Drones: Episode 19: Yukikos Trial: Morals

Warning: This story series may contain content intended for mature
readers 18 & up only. If you are under the age of 18, please come back
when youre 18 or older to continue reading this Thank you. Owo
Written by: Eric Daniel De Loor
Kari slept peacefully while Night watched over. Morning had come, yet Kari was still
exhausted from the previous night. Night suddenly heard a knock on the door. He
quickly disguised himself as Kari, while he hid the real Karis presence.

He walked over to the door & opened it to find Erik at the door. Morning Erik! He
greeted him, using Karis voice. Morning! Im glad to see youre okay. I was worried
after what happened yesterday. He replied with a smile.

Well, you should never judge a book by its cover. Would you like to come in? He
asked. Sure, I have a bit of time before I haft to go do todays chores. He replied
as he walked into the room. Night quickly closed the door & locked it before undoing
his illusions. So what happened after? Night trailed off as he spotted Kari asleep
on the bed. Erik turned around & saw Night leaning against the door. As I said
before You should never judge a book by its cover He repeated to a shocked &
confused Erik.

YOU! WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING HERE?! Erik roared, only for Night to put his
hand over Eriks mouth. Quiet, unless you want to wake her He warned as he
pointed to a still-sleeping Kari. I will gladly explain if you are willing to sit peacefully
& listen. Otherwise we can take this elsewhere, but either way, I will NOT have you
waking her up! He stated firmly, trying to keep his own voice low.

He slowly removed his hand from Eriks mouth who glared at him hostilely. I hope
you had a nice sleep, considering I warned you when you attacked that Id disarmed
you, & decided yet again against ending your life. I couldve killed you after
incapacitating you, but she would have never forgiven that. I also decided against
leaving you out on the roof in case it rained. So I took both of you back to your
rooms. He admitted.

So Then it was you! He exclaimed as he kept his eyes fixated on Night. As

troublesome as it was, yes. I also gave her your room number, in case she wanted
to check up on you, but it seems youve saved her the trouble. He explained. I
was going to make something to eat, are you hungry? I can easily fix something up
for the three of us Night offered as he walked over to some of the plants. Ill

pass Id prefer something made by someone who I can trust wont poison me.
Erik shot back, only to find a knife held to his neck.

If I wanted to kill you, I would have found a much more effective way than just to
poisoning you. Its what I do as the assassination commander of Psykers team, but I
am trying to resolve this for once without killing anyone. Not all of what you see are
illusions Its hard for many people to realize what I make is real, & what are
illusions So dont think I will keep using illusions instead of the real thing. He
threatened. If you want to settle the score. Say so now. Otherwise, grow up. Im
being nice, so either say yes or no, otherwise, keep your unnecessary comments to
yourself & leave. He warned.

Erik remained silent but kept his eyes on Night with a hatred that could be felt from
miles. Unless you have a reason besides throwing insults & threats or trying to
intimidate & force me to leave, it would be best if you just left this room for the time
being. He stated calmly.

She wont like you using her plants for food I know a better place for you to
eat Erik replied after a few moments of silent. That would be appreciated
Night replied as he stopped inspecting the plants. Erik led Night out of Karis room &
the two walked to the cafeteria together.

When they arrived, Night saw Psyker & the others eating. He contemplated joining
them, after all, they were the only ones who openly accepted him. But for some
reason, he decided to remain with Erik. I suggest the scrambled eggs. They make
some mean eggs. But they always burn the bagels. He advised they both picked up
trays. Erik I wanted to apologize for how I treated you when we met Night
admitted quietly.

What brought that on? Erik asked. I havent had many nice people in my life
that I could count on So I felt a bit jealous when I heard about this place Hearing
that so many people like me got to attend a place where they could feel
welcomed & then I heard about Kari I never have heard of another Dryad let
alone a female one & when I listened in on your conversation I couldnt help but
feel as if you were a bad person He admitted.

Like you told me, you should never judge a book by its cover As for the whole
thing, lets just put it behind us You seem like a guy who has his morals & I
respect that. Lets just try not to fight again. Erik replied as he picked his breakfast.
The two of them walked over to two empty spots on the benches that lined the

cafeteria & sat down. So, from one guy to another Are you romantically
interested in Kari as well? Night asked, causing Erik to spit milk out of his nose as
he coughed out the milk hed been drinking, attracting the attention of everyone in
the room.

