"Rand!" Uber shouted. "Defend yourself! I'll hold on to Merc!"

"I can't, Uber!" Rand shouted back. "I'm too deep into removing this thing inside Merc. If I stop now. It could Kill her."

"But Mentokka?"

"Trust me, Pendragon! I'm going to try something.Just hold on to her!"
Uber said nothing. It was the first time he called him by his Last name. He just held on to his struggling friend and prayed that Rand knew what he was doing.

Before Uber could ask him what he was planning, Rand reached behind himself with his right arm and waited til Mentokka was several yards away when with great effort he casted a containment spell in the charging Mentokka while at the same time casting the removing spell on Merc.

The spell caught Mentokka and held her as if she was a fish in an eagle's talon. Mentokka's screams sounded not human as she fought to free herself. But the spell held her.

Instantly Rand began to shake. This was the first time he ever casted and held two powerful spells at he same time. The strain on his body was intense. Uber could see Rand's nostrils flaring as the effects of the spell were taking it's toll on him.

"Hold Mentoka................Remove it from Merc." Rand muttered though clenched teeth as sweat began to pour from his face. "Hold and Remove." He continued to say the two words in his mind.

Merc screamed and struggled wildly as the spell to remove the curse from her body slowly existed her body. Uber held on to her for all he was worth. He feared that he was holding on to Merc too hard and might end up hurting her, while trying to help her. He never knew how strong this big, boned Red Head was unlike Mentokka in her current condition. Her strength was natural.

"Gods!" Uber shouted as he saw blood coming out of Rand's nose. "Tosh! Gunner! Wake up! We need you!" But the two remained unconscious.

Suddenly Rand transformed back into his original from. Uber thought he must be using every ounce of his magical strength. The strain on his aged face was painful to look at. He called out to Tosh and Gunner once again.

At that moment Uber could sense something was happening to Merc. She wasn't struggling as much as she was before. Only shaking. He could feel a wave of pulsing heat coming from Merc. Something was going to happen.
And it was going to happen soon.

"Uber," Rand called out in a low whisper. His words broken by the strain of Magical and physical energy he was using. "When I-I give .........you the ....the....word. R-release, Merc.........draw your......... sword a-and hold it........aloft.

Uber hadn't a clue what Rand had in mind. But he did as he was told and waited. Hoping the old man had the strength to do what ever he had planned. Suddenly Uber noticed a gold light coming out of Merc's body. Uber looked over Merc's shoulder, and noticed it looked something like a golden bug larva.

Rand knees were buckling under the strain. But with nearly he last of his powers. He formed his left hand into a fist. And with a loud grunt. He brought his fist towards his chest. As if he was snatching something out of the air. Suddenly the thing tore completely away from Merc's body. As if Rand grabbed the thing and ripped it from her body.

"N-Now, Uber! ...........NOW!" He shouted as he used his magic to cast it away from himself and Mentokka.

Without thinking. Uber released his hold on Merc. She fell to the ground in an unconscious heap. He drew his over-sized Bastard Sword and held it over his head. Still shaking from the strain of holding Mentokka, he raised his left hand, pointed three fingers at Uber and chanted something under his breath. Suddenly a bolt of blue-black light shot from Rand's hand and struck Uber's Sword. The sword glowed with the energy. And Uber felt powers flowing though his body like nothing he ever experienced in his life.

"My God!" Uber shouted. "What kind of power is this?"

"Now, Uber..........S-Strike .........Strike that thing...........NOW!!!!" Rand shouted, his voice heavy and horsed.

Uber ran towards the thing. With his sword held tightly in his right hand. He leaped high into the air. He turned his body around in a single rotation. During this, he brought his sword over his head and grasped it with both hands. Uber came down on the thing with an over head cut. The sword slided though it as if it he was slicing though the very air it self. It held for a moment, then it exploded in a flash of golden light.


The force of the blast knocked Uber a good twenty feet away from the blast. He landed hard on the ground. His shoulder and neck area taking the blunt of the impact. He struggled to get to his feet. But the pain he was feeling was too much for him. He feel back to the ground, unconscious.

Even though Rand was using only one spell on Mentokka. Enchanting Uber's sword to destroy the thing that was inside Merc, just about drained him. And the worse thing was that Mentokka's bout of madness did not end. She was still struggling against the magic that held her. With the last of his magic. He went into the mind of his niece.

"Wake up, Mentokka! I can not hold you back any longer. Please wake up, Little girl."

