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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ankh-Morpork Guard" data-source="post: 2392245" data-attributes="member: 10079">Chapter 242: BreathingThe scene was hauntingly familiar, despite the fact that they were on a much larger ship this time. Hundreds of Alraxians were gathered around, guards and knights forming a perimeter of sorts to give Shadow, Jyren, his father, and the group of Redstars at least some breathing room. All around, whispered murmuring could be heard, but no actual words could be distinguished...for everyone but Jyren, the Network was also ablaze with activity.    Activity that quickly ended, as did any small noises around the gigantic cabin in the huge ship, Thor. What Jyren had come to figure as a form of a holoscreen was ‘built’(or grown, whatever) into the bulkhead(...interior?) Of the living ship at one end of he cabin. It was where everyone was looking, with Shadow standing in front, Jyren just behind her and his father next to him.    “I don’t like this,” he whispered quietly to the older Alraxian.    Navik Keros sighed and nodded, “No one does, son.”    Even if Jyren had figured something else to say(and he felt like he should...this was his father, and a man who deserved more than passing comments here and there after all these years), there was no longer a chance to speak. The image on the holoscreen shimmered slightly before forming a true image.    [Good luck.] Jyren sent through the link, only standing back from Shadow because he could feel she wanted(no, needed) to do this on her own.    She did allow herself a quick glance over her shoulder to him, though. [Luck’s not going to have anything to do with this...but thanks.]    When she turned back to face the screen, Shadow was looking into a mirror...well, if she had been grinning. Nine was. Shadow wasn’t. There was little other visible differences between the two of them. All of the Alraxians throughout the ship and even the fleet(if you could call it that) held their breath.    “No running away this time?” Nine asked, tilting her head and obviously trying to put on a show for the entire Empire which she very well knew was watching.    Shadow didn’t move, but her eyes did narrow and her ears flattened slightly, “I do not run.”    Alright, so that wasn’t a literal truth...but it was necessary. This was much, much more a show for the Alraxian Empire than it was for Nine, Shadow, or Jyren. The three of them knew where this had been, and where it was going...but the Alraxians didn’t...and they still couldn’t help but be unsure of their new Empress. It was her time to display resolve and strength, even if she had to lie.    The Empire collectively began breathing again.    Nine, however, laughed in that haunting laugh of a psychotic murderer. When the short laugh passed, her toothy smile remained...but she said nothing. When it became apparent exactly what she was waiting on to be said from Shadow, the Empire held its breath a second time.    “You have no honour, Nine,” Shadow said without emotion, “But to regain my honour and to protect the Empire, I challenge you...and only you.”The Empire started breathing again.    Nine smiled, but something seemed to catch her eye out of view. It was only a slight shift, but Shadow caught it. Nine’s tone then quickly changed, “Coordinates have been sent. You have one hour before I grow impatient.”    And then it cut off. Shadow turned and saw the somewhat confused look on Jyren’s face. [She is not with Ket.]    [But what about...Kyren?]    Shadow did not show any sign of weakness, especially since all eyes were now on her and Jyren...and despite the fact that no one could hear them, it was obvious they were deciding what to do. [I will have to deal with that. Nine is more important now, though.]    Restraining a nod and trying to look as neutral as Shadow did, Jyren responded after a moment. [You can’t handle both of them at once.]    [Nine won’t try that.] then, noting the sudden confusion at this, Shadow clarified. [She will face me alone. It is the only way to prove how strong she is...the Empire will be watching.]    [She could still cheat.] Jyren admitted.    [But then she would look weak.]    The link echoed the silence of the cabin. It lasted for a few very long seconds.    Then. [You want me to stay here, don’t you?]    It was then that Shadow showed her first sign of emotion...a soft nod and a sad look. [You know why.]    Jyren took a step closer, suddenly not liking the fact that he wasn’t actually hearing her voice and instead just picking up on thoughts. Quietly, he whispered, “Can you do this alone?”    “I have to,” she whispered back, suddenly much more keenly aware of the fact that they were now speaking out loud and at least a few Alraxians would be able to hear them. She looked up to Jyren after catching a stray thought through the link. After a deep breath and a difficult decision, Shadow said quietly, “Do it.”    “Huh?” Jyren raised an eyebrow, oblivious as usual.    Shadow couldn’t help a hint of a grin, but it quickly faded when she completely realized what she was saying to him, “You don’t want to sit here and do nothing...and you don’t have to.”    It suddenly dawned on him just exactly what she was talking about, “You’re serious?”    She managed a slow nod, “I trust you.”    “Alone?” he raised an eyebrow, not sure if she was thinking that far along with him.    To his surprise, she nodded again, “Its too late any other way.”    Silence. Even those who had heard them didn’t know what was really being said. Half the conversation had been unspoken, anyway. Jyren even wondered if he was really on the same page as Shadow was. There was still that chance she actually meant something else...there was just no way...    “I’ll deal with Nine...you find Ket and protect our home,” Shadow said a little too loudly.    The few who heard and suddenly understood stared blankly at the two. Slowly, the realization grew that they both needed to move immediately. Separate paths again...suddenly not all that happy they’d actually agreed, Jyren embraced her tightly. Shadow returned the gesture and then surprised Jyren(well, and the Empire as a whole to a point) and kissed him.    [This is the one time you’re not allowed to do anything stupid.] she sent calmly through the link. That was, of course, ignoring the fact that the entire idea was, in the first place, not only stupid but completely and utterly insane.</blockquote>

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