Purgatori opened her eyes and looked into the darkness around her. Her night vision was extremely sharp, and she could see large chunks of rubble and twisted piping beside her. The dead Akerian was still draped over her and a crumpled sheet of metal lay across them, entirely covering them both. She lay still, listening and letting her senses explore her body, searching for damage. Her right leg was broken, as were both her wings, the membranes torn in several places. Her skin had been scorched over her entire body, but although it was sore the actual damage was minimal. She let her power flow, gently, smoothly, in a controlled trickle to minimise the chance of detection. The sting faded from her skin, her tibia repaired itself. She lay still, hungry, waiting to see if anyone moved around her. She reached out w/ her senses, feather soft, searching for traces of Lady Death and her Arcane Energy. Not here? It seemed no one was. She placed her palms against the cool metal shroud and pushed. Something big and heavy was pinning it down and instead of lifting up it just flexed under her great strength. She squirmed her way out from under the dead cat and managed to wriggle out, fluttering her wings as she took stock of her surroundings. She was in the foundations of the pumping station. The explosion had blown a crater in the structure and weakened the entire floor : great sections of concrete had fractured and given way, spilling rubble into the gaping foundations.
        Purgatori leapt up through the jagged hole above her and landed nimbly in the ruins of the room they had fought in. Every surface seemed blackened w/ soot and damaged to some degree - the entire structure would have to be torn down and replaced. She looked through a hole in the wall and saw deep night and realised she had been unconscious for the whole day…or was it more than one day? Patrol came through, probably to investigate the explosion, she thought, scanning the tracks on the floor, the moved corpses. They must have taken the weapons to prevent my rebels getting them. Did they take Lady Death too? Or did she flee? Where would she have gone? She knew the direction of the other bases…might she have tried to find one? Purgatori squatted by a dead cat, pondering. No. She has been captured, unless she is dead, which I doubt. Patrol would have taken her. Was she badly injured? Possibly not, if she had the sense to use her Arcane Energy. Have they tortured her? WOULD they? What would they make of that busty brat? Her sword - sweet Isis, her sword. Drakkan will want to know about it. Will she tell him about me? Does he know I’m back? I could use some blood. So thirsty…
        She rammed her fist into the feline and tore his heart out. It was lightly cooked. She licked it hesitantly but the blood was dead, boiled, horrible. Hmmm. I can taste magick. Very faint…they must have been using magick to stealth themselves. Drakkan must have been laying traps for my rebels at key locations -
        Her senses prickled. A minute scuff of a footstep. She moved fast, getting away from the ground and up into the shadows. Reach; sense. Blood Warriors, Doom Magistrates, Akerians - a nice selection. She flapped hard and reached one of the roof girders in one wing beat. There, coming in off the main road, the cats seemingly scenting the air, the Blood Warriors checking the ground for tracks. They know. At least, they know she was w/ SOMEONE : did she tell them WHO? Judging from their apparent wariness, it would seem so. Take them or hide? She assessed herself rapidly - her wounds were healed and though she was hungry she didn’t feel too weak. Let’s play…
        She let them get in, then flew fast in a large circle to come in at them from the right. She swept her wings back and arrowed in at the nearest Akerian. She hit him like a battering ram, smashing him into the ground, and was slashing open the throat of the one beside him before the first cry of alarm. Her sword flared in the darkness and a Doom Magistrate vanished w/ a flump of violet fire. Bright blasts of bio-cannon energy sizzled past her as she ducked and one of the Blood Warriors grabbed her. He was a large, well-built powerful vampire but even so his strength was no match for her. She twisted out of his grip and slammed the butt of her sword into his temple, stunning him. She gripped his head and burnt out the conversion spell as he fell to his knees.
        One of the Akerians fired at close range. The blast from his weapon hit her in the small of the back, wrapping her in a wave of pain that cramped every muscle in her body. She flopped to the ground and the cat kicked the katana away as the other rapidly readjusted the power level on his gun. A knife twirled through the air and thunked into his forehead and his weapon discharged into the ground. The other cat was a fraction too late w/ his sword : the Blood Warrior shoulder charged him down and punched him hard in the throat. One of the Doom Magistrates scuttled forward w/ a shriek and stabbed at the Blood Warrior, its barbed lance of an arm crunching into his Blood Armour. The Blood Warrior snarled and twisted, grabbing the fallen cat’s sabre and hacking off the tip of the Doom Magistrate’s limb. They fell away from each other and the blood parasites that squirmed over the Blood Warrior suddenly popped like wet red bubbles as Purgatori recovered her senses. She faced them in a crouch and swore as she saw more Doom Magistrates, the reinforcements to the main patrol, coming into the room.
        “Stun her again!” one of the Blood Warriors cried, but Purgatori was already gone. She rocketed across the room, grabbing her converted warrior and dragging him bodily across the room as if he weighed nothing. An Akerian gunshot clipped her wing and they fell as the limb spasmed from the electrical power. They rolled to a tangled stop right by the carbon-stained hatchway that gave access to the tunnels. Purgatori pushed herself free, snatching her sword up just in time to block another shot.
        “Get down there!” she snapped. He went, fast. An arrow sliced past Purgatori, scraping her ribs as she leapt high to avoid the power blasts as four Doom Magistrates fired at once, their weapons set on a low power level to stun her. She reached out, exploded one of them, then turned and dived head first into the tunnel, folding her wings at the last possible moment. The pumping stations were all alike in design : the access hatch would lead down a shaft approximately twenty feet to a platform over the water. The tunnels would continue on their way, platform receding to become just two narrow ledges that ran on either side of the ovoid tunnel. Purgatori was expecting a twenty-foot drop in which she could twist and open her wings. What she got was a mound of rubble, both debris that had fallen in from above and broken chunks of stone and concrete from the tunnel itself. She hit hard face-first, shrieking as her neck, shoulder and a few ribs broke. She crumpled in a heap and rolled down into an inch of cold water that had splashed up in waves caused by the falling rubble. A burst of flame illuminated her briefly as a shot hit the hatchway.
        “Empress!”
        “Get off!” The Blood Warrior jerked his hands back before he actually touched her. He saw her body shift and heal, heard the bones crunch back into place and Purgatori stood up groggily. “Move! RUN!!”
        The Blood Warrior took off up the tunnel and Purgatori grabbed her katana. A scuffed footstep above her gave her warning as a fine rain of grit sifted down. She jumped backwards and a shot slammed down between her feet. She reached up and crushed the feline’s heart w/ a gesture and it collapsed, crumpling into the hole. Purgatori snatched its falling weapon out the air and backed up rapidly, glancing over the weapon. She saw a small hexagonal dial beside the trigger w/ an increasing number of strange marks around its perimeter : a power setting. She twisted it to full and backed up fast, firing several blasts into the already weakened ceiling. Purgatori turned and ran as the concrete gave way w/ a rending crash, thundering into the concrete platform and enveloping her in a cold wind that was clouded w/ smoke and gritty concrete dust. She stopped and turned, seeing w/ satisfaction that the whole tunnel was blocked. It would take them some time to dig or blast their way through that.
        “Empress?”
        She turned and tossed the Akerian weapon to her Blood Warrior. He caught it deftly, wincing slightly. “Are you  hurt badly?”
        “No, Empress, my first feed will heal it…Empress what happened? What’s going on?”
        “We’ve been invaded. You were converted. All my troops were enchanted and turned against me.”
        “We…betrayed you? Highness, how can I - ”
        “By helping me now. Move. We need to meet up w/ some friends. It will take the patrol some time to report back but when they do Drakkan will likely send troops to every possible exit point. I want to be far from here and above ground when he does.”
        “Yes Empress. Are you hurt? I would gladly give  you my blood, if you need it.”
        “What is your name?”
        “Tallon, Empress.”
        “Yes Tallon, I’m hurt, but I can continue. Keep your blood, you are more valuable to me alive.”
        “Yes Empress. Where are we going?”
        “Cobra’s Garrison. We will assemble whatever troops I can, I need to rethink my plans, and quickly.”
        “I…I can remember something about a white woman…she was w/ you I think…”
        “She was. You know where she is?”
        “Your dungeons.”
        Purgatori nodded. “Can you run?”
        “Yes.”
        “Then let’s hurry. I will plan as we travel.”

        Drakkan roared w/ fury and smashed his fist into a Blood Warrior. “You let her escape!?!” He glared at the other members of the team who shrank back from his burning gaze. “IDIOTS!!”
        “But Lord, she is so powerful - !”
        Drakkan vapourised the Doom Magistrate. “Idiots!” he snarled again. He kicked the fallen Blood Warrior hard and stalked back and forward. Why is she back? What can she hope to achieve? Is she so stupid she would come back after three years of torture? What does she have? A band of rebels who are nothing more than pests, and a woman w/ a Chaotic sword. What is her connection? Did Purgatori hire her to kill me?
        “Lord? What should we do?”
        Drakkan stopped pacing and for a moment it looked as though he was going to fry another warrior. “Gather troops - Doom Magistrates. I want guards at every possible exit from that tunnel. I want troops IN the tunnels. Track that bitch, hunt her down and bring her back here - unconscious, tied up, in pieces, I don’t care as long as she is alive. You, ape.”
        “Yes Lord?”
        “What is happening w/ my troops? Have any more revealed themselves to be Pagan’s supporters?”
        “Not as far as I am aware Lord. We have started scanning troops and have managed to reconvert a few back to our side before they took action against us.”
        “Then get back to work! And take this sack of meat w/ you before I decide to eat him.”
        “Yes Lord.” The Blood Warrior hurried forward, grabbed the fallen Blood Warrior under the armpits and dragged him out the room. He pulled him down the corridor and turned into a passage that lead to the main corridor, then lowered the Blood Warrior. He touched the dazed man’s temples lightly and burned out Drakkan’s spell, then picked him up again and continued on his way.

        Snake Eyes wiped the clove oil off one of his blades and inspected it critically. “Forgive the doubt, Empress,” he said calmly, “but I think your plan is a bit dangerous.”
        “Yes, it is.” Purgatori stood by the window of the elder’s house watching the hustle outside. She and Tallon had made fast progress through the tunnel and had left at the first maintenance shack they came to, electing to get out of the confines of the tunnel as soon as they could. It seemed logical that Drakkan would block the exits and sweep the tunnel before searching overground - if they got out fast they would have time to get away and hidden before Drakkan realised he had missed them. They moved fast : there was a small shack up on the hills where they exited, the home of a goat herd and his family. Their blood renewed Tallon and Purgatori quite satisfyingly and they reached the Garrison before dawn.  Purgatori could have been there much faster if she had flown, but she didn’t want to leave Tallon alone in case they ran into trouble. Snake Eyes and Demonica had been organising well; the troops there were already prepared and were currently being armed. On their way Purgatori had decided on their course of action : they would launch an attack - led by herself - to attract attention and draw the attention of the troops . Once they were looking for her, her troops would head into the city using the tunnels, and begin attacking the Gates and the troops to create diversions. In the midst of that, Purgatori would lead a small team to get Lady Death. It was the last thing she wanted to do, but she felt if she came for Lady Death personally it might go some way to reinforcing the fragile bond between them. She knew that Lady Death would probably not allow herself to be in debt to the vampiress but if there was a chance it would help Isis’s quest Purgatori was willing to take it.
        “Yes,” Snake Eyes repeated dryly, sheathing his niten.
        Purgatori turned from the window. “And what did that tone imply? You think I am treating this lightly?”
        Cobra shrugged. “No offence Empress, but you’re fair immortal. Sometimes you seem to think we are too.” He saw her eyes brighten angrily and he held his hands out. “Hey, I’m just saying.”
        Purgatori stared at him for a moment then subsided. “Yes…perhaps I do. But believe me, I value your lives. I have lived my entire life w/ people who used and betrayed me - now I have people who are loyal to me I will not throw their lives away needlessly…but this needs to be done, and it WILL be dangerous.” She turned away and looked out the window again, brooding. “No matter what the outcome,” she said quietly, “I will not forget your loyalty.”
        “Yeah, well, you’re worth fighting for.” Purgatori looked over, and he saw the surprise and gratitude on her face. “No sht Purgatori, why d’you think we kept fighting for three years instead of just scattering and running?”
        Purgatori looked away again. “Your words mean much to me Cobra,” she said huskily.
        Snake Eyes looked at her, wishing he could just go over and hug her, or do anything to try and comfort her. A few years ago maybe he would have, but now Purgatori was in the middle of a war, she had been tortured for three years or so and she was focussed on fighting and winning and possibly losing a lot of her people - he didn’t know how she would react to his sympathies, and if Snake Eyes had learned one thing about Purgatori, it was that you took extreme care when you couldn’t gauge her reaction. “You know Purgatori, if you treat people well and they betray you, that’s a failing of them, not you,” he just said.
        Purgatori flinched. “I…know.” She seemed to be struggling to say something else for a while but then the door opened and the moment was lost.
         “Mistress!” Demonica said. “We’re all set. A carrier bat has just turned up from Mill Haven : Anton’s ready and moving into the tunnel in about an hour and he’s sent word to Southwell’s group : they’re ready too, though it will take them longer to get into position. We sent word back to both warning them of the patrols in the tunnel, though they’re coming in through different tunnels and should cross paths.”
        “Excellent. How long before WE are ready?”
        “Bout half an hour?”
        “Good.” She eyed up the demoness. Demonica had turned her hair black and braided it up to keep it under control. She still wore a tight-fitting tunic and miniskirt, but the expensive high-gloss leather outfit she had worn in the Palace had been replaced by a scuffed matt black material w/ dark grey camouflage stripes that looked well used. A wide leather belt held magazines for her rifle and a roll of bandages. “You’re coming w/ us?”
        “Course! I can snipe like a real bitch, Miss! Me ‘n’ Mr Head Burster will find somewhere nice and high and provide cover for ya!”
        “You and who?”
        “My gun! I call him Mr Head Burster because, er, he does.”
        “I see.” Purgatori raised an eyebrow. “And you think it’s sensible to go into battle wearing a crop-top and a miniskirt?”
        “Hah! This from the woman in a bikini and thigh boots! Eww! Er, I mean  - ”
        “It’s alright,” Purgatori said wryly, “you have a point.”
        “Well, I got no complaints,” Snake Eyes murmured.
        “I bet you don’t, you old perv,” Demonica smiled. “I bet you’ll make me climb any ladders first, again.”
        “Hey, it’s just so I can catch you if you slip.”
        Demonica snorted mockingly and Purgatori watched them flirting w/ amusement. The young demoness reminded her of Lexus, the way she and the brunette had carried on when they had first started going out together. That seemed so long ago, Purgatori reflected sadly, and for almost twenty years she had been separated from her girlfriend. A heavy knock on the door broke into her thoughts.
        “Empress,” Garryk said as he opened the door. “Scouts report a fairly large detachment of Drakkan’s troops heading this way. Seem to be moving slowly, like they’re tracking something.”
        Purgatori cursed. “They may well be – my sorcery. Drakkan might have caught a hint of it when I was passing on the conversion spell to you all. Define ‘fairly large’.”
        “Two, three hundred. Couple dozen bugs, rest are mostly cats.”
        “Can this place be evacuated?” Purgatori asked Snake Eyes.
        “Yeah, we got a network of tunnels under the volcano. Salamanders helped us build them. We’ve already got boltholes stocked w/ food and ammo – we planned this about two years ago, last time they came snooping round.”
        “What’s their ETA Garryk?”
        “Say two, three hours, if they don’t speed up.”
        “That’s enough,” said Snake Eyes.
        “Then do it : clear the Garrison and get the people to safety. Those who can – or want to – fight w/ us can assemble outside,” Purgatori said.
        “Stick w/ your plan, Empress?”
        “Yes – it looks like Drakkan will have pulled his forces out of the tunnels; he must have realised by now that we eluded him. Send our teams in, but make sure scouts travel far enough ahead to check for danger….use vampires, they have better night vision and speed.”
        “Yes, Highness.” Garryk bowed and left.
        “Cobra : this hunting party is just what we need – a distraction. Are you up for an ambush?”
        “Sure. You coming?”
        “Yes : it’s me he’s looking for – it’s me he’ll find,” Purgatori grinned. “I’ll…make my presence known. When the battle’s underway I’ll slip into New Necropolis and join Garryk’s team to get Lady Death while you keep them occupied.”
        “Sorted.”
        “What about me, Miss?” Demonica said, fair trembling w/ indecision. Purgatori knew exactly what she was fretting about : she wanted to go w/ Cobra just to be w/ him, but she also wanted to head to the Palace to perhaps find her sister.
        “I want you in the city, Demonica. I need you to get up high – my balcony or the observation gallery should do – and snipe any reinforcements that might head to the Palace. It should only take us about ten minutes to get in and out, after that, get out yourself, unless you can be of help to anyone you can see from up there. Don’t get yourself trapped in there, though.”
        “Oh…ok.”
        “Listen to me, Demonica : we need to be in and out, and we need to be sure no heavy forces can come in to trap us - your sister can wait.”
        “…oh…” Demonica knew better than to argue, she just drooped almost comically. Purgatori could almost see a black cloud over her head.
        “Demonica, I will take care of her myself,” Purgatori said. “I promise.”
        “…okay…”
        “I mean it, girl.”
        “I know!”
        “Hmm. Go on then, girl. And be careful.”
        “’kay!” The demoness grabbed one last kiss and grope from Snake Eyes and left.
        “Come Snake Eyes. Let’s go kill some cats.”

        The Blood Warrior reined his horse in and stopped as the two Akerians to his right growled at each other. The rest of the patrol slowed and stopped behind them, the thocking of their horses’ hooves gradually dying away to leave unsettling silence.
        “What’s wrong?” the Blood Warrior, Hooker, asked softly
        The felines didn’t respond : they sat in their saddles, heads lifted, sniffing the air. They had reached a rocky stretch of terrain that formed a sweeping set of jagged foothills bordering the wide river. They were not very high or steep, but they were winding and difficult, strewn w/ treacherous rocks and crevices that forced them to slow their pace to avoid breaking a horse’s leg. The big blocky silhouettes of the stones stood around them like weird totems, offering countless places for enemies to hide.
        “I smell apes,” one of the cats growled. He waved at his troops and they began to fan out.
        “Where?”
        Something dropped out of the night sky and landed nimbly on the cat’s horse before leaping off at its companion. A flare of violet lit the great winged shape as the feline vapourised, and a second flare signalled his companion’s demise. Almost instantly the night exploded in gunfire and shouts of alarm. Low powered stun blasts flashed towards Purgatori, all the cats seeming to fire at once. It was mayhem. Two Blood Warriors and an Akerian were hit by friendly fire as their spooked mounts skittered into the paths of the hastily aimed shots of those behind. All three fell to the ground although one, a vampire, still moved weakly. Purgatori landed by the second horse and it squealed as four blasts hit it. It tried to rear, got about a third of the way up and then twisted and fell on her as its legs gave up to the stun blasts. Purgatori heaved the animal off, throwing it at its friend. Already frightened by the vampiress and the sudden death of its rider the horse bolted, crashing into Hooker’s mount before careering through the milling fighters. Hooker’s horse reared and threw him : he landed on his feet w/ vampiric agility and pointed his crossbow at Purgatori. She dodged the bolt and was right next to him in a moment, smashing him to the ground w/ a slap to the chest that made his entire rib cage creak. An arrow thunked into her shoulder pad, another punched through her left wing and then an energy bolt hit her squarely in the chest. She staggered back and shook herself like a wet wolf, snarling at the cats. Six more arrows thumped into her body and she shrieked in fury. She reached out a hand and four cats in front of her exploded in a virtual fountain of blood. Kintaro flared in the night and she flew at the nearest Akerian, slashing into him and controlling her powers so that the violet fire engulfed him w/out vapourising him. The flickering sickly purple glow lit the scene in Hellish hues as the screaming cat was thrown from his panicking steed. It bucked wildly and Purgatori vapourised it w/ a slash to get it out of her way. One of the Blood Warriors rode at her w/ his sword drawn. She gestured and his Blood Armour liquefied, wrapping around him in thick bands and solidifying to hold him tighter than manacles. One of the Akerians fought to keep his mount under control – he steadied it long enough to hurl his spear and barked an order at his companions. There was no reply. He looked around and could see one of them on the ground w/ an arrow in his eye; the other was being dragged behind his bolting horse, obviously dead – it was only then that he realised Purgatori was not alone. It was his last thought before his own spear was flung back at him and punched through his heart.
        A dim yellow energy blast flashed towards Purgatori. She spun to avoid it, but something huge and black landed in front of her. The Doom Magistrate showed no visible reaction as the blast hit its carapace and it fired its bio-cannon right at her head. Her katana slashed in a blindingly fast figure of eight, cleaving the blast apart then cutting through the weapon as though it was wet cardboard. The powerful insect hit her hard, knocking her a good fifteen feet through the air w/ a shattered shoulder. Purgatori landed in a daze, her face covered in blood from the gash on her forehead where one of the insect’s limb barbs had caught her. One of the other bugs snatched her up, its long spindly fingers locking around her chest and squeezing tightly like a pneumatic clamp. Purgatori growled in pain as her ribs splintered. An arrow whupped past her head and ricocheted off the heavy armour of the bug. It hissed its anger but dismissed the irritation. It raised its bio-cannon, putting the muzzle right against Purgatori’s face. She reacted instinctively, unconsciously, still too dazed to fully realise what the threat was, and knocked the gun aside as the insect fired. The cannon blast seared past her and hit an Akerian who was running up to secure her. It was a stun blast whose power level was set to deal w/ Purgatori, a power level more than enough to flatten the cat. The insect clubbed her w/ the gun, pointed it at her again, then a thunder of gunfire blew its arm off then demolished its thorax. The bug dropped w/ a gurgling shriek. Purgatori fell heavily and rolled, covered in swarming blood parasites that bit and squirmed. She snarled in revulsion and a burst of sorcery made the parasites solidify and fall from her.
        “Empress?!”
        Strong hands on her : Snake Eyes w/ an Akerian rifle. She reached up shakily and threw her arm around his neck. Bits of her shifted and ground together as he hauled her to her feet. She focused on the downed cat, reached out her shattered arm as best she could and ripped its blood out, gulping it down gratefully. She healed fast and scanned the ground frantically for Kintaro, lost when she had been punched by the Doom Magistrate. There : lying on the blood-soaked sand by a steaming pile of horse guts. She grabbed her up and slashed through a Blood Warrior naginata, sidestepping the charging warrior and bringing the butt of the sword down on his helmet. He stumbled, recovered, and was converted.
        “I converted the leader!” Snake Eyes shouted as he loosed off a quick volley. “And that tied up one!”
        She flicked a hand at the fallen Blood Warrior and his armour melted back into shape, releasing him. “I have to go. I have unleashed enough sorcery to remove any doubt Drakkan might have had. Can you handle these warriors?”
        “Yeah, I think. We just came to help you, we – ” Shots and a flight of arrows showered over their heads. “That’s our covering fire! We’re gonna retreat back to the rocks, pick ‘em off!”
        “Then move! I’ll cover you!” She whirled, dropping smoothly into a ready stance.
        “Purgatori!”
        “What?”
        “Pull those fkn arrows out your body will you? It’s fkn creepy.”
        She did so, casting one at a cat. Snake Eyes backed up fast, Hooker and the other Blood Warrior reflexively falling in w/ him to provide flanking defence. They made it to the relative safety of the rocks w/ surprisingly little resistance – most of the enemy were concentrating on Purgatori.
        “Clear!”
        Purgatori took off at once, streaking skyward into the blackness at incredible speed. A brief purple flare as her sword vanished was the only thing to betray her trajectory, and then that too was gone, fast as a spark.

