Episode 1

# T1W: Sisters in Arms (Episode #001)

## Prologue

Welcome! You are about to enter a new, majestic realm of dystopian fantasy meets supernatural storytelling.
You are about to meet and explore new worlds, share victory and defeat with the charming Rose twins and not only follow, but be a part of their first journey that makes them put foot in a much grandeur stage.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this introductory piece it as much as I did writing it in 2016!

~ Stoyan '@Staka' Stoyanov

## Chapter I: Precision Mark

Humble, yet beautiful mansion among the most green plains you can imagine. Spring morning. Breeze. You can hear birds chirping outside. A female voice strikes the epic calmness:

**:** Wake up!

**:** Huh? - yawning.

**:** Come on sis, you're up first today, remember?

 **:** It's not like I can get any better at this!

 **:** Trust me, you have more chance of getting better at archery than at sleeping all day. You're already a master jedi there.
 **:** What's...a.....jedi?

**:** I told you to get in touch with that slang list I got you from the Earth. We might visit there soon, ya know.
 **:** You know, people did leave it for a reason....

 **:** Our parents were born and raised there. Aren't you a bit curious what's it like?

 **:** No, I can look it up online and even explore it in virtual reality.

**:** That explains the no-relationship stance.
 **:** Ugh, I'm not having this conversation...let's do this!

Meet Brianna **Amethyst** Rose and Tiffany **Aurora** Rose. They're twins. Daughters of a wealthy businessman and landlord, living in a beautiful oasis. They're turning 21 this year. Care-free, but loyal to their roots and especially to each other. They ride horses and extensively train at archery and self-defense. They split 98% of all archery competitions in the land between them.
However, their perfect world is only hours away from being utterly shaken.
They head to their daily practice in archery.

 **:** You know, we've been doing this all our lives. It's not getting us anywhere.
 **:** We're first in every competition since we were 17. What's your problem?
 **:** Our family didn't raise us by winning archery competitions. What can we afford with the funds? Almost nothing...The medals will not feed future generations.
 **:** But our father said you should not worry. We will find our calling, no need to rush it. We are lucky to have a family like that. As for future generations - you haven't even had a boyfriend...
 **:** Yes, I did!
 **:** Oh, please! Who?
 **:** Bucky!
 **:** Ha-ha! You scared the shit out of him in your first date.
 **:** We kissed. Still counts.
 **:** Okay, what's with you. every time we go train now you look like you do this out of a strict duty manner. Don't you remember it used to be fun and bring you joy?
 **:** It brings me joy! But joy is not what's going to secure our future! I want to be an independant woman. And I want the same for you, sis. I love you too much! I want to make a mark on this world and I'm growing tired of sitting around, doing nothing.
 **:** I know that look....you're up to no good!
 **:** Tee-hee! Come on, you know you'll always be there for me!
 **:** Ride together!
 **:** No breaks!
 **:** I do have a thing for weaklings! Hee-hee-hee!
 **:** LOL! I'm gonna kick your ass, young lady!
 **:** Name your conditions! I beat you again today. By 3 points nonetheless! And you dare call me a young lady? I'm only 8 minutes younger than you!
 **:** I'm still the big sis!
 **:** Shut up, Bri! Let's eat.
 **:** Make me, Tiffy! - taunting her.
 **:** I told you not to call me that! - puts her in a playful submission hold.
 **:** Why? You make your virtual internet portal call you that...remember...right after you gave it a male voice and called it Jonas! - taunting her even more.
 **:** Oh, you are so dead! - starts to chase her around.

Make no mistake about their nagging tones. They're playful like that. They love each other unconditionally as pretty much all they have in the world is each other. This, however is the last meal they'll have together....at least for 2 years.
The next day Brianna storms her sister's room:

 **:** Sis, look at this!
Brianna uses her fingers to open her own browsing virtual reality to display the news stories of the day:
 **:** **D.A.S.K.** *(Defense Artillery System Kernel)* are hiring! Quick gig, big paycheck. Escort some truck to some place. And they need some precision shooters as backers.
 **:** You know as well as I do, that they only hire if they don't want to get their hands dirty. To them we won't be anything more than mercenary scum.
 **:** Exactly. But that's good for us. We won't be under any physical supervision, the worst they can do is track us. And since we want to get that solid paycheck, it is in our best interest for everything to go smoothly.
 **:** Eww.....but we hate the corporate umbrella...
 **:** Stop with the Ew-ing, you're not 14. It's just a 2-day escort. And you know there haven't been any hiccups with **D.A.S.K.** for years. Yeah, they might be corporate douchebags, but they pay extremely well and they'll do anything to protect their own property.
 **:** You've got a point. And I do need some extra-money and I hate asking dad. How many people will we be?
 **:** Well it says here - more than 20. And they don't even send any of their top agents. It will be a piece of cake.
 **:** So pretty standard, huh?
 **:** Yes. They'll be providing us with armors with reflector cells. Their HQ will know exactly what's going on the entire time.
 **:** Something doesn't make sense. Why invest so much in the armors, if it's a standard mission. It's not like reflector cells are cheap. It's millions of credits for a gram.
 **:** You forget that they're the most rich organisation in half a light year distance. They're just showing off and displaying what they're capable of so everyone who dares oppose them reconsiders.
 **:** Alright, I'm in. What will we tell dad?
 **:** Just tell him we'll be in the city for 2 days meeting up with friends.
 **:** You are so evil! And you do that just for money. I can't imagine what you'd do for me.
 **:** I'd leave you, like in that beauty contest in 8th grade.
 **:** It stings you that I won, huh?.
 **:** The only reason you won is because that one judge was afraid you'll kick him in the balls again.
 **:** Ew... I had forgotten that. I wish you hadn't reminded me.
 **:** You're welcome. I'll call in **D.A.S.K.** and you better start packing.

Brianna sets up the meeting with a **D.A.S.K.** executive and setup to meet same afternoon. The Rose twins pack everything they need and leave for the coordinates given to them. 4 hours later they arrive. An oddly looking, yet serious man with mohawk awaits them, surrounded by guards.

 : Welcome, ladies. I'm **Jacob DuValle**. I'm a Triple-Key executive at **D.A.S.K.**. Thanks for coming on such short notice.
 **:** Hi!
 : So, let's skip the small talk. As you've guessed so far, we've done a full background check on you and we never would've invited you if we didn't in the first place. You are both world champions at archery.
 **:** How flattering!
 : I wasn't really trying to flatter you. In **D.A.S.K.** we believe that archery is on its way out. Even with the new technologies and homing arrows and everything that we've. But we do lack some precision snipers, and you're the best and this is too standard of a misison to ask for more.
 **:** First you flatter us and now you offend us. How has that technique been working out for you?
 : I'm not offending you, miss. I'm offending your methods. Please come with me, you need to retrieve your armor pieces.
 **:** I have a question. If this is such a "standard" procedure, why is a big shot like you here?
 : Just making sure everything goes smoothly. It is an escort, however no operation of ours gets treated lightly. We'll do anything to protect the citizens of our quadrant of the Galaxy.
 **:** Should we expect anything unusual along the way?
 : There's never a sure thing with us. We don't expect anything extraordinary, but being the best in the world has made us a lot of enemies, so you should be on guard at all times. Here you go! - Jacob opens a modern drawer/briefcase with 2 identical high-tech armors for the girls.
 **:** What are we escorting and protecting?
 : If I told you that, I'd have to kill you! No questions, ladies. You'll get your paycheck, that's all you need to care about. The convoy is assembling, I suggest you join them. See you!

Jacob gets on a luxurious black car and leaves:

 **:** I don't like this, sis.
 **:** What? Being kept in the dark from information? It's alright, I don't care. In 2 days we'll be back home 20,000 credits richer. What's on your shopping list?
 **:** I've always wanted to own the hollow arrows of secrecy. They'll stop producing them later this year and I want to have a last batch.
 **:** They're putting them out for a good reason, sis. They're archaic. You have faster-than-light communication with any device you wish.
 **:** In a peaceful world, those words, and devices would be reassuring. But you know it's not. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. You know who said that, right?
 **:** Mom - says it with a very soft, nostalgic voice.
 **:** I just have a feeling I'm being watched every time I use a device that connects to the galactic wide web. Don't judge me. What are you going to buy?
 **:** I guess a rope and a knife....for my future boyfriend.
 **:** Ha-ha! Come on, you're not that bad. You just need to find the right guy. He's out there, waiting. You should meet new people.
 **:** I will. Once this is over.

After a few hours, an armed soldier from the convoy approaches the twins:
 : Hey, you two. We're already half-way through our escort. As you can tell, nothing interesting. We're pulling up to have some food and energy restoration. You should join us.
 **:** Thanks, we're not hungry. You grab a bite, we'll cover you.
 : You two are ballsy for girls. No **D.A.S.K.** operation is safe or low-key enough for you to be here, but it's not my call. Don't think your archery bullshit will save you if things get tough.
SWOOSH! In a second the sandwich the soldier was holding was pierced by a metal arrow.
 **:** Didn't see that coming, did you? Well neither will anyone else. Now stop bugging us, we're here to do a job.

The soldier walks away upstaged and embarrased as his soldier friends from up far have a giggle.