With his magic spent. Rand fell face forward towards the ground. With nothing holding back Mentokka. Before he blacked out. He prayed that someone was awake to stop her before she hurt someone or herself.


It was one of the few times in Rand-Tor's life that the magic wasn't with him. His dreams were empty, dark and cold. And for one of the few times in his life, he felt fear that his magic was gone.

But then he felt a hand gently stroking his cheek. Telling him that everything was alright. He slowly opened his eyes to see the face of Mentokka looking down at him. Her face had exhaustion written all over her face. He hair flowed wildly down past her shoulders. He knew she was going spend some time brushing it.

"Mentokka." Rand whispered. "Your back."

"Yes, Uncle Rand." she said smiling. "I heard your words........Your voice. It showed me the way back." With that, Rand smiled.

"Are you alright? Rand asked. She nodded.

"Other then feeling bone tired..... I'm well."

"How are the others?"

"Merc and Uber are the only ones that are awake. There looking after Tosh and Gunner."

Rand moved his head and noticed that Mentokka was still naked. He asked her to go and get dressed. She nodded. With a great effort he rose to his feet. Sightly staggering he made it over to where Merc and Uber were caring for Tosh and Gunner. Tosh eyes were opened and he smiled when he saw his Uncle knelled down next to him. Gunner was muttering something about Dragons under his breath.

Rand asked Tosh was he alright. He told him other then a head ache he was fine. As Rand help him to his feet. He looked over to see Mentokka having trouble getting dressed. He asked him to help her get the rest of her clothes on. He nodded and walked over towards her.

He went over to where Merc was Her face brightened when she saw him.

"Are you alright, Little Lady?" Rand asked.

"I feel like a part of me is missing. I feel empty."

"Other then that?"

"I feel good...........It's been a while. But I feel really good." He told her that they will talk more about it later when they got back to town.

As he walked several steps away. Rand went into himself. Almost instantly. He felt he presents of his magic. It felt real small inside him. He couldn't remember ushng his powers to limt as he did. But it was there. And he was glad it was back.

He looked over to where Tosh was helping Mentokka get dressed. He knew that the next couple of days, where he would find out if there have been any changes. And he prayed that there would be nothing to worry about.

But looking all around him he knew to think better of it.

"Fight it, Little Girl! Fight it!" Rand screamed in his mind as he slowly increased the power to his spell. His nieces screams pounding in his eyes and stabbing into his soul.

"Master Rand!" Merc shouted. "Your Killing her! Stop this!!"

"Stand fast, Merc!" Rand said in an even tone. "I'd never kill, My Little Girl"

He only wished that he felt as confident as he sounded. He knew Uber and Gunner were most likely feeling the same way as Merc. He knew Tosh had a grasp in his emotions. Only because he went though this himself. He reached out with his powers and made contact with her.

The Magical Trial was simple. To bring out the true power, one must be pushed to the very edge of dying. If the person were to survive it. Then there would be a momentary bout of great strength and madness. This is why he had the others here with him. To stop Mentokka from running off and possibly coming in contact with anyone.

Mentokka never felt such pain in her life. It attacked her mind and body at once. She felt like she was dipped in an lake of lava and trapped in a block of ice all at once. A kind of burning cold that shot though her nerve endings. "I...I am Strong! I....Am A-a.....Tor!" Mentokka shouted though her pain filled body. "This.......is NOTHING!"

She opened her pained racked eyes to see the ghostly image of Uncle Rand. He saw him clenched his fist and the pain slammed into her little body once again, now with even more intensity. She threw her head back and screamed even louder as her heart beat pounded in her ears. She collapsed and huddled into a ball as she felt her consciousness slipping away. All she wanted to do was close her eyes and let the darkness take her. But though her pain she heard her Uncle whispering in her mind.

"Fight it, Little Girl! Fight it! Don't give in. Don't fall asleep! You sleep.........You DIE!"

Mentokka's fingers dug into the ground as he uncle's words told her to fight, but she was slipping away. He heard his voice again.

"Don't give up, Little Girl! Don't give in to the pain! If you die, Tosh would be right." Mentokka's eyes shot open. "I promised him not to you this, but Tosh told me that you were going to fail. You might be my Little Girl. But He said he was the BETTER of you two. He said HE would be my favorite with you out of the way. Aren't you going to prove him wrong?"

"Master Rand! She's dying!" Merc shouted as he grabbed a hold of his shoulder. "Please stop this!"

"Have faith, Little Lady!...........Look!" He shouted, pointing at Mentokka.