        Garryk tensed as a faint footstep echoed up the tunnel from the junction pipe. His team were at a crossroads, where the wide main pipe intersected w/ another, slightly smaller one. They were scattered around three of the pipes and positioned on the metal gridwork bridges that spanned the flowing waters – a scout had headed down the other passage, checking for danger.
        “Demonica?”
        The demoness edged cautiously out onto the bridge, moving on her stomach. She rested Mr Head Burster on his bipod and gazed into the bulky scope that was bolted to the top of the rifle. It had some cool magick in it that magnified any light and turned it arcane green – even down here it sucked up the faint glow of the light globes and showed the tunnel in dim emerald. Additional sorcery told her the distance to whatever was under the crosshairs.
         “’S okay. It’s Steven.”
        Garryk lowered his weapon and signalled the others to stand down. The vampire scout came into view and crossed to Garryk, the soft bonging of his footsteps on the metal bridge reverberating w/ a melodic whisper in the tunnel.
        “Clear,” Steven said. “About three hundred metres up is the place Purgatori was telling us about. The way through’s been cleared, we an get through w/out any bother.”
        “Sure it’s clear? Purgatori said they had been magickally stealthed. You check up top?”
        “Quick look, yeah. Didn’t scan, but I didn’t see or smell anything. Couldn’t sense any traps either.”
        Garryk mused for a while and angled his wrist to check his watch. “Okay, let’s move on. We’ll get under the Palace and wait for Purgatori.”

        Drakkan kicked the door open, his fur bristling w/ fury and anxiety. I knew it! I KNEW it was that bitch!! He stamped into the main corridor of the Palace, his bodyguards hurrying to keep up w/ him. The heavy main doors were open, letting in the night breeze, still warm but cooling fast. Soldiers were bustling around the entrance, coming and going as they arranged themselves. The guard had been trebled as soon as Drakkan had heard Purgatori was back and the doors had been locked : now he was arranging an assault force to reinforce the patrol that had stumbled into her. Troops were hurrying about up and down the steps that led from the main doors down to the ground, and a large cavalry and infantry force was assembled in the Palace grounds.
        “My Lord? My Lord!”
        Drakkan glared at the Akerian who rushed up the steps. “What, General? Why are you not ready to deploy?” he snarled dangerously.
        “”We are Lord, but – ”
        “You are NOT! I see troops rambling about here not yet ready to move out!”
        “W-we are doing last-minute changes Lord! Three of our Blood Warriors attacked the group leader – they must have been Pagan’s people. We had to remove them and fill their positions w/ palace guards and send a runner to the barracks to obtain replacements.”
        Drakkan just grunted.
        “Lord…I must advise that I feel it unwise to send this amount of troops out. It is almost certainly a trap, or a diversion. The city will be left dangerously low on troops.”
        “Do not tell me my business general,” Drakkan growled. “I suspected as much myself. What that red bitch doesn’t know is that I have sent a messenger to my Gate to bring reinforcements from our world. If she turns up, she will walk into the middle of one hundred thousand new troops.”
        “Yes Lord,” the feline said hesitantly. “But it will take time to arrange that, and the time stream differences – ”
        “Get moving and bring me that bitch!” Drakkan spat. Upstart fur ball – who did he think he was, rubbishing Drakkan’s plans in public? He watched the cat flee down the steps and decided that if he came back alive he would meet w/ an accident.
        He watched the troops gather into formation and begin moving out, his arms folded grumpily. Bitch. What is she doing? IS this a diversionary tactic? She WILL come for me, I know it…I know HER. Just like her wretched mother. She will come, but when? Did that patrol find her, or did SHE find IT? If she senses the magicks of my Gate opening it might scare her off. Drakkan looked up at the sky, seeing only blackness and very faint constellations, muted by the faint ambient glow of the city lights. I don’t care. If she doesn’t turn up I will send my entire detachment out and scour this land till I find her. We will ravage the country like locusts. Kill everyone in her name, burn their crops and houses – nobody will dare protect or shelter her. We will run her down like a dog. He gave the skies one last scan, still half-expecting to see a winged shape swooping down at him, and then turned and went back inside, ordering the doors shut behind him. The heavy metal doors thumped shut and Drakkan wasn’t particularly surprised to find out he didn’t feel much safer. That bitch was far too tricky and tenacious to let a simple thing like a door stop her.

        A pair of Akerians strode past not five metres away, their shadows sliding over the low wall that bordered the plaza that abutted the Temple of Anubis. Anton lay on his back, almost feeling the shadows, a knife in each hand. The crunch of their footsteps on the gravel faded rapidly and Anton rolled into a kneeling position, signalling his vampire companion, Diamondback, to get up. She raised her head warily over the top of the wall and quickly scanned the area. She crouched down again and nodded at Anton, who in turn gestured to his team to come up one by one. There were twenty of them in total, four vampires and sixteen normal people. They had followed the pipes here and had come up via a maintenance hatch near the back of the temple. Cloaked in shadows and out of general sight he and Diamondback had come up for a quick scout of the area.
        Anton sat down w/ his back to the wall, sheathing his knives and drawing his bow as the others began joining him. “Okay – keep in pairs. Gate is that way; you can’t miss it, it’s fkn huge. Spread out, find a good position, wait ten minutes to let us all get in place then start shooting. You three w/ the cat guns – use full power and shoot only at the Gate structure, don’t waste the power on troops. Focus all your shots in the same place – say, the lower right hand beam. Those guns should do the job, but Purgatori thinks they might have some kinda magick shielding – if you don’t destroy the Gate you should at least damage that, I guess. Everyone else – pick off personnel. Soon as that Gate goes, bail. Get the fk out as fast as you can. Get into the tunnels and head home. And remember,” he added as they began to split up, “we’ll all be heading in the same direction so check your fire!”
        Diamondback nocked an arrow and her eyes flicked back and forth, checking windows and doors. “Will Purgatori be turning up?”
        “That’s the plan,” Anton said, his back to her as he checked the opposite direction. “You know how she likes to play around. Depends what happens at the Palace, I guess.”
        Diamondback just nodded. The last pair of fighters slipped around the far corner of the Temple and vanished from sight. “Where do you want to go?”
        “Temple roof?”
        “Sounds good.”
        They moved off together in a crouch, moving as fast as they dared. Anton reached the corner, peeked around, then darted along the side of the building into the shadows of the portico that covered the entrance. Diamondback grabbed his shoulders and pushed him down. He froze, hearing the heavy thump of armoured feet on the pavement : a Doom Magistrate strode past heading for the Gate. Its head swung briefly in their direction but it didn’t break stride and Anton heaved a sigh of relief, blessing the heavy shadows in the entranceway. Diamondback slipped past him and tried the doors : they opened, creaking softly from disuse. She signalled Anton to stay put and vanished inside for a quick look, taking nothing for granted : despite appearances, the Temple might have been requisitioned for a barracks or something. It hadn’t, and she reappeared a few seconds later and waved him inside. They moved fast, closing the door behind them before making their way into the priests’ quarters that ran up each side of the temple. In one of the store rooms that housed the cleaning equipment the found a ladder that ran up the wall to a roof access panel. Diamondback went first, climbing rapidly. The bolt on the hatch gave way under her strength and the splintering crack sounded unnaturally loud in the silent temple. The roof was wide and flat, edged w/ an ornate railing that was supported by carved sitting jackals. They edged up to the railing and Anton peered at the Gate, still slightly awed by its size. There seemed to be troops everywhere, patrolling the Gate itself and in the nearby buildings : Diamondback pointed out several watch posts at various windows and Anton hoped none of his groups ran into an occupied building by mistake. All was silent so far though, so he assumed they were safe.
        “No shortage of targets.”
        “No,” Diamondback said. “Quite a few Blood Warriors though. Hope we don’t have to kill too many.”
        Anton just shrugged. “How are you for shooting from this position?”
        “Bit awkward. Be easier w/ a crossbow.”
        “Yeah, bitch innit? Okay, let’s give it a go – cats only, these arrows will just bounce off the bugs. Pick ones on the perimeter so the others don’t see them go down.”
        “Yeah…there’s one, by that palm.”
        “Cool – you want him?”
        “Aye.” Diamondback gauged the distance, drew and fired from an awkward  sitting position. The arrow whispered through the air and thudded through the Akerian’s neck – from the way it fell bonelessly Anton knew the arrow had severed the spine.
        “Excellent!”
        Diamondback nocked another arrow. “Wish we had Blood Arrows, reckon we could take a bug out w/ them.” The pointed into the darkness. “There. In the doorway.”
        “Got him.”
        “Sure? That’s about a hundred and fifty metres.”
        “Watch.” He drew, lowered his breathing and aimed carefully, adjusting for breeze.
        Three high-powered Akerian weapon blasts screamed in from the darkness and hit the Gate in a blinding yellow flash, and all fkn Hell broke loose.

        “Shh – listen.”
        Garryk paused at Demonica’s whisper, cocking an ear to the grate above him. Faintly, very faintly, he could hear gunfire and shouting. “Sound’s like the sht’s hit the fan.”
        “No kidding,” Demonica said. They were in the minor pipe that led to the Palace, standing under an access grate that stood in a discrete part of the Palace grounds near the West wall of the pyramid. She glanced nervously behind her into the blackness of the pipe – there were no light globes here, the sole light came from the one they had brought w/ them – and then looked at Garryk dubiously. “What’s all that about then?” she asked. “Have they been discovered, you think?”
        “Nah, wouldn’t think so – they’ve probably just attacked the Gate.”
        “They have,” Purgatori said from behind Demonica and the demoness almost hit the ceiling w/ a squeal of fright. Most of the rest of the dozen-strong team were just as startled. “Garryk, are we ready?” Purgatori asked, seemingly oblivious to the consternation she had caused.
        “We will be if nobody’s died of a heart-attack Empress.”
        Purgatori grinned briefly. “Then let’s move. There’s a ladder about two hundred metres ahead that leads to the maintenance room for the pumping equipment.”
        “Got it.”
        “Jeez Miss, you scared the crap outta me!”
        Purgatori reached out and stroked Demonica’s head reassuringly. “How thoughtless of me,” she said, almost sounding sincere. “The black hair suits you.”
        “Really? I prefer the blonde, though Snakey says that – ”
        “I’m sure he does. Let’s leave the beauty tips until after the war.”
        “ – my…oh. Where we headed Miss? The dungeons?”
        “Yes. I can sense her there. What is THAT look for?”
        “Lady Death. I don’t like her. She never let us in to any of the big feasts she held in Hell.”
        “Well, when we win our empire back you can organise a big celebration party and not invite her.”
        “Kewl! Can I really? Organise a party? Can I Miss? It would be so cool, we could have – ”
        “Demonica! Get your mind on the mission!”
        “- all sorts of games and...um, I am...”
        “You’re not girl, you’re already fretting about a new dress.”
        “…uh…boy, that mind-reading thing sucks,” she muttered under her breath.
        “Get up that ladder, girl.”
        Purgatori followed her into the maintenance room and saw that one of the vampires, Rift, had already gone on to check the corridor.
        “What now Empress?” Garryk asked. “How do we get to the dungeon?”
        “There are corridors for maintenance staff that will lead us to the main corridor. From there we can take the stairs down to the dungeon while Demonica takes the elevator up.”
        “Then what? Straight out or do you want to see if we can secure the Palace?”
       Secure the Palace, Purgatori thought. Ah, that is so tempting. And fairly easy too – once the main doors are sealed we are virtually locked tight. We could sweep and clear any troops left inside…
“No,” she said finally. “We get out and regroup to decide further plans. You get to the WinterHaven Gate and destroy it, I will go to the main Gate. If it hasn’t fallen by the time you’re finished come and help, otherwise get out of the city and head for a rendezvous spot.”
        “Clear,” Rift said from the doorway. “Sounds like a bit of movement at the main entrance but the corridor’s clear.”
        “I’ll lead w/ Rift,” Purgatori said. “Demonica come w/ me, Garryk bring up the rear. Move fast but quietly – don’t use guns unless we have to.”
        She headed out, moving fast and trusting her senses. The corridors were gloomy – unless the main lights were switched on by the maintenance crews they were only lit by tiny lights set high on the walls – and she moved like a ghost in the shadows. Purgatori stopped by a corner and looked around cautiously. The passage ran a few metres further and ended at a junction w/ the main passage. Purgatori moved slowly, silently, right up to the very fringes of light that spilled in from the main corridor. The main passage was broad, tiled w/ malachite and patterned w/ agate mosaics, and Purgatori froze as she heard movement. Three Blood Warriors ran right past the entrance, the sound of their footsteps echoing up and down the side passage. Purgatori flattened against the wall and edged forward to watch them. The others hung back in the darkness and she beckoned Demonica forward. She pointed at the far-off elevator and the call button lit up. The car was already there and the doors opened immediately – it was vacant. “Go girl. Be careful. Ten minutes.”
        “Yes Miss.” Demonica took a deep breath and ran. It was terrifying having to cross the broad open space, no matter how trusting she was that Purgatori’s senses would have detected any danger. She got to the car, stabbed the button and blew out a sigh of relief as the doors shut.
        Purgatori watched her leave then pointed at a pair of fighters. “You two stay here to cover our retreat.” She stepped into the corridor and moved off, not waiting for the rest of them : by the time Rift stepped out she was already at the doorway that led to the dungeon steps.
        Garryk jogged up last, casting frequent glances back down the corridor. There was a bend in the corridor about one hundred metres back and he could see faint shadows moving, hear the bustle of milling troops. He paused by Purgatori. “That seemed easy,” he said softly, and at that moment a pair of Doom Magistrates rounded the junction ahead of them. The bugs stopped and chattered rapidly between themselves as if unable to believe what they were seeing.
        Purgatori saw his reaction and spun, cursing as she saw the insects. They raised their bio-cannons fast, but Purgatori was faster. She reached out and the bugs splattered all over the corridor walls and ceiling. “Down!” she snapped, not waiting for him. She pushed past the others and pointed at another pair. “Wait here, come only if we call – stay and protect this stairwell. Keep back here out of sight.” She walked down a couple of steps and paused, her lip curling.
        “What’s wrong?” Rift whispered.
        “Drakkan has cast a spell on the dungeons that negates my powers.”
        “Sht…still got your sword though, right?”
        “Yes,” she said, conjuring her and holding her in a reverse grip. “But it’s nice to have a back-up.” She moved past him, paused to listen then went down the steps in a smooth silent rush. There was no one there. She dropped to one knee, Kintaro held horizontally in front of her. Her eyes flicked to the wall by the elevator. Wolf had lain there after she had pulled his martial arts abilities out of his head. After he had come w/ Lexus and saved her life. She had first used the sword here, on a guard who had come down these very steps as she had been tending Wolf. She saw movement from the passage to the cells and moved fast as the others began coming down. There was an Akerian coming down the passage, ears pricked up and scimitar drawn. His eyes widened as he saw her, and she cut him down before he could move. He staggered back slashed open from collarbone to stomach, his sword clattering off the bars of the nearest cell. She heard human voices querying the noise, heard the guttural growling speech of the cats, sounding alarmed. An energy bolt flashed past her and she heard a strangled scream as it hit one of her troops. Someone fired a pistol, three loud shots in rapid succession, and the next energy bolt went into the ceiling. Garryk drew level w/ her, his pistol smoking. He was splashed w/ the blood of the fighter who had been hit by the Akerian shot. Two cats and a Blood Warrior rushed out of the corridor and Purgatori found herself in the middle of a crossfire. She decapitated the feline closest to her; the other knocked Garryk into the wall w/ a shoulder charge and pulped the head of another warrior w/ its mace before a pair of swords skewered it. The Blood Warrior stabbed at Purgatori. His sword nicked her forearm as she dodged him. She kicked out at him, darting forward to slash at his face. Someone fired from along the corridor, loud hammering bangs that were amplified by the close confines of the corridor. Two of the bullets hit Purgatori, three more went past her. She was dimly aware of two bullets smacking into stonework and the grunt of someone getting winged by the third. She hit his blade hard, knocking it out of his hand, then leapt and drove him to the floor, her powerful grip pinning his arms. As she held him another bullet clipped the side of her head, ruffling her hair and grazing the skin. Garryk emptied his pistol up the corridor and suddenly everything went very quiet. Purgatori punched the Blood Warrior hard w/ her sword hand and he flopped.
        “Gather weapons,” she snapped angrily as she stood up, extending her talons to try and dig a bullet out of her arm. “Take him upstairs and convert him.”
        “Yeah. Y’alright?”
        Purgatori plucked the lump of lead out and threw it away. “Yes. Come w/ me.”
        She walked up the corridor, levering out the second bullet as she went, glancing into each cell through a haze of gun smoke. At one time she just considered them rooms that were a necessity and idle entertainment mostly; now though she saw them as places she had had personal experience of. The Blood Warrior who had shot her was sprawled in the corridor, most of the left side of his head smeared on the ground behind him. A mage lay nearby, his chest ruined. There was a figure in the cell they had been obviously guarding. Purgatori walked in and stood w/ her hands on her hips, eyes running up and down Lady Death.
        “My, look at you. Spread-eagled, chained up and naked. It becomes you.”
        “G-Get me free, you r-rancid bitch!” Lady Death snarled weakly, squirming under Purgatori’s gaze.
        Purgatori stepped closer w/ a purr. She loved Lexus and had absolutely no interest in Lady Death, but the opportunity to infuriate her was simply irresistible. “Ooh, he’s beaten you quite badly,” she said reaching out. “Let me check you over….”
        “Get-get your h-hands off me!”
        Purgatori grinned, veered her hands away at the last possible moment, reached up and snapped open the wrist manacles. Lady Death collapsed w/ a cry of pain, her stressed and battered muscles cramping viciously at the movement. Purgatori tore off the ankle bonds and motioned to Garryk. “Take her upstairs Garryk. I’m going to cause some trouble, it should be enough of a distraction to let you get out unhindered.”
        “Yes Em – ” But Purgatori was already gone. Garryk crouched down and pushed Lady Death’s blood-slicked hair back gently. “Hey, how are you? Anything broken?”
        “Get off me!” Lady Death grated, knocking his hand away. The movement made her shoulder muscle crunch and she clenched her eyes in pain, her breath hissing between her teeth. When she opened her eyes she saw Garryk gazing at her intently. Gazing at her face and not her body. “What are you staring at, maggot? Have you never seen a naked woman before?”
        “Not one as beautiful as you. Hold on.”
        Lady Death blinked after him as he darted out the cell. WHAT did he say?! She managed to get to her knees w/ a lot of effort and a lot of pain, but that was about as much as her body would allow her. Powers…I need my powers and magick…I can’t believe that red tramp saw me like that. She’ll be slavering over the memory for decades. Hah, unless I kill her!
        “Here.”
        Lady Death looked up as Garryk crouched down and wrapped the mage’s robes around her. She took it in grateful surprise, holding it to her as he cradled her in his arms and picked her up. “Does that hurt?”
        “…no.”
        “We have to get out fast. This might get dangerous.”
        “I am used to danger. Listen…Garryk, is it?”
        “Yeah.”
        “There is magick here Garryk, it is blocking my own I need to be free of it.”
        “Not a prob, Purgatori says it’s only in this cell block.” Garryk was already moving to the stairs, carrying her w/ ease.
        “Where is she?” Lady Death asked, looking around at the dead and wounded.
        “Gone to kick ass.”
        They reached the landing and he put her down gently. She could sense the change immediately and her healing spells rushed through her, repairing the damage rapidly. Blue Arcane Energy crackled over her, charring the cleric’s robes and making Garryk tense in surprise. She pulled the smoking cloth off her and saw Garryk’s look of  approval at her leather and armour. They stood up together and she stretched her arms, pleased to feel no trace of cramp or pain.
        “Nice,” Garryk said, but from his tone she couldn’t tell if he meant the armour, the magick, or her. “Are you healed now? Fully?”
        “Yes,” she said, caught off-guard by his tone. For some reason he sounded genuinely concerned. She recalled his comment in the cell and wondered how many other people would have tried to cover her nakedness. That bitch certainly hadn’t. “Garryk, that furry bastard stole my sword. I need it back.”
        “We got plenty weapons, you can – ”
        “No, I need MY sword,” she broke in impatiently. “It’s enchanted, very powerful.”
        “Garryk?” Rift said from behind, breaking into the conversation. “That’s them converted, let’s bail.”
        “Right. We clear?” The sentries at the doorway nodded. “’kay, move out fast – he might have sensed the magick.”
        “Garryk!” Lady Death said urgently. “I need that sword! I will not leave w/out it!”
        Garryk backed up to let people past. “Well, where is it?”
        “I don’t know exactly. Somewhere above us. Not too far.” She saw his expression and her face hardened. “I don’t need your help, Garryk, get your people out of here.”
        “Settle down will you? Rift!”
        “What?”
        “What’s above us? Next couple floors?”
        “Not much . conference rooms, a store room or two. Why?”
        “Need to find something.”
        “Purgatori said to get out,” Rift said pointedly. “W/ her.”
        “She does not give ME orders,” Lady Death snapped.
        “Listen woman, we came here to rescue you and we’ve just lost two good people doing it – ”
        “Alright Rift, chill,” Garryk broke in. “Get out and I’ll go w/ her for a quick search.” He looked pointedly at Lady Death. “A quick search : if we don’t find it fast, or run into trouble, or it’s heavily guarded we bail, deal?”
        “Yes,” Lady Death said after a moment’s hesitation., still glaring at Rift.
        He met her gaze coldly. “If you get him killed – ”
        “Rift, move your ass, now,” Garryk broke in.
        “Purgatori’s gonna go ballistic when she finds out.”
        “She’ll be too busy. Move it.” Garryk turned to Lady Death as Rift snorted in exasperation and ran down the steps to marshal the rest of the team. “Come on, we’ll call the elevator from down there – I don’t wanna stand around in the corridor for it.”
        They headed down, passing Rift and the others on their way up. He glanced at Lady Death but all he said was, “Watch your ass,” to Garryk then he was gone. Garryk pressed the elevator button, picked up a cat scimitar and passed it to Lady Death. She hefted it experimentally. It felt heavy, but that would change when she was free of this spell and her full strength returned. Garryk stood back from the doors and she copied him, looking him up and down w/ some appreciation.
       My, he’s quite a handsome one. And quite the gentleman too – the only one of these wretched Purgatori worshippers to have a modicum of manners, it would seem. She heard the faint whirr of the elevator approaching and turned her attention to the doors, glad of the distraction and faintly annoyed at herself for eyeing up a friend of Purgatori’s. they both raised their weapons as the doors opened but the car was empty
        “Remember,” Garryk said as he pressed the button and the doors closed. “A quick look. No messing about if it’s heavily guarded.”
        “Yes,” Lady Death said blandly. No messing about, just lots of killing.

