Disclaimer:  All Marvel characters featured in this story are trademarks
of Marvel Comics Group. This is an unauthorized work and no profit is
being made on this work.  This story is copyright Tim Frankovich 1995.
     Is anybody actually reading this?  Send me some opinions, constructive
criticisms, questions, etc.  timelf@aol.com

Shattered Perceptions, Chapter Nine

     Shatterstar jumped from platform to platform, adjusting his leaps as he
saw the circles beginning to move.  Across the arena, he could see
Windsong doing the same, moving toward him.  She also carried two swords,
holding them with poise and skill as she jumped and ran.
     Star thought briefly about attempting to reason to her before they fought,
but he could see no way of doing so, unless...  He maneuvered at an angle,
attempting to stall their confrontation while he thought of a plan.
     "Afraid to face me, Shatterstar?"  It was the first time he had ever heard
her voice.  It created a strange stir within him.  For some inexplicable
reason, he immediately thought of Siryn. Windsong's voice was similar to
hers but slightly higher pitched.  But beyond that, his thoughts jumped
back to an occasion when Siryn had been drinking heavily and had behaved
rather strangely toward him.  What was the Earth term?  A come-on?  At the
time, he had been annoyed by it, as he had by Feral's earlier attempts. 
But Windsong's voice brought strange
thoughts to his mind.  It made him think that if *she* were to behave as
Siryn had... he would not be as reluctant to respond...
     "Za's vid!" Star muttered under his breath.  He had to get his mind on the
present! This was a fight to the death, not a romantic encounter!
     Only one platform separated them now.  He and Windsong, facing each other
at the same height, waited as the center platform slowly rose from below.
     "Windsong!" Star called.  "Why do they wish us to kill each other?  We are
married!  Our genetic material will be combined someday... but not if one
of us is dead!"
     "The monitors already have plenty of samples of our genetic material,"
Windsong replied haughtily.  "Our deaths will make no difference in that
regard.  But whatever your thoughts might be, I intend to live!"
     "If we work together..." Star began.
     "Are you mad?" Windsong exclaimed. "Your time on Earth has softened you,
warrior!  Now I know this victory will be mine!"  With that, she leaped
onto the center platform, landing in a defensive posture, daring
Shatterstar to attack her.
     Feeling the battle-lust seize him, Shatterstar jumped down to join her,
followed by the ubiquitous floating cameras.  With a clash of swords, the
fight began.
     In their first few parries, Star realized that he had a strength
advantage, but Windsong appeared to be slightly faster.  He also sensed
that she was holding back somewhat.  It puzzled him, but he did not have
time to wonder about it, as their conflict grew ever more intense.  Star
was confident that he could beat her, based on what he now knew... but did
he want to?