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Description
     Luckily for the six Judicators, the road to Arkendale was an easy one.
     At least there was a road for them to go by, at any rate.
     The six of them were tired, dirty, and hungry. Mella was driving them at a steady pace, but it was the seventh hour of marching.
     Siegfried said complainingly, "Hey, can we take a break or something?"
     Mella said, without stopping, "No. We are not going to wait up because your legs hurt."
     Sig didn't persue the issue. He knew how Mella could be when they had a specific objective. Nothing derailed her from her path unless it was life-threatening.
     The Judicators had a pretty day, in contrast to the somber mood. It was uncharacteristically warm for a November afternoon, with a gentle breeze coaxing the last of the leaves from the trees. The dirt road ahead proved to be a level, flat one devoid of pitfalls or anything to trip on. The sun shone bright through the canopy of trees above their heads, casting a pumpkin-colored light down to the forest floor.
     Vox had caught a butterfly. It rested in his huge hands, fluttering gently. "Ha, everyone, look. I caught a butterfly. I will name him Vertigo, and we will be best friends. Who wants to hold him?"
     No one spoke.
     "Oh. Ok then."
     They continued walking. No one felt like playing Vox's games.
     Syxx was drawing attention. On Mella's orders, he had an entire detection matrix summoned. He had a Wavelength conjured, which was a group of glowing panels that hovered around him, displaying symbols that only he can read. He also had four Squids patrolling the immediate area surrounding them. If anything decided to attack them within three miles of their location, Syxx would know it.
     Vox had his guns unfolded and resting at his sides.
     Sig's tattoos were glowing gently.
     Dim's sword was drawn.
     Only Mella and Shara seemed unprepared, but they had tricks up their sleeves. Mella could draw revolvers faster than anyone known, and there was an invisible shield surrounding Shara. Only she could see it.
     Maybe it was all the energy in the air, but the group seemed on edge.
     Mella said suddenly, "Look." She pointed ahead.
     The road dipped a few feet ahead of them. It fell to a small clearing that the road passed through. In the center of the road about thirty feet from them, a shadow crouched. It twitched and writhed, as if it was in pain.
     Mella said, "Wraith. It looks hurt."
     Dim asked, "What do we do?"
     Mella looked towards Syxx. "Is there anything in the area besides that Wraith?"
     He consulted a few panels, then said, "No. I'm not getting anything."
     Displaying uncharacteristic boldness, Shara stepped forward. "Mella. I have to ask. Can I... deal with this one?"
     Everyone's eyebrows raised, with the exception of Vox, who lacked the necessary equipment.
     Mella showed equal surprise. "'Deal with it'? You mean kill it?"
     Shara looked embarassed. "...Yes."
     "Are you sure you're up for it, sweetie?"
     "Y-yes. I think I can handle it."
     Dim stepped forward. "You normally heal, Shara. I wasn't aware you had offensive capabilities."
     "I'll show you."
     She stepped toward the downed Wraith coolly. The hill was steep. Once she reached level ground, she stopped, not wanting to disturb the Wraith and give away her position.
     She stood still, and raised her hands, left one in front of her right, with hands in a clawed shape.
     The air around her began to shiver, as if suffering from hypothermia. The shimmering patches separated, forming distinct diamond shapes in the air. They began to take on substance. Then, without apparent process, sharp crystals formed from the shivering patches of air. They were wrapped in white mist, they were obviously very cold.
     She raised her left hand into the air, making a fist. The crystals drifted through the air without assistance, drawing into a circular formation at all points around the hurt Wraith.
     She thrusted her fist toward the ground, as if bringing a hammer down on a stubborn nail.
     The dagger-like crystals all flashed toward the Wraith.
     There was a spurt of black blood, and silence.
     The speared Wraith let out a gurgle before drowning in its own blood. Its body then evaporated, leaving behind a pool of blood similar to engine oil.
     Shara relaxed. Her hands went limp at her sides.
     Siegfried joyfully yelled, loudly, effectively shattering the dramatic scene. "That was amazing! I had no idea you could do that!"
     Shara smiled.
     Mella put her hand on Shara's shoulder. "That was impressive." She turned back toward the rest of them. "Let's get moving. Only about five miles to Arkendale. If we go on until dinner, and march all tomorrow, we'll make Arkendale before next sunset."
     They resumed marching down the road, avoiding the stain of blood on the ground.

     The next morning turned out to be considerably less noisy than the one prior. Vox didn't have to yell to wake anyone up.
