Outcasts

Chapter Three: Fire in the Soul

The Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange and Red members of the Spectrum Force continued to walk through the narrow tunnels beneath the city of Langstrum Alps. The Green Enforcer, who has been unusually quiet the past few minutes, stopped walking.

"Guys," he said, "I've made contact with Phoenix."

The remaining members of the Force turned around in surprise.

"Really?" asked Tamara, "Is she okay?"

"Where is she?" asked Jocelyn.

"Is Chris with her?" asked Craig.

"Easy, gang!" said Matt, holding up his hands, "I've still got her psi-trace. I think she's trying to lead us to her. We'd better hurry up, though. She said Chris' life is at stake."

The Spectrum Enforcers all took on a grim expression, as they linked their minds telepathically. Through the link, Matthew relayed the information Phoenix had given him at the speed of thought, as well as the exact print of the psi-trace she was leaving behind. When the link was broken, the five heroes hurried in the direction of the source of the psi-trace. Matthew called out to the remaining member of the Spectrum Force, who was lost somewhere within the maze of tunnels that surround him.

*Rachel? Can you hear me?*

*Matt?* came the reply, *What's going on?*

*Where are you now?*

*In the tunnels! I have absolutely no idea where I am!*

*I established communications with Phoenix. Follow this psi-trace...*

Matthew transmitted the message to the Purple Enforcer.

*I'll meet you there!* was her reply, and she broke communications. Matthew, and the four other Enforcers, sped through the tunnels as quickly as they could, desperately hoping they weren't already too late.

Meanwhile, within the crystalline sphere that imprisons her, the mysterious Phoenix is fighting to stay conscious. Presently, the energies of the Phoenix Force are being drained from her body by some strange machine the Denebians created specifically for this vile purpose. At the same time, she is sharing the Phoenix energies with Christopher Greyson, a young man who just learned of his gift of mutant powers. Also, she is straining herself beyond limits by emitting a psionic beacon, to lead the Spectrum Force to her, in the hopes that they will be able to stop Acheron from stealing the Force from within her. Usually, Phoenix is excellent at hiding her telepathic exploits, masking them from others. But today she is barely able to stay conscious, much less prevent the telepathic Denebian emperor from listening in on the little conversation. But Acheron didn't reveal the fact that he had heard the telepathic passage between Phoenix and the Green Enforcer. He discreetly moved away from the energy-draining spheres, towards his daughter, who was blocking the doorway.

"Celea," he whispered, "I believe the Spectrum Force has decided to rain on our little parade. Tell me, did you ever find the third human, who was with Phoenix and Christopher at the time of their abduction?"

"No, Father," she replied, "I sent a group of Shadow Warriors to search for her, but they have found no trace of her. It is indeed peculiar."

"It matters not. Phoenix is asking their aid. They must not be allowed to reach this chamber! If a fight is carried on in here, damage may be done to the delicate machinery!"

"Do not worry, Father," said Celea, "I'll deal with them within the tunnels. There will be no sunlight to replenish them! Shadows! To me!"

The twenty Shadow Warriors who stood guard around the chamber obeyed Celea's command, and followed her as she moved through the darkness as swiftly and purposefully as a shark who has sensed the presence of blood in the water. Acheron remained inside the chamber, waiting patiently as the last nuances of energy were passed through the wires and into the batteries. Acheron smiled, and approached Phoenix, who was trembling with exertion.

"Why do you fight me so?" he asked her, touching the glass of her prison with his gray hand, "You will survive the experience. The Phoenix Force within you will replenish itself given enough time. You shall be a slave of the Denebian Empire, our very own rechargeable battery."

"You've... got to... be NUTS!" Phoenix muttered between clenched teeth, "If you... think that... I'll help you... without... one heck... of a fight!"

"You're brave, Eternal Flame, but you are powerless against me."

The Orange, Green, Blue, Yellow, and Red Enforcers were moving through the tunnels. At this point, there was more room in the tunnels, easing their flight. Keith led the group, following the telepathic call of Rachel Summers.

"We must be close!" said Keith, flying through the dark tunnel, "I can sense Phoenix's beacon getting stronger!"

Without realizing it, Keith pulled away from the rest of the Spectrum Force, leaving a gap between them.

"Keith!" called Tamara, the one right behind him, "Wait up!"

Keith rounded a corner, and suddenly he was struck by an arrow of energy. He was momentarily stunned, and he reverted back to human form. Keith landed on the ground with a thud.

"What?" he said aloud. He could hear a cold laugh.