        Demonica stood by the elevator wall, drumming her fingers on her thigh and gazing at the button panel. It was still dented, damage she had done herself almost three years ago.
        Her hand suddenly jabbed out and hit a button, almost of its own accord, and Demonica felt her heart thudding in her chest as the car slowed to a stop. The doors sighed open and she looked down the short wood panelled corridor w/ the deep green carpet : there was one door at the end of the hall, and it opened into the twins’ apartment. She had come for Diabolica.
        She padded down the corridor, making no sound on the plush carpet. She was careful, wary, taking nothing for granted : the elevator was quiet and she was silent, and if Diabolica was in the apartment she should not have heard anything, but once when the two of them had tried to sneak back in at three o’clock in the morning after a night of drinking and flirting they had found a somewhat unimpressed Purgatori waiting for them. Of course, Purgatori had senses Diabolica not, but if that little incident had taught Demonica on thing, it was to take nothing for granted. She stopped and listened at the door but could hear nothing. She licked her lips and opened the door, stepping into the apartment before she had a chance to lose her nerve.
        The sight of her own place gave her a pang of homesickness. The apartment was plush, far more luxurious than anything in her father’s castle, or most places in Dis. The heavy velvet drapes were closed but the wall lights were on, dimmed to a pleasing orange glow that made the polished gold trim on the furniture smoulder. She could hear water, coming faintly from the bathroom. Diabolica must have been putting in some long hours and was getting ready for bed, unless she had just been summoned by Drakkan.
Demonica crossed the room warily and slipped into the passage that joined the other rooms and led to the stairs that led up to Purgatori’s apartment and the gallery. She edged up to the bathroom and was just reaching for the handle when the door opened. Diabolica jerked to a surprised stop and Demonica squealed in fright, bringing Mr Head Burster up reflexively.
        “D…Dem?!” Diabolica gasped, putting her hand to her chest. She was wrapped only in a thick towel, her long wet hair hanging straight down hr back, ridged w/ comb trails. Her eyes were wide, full of surprise and shock. “Dem, where have you been?” she cried concernedly, taking a step forward. She saw Mr Head Burster shift at her movement and she froze instantly. “You…you aren’t going to shoot me are you?” she asked weakly. “Sis?” Demonica hesitated, the gun barrel trembling slightly. Diabolica wilted. “Please sis…I’ve missed you so much.”
        Demonica swallowed and lowered the rifle slightly. “Diabolica, what have – ”
        Diabolica shoved the gun aside and punched Demonica in the face. Demonica fell back w/ a cry of pain, her lips split and trailing blood. Diabolica twisted the Scorpion out of her hands as she fell and hefted it as she grinned down at her fallen sister. “Why Demonica,” she purred. “What a nasty toy this is. You really are a bad girl, playing w/ things like this…”
        “D-Di –” Demonica stammered, backing away down the passage.
        “Shut your mouth traitor,” Diabolica said coldly. “Look at you. Dressed like a common urchin. And that stupid stripe across your nose – you wear it like you’re proud to be a rebel maggot.”
        “You’re the traitor!” Demonica flared. “Purgatori saved our lives – ”
        Diabolica stepped forward fast and cut her off w/ a kick to the stomach. Demonica fell flat on her back w/ a cry, tears spilling from her eyes. It wasn’t the pain that upset her, it was the fact that it was her sister that was inflicting it. “Shut your mouth.” Diabolica’s eyes sparkled coldly. “I’m going to teach you not to play w/ nasty toys like this, and then I’m going to drag you downstairs to meet my Lord. He is anxious to meet any of you scum. It’ll be delicious to see you getting the punishment you deserve.”
        She stepped forward again, between Demonica’s legs, raising the rifle w/ the intention of beating Demonica w/ the stock. Demonica scissored her legs together hard. One leg caught Diabolica’ shins and the other kicked her behind the knees and she collapsed like a felled tree. The twins shrieked almost in harmony. Mr Head Burster went off w/ a suppressed thud and blew a foot-wide hole in the wall.        Diabolica dropped the gun – half in fright, half in order to break her fall – and Demonica yelped as the heavy weapon hit her shoulder. Her sister fell on top of her and Demonica pushed her head up, grabbing a horn and a fistful of hair. Diabolica snarled and grabbed Demonica’s horns, banging her head on the carpet.
        “Yes, fight!” she urged. “It’s more fun!” Demonica let go of Diabolica’s hair and slapped her face. Diabolica hissed and thumped her head again. “Bitch! Is that the best you can do? I’m the fighter, you’re the lover! You’re soft and weak!”
        “Owww!” Demonica cried. She drove her elbow up into Demonica’s chin and there was a satisfying CLAKK! of  impact as her teeth slammed together as her head was knocked back. Demonica pushed her violently as she rocked back, stunned, and forced her sister off her. Demonica was on her knees in a moment, her head thumping, trying desperately to concentrate on the conversion spell.
        “Tramp!” Diabolica screeched. She squirmed onto her hands and knees and launched herself at Demonica, yanking a handful of her now-black hair out of her scalp. Demonica squealed and landed heavily on her side w/ Diabolica on top of her again. Diabolica punched her hard in the temple and clamped her hands around Demonica’s throat.
        “N-o! D-diab-!”
        Diabolica squeezed tighter, cutting her air off. Demonica squirmed desperately, trying to free her arms from under her sister’s weight. Black spots began to dance in her vision, swirling over Diabolica’s bright hateful grin.
       Sweet Leviatha! She’s going to kill me! My SISTER’S going to kill me!!
        Pure fear gave her strength. She yanked one arm partially free, felt Diabolica’s firm smooth thigh against her palm and sank her nails into it as deep and hard as she could. Diabolica howled and kicked her leg out the way, losing her balance and her grip on Demonica’s throat. She rolled off her sister, losing her towel in the process. Demonica sat up taking great whooping gasps of air that made the dancing black dots turn bright white.
        “Owww! You tramp! I’ll claw your eyes out for that!!” Diabolica shrieked, clutching the back of her leg. Her eyes alighted on Mr Head Burster and she dived for him w/ a snarl.
        Demonica yelped in terror, knowing full well what would happen if her sister got her hands on the weapon. She snatched up the damp towel and looped it over Diabolica’s head, dragging her backwards w/ as much force as she could muster. Diabolica gave a muffled squawk of outrage and fell heavily, thumping her head against the door to the entrance room. She flopped, seemingly dazed, but Demonica wasn’t taking any chances – she grabbed Mr Head Burster and smacked her sister across the head w/ him. Diabolica dropped bonelessly. Her tail reared up an inch or two, wavered uncertainly, then flopped.       Demonica ripped the towel off, grasped her sister’s head and felt the conversion spell burn out. She collapsed panting, clutching Mr Head Burster protectively to her chest. It was only then that she realised she was crying her eyes out.
       She was going to kill me! Of all the fights and battles she had been in these past three years, none had affected her as much as this. It was all due to a conversion spell, but she couldn’t get it out of her head that her sister had attacked her, done her best to severely hurt her, had seemed intent on killing her. How could Diabolica be like that, even due to a spell? They were inseparable, loved each other deeply, had been in more adventures and trouble than she could remember. They had bailed each other out of problems, and had deliberately gotten each other into trouble, just for laughs.
        Faintly, from the open living room window, she heard gunfire outside. Sniping – I’m supposed to be covering our team. She stood up reluctantly, her legs rubbery and weak. Her sister was awfully still, and for a horrible moment Demonica wondered if she had hit her TOO hard w/ the gun. She nudged Diabolica tentatively w/ her foot, wincing at the blood on her leg and brow, and blew a huge gasp of relief when Diabolica groaned. More gunfire. Demonica turned and ran for the gallery steps, glad to be away from her sister. She was still badly spooked : Diabolica had been different before but hadn’t hurt her – this time she had been openly murderous. She wondered briefly what would happen if Diabolica came around and blundered downstairs into the midst of people she had been allied w/ - now she was reconverted she was an enemy, and there was no telling what they would do. There was nothing Demonica could do – Diabolica was unconscious and there was no time to try and wake her; she would just have to pray Diabolica would remember enough to be careful.
        The staircase ran up to the sub-level of the gallery, which held the restrooms and cooking areas, where meals were prepared for guests. It was pitch black but Demonica ran confidently through it – the gallery had been built, she remembered proudly, at her suggestion and it was a favourite haunt of hers. The lights were off in the gallery itself too, but Demonica went into it more cautiously, just in case. It was empty, and she ran over to the East window, slid it open and went out onto the balcony. Out here, the gunfire was much clearer and it seemed more intense over to the North, where the Gate was. She ran around to that side and leaned out over the railings, the wind blowing her hair playfully. From this height she could not make out much in the way of details, but her eyes caught movement in the gloom, brief darting shadows in the light of the floating globes. She rested Mr Head Burster on the railing and the scope brought everything into emerald clarity. She could see figures flitting past her field of vision, crouching or hiding in shadows that the scope saw straight through. She saw bodies, scattered and shattered, some whole, some not. A big black shape strolled into the corner of the scope and she adjusted her sight to centre on it : a Doom Magistrate. The suppressor softened the gunshots but the recoil was as powerful as ever, kicking her shoulder hard. When she got the scope back on target the bug was lying in a twitching heap. She looked up from the scope, frantically searching for another target : she was supposed to be protecting her allies from here but it looked like the battles were not in a good position to see – her people could be getting slaughtered just behind a wall and she would never know.
       Have to move, check the main road. She ran back around the balcony, pausing to scan the area around the main entrance. Purgatori’s cobra obscured most of the view but she could just see a cat, standing in the shadows of the steps. She nailed it and got back inside fast. There were no troops moving towards the palace – it was time to get out and continue w/ the plan. She stabbed repeatedly at the elevator, cursing it for taking so long to arrive. It finally arrived, empty, and she dived in gratefully, stabbing the dungeon level button. She had butterflies in her stomach – she was going to have to run the gauntlet of the main corridor and there was nothing she could do but hope there would be no one there – getting out on the dungeon level would allow her to check the view, but wouldn’t help here if there were enemies in the passage. The car dropped past her apartment and Demonica sighed w/ relief : she had been half-expecting Diabolica to interrupt the descent, still somehow eager for Demonica’s blood. Demonica swallowed past a lump in her throat – she had reconverted her sister but she wondered if she would ever feel the same about her again.

        Snake Eyes leaned his back against the jagged boulder and blended into the shadows. His niten was unsheathed, the blades hidden behind his body and dripping w/ his own venom. One of the rescued Blood Warriors was above and behind him. Snake Eyes could taste a cat nearby, upwind of him. He could sense the cat coming closer, obviously scenting for him. All around him in the darkness were the sounds of skirmishes. The smell of blood tainted the air.
        A big shaped loomed out of the night. Only a brief frosting of scant moonlight on fur betrayed it, but Snake Eyes was already tracking it and that was all he needed. His blade flashed through the night, only a momentary slowing in its speed to indicate he had hit anything. The bubbling choke and splatter of blood came a second later. Cobra dodged the cat’s scimitar easily, knowing it was already dead. The feline warbled pitifully as the flesh around the wound melted and then he heard it clatter to the ground, rolling a ways down the steep incline. An energy bolt zipped past, way off mark, as someone fired towards the sound. Snake Eyes slipped back and climbed up beside the Blood Warrior.
        “Look.”
        Snake Eyes followed the Blood Warrior’s finger and saw the troops below regrouping and retreating away from the rock formations. There were only a fraction of their original number. “Looks like we did pretty good. Not many Blood Warriors among em though.”
        “Drakkan don’t trust them – some guy called Pagan had apparently been converting some to his own side – Drakkan had most of them locked up until we could reconvert them again.”
        “Hmm. Let’s regroup ourselves – see how we’re doing,” Snake Eyes said as he sheathed his blades. He tasted the air and led the Blood Warrior over the rocks to a point close to the narrow winding path they had originally come down. He gave a low bird whistle, got another in return and hopped over a big boulder into a group of rebels.
        “Cobra! Damn, someone said they’d got you!”
        “Came close a couple times. Don’t tell me this is it..?”
        “No, we got other groups spread up that side of the path. Actually, I think we only lost about five people. We keep to the black and they can’t see us. Though, if they bring up a Jackal or two they might have Scorpions…”
        Bird call from the dark. A thin figure scampered into their group. “Reinforcements! LOTS of ‘em!”
        “What are they?”
        “Cats mostly. Some Blood Warriors, some bugs. We might be able to hold em back but not if the bugs charge us.”
        “Okay, let’s get out of here,” Snake Eyes said. “If they sent a lot that means New Necropolis will be undermanned. Split into two groups. One leads the forces away and keeps them occupied, the rest come w/ me to New Necropolis. Once we’re there we’ll split up and attack a few Gates.”
        The runner dashed off to tell the other groups and Snake Eyes crouched in the dark, wondering how Purgatori was doing. So far, everything seemed to be going according to plan…out here at least. The city would be a whole other proposition. What’s going on there? Has Purgatori managed to get that white woman? Is my Demonica alright?

        Lady Death and Garryk stood aside as the elevator doors opened. No one entered the car so Garryk looked out cautiously then motioned Lady Death out when he saw the way was clear. Lady Death looked about her w/ slightly resentful admiration – this was her first view of the Palace proper. The walls were of high-grade, beautifully patterned marble, and the floor was decorated w/ mosaics and moonstones. The carvings and architecture were exquisite, obviously the work of skilled artisans, and the result of great expense. No wonder the bitch was angry, if this is indicative of what was stolen from her.
        “Okay, where to?” Garryk murmured.
        Lady Death pointed off to the left. “That direction.” There were two doorways on their left and the corridor formed a T-junction a few metres further on, intersecting w/ another slightly wider passage.
        “Right, let’s be quick. How you feelin’?”
        “Better,” Lady Death said, still surprised and somewhat pleased at the tone of genuine concern in his voice. “Much better.”
        He gave her a smile she found extremely attractive but he turned and was moving up to the first door before she could respond. He edged his head around the door, then moved on when he saw the chamber was empty. Lady Death passed him, both in her eagerness to get Apocalypse back and to show him that she was no feeble girl who had to trail behind the men folk. The next room had beautifully carved oak doors w/ a golden plaque fastened to each one, engraved w/ hieroglyphs. The doors were ajar and she could see a long room w/ a broad table surrounded by plush leather chairs. They passed the conference room and paused at the junction. There were faint sounds of fighting coming from the small windows but no sounds of movement in the corridor. Lady Death suspected that most of the troops had been mobilised against the rebels and those left in the Palace would probably be summoned to fight Purgatori.
        The vibrations from Apocalypse were much stronger here. Lady Death stepped into the corridor, checking left as Garryk moved up quickly and checked right. The passage ended w/ a closed door marked w/ more hieroglyphs : Lady Death couldn’t read them but the Akerian guard outside told her all she needed to know. He blinked at them in surprise, suddenly realised they evidently weren’t convertees and drew his sword. Lady Death moved forward w/ a hard grin, eager for some payback for her torture. The heavy blam of a gun behind her made her jump in surprise and the cat staggered and fell w/ a hole in its forehead. Lady Death turned to Garryk w/ an icy glare.
        “Sorry, we ain’t got time to waste.”
        “YOU said to be stealthy,” Lady Death retorted. She spun on her heel and yanked the door open. A broadhead crossbow bolt punched through her chest, just below the right breast and she stumbled back coughing blood.
        “Noo!” Garryk caught her as she tripped on the fallen cat and fired a volley through the door before kicking it shut. The wood thumped and the head of another bolt punched through an inch or two.    “Oh sweet Isis, hold on I think we – NO DON’T PULL IT - !!”
        Lady Death pushed his hand away and wrenched the bolt out of her chest w/ a nasty slurping sound that made Garryk cringe. She placed a palm over the wound and he gaped as bright Arcane Energy slithered through the hole and sealed the flesh. Someone kicked the door open and Lady Death flung the arrow at the cat. It hit the Akerian in the face, making the animal jerk back w/ a hiss. It wasn’t a serious wound but by the time it had recovered itself Lady Death was on her feet and her sword slashed open the cat’s thigh, felling it. Her blade sliced down and cleaved the feline’s skull down to its bottom jaw. She entered the room fast and low and Garryk followed her, still slightly dazed. The room was empty. Lady Death stood in front of a wooden glass-fronted cabinet : Apocalypse hung inside, sheathed and glimmering faintly.
        “Get it,” Garryk said. “Hurry.”
        “There is a protection spell around it. Stand back. Outside.”
        Garryk had barely gotten out when a loud sizzling bang pushed rudely at his back. He heard bits of wood and glass bouncing off the walls and floor.
        Lady Death appeared, buckling the blade around her waist, small cuts on her cheek and eyebrow. “Let us get going. Drakkan will have sensed that, no doubt.”
        “No sht,” Garryk said, already heading up the corridor. “And that bang will have alerted everyone else.” As if to prove him right a trio of Blood Warriors burst into view at the far end of the corridor. “Fk! Move it!” He lunged for the junction that led back to the elevator, firing off a couple of shots as he dived. A bolt of Arcane Energy flashed past him and Lady Death landed beside him just before a couple of arrows zipped down the passageway. Garryk was on his feet in a moment and running for the elevator. Lady Death paused at the junction and the first Blood Warrior around the corner lost his head. She lunged at the next one immediately, kicking the decapitated body into his way to hamper his movement. Apocalypse clanged off his blood armour w/ a flash of energy that knocked him back into the opposite wall. Lady Death spun for the next target – and froze, gaping at the warrior in the glittering red armour.
        “Vulnavia!”
        Vulnavia’s armoured fist smashed into her face, breaking her nose and cheekbone. Lady Death fell back w/ a cry, her eyes flooding w/ tears of pain. Vulnavia was right by her, her blade sliced Lady Death’s arm and swatted Apocalypse out of her grasp and she kicked Lady Death hard in the gut. She raised her sword and Garryk barrelled into her, shoulder-charging her clear across the corridor and somehow managing to take the recovering Blood Warrior w/ them. They landed in a tangled heap and Garryk punched her across the jaw w/ the butt of his pistol, stunning her. He put his foot in her stomach and kicked her off, twisting around to grab the Blood Warrior’s head. Magick flowed.
        “What the f- ?!”
        “Move it! Purgatori’s under attack!”
        “What?! How?!”
        “I’ll tell you later! Get that elevator!” The big Blood Warrior grabbed his bow and raced off as Garryk ran to Lady Death and helped her up. “Y’alright?
        “Yes,” Lady Death snarled, her words slightly slurred. Already Arcane Energy had healed her wounds and she flexed her arm experimentally. “Garryk – convert her! Can you do that?”
        “Sure.”
        Lady Death snatched up Apocalypse, watching Garryk run over to the fallen Valkyrie. Get her back! Quickly Garryk! I can get my sister back – won’t that annoy that red whore! She saw Garryk crouch, reaching for her, saw his head jerk up as he brought his pistol up. Saw him stagger and fall backwards as a big, viciously pointed shuriken slammed into his shoulder.
        “Garryk!” Lady Death ran for him. His gun slammed three times – the last bullet screamed off the floor as his arm slumped. There was an Akerian in the corridor w/ a deep crater in its shoulder armour where Garryk had hit it. Lady Death hurled Apocalypse like a spear and the magickal sword impaled the cat, cutting easily through its armour. Lady Death grabbed Garryk and held him, alarmed at the way he was shuddering and sweating. “What’s – ”
        “Pull-p-pull it – owww!”
        Lady Death cast the shuriken away. “Garryk, what’s wrong? Poison?”
        “Y..ye….”
        Lady Death whirled as a loud roar came from the far end of the corridor. The cat slid to a stop, drew its bow and fired. Lady Death threw herself flat and felt the arrow tug at her cape. She hurled a blast of Arcane Energy at the cat and it leapt aside frantically, dropping the arrow it had been trying to nock. Lady Death grabbed Garryk and hauled him to his feet, her supernatural strength helping her hold the big man. The cat was out of sight, having scampered back through the door it had come through. Lady Death reached out and Apocalypse jumped into her fist. She threw a frantic glance at the fallen Vulnavia, hating to be so close and having to leave her, yet knowing she had no choice. She heard the growled voices at the end of the corridor and a blast from an Akerian weapon flashed towards her. Lady Death swiped it out the air and yanked Garryk back to the junction just as the felines edged through the door. An arrow snapped past her head and chipped a crater in the wall. Lady Death threw one last despairing look at Vulnavia and headed for the elevator. The Blood Warrior was standing anxiously in the car, keeping the doors open. Lady Death dragged Garryk inside and propped him against the wall. His legs gave way immediately and he slid to the ground. Lady Death spun as the outraged roars. The Blood Warrior fired at the cats and the one that had been aiming its rifle got the arrow up its nostrils.
        The doors closed.
        “Holy Goddess,” the Blood Warrior said. “What the Hell is going on?”
        “D..own,” Garryk croaked. “M-ain…l-ev…”
        The Blood Warrior hit the button and the car began to drop. Lady Death squatted down beside Garryk angrily helpless to do anything but loosen his jacket to help him breath. “Hold on Garryk,” she murmured. He just looked at her, eyes wide and unblinking. Hold on dammit! Lady Death thought desperately. We’re only one floor up. We can get out quick, get the rest of the team…one of them must be a healer, surely…Come on, come ON…
        The car began to slow as it reached the main level.

        Rourke strode past the cages of prisoners, ignoring the odd call to him. He jogged up the steps to the ground floor and looked around. There were supposed to be half a dozen Blood Warrior and Akerian guards here, but he could only see two.
        “Vyrryn. What’s going on? I can hear gunfire.” Rourke shifted his gaze to the other guard who was looking around and blinking as though he didn’t know where he was. “What are you gaping at?”
        “Rebels are attacking the city,” Vyrryn broke in quickly. “I sent the other guards out to help defend the Gates. Who else is on duty downstairs?”
        “An Akerian,” Rourke said, still eyeing the guard. “You sent them out? Lord Drakkan ordered the Blood Warriors to be properly guarded until we could ensure they were still loyal to us,” he said in a dangerous tone. His rifle swung in an almost subconscious way to point at Vyrryn. “Who gave you – ”
        Vyrryn smacked the gun aside and rammed into him. The bullet blew out one of the windows. Rourke crashed down onto a table and punched Vyrryn hard, knocking him away. He rolled off the desk and drew his dagger from his calf scabbard. Vyrryn’s vampire speed saved him and the blade slammed into the wall by his head. The other soldier grabbed Rourke’s arm and throat from behind, an admirable but futile gesture. He was a big strong man, but Rourke was over seven tall and three hundred and forty pounds of pure muscle – he twisted out of the neck lock and broke the man’s neck w/ a twist that almost tore his head off his shoulders. He whirled back to Vyrryn and the vampire knife-chopped his throat. Rourke fell back gagging, grabbing Vyrryn’s arm and kicking away his legs. Vyrryn fell and took Rourke w/ him. A chair splintered beneath them and Vyrryn grabbed one of the broken legs and smacked Rourke across the temple w/ it. Rourke grunted and punched the weapon out of his grip, jabbing his fingers at Vyrryn’s eyes w/ his other hand. Vyrryn ducked the strike, slammed his elbow up into Rourke’s jaw and grabbed his temple as the force of his blow drove his head back to crack against the floor tiles.
        Rourke twitched as the sorcery went into him and he blinked at Vyrryn. “Sht Vyrryn, what – ”
        A huge furry shape bulleted out from the stairway and swung its sabre at Vyrryn. Rourke grabbed his shoulder and pulled him to the ground w/ a yank that almost gave him whiplash. The blade swept past and a few strands of hair wafted through the air. Rourke jumped to his feet, catching the cat’s arms and twisting the sword out of its grip before it could recover. It spat as its wrist crunched and backhanded Rourke across the face, lifting him off his feet to crash onto a tabletop some distance away. Files and document trays scattered every which way and the Akerian leapt on him w/ a snarl. Rourke grunted as a hard slap knocked his head to one side, the cat’s claws tearing deep horrid furrows across the left side of his face. The cat kicked out at Vyrryn and knocked him away. Rourke felt a paw clamp across his throat and felt its body weight shift – he knew it was arching back to reach a weapon on its belt. He palm-heeled the cat’s arm and jarred the hand off his throat, staggering the cat. He reached up, grabbed a fuzzy ear and dragged the feline’s head over. Its mewl was cut short as Rourke clamped his own hand over its neck and crushed its windpipe. There was a loud splintering crack as Vyrryn brought Rourke’s gun down on the top of the cat’s skull and Rourke slumped as the feline fell to the floor.
        Vyrryn grimaced at Rourke’s face. “Good goddamn, let me look that over.”
        “I’m fine,” Rourke said. “Missed the eye. Get me to the bathroom. What the fk’s going on?” Vyrryn related a quick version of the story as Rourke washed the wound. “She’s back?” Rourke asked, inspecting his ruined face in the mirror. He showed no reaction at all.
        “And p*ssed off. Horus, doesn’t that hurt?!”
        “Uh huh.” He ripped up a towel and improvised a bandage. “I’m going to find her.”
        “I need you here, help me convert the Blood Warriors.”
        “I need to see her.”
        “Rourke, she’s not interested in apologies. She knows you didn’t betray her – ”
        “Where is she?”
        “Main Gate would be the best place to look,” Vyrryn said resignedly. “Look, at least help me get a couple recruits here, okay? I got three others sweeping the perimeter and guard house but I could use some help.”
        Rourke was already moving to the door. “What you waiting for?”

