 
                       Marcus's Power (12 of 16)
 
Marcus's Power
 
Author's Note
 
There is no sex in this chapter.
 
Chapter 12
 
The five of them rode in relative silence for most of the way to New
Orleans. The girls did do a little chit chat, but not much. Marcus'
mind was on the battle he just went through. Well, he didn't exactly
think it was a battle. It was more of a slaughter, or at least that's
what he thought. Marcus thought of the cool, precise and even deadly
moves he used. He was not shook up once during the battle. That worried
him a little.
 
Every now and then he would look over at Jesse and see her smile at
him. She, who had got mad because Marcus told her to stay out of it. He
told a white lie about why he did it. Marcus was a little guilty about
that. The reason he told her to stay out of it, was because he did not
want her to get hurt. Marcus knew Jesse well enough that she would have
been extremely mad if she found that out.
 
Jesse had informed him on the way over here that the base that Shain
had control over was not completely in New Orleans. It was more on the
outskirts, away from the main part of city. It consisted of a very
large mansion and behind the mansion was a bunker that most of the
Knights slept in. This made since to Marcus. They did not want to take
over the town. Jesse also informed him that they only used mind control
when necessary and they were only allowed one follower, but the High
Council and Blade Runners were allowed two.
 
Jesse and Kait kept insisting that Shain would be more than happy to
receive Marcus. But Marcus came from a long line of disappointments and
did not get his hopes up. They were about ten miles from the base when
Kait spoke up. "It's about ten miles from here, we're close. Oh, it
does feel good to be close to home!" She said with a very wide smile
and a small giggle.
 
"Well, the sooner we get there the better, if that's what makes you
happy Kait." Marcus said and winked in the rear view mirror so he knew
she caught it. She did and blushed a little to Marcus' amusement.
 
*<'Shain responds better to the silent, take charge kind of Knights.
Keep that look you had in your eye in the battle today and you will do
fine'>* Jesse said to Marcus telepathically.
 
*<'What do you mean, the look in my eyes?'>* Marcus sent back with a
mild smile.
 
*<'You know damn well what I mean. Think of yourself as a cold killing
machine and you will do fine'>* She sent back with a very serious look.
 
*<'You got it'>* 

*<'Shain just don't have much of a sense of a humor, that's all. You
and him will get along fine. Just be yourself'>* She sent with a smile.
 
"Jesse, I'll try my best. Is that it?" Marcus said and pointed to a
mansion that was a ways off the highway.
 
"Yea, that's it. Don't drive up to quick. See those four guard-Knights?
They will feel threatened." Kait said with a cheerful voice.
 
Marcus just gave her a nod and started to pull into the long driveway.
It was about two hundred yards long and there were four guards at the
end of it and a big metal gate that was about ten feet tall with an
insignia in the middle of it. The insignia had two swords crossed in a
burning moon and in small but very distinguishing letters the words
"Shadow Zone" were written below the insignia.
 
Marcus had a strange feeling. He did not feel danger in driving up to
the gate. He started to feel dangerous though. Just like Jesse told him
to do, only he was doing it without trying. 'This must be what a Master
feels like' he thought with a quark of the lips. He pulled up to the
gates. The three of the guards stood stock still, full of discipline.
The fourth guard-Knight approached the Mustang. He leaned in and tapped
on the passenger window and Jesse rolled the window down.
 
*<'Don't tell them who I am yet'>* Marcus shot to Jesse.
 
"This is a restricted area, Knight, and I've never seen you before."
The guard said with his hand on the hilt of the sword that was on his
hip.
 
"My name is Jesse Budroux. I am Shain Budroux's sister." Jesse said in
a low but firm voice.
 
"Prove it. Open your mind." The guard said simply.
 
"I don't-" Jesse started to decline but Kait butted in, leaning forward
to look at the guard.
 
"You might not know her, but you know me. So open up the damn gate."
Kait said in an annoyed voice. She was anxious to be home.
 
"Right away Mrs. Carson," The guard said and motioned another guard to
flip the switch in the small booth by the gate. "It's good to see you
back Mrs. Carson." He added as the gate slowly opened.
 
"It's good to be back." She said before Marcus started to move the car
down the drive way. He looked in his rear view mirror to see the guard
calling to the house from the booth.
 
Marcus took note of the large mansion they was pulling up to it. It was
huge. The lawn was well kept and there was guards on the balcony. The
mansion was mostly white and gray. Shain most definitely had money.
That was know doubt a result from mind control. Marcus was still a
little nervous as he pulled up. But that was rapidly diminishing. The
cold precise manor he had in battle was falling over him. This was not
because he felt danger though. It was mostly because he wanted to be
prepared.
 
