sarah on the other side holding an all too familiar child.

"Angel..."

Both Angel and her mother turned at the familiar voice. A warm golden glow surrounding the three of them.

"Robin...Robin..."

The child wiggled herself free from her mother's embrace and ran to the outstretched arms of her protector.

"You're hurt..."

Robin just smiled as she held the young girl.

"It's nothing that won't heal."

All eyes watched as Angel placed her hand on the blood stained arm of her protector. The golden glow surrounding them brightened and Robin felt a deep heat penetrate her arm. When the light subsided to its normal brightness she was not surprised to find her arm completely healed.

"Thank you baby girl..."

Angel hugged the tall woman and placed a quick kiss on her cheek.

"I love you Robin..."

"Love you too..."


All too soon, the tender moment gave way to the sound of Abigail's voice.

"My child...it is time."

Angel nodded her head as Robin released her hold on the girl. Sarah knelt down for one last hug.

"I love you so much Angel..."

"I love you to mommy..."

Abigail nodded her head towards Robin and the commander returned the gesture. Sadly, two sets of tear filled eyes watched as the young child took Abigail's hand. Slowly, the two turned and disappeared into the mist of Orion.

Silence hung in the air as the mist swirled and then settled. Robin looked to her lover and smiled through the tears.

"Well...I guess our work is done here...."

Otis stepped towards the two women.

"Not exactly....



Continued......




The next chapter will be the last in this series. I have been asked several times to continue this story. I would like your thoughts on this. I have ideas of where to take them and more surprises...but I also know all good things must eventually end...your feedback is most important. I thrive on it. Thank you for sticking with me...you can reach me at
loubug@zoomnet.net

Thanks….