     After another, more substantial breakfast, the troupe continued their near-endless march. They eventually made their way out of the trees and into a more open area. It was a lush valley, filled with plants and open skies. The sun shone bright, with the occasional cloud obstructing its glare. The temperature had cooled in the night.
     "Guys, I think Vertigo had other things to do. I cannot find him." Vox then started to mock-weep in false languish over his departed butterfly friend. "He was so good to me! I can scarcely bee-leeve it!"
     Syxx, with his array of glowing holographic plates, said, "Ok, Vox. That's enough. We have to stay quiet, even if there isn't anything for miles around. Wraith hearing is incredible, you know that."
     Vox stopped "crying".
     Dim was ahead of everyone else, wrapped in his own thoughts. He wondered about that Wraith. He had never seen a helplessly injured one before. And it was surprisingly easy to dispose of. He would have suspected a trap, but Syxx hadn't detected anything. Sometimes he wondered at the accuracy of Syxx's detection abilities.
     The road took another sudden dip as the valley grew steeper. There were a few hills ahead of them. Sig, abandoning any restraint he may have had, ran up the hills and looked out over them into the deep valley below.
     He called back, "Guys, I see it!"
     The rest of the group caught up with him, and they saw for themselves.
     Down a steep incline, about half a mile down, the road twisted and turned, dodging stumps, going over streams, and skirting past old ruins. Far down the road, in the misty distance, stood a colony of buildings. They were mostly brick, but there were a few concrete structures and one metal tower. It was a sizeable city for the region, one of the largest in Treltia.
     Mella estimated, "Only about three miles left. Let's go." They resumed marching once more.
     The group cut across the terrain at a brisk pace set by Mella. They were eager to get a warm bed and decent food. They swerved past old stumps that told of a time when the entire valley was just another part of the forest, they bustled past ancient rusted ruins that suggested a period of time that was unknown and mysterious.
     "Guys. I think we have a problem." Syxx was glaring at his screens.
     Mella responded, "What is it?"
     "We've got Hawks. Coming in at our backs."
     "How many?"
     "Looks like a big pack. More than twenty."
     Dim was startled. "More than twenty?"
     Mella adopted a stony face. This was urgent. "Everyone scatter. Find trees or boulders in the immediate area and stay out of sight. They're coming in from the South. Prepare all available weaponry. Shara, put shields around all of us and prepare to fix some of us up. Chances are they already know we're here, so get ready to fight. Get to it!"
     They all scattered for various spots of cover, Sig jumped up into a tree, Dim crouched behind a boulder. They all drew their respective weapons. The crackle of the Thrasher was audible from behind a large tree. They were silent.
     A shriek pierced the air. From the direction the Judicators had come, a large pack of Vilehawks tore through the sky. The thump of their giant wings was enough to give pressure headaches. Their grating cries ripped the air.
     The Judicators waited in silence, biding their time. They knew the Hawks had already seen them, it was too late to back out now.
     The Hawks were just yards away, advancing with grim and voracious intent.
     Just as Mella was going to give the order to strike, something odd happened.
     The Hawks passed right over them. They didn't even bother to attack. The sound of their wings quickly passed away.
     Sig jumped out of his tree. He scratched his head and asked the question that was on everybody's mind. "What was that all about?"
     No one said anything. They were thinking the exact same thing.
     Mella looked wide-eyed at the quickly fading shadows of the Hawk pack. She toward the town, then back at the Vilehawks. She came to a distressing conclusion.
     "They're heading straight for Arkendale."
     Vox asked, "What was that, Mella?"
     "They're heading straight for the town! Move! We have to take them out before they do serious damage!"
     She sprinted toward Arkendale, and everyone else followed her at equal speed.

     Mella burst through a row of trees that surrounded the city. The others were right behind her.
     The sight of the town wall was disheartening. The Hawks had dropped acid bombs on the guard post and the opening mechanism, effecively killing the guard and melting the machinery. There was no way into the city.
     Screams came from the other side.
     Shara voiced, "What do we do now?"
     Vox burst from behind the trees, a little late. He yelled, "I have an idea!"
     Not stopping, Vox ran directly at Siegfried. He grabbed him by the waist with both hands and hurled him upward. Sig flew through the air and, less gracefully than imagined, landed on top of the gate. His face looked red, but he yelled down, "I'm ok!"
     Syxx took one look at Sig and said, "I have another solution." From his pack he drew a long length of rope. He deftly tied a knot with a loop, and tossed it up to the roof, latching onto a jagged peice of metal and staying there. He pulled on it first, then said, "It's secure. Let's go." He ran to the base of the wall and began climbing. He reached the top quickly, and all the others followed suit. Once on top of the wall, they used maintenance ladders installed on the inner sides to gett back down.