They pulled into the very large driveway, in front of the house.
Someone then emerged from the front door. He was about Marcus' age and
height. The Knight was wearing a black baseball cap and a pair of
small, round and mirror plated sunglasses that was almost exactly like
Marcus'. The Knight also had a collarless black button up shirt that
was completely unbuttoned. Marcus took quick notice of the muscles the
Knight had in his upper body. Marcus knew that this Knight was as
strong if not stronger than him.
 
Marcus also took quick not of the sword and sheath that the Knight had
in his left hand. "That's Shain. Don't worry, he isn't as bad as he
looks." Jesse said with a small laugh.
 
Marcus brought the car to a stop. Then he just sat there a moment and
looked at Shain. Marcus thought it a little strange that he could
almost feel the power coming off Shain. Shain was just standing stock
still. Marcus knew why he did it. The first reason was that he did not
know Marcus. The second was an old rule of Marcus'. Never go them, let
them come to you. That way you know were you stand.
 
"Are we going to get out, my Lord?" Kait asked with an expectant face.
 
"Yea Kait. Let's go." Marcus said in a low and firm voice and stepping
out of the car. He noticed that when he did, two Knights stepped in
front of Shain, in an obvious gesture to protect him. Marcus was dimly
aware that his four passengers were staying behind him.
 
Marcus got about seven feet away from Shain when one of the Knights
pulled a sword with wicked speed and put the tip over Marcus' chest,
right over his heart. "What business do you have Outsider?" The Knight
said and pressed the sword a little harder.
 
Marcus look over at Shain with an arch of an eyebrow. "You know, I
really hate it when people do this to me." He said in a low, firm and
deadly voice. Then his hands shot with lighting speed in a scissor
motion, shattering the sword to the hilt. The second Knight reached for
his sword but Kait interjected.
 
"Master, tell them to back off! They will be dead before they hit the
ground if they don't." Kait said a little loudly.
 
"He means know harm Shain. And if your 'Body Guards' knew who he was
they would show him a little more respect." Jesse said with a smile. 

"Step off boys. Who are you and what do you want with the Zone?" Shain
asked in a low but very, very firm voice.
 
"My name is Marcus Williams and I'm here to see what I can do for YOU.
I want nothing in return." Marcus said in his trade mark low voice.
 
"What could you possibly do for the Zone?" Shain asked with a small
smile.
 
"Shain he's the Son Of Dakrin! Show a little respect at least." Jesse
said with a little exasperation in her voice.
 
"You're... The Son Of Dakrin? Forgive if I'm doubtful, but I think I'll
need a little proof." Shain said in a low voice, ignoring the
exasperated look of his sister.
 
Marcus undid his shirt enough so that Shain could see the smoked
crystal with the golden claw hanging around his neck. He saw the
comprehension dawn on Shain's face. Shain pulled his sword out in a
fluid motion and prepared to kneel when Marcus stopped him. "Please
don't... I don't want you to kneel. I don't want you to be a follower.
I want you to be an ally." Marcus said in a lowered voice. "And please
call me Marcus." he added.
 
"As you wish, come in, please. I'm sure your trip was a long one."
Shain said to Marcus, then walked over to Jesse. "I'm glad you're
finally come home. I hope you like what you see." He said with a smile.
 
Marcus followed him into the rather large mansion. There was at least
two guards at every entrance. This told Marcus that Shain was very
careful. "I'm glad you're here Marcus. I must say that you have
impeccable timing. I have a meeting with the Dark Knights in about an
hour. For some reason they are very eager for peace. You would not know
why they are being flexible all of the sudden, would you?" He asked
with an almost knowing smile.
 
"Could be he wasted to of their Knights in less time than It takes to
blink... Without using a blade I might add." Jesse said and slid an arm
around Marcus' waist.
 
"You should see him with a blade Shain, the only person that I've seen
that comes close is you." Kait side with a second proud smile.
 
"Is that so... Let's go to my den. I'll introduce you to my first in
command. You might appreciate his skill." Shain said with a slight grin
and led the way.
 
*<'I know the first in command... He is going to challenge you by Right
Of Steal. It's a test to prove yourself. Please don't be angry with
Shain... He's just careful and he wants to make sure you are who you
say you are'>* Jesse sent to Marcus telepathically.
 
