202 Warped (2/2)

Sudden inspiration hit Remian. He raised his arms, and raised that barrier expanding it farther, farther, pushing the chains back, pushing the slavers back, pushing the chain nets on the floor back. ”Sandra! Gammie! Alex!”

Light flashed. The three of them suddenly appeared under the dome with him, all of them looking surprised and confused.

More. More names. Remian called the names of every crew member he knew, and when he ran out, Phoebe supplied the rest. Light flashed non-stop, until the entire crew was under the dome with him.

Still, he raised his hands. Still, he raised his barrier. It covered half the deck now, and had pushed aside everything that wasn't the floor or inside the barrier itself.

Horns were sounding. Shouts were heard on all sides.

Remian paused, laid a hand on the deck, and said, ”Break!”

With a sudden SNAP! All the safety rims on the sides of the deck broke away, taking the grappling hooks with them.

”Get us out of here!” Phoebe yelled to the crew.

Remian finally let the barrier go, only to see the raiders had already fled the deck, leaving a lot of chains and weapons behind. As if by mutual agreement, their airships and his separated in a hurry.

”What happened?” Remian blinked.

”I think you scared them off.” Phoebe suggested.

Remian frowned. ”No, I don't think that's it.”

Then he collapsed, panting heavily. Pain surged.

”Remian!” Phoebe laid a hand on his chest. Light glowed. Warmth flooded him.

But still, his head spun. Consciousness began to fade.

”Wait… wait… I still…”

But there was no staving off exhaustion.

The last thing Remian said before everything completely went black?

”Mindy.”

***

Mindy suddenly appeared on the deck of the Red Fang, eyes wide and wondering how the heck she got here.

”Wha…?” she gaped.

”I said the same thing.” Phoebe agreed.

”How did…”

”He did.” Phoebe pointed to Remian.

”Remian!” Mindy gasped. ”What happened to him?”

”Overdid it. Again.” Phoebe grimaced.

Mindy looked around. ”What happened to my airship?!”

Phoebe's grimace only grew more pronounced. She didn't say anything.

”And Mandy…” Mindy faltered. Then, ”Take off the Aurian flags! Set course for the Ashdalian fleet!”

”Ashdale?” Phoebe blinked.

”We need repairs and rest.” Mindy said decisively. ”And my sister is there.”

”Oh.”