"Keith!" called Tamara, flying over to him, "what happened?"

Before Keith could answer, three Shadow Warriors appeared from nowhere, and tackled the unprepared Yellow Enforcer to the ground. Before she could react, another arrow sailed through the blackness, and struck its target accurately. Tamara also was disconnected from her powers, and therefore an easier target. Another crawled out of Keith's shadow, and grabbed him, stopping him from once again syncing with his powers.

"I happened," said a female voice, stepping out of the shadows. She was wearing a black leotard with golden belt, boots, and arm bands. She was holding a long bow.

"Celea!" snarled Keith, struggling agains the Shadow that held him tight.

"In the flesh. Quickly, Shadows, lets get out of this large passage. The others will be arriving shortly."

Celea and the four Shadow Warriors stepped into an ajoining tunnel, that was far narrower, and more difficult to maneuver in. She listened closely as the other three Enforcers rounded the corner, and looked around curiously.

"That's funny," said Craig, landing on the ground, "I could've sworn Keith and Tammy were right in front of us!"

A pulse of light from Craig's hand surprised him. He looked down, and took off his white glove. His blue Spectrum Stone was flashing with yellow and red light.

"Uh oh," he muttered, "Guys, Keith and Tamara have wandered into trouble!"

Celea smiled to herself, and pointed down the tunnel. The Shadow Warriors carried the two Spectrum Enforcers through the darkness, covering their mouths to prevent any screaming. Celea remained behind, and kept an eye on the other three.

So far, so good. The longer I delay them, the less energy they will have. Soon, they will be weak, and I will have the advantage!

Inside the darkness of a tunnel not too far from Acheron, a dim purple light guides the path of a young woman, who flies through the maze with determination. She is more frightened now than she has ever been before. Although she has yet to admit it to anyone, or even herself, she cares deeply for the young man who's life now hangs in the balance. She won't let anyone, or anything, stand between her and Christopher Greyson. As she flies, she sometimes passes Shadow Warriors, who were charged with the duty of searching for her. But Rachel has no time to waste on the mindless drones. She has bigger fish to fry.

Bands of yellow, green, red, blue, and orange light pulse from beneath her white glove. Rachel stops for a moment, and takes off her glove. Sure enough, her Purple Spectrum Stone is glowing in all the colors of her teammates. This can only mean one thing.

"Danger..."

*Keith?* she called telepathically, *What's going on?*

Rachel stopped her flight, and hovered just above the stony ground. She frowned when she got no response.

*Craig? Can you hear me?*

*Rachel!* came the answer. Rachel sighed in relief.

*What's going on? My stone's glowing in all five of your colors!*

*Keith and Tamara have vanished. And I think we're being watched.*

*Do you need my help?*

*No, I have a better idea. We'll distract whatever monster Phaedra sent against us. You find Phoenix and Christopher. Good luck.*

*You too.*

Rachel continued her flight, and soon, she detected a faint red light.

*Phoenix? Can you hear me?*

*Yes,* responded Phoenix, *Barely.*

*I've found your energy signature. I'll be at your location in a flash. How many Shadows are in there?*

*None. There is only Acheron.*

*Who?*

*The Emperor of the Denebian Empire. Trust me, you'll know him when you see him.*

Rachel flew through the tunnel, and landed just outside a large iron gate. She stood right in front of it, and examined it carefully.

I don't think a blast of my purple energy will penetrate this iron, she thought, but, maybe if I tighten my blast into a laser beam, I can dislodge it...

Rachel brought her open palms together, and folded her fingers, with the exception of her index fingers. She pointed them at the top of the iron door, right where it connects to the rock above. A tight beam of bright light streamed from her fingers to the spot, and smoke and sand poured forth. She moved her hands around the door, destroying the hinges that kept it in place. The door fell inwards, and Rachel flew into the large chamber. She saw two clear spheres of glass, each one with a silhouette of a person within. Between the two spheres were numerous large metallic cylinders, that were connected to the spheres by piping. Lastly, she saw a person through the corner of her eye. She turned around quickly, and saw a tall, dark man wrapped in a long black cape. His eyes glowed red, and they stared at Rachel intently.

"So," he said, "You are one of those Spectrum Enforcers my wife is constantly complaining about?"

"And you are Acheron, I presume?" Rachel answered, not taking her eyes off her opponent. He smiled.

"I see my reputation preceeds me. Yes, I am the Emperor. And you, Human, have dared interfere with my plans. For that, you must be punished."