*<'Are you telling me that I have traveled seven hundred miles to be
tested?! What the fuck, Jesse? Angry? No, I'm not angry. I'm severely
pissed!'>* He shot back the thought to Jesse so hard that she had to
stop walking because her head was dizzy.
 
"Jesse, are you alright?" Shain asked with a concerned look on his face.
 
"I'm fine. Really." *<'Shain, don't push him. He'll snap, I know he
will'>* She sent to Shain with a worried face.
 
*<'Relax'>* "Here we are." Shain said as he opened up a door to reveal
a rather large room that had a pool table and three Knights in it.
 
Marcus knew right away that two of them were Masters. He could tell
which one was Shain's first in command right away as well. He was a
young man about the age of 24. He had long black bangs that somewhat
covered part of his shades. Marcus could see the ripples in his forearm
when he hit the cue ball. Marcus was curious despite himself. He wanted
to know how good a Master was and apparently he was to find out.
 
"Johnny, come over here for a minute. I want you to meet someone."
Shain said as he lowered his shades a little.
 
"So who is it?" Johnny asked, Marcus could tell that Shain already had
told him and he was just going through some protocol.
 
"This is Marcus Williams, Son Of Dakrin." Shain said in a low but firm
voice and watched Marcus lower his shades. What he seen in those eyes
almost made him have second thoughts. Almost.
 
"Son Of Dakrin, huh? Well If you're really the Son Of Dakrin, then you
won't mind a small test, will ya?" Johnny asked with sarcasm in his
voice.
 
"What kind of guest would I be if I declined? Ready when you are,
sport." Marcus said, pulling his sword with a swift motion.
 
"Marcus, don't fight him. Not like this. Not when you're angry. I seen
what you did to the Dark Knights just because they threatened me.
Please." Jesse said with pleading eyes.
 
"Relax Love. I'm in full control. I think I will like this... What did
you call it? Trial by Steal. It may be fun." He said with absolutely no
humor in his voice.
 
"You told him on the way here what I would do?" Shain asked in an
amused voice.
 
"No, I told him in the hall. Shain, if Johnny dies it's you're fault.
Marcus has only been using a sword two days." She said with a stern
voice Shain was not used to, coming from his sister anyway.
 
"Well if that's the case, Son Of Dakrin or not, Johnny will disarm him
quick. Nobody can Master a sword that quick." Shain said with a quark
of a grin.
 
Marcus reflected on what he felt for a brief moment. His anger seemed
to almost fuel his Kinetics. It felt like he was running on jet fuel.
It was hard for him to stay still. "Well, Johnny, are we gonna do this
or are you just gonna stare at me?" Marcus said with a wicked smile.
 
"You're awful cocky for someone that has only used a sword for two
days." Johnny said as he rolled up his sleeves and pulled his blade.
 
That was when Kait popped in the conversation. "Watch it Johnny. You
would be wise not to underestimate him. He's the real deal." Kait
quipped. And Marcus seen the first signs of doubt start to creep into
Johnny's face.
 
"Come on big boy, let's see what you got." Marcus said and spun his
sword once.
 
Johnny looked at Shain for final conformation and bounced into attack.
His sword was quick, Marcus noticed. Johnny had ten times more skill
than those foolish Knights he fought before. Marcus' fascination was
quickly being replaced by amusement. Johnny tried several attacks, but
they were to no avail. Marcus stayed purely on defense and tested
Johnny's attack form. Then without notice Marcus quit using his sword.
Johnny would strike and Marcus would move with unnatural speed,
avoiding the blade by mere inches. Marcus could not help but smile at
Johnny's efforts. The boy was good.
 
Marcus caught a brief look at Shain's face in between dodging the
blade. It was one of amusement. Shain thought Marcus was putting all he
had into this fight. He thought Marcus did not know how to shift from
defense to offense. His sister, Jesse, knew better though. She just had
a shit eating grin on her face. Shain looked over at her and became a
little confused. So he sent her a thought.
 
*<'What's so funny sis? You obviously found the wrong Son Of Dakrin'>*
The thought said.
 
Jesse did not bother with a reply. Instead she laughed and said rather
loudly. "Quit playing with him and take his damn sword, you big show
off." And that was followed by a wave of warm laughter.
 
With that, Marcus raised his sword and went on the offense. With full
speed. Johnny actually kept up for a few seconds, which surprised
Marcus. But Marcus hit the hilt of his sword and it flew out of his
hand, right across the room and Jesse caught it in mid-air. Marcus then
swung his sword with lighting speed and stopped it centimeters from
Johnny's neck. Johnny had a look of almost comic surprise on his face.
 