 : What are you laughing at, scrubs? I'm still your superior. This break just got 20 minutes shorter. We leave in 5.
 : Sir, yes, sir!
 **:** I feel like in kindergarden again.
 **:** Because of the food they offer?
 **:** Because I'm surrounded by drooling, blithering idiots.
 **:** Just don't think about it. You heard them. We're half way through. A couple of more hours, we arrive at the destination, make sure the pickup goes smoothly and we go back.

Surprisingly, there are no hiccups before the arrival. The convoy arrives at the place at sunset. It looks like some abandoned mine, which looks a lot spookier than it sounds.

 : How's everything, ladies?
 **:** Pretty good. I wish I knew earlier you pay so much for such an easy job.
 : Don't get too comfy, we're just beginning. We'll be in touch.

There are armed people waiting at the site, surrounding the cargo vehicle.

 **:** What the hell?
 : Relax, they're **D.A.S.K.**. They've been waiting for us.
 **:** Why so many of them?
 : Listen, girls. I'm just like you. Here to collect a paycheck. I don't ask, I don't tell, I don't care.

The Captain of the Site approaches in a very serious manner:

 : Enough chatter! We begin unloading now! Keep your eyes open!
 : Wooo, we're rich. I can't believe there were no ambushes. Anything **D.A.S.K.** carries is usually pretty valuable on the black market.
 : The ambush stories are for religious parents who want to put fear in their children so they can obey their commands, soldier. Move!

The vehicles cannot enter the mine, so the soldiers need to put down their weapons and carry the cargo inside

 **:** What is this place?
 : Abandoned precious metal mine. That's all you need to know. I know you're just women, but you volunteered, so you have to help carrying the cargo.

Sound of guns being loaded:

 : Alright! Cargo is very precious, so no sudden or weird movements or you'll be dead.
 : We're not even thinking about it, sir! We'll follow every lead!
 : Good! Now move!

The soldiers from the site start unloading. There are some metal cases and we get no clue what's inside. They walk about half a mile, before they start seeing a glowing, magic-like portal.

 : Woah, nice hologram! What is this illuminating thingy supposed to do?
 : That's no hologram. This is a portal to a different world. The Nether world! **D.A.S.K.** guards, lock targets!

The **D.A.S.K.** armed guards point all their weapons at the applied mercenaries, including the two twins. They're in trouble now and they have no idea why:
 **:** What are you doing? What is this? If you wanted to kill us, we'd be dead already. What do you want from us?
 : You're a smart one. Alright, listen up now. Change of plans. You didn't think we'd give a huge bounty like that to 20 randoms, just like that? You trust people too much. This is business and we always plan ahead.
 **:** Douchebag! Just tell us what you want!
 : We didn't lie to any of you. We just didn't disclose all the information.
 **:** Spit it out!
 : He-he, I like feisty girls - as he approaches her , looks her in the eyes briefly and just as he's about to turn away he slaps her in the face.
 **:** Bastard! You do that again and I'll kill you!
 : Don't threaten me, kid. There are much worse things than death. Now, the way I see it - you have 2 options. One - you can choose this as your burial site. Trust me, my men will make it very painful.Option two - you finish the mission and you're good to go and paid and we see each other again in another top-secret mission.

Tiffany still looks in shock as Tiffany is recovering from the hard slap.
 **:** Explain the mission!
 : Are you sure, girlie? Why would you wanna participate in these corrupt bastards's scheme. I knew they shouldn't be trusted. I did this for my family.
 **:** We don't have a choice. Let's hear him out.

## Chapter II: Enter the Netherworld

 : Now that I've got everyone's attention. What you did so far was half the job. This is a portal to the **Nether World**. We will send you inside with the cargo. You need to deploy the cargo in there, while wearing your special armors. We will map the surrounding and as much surface as we can with your reflector cell armors. Yes, that's why you, filthy scrubs get to wear this limited and expensive equipment that is more valuable to **D.A.S.K.** than all of your lives.
The captain approaches Brianna again, this time gently stroking her hair and touching her on the cheek where he slapped her in the first place:
 : Forgive my methods, but the long-term security of our galaxy depends on this.
 **:** There's nothing to forgive. Let's do this!
 **:** What? Are you crazy?
 **:** It's a shitstorm, it can't get worse. Let's just get it over with.
The captain smirks, while thinking to himself "Oh believe me, it can get a lot worse".
 : What's...um....required of us....sir?
 : There is a special, rare substance in there called Croplilium. You'll recognize it by the purplish-bluish color and mushroom shape. It bonds with the Aurum - the thing you delivered to us. Combining them together, we can manipulate portals - closing the unneeded should any alien civiliation decide to open up a portal to invade us within nanoseconds notice. We already have the machine for this high-grade protection, we just lack the substance. You will go there, retrieve as much as you can and return to us. If you can.
 **:** If we can? What's going to stop us?
 : Didn't you listen? It's the Nether World.
 **:** Never heard of it?
 : I told you your silly archery won't help you. You're just spoiled little princesses, who think the world revolves around their needs. The Nether World is run by the **Kings of Erohn**.
 : I'm impressed. But, we need to get your story straight. They're Kings in their world...if they lived in our world, we'd call them Gods. They're all powerful.
 **:** So you're sending us a sacrifical lamb to these gods or kings or whatever? Fuck you! Fuck you, bastard! - she gets really pissed as she tries to punch and kick the Captain, but she gets stopped from the D.A.S.K. guards.
 : Of course not. The world is huge and little puppets like you intruding will not bother them too much. You will probably encounter some of their weaker kind, but you, being so confident in your abilities, will have no trouble handling a few creeps, right?
 **:** Let me go! - she says angrily to the guard. Alright you bastard. You win. We'll recover this for you. I doubt there's a creature out there that will give me more creeps than you anyway!
 : I'll forgive that kind of talk....since you're in for a treat. Get ready to enter the portal. May god be with you!
 **:** If there was a god...you'd be long dead.
 : Oh, my dear, pink-haired blossom! I am a god on my own.
 : Ah, I see you're set and ready for your adventure.
 **:** You know? You know and you didn't tell us! You piece of shit, I'll kill you!
 : Hey, hey, chill. I'm gonna guide you while you're inside. I believe in the team I've recruited.
 : We're ready sir!
 : Alright. The armors you wear have cameras all over them, you have a full batallion of observers with you when you go there.
 **:** What good are observers, even if millions....they can just watch on their screens, not taking any harm. Like you. Pussies.
 **:** Stop filling his ego, sis. He wouldn't know better. Let's get his purple crap and head back. Prepare your titanium arrows.

Having no choice, both of the girls and all soldiers lock-up and prepare to enter the glowing portal. Brianna definitely regrets coming here and even more so dragging her beloved sister into it.

 : Come on, we haven't got all day. As long as this portal stays open we're all in danger, so I'm not fooling you. Go and recover the Croplilium and head back as soon as we can.
 **:** I'm so sorry for dragging you into this, sis. You said I should take it easy, but I didn't listen....I'm so sorry...
 **:** Don't worry. We can fight this together! Let's do this as fast as we can and head back.

The soldiers and the girls enter the portal one by one as it's not big enough. Brianna and Tiffany enter it, holding hands. You can tell things are getting serious, as even the site captain has lost his sickening smirk and shows a sense of worry.
Everything is a blur for the girls at first when they enter. They've never experienced wormhole-like travelling before and both feel dizzy. As they regain their senses they stumble on a majestic, but spooky scene, having indigo blue and dark violet as the predominant colors of this world. They look around in awe, wondering what's about to unfold.

 : Holy shit! I ain't leading the way in this forsaken place!
 **:** I will. After me, ladies.
 : Geez, these girls are something, huh?
 : \*crackling sound\* Can you hear me?
 : Yes, sir! But ...how....
 : We're both in the same area, but you're in a different universe or dimension or whatever...physics hasn't explained it all. Now listen up, do you see the substance I told you about?
 **:** It's going to be really hard since everything around here has the colors you mentioned.
 : I will not accept this answer, girlie. If you take too long, we will close the portal and you will never return.
 **:** Hey, dickhead, don't pressure us, okay? Or you won't see your precious substance too.

Absolute silence.

 : Let's split. I need men over here. Second rank squad go there!
 : Why is it so silent all of a sudden?
 : That's a good thing.
 **:** I don't think so. Let's keep moving, gentlemen.

They tread for a few minutes, watching the scene in awe. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a mid-human sized alien attempts an attack, but is quickly taken down by the blaster weapons the soldiers have.

 : So, there is life out here.
 : On guard, people.
 **:** I have a bad feeling about this, sis.
 **:** Tell me about it...I'm shaking. I don't even know if I'll be able to hit or miss an enemy if they jump at you out of nowhere like that.
 : One more! To your right, Clyde!

A forciful blow pierces the alien. It's Aurora Rose's titanium arrow, who was quickest of all, almost like an immediate reflex.

 **:** Nice shot, sis! Watch out for more!
 : Geez, even I gotta admit that was lighting fast.

The pierced alien says something in its dying breath:

 : yOU hAVE cOME tO tHE wRONG pLACE, hUMANS. yOU wILL nEVER eSCAPE.
 : We came to retrieve a substance from your world and we'll be peacefully leaving:

 : yOU wILL dIE bEFORE yOU gET iT. tOO bAD tHIS lAND eRODES qUICKLY oR yOU wILL sEE tHE bONES oF tHOSE wHO cAME bEFORE yOU. gOOD rIDDANCE...