     Mella barked, "Syxx, where are they?"
     He instantly materialized a single panel in the air, and looked at it. "In the square. Twelve of them. We should start there."
     "Let's move! Gear up!"
     They dashed into the main square, boldly facing an enemy that was twice their size.

     In the town square, chaos reigned. Bodies were strewn across the cobblestones, blood ran in the gutters. So many people had died in such a short amount of time. The six were shocked at the amount of slaughter the Hawks had managed to cause so soon.
     The town was eerily silent. The Judicators were confident that not all the townspeople were dead, some had run past them as they advanced on the square. But it appeared that way. The town was like a crypt. The Judicators were all back-to-back in the absolute center of the town, standing on the ceramic tiles that formed a sun mosaic, the symbol of Arkendale. Each of them had weapons and powers active. They waited.
     Suddenly, they heard a scream from the nearest street. A woman ran from the dark alley. Her clothes were bloodied, she was runnung for her life. She ran clean past the Judicators.
     Coming after the woman were two Hawks. They slithered down the alley quickly in persuit of their prey. They stopped instantly. They caught sight of the six Judicators.
     Th Judicators wasted no time for theatrics. They all fired at the two Hawks. Ice crystals, chaingun hail, blue plasma, silvery orbs covered in blades, clusterbombs, and the mighty beam of the Thrasher assailed the demons.
     Needless to say, the Hawks didn't stand a chance. They were completely obliterated on the spot. Not even a smear could be seen.
     They let their weapons rest for a moment. The air was once again silent after the cacophony of projectile fire. They waited for more assailants.
     "Fine work." A rumbling voice came from directly behind them. Six heads turned.
     A huge Commander stood in the path to the city gate. He was no less than eight feet tall. His red eyes glowed even in the sunlight, and his black torn cape billowed in the slight wind. His skin was pale and coarse, rougher than the concrete around them. The most threatening aspect of the Commander's appearance was the enormous poleaxe held in his right hand.
     He hefted the massive axe and said, "You. You will die here, today."
     He pointed his axe directly at Siegfried.

Description
     Luckily for the six Judicators, the road to Arkendale was an easy one.
     At least there was a road for them to go by, at any rate.
     The six of them were tired, dirty, and hungry. Mella was driving them at a steady pace, but it was the seventh hour of marching.
     Siegfried said complainingly, "Hey, can we take a break or something?"
     Mella said, without stopping, "No. We are not going to wait up because your legs hurt."
     Sig didn't persue the issue. He knew how Mella could be when they had a specific objective. Nothing derailed her from her path unless it was life-threatening.
     The Judicators had a pretty day, in contrast to the somber mood. It was uncharacteristically warm for a November afternoon, with a gentle breeze coaxing the last of the leaves from the trees. The dirt road ahead proved to be a level, flat one devoid of pitfalls or anything to trip on. The sun shone bright through the canopy of trees above their heads, casting a pumpkin-colored light down to the forest floor.
     Vox had caught a butterfly. It rested in his huge hands, fluttering gently. "Ha, everyone, look. I caught a butterfly. I will name him Vertigo, and we will be best friends. Who wants to hold him?"
     No one spoke.
     "Oh. Ok then."
     They continued walking. No one felt like playing Vox's games.
     Syxx was drawing attention. On Mella's orders, he had an entire detection matrix summoned. He had a Wavelength conjured, which was a group of glowing panels that hovered around him, displaying symbols that only he can read. He also had four Squids patrolling the immediate area surrounding them. If anything decided to attack them within three miles of their location, Syxx would know it.
     Vox had his guns unfolded and resting at his sides.
     Sig's tattoos were glowing gently.
     Dim's sword was drawn.
     Only Mella and Shara seemed unprepared, but they had tricks up their sleeves. Mella could draw revolvers faster than anyone known, and there was an invisible shield surrounding Shara. Only she could see it.
     Maybe it was all the energy in the air, but the group seemed on edge.
     Mella said suddenly, "Look." She pointed ahead.
     The road dipped a few feet ahead of them. It fell to a small clearing that the road passed through. In the center of the road about thirty feet from them, a shadow crouched. It twitched and writhed, as if it was in pain.
     Mella said, "Wraith. It looks hurt."
     Dim asked, "What do we do?"
     Mella looked towards Syxx. "Is there anything in the area besides that Wraith?"