Twin beams of light shot forth from Acheron's eyes towards Rachel. Rachel set up a shield to protect herself, but she could feel the energy beams cutting through her force field. Sweat began to form underneath her mask as she focussed her power, trying to reinforce the shield. But, it didn't work, and the beams cut through, striking Rachel on her knee. Rachel cried out in pain, and fell to the dirt. She looked up at Acheron, who remained where he was standing.

"I can't believe Phaedra cannot destoy you," he said, "You aren't even fully protected against my dark magicks."

I don't believe his blast penetrated my shield! Rachel thought in panic, Oh no! My stone must be running short on power!

Rachel lifted herself off the ground with her powers, and floated in the sky. She frowned at Acheron, and raised her hand high.

"I summon the Elemental Armory!" she cried, "Lightning Sabre!"

A silver blade with electricity sparking throughout the metal appeared in her hand, and she pointed it at Acheron. Acheron moved quickly before the lightning energy could reach him. To Rachel's surprise, Acheron moved so quickly that he vanished from her view. She looked around in surprise, wondering where the Emperor went. Her answer came in the form of a powerful blast of black energy, which crashed into her unsuspecting form. Rachel was thrown clear across the chamber, and crashed into the stone wall, creating a dent in the rock. She fell limp to the ground below, and moaned in pain. Her Lightning Sabre landed beside her.

The Orange, Blue, and Green Spectrum Enforcers wander through one of the tunnels, searching for their missing friends. The Orange Enforcer stops in her tracks, and floats off the ground.

"Guys," she said, "The bad guys can be anywhere!"

Just then, over a dozen Shadow Warriors leapt out of the shadows that danced throughout the cave. The Spectrum Force immediately began to counter-attack with skilled martial arts moves. Jocelyn, who was hovering above the ground, just managed to catch someone move from the corner of her eye. She turned around quickly, but saw nothing but darkness.

"Time to shed some light on the subject," she said aloud, focusing her energy. She managed to project powerful rays of orange light, which illuminated the entire cave. The Shadow Warriors were not affected by the bright light, but Jocelyn did see a tunnel in the direction where she saw movement before.

"Guys," she called, "can you take it from here? I think I found something."

"These guys are a piece of cake," said Matthew, leaping out of the way of a Shadow's punch, "Go for it!"

Jocelyn converted herself into a beam of orange light, and flew through the tunnel at light speed. She soon caught up with the being she had seen before, and slammed into it, causing it to fall to the ground hard. Jocelyn converted back into human form, standing on top of her opponent.

"Okay, Celea," she snapped, "where are Keith and Tammy?"

"Little brat!" muttered Celea, throwing the Orange Enforcer off her, "You've just bitten off more than you can chew!"

Jocelyn flipped in the air, and landed on her feet a few yards away from Celea. Celea formed a long bow in her hands, at Jocelyn summoned her Ice Bow. The two women were at a standstill, with their weapons prepared for firing.

"Do you honestly think you are as good a shot as I?" asked Celea, "I've been hunting with this bow for centuries!"

"Probably not," answered Jocelyn, "But I'm certainly gonna try!"

With that, Jocelyn fired an ice arrow. Celea deflected it with one of her dark arrows, and quickly fired another arrow at Jocelyn. Jocelyn leapt out of the arrow's path, and delivered a ferocious flying kick to Celea's jaw. Celea grunted in pain, but she quickly recovered, and elbowed Jocelyn in the stomach. The Orange Enforcer doubled over in pain, and Celea used this opportunity to retrieve her bow. But before she got a chance to fire, a bolt of orange light energy crashed into the low ceiling, causing the tunnel to collapse around Celea. Jocelyn protected herself with an orange force field, but Celea didn't have that option at her disposal. She frowned down at Jocelyn, who was smiling.

"I guess that's your cue," said Jocelyn, standing up, "Unless, of course, you don't mind being buried alive."

"We'll finish this some other time, Human," snapped Celea, as she vanished in a cloud of black mist. Jocelyn continued down the collapsing tunnel, running as quickly as she possibly could.

Meanwhile, just down that same tunnel, Tamara and Keith were being held by a group of Shadow Warriors. So long as their Spectrum Stones were held be evil, they could not Spectrum Sync, and escape. But, the ceiling suddenly began to collapse, giving them the opportunity to escape. The Shadows were momentarily distracted, giving Keith the chance to wriggle his hand free, and smack the Shadow holding him in the chin with the bottom of his open palm. The Shadow was momentarily stunned, and Keith leapt away.