Even before the alien finished its sentence and exhumes its last breath, a dozen more of its kind appear and engage in melee brawl with the soldiers, however they quickly get taken down as they do not appear to have any special powers or weapons and are no match for the weaponry the human group is with.

 : This can't be so easy...can it?
 : No. Remember , this place is where the Kings of Erohn rule.
 **:** Who...or what are they?
 : Can't say for sure, but what I've heard is that the stories say there are 5 Kings of Erohn, each of which have godlike powers. Like for example one can control weather, other minds, other forces, anything is possible.
 **:** So basically, expect the worst. Nice...
 : Bullshit. Those are just myth stories.

As soon as the soldier says that he gets pierced through his heart by an alien with a spear-like weapon, coming out of dark, almost unseeable through air. It's pierced back by Brianna and Tiffany at the same time in a X-shaped fashion.

 : We lost one! Man down!
 **:** I'll aim for the air. You can't see more than 5 meters in front of you. And there's no fog...this is unexplainable.
 : Just keep moving. Slowly.
 **:** Hey, there's something glowing in front of us! Can it be?
 : Oh my god!

During their slow and cautious move towards the mysterious location about 50 meters from them, radiating high-energy vibrations and even some dim light they encounter 4 more aliens. They kill all 4 of them, but lose 1 more man in the process.

 **:** This has to be it. Croplilium. It radiates!
 : Alright, bring in the container. Add it up and let's head back.
 : Aye!
 : Well this could've went a lot worse...

The ground stars shaking, at first like a mild earthquake but with each quake it gets heavier and stronger. A hole forms in the ground which starts radiating enormous amounts of purple light and not long after that a humongous alien appears.

 : Ah, you silly humans... trying to steal from our lands...again...
 : We come in peace! We just need this...Aarghhh!

Before the soldier could finish his sentence his skin turned pale and started dissipating into the air, leaving him unconscious and dead shortly after.

 : I didn't let you speak, foolish mortal. Now die!
 **:** We're very sorry...alien thingy....we were forced to come here!
 : What is that? A female? Oh wait...two female humans? They must be so desperate this time...
 **:** This time? Wait...how many times have there been?
 : Ha-ha-ha. It's the same scenario every time. They tell you that your armors are heavy-tech and will protect you. However, the only good thing about them is they use the reflective receptors to map the surfaces of our land, find out more information. They're doing it even now.
 **:** Shit! Just when I thought I couldn't hate them anymore...
 : You foolish humans will never learn! And now you must die, before you copy and record too much. Each one of you is a recording device for those who sent you. You are nothing more than a sacrifice in a mere attempt of exploration for your clumsy species.
 **:** Who are you? How do you know all that?
 : Ha! Humans are disgusting. They didn't even tell you what to expect. I am Arthrovio, one of the Kings of Erohn!

As soon as he admits he's a King of Erohn, all blasters start shooting at him and Brianna and Tiffany start emptying their quivers at him. After about 10 seconds of shooting, they all stop. The King is pierced from head to...well...toe, for the lack of a better word, as his shape waist down is not the same as us, people.

 **:** Nice job everyone! We smoked this thing!

Suddenly an exact copy of the King appears behind the pierced one, its hand-like lim expands and crushes the pierced body to oblivion and makes it into dust, falling out of his palm

 : Pathetic, mortals. I am but an avatar. The real me is in my chambers, feasting on powers your small brains would never comprehend. You can not hope to hurt me. And now you all die!

 **:** King of Erohn! It is because we didn't know what to expect and what we're getting ourselves into. Let us go and we will never come back.
 : I never thought a human can be this honorable. However, this is the wrong place to be honorable, my dear. I can't let you go. You all will die!

 : Alright, we've seen enough. Mission failed again. Begin closing the portal!
 **:** You digusting son of a bitch!
 : Ha-ha! Thorn, you again! Don't you feel any remorse sending so many of your kind to die?
 : Once we permanently shut down all existing portals between your and our world, we'll be out of your way....King!
 : Any last words you want to say to the soldiers before I make them evaporate into thin air?
 : With every sacrifice we make we get closer to shutting your kingdom out from being ever able to leave the Nether World. This isn't about a few men and women, it's about the well-being of the entire galaxy!
 **:** So why didn't you sacrifice yourself you son of a bitch?!
 : The girl has a perfect point. How are you able to sleep, knowing you've done this, Thorn?
 : This conversation is over!

The radio signal is lost. Back home they begin burying the portal as its fully closed only when it's covered in sand or dust. The small particles block out teleportation abilities.

 : I take no pleasure in doing this.....who am I kidding, I love killing mortals. Who is the most courageous here? Who wants to go first?

Arrows fly from above and pierce the Avatar of Erohn. He is immobile.

 **:** Holy....you brought your storm of arrows?
 **:** You never know. Run back to the portal! We might make it!
 **:** I didn't want to give up without a fight too, sis. Make haste!

Realizing they only have about a minute before the Erohn King recovers or sends another avatar of himself the Rose twins, alongside the remaining soldiers start heading back.
Tiffany shows some Croplilium ore in her hand as it radiates and makes her face shine.

 **:** We'll need this!

## Chapter III: Drifted Apart

 **:** I got the croplilium, sis!
 **:** Just run! Forget this thing!
 **:** It's okay, it weighs as much as flower. This is our ticket out of this hot mess!
 **:** Save your breath! Run!

As the Avatar of Erohn is immobilized by the Aurora Rose's Storm of Arrows, he is channeling to create a new Avatar of himself. Meanwhile he sends a legion of his lesser beings to storm and stop the runners

 : Multiple aliens spotted! Coming our way!

The aliens attack. They far outnumber the remaining humans and start taking them one by one by either hit or miss or catching them in their tracks and tackling them to the ground. It is extremely difficult for the soldiers and the sisters to act on the offense while running back. But they have no choice.

 : Girls, I just want you to know...

Before he could finish the sentence he was levitated in the air by the returning Avatar of the King of Erohn.

 : Ah, females. I underestimated you. I had no idea what human females even look like. You are beautiful, but dangerous creatures aren't you?
 **:** Sis, I can't run and aim!
 **:** Yeah, I can't do 3 things at the same time. Just cover me! I'll cover you.

The King of Erohn releases the levitated soldier, dropping him on a pack of lesser aliens who start to club him to his death.

 : I wouldn't count on your escape, foolish mortals!
 **:** Eat this, trash!

Tiffany sends out her last titanium arrow at him, but this time he catches it mid-air, shows an evil smirk and makes it disappear.

 **:** Oh my god, sis. He evaporated a titanium arrow!
 : That's nothing! For a God!
 **:** Yes, you are a god. You are so good and so strong and we admire your power. You are the future of this universe and your kind....and....and....I'm running out of gibberish to distract you with.
 : WHAT?

The two sisters bought enough time and are only a few meters away from the portal which is closing from the other side, but still open.
A huge vibration is released by the King of Erohn knocking every remaining person alive.

 : You dare make a fool out of me? I have saved the worst dying torment for thousands of years for someone who dares to mock me! And now you'll experience it! You two!
 : What have you done!?

The Avatar of Erohn starts to send out some gravitation-like waves and creates a lesser disturbance in the fabric of space-time. The true form emerges and the real King of Erohn takes the Avatar's place.

 : You are no match for me when fighting my avatars, now let's see what you can do against ME! AND ALL OF ME!

Every remaining soldier starts shooting at him with their blasters. All bullets stop and head back at them, killing every single human, except the two girls.

 : It's just us now. And I promise you, your deaths won't be as swift. I will take my time in disassembling you, piece by piece!

Amethyst Rose uses her own Storm of Arrows to block the King's path, but it only slows him down a mere second as he fluxuates his form through them.
The girls are so close to the portal - only about 3 meters. They grab each other's hands and run, making a leap jump towards it.

 : Not so fast!

The King of Erohn channels a shockwave aimed at their feet, hitting and knocking them to the ground, making Amethyst Rose unconscious for a few seconds.

 : I have to admit, you are the most worthy humans ever sent here. But again, you are no match for...

Aurora Rose is back on her feet and shoots another arrow. The King of Erohn easily intercepts it again.

 : ME! If you couldn't defeat me while in my Avatar vessel, you damn sure don't stand a chance when I'm here in full flesh!
 **:** You'd be surprised!
 : Huh?

The arrow explodes in his lim, separating his lim from his body. This gives time for Aurora to pick her sister and head for the final twenty or so centimeteres from the portal. It's almost closed now. They head for it, but the King of Erohn is furious and creates a gravitational pull to keep them down. Amethyst Rose is standing just by the portal, but is still unconscious. As she regains consciousness she sees her sister throw something at her and pushing her into the portal. Amethyst Rose falls into the portal, while the King tries to bind them down gravitationally.
He's unsuccesful for Brianna, because she's already began transferring her state through the portal, but successfully does so for Aurora Rose!
Amethyst Rose watches in horror as the King of Erohn regrows his limb and looks unforgivingly down onto Aurora Rose as the portal closes for good.
.
..
...
....
.....