Mentokka was slowly rising to her feet. Most of the dress she was wearing was burned off her body. A low growl came from her throat, as the energy surrounding her began to lose it's intensity. At that moment a silver light appeared in the center of her chest. It slowly began to pulse and increase in brilliance as if the source of it's power was her very heart beat. Rand noticed that the silver light started to consume his energy that surrounded her. With that he smiled.

"Alright everybody!" Rand shouted over his shoulder. "She's coming out of it! Stand Ready!"

Suddenly the magic called out to him. Something else was going on. Another pulse of energy was near him. He turned to see Merc's eyes were glowing.

"What the hell is this?" Rand asked, as he stared into his student's eyes. He closed his eyes and used his inner eye to see Merc's spirit. And to his surprise. The feeling of rage was building in her. He looked over to where Mentokka energy was building in a slow, steady pace.

The answer came to him like a slap to the face. Mentokka's energy was affecting Merc like someone was calling her Giant Women. But it was FAR more intense.

"I didn't expect, This!" Rand said. Having two girl going crazy at the same time will be a problem. For all of them. He had to think fast.

"Tosh!" He called out to his nephew. Stand in front of me! When your sister moves. Do WHAT EVER you have to do to stop her. Do you understand, my boy?"

Tosh said nothing. He moved in front of Rand, staring at his sister. Waiting for the madness to consumer her.

"Uber! Get over here!, Now!" He called out to him.

"What is it, Rand?" he asked, running over to him.

"When I give you the word. I want you to grab a hold Merc and do not let her go until I tell you otherwise. Do you understand?" He tried to ask him why. Rand told him if he didn't, she would most likely slap him into next week.

He turned back to where Mentokka energy had completely consumed his energy that surrounded her. Suddenly, Mentokka screamed, spread her arms outward. The Silver Light exploded out. The last of her dress was blown from her body. He hair that was wrapped in a pony tail unwrapped violently to flow wildly upon her head.

At that moment Tosh sprung into action. Before Mentokka could take a step. He was on her. He straddled her, placing his hands on her shoulders, hoping that would be enough to. Mentokka brought up a fist and caught Tosh in the chest that sent him flying though the air to land on his back, hard.

Mentokka rose to her feet. Her eyes burning with madness. Tosh got to his feet and rushed his sister once again. He grabbed her by the shoulder and spun her around. He reached up with both arms and slipped each arm under her armpits and brought each arm to snake up in the back of her neck and lock his hand behind her head. Tosh closed his eyes and locked his fingers in as tight as he could. Mentokka screamed and struggled to break free.

"Gunner! Help me!" Tosh shouted. "Get over he and help me!"

As soon as he reached the two of them. Tosh told him to do what ever he could to slow her down. He asked what could he do. Tosh told him to use his weapon. He saw how high Tosh was hit when she was on the ground. So he knew that a bolt wouldn't do anything but get her mad. So he took the but of his rife and slammed it into Mentokka's face. It had no effect on her. He stated pounding her face to weaken her. But she continued to struggle.

All of Rand's attention was on Merc. He muttered a few words and waved two fingers in a counter clock wise direction to see what was going on inside of Merc. Her whole body was a sheet of red. Merc was boiling with anger. And all of it was directed at Rand. He look all over her body with his magic. Waiting for what he was searing for. What he knew would come out. And then he saw it. A spark of gold light in a sea of red.

"Now, Uber! Grab her!" Rand shouted. He brought his hands around arms and waist of Merc and held her tightly. Instantly she Begin struggling to break free and go at Rand. But Uber held her tight.

"Hold her steady, Uber!" Rand called out as he prepared the counter spell. He walked over to Merc. He told her that he was sorry for what he was about to do. He grabbed the neck of her blouse and tore it open to expose her large breasts. Merc screamed in shock and rage and struggled even more.

"Sorry, Little Lady" Rand said sadly. "Need skin to skin contact to get this little shit out of you."

He grabbed her left breast and squeezed it tight. He closed his eyes and muttered the counter spell. His hand glowed and shook as his magic began to extract the curse from her body. Merc screamed as if she was in physical pain.

Tosh and gunner was doing all they could to contain Mentokka. Tosh felt like he was trying to hold down a raging bull. Gunner dropped his weapon and started hitting her with his fist.

Suddenly Mentokka did something neither of the two expected. She braced her legs into a crouch then sprung herself high into the air talking Tosh with her.

As soon as she got to the pinnacle of her flight. She ached body into a forward flip. Sending a surprised Tosh over her body and right on top of a open mouth Gunner. The collision when there heads connected, knocked the two of them out cold.