        Purgatori flew down the corridor towards the main entrance. The wounds in the dungeon had reminded of her that she was still not up to full physical strength after the blast at the pumping station : she prowled the back corridors of the Palace until she happened on a pair of cats, took their blood swiftly and gratefully, then headed off to cause some mayhem. She twisted in mid-air and snapped around a tight turn w/out slowing and crashed straight into a pair of Doom Magistrates who were heading towards her. The inertia of her flight bowled them over like tenpins and she crashed into the floor, rolling and sliding out of the corridor and all the way into the main entrance hall. The hall was large, high-ceilinged and plush, an impressively luxurious first impression for visitors to the Palace. The walls were heavily patterned marbles, richly engraved w/ battle scenes and images of the gods and goddesses – Purgatori amongst them. The ceiling was black granite, studded w/ egg-sized diamonds laid out in the pattern of the constellations. Purgatori skidded on the glossy polished floor, twisted and came to her knees w/ her sword in hand in the middle of a very surprised group of enemies. She reached out and the bugs imploded as their blood compacted tightly. One of the cats raced off the corridor opposite Purgatori’s entry point, going for reinforcements. She pointed at him but one of the others came at her and she had to let him go. Their swords clashed and Purgatori backed up, circling away from the others who were rushing in and trying to surround her. The cat came again. Purgatori dodged easily, brought her blade down hard on the back of his to snap it and immediately reversed the cut and took his head off. The others faltered as their companion vapourised in a flash of violet, and in that brief pause Purgatori got another and slammed one of the Blood Warriors into a pillar, stunning him.
        Four left, circling her. She grinned at them and made her sword vanish. Her finger stabbed at one of the cats. “You. Come and play.”
        The Akerian jumped at her w/ a roar, scimitar slicing down. Purgatori side-stepped it fluidly, twisting the sword out of his hand w/ an aikido wristlock an planted the weapon in his throat. Only her fantastic speed saved her from the next. She heard his footsteps, loud and sharp as he planted his weight for a  blow, and she dropped into a crouch. She felt her hair ruffle as the blade went over, a blow that should have decapitated her. She pushed off from the crouch, using her wings for added power and drove a palm-heel strike to his chin. His neck crunched as his head was driven backwards and Purgatori relieved him of his cutlass and hurled it into the last cat. She was on the remaining Blood Warrior in a flash, flooring him and converting him in a second. As he sat up and blinked dazedly she converted the other, still out for the count.
        “How many more here?” she asked, waving aside the Blood Warrior’s questions.
        “I’m not sure, Highness,” he replied. “I think most have been sent out to hunt you. Drakkan still has his own guard here.”
        “Where is he?” she hissed, slapping the other Blood Warrior to bring him around. “Still here?”
        “I believe so Empress.”
        Purgatori took a step towards the corridor that led towards the heart of the Palace then  stopped herself w/ a grimace. Getting her people out and destroying the Gate took priority. “Go. Spread out. Kill cats and convert Blood Warriors if you can.” The pounding of feet came from the other corridor – the reinforcements. “GO!”
        They scattered and Purgatori backed up the corridor she had come down, drawing her sword. A dozen cats pounded into view, armed to the teeth. As soon as they saw her the ones in front opened fire. Purgatori dodged the blasts, backing up around the corner, shielding her face as stone shrapnel sprayed her w/ sharp chunks. Two of the cats appeared through the haze of dust and smoke and she cut them down in an instant. No fire this time – she left their bodies for the others to consider.
        Purgatori snatched a glance behind her : there was no sign of her troops. They should be long gone, and if they weren’t they would be a nice surprise for the cats. She backed up, casting frequent glances behind her to check for enemies. The cats appeared, four in a ‘V’ formation of gunners, the rest grouped behind w/ bladed weapons. One of them fired and Purgatori deflected the blast w/ her sorcery. The energy veered aside and scraped up the wall leaving a seventy metre blackened mark. Purgatori threw herself at them, diving flat as two of the others fired. She felt the heat of the blasts go over her as she rolled, came to her knees and rammed the katana through the nearest cat, going right through its armour and body in one brutal shove. It charred to nothing in a violet flare and Purgatori slashed the next cat open, disembowelling it. Her sword smashed the third cat’s gun in two and it punched her hard, cuffing her head like a battering ram. Purgatori crashed into the wall hard, four small claw cuts bleeding on her temple. She rebounded w/ a snarl, sliced another blast apart w/ her sword and tore open the cat’s throat w/ her talons as it tried to grab her. She hauled the big body in front of her and it took another blast that should have hit her head. Purgatori threw the smoking corpse at the group of Akerians, scattering their formation. The other rifleman slammed the butt of his weapon into her forehead and she staggered back. It kicked her in the chest and Purgatori flew backwards, falling heavily to the floor. Her knuckles smacked against the floor and Kintaro skittered away up the corridor. She twirled and got to her knees as the first of the cats reached her : a broad machete blade glanced off her shoulder and another swept past her eyebrows as she jerked back. The felines were crowding her, a solid wall of furred muscle and blades, but in their rush to get at her they were also crowding each other, hampering their attempts to use their weapons and blocking the line of sight of the one w/ the gun. Two of the cats literally exploded as she tore their blood out and gulped it down. The others flinched back from the unexpected carnage and Purgatori moved in a blur, punching one’s heart out and grabbing his spear. She leapt back and hurled the spear, impaling another. It fell to its knees w/ the weapon through its stomach, mewling horribly. The other two swordsmen were barged aside by the gunman – he fired but Purgatori was too fast. She jumped backwards and to the side w/ a grin and the cat snarled in anger. Two more blasts sizzled past the vampiress as she threw herself into the recess of the elevator doorway. She reached out and the sword slapped into her palm just in time. She slashed another blast out of the way and was on him in a second, slicing him in half to the waist. Purgatori howled as a sword blade swept down, biting into her biceps and sinking to her elbow, leaving a big chunk of meat hanging loosely. She pivoted and rammed her sword up through his lower jaw and out the top of his skull. As he vanished in a swirl of violet fire the last Akerian hesitated, suddenly finding himself amongst ten corpses and one squealing friend. He suddenly yowled and fell as Purgatori’s Kathos sorcery twisted his blood, holding his limbs immobile. Purgatori walked over and bit his throat open, drinking a few deep gulps.
        The elevator chimed. She pushed the cat away, turning in an on-guard stance as the doors opened.
        “Empress!”
        “Tripp! I’m glad you’re back. Where – Garryk!” Purgatori pushed past Tripp and crouched by Garryk, her eyes blazing at Lady Death. “You worthless tramp, what have you done?”
        “Nothing harlot! A cat got him.”
        Purgatori touched Garryk’s throat and felt his brow. He was bleeding from the mouth and nose, his eyeballs skittering randomly. She wiped some of the blood off his chin and licked her finger.
        “Is there anything you can do for him?” Lady Death asked tentatively as Purgatori spat the blood out.
        Purgatori lifted Garryk’s head. “Yes. There is.”
        Garryk managed to lock eyes w/ her. He barely had the strength to nod. Purgatori flexed her talons, pulled his head back slightly and slit his throat.
        “No! You miserable bitch!” Lady Death kicked Purgatori hard and dived at Garryk. Tripp dropped his bow and punched her between the shoulder blades. He was hugely muscled and augmented w/ vampire strength – the blow nearly crippled her.
        “Peasant! How dare you strike her!”
        Lady Death grabbed at Apocalypse, but she was on her knees in a confined space and Garryk was right in front of her – there was no way to draw the blade. Tripp grabbed her and flung her bodily out into the passage. She rolled and twisted w/ a hiss of rage and pain and came up w/ Arcane Energy flickering around her fist. Tripp had an arrow nocked already and aimed at her forehead, but Lady Death barely noticed it. Purgatori was cradling Garryk in one arm as she dripped blood into his mouth from a bite wound on her other wrist. She held him tightly as he spasmed and kicked, and when he opened his eyes again they were white.
        “Thank you Empress.”
        Purgatori stood up and pulled Garryk to his feet as though he weighed nothing. “I told you to leave, did I not?”
        “Er, kinda, yeah.”
        Lady Death stood up as Purgatori pushed Tripp’s bow aside and came over, eyes blazing. “Idiot brat. You almost cost him his life. You may think these people’s lives are for your own idle use, but I do not.”
        “I needed my sword, harlot! He came willingly.”
        Purgatori hissed and was at Lady Death’s side in a blink, her hand raised to slap her face. “Listen to me, you snot-nosed maggot! He went willingly to aid you – TO HELP YOU – how DARE you repay that w/ your callousness!” Purgatori clenched her fist and lowered her arm, eyes still shining. “Get out of here. Garryk, get this tart out of my Palace and do what I originally told you to, if you please..?”
        “Yes, Highness.”
        “No more side-trips,” she said, locking eyes w/ Lady Death. “The fight has started now, brat, go to your Gate and do what we agreed. Risk any of my people’s lives again and I will kill you.”
        “Hah! Try it – ” But Purgatori was already gone, flying fast up the corridor. Lady Death turned to Garryk and felt a hollow feeling in her chest as she saw his white eyes. That bitch. I finally meet someone who’s handsome, honourable and seems to like me w/ no ulterior motives, and she turns him into a vampire. “I thought she was killing you.”
        “No worries. Let’s move it. Horus, this place looks like an abattoir,” Garryk said, looking at the carnage around him. He picked up one of the cat guns and checked it w/ a grin. “Excellent!” He noticed Lady Death staring at him. “What?”
        “Nothing,” Lady Death said, tearing her gaze away from his canines. “Let’s get to the Gate.”
        “Sure,” Garryk said. “Don’t like vampires, huh?”
        “Lead the way.”
        “Sure,” Garryk sighed, letting it go. He motioned to Tripp, who was still staring blackly at Lady Death, and they began to move swiftly towards their exit.

 Purgatori swept over her city in a scarlet flash, her hate and rage at Lady Death making her wing beats fast and powerful. And she dares to call ME callous and unfeeling! Tramp! She’s lucky I reached Garryk in time, that arrogant, cold, toffee-nosed brat! If I hadn’t made a promise to Isis I’d tan that brat’s hide!
        She banked into a sweeping turn and sank fast towards the tallest building in the area – the Temple of Ra. Its tall spire had a platform at the top to allow people to get close to their god when they were praying. Purgatori landed nimbly on the platform and knelt, bowing her head slightly and trying to calm herself down. She relaxed, slowed her breathing and closed her eyes : she didn’t realise it, but this was part of Glenn’s legacy – his martial arts meditation techniques she had pulled from his mind. Wrapped up in her anger and focussed on the mission she never thought to question where the information came from. She reached out w/ her mind, feeling the air around her – the wind, the pressure and the humidity. In all her years of flying she had felt the wind and rain on her skin but this was like feeling the sky, being a part of it. She was looking for something in particular, and she found it to the North-West : clouds. Big fluffy cumulo-nimbus, stacked up and heavy w/ moisture from the sea, drifting along the border of the desert. She reached out, touched them. Gentle wind breathed on her wings, wind that blew on and gained a bit of strength over the flatlands outside the city and wafted the clouds on their way.
        She pushed.
        Wind blew across her face, startling her w/ its force. My power – I’m much stronger than when I last used – when DRACULA used this magick. It was a monumental effort for him – almost child’s play for me. The wind was beautiful, fresh on her face. She could feel the clouds slowing to a stop, reversing their direction to start advancing towards her. She pushed harder, felt them respond, and then she reached INTO them, letting her power flow directly into their huge bulky bodies. The responding rumble came almost immediately. She opened her eyes and could see the clouds, flickering like Chinese lanterns in the dark as the lightning jumped around inside them. She stood up and grinned, feeling the electrical power growing inside them : by the time the clouds reached the city the storm power in them would have multiplied considerably and would be just right for her needs.
        Purgatori walked to the edge of the platform and looked down at the streets. Ahead of her was Osiris Park, and in its black unlit expanse she could sense one of Drakkan’s Gates. She was too far away to decode the spells on it, but she could sense only four or five Akerians around it – it must be one of the Gates Drakkan had not yet used : if it led to a world he had invaded she reasoned that it would be much better guarded, to prevent it being taken and risk enemies materialising behind his forces.
        The door to the platform opened and the priest ran out, brandishing a silver naginata. Purgatori tensed in readiness but as soon as he saw her he faltered to a stop and gaped.
        “E-Empress?! Is it truly you?!”
        “Yes.”
        “But…we heard Drakkan had – ”
        “I have no time to discuss what you have heard. How many people in the city are still loyal to me?”
        “Most of the civilians, I should think Empress, but the Blood Warriors – ”
        “We are recovering the Blood Warriors. They were enchanted w/ a spell that I can counteract. I need help – can you convince anyone to fight for me?”
        She could see the excitement and hope on his face. “I believe so Empress! The people have been treat badly but were unable to do anything because of the Blood Warriors. Now you are free and the Blood Warriors are w/ us again I think they will act.”
        “Excellent. Do what you can. And hurry.” He bowed quickly and ran off, his cape swirling and flapping around him. My people – my people still want me. She still felt a wave of relief when she reminded herself she had not been betrayed.
        Rain drops fell on her wings and she looked up to see the first small cloud outriders of the storm almost overhead. Another drop fell on her face as she jumped nimbly onto the narrow railing. She sensed the crackle of Arcane Energy and a second later heard the crashing bang of stonework fracturing, the heavy thump of falling masonry : the WinterHaven Gate, doubtless. That will keep the tramp happy. Now – I have a Gate to destroy too.
        As she stepped off the railing she heard thunder rumble above her. She dived w/ her wings fully spread, accelerating into a fast glide and levelling out a dozen metres above the ground. She saw an arrow flit past, but it missed her widely. She tilted her wings and snapped around a corner, and there in the street was Drakkan, surrounded by six Akerians. They were engaging a group of rebels and Blood Warriors in hand-to-hand combat and scattered bodies lay around them. As she streaked towards them she saw one of the Akerians hack into a rebel and dive for the gun that was clenched in the hands of a dead cat that was riddled w/ arrows.
        Drakkan rammed his sword through a Blood Warrior and kicked him off the blade. The vampire came at him again so he raised his hand and vapourised him w/ Chaotic Energy – Drakkan was getting heartily sick of vampires. The rebel assault seemed to be faltering now – there was only a half-dozen or so left. Another fell w/ a scream and he saw the Akerian grab up a rifle. Something red blurred past and the cat fell w/out its head. Drakkan cursed and ducked but the shape’s trajectory didn’t allow it to take a strike at him too. It landed on the corner of a one-storey building fifty metres away and turned in a crouch. Drakkan roared w/ rage as he saw Purgatori’s infuriating grin. A golden Chaotic fireball flashed at her but she was already moving. Heading for the Gate.
        “NO!” Drakkan blasted another rebel, knowing he shouldn’t be using his power frivolously but not having time to waste on these rebels. The others backed off, retreating from his power. One of the Akerians took a step after them, blood flowing freely from a gash on its arm. “Stop! Get me to the Gate! FAST!” the warrior stopped reluctantly and they set off at a run.
       That bitch! Drakkan thought. I’ll tear her into pieces if she so much as LOOKS at my Gate! I…underestimated her. But my Gate is well defended…she cannot get near it. She will NOT get near it.
Lightning flashed overhead and Drakkan sensed the sorcery in it. He ran faster.

        Snake Eyes listened to the scattered fighting going on around him, all of it safely distant. He breathed deeply and tasted nothing so he gestured quickly and the rest of his companions came up the ladder. The access hatch was near the rear wall of the swimming pool : there was a short row of shops behind them but all were dark and seemingly empty. The light globes were spread out widely in the back alley and Cobra saw w/ satisfaction that there were plenty of shadows to hide in. A Blood Warrior captain appeared beside him, scanning the surroundings.
        “What’s your name?” Cobra asked.
        “Woods.”
        “You know where the main Gate is?”
        “Yes; near the Temple of Anubis.”
        “What d’you think? Two small groups or one big one?”
        “Big one. There’s still bugs here and the main Gate will be pretty well protected. We’ve lost the element of surprise now, no point in trying to stealth it.”
        “Yeah. Get em organised will you? I’m gonna have a quick scout of the area.”
        Snake Eyes jogged around the corner of the pool and made his way cautiously to the front, where a street ran parallel to the alley. Directly opposite was the long field of the archery centre, flanked on either side by a fletcher’s and a bow-maker’s. A gust of  wind blew his hair and Cobra looked up at the clouds w/ a frown. They had made their way fast through the tunnels using the canoes and when he had last been above ground the wind had been light and coming from the opposite direction. A raindrop fell on his cheek, another on his forehead. Rain? What the Hell?….Purgatori??
        Gunfire to the left of him. He squinted and could just make out shadowy figures up on one of the bridges that arced gracefully over the main market area of the town. A couple of bright energy flashes from Akerian weapons, and then a faint shriek. He breathed deeply again but could taste nothing on the wind. When he got back all the troops were up and spread out behind whatever cover was available.
         “Some fighting going on on the bridges – watch out above you as well as on the streets. Woods, we’ll split up and go down opposite sides of the street.”
        “Good. I’ll take point w/ my group.”
        “Sure. We’re heading for the Temple of Anubis,” Snake Eyes announced. “We’ll head there by the quickest route but keep off the main roads. Once we’re in sight of the Gate we’ll split and circle to flank it. And remember – some of our people have already been converting so check your fire if you see Blood Warriors. If they’re by themselves give them the benefit of the doubt – if they’re w/ bugs or cats, probably best if you don’t.”
        They set off, slightly spread out and keeping close to the buildings. To Cobra it sounded as though the fights were beginning to concentrate in one area : it seemed as if the defenders had been pulled back to protect the Gate.
        A Doom Magistrate suddenly stepped out in front of him from a side-street. A pair of energy bolts hammered into it before it could raise its bio-cannon. Any measure of relief Cobra felt was squashed a second later as a party of Akerians and bugs followed the fallen insect.
        “Fall back!”
        Cobra was already doing just that, getting himself behind someone w/ a firearm. Fiery blasts criss-crossed the street, blowing craters in walls, people, cats and bugs. The guy next to Cobra was rammed backwards as a bio-cannon blast smashed into him. Snake Eyes snatched up his weapon fired a quick volley as he backed up towards a café doorway. He caught Woods’ eye and gestured at him : get away. Woods went, quickly leading his team down a side street. Splitting up would make their enemies divide their forces and right now that was their best hope. A gunshot blew out the big plate glass window, showering them w/ razor sharp shards. Cobra kicked the door open and shoved the girl next him through.
        “Get in!” The next man jumped in through the glass as Cobra fired a burst down the street. Another rebel crumpled and Snake Eyes dived through after the last person and flinched as a flurry of gunfire chewed up the front of the building. He caught a brief glimpse of more bursts cutting through the darkness as the enemy fired after Woods then he was on his feet and running for the rear of the café, dismally aware that he was down to about six people. The rear door of the café was locked but a pistol shot blew the lock off and the rebels darted out into the back street. Cobra weaved past the scattered and upended tables and chairs in the darkness. A bright flash made him stop and drop to his knee reflexively but a moment later he heard a loud rumble and he realised w/ slight awe that it was lightning not a muzzle flash. Sweet Isis, what has she done? He ran to the back door and saw his people crowded behind any available cover as they waited for him. The huge searing blast of a Doom Magistrate weapon sliced in through the window, hitting a big table and the chairs around it. Burning fragments of wood exploded like a bomb and Cobra dropped w/ a curse. Someone fired over his head from the doorway and he turned, waving them away.
        “Get out of here!”
        “What? We’ve got to kill – ”
        “We’ve got to get to the Gate! We ain’t gonna make it w/ these fkrs dogging us! Get the fk out of here fast, I’ll hold em off as long as I can!”
        “Fk, Cobra – ”
        “NOW!”
        The figure dodged out of sight. A rending crack from the front of the café drowned the sound of their running feet. Snake Eyes spun to see the huge Doom Magistrate barging its way into the shop, ripping out most of the doorframe as it pushed its bulk in. it paused, seemingly crammed into the low-ceilinged room and lit in flickering orange by the burning furniture. Snake Eyes threw his rifle to his shoulder and fired a burst at the insect. It shrieked as the big calibre bullets hammered into it, knocking it backwards. Cobra sighted properly, fired carefully and the bullet went into the creature’s mouth and out the back of its head. It stiffened w/ a spasm and fired again, blowing a hole in the roof.    Snake Eyes saw shapes outside, Akerians that had crept up under the distraction caused by the bug. One leapt up frantically w/ a yowl and Snake Eyes saw that it was coated w/ blood parasites. As the bug crashed down, coming to rest half in and half out of the café, another loomed outside. Cobra fired before it could raise its weapon, blowing the limb off. It reeled away w/ a shriek and blasts from the cats’ guns streaked into the café like angry fireflies. Snake Eyes kept his head down until he heard the crunch of boots on rubble. He straightened up and fired at the cat’s silhouette, putting one round in its belly and one in its shoulder. It mewled loudly and fell to its knees, revealing another outside. He readjusted fast, acquired it, fired.
        The gun clicked empty.
        “Motherfk!”
        Cobra dropped the rifle, drew his niten and retreated through the backdoor, kicking it shut behind him. A smoking hole was punched through the door and Cobra  backed off, heading up the alley in the opposite direction to the Gate. The door was kicked violently open, swinging fast to bang hard against the wall. The cats did not come through immediately, obviously waiting to see if anyone was lying in wait for them. They came through quickly, crossing straight to available cover. Three so far, and none seemed have guns.
        Snake Eyes stepped out from the shadows, blades held in a reverse grip, and the cats whirled immediately. One hurled a javelin at him but he sidestepped it easily. The nearest Akerian sped at him w/ its scimitar poised. In the shadows of the back street, hampered by the rain, it never saw Cobra’s blades. It cut down hard : he stepped forward and to the side and gutted it. The big animal made a choked squawk and staggered away, trying to hold its intestines in as its whole stomach area began to melt. The other cats came at him from each side and behind them he could three more come out from the café.
        Snake Eyes retreated fast, but the cats were incredibly swift and were on him before he had taken three steps. A heavy studded mace swept past his forehead and he jumped back, knocking over a pair of trashcans w/ a raucous clatter. A blade sliced open his left arm and he cursed, blocking another slash and ducking yet another. One of the cats kicked him w/ a blow that felled him instantly. He landed hard in the spilled rubbish and threw one of his swords at the cat. The throw was good but the blade just skittered off the cat’s breast plate. The cat’s mace came down, smashing the other sword hard enough to jar Cobra’s wrist into numbness. There was a loud blam from the far end of the alley then two more in rapid succession. The feline grunted and staggered, its arms going limp and Snake Eyes rolled out the way as it toppled forward and lay still. He swapped his blade to the other hand, snatching a glance down the alley. In the meagre light he could see two cats still standing, fighting w/ someone who was almost the same height and build. There was only one person Cobra knew who was that big. Rourke – that’s gotta be Rourke. I thought he was on Drakkan’s side..? The other cat came at him w/ a long machete and short knife, interrupting his thoughts.
        At the other end of the street, Rourke eyed the two cats up coldly as they advanced. His rifle was useless, broken by the axe blow of the one on his left after he had shot its companion, but it was metal, and therefore a useful club. The same cat came at him and he ducked under its slash, batting it hard in the belly w/ the rifle. He threw the gun at the other as it tried to capitalise on the distraction, grabbed the first cat’s wrist and broke its arm w/ a punch to the elbow. The animal mewled and fell back but by that time Rourke had already taken its axe and planted it in the head of the other cat.
        He spun to face the survivor, but the cat was in too much pain to press an attack. “Come on, you furry fkr,” he snarled. The cat hissed, scrabbling awkwardly to draw a knife that was scabbarded for its other hand. Rourke took its head off and sprinted up the street to where the two dark figures were still grappling. He seemed to recognise the smaller figure – its stocky build and fighting style seemed like Cobra’s, though he couldn’t be sure. Metal flashed in the rain and he saw the cat leap at the figure, driving him to the ground. The figures rolled, crashing into the scattered bins. Rourke splashed to a stop and saw the cat on top of the man, one hand clamped over his face. He raised the axe, but at that moment the cat threw its head back and gave a gurgling shriek. The rebel tried to push its body off but could only move it a few inches before flopping and lying in the rain, panting hard. Rourke saw in the faint light that he had been right.
        “Snake Eyes. Good kill man.”
        Cobra looked up at him, blinking in the rain. “Rourke…thought you…w/ Drakkan…”
        “Yeah. Vyrryn cured me. Purgatori’s spell or something. You gonna lie w/ that fkr on you all night?”
        “…yeah…”
        “Come, you lazy bastard,” Rourke said, grabbing the cat and pulling the heavy corpse up w/ ease. “There’s fighting going on.”
        “He…got me…”
        As the shadow of the corpse move light fell on Cobra and Rourke could see the hilt of the dagger in his belly. “Motherfk!” he knelt beside him and inspected the wound. “Sht…well, I seen worse.”
        “…comforting…”
        “Hey, they usually poison the fkn things. I can patch you up a bit, till I can get a medic to you. I gotta take the blade out, okay?”
        “…uh…”
        “Count of three, okay?”
        “Ri – AARRGGH!”
        “Hah, fooled you. Ease up, it’s out. Here, put your hands there, keep pressure on it.” He looked around quickly, getting his bearings. “Okay, listen. There’s a chemist’s shop up the street that sells potions and sht – I’ll get you under cover and get you something there to stop the bleeding, less you want me to do a bit surgery on you?”
        “No way.” Rourke slipped his arms under Cobra’s shoulders and lifted him gently, effortlessly. “…my sword…”
        “Leave it.”
        “Get my fkn sword!”
        “Alright, goddammit! I’ll pick it up on the way back! Now shut the fk up!”
        Rourke carried him into the café and laid him on a table, wadding up a table cloth as a bandage. He used another to quickly beat out the fire before it could take hold further.
        “Rourke…get to the G-Gate. You…you gotta help…help destroy it.”
        “Yeah I know. I’ll get your potion and – ”
        “No, go now! We’re outnumbered and – ”
        “Didn’t I just tell you to shut the fk up?”
        “Asshole.”
        “Lie there, hold that, shut up. I’ll be back in under three minutes.”
        He was gone. Cobra lay back w/ a groan and slowed his breathing, concentrating on the sound of the rain to take his mind off the pain. Hurry up Rourke. Get to the Gate, damn it. Aargh, sht that hurts…Cool it Cobra, you’ve had worse than this. Got fairly well mauled by that jaguar that time…Lexus took care of it though, made those panties out of him, heh. Have to get a pair for Demonica…Demonica – where is she? Is she still alive? Course she is…Garryk will look after her, and Purgatori was meeting her team. She’s okay. Anubis, don’t take me yet, I gotta see her again…Fk, Rourke, hurry up…