"Spectrum Sync... RED!!" he cried, holding his red stone into the air. The light cascaded from the stone, and filled the entire tunnel with pulsing red energy. The energy was harmless to Tamara, who was still being held by a Shadow, but the Shadow Warriors were injured by the primal release of radiant energy. The Shadow holding Tamara was forced to let her go, so she quickly stumbled behind Keith, and gave him the thumbs up. The Red Enforcer first erected a force field around himself and Tamara, to protect them from the falling ceiling. Then held out his fists, and powerful beams of red light shot forth. He swept across the chamber, the energy creamating any Shadow it touched. Soon, Tamara and Keith were alone, surrounded by the charred remains of the Shadows, which instantly began to evaporate.

"Great job!" said Tamara, "Now, let's go find the others. Spectrum Sync... YELLOW!!"

Tamara was bathed in a bright yellow light, and transformed into the Yellow Spectrum Enforcer again. The release of energy only served to quicken the collapse of the ceiling. Keith grabbed Tamara's hand, and lead her through the tunnel back the way they came.

"We have to catch up with the rest of the Force," he said, "Before this entire underground maze falls apart!"

They didn't run for long before they saw a faint orange light coming from down the tunnel.

"Joce?" called Keith.

"Keith?" she answered, quickly flying over to them, "Tammy! You're both okay!"

"Where are the others?" asked Tamara.

"Last time I saw them, Matt and Craig were fighting some Shadows. They should have finished them off by now."

"This whole tunnel is falling apart," said Keith, "We have to go find the others!"

The three Enforcers raced down the tunnel, protecting themselves from the falling debris with force fields. Soon, they reached the end of the tunnel, where it joined with the much larger tunnel where Matt and Craig were just destroying the two remaining Shadow Warriors.

"What took you guys so long?" asked Craig, "The sky's falling here!"

"We realize that," said Tamara, "Celea jumped us, and used her black energy arrows to block our connection with the spectrum."

"Don't worry about her, though," said Jocelyn, "I think she went home."

"Let's get going," said Craig, leading the way, "Phoenix's psi-beacon is still going strong!"

"We'd better hurry," said Matthew, glancing down at his green Spectrum Stone. It was emitting bright bands of purple light. "I think Rachel needs us!"

Acheron was busy disconnecting the full batteries of energy that had been absorbed from the Phoenix Force residue inside Rachel Summers. The Phoenix herself is barely conscious, just barely managing to uphold the telepathic beacon. Christopher Greyson is out cold, and the only thing keeping him alive is Phoenix's link. Acheron ignores the Purple Enforcer, who is lying unconscious on the other side of the chamber, leaning against the stone wall. The chamber begins to shake gently, and dust and small pebbles begin to fall from the ceiling. Acheron looks up in surprise.

"Seems like the cavern will be collapsing soon," he observed, "I believe now is a good time to leave. I have plenty of energy from Phoenix, and I shall bring her with me to the ship, where we can keep her as prisoner until we need energy again."

Acheron deactivates the energy draining machine, and begins to prepare for departure. He fails to notice as Phoenix's green eyes open slowly, and a sly grin crosses her face.

He turned off the machine! he doesn't realize that now I can release Chris from my psi-link, and utilize that energy against him. But, I know I can't break this sphere from the inside. Its especially constructed to withstand my powers. *Purple Enforcer! Wake up!*

Rachel Castaneda's eyes shoot open underneath her blue visor, but she remains motionless.

*Who's there?* she asks.

*Phoenix. Listen carefully. I can't destroy this sphere. You're going to have to do it.*

*But, if you don't have the power, how can I?*

*Perhaps your sword can help. All magic is susceptible to iron.*

Iron... thought Rachel, as she slowly reached for her sword, which lay beside her, half buried in dust. She grabbed the purple hilt, and leapt up as silently as a cat. But, it wasn't silent enough, and Acheron turned around quickly.

"You're more resilient than I first believed, Human," he said, firing twin beams of energy from his eyes, "But that still doesn't mean you'll survive this escapade!"

Rachel dodged his energy beams, and flew towards the sphere containing Phoenix. She lifted her Lightning Sabre high, and sliced downwards with all her might. To Acheron's surprise, the blade managed to chip the glass. Rachel smiled, and prepared for a second swing.

"Oh no you don't!" yelled Acheron, concentrating a powerful pulse of energy in his hand. He then released this energy as a continuous beam, and aimed it for the Purple Enforcer. She turned around, and managed to block the energy by placing her sword in its path just in time. The energy was deflected, and struck the stone wall just to the side of Phoenix's crystalline prison.