Marcus never moved his blade from Johnny's neck when he spoke. "I
thought a Shadow Master would know rule number one." He said with a
slight grin.
 
"Which is?" Johnny asked nervously since the blade was beside his neck.
 
"Never, under any circumstances, underestimate an opponent. You would
be wise to remember that." He said this in barely a whisper.
 
Then Marcus' attention was drawn back to the slow clapping hands of
Shain. "I'm sorry I put you through that Marcus, but it was necessary.
You don't know how many Knights claim to be the Son Of Dakrin. You do
understand don't you?" Shain asked with an apologetic look.
 
Marcus caught on all to quick and understood perfectly. "I don't only
understand, but I respect you more now than I did before." Marcus said
and removed the sword from Johnny's neck and sheathed it in one motion.
 
"Why would you respect me more?" Shain asked, his curiosity peaking.
 
"I don't really like the idea of people following me blindly. I want to
get one thing straight, before we go any further." Marcus said in a low
voice with his shades lowered so that Shain could see his icy blue eyes.
 
"And that would be?" Shain asked taking a seat on the sofa that was
against the wall. Marcus noticed that it was very expensive leather
sofa at that.
 
"I'm not going to lie to you, Shain. I really am a novice to this game.
But even as a novice I have been unmatched in every fight I've been in.
I take it though, that I am better than most since I beat your first in
command fairly easily," Marcus started as he took a seat on the arm of
the sofa. "I still have a lot to learn before I take my father's place
in New Mexico and from what I've heard of you, you're just the person
to teach me." He said in a low, low voice. He hated asking for favors.
 
"You want me to teach you, the Son Of Dakrin, the ways of Shadow?"
Shain said with a faint smile as if it were almost preposterous and out
of the question to train someone that is destined for such greatness as
Marcus.
 
"Look Shain, your sister taught me everything I know about a sword and
I have this sneaking feeling that you know a hell of a lot more than
she does when it comes to battle," He looked over at Jesse then and
said, "Know offense, Love." Then he turned back to Shain and said,
"Besides, when I pulled up here, I could tell that you were probably
better than I was with a sword. Just imagine how good I could be as
your student."
 
"I'll do it if you wish Marcus. But you are destined to lead us. Not me
to lead you. It's sort of like the student teaching the Master." Shain
said with a hint of a real smile.
 
"I give you my word, that when I feel I'm ready for New Mexico and the
Real Zone, I will lead you in a glorious battle and win with as little
causalities as possible... And I know you don't know me well, but I
don't give my word lightly." He said this with a low voice and his eyes
showed a serious glare that Shain rarely seen.
 
"It would be my Honer to teach you what I know.... And since you so
easily beat my best Knight, I guess I'll have to be your sparing
partner," He said, and Marcus seen the small blush of Johnny. "So what
do you want to do first?"
 
"Well, if you have a spare room I'd like to get settled in before the
meeting with the Dark Knights. Then I want to have a serious
conversation. They put a hit on Jesse. I'm still a little pissed about
that." Marcus said, and Shain could see the fire in Marcus' eyes.
 
"That can be done and I agree with a you on the fact that they made a
very stupid move putting a hit on my sister... But remember this, this
meeting is a peaceful one. When we call peaceful meetings we try to
keep our words.. Unless they make the first move." Shain said, his face
turned red with anger that they tried that.
 
"I'm going to give you some advice that you might have heard before.
There is only peace on the other side of war. I plan to annihilate
them." Marcus said with a deadly voice that almost made Jesse flinch.
 
"I was sort of hoping you would say that. The first reason is for my
sister. The second is because the Dark Knights are not famous for
keeping there words." He said with a slight bow of the head that said
he agreed with Marcus.
 
"One other thing, about the sleeping arrangements. I want Jess in my
room and Kait in the closest room near mine... Yea, I sort of grown a
little attached to your sister. And Kait is one hell of a good sword
fighter, that I trust completely, for some reason." Marcus said and
noticed Kait's slight blush. He knew that she thought it would be a
great honer to be the body guard of the Son Of Dakrin.
 
"As far as my sister is concerned, I'm pretty sure that she would have
asked if you hadn't. Plus, I think she could do a lot worse than you
Marcus... But about Kait, are you sure? I have better Blade Runners
that could guard you." Shain said with a slight bit of amusement in his
voice.
 
"Yea, I know. But I've seen her fight and I know her. I trust her and
above all she is very loyal, plus she knows me a little better. So that
leaves less chance that she will annoy me. The latter is the main
reason." He said this with a smile as he stood up.
 