     He consulted a few panels, then said, "No. I'm not getting anything."
     Displaying uncharacteristic boldness, Shara stepped forward. "Mella. I have to ask. Can I... deal with this one?"
     Everyone's eyebrows raised, with the exception of Vox, who lacked the necessary equipment.
     Mella showed equal surprise. "'Deal with it'? You mean kill it?"
     Shara looked embarassed. "...Yes."
     "Are you sure you're up for it, sweetie?"
     "Y-yes. I think I can handle it."
     Dim stepped forward. "You normally heal, Shara. I wasn't aware you had offensive capabilities."
     "I'll show you."
     She stepped toward the downed Wraith coolly. The hill was steep. Once she reached level ground, she stopped, not wanting to disturb the Wraith and give away her position.
     She stood still, and raised her hands, left one in front of her right, with hands in a clawed shape.
     The air around her began to shiver, as if suffering from hypothermia. The shimmering patches separated, forming distinct diamond shapes in the air. They began to take on substance. Then, without apparent process, sharp crystals formed from the shivering patches of air. They were wrapped in white mist, they were obviously very cold.
     She raised her left hand into the air, making a fist. The crystals drifted through the air without assistance, drawing into a circular formation at all points around the hurt Wraith.
     She thrusted her fist toward the ground, as if bringing a hammer down on a stubborn nail.
     The dagger-like crystals all flashed toward the Wraith.
     There was a spurt of black blood, and silence.
     The speared Wraith let out a gurgle before drowning in its own blood. Its body then evaporated, leaving behind a pool of blood similar to engine oil.
     Shara relaxed. Her hands went limp at her sides.
     Siegfried joyfully yelled, loudly, effectively shattering the dramatic scene. "That was amazing! I had no idea you could do that!"
     Shara smiled.
     Mella put her hand on Shara's shoulder. "That was impressive." She turned back toward the rest of them. "Let's get moving. Only about five miles to Arkendale. If we go on until dinner, and march all tomorrow, we'll make Arkendale before next sunset."
     They resumed marching down the road, avoiding the stain of blood on the ground.

     The next morning turned out to be considerably less noisy than the one prior. Vox didn't have to yell to wake anyone up.
     After another, more substantial breakfast, the troupe continued their near-endless march. They eventually made their way out of the trees and into a more open area. It was a lush valley, filled with plants and open skies. The sun shone bright, with the occasional cloud obstructing its glare. The temperature had cooled in the night.
     "Guys, I think Vertigo had other things to do. I cannot find him." Vox then started to mock-weep in false languish over his departed butterfly friend. "He was so good to me! I can scarcely bee-leeve it!"
     Syxx, with his array of glowing holographic plates, said, "Ok, Vox. That's enough. We have to stay quiet, even if there isn't anything for miles around. Wraith hearing is incredible, you know that."
     Vox stopped "crying".
     Dim was ahead of everyone else, wrapped in his own thoughts. He wondered about that Wraith. He had never seen a helplessly injured one before. And it was surprisingly easy to dispose of. He would have suspected a trap, but Syxx hadn't detected anything. Sometimes he wondered at the accuracy of Syxx's detection abilities.
     The road took another sudden dip as the valley grew steeper. There were a few hills ahead of them. Sig, abandoning any restraint he may have had, ran up the hills and looked out over them into the deep valley below.
     He called back, "Guys, I see it!"
     The rest of the group caught up with him, and they saw for themselves.
     Down a steep incline, about half a mile down, the road twisted and turned, dodging stumps, going over streams, and skirting past old ruins. Far down the road, in the misty distance, stood a colony of buildings. They were mostly brick, but there were a few concrete structures and one metal tower. It was a sizeable city for the region, one of the largest in Treltia.
     Mella estimated, "Only about three miles left. Let's go." They resumed marching once more.
     The group cut across the terrain at a brisk pace set by Mella. They were eager to get a warm bed and decent food. They swerved past old stumps that told of a time when the entire valley was just another part of the forest, they bustled past ancient rusted ruins that suggested a period of time that was unknown and mysterious.
     "Guys. I think we have a problem." Syxx was glaring at his screens.
     Mella responded, "What is it?"
     "We've got Hawks. Coming in at our backs."
     "How many?"
     "Looks like a big pack. More than twenty."
     Dim was startled. "More than twenty?"
     Mella adopted a stony face. This was urgent. "Everyone scatter. Find trees or boulders in the immediate area and stay out of sight. They're coming in from the South. Prepare all available weaponry. Shara, put shields around all of us and prepare to fix some of us up. Chances are they already know we're here, so get ready to fight. Get to it!"