If I can redirect the blast just a little, thought Rachel, who was being pushed back by the force of the energy beam, I can free Phoenix and Chris with Acheron's own magic!

As Rachel was pushed backwards, the deflected beam got closer and closer to Phoenix's sphere. Rachel then sharply turned the sword, sending the blast right at the weak spot in the glass, which she had created with her sword earlier. To Acheron's horror, the crystal shattered, and Phoenix floated out of the glass remains. She turned towards Acheron, and released the Phoenix fire in a blinding beam of hot flames. Acheron leapt to the side, and he tried to protect himself from the scorching rays with his cape. He scowled angrily, and faded away in a cloud of mist.

"You may have escaped me, Eternal Flame!" he cried, "But, I still have the energy I stole from you!"

Phoenix turned around, and saw the batteries that contained her energy slowly disappear into nothingness. She lowered herself to the ground, and fell to her knees weakly.

"Phoenix?" asked Rachel, helping her stand, "Are you okay?

"I will be," she whispered, "once the Phoenix Force recovers. But, Acheron stole a great deal of power from me..."

"Quick," said Rachel, "we have to get out of here. Wait here, and I'll free Chris."

"Okay..." Phoenix replied, just managing to stay on her feet. Rachel ran over to the intact sphere, and began chipping it with her sword. Just then, the five remaining Spectrum Enforcers ran into the chamber through the hole where the iron door was.

"Whoa," said Matthew, "what happened in here?"

"Acheron," called Rachel, preparing for another swing. With each hit, the glass cracked slightly.

"Who's Acheron?" asked Jocelyn.

"We'll discuss it later," said Rachel, "Quick, get Phoenix out of here, before the entire place falls apart! I'll get Chris!"

"Do you need help--" started Craig.

"GO!!"

The Blue Enforcer gently lifted Phoenix into his arms, and the team of heroes ran out of the chamber. Once they left that room, Keith looked up, and saw a crack in the ceiling.

"Sunlight!" he said, "We can't be far from the surface!"

"Here," said Craig, giving Keith Phoenix, "take her. I'll make us a passageway."

Keith took Phoenix, leaving Craig with his hands free.

"I summon the Elemental Armory!" he declared, "Earth Lance!!"

A silver and blue lance appeared in his hands, and he pointed one end of it upwards. The rocks obeyed his command, and separated, creating a narrow tunnel all the way up to the surface. One by one, the Spectrum Enforcers flew up the tunnel, and landed on the grass above. Keith put Phoenix down, who shook her head slightly. "Are you okay?" he asked her.

"Yes," she answered, but the universe isn't. Not if Acheron has so much power...

Phoenix stood on her two feet, and everyone waited by the hole Craig created.

"Where is she...?" asked Matthew.

Just then, a bright purple light heralded the arrival of the Purple Enforcer. She was carrying Chris, who was unconscious. Rachel lay him on the ground, and turned to Phoenix.

"Is he--?"

"He'll be fine," said Phoenix with a smile, "He's just tired. He needs his rest. When he recovers, though, he'll never be quite the same. By bonding with me, I'm afraid the Phoenix Force jump-started his latent mutant powers."

"What kind of powers does he have?" asked Tamara.

"I don't know," said Phoenix, "but they are at least partially psionic in nature."

"Okay, then," said Rachel, picking him up again, "I'll take him home. Wait for me here."

The Purple Enforcer lifted off the ground, and streaked through the sunny sky at a speed near that of light. The other Enforcers watched her go, and then turned to Phoenix.

"So," said Jocelyn, "do you need help home?"

"Yes," she answered, "but not yet. We must deal with Acheron! You won't be able to do it alone, and I don't think I'll be much help, until I recover. We'll need help."

Phoenix closed her eyes, and suddenly her invisible psi-form floated out of her body. Craig caught Phoenix's body just as it began to fall to the ground.

"What happened to her?" asked Tamara.

"We said that we needed help," said Craig, laying her on the ground, "I wonder what she meant."

Just then, the Purple Enforcer returned. She landed on the ground not far from the rest of the Force, who were standing in a circle around Phoenix.

"Chris' roommate is gone," she said, "so hopefully he'll be... what happened to Phoenix?"

"She just fainted dead away," said Matt, "Maybe the power drain was too much for her."

"I guess that's possible," said Rachel, "Acheron had huge batteries filled with Phoenix energies. With that kind of power, the Denebians can cast a spell powerful enough to destroy the solar system..."