"Almost there." Rand muttered as slowly moved his hand off her breast. "It's coming. Hold her for a few more moments."

"Rand! Look out!" Uber called out when he saw the power mad Mentokka charging towards him.

"Oh Damn!" Rand said as he glimpsed over his shoulder. "This is NOT good!"

Rand was up an hour earlier then usual. He went to Merc's home to wait for he others. Merc was already up. When he asked why was she up so eerily. She told him she couldn't sleep and she was worried for Mentokka. She told him that she still was used to see him in his younger appearance. That made him smile. He confessed there were a few times that he nearly forgot to chance to his younger look. But he told her that he had a solution for this problem.

"What did you do, Master Rand?" Merc asked.

"I placed my changing spell in several location that mostly lead to the outside. The front door to your home, My room in the inn. As soon as I pass by it, the spell is triggered if I didn't do it first. It won't be activated if I'm already in my younger appearance."

Merc smiled and told him that was a brilliant idea.

Suddenly Rand asked the one question that was bugging ever since he's been here.

"Merc? Why aren't any customers here. I've been here for more then a week and this place haven't been opened once."

Instantly Merc turned away from him, walked over to where she was boiling some tea for the two of them.

It was obvious that she didn't wish to talk about it. And normally he would of left it at that. But it was in a prying mood right about now, and wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Merc!" Rand said in a booming voice."Look at me."

She looked up to see her master in his original look. "I believe it is time for us to have a little talk. Don't you agree, Little Lady?" Rand called her Little Lady like her called Mentokka Little Girl. The two were like sisters these days. So why not give Mentokka's 'Sister' a nick name also. He called her Little, even though she was three inches taller then Rand. He also did it to take the edge off when she got called Giant Women.

Hesitantly she walked over and took a seat next to him. Rand took her hand and told her to relax. She told him it happened on the day when they first met. When the men tried to shake her down for 'protection'. The place was full of customers, when the men came in and started knocking chairs and tables over and ordering the customers to leave. A lady and her child were one of the last to leave, when the child got hit with a piece of broken furniture across his head, rending the child unconscious. She flew into a rage and attacked the men.

She held her own for most part, until they rushed her and ganged up on her. It was then when Rand and Tosh joined in and saved her. It was when they held her down, they was calling her 'Big Girl' and 'Giant Women'. All she could see was red. She didn't even feel the blows to her face. Even after all the men were beaten. She picked up the frying pan and laid out Tosh and went after Rand.

"I knew you and Tosh weren't part of that gang. But I couldn't help it. I saw nothing but fire. All I kept hearing in my head was to attack all in site......"

Rand stopped her when she said she heard voices, telling her to fight. He asked her was she sure she heard voices in here mind. Not that He was talking to her though out the fight.
She shook her head and told her it was Rand's talking to her that slowly quieted the voice in her head. It was learned that she closed the restaurant because she was feeling guilty over the child getting hurt. Rand told her it was silly to think it was her fault for that child getting hurt, and she should blame herself for it.

Remembering that she had strong feelings for her father. Rand used his magic to put in to Merc's mind the pleased warmth that she felt when her father talked to her telling that he did something that pleased him. He knew it was something he usually do not do. Especially to friends. But when she told him that that she heard voices telling her to attack, he knew what drove Merc to violent attacks when someone talked about her height and called her Giant or Big. He saw this before.

"Someone placed a spell or curse on her." Rand though to himself.

Without Merc noticing, Rand slowly turned two fingers in a counter clock wise direction. Suddenly a soft glow of light formed around Merc' s sitting form. He checked her head and chest area. He saw nothing. But he knew what he had to do. It would be tricky. But knew of no other way. Besides, it had to wait until Mentokka's Magical Trial ended. That was his number one priority at the moment.



Later on when everyone was assembled. Uber told everyone he had something he had to say when the trial was over. Rand looked over to where Uber was sitting and nodded, rose to his feet and walked over to where Mentokka was sitting.

"Mentockka?" Rand said clam voice. "Are you willing to take part in this Magical Trial? But before you answer. Let me tell you that you do not have to do this. No one her will not think less of you if you do not take part in this. You understand, Little Girl?"

Mentokka said nothing at first. Just closed her eyes and took a deep breath held it for several seconds and let it out. She looked up at her Uncle and smiled.

"I would think less of myself if I didn't do this, Uncle Rand. Yes! I am ready to take part in this. As my Uncle and Brother before me."