Erik looked around embarrassedly. Night laughed as everyone returned to eating.

Ill take that as a yes. He chuckled. Was it that obvious? Erik asked as he
blushed. It was so obvious that it was like reading the front cover of a book. He
laughed. I guess shes probably guessed it too then He remarked with a frown.
If she has, it doesnt look like she minds too much Night remarked as he pointed
behind him. Erik turned around & came face to face with Kari who was smiling at
him.

Erik spat milk out his nose again which went through Kari, who slowly faded away.
Night laughed again as Erik turned back around & stared at him. That was not cool,
man. He stated, struggling not to laugh himself. Hey, be happy it was just one of
my illusions & not the real thing, she wouldnt be happy about now because shed
be covered in milk right now. Night laughed but Erik fell silently.

Night slowly calmed down. Hehehe She standing right behind me Isnt she?
He asked as he gave Erik a smile. Erik nodded slowly as he stared into Karis eyes.
Honestly, Night! You shouldnt tease him like that! Kari reprimanded Night as she
sat down beside him.

Aww We were just playing around Right, Erik? Night asked as he gave him a
glance. Yeah We were just playing. Erik agreed with a smile. Well, next time,
dont leave me all alone like that. She pouted. Alright. Next time well take you
with us. Night replied with a smile. By the way How are you? Umm Well?
Kari stuttered as she looked down, blushing. Hmm? He glanced at the food then at
her. Oh! You mean Well Didnt you ever figure that out? He asked. Figure
what out? Erik asked.

Well Dryads like me & Kari feed in a different way than regular people do. If Im
not mistaken, Kari here doesnt know how we eat. I find that odd considering shes
survived this long without knowing. He explained. I tried eating like how Ripp &
the others do But I always felt weak Like I wasnt getting the energy I should
be It was like my battery was running empty even after eating She protested.

Well then, Ill teach you about how to live your life as a proper Dryad. Night
proclaimed, causing Kari to blush. First off, as dryads, we gain energy not through

ingesting through our mouths, but through our hands. We leech off of the energy of
nature itself, which provides us with its energy. In turn, it is our job to protect nature
in exchange for that sustenance. Here, try absorbing the life energy from this
apple. He instructed as he handed her an apple from his tray.

Kari took the apple, holding it carefully as if her life depended on it. She gave Night
a look of confusion. As a druid, you have the ability to communicate with organic
matter through touch. Simply tell it what you want, & imagine yourself taking that
from it. He instructed.

Kari glanced down at the apple & closed her eyes. Slowly a dim green light pulsated
from inside her arms as the apple began to wither & vanish before Night & Eriks
eyes. Karis eyes shot open as she gasped, & almost fell off her seat. Night caught
her just in time as she struggled to breath. Easy there You might have absorbed
it a little too fast. In time you will get used to it, but since this is new to you, try &
pace yourself. He suggested as Kari struggled to stay up-right.

I-Ive never felt this much energy I never thought it could be possible to get this
much energy from a single apple before! She admitted as she struggled to breathe.
Lets head back, your body is having trouble processing all of it at once. He
suggested as he lifted her onto his back, giving her a piggy-back ride. You want to
come too, Erik? Night asked as he glanced over. Nah, I have to get going on my
mission now, but Ill drop by later & say Hi. He declined as he got up from his seat.
Bye, Erik Kari replied as she struggled to keep her equilibrium. Erik waved as
they went their separate ways.

I still find it strange How youve managed to maintain drone form to this point
with barely any energy at all. Youve led an almost normal life, despite not having
ever gotten the energy you should have Night admitted as he walked down a
flight of stairs.

Ive always had to make do with what I had Its been a struggle. Truth be told,
Ripp was the only one I had to keep me going Whenever I was ready to give up
All I had to think of was him & Id find the strength to keep going Kari admitted.
Youre really crazy about him, huh? He asked as they reached the bottom of the
stairs.

Yeah He always tries to make everyone happy, while doing what he thinks is
right. He always does his best to protect others... Even when Even When Kari

trailed off as she sniffled. There is more to why you admire him then youve said
Isnt there? He asked as they approached Karis room.