 : She's back! She's back! Alert the captain!

Amethyst Rose quickly paces herself, realizing that she's back with the people that sent her and her sister as lab rats. She kicked and tackled the two nearest guards to the ground and before the others could react she fired a blaster arrow at the ceiling of the cave. The cave began to growl and shake and quake from the powerful blast. The **D.A.S.K.** guards and soldiers started running for their lives.

 : Forget her! Don't chase her! She'll be caved in!

Brianna knew if she stays inside she'll be caved in and if she goes outside, the **D.A.S.K.** militia are waiting for her. She took a leap of faith and fired her last remaining titanium arrows at a diagonal shape across the cave walls. She decided to test her luck by trying to climb on the arrows one by one and exiting the cave from up instead of where they all went in from. She took a leap of faith and started climbing, hoping she won't get crushed by the falling rocks, as they began to become bigger and bigger. She found a somewhat stable hiding place under a big rock that was still not moving.
And voilà, she was able to climb through each of the arrows and emerge on top of the mine. As she took a huge shortcut, many **D.A.S.K.** were getting caved in or still too far from the exit, she only had to deal with two soldiers left outside. The problem is, she only had one titanium arrow left and no other arrows. She took a few seconds to position herself in a way that she and the 2 soldiers are making a straight line, shot the arrow and pierced both of them at the same time. She then quickly came downhill, taking some bumps along the way and headed for one of the jeeps.
She knew that was her window of opportunity.

 : She's escaping! Don't let her get away!
 : How in the world is that possible?!

But it's too late. They fire a few rifle shots, but let's not forget the jeep belongs to **D.A.S.K.** themselves so it's well-hardened for a mere few shots.
As Amethyst Rose drives, she is finally able to catch her breath. She begins to cry, knowing that she was able to leave only thanks to, but without her beloved twin. She cries uncontrollably, not knowing what will happen to her sister, whether she'll ever see her again. She acknowledges that what her sister threw at her was the Croplilium they retrieved from the **Nether World** as it radiates through her pocket. She runs a million different scenarios through her head as to what to do, but will need to go somewhere safe and think.

 **:** Sister....please....forgive me!

## Chapter IV: Bright Pink Decree

The same evening, Amethyst Rose is at a hiding place that No one knows about except her and her sister.

 **:** Okay. Good news - we filled out wrong data. They don't know our names or residence. My family is safe. Bad news - everything else. I have retrieved this glowing purple crap, and I have no idea what it does and how to use it against them. They said this has been done before...so there will be another portal. It has to be. It's just a matter of when. Maybe I can dye my hair next time and apply again for the same job. They did say every time was unsuccesful, but they get more and more data with each try. So I'll keep an eye out for **D.A.S.K.** ads. But now, I have to visit an old friend...

She heads to the poorest neighborhood in their town. A former schoolmate of hers was always boring her to death with talks about different dimensions and wormhole portals. Not that she believed him, but thought it makes for a good science fiction story. They haven't talked in years, so she hoped they're still friends.
She is not surprised to find out that her friend is still living in the same place. She rings the bell and could hear some dogs barking inside. After a few seconds, someone was coming with heavy steps at the door. Door open and...

 **:** Thomas!
 : My goodness! Brianna?!
 **:** The one and only. Still letting your grandfather pick your clothes?
 : Nah, not anymore. I'm just...well...broke.
 **:** Well..are you going to keep me out all day? Invite me, we need to talk.
 : You sure you wanna come inside? The best smell inside is that of dog poop.
 **:** Alright, "Dimension Master". I'll let you pick the place.
 : But...
 **:** And, I'll pay the drinks!
 : Oh, okay then, sure.

They head to a pizza place nearby. Brianna is hungry like hell and chowing down hard. Thomas watches in disbelief.

 : Speaking of one and only....where's Tiffany?

Brianna almost chokes and then freezes for a few seconds. She swallows the rest of her food, downs half a litre of water and looks super serious

 **:** I need your help.
 : So, you must be in some deep shit if you come to me for help. What can I do to help?
 **:** I need to ask you about the things you were saying at school.
 : What for...you either made fun of me for these stories or simply doze off.
 **:** Shush! Do you know what this is?

She opens the chest in where she put the croplilium and shows it to Thomas

 : A...concentrated rhinestone mine?
 **:** What?!
 : I don't know...you're a girl...girls like shiny things...let me guess - you want to make a special gift for your sister using this?
 **:** Okay, this will hurt, but I need your full attention

She slaps him hard in the face, makes everyone in the pizzeria look at their table.

 **:** The bastard cheated on me!

She then continues to explain everything about what happened. She tells him everything, as she's desperate and has No one else to trust. She tells him the way she escaped and how she'll never be able to live with herself until she heads back to the Nether World and save her sister, given she's still alive and that glowing diamond-like, purple substance is called Croplilium.

 : WAIT! Did you say Croplilium? Awmygod, so that's what it looks like!
 **:** What do you know about it? What can we do with it to help our cause?
 : Oh, I don't know. But I know the person that told me about it. He's a bit off though...weird...if you get my drift....
 **:** Wow...you calling him a bit off... I can't imagine what he's like. Is he at least trustworthy?
 : Urm...aside from the fact he runs something like a martial arts dojo that's empty every time I pass by there, I can't say I know much about him. But, I mean, you have no choice...
 **:** Alright, whatever. What are we waiting for? Let's go. You must introduce me to him.
 : One request first!
 **:** What's that?
 : Can I finish my pizza? I haven't had a good meal since mom left us.
 **:** Oh, you...

They head to the dojo to meet the supposed sensei, who has been inquiring about this substance. They arrive in twenty-ish minutes at the dojo, and just like Thomas said, it's nearly empty. The dojo owner's daughter is playing outside and Thomas asks if her father is around. She responds positively and runs off to call his father.
In two minutes he arrives with a bewildered look on his face.

 : Thomas, how good to see you. Come here to make it up to me for last time?
 : Errr...I'm afraid I don't remember. What did I break? I'll pay you back, I swear!
 : This would've been a good time for me to lie, but honesty is a horrible habit sometimes. You owe me some cleaning after you brought me the most destructive recruit I've ever encountered. Was a tough one kicking him out of the dojo.
 **:** Thomas has always had a thing for weird friends. Hello, sir. Nice to meet you.
 : My pleasure. What's a beautiful young lady like you doing in this forsaken neighborhood?
 **:** I might have something for you, sir. I will only request information.
 : I'm all ears!
 **:** Can we talk in like...a really, really private place?
 : May I ask why? What's this mysterious meeting we're having here?
 : It's about the goddamn croplilium, now can we go talk inside?

Both Amethyst Rose and the sensei cannot believe that Thomas just dropped the word like that. The sensei felt uneased and he welcomed her in his office.
The talked and she showed him the croplilium she has. Then she wholeheartedly shared the story of how she got it and how her sister is now trapped and she wants to get her back.

 : My dear....I'm so sorry for your loss...your sister is long dead and they've moved on. The Kings of Erohn have no remorse for anything. If given the chance, they won't even care about the other Kings of Erohn. It's what power does to you, no matter what part of the universe you're from.
 **:** Tell me all you know about them. Are they really gods?
 : Depends on the point of view. To me, they're demi-gods at best. They are extremely powerful, but they still have their limitations. Hence why you managed to escape.
 **:** Tell me about the Croplilium. I'll give it all to you, I just need to know if I can use it in any shape or form. **D.A.S.K.** prioritized it over many human lives
 : **D.A.S.K.** started off good, they wanted to protect people. But then they became so successful, the monopoly on everything ruined their good nature. Now they only care about the billions, not the thousands or hundred-thousands, much less a handful of people. I don't think you can use Croplilium in any shape or form to enhance your weaponry...
 **:** Then why did you need it?
 : It makes for great jewelry! My wife loves it!
 **:** Jewelry? Are you shitting me? Is that croplilium's best usage?
 : Haaaaa! One point for Thomas!
 **:** This is awful. So this is just like a super-strong diamond. I thought it holds the key to bringing back my sister.
 : I'm so sorry...
 **:** Thomas, I want you to calculate when and where will be the next portal opening. Also I need you to keep track of every job offer [[]] have.
 : But I will...
 **:** Need a virtual login. I got it. I'll pay for it. Just keep me updated. Always contact on secure lines.
 : Can you throw in some food money too...you know...just in case I don't starve, and trust me I'm headed this way.
 **:** Contact me at all times. Goodbye, sensei. Thanks for the tea.

Brianna says goodbye to the sensei, her eyes deeply buried in the floor, sad that she can't rely on any new material to aid her in her battle, if she manages to get by the portal anyway. She is depressed by how sad her difficult the road is, but is determined that even if there's the slightest chance that her sister is still alive, she'll do anything.

 : Listen...I hate to see you go like that...what if I told you that there is a way for you to become better and stronger. You're all alone now. Your sister is not here. You need help. I can help you!
 **:** How? Your dojo seems abandoned. And I'm already at my prime with archery. There's not much to improve on it. Only my sister can defeat me in archery.
 : If you're headed against demigods, you need to abandon your senses. You must forget what you know and expand your mind to new possibilities and beginnings!
 **:** I refuse to leave my roots. It's what got me so far in life.
 : Alright. Shoot me!
 **:** What? I don't have any arrows that won't kill you, I'm sorry. No way I'm doing this.