At that moment, Rand couldn't be prouder of niece. Tosh was feeling a combination of Pride and Fear for his kid sister. Merc smiled broadly. Uber stood gave her his uncle old scouting unit salute. Gunner said that they were all behind her.


After a few minutes of Rand explaining what was going to happen. He called on Tosh and Uber to lead Mentockka out of the Restaurant and out of town. Rand turned into his younger appearance, walked out with Merc and Gunner in the rear.

They lead Mentokka about a half mile away. What was going to happen. They did not want anyone near them for what was going to happen. Because there was a good chance that someone might get hurt.........or killed.

Rand told Mentokka to stand several yards away from them. She was ordered to remove her robe and boots. She was given a light dress and a pair of sandals. Without a hint of shame. Mentokka slowly removed her fighting robe, her leather wrappings and her boots and put on the dress and sandals. Rand took her clothes and places them several yards away form her.

Even though everyone wore a straight face as she disrobed. Gunner gave a low whistle when he saw Mentokka's naked body. "Down Boy!" Merc muttered, standing in front of him, giving him a well placed elbow to his chest.

When Uber asked why she had to change clothes. Rand told him it would be most likely her clothes would be burned or blasted off her during the trial.


Rand got everyone into position. Rand stood in front. Merc and Tosh standing behind him several yards behind him. With Uber and Gunner taking up the rear. He walked over to them told them to draw there weapons.

"Uber..............Gunner?" He said in a low tone. "If Mentokka reaches you two and she doesn't look like she does now.......Strike and Shoot to kill."

When Gunner spoke out saying that it would kill her. Rand shook his head and say she most likely wouldn't even notice it. He ask them to trust him on this. They both nodded.

He walked over to Mentokka. He could see the girl was shaking. But it was not out of fear. It was boundless energy.

"May the Magic and the Gods protect and guide you, Little Girl." Rand said taking her hand in his.

"May the Magic and Gods protect and guide us all, Uncle Rand."

He smiled and brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.


He walked back to his position, facing them and told everyone to stand ready. They all nodded. He turned to face Mentokka.

"Stand Ready, Little Girl!" He shouted.

Mentokka balled her small hands to fists and steeled herself to what was to come.

"I'm ready, Uncle Rand!" she shouted back at him.

Rand brought up his left hand and made it into a fist. He brought his open right hand, which glowed and cracked with energy and aimed it at his niece.


He took a deep breath and large ball of Red-Green energy shot from his hand. It moved slowly and struck Mentokka in her chest and quickly formed around her.

For several moments, Mentokka looked as if nothing was wrong with her. Suddenly, she said that it was hurting her. Rand told her to fight it because it was going to get worse.

Several moments later, she let out a scream in pain and fell to her knees. Rand could feel the tension of the others were feeling. Yet he slowly balled his right hand into a fist to increase the power of his attack.

Mentokka screamed even louder.

The morning came too fast for Rand's sake. There were two things on his mind at the moment. One. There was the magical trial with Mentokka. Everything in his being told him that Mentokka would get though this. But there was something that troubled him. There was a good chance that it would change her. And he wasn't sure it was going to be for the better. Yet, when he looked into his Little Girl's eyes. He saw the strength and resolve in her, that damn near shouted at him that she'd be ready for anything that he could throw at her.


Another thing that troubled him was the fact that the magic told him that Mentokka would most likely become far stronger in magic then he would ever be. This is one of the reasons why he held back putting her though this. What if Mentokka became something evil? The magic ending up twisting up the sweet, loving, young girl in to someone that doesn't have a respect for life. Even though he played the thought though in his head countless times. And he had faith in her. It still made him shutter.
He should know, he went thought it himself.

Two. There was the search for the Ruins. Rand more or less knew exactly where the ruins were. The night he spent going over the map with Uber pin pointed were to look. If he wished, he could find it himself. Taking little more then a day or two. But there were things he had to consider.

First it was Uber's map. It was his ruins to find. Second there some one out there that wanted the map. And they already proved that they will go as far as killing to get it. He already knew that there was at least one person out there following there every move. It would be child's play to lead him in another direction. But he has to believe that here were more then one person following them. For all he knew, there may be an entire army out there waiting to pounce on them when they find the ruins. He had a lot of faith in the strength and powers of the six of them. But he didn't want to test there strength against hundreds or even thousands of soldiers or mercenaries. And he was sure that whom ever was behind all of this would throw in a few magic wielders to boot. The Wizard he killed was from the Kansan Order. And there services did not come cheap.