Kari remained silent as he carried her. Upon entering her room, Night locked the
door & let Kari down onto her bed. Long ago When I was being bullied I was
being beat up as usual because I had given my lunch to another group of bullies
As one boy was about to hit me, Ripp appeared out of nowhere, & tackled him out of
the way He then proceeded to take on all of the bullies single handedly &
protected me That was the first time Id met him I was a stranger to him & yet
he stood up for me. Something no one had ever done before He still is the only
one to this day who did that She explained.

You know I also stood up for you When I perceived Erik to be picking on you, I
intervened Because I thought it was the right thing to do at the time Ripp isnt
the only one looking out for you anymore Im here now too. Night admitted as he
glanced slightly at Kari, but avoided eye contact.

Kari blushed & remained silent, not sure how to respond to his words. Suddenly they
all heard a voice on the intercomm. This is an announcement for all A- grade &
above Drones, Please report to the dark ligers dormitory lobby for the next trial.
Thank-you. Ralas voice announced from the stereo speakers in Karis room.

Well Guess its time for the next trial. Kari blurted out as she got up but swayed.
As she fell over, Night caught her in his arms. Youre still not back to yourself yet
Let me join you Ill help you till you can move on your own again. Night
suggested. Is that even allowed? Kari asked uncertainly. Im sure Yukiko will let
me, considering the circumstances. He assured her as he undid the lock & carried
her outside in his arms.

*** Location Change ***

As they neared the dark liger dormitory entrance, Kari & Night saw Erik trying to
enter. Come on! I JUST WANT TO SEE MY FRIENDS PERFORMANCE IN THE TRIAL!
He urged one of the guards. I already told you! You cant enter without permission
from a dark liger member & thats final! The guard replied sternly.

Is that so? Kari replied as Night helped her to her feet. He helped her walk over to
Erik & the two guards. Kari Erik responded in disbelief. As a member of Ripp
Todwells group, & by extension, a Dark-Liger operative, I grant permission for this

boy to enter freely, provided no trouble is caused by his presence. Kari ordered as
she took out a badge & showed it to the guards.

Hmm, alright! You all may enter. The guards responded as they stood aside. Night
& Erik helped Kari inside. Are you going to be okay, Kari? Erik asked, obviously
concerned. Shell be alright, I plan to help her until she is able to move on her
own. Night informed him. The three of them walked over to the rest of the group
who were waiting. Night spotted Psyker, Yukiko, & Violet, but could not see Vincent
or Wisp. This lack of all five members troubled him, as he knew when the five
werent together at the start of their trials, it was never a good sign for those
participating.

Kari This might be a difficult trial He warned her in a whisper. Why is that?
She asked. Long story Lets just say I know from Past experience. He
answered as he helped her to a couch, before approaching Psyker, Yukiko, & Violet.

Well, this is a surprise Whatre you doing here, Night? Violet asked. Psyker
remained silent. I heard about what happened earlier in the cafeteria, from Wisp
Yukiko exclaimed as Night stopped in front of them. Then there is little doubt that
you, too, know what I wish to ask. Night responded as he crossed his arms. I know
what your trial is, Yukiko but are you really planning to take it to such a degree as
to request Wisp & Vincent not attend, for fear of them also being effected? He
asked.

Under certain conditions People change The conditions they will be faced with
will be some of the toughest anyone could ever face Yes. I plan on taking this as
high as I can, not because I want to, but because it is my job Nay, my duty, to do
so. Yukiko replied. You may help her move, but other than that, I do not want you
to help her overcome it. I will have Psyker monitor your brainwaves to make sure
you do not go against our wishes. Should you interfere, consequences will be
administered. To both her, & you. Yukiko warned him firmly.

understood He replied with a frown. He returned to Karis side with his head
hung low. Did they say no? Erik asked. No They said yes He replied. Then
why the long face? Erik probed. Because things are about to get as bad as Id
feared If not, worse. Im not allowed to tell you what to expect, otherwise we both
will be punished He alerted them.

I get the feeling that something really bad is about to happen Erik remarked as
he walked to a near-by wall & sat down as Yukiko walked over to the middle of the

room. Now that everyone has assembled, I will explain how this trial will work
Yukiko announced as all the doors in & out of the room suddenly closed & locked on
their own.