It took a lot of convincing and taunting Brianna to shoot, but eventually he got her to shoot an apple on his head. It was a perfect hit on the apple, without her even looking. The sensei said he's impressed and made her do it again. This time however, he raised his hand and manipulated the arrow with telekinetic powers. Not as instant as had the King of Erohn back in the Nether World, but in a similar, more soft, more elegant fashion.

 **:** How is this possible...I know we've come a long way since superhero novels and stuff, but....
 : Imagine if I can do this...what a demigod...or even worse - a god can do to you. You need help!
 **:** No way, I don't have the time.......Wait.......Hold on....I just received a message for Thomas that by his calculations, there most likely won't be a portal open for 21 months...that's 2 years...Oh no...
 : Don't lose hope. The moment you stepped out of that portal, 1 second or 10 years won't change anything. She's either dead or not and you need to make sure. Become my student. I will teach you what I know about telekinesis. You know it's the only way.
 **:** But this place is like abandoned....Thomas said he rarely sees you having students train here.
 : That's what I want people to think. The first floor training area is just an old one, not the only one. Let me show you the real training room.

The sensei takes Brianna into a secret stairway that leads to the basement. She immediately sees about 5 students, training quietly - lifting small to medium size objects and moving them around. She wows quietly.

 **:** This is incredible...I had no idea...
 : For the next 2 years, I will teach you everything I know and even try to go beyond. You deserve to be at peace and I know you won't have it until you head there, even if the outcome is fatal.
 **:** I pledge myself to your teachings, Sensei. Show me the ways of telekinesis so I may fight for my sister and for all of humanity.

They begin Brianna's training. The first few weeks she's in the beginners class, trying to lift and move objects like forks and spoons. Telekinesis requires a perfect focus and a pure, thought free mindset. She experiences difficulties, but her determination for her sister's sake. Over the next couple of months she'll do this daily. She misses archery training and she knows she's gotten worse at it, due to inactivity. The Sensei tries to convince her to let go of archery.

 : Imagine your skillset as a number from zero to a hundred - zero being minimum, hundred being maximum. If you're at ninety-five, it is not much of a difference to go for a hundred. You already have more than what you'll need and those remaining 5 points will only apply for 5% of cases. Aren't you happy with 95%? You want to expend so much energy in just this little part, instead of focusing on something new where you can get 50% easily from start

She hears the wisdom in his words, but doesn't let go easily. Brianna arranges a small condo for Thomas, so he can have a normal, healthy life, while he's eavesdropping on **D.A.S.K.** for any information. So far, nothing.
5 months later after starting her training, Brianna could move objects with her thought, no heavier than a litre of water.

 **:** Titanium arrows weigh as much. If i'm unable to lift or manipulate a killer arrow, then what good is this training?
 : Do not get discouraged! You're almost there.

One year has passed. Brianna doesn't want to admit it, but she starts losing hope. She doesn't feel her improving rate will match the next portal opening.
During a training session where the Sensei is throwing darts at her from above and she's deflecting them, something came up to her.
She snapped and all darts-es bounced around the floor around her.

 : Impressive! What did you do?
 **:** I shed a tear....I remembered a very sweet moment with my sister and my family at a mountain camp, when we were growing up. *It was Christmas and the adults got drunk and knocked the christmas tree that we had spent all night decorating. I cried so much, but Tiffany just held me to comfort me. When I finally went to sleep, she had begun redecorating. Since it was only one of her, it took her a lot more. When I woke up, she had passed out, tired near me. And the tree was there, shiny, perfect. Made with love.*I love her so much, sensei. I have to bring her back!
 : I'm never the pessimist, but the odds are heavily stacked against you, child. It would bring you even more horror if you went there to find out she's...forgive me...done for.
 **:** Whatever it takes. I'm doing it all for her.
 : Now, do you want to give your newfound abilities a go? .
 **:** What? It was like a little unconscious perk, not something I planned on. I don't think I have gained any new powers.
 : Let's put that theory to the test then!
 **:** Wait, what are you d...

Before she could finish her sentence her sensei started throwing darts at her at a rapid rate. She not only stopped each of them, but held them up in the air, like frozen in time.

 : Now, what are you going to do with them?

She sent every single dart to hit 2 chairs and force them towards the sensei and herself. Within a few seconds both of the chairs were positioned for them to sit on. She then sent each of the dart at the dart board, more than 30 feet away, all hitting the bullseye one after the other.

 : See? This is what I wanted you to realize. You don't need to rely on archery. When you perfect your new powers, every object around you can be your arrow. And you don't need to draw a string, you can do it with your mind.

Amethyst Rose couldn't believe what had just happened. Over the next couple of months she would become even stronger and develop her telekinesis and even start lifting her sensei in the air.

 : I've never seen a determination as big as your. It's time for the next step.
 **:** What next step?
 : Come with me!

She follows him to a dusty closet, where he lurks for a few seconds and emerges, holding an old lockbox.

 : I've lost the key for this. And the lock is rusty enough for a key anyway. Do you mind?

Brianna strikes the lockbox with her eyes and begins to work on disassemblign the lock. Her psionic powers make the lock scramble like a watch's clockwork just slammed hard in the ground. It's unlocked. The sensei reaches in and gets two very interesting metal sticks that look like handles.

 : These are your new weapons!
 **:** My new weapons? No, no, I'll be fine.
 : Being adept at telekinesic manipulation is a good thing. But you will need new weapons.
 **:** That was not the deal, sensei! I've trained all my life in archery. While I let it sit on the back burner as I follow your training, I cannot so easily switch to something new. Besides, what are these!?
 : See for yourself!

He hands her the handles. She is angry and confused, to say the least.

 **:** They look like a hilt. But what good is a hilt without the blade. Hello?
 : Use your power! Make the blade yourself!
 **:** What?!? You ask for the impossible...

Brianna, pissed, angry, confused and many more negative emotions running through her head leaves the weird looking handles on the desk and heads home to rest. She takes a few days off to cool off.

 **:** Sometimes I love him, sometimes I hate him. I don't understand the Sensei. I have little to no hope at being better at another form of weaponry, other than archery. Now, you know I'm good at it.
 : Perhaps he thinks you can expand your horizons, dear. Would it hurt to try?
 **:** I...guess...not...

The very next day, back at the dojo:

 **:** I'm sorry I skipped this week's training. I was just confused. Why would you want me to adapt to new weapons when more than half of our waiting time has passed?! Anyway...I've decided to give it a go. But you have to elaborate on the "create the blade yourself" part.
 : With your psionic powers, you project waves through the fabric of space time. It's felt in other dimensions too. Now think.

The Sensei hands her the handles again:

 : Think! Make the blade!

She goes into very serious, deep meditation and tries to use her telekinetis to influence the sword. After a minute of trying, she's only able to lift the hilt and make it rotate around the air, like a pen in zero gravity.

 **:** I can't do it. I don't know what's required of me. Guide me.
 : You're not required to do it. What do you want? Think!
 **:** I want this goddamn useless, vintage stick to become useful and my new weapon. But so far it's only good to fill a garbage can.
 : You're so angry and rushing it that you will hurt yourself in the end. Try to be at peace with your mind, find your deepest serenity. That will give you the focus you need. Not the angry stance you favor so much.
 **:** Well forgive me for not feeling serene, when my twin sister is god knows where, probably dead already.
 : Are you not listening to my words? Close your eyes! And THINK!

She closes her eyes. She tries to clear her head from all the negative stuff, thoughts and scenarios she's been thinking about. She imagines the handle. She cannot make a blade out of nothing, that will violate everything we know about the universe. But her psionic power allows her to twist and bend and gravitionally influence the object. She focuses all her power onto the tip of the handle, twisting it as hard as she can. Soon enough, a small spark appears, rumbling and bubbling like light around a black hole horizon. It spins and spins until it lights up the room. Everything is so bright. She then stumbles to see her holding the hilt and it now has a blade. But it's no ordinary blade. It's a blade from extremely condensed light, like a laser. It has to be about 50 centimeters long. Radiating strongly, it looks like a cross between a flaming sword and a light saber. As the light dims from it, the edges of the sword show a unique pink tint, resembling her hair color.

 : See? It doesn't matter how big the object is. What matters is how big you can think.
 **:** I...I...I had no idea....

Brianna moves the other handle and lights it instantly. She holds both blades, looks at them for a few seconds, then just by thought extinguishes the flame from them. Ashamed to be recognized for doing it, but she she smiles at her Sensei.

 : You need to begin training with your new weapons - the telekinetic blades. You will need to strike fast and fierce to overcome the swarm aliens you plan on invading. Mostly in melee range. And a bow and arrow do not give you that benefit, no matter how good you are at it. While you're always welcome here, there's really nothing more I can teach you. You are on your own from now on.
 **:** But...what if....I have questions...
 : That's everyone's problem, my dear.
 **:** Sensei...final question!
 : Go ahead.
 **:** Do I really need to forget about the bow and arrow?
 : A talent so good is not so easily forgotten. But it is the past. And what you have here is your future. You may need it again...someday.