        Another chunk of railing exploded in a spray of stone as an Akerian blast hit it. Anton flinched as sharp shards spat past his fast and grimaced at Diamondback. “Time to move. We better get out before they send people up here, or fire the Temple or something.”
        Diamondback slithered over to him, keeping flat on her belly. “Can’t get up to aim anyway, we’re no use here. We gonna circle around?”
        “Yeah, if we can get back into the tunnel we can go under them and get at the other side.”
        “Right. Where the Hell is Purgatori?”
        “Dunno. Hope nothing’s gone wrong.” Anton shuffled back a couple more metres and got to his knees. “That fkn Gate’s still standing.”
        The trapdoor hatch crashed open and an Akerian bounded up like a jack-in-the-box, a large toothed machete in one paw.
        “Motherfu- !” Anton threw himself back as the cat leapt at him. He got his bow up just in time to black the blade but the machete splintered one of the bow limbs. Anton let it go and rolled out the way, and the blade slammed into the roof an inch from his back. Diamondback drew and fired from her lying position, an awkward shot. The arrow careened off the cat’s breastplate, spoiling its second swipe at Anton. W/ a snarl it raced at her, powering fast off its strong back legs, covering the distance w/ shocking speed. The machete crashed into Diamondback’s shoulder armour and she dropped the bow w/ a cry of pain. She kicked out at his legs but he dodged her easily, slashing at her legs. One of Anton’s throwing knives thunked into the cat’s thigh and it hissed angrily, clawing the knife out. It hesitated a split second, debating which of them to attack, and at that moment Purgatori dropped out of the night sky and hit him like a meteorite. They crashed to the ground, rolling in a tangle of limbs and wings. Anton drew another knife, but before he could go to help her fist punched clean through the cat’s chest. It howled the most godawful howl Anton had ever heard then shuddered violently and died w/ a gargle. Purgatori pushed the body off her and rolled into a crouch.
        “Nice timing Empress,” Anton said, flinching as a huge bolt of lightning arced overhead. “Keep your head down.”
        “Retreat. I will cover you.”
        “Retreat?”
        “Drakkan is following me w/ some troops. And when I destroy the Gate there is no telling how bad it will blow – it is linked to another plane of existence rather than another dimensional plane.”
        “I have no idea what that means, but I’m going.”
        “Once the Gate falls, get out of the city and regroup.”
        “Got it,” Anton said, helping Diamondback up. “Will you be okay?”
        “Yes – go.”
        They hurried back down into the Temple, wary of any other felines that might have been following their comrade. They made it into the main Temple area safely and Anton slowed.
        “Man, I don’t wanna leave her, but we got no weapons.”
        “Purgatori can look after herself.”
        “I know, but I just wanna make sure.” They paused by the entrance and a sudden fresh outburst of shouting and shooting came to them through the doors. “Whoah, there she goes.”
        “Yeah. Listen, let’s get away from the Gate until it blows, then we’ll come back for her, okay?”
        “Good call.”
        They slipped out the Temple and skirted it cautiously. The fighting around them seemed sporadic now, and even the gunfire from where Purgatori was had died off – Anton guessed she had dealt w/ the shooters in fairly short order. They reached the plaza and ducked behind the wall.
        “This better be far enough,” Anton murmured.
        Diamondback shrugged. “We need to find weapons.”
        “Yeah. Wait till after, then we’ll find some bodies.”
        The Gate exploded.

        Purgatori watched them go then drew her sword w/ a flash of violet fire. An energy blast zipped past her as she stood up, gazing at the Gate. Her rebels had done a good job of sniping the enemy – bodies were strewn all over. The buildings bordering the Gate’s open ground were peppered w/ pock marks and a few windows were glowing w/ flickering and jumping firelight. She jumped off the roof and swooped at a group of defenders. There were about seven of them, one armed w/ a gun and the rest w/ swords and spears. She took out the rifleman first, binding him in his own blood as the clouds burst and heavy rain began to hammer down w/ surprising suddenness.
        She landed and kicked away the first fighter and saw three others running up from her left. Rifle and pistol shots chattered from the surrounding buildings; one clipped her right wing and another hit one of the Blood Warriors in the back as he dodged her sword slash. There wasn’t time to capture and try to convert these ones : she punched one w/ a blow that snapped his neck and rammed her blade through another, incinerating him immediately. She leapt at the three new gunmen as they faltered. Muzzles flashed in the dark and three heavy impacts jarred her body. She never slowed – as Kintaro slashed one of them into dust she snatched his falling pistol out of the air and emptied it into the heads of the other two. A spear flew through the rain and only her supernatural reactions saved her. She twisted her body and slapped the spear aside w/ a Wing Chun block. The warriors fanned out in front of her, trying to encircle her. She was not in the mood for games – she ripped the blood out of all the warriors at once and gulped it down as they collapsed. A bullet from the far building hit her between the wings but this time she didn’t even flinch. Her body, fuelled by the fresh blood, pushed the bullet out and sealed the wound.
        Purgatori turned and inspected the Gate. It was quite a feat to build one this big, and to link it to another plane of existence rather than another world. It would be nice to keep it and study the spells, but that was not an option now : it had to be destroyed in case she failed and Drakkan caught her. She backed up letting her senses feel and analyse the webs of magick that cloaked the device. Powerful spells, Chaotic in nature : similar to Armageddon’s. She caught a sense of more enemies approaching : the soldiers from the buildings were running to attack her. She ignored them, preparing a powerful spell that would allow her to absorb the savage burst of power. For Purgatori, nothing existed but the Gate – she didn’t hear the fighting around her, feel the rain on her skin or see the carnage and damage around her. She trembled as her sorcery flashed through her body. She reached up, her talons seeming to grip the very air above her, clawing the raw power from the storm clouds. Three gargantuan lightning bolts, each about as thick as her body, staggered down and slammed into the Gate, juddering like angry snakes and burning brighter than the sun. The Gate crackled deafeningly, the blank air inside the pentagon flickering vivid yellow and purple as the electricity shorted out the magickal web shrouding the structure. Purgatori saw a movement, two of the warriors from the nearby buildings running into position to point their guns at her, and then the Gate exploded. The corona of rippling, dying sorcery hit her and swept into her like light into a solar cell. She could feel it shooting through her. The force knocked her back a  couple of steps, made her mind reel drunkenly for a second, but her spell had done its job : the power harmonised and joined her instead of slamming into her and tearing her apart as it did w/ the rest of its surroundings. Colossal chunks of obsidian slammed into the ground around her : one chunk the size of a station wagon was cast nearly two hundred metres, bouncing and rolling to hit a perimeter building and demolish its wall w/ ease. She was dimly aware of the blast wave hitting the perimeter, of every window exploding inwards, but she could sense it was dissipating fast, its power potent but short-lived.
        Purgatori swayed slightly, thick mist swirling around her where the blast had seared the rain-soaked ground. She blinked the rain out of her eyes, trying to focus past the scalding after-image that the blast had burnt onto her retinas. There was no sign of the soldiers that had run up from the buildings – they must have been completely vaporised. She grinned at the ruins of the Gate, nothing now but scattered masonry and a smoking crater. Now, furball – you’re cut off. Stranded here. Now when we start picking off your troops you will not be able to replace them, unless you pull them back from the wars you have already started, and somehow I don’t think you will do that.
        Time to get out. Gather her rebels and clear out and leave Drakkan to fret and fume over the night’s events.
        Four Akerian energy blasts hit her at once, charring huge ragged craters in her body. The impact smashed her off her feet and flung her into the Gate’s crater. She tumbled and rolled, crunching bones as she fell heavily, and fetched up against a granite boulder, face down and immobile.

        Lady Death ducked under the Blood Warrior’s swipe and rammed Apocalypse through her, grinning savagely at the sound of the girl’s scream. She twisted the wide blade and pulled it out and someone grabbed her by the shoulder, pulling her around before she could take the vampire’s head. She knocked the hand away and her cut jarred to a stop as she saw Garryk. His eyes seemed to have a spark of anger in them but when he spoke his tone was neutral.
        “I told you in the tunnel – keep the Blood Warriors alive. We need all the help we can get.”
        Lady Death just turned away to the Gate. She was still furious at Purgatori. It bothered her that she couldn’t exactly tell if her anger came from the way Purgatori had treated her, or because she had turned Garryk into a vampire. He was the only person who was polite and courteous to her, he was handsome and she was rather uncomfortable w/ the fact that she felt attracted to him : she kept telling herself that she would have nothing to do w/ someone who was a Purgatori worshipper, but if that was the case, she thought irritably, why had she been so dismayed when Purgatori had vamped him?
        The Gate stood near the city outskirts, in a patch of land that was rough and undeveloped. They had come up from the tunnels a mile or so from the Palace, and Lady Death had begun to get some idea of the scope of Purgatori’s achievements. She didn’t know how big the city was, but what she could see was impressive, beautiful and well built. Again, that twinge of jealousy, and an urge to destroy as much of it as she could to repay Purgatori for Asgard.
        They had made their way here swiftly, skirting the Jackals’ barracks which appeared deserted. Rift and the others were at the WinterHaven Gate engaging a small force of Blood Warriors and Doom Magistrates. It had started to rain, and the ground had become muddy and slippery. Several rebels and Blood Warriors were already down and blood mixed w/ the soil and sand. It was a fairly short fight. W/ the element of surprise now redundant, Lady Death fried the remaining Doom Magistrates w/ her Arcane Energy and then waded into the fray. Garryk picked off the remaining Blood Warriors w/ guns, managing to just wound one of them. Rift and his vampires were good fighters – he and Tripp wore the skull shoulder pads that marked the Jackals and Lady Death saw that they not only excelled in fighting they seemed to relish it. As the fight ended they had a half-dozen more recruits. Garryk tended to the girl Lady Death had stabbed, and as he converted her one of the human recruits cut his wrist and let her feed to heal her wound.
        Lady Death pushed everything out of her mind and concentrated on the Gate. She could sense the power in it, bottled up now that its sister on her world had been destroyed. She backed up a few paces and cast the full force of her Arcane Energy at the structure. Sapphire lightning staggered and jittered over the black rock, binding it and burning it, and a moment later the portal imploded w/ a shattering crash. Lady Death stepped back and stumbled, shocked at how weak she felt – Drakkan’s torture, and perhaps the residue of the dungeon spells had affected her more than she thought.
        It was only a chance lightning bolt that saved her. As the electricity strobed overhead it lit up a huge black shape charging at her. She reacted instantly, spinning and bringing Apocalypse up. The Doom Magistrate’s armoured limb batted the sword away brutally, wrenching her shoulder and knocking the blade out of her grip. She dived aside, slipped in the blood-soaked mud and fell flat on her face, a fall that saved her life as the sharp barbed limb swept over her w/ a slice that would probably have cut her in two. She glimpsed another behind it : Garryk fired as it darted forward but missed as the insect dodged w/ unexpected speed.
        The massive insect reared up, a lance-like arm poised to drive into her, then suddenly half its chest blew out sideways and it fell heavily, kicking and twitching in the mud. Lady Death scrambled to her feet awkwardly, pasted w/ blood and mud, and backed away from the dying parasites. Garryk fired again and hit the Doom Magistrate’s heavily armoured back. It spun to face him, and a second later its head exploded. The bug flopped w/ a splash and Garryk looked around him.
        “Everyone alright?” There were muttered acknowledgements. Lady Death dragged her mud-clogged hair out the way and picked up Apocalypse.
        “Woohoo! Gaaarrryyk!”
        Lady Death squinted into the rain, trying to see the source of the faint voice. Rift pointed off towards the city.
        “There. On the bridge” His blank white eyes flicked over her impassively. “You hurt?”
        “No.”
        “You look weakened.”
        “Pah.”
        “Please yourself. You fight well,” he added, almost as an afterthought. Rift turned away and began collecting weapons. “Garryk, let’s haul ass to the main Gate. Chances are he’ll rally his troops there to protect it.”
        Thick lightning slashed down from the clouds, jabbing down at the city some distance away. Purple and yellow light flickered and the flat heavy bang of a big explosion rolled out, quickly followed by the rumble of collapsing stonework, both of which were rapidly swallowed by the thunder.
        “Goddamn, that was a good one!” Garryk cried. “Yo Rift – is it just me, or did that come from the direction of the Gate?”
        “That’s what I was thinking! Looks like Purgatori’s work!”
        “What?” Lady Death asked. “She did that?”
        “Wouldn’t be surprised,” Rift grinned.
        “Let’s move out!” Garryk called.
        Arcane Energy slipped over Lady Death, rearranging her matted hair into a thick, intricately tied braid to keep it out of her face. She fell in w/ the others as they jogged towards the city, wondering about Purgatori’s powers. She herself had been able to create storms in the Endless Graveyard, but out here in natural weather conditions was something she had never tried. She wondered exactly how powerful Purgatori had to be in order to do something like that…
        They reached the first buildings and Lady Death glimpsed faces at a couple of the windows. A long delicate bridge swept out over the road ahead and a slim figure bounded down the steps that led to it.
        “Hiya Garryk!”
        “Demonica! Nice shooting!”
        “Hah, that was nothing! I’ve hit things three times further than that! Those buggers move fast though!”
        “What’s going on Demonica?” Rift asked. “Was that the main Gate the lightning hit?”
        “I think so! I got out the tunnels near the alchemy sector of the market, got up on the bridges from there. I’ve sniped a few cats’n’stuff but there was too many near the main Gate so I thought I’d try and meet up w/ you first. Erm, you haven’t seen Snakey have you?”
        “No,” Garryk said. We’re heading for the Gate – can you stay on the bridges and cover us?”
        “Yep!” Demonica looked at Lady Death and sniffed. “You got her out then.”
        “Yeah.”
        “Eventually,” Rift murmured.
        Demonica looked Lady Death up and down : she said nothing but her expression at seeing her covered in mud was enough.
        “I know you, don’t I?” Lady Death said tightly, wanting to slap that expression off Demonica’s face but knowing she couldn’t.
        “Uh huh. From Hell.”
        “Yes…I thought I recognised you in the Way Station,” Lady Death growled. “You turned up at every feast and party,” she said, and her tone indicated that she remembered exactly how irritating the twins had been in their attempts to gain entrance.
        “Surprised you remember,” Demonica said pointedly. “You never let us in.”
       “I wonder why.”
        Demonica tossed her head. “Let’s go, Garryk. Keep in sight of the bridges so I can cover you properly. I might have to save her life AGAIN.”
        Garryk winced. “Okay Demonica. Lee, go w/ her and protect her in case anyone else gets up there. We’re sticking to Purgatori’s orders : if the Gate IS down we bail straight away, okay?”
        There were murmured agreements. Lady Death kept quiet. She had an account to settle w/ Drakkan and had no intention of leaving the city until she had done so.

        Drakkan saw the Temple ahead of him, could see the signs of battle all around. He had been right – she had sent her people here to destroy the Gate and leave him stranded. It looked like they had failed though – the Gate was still standing, and there were bodies everywhere. Heavy gunfire and sounds of hand-to-hand fighting came from all directions, but very little of it was in the immediate vicinity. Drakkan grinned broadly as he slowed to a walk : not only had the rebel scum failed miserably, but they had been driven back out of the area, retreating like the miserable curs they were. A sudden rattle of gunfire sounded from ahead, as if to contradict him and he quickened his pace, hoping that meant a few rebels had been trapped here – he was eager to slice up a few more.
       Now all I have to do is rally my troops and hunt down that red bitch. She headed this way – where is she hiding herself? When I get my hands on her stinking carcass I will –
        The Gate exploded.
        Drakkan gaped, utterly stunned as the aurora slammed outwards towards him. It dissipated before it reached him, but the shockwave staggered him and prickled his fur. Glass, dust and stone shrapnel rained down around him but he ignored it all. Mist billowed up and spread out, trying to fight against the hammering rain and as it began to fray and tear apart under the claws of the wind he saw her, standing near the ruins of the structure. For a moment his hate and rage were so great he could only stare, couldn’t even think. His cats saw her at the same time. Four of them had guns aimed at her, waiting for instructions.
        “Shoot that whore!” He could hardly form the words.
        They all fired at once. The energy blasts flashed through the night and hit true, smashing her to the ground. Drakkan stormed forward, not knowing if the blasts would have killed her – hoping they hadn’t. The mist was thinning rapidly and he saw her lying in the crater, limp and broken. Her arm twitched and he saw one of the slender bones in her left wing straighten out w/ a light crik – the deep smoking craters in her body had already filled out and Drakkan felt a twinge of alarm : those shots should have torn her apart. He jumped down beside her and kicked her over. She bumped up against a chink of Gate rubble w/ a cry of pain, a cry that became a scream when Drakkan rammed his sword through her gut.
        “You miserable freak,” Drakkan  snarled. “I am finished playing w/ you, maggot – I will send you back to your rancid goddess in pieces.” He grabbed her right arm and snapped it w/ an easy yank, dislocating the shoulder at the same time. Purgatori howled and grasped at him and he jerked back as long needles of his blood jabbed out of his face.
        Purgatori got a foot up and kicked him away. Her sorcery healed her arm and stomach and Kintaro flared in her fist. She twisted onto her knees and got the katana up just in time to block a strong strike from Drakkan.
        “Child,” he snarled, no trace of the wounds on his face. “You are not the only one who knows Kathos sorcery.” His eyes blazed as her towered over the vampiress. Purgatori moved like lightning, cutting open his side. Violet fire leapt up Drakkan, burning his jacket and fur. He backed off w/ a curse and Purgatori shrieked as his own Kathos spell made her blood contract tightly. Drakkan clawed the jacket off and flung the burning leather at Purgatori. She heaved the spell out of her body w/ one of her own and slashed the jacket out of the air.
        Drakkan saw the flames on her sword were dim. He pushed forward w/ a series of powerful blows. Purgatori blocked most of them, her speed and unconscious ability from years of Wolf’s training helping her, but Drakkan was incredibly strong and each blow sapped her strength a little bit more. His blade crashed down on her shoulder pad and her collar bone dislocated w/ a crunch. Purgatori howled and her blade fell from her numbed arm and Drakkan was on top of her in a blink, his huge fist smacking her squarely in the face. Purgatori landed hard on her back, her nose flattened and several teeth and one fang missing. A heavy foot stamped into her gut and the pain of her organs being crushed made her vision fade.  She saw a flashing gleam of metal and moved her head instinctively. His blade slammed into a rock by her cheek, spraying her w/ sparks and rock chips. Purgatori grabbed his leg w/ both hands and sank her talons deep into his calf, tearing a huge chunk of the muscle off the bone. Drakkan staggered back and fell. Bright yellow magick wrapped around his leg to heal the vicious wound. Purgatori fought her way to her feet and stood swaying, her eyes smouldering w/ hate.
       Sword – where’s my sword? Lightning flickered overhead and she saw the bright curved flash in the crater. An Akerian blast slammed into her from behind and she crashed down in the mud w/ a shriek, snapping her left arm against a rock. The cat lowered its weapon and glanced at Drakkan, wondering if he should kill her or leave her for him to deal w/. An arrow punched through the side of his head and ended his indecision. His companions spun and opened fire blindly. Diamondback darted back behind the Temple and grinned at Anton.
        Drakkan got to his feet and glowered at the cat corpse. Beside him Purgatori groaned and shifted and he kicked her hard. “Worthless winged ape,” he snarled. “You were an idiot to come back here. This is my world now and you have gained nothing save assuring yourself a long life of exquisite pain. Do you hear me, you red freak?” He stamped on her kneecap as she rolled onto her back and grinned at her scream. “I sent details of the Gates and spells back home as soon as I created it, imbecile. Your supposed victory is meaningless. I was going to kill you outright, but you don’t deserve it. And after I grow bored of you, I might just convert you and send you to kill that bitch Isis.”
        “N-oo!” Purgatori reached out shakily and the katana skidded across the ground towards her grasp. Drakkan kicked it away before she could grab it. He grabbed her horns and smacked her head off a rock and she slumped in the dirt, trembling slightly.
        Running footsteps. Drakkan whirled to see a captain running towards him followed by two cats. He climbed out of the crater and looked around him.
        “Lord! We are being attacked on all sides!”
        “All sides?” Drakkan snarled. “How did these scum get in here? Are you pitiful idiots my sole reinforcements?”
        “No Lord, we are scouts. Our group is following.”
        “How many?”
        “About forty in total.”
        Drakkan could hardly speak. “FORTY?!”
        "J-just in out group!” the Blood Warrior said hurriedly, backing off a step.
        “And how many other groups are there?”
        “Er…”
        An arrow thumped into Drakkan’s arm and he tore it out w/ a snarl. “Don’t just stand there you idiot! Spread out and kill them! YOU! Go back to your group and tell them to split up and circle the area – flank these monkeys and wipe them out!”
        “Yes Lord!”
        “RUN!”
        The Blood Warrior got about two steps before his head exploded. Drakkan saw the muzzle flash out the corner of his eye and he hurled a huge blast of Chaotic Energy at the flash of light. He couldn’t see what it hit, but whatever it was collapsed w/ a roar of masonry. His ears caught a stranger sound, muffled by the weather and distance. It sounded almost like voices. Human voices. Lots of them.
        Drakkan turned and stopped dead. Purgatori was standing on the lip of the crater. Her left arm hung limply, although the bone she had snapped seemed to have healed. Her katana was in her right hand, its tip tapping on the ground and tinkling as the dislocated arm shook. One leg was twisted, the kneecap still ruined, and she shook as she tried to balance all her weight on one leg. Her left wing hung like a ripped sail, attached only by its membrane and the torn, scorched muscle. The Akerian’s blast had seared her back and shoulder, blackening her neck and burning away a good portion of her hair. Her face was a mess, blood flowed from her mouth and nose – she was so weak now her powers could barely slow the flow, never mind stop and heal it. And still her eyes burned w/ hatred.
        “You piece of sht,” Purgatori croaked. “Is that all you’ve got?”
        Drakkan blinked, unable to believe the bitch was standing, never mind coming back for more. She limped forward a half-step, struggling to lift the blade. She managed to raise the tip about four inches, shaking wildly, before it dropped back to clink off the ground. Drakkan hefted his sword, trying to quash the slight chill he felt : nearly dead, barely able to stand, she was STILL trying to kill him.
        “All I’ve got? No bitch, not by a long way. If you are trying to goad me into killing you quickly it will not work.” Drakkan swung his arm casually and batted her across the head w/ the flat of the blade. Purgatori fell to her knees w/ a moan. Drakkan put his foot on her chest and pushed her over. She fell and lay trembling, Kintaro slipping out of her fingers.
        Scalding blue light crashed into Drakkan, flinging him backwards. He landed hard, rolled w/ feline agility and yowled as Apocalypse rammed through his shoulder.
        “Worthless hairball,” Lady Death spat. “I told you I would show you how I got my name!”
        Drakkan punched her away and slashed at her as she reeled. She got Apocalypse up in time but the collision wrenched her shoulders and made her stumble. “I think not, ape.” His sword crashed down again, driving Lady Death to her knees. “You will make a fine addition to my dungeon. I will make myself a new jacket to replace the one Purgatori destroyed. A white one."
        Lady Death screamed as Chaotic Energy wrapped around her, scalding her skin and eyes. Her Arcane Energy blew it away w/ a crackling flash that made Drakkan jump back, giving Lady Death time to scramble to her feet. At the edge of the open ground she saw figures moving, saw the flash of energy weapons and heard the clash of swords. Drakkan saw them too and noticed how few Akerians and Doom Magistrates were among them. A big figure vaulted over the fallen rubble and aimed its cat gun at him. Drakkan’s power shielded him and the energy blast crashed into it harmlessly, lighting them in vivid gold. It was a momentary distraction, but all Lady Death needed. Apocalypse hacked deep into Drakkan’ chest, its power spearing through him like lava.
        Lady Death laughed as he fell to his knees w/ scream, his sword clattering to the ground. “Scum,” she spat, twisting her sword. “When I make a promise I KEEP it!”
        She saw the figure almost too late. A cat leapt at them from the darkness and fired at her. She yanked the sword out of Drakkan and cleaved the blast out the air, squinting against the heat of the blast. An arrow jammed into her waist just below her rib cage and she howled at the hot pain. It hurt a lot, and that scared her – the torture, spells and injuries had seriously weakened her.
        Drakkan’s huge fist slammed into her gut, knocking her clean off her feet w/ a crack of ribs. Apocalypse spun through the darkness as she splashed down hard, the impact shoving the arrow around inside her. Lady Death shrieked and tore the arrow out, clamping her hand over the wound until her Arcane Energy slowly healed it. Bright sparks jittered across her vision as she lay gasping, trying to get her limbs to work. She reached her hand out in the direction she thought the sword might be. Ap..ocal…ypse…t-to me… She felt nothing, not the faintest trace of her powers flowing. Blinding golden ropes of electrifying energy slid around her and bound her tightly, making her muscles cramp and spasm. A large shape stepped into her field of vision, its red eyes burning w/ hatred.