     They all scattered for various spots of cover, Sig jumped up into a tree, Dim crouched behind a boulder. They all drew their respective weapons. The crackle of the Thrasher was audible from behind a large tree. They were silent.
     A shriek pierced the air. From the direction the Judicators had come, a large pack of Vilehawks tore through the sky. The thump of their giant wings was enough to give pressure headaches. Their grating cries ripped the air.
     The Judicators waited in silence, biding their time. They knew the Hawks had already seen them, it was too late to back out now.
     The Hawks were just yards away, advancing with grim and voracious intent.
     Just as Mella was going to give the order to strike, something odd happened.
     The Hawks passed right over them. They didn't even bother to attack. The sound of their wings quickly passed away.
     Sig jumped out of his tree. He scratched his head and asked the question that was on everybody's mind. "What was that all about?"
     No one said anything. They were thinking the exact same thing.
     Mella looked wide-eyed at the quickly fading shadows of the Hawk pack. She toward the town, then back at the Vilehawks. She came to a distressing conclusion.
     "They're heading straight for Arkendale."
     Vox asked, "What was that, Mella?"
     "They're heading straight for the town! Move! We have to take them out before they do serious damage!"
     She sprinted toward Arkendale, and everyone else followed her at equal speed.

     Mella burst through a row of trees that surrounded the city. The others were right behind her.
     The sight of the town wall was disheartening. The Hawks had dropped acid bombs on the guard post and the opening mechanism, effecively killing the guard and melting the machinery. There was no way into the city.
     Screams came from the other side.
     Shara voiced, "What do we do now?"
     Vox burst from behind the trees, a little late. He yelled, "I have an idea!"
     Not stopping, Vox ran directly at Siegfried. He grabbed him by the waist with both hands and hurled him upward. Sig flew through the air and, less gracefully than imagined, landed on top of the gate. His face looked red, but he yelled down, "I'm ok!"
     Syxx took one look at Sig and said, "I have another solution." From his pack he drew a long length of rope. He deftly tied a knot with a loop, and tossed it up to the roof, latching onto a jagged peice of metal and staying there. He pulled on it first, then said, "It's secure. Let's go." He ran to the base of the wall and began climbing. He reached the top quickly, and all the others followed suit. Once on top of the wall, they used maintenance ladders installed on the inner sides to gett back down.
     Mella barked, "Syxx, where are they?"
     He instantly materialized a single panel in the air, and looked at it. "In the square. Twelve of them. We should start there."
     "Let's move! Gear up!"
     They dashed into the main square, boldly facing an enemy that was twice their size.

     In the town square, chaos reigned. Bodies were strewn across the cobblestones, blood ran in the gutters. So many people had died in such a short amount of time. The six were shocked at the amount of slaughter the Hawks had managed to cause so soon.
     The town was eerily silent. The Judicators were confident that not all the townspeople were dead, some had run past them as they advanced on the square. But it appeared that way. The town was like a crypt. The Judicators were all back-to-back in the absolute center of the town, standing on the ceramic tiles that formed a sun mosaic, the symbol of Arkendale. Each of them had weapons and powers active. They waited.
     Suddenly, they heard a scream from the nearest street. A woman ran from the dark alley. Her clothes were bloodied, she was runnung for her life. She ran clean past the Judicators.
     Coming after the woman were two Hawks. They slithered down the alley quickly in persuit of their prey. They stopped instantly. They caught sight of the six Judicators.
     Th Judicators wasted no time for theatrics. They all fired at the two Hawks. Ice crystals, chaingun hail, blue plasma, silvery orbs covered in blades, clusterbombs, and the mighty beam of the Thrasher assailed the demons.
     Needless to say, the Hawks didn't stand a chance. They were completely obliterated on the spot. Not even a smear could be seen.
     They let their weapons rest for a moment. The air was once again silent after the cacophony of projectile fire. They waited for more assailants.
     "Fine work." A rumbling voice came from directly behind them. Six heads turned.
     A huge Commander stood in the path to the city gate. He was no less than eight feet tall. His red eyes glowed even in the sunlight, and his black torn cape billowed in the slight wind. His skin was pale and coarse, rougher than the concrete around them. The most threatening aspect of the Commander's appearance was the enormous poleaxe held in his right hand.
     He hefted the massive axe and said, "You. You will die here, today."
     He pointed his axe directly at Siegfried.