She walks out of the dojo, astonished but also saddened. On the next day she heads to Thomas's new hideout.

 : Woah, what are you doing here?!
 **:** I need at least 50 kilograms of titanium.
 : Woah, back to making titanium arrows?
 **:** Don't woah at me. I'm not in the mood. And no, I've left archery in the back burner. Need to test my new weapons.
 : What weapons are these?

In less than a second she telekinetically draws both her hilts into her hands and activates the telekinetic blades.

 : DAAAAAAAMN!
 **:** I need the titanium by tomorrow. 50 kg. My home address. Can't bring titanium into this shitty district, too suspicious.
 : Done, deal, babe.
 **:** Did you just call me....babe...?!
 : Ugh...sorry. Watched a lot of movies yesterday.
 **:** Uh-huh!
 : Hey, before you go. There's something you need to check.

Thomas reveals that **D.A.S.K.** show a lot of investments the past few days into reflective armoring with hologram projections and surface detectors.

 **:** So the bastards are getting ready...well so am I.
 : You've got 2 months....
 **:** ...7 days and 16 hours...exactly...
 : Damn. I'm supposed to be the weird maths guy around here.
 **:** That date and number are sticked to my head like the bubble gum on your elbow.
 : Aw, shit, not again....
 **:** See you soon, Tommy.

Brianna takes the train for her home mansion. Until then she was always pretending to be her sister on the mobile phone talking to her parents, but now she's heading there...alone. Her father is too busy to care if she's telling the truth anyway.
The next day the titanium arrives. Upon delivery, she is asked to sign as to why she is ordering such a big chunk of titanium and she simply replies that it's for educational purposes, knowing that **D.A.S.K.** keep track of every titanium transaction bigger than a kilogram as it's very dangerous in the wrong hands.
She starts to take it apart and try the powers of her new blades. She had already tried piercing wooden and other metal material but is surprised that when she pierces through titanium it's stuck, but slowly it begins to melt it, like butter - slowly and overtime.
She finally realizes that those blades are indeed powerful enough and are a suitable replacement for everything she has learned in archery so far. When she's finished with her surface piercing testing and experimentation, she had wasted a 4/5 of the titanium. And in one night, out of boredom and being unable to sleep she grabs the final fifth of titanium and makes as much titanium arrows as she can, just for good old time's sake. Her father calls her in:

 : Brianna, again that titanium? Why did you order so much? There's no war coming, we're the most peaceful state in this quadrant of the galaxy. Perhaps I've spoiled you girls too much.
 **:** Sorry father, it's just something we had to do.
 : No need to apologize. I have limited your account. Stop with your archery bullshit and come work for me, there's always a room for you.
 **:** I'm sure I speak for both of us that we want our own lives and our own dreams, father. We do not want your job, as rewarding as it may be.
 : Fine. I'll be waiting for you to crawl to me within a few months when I've limited your bank accounts to only get enough for food. I'm also removing the housekeepers.
 **:** Stop it, dad. They're good people and you give them crums anyway.
 : We'll see. I want you and Tiffany to visit me, no later than 3 months.
 **:** Ummm...yeah...we'll be there.

Brianna knows she might not deliver on these words after she hangs up....she turns back and spots the last titanium arrows she made, just getting ready in the arrow machine. She swears these arrows will help her, picks them up and loads them in her quiver.
1 month passes just like that in which she has no contact with anyone, but Thomas. The supposed portal opening is merely 7 days away.

 : Listen love, we have a problem.
 **:** What is it?
 : They're already hiring. They say that the supposed launch date is in 8 days.
 **:** Shit. Weren't we supposed to have 7?
 : Well it's very hard to predict that thing, but I think I narrowed it down pretty good. You think you'll be cool?
 **:** Wait, that's good news.
 : I don't think so, Brie. I mean, the have multiple people, WITH DEGREES and experts in this. We should follow their movement.
 **:** Yes, the plan was to go with or after them. And now I can go before them, finish the job and come back.
 : You'll be dead before they let you pinpoint the location.
 **:** Give me all the coordinates that are eligible candidates for the portal opening.
 : What are you going to do?
 **:** Just track me, and you'll see. Now take this car registration number and give me its most frequent locaitons.

The very next day, we see a gentleman in nice suit and briefcase is walking slowly towards a black car. The gentleman enters and yells:

 : To the enriching facility.

No response. He turns down the window only to find out his driver dead. Just before he's about to hit the red button that every **D.A.S.K.** high-level member has, something beneath him breaks and he's taken down and knocked. It's Brianna!

 : Well look who it is. You're smart, girl. So, are you going to kill me, now?
 **:** You wish you'd get away that easy.
 : What do you want from me?
 **:** I want the location of the next portal opening.
 : Ha! The day you prefer to fight close combat instead of ranged will be the day I reveal such a secret.
 **:** Well it's my lucky day then.

She reveals her telekinetic blades, lights them up, and forms an X-shaped cross between them around his neck. She demands he tells her the location that **D.A.S.K.**is preparing for.

 : What do you want to do with that portal anyway? I was the one to convince them to stop looking for you. I told them that you were horrified and would never want to do anything with it again.
 **:** The other girl trapped in there...is my sister!
 : Was your sister. She's long dead. It's been 2 years. You're so petty if you think you have a chance to go bring her back. No one has ever returned from the Nether World, except you. Everyone was sent on a mission to die. Used as lab rats. It's the cold-hard truth. I don't like it too, but it's how it works.
 **:** You're with me or against me, Jacob. Do you want to be with people who send others as sacrifices just to head some sufficient data, or with the only person to escape the Nether World and a King of Erohn?!
 : Alright...I'm listening...

She unveils the plan and knocks him unconscious, just to be sure. Jacob wakes up in Thomas's hideout, being tied to a wall.

 : You fools! **D.A.S.K.** will find you like that.
 : Erm, no they don't.
 : The only way you get in there and escape again is if you bring us the croplilium.
 **:** You mean this?

She shows the croplilium and throws it on the ground

 **:** Already checked it out. It's worthless for anything, but jewelry.
 : Awshit...that stings...They lied to me too about this...
 **:** Speaking of stinging...does your leg sting?
 : Why...Wait...as a matter of fact...why is my leg numb...I can't feel my leg. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME, YOU WITCH?!
 **:** Just sliced through the part in your ankle in which you get your chip implant. I know **D.A.S.K.'**s dirty games. What do you think I've been doing these past 2 years?
 : I don't know? Making scrambled eggs with your cooking blades. Ha-ha!
 **:** I wouldn't be joking and laughing if I were you.
 : Actually, that's me. I felt sorry for the guy so I gave him some painkillers. Perhaps I gave him too much.
 : Ha-ha! It's so funny, my leg is pierced and I can't feel it. Ahahaha.
 **:** Oh god....
 : Wanna hear a joke? A toothless termite walked into a pub and asks: Is the bar tender here? Ha-ha-ha!
 **:** Funny. Now, where is the portal opening?
 : Ha! I will never tell you. Haha! I will never tell you that it's exactly below the new **D.A.S.K.** ore enriching center.
 : You're welcome!
 **:** Pinpoint the location for me, I'll go get ready.
 : What good is it if you head there even now? It's not opening until they get there with the opening device.
 **:** Don't forget they'll send a smaller group first..
 : Ha-ha! They're tightening the security this time due to last time.
 **:** When this is all over, I'm gonna supply you with a lot more of these painkillers, Thomas.

Brianna has to head home again to pick up even more stuff as she won't be infiltrating an abandoned mine, but a highly guarded facility. She picks up a framed picture from the wall:

 **:** Is that what I think it is?
 : Yep. Homing Hollow Arrow. One of a kind. My most prized possession.
 **:** I wonder how you haven't cashed it in. They're a vintage relic, can be sold for thousands of credits.
 : Well actually, I bought it long time ago for your sister...I liked her you know...in school...but she was always dating someone else and I didn't have the courage to approach her. The reason I helped you is...well I wanted to...but I also want to see her again too.
 **:** I'm taking it. I got an idea.
 : No,nonoono....

Too late. The glass frame is shattered and Brianna walks off with the hollow-point arrow.
The next day, she's fully equipped for a fight, spots 2 armbands on her hand. One is her hair color and the other is her sister's hair color.

 : Don't dramatize more than it already has been, Bri.
 **:** You think?
 : Anyway...we got bad news...they're already looking for mister hotshot here.
 : At least tie me to a chair or sofa for goodness's sake.
 **:** Sorry, pal. That's still a much better accomodation than the one you offered me.
 : You're a fool if you think you can go unnoticed. You'll enter 2 doors maximum with my login card, before they notice and chase you. Why do you even still keep me alive? What do you need me for?
 **:** Unlike you, I don't like to watch people die. I would only kill when necessary.
 : Plus, we might need your eyeball.
 : WHAT?!
 **:** Oh yeah, forgot to mention. If I encounter high-security portals, THomas needs to submit your eyeball details to me. It will hurt, as I'm sure you know.
 : You said you don't like to watch people die?!?
 **:** I don't. And I won't be here.
 : Okay, okay. You made your point. Hold the blue and red buttons together when you encounter portalized security. It will automatically open everything for you. No one will notice except higher levels than me, but they're too busy to notice. By the time they notice it was my login details, the portal would've closed already.
 **:** How much time do we have this time?
 : I honestly don't know....The Site captain is informed before they convoy arrives.
 **:** Is it the same captain?
 : Yes...
 **:** Good. I have a score to settle with him.