Half of you have been selected as attackers, while the other half have been
selected as survivors. Those who have been selected as attackers, will be given an
automatic pass to this trial, in exchange for their free will. The survivors jobs will be
to survive the onslaught of the attacker that has been chosen to fight them in a
one-on-one battle, & kill their target, or be killed. Yukiko instructed loudly. This
caused all of the drones to look at each other in worry & disbelief. You will not know
which list you are on until you enter through the portal & are teleported into the
room where your fight is to take place. Each member has had one person selected
specifically to face them. There will be no use trying to reason with the attackers as
they will be fully unable to return to their senses until this trial is over. She
explained.

The whole group turned to look at Rauk-Shao, expecting him to intervene, but were
even further shocked when he did not. Ripp stepped forward & confronted Yukiko.
Has this really been approved?! How is this different from the last trial, aside from
the fact that this time its us that are going to be the ones doing the killing?! He
objected loud & clearly.

This has been approved, & we will see with time how this plays out. Yukiko replied
as multiple portals formed. Each portal had a name over it. If you each will now
please enter through the portal with your name, this trial will begin. Yukiko
instructed resolutely.

The members hesitated, but one by one, they entered their portals, until only
Psyker, Violet, Yukiko, & Erik remained in the room. As an observer whos been
given special privileges, you may watch with us how each battle will play out
Yukiko informed Erik who glared at them hostilely.

How can you do this to them?! He argued angrily. The real trial was not
mentioned whether they win or not will not decide whether they pass or not. Its
their actions & decisions that will do that. Come & have a look & you will see what is
really happening Yukiko informed him. As Erik walked over to a screen that had
formed, he froze in disbelief. But This would mean that! He yelled in shock.

*** Location Change ***

Kari found herself in a room alone. She glanced around & panicked when she did not
see Night. NIGHT WHERE ARE YOU?! She called out as she kept looking for him.
I didnt expect them to pull this trick He answered through her mind. They
temporarily turned me into a spirit, & merged me with you so that I can energize
your body, allowing it to move like it usually would, while at the same time,
preventing me from personally interfering physically He explained. The one
upside of this is that I can merge my drone powers with yours, allowing you access
to my powers in addition to your own while this fusion lasts But the downside for
you Is that I have access to all your memories, feelings, desires, etc. Basically
while this lasts Youre in essence, an open book to me. He added.

Hearing this caused Kari to blush profusely. After this, you & I have a lot to talk
about. He noted as she shook her head. DONT GO READING THROUGH MY MIND,
OTHERWISE I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU! She yelled. Did you not forget? Im in
your mind I know youre not serious when you say that. Either way, this will help
me with getting to know you better. He added. NIGHT DONT YOU DARE! She
bellowed. By the way, here comes your opponent He warned her. Kari focused
back on the room, & to her horror realized that Heat was now in the room.

THEY PITTED ME AGAINST A FIRE DRONE?! HOW ON EARTH AM I SUPPOSED TO WIN

AGAINST FIRE?! NOT ONLY IS MY DRONE FORM WEAK TO FIRE BUT SO AM I! She
screeched as she leaped away as Heat slammed his axe down where shed stood
moments ago. Unfortunately, the axes impact caused a flame wave that caught
Kari off-guard.

Kari screamed as her body suffered first & second degree burns. WHAT ON EARTH
ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! ACTIVATE OUR DRONE ARMOUR ALREADY! Night yelled.
OVERGROW! She yelled, only for nothing to happen. WHAT THE?! WHY WONT IT
WORK?! She screamed as Heat approached her. Remember? Our power is
intertwined, that means it will need a new incantation to activate drone mode! He
alerted her. WHY DIDNT YOU MENTION THAT SOONER?! She screamed as she
ducked, narrowly missing another of Heats axe swings.

SO WHAT IS THE INCANTATION?! She cried as Heat punched her with his drill arm,
sending her flying into the wall. I wish I knew He answered back. ARE YOU
KIDDING ME?! IF THIS KEEPS UP IM GOING TO LOSE THIS MATCH AND MORE!
She cried as Heat approached her, his axe engulfed by flames.