"Oh, Johnny, I apologize for showing off with you. I just don't like
being tested. You are the best I've been up against so far, if that
makes you feel better." Marcus said and looked at him with a face of a
genuine apologetic look.
 
"No, I apologize for doubting you. I wish we did not have to go through
them tests... But can you imagine the havoc an impersonator would
cause?" He said and placed his fist over his heart to show that he
meant the apology.
 
Marcus nodded his acceptance. Then turned back to Shain. "So how many
Dark Masters will be here later?" He asked with a serious expression.
 
"There will be two Masters and six Knights. Their high Council never
comes to see us. The think as badly of us as we do of them." Shain said
with a small chuckle.
 
"Well, if it's alright with you, I would like to get settled into my
room... Oh yea, were are you putting Sara and Tomas?" Marcus asked as
he pushed up his shades
 
"They will be sleeping in the bunker with the rest of the Knights. If
that's alright with you," Shain said as he buttoned up his shirt. I'll
have Kait pick you out a couple of rooms from upstairs and if you're
not down I'll call you when the Darkies arrive. " Shain added, talking
about the Dark Knights.
 
"Sound's like a plan to me." Marcus said, putting an arm around Jesse
and motioning for Kait to lead the way.
 
"See you in about a half hour." Shain said, then placed his fist over
his heart to show respect. Marcus did the same in return.
 
"Follow me, my Lord. I'll take to you're room..." She said as she
tugged on his sleeve gently, a smile adorning her face that was most
beautiful.
 
"Ok, pretty lady, lead the way." Marcus said as he poked her in the
ribs and she giggled and blushed. Marcus caught a moment of jealousy in
Jesse's face when he done that. But it disappeared quickly though.
 
Marcus had a remedy for this though. He just reached out and wrapped a
arm around Jesse and pulled her close as they followed Jesse out of the
den. She snuggled in close as they walked. They passed two or three
female Knights on the way up the stairs. The look on Jesse's face said
that Marcus belonged to her, so back off!
 
After they made their way up the long stair case and ran into a hall
that was full of rooms. There rooms were at the end of it. Kait opened
up the last door on the right, and they walked in. Marcus really did
not care about fancy things, but if he did, that room would have been
perfect. there was a king sized bed that had bed posts rising six feet
in the air with veils hanging on them. This was so the bed was barely
visible.
 
"Is the room to your liking, my Lord?" Kait asked with and expectant
look on her face.
 
"The room is perfect Kait. Can you have someone send up our clothes?"
Marcus would have asked for a computer to put his notes on. But there
was a computer that was sitting in the corner of the room on a big oak
desk. For some reason, Marcus' mind was starting to make new Shadow Law
in his head.
 
"Right away my Lord. If you need me, I'll be straight across the hall.
Some Knights will have your things here shortly." She said. Kait had
sent a telepathic signal to the Knights to bring their cloths.
 
"Well, my Love," Marcus said and took Jesse into a warm embrace. "I
guess this is home for now." He said and kissed her lightly on the lips
as Kait closed their door.
 
"You look worried Marcus. What's up?" Jesse asked with a concerned look.
 
"I'm I that transparent?" Marcus asked with a weak smile.
 
"Only to me, Love. Tell me what's wrong." She said and traced his jaw
line with tender finger tips.
 
"Do I look like a person that should lead an army?" He asked in almost
a whisper.
 
"If you would have asked me that two days ago, I would have said no....
But now... Marcus, your skill is unmatched and you're as sharp as a
razor. Yes, you could run an army." Jesse said with a warm smile and
kissed his lips gently.
 
Marcus pulled away from her then, gently and with a smile. "I'm glad
you said that, because I'm about to start a war. Every Dark Knight that
does not lay down his sword will be slaughtered. I'm doing this for two
reasons. The first is, I don't like the way the Dark Knights think and
the second is, I want to see how good we are before we go up against
the Zone." He said this in a low but deadly voice. His confidence had
returned.
 
"You said so yourself, there is only peace on the other side of war.
Marcus, with you here, they have no chance." Jesse said and put an arm
around his shoulder.
 
"I hope you're right, Jess. I really hope you're right." He said in a
mumble.
 
Marcus was having a little doubt, but not much. He knew that he was
doing this partly because they tried to kill Jesse, but another part of
him was doing this because he knew that it had to be done. There are
very few things that Marcus held dear in this world. He wanted to build
something that was good. He wanted an empire that would keep the
majority of his kind safe. A place that he could truly call home...
 
