A unanimous groan was shared among the scattered group, with the surprise of the attack still overpowering them. Each was trying to moderate the strain in their bodies that was causing them all great stress. A wave of panic swept through the group at their newest state and circumstances.

“Liz?” a moaning Max called out, yet received no answer. All he wanted was to make sure she was all right. He reached out to her, not even sure as to where she was. But he needed her, he needed to touch her just so he could know she was all right, that Khivar, that bastard, hadn’t hurt his beauty.

“Aw, isn’t that cute? The little prince calling out for his princess.” Khivar smirked as he sent out another blast of power towards the ground, shaking up the group again.

“You see, Princie, why you ever thought you could protect Leandra was beyond me. Even on Antar, you were so weak. You let her die right in front of you. Do you remember it? Because I do. Every. Single. Detail.”

“If you think you’ll win, you’ve got another thing coming, you stupid space beast!” Maria screamed at him, clutching a grunting Alex close to her. Khivar narrowed his eyes at her, dreadfully silent.

“I wouldn’t say anything you’re going to regret later, sweetheart,” Khivar hissed.

“Trust me, I haven’t said anything I’ll regret. Nothing I could ever say to the likes of you will be regretted.” Khivar seethed at her words and immediately lifted his hand to direct a bolting strike at Maria. Before anyone else could think twice, Liz had her shield raised in front of Maria and Alex, though wincing at the expense of using her still weak energy.

Khivar laughed at her attempt to defend them, and blasted energy right through the shield, causing Liz to fall to her knees with not a hint of a shield left.

“Fools. All of you.” Khivar extended his hand, and by the simple will of his powers, Liz’s body was dragged forcefully towards his. Max moved to stop him, but two guards were already threatening him not to move again.