Nature & Illusions Nature & Illusions Nature & Illusions Night muttered in
her head. I GOT IT! THE INCANTATION IS He yelled. Kari leaped to the side as

Heat brought his axe down once more. Youve got to be kidding me THAT IS THE
INCANTATION?! She yelled out loud.

Yea It has to be. Night answered back. HOW THE HECK DOES THAT RELATE TO
NATURE & ILLUSIONS?! She cried while doing a backflip as Heat swung at her
again. JUST TRY IT! Night urged her. FADE IN THE GRASS! She yelled as she
closed her eyes, bracing for Heats axe as he swung once more at her.

Suddenly Heat was blasted back as an energy field burst forth from Kari. Slowly
parts of armour began forming around her, before they could do anything, a second
set also appeared. Slowly both sets began changing & merging with each other. Kari
could hear a strange voice in her head. Mutation Process: Nature X Illusion Overlap
Commencing. A strange robotic voice alerted her through her mind.

What was that?! She asked Night as the armour began taking form. No clue But
we have other concerns at the moment, we can worry about it later. He reminded
her as the armour transformed into a light brown colour with light green energy
lines pulsing over it. Her arms grew claw blades over the wrists while a giant sledge
hammer formed in her hands. Long thorn-covered vines sprouted from the back of
her head & her back, like hair. Her eyes now glowed a vibrant purple, with the
center glowing an even brighter red. Under the hair-like vines, a cape sprouted,
formed out of layers upon layers of leafs.

As Heat got up, Kari appeared in front of him. He held up his axe, ready to block an
attack, but was caught off guard when the Kari in front of him seemingly teleported
behind him & struck him from behind instead.

He lurched forward from the blow, as the real Kari, who had now reappeared in front
of him again, swung her hammer upwards into his chest, propelling him upwards as
the illusionary Kari that had struck Heat from behind, faded away. As Heat reached
the peak of his ascension, Kari summoned multiple vines from the walls to bind him
in mid-air. She then threw her hammer at him. As it neared Heat, its appearance
changed from a hammer, to a large scythe which sliced into Heat. It then
transformed into a seed, with the pole of it becoming multiple vines that tangled
around his body before exploding all around him. The explosion set the vines
holding him in the air on fire. Once theyd burned away, Heat plummeted towards
the ground. As he got within range, Kari slammed her knee into his gut.

I wont let anyone harm me Im tired of living my life in fear! She cried out. Kari
prepared to plunge her wrist-mounted claws into Heat. KARI STOP! ARE YOU

REALLY GOING TO KILL HIM?! YOU KNOW HOW IMPORTANT HE IS! HOW PEOPLE
LOOK UP TO HIM! Night interrupted.

Karis resolve wavered for a moment as her body began shaking. Her arm felt like it
was paralyzed. Her eyes widened & began to fill with tears which streamed down
her face as she stared at Heat with terror. I DONT WANT TO DIE! She yelled in
sobs as she thrust her claw into the ground inches from Heats head.

Slowly the world faded away as Kari & Night reappeared in the dark ligers lobby.
Kari fell to the ground & held her head in her hands as she yelled in anguish. KARI!
ITS ALRIGHT! ITS OVER! ITS ALL OVER! Night yelled as he got down on the floor
in front of her, & held her in his arms. I DONT WANT TO DIE!! She repeated as
loud as she could. Night realized that a dormant traumatizing memory had been
brought up from Karis subconscious, rendering her unable to acknowledge anything
or anyone else around her.

Yukiko & the others ran over but Night held a hand out as he took her into his arms.
This is something you all cant help with Ive seen much after having been in her
head Ive felt just how deep her pain goes & I have even my own doubts that she
will ever recover But if she is to recover, only I can hope to help her at all He
informed them before walking past them & out of the lobby without another word.

He quickly took Kari to her room, where he once again locked the door behind them.
He put Kari on the bed & started looking around her room for various different
flowers & other things. He quickly began mixing them together. Within minutes he
brought a mixture to Kari, who he forced to ingest. Within a few minutes of ingesting
it, Kari began to calm down.

He held her in his arms the whole time, crying a bit himself as he thought back to
the memories hed experienced while hed been merged with her. No wonder you
were always so withdrawn He muttered as he rocked her back & forth.

