The two spread out, moving cautiously as they made their way through the stacks of containers.
A surge of energy crashed through the space.
Instinctively, Kira dove for cover, rolling until her spine fetched up against a container. Her heart pounded as adrenaline flooded her system.
The spot where she'd just been standing had been turned into a crater.
She scanned her surroundings, relieved when she spotted Finn and Raider behind their own container.
"Well, well, look who we have here." Niland walked out of the shadows. "A weaponless human, a misguided Tuann, and the reject who led them to their deaths."
Across from her, Raider rolled his eyes at the posturing by the oshota from House Remie. "Kira, have you ever noticed how the weaker one of these guys are, the more they like to pontificate?"
"What are you doing?" Kira mouthed.
"Go," he mouthed back.
Kira shook her head.
"Yap all you want, human. You'll soon be dead."
There was a loud thud as if Niland had leapt onto one of the containers. Identical thuds came from several different positions in the warehouse.
Finn looked around Raider's shoulder and dipped his chin once, his eyes grave.
"You have to," Raider mouthed.
Even from this distance, Kira could see the emotions he was suppressing. Adrenaline clashed with anticipation and fear.
"Find another way," she mouthed at him.
Finn tapped Raider’s shoulder, and with one last glance in Kira's direction disappeared into the shadows surrounding the containers.
Kira's nose burned as she shook her head at Raider again.
This wasn't necessary. They could deal with these people together.
Raider's eyes were suspiciously wet as he gave her a bittersweet smile and touched his chest over his heart.
No, he wasn't doing this. Not for her.
Kira reached for herki,summoning every bit she could. The desperate pull caused herkito sputter and flame out.
It was like trying to suck an ocean through a straw in a second, only to have the straw collapse under the stress.
A tear ran down her cheek as she clawed at her inhibitor. If she could just get it off.
"Kira, I forgive you." A roguish grin split Raider's face. "For real this time."
There was no time to stop him as he broke cover, standing tall. His expression was carefree, as if the danger never even registered.
Confused, Niland stopped his advance.
"My father always told me arrogance will destroy even the most powerful of men." Raider took a long look at Niland's companions. "I hate to admit that man got anything right. It really burns my ass, you understand?"
Niland ignored the question as he drew his blade.
Raider heaved a sigh. "Like really bad. To the point I want to dig out my brain so I don't have to think about it."