        The wet ground felt so delightfully soothing against her cheek. Purgatori lay immobile, eyes half open, relishing the feel of the rain on her bare skin. It was lovely, cool but not cold, clean and fresh – the complete opposite of the hateful San Francisco rain, the rain that had soaked her the last time she had lain badly injured on the ground. This rain was nice. Rare for this time of year, but pleasant. She gazed blurrily at the sand, remembering how it felt to make love to Lexus in the rain, when they would peel off each other’s clingy wet clothes and make love out in the open, bodies glistening in the pounding rain. How exciting it was to be making love w/ the risk of someone discovering them, how cool and refreshing the rain was, how soothing it felt on the ridged scratch marks and stinging hand prints.
NO. Move, Purgatori. She blinked and focused on the sand. It was greedily sucking down her seeping blood. I’m bleeding. I’ll die if I lose it all. I’ll never see Lexus again. I’ll have failed Isis. Failed. Again.
Water fell on her teeth as she snarled. Her claws dug into the sand and she heaved w/ all her might, barely managing to get her shoulders up. Her neck muscles crunched as she turned her head. She couldn’t focus on the fighting going on around her. Flames and muzzle flashes, the sounds of battle and screams – they all seemed to be far away. There was a body right beside her, a headless body w/ metallic red armour.
        A Blood Warrior.
        She reached out one wavering hand and placed a palm on his breast plate, desperately praying that her powers weren’t too far depleted. The armour softened beneath her touch and for a horrible moment she thought that’s all it was going to do…and then it slowly liquefied and her body sucked it up greedily. Purgatori sighed as she felt the magick-tainted blood flow into her, charging up her sorcery and healing her body. Her wing twisted back into position and her arms crunched in unison as the bones healed and the joints relocated themselves. Her vision cleared w/ a sudden snap-focus but she just lay for a moment, retracting her blood out of the sand, feeling her body and checking her strength. She needed more blood – preferably some very power-rich blood. Like, say, a Chaos Lord’s blood.
        Thump of impact, cry of pain. Purgatori looked over to see Drakkan hulking over someone, ignoring the battle around him. He picked that someone up and even from over here Purgatori could hear bones crack as he squeezed. Lightning flashed, illuminating the scene, but Purgatori didn’t need it to identify the power-bound victim.
        Kintaro jumped into her outstretched palm and she stood up, surveying the fighting. She could feel powers inside her, but she was too weak to take advantage of them. Something went overhead w/ a loud WHHUUUP and she spun to follow its path. Far off down the street a Doom Magistrate fell over. That sounded like a Scorpion bullet – was that Demonica? It didn’t matter – blood was the important thing now.
        Drakkan was toying w/ Lady Death. She squirmed weakly and he shook her hard, jarring her broken bones together. He threw her to the ground and stood over her, sword raised. “’Lady Death’,” he sneered. “You will be praying for death by the time I am done w/ you.”
        “Face me.”
        “Huh?” Drakkan whirled at the voice and Purgatori cannoned into him. He lurched back, tripped over Lady Death’s legs and they crashed to the ground in a heap. Purgatori had her arms and legs clamped around his body – one hand grabbed a fistful of mane and yanked his head back and as he crashed to the ground she tore open his throat w/ her fangs. Drakkan yowled as she gulped the blood, pulling it out faster w/ her sorcery. She was too close to wield his sword – he dropped it and raked his claws down her back. Purgatori reared back w/ a cry of pain and reciprocated by tearing most of his left cheek off. The Chaos Lord howled and grabbed Purgatori’s wings, twisting them brutally and flinging her off as she arched her back in pain.
        Purgatori landed w/ a thump and twisted around as she saw the yellow light of Chaotic Energy – Lady Death still bound by the power. Purgatori summoned a spell and slashed the bonds away, grunting as a powerful electrical jolt speared up her arm. Lady Death flopped in the sand, her gasping breath rattling wetly. Purgatori crouched over her, sensing her.
        “The sorcery will take a minute to fade completely. Rest a moment.”
        “N..o! I...I’ll  kill him!” Lady Death gasped, struggling weakly to sit up.
        Purgatori pushed her down. “Let – it – fade.” She hesitated a second, then bent down quickly and licked a long trail of blood off Lady Death’s breasts. “Mmm, lovely!”
        “Bitch!”
        Purgatori grinned that infuriating, hateful grin and spun to see Drakkan picking up his sword; the last traces of his healing magick slithering over his face and neck. He turned to her w/ a growl of hatred and slashed at her. Purgatori’s blade flared in her hand : she ducked, deflected and slashed open his leg all in one liquid smooth movement. Drakkan spat and blocked another cut frantically, one hand clamped over the deep wound. His magick was sluggish, compromised by his wounds and blood loss, and yet Purgatori – backing off a step and changing stance w/ effortless ease – seemed almost as good as new. No flames danced on her sword blade but her eyes shone and her realised she was deliberately controlling her power : she didn’t want him to burn, she wanted to slice him apart piece by piece. She came at him again, but this time he blocked the cut and slapped her away w/ the other hand. She reeled from the blow and he was on her in a flash. A strong blow knocked the katana out her hand and the reverse cut slashed open the skin of her belly – only her phenomenal vampire speed had saved her from being cut entirely in two as she jumped back frantically. Drakkan lunged at her, determined to finish her off. She avoided the blade and he had a fraction of a second to realise his mistake : the blood spilling through her fingers from her stomach hardened and straightened into a short tanto which she rammed into his armpit and twisted. Drakkan shrieked w/ pain and hammered his fist down on top of her skull.    Purgatori staggered back, shaking her head. She heard running feet behind her. An arrow glanced off one shoulder pad and she turned to see a cat and two Blood Warriors running at her. A big figure kicked away a body and fired, downing the cat. Drakkan’s sword rammed through her back between her wings and she fell w/ a scream, her legs limp. Drakkan yanked the sword out of her and kicked her back. He stamped on her chest, pinning her down, and raised the sword, his eyes bright red. She howled and sank her talons into his leg and he stamped harder, breaking bones.
        “You were stupid to return here,” Drakkan growled. “This is MY world now, but you will not live long enough to regret your error. You die now – I will send you back to that slut Isis in pieces, starting w/ your ugly head.” He slashed down w/ all of his strength.
        The blade clanged to a stop, a few inches above her throat. Drakkan gaped, stunned by her speed and strength. Her hand was gripping the blade, her own blood that was coating the palm and fingers now hardened into gauntlet plates by her Kathos sorcery. As he looked it melted and the blade dropped slightly into her grip and she grasped the weapon by the flat of the blade. No! How can she –
        - my leg! Too late he realised his mistake. Her claws in his calf had seemed like a painful but minor wound, a last-ditch attempt of defiance : only now did he realise that the blood from the wound – his strong, powerful blood – was being stealthily absorbed directly into her.
        He pulled his foot back frantically and left a chunk of meat in her fist. The sword pulled out of her grip, the metal shrieking off her talons, and she flipped onto her feet by pushing off the ground w/ her wings. Purgatori faced him, her eyes blazing  and filled w/ cold hate, oblivious to everything else. The wind gusted and for a moment that strange sound was audible : human voices, clamouring, raging. Purgatori cocked her head to one side, listening. She looked and him and grinned that cold hard grin, and at that moment Drakkan knew he had lost. His forces were scattered around the countryside and were being eroded by her own conversion spell, Purgatori was free and almost as powerful as ever, and now it sounded like her citizens had had the temerity to turn against him. He had held them in check w/ brutality and fear, having vanquished their empress – now word must have gotten around that she was back and they had rallied behind her.
        Drakkan’s sorcery flowed over his leg, healing the gaping wound as he limped in a circle, trying to keep distance between them. Silver flashed in the dark and her katana landed neatly in her grasp. He hurled a ball of power at her and she swatted it away w/ an easy, casual movement. She came forward relentlessly, closing the distance quickly. She darted to his outside and her sword speared through his wrist. She twisted the blade, forcing apart the bones and dislocating his wrist and he dropped his blade w/ a yowl. Drakkan lunged at her, knowing he couldn’t give her the slightest chance of an advantage, but he was already too late. Purgatori backed off and sidestepped, pulling Kintaro free and slashing him deeply across the chest. He roared and swiped at her, grunting w/ pain as he felt her Kathos yank the blood out of him.
        Drakkan punched her, managing to hit her face as she came at him again. The blow felt weak and ineffective even to him and instead of knocking her out or breaking bones it barely slowed her. Purgatori launched herself at him, slicing open one of his thighs and kicking away his other leg. Drakkan collapsed instantly and she grabbed his mane, dropping her sword and shoving his head back to expose his throat.
        “Aarggh you bitch-!” Drakkan felt her teeth crunch into his neck and he sank his fingers into her shoulder, trying to lever her off. She jerked her head back, tearing out a mouthful of meat and his hot blood spurted over her, drenching her face and breasts. He tried to wail but the scream leaked out the hole in his neck and his breath sprayed more of his blood over her. Purgatori felt her body suck the liquid greedily, repairing its wounds and powering itself.
        Blinding blue light exploded around her, scorching her skin and eyes. Purgatori fell backwards w/ a hiss of pain as the electrical jolts of power lanced through Drakkan’s body and into her own. He fell heavily on top of her and she pushed him off awkwardly and struggled up, the acrid smoke of burned fur making her cough.
        “Bitch! I told you he was mine!”
        Purgatori was on her feet in a moment, eyes blazing at Lady Death. “Idiot brat! I ought to rip your heart out for that!”
        Lady Death smirked at her. “But you won’t, because that would spoil your precious goddess’s quest wouldn’t it?” she sneered. Drakkan croaked at her feet, scrabbling weakly as he tried to roll over to put out the patches of burning fur. Lady Death kicked his hand away absently, not taking her eyes off the furious vampiress. “Well?” she said mockingly. “What are you going to do about it?”
        Purgatori narrowed her eyes hatefully. “Nothing,” she hissed. Drakkan’s body fairly disintegrated as his blood exploded w/in him. Blood, entrails and clumps of furry flesh drenched Lady Death. “What are YOU going to do about THAT?”
        “You BITCH!”
        Lady Death clawed her blood-soaked hair out of her eyes to see Purgatori a fair distance away, slashing at a Doom Magistrate. Lady Death was trembling w/ fury and right now rallying the remains of Drakkan’s troops to renew the fight against Purgatori seemed like a most delicious idea. No. No. Mother said we needed to fight together in this war. I won’t let her down…I  WON’T. There were a couple of Akerians fighting near the Temple, holding off a pair of rebels. Lady Death levitated and flew at them, determined to unleash her fury on something.
        Purgatori cut down the Doom Magistrate and liquefied its blood parasites. Even w/ the blood she had taken from Drakkan she felt drained – she should have taken a lot more to compensate for her injuries. She caught a glimpse of Lady Death out the corner of her eye, fencing w/ two cats and seemingly deliberately cutting them w/ non-fatal wounds. She watched for a moment then leapt into the sky and powered upwards, circling out in a wide arc to check the surroundings. There were several groups fighting : they all seemed to be congregating around the Gates. Drakkan’s troops were obviously trying to protect them, and that put them at a disadvantage – they were unable to pursue the rebels through the city for fear of leaving the Gates vulnerable, and at the same time they were pinned down and encircled by the enemy.
        A thundering crash made her twist around. A billow of dust was rising up from one of the other Gates, its left hand beams now lying in pieces on the ground. Purgatori sped over to see a large crowd milling around the ruins and fighting w/ the remaining defenders. She grinned as she hovered – she had been right, the sound she had heard had been the sound of her citizens finally turning on their oppressors. A frown replaced her grin as she watched them : right now they appeared to be content to chase down the enemy to vent some of their wrath, but from her experiences in Alexandria, events she had instigated herself, she knew how easily a mob could get out of control – if they found they enjoyed this stuff a bit too much they might continue and turn against her too.
        The remaining defenders were now only two cats and half a dozen Blood Warriors. They were retreating, the cats’ guns keeping the crowd back, but from the look of it it wouldn’t be long before the people broke and charged. Purgatori dropped out of the sky between the mob and the enemy and both parties stopped out of pure surprise.
        “Drakkan is dead! Surrender and be taken alive, or die!” One of the cats aimed at her and she crushed his heart in his chest. “You have no leader, no escape route! Surrender NOW!” She walked towards them, daring them to fire, the crowd spreading out behind her. The cat dropped its gun, and the Blood Warriors followed suit. There was a roar from the crowd and Purgatori spun to face them, holding her hands up. “No!” There were shouts of anger and accusations of treachery, but the crowd stopped where it was – the people knew better than to mess w/ her. A figure pushed forward and bowed.
        “Empress!” the Priest of Ra cried. “You have prevailed! Is it truly over?”
        “Yes, Priest, but I need the people to calm down. The Blood Warriors are recoverable – they did not betray me, they were enchanted. Can you control the citizens while we secure the city?”
        “Of course! You told me you could reverse the spell – perhaps a demonstration would reassure the people…”
        “Yes, you’re right.” Purgatori converted the Blood Warriors and the crowd cheered her : this perhaps more than anything else confirmed that she was back, and in control. Purgatori basked in their adoration for a moment then instructed them to scour the city and help capture enemies – if they had something constructive to do it would take their minds off the potential for mindless looting.
        Purgatori flapped up and headed back to the Gate, looking over her city as she went. There were a few fires, no doubt caused by stray energy bolts but it didn’t look too bad. She noticed angrily that every statue of herself and Isis had been destroyed. No mind, she thought, I’ll replace them easily enough. And add a couple of statues of that hairy freak cowering in a heap!
        As she spiralled down she could see people – her fighters – dotted around, setting up perimeters, attending the wounded and converting prisoners. She landed nimbly by Lady Death and saw that she had used her Arcane Energy to clean the blood off her : she scowled at Purgatori, drumming her fingers on Apocalypse’s hilt. Purgatori stretched her wings, feeling the tension in her muscles and joints – the exertion and injury of the past few hours, on top of the torture of the past few years, had taken a horrendous toll on her : it would take a lot of rest and blood to fully recharge herself. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, relishing the cool rain on her face. It had been three years since she had been outside, seen the sky, felt the wind on her face.
        “Empress?”
        “Rourke.” She opened her eyes and looked him over. “Cat?”
        “Yeah. Empress…I – ”
        “Were enchanted. Forget it.”
        “But I should have – ”
        “Rourke, I’m not in the mood to argue.” Rourke bowed and shut up, wisely taking the hint. She gripped his shoulder. “Rourke, you have been a loyal friend since we first met over thirty years ago. I could not tell what was happening, so I don’t blame you for failing to do so either. Garryk!”
        He left Lady Death and trotted over. “Highness?”
        “I told you to leave the city once the Gate was destroyed.”
        “Yeah I know, but we didn’t wanna lose the impetus. Sorry Empress.”
        “Hmm. You fought well – fortunately. Take a force and secure the city gates – if the forces return I don’t want them getting in.”
        “Yes, Empress.”
        “Rourke, I need to leave for a while. I need you – ”
        “Whooooo! Mistress! I knew you’d kick his ass!” Demonica bounded up excitedly, blackened w/ soot and dust, several big tears in her clothing. She hefted Mr Head Burster w/ a grin. “I coulda taken him, but I thought you would wanna take him out personally. Ooh, he almost got us, we were up on the bridge, right, and he musta seen me shoot, ‘cause he like hurled this big fireball thingy at us, and the whole bridge …” She saw Purgatori’s face and trailed off. “Erm, I can tell you later. Ooh! Hiya Rourke! Ooh, look at your face! What’s left of it, anyways. That’ll heal messy.”
        “Uh, thanks.”
        “Ew! I just meant…um…”
        “Demonica, I need you to organise things while I’m gone,” Purgatori interrupted. “I need you to get – ”
        “Gone? Where are you going?! You just got back!”
        “Off-world for a bit. I need you to organise conversions. I want EVERYBODY in the city scanned, is that clear?”
        “Yes, Miss.”
        “Get patrols out through the city – control the mobs and take any enemies alive – I want my Blood Warriors back and the cats secured – we can use them for entertainment later.”
        “Kewl! Um, where’s Snakey?”
        “He’s hurt,” Rourke said.
        “W-what? Where is he?! How badly?!”
        “…he should be okay.”
        “Well that was convincing!” Demonica cried. She turned to Purgatori, her eyes wide and pleading.    “Miss..?”
        Purgatori managed to stop herself from snapping at her : she was tired, sore, angry, and her battles were still not over yet – the last thing she was in the mood for now was her assistant interrupting her and wanting to ignore her directives. No, she’s not being irritating, she’s just concerned for her boyfriend. I’d be the same way about Lexus. “Rourke, take her to him but be quick – we need to get our troops back and the city firmly under our control.”
        “We won’t be long, Empress. Vyrryn’s gonna be heading here when he’s finished converting the prisoners – I’ll leave a message for him, he’ll get things sorted.”
        Purgatori nodded and they left quickly, Demonica virtually hopping w/ impatience and concern. She looked at Lady Death and the white woman glared back icily.
        “Well, bloodsucker? Are we finished now?”
        “Nearly.”
        “Where are you going? Are you going to hunt those other warriors?”
        “No. We’re going back to your castle.”
        “Really?” Lady Death snapped. “I don’t want you on my world again bitch. You stay here, I’ll send your strumpet back to you.”
        “I don’t care what you want brat. You depend on ME to activate that Gate to get you home. I have business to attend to on  your world, but don’t worry – I have no wish to spend a second longer w/ you than is necessary.”
        “’Business’?” Lady Death said coldly. “What sort of ‘business’?”
        Purgatori had a curt reply on her lips about minding her own business but she bit her tongue, unconsciously copying Lady Death’s motives – trying to suppress her fury to prevent disappointing a loved one. “I’m looking for someone.”
        “Who?”
       Goddess, that tone of voice!! “Pagan.”
        Lady Death blinked. “Pagan? That worm is on my world?”
        “Yes, unless he has moved on, which I sincerely doubt.”
        Lady Death folded her arms and glared at Purgatori. “I have my own scores to settle w/ him.”
        “I don’t care.”
        “You WILL care, bitch – he is on MY world.”
        “It is not ‘your’ world, woman! You just live there!”
        “Bah. I get bored of your prattling, buzzard. Get me home.”
        “Was that a request, or an order?”
        “I have kept my part of the deal bitch!” Lady Death flared. “And I got myself tortured for my trouble! Now you keep your side of the deal and get me off this stinking planet!”
        “Tripp!”
        The Jackal ran over and bowed. “Yes, milady?”
        “I am leaving for a while : I need to take this – take her home.”
        “Of course, Empress.” She could hear the distaste in his voice.
        “Get things organised w/ Vyrryn. Control the mob, kill the fires, set up the medical facilities and start scanning and reconverting.”
        “Yes Highness, Rourke had a word before he left.”
        “Good. When Vyrryn turns up w/ reinforcements send a couple to my Gate building to guard the fifth Gate.”
        “Yes, Empress. Are we expecting trouble?”
        “No. I just want to ensure someone cannot slip past me.” Purgatori turned away, not wanting to discuss the matter further. Lady Death brushed past her and hacked off Drakkan’s head from his shattered body. “What are you doing?”
        “I’m taking his head, what does it look like?” Lady Death growled, hefting the skull by the mane. “It will top my standard when I go into battle against his troops.” She gazed at Purgatori, Apocalypse not quite pointed at the vampiress. “Do you have a problem w/ that?”
        “No. Feel free to take the rest of him if you wish.” I know how much you like dead bodies, she almost added.
        “You can keep it. How far is your Gate?”
        “A mile or so. I can transvect us.”
        “So you get an excuse to fondle me again? I think not harpy. Led the way.”

        The Gate building was silent and empty – perhaps Drakkan had thought it unworthy to guard, or maybe the guards had left when the fighting started. Their footsteps echoed w/ a hollow note as they walked through the main chamber and headed to the Gate that led to WinterHaven. The Doom Magistrate bodies were long gone, but the blast marks and fire damage still marred the walls, stark blemishes on the carvings and painted murals. Lady Death glanced at Purgatori as she turned sharply into the room – she could see the change in the vampire’s body language and knew something was wrong. Purgatori’s incantation sounded like an angry cobra’s hiss and the Gate flared into life w/ almost frightened suddenness. Lady Death looked into the triangle w/ a mixture of relief and resentment. The image she could see was her home world, but although it was pleasing to be heading back there it was not a very inviting or hospitable home. The snow fields stretched out before them, undulating slightly w/ only the odd stark boulder to break them up, and snowflakes fell lazily from a sky totally covered by scummy grey clouds. Better than Hell, she thought wryly, but that’s not saying much…
        Purgatori stepped through and Lady Death joined her, grimacing at the sudden temperature change. Her eyes fell on the patch of snow where Glenn had fallen and hatred and sorrow raged inside her.
        “You can stay here,” Lady Death said, looking up at the sky and thinking how amusing it would have been if the sun had been out. “I’ll send your little playmate out to you.”
        “I’ll come w/ you.”
        “You’re not getting back inside my castle, bitch.”
        “Don’t be foolish. I know Lexus, and what she’s capable of. If you return w/out me, what do you think she will assume?”
        “Pah, some mortal bint – what could she do to ME?”
        “Plenty. Notw/standing her fighting abilities, she shares some of my sorcery.”
        Lady Death’s eyes narrowed but Purgatori just gazed back blankly. “Fair enough. Come and get your tart, but you will leave immediately. I don’t want to see, hear or smell you until this war is over – and then,” she grinned, “we will settle our differences once and for all.”
        “Indeed. Are we going to transvect, or walk?”
        “Transvect. And we will use MY spell, bitch, before you ask.” At least, I HOPE we will – I still feel weak.
        To Lady Death’s relief the spell worked and a moment later they reappeared in the middle of the great main hall, where she and Purgatori had first faced off. A fire was burning, but no one was taking advantage of its warmth.
        “Cremator?”
        Lady Death paused, but no reply or sounds of movement came to them. Well…Vandala should be out trying to raise an army – perhaps Cremator is outside checking our fortifications as I instructed. She turned to Purgatori irritably. “Call your lover, bitch. I want you out fast.”
        “Something’s wrong,” Purgatori said, her head cocked on one side. “I can sense Chaotic magick here.”
        “Here? Where, exactly?”
        “I don’t know. Close. It’s faint…”
        “Is this another of your tricks?”
        “Idiot.” Purgatori took a step towards the door that led to the corridor Lexus had hidden in.
        “Where do you think you’re going?! I have not given you permission to wander my home as you please, you infuriating buzzard!”
        “You tiresome brat,” Purgatori snapped, stopping to glare at Lady Death. “There is something or someone in your castle w/ Chaotic magick in them and your bootlickers are missing. I don’t give a damn about that but Lexus has not appeared either so like it or not I am going to search for the source of that magick. You can either stand here stamping your little foot or you can help, but either way I am going looking for it.”
        Lady Death drew Apocalypse w/ a hiss of anger. “Very well bitch, I’ll take upstairs, you look down here. But I warn you, if this is another of your – ”
        “Blah blah blah,” Purgatori said, turning away w/ a dismissive wave of her hand.
        Lady Death almost charged at her right then. “You irritating insect!” she hissed. “BITCH!” She took a deep breath and stamped up the stairs to the first floor.