Kari struggled to keep her breathing under control. Im glad I learned from your
memories about that concoction you used to make for yourself He commented
as she glanced up at him with teary eyes. I guess now you know She
whispered as she closed her eyes.

Yeah But I dont mind carrying the knowledge youve been holding almost your
entire life No matter what happens, I wont leave you like all the others did He

whispered softly. Why? Why would you want to suffer someone elses pain?
She asked as she looked up at him with empty eyes. Because no one matters more
to me then you do. I hate to see you suffer, & knowing what Ive learned about how
your pets got killed, & your mother never gave you a real name, & in truth, just left
you to suffer at the hands of yours father instead of taking you with her I know
that even when you smile, you fake it just to put others at ease Ive learned just
how bleak your life has been He replied.

Her empty eyes began to fill with even more tears. I know that your hope & faith
was crushed long ago But I plan to revive it, & protect it Keep it alive Give you
a reason to smile, to laugh, to hope... To live... One that will never falter He
exclaimed.

Please Just forget about me No one knows just how I feel Why must that
change? There is nothing of importance inside me to lose Please dont make it
harder for me to throw myself away She begged. No. I wont let you resign
yourself to inevitable death under the guise youve put up this entire time! He
objected.

Kari I want to marry you Ive loved you since I even heard about you But after
seeing for myself, all of your memories I believe that we were absolutely, with no
doubt, made for each other. He confessed. I want to stay by your side, to lessen
your burden, & protect you from being weighed down by more misery. And Im
ready to put my whole life on the line to do it! He announced as he stared her in
the eyes.

WHY CANT YOU JUST LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT ME?! NO
ONE CARES ABOUT ME SO WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO ACT AS IF YOU DO?! She
yelled. Im not acting at all, even if no one else cares, I do. He answered as he
took her hand in his. Kari just burst out into tears again instead of replying.

Do you, Kari Tara Tsuki, accept my proposal of marriage? He asked. Kari nodded
while sobbing. He then gently tilted her head up & kissed her on the lips. Slowly two
chokers formed around their necks, with each others names on them.

Kari continued to sob as Night held her in his arms, rocking her back & forth gently
as he thought about just how glad he was that hed learned what calmed & soothed
her most. You know, even with your lack of energy Im surprised by how adept
you are at using herbs to make different cures for various ailments Night noted
as Kari drifted in & out of sleep from total exhaustion.

Ill tell you what. Im going to go get the results for the trial quickly, then Ill come
back & we can cuddle as much as you want. He informed her. Kari shook her head
with a whining noise. You want me to take you with me? He asked. Kari nodded. I
cant youre not in a condition to leave the room, but I promise I wont be more than
ten minutes at most. He replied before vanishing.

*** Location Change ***

Night walked into the Dark Ligers lobby, where he found Yukiko & some of the other
drones. Hey He called to them as he ran towards them. Ah, Night, how is Kari?
Ripp asked. She is still in a very needy condition, I only came to get the results of
the trial for her. He explained. It was then that he noticed the video records playing
from the trials that occurred earlier. He watched as every drone fought various other
drones, but what shocked him most, was he saw Kari fighting Heat on one screen, &
Heat fighting Moisture on a separate one.

Are those all the videos from earlier? He asked as he pointed to the windows.
Indeed they are. Yukiko responded with a nod. WHAT ON EARTH DID YOU ALL
NOT TELL US?! He yelled at Yukiko. Easy there. Its quite simple actually. We lied.
Each real drone was pitted against an illusionary copy of one of the drones they
knew. This way, no one was actually ever in danger. The real purpose of this trial
was to test if they were willing to put harming their own friends & team mates
ahead of reaching the goal, or could sacrifice their own selves in order to spare their
friends. Rauk-Shao & Cameron were the only participants who were aware of this
trials true nature & intentions, for multiple reasons. We also fused you with Kari at
Camerons request. He said it is vital to the future or something. Violet answered.

