Dalik is about to respond to William's internal commentary, but a sudden blur of motion and spray of red stop him in his tracks. He watches in mingled fascination and horror as the woman he had been tentatively flirting with falls to the floor. He jumps back just in time to avoid being perilously close to the Andalite tail blade, scrambling for his Dracon.
<<What a lovely shade of red,>> William comments, his casual observation of Joanne's suddenly dire predicament almost more horrifying than the scenario itself.
<<What is wrong with you?>> Dalik demands. He unholsters his weapon, clutching it tightly with one hand. Rather than attack Myitt, though, drops to his knees beside Joanne.
"You're going to bleed out," he says, voice distant and strangely matter-of-fact. He hesitates for a brief second, then abandons his Dracon as quickly as he pulled it, shoving it back into his holster and tugging his linen shirt over his head.
<<Must you? I'll never get the bloodstains out,>> William complains. Dalik ignores him, balling the fabric up and forcibly pressing it to the wound.
Fayleth lets out a cry of alarm, registering the movement and injury seconds after it happens. She takes a step back, then freezes, goosebumps breaking out along her skin. The sight of a tail blade in motion, the turelek with part of its neck laid open, all of it sends Terenia's mind lurching into a memory she can't force back.
"You are not my sister," Terenia says, addressing a crying, begging human girl completely identical to her in every way. Fayleth senses Terenia's surprise that her voice sounds slightly choked, despite the fury that is forefront, "My sister trusted me. My sister loved me. She didn't try to kill me just for trying to protect her!" Terenia pauses, gasping slightly, and turns slightly away from the sobbing figure on the ground. "I set out to save you, to protect you. But I see now that you are beyond that." One hand balls into an angry fist, and for a moment it looks as if she is going to attack Tamora right then and there, weaponless and all, "I gave up five years for you!"
Then Terenia takes a step away. She glances over her shoulder, fixing Ossanlin with a steady gaze - accusatory, almost - as she begins to demorph. This remembered version of Ossanlin is different from the one in the bar today. He is in morph, watching the scenario play out. Nevertheless, Fayleth knows who it is, and can feel a low, simmering hatred for the Andalite, even as Terenia herself morphs. Her skin darkens and sprouts purple fur, her arms weaken and legs strengthen. Two additional legs protrude from her chest and her body shifts into two main segments. Stalks grow from her head and her mouth disappears. Her eyes lose their tear ducts, something for which Terenia is grateful. Finally, the last change appears. Her tail curves upward, the scynthe-like blade glinting dangerously.
During the morphing process the crying girl, Tamora of course, has not moved, except to shiver and cry. Her constant prayer of, "please, oh God please don't! Please...please..." heightens in volume as Terenia approaches in her Andalite form. To Ossanlin she gives a little nod; acceptance of her role as the one to pass judgment on Tamora.
<Sorry, Tammy,> Terenia says in a whisper, firing the muscles in her tail.
A Hork-Bajir tries to intervene, the force of his shove pushing her back. But it isn't enough. Every time she relives the memory, she wants it to be enough. It never is.
Terenia turns her gaze to Ossanlin's morphed face instead of the bloody, silent mess at his feet. She quickly begins to change, running from her Andalite self and returning to her human form - a replica built from Tamora's own DNA.
"There." Terenia says as soon as her mouth and vocal chords reform, "I hope you are happy, Andalite." Her voice is taut and stiff, her face blank. As she turns and walks away from the small crowd it is clear that something has broken.
"Oh, by the Kandrona," Fayleth whispers, her stomach suddenly revolting. She sucks in a breath and leans onto the bar, Terenia's vision swimming at the stark memory.