He knew that Uber trusted his judgment. But he would not like what he was going recommend what they should do for the time being. Even though it would still come down to his decision

He'd worry about that later when he got the chance to talk to them all. The first and most important thing was dealing with Mentokka. Before leaving his room, he made one small pray to the magic and the the gods that watched over him.


Mentokka had trouble sleeping this night. She would be lying that what Uncle Rand told her about not being ready for the trial would end up killing her troubled her. Saying that the magic could change her, and that the magic was unpredictable. Troubled her? No. This scared her.

Later that night she got dressed and went outside for a walk. She thought the fresh air would do her some good to clear her head. She headed to the eastern part of town. where the breeze was the stiffest. She turned to face the wind and closed her eyes. Remember what Uncle Rand taught her on how to go into herself. Let her skills in magic cover her like a warm blanket. And it was just recently she learned to expand her field of awareness. It was there she felt another present. A presents she knew well.

"Your up late, Tosh?" she said not opening her eyes.

"I could say the same about you." He said in his usual soft toned voice. "Trouble sleeping?" She nodded. "How did you know it was me? Your facing away from me and your eyes are closed."

"Big brother, I've known you all my life." she said opening her eyes and facing him."And one of the few things I know about you is the sound you make when you walk. Left foot slightly scarping the ground. That knee is still bothering you, I see." The truth was that she could sense him thought her use of the magic. But she wasn't going to tell him that.

Tosh hated when she did that to him. It was like Uncle Rand talking to him. Everything about him was open like a book for all to see. It was like he wasn't wearing any pants in front of her.

"And why are you out here, Tosh?" she asked a smile breaking out across her pretty face. "Worried about your kid sister?"

"If you was in my position, wouldn't you be worried?" he said.

"Of course. Tosh." she said. He smile leaving her face. "I can't get the words Uncle Rand said to me out of my mind."
{"Little Girl, if your not completely ready to take part in this. It......Will.....Kill you."}

She turned away from him, wrapping her arms around herself, slightly shuttering at the thought. Tosh walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. He wanted to tell her that ever thing would be alright. But he knew what she was feeling. He felt it all himself. The questions. The doubts. The fears.

"Sis?" Tosh asked. "Who are you doing this for? Yourself?.........Uncle Rand?......Or something else?"

Mentokka let the questions roll around in her head for a moment. Was she doing it for Uncle Rand? She was his 'Little Girl'. And she loved it when ever he said he was proud of her.

Was it for herself? The thought of having the ability to wield magic like her Uncle was something that sparked a fire under her when ever she thought about it.

Was there another reason? Maybe to be a powerful women in this man's world pricked her interest also. There were more then enough men that needed to be taught a lesson about respecting women. And she knew she was more the qualified to teach them. But she thought she was reaching a bit when it came to that.

"I think I'm doing for all those reasons, Tosh. There's an up side for each question."

"And a downside." She nodded.

"Tosh............I'm scared. I'm really, really scared." tears were welling up in her eyes.

Tosh took her in his arms. He felt her shiver in his grasp. "It no crime being scared, sis. The Gods know I felt the same way when I went though it. But you have to remember, if you do this, you'll have a great advantage that I did not have."

She looked up at him. With eyes that asked the question, 'What do you mean?'

"Like Uncle Rand said before. 'Family and Friends'. Where I had only you. You'll have Me, Pendragon, Gunner, Merc and most importantly, Uncle Rand."

"But what if I change?" She said slightly pulling away from him. "Become something terrible."

"We'll deal with it when that time come." He said calmly. "But I'm sure your more then strong enough to handle it."

"You make it sound so simple, Tosh!" She shouted, completely pulling away from him.

"When you come down to it. It's simple choices. Do or Don't. Change or Don't Change. Can't be any simpler then that." he said with his arms spread away from him

Mentokka always hated when Tosh was right. Her problem was that she was thinking about it WAY too much. Totally opposite from the way she did things. Of course there were times when you should think before you leap. But this wasn't one of those times. She felt like an open book to him. Felt like she wasn't wearing a dress in front of him.

"You may be right about all this, Big Brother." she thought. "But it's not like I'm going to admit it to your face. I'd never here the end of it."

Mentokka came to embrace her brother once again. She thanked him for always being there for her. Tosh smiled and told her that what Big Brothers are for.

"Time for you to get some sleep, sis." He said to her. "It's going to be one of those days tomorrow." She laughed and nodded.

"I bet it will be, Tosh. I bet it will be."

The two walked off heading back to there rooms.