Jack watched with amusement as both women charged Fatheriam, with Sassy leading and Ava following up from behind. Those women were feisty. ‘What I wouldn’t give to see how they tick,” Jack mused to himself. ‘But my first priority is getting out of here. Creating beautiful art comes afterwards. Still, Jack couldn’t pull himself away from the events that were unfolding before him. His master had allowed him to be captured and placed in this particular cell. The least Jack could do was sit here and watch this entertainment unfold

***

John wiped his brow, “Geez, Fatheriam is harder to take down, than what I originally thought.”

“Keep at it,” Jocren wheezed. “He’s almost done for.”

“Don’t tell me you boys are tired,” Sassy quipped. “Perhaps, it would be best if you two step aside and let us women do the rest. You’re only getting in our way.”

“Better yet, why don’t you guys play chicken for us and we’ll follow behind you.” Ava added. If you willing take a hit for the team, then we’ll forget about your little insurrection.”

Jocren glared at Ava, then muttered under his breath. “You know what, screw it.”

Running headlong towards Fatheriam, Jocren screamed, “Fine. Let’s all attack him at once. I’m done playing this game.”

Seeing no other option, the others fell in behind him, spreading themselves out in a thin line. Jocren and Sassy took to the skies, while Ava and John rushed from the ground. As if on cue, Jocren and Sassy flew over Fatheriam and attacked from the rear. Fatheriam screamed as four blades hit him at once. His arms flailing in the air, Fatheriam crashed to his knees. The force of the impact threw the four of them several feet back. Picking himself up, Jocren watched as Fatheriam, who had just turned back to his original form, stumbled to his feet and began pulling out the numerous daggers that were lodged in his side.  Finally, reaching the last one, Fatheriam tugged on the blade, but it refused to budge. Yanking harder, Fatheriam heard a loud snap, then instant pain flooded his vision. Shuddering, Fatheriam removed his hand from this side and held it up in front of him.

There in his hand was a small dagger and a jagged piece of Fatheriam’s backbone. Chuckling, Fatheriam dropped the dagger and began juggling the piece of bone between his two hands.

“Hey why are you doing that for,” Jocren demanded. “Can’t you take anything serious, You’re on the verge of losing and here you are laughing about it.”

“Lost, oh that is a funny one.” Fatheriam cackled. “My dear boy. I didn’t lose. I achieved my objective. I had wanted you guys to work together. This kind of exercise will help you further down the road. Though, I’m surprised that it took you this long to figure out how to beat me.”

Why you,” John sputtered. “Let’s see how well you respond to blaster fire now.” Yanking out his blaster, John began to pepper the dust around Fatheriam’s feet.

Yelling in surprise, Fatheriam threw the piece of backbone at John’s head.  Easily dodging the shank, John started walking towards Fatheriam, his blasters barking.

Frowning, Fatheriam waved his staff in a circle motion. Sparks flew from his staff, forming a wide circle in the air. Stepping through, Fatheriam quickly disappeared.

“After him,” Jocren hollered as he took off as fast as he could towards the glowing circle. The other quickly joined him.