        “Cremator?”
        Pagan froze as the call echoed faintly through WinterHaven. Beside him, Brock and Cremator stood placidly, not reacting to the voice.
        “Damn, old Chesty’s back already?! I thought you said she was off fighting a war, you oaf?” He punched Cremator, who didn’t seem to notice the blow.
        “She was Lord.”
        “Dolt!” Pagan grimaced as a wave of pain swept through him from the line of fire on his chest. “Wait here, your pair of morons, and act normal if she sees you.”
        “Yes Lord,” they answered in unison.
        Pagan padded up the corridor to where it turned left towards the main hall, every nerve tingling w/ anticipation.. Lady Death was here, alone and unsuspecting, and he had a conversion spell. It was simply too good an opportunity to pass up. The pain from his wound was incredible, but the chance to return to Hell w/ Lady Death as his willing and obedient slave was impossible to ignore. Ooh, the things I’ll have her do! AFTER I get Séance to heal this damned wound of course. I’ll get her to do all those lovely things I dreamed of. That stuff Lucy did in Mount Weather? Pah – beginner’s stuff! And I won’t be forcing her either! She’ll be happy to – BLOODY HELL!!
        Pagan threw himself back around the corner he had just turned, praying desperately that he hadn’t been seen. Purgatori! What in the name of Lucifer’s horns is SHE doing here?! Does…does Lady Death know? Don’t tell me THOSE two are working together..?! Pagan backed away hurriedly, ducking into a stairwell that led upstairs. Gotta move – her senses… He trotted up, thankful the steps were stone and didn’t creak. They MUST be working together. Oh man, that’s a twist! How the Hell am I gonna get out of this one? Pagan paused on the landing, listening for movement. Nothing from below, but to his left he heard a door open, very faintly. That must be Lady Death. Damn, they’re gonna get me from both sides. Ooh! Imagine converting them both! Two at once! Or both of THEM together! It was a delicious thought, but even as he considered it he thought it unworkable. Lady Death would be unsuspecting and easy to get, probably, but that red beauty would kill him w/ a thought the instant she laid eyes on him. And yet, he would probably have to deal w/ her just to be safe. No, I’m not gonna leave w/out Big Tits. No way…Hah! And before I convert her, I think I’ve just come up w/ a way she can help me get rid of that scarlet harlot too…

        Lady Death shut the door and stalked angrily across the balcony that overlooked the hall, still fuming at Purgatori’s attitude. Cremator’s room was empty – it had a window that afforded a view across the inner courtyard and stables, and there was no sign of him down there either. There were three more doors to the balcony : one led to the stairs that afforded upper level access, the other two opened into passages that wormed their way through the top floors of WinterHaven. She passed the one that led towards her room and headed for the one that led to the guest quarters and turrets.
       Perhaps he is in the forge, or Brock’s workshop, sorting some spells… Hah, that stupid red bitch : if he IS down there she will find him. She made comment about me and Lexus, but I wonder what HE will do if he thinks SHE came back alone! Hah!

        Purgatori stopped in the passage and reached out, sensing for the Chaotic magick. There was a trace somewhere ahead of her, past where the corridor joined another in a T-junction. She sensed again, for her own sorcery. Nothing. No Lexus? Faint worry slipped over her. Where is she? She’s not here…if she was dead I would still be able to sense her body…Why is she not here? Has someone taken her? Or did she discover something was wrong and escape? Purgatori walked on, pushing open doors and checking rooms as she went.
        She stopped at the junction and looked to the right. If she had been looking to the left she would have seen Pagan as he came around the corner and gaped at her. There was a spiral staircase that wound its way up inside one of WinterHaven’s turrets, and not much else. Lady Death was supposed to be checking up there, so Purgatori turned and headed down the left fork. Sweet Isis, what’s happening here? Where is Lexus? She’s not in the castle – I’ll have to scan further when I find out what’s going  on here…what? That’s MY power! Purgatori stopped by another flight of stairs and looked up into the darkness. Not enough to be Lexus…how can this be? No one else could have – PAGAN!! Purgatori’s lip curled as she bounded silently up the stairs. It all made sense now : the Chaotic magick traces were his and the people he had converted –that’s why they were missing. And her own power – apparently she had not missed w/ her sword after all. Purgatori stopped at the top of the stairs, eyes blazing and talons out, and scanned hard to get an accurate lock.

        The door handle moved just as Lady Death was reaching for it and she jerked away, hefting Apocalypse. The door swung open quickly and Lady Death gaped as Vandala staggered out.
        “Vandala! What happened?!” She sheathed Apocalypse quickly and grabbed Vandala to steady her, her eyes falling to the dancing flames on her sister’s chest.
        “P-Purgatori! She – she attacked me for no reason!”
        Lady Death virtually exploded. “That scarlet slut! I’ll – ”
        Purgatori bulleted out of the doorway and into Vandala, tearing her out of Lady Death’s grasp. Her momentum carried them across the balcony and they slammed hard into the stone railings w/ a crunch of stone and bone, collapsing into a frantic struggling heap by the top of the steps.
        “YOU BITCH!!!” Lady Death launched herself at the vampiress as Purgatori smacked Vandala across the jaw and kicked the blonde off her. She twisted up onto her knees, the claws of one hand plunged deep into Vandala’s shoulder to keep her from fleeing. Lady Death’s armoured boot smashed into Purgatori’s temple, stunning the vampiress as she raised her other hand to slash Vandala open. Purgatori fell back, her talons gouging ruts in the meat of the Valkyrie’s arm. The blonde rolled away fast w/ a howl of pain, scrabbling frantically to get out of Purgatori’s range. Lady Death slashed at Purgatori but she was already on her feet and moving – the sword shrieked off the railings, shattering them w/ an explosion of sparks. Chunks of stone dropped into the hall and shattered like bombs. Purgatori grabbed Lady Death’s throat and wrist.
        “IDIOT BRAT!! THAT’S – ”
        Lady Death kneed her in the stomach and the vampiress jarred backwards. Her foot came down in empty air past the top step, she reeled back and plunged down the stairs, yanking Lady Death w/ her. Apocalypse was knocked out of Lady Death’s hand and bounced away, clanging loudly. Vandala scrambled up and looked down as the women bounced and crashed all the way to the hall floor.
        “Damn, those girlies REALLY go at it, don’t they?” Pagan panted, shedding Vandala’s phantasm image. He saw them sprawl in a tangle, saw Lady Death punch Purgatori across the face and the vampiress slap her hard enough to knock her away and immediately dropped his plans. “Well, buggered if I’m going down THERE! Wish I could stay and watch them, but I don’t wanna be on the same planet when they realise their mistake! Transvection time, I think!” He took one last wistful look then dashed off to get Cremator and Brock.
        Purgatori shook her head groggily and grimaced as her power pulled her broken arm back into place. Scalding fury blazed through her, obliterating any thoughts of her obligation to Isis. Violet fire flared in her fist as she drew Kintaro. She spun and blocked a sweeping cut from Lady Death, sparks jumping where the blades impacted. She kicked Lady Death in the side and slashed open her belly as she stumbled.
        Lady Death screamed as fire scorched her innards. She fell to her knees, Arcane Energy flashing over her midriff and extinguishing the purple flames. She saw flashing silver and reacted instinctively, throwing herself flat and casting Arcane Energy in its direction. She felt razor sharp steel swish overhead, effortlessly severing a thick swatch of hair, heard the satisfying snarl of pain from the vampiress. Lady Death got up fast and saw Purgatori hunched over, her chest and side charred. But healing already. Lady Death slashed at Purgatori’s neck. Apocalypse ricocheted off her shoulder armour and the heavy blade caught her on the temple, smashing off the horn. Purgatori fell to her knees w/ a deep gash in her forehead. Lady Death slashed again and Purgatori’s sword hand fell to the ground w/ a clatter of steel. Lady Death snarled as she saw long tendrils of blood snap out from the stump of Purgatori’s arm to drag the severed hand back into place. She stamped on the limb and rammed Apocalypse into Purgatori’s chest.
        “You miserable rotten bitch!” Lady Death railed. “You take one sister and dare to try and kill the other?! Die, you red maggot, and die knowing I will seek out the bitch of a goddess who sent you and kill her too!”
        Purgatori had seemed weak and nearly finished, but those words charged her up. As Lady Death yanked out to sever her head Purgatori kicked her legs away and was somehow on top of her in an instant, pinning her down.
        “IDIOT!!” Purgatori screamed. Her claws slashed deep furrows into Lady Death’s cheek. She grabbed Lady Death’s forearm and the white-skinned woman shrieked as she snapped it like a twig. Apocalypse fell w/ a ringing crash. Purgatori grabbed her hair and slammed her head off the stone floor. “YOU IDIOTIC BRAT! YOU STUPID NECROPLHILIC WHORE!!” Purgatori raged, still smacking Lady Death’s head off the ground. She sank her talons onto Lady Death’s neck and jerked her up an inch from her face. Lady Death’s eyelids fluttered at the bright hatred of those burning white eyes. “You think you can threaten MY goddess?” Purgatori hissed. “I’ll make her a gift of your heart!”
        Lady Death choked and squirmed as Purgatori let go and raised her right hand, her talons fully extended.
        “N-no you b-itch!”
        Purgatori snarled as someone grabbed her wrist, a gentle grip but steel hard. An arm slid around her waist and someone pulled her off Lady Death smoothly and easily. The person pulled Purgatori close and she strained hard to free herself, her rage making her frenzied.
        “Be still Sakkara!”
        She froze instantly at the soft but firm voice. As her fury abated she felt Isis’ serene aura and suddenly realised how close she had been to ruining everything. Isis let go of her, tactfully placing herself between the two women. She touched Purgatori’s forehead and the gash healed, her horn reformed. Bright glittering magick slid over the wound in her chest, boosting her own flagging healing powers and Purgatori closed her eyes w/ a sigh at the warm tingling feeling.
        Isis crouched by the stunned Lady Death and Purgatori glowered w/ resentment as her goddess healed the person who had attacked her. Lady Death blinked at Isis as the pain abated. She focused on Purgatori and she snarled in anger as Isis held her down w/ unsettling ease.
        “Be still Hope. This is not the time to fight.”
        “Get your grubby hands off me!”
        Purgatori took a step forward. “Watch your tongue slut - !”
        “Sakkara! Behave!” Purgatori subsided and Isis turned back to Lady Death. “I would expect a little more respect to someone who has just healed you.”
        “I didn’t ask for your help! Get OFF me!”
        “Calm down then, child. I did not come here to watch you two girls kill each other.”
        “I am not your child, bitch! That – ”
        Isis moved fast, intercepting Purgatori an instant before she could reach Lady Death. “Sakkara! BEHAVE yourself!”
        Purgatori struggled furiously but uselessly against Isis’ grip – she didn’t dare use her talons on her goddess. “She called you – ”
        “I know child! Be still!”
        “I’ll tear her fkng heart out!”
        “SAKKARA! Don’t make me have to discipline you! Behave!”
        “Get out the way, woman!” Lady Death growled.
        Isis let go of a barely restrained Purgatori and turned to see Lady Death hefting Apocalypse, her eyes blazing. “Put that sword away Hope. Now.”
        “I don’t take orders from you, whoever you are. I don’t know who you are, but that red whore stole one of my sisters and just injured the other! Get out of my way unless you want a taste of what I’m going to give her!”
        “That wasn’t your sister, cretin,” Purgatori grated, her wings quivering w/ fury.
        Lady Death paused uncertainly. “What are you babbling about, leech?”
        “That was Pagan wearing a phantasm, moron! If it was Vandala, why did she not answer your calls? Where has she run off to? You stupid, ignorant – ”
        “Sakkara!” Isis said firmly. “If I have to tell you again..!”
        Purgatori twitched in frustration. “Why are you defending her?!” she snapped hotly. “She tried to kill me!”
        Isis touched her shoulder gently. “Anyone can make an error, child.” She saw the deep resentment in Purgatori’s eyes, knew exactly what she was thinking. “I am not siding w/ her, child. You know how important this mission is.”
        “Who are you?” Lady Death asked. She lowered her sword but did not sheath it.
        “My name is Isis, child.”
        “Ah. This whore’s goddess.”
        “A goddess, yes,” Isis said pointedly.
        Lady Death looked her up and down and Purgatori knew she was sizing Isis up. She had a sudden lust to see Lady Death try something, just so she could see Isis obliterate her.
        Lady Death looked up the stair and saw that Pagan, or Vandala, was indeed missing. “If that was Pagan he is gone now. We had better find him. He will doubtless know what has happened to my friends.”
        “He has transvected to the Gate,” Isis said. Her hand flashed out and grabbed Purgatori’s arm, stopping her before she could bite her fingertips. “Be careful child. That creature is hurt and scared.”
        “Not as hurt and scared as he is going to be,” Purgatori hissed.
        “If you put my friends in danger, bitch,” Lady Death snapped, “I will – ”
        “You will nothing, brat! YOU put your friends in danger by not even being able to recognise your own sister!”
        “Enough of the bickering!” Isis said sternly. “You need to work together to sort this out.”
        Purgatori just glared at Lady Death.
        “I don’t know why you picked this red bitch as your envoy,” Lady Death grated at Isis, “but if you would consider getting another I would happily rid the world of this pest.”
        Isis’ grip tightened fractionally on Purgatori’s wrist and the vampiress glanced at her angrily. Isis just looked back patiently, her sapphire eyes intense and yet calm. Purgatori stared into them, saw her own reflected in them as tiny white sparks, and subsided. I will not let that white tart bait me into ruining the mission. I will not let her spoil this – I have a chance to help my Goddess, someone who loves me. I have failed in enough things : I will not fail this.
        Isis released her grip, almost as if she had read Purgatori’s mind, and her hand cupped Purgatori’s cheek briefly. She said nothing, but her smile was enough.
        “Can you still transvect?” Purgatori asked Lady Death, keeping her voice neutral. She reached out and Kintaro leapt into her hand and she inspected the blade for damage. There was none.
        “Yes,” Lady Death growled after a pause – Isis seemed to have healed her well, although she still felt slightly weakened. I need rest. A good meal, a hot bath, a long sleep. “Why?”
        “I have a plan.”

        “Hurry up, you stunted troll!” Pagan snapped, cuffing Brock’s shoulder. Wind blew fitfully, stirring up a brief veil of snowflakes, and he looked around anxiously – there was a good chance of one of the women surviving that little scrap, and if it was Purgatori he knew she would make a bee-line straight for him.
        “Yes Lord,” Brock said, his tone dull and emotionless. Cremator stood a few metres away, seemingly disinterested.
        A winged shape strode out from behind a rock and Pagan gave a squawk of terror…then the wind cleared the swirl of snowflakes and he saw it was Vandala. “You idiot! What are you doing here? I told you to guard the pathway!”
        “I did Lord. I discovered Lexus sneaking down here so I attacked her.”
        “Who?”
        “Purgatori’s girlfriend.”
        “Whoah! Where is she? Is she dead?”
        “No Lord. I thought you might want to convert her.”
        “Damn right I do – but she’s not here, IS SHE, you witless winged warthog! Go and get her! NOW!”
        “Yes Lord.”
        A bright blue flash tore through the air and Pagan’s eyes bugged as Lady Death stepped through the rift into the clearing. “Oh crap! Come here sweet cheeks! Quickly!”
        Lady Death’s eyes flicked over the scene and narrowed as they locked on Pagan. “Pagan! So that red bitch was right!”
        “Hiya toots! Don’t do anything stupid now!” He pulled a long serrated dagger from his belt and put it to Vandala’s throat, ducking behind her for cover. He glanced around nervously. “Where’s old redwings?”
        “Chained up w/ her bitch goddess in my dungeon, soon to be dead, when I am fully rested enough to appreciate it fully,” Lady Death growled. She looked over as Cremator shifted his stance, fire flickering about his fists. “Release my people.”
        “Er, no!”
        “I want my people back, worm. I have more pressing concerns than you. Let them go and get out of my sight.”
        “’Course I believe you!” Pagan’s snicker trailed off into a groan. “Just stand there and don’t get excited toots – as soon as that portal is open I’ll do exactly what you say, until then though pardon me if I don’t trust you!”
        Lady Death snarled and stepped forward. Immediately Cremator cast a fireball at her. It came as a surprise, but she managed to get Apocalypse up in time to slice it out the air. He ran at her, fists glowing. She hadn’t the time or inclination to try to fight him : a flash of Arcane Energy hit him squarely and he fell flat on his back.
        “Whew! Stop there toots, or I’ll slit her throat wide open! I mean it!” Lady Death measured him up, eyes burning. She was about fifteen feet away, almost w/in sword distance. “You ain’t that fast darlin’, trust me.”
        “You sound unsure.”
        “Well, just in case…listen to me, Valkyrie.”
        “Yes Lord?”
        “If anything happens to me, take that pretty sword of yours, ram it through your guts and give it a good twist, ‘kay?”
        “Yes Lord.”
        “Pagan you piece of dung! I swear – ”
        “Ooh, stop the sweet talking darlin’ I’m getting all aroused! Now back up – I said NOW!” Lady Death backed up a couple steps, her teeth clenched in utter hatred. “Further!”
        There was a flicker of light to his left and Pagan glanced over to see the Gate active and showing a hostile view of a ragged and scorched landscape. “Yes! Now, just keep your hair on sugar tits, and I’ll be gone in about thirty seconds.”
        “Pagan, if you hurt my sister you will never be able to run far enough!”
        “Yeah yeah yeah. Move it, blondie, edge over to the Gate.”
        Vandala sidestepped obediently, keeping herself between Pagan and Lady Death. Another step and Lady Death ground her teeth helplessly.
        A loud bang echoed over the clearing making them all jump. In the failing light Lady Death saw a faint violet streak slice through the air, missing Vandala’s head by a foot at most.
        “Don’t move another fkng inch, you blonde tramp!”
        Lady Death turned as Lexus jumped down from a rock, smudged w/ bruises and bleeding from cuts to her lips and arm. She looked extremely p*ssed off and she was holding a very large pistol, a combination Lady Death knew would cause problems. She shifted slightly towards the brunette, readying her Arcane Energy. “Stop there Lexus. This doesn’t concern you.”
        “That cowardly slut jumped me from behind and kicked the sht out of me,” Lexus snarled, her eyes not blinking and her hand not wavering. “I’d say it DOES concern me.”
        Lady Death hefted the sword, fully facing her now. “Back off girl. She’s been hypnotised, it’s not her fault.”
        “I know exactly what’s going on. That scrawny gimp is behind all this.”
        “Ooh, I love it when girlies insult me! I take it you’re the Scarlet Harlot’s piece of tail?”
        “That’s right, shthead. And you’re an enemy, though I don’t know why.” She hissed an incantation and the Gate blacked out.
       “Nooo! You slut! Put that gun down right now bitch! Tell her, Chesty, or I open your sister up right now!”
        “Drop it Lexus! Now!”
        “Shut your mouth. Don’t even try that magick thing you’re preparing honey : I’ll put a hole through that feathery tramp’s face.”
        “Lexus you bitch!” Lady Death hissed. “I might have known you would share traits w/ that slut who beds you! I’m warning you, put that – ”
        “Where is she?”
        Lady Death stopped dead.
        “Uh oh!” Pagan smirked. “This could be interesting.”
        “Where is she, you white cow?” Lexus turned her head to look at Lady Death but the gun, still pointing between Vandala’s eyes, never moved a millimetre.
        “You put that gun down right now, whore! If you hurt my sister I’ll torture you for eternity!”
        The Desert Eagle swung swiftly and smoothly to centre on Lady Death’s forehead. “Where – is – she?” Lexus spat.
        “Yeah toots,” Pagan called happily. “Where is that red beauty?”
        “Right here,” a cold and hate-ridden voice hissed in his ear, so close the breath tickled his skin. He had a microsecond of icy terror before Purgatori sank her talons into his shoulder and tore his arm off w/ a wet squelch. Pagan screamed in agony and Purgatori hurled him into the stonework of the Gate, kicking Vandala aside at the same time. He slammed into the structure w/ a crackle of snapping bones and flopped into the snow. Brock ran at Purgatori and she punched him into next week w/out seeming to think about it.
        “Vandala nooo!” Lady Death sprinted across the clearing as the Valkyrie rolled and came to her knees, drawing her sword.
        Purgatori faced her in a crouch, fangs bared, her katana appearing in her hand in a burst of violet fire. “Yes! Come and try me!” Purgatori hissed. “PLEASE come and try me!”
        Vandala turned the blade around and Purgatori blinked as she thrust it into her own abdomen w/ a scream. Purgatori was still gaping when Cremator’s huge fist smashed into her, breaking bones and enveloping her in Hellfire. He stood over her as she shrieked and writhed in the snow and hurled fire at Lexus as she aimed at him. She dived fast as the fireball hit the rock behind her and exploded, spraying stone chunks. A fist-sized piece of rock clipped her skull, dazing her. Cremator turned his attention to Lady Death as she grabbed Vandala in her arms.
        “Cr..emator! Come o-over here you d-dolt!”
        Cremator turned at the shaking voice to see Pagan struggling to get to his feet and walked over obediently.
        “H-he-help me!” Pagan gasped, barely able to talk through the pain. “G-get my – my arm!”
        Pagan jumped back w/ a yelp as Cremator’s blood rammed out of his body in jagged barbs then swirled around him and bound him tightly. Pagan lost his footing and fell back against the Gate as Cremator was forcibly thrown aside. He sat down hard and gaped in terror at Purgatori. Large patches of her skin were covered in crispy black scabs but her eyes were blindingly bright.
        “Uh! Uh! N-now w-w-wait – ”
        Purgatori rammed her fingers into his mouth and ripped his tongue out, reducing his pleas to bubbling gurgles. She threw the lump of meat down next to his still twitching arm and w/ one powerful slash of the sword she cut him in half, from left shoulder to right hip.
        Lady Death shrieked in wordless anguish as Vandala arched back w/ a scream, twisting the blade in her stomach. Her sister crumpled and Lady Death caught her, sobbing at the feel of the hot blood that splashed over her. “No! No! Vandala!” she pulled the blade out and Vandala screamed again. Lady Death pressed her hands over the wound, sobbing as Vandala weakly slapped her face and tried to push her off – even near death that fkr Pagan’s spell was working well. Vandala bucked and shuddered like a landed fish, but she was fading rapidly. Something thumped in the snow beside them – a ragged chunk of Pagan – but Lady Death didn’t even register it.
        “Let go.”
        Lady Death started at the soft voice and looked up as a figure crouched beside her, barely able to see Isis through her tears. “N-n-no! The w-wounds! I – I …”
        Isis pulled her hands away and for a second Lady Death tried to fight her, believing momentarily that this woman, being a friend of Purgatori’s, wanted her sister to suffer and die. She stopped in awe as Isis cupped her hand over the wound and bright twinkling power slid into the gash and erased it. Vandala stiffened and flopped in Lady Death’s arms, panting weakly.
        Purgatori staggered back and looked at the mess around her. Ragged handfuls of Pagan were strewn about, but her Kathos sorcery was keeping his blood inside him, keeping him alive. She reached out for the Gate and the effort of trying to work her spell made her dizzy. She hung her head, trembling and felt cool hands on her shoulders.
        “Sweetheart.”
        She looked up and gazed at Lexus, putting one shaking hand out to gently touch her cheek. “You’re hurt. Who did it?”
        “It’s nothing,” Lexus said, looking over Purgatori’s burns. It looked bad, but in their years of fighting together she had seen worse. “I got a rock off my head. Looks like I missed all the fun. Here, drink from me.”
        “Open the Gate for me – I’m too weak.”
        Lexus did so, and the view of the room in New Necropolis was a welcome relief. Purgatori beckoned the guards and they hurried through.
        “Take that to my dungeons,” Purgatori commanded brushing aside their concern at her appearance. “Keep the pieces separate. If anything happens to them I will be…most displeased.”
        “Y-yes highness!”
        Lexus deactivated the Gate as they left and gently but forcibly turned Purgatori to face her. “Drink. Now.”
        Purgatori managed a half-smile at her stern tone and leaned close, nuzzling her neck. Lexus closed her eyes and panted as she felt the soft lips brushing and kissing her throat. She half groaned, half gasped as Purgatori’s fangs sank into her flesh, gorgeously painful and erotic. Hot blood flowed out and she shuddered in pleasure as she felt Purgatori suck her neck, felt the claws on her skin as Purgatori hugged and caressed her. All too soon Purgatori pulled away and Lexus reluctantly opened her eyes to gaze at Purgatori’s flawless face. Neither of them had to say anything – the aroused grin on both their faces was enough. Lexus hugged her tightly and put her head on Purgatori’s shoulder, so glad to be holding her lover again.
        “Sakkara.”
        Lexus let go and backed off a step reverently, gazing in awe at Isis, who just smiled gently at her.
        “Goddess,” Purgatori said, bowing her head.
        “You have done well, child,” Isis said, cupping Purgatori’s face. “As I knew you would.”
        “I…almost failed you.”
        “I care not about ‘almost’s, child.”
        Purgatori gazed into her eyes and drank in the love and gratitude she saw there. She loves me. I am loved by a goddess.
        Isis smiled. “There is still much to do at home, but for now you have earned a rest. Go home and celebrate your victory  You have achieved a great deal, Sakkara.”
        Purgatori looked away. “I need to go. I need to…to get Glenn.”
        Isis’ expression turned to one of sorrow and pity. “Yes child. Go and take care of him.”
        “Where’s Pagan?”
        Purgatori looked down coldly at Lady Death. “On my world.”
        “I want him, bitch.”
        “Really,” Purgatori snapped flatly.
        “You whore! I want that bastard for what he did to my sister and if you don’t hand him over you can go and choke on your goddamned alliance!”
        Purgatori snarled, ready to leap at Lady Death and rip her to shreds, but Isis’ hands tightened their grip slightly, a subtle warning, but enough. “When I’ve settled my account w/ him, I’ll send him to you,” Purgatori grated, barely able to speak w/ fury. “Not before.”
        Lady Death’s eyes burned angrily but she sat still – she loathed Purgatori w/ a scarcely believable intensity, but her sister was injured and there was a bigger picture to consider : the fate of eight universes. And, she thought sourly, I’m weakened. That bitch will be too, doubtless, but I have no intention of going up against her w/ anything less than full powers. Especially since she has her girlfriend and goddess here to back her up. But next time we meet…
        Purgatori held her gaze a moment longer then bowed to Isis. “I need to go now. Will…will I see you again?”
         Isis smiled and kissed her forehead. “Of course, child.” Purgatori smiled back, her eyes shining w/ happiness. “Would you do me a favour, Sakkara?”
        “Anything.”
        “Burn the spells out of Hope’s friends and release her large companion.”
        Purgatori faltered a moment then nodded. “Of course, my goddess.”
        “Lexus.”
        Lexus started, and seemed caught between trying to decide if she should bow, kneel or curtsey. “Y-yes?”
        Isis hugged her. “You have saved my daughter’s life, child. I will be forever in your debt.”
        “Well, I love her.”
        “I know.”
        There was a flurry of movement as Cremator got to his feet in a rush, blinking in confusion and distrust as he took in his surroundings and the vampiress in front of him.
        Purgatori came over and took Lexus’ hand. “Goodbye milady. I will see you soon. I will destroy the shield spell over my world as soon as I can.”
        “Goodbye, child.”
        Lady Death watched as Purgatori clawed a rip in the air then walked through w/ Lexus and vanished as the portal closed as suddenly as it had appeared. A shadow fell over her and she looked up to see Cremator, looking apprehensive.
        “Milady? What happened here? Is Vandala alright?”
        Lady Death drew a deep shuddering sigh and suddenly noticed how cold she was. “Yes, I think she will be fine. You were enchanted by Pagan.”
        “Pagan! I remember…where is that bastard?”
        “Purgatori has him. Help me up.” Cremator lifted them together w/ ease and they stood before Isis. “I need to get my sister indoors. I owe you for her life – I will continue the fight w/ that hateful bitch.”
        “Thank you,” Isis said, ignoring the insult, and the fact that Lady Death had already agreed to continue the fight but had now managed to make it sound as though it was something new to repay her sister’s life. “I will return soon to advise you of our plans. Drakkan’s death will give his allies pause for thought, but they will not hesitate long.”
        “Come alone,” Lady Death growled. “I don’t know why you aligned yourself w/ that rancid red whore but I do not want to see her on my world again.”
        “I align myself w/ her,” Isis said coolly, “because she is my daughter. And I would thank you not to use language like that again.”
        Lady Death blinked, surprised out of her anger. “Your daughter?!”
        “Yes. Now go and rest child. I fear we have a long struggle in front of us.”
        Lady Death nodded, but didn’t turn to go. Purgatori’s mother. Until this point it hadn’t even occurred to her that Purgatori might have HAD a mother, or any family come to think of it. Wouldn’t it be delightful to take her head? Send it to Purgatori wrapped in a silk bow? Wouldn’t that be sweet revenge for what she did to my mother?
        Isis cocked her head slightly to one side and Lady Death suddenly had the nasty feeling that she had read her thoughts. She said nothing though, and just continued to gaze passively at Lady Death w/ those unsettlingly vivid eyes.
        “Daughter,” Lady Death repeated thoughtfully. “You must be disappointed at what a nasty little bitch she turned out to be. Presumably you won’t be too upset when I kill her.”
        “Please don’t try and bait me, Hope,” Isis said calmly, her sapphire eyes unblinking. “I love my daughter a great deal, and you will not kill her.”
        “Really.”
        “Yes, really. I am a goddess of magick. I have divined the future.”
        Lady Death narrowed her eyes. “You have seen us fight again?”
        “Yes.”
        “And?”
        “I cannot go into details.”
        “Hah!”
        “I will just say that you will be…surprised at the outcome.”
        “You waste my time. I am going now to tend to my sister.” Lady Death looked hard at Isis. “I owe you my sister’s life, but despite your little charade there I WILL have my reckoning w/ Purgatori, and I WILL kill her, despite what I owe you.”
        “Goodbye Hope. Your sister will be fine w/ a bit of rest.”
        Lady Death nodded and watched Isis vanish through a glowing white portal. Cremator picked up Brock and returned.
        “Purgatori’s mother,” he said wonderingly.
        “Yes. That bitch is full of surprises. Come; let us return to WinterHaven, the weather is turning bad.”
        Lady Death used a transvection spell to open a rift to WinterHaven’s main entrance, the exertion making her tremble. The cold wind felt sweet on her sweating forehead. They went inside and Lady Death laid Vandala in front of the fire. Her back creaked like and old woman’s as she bent over. She went back to the door and stood on the threshold, looking out towards the mountains, thankful that things had ended somewhat peacefully – if she had had to fight Purgatori again the outcome could have been dubious. Bah – no matter. I am going to get Vandala into her bed, then I’ll soak in a hot bath for about an hour or so. Then I will eat, and before I sleep I will talk to my mother. Just the thought of doing that filled her w/ a clam warmth, and she deliberately pushed away the fact that it was Purgatori who had told her how to do that. Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter what she did, it doesn’t redress the balance. I will have my reckoning no matter what Isis says.
        Lady Death closed the door firmly on the coming storm.