Amethyst Rose is now fully ready. She uses a taxi to get near the enriching facility to be less suspicious. Dressed as a food delivery person, she stuffs all the ammo she brings inside what looks like stacked pizza boxes. She approaches the back exit and uses Jacob's device to turn off the recording cameras.

 : Yes, miss?
 **:** Pizza for you, dear sir. Homemade. You order, remember?
 : I didn't order. Let me check who's it for. Wait here.
 **:** No, no, sir. You see, my grandma's homemade pizza is bestest in this city, you know? So lot of people order from she, every dey, you know? I need hurry deliver moar, so can I give you and go home? Its already paid for, you know, you know.
 : Um, okay???
 **:** Try one. Big guy like you, you must bi very hungry. Try, try. You get 1 free for such order so big, so big.
 : Sure, my pleasure.

He opens and sees a bunch of weapons and arrows inside. For the 1 second he uses to react she knocked him down unconscious.

 **:** That's my pizza, bitch!

Brianna enters unnoticed, turning every camera off. She quickly finds the room where the portal is being closed. She stumbles on 2 guards and kills them with her blades. She's now in the main reactor room probably a minute away from being discovered and tracked down. She plants explosives every few meters and proceeds to the power generator and slices through the power cords, plunging the entire place in darkness, only to activate the emergency lights. The thing lighting up the scene are her bright telekinetic blades. She senses strong vibrations from downstairs and she takes them. And yes, the portal is there, and it's just about to open, but the captain, commander and more than 30 **D.A.S.K.** troops are there and they notice us.

 : We meet again, girlie. I knew we would! I knew you had unfinished business here. We will not harm you. Come and let's talk. Put our past behind us.
 **:** My past cannot be so easily forgotten.

She uses her bow to hit the portal opening.

 : You, bitch! You will shorten the life cycle of the portal. Our men will not have arrived yet! Get her! She will be our first test subject this time around!
 **:** Let's play!

Amethyst Rose starts running back and almost every soldier starts chasing her. As the main hall is still plunged in darkness, the soldiers and most of them encounter the planted explosives.

 : She has boobytrapped the place, sir! We can't see her!
 : When you do see her, head for her. She will not be surrounding herself with her own explosives. Engage in melee, she is weak in melee. She is only an archer. Look above you, not around you.

They've definitely done their homework from their first encounter, but they don't know of Amethyst Rose's new powers and weaponry.

 : I found her stash of items, sir. She doesn't have anything here, just a few rocks.
 : Rocks? What rocks?
 : Let me see. Cover me, soldier!
 : Aye!

The soldier uses the scope light to identify the rock.

 : It's an old gunpowder sir. But it's so much powerful than those explosives. Also she's not able to carry such a heavy artillery required to light that substance.

That's true. The size of any device able to fire that rock requires big energy and big size, not anything Brianna can hold and manipulate herself. But....
Her, hidden in a corner uses her psionic powers to manipulate the two rocks of gunpowder. They start twisting and rotating. The soldier doesn't let go and alerts the others, but starts rotating with the rocks he's holding until he's thrown into the wall. Everyone tries to evacuate, but only a few seconds later the main hall explodes as the two gunpowder rocks collide with the ferocity of two planes colliding. Everyone is either dead or unconscious. There is only one soldier and the captain ready, as they were furthest from the explosion.

 : Blaster ready!
 : She used everything. She has nothing more. She's an easy target. Wait for her. She'll come to us.

As soon as the captain is finished with his sentence, a bright light pierces the last remaining soldier to his death. Brianna had thrown her blade at him. She then pulls the blade from his body back to her hand and starts approaching the captain in a deadly serious manner.

 : I'm impressed, missy! But you're still done for! - he said, pulling the trigger.

## Chapter V: Form of a King

The captain shoots a blaster charge at her. The blaster sends out hundreds of little particles at high speeds that even if some penetrate, it's still deadly damage.
To the captain's upmost surprise, Brianna waves her hand in a spiral fashion and manipulates these particles around like dust inside a sand inside an hourglass. She lets all but one go and as the captain watches in disbelief she sends out the one little particle through his hand that pulled the trigger. He cries in pain.

 : Let's talk about this...I'm not your enemy...
 **:** No, you're not my enemy. Right now, you are either my ally or my latest victim. I'll let you choose.
 : Ally, ally!
 **:** Alright. You'll come with me now. Inside the portal. You'll lead.
 : You escaped once. It was a miracle. You won't do it twice, regardless what witchcraft have you obtained.
 **:** Dead or alive - you will enter that portal with me. I'll let you choose.
 : Either way I'm dead in the end.
 **:** I guarantee you, I will put a hurt on any alien that comes our way when we enter that they'll pull out a red carpet for us. All I need from you is to cover me.

She kicks the captain inside the portal and she enters right after him. After a brief adjusting period, they're in the Nether World again. The place they land in is different, but completely familiar to Brianna.From the start they get approached by a swarm of aliens who are prepared and force them to surrender.

 : yOU gOT a lOT oF nERVE cOMING hERE hUMANS.
 : !#%%&\*(!#7%%&\*(##!#%%&\*#(2##
 : oH tHIS iS tHE fEMALE? aLERT hIS mAJESTY aRTHROVIO

The aliens recognize Brianna fast enough and summon Arthrovio, the King of Erohn. His avatar projection arrives in just a minute.

 : So, you came back. I knew you would.
 **:** Where is my sister? Bring her to me and I'll be out of your way.
 : Ha-ha-ha! Your sister is long dead. I sliced her throat the moment that portal closed.

Brianna's heart froze over. All her hopes were crushed by just a sentence.

 **:** I...waited so long...for this moment...just in a small hope to see her again...And now...I don't care about anything.
 : You still have to answer for your crimes here, mortal. But, you are also the only one who could escape from my wrath. So I will promise you a swift, painless death.
 **:** I will surrender to your will, your Majesty!
 : Hummm. Perhaps we can use you here...you are so....
 **:** NOW!

The captain starts shooting the blaster everywhere he can. Amethyst Rose uses her psionic powers to separate the particles from the blaster shots and send them everywhere around. She destroys every alien around including the Avatar of Erohn. The henchmen aliens dissipate into nothingness, while the Avatar says it's not over.

 : Nicely done. Let's head back to the portal.
 **:** Why? Let's kill the real bastard! Then we will head back and you will testify for me and we will shut down **D.A.S.K.'**s illegal operations.
 : Testify against **D.A.S.K.**? I prefer to get a flat here.
 **:** Just when I start thinking you can be useful...
 : Look...your sister is dead. He said it. We have no more business here.
 **:** I need to see the body before I believe it. And even then I'll want to take the body back home.
 : Look, I can't believe I'm saying this, but you're a good person...I've seen many people die here. I don't want you to die here.
 **:** No, you just don't want to die here. We're not done here.

As they talk, Arthrovio's Avatar projections come

 : Thank you for waiting for my arrival.
 : And me!
 : Me three!
 : And now you die!
 **:** NOW!

The captain sends out a blaster shot again and Amethyst Rose uses her psionic powers again to separate the particles from the blaster shots and send them everywhere around. The Avatars are prepared this time and they dissipate into thin air, becoming invisible.

 : Only a fool would fall for that twice!
 : We're done for
 **:** Coward! Come with your real self. Why send these illusions to fight for you? Are you a king or a coward?
 : You dare challenge me to a straight-up battle? Mwahahaha. I accept.

The Avatars appear but become stationary. The real King of Erohn appears in the blackness of the landscape.

 : You first!

The captain shoots his last blaster charge and she lets go of everything, closes her eyes and imagines the blaster charge particles and takes control of each one sending them in a massive attack, one by one, following each other by microseconds. They approach the King who stops them with the same brute force they were coming at him. He uses the same gravitational pull to knock down the two sisters and prevent them from escaping the first time.

 : My turn!

He sends back the blaster charges with incredible ferocity. Amethyst Rose tries to maintain and stop it, but is unsuccessful. She only manages to stop and knock off a few particles, enough of them pass right through the captain.

 : Woops! Looks like it's 1 on 1 now.
 **:** At least you're not a coward. Come on, take me with your psionic powers, I'm obviously no match for you.
 : What? You're trying to trick me. Grab your bow and arrow and fight, girl! I want a challenge.
 **:** No! You won. Here...

Brianna unhinges her bow and quiver and surrenders by raising her arms high up where he can see them.

 : Mwahahaha. It's done! You were a worthy opponent, but in the end everyone bows down to the Kings of Erohn.

Arthrovio uses his levitation powers to lift Brianna and send her to him, where he intends to deliver the killing blow. He's pulling her towards himself in an ever-increasing accelerating rate.
In the last instant before she is delivered to him she lights up her telekinetic blades in her signature X-shaped fashion and positions herself in a way to behead him.

 **:** GOODBYE!
 : WAIT!...If you care about your sister's life, you will drop these and surrender to me.
 **:** WHAT?!
 : Yes! She's alive. Of course I keep her alive. I need a...what do you earthlings call it....insurance policy. Lower your weapons.

