Chapter CXL: Old…Friend? ~Ria

C.R. was silent as the Spectrum rode easily though space. He was deep in thought. The other passengers on the train were more or less shocked not only by the fact that the planet they had just been standing on was no more than a few particles floating around in space, but also by the fact that Malachai's bellow and an actual explosion had traveled through the vacuum of space. Oh well, since constant thrust seemed to give the Spectrum constant acceleration, we'll just assume we're working on anime laws.
Anyway, C.R. was extremely worried about how they were even going to discover the location of the next weapon. His only comfort was that the Twilight Council would be out of commission for at least a small space of time to recover from the previous battle. He looked over at the still charred form of Havering's ghost. Ian, as tired and beaten as he must have been, was back in his human form, making sure the others on the train were comfortable, and any injured were being taken care of. C.R. noticed Prism watching Ian carefully, and he shook his head slightly. It had only been a matter of time until she found out.
"My spoon!" A voice shrieked, and C.R. winced. He looked up to see Kaye, Mazzic and Josh trying to wrestle the latest Creation's Weapon from the spiky haired teen's hand.
"He tried to bite me!" Josh exclaimed.
"You are each going to get a fist in the face if you don't shut up." Ratch snarled.
"I'd like to see you try it." Kyanosa said loudly. He then yipped and ducked behind Kaye as the former Infect stood up, glaring at the human, looking fully ready to carry out his threat. C. R. rubbed his forehead in annoyance. Of course the Spectrummers’ main fighters would also need time to recover, but at least they had the advantage to numbers.
"Advantage of numbers." C.R. muttered. He stood up and moved into the Spectrum's cockpit. "Omega, set in a course for Liawe."
"Another Creation's Weapon?" Omega inquired.
"No, we've got someone we need to pick up. Don't know if she's quite ready, but we're going to need every ally we can get now."

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"Any discomfort?" The doctor asked.
"For the last time, not a thing."

The black haired woman tapped her fingers on the metal tabletop.

"You did a great job."
"A compliment from you? You must be feeling fine."
Adrian smirked, "Very funny, Doc."
"This was a very delicate procedure. One little mistake; just one in any of the surgeries and you could've been in a wheelchair for the rest of your life."

He adjusted his glasses and scribbled down a few things on his clipboard.
"I know, but there were no mistakes, and I'm not in a wheelchair."

She stood up, pulling the silver and white jacket off the back of the chair and slipping it on.

"And as you promised, this is my last check-up correct?"
"You're as free as a bird, Ria, my dear, and let's hope they don't have to bring you in here for anything else."
"You won't see me in here again," she bowed. "At least not of my own free will."
"I don't doubt that."
Adrian nodded one last time and left the examination room. She blinked as she stepped outside into the bright sun. Her tail flicked happily behind her and she sighed deeply. It had been four years of intense surgery to implant the metal reinforcements into her skeletal structure, and even on such an advanced planet as Liawe, it had been more months than she cared to remember of being flat on her back, unable to move from the pain.
"But those days are over," Adrian smiled.

She crouched slightly, and then sprung straight up, almost ten feet into the air, coming down softly. That had taken no extra effort, and she didn't feel even the slightest strain on her body. It was well worth losing her ability to morph fully into a griffin for this much extra power.
"Ria! How'd it go?" A younger blond haired teen slid to a stop next to her. "What'd the doctor say?"
"I'm done, Riley,” Adrian replied to the human with a smile. “No more check-ups. No more appointments."
"Awesome. Now you can finish up your magik lessons with Master Turner," Riley mirrored the smile. "Even if you are one of his the best students already."
Adrian smiled. "I'm only that way because I've worked hard at it."
"I don't remember all the times I snuck in the spell books while you were recovering from your latest surgery. The nurses would've had my head and yours if they'd ever found out, oh and here's your sword back."
Adrian took the sheath and slipped it over her shoulder.

"They're way too picky about having weapons in the hospital."
Riley grinned, "Of course they are. Considering hardly anyone on this planet even owns one for a reason other than decoration."
"I know, I know. But part of me wanting to get stronger included gaining skill with a sword."
"Hey, what the heck kind of car is that?"
Adrian turned to where Riley was looking and paused. "It's not a car…it's the Spectrum."
"Spectrum?"
Adrian nodded.

"C.R.'s here."
"C.R.? You mean the guy that sent you here?" Riley asked quietly.
The Auran nodded slowly as the floating train pulled to a stop in front of her. She'd told Riley about where she'd come from, and that when C.R. came back, she'd be leaving. The door slid open and The Rip Watcher himself stood at the door. Adrian bowed deeply.

"It's good to see you again, sir."
"I don't know if you're ready Ria, but I need you now."
"I am ready if you need me, sir," Adrian replied.
C.R. moved back from the door, and Adrian climbed up. She paused in the doorway and turned back to see Riley looking after her, with slightly wet eyes. When Adrian had first come to this planet she thought all humans were selfish or just plain crazy, but the people of Liawe were nothing like the humans off which she had formed her opinions. Sure, they weren't perfect either, but she'd come to realize that each person deserved their own chance to prove themselves. Riley had become her best friend almost immediately, breaking through Adrian's anger and sorrow over the lost of her planet and the people of her village, to become her best friend. She put up with Adrian's sometimes-harsh personality, accepting her for who she was.
Adrian jumped down from the Spectrum.

"I don't know if I'll be coming back, so I guess this is good-bye."
Riley smiled through the tears.

"Thank you for saying good-bye at least, and do come back if you can."
Adrian nodded, "It's a promise." She smiled and climbed onto the Spectrum. "Oh, and I guess this means you're Master Turner's best student now," she said over her shoulder before the door closed. Almost immediately the train began to move, leaving the waving Riley behind in a matter of seconds.
"You can just make yourself comfortable for now," C.R. said.
Adrian nodded, looking around at the contents of the interdimensional train. Most of the faces were unknown to her, but she did spot an orange lizard who looked familiar.
"Hold on. Adrian. Is that you?"
The Auran turned to see young woman looking at her. Adrian's eyes widened slightly. "Kaye?"
"You. What are you doing here? Zolott…well it exploded," Kaye moved over, shaking hands with Adrian.
Adrian nodded, "C.R. sent me to this planet. He saved my life, so I told him I'd get stronger and then fight for him if he ever had need. I guess he has need now."
"Indeed," C.R. said. "Since you two know each other, how about Kaye fills you in on what's happening?"
Adrian and Kaye both nodded.

"Come on. I'll introduce you to the gang."

Kaye moved over to the far wall.
"This is Mazzic, and Josh, and Kyanosa. Guys, this is Adrian."
"Pleased to meet you," Adrian shook hands with Mazzic and Josh. "But Kyanosa and I have met before."

She held out her hand to the teen, who promptly screamed, causing everyone in the room to wince yet again, before he dove behind Mazzic.
"Um, Kyanosa, what are you doing?" Kaye asked.
"Guess I shouldn't be surprised," Adrian sighed. "I am sorry about the sword thing Kyanosa. I really wasn't trying to hurt you."
There was no reply from the huddled figure behind Mazzic. Kaye bent down, trying to lure him out, but after a few minutes of futile attempts she gave up.
"So what sword thing was this?" Mazzic asked eagerly.
Adrian chuckled. "It's a long story."