        Demonica sat up in bed, looking blankly at the walls that were just visible in the scant moonlight. It was no good. Diabolica wasn’t here, and it just didn’t feel right. When they weren’t dating, the girls slept together in the same bed, had done ever since they were infants, huddling together for comfort against the harmless but scary spooks that roamed their father’s castle. When they had first appeared in this world, bewildered and seemingly the only demonkind on the planet, it had provided much-needed comfort at a time when they were feeling lost and alone, missing their father and friends.
        When Purgatori had dismissed her Demonica had come home and had a long soak in a hot bath. It felt absolutely delicious. As she was getting dried she discovered she was hungry and while she was raiding the fridge Diabolica had turned up. What little conversation they had was awkward and stilted and at last Demonica had mumbled some excuse and retreated to bed, her meal uneaten. Just being in a familiar comfortable bed – her OWN bed – was reassuring, but she just couldn’t relax. She kept expecting Diabolica to turn up at any moment and kept wondering how she would react, what Diabolica would do or say. The last time they had been together – barely a day ago – they had fought here, and she had no doubts that Diabolica would have killed her had the fight taken a different turn. She kept expecting, but when she eventually looked at the small clock on the bedside table three hours had passed and Diabolica hadn’t shown.
        Demonica got out of bed then stood chewing her lip and fiddling w/ her tail. She had forgotten how quiet it was up here : for the past three years she had been living out in the country where there seemed a constant cacophony of bird song and insect noises. Way up here though, w/ the windows closed, virtually no sound carried. She padded out into the corridor and listened for movement, gazing fearfully at the big hole in the wall opposite the bathroom. She heard nothing, and went into the entrance hall and living room to see if Diabolica had curled up on the floor or a sofa. The apartment was empty. Demonica sighed and headed for the elevator, knowing where she would find her sister : the gallery.
        Demonica stepped out of the car and sure enough saw her sister out on the balcony, resting her elbows on the railing as she looked down onto the city.
        “Di …?”
        The raven-haired girl jumped and turned quickly. “Dem! I…um, what are you doing here?”
        “Looking for you,” Demonica said, shifting from foot to foot. “Um…I couldn’t sleep.”
        “Oh…me either…” She lapsed into silence, desperately wanting to say something, unable to think of anything. She was fiddling w/ something in her hands and Demonica saw it was one of Mr Head Burster’s shell casings.
        Demonica went over hesitantly and peered over the edge. “Sun’ll be up in a few hours. Remember when we pulled those two torture demons and spent all night w/ them up in the Dis gallery?”
        Diabolica managed a grin. “Yep! That Hell sunrise was gorgeous wasn’t it? Boy, daddy wasn’t happy when we got home though…”
        Demonica shot her a black look. “You told him it was because I’d gotten so drunk I passed out in the street and you had to stay w/ me till I sobered up.”
        “I remember,” Diabolica giggled. “Poor sweetie, you got such a whacking!”
        “Cow!”
        They stared at each other and then suddenly Demonica threw her arms around Diabolica. “Oh sis, I’ve missed you so much!”
        “Me too! When I came around, the only thing I could remember was fighting you,” Diabolica said, hugging her tightly. “I’m so sorry!”
        “Wasn’t your fault sis,” Demonica said, kissing her.
        “Since when did you get to be such a good fighter? I remember you as the little demoness sitting crying in the cloakroom at the Hallowe’en Ball because Dementia Bathory threw a glass of Acheron Wine over your new dress.”
        “It was a Hell’s Harlot special! Made to measure! Cost me all me savings!” Demonica grinned at her sister. “Remember what you did?”
        “Yep,” Diabolica grinned wickedly. “Tore all her clothes off, right in the middle of the dance floor! Get us kicked out, but it was worth it – remember her face when she had to walk home naked?!”
        “She was mortified!” Demonica crowed gleefully. “Blushed as red as Purg is!” They burst out laughing and hugged again. “You were always looking after me.”
        “Yep.”
        “In between getting me whacked.”
        “Um…well, you got ME thrashed more than once!…besides, it was funny!”
        “Tramp!”
        They grinned at each other and then stood w/ their arms around each other’s waist, listening to the faint sounds of celebration that drifted up from below.
        “This one of yours?” Diabolica asked, holding up the cartridge case.
        “Uh huh.”
        “Hmm, should’ve guessed, from the size of it.”
        “Heh, size matters!”
        “Does to you anyway!” Diabolica laughed.
        “Ha! Specially w/ guns! See that bridge? I took a bug out on that from here.”
        “You’re kidding! Mind you, you always were a good shot. I remember when we found that catapult and you shot at the apples in Pan’s orchard. Got one w/ every shot.”
        “Yep! And when you tried it you missed and put out one of his windows,” Demonica giggled. “Boy, I’ve never ran so fast in my life!” They laughed together again and Demonica sighed. “Damn, I wish you could have been w/ us Di! I’ve got some great stories to tell you.”
        “I bet. Recapturing the city, that was awesome!”
        Demonica gazed down in silence for a moment. “I can’t hardly believe it.”
        “I’m not surprised. It must’ve been a Hell of a fight.”
        “No – I mean there’s parties going on and we’re not at one!”
        “Our reputation will be ruined!” Diabolica laughed. “Yo wanna head out?”
        “No…no, I really better not. Anyways, Purg said I could organise the big official feast.”
        “No way!”
        “Heh, it’ll be legendary!” She gazed off into middle distance, lost in dreams of a magnificent party that would go down in history, and then yawned massively. “I need some sleep. Coming?”
        “Yes,” Diabolica smiled and they walked hand-in-hand to the stairs. “How is Purg anyways? I haven’t seen much of her.”
        “Um…I dunno. Drakkan tortured her pretty good, from what I hear.”
        “I can imagine,” Diabolica grimaced. “Um…she doesn’t blame me for any of it, does she..?”
        “Don’t think so…but she might, depending what I tell her!”
        “What?!”
        “Heh. Finally get my own back for that Dis tower thingy!”
        “Ooh, you bitch!”
        “I know! Guess you’re just gonna have to be REALLY nice to me for a while. A long while.”
        “Blackmail : you never change.”
        “I learnt all my best stuff from you!”
        “I can see you being a real pain in the butt for the next few days.”
        “Really?” Demonica said airily as they entered their apartment. “Comments like that are NOT going to convince me to speak favourably…”

        “Hey sweetheart,” Lexus said, sliding her arms around Sakkara’s waist.
        “Lexus, my love. Where have you been?”
        “Talking w/ Dem and Di,” Lexus said. “They said Sebek turned up.”
        “Yes,” Sakkara smiled. “Unhurt too.”
        “Where’s he been?”
        “He didn’t say. Must have just wandered off until he sensed my powers were back in the Palace.”
        “Didn’t bring another dead water buffalo or something did he?”
        “No,” Sakkara smiled.
        Lexus kissed her shoulder softly. “You’re human again.”
        “Yes.”
        “You’re doing that a lot lately.”
        “So?”
        “Don’t get all huffy, I was just saying.”
        “I’m not getting huffy, and you weren’t ‘just saying’.”
        Lexus looked her in the eye. “Alright. After what you told me about Wolf, I get the feeling sometimes that you don’t want to be ‘Purgatori’ any more – like you can’t stand to see her.”
        “You’re being silly.”
        “Am I? You’re almost never in your winged form now, except when you have official duties. And you still won’t let me make love to you.”
        “So this is all because you want to have sex,” Sakkara said archly.
        Lexus pulled away sharply and glared at her. “If I didn’t have your sorrow to put that down to, I’d slap your face. How dare you suggest that’s all I care about!”
        Sakkara rubbed Lexus’ arm and her look of sorrow was more than enough apology for Lexus. She embraced the vampiress again and Sakkara held her tightly. “Sorry, my sweetheart. I was just...trying to shut you up.”
        “Because I was right.”
        “...yes...”
        They stood in silence for a while on the balcony as the golden fire of sunset gave way to the purple shades of twilight. “I can’t believe how much has been done in only a week,” Lexus said at last.
        “Everyone has worked hard. We got word from Rourke today – he caught up w/ the last of the Blood Warrior converts Drakkan had sent South to halt the Saarga incursions. Reconverted everyone w/ minimal fighting. No losses.”
        “We’re lucky the Saarga didn’t realise exactly how bad a shape we were in.” Lexus snuggled up to Sakkara and looked out over the city. Light globes were clustered in various places as repair crews worked through the night. One big cluster was in the Palace grounds itself : a mausoleum for Glenn. Lexus knew that was what Purgatori had been standing and watching. “The city’s going to be better than ever.”
        “Yes.” And in that one hollow word Lexus heard the unspoken wish : I wish Glenn could have seen it.
       “Come to bed,” she said gently. “You’re still not fully recovered. You’re off your blood and destroying that shield taxed you severely.”
        “I’m fine, lover.”
        “No, Purgatori, you’re tired and you need to rest some – ”
        “Later. I...I need to see Glenn...”
        Lexus looked into her eyes, a dozen conflicting questions and emotions whirling through her. “Your necromancy?” was all she dared say. “You haven’t tried it for years.”
        “Yes. I still know how.” Sakkara looked haunted. “I need to try and explain. I need to know if he hates me.”
        Lexus was silent, not daring to voice the question. Sakkara, no doubt picking up on her thoughts as normal, answered it anyway.
        “If he does, I will just have to try and atone – or plead for his forgiveness.”
        Lexus had never heard Purgatori plead for anything, least of all someone’s forgiveness – well, except when they were playing their bondage and discipline games of course – and that more than anything brought home exactly how much this had affected her. It was perhaps understandable : having lived so long w/ people who only betrayed her, Purgatori valued true love and loyalty above all, and repaid those who gave it to her – the thought that Wolf died thinking she had used him after all he had done for her was eating her alive. “Do you want me to come w/ you?”
        Sakkara smiled. It was shallow and sad, but filled w/ so much gratitude and love that it made Lexus’s eyes wet. “No, honey. I must see him alone.”
        “Alright. If you’re sure.”
        Sakkara leaned forward and kissed her forehead, and when they parted Lexus was holding Purgatori again. “Go to bed. I will be up later.”
        “Alright.”
        Purgatori pulled out of her grip gently and Lexus watched her go, her heart almost bursting w/ love and pity. Please..Oh please Isis, I know you’re out there. Please let it be alright. Please...

        Purgatori knelt before Wolf’s body, her whispered invocation seeming to hang in the air. A few candles burned around her, doing a valiant job at keeping the darkness at bay. The blood glyphs on Wolf’s wrappings seemed to glow in the gloom.
        The flames shuddered as the temperature fell. Purgatori opened her eyes w/ trepidation and saw him kneeling opposite her, eyes blank and white, skin dead and grey, chest a bloody ruin.
        “Glenn...” The word was dry as paper in her mouth. She wanted to tell him straight away, explain that she was innocent of his murder, but her throat was locked solid, betraying her, and all she could do was stare mutely at his shade.
        “So you got that scrawny fk.”
        Purgatori blinked, completely thrown off guard. “W-what?”
        “That fkr in the green and red. You caught up w/ him.” His voice was hollow and echoing, as though he was speaking down a long tube, but there was none of the anger or hatred that had coated the voice of her dreams. Purgatori felt so relieved she thought she might faint, or burst into tears, or something equally undignified.
        “How...how do you know?”
        “I keep getting glimpses. I think it’s maybe like people seeing ghosts but in reverse. Or something.”
        “Then...you know it wasn’t me who killed you?”
        “Yeah. When I died I left my body – I saw the whole thing. I tried to talk to you but I guess you couldn’t see me.” He leant forward slightly and even though she could see through him she could see the pity and concern on his face. “That’s been troubling you hasn’t it? I can feel the guilt coming off you in waves.”
        “Of course it bothered me! Everything you did for me – saved my life on Earth, rescued me here...I thought you had died believing I had just cast you aside.”
        “Ah, Purgatori...I wish I could hug you. You look like you could use a cuddle,” he said, and that simple truth raised a lump in her throat. “Give it up Purgatori, you’re not to blame.”
        “If I hadn’t left you...If we had gone when you said – ”
        “Purgatori, you couldn’t have known what would happen! It’s no one’s fault. Sht happens, y’know? You took off after the fkr who did all that sht to you, and he was the one who killed me – I can hardly blame you for doing that, can I? I’d have done the same, probably.”
        Purgatori hung her head. “I...I just...I wish...”
        “I wish you’d give it up, girl.” She felt a breath of movement and looked up to see he had moved to stand over her. his hand reached down to stroke her hair and she fancied she could feel a faint sensation like smoke on her skin. “Come on Purgatori – ease up. It’s a p*sser but it’s not your fault. I don’t blame you, okay?”
        She stood up and all her muscles were trembling at the release of tension. She desperately wanted to hold him, but her arms had nothing to grip. “Yes. If you promise you don’t hate me.”
        “I promise Purgatori. I don’t blame you or hate you. Quite the opposite in fact. Now go and rest. Have a sleep or a cry or a play about w/ Lexus or something; anything to let go.”
        She managed to smile. “I’ll probably do all of that. Goodbye my friend. Can...can I call on you again?”
        “Anytime,” Wolf smiled, backing off a step to get a good look at her. “Goddamn, I wish I’d been born a woman,” he murmured, and then he was gone.
        Purgatori closed her eyes and drank in the relief as the warmth seeped back into the room.

        Lexus heard the elevator chime and her stomach tied itself in a knot again. Ever since Purgatori had left she had been fretting and worrying about what she would do if Purgatori came back w/ the wrong answer. She sat up in bed, clutching the blankets to her as if for protection. Purgatori walked in silently, nothing but a black winged shape w/ glowing white eyes, but even before she walked into the light from the bowl of burning oil that heated the room Lexus could sense the change in her and her heart leapt.
        “Purgatori? Is...?”
        Purgatori sat beside her on the bed and slipped her arms around her. “Yes. Everything is fine. He saw everything and he doesn’t blame me. He still loves me.”
        Lexus blew out a gasp of relief and hugged Purgatori fiercely, showering her w/ kisses. “Oh honey, I’m so happy! I wish you had gone earlier.”
        “Yes. No matter, I can rest now.”
        “Thank Isis!” Lexus sighed, resting her head on Purgatori’s shoulder. “I can rest too, I’ve been worried sick over you.”
        “I know,” Purgatori whispered hoarsely. She kissed Lexus’ hair tenderly, wondering what she had ever done to deserve a girlfriend like her.
        “So what now, sugar?”
        “Now we go to bed. I might cry a bit, I haven’t decided yet. Would that spoil my ‘evil vicious bitch’ reputation, do you think?”
        “I think it might, baby, but I wouldn’t tell anyone. Anyways, I know you’re just a big softy so go ahead if you want.”
        “How kind. So : sleep – I will get my first proper full night’s sleep w/out pain or nightmares for over three years.”
        “That sounds like a plan,” Lexus said as Purgatori stood up and began undressing. She lay back and enjoyed the view, drinking in Purgatori’s fabulous body dusted in gold light form the flames, noting the way the muscles moved easier now, relaxed and free of tension. “I’ll hug you, keep the nasty dreams away.”
        “Mmm. Then tomorrow evening, when my official meetings are over, the two of us are going to go to that nice secluded sand dune area on Golden Beach you love so much, and I am going to...what’s that delightfully descriptive term you use?”
        “Fk me senseless?”
        “That’s the one.” Purgatori slid under the covers and snuggled up in Lexus’s warm embrace. “I might even do it twice, if you’re a good girl.”
        “And when am I ever a good girl?” Lexus grinned, trying to press as much of her body as possible against Purgatori’s bare flesh, relishing the feel. Purgatori chuckled her throaty, sexy chuckle, the one that made Lexus tingle. “Sleep well baby,” Lexus whispered in her ear, and Purgatori mumbled something, already well on her way into a deep calm sleep. Lexus closed her eyes in bliss and gradually she drifted off too, never releasing her embrace.