She thinks for a bit, scratches his neck a little with one of the telekinetic blades in which he lets a thunderous roar.

 **:** Let me offer you a deal. You will take me to my sister. I want to take her back to my world, and we'll leave you for good to rule your ....land...as you wish. You try something crazy and this blade will go all the way through your neck, I promise.
 : Fine, human. You win.

Arthrovio teleports himself and Amethyst Rose to his castle. As they walk through the extremely dark, spooky and mysterious place she interrogates him:

 **:** How was she treated the entire time?
 : She was a slave. We made her clean everything.
 **:** Did you give her food?
 : Enough to live
 **:** You monster! You call yourself a god, but you can't even provide for those who you take in as your slave...who the hell bows to a god like you?
 : Everyone, who wishes to live
 **:** So you feast your immortality, by putting fear into your inferiors? Who would ever accept that form of god...
 : While I thouroughly enjoy this conversation, we have arrived. Your sister is here, behind this gate.
 **:** Open it!

He influences the gate to open and there lies a half-dead Aurora. Brianna cannot believe her eyes. She runs to her , presses her against her chest and shoulders and slaps her cheek gently to wake her up.

 **:** Sis! Sis! Can you hear me?
 **:** Bri?! - she utters subconsciously
 **:** I'm here for you, sis. I'm here for you.
 : I love family reunions. Now, for the fun part.

The King of Erohn creates an aura in his hand that deviates fire, sparks, gas and some odd particles.

 : You got your wish. You saw your sister one last time. But you forget something. I am immortal. I cannot die, unless you take my head off. Now why would I give you that information? Because there's no way you win. In a few seconds this dark energy ball I'm channeling in my hand now will obliterate every living and non-living thing within a nethersyn distance. When it's all set and done, I'll still be here, ruler of the land, but you will be nothing but char and dust. So, say your final goodbyes, kiss or hug or whatever you want to do. It's over!
 : Not so fast!

The captain uses Brianna's bow to fire an explosive arrow at the hand of the god, and not expecting it, he catches flames. This is the chance they get and the Rose twins start running.

 : Ugh! Merely a minor setback.
 **:** Sister! Get the bow!
 : Here you go

As he hands her the bow the King of Erohn teleports right behind him and with a fierce grip grabs him by the head and squeezes it with the force of a hydrauilic press. In his dying breath he screams for forgiveness to Brianna.

 : Now then, where were we?
 **:** You were losing!

Amethyst Rose charges towards him with her telekinetic blades, but Arthrovio dodges all the hits. Suddenly another explosive arrow hits him in the back and as he extinguishes the fire, he gets even angrier. He pushes Brianna back and down the stairway and he starts channeling his powers in Tiffany's way.
Within seconds all explosive arrows explode on their own.

 : There. You won't be annoying me anymore. This is between me and your sister. Why don't you go clean my chambers as you did every day for the past 2 years?

Amethyst Rose charges again but is stopped in her tracks as he pulls her in his gravitational tract. She is immobilized. He focuses on one of the telekinetic blades which is still active and starts controlling the light coming out of it. First the tint changes from hot pink to dark purple as if its his own and then he starts manipulating the brute force of the flame. It starts to bulge, twist and angle towards Brianna's body. Doesn't take too long before it comes to close contact with her skin around her shoulder.

 : You can't do that, can you?

She winks! A titanium arrow pierces the head of King. Brianna is now let go of his control and jumps. Both reach out for the blade. The King gets it. He knocks Brianna to the ground with another strong shockwave. He then retrieves the other blade and lights it as well. He's now holding both blades against Brianna, who is knocked on the floor, weaponless. To make matters worse he caves in Aurora Rose by crumbling the entire gate and wall before her. The ceiling is too high.

 : Time to meet your maker, mortal. You were never a match for me.

Brianna screams:

 **:** Storm of Arrows! Now!
 **:** We only have titanium arrows.
 **:** Just do it!

Aurora Rose can't see, but she starts shooting titanium arrows in the air at the ceiling. Amethyst Rose then uses her telekinetic powers to force all those arrows towards Arthrovio. He dodges and deflects a few, but they're too much and they start pinning him to the floor. He's stuck to it, but still alive.

 : I am a god you mortal fools. You can only slow me down!

Amethyst Rose draws her blades which return to her own tint. As he's still pinned down by the extra-strong titanium arrows, she kneels before him and whispers:

 **:** You can never suffer enough for the pain you've brought and the lives you ruined. But thank you...it is to you I owe my new powers, with which I am able to destroy a God.

She positioned her blades around his neck and sliced his head off.

 **:** Well, a puny one.

Tiffany finally climbs down from her caved position and runs towards her sister. They hug each other so hard it nearly squeezed their breaths away.

 **:** I will take my own life away, before I let any harm come to you again, sister!
 **:** The only reason I'm alive is beacuse I knew you would come for me. I would've done the same. Thank you, sister! Thank you, so much!
 **:** Will you ever forgive me for dragging you into this hot mess?
 **:** There's nothing to forgive. Ride together!
 **:** No breaks! Let's head home, there's so much to talk about.

The portal is close to closing as the blast at it accelerated its spin and is now closing even before the recruits arrive. They enter the portal, only to find out Jacob there with an army.

 : You might wanna check your radio!
 **:** You!

Amethyst Rose turns on the radio.

 : Bri! It's Jacob!..Sorr...Arghhhhhhhhhh!

She realizes Jacob somehow escaped and killed Thomas as he tried to warn them.

 **:** I should've killed you when I had the chance.
 : Yes, you should've. Now you're mine. Surrender your blades.

Being surrrounded, she surrenders the blades.

 : Let's see how does it feel to die by your own weapons.
 **:** Ha! Try it! They won't light for you.
 : I beg to differ.

Jacob puts out a device that serves as an energy modulator and starts pointing its signal towards the hilt opening where the blade is supposed to start. Only a few seconds later the blade lights, same color and shape as Brianna's.

 **:** Oh my...but how...
 : Science! Well, evil science! Are you ready to meet your maker?
 **:** Ha-ha!
 : You're about to die. And your sister is next. May I ask what's so funny?!
 **:** The last being who said these words lost his head. And he was a god.
 : So you killed the King of Erohn...I'm impressed. You could've been useful to us if you didn't know so much and cause all this trouble. I'm sorry, you are too dangerous to be kept alive. Goodbye!
 **:** Noooo!

He swings both blades but she uses her telekinetic powers to do what Arthrovio did to her - twisting the blade direction towards his enemy. The blade quickly went from straight line to C shape and then U-shape. In the process, it lightly cut Amethyst Rose around her right eye area. But it did a lot more on its way back, piercing Jacob in 2 places, looking like he killed himself.
The troops, seeing this all looked at each other in disbelief. Some even started running back and throwing their weapons along the way.

The 30-ish of them stayed and dared to shoot were in for a treat. Amethyst Rose snapped their weapons in half and disassembled them into all composing parts. She then picked up her bow, placed it in Aurora Rose's hands, and took a very special kind of arrow.

 **:** Is that?
 **:** Yep. Homing hollow-point arrow. One of a kind. Now, gentlemen. To those of you who don't know. This arrow, when shot will separate into many pieces and find any living, breathing targets it can. My sister will shoot at you and we'll see what happens.

The soldiers and recruits start shaking and saying their goodbyes

 **:** Three...two....one!

Aurora Rose fires the arrow with ferocity...
it separates......
the pieces starts looking for its targets...
each piece accelerates faster than the soldiers can recognize, but the Rose twins feel every milisecond passing...
Suddenly they explode just before they hit them, revealing sparkly fireworks and colorful confetti.

 : What...we don't understand!?
 **:** We are not you. We are not killers. We are not bad. We are actually pretty damn good.
 **:** Now, if you please excuse us.

They walk by the troops who don't dare lay a finger on them. They exit the building. Brianna's Sensei is waiting with a car and takes them to his place.

 **:** See I told you the homing hollow arrow isn't that bad.
 **:** Listen, dad wants to see you and I need to arrange the funeral for Thomas. Without his help I never would've reached you.
 **:** I'll be there. He was a good friend to me too. Just one question. Who's gonna keep you out of trouble, while you're away?
 **:** Who's gonna get you into it?

They embrace in the most heart-warming way possible to end the very first issue of **T1W**.

Thank you for reading!

## Epilogue

 Since reuniting Aurora Rose quickly picks up where she left off on archery like she didn't miss a day, improving even more than before.
 Amethyst Rose focuses on her improving her melee combat, as she believes the archery is a thing of the past for her, but still occasionally practices with her sister. She makes matching armbands for both of them. While they look normal enough, they're infused with Amethyst Rose's newly found psionic energies and the armbands will warn one of them if the other is in trouble.
They sell the croplilium, which is priceless to jewelers and they reward them with more credits they could ever spend and finally break from their father's shadow.
 They get their own mansion in Birmingham and start fresh. They are determined to prevent what happened to them from happening to others and bring more justice and light to the world.
They are well in their way to rebel against the most powerful organization in the world and they can't do it alone. They'll need all the help they can get.

## Appearing Characters

* Amethyst Rose
* Aurora Rose
* Boolean
* Arthrovio
* Thomas Whitman
* Jacob DuValle