Without a word, Night punched Yukiko, knocking her over. KARI HAD A MENTAL
BREAKDOWN THANKS TO YOUR SO CALLED TRIAL! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA THE
DAMAGE YOUVE DONE ALL BECAUSE OF THESE STUPID TRIALS OF ALL OF YOURS?!
WHY DONT YOU HAVE PSYKER TRANSFER ALL OF THE MEMORIES IVE EXPERIENCED
FROM HER SO YOU CAN UNDERSTAND JUST HOW FAR THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE
YOUVE DONE GOES WHILE I BEAT YOU ALL TO WITHIN AN INCH OF YOUR LIVES?!
He yelled in anger as he grabbed violet by the collar of her hoodie. Night, stop!
Look at the suffering you, yourself, are causing. Psyker pointed out.

Night paused momentarily before letting violet down gently. While I do admit, we
did go too far this time in Karis case, I will also admit that violence against us will
solve nothing. I do, however, offer my sincere & full apologies for all the damage

that has been done to both her & you Psyker acknowledged with a frown. Night
clenched his fist & nodded his acknowledgement of the apology.

I haft to ask You knew about it all along didnt you? Night asked as he
looked up at Psyker. I learned it from Axis & Cameron between when the first &
second trials took place. Psyker replied. So you knew she & I were step brother &
step sister? And you didnt tell me? He murmured softly. Yes Psyker replied
after a pause. We put the pieces together when we found out what Karis mom was
named, versus what your mom was named. Then we realized that after youd been
born, she left you & married Karis father & had her before leaving again. It became
even more logical when we found out Karis mom was a Dryad Psyker explained.

So it wasnt a random coincidence that we both were dryads Night mumbled

under his breath. Im afraid that both Kari & I need time to absorb this
information Night remarked. Before you do, Cameron told us that Kari would be
able to pass the final trial so we can proceed with the procedure to bring her to the
next level. Wed like to do that now so that you both dont haft to worry at all about
the rest of these troublesome trials. Psyker admitted.

You want to put her through that, even with all that shes already been through
today?! He growled. I know how hard its been on both of you, but this is the last
you both will haft to endure until the final decisive battle. Psyker reassured him.
Alright, but only if the procedure is performed in her room, & with me watching
should an intervention be necessary. He replied, to which, Psyker nodded. Night led
him out of the room.

*** Location Change ***

There. The process is done. Psyker announced as he exited Karis room. She may
now have her more than well-deserved rest. Psyker announced before walking off.
Night entered Karis room & ran over to her side. Her skin was emitting smoke with
energy lines still pulsating underneath her skin. It Hurts So much! She
sobbed as she glanced up at him with weary eyes. He sat down on the bed & took
her into his arms. Its alright, Im here now You dont haft to suffer anymore
He reassured her, while rocking her back & forth. He momentarily drew out his
crystal & tossed it, forming his drone in front of him. Illusion, please serve as a
guard for the room for the night This day has taken its toll on both her & me
Night instructed. As you wish, Night Illusion, Nights drone, replied as he walked
outside of the room.

I was surprised to learn how you came to be known as Kari Night admitted as he
continued rocking her in his arms. Kari began tearing up at the mention of the
subject. You know I think I can recreate little Kari He admitted with a warm
smile. Kari glanced up at him, tears pouring out of her eyes before throwing her
arms around him & continuing to sob.

He smiled as he held out his hand, forming a swirling orb of distorted air. He then
dropped the orb that hovered over the ground. Slowly the orb grew & transformed
into a shape made out of light. Slowly the light faded, replaced by colour & texture.
The new creature looked up & let out a happy cry. Meow! It cried as it waved its
tail back & forth. Kari sobbed even harder as she scooped up the kitten into her
arms. It was the most important animal in your whole life Im sorry that the real
one Well Lets not talk about that The important thing is, this one is identical
in almost every way. He responded as he held Kari & her kitten.

I never would have guessed that you had decided to take on the name of your
kitten after shed passed away He commented. She was the only animal to
show me unconditional love Kari sniffled. Well, since we cant have two Karis
How about we change this little ones name to Kalli? Night suggested. Kari nodded
her agreement as the kitten nuzzled itself affectionately under Karis chin, which
caused her to cry again. You no longer need to suffer I promise to help make your
life a happy one. Where only happy memories will be with you. He cooed to her as
he gently embraced both her & the kitten.

Unbeknownst to Kari, Night reached down & used some of the residual life energy
he still had from merging with Kari, to transform the kitten into an immortal yet realliving life form. The kitten purred happily & loudly in their arms as the three of them
drifted off to